China places great importance on economic, trade cooperation with Germany: commerce ministry

Xinhua) 08:03, February 25, 2026

BEIJING, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- China places great importance on its economic and trade cooperation with Germany, the Ministry of Commerce said on Tuesday.

Over the more than 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Germany, bilateral economic and trade cooperation has deepened steadily, according to a spokesperson for the ministry.

Germany has remained China's largest trading partner and largest source of foreign investment in Europe, and the two countries have achieved extensive industrial integration, the ministry said.

It noted that in recent years, annual trade between China and Germany has consistently exceeded 200 billion U.S. dollars, and two-way investment stock has surpassed 65 billion U.S. dollars, with each figure accounting for nearly one-quarter of China's total engagement with the European Union.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to lead a high-level trade delegation to China, accompanied by senior executives from about 30 leading German companies in key sectors such as automotives, chemicals, biopharmaceuticals, machinery manufacturing and the circular economy, the spokesperson said, noting that this underscores Germany's strong commitment to deepening bilateral economic and trade relations.

China places great importance on its economic and trade cooperation with Germany, and is actively preparing for joint initiatives such as the China-Germany economic advisory committee meeting, aiming to provide a platform for dialogue and collaboration between enterprises from both sides, the ministry said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Brain-computer interface technology sees broader application, benefiting patients

13:03, February 25, 2026 By Shen Shaotie, Huang Xiaohuui ( People's Daily

At the Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, a staff member processes invasive BCI flexible electrodes. (Photo provided by the Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences)

Brain-computer interface (BCI) technology is rapidly transitioning from laboratories to real-world applications, enabling patients to control computers, robotic arms, and robot dogs with their thoughts. As integration into daily life accelerates, China marked a significant milestone on January 1, 2026, when its first national standard for BCI-based medical devices took effect.

The new standard defines the scope of BCI medical devices, categorizes technical approaches, standardizes terminology for signals such as electroencephalograms, and provides key definitions for signal acquisition, processing, encoding and decoding, as well as clinical applications.

Why are such standards important?

According to Yuan Peng, deputy director-general of the department of medical device registration at the National Medical Products Administration, as China makes breakthroughs in brain science and neural decoding, BCI medical devices are entering a critical stage of industrialization and clinical translation.

Because these devices integrate neuroscience, clinical medicine and computer science, the same concepts may be described differently across disciplines. Inconsistent terminology and unclear definitions have hindered industrial development, he added, noting that unified standards will help establish a common technical language for this emerging field.

A patient with paralysis uses an invasive BCI system to control a robot dog with thoughts. (Photo provided by the Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences)

BCI medical devices help patients regain physical functions and may in the future be used to treat neurological disorders such as epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease. The technology holds significant potential and is expected to bring transformative changes to health care.

At the clinical and translational ward for BCI at Beijing Tiantan Hospital, affiliated to the Capital Medical University, a volunteer surnamed Liao wore a wireless BCI cap during a rehabilitation session. As he slowly raised his left arm in front of a computer, the cap transmitted electrical signals from his cerebral cortex in real time to an external decoding device, assisting his rehabilitation training.

Three years ago, Liao suffered a cerebral hemorrhage that left him partially paralyzed on his left side. After more than a year of conventional rehabilitation with limited improvement, he underwent a surgery at Beijing Tiantan Hospital in May 2025. Doctors implanted a semi-transparent, 4-by-4-centimeter thin-film electrode beneath his skull. Following a period of rehabilitation training, his mobility function on the left side of his body improved significantly.

"During post-operative training, when the patient moves his limbs, the system captures brain signals, decodes them through algorithms, and drives external devices to assist in rehabilitation exercises," said Cao Yong, executive deputy director of the hospital's neurosurgery center.

Beijing Tiantan Hospital has since launched a BCI evaluation clinic to assess whether patients are suitable candidates for semi-invasive BCI surgery. More than 3,000 patients have made appointments.

Cao noted that the technology remains in the clinical trial stage and that participant selection is conducted with caution. He expressed the hope that BCI technology will continue to advance and benefit more people in need.

Beyond rehabilitation, BCI technology is restoring independence to those with severe mobility impairments. In June 2025, a collaborative team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fudan University's Huashan Hospital, and industry partners implanted a BCI device in a quadriplegic patient, enabling thought-controlled computer gameplay. Six months later, a patient with high-level spinal cord injury used BCI to remotely manage an unmanned retail cabinet via video link.

A staff member demonstrates a BCI device at Beijing Tiantan Hospital, affiliated to the Capital Medical University. (Photo/Yuan Yi)

According to Zhao, after two to three weeks of training following implantation, patients were able to control computer cursors and tablet devices. However, he noted that many patients hope to move beyond virtual interactions and regain a more direct connection with the physical world.

To meet this demand, the research team has extended BCI applications from screen-based control to physical external devices. Through a series of technical advances, patients with implanted BCI systems are now able to use their thoughts to operate electric wheelchairs or command robot dogs to retrieve delivered items.

"It's like controlling a character in a video game," one patient said. "You don't consciously think about moving a joystick in a certain direction. You simply think about where you want to go, and the movement follows naturally."

Zhao explained that the team adopts general-purpose interfaces and widely available devices, such as household robotic arms and robot dogs, with the aim of making BCI systems as user-friendly as Bluetooth or a computer mouse. This allows patients to control multiple external devices through a single, unified hub.

He noted that the value of BCI technology depends not only on advances in neural interfaces but also on the development of external intelligent devices. The growing maturity and accessibility of electric wheelchairs, robot dogs and humanoid robots are providing practical outlets for thought-based control, helping translate technological progress into tangible improvements in patients' quality of life.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
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.
Following its acquisition by Infosys last year, The Missing Link has moved into its parent companys office in North Sydney to tap into more resources.

After spending close to 30 years in Artarmon, the move will see it establish an upgraded global security operations centre (GSOC) facility in Infosys North Sydney office.

The GSOC will support 24/7 monitoring, rapid incident response, and Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) Essential Eight-aligned services.

The cyber security specialist will also be able to harness improved collaboration, streamlined operations and be closer to specialist teams, enterprise platforms, and shared delivery capabilities.

The Missing Link CEO Alex Gambotto said its Artarmon location is where the companys culture, reputation and long-standing client relationships were built.

Since completing our acquisition by Infosys in May 2025, weve focused on bringing our teams closer together and strengthening how we deliver for clients, he said.
by Santhos Digal

Building a place of worship on Pag-asa (Spratly Islands) is expected to begin in late March. The vicar of Puerto Princesa and a Philippine official met yesterday to discuss the matter. The islands small Catholic community includes civilians, members of the armed forces, coast guard personnel, navy personnel, and police. The area has long been in China's sights.

Manila (AsiaNews)  The Philippine Catholic Church plans to establish a pastoral presence on Pag-asa Island, part of the Spratly Islands, in the South China Sea, which are claimed by both China and the Philippines.

For the Church, this is more important than any territorial dispute. To this end yesterday, it held talks with the Philippine Coast Guard to discuss the feasibility of establishing a church on the small island, which is part of Kalayaan municipality.

Home to the only civilian outpost in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine name for this part of the Asia-Pacific, the island has been in the middle of a long-running dispute between China and Southeast Asian nations over its control and the exploitation of its resources, like fishing and seabed natural gas.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesman for the West Philippine Sea Command, and Bishop Socrates Calamba Mesiona, Apostolic Vicar of Puerto Princesa (Palawan Province) met to discuss the timing and methods of building the place of worship on Pag-asa.

The goal is to have initial preparations completed by the end of March, while the church, the prelate noted, could be, at least initially, a mission station and not a full-fledged parish.

In fact, for the Church, a mission station is typically established in places where a Catholic community exists but is not yet large or stable enough to be transformed into a parish. This designation would allow for regular pastoral care to be provided while also ensuring its long-term sustainability.

For Commodore Tarriela, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Pag-asa place of worship is expected to take place in late March, while the church's name and patron saint will be determined in coordination with Church authorities.

The senior navy officer dismissed concerns that the construction could provoke increased Chinese activity, noting that a foreign maritime presence around the island goes back a long way, regardless of developments on the ground.

Bishop Mesiona welcomed the initiative on behalf of the Church, offering prayers for peace, justice, and national dignity.

On Pag-asa, the small resident Catholic community includes civilians, members of the Philippine Armed Forces, Coast Guard personnel, maritime group soldiers, as well as police personnel.

This would be a welcome development for them if the Catholic Church were really willing to construct a church and even send a Catholic priest there to lead the Masses every Sunday," Commodore Tarriela said.

The Philippines claims Pag-asa Island based on geographic proximity, effective occupation, and international law.

Recently Senator Risa Hontiveros participated in a Coast Guard maritime surveillance (MDA) flight over the Kalayaan island group.

Her team carried out a medical and dental mission for the more than 400 residents. They also distributed food and donated 47 desalination machines to troops stationed in Philippine-controlled areas, reiterating the countrys exclusive right to the territory, which it does not intend to give up.

The Philippines is made up of thousands of beautiful islands, including Kalayaan, the senator said. This place is beautiful, just like other islands and natural resources in our country. We must protect and defend it with all that weve got, she added.

For some time, the Philippines  but also other countries, like Vietnam  has expressed growing concern over Chinese "imperialism" in the South and East Seas.

China claims a huge portion of the South China Sea (nearly 85 per cent), including sovereignty over the Spratlys and Paracel Islands, which are also claimed by Vietnam, Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, and Malaysia.

The United States backs Southeast Asian countries, viewing Chinas demarcation line, the so-called cow tongue line (also known as the nine-dash line) as illegal and irrational.

Yet, the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague in favour of the Philippines on 12 July 2016 was of no avail.

Ultimately, since up to a third of global maritime trade goes through this sea, whose seabed is rich in oil and natural gas, anyone who controls it has a strategic advantage.
Tensions have been triggered by the new map presented to the UN by Baghdad, which redefines sovereignty in a disputed area. Two strategic areas (Fasht Al Qaid and Fasht Al A'aij) over which Kuwait exercises sovereignty are in the spotlight. At stake are economic, historical and social issues, as well as the definition of strategic trade corridors.

Baghdad (AsiaNews) - At a time of great tension in the Middle East, with the eyes of the international community focused on Iran on the eve of a possible military escalation with the United States (and Israel), Gulf nations are looking with concern at a still unresolved territorial dispute in the seas.

This clash involves Iraq and Kuwait and has historical (Saddam Hussein's invasion in 1990), economic (the economic resources contained in the seabed) and confessional implications due to the opposition between the Shiite and Sunni communities in the two neighbouring countries.

Hence the immediate intervention of the bloc of states that make up the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which are united - also for internal interests - alongside Kuwait in an attempt to stop Baghdad's claims.

The controversy was triggered by the announcement by the Iraqi Foreign Ministry that it had submitted to the UN a new map and a list of maritime coordinates aimed at redefining Baghdad's sovereignty over part of the Persian Gulf, in the area shared with Kuwait.

The reaction of its neighbour and other countries in the area was immediate, first and foremost Saudi Arabia, which is also involved in territorial issues and has historical and cultural ties.

The documents, submitted on 19 January and 9 February 2026 to the UN Secretary-General, include new definitions of Iraq's territorial sea, contiguous zone, exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. The government considers these measures to be in accordance with international law.

The dispute revolves around two specific maritime points, which are a major part of the new territorial distribution: Fasht Al Qaid and Fasht Al A'aij, areas over which Kuwait exercises sovereignty that until then had never been the subject of any dispute, according to the emirate's version reported by regional media outlets including The National and The New Arab.

Fasht Al A'aij is located on Khor Abdallah, a strategic (and disputed) maritime passage between southern Iraq and the northern border of Kuwait, which serves as the main gateway for trade from Baghdad to the Persian Gulf.

The area is also home to the Kuwaiti port of Mubarak al Kabeer, which the emirate wants to transform into a logistics hub between Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Upstream, the Iraqi port of Umm Qasr handles 60% of the country's goods and is also the only deep-water port directly connected to the global road network.

Commenting on the issue, GCC leaders are calling on Iraq to withdraw the map and related geographical coordinates presented to the United Nations, which, according to Kuwait, are detrimental to its territorial integrity.

In a statement released in recent days, Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi explains how the map and coordinates represent a clear violation of Kuwait's sovereignty over its maritime areas and seabed, including Fasht Al Qaid and Fasht Al A'aij.

He then emphasised the importance of addressing the issue by resorting to the rules and principles of international law and the provisions of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in line with bilateral agreements, treaties and memoranda between the two countries.

Continuing his speech, Albudaiwi reaffirmed the rejection of any violation of Kuwait's sovereignty over all its lands, islands and maritime areas. The GCC and the Republic of Iraq, the secretary recalled, are bound by deeply rooted historical relations and close ties based on mutual respect and good neighbourliness.

Hence the final hope on behalf of the association that Iraq will review and withdraw the map and coordinates presented to the United Nations to support mutual trust and stability in bilateral relations.

Last weekend, the emirate summoned the Iraqi affairs officer to protest against Baghdad's decision to file maritime coordinates and a map with the United Nations, which would constitute clear violations of its territory.

The following day, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar individually expressed their solidarity with Kuwait. Beyond the deep concern and denunciation of Abu Dhabi and Doha, which accuse Baghdad of violating Kuwait's sovereignty, it is above all Riyadh that has declared that it is closely monitoring the situation.

The kingdom is, in fact, directly affected by the affair, not least because the new map includes areas adjacent to the space shared with Kuwait and rich in natural resources.

Furthermore, the conflict between Kuwait and Iraq also has historical roots dating back to the last century, in particular to August 1990, when the then Iraqi dictator and rais Saddam Hussein ordered the invasion of Kuwait, triggering the Gulf War the following year.

The international coalition, led by the United States as part of Operation Desert Storm, drove Iraqi forces out of Kuwait after seven months of fierce conflict. Baghdad and Kuwait City resumed diplomatic relations in 2003 after the fall of Saddam, who was later executed by the new leaders in Baghdad, who were unable to stem the tide of violence and extremism that still characterises part of the country today.

Following the invasion, the UN delimited the land border between the two states with Resolution 833 of 1993; nevertheless, the demarcation did not resolve all aspects of the maritime border, leaving open issues to be addressed through bilateral talks between the two oil-producing neighbours.

The main area of tension concerns navigation in the Khor Abdallah corridor, which is regulated by a specific agreement signed in 2012 and ratified in 2013 by Baghdad.

However, the document was annulled in 2023 by the Iraqi Supreme Court - following a parliamentary appeal - which declared it unconstitutional, and was the subject of internal political controversy, with the then government accused of having conceded too much by limiting national sovereignty.
by Anna Pozzi

The Holy See has officially announced the pontiff's trip, which includes Algeria (the capital Algiers and Annaba, Saint Augustines ancient city of Hippo) as well as Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea. Algerias bishops are delighted that a pontiff will visit a country that has also seen Christian martyrs in recent years. For Bishop Carraro of Oran, a PIME missionary, this visit encourages us.

Milan (AsiaNews)  Pope Leo XIV will make a visit Algeria from 13 to 15 April before travelling to sub-Saharan Africa. For the countrys four bishops, It is with great joy and gratitude that we welcome the official announcement of Pope Leo XIV's visit to Algeria, in response to the invitation of the country's highest authorities. This dream, expressed on several occasions, of a pope visiting Algeria has become a reality.

This follows a statement released today by the Holy See Press Office: Welcoming the invitations of the respective Heads of State and Ecclesiastical Authorities, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV will make an Apostolic Journey to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea from 13 to 23 April. His Holiness will visit Algiers and Annaba from 13 to 15 April; Yaounde, Bamenda and Douala from 15 to 18 April; Luanda, Muxima and Saurimo from 18 to 21 April; and Malabo, Mongomo and Bata from 21 to 23 April.

While countries like Cameroon and Angola have already been the destination of an apostolic journey, some several times, and Equatorial Guinea was already visited by Pope John Paul II in 1982, this is an absolute first for Algeria.

Pope Leo," the bishops write, "will naturally come to the land of Saint Augustine, which he has already visited twice as Superior General of the Order of Saint Augustine. He will also come to the land of the nineteen members of the Catholic Church beatified on 8 December 2018. Above all, he will come to visit contemporary Algeria, a land where North and South, East and West, West and the Arab-Muslim world meet."

For Bishop Davide Carraro of Oran, a PIME missionary, This is a great joy and an honour for us to welcome the pope. This visit encourages us and shows us the great attention of the universal Church towards our small local church of Algeria."

North Africa has given three popes to the universal Church, and now a pope is coming for the first time to visit the Church of Algeria, said the Bishop of Constantine, Michel Guillaud, who will welcome Pope Leo in Annaba, the ancient Hippo, where Saint Augustine served as bishop.

His memory and the relevance of his thought and testimony will be at the heart of this visit. Moreover, the pope, presenting himself on the loggia of St Peter's, described himself as a "son of Augustine.

As superior of the Order, he had already travelled to Annaba twice: in 2001, for a conference on the holy theologian, and in 2013 for the inauguration of the restored basilica.

The day of 8 May, the day the Pope was elected," notes the Archbishop of Algiers, Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco, "is the liturgical feast of the blessed martyrs of Algeria. That same day, I invited him to come to our country. And shortly thereafter, the invitation of the Algerian authorities also followed. And so, this visit is finally taking place."

The chosen motto  Peace be with you  were the first words spoken by Leo, when he introduced himself to the crowd in St Peter's Square in Rome.

We are guided by these words. And by his constant call for peace, a disarmed and disarming peace, which evokes a prayer by the prior of Tibhirine, Christian de Cherge. I believe the pope is deeply influenced by Algeria.

On the Algerian side, however, the bond with Saint Augustine represents a strong element of identity, capable of speaking to this people, proud of their history and culture, despite being almost exclusively Muslim.

The visit will span two days. The first will be in Algiers, where the pontiff will meet with the authorities, the population, and finally the small Christian community in one of the Church's symbolic places, the Basilica of Notre Dame d'Afrique.

The second day will be entirely dedicated to Annaba-Hippo, with Mass celebrated in the Basilica of Saint Augustine (pictured), a visit to the ruins of the ancient city of Hippo, and a visit to the elderly at the Little Sisters of the Poor nursing home.

Travelling to sub-Saharan Africa

On the morning of 15 April, Pope Leo will fly to Yaounde, Cameroon. In the central African country, he will also visit Douala, the country's economic capital, and, more surprisingly, Bamenda, in the northwest, a region ravaged since 2013 by a terrible (and totally "forgotten") conflict that has resulted in thousands of deaths and nearly half a million internally displaced people.

Douala and especially Bamenda are traditionally considered areas of political opposition to the now 40-year government of Paul Biya, who came to power in 1982 and was re-elected amid much controversy in October last year.

The announcement of Pope Leo's visit "has sparked great enthusiasm and talk," reads a statement issued by the Archdiocese of Bamenda, which emphasises that this visit "is expected to focus on strengthening the faith of Cameroon's Catholics, on promoting peace, and on addressing the country's humanitarian crisis.

After Angola, where he will visit the cities of Muxima and Saurimo, as well as the capital Luanda from 18 to 21 April, Pope Leos final stop in his African journey will be Equatorial Guinea, where another "political dinosaur" is waiting for him.

Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has been in power uninterruptedly since 3 August 1979. In this country, the pontiff will visit the old capital, Malabo, as well as the cities of Mongomo and Bata from 21 to 23 April.
by Melani Manel Perera

Mandatory background checks will be introduced for employees working with girls and boys in government institutions. Criminal background records and periodic checks, including for existing staff, will be used. The goal is to boost prevention and institutional accountability.

Colombo (AsiaNews)  Sri Lanka is ready to implement mandatory fingerprint screening for those applying for jobs with state agencies that involve direct interaction with children, marking a significant shift in the countrys child protection system.

Run by the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA), the new programme seeks to prevent people convicted of child abuse from holding positions that allow them to come into contact with children.

The initiative comes amid systemic deficiencies in child protection, characterised by long delays in investigations and prosecutions, and inadequate institutional accountability.

For many victims, justice has eluded them for years, highlighting the critical need for preventative measures rather than reactive responses.

Under successive governments, institutions charged with protecting minors, including the Women and the Child Affairs Ministry and the NCPA itself, have struggled with limited resources, uneven law enforcement, and shifting policy priorities.

Meanwhile, abusers have continued to live and work within communities, with documented cases of those convicted of abuse retaining or obtaining jobs that put them in close contact with minors.

In this context, the NCPA is implementing an existing, underused legal framework by making fingerprint checks mandatory for hiring and maintaining public sector employment.

The core of the proposal is a directive to be issued under Section 18 of the NCPA Act, which empowers the relevant minister to issue binding directives to government departments and statutory bodies regarding the prevention of child abuse. Although the provision has existed for years, it has never been implemented in this way before.

Preethika Sakalasooriya, head of the NCPA's legal division, said the draft directive has been legally reviewed and given the green light by the Attorney General, with the approval of the new Board of Directors.

Once issued, it will apply to all departments, quasi-governmental institutions, boards, and commissions working with children.

This is a special step, said Sakalasooriya, who describes the decision as a historic first for Section 18 on preventive screening. She noted that institutional leaders will be responsible for screening and removing offenders from positions involving contact with minors.

No one is indispensable, she added. We want people who won't harm children to be in jobs that have access to children. Paedophiles try to get into and stay in jobs that give them access to children. There is such a threat, and that's why we are trying to reduce it."

The proposed measure relies on a fingerprint-based criminal record system under the Prevention of Crime Ordinance.

Although the law dates from the 1800s, a 2017 amendment significantly expanded its scope, making fingerprinting mandatory for child abuse offences.

Thanks to this amendment, 13 offences that fall under this legal definition have been designated as requiring fingerprinting. These include sexual exploitation, trafficking, child molestation and cruelty, kidnapping, procuration, adoption-related crimes, and recruitment of children for armed conflict.

Previously managed manually, the database is now digitised, allowing police stations across the country to access and verify data more efficiently.

Under the proposed directive, all new employees at state institutions who are expected to come into contact with girls and boys will be required to present a police clearance report certifying that they have not been convicted of child abuse-related offences.

Existing employees will also be subject to a periodic reassessment every five years. Furthermore, the regulatory framework proposes mandatory mental health assessments, to be implemented in coordination with the Ministry of Health.

Sri Lanka's commitment reflects global trends, although systems for registering convicted sex offenders differ significantly from region to region.

As of 2022, at least 41 countries and regions have implemented laws regulating the registration of sexual offenders, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, India, and South Korea.

Some countries maintain publicly accessible registries, emphasising transparency and community outreach, while others limit access to law enforcement through regulated disclosure programmes.

The effectiveness of these registries remains controversial, as opponents raise concerns about privacy, proportionality, and lasting rehabilitation.

Nevertheless, for Sri Lanka, the framework suggested by the NCPA represents a step toward institutional accountability, prioritising the safety and protection of minors in public settings.
Today's news: new clashes on the border between Thailand and Cambodia, Bangkok opens fire and stops three Cambodian fishermen at sea. Modi visits Israel: security and economic agreements discussed. South Korea's birth rate rises for the second consecutive year. Malaysia has blocked the Grindr and Blued dating sites for LGBTQ+ people.

SRI LANKA

Suresh Sallay, former head of the secret service in Sri Lanka, has been arrested in connection with the series of attacks on Easter Sunday 2019, which killed 279 people. Sallay, who was promoted to head of the State Intelligence Service (SIS) in 2019 after Gotabaya Rajapaksa took office, had been accused of involvement in the coordinated suicide bombings, a charge he denied. British broadcaster Channel 4 reported in 2023 that Sallay was linked to the attackers and had met with them prior to the attack, with the intention of influencing that year's presidential election in favour of Rajapaksa.

THAILAND - CAMBODIA

Thailand opened fire on Cambodian soldiers at the border, claiming to be responding to a grenade attack. Tensions between the two neighbours have temporarily flared up again - after the Thai navy captured three Cambodian fishermen - threatening the fragile ceasefire reached on 27 December, which had ended a six-month border conflict. This is the most serious incident reported since the Christmas ceasefire, which followed diplomatic pressure from the United States and China.

ISRAEL - INDIA

Indian Prime Minister Modi begins a two-day visit to Israel today. Modi's first trip to Israel was in 2017, the first time for an Indian leader. Modi is expected to discuss with Netanyahu the strengthening of security and economic agreements. The countries signed a new bilateral investment treaty in September 2025 to provide certainty and protection to investors. India is Israel's second largest trading partner in Asia after China.

SOUTH KOREA

According to the government, South Korea's birth rate, the worst in the world, rose for the second consecutive year in 2025, a further sign that the country, which has been grappling with a demographic crisis for nearly a decade, may have begun to overcome the crisis. South Korea's total fertility rate - the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her reproductive life - stood at 0.80 in 2025, up from 0.75 in 2024.

MALAYSIA

Malaysia has blocked the dating sites Grindr and Blued - used by LGBTQ+ people - and will consider legal measures against their presence in app stores. This was announced by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, who specified that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has not received any requests to remove the mobile versions of Grindr and Blued from digital stores, highlighting the difficulties due to the fact that these apps are foreign-owned.

RUSSIA - UKRAINE

Since the end of December, taking advantage of Russia's exclusion from Starlink satellites, the Ukrainians have recaptured over 400 square kilometres of territory, as confirmed by Chief of Staff Aleksandr Syrskij at a meeting of Ukrainian army division commanders, with whom he discussed the next steps in the counterattack strategy, particularly in the areas of logistics, evacuation of the wounded and supplies of weapons and ammunition.

KAZAKHSTAN

Female students at the Technical-Industrial College in the city of Turkestan in Kazakhstan are posting videos on social media about the humiliation they suffer when they are forced by the management to wash the corridors and toilets throughout the building, especially the male areas, before health checks, under threat of being expelled from the college and their studies, given the shortage of cleaning staff, but we came here to study, not to be servants.
February 25, 2026: The American Commander in Chief recently called for the construction of new Defiant class BBGs, or battleships armed with missiles. These would be 35,000-ton, 260 meter long vessels with a top speed of 55 kilometers, crew of 700 and armed with 12 cells containing Conventional Prompt Strike Ballistic missiles that can hit a target anywhere in the word within an hour. Another 128 VLS cells would carry anti-ship, land attack and other missiles similar to what current Burke Class destroyers carry. For air and close in defense there would be two Rolling Airframe launchers. There will be two 127mm guns and four 30mm autocannon. There will be a flight deck aft with a hangar capable of holding two helicopters plus some drones. The first Defiant would cost nearly $20 billion while subsequent ones would cost $13 billion.

The last American conventional battleships armed with 406mm guns were the four 60,000 Iowa class. Four of these ships were built between 1940 and 1944. Each cost $1.5 billion in 2025 dollars. These vessels were 270 meters long, with a top speed of 61 kilometers an hour and a range of 27,000 kilometers at 28 kilometers an hour cruising speed. The ship carried a crew of 2,700 and was armed with nine 406mm cannon, twenty 127mm guns, 80 40mm and 49 20mm anti-aircraft guns. The large guns had a range of 43 kilometers. Electronics include air and surface search radars as well as a fire control radar. Belt armor for the four Iowas were 307mm to 368mm depending on the ship. Turrets, conning tower and decks were also armored. Aircraft consisted of three float planes.

The four Iowas were decommissioned after World War II and then brought back several times. USS Iowa was decommissioned in 1949, brought back 1951-88 and finally in 1984-90. For New Jersey it was 1948, 1950-57, 1968-69 and 1982-91. For Missouri it was 1955, and 1986-92. For Wisconsin it was 1948, 1951-58, and 1988-91. When returned to service after World War II, the Iowas received upgrades consisting of missile launchers, improved electronics and helicopters/drones instead of floatplanes.

Another aspect of all this is how, since World War II, the descriptions given to warships have evolved. Warships called destroyers appeared a century ago and by the end of World War I they were ships of about 1,000 tons armed with a few guns and some torpedoes and depth charges. By World War II, destroyers had grown to about 3,000 tons. There were also cruisers, weighing in at between 6,000 and 12,000 tons, and battleships, which were 30-60,000 tons. Half a century later, all that's left for surface warfare are destroyers and frigates. For whatever reason, the modern frigates perform the same mission and are about the same size as the World War II destroyers. Meanwhile, the modern destroyers have grown to the size of World War II cruisers. Actually, some of the larger destroyers are called cruisers, even though they are only 10-20 percent heavier than the largest destroyers. The latest ships in the U.S. Navy's Burke class destroyers weigh 9,200 tons, cost $1.5 billion to build, have a crew of about 330 sailors, and carry 96 anti aircraft and cruise missiles. There's only one 5 inch gun, but two helicopters. These modern destroyers could take on any World War II cruiser and win, mainly because the cruise missiles have a range of 1,500 kilometers. A Burke class ship could probably defeat a World War II battleship, although we'll never know for sure since one of those heavily armored ships never got hit by a modern cruise missile. In effect, the U.S. Navy has settled on just four major combat ship types; aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates and nuclear submarines.
25 February 2026 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

As Azerbaijan pursues economic diversification, reducing reliance on oil revenues has emerged as a strategic imperative. Over the past decade, the government has prioritized the development of non-oil sectors, particularly manufacturing, agriculture, and high-tech industries. At the heart of this transformation are industrial parks, which have become the cornerstone of the countrys new economic model. By combining modern infrastructure, targeted investment incentives, and policy support, these zones are not only attracting domestic and foreign investors but also reshaping the geography of economic activity.

The most striking achievements have been recorded in the liberated territories. The Agdam Industrial Park has quickly become a regional economic hub, registering 32 residents and 5 non-residents, attracting 145.8 million manats in investment, and creating 1,000 permanent jobs. With 13 enterprises already operational, the park has generated 1.4 billion manats in product sales, including 62.3 million manats in exports.

Similarly, the Araz Valley Economic Zone in Jabrayil has drawn 19 residents and 3 non-residents, with 43.8 million manats invested and around 100 jobs created. These developments underscore the governments strategy of linking economic revival directly to regional reconstruction, ensuring that local populations benefit from new opportunities.

Beyond the liberated territories, industrial activity continues to expand in established hubs such as Mingachevir, Garadagh, Pirallahi, Hajigabul, Neftchala, Sabirabad, and Masalli. New infrastructure projects in Nakhchivan and the Western Industrial Park, launched in 2024 and 2026 respectively, signal the governments intent to balance industrial potential across all regions.

By the end of 2025, industrial zones managed by the Economic Zones Development Agency had registered 138 residents and 13 non-residents, with 7 billion manats in actual investments and more than 9,700 permanent jobs created.

Between 2015 and 2025, industrial zones generated 19 billion manats in product sales, of which 6 billion manats were exported. In 2025 alone, exports reached 1.2 billion manats, marking a 13.4% increase compared to the previous year. Products from these zones are now exported to over 70 countries, reflecting Azerbaijans growing integration into global supply chains.

Most importantly, industrial zones accounted for 19.1% of non-oil industrial production and 33.9% of non-oil exports in 2025. These figures demonstrate their central role in Azerbaijans long-term strategy to diversify away from oil dependence.

Rising foreign investment and policy support

Foreign investment has grown significantly, rising from 10.4 million manats in 2016 to 87.9 million manats in 2025. This sharp increase signals rising confidence among international investors in Azerbaijans industrial infrastructure.

Government support remains a decisive factor. Tax and customs exemptions saved residents 42 million manats in 2025, with cumulative savings exceeding 547 million manats. President Ilham Aliyevs active involvement, such as inaugurating enterprises in the Sumgayit Industrial Park, the largest in the South Caucasus, reinforces the perception of industrial zones as a priority area of national economic policy.

The rapid growth of Azerbaijans industrial zones reflects a dual strategy: regional development, where industrial parks in liberated territories rebuild war-affected regions while tying economic revival to local employment and entrepreneurship, and diversification of exports, with nearly one-third of non-oil exports originating from these zones, making them the backbone of Azerbaijans diversification agenda.

Yet sustaining this momentum will require addressing challenges such as consistent infrastructure development, attracting higher levels of foreign direct investment, and fostering innovation-driven enterprises rather than relying solely on traditional manufacturing. Industrial zones in Azerbaijan have moved beyond being policy experiments and are now strategic centers of economic transformation; with rising exports, growing foreign investment, and strong government backing, they are poised to become the cornerstone of Azerbaijans non-oil economy and a model for regional industrialization in the South Caucasus.
25 February 2026 16:43 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The opening of the Zangezur Corridor, also known as the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), envisioned as a direct land connection between mainland Azerbaijan and its exclave Nakhchivan, remains delayed, despite repeated political commitments. At the center of the issue lies not only infrastructure, but control.

A key obstacle is that Armenias railway system has been under the operational management of Russian Railways since 2008. While the infrastructure formally belongs to Armenia, its concession to the South Caucasus Railway company, a subsidiary of Russian Railways, gives Moscow substantial influence over operational decisions. Yerevan has reportedly explored options to involve a third country friendly to both Armenia and Russia in the management structure, yet Moscow has not agreed to such adjustments.

The matter is further complicated by history. During the Soviet period, the railway lines in question were part of the unified Transcaucasian network, and Azerbaijani and Armenian workers alike were paid from centralized Soviet budgets administered through the Republic of Azerbaijan. However, after independence, ownership followed territorial jurisdiction, and Armenia assumed sovereign control over the infrastructure on its territory. Whether this historical legacy has legal relevance today remains disputed.

AzerNEWS spoke to experts to assess how the Russian concession affects the Zangezur corridor process, whether Moscow is using it as leverage, and what legal and geopolitical dynamics are at play.

Transport expert Rauf Aghamirzayev frames the issue within the broader regional transport architecture:

The Zangezur Corridor is a corridor from Alat to Kars. One segment of it is a 43 km route passing through Armenia, which is called TRIPP, according to the agreement signed in Washington in August last year. It constitutes a segment of this corridor. According to the agreement, that section will be managed by the Armenian-American Consortium. Decisions will be made in the near future on the construction of a feasibility study.

He distinguishes this section from the rest of Armenias railway system:

The railway network in other parts of Armenia is under the concession of the South Caucasus Railway company, which belongs to Russian Railways. The company has been managing this network for a period of 30+10 years since 2008. This is an internal matter of Armenia and there are many possibilities and questions about how they will manage this concession in the future.

According to Aghamirzayev, there are discussions about potential amendments to the agreement and even the possibility of involving other countries:

Several countries have been named here that could be offered to exploitation. These include Kazakhstan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Either it remains a Russian company and the rapid restoration of the railways demanded by Armenia will be ensured.

He notes that Armenia has called for improvements to several railway lines, including the YeraskhSadarak, GyumriKars, and GazakhIjevan lines. However, restoration is not purely technical.

As for Azerbaijan, our primary demand and top priority remains the Zangazur Corridor, which ensures direct access to the exclave of Nakhchivan and a strategic link to Turkiye. However, official Baku does not oppose the opening of other transport routes and is interested in the phased activation of proposed alternatives. If we examine our current railway network, almost the entire system is operational right up to the Armenian border. With specific upgrades and restoration work, we can fully ensure the network's functionality. Nevertheless, several critical factors must be addressed: first, the active implementation (construction and commissioning) of the TRIPP project within the Zangazur Corridor framework; and second, the essential return of Azerbaijans enclaves, Sofulu and Barkhudarli. Since the restoration of the Qazakh-Ijevan railway involves an 18-km section passing through these enclaves, their return is mandatory for Azerbaijan to complete the reconstruction of its designated segment.

Financial considerations further complicate the matter:

There are landslides in some areas in Armenia, beyond the mentioned Azerbaijani enclaves, and the cost of the project is considered one of the most expensive. It is worth about $500 million. Ultimately, I think that everything will be resolved in stages. Now the main question is whether Armenia will cancel this concession or increase its leverage against Russia to fulfill its obligations; it is more a matter of time.

This is a functional lever and not merely symbolic, tells British analyst Neil Watson to AzerNEWS.

Whilst formal ownership of the assets remains with the Armenian state, operational decisions, such as modernisation priorities, technical planning, timelines, bottlenecks, tariff policy, and access rules pass through the management structure, and therefore through a broader political influence framework. If the operator has no incentive to accelerate the process, or is waiting for political conditions, delays can occur in the form of technical reviews, feasibility studies, safety assessments, tariff negotiations or investment sequencing.

Watson also highlights the security dimension under the November 10, 2020, trilateral statement:

Control over transport communications along the route between the western regions of Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan is exercised by the Russian FSB Border Service. This gives Moscow not only an infrastructural lever, but a security-regime lever. A functioning AzerbaijanNakhchivan transit route through southern Armenia would alter three fundamental dynamics.

He lists them: reducing Russias gatekeeper role, weakening Armenias structural dependence on Moscow, and decreasing reliance on northern corridors tied to Russias logistics architecture. If management proposals include third-country or Western participation, Moscow may interpret this as a shift in control over a strategic access node.

On whether Soviet-era ownership can be used legally today, Watson is cautious:

This is useful as a political-historical argument, but not as a decisive argument. Assets located within the territory of newly-independent republics typically passed under the jurisdiction of those states unless otherwise agreed by treaty. Therefore, such arguments are unlikely to provide a direct legal pathway to reclaim ownership in the absence of a specific binding agreement. Similarly, the likelihood of Azerbaijan gaining legal control over Armenian railway infrastructure is limited. Rail infrastructure on Armenian territory falls under Armenian sovereignty. Azerbaijan could pursue enforceable transit guarantees, such as access regimes, tariffs, technical standards, and border procedures within the framework of post-conflict agreements.

Watson concludes that Russias priority is strategic positioning:

Russias priority is to retain its role as indispensable gatekeeper via border security oversight and through operational leverage within the railway system. It also seeks to prevent the corridor from symbolising a post-Russian logistical order in the South Caucasus. Thus, delaying tactics function as negotiation leverage. Delays are likely to persist until there is clarity on who controls the control mechanisms, including the access regime, security procedures, tariff authority and operational oversight.

He outlines three possible scenarios:

continued Russian oversight, a sovereign Armenian framework with multi-operator participation but Russian security influence, or prolonged negotiations if Western management is pursued."
25 February 2026 20:51 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

As a result of large-scale measures taken in recent years, not only the capital, Baku, but also the regions of Azerbaijan are developing rapidly. Following liberation from occupation, the economic regions of Garabagh and East Zangazur have gained special strategic importance on the countrys economic map through restoration and investment programs. These regions play a decisive role in Azerbaijans economic security, regional competitiveness, and long-term sustainable development strategy due to their natural and geographical position, as well as their industrial, agricultural, and logistics potential. Their revival is a cornerstone of Azerbaijans post-conflict economic transformation.

AzerNEWS discussed this topic with Vugar Bayramov, an economic expert and deputy of the Milli Majlis (Parliament) of Azerbaijan. According to him, Garabagh and East Zangazur have the potential to contribute at least 10 percent of added value to Azerbaijans gross domestic product in the future. This translates into approximately 15 billion manats of new economic value. Strategically, these regions organize gas exports and production, while also creating significant opportunities for expanding non-oil sector production and exports.This diversification is critical for reducing dependence on hydrocarbons and ensuring resilience against global energy market fluctuations.

Bayramov emphasized that the main priorities of state policy include infrastructure restoration, population resettlement, renewal of social services, and the implementation of smart city-village models. About 12 billion manats have already been allocated from the state budget for this purpose, while 15 billion manats are expected to be directed to fixed capital in 2026. In total, more than 26 billion manats are projected to be invested in the region in the coming years. Such figures demonstrate the governments commitment to transforming Garabagh and East Zangazur into hubs of innovation and sustainable growth.

In the next stage, work is being carried out in parallel to build the economy, which is an integral part of the reintegration process. About 12 billion manats have already been allocated from the state budget for this purpose, the expert noted. This highlights the dual nature of reconstruction: physical rebuilding and economic reintegration.

However, construction and development are not solely the responsibility of the state. The involvement of private companies is equally important. V. Bayramov explained that the private sector is actively participating in this process, investing in various sectors, creating new enterprises, and providing employment. Once the infrastructure phase is completed, private investments are expected to increase further, which will accelerate industrial diversification and job creation.

Given that more funds will be directed in the coming years, attracting foreign investment remains a priority. Demographically, the settlement of the region will accelerate, creating a more favorable environment for investors. This interplay between population growth and investment inflows is crucial for establishing a self-sustaining economic ecosystem.

Nevertheless, challenges persist. For decades, life in these regions was at a standstill, and only after the victory of the Azerbaijani Army did citizens begin to return to their displaced lands. The silence of more than 30 years cannot be broken in just six years of development. The population has not yet fully migrated, and both the labor force and consumer base remain limited.

Bayramov acknowledged: The main challenges here are that there are many cities, but the number of consumers is still small, and reconstruction requires significant funds. Despite this, the state budget will continue to support the full formation of infrastructure in Garabagh and East Zangazur. This reflects the reality that economic revitalization is a long-term process requiring patience and sustained investment.

According to the State Statistics Committee, in January alone, 2 billion 275 million 641 thousand manats were invested in fixed capital in the Garabagh economic region, with the majority spent on construction and installation works. Significant allocations were made across districts such as Khankendi, Agdam, Fuzuli, and Shusha, underscoring the scale of reconstruction.

Similarly, in East Zangazur, 2 billion 811 million 671 thousand manats were invested in fixed capital in January, with 2 billion 763 million 126 thousand manats directed toward construction and installation works. Districts such as Kalbajar, Lachin, and Zangilan received substantial investments, reflecting the governments balanced approach to regional development.
26 February 2026 00:00 (UTC+04:00)

By AzerNEWS Staff

Some tragedies are etched so deeply into a nations memory that they define a generation. The massacre in Khojaly is one such wound for Azerbaijan. On the night of 25 to 26 February 1992, amid the war in Garabagh, a small town of civilians became the scene of one of the bloodiest episodes of the conflict.

Khojaly was surrounded by Armenian armed formations and subjected to intense assault. As the town fell, residents fled in desperation, attempting to cross snow covered fields towards Azerbaijani held territory. They were not soldiers retreating from a battlefield. They were families carrying children, elderly parents struggling through the cold, people seeking nothing more than safety. Many never reached it.

According to Azerbaijani sources, 613 civilians were killed, including 63 children and 106 women. Hundreds were wounded and many taken captive. Entire families were destroyed. Survivors later described how columns of fleeing civilians were fired upon. Bodies were found scattered across the frozen landscape. The images that emerged from that night remain among the most harrowing of the entire conflict.

Central to the scale and intensity of the attack was the involvement of the former Soviet 366th Motor Rifle Regiment. Stationed in the region during the final phase of the Soviet Unions collapse, the regiment possessed significant military hardware, including tanks, armoured vehicles and artillery. As authority disintegrated, weapons and, reportedly, personnel from the 366th regiment became entangled in the fighting. Azerbaijani accounts maintain that this support provided Armenian forces with decisive firepower.

The presence of heavy weaponry transformed what might otherwise have been a limited military operation into a catastrophe for civilians. Artillery and armoured units do not distinguish between combatant and child when used against a populated area. In Khojaly, that imbalance of force proved devastating. The combination of local armed formations and remnants of a powerful Soviet military structure created a deadly synergy.

For Azerbaijanis, Khojaly is not an abstract historical reference. It is a lived memory carried by survivors and by the families of those who did not return. Each February, commemorations are held to honour the victims. The term genocide is used in Azerbaijan to describe the massacre, reflecting the depth of trauma and the belief that civilians were deliberately targeted. Beyond terminology, the essential fact remains that non combatants were killed while attempting to flee.

The broader war over Garabagh produced suffering on all sides, yet Khojaly stands out for the sheer number of civilian deaths in a single night and for the circumstances in which they occurred. International humanitarian principles are clear in their protection of civilians during armed conflict. The events of that night illustrate how quickly those principles can collapse when command structures weaken and heavy weapons are unleashed.

More than three decades later, Khojaly continues to shape Azerbaijans national consciousness. It informs how the past is remembered and how the future is approached. Peace in the South Caucasus requires acknowledgement of pain and an honest reckoning with history. Remembering Khojaly is part of that process.

The frozen fields where families once fled have long since thawed, but the memory has not. For those who lost parents, children and siblings in the darkness of February 1992, the tragedy is not confined to the past. It lives on as a solemn reminder of what happens when civilians are left defenceless in the path of war.
by Austin Bay February 25, 2026

Four years after Russian dictator Vladimir Putin launched his blitzkrieg "special operation" to seize and annex every square kilometer of Ukraine, the former KGB colonel finds his corrupt, ineffectual but relentlessly murderous regime in a 21st-century military, economic and political quagmire.

Putin told his oligarch devotees the special operation would take three weeks at most.

Facts matter. He was dead wrong, and so were several thousand Russians. Some 2,000 (perhaps more) Russian paratroopers and special operations personnel died in the first three days, killed as they attempted to storm Kyiv. It takes years to recruit and train these elite warfighters. They were slaughtered by Ukraine's surprisingly prepared and confident defenders. Within two weeks, the world learned Ukraine was a nation in arms, a nation of citizen warfighters.

Finland, South Korea and Israel are other examples. Switzerland claims to be, but Ukraine definitely is.

Ukraine had eight years to prepare. On Feb. 25, 2014 -- during the Obama administration -- without provocation, Vladimir Putin's Russia invaded Ukraine's Crimean peninsula. On March 18, 2014, Putin's Russia annexed Crimea. That made March 18 in Europe very different from March 17, and for that matter, any day since the end of World War II.

Why? Because military aggression in Europe by a major European power had led to political annexation and territorial expansion. Putin's Russia also violated the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, which traded Ukrainian nuclear weapons for territorial security guarantees. Bill Clinton signed the memo. Western anti-nuke activists touted the agreement as a portent of eventual global nuclear disarmament.

Obama sent nonlethal aid to Ukraine. Trump Admin One sent weapons, including the Javelin anti-tank missile. In 2022, Javelin-armed Ukrainians devastated Russian tank and mechanized infantry columns, using tactics similar to Finnish troops attacking Stalin's invaders in 1940.

Russia has suffered enormous losses. StrategyPage.com recently reported: "Total Russian losses since 2022 have been 1.4 million dead, disabled and missing." StrategyPage estimated Russian forces have suffered 400,000 casualties in the last 12 months and are currently "losing up to 35,000 soldiers a month." Mediazona researchers confirm by name 200,000 Russians military dead. Russia's government provides no figures. Two hundred thousand named dead makes a 400,000 death toll plausible.

Ukraine has suffered 55,000 military dead and some 300,000 wounded. Fifteen thousand civilians have been killed and 42,000 wounded.

Despite Russia's size, Ukraine continues to resist. The courageous Ukrainian people have proved to be creative warfighting entrepreneurs who can rapidly improvise tactics and weapons. Homemade drone warfare is only one example.

Who is winning? Within Ukraine, no one is winning. The two belligerents fight a bitter war of attrition along World War I-like fortified lines. Putin's invasion maxed out in March 2022, holding 26% of Ukraine. Russian forces now hold about 19% of Ukraine's pre-war territory.

Strategically, however, Russia has suffered huge political and economic losses.

Call it Putin's Great Ukrainian Blunder. Putin's 2014 Crimea theft revitalized NATO. "Neutrals" Finland and Sweden are now NATO members. Austria and Switzerland are signing on to a Europe-wide air-space defense initiative. Russia belligerence (and Trump theatrics) convinced NATO members to spend 5% of GDP on defense.

Putin's Blunder has left his regime with limited international military, economic and diplomatic leverage. Donald Trump's America knocked off Kremlin-supported Venezuela. Putin's Kremlin responded with verbal squawk. Without Venezuelan oil, Cuba strangles.

America's Midnight Hammer bomber raid smashed Iran's key nuclear weapons facilities. Russian response: U.N. bellowing. America's Gaza initiative? More Russian blather. Trump proposes the Board of Peace -- a U.N.-like organization where Russia and China have no veto. Putin can only respond with a sneer that even TikTok addicts ignore.

Yet Putin strings along Trump-sponsored Ukraine peace negotiations.

Is the Trump administration playing 21st-century Machiavelli, cannily freezing Putin with thoughts of Ukrainian territory while toppling Russian clients and criminal actors?

No. I think Putin is delusional to the point of insanity. Putin created this horror. In 2004, he indicated he wanted to revive the Russian empire. In 2005, he called the collapse of the Soviet Union a tragedy. Trump bets reality will overcome Vlad's delusion. Pray Trump's right, but I think he's wrong.

Time and again, obsessed, powerful despots seize the bloody initiative, pursuing empire or Lebensraum nach Osten or a global caliphate. These destructive actors perpetually scourge humanity.

I made this recommendation in a March 2022 column: "The best way out of this stupid, murderous war -- for Russians, for Ukrainians, the rest of the world, including greedy oligarchs -- isn't more sanctions or more war. The way out for the oligarchs is a Kremlin coup toppling Putin. The gallows humorists call it a nine-millimeter solution -- a bullet to the insane man's head."
25 February 2026 17:39 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

Azerbaijan and Armenia are holding discussions on expanding trade, AzerNEWS reports, citing Armenian Economy Minister Gevorq Papoyan.

Speaking to local media, the minister confirmed that the two sides have exchanged lists of products they could potentially supply to one another. Azerbaijan gave us a list of numerous goods it can export to Armenia, and in turn we presented our own list to them. There will be trade, Papoyan stated. I am confident that there is bilateral trade potential worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

For more than three decades, the two countries had no trade relations following the outbreak of the Karabakh War in the early 1990s. Armenia occupied Azerbaijans Karabakh region and held it under control for over 30 years. . In 2020, Azerbaijan regained control of its territories, ending the occupation.

Last year, limited trade relations began with Azerbaijans oil exports to Armenia. Analysts believe this could mark the beginning of broader commercial ties, with both sides now exploring opportunities to expand the scope of trade.
25 February 2026 11:15 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

On February 24, a ceremonial cutting of the next set of carpets for the Shusha Mosque was held at the Shabran branch of Azerkhalcha Open Joint-Stock Company, organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, PASHA Holding, and PMD Projects, AzerNEWS reports. The carpets were created through the joint efforts of Azerkhalcha's creative team and skilled master weavers.

The event was attended by Leyla Aliyeva, who toured the workshop, met with the weavers, and participated in the ceremonial cutting after the final finishing touches had been added to the carpets.

These carpets, designed for the second floor of the Shusha Mosque, were crafted according to traditional Azerbaijani carpet-making techniques and feature unique, custom designs. Each carpet measures 12 meters in width and 19 meters in length, giving a total combined length of 38 meters. They are intended for the area of the mosque reserved for women's prayers. The weaving process began on January 21, 2025, in Shabran, with nearly 50 female weavers contributing around 50 million knots to the creation of the two carpets.

The carpets showcase the highest level of Azerbaijani craftsmanship and the richness of the country's artistic heritage. To complete the weaving, two specially designed looms were commissioned and crafted exclusively for Azerkhalcha OJSC by a team of international specialists, incorporating innovative new techniques.

This follows the recent cutting ceremony for a circular hand-woven carpet on the mosque's first floor, which measures 22.17 meters in diameter and has no parallel in world carpet-making history. That exceptional piece, created based on motifs from the "Karabakh" carpet group and "Khatai" ornaments, involved 150 female weavers and approximately 60 million knots, with Leyla Aliyeva also attending the event.

Through these extraordinary works, Azerbaijani carpet-making continues to demonstrate its unmatched skill, intricate artistry, and deep cultural legacy, bringing both beauty and tradition to one of the country's most iconic spiritual sites.
25 February 2026 17:20 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

International Mugham Center has gathered music lovers to celebrate one of the Azerbaijans most treasured artistic traditions, AzerNEWS reports.

The concert program "Mugham Destgahs", held as part of the "Azerbaijani Mugham" project, left the audience spellbound.

The Azerbaijan State Orchestra of Folk Instruments, under the baton of internationally acclaimed conductor Mustafa Ashurov, as well as soloists from the International Mugham Center performed some of the most expressive and evocative destgahs, totally captivating the audience.

Highlights of the evening included "Zabul-Segah", performed by Nisbet Sadraeva and Huseyn Melikov, and "Bayati-Kurd", performed by Sabina Arabli and Mirlalam Miralamov.

The audience really enjoyed the concert. They applauded warmly and listened with full attention to every performance.

Mugham as a form of Azerbaijani folk music is deeply rooted in the spiritual culture of the East. It is one of the oldest genres and the basis of the Azerbaijani oral classical music tradition, along with song and dance folklore. Included in the UNESCO List of Masterpieces of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity, mugham is the embodiment of the soul of the Azerbaijani people, a reflection of their traditions and customs. In total, there are seven main types of modes: Rast, Shur, Segah, Shushter, Chargah, Bayat-Shiraz, Humayun and several secondary ones. Their performance requires high masterly training and special talent.

Mugham regulates the harmonious balance of a person, awakens affection and love for life, and finally, it is a monument of art that has played a significant role in the development of spiritual values of mankind for centuries. In this sense, mugham is a symbol of love and wisdom. The mysterious world of mughams has always attracted the attention of scientists around the world. Musicologists, literary scholars, historians, scientists and philosophers of the Middle Ages have conducted many scientific studies on this unique form of art.

The International Mugham Center was established on the initiative of the First Vice-President of Azerbaijan and President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mehriban Aliyeva, in accordance with the presidential decree dated April 6, 2005.

The center, which laid its foundation that same year and is known as one of Baku's unique architectural projects, opened its doors in 2008.

The design of the building was based on the elements and shapes of the tar, an Azerbaijani musical instrument used in performing mugham. The center was built with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

In 2024, the Mugham Center is the first cultural institution in Azerbaijan to be awarded "international" status by legislation.

The Center regularly organizes large-scale music festivals and concerts by highly acclaimed cultural figures.

It also takes important steps towards bolstering cultural ties with Turkiye, Poland, Brazil, Uzbekistan, Morocco, and other countries.

The International Mugham Center is determined to further expand its work and promote Azerbaijani musical culture.

Numerous projects are being carried out by the center in the direction of studying and promoting mugham art.
25 February 2026 12:47 (UTC+04:00)

by AzerNEWS Staff

Writing about the Khojaly tragedy means more than remembering a historical event; it is about giving voice to a wound that still lingers in the nation's collective memory.

The massacre of February 1992 was not just the destruction of a town; it was an attempt to break the spirit of an entire people.

Khojaly had been under siege for months, deprived of food, medicine, and electricity. On the night of February 2526, Armenian armed units, supported by elements of the 366th motor rifle regiment left behind after the collapse of the Soviet Union, stormed the town. The outcome was horrific: hundreds killed, hundreds wounded and taken captive. Among the dead were women, children, and the elderly. This was not a military operation in the conventional sense, it was a deliberate act of terror against civilians, meant to instill fear and erase a community from its homeland.

The trauma of Khojaly runs deep. Survivors lost family members, endured captivity, and suffered torture. Entire families were wiped out. Those who escaped became refugees, forced to live for years in tents and temporary shelters. The tragedy shaped a generation, embedding in the youth of Azerbaijan a sense of injustice and a determination to seek truth and recognition.

Russias role cannot be ignored. The 366th regiment did not act as a neutral force; its officers and soldiers provided direct support to Armenian units, supplying heavy weaponry and even participating in the assault. This involvement transformed Khojaly from a local atrocity into a crime with international dimensions. The parallels with the January 1990 massacre in Baku are striking: in both cases, Soviet/Russian forces turned their weapons on Azerbaijani civilians. Russia claimed to be a mediator in the Karabakh conflict, yet its actions revealed a clear bias that facilitated occupation and bloodshed.

Khojaly is recognized under international law as a crime against humanity, even genocide. Yet many states have hesitated to formally acknowledge it as such. Azerbaijan continues to fight for recognition, not only to honor the victims but also to prevent similar crimes from being repeated elsewhere. The campaign for global awareness is part of a broader struggle for justice, one that insists the world must confront uncomfortable truths about complicity and silence.

Khojaly is more than a page in history; it is a symbol of resilience and unity. It reminds us that war is not only about territory but about human lives, families, and futures. The participation of the 366th regiment magnified the scale of the atrocity, making it clear that this was not just an Armenian assault but a joint act of aggression with Russian fingerprints all over it.

To write about Khojaly is to refuse to forget. Memory is resistance, and remembrance is justice. As long as Khojaly is remembered, the demand for accountability will remain alive. Justice may be delayed, but it cannot be erased. Khojaly will not be forgotten, and the struggle for truth will continue until the voices of its victims are heard across the world.
25 February 2026 09:10 (UTC+04:00)

On February 24, Leyla Aliyeva and Alena Aliyeva paid a visit to the Quba district, where they toured local educational institutions and engaged with students and faculty members.

AzerNEWS reports that the visit included stops at a general-purpose boarding school in the city of Quba and the Quba STEAM Center.

The program began with a visit to the citys general boarding-type secondary school. School officials reported that the institution currently provides education to 114 students, including 79 boys and 35 girls. During their visit, Leyla Aliyeva and Alena Aliyeva familiarized themselves with the conditions created at the school, toured classrooms, and observed ongoing lessons and extracurricular activities.

The guests held warm and sincere conversations with the children, showing interest in their academic progress and daily routines. They presented the students with school supplies and posed for commemorative photographs. A cultural program prepared by the pupils was also showcased during the visit, featuring poetry recitations and musical performances.

The delegation then proceeded to the Quba STEAM Center. During the tour, it was recalled that the large-scale implementation of the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) educational project in Azerbaijani schools began in 2019 at the initiative of First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva.

The Quba STEAM Center has been operating since 2021 and is designed to serve students of various age groups. Leyla Aliyeva and Alena Aliyeva were introduced to the facilities and innovative learning environment established at the center. They engaged in discussions with students, inquiring about how they apply the knowledge and practical skills acquired through the STEAM program.

The visit concluded with commemorative photographs taken together with the children and the school staff, marking a day focused on educational development and youth engagement in the region.
25 February 2026 10:00 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

In accordance with the instructions of President Ilham Aliyev, the Great Return to Azerbaijans liberated territories continues in a phased and systematic manner. As part of the latest stage of resettlement, 30 families  a total of 115 people  have been relocated to Horovlu village in the Jabrayil district.

AzerNEWS reports that the families moving to Horovlu had previously been temporarily settled in various parts of the country, primarily in dormitories, sanatoriums, and administrative buildings. For more than three decades, they lived as internally displaced persons, separated from their native lands.

Residents returning to their homes expressed deep gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva for the comprehensive state care and support provided during the resettlement process. They also conveyed their appreciation to the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, whose victory made the return possible, and paid tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of the countrys territories.

Mahluqa Ismayilova, a 63-year-old former IDP returning to Horovlu, described the day as one of the happiest moments of her life. Speaking to the local media outlets, she recalled the hardships of displacement.

For more than 30 years, we lived away from our homeland. When we left the village, my husband and I took our children with us as displaced persons. Today, my children have grown up and started families of their own. Now I am returning to my native village with my daughter and grandchildren, she said.

She remembered that life before displacement had been peaceful and fulfilling, but the years that followed were marked by severe difficulties. We lived in tents, settlements, and temporary shelters. When it rained, water leaked through the roofs, and we did not know where to take cover. Those were very hard days, she noted. Today, I thank God that I am returning to my homeland. May Allah rest our martyrs in peace and grant health to our veterans. Thanks to them, our lands are free.

Another returnee, Nizami Kalbaliyev, emphasized that more than three decades had passed since they were forced to leave. I was 35 or 36 when we left. Now I am over 70. Returning to my village at this age is a great happiness for me, he said.

Kalbaliyev added that his family had lived in various regions during the years of displacement, including Salyan, Baku, and Masazir settlement. At one point, they stayed in a dormitory of the Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University. The life of an internally displaced person was very difficult. But today, we are achieving our dream and returning to our native land, he said, expressing gratitude to the martyrs and veterans whose sacrifice ensured the countrys territorial integrity.

Aida Mammadova, another former IDP returning to Horovlu, said her family had waited 33 years for this day. My son was seven years old when we were displaced. Today, he is returning to his homeland with his own family and child. We thank God that we have lived to see this day, she stated.

The resettlement of families to Horovlu marks another milestone in Azerbaijans post-conflict reconstruction agenda. For the returning residents, however, it represents something far deeper  the restoration of memory, identity, and the right to live once again on their ancestral land.

To recall, Horovlu village was occupied during the First Karabakh War in the early 1990s. It was liberated on October 4, 2020, during the 44-day Patriotic War. Throughout the nearly 30 years of occupation, the village was completely destroyed.

On May 4, 2023, President Ilham Aliyev visited Horovlu village and participated in the groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of reconstruction efforts. The rebuilding of the settlement forms part of a broader state program aimed at restoring infrastructure, housing, and social facilities across the liberated territories.
25 February 2026 09:50 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

On February 24, Leyla Aliyeva visited the family of Patriotic War Hero, Senior Warrant Officer of the State Border Service, the martyred Shahin Allahyarov.

As reported by AzerNEWS, Leyla Aliyeva first became acquainted with the memorial corner dedicated to the martyr.

She then spoke with the martyrs mother, Nargiz Allahyarova, listened to her memories about her son, viewed photographs reflecting different periods of his life, and watched the video message he had sent to his family members during the Patriotic War. N. Allahyarova expressed her satisfaction with the care and attention shown to the families of martyrs, conveyed her gratitude to the head of state and his family members, and wished peace and tranquility for the country.

Leyla Aliyeva presented gifts to the martyrs family members and took photos with them.

It should be noted that Senior Warrant Officer of the Azerbaijani Army, Shahin Allahyarov, fought in the battles for the liberation of Fuzuli, Jabrayil, and Shusha during the 44-day Patriotic War in 2020. He was martyred on November 1 during the battles for Shusha and was laid to rest in the Guba district.

For his bravery during the battles, Shahin Allahyarov was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Patriotic War under the decree of President Ilham Aliyev.
25 February 2026 11:30 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

In the Rostov-on-Don region of Russia, law enforcement forces reportedly conducted nighttime raids on apartments where Azerbaijani families reside, sparking alarm among relatives and prompting questions from authorities in Azerbaijan, local media say, AzerNEWS reports.

Actress Ruhiyya Yusifova told local Azerbaijani outlet that a group of uniformed officers entered the home of her uncle, Mardan Askerov, during the early hours. They beat my uncles son for no reason they took his mother, his pregnant wife and two children, and my uncle away. They destroyed the house and broke everything, she said.

According to Yusifova, officers then entered the home of her uncles eldest son, where force was allegedly used against his wife and children. Most of those taken to the police station were later released, but her uncle reportedly remains in custody, with relatives phones confiscated at the scene.

An official inquiry has been sent to the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs seeking clarification on the matter, local media reported.

Previous incidents against Azerbaijanis in Russia

Wider concerns about the treatment of Azerbaijanis and ethnic minorities in Russia first occurred back in June. In June 2025, a raid by Russias Federal Security Service (FSB) on homes belonging to Azerbaijani families in Yekaterinburg led to the deaths of two Azerbaijani brothers and the detention of several others.

That incident sparked diplomatic protests from Baku, with the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs demanding an investigation and justice for the victims. Azerbaijan later summoned the Russian charge daffaires to express strong disapproval.

Azerbaijani lawmakers and officials described the Yekaterinburg operation as extremely brutal and inconsistent with legal norms, warning that such actions risk damaging bilateral relations.
25 February 2026 12:25 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

A meeting was held in Almaty to discuss the expansion of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.

As reported by AzerNEWS, the information was published on the official Facebook page of the Almaty office of Kazakhstans Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

On February 24, Deputy Head of the Almaty Representative Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Rashid Yerishov, met with Vusal Aliyev, Head of the Almaty Representative Office of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Yerishov congratulated the Azerbaijani diplomat on assuming his new post and wished him success in his future work. During the meeting, the parties exchanged information about upcoming events and discussed prospects for cooperation. Both sides reaffirmed their mutual interest in further strengthening and expanding partnership in bilateral and multilateral formats.
25 February 2026 12:39 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

Although artificial intelligence contributes to increasing efficiency in the business environment and improving decision-making processes, its application requires a responsible approach.

As reported by AzerNEWS, Chairman of the Management Board of the Small and Medium Business Development Agency of Azerbaijan (SMBDA), Orkhan Mammadov, stated this at the Global CEO Summit 2026 held in Baku.

He noted that artificial intelligence has already become an integral part of daily work processes, enabling companies to make faster and well-grounded decisions.

However, the use of this technology must be carried out with ethical principles and the human factor in mind. One of the main duties of leaders is to ensure the correct and safe application of technology. Data protection must remain a priority. At the same time, employees should be supported to adapt to changing responsibilities. Artificial intelligence should not diminish the role of people but strengthen their capabilities. Technology should not replace humans unprepared; instead, it should make them more productive and efficient, he emphasized.
Government reassures public as GHA secures essential supplies with no adverse impact on patient care

The Government notes the situation in the United Kingdoms NHS, where a global shortage of bone cement has led to the cancellation and postponement of a number of orthopaedic procedures.

HM Government of Gibraltar can confirm that, thanks to swift and proactive work by the Gibraltar Health Authority, there has been no impact on scheduled operations locally.

An urgent order of 24 units was secured from Spain at short notice through the coordinated efforts of the GHAs Procurement and Stores teams, working closely with clinical colleagues to ensure continuity of care for patients.

The GHA continues to monitor international supply chain pressures and will take all necessary steps to safeguard services and maintain the highest standards of patient care.

The Minister for Health and Care, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez MP, said: I want to express my sincere and personal thanks to the Procurement and Stores teams, as well as to all the professionals involved behind the scenes, for the speed and determination they have shown in securing this vital supply. Their work has ensured that, despite a global shortage that has placed significant pressure on other health systems, patients in Gibraltar have not experienced a single cancellation.

This should give the public real confidence in their health service. It is a clear example of the strength, agility and forward planning that we are continuing to build within the GHA. Our priority is always the patient, and this rapid response has protected surgical capacity and ensured that treatment continues safely and on time.
25 February 2026 11:59 (UTC+04:00)

On February 25, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the inauguration of the Lankaran State Vocational Education Center, AzerNEWS reports.

Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev briefed the head of state on the facilities created at the Center.

It was noted that the foundation of the institution was laid in 1969 as the Lankaran Technical Vocational School. In 2018, the Lerik Vocational School and Lankaran Vocational Lyceum were merged, and on their basis, the Lankaran State Vocational Education Center was established. Since 2024, the Center has operated as a public legal entity.

Equipped with modern infrastructure, the Center includes training, sports, dormitory, and culinary training buildings, a training guest house, agricultural and workshop laboratories, a greenhouse, as well as auto repair and CNC (computer numerical control) workshops. It also features computer rooms, modern classrooms, a military training room, a library, a 300-seat assembly hall, and a canteen. A dormitory for 53 people has been built on the premises, and following reconstruction, the number of buildings has increased to seven.

In the 2025/2026 academic year, 962 students are enrolled at the Center in 55 groups across 42 specialties, including 385 women. Training is provided in tourism, agriculture, industry, services, IT, and alternative energy.

With the establishment of a new material and technical base, a number of modern specialties are now offered, including maintenance and repair of electric and hybrid vehicles, computer networks and network administration, technical operation of program-controlled industrial equipment, cybersecurity, programming in computer systems, construction and operation of buildings, as well as installation and repair of electrical lines and solar panels.

Students receive education at the levels of initial vocational, technical vocational and higher technical vocational training. Currently, 138 people are employed at the Center.

The Lankaran State Vocational Education Center cooperates closely with nearly 30 public and private sector institutions in personnel training. This cooperation includes joint training programs with the private sector, involvement of industry specialists in teaching, production training, master classes, and the implementation of social and innovative projects.
25 February 2026 14:44 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Azerbaijan is not currently in a water crisis, but its long-term stability is hanging by a thread. That was the candid message from Riad Akhundzadeh, a top official at the Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency (ADSEA), during a high-level roundtable on water security held this Tuesday, AzerNEWS reports.

While the taps are still running, the math behind the countrys reservoirs reveals a tight deadline for infrastructure reform.

Addressing the "Water Security in Azerbaijan" forum, Akhundzadeh clarified that while the current supply meets immediate demand, the margin for error is shrinking.

"There is currently no water shortage in Azerbaijan, but the existing reserves are not considered sufficient for the long term," Akhundzadeh warned.

The numbers he provided paint a stark picture:

Current Reserves: ~1617 billion cubic meters.

Annual Consumption: ~1112 billion cubic meters.

So, Azerbaijan essentially has just over one year of water in reserve at any given time.

"Wasted Water" crisis

A significant portion of the tension isn't just about how much water is coming in, but how much is leaking out. Akhundzadeh emphasized that outdated distribution networks are hemorrhaging resources before they even reach the consumer.

"Serious losses occur during water distribution due to outdated infrastructure," he noted. "Effective management of water resources and reduction of losses are among our top priorities."

Azerbaijan is currently categorized among the 20 most water-stressed nations in the world, largely because roughly 70% of its water originates outside its borders in neighboring countries. To combat this vulnerability, the government has launched a multi-billion-manat strategy.

The 20262035 Mega-Program

President Ilham Aliyev recently unveiled a massive state program aimed at overhauling the water systems of the Absheron Peninsula and Baku. The goals are:

30 New Reservoirs: Expanding storage to buffer against seasonal fluctuations.

95% Coverage: Bringing 24-hour uninterrupted water supply to nearly the entire Baku population (up from 70%).

Cutting Losses: Reducing distribution wastecurrently estimated at 4050% in some areasby nearly half through the replacement of century-old pipes.

For the first time, Azerbaijan is looking to the sea. A major desalination plant is being developed in Sumgayit through a partnership with Saudi Arabias ACWA Power.
25 February 2026 16:31 (UTC+04:00)

On February 25, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, and their daughter Arzu Aliyeva visited Khojavend town to inspect the reconstruction progress, AzerNEWS reports.

The head of state, the First Lady, and their daughter met with residents of Khojavend town and Khojavend village and held a conversation with them.

President Ilham Aliyev: Welcome. Congratulations. You arrived a few days earlier than me. I sincerely congratulate you on your return to our native Garabagh land. I am confident that you will live here comfortably, happily, in peace and security. You deserve this.

You endured long years of suffering and hardship. Life as an internally displaced person is difficult  both morally and physically. Leaving your native land and going elsewhere, even within Azerbaijan, and living in hardship is a great trial. You emerged from this trial with honor. I am sure that the entire Azerbaijani people, including you, always believed that this day would come  that we would liberate these lands, restore justice, and drive the enemy out of our territories.

As you know, although a large part of the formerly occupied lands was liberated five years ago during the Patriotic War, Khojavend remained under occupation, and the people of Khojavend believed that the situation would change someday. I am confident there was faith in society that not even one inch of our land would remain under the enemys heel  and we achieved that as well. For more than two years now, we have exercised full control over the entire sovereign territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan. We destroyed the enemys last stronghold, expelled the separatists, brought them before the court, and fully restored justice.

Therefore, that difficult period is now behind us  it is in the past and will never return. Today, our state is strong, our army is strong, and our people have shown the whole world their greatness over these years. In the last 80 years, no other country has achieved such a complete and absolute victory as Azerbaijan.

Now is the time for construction. The state has already created conditions for you here. Some houses have been restored and rebuilt, and this process will continue. Tens of thousands of Azerbaijani citizens are already living in the liberated territories, and approximately 30,000 of them are former internally displaced persons. As you know, over the last four to five years, we have primarily allocated funds to infrastructure projects because the essential conditions for living must first be ensured  electricity, gas, water, roads, bridges, and tunnels. Now, more funds will be directed toward the construction and restoration of residential houses. Therefore, the Great Return process will accelerate even further.

Jobs are also being created here  through the state, public institutions, and, of course, the private sector. The majority of people living here were previously engaged in agriculture. You know well that this region has beautiful nature, fertile land, water, and springs  everything necessary is here. The main thing is that people now live here comfortably and remain fully confident that such tragedies will never again befall our people.

To ensure this, we must always remain strong and vigilant, never forget the past, and look to the future with confidence  just as we look with confidence and live today. I sincerely congratulate you once again and wish you good health.

x x x

Commemorative photos were taken.

x x x

The residents expressed their gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for the conditions created for them.
25 February 2026 10:37 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Azerbaijan plans to send another 4,500 tons of diesel fuel to Armenia by rail today, February 25, as part of an ongoing program of fuel product deliveries between the two neighboring countries, local reports say, AzerNEWS reports.

The latest shipment continues a series of fuel exports that began in December 2025, following agreements to resume commercial trade and energy cooperation after years of conflict in the South Caucasus.

According to trade data for December 2025January 2026, Azerbaijan dispatched several oil product consignments to Armenia, including 1,220 tons of AI-95 gasoline on December 18, 1,742 tons of AI-95 gasoline and 956 tons of diesel fuel on January 9, and 979 tons of AI-92 gasoline on January 11.

Earlier deliveries in late 2025 also included fuel transported by rail through Georgia, marking the first time in decades that Azerbaijani oil products have been exported to Armenia via the AzerbaijanGeorgiaArmenia railway. That initial shipment of 1,300 tons of AI-95 gasoline was reported as not only a milestone in bilateral trade but also the first such energy transaction since peace initiatives were launched.

These fuel exports are seen as both commercial and symbolic; they reflect expanding economic interaction under the broader framework of normalization and rapprochement between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Azerbaijan also reiterated that Armenian products will be exchanged regarding the rapprochement, although details have yet to be disclosed.
25 February 2026 12:02 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

United States President Donald Trump addressed the State of the Union, emphasizing Iran's nuclear program, AzerNEWS reports.

He said the US "will never allow the world's number one sponsor of terror ... to have a nuclear weapon." Trump added that he prefers to handle the situation through diplomacy, signaling a desire to avoid military confrontation despite maintaining pressure on Tehran.

Trump also claimed Iran is advancing missile technology capable of striking US territory. "They've already developed missiles that can threaten Europe and our bases overseas and they're working to build missiles that will soon reach the United States of America," he said.

Hours before the State of the Union, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a briefing on Iran for Congress Gang of Eight  comprised of the leaders of the Senate and House of Representatives and the two chambers intelligence committees.

First and foremost, if they want to do something in Iran  and who the hell knows what it is  they should make it public and discuss it with the public and not keep it in secret. When you do these military operations in secret, it always causes longer wars, tragedy, more expenses and mistake(s), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer told a press conference, shortly before the classified session.

Trumps speech came as he weighs whether to carry out new military action on Iran. He last week warned Iran that bad things will happen soon if a deal is not reached over its nuclear program.

Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi has said that a deal with the United States to avert conflict is within reach, in advance of talks between the two countries in Geneva, Switzerland.

Araghchi said that the historic opportunity to strike an unprecedented agreement would depend on whether diplomacy is given priority, in a possible reference to US President Donald Trumps ongoing threats to use military force against Iran.

In a statement shared on social media on Tuesday, Irans top diplomat added that his country remained crystal clear that it would under no circumstances ever develop a nuclear weapon, while also recognising the right of Irans people to the benefits of peaceful nuclear technology.

Indirect talks scheduled for Thursday in Geneva will be the third round of discussions between Washington and Tehran, mediated by Oman, which has said it hopes to see a positive push to go the extra mile towards finalising the deal.
25 February 2026 14:21 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has issued a direct apology to the employees of the Gates Foundation following the release of thousands of documents and photographs from the estate of the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. During a high-stakes internal town hall meeting, Gates reportedly "took responsibility for his actions," admitting that his past association with Epstein had "cast a shadow" over the organization's global humanitarian efforts, AzerNEWS reports.

The meeting, described by sources as a rare moment of vulnerability for the billionaire, comes as federal investigators and House Democrats released a massive trove of over 3 million pages of evidence under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The files include undated photographs of Gatessome showing him in conversation with the formerly-titled Prince Andrew and others near private aircraftas well as unverified emails from Epsteins personal accounts.

Gates representatives were quick to clarify his position during the fallout:

Gates addressed images circulating that show him with women whose faces have been redacted or retouched. He asserted these individuals were Epsteins staff members and the photos were taken following legitimate business meetings.

He reiterated that he had no contact with Epstein after 2014 and has consistently ignored subsequent outreach from the financier before Epstein died in 2019.

The foundation continues to maintain that Gates was never involved in or aware of Epsteins criminal activities.

Beyond the photographs, the "Epstein Files" contained startlingthough largely unverifiedclaims regarding Gates' health and his work in global pandemic prevention. According to draft emails Epstein wrote to himself in 2013, the financier alleged a much darker, transactional nature to their relationship.

The "Russian Girl" and Antibiotic Allegations

In one of the most controversial draft emails, Epstein claimed he assisted Gates in dealing with the "consequences" of an extramarital encounter with a woman in Russia. The files suggest that Gates allegedly sought "antibiotics" or medication to treat a potential illness discreetly, without the knowledge of his then-wife, Melinda French Gates.

While the public knows Gates for his early warnings about global viruses (such as his 2015 TED Talk), the Epstein files contain uncorroborated allegations that Epstein sought to leverage his relationship with Gates to influence medical research and vaccine distribution networks.

Statement from Gates' Spokesperson: "These claims are absolutely absurd and completely false. They demonstrate Epsteins frustration at failing to maintain a relationship with Mr. Gates and the lengths he would go to to entrap and defame him."

A "Whos Who" of Influence?

The December 19, 2025, document dump has sent shockwaves through the worlds of politics and entertainment. Names appearing in the files range from musical icons like Beyonce, Jay-Z, and Bruce Springsteen to high-ranking political figures including Donald Trump, Michelle Obama, and Jay Dee Vance.

Legal experts caution that the appearance of a name in the files does not imply wrongdoing, as many were part of Epstein's massive social and philanthropic "Rolodex." However, for Gates, the timing of these disclosures has already had professional consequences, leading to the cancellation of his recent keynote address at an AI summit in India to avoid "distracting from the events priorities."
25 February 2026 23:30 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

Opel has announced a recall campaign concerning airbags manufactured by the Japanese company Takata, known for previous global safety issues, AzerNEWS reports.

Under certain conditions, particularly high heat and humidity, the gas inflator inside the airbag may become damaged. This defect can cause the airbag to deploy uncontrollably during an accident, posing a serious risk of injury or even death.

The recall affects eight Opel models produced between 2003 and 2018: Astra, Astra 10, Cascada, Meriva, Mokka, Vectra, Signum, and Zafira. Specific production date ranges for each model have been identified to determine which vehicles may be equipped with the faulty airbags.

Opel strongly urges all affected owners to check their vehicle identification number (VIN) to see if their car is included in the recall and to schedule a free repair appointment.

This recall is part of the ongoing global response to the Takata airbag crisis, one of the largest automotive safety recalls in history, affecting tens of millions of vehicles worldwide. In addition to Opel, major manufacturers such as Honda, Toyota, and BMW have also issued recalls to replace these defective airbags.

By participating in the recall, drivers not only protect themselves and passengers but also contribute to improving road safety on a global scale.
25 February 2026 19:22 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

According to the state news agency TASS, Google LLC has been fined 22.8 million rubles (approximately $298,600) in Russia for distributing virtual private network (VPN) services through its Google Play platform. VPN services allow users to conceal their location and encrypt internet traffic, which can enable them to bypass website restrictions, AzerNEWS reports, citing foreign media.

The ruling was issued by the Tagansky District Court in Moscow. The court found the company guilty on six administrative counts under the Russian Code of Administrative Offenses. According to the decision, Google failed to comply with its obligations as an online information resource by not removing content that authorities deemed illegal under Russian law.

In recent years, Russia has tightened regulation over foreign technology platforms, particularly regarding content moderation and access to restricted online resources. VPN services have become a focal point in this regulatory effort, as they are widely used to access blocked websites and social media platforms.

The fine adds to a series of legal and financial pressures faced by international tech companies operating in Russia, reflecting broader tensions over digital sovereignty, data control, and internet governance.
25 February 2026 18:50 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

The Trump Organization, owned by the family of former US President Donald Trump, has unveiled its first major project in Australia. The company announced plans to develop the Trump International Hotel on the Gold Coast in partnership with Altus Property Group, AzerNEWS reports.

The ambitious project will see the construction of a 91-storey skyscraper in Surfers Paradise, featuring a 285-room luxury hotel under the Trump brand. In addition, the development will include 272 high-end residential apartments, a three-storey podium with a private beach club, and over 3,400 square meters of commercial, retail, and restaurant space, designed to revitalize the central part of the city.

Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organization, called the project a significant milestone. Trump International Hotel & The Tower is our first official project in Australia, reflecting our ongoing commitment to delivering world-class luxury experiences in the most desirable locations, he said. This project embodies the Trump brands dedication to quality, sophistication, and unmatched service, and we are thrilled to bring this vision to the vibrant Gold Coast community.

Once completed, the skyscraper, with a planned height of approximately 335 meters, is expected to become the tallest building in Australia, surpassing existing records and reshaping the city skyline.

Urban development experts note that the project could boost tourism and international investment in the Gold Coast, while also generating thousands of construction and hospitality jobs. Some analysts suggest that the towers luxury positioning may attract high-net-worth international buyers, making it a potential landmark for both the Australian skyline and the global luxury real estate market.
25 February 2026 19:50 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Hamas condemned on Wednesday the United States' decision to start providing consular services in Efrat, an Israeli settlement in the West Bank, AzerNEWS reports.

In a statement shared with the Shahab News Agency, the organization insisted that the US's move could be interpreted as a recognition of the legitimacy of the settlement, which Palestinians dispute. Hamas stressed that the decision represents a "clear violation" of international law and the Palestinians' rights. Lastly, the group urged the international community to respond.

Previously, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar welcomed the US's move.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar welcomed the US move.

We appreciate the important decision by the US embassy to extend consular services to Efrat, in Judea and Samaria, he said, using the biblical name for the West Bank.

As America marks 250 years of independence, Israel stands proudly beside it, he added at an event marking the occasion.

The Palestinian Authoritys Colonisation and Wall Resistance Commission condemned the move, saying in a statement that it constitutes a clear violation of international law and a blatant favouring of the occupation authorities, referencing Israel.

Minister Muayyad Shubban, head of the commission, called on the US to reverse the decision, and on the international community to refrain from legitimising the settlement system.

The Palestinian militant group Hamas also decried the US decision, describing it in a statement as a dangerous step that supports (Israels) Judaisation plans.

The US embassy in Jerusalem also announced that such pop-up consular services will be provided in the next couple of months in another Israeli settlement, Beitar Illit, as well as in the Palestinian city of Ramallah and three cities inside Israel.
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25 February 2026 18:06 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

American F-22 stealth fighter jets were deployed at an Israeli Air Force base in southern Israel on Tuesday, as part of the United Statess massive buildup of military forces in the Middle East, The Times of Israel has learned, AzerNEWS reports.

The jets were stationed at an airbase in the United Kingdom in recent days, according to open-source flight tracking data and aircraft spotters, and were seen taking off earlier on Tuesday.

Their arrival in Israel is another step in the amassing of American aircraft in the region as tensions between Iran and the US threaten to erupt into war.

Negotiations between the two countries over the Iranian nuclear program are ongoing, and the sides are due to meet on Thursday in Geneva. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has reportedly gotten the green light for a counterproposal to submit to the American negotiating team.

But US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened that he will attack Iran if those talks fail. Iran has vowed to strike Israel and US targets in the region in response.

Israeli officials are said to believe that a US strike is inevitable, and top military brass from the two countries have reportedly been in contact. One official quoted by Channel 12 news on Tuesday said that a diplomatic resolution to the conflict would be the surprise of the year.
22 State Parks Soon Charging Fees, Many on Oregon Coast

Published 02/23/26 at 6:55 a.m.

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Newport, Oregon) - A sizable price change is coming to numerous parks around Oregon, including the coast. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will begin charging day-use parking fees at 22 additional state parks starting March 30, 2026. (Above: Oceanside - Oregon Coast Beach Connection)

Parking lots for some beach accesses will now be charging for the first time, including:

Agate Beach State Recreation Area (Newport) Newport's Agate Beach: Complete Accesses, History, Facts of Central Oregon Coast Hotspot

Angels Rest Trailhead

Banks-Vernonia State Trail (Coast Range)

Bob Straub State Park (Pacific City)

Brian Booth State Park (Waldport)

Bridal Veil Falls State Scenic Viewpoint

Cape Blanco State Park (Port Orford)

Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint (Oceanside)

Carl G Washburne Memorial State Park (Florence)

Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area (Depoe Bay area)

Elijah Bristow State Park

Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area (Depoe Bay area)

Gleneden Beach State Recreation Area (Gleneden Beach)

Governor Patterson Memorial State Recreation Site (Florence)

Lake Owyhee State Park

Latourell Falls Trailhead at Guy Talbot State Park

Molalla River State Park

Oceanside Beach State Recreation Area (Oceanside)

Roads End State Recreation Site (Lincoln City)

Umpqua Lighthouse State Park (Reedsport) Southern Coast

Wallowa Lake State Park

William M Tugman State Park (Reedsport) Southern Coast

A day-use parking permit costs $10 for Oregon residents and $12 for out-of-state visitors and is valid at any state park for the entire day. Visitors who arrive on foot, by bike, or by public transit will continue to have free access. Drivers can show valid parking by displaying a current camping hangtag or an active 12- or 24-month parking permit. Those who purchase parking online or through QR codes can link their license plates to confirm payment.



Courtesy Cape Blanco Historical Society

OPRD currently requires parking permits at 46 parks and waives fees at more than 150 others. The newly added parks were selected because they include amenities that require ongoing maintenance, such as restrooms, trails, paving, irrigation systems, and boat ramps. Revenue from parking fees supports upkeep and operations.

These updates are about protecting the experiences visitors love, Interim Director Stefanie Coons said. We know fee changes are tough and we truly appreciate the support from visitors. These changes help us take care of things people count on like restrooms, boat ramps, and trails, so we can keep parks safe, clean, and welcoming for everyone.



Fogarty Beach - Oregon Coast Beach Connection

Oregon State Parks receives just under half its funding from lottery revenues, about 15 percent from recreational vehicle license plate fees, and roughly 35 percent from visitor fees. The agency does not receive general fund tax dollars.

Frequent visitors can purchase a 12-month parking permit for $60. The 24-month permit is no longer sold, but existing permits remain valid until they expire.



Agate Beach

March 30 also marks the start of a $10 fee at 19 RV dump stations across the park system. The fee supports maintenance and more sustainable operations. Payment can be made online or by scanning a QR code at the dump station.

OPRD encourages visitors to check park webpages before traveling, as conditions can change quickly and some locations may have construction or seasonal closures.

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Cannon Beach Comedy Festival Returns to Laugh It Up on North Oregon Coast

Published 02/24/26 at 6:55 a.m.

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Cannon Beach, Oregon)  Never has Cannon Beach been such a kick in the pants. Well, not since last year, anyway.

The 6th Annual Cannon Beach Comedy Festival returns to the Oregon coast March 13 - 14, 2026, bringing a standout lineup of nationally touring comics to the north Oregon coast's Coaster Theatre. This years bill features Kurt Braunohler, Chris Gethard, Mia Jackson, and Mohanad Elshieky, all performing in the heart of laidback Cannon Beach. There's even an open mic this time around.

But wait, there's more.

Program director Andrew Tonry told Oregon Coast Beach Connection there are other comics still to be announced. A host of others are TBA at this point.

Weve announced our four co-headliners. Theyre coming from Los Angeles and New York City, he said. They are Kurt Braunohler, Chris Gethard, Mia Jackson and Mohanad Elshieky. We do our best to bring in a variety of different styles and voices to Cannon Beach and were ecstatic about the phenomenal comedians performing this year.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. each night with first-come, first-served seating. Beer and wine will be available in the lobby from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Coaster Theatre is located at 108 North Hemlock Street.

The festival weekend actually kicks off a day early with an open-mic night on Thursday, March 12, at a location still to be announced. The free event invites anyone - seasoned comics, first-timers, or anyone with a funny story - to take the stage. Sign-ups begin at 7:30 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. The open mic is 21+.

Organizers said festivalgoers will find plenty of nearby spots for a pre-show drink or dinner. The Warren House, The Driftwood, Bills Tavern, Cannon Beach Smokehouse and The Bistro are just a sampling.

Produced by the nonprofit Tolovana Arts Colony and supported by a Tourism and Arts grant from the City of Cannon Beach, the festival keeps ticket prices low and avoids the usual add-ons  which means no drink minimums, no surprise fees. It's an easy getaway too, just 75 miles from Portland and set in one of Oregons most beloved beach towns.

The event started in 2017, then took a break just before and after COVID, resuming in 2023.

Adam Pasi / courtesy photo



Tonry said it began with his move to the beach.

The Cannon Beach Comedy Festival started because after moving to the coast I was missing stand up, Tonry said. At the time the festival first started, humbly, back in 2017 there wasn't really any stand up on the North Coast. The festival took a few breaks, so while this is the sixth annual edition, we havent run every year since 2017. This year is the fourth straight year.

Now, it's blossomed into a standout festival on its own: there isn't really anything like it on the rest of the coastline.

We couldnt put on such a great festival without the support of the City of Cannon Beachs Tourism and Arts commission, he said.

About the comics:

Kurt Braunohler is a stand up comedian and actor known for his offbeat stunts and roles in films like The Big Sick, Long Shot, and Barbarian, along with appearances on numerous TV comedies. His latest special Perfectly Stupid earned praise from the New York Times, and he co hosts the popular strange news podcast Bananas.

Mia Jackson is a Georgia born, New York based comedian whose sharp storytelling has led to writing credits on Life and Beth and I Love Us, along with half hour specials on MGM Plus and Comedy Central. She also narrates VH1s My Celebrity Dream Wedding and appears frequently on Dont Tell Comedy and Nateland Presents.

Chris Gethard is a comedian, actor, and writer best known for hosting the long running Chris Gethard Show. He also hosts the podcasts Beautiful Stories From Anonymous People and New Jersey is the World.

Mohanad Elshieky is a Libyan-born, New York based comedian whose laid back but incisive style has been featured on Conan, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Comedy Central, and This American Life. His 2025 special No Need to Address Me received strong critical acclaim, and he is a regular performer at the Comedy Cellar.

Steven Wilber is a surrealist comedian whose elaborate fictional backstory and eccentric characters shape his uniquely bizarre stage presence. His work blends absurdism, theatricality, and a commitment to comedic chaos.

David Tveite is a Portland-based comedian from Minnesota whose cleverly crafted, cheerfully pessimistic stand up has taken him to NBCs Last Comic Standing and festivals across the country. His material mixes absurdity, crankiness, and sharp wit in a way audiences consistently enjoy.

See the website for tickets.

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by David Winner

Jessie Buckley, an incredible actress, breathes life into the role of Shakespeares wife, Agnes, in Hamnet. Like others in the film, her face is always a little dirty (Chloe Zhao, the director, doesnt fall for the trap of giving characters in dirty times perfectly clean skin), but I was frustrated by her character, which struck me as an odd fusion of romanticized gender essentialism and wild irrationality. Though I (a middle-aged cis male living in Brooklyn, New York, in the present day) could not be further from the Elizabethan woods where the essence of Agness character originated, I still found myself resisting the films portrayal of her. Spoiler-alert, this writing reveals the ending.

Born (rumor has it) from a wood witchs womb, Agnes mixes odd herbs together to create tinctures to heal wounds and reduce fevers. She (and this is a nice touch) greets young Williams desire to handfast with her by jumping past the wedding to the wedding night and having sex with him animalistically in nearly plain view. And she gives birth by herself in the woods, real wild-woman style. Her character seems ever wise and in touch with nature, her feelings and instincts spiritually sacrosanct and nearly unassailablea vision of femininity pretty impossible, I would imagine, for any actual woman to live up to.

Her prophecies dont always seem correct, however. She predicts a future for her son working on plays with William, though he ends up dying, still a child, when he takes the pestilence about to kill his sister onto himselfa brother bravely and spiritually sacrificing himself to save his sister.

Before her sons death, Agnes encourages Shakespeare (who is sweet and kind of happy-go-lucky) to go to London to follow his passion. She declines his invitation to move there with the family, uncomfortable, I would imagine, in the large, alienating city. Each time William visits Stratford and leaves to return to London, there is tremendous sadness, which reflectsor so I imaginenot just their upcoming separation but the fragility of those times, when the smallest illness, in a time of plague, was likely to carry someone off.

Yet when their son dies and a grieving William returns, she does not comfort him nor allow him to comfort her but complains again and again that he had been absent, though she had encouraged him to go. This seems (to use the words of a friend from Cuba decades ago when describing a problematic boss of my wife) a little bit the bitchy.

My frustration with her character may reveal my own limitations, my failure to grasp the typically female challenges she suffersher need to maintain a family and a homestead while her partner, the writer, is off in his own worldbut still, the flip side of the woodsy, witchy intuitiveness seems to be an anger at William that doesnt necessarily feel justified.

Of course, there are different ways to read this. She could simply be a complex character, a round one, to use the E. M. Forsters tropegood and bad like all humans.

While obviously we cant expect a realistic vision of this story, as we cant know what that would look like, the incursions of Hollywood (Spielberg was involved in the production, which was nominated for Best Picture) occasionally broke the spell the movie had on me. Was it necessary, when Agnes and Bartholomew, her brother, visit Shakespeares garret apartment in London, for him to tell her that she needs to keep her heart open? A quick scan of the Maggie OFarrell novel from which this derives reveals no such phrase, and it feels both too contemporary and trite.

When Agnes loudly addresses the actors at a performance of Hamlet soon thereafter (appearing not to understand the very nature of a play despite being married to William Shakespeare), she is shushed. Despite the famously rowdy nature of Shakespearean performances in his day, the audience is subdued and respectful.

By the time Agnes is reaching out her hand to the dying Hamlet, and the audience and the actor are sharing a powerful breakdown of the fourth wall, most of us are beginning to tear up, though the ever-pulsating romantic music (Max Richters Oscar-nominated score) and the occasionally trite dialogue may diminish its emotional impact. And noAgness female intuition does not turn out to be wrong after all. Her vision of her son working with Shakespeare turns out to be quite true, though it may be his ghost, not his living self.

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Phil Holland is a resident of Pownal. This story is part of a series provided by the Bennington Museum and Historical Society. Take a journey with the Bennington Museum to explore some lesser-known facets of Bennington's history. Visit benningtonmuseum.org to learn how you can get involved with this historically-minded group of volunteers.
He considers his pizza, with sauce and cheese out to the edge, a cross between New Haven and Neapolitan style. Hes going with a thin crust and a slight burn to at the outer edge on the pies.
After two years of renovations, Hand Crafted opened the doors of its new Dunham Mall location to customers. Catering to local workers looking for a quick morning meal or a midday bite, the restaurant will be serving up a rotating menu of salads, sandwiches and light breakfast fare.
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CHESTER  Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell is pressing Superior Plus Propane to correct delivery delays after consumers reported empty tanks, long waits for help and contracts that made it hard to switch providers during emergencies.

In a demand letters sent Tuesday, Campbells office said it has received more than 67 complaints this heating season from Massachusetts customers of the company and another provider, AmeriGas, who said deliveries didnt arrive as expected and their propane levels dropped to dangerous lows.

Gas companies have an obligation to deliver the services they promise on time and reliably. Leaving households without heat or hot water during the cold winter months after requiring customers to rely on them exclusively for this service is both dangerous and unacceptable, Campbell's office said in a press release about the action. AmeriGas and Superior Plus Propane must immediately fix the problems that have left consumers with empty or nearly empty gas tanks this heating season."

The move follows a surge of complaints from Berkshire County residents who rely on Superior Plus Propane, a Toronto-based company serving customers across North America. State Sen. Paul Mark, D-Becket, and Rep. Leigh Davis, D-Great Barrington, said their offices have been inundated with reports from customers running low or out of propane, including some enrolled in the companys automatic delivery program.

The lawmakers asked those affected to contact the consumer advocacy division of the Attorney Generals Office and shared information about companies that have offered assistance, including Georges Propane, the Propane Gas Association of New England and Lipton Energy.

Switching propane providers isnt an option for some who are locked into a contract, even when their propane isnt delivered, the attorney general's office said.

Many of these customers are elderly or families with limited financial resources, the press release said. Leaving them without home heat for days or weeks is dangerous and can cause a significant risk to their health and safety.

In a statement to The Eagle, Superior Plus Propane said customers across many communities have been experiencing longer than usual wait times due to extremely high seasonal demand, and apologized for the inconvenience.

At Superior, our top priority is safely delivering propane, the statement said. We understand how stressful it can be to worry about heat during severe winter weather, and we take that responsibility seriously.

Superior Plus Propane attributed delays and limited deliveries to extreme cold, snowfall and the resulting road conditions. The company's statement said the call center staff has been expanded to handle the demand, adding that the fastest way to request a delivery is through the customer portal.

Many of the company's local customers said they use the automatic refill program, which means the company monitors the tank levels and automatically refills the gas that is used for heating, hot water and cooking.

For those not enrolled in automatic delivery, the company recommends scheduling a delivery when the tank hits 30 percent.

Sarah McKenzie, of Chester, said she has a 191-gallon tank on an automatic refill plan and began calling repeatedly after her tank fell below the 30 percent mark. A delivery scheduled for Jan. 20 never arrived, she said, and her tank's propane levels dropped more before running empty.

On Jan. 30, I walked in the house, and I smelled gas, McKenzie said. So I thought that they came to do a delivery, but when I checked my app, it still said that it was at 7 percent.

The smell was because her propane had run out completely, McKenzie learned.

At 2 a.m., on Jan. 31, Superior Plus Propane showed up to shut off the propane. Around noon that day, someone came to fill it up.

I was without heat that morning when I woke up. My house was like 40 degrees, and I have a 4-year-old, McKenzie said.

McKenzie was one of several customers frustrated with what they described as a lack of communication by the company.

I don't feel that it's fair that they allowed me to run out of propane and be without it when I have a child in the home, and there's no one getting back to me, McKenzie said.

By Feb. 18, she said her tank was down to 40 percent even with thermostats set at 64 degrees. When she called to avoid running out again, she said she was told to call back when it reached 10 to 15 percent.

When she asked a worker what was causing delays, she said she was told many drivers had been calling out.

It costs about $3.60 per gallon of propane, so filling her tank when its empty means a bill of about $830.

Tim Hajduk, of Hindsdale, waited 13 days for his 500-gallon tank to be filled to 40 percent. When he requested more, he was told it would arrive in a few days, but it didn't. The tank dropped to 10 percent, and when he called, he was told it was out for delivery. When it eventually arrived at 5 p.m., it included only about 200 gallons for a 500 gallon tank.

Like many customers, Hajduk said he hadnt typically gone below 25 percent. He said Superior Plus Propane showed no sense of urgency, even after he mentioned he had children.

Brett Shiel, of West Stockbridge, said he struggled to reach anyone at the company when his tank dropped unusually low.

He obtained a delivery only after reaching the assistant to the company's president, he said.

It's impossible to get in touch with anyone in customer service through the normal means, and you're forced to say it's an emergency," Shiel said. "You're supposed to only click the emergency button on the phone if you're smelling propane  but it's the only way to talk to somebody.

Others havent been as successful reaching a human at the company, leading to a complete lack of heat and the potential for burst pipes.

It's definitely been frustrating ... they need to be more communicative when there's a problem, Shiel said.

The attorney general's office asks anyone experiencing problems with the their propane supplier to file a complaint online or call 617-727-8400.
GREAT BARRINGTON  The town has officially transferred 1,069 square feet of land to the W.E.B. Du Bois Center for Freedom and Democracy for a $1 fee, as approved by voters during the 2024 annual town meeting.

The small parcel of land off Elm Court will be instrumental in adding a new lobby area, a small plaza and an elevator for accessibility, the nonprofit said.

Restoration of the center, formerly the Clinton A.M.E. Zion Church, started a decade ago as former members worked to transform it into a community center and a hub for African American heritage in the Berkshires. The project has received a number of grants to help restore the building, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2008.

The 2024 town vote transferred the "care, custody, management and control" of the parcel from the roadway to the Select Board so they could pass it to the Du Bois Freedom Center. The Select Board and Planning Board discontinued that part of the road from public use.

Assistant Town Manager Chris Rembold said it was very fitting to transfer the deed during Mondays meeting, which took place on W.E.B. Du Bois's birthday, a town holiday.

Nick Arienti, the nonprofit's lawyer, said this is the last step in the permitting phases before the construction phase, which he hopes will begin later this year.

I just wanted to say thanks again for your consideration and cooperation with ensuring that the Freedom Center is going to have the ability to complete their construction and operate, hopefully, for the foreseeable future, Arienti said.

The center is the first museum and living memorial in North America dedicated to Du Bois life and legacy.

Also at the meeting, the Select Board approved a transfer of liquor license and change of manager to Muthaiah Subbaiah at Aroma Bar and Grill at 485 Main St. Subbaiah told the board that ownership is the only thing changing. The menu and layout will remain the same.

The Select Board also gave unanimous approval to National Grid for the installation of a new utility pole and overhead conductors intended to power the property at 271 Monument Valley Road.

During her update, Town Manager Liz Hartsgrove said the town's Department of Public Works will be working over the next few days to finish clearing the roads across town after the storm that dropped several inches of snow from Sunday to Monday.

As the storm concludes and cleanup operations begin, I do ask that the community's continued patience just continue because DPW crews and contractors will be moving into snow removal and widening of operations over the next couple of days, Hartsgrove said.
A large group of deer emerge from the forest along Lake Mansfield Road in Great Barrington in this 2018 file photo. "Many people want to help by supplying food, but experts warn that their choice of nourishment could, literally, kill with kindness," writes Eagle columnist D.R. Bahlman.


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Her TV career has spanned more than three decades, shes starred on Strictly Come Dancing and has a hugely popular clothing brand on QVC.

But there is always room for firsts and this month, Ruth Langsfords first book, titled Feeling Fabulous, is published, ticking the box of a new milestone.

Talking about feeling fabulous is what gives you joy, and what gives me joy and what gives you joy might be completely different things, explains the 65-year-old.

Langsford has written her first book (Jeff Moore/PA)

Its learning to find the joy, which sometimes is very difficult. For all of us, whatever problems you have, difficulties youre going through, they seem so heavy at the time, and its very difficult to see any joy. You cant find the joy.

And I would say, having been through very difficult things myself, that the joy is always there. You just need to look for it.

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It can be a gorgeous cup of coffee on your own in the quiet in a cafe in a corner where you dont want to speak to anybody. It can be walking the dog. It can be reading a book. It can be changing your hair up and going, you know, [you] just want a completely different look.

So its so many things for me are rolled into feeling fabulous. Its not just one thing.

Langsford has been a loved face on TV screens in a career that has seen her interview former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, co-host Channel 5 documentary series How The Other Half Lives, and in 2024, she was among the presenters celebrating Loose Womens 25th anniversary.

Langsford has her own clothing line on QVC (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Outside of TV presenting, she was a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017, where she was partnered with Anton Du Beke before he became a judge on the BBC show.

Apart from regularly presenting on ITVs Loose Women, having begun on the show in the 1990s, she also has a clothing brand on television shopping channel QVC.

Ive been asked to do a book many times. Ive been asked to do an autobiography, and Ive always said no, because at the time, I thought, whos going to be interested in my life? she says.

A lot has happened in my life over the last 10-15, years, and I think I have a lot more life experience now, and because its not an autobiography, its a memoir, I felt that I had something to say about various things.

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About Alzheimers, having both parents with Alzheimers, about grief and loss, having lost my sister and my dad, about not divorce per se, but about finding myself on my own at 65 years old and thinking, wow, what does life hold for me now?

She adds: Also I feel very strongly that so many women start saying they feel invisible once they get to 50, they talk about, I feel invisible. Theres nothing out there for us.

And I want to go, yes, dont be invisible. Shout and scream and wave and go, Hi, Im still here. You know, were still here, and theres lots of life in us. And you know, we shouldnt be made to feel invisible.

In the book she writes about her sister Julia, who took her own life in 2019, and her mum Joan, who is in her 90s and is living with Alzheimers, with her dad having also died from the same disease.

Her feelings ahead of it being released are a mixture of excitement and a bit of nervousness, she says.

Each step actually of the process has made me more confident, she explains.

Certain chapters that I thought would be difficult, I then realised that actually I wanted to talk about my dad, I wanted to talk about my sister.

So then I felt happy, because I wasnt just talking about sadness, I was talking about them and our relationship and how wonderful they were.

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So I started to enjoy the process more. Im not nervous thinking, Oh, Ive put myself out there with my personal life, because there are some things I dont discuss and will never discuss publicly.

But over the years, on Loose Women and This Morning, Ive discussed a lot of these things, but maybe not in such great depth. So Ive never really hidden my personal life.

But I believe all of us have a right to say, I lay out what I want to lay out. There are certain things I say, well, thats not for public consumption.

In May 2024 she and broadcaster Eamonn Holmes announced they were divorcing, having been together for over two decades. The couple, who married in June 2010, and have one son, Jack, also previously presented ITVs This Morning together.

In the book, Langsford writes: I expected Eamonn and me to be together for ever and knowing this was not going to happen was incredibly hard to come to terms with.

She also writes about speaking to a therapist, and says she learned lots of tools to deal with just life in general.

She explains: I think they (counsellors) dont know you. They dont know you or the people in your situation, they look at the bigger picture, and they talk you through in a much calmer way about lots of things.

So I would be a big advocate for therapy for whatever you might need it for.

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She adds: Ive had some difficult times in my life, but Ive heard of far worse that people go through. So Im not here to kind of go, Oh, poor me, victim me.

Its just life. What life throws at you sometimes.

I think if people see you on TV and someones done your hair, and youve got something lovely on, and it all looks terribly glamorous. But you know, everyone has their s**t going on.
The incoming president of the Coroners Society of Ireland, Dr Denis McCauley, has said the service was being run on a wing and a prayer, and pathologists were now walking away from the service.

Speaking on RTE radios Today with David McCullagh show and Newstalks Claire Byrne show, Dr McCauley pointed out that the fee pathologists were paid (300) had not been increased in 20 years.

The situation was complicated by the fact that it was operated by three different bodies  the HSE, the Department of Justice and local authorities, he said. It is a perfect storm for procrastination.

Dr McCauley explained that 95 per cent of post mortems in Ireland were carried out in HSE buildings by HSE consultants.

Paradoxically, they're also paid by the local authorities, but everything is directed from the Department of Justice. Now, the problem is that the pathologists have decided that they're too busy.

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The service is also divided into three  the adult service, the childrens service, for children over three months and the perinatal service.

Each of those are under great pressure. I was expecting the children's service to be the first to give problems, but it is the adult service that is giving problems. We've been warning the government about this for the last 15 years.

They've really done nothing about it. They will give stock answers saying, 'oh, there's a PM advisory group that's been up and running for six or seven, for five years', and it's really not working.

Dr McCauley said there were only two consultants in the country carrying out post mortems on children. When one of those retires, I don't think we'll have a service.

At present 6,000 post mortems are carried out each year in Ireland by pathologists all over the country. Dr McCauley said that increasingly younger pathologists were saying they were too busy to perform post mortems and they found the court system too adversarial.

Delays in post mortems added to the grief for families. There were huge discrepancies around the country in the length of time it takes for post mortems, he added.

When somebody dies in Donegal today, they will have a post-mortem done tomorrow morning. The body will be released at lunchtime.

"If it's in Dublin or some other areas or Waterford, it may be done once a week, so that family is going to have to wait a week. And when you have the situation where children are being moved needlessly from Dublin to Cork to have the PM done, that's not appropriate.

At present the service costs 2 million a year, but it should cost 10 million. I'm saying, this is government work. Come on, stop telling me what you can't do. Just sort it out.
Commentary: China-Germany cooperation a pillar of stability in uncertain world

Xinhua) 13:23, February 25, 2026

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Lian Yi)

BERLIN, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is paying his first official visit to China on Wednesday. For the world's second- and third-largest economies, the trip presents a good opportunity to enhance mutual understanding, strengthen pragmatic cooperation and jointly contribute more to world peace and prosperity.

At a time when the world is experiencing turbulence and transformation, China and Germany, as major economies and advocates of multilateralism, share the responsibility to uphold the stability of global industrial and supply chains and oppose protectionism and economic coercion.

In a widely noted gesture, Merz recently extended Chinese New Year greetings via social platform X, expressing hope that the Year of the Horse would "bring strength and give new impetus to German-Chinese relations." The message was widely interpreted in Germany as a signal of Berlin's positive expectations for the trip and its intention to reinvigorate economic ties through high-level dialogue.

The composition of the delegation underscores the stakes. Executives from around 30 major companies, including Bayer, Siemens, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen, are expected to accompany the chancellor, once again demonstrating the confidence of the German business community in the Chinese economy and the vitality of bilateral cooperation.

Visitors view a dual-source photon-counting CT machine of Siemens, which made its debut in Asia, during the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

According to German media Handelsblatt, applications for the trip far exceeded the available seats -- an indication of German industry's determination to deepen its footprint in China and expand investments and partnerships.

The enthusiasm of German businesses is rooted in decades of economic logic. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1972, the two countries have built a dense web of economic links.

Germany has long been China's largest trading partner and source of foreign investment in Europe. Their industrial sectors are deeply integrated, and the foundation of cooperation continues to strengthen. Official data from China's Ministry of Commerce show that bilateral trade between China and Germany has remained above 200 billion U.S. dollars for consecutive years. China has also solidified its position as Germany's largest trading partner for nine of the past 10 years.

A journalist records a Volkswagen ID.AURA on display during the 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition in east China's Shanghai, April 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

Over the past two decades, the China-Germany relationship has matured further. From automotive and machinery to chemicals and advanced materials, German firms have leveraged China not only for its immense scale but also as a hub for innovation. While Germany's automotive giants treat China as a core global market, large companies like BASF and Merck have established R&D and manufacturing clusters, reflecting steadily deepening industrial ties.

The visit comes as debates over "decoupling" and "de-risking" from China continue in Europe and even within Germany. Business sentiment, however, reflects a different calculus rooted in long-term confidence.

A survey by the German Chamber of Commerce in China reveals that 93 percent of German firms intend to maintain or expand their presence in China, more than half plan to increase investment in the next two years, and nearly two-thirds view Chinese partners as indispensable strategic pillars. Meanwhile, innovation gains in China are now feeding back into German headquarters, driving product upgrades on a global scale.

Hard data reinforce this trend. Data from the German Economic Institute show that new German direct investment in China amounted to around 7 billion euros (8.26 billion dollars) in 2025, well above the roughly 4.5 billion euros (5.3 billion dollars) a year earlier. As noted by Juergen Matthes, an expert at the institute, German companies are not only expanding their presence in China but also accelerating the pace of investment.

The broader trajectory of China-Germany relations remains clear. Decades of exchange have closely linked the two economies, making their partnership a case study in the gains of globalization, linking two manufacturing leaders through trade, investment and innovation.

In an era of rising protectionism and unilateralism, closer engagement between Beijing and Berlin carries significance far beyond their borders. It serves as an anchor for global expectations, proving that openness and practical cooperation remain the most viable choice for major economies in an uncertain world.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The amount Enoch Burke will have to pay to cover Wilson Hospital Schools legal costs will be referred to a legal adjudicator, a court has said.

The school had made an application for the High Court in Dublin to decide the amount Mr Burke would have to pay to cover the legal costs racked up by his former school.

Rosemary Mallon, the barrister representing the schools board of management, said the legal firm Mason Hayes & Curran had calculated the amount as 31,549.14.

She said they had not charged for trainee hours and had also applied a voluntary 15 per cent reduction to the fees.

Enoch Burke has been imprisoned at Mountjoy Prison over contempt of court relating to breaches of orders not to trespass at the school (Brian Lawless/PA)

Previously, a court had found that he would be responsible for the schools costs in relation to the long-running contempt of court case.

The dispute between the board of management of the Co Westmeath school and Mr Burke stemmed from incidents over a request in 2022 from the schools then-principal to address a student by a new name and pronoun.

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Mr Burke, an evangelical Christian who taught German and history at the school, has repeatedly argued that the direction was unconstitutional and went against his right to express his religious beliefs.

He has been imprisoned at Mountjoy Prison over contempt of court relating to breaches of orders not to trespass at the school.

Addressing the court on Wednesday, Mr Burke objected to having to pay the costs, but Mr Justice Brian Cregan said the matter had already been settled.

The judge said he had sympathy for the school and their desire to avoid the additional time and expense of sending the decision to a legal cost adjudicator.

But he said the work of assessing the bill of costs was not straightforward as there were numerous applications relating to the case before the courts and said it would need to be sent to be assessed.
A murder trial jury are to hear evidence that a 49-year-old man died after his head was stomped on, and the panel will have to consider the accused's intent at the time.

The 12 jurors were also told by defence counsel Brendan Grehan SC on Wednesday that the accused Tomas Cypas admits hitting the deceased "over the course of the particular weekend".

Cypas (35), with an address at Foxborough Road, Lucan, Co Dublin, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Juris Kokenbergs (49) at Old Bridge Park, Lucan, Co Dublin on October 28th 2024.

In his opening address to the Central Criminal Court jury today, Conor Devally SC, prosecuting, said "interestingly" the date of October 28th 2024 could be a matter of some confusion in the case.

Counsel said the act of killing someone isn't just the violence inflicted, and it only comes to completion when a person dies.

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Outlining the facts of the case, Devally said Juris Kokenbergs had called into the house of the accused man's mother on Saturday, October 26th and that "drink had formed part of the day".

He said sometime during that day, Kokenbergs sustained a very serious injury.

Counsel said that most of the events of the case "centre" around the evening of October 26th.

Devally said an assault was perpetrated by Cypas on Kokenbergs late on the night of October 26th and "maybe into the early hours of the following morning".

"Over the following number of hours the late Mr Kokenbergs expired and finally died," he said.

Ireland Man (54) appears in court charged with the murder of Michael Gaine Read more

The prosecution barrister went on to tell the court that Mr Kokenbergs had occupied a couch adjacent to the kitchen area for the following day, October 27th - after these injuries were inflicted.

Counsel said it is the prosecution's case that Kokenberg had died "from stomping on the head".

Brendan Grehan SC, defending Mr Cypas, made a number of admissions on behalf of his client, including that the accused had hit Mr Kokenbergs "over the course of the particular weekend" and that the principal issue for the jury's consideration is Cypas' intent at the relevant time.

The trial continues tomorrow before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury of eight men and four women.
A man who got involved in the distribution of cash and drugs for criminals following his retirement has been jailed for five years.

Stephen Connolly (67) of Hampton Wood Drive, Finglas, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to having a kilogramme of cocaine, with a street value of 70,000 and having 129,930, knowing it to be the proceeds of crime on February 7th 2025.

Detective Garda Lorrainne Brennan told Aideen Collard BL, prosecuting, that confidential information in relation to the movement of cash and controlled drugs led to a surveillance operation being put in place on the movements of Connollys Citroen Berlingo van and also his rented apartment in Dublin.

The van was stopped just before 9 pm on the Oscar Traynor Road in Coolock.

It was being driven by Connolly, and he immediately indicated to gardai that they would find something under the drivers seat of the van.

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The drugs were later found there.

He also admitted that they would find cash in his bedroom, and when asked by officers where exactly the cash could be found, Connolly replied, You cant miss it.

The cash was discovered in a follow-up search of the apartment. He was arrested and interviewed but made no admissions.

Det Gda Brennan said Connolly also had two phones on him, but he refused to grant access to them.

One of the phones was ultimately analysed, and it was discovered that Connolly had enabled a disappearing messages feature on WhatsApp.

However, gardai were able to retrieve conversations from February 5th 2025, to February 7th 2025 in relation to the movement of both money and drugs, with references being made to bits, tickets and tokens.

Det Gda Brennan confirmed that the term bits is used by criminals when referring to kilogrammes in relation to drug trafficking and both tickets and tokens were references to money.

She confirmed that Connolly had been working up until February 2024 and only had previous convictions for minor road traffic offences.

Det Gda Brennan agreed with Garrett McCormack SC, defending, that when cautioned Connolly immediately pointed out where the drugs could be found in his van.

She further accepted that Connolly, who celebrated his 67th birthday earlier this week, has not come to garda attention since his arrest.

She acknowledged that he was not living the high life, but she said the evidence supported gardais belief that Connolly was engaged in moving drugs and money on behalf of others.

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McCormack said his client experienced financial difficulties when he was forced to retire in 2024, and he got involved in this offence to make money to support himself and his family.

Judge Orla Crowe said excellent intelligence from the gardai led to Connollys arrest, and that messages of interest on his phone confirmed that it was his job to store and distribute cash and drugs.

She said she had no option but to impose a custodial sentence, as she said Connolly was actively involved in a drug trafficking operation.

Ireland Ex-soldier caught with 'depraved' images of children gets suspended sentence Read more

It was at a trusted level. There is no suggestion of threats or duress or addiction  he was doing it for gain and he was not at a lower level, Judge Crowe said.

She acknowledged that Connolly made immediate admissions, was not on the garda radar and had no obvious trappings of wealth.

Judge Crowe also accepted that he had lived a pro-social life up until his retirement, and references before the court indicated that he had helped people in his local community.

She said it was a calculated and deliberate offence and Connolly was somebody who was trusted to hold drugs and a considerable amount of cash before she imposed a five-year jail term.
The jury at the inquest into the death of Noah Donohoe has been told that the culvert in the area where he disappeared was unlocked and could be easily opened.

Noah, a pupil of St Malachys College, was 14 when his naked body was found in a storm drain tunnel in north Belfast in June 2020, six days after leaving home on his bike to meet two friends in the Cavehill area of the city.

A post-mortem examination found the cause of death was drowning.

The inquest is being heard at Laganside Courthouse in Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA)

The jury inquest at Belfast Coroners Court is now in its fifth week.

Sean McCarry, the regional commander for the Community Rescue Service (CRS), said a team of trained volunteers were deployed to the Northwood Road area after being alerted that Noahs bicycle had been discovered.

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The area was searched and a culvert was found on waste ground located at the back of some houses.

In his statement, McCarry said the searchers spotted that the grill on the top of it was unlocked and could be easily opened.

The volunteers suggested the culvert should be searched as they felt that an adult could pass through it.

He said he made contact and stated it was easy to get into the culvert and it needed searching by a confined space trained and equipped team.

He added: From early on we were aware of this as a potential ingress point as it was possible for one our technicians who was of slim build to pass between the bars.

Fiona Donohoe (right), the mother of 14-year-old Noah Donohoe (Liam McBurney/PA)

At least 100 community search and rescue volunteers were called out to the Cavehill area, which had been the initial focus of the search for Noah.

Updated information made the search for the missing youngster fluid, the court heard.

It included a call to deploy searchers in the North Queen Street are where a phone was found.

Police then contacted Mr McCarry in the early evening to say Noahs bicycle was found in Northwood Road.

Mr McCarry said the search team of volunteers are often called out to Cavehill and are familiar with its dense terrain, which he said included passable areas but the rest is sometimes like the jungle.

Earlier jurors watched a BBC documentary about the work of the search team who tried to find Noah against the backdrop of the covid lockdown.

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It showed the heart warming response of the North Belfast community who came out of their homes in large numbers in an effort to help find him.

CRS volunteers described the search as relentless and with a real sense of urgency as bushes, dense thickets and water were searched in the hunt to find the boy.

Noahs mother Fiona Donohoe recalled it was a horrible period.

She said: He got on his bike and I was able to hug him and tell him I loved him.

I phoned and I knew if he wasnt answering his phone something wasnt right.
A former BBC journalist whose communications data was unlawfully obtained should be awarded substantial damages, a specialist tribunal has been told.

MI5 previously admitted that it had unlawfully obtained Vincent Kearneys data amid proceedings at the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT).

In a September 2025 letter to the BBC and Mr Kearney  now the northern editor at RTE  MI5 said that though it acted in good faith and under any code of practice at the time, it breached the journalists rights when obtaining communications data in 2006 and 2009.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the Metropolitan Police have also made concessions.

At a hearing on Wednesday, Jude Bunting KC, for Kearney and the BBC, said there were seven separate police or MI5 operations where the intelligence services or forces unlawfully obtained the journalists or broadcasters confidential communications data between 2006 and 2018.

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In written submissions, Bunting said they had been subjected to a long and consistent campaign of unlawful interference with their confidential journalistic material, with Kearney potentially targeted more than any other journalist in Northern Ireland.

The barrister said the concessions from MI5 and the forces reveal repeated and consistent illegality on the part of multiple public authorities over a period of many years.

He also said that the phone data obtained would have enabled the police to see who Mr Kearney was interacting with, where and when.

Bunting told the tribunal that this affected everyone in his life, adding: All of these people will have had their information looked at by the police for reasons that were unlawful.

The tribunal was also told the PSNI had made a detailed profile of the journalist, including his date of birth, addresses, car details, phone numbers and the names of his wife and mother-in-law, as well as an extensive review of his published work.

Bunting later said that Kearney should be awarded 10,000 from the PSNI in damages, with an additional award against MI5.

Cathryn McGahey KC, for the PSNI, said the force had made a number of clear and extensive concessions.

The barrister said in written submissions that the interferences in question were directed at the acquisition of communications data associated with an individual journalist, rather than at the BBCs editorial autonomy, premises, systems, or journalistic archives.

Ms McGahey continued that while the force did not object to the tribunal ruling that the PSNI breached Mr Kearney and the BBCs rights, it opposed the journalist being awarded damages as it would be unnecessary to award just satisfaction.

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She later said that Mr Kearneys case was different from phone hacking cases brought at the High Court, adding: There was no exploitation, publication, or dissemination of journalistic material, nor any attempt to profit from the information obtained.

The unlawfulness conceded by the PSNI arises from the subsequent determination that the legal regime then in place did not afford sufficient safeguards for journalistic material, not from any deliberate or bad-faith intrusion.

Richard OBrien KC, representing bodies including MI5, said in written submissions that saying Mr Kearney and the BBC faced a long and consistent campaign was disputed and hyperbolic.

The barrister also said MI5 accepted that the tribunal should make a declaration but opposed damages being awarded.

He said: There has been public vindication of the wrong suffered by the claimants in the form of the concession, which has already been reproduced in a public judgment, and to which the tribunal will no doubt again refer in its substantive judgment following this hearing.

Ahead of the hearing, Kearney said that he had been treated as a suspect rather than a journalist and called for mechanisms to be put in place.

He continued: The concessions made reveal repeated and consistent illegality on the part of multiple public authorities over a period of many years. This was taking place on an almost annual basis between 2006 and 2014 while I worked as a correspondent for BBC Northern Ireland.

This has had a chilling effect on my ability to conduct public interest journalism with source relationships damaged and, in some cases, destroyed.

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The unlawful activities of those charged with upholding the law have irrevocably damaged my ability to perform my lawful duties as a journalist.

A BBC spokesperson said: The extent and effect of unlawful interference in Vincent Kearneys work as a BBC journalist is a matter of serious concern.

It strikes at the heart of the protections that are in place for public interest journalism. What happened in this instance was wrong and must never be repeated.

The independence of what we do is hard won and its something that we will fight to protect  reflecting the vital role that public interest journalism plays in a free society.

Deirdre McCarthy, managing director, RTE News and Current Affairs, said: As an all island public service media organisation, RTE places ongoing importance on defending press freedom of journalists across Ireland.

The protection of journalist sources is the cornerstone of ensuring a free and independent media.

The scale of the covert surveillance and accessing of journalist Vincent Kearneys communications data by British security and policing agencies is deeply concerning.

McCarthy said that the evidence heard at the IPT is of deep concern for us as journalists and media working in the public interest.

The hearing before Lady Carmichael, Mr Justice Chamberlain and Stephen Shaw KC is due to conclude on Thursday.
The Taoiseach has unequivocally apologised to the survivors of childhood abuse at industrial and reformatory schools in Ireland.

Micheal Martin issued the apology in the Dail on behalf of the Government, the State, and all the citizens of the State for the profound sorrow for the terrible pain and abuse suffered.

Addressing survivors, he said: What you endured on a daily basis as innocent children was harrowing, heartbreaking and wrong.

Four survivors of abuse, Mary Donovan, Mary Dunlevy Greene, Miriam Moriarty Owens and Maurice Patton OConnell, who were sitting in the Distinguished Visitors Gallery, received a round of applause ahead of the apology.

They had staged a hunger strike outside Leinster House to highlight ongoing issues they face because of their abuse.

The Taoiseach reiterated a 1999 state apology, saying it was a sincere and long overdue apology to the victims of childhood abuse for our collective failure to intervene, to detect their pain and to come to their rescue.

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He outlined measures taken by successive governments to deal with historic abuse and prevent further instances.

The Taoiseach also said the protest group had raised concerns about the adequacy of new supports approved by the government in 2023.

Following a mediation process, he said, the government has agreed to provide further improvements to these services.

He said: These include strengthened access to health services for survivors of industrial and reformatory schools through appointment of dedicated health liaison officers and better access to counselling and physiotherapy services.

Work is already underway to put these services in place.

Adding there was also an agreement to provide additional funding for education grants under the Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Act 2025 (Education Act 2025).

Ireland Taoiseach defends rent reforms as major landlord predicts increased cashflows Read more

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.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact Womens Aid (24-hour freephone helpline at 1800-341 900, email helpline@womensaid.ie) or Mens Aid Ireland (confidential helpline at 01-554 3811, email hello@mensaid.ie) for support and information.

Safe Ireland also offers a number of local services and helplines at safeireland.ie/get-help/where-to-find-help/. In the case of an emergency, always dial 999/112.
Indian prime minister Narendra Modi kicked off a two-day visit to Israel on Wednesday aimed at focusing on strengthening security, economic and technological cooperation between the two countries.

The Indian leader stepped out of the plane beaming and descended the staircase to a big hug from prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accompanied by his wife, Sara Netanyahu.

The warm greeting underscored how much closer Israel-India relations have grown under Mr Modi, whose embrace of Israel has marked a shift in Indias foreign policy.

India has historically supported the Palestinians, and did not establish full diplomatic ties with Israel until 1992.



Benjamin Netanyahu welcomes Narendra Modi as he arrives at Ben Gurion Airport (Leo Correa/AP)

Mr Netanyahus office released a statement lauding the leaders close personal relationship and deep and long-standing friendship in a welcome message.

The visit is likely to give Israel a boost of international support after seeing relations with many of its allies deteriorate since the war in Gaza began in October 2023.

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Mr Modi was to hold talks with Mrr Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, address the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, and visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial centre.

Mrr Netanyahus office said that the two leaders would sign myriad economic, security and political cooperation agreements.

Our nations share a robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership, Mr Modi wrote on X before landing in Tel Aviv. Ties have significantly strengthened in the last few years.

In addition to being a powerful ally, India is also Israels second largest trading partner in Asia. Total trade between India and Israel was valued at 3.62 billion dollars in the 2025 fiscal year, according to Indias Ministry of Commerce and Industry.



The pair will discuss security and trade (Leo Correa/AP)

Mr Modi became Indias first prime minister to travel to Israel in 2017, and Mr Netanyahu reciprocated with a trip to India the following year.

Mr Netanyahu told a Cabinet meeting on Sunday that economic and security issues will be high on the leaders agenda, as will sharing technology, including artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

We are partners in innovation, security, and a shared strategic vision, Mr Netanyahu said on the social platform X ahead of Mr Modis arrival.

Together, we are building an axis of nations committed to stability and progress.

A staunch Hindu nationalist, Mr Modi was one of the first global leaders to swiftly express solidarity with Israel following the October 7, 2023 attack by the Palestinian militant Hamas group that triggered the war in Gaza.

India was also among more than 100 countries earlier this month to condemn Israels newly approved measures to deepen its control over the occupied West Bank and weaken the already limited powers of the Palestinian Authority.
Indonesia has freed and deported an American man after he spent 11 years in prison for the premeditated murder of his then-girlfriends mother on the tourist island of Bali.

Tommy Schaefer was sentenced to 18 years in prison for the 2014 murder of Sheila von Wiese-Mack, the mother of Heather Mack, during a luxury holiday in a case also known as the Bali suitcase murder.

Schafer was deported back to the United States from Bali International Airport on Tuesday evening after serving his sentence and receiving a number of remissions for good behaviour, said Felucia Sengky Ratna, head of the Bali Regional Office of the directorate general of immigration.

A spokesperson for the US Marshals Service, which transports federal prisoners, confirmed Schaefer was in custody and arrived in Illinois on Wednesday.



Schaefer spent 11 years in jail for the killing (AP)

The badly battered body of the 62-year-old Ms von Wiese-Mack, a wealthy Chicago socialite, was found inside the boot of a taxi parked at the upmarket St Regis Bali Resort in August 2014.

Heather Mack, who was almost 19 and a few weeks pregnant at the time of the killing, and her then-21-year-old boyfriend, Schaefer, were arrested on the island a day after the body was found.

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Mack served seven years of a 10-year prison sentence in Bali for helping to kill her mother and was deported in October 2021.

She was also sentenced to 26 years in prison in Chicago in January 2024, after she pleaded guilty to helping kill her mother and stuffing the body in a suitcase during their holiday.
Keir Starmer has expressed concern after the arrest of a man for allegedly entering a mosque in Manchester during Ramadan prayers, carrying multiple weapons, including an axe.

The British prime minister said he understood the incident would be worrying for Muslim communities.

The suspect, a white man in his 40s, was with another man, a black male, who entered Manchester Central Mosque in the Victoria Park area of south Manchester at around 8:40pm on Tuesday.

The first suspect was subsequently arrested by police on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon and possession of class B drugs.

He remains in custody for questioning.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said they are not treating the incident as terror-related.

Keir Starmer said: I am concerned to hear of the incident at Manchester Central Mosque last night. I know this will be worrying for Muslim communities, especially during Ramadan, a time of peace and reflection.

My thanks go to the volunteers and emergency services for their quick response.

We have provided up to 40 million funding for additional security at mosques, Muslim schools and community centres, and will continue to act to ensure communities are able to live without fear.

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In a statement, the mosque said a serious security incident had occurred during prayers.

The statement added: A white male entered the mosque wearing a hi-vis jacket carrying a large bag.

He was accompanied by a black male, both entering the mosque at the same time.

The mosque volunteers spotted the suspicious bag containing an axe, which was placed into the main hall of the mosque by the assailant.

The white male was escorted to a separate room by volunteers and was found to have been carrying multiple weapons including a hammer and a knife. He was eventually arrested by the police.

The black male left the mosque shortly before police arrived, after it became apparent that the situation had been contained. To our knowledge, he has not yet been arrested by Greater Manchester Police.

All relevant information and CCTV footage has been passed on to the police who are continuing their investigation.

The Muslim community in the UK has experienced a notable rise in threats and hostility over recent years. The increase in Islamophobic incidents is a serious concern, and greater resources are urgently needed to address this growing and real risk.

We will continue to co-operate fully with the police and urge all mosque attendees to remain vigilant.

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Congregants are advised to travel in groups where possible and to ensure that children are not left unattended.

The swift and responsible actions of our volunteers played a crucial role in containing the situation. Without their intervention, the consequences could have been far more serious.

Superintendent Simon Nasim of GMP said: Yesterday evening officers attended a local mosque after it was reported that two men were acting suspiciously and carrying an offensive weapon while people were worshipping during the holy month of Ramadan.

We have swiftly arrested one individual and officers are working to locate the second man. No threats were made and thankfully, no-one was injured.

You may notice an increased presence of patrols in the area while our inquiries continue. Please feel free to chat with our officers and let them know your concerns.

Theres no place for weapons on our streets and we are committed to ensure all our communities feel safe to worship in peace and go about their daily lives without fear.

Anyone committing such offences will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

Afzal Khan, the local MP for Rusholme, said: I am deeply concerned about the incident that occurred at Manchester Central Mosque last night, whereby two individuals entered the mosque with weapons.

Thankfully, everyone is safe, no-one is hurt, and Greater Manchester Police have arrested one of the suspects.

Im in touch with the mosque leadership, the mayor of Greater Manchester, and the Prime Minister about this incident.

Just this week, the Chancellor and Home Secretary announced more funding for protecting mosques, and this incident demonstrates once again why this funding is so vital.

This is the consequence of far-right politicians scapegoating Muslims. This is Islamophobia, plain and simple.

Officers are appealing for witnesses to help with inquiries.
Scottish First Minister John Swinney has said the released James Hamilton KC investigation documents speak for themselves, after they revealed Nicola Sturgeon accused her predecessor, Alex Salmond of a bit of a revenge mission.

The Scottish Government this week released 18 bundles of papers linked to an investigation by Mr Hamilton into whether Ms Sturgeon breached the ministerial code.

In 2021, he cleared the then first minister of any breach of the code relating to her involvement in the Scottish Governments botched investigation into harassment allegations against Mr Salmond.

In a transcript of an interview with Mr Hamilton, Ms Sturgeon told him of a lingering concern about Mr Salmonds behaviour which went back to November 2017.

These documents have been set out, they relate to issues in the past... The documents speak for themselves John Swinney

She said: He said something to me about, you know, you cant have stories like this running because you get one and the flood gates will open, kind of thing.

She added a combination of things left me with a is there something that is about to come forward about Mr Salmonds behaviour?'

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She said that in discussions with Mr Salmond, he was admitting to me something that was in my view deeply inappropriate and a gross abuse of his power as first minister.

Ms Sturgeon went on to tell Mr Hamilton: Mr Salmond is, and its a matter of great personal, you know, grief to me, hes on a bit of a revenge mission right now.

Speaking to the Press Association on Wednesday, Mr Swinney said: These documents have been set out, they relate to issues in the past. Theyve been set out comprehensively by the Scottish Government, respecting as we have to do court orders that are in place in relation to this case, and the documents speak for themselves.

The documents show Nicola Sturgeon accused Alex Salmond of a bit of a revenge mission (Jane Barlow/PA)

In the wake of the Hamilton report, a request was made for documents to be made public under freedom of information laws  with Information Commissioner David Hamilton taking legal action against the Scottish Government in January this year after it missed a deadline for publishing the papers.

The papers show Mr Salmond, who died in October 2024, complained to Mr Hamilton KC about the remit of his investigation  which was set down by then deputy first minister Mr Swinney.

In an email to Mr Hamilton, former first minister Mr Salmond said the remit lays a surprising stress on whether Ms Sturgeon interfered in the Scottish Government investigation.

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He added: It might even be suspected that this remit has been set up as a straw man to knock down.

There is no general bar on ministers intervening in a civil service process of which I am aware and indeed there are occasions when ministers are actually required by the code to intervene to correct civil service behaviour.

World Keir Starmer dodges calls to release flight logs related to Epstein Read more

As the papers were published, a Scottish Government spokesperson said: Extensive work has taken place to review these documents and ensure that as much information as possible can be placed in the public domain.

With a separate court case also brought against Mr Salmond  who was cleared of sexually assaulting nine women while he was Scotlands first minister  the spokesperson added: The courts have made it clear that those who complained in relation to allegations of sexual assault must have their identities protected.

The Scottish Government is not permitted to release information which would breach those court orders and amount to a contempt of court.
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Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears Pacgold strikes profit share deal to unlock high-grade SA gold Brought to you by BULLS N BEARS Andrew Todd February 25, 2026  5:49pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Pacgold Limited has inked a new deal in South Australia to produce gold from its Wadnaminga project, opening the door to reprocess old waste dumps near its flagship White Dam heap leach operation. The tie-in with private owner Grainger Gold adds heft to the companys heap-leach gold strategy in the region, setting up a 50-50 split of profits from future mining or gold retreating at the projects New Milo and Great Eastern hard rock mine sites. Historic workings at Pacgold Limiteds recently partnered Wadnaminga gold project in South Australia. Under the deal, Grainger Gold will handle lease maintenance, payments and access rights, while Pacgold will take charge of approvals, operations, costs, gold sales and quarterly profit distributions. The project sits just 80km southwest of White Dam and benefits from existing infrastructure at site.

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The company says historical output from small-scale operations at the Wadnaminga mines yielded nearly 20,000 ounces of gold at an average grade of 37.88 grams per tonne during the late 1800s and early 1900s. The mines tapped into narrow, high-grade gold veins that dipped steeply underground, reaching depths of up to 140 metres, though Pacgold believes much of the gold was left behind in waste dumps - estimated to hold 20,000 tonnes of old tailings. Pacgold plans to resample and test this material, potentially drilling it to assess remaining gold that could be recovered at the White Dam heap leach operation as gold production kicks off again after a 20-year hiatus. The deposits at the Wadnaminga site have never been systematically explored and the old timers were focused on the ounce grade dirt. Pacgold Limited managing director Matthew Boyes The company says the new project has seen no modern exploration, leaving an undeveloped vein system stretching about 700 metres along strike, with high-grade oxidised material outcropping and ready for initial drill targeting.

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The ground here has never been fully probed, creating an opportunity for Pacgold to outline a resource and move swiftly towards extraction. In the meantime, the surface heaps and pads will be checked first and if they stack up economically, theyll head to White Dam for re-crushing and processing. Pacgold Limited managing director Matthew Boyes said: Pacgold continues to expand its footprint in the Broken Hill region and add potential short-term sources of ore to be leached at the White Dam facility. The deposits at the Wadnaminga site have never been systematically explored and the old timers were focused on the ounce grade dirt, leaving behind any material with sub-bonanza grade. Acquired last year, Pacgolds soon-to-be-producing White Dam project already features open pits, a heap leach facility, and a processing plant, offering a straightforward route to cash generation. By trucking material from nearby sites such as Wadnaminga, the company aims to feed the operation with low-risk feed, extending its life and funding exploration elsewhere. The companies say fieldwork at Wadnaminga is due to kick off in mid-March, with sampling and drilling of stockpiles and extensions, as well as permit applications for broader evaluation.

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The drill bit will be set the task of hunting for wider, lower-grade zones - areas where gold is spread more thinly but could add volume - beyond known records. In a market buoyed by firm gold prices amid economic shifts, Pacgolds emphasis on near-term leaching and disciplined spending looks likely to deliver value and cash flow quickly. In turn, the funds will be used to explore across its broader portfolio, including the companys promising Alice River gold project and its St George gold-antimony play in Northern Queensland. With Wadnaminga now in the mix, Pacgold has fresh ground to test its heap leach approach, potentially turning historical remnants into modern returns as the company presses ahead in 2026. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au

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Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears Savvy land grab bulks up Dalaroo West African gold play Brought to you by BULLS N BEARS Andrew Todd February 25, 2026  2:53pm 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

Dalaroo Metals has bulked up its strategic land holding in West Africa by bolting on the Bondoukou gold project in Cote dIvoire, boosting its footprint in one of the worlds active gold jurisdictions. The acquisition hands Dalaroo control of a fully granted mining lease in the Birimian terrane, about 35 kilometres northwest of the lucrative 4.5-million-ounce Tanda gold deposit run by Endeavour Mining. Artisanal workings at Dalaroo Metals newly acquired Bondoukou gold project in Cote dIvoire. The company says Bondoukou sits on geology similar to that of Tanda, featuring shear zones and contacts between volcanic and granitic rocks that play perfect hosts for channelled gold fluids. The procurement will cost Dalaroo just $100,000 upfront in cash and the issue of 9 million shares ($585,000) for 80 per cent of the project. The agreement stipulates a US$1.67 (A$2.36) per ounce royalty on any defined gold resources to its partner, Goldridge Resources. The royalty is capped at 3 million ounces and is coupled with a 2.5 per cent net smelter return on future production.

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Fortuitously, the agreement is heavily back-weighted, affording Dalaroo the luxury of proper exploration success without substantial upfront costs. We are particularly excited by the quality of the project and the compelling commercial terms we have secured. Dalaroo Metals chief executive officer John Morgan Early positive signs of gold are evident in the extensive artisanal mining on the mining lease, which stretches over roughly 9km of strike length in the northern area. Dalaroo says the ground is yet to see any modern drilling or detailed sampling; however, the structural setup and surface signs provide a clear starting point for exploration. The companys in-country geos have already mobilised to site, with initial mapping and surface sampling kicking off right away to build out the potential of this latest Cote dIvoire gem.

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Dalaroo Metals chief executive officer John Morgan said: We are particularly excited by the quality of the project and the compelling commercial terms we have secured. The free carry through to feasibility and minimal upfront cash outlay provides an exceptional platform to aggressively pursue exploration while maintaining strong capital discipline and protecting shareholder value. Dalaroo has moved quickly to flesh out its West African gold portfolio in preeminent Cote dIvoire, as the gold landscape in-country continues to consolidate. Just last month, Chinese mining giant Zijin Gold acquired the Canadian-owned Allied Gold project for a cool $5.7 billion - a massive price tag as the majors tighten their grip on the countrys landscape. Bondoukou sits within a highly endowed Birimian greenstone belts that deliver millions of ounces every year. The project is a considerable hike from the companys other Cote dIvoire assets, sitting some 150km northeast of its Bongouanoa tenure. The company says it is still rapidly progressing Bougouanou towards drill-ready status. Ongoing field mapping and integrated targeting studies will be used to build on historical high-grade intercepts such as 17 metres at a handy 6.79 grams per tonne (g/t) gold, including a bonanza 2m running 60.5g/t gold. Bondoukou complements the earlier stage Bongouanoa play by adding a fully permitted licence with widespread artisanal workings, creating a more substantial platform for systematic exploration and potential resource definition in the same prospective terrane.

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Bongouanoa spans 400 square kilometres in the SefwiCome Basin of the gold-rich Birimian greenstone belt  prime terrain for multi-million-ounce gold deposits that litter West Africa. The project straddles major regional structures, such as the northeast SefwiCome Shear Zone and the northwest NGuessan Shear Zone, which often guide gold placement in surrounding operational neighbours. Once mapping and sampling wrap up, results will feed into a priority target program for a potential follow-up exploration phase, including reverse circulation drilling to probe structures beneath the artisanal workings. In a junior mining landscape where jurisdiction and commodity mix matter, Dalaroos Cote dIvoire buildup positions it to tap into West Africas hottest gold address, where major miners are increasingly circling for the next big discovery as the country cements its status as a premier gold jurisdiction. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au

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BusinessCompaniesAI Opinion WiseTechs AI jobs sledgehammer  a sign of things to come? Elizabeth Knight Business columnist February 25, 2026  3:00pm

February 25, 2026  3:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

A single blog post this week wiped out hundreds of billions of dollars from Wall Street. But this wasnt a standard analysts report; rather it was a dystopian picture of the US economy in 2028, all thanks to the artificial intelligence boom. WiseTech executive chairman Richard White. US research firm Citrini described a grim picture: mass unemployment, a stockmarket plunge and a collapse in the human-centric consumer economy. While its a highly theoretical read that shouldnt be taken too seriously, ASX-listed tech giant WiseTech has now shown why we cant entirely dismiss those fears either. The logistics software maker smashed the ice on Wednesday, becoming the first Australian company to proudly call out artificial intelligence as the reason behind the axing of 2000 jobs, almost a third of its workforce.

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The companys founder and chair, Richard White, who is no stranger to creating headlines about his personal behaviour, hasnt massaged his companys AI message to avoid frightening the horses. Having announced a 35 per cent drop in half-year profit, WiseTech chief executive Zubin Appoo issued a harrowing warning as he heralded plans to cut the number of customer service staff and software engineers in half. I am prepared to say this clearly: the era of manually writing code as the core act of engineering is over, Appoo loudly proclaimed. WiseTech has its reasons for shocking its workers and investors. It is among the software-as-a-service providers whose core business is in the firing line as customers potentially use AI themselves and bypass the need for such services. The sharemarket valuations of thousands of these once-valuable companies, including homegrown tech giant Atlassian, which was founded by Australian rich-listers Mike Cannon-Brookes and Scott Farquhar, have been decimated over the past nine months.

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There is no shying away from the fact that the pace of AI deployment is set to accelerate, and it is nearly impossible to predict how this all ends. If WiseTechs strategy was to use staff cuts as a circuit breaker, it worked. By lunchtime on Wednesday, its shares were trading 10 per cent higher. But extrapolating the potential for AI-enabled job cuts across business more generally is a different beast. For many workers in the front line for AI displacement, this technology has become the bogeyman. Hysteria around potential AI job cuts is rising to a point where AI redundancies are masked or blurred by being lumped into the larger bucket of technology-enabled savings. Meanwhile, unions are trying to decode corporate job cut announcements to understand whether they are actually driven by artificial intelligence. In most respects, they are fighting a losing battle.

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Related Article Opinion

Jobs Bring back the humans: CBAs embarrassing AI jobs bungle a salutary lesson Elizabeth Knight Business columnist It can be a fine distinction to make. Some job cuts are not directly the result of AI, but are enabled by AI. In response to questions about Commonwealth Banks 300 job cuts this week, a spokesperson explained that AI is changing how some tasks are performed, but it is not the driver of these role changes. Qantas also went to great pains to dispute that its recent 30 job cuts at its headquarters were about AI, even if technology played a role. Australian companies that have been sitting on the sidelines for a couple of years and assessing how AI can be used to improve productivity are now in the early throes of implementation.

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CBA dipped its toe in the water last year by using AI bots to replace some customer service roles, only to have the move backfire. It is now treading more lightly. CBA chief executive Matt Comyn is not shying away from a future in which AI will become more embedded, but insists it will also involve the upskilling of many of the banks staff rather than be a wholesale replacement for workers. Related Article Opinion

Sharemarket People doing dumb things: Wall Street boss Jamie Dimon warns of AI frenzy Stephen Bartholomeusz Senior business columnist But there is no shying away from the fact that the pace of AI deployment is set to accelerate, and it is nearly impossible to predict how this all ends. At the extreme end of the fear/disruption spectrum, the recent analysis by Citrini conjures a 2028 dystopian picture in which AI-generated unemployment runs at more than 10 per cent and Wall Streets S&P500 is in freefall. In this scenario, productivity is booming but the human-centric consumer economy has collapsed.

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AI capabilities improved, companies needed fewer workers, white-collar lay-offs increased, displaced workers spent less, margin pressure pushed firms to invest more in AI, AI capabilities improved, Citrini described in the scenario, which would be a negative feedback loop with no natural brake. While it is only one of many pieces of foreboding AI research published, the timing of its release during a moment of peak AI fear played into a sell-off on the US sharemarket this week. It is a fascinating read, but highly theoretical as it ignores the experience from other technological revolutions that new skills creates new jobs. But whichever way AI plays out at the salt mine, there will be disruption. Companies like WiseTech, that are already feeling heat, are the first movers. Others may be more gradual and with fewer casualties, but there will be significant change. Whether this is utopian or dystopian is anyones guess. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
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CultureBooksLiterature prizes So many stories to tell: First Nations poet wins prestigious literary prize Kylie Northover February 25, 2026  7:01pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

First Nations poet Evelyn Araluen has won this years Victorian Premiers Literary Prize, taking home $100,000 for her poetry collection The Rot. Australias richest state-based literary prize was awarded to Araluen for her second poetry collection, which the award judges described as vulnerable, taut and uncompromising. Evelyn Araluen has won the Victorian Premiers Literary Prize for her poetry collection The Rot. Araluens widely acclaimed debut poetry collection Dropbear, which interrogated Australian colonial myths and literary archetypes, won the Stella Prize in 2022; she was the first poet to win (in a year when poetry was eligible for entry for the first time). The Bundjalung author, editor and researcher, then 29, became the youngest author to win the $60,000 prize. Co-editor of the Overland literary journal, Araluen also took home the prize for Indigenous Writing at the awards, which were announced in Melbourne on Wednesday evening, for which she was awarded $25,000. The overall winner is drawn from eight category winners. Araluen was also nominated in the poetry category.

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In a statement released ahead of the ceremony, Araluen, one of the countrys best known contemporary poets, described her win as an incredible honour. The shortlist and highly commended books are all brilliant works that give testimony to the breadth and diversity of our storytelling practices and forms, Araluen said. Literary prizes are always somewhat unnatural and can be subject to completely arbitrary systems of value. Randa Abdel-Fattah won the Peoples Choice Award fro her novel Discipline at the Victorian Premiers Literary Awards. While she won the Prize for Indigenous Writing, Araluen said she doesnt think of The Rot as an especially Indigenous book. Billed as a recalcitrant study of the decaying romances, expired hopes and abject injustices of the world and a liturgy for girlhood in the dying days of late-stage capitalism The Rots collision of poetry and prose was described in this masthead as a reckoning of global imperial capitalism, weapons manufacturing, Gaza and settler-colonialism, among other things and not one of those poetry books you can skip through; it demands concentration, both on a line-by-line basis and on a larger, more conceptual basis.

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Insight host Kumi Taguchi (left) on the screens in the SBS control room, where multiple camera angles can be seen concurrently while the episode is being recorded.

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On paper, Insight should be the Jerry Springer of Australian television. Divisive topics  death, divorce, racism, menopause, guilt, sex and more  are covered, family secrets are revealed and unpopular and controversial opinions are shared. Heck, they even had a guest last year whose wild story about a crocodile attack went viral. But instead of chairs being thrown, as was popular on the US chat show whenever anyone disagreed about something, on Insight, everyone just nods their head and does the most radical thing of all: they listen. You can actually ask questions that are uncomfortable, and thats OK, says Kumi Taguchi, who has hosted the show for the past five of its 30 years. Youre not a bad person. Kumi Taguchi talks to audience members before recording begins. Wolter Peeters Taguchi is talking the day after she recorded an episode titled Death of Debate? Its particularly timely given that Sydney was rocked just days earlier by protests against Israeli President Isaac Herzogs visit. And this was just after Adelaide Writers Week organisers cancelled their festival after authors vowed to boycott it when the festival cancelled a talk by Palestinian-Australian academic Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah. The temperature has been hot, to say the least. But in this age of outrage, Insight has quietly carved a path through the noise. It debates topics that annoy the left, right and the middle, which is remarkable given how discourse has become so polarised. How do they do it? And without any chairs being thrown? Trust, is the short answer.

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Related Article Documentaries This new SBS doco is great. But to one filmmaker, its oddly familiar Everyone in the room has a real motivation for being there, says Taguchi. They understand why theyre there, and they understand what were doing. Nothings hidden, theres no kind of, Lets ask that person that question, and therell be a bit of tension and controversy. We want every guest to come out of that room feeling that they were looked after, they were valued, they werent blindsided by anything. The secret sauce, I really think, is the trust in that brand of Insight and what we do, but also the amount of work the producers do with the talent leading up [to each show]. Theres nothing thats not discussed. Every person can say, Look, I dont want to talk about that bit, but I do want to talk about that. We will help them talk about difficult things. Kumi Taguchi runs through the script for the Death of Debate? episode. Wolter Peeters The presenter checks the script. Wolter Peeters For the Death of Debate? episode, the idea evolved out of a news story from South Australia, where a year 9 debating competition became embroiled in controversy when it asked students to debate the merits of being a trad-wife.

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The trad-wife topic is a bit controversial at the moment, right? says Ross Scheepers, who has been executive producer on the show since late 2018. We workshopped doing an entire show on trad-wives, but its incredibly difficult to find trad-wives in Australia to come on and talk because theres a lot of backlash around people who promote themselves as living that lifestyle. So we actually werent able to find a cast to do the show. But when I heard about the backlash against the topic that the schoolgirls [debating team] faced, I just thought with online outrage, its become incredibly difficult to do things that push boundaries or make people think outside of the box. Connor Webster, producer on Death of Debate?, said: Its something topical, that the really quick, 24-hour news cycle cant cover. Its something that we can delve into for six weeks and get to the core of what Australia thinks, like a bit of a Petri dish of the Australian psyche. Final hair and make-up touch-ups before recording begins. Wolter Peeters A quiet moment before recording. Wolter Peeters Once a topic is settled on, each episode takes about six weeks to put together. Producers raid their contact books, scour news stories and social media groups for people who might be interested in taking part. We do Facebook-specific shout-outs, says Webster. Well post a question, and that can get a little bit wild, but we use a whole bunch of different online methods. Theres casting agent groups and theres Reddit. Theres no stone unturned, really, in terms of finding the people who think like our audience is going to think, and will share their views, that people are going to go, I do that.

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For the Death of Debate?, the wide range of guests include the year 9 debating team who had to argue the trad-wife topic, aspiring Labor politician Jack Ayoub, who was attacked last year after writing an opinion piece in The Australian that was headlined Gay men have little in common with the trans movement, philosopher Nicole Vincent, who was accused of being a TERF over a lecture she delivered at Melbourne University in 2019; and artist Sergio Redegalli, who infamously painted a ban the burqa mural in Sydneys inner west in 2010. Kumi Taguchi on the set of Insight. The debate forum on SBS encourages listening over argument. Wolter Peeters Also in the audience is a woman, with the support of her adult son, happily narking on her husband for not sharing her political views. He watches Fox News, she says. (That woman, says Webster, was found in a northern beaches mums group on Facebook. These people come back and say, Ill talk about my husband on television, he says, laughing.) On any other show, that combination and variety of guests would be a febrile mix, but because each guest has been thoroughly prepped before going on air, the producers  and Taguchi  generally have a good idea of what the guests answers will be. Editor's pick Australian TV I cant touch Jonathans legacy: David Genat on hosting Survivor  and LaPaglias sacking That speaks to the trust that we build with these people in our six weeks [of prep], says Webster. Thats the beauty of that cycle  we get the opportunity to have several conversations, to get to know these people, so that by the time theyre actually coming to the studio, I say things like, Im actually going to get to see you in person now, which is very strange. Weve had a phone or online relationship for more than a month. Were very transparent about how theyre going to be presented and the questions theyre going to be facing. So they know theyre just sharing their story and theyre doing it in a moderated, respectful environment where ideas can be thrown around.

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About 10 to 15 guests appear on each episode, with producers having sometimes spoken up to 75 people to find the right person who is happy to share their story, which can sometimes be quite traumatic. Its one thing to tell a producer over the phone, quite another to do it under lights in a studio with five cameras moving around. Sometimes we might get to a point where theyre just not comfortable sharing a certain amount, and then there wouldnt be space for them on the show, says Scheepers. Because wed want them to talk about that. Its just that rapport, that genuineness, that level of trust. In the SBS control room during the Death of Debate? recording. Wolter Peeters Kumi Taguchi talks to guests in the studio as they arrive. Wolter Peeters Once the guests are locked in, they arrive at SBSs studios in Artarmon in Sydneys inner north for a Wednesday night record. Each episode takes up to 80 minutes to shoot, and content is edited to about 52 minutes for broadcast. On the evening I visit, Taguchi is running through the choreography of the show  practising her line delivery and positioning to basically make sure the flow of movement between each guest is seamless. Its a big turn, says one of the camera operators, so Taguchi changes her footing. Thought is also put into where each guest sits  sometimes to create connection, sometimes to maximise tension.

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LifestyleFashionMelbourne Fashion Festival The Australian fashion brand loved by it girls, ignored by the front row Damien Woolnough February 26, 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

A Sydney-based designer has the coolest brand at the Melbourne Fashion Festival but no one  apart from Hailey Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter and Ariana Grande  knows it. On social media, front-row influencers have tagged colourful creations from Romance Was Born, Linda Jackson and Gary Bigeni, ignoring the lavishly embroidered tights, sparkling socks and dramatic opera gloves from High Heel Jungle by Kathryn Eisman. Model Audrey Walker, left, in a Sonia Cappellazzo gown with High Heel Jungle accessories, with High Heel Jungle founder Kathryn Eisman. Simon Schluter As the former face of fashion for E! News, and an Emmy-nominated reporter and presenter, Eisman is not used to being ignored. She is, however, familiar with being underestimated. People always thought that my work in media, the parts that were on camera at least, was glamorous, Eisman says. They didnt see me working until midnight, writing scripts or editing. That same ratio of 10 per cent glamour and 90 per cent sweat equity applies when you have your own fashion brand.

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Related Article Trends Much better dressed: The brutal verdict on Sydney v Melbourne style Eismans transition from reporting on fashion to producing it began as a side hustle seven years ago in Los Angeles. Before she had the chance to hire a publicist or call in celebrity favours, stylists took notice of the colourful and quirky socks and tights she was wearing on screen. When I first launched, I got an email late at night saying that the Kardashians wanted some tights for the opening credits of Keeping Up with the Kardashians, and they needed them at Van Nuys airport immediately, Eisman says. I raced to the airport in the middle of night, not quite believing what was happening. Where the Kardashians go, Hollywood follows, with stylists for Bieber, Grande, Lady Gaga, Tate McRae and Chappell Roan sourcing her work for photo shoots and red carpet appearances. Chappell Roan wearing gloves from Kathryn Eismans High Heel Jungle. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

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To have these incredible trailblazers and their stylists embrace you still shocks me, Eisman says. Eisman has put down the microphone and returned home to Sydney to make High Heel Jungle her main focus. The brand is now stocked by Nordstrom and Bloomingdales in the US and The Iconic in Australia. Were doing about 70 per cent month-on-month growth with our orders for the past two quarters in the US. The US is 70 per cent of our market and Australia is second. A model in High Heel Jungle tights and Camilla dress at the opening show of the Melbourne Fashion Festival. Lucas Dawson Eisman remains the sole owner of the business, employs nine full-time staff and is trying to manage the rapid growth of the brand.

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We have around 600 units, I was never good at maths, but somehow I stay on top of this. Prices range from $35 for basic socks to $195 for leather opera gloves. Being underestimated by the MFF front row barely warrants the shrug of a padded shoulder, but Eisman is hopeful for some recognition when her work appears at the Grand Showcase on Friday night, alongside Sonia Cappellazzos gowns. Ive always championed Australian brands in the US, she says. Its time for payback. 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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When it comes to the depressing morass that is the Australian housing market, theres very little joy to be had. House prices are set to keep on rising 5 to 7 per cent (even with the RBA raising rates) and rents are also skyrocketing, placing us firmly in a housing supply crisis, which has to be one of the worst crises to be in after that Cuban missile one.

Does that mean aspiring homebuyers should throw it all in and go live in an off-grid commune with 30 to 50 feral hogs? Dont threaten me with a good time!

By following a few simple strategies, it is possible to save for a house while youre young. Aresna Villanueva

But in all seriousness, getting onto the property ladder without a parental leg-up currently is a tough ask, and even if you do rely on the bank of mum and dad, that doesnt guarantee youll actually be able to find a suitable or affordable place. This is despite efforts from the government to improve housing affordability for young people through things such as the 5 per cent deposit scheme.
Dramatic vision released by the Northern Territory Police Force shows the moment a police car is rammed as officers open fire.

NT Police confirmed a man was arrested after allegedly targeting officers with a vehicle in Alice Springs overnight.

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Police said units responded to disturbances on Todd Street about 10.30pm involving multiple people.

Police will allege a 38-year-old man drove a blue Mazda BT-50 dual cab at speed at an officer standing on the road and footpath, and a parked police vehicle, which was still occupied by the driver, police said in a statement.

A police member drew his firearm and allegedly discharged three rounds at the oncoming vehicle, with the rounds striking the vehicle. No one was injured by the fired rounds. The vehicle rammed into the rear of the police vehicle with significant force.

A person who was sitting in the police car at the time was taken to Alice Springs Hospital with minor injuries and later discharged. The alleged offender was also taken to hospital for precautionary assessments.

Investigations into the incident are continuing, and a crime scene has been set up in the area.

NT Police Commissioner Martin Dole said the deliberate targeting of our hardworking officers is absolutely abhorrent.

We will not stand for it, he said.

Every time our officers attend an incident, they are putting their lives at risk to keep the community safe. This is a clear example of the split-second decisions our officers can be forced to make whilst protecting the community.

Anyone with information or footage of the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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NationalChina relations Free flow of people: Chinas ambassador makes rare intervention in student visa debate Sally Rawsthorne February 25, 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

Chinas ambassador to Australia has urged the Albanese government to consider loosening restrictions on international students from his country, opening a new front in the debate over a cohort that has proven lucrative and controversial for the university sector. In his first remarks since Australia cracked down on visas for international students during a bitter pre-election debate about migration, Xiao Qian said that more short-term visas would enhance bilateral ties. Chinas ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, has encouraged young Australians to study and see the real China. Alex Ellinghausen I hope that the Australian federal government would consider providing more visa facilitation for Chinese students and scholars on short-term exchange programs to Australia, and offer policy support for the free flow of people between our two countries, he said at an address at an Universities Australia conference on Wednesday. We should facilitate the mobility of young academics and researchers.

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Xiao appeared alongside Universities Australia chief executive Luke Sheehy, and his intervention comes as the number of Chinese international students rebound towards pre-pandemic levels. Its fair to say in general terms that China-Australia education engagement is in good shape. And there is good momentum, he said. However, he noted Australias continuous restrictions on research co-operation in fields such as advanced technology and the uncertainty over visas continued to challenge the relationship. Chinese students make up about 22 per cent of Australias $53 billion international student industry, the nations fourth-largest export commodity.

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However, former Home Affairs secretary Michael Pezzullo warned at another session at the conference that the sectors reliance on Chinese students was not without risk. China has a vociferous appetite and  we just have to face the fact that any relationship with Chinese scholars and Chinese institutions is going to have sitting behind it the Chinese state, he said. If we dont accept that, were flying in the face of what we know  about the very tight controls that the Chinese state exerts over all facets of its society. Rachel Noble, a former director-general of the Australian Signals Directorate, echoed his concerns about foreign interference. The threat is unprecedented, she said. In 2024, the Albanese government warned university bosses to end overreliance on students from China and India. Labor failed to pass legislation to cap the nations international student intake that year. It pivoted to controlling the flow of students through the visa system instead, now forcing a go slow on visa applications after a university reaches 80 per cent of its allocation of students for the year.

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The briefing warned that while Australia is likely to remain a popular choice for Chinese students, Asian nations are becoming increasingly serious competition. The relationship between governments can also influence Chinese student choices. Chinese student flows can decrease when relations with a destination country and Chinas central government are strained, and increase when relations are stable or improving  Australian universities with branch campuses in South-East Asia may benefit, although competition will be high  especially as more Chinese institutions are building their footprint in the region, the paper said. Federal Assistant Minister for International Education Julian Hill, who is due to appear at the summit on Thursday, was contacted for comment. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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NationalQueenslandPrisons Calls for needle-exchange program after hundreds of prisoners at risk Courtney Kruk February 25, 2026  7:07pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

The Queensland government has brushed aside a call to introduce a needle-exchange program in the states prisons, after reports hundreds of former prisoners may have been exposed to HIV and hepatitis C by sharing injecting equipment. Almost 300 former prisoners have potentially been exposed to the viruses by sharing needles with an unknowingly infected male offender, according to a memo sent to sexual health services by Queensland Health and first reported by the ABC. The departments Communicable Diseases Branch reportedly asked the health providers to offer full sexual health and blood-borne virus testing to anyone presenting at their service, due to the nature of this risk and the difficulty identifying the timing of exposures. There are currently no needle and syringe exchange programs in Queensland prisons. Michael Clayton-Jones A Queensland Health spokesperson said it had contacted 295 people who were potentially exposed inside an adult male correctional centre between January and June 2025  some of whom had since been released  recommending they get tested.

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Staff working at the correctional centre are not considered to be at risk, and while the community risk is low, we are taking necessary precautions, the spokesperson said. Related Article Juvenile justice Children held in locked rooms for days at a time, report finds The news prompted a renewed call for prisons to provide free, sterile needles to help prevent new infections of blood-borne viruses and minimise harm from bacterial infections. Hepatitis Australia chief executive Lucy Clynes said prisons remain high-risk environments for hepatitis C transmission, and measures such as needle-exchange programs should be carefully considered as part of a comprehensive public health response. It is estimated that 8 per cent of people in prisons have hepatitis C, Clynes said.

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Needle and syringe programs, alongside testing and treatment, are evidence-based interventions that reduce transmission and protect both people in prison and the broader community. Related Article Queensland Health Public patients out of pocket for accepting surgery program Asked on Tuesday whether the states jails should introduce needle-exchange programs, Health Minister Tim Nicholls said there should not be needles in jails, and he referred further questions to Queensland Corrective Services. A spokesperson for QCS said it was not aware of a needle-exchange program in any Australian prison, and that prisoners are not permitted to have needles in Queensland correctional centres, to protect officers. In Australia, about one in seven prisoners said they had injected substances in jail.

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Almost 30 per cent of prisoners said they had injected drugs in their lifetime, with Queensland recording the highest rates at prison entry. A study of those who injected drugs in Queensland prisons, published in the International Journal of Drug Policy this month, included anecdotes from 30 former prisoners. One man said he counted 86 people using one needle in a day. Another said he contracted acute hepatitis after injecting the side of his foot with a syringe made out of a bread bag, a pen and a sunscreen tube. A 29-year-old described a never-ending cycle in prisons, where hepatitis C is cured but then reintroduced because people are sharing needles. The researchers said denying sterile equipment in prisons may breach Queenslands Human Rights Act, which says inmates must receive the same standard of health care as the wider community.

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For hepatitis information or support, go to HepLink. 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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NationalVictoriaCity life Flying taxis are ready for take-off  and Australia is in their sights Cara Waters February 26, 2026  6:08am 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

Dubai: The first air taxis will take flight in Dubai this year, but a plan to make Melbourne one of the pilot cities for the innovation has now been described as a little optimistic. Jobys electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, which will be available on the Uber platform, hit the skies for a test flight over Dubai on Wednesday. Uber and Jobys Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVtol) aircraft in Dubai. Sachin Kansal, Ubers chief product officer, said the air taxis would begin transporting passengers in Dubai this year, but they were yet to go through regulatory approval in Australia. Flying taxis, or air taxis, as some people call them, used to be in the realm of science fiction, but now theyre becoming a lot more real, he said. We really believe that air taxis can solve a lot of the problems that cities are facing with sustainable and safe transportation, but in the vertical dimension.

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Melbourne was originally announced as one of three official pilot cities, alongside Dallas and Los Angeles, for Ubers air taxis in 2019. Related Article Public transport Uber says Melbourne to have flying taxis by 2023 The ride-share giant claimed it would begin flying tens of thousands of passengers around Melbourne from 2023 in safe, quiet electric vehicles  for the same price as an UberX trip. However, Uber sold its air division, Uber Elevate, to Joby in 2021 and the two companies have now set their sights on Dubai as the first market for the eVTOLs. The test flight showcased the fully electric aircraft, which uses six tilting propellers to rise vertically before turning to reach speeds of up to 320km/h.

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Eric Allison, chief product officer at Joby Aviation, said eVTOLs were quieter than helicopters with fewer emissions. This all-electric, quiet air taxi is powered by technology that lets us fly over the traffic instead of sitting in the traffic, he said. In order to be able to scale and make this a meaningful contributor to the way people can move on a daily basis, you have to be a good neighbour. Helicopters are loud, but this aircraft is designed to be remarkably quiet. Jobys Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft will be available on Uber in Dubai. Allison said after Dubai, Joby expected to launch on Uber in Los Angeles and New York in the United States with the company in its final stage of certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In an interview with this masthead, Allison said he was part of the Uber Elevate team that picked Melbourne as a pilot city but we had to adapt to the way the conditions played out when the pandemic hit.

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Related Article Air travel Electric aero dreams fly on after Uber Air taxis hard landing Our timelines were a little optimistic, but our vision was right, he said. No eVTOL aircraft have received regulatory approval in Australia at this stage, but a spokesman for Australias Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) said several companies have signalled their intention to sell into the market, including Australian-owned aerospace start-up AMSL Aero. eVTOLs will have to meet Australian safety and airworthiness standards and will likely operate under rules similar to those applying to helicopters in the first instance, a spokesman for CASA said. This would require the pilot to be licensed. Allison said Joby had been working with CASA for a couple of years now to prepare for eVTOLS entry into Australia.

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We are working with them on developing the pathways to take the FAA certification work that were doing and bring it into Australia as fast as possible. Allison would not give a timeline for Jobys launch on Uber in Australia but said he was optimistic. I think that theres a very tech-forward perspective in Australia, and I think that is going to make for a great place to launch a service down the road, he said. The journalist travelled to Dubai with Uber. 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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PoliticsFederalIsraeli-Palestinian conflict Burke under pressure to bar Israeli journalist who would fan the flames of racism Matthew Knott February 26, 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

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke faces growing calls to ban a controversial Israeli journalist from entering Australia over inflammatory remarks, including his assertion that 100,000 Palestinians should have been killed at the start of the war in Gaza. Zvi Yehezkeli, a commentator on Arab affairs on Israeli TV channel i24, is scheduled to visit Melbourne and Sydney for speaking events in March, but Burke is considering denying him a visa to travel to the country. The advertisement for the mental health fundraising events, run by Israeli non-profit the Institute for Social Momentum, says Yehezkeli plans to deliver a powerful and uncompromising lecture on security, identity and the psychological impact of living in extreme times. Zvi Yehezkeli is due to speak at fundraising events in Sydney and Melbourne in March. Ran Yehezkel Australian Federation of Islamic Councils President Rateb Jneid said: We would be surprised if an individual who has publicly called for mass civilian casualties were granted a visa, given the clear precedent the minister has set in similar matters.

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The head of the nations peak Muslim advocacy body noted that Burke had cancelled or refused several recent visa applications for individuals considered a risk to social cohesion in Australia. Related Article Israeli-Palestinian conflict Tony Burke considers denying visa to Israeli journalist who called for 100,000 casualties in Gaza Our expectation is that those powers are applied consistently and without favour, Jneid said. If the government has determined that public statements which inflame tensions or advocate large-scale violence are grounds for denying entry in other cases, then the same standard should apply here. In an Israeli television appearance in December 2023, Yehezkeli said the Israel Defence Forces should have started the war in Gaza by killing 100,000 Gazans.

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In my opinion, the IDF should have launched a more fatal attack, with 100,000 killed in the beginning, he said. At the time, about 20,000 Palestinians were estimated to have been killed in Gaza. He also said Gaza would need to be brought to the point of a humanitarian disaster to destroy listed terror group Hamas, and applauded a 2025 Israeli hospital strike that killed a group of journalists. If Israel has decided to eliminate the journalists, better late than never, Yehezkeli said during an evening news broadcast, accusing them of serving as Hamas mouthpieces. Burke said on the weekend: It always surprises me when someone who has made the sorts of comments that this individual has advertises a speaking tour before theyve even received a visa.

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Bart Shteinman, an executive committee member of the progressive Jewish Council of Australia, which accused Israel of a genocide in Gaza, said: You cannot claim to care about antisemitism and racism while allowing a man who advocates for humanitarian disaster to headline events in our capital cities. A lecture by someone who has openly called for mass slaughter of Gazans can only exacerbate anti-Palestinian racism and the broader fissures in our multicultural society. Noting the royal commission into antisemitism began its public hearings on Tuesday, Shteinman said: To allow international figures to come here and fan the flames of racism will undoubtedly make the job of the royal commission harder. The conservative Australian Jewish Association, which is partnering to host Yehezkelis Australian events, did not respond to requests for comment. Greens immigration spokesman David Shoebridge said: The reality is that the Israeli military attacks in Gaza, by some estimates, have killed over 100,000 civilians.

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PoliticsVictoriaPolitical leadership Opinion The rise of One Nation is all about middle-finger voters Chip Le Grand State political editor February 26, 2026  4:00am

February 26, 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

We should be grateful to Pauline Hanson for again reminding us who she is. Whenever you order a serve from One Nation, you dont get a little dollop of racism on the side. Hateful bigotry has always been her main fare, reheated over and over, with little effort to mask its bitterness. The only surprising thing about Hanson declaring there are no good Muslims is that anyone is surprised. She could not have been more emphatic in her swamped by Muslims speech to federal parliament 10 years ago, when she claimed Islam was incompatible with Australian values and warned that unless we closed our borders to Muslim immigrants, wed end up governed by Sharia law. Pauline Hanson addresses a crowd at an anti-immigration rally in Melbourne in November. Chris Hopkins Islam cannot have a significant presence in Australia if we are to live in an open, secular and cohesive society, she told her fellow senators. We have seen the destruction it is causing around the world. If we dont make changes now, there will be no hope in the future. It was a ludicrous speech, lifted from the talking points of Geert Wilders and other Euro-bigots, in which special bathing times at public pools for Muslim women and halal meat certification were cited not as practical examples of cultural accommodation, but evidence of a Muslim patch-over.

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A decade later, Hanson is older, more politically savvy and no less obsessed by this phantom menace, with residents of Sydneys Lakemba last week bemused to read they live in a no-go banlieue. Her political menu is essentially, unchanged. And yet, depending on which published opinion poll you read, somewhere between one in 10 and one in four Victorians are planning to vote for her party at this years state election. How serious should we take these polls? Next months South Australian election, where Labors Peter Malinauskas is at no risk of losing office, may help calibrate the relationship between voter intention and actual votes for One Nation. Loading In the meantime, the speed and trajectory of One Nations reported rise, particularly in Victoria where voters have for 30 years shown little inclination towards Hansons brand of grievance, has alarmed the major parties in this state. It is also provoking serious and thoughtful reflection about what can be done to inoculate our politics against her particular strain of hatred. One of Labors emerging figures, Victorian federal MP Julian Hill, also the assistant minister for citizenship, customs and multicultural affairs, this week made an important contribution towards this. In an address to the McKell Institute on Wednesday, he recalled what Paul Keating described 30 years ago as the great tragedy of Hanson  her perpetuation of the myth of an Australian monoculture and the lie we can somehow retreat to it.

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In his speech, Hill likens One Nation to J.K. Rowlings soul-sucking Dementors, warning that its capacity to consume positive feelings and engender fear, anxiety and emotional despair should not be underestimated. He also identifies a potential Patronus (Rowlings defence against Dementors) for the left of Australian politics  the embrace of what he describes as inclusive patriotism. Proudly embracing modern Australia means not shying away from love of our country, traditions and common symbols, he says. Inclusive patriotism helps to combat and blunt the rise of right-wing authoritarianism and exclusive nationalism. Related Article Opinion

Victorian election Victoria has long been immune to Pauline Hansons charms. Not any more Chip Le Grand State political editor We should see this as part of Labors big social democratic project that promises Australians more security, prosperity and opportunity than hollow right-wing populism, angry nationalism and the politics of grievance. Part of this project involves championing what Hill describes as the compact of multiculturalism  a recognition that freedom to express cultural identity and enjoy equal opportunity and fair treatment is not absolute, but limited by a shared obligation towards Australia, its laws and democratic traditions.

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Hills key point is that, while Hanson professes a love of country, she actually hates the diverse and largely cohesive nation we are. One of the Liberal Partys deepest thinkers, shadow treasurer Tim Wilson, puts it another way: The One Nation model is to build a better yesterday, not a better tomorrow. Related Article Opinion

One Nation Liberals beware: Voting One Nation often leads to Labor governments George Brandis Former high commissioner to the UK and federal attorney-general Wilson believes that support for One Nation, both nationally and in Victoria, is being driven by middle-finger voting, where people frustrated by whats on offer from the major parties are sending an unmistakeable message. He says whether the current level of support expressed for One Nation finds voice in the ballot box is not clear, but the political remedy should be. We have to be better, he says. We have to step up to the plate and offer a compelling vision and comprehensive policies on how we are going to get there. There is too much on the line to just look for easy answers. He wants both major parties to be bolder and more confident in where they want to take the country. A starting point for the Victorian Liberal Party is to rediscover the conviction it used to have when dealing with One Nation.

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Former premier Jeff Kennett this month urged his party to direct preferences to One Nation at the state election and if necessary, govern with Hansons mob if thats what it takes to end 12 years of Labor rule. This is very different to the attitude Kennett took in 1997 when he was leading Victoria and then-prime minister John Howard was contemplating how best to respond to Hansons first coming. She should be put last on everyones ticket, Kennett declared in 1997. Would you seriously want your childrens lives affected by the philosophies being suggested by Pauline Hanson? [Her] views are not the Australia I know. State Liberal leader Jess Wilson, when asked on Wednesday about preferencing One Nation, was non-committal. The Victorian election will show whether it is merely Kennett who has changed or the state he once led. We know Pauline Hanson never will. Chip Le Grand is state political editor. The Opinion newsletter is a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up here.
For the first time, Brisbanes entry-level unit market is now more expensive, and takes longer to save for, than Sydneys.

In the ultimate gut punch to first home buyers, the Queensland capital has leapfrogged the countrys benchmark city for property pain  taking the crown as the toughest capital for first home unit buyers after entry prices soared almost $130,000 in a year to $660,000, Domains latest First Home Buyer Report, released on Thursday, shows.

After five years of extreme growth that at 80.8 per cent has blown past wage rises, the time needed to save a 20 per cent deposit has stretched to four years and 11 months for a young couple buying a unit, the reports modelling showed.

In Sydney, entry unit prices cost $15,000 less at $645,000.
An entry-level house in Sydney costs $1.15 million  up 64 per cent in five years, Domains latest First-Home Buyer Report released on Thursday shows.

At that price, an average working couple aged between 25 and 34 would need to save for more than 7.5 years to amass a 20 per cent deposit, Domain modelling shows.

The mortgage would then theoretically chew up 61.8 per cent of their income, but it is unlikely lenders would approve such a loan due to debt-to-income guidelines.

Domain derived the entry-level house price by disregarding the top three-quarters of sales in Greater Sydney in the three months to December, then selecting the top sale from the remaining 25 per cent.
A defiant Trump has declared that the things have never been better for the United States and the best is yet to come, using his record-breaking State of the Union address to highlight his able stewardship of the country.

Our nation is back bigger, better, richer and stronger than ever before, Trump said at his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress, which ran for more than 1 hour and 41 minutes.

Youve seen nothing yet, he continued. Were going to do better and better and better. This is the Golden Age of America.

The triumphant tone from Trump is designed to counter his flagging popularity.

In a recent poll from the Washington Post, ABC News and Ipsos, 57 per cent of the respondents disapproved of Trumps economic policy, with only 41 per cent approving. Voters are even more downbeat on his handling of tariffs (64 per cent disapprove) and inflation (65 per cent disapprove).

Trump used his address to counter their sour mood, saying that the country was thriving.

Today, our border is secure, our spirit is restored. Inflation is plummeting, incomes are rising fast, Trump said.

The roaring economy is roaring like never before, and our enemies are scared. Our military and police are stacked, and America is respected again, perhaps like never before.

You can read our full wrap of Trumps speech here.
FOLLOWING a spate of thefts, two men arrested beside a stolen vehicle in the early hours of Wednesday morning were refused bail at Carlow District Court after a garda warned of a high likelihood of reoffending in both cases.

Liam Walsh, Drumcairn Green, Fettercairn, Tallaght, who faces three charges of section 4 theft, five counts of handling stolen property and two road traffic offences, including driving a stolen vehicle, was arrested and charged early on Wednesday morning, making no reply to the charge.

A garda objected to bail under section 2 of the Bail Act, 1997, citing the serious nature of the matter. The court heard that the 23-year-old was arrested in Mayshall beside a vehicle he allegedly stole and that footage existed of the vehicle allegedly being involved in incidents of theft.

A large quantity of stolen property, including a substantial number of tools, was recovered from the vehicle and some injured parties had since identified items as theirs.

Mr Walshs solicitor Joe Farrell argued that his client was welcome at his mothers home and was hoping to act as her carer as she suffers from Crohns Disease and requires home help. Mr Farrell also told the court that his client had suffered an acquired brain injury while young and was willing to adhere to any conditions in terms of curfew and sign-on.

When Mr Farrell asked whether this gave the gardai any comfort, the reply was simply: No.

Judge Fiona Brennan noted that the OCallaghan Rules were not being applied and that the Bail Act itself is not something the court can address.

Mr Walsh was remanded in custody to appear by video link for directions from the DPP.

Co-accused Alan Ring, Blackditch Rd, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10, who was arrested and charged in Myshall at the same time as Mr Walsh, also had bail refused at the same sitting following a separate section 2 objection.

Mr Ring was arrested beside a crashed orange Ford Ranger that he allegedly had stolen. The 35-year-old faces four charges of section 4 theft, five charges of handling stolen property and one charge of commandeering a stolen vehicle. Mr Ring had been granted bail on Monday, but that bail was the subject of the objection heard on Wednesday.

His barrister, Eamonn OMoore, told the court that Mr Ring was struggling with matters and was attempting to enter treatment for addiction issues. Mr OMoore asked whether conditions such as twice daily sign-on might alleviate concerns.

In closing, Mr OMoore said: Whats there is whats there. I can only say he would adhere to any condition. He is someone with admitted difficulties and, no matter how onerous the conditions are, including entering into treatment, he would adhere to these.

Judge Brennan said that she was satisfied to refuse bail under section 2 of the Bail Act. Mr Ring was remanded in custody to appear by video link on 25 February.

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A NEW Lidl on Castlecomer Road, Graiguecullen is expected to open in the summer after the resolution of a years-long planning dispute.

First plans for the site of the former National Learning Network Centre released in June 2024 drew several submissions from residents in the area. Fr John Dunphy of St Clares Church argued that the development would cause traffic congestion and have adverse effect on the church, the parish welfare home St Fiaccs House and St Fiaccs National School.

Homeowners argued that the development would cause noise pollution and interfere with the enjoyment of their properties.

The council requested extra information from Lidl Ireland in August 2024 and representatives met concerned people in the locality. The company made small adjustments to the design of the supermarket, but the residents remained steadfast in their objection to the development.

Carlow Co Council granted permission for the fourth Lidl in Co Carlow in June 2025. This decision was appealed to An Comisiun Pleanala by two residents in July 2025. Shortly after this, the appeal was withdrawn.

An update on the construction works by SDS design engineers through their Facebook page earlier in said that the precast columns have been installed and the floor slab is ready to be poured.
By Bairbre Holmes, Press Association

Enoch Burkes sister and mother will find out next week if they are to be sent to prison or fined for contempt of court.

Martina and Ammi Burke appeared in the High Court in Dublin on Wednesday after they were removed from the same court during a hearing on Friday.

Martina Burke, the mother of Enoch Burke, shouted, hit the desk in front of her and waved the Irish constitution during her appearance in the High Court (Damien Storan/PA)

That hearing was in relation to a temporary injunction Mr Burke had sought against a Disciplinary Appeals Panel (DAP) body that was reviewing the decision to dismiss him from Wilsons Hospital School.

Mr Burke had himself had been removed from the same court earlier in the day and returned to Mountjoy Prison.

On Wednesday, Mr Justice Brian Creegan told the two women they could make submissions in their defence and warned them they could face prison or fines if he found them in contempt of court.

During her heated speech, Martina Burke shouted, hit the desk on front of her and waved a copy of the Irish constitution at the bench.

She described her son as an upright, genuine, sincere, godly teacher and claimed he had been denied his constitutional rights.

She said there was blood dripping from the hands of the judiciary in relation to her sons imprisonment.

Ammi Burke, the sister of Enoch Burke, also spoke in her defence, saying she will not sit silently by (Niall Carson/PA)

Mr Creegan responded saying: You know perfectly well he is not in prison for his beliefs, he is in prison for trespass.

Ammi Burke said she wont sit silently by while my brothers constitutional rights are being denied.

Mr Creegan said to her, as a solicitor, she should know it is completely unacceptable to interfere with court proceedings and you know perfectly well the rules of representation.

Six members of the Burke family were in court for the hearing, with Enoch Burke watching on via video link.

The long-running legal dispute between the board of management of the Co Westmeath school and Mr Burke stems from incidents over a request in 2022 from the schools then-principal to address a student by a new name and pronoun.

Mr Burke, an Evangelical Christian who taught German and history at the school, has repeatedly argued that the direction was unconstitutional and went against his right to express his religious beliefs.

He has been imprisoned at Mountjoy Prison over contempt of court relating to breaches of orders not to trespass at the school.
By Bairbre Holmes, Press Association

The amount Enoch Burke will have to pay to cover Wilson Hospital Schools legal costs will be referred to a legal adjudicator, a court has said.

The school had made an application for the High Court in Dublin to decide the amount Mr Burke would have to pay to cover the legal costs racked up by his former school.

Rosemary Mallon, the barrister representing the schools board of management, said the legal firm Mason Hayes & Curran had calculated the amount as 31,549.14.

She said they had not charged for trainee hours and had also applied a voluntary 15 per cent reduction to the fees.

Enoch Burke has been imprisoned at Mountjoy Prison over contempt of court relating to breaches of orders not to trespass at the school (Brian Lawless/PA)

Previously, a court had found that he would be responsible for the schools costs in relation to the long-running contempt of court case.

The dispute between the board of management of the Co Westmeath school and Mr Burke stemmed from incidents over a request in 2022 from the schools then-principal to address a student by a new name and pronoun.

Mr Burke, an evangelical Christian who taught German and history at the school, has repeatedly argued that the direction was unconstitutional and went against his right to express his religious beliefs.

He has been imprisoned at Mountjoy Prison over contempt of court relating to breaches of orders not to trespass at the school.

Addressing the court on Wednesday, Mr Burke objected to having to pay the costs, but Mr Justice Brian Cregan said the matter had already been settled.

The judge said he had sympathy for the school and their desire to avoid the additional time and expense of sending the decision to a legal cost adjudicator.

But he said the work of assessing the bill of costs was not straightforward as there were numerous applications relating to the case before the courts and said it would need to be sent to be assessed.
Business Advantage and Sustainability South East, #BASSE2026, is GreenTechHQs flagship Enterprise Ireland funded accelerator. It's the first programme of its kind in Ireland, built exclusively for ambitious SMEs in the south-east ready to scale with intent.

BASSE is designed to deliver results. Over the next three to five years, it is projected to create more than 300 new jobs, double participant revenues and strengthen the long-term resilience of the regions SME base.

What sets it apart is simple: growth and sustainability are engineered together. Participants embed energy efficiency that protects margins, carbon reduction that future proofs supply chains, fair work practices that strengthen teams and governance that supports serious scale.

This is not incremental improvement; it is transformational leadership.

BASSE is positioning the south-east as a national leader in sustainable enterprise, proving that commercial ambition and responsibility are not competing priorities. They are the same strategy.

BASSE is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Programme 20212027.

For more details, see greentechhq.com/basse-programme. Join us in for an in-person information event at the Country Carlow Chamber office on Tuesday 3 March from 9am until 10.30am.
SAINT Brigid is still working her magic. We made hundreds of crosses this year and people loved them, said retired teacher June Farrell of the hundreds of traditional crosses that she and her team of experts made this year.

The sale of the crosses at local churches went on to make an impressive 5,000, which was donated to two great causes  a school in Nairobi and Carlow Womens Aid.

Though June retired from her job in Holy Family NS four years ago, she is drawn back to the schools in Askea parish to teach the youngsters in fifth and sixth-class in Holy Family, Tinryland NS and Bennekerry NS how to make the beautiful crosses. Not only that, such is the demand for the crosses that Junes group of friends, as well as members of the Go Leir Womens Group, all roll up their sleeves and get stuck into creating the crosses made from fresh rushes.

Shes been making them for 22 years now after the idea was first introduced by Fr Tom Little.

Back then, none of us really knew how to make them and wed no Google to look up how to, so we taught ourselves, really. Weve been going ever since and this year we made hundreds of crosses. People adore them, they send them to America and elsewhere. Its not a hard sell. St Brigid is still working her magic. I love it, said June.

Not only did the national school children learn how to make the crosses, a group of them from Bennekerry NS even did demonstrations at local Masses to show the congregation how its done. Catherine Nolan, who volunteers with the Makura Promotion Centre, a centre for homeless boys in Nairobi, Kenya also talked about the work thats carried out there.

Catherine spoke at Mass about the work that they do and that went down really well. People really love the crosses, though, so it wasnt hard to sell them, continued June.

After a huge amount of hard work by June, her friends and the local children, a phenomenal amount of money was raised, with 4,000 being donated to the school in Nairobi and 1,000 being presented to Carlow Womens Aid.
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More than three decades after it first enchanted audiences, Kikis Delivery Service is returning to North American cinemas in a newly remastered 4K presentation, heading exclusively to IMAX theaters on March 13.

The re-release marks the first time the 1989 Ghibli classic will ever screen on IMAX, offering a new way to experience Hayao Miyazakis iconic coming-of-age story.

The release is being handled by GKIDS as part of its continued partnership with IMAX to bring restored Studio Ghibli titles back to theaters in premium formats. First announced last year, the collaboration has already delivered several large-format releases, with Kikis Delivery Service now joining the lineup as its latest entry.

While the film was never designed for giant screens, its sense of space and motion feels well matched to the IMAX format, and a 4K remaster will certainly help cover up any unexpected blemishes.

Showings will be available in both the original Japanese language with subtitles and the English-language dub. Tickets are on sale now in the U.S. and Canada.
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Sony Pictures Animations KPop Demon Hunters is headed to the Criterion Collection, an unexpected but telling vote of confidence for one of the most culturally visible animated features of the past eight months.

Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the Netflix release blends K-pop musical spectacle with supernatural action and culturally specific mythos, and its graphic stylization helped it break through an increasingly crowded animation landscape and build a fanbase well beyond typical animation circles. Its also Netflixs most successful film of all time.

Variety first reported the Criterion news, noting that KPop Demon Hunters will be released alongside Guillermo del Toros upcoming Frankenstein, another Netflix Original. While Criterion has gradually expanded its scope to include more contemporary titles, the addition of a recent, streaming-first animated film remains a rare and hugely welcome occurrence. Release dates and details about special features have not yet been announced.

For physical media enthusiasts, the move is particularly meaningful. Netflix has historically been reluctant to license most of its titles for physical releases. A selection by Criterion, which is traditionally very careful in curating its catalog, shows the organizations confidence in the films place in history. A Criterion release also ensures the highest technical standards of the time and, typically, some cool extra features and supplemental materials.

Its also another reminder of just how far KPop Demon Hunters has traveled from a lightly promoted and largely unknown Netflix original last June to a bona fide cultural touchstone, one that is now positioned for long-term preservation rather than algorithmic obscurity.
The EBK (Every Body a Killa) gang is a main focus in a murder trial that began Tuesday afternoon in the courtroom of Judge Boyd Patterson.

After a four-hour hearing on Friday, the judge said the state could use the gang evidence in the trial of brothers Samuel and Caleb Askins.

Defense attorneys sought to keep the evidence out, saying it was unfairly prejudicial in the case in which a group of teens allegedly went out "to shoot up houses" and someone got murdered.

Samuel Askins, Corey Tremaine Palmer Jr. and Carvados Demarcus Phelps Jr. are each charged with pre-meditated first-degree murder, facilitation of first-degree murder and three counts of reckless endangerment.

Caleb Askins is charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and facilitation of first-degree murder.

Only the Askins brothers are being tried at this time.

Palmer and Phelps were 16 at the time of the incident on Aug. 29, 2023, in which Warren "Kojack" Crutcher, 48, was killed. Caleb Askins was 20 and Samuel Askins was 19.

Palmer, the state's opening witness, said he and two other juveniles were given guns by Samuel Askins to "shoot up some houses." He said Samuel Askins was seeking revenge after his mother had been shot in the leg and hospitalized.

It was testified that Samuel Askins was the "Big Homie" of the little-known EBK gang, which taunted the long-established Gangster Disciples (GD) with a Facebook Live production. The Gangster Disciples responded with a similarly threatening YouTube posting.

The jury heard the Facebook Live in which Samuel Askins repeatedly used the N Word. Four members of the jury are black.

Samuel Askins blamed the GDs for his mother's shooting, it was stated. No arrest has been made in that shooting.

The state introduced photos of the Askins group "throwing up" gang signs and displaying cash and guns. The gang's numbers were 5 (for E), 2 (for B) and 11 (for K).

Palmer, who was testifying for the fourth time, said the group "was in a back and forth with the Gangster Disciples."

He said Samuel Askins had a girl friend, who later broke off with him. Witnesses said the girl friend was related to Gangster Disciple "Little Chris" Woods as well as to the Crutcher family.

Palmer told of the Askins group having a mock "Glazed Donut" (GD) party on July 4, a day special to the Gangster Disciples. "They were disrespecting the Ganster Disciples," he said.

Chattanooga Police Lt. Josh May, a longtime gang specialist, at a hearing last Friday, said he had never heard of the EBK gang until the Askins arrest. He said Samuel Askins told him the letters stood for East Brainerd Kids.

He said police never set up a validation process for the EBK gang because it was apparently small and short lived.

Lt. May said he was surprised that Samuel Askins "called out" the Gangster Disciples, saying they are "one of the most violent street gangs."

In the Facebook Live, Samuel Askins said there were "10 of us and ya'll ain't killed a one. Get active."

Lt. May said Askins, who was mad "because he thinks Woods shot his mama," was "kicking the hornets nest."

He said the gang shootings are all about retaliation, and gang task force members are continually seeking to find out who is paying back whom.

The witness said he has been in over 600 homes of gang members, telling them if they keep on this path "they are either going to wind up at the funeral home or the courtroom." He said, "Sometimes they listen. A lot of times they don't."

Lt. May said at one time gangs advertised their turfs by the use of graffiti on walls. Now he said they have a much wider Internet audience, and police closely monitor that.

Deputy James Bolen at the Friday hearing said he spotted a car with tinted windows in the 1800 block of Gunbarrel Road. He said the driver, Samuel Askins, refused to step outside demanding that a supervisor be called. When deputies started to pull him from the vehicle, he took off, but 75 yards away hit a storm drain that disabled the vehicle. Some of those in the vehicle fled, but were soon brought back to the vehicle location.

Authorities said the window tint stop happened just three hours after the fatal Crutcher shooting, and a gun found in the back seat was tied to that slaying. Three guns in all were in the car along with a sizable amount of marijuana and percocet pills. Palmer said all but Samuel Askins had smoked marijuana blunts that afternoon and all had taken percocet pills except Caleb Askins.

Police say Caleb Askins stayed home that night and moved around his brother's GPS monitoring band to make it look like he had an alibi. Samuel Askins "slipped off" the band prior to their leaving, it was stated.

Palmer said Samuel Askins named a person he believed responsible for his mother's shooting, and they set out to shoot up houses of the enemy's family members.

He said Samuel Askins "was pretty upset that his mother had been shot."

He said they first went in the Askins' black Nissan to where they had a stolen car stored at the Hidden Acres apartments on Hixson Pike. He said they switched to that black Audi and took the guns with them. He said Samuel Askins was driving and he was in the front seat with the two other teens in the back seat.

They first went to a house on Webb Road believed to be that of the enemy's mother. The witness said Samuel Askins hopped out with a gun and the other two teens also fired at the house.

Shots were fired at a residence on Noah Reid Road - identified as the home of the enemy's "father's baby mama." Then they headed for 31 Maryland St., where more family members were suppose to be.

Palmer said as they arrived Warren Crutcher was sitting on the front porch appearing to be reading his phone. Palmer said at this point that Samuel Askins told them, "Get to hittin' at him."

He said one of the back seat passengers began firing toward the house, then Samuel Askins reached behind the front seat passenger head rest and shot through the open rear window. He said he first thought the fatal bullet was fired by one of the teens, but later felt it came from the Askins gun. He said he did not know for sure.

Palmer said, "I don't know if I hit anything or not."

The witness said after the others shot he fired two shots from the front passenger seat. Inside were Mr. Crutcher's mother and sister and two children.

He did remember seeing Mr. Crutcher slump to the floor before they sped off and went to again swap cars. Police said they were alerted to the group after a citizen told of seeing four people wearing ski masks exit the stolen car.

Palmer said they visited the mother of the Askins in the hospital earlier that day, and he said after the shootings they were almost out of bullets so they were resupplied at the home of another EBK member off Highway 58.

The witness said they were at a gas station on Gunbarrel Road about three hours after the shooting in the early morning when police stopped them. He said they tried to run, but were caught. They had gone out to a convenience store for drinks and snacks.

A detective said it was found that the cell phone used by the witness that night pinged on towers all along the shooting route that he described. Prosecutor Moyle said that was the evidence that Samuel Askins had not figured on.

There was also a transcript of texting in which Palmer was giving a detailed account of the shootings to Caleb Askins. There was one cheese emoji used, and Palmer said that referred to a house being riddled with bullets so it would look like a block of cheese.

Prosecutor Paul Moyle said the case was about "a feud that turned into retaliation and ultimately turned into murder."

He said seven shell casings were found outside the Webb Road house and 28 9mm shells were at the site of the Noah Reid Road barrage.
Aurora Keeney, a resident of Dalton, competes in the Diesel Equipment Technology competition at SkillsUSA Georgia Jonah Nuckolls, of Summerville, and Jackson Woodard, of Calhoun, compete in the TeamWorks competition at SkillsUSA Georgia Kendrick Hinds, of Rocky Face, competes in the Diesel Equipment Technology competition at SkillsUSA Georgia Pictured, from left, Jackson Woodard, of Calhoun; Connor Rowell, of Rome; Caleb Greeson, of Dalton; and Jonah Nuckolls, of Summerville won the gold medal in the TeamWorks team category at SkillsUSA Georgia. The team will represent GNTC and the State of Georgia in the national contest June 1-5 in Atlanta. William Quintana, of Acworth, competed in the Culinary Arts competition at SkillsUSA Georgia Previous Next

Georgia Northwestern Technical College students excelled at the 2026 SkillsUSA Georgia State Leadership and Skills Conference Feb. 19-21 in Atlanta.GNTC competed in seven categories and took home two gold medals, four silver medals and one bronze.I am so proud of the accomplishments of our students, they work hard and are provided excellent guidance from their instructors, said Missy McLain, SkillsUSA advisor for GNTC. Their success is truly a testament of the great education they are being provided here at GNTC and I am honored to be able to celebrate these successes with them.State gold medal winners will represent GNTC and the State of Georgia in the national contest June 1-5 in Atlanta.The students tested their abilities in trade, technical, skilled service and health occupations.GNTC sent two teams to the competition; most GNTC contestants competed in individual events. Twenty students represented GNTC at the competition.According to SkillsUSA, the organization serves more than 440,000 career and technical education students and instructors annually and has served 15 million members since 1965. The organization has chapters in middle schools, high schools and college/postsecondary institutions nationally.Listed below are the gold, silver and bronze medalists including the students name, competition and city of residence. Team competitions are listed with the competition name first:Gold Janie Ruiz, Customer Service, Rome TeamWorks: Caleb Greeson, Dalton; Jonah Nuckolls, Summerville; Connor Rowell, Rome; and Jackson Woodard, CalhounSilver Bryan Hernandez, Carpentry, Dalton Alexander Monroy, Masonry, Dalton Timothy Mashburn, Welding, Ringgold Welding Fabrication: Hunter Pickle, Chatsworth; Brady Pierce, Chatsworth; and Parker Shepherd, DaltonBronze Alisha Moss, Job Interview, Cartersville
Day Shift February 24: B Squad



26-001700-300 BLK Camp Jordon Parkway-Disorder/Vandalism

Following a road rage incident and a verbal altercation on Camp Jordan Parkway, a man punched the side of another partys vehicle and left the scene prior to police arrival. The victim declined prosecution; he only wanted a report for documentation purposes. Police later located the suspect in the Camp Jordan area, educated him on his behavior, and then sent him on his way.

26-01696  3400 BLK Crabtree Drive  Attempted Fraud

Police spoke with a resident who stated that she received a phone call from an individual claiming to work for Apple. The Apple employee asked for her banking information and inquired about her account balance. She believed it was a scam and wanted to make a police report.



Night Shift February 24 : D Squad



6-001701  5300 BLK Ringgold Road - Warrant Arrest

During a consensual encounter, a woman was taken into custody for a capias warrant for possession of narcotics with intent to distribute from Hamilton County and a probation violation warrant from Soddy Daisy. During the same encounter, another female was taken into custody on East Ridge warrants for possession of narcotics and drug paraphernalia.



26-001702  3700 BLK Fountain Avenue - Unknown 911

Police checked the area after a child accidentally called emergency services with a 911-only phone and then hung up. ERPD located the responsible person and advised the child's mother on how to turn the phone on airplane mode.



26-001703  800 BLK Hardin Drive - Mentally Disturbed

Police responded to a reported mental health concern at this address. The caller informed dispatch that his daughter was outside yelling. The caller also stated that she had a knife and was telling people to put their hands up. Police met with both. The subject stated she was going through something but denied making any kind of threats to harm herself or anyone else and declined to be transported to a hospital for mental health treatment. The caller also stated that the woman did not threaten anyone with the knife. The caller was told to call back if needed.



26-001704- 1510 Maxwell Road- Burglar Alarm

Police received an alarm triggered at the employee entrance to the Post Office. Upon arrival, police observed an employee unloading a delivery from a truck at the facility. The employee confirmed that he set off the alarm when he entered the door. The alarm was accidental, and for the first time,

after many false alarms triggered at the employee's entrance, it was an employee who set it off.



26-001706  5300 BLK Clemons Road- Mentally Disturbed

Officers met with the caller who stated she had been cutting herself for several days and was unable to stop. The party was transported at her request.
In an opinion released on Wednesday, the Tennessee Supreme Court held that a Grundy County resolution regulating the location of quarries is effectively a zoning ordinance that was enacted in violation of Tennessees County Zoning Act (CZA). The CZA requires counties to follow certain procedural requirements when passing a zoning ordinance, such as holding a public hearing and submitting the ordinance to the countys regional planning commission. An ordinance is characterized as zoning when the regulation closely resembles comprehensive zoning plans and when the ordinance substantially affects the use of property. In this case, Grundy County passed Resolution 19-5-20c without complying with the CZA.

Tinsley Properties, LLC and Tinsley Sand & Gravel, LLC (Tinsley) own and operate a quarry in Grundy County, Tennessee. The mayor of Grundy County informed Tinsley that the quarry was in violation of Resolution 19-5-20c, which requires quarries to be located more than 5,000 feet away from specified types of establishments. The mayor thus requested that Tinsley terminate all quarrying activities. Tinsley brought a lawsuit against Grundy County seeking a determination that the resolution was void due to lack of compliance with the CZA. Grundy County filed a counterclaim arguing that the resolution is valid and seeking to prohibit Tinsley from operating the quarry. The County admitted that it did not comply with the requirements in the CZA when adopting the resolution, but argued that the resolution was not a zoning regulation subject to the requirements of the CZA. The parties each filed a motion for summary judgment. The trial court granted Grundy Countys motion and denied Tinsleys motion. The Court of Appeals affirmed the trial courts judgment.

In a unanimous opinion, the Supreme Court reversed the judgment of the Court of Appeals and vacated the trial courts judgment. The Court noted that Resolution 19-5-20c effectively divided the County into zones and regulated the use of land in those zones. The Court further observed that the resolution closely resembled the type of regulation typically recognized as zoning. Accordingly, the Court held that Grundy County enacted what amounts to a zoning ordinance without complying with the statutory requirements contained in the CZA.

To read the Supreme Courts opinion in Tinsley Properties, LLC et al. v. Grundy County, Tennessee, authored by Chief Justice Jeff Bivins, visit the Supreme Court opinions section of TNCourts.gov.
In partnership with the City of Chattanooga Public Works Urban Forestry Program, Department of Parks & Outdoors, Department of Community Development, the Arbor Day Foundation and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry, Chattanoogas 37th Arbor Day Celebration will be held on Saturday, March 7 at the East Lake Community Center, 3601 Dodds Ave., from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.Officials said, "This event is generously sponsored by Volkswagen, whose support helps expand community access to trees, green space and environmental education."The Arbor Day Foundations Canopy Report, which revealed that '91 percent of Americans believe trees help make neighborhoods more livable, yet 56 percent must drive to their nearest park or green space.The benefits of trees are undeniable, and when we focus on planting in areas with little coverage, we help those who need it most'."This celebration reflects that mission by bringing neighbors together to plant trees where canopy is needed most - creating cooler streets, healthier communities and more resilient neighborhoods for future generations."Volunteers will participate in planting trees along neighborhood streets and in designated community spaces. Plantings along streets will be limited to volunteers 14 years old and up, while younger children will be invited to participate in supervised plantings and other activities at the East Lake Community Center. For safety, all volunteers under the age of 14 should be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.The event will begin at 9 a.m., with planting activities taking place throughout the morning. Local and state leaders, partner organizations and community members will be present to mark the occasion. Light refreshments will be provided, and the event will conclude at 1 p.m., or when planting is finished."Residents across Chattanooga are encouraged to participate in this celebration of trees, neighborhoods and environmental stewardship," officials said. "Together we can realize our vision of a Scenic City where every neighborhood is healthy, resilient and full of opportunity."Volunteer registration information and event updates will be available at www.chattanoogatreeproject.org
Home News Stranded Americans recount gunfire, explosions after killing of Mexican cartel leader

Quick Summary AI Summary Stranded Americans witnessed fire and explosions after the killing of cartel leader 'El Mencho.'

Violence erupted following the confirmation of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes' death by the Mexican Defense Ministry during a military operation.

The U.S. Embassy is no longer urging Americans to shelter in place as public transportation resumes normal operations. 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

American tourists and Mexican residents said that they witnessed gunfire and explosions following the killing of Mexican cartel leader Nemesio El Mencho Oseguera Cervantes, a situation that left many vacationers stranded and unable to escape the unrest.

The wave of violence began after the Mexican Defense Ministry confirmed Oseguera Cervantes death on Sunday. Oseguera was the founder and leader of the Jalisco New Generation cartel and was killed in a U.S. intelligence-aided Mexican military operation.

Over 70 people are believed to have died in the attempt to capture Oseguera Cervantes, and in the aftermath, authorities said. The body count includes security forces, suspected cartel members and others.

Megan Phelps, a Southern California native, told City News Service she witnessed five or six fires along the Pacific coastline. Meanwhile, San Diego resident Leslie Devaney, who was on vacation with her daughter in Puerto Vallarta, told KUSI that they were among several tourists whose flight was canceled as violence broke out. From their condo complex, the pair could see the chaos unfolding right outside.

I see a man dressed in black, with black headgear and a black mask. I see a container with yellow liquid, and he was throwing it into a car, so Im thinking no one is putting out a fire, this is a terrorist type of event, Devaney recalled. Im not a dramatic person, but I thought this could be the way I go.

The mother said she could see black plumes of smoke from across the city and charred vehicles left in the middle of the road. While Devaneys flight was supposed to leave on Monday, it has been rebooked for Thursday.

My gut says let this die down; it will, its a show of power. I have another plane on Thursday, I prefer to hunker down, the San Diego resident stated.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico announced that U.S. citizens are no longer urged to shelter in place as public transportation and businesses resume normal operations.

The embassy issued a statement on Sunday advising U.S. citizens to shelter in place until further notice if they were at 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.

Another individual affected by the violence, American Yoni Pizer, who lives in Puerto Vallarta, told CNN that a gunman attacked him on Sunday. Pizer was on his way to whale watching with a group of people when the car he was driving came upon a white truck stopped at an intersection.

A young man came running with a gun pointed at our windshield to us, screaming in Spanish: Get out of the car! Get out of the car! Pizer said.

Pizer and his group obeyed, and once they had exited the vehicle, the gunman entered the drivers side and drove it to the intersection. The gunman then threw an incendiary device or some sort of bomb in the car, which immediately exploded in flames, according to Pizer.

And then two seconds later, the truck was also on fire, he added.

After the group ran away, Pizer said that they could hear the sound of explosions and gunfire.

Then they just started grabbing people as more traffic started coming toward the intersection, he recalled. Some people were able to squeal and make U-turns and head away. Others were caught and were dragged out of their cars. And there were cars that were moved also to block the road.
Home News Doug Wilson defends appearance at Pentagon, dismisses First Amendment concerns

Quick Summary AI Summary Doug Wilson defends his appearance at a Pentagon worship service.

Wilson dismisses First Amendment concerns regarding public prayer in government spaces.

Critics argue the worship service violates the separation of church and state. 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

Pastor Douglas Wilson recently defended his appearance at a worship service at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, last week, and pushed back against concerns that such public prayer in a government space is a violation of the U.S. Constitution.

Wilson, the senior pastor of Christ Church (CREC) in Moscow, Idaho, delivered a sermon last Tuesday at the request of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who has attended the church plant of Wilson's denomination, the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC), in Washington, D.C.

Under Hegseth's tenure, the Pentagon has provided a monthly voluntary Christian worship service for service members, prompting criticism from detractors who worry the services run afoul of the "separation of church and state," which is a phrase from a personal letter written by Thomas Jefferson.

In a Monday post on his blog, "Blog & Mablog," Wilson said CNN anchor and chief investigative correspondent Pamela Brown reached out to him after the service to ask if he had any response to criticisms that his "appearance is a broader part of the administration eroding the longstanding separation of church and state in the U.S."

Wilson posted his reply to Brown, claiming that the "actions taken by the Secretary of War in starting this prayer service are disrupting the 'longstanding separation of church and state,' but only if 'longstanding' is limited to recent decades."

"From the Founding of the republic it was not so. Worship services used to be held in the Capitol building, starting before the building was completed, and lasting up until the Civil War. Worshipers in that place included such worthies as Jefferson and Madison," he added.

Brown has recently been promoting her documentary "The Rise of Christian Nationalism," which she claimed was a "special project" that took her several months. The documentary, which is set to air March 8 on CNN, aims to examine what Brown defined as "an ideology rooted in the belief that our country was founded as a Christian nation, and that our laws and institutions should reflect Christian values."

The documentary is also poised to investigate the influence of the Association of Classical Christian Schools (ACCS), an organization that has ties to Wilson and whose president, David Goodwin, told Brown that he supports dismantling the U.S. Department of Education and would like to see the public school system go away.

Brown also interviewed Wilson last August, during which the pastor claimed "every society is theocratic," adding, "The only question is, whose 'theo'? In Saudi Arabia, theo is Allah. In a secular democracy, it would be 'demos,' the people. In a Christian republic, it'd be Christ. ... If I went to Saudi Arabia, I would fully expect to live under their god's rules." Wilson has raised eyebrows for supporting a repeal of the 19th Amendment enfranchising women and for supporting the criminalization of homosexuality.

In his Monday blog post, Wilson went on to explain that the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was merely intended to prohibit a federally subsidized state church in a nation of many Christian denominations, but noted that some states retained their established churches at the time.

"To establish an official Church of the United States  a thing that Congress is forbidden to do  means that the following sorts of things would happen. A particular denomination of Christians would be selected, say, the Presbyterians, or the Anglicans, or the Congregationalists, and that church would be made the official denomination of the country," he wrote.

"The bald eagle is the national bird, the national flower is the rose, the national anthem is The Star Spangled Banner, and the national denomination would be whatever church you chose. As a consequence, that church would receive official benefits, such as having their ministers paid by the state. Your tithe would be bundled into your tax payments."

Wilson warned that while having established churches is biblically acceptable, such is likely "not the wisest course of action," given that even established churches are subject to apostasy.

"You have your established church, and you may laud its [Anglican] heroes like [Hugh] Latimer and [Nicholas] Ridley, and you are living out good deeds yourself, but time flies by, and you turn around to find some dame is the archbishop," he wrote.

"So while I don't think hard establishment is a good idea at the state level, an originalist view of the Constitution means that it is not an unconstitutional idea. I would be opposed to such a thing politically, not constitutionally. I would have no constitutional argument against it at all."

Wilson said he preferred what he described as "a soft establishment [of Christianity] at the national level," which he argued would be the natural consequence "when you simply acknowledge the existence of a broad Christian consensus."

Wilson has embraced the "Christian nationalist" label in the past while pushing back against its pejorative connotations. During an interview with Tucker Carlson in 2024, he placed the onus for restoring Christianity in the U.S. on preachers "who will stop being ashamed of the name of Jesus, and preach the Gospel as though it's supposed to spread out into the streets after the service."

Wilson recently fielded harsh criticism from former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who penned a lengthy article in The Atlantic last month likening President Donald Trump to Nero and Caligula while suggesting Wilson embodies a new "MAGA faith," which she claimed is morally rotten and finds its roots in misogyny.
Home News Student charged with running 'sextortion' and 'catfishing' scheme involving over 20 minors

A Pennsylvania high school senior allegedly operated a sextortion and catfishing scheme involving over 20 underage victims, who were coerced into sending sexually explicit images and videos to the suspect.

Zachariah Meyers, an 18-year-old student who attends Peters Township High School, was arrested Friday and charged with over 300 felonies, according to court records cited by WPXI and WTAE. The charges include sex trafficking and possessing child pornography.

After appearing in court on Friday, Meyers was denied bail, and a judge called the high school senior a danger to the community.

Authorities became aware of the alleged criminal network operated by Meyers in early December 2025, according to the complaint. Police interviewed 30 underage boys and identified more than 20 victims whose ages ranged from 14 to 17.

Authorities say that Meyers victimized the teenagers over platforms like TikTok and Snapchat. The victims believed they were communicating with an attractive young woman, as the 18-year-old reportedly hid behind fake accounts, including an adult film actress from the Netherlands.

Our entire Peters Township School community is profoundly saddened and troubled by the recent events that have affected our families, a spokesperson for the Peters Township School District said in a statement to The Christian Post. Events like these can be deeply unsettling for our students, staff, and families.

The high school will have additional counselors and social workers available to support anyone in need, the spokesperson said.

This matter remains under active investigation by law enforcement, and the District is cooperating fully, the statement continued. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority, as we work with the Police to support the victims in this matter and protect their confidentiality as required by law.

The spokesperson directed CP to a section of the districts webpage that provides resources on digital safety for families. In addition to advising students to be aware of the information they share online, the webpage advises parents to discuss internet safety with their children and develop an online safety plan.

We will also continue to provide educational programming regarding online safety and training for parents and students, the spokesperson stated.

The complaint against Meyers accuses the senior of instructing multiple juveniles to send him sexually explicit content of themselves. He also allegedly exchanged nude photos with the victims. One of the victims claimed that he was pressured to record himself having sex with unknown adult men on more than one occasion.

Another victim said that Meyers instructed him to secretly record the high schools wrestling team, according to the complaint. The victim said that he recorded the locker room six different times, capturing members of the team and 10 underage boys in various states of undress.

When one victim refused to pay Meyers $500 in exchange for not sharing the explicit material sent to him, the victims sister received a naked photo of the boy in an Instagram message, according to the complaint.

Sextortion has devastating ramifications for victims, and is one of the fastest growing crimes targeting children, in particular, minor-aged boys, according to the FBI, Donna Rice Hughes, president and CEO of Enough Is Enough, said in a statement to CP about the case.

As boys spend time gaming online or scrolling social media feeds alone, they are left wide open to manipulation. As in this Pittsburgh case, the predator uses social media platforms to pose as an attractive female to lure boys into sending explicit photos, then blackmails them, the EIE leader continued. In a number of sextortion cases, the teen boy victims were so threatened that they committed suicide.

Earlier this year, the FBI issued a statement on Safer Internet Day 2026, warning that the bureau has seen an increase in sextortion cases in recent years.

In January 2024, the bureau reported that, from October 2022 to March 2023, the FBI observed an increase in reporting of financially motivated sextortion incidents involving minor victims compared to the same period the previous year of greater than 20%.

Several parents in recent years have taken action by filing lawsuits against platforms like Roblox, alleging that the gaming platform failed to implement safety standards that would protect children from sexual exploitation.

One lawsuit filed in November in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California claimed that Roblox has served as a "hunting ground" for child-sex predators for years, claiming it gives them "easy access" to children and fails to screen users properly.

The boy at the center of the case, identified as "John Doe J.H" in the suit, had "suffered devastating and life-altering psychological trauma" due to Robloxs reckless disregard for child safety, the lawsuit alleged.

When the boy started playing Roblox, his mother initially believed it was safe for children, as the platform advertised the supposed "safety and security of the app, according to the complaint. Her son was reportedly an "avid Roblox user" before a predator targeted him through the application in 2023.

"After cultivating Plaintiff's trust on Defendant's dangerous app, the predators sent Plaintiff graphic messages and sent him sexually explicit images of themselves," the complaint stated. "Exploiting the trust he had been allowed to build through Defendant's defective app, the predator coerced Plaintiff to send sexually explicit images of himself  including images of his genitals."

A spokesperson for Roblox told CP at the time that the company is deeply troubled by any incident that endangers [its] users. According to the Roblox spokesperson, the gaming platform launched 125 new safety initiatives in 2025.
Home News Nicki Minaj, Cornel West blast Newsom for trying to relate to black people by sharing low SAT score

Quick Summary AI Summary Nicki Minaj and Cornel West criticize California Governor Gavin Newsom for referencing his low SAT score to connect with black voters.

Minaj labels Newsom's comments as patronizing and offensive, questioning his sincerity.

Newsom faces backlash from both conservatives and progressives over his remarks ahead of the 2028 presidential election. 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

Rapper Nicki Minaj, who has emerged as an outspoken supporter of President Donald Trump in recent months, is slamming Californias Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom for attempting to relate to black people by pointing to his low SAT score. Critics on both sides of the political aisle have panned his attempt to relate to the important political demographic ahead of the 2028 presidential election.

Video footage of Californias Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, a 2028 presidential hopeful, speaking to black leaders in Georgia over the weekend has drawn intense backlash from conservatives, including Minaj. In his remarks, Newsom told the crowd, Im not trying to impress you. Im just trying to impress upon you [that] Im like you. Im no better than you. Im a 960 SAT guy.

Newsom insisted that he was not trying to act all there and significantly smarter than the crowd, suggesting that many of them may have had SAT scores of 940. He also boasted that Youve never seen me read a speech because I cannot read a speech.

Minaj took issue with multiple aspects of Newsoms comments in an X post Monday. His way of bonding with black ppl is to tell them how stupid he is & that he cant read, she wrote. This means my first read on him was correct. Hes been handed so many things & put in high positions he never earned or deserved.

Do you wanna know the craziest part of this footage that will haunt him forever? she asked. Hes literally slowing down his speech & talking in a sporadic cadence.

Minaj added: 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!!!! That means he REALLY BELIEVES theyre slow. Hes not just saying ithe didnt misspeak!!!! He BELIEVES it!!!!

Do ya love it?!?!! Do ya just love it, black ppl?!???? she concluded.

Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., offered a similar analysis of Newsoms comments in an X post Monday: Black Americans arent your low bar. Weve built empires, created movement, outworked, outhustled and outsmarted people like you. Stop using your mediocre academics as a way to patronize communities. Its ridiculous!

While most criticism of Newsoms remarks came from the political Right, a prominent figure on the Left also expressed disgust about his comments.

Cornel West, who ran for president as a left-leaning independent candidate in 2024, contended in an X post Monday: "Brother Newsom couldve taken a humanistic approach! He couldve said, 'Im just like you. I was born of a woman. Ill face loss, pain, and death just like anyone else.' But instead, when he thinks of Black people, he brings up low SAT scores. That mindset sits at the core of white supremacy  the belief that Black people are less beautiful, less moral, less intelligent! Dont play with us like that @CAgovernor !!

Newsom directly addressed one of his critics, Fox News opinion host Sean Hannity, who posted on X Monday: @GavinNewsom Thinks a 960 SAT Makes Him Like Black Americans. Let that sink in.

The California governor accused Hannity of hypocrisy in a profane response: You didnt vie a s--- about the President of the United States of America posting an ape video of President Obama or calling African nations s-------- but youre going to call me racist for talking about my lifelong struggle with dyslexia? Spare me your fake f------ outrage, Sean.

Black voters are an important part of the Democratic Partys constituency. Exit polls from the 2024 presidential election show that 86% of black voters backed Kamala Harris, who was installed as the Democratic presidential nominee after then-President Joe Biden was forced to step out of the race.

As for the 2028 presidential election, where Newsom is widely viewed as one of the top contenders, the RealClearPolitics average of polls asking Democratic primary voters which candidate they would support shows Harris leading the field with 28.3% support and Newsom in a close second at 20.7%. All other rumored 2028 contenders have less than 10% support.
Home News Pastors mistress, LaToshia Daniels, gets nearly 21 years in prison for his murder

LaToshia Daniels, the former social worker who was found guilty of second-degree murder last November for the 2019 killing of Pastor Brodes Perry of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church in Memphis, Tennessee, was sentenced to nearly 21 years in prison for her crime on Tuesday.

Despite pleas for mercy from Daniels, family members and friends, Judge Jennifer Fitzgerald said the social workers murder of her former lover was "senseless" and warranted a lengthy sentence.

"A broken heart does not justify someone dying," said Fitzgerald, according to The Commercial Appeal.

Daniels is expected to serve 20 years in prison for second-degree murder, and another 11 months and 29 days for reckless endangerment concurrently.

Daniels, 46, was tried for first-degree murder and attempted murder in the April 4, 2019, shooting at the Perrys' apartment in Collierville, Tennessee. The late pastor's widow, Tabatha Archie, was also shot by Daniels during the 2019 attack.

Archie testified in court that she was unaware that her late husband was in a relationship with Daniels, whom she met through a church in Little Rock, Arkansas, two years before the shooting. Perry was serving as pastor of assimilation at Saint Mark Baptist Church at the time.

In her testimony during the trial, Daniels testified that Perry seduced her during a counseling session at the Arkansas church, where she was being counseled through a divorce. She stated, however, that she never meant to kill him.

"I loved Brodes. I would never intentionally hurt him," Daniels said as she spoke in her defense on the third day of her trial in Shelby County, Tennessee, WATN-TV reported.

The prosecution tried to convince the jury that Daniels premeditated the murder through testimony that she bought the gun she used in the attack hours before the murder. Daniels, who was a licensed social worker and owned The Root Behavioral Health, specializing in anger management, insisted that she bought the gun to end her own life.

On Tuesday, Daniels, who is a mother of two boys and appears to have remarried, told the judge she was godly sorrowful for her actions.

I know what I did. I wasn't in the best of health. And I know it doesn't take away what happened, but please know that I'm godly sorrowful. And I ask that you extend grace and mercy, she pleaded.

Her cousin, Andreka Brock, who said Daniels is like a sister to her, told the judge that she was always the one helping others, but couldnt get the support she needed in her darkest hour.

She has always been a present, nurturing and devoted mother. I have watched her love them (her sons). Fight for them, pray over them, and show up for them every single day. LaToshia has spent years helping others  counselling men, women and children who were struggling in life, Brock said, according to a recording of her statement shared by ABC 24

I watched her start and build a nonprofit to support other people and continue this mission even while facing her own struggles. She has always been the person that people leaned on and poured into these people consistently, she explained.

But during one of the darkest times of her own life, she was struggling in many ways that we didnt fully see. And as a big sister, I carry that heavily because I feel like I failed in some way. This does not excuse what happened, but I want you to know that this was not the act of a cold, heartless person. This was a broken person in pain that made a devastating decision.
Home News Randy Saylor of Living Word Church gets 10-year minimum sentence over sex assault of kids

Quick Summary AI Summary Randy Saylor, former pastor at Living Word Church, received a minimum 10-year prison sentence for sexually assaulting minors.

Saylor was convicted of second-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a person younger than 13.

The Midland County Circuit Court judge sentenced Saylor to serve between 10 and 25 years in prison. 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

Randy Saylor, a former pastor at Living Word Church in Midland County, Michigan, was sentenced to serve at least 10 years in prison for sexually assaulting minors.

Midland County Circuit Court Judge Michael Beale sentenced the 73-year-old Saylor on Tuesday to between 10 and 25 years of prison, reported ABC 12 News, as well as lifetime monitoring on the Michigan Sex Offender Registry.

These charges followed Saylor's arrest earlier in May 2024, when he was accused of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a person younger than 13, as well as second-degree criminal sexual conduct for incidents that allegedly occurred in 2018.

Living Word Church Administrator William Bailey said in a statement to the Midland Daily News at the time of the arrest that the congregation was deeply saddened and concerned.

It has come to our attention that Randy Saylor, a member of our pastoral team, is under investigation for allegations of sexual abuse, Bailey stated.

There are no allegations that the abuse took place at the church or involved the church in any way. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities in their investigation. Randy has been suspended from all duties pending the outcome of the investigation.

In January, Saylor pleaded no contest to four counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a relation and seven counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. As part of his plea, Saylor did not admit to committing any crime, but did so in order to avoid potential civil liability.

Saylor was one of three leaders at Living Word Church in recent times to be convicted of sex crimes related to minors. Saylors son, Brandon Saylor, a former elder of the church, was sentenced in April 2024 to five to 15 years in prison for sexually abusing four children.

James Randolph, a former preacher tied to Living Word and the son-in-law of televangelist Mark Barclay, was convicted in August 2025 of six counts of criminal sexual conduct involving a child.

Specifically, a Midland County jury found Randolph guilty of one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a child under 13, two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a relationship, and three counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a relationship.

In response to the verdict, Barclay posted a statement on his ministrys Facebook page, saying that he and his family respect the legal process and the verdict returned by the jury.

The recent legal case involving James Randolph has been a very difficult and heartbreaking situation for our church family and community, stated Barclay at the time.

We recognize that this situation has caused real pain for many. As a church community, our hearts are with all victims of abuse. We are committed to truth, accountability, and safety in our ministries.
Home News Fatal shooting of Pastor Pedro Cantu by roommate remains under investigation

Authorities in Houston, Texas, said the fatal shooting of Amor y Restauracion (Love and Restoration) church lead pastor, Pedro Cantu, by his roommate at his home last Saturday is still under investigation as the burglar who allegedly sparked the tragedy remains behind bars.

Court documents reviewed by The Christian Post allege that the suspected burglar, Rodney Dushaw Yoder, 44, broke the front door window of 62-year-old Cantus home located at 1233 South Kirkwood Road about 12:15 a.m. before escaping after the pastor was shot.

The Houston Chronicle reported that Yoder, who struggles with mental illness, told police that he heard a gunshot as he entered the home and saw Cantu on the ground. He then saw another man brandishing a gun. Yoder said he then grabbed Cantus wife, thinking the man would not shoot him if he held her, but he was shot anyway.

Police said he escaped without serious injury.

Both the Harris County District Attorneys Office and the Houston Police Department declined to share additional details about the case, citing the ongoing investigation. Officials told the Houston Chronicle, however, that the pastors 35-year-old roommate asked for a lawyer as police questioned him about the shooting.

The HPD stated in an earlier news release that the pastors roommate said the shooting was accidental.

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.

Pastor Cantu and his wife, Leticia, who have three daughters, moved to the U.S. from Mexico in July 1990, according to his churchs website. 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.

Days after his death, his family and friends continue to mourn his passing online.

CMC Houston, a coalition of Houston ministers where Cantu served as vice president, remembered him as an example of faith, service, and love for community who left an indelible mark on those who knew him.

Pastor Pedro Cantu faithfully served as Vice President of CMC Houston in his beginnings, and as part of the board of the Houston Pastors Confederation. As a board, we express our deepest condolences to his family, his wife and children, and to the members of his beloved church, Love and Restoration Church, the group said in a statement. We pray that the Lord grants them comfort, strength, and peace in this time of deep sorrow.

During a worship service at the church on Sunday, church and family members openly grieved his death, according to KHOU 11. One of his daughters, Perla Cantu, made it clear that her father did not own a gun, while his wife shared how deeply he loved his church.

My husband loved you all deeply, she shared in Spanish. He loved the church deeply. I never heard him speak ill of anyone. He loved you all sincerely.
Home News Supreme Court refuses to hear Will McRaney's lawsuit against SBC entity

Quick Summary AI Summary Supreme Court declines to hear Will McRaney's lawsuit against Southern Baptist Convention entity.

Lower court ruling against McRaney remains in effect, ending the litigation.

McRaney expresses disappointment, claiming the decision impacts millions of Baptists and religious groups. An artificial intelligence-powered tool created this summary based on the source article. The summary has undergone review and verification by an editor. See Summary

The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to hear former Southern Baptist state convention leader Will McRaneys lawsuit against a Southern Baptist Convention missions entity, allowing a lower court ruling against him to stand.

In an orders list released Monday, the Supreme Court declined, without comment, to hear oral arguments in Will McRaney v. North American Mission Board, Inc.

The Supreme Court's refusal to hear the case allows a ruling against McRaney by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals last September to stand, effectively ending the litigation.

McRaney said he is disappointed by the decision, believing that it was a historic loss in multiple ways.

This decision will have an impact on millions of Baptists and other religious groups, he claimed in a statement shared with Baptist Press. Today after nine years in the courts, NAMB won and secured their right to do what God forbids, to defame and interfere with Baptist ministers, partners and financial supporters.

Responding to the decision, NAMB noted in a statement that it has consistently disputed any claims of wrongdoing in this matter and remain committed to serving churches and pastors.

The outcome both respects Baptist distinctives and reaffirms that Baptists and other nonhierarchical faith groups are no less entitled to the First Amendments protections against secular intrusion into ministry affairs, stated NAMB.

We respect the right of others to express differing views, but civil courts are not the proper forum for resolving disagreements like this among churches, ministries, or ministry leaders. The Constitution rightly protects against such government entanglement.

In 2012, NAMB and the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware entered into a Strategic Partnership Agreement centered on better evangelizing nonbelievers in the region.

McRaney, who was executive director of the BCMD at the time, disagreed with NAMB over how to properly implement the agreement, with the missions agency taking issue with his leadership.

In June 2015, the BCMD board unanimously voted to dismiss McRaney, reportedly citing his leadership abilities. McRaney sued NAMB in 2017, claiming that he was defamed and the agency influenced the 2015 decision to remove him.

While a Mississippi judge ruled against McRaney in April 2019, a three-judge panel of the 5th Circuit unanimously reversed the decision in 2020 and remanded it to the lower court.

NAMB filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court in February 2021, arguing that it was protected legally by a ministerial exemption. However, the highest court in the land declined the petition.

Last September, a three-judge 5th Circuit panel ruled 2-1 to uphold a lower court dismissal of McRaneys lawsuit, with Circuit Judge Andrew S. Oldham authoring the majority opinion.

Civil courts cannot adjudicate ecclesiastical matters, wrote Oldham. The church autonomy doctrine also forbids courts from adjudicating matters of church governance, including church discipline and the churchs understanding of its own membership.

On the merits, the church autonomy doctrine bars all of McRaneys claims against NAMB. Although his claims are facially secular, their resolution would require secular courts to opine on matters of faith and doctrine and intrude on NAMBs internal management decisions that are essential to [its] central mission.

Circuit Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez dissented, writing that McRaneys secular claims against a third-party organization do not implicate matters of church government or of faith and doctrine.

Determining whether NAMB acted willfully or wantonly does not implicate religious beliefs, procedures, or law, wrote Ramirez in her dissent.

Determining the veracity of these claims would not require any inquiry into Baptist religious beliefs, nor would it require assessing whether McRaney fulfilled his gospel calling. His defamation claim does not fail in its entirety.
Home News Pastor Ted Shuttlesworth Jr. steps away from ministry over adultery: report

Quick Summary AI Summary Pastor Ted Shuttlesworth Jr. reportedly steps away temporarily from ministry over adultery.

Shuttlesworth confessed to adultery and 'multiple inappropriate conversations' outside his marriage.

His wife, Carolyn, will assume greater leadership responsibilities during his absence. 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

Miracle Word Ministries co-founder Pastor Ted Shuttlesworth Jr. has reportedly stepped away from leadership temporarily after confessing to adultery and engaging in multiple inappropriate conversations outside his marriage.

The Florida-based ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Christian Post on Wednesday, but Shuttlesworth and his wife, Carolyn, recently announced the move in separate letters to their supporters, according to a report from Protestia.

The prominent Pentecostal evangelist, who also co-pastors Miracle Word Church and founded Miracle Word University, an online biblical school, said in his letter that he is extremely ashamed and deeply grieved over the sexual activity with a woman who was not my wife.

He noted, however, that he had already repented before both God and his wife.

For now, I am stepping away from ministry. Ive repented to the Lord and asked Him to heal and protect my family from the damage this has caused, he said. Other than my salvation, Carolyn is the greatest gift the Lord has given me. She has been so gracious and strong. Shes truly an unbelievable woman, and she continues to amaze me.

Carolyn Shuttlesworth said in her letter that she was disappointed to learn about her husbands affair and multiple inappropriate conversations over the past month, and insisted the ministry is real despite his failure.



Please know this from the depths of my heart: nothing you have prayed, given, or sown into this ministry has been false or in vain. God has faithfully moved, lives have been changed, and souls have been reached, she wrote. While it can be deeply painful and disappointing when someone we respect falls into sin, I encourage you not to allow one mans failure to diminish what God has done through your obedience and faithfulness.

She stated that she will be taking on more leadership responsibilities in the ministry as her husband goes through a period of restoration.

Pastor Ted and I will be taking intentional time to focus on restoring our marriage and strengthening our family. At the same time, we remain committed to the calling God placed on our lives many years ago, she said. Though he is stepping away from ministry for the time being, I will be stepping forward in greater leadership and ministry responsibility during this season, and I am deeply grateful for your continued prayers and support.

Carolyn Shuttlesworth also noted that while it has been a difficult period for her family, she is trusting in the hand of God and the power of repentance to find successful restoration for her household.

If anyone understands the pain and sorrow this situation has caused, it is me and our family. Yet, I also know the power of genuine repentance and the restoring mercy of God, she wrote.

The hand of God has been upon this ministry for the past 16 years, and I firmly believe that through Pastor Teds sincere repentance before the Lord and those he has hurt, Gods grace will continue to sustain Miracle Word Ministries.
Home News Televangelist E. Bernard Jordan seeks at least $80M in lawsuit against Larry Reid, pastors, YouTubers

Quick Summary AI Summary Televangelist E. Bernard Jordan seeks at least $80 million in damages in a defamation lawsuit against Larry Reid, two pastors and several YouTubers.

A federal judge transferred the case to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, citing improper venue in New York.

Jordan alleges significant financial and psychological harm, including a 60% reduction in church membership due to the defendants' actions. 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 Manhattan federal judge has ordered that a defamation lawsuit seeking at least $80 million in damages filed by televangelist E. Bernard Jordan against two pastors, popular media personality Larry Reid and several YouTubers alleging they used illicit telephone recordings to make defamatory comments about him be transferred to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.

District Judge Margaret M. Garnett ordered that the case be transferred last Friday because the alleged defamatory comments were not made against Jordan in New York. The illicit recordings of the telephone conversations at issue in the lawsuit were made while Jordan was in New Jersey.

None of the Defendants acts or omissions occurred within the Southern District of New York. No one who participated in the first or second phone call was in the State of New York during the calls. Defendants are alleged to have recorded the calls while outside the State of New York. And no Defendant made defamatory comments about Plaintiff in the State of New York, Garnett states in her Feb. 20 order.

Neither Jordan, who resides in New York and is the founder of Zoe Ministries in Manhattan, nor his attorney, Andrew T. Miltenberg of Nesenoff & Miltenberg, LLP, responded to The Christian Post's requests for comment on Tuesday.

In his lawsuit, first filed in the Southern District of New York on Feb. 10, Jordan alleges he suffered significant financial and psychological harm, including a 60% reduction in the membership of his church, which focuses on the prophetic and embraces the prosperity gospel.

In addition to Reid, who operates the "Larry Reid Live" show based in Georgia, Jordans lawsuit lists as defendants Justin D. Edwards, senior pastor of the Holy Cross Baptist Church South in Chicago, Illinois; Texas pastor Calvin Blake, Sr.; Davyon Augustus, who runs a YouTube channel called "Consciouz TV" in South Carolina; Marcellus McMillian, who runs the "Mad Church Disease" YouTube channel in California; Tyesse Jackson, who operates the YouTube channel The Tyesse Report in Georgia; James Singletary, a show guest; Kendall Peacock; Chamaco Bryant; and 10 John and Jane Does who are yet to be identified.

Jordan accuses Reid, Edwards and Blake of violating the Federal Wiretap Act and the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. He also accuses Reid, Edwards, and the YouTubers of defamation per se.

The lawsuit also alleges civil conspiracy charges against Reid, Edwards and Blake, along with an intentional infliction of emotional distress charge against all defendants for pushing a narrative that questioned his sexuality, accused him of sexual abuse, grooming and targeting young boys.

Defendants Larry Reid, Pastor Justin Edwards, and Calvin Blake engaged in the deliberate nonconsensual disclosure, commercialization, and amplification of Plaintiffs private sexual information across multiple digital platforms, including behind paywalls, for financial gain and notoriety. This coordinated conduct caused profound reputational destruction, severe emotional distress, and significant harm to Archbishop Jordans ministry and professional relationships, the lawsuit states.

The misconduct at issue includes, but is not limited to, the unauthorized recording and public disclosure of private facts, defamation per se, civil conspiracy, and revenge-porn adjacent activity, all carried out with knowledge of Plaintiffs identity, standing, and vulnerability to reputational injury, it continues. Plaintiffs professional and pastoral life depends upon integrity, confidentiality, and the sanctity of pastoral communications and mentorship relationships. Defendants conduct directly undermined these core principles, inflicting lasting harm that cannot be remedied absent judicial intervention.

The complaint seeks at least $10 million on each of eight claims  a total demand exceeding $80 million, plus fees and interest  though courts typically do not permit duplicative recovery for the same injury.

A close personal relationship between Edwards, who was installed as pastor of Holy Cross Baptist Church South some three years ago, and Jordan is presented as a key driver of the events that led up to the illicit telephone recordings.

Plaintiff and Defendant Edwards had a close personal relationship; however, it did not involve coercion, compensation, or any exchange of value. When it became apparent that Edwards motivations were financial and inconsistent with Plaintiffs values and boundaries, Plaintiff ceased communication, the lawsuit states.

At no time did Plaintiff compensate Edwards for intimacy or engage in prostitution, solicitation, or any form of transactional sexual conduct. Any financial assistance Plaintiff provided was charitable and pastoral in nature. Edwards gained access to Plaintiff through positions of trust and proximity created by Plaintiffs ministerial role, it adds.

Jordan admits to providing limited financial assistance to Edwards and his spouse, including covering a vehicle payment when they lacked reliable transportation necessary for ministry work. He also retained and paid for legal counsel for Edwards son when he became involved in a legal matter.

These actions were undertaken philanthropically and as an extension of pastoral care. After Edwards revealed his true intentions, Plaintiff discontinued and terminated all such assistance, the lawsuit states.

Jordan alleges that after he ended his relationship with Edwards, the Chicago pastor conspired with Reid, Blake and others to retaliate against him.

Defendants subsequent actions included the secret recording of private communications, the dissemination of those recordings, and the publication of distorted or false narratives concerning Plaintiffs private life, the lawsuit states.

Edwards did not immediately respond to CP when reached for comment Tuesday, but Reid, who once called Jordan his mentor for years until November 2024, said he was disappointed in the lawsuit.

It is deeply disappointing that someone I once respected as a mentor has chosen to pursue litigation instead of handling disagreements privately and honorably. I stand firmly and confidently on the truth. The federal court in New York has already ruled that venue there was improper and transferred the case to New Jersey. That procedural decision speaks for itself, Reid told CP.

Let me be clear: I have never recorded a phone call that I was not an active participant in. In the call referenced in the complaint, I was physically located in Atlanta, Georgia, and the other parties were in New Jersey and Texas  all one-party consent states, he added. I did not orchestrate or intercept a call I was not part of. The audio in question has never been publicly played. My comments have been limited to accurately describing what was said during a conversation in which I was a participant. I have nothing to hide, and I welcome the legal process. I am confident the facts will ultimately prevail.

Blake referred CP to a public statement he made on Facebook on Monday, in which he challenged Jordans conspiracy allegation, stating that he only knows one of the other defendants in the lawsuit.

Whether theres a recording or not, all Im gonna say is what the Scripture says  from Proverbs 28:1, where it says, the wicked flee where no man pursues him, he said. Guilty people run when theres nobody after them.

I want to be served those papers because you really would have to be insane. You are insane for filing a lawsuit. You really are, he added in comments directed at Jordan. I think your cheese has slid off your cracker, and Im praying you see this. Your cheese has slid off your cracker.
Home News The groundbreaking BBC mini-series that first brought Jesus to TV screens

Quick Summary AI Summary BBC aired the mini-series 'Jesus of Nazareth' in February 1956, the first television portrayal of Jesus.

The series consisted of eight episodes, broadcast each Sunday, culminating on Easter Sunday.

Tom Fleming, a Baptist lay minister, starred as Jesus, and the series achieved the highest audiences since the Queen's coronation. 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

Seventy years ago, in February 1956, the BBC aired the mini-series Jesus of Nazareth, which was the first filming of the life of Jesus to be created for television. This is the story 

History

The first television broadcast in the world was made by the BBC in 1936. Few people owned televisions at the time, but sales shot up dramatically before and after the Queens Coronation in 1953.

In 1954, the BBC had the idea to produce an eight-part serial that dramatised the life of Jesus, climaxing on Easter Sunday. This was the first time it had been done on British television. The series was created for children and was to be shown during the Sunday childrens hour slot.

Joy Harington was a seasoned BBC childrens producer. She wrote and oversaw the series after a year of meticulous preparation, consulting the Rev. Robert C. Walton, head of BBC Schools Religious Broadcasting, and the Rev. Roy McKay, head of BBC Religious Broadcasting.

Filming

Joy Haringtons scripts tell the life of Jesus from a boy of 12 living in an occupied country to the Resurrection. To give the whole series authenticity, in the spring of 1955, they headed off to Israel to spend several weeks filming scenes on location, in the places where they first happened in Galilee and Jerusalem.

The series then blended these pre-recorded episodes with live studio broadcasts made at Lime Grove Studio E in Ealing. To make it more accessible, the characters spoke in normal, everyday English rather than the archaic language of the King James Version most people associated with Christianity at the time.

In February 1956, Freda Lingstrom, head of Childrens Television, wrote in the Radio Times: Our aim is to awaken the interest of children in the origins of the most significant influence in their lives and help them to understand something of the background against which the Christian story was enacted.

The Series

The series was broadcast in 1956 as eight episodes, shown each Sunday at 5:20 p.m., starting on Feb. 12 and ending on Easter Sunday. The episodes traced the story of Jesus from His boyhood to the Resurrection. The eight shows were:

"Prologue: Preparing the Way"

"The Beloved Son"

"Jesus the Healer"

"Jesus the Teacher"

"Jesus the King"

"The Road to Jerusalem"

"Behold the Man"

"I Am Always with You"

The cast featured acting talents such as Tom Fleming as Jesus, Barbara Lott as Mary Magdalene, Michael Bryant as John, Anthony Jacobs as Judas, and Alan Wheatley as Pontius Pilate.

Tom Fleming

The actor who played Jesus was Tom Fleming, the son of a Baptist minister and already an established actor and commentator. He had commentated on Queen Elizabeth IIs Coronation in 1953, and had also appeared on an episode of the BBCs Epilogue program discussing his Christian faith. His devout and reverential portrayal of Jesus resonated with his own deep faith.

Fleming was an organist, lay preacher, and secretary at Canonmills Baptist Church in Edinburgh. He went on to commentate on many momentous events. In 1981, he joined Angela Rippon as a commentator for the wedding of Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer. In 1990, he was awarded an OBE, and in 1998, he was made a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO). He died in 2010, aged 82.

Book

Joy Harington produced a tie-in book for the series, which was published as a hardback by Brockhampton Press of Leicester in 1956. A paperback version came out in 1963, produced by Hodder, which sold for 5 shillings. It was also published in the USA by Doubleday. The book had a foreword by BBC Director-General Sir Ian Jacob. A review by the Times Educational Supplement read: Parents and Teachers are urged to put this altogether remarkable work into the hands of their children and then read it themselves  Its publication is an event of incalculable importance.

Legacy

Although designed for children, the series also captivated adults and achieved the highest audience since the Coronation. Jesus of Nazareth won the 1956 Guild of Television Producers and Directors award (a precursor to BAFTA), the first time it had been presented for a childrens serial. Viewers wrote to the BBC wanting it to be repeated. Fortunately, the live transmissions had been recorded, so it was rebroadcast over Holy Week in 1957 and again in 1958, but this time without the prologue.

The series inspired Joy Harington to produce a follow-up series called Paul of Tarsus, which was broadcast in 1960. Later, in 1977, ITV produced its own mini-series, also called Jesus of Nazareth.

The 1956 production remains a landmark as the first British screen Jesus. It blended reverence, innovation and Gospel truth for a generation, and paved the way for others to do similar things, up to the current popularity of The Chosen.

This article was originally published at Christian Today
Home News Vanderbilt ceases some adult gender surgeries due to 'lack of coverage,' other issues

Quick Summary AI Summary Vanderbilt University Medical Center ceases adult gender surgeries due to 'lack of coverage' and operational limitations.

Non-surgical interventions for adults 19 and older will continue.

The decision comes as state lawmakers seek to restrict coverage for gender-related procedures. 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

After pausing sex-change surgeries for minors in 2022, Vanderbilt University Medical Center will stop offering certain forms of so-called gender-affirming care for adults, but some life-altering interventions for individuals suffering from gender dysphoria will continue.

In a Tuesday statement provided to The Christian Post, a spokesperson for the Nashville-based VUMC confirmed that it will cease providing gender-affirming plastic surgeries for adults due to operational limitations and lack of surgical coverage.

Vanderbilt Health continues to provide nonsurgical gender-affirming care for adults 19 years and older, the spokesperson stated. Vanderbilt Health does not provide any gender-affirming care for patients younger than 19.

VUMCs decision comes as SB2118 makes its way through the Tennessee General Assembly. The proposal would prohibit the division of TennCare, the states Medicaid program, from providing coverage or reimbursement for sex-change surgeries or the dispensing of puberty blockers for individuals struggling with their gender identity.

The phrase medical procedure in the bill means surgically removing, modifying, altering, or entering into tissues, cavities, or organs of a human being; or (ii) prescribing, administering, or dispensing any puberty blocker, androgen, or estrogen to a human being.

The medical center agreed in 2022 to stop performing body-mutilating surgeries on gender dysphoric teenagers following backlash from the public and elected officials.

Jason Zachary, a Republican state representative, shared a letter in October 2022 from VUMC Deputy CEO and Chief Health Systems Officer Dr. C. Wright Pinson.

We are pausing gender affirmation surgeries on patients under 18" while the hospital works to conduct a clinical review to ensure that its practices comply with recently issued guidelines from the World Professional Association of Transgender Health, Pinson wrote in the letter.

Zachary and other members of the Tennessee House Republicans had previously written a letter asking the Vanderbilt Board of Directors to take immediate action by halting all permanent gender transition surgeries being performed on minor children and honor all conscientious objectors whose religious beliefs prohibit their engagement in certain medical procedures.

Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn and Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee also demanded an investigation into VUMC in 2022 after The Daily Wires Matt Walsh released a report that said the Monroe Carell Jr. Childrens Hospital at Vanderbilt drugs, chemically castrates, and performs double mastectomies on minors.

The conservative commentator shared a screenshot of an archived webpage outlining the services provided at the childrens hospitals Pediatric Transgender Clinic, specifically gender-affirming hormone therapy and pubertal blocking. Walsh noted that at some point in the last month, they removed explicit admission of this fact from their site.

Walsh also shared a video of Vanderbilt health law expert Dr. Ellen Clayton stating that doctors who refuse to provide body-mutilating surgeries (removing breasts and genitals) due to their religious beliefs will face consequences. Clayton also referred to conscientious objections to such surgeries as problematic.

If you dont want to do this kind of work, dont work at Vanderbilt, she said.

In the reply letter, Pinson claimed that "comments from videos posted on social media that are obtained at these kinds of events should not be construed as statements of VUMC policy. We do not condone discrimination against employees who choose to request accommodations.

Pinson added that as many as five minors younger than 18 had gender surgeries performed on them, stating that all were at least 16 years of age, none have received genital procedures and parental consent to these surgeries was obtained in all cases. He insisted at the time that VUMC remained in compliance with Tennessee law that prohibits providing "hormone treatment for gender dysphoric or gender incongruent prepubertal minors."

In 2023, Tennessee passed Senate Bill 1, which banned healthcare providers from performing genital mutilation surgeries or giving puberty-suppressing drugs to minors exhibiting gender dysphoria.

Last year, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed a lower courts ruling and upheld the state law in a 6-3 decision, declaring that Senate Bill 1 does not violate the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
Home Opinion Ben Sasse is dying. Here's how he sees politics now

Ben Sasse is an accomplished man. Hes a devout Christian and proud husband and father. He has a Ph.D. in history from Yale. Hes served for a decade or more in higher ed and another decade representing Nebraska in the U.S. Senate, where he earned the sometimes-unenviable reputation for not fitting in with any of Americas increasingly polarized camps.

Hes also a dying man.

Back in December, he announced on X that he had pancreatic cancer. As he noted in a recent interview with The Hoover Institutions Peter Robinson, this is a disease with a 97% mortality rate, and he has a particularly aggressive case. His doctors gave him 90 days; hes hoping to get a little more time with experimental treatments.

This kind of thing can focus someones thinking about what really matters in life. As he put it, [W]hether you have 90 days or 12 months or 12 years or 75 years left to live, were all gonna be pushing up daisies. But knowing that he has fewer days ahead than hed expected, he said hes determined to redeem the time.

The entire interview is worth your time. Its a profound conversation. Sasse seamlessly and richly discussed the ideas of mortality, theology, education, technology, community, family, identity and many other fields. Whats particularly interesting, given the years he dedicated to public service, he has one of the healthiest attitudes toward politics. He inculpated professional politicians of being more interested in becoming TikTok stars than doing their jobs and mourned the fact that for wider portions of the population, politics had become their meaning in life:

Dont pretend that politics is the center of the world. The center of your world is where youre raising your kids. Its where you worship. Its where you go to work next to somebody on the line for decades, or the farm next door.

These words are important, mostly because so many have sidelined them. Its what the French philosopher Jacques Ellul called the political illusion: the idea that all problems are, at root, political and therefore must have political solutions. Everything is politics instead of everything is those you love and serve.

We see this in our daily lives more and more. Its why people film themselves weeping after an election goes the wrong way. And why some cut off relationships with loved ones because they support the wrong candidate or arent as ideological as the mob demands. They dont post the right things on social media, go to the right marches, and arent outraged enough about the cause of the day.

So much of this is the downside of our increasingly online world. As Sasse put it:

We have gazillions of people screaming all the time on the internet, and we pretend theyre representative. Theyre not all representative. The loudest people have the most ridiculously outsized voice in American life.

For much of our culture, politics has taken on the role once played by religion. It can offer the same, though counterfeit, sense of meaning, morality and justice. This is ironic because our little gods of political idolatry are too small that so many of us come unglued when theyre threatened. Our hearts are restless without God in our lives, and were searching for something deeper to fill that void.

When asked if his efforts in politics were worth it, Sasse replied:

Theoretically, absolutely. There is no doubt that a framework for ordered liberty is necessary. Power and coercion and restraint of evil are not the center of anybodys loves, or they shouldnt be. The worldview is pretty distorted if politics can become the central thing. And yet, because the world is broken, its important work.

Politics matters, and those called to work in that world serve God and their neighbors in doing so. But its not the only thing in life, or even the most important thing. Far from it. We can all thank God that, with the birds-eye view offered by the prospect of death, Sasse has blessed us with a reminder of what matters most in life.

Originally published at BreakPoint.
Home Opinion Why do we have 'dark night' of the soul as Christians?

The phrase, the dark night of the soul, has been around for over 500 years. It represents a deep season of suffering and confusion when we feel abandoned by God, but the ultimate purpose of the dark night is to deepen our spiritual union with Him.

Theologian R.C. Sproul wrote that this darkness is something that the greatest of Christians have suffered from time to time. It was the malady that provoked David to soak his pillow with tears. It was the malady that earned for Jeremiah the sobriquet, The Weeping Prophet.

He clarifies, This is no ordinary fit of depression, but it is a depression that is linked to a crisis of faith, a crisis that comes when one senses the absence of God or gives rise to a feeling of abandonment by Him.

Sproul adds, We ask how a person of faith could experience such spiritual lows, but whatever provokes it does not take away from its reality. Our faith is not a constant action. It is mobile. It vacillates. And then he concludes with this powerful truth, We move from faith to faith, and in between we may have periods of doubt when we cry, Lord, I believe, help Thou my unbelief.

There must be a turning point

This can be an incredible turning point: We either turn toward God or we turn toward bitterness, anger and frustration.

We must choose wisely; its a very critical time in the life of a believer. And many of us go through multiple dark seasons  a failed marriage, the loss of a loved one, or a debilitating diagnosis.

For example, there was a very dark season in the late 1990s that drew me back to the Lord; another hard season followed in 2020. I even wrote a book about it in 2025, I Almost Quit.

We can spend weeks in a dark place, both mentally and emotionally. It is a battle. Discouragement is one of those enemies, among the greatest weapons against us: We must choose thankfulness over fear, and joy over dread. And always remember that God has the final say.

What we believe, not what we say we believe

Dark seasons reveal what we actually believe, not just what we say we believe. The phrase, the dark night of the soul, captures a moment we all dread. Its the moment when the floor drops out from underneath us and when we realize we dont have control; we come face-to-face with something we cannot fix. Believe it or not, this can actually be a good thing. Its often only when we hit rock bottom that we turn to the Rock at the bottom.

In Acts 12, we watch this happen in real time. The Apostle James is killed by King Herod, and Peter is arrested, awaiting a similar fate. If we put ourselves in Peters shoes, we can imagine the dread: If James has been executed, whats coming for me?

Some of us know that type of fear. Even if weve never been in a prison cell awaiting execution, we have received the call from the doctor, a friend, or the police department. We may have watched a relationship fall apart or have experienced financial uncertainty.

Weve no doubt carried grief and have lived through moments of pain  thats often when we realize, I cant fix this! But again, this can be a glorious moment. When our world falls apart and the dark night of the soul grips our hearts, we must choose worship over worry, faith over fear, and trust over doubt.

Is faith a slogan or an anchor?

Worry is an interesting word. It means being anxious or troubled about actual or potential problems. Were often inclined to worry about whats coming, so we can change course or slip into protection mode.

The idea of worry can also feel complicated. Sometimes anxiety can push us toward necessary changes, such as repentance and the use of practical wisdom. But when worry becomes unbiblical, it becomes our master and the antithesis of trust. Trust in God and worry are enemies; they cannot both have dominion in the same heart. There is a constant tension between trusting God and worrying, and we feel it deeply.

Were not designed to lean only on people  we need community, but were called to cast our cares on God and let Him carry the load (1 Peter 5:7).

The hard truth is that people will let us down. And at times, that disappointment, however painful, can actually serve us. When friends, parents, pastors, and others fail us, we are forced to lean more fully on God. What wounds us often becomes the place where our dependence on our Savior deepens.

When life is hard, when we are alone and disappointed, this is where the rubber meets the road in the Christian life. Its easy to talk about Gods goodness when life is easy. Its easy to say we trust Jesus when the bills are paid, relationships are stable, and the body is healthy. But when the wheels fall off, and the storm comes, thats when worship becomes real. Thats when we discover whether our faith is a slogan or an anchor.
Trump defies supreme court tariff ruling

Xinhua) 13:27, February 25, 2026

WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday defied the Supreme Court's ruling that struck down his global tariffs.

Delivering his State of the Union address, Trump said that the ruling was very unfortunate.

He said that U.S. trading partners "want to keep the deal that they already made ... Knowing that the legal power that I as president have to make a new deal could be far worse for them."

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Friday that Trump's sweeping tariffs under a law meant for use in national emergencies are illegal.

In a 6-3 ruling, the Supreme Court said that the tariff policies under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act are unconstitutional, officially striking down the global tariffs Trump has introduced since April.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Credit: Adobe Stock/ Jon Anders Wiken

Charities must be on the front foot in ending misuse of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in staff contracts, a prominent campaigner has said, after recent law changes.

Zelda Perkins, who was the first woman to break an NDA about convicted sex offender Harvey Weinstein, told the audience at the Bates Wells Employment Conference in London yesterday that she had met a large number of charity employees who had been made to sign NDAs.

In December, the Employment Rights Act 2025 received royal assent and will restrict use of NDAs by employers to silence employees subjected to harassment and abuse.

The government also announced an amendment to its victims and courts bill , currently passing through parliament, in October to clampdown on misuse of NDAs as gagging orders to conceal crime.

Following these changes, Perkins said the charity sector has to be on the front foot in ending NDAs misuse.

Your reputation is entirely about trust with the public, with volunteers, with donors, so it's even more important that you have true transparency, she said.

I think people expect film moguls and big finance [...] may be trying to hide misconduct, but for the charity sector, you have to be more impeccable than everybody else.

So I think it's incredibly important that you know, you see this [amendment] as an opportunity right now to get on the front foot and to lead.

In April last year, former MP Louise Haigh used parliamentary privilege to raise the case of three employees of an unnamed mental health charity who had allegedly been made to sign NDAs after being discriminated against.

The former chief executive of Jewish Womens Aid (JWA) Alison Rosen, who left the role after just one month, said in 2023 she was asked to sign an NDA.

sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector,
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In October of last year, Chris Quinn, the editor of Cleveland.com and the Plain Dealer, posted a job listing for an AI rewrite specialist. Quinn imagined this new employee would use an AI chatbot to turn reporting from the newsrooms journalists into written articles, which the human hire would then fact-check. Quinns hope was that reporters would spend more time gathering information, less time typing it up.

Last month, Quinn filled the role with Joshua Newmanwho had previously worked at LoneStarLive.com in Austin, covering the University of Texas. By mid-January, Newman was working on stories with AIs help, using an in-house version of ChatGPT provided by the newsrooms corporate parent, Advance Local. Quinn was pleased: the plan was working out. He wrote a letter to Cleveland.com readers, as he often does, noting the success of the AI rewrite deskand calling out journalism schools for failing to instill into students a willingness to embrace AI. Artificial intelligence is not bad for newsrooms, he wrote. Its the future of them.

The response was swift. An editor for a newspaper encouraging removing writing from reporters workloads should just resign, Phil Lewis, an editor at HuffPost, posted on X. While Quinn should be applauded for his transparency, his case against journalism education was anecdotal and full of unsupported generalizations, and he failed to explain to readers how using AI improves the journalism, the American Press Institute declared in a column.

But Quinn remained undaunted, as did Leila Atassithe public interest and advocacy team editor, who also oversees Newmans work and the day-to-day success of the AI-rewrite-desk experiment. Atassi, who started as an intern in the newsroom two decades ago, has since covered everything from courts to COVID. This is the work of a real reporter, she said of the AI rewrite desk. Its real accountability. AI is the assistant, but its not the journalist.

Since Quinn launched the desk, Atassi said, reporters have produced the same number of stories per week as before, but theyve saved enough time for an extra day to report in the field. She pointed to the example of a reporter named Hannah Drown, who has been covering a proposed land deal in rural Lorain County. For months, we knew something significant was brewing, Atassi said. The State of Ohio had quietly been assembling farmland to attract large-scale industry, but farmers and longtime residents are worried about losing not just their acreage, but the identity of their community. With the help of the AI rewrite desk, Drown was able to get out from behind her screen. She sat at kitchen tables and listened to people explain what that land means to their families, Atassi said. The result is deeper, more textured journalism that simply doesnt happen when reporters are just chained to production.

Of a story produced by the rewrite desk, obviously its not going to look exactly like I would have written it, Drown told me. Still, she said, the model works well, as long as we do our due diligence, and I give the notes and the correct and proper information that I need to.

Stories produced with help from AI carry only a reporters byline unless the reporter did minimal work, like forwarding a press release or meeting transcript to the AI rewrite desk, in which case they share a byline with Advance Local Express Desk. I look at AI as a tool, like Microsoft Excel is a tool, Quinn told me. We never did disclosures saying This story was produced with the assistance of Microsoft Excel.

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Gina Chuathe executive director of the Tow-Knight Center at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at the City University of New York, where she focuses on the intersection of journalism and AI, and the executive editor at large at Semaforsaid while it makes for a better editor, AI can plausibly be used to write simple stories. No, its not going to win any prizes, but it will be fine to communicate the information reasonably efficiently, she said. And it will, of course, do that even better if you have a human look at it before it goes out.

Guardrails are in place. Atassi acknowledged that hallucinations arisebut they are addressed through a series of checks and balances. Both Newman and the reporters who feed in information verify that the resulting articles are accurateincluding quotes, which theyve found are the most likely thing for AI to screw up. A lot of people are too quick to throw the baby out with the bathwater when it comes to those types of flaws in the technology, Atassi said. Errors come up sometimes, but none, she told me, have made it to publication.

Despite the backlash, Quinn told me, the response from readers has been largely positive and appreciative of the newsrooms transparency about AI use. He has been firm on one thing from the start: the goal is not to replace the journalists in the newsroom or to decrease their numbers. Its not even to increase production. Instead, its to grow the newsrooms reporting and give reporters more time. (The newsroom previously worked with a developer from Advance Local to adapt a suite of off-the-shelf software and tools for the newsroom, including AI scrapers, a software that provides editing feedback, and a tool to assist with creating first drafts, but found that they had more stories on their hands than they expected and as a result, reporters spent more time typing than ever.)

As for the future of the AI rewrite desk, Quinn floated an idea of assigning the role to reporters right out of college, so they could learn what makes a good story. Theres so many things I dont know, but we cant know them until we do this experiment, he said. Were learning a lot. Were sponges. Were soaking it in, but weve got a ways to go.
Roughly 10,000 luxury watches were registered as lost or stolen in 2025, equating to more than one watch an hour registered on a tracking plaform every hour.

Thats according to The Watch Register, a database used by watch dealers, jewelers, pawnbrokers and auction houses to identify stolen watches before transactions.

The total number of watches registered on the database was more than 114,000, with an estimated total value of $2 billion (1.7 billion).

Rolex remains the most targeted brand, accounting for 44% of all watches checked against the database by traders and private buyers, with 51% of watches registered as lost or stolen this year. Roughly 280,000 watches are checked annually across the global pre-owned market, according to The Watch Register.

The secondary watch market has become a big target in recent years. The roughly $30 billion secondary watch market is set to exceed the value of the roughly $60 billion primary market in the next 10 years, so a growing proportion of watch owners will likely be insuring pre-owned watches rather than new watches.

The database shows the top cities for watch thefts are Los Angeles, Chicago, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Houston, and New York.

In September 2025, The Watch Register reached a landmark of 5,000 lost and stolen watches identified. The platform is on track to identify roughly 1,340 lost and stolen watches in 2025, up from 1,136 in 2024, a 18% increase. In the United States, the platform saw a 78% increase in US-based business clients and a 110% increase in stolen watches located compared with 2024.

In the last few years, an emerging M.O. seen in luxury watch thefts involves a more sophisticated scheme that begins with victim scouting, in which groups of thieves operate together to stake out high-end venues like restaurants, hotels, and nightclubs. The groups engage with people whom they see as wearing a high-value watch, often a male target. A female member of the group will communicate with the victim, while other members of the group wait at the door or outside the venue, and attack when he leaves.
Its been more than a year since the Palisades and Eaton Fires in Los Angeles, and attorneys who work in firstparty property claims are still seeing a steady rise in disputes. That trend isnt slowing down anytime soonthese claims will continue moving from adjusters desks into legal disputes for at least another year or two.

Every claim is unique, but the same patterns keep showing up. Some carriers have handled these fires well, others far less so. This isnt about calling out anyone by name; its about calling out the practices that are creating unnecessary conflict.

SlowRolling Total Loss Replacement Cost

California is one of the most expensive states in the country to repair or rebuild a home. The Pacific Palisades sits at the very top of that cost curve. So why did so many large carriers initially insist that rebuild costs would be far lower?

There are explanations for the practicenone of them good. What weve seen over the past year is a slow escalation of replacement allowances, creeping upward every several months at a snails pace. And then, almost on cue, at the one-year mark, many carriers decided they were done adjusting. No more increases. No matter what the market data or construction realities show.

Related: California Bill Would Require Insurer Claims Handling Plans, and Double Penalties

This matters because California is an openpolicy state. A total loss doesnt guarantee payment of policy limits; the loss still has to be measured. But in the real world, most policyholders are underinsured or just barely adequately insured. The idea that large numbers of Palisades or Eaton Fire homeowners were overinsured to the point that their rebuild costs need heavy scrutiny simply isnt credible.

Carriers that are guilty of this almost certainly know, at the higher levels, that at best they were being hyper-conservative pending more data. So, tell the insureds that upfront. Set expectations. Explain that more adjustments are likely and tell them what the company is doing about it. Dont be secretive and conceal context. And if delay on the carrier side slows the claim, compensate for that delay. Some carriers made an effort here; many didnt.

Customer Service Is Still a Weak Link

Claims handling is supposed to be a customerservice function. Most adjusters want to help people. But when theyre undertrained or underresourced, they end up saying the wrong thingor saying nothing at all.

What were seeing now is the bareminimum approach: communications that check regulatory boxes without actually informing anyone of anything. Letters that are sparse, vague and increasingly AIgenerated. Adjusters being rotated out midstream, destroying momentum and undoing progress. Agreements made by one adjuster and then unwound by the next.

When is the human aspect going to be put back into claims? Claimants are dealing with catastrophes, and their lives have been upended. Most of them are experiencing the worst time of their entire lives.

Applying Wildfire Science to Urban Firestorms Doesnt Work

The smoke profile in the Palisades and Eaton Fires wasnt typical wildfire smoke. These were urban conflagrationshomes, vehicles, plastics, batteries, and building materials burning together.

Different smoke means different contaminants, different risks and a need for different investigation standards. Communities know this, too. People are organized and datasharing, and theyre demanding real testing.

Related: California Bill Requires Insurers to Offer, Renew Coverage for Fire-Safe Homes

For years, carriers built strategies to resist smokedamage claims in traditional wildfires. Those strategies do not fit these losses. Some companies adapted their scopes and testing protocols. Others are still trying to run the wildfire playbook in dense, urbanwildlandinterface neighborhoods, where the costs of proper cleaning and reconstruction are dramatically higher. The result is predictable: the wildfire playbook fails, and claims spiral.

Its not enough for insurers to financially prepare through underwriting. They have to operationally prepare too. Adaptation is the difference between a resolved claim and a litigated one.

Daniel Veroff is a first-party property insurance attorney with Merlin Law Group, based in San Francisco, California. He represents policyholders in catastrophic loss disputes and complex coverage matters. Email: dveroff@merlinlawgroup.com.

Top photo: The 2025 Palisades Fire. Source: CalFire.
A federal judge in California on Tuesday dismissed a lawsuit from Elon Musks artificial intelligence startup xAI that accused rival Sam Altmans OpenAI of stealing its trade secrets.

U.S. District Judge Rita Lin in San Francisco said that xAI could refile its case, but for now has failed to allege that OpenAI committed any misconduct.

Related: OpenAI Deleted Word Safely From Its Mission  Its New Structure Is A Test

The lawsuit, filed in September, claimed that former xAI employees took confidential information with them when they left for new jobs at OpenAI.

Notably absent are allegations about the conduct of OpenAI itself, Lin said. xAI does not allege any facts indicating that OpenAI induced xAIs former employees to steal xAIs trade secrets or that these former xAI employees used any stolen trade secrets once employed by OpenAI.

Lin had signaled in a January opinion that she would likely rule for OpenAI.

Related: Musk Seeks up to $134 Billion From OpenAI And Microsoft

Spokespeople and attorneys for the companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the decision. The lawsuit is part of a broader legal battle between Musk and OpenAI, which he co-founded and is also suing over its conversion to a for-profit company.

(Reporting by Brittain in Washington; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)
A federal judge in California on Tuesday dismissed a lawsuit from Elon Musk's artificial intelligence startup xAI that accused rival Sam Altman's OpenAI of stealing its trade secrets.

U.S. District Judge Rita Lin in San Francisco said that xAI could refile its case, but for now has failed to allege that OpenAI committed any misconduct.

The lawsuit, filed in September, claimed that former xAI employees took source code related to its Grok chatbot and other confidential information with them when they left for new jobs at OpenAI.

"Notably absent are allegations about the conduct of OpenAI itself," Lin said. "xAI does not allege any facts indicating that OpenAI induced xAI's former employees to steal xAI's trade secrets or that these former xAI employees used any stolen trade secrets once employed by OpenAI."

Lin had signaled in a January opinion that she would likely rule for OpenAI. She gave xAI until March 17 to file an amended complaint.

xAI has separately sued a former engineer, Xuechen Li, for allegedly taking trade secrets to the ChatGPT maker. Li was blocked in that case from sharing xAI's technology with OpenAI, though OpenAI has said that Li never worked for the company and that it never acquired or used any of xAI's secrets.

Spokespeople and attorneys for xAI did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the Tuesday decision.

"We welcome the court's decision," OpenAI said in a statement. "This baseless lawsuit was never anything more than yet another front in Mr. Musk's ongoing campaign of harassment."

The lawsuit is part of a broader legal battle between Musk and Microsoft-backed OpenAI, which he co-founded and is also suing over its conversion to a for-profit company.

Musk, the world's richest person, is seeking as much as $134.5 billion in damages from OpenAI and Microsoft in that case. Jury selection is scheduled for April 27.

OpenAI said in a court filing that the trade-secrets case was part of a "campaign to harass a competitor with unfounded legal claims" because Grok could not keep up with ChatGPT.
"Big Short" traders Danny Moses and Vincent Daniel, who are known for successfully betting against the housing market in 2008, are finding opportunities even as artificial intelligence fears stir up market volatility. Both appeared on CNBC's "Fast Money" Tuesday night to discuss their latest high conviction trades at a time when AI seems to be disrupting an array of sectors. Moses, founder of Moses Ventures, said he is long on gold and gold miners. The yellow metal has seen a meteoric rise in 2026, with gold futures up almost 19% this year as geopolitical concerns send investors running toward safety assets. @GC.1 YTD mountain Gold futures in 2026 The commodity's rising price has also been good for gold miners' bottom lines  and the companies would still hold up even if the metal's hot streak were to cool a bit, according to Moses. "If you look at the miners themselves, where gold is trading right now, if you were to take $5,000 or $5,200 gold here, these miners have a long way to go," he said. "You could drop to $4,000 and they would be earning. You are seeing fundamental improvement in the miners ... I think they have a long way to go. So unless gold really goes off of a cliff here, the miners are a great place to be." Seawolf Capital co-founder Daniel is also bullish on gold. "I don't think AI is going to figure out how to mine gold in the ground," he said. "There's a ton of sectors where [AI] just can't touch it. [AI] might even enhance and improve the cost structure." Daniel pointed to Brazil as his highest conviction trade: the iShares MSCI Brazil ETF (EWZ) in particular. The fund is up 24% in 2026. "We love the valuations. It is heavy mining, heavy financials. The easiest way to play that is EWZ," he told CNBC. He added that if Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva loses Brazil's general election in October, "you just really go all in." When it comes to the recent software rout, Daniel said he is "intrigued" by the drawdown in valuations but hasn't bitten into any of the stocks.
Autonomous driving company Wayve has hit an $8.6 billion valuation after securing fresh funds from Nvidia , Microsoft and Uber .

The $1.2 billion Series D round was led by Eclipse, Balderton and SoftBank Vision Fund 2 and also featured automakers Mercedes-Benz , Nissan and Stellantis.

Uber will invest up to an additional $300 million in milestone-based capital.

"We are building for a total addressable market that spans every vehicle that moves," Alex Kendall, Wayve CEO, said in a statement.

"This investment accelerates our path to widespread commercial deployment and positions us to build the autonomy layer that will power any vehicle everywhere," he added.
A portfolio manager at Julius Baer has sketched out trades for investors looking to dial down their exposure to U.S. AI as investors cool on the sector. "There's a lot of disruption in the U.S. at the moment," Tom Watts told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe" Tuesday. "It comes in three stages how you can diversify away from those AI tech names that have been so hot over the last few years." First: diversify within the U.S. Watts said Julius Baer has been using an equally-weighted S & P 500 tracker as a "nice, cheap, efficient way" to reduce concentration risk in mega-cap tech names. "This tracker gives you exposure to other sectors that you might not have had if you'd bought a market-weighted tracker," Watts said. Secondly, Watts said, investors can also diversify away from the U.S. altogether. "It's not caught on yet but we've had 'Buy America'  and now it's 'Bye America'." Here, Julius Baer outlined a "constructive but balanced" stance on global equities. In its 2026 Market Outlook, the Zurich-headquartered private banking group said that, while AI remains a performance driver, "investors can diversify with defensive healthcare, Swiss equities, Europe's cyclicals, and Asia-led emerging market strength." Turning to geopolitical and macroeconomic themes, Watts observed how 2026 is set to be characterized by diverging global policies in the form of "two-speed rate-cutting" among global central banks. XAU= YTD mountain Gold spot. The U.S. Federal Reserve is likely to reduce rates further, with the Bank of England cutting quicker than many investors expect, Watts said. He added that the European Central Bank, by comparison, "maybe has one more cut" before maintaining rates at their current level, after which it will begin raising rates in the coming years. In this context, gold continues to be an attractive play, Watts said, particularly due to renewed uncertainty over U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs. He said Julius Baer continues to have a "decent position" in gold, noting that there continues to be central bank buying and geopolitical tensions. RKT-GB YTD mountain Reckitt Benckiser. Zeroing in on single stock bets amid continued concerns over a tech-related sell-off, Watts highlighted fast-moving consumer goods names, such as Procter & Gamble in the U.S. and Reckitt Benckiser in the U.K., as staple stocks that are historically well-placed to weather bouts of uncertainty and volatility. "Those kinds of companies, staples really, that have got consistent earnings, subscription-based shares, deep economic moats as we call them, good management that have seen all this before. "Those kinds of companies tend to do well. We have seen that during lockdown. We saw it during harder times."
Anthropic's Tuesday event positioned its products as additive  rather than threatening  to existing software providers. Wall Street sees that helping some stocks in the space. The buzzy artificial intelligence startup announced updates to its Claude Cowork tool aimed at improving office workers' productivity. Companies can now connect Cowork to platforms such as Google Drive, Gmail and Docusign under the enhancements. The undisruptive nature of Tuesday's announcement has allowed software stocks to regain some ground lost following prior rollouts. The iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (IGV) added nearly 2% in Tuesday's session following Monday's drop of more than 4%. Still, the fund has tumbled 24% in 2026. "Anthropic's announcement is evidence that domain expertise and data assets are crucial in building industry specific AI," Wells Fargo analyst Jason Haas wrote in a Wednesday note to clients. IGV 5D mountain IGV, 5-day chart Given that take, Haas listed Fair Isaac , Moody's , S & P Global , Verisk Analytics , Equifax and Thomson Reuters as companies that can benefit. That's because they offer sector-specific data sets that "are difficult, if not impossible, to replicate," the analyst said. "They operate in concentrated markets and are regarded as industry standards, with minimal displacement risk," Haas said. "We see AI as a tailwind that will drive more usage for their data and build differentiated capabilities." If anything, Tuesday's event showed Anthropic can't drive software companies to extinction because it relies on their products, according to RBC's Matthew Hedberg. Hedberg said traders should view Anthropic as "embracing" the software-as-a-service ecosystem. He pointed to CrowdStrike , Datadog , MongoDB , Cloudflare , Palo Alto Networks and Snowflake . "Ultimately, we believe the event highlighted Anthropic's need/willingness to partner with existing software companies, rather than a rip-and-replace scenario, which remains underappreciated by investors," Hedberg wrote in a Tuesday note to clients. Barclays' Manav Patnaik bolstered Anthropic's view that 2026 could be the year that AI could move to enterprise-wide deployment. However, he said the company's sentiment around AI seemed focused on data quality and trust rather than just model performance. That mindset could benefit the information services space, he said. What's more, the analyst said Anthropic's partnerships with FactSet and MSCI, as well as S & P Global, continue to be both "logical" and "positive." Bank of America, meanwhile, found a few stocks that stood to benefit from Tuesday's gathering. Analyst Curtis Nagle said Cowork's ability to integrate with Thomson Reuters "reframes" the risk and opportunities AI poses the business in a note titled "AI scare, meet data pair." Thomson Reuters shares surged more than 11% on Tuesday as the company was an example of integration highlighted during Anthropic's presentation, marking its best day since 2009. But shares are still down more than 25% year to date, underscoring the strength of the sell-off on fears of AI's disruption. TRI YTD mountain Thomson Reuters in 2026 "We view the stock's reaction as a rebuttal to concerns that LLMs (including Claude) pose a risk to TRI's workflow and research tools," Nagle write to clients, using an acronym for large-language models. Bank of America's David Amira said Thomson Reuters' inclusion in the event has a positive read through for peer RELX . While Anthropic's release of a legal plugin prompted a derating in the information services sector, Amira said Tuesday's event signaled an interest in collaborating with specialty data providers. U.S.-listed shares of the LexisNexis parent have dropped 19% this year. But shares jumped more than 2% on Tuesday and have added nearly 5% in midday trading Wednesday. "We continue to view market concerns as overblown," Amira told clients in a note reiterating its buy rating.
Bill Gates, chair of the Gates Foundation, speaks at the Bloomberg Philanthropies 2025 Global Business Forum in New York on Sept. 24, 2025.

Bill Gates spoke about his association with Jeffrey Epstein in a town hall meeting with employees of the Gates Foundation, a spokesperson for the nonprofit said Wednesday, after recently released emails elaborated on the Microsoft co-founder's relationship with the sex offender.

Gates said in a recording of the meeting that he "did nothing illicit" during his interactions with Epstein and did not stay overnight, although they met in several countries, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Gates also told staff members at the Tuesday meeting that he had an affair with a Russian bridge player and a Russian nuclear physicist and that associate Boris Nikolic had discussed those relationships with Epstein, according to the Journal.

He and Melinda French, who once were co-chairs of the foundation, divorced in 2021.

"In the conversation, Bill answered questions submitted by foundation staff on a range of issues, including the release of the Epstein files, the foundation's work in AI, and the future of global health," a Gates Foundation representative told CNBC in an email. "In the townhall, Bill spoke candidly, addressing several questions in detail, and took responsibility for his actions."
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As street traffic returns in Beijing after a nine-day holiday, there's little time for businesses to breathe, ahead of a critical few weeks for U.S.-China relations.

First up is an annual meeting of China's parliament that kicks off next Thursday. That's when Chinese Premier Li Qiang will announce the year's growth targets and stimulus plans  against renewed tariff uncertainty.

All eyes, however, will be on U.S. President Donald Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The White House said the visit will happen from March 31 to April 2, although China has yet to confirm the dates.

Tariff cuts will be in focus. The two leaders could send a positive signal by publishing whitelists that support cross-border investment, said Hai Zhao, a director of international political studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, a state-affiliated think tank.

Zhao also hopes the U.S. and China can agree on guidelines that can prevent the relationship from being rocked by short-term developments.

Time, however, is tight for both sides to refine negotiating points. China's parliamentary meeting is likely to end only in the second week of March, followed by a state-organized "China Development Forum" which typically draws executives from U.S. and other foreign companies.

If Trump's trip proceeds, it will be the first visit to China by a sitting U.S. president since 2017.

The U.S. tariff leverage calculus on Beijing has shifted in the years following that trip. The U.S. share of China's overall exports has fallen sharply from 18% at the end of 2017 to 9.6% at the end of last year.

After a weekend of back-and-forth from Washington on global tariff rates, China's Commerce Ministry broke its holiday silence with a statement Monday that urged the U.S. to cancel its tariffs.

"For companies, the [U.S. Supreme Court tariff] ruling renews trade uncertainty as the stop-and-go policy will prevail and complicate inventory management," Ludovic Subran, chief investment officer and chief economist at Allianz Research, said in a co-authored report Monday.

For now, "the Global South and China now emerge as the biggest winners," Allianz Research said.

China won't change its demand for lower U.S. tariffs and hopes for a more stable and predictable tariff regime, Zhao said. He added that China isn't seeking to maximize its trade surplus with the world and may need to adjust its relations with other countries to address the economic impact.
US President Donald Trump concludes his remarks during the State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on February 24, 2026. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP via Getty Images)

In the longest State of the Union speech in history, U.S. President Donald Trump touted achivements in his first year, claiming that the "golden age of America" was back, taking credit for economic gains and touting his roles in international conflicts.

However, his portrayal may not resonate with ordinary Americans  just 39% of U.S. adults approved of Trump's handling of the economy in February, according to AP-NORC polling.

He also said that tariffs were responsible for the "roaring" American economy, days after the Supreme Court overruled the tariffs that have underpinned much of his economic policy. Trump also claimed to stop eight wars since he came to office, a number that has been widely disputed.

However, while the speech tread on familiar policies and goals (and some criticisms at opponents), there were little new initiatives from the U.S. President, which is facing sinking poll numbers ahead of the midterm elections that loom less than nine months away.

 CNBC's Dan Mangan, Garrett Downs, Spencer Kimball and Megan Sauer contributed to this report.
Applications are now open for the fourth edition of CNBC's World's Top Fintech Companies list, produced in partnership with market research firm Statista.

Each year, CNBC and Statista chart the top fintech players from around the world, ranging from startups to Big Tech names, across segments including payments, wealth technology, insurance and more.

Last year's iteration included heavyweights such as Mastercard , Stripe and Visa , as well as many newer scaleups. Credit rewards company Bilt, payments upstart TerraPay and insurance platform Entsia made their debuts on the list.

The World's Top Fintech Companies has been expanded this year, with regulation tech  companies helping others meet their financial regulatory obligations  becoming its own segment.

Over the years, fintech has progressed from a high-growth challenger segment to a core part of the global financial system, helped by a Covid-fueled race to digitize. Artificial intelligence has spurred the sector further, and has been tipped as a source of transformative change.

The global fintech market attracted $44.7 billion in investment across over 2,200 deals in the first half of 2025, according to the most recent report by KPMG, although this was lower than the $54.2 billion investment seen over the six months prior.
A wheel loader operator fills a truck with ore at the MP Materials rare earth mine in Mountain Pass, California, U.S. January 30, 2020.

Project Vault complements other initiatives such as the "Forum on Resource Geostrategic Engagement (FORGE)," a partnership to coordinate critical mineral policy pricing and projects, as well as Pax Silica, which centers on safeguarding the AI-related supply chain.

In the U.S., officials recently outlined a roughly $12 billion strategic mineral reserve dubbed Project Vault. The initiative aims to bolster supply-chain resilience for American industry by building stockpiles of rare earths and other essential metals for electrification, defense and advanced manufacturing.

"In metals and minerals is where the newest wave of stockpiling is most visible," said Patrick Schroder, senior research fellow at Chatham House. Governments are seeking to reduce exposure to concentrated supply chains and export controls, he said.

From Washington's proposed $12 billion Project Vault stockpile to expanding buffers in Asia and the European Union, governments are moving to secure access to metals increasingly viewed as essential to national security and industrial policy.

A new race to secure critical minerals is unfolding across the global economy.

There has been a significant shift in the approach to stockpiling strategic commodities in the last year, with a focus on metals in particular.

Australia in January announced plans to formalize a state-backed stockpiling strategy through an $800 million strategic critical minerals reserve, prioritizing antimony, gallium and rare earth elements.

The European Union is also advancing plans to build a joint reserve of critical raw materials under its RESourceEU strategy. Italy, France and Germany are expected to lead the effort, Reuters reported earlier this month, citing sources familiar with the matter.

As recently as last weekend, India and Brazil agreed to deepen cooperation on critical minerals and rare earths, as New Delhi seeks to diversify supply sources and reduce reliance on China. The pact is aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and building more resilient supply chains for materials critical to clean energy, technology and defense industries.

South Korea earlier this year rolled out a comprehensive critical minerals strategy backed by about $172 million in state support. Under this strategy, the government plans to expand stockpile volumes and infrastructure.

"We certainly see a shift to a more resource nationalist mindset amongst many countries," said Schroder. "At this point, it's a slippery slope and strategic stockpiling could become hoarding when measures become coercive, lack transparency and become weaponized."

'Resource nationalism' in the works?

The strategic pivot marks what several analysts describe as a structural shift in commodity policy.

"Metal supply chains are fragile," said Ewa Manthey at ING, pointing to years of underinvestment, long timelines for permits, and geographic concentration. In earlier cycles, high prices typically spurred faster mine supply and reduced the need for strategic inventories, she said.

"Today, even with high prices, new supply is slow and uncertain, so inventories themselves are becoming part of the supply strategy," Manthey added, characterizing the move to harbor clearly "nationalist elements."

Natalie Scott-Gray, senior metals analyst at StoneX, described the trend as "resource nationalism and catching up time," referring to China's long-standing practice of building strategic stockpiles of metals, releasing them when supply is scarce or to cool domestic prices.

China dominates rare-earth processing and controls a large share of global refining capacity for industrial metals. Even where reserves are geographically dispersed, processing often remains concentrated.
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Now available on your favorite food delivery app: restaurant reservations. The still-simmering reservation wars of the last decade could fully reignite this year, as a shifting tech landscape pits some of the biggest players against each other to capture businesses and users alike. Reservation incumbents, delivery app newcomers and premium credit card partnerships are all ramping up the fight for a shrinking pool of diners. Delivery giant DoorDash announced in June its $1.2 billion acquisition of SevenRooms, a reservation platform focused on direct bookings through a restaurant's own website. Several months earlier, UberEats and Booking Holdings' OpenTable announced a partnership to integrate reservations on Uber's app. And in 2024, American Express , already the owner of Resy, bought Tock, a reservation platform focused on upscale restaurants, for $400 million. "It's three very large, very ambitious, very well-resourced companies all vying for the same exact piece of real estate, which is high-demand restaurants," Resy and Eater founder Ben Leventhal told CNBC. Resy was bought by AmEx in 2019, and today Leventhal  a strategic advisor for Resy until 2022  focuses on Blackbird Labs, a loyalty program for independent restaurants that he founded that same year.

Bringing restaurants online

The reservation wars initially kicked off more than 10 years ago. Leventhal's Resy burst onto the scene in 2014 and won market share, undercutting OpenTable's legacy business, by charging eateries a simple monthly fee. At the time, OpenTable, which was founded in 1998, charged restaurants both a monthly fee and a cover for each diner who booked through the platform. These days, the company still sometimes charges a variable cover fee for seated diners, depending on the establishment.

Thomas Barwick | Digitalvision | Getty Images

Despite Resy's rise and buzzy partnerships with high-profile restaurants, OpenTable still significantly outstrips its rival by restaurant count. Starting this summer, Resy will integrate the 5,000 eateries, bars and wineries that have listed on Tock onto its own platform, bringing its total number of venues to about 25,000. That's still less than half of OpenTable's roughly 60,000 restaurants. But where OpenTable has scale, Resy has a "cool factor" and strong positioning in major cities, like New York, where dining out is big business. And each companies' relationships with credit card companies has added a new layer to the war, too.

Supercharging the platforms

Platinum American Express cardholders get special access to restaurant reservations at sought-after establishments, plus a $400 dining credit per year to use at Resy restaurants. "We know that American Express card members spend close to $90 billion a year ... on dining, and it's a passion area for them," Resy CEO Pablo Rivero told CNBC. "And we know that they also spend more. People with a Resy credit on an American Express card spend over 25% more on dining transactions." Likewise, eligible Visa and Chase cardholders get exclusive OpenTable reservations. Those partnerships have also helped the legacy player woo some big-name restaurants away from Resy through cash incentives made possible by the credit card companies. Recapturing top-tier restaurants with Michelin stars or James Beard awards has been a priority for OpenTable over the last five years, said OpenTable CEO Debby Soo. "Credit card companies are looking for a perk to differentiate their cards, especially for their premium cardholders," Soo said. "Especially after Covid, the experiential has become even more important."

Delivery's here

Now, DoorDash is entering the fray with its SevenRooms acquisition. The company is used to fighting for market share in a competitive industry. Before the pandemic, DoorDash was up against UberEats and Grubhub for market dominance of online third-party food delivery. As of 2025, DoorDash was the biggest player in the U.S. market, with about 67% share, according to digital restaurant operations firm Deliverect. UberEats trails with a 23% share.

Eric Baradat | AFP | Getty Images
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European defense companies must take a stronger lead on collaborating to help the continent become independent of the U.S. security umbrella, Leonardo 's CEO told CNBC. Speaking with CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe" on Wednesday after Leonardo's annual results statement, Roberto Cingolani said European defense companies have "all the capabilities and technical skills" and should not wait for governments to fix the sector, which he warned was "fragmented." Companies should take the lead in a process of "aggregation", which European governments would follow, he said, adding that this approach "pays a lot" and helps enable companies to become "better, faster, more profitable." He pointed to Leonardo's partnership with the U.K.'s BAE Systems and Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries as co-founders of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) to jointly develop the Tempest stealth fighter.

Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon Leonardo.

Leonardo has also developed joint agreements with German defense giant Rheinmetall for land defense systems, and with Turkish drone maker Baykar, he said. Last October, Leonardo also unveiled plans for a combined space and satellite company with Airbus and Thales to rival Elon Musk's Starlink. "I'm firmly convinced nobody can make it on their own," Cingolani told CNBC. "We need to deploy synergies, we need to understand joining forces in a competitive industry like defense is fundamental to be successful, to be fast in responding to the needs of our societies."

U.S. President Donald Trump's bid to annex Greenland contributed to fractures in the NATO alliance, as the war in Ukraine focuses attention on Europe's defense. The continent's growing push for greater military sovereignty now underpins what investors have called a multi-year "mega-trend" fueled by evolving geopolitical threats and doubts over U.S. commitments to NATO. "The silent agreement was that Americans were paying for European defense. Europeans were rather relaxed after 80 years of peace. We were purchasing primarily American technologies. Correctly, the Americans want Europeans to be more independent. It's a reasonable request," he said.

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Most Big Tech companies have reported this earnings season  with market jitters abounding  but the world's most valuable company is still to come. Nvidia , whose powerful chips power much of the AI boom, will report financial results after the bell on Wednesday. European tech companies will be among those watching the results intently. "Nvidia's earnings are widely viewed as a barometer for the strength and durability of the global AI investment cycle," Camilla Papaleo, product manager at VanEck, told CNBC. Earnings from hyperscalers like Google , Meta , Microsoft and Amazon , were followed by a selloff as investors worried about huge capex plans on AI infrastructure. If Nvidia delivers strong guidance signalling continued capex, sustained data center expansion and robust demand for next generation chip, it could boost the European tech sector, particularly in semiconductors and infrastructure, said Papaleo. "By contrast, if Nvidia suggests growth is beginning to normalize or that customers are digesting earlier purchases, it could spark a broader reassessment of AI-driven expectations," she added. These are European tech stocks that could react the most. ASML Dutch chip equipment manufacturer ASML is a crucial component in the supply chain of Nvidia's most advanced AI chips. The company is the only producer of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines, without which Nvidia couldn't print extremely fine patterns on silicon wafers. "If the Nvidia outlook is very strong, then more semi capacity expansion is needed, which will require more equipment from ASML," David Dai, managing director at Bernstein, told CNBC. While a bullish signal on hyperscaler spending could support the narrative of prolonged AI-driven capex cycle, Papaleo said that "any hint of moderation may weigh on sentiment toward upstream equipment suppliers." BESI BE Semiconductor Industries (BESI) , another Dutch semiconductor equipment company, makes machines used in the assembly and packaging processes, purchased by foundries like TSMC that produce Nvidia's chips. "BESI [is] a major equipment provider to support the capacity expansion of foundry and memory players, which in turn are suppliers to Nvidia," said Dai. If Nvidia's earnings highlight robust next-generation GPU demand, it would support the case for continued investment in packaging technologies, Papaleo told CNBC. "Conversely, signs of easing bottlenecks or slowing orders may trigger sharper volatility given BESI's high sensitivity to AI momentum," she added. Infineon Infineon is a German semiconductor manufacturer that makes power electronics and automotive chips. The company is one of Europe's largest semiconductor manufacturers. "Infineon ships chips that go directly into Nvidia's AI servers, so more demand for Nvidia means more direct demand from Infineon," said Dai. STMicroelectronics STMicroelectronics is a Swiss semiconductor company that manufactures and designs chips. "As one of Europe's largest semiconductor manufacturers, STMicroelectronics is sensitive to shifts in overall chip sector sentiment," said Papaleo. Strong results from Nvidia could strengthen the view that the semiconductor cycle is stabilizing and demand across end-markets is improving, which would support STMicroelectronics' growth, she told CNBC. "Conversely, signs of slowing orders, softer pricing or margin pressure at Nvidia could weigh on sentiment across the sector, even for companies focused on automotive and industrial markets rather than data-center chips," Papaleo added.
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 29: A Microsoft corporate logo hangs on the side of their office building on Eighth Avenue on April 29, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Gary Hershorn/Getty Images)

Japan's Fair Trade Commission raided Microsoft Japan's offices on Wednesday as part of an investigation into whether it improperly restricted customers of its Azure platform from using rival cloud services, a source with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

The person declined to be identified because the information is not public.

The FTC declined to comment.

A Microsoft Japan spokesperson said the company is "fully cooperating with the JFTC in their requests."

The source said Japan's antitrust authorities would also be seeking clarification from Microsoft's parent company in the United States.

Microsoft Japan is suspected of setting conditions that effectively shut out other services by limiting access to popular services on other cloud platforms, the source said.

Regulators in Britain, Europe and the U.S. have separately been examining Microsoft and others' practices in relation to cloud computing. Brazil's antitrust body last month opened an administrative investigation into the software giant's local unit related to its cloud computing services.
Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos speaks during comedian Ricky Gervais's star unveiling ceremony on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, U.S., May 30, 2025.

Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos will head to the White House on Thursday for meetings on his company's efforts to acquire part of Warner Bros. Discovery as Paramount ratchets up its rival bid, Politico reported Wednesday.

The reported visit is set to occur five days after President Donald Trump demanded that Netflix immediately fire former Obama administration official Susan Rice from its board, or else "pay the consequences."

It was not immediately clear if Sarandos would be meeting with Trump during the visit, a person familiar with the discussions told Politico.

Netflix declined CNBC's request for comment on the report. The White House, asked by CNBC to confirm the visit, said, "We do not discuss private meetings that may or may not be happening."

The acquisition fight over WBD, like numerous other business deals in over the past year, has been entangled with presidential politics.

Trump had weeks earlier said he would stay out of the multibillion-dollar bidding war between Netflix, which wants to buy WBD's studio and streaming brands, and Paramount, which seeks to acquire WBD's whole business.

But Trump appeared to change course when, in a Truth Social post on Saturday afternoon, he demanded that Netflix fire Rice from its board, calling her "racist" and a "political hack."

Trump on Truth Social linked to an X post from Laura Loomer, a far-right media figure in Trump's orbit, slamming Rice and urging the president to "kill the Netflix-Warner Bros. merger now."

Loomer's post highlighted a recent podcast appearance in which Rice, who has served in the Obama, Clinton and Biden administrations, predicted that corporations and other institutions that appeased Trump will be held "accountable" when his political opposition regains power.
Fears over artificial intelligence are now hitting bond investors, according to the latest credit investors survey from Bank of America Global Research.

An AI bubble is seen as the top risk for the first time, with investors expecting a surge in bond issuance from hyperscalers, the February poll found. Some 23% of those surveyed said it was their biggest concern, compared to 9% who said so in the firm's December poll.

Companies including Amazon , Google parent Alphabet and Meta have announced big spending plans as they scale out their AI capabilities. Investors of high-grade credit now expect $285 billion in issuance by hyperscalers this year, up from the $210 billion anticipated in December's survey, Barnaby Martin, credit strategist at Bank of America, said in a note Tuesday.

"Yet, investors are more sanguine on the ultimate tech disruption ahead: just 10% say that AI-driven corporate obsolescence is their big worry," he wrote.

Those obsolescence fears have hit the stock market in recent weeks, as concern over AI disruption spread across a variety of sectors.

Software companies, for instance, have tumbled after announcements from AI company Anthropic about new AI tools. While stocks have reversed course since the latest sell off on Tuesday, the iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF is still down more than 25% year to date.

Elsewhere, geopolitics isn't a big factor on bond investors' radar these days, with only 10% saying it is their top fear, despite growing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, Martin noted. No investor said central bank policy error is the big risk, even with a new Federal Reserve chair expected to take the helm in May.
Novo Nordisk was the first company to make a GLP-1 drug for weight loss and became Europe's most valuable company. But its troubles are stacking up and today the stock trades at just a quarter of what it did at its peak less than two years ago. Pricing pressure, fierce competition, and pipeline setbacks have all hit the Danish drugmaker in recent months. Despite being first to launch a GLP-1 drug for weight loss, Novo's market share has eroded, and the company now only captures about 40% of the market, while rival Eli Lilly holds 60%, according to most estimates. Novo is clear-eyed about the challenges it faces, especially around pricing. After the company pre-released its 2026 forecast earlier this month and predicted declining sales, CEO Mike Doustdar told CNBC: "People should expect that it goes down before it comes back up." He's repeatedly said that new medicines, the Wegovy pill, and increased volumes will drive long-term growth. These charts show the scale of the challenges Novo is facing.

Novo Nordisk is often referred to as a diabetes and obesity pure play. Its portfolio included six branded drugs with annual sales of at least $1 billion in 2025, fewer than comparable current and future rivals. Eli Lilly boasts eight so-called blockbuster drugs, and its portfolio also includes oncology and gene therapies. The combined sales of Ozempic and Wegovy, Novo's two biggest drugs, amounted to about $32 billion, or about 67% of total sales, last year. Combined sales of Lilly's two biggest drugs, Mounjaro and Zepbound, were about $37 billion, or about 56% of the company's total sales over the same period. Novo also sells insulin, including blockbusters Tresiba and NovoRapid, as well as some drugs for rare diseases like hemophilia, but none come close to bringing in what its GLP-1 drugs do. Among large-cap pharma companies hoping to enter the market for weight loss drugs in the coming years, such as AstraZeneca , Roche , Amgen , and Pfizer , through its acquisition of Metsera, the number of blockbuster drugs was significantly higher.

Novo Nordisk has also come under pressure as prices for GLP-1 drugs are coming down in its most important market, the U.S. The U.S. has accounted for more than half of Novo's total sales since 2023, and falling prices there are weighing on both the company's topline and profitability. Last year, Novo and Lilly reached a deal with the Trump administration to lower prices on their GLP-1 drugs on Medicare and Medicaid and offer the treatments directly to consumers at a discount. "In 2026, Novo Nordisk will face pricing headwinds in an increasingly competitive market," said CEO Mike Doustdar, as the company's full-year earnings report was published earlier this month.

Novo stock is down 75% since peaking at just over 1,000 Danish kroner a share in mid-2024. The stock is up a little over 10% over the last five years. That compares to Eli Lilly's 400% rise and the European blue-chip index Stoxx 600 's 55% gain over the same period. Investors were last rattled on Monday when Novo reported disappointing results of a trial pitting its next-generation weight loss drug, CagriSema, against Eli Lilly's tirzepatide, also known as Zepbound, sending the stock down over 16% on the day. "Confidence in the share is at rock bottom," said Jyske Bank analyst Henrik Hallengreen Laustsen on Tuesday.

Earlier this month, Novo Nordisk said it expected sales and profits to drop by between 5% and 13% in 2026. If that comes to be true, it would be the first time annual sales have declined since 2017, in local currencies. Analysts surveyed by FactSet expect sales to come in about 8% lower in 2026 compared to 2025. Much of that is due to increasing competition from both Eli Lilly and compounding pharmacies that are selling copycat versions of Novo's branded drugs for a lower price. Longer term, other large-cap pharma companies are planning to enter the market, and are pitching investors more differentiated weight loss drugs to be able to secure a slice of the market share for themselves. Novo is hoping CagriSema can beef up future sales, but after the latest trial results, analysts are increasingly doubting its commercial potential. Novo said it is optimistic about the drug, and that further trials would assess its full weight-loss potential. The Wegovy pill is another potential growth driver for Novo and had a strong launch. However, it remains to be seen how it will fare if Lilly launches its rival pill, expected to hit the market in the second quarter, and what effects lower prices might have on volumes.
A steak sandwich and French onion soup from Panera Bread Co. arranged in the Queens borough of New York, US, on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023.

Panera Bread is entering the so-called value wars with its new "Mix & Match" deals in a bid to win back price-conscious diners.

The chain, known for its soups, salads and sandwiches, is in the early stages of a turnaround, with a focus on reinvesting in its business and reversing years of traffic declines. Once the top fast-casual brand in the U.S., Panera has fallen to No. 3, ceding the top spots to Chipotle Mexican Grill and Panda Express.

In 2024, Panera's sales dropped 5% to $6.1 billion, according to Technomic estimates.

A key part of Panera's comeback strategy is focusing on value.

Across the restaurant industry, executives have reported weaker spending among consumers, who are trying to save money by trading down to fast food or dining out less frequently. Chains like McDonald's and Taco Bell have leaned into value offerings to try to win back customers.

About 3 out of every 4 diners said that daily specials, discounts or value promotions matter when choosing where to dine or order takeout, according to the National Restaurant Association's annual State of the Restaurant Industry report.

"[Consumers] are seeking value, and they're also seeking quality," Panera CEO Paul Carbone told CNBC. "That's so, so important."

Starting Wednesday, Panera customers can choose halved portions of sandwiches and salads, as well as cups of soup, from the Mix & Match menu. Each of the 10 items is priced at $4.99, and diners have to buy at least two items. Seasonal menu items will also rotate through the Mix & Match options.

Each order also comes with the choice of a baguette, chips or an apple.

Panera explored other value offerings, but the Mix & Match menu tested successfully, Carbone said.

"The guest has really, really reacted well to it," he said, adding the menu is expected to drive incremental visits to the restaurant.

And while Panera is introducing the deal, its popular "You Pick Two" offering is sticking around.

Carbone said that customer research showed that diners view the option to buy two entrees from the menu as an opportunity for variety, rather than a chance to save money. Like Mix & Match, the offer allows customers to choose a half salad, half sandwich or cup of soup or mac and cheese. However, You Pick Two spans the menu, rather than being restricted to just 10 items.
Samsung Electronics unveiled its latest series of flagship smartphones on Wednesday, with two of the models costing $100 more than their predecessors as the industry tries to recover from a global shortage of memory chips.

Samsung is touting improved AI and a privacy display in its new models against a backdrop of industry-wide memory chip shortages brought about by the rapid scaling of AI infrastructure.

The average selling price of smartphones in 2026 was expected to rise 6.9% as a result of the memory crunch, Counterpoint Research said in a note in December.

The starting price has stayed flat on the highest end model, the S26 Ultra, compared to last year's S25 series. The S26 and S26+ saw a $100 rise compared with their S25 predecessors:

Galaxy S26: $899

$899 Galaxy S26+: $1,099

$1,099 Galaxy S26 Ultra: $1,299

Ben Wood, chief analyst at CSS Insight, told CNBC the chip shortage was "not a short-term issue."

He added: "We expect the global shortage of memory chips to persist well into 2027, primarily driven by the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure, which is diverting supply away from smartphones, PCs, and other consumer electronics."
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has issued a rare call to Iranians to get in contact as potential informants, signaling a potential ramp-up of American efforts to gather military and civilian intelligence at a time of heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran.

The CIA issued a Farsi-language recruitment post on X, Instagram and YouTube on Tuesday, offering potential informants a way to contact the agency to share intelligence securely.

"Hello. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) hears your voice and wants to help you," the post said, according to an English-language translation, in which people with "sensitive information" or "unique skills" were invited to contact the agency.

The post was accompanied by a video detailing ways to get in touch without being identified, including by using the dark web  a hidden part of the internet accessed by using anonymising browsers  as well as alternative ways to contact it anonymously, securely and safely.

"Your safety and well-being are our top priority. Please, taking into account your personal circumstances, adopt the necessary security measures to protect yourself," the CIA said, adding that "all information received from volunteers will be kept completely confidential." The post on X has been viewed 3.4 million times, as of Wednesday morning.

The post is seen as a highly unusual move by the CIA to recruit informants and gather intelligence in the Islamic Republic although the U.S. intelligence agency has previously posted similar messages in Russian, Korean and Mandarin inviting people to share information.

It noted in 2024 that it had done this because "authoritarian countries across the world are restricting people's access to information, as well as their freedom of movement and communication." As a result, the CIA added, "individuals in these places often can't access Western social media, it can be very difficult to speak out, and telling the truth often carries serious consequences."

The latest Persian-language call comes amid heightened tensions with Iran, with whom the U.S. is currently holding talks aimed at preventing the state from proceeding with its nuclear program.

The U.S. has amassed a large military force in the Middle East in recent weeks, warning that it's ready to strike Iran if it doesn't agree to stop attempts to build nuclear weapons. Officials from Washington and Tehran are due to hold further nuclear talks in the Swiss city of Geneva on Thursday.
Iran wants to make a "deal" more than the U.S., President Donald Trump said Tuesday stateside, ahead of another round of talks with Tehran around its nuclear program and amid a build up of American forces in the Middle East.

Tehran's refusal to commit to not developing nuclear weapons remains the key sticking point holding up an agreement, Trump said at a pre-address meeting hours before the State of the Union speech in Washington, D.C, CNBC's Joe Kernen reported.

In his State of the Union address late Tuesday, Trump said that "They [Iran] want to make a deal, but we haven't heard those secret words: We will never have a nuclear weapon."

The U.S. and Iran are expected to hold talks on Thursday in Geneva, Switzerland, with a focus on Iran's nuclear program. "My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy," Trump said in his address.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told CBS' "Face the Nation" on Sunday that he was still working on the proposal and political leadership in Tehran has yet to sign off on it. He said the proposal would consist of elements that accommodate both sides' "concerns and interests."

Araghchi added that the proposal will be discussed in Geneva and both sides will work on a text to try and reach "a fast deal."

The earlier rounds of negotiations failed to deliver a meaningful breakthrough and tensions continued to run high with Trump threatening limited airstrikes on Iran.

Following the second round of negotiations in Geneva last week, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a post on X on Sunday that the recent talks had "yielded encouraging signals" but warned that Iran was prepared for "any potential scenario."

Tensions have escalated sharply in recent weeks as Washington builds up its military presence in the region and Trump warning that "really bad things" would happen unless Tehran agreed to a deal over the future of its nuclear program.
The major technology companies will meet President Donald Trump at the White House next week to sign a pledge that they will supply their own power for artificial intelligence data centers.

Amazon , Google , Meta , Microsoft , xAI, Oracle and OpenAI will sign the agreement at the March 4 meeting, a White House official confirmed to CNBC Wednesday.

"Under this bold initiative, these massive companies will build, bring, or buy their own power supply for new AI data centers, ensuring that Americans' electricity bills will not increase as demand grows," White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers told CNBC.

Fox News first reported the development.

Trump said during his State of the Union address Tuesday that he had secured such a pledge from the tech sector, but did not provide detail on what the agreement entails.

"We're telling the major tech companies that they have the obligation to provide for their own power needs," the president said. "They can build their own power plants as part of their factory so that no one's prices will go up."

Data centers are facing opposition in communities across the U.S. as people blame rising utility bills on the facilities' huge electricity consumption.

The Trump administration has closely embraced the AI industry as an engine of economic growth and a pillar of U.S. national security. It is an alliance that poses political risks for the White House ahead of the midterm elections.

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill and Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger defeated their Republican opponents in landslide elections last November by campaigning against rising electricity prices.

The Trump administration has warned the tech companies that they risk a backlash if the public believes their data centers are driving up energy costs, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Wednesday.

"We want to see data centers developed," Wright told reporters on a call. "We want to see them rapidly sited. We want to see communities welcoming them, but to do that, it's necessary to have up-front investments in the additional grid infrastructure needed."
U.S. President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address on Feb. 24, 2026, in Washington, D.C.

The U.S. and Iran are poised to hold further nuclear talks in the Swiss city of Geneva on Thursday, amid persistent fears about the prospect of military action in the oil-rich Middle East.

The upcoming round of negotiations over the future of Tehran's nuclear program come as the U.S. continues to build up military forces in the region and as President Donald Trump warns of "bad things" if Iran doesn't agree to a nuclear deal.

The U.S. president on Tuesday spoke briefly about Iran during his nearly two-hour State of the Union address but primarily focused on domestic policy and other political issues.

"We are in negotiations with them. They want to make a deal, but we haven't heard those secret words: 'We will never have a nuclear weapon,'" Trump said.

"My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy. But one thing is certain, I will never allow the world's number one sponsor of terror, which they are by far, to have a nuclear weapon."
US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrive to hold a joint press conference in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on February 13, 2025.

India will likely continue buying Russian oil as the U.S. Supreme Court's verdict outlawing President Donald Trump's import tariffs has constrained his trade policy options, analysts said.

"I do expect that India will maintain a healthy relationship with Russia, including on energy," Sarang Shidore, director of the Global South Program at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft told CNBC's Inside India. He added that India could reduce its Russian oil purchases but is unlikely to stop completely.

According to energy data provider Kpler, India has imported 1.16 million barrel per day (mbd) of Russian oil so far in February, lower than an average intake of 1.71 million barrels per day in 2025.

While it is too early to draw data on March and April arrivals, Muyu Xu, senior research analyst for crude at Kpler, said that "market chatter indicates" Indian refiners have refrained from booking April delivery of Russian oil this month following an interim US-India trade deal reached earlier this month.

But following the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on Friday that Trump did not have the legal authority to implement sweeping import tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), Xu said India now has the room to maintain Russian oil imports between 800,000 and 1 million barrels per day.

According to Shidore, Trump's ability to amend tariffs for reasons such as the purchase of Russian oil or factors unrelated to trade or economics will be constrained due to the court ruling.

India's Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas did not respond to CNBC's request for comments.
The US has announced a levy of countervailing duties (CVD) of 125.87% on solar cells and panels imported from companies in India, having determined that the South Asian country unfairly subsidised manufacturing.Responding to the development, government sources told CNBC-TV18 that the US' move is a part of a usual quasi-judicial process as CVD Investigations are undertaken by all countries, including India.In its preliminary findings made public on February 24, the US also announced CVD on import of solar cells and panels to the tune of 104.38% from Indonesia and 80.67% from Laos.In August 2025, government sources had indicated that the anti-dumping probe by the US against Indian exports of solar modules "lacked merit", with the US not having distinguished between exports from bonafide Indian manufacturers and from countries which act as trans-shipment hubs for under-priced exports aimed at dumping.The Alliance for American Solar Manufacturing and Trade and American module manufacturers First Solar, Mission Solar Energy, and Qcells had filed anti-dumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) petitions before the US International Trade Commission (ITC) and the US Department of Commerce, alleging dumping of solar modules by India, Indonesia and Laos in the American market.Earlier, the US had levied anti-dumping duty on solar exports from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.While an anti-dumping probe against solar cells and panels imported from the three countries will continue, the interested parties will get time to comment on the preliminary findings before a final determination is arrived at by the US.For both AD and CVD investigations, American law mandates the US Department of Commerce to verify information submitted by the foreign governments and manufacturers subject to the investigation, after a preliminary determination is issued. The final determination includes validation of data submitted by foreign manufacturers and governments, followed by a report with a summary of the findings after due verification.
Ransomware isnt an isolated, potential cyber threatits like a living organism that can shapeshift with multiple strains, tactics, and targets. The cybercriminals behind ransomware attacks run these operations like a business and are motivated to keep up profits at any cost. Their tactics range from quickly locking down an entire network to slowly leaking sensitive data over time; different types of ransomware pose different threats in their own unique ways.

In this guide, well discuss some examples of ransomware, explain how they work, and outline how businesses can stay ahead of their malicious ways.

What are the main types of ransomware attacks?

Like a thief walking around a parking lot checking for a conveniently unlocked car, cybercriminals are always looking for vulnerabilities. Over the years, many different types of ransomware attacks have popped up, each with its own execution plan.

Generally speaking, the most common types of ransomware include:

Crypto ransomware: Infamous and devastating, this strain encrypts data and will only decrypt it if you pay the ransom. If you dont pay, you lose your data forever.

Double extortion ransomware: Particularly nasty cybercriminals will lock your data, steal it, and threaten to leak it if you dont pay up.

Encryptionless ransomware: Some ransomware actors have decided to go straight to stealing data and extorting victims to pay to avoid its release to the internet.

Locker ransomware: This strain locks victims out of their systems, making them totally inaccessible until the ransom is paid, leaving you helpless.

Scareware: Especially devious, fake software claiming to be your knight in shining armor against a phony virus pressures you to pay for a bogus fix.

Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS): Like legitimate subscription models, cybercriminals rent ransomware tools from developers to help amateur hackers get their kicks.

What is the most common ransomware attack?

It is well known in the cybersecurity community that crypto ransomware is the most common type that cybercriminals use.

Crypto ransomware is the perfect combination of powerlessness and pressure. Cybercriminals go in, use strong encryption (asserting power over the victim), and can put immense pressure on the victim until the ransom is paid. Its simple and specifically targets valuable data, immediately impacting the business.

A variant strain of crypto-ransomware is double extortion, which uses the same hostage situation of encrypting data. The main difference is that instead of deleting valuable data like crypto, hackers favorite scare tactic for getting people to pay the ransom is the threat of leaking sensitive data.

The distinction between these types can sometimes blur, as many modern ransomware attacks use multiple tactics to pressure victims.

What are the different types of ransomware detection?

Detecting ransomware before it can take hold is crucial, and cybersecurity experts use several methods to stay a step ahead of threat actors. These are the ways you can detect ransomware:

Behavior analysis: Behavioral detection looks at how files and applications behave, which can help expose suspicious activity. For example, take mass encryptionbehavioral analysis spots this tactic before it spreads.

Signature-based detection: One of the most traditional forms of identifying and fighting ransomware strains, signature-based detection looks for unique code signatures associated with common ransomware.

Heuristic analysis: The best defense is a good offense. This proactive approach looks at file structures and code patterns to detect modified, new, or emerging ransomware strains.

Deception technology: Using fake files and bait systemsi.e., Honeypotsturns potential threats on themselves by luring ransomware and triggering early alerts before actual data is compromised.

A layered approach that includes some or all of the above is the best way to defend against ransomware. This way, both known and unknown threats can be quickly caught and crushed.

Looking over past incident reports from January 2025 to May 2025, were able to paint a picture of the most common ransomware variants that weve seen across our customers. Out of the 606 reports that were actually ransomware-related, the most common variants were unknown ransomware variants, making up 58.4% of the number of reports issued this year.

What about malware?

You cant talk about ransomware without talking about malware, as ransomware is just a glimpse of the larger malware picture. Malware attacks come in various forms, and ransomware is just one of the many threats businesses should be aware of.

Trojan Horses are disguised as legitimate software. They trick users into installing them and then drop malicious payloads once active.

Worms are self-replicating malware that can automatically spread across networks without users interacting with them.

Spyware quietly collects sensitive data such as login credentials, credit card numbers, and browsing activity.

Adware, though often less dangerous, bombards users with unwanted advertisements and can sometimes lead to further infections.

Rootkits are deeply embedded bits of malware that give attackers complete control over compromised systems.

While each threat operates differently, they share a common goal: exploiting vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access and inflict damage. Oftentimes, the data collected will be sold on the dark web by data brokers and can ultimately be leveraged by ransomware gangs to gain access to victims networks.

How does Huntress stop ransomware attacks from happening?

Huntress takes a proactive, human-led approach to stopping ransomware attacks before they can cause harm. With 24/7 threat monitoring, a dedicated team of cybersecurity experts continuously watches over your endpoints for any signs of suspicious activity.

Through proactive threat hunting and advanced behavioral analysis, Huntress can spot ransomware tactics before they can be executed. If a ransomware strain is detected, automated containment isolates infected endpoints to prevent further spread. Additionally, the Huntress Security Operations Center (SOC) goes beyond merely flagging threatsit actively helps eliminate them and strengthens defenses to ensure the attack doesnt happen again.

As ransomware attacks evolve daily, relying on outdated defenses just isnt enough anymore. Huntress comprehensive, human-led strategy ensures that threats are halted before they escalate into a full-blown crisis.

Reach out for a free demo to see for yourself how Huntress Managed EDR can help take ransomware off your list of worries.
Business email compromise (BEC) is the digital con dressed to impress. Its clean, calculated, and ready to fool even the sharpest eyes. These scammers dont tell on themselves with sloppy hacks. They whisper in familiar voices, posing as your CEO, HR, or a trusted vendor. And, unlike phishing, theyre a precision strike built on inside intel.

Just last year, BEC attacks racked up a staggering $2.7 billion in losses, a jump of 12.5% compared to 2021. Thats not petty cash, thats financial carnage. And guess what? The scammers dont need malware. All they need is your trust.

Lets break down 10 email compromise examples thatll make you double-check every email in your inbox.

Whats business email compromise?

BEC is when cybercriminals pose as someone you trustyour boss, your lawyer, your vendorto trick you into handing over money or sensitive info. They study your habits, mimic your contacts, and wait for the perfect moment to make their move.

Want to see how these scams play out and how to stay ahead of them? Check out our full breakdown of business email compromise tactics and trends.

Hows BEC different from phishing?

Heres a quick summary of how each attack strategy operates:

Phishing Business email compromise Mass emails, same bait Precision attacks, sniper-style No real intel Deep recon and impersonation Fast and sloppy Slow, methodical, deliberate Usually small-scale Multi-million-dollar frauds

Types of business email compromise (and their new tricks)

BEC is constantly evolving. Check out the latest business email compromise trends:

AI-style cloning: Theyre using AI to sound exactly like your boss.

Fake invoice schemes: Forged invoices look like theyre from trusted vendors, but direct payments to a bogus account.

QR code attacks: Embedded QR codes in emails to send victims to phishing sites or trigger malicious downloads.

Conversation hacking: Attackers take over legitimate email threads to steal sensitive information or manipulate employees into taking certain actions.

This isnt your grandmas Nigerian prince scam. Its Oceans Eleven but with Gmail. To give you a taste of how these high-stakes cons play out, here are 10 real-life business email compromise examples.

1. Toyota Supplier: $37 million BEC attack

In 2019, a Toyota supplier fell victim to a $37 million BEC attack. A third-party hacker, impersonating a business partner of one of Toyotas subsidiaries, sent emails to finance and accounting teams requesting that funds be transferred to an account under their control. This type of attack is commonly referred to as a vendor email compromise (VEC).

2. Ubiquiti: $46.7m vendor fraud

Ubiquiti, a networking company, was hit in 2015 with a massive $46.7 million loss involving fake vendor impersonations. The attack impersonated emails and made fraudulent requests from an external source, tricking the finance department into approving transfers to overseas accounts controlled by third parties.

3. Facebook and Google: $121m BEC scam

Hard to believe, but tech giants like Facebook and Google were duped by a phishing attack that cost them over $121 million between 2013 and 2015. Evaldas Rimasauskas posed as an external vendor, sending emails with convincing invoices to company staffers requesting payment. Once the companies wired the money, he quickly moved the funds to various bank accounts around the world.

4. Fraudsters swipe $2.8 million from Grand Rapids Public Schools in Michigan

Grand Rapids Public Schools in Michigan lost $2.8 million. Scammers accessed the email of the districts benefits coordinator, using it to intercept communications and redirect the districts insurance payments into a different account.

5. CFO impersonator swindles Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta out of $3.6 million

In 2018, Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta was hit when a fraudster impersonated the CFO. The scammer tricked the hospitals accounts payable department into updating the bank account details on file, resulting in a $3.6 million transfer to a fraudulent account.

6. Real estate developer scammed for 38 million

A real estate firm was swindled out of 38 million by an international group of fraudsters using social engineering tactics in 2021. The scammers impersonated lawyers, gaining the firms trust by pressing for a confidential and urgent wire transfer.

7. Building deception: $793,000 stolen from churchs construction fund

A scammer took advantage of a North Carolina churchs new construction project, stealing $793,000 in 2022. Posing as the contractor, the fraudster subtly altered one letter in the email address to redirect the funds into their own hands.

8. Cybercriminals steal $11.1 million from Medicare and Medicaid

In a targeted BEC attack, cybercriminals impersonated trusted figures to target the government healthcare programs Medicare and Medicaid. By spoofing emails, they successfully diverted $11.1 million into fraudulent bank accounts.

9. Save the Children: $1 million

Save the Children lost $1 million in 2017 when fraudsters got into an employees email account and impersonated a staff member. Using fake invoices and email requests, they convinced the charity to transfer the funds.

10. Guillermo Perez: $2.2 million

Between 2018 and 2019, Guillermo Perez orchestrated a BEC scam that defrauded several victims out of $2.2 million. He allegedly impersonated individuals and businesses in routine financial transactions, convincing victims to wire money into accounts he controlled alongside his accomplices.

How to fight back: A savvy defense strategy

Stopping BEC is about street smarts and systems. Heres what you can do:

Verify requests: Always call or use known contacts to double-check money moves.

Two pairs of eyes: Set approval tiers for transfers, especially over a certain dollar amount.

Train your people: Teach your team to smell a scam before it lands. The Huntress Managed Security Awareness Training can help with that.

Invest in email security: Get tools that flag impersonations and fishy senders.

Dont trust. Verify. Always.

BEC scams knock, smile, and ask politely to rob you. These attacks work because they prey on trust, timing, and familiarity. Your best defense against them isnt fear, but strategy. Create habits that slow things down, require verification, and eliminate easy targets. Because when a BEC hits, you lose trust, reputation, and time. And thats a price no one wants to pay.

We understand what threats like credential theft and unauthorized access mean for your business, and were here to help. Huntress has you covered with managed identity threat detection and response (ITDR), protecting identities across your organization 24/7.
A Ukrainian man has been sentenced to five years in prison after helping North Korean IT workers infiltrate American companies using stolen identities, reports Bleepingcomputer.

The 39-year-old man from Kiev pleaded guilty in November 2025 to charges including aggravated identity theft and conspiracy to commit fraud. He has also agreed to surrender assets worth over $1.4 million, including cash and cryptocurrency.

According to US authorities, he stole identities from hundreds of people, including US citizens, and sold them to foreign IT workers who used them to obtain remote jobs at around 40 companies in the US.
Logan Health - Shelby has partnered with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to host the Shelby Campus Out of the Darkness Hope Walks Here campus walk. This event is slated to take place on Wednesday, April 29. The event will take place on the Shelby Public Schools campus with check-in getting underway at 6 p.m. and the walk starting at 7 p.m.

While this event is still a ways out, sponsors for the event are currently being sought. The local chair of the Shelby Campus Walk Committee is Jill Stokes, who can be reached at 406-460-9145, [email protected] and the co-chair is Bridget Blevins, who can also give more information and sign up sponsors at 406-450-3316, [email protected].

"This campus walk brings together students, families, educators, and community members to raise awareness about mental health and to support suicide prevention efforts across Montana," said AFSP spokesperson Sarah Eckman-Wade. "Events like this are especially critical in our rural communities, where access to resources can be limited and open conversations about mental health can save lives."

Stokes, along with local volunteers, are working hard to making this event a success and the more support they can get via sponsorships, the more successful it will be. Funds raised from this event will support AFSP's evidence-based education programs, campus outreach initiatives, advocacy efforts, support for survivors of suicide loss and critical research. Sponsorships contribute to bringing more programs and resources to the area, something that is definitely needed in rural Montana. Not only will your business or organization be a part of securing more programs and resources, the community and all those participating in the walk will know of your commitment to mental health and the community as your organization will receive recognition during the event for the support.

Suicide and mental health tend to be hard subjects to talk about, which makes it that much more important that they are and that they are resources available to help. This is an effort to bring these tough subjects to light and hopefully encourage more people to reach out to the help that is available. The proceeds from this event will also help increase the limited resources available in the community.

If you'd like to involved in other local events in regards to mental health or share ideas and resources that would benefit the community, Toole County does have a Mental Health Advisory Board that meets the last Tuesday of every month at 4 p.m. at the Shelby Ambulance Barn. Board members range from Logan Health employees to Toole County Health Department personnel to a few local citizens. The Mental Health Advisory Board is working to help with the Campus Walk and is also working on other events to promote suicide prevention, awareness and mental health in the community. Anyone wishing to come and share some ideas or sit in on a meeting to find out what it's all about is welcome! For more information about the Mental Health Advisory Board contact the Toole County Health Department at (406) 424-5169.

If you'd like more information about the event, to volunteer or to sponsor, contact Jill Stokes at 406-460-9145, [email protected] or Bridget Blevins at 406-450-3316, [email protected]. There are different levels of sponsorship and all sponsors are appreciated. If you'd like to register to participate in the event visit afsp.org/shelby.
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He was always eating fast-food and his car was full of empty Dunkin' cups. So it was no surprise to a former co-worker that a pizza box ultimately led to the arrest of alleged serial killer Rex Heuermann.

Muriel Henriquez, who had worked with Heuermann, now 63, when she was office manager at his architectural design firm in Manhattan, New York, in the early 1990s, opened up to the Daily Mail about him, including his bad eating habits.

She revealed that she received a call from a friend after Heuermann's arrest in July 2023, who asked, 'had she heard about Rex?'

'When I got the call, I thought they were going to tell me he passed away because he was the most unhealthy person I have ever seen,' Henriquez said. 'I never expected to be told he was a serial killer.

'When they caught him the way they caught him, I thought it was typical Rex... He loved to eat fast food.

'Eating on the run, fast-food, pizza, you know, that's so Rex.'

In January 2023, after investigators had kept Heuermann and his family under surveillance for ten months, officers recovered a pizza box that he tossed in a garbage can near his office in Midtown Manhattan.

They were able to match the DNA from the leftover pie with a sample that was taken from the burlap sack used to conceal Megan Waterman's body after her remains were found near the town of Gilgo Beach on Long Island in December 2010.

The pizza box that Rex Heuermann discarded and was recovered by investigators. They matched his DNA to that found at the crime scene of one of the Gilgo Four

The pizza box was sticking out of the trash can near Heuermann's Midtown Manhattan office before police recovered it

Heuermann in one of his Tinder profile pictures. He is accused of murdering seven women

The remains of murdered Waterman, 22, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, 25, Melissa Barthelemy, 24, and Amber Lynn Costello, 27, were found along the beach and became collectively known as the Gilgo Four.

Henriquez explained how pizza was Heuermann's favorite. 'He'd walk into the office with a box of pizza. He was always eating out. Or he would bring it back to the office and eat in the office, but he was like, grab and go,' she said.

'There was a corner pizza place on 30th [Street] that he liked.

'Grab the pizza, or grilled cheese sandwiches, stuff like that. [He liked] a lot of coffee, a lot of coffee.

'I think he said that his wife wasnt a great cook. He ate out all the time. He was the most unhealthy person.'

Heuermann's love of fast food was documented in a 178-page motion filed by his defense attorney, Michael Brown, last month ahead of a scheduled court hearing.

In the motion, it detailed how he spent his first night in custody eating French fries, onion rings, peanut butter crackers and washing it down with a Coca-Cola.

He had told officers he was a diabetic but he declined his medication.

Muriel Henriquez (front) with Heuermann (behind) and former co-workers having post-work drinks at Pete's Tavern in New York City

Heuermann and Henriquez worked together at his architectural design firm in Manhattan

Henriquez said her working relationship with Heuermann goes back to the early 1990s

Henriquez knew 6ft 4ins Heuermann, who weighs 280lb, before his first known alleged victim, Sandra Costilla, 28, whose remains were found in Southampton, Long Island, in 1993.

Henriquez worked with him until 2007, when she left the firm, but they continued to run into each other occasionally.

'I met him through a friend of mine, and I remember he had this small [AMC] Pacer,' she said.

'I was like, "How is a guy who's so huge driving around his little tiny Pacer car?"

'He had piles and piles of empty Dunkin' Donuts coffee cups in his car, in the back seat, on the floor, everywhere, mixed in with rolls of plans. It was like, "What the hell is this?" It was nuts.

It was trash. It was literally trash. He would just drink the coffee and chuck it in the back. I'm like, "Don't you just throw out the garbage?"'

Henriquez previously told the Daily Mail how she had also unknowingly driven Heuermann's 'kill car' - a green Chevrolet Avalanche.

'At the time, I had no idea that was the kill car.

Heuermann was interviewed about his architectural firm in February 2022 at his Midtown office in New York

Heuermann was arrested in July 2023. Last month, details about his first night in custody were revealed. In a 178-page motion filed by his defense attorney, it detailed how he ate French fries, onion rings, peanut butter crackers and drank a Coca-Cola

'When he'd double park the truck on the street, he'd tell me, "If a cop comes around, you've got to move the truck."'

Police later discovered that the green Chevrolet Avalanche would transport his victims.

The truck was seized after his arrest and later became a key piece of evidence in the murder of one of his alleged victims, Amber Costello, 27.

Henriquez said Heuermann had seemed like a normal family man who worked hard and got on well with his co-workers.

'We'd go to meetings together. He always talked about his family, his wife, Asa, and his daughter, who was very young at the time,' she recalled.

'We were alone all the time working late hours,' she said. 'He would annoy me a lot. We would argue about different things, but I never felt unsafe with him.'

She said they would bicker about politics, argue about the bookkeeping and chat about his love of guns and his trips to the shooting range.

'He'd always invite me to the gun range and say, "I'll show you how to shoot a gun." I'm like, "I'm not interested in how to shoot guns."'

Heuermann's house sits directly north of Gilgo Beach across the South Oyster Bay. The bodies of the Gilgo Four were found on the beach

Heuermann loved talking about guns and shooting, according to his former colleague

Henriquez, 62, said that, despite having a good working relationship with him, she recalled a strange interaction when she went on a cruise in 2004 to celebrate her 40th birthday with a girlfriend.

'He kept harassing me. He kept asking me where I was going,' she recalled.

'Then he told me, "I can find you anywhere." I'm like, "No, you can't. I will be in the middle of the ocean."'

One day during her vacation, she returned to her cabin after an all-day excursion and found a white card sticking out from under her door.

When she opened the note, it read: 'I told you I could find you anywhere.' She said it was signed 'Rex.'

'Fear went through my head like, "Is he on this ship?" Then I told myself, "No, he can't be."'

Henriquez said that at the time, she was annoyed more than anything and did not feel in danger.

After the trip, Henriquez confronted Heuermann about his bizarre game.

Henriquez in front of the Norwegian cruise ship during her 40th birthday trip in 2004

Clockwise from left: Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Megan Waterman, Melissa Barthelemy, Amber Costello, Valerie Mack, Jessica Taylor and Sandra Costilla. Heuermann has been charged with killing all seven women

Personal items are removed by investigators from Heuermann's home after his arrest in 2023

Heuermann's home in Massapequa Park on Long Island, New York

'I said, "You know, Rex, you don't have anything else better to do than send me notes on the cruise?"'

Then she asked how he did it and he replied: 'Oh, I have my ways.'

'He had that smirk on his face,' she recalled. 'And, I just rolled my eyes and walked away.

'He was the kind of person that had to prove he was right, so he always had that big head on his shoulder, that kind of ego,' she said.

'I am still trying to figure out how he got that note on the Norwegian Cruise ship.'

Heuermann's crimes allegedly span more than 13 years, and since his arrest, he has been charged with seven murders, including the Gilgo Four, Costilla, Valerie Mack and Jessica Taylor. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Heuermann's defense claims that taking DNA from the pizza crust he threw away violated his constitutional right to privacy.

His trial is set to take place the Tuesday after Labor Day.
We Brits had already downed one lump of dead wood: the former Prince Andrew, who last week was arrested and questioned in a police station in Norfolk for 11 hours.

He's now holed up in a modest farmhouse on his brother's Sandringham Estate.

On Monday, we felled another huge tree, a pillar of our Establishment, architect of New Labour under Sir Tony Blair: Peter Mandelson.

I counted the rings on his stump and he's 72. Do keep up with all these titles, by the way: we do so love them over on this side of the pond.

Oh, and we'd briefly tried to export Handy Mandy to you: our Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, appointed him as our ambassador to Washington, a role which lasted until he was caught with his pants down, as you might say. Literally, given the photo, which emerged from the depths of the Epstein files, of the Lord in his tighty whities in a hotel suite.

The two homes of Lord Mandelson had already been searched - one in Wiltshire, the other in Camden, north London.

One home is never enough for these people, don't cha know - but on Monday, he too was carted off by police, collar felt, to be questioned, before being allowed out on bail.

Both men have only been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office - leaking state secrets - but at least it's a start, unravelling the stained, sweaty nest of vipers surrounding the late convicted pedophile, YOUR Jeffrey Epstein.

On Monday we felled another huge tree, a pillar of our Establishment, architect of New Labour under Sir Tony Blair: Peter Mandelson

Mandelson's role as UK Ambassador to Washington lasted until he was caught with his pants down. Literally, given the photo, which emerged from the depths of the Epstein files, of the peer in his tighty whities in a hotel suite

But what have you Yanks been up to? Any progress, any news? Any cavalcades of cop cars, sirens blaring, filmed from a helicopter? Or do you only arrest your most fragile royalty - kings of pop like Michael Jackson?

Hang on, you do have someone in prison: Ghislaine Maxwell, but she's a Brit and a woman no less. She's exactly where she belongs, but surely the might of the judiciary must be brought to bear on someone other than just her.

How about the hundreds of American men mentioned in the Epstein files? Who took advantage of Epstein's hospitality, methods of transport, money, trafficked slaves. Who penned revolting messages to each other, like so many grubby schoolboys. The rich and the powerful for whom lovely families and mansions and limos weren't enough.

I wonder, seeing the typos and the stupidity so apparent in their communications with Epstein, how any one of them ended up becoming billionaires, or sitting in positions of power.

We all know no one gets rich by being generous yet the picture that has emerged of these men is often so petty, so small, so childish. Mandelson even asked Epstein to pay for his husband's osteopathy course  this from a man whose London home is worth, what, $10 million?

It now seems misguided and wrong for our Royal Family to have paid off the late Virginia Giuffre to the tune of millions (they even raided poor, dead Prince Philip's coffers) while maintaining Andrew's innocence. Meanwhile Epstein's estate has doled out roughly $121 million to his victims.

But has anyone else over there paid the victims so much as a dime? Has anyone, 'reached out,' as you are so fond of saying on your emails?

Well, I am here to warn you.

The crisis in our monarchy or on British shores is not the end. King Charles and Prince William are both heading your way soon on official state visits.

Let's hope they ask a few hard and probing questions, rather than just shake yet another greasy paw of a Cheshire fat cat.

Prince Andrew, who last week was arrested and questioned in a police station in Norfolk for 11 hours is now holed up in a modest farmhouse on his brother's Sandringham estate

It now seems misguided and wrong for our Royal family to have paid off the late Virginia Giuffre (pictured in the now infamous 2001 picture with Andrew) to the tune of millions

King Charles and Prince William are both heading your way soon on official state visits

There is nothing in this affair about which any of us should feel particularly proud. The whole debacle is unedifying, grimy and unpleasant.

But, if the past couple of weeks have taught us anything, it's that there are no sacred cows in the UK. Heads, significant ones, are tumbling  action is being taken.

Even the King has said that the law must take its course when it comes to his shamed little brother. The message is clear: Nobody is above the law.

One wonders if the same is true in America. Because from where we Brits are sitting it's starting to look like, for those with enough zeros on their bank balance, America isn't so much the land of the free  it's the land of the scot-free.
As Keir Starmer limps from one U-turn to another and his financially illiterate Chancellor plunges us all into a growth-stifling tax-and-spend abyss, I often find myself thinking: how can things possibly get any worse?

The answer, of course, is Zack Polanski, whose emergence on the political stage is the equivalent of discovering a rather nasty wasps nest in your roof, or realising that a rat has died under your floorboards.

Zack presents himself as a nice, harmless guy whos just trying to make the world a better place. Hes gay, Jewish (albeit avowedly pro-Palestine), vegan. He buys his clothes secondhand from Vinted and is charmingly self-deprecating about his very English teeth. He doesnt drive, he doesnt fly. He talks about hope not hate.

He is very down with the kids, who love him. He has the highest poll rating of any UK politician with young voters and is especially popular among young women.

A recent YouGov poll showed that if voters were primarily composed of women aged 18 to 24, the Greens would romp home with a huge 44 per cent of the vote (more than double Labours share on 21 per cent, with just eight per cent for the Tories and five per cent for Reform).

God help us. Because the truth is, far from being a nice guy, Polanski is the biggest creep in British politics.

His carefully curated persona is in stark contrast to his stated policies and beliefs. He is, bluntly, a wolf in sheeps clothing.

And just like Starmer, he will say and do anything to pander to his base and get himself elected.

Zack Polanski's carefully curated persona is in stark contrast to his stated policies and beliefs, writes Sarah Vine

This week saw a classic example of this. The Green candidate in the Gorton and Denton by-election, Hannah Spencer, released a promotional video voiced entirely in Urdu aimed at Pakistani Muslim residents in the area.

Urging voters to unite against the Reform candidate, Matt Goodwin, it painted him as a far-Right Trump supporter, and heavily referenced Gaza. This was no party-political broadcast. It was a naked piece of propaganda, designed to do little except stoke fear and deepen division.

Apart from the scaremongering about America and Israel, by voicing the whole thing in Urdu it automatically excluded the rest of the residents in the area, most of whom (the Pakistani Muslim population of Gorton and Denton is estimated at between 20 and 28 per cent) wont have a clue what Ms Spencer is saying.

That sense of alienation was further underlined when Ms Spencer popped up in another video talking breathlessly about how she liked to fast in solidarity with Muslims during Ramadan.

None of this has anything to do with actual politics. It is simply sectarianism, every bit as one-dimensional and toxic as the kind of populist nonsense promoted by those on the far Right. They are all just as nasty as each other.

Polanski portrays himself as a moralist, but hes not interested in right or wrong, just whatever is most expedient.

He knows, for example, that the pro-Palestinian movement is aggressively vocal and highly fashionable among young people, especially young women, many of whom seem to idolise the attacks of October 7, blinded as they are by their visceral hatred of Israel.

This is despite the unequivocal evidence of mass rape and torture, and despite the fact that Hamas is heavily connected to the regime in Iran, where young women are being raped, tortured and executed for daring to demand freedom.

All that is obscured by their loathing of a Jewish state.

Polanski knows this, and he uses his Jewish religion as a defence when attacking Israel, precisely because it plays well with his swooning voter base who, like Ms Spencer, enjoy cosplaying as oppressed minorities.

But they are fools. Polanski is like that boyfriend who love-bombs you with grand gestures and wild-eyed promises, only to turn out to be a card-carrying narcissist. Which brings us to policy. Lets talk about that, shall we? Lets see what Mr Nice Guy wants to do if he gets elected.

Green candidate in the Gorton and Denton by-election Hannah Spencer, pictured, released a promotional video voiced entirely in Urdu aimed at Pakistani Muslim residents in the area

If elected, Polanski wants to legalise all drugs, including Class-As such as crack cocaine, heroin and date-rape drug GHB, writes Sarah Vine

If elected, Polanski wants to legalise all drugs, including Class-As such as crack cocaine, heroin and the date-rape drug GHB  and build direct partnerships between the UK and South American drug cartels.

He wants soft drinks that are laced with cocaine to be available at your local corner shop, and he wants psychoactive substances such as ecstasy and psychedelics to be on sale in nightclubs and music festivals.

Oh, and he suggests children starting in primary school should be taught how to take drugs safely in Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) lessons to enhance the safety of all who use drugs  ensuring they get hooked good and proper early on.

Its a policy that is aimed very clearly and quite nakedly at young voters, who  for obvious reasons, not least the absence of a frontal temporal lobe  tend to favour decriminalisation of harmful substances.

But its not about public health, as he claims, or about making it safer to take recreational drugs: that is already de facto the case, since personal drug use is almost never prosecuted by the authorities. Go to any music festival, and there are plenty of well-meaning people, especially charities, handing out drug-testing kits and helping youngsters whove overdosed.

No, what Mr Polanski would do  under the guise of decriminalisation  is to make life easier (and vastly more profitable) for some of the most violent and depraved people in Britain, a move that will only serve to deepen the misery of families and individuals whose lives are blighted by addiction.

He talks ceaselessly about rinsing the rich and redistributing wealth but, pray tell me, what are drug dealers if not people who enjoy vast wealth at the expense of the poor and dispossessed? How warped to prioritise them while penalising genuine job creators and honest taxpayers.

As to building direct partnerships between Britain and the drug cartels (he wants to ensure a sustainable supply of cocaine, apparently), does he have any inkling of what that actually means?

Perhaps he should switch on the news and see whats happening in Mexico right now, where the assassination of the powerful drug lord El Mencho has sparked running gun battles on the streets of Mexico City, as well as cars being torched and armed road-blocks, with tourists told to stay in their hotel rooms for their own safety. Thats what a world run by drug-runners looks like: hell on earth. And he wants to do business with these people?

Why doesnt Polanski throw in legalising rape and murder while hes at it  after all, isnt that what those guys specialise in? Oh wait. Sorry, hes ahead of me on that one. Yesterday it was revealed that Polanski is proposing legalising prostitution and making pornography more accessible. If theres one industry where rape is an occupational hazard, its porn.

He wants to see brothels on Britains high streets, allowing local authorities to make it legal for commercial properties to be adapted for such purposes. Sex work involving consenting adults should be decriminalised, and wherever possible particular areas should be designated where street prostitutes can work in safety without upsetting local residents and traders.

Given the emerging history of trafficking in this country, and the shameful treatment of vulnerable young women caught up in this vile trade, we should be clamping down on this sort of behaviour, not encouraging it.

Note that Polanski has scorned discussion of the mainly Pakistani grooming gangs in Rotherham, dismissing it as a racist narrative and a far-Right exploitation of the issue. He has also voiced considerable opposition to a public inquiry on similar grounds. I think given his stunt in Gorton and Denton we can all infer why.

Then again, you can infer quite a lot about a man who answers Yes to the simple question: Can a woman have a penis?

So, in summary: Zack Polanski is pro prostitution, porn and hard drugs. Meanwhile, hes against homeowners, savers, businesses and job creators, and he also hates it if you mention the fact that in 2013 he attempted to increase the size of a womans breasts through hypnotherapy.

Red flags? Dont say you havent been warned.
Protesters rally in Tokyo against PM Takaichi's dangerous policy agenda

Xinhua) 13:37, February 25, 2026

TOKYO, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- A large crowd of Japanese people gathered Tuesday evening in Tokyo to protest Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's dangerous push for policies including accelerating constitutional revision, expanding military capabilities and strengthening national intelligence functions, voicing concerns about the country's future direction.

The rally, jointly organized by multiple civic groups, gathered in front of the Second Members' Office Building of the House of Representatives. Participants held signs reading "Oppose constitutional revision" and "Do not release fascism from its cage," while chanting slogans such as "No War."

Noriko Kashikawa, one of the demonstrators, told reporters she "100 percent opposes" Takaichi's policy agenda. She warned that Japan was being steered toward a posture of constant war readiness, arguing that if the country is continually driven toward conflict, "it will ultimately lead to self-destruction."

Kashikawa said Japan should overcome challenges through dialogue and diplomacy rather than enacting laws that hinder communication or fostering an outwardly hardline atmosphere.

Many young people were also seen among the crowd. A university student named Matsubara said she was troubled by the government's recent policy moves, adding that "these policies all appear to be preparations for launching a war." She expressed hope for a government that more accurately reflects the voices of the public.

On Feb. 20, Takaichi reiterated her strong commitment to constitutional revision during a policy speech in parliament, calling for a fundamental strengthening of Japan's defense capabilities, an expansion of exports of lethal weapons and enhanced national intelligence capacity. The remarks have sparked widespread concern and criticism across Japanese society.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Is this the new Hollywood RIP playbook?

Step 1: Beloved celebrity passes away.

Step 2: Their grieving family rakes in hundreds of thousands  even millions  in charitable donations.

Indeed, that's what happened with the broods of a pair of recently departed artistes: Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek and Grey's Anatomy hunk Eric Dane.

Van Der Beek died on February 11. By February 22, his page showed $2.7 million raised from more than 50,000 GoFundMe donations. Van Der Beek's widow, Kimberly, is listed as the beneficiary.

Eight days later, Dane succumbed to ALS. As of this week, 'Friends of the Dane Family' have hauled in more than $400,000. GoFundMe has verified that this cash is going to Danes' two daughters.

But now, I  and legions of online trolls  are asking: what gives? Why didn't we cash-in when great granny Gladys died of dysentery? Of course, the answer is because great granny wasn't on TV!

Don't get me wrong. I'm not shaming super fans and big-wig friends for opening their wallets to honor their favorite actor. Grief can be wicked. And it is honorable for stars like Sam Levinson, Steven Spielberg, Hailey Bieber and Zoe Saldana to write big checks.

Van Der Beek died on February 11. By February 22, his page showed $2.7 million raised from more than 50,000 GoFundMe donations. (Pictured: Van Der Beek with children)

As of this week, 'Friends of the Dane Family' have hauled in more than $400,000 (Pictured: Dane with wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and daughters)

In the case of Van Der Beek, especially, it certainly feels like charity.

His death followed a years-long battle with colorectal cancer, during which he wasn't working. And Van Der Beek  who had a half-dozen kids  had been vocal about his terrible contract with the WB Network, which left him underpaid after six seasons and cut out of any proceeds from re-runs and streaming deals.

He was reportedly left auctioning off Dawson's Creek memorabilia near the end. You might say, he was left up a creek without a paddle.

It's a different story with Dane, though  and I knew and liked the guy.

We even went on a date once when we were 18 years old. I was working at a cutlery store in an LA mall and his best friend worked at the knickknack shop next door. He set us up  but it didn't go anywhere because I apparently have a bad eye for talent and blew him off.

Then, during the pandemic, I reached out to Dane and his fellow Grey's castmates to ask them to make my daughter a shoutout video. Dane was the only one who acquiesced and sent a sweet video encouraging my little girl to become a surgeon. The last line of the video shocked me when he said, 'Your mom and I once went on a date!'

After that we spoke for a few months and he told me about his nice house, sick car and even showed me pictures of his massive humidor stuffed with boxes of the best Cuban cigars money could buy.

His two hit shows, Grey's and the HBO phenom Euphoria, were both union programs (SAG-AFTRA), meaning that in addition to the millions he earned he was also afforded some of the best insurance in America.

I had AFTRA insurance for several years. It is the envy of every industry. I miss it every day. So, you don't need to play Doogie Howser to grasp that Dane's family wasn't nearing bankruptcy.

Van Der Beek  who had a half-dozen kids  had been vocal about his terrible contract with the WB Network (Pictured: The cast of Dawson's Creek)

Dane and I even went on a date once when we were 18 years old (Pictured: Dane as Dr Mark Sloan in Grey's Anatomy)

And then there's Dane's wife and mother of his girls, Rebecca Gayheart (whom I briefly worked with at MTV). They were legally married but separated at the time of his death  and she has very publicly moved on with businessman Peter Morton (estimated net worth: $800 million). So I doubt Dane's daughters are going to be shaking a cup of nickels on the corner anytime soon.

Yes, I realize that I am treading in dangerous territory here, but there is something creepy about the rich and famous accepting handouts. People get sick, people die, but most people aren't in the position of monetizing their loss for a hefty sum.

It's a little like folks in Pima County Arizona with missing family members  and who aren't named Guthrie. They must wait in long lines for help from local law enforcement. Meanwhile, the face of Savannah Guthrie's mom is broadcast across every television screen from her to Mexico.

Most normies have no other choice but to suffer in silence and hope for a break here or there, but celebrities  who are clearly not just like us  seem to get to jump to the front of the line.

I, for one, am not donating to either the Van Der Beek or Dane family GoFundMe accounts for the same reason that I am not getting my friend's one-year-old baby a birthday present: they don't need anything from me.

And to those folks with money burning through their pockets  isn't there a homeless shelter that needs your cash?

Perhaps, that'll give you more euphoria.
Striding into the chamber of the US House of Representatives, assuming once more the traditional role of First Lady as Guest of Honor at the political equivalent of Oscar night, it was hard not to see Trump's State of the Union address as an extension of what has been, for Melania, a period of unprecedented exposure in the media limelight.

Wearing a dark anthracite Dolce and Gabbana pantsuit - paired with her signature crisp white button-down shirt and five-inch Manolo Blahniks - the ensemble was a tweaked take on what has become her defacto public uniform.

This, the message was clear, is a woman who is not only the First Lady but an entrepreneurial matriarch, daily redefining what it means to be an international political consort.

Gone is the tailored femininity of Dior's New Look - which was showcased at least year's Joint Session - and in its place we find the hard-edged chic of Italian couture.

It is an aesthetic that has become pivotal to what Melania's media whisperer Mark Beckhman describes as the 'luxury brand that she's building.'

Melania has been very strategic in separating out these two diverging worlds - one political and the other highly theatrical. Before last night their intersections have been slight - a carefully strategized dance between performing the role of First Lady and a nascent identity quietly built over the course of 2025.

But with the debut of MELANIA that identity exploded onto the media stage and last night the two versions of Melania collided.

Impeccably attired and seated next to two children who are beneficiaries of her Fostering the Future initiative, her look - and their presence - underscored the ambitious legislative agenda she has pursued as her only meaningful footprint in Trump 2.0.

She wore a dark anthracite Dolce and Gabbana pantsuit paired with her signature crisp white button-down shirt and five-inch Manolo Blahniks

Impeccably attired and seated next to two children, her look - and their presence - underscored the ambitious legislative agenda she has pursued as her only meaningful footprint in Trump 2.0.

Paired down and paired back - this is Melania the perfected professional.

Never the conventional political consort, the first twelve months of her husband's second administration were, even by Melania's standards, unusual. Abdicating many of the traditional duties of her office, including overseeing redecoration of the White House (she was reportedly upset at the demolition of the East Wing), she was an undetectable presence - leaving most of wondering where she even was.

But she left, like a trail of crumbs, clues as to where the year was heading.

Think the monochromatic tour de force that was her official portrait as First Lady. Again, opting for Dolce, one of the few designers to have openly celebrated Melania's patronage, she presented a sharply defined image - one that now feels a teaser for the promotional posters featuring almost exactly the same outfit.

For most of 2025, Melania evaded the limelight - popping up only intermittently, for what were clearly the presidential A++ events. A hard-edged skirt suit that was custom Christian Dior during the state visit to Britain. A dramatic Dolce & Gabbana coat and lace veil at Pope Francis's funeral last April - stand out moments for a First Lady whose whereabouts were frequently unknown.

Yet, like everything else about Melania's world, this was a carefully built strategy - one as meticulous as the tailoring on last night's trousers.

Since being thrown into the political pond by her husband's career path, it has been a hallmark of Melania's style, to always look as if she was meant to be somewhere else.

Amidst the paisleys and pinks of presidential bashes in Palm Beach, Melania instead leans into blacks or silvers, colors rarely found on the Florida town's fashionable Worth Avenue.

And in the staid conservatism of Washington DC dressing  she is notable standout sporting clothes that to even the most uninformed eye seem sourced from another fashion planet. Yet in recent weeks, that strategy seems to be on steroids, as she orchestrates a wardrobe built around the lines, proportions and monochromatic influence that pervades her cinematic autobiography.

For a morning reception at the Smithsonian to celebrate the presentation of her second inaugural gown to the museum, the First Lady seemed more concerned with carrying out the costume code of her recent film than the event over which she was to preside.

Clad entirely in black, an oversized turtleneck, Bottega Veneta overcoat and black trousers, she appeared out of step with the daytime dress of her fellow attendees but sartorially in sync with herself as portrayed in her biopic.

For Saturday's black-tie Governor's Dinner at the White House  she sparked a wave of surprise as hand in hand she arrived at the event, not in the obligatory floor-length evening dress, but in a pair of striking $2,359 metallic trousers (again by Dolce) and a floaty black silk blouse.

Clad entirely in black, an oversized turtleneck, Bottega Veneta overcoat and black trousers, she appeared out of step with the daytime dress of her fellow attendees at the Smithsonian

For Saturday's black-tie Governor's Dinner at the White House  she sparked a wave of surprise as hand in hand she arrived at the event, not in the obligatory floor-length evening dress, but in a pair of striking $2,359 metallic trousers (again by Dolce) and a floaty black silk blouse

Her shimmering sky high Christian Louboutins and large diamond earrings were the only concessions to the dress code.

Pictured against the other women present - most of whom opted for adult versions of prom gowns - Melania made a point to be the sartorial standout.

Dress is clearly at the heart of who Melania is. Yet her devotion to it is not, I believe, an outlet merely for vanity but a recognition that it the most effective tool at her disposal to connect the position thrust upon her with the future she seems eager to create.

Constantly juggling the weight of history - and the expectations set for her by her immediate predecessors, all of whom embraced the more traditional limitations of their role - Melania has, through fashion found a voice that can always be heard loud and clear.

Last night's look was simple, stark and expertly silhouetted - making the case for Melania as a woman, not merely a wife - one who is increasingly the only narrator of her story.
Young people should be offered heart screenings to prevent hundreds of tragedies, experts and campaigners say.

Cambridge University student and keen athlete Clarissa Nicholls, 20, tragically died while hiking in the south of France in 2023 from an undiagnosed heart condition.

She had arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, a condition where the heart muscle is replaced by fat and scar tissue - and one of many heart conditions that could be spotted from a simple test, according to experts.

New research funded by the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) has now found that electrocardiograms could identify those at risk of sudden death - and prevent hundreds of deaths in young people every year.

Every week in the UK, 12 people under the age of 35 die from a 'hidden' heart condition, often in their sleep and usually completely out of the blue with no prior symptoms.

Now, the largest study of its kind has found that routinely offering heart screenings to young people could prevent hundreds of unnecessary deaths by identifying those at risk and putting them on medication or treatment.

Clarissa's mother, Hilary Nichols, has spent the years following her daughter's death campaigning for greater awareness of screening.

She told The Times: 'In this country, we routinely screen elite athletes, as well as army recruits and pilots.

Clarissa Nicholls (pictured) was a Cambridge University student who suddenly died aged 20 from an undiagnosed heart condition

The charity, Clarissa's Campaign, was started in her memory and raises money to have annual heart screenings in Cambridge and south east London

Clarissa's mother, Hilary Nichols, has spent the years following her daughter's death campaigning for greater awareness of screening

'So, if screening is a requisite for elite athletes and army recruits, why should the wider population not have access to these privileges? This is about giving young people the ability to make informed choices.'

Research led by a team at City St George's University in London analysed data from more than 104,000 young people aged 14 to 35, who had their hearts screened in a scheme funded by CRY.

Shockingly, one in 300 were identified with heart conditions that could later have fatal consequences if left unmonitored and untreated.

What is arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy ?

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy is a medical condition where the heart muscle is replaced by fat and scar tissue. It can be identified though a simple screening - an electrocardiogram. Once identified, it can be treated by antiarrhythmic medication, ICDs (implantable cardioverter-defibrillators), cathete ablations, or lifestyle changes to prevent it worsening, including restricting intense cardio workouts. Between one in 1,000 and one in 5,000 people in the general population are believed to have the disease. It is a leading cause of sudden cardiac death in people under 35 and has a slight male predominance. Advertisement

Four in 10 went on to receive significant interventions to 'save their lives', including implantable defibrillators, pacemakers, and two people had heart transplants.

The published study is the most comprehensive examination of cardiac screening in the young to date and could make a nationwide screening programme for the young possible.

Currently, only elite athletes in the UK are routinely screened for heart conditions by private sporting bodies, but the rest of the population is not due to popular belief that sprot exacerbates the dangers of hidden heart conditions.

But this study has disproved this common myth - finding no significant difference between the risk of sudden cardiac death between athletes and non-athletes.

Dr Steven Cox, the chief executive of Cry, told The Times: 'This research has clearly demonstrated it is no longer a question of if screening saves lives, but now about how many lives screening saves and how to prevent more tragedies.'

One in every 250 people is thought to have a genetic heart condition, affecting a total of roughly 260,000 people in the UK.

Clarissa's Campaign was set up after Clarissa's death and raises money for ECG Heart Screening days for young adults.

The charity works with CRY, the NHS, and Clarissa's family to raise money for an annual eight-day screening service in Cambridge and south east London, where Clarissa grew up. One screening day costs around 7,000.
Almost half of the public avoided or delayed contacting their GP about a health concern last year, a survey suggests.

People cited difficulties contacting their local practice, opting to wait for the problem to go away and not expecting to be offered a suitable appointment as some of the main reasons behind their decision.

Accessing a GP is the publics main priority for the NHS, along with improved A&E waiting times, the Ipsos poll of 2,200 UK adults found.

But 48 per cent chose not to contact their family doctor in a timely manner when they wanted their advice.

Meanwhile, two in five respondents (42 per cent) believe the general standard of care provided by the NHS worsened in the last year and only one in eight (12 per cent) believe it has improved.

Tim Gardner, assistant director of policy at the Health Foundation, which commissioned the survey, said: Our findings signal that too often people are going without the care they need, which risks storing up health problems further down the line and placing more strain on an already stretched service.

A report compiled by the think-tank says that public confidence in the Governments NHS policies remains low, with 54 per cent disagreeing that their Government has the right policies for the NHS compared to just 15 per cent who agree.

It comes as the Government promised to boost access to family doctors in England through a new GP contract, backed by a 485million investment.

Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, in Downing Street on February 24, 2026

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Join the debate Do you usually wait a long time to see a GP?

The contract requires all patients with urgent needs to have access to a same-day GP appointment.

A separate 300million of existing money in the service will be ring-fenced to help recruit additional GPs or increase hours of current family doctors, the Department of Health and Social Care said.

Chris McCann, acting chief executive at Healthwatch England, said: People consistently tell us that GP services are becoming harder to use and that simply getting through the door for care can be a challenge.

For example, we often hear from individuals who wait in long telephone queues for an appointment, only to be told that all slots have been taken for the day and that they must try again tomorrow.

Plans to recruit more doctors should make it easier for patients to get appointments and ensure urgent cases are handled more quickly.

Professor Victoria Tzortiou Brown, chairman of the Royal College of GPs, said there are 2,258 patients per GP, with far fewer fully qualified, full-time equivalent GPs per patient than a decade ago.

Describing the pressure as unsustainable for patients and GPs, she added: General practice is the front door of the health service and all patients should be able to see their GP when they need to, so it is worrying to hear that some might be delaying or avoiding seeking care because they think getting an appointment will be difficult.

GPs are working harder than ever, with over one million appointments delivered in general practice every day across England, and 46 per cent on the same day as the booking.

But we recognise that too many patients are still waiting too long for appointments or are anxious that they wont be able to get the care they need when they need it.

GPs and our teams are just as frustrated as our patients when they cant access our care.

Health secretary Wes Streeting said the Government was fixing the front door to the NHS, adding: Were giving practices the flexibility to hire more GPs, and backing them with extra funding to do so.

As a result, many more patients with urgent needs will be able to get an appointment the day they contact their practice.
A five-year-old boy whose family thought he had a stomach bug died just 24 hours after being diagnosed with meningitis.

Jude Platts from Liverpool was born with a rare chromosome disorder which affected his ability to walk and speak. He also had autism.

Despite his challenges, his family said he overcame all obstacles and had an 'infectious personality' and was obsessed with The Beatles.

'Jude was a very special little boy who faced almost impossible challenges from the very start.

'However, he was a fighter who defied all predictions for his future, and together our family battled through every obstacle,' said his brother, Adam Platts, a 25-year-old engineer.

Over the Christmas period, in December 2025, Jude began vomiting one day in the early hours of the morning.

He didn't have a temperature or any other symptoms, so his family assumed he had a sickness bug.

Jude continued to vomit all morning and all afternoon, until things took a turn for the worse at around 8pm.

Five-year-old Jude Platts from Liverpool died 24 hours after being diagnosed with meningitis

'Jude was a very special little boy who faced almost impossible challenges from the very start,' said his family

Out of nowhere, he began having a seizure, leading his family to call an ambulance.

In the hospital, Jude's seizure continued and he became paralysed down the left side of his body, leading doctors to think he may have had a stroke.

After examining Jude, doctors realised he had stopped breathing, and immediately admitted him to resus, where he was put in a medically induced coma.

Scans revealed that Jude had encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain, caused by a viral or bacterial infection.

He was rushed to the ICU for treatment, but a few hours later, at around 4am, doctors told the family that he was in an extremely critical condition and had just a five per cent chance of survival.

'They said they'd never seen an infection affect the brain so quickly and aggressively,' said Jude's elder brother.

Later that day, Jude had an MRI scan, where it was confirmed he had streptococcal pneumonia meningitis, a very serious infection of the protective membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord that can cause death and long-term disability.

Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcal) meningitis is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in children over one month old and adults across all ages.

There were nearly 300,000 cases globally in 2021, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Jude is pictured with his elder brother, Adam Platts, a 25-year-old engineer

Bacterial meningitis, which requires urgent hospital treatment, affects the membranes in the spinal cord and brain

According to Meningitis Now, the UKs leading meningitis charity, the condition can be fatal within hours of infection, and one in ten people who contract bacterial meningitis will die.

Between 30 and 50 per cent of those who survive bacterial meningitis will be left with long-term after-effects, including hearing loss, acquired brain injury, epilepsy, chronic pain, vision problems and amputations.

Doctors performed more tests and treatments, but Jude failed to respond.

Mr Platts said: 'Later that day, we received the worst news ever, that there was no brain activity at all from Jude.

'We made the decision to turn off life support, and he passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on New Year's Eve.

'It was heartbreaking, Jude was so special to all of us.'

Mr Platts added: 'Jude had an infectious personality, he could light up any room, he was always happy.

'He's always been a fighter; he broke down every obstacle in his way.'

The Platts family have launched a GoFundMe to create a bespoke resting place for Jude.

'We don't want a generic gravestone, we want to go all out, and make sure he is remembered, Mr Platts said.
One in 25 GP appointments is now about Mounjaro or other weight-loss jabs, a GP has warned, as they told of people being prescribed the drugs privately before returning to the NHS with side effects or reactions with other medication.

During a session of the Health and Social Care Select Committee in Parliament on Wednesday focussing on food and weight management, MPs were told the number of patients approaching the NHS about the jabs is increasing.

Dr Munro Stewart, GP Partner and vice-chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, shared the statistic as he warned that the NHS is facing a larger workload due to demand for the medication.

The panel heard that in November alone, some 263,000 prescriptions for Mounjaro were issued at a cost to the NHS of 60 million.

Around two million people are estimated to be taking Mounjaro through private providers.

But Dr Stewart warned that more and more people are turning to the NHS with problems as a result of private prescription.

'There is demand for these drugs. There are people seeking these drugs privately coming to us. Most days I will have a letter from a private prescriber saying we've given this drug to your patient,' he said.

'We recognise that patients are trying to improve their health and we want to support them with their health.

'We have people coming to us who have had side effects of these drugs which have been prescribed privately.'

One in 25 GP appointments is now about Mounjaro or other weight-loss jabs, a GP has warned, as they told of people being prescribed the drugs privately before returning to the NHS with side effects or reactions with other medication

Dr Kath McCullough, a consultant in diabetes and endocrinology and obesity advisor to the Royal College of Physicians added: 'We certainly have seen an increase in the number of people coming to emergency departments with side effects from the whole class of drugs.'

In a recent survey of GPs, it was found that one in 25 GP appointments is now primarily about Mounjaro or includes discussion of the weight-loss jab.

As well as side effects, many patients who have been privately prescribed the drug are returning to the NHS following a reaction with existing medication.

'We also have patients where we see they've been prescribed it and there's perhaps an interaction with a medication they are already on, such as contraception, HRT,' he said.

Dr McCullough, who also works in acute medicine at the Royal Surrey Hospital in Guildford, said that 'dubious practices' by some private providers mean the drugs are frequently given without proper checks.

Addressing private providers, she told MPs: 'They'll be largely relying on what the patient tells them.'

She said she now tells health workers: 'Don't assume that somebody in front of you needs to be obese or overweight to be taking these drugs.'

Warning of the prevalence of advertising for Mounjaro on platforms such as Instagram, she said she is aware of some providers only asking for a single photo of a would-be patient before prescription.

'If you want to get your hands on these medications it is very easy to do so,' she said, adding: 'It is very easy, it's not regulated and that is very concerning.'

Both doctors emphasised that weight-loss jabs and other treatments should come second to a focus on prevention of obesity in the first place.

Speaking to the Health and Social Care Select Committee in Parliament on Wednesday, Dr Munro Stewart warned of increasing numbers of patients coming to the NHS with side effects from privately prescribed jabs

Dr Stewart said: 'There is a danger of over-medicalising it [obesity] as well... if we try to completely medicalise this, this could be extremely high cost to the NHS workload and we have to put this all in the context of prevention is better than cure.'

He added: 'We don't have the long term data. Yes there is a role for these drugs... but it doesn't change the need for wraparound care'.

Dr McCullough added that there is a 'need to move beyond the notion' that obesity prevention is only about eating less and exercising more.

The warnings come as it was revealed this week that under a new NHS contract, a typical GP could pocket a bonus worth up to 3,000 per year for prescribing Mounjaro to eligible patients.

Officials hope the financial incentive will encourage family doctors to accelerate the rollout of the drug, which can help patients shed up to a fifth of their body weight in a little over a year.

Not all practices are currently prescribing the treatment despite being given the authority to do so eight months ago, the Department of Health and Social Care said.

Some 2.4 million people in total are thought to be using the drugs in the UK, but at least two million of these are paying typically 200 per month to buy them privately.

NHS England has implemented a phased 12-year rollout of the once-weekly injection, with only 220,000 patients prioritised in the first three years.

It is currently offered on the health service to severely obese people with a body mass index over 40 who also have complicating illnesses such as high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: 'Weight-loss drugs can be a real game changer for those who need them.

'I'm determined that access should be based on need, not ability to pay.

'Outside the NHS, we've seen those who can spare the cash buying privately, and the proliferation of rogue prescribers peddling dangerous unlicensed drugs that are putting patients at risk.

'This is just part of a wider public health package to help ease the 11 billion burden obesity places on the health service and economy.

'These new incentives for GPs will bring the principle of fairness  which has always underpinned the NHS  to obesity jabs, with the phased rollout to those with highest clinical need first.'

The weight-related bonuses for GPs could be worth up to 25million in total.
'My grandma is 93 now,' Jessica Anne, known online as Little Jess, says while holding the hand of an elderly woman lying in bed, in a clip shared with her 1.8 million TikTok followers.

'Bloomin' heck!' the woman, Dorothy, replies. 'I'm glad I'm not like her, then. Ninety three, I'm glad I'm not that age yet.'

Jess, 28, chuckles before reassuring Dorothy that it'll be a long time before she turns 93. But beneath the laughter is Jess's deep sadness - because Dorothy is in fact her grandmother, living with advanced mixed dementia.

Dorothy, originally from Chesterfield, was officially diagnosed in 2017, a year after she first showed symptoms of the illness. For the last three years, Jess has shared her family's experience with Dorothy's dementia on TikTok, giving her followers almost daily updates.

The clips show the day-to-day reality of dementia, as Jess speaks to the woman she will always know and love as 'nan', while Dorothy no longer recognises her granddaughter.

'Now, [Nan] doesn't know who I am at all, and I don't really know who she is either, so we're very much like two strangers meting each other for the first time every day,' Jess tells the Daily Mail, in support of the Defeating Dementia campaign.

It's a painful, even 'traumatic', reality with which Jess has to grapple. However one constant remains - that they see each other every day.

Growing up, Jess lived just minutes away from her nan and grandad, ex-soldier Arthur, and was often at their house.

Jessica Anne, known as Little Jess to her nearly 2 million TikTok followers, documents her near-daily visits to her grandmother Dorothy, who is living with two different types of dementia

Dorothy was a mother-of-five who had spent her working life in cafes and factories. In her later years, she took on a huge role in helping raise her granddaughter and the pair formed a close bond.

'We never had a day when we didn't see each other. Even growing up when I had friends at school, I would always pick my grandparents [over friends] because that's just the bond we had.'

She pauses, and reflects: 'It's a shame really, that the world isn't still like that.'

It was in 2016 that Dorothy, then 83, began showing symptoms of dementia. But despite the advancements in mental health care and awareness, Jess says the early signs of dementia were relatively unknown at the time.

Everyone experiences dementia differently. Use this checklist to help you make a note of your symptoms before you talk to your GP. Symptom Checklist

'We didn't know what we were looking for,' she says.

Throughout her life, Dorothy has been a 'warm' person, with a personality Jess describes as 'sunshine' and 'light', and a love of other people, striking up conversations with anyone and everyone.

'She would initiate conversations out of anywhere, a real talker,' Jess says.

But suddenly, Dorothy seemed to have lost her ability to chat. Jess recalls her nan becoming 'lost' in conversations, unable to keep track, and even 'freezing' at points as she struggled to find the correct word.

Jess and her family were alarmed by Dorothy's sudden lack of ability to hold a conversation - but over time, her symptoms became more acute.

Dorothy, who is now 93 years old, is living with vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease in advanced stages

Dorothy pictured with her late husband Arthur, a veteran. The couple met at a dance hall in the 1940s

'She wasn't aware of her surroundings at home, was losing items in the house, had no spatial awareness in her own home that she has lived in for years and wasn't aware of where things were. It was quite scary.'

Dorothy began having falls and ending up in hospital, leaving her family begging doctors to look into her symptoms. But according to Jess, their pleas fell on deaf ears for a year.

'When we did go to the GP they fobbed her off for a year with loads of different things - a water infection, anxiety, depression, isolation.'

But Jess and her family knew there was something else causing Dorothy's symptoms.

Meanwhile, Dorothy herself knew something wasn't right, making her awareness of her symptoms clear to the family.

'She would say "my brain feels really foggy today", or "the cogs aren't working",' Jess recalls - noting that Dorothy's own description of her symptoms helped them understand what was happening to her.

After a year, Dorothy was finally diagnosed with Alzheimer's and vascular dementia in 2017. But for Jess, any relief was eclipsed by a fear of what lay ahead for the family.

'We were sent home with a word and that was it,' she says.

Following the diagnosis, Jess and her family did everything they could to ensure Dorothy could continue living at home. Arthur had passed away in 2012 and the home they shared together was 'the last piece' of him.

They made adjustments in the house and stuck Post-it notes on furnishings to remind Dorothy of things she needed to do around the house.

Jess has always had a close relationship with her grandmother, visiting her every single day as a child and often choosing to spend time with Dorothy over her school friends

Jess and her family began to notice Dorothy's behaviour changing back in 2016, with the former factory worker telling them she felt 'foggy' as she struggled to remember words

Jess's mother became a full-time carer and spent most of the day with Dorothy, before Jess popped over in the evening.

For a couple of years Dorothy managed well on her own, but as her symptoms progressed Jess began to fear for her safety.

Dorothy enjoyed going for walks to keep herself moving. But soon, these walks became a danger as she would forget how to find her house again. More and more frequently, Jess would receive phone calls from her confused nan who couldn't make her way home.

Dorothy would also forget to take her medication, or take too many pills, which could have been disastrous for her health.

As her cognition continued to decline, Dorothy suffered more and more falls.

'I thought it was old age, but it was actually the dementia. She forgot how to walk and move her body, that connection between brain and body was cut off, missing,' says Jess.

Dorothy, pictured as a young woman, spent her younger years working in various cafes and had a stint in the Trebor factory

After several spells in hospital, all caused by falls, social services made contact with Jess's family and suggested Dorothy would need round-the-clock care. At the end of 2019, Dorothy moved into a care home where the family, including Jess, continued to visit her every day.

When the nation was plunged into lockdown months later due to the Covid pandemic, Jess, for the first time in her life, found herself unable to visit her nan every day.

When visits were allowed, she had to wear full PPE and wasn't allowed to hug Dorothy.

'We were grateful she had a safe place to be but the visits were either through the window or not at all. We wore PPE every time and nan couldn't understand why we were in capes and masks.'

For the last three years, Jess has documented daily visits to Dorothy in the care home on TikTok, sharing all facets of dementia - including the highs and the lows.

She had long filmed moments with her nan to create memories on which she could look back, but one day in 2023 Jess decided to post a clip on TikTok.

'I went to visit [nan] on the Monday and she knew who I was. By the Tuesday she didn't know who I was at all, and I captured that moment on video.

'I went home and felt all these different emotions that I'd never experienced on this journey before. Heartache; grief for someone who is still here; I was hurt, I was sad, I was angry at the world, and I was disappointed that I didn't know more about dementia and I didn't have anywhere to find that information.

'I thought, there must be some other people in this world who feel all the same ways I do.'

Searching for others who were living the same experience as her, Jess uploaded the clip of Dorothy unable to recognise her.

'The clip reached millions over the next few days, people from so many different avenues were flooding in with comments, from people who had never heard the word dementia before to others who were grieving because they'd lost someone to dementia,' she says.

It was clear to Jess that her story had resonated with an enormous audience - and it allowed her to connect with people going through the same experience. So she kept uploading snippets of her visits with Dorothy.

In the world of social media where people can throw criticism at strangers at the drop of a hat, Jess's content has achieved something rare.

She has built a community of people whose lives have, in some way, been affected by dementia, and who tune in every day to see Dorothy.

Each day Jess starts afresh with her nan, who has not recognised her for several years now.

'The moment I touch that door handle I take a deep breath because I just don't know what's going to be behind that door today,' she explains.

'I'm still learning in the moment every day. Dementia is so unpredictable, you don't know what the day is going to hold.'

Although Dorothy doesn't recognise Jess, one thing always helps them connect - music.

Research has shown that music can help people living with dementia connect to the world, even as they lose some cognitive abilities.

Angelo Makri, a knowledge officer at Alzheimer's Society, says: 'A familiar song can unlock treasured memories and spark special moments of connection with others.'

He continues: 'Theres evidence that music may prompt memories, lift mood and helps maintain a sense of personal identity. It can have a truly positive effect on the wellbeing and quality of life for people living with dementia.'

In many of Jess's clips, she sings to Dorothy and Dorothy joins in.

'It's our safe space, if she's having a stressed day, a sad day, an angry day, music is a connection point for us.

'Now when I step into her space we have to build up that connection and bond again because she doesn't know who I am. Whereas music is a safe zone for us.'

Jess doesn't know many of the songs Dorothy likes to sing ('they're from the war', she jokes) but she encourages her nan to embrace music nonetheless, thanks to its soothing effect.

'She's somebody who can't remember her entire family or her own life anymore, but music brings up memories that are tucked away.

'We don't go more than an hour without singing something, it's always been our connection point.'

There is one song Dorothy sings that means a lot to them both, You Are My Sunshine.

'It was a song [Nan] sang to me at the beginning of my life when I first entered the world. Now we're reaching the end of her life and we have come back to it, it's a real 360 degree thing.'

Jess doesn't know what lays ahead on any given day for herself and for Dorothy as dementia continues to attack her brain. But she tries her best to maintain a positive outlook.

'Some days she's sleeping the whole visit, some days she's shouting at me to get out of her room, but I always try and look for one joyful moment in that day, no matter how small it is.'

Although Jess's clips serve to help other people who are affected by dementia, they have a deeper purpose - to document precious time with her nan while she still can.

She says: 'One day I will look back on this digital diary we've created. [Nan] would be overwhelmed if she knew how many millions of people she was helping.

'She always wanted to help people so it's really lovely that we've created something so special as this.'
Rows of students plonk themselves down wearily, resigned to their latest essay. While tracksuits and hoodies  not academic gowns  are the uniform of choice, the grandeur of the medieval library gives them away. These are Oxford University students, heads buried in laptops and even, surprise surprise, the odd printed book.

But one teenager in particular stands out. With a tripod for her camera and a ring light to hand, she sits in the corner (with the best lighting, naturally) and sets about filming herself reading and writing or at least pretending to.

No, she wont have an essay to hand in later, but she will have an Instagram post, and frankly that might serve her better.

Welcome to the rarefied world of the Oxfluencer  the Oxbridge students whose hefty social media followings are built on content displaying the kind of academic prestige money cant buy. And who are making small fortunes out of it.

The saying goes that youll know if someone went to Oxford or Cambridge because theyll tell you within five minutes of meeting  and far be it from me to negate this stereotype. Towards the end of my time as an undergraduate at Cambridge between 2018 and 2022, influencers like Holly Gabrielle (78,200 followers), Eve Bennett (95,300 followers) and Ruby Granger (256,000 followers) were beginning to take off, sharing aesthetically pleasing videos of everything from formal dinners and library study sessions to admissions advice.

While many were educational, giving a glimpse behind the glossy veneer to share the stress of yet another essay crisis at 2am, there was, and still is, a healthy dose of envy-inducing too  videos showing picnics on college lawns and study sessions in ancient college bedrooms, complete with scouts (cleaners to you and me).

Of course, many of us laughed at them back then. Far from being treated like celebrities, they often cut lonely figures (filming and editing does take up valuable extra-curricular time, after all). Plus, the assumption that our lives were interesting enough to merit hours of online content was toe-curling.

Oxbridge students who post on social media about life at their prestigious universities  'Oxfluencers'  are making a small fortune from the content

25-year-old Ruby Granger, who posts study videos of herself reading and drinking tea in rarefied libraries at Oxford, has more than 300,000 in the bank from influencing

Eve Bennett, who has 95,300 followers, took off online by sharing aesthetically pleasing videos of her life at Oxford, from dinners and library study sessions to admissions advice

But while my friends and I rested on our laurels, smug in the assumption that an Oxbridge education would open unlimited doors in law, banking or government, its the student influencers, whipping microphones out in tutorials and setting up cameras mid-service in Kings College Chapel, who are laughing at us now.

According to figures released last week, a record 1,000 taxpayers under the age of 30 earned at least 1million last year  an 11 per cent rise on the year before  with experts explaining that the increase comes at least in part from young people eschewing traditional careers and turning to online influencing instead.

Among the Oxfluencers, the most successful are raking it in not only from views on YouTube and endorsement deals, but from private tuition on the art of acing tricky admissions interviews.

Public accounts show Ruby Granger, who posted study videos of herself reading and drinking tea in rarefied libraries at Oxford, has more than 300,000 in the bank from her influencing activities  not bad aged just 25.

Meanwhile, the rest of us are struggling with the realisation that we arent as uniquely clever as we thought we were. While employment rates remain high, hovering around the 90 per cent mark for recent graduates, studies suggest that lots have to apply for as many as 100 jobs before getting an interview. Consultancy firm PwC, where Oxbridge graduates were once a shoo-in, cut 200 entry-level roles last year, with graduate job openings predicted to drop by 9 per cent in 2026.

The world has always been fascinated by Britains most prestigious educational institutions. Early reports suggest a record number of applicants have thrown their hat into the ring this year, with the most popular courses being English Literature, History and Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE).

Oxford PhD student and influencer Eleonora Svanberg, 26, explains that if you want to reach young people, you have to be where they are  which is social media

Eleonora explains that her peers do not understand her desire to post content online as 'academia isnt the most supportive of this kind of public-facing work'

Svanberg, pictured dressed up for a formal dinner, says that content in Oxford is more likely to go viral as the city is so visually compelling

Many of these teens will be looking for the highest academic challenge, but large numbers also recognise that social capital is the true benefit of an Oxbridge education.

And what better way to alert people to your new status than to make your entire Instagram presence revolve around your education?

According to the Sutton Trust, the most powerful and influential people in the UK are 21 times more likely to have been Oxbridge educated than the general population. Who can blame Oxfluencers for flexing their academic credentials on the most relevant forum of the 21st century?

While their motivation for sharing may be clear, the appetite for such content is rather more baffling, given how irritating most people find Oxbridge braggers to be.

These universities represent a world that still feels elite, mysterious and slightly untouchable to many, which makes content related to it extremely marketable, brand and PR expert Nick Ede explains.

To be fair, some also gain huge followings by demystifying the entrance process. Certainly for Oxford PhD student and influencer Eleonora Svanberg, 26, who has half a million followers across Instagram and TikTok, the primary audience is young girls who want to follow in her footsteps. A self-described campaigner for equality, mathematical physics and everything in between, she tells me girls feel more confident taking their place among the male-dominated science applicants as a result of watching her videos.

Her content includes footage of her studying, attending conferences and yes, enjoying those classic, Harry Potter-style formal dinners. Crucially, she explains, if you want to reach young people, you have to be where they are  which is social media.

But its not all sunshine and punting on the Cherwell.

Svanberg never brings up her online presence in the real life MCR (or Middle Common Room, where the post-grads hang out), unless anyone asks her about it directly.

I worry that people might assume it makes me less serious as a researcher, she admits. I can still feel a bit self-conscious about it. Academia isnt the most supportive environment for this kind of public-facing work.

Despite her colleagues just not understanding what she does, Svanbergs posting  which she is keen to emphasise fits around her research and teaching  has brought her opportunities she wouldnt otherwise have had. Shes been invited to run workshops, speak about her research and even consulted with the Swedish parliament on inclusive education (Svanberg hails from Linkoping in Sweden). Shes even signed a deal to write popular science books in English and Swedish  no doubt helped by her online presence.

Thanks to her regular social media posts, event organisers already know shes comfortable with public speaking  and are grateful for her platform if she shares even a snippet of their event.

But would she have had the same success if she was posting from another university? Shes aware that Oxford adds a certain cachet to her content.

Being at Oxford does add credibility, and I think that matters when youre an influencer wanting to achieve change, she says. The Oxford scenery, with its spires, students on rickety bikes and dons in gowns is unmistakably front and centre on her Instagram page.

Honestly, Oxford content is more likely to go viral, she admits. The setting draws people in, then I can use that attention to show what studying here actually looks like.

Ilya Carey, who posted YouTube videos about his time at Cambridge University, admits his motivation for sharing content online was mainly financial

After graduating in her masters in English, Ruby Granger launched a business selling journals and planners

Holly Gabrielle, who posted Cambridge study videos, co-founded Narna, a sustainable clothing brand  like many other influencers who go on to found businesses

The quintessential British-ness makes it particularly marketable to audiences overseas. Oxford is so visually compelling, and for a lot of people internationally, it represents a dream  it certainly did for me.

When I show the historic architecture, the traditions like formal [dinners] and the day-to-day reality of being a student here, I think people can imagine themselves being here too. They can picture themselves walking those streets, sitting in the libraries, going to dinner, doing the work. Living their dream.

Ede agrees. Fairly or unfairly, an Oxbridge education signals discipline and status. When thats combined with a strong online presence, it creates a strong personal brand. Employers increasingly value communication and visibility, and these types of influencers demonstrate both.

Indeed recruiting platform TotalJobs told the Mail that 58 per cent of recruiters say social media skills, including digital marketing, social media management and content creation (thats making Instagram videos, to you and me) are likely to command higher salaries. Ironically 15 per cent said these skills are the most vital in determining salary or career progression  so perhaps the Oxfluencers social media abilities are in fact more important than the Oxbridge education.

Its worth noting that very few make a fortune through influencing alone. Ilya Carey  a contemporary of mine who posted YouTube videos on his channel Ilyas Cambridge Advice  did both an undergraduate and masters degree in biology at Cambridge and is now studying for a PhD at the University of Zurich. He admits his motivation for posting online was mainly financial, but considering the effort, you dont make that much.

He explains it can take a while before your content becomes monetised; you need 1,000 subscribers and at least 4,000 hours of views in the last year. Once youve achieved that, you get around 2 per 1,000 views.

Since the inception of his channel in 2020, hes made around 2,000 from YouTube  a pittance if you consider the hours of editing and promotion he put in.

Yet the cachet of a Cambridge education eventually came good. Thanks to his online presence, private tutoring requests came rolling in, leading to him setting up his own lucrative business matching students with tutors.

Clearly, however, Oxfluencers have a short shelf life. How can you possibly stay relevant once youve left the university that was your selling point? The smartest studytubers launch businesses capitalising on the academic qualities their followers seem to value.

Ruby Granger, who did a masters in English at Oxford, has launched a business called Pumpkin Productivity, for example, selling journals and planners to followers who want to live the #GrangerLifestyle.

Holly Gabrielle, who posted Cambridge study videos, co-founded Narna, a sustainable clothing brand, and diversified into fitness content  likely to net her a tidy profit through endorsement deals and sponsorships.

The pressure to constantly put on a performance of intelligence, productivity and success can be intense, says Ede. Very few people make it big, and sustaining relevance takes enormous effort.

Then there are the inevitable legions of online trolls, who love nothing more than a bit of smug Oxbridge nerd to get their teeth into.

There are threads as long as your arm about the most successful on the online gossip forum Tattle Life, where Ruby Granger is relentlessly accused of privilege and inauthenticity, for example.

Elsewhere, the Oxfluencers attract predictable misogyny.

Svanberg tells me she found the nastier trolling difficult at the start, but now  depressingly  sees it as the price you pay for having a profile online. Even more shocking, its her posts about equality and inclusivity in education that get the most trolling rather than pictures of her looking stunning at a scholars dinner. Nobody minds a woman at Cambridge, it seems, as long as she looks pretty doing it.

Still, she says, shes grateful she started posting her Oxford life online, even taking into account the mud-slinging from academics and internet trolls alike.

In todays digital world, its Eleonora and her contemporaries who speak louder than any doctoral thesis ever could.
Barry Keoghan has sparked cosmetic surgery speculation after the star was photographed front row at London Fashion Week on Sunday.

The Irish actor, 33, showed off a much fuller pout as he posed for photos in front of the Tower Bridge in London before Burberry's quintessentially British presentation.

Barry, who is set to play Ringo Starr in the upcoming Beatles biopic, looked the part in a mariner cap pulled over his grown-out locks as he joined Kate Moss, Alexa Chung, and rapper Skepta for the show.

The Saltburn actor's fans later suggested he looked dramatically different, with X users noting his chiselled jawline, plumper lips and a much more defined cupid's bow.

Now, a cosmetic surgeon has revealed that Barry's new look could be the result of using lip fillers amid a 'noticeable rise' in men exploring 'undetectable injectables'.

While stars like Kylie Jenner, Ariana Grande and Courtney Cox have openly discussed using lip fillers, leading men in the industry rarely discuss aesthetic treatments.

However, it has been suggested that celebrities like Channing Tatum, Zac Efron, Brad Pitt and Henry Cavill have used dermal fillers to make their lips more proportionate and symmetrical.

'Barry Keoghans recent appearance has definitely sparked conversation around his lips looking fuller, and whether that is down to treatment, lighting, or natural variation remains to be seen,' said Dr Barbara Kubicka, the founder of ClinicBe.

'What is important here is that it reflects how closely male facial changes are now noticed and discussed. Moments like this mirror what we see in clinic, where men are increasingly open to subtle lip enhancement that prioritises balance rather than obvious volume.'

The Irish actor, 33, showed off a much fuller pout as he posed for photos in front of the Tower Bridge in London before Burberry's quintessentially British presentation

A recent UK-based study revealed that one in six men has considered dermal filler treatment, and 21 per cent of respondents said they are likely to opt for these 'tweakments' in the future.

'Social media and the constant presence of high definition cameras have certainly played a role, but so has a broader change in how men view self-care,' Dr Kubicka said.

'Treatments are increasingly seen in the same space as skincare, dental work or hair treatments rather than something dramatic or image driven,' she added.

It follows a slow but consistent rise in the number of men opting for cosmetic procedures since 2017, or the year of the 'macho mouth'.

The look is characterised by a 'proud' lower lip or a natural smirk as clients brought in 'wish pictures' of Pitt, Tatum, Harry Styles and Cavill, said Florida-based surgeon Dr Rian Maercks.

'It all started this year,' he told the Daily Mail at the time. 'In a matter of months, male lip fillers became one of the most popular procedures in the clinic.'

At the time, Dr Maercks said the trend follows the advent of selfies, adding: 'Social media, dating apps, selfie culture... that culture has a big part of it.

'Even our politicians embody and celebrate narcissism - we have never been more encouraged to analyse our facial features. A lot of men have started to identify lips with authority and confidence.

Fast forward to 2026, when more famous men are going under the knife to keep up with their red carpet appearances.

It follows a slow but consistent rise in the number of men opting for cosmetic procedures since 2017, or the year of the 'macho mouth. An expert has previously suggested Hollywood star Zac Efron (pictured) had received lip fillers because his lips appeared to grow over time rather than shrink, as normally happens with age

The look is characterised by a 'proud' lower lip or a natural smirk as clients brought in 'wish pictures' of Brad Pitt, Channing Tatum (pictured), Harry Styles, and Henry Cavill, said Florida-based surgeon Dr Rian Maerck

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported a four per cent rise in male surgeries since 2022 as 1.6million cosmetic procedures were performed on men last year.

Cosmetic surgeon Dr Jamie Aphlett said: 'One of the most requested treatments among men is jawline enhancement using dermal fillers.

'A sharp, defined jawline has become a hallmark of masculinity, with celebrities like Henry Cavill and Shawn Mendes often cited as reference points in my clinic.

'In recent years, there has also been a growing demand for subtle lip enhancements, a trend that might surprise many.

'Contrary to the stereotype of exaggerated lips, men often opt for slight tweaks to correct asymmetry or add hydration to create a balanced, natural look.'

Experts have noted a 'shift in attitude' towards self-care, but men approach tweakments differently than women.

When it comes to lip fillers, for instance, most men are not looking for bigger lips; instead, they are aiming for balance, hydration, and subtle structure that feels masculine yet natural, said Dr Kubicka.

Aesthetics doctor, Dr Paul Banwell, added: 'In men particularly, the lip is rarely an isolated concern, and patients may feel that the lips look thinner or less defined, but this is often part of wider changes involving skin quality, dental show, jawline support and perioral ageing.

'Focusing on one feature in isolation can sometimes lead to imbalance, which is why a full facial assessment is always important.'

Although the cultural stigma around men undergoing cosmetic surgery has decreased significantly since 2017, Dr Aphlett said the work is not over yet.

He said: 'The outdated perception that aesthetic treatments are only for women is gradually shifting, but more awareness is needed to make men feel comfortable seeking treatments without judgement.

'As social media continues to highlight male self-care and aesthetics, well likely see even more men embracing injectables as part of their grooming routine.'

As more men opt for lip fillers, it appears women are going the other way after The Kardashians star, Kylie, appears to have dissolved her fillers.

During the BAFTA awards ceremony, fans were quick to note that she looks much more like her 'old self' again, after plumping up her lips in her late teens and early 20s.

Other famous faces, including Molly Mae Hague, Kristin Davis and Wicked star Grande have also admitted to dissolving their filler as a more natural look comes back into fashion.
A popular meteorologist has revealed that she's been diagnosed with ALS after viewers noticed her slurring on air and accused her of being drunk.

Jeriann Ritter, who has starred on Iowa-based news outlet WHO 13 since 2004, got emotional as she laid bare her debilitating battle with the neurodegenerative disease during a sit-down interview with anchor Keith Murphy this week.

Ritter, 49, revealed that she had noticed a slight change in her speech last summer but initially brushed it off as a tooth problem.

But after she went to see her dentist, he worried she was having a stroke and sent her to a doctor instead.

While initial tests ruled out a stroke, Ritter explained that it took 'months' to finally get an answer about what was wrong.

All the while she continued to work but her speech continued to worsen, and eventually, it sparked concern amongst viewers.

She recalled receiving messages from fans of the show who would ask her, 'Are you drunk?'

'Those [messages] hit me hard. I was trying so hard to disguise it,' she admitted.

Meteorologist Jeriann Ritter, who has starred on Iowa-based news outlet WHO 13 since 2004, has revealed that she's been diagnosed with ALS

Ritter, 49, revealed that she had noticed a slight change in her speech last summer but initially brushed it off as a tooth problem

She was eventually diagnosed with ALS - 'a nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord,' per Mayo Clinic.

Ritter's ALS has affected the bulbar region of the brain, which controls the muscles in the face and neck and processes like swallowing and speech.

'I wasn't prepared to hear that. I really thought it was something little. It's a hard diagnosis,' she continued.

Ritter said doctors told her that there is 'no cure and no treatment,' which she confessed she still hasn't fully accepted.

'Right now, I pray every day that a miracle is going to happen. I keep thinking, "It could be something else,"' she said, as she held back tears.

'But if the doctors are right I'm probably done telling you about the weather... My muscles and nerves are weakening, my neurons are not working.

'I still have a lot to say. It is killing me that something that came so easy is now so hard.

'My greatest joy is talking and it's becoming harder to do, it's kind of a bummer.'

Ritter said doctors told her that there's 'no cure and no treatment,' which she confessed she still hasn't fully accepted

Ritter admitted that she feels like she's 'getting worse' but vowed that she still has 'good days.'

'I'm going to fight but there's really not a lot you can do,' she added. 'I'm going to do what I've always done, I'm going to live and I'm going to love. That's what I'm doing.'

She said that her focus is now 'spreading love' and 'reminding others to be thankful for their life.'

'I didn't forecast this storm hitting. It's raining right now and I'm just trying to find the sunshine and focus on the little things, live in the moment,' she concluded. 'I'm so wealthy because I have so much love.'
When Brian Thompson and his wife headed off to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, last weekend they thought it would be a perfect opportunity to escape the snowstorm that was headed for the northeast.

What Thompson, 75, from New Jersey, thought would be a relaxing beach vacation, however, soon turned to horror after the area he was staying in came under attack by the cartel.

Now, he is sheltering inside the condo they rented and running out of food... and he's unsure when it will be safe enough to leave.

Thompson explained to Business Insider that he and his wife flew to Mexico last Saturday hoping for 'a little bit of paradise' amidst the blistering cold weather.

They picked Puerto Vallarta because they had vacationed there numerous times before.

'Locals and tourists here are very friendly. It's a vibrant, bustling city with a great jazz scene,' he dished. 'I'd never felt unsafe here.'

On Monday morning, he recalled waking up and noticed what he believed was 'pollution from automobile exhaust' out the window.

'When I went down to the front door of the condominium, people said we were under attack by the cartel,' he revealed. 'We were told to shelter in place.'

Brian Thompson, 75, from New Jersey, arrived in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on Saturday and two days later the country came under attack from the cartel

From his pool deck, Thompson said he could see 'fires, smoke and helicopters circling.'

'The scariest part was hearing that the restaurant adjoining our building was on fire,' he continued. 'Fortunately, it was quickly put out, but I could see smoke coming across our balcony.'

As a former TV reporter who often covered intense events, Thompson said his adrenaline overpowered his fear.

'I've only felt a little bit scared. For the most part, my adrenaline [has been] high,' he said.

'I've spent my career as a television journalist, and I'm used to running toward trouble.'

But he admitted that he was starting to get worried about their food supply, which is running low.

'When my wife and I arrived on Saturday, we didn't have much food with us. I'd brought three protein bars with me, and we'd gotten a few items from a local store, including chips, guacamole, and yogurt,' he explained.

Thankfully, he said other residents in the condo had been sharing food with them since it still didn't seem safe for him to leave to go to a store.

Seen are smoke billows around the tourist area of Puerto Vallarta amid a wave of violence, with torched vehicles and gunmen blocking highways in more than half a dozen states

Firefighters are seen working to extinguish flames from buses set on fire by members of organized crime in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on February 22

In an update shared to his X (formerly Twitter) on Monday night, he revealed that he was able to get to a local market where he bought some supplies including one box of Campbell's soup, flour and some sauces, amongst other things.

'Bought all this after standing in line at a bodega - about all they had left,' he captioned it.

Getting home has also been impossible, with the earliest available flight to anywhere in the US being on Friday.

'I've booked trips back to the US through both Houston and Los Angeles,' he told the outlet.

'But I haven't booked our travel from Houston to New Jersey because I don't even know if we'll make it to Houston.'

Mexico has erupted in a wave of violence following the killing of its most notorious drug kingpin.

At least 20 states have been plunged into cartel-fueled chaos since Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes - also known as 'El Mencho' - died in custody on Sunday shortly after being seized by Mexican special forces in Jalisco state.

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) is one of the country's most feared criminal organizations and its leader was Mexico's most wanted man.

At least 25 members of Mexico's National Guard have been killed in Jalisco state since the chaos erupted.

An extra 2,500 soldiers were deployed to western Mexico on Monday, with the government saying about 9,500 troops have been deployed overall since Sunday.
Hannah Neeleman is set to add another tiny farmer to her ever-growing brood.

Neeleman, who co-founded Ballerina Farm with husband Daniel Neeleman, announced she is expecting baby number nine in a ballet-inspired clip shared to Instagram on Wednesday.

'As a ballerina, you are associated with many things: elegance, grace, poise,' Neeleman, 35, said in a voiceover in the video, which showed her walking out on a stage with a baby bump.

'But a term not often associated enough: strength,' she continued.

'On this stage, I learned to be strong, and despite what some people think, that strength never leaves you. It prepares you,' she declared.

The post was filled with congratulatory messages from fans, who were ecstatic at the news.

'Beautiful. This is so true and well-portrayed,' gushed one user.

Another wrote: 'This is probably the best ad Ive ever seen. Love how this connects the product to your personal story! So good.'

Hannah Neeleman, who co-founded Ballerina Farm with husband Daniel Neeleman, announced she is expecting baby number nine in a ballet-inspired clip shared to Instagram on Wednesday

Hannah and Daniel, who married in 2011, welcomed their youngest child, daughter Flora Jo, in 2024.

They also share Henry, 13, Charles, 11 and George, 10, and daughters Frances, eight, Lois, six, Martha, four, and Mabel, three.

The social media star and entrepreneur lives on a 328-acre farm in Kamas, Utah, with her family, where they run their business, Ballerina Farm.

The controversial 'trad wife' influencer found herself in hot water recently after sharing that they decided to stop telling unpasteurized milk, after KPCW reported there were two violations found by health inspectors during routine milk testing in mid last year.

But, in a video uploaded to social media, the couple went on to say that unsafe milk was never sold by Ballerina Farm, and there have never been any reported illnesses or fatalities caused by the consumption of their raw milk.

Ballerina Farm also sells frozen meat and baked goods, pantry products, and kitchenware online.

In March last year, the social media influencer announced she was temporarily relocating her entire family to Ireland.

She explained that she and her husband, Daniel, had moved themselves and their eight kids to Ireland for 'the next little while' while the couple attends the Ballymaloe Cookery School.

The post was filled with congratulatory messages from fans, who were ecstatic at the news

The social media star and entrepreneur lives on a 328-acre farm in Kamas, Utah, with her family, where they run their business, Ballerina Farm

Hannah and Daniel, who married in 2011, welcomed their youngest child, daughter Flora Jo, in 2024

They also share Henry, 13, Charles, 11 and George, 10, and daughters Frances, eight, Lois, six, Martha, four, and Mabel, three

The social media sensation moved to New York City at 17 to study at Juilliard, but met her now-husband not long after, with her life changing drastically.

She admitted that it was a career she couldn't easily balance with having a family - and would have to 'dedicate her whole life to.'

The couple, who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often share glimpses of their idyllic life online.

Hannah and her husband launched their company Ballerina Farm in 2019 - which now sells an array of products made from their livestock like ground beef and pork, as well as fresh desserts and produce.

She has amassed millions of followers on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube from her 'trad wife' content, a term short for 'traditional wife,' which describes a woman trading modern femininity for domestic duties, involving cooking, cleaning, and having children.
Every parent knows how difficult it can be when their baby is teething and will do anything to ease their pain.

Most moms and dads give their infants a teether to chew on, which are designed to soothe painful gums and relieve their discomfort.

But one mom recently raised eyebrows when she insisted that she had discovered something even better for her young daughter to chew on during those awful few months: giant pieces of meat.

Bridget Levine, 37, from San Diego, California, went viral after she shared a clip of her daughter Summer munching on a large slab of steak back in December.

She listed a slew of benefits to giving your baby meat over plastic teethers in the caption, which included building jaw strength, providing iron and keeping them engaged longer than traditional teethers.

And while many praised her for the information, others weren't so convinced.

Now, Levine has hit back at her critics during an exclusive chat with the Daily Mail.

'Yes, there has been some backlash online. Anytime you share something that challenges what people are used to seeing, especially when it involves babies, it can spark strong reactions,' she explained.

Bridget Levine, 37, from San Diego, California, went viral after she shared a clip of her daughter Summer munching on a large slab of steak back in December

Levine explained that when her daughter, now 17 months, started teething she didn't want to give her a traditional teether because she's 'intentional about what materials she's exposed to'

'My response has been to stay calm and focus on education rather than defensiveness. A lot of the concern comes from seeing a short clip without context.

'I try not to engage with negativity or name calling. My focus is on sharing information, encouraging thoughtful conversations and supporting parents in making confident choices for their own families.'

Levine explained that when her daughter, now 17 months, started teething she knew she didn't want to give her a traditional teether because she's always been 'very intentional about what materials she's exposed to.'

'Many teethers are made from plastic or silicone and are chewed on for long periods of time,' she said.

'I prefer real food and natural options whenever possible, especially during such an important developmental stage.'

She added that the idea of using steak came from her 'learning about how babies have traditionally been fed across many cultures.'

'Long before modern baby products existed, babies were often given large pieces of food to gnaw on,' she dished.

She said there are many other pros to allowing babies to chew on meat like 'supporting oral motor development and the coordination needed for future eating and speech.'

She added that the idea of using steak came from her 'learning about how babies have traditionally been fed across many cultures'

She said there are many other pros to allowing babies to chew on meat like 'supporting oral motor development and the coordination needed for future eating and speech'

'It also introduces babies to real textures early on,' she added.

'From a nutritional standpoint, even sucking and gnawing allows babies to extract small amounts of iron, zinc and amino acids, which are especially important once iron stores begin to decline in infancy.'

Levine vowed that 'safety is always the priority' for her and insisted that she makes sure the meat is 'well cooked, tough and offered in a large piece that cannot easily break apart' to protect Summer from choking.

'I supervise closely the entire time,' she stated. 'I would not recommend small or shreddable pieces, and this is not something meant to be done unsupervised.

'Like any feeding approach, it needs to be age appropriate and intentional.'

Levine vowed that 'safety is always the priority' for her and insisted that she makes sure the meat is 'well cooked, touch and offered in a large piece that cannot easily break apart'

According to Levine, her daughter loves the steak teether, and it 'soothes her gums' just like any store-bought one would

According to Levine, her daughter loves the steak teether, and it 'soothes her gums' just like any store-bought one would.

'It [actually] holds her attention much longer than traditional teethers had,' she added.

In the end, she said she hopes others remember that there's not a 'one size fits all approach to parenting.'

'Parents should feel empowered to explore options that feel aligned with them,' she concluded.

'Real food has been used for generations, and for some families it may feel more intuitive than modern alternatives.'
You may well wonder why, only two months away from my 76th birthday, Im planning an appointment with my GP armed with persuasive tactics to get her to prescribe me HRT. In fact, Im going to insist she add some testosterone in for good measure, too.

Yes, I know I had breast cancer 20 years ago and was told by my oncologist to immediately stop the HRT Id then been taking for ten years. Oestrogen can feed certain types of breast cancer and mine was one of them, he said.

I was very reluctant to give up the daily tablets that made my skin glow, my hair shine and filled me full of an energy the like of which I had never enjoyed before. Id sailed through my 40s taking oestrogen and progesterone and felt so much better than the friends and colleagues whod struggled through without them.

When the cancer was diagnosed, I was still a relatively young woman but I was forced to let them go. The doctors advice made perfect sense back then  if the cancer had been caused by an excess of oestrogen, why pump your body with more of the stuff?

I worried at the time that taking HRT had caused it.

About two cases of breast cancer in every 100 are linked to HRT  and the risk rises if you take it for ten years, which I had.

I was furious Id fallen for the idea that HRT would make me seem younger and had perhaps lost a breast as a result of my vanity. But coming off the HRT at 55 hit me like a brick.

The menopausal symptoms I experienced were undeniably horrid: I had hot flushes, night sweats, depression, brain fog and generally felt like death.

Prue Leith has spoken about the benefits of adding testosterone to her HRT regime

Id sailed through my 40s taking oestrogen and progesterone and felt so much better than the friends and colleagues whod struggled through without them, writes Jenni Murray

However, now Im in my 70s, Im rethinking. I doubt I have any residual oestrogen left after a particularly efficient menopause. And I think I deserve a little hormonal assistance to get me through my final years.

I have to confess this is not entirely my own idea. This week one of the most active, energetic and successful women on the planet, Prue Leith, spoke about her love of HRT. At 86, the former Bake Off judge has embraced her old age fully, even claiming to have learnt to love it.

Shes written dozens of books, run a Michelin-starred restaurant in London and taught hundreds of young people how to cook and work in the food business. After she was widowed in 2002, she fell in love and married again at 76, the very age I am now.

Most impressive of all is her openness about one of the major benefits of adding testosterone to her HRT regime  a new spiciness to her sex life.

Its unusual for older people to talk about sex at all but she says shes hoping to spend more time with her husband now shes left Bake Off. Good on you, Prue.

Its not her interest in boosting her libido that excites me, however. Its the idea that, combined with the female hormone oestrogen, the male hormone testosterone can do wonders for your energy and getting about.

Prue also claims its the combination of the two that helps keep her looking so young, with an amazingly bright smile. Id definitely like some of what shes having. My recent months of lethargy since the dread dose of Covid, which left me with post viral fatigue, have been awful and most unlike me.

I need energy and cheerfulness again, and if oestrogen and testosterone can give me back the older woman I always wanted to be, then Im prepared to take a little bit of a risk.

I talked to a GP quite some time ago about whether oestrogen late in life might be just what ageing muscles and bones needed.

She assured me she didnt think thered be a problem. But its not without risk.

It is generally assumed that women beyond the age of 70 have no dangerous risk of breast cancer because mammograms stop at 71  unless you make a special request.

In fact the national screening programme ends then because its generally thought the risk of overdiagnosis and over-treatment of slower-growing cancers in older women outweighs the benefits.

Ive had no scan for six years and merely do the give it a feel test. No great difficulty when theres only one remaining breast to check.

And I really do feel any risk would be worth it to give me a chance to combat the current slump I find myself in. Theres no doubt Prue is benefiting greatly from her dose of drugs.

She has energy, shes cheerful, shes out and about  and shes ten years older than me!

Im increasingly convinced its better to live a shorter life to the full than a miserable half-life stuck indoors.

No wonder William isn't 'calm'

William said he had not seen Hamnet, which won the Bafta for Outstanding British Film, because he was not 'calm' enough to enjoy it

How lovely to see Kate and William out together for a night at the Baftas  but what a shame to hear Wills admit he wasnt in a calm place. I cant help feeling immensely sorry for William. Uncle Andrew is a shameful disgrace, his dad is getting older and isnt well, so the future of the monarchy depends entirely on the Wales family. They must never dare to put a foot wrong.

Thats a lot of pressure  even before youve factored in the shenanigans of your one and only brother.

GPs are to get an annual bonus of 3,000 to prescribe patients weight-loss drugs like Mounjaro. Some may think this a waste of money but Im all for it. Jabbing myself was the only thing that cured my weight problem and theres no doubt helping the obese become healthier will save the NHS money in the long run.

Trust me, you don't want to WFH

I wish the Government were not so keen for employees to work from home. A new Work Life Balance Bill will make it a legal right. I spend far too much time working from home when Id much prefer the company and inspiration of colleagues. Ive missed my Womans Hour gang terribly and cherish a new set of workmates who work with me on my new podcasts I do for Saga.

Its one of the few things that stops me feeling so lonely and depressed. With 1.4million workers already claiming mental health benefits  surely the last thing we need is to encourage isolation.

Is Fergie a magnet for wrong 'uns?

Mia McKenna-Bruce, left, as Jane Andrews, alongside Natalie Dormer as Fergie in the ITV drama The Lady

Couldnt stop watching The Lady on ITV.

Mia McKenna-Bruce is mesmerising as the deadly Jane Andrews, Sarah Fergusons dresser who was imprisoned for murdering her lover.

Seems the Duchess of Yorks bad judgment of character started way before Epstein.
The camera operator at Donald Trump's State of the Union address has been hailed by conservatives as the 'biggest troll in America' for some very pointed camera cuts during the fiery speech.

The cameraman's quick pans to transgender Rep. Sarah McBride and Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar went viral on social media following Trump's address on Tuesday night.

Omar, a Somali refugee, appeared close to tears as Trump took aim at fraud in Minnesota allegedly perpetrated by the Somali community, who he dubbed 'pirates.'

Trump said: 'When it comes to the corruption that is plundering America, there has been no more stunning example than Minnesota - where members of the Somali community have pillaged an estimated $19 billion from the American taxpayer.'

As Trump delivered the barb, the camera panned to Omar growing emotional in the audience, before she shouted back: 'Liar!'

Omar and fellow Squad-member Rashida Tlaib yelled 'You have killed Americans', but their protests were quickly drowned out by chants of 'U-S-A' by the audience.

Soon after, Trump pointed out one of his invitees to the address, Virginia teenager Sage Blair, whose family sued her school claiming they concealed that Blair was identifying as transgender before she ran away from home and was sex trafficked.

Trump used the teen as an example of states 'allowed to rip children from their parents' arms and transition them to a new gender against the parents' will' - a remark that led the cameraman to quickly pan to McBride's stony reaction.

The camera operator at Donald Trump's State of the Union address has been hailed by conservatives as the 'biggest troll in America' for some very pointed camera cuts during the fiery speech - including to a close-to-tears Rep. Ilhan Omar

The cameraman also panned to transgender Congresswoman Sarah McBride as Trump pointed to one of his invitees, a 'detransitioned' teenager

McBride, the first transgender member of Congress in US history, appeared upset as Trump said Blair's family was targeted 'because they refused to call their daughter a boy.'

Social media users were quick to notice the cameraman's pointed cuts, as one said on X: 'Who ever the producer of tonights State of The Union broadcast is, has to be the biggest troll in America.'

Others shared memes of the cameraman mocking the Democratic lawmakers as they sat through Trump's volatile speech.

Over 70 Democrats boycotted the speech on Tuesday night, handing Trump a largely positive audience in the House Chamber as he was greeted by cheers and whistles.

Trump began his address by announcing that 'America is back, bigger, stronger and better than before... This is the golden age of America.'

But before he could even begin, proceedings devolved into anarchy as Democrat Al Green was bounced from the chamber for holding up a racially-charged sign.

Even as Omar and Tlaib tried to heckle Trump by calling him a 'murderer', Trump snapped back at the 'crazy' liberals and leaning into the signature 'America First' pillars that returned him to power.

Social media users were quick to notice the cameraman's pointed cuts

Some social media users praised the camera operator as 'the biggest troll in America'

Trump hit his major talking points throughout the speech as he broke the record for the longest SOTU address in history, at one hour and 48 minutes

Trump hit his major talking points throughout the speech as he broke the record for the longest SOTU address in history, at one hour and 48 minutes.

Those included praising ICE raids across the country, touting the economy and slamming the Supreme Court decision striking down his signature tariffs.

'After just one year, I can say with dignity and pride that we have achieved a transformation like no one has ever seen before. A turnaround for the ages,' Trump remarked.

He also revealed the exact 'secret' words he needs to hear from Tehran to pull back from the brink of war: 'We will never have a nuclear weapon.'

First Lady Melania Trump was joined by her son Barron, 19, in a surprise public appearance as the President's other adult children gathered to watch their father in a display of unity and support.

Top Cabinet members including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent cheered his biggest accomplishments over the last 13 months.
CBS News' newly promoted star anchor gave Donald Trump's 2026 State of the Union address a glowing review on Tuesday - one that differed greatly from an assessment from Rachel Maddow.

The evaluation from CBS Evening News host Tony Dokoupil touted Trump's Tuesday night speech as 'extraordinary' and 'historic.'

But MS NOW's Maddow said the commander-in-chief's comments came off as 'wound-up and weird'.

The clashing commentary was offered immediately after the State of the Union address. Trump, 79, spoke for a record-breaking 1 hour and 47 minutes.

Dokoupil, who was elevated to Evening News in January 2026, saw the speech as 'vintage Trump: combative, populist. Historic for other reasons, as well.'

He added: 'It was an extraordinary speech - the longest to a joint session in history, the longest State of the Union in history... The first part of the speech, all about the economy, an issue we know a lot of Americans want to hear about.

'He touts it but he does it against a wall of negative opinion that we see in our polls.'

Dokoupil, 45, also praised what he framed as 'the heart of the speech' - the president's remarks on issues such as immigration, gender, and voter identification.

Newly promoted CBS Evening News host Tony Dokoupil touted Trump's Tuesday address as 'extraordinary' and 'historic', among other things

Over on MS NOW, outspoken progressive Rachel Maddow Trump's comments constituted 'violence porn'

'And a line that wasn't in the script but he ad-libbed,' Dokoupil added. '"The first duty of elected officials is to protect Americans, not illegal aliens."'

'He seemed at times to be goading Democrats into reacting, and at times they took that bait.'

Maddow, meanwhile, saw things differently. She said Trump's comments constituted 'violence porn' and had been essentially empty.

'You have just experienced the longest State of the Union ever in State of the Union history,' Maddow, 52, told viewers as it wrapped.

'It wasn't just the feeling you had, it was the math. Over an hour and 47 minutes.'

Maddow said Trump started 'very quickly and very excitedly' before slowing 'for long stretches' to spew what she saw as hateful rhetoric about immigration.

'The president didn't seem very invested in the lies that he was telling about the economy, but he did list a whole bunch of them right off the bat,' Maddow said.

'But as I say, some of the takeaway there, I think, is mostly going to be his pace and his freneticism.'

Trump spoke for a record-breaking 1 hour and 47 minutes during the speech. He discussed a range of subjects, including the economy and immigration

'He talked about people being covered in blood, gushing blood, blood pouring out of things people being on the edge of death.

'He went into graphic detail on a number of different people's injuries of a various kind [and] tried to give seemingly as much sort of gory detail as he could, talking about very bloody scenes,' she said.

Maddow ultimately framed the speech as Trump 'sort of violently pornographic riffing'. Trump devoted large portions to anecdotes about people being killed by suspected illegal immigrants.

Chief Washington Analyst Robert Costa said the speech showed 'entirely who President Trump is.'

'Totally defiant, blunt force politically on all of these issues, not so much making a speech but a presentation, and a recharacterization of the political reality. Trying to put it in his fingerprints ahead of the midterms.'

Dokoupil, meanwhile, is a little more than a month into his primetime anchor stint. He was promoted from CBS Mornings earlier this year by new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss.

The anti-woke journalist has had a tough tenure since taking the reins back in October.

Matt Gutman - a longtime but little-known former ABC journalist who previously worked at the Jerusalem Post - was Weiss's first hire as editor-in-chief. He is now the network's chief reporter.

Dokoupil is a little more than a month into his primetime anchor stint. He was promoted from CBS Mornings earlier this year by new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss (pictured). Weiss, the founder of the right-leaning Free Press, is also a critic of modern legacy media

Executives at ABC let the longtime correspondent go without a fight, a well-placed source told the Daily Mail last month. Others said the move showed Weiss's inexperience.

The rocky start continued with Weisss highly publicized town hall with Erika Kirk in December, which proved to be a ratings flop.

The elevation of Dokoupil was also widely criticized - with sources who spoke with the Daily Mail calling it a last-ditch move from a leader who is desperate.

A few weeks later, Weiss made the decision to pull a 60 Minutes segment set to speak on poor conditions at CECOT (Terrorism Confinement Center) in El Salvador, a prison where the Trump administration has been sending suspected illegal immigrants.

Weiss, 41, was appointed by also-new Paramount CEO David Ellison under the pretense of being a disruptor after the company's merger with Skydance.
CNN's highly publicized town hall event with Timothee Chalamet and Matthew McConaughey is a ratings flop that has dulled the halo of its A-List hosts, according to a combination of Nielsen Media Research and industry experts.

The heavily promoted special drew just 453,000 viewers, according to Nielsen. Only 57,000 of them were aged 25 to 54, the new numbers show.

For reference, a regular airing of Fox News' Big Weekend Show secured more than twice that, on the same, ordinary Saturday.

Meanwhile, CNN drew a measly 30,000 viewers aged 18 to 49, compared to Fox's 71,000.

Overall, the difference was even more glaring. Fox News outpaced its more liberal rival by more than 1.2million viewers, for a nearly 300 percent win.

CNN also aired the program this past Saturday at 7pm - a decision decried by an industry source who spoke with the Daily Mail Wednesday.

'CNNs ratings problem is indicative of a larger management issue  you have two of Hollywoods biggest names sitting down for a town hall and you air it on Saturday at 7 PM? Were they purposely trying to bury this?' the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

'There is no strategy, an utter lack of leadership and zero vision. What an embarrassment for Chalamet and McConaughey.'

CNN's highly publicized town hall event with Timothee Chalamet and Matthew McConaughey Saturday has surfaced as a ratings flop

The style of programming from CEO Mark Thompson is not based in news

CNN, moreover, has lost nearly two-thirds of its primetime viewers in the past 10 years, the Mail previously reported.

The recent ratings slip-up is therefore all the more unwelcome, at a time where the network is admittedly experimenting. The town hall was a multi-platform event that aired live on CNN's new streaming platform in addition to TV.

'If two of Hollywoods stars cant drive an audience for CNN, it raises serious questions about the strength and future of the network,' the Mail's source said.

'CNN still hasnt figured out its chronically low ratings problem.'

Rob Shuter, a veteran media columnist and author of the Naughty But Nice Substack, agreed with the assessment.

'Putting Timothee Chalamet and Matthew McConaughey on at 7 pm on a Saturday is like throwing a premiere and forgetting to send the invites,' Shuter, a former executive editor at OK!, said.

'When two of Hollywoods brightest stars cant deliver even half a million viewers, the problem isnt celebrity - its the channel.

'These numbers arent just disappointing. Theyre alarming. You dont heavily promote a town hall and then post 57,000 in the key demo,' he said.

The heavily promoted special with in-demand actor Chalamet drew just 453,000 viewers, according to Nielsen. 'CNN still hasnt figured out its chronically low ratings problem,' a source said

Even the presence of Oscar-winning McConaughey did not help move the needle. An industry source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the actor must be 'embarrase[d]'

The 'demo' of course is the highly coveted 25 to 54 demographic - one perpetually important to advertisers due to its spending power.

'CNN didnt stage an event - they staged a shrug,' Shuter said.

'If this was meant to reset CNNs cultural relevance, it did the opposite. It highlighted how disconnected the network is from audience behavior.'

'CNN seems to think star power is a strategy. Its not. Its an accessory.

'The bigger question isn't whether this was a flop - it's whether CNN understands what kind of network it wants to be anymore.'

As Shuter indicated, the network carried out a round of layoffs to start 2025 and herald in its long-promised move to digital. The town hall was posted to YouTube on Tuesday, and it has since secured more than 200,000 views.

The long-in-the-works restructuring plan followed a failed leadership stint from former Stephen Colbert showrunner Chris Licht, which lasted barely a year.

Licht replaced longtime lead Jeff Zucker, after the latter masterminded the network's shift to more opinionated content in the 2010s right around the time of Donald Trump's first presidency.

For reference, a regular airing of The Big Weekend Show secured more than twice that on Saturday

George Clooney already sat for an interview with CNN 's Anderson Cooper last year, when the network aired his Broadway play Good Night, and Good Luck

The network has so far failed to capitalize on the conservative's second term, though, after a reported 'tone-down' in anti-Trump commentary called by CEO Mark Thompson.

The network's website still attracts 120million monthly users, as it starts to implement more vertical videos and non-news content.

The network launched a little-known comedic panel show called Have I Got News For You back in 2024, for instance, adapted from a popular British program.

The network also televised a Broadway rendition of Good Night, and Good Luck, featuring George Clooney.

The Chalamet and McConaughey sitdown - which lasted about an hour - is part of on ongoing partnership between CNN and Variety started last year.

The series, known as Actors on Actors, was initially started by Variety in 2014.

CNN's parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, is also up for sale. The company has denied rumors that CNN is up for sale as well. If Warner is sold, the cable channel will be cast off to a newly created company.

As for the A-listers caught up in the mess, Shuter said, 'This wont hurt Chalamet or McConaughey one bit. They sell movie tickets and streaming subscriptions - not cable news at 7pm.'

Shuter has appeared on Today, GMA, Rachael Ray, Wendy Williams, and CNN, and has a book available for pre-order on Amazon.

A CNN spokesperson, meanwhile, shot down claims the program was a flop, saying in statement: 'The Town Hall reached more than 8 million people globally and was a huge success.

'The clips were everywhere. People all around the world consume content in a multitude of ways, and thats how this was programmed.

'Its antiquated to only look at cable TV ratings when this was streamed and put on YouTube as well, and the total audience was significant.'

That said, the town hall event did extend across platforms with a reach of 8.35 million, as of writing, The TV premiere was also in the top 10 in all of cable in its time period.
Former MSNBC star Joy Reid clashed with a heckler at an alternative State of the Union rally on Tuesday.

An off-screen attendee at the counter-rally in Washington, DC, shouted, 'Joy Reid! You suck! Youre a loser!' as the former MSNBC journalist was speaking.

Reid, 57, had been talking about the case of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man living in the US before being illegally deported by the Trump administration last year.

'Oh, look at that. My fans are back! What I always say is,' Reid said after being interrupted - before being swiftly cut off again.

'Shame on you! Shame on you!' the critic cried.

'you know who I am, and I dont know who you are,' Reid said, continuing her sentence.

'That means youre a fan, youre fan, youre fans, you are a fan!'

The rest of the crowd erupted into cheers at Reid's remarks, as Donald Trump delivered his own speech crosstown.

An off-screen attendee at a State of the Union counter-rally in Washington, DC, shouted, 'Joy Reid! You suck! Youre a loser!' at the former MS NOW star on Tuesday

As she spoke, Donald Trump was delivering his first State of the Union address of 2026 crosstown

'Keep on stannin me! Keep on stannin me!' Reid added, using a conjugated version of the popular slang term used to describe a hardcore fan.

'I dont know where the hell you are, but you know me. Hallelujah, keep on being my fan!,' Reid continued, before welcoming Democrat Senator Chris Van Hollen onto the stage.

Van Hollen, of Maryland, also faced a heckler when he took the stage.

'They snuck in the border! They snuck in the border! Go Trump! Go Trump!' the MAGA fan raged as he infiltrated - and was promptly pulled from - the stage.

As he was escorted off, the Trump fan took a shot at another prominent attendee - Democratic Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut.

'Hey Murphy, youre a scumbag!' the man said.

'Thanks, man. Thanks buddy,' said the senator, as the event continued.

Called the 'Peoples State of the Union,' the event was organized by MeidasTouch, MoveOn, and several other left-wing entities in protest of the administration.

'Keep on stannin me! Keep on stannin me!' Reid added, using a conjugated version of the popular slang term used to describe a hardcore fan. Reid was speaking at 'Peoples State of the Union,' which was organized in protest of the administration

Reid rankled MSNBC brass roughly a year ago with her extreme online rants, and she was fired in February 2025.

An insider at MSNBC, since renamed MS NOW, told Politico that her controversial social media posts - including shamed Latino Republicans for voting for Trump and claiming the media's preoccupation with Russia's invasion of Ukraine was motivated by the victims being 'white and largely Christian' - 'gave the Standards Department heartburn.'

Network bosses began plotting to get rid of Reid in late 2023 and ultimately offered her a one-year contract extension, while also cutting her pay in the hopes she'd take the hint and quit, sources also told Daily Mail.

When Reid was finally let go, her ratings were down from a high of 3 million viewers per episode in her first year on the air in 2020 to a low of 1.1 million.

She has since started a popular Substack - joining figures like Jim Acosta, Terry Moran, and Don Lemon in doing so.
Volvo has initiated the global recall of more than 40,000 examples of one of its popular electric cars over battery fire concerns.

The Swedish car firm - which is synonymous with vehicle safety - had already issued a warning to owners of the 33,000 EX30 electric SUV in December to not charge them above 70 per cent due to 'fire risks'.

Drivers with Single Motor Extended Range and Twin Motor Performance versions produced between 2024 and 2026 were told that charging the battery over this threshold could trigger overheating and lead to blazes in rare cases.

However, the brand has now instigated an official recall of all 40,323 examples sold across various markets to mitigate the issue.

Volvo Cars UK confirmed to Daily Mail and This is Money that 10,440 of these models are on Britain's roads.

A spokesperson for the car firm said: 'We will inspect and replace affected battery modules, free-of-charge, on all cars within the scope of the recall. We aim to fix all affected cars as soon as possible.'

The move, which will come at a significant cost to the car maker, could put a severe dent in the brand's reputation for vehicle safety.

Volvo has initiated a global recall of more than 40,000 examples of the electric EX30 SUV over battery fire concerns. The car maker told Daily Mail and This is Money that 10,440 UK cars are impacted

The EX30 versions affected use the 69kWh battery pack, which comprises nickel-manganese-cobalt modules.

Volvo had already informed owners that there had been some cases of battery cells overheating, which it warned could trigger a fire that spreads to the rest of the battery pack, and potentially cause the rest of the car to ignite.

With battery fires notoriously difficult to put out, owners were urged not to charge over 70 per cent as a safety barrier, stating that the chances of the 'rare issue happening is significantly reduced below this level of charge'.

However, disgruntled owners have complained that, on top of the risk their cars could go up in flames, it has made their expensive EVs less practical to use on a daily basis, with the restricted battery charge limiting the range available.

The Swedish car firm - which is synonymous with vehicle safety - had already issued a warning to owners of the 33,000 EX30 electric SUV in December to not charge them above 70 per cent due to 'fire risks'

Drivers with Single Motor Extended Range and Twin Motor Performance versions produced between 2024 and 2026 were told that charging over the battery over the threshold it could overheat, leading to fire in rare cases

A spokesperson for the Swedish manufacturer told Daily Mail and This is Money: 'Volvo Cars has initiated a recall campaign to fix the cars affected by the battery overheating issue affecting certain model year 2024-2026 EX30 Single Motor Extended Range and Twin Motor Performance cars, for which it issued a safety notice to affected customers in December last year.

'Our investigations have identified that in very rare cases, the battery in the affected vehicles can overheat when charged to a high level. In a worst-case scenario this could lead to a fire starting in the battery.

'To mitigate the safety risk in the meantime, we continue to ask all owners of affected cars to limit the maximum charge level of their car to 70 per cent until their battery modules have been inspected and replaced.

'We are now contacting the owners of affected cars to inform them of this update and to advise them of the next steps.

Volvo Cars' shares dipped by 4 per cent following the breaking news regarding the recall.

The recall, which will come at a significant cost to the car maker, could also put a severe dent in reputation for vehicle safety

Sam Fiorani, vice president for global vehicle forecasting at research firm AutoForecast Solutions, said the importance of the EX30 to Volvo - which was launched to go head-to-head with new Chinese EV rivals launching across Europe - means the car maker 'has to get it [the recall] right' to protect its long-standing reputation for safety.

This includes its optimistic 'Zero 2020' target, where it aims to have no recorded road deaths in its vehicles commencing from six years ago.

Andy Palmer, an industry veteran who as Nissan CEO oversaw the launch of the first 'mainstream' EV - the Leaf - 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.

Reuters reported that new replacement battery modules could cost Volvo $195million (approximately 144m), excluding logistics and repair costs at a time when its Chinese owner Geely has ordered a $1.9bn savings drive.

Volvo said the calculations were 'speculative in nature', and that the auto maker was in talks with its official battery supplier, Shandong Geely Sunwoda Power Battery Company, which is part of a joint venture with the parent group.

Matthew Owen an insurance agent who is one of the 10,440 UK owners of the EX30, said he chose the EV for its range and Volvo's safety reputation.

He told Reuters that Volvo must take responsibility for putting the issue right because it had 'produced a car that is dangerous'.
My lease car was stolen from my driveway last November. I reported it to the police and contacted my insurer, Aviva, and advised the lease company, Lex Autolease.

The insurer settled with Lex Autolease for just over 20,000, even though my research told me the market value of the car was much higher.

The lease company says I owe them just over 3,500 to clear the outstanding lease.

The arrangement was set up in October 2023, with me paying nine months up front and then 469 a month, which was paid for 25 months.

I dont understand why there is such a large shortfall. Please help.

P.M., Upminster, London.

Insult to injury: A reader was left with a 3,500 bill to clear their lease deal after their car was stolen from their driveway

To lose your car, a Suzuki plug-in hybrid, to thieves in the dead of night was bad enough, but then be told you owed 3,500 to the lease company meant you suffered a puncture in your finances as well.

You might have accepted the insurers decision to pay out just 20,000 to Lex Autolease, part of Lloyds Banking, had your own research on the market value of your vehicle matched its calculations.

But you found other models of similar age, condition and mileage in Autotrader online for 24,500.

Your car had been serviced at a Suzuki dealership, and it held a video showing the cars condition at the time of servicing. Unfortunately, you could not produce the logbook as it was in the car when it was stolen.

I asked Lex Autolease why it had accepted this sum from Aviva when you were sure your car was worth far more than the payout suggested.

At the forefront of my mind was how thousands of drivers are currently in the process of receiving compensation worth 200million after regulator the Financial Conduct Authority last year found some insurers were undervaluing cars when policyholders vehicles were stolen or written off.

I have no evidence to suggest Aviva is one of the insurers involved, but I wanted to be sure you had been treated fairly.

First, I asked Lex Autolease why it had accepted the figure when there was such a big shortfall. It said market guide Glasss had been used to calculate the value and that a VAT deduction contributed to the lower sum.

Let Me Know Managing money in a long-term relationship can be tricky. Do you keep your finances separate or share everything with your partner? Id like to hear how you go about it. Email sally@dailymail.co.uk

Since you had paid VAT as part of the original purchase of the car, I thought it odd that it should then be deducted from your payout. When I asked about this, Lex Autolease passed me to Aviva, which reopened your case.

A few days later it came back with its findings  and a recalculation of your payout.

A spokesman says: In situations where a vehicle is owned by a leasing company, we settle the claim by paying the leasing company the vehicles market value.

Recently, certain vehicle types, including some electric vehicles, have experienced sharper-than-usual depreciation.

As a result, the market value at the time of settlement can be lower than the amount specified in the customers contract, which may unfortunately leave a shortfall.

Following my intervention, Aviva reviewed the market value using additional market guides and priced the car at 22,353, an increase of 2,899. This included a waived excess fee.

The market value, it explains, is net of VAT, which is a standard approach when a leasing company is involved and where a vehicle attracted VAT when purchased.

It said that how VAT is applied or deducted forms part of the financial agreement between a customer and a leasing company.

You were delighted with this result and although you still face a small shortfall, it is one you are happy to bear.

One way for owners to meet any such shortfalls following a theft or write-off is to buy guaranteed asset protection (Gap) insurance at the time of leasing a motor.

A Gap policy typically covers the difference between the main insurance payout and a customers outstanding lease balance.

You told me you didnt know this type of cover existed, and Aviva confirmed it does not offer it.

You say you will consider it if you lease again, but for now you are taking a break from leasing and have bought a second-hand car outright for 5,000.

Can't cash in my stocks shares ISA

Last summer I opened a cash Isa with Barclays and requested a transfer in of a stocks and shares Isa from Quilter.

I was told by my financial adviser that I would have the money in a month. By December nothing had happened.

I need the 28,000 in the account for a new kitchen. Please help as I am 84, have spinal stenosis and feel ignored.

S.R., Southampton.

You told me how you completed and returned the Isa transfer form obtained from Barclays in August 2025.

You had completed the correct form, but it turned out the account number you used wasnt quite right. You had copied it from an old paper statement, which had been updated when the account went digital.

When you found this out you sent a new application in September using the correct number. Still, you heard nothing.

You went to a banking hub at your local library where Barclays had a representative. She told you she could see on the system that no progress had been made with your application. When you returned later, you were told the problem was with Quilter.

Quilter checked a photocopy of your form and said it had been completed correctly but it hadnt received the original. You went back to Barclays nearly five months after you made the initial request.

Barclays said once again it had not received your application, blamed Royal Mail and sent out another form, which you never received.

When I contacted Barclays in late December, it said it had tried to contact you many times, including via its banking app and by post, but got no response.

However, after my intervention Barclays sent out another transfer form, this time by Royal Mail special delivery.

The wheels were finally in motion and on January 28 you reported with great relief that your 28,000 had finally been transferred in time to meet your kitchen refurbishment bill.

A Barclays spokesman says: Were sorry for the inconvenience S.R. has experienced. In this case, the process was delayed because the account details provided to us were incorrect.

Im afraid Barclays has declined to offer compensation for the stress you faced. The moral is that customers must ensure all details are correct at the start of any application. But slip-ups like this are bound to happen and shouldnt be so hard to resolve.

Straight to the point In June I sent a birthday card and parcel to my sister in Tasmania. The card arrived but the parcel didnt. I made a claim against Royal Mail for the maximum compensation of 20, although the present cost 39.99. Royal Mail accepted the claim and offered to refund the 15 postage, but I am still waiting for the money more than seven months later. T.P., Uckfield. Royal Mail apologises and has offered to send you the compensation via bank transfer. However, a cheque for 20 has now arrived in the post. *** Before Christmas I decided to buy a Braun hair removal device from Boots. I paid 288, down from 760. It looked too complicated to use so I returned it to Boots. However, it has been sitting in a mail centre in Nottingham since I returned it at the end of December. I have contacted Boots several times but they say that the hold-up is nothing to do with them. Please help me to get my money back. H.S., via email. Boots apologises and says you have now been refunded. *** In January, my twin sister and I took a taxi ride in Paris and were told the fare would be 29.90 (26.06). But my Halifax credit card statement showed I had been charged 2,990 (2,606.08). Halifax refused a chargeback as I had used chip and pin. When I tapped my card on the terminal the amount was 29.90 but the driver said there was a problem. He said to try again, which I did but his hand had covered the terminal. I asked for a receipt, which he said he couldnt provide. G.P., London. Lloyds  which owns Halifax  apologises and says this is a case of authorised fraud. You have now been given a temporary refund. It has raised a chargeback, which the merchant has 45 days to dispute.
I rented an apartment in India for a week. On the second day, I noticed there was a small camera filming the living room.

It was trained on the front door, so they probably had it for security, but it made me feel very uncomfortable.

I contacted the owner, but they did not respond. What are my rights? Am I entitled to compensation?

R.S., By email.

The undisclosed camera is a serious breach of your privacy and should have been revealed before you booked.

Most booking platforms have strict policies banning hidden cameras in private spaces, so you should definitely report this to whichever platform you used.

The platform will likely take your complaint seriously and may suspend or remove the property owner, but they probably wont compensate you directly.

This is because booking platforms typically act as agents who simply facilitate the booking between you and the property owner.

Prying eyes? A reader was left feeling extremely uncomfortable after noticing a small camera in the living room of their rented apartment (file picture)

Your real claim is against the property owner. If the booking platform has a strict undisclosed camera policy, and the owner violated it, thats a clear breach of your contract with them.

Additionally, if the booking was made under UK law, the owner has also breached the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

Under the Act, accommodation providers must give accurate descriptions of their property, and failing to disclose a recording camera clearly falls short of this standard. The booking platform can confirm whether the booking was made under UK law.

I would recommend requesting a partial refund of your rental cost rather than explicitly calling it compensation, as property owners often respond better to this approach.

Start by contacting the owner directly. If the owner refuses or ignores you and you paid by credit or debit card, you have strong grounds for a chargeback (if you paid within the past 120 days) or Section 75 claim (if it was a credit card).

When you contact your card provider, make it clear that there has been a breach of contract because the property was not as described and your privacy was violated by an undisclosed surveillance camera. This should strengthen your claim.

Will card company cover decorating job?

Im having some rooms painted at home, but my decorator doesnt accept credit cards.

If I use my card to buy some of the paint for him, will I have credit card protection for the complete job?

J.S., address supplied

When you pay for goods or services costing at least 100 on a credit card, you normally get protection if something goes wrong through either chargeback or Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.

However, in your situation, neither protection would work. Section 75 claims only work when you have made a direct payment to a trader.

The problem is that your card payment goes to the paint supplier, not the decorator.

This breaks the required direct link between you, your card company, and the decorator. Without that, Section 75 doesnt apply.

Chargeback rules only allow you to dispute the specific transaction that appears on your card statement.

In your case, thats the paint purchase. Youve essentially created two separate contracts, one with the decorator for labour, and another with the paint supplier for materials.

Your card only covers the paint purchase, which means you can only raise a chargeback if theres a problem with the paint.

I would strongly recommend taking a more cautious approach. First, try to find a decorator who will accept credit card payments. Many accept cards through PayPal, SumUp or other payment services.

If the decorator genuinely will not accept cards, my second recommendation is to withhold a substantial portion of the payment  I would suggest at least 50 pc of the total fee  and agree in writing that this final payment is only due upon satisfactory completion of the work.

This gives you significant leverage, because if the work is poor, you can refuse the final payment until its corrected to your satisfaction.

Just make sure you get this retention agreement in writing, even if its just an email confirmation. This makes your position clear from the outset.
Many of us have long dreamed of snapping up a beautiful property in Spain for a bargain price and lounging in the Mediterranean sun.

But these dreams could soon be dashed as Spanish officials continue to attempt to curb the number of expats flocking to its shores.

Nationalists in the Balearic Islands yesterday tried to ban Britons from buying a second home or retirement property in holiday hotspots.

The draconian plans were set to block UK residents from buying on the popular islands of Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza  the latest suggestion by Spain's Left-wing politicians to slash the number of overseas buyers.

The proposals have been rejected  but the plans were the latest in a long series of anti-tourism measures.

So, is the sun setting on the Spanish home ownership dream?

Hot spot: Interest in moving to Spain has soared in recent months as the number of internet searches for 'move to Spain' hit the third highest peak in five years

What was proposed?

Britons and other non-residents were very nearly banned from buying a property in much-loved destinations in the Balearic Islands unless they lived there for five years.

This was the proposal being thrashed out yesterday by politicians in the Balearic parliament.

MP Lluis Apesteguia, of Left-wing party Mes per Mallorca, which tabled the Bill, urged the parliament to prioritise houses for those living on the islands and not those who want to 'continue with this Monopoly game they have set up with our homes'.

The rules were set to define non-residents as anyone who has lived in the region for less than five years.

Municipalities would have been able to limit purchases for non-residents in different 'tension' regions.

It caused a wave of worry among prospective expats, as supporters argued the crackdown could set a precedent across Spain  mirroring similar rules in Denmark and Malta.

In Denmark, prospective buyers need to have permanent residence or to have lived there for five years.

Buyers can breathe a sigh of relief, for now, as the extreme plans were rejected in a tense parliamentary vote in the Balearic Islands' capital Palma yesterday afternoon.

But these blueprints were the latest in a long line of drastic attacks suggested by Spanish politicians to curb tourism.

In 2024, the prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, announced his socialist government's intention to scrap the 'golden visa' scheme.

This visa offers fast-tracked residency to foreign investors who buy property in Spain worth at least 500,000 (430,000).

Despite the lucrative investment it brought into the country, the golden visa was axed in April 2025.

And last year, the prime minister went one step further and announced his government would raise the tax that non-EU foreigners  including Britons  pay when buying a property in Spain to 100 per cent of its value.

While still just a proposal at this stage, it could double the cost of buying a Spanish home if implemented.

And the extreme suggestions may not be over yet.

Nikolaus Thomale of co-ownership platform Myne explains: 'These kind of proposals are a recurring theme.

'We are seeing a lot of tension, discussion and protests over tourism.'

Out of reach? The Mallorcan village of Valldemossa. Tourism currently makes up 80% of Mallorca's income

Why are expats being targeted?

Overtourism and high property prices are driving radical politicians in Spain to try to curb the number of foreign nationals moving there.

Interest in emigrating to the country has soared in recent months. The number of internet searches for 'move to Spain' hit its third highest peak in five years in January.

As interest in the limited housing stock has risen, so have prices. Property in the Balearics is some of the most expensive in Spain at more than 5,000 (4,360) per square metre.

In total, about 90,000 of properties on the islands are owned by foreign nationals. Mr Thomale says tourism makes up 80 per cent of Mallorca's income, adding: 'It is essential for local jobs and businesses, but puts a lot of pressure on the community.

'Housing becomes unaffordable and many homes sit empty in the off season.'

Officials proposed the property purchase ban as they argued 'extraordinary measures' must be enforced.

They claimed that an increasing number of properties are being used as second homes and holiday lets, freezing out locals who want a permanent place to live.

The plan  although rejected  was the latest anti-tourism crackdown to engulf the islands after over-tourism protests last year hit the region.

Paradise lost: Spanish islands including Ibiza, pictured, are this week moving to ban Brits from buying a second home or retirement property in holiday hotspots under new draconian plans

What if I want to buy soon?

Demand is still rising for properties in the Balearics.

Mr Thomale urges people not to panic about potential future regulations.

But he says now may prove a good time for any aspiring buyers who have been sitting on their hands to act.

'If your purchase is under way, now is the time to move,' he says.

'Check everything with your purchase really thoroughly and do your due diligence. Have local lawyers involved and make sure whatever you are seeking to acquire is legal.'

Expats can currently buy property in Spain with no restrictions  whether they are an EU or non-EU citizen  as long as they can afford the large deposit.

You may be able to get a mortgage with a Spanish bank, but you are likely only to be able to borrow up to 70 per cent of the total value of the property.

Buyers will also need an NIE  a number given to non-residents. It is used by buyers for their dealing with banks and the tax agency.

The only obstacle for British expats is if they want to stay in their holiday home for more than 90 days in any 180-day period.

This is the current travel allowance for non-EU citizens in the Schengen area, which includes Spain.

If you wish to stay longer than this and do not intend to work in Spain, then you must apply for a so-called non-lucrative visa.

This suits those who want to retire to Spain or live there for long periods of time.

Applicants must be able to prove they have the means to support themselves without working in Spain.
Astrazeneca boss Pascal Soriot was handed his largest ever pay package last year - taking his total earnings at the pharma giant to 168million.

The 66-year-old, who has transformed the group into the most valuable company on the London stock market and a titan of the global drugs industry since taking the reins in 2012, was paid 17.7million in 2025.

That was up from 16.6million the previous year and his biggest haul so far, according to Astrazenecas annual report.

The payout included cash bonuses and share awards of 15.8million on top of a base salary of 1.9million.

But it was lower than the potential maximum payout of 25million which Soriot could have received if he had hit certain targets and increased the share price by a set amount.

Details of the multi-million pay packet came as shares in Astrazeneca hover close to record highs - valuing it at 238billion.

Under his leadership, the stock has risen more than five-fold, adding 192billion to its market value.

Pascal Soriot has earned a fortune transforming AstraZeneca into a global drugs titan

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Soriot has revitalised Astrazeneca since taking the reins in 2012 and the strategy has led to the group becoming a powerful and leading force, said Richard Hunter, head of markets at Interactive Investor.

With sales in the key oncology unit continuing to grow and with the overall target of 80billion of annual revenue by 2030 still on track, the group continues to thrive under his leadership.

Earlier this month, Astrazeneca reported strong results for 2025, with profits up 43 per cent alongside a 9 per cent increase in revenues boosted by sales of its cancer drugs.

The success has made Soriot one of the best-paid bosses in Britain - though this has not gone without criticism.

The consistently extreme levels of pay awarded to Astrazenecas CEO are symptomatic of a growing trend in the FTSE 100, said Andrew Speke of the High Pay Centre think tank.

While overall levels of inequality between workers and executives have somewhat stabilised in recent years, larger constituents with a bigger international footprint increasingly appear to be paying their bosses US scale pay packages.

Regardless of whether one thinks big pharma serves a public good, very few people would agree that any CEO deserves to be paid over 400 times the pay of a typical UK worker.

Investors at the company have rebelled against its executive compensation plans several times despite its improving financial performance over the years.

And there are concerns that Soriot is looking to pivot Astrazeneca away from the UK and could even move the companys listing away from the London Stock Exchange in what would be a devastating blow to the City.

These worries have increased over the past year as the firm announced a series of multi-billion pound deals in the US and China, its two major markets.

Earlier this month AstraZenecas shares rallied when they made their debut on the New York Stock Exchange, fuelling fears it could eventually quit London.

The listing followed an announcement from the company last year that it would upgrade its US-listed shares to put them on an equal footing with those in London, while Soriot has poured fuel on concerns of a British exit by boasting the company is very American.

The firm has also been increasingly pulling back spending in the UK, with AstraZeneca scrapping plans for a 450million vaccine factory in Liverpool last January following a row with Labour of state support for the site.

In September, the company also announced it was pausing plans for a 200milion investment in its Cambridge research site in another blow to Britains pharmaceuticals sector.
The FTSE 100 is closing in on the 11,000 mark after soaring to a new record high.

On another bumper session for savers with money tied up in the stock market through their pensions, Isas and other investments, London's blue-chip index rose 125.82 points or 1.18 per cent to 10,806.41.

The latest rally took gains in the first two months of the year alone to 8.8 per cent with the 10,000 mark only being reached in early January.

Analysts said the London stock market  and the FTSE 100 in particularly  was increasingly back in fashion after years in the doldrums as investors fret about inflated values on Wall Street and global uncertainty.

Richard Hunter, head of markets at Interactive Investor, said: 'The next psychological milestone for the FTSE 100 would be a level of 11000 which is just 2 per cent away.

'At the current run rate this is a distinct possibility, with the primary index having become the star of the show on the international stage as the investment stars have aligned.'

City trading rooms are celebrating a strong start to the year for the London stock market

Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, added: 'The strong showing from the UK stock market so far in 2026, on top of a major success in 2025, bodes well for changing its reputation from unloved to admired.'

The rally was driven by a surge in mining stocks as higher metals prices boosted gold and silver producer Fresnillo, which rose more than 6 per cent, as well as copper majors including Anglo American, Antofagasta and Rio Tinto, which were up between 2 per cent and 5 per cent.

Strong corporate results from banking giant HSBC, insurer Hiscox and wealth manager St James's Place also boosted morale.

And there are signs that concerns are easing about the impact of artificial intelligence models on established businesses.

Susannah Streeter, chief investment strategist at Wealth Club, said: 'London's Footsie is in a footloose mood again, with higher metals prices buoying mining stocks and corporate results from financial giants surprising on the upside.

'The index has scaled fresh heights in early trade, with investors showing enthusiasm for London-listed stocks amid global uncertainty.'

Mould of AJ Bell noted, however, that 'it wasn't all strawberries and cream' with drinks giant Diageo down more than 8 per cent after it slashed its dividend and warned of falling sales.

Consumer health group Haleon, the owner of Sensodyne and Panadol, fell around 5 per cent after missing sales targets.

And photo booth operator ME Group dived 20 per cent after delaying the publication of its results.

'That's never a good look and it has left investors worried about why this has happened and what the auditor might have found, despite ME Group saying no material issues had been identified,' said Mould.
Twenty FTSE 100 stocks have risen by 50 per cent or more in the past year  propelling the index to a record high within a whisker of the 11,000 mark.

Analysis of Refinitiv data by the Daily Mail and This is Money reveals the 20 best-performing blue-chip shares in London over 12 months are all up by more than a half.

The 'Tasty 20' list is led by gold and silver miner Fresnillo, up a staggering 448 per cent, with fellow miners including Antofagasta, Glencore and Anglo American also making waves.

They are joined by defence groups including Rolls-Royce, Babcock International and BAE Systems, banks such as Barclays and Lloyds, and stalwarts of British industry GSK and British American Tobacco.

The revelation comes as the FTSE 100 hit a new record high on Wednesday, closing 125.82 points or 1.18 per cent higher at 10,806.41.

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On the up: Today, we reveal the 20 FTSE 100 companies that have seen their value soar in the past year - including Rolls Royce Holdings

Analysts now believe it could hit 11,000 in the not-too-distant future having only reached 10,000 in early January.

Richard Hunter, head of markets at Interactive Investor, said: 'The next psychological milestone for the FTSE 100 would be a level of 11,000 which is just 2 per cent away.

'At the current run rate this is a distinct possibility, with the primary index having become the star of the show on the international stage as the investment stars have aligned.'

The latest peaks represent a remarkable turnaround for the flying Footsie given it was firmly grounded less than a year ago.

As Donald Trump laid out his 'Liberation Day' tariff blitz on trading partners around the world in April last year, London's blue-chip index sank as low as 7,544.

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It has risen 43 per cent since then  boosting the pension pots, Isas, nest-eggs and other investments of millions of Britons.

Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said the Footsie is 'changing its reputation from unloved to admired'.

The FTSE 100 has found itself back in fashion partly due to its more 'defensive' nature at a time when investors are worried about inflated valuations of technology stocks.

Surging metals prices  including gold, silver and copper  have propelled London's army of listed miners higher while defence stocks continue to benefit as Europe scrambles to rearm in the face of Russian military aggression.

The Footsie is also benefiting from the weakness of sterling as 80 per cent of blue-chip revenues come from overseas  boosting profits when they are converted back into pounds.

Mr Hunter at Interactive Investor suggested there could be more gains on the horizon for the FTSE 100, noting it 'remains cheap in relative valuation terms'.

'There has also been strong buying interest from overseas investors, particularly from the US, all of which have combined to lift the primary index to yet another record high,' he said.

'Despite this outperformance, the FTSE 100 remains cheap in relative valuation terms, with a 14 forward earnings multiple comparing to 23 for the benchmark S&P 500 in the US for example, leaving the door open to further possible returns.'
Sole traders and landlords anticipate a 2billion bill to keep up with HMRC's new digital scheme amid a 'mounting compliance crisis', according to a leading business bank.

The tax office's Making Tax Digital (MTD) scheme, which requires the self-employed to file quarterly updates, will cost the self-employed billions, according to research by business management platform Tide.

It warns there is a 'mounting compliance crisis' as it estimates MTD will cost those eligible an estimated 2.18billion, or 753 per business, under the new rules.

MTD will require sole traders earning over 50,000 from this April to move from a single annual tax submission to five filings per year. The threshold will fall to 30,000 from April 2027 and 20,000 from 2028.

Tide's research shared with This Is Money found that sole traders expect to spend 114 additional hours researching the rules in their first year, with one in seven saying they will reduce billable hours to cope with the additional work.

Shock bill: Sole traders expect to spend an average of 753 to remain compliant with MTD

At the same time, sole traders expect to spend an average of 753 to remain compliant.

George Schmidt, chief executive of Tide UK/Europe said: 'With an eyewatering 2 billion in compliance costs and over 40 million working days being wasted on paperwork, the UK's sole traders are facing a compliance crisis. Every minute spent wrestling with compliance is a minute taken away from growing their business.

The tax office announced plans for Making Tax Digital (MTD) in 2016 but has faced numerous delays over the years.

Since 2019, MTD for VAT has been mandatory for all VAT-registered businesses, above the 85,000 threshold and those that have voluntarily registered.

These businesses need to keep digital records of all business transactions and submit statements quarterly using approved software, but it has come under fierce criticism for adding even more of a burden onto the self-employed.

An HMRC spokesperson said: 'We've worked extensively with customers, their representatives and software developers to ensure Making Tax Digital works for small businesses and landlords - and that there are a range of free and lowcost software products available, alongside a wider range of paid options.

'Customers can identify which software is right for them using our online tool on GOV.UK. MTD will give them a more real-time overview of their finances, freeing up time to grow their business.'

Accountants warn that ignoring the rule change will also come with costly penalties from 6 April. Two late filings will see those affected face a 200 fine, according to Blick Rothenberg, which HMRC says only affects MTD volunteers.

And no penalties will be awarded for the late filing of quarterly updates in the 2026/27 tax year.

Penalties are changing from April 2026 for individuals mandated to use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.

These relate to the late submission of quarterly updates and tax returns, and the late payment of Income Tax Self Assessment liabilities.

For tax years prior to an individual joining Making Tax Digital, the existing penalty rules will continue to apply.

Heather Powell, a partner at the firm, added: 'Accountants and tax advisors are already speculating that this filing regime will be followed by a quarterly tax payment regime, mirroring the VAT regime.

'It is easy to see why The Treasury would be happy to see income tax payable by landlords paid at an earlier date than current legislation requires.

She added: 'Making tax digital is being imposed on all but the smallest landlords. Agents have been reporting over the last year a significant increase in landlords selling their properties, and this tax change is not going to encourage any to stay in the market  further reducing the properties available for people to rent.'

Providers scramble to offer free MTD tools

The MTD change has prompted providers to offer their own tax filing systems to help the transition.

There is existing software that creates digital records or plugs into your ongoing spreadsheets.

HMRC says the right type of software will support all income sources covered by MTD, including property and foreign property. It will also need to let you make submissions to HMRC and work with your accounting period.

Tide, among other banks, have launched its own free tool to allow customers to file MTD returns within the app.

Monzo is also offering a new free built-in tax tool, powered by Sage, while Starling Bank also offers something similar for its customers.

Tide also offers its customers three free invoices, alongside other tools within paid tiers.

> Read our tax expert Heather Rogers' tax guide for accidental landlords.
A brazen private ambulance driver has refused to tear down his illegal mega-garage after furious neighbours told how the towering structure has 'destroyed' their lives.

Daniel Toma, 41, erected the giant fortress-like metal garage beside his modest end-of-terrace home in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, without ever obtaining planning permission.

The hulking dark-green compound, complete with tall electric gates and fencing, stands 3.4 metres high and more than seven metres wide, dwarfing nearby hedges and driveways.

Yet despite being ordered to demolish the monolithic structure, Mr Toma has refused to comply - insisting he needs the detached garage to house his ambulances.

The Romanian businessman defiantly told the Daily Mail: 'I will not remove it. People in the area do not have a problem with it.'

Yet when our reporter visited the suburban street, where his crudely-built garage lies next to a primary school zebra crossing, furious neighbours were of a very different view.

Peter Loughlin, 74, whose view is now blocked, said: 'It's an absolute disgrace. He should be ashamed of himself.

'He's ruined my view. I've lived here 30 years and he is destroying my life. I cannot see out of it properly.

Pictured: The giant fortress-like metal garage, which stands 3.4 metres high and more than seven metres wide

The crudely-built garage (pictured) lies next to a primary school zebra crossing

Pictured: Daniel Toma, 41, who refuses to remove the illegal mega-garage

'If I sit in my chair and look out I see a great big green compound. It's horrible. The people there said they can do what they like.

'Well, they can't. I have reported it to the council and I won't stop until it gets pulled down. It's appalling.'

Mr Loughlin, who fears the garage reduces the value of his 350,000 terraced house, added: 'It's just terrible. I'm appalled.

'I feel like I don't want to live here anymore.'

Bermet Amanaeva, 40, who moved into her home in 2015, said she was 'horrified' when the structure was installed.

'It's a nightmare. I have to look at it everyday. It's so ugly. Also, when they drive in, they're driving over a crossing. It's dangerous,' she said.

'They just do what they like. It's an odd place, you don't see ambulances very often. Other cars go in there. It makes me so angry.'

Other neighbours had also put in official complaints, including the immediate next door neighbours.

Peter Loughlin, 74, (pictured) whose view is now blocked said it is 'destroying' his life

Bermet Amanaeva, 40, (pictured) who moved into her home in 2015, said she was 'horrified' when the structure was installed

Martin Suiter, 44, said it had been an ongoing saga for 'months'.

He said: 'It just came out of nowhere. We all object to it. We have told the bloke it's appalling. They do not care.

'If everyone was allowed to do that, how would the streets look? It'd be a free-for-all.'

Hertsmere council refused retrospective planning permission and then launched enforcement action, ordering Mr Toma to demolish the structure.

He appealed that decision, which has now been upheld by the Planning Inspectorate - who questioned why a garage of such size and design was required for a family home.

Mr Toma, whose ambulance business transports 'mental health patients' and 'vulnerable young people', and provides transport for 'court appearances', built the garage at his 600,000 home without obtaining consent from Hertsmere council.
Charles Bronson could finally be released, as the Parole Board reviews the case of the notorious prisoner as part of his fresh bid for freedom.

Over the years, he has taken 11 hostages in nine different confrontations with guards, which culminated in him holding a prison art teacher captive for 44 hours in 1999.

It saw him handed a discretionary life sentence, with a minimum term of three years, in 2000 - and it is this which he is still serving now.

So, should Britain's most notorious prisoner Charles Bronson be granted parole?

Have YOUR say in the poll.

Find out the results in next week's The Crime Desk newsletter.
The story of the Alexander brothers is best known as a tale of three high-flying siblings accused of abusing their wealth and power to drug and rape women.

A saga of private jets, penthouses and unchecked excess now unraveling under the glare of a federal sex-trafficking trial, where they have all pled not guilty.

But there is a lesser-known fourth brother - the eldest - raised in the same North Miami home as Tal, 39, and twins Alon and Oren, 38, whose life has followed a markedly different path, albeit one still defined by extraordinary wealth and opulence.

Niv Alexander, 45, has appeared several times at the Manhattan federal courthouse, offering what has so far been quiet solidarity with his brothers who face life in prison if convicted of the most serious crimes.

He maintains a low profile and sits away from the rest of the family, making notes on a large notepad. Niv has not been accused of wrongdoing and is not charged in the case.

At his side during a late-January appearance was his wife, Cassie Arison, a philanthropist and heiress to the Carnival Cruise empire whose family has had their own fair share of scandal.

Her mother, Shari Arison, is widely considered Israel's richest woman, with an estimated net worth exceeding $5 billion.

In contrast to the nightlife notoriety and headline-grabbing success that once defined his younger brothers' public personas, Niv has largely kept a lower profile.

Niv Alexander, pictured with his billionaire heiress wife Cassie Arison in 2024, appeared in court to support his younger brothers earlier this month

Niv was raised in the same North Miami home as Tal (center) and twins Alon and Oren

Tal Alexander (front, blue shorts) and identical twins Oren and Alon (back row) are facing federal sex trafficking charges in Manhattan court; they have pleaded not guilty

On LinkedIn, he describes himself simply - and vaguely - as a 'contrarian investor type.'

He serves on the board of the Jerusalem Foundation and previously worked as a journalist for Yedioth Ahronoth, one of Israel's largest daily newspapers.

For eight years, he worked at the private security company founded by his parents, Shlomi and Orly Alexander, in Miami - the enterprise that propelled the family into affluence.

Unlike his younger siblings, Niv's public record is relatively sparse. Florida court filings show a handful of boating-related speeding infractions from the late 1990s and early 2000s.

In 2011, he was charged in Miami-Dade with disorderly conduct and obstruction, though the case was later dropped.

Today, Niv lives with Arison in New York where they split their time between a $13 million, 5,000-square-foot luxury SoHo apartment and a $5.4m, six-bedroom Georgian-style mansion in Bedford, just north of Manhattan.

In 2023, Niv and a group of neighbors sued the Bedford Planning Board and Verizon in an effort to block the installation of a 130-foot cell tower near his mansion.

In an affidavit, he described the home as a 50-acre haven for wildlife, including eagles and blue herons, and a place of 'peace and solitude' after years in the 'fast-paced' environment of New York City.

'When we purchased our home, we never anticipated the Town of Bedford would attempt to place a 130-foot cell tower directly across the street from our property,' he wrote, adding that the structure would resemble 'a surveillance tower hovering over our property.'

The Daily Mail photographed Niv outside court in Manhattan on Wednesday, after watching his siblings' ongoing sex crimes trial

Niv and Arison are regular fixtures on the philanthropic circuit, photographed at fundraisers and gallery events across New York

The couple's SoHo residence was featured in Architectural Digest in March 2022, which described the Mediterranean-inspired space as a 'tour de force' of design, complete with a custom-built, glass-enclosed solarium.

The apartment has also doubled as a salon of sorts for the philanthropic and art-world set, hosting star-studded gatherings and private events.

Martha Stewart was among the high-profile guests at one such function last year.

Niv and Arison are regular fixtures on the philanthropic circuit, photographed at fundraisers and gallery events across New York.

Arison, a publisher, philanthropist and art collector, founded the Tel Aviv-based magazine As Promised and serves on several prominent boards, including The Jewish Museum in New York and the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum, where she is listed as a Founding Donor after contributing $1 million.

Her sister, Sarah Arison, is a major figure in the New York and Miami art worlds and currently serves as President of the Board of Trustees at the Museum of Modern Art.

The Arison fortune traces back to her grandfather, Ted Arison, who co-founded Carnival Cruise Line in the 1970s and built it into a global cruise empire.

His daughter - and Cassie Arison's mother - Shari Arison later inherited a significant stake and expanded the family's holdings, becoming one of Israel's most powerful business figures - though she was no stranger to controversy herself.

During Shari's tenure as controlling shareholder of Bank Hapoalim, Israel's largest bank, the institution faced major investigations and ultimately paid more than $800 million to resolve US probes tied to tax evasion by American clients.

The couple's SoHo residence was featured in Architectural Digest in March 2022

Promotional picture of a showroom in the couple's luxury apartment building, where units sell for millions of dollars

Cassie Arison's mother, Shari Arison, is widely considered Israel's richest woman, with an estimated net worth exceeding $5 billion

Her personal life also played out in public.

In 2004, she was embroiled in a custody dispute after relocating to Miami with her youngest son, prompting the boy's father to file kidnapping charges. The case was later dismissed by a US federal judge.

The following year, another of Shari Arison's former husbands, Ofer Glazer, was convicted in Israel of sexually assaulting two women - a household employee and a prospective tenant - and sentenced to six months in prison, serving roughly half that term before being released on parole.

While Cassie Arison's parents inherited an empire, Niv's parents built theirs from scratch.

Shlomi and Orly Alexander emigrated to the United States from Rishon LeZion, Israel, after the Yom Kippur War, arriving in Miami with little money and few connections.

Shlomi washed corpses in a morgue. Orly taught Hebrew at a Jewish day school.

In 1982, the couple founded Kent Security Services around their kitchen table. The company grew rapidly, becoming one of the largest security contractors in South Florida, providing guards for gated communities, Miami City Hall and high-profile private events, including parties at the Versace mansion.

Cassie Arison's grandfather founded Carnival Cruise Lines and turned the company into a global giant

As Kent expanded, Shlomi turned to luxury development. After a brief and unsuccessful nightclub venture in South Beach, he began building and renovating high-end homes across South Florida - a move that proved lucrative.

That shift would eventually intersect with his sons' rise in brokerage. In 2012, Shlomi sold a waterfront estate on Indian Creek for $47 million - then one of the most expensive residential sales in Miami history - in a deal that involved Oren serving as the buyer's agent.

The transaction became part of the brothers' real estate origin story.

Before long, Oren and Tal were among the top producers at Douglas Elliman, closing record-setting deals and cultivating a clientele that included celebrities, athletes and billionaires  among them Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner.

The trio were invited twice to the White House during President Donald Trump's first term.

Their success unfolded alongside a conspicuous social life in New York and Miami, where they frequented elite parties and cultivated relationships with influential figures.

The rise was dramatic. The fall was swift.

In 2024, civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault began to surface. Months later, federal authorities arrested the three brothers on sex trafficking charges, accusing them of masterminding a decade-long scheme to lure, drug and assault dozens of women.

All three deny wrongdoing and insist any sexual encounters were consensual.

Their trial began in late January and is expected to run through early March.

Shlomi and Orly have been fixtures in the courtroom, alongside Alon's wife, model Shani Zigron. Oren's wife, Brazilian model Kamila Hansen, has appeared sparingly, while Tal's wife, venture capitalist Arielle, filed for divorce within weeks of his arrest.

Niv Alexander attended court alone on February 11.

He kept a low profile, arriving late and occupying a bench behind his parents. He was later seen walking out of court by himself.

Testimony in the case continues Tuesday.
Apartment owners in a ritzy Sydney suburb have conquered their body corporate in a legal battle over who should repair their timber deck balconies.

Mosman residents Annette Barnett, Laura Lillas, Tony Clarkson and Kandiah Theivendren finally defeated their apartment block strata after the long-running saga was resolved in the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

The legal stoush erupted after a report found 'certain timber decks of the apartments of the four applicant lot owners have fallen into disrepair and require replacement'.

The owners, who live in apartments nestled in the centre of one of Sydney's most sought-after and prestigious suburbs, claimed the strata had 'breached its duties'.

The tribunal heard allegations the strata failed to 'properly maintain and keep in a state of good and serviceable repair, or renew or replace, timber decks on the balconies or terraces of their apartments'.

The owners also claimed the strata failed to comply with a by-law which makes it 'responsible for major maintenance and replacement of the timber decks'.

In response, the strata claimed the timber decks were not 'common property' and that responsibility lay with the lot owners.

The tribunal, which found in favour of the lot owners in July last year, said there was 'no dispute' the timber decks had been installed and fixed on concrete slabs when the strata plan was registered in August 2013.

The Mosman apartment complex at the centre of the legal stoush

The main issue was whether the 'upper surface of the floor' was common or lot property.

A Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 by-law was also hotly contested during the timber floor legal dispute.

Clause 1 of 'by-law 26' states the 'owner of a lot shall maintain the timber decking on the balconies to keep the timber decking in good order'.

However, clause two of the by-law states the 'owners corporation shall have the timber decking on balconies reoiled annually to keep the timber decking aesthetically pleasing and shall be responsible for major maintenance and replacement'.

The strata's claim the by-law was 'void for uncertainty' was rebuked by the tribunal which found it was 'resolved by its terms'.

The strata also submitted by-law 26 was 'varied by special by-law 11', which 'expressed to absolve the owners corporation from various maintenance responsibilities'.

The strata also claimed by-law 26 was 'harsh, unconscionable or oppressive'.

'By-law 26 can be given some meaning,' the tribunal found.

Mosman is one of Sydney's most sought after and prestigious suburbs

'It is not unintelligible. Any difficulty in drawing the line between what does or does not constitute major replacement does not mean it is devoid of meaning.'

'The by-law operates so that if the obligation on the owners corporation under by-law 26.2 is not triggered, the obligation on a lot owner under by-law 26.1 applies.'

The strata also submitted 'work orders should not be made because it should be permitted to decide for itself the particular form of repair'.

However, the tribunal found in favour of the lot owners and ordered the strata to replace the timber decking.

'Within six months of the date of these orders, the respondent [the strata], using appropriately qualified and licensed persons, is to carry out and complete the following work in a proper and competent manner in accordance with all applicable laws and standards,' the tribunal ordered.

But the joy for the lot owners was short-lived after the strata appealed the decision.

That appeal was mostly dismissed in a decision handed down on February 19.

The appeal tribunal ordered the work to proceed but overturned a decision to award the lot owners costs and ordered the matter be remitted back to the tribunal for further consideration.

Parties have also been invited to make submissions regarding appeal costs.
The former CEO of a San Francisco charity for the homeless has been accused of embezzling over $1.2million to fund her lavish lifestyle, prosecutors say.

Gwendolyn Westbrook, who was CEO of United Council of Human Services (UCHS), faces charges including grand theft, misappropriation of public funds, and filing false tax returns for four years.

The organization received millions in government grants in the past two decades. Prosecutors accuse the 71-year-old of misappropriating funds between 2019 and 2023.

Westbrook is also accused of stealing $91,000 from the UCHS, while additional large sums missing from the organization remain unaccounted for, according to the San Francisco Standard.

Westbrook was booked into jail on nine charges on February 20 and was released on bail, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said in a news conference.

She was originally scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday at the Hall of Justice, but at the former chief executive's request, the judge postponed the arraignment to March 9.

'You're talking about millions of dollars being lost to that effort, our taxpayer dollars, while every day we sit and deal with people who are still struggling on our streets,' Jenkins said.

Westbrook's organization ran a soup kitchen and shelters for the homeless for nearly 20 years before her dismissal in 2023.

Gwendolyn Westbrook, 71, who was CEO of United Council of Human Services (UCHS), faces nine felony charges including grand theft, misappropriation of public funds, and filing false tax returns for four years

Westbrook's former organization received millions in government grants in the past two decades. She organized a soup kitchen and shelters for the homeless for nearly two decades before her dismissal in 2023

A former UCHS employee accused Westbrook in a lawsuit in the same year of her dismissal of misusing funds and 'living a lifestyle inconsistent with her reported salary,' which was $155,000 annually, according to the Standard.

Westbrook allegedly bragged to staff about purchasing fancy cars, such as a Tesla for herself, a Jeep Renegade for a close family friend, and two vehicles for cousins, according to the filing.

The lawsuit added that she told a niece she also has an Infiniti SUV and claimed she drove around with 'a trunk full of high-priced jewelry.'

Additionally, the court document stated that Westbrook used funds to pay for family members' weddings and in vitro fertilization procedures for a relative.

Westbrook was also accused in 1997 of stealing thousands of dollars from a cash box at a parking lot owned by the San Francisco Port, her employer at the time, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

The outlet also noted that in 2015, regulators found unsanctioned blackjack tables at a charity bingo hall organized by the nonprofit.

She was accused in a lawsuit in 2023 of misusing funds and 'living a lifestyle inconsistent with her reported salary,' which was $155,000 annually. Westbrook allegedly bragged to staff about purchasing fancy cars, such as a Tesla for herself, a Jeep Renegade for a close family friend, and two vehicles for cousins, according to the filing

In 2022, after an audit by then-city controller Ben Rosenfield revealed fraud at UCHS, Rosenfield and City Attorney David Chiu requested that the FBI and the DA's office launch a criminal investigation, according to the Standard (UCHS Headquarters Pictured)

In 2022, after an audit by then-city controller Ben Rosenfield revealed fraud at UCHS, Rosenfield and City Attorney David Chiu requested that the FBI and the DA's office launch a criminal investigation, according to the Standard.

According to court records, the district attorney's office began its thorough investigation last year, using more than 20 search warrants and extensively reviewing financial records.

'Gwendolyn Westbrook enriched herself and misused millions in public funds meant to help the community,' Chiu said.

'We are grateful the district attorney accepted our referral, and the White Collar Crime Division conducted a thorough investigation leading to these charges.'

Gwendolyn Westbrook or her attorney could not be reached for comment.
The plump-lipped owner of an upscale boutique in South Carolina has been arrested for the 11th time after she allegedly scammed customers from all over the state.

Pamela Brooke Schronce, the owner of Thomas and Turner Boutique in Belton, was locked up again on Monday, after a victim filed a report on December 10 claiming that they ordered $360 worth of products but never received their items from the Boutique, according to officials.

The 30-year-old was booked into the Cherokee County Detention Center and snapped a mugshot - a picture that the blonde has gotten familiar with.

A collage of arrest photos documents Schronce's evolving hairstyles, expressions, and prominent lips.

'The victim, just like all the others, tried repeatedly to get an answer from the suspect but eventually was blocked, and they would not respond,' Sheriff Steve Mueller told Fox Carolina.

'So, investigators were able to secure an arrest warrant on February 17, 2026, and we waited in line with all the other agencies to get her booked in at the Cherokee County Detention Center.'

The boutique owner is facing one count of obtaining property under false pretenses, valued at less than $2,000, and was granted a $2,125 surety bond, according to records cited by the outlet.

The alleged scammer has been booked in nine counties since the start of this year:

Pamela Brooke Schronce, the owner of Thomas and Turner Boutique in Belton, 30, has been arrested 11 times since the beginning of this year for alleged scams across South Carolina

On the first day of the new year she was taken into custody in Anderson County before being extradited to Fairfield County, where she was formally charged.

A week later on January 7, she was arrested by the Easley Police Department.

On February 5, she was arrested by the Spartanburg County Sheriffs Office before being released at 6.25 pm.

About an hour after leaving Spartanburg County that same day, she was arrested again by the Easley Police Department.

Schronce was then booked again in Anderson County on February 9.

On February 11, Schronce turned herself in to the Abbeville County Sheriffs Office.

She was arrested by the Pickens County Sheriffs Office on February 13 and later that same day by the Greenville County Sheriffs Office.

On February 19, she was booked into the Richland County Detention Center and placed on hold for the Greenwood Police Department.

The alleged scammer was arrested by the Greenwood Police Department on February 20.

Then, on February 23, she was arrested and booked into the Cherokee County Detention Center, as cited by the new channel.

Her most recent booking was on February 23 into the Cherokee County Detention Center, where she snapped a mugshot for the 11th time - a picture that the blonde has gotten familiar with

Schronce's shop describes itself on social media as a 'boutique for trendy little babes,' a 'household brand in upstate South Carolina,' and 'affordable and adorable.'n Schronce's comment section is a platform to highlight her alleged history of scams.

'Lying is what she does best... but still not good enough to avoid jail time,' wrote one.

'They've arrested her all over the Upstate,' another added. 'I am in Greenville Co and have been watching this unfold. I hope she gets what is coming to her.'

So what's next? She gets arrested every day, then bails out. What's her punishment? A third asked.

The Daily Mail has reached out to the Cherokee County Sheriff's Department for comment.
A Metropolitan Police officer calmly defending the rights of a Christian street preacher being surrounded by an angry mob.

This was a rare moment caught on camera in modern-day Britain, where Christian preachers have in recent years been targeted by other religious groups - and more concerningly police officers - for expressing their right to free speech.

But a pattern has emerged of preachers being arrested, DNA swabbed, detained in custody for hours and hauled before the courts at the taxpayers' expense - only to be cleared of any offence and even paid out in damages.

One Christian preacher, Hatun Tash, has even been paid 10,000 in damages twice in two years by the Met Police at Hyde Park's famous Speakers Corner in a stark admission that she was wrongly arrested on both occasions.

Elsewhere, in November 2025, preacher Shaun O'Sullivan was cleared of racial harassment after he was arrested for the 16th time - this time for saying, 'Pray for the Jews and pray for the Palestinians' in relation to the Gaza conflict.

A few months earlier, a group of Christians were told to stop spreading the gospel outside King's Cross Station, with a female British Transport Police officer telling them: 'I just think it's wrong.'

Also last summer, John Steele - a Christian preacher of 25 years - had charges dropped against him after he was arrested for asking a woman in a headscarf what she thought about Quran verses on domestic violence in Rotherham.

And just last week, it emerged Christian preacher Dia Moodley, who has been backed by the White House, was arrested for 'inciting racial hatred' and detained for eight hours after giving a street sermon in Bristol last November.

That is why the female officer who defended a preacher in Whitechapel, east London, while a group of Muslim men demanded his removal has been hailed as 'exemplary' for reminding them: 'In this country, we have freedom of speech.'

'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,' she added to the growing crowd on Whitechapel High Street. 'He's not in your home.'

This is the moment a police officer defends a Christian preacher in Whitechapel over the weekend and is told: 'This is a Muslim area'

One Christian preacher, Hatun Tash, has been paid 10,000 in damages twice in two years by the Met Police after she was unfairly arrested at Hyde Park's famous Speakers Corner on both occasions. She is pictured bottom left being surrounded

This was a measured response from an officer who was told by a Muslim member of the crowd that Whitechapel was 'a Muslim area'.

According to the most recent Census, 52.2 per cent of the 18,841 people who live in Whitechapel are Muslim. But there is no law prohibiting a Christian from preaching in the area simply because there is a large population of another religion.

Toby Young, the leader of the Free Speech Union, told the Daily Mail today: 'The police are far too quick to arrest Christian street preachers, often at the behest of woke activists.

'The courts have made it clear that stopping them preaching in the public square is a breach of their right to free speech, but the message hasn't found itself into the training given to new police recruits. That's why the behaviour of the woman police constable (WPC) in Whitehall was so exemplary. She knew the law.'

The Christian, clutching a microphone and Bible, could be heard preaching the Gospel in the viral footage, which is believed to have happened on Monday, a day before Ramadan began.

It took place just yards from the East London Mosque, one of the largest in Western Europe, which can accommodate up to 7,000 worshippers for daily prayers.

In one clip, a bearded male shouts at the preacher 'talk about Jesus, don't talk about Muhammad. Don't say Muhammad.'

Footage has also now emerged of the preacher being shoved by a masked man as he is confronted.

Part of his equipment is kicked by a man wearing grey tracksuit bottoms and a puffer coat, before another manically shouts in his face 'where you come from?'

As the preacher replies 'London', the second man continues to scream and make gestures with his hands, before a third Muslim wearing a mask approaches the Christian from behind and pushes him with force.

Another man is later repeatedly heard shouting at the preacher: 'Your God is a Jew.'

A male later explained to the female officer that he phoned police as the preacher was 'talking about the prophet, then he said like a donkey' which was upsetting 'hundreds of people' walking past.

He then accuses the preacher of 'spreading hatred' and alleges he was calling the Black Stone in the sacred Kaaba building in Mecca 'a box'.

But the evangelist denies this and says he was quoting from Muhammad 'who says if a donkey brays it's because he is seeing Satan'.

The female officer defends the preacher and explains to a group of males that 'in this country we have freedom of speech, the same way you guys have your freedom of speech'.

'You guys don't need to see eye-to-eye, and you don't need to agree,' she says. 'You're all more than welcome to stand here and have conversations with them, but they're not being aggressive.'

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'.

A preacher being targeted for spreading their views is an all-too familiar site in the UK.

In September 2024, Hatun Tash was paid 10,000 damages by the Met for the second time.

She was preparing to make a speech about the Koran at Speakers Corner when she was frog-marched away by officers as a mob surrounded them shouting 'Allah Akbar'.

Ms Tash, whose Koran was stolen, accused the Met of wrongfully arresting her for criminal damage and wearing a T-shirt depicting one of the Charlie Hebdo cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad, which is seen as blasphemous in Islamic teaching.

The Met was forced to pay her 10,000 in damages and costs, almost two years after paying her the same amount for arresting her in the same spot.

Preacher Shaun O'Sullivan (pictured) previously said he plans to sue Wiltshire Police after being cleared of racial harassment following a six-day trial

In October 2022, they paid her 10,000 after she threatened legal action over two arrests at Speakers Corner in 2020 and 2021. In July 2021, she was stabbed at Speakers Corner but her attacker was not caught.

While in September 2022, she was the subject of a murder plot by Muslim convert Edward Little, who is serving 24 years in jail.

Meanwhile last week, a Sudanese asylum seeker who dragged Christian preacher Daniel Ayettey off a ladder and threatened him with a knife at Speakers Corner was spared jail.

Another preacher, Shaun O'Sullivan, told the Mail in November that he was planning to sue Wiltshire Police after being cleared of racial harassment following a six-day trial in Crown Court, at an estimated cost of 20,000 at the taxpayer's expense.

Mr O'Sullivan, 36, preaches at Swindon's evangelical 'Awaken' church and on the streets to homeless and addicts on the fringe of society, as he once was. But he claims that some police officers have a 'vendetta' against him and are looking for reasons to arrest him.

Despite his remarkable tally of arrests, none of the charges or cases brought against him have stuck, and a jury unanimously threw out the latest case of racial and religious harassment against him in just 90 minutes (which included their lunchtime break).

Those proceedings followed an allegation that he was guilty of harassing Muslims by saying the words: 'Pray for the Jews and pray for the Palestinians' in relation to the Gaza conflict.

On a separate occasion, he was arrested after it was alleged that his 'God bless you' comment had offended Muslims at a pro-Palestinian march.

In June 2025, John Steele, a street preacher of 25 years, approached a stall managed by a Muslim woman wearing a hijab and asked her about how the Quran addresses domestic violence.

He was arrested by police and told he faced a 'non-crime hate incident'. Steele was detained, fingerprinted and swabbed for DNA but the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the charges, stating the prosecution was 'not needed in the public interest'.

Earlier this week, it also emerged that evangelical pastor Dia Moodley, 58, was arrested for 'inciting racial hatred' in Bristol.

Mr Moodley - who has been supported by the Trump administration across the pond - was detained for eight hours in November last year for 'commenting on Islam and transgender ideology', his legal counsel say.

Christian street preacher Dia Moodley, 58, was arrested on suspicion of 'inciting religious hatred' after he delivered a sermon 'on Islam and transgender ideology'

He claims he has faced repeated enforcement action by Avon and Somerset Police for the past four years. The preacher was arrested on November 22 on suspicion of a racially/religiously aggravated public order offence, and assault by beating.

He was later released on bail conditions that prevented him from entering Bristol city centre, initially until the end of December. But police then questioned him further at his home in January.

Mr Moodley also faced police action in March 2024 after commenting on Islam and saying that sex was binary while street preaching outside Bristol University.

As well as individual preachers being targeted, councils have also taken action to try and ban religious groups.

In March 2025, Labour-run Rushmoor Borough Council, in Hampshire, sought an injunction to ban Christians from preaching, praying and handing out leaflets in the town centres of Farnborough and Aldershot.

They claimed preachers were being 'offensive' and caused 'alarm and distress'. The council later U-turned on the decision.

Meanwhile, four months later, the London borough of Hillington tried to do the same in Uxbridge - but a group of Christians overturned the legal ban.
A Texas kindergarten teacher was arrested after allegedly twisting a five-year-old boys arm and forcing him into a corner for breaking a pencil, authorities say.

Pamela Mitchell, 64, was taken into custody Thursday, more than a month after police say she attacked a young boy in her Waco classroom at J.H. Hines Elementary for snapping a pencil, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by KWTX News.

Court documents revealed that Mitchell grabbed the child, twisted his arm behind his back and dragged him out of his seat.

'She used her knee and placed it in the center of the child's back, forcing the child in the corner,' according to the affidavit.

Mitchell was booked into the McLennan County Jail on Friday and charged with injury to a child, a third-degree felony that carries up to 10 years behind bars. She is being held on a $3,000 bond.

'The student has recovered and is free from injury,' WISD spokesperson Jill Anderson told the outlet.

'We recognize the gravity of this situation and remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the students in our care,' she added.

According to the affidavit, the assault happened on January 8, after Mitchell briefly left the classroom and came back to discover a pencil the boy had allegedly broken.

Pamela Mitchell (pictured), 64, of Texas, was taken into custody Thursday, more than a month after police said she attacked a five-year-old boy in her classroom for breaking a pencil

Court documents revealed that Mitchell grabbed the child, twisted his arm behind his back and dragged him out of his seat at J.H. Hines Elementary in Waco (pictured)

WISD spokesperson Jill Anderson (pictured) told KWTX News: 'The student has recovered and is free from injury,' adding that Mitchell has been fired

After being told by her school aide what occurred while she stepped out, Mitchell allegedly lunged at the child and attacked him.

School officers were alerted to the alleged assault after the aide reported it to the Department of Family and Protective Services (CPS), according to KWTX.

An internal and CPS probe revealed that the five-year-old boy reported being injured after the violent interaction with his teacher.

'During the internal school investigation and CPS investigation, the child was interviewed and told the principal that Pamela Mitchell's actions caused the child pain,' the documents read.

Waco Independent School District (ISD) police detained Mitchell on Friday, with a spokesperson confirming she is no longer employed by the district, according to the outlet.

'Waco ISD is committed to the safety and well-being of every student,' the district representative said.

'We take every incident that risks the safety of our students seriously and investigate every report thoroughly to ensure our schools remain safe, supportive environments.'

Mitchell, who started at Hines Elementary in October 2024, was teaching while earning her certification, WISD spokesperson Jill Anderson told the outlet. She had previously worked as a substitute teacher.

The Daily Mail has reached out to the Waco Independent School District for comment.
An Illinois woman says she's been left 'confused and lost' after her boyfriend was killed during an attempted car theft on his last Uber Eats delivery of the night.

Daniel Figueroa, 28, was found dead in the middle of West Flournoy Street in the Austin neighborhood on Monday, just after completing his final delivery and on his way home to celebrate his girlfriend's son's birthday, according to ABC 7 News.

While his cause of death remains unclear, police sources told WGN 9 News that a confrontation with three suspects attempting to steal his van turned deadly.

Authorities launched a homicide investigation and announced that a person of interest was taken into custody later that same afternoon.

In an emotional interview with ABC, Sandra Guerrero, Figueroa's girlfriend, said: 'I'm confused. I'm lost. I'm sad. I don't know what to do.'

'I shouldn't have to picture my boyfriend like that,' she added. 'Somebody who I wanted to marry.'

'Today, it's my son's birthday. We had the whole day planned out for him to spend it with him. And it, just, I can't believe it right now.'

On Sunday evening, Figueroa, who juggled multiple jobs to support his family, had just left his shift at Amazon and planned to work extra hours for Uber Eats, Guerrero told the outlet.

Sandra Guerrero (left), of Illinois, said she's 'confused and lost' after her boyfriend, 28-year-old Daniel Figueroa (right), was killed in an attempted car theft while delivering for Uber Eats

Figueroa was found dead in the middle of West Flournoy Street near Loretto Hospital early Monday, just after completing his final delivery and on his way home to celebrate his girlfriend's son's birthday

In an emotional interview with ABC, Sandra Guerrero (pictured), Figueroa's girlfriend, said: 'I'm confused. I'm lost. I'm sad. I don't know what to do'

But her boyfriend never made it home and was found lying unresponsive in the street around 2:05am near Loretto Hospital.

Figueroa was rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital and pronounced dead less than an hour later, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

'I didn't get no texts or no call from him until his mom reached out to me at seven in the morning saying he had passed away,' Guerrero told ABC.

Police sources later revealed that Figueroa was delivering food to a doctor at Loretto Hospital, who found him sprawled out in the street when he stepped out to get his order, according to WGN 9 News.

Hospital workers handed investigators surveillance footage showing that Figueroa had already dropped off the food when three suspects approached him in an attempt to steal his van.

Authorities said the unnamed individuals dragged Figueroa for about half a block as he tried to get into his car, then ran from the scene.

'I hope my son didn't suffer. He didn't deserve this. Not one bit. He was a good kid,' Figueroa's father, Carlos Figueroa, told the outlet.

'He was on his way home. This was going to be his last stop,' he added. 'He was just trying to do something for himself out there.'

Authorities launched a homicide investigation and announced that a person of interest was taken into custody on Monday afternoon (pictured: Figueroa)

Authorities said three suspects approached Figueroa (pictured with mother) in an attempt to steal his van and dragged him for about half a block as he tried to get into his car. They then fled the scene

On Monday afternoon, authorities took a woman into custody behind the wheel of Figueroa's stolen van, which was also recovered, sources told WGN.

While police havent released suspect descriptions, sources said the video appeared to show two women and one man climbing into Figueroas van.

Autopsy results from the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office to determine the cause and manner of his death are still pending, as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times.

'He was my youngest son, and now I have to bury him because someone decided to take his life,' Figueroa's father told WGN.

'I'm hollow inside. I don't know what to do,' he added. 'I have to deal with this now and for the rest of my life.'

Area Four detectives are now leading the investigation into his death, according to the outlet.

Figueroas father said his son grew up in Downers Grove and continued living there with Guerrero and her child, whom he loved and treated like his own, according to the outlet.

Both he and Guerrero described Figueroa as a hardworking, devoted family man who loved people, helping others and fishing - so much so he even had a fishing pole tattooed on his finger.

Figueroa's (right) father, Carlos Figueroa (center), told WGN: 'I hope my son didn't suffer. He didn't deserve this. Not one bit. He was a good kid'

On Monday afternoon, authorities took a woman into custody behind the wheel of Figueroa's (pictured) stolen van, which was also recovered

Figueroas father said his son grew up in Downers Grove and continued living there with Guerrero and her child, whom he loved and treated like his own (all three pictured)

'My heart's broken. As a parent, I don't wish this upon anybody, and I don't know what to do from here,' he added.

In a statement to Facebook, Eleanor Rivera, Figueroa's mother, wrote: 'I still don't have words to share on the passing of my youngest son. He was my baby with a bond that no one could break.'

'As this is a homicide under investigation, there is not much I can share, just that I will never have my son back in my arms,' she added.

The hospital is fully cooperating with authorities and said in a statement that their 'prayers and condolences go out to the individual's family and loved ones,' according to WGN.

'Our focus remains on supporting the safety, health, and well-being of the community we serve during this difficult time,' the statement added.

Uber told the outlet it is 'incredibly saddened by this tragic loss, and our thoughts are with their family and loved ones as they navigate this unimaginably difficult time. Weve reached out to police and will assist them however we can.'

Guerrero has since launched a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral and memorial expenses, outstanding bills and provide short-term financial stability.

'He was the main provider for our home and the person I shared my life with. His passing has left not only an emotional void, but also a sudden financial burden that I never expected to face,' the fundraiser read.

In a Facebook statement, Eleanor Rivera (center), Figueroa's (left) mother, wrote: 'I still don't have words to share on the passing of my youngest son. He was my baby with a bond that no one could break'

Guerrero described Figueroa (pictured) as a hardworking, devoted family man who loved people, helping others and fishing

'Every day brings new challenges as I try to find a way forward for myself and our child,' it added.

'The weight of these responsibilities is overwhelming, and I am doing my best to stay strong for our family.'

Figueroas father urged anyone with information to come forward and leave an anonymous tip with police at cpdtip.com.

'This way, there can be some kind of justice for my son, and he didnt die in vain,' he told WGN. 'I would appreciate it.'
Zohran Mamdani is under fire for dismissing a barrage of snowballs aimed at NYPD officers as just a 'snowball fight,' despite cops seeking to press charges.

New York City police officers were bombarded with snowballs in Washington Square Park on Monday afternoon, with two cops sent to the emergency room after being struck in the face and head, according to ABC 7 News.

The department is now seeking arrests on assault charges and has released photos of two 'wanted' suspects on its official X account as the investigation ramps up.

'Unacceptable and outrageous - this is the environment that NYC police officers are up against. Our police officers are being treated for their injuries, but the case CANNOT end there,' union NYC Police Benevolent Association (PBA) wrote.

'All of our city leaders must speak up to condemn this despicable attack,' they added.

Meanwhile, Mamdani appeared to shrug off the viral snowball 'attack,' referring to the agitators as a group of 'kids' and offering what critics called a rather nonchalant response.

'I've seen the videos of kids throwing snowballs at NYPD officers in Washington Square Park,' the mayor wrote in a statement to X.

'Officers, like all city workers, have been out in a historic blizzard, keeping New Yorkers safe and cars moving,' he added.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is under fire for dismissing a barrage of snowballs aimed at NYPD officers as just a 'snowball fight,' despite authorities pushing to press charges

New York City police officers were bombarded with snowballs in Washington Square Park (pictured) on Monday afternoon, with two cops sent to the emergency room after being struck in the face and head

In response to a now-viral video of the incident, Mamdani said: 'I can just tell you from the video I saw, it looked like kids at a snowball fight'

'Treat them with respect. If anyone's catching a snowball, it's me.'

Police responded to Washington Square Park at about 4pm Monday after reports surfaced of several individuals gathered on a rooftop within the park, as reported by ABC.

Authorities said officers were met with flying snowballs as soon as they arrived, with the entire minute-long confrontation caught on camera by journalist Brendan Gutenschwager.

The footage shows a large crowd shouting and pelting cops with snowballs as they made their way down snow-and ice-covered walkways.

Some of the agitators hurled profanities, shouting expletives like 'f*** you, b***h' as police tried to push through the crowd.

Chaos escalated as cops forced people into the snow and others ran forward to throw another shot, with one snowball pressed right against an officer's neck.

By the final seconds, an officer walked into frame with his left eye red and swollen, clearly hurt from a direct blow.

On Tuesday, Mamdani held a press conference with the Office of Emergency Management to discuss Manhattan's historic blizzard and defend his response to the snowball clash that has sparked mounting criticism.

Police responded to Washington Square Park at about 4pm Monday after reports surfaced of several individuals gathered on a rooftop within the park

Authorities said officers were met with flying snowballs as soon as they arrived. Some of the agitators hurled profanities, shouting expletives like 'f*** you, b***h' at cops

The department is now seeking arrests on assault charges and has released photos of two 'wanted' suspects on its official X account as the investigation ramps up

'I can just tell you from the video I saw, it looked like kids at a snowball fight,' Mamdani said, doubling down.

However, he emphasized that city workers have been essential in keeping New Yorkers safe during this record-breaking winter and deserve respect for their efforts.

'They have been keeping New Yorkers safe. And they have also been at the heart of our efforts of digging New Yorkers' cars out of these kinds of conditions and ensuring that our ambulances, our MTA buses, can keep functioning,' the mayor said.

'Across this city, they and our entire city workforce deserve to be treated with respect,' he added.

'The only person in our city's workforce who deserves to be hit with a snowball is me.'

Leaders of the Big Apple's police unions fired back, demanding a criminal investigation. PBA President Patrick Hendry told Fox 5 News that Mamdani's response was 'a complete failure of leadership.'

'This was not just a "snowball fight." This was an assault - by adults throwing chunks of ice and rocks - that landed two police officers in the hospital with head and face injuries,' Hendry said.

'By ignoring their injuries and dismissing the incident, the mayor has sent a disgraceful message to every police officer who serves this city,' he added.

Hendry also warned that the mayors reaction could send a dangerous message to anyone thinking about targeting a police officer in the future.

Rahul Nag, who witnessed the chaos at the park, told ABC it began as harmless fun but spiraled out of control when several youths started hurling snow from the roof of the parks restrooms.

'It wasn't supposed to be violent. It was - it started out as a very fun thing to do. And then, you know, it just escalated,' Nag told the outlet.

'There weren't any older kids or older people out here. It was just young kids having fun,' he added.

'Then it kind of became a back-and-forth thing between NYPD and those young kids, you know what I mean?'

Commissioner Jessica Tisch slammed the incident in a pointed X post, joining other city leaders in condemning the snowball attack.

'The NYPD is aware of certain videos taken earlier today in Washington Square Park showing individuals attacking cops,' she wrote.

'I want to be very clear: The behavior depicted is disgraceful, and it is criminal.'

During a press conference on Tuesday, Mamdani said: 'The only person in our city's workforce who deserves to be hit with a snowball is me'

Leaders of the Big Apple's police unions fired back, demanding a criminal investigation. PBA President Patrick Hendry said Mamdani's response was 'a complete failure of leadership'

Former Fox News host Megyn Kelly also blasted Mamdani on X in response to his post about the snowball chaos.

'NOT. IT. SIR. Kids??' she wrote.

The NYPD has released two photos of unidentified individuals they say 'intentionally struck officers multiple times with snow and ice.'

No arrests have been made so far, and authorities are urging anyone with information to contact @NYPDTips or call 800-577-TIPS.
The missing mother-of-three who was discovered alive and well after 24 years had been unhappy in her marriage and was struggling with alcohol when she fled, the Daily Mail can reveal.

Michele Hundley Smith was 38 when she left her home in Eden, North Carolina to go Christmas shopping across the border in Martinsville, Virginia on December 9, 2001.

She never came back.

Michele was officially reported as missing three weeks later and her family spent nearly a quarter century searching and hoping for her safe return.

A breakthrough in technology and information sharing finally brought the decades-long search for Smith to an extraordinary conclusion on Friday last week.

Rockingham County Sheriff's Office revealed Smith had been found alive and well at a mystery location in North Carolina.

Cops went to see Smith, now 62, after they received 'new information' in the investigation, which involved several agencies including the FBI.

Michele Hundley Smith, who went missing 24 years ago, was found on February 20 'alive and well' in North Carolina

They said Smith asked them to keep her location secret  dealing a blow to any immediate hopes of a family reunion.

In an interview with the Daily Mail, Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page revealed that Smith told his officers there were 'ongoing domestic issues' at the time she left but he said she wouldn't elaborate.

Meanwhile, Smith's daughter Amanda told the Daily Mail she is still processing her emotions over the news and her brothers, Gary and Kevin, said the complex situation was a 'lot to comprehend' but they are hopeful for future contact.

Years ago, Amanda had painted a troubled picture of her parents' marriage.

Speaking on the Vanished podcast in 2018, she said her mother had been unhappy and struggling with alcohol in the months before she disappeared.

However, Sheriff Page said he was not aware of any police reports of domestic violence at the time.

That said, 'it wasn't 100 per cent unusual' for her to leave home for extended periods, he added.

Micheles husband is said to have called cops days after she left on December 9.

But because she had taken off before, she wasnt officially recorded as missing until December 31.

When officers went to see Smith, 'they determined that she had left on her own accord and she was safe, the sheriff added.

Amanda Hundley (pictured with her two daughters) was 14 when her mother went missing. She says she now feels 'ecstatic' but 'heartbroken' after learning Michele is alive but does not want to reunite

'We notified her family and let them know that she was okay, that she'd been located, but at that time, she didn't want to make contact.'

He declined to share specifics of the February 19 tip that led detectives to her, saying only that advancements in technology and information sharing had led to the breakthrough in the case.

'We share a lot of information and a lot of times that information will connect with somebody who's had a contact from different sources.

'When that information came back to us, we followed up on it.'

Katy Gregg, District Attorney for Caswell and Rockingham County, told the Daily Mail she met with detectives on Tuesday and based on their investigation, they have decided there will be no charges.

'I support their decision,' said Gregg.

Smith's disappearance has haunted her family for years, leaving many unanswered questions.

Amanda addressed her mother in 2018, saying 'I'm not mad at you if you did leave', but pleaded for answers

Amanda had also appeared on a podcast about her mother, revealing Smith had been struggling with alcohol because she was 'unhappy' with her marriage at the time

But life has also gone on without her.

Smith's husband Randy has moved on with another partner, while her three children, Melissa, 44, Amanda, 39, and Randal, 33, have married and had children of their own.

Smith's mother, Margaret, tragically died in November, just three months before she would have learned that her daughter was alive.

She had spent years searching for her daughter, hiring a private investigator, and asking relatives to give their DNA to databases for comparisons in case her body was found.

An online obituary for Margaret, who died aged 83 on November 5, describes Smith as her 'most important crowning accomplishment' in life, without making any mention of her disappearance.

Amanda  who told the Daily Mail she is still 'processing' her emotions over the news - wrote on Facebook: 'As far as my opinions and feelings on my mom...I am ecstatic, I am p***ed, I am heartbroken, I am all over the map!

'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,' she wrote.

Smith disappeared in December of 2001 at 38 years old while Christmas shopping, leaving behind her three children, aged 19, 14, and 7

Amanda previously told how her mom disappeared the night she was going to buy Christmas gifts for her and her siblings.

Amanda was 14 when her mother went missing. She had an older sister, Melissa, who was 19 at the time and a brother Randal, 7.

She told the Vanished podcast in 2018 that prior to her disappearance, her mother had lost her job at a veterinary practice.

She said she had been struggling with alcohol because she was unhappy in her marriage and had been arguing with their dad, her husband, a truck driver.

Amanda has consistently insisted her father is a 'good man' who had not done anything wrong.

'If she wanted to leave my dad, that's one thing, but to leave us, I just don't see it happening. She loved us, and she bragged about us to her mom,' she told the podcast.

Before she went missing, Amanda said her mother told her she had lost her driving license over a ticket for going over a yellow line when she was taking one of her husband's friends home.

A month before she went missing, on November 11, 2001, Smith was charged with driving under the influence, according to Rockingham District court records seen by the Daily Mail.

Online records show an arrest record was never served and printed records of the case have since been destroyed, court staff said.

Amanda told the podcast there were several tantalizing developments in the years the family were searching for her mom.

She said when she was 19, a letter from Cumberland, Maryland, addressed to her and her mom arrived at the house.

It claimed Amanda's social security number was used in an ambulance ride, without giving further details.

She said Smith had taken her and her brother Randal's social security cards with her in her purse.

But when Amanda followed up, she came up against a brick wall.

Another time, a woman with the same name was arrested in Arizona, but Amanda says she knew by the woman's voice and her picture that it wasn't her mother.

Smith's family are now wrestling with the extraordinary news she has been found safe, against her decision not to contact them.

A Facebook page dedicated to her missing mother, Bring Michele Hundley Smith Home, said that Smith had been driving her forest green 1995 Pontiac Trans Sport van which was never found when she disappeared

'I am still in shock, it's one day at a time, I'm just thankful that she's alive,' her cousin Barbara Byrd told the Daily Mail.

Asked why Michele left and stayed under the radar for so long, she replied: 'I have no clue, because the last time that I physically saw Michele was on November 24, 2001, when she came to the funeral home for my grandfather, who had passed away.

'I spoke to her and her mom, but there was nothing I could honestly say that I remember would give me any inclination of what made her go.'

She fears the many questions over Michele's disappearance could remain unanswered.

'My question is, how does she stay hidden with this world of technology for so long?

'A lot of the stuff, we don't know what happened. She's the only one that can answer that question.

'She's probably not going to answer that question, but she might surprise us.

'She doesn't want no one to know where she's at.

'If she sees any of these reports, what I'm going to say to her is that she is still loved by people.

'People are hurt and it's not me that needs the answers to why she left.

'It's her husband, her two daughters, her son, her two brothers.'

Smith's daughter, Melissa Martin, said on Facebook it was 'great to know she's alive after 24 years, just hoping she decides to contact someone, because right now she doesn't want contact.'

Smith's brothers, Gary and Kevin, told the Daily Mail the 'complex situation' was a 'lot to comprehend' but they are hopeful for future contact.

'We want Michele to know that we are so glad she is alive, we love her, we are not mad at her, all is forgiven,' they said in a statement.

'We would love to be in contact with her, but we understand that she has decided she doesn't want contact as of now, and we respect her wishes.

'Although we hope for future contact with our sister, we want to make it known that we do not and cannot speak on behalf of the rest of our family.

'We will not share details regarding her disappearance all these years ago. That is not our story to tell.'
GPs will be made to offer patients same day appointments for 'urgent' health needs from April under the terms of a new NHS contract.

The British Medical Association said the move would likely be presented as a 'major win' for patient access but family doctors will be 'left reeling' at the requirement.

It comes as a concerning new survey reveals almost half of the public (48 per cent) avoided or delayed contacting their GP about a health concern last year.

People cited difficulties contacting their local practice, opting to wait for the problem to go away and not expecting to be offered a suitable appointment as some of the main reasons behind their decision.

Accessing a GP is the public's main priority for the NHS, along with improved A&E waiting times, the Ipsos poll of 2,200 UK adults found.

But two in five respondents (42 per cent) believe the general standard of care provided by the NHS worsened in the last year and only one in eight (12 per cent) believe it has improved.

Tim Gardner, assistant director of policy at the Health Foundation, which commissioned the survey, said: 'Our findings signal that too often people are going without the care they need, which risks storing up health problems further down the line and placing more strain on an already stretched service.'

A report compiled by the think tank says that public confidence in the Government's NHS policies 'remains low', with 54 per cent disagreeing that their government has the right policies for the NHS compared to just 15 per cent who agree.

Accessing a GP is the public's main priority for the NHS , along with improved A&E waiting times, the Ipsos poll found

It comes as the Government promised to boost access to family doctors in England through a new GP contract, backed by a 485million investment.

The contract requires all patients with urgent needs to have access to a same-day GP appointment.

A separate 300million of existing money in the service will be ring-fenced to help recruit additional GPs or increase hours of current family doctors, the Department of Health and Social Care said.

Chris McCann, acting chief executive at Healthwatch England, said: 'People consistently tell us that GP services are becoming harder to use and that simply getting through the door for care can be a challenge.

'For example, we often hear from individuals who wait in long telephone queues for an appointment, only to be told that all slots have been taken for the day and that they must try again tomorrow.

'Plans to recruit more doctors should make it easier for patients to get appointments and ensure urgent cases are handled more quickly.'

The contract also requires GPs to make more use of a process in which they seek advice from hospital consultants before referring patients to them for specialist care.

Health secretary Wes Streeting said the Government was 'fixing the front door to the NHS', adding: 'We're giving practices the flexibility to hire more GPs, and backing them with extra funding to do so.

'As a result, many more patients with urgent needs will be able to get an appointment the day they contact their practice.'

But Dr Katie Bramall, chairwoman of the BMA's GP Committee, warned there is a risk patient expectations of securing a same day appointment 'won't be matched by NHS reality'.

She added: 'GPs will be left reeling over the unrealistic expectation of providing unlimited same-day urgent care and profoundly concerned regarding unnecessary barriers for patients to access specialist care all while trying to keep their practices viable and prevent closures.'

Professor Victoria Tzortiou Brown, chair of the Royal College of GPs, said there are 2,258 patients per GP, with far fewer fully qualified, full-time equivalent GPs per patient than a decade ago.

Describing the pressure as 'unsustainable' for patients and GPs, she added: 'General practice is the front door of the health service and all patients should be able to see their GP when they need to, so it is worrying to hear that some might be delaying or avoiding seeking care because they think getting an appointment will be difficult.

'GPs are working harder than ever, with over one million appointments delivered in general practice every day across England, and 46 per cent on the same day as the booking.

'But we recognise that too many patients are still waiting too long for appointments or are anxious that they won't be able to get the care they need when they need it.

'GPs and our teams are just as frustrated as our patients when they can't access our care.'
President Donald Trump's designated survivor for his 2026 State of the Union Address is Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins.

A designated survivor is an official in the presidential line of succession who is kept away from major gatherings in order to preserve continuity of government in the case of a mass-casualty decapitation event.

Collins, a former Georgia lawmaker currently serving as the VA boss, is 17th in line to the presidency.

Collins was also the designated survivor last year.

However, though Collins may have been the White House's designated survivor to sit out the speech, Senator Chuck Grassley, who is the most veteran member of the chamber and is fourth in line to the presidency, also seemed to skip the event.

Though Washington, DC, and the US Capitol are some of the most heavily surveilled and policed areas in the country, there is always a plan for Uncle Sam and the federal government to outlast even the most deadly threats - like a strike on Congress while all the top US officials are gathered in one room.

The State of the Union address typically features the entirety of Congress, 100 senators and 435 House representatives, all nine Supreme Court justices, the president's entire Cabinet, the president's family and scores of special guests, media and congressional staff.

The concept of having a designated survivor originated in the 1950s when US officials first grew concerned about a nuclear attack taking out the government.

President Donald Trump speaking at his State of the Union address

Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins is this year's designated survivor - a member of the line of presidential succession kept away from the State of the Union to ensure continuity of government incase of an attack on the Capitol

Members of the Cabinet, including Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, the director of national intelligence, Russell Vought, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick stand before U.S. President Donald J. Trump delivers the first State of the Union address of his second term to a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber of the United States Capitol

However, the protocol was not publicly known until the 1980s, when the practice became more publicized and the administration would announce after the fact the identity of the designee.

On the night of the State of the Union, the designated survivor is sent to an undisclosed location for protection.

At times, there has also been a designated survivor for presidential inaugurations, which similarly feature all of the federal government's top brass. However, Trump's inauguration last year did not have a designee.

During Joe Biden's final year as president in 2024, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, who was 16th in line to the presidency.

Beyond being a Cabinet official, the designated survivor must also be at least 35-years-old and a natural-born U.S. citizen.

While the US Constitution discusses the presidential line of succession, the process was clarified under the Presidential Succession Act of 1947.

It begins with the vice president, the speaker of the House, the Senate president pro tempore and then Cabinet members in the order of their respective department's creation.

Some lawmakers have also historically sat out to preserve continuity of the legislative branch.

House Democrats announced that Congressman Mike Thompson of California would be their designated survivor for Trump's State of the Union. He was also the party's designee last year.

Join the debate Should politicians skip the State of the Union for safety or is their absence undermining democracy?

Senator Chuck Grassley, 92, president pro tempore of the Senate - the most veteran member of the chamber - who is fourth in line to the presidency, seemingly did not attend the State of the Union

'Ive been selected as a designated survivor for tomorrows State of the Union, so I wont be there in person, but Ill be watching. Americans deserve accountability for the militarization of ICE, terrorization of our communities and killing of American citizens,' the Democrat announced on X this week.

House Speaker Mike Johnson's office did not respond to the Daily Mail's request for comment on who, if anyone, would serve as the GOP's designated survivor.

Though it may not be particularly necessary, as many Democrats have announced they would not attend Trump's speech in protest.
If the Democratic Party ever wonders why twice as many African Americans voted for Donald Trump in 2024 than four years earlier, they need look no further than Gavin Newsom.

The Governor of California has been all over the news this month - shilling his new memoir across America and auditioning for commander-in-chief in an amateurish appearance at an international security summit in Munich.

But his latest appearance could turn out to be his most disastrous: An interview on Sunday with black Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens where Newsom offended millions of African Americans by casting them as a community of dimwits and underachievers.

'I'm not trying to impress you, I'm just trying to impress upon you, "I'm like you. I'm not better than you,"' explained Newsom to Dickens on Sunday. 'I'm a 960 SAT guy.'

The exchange was as baffling as it was awkward: A veteran politician on the cusp of an anticipated presidential run reducing his rhetoric to identity politics with the most tone-deaf and ruinous results imaginable.

Unsurprisingly, Newsom's comments have been quickly decried as proof that he's racist - or at least guilty of the racism of low expectations.

'How insulting,' declared former Ohio Democratic state senator Nina Turner on X; his 'mindset is at the core of white supremacy,' added Princeton Professor Cornell West.

Beyond the sloppy soundbites and clumsy clean-up effort, Newsom's gaffe reveals something far worse than mere offense - an out-of-touch elitism that could - and should - sink his still embryonic presidential push, along with his entire party's chances to reclaim the White House in 2028.

In an interview on Sunday with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens (right), Newsom offended millions of African Americans by casting them as a community of dimwits and underachievers

As Black History Month comes to a close, it's clear to me that Newsom knows little about actual black people beyond the most outdated and offensive stereotypes.

In my own family, for example, my black great-grandmother was college educated in Texas at a time when my Jewish forbearers could barely read and write back in Eastern Europe.

And my family is hardly an outlier - black educational excellence and high achievement have been standards since Emancipation. But I'm pretty certain Newsom would never have pulled that SAT-stunt with my white Jewish cousins.

Most worrisome of all, perhaps, is the fact that Newsom is nearly 60 years old and still talking about his SAT scores (who does that!). With his Prom King looks and 'most-likely-to-succeed' demeanor, it's hardly surprising that Newsom seemingly remains trapped in his high school days.

But to be (inordinately) fair, I can imagine what Newsom was trying to say to Mayor Dickens and his multi-cultural audience - that he, too, has known struggle and defeat. That he's had to work hard to succeed in a world that expected only failure.

In response to his critics, Newsom said that he was referencing his dyslexia, which he was diagnosed with as a child and then revealed in 2004 after he was elected mayor of San Francisco.

He's just good old Gov. Gav, you see?

Except that's not true either.

Join the debate Has Newsom's comment revealed a deeper problem with how Democrats view and connect with black voters?

My black great-grandmother was college educated in Texas at a time when my Jewish forbearers could barely read and write back in Eastern Europe (Pictured: US Opinion Editor, David Kaufman)

If the Democratic Party ever wonders why twice as many African Americans voted for Donald Trump in 2024 than four years earlier, they need look no further than Gavin Newsom

Not only does Newsom come from a wealthy and connected California family, but his political ascent was also buoyed and bankrolled by the far wealthier and even better-connected billionaire Getty clan.

As a born-and-bred Californian and long-time Newsom-watcher, I don't believe the Governor is some unrepentant racist. Or, at least he's no more racist than any other self-important, virtue-signaling, over-indulged elite.

Coddled by both his own family and the Gettys - and tainted by a history of infidelity - Newsom betrays the entitlement and arrogance of a man steeped in the access and privilege he is clamoring so hard to obscure. Rather than simply embrace his enviable upbringing, he clumsily attempts to deny it - an act of idiocy and inauthenticity that perfectly captures the Democrat's credibility problem.

Indeed, Newsom is not the only white liberal trying to dumb himself down to connect with black folks - according to a 2018 study by the Yale School of Management, white liberals tended to 'downplay their verbal competence' when engaging with ethnic minorities, particularly African Americans. Republicans and conservatives, however, not so much.

In other words, the whitest and most educated and elite among the left appear to believe that everyone else is far less clever than they are. Take it from someone who's not white - or even particularly elite - they could not be more mistaken.

With two years to go before the first Democratic primary in New Hampshire, Newsom still has time to course-correct as he stumbles along a campaign trail wide open with possibility - and pitfalls.

Newsom is the son of late California judge William Newsom (left) once a lawyer for the billionaire Getty oil family

'How insulting,' declared former Ohio Democratic state senator Nina Turner on X; his 'mindset is at the core of white supremacy,' added Princeton Professor Cornell West (above)

African-Americans make up five percent of California's population, but they're more than double that number nationwide. And with blacks - especially black men - fleeing the Democrats in record numbers, Newsom is surely in trouble.

For many African-Americans - myself included - Newsom's SAT-scandal should prove fatal to his political ambitions, not simply because his words were so grievously disconnected, but because he thought to deliver them in the first place.

Ultimately, Gavin Newsom - much like Kamala Harris before him - has struggled to effectively articulate what makes him so special and why anyone should vote for him.

His bungle in Atlanta provides yet another reason why Americans of every color absolutely should not.
An ultra-rare disease is once again devastating a Michigan mother who says she has already lost one son to the illness and is now preparing to lose another.

Azeza Kasham's 16-year-old son Gehad was diagnosed with Lafora 10 days after his brother Haitham Breadiy passed away from the disease in October of 2019, according to the Arab American News.

Lafora is a progressive neurological condition that causes seizures and intellectual decline in adolescents, which leads to death within 5 to 10 years of symptoms, and currently does not have a cure.

Unfortunately, the illness occurs when both parents unknowingly carry a faulty gene that they pass to their child and affects roughly one in 10 million people, according to Fox News.

'Gehad was a normal kid, just like his brother (Haitham),' Kasham told Arab American News.

'One day, he just fell on the floor and had a seizure. Doctors then told me the disease is genetic.'

Gehad, who is also known as Gigi, is in the late stages of illness and relies on a wheelchair as his 17th birthday approaches. His mother is doing everything she can to cherish the time he has left, according to a fundraiser.

'Ultimately, I'm going to lose him,' Kasham told Fox News. 'I want to feel like I did everything I could for him, and right now I don't feel that way.'

Azeza Kasham's 16-year-old son Gehad was diagnosed with Lafora 10 days after his brother Haitham Breadiy passed away from the disease in October of 2019

Gehad, who is also known as Gigi, is in the late stages of illness and relies on a wheelchair

She noted that the only pharmaceutical company researching a cure for Lafora recently terminated the project.

'I'm battling this disease. I'm also battling the pharmaceutical company that abruptly stopped the medication. And I'm battling his needs,' said the mother.

The family is struggling to keep up with bills, including their mortgage, as they go through such a difficult time, according to a GoFundMe set up in efforts to provide 'comfort and care for Gigis Final Days'.

Donations will be used to make the boy's home more accessible, as he currently bathes in the garage with hot water because the family's shower is not handicap-accessible.

'A wheelchair-accessible van and home modifications would dramatically improve his comfort and allow the family to move through daily life with more dignity and safety,' read the crowdfunding.

Additionally, the money raised will help cover medical expenses and a wheelchair-accessible van. It will also go toward mortgage and essential bills, so Kasham can focus on being present with her family.

The family's home is not handicap accessible and including the shower forcing his mother to bathe him in the garage using warm water

Kasham is struggling to keep up with expenses however a GoFundMe set up for the family has nearly reached its $600,000 goal (Hasham and Haitham Breadiy pictured)

The GoFundMe has nearly reached its $600,000 goal and has received over 15,000 donations.

'I often think about this one being one of the worst diseases that you could have,' Dr. Nancy McNamara, the division chief of Pediatric Neurology at Corewell Health, told Fox News.

Many were heartbroken by the tragic story and took to social media to share their condolences with Kasham.

'I wish I could give more. Azeza showed me kindness when I worked alongside her at her job,' one wrote.

'She takes care of everyone and is one of the kindest people Ive met, despite everything shes been through.'

Another added: 'I am so very sorry you and your family are going through this yet again. Prayers for you and all who are touched by this!'

'I'm sorry that I don't have more to donate, but it brings me so much warmth to see the amount of support the beautiful people out there have provided and how God is working,' a third said.

'Your family will always be in my prayers. God bless and enjoy every precious second.'
Just hours before he was evacuated from his official residence after a suspected Chinese bomb scare, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese warned Australia needed 'more unity' and called on other politicians to dial the rhetoric down.

Albanese was appearing on a live episode of The Karl Stefanovic Show at The Lodge in Canberra on Tuesday.

The interview occurred around five hours before Australian Federal Police moved Albanese from The Lodge to a secure location following the bomb scare.

The threat, reportedly made in Chinese, came just days before the New York-based classical Chinese dance company, Shen Yun Performing Arts, was due to kick off its Australian tour.

The Epoch Times reports the threat, which was sent to local presenters, falsely claimed that explosives had been placed around The Lodge and that they would be detonated should Shen Yun's performances proceed.

The AFP later confirmed a 'thorough search' was undertaken and nothing suspicious was located.

Just hours earlier, Albanese had called for more unity.

'The Australia Covenant is if you have any hatred or prejudice you leave it at the customs hall. When you're here, you subscribe to Australian values.'

Anthony Albanese appeared on a live podcast episode about five hours before the bomb scare

He was evacuated from The Lodge in Canberra on Tuesday night (pictured with his dog Toto)

Podcast host Karl Stefanovic told his followers he'd be speaking to the PM live

'I opened on Sunday for Lunar New Year, the Museum of Chinese Australians down at Haymarket. Some of the achieves of people who've come here are just so inspirational.'

Albanese was also asked about the return of the so-called 'ISIS brides' to Australia, which has dominated headlines over the last week.

He maintained his government was 'doing nothing' to assist the 34 women and children, who are linked to Islamic State fighters, as they attempt to return home.

'There are constitutional issues and legal rights that people have which is why 40 people came back on the former government's watch, including ISIS fighters,' Albanese said.

Stefanovic replied: 'These people weren't on a Contiki tour, they went to a terror camp and they tried to establish a caliphate, this was Disneyland for terrorists.'

While Albanese admitted the issue 'didn't pass the pub test', he said the government was constrained by Australian law but didn't rule out charges being brought against the women.

'Absolutely and that's why I have contempt for these people. They have showed no belief in Australian values by travelling overseas to participate,' he said.

'We are doing what we can do, to do nothing to assist these people, effectively. If they do arrive they will face the full consequence of the law.'

Albanese admitted the ISIS brides return to Australia didn't pass the pub test but said the government was constrained by Australian law

The interview was held hours after Albanese confirmed Australia will support a plan to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from ever becoming king.

He wrote to his UK counterpart, Keir Starmer, to confirm Australia would introduce legislation to help strip Mountbatten-Windsor of his succession rights.

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.

When asked about the matter, Albanese slammed Mountbatten-Windsor as having 'quite the fall from grace'.

'I really think that Australians will be disgusted by all of these events. To think this is a guy who had a life of absolute privilege, and quite clearly, there's been an abuse of that privilege,' he said.

'How was Andrew's behaviour, that clearly must have been known to a lot of people, allowed to continue for such a long period of time?

'We've got to remember Ms [Virginia] Giuffre took her own life after receiving a payout so Australia's directly involved in this. We have right to put forward our view.

'I think I speak on behalf of all Australians when I say we don't want a bar of this bloke.'
The image is black and white, the girl is thin, her skin pale. She is curled up naked  head on knees, bird-like arms hugging her legs close, ribs laddering down her torso. A dark curtain of hair hides any distinguishable features. She could be anyone. She could be you.

Across the image is a scrawl of writing: Worthless.

My breath caught when I saw that social media post flash up on the screen in a montage of harmful posts while watching a new Channel 4 documentary. Its called Molly vs The Machines and tells the story of 14-year-old Molly Russell who died from an act of self-harm in 2017 after being exposed to extensive suicide-encouraging content online.

I gasped at the picture, not because I was shocked by it, but because it was eerily familiar. I had seen it  or one much like it  many years before.

I am now 25, two years older than Molly would have been, and I remember my own teenage social media use as being relatively innocuous. Id message my friends on Snapchat and put up the odd Instagram post from summer holidays (all now long taken down) but overall I regarded it as a place for making silly music videos and sending selfies with a dog filter on your face.

But that image brought back memories of Pinterest boards and photo blogs on Tumblr and a world I had seen occasionally on my for you page on Instagram but had never fully been sucked into.

And I realised how lucky I was. For the truth is, a wobble in any teens fragile mental health back then, and especially a girls, could spiral into a dark place fast, nurtured by the digital wet nurse of social media algorithms.

If Molly Russell was vulnerable, that is because being a teenage girl on the internet in the 2010s was an inherently vulnerable place to be.

Molly Russell, 14, died from an act of self-harm in 2017 after seeing extensive content online encouraging suicide

Our parents and teachers had no idea. Back then, for teen girls, the online aesthetic was all about the so-called sad girl. That worthless girl post was just one example of the kind of stylised imagery it was constructed around. At root the sad girl trope was a romanticisation of mental health issues, but it filtered into every part of our lives, and inevitably it became darker and darker.

Among all the warnings we were given by our teachers about cyber-bullying, trolling, and catfishing, the true threat we were never warned about was much harder to see.

Indeed to us it didnt feel like a threat at all, but instead a self-affirming community, enabled and encouraged by an endless scroll of doom-laden quotes and aspirationally depressing images.

So why, and how, did the ostensibly comforting sad girl community become so harmful?

In March 2016, Instagram announced that it would be moving from a chronological scroll timeline, which did not cherry pick or filter your social media feeds, to an algorithmic one, which did. And what that meant, as we all know to our cost by now, is that what you liked, you got more of, and what you didnt, was hidden from you.

In a prescient article headlined Leave Me Out Of Your Instagram Algorithm Bubble published in Forbes in March 2016, senior tech contributor Tony Bradley wrote of the problem this would create.

When our social media accounts are filled with sunshine and rainbows, we begin to think the whole world is sunshine and rainbows. When our social media accounts are filled with clouds and gloom, we begin to think the whole world is clouds and gloom.

In creating a data-driven algorithm which feeds back to you more and more of what you engage with, you also create a hellish echo chamber which amplifies every negative thought.

Molly scrolling on her phone. Being a teenage girl on the internet in the 2010s was an inherently vulnerable place to be, writes Rosie Beveridge

And so, a pro-ana blog (in other words a post on a social media site glamorising anorexia) could find itself on a 14-year-olds Instagram feed at 2am, while she lay in bed scrolling.

It might be followed by a black-and-white picture of a beautiful girl with tears streaking her face, revelling in her melancholy, painfully thin, overlaid with the infamous 1990s Kate Moss quote nothing tastes as good as skinny feels.

Pictures and quotes like that came up on my feed. They were common enough that I recognised them and I recognised the way they made me feel. The sinking feeling that you didnt look quite right, werent clever enough, pretty or kind or funny enough. It undercut what precious little confidence I had. By chance, it seems, I scrolled on without clicking on the posts.

The difference between Molly Russell and me  between Molly and any teenager on the internet at that time  could have been as simple as the choice to click on that picture and like it.

And then, of course, Instagram would mark you down as a #sadgirl who wanted to be #skinny.

In the six months before her death, Molly was fed thousands of posts about self-harm and weight shaming, thousands of posts suggesting the world would be better without her in it. Her friends and parents had no idea.

At a time in life when it is only natural to want independence, a secret online world that tells you what you want to hear seems to be the perfect escape and comfort. The problem is that once you start to engage, there is no way to escape.

The like-for-like nature of social media means that varied content is phased out in favour of high engagement. The posts say that there is no way out, not this too shall pass.

Channel 4's chilling new documentary called Molly vs THE MACHINES tells the teenager's tragic story

Ian Russell  Molly's father and the driving force behind the Channel 4 documentary  now campaigns to make others aware of the dangers of social media on young people

For mine and Mollys generation the internet has had no checks and balances. We were used as guinea pigs in a great social experiment and offered no help once we were in the hellscape teenage insecurity amplifies.

Mollys death was not just a tragedy. Her response to the ever-spooling darkness online is evidence of the fact that unregulated social media sites can kill.

And the reluctance of the big tech owners to change their business models, to protect children, demonstrates they do not care enough to keep those users alive. We should all be fully aware of this.

In Molly vs The Machines, one of Mollys friends says she has survivors guilt. Why not me? Why her? she asks.

The fact is that it so easily could have been her. Over the course of my time at school and university, four fellow students took their lives.

We were 12 when we found out that a friend I had known since I was five was self-harming. By 15, conversations about body weight and how to look more like edgy model Cara Delevingne had started to echo pro-ana forums erupting on the internet  we compared and competed, encouraging ever-worse habits and thoughts about ourselves.

For me, that developed into six years of disordered eating and three years of therapy. But I felt as if Id got off lightly. As a teenager, I knew so many peers who were referred to the NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.

Even today, I seem to know more girls, now 20-something women, who have suffered an eating disorder and/or self-harmed than I dont. We are not just the social media generation, we are a generation that survived social media. But not unscarred.

What scares me is that things do not seem to be getting better. Even though on January 21 this year, the House of Lords backed a move to ban under-16s in the UK from social media platforms, it feels like an ineffective solution, given how easily teens in Australia have circumvented a ban  and clearly far too late.

Teenage mental health is in crisis. According to the charity YoungMinds, suicide was the leading cause of death for people aged five to 35 in England in 2022.

In August 2025, the Molly Rose Foundation  the activist charity founded by Molly Russells father Ian  found that social media algorithms are still putting young lives at risk by recommending depression, suicide and self-harm content to accounts it set up pretending to be a 15-year-old girl.

Despite promises that things are changing, and community guidelines are coming in, they are AI-regulated and far too easy to evade.

Typing #skinnytok into TikTok today leads the searcher to a page which does not show posts but instead reassures them.

If you or someone you know has questions about body image, food or exercise  it is important to know that help is out there and you are not alone. If you feel comfortable, you can confide in someone you trust or check out the resources below. Please remember to take care of yourselves and each other.

But #snikytok brings up plenty of weight-loss and skinnytok content  theyre just hiding under an anagram of the original tag. One word #skinny does the same. There are still hundreds of posts under #sadgirl taking compilations from film and TV of women weeping, looking pretty as they cry.

The monster is still out there, but now it wears a different face. In 2017, governments and companies alike could plead ignorance as an excuse for the damage the internet was wreaking, even though, if you knew a teenager back then, that damage was happening in plain sight.

A decade on, thats not enough. It took me two searches to find content today I know could destroy the mental health of a teenage girl.

You have to conclude the only thing big tech cares about is money. In which case, unplug them all.

Molly vs The Machines will be in cinemas nationwide on Sunday, March 1 and airs on Channel 4 at 9pm on Thursday, March 5.
Illegal migrants would be given a free house and paid a wage with no requirement to work under the Green Party's immigration policy.

Zack Polanski plans to let arrivals use the NHS for free the moment they enter Britain.

And they will be allowed to work 'with no restrictions' under plans for 'a world without borders'.

It comes as a bombshell poll put the Greens in second place nationally ahead of an increasingly fraught Gorton and Denton by-election tomorrow.

Unearthed policy proposals seen by the Daily Mail show the Greens plan to 'abolish' immigration detention and grant a full amnesty to illegal migrants to stay in Britain, even if their asylum claims are rejected.

The internal documents state that 'migration is not a criminal offence under any circumstances'.

Last week, the party's plans to legalise drugs including crack cocaine and heroin for recreational use were exposed.

According to the immigration proposals, the Greens seek 'to establish a system that recognises that all migrants are treated as citizens in waiting and therefore supports and encourages them to put down roots in their new home'.

Green leader Zack Polanski's party would give illegal migrants a free house, access to NHS care and pay them a wage with no work requirements from the day they entered Britain

Gorton and Denton Green Party candidate Hannah Spencer has accused her Labour counterpart of 'racist dogwhistles' and urged her to 'condemn her party's racist campaign tactics' in a significant escalation of tensions

Polanski and Spencer pose for a picture on January 30

Last night the Conservatives, Reform UK and Labour derided the 'open border plans', branding them 'financially reckless but also dangerous'.

But Mr Polanski's party said it was 'proud' of the policies, which it claimed have proved 'popular' on the doorstep during the Gorton and Denton campaign. Under the Green leader's premiership all illegal migrants would be handed a wage 'at the level of Universal Basic Income' with 'no requirement to be either working or actively seeking work'.

Migrant families would be 'accommodated in a house or flat with exclusive use' and lone men would 'each have their own room' in shared accommodation  but would be given their own property if they claimed to be LGBTQIA+ for 'safeguarding purposes'.

The proposals add that illegal migrants 'will be allowed to take up employment, with no restriction' and will be 'provided with free access to all NHS facilities' the second they cross the Channel  with these rights remaining 'even if their [asylum] case is rejected'.

Meanwhile immigration detention 'will be abolished' and even illegal migrants who have 'exhausted all [asylum] appeal rights' would not be deported.

The policy says: 'There will be no requirement for any applicant, or any person whose case has been refused, to report regularly to the Department of Migration.'

Reform UK's home office spokesman Zia Yusuf last night branded the plans 'dangerous'.

He told the Daily Mail: 'Under the Greens' open-borders plans, not only is every hoodlum and criminal welcome to our shores but entitled to free housing, healthcare and anything else they might fancy.

The internal Green policy documents, seen by the Daily Mail, state that 'migration is not a criminal offence under any circumstances' and 'the Green Party wants to see a world without borders'

The policy adds: 'The Green Party seeks to establish a system that recognises that all migrants are treated as citizens in waiting and therefore supports and encourages them to put down roots in their new home'

'My only surprise is Zack Polanski isn't promising to furnish them all with free heroin and crack cocaine, which he wants to legalise. The Greens' policies are not only financially reckless but also dangerous.'

The Greens plan to legalise these drugs because they 'enhance human relationships and human creativity'.

Mr Polanski's party plans to create a 'direct partnership' between the Government and South American drug cartels to introduce a 'sustainable supply' of cocaine to Britain and teach primary school children how to take drugs safely.

Meanwhile, the Daily Mail revealed yesterday that Green policy states sex work 'should be decriminalised' and restrictions placed on sexually explicit material 'ended', except for those aimed at protecting children.

The party's official immigration policy suggests that migrants would be free to travel to Britain using fake documents as 'penalties imposed on commercial carriers for transporting undocumented migrants will be abolished' and asylum claims would be admissible 'regardless of route'.

Border force officers will be made to take a 'neutral approach' to interviewing asylum seekers and 'what the applicant says will be believed in the absence of contrary evidence'.

The policy also says that illegal migrants who have been in the UK for at least five years would be 'invited' to stay permanently.

Mr Polanski's plans for Britain also state that foreign students and anybody with a visa  apart from a visitors' visa  would be given 'the right to vote in elections and referendums'.

Last night the Tories accused the Greens of planning to 'hand out a welcome pack to every illegal arrival' and said the party had been captured 'by hard-Left activists'. A Labour source said: 'The public expect immigration controls that are properly enforced  not the open-borders plan the Greens are proposing.'

The revelations come as voters prepare to head to the polls in Gorton and Denton tomorrow, with the Greens attempting to position themselves as the main opposition to Reform after Andy Burnham, the Labour mayor of Greater Manchester, was blocked from standing.

Polls suggest the outcome will be tight. Last night Green candidate Hannah Spencer accused her Labour counterpart of 'racist dogwhistles' and urged Angeliki Stogia to 'condemn her party's racist campaign tactics' in an escalation of tensions.

It came as a poll of 3,029 voters from Find Out Now put the Green Party in second place nationally, with 18 per cent of the vote. This was behind Reform, on 25 per cent, and ahead of Labour, on 16 per cent.

A Green source said the policy proposals are different from the party's 2024 manifesto, which is costed, but conceded that it is a 'long-standing policy and aim' of the party.

A spokesman said: 'We're proud of this policy, voted on and decided by our members... We know it's popular as well  Green policy regularly comes out as the most popular in polls.'
A Sydney hairdresser found asleep outside her daughter's daycare with a blood alcohol reading more than seven times the limit has narrowly avoided jail time.

Amber Conti, 43, learned her fate in Sutherland Local Court last week after she previously pleaded guilty to one count of high range drink driving.

The court heard that she had two glasses of wine at Cronulla RSL and another while dining at Westfield Miranda in Sydney's south on October 20 last year.

She then headed home, where she drank a bottle of wine.

Several hours later, Conti drove to her daughter's childcare in Gymea Bay, where staff contacted emergency services after finding her asleep at the wheel.

'Police formed the opinion that the accused was seriously affected by intoxicating liquor. She smelt of intoxicating liquor, her speech incoherent and required assistance to walk,' court documents state.

An hour later at the police station, Conti blew a blood alcohol reading of 0.359 - more than seven times the 0.05 limit.

The judge told the court that it was lucky that Conti had fallen asleep and not picked up her child from daycare, which could have ended in catastrophic consequences.

Cronulla hairdresser Amber Conti (pictured) was found asleep outside her daughter's daycare with a blood alcohol reading more than seven times the limit

Shielding her face with sunglasses and an umbrella, Conti remained tight-lipped outside court as she hurried into the back of a taxi, leaving her lawyer to explain (pictured)

The Sydney mother kicked off the boozy afternoon with two wines at Cronulla RSL

Conti avoided jail time and was sentenced to a 12-month intensive correction order.

She must remain sober every day for the duration of the order.

Her licence has also been suspended.

Shielding her face with sunglasses and an umbrella, Conti remained tight-lipped outside court as she hurried into the back of a taxi, leaving her lawyer to explain.

'Everyone makes mistakes, she's made one,' Wayne Pasterfield told 9News.

'She's never made a mistake before and I'm sure she won't make another one.

'She's very lucky today and appreciative that she's avoided her one and only chance not to go to jail.'
Shelves in the basement are heaped with homemade jam, dried mushrooms, pasta, canned fish, beans, pickled vegetables. Trays of seedlings line the windowsills in the kitchen, and solar panels on the roof provide power, even in winter.

This is the home of Eva Rinblad, 48, a GP who lives on the island of Gotland in Sweden. She and her husband Freke Ekstrand, 60, are thoroughly prepared to survive in a crisis.

If they have to live without running water, they have 6,000 litres stored in water tanks. If fresh food supplies dry up, there will be home-grown veg and produce from the chickens kept penned up outside.

Of course you can be prepared without a chicken, Eva says, but eggs are nice'.

We have enough food to keep us going for months, she continues. It would be boring, but we would get by. She even has a tub of candy floss for her 11-year-old son.

Whats the emergency youre preparing for, I ask. Russia is the main concern, she says. The biggest crisis is war.

Gotland, a Swedish holiday island roughly the same size as Cornwall, is just 170 miles from the Russian city of Kaliningrad, the principal base for the Russian Navys Baltic Fleet.

The island straddles important sea lanes which run out of Saint Petersburg and Kaliningrad, eventually leading to the North Sea. Seventy per cent of Russias imports and exports pass by Gotlands coast every day, including liquid gas, fertiliser and oil  along with goods carried by Russias shadow fleet of tankers trying to evade economic sanctions.

Eva Rinblad, who lives with her husband on the island of Gotland in Sweden, has 6,000 litres stored in water tanks in case of a crisis, as well as home-grown veg and chickens

Eva's impressive store cupboard at home in Gotland  a Swedish island just 170 miles from the Russian city of Kaliningrad, the main base for the Russian Navys Baltic Fleet

To put it mildly, this is disquieting for an island which disbanded its military units after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991.

The feeling was that it was a peaceful world and we didnt need to put all this money into defence, says Alf Soderman, director of civil defence on the island.

By 2005, with the exception of the Home Guard, Gotland was practically undefended. Then Russia invaded Georgia in 2008. Six years later, it annexed Crimea.

But the deal changer, says Soderman, was Russias unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

After 200 years of being a neutral state, Sweden joined Nato in March 2024. And Gotland is now being fortified and remilitarised. The target set by the Swedish government is roughly 5,000 ground troops stationed on the island, plus a Nato integrated missile defence system.

Sweden has a history of being prepared for a crisis. Every year, the government distributes a booklet  Vital information for residents of Sweden  with details of how to prepare for an emergency. Typically, the focus is on snowstorms, forest fires, flooding and natural disasters.

But the latest pamphlet warns of cyber attacks, terrorism and sabotage, and the image on its cover is of a woman dressed in combat fatigues holding a Kalashnikov. The military threat to Sweden has increased, it states. We must be prepared for the worst: that another country attacks us with weapons.

But its not just Sweden, of course. UK military chiefs and government ministers have warned the public that we, too, must prepare for a wartime scenario, and specifically pointed to hostile activity from Russia and Iran. The shadow of war is knocking on Europes door once more, according to Al Carns, the Armed Forces minister. And readying for war will require an all-of-society effort, the UK Government says.

Generally, its quite disturbing times, says Eva, when we meet in her home in Tofta, 20 minutes south of the capital, Visby. Tofta is a tourist destination known for its long stretch of sandy beach and clear blue water. Now, it is also home to a military barracks.

Eva lives with husband, Freke, who works in a bar and distillery, and her son from her first marriage. Her daughter, 17, also from her first marriage, is in high school in Stockholm, where she lives with her father. Eva moved here from Stockholm about 14 years ago.

My parents had a holiday home here, and Ive always loved it. The chance to be close to nature, pick mushrooms in the autumn and grow as much as I like.

Sweden has issued pamphlets detailing how to stockpile food and water

Although she is actively preparing for a cataclysm, the middle-aged mother of two doesnt look anything like the popular image of a hardcore survivalist.

She is dressed in jeans and a neat jumper and could pass as a school-gate mum from the leafiest suburbs of London.

I do not have a bunker. I do not want to live in the woods. I just believe in a healthy level of preparation, she says. And there is something unnerving about meeting a woman who is very organised about the threat of war but whom I could easily imagine being a friend from home.

Im also a middle-aged mother of four  but if youd asked me what I should be stockpiling, I wouldnt have a clue beyond candles and a battery-powered radio. Eva has plenty of tips for me, however. Store cupboard staples, such as pasta and beans, will become boring after a while, she tells me. You have to have olive oil, vegetables, a few olives. Wine, of course, is storable.

Her freezer is packed with meat, berries, vegetables and homemade tomato sauce. A wooden crate in the barn is filled with home-grown potatoes buried in sand. It stops them sprouting and drying out, she says. Most people, she concedes, dont have space for a worst-case set-up. She has a couple of barns and a large vegetable patch on her acre of land, plus enough rooms to house dozens of neighbours, in the event of societal collapse.

But people can make their homes more resilient by securing backup power and buying an extra tin or two when they go to the supermarket. You can divide a cupboard and pack it neatly and have the essentials, Eva says.

Putins attack on Ukraine was a pivotal moment in realising that we needed to be prepared.

A local initiative called Stark socken  strong village  was launched in response to the sudden increase in calls and emails to the islands Department of Civil Defence after Russia invaded Ukraine. Its building a local community where you help each other and that is a really important thing, also in peace, Eva says.

People were asking the same questions: What can I do to feel more safe? What can I do to protect my loved ones and my local community? adds Maja Allard, strategist in preparedness and defence for Gotland.

The invasion stirred up a feeling of vulnerability on the island. Gotland largely depends on the Swedish mainland for both food, which arrives by ferry, and power, which comes via a submarine cable system. Water is often in short supply, particularly during summer.

Maja Allard, a strategist in preparedness and defence for Gotland, agrees with the 'strong village' initiative  stressing the importance of getting to know your neighbours

Allard came up with an idea which combined this great urge to do something with the islands mindset of self-sufficiency. At the heart of Stark socken is the message that getting to know your neighbours is often your best protection.

Where we see the power is not really in the mapping of resources or great plans, but in the conversations when you sit down with your neighbour and talk about how you can truly help each other, says Allard.

From the start it was a success. Embraced by police and fire departments, civil defence organisations and the church, half the island now participates in the initiative: 46 out of 92 parishes, or around 30,000 people.

In December, Allard was invited to speak at the annual forum of EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region. On an organisational level, strong village starts with an inventory: who has a wood-burning stove, generator, well, hand pump, and so on. In other words, it builds a local infrastructure, which promotes the social bonding the movement depends on.

Each group is organised in different ways, deciding for themselves when and where to meet. There is a website, lectures, and a leaflet which encourages emergency planning.

The Swedish government recommends an initial stockpile of a week of food, water and power, but if you come together, you can maybe last for 14 days, says Soderman. Thats the idea of strong village, to extend the time, because that gives people time to adjust to the crisis or war.

Allard adds: We build our civil defence in layers, from households to national plans and Nato.

If we dont have strong households, the whole system would crack because that is the ground we are standing on.

Helena Davidsson, a communications officer for a municipal housing company, moved from Stockholm to Hogran, a 20-minute drive south from the capital, with her cat, Bessie, three years ago. Also part of the strong village plan, Hogran has 200 inhabitants. If a disaster nears, Helena tells me, the church bell will ring. The assembly point is yet to be confirmed, but its likely to be the former barracks.

To be clear, she doesnt like the idea of war, and insists to me this is not about Putin. She is not prepping for violence, she says, but to be without electricity for two or three weeks and to find out how we can help each other.

Some of the many items in prepper Helena Davidsson's basement include a medical kit, sleeping bag, camping stove, batteries, medicine, candles and USB cables

Not all households in Hogran have a wood-burning stove, according to the inventory, meaning that most would be at a severe disadvantage.

If the structure goes suddenly, you are very vulnerable. Its scary, says Birgitta Wejde, Helenas neighbour. People can come to my house, says Helena, who has the core comforts of a characteristically Swedish interior: wood-burning stove, oil lamps, candles, rugs on painted floorboards; as well as a water well and a full suite of survival supplies.

She takes me down to her basement where she has a medical kit, paper and pencil, sleeping bag, camping stove, batteries, and a deck of cards. Paracetamol, soap, toothpaste, an electronic lighter, a selection of USB cables, candles, lamp oil and some empty water containers are all there too.

If we cant get water, the municipality will bring water to us and you need something to take it home in. There is also a pump for ground water flooding, cat food and lots of canned food (hot dogs, ravioli, mackerel fillets, beans, tuna), plus 64 rolls of loo paper.

She also has enough cash for one food shop, as stipulated by the Swedish government. An essential piece of equipment, Helena says, is a wind-up radio to get up-to-date information.

Without a radio or a mobile phone you dont know whats happening around you. She shows me a small, red radio. See how its made, she says, winding up the nifty mechanism, extending the aerial. It has built-in solar panels, a torch and an alarm. Isnt it clever, she remarks.

We admire its ingenuity, its simple practicality. All the women that I meet have put a lot of effort into prepping and yet find it hard to talk about specific threats.

It could be a big power cut and of course that can come from sabotage, says Karin Persson, 69, who lives in north Gotland with her husband, a wildlife specialist who works for the Nature Conservation Unit.

And indeed sabotage is probably happening right now, confirms Alf Soderman. Gotland is a target of hybrid warfare, the grey area between peace and war, and critical undersea cables are a target.

He talks of hacks and computer attacks and tankers dropping their anchors and dragging them across the bottom of the ocean, ripping power lines. Last January a Russian-crewed cargo ship called The Silver Dania was detained by Norwegian authorities for suspected acts of sabotage after reports that a fibre-optic cable between Gotland and Latvia, crucial for internet access, had been damaged.

There was insufficient evidence and the crew was released.

Unidentified drones have been spotted, says Soderman, looking at Nato movements, testing things. They are here.

An invasion is a worst-case scenario, he adds. But being hit with missiles is very possible.

74-year-old Ingela Barnard, pictured in blue, says she must be prepared, as her husband has a heart condition and they can't guarantee he would have access to enough medication in a war

The fundamental thing is to be prepared, says Ingela Barnard, 74, founder of a care agency. Now retired, she lives in north Gotland with her husband and has three daughters, aged 44 to 50.

Ingela, who gave up riding her Suzuki Savage motorbike only five years ago, has a years worth of wood in the barn and a bottle of 15-year-old Scotch in her store cupboard. Stockpiles are ultimately idiosyncratic.

She still has questions: her husband has a heart condition  will he be allowed more than a two-month supply of drugs? But pharmaceutical supplies do not fall within the mandate of strong village.

Soderman thinks a full-scale war on Gotland is highly unlikely in the near term. But the scary thing is, the day the Ukraine war ends, for whatever reason, it frees up resources for Putin to use elsewhere. Were talking 700,000 men. What is he going to do with them?

Meanwhile, Ingela has a daughter who lives in Visby. I asked her yesterday, What would you do in a crisis? She said, Id bring food and come to you.

Id be tempted to do that too. But I return to England with a shopping list that definitely includes a wind-up radio, phone cables, dark chocolate and a bottle of calvados. I just wish that Id popped a few jars of delicious homemade Swedish jam in my bag to add to my emergency stash.
Donald Trump faced-off in-person with Supreme Court justices who ruled against his tariffs last week.

The four justices who attended his State of the Union address were forced to remain stoned-faced as the president berated them in front of a joint session of Congress, administration officials  and the world.

The president tore into the decision right after sharing cordial handshakes with the four justices seated in the front row of his State of the Union address on Capitol Hill on Tuesday.

'Just four days ago, an unfortunate ruling from the United States Supreme Court. Oh, very unfortunate ruling,' Trump lamented.

Meanwhile, Chief Justice John Roberts and Amy Coney Barrett kept straight faces during the berating despite both Republican-appointed justices joining all liberal justices in ruling against Trump's sweeping tariff policies.

Barack Obama-appointed Justice Elena Kagan and Trump-appointed Justice Brett Kavanaugh were also in the audience on Tuesday.

Trump insisted that, despite the 6-3 ruling, most countries and businesses have decided to keep the deals they negotiated with the US.

He said that he could make the tariffs even worse if he wanted to and threatened to do so at a press conference last week.

President Donald Trump shared cordial hand shakes with the four Supreme Court justices who attended his State of the Union address on Tuesday

Left to right: Chief Justice John Roberts, Justice Elena Kagan, Justice Brett Kavanaugh and Justice Amy Coney Barrett, attend Trump's State of the Union at the US Capitol on Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Justice Amy Coney Barrett  a Trump-appointee  remained stone-faced as the president ripped into the majority decision that she joined

They don't want to 'make a new deal that would be far worse for them,' Trump insisted.

'Therefore, they will continue to work along the same successful path that we had negotiated before the Supreme Court's unfortunate involvement,' he said.

Trump's cordial handshakes with justices came after he publicly excoriated the ruling against his landmark tariff policies, calling them 'disloyal' and an 'embarrassment to their families.'

Tuesday marked the first time Trump came face-to-face with any of the justices after their Friday ruling.

'His expression as he walked past the judges looked especially somber,' body language expert Judi James told the Daily Mail, noting a 'fading, high-pitched vocal tone of a 'disappointed' headmaster' as he 'roasted' the justices.

James said that the faces of the justices 'were held in expressionless close-up by the camera, although they appeared keen to return the eye contact from the stage.'

The only justice at his remarks the president was likely pleased to see was Brett Kavanaugh, who joined the dissent with Justices Clarence Thomas and Samual Alito to argue that Trump's tariffs should be able to remain.

The rejection comes despite the President having the benefit of a conservative majority. He appointed three Supreme Court Justices in his first term - Neil Gorsuch, Kavanaugh and Barrett.

Despite the Court's 6-3 rightward lean, Gorsuch and Barrett ruled against the President on Friday, while Kavanaugh penned the dissent in support of Trump.

The president was furious. He claimed that 'foreign influence' and political machinations scared the justices into ruling against him.

He called an emergency press briefing at the White House where he called Amy Comey Barrett and Neil Gorsuch traitors and an 'embarrassment to their families.'

He said he was 'ashamed' of them and claimed they were 'disloyal to the Constitution.'

Department of War Secretary Pete Hegseth shakes hands with Chief Justice Roberts as they arrive for the State of the Union

Trump called an emergency press conference at the White House on Friday, February 20, 2026 after the Supreme Court ruled against his tariff policies

Two justices that Trump nominated joined the majority opinion to rule against the tariffs

Trump complained that conservative justices are not as loyal as liberal ones are to Democratic presidents.

The Court ruled that Trump was overreaching his executive powers when it came to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

During his fifth State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday evening, Trump had the chance see in-person four Supreme Court justices for the first time since that ruling.

At the Friday press conference, Trump glowed about Justice Kavanaugh  the lone justice he picked who ruled the tariffs should stay in place.

He was joined in the dissent by conservative Justices Clarence Thomas and Samual Alito, who is rumored to be considering stepping down before the end of the current president's term so Trump gets yet another pick.

With a 6-3 conservative majority on the court  and three being trump picks  it was hard to imagine an instance where the current president faced dissent on one of his policies.

He said as much during his tirade in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room on Friday.

'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,' the president said before taking questions.

'It's my opinion that the court has been swayed by foreign interests and a political movement that is far smaller than people would ever think,' he alleged without proof.

The Supreme Court building is right across from the US Capitol, will Trump will address a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, February 24, 2026

The president also spun the legal defeat into a win, saying that now he has a greater ability to regulate trade.

'While I am sure that they did not mean to do so, the Supreme Court's decision today made a President's ability to both regulate trade and impose tariffs more powerful and more crystal clear rather than less,' Trump said. 'I don't think they meant that.'

The president continued to tear into the conservative justices on Truth Social that day, accusing Gorsuch and Barrett of voting against Republicans 'and never against themselves.'

'At least I didn't appoint Roberts, who led the effort to allow Foreign Countries that have been ripping us off for years to continue to do so  But we won't let it happen. The new TARIFFS, totally tested and accepted as Law, are on their way!' Trump continued.

On Monday, he said on social media that he would refer to the highest US court with lowercase letters because he doesn't have respect for them.
A new mother who was forced to pump breastmilk in a storeroom and stash it in an icefilled suitcase at work has won a stunning legal victory against a foreign consulate.

In a blistering ruling, the Federal Court ordered the United Arab Emirates consulate to pay nearly $205,000 in damages after finding the Australian employee was subjected to sex discrimination, denied unpaid parental leave and ultimately sacked.

Tatiana Duarte had been working full time as a waiter and cleaner at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Melbourne consulate for almost two years when she fell pregnant with her first child in April 2020.

Rather than receiving support, she said she was met with resistance from Consul General Nariman Al Mualla.

When Ms Duarte requested 14 weeks of paid parental leave from late December, Consul General Dr Al Mulla allegedly refused and instructed her to begin her leave earlier, on December 1.

In March 2021, she applied for an additional 20 weeks of unpaid parental leave, but that request was also rejected.

Then, on May 20, Dr Al Mulla directed Ms Duarte to return to work the following day -this time in the role of a butler.

With no time to organise childcare, she scrambled to make arrangements and returned three days later.

Tatiana Duarte (pictured) was awarded a large payout for her discriminatory treatment at the UAE consulate in Melbourne

The former consu general of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs' in Melbourne Nariman Al Mualla (pictured) allegedly breached workplace rights in her treatment of a young mother

Back at her post, she needed to regularly express breastmilk for her baby, but the court heard she was directed to do so in a storeroom, a move Ms Duarte said was humiliating.

She was also denied proper facilities to store the milk, forcing her to keep it in a suitcase packed with ice.

When she later asked to finish work at 2pm instead of 4pm so she could care for her infant son, that request was also refused.

Weeks later, after taking just two days of annual leave in October, she was told her job was redundant and was dismissed in November 2021 with a $13,390 payout.

Justice Philip Corbett found the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs breached the Fair Work Act by discriminating against the employee over her pregnancy, breastfeeding and caring responsibilities, and for exercising her workplace rights.

'Here, the applicant was treated very poorly by her former employer,' he said.

'The humiliation of breastfeeding in a storeroom and storing milk in a suitcase is obvious, so too the stress caused by irregular and uncertain work hours when trying to care for an infant.'

The court found the mother's treatment resulted in psychological harm, including humiliation and stress.

Tatiana Duarte was working full time as a waiter and cleaner at the Melbourne consulate (pictured) for almost two years when she fell pregnant with her first child in April 2020

The Federal Court awarded Tatiana compensation for economic and noneconomic loss and legal costs.

Corbett also found the employer's conduct towards Ms Duarte, as a foreign state entity required to comply with Australian employment law for people they employ in Australia, justified the ordering of significant pecuniary penalties.

Ms Duarte, who has Colombian heritage, said it was an 'ordeal' fighting for justice and her rights as an Australian worker.

'It was difficult and uncertain, but I felt that I had to raise my voice for justice,' she said.

'My faith and hope helped me to be brave and have been the pillars that carried me through the darkest moments.

'I held onto hope that, in the end, justice would prevail and find its way into my life.'

Victoria Legal Aid's Catherine Hemingway said the landmark win was significant for employees who may experience discrimination at work related to being pregnant or having a child.

'We are pleased the court recognised the seriousness of the conduct towards Tatiana, and the enormous cost and struggle she faced in bringing her case forward,' she said.

'To take a case like this all the way to judgment is a long and challenging road that is almost impossible without legal representation.

'The case is also a reminder that if you are working or employing people in Australia, you are often covered by Australian laws  regardless of what your visa status is, or what country your employer is from. And if you are told the law doesn't apply to you, you should seek legal assistance.'

The consulate has been contacted for comment.
One of Australia's top judges has revealed he is in a relationship with a junior judge 22 years his junior following a 'painful' separation from his wife only months earlier.

Federal Circuit and Family Court confirmed the bombshell news after Chief Justice Will Alstergren, 63, told senior colleagues this week about his budding romance, understood to be with fellow judge Amanda Mansini, 41.

The admission comes after the pair were a major talking point among attendees at the Family Court's 50th anniversary at the National Gallery of Victoria last week.

'Chief Justice Alstergren confirms that he separated from his wife almost six months ago, and he is in a consensual relationship with another judge,' the courts said.

'Senior judges of the court were advised at that time, and appropriate steps have been in place since then to avoid any concerns of conflict of interest, such as administrative decisions.

'The chief justice will also not sit on appeals from a decision of the judge.

'The chief justice sincerely hopes that his family's privacy is respected as they navigate this painful and challenging time.'

The relationship has sparked a reshuffle in court operations to ensure the pair do not sit on each other's appeals or serve on the same appeal benches.

Federal Circuit and Family Court Chief Justice Will Alstergren confirmed that he is in a new relationship, believed to be with fellow judge, Justice Amanda Manicini (both pictured in 2023)

The Federal Circuit and Family Court Chief Justice separated from his wife six months ago

Daily Mail has contacted the Federal Circuit and Family Court for further comment.

The pair were previously photographed together in 2023 to promote the court's therapy dog program.

The colleagues also travelled to the UK together for the ninth World Congress on Family Law and Children's Rights in Cambridge last July.

A month later, they attended a two-day conference run by the Hunter Valley Family Law Practitioners Association, where Justice Mansini spoke about the court dog therapy program, the Australian Financial Review reported.

A former competitive bobsledder who once captained Australia and almost became a Winter Olympian, Chief Justice Alstergren practised as a barrister and served as President of the Australian Bar Association before he was appointed head of the Circuit Court in 2017.

He also became Chief Justice of the Family Court a year later and now presides over the largest court in Australia after the two courts merged in 2021.

Chief Justice Alstergren is the second-longest-serving chief justice in Australia.

Justice Mansini previously served as deputy president of the Fair Work Commission before she was appointed as a Federal Circuit and Family Court judge in 2022.

Federal Circuit and Family Court Justice Amanda Mansini (pictured) was appointed in 2022

Chief Justice Alstergren (pictured) called for his family's privacy to be respected following the 'painful' separation from his wife

She lobbied for the Family Court to introduce the dog therapy program after being inspired by a similar program in the US.

She has been a public face of the court initiative ever since.

'This program was really born of a belief in the power of a human connection with dogs,' Justice Mansini previously told The Australian.

'That's what we see day in, day out when our court dogs go to work.

'They might be doing nothing more than snoozing on their mat. They might play ball with the kids in the children's area.

'Or they might be with a person in court giving difficult evidence, who is holding the dog's leash. These labradors are trained to pick up on when a person is upset.

'They will sit on a foot, lean on your leg. It just provides such a great sense of comfort and calm.'
Commonwealth Bank has laid off hundreds of workers in Australia and launched a hiring spree in India just weeks after recording a $5billion profit.

The Big Four bank made the decision on Tuesday to cut approximately 300 roles.

The Finance Sector Union said it will affect teams across retail, business and institutional banking, and human resources, with the majority of roles impacted in technology.

'A recent survey of CBA workers found job security is a major concern for 72 per cent of staff,' the Finance Sector Union said in a statement.

'Another 74 per cent said workloads had increased in the past year, and half said they had considered leaving.'

It also warned the bank that the new rollout of AI across the workforce must not come at the expense of secure jobs.

Union national secretary Julia Angrisano said CBA had just posted over $5billion in half-yearly profit.

'Cutting the jobs of 300 workers is totally unacceptable,' she said.

Commonwealth Bank has made the decision on Tuesday to cut approximately 300 roles

Commonwealth Bank has laid off hundreds of workers in Australia and launched a hiring spree in India just weeks after recording a $5billion profit

'For years we have seen CBA continue to axe hundreds upon hundreds of jobs while raking in billions in profits.

'We've heard countless stories of CBA workers being tossed onto the redundancy pile and having to fend for themselves at the whim of the bank.

'These are the very workers who helped generate CBA's massive profits. The least the bank can do is retrain and reskill workers, and provide opportunities for them to remain at CBA.'

Despite axing hundreds of jobs in Australia, Commonwealth Bank has been on a hiring spree in India, with more than 90 jobs available in the last month.

Listings on the banks careers site show a wave of new positions based at its Bangalore technology hub, spanning risk management, compliance, engineering and advanced analytics roles.

The bank increased its India-based workforce by 21 per cent to 6,788 in the year to June 2025, a 138 per cent increase since 2022.

Only a day after the news of CBA's job cuts, it was revealed that the embattled software company WiseTech Global planned to axe 2,000 of its 7,000 staff over a two-year period.

The cuts are due to begin in the product and development and customer service departments.

Join the debate Should Aussie banks put profits before workers' job security and offshoring roles to India?

The Commonwealth Bank's chief executive Matt Comyn

'Software development has experienced its most significant shift in decades,' chief executive Zubin Appoo said.

'I am prepared to say this clearly: the era of manually writing code as the core act of engineering is over.

'AI amplifies the productivity of our expertise in logistics and trade, the rich datasets that WiseTech holds, and the network advantage that we have built over 30 years.

'And it allows us to move faster from ideas to real customer value through the efficiencies it brings in software development and product creation.'
Norway's 89-year-old King has been rushed to hospital for an infection and dehydration while on a private holiday in Tenerife.

Issuing a statement about King Harald V's health on Tuesday, the Royal Palace said his condition was 'satisfactory' given the circumstances.

The monarch - the oldest of Europe's sovereigns - marked his 89th birthday on Saturday. He was admitted to the Hospital Universitario Hospiten Sur on the island.

The King's personal doctor was due to travel to Tenerife to support the Spanish health services, with an initial health report due on Wednesday.

He and his wife, Queen Sonja, 88, are currently wintering on the Island, the largest of the Canary Islands off the coast of west Africa.

Harald experienced similar health problems two years ago while on holiday in Malaysia.

Following that infection, he had a pacemaker fitted and scaled back his official engagements.

Since ascending to the throne in 1991, Harald has always ruled out abdicating despite his frail health, arguing that he took a lifelong oath before the Norwegian parliament.

Norway's King Harald V (pictured earlier this month) was rushed to hospital for an infection and dehydration while holidaying in Tenerife

His latest health issues come with the monarchy mired in scandals. His daughter in law, Crown Princess Mette-Marit (pictured) appears multiple times in documents linked to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein

Mette-Marit's son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Hoiby, is currently on trial on 38 charges in Oslo, including four rapes and assaults. Picture taken on June 16, 2022 in Oslo, Norway, shows Marius Borg Hoiby sitting next to his mother Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit

His latest health issues come with the monarchy mired in scandals.

Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who married Harald's son, Crown Prince Haakon, in 2001, appears multiple times in documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein, revealing an unsuspected closeness with the late American sex offender.

Mette-Marit's son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Hoiby, is currently on trial on 38 charges in Oslo, including four rapes and assaults.

The 29-year-old, who is not a member of the royal family, denies the most serious charges.

The popularity of the Norwegian royal family has fallen to its lowest level, according to a poll published on Saturday by public broadcaster NRK.

Only 60 per cent of the population supports the monarchy, 10 per cent less than the previous month. NRK said the support 'has never been so low'.

Harald himself, however, is a unifying figure and remains extremely popular, scoring 9.2 out of 10, the survey suggested.
The ABC made the last-minute decision to pull an episode of Australian Story from the airwaves because the pensioner it was due to feature has 'serious historic' criminal convictions.

Ian Williams, 73, took National Australia Bank subsidiary UBank to court in October 2025 over its handling of two unauthorised transactions from his account totalling $1,338.55.

The former private investigator, who is based in Bendigo, Victoria, wanted to sue for damages 'not exceeding' an extraordinary $379million as well as $10,000 for pain and suffering.

Williams reportedly based his staggering figure on the calculation that he had lost 5.5 per cent of his income to the scammers - and that $379million was about the same percentage of the bank's income.

But the case, in which Williams represented himself, was dismissed by Associate Justice Caroline Goulden of the Supreme Court of Victoria.

His story still captured the hearts of Australians, prompting the ABC to prepare to run an episode of Australian Story about the so-called 'stubborn bugger's' 'David and Goliath' case on Monday.

However, at the last minute, the story was scrapped, and online promotional material for the segment was taken down.

'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,' a statement to the Australian Story webpage read.

Pensioner Ian Williams (pictured) unsuccessfully tried to sue UBank for almost $400million over its handling of two unauthorised transactions from his account totalling $1,338.55

His legal battle was due to feature on Monday's episode of Australian Story but it was spiked after he failed to disclose he had been 'convicted of serious historical offences'

The statement by the ABC was shared on host Leigh Sales' social media

'We have since confirmed Mr Williams was convicted of serious historical offences, which he failed to disclose to the ABC.'

The statement, shared by host Leigh Sales on social media, confirmed the episode had been spiked.

'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,' it read.

The Daily Mail has contacted Williams for comment. The precise nature of his past convictions remains unclear.

In the now-deleted promotional video from the ABC, Williams is shown speeding along Melbourne roads on a motorbike.

Clad in a black leather jacket, he tells the camera: 'I'm just a stubborn bugger.'

During his case, Williams alleged he was blamed by UBank and NAB for authorising two Google Pay transactions on October 29, 2022.

He then allegedly found CCTV footage showing two individuals using his account at Coles Bundoora, while he was in Bendigo, 180km away.

In a promotional video for the Australian Story episode, Williams (pictured) described himself as 'just a stubborn bugger'

Williams' case against UBank, which is part of NAB, was dismissed in October 2025 as the associate judge found there was 'no real prospect of success' for him

'I didn't do it. I wasn't there... But the bank said, "No". They still come back, "Nup, you're guilty",' he told the Australian Story program, according to promotional material.

The promotion depicted Williams as a hero, with one interviewee saying: 'To go in and bat against a big corporation is incredible.'

The bank, which denied any liability, offered to refund the two transactions: once in December 2022 and once in May 2023.

But Williams refused and pursued the matter in court, where Associate Justice Goulden summarily dismissed the case, stating it had 'no real prospect of success'.

Ahead of the now-binned Australian Story episode, NAB apologised for Williams' distress during the process.

'What happened to Mr Williams was really upsetting  scams can happen to anyone and have a serious financial and emotional impact,' NAB executive Craig Swinburne said in a statement to the Daily Mail.

'We know we could have done better in how we communicated and supported Mr Williams.

'We're continuing to strengthen education, protections and support across UBank and NAB.'
A council has come under fire after being accused of using weed killer to destroy a breeding habitat for a vulnerable bird species.

Litchfield Council sprayed a 50m long stretch of what they determined to be gamba grass with Glyphosate in Darwin River, in the Northern Territory, on February 12.

The grass was located along the fence line of a property owned by wildlife book author Dr Denise Lawungkurr Goodfellow.

Dr Goodfellow claimed it was not gamba grass, but spear grass, and that it was a breeding ground for partridge pigeons.

'I'm a biologist and an environmental scientist so I know it's native spear grass,' she told Daily Mail.

'It's not gamba grass because that has thick stems which can be as thick as bamboo'.

Dr Goodfellow has lived in the Northern Territory since 1975 and claimed that in 2017 she found 23 partridge pigeons living along the verge.

She said she found a nest with chicks in 2022, proving it was a sustainable breeding ground for the birds.

A council has come under fire after being accused of using weed killer to destroy a breeding habitat for a vulnerable bird species

Litchfield Council sprayed a 50m long stretch of what they determined to be gamba grass with Glyphosate in Darwin River, in the Northern Territory on February 12

Dr Goodfellow said she was angry with the council because she didn't think it was necessary for workers to poison the patch of grass.

'Native spear grass is not a public grass,' she said.

'It was only a metre and a half high so it was no problem. By the same token, clumps of gamba grass on nearby roads have been missed.'

Litchfield Council Director Infrastructure and Operations Geoff Thomas said 'a small amount of spear grass was sprayed', but insisted mainly gamba grass.

'Council officers that undertake weed spraying are trained in weed identification relevant to the NT,' he said.

'They have undergone training in the identification of declared species such as gamba grass and to distinguish them from native grasses.'

Dr Goodfellow felt council needed to take more care with native grasslands, but Mr Thomas said it was already the case.

'Council is mindful of native flora habitats that can be used by native species,' he said.

Ms Goodfellow has been living in the Northern Territory since 1975 and the grass is located just outside her property in Darwin River

'In this case, the area treated was only a small portion of the roadside verge to allow for ongoing operational access.

'Council is obligated to maintain roadside verges through slashing and spraying operations, in line with operational requirements and weed management plan.'

Mr Thomas said residents were able to request the council to not touch the area next to their property.

'We would like to remind residents that any ratepayer can email the council to request that the verge immediately adjacent to their property be placed on a "No Spraying" and/or "No Mowing" register, provided they are prepared to maintain the area themselves,' he said.

'Many residents make use of this option for a range of reasons.'

Partridge pigeons are grey and brown in colour and rarely fly.

They are found only in Australia's Top End, especially Kakadu and its population is declining quickly due to fires and feral cats.

Dr Goodfellow is a birdwatching and natural history guide.

She has written several books on wildlife, such as Birds of Australia's Top End and Fauna of Kakadu and The Top End.
For a man who once admitted he didn't know how much he was paid, a role leading a public service broadcaster that publishes its managers' salaries could be perfect.

Ex-Google chief Matt Brittin has emerged as a dark horse to become the next BBC director general after two leading candidates ruled themselves out of contention.

A source with knowledge of the process identified Mr Brittin as the 'prime candidate' to have advanced to the later stages.

'He is a very plausible contender,' they said.

'His big challenge will be to convince Samir Shah [the BBC chairman] that he understands public service broadcasting. His background is all in tech, and big tech is the enemy of the BBC.'

Mr Brittin, 57, left Google last year after 18 years at the tech giant, the last ten as president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Industry insiders are talking up his chances of succeeding Tim Davie, who resigned in November after criticism over a misleading Panorama edit of a speech by Donald Trump.

It also comes as Apple TV executive Jay Hunt and former Channel 4 chief Alex Mahon are understood to have ruled themselves out.

Matt Brittin is tipped as the favourite to take over as the BBC's director general

If successful, Mr Brittin, who was part of the British rowing team at the Seoul Olympics in 1988, could expect a package comparable to the 540,000 to 544,999 earned by Mr Davie.

In 2016, Mr Brittin told MPs on the public accounts committee that he had no idea how much he was paid  while being questioned about a tax deal between HMRC and Google.

After stepping down from the tech giant, he said he planned to take a 'mini gap year'.

He said: 'I hope to apply what Ive learnt about technology and leadership to help people make the most of this wave of innovation in education, business, science and society  from different vantage points.'

Then, in February 2025, Brittin joined Guardian Media Group's board as a non-executive director.

Davie is said to have spoken favourably about Mr Brittin in the past, though there are some who have reservations about appointing a tech boss to the top job at a content company.
A deranged son stabbed his mother to death in front of her home along with three neighbors who heroically tried to stop him.

Aleksandr Aleksand Shablykin, 32, was gunned down by police outside the $800,000 family home in Gig Harbor, Washington, at 9.33am on Tuesday.

Pierce County Sheriff's deputies were on their way after a 911 call reporting that Shablykin was violating a restraining order, but arrived too late to save her.

Deputies found Zoya Shablykin, 52, and three others outside, one lying in the middle of the quiet cul-de-sac a few miles from the Puget Sound.

Shablykin was shot by one of the deputies and died at the scene along with three of the victims, the sheriff said. The fourth died on the way to hospital.

Zoya took out the protection order against her son last April, claiming he 'believed he was an Egyptian god' and performed 'occult rituals' as he threatened his family for years and injured her cat.

A family friend told the Daily Mail that Shablykin's sister Anastasia, 30, and her 11-year-old daughter were safe at her partner's home when Zoya was killed.

Zoya Shablykin, 52, (right) was stabbed to death by her son Aleksandr Aleksand Shablykin, 32, outside her home on Tuesday morning. Her daughter Anastasia, 30, (left) survived

Zoya with her 11-year-old granddaughter, who was not present during the stabbing spree

'Alex killed four people today - his mother Zoya and three neighbors who tried to to help her,' he said.

'Then the cops rolled in as he was killing the third one and they shot and killed him.

'The response time by the police was s**t, they didn't show up until he stabbed four people.'

The friend said it was a 'very sad day' for Anastasia and 'I don't think it has really sunk in yet, she thinks she's having a bad dream'.

Anastasia then had the awful task of telling her grandmother - Zoya's mother - that her daughter was dead. The whole family are Russian immigrants.

The family friend said they were in the process of setting up a fundraiser for Zoya's funeral.

A neighbor described the grim scene moments after Shablykin was gunned down, saying he ran outside after hearing four gunshots.

He saw the knife-wielding maniac moving his arm but 'he didn't make it'.

'The was on woman lying next to the mailbox stabbed and another body between the building and the neighboring one to the north, covered by white sheet,' the neighbor said.

'It's so surreal, you don't think happen in your neighborhood.'

The identities of the three neighbors are not yet known.

Anastasia had the awful task of telling her grandmother - Zoya's mother - that her daughter was dead

Zoya took out the protection order against her son last April, claiming he 'believed he was an Egyptian god' and performed 'occult rituals' as he threatened his family for years and injured her cat

Zoya was granted a protective order after he pushed her and told her, 'Your grave has been dug up,' according to court documents

The neighbor said the family were having problems since he moved in about seven years ago and he heard them arguing.

He said it appeared Shablykin stopped living there full time about two years ago and was only there sporadically since then.

Dispatchers said they first received a 911 call about 8.45am claiming that the suspect was violating a no contact order.

Police have since confirmed the no contact order was not yet valid because it had not been served to Shablykin, and officers were en-route to deliver a copy of the order to serve the suspect when he carried out his stabbing spree.

Zoya was granted a protective order after he pushed her and told her, 'Your grave has been dug up,' according to court documents obtained by the Daily Mail.

She wrote in her petition for the protective order on April 4 that she had a legitimate reason to fear for her safety as her son 'has been threatening me, abusing me both mentally and emotionally'.

Shablykin was 'doing witchcraft/occult behavior and doing rituals in my home, damaging personal belongings', she wrote.

He even 'thinks [he is] an Egyptian god!' the terrified mother wrote, noting that she was an 'elderly disabled woman and he is taking advantage of me and my health, recording me at my home'.

Deputies found Zoya Shablykin, 52, and three others outside, one lying in the middle of the quiet cul-de-sac a few miles from the Puget Sound

Shablykin was shot by one of the deputies and died at the scene along with three of the victims, the sheriff said

The family friend told the Daily Mail that Shablykin was schizophrenic and 'lived in a dark place'.

Zoya wrote that on April 2, Anastasia showed up at the house and brought her daughter.

'After arrival to my home, I noticed my house smelled very strange, my rugs from the home have been moved to the garage, the cat was missing,' she wrote in the petition, adding that picture frames and photographs were destroyed.

'The smoke detector was going off and my son was acting delusional. Evidence of occult rituals were present.'

At an ensuing hearing on whether to grant the temporary restraining order, authorities noted that Shablykin 'has been having escalating mental health issues, which include grandiosity, auditory hallucinations and command hallucinations'.

Shablykin previously had a mental break about five years earlier, and his mental health improved for a while after, 'but is worse now than it was five years ago', the order explained.

'His current command hallucinations tell him he is a god and that Petitioner must obey him,' it added.

'Several days ago, he told her that "Your grave has been dug up."'

Records also showed Zoya previously sought a restraining order from her son when he was first having mental health issues in 2020.

Three adults were killed at the scene. Paramedics took a fourth victim to a nearby hospital in critical condition, where they later died from their injuries

She wrote at the time that Shablykin did not like when his sister had her boyfriend over, so he went into her room with a knife and started threatening her.

'He is threatening everyone in my family,' Zoya claimed at the time, noting that she did not 'feel safe in my house'.

'He doesn't want to work or learn, think she has a freedom to do what he wants and have everything in my house because he thinks it belongs to him,' she wrote in the petition.

'He is abusing me emotionally, which is affecting my health condition,' she added without specifying what health conditions she had.

Shablykin was arrested numerous times since 2020, mostly for driving without a valid license and refusing to identify himself to officers when he was pulled over in his vehicle, according to court records that included 14 separate cases.

He was also charged with trespassing in January 2023, but the charge was dismissed with prejudice.

The Pierce County Force Investigation Team is now taking over the investigation into the stabbing rampage, and the Daily Mail has contacted the Pierce County Sheriff's Office for more information.
A Canadian PhD student working on his dissertation in Pakistan has been arrested over his social media posts.

Hamza Ahmed Khan, a dual Canadian-Pakistani citizen, traveled to Pakistan in December to interview expats on promoting democracy in Muslim-majority Lahore, where he was staying with a friend, and in Islamabad, CBC reports.

The University of Toronto student was expected to arrive in Karachi on Thursday morning to spend Ramadan with his family, but friends have said he went missing early that day during a trip with ride-hailing service Yango.

When family members then reached out to the ride-sharing app, they were told Ahmed Khan's trip was canceled halfway through.

The family was then left without any answers as to Ahmed Khan's whereabouts for days, until a Pakistani journalist announced on Sunday that the student was in jail after the country's National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency detained him.

Attorney Asad Jamal said Ahmed Khan was 'abducted,' not arrested, because it wasn't done the 'right, legal way.'

'He was not informed about the circumstances and the reasons for being taken into custody by whoever did that,' said Jamal, who has been retained by Ahmed Khan's family.

'We don't know who took him away,' he added. 'We suspect that intelligence agencies might have been involved.'

Hamza Ahmed Khan, a dual Canadian-Pakistani citizen, has been arrested in Pakistan over his social media posts

The NCCIA's official report said Ahmed Khan has been in custody since Saturday because, during a routine cyber patrol, the agency found his X and Instagram accounts were 'disseminating misinformation and disinformation targeting state institutions.'

'The nature of these posts is inflammatory and appears designed to incite public unrest, spread animosity and undermine social order,' the report said, according to Dawn.

It then went on to say Ahmed Khan was posting derogatory content to 'defame and malign constitutional and political leadership of Pakistan, incite hatred and undermine the integrity of the state.'

'The propagation of such malicious content poses a significant risk, with the potential to cause severe reputational damage to the state of Pakistan both domestically and internationally.'

The report also lists offenses Ahmed Khan allegedly committed, including offenses against the dignity of a natural person, cyber stalking and spoofing of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act.

A review of Ahmed Khan's X page shows he repeatedly shared his support for former Prime Minister Imran Khan's release from prison, and on February 18, just one day before he went missing, he shared a post from Al Jazeera English that Pakistan's Punjab police killed 900 people in eight months.

That same day, he also reposted a comment saying 'Imran Khan deserves his freedom.

'And Pakistan deserves better: Rule of law - not rule of the powers that be.'

A review of Ahmed Khan's X page shows he repeatedly shared his support for former Prime Minister Imran Khan's release from prison , and on February 18, just one day before he went missing, he shared a post from Al Jazeera English that Pakistan's Punjab police killed 900 people in eight months

But his brother, Awes Ahmed Khan has disputed the government's characterization, saying his brother is balanced and simply uses social media as a means to engage in intellectual discussion.

'He's a person who's very articulate. He talks with rhetoric,' Awes told CBC.

'He debates with people sometimes on critical issues and a lot of times, those issues are related to his background.'

Pakistan has been under a cycle of military dictatorships and weak civilian governance for decades.

'Anything that the rulers perceived to contribute to an outcome that will undermine their position will be pulled up as [a] crime and then they will be detained, like [Ahmed Khan],' McMaster University professor Ahmed Shafiqul Huque said.

'Depending on the kind of belief he holds and the kind of research he was undertaking, it might have rubbed a number of important people in Pakistan the wrong way.'

The professor noted that electronic crime prevention acts are a common strategy among military dictatorships.

'They try to jump at every potential case where there might be people speaking out about what is going on in the system,' Huque said.

'There is a gap between the rules and reality, and many people fall between those gaps.'

University of Toronto officials said they are concerned about their student's well-being

Ahmed Khan is now being held in Lahore district jail under the country's 2016 Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, where Awes said his brother is facing 'the worst conditions that you can imagine.

'It's multiple people in a single cell... It's [not] fit for a decent human person,' he said, describing his brother as 'one of the finest human beings that you know.'

Global Affairs Canada told the CBC it was aware of the situation, but could not provide any further information due to privacy concerns.

University of Toronto vice provost Sandy Welsh also said in a statement that school officials are concerned about their student.

'Our priority is his safety and well-being and we are in contact with his family and Canadian officials to support his return to Canada,' she said.

Ahmed Khan is now set to attend a bail hearing in Lahore on Wednesday at 11am local time.

The Daily Mail has reached out to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency and Yango for comment.
The Tourette's campaigner who yelled the N-word at two black actors during the BAFTAs ceremony has admitted he felt a 'wave of shame' over the outburst and revealed he also called Alan Cumming a 'paedophile'.

John Davidson, 54, shouted the racial slur at Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo during Sunday's ceremony at the Royal Festival Hall in London.

Davidson, whose life story inspired the film I Swear, has faced backlash, including from Oscar winner Jamie Foxx, who branded his comment 'unacceptable'.

Neither of the actors reacted on stage but BAFTAs host Cumming later said 'we apologise if it has caused offence' and Davidson made the decision to leave the ceremony halfway through after several incendiary outbursts.

The Scottish activist issued a swift apology, claiming he was 'deeply mortified' by his outburst.

He has now spoken of his 'unbearable guilt and shame' at the incident as he described how the word 'burst out of me like a gunshot'.

He said he shouted 10 different offensive words on the night of the awards, not just the N-word, even calling Cumming a 'paedophile'.

Davidson told Variety: 'On Sunday, Alan Cumming joked about his own sexuality and, when referencing Paddington Bear, said, Maybe you would like to come home with me, Paddington. It wouldnt be the first time I have taken a hairy Peruvian bear home with me.

John Davidson, who yelled the N-word at two black presenters during the BAFTAs, has said he is 'deeply mortified' by his outburst

Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were subject to the expletive as they presented the first prize of the night at London's Royal Festive Hall on Sunday

'This resulted in homophobic tics from me and led to a shout of paedophile that was likely triggered because Paddington Bear is a childrens character.'

One of Davidson's biggest symptoms is coprolalia which makes him involuntarily say socially inappropriate words or phrases, including when he famously shouted 'f*** the Queen' at Elizabeth II when he was awarded his MBE in 2019.

Davidson, who has suffered from a severe form of Tourette's since the age of 12, revealed he once punched his adoptive mother in the face when she was driving at speed, 'almost causing a had on collision'.

He was also 'physically beaten to within an inch of my life with an iron bar' by a man after ticking a comment to his girlfriend.

And when his car was being searched by police on entry to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh in 2019, Davidson involuntarily yelled: 'A bomb! I've got a f***ing bomb!'

He added: 'When socially unacceptable words come out, the guilt and shame on the part of the person with the condition is often unbearable and causes enormous distress. I cant begin to explain how upset and distraught I have been as the impact from Sunday sinks in.'

Davidson has reached out to the studio producing Sinners to apologize to Jordan, Lindo and production designer Hannah Beachler, who said a racial slur was aimed at her as she made her way to dinner after the show.

He also hit out at the BBC for failing to blur out the comment, claiming he had 'an expectation' they would control the sound at the awards.

The corporation aired the N-word to millions despite the ceremony being pre-recorded two hours earlier.

Davidson, (pictured with his adoptive mother Dottie Achenbach) revealed he once punched her in the face when she was driving at speed, 'almost causing a had on collision'

BAFTA host Alan Cumming thanked the audience for their understanding of Tourette's as I Swear's John Davidson let out involuntary shouts during Sunday's ceremony

In contrast, they 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.

Following Sunday's ceremony, Lindo hit out at BAFTA for failing to address the incident with him following the ceremony.

He said he and Jordan 'did what we had to do' while presenting, but he wished 'someone from BAFTA spoke to us afterward'.

In a statement on Monday, Davidson said: 'I wanted to thank BAFTA and everyone involved in the awards last night for their support and understanding and inviting me to attend the broadcast.

'I appreciated the announcement to the auditorium in advance of the recording, warning everyone that my tics are involuntary and are not a reflection of my personal beliefs.

'I was heartened by the round of applause that followed this announcement and felt welcomed and understood in an environment that would normally be impossible for me.'

'In addition to the announcement by Alan Cumming, the BBC and BAFTA, 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.

'I was in attendance to celebrate the film of my life, I Swear, which more than any film or TV documentary, explains the origins, condition, traits and manifestations of Tourette Syndrome.

'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.

Oscar winner Jamie Foxx has blasted Tourette's activist John Davidson for his 'unacceptable' N-word outburst at the BAFTAs

'I chose to leave the auditorium early into the ceremony as I was aware of the distress my tics were causing.'

On Monday, BAFTA issued an 'unreserved apology' for the 'very offensive language that carries incomparable trauma and pain for so many'.

In a statement, they said: 'We want to acknowledge the harm this has caused, address what happened and apologise to all.

'One of our guests, John Davidson MBE, has Tourette syndrome and has devoted his life to educating and campaigning for better understanding of this condition.

'Tourette syndrome causes involuntary verbal tics, that the individual has no control over. Such tics are in no way a reflection of an individuals beliefs and are not intentional. John Davidson is an executive producer of the BAFTA nominated film, I Swear, which is based on his life experience.

'We take the duty of care to all our guests very seriously and start from a position of inclusion.

'We took measures to make those in attendance aware of the tics, announcing to the audience before the ceremony began, and throughout, that John was in the room and that they may hear strong language, involuntary noises or movements during the ceremony.

'Early in the ceremony a loud tic in the form of a profoundly offensive term was heard by many people in the room.

Hannah Beachler - a production designer on Sinners - also alleged she was subjected to Davidson's involuntary racial slurs

'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.

'During the ceremony, John chose to leave the auditorium and watch the rest of the ceremony from a screen, and we would like to thank him for his dignity and consideration of others, on what should have been a night of celebration for him.

'We take full responsibility for putting our guests in a very difficult situation and we apologise to all.

'We will learn from this, and keep inclusion at the core of all we do, maintaining our belief in film and storytelling as a critical conduit for compassion and empathy.'
The moment a thug knocks a woman unconscious in an unprovoked attack has been caught on CCTV.

Gardai have now released the footage in the hopes of finding the man, who can be seen striking the woman in the face as she walks past him with her friends.

The thug, wearing a distinct green and black North Face jacket, casually walks towards the group of women on Oliver Plunkett Street in Cork City, Ireland, with his hands in his pocket.

He then strikes out at the victim with an aggressive blow of his elbow before continuing down the street as if nothing had happened.

The viscous assault knocked the woman unconscious on the street at 2.50am. One of her friends rushed to help her while the other woman seems to have confronted the attacker as he walked away.

The blow broke the woman's eye socket - otherwise known as the orbital bone - and was subsequently treated in hospital.

An Garda Siochana is now asking for help in hunting down the man by calling for witnesses.

The attacker is described as being between 5ft8 and 5ft9 tall, with a stocky build and dark facial hair - and is believed to be between his late 20s and early-to-mid 30s.

The man, wearing a distinct green and black North Face jacket, casually walks towards the group of women on Oliver Plunkett Street in Cork City, Ireland

He then strikes out at the victim with an aggressive blow of his elbow, leaving her with a broken bone in her eye socket

The man, believed to be between his late twenties and early-to-mid thirties, continuing down the street as if nothing had happened

The viscous assault knocked the woman unconscious on the street at 2.50am, as her friends helped her and seem to have confronted the attacker

Garda Greg Freegrove told RTE: 'It's a serious assault incident that happened on 23rd November in Cork City. The man we're looking to identify is here in the centre of the screen, wearing a green and black North Face jacket.

'As he walked past a group of people on Oliver Plunkett Street, he lifts his elbow and hits a woman in the head, knocking her unconscious.

'He quickly made his way along Oliver Plunkett Street, away from the scene, and the victim was left with a broken orbital bone in her right eye socket.

'He's believed to be in his late 20s to mid-30s, around 5ft8 in height, and he had a stocky build, dark hair and beard.

'As I said, he is wearing that green and black North Face jacket, and we're asking viewers to give us a call if they can help [with the investigation].'

An Garda Siochana are investigating and call for witnesses. Information can also be provided through the Garda Confidential Line on (+353) 1800 666 111 or in person at any Garda station.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Tuesday she was considering legal action following a comment by Elon Musk that alleged she was connected to drug cartels.

Musk's post on X followed the capture and killing of Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader Nemesio Oseguera, 'El Mencho,' by Mexican security forces.

In the post, Musk responded to a 2025 video of Sheinbaum discussing cartel violence and alleged that she was 'saying what her cartel bosses tell her to say.' He did not provide further evidence.

'We are considering whether to take legal action,' Sheinbaum said during her daily morning press conference, adding that government lawyers are reviewing the matter.

Sheinbaum could face difficulty suing Musk for defamation in the US because of strong legal protections for free speech.

To prevail in a defamation case against Musk in the US, Sheinbaum would need to prove Musk knowingly said something false about her or recklessly disregarded the truth when he said it.

Tesla, Musk's auto company, did not immediately reply to a request for comment on Sheinbaum's remarks.

In the 2025 video, Sheinbaum said a return to a 'war on drugs' was not feasible.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Tuesday she is considering legal action following a comment by Elon Musk that alleged she was connected to drug cartels

Musk's post on X followed the capture and killing of Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader Nemesio Oseguera, 'El Mencho,' by Mexican security forces

'Returning to the war on drugs is not an option ... it is outside the framework of the law,' she said.

The military offensive on cartels led by former President Felipe Calderon in 2006 led to bloody turf battles as gangs splintered, triggering a spiral of violence that many analysts see as a contributing cause to still-high homicide rates.

Sheinbaum said she expected security to continue to normalize in Mexico after cartel members coordinated a series of roadblocks and arson attacks following the government's Sunday operation against Oseguera.

Asked if the operation marked a return to a more violent security stance, Sheinbaum said this would never be the case.

'The detention of a suspected criminal with an arrest warrant can generate this type of circumstance, but we are looking for peace, not war,' she said.

Ruling MORENA Party president Luisa Alcalde also reacted to the post on social media, saying Musk should use his platform and social media network X to fight drug consumption, addiction, disinformation and stop the promotion of narco culture.

'Wealth does not give moral authority,' she said. 'The lives that are lost in this fight, often fueled by consumption in other countries, are worth infinitely more than any fortune amassed in Silicon Valley.'

Over 130,000 people are missing in Mexico, where much of the country's violence is linked to drug cartels that sell products to and obtain firearms from the United States.

Join the debate Should powerful figures be held accountable for public accusations, or is free speech more important?

'We are considering whether to take legal action,' Sheinbaum said during her daily morning press conference, adding that government lawyers are reviewing the matter

Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes was killed by Mexican federal forces on Sunday

At least 20 states have been plunged into cartel-fueled chaos since 'El Mencho' died in custody on Sunday shortly after being seized by Mexican special forces in Jalisco state.

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) is one of the country's most feared criminal organizations and its leader was Mexico's most wanted man.

Jalisco cartel leader El Mencho was captured after US and Mexican intelligence agencies tracked down a girlfriend he was meeting in a secluded forest cabin.

On early Sunday morning, a squad of elite Mexican army and National Guard special-operations soldiers descended on the community of Tapalpa in western Mexico, where the kingpin remained holed up after his partner left.

El Mencho and his several bodyguards were chased down by soldiers, who surrounded them deep into the nearby woods.

Fighting ensued as the drug lord's bodyguards, armed with two rocket launchers, desperately fired on the troops.

Eight people were killed in the fight, including El Mencho and two of his operatives, who were severely injured and then died in a military helicopter later.

Mexicos Defense Secretary, Gen. Ricardo Trevilla, said intelligence services identified a man close to El Mencho's lover who transported her to Tapalpa.

A bus burns on one of the main avenues after it was set on fire by organised crime groups in response to the operation in Jalisco to get 'El Mencho'

Tapalpa is a mountain weekend getaway in western Jalisco state, surrounded by pine forests.

'The intelligence process is very complex; it requires a great deal of time to gather a lot of information from diverse national and international sources,' Trevilla said, standing next to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.

Over 50 people died in the aftermath of the operation during the gangs counteroffensive.

The US had a $15 million bounty on El Mencho.

During the raid, Mexican authorities seized heavy weapons and ammunition, two rocket launchers and eight vehicles used by the kingpin's operatives.

President Sheinbaum praised the army's operation that led to El Mencho's death and said her priority is to guarantee peace and security across Mexico.

'There is calm, there is government, there are armed forces, and there is a lot of co-ordination,' Sheinbaum said.

She emphasized that there were no US boots on the ground and denied direct US involvement, saying: 'All operations, from their planning onwards, are the responsibility of the Mexican federal forces.'
WiseTech Global is set to sack almost one third of its workforce as its chief executive claims the 'era of manually writing code as the core act of engineering is over'.

WiseTech CEO Zubin Appoo revealed on Wednesday an 'AI transformation program' would result in about 2,000 jobs getting the axe this year.

Mr Appoo said it would be a 'phased headcount reduction, initially in product and development and customer service, by up to 50 per cent'.

He claimed the AI program would make the company more efficient.

'We recognise this will be difficult for our people. We're communicating these planned changes to our team following announcement to the market in line with our disclosure obligations,' he said.

'This decision was not taken lightly, but it is necessary to ensure we remain disciplined, nimble, competitive and future ready.'

The redundancies are believed to be scheduled for this financial year and into next.

The company was previously helmed by co-founder Richard White, who stepped down as CEO in late 2024 after details of a personal legal battle were made public.

WiseTech co-founder Richard White stepped down as CEO in late 2024

Mr White (pictured with wife Zena Nasser) was probed by the AFP in 2025 over alleged trading during a blackout period

When announcing the job losses, WiseTech CEO, Zubin Appoo, said a new 'AI transformation program' would make the company more efficient

White and three employees at WiseTech were investigated by the Australian Federal Police in 2025 for allegedly trading during a blackout period.

The billionaire allegedly offloaded about 1.87 million shares during that period, with the average price about $122, which means Mr White could have raised $229 million in total.

He previously said he received legal advice before the trades.

The logistics software developer, worth around $14.45 billion, employs around 7,000 people.

It comes as the Commonwealth Bank also announced this week their plan to lay off 300 Australian, despite recording a $5 billion profit just weeks ago.

The Finance Sector Union said the decision will affect teams across retail, business and institutional banking, and human resources, with the majority of roles impacted in technology.

'A recent survey of CBA workers found job security is a major concern for 72 per cent of staff,' the Finance Sector Union said in a statement.

'Another 74 per cent said workloads had increased in the past year, and half said they had considered leaving.'

Commonwealth Bank made the decision on Tuesday to cut approximately 300 roles

It also warned the bank that the new rollout of AI across the workforce must not come at the expense of secure jobs.

Despite axing hundreds of jobs in Australia, Commonwealth Bank has been on a hiring spree in India, with more than 90 jobs available in the last month.

Listings on the banks careers site show a wave of new positions based at its Bangalore technology hub, spanning risk management, compliance, engineering and advanced analytics roles.

The bank increased its India-based workforce by 21 per cent to 6,788 in the year to June 2025, a 138 per cent increase since 2022.

More to come.
A Ukrainian woman who four years ago became the 'Face of the War' after one of Russia's first missile strikes on civilians, has challenged Vladimir Putin to dare to meet her.

Olena Kurylo, 56, is a Ukrainian nursery school teacher who suffered horrific eye damage and facial scars in an attack on her apartment in Chuhuiv in February 2022.

Pictures of her bloodied and bandaged face were broadcast around the world after the strike, but four years on, on the anniversary of the start of the war, Olena has challenged the Russian dictator.

'If I had the chance to meet Putin face to face and look him in the eyes, I would not be afraid,' she said.

'But would he be brave enough for that? I would tell him everything I think.'

She went on to say that Putin 'is not a human being,' adding that he 'will go down in history in such a way that generations will curse him.'

Olena went on to tell Putin that Ukrainians cannot be broken and won't give up.

'We can be killed, but we cannot be broken, and we cannot be forced to our knees. We are not slaves.'

Olena Kurylo, 56, a Ukrainian nursery teacher whose bloodied and bandaged face, captured in iconic photographs after a Russian missile struck her apartment building in Chuhuiv on the very first day of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, became one of the earliest and most powerful symbols of the war's human cost around the world

She has spoken out against Putin on the fourth anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war

Olena insisted: 'I am not afraid of him. And if I had the chance, I would look at him in a way that would make him understand everything without words.'

The 56-year-old - who received treatment for her eye in Britain and Poland during the war after the 2022 strike - urged Ukraine's supporters in Europe to understand that Ukraine was a 'shield' between a continent and Russia, and warned of a potential Russian invasion.

The Ukrainian teacher previously thanked Mail On Sunday readers, who helped her receive treatment in Britain after she was blinded in a Russian missile attack.

Thanks to Mail Force donations  and 10,000 secured for Olena's treatment in the UK  world-leading surgeons were able to help her regain her vision.

'I am so touched and extremely thankful to every single reader who has contributed,' she said at the time.

Olena was injured when a missile exploded outside her home, sending shards of glass from shattered windows into her face. Medics had told her she risked losing her right eye without the surgery.

After a gruelling three-and-a-half-hour operation, Polish doctors restored almost a third of the sight in Olena's eye, but the results did not last. The best outcome they could offer Olena was 20 per cent vision  and they told her she would need surgery every two to three months for the rest of her life.

Determined to secure a better outcome, The Mail on Sunday sought the help of internationally renowned consultant eye surgeons Sheraz Daya and Tom Williamson at Centre for Sight, a world-leading clinic based in London, Surrey and Sussex.

Olena received treatment for her eye in Britain and Poland during the war after the 2022 strike

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech during a meeting of the Federal Security Service (FSB) Board in Moscow, Russia, 24 February 2026

People take part in a protest against Russia's invasion of Ukraine to mark the fourth anniversary of the start of the war, in Zurich, Switzerland, 24 February 2026

After studying Olena's medical notes, they were confident they could save more of her sight  but at an estimated cost of 10,000.

Thanks to the incredible Mail Force donations, the money was raised within 24 hours. Mail Force launched its Ukraine Appeal within days of Russia's invasion, and it became the fastest newspaper fundraiser in history.

Donations flooded in, kick-started with 500,000 from the Mail's parent company, DMGT, at the personal request of Lord and Lady Rothermere.

To enable Olena to travel to the UK, lawyers from the British firm Mishcon de Reya worked for free to secure a visa through the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

The charity Refugees at Home worked tirelessly to find her a suitable sponsor and host home. Within days, an MoS reporter flew to Poland, accompanied Olena back to London and took her to her host family in North London.

Olena's remarks come four years after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

To mark the anniversary of the bloody conflict, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky declared that Russia had not 'broken Ukrainians' nor triumphed in its war.

In a show of support, more than a dozen senior officials headed to the Ukrainian capital to mark the grim anniversary of the conflict, which has killed tens of thousands of people, upended life for millions of Ukrainians, and created instability far beyond its borders.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska meet troops in Independence Square following the ceremony to commemorate the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2026 in Kyiv, Ukraine

To mark the anniversary of the bloody conflict, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky declared that Russia had not 'broken Ukrainians' nor triumphed in its war. Pictured: (L-R) Croatia's Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, European Council President Antonio Costa, Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, Finland's President Alexander Stubb, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Estonia's Prime Minister Kristen Michal, attend a ceremony at the memorial to the fallen Ukrainian soldiers on Independence Square in Kyiv, Ukraine, 24 February 2026

'Looking back at the beginning of the invasion and reflecting on today, we have every right to say: We have defended our independence, we have not lost our statehood,' Zelensky said on social media, adding that Putin has 'not achieved his goals.'

'He has not broken Ukrainians; he has not won this war,' Zelensky added.

Despite the show of defiance, Ukraine has struggled to hold off Russias onslaught, and the war has brought widespread hardship for Ukrainian civilians. Russias aerial attacks have devastated families and denied civilians power and running water.

Putin made no mention of the anniversary, nor did he say how the war was going when he spoke at a meeting in Moscow of top officials of the Federal Security Service, or FSB, on Tuesday.
A chilling bomb threat written in Chinese is behind a security scare that forced Anthony Albanese to be evacuated from The Lodge.

The threat, linked to the upcoming Australian tour of Shen Yun Performing Arts, a New York-based classical Chinese dance company long targeted by Beijing, sparked an urgent, high-level security response on Tuesday night.

Albanese was evacuated from his official Canberra residence, with a senior minister calling it an 'extraordinary' and potentially unprecedented event.

The Prime Minister was moved to another location at about 6pm while an investigation and search was carried out, and was able to return at 9pm.

The bomb threats were included in a sinister email campaign that did not just target Albanese, but also several senior Australian officials, with one message warning the 'Lodge will be blown into ruins where blood flows like a river'.

In the days leading up to Shen Yun's Wednesday opening, performers reportedly received a stream of threatening emails demanding cancellation of the event.

One message, reported by the Epoch Times, claimed explosives had already been planted around the Prime Minister's home and warned they would be detonated if the show proceeded.

A chilling bomb threat written in Chinese is behind a security scare that forced Anthony Albanese to be evacuated from The Lodge

The threat, linked to the upcoming Australian tour of Shen Yun Performing Arts, sparked an urgent, high-level security response on Tuesday night

Local Shen Yun presenters later revealed they had received an earlier Chineselanguage email on February 10.

'If Shen Yun performance goes ahead something will happen to Anthony Albanese,' it read.

The same email threatened the 'personal safety of Anthony Albanese and all other Australian high officials'.

'It doesn't matter as long as you can afford the cost. I won't try to talk you out of it anymore. Just don't regret it later,' it read.

A second email sent on February 22 escalated the threat, claiming 'large quantities of nitroglycerin explosives' had been placed inside the Lodge.

It warned that if the show proceeded, 'the Prime Minister's Lodge will be blown into ruins where blood flows like a river'.

Shen Yun Performing Arts was created by a group of Chinese artists who escaped persecution under the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) because of their ties to the spiritual practice Falun Gong.

The Epoch Times is linked to the Falun Gong movement, which operates outside China after decades of Chinese Communist Party suppression.

The bomb threat was made calling for the performance of Shen Yun (pictured) to be cancelled

Shen Yun has been threatened multiple times in the past.

In 2025, The Kennedy Center in Washington DC was abruptly evacuated after a bomb threat was phoned in during a midmorning rehearsal for that evenings Shen Yun performance.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has sparked fears the US is heading for war with Iran after a secret briefing from the Trump administration on Tuesday.

Schumer emerged after a closed-door meeting convened by Secretary of State Marco Rubio with the 'Gang of Eight,' a select bipartisan group of lawmakers who receive classified national security briefings.

'This is serious, and the administration has to make its case to the American people,' the Democratic veteran told reporters without elaborating on details.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe was also in the room, hours before Donald Trump delivers his State of the Union address at 9pm.

Trump's landmark congressional speech has already been overshadowed. Aides advised him to focus on domestic priorities including the economy and immigration, but sources say he will also address Iran.

Schumer's concerns were echoed by fellow Gang of Eight members as the US assembles its largest military force in the Middle East since the Iraq War.

Rep. Jim Himes, the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, told reporters: 'I'm very concerned. Wars in the Middle East don't go well for presidents, for the country, and we have not heard articulated a single good reason for why now is the moment to launch yet another war in the Middle East.

Senate Intelligence Vice Chairman Mark Warner suggested military action against Iran could come as early as Tuesday night.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer arrives at a press conference with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein ahead of Donald Trump's State of the Union address on Capitol Hill on Tuesday

Trump gestures as he waits for the arrival of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the West Wing of the White House in Washington, DC on September 29, 2025

The Democrat called on Trump to explain 'what our country's goals are, what our country's interests are and how we're going to protect American interests.'

Warner said, nodding to Trump's congressional address: 'Maybe we'll hear that tonight, but if we don't hear it tonight, we need to hear it very, very soon.'

Trump's Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner are due in Geneva on Thursday for a third round of negotiations with Iranian counterparts.

But talks to avert all-out war with the Islamic regime are rapidly deteriorating. Trump has ramped up his threats in an effort to bend Iran into agreeing a deal to end its nuclear program, but so far Tehran has refused America's zero-enrichment demand.

Trump on Monday trashed reports that he is planning 'fake limited strikes,' amid claims that advisers are warning against an attack because the US is running low on missile stockpiles.

Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine warned Trump that US troops would be 'sitting ducks' as arms stockpiles had been depleted supporting Ukraine and Israel, according to reports.

Trump dismissed the 'fake news' and said Caine and he agreed both that the US should avoid war with Iran but that it would be 'easily won' if necessary.

Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said Tuesday that a deal was within reach amid widespread protests against the government in Tehran.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei addresses to the public on the occasion of the 47th anniversary of the Iranian Revolution according to Iranian state television in Tehran, Iran on February 9

'We have a historic opportunity to strike an unprecedented agreement that addresses mutual concerns and achieves mutual interests,' Araghchi said in a social media post.

The minister added that a deal was 'within reach, but only if diplomacy is given priority.'

Araghchi vowed Iran will 'under no circumstances ever develop a nuclear weapon,' but insisted on the country's right to 'harness dividends of peaceful nuclear technology'.

'We have proven that we will stop at nothing to guard our sovereignty with courage,' he added.

Iran and the US held five rounds of nuclear talks last year, but negotiations collapsed after Israel's attack on Iran triggered a 12-day war.

Protests began in December, sparked by economic woes in the sanctions-hit country, before swelling into nationwide demonstrations that peaked on January 8 and 9, one of the largest challenges to Iran's leadership in years.

The unrest prompted a violent government crackdown that killed thousands of people.

The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has recorded more than 7,000 deaths, while warning the full toll is likely far higher.

Iranian officials acknowledge more than 3,000 deaths, but say the violence was caused by 'terrorist acts' fueled by the United States and Israel.

The January crackdown prompted Trump to threaten military intervention on the protesters' behalf, though his focus soon shifted to Iran's nuclear program, which the West believes is aimed at building an atomic bomb but Tehran insists is peaceful.

Since then, the US has carried out a massive military build-up in the Middle East aimed at pressuring Tehran into cutting a deal, even as the two sides pursue indirect negotiations.

Washington deployed the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln to the Arabian Sea, and another, the USS Gerald R. Ford, has arrived at a US base in Crete en route to the region.
Do you know more? Email charlotte.karp@dailymail.com.au

The Australian Federal Police have launched a probe into an ISIS bride after the Daily Mail revealed she once told her ex-housemate: 'I want to go and make bombs.'

Kirsty Rosse-Emile, 31, is one of 11 Australian women pleading with the Albanese government to help them return home from Syrian refugee camps with their collective 23 children.

Rosse-Emile previously claimed she was tricked 12 years ago into entering the warzone with her Islamic State fighter husband Nabil Kadmiry, who she married when she was just 14.

When speaking with the ABC last year, she refused to explain how she ended up in Syria because it 'could create problems for me'.

However, her former housemate Sara* told the Daily Mail on Monday that Rosse-Emile, who was known by her Islamic name Asma, knew exactly what she was doing when she flew to Syria to pledge allegiance to IS.

Rosse-Emile was about 17 and staying in a self-contained unit attached to Sara's place on the outskirts of Melbourne in 2010 when a mutual friend asked whether she wanted to go back to school.

'Asma turned around and said "I don't want to go to school, I want to go and make bombs",' Sara recalled.

It can now be confirmed the AFP is looking into Rosse-Emile and contacted Sara about the situation on Tuesday.

Kirsty Rosse-Emile is pictured before she moved to Syria with her IS fighter husband Nabil Kadmiry

Pictured: Rosse-Emile, crying while telling the ABC that 'it's not my choice to be here'

Kirsty Rosse-Emile is pictured last week, bottom right with a blue and white head scarf, during a botched attempt to escape Syria and return to Australia

Sara said she told police that allowing the ISIS brides to return home could place Australia at serious risk of another terror attack, like the Bondi Beach massacre in December when 15 Jewish people were killed in an act of antisemitism.

'I told [AFP] the government doesn't always get it right,' Sara said.

'I also told them we don't want to say, "well, she was suspected of terrorism, but we let her back into the country anyway".'

Sara said it didn'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.

'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.

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

Sara said she was willing to stand up in court and testify against Rosse-Emile if that's what it took to keep her out of Australia.

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?

Join the debate Do YOU believe her claim she was tricked?

Pictured: The Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett

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

Pictured: Kirsty Rosse-Emile wearing a niqab, after she married Nabil Kadmiry

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

Supportive statements about IS can still be seen on Rosse-Emile's Facebook pages, uploaded before she left for Syria.

The posts read, 'Jihad. The only solution' and 'Lions of Islam', overlaid with images of terrorist figures.

Her father last year responded to Rosse-Emile's claims that she was tricked into entering Syria, telling The Nightly that his daughter was lying.

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

'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.

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

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

Her husband Nabil Kadmiry was captured during the territorial defeat of IS in 2019 and is believed to be languishing in a Kurdish prison.

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 last week 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.
Texas Democrat Al Green was ejected from Donald Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday after brandishing a placard reading: 'Black people aren't apes.'

Green's protest was in reference to a recent social media post Trump made featuring an AI video depicting Barrack and Michelle Obama as primates.

Trump kept walking as GOP Senators Markwayne Mullin and Roger Marshall moved swiftly to stand in front of Green, blocking his sign from view.

Green, a long-serving member of the Congressional Black Caucus, was swiftly ushered out of the House Chamber as Republican lawmakers erupted in heckles.

Trump's arrival was otherwise smooth as he delivered a landmark congressional address to reset his agenda ahead of November's midterms.

The President is staring down the barrel of his lowest approval numbers with the economy and his immigration crackdown at the top of voter grievance lists.

Trump's speech focused on his domestic accomplishments following his first-year in office, including a rate payer pledge to keep energy prices down amid soaring costs due to AI data centers.

The President also touted his TrumpRx initiative to deliver affordable pharmaceuticals to American families.

U.S. Rep. Al Green holds a sign which reads, 'Black people aren't apes' as Donald Trump arrives to deliver the State of the Union address on Tuesday

Republican lawmakers surround Al Green as he holds a sign protesting the president

Green is ushered out of the House Chamber holding his incendiary sign

Republican lawmakers swat down Green's placard

Green engages in a tug of war with furious Republicans trying to snatch his sign

Trump carries on walking as Green holds up his protest sign

Green holds up his, 'Black people aren't apes' sign, a referennce to a recent social media post Trump made about the Obamas

Green's protest was rooted in a February 5 Truth Social post in which Trump shared a video about voter fraud that included a two-second clip depicting the Obamas as apes.

The 62-second video, posted during a late-night spree, featured the segment with the former president and first lady's faces superimposed onto the bodies of primates to the song 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight.'

The White House initially attempted to downplay the post, with Karoline Leavitt dismissing the backlash as 'fake outrage' and labeling the clip an innocent meme.

But the administration swiftly blamed it on a junior staffer after outcry from senior Republicans, including Senator Tim Scott, who called it 'the most racist thing I've seen out of this White House.'

By midday, the post was deleted - a rare admission of a misstep.

Trump later explained that he had no idea that the video featured the AI clip at the end.

He told reporters on Air Force One he had only watched the opening section of the video, which focused on his 2020 election fraud claims, before passing it to his team.

Trump said he condemned the racism in the clip but refused to apologize, blaming a staffer for failing to check it before posting.
A California Chick-fil-A employee and UC Berkeley student was personally awarded a $25,000 scholarship by the company's CEO during a surprise visit to the fast food joint.

Danna Avila, 22, of San Jose, received a $25,000 scholarship check directly from CEO Andrew T. Cathy at a Chick-fil-A in Emeryville on Tuesday, where he praised her as a stellar 'volunteer in the community,' according to KGO News.

'The journey has been so long and difficult and getting an opportunity like this, I can't even put it into words how thankful I am,' Avila told the outlet.

Cathy said the company wanted to support the first-generation college student on her journey as she pursues her dream of becoming an oncologist.

'She's worked really, really hard to keep up her grades, a volunteer in the community,' he said.

'She's had a lot of leadership roles here in the restaurant, somebody that just has a clear vision for the future, what she wants to do and we just want to come along and help support her.'

Avila has long been a loyal employee, previously working at the Sunnyvale location and even returning during school breaks to pick up shifts and help out.

In an emotional reveal on Tuesday, Avila walked into the restaurant to find it filled with cheering employees, her family, Cathy and even the iconic Chick-fil-A Cow mascot.

Danna Avila (right), a 22-year-old California Chick-fil-A employee and UC Berkeley student, was personally awarded a $25,000 scholarship by the company's CEO (left) in a surprise visit on Tuesday

Avila received the scholarship check directly from CEO Andrew T. Cathy at a Chick-fil-A in Emeryville (pictured), where he praised her as a stellar 'volunteer in the community'

Cathy (pictured) said the company wanted to support the first-generation college student on her journey as she pursues her dream of becoming an oncologist

With red and white balloons behind her and streamers flying through the air, Cathy handed Avila a massive check emblazoned with the Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures logo.

She gasped, 'Are you serious?' and covered her mouth with both hands in disbelief, while the CEO smiled and the crowd behind her applauded and snapped photos.

After a heartfelt hug with Cathy, Avila held her teary-eyed family close in an emotional embrace.

'Seeing them being here and crying for me and just seeing how proud they are of me, it's a feeling I will never get over,' she told the outlet. 'I'm so grateful.'

Next, Avila has her sights set on medical school, hoping to make an even greater impact on her community.

'The healthcare system is very much broken and I think there needs to be things done to fix it and if I could give back to my community, other communities, it would be amazing,' she said.

Cathy revealed that Avilas scholarship is just one of many, with the company having awarded over $215 million in scholarships since 1973.

This year alone, the company is granting $29 million in scholarships to over 16,000 team members, including thirteen $25,000 awards, just like Avilas, according to the outlet.

Pictured: Avila holding her teary-eyed family in a close emotional embrace

Avila (pictured) told KGO News: 'The journey has been so long and difficult and getting an opportunity like this, I can't even put it into words how thankful I am'

In an emotional reveal on Tuesday, Avila walked into the restaurant to find it filled with cheering employees, her family, Cathy and even the iconic Chick-fil-A Cow mascot

Team members throughout the US, Canada and Puerto Rico are given the opportunity to apply for the scholarship, according to the companys website.

'Creating greater access to education is one of the best ways Chick-fil-A serves communities,' Cathy said about the program.

'Our long-standing commitment to investing in the future dreams and aspirations of restaurant Team Members remains at the forefront of Chick-fil-As efforts to have a positive impact on the lives of others,' he added.

It all began in 1954, when Chick-fil-A founder Samuel Truett Cathy placed an empty container on the counter for customers to donate to employee Eddie Whites college fund.

White went on to attend Morris Brown College, earn a degree in education, build a successful teaching career and eventually serve as assistant superintendent of schools in Clayton County, Georgia.

But over the years, his bond with the restaurant's creator never faded.

'He became not only a boss, but a friend that I respected and appreciated. He has touched the lives of so many people - Im just thankful to be one of them,' White said, according to the website.

Now, over 122,000 team members have benefited from the scholarship program, with more than 15,000 awarded in the last year alone.

Avila (pictured) told KGO: 'The healthcare system is very much broken and I think there needs to be things done to fix it and if I could give back to my community, other communities, it would be amazing'

Cathy revealed that Avilas scholarship is just one of many, with the company having awarded over $215 million in scholarships since 1973

Faith Kitchen, a San Antonio-based nonprofit serving people experiencing homelessness for the last 45 years, received the S. Truett Cathy Honoree distinction and the largest True Inspiration Awards grant (pictured)

Earlier this month, Chick-fil-A announced the 2026 recipient of its True Inspiration Awards, celebrating a milestone with its first-ever Singapore-based awardee.

The company also revealed that it will give $6 million to 56 nonprofits under the initiative, according to the website.

The program honors nonprofits making a meaningful impact in their communities and has awarded over 400 grants totaling nearly $40 million.

Faith Kitchen, a San Antonio-based nonprofit serving people experiencing homelessness for the last 45 years, received the S. Truett Cathy Honoree distinction and the largest True Inspiration Awards grant.

The grant will help Faith Kitchen continue serving three meals a day, expand job training programs and increase operational capacity to meet growing demand, reaching over 5,000 people annually.
Far-left 'Squad' members were close to tears as their heckles were drowned out by chants of 'U-S-A' at Donald Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday.

Democratic representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib were almost overcome with emotion as the President hammered what he called 'Somali pirates who ransack Minnesota.'

The pair began screaming, calling Trump a 'liar' and claiming that he had American blood on his hands following the deadly immigration crackdown in the state.

But they were quickly drowned out by the President's Republican majority who took to their feet and started chanting: 'U-S-A, U-S-A.'

Trump said: 'When it comes to the corruption that is plundering America, there has been no more stunning example than Minnesota - where members of the Somali community have pillaged an estimated $19 billion from the American taxpayer.'

The President said the welfare fraud 'reminds us that there are large parts of the world where bribery, corruption and lawlessness are the norm, not the exception.'

He warned that 'importing these cultures through unrestricted immigration and open borders brings those problems right here to the USA.'

Cameras panned to a distraught Omar - who is Somali and represents Minnesota - as Trump tore into the compatriots in her home state who have become enemy number one in his immigration crackdown.

Far-left members of the Squad looked close to tears as their heckles were drowned out by chants of USA during Donald Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday

Democratic representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib broke out into furious yelling as Trump ripped into Somali fraud in Minnesota

Republican members of Congress applaud President Donald Trump as Democrats remain seated

Omar yelled abuse about Trump's immigration crackdown, including: 'You have killed Americans'

Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) (R) and Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) shout during U.S. President Donald Trump's State of the Union address during a Joint Session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on February 24

US Representatives Ilhan Omar, Democrat from Minnesota, and Rashida Tlaib, Democrat from Michigan, shout as President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on Tuesday

Omar screams at the President on Tuesday during the State of the Union address

Omar and Tlaib yelled abuse at Trump's immigration enforcement, which was scaled back earlier this month after federal agents killed two protesters.

'You have killed Americans,' the Democratic pair screeched as the House descended into anarchy.

The President turned his fury on the women, branding them a 'disgrace' and telling the pair: 'You should be ashamed.'

Republican lawmakers took that as an invitation, and their entire side of the House Chamber was quickly on its feet chanting: 'U-S-A, U-S-A.'

Trump's speech had been beset by protests before it even got underway.

Texas Democrat Al Green was ejected after brandishing a placard reading: 'Black people aren't apes.'

Green's placard referenced a recent Trump social media post featuring an AI video depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as primates.

Trump kept walking as GOP Senators Markwayne Mullin and Roger Marshall moved swiftly to stand in front of Green, blocking his sign from view.

Join the debate Do YOU agree with lawmakers protesting during the State of the Union?

U.S. Rep. Al Green holds a sign which reads, 'Black people aren't apes' as Donald Trump arrives to deliver the State of the Union address on Tuesday

Republican lawmakers surround Al Green as he holds a sign protesting the president

Green is ushered out of the House Chamber holding his incendiary sign

Republican lawmakers swat down Green's placard

Green engages in a tug of war with furious Republicans trying to snatch his sign

The speech came as Trump faces his lowest approval ratings, with the economy and his immigration crackdown topping voter grievance lists.

Trump's speech focused on domestic accomplishments from his first year in office, including a ratepayer pledge to keep energy prices down amid soaring costs driven by AI data centers.

The President also touted his TrumpRx initiative to deliver affordable pharmaceuticals to American families.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has expressed sympathy for Anthony Albanese after a bomb threat saw him and wife Jodie Haydon evacuated from The Lodge.

Australian Federal Police moved the high-profile couple to a secure location around 6pm on Tuesday as they searched the residence, which was later deemed safe.

It has been revealed that the threats made against the Prime Minister were linked to the upcoming Australian tour of Shen Yun Performing Arts, a New York-based classical Chinese dance company long-targeted by Beijing.

The bomb threats were included in a sinister email campaign that targeted the Prime Minister and several senior officials, with one message warning the 'Lodge will be blown into ruins where blood flows like a river'.

Hanson on Wednesday said she was 'shocked' to learn of the evacuation, adding that only 'a threat against his life' could explain such an operation.

'I feel for the Prime Minister and his family to have to go through that. It's not a nice feeling,' she said in a video shared to X.

'I know, because I've been there myself. In 1997 and 1998, I had threats against my life, and I had Federal Police protection with me 24/7 for 18 months.'

She added her children were also evacuated from school due to similar threats.

Pauline Hanson (pictured) has called for calm following the bomb scare at The Lodge

Australian Federal Police moved Albanese and his wife Jodie Haydon to a secure location around 6pm on Tuesday as they searched the residence, which was later deemed safe

'My children have had to go through it as well,' the politician added.

Hanson then used the incident to lament the state of Australia's political climate.

'This is Australia, it's not the Middle East. What have we come to?' she said, calling for calm in the face of the violent threats.

'We may not like your policies, you may not like mine, you may not like the Prime Minister's and the way the country's headed.

'But you don't do it with violence, not against members of parliament.'

Hanson said that she understood why Australians felt frustrated.

'It's not just about politics. It's a lot to do with even the family law courts,' she said.

'People don't feel they're being heard, listened to, the cost of living, job security, owning your own home,' she said. 'All these issues. I know. I get it.'

The Lodge (pictured) is Anthony Albanese's official residence in Canberra

Albanese (pictured) was evacuated from The Lodge on Tuesday night due a bomb threat

But she was clear that anger cannot justify threats or intimidation.

'Violence is not the way to go,' she said. 'Let's work towards a country that we feel safe in. And let's get members of parliament that are prepared to speak up and represent you - but you do that at the ballot box, not with threats.'

Opposition figures have also thrown their support behind the Prime Minister.

'Pleased to hear that the Prime Minister is safe and well after being evacuated from his residence in Canberra,' Opposition Leader Angus Taylor said on Tuesday night.

'Threats against any parliamentarian are utterly abhorrent, especially in a country built on expressing our differences through debate.'

Deputy Liberal Leader Jane Hume echoed his remarks.

'This is a country built on civilised debate... not through violence or threats,' she told Sky News on Wednesday.

In the days leading up to Shen Yun's Wednesday opening, performers reportedly received a stream of threatening emails demanding cancellation of the event.
Ivanka Trump appeared to form a newfound 'power duo' with younger brother Barron at the State of the Union address, a body language expert has claimed.

The President's nearly two-hour speech was a rare moment when all five of Trump's children united behind their father as he listed his second-term accomplishments.

Body language expert Judi James noticed in particular how often Trump's eldest daughter and younger son created a 'new dynamic that looked emphatically performed enough to be meaningful.

'Barron and Ivanka seemed to have formed a new sibling power couple, sitting side by side, with Barron looking watchful and serious while Ivanka chatted to him until they were engaged together in some ongoing conversation,' James said.

Ivanka also drew James' focus in her interactions with the First Lady, noting that they 'have history in terms of being accused of frostiness.'

However, James believed that Ivanka was 'waiting' for stepmother Melania Trump to acknowledge her.

'Ivanka's eye direction showed she was watching Melania in the expectation of a greeting or interaction,' she said.

According to James, Melania turned to those behind her first before pivoting to Ivanka.

Ivanka Trump appeared to form a newfound 'power duo' with younger brother Barron at the State of the Union address, a body language expert has claimed

Ivanka was 'waiting' for stepmother Melania Trump to acknowledge her, Judi James said

'She suddenly and very deliberately leaned her head to greet Ivanka, again with a display of warmth that looked deliberately and emphatically performed.'

James said that Melania, upon arrival, 'looked prepared to do business rather than add the Hollywood-style glamour of last year.'

Her most prominent gesture was raising he hand in a hail motion while walking down the stairs, before 'leaning to grab Barron's arm when she arrived at her seat and proffering a cheek as she bent to kiss it.'

Ivanka posted a photo of herself alongside single Barron, brothers Don Jr and Eric and sister Tiffany.

'State of the Union. Here we go!' she wrote.

Melania looked effortlessly chic at the State of the Union alongside President Donald Trump.

The 55-year-old stepped out hand in hand with her husband ahead of his address in Washington, DC, on Tuesday night.

She shunned fashion critics by opting for a gray Dolce & Gabbana tailored power suit, paired with a crisp white collared shirt.

Join the debate Did Ivanka and Barron look like a new Trump power duo?

The President's nearly two-hour speech was a rare moment for all five of Trump's children to unite behind their father as he stated his second-term accomplishments

Don Jr, Eric, Ivanka and Barron at the State of the Union address in Washington, DC, last night

The First Lady accessorized with a pair of small stud earrings, a thin black leather belt and pointed-toe heels.

She wore her honey tresses in loose curls that were swept back over her shoulders. Melania has long been a fan of tailored suits.

President Trump was joined at the event by his children - Don Jr, Ivanka, Eric, Tiffany and Barron - as the family put on a united front for the event.

He previously teased his State of the Union address on Monday by telling a White House audience it would be lengthy.

'It's going to be a long speech because we have so much to talk about,' he previewed to reporters, touting the 'greatest economy we've ever had.'

The economy is the number one concern of voters, with 48 percent saying it has declined since the Republican took office one year ago, according to a new ABC/Ipsos poll released this week.

And 60 percent disapprove of the president's overall job.

Trump exploded at Democratic congressmen for refusing to stand up in support of protecting American citizens from illegal alien criminal activity.

'Stand up if you agree with this statement: The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens - not illegal aliens,' he said, as several Dems sat firmly in their seats.

At least 70 Democrats boycotted Trump's State of the Union by attending counter-programming or protesting at the National Mall. Others have unleashed a sabotage plot to stage walk-outs during Trump's speech as he prepares to reset his agenda.

During his speech, Trump also addressed his policies to supercharge the US economy, as well as the rewiring of global trade and tax cuts.

Earlier, the President warned that his speech would be lengthy as he argued that the country is strong, prosperous and respected as it enters its 250th year.

'It's going to be a long speech because we have so much to talk about,' Trump said on Monday.
Donald Trump revealed the 'secret words' he needs to hear from Iran if they are to avoid all-out war during his State of the Union address Tuesday.

The president told lawmakers that Iran's leadership must vow never to pursue a nuclear bomb, a demand he claimed was essential for Middle East security.

Trump pointed to Iran's deadly crackdown on anti-regime protesters as evidence of the regime's brutality.

He also boasted that US strikes last summer wiped out Tehran's uranium enrichment capabilities during the 12-day war with Israel.

The President then revealed the key to holding off a war.

'We are in negotiations with them. They want to make a deal, but we haven't heard those secret words: "We will never have a nuclear weapon."'

'My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy,' Trump added as lawmakers applauded. 'But one thing is certain I will never allow the world's number one sponsor of terror to which they are by far to have a nuclear weapon. Can't let that happen.'

Trump in recent weeks has amassed the largest US military force in the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Trump said Iranian officials must promise to never pursue a nuclear weapon to avoid a war

Speculation has grown over whether Trump will launch a limited strike on Iran's nuclear facilities or pursue a broader military operation aimed at toppling the regime

The president told lawmakers during Tuesday night's State of the Union that Iran's leadership must vow never to pursue a nuclear bomb

Diplomatic negotiations led by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are currently ongoing with Iranian envoys.

Both countries are expected to meet again on Thursday to secure a deal that avoids further escalation in the region.

Speculation has grown over whether Trump will launch a limited strike on Iran's nuclear facilities or pursue a broader military operation aimed at toppling the regime.

Reports indicate the president is hesitant to authorize a full-scale strike because the Pentagon has not provided sufficient assurances about the operation's likelihood of success.

Middle Eastern allies, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, are urging the White House to pursue diplomacy rather than a force over fears it could lead to a wider regional war.

'They've already developed missiles that can threaten Europe and our bases overseas and they're working to build missiles that will soon reach the United States of America,' Trump added during his Tuesday night speech.

Trump in recent weeks has amassed the largest military build-up off the coast of Iran since the 2003 invasion of Iraq

'After midnight hammer, they were warned to make no future attempts to rebuild their weapons program in a particular nuclear weapons. Yet they continue. They're starting it all over.'

Israeli officials have said their government would support the US in a joint military operation if Trump decides to neutralize the ayatollah.

Some within the president's inner circle such as Vice President JD Vance have also reportedly advised Trump to avoid a military strike.
President Donald Trump featured American heroes young and old in the Congressional chamber during his State of the Union speech.

This will be a year to celebrate our country and kept it free, Trump said, referring to Americas 250th birthday celebrations throughout 2026.

Retired United States Navy Captain E. Royce Williams, 100, was awarded the Medal of Honor by First Lady Melania Trump for his valor during a secret mission in Korea.

Williams fought seven Soviet MiG fighter jets, and shot down four during an intense aerial dogfight in 1952.

'Despite being massively outnumbered and outgunned Royce led the takedown of four enemy jets ... vanquishing his adversaries while taking 263 bullets to his own plane and being seriously hurt,' Trump said.

The records of the event were kept classified, as the involvement from the Soviet Union in the war was top secret.

The president also honored Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover who received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions as a pilot in the recent military action in Venezuela.

Royce Williams, a 100-year-old Navy aviator and Korean War veteran, is given the Congressional Medal of Honor by U.S. First lady Melania Trump

The House of Representatives stood for a rare moment of unity as Williams was given the nation's highest military honor

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover receives a Medal of Honor during President Donald Trump's State of the Union address

Slover piloted a Chinook helicopter during the high risk mission and was shot four times in the leg and hip, but maintained control of his aircraft preserving the lives on board.

The success of the entire mission and the lives of his fellow warriors hinged on Erics ability to take searing pain, Trump said.

The president honored him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom during his speech.

National Guard Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe receives a Purple Heart during U.S. President Donald Trump's State of the Union address

Gary and Evalea Beckstrom, parents of killed National Guard and Army Sp Sarah Beckstrom ,receive a posthumous Purple Heart during U.S. President Donald Trump's State of the Union address

The president also awarded National Guard Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe who was shot and critically wounded while on duty in Washington, DC in November, a day before Thanksgiving.

National Guard and Army Sp Sarah Beckstrom was killed in the attack and the president presented her parents Gary and Evalea Beckstrom with a posthumous purple heart medal for their daughter.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, an Afghan national was charged for the ambush-style shooting of Wolfe and Beckstrom.

U. S. Navy Capt. George 'Buddy' Taggart is recognized by the president for his service

Coast Guard Petty Officer Scott Ruskan is awarded the Legion of Merit as President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address

President Trump also recognized U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Scott Ruskan who helped rescue more than 169 people during the horrific Texas floods over the Fourth of July weekend in 2025.

The president awarded Ruskan with the Legion of Merit, as Millie Kate McClemand, one of the young girls he rescued that day stood next to him.

Trump also recognized World War II veteran George Buddy Taggart.

He is looking forward to July 4th, 2026, his 100th birthday, he said as the veteran stood up and saluted the president.
The family of accused Bondi Beach gunman Naveed Akram was making their first visit to Australia's most secure jail when the trip was cancelled due to suspicious items found in a car.

Officers from the elite Security Operations Group of Corrective Services NSW allegedly found a serrated knife and handwritten notes in the vehicle at Goulburn Correctional Centre last Saturday.

The notes were initially deemed 'suspected extremist material' and handed to police as the family's visit to their 24-year-old relative in the prison complex's Supermax unit was called off.

Akram's brother Adam claimed the notes were part of a 'fictitious' murder story he was working on and police decided they were not religiously motivated, according to the Daily Telegraph.

The Daily Mail can reveal the canned jail visit was the first Akram's family had attempted since he was arrested after the Bondi massacre more than two months ago.

His mother, grandmother and siblings all had to undergo extreme security vetting before they were approved by the Corrective Services Commissioner Gary McCahon.

That process included not only criminal record checks but screening of any intelligence reports that might be held about anyone visiting a Supermax inmate.

Radio 2GB breakfast host Ben Fordham first revealed on Wednesday morning that notes and a small fruit knife had been found in the Akram car.

The family of accused Bondi Beach gunman Naveed Akram (above) was making their first visit to Australia's most secure jail when the trip was cancelled due to suspicious items found in a car

Security within Goulburn's Supermax jail is extreme and all visitors must be carefully vetted. A full-body scanner is among the high-tech equipment inside its walls

'We have been told, and we've had it confirmed that the items did not meet any extremist threshold,' Fordham told listeners.

'(We) can confirm right now that the planned visit was cancelled as a result.'

Akram was moved from Long Bay jail hospital to what is officially known as the High Risk Management Correctional Centre on January 5.

His first visitor after the December 14 atrocity was Muslim chaplain Ahmed Kilani, who spoke to him for 10 to 15 minutes at Long Bay.

The Daily Mail previously revealed their conversation was recorded on a body-worn camera operated by a Corrective Services officer who monitored the exchange.

As well as being allowed to speak with a chaplain, Akram was granted his request for a copy of the Koran.

That recording was made at the direction of the prison hospital's security manager and will be provided to NSW Police and other intelligence agencies.

Akram's 50-year-old father Sajid Akram was shot dead by police after he and his son allegedly opened fire on Jews celebrating the first night of Hanukkah.

Supermax, on the NSW Southern Tablelands 200km south-west of Sydney, sits within the Goulburn Correctional Complex and currently houses about 100 inmates

Akram (above) is being kept in Area 1, the original part of Supermax which opened in September 2001 and for the past 25 years has been home to the state's most dangerous felons

The mass shooting - the worst in Australia since 35 people were killed in the 1996 Port Arthur massacre - is being treated as a terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State.

Akram is facing 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder and 40 counts of wounding with intent to murder.

He is also charged with discharging a firearm in public, causing a public display of a prohibited terrorist symbol and placing an explosive in or near a building with intent to cause harm.

Supermax, on the NSW Southern Tablelands 200km south-west of Sydney, sits within the Goulburn Correctional Complex and currently houses about 100 inmates.

Akram already has the highest AA security classification and may be considered for an additional Extreme High Risk Restricted or National Security Interest designation.

He is being kept in Area 1, the original part of Supermax which opened in September 2001 and for the past 25 years has been home to the state's most dangerous felons.

Visitors to Supermax undergo extreme vetting, including a full criminal background check before being allowed inside its gates.

Prisoners in Supermax do not have access to the electronic tablets inmates in other jails can use to contact loved ones from their cells.

When permitted to make a call, Akram will be escorted to a telephone inside a cage and the call will be monitored, except for legal consultations.

He is yet to enter pleas and his case is due for a brief mention on April 8.
Erika Kirk was seen embracing the mother of a Ukrainian woman who was slain by a career criminal on a train in North Carolina at the State of the Union address on Tuesday.

The President spoke about his efforts to make the United States safer when he brought up Iryna Zarutska's shocking murder on board a packed Charlotte light rail train in August.

'We are honored to be joined tonight by a woman who's been through hell,' Donald Trump said as he introduced Zarutska's mother, Anna, and told how their family fled war-torn Ukraine to live with relatives near Charlotte.

He then decried how a 'deranged monster who had been arrested over a dozen times and released through cash bail stood up and viciously slashed a knife through [Iryna's] neck and body.

'No one will ever forget there were people on that train,' Trump said. 'No one will ever forget the expression of terror on Iryna's face as she looked up at her attacker at the last seconds of her life - she died instantly.'

'She had escaped a brutal war only to be slain by a hardened criminal, set free to kill,' he continued, before addressing Anna directly.

'Mrs Zarutska, tonight I promise you we will ensure justice for your magnificent daughter, Iryna.'

As the President spoke, Anna was seen bawling into a tissue, as Erika put her hand on the distraught mother's shoulder and was seen telling her something directly.

Erika Kirk was seen embracing Anna Zarutska, the mother of Iryna Zarutska, who was killed by a career criminal on a North Carolina train in August

Erika was seen putting her hand on the distraught mother's shoulder as she bawled into a tissue as the President spoke about the murder at the State of the Union address

Zarutska, 23, was killed on a Lynx Blue Line train in Charlotte on August 22

The Trump administration has long condemned the senseless attack and the fact that the man accused of stabbing her, Decarlos Brown Jr, had been released after a misdemeanor charge months before the crime.

He had spent most of his life in and out of prison, serving five years behind bars for an armed robbery with a dangerous weapon in 2015.

Brown was then released in September 2020 and went right back to his old ways.

His most recent arrest before Iryna's murder came on January 19 last year, when he was taken into custody for 'misuse of the 911 system' but was released without bail.

The career criminal was then caught on surveillance footage onboard a Lynx Blue Line train in Charlotte on August 22, watching Iryna for some time as she sat in the row directly in front of him, before taking what appeared to be a blade from his pocket.

Brown then stood up and loomed over the 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, swinging the knife at her as she sat on her phone.

As he exited the train, Brown left behind a trail of blood, though other passengers did not seem to realize the murder that occurred in front of them.

Video then showed Zarutska curled up with her knees against her chest and her hands over her mouth while she looked up at her attacker. About 15 seconds later, she fell to the floor.

At that point, passengers started making frantic phone calls to police. Bystanders were seen trying to stop the bleeding by putting pressure on her wounds.

The man accused of murdering Iryna, Decarlos Brown Jr, had spent most of his life in and out of prison, serving five years behind bars for an armed robbery with a dangerous weapon

He was seen on surveillance footage standing up and looming over the 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, swinging the knife at her as she sat on her phone

Brown has since been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of violence against a railroad carrier and mass transportation system resulting in death last month.

The indictment notes that he could be eligible for the death penalty, based on his prior conviction in 2015 for robbery with a dangerous weapon.

He is also facing a first-degree murder charge at the state level.

Both crimes can now be punished with life in prison or the death penalty, after North Carolina Governor Josh Stein signed a bill into law reinstating the use of the death penalty in the state.

There had previously been a moratorium on the death penalty in North Carolina since the early 2000s.

The new law, entitled Iryna's Law, also aimed to end cashless bail and expedite death penalty cases in the Tarheel State.

In the meantime, Brown remains behind bars as he awaits trial.

Trump vowed to get justice for Zarutska's murder at the State of the Union on Tuesday. Members of the gallery are seen applauding Anna as the President spoke

As the nation was still reeling from the young woman's murder in early September, conservative commentator Charlie Kirk paid tribute to Zarutska in one of his final posts

Kirk was then killed by a gunman at Utah Valley University, leaving Erika as a widow

But as the nation was still reeling from the young woman's murder in early September, Charlie Kirk paid tribute to Zarutska.

'America will never be the same,' the conservative commentator wrote in one of his final tweets, sharing a photo of the woman hunched over in her seat on the train while Brown loomed over her.

It came just hours before Kirk was gunned down at Utah Valley University - another incident the President brought up on Tuesday as he introduced Erika.

'Last year, Charlie was violently murdered by an assassin and martyred, really martyred for his beliefs,' Trump said before turning his attention to Erika, whom he and Republican members of the House of Representatives applauded.

People in the galley could then be heard chanting Kirk's name as Erika stood next to Anna.

Once the cheers died down, Trump noted that Erika had 'been through a lot' as he thanked her for attending the speech.

'In Charlie's memory, we must all come together to reaffirm that America is one nation under God, and we must totally reject political violence of any kind,' he then declared, prompting members of both political parties to give a standing ovation.
The Barefoot Investor, Scott Pape, has shared an odd piece of advice to a mother debating whether she should allow her teenage son to invest in cryptocurrency.

Chloe said that her 17-year-old son had been pestering her to use $1,000 of money, which she had saved for him, in a centralised crypto exchange called BioFin.

The mother wrote to Pape's column, published in the Herald Sun on Tuesday, to hear his take on the controversial investment.

Chloe explained she offered a compromise to her son, which was that if he got a job during the school holidays, she would agree that he could use whatever money he made to invest on the platform.

However, the teenager then accused his mother of 'holding him back' by keeping the $1,000 from him, which he argued could increase in value via the crypto punt.

'He might be right - I don't understand crypto-style platforms, but I do understand working, saving and not gambling money at 17,' Chloe wrote.

The mother admitted she feels 'behind' and asked if she was 'being overcautious' by refusing to hand over her hard-earned savings.

'So how do you guide a teenage boy who thinks the internet knows more than his mum?' she wrote.

Scott Pape urged a mother to allow her teenage son to invest in cryptocurrency, so long as he did so with money he earned himself

Pape highlighted that while it's likely the 17-year-old would lose his money, it's a cheap lesson 'compared to what he'll lose later in life if he never learns it'

In his column the financial guru has regularly highlighted young Australians' issues with gambling and the devastating toll addiction can have on loved ones, but he took a surprising approach to Chloe's question.

'Let him lose it,' he told her, but only if it was money he'd earned himself, otherwise he would not learn anything.

'He's 17. He's bulletproof. He could lose the entire $1000 (given to him) and still not admit you were right,' Pape wrote.

Pape recalled investing in a 'special situations' managed fund when he was younger than Chloe's son and losing all his cash.

It was a hard lesson to learn, Pape said, but he believed it taught him more about risk and hype than any second-hand experience could have.

'Tell him he can invest the $1000 in BloFin  but I agree with you, only if he earns it first with a school holiday job. If he won't work for it, he doesn't get to risk it. Simple,' Pape wrote.

'If he earns it and loses it? That's an expensive lesson. But it's a cheap one compared to what he'll lose later in life if he never learns it.

'The goal isn't to protect your kids from making mistakes, it's to make sure the mistakes happen while the stakes are still small!'
Donald Trump's nearly two-hour-long State of the Union address appeared to go on too long for a pair of Democrats.

Tom Suozzi, 63, of New York and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, 59, of Florida both looked like they were falling asleep as Trump's speech went along Tuesday night.

Suozzi's moment came just prior to Trump's showstopping moment where he tried to get Democrats to give a standing ovation for the notion that 'the first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens  not illegal aliens.'

The Long Island Democrat - who recently told supporters that he 'failed' by voting for ICE funding - has his head in his hands and appears close to nodding off.

Even as Suozzi clearly opens his eyes, he cannot remove his pained face from his hand.

Suozzi did not appear interested in denying his tiring out at listening to Trump's speech in a social media post.

'I have always had a hard time staying awake watching reruns,' he said, captioning a photo of him from the address.

As the president was slamming predecessor Joe Biden and the Democrat Party for open borders policies and having 'drained the wealth out of hardworking people,' Wasserman Schultz appears to scratch at her eyes.

Donald Trump's nearly two hour long State of the Union address appeared to go on too long for a pair of Democrats, including New York Congressman Tom Suozzi (pictured)

Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, 59, of Florida also looked like she was falling asleep as Trump's speech went along Tuesday night

She then looks downwards and fiddles with her hands as Trump called out 'Biden and his corrupt partners in Congress.'

Wasserman Schultz didn't directly reference her fatigue but referred to the speech as a 'revolting 2-hr awards show - with lies for commercial breaks.'

'He mocked the sky high healthcare, home insurance and small biz costs most Americans like my SOTU guest face. Life is more expensive than ever. And Americans deserve better. I will fight for them 24/7.'

The Daily Mail has reached out to the White House and Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz for comment.

Trump delivered a State of the Union address for the ages Tuesday night, a two-hour spectacle of standing ovations, an ejected Democrat and a presidential broadside against his own Supreme Court justices.

He walked into the House Chamber to cheers, whistles and attempted selfies from lawmakers before taking the podium to signal an aggressive new phase of his presidency.

'Our nation is back, bigger, stronger and better than before,' Trump started as cheers rang out from his Republican allies. 'This is the golden age of America.'

Before he could even begin, proceedings devolved into anarchy as Democrat Al Green was bounced from the chamber for holding up a racially-charged sign.

Trump delivered a State of the Union address for the ages Tuesday night, a two-hour spectacle of standing ovations, an ejected Democrat and a presidential broadside against his own Supreme Court justices

The Squad progressives piled on, with Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib calling him a 'murderer' after ICE agents killed two protestors in recent months.

Trump refused to back down, instead snapping back at the 'crazy' liberals and leaning into the signature 'America First' pillars that returned him to power.

Those included praising ICE raids across the country, touting the economy and slamming the Supreme Court decision striking down his signature tariffs.

'After just one year, I can say with dignity and pride that we have achieved a transformation like no one has ever seen before. A turnaround for the ages,' Trump remarked.

He also revealed the exact 'secret' words he needs to hear from Tehran to pull back from the brink of war: 'We will never have a nuclear weapon.'

First Lady Melania Trump was joined by her son Barron, 19, in a surprise public appearance as the President's other adult children gathered to watch their father in a display of unity and support.

Top Cabinet members including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent cheered his biggest accomplishments over the last 13 months.
A 38-year-old man who was abducted by a group of five was subjected to 'horrific' torture including force-feeding, sexual assault and being threatened with dogs.

The group of five have been sentenced to a collective 36 years in prison after abducting the man and putting him through prolonged abuse.

His neighbour rang the police on April 26 last year, alerting them that he had been kidnapped by two or three men wearing balaclavas.

The man was then taken to an address in Reigate, Surrey, where he was blindfolded and force-fed, Surrey Police said.

Two dogs at the property were also agitated to make him fearful that they would attack him.

The victim was then taken to an address in Farnborough, Hampshire, where he was subjected to a prolonged assault and sexual assault.

The following day, the man's brother received a number of calls making demands to secure his release.

But, at around 4.30pm the same day, officers from Hampshire Constabulary located the victim and arrested Reece Armstrong, Tarelle Thompson, Lorna Swyer, and Levi Burton. Further investigation identified Sebastian Love as making the demand calls, and he was subsequently arrested and charged.

Tarelle Thompson, 28, from Croydon, (left) was sentenced to nine years imprisonment and five years on licence. Reece Armstrong, 30, (right) from Staines-upon-Thames, was sentenced to nine years imprisonment consecutive to an unrelated sentence of five years that was imposed in July 2025.

Lorna Swyer, 21, of Dorking, (left) was given three years and four months imprisonment. Sebastian Love, 21, from Merton, (right) was handed three years and four months imprisonment

Levi Burton, 31, from Leatherhead, received 12 years imprisonment and five years on license and will be on the Sex Offenders Register for life

They were all sentenced on February 20 at Guildford Crown Court following a six-week trial in December 2025.

Armstrong, 30, from Staines-upon-Thames, was found guilty of conspiracy to kidnap, Section 18 assault occasioning grievous bodily harm with intent and two counts of possession of an offensive weapon.

He was sentenced to nine years imprisonment consecutive to an unrelated sentence of five years that was imposed in July 2025.

Thompson, 28, from Croydon, was found guilty of conspiracy to kidnap and possession of an offensive weapon and sentenced to nine years imprisonment and five years on licence.

Swyer, 21, of Dorking, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to kidnap and common assault and was given three years and four months imprisonment.

Love, 21, from Merton, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to kidnap and was handed three years and four months imprisonment.

Burton, 31, from Leatherhead, was found guilty of sexual assault following the trial and he had already pleaded guilty to conspiracy to kidnap, false imprisonment and assaulting a police officer.

He was sentenced on February 23 and received 12 years imprisonment and five years on licence and will be on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey, said: 'As soon as we became aware that a kidnap had taken place, officers worked at pace to locate the victim as quickly as possible.

'He was located the day after he'd been kidnapped, and had been subjected to what amounted to torture at the hands of Armstrong, Burton, Love, Swyer and Thompson.

'No one should have to endure the ordeal they had put him through and the sentencing today has ensured they will spend a long time in prison, where they belong.'
The Tourette's campaigner who shouted out the N-word at the Bafta Film Awards has questioned why a microphone was placed so near him in the auditorium.

John Davidson yelled the slur as the Sinners stars Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting the award for special visual effects at London's Royal Festival Hall.

The Hollywood stars looked shocked but the word remained in the BBC's broadcast which aired with a two-hour delay on Sunday before being uploaded to iPlayer.

Mr Davidson left the theatre soon after but said producers should have done more to stop any of his tics making the broadcast, given he was 40 rows back from the stage.

He had been at the Baftas representing the film, I Swear, which tells the story of the Scottish campaigner's life with the condition, which he developed when he was 12.

Reflecting on the incident in a new interview with Variety yesterday, Mr Davidson said the movie's distributors StudioCanal had been 'working closely with Bafta, and Bafta had made us all aware that any swearing would be edited out of the broadcast'.

He added: 'I have made four documentaries with the BBC in the past, and feel that they should have been aware of what to expect from Tourette's and worked harder to prevent anything that I said - which, after all, was some 40 rows back from the stage - from being included in the broadcast.

'As I reflect on the auditorium, I remember there was a microphone just in front of me, and with hindsight I have to question whether this was wise, so close to where I was seated, knowing I would tic.'

John Davidson at the Bafta Film Awards at the Royal Festival Hall in London on Sunday

Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo present the Special Visual Effects Award on stage during the Bafta Film Awards at the Royal Festival Hall on Sunday, when the slur was shouted out

He also said the backlash he has received shows the 'importance of people seeing the film and understanding more about an incredibly complex neurological condition'.

Mr Davidson continued: 'I had an expectation that the BBC would physically control the sound at the awards on Sunday. I was so far from the stage.

'From the lack of response from the early presenters to my tics, and with no one turning around to look at me, I assumed, like everyone else, that I could not be heard on the stage.

'The only time I became aware that my tic had reached the stage was when Delroy and Michael B Jordan appeared to look up from their role as presenters, and soon after that I decided to leave the auditorium.

'As always, I felt a wave of shame and embarrassment hit me all at once. You want the floor to swallow you up. I wanted to disappear.'

Mr Davidson further revealed he also called host Alan Cumming a 'paedophile' during the broadcast.

He said that at first his tics were 'noises and movements, but the more nervous I got, the more my tics ramped up'.

Mr Davidson added that as his coprolalia, which causes involuntary swearing and inappropriate language, came out, 'my stomach just dropped'.

He previously said in a statement that he was 'deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning'.

The BBC has apologised for not editing out the N-word, while senior executive Kate Phillips told staff in an email that she was 'so very sorry' and the corporation understands 'how distressing' it was.

Coprolalia makes Mr Davidson involuntarily say socially inappropriate words or phrases, including when he famously shouted 'f*** the Queen' at Elizabeth II when he was awarded his MBE in 2019.

And when his car was being searched by police on entry to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, Mr Davidson involuntarily yelled: 'A bomb! I've got a f***ing bomb!'

Meanwhile Labour MP Dawn Butler has accused the BBC of 'an obvious bias' and a 'failure of duty of care'.

The MP for Brent Central said the slur 'should never have been aired' and described its broadcast as 'painful and unforgivable'.

She has also written to outgoing director-general Tim Davie asking for an explanation on why it was left in.

It is understood people from Warner Bros, the film studio behind Sinners, spoke directly with Bafta staff following the incident during the ceremony and requested it be removed from the broadcast.

Warner Bros representatives are said to have been reassured this request would be passed on and Bafta was in touch with the studio throughout the evening.

Warner Bros, the BBC, production company Penny Lane and Bafta have been contacted for comment.

Bafta judge Jonte Richardson is stepping down over the academy's handling of the incident

The film I Swear stars Robert Aramayo as John Davidson. The actor was named EE Rising Star

Meanwhile, film-maker Jonte Richardson said he was stepping down as a Bafta judge over the academy's handling of the incident.

In a statement on LinkedIn, Richardson said he felt 'compelled to withdraw from the Bafta emerging talent judging panel'.

During the broadcast, the awards ceremony's presenter Cumming apologised for the language viewers may have heard.

Bafta apologised for the incident on Monday night and said it takes 'full responsibility' for putting its guests in a 'difficult situation'.

Bafta also apologised 'unreservedly' to Jordan and Lindo, and 'to all those impacted', adding: 'We would like to thank Michael and Delroy for their incredible dignity and professionalism.'

I Swear stars Robert Aramayo, who won best actor for his performance in the film, which also won best casting. He was also named EE Rising Star.

Mr Davidson's lifelong friend and former girlfriend Susan Gibson has defended him, saying: 'With his Tourette's, it is totally involuntary. He will come out and shout things that you are not meant to say.

'I have had John in my life for many a year and I think this has taken the light away from the many achievements that he has already had. For someone to make this about the N-word is wrong.

'Yes of course it is not a nice word. I think it has been taken out of proportion and the BBC should hold themselves responsible for their role in this.

'It should have been taken out before it went out on the air and this situation would not have been as bad for John.'

Ms Gibson added: 'I recall a time once when John was beaten up for calling someone a sl*t. The girl wasn't a sl*t, he knew that, but he couldn't help what he had said, and he was beaten up so badly that he ended up in hospital.'

Mr Davidson's sister Sylvia McGill added her support both for her brother and Aramayo.

She said: 'It is raw for John and raw for all of us. It has also taken away from Robert slightly and he deserved it to be about him that night.'

Yesterday, the Telegraph's senior culture writer Liam Kelly revealed I Swear director Kirk Jones said he had 'lengthy meetings' with Bafta before the ceremony.

Recalling their chat on February 13, Mr Kelly wrote today: 'When we spoke in a Bristol cafe nine days beforehand, Jones told me that there had been 'lengthy meetings with Bafta' about making sure that Davidson would feel comfortable on Sunday night.

'If I Swear had won the outstanding British film award (which ended up going to Hamnet), Jones would have collected the statuette with Davidson. I asked what would happen if he experienced a tic on stage, in front of millions.'

The journalist said Mr Jones replied: 'I did ask that question. I said, 'What if he sees Leonardo DiCaprio and he shouts 'You c**t!' or something?' I think it's an hour delay. But it could be an interesting night.'
Working from home boosts women's fertility, a new report has claimed - prompting calls to let employees skip the office to fix Britain's falling birth rate.

A working paper authored by academics from King's College London and Stanford University estimates that lifetime fertility rises by an average of 0.32 children per woman when both partners work from home at least once a week.

In the US, the increase can be as much as 0.5 children per woman. Similarly, men who at least partially work from home are statistically more likely to have children - more so if their partner does the same.

In all, it suggests, working from home could be contributing to as much as eight per cent of births in the United States.

The 52-page paper, drawing on data from surveys of working arrangements around the world, concludes that flexible working arrangements make family planning easier by, for example, removing the need to arrange childcare.

'Combined with the evidence presented in this paper and other studies, we conclude that WFH makes it easier to balance career and family, which may be why it has positive effects on fertility rates,' the paper states.

'For societies faced with undesirably low birth rates, WFH can thus yield societal benefits that go beyond any direct benefits to employees and employers.'

Dr Cevat Giray Aksoy, a lecturer in economics at King's and an author of the paper, claims that allowing hybrid working would be a more straightforward way of boosting births than government interventions such as tax incentives.

Working from home boosts fertility rates, according to a new study based on surveys of workers across the globe

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As well as making childcare arrangements easier, he believes the financial savings made by cutting out work-associated costs are also an incentive.

'Financially, if you work from home two or three days a week, you save quite a bit of money. When you work from home, all the childcare-related duties become much easier because you have a lot of flexibility around your schedule,' he said.

The report suggests that the UK is a standout example of a country where WFH is common - and that applying its prevalence of home working to other countries where it is lower could see them enjoy a baby boom.

In countries where birth rates are even lower, such as in Japan and South Korea, fertility rates could grow by more than four per cent.

However, he has stressed that this does not mean employees should be allowed to work from home all the time.

'It is a very low-cost policy for countries, including the UK, to expand remote work opportunities for people,' he added in the interview with the Telegraph.

'That doesn't necessarily mean that people should work 100 per cent from home. But if hybrid work becomes the norm, it will have positive effects on fertility outcomes.'

The UK's fertility rate dropped to a record low of 1.41 children per woman in 2024 - more than half the peak of 2.93 children in 1964 and below the 'replacement-level' rate needed to maintain a stable population of 2.1.

Birth rates have been in decline since the late 1960s, rising slightly in the late 2000s before dropping again throughout the 2010s and into the 2020s.

A landmark UN report published last summer suggests that a 'lack of choice, not desire' is behind a worldwide dip - with rising living costs, a lack of affordable housing and job security blamed.

However, lifestyle factors are also thought to be a cause - between women delaying starting families to focus on their careers and men opting not to commit to traditional family life.

As well as suffering a decline in population, a dropping fertility rate reduces the future work pool for Britain - reducing the taxes paid in to support an ever-growing ageing population born during the baby boom.

A report by the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) published last year warned that a dropping fertility rate could slash the workforce, lead to a decline in nursery and school places and create strain on the economy.

Experts have previously suggested that ditching obstacles to work - such as childcare costs and commutes - and giving couples more time together could boost fertility rates.

Nicholas Bloom, a Stanford University economist who co-authored the paper, told the New York Times earlier this month: 'You cant get pregnant by email.'
Meghan Markle held hands with a 14-year-old burns victim from Gaza today as she began a busy quasi royal-tour of Jordan with Prince Harry.

The Duchess of Sussex spoke with the girl called Maria during a visit to the Specialty Hospital in Amman where the couple also talked to doctors.

Harry and Meghan embarked on a two-day visit to Jordan - one of Prince William and Kate's favourite countries - as they also met young Syrian refugees.

The Duke and Duchess watched a music class at the QuestScope youth centre at Za'atari refugee camp near Mafraq, and took part in a football session.

They also attended a roundtable discussion in Amman with people from the United Nations and many of its agencies, diplomatic representatives and donors.

The couple, who stepped down as working royals in 2020 for personal and financial freedom, travelled to Jordan at the invitation of World Health Organisation (WHO).

WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warmly welcomed the couple on the steps of the organisation's office in Amman. He kissed and hugged Meghan who wore a white jacket and matching trousers and also embraced Harry.

Their trip - which Buckingham Palace officials are understood to have been informed of in advance - comes just a fortnight after William's diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia.

The Duchess of Sussex meets Maria, a 14-year-old burns victim from Gaza, in Amman today

The Duchess of Sussex during a visit to QuestScope Youth Center in Mafraq today

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex talk with medical staff at the Specialty Hospital in Amman

The Duchess of Sussex during a visit to the Specialty Hospital in Amman, Jordan, today

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive for a World Health Organisation event in Amman today

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex talk with medical staff at the Specialty Hospital in Amman

Five-year-old Ayham during a visit by Prince Harry and Meghan to Amman's Specialty Hospital

Meghan looked emotional as she met a young man with shattered legs who was evacuated from Gaza to receive urgent care in Jordan.

She told Jaber, 17, whose legs were held in place by a metal frame: 'Im so glad youre getting the treatment that you need', as he was assessed at the private Specialty Hospital in Amman.

Dr Hamzeh Odeh, the emergency department manager at Specialty Hospital, said after the visit: 'This is what you expect from war, theyre war injuries.

'But some of the injuries are not directly related to the war, its because of the lack of doctors, lack of medication.'

Harry's estranged brother and sister-in-law Kate already have close ties with Jordan, and were surprise guests at the royal wedding of its Crown Prince in 2023.

The Waleses watched Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II marry his Saudi Arabian bride Rajwa Alseif at an Islamic marriage ceremony known as a 'katb ktab'.

Kate's family lived in Amman for a period in the mid-1980s when she was young girl and the couple enjoyed a 2021 holiday in the Middle East country with their children.

William also welcomed Crown Prince Hussein to RAF Benson in Oxfordshire for a tour last October to meet his former flight squadron during the Jordanian heir's UK trip.

In addition, Crown Prince Hussein's mother Queen Rania is a member of the Earthshot Prize Council, the judging panel for William's environmental prize.

William visited Jordan in 2018 and was joined on a number of official visits by Crown Prince Hussein, with the two men memorably watching a football match together.

In Jordan today, Meghan was left with bragging rights when she scored a penalty and her husband's shot was saved when they joined Syrian children at a refugee camp.

The Duchess looked triumphant and threw her hands in the air after her right-footed strike beat a girl in goal when the couple visited the camp, which is home to tens of thousands of displaced Syrians.

The couple are on a two-day visit to learn more about humanitarian efforts by the Jordanian authorities and a range of agencies supporting the health and wellbeing of Syrians and Palestinians who have sought sanctuary in Jordan over the decades.

They travelled north of the capital, Amman, to the sprawling Za'atari Refugee Camp, where families live in semi-permanent homes with a few shops available.

The Duke of Sussex meets medical evacuees during a visit to the Specialty Hospital in Amman

The Duchess of Sussex kicks a ball as a group watch during the tour of Jordan today

The Duchess of Sussex on a visit to the QuestScope Youth Center in Mafraq today

The Duchess of Sussex during a visit to the Specialty Hospital in Amman, Jordan, today

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex on a visit to the QuestScope Youth Center in Mafraq today

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex on a visit to the QuestScope Youth Center in Mafraq today

The Duchess of Sussex on a visit to the QuestScope Youth Center in Mafraq today

The Duchess of Sussex meets young musicians during a tour of Mafraq in Jordan today

The Duchess of Sussex during a visit to the Specialty Hospital in Amman, Jordan, today

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex on a visit to the QuestScope Youth Center in Mafraq today

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex on a visit to the QuestScope Youth Center in Mafraq today

The Duke of Sussex kicks a ball as a group of people watch during the tour of Jordan today

The Duchess of Sussex kicks a ball as a group of women watch during the tour of Jordan today

The Duchess of Sussex meets a young girl during the couple's tour of Jordan today

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex on a visit to the QuestScope Youth Center in Mafraq today

The Duchess of Sussex kicks a ball as a group of women watch during the tour of Jordan today

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex listen to a music class during a visit to QuestScope Youth Center at the Za'atari refugee camp, home to displaced Syrians, near Mafraq in Jordan today

The Duchess of Sussex meets a young girl during the couple's tour of Jordan today

The Duke of Sussex kicks a ball as a group of people watch during the tour of Jordan today

The Duchess of Sussex meets young musicians during a tour of Mafraq in Jordan today

The Duchess of Sussex on a visit to the QuestScope Youth Center in Mafraq today

The Duchess of Sussex kicks a ball as a group of women watch during the tour of Jordan today

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex look at paintings during their visit to Mafraq in Jordan today

The Duchess of Sussex on a visit to the QuestScope Youth Center in Mafraq today

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex during a visit to QuestScope Youth Center in Mafraq today

The Duchess of Sussex meets a young girl during the couple's tour of Jordan today

The Duchess of Sussex on a visit to the QuestScope Youth Center in Mafraq today

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex look at paintings during their visit to Mafraq in Jordan today

The Duchess of Sussex listens during a visit to QuestScope Youth Center today

Harry and Meghan toured a youth centre run by the social development organisation Questscope, which provides a number of activities from art and photography classes to music and sport, to engage the youngsters and help alleviate any mental health issues.

When they joined a group of young girls in an outdoor football class, a little girl came up to the duchess, who crouched down to speak to her through an interpreter asking her age and was told she was seven-years-old.

A member of Questscope staff said to the little girl, 'You know Meghan?' but she promptly walked off and the duchess said with a smile: 'So sweet, so confident - that's what you're instilling.'

Meghan seemed eager to give the football drills a go and tried passing the ball before she was joined by Harry for shooting practice, where she triumphed.

The couple visited a number of classrooms, watching teenage girls playing traditional Arabic instruments and in another space, more musicians performed with violins and guitars.

Conversations were conducted through an interpreter but when Harry asked the violinists if made friends through the lessons, 15-year-old Siham, a refugee who arrived in the country aged two, said 'yes we're friends' in perfect English and impressed the Sussexes by saying she was a black belt in the martial art taekwondo.

Jordan has received wave after wave of refugees beginning with Palestinians more than 80 years ago, who now number around 2.5 million, and Syrians who fled conflict in their country until recently ruled by President Bashar al-Assad.

The latest wave of displaced people flowed into the country following the Israeli government's Gaza war against Hamas, which followed Hamas atrocities against Israeli civilians during the October 7 attacks.

At the roundtable discussion earlier, there were senior figures from UN agencies like UNWRA, UNHCR, World Food Programme, Unicef and diplomatic attendees from countries like the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Canada the EU.

Philip Hall, British Ambassador to Jordan, thanked the Sussexes for travelling to the Middle East: 'So I would simply say thank you very much indeed for coming.

The Duchess of Sussex on a visit to the QuestScope Youth Center in Mafraq today

The Duchess of Sussex during a visit to QuestScope Youth Center in Mafraq today

The Duchess of Sussex meets girls during a visit to QuestScope Youth Center today

The Duchess of Sussex meets young musicians during a tour of Mafraq in Jordan today

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are in Jordan after the World Health Organisation's invite

The Duke of Sussex listens during a visit to QuestScope Youth Center today

The Duchess of Sussex during a visit to QuestScope Youth Center in Mafraq today

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are in Jordan after the World Health Organisation's invite

The Duchess of Sussex meets young musicians during a tour of Mafraq in Jordan today

The DuDuchess of Sussex poses meet people at QuestScope Youth Center today

The Duchess of Sussex during a visit to QuestScope Youth Center in Mafraq today

The Duchess of Sussex poses with a group of woman at QuestScope Youth Center today

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are in Jordan after the World Health Organisation's invite

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex during a visit to QuestScope Youth Center in Mafraq today

The Duchess of Sussex meets young musicians during a tour of Mafraq in Jordan today

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are in Jordan after the World Health Organisation's invite

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are in Jordan after the World Health Organisation's invite

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive for a World Health Organisation event in Amman today

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the World Health Organisation roundtable in Jordan today

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive for a World Health Organisation event in Amman today

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the World Health Organisation roundtable in Jordan today

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex look at paintings during their visit to Mafraq in Jordan today

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive for a World Health Organisation event in Amman today

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the World Health Organisation roundtable in Jordan today

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive for a World Health Organisation event in Amman today

The Duke of Sussex attends a World Health Organisation roundtable in Amman, Jordan, today

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive for a World Health Organisation event in Amman today

The Duchess of Sussex attends a World Health Organisation roundtable in Amman today

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive for a World Health Organisation event in Amman today

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the World Health Organisation roundtable in Jordan today

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive for a World Health Organisation event in Amman today

Sheri Ritsema-Anderson and Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at today's event in Amman

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at a World Health Organisation roundtable in Amman today

Philip Hall, UK ambassador to Jordan, attends today's World Health Organisation roundtable

'Your visit, your support, your appreciation of the efforts that the United Nations, including of course, the World Health Organisation, the government of Jordan and others, are making here is enormously appreciated. So thank you for coming.'

The ambassador also told the assembled group about one of the developments needed to resolve the issues faced by Palestinians: 'And of course, the last point is just to say a lasting solution of this requires a regional peace.

'It requires, in particular, peace between Palestine and Israel and the two state solution - that's easily said, we all know it's very hard to achieve, but we're all working on that too.'

The Sussexes' visit comes during a time of crisis for the Royal Family after Harry's uncle Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office last Thursday.

The 66-year-old remains on bail and Harry has not yet spoken about the current turmoil engulfing his family.

Since moving to California in 2020 for a new life, the Sussexes have carried out a number of foreign visits that have taken the form of official trips they made when still part of the Royal Family.

Prince William tours the Old Town of AlUla during his royal visit to Saudi Arabia on February 11

William welcomes Crown Prince Hussein to RAF Benson in Oxfordshire for a tour last October

King Abdullah II and Queen Rania welcome Prince William and Kate to the Zahran Palace in Amman on June 1, 2023 on the day of the royal wedding of Crown Prince Hussein

Prince William and Jordanian Crown Prince Hussein watch England's World Cup match against Panama at Beit Al Urdun Palace in Amman on June 25, 2018

Meghan is said to be considering a return to British soil this summer for the first time in four years  but only if the couple are satisfied with security arrangements.

The Duchess is looking at joining her husband at the upcoming Invictus Games one-year countdown event in Birmingham on July 10, ahead of next year's competition.

She has attended similar ceremonies in both Canada and Germany, and sources have said she is keen to do the same in the UK, provided safety concerns are handled.

In December, Harry was said to be thrilled the Home Office was reviewing his security provisions in the UK following a long-running legal battle.

Such a visit would mark Meghan's first trip back to Britain since September 2022, when she attended Queen Elizabeth II's funeral at Westminster Abbey.

The couple's children Archie, six, and Lilibet, four, have not been in the UK since Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022.
A secret locker rented by the late child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was used to store sex-slave manuals, naked photographs of women and dozens of pornographic magazines.

A report in the Telegraph recently revealed that the paedophile rented at least six units across the US, the majority of which were in Florida, paying thousands between 2003 and 2019 to store various items from his property empire.

At one point, the disgraced financier allegedly recruited private detectives to remove belongings from his Florida property, in an apparent attempt to conceal them from investigators before a police raid in 2005.

Such items were stored at a nearby facility in Palm Beach for several years while authorities investigated the American millionaire.

Now, the newspaper has obtained an inventory of the covert Palm Beach unit, containing an array of disturbing items including nude pictures, understood to be of Epsteins victims, as well as VHS tapes and DVDs sexualising teenagers.

The lock-up, rented on Epsteins behalf by the Riley Kiraly detective agency, also stashed three computers, 29 address books, and a three-page list of masseuses in Florida.

The inventory listed other items including an 8mm video cassette tape, apparently containing footage of a woman in lingerie and someone in the shower, as well as laboratory results, letters, and a 2005 calendar.

While copies of two of the computer hard drives were later obtained by the FBI, it has not been established whether any of the material in the facility was ever found.

Epstein with two unidentified women in a photo released by the US Department of Justice

The front exterior of Epstein's home in Palm Beach, Florida

A massage bed and erotic artwork and photos on the walls in Epstein's Manhattan mansion

It has been the longstanding suspicion of US authorities that the serial sex offender was forewarned about a police raid on his Palm Beach property in October 2005 - marking the first major search of any of his residences.

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

When authorities entered the property, certain computer material appeared to be missing, including equipment that would have linked to surveillance cameras.

The conspicuous absence of such equipment led to theories that the financier may have recorded graphic, covert footage without people's consent, for the purposes of blackmail or his own sexual gratification.

During that period, Epstein was part of a high-flying Florida social set that included prominent figures like Donald Trump.

The storage facility inventory included objects that detectives recovered receipts for when they searched his home, but that they could not locate in his property - including two training manuals for sex slaves.

The paedophile also paid private detectives to conceal sex toys, over $2,000 (1,500) in cash, body massagers, womens lingerie, a concealed weapon permit, and a Harvard ID card.

In August 2009, the inventory was emailed to Epstein and his lawyers, a month after he was released from Palm Beach County Jail for soliciting prostitution from a minor.

One of the most unsettling images released by the DOJ shows a life-sized bronze sculpture of a woman or girl dressed in a bridal gown

A sex toy and an item believed to be Bushnell binoculars found the bathroom in Jeffrey Epstein's home

On January 30, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) published a tranche of over three million files related to the late child sex offender.

In one of the newly-released documents, Bill Riley - one half of the Riley Kiraly private detective agency - discussed the storage unit in an email to Epsteins former legal representative, Robert Critton.

'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,' the email said.

'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 or back to Jeff, etc.?

'I have attached my inventory and some of the photos of the items I have.

'Roy Black directed that the computers drives be cloned and he would have the results of that effort.

'The cloning was done by a forensic specialist, Dave Kleiman.

'Let me know ASAP.'

The email mentioned Roy Black, one of Epsteins attorneys.

Months before the email, multiple victims of the financier had filed a civil lawsuit against him, as lawyers representing them raised concerns he was hiding important evidence in storage facilities.

Victims had also obtained a court order from a Florida judge, calling on Epstein and his employees not to destroy any evidence, including items stored in covert lock-ups.

In a deposition in April 2010, lawyers questioned Epstein about whether he had smuggled computers out of his property prior to the 2005 raid.

'Where are those computers today?' the lawyer asked, suggesting they contained the 'names and telephone numbers of hundreds of underage minor females that you sexually molested'.

In a separate deposition from March 2010, one member of Epstein's staff was asked whether 'those computers reveal criminal activity of only Jeffrey Epstein or of others?'

Images show photos of naked women hanging on the wall, including one that shows the paedophile laying next to two topless women

One photograph from Epstein's Paris flat shows a dimly lit room with a masseuse table

French police recently released new images from the late financier's Paris property, showing a masseuse table, massage devices and photographs of naked women as decorations.

The luxurious, 18-room apartment on Avenue Foch, overlooking the Arc de Triomphe, is the same residence where the former Washington ambassador Peter Mandelson was photographed standing in his underpants.

At least three women have alleged they were abused at the hands of Epstein in France, and investigators hope other survivors may now come forward.

At least three women have alleged they were abused at the hands of Epstein in France, and investigators hope other survivors may now come forward.

While copies of the hard drives stored in Epstein's Palm Beach locker were found in Epstein's New York mansion after his arrest in 2019, the original computers are understood never to have been found.

Other emails released by the DOJ show Epstein repeatedly ordered his staff and private investigators to shred tapes and wipe computers in the lead up to his arrest.

In May 2014, an individual called William Murphy discussed with Richard Kahn, the financier's accountant, and Merwin Dela Cruz, his New York housekeeper, intentions to destroy computer equipment contained in a server room at the paedophiles Manhattan property.

'Were getting there. We removed the four old IBM servers that were at the top of the rack and wiped two routers and a switch,' the email said.

'All the hard drives have had holes drilled in them which may have been the best part. We have the old backup tapes out tog the unit that wouldnt power on as well. Im going to reach out to data destruction companies to shred the tapes.

'Ive seen trucks in midtown that roll up and destroy stuff. Ill see if I can find one for the tapes. We probably have about two hours left to remove the remaining equipment and then that rack should be empty and ready to go..'

Files released by the DOJ included numerous disturbing images of Epstein with young women

Several victims of Epstein have alleged they believe the late financier had covert cameras fitted throughout his property empire

A bank of computer screens in a room in the financier's New York residence

Hidden cameras in Jeffrey Epstein's mansion in New York City

Many victims of Epstein have claimed they believe the financier had installed covert cameras throughout his property empire to record footage for his own sexual gratification, as well as for blackmail purposes.

In a message from February 5, 2014, Epstein asked his pilot Larry Visoski for 'three motion detected hidden cameras that record'.

'I already two purchased the Motion sensor camera from the Spy Store in fort Lauderdale yesterday,' Visoski, who also worked as a technician for Epstein's property empire, replied.

'I charged them last night and figuring our how to work them as we speak, its amazing how small they are, the size of Thumb nail drive, 64 hour recording, Motion sensor. I'm installing them into Kleenex boxes now. I'll bring them by later today.'

On the same day as the secret camera purchases, the sex offender received an email from someone else, whose name has been redacted, saying: 'Remember what we spoke about if you want to put cameras in the house. It will have to be very discreetly done. The Russians may come in handy.'

The emails appear to contradict statements from the US authorities, with the FBI previously claiming there was no evidence the financier was storing compromising material.

An internal FBI memo published in the latest release of documents stated: 'We are aware of the theories circulated in the media and online that Epstein video recorded the abuse of his victims, including by other men, but we have found no evidence to support that theory.

'Indeed, had we found such videos, we certainly would have used them as evidence in the criminal cases we investigated and prosecuted, and would have pursued any leads they generated. We did not, however, locate any such videos.

'The Palm Beach Police Department video-recorded interviews of victims at their police station, video-recorded parts of their search of Epsteins Palm Beach residence, and seized a small number of videos from Epsteins Palm Beach residence.

'None of these videos depict the abuse of any victims or provide evidence suggesting anyone other than Epstein and [Ghislaine] Maxwell participated in the abuse of victims.'
Russia is flooding Europe with migrants sent through tunnels from Belarus into Poland as part of a hybrid war.

Thousands of migrants have been sent across Poland's eastern frontier, as Putin ally Alexander Lukashenko is playing a strong role in attempting to destabilise the West.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Lt Col Katarzyna Zdanowicz from the Polish border force said that in 2025, officers uncovered four tunnels under the border with Belarus.

He added: 'Physical and electronic security measures at the border, such as thermal imaging cameras and detection systems, allow us to immediately respond to any attempted violations of the state border, even underground ones.'

One of the biggest tunnels was found in mid-December near the village of Narewka in the eastern part of the country.

Polish authorities said the tunnel was 1.5 metres high, and the entrance was hidden in a Belarusian forest.

It reportedly measured about 50 metres on the Belarusian side and 10 metres in Poland.

A total of 180 migrants mainly from Pakistan and Afghanistan used the tunnel to cross the border, and the majority were arrested upon emergence.

Video footage released by the border guard showed a dark, narrow tunnel with enough space to crawl

A total of 180 migrants mainly from Pakistan and Afghanistan used the tunnel to cross the border, and the majority were arrested upon emergence

Video footage released by the border guard showed a dark, narrow tunnel with enough space to crawl. It is fixed with concrete struts to prevent it from collapsing.

The Belarusian dictator used specialists from the Middle East to design the tunnels, with Polish officials claiming these people had a 'high level of expertise'.

Although it is difficult to prove which groups participated, it is thought that Islamic State, Hamas, Hezbollah and Kurdish fighters could be involved.

Military expert Dr Lynette Nusbacher said it was 'plausible' that Iranian-backed groups could be involved.

She explained that after the 2006 Lebanon war, cement workers were queuing up in southern Lebanon, adding: 'We were seeing loads and loads of Iranian tunnel construction.'

She said: 'We also have ample evidence of Hamas doing the same thing in Gaza. So if you want that deep tunnelling expertise, then the answer to your question is going to be with Middle Easterners.'

The Belarusian dictator used specialists from the Middle East to design the tunnels, with Polish officials claiming these people had a 'high level of expertise'.

Even before the start of the war in 2022, Belarus was sending migrants over the Polish border

Former Israeli intelligence colonel Sarit Zehavi added: 'Does Hezbollah or any Iranian proxies have this capability? Yes. Are they the only ones? No. Probably others also have the knowledge, from Kurdish militias in Syria to Isis.'

Poland said it can deal with the tunnels by tracking down entry points and blowing them up, however they are concerned that more entrances will pop up.

Meanwhile Czesaw Mroczek, the deputy interior minister, said that the appearance of the tunnels actually means border force is good at its job.

Speaking in a recent interview on Polish radio, he said: 'Digging these tunnels means that our effectiveness in stopping migration is so high that it was decided to bring in specialists from the Middle East to dig them.'

The discovery of the tunnels come as Russia and its allies have continuously tried to punish the West over its military support in Ukraine.

Even before the start of the war in 2022, Belarus was sending migrants over the Polish border, leading the country to build a massive 200km fence with 300 cameras.

Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with his ally Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko

Russia's Oreshnik missile system is seen during a training in an undisclosed location in Belarus in December

Since the start of the invasion of Ukraine, Russia has also sabotaged factories and railways supplying aid to Ukraine as well as launched attacks on European airports.

Belarus has also been sending balloons with contraband such as bootleg cigarettes into nearby NATO countries to cause air traffic chaos.

They were initially being sent only to Lithuania, however Poland has said the balloons are now arriving to their country too.

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya recently said that Lukashenko's regime was deepening Russia's military footprint in Belarus and preparing for further escalation in the war in Ukraine.

Her comments came after Vladimir Putin deployed his so called 'unstoppable' Oreshnik missile system to Belarus.

'We see how on Belarusian territory, Mr Lukashenko's regime intensifies the presence of Russia. They are about to deploy nuclear weapons [to Belarus], Russian missiles,' said Tsikhanouskaya.

'So it looks like they're preparing for escalation,' she told The Telegraph.

Her warning comes after Russia's defence ministry in December released footage it said showed a nuclear capable Oreshnik missile system being put on combat duty at an airbase in eastern Belarus.

Lukashenko, a staunch ally of Putin, said 10 Oreshnik systems would be stationed in the country.

The Oreshnik is an intermediate range, nuclear capable hypersonic ballistic missile system.

Experts say it can reach the UK within eight minutes. Although it can carry nuclear warheads, it has so far only been deployed with conventional payloads.

A deployment like this would drastically reduce the time it would take for Russia to strike into EU territory.

Analysts in the west interpreted the release of the footage as a show of power intended to intimidate Ukraine and its neighbours while signalling to a domestic audience that Russia was prepared to escalate further.

A part of Russian nuclear-capable hypersonic Oreshnik missile system at the site of the Russian missile strike in Lviv

A Russia's Poseidon nuclear-powered underwater drone is seen being test-launched somewhere in Russia

Tsikhanouskaya said Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, whom she met recently, was aware of the risks posed by the build up in Belarus.

'This escalation might affect not only Ukraine but also European countries. So we have to put more attention on what is happening in Belarus,' she said.

She also warned that Belarus was playing a wider role in supporting Moscow's war effort, estimating there were 'about 300 Belarusian enterprises' aiding Russia's military production.

She said that Belarus's fate was closely tied to that of Ukraine and that failure by the democratic world to help Kyiv win the war would embolden the Russian president.

'If the democratic world will not help Ukrainians enough for them to win this war, it will embolden Putin and he will not stop where he is,' she said, listing Moldova, Armenia and Georgia.

'All the borders will become negotiable,' she said. 'And that's why, if Ukraine will not win this war, we can forget about changes in Belarus for decades, because it will settle the status quo in our country.'
The new campus of Edith Cowan University in Perth's CBD was forced to evacuate following reports of strong fumes.

Hundreds of students and staff members were ordered to leave the campus before 2pm AWST on Wednesday.

The evacuation unfolded just three days after the $853million campus opened for lectures.

Students at the scene believed the evacuation order was triggered by a gas leak. possibly caused by ongoing construction work and then spread by internal air vents, the ABC reported.

There were also reports that a group of students were temporarily trapped in an elevator during the evacuation.

Officials confirmed the campus would be closed for the remainder of the day in a text.

An Edith Cowan University spokesperson followed with a statement claiming an emergency alarm was triggered on level four of the nine-storey campus.

'In line with established safety protocols, the campus was evacuated as a precaution,' they said.

'ECU is continuing its investigation into how the alarm was sounded but can confirm that there were no injuries reported and all students and staff were evacuated safely.'

Hundreds of students were evacuated from the new campus of Edith Cowan University in Perth CBD
Rich spouses embroiled in divorce battles are increasingly concealing their fortunes in cryptocurrency asset stashes to protect them from ex-partners and their lawyers.

There are warnings that trading in digital currencies is making it harder to trace potential wealth to be shared by courts when couples go their separate ways.

Assets such as properties, stocks and shares and UK bank accounts have long been seen as easy to quantify when it comes to divorce settlements.

But there has been a surge in recent years in the value of crypto investments -currently estimated to be worth 2.26trillion worldwide, including a current market cap of 1.308billion for Bitcoin and 231billion in ethereum.

Crypto is a virtual currency, stored in digital wallets and operating independently from more traditional, central banks.

While one bitcoin cost 295 on January 1 2016, it would now be worth 48,473 based on todays prices  164 times the value a decade ago.

While people going for divorces in England and Wales must make 'a full, frank and clear disclosure of all your financial and other relevant circumstances' in a Form E, there is no specific stipulation for declaring crypto assets.

Law firms say these should be declared under 'other assets' - but have highlighted dealing with warring parties they suspect of keeping secret such investments.

Cryptocurrency is becoming increasingly popular as a method of concealing assets during a contentious divorce, experts say

Alex Breedon, partner at law firm Withers, told of handling cases in which millions of pounds' worth of cryptocurrency assets were ultimately discovered.

Playing detective to track down such investments could involved 'the most fruitful hunting grounds' such as bank statements, public crypto ledgers and physical tech devices, he told the FT.

Meanwhile, Peter Burgess, senior partner at law firm Burgess Mee, said: 'It used to be that people parked their money in offshore trusts, companies and so on.

'Obviously that still goes on, but increasingly we do see people doing it in crypto. Across the next 10 years, well see a lot more of these cases coming through.'

And Matt Foster, a senior associate at Charles Russell Speechlys, told of lawyers becoming increasingly 'au fait' not only with hidden crypto cash but also fears raised by estranged partners - even if not necessarily justified.

He said: 'It seems inevitable that issues of non-disclosure and hidden cryptocurrency will continue to increase in divorce cases, whether actual or simply perceived by a suspicious ex-partner.'

Lawyers are increasingly attending seminars on the subject and calling in forensic accountants for extra help in the highest-worth disputes, he added.

Mr Foster added to the Daily Mail: 'Whilst we have seen an increase in recent years in the prevalence of cryptocurrency holdings, the increase in allegations about the non-disclosure of cryptocurrency has been even greater.

'Of course, not all of those allegations will be true, but it is certainly telling as to how the public perceive cryptocurrency.

'Allegations about non-disclosure of cryptocurrency can often infect everything else in a case and make reaching a settlement much more complicated.'

Toby Yerburgh, partner and head of family law at Collyer Bristow, offered tips to people involved in such cases and worried about potential hidden crypto stashes.

He today told the Daily Mail how people were becoming increasingly aware of the cryptocurrency 'live issue' - including what he called 'cryptocurrency bores' who are keen to boast about rather than conceal their involvement.

Mr Verburgh said: 'It's one of those things enthusiasts tend to want to tell everyone about - and will leave traces in accounts somewhere.

'But there are others for whom it might well be possible to hide their assets from your spouse and from the taxman.

'If they're funding their cryptocurrency from regular money accounts, it could be possible for them to keep it secret.'

He also said the increasing use of cryptocurrency was making it 'tricky' to value potential divorce settlement shares, saying: 'It's a very volatile asset.

'Divorces can take a year to happen - in that time, you can start with a huge amount and then and the end of the year it's only worth half that.'

Some forensic accountants now specialise in tracking cryptocurrency, using sophisticated analysis of blockchain transactions to trace hidden assets.

Spouses are found to have developed tactics such as using anonymised digital currencies such as Monero, described as being almost impossible to trace.

'Cold storage' wallets are another option, in which a cryptocurrency passkey is stored on a physical device such as a thumb drive easily portable and inaccessible online.

One case cited was that of a woman who suspected her husband had concealed crypto investments, after discovering handwritten notes featuring long numbers.

A family lawyer who did not want to be named told how she managed to get disclosue and freezing orders from a court against her husband and a cryptocurrency exchange, making him reveal he did have such assets.

In a previous case across the Atlantic, a suspicious New York housewife seeking a divorce tracked down 12 bitcoins, then worth about $500,000, in a secret crypto wallet maintained by her estranged husband.

The woman became suspicious because her husband, who earned some $3million a year, wasn't disclosing many assets in the divorce case, prompting her to enlist a forensic accountant.

The wife, who did not want to be named for fear of retaliation, said following the case: 'I know of bitcoin and things like that. I just didn't know much about it.

'It was never even a thought in my mind, because it's not like we were discussing it or making investments together. It was definitely a shock.'

Michal Stepniak, associate in the family team at Simkins LLP: 'Crypto and digital assets are fast becoming a staple of modern wealth.

'But without a lawyer who truly understands how these virtual fortunes work and how they should be dealt with, you could end up waving goodbye to a substantial sum.

'In a world of Bitcoin, wallets and private keys, failing to get the right advice could mean leaving serious money on the table.

'It is not uncommon to see spouses argue that their cryptocurrency holdings are simply too volatile to be given any meaningful value, due to the nature of the market.

'But the truth is that most investors are not dabbling in obscure digital tokens - they are holding the heavyweights.

'Cryptocurrency is often marketed as secretive and untraceable and individuals will try to rely on the anonymity that digital assets market themselves for.

'However, in reality, digital transactions leave a trail which, with the right expertise, can be followed.'

Meanwhile, Sarah Jane Lenihan, partner at Dawson Cornwell, said: 'In my experience, deliberate non-disclosure remains the exception rather than the rule, and failing to provide full and frank disclosure can have very serious consequences, including imprisonment for contempt of court.'

But she added: 'We are seeing crypto feature more regularly in high-value cases.'

Mr Yerburgh previously told the Daily Mail's This Is Money: 'If your spouse has made a fortune in this area, they have a duty to disclose such assets in exactly the same way as any other asset class.

'And the penalties for deliberate non-disclosure can be very severe, from costs penalties to fines and prison.'

But he warned: 'If you know or have very good reason to suspect your spouse has not disclosed their crypto assets, you are going to need specialist help to uncover and preserve them by means of a freezing order.

'Telltale signs of crypto ownership may be found in bank statements where payments have been made to coin exchanges, in chat rooms where your spouse may have discussed their latest purchases and in your spouse's browsing history on the family PC.'
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been banned from horse riding round King Charles's Sandringham estate, sources have revealed.

Royal aides fear it is 'a bad look' for the former prince to be galloping around on horseback while under police investigation.

Andrew, 66, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office last Thursday after being accused of leaking secrets to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the UK's trade envoy.

He was released under investigation after 11 hours in custody and police last night confirmed they had concluded searches of his former Windsor mansion, Royal Lodge.

Before moving to Sandringham three weeks ago, Andrew was regularly seen horse rising around Windsor.

King Charles finally kicked his brother out of Royal Lodge hours after he was bizarrely seen smiling and waving at the public amid continued outrage over his links to Epstein.

Andrew was seen cheerily greeting members of the public as he rode his horse near Royal Lodge on January 31 and was then seen waving while at the wheel of his Range Rover two days later.

Insiders suggested the photographs may have been the 'final straw' in what has been a turbulent few months for the shamed former royal.

Andrew was seen cheerily greeting members of the public as he rode his horse near Royal Lodge on January 31

The disgraced ex-Duke also waved to passers-by as he drove on The Long Walk in Windsor two days later. Just hours later he was booted out of Royal Lodge

They have claimed that being seen out in public with a smile on his face was not 'appropriate behaviour' amid growing revelations about his years of communication with Epstein, and accusations about this own sex life.

It's understood he has now been told to stop horse riding around his new home at Wood Farm, where photographers have been gathering following his arrest.

A source told The Sun: 'Since his arrest last week he has been ordered not to go horse riding. It's considered a bad look.

'They don't 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?'

Andrew has been spotted just once since his arrest, which was a damning photograph of him being driven out of a Norfolk police station last Thursday.

Yet the disgraced former prince's corgis were spotted being taken for a walk in the grounds of his temporary residence on Wednesday.

A member of his security team was spotted walking the dogs at Wood Farm in Wolferton on the Sandringham estate, where Andrew is staying.

It comes after there had been debate as to whether Andrew would get custody of the dogs when he and ex-wife Sarah Ferguson went their separate ways at the start of this month.

The pair adopted Queen Elizabeth II's corgis Muick and Sandy, following her death in 2022.

Buckingham Palace confirmed at the end of the last year that the pets, which were gifted to the Queen by Andrew, would remain with either Andrew or Sarah, stating: 'The corgis will remain with the family.'

It comes as MPs yesterday backed a motion from the Liberal Democrats calling for the release of documents on Andrew's appointment as a UK trade envoy in 2001.

Trade minister Chris Bryant condemned the former prince's 'self-aggrandisement', saying he was constantly engaged in a 'self-enriching hustle'.

Ministers signalled they would not stand in the way of the move to shed light on a role that led to the royal being dubbed 'Air Miles Andy' due to frequent taxpayer-funded trips abroad.

As a result the measure was 'nodded through' the chamber yesterday afternoon.

However, the government insists some documents will have to be held back due to the continuing police investigation.

The ferocity of the language from Sir Chris is highly unusual, as MPs have traditionally been discouraged from discussing the monarchy in the Commons chamber.

The disgraced former prince's corgis were spotted being taken for a walk in the grounds of his temporary residence on Wednesday

Andrew photographed leaving Aylsham Police Station in Norfolk following his arrest on Thursday

However Speaker Lindsay Hoyle declared Andrew fair game as he was stripped of his prince and Duke of York titles last year after emails emerged that cast doubts over previous claims about when he cut ties with Epstein.

Taking advantage of the ruling, Sir Chris reminded the House that he had called for Mr Mountbatten-Windsor to be sacked as trade envoy more than a decade ago.

He described him as 'a man on a constant self aggrandising, self enriching hustle'.

'A rude, arrogant and entitled man who could not distinguish between the public interest which he said he served, and his own private interest,' he added.

Andrew has denied any wrongdoing over his links to convicted sex offender Epstein, but has not directly responded to the latest allegations.

Lord Peter Mandelson was also arrested and later bailed on suspicion of the same offence.

On Tuesday, Lord Mandelson's lawyers said in a statement that the 72-year-old had been arrested on Monday over a 'baseless' claims he was planning to leave the country.

His law firm Mishcon de Reya said: 'Peter Mandelson was arrested yesterday despite an agreement with the police that he would attend an interview next month on a voluntary basis.

'The arrest was prompted by a baseless suggestion that he was planning to leave the country and take up permanent residence abroad.

'There is absolutely no truth whatsoever in any such suggestion.

'We have asked the MPS for the evidence relied upon to justify the arrest.

'Peter Mandelson's overriding priority is to cooperate with the police investigation, as he has done throughout this process, and to clear his name.'

The former Labour minister has been accused of passing sensitive information onto Epstein during his time as business secretary.

As part of the so-called Epstein files, emails from 2009 appear to show Lord Mandelson pass on an assessment by Gordon Brown's 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.

The emails appeared to be sent to Epstein after he became a convicted sex offender.

The Metropolitan Police declined to comment beyond their statement issued just after 2am on Tuesday, which read: 'A 72-year-old man arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office has been released on bail pending further investigation.'

The force said later he has been bailed to the end of May.
A drunk plane passenger screamed 'I'm savage, I drink JD' and 'You can't tell me what do, I'm English' on a flight in front of fearing passengers, magistrates were told.

Stephen Blofield was so drunk while on a plane from Krakow to Bristol that passengers and crew were left terrified for their safety on November 11, 2025, North Somerset Magistrates were told.

The 61-year-old of Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, had been drinking doubles at the Polish airport before becoming abusive and causing widespread alarm on the flight's descent, the court heard.

Blofield screamed to fellow passengers, 'I'm savage, I drink JD', before saying 'You can't tell me what to do, I'm English', when asked by members of the crew to calm down.

'The defendant seemed to be very drunk. Multiple passengers described him as loud, volatile, intoxicated and repeatedly swearing,' prosecuting, Michael Collins told the court.

'The cabin around him was visibly fearful. Several were recording on their mobile phones.

He went on to disregard the pilot's demands to be seated, endangering safe operations of the aircraft, Mr Collins added.

He was arrested on board by police and called one officer a 'c**t' after the Ryanair plane operated by Buzz landed at Bristol Airport, in an incident captured by body-worn camera.

Stephen Blofield (pictured) left passengers terrified for their safety due to his drunk behaviour on a flight from Krakow to Bristol on November 11 last eyar

The 61-year-old screamed at fellow passangers 'I'm savage, I drink JD', before saying 'You can't tell me what to do, I'm English', when asked by members of crew to calm down, magistrates heard

'The defendant continued his aggressive behaviour. He had glazed red eyes and was smelling of alcohol,' the prosecution added.

'He was calling the officer a 'c**t' and had to be restrained. The incident was captured on recorded footage.'

Blofield described himself as 'a bit drunk' after drinking two doubles at Krakow airport before departure.

He was later 'ashamed, embarrassed and accepted his behaviour,' the court was told.

Appearing in the dock wearing blue jeans and a green zip-up top, Blofield pleaded guilty to all four charges put to him.

Charges included entering an aircraft while drunk and a second charge of failing to obey the lawful commands of the pilot to remain seated.

The demands were given 'for the purpose of securing the safety of the aircraft.'

An additional two charges of behaving in a threatening, abusive, insulting or disorderly manner towards a member of aircraft crew, and using threatening, abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress in relation to the other passengers.

A pre-sentence report was requested by the defence as Blofeld has significant health conditions needed to be properly investigated by probation.

Blofield was released on unconditional bail to appear at Bristol Crown Court for sentencing on 7 April.
Counter-terror police have been called in after a man armed with weapons entered a mosque during sacred prayers in Manchester.

Officers are questioning the suspect, who allegedly entered Manchester Central Mosque with a bag containing an axe and a knife while over 1,000 worshippers were taking part in Ramadan prayers last night.

Mosque volunteers spotted the suspicious bag and escorted the man, who was wearing a hi-vis jacket, to a separate room before handing him over to police.

According to one eye witness the suspect shouted 'Im not a terrorist!' as he was led away.

Speaking today, the chair of the mosque said the man had attended the place of worship before but had not previously caused any problems.

Officers have now launched a manhunt for a second man, a black male who was also reported to be acting suspiciously and is still at large, while police are stepping up patrols around the city's mosques.

Earlier today, Greater Manchester Police said the incident is not being treated as terror-related.

But in an update they have now said that while it remains unclear whether the suspect had any 'intent', they are now working with detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing North West in order to explore 'every line of inquiry'.

The incident has sparked major safety concerns among Muslims who described it as 'a threat to our community in what is meant to be a sacred time'.

A local Labour MP claimed it was a 'consequence of far-right politicians scapegoating Muslims'.

Pictured: Manchester Central Mosque where two men entered yesterday evening carrying bags filled with weapons

Manchester Central Mosque earlier today. Officers are questioning the suspect, who allegedly entered Manchester Central Mosque with a bag containing an axe and a knife while worshippers were taking part in Ramadan prayers last night

'This is Islamophobia, plain and simple,' Rusholme MP Afzal Khan said.

In response, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: 'I am concerned to hear of the incident at Manchester Central Mosque last night.

'I know this will be worrying for Muslim communities, especially during Ramadan, a time of peace and reflection.

'My thanks go to the volunteers and emergency services for their quick response.'

The arrested suspect, a white man in his 50s, is being held on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon and possession of Class B drugs.

The pair were said to be carrying a bag containing weapons when they entered the mosque in the Victoria Park area of south Manchester, at around 8.40pm last night.

Giving new information about the suspect in custody, Assistant Chief Constable John Webster said: 'The man had reportedly claimed to be in the mosque to do work on the building, but staff had no knowledge of this.

'They rightly acted on their suspicions and called police.

The entrance to Manchester Central Mosque. Hammad Khan, 46, chair of the mosque, said he was 'disappointed' that police had said no threats were made and they werent treating it a terrorist incident

'There was no suggestion that he made any threats or confronted members of the congregation.

'However, we understand the concern that this suspicious and concerning behaviour caused.

'We quickly responded to the scene where we searched the suspect, arrested him and seized weapons, including an axe, a knife and class B drugs.

He added: 'At this time, it is not clear what the circumstances or intent, if any, was around this incident.

'I know this uncertainty can cause concern, but it is key that we have the time to question the suspect and speak to as many witnesses as possible to understand the nature of this incident.

'To ensure we are appropriately exploring every line of enquiry, we are working with detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing North West, but it has not been declared a terrorist incident.'

Mr Webster said the Greater Manchester force was taking the incident 'very seriously' and had increased patrols around mosques, acknowledging that Ramadan was 'a really important time for Muslim communities'.

CCTV and body-worn video is being studied to identify the second suspect, who was also reported to have been acting suspiciously.

He is described as approximately in his late 40s, with an athletic build and short stubbled facial hair.

He was wearing a grey hoodie with the hood up, a navy blue jacket with that hood also up, blue tracksuit bottoms, and white trainers.

Today one witness who was attending the prayers, said: 'The man was saying "Im not a terrorist" as the police took him away.

'Then they just chucked him in the back of the van.'

Hammad Khan, 46, chair of the mosque, said he was 'disappointed' that police had said no threats were made and they werent treating it a terrorist incident.

'It could have been a lot worse had he not been spotted,' he added, saying between 1,200 and 1,500 worshippers would have been present.

Describing the incident, Mr Khan said: 'We were all praying inside and some of the volunteers and security were outside the mosque.

'The volunteers spotted a white male coming in with a high-vis jacket and a big bag with seemed like something was sticking out of it, which we later found was a big axe.

'The volunteers then saw the male go into the main hall where the prayers were taking place and they then asked them to accompany them into the front office.

'He left the bag with the axe in the main hall and went with the volunteers into the office where he stayed and spoke to them.

'He was very calm in his demeanour and they tried to keep him calm until the police arrived and he was arrested.

'Weve subsequently looked at CCTV footage and realised he was accompanied by a black male.

'They came together but as they entered the front the door they had a discussion and split up.

'And while the white male was in the office, the other male loitered around outside to see what was happening, and just before police arrived he left the premises.'

The volunteers didnt know the suspect man had an axe in his bag, with the weapons were only discovered after police arrested him.

'We are very very fortunate the volunteers spotted the bag and the handle, not knowing it contained an axe,' Mr Khan added.

'We understand he has visited the mosque before but never in a high-vis.

'Were not sure what his motives were wearing the high-vis but it appears he walked through the security team wearing the clothes he was wearing.'

Criticising police for saying the suspect did not make any 'threats', the mosque chair said: 'Somebody who walks into a place of worship - a mosque - carrying weapons, that in itself is a threat.

'You wouldnt see anybody in the street with an axe and ask them if they posed a threat.'

He said the man 'didnt appear to be under the influence of anything' and seemed to 'very collected in his appearance and manner.

Mr Khan said he understood that the suspect was carrying 'materials' relating to the Second World War as well as newspaper cuttings.

'He said clearly he had visited the mosque before.'

Earlier Manchester Central Mosque said a 'serious security incident' had occurred, explaining: 'A white male entered the Mosque wearing a hi-vis jacket carrying a large bag.

'He was accompanied by a black male, both entering the mosque at the same time.

'The mosque volunteers spotted the suspicious bag containing an axe, which was placed into the main hall of the mosque by the assailant.

'The white male was escorted to a separate room by volunteers and was found to have been carrying multiple weapons including a hammer and a knife. He was eventually arrested by the police.

'The black male left the mosque shortly before police arrived, after it became apparent that the situation had been contained. To our knowledge, he has not yet been arrested by Greater Manchester Police.

'All relevant information and CCTV footage has been passed onto the police who are continuing their investigation.'

Maryam Khan, who was at the mosque, said: 'It is really sad to have this as a threat to our community in what is meant to be a sacred time.

'It's really disheartening, but we're used to it, we're used to fearing our own safety.'

She added: 'The mosque is packed out with children, babies, kids.

'Sometimes we don't go because it's so busy, it's very family-orientated. They serve food and feed the homeless. I hope it's taken seriously.

'Thank god we have a really strong community here and our own security guards.'

Another witness said she had been left in 'shock' at the scenes that unfolded last night.

Police said there is now an increased police presence in the area and attendees at the mosque have been warned to be 'vigilant' and to 'travel in groups where possible and not leave children unattended'.

The mosque's statement continued: 'The Muslim community in the UK has experienced a notable rise in threats and hostility over recent years.

'The increase in Islamophobic incidents is a serious concern, and greater resources are urgently needed to address this growing and real risk.

'We will continue to cooperate fully with the police and urge all mosque attendees to remain vigilant.

'Congregants are advised to travel in groups where possible and to ensure that children are not left unattended.

'The swift and responsible actions of our volunteers played a crucial role in containing the situation. Without their intervention, the consequences could have been far more serious.'

Afzal Khan, the local Labour MP for Rusholme, said: 'I am deeply concerned about the incident that occurred at Manchester Central Mosque last night, whereby two individuals entered the mosque with weapons.

'Thankfully, everyone is safe, no one is hurt, and Greater Manchester Police have arrested one of the suspects. I'm in touch with the mosque leadership, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, and the Prime Minister about this incident.

'Just this week, the Chancellor and Home Secretary announced more funding for protecting mosques, and this incident demonstrates once again why this funding is so vital.

'This is the consequence of far-right politicians scapegoating Muslims. This is Islamophobia, plain and simple.'

In a joint statement, Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, his deputy, Kate Green, and Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, expressed their 'deep concern'.

'It is important to say there were no direct threats nor any violence used,' they said.

'However, there is no complacency.'

They welcomed police pledging an 'increased presence' at the city region's mosques.

Meanwhile the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester said it 'strongly condemned' the 'appalling incident' at Manchester Central Mosque and compared the 'distress' it had caused to last October's deadly terror attack on Heaton Park Synagogue.

'It is deeply concerning that individuals feel emboldened to target places of worship in this way during such an important time for the Muslim community,' the group said on social media.

'No one should ever feel unsafe because of their beliefs.

'Attacks like this strike at the heart of our shared values of respect, tolerance, and coexistence.

'We know all too well the fear and distress that comes with being targeted given the appalling scenes witnessed during the terrorist attack at the Heaton Park Synagogue.

'We stand in full solidarity with those affected.'

This morning Superintendent Simon Nasim, of City of Manchester Central district, said: 'Yesterday evening officers attended a local mosque after it was reported that two men were acting suspiciously and carrying an offensive weapon while people were worshipping during the holy month of Ramadan.

'We have swiftly arrested one individual and officers are working to locate the second man. No threats were made and thankfully, no one was injured.

'You may notice an increased presence of patrols in the area while our enquiries continue. Please feel free to chat with our officers and let them know your concerns.

'There's no place for weapons on our streets and we are committed to ensure all our communities feel safe to worship in peace and go about their daily lives without fear. Anyone committing such offences will be dealt with in accordance with the law.'

Anyone with information is urged to contact GMP on 999 in an emergency quoting incident 3279 of 24 February 2026.
Reform is set to become the main opposition party in Scotland in May's Holyrood election after a collapse in support for Labour and the Conservatives.

A new poll shows Nigel Farage's party picking up 25 seats in the Scottish Parliament, having won none in 2021 and picked up just one since.

In a sign of the polarisation of politics in Scotland as elsewhere in the UK, the SNP is set to pick up enough seats to have an outright majority for the first time in 15 years.

The new MRP poll was carried out by Stonehaven, which produced the most accurate prediction of the 2024 UK general election result.

It is the first to suggest an outright majority for John Swinney and it comes as he is embroiled in a row over the court case of former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell - Nicola Sturgeon's husband - who is accused of embezzling almost 460,000 from party funds.

But the poll suggests the party will benefit from tactical voting by opponents of Reform, who will back the nationalists over Labour.

Mr Swinney has said an outright SNP majority would give him a mandate for a fresh vote on Scottish independence.

The poll also confirms that the biggest loser in May is set to be the Conservatives, who are on course to shed 24 seats and go from being the largest opposition party to the joint-smallest.

The other net loser is Labour, which is on course to lose seven seats and remain only the third largest party at Holyrood.

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A new poll shows Nigel Farage's party, led by Lord Offord (left) in Scotland, picking up 25 seats in the Scottish Parliament, having won none in 2021 and picked up just one since.

Last week Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar became the most senior party figure to call for Sir Keir Starmer to go, amid fears that his unpopularity across the UK was hindering the party's chances in Scotland.

If confirmed it is likely to send a shockwave through Labour and, combined with expected dismal results in Wales and English council elections on the same day, amplify calls for him to resign.

Last week Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar became the most senior party figure to call for Sir Keir Starmer to go, amid fears that his unpopularity across the UK was hindering the party's chances in Scotland.

In the wake of the scandal around the appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as US ambassador, Mr Sarwar cited concern that the 'distraction' from Downing Street would harm his party's chances of unseating the SNP.

But the attempt to oust Sir Keir failed, with members of the Cabinet publicly backing the PM in the hours after his intervention.

The SNP initially formed a power-sharing agreement with the Greens after the 2021 election, but have ruled as a minority administration since it collapsed in 2024.

The last time it won an outright majority at Holyrood was 2011, when, led by the late Alex Salmond, it won 69 seats. It fell back to 63 under Nicola Sturgeon in 2016, leaving her to run a minority government.

The poll suggests that Reform will not win any constituency votes but will pick up seats from the regional list chosen via proportional representation.

Luke Betham, head of data science at Stonehaven, told the Times: 'Tactical voting is likely to play a significant role this May, with a handful of closely fought constituency contests set to decide whether or not the SNP secures an overall majority for the first time since 2011.

'At the same time, our modelling points to Reform becoming the main opposition force in Holyrood, ahead of the Conservatives and Labour. That kind of generational realignment would cause an almighty headache for both Sir Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch.'

It emerged on Wednesday that First Minister John Swinney learned details about the allegations Mr Murrell faces last year

Mr Murrell pictured giving evidence to a committee examining the handling of harassment allegations against Alex Salmond in 2020

Last night 'bombshell' documents revealed Scotland's most senior law officer 'tipped off' John Swinney about the case against former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell nearly a year ago.

Detailed allegations against Nicola Sturgeon's estranged husband only became public knowledge earlier this month when the court indictment - a list of charges - came to light.

But it later emerged that Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain KC had sent an email to the First Minister outlining the charges in January, sparking a row over possible bias.

Ms Bain has now published documents revealing that she had also given details of the case to Mr Swinney, who is also the SNP leader, 10 months earlier in March 2025, as Mr Murrell made a private court appearance.

The Scottish Tories said the new disclosures - published by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) - showed 'sleekit Swinney' was getting 'secret information' about the 'highly sensitive' case against Mr Murrell.

Mr Murrell, 61, stands accused of embezzling almost 460,000 from the SNP between August 2010 and January 2023.

He had been expected to appear at the High Court in Glasgow for a preliminary hearing on February 20 but this was moved to May 25 at the High Court in Edinburgh.
Indonesia has deported an American man after he spent 11 years in prison for killing his then-girlfriend's mother in Bali before stuffing her body in a suitcase.

Tommy Schaefer was sentenced to 18 years in prison for the 2014 murder of Sheila Wiese-Mack, the mother of Heather Mack, during a luxury holiday in a case also known as the Bali 'suitcase murder'.

Schafer was deported back to the United States from Bali International Airport on Tuesday evening after serving 11 years of his sentence.

He received a number of remissions for good behavior, said Felucia Sengky Ratna, head of the Bali Regional Office of the directorate general of immigration.

He was released from Kerobokan Prison last week before being handed over to immigration officials for deportation.

As he left the prison, he told reporters he was feeling 'happy,' adding that 'God is good' and that he plans to 'enjoy life'.

Once he arrives back to the US, he is expected to be detained on charges of conspiracy to kill a US national while overseas and tampering with evidence.

The case dates back to August 2014, when 62 year old Sheila Wiese-Mack booked a vacation with her teenage daughter Heather for what was meant to be a luxury stay at the renowned St Regis resort in Nusa Dua, Bali.

Tommy Schaefer (pictured) preparing to leave an immigration detention centre in Denpasar, Bali, ahead of his deportation

Tommy Schaefer was released from Kerobokan Prison last week after serving 11 years of an 18 year sentence

Sheila hoped the trip would help repair her strained relationship with her daughter, after tensions between the pair had escalated into repeated arguments and incidents that resulted in police being called to their Chicago home 80 times.

Unbeknown to her mother, Heather had secretly invited her boyfriend Tommy Schaefer, using her mother's credit card to purchase a $12,000 first class flight for him.

Heather was pregnant with Tommy's child at the time. Sheila did not approve of the romance and believed Tommy, a 21-year-old aspiring rap artist, to be a bad influence.

On the evening of August 12, Sheila was killed in her hotel room.

Shelia's cause of death was asphyxiation from drowning in her own blood, and it is believed that Tommy hit her over the head with a fruit bowl while Heather held her hand over her mouth.

62 year old Sheila Wiese-Mack booked a vacation with her teenage daughter Heather in 2014

Heather was pregnant with Tommy's child at the time of the vacation

The pair placed her body inside a suitcase and left it in the trunk of a taxi outside the resort. Indonesian police discovered the suitcase and traced it back to the hotel.

After police discovered the suitcase containing Shelia's body, they swiftly descended on the hotel where they found a gruesome, bloody scene in the hotel room and quickly realized that Heather and Schaefer had fled, leaving their passports behind.

A nationwide search was launched and the couple were soon located in another hotel room, which had been booked using Sheilas credit card.

Initially, the pair claimed they had been attacked by a masked gang and that Sheila had not escaped.

Schaefer later told police he had acted in self defense after Sheila allegedly threatened to harm Heather and her unborn baby.

However, CCTV footage showing Sheila and Heather arguing in the hotel lobby and further evidence undermined their account.

Tommy Schaefer pictured in a Bali court in 2015 after his verdict hearing

Heather Mack pictured in court for her sentencing hearing at a district court in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia

On September 19, Schaefer admitted to helping Heather kill her mother and conceal the body.

Both were charged with premeditated murder on January 14, 2015.

A motive based around money then emerged during investigations, revealing Schaefer had been promised a cut of the $1.5million inheritance that Heather was set to collect from her mother.

In April 2025, Heather was sentenced to 10 years in prison for being an accessory to the murder, while Schaefer received 18 years for the killing.

Heather was deported to the US in 2021, and was sentenced to 26 years in prison in Chicago in January 2024, after she pleaded guilty to helping kill her mother and stuffing the body in a suitcase.
A council chief was forced to quit after he tried to pocket 3,000 from a TV crew using a historic pier to film the popular fantasy drama series House of the Dragon.

Iwan Huws admitted fraud after requesting the film company pay the fee for hiring Beaumaris Pier directly into his personal bank account.

Huws - the former chief executive of the Eryri National Park Authority in Snowdonia and an ex-National Trust director - accepted a police caution after the fraud came to light.

HBO's House of the Dragon Season 3 was filming dramatic scenes at the pier in the coastal town of Beaumaris, north Wales.

A major sequence was shot at Beaumaris Pier, which signalled the end of a key chapter in the show's on-location shoot.

House of the Dragon was not named in the investigation after Huws admitted he asked for the fee to be paid directly into his own bank account.

The Public Services Ombudsman for Wales referred the matter to the independent Adjudication Panel for Wales (APW) and a tribunal found that he had breached Gwynedd council's Code of Conduct.

He had accepted the conditional caution for 'fraud through abuse of position' after attempting 'to defraud his employer through the misuse of funds.'

Iwan Huws was forced to quit after he tried to pocket 3,000 from filming crews using a historic pier for popular fantasy drama House of the Dragon

Beaumaris Pier has regularly been used to shoot scenes for the fantasy drama series House of the Drago. Pictured: Crews spotted close to Beaumaris Pier in July 2025

The report added: 'It was reasonable to conclude that the conditional caution and the misconduct of the member had brought his office as a member and his county council into disrepute.'

Welsh nationalist Plaid Cymru member Huws was banned from standing as a councillor in any council in Wales for three years.

'The fact that he broke the law and attempted to defraud his employer, which was itself a public authority, and tried to steal money which was due to Beaumaris Town Council and to the Isle of Anglesey County Council, meant that the offence demonstrated a lack of respect towards the public on several levels,' the APW report stated.

'The attempt to defraud took place over a number of days and does appear to include an element of premeditation in its preparation.'

According to a timeline of events, the production company was referred to Huws on June 30, 2023, to hire Beaumaris Pier for two days.

A 'total fee' was then agreed to include all costs and parking.

'He attached a mooring receipt which included a handwritten document setting out the details of the Pier hire and his own personal bank account details as the appropriate account for receiving payment.'

The APW report described how on July 13, 2023, the company sent a purchase order to Huws' email address at Anglesey County Council, and on July 24, 2024, Huws sent an email demanding payment of the fee.

He was interviewed by the police and had 'confessed that he had sent the handwritten invoice demanding payment, and agreed that he had attempted to defraud through the abuse of his position,' the report said.

During interview with the Ombudsman, the report said Huws alleged he 'did not realise that accepting a caution for fraud through misuse of position was an admission of guilt'.

However, he accepted he was guilty of the offence. 'He accepted that he had made a major mistake and stated that he wanted to move on from the incident,' the report added.

It added: 'He believed that by resigning when he did, that he was doing the honourable thing at the time.

'He said that the embarrassment of facing his colleagues and his guilt about what he had done had led him to co-operate with the police.'
Wes Streeting has insisted he's sure Sir Keir Starmer won't sack him despite his bitter briefing wars with Downing Street.

The Health Secretary is widely seen as a potential challenger to the Prime Minister and has faced claims of plotting a leadership coup against Sir Keir.

Mr Streeting earlier this month fiercely denied suggestions he had coordinated with Anas Sarwar after the Scottish Labour leader called for the PM to resign.

The Health Secretary accused Downing Street of briefing against him at the same time as he was out defending Sir Keir in a TV appearance.

It was another major bust-up after Mr Streeting previously blasted No10's 'self-defeating' attacks against him and hit out at the culture in Downing Street.

The Health Secretary has most recently faced reports that Sir Keir's allies are telling the PM to sack the 'distracting' Mr Streeting as he bids to reset his premiership.

In a radio interview on Tuesday night, the Health Secretary admitted 'they've not been an easy few weeks' for himself in Westminster.

But he added he was a 'resilient person' and put on show of public loyalty to Sir Keir, who he hailed as having a 'total core of steel'.

Wes Streeting has insisted he's sure Sir Keir Starmer won't sack him despite his bitter briefing wars with Downing Street

The Health Secretary is widely seen as a potential challenger to the Prime Minister and has faced claims of plotting a leadership coup against Sir Keir.

Despite the dramatic intervention by Mr Sarwar earlier this month, Sir Keir's position in No10 was shored up when the PM won the immediate backing of his Cabinet.

Senior Labour figures, including Mr Streeting, were swift to offer their support to Sir Keir in the wake of the Scottish Labour leader's attack on the premier.

Mr Streeting told LBC, despite 'all the focus on what jobs I might do in the future', he was getting on with running the NHS.

He said: 'The PM has given me a very important job to do now and it is one that I relish and is one that I enjoy.

'I'm grateful to him for giving me this opportunity to serve our country in this way, and for as long as he wants me, I will carry on doing the job.

'And as long as I'm doing that, I'm supporting him, supporting the Government, and supporting the whole team to deliver the change that we were asked to do by the voters.'

The Health Secretary said that people should 'never underestimate' the PM, adding: 'He does have this total core of steel. He is in it for the right reasons.

'And one of the reasons that I've been proud to work with him for a long time now... what I've seen from him is someone who is in it for the right reasons, really believes in public service, doesn't want to let the country down.

'And so, I'm not going to pretend these have been the easiest weeks for the Government.

'But, my goodness, when I think about what we have done during those weeks to deliver the change that people voted for, I wouldn't swap the worst day of the last few weeks for the best day of opposition.'

Mr Streeting dismissed recent reports he faces losing his job at Sir Keir's next Cabinet reshuffle as 'water off a duck's back'.

Asked if he is sure Sir Keir does not want to push him out, he replied: 'Yes, I am, actually, and I'm proud to work for Keir Starmer.

'I'm proud of the progress we're making, but, my goodness, the job is far from done, and I love this job.

'Being the Health and Social Care Secretary means a lot to me, personally, the NHS saved my life. It's done a lot for my family in recent days and weeks.'

He added: 'Politics is about a battle of ideas about how you make things better and how you drive real change for people and for our country.

'And that is the thing that all of us are focused on. All the rest of it is the soap opera bit of politics, to be honest, it's trivial set against the challenges we're trying to deal with.'
A fire station commander has been given a restraining order after he stalked his wife by putting Apple AirTags in her car and sewing one into her teddy bear.

Experienced firefighter Ian Crawley was called 'an engineer of misery' by victim Adela Crawley after he secretly tracked her whereabouts using the coin-sized device.

The 55-year-old gifted his wife a teddy bear but she was unaware that he had sewn an AirTag into the cuddly toy.

A court heard he would follow his wife when she left their home, aided by second AirTag hidden in a first aid kit in her glove compartment.

Following Crawley's sentencing on Tuesday, Mrs Crawley's daughter praised Apple's technology - because without the notifications they provide, it might not have been possible to detect his stalking.

The case comes as freedom of information data from police forces in England and Wales has revealed a 896 per cent increase in the number of stalking reports involving AirTags and GPS trackers, with the cases rising from 57 in 2018 to 568 by the end of 2024.

Crawley was convicted of stalking without fear and assault by beating following a trial in December.

A district judge has now imposed a restraining order preventing him from contacting his wife.

Crawley hid Apple AirTags in a first aid kit and a teddy bear, a district judge was told.

The pair met in 2004 when Mrs Crawley joined the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service as an administrator, but Crawley - who worked for the fire service - was already in a relationship.

When that relationship began to break down in 2008, he started to 'cling' to Mrs Crawley, helping her out with shopping and eventually 'love bombing' her.

Mrs Crawley, who was a single mother, accepted his affection and the pair married in 2012. Crawley moved into her house in Alton, Hampshire.

Her two daughters, Clarissa Friend and Alicia House, said he was controlling but charming. He made a joint bank account for their mother and would lock her daughters out of the house if they missed his curfew.

But Basingstoke Magistrates' Court heard it was not until COVID that the marriage between Mr and Mrs Crawley began to break down.

In November 2023, Mrs Crawley had a major hip replacement surgery and was still in recovery.

She had only been allowed back home for two days when Crawley had his wife's phone. When she asked for it back he threw it at her, hitting the scar from her operation wound.

It was heard that in early 2024 Crawley moved his collection of guns into the house and would leave the keys to their safe around the property, which contravened strict firearm rules.

Alicia House (left) and Clarissa Friend (third from left) with family and friends attending court in support of Adela Crawley, who was not present

Between February and April of 2024 Crawley would follow his wife whenever she left the house.

Mrs Crawley began receiving notifications on her phone about an AirTag not registered to her account being close to her in March 2024.

The devices send out a secure Bluetooth signal that can be detected by nearby Apple devices and are designed to let users keep track of commonly misplaced personal items like their keys, wallet, purse, backpack or luggage.

They send out alerts when an unknown AirTag is in a person's proximity.

The court heard that when she continued to receive frequent notifications about an unregistered AirTag she told her daughter Clarissa, who advised her to look through her car.

Mrs Crawley initially found the AirTag in the first aid kit, but resolved to leave it there so her husband did not realise she had found it and become angry.

She reported the find to 111, and when the car was searched by police in April a teddy bear in the boot was found to also have an Apple AirTag sewn inside of it.

Crawley, now of Hartley Wintney, Hampshire, was arrested and charged with stalking without fear and assault by beating, and was found guilty at trial.

District Judge Stephen Apted handed him an 18-month community order, 50 hours of unpaid labour and 12 rehabilitation activity sessions.

He also made Crawley pay 750 to the court for costs and 114 in a victim surcharge. The two-year restraining order will prevent contact between the couple outside of their ongoing divorce proceedings.

In her victim impact statement, Mrs Crawley said: 'When I found the first AirTag notification I was worried but not surprised.

'I was worried Ian would see the notifications. I had to be aware of what else Ian may be capable of.

'There was a silent sense of threat.'

Mrs Crawley expressed her terror at knowing she was constantly being monitored using the Apple technology.

She continued: 'If I confronted him, he would have denied everything. I was terrified of the repercussions, and the tag would be replaced with something more difficult to find.'

Mrs Crawley said her husband's actions had devastated their family but said she hoped 'this can serve as a warning to anyone who meets him and think he's a nice person'.

She added: 'He made much of being an engineer, and he is. He's an engineer of misery.'

Speaking after the sentencing, Crawley's stepdaughters explained their own distress at the situation.

Ms House, 30, said: 'The most frightening thing I think it's that it doesn't sound like he will automatically lose his job.

'He's been suspended on full pay for two years. He's stopped paying the mortgage for the joint home with mum and has gone on six holidays, cruises, all sorts with that money.

'To anyone who complains that the NHS is underfunded, just imagine that the fire service has paid this convicted criminal two years of wages.

'To think he'll be able to go into the community and associate with vulnerable people with his job is beyond scary. He shouldn't be able to.

'He's not a fine, upstanding member of the community like he pretends to be and like his position suggests.'

Addressing the AirTags being used, Ms Friend, 33, added: 'I think it's brilliant that it tells you when a device near you is not connected to your Apple account.

'I think that means these devices can be used for their correct purposes. People don't need to be as frightened because of that.

'That's actually how this came about, with Apple notifying mum. She might not have known without that.

'This happens to women all the time and it's not reported.'

Earlier this month, Freedom of Information (FoI) data obtained by the Independent suggested that AirTags and GPS tracking devices are being weaponised by stalkers, who can use them to track victims through a practice known as 'air tagging'.

The devices send their location to iCloud. Users can go to the Find My app and see their location on a map.

The FoI data showed that as well as stalking cases involving the technology rising from 57 in 2018 to 568 by the end of 2024, instances of coercive control have also exploded, from 38 to 431 during the same time period  a 1,034 per cent increase.

But the true figure is likely to be far higher, as only 18 of 44 police forces in England and Wales responded to the request for information, with charities warning that survivors face a 'postcode lottery' on responses from frontline officers.

Apple has previously said that each AirTag has a unique serial number and paired AirTags are associated with an Apple ID.

The company said it can provide the paired account details when requested by law enforcement.
BAFTA has sent letters to its members promising a 'comprehensive review' of its 2026 ceremony after a Tourette's sufferer and landmark campaigner involuntarily shouted a racial slur while two black actors were on stage.

John Davidson, 54, shouted the N-Word while Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting an award during Sunday's ceremony at the Royal Festival Hall in London.

Scotsman Davidson, whose life story inspired the film I Swear, suffers from uncontrollable tics which see him sometimes shout expletives or deeply offensive language.

There was considerable backlash to the incident after BBC bosses failed to edit out the outburst prior to the awards ceremony airing, despite it not being broadcast live.

Now in a letter to its members, BAFTA has said it has launched a 'comprehensive review' after apologising to Jordan and Lindo and admitted it had put guests in a 'difficult situation'.

After the awards, Davidson told how he felt a 'wave of shame' over his tic, issuing a swift apology and saying he was 'deeply mortified'. He was attending the ceremony after the film based on his life, I Swear, was nominated in five categories.

Following Sunday's ceremony, Lindo hit out at BAFTA for failing to address the incident with him.

He said he and Jordan 'did what we had to do' while presenting, but he wished 'someone from BAFTA spoke to us afterward'.

John Davidson, who yelled the N-word during the BAFTAs while two black actors were on stage, has said he is 'deeply mortified' by his outburst

Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting the first prize of the night at London's Royal Festive Hall on Sunday when the outburst took place

And film-maker Jonte Richardson has said he is stepping down as a Bafta judge over the academy's handling of the incident.

In its letter to BAFTA members, a spokesperson has since said: 'We are in contact with the studios involved and conversations are ongoing.

'We want to assure all our members that a comprehensive review is underway. You may have also seen the BBC have issued their own apology for the broadcast.

'It was a very complex situation and we understand you will have many questions  please rest assured how seriously we are taking this.'

Davidson, who has suffered from a severe form of Tourette's since the age of 12, also shouted 'paedophile' at host Alan Cummings, he has said.

One of Davidson's biggest symptoms is coprolalia which makes him involuntarily say socially inappropriate words or phrases, including when he famously shouted 'f*** the Queen' at Elizabeth II when he was awarded his MBE in 2019.

Campaigners emphasise that the shouting of such offensive language does not imply any meaning on behalf of the sufferer and is entirely involuntarily.

He has reached out to the studio producing Sinners to apologize to Jordan, Lindo and production designer Hannah Beachler, who said a racial slur was aimed at her as she made her way to dinner after the show.

The BBC previously said that a second racial slur had been edited out of the broadcast prior to it airing on Sunday.

In a statement on Monday, Davidson said: 'I wanted to thank BAFTA and everyone involved in the awards last night for their support and understanding and inviting me to attend the broadcast.

'I appreciated the announcement to the auditorium in advance of the recording, warning everyone that my tics are involuntary and are not a reflection of my personal beliefs.

'I was heartened by the round of applause that followed this announcement and felt welcomed and understood in an environment that would normally be impossible for me.'

BAFTA host Alan Cumming thanked the audience for their understanding of Tourette's as I Swear's John Davidson let out involuntary shouts during Sunday's ceremony - Davidson also yelled 'paedophile' during a segment by the host

'In addition to the announcement by Alan Cumming, the BBC and BAFTA, 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.

'I was in attendance to celebrate the film of my life, I Swear, which more than any film or TV documentary, explains the origins, condition, traits and manifestations of Tourette Syndrome.

'I have spent my life trying to support and empower the Tourette's 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.'

Davidson has since questioned the decision to seat him directly in front of a microphone during the BAFTAs, and said he had been under the impression any offensive outbursts would be edited out prior to broadcast.

He told Variety: 'I have made four documentaries with the BBC in the past, and feel that they should have been aware of what to expect from Tourette's and worked harder to prevent anything that I said  which, after all, was some 40 rows back from the stage  from being included in the broadcast.

'As I reflect on the auditorium, I remember there was a microphone just in front of me, and with hindsight I have to question whether this was wise, so close to where I was seated, knowing I would tic.'

Following the initial controversy, BAFTA said in a statement: 'We take full responsibility for putting our guests in a very difficult situation and we apologise to all.

'We will learn from this, and keep inclusion at the core of all we do, maintaining our belief in film and storytelling as a critical conduit for compassion and empathy.'

They continued: 'Early in the ceremony a loud tic in the form of a profoundly offensive term was heard by many people in the room.

'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.

'During the ceremony, John chose to leave the auditorium and watch the rest of the ceremony from a screen, and we would like to thank him for his dignity and consideration of others, on what should have been a night of celebration for him.'

The BBC has since apologised to staff for failing to edit out the N-word, after it was broadcast on TV and also audible on the ceremony on iPlayer for around 12 hours before being removed.

Citing BBC sources, BBC News reported yesterday that the producers responsible for editing the show ahead of broadcast 'simply did not hear the slur' shouted when Jordan and Lindo were on stage - but had caught the other occurrence in time.

The corporation said in a statement: '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.'

Charity Tourettes Action said it 'deeply understands' the harm of the racial slur, but called for understanding of the condition.

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.'
Jeffrey Epstein and a friend joked that the financier deserved 'the Nobel Prize for medical science' if Stephen Hawking had sex with underage girls on his private island.

In a 2015 email addressed to Andrew Farkas, an American real estate titan, the late child sex offender wrote: 'I kid you not , the local papers are suggesting that steven hawking had sex with underage girls on island. !! [sic]'

Farkas, the billionaire founder of Island Capital, a New York-based merchant bank, jokingly responded: 'If it were true you'd received the Nobel Prize for medical science.'

The correspondence, released by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) as part of the latest tranche of the Epstein files, is one example of nearly 2,000 emails shared between the disgraced financier and the real estate mogul.

It comes as Hawking's ties to the paedophile face increased scrutiny, following the release of a photograph showing the late Cambridge theoretical physicist sandwiched between two bikini-clad women.

Published by the DOJ, the image shows Hawking, who died in 2018, grinning ear to ear as he poses between the two redacted women carrying tropical drinks.

It is unclear when or where the image was taken, though it is possible it was taken on Little Saint James, dubbed 'Paedophile Island by locals, which Epstein purchased in 1998 for $7.95 million (6 million).

Hawking was among 21 internationally renowned scientists who attended a conference hosted by Epstein on his 28-hectare island and nearby St Thomas in 2006.

Professor Stephen Hawking was seen grinning from ear to ear as he sat sandwiched between two bikini-clad women in a photo released in the Jeffrey Epstein files

Hawking during the 2006 Energy of Empty Space That Isn't Zero conference, hosted by Epstein in the US Virgin Islands

During the 2006 trip, Hawking was given a submarine tour of the seabed around Epstein's island

Hawking was previously accused of having 'participated in an underage orgy' on the island by the late Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre, according to emails sent by the financier.

In an email addressed to Ghislaine Maxwell, his jailed associate, in 2015, Epstein proposed for her to 'issue a reward' to any of Ms Giuffre's friends who could dispute the allegations, shortly after she filed a civil claim in the US.

The email read: 'You can issue a reward to any of Virginia's friends, acquaints, family that come forward and help prove her allegations are false.'

He went on to outline the allegations he is trying to show are untrue.

'The strongest is the Clinton dinner, and the new version in the Virgin Islands that Stephen Hawking participated in an underage orgy.'

Hawking, who died aged 76 after living for more than 50 years with motor neuron disease, was hosted by Epstein in March 2006 - five months before the financier was charged for the first time with soliciting prostitution from a minor.

He is referenced at least 250 times in the Epstein files, though several of the mentions are repetitious.

There is no suggestion that Hawking's appearance in the documents implies any wrongdoing.

In 2015, photographs emerged of the celebrated physicist in his wheelchair attending a barbecue on Little St James around the time of the conference.

He was later given a submarine tour of the seabed around Epstein's remote island.

The paedophile had modified the vessel especially for Hawking, who had never been underwater before.

Emails released by the DOJ show that Epstein was advised to utilise his relationship with the scientist - who penned A Brief History of Time - to improve his public reputation in 2018.

'If I were your PR person, I'd be preparing to release some photographs or video of Hawking going into the submarine in/near the USVI (2006, right?),' wrote one person, whose email address is redacted, but is writing 'on behalf of David Grosof'.

The sender also suggests 'a story about a "conference organizer and science philanthropist" who asked him what he wanted to do that he hadn't done yet, and then did the "Make-A-Wish" type magic of making it happen'.

'Then, especially if it goes viral, a follow-on story/a leak/a comment/ about how the organizer was you (or you and the rest of the conference team).'

The conference was held at the five-star, $1,600-per-night Ritz-Carlton hotel on the island of St Thomas, close to Little Saint James.

A post on the blog of the 'Jeffrey Epstein VI Foundation' included details about the conference, called 'The Energy of Empty Space That Isn't Zero'.

It stated that guests 'could meet, discuss, relax on the beach, and take a trip to the nearby private island retreat of the science philanthropist Jeffrey Epstein, who funded the event'.

Guests appeared to have split their time between St Thomas and Little Saint James, where Epstein personally hosted them.

Epstein was found dead in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City on August 10, 2019

Epstein was said to surround himself with prominent scientists and called himself a 'science philanthropist'.

The financier made large donations to scientific causes and, at one stage, was allegedly giving as much as $20million a year to fund various scientists.

Many of the scientists and researchers distanced themselves after his arrest.

The New York Times has previously reported that Epstein was fixated on 'transhumanism' - a belief that the human species can be deliberately advanced through technological breakthroughs such as genetic engineering and artificial intelligence.

The newspaper claimed in 2019 that the paedophile - who was fascinated by cryonics and eugenics - confided in scientists about a scheme to seed the human race with his DNA, by impregnating women at his nearly 10,000-acre New Mexico ranch, which included a 26,700 sq ft mansion.

It was reported that Epstein would sometimes steer conversations to be about how to improve the human race genetically.

According to the newly-released files, FBI officials received an unsubstantiated tip-off alleging that Epstein visited an 'all male gay club' with Hawking in 2011.

The tipster described the venue as a 'bath house' and told officials in 2019 that 'he was watching the news lately and saw prominent men [who] were at the club in 2011'.

Describing the caller, the FBI report said: 'He said at the time he had no idea who they were. Stated there is lots of behavior that goes on there.'

'He said Epstein and Steven Hawking [sic] were there, as well as some Russian liaisons. He has recognized them from the news,' it continued.

The report described how the caller 'was near tears' when he said 'it wasn't just girls that were affected by Epstein'.

The DOJ said in a previous statement that the new documents may include fake or falsely submitted images, documents or videos, as everything that was sent to the FBI by the public was included in the production that is responsive to the Act.

In a national newspaper obituary following his death, Nobel Prize-winning mathematical physicist Sir Roger Penrose described Hawking as having 'caught the public imagination, as a true symbol of the triumph of mind over matter'.

He was a man whose 'physical impairment seemed compensated by almost supernatural gifts', but was also 'a real human being  with normal human weaknesses'.

A 2021 documentary called Hawking: Can You Hear Me? delved into the lesser-known parts of the genius physicist's domestic life.

In the 90-minute film, his daughter, Lucy, recounted the 'brutal' moment he left his family on Christmas Day 1989 to begin a new life with his carer, Elaine Mason, who he later married in 1995.

Jane, his first wife, was also in a relationship with another man, Jonathan Jones.

Describing their complicated household situation, she told the Sky Documentaries film: 'It was obvious there was a relationship between Stephen and Elaine.

'They didnt hide it. By comparison, my relationship with Jonathan was very mild and dedicated to Stephens care and keeping the family going.'

In 2015, Jane, who had three children with Hawking, told The Telegraph that 'sometimes life was just so dreadful, so physically and mentally exhausting, that I wanted to throw myself in the river  although of course I stopped myself because of the children'.

Hawking later divorced Mason and reportedly fell for another one of his carers, Diana King, who was 39 years younger than him.

Peter Stringfellow, the late English businessman who owned several nightclubs, once described Hawking as the most 'impressive' famous visitor to his strip club.

After introducing himself to the scientist, Stringfellow recalled saying: 'If you could spare a minute or two, Id love to chat with you about the universe.'

He said he paused for a moment and joked, 'Or would you rather look at the girls?', to which Hawking allegedly responded: 'The girls.'

The DOJ has released more than three million documents under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, including over 180,000 images and 2,000 videos.

Officials have identified more than six million documents related to the paedophile, but have said they will not be releasing the complete trove.

Farkas, who made the joke about Hawking winning the Nobel Prize, has previously addressed his association with Epstein.

'He regrets their association and condemns Epsteins crimes,' the businessman's spokeswoman, Julie Wood, told the New York Times.

The political benefactor has previously donated millions to the former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, is close with President Donald Trump, and has invested in projects of Jared Kushner, the presidents son-in-law.

Epstein was found dead in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City on August 10, 2019, while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
A Hollyoaks actor died after he was restrained and suffocated during an 'extreme' sex session with his Grindr date.

Michael Barron, 38, went to Josh Baxter's flat in Blackley, north Manchester, in January 2025 after the pair exchanged explicit messages online.

During the encounter, Baxter strangled Michael with such force that he fractured a bone and cartilage in his neck.

Baxter also restrained Michael face-down on his bed with a rope and lay on top of him for a 'prolonged period', causing him to suffocate.

A lack of oxygen to Michael's brain caused him to suffer a cardiac arrest and he sadly died.

Instead of immediately calling 999, Baxter started searching online about his chances of going to prison and left his flat to collect a takeaway delivery.

He was convicted of inflicting grievous bodily harm and intentional suffocation and jailed for four years. He was acquitted of manslaughter.

Michael Barron died during an 'extreme' sex session after he was strangled and tied up for 30 minutes

Baxter had previously denied all charges against him.

When Mr Barron arrived at the flat at 4.27pm on January 26 last year, they chatted about 'general things' including their favourite films.

The conversation soon turned to sex and what their 'limits' were. Baxter claimed Mr Barron said he did not want a 'safe word'.

During the evening, both men tried to source some ketamine, then later went to a shop to buy more alcohol.

The last use of Mr Barron's phone was at 5.45pm when there was a short call to a drug dealer, it was heard.

Between 7-7.56pm, Baxter also stopped using his phone. Prosecutors said it can be reasonably inferred' that during that time they had sex.

The court heard Baxter restrained Mr Barron face-down on his bed and lay on top of him for a 'prolonged period'.

Ms Whyte said: 'He was choked at some stage, it would appear as though he was restrained by his wrists and ankles, face down throughout the sexual activity.

'We know from the police search at the scene that the sex involved the use of a makeshift mask on Mr Barron.'

At 7.56pm, Baxter messaged other Grindr users as Mr Barron remained restrained, lying on the bed.

Baxter said he noticed Mr Barron's face was purple, but that he could hear snoring, so he believed that Mr Barron was not 'in trouble medically'.

At around 9pm, Baxter ordered two chicken burgers, fries and onion rings on Deliveroo.

After he collected the food from downstairs, Baxter said Mr Barron's face had turned 'deep purple' and that he could no longer hear any snoring.

He carried out online searches, including 'purple face while sleeping', 'how to tell if someone is alive' and 'how to tell if someone is breathing'.

He called 999 and was instructed to perform CPR on Mr Barron.

In the early hours of January 27, he Googled 'is it illegal to f*** someone in their sleep even in you have their concent [sic]'; and 'if you accidentally kill someone by strangling them during sex do you go to prison'.

Anne Whyte KC, prosecuting, told the trial Baxter had 'quite specific sexual interests', which he told Mr Barron about in a message on Grindr after they connected.

Baxter said he liked it 'rough' and asked if Mr Barron would let him 'choke him, tie him up, pull his hair, spit on him, call him names, get him so drunk he was weak and defenceless and punch him'. He also asked if Mr Barron would 'do rape role play'.

Ms Whyte said: 'In other words, Josh Baxter was sexually motivated by high-risk sexual activity.'

In the messages, Baxter and Mr Barron discussed what they liked and disliked sexually, with Mr Barron stating that he liked to be 'tied, gagged, hooded, totally helpless' and that he liked 'pain and torture'.

Ms Whyte said: 'We can see Mr Baxter telling Mr Barron that when he got to Mr Baxter's flat, Mr Barron would start drinking vodka until he was so drunk he could barely walk.

'Mr Baxter said he would then strip him and start raping and abusing him. Mr Barron consented to that and said Mr Baxter could force feed him vodka as well.'

Prosecutors said while Mr Barron was consenting to certain acts, it was 'no defence' if Baxter foresaw the risk that what he was going to do would affect Mr Barron's breathing and that he might suffer serious harm as a result.

'We suggest he foresaw the risk, and unreasonably took it precisely because the risks and control involved were part of the very specific sexual activity that he wanted to engage in,' Ms Whyte KC said.

In her closing speech, Louise Sweet KC, Baxter's barrister, said: 'He [Mr Baxter] says if there is any possibility that he contributed to Mr Barron's death, it was not intended by him, and never did he imagine in a million years that he would come to harm, and therefore it was not reckless.'

Baxter claimed the chats were 'fantasy' and that he never intended to hurt Mr Barron.

Josh Baxter, 28, of Lakeside Rise, Blackley, was today jailed for four years

Asked about choking, he added: 'I never saw it as a dangerous activity.' He maintained the injury had been inflicted accidentally.

Speaking of the internet searches carried out by Baxter, Ms Sweet said he was in a situation of 'real trauma'.

'There is no normal reaction, only shock, disbelief, anxiety, numbness, fear,' she added.

'He was scared about what people would think of what he and Mr Barron had been doing.'

During sentencing at Minshull Crown Court on Tuesday, Judge Tina Landale said Baxter had arranged to meet Mr Baxter 'in order to have an extreme sexual encounter'.

The judge said she believed the defendant was 'well aware of the dangers of choking' and 'decided to ignore' warnings he had received about the practice.

Baxter had 'encouraged' his victim to become 'extremely drunk'.

She also noted Baxter had admitted to a probation officer he had 'repeatedly' choked Mr Barron while he was tied face down with rope.

Judge Landale added that even though the encounter had been consensual, Parliament had ruled such activity was 'inherently dangerous' and that the 'public must be protected from serious injury or unreasonable risk'.

She 'rejected' the defendant's claim that he was remorseful.

Judge Landale said: 'During your evidence, you demonstrated no insight into your behaviour or accepted responsibility whatsoever.'

She added that the defendant had shown a 'poor understanding of consent and a limited insight into the risk of harm'.

Following the case, senior investigating Officer Detective Inspector Matthew Hamer of GMP's Serious Crime Division said: 'No sentence can ever replace the loss of a loved one, but we hope that now the trial has concluded, the family can start to move forward.

'Baxter showed a complete disregard for Michael's welfare, instead putting his own interests ahead of alerting the emergency services.

'I hope that the time spent in custody will allow him the opportunity to reflect upon the consequences of his actions following Michael's death.'

His family said in a statement: The tragic loss of Michael has devastated our family and left behind a space that can never be filled.

'Michael had such a big personality and an infectious energy. He was kind, genuine, unique, charismatic and utterly full of life, love and ambition. He was a natural born storyteller and could captivate the attention of everyone in a room within minutes using his wit and humour alone.

'Michael was deeply important to so many people, he was a wonderful son, brother and uncle. Above all, he was a great friend with a unique ability to make people feel seen and special and would gladly go out of his way to lift someones spirits if they were feeling down.

'Growing up in Ireland in the 90s and 00s, as a gay man was not easy, but instead of hiding who he was Michael lived both loudly and proudly. His self-acceptance helped pave the way for others in the LGBT community. Though he left family behind when he left Waterford, he built a family of his own through friendships in Dublin, Liverpool and Manchester.

'Since Michaels death we have had countless messages from friends he made throughout his life, all echoing the same sentiment. He gave people confidence, strength and pride in who they were. He taught others to stand tall, embrace life fully and live with joy and openness.

'As Michael's family, we could not be prouder of the man he was. We are so grateful for the years we shared with him and the many happy memories we will carry with us and cherish for the rest of our lives.

'Now that the trial has concluded, we can finally begin to try and move forward and start to process our grief, we are deeply touched and grateful for the love, support and kindness that we have received.'
Tourettes campaigner John Davidsons family and friends have rallied around him as he remains at the centre of a global BAFTAs N-word storm - insisting attacks on him are completely unfair and that the BBC was to blame.

Davidson, 54, was heard to yell the offensive slur while black actors Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage to present an award at London's Royal Festival Hall on Sunday night.

The outburst was audible on BBC1's initial broadcast of the show, before later being removed - and both Baftas host Alan Cumming, the BBC and Davidson himself have since apologised.

Davidson made the decision to leave the ceremony halfway through after he made a series of involuntary outbursts - but he still found himself subject to intense criticism in the fallout.

Today many of those closest to him in the Scottish border town of Galashiels where he grew up and still lives, insisted he was blameless.

Johns lifelong friend and former girlfriend, Susan Gibson [pictured], said: With his Tourette's, it is totally involuntary. He will come out and shout things that you are not meant to say.

I have had John in my life for many a year and I think this has taken the light away from the many achievements that he has already had.

For someone to make this about the N word is wrong.

Tourettes campaigner John Davidsons family and friends have rallied around him as he remains at the centre of a global BAFTAs N-word storm (Davidson is pictured at the BAFTA awards)

Davidson, 54, was heard to yell the offensive slur while black actors Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo (pictured) were on stage to present an award at London's Royal Festival Hall on Sunday night

Davidson's ex-girlfriend Susan Gibson has today jumped to his defence, arguing he is blameless

Yes of course it is not a nice word. I think it has been taken out of proportion and the BBC should hold themselves responsible for their role in this.

It should have been taken out before it went out on the air and this situation would not have been as bad for John.

Johns sister Sylvia McGill added her support both for her brother and I Swear actor Robert Aramayo, who took the best actor gong.

She said: It is raw for John and raw for all of us. It has also taken away from Robert slightly and he deserved it to be about him that night.

Ms Gibson added: When you have Tourettes it is in your thought process to think, I should not say that, and you know you should not say that but you cannot help it. We thought everyone understood that, we hoped people understood his condition.

For him to go to London, to the BAFTAs, would have meant he needed to stack up all his tics and then he would have had an outburst.

He will have suppressed them for so long, and then you just explode.

It was just at the wrong time when he said that when the cameras were rolling, and it's so sad that it has been taken this way.

People do not understand it. The film is called I Swear - I think that explains it pretty clearly.

John will be distraught. He will think everything he has done for years, the speeches, the conventions he has attended, will be a waste of time because he has said the wrong word at the wrong time.

I recall a time once when John was beaten up for calling someone a slut. The girl wasn't a slut, he knew that, but he couldn't help what he had said, and he was beaten up so badly that he ended up in hospital.

He has suffered so much from people not understanding his condition and we thought that was changing and here we are again in the middle of this business, I feel so sad for him but people here in this town will always back him. He knows he has the closest family and friends around him

One near neighbour of Johns told the Daily Mail: Everyone in this town knows and supports John, hes a pure hero to everyone here and we know hes a man with a good heart full of kindness.

Davidson became prominent after the programme John's Not Mad, back in 1989 - and now faces fresh scrutiny after shouting racial slurs at an awards showcase, having previously prompted a bomb scare at Buckingham Palace.

He returned to public consciousness in last year's movie I Swear, in which he was played by Robert Aramayo who won the Bafta for Best Actor on Sunday - a surprise victory over rival contenders Timothee Chalamet and Leonardo Di Caprio.

Davidson was diagnosed with Tourette's in his childhood, when little was known about the condition, and has since dedicated his life to raising awareness.

Yet his presence at the showpiece ceremony in central London has provoked criticism as he was accused of racism - and the BBC was also condemned.
Controversial plans to demolish a former Debenhams department store to make way for hundreds of flats scraped through by four votes to three after two Green councillors who opposed the scheme left a planning meeting early.

Members of Norwich City Council were debating the matter when a decision was taken to have a short break after a 5-4 vote against the development.

When the committee reconvened, Green group members Charlie Caine and Jenny Knight had disappeared, leaving those opposed in the minority.

The councils majority Labour group pounced on the fiasco to accuse their opponents of causing more Green chaos, following a series of scandals involving its members.

Details emerged on the eve of the Gorton & Denton by-election where strategists believe the hard-Left Greens could seize the traditional Labour stronghold.

It comes despite growing concerns at the partys policies, which include legalising hard drugs, decriminalising prostitution and effectively operating an open-door immigration policy.

Norwich Green leader Lucy Galvin today attempted to defuse the fallout from the planning committee debacle, telling the Mail: Obviously they [voters] can trust us.

But a Labour source said: For them to leave before the decision was concluded was farcical.

Norwich City Council's planning committee voted through a controversial redevelopment of the former Debenhams building by 4-3 after two Green councillors who opposed it left the meeting before it finished

Weve all had enough of Green chaos. They should stand aside if they cant take their duties seriously.

The crunch meeting took place on February 12, when councillors discussed the fate of the handsome 1950s city centre building that once housed Debenhams.

It has been closed since 2021 and is now boarded up and covered in graffiti.

Plans for 377 students flats and retail units on the ground floor were initially turned down in the knife-edge vote, with those in favour from Labour and all the opponents from the Green group, plus one absention.

The hearing had been going for two hours and 40 minutes when it was suspended for 15 minutes to give councillors opposed to the development time to formalise their reasons and then take part in a second vote.

But when the committee sat down together again, cllrs Caine and Knight were nowhere to be seen.

The Green group later explained that the former had an appointment, while the latter had a job interview.

Dementia care worker Cllr Knight failed to respond to a request to comment today but said previously: Both of us had communicated this to officers beforehand and we tried to stay as long as we could.

The city's Green group said Cllr Knight had to leave the meeting because the dementia care worker had a job interview

Im very disappointed that I wasnt able to stay any longer.

But Labour, who hold 19 of the councils 39 seats, while the Greens have 16, questioned why their pairs plans had been scheduled when there was such an important meeting to attend.

Critics also pointed out that the Greens have been responsible for 64 per cent of absences at full council meetings over the past year, compared to 32 per cent for Labour.

And its members have been involved in a series of scandals, including one known as Nazigate after Cllr Caine was accused of shouting Nazis at some women holding a vigil for females in Afghanistan.

The group refused to hold an investigation after revealing the councillor wasnt actually a signed-up member of the party.

The then party leader, Alex Catt, was subsequently drawn into a standards probe after accusing Norwich Labour of fuelling a transphobic campaign through its decision to focus on the allegations against Cllr Caine, a biological female who identifies as a man.

Another local Green, Liam Calvert, attracted claims of hypocrisy after he criticised the state of the authoritys housing stock - while tenants in a property he owned complained he had failed to fix damp in the building.

The old Debenhams premises were bought three years ago by Orford House Developments Ltd, which initially applied to convert it into 405 student flats, plus retail units.

Trans activist Cllr Caine left the planning meeting to attend an appointment, the Green group said

Objectors including the Twentieth Century Society, a national charity which campaigns for the preservation of historic architecture, which said changes were needed to prevent the loss of an irreplaceable resource.

The councils own conservation team described the demolition of the building as unjustified, with Historic England expressing similar concerns.

In December 2024, new plans were submitted that reduced the development from ten storeys to eight and the number of flats to 377.

But The Norwich Society, another organisation that promotes heritage, objected on several grounds and warned it had concerns about the quality of its intended replacement and its heritage and townscape impacts.

Historic England said the development would result in harm to the conservation area.

Green party councillor Jamie Osborn said at the time that the project was not what our city needs.

University of East Anglia officials have also stated there was no need for more students flats as there are already empty apartments on its campus.

Director of estates Stephen Wells told the planning committee meeting: This should be refused as there is clearly no demand.

But Matt Horne, development director of Orford House Developments Ltd, which is behind the project, warned councillors there were just two options  vote to transform a disused building or go against the recommendation and the building will continue to blight the city for years.

And council officers recommended supporting the plans as the only viable option for the empty building.

Cllr Galvin told the Mail that people do leave meetings early.

Asked if voters could trust the party, she said: Yes, absolutely. Planning is a committee thats built on rules and rules are followed. Absolutely they can trust us.

Cllr Caine is a trans activist and musical director of Norwich Prides Sing With Pride choir.

Cllr Knights online biography on the Green party's website states: I believe in communities, social justice and environmentalism and the only way I can think of achieving that is direct democracy and direct action.

The personal is political and I am tired of the political class forgetting about the human element of their decisions.

The city council and Orford House Developments were approached for comments.
A child who was allegedly tortured and forced to drink boiling water by his step-mother named her moments before he died, whispering 'Mummy' when asked who was to blame.

The tragic exchange was captured on camera as the boy, 12, lay in a hospital bed with catastrophic injuries.

Nizam Syafei had been rushed to hospital in the early hours of February 19 in Sukabumi, West Java, Indonesia, after suffering severe internal burns.

Doctors found his oesophagus had been scalded by boiling water and he died later that afternoon.

His body was also covered in wounds consistent with physical violence, according to Indonesian media.

A video shared online showed Nizam lying in a hospital bed shortly before his death.

When asked who had abused him, he said: 'Mummy.'

The boy's father, Anwar Satibi, 38, said his son had previously been a victim of domestic violence in 2025 at the hands of the woman.

A 12-year-old boy who was allegedly tortured and forced to drink boiling water said 'Mummy' when asked who to blame shortly before he died

The tragic exchange was captured on camera as the child lay in a hospital bed with catastrophic injuries

His father, Anwar Satibi, 38, said his son had previously been a victim of domestic violence in 2025 at the hands of the woman

He told reporters he had previously filed a police report against his wife over earlier alleged abuse, but the case was later mediated after she apologised and promised to change her ways.

Anwar said the report was never formally withdrawn.

He alleged that Nizam was beaten whenever he argued with his step-mother's adopted sons, while her other two children were not punished.

On the night before his son's death, Anwar said he was at work when his wife called to say the boy had developed a high fever.

When he returned home, he was shocked to find Nizam covered in blisters and burns, despite having been in good condition when he left that morning.

According to Anwar, his wife claimed the blisters appeared naturally whenever the boy had a fever.

Nizam was taken to hospital early on February 19, where doctors determined that the pattern and severity of the burns were indicative of abuse.

An autopsy is now being conducted to establish the exact cause of death.

Sukabumi Police Criminal Investigation Unit chief AKP Hartono confirmed that an investigation is ongoing while officers await the forensic results.
Campaigning in the Gorton and Denton by-election has entered its final hours as Labour faces a battle to save the previously rock-solid constituency .

Sir Keir Starmer's party is fighting a double electoral threat from both Matt Goodwin, the Reform UK candidate, and Hannah Spencer, standing for the Greens.

In 2024 Labour won the Greater Manchester seat with a majority of 13,413 and more than half the vote.

But the party's plummeting popularity since Sir Keir entered Downing Street means it could be vulnerable.

Now it's time to have your say in the Daily Mail's latest poll ahead of residents going to the polls tomorrow  who do you think is going to win?

In yesterday's poll, Mail readers were asked: 'Do you believe Michael Stone's murder convictions should be reinvestigated?' Some 74 per cent of you said 'yes' and 26 per cent said 'no'.
Local councils have imposed maximum tax hikes on residents to help fund millions of pounds of spending on new 20mph speed limit zones, it has been revealed.

Gloucestershire County Council and Hertfordshire County Council have both proposed a 4.99 per cent rise in council tax from April.

This is the maximum annual hike allowed, in normal circumstances, before councils are required to hold a local referendum.

The cap is made up of 2.99 per cent for general spending and a 2 per cent adult social care precept.

Both the councils, which are run as minority administrations by the Liberal Democrats, said they will spend extra cash on new 20mph zones.

Lisa Spivey, the leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said 20mph zones, potholes, and care for adults and children were her authority's top priorities.

'We're investing 2m so we can begin the rollout of our 20mph zones,' she told the BBC.

'There are a number of people who are killed and seriously injured on our roads every year and we want to really start to make that change and bring those numbers down.'

Local councils have imposed maximum tax hikes on residents to help fund millions of pounds of spending on new 20mph speed limit zones, it has been revealed

Hertfordshire County Council said additional funding in its 2026/27 budget included 1.5million over two years 'to make roads safer by rolling out new 20mph zones'.

The local authority added these would be established 'in our communities where residents tell us they want them'.

'Together with a new more efficient use of existing resources, this will enable the delivery of nearly 200 new 20mph zones,' it added.

Matthew Hurst, a Reform UK councillor on Hertfordshire County Council, attacked a 'Lib Dem vanity project'.

He told the Telegraph: 'With council finances at their limit, this Lib Dem vanity project is unaffordable, unpopular and completely unnecessary.

'It provides no direct benefits to Hertfordshire residents. Compliance with the zones is notoriously poor, rendering their effectiveness questionable.'

He added there was 'scant evidence' that the zones significantly reduced incidents or saved lives.

But Lib Dem councillor Paul Zukowskyj denied the claims and stressed that 20mph zones 'make communities safer and make people feel better about their kids walking to school'.

'The data is very clear, there is a 25pc reduction in casualties after it is introduced,' he added.
A stepfather who shook a five-month-old baby to death in a fit of rage has been jailed for 19 years.

Thomas Morgan, 29, had a heated argument with his ex-girlfriend before he caused a catastrophic brain injury to baby Jensen-Lee Dougal.

The 'happy and healthy' baby suffered numerous fractures and extensive bleeding in both eyes in the attack.

Father-of-two Morgan was in a relationship with Jensen-Lee's mother, Jordan Dougal, and was treated as the baby's stepfather at the time of the murder.

He had been looking after Jensen-Lee at home while Jordan was at work on March 30, 2024.

After an argument with his ex-partner Georgia Griffiths, prosecutors said Morgan was 'in no state to look after a child'.

Jensen-Lee's injuries were described as 'the most severe case' one doctor had ever seen, saying the force of the attack was similar to a traffic collision.

The child died in his mother's arms in the hospital the following day.

At Swansea Crown Court, Morgan was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 19 years.

Thomas Morgan, 29, had a heated argument with his ex-girlfriend before he caused a catastrophic brain injury to baby Jensen-Lee Dougal

Morgan denied inflicting serious injuries on Jensen-Lee and said he tried to save the baby after he fell ill in his care, believing he had choked on his own sick.

However, he was found guilty of murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent following a trial at Swansea Crown Court.

In a tearful statement, Jordan told the court she suffered 'overwhelming grief, trauma, and emotional pain' following the death of her son.

The 24-year-old said: 'I never had the chance to hear my son say he loved me and I never heard him call me Mammy.

'I will never see him take his first step, go to school or see the person he would go on to become. He was taken from me.'

Jordan said Morgan held the role of step father - and said: 'That breach of trust is something I struggle with every day.'

She said her pain was made worse when callous Morgan held a gender reveal party with his new partner on the weekend of the anniversary of her son's death.

She added: 'It has been distressing to see the defendant continue his life while our family is devastated. I don't think I have seen genuine remorse which shows the understanding of the lifelong damage caused.

'I feel like my son's life has been treated as something that can simply be moved on from.

'He was able to build a future while my son had none.'

Caroline Rees KC, prosecuting, said Morgan 'seriously abused the trust placed in him' by shaking Jensen-Lee in an 'extremely violent attack'.

Morgan had a heated argument with his ex-partner, Georgia Griffiths, before he was left alone with Jensen Lee, while his mother went to work.

In a series of 'angry and abusive' text messages, Morgan called Ms Griffiths a 'stinking little rat' and a 'stinking little dog',

He also said: 'Imagine being some coked-up whore' and told her 'You are nothing but a rat and always will be'.

Ms Rees said the argument 'flipped some kind of switch' in Morgan, leaving him 'angry and aggressive' and in no state to look after a child.

She said: 'With his temper raised and his fuse short, his temper must have snapped and he shook Jensen-Lee with such violence that he caused the devastating injuries that led to Jensen-Lee dying in his mother's arms.'

Jensen-Lee's injuries were described as 'the most severe case' one doctor had ever seen, saying the force of the attack was similar to a traffic collision

While at work, Ms Dougal received a call from Morgan in which he told her the baby was choking and had stopped breathing, the court heard.

Jordan had left her young son with Morgan when she went to work for a shift behind the bar of a village pub.

She said: 'I gave Jensen a kiss, it was the last time. I said bye to them both and then I went to work.'

She said Jensen-Lee had been 'smiling' when she left the house in Clydach, Swansea, and had no concerns until she saw a missed call from Morgan.

When she called Morgan back, he told her that Jensen-Lee had stopped breathing and said he was 'freaking out'.

Jordan said she repeatedly told Morgan to call an ambulance - but Morgan ignored her pleas and instead took the youngster to a neighbour's home for help.

She said: 'He told me Jensen wasn't breathing and that he was freaking out, obviously I started freaking out.

'I told him to ring an ambulance, like why was he speaking to me he should be ringing an ambulance?'

The five-month-old was taken to hospital but found to have a 'devastating' brain injury.

The court heard that Jensen-Lee had suffered a 'shaking type injury' akin to a high velocity traffic collision.

It was described as the 'most severe case' one doctor had seen in his whole career as a clinician or expert.

Prof Stavros Stivaros, lead consultant in paediatric neuroradiologist at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, said: 'It is the sort of shaking injury that, if we saw somebody doing that to someone on the other side of the road, you would cross over to intervene because of its severity.

'It is not the sort of trauma a child can inflict on itself.'

Jordan was forced to make the heartbreaking decision to turn off Jensen-Lee's life support machine on March 31.

She said she hugged Jensen-Lee after the machine was unplugged and he died in her arms.

Jordan told the jury that around two months after Jensen-Lee's death, she and Morgan split up.

Morgan, of Gorseinon, Swansea, denied murder and three charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

He was found guilty of murder and one charge of causing grievous bodily harm but cleared of two others.

Jensen-Lee's heartbroken mother Jordan Dougal said her pain was made worse when Morgan held a gender reveal party with his new partner on the weekend of the anniversary of her son's death

Judge Mrs Justice Stacey jailed Morgan for life with a minimum of 19 years.

She said Jensen-Lee was a 'wonderful, beautiful baby with a sense of fun and enjoyment of life.'

She said: 'You were still acting as the grieving step father at Jensen-Lee's cremation.

'All along you knew you caused those injuries to Jensen-Lee in a fit of temper.

'Ms Dougal felt lucky that you had come into their life and trusted you with Jensen-Lee.

'We have no way of knowing exactly what happened, as you have lied to the police and to everyone that you have spoken to since.

'What we do know is that... You shook Jensen-Lee so violently that you caused extensive injuries.

'The violent shaking with Jensen-Lee's head moving back and forward quickly accelerating and decelerating may have been very brief but it was hard enough to cause his extensive internal head injuries that caused his death.'

The judge said she had put Jensen-Lee's heroic neighbours forward for a High Sheriff's Award for attempting to save his life.

In a statement after the sentencing, Jordan said: 'Jensen-Lee was just five months old when his life was taken. He was completely innocent and entirely dependent on the adults around him to keep him safe.

'Since Jensen-Lee's death, my life has been permanently changed. I live with overwhelming grief, trauma and emotional pain.

'Due to what Thomas Morgan did, I have also received a life sentence, but mine is one of grief.

'Jensen-Lee will never be forgotten. I love you, Jensen-Lee.'
Small town becomes China's 'brush hub'

People's Daily Online) 14:02, February 25, 2026

Yuantan town in Qianshan, east China's Anhui Province, is home to more than 90,000 permanent residents, with over 30,000 of them making their living in the brush industry. With the sector's annual output value exceeding 10 billion yuan (about $1.45 billion) and products exported to more than 70 countries and regions worldwide, the town has earned the title of "China's brush hub."

In Qianshan, there is a "museum" dedicated to Yuantan's brush art. Stepping inside is like entering a "world of brushes." From tiny paintbrushes to industrial roller brushes several meters long, from soft bristle brushes to sharp steel brushes, from household cleaning brushes to precision instrument brushes, everything is on display.

Photo shows a showroom dedicated to Yuantan's brush art in Yuantan town, Qianshan, east China's Anhui Province. (Photo courtesy of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Qianshan Municipal Committee)

In the early days of reform and opening up, entrepreneurs in Yuantan town began collecting animal bristles, crafting them into writing brushes or rudimentary paint brushes, and then traveling across the country to sell their products.

"In the beginning, it was all family workshops  nothing technically sophisticated," recalled Wang Changqi, 68, one of Yuantan's first-generation brush makers. "All you needed was a bundle of bristles and a drill, and you were in business."

As the new century dawned, a private-sector industrial park was established, and a series of support policies were introduced to bring the workshops together under one roof. This move marked a turning point for Yuantan's brush sector, setting it on a path toward standardization, industrialization, and clustering.

Wang Changqi founded Anhui Changzhong Brush Industry Co., Ltd. during this period, and handed over the reins to his son, Wang Xiaojian, in 2013.

The second-generation entrepreneur makes annual trips to European and American countries to stay updated on the industry's technological frontiers and evolving market trends.

A worker checks brush-making equipment in Yuantan town, Qianshan, east China's Anhui Province. (People's Daily Online/Chen Ruotian)

"In 2025, our output value reached 30 million yuan, a nearly 30 percent year-on-year increase," he said. "Our next step is to expand further into European and American markets  we expect output value to continue rising at a solid pace."

Beginning in 2017, the annual output of Yuantan's brush industry grew by more than 1 billion yuan for five consecutive years, reaching 10.56 billion yuan in 2022.

Scientific and technological innovation has played a crucial role in driving the brush industry's transformation, according to an official from the town government. Brushes produced in Qianshan are now used to clean high-end liquid crystal screens and have found their way onto ocean-going naval vessels and large commercial aircraft.

In recent years, an increasing number of enterprises in Yuantan have been investing more resources into research and development (R&D).

"We have forged close ties with universities, including Anhui University of Technology, and set up a R&D center for industrial brush manufacturing. In 2024, we were recognized as a national high-tech enterprise. As our patent portfolio has expanded, so has our output value by a significant margin," said Chu Dejie, general manager of Anhui Lijie Brush Industry Co., Ltd. With orders already booked through April, he added, the company has started the new year on a high note.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun)
A Los Angeles man has learned his fate after he filmed himself capturing a protected hawk and forcing it to drink alcohol.

Cesar Gustavo Diaz, 25, was sentenced to 45 days in prison over the disturbing video which he captioned, 'Hanging out with the homie'.

He was arrested after concerned citizens spotted the June 2025 video on his YouTube channel.

The footage shows him pouring a 15% ABV Lime 'Rita BuzzBallz cocktail into the bird's mouth after he had captured it at a park.

A separate video on Diaz's account showed him snatching a Cooper's hawk as it perched on a playground set at Amelia Mayberry Park in South Whittier.

When asked what he was going to do with the hawk he replied, 'I don't know, take it home.'

Another video appeared to show the hawk perched on a porch with a marijuana joint in its mouth.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife's Special Operations Unit conducted an investigation with assistance from LASD's Operation Safe Streets.

Cesar Gustavo Diaz was arrested earlier this month on animal cruelty charges in Los Angeles for capturing a Cooper hawk, pictured above, and feeding it alcohol

The disturbing videos from last June recently resurfaced and came to law enforcement's attention. The clip showed Diaz feeding the bird a 15% ABV cocktail

Another video shared on Diaz's YouTube account showed what appeared to be a marijuana joint in the bird's mouth, pictured above

Investigators learned that Diaz was already in custody and is a convicted felon on unrelated charges.

A video shared on YouTube showed the hawk's capture at a Los Angeles park

Wildlife officers conducted five search warrants and interviewed Diaz who said he had already released the bird.

He was hit with misdemeanor charges of animal cruelty and capturing and confining wildlife.

He pleaded 'no contest' to animal cruelty, and the second charge was dismissed on February 19.

Diaz was sentenced to 12 months of probation, 45 days in the Los Angeles County Jail, 20 days of community labor, and has been forced to participate in an animal cruelty counseling program.

He also will not be allowed to have animals for five years and has been hit with a ten-year firearm prohibition.

The Daily Mail has reached out to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for additional information on Diaz's criminal record.

Diaz will also have to pay a $220 fine. He received credit for time already served from a previous charge and was released from jail on Tuesday, according to jail records.

The CDFW warned that Cooper hawks, like the one pictured above, are protected under state and federal law. Those who capture or harass the animals can be hit with criminal charges

The CDFW warned that Cooper's hawks like the one in Diaz's video are protected under California and federal law.

Capturing, harming, or harassing wildlife can result in criminal charges and can severely harm the animals.

Diaz's contact information was not immediately made available for comment on this article.
A 21-year-old tree surgeon and father has been left paralyzed after a falling tree branch crushed his neck in a devastating workplace accident.

Evan Parker was working on a tree in Lawrenceville, Georgia, on Friday when a dead limb suddenly snapped and struck him in the head, family members said.

The branch, which weighed about 25 pounds and fell roughly 60 feet, broke Parkers neck and severely damaged his spine.

Doctors have told the family he is currently paralyzed from the neck down.

Parker had been wearing a safety helmet at the time of the accident, which relatives believe likely saved his life.

The young arborist, who loved climbing trees for work, now faces a long road to recovery as loved ones struggle to come to terms with the life-changing injuries.

Parker is the father of a one-year-old son named June, whom relatives describe as the center of his world.

His father, Laren Parker, said the family is struggling with the uncertainty of what lies ahead.

Evan Parker, 21, was left paralyzed after a dead tree limb fell about 60 feet and struck him while he was working in Lawrenceville

Parker suffered a broken neck and severe spinal injuries and is now paralyzed from the neck down

Parker is the father of a one-year-old son named June

Im scared, he told 11alive. Scared for him. Im scared for his mom. Im scared for the whole family.

Despite the severity of his injuries, Parker has tried to keep his spirits up in the hospital, according to his mother, Kesha Guzman.

Even through all of this, when he is awake, hes trying to keep us calm, Guzman told 11alive. Hes trying to keep us happy and laughing and thats Evan.

Relatives said Parker had always dreamed of working as a tree climber and took pride in the physically demanding job.

His cousin Kasey Jackson said he had been doing exactly what he loved when the accident happened.

Climbing trees is exactly where he wanted to be, Jackson told Atlanta News First. He loved his job and loved climbing trees.

Friends and coworkers described Parker as a hardworking young man devoted to providing for his family.

Parker with his girlfriend and their one-year-old

Relatives said Parker had always dreamed of working as a tree climber and took pride in the physically demanding job

Dakota Roberts, who owns Southern Roots Tree Service and Grading and occasionally worked with Parker, said the accident came as a shock.

I still dont know what to say about it, Roberts told Atlanta First News. I was just in shock and disbelief.

Roberts said tree work carries unavoidable risks despite safety precautions.

We do everything we can to make it as safe as possible, he said. But there are things that can go unnoticed, and somebody has to deal with the worst possible outcome.

He said the accident has forced him to rethink his own career in tree work.

Truthfully, it makes me want to quit doing tree work, Roberts said. But I dont really have another answer to a career currently.

Roberts has pledged to donate between five and ten percent of his companys sales to Parkers family and said he intends to support them for the long term.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help cover Parkers medical expenses and the specialized equipment he is expected to need.

After doctors removed his ventilator, his father said Parkers first words reflected his drive to return to normal life.

'He took the ventilator out and that's the first thing he said, "I'm ready to go work again, I'm ready to climb,"' his father said. 'And I said, "Boy, you're crazy," but hey, if he wants to climb, you let him climb, but we're going to climb to recovery.
The chief operating officer of a Georgia art museum has resigned after an internal investigation was launched into his alleged theft of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Brady Lum tendered his resignation on December 9 and allegedly misappropriated about $600,000 worth of funds that belonged to the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The Woodruff Arts Center, which oversees the museum, believes Lum acted alone and stole the money over a period of three to four years.

On Tuesday, Woodruff's governing board voted to refer the matter to the local US Attorney's Office in Atlanta.

In a statement to the Daily Mail, US Attorney Theodore Hertzberg said he received the referral and relayed it to the FBI for further review.

Woodruff CEO and President Hala Moddelmog told the outlet in an interview that Lum abused his power as the head of the museum.

'We believe that Lum abused his executive level position at the High to access the money and hide what he did for several years,' Moddelmog said.

The High Museum of Art is the largest museum for visual art in the Southeast and is a division within the Woodruff Arts Center, which also manages the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Alliance Theatre.

Brady Lum has been accused by his former colleague at the High Museum of Art of stealing $600,000 from the organization over the course three to four years

Lum served as the chief operating officer of the High Museum of Art (pictured) in Atlanta. It is the largest museum for visual art in the Southeast

Moddelmog said Woodruff launched an investigation in December after leadership at the museum found financial irregularities.

Moddelmog also hired law firm King & Spalding to conduct a review, plus an independent forensic accountant to check the museum's finances.

The Woodruff Arts Center released a statement to WSB-TV saying it does not believe this will negatively impact its finances.

'We do not anticipate any impact on the High Museum or the Woodruff Art Center's financial stability or operations, the statement said.

'Weve engaged an independent forensic auditor and other experts to review this matter and identify improvements to strengthen the High Museum and the Woodruff Art Center's processes.

'We are committed to strong stewardship of the generous support entrusted to us by our patrons and community.'

In fiscal year 2024, Woodruff reported about $131.5 million in revenue, according to an IRS Form 990. The year before, it made $99.8 million.

In fiscal year 2024, Lum earned a salary of $312,374, making him the sixth highest-paid person in the organization. He made $298,044 in fiscal year 2023.

Woodruff Arts Center CEO and President Hala Moddelmog said Lum abused his position for years to misappropriate the funds

Lum was hired at the museum in February 2019, according to a now-deleted press release from the museum at the time.

From 1993 to 2008, he held various leadership positions at Coca-Cola, a company with a strong presence in Atlanta.

He then became the COO of Special Olympics International, where he was tasked with organizing operations and functions of 250 associates across seven countries.

He worked there until 2013, before returning to Coca-Cola in 2014 as the senior vice president and general manager of Coca-Cola/Keurig Ventures North America.

The Daily Mail approached Lum for comment.
Russia's shadow tankers are brazenly cruising through the English Channel, with defence experts warning there could be a military confrontation near Britain's shores as soon as this year.

Often described as a 'clandestine' network, Russia's 'shadow fleet' are in fact hiding in plain sight as they ferry millions of barrels of oil through the world's busiest shipping route in defiance of Western sanctions, embargoes and price caps.

Dozens of these ships pass through the Dover Strait every month, part of a 'shadow fleet' of up to 800 vessels that continue to fuel Vladimir Putin's four-year war on Ukraine.

Just this week, the UK Government announced its biggest sanctions package against Russia in a bid to cut off critical oil revenues and degrade the Kremlin's ability to wage its illegal war.

Experts say over 60 per cent of Russian crude is being exported on the shadow fleet - but the Ministry of Defence insists that 'deterring, disrupting and degrading the Russian shadow fleet is a priority'.

Security experts have warned that escalating tensions could lead to clashes at sea, right on the doorstep of Britain's shores.

Professor Michael Clarke, a defence analyst, told Sky News: 'There must come a point at which Britain and its allies - the Dutch, Danes, and Norwegians and the sea-going nations of Northern Europe - they together will get much tougher with these Russian ships, even if they're escorted.

'When that happens, we're heading probably sometime this year for some sort of militarised confrontation at sea possibly in the Channel or the North Sea, somewhere certainly near to British coast.'

HPYERNION: This shadow fleet tanker was sailing under a Russian flag but switched after a delivery to Venezuela. It is pictured here passing through Dover

RIGEL: This shadow fleet vessel came from Primorsk, a Russian port, and has a capacity of one million barrels of oil. It passed through the Channel

KOUSAI: The shadow fleet oil tanker was sailing under a Sierra Leone flag when it was spotted in the English Channel

All vessels sailing under a legitimate flag have the right of innocent passage under maritime law - and many countries have continued to carry out business with Russia since their full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

This month, Sky tracked three shadow tankers loaded with oil as they traversed through the English Channel.

This included the Rigel, a 270-metre Suezmax-class tanker, which has a capacity of one million barrels. Its cargo of oil, which was loaded on February 2 at the Russian port of Primorsk, is worth around $55million (40.7m).

Sailing under a Cameroon flag, it is sanctioned by the UK, EU and Canada among others. That means it cannot use port facilities in any of the sanctioning countries but it is allowed to sail through to its next stop - on this occasion, Port Said at the head of the Suez Canal.

A second tanker, the Kousai, left Ust-Luga, near the Estonia border, on the same day as the Rigel. Flying under a Sierra Leone flag, the captain was warned by the Coastguard that it must email its proof of insurance to a Government email address within 24 hours.

Insurance cover is often unclear and there are fears these old shipping vessels could spark a disaster in the sea.

The MoD says it has requested insurance documents from more than 600 vessels and that 'deterring, disrupting and degrading the Russian shadow fleet is a priority'.

A third tanker, the Hyperion, is sanctioned by the UK, EU and US. Sailing under a Russian flag, it also brazenly passed through the Channel.

As recently as December, it was sailing under a Sierra Leone flag but - after making a delivery to Venezuela - switched flags and evaded a US naval blockade in the Caribbean.

Switching flags, along with opaque ownership and unclear insurance cover, are common among shadow fleet vessels.

The US has launched military action against tankers linked to Venezuela, with at least seven seized since last year.

French paramilitaries also seized a ship in the Mediterranean last month.

Last month, the Royal Navy intercepted Russian ships in the English Channel.

Last months, the Royal Navy monitored Russian vessels in the English Channel

UK warships and aircraft were activated to shadow Russian vessels during a two-day operation in coordination with NATO allies.

Portsmouth-based patrol ships HMS Mersey and HMS Severn were dispatched alongside a Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron to intercept Russian corvette Boikiy and accompanying oil tanker MT General Skobelev as they sailed towards the North Sea.

Mersey first intercepted the Russian vessels on entry to the Channel, taking over shadowing duties from NATO allies after they had monitored them through the Bay of Biscay.

Near the Isle of Wight, Severn and Mersey combined with the Wildcat to monitor the group in close coordination, utilising powerful sensors to gather valuable information and report on their movements.

Severn continued to keep watch on the Russians as they sailed into the North Sea before handing over responsibility for the group to a NATO ally as they continued their journey north.

Minister for the Armed Forces Al Carns MP said: 'With this operation, our sailors have once again sent a message to Putin - we know exactly what his navy is doing.

'Every time a Russian ship comes near the UK, the Navy is ready to track, deter, and defend.'

It's understood the UK Government is examining legal grounds for detaining Russian tankers, including under the Sanctions and Money Laundering Act.

Defence Secretary John Healey said earlier this month that he has 'identified further military options that we can use to target shadow shipping', which he is discussing with Cabinet colleagues.

He said this is to ensure that 'Putin is not so easily able to fund his war machine in Ukraine through the sale of sanctioned oil'.

Mr Healey added: 'It's clear that we can do this, and if we step it up further, we put pressure on Putin. And we help, that position of strength that Ukraine needs and pressure on Putin to come to the negotiating table and settle this with a proper peace deal.'

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: 'Deterring, disrupting and degrading the Russian shadow fleet is a priority for this government. Alongside our allies, we are stepping up our response to shadow vessels  and as the Secretary of State set out, we will continue to do so.

'We continue to take robust action including sanctioning suspected shadow fleet vessels and requesting proof of insurance.

'Since October 2024, the UK has challenged around 643 suspected shadow fleet vessels using this system.'
A 'loving, goofy' three-year-old girl has suffered a painful death in Florida after her mother let her boyfriend move into their home despite his alleged history of abuse.

Paisley Brown was found unresponsive at around 12pm Thursday after she was brutally beaten by her mother's boyfriend, Jeroen Jarrel Coombs, police have said.

Coombs admitted to detectives that he bound the toddler's hands with a robe tie and her legs with painter's tape at the Citra home, according to the sheriff's office.

The 32-year-old claimed he had restrained Paisley to keep her from reaching into her diaper the night before.

While the defenseless child was bound, Coombs said he picked her up and dropped her on the floor.

It was then that Paisley began gasping for air and Coombs said he started striking the toddler multiple times, according to the sheriff's office.

Coombs has been charged with felonious aggravated child abuse and child cruelty, with pending additional charges.

Four more children also live at the home, and their mother allowed Coombs to move in and left Paisley alone with him despite his alleged history of violence.

Paisley Brown, three, was found unresponsive in her Citra home on Thursday at around 12pm after she was painfully beaten by her mother's boyfriend

Paisley's mom's boyfriend Jeroen Jarrel Coombs (pictured) revealed in an interview with police that he had bound the toddler's hands with a robe tie and her legs with painter's tape

Investigators discovered that Coombs had been left alone with the children that morning. Just before 11am, Coombs had let Paisley's mom know that the child wasn't responding

During questioning, Coombs told deputies that he realized he 'took it too far' during the incident with Paisley, and said he had been too scared to call 911.

As emergency services responded to reports of the unresponsive toddler, Coombs allegedly attempted to leave the scene before he was brought in for questioning.

Paisley was transported to the hospital where she later died from her injuries, the sheriff's office said.

Investigators later discovered that Coombs had been left alone with the children that morning.

Just before 11am, Coombs had let Paisley's mom know that the child wasn't responding, according to the sheriff's office.

But it wasn't until around 40 minutes later that a 911 call was made.

The four other children living in the home have been placed into custody by the Florida Department of Children and Families.

During questioning, Coombs told deputies that he realized he 'took it too far' and said he had been scared to call 911

Paisley's father, Robert Brown, said: 'Paisley, she's amazing. She's a loving person, who's always happy and goofy'

Coombs admitted to detectives that he bound the toddler's hands with a robe tie and her legs with painter's tape at the Citra home, pictured above, according to the sheriff's office

A child told law enforcement that he heard Coombs strike Paisley and said there had been 'prior physical abuse by Coombs' at the home, per the sheriff's office.

A protest broke out in Citra on Saturday, during which Paisley's father, Robert Brown, told the crowd: 'Paisley, she's amazing.

'She's a loving person, who's always happy and goofy.'

Organizers are calling for Paisley's mother to also face charges in relation to the incident, WOWT reported.

'I respect our law enforcement, but I've seen countless situations in Marion County where arrests are prolonged for months or even years,' Carley Santana, a protest organizer, told the outlet.

'I don't think somebody should be walking free without at least being taken in, questioned and determined [responsible] by an officer.'

Paisley's father wrote on Facebook that he was a 'devoted dad' who has been 'overwhelmed with emotions.'

'Every time I glance at my phone, I'm reminded of my precious Paisley, breaking down like a baby all over again,' he said.

'Like any loving father would, I've felt the weight of this moment deeply.'

'However, I've come to realize that I need to find strength and be the rock Paisley needs.

'I want to share with everyone how blessed I've been to have such an incredible daughter in my life.'

He described Paisley as an 'extraordinary individual, radiating happiness and joy wherever she went.'

'Her playful nature touched countless hearts,' he added.

'Though it's devastating that I have to bid farewell, I want to acknowledge the love we shared, and I'm filled with regret that circumstances didn't allow me to provide for you and your mom kept you guys from me.'

Coombs was booked into Marion County Jail without bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on March 24, 2026, according to jail records.

The Daily Mail reached out to the Marion County Sheriff's Office for comment.
After a Toronto city council gave a land acknowledgment at the beginning of a budget meeting, a no-nonsense citizen decided to school them with an acknowledgment of his own.

Daniel Tate addressed a city budget meeting with a 'Taxpayer Land Acknowledgment' last month, following a droning nod to every indigenous tribe that had pioneered the city.

Councilman Gord Perks opened the meeting, which there are many of, with the same acknowledgment.

'Although we may be meeting in different locations today, the budget committee would like to acknowledge that the land we are meeting on is the traditional territory of many nations,' he said on January 20.

Perks went on to mention the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples.

In response, Tate, who founded government watchdog company IntegrityTO, made an acknowledgment of his own, much to the chagrin of the councilors.

'Okay, let's start my deputation in a good way, by acknowledging the people who fund this municipal enterprise, the Toronto taxpayers,' he said.

'Let's reflect and remember that every word spoken in this chamber, every lightbulb, including those of city councilors, is funded entirely by the hard work and earnings of taxpayers and property owners.'

Toronto resident and IntegrityTO founder Daniel Tate addressed the Toronto budget committee last month

City Councilor Gord Perks opened the meeting with an acknowledgment of the land they were on

Tate went on to acknowledge recent property tax increases, the city's $18.9 billion budget and issues throughout the city that had yet to be addressed by the committee.

'We pay respect to those taxpayers because without them this institution could not indulge in ideological excesses like renaming streets and public squares, painting roads with inferior and environmentally damaging red paint,' he continued.

'Nor fund harm reduction programs that result in a steady stream of drug paraphernalia littering our streets, sidewalks, parks and playgrounds.'

His brazen acknowledgment left the entire room stunned, as lawmakers squirmed in their chairs.

Tate was speaking as a representative for his company, which aims to 'deliver integrity-driven, accountable and effective governance,' per their website.

He told Now Toronto that his brazen 'taxpayer acknowledgment' was all part of that mission.

'I think it exposed a bit of hypocrisy,' he said.

'This isnt to take away from the fact that basically everybody needs to get a fair share in Toronto.  I think we need to create unity and cohesion as a city, just be together as one Toronto.'

Councilors looked uncomfortable after Tate's brazen acknowledgment

Tate addressed the budget committee during a meeting at Toronto City Hall (pictured)

Tate's company posted the clip and it went viral among fellow Toronto residents who were similarly unsatisfied with their city government.

The video garnered more than a million views and hundreds of thousands of comments.

'Loved every second of this- need to have someone open every council meeting with this- our leaders have zero respect for the public purse or the fine citizens who fund it and continue to pay their wages,' said one commenter.

Some even called Tate the 'Future mayor of Toronto.'

But many simply shared his perspective on what should and shouldn't be allowed in politics.

'The acknowledgment I delivered was a direct response to the performative nonsense on display by elected city councilors and staffers,' he told the Daily Mail.

'Toronto taxpayers are exasperated by incessant ideologically driven governance that is increasingly pandering to special interest groups based on race, gender and the rest of the identity politics spectrum.'

The Daily Mail contacted the Toronto City Council for comment.
Tucker Carlson once held a vice grip on the Trump White House and its top advisors, including the president's son-in-law Jared Kushner, former Fox News and White House sources claim.

The former Fox News host and conservative podcast whisperer - once the most dominant force in cable news pulling in over 4 million nightly viewers for a time - has interviewed and gallivanted alongside world leaders.

'Tucker Carlson Tonight' - the host's old primetime Fox News show that dominated during Trump's first term and through Joe Biden's presidency, held significant sway in the White House.

When former White House communications director Alyssa Farah Griffin first attended a meeting in the spring of 2020, she was evidently oblivious to Carlson's sway.

Griffin, once a top White House staffer, later split with the president and has been critical of his leadership, a viewpoint she often expresses during her day job as a co-host of ABC's 'The View.'

After admitting at the meeting she hadn't watched a segment from the previous evening's broadcast, the president's son-in-law and advisor, Jared Kushner, snapped at her.

'You can't work in this White House and not watch Tucker Carlson,' he said.

The revelations come in author Jason Zengerle's book 'Hated By All the Right People: Tucker Carlson and the Unraveling of the Conservative Mind.'

Tucker Carlson's old Fox News show was must-watch TV in the first Trump administration, according to former aides

Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner reportedly snapped at former White House communications director Alyssah Farrah Griffin for not watching Carlson's show the evening before

Former Trump aide Alyssa Farrah Griffin co-hosts ABC's 'The View'

A former Fox News producer boasted in the book: 'The show itself was effectively a senior adviser to the president.'

But during the same period, Trump was unable to get Carlson on the phone - an outrage to the president.

'Tucker was the hot girl that didn't want to f*** him,' a former White House official dished in the book.

'Trump was like what do you mean you don't want to? He was intrigued,' the official added, noting that Carlson's avoidance only made himself more alluring to the president.

Carlson has interviewed Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov; El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Hungarian President Viktor Orban and more conservative world leaders.

Since Trump has retaken the White House, Carlson has been seen around Trump's orbit.

In fact, the podcaster paid a visit this week to the White House, Punchbowl News reported.

Despite Kushner's fandom of Carlson, the host was not afraid to ridicule the presidential adviser on his show.

'The president's famously sharp instincts, the ones that won him the presidency almost four years, have been since subverted at every level by Jared Kushner,' the conservative pundit later said in June 2020.

'No one has more contempt' for Trump's agenda, Carlson added.

The host still holds major influence, too. His podcast is regularly one of the top shows on Spotify and other streaming platforms.
A hyperwoke former Vogue editor proudly announced that she self-downgraded from first class on a flight to Milan to avoid a cabin filled with white men.

Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, 34, made the declaration on her Threads profile Tuesday evening.

The Brooklyn-based journalist wrote: 'I just downgraded myself from first class to business class on my flight to Milan.

'In a cabin of six, five of the passengers were white middle-aged men... then there was me, a 30-something black woman who travels in that cabin often, and a male flight attendant who thought I'd be okay with substandard service and persistent micro-aggression from the moment I sat down.

'He was... wrong,' Karefa-Johnson continued. 'I don't suffer fools, and I would sacrifice physical comfort to protect my emotional and mental well-being any day.'

Karefa-Johnson did not detail the microaggressions she claimed to have suffered.

She also declined to explain the 'substandard service' she received. The Daily Mail has contacted her for further comment.

The progressive activist's pronouncement about 'sacrificing physical comfort' was likely overblown, given that the business class cabin she moved to would also offer flat-bed seats and copious amenities.

Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, 34, a former fashion editor at Vogue, says she downgraded herself from first class on a flight because the premium cabin was filled with 'white middle-aged men'

Karefa-Johnson, who quit Vogue in 2023 after posting an anti-Israel rant in the wake of the October 7 massacre, quickly attracted gushing praise for her downgrade.

'I'm sorry you had to do that-you deserve to be anywhere and everywhere. They belong in economy,' one simpering follower wrote - 'they' being an apparent reference to white men.

'Hard agree!' Karefa-Johnson replied. 'It's just such a bummer that humiliation is part of gratification for racists.

'Protecting my peace felt like letting him win and I hate that.'

It is unclear which airline Karefa-Johnson flew with.

Emirates and American are the only companies that offer direct flights from New York JFK to Milan with both first and business-class cabins.

Karefa-Johnson, an outspoken fashion designer and commentator, first hit the spotlight when she became the first black woman to style a Vogue cover in 2021.

During her tenure as contributing editor-at-large of the fashion outlet, she got into a public feud with Kanye West after the rapper launched 'White Lives Matter' apparel in 2022.

An Emirates business class cabin. The airline is one of two that offers both first and business class cabins on direct flights between New York JFK and Milan airports

Karefa-Johnson has been vocal about the Gaza conflict, wearing a statement sweater at Copenhagen Fashion Week last August. She quit her role at Vogue after an anti-Israel rant

When Karefa-Johnson criticized the fashion launch, she hit out at the rapper for his 'deeply offensive, violent and dangerous' politics.

West reacted with scorn, ridiculing her outfits online and saying she had no understanding of fashion.

Karefa-Johnson said that the experience left her facing 'fat phobia' from social media, saying she was hit by 'people talking about my body and the way I look.'

A year later, the designer made headlines again as she dramatically quit Vogue after delivering a hateful anti-Israel rant following the Hamas October 7 terrorist attacks.

Karefa-Johnson sparked outrage with her response to the horror attacks that killed more than 1,400 Israelis, as she accused Israel of committing 'genocide' and comparing the IDF to a 'terrorist organization.'

'It's so disappointing to see the utter lack of understanding of the basic tenets and tactics of colonization, and one's willingness to justify and defend those systems which have only ever oppressed,' she posted on her Instagram at the time.

'Damn. I hate when Instagram shows me what I hope I never know about the people I follow and their horrifying belief systems,' she added to the post.

She quit the fashion outlet over the controversy, and abruptly changed her Instagram bio from 'global contributing editor-at-large for Vogue' to simply 'many things.'
Iran's elite have been accused of hypocrisy after it was revealed they send their children to live abroad to escape the regime's repression which they help enforce.

Opposition campaigners claim the top figures are using the country's wealth to fund their adult children's lives in places such as the US, UK and Canada.

Anger at these elites, also known as 'aghazadehs' has been widespread after anti-regime protests saw thousands killed in the streets last month.

Alex Vatanka, the Iran programme director at the Middle East Institute in Washington, said: 'People are upset that the aghazadehs are getting dollar stipends to go to the west  the United States, Europe elsewhere  to study essentially on the state's dime.'

In 2024, around 4,000 children and relatives of regime officials were believed to be living abroad in the west, according to one IRGC commander who spoke against the practice.

The elites under fire include Ali Larijani, Iran's top national security adviser. A former senior Revolutionary Guard, Larijani is believed to have played a major role in the deadly protest crackdown.

Meanwhile, his daughter Fatemeh Ardeshir Larijani lives in the US and he has two nephews in the UK and Canada, despite the politician being a fierce critic of western values.

Fatemeh was an assistant professor at Emory University medical school in Atlanta, however her employment was terminated in January after an online petition called for her to be deported.

Ali Larijani, Iran's top national security adviser, has a daughter, Fatemeh, who was an assistant professor at Emory University medical school in Atlanta

Mohammad-Javad Larijani (pictured) who is Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's foreign affairs adviser, also has family living abroad

Professor Hadi Larijani (pictured) is a professor at Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland

Larijani's brother Mohammad-Javad Larijani, who is Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's foreign affairs adviser, also has family living abroad.

His son Hadi is a professor at Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland and Hadi's brother lives in Vancouver and works as a director for the Royal Bank of Canada.

Former Iranian president Hassan Rouhani's niece, Maryam Fereydoun, also lives in the UK, and works for Deutsche Bank in London reportedly 'overseeing financial flows from the Middle East'.

Several children of major Iranian figures live in the US, however they may run into problems as Washington said it would 'revoke the privilege of Iranian senior officials and their family members to be in the United States' following the protests.

This could affect people like Eissa Hashemi, an associate professor at the Chicago School in Los Angeles.

He is the son of former MP Masoumeh Ebtekar, also known as 'screaming Mary' for being the spokesperson for students who held 52 diplomats hostage in the US Embassy in Tehran in 1979.

Former energy minister Habibollah Bitaraf and former foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif also both have children living in the US.

Zarif's son Mahdi Zarif reportedly lives 'a luxurious life in the United States,' according to a petition online, the Guardian reports.

'Until 2021, he resided in a $16,000,000 home in Manhattan,' it states.

Meanwhile, Elias Ghalibaf, the eldest son of former IRGC commander Mohammad-Baqer Ghalibaf lives all the way in Australia.

Khamenei himself has several relatives in Britain and France, including his nephew Mahmoud Moradkhani, while the grandchildren of the founder of the Islamic revolution, Ayatollah Khomeini, have settled in Canada.

Elias Ghalibaf (R), the eldest son of former IRGC commander Mohammad-Baqer Ghalibaf (L), lives all the way in Australia

Former Iranian president Hassan Rouhani's niece lives in the UK

Former MP Masoumeh Ebtekar, also known as 'screaming Mary', has a son living in Los Angeles

Vatanka slammed the hypocrisy of this practice, saying: 'You have an Islamist ruling order that for 47 years has been preaching all sorts of ways to behave, and we then see, one after another, children or grandchildren of the members of the elite living a very different life than the one their politically connected families back in Iran are preaching.'

Last month, as thousands of ordinary Iranians were killed for daring to challenge the powerful families who run the Islamic Republic, the children of these leaders were seen flaunting lives of extraordinary luxury on social media.

Some of the sons and daughters of the men ordering the crackdown posed in photos with designer handbags, supercars, and private jets.

Sasha Sobhani, the son of a former Iranian ambassador to Venezuela under President Ahmadinejad, has built a profile flaunting super-yachts, private jets, fast cars and lavish parties with scantily clad women.

Unlike many elite figures who keep a lower profile, Sobhani has repeatedly taunted critics while broadcasting his lifestyle from abroad, spending time in countries including Spain and the United Arab Emirates.

The sons of Ali Shamkhani, the senior adviser to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, similarly live in luxury abroad.

Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani and his brother Hassan live in Dubai and run a global shipping empire.

During the unrest, wealthy Iranians were seen decamping to neighbouring Turkey to party and socialise away from the violence, fearing they could be targeted as protests engulfed the country.

The province of Van in far-eastern Turkey, which shares a mountainous border with Iran, has become a popular destination, with elite Iranians gathering in bars and nightclubs as demonstrations were crushed back home.

Pictured: Sasha Sobhani, the son of a former Iranian ambassador to Venezuela under President Ahmadinejad

On Tuesday during his State of the Union address, US President Donald Trump revealed the 'secret words' he needs to hear from Iran if they are to avoid all-out war.

The president told lawmakers that Iran's leadership must vow never to pursue a nuclear bomb, a demand he claimed was essential for Middle East security.

Trump pointed to Iran's deadly crackdown on anti-regime protesters as evidence of the regime's brutality.

He also boasted that US strikes last summer wiped out Tehran's uranium enrichment capabilities during the 12-day war with Israel.

The President then revealed the key to holding off a war.

'We are in negotiations with them. They want to make a deal, but we haven't heard those secret words: "We will never have a nuclear weapon."'

'My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy,' Trump added as lawmakers applauded. 'But one thing is certain. I will never allow the world's number one sponsor of terror to which they are by far to have a nuclear weapon. Can't let that happen.'

Trump in recent weeks has amassed the largest US military force in the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Diplomatic negotiations led by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are currently ongoing with Iranian envoys.

Both countries are expected to meet again on Thursday to secure a deal that avoids further escalation in the region.
Small boats have been caught trying to cross the Channel for the first time in two weeks.

While parts of Britain basks in unseasonably warm temperatures, for people smugglers the weather conditions are perfect for channel crossings.

Border Force vessel Typhoon intercepted one dinghy carrying 74 migrants on Tuesday afternoon with more small boats reported today.

Another group of migrants were brought ashore this morning on what is expected to be the hottest day of the year so far.

Tuesday's arrivals were the first since February 9 when 322 migrants were intercepted in five boats.

Just 597 people in nine dinghies have been picked up in February in three days, according to Government figures.

A total of 1,530 have been intercepted so far this year.

A Home Office spokesperson said: 'This Government is bearing down on small boat crossings.

Illegal migrants disembark from a Border Force vessel into Ramsgate port on February 25 2026. Yesterday's arrivals were the first migrants since February 9 when 322 migrants were intercepted in five boats

Migrants waiting to be processed by the UK Border Force. While parts of Britain basks in unseasonably warm temperatures, for people smugglers the weather conditions are perfect for channel crossings

'We have stopped 40,000 crossing attempts since this Government came into office through our joint work with the French. We have removed or deported almost 60,000 people who were here illegally. Our pilot deal with the French means those who arrive on small boats are now being sent back.

'The Home Secretary has also announced the most sweeping reforms to tackle illegal migration in modern times, removing the incentives that bring illegal migrants to the UK and scaling up the return of those with no right to be here.'

The latest crossings come after Zia Yusuf said the UK is being 'invaded' by migrants as he pitched Reform's mass deportation programme as the biggest in UK history.

Under a Reform government, the party would set up the unit to 'track down, detain and deport' people in the country illegally, aiming for up to 288,000 people each year.

Earlier this month, an inquiry into the deadliest Channel crossing on record said small boat crossings 'must end' to prevent further deaths.

The independent probe found 'systemic failures, missed opportunities' and 'chronic staff shortages' in the UK's maritime response contributed directly to the failure to rescue people.

The tragedy occurred when a crowded inflatable boat capsized overnight on November 23 and 24 2021, leaving just two survivors who were discovered in French waters nearly 12 hours after the first calls for help.

The inquiry, led by Sir Ross Cranston and costing more than 7 million, has identified 27 men, women and children among the dead, while four people are still missing, and said 'some of those deaths were avoidable'.

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Sir Ross said the practice of small boat crossings 'must end', adding: 'Apart from other reasons, it is imperative to prevent further loss of life.'

Meanwhile, last week it was announced that more than 70 small boat migrants have landed a taxpayer-funded windfall after the High Court ruled the Home Office acted unlawfully by seizing their mobile phones on arrival in Britain.

The controversial policy, introduced during a surge in Channel crossings in 2020, saw asylum seekers searched and their mobiles and SIM cards confiscated, with data in many cases said to have been fully downloaded.

Devices were often allegedly held for three months or longer, and some were never returned.

Judges later found the approach breached the European Convention on Human Rights, opening the door to compensation claims that could ultimately cost millions.

So far, 32 asylum seekers have received payouts totalling 210,800 - the equivalent of 6,587.50 each.

A further 41 cases remain unresolved. If they are settled at the same rate, the bill will rise to 480,887.

At the time of the ruling, it was reported that 1,323 migrants could potentially seek damages, fuelling fears the final cost could reach as high as 8million.
The woman accused of kidnapping an adorable two-year-old girl from her parents in Arizona offered a bizarre explanation for the abduction, police have said.

Marina Noriega, 23, allegedly took Kehlani Rogers from her home near 118th Avenue and Edgemont Street in Avondale - about 19 miles east of Phoenix - last Friday around 11:30pm.

After her arrest on Sunday, police said Noriega told them that Kehlani was her 'long-lost' daughter, even though she could not provide the girl's correct name or birthday.

According to her arrest affidavit seen by the Daily Mail, she admitted to having smoked meth while taking care of the little girl, as she erratically described her state of mind during the alleged kidnapping.

Kehlani's parents told police that Noriega convinced them to let her live at their home after telling them she had 'nowhere to stay and no family to contact' in Arizona.

The alleged kidnapper also said her boyfriend and father were in jail, and that she had recently been hospitalized after a car accident.

Noriega repeatedly mentioned her 'baby daddy' and claimed that she had children, though she later took that back and instead mentioned a 'dead baby.'

Kehlani's parents thought her comments were 'strange' but still allowed her to stay at their home with their three children, all under the age of three, per the police report.

Kehlani Rogers, two, was allegedly kidnapped from her Avondale, Arizona, home last Friday around 11.30pm by Marina Noriega, 23

Noriega allegedly convinced Kehlani's parents to let her stay at their home after telling her that her boyfriend and dad were in jail

After her arrest, Noriega claimed she had 'coincidentally' found her biological daughter after traveling to Arizona to 'find family', the affidavit states.

However, she could not spell her supposed child's name, providing the names Malina, Mailai, Mailina and Malini.

She also claimed the child had been born in September 2021, which was two years before Kehlani's actual birth.

When she was asked for follow-up details, Noriega 'became frustrated' and wanted to stop talking to the detectives, police said.

Noriega told the officers that she would 'be happy' if they had not tracked her down and taken her into custody, according to the police report.

However, she said that Kehlani did not actually make her happy.

'I shouldn't give a f*** about her,' she said, per the affidavit. 'It's not my daughter, so I shouldn't give a f***.'

Kehlani's father, who has not been named by police, realized the little girl and Noriega were missing after he woke up to feed one of his other children

Noriega also rejected the notion that she loved, cared for or protected the abducted child.

'No, I don't, because it's not my f***ing daughter,' she said, per the affidavit. 'If DNA proved otherwise, then I would give a f***, but it's not my daughter. My mistake.'

Noriega denied having manipulated Kehlani's parents to eventually kidnap their daughter.

'That doesn't make any sense,' she said. 'They asked me to stay over there and they were helping me.'

According to the police report, she also added: 'I shouldn't have took it. I shouldn't have took advantage of the situation and done what I did.'

Noriega was on the couch watching television when Kehlani's parents went to sleep, according to police.

When Kehlani's father woke up around 6am to feed one of his children, he noticed that his two-year-old daughter was missing with Noriega nowhere to be found.

Noriega was arrested in Phoenix after being spotted by a QuikTrip security guard. She was charged with custodial interference

The girl's parents searched their street and neighborhood before contacting the Avondale Police Department to report their daughter as missing.

An AMBER alert was subsequently issued for Kehlani's disappearance.

Shortly after Kehlani went missing, investigators received a tip from a resident who said they had picked up a woman and a young girl matching the alert and driven them to Maricopa.

Noriega allegedly 'indicated' that she planned to take a train to California. The probable cause statement said Noriega was born in that state and was a US citizen.

Police officers waited for Noriega at the Maricopa Amtrak Station on Saturday, but she never showed up.

She was not listed as a passenger for any of the trains leaving the area, either.

Video surveillance confirmed that Noriega and Kehlani, in a black stroller, had been seen at 'multiple locations' around Maricopa.

After tirelessly searching for Kehlani, police arrived on scene within minutes. The toddler was 'safe and in good health' and police said they don't believe she was harmed

The following day, a QuikTrip security guard who has only been identified as S. Emmons spotted the pair in Phoenix.

With help from crewmembers from Camelback Moving, they boxed in Noriega's car, which allowed officers to swoop in and arrest her.

Kehlani said she 'wanted her mommy and daddy, but she was okay', according to police.

Noriega was charged with one count of custodial interference. She is being held in the Maricopa County jail on a bond of $250,000.

The parents, who remained unnamed, initially gave police a fake name for Kehlani's mother - Mariah Cannon - because Kehlani's mom had a warrant for her arrest.

They thought that would move the focus away from searching for their daughter to arresting the mother.

The mother eventually admitted her real name and asked to not be taken into custody until her daughter was found.

Police said that Kehlani's family members had been cooperative, giving law enforcement their phones and a DNA sample.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has ramped up his campaign to demote Senator Mark Kelly and slash his military retirement benefits.

Hegseth reignited their legal battle by asking the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to throw away a previous ruling that had blocked his efforts to punish the former Navy captain.

The Pentagon chief is seeking to overturn a district court decision that halted his move to discipline Kelly over a social media video.

In the video, Kelly appeared alongside five other veteran Democrats to inform active service members that they are 'not required to follow illegal orders.'

Hegseth is now fighting to ensure the Senator faces consequences for the message, which includes a reduction in the military pay Kelly earned during his decorated career as a naval aviator and astronaut.

'Secretary Hegseth relies on the wellestablished doctrine that military service members enjoy less vigorous First Amendment protections given the fundamental obligation for obedience and discipline in the armed forces. Unfortunately for Secretary Hegseth, no court has ever extended those principles to retired service members,' U.S. District Judge Richard Leon wrote in the Feb. 12 ruling.

'This Court will not be the first to do so!' Leon added.

The other lawmakers who took part in that video were Reps. Jason Crow, Maggie Goodlander, Chrissy Houlahan, Chris Deluzio and Sen. Elissa Slotkin.

Kelly published a video in November where he encouraged active duty service members in the military and intelligence community to refuse 'illegal orders' from the White House

Pete Hegseth has forced out a senior military adviser to Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, defense officials revealed today

Both President Trump and the Secretary of War called that video 'sedition.'

'He's using his cronies in the Department of Justice to continue to threaten and intimidate us,' Crow said. 'But he's picked the wrong people. We took an oath to the Constitution, a lifetime oath when we joined the military and again as members of Congress. We are not going to back away,' Crow posted on X in a video back in January.

The Daily Mail reached out to Senator Kelly, who did not immediately respond.

The judge's scathing ruling originally came after Kelly sued Hegseth and the Defense Department for launching a military investigation into his public statements that could result in the loss of his rank.

Judge Leon excoriated the Trump administration for not going through the proper channels so 'the military can have the first crack at adjudicating his First Amendment rights.'

The judge also noted that Kelly made his comments while exercising his congressional oversight authority on the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Leon stated Hegseth's decision to punish Kelly through military channels appears to be a tactic to avoid oversight by the legal system.

'This Court has all it needs to conclude that Defendants have trampled on Senator Kelly's First Amendment freedoms and threatened the constitutional liberties of millions of military retirees,' Judge Leon added.

He goes on in his ruling to quote famous musician Bob Dylan who said: 'You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.'

egseth and his wife Jennifer Rauchet arrive before President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House

Trump, Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speak with soldiers

Hegseth has also forced out a senior military adviser to Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, defense officials revealed last week.

The shock move is the latest in a series of interventions by the Pentagon chief into the service's internal business, signaling a brutal escalation in the power struggle at the top of the military.

The ouster is the result of a serious strain between Hegseth and Driscoll  two of the Trump administration's most powerful political appointees.

The war chief directed Driscoll to fire Col. David Butler during a conversation at the Pentagon last week, sources tell the Washington Post.

Butler worked for both Driscoll and retired Gen. Mark A. Milley  a man who has long been in President Trump's crosshairs.

This is reportedly the second time that Hegseth has brought up firing Butler  with success this time around.

The intervention has laid bare a deepening rift within the Pentagon, as Hegseth continues to assert his authority over the Army's top brass.

Butler's resume listed him as most recently a spokesman and media strategist for both Secretary Driscoll and General Randy George, the Army's chief of staff.
Houston city officials are moving forward with plans to build a $16 million 'superhub' for the homeless population, but residents are skeptical.

The Houston City Council approved the initiative in October, despite pushback from residents who said the community was not involved in the decision-making process and that they were concerned about their safety.

The superhub has been approved for development at 419 Emancipation Avenue in the city's East Downtown neighborhood near Shell Stadium.

The now-empty warehouse was purchased by an organization called Star of Hope in 1977 and served as a homeless shelter from 2004 to 2017, until the property's current owner, 419 Hope Partners, purchased it in 2017.

The property was then leased by the federal government as a shelter for migrant children until last year.

At a press conference last October, when residents spoke about the issue, Cassie Batson said she was 'irate.'

'We love it here. We have worked hard to invest in the community to clean up the area. We want to live here forever, and this has come as a major shock to me,' Batson added.

Batson added in an interview with local ABC affiliate, KTRK, that she was concerned for her safety after the city council approved the measure.

The new 'superhub' is a part of a broader initiative to end homelessness in the city of Houston. Individuals in the city's homeless population are pictured above speaking with an outreach officer in December, 2024

The empty warehouse, pictured above, operated as a shelter for women and children before it was turned into a facility to house migrant children. It has been empty since last year

Residents attended a city council meeting last fall, pictured above, to voice their concerns. Many stated that they were worried about their safety and accused city officials of a lack of transparency

'I think this is just going to draw more people loitering out on the streets,' she added.

Elizabeth Spivey added that she believed it was a 'misuse of funds' to allocate millions to the initiative.

The negative attention surrounding the superhub generated the attention of Houston-based independent investigative media firm, Dolcefino Media.

'We are fighting for a neighborhood that quite frankly could be ruined if council members vote yes,' Wayne Dolcefino said in a video message.

He also accused Mayor John Whitmire's administration of breaking its promise of transparency to residents of East Downtown.

Scott Singleton, another resident near the superhub location, accused city officials of failing to notify the community before plans were enacted in an interview with local NBC affiliate, Click 2 Houston.

The Daily Mail has reached out to the mayor's office for comment.

The massive building is equipped with 75 rooms, and city officials estimate it can accommodate up to 225 individuals. The photo above is a screenshot from the proposal

The superhub has been dubbed the 'first front door' in the city's action plan to End Street Homelessness.

Independent journalist Wayne Dolcefino said the neighborhood 'could be ruined' by the superhub

The plan was released to the public on October 6, just nine days before the city council voted on whether to purchase the property for $16 million.

The superhub is part of a larger Ramp Up plan scheduled to unfold over three years and cost a whopping $168 million, according to the superhub proposal.

The proposal said $60 million of the funds would come from foundations, and $6 million has already been donated.

In addition to the $16 million purchase price, the city estimates total annual operations will cost between $10 and $14 million.

Funding is intended to come from the city and county general funds, state funding, philanthropy, and corporate donations.

The project's initial timeline projected that the superhub would open in the first quarter of 2026.

The superhub is a part of a broader initiative to end homelessness in the city. A proposal estimates that the total cost of the three-year plan will be $168 million. Homeless encampments in Houston are pictured above in 2017

Houston Mayor John Whitmire has supported the proposal despite pushback. He's pictured above at a media briefing last May

The superhub was initially set to open earlier this year, but has now been pushed back to the summer. Homeless individuals in Houston are pictured above in a photo from January, 2024

The Houston Housing Authority told KTRK that the facility is now set to open around June. The city still has to select a nonprofit to run the program.

Mayor Whitmire has previously promised success and praised the superhub's mission.

The superhub is intended to operate as a 'triage point' where homeless individuals can temporarily stay and connect with resources for healthcare, psychiatric support, substance use programs, and pathways to permanent housing.

The building has 75 rooms and can fit up to four beds per room. The initiative's proposal estimated that around 150 to 225 people could stay in the superhub at a time.
A retired gamekeeper who hunted a former colleague 'like quarry' before blasting him with a shotgun as he walked his dog has been found guilty of murder.

David Campbell, 77, was convinced Brian Low, 65, had planted evidence to frame him for illegally poisoning birds of prey and rode his wife's e-bike to confront him on a quiet country lane.

Jurors at the High Court in Glasgow heard how Campbell disabled CCTV cameras at his home in Aberfeldy, Perth and Kinross, before setting off in an attempt to conceal his whereabouts.

Both men had worked at Edradynate estate, where Campbell was head gamekeeper between May 1984 and February 2018, and Mr Low was a groundsman between August 2000 and February 2023.

Campbell was found guilty of the murder following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

The jury found him guilty by majority verdict today, having begun their deliberations on Monday.

Former gamekeeper David Campbell has been found guilty of murdering Brian Low by shooting him with a shotgun near Aberfeldy

David Campbell hunted down his former colleague, travelling on his wife's e-bike in a hooded jacket and carrying a shotgun on his shoulder

Brian Low (pictured) was left so severely injured he died at the scene in Leafy Lane near Pitillie track

Handing down his sentence, judge Lord Scott described the killing as an 'appalling and senseless act of extreme wickedness'.

He told Campbell: 'You didn't encounter Brian Low by chance that day, and you didn't happen to have a shotgun with you.

'On the evidence, the jury decided that it was proved beyond reasonable doubt that in a carefully premeditated act, you murdered an unarmed and defenceless man by discharging a shotgun at him, causing him such severe injury that he died where he fell.'

Campbell, who appeared in court dressed in a dark-coloured suit, showed no reaction as the verdict was read out.

During a nearly three-week trial, the court heard Campbell had harboured a 'festering grievance' against Mr Low.

Campbell disabled CCTV cameras and put duct tape over a doorbell camera at his home before leaving armed with a shotgun to carry out the 'brutal' killing of his former colleague.

Mr Low had been walking his dog when he was hunted down and killed by Campbell.

CCTV footage from the afternoon of February 16, shown to the court during the trial, showed a hooded cyclist at 4.18pm heading down a road towards the track where the shooting occurred, and then coming back the other way shortly after 5pm.

Mr Low was shot at about 4.52pm, but his lifeless body was found by a local man at about 8.30am the following day.

In an attempt to cover his tracks, Campbell changed his bicycle tyres in the days after the killing.

However, soil samples taken from elsewhere on the bike showed it had been at the scene of the murder.

In his closing speech on Friday, prosecutor Greg Farrell told the jury: 'There, using his shotgun, he shot Brian Low, hitting him on the face, chest and neck, and left him for dead.

'Brian Low was out with his dog Millie, going about his ordinary peaceful life. He was left to die on that track alone.

'That shotgun blast killed him within minutes, or perhaps seconds. Brian Low had no chance. He was unarmed and unaware.

'This was a brazen, brutal and planned execution at a rural spot, a cowardly ambush motivated by nothing more than sheer malice.'

He added: 'David Campbell was an expert shot. He hunted Brian Low down like he was quarry.'

The court heard Campbell had a 'festering grievance', believing Mr Low had planted evidence to frame him for illegally poisoning birds of prey

CCTV footage showed David Campbell riding his wife's bicycle on the day of the murder

Campbell pictured with his wife's bicycle, which he used to hunt down Mr Low on a country road

Campbell was seen placing duct tape on ring doorbell cameras to conceal his wherabouts before carrying out the killing

Lord Scott also referred to victim impact statements from Mr Low's partner Pam Curran and brother Douglas Low, and said his murder had had a 'profound and lasting' impact on his family.

He told Campbell he had 'robbed' Ms Curran of the chance to say goodbye to Mr Low, and that a friend had told her that since his death 'the spark has gone out of her eyes'.

The judge added: 'Brian Low's family are left with only questions, not least why anyone would want to murder him so callously.'

Mr Low's death was initially deemed non-suspicious - which one police witness accepted had been a 'glaring mistake' - and it was not until five days later that police began treating it as murder.

This was despite the fact Mr Low was found to have around 30 injuries from shotgun pellets and that pellets fell from his body bag when it was brought to a mortuary.

Campbell initially faced a total of eight charges but on Friday seven of these were withdrawn, leaving just the single charge of murder.

Campbell had denied murder, claiming he was at home in Aberfeldy at the time of the murder, but this was rejected by the jury.

Campbell is due to be sentenced later on Wednesday.

A senior officer has acknowledged that Police Scotland's response to the murder of Brian Low 'fell short' of what the public expects, following the conviction and sentencing of the man who shot him dead on Wednesday.

The senior investigating officer for the case said she would welcome the opportunity to apologise to Mr Low's family personally.

Detective Chief Superintendent Lorna Ferguson, Police Scotland's Head of Local Crime, and the senior investigating officer for the case, said: 'I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge that our initial response to this tragic incident fell short of what Police Scotland and the public rightly expects. We have reflected and we have learned from what happened.

'This learning included a complete review of all policies and procedures around attendance at unexplained deaths as we take steps to try and prevent something like this happening again.

'Our thoughts today are very much with Mr Low's family and I would welcome the opportunity to apologise to them personally for our initial response to his death.

'They have described Brian as a much-loved partner and grandfather, who will be very much missed by all who knew him. They acknowledge the conviction at court today and have asked their privacy to be respected as they continue to process and grieve.

Police at the scene in the Pitilie area on the outskirts of Aberfeldy, where Brian Low was shot dead

Police Scotland said a team of 31 officers were involved in a huge three-month investigation into his death.

DCS Ferguson, added: 'This was a complex and challenging investigation involving a number of specialist officers and staff from Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority who worked tirelessly to piece together the events leading up to Mr Low's murder.

'A team of 31 officers from Police Scotland's Major Investigation Team, the local policing division and specialist search colleagues were involved in the three-month investigation.

'Detectives examined 2,400 hours of CCTV footage, captured around 1,000 statements and visited almost 500 properties as part of extensive enquiries to establish what happened and who was responsible for Mr Low's death.

'Expert witnesses in ballistics, biology, chemistry and cybercrime, also played a crucial role in building evidence in the case against Campbell.

'Violent crimes are extremely rare in the Aberfeldy area, and I know this incident caused shock and fear within the local community.

'I want to thank all those living locally for their patience and support throughout our investigation, which saw extensive police activity for a long period of time in what is a quiet tourist town. Your information was vital in helping to trace the person responsible.'
The promoters of the controversial play The Monk have defended hiding the fact that Gerry Hutch plays a prominent role in the show and mounted a political attack at former minister for finance Paschal Donohoe in the process.

Actor and writer Rex Ryan insisted that Hutch, who announced he would be a candidate in the upcoming Dublin Central by-election during a promotional event for the play, was on the periphery during promotion.

When questioned on this by the Irish Daily Mail, promoters Duke Talent, bizarrely mounted a political attack on Donohoe, whose resignation triggered the by-election.

Many seem to think that the play is little more than political propaganda for Hutch

They said: Note, the play was written, rehearsed and produced in September/October before Pascal ODonohoe [sic] gave 10million of Irish taxpayers money to the World Bank and subsequently resigned to take a job with same bank; reneging on his promises to his constituents and creating this by-election which we knew nothing about until after this production was written, rehearsed and produced, well before November 18, 2025. The opening scene of the play is a fictitious piece of theatre depicting a fictional outcome of the 2024 election.

Imagine their surprise when we told them the sum given to the World Bank was actually 141million, 10million more than officials advised, as revealed by the Mail.

It certainly doesnt help their defence against the charge that the play is little more than political propaganda for Hutch.

This diary revealed last week that Fianna Fail senator Mary Fitzpatrick informed party colleagues that she would not be seeking their nomination for the upcoming by-election in Dublin Central.

Her party colleagues will be breathing a sigh of relief after seeing the senator, who failed to get elected in Dublin Central on five previous occasions, on Virgin Medias Tonight Show on Tuesday night.

Ms Fitzpatrick, below, boldly defended the Governments progress on housing by stating weve never been building more houses than we are now.

Social Democrats housing spokesman Rory Hearne was on hand to swiftly point out that this was of course factually incorrect given housing peaked at 93,000 in 2006 at the peak of the Celtic Tiger. Her decision not to run is not being heavily lamented within party ranks.

Flour power keeps the media sweet!

Hacks were delighted to get the invite to attend a press conference at that tasty Bread 41 bakery on Pearse Street as a host of Government ministers launched a scheme aimed at providing financial support to back the return of more flour mills.

A host of Government ministers launched a scheme to back the return of more flour mills

There is just one industrial-scale flour mill in the country and the measure is seen as crucial to providing food security in a volatile post-Brexit geopolitical climate.

The scheme received favourable coverage throughout the media.

Crafty spin doctors have learned how to keep the media sweet.

The Opposition are rightly irked about the ramming through of immigration legislation that will lay the groundwork for the country signing up to the controversial EU Migration Pact. Sinn Feins justice spokesman Matt Carthy highlighted a lack of legal definitions, in particular pointing to no definition for legal counselling.

We wondered how eminent barrister and Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan could bring forward such puzzling legislation.

Hard to argue with that one.

There was an outbreak of red face during the Dail debate on bluetongue. Its been a turbulent few weeks for Sinn Fein TD Cathy Bennett. Last week, she was the butt of Leinster House jokes after seemingly not understanding that the EU presidency is taken on by the country and not an individual candidate.

Sinn Fein TD Cathy Bennett was the butt of Leinster House jokes

And our favourite pseudonymous social media account, Tull McAdoo, spotted another calamitous moment for Ms Bennett, right, in the Dail Chamber during statements on the bluetongue virus that affects farm animals.

The controversy-prone first-time deputy mistakenly referred to the virus as bluetooth.

Oh dear.

The Social Democrats, famed for their love of the Mail and of course this diary, were keen to spread our news coverage far and wide last week.

When it emerged that Irishman Seamus Not Even A Parking Ticket Culleton was being detained in an ICE detention centre in Texas, and was facing deportation from the US, many of our best and brightest leapt to his defence.

This was before the Mail revealed he had been facing drug charges when he left Ireland, has a set of twin daughters who said he abandoned them as toddlers, and was twice visited by Boston police over domestic incidents during a previous marriage to a woman in the US, who sought a restraining order after their divorce.

He has been granted a stay on his deportation, but we werent as generous to the politicians who advocated for his release in the Oireachtas, who were subject to an article in the Mail.

Among them was Social Democrats senator Patricia Stephenson, and in their infinite wisdom, the party thought it was worthy to send a link to the Mail story to newsrooms across the country in the subject line of a press release that was actually related to special needs assistants.

Always good to know our admirers cover the entire political spectrum. Thanks guys!

There was quite the mess in Government communications that led to Tanaiste Simon Harris telling Cabinet he was screaming at the radio when Morning Ireland began a bulletin on an impending ban for under-16s on social media.

Large swathes of the media were briefed in advance of Cabinet that the Digital and AI Strategy will confirm Irelands intention to introduce legislation here to restrict social media for under-16s.

The memo, being brought by Taoiseach Micheal Martin, in fact said that legislation would be done through Europe.

Government press secretary Paul Clarkson was bemused when international news agency Bloomberg called him about it at 9am on Wednesday, while Minister for Communications Patrick ODonovan told the Cabinet he was surprised at the coverage given he is the minister leading on age verification  or at least he is supposed to be.

Quite the mess indeed!

Doesnt look like SFs O Murchu will be running from a fight

Sinn Fein TD for Louth Ruairi O Murchu is certainly fighting fit.

Apart from being seen on occasion darting out of Leinster House mid-week in his running gear, Mr O Murchu, above, left, took things a step further this week by earning his purple belt in Brazilian ju-jitsu.

Ruairi O Murchu, right, earned his purple belt in Brazilian ju-jitsu

We know politics is often described as a bloodsport, but Deputy O Murchu might be taking that too literally!
A Florida man has been arrested after he allegedly kidnapped and strangled a woman he met on a dating app after luring her to his Miami apartment with her young daughter in tow.

Saady Castellanos Triminio, 34, was charged with false imprisonment, battery by strangulation, robbery and child neglect on Saturday.

Triminio met the unidentified woman through the Facebook dating app and they talked for two weeks before arranging to meet, according to an arrest affidavit viewed by Daily Mail.

The victim told police she lives in Orlando, and Trimino offered to buy her and her three-year-old daughter a Brightline train ticket to Miami, about a three hour ride, so they could meet in person and celebrate his birthday together.

She arrived in Magic City on Friday evening and said she believed they would be going out to dinner at a restaurant, but Trimino bought a pizza and took the woman and her daughter to his home instead.

'Upon arrival at the residence, the victim stated she began feeling uneasy about the situation and was hesitant to remain there due to the condition of the home,' the arrest affidavit stated.

'She observed that the bathroom lacked toilet paper and described the home as generally dirty.'

However, the woman decided to stay and talk with Trimino until her asked her for a kiss and a hug.

Saady Castellanos Triminio (pictured), 34, was charged with false imprisonment, battery by strangulation, robbery and child neglect on Saturday

He allegedly kidnapped and strangled a woman he met on a dating app and lured to his Miami apartment (pictured) with her young daughter in tow

When she declined and told him they were still getting to know each other, Trimino allegedly 'became irate and told her not to leave, stating that it was too dangerous.'

'He then bear-hugged her and physically prevented her from exiting the room,' according to the affidavit.

The woman began texting her friend begging for help when Trimino allegedly took her cell phone from her.

'The victim began screaming for help. The defendant then covered her mouth and nose with his hand to prevent her from yelling, where she stated that she couldn't breathe,' the affidavit stated.

Eventually, Triminio released her and she was able to grab her phone and barricade herself in a separate room with her daughter until police arrived.

Police noted the victim had visible bruises on both arms, but declined medical assistance at the scene.

Trimino was subsequently arrested and is being held at the Miami-Dade County Jail on $7,500 bond.

Jail records also indicate that Trimino has an immigration hold.

Trimino is being held at the Miami-Dade County Jail on $7,500 bond and has an immigration hold

The victim told police she lives in Orlando, and Trimino offered to buy her and her three-year-old daughter a Brightline train ticket to Miami (train station pictured), about a three hour ride, so they could meet in person

Miami Police Chief told CBS Miami this case is a reminder to use caution when meeting people online.

'The concern is that we have some folks in in our community, in our society at large, that pays way too much reliance on all these social media platforms and dating applications, and that's a risk,' he said.

'You really don't know somebody until you meet them, right? Not on an app, but in person. So you should be guarded until the time that they're able to earn your trust.'
A serial sex offender described as a 'dangerous predator' faces jail after assaulting four women and stalking another on the London Underground.

Craig Anderson, 38, carried out the attacks at Bank, Liverpool Street and Westminster underground stations and Redhill station in Surrey last year as he was remanded in custody today.

Anderson met a woman on a train in June and struck up a conversation with her.

She gave Anderson her phone number and he began continuously messaging her until October last year, using eight different phone numbers.

He admitted sending her a dick pic in August, which was against her wishes.

Ellen Alexander, prosecuting, said this was not a reciprocal or consensual relationship and while the complainant did meet Anderson several times, their relationship was not romantic.

Last July, they met at Epsom train station and he followed her onto a train to Canary Wharf without her consent.

He took the victims phone from her and followed her to the toilet once they arrived at Victoria, claiming this was in a playful manner.

Craig Anderson, 38, carried out the attacks at Bank, Liverpool Street and Westminster underground stations and Redhill station in Surrey

Anderson continuously messaged one victim using eight different devices after she gave him her phone number

She went to the bathroom to get away from Anderson after he followed her off the train.

Anderson also carried out four sexual assaults across London between June and October last year.

On June 14 at Bank underground station, CCTV footage showed Anderson walking behind a woman and reaching up to touch her as he went up the stairs behind her.

Anderson can also be seen smiling and sticking his tongue out.

He carried out similar assaults on August 2, August 28 and October 6.

Anderson can be seen travelling on an escalator behind another victim.

When they reach the top, she can be seen jumping away from him, and he admitted she shouted at him dont touch me.

On another occasion, Anderson asked a woman on a train to Gatwick airport: What would you do if I tried to kiss you?.

The woman replied that she would report him, and he then tried to kiss her.

CCTV footage showed grinning Anderson following a woman and reaching out his hand behind her.

Ms Alexander said his police interview shows that he clearly exhibits aggressive and intimidating behaviour towards women.

He was deliberately targeting vulnerable women alone on public transport for sexual pleasure.

He did not take no for an answer.

He walks away smiling and sticking his tongue out. He does not understand the seriousness of what he has done.

In relation to the stalking offence, she described the significant impact this incident has had on the victim.

She was more alert of her surroundings, she changed her travel to and from work to avoid seeing him.

Helen Cooper, defending, asked the judge to consider that the stalking and the assaults represented two very different sets of offences.

Anderson admitted meeting all his victims but denied assaulting any of them, she said.

He was convicted of four charges of sexual assault and one of stalking.

Bearded Anderson had denied the offences and yelled at the judge from the dock after he was convicted last month.

He appeared at the Old Bailey today via video link from HMP Wandsworth, wearing a grey prison track suit.

The judge, Mr Jeremy Benson ordered pre-sentence reports and remanded Anderson in custody until March 18.

The British Transport Police investigating officer earlier said: Anderson is a dangerous predator who preyed on women for his own sexual gratification.

During his initial questioning he smirked his way through providing no comment responses, highlighting his lack of remorse for his actions.

It is thanks to the brave victims who supported this investigation that we have seen him convicted for these heinous crimes.

If you experience or witness a sexual offence on-board a train or at a station, I urge you to report it to us by texting 61016. We take all reports seriously, and do everything possible to bring them to justice.
Labour sparked fresh confusion over its Chagos Islands 'surrender' today after a minister 'misspoke' and told MPs the Government is 'pausing' the process.

Hamish Falconer, a Foreign Office minister, informed the House of Commons of a temporary halt on the handover of the strategically-vital archipelago to Mauritius.

He said the process of confirming the deal in law is being suspended while further talks are held with America.

It comes after US President Donald Trump last week urged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to scrap the proposed sovereignty agreement with Mauritius.

But Mr Falconer was contradicted by Government officials who insisted there is no pause on the deal.

They stressed the Government had never set a deadline for completing the parliamentary process for approving the handover.

A senior Government source said that Mr Falconer 'misspoke' in the Commons on Wednesday afternoon.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch repeated her demand for Labour to 'chuck the Chagos surrender' in the wake of Mr Falconer's comments.

Labour sparked fresh confusion over its Chagos Islands 'surrender' after Hamish Falconer, a Foreign Office minister, 'misspoke' and told MPs the Government is 'pausing' the process

Under the terms of Labour's Chagos Islands deal, Britain is paying Mauritius to lease back the joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia, which is the largest of the Indian Ocean islands

The 35billion deal to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius has been heavily criticised by Donald Trump

'Handing over British territory and paying millions a year to lease it back is indefensible,' Mrs Badenoch added.

The 35billion deal to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius - including a plan to lease back the UK-US military base on the largest island of Diego Garcia - has been heavily criticised by Mr Trump.

The US President has branded the deal as a 'big mistake' and urged Sir Keir: 'Do not give away Diego Garcia.'

Mr Falconer said the US had backed the deal but that there had been a 'very significant' statement from Mr Trump since then.

He told MPs: 'There was support from the US administration for this treaty, which has not changed.

'There clearly has been a statement from the president of the United States more recently, which is very significant.'

He said the Government was 'now discussing those concerns with the United States directly'.

The Foreign Office minister added: 'We will we have a process going through Parliament in relation to the treaty.

'We will bring that back to Parliament at the appropriate time. We are pausing for discussions with our American counterparts.'

Government officials said there was no pause in the passage of the Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill.

The legislation had been nearing the end of its parliamentary passage but has not been debated since January 20.

A Foreign Office spokesperson said: 'There is no pause. We have never set a deadline.

'Timings will be announced in the usual way.

'We are continuing discussions with the US and we have been clear we will not proceed without their support.'

Senior Tory MP Dame Priti Patel, the shadow foreign secretary, is in Washington DC and said she was lobbying senior White House figures on the issue.

'The Chagos surrender deal is an appalling act of betrayal,' she said. 'It undermines our national security and that of our allies, including the United States.

Dame Priti added: 'Now it is time for Keir Starmer to face reality and kill this shameful surrender once and for all before it does any more damage.'

In a speech to the Hudson Institute in Washington DC later on Wednesday, Dame Priti hailed the actions of Mr Trump over the Chagos Islands deal.

'If it were not for the intervention of the President of the United States and the forensic deconstruction of this terrible Labour policy by my party in Parliament, this sovereign territory would be in the hands of the government of Mauritius,' she said.

'Together, the UK and America, thats my party and the American administration, have worked to delay the ratification of this terrible legislation.

'And I want to thank the White House team for listening to the calls of their British Conservative allies to stop this appalling surrender.'

Under the terms of Sir Keir's Chagos Islands deal, Britain is paying Mauritius to lease back the joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia for 99 years.

The Chagos Islands have been a British overseas territory for more than 200 years.

But Labour insisted it had to strike a deal to protect the Diego Garcia base after the International Court of Justice ruled the UK's administration of the islands was 'unlawful'.

Opponents of the handover have expressed concern that Mauritius is an ally of China.
Labour is facing demands for a clampdown on criminal gangs behind a surge in fly-tipping after the number of recorded incidents rose 10 per cent in a year.

The number of cases councils had to deal with last year jumped to 1.26 million in 2024/25, official figures show, up from the 1.15 million they had to deal with the previous year.

The figures were the highest since new methods for recording cases were introduced in 2018/2019, with London by far the worst region for incidents.

Some 52,000 cases across England involved an amount of rubbish that was equivalent to a tipper lorry load or more, an 11 per cent increase on the previous year, with these larger cases costing councils 19.3 million to clear up.

But the scale of the problem will be far higher as the Defra statistics released today only include refuse dumped on public land.

Private landowners across the country also face clear-up costs from the scourge of having waste fly-tipped on their property.

Countryside groups warned that farmland is being targeted by organised crime gangs dumping waste that blights the landscape and endangers wildlife, livestock, crops and the environment, leaving farmers with the clean-up bill despite being victims of illegal activity.

The Liberal Democrats called for serious waste crime to be made a priority for the National Crime Agency, taking over investigations from the Environment Agency in the worst cases.

The party's environment spokesman Tim Farron said: 'For far too long, waste gangs have pocketed millions in illegal earning, poisoning our environment and our health without consequence.'

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Britain's biggest ever fly tip , a pile of waste 150m long and 6m deep was discovered last year illegally dumped in a field next to the A34 and River Cherwell near Kidlington in Oxfordshire

As the figures were announced, Defra published new guidance to help councils seize and crush more vehicles used for fly-tipping, or repurpose them for clean-up operations, along with advice on how to take cases to court.

Councils are also being urged to name and shame fly-tippers on social media.

Fly-tipping most commonly occurs on pavements and roads, accounting for more than a third of cases (37 per cent), according to the figures, and almost a third of incidents (31 per cent) were the size of a small van load, while 27 per cent were the equivalent to a car boot or less.

The data from councils reveal that nearly two thirds of cases (62 per cent) involved household waste, with 777,000 incidents in 2024/2025, up on the 688,000 that had to be cleared up the previous year.

Household waste ranges from black bags of day-to-day rubbish to old furniture, carpets and bric-a-brac from loft and shed clearances.

In addition to the figures from local authorities, the Environment Agency dealt with 98 incidents of large-scale illegal dumping in 2024/2025, Defra said.

The number of enforcement actions by councils was up 8 per cent in 2024/2025 to 572,000 while the number of fixed penalty notices issued was also up 9 per cent to 69,000.

But the total number of court fines was down 9 per cent to 1,250 and the combined value of the fines also decreased from 730,000 the previous year to 673,000 in 2024/2025, the figures show, although average fines increased slightly.

The Countryside, Land and Business Association (CLA) president Gavin Lane, warned: 'The countryside is increasingly being targeted by organised crime gangs  often violent  who know that rural areas are under-policed and resourced.

'It's not just litter blotting the landscape, but tonnes of household and commercial waste which can often be hazardous  even including asbestos and chemicals  endangering wildlife, livestock, crops and the environment.

'Farmers are victims yet have to pay clean up costs themselves.'

And he said: 'We need to see penalties being enforced that better reflect the severity of the crime, and the seizure of vehicles must be the default penalty to send a clear signal that criminals will face real consequences if they are caught fly-tipping.'

Defra Minister Mary Creagh said: 'We are empowering local authorities to clamp down on waste cowboys and restore pride in our local areas.

'I share the public's fury at seeing our streets, parks and fields used as dumping grounds.

'Fly-tippers should know  if you use your van to trash our countryside, don't be surprised when it ends up on the scrapheap.

She added: 'This Government is investing in cutting-edge technology and boosting Environment Agency funding to put more waste crime officers on the ground, while introducing tougher checks and penalties for those who break the law.'
A criminal defence solicitor who sexually abused his clients over almost 30 years was today jailed for 13 years by a judge who condemned him for his 'dark side'.

Alan Harris sexually assaulted seven of his 'especially vulnerable' clients, usually while they were in custody, between 1988 and 2015.

The 72-year-old 'targeted' them, knowing they would either not report the abuse or that they would 'not be believed'.

Victims, some of whom were as young as 14 at the time, were left in tears in court as they told the court about the effects caused by Harris - who they said they should have been able to trust.

Jailing him on Wednesday, Judge Angela Morris told him 'there is no further fall from grace'.

Retired solicitor Alan Harris, 72, at Winchester Crown Court,where victims told him he had caused them 'emotional and psychological trauma'

At Winchester Crown Court, Hants, Judge Morris said: 'You were a popular and respected defence solicitor. You represented thousands of clients. You were highly regarded by your peers and colleagues.

'There is no further fall from grace than this.

'There was a darker side to your character. In broad terms, this consisted of you taking advantage of vulnerable clients to sexually assault them for your own gratification.

'It has not been lost on me having observed all the witnesses that they were all vulnerable.

'Some were young in their teenage years, some from drug dependence, some from family backgrounds.

'But they all placed trust in you as their lawyer.'

The court heard Harris began practising law with a local firm in Plymouth, Devon, before starting his own firm in the late 1980s.

He was a 'popular and respected' solicitor, but there was a 'darker side' to his character, and he began sexually assaulting his clients while in the cells of Charles Cross Police Station and Plymouth Magistrates' Court in the city.

In April 1988, he began to help a 14-year-old boy who had been brought to the police station from prison.

Harris gave the boy tobacco 'for free', but then touched his penis, first above the trousers and then reaching underneath his clothes.

Harris knew that the teenager was 'young, immature, and his background had a sad history of physical abuse'.

The boy did not report the assault because the risk of being 'branded a nonce' in prison would be too great.

His second victim was a heroin addict who was just 14 or 15 who said he was withdrawing and 'felt ill' when Harris touched him 'six or seven times'.

His third victim had Harris as his first solicitor when he was in custody for the first time, and Harris sexually assaulted him each time they were together - the first time when he was also just 14.

His fourth victim was a 24-year-old who told Harris that he had an immense fear of returning to custody because he had been raped there before.

This made him especially vulnerable to Harris, who 'preyed' on this fear to touch and grope him.

His fifth victim, Jordan Rowe, who has waived his right to anonymity, was just a teenager when he first met Harris.

Mr Rowe, now 35, told his solicitor that he had been the victim of a paedophile gang - and had been drugged and raped potentially over 100 times.

Harris 'appeared to enjoy' hearing about the abuse, and would then touch the teenager.

The court heard from Jordan Rowe, who phoned into the court from prison.

He was in tears and visibly upset as he recounted his ordeal to the court.

Mr Rowe said: 'I was abused and raped many many many times. Over a hundred times. Then when I was first arrested I was only a junior.

'I was underage. I'd been drugged and raped. And I just wanted I was taken to a cell and told I could have a solicitor. The one person I thought I could confide in and seek help from.

'The first person I ever told about what had happened was Alan Harris. But the only thing he wanted to know was what was done to me while he was sexually abusing me.

'That's stuck with me. I thought the police were in on it because it happened in their station. It made me so paranoid and I couldn't trust anybody after.

'I was put in the one place I thought was safe with the one man who thought cared about my interests. He destroyed that. And now the paranoia and everything.

'People in positions of power can't do that shit. It destroyed my life. Look at the state of me. He did all of these things I felt. God help me.'

The solicitor's sixth victim was a 16-year-old who was introduced to him by his parents, who Harris had represented as they were drug dealers.

He attempted to kiss the boy, and later in a cell assaulted him.

Harris' final victim was also the first woman; he groped her between her legs, tried to kiss her, and put his hand down her pants.

When she told her probation worker what had happened, the investigation was launched that uncovered Harris' crimes.

Harris pleaded not guilty to the five charges of sexual assault and five charges of indecent assault, but he was found guilty at a trial in November and December 2025.

Judge Morris also told Harris: 'You are the one person they trusted to advise and guide them through the criminal system. The relationship is based on trust, confidentiality and integrity but it's a relationship that's far from equal.

'For a young person it can be even more imbalanced as they rely on your wisdom

'They felt unable to complain because of your relationship to them. You were the respected solicitor and they were the criminal.

'You must have appreciated that they were exactly the sort of people that would not complain about your conduct towards them.

'You knew their silence was easily bought.'

Judge Morris concluded: 'Abuse of trust is a fundamental aspect of your offending. They relied upon you as their legal adviser to help them.

Some were under the influence of drugs when you sexually abused them so they had no chance to repel your advances and they just wanted you to secure their release as soon as possible.

'Some were more vulnerable.

'Aside from your final and female victim, they were all under arrest in the cells. You must have been aware of the chaotic lifestyle they were living and you were there to help them in the legal system - not sexually abuse them while they were on the middle of it.'
The BBC's director-general has ordered a fast-tracked investigation into its broadcast of Sunday's BAFTA ceremony after a Tourette's sufferer and landmark campaigner involuntarily shouted a racial slur while two black actors were on stage.

MPs have demanded answers over the 'serious mistake' after John Davidson, 54, shouted the N-Word while Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting an award at the Royal Festival Hall in London.

Scotsman Davidson, whose life story inspired the film I Swear, suffers from uncontrollable tics which see him sometimes shout expletives or deeply offensive language.

There was considerable backlash to the incident after BBC bosses failed to edit out the outburst prior to the awards ceremony airing, despite it not being broadcast live.

On Wednesday, a BBC spokesperson confirmed the launch of the urgent probe, saying: 'The BBC has been reviewing what happened at BAFTA on Sunday evening.

'This was a serious mistake and the director-general has instructed the Executive Complaints Unit to complete a fast-tracked investigation and provide a full response to complainants.'

It came after MPs on Parliament's Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee wrote to BBC boss Tim Davie demanding answers about the incident.

Committee chair Dame Caroline Dinenage said: 'I am writing regarding the BBCs coverage of the BAFTA film awards on Sunday. As you know, the BBCs broadcast included a racial slur made as a result of involuntary tics by a person with Tourette syndrome.

John Davidson, who yelled the N-word during the BAFTAs while two black actors were on stage, has said he is 'deeply mortified' by his outburst

Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting the first prize of the night at London's Royal Festive Hall on Sunday when the outburst took place

'I am seeking an explanation as to how the slur came to be broadcast in spite of a two-hour time delay.'

The BBC previously apologised to staff for failing to edit out the N-word, after it was broadcast on TV and also audible on the ceremony on iPlayer for around 12 hours before being removed.

Citing BBC sources, BBC News reported yesterday that the producers responsible for editing the show ahead of broadcast 'simply did not hear the slur' shouted when Jordan and Lindo were on stage - but had caught the other occurrence in time.

The corporation said in a statement: '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.'

Separately in a letter to its members, BAFTA has said it has launched a 'comprehensive review' after apologising to Jordan and Lindo and admitted it had put guests in a 'difficult situation'.

After the awards, Davidson told how he felt a 'wave of shame' over his tic, issuing a swift apology and saying he was 'deeply mortified'. He was attending the ceremony after the film based on his life, I Swear, was nominated in five categories.

Following Sunday's ceremony, Lindo hit out at BAFTA for failing to address the incident with him.

He said he and Jordan 'did what we had to do' while presenting, but he wished 'someone from BAFTA spoke to us afterward'.

And film-maker Jonte Richardson has said he is stepping down as a Bafta judge over the academy's handling of the incident.

In its letter to BAFTA members, a spokesperson has since said: 'We are in contact with the studios involved and conversations are ongoing.

'We want to assure all our members that a comprehensive review is underway. You may have also seen the BBC have issued their own apology for the broadcast.

'It was a very complex situation and we understand you will have many questions  please rest assured how seriously we are taking this.'

Davidson, who has suffered from a severe form of Tourette's since the age of 12, also shouted 'paedophile' at host Alan Cummings, he has said.

One of Davidson's biggest symptoms is coprolalia which makes him involuntarily say socially inappropriate words or phrases, including when he famously shouted 'f*** the Queen' at Elizabeth II when he was awarded his MBE in 2019.

Campaigners emphasise that the shouting of such offensive language does not imply any meaning on behalf of the sufferer and is entirely involuntarily.

BAFTA host Alan Cumming thanked the audience for their understanding of Tourette's as I Swear's John Davidson let out involuntary shouts during Sunday's ceremony - Davidson also yelled 'paedophile' during a segment by the host

He has reached out to the studio producing Sinners to apologize to Jordan, Lindo and production designer Hannah Beachler, who said a racial slur was aimed at her as she made her way to dinner after the show.

The BBC previously said that a second racial slur had been edited out of the broadcast prior to it airing on Sunday.

In a statement on Monday, Davidson said: 'I wanted to thank BAFTA and everyone involved in the awards last night for their support and understanding and inviting me to attend the broadcast.

'I appreciated the announcement to the auditorium in advance of the recording, warning everyone that my tics are involuntary and are not a reflection of my personal beliefs.

'I was heartened by the round of applause that followed this announcement and felt welcomed and understood in an environment that would normally be impossible for me.'

'In addition to the announcement by Alan Cumming, the BBC and BAFTA, 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.

'I was in attendance to celebrate the film of my life, I Swear, which more than any film or TV documentary, explains the origins, condition, traits and manifestations of Tourette Syndrome.

'I have spent my life trying to support and empower the Tourette's 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.'

Davidson has since questioned the decision to seat him directly in front of a microphone during the BAFTAs, and said he had been under the impression any offensive outbursts would be edited out prior to broadcast.

He told Variety: 'I have made four documentaries with the BBC in the past, and feel that they should have been aware of what to expect from Tourette's and worked harder to prevent anything that I said  which, after all, was some 40 rows back from the stage  from being included in the broadcast.

'As I reflect on the auditorium, I remember there was a microphone just in front of me, and with hindsight I have to question whether this was wise, so close to where I was seated, knowing I would tic.'

Film studio Warner Bros is also believed to have raised immediate concerns about the racial slur and requested it be removed from the BBC broadcast.

Following the initial controversy, BAFTA said in a statement: 'We take full responsibility for putting our guests in a very difficult situation and we apologise to all.

'We will learn from this, and keep inclusion at the core of all we do, maintaining our belief in film and storytelling as a critical conduit for compassion and empathy.'

They continued: 'Early in the ceremony a loud tic in the form of a profoundly offensive term was heard by many people in the room.

'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.

'During the ceremony, John chose to leave the auditorium and watch the rest of the ceremony from a screen, and we would like to thank him for his dignity and consideration of others, on what should have been a night of celebration for him.'

Charity Tourettes Action said it 'deeply understands' the harm of the racial slur, but called for understanding of the condition.

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.'
A Rhode Island driver infuriated residents by riding around in a snow-covered truck as communities worked to dig themselves out of the historic blizzard that dumped three feet of snow on the state.

The state's travel ban was lifted at 12pm ET on Tuesday, but drivers were urged to use extreme caution on local roads.

Shortly after the ban was lifted, local news station WPRI captured footage of a truck covered in a massive snow mound driving down a sludgy street.

'The travel ban has lifted, but do NOT drive if your car looks like this one. It's important to clear your vehicle completely before hitting the road,' the news station said. The driver of the truck had cleared the view from their window, but the vehicle was still swathed in heavy snow.

In Rhode Island, it is illegal to drive with any significant amount of snow or ice on the vehicle, and drivers are required by law to clear all snow and ice off the entire car, including the roof, hood, trunk and license plates.

The footage outraged residents, who criticized the driver for acting recklessly and endangering everyone's safety.

'Apparently, common sense doesnt fall from the sky like snow does,' one person wrote on Facebook.

'Somebody missed the brain train,' added another. 'But are we surprised? Really? Always at least one,' a third person wrote.

Shortly after Rhode Island's travel ban was lifted on Tuesday, a truck was filmed driving down a sludgy street covered in a massive snow mound

The footage outraged residents because it is illegal to drive with any significant amount of snow or ice on the vehicle in Rhode Island.

A fourth person added, 'Not only is that dangerous, but you're wasting fuel.'

'Tickets should be given out to anyone driving like this. Theres no excuse,' wrote a fifth.

'Not only is that unsafe for obvious reasons, but it's also possible that it's too much weight for the suspension,' another person wrote.

'It's a traveling snow bank, the second he stops a little too hard, his car will be surrounded in a prison of his own making,' wrote a seventh person.

Others defended the driver, joking that the person is a seasoned local doing what was necessary to get to where they needed to be.

'We are Rhode Islanders. We don't need to see through windshields, the windshields need to see through us,' one person wrote.

'The only issue I see is this person forgot to put their wiper blade down,' wrote another.

A third person wrote, 'He's transporting snow to dump somewhere.'

Rhode Island was hit hard by the historic snowstorm, getting up to 37.9 inches of snow at T.F. Green International Airport

Many Rhode Island residents were trapped in their homes for a third straight day on Wednesday as residential streets remained unplowed. Providence is pictured on Tuesday.

Daily Mail contacted the Rhode Island State Police for more information on the incident.

Rhode Island was hit hard by the historic snowstorm, and in Newport, 21-year-old Salve Regina University student Joseph Boutros was killed by carbon monoxide poisoning after being found unconscious inside a vehicle covered in snow Monday night.

Many Rhode Island residents were trapped in their homes for a third straight day on Wednesday as residential streets remained unplowed.

The amounts of snow across the state from the blizzard ranged from 37.9 inches at T.F. Green International Airport to 17.5 inches in Lincoln.

Tiverton Department of Public Works (DPW) Director David Michael Silvia Jr. told WPRI on Tuesday the massive amounts of snow made it difficult to clear the roads.

'When we started to plow the roads, all of our vehicles started to get stuck on all the hills in Tiverton,' Silvia explained.

'So, we spent the majority of Monday while the storm was at its peak trying to pull out either DPW vehicles or emergency vehicles. We spent close to six hours just getting vehicles out of the snow.

'We have to start somewhere. Were doing roads as we speak, and we will get to everyone. But I think, unfortunately, its going to take us two to three days to get majority of the town open just due to the lack of equipment we have and the type of equipment we have.'
The bikini-clad women who posed with Professor Stephen Hawking in a photograph included in the Epstein files were his long-term carers, the late scientist's family has claimed.

The theoretical physicist was seen grinning from ear-to-ear alongside two women clutching what appear to be fruity cocktails in a photograph uncovered by the Daily Mail on Tuesday.

As with many of the Jeffrey Epstein files published by the Department of Justice, there was no context offered on when or where the photo was taken.

A representative of Hawking's estate told the Daily Mail on Wednesday that the two women were Hawking's 'long-term carers from the UK'.

They added that the photo was taken at the Ritz Carlton Hotel on the Caribbean island of St Thomas in 2006.

Hawking posed for the image after having delivered a speech on Quantum Cosmology at a science symposium, his family said.

Epstein attended the same event. The Hawking estate declined to say who took the photo or offer an explanation as to how it ended up in the Epstein files.

They also refused to answer questions from the Daily Mail about Hawking's friendship with Epstein and whether it was common practice for Hawking's caretakers to tend to him in swimsuits while enjoying cocktails.

On Thursday, the Hawking estate issued a new statement contradicting their previous explanation. They claimed the photo was actually taken at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes in April 2007.

The estate also included a link to an archived blog post written by Hawking's former carer Monica Guy in 2008, which included an unredacted version of the image.

The bikini-clad women who posed with Professor Stephen Hawking in this photograph included in the Epstein files were his long-term caretakers, the Hawking family has claimed

Jeffrey Epstein, seen at an event at an NYC hotel in 2005, hosted Hawking at his science conference in the US Virgin Islands in March 2006

Hawking lived for more than 50 years with motor neuron disease (ALS) and required round-the-clock care from a team of nurses. He is seen with one his nurses at a hotel in Beijing, China on June 17, 2006. It is unclear if this woman is the same person who appeared alongside him in the Epstein files

Hawking, who died in March 2018 aged 76 after living for more than 50 years with motor neuron disease (ALS), required round-the-clock care from a team of nurses for most of his adult life.

The women's faces were redacted by DOJ officials before being released in the public domain, so the Daily Mail cannot independently confirm their identities.

Reviewers were instructed to limit redactions to the protection of victims and their families, the DOJ said in a statement last month. Notable individuals and politicians were not redacted.

'Some pornographic images, whether commercial or not, were redacted, given the Department treated all women in those images as victims,' the DOJ added.

A spokesperson for the Hawking Family told the Daily Mail: 'Professor Hawking made some of the greatest contributions to physics in the 20th century while at the same time being the longest-known survivor of motor neurone disease, a debilitating condition which left him reliant on a ventilator, voice synthesiser, wheelchair and round-the-clock medical care.

'Any insinuation of inappropriate conduct on his part is wrong and far-fetched in the extreme.'

Hawking was among 21 internationally renowned scientists who attended a conference hosted by Epstein in March 2006, five months before the financier was charged for the first time with soliciting prostitution.

The conference was held at the five-star, $1,600-per-night Ritz-Carlton hotel on the island of St Thomas, nearby to Epstein's private island Little Saint James.

A post on the blog of the Jeffrey Epstein VI Foundation included details about the conference, called The Energy of Empty Space That Isn't Zero.

It stated that guests 'could meet, discuss, relax on the beach, and take a trip to the nearby private island retreat of the science philanthropist Jeffrey Epstein, who funded the event'.

Guests appeared to have split their time between St Thomas and Little Saint James, where Epstein personally hosted them.

Pictures that emerged in 2015 showed Hawking in his wheelchair attending a barbecue.

He was later given a submarine tour of the seabed around Epstein's island.

The paedophile had modified the vessel especially for Hawking, who had never been underwater before.

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Hawking during the 2006 Energy of Empty Space That Isn't Zero conference, hosted by Epstein in the US Virgin Islands

During the 2006 trip, Hawking was given a submarine tour of the seabed around Epstein's island. The paedophile modified the submarine especially for Hawking

Hawking was also previously accused of having 'participated in an underage orgy' on the island by late Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre, according to emails sent by the financier.

Epstein furiously denied the allegation and appears to have instructed his associate Ghislaine Maxwell to offer money to Giuffre's friends if they could help disprove the claims against Hawking, according to court documents made public two years ago.

FBI officials also received another unsubstantiated tip-off alleging that Epstein visited an 'all male gay club' with Hawking in 2011, according to files released by the DOJ.

The tipster described the venue as a 'bath house' and told officials in 2019 that 'he was watching the news lately and saw prominent men [who] were at the club in 2011'.

'He said at the time he had no idea who they were. Stated there is lots of behavior that goes on there,' the report outlined.

'He said Epstein and Steven Hawking [sic] were there, as well as some Russian liaisons. He has recognized them from the news.'

The report described how the caller 'was near tears' when he said 'it wasn't just girls that were affected by Epstein'.

Hawking is referenced at least 250 times in the Epstein files, a search of the trove of documents released by the DOJ revealed. There is no suggestion that Hawking's appearance in the documents implies any wrongdoing.

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Professor Stephen Hawking with his daughter Lucy and French physicist Christophe Galfard in September 2007 at the Centre for Mathematical Sciences in Cambridge, England

One of Hawking's assistants feeds him water as he listens to the lecture of Prominent Chinese mathematician Shing-Tung Yau, a professor at Harvard University during the 2006 International Conference on String Theory on June 20, 2006 in Beijing, China

Epstein was said to surround himself with prominent scientists and called himself a 'science philanthropist'.

He made large donations to scientific causes and, at one stage, was allegedly giving as much as $20million a year to fund scientists.

Many of the scientists and researchers distanced themselves after his arrest.

The New York Times reported that Epstein was fixated on 'transhumanism' - a belief that the human species can be deliberately advanced through technological breakthroughs such as genetic engineering and artificial intelligence.

It was reported that Epstein would sometimes steer conversations to be about how to improve the human race genetically.

He reportedly told people that he wanted to impregnate as many women as he could to distribute his genes.

The DOJ has released more than 3.5 million documents under the Epstein files Transparency Act.

Officials have identified more than six million documents related to the paedophile, but will not be releasing the complete trove.
Larry Summers will resign from his teaching roles at Harvard University at the end of this academic year, it was announced on Wednesday.

Summers, who had a personal friendship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, will give up his University Professorship title, which is the highest distinction an academic can receive at the Ivy League college.

The economist said the decision to leave the institution was 'difficult,' according to the Harvard Crimson.

He did not give a reason for his departure, but he has been under intense scrutiny after a litany of documents concerning him and Epstein were released in the DOJ files.

They spoke about politics and women in the cache of emails - and Summers corresponded with Epstein up until his final arrest in 2019, years after his conviction for soliciting minors.

Summers and his wife Lisa New visited Epstein's Little Saint James island in December 2005 - just ten days after their wedding.

The honeymoon trip happened while Summers was still Harvard president, according to publicly available flight logs.

Summers' visit was six months after Palm Beach police began investigating Epstein over the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl.

The economist said the decision to leave the institution was 'difficult.' It comes after a cache of documents exposing his long-time friendship with Epstein was made public in the files

Summers spent part of his honeymoon in December 2005 visiting Epstein's Little Saint James island

A spokesperson for Summers previously said: 'Mr. Summers and Ms. New spent their honeymoon in St. John and Jamaica in December 2005, which was long before Mr. Epstein was arrested for the first time.'

'As part of that trip, they made a brief visit of less than a day to Mr. Epstein's island.'

Summers will remain on leave, as he has been since November, until his resignation takes effect at the end of the academic year.

In the meantime, the former Treasury Secretary will not teach any classes or take on new advisees at the university.

Harvard spokesman Jason Newton told the Daily Mail that Summers' decision to step down was 'in connection with the ongoing review by the University of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein that were recently released by the government.'

Harvard Kennedy School Dean Jeremy Weinstein accepted Summers' resignation.

Emails released by House lawmakers showed that Summers maintained a cozy relationship with Epstein even after he became a convicted sex offender.

In one exchange, Summers asked Epstein for advice on 'getting horizontal' with a woman whom the Harvard figure once described as a mentee.

Summers and Epstein were pictured with former Barclays chief executive Jes Staley and Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates

Summers, a former US Treasury Secretary, also dined with Epstein and Alan Dershowitz in 2004 at Harvard

'I dint [sic] want to be in a gift giving competition while being the friend without benefits,' he wrote.

At one point, Epstein cracked that he was a 'pretty good wing man.'

Epstein pleaded guilty to procuring a child for prostitution in 2008, but the emails showed that Summers remained in touch with the convicted sex offender up until his July 2019 arrest.

One day before Epstein was taken into custody by federal authorities at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, Summers shared with him that he was in Cape Cod with family.

'Bit of an Ibsen play,' Summers messaged Epstein.

In response to the emails, Summers said in November that he was 'deeply ashamed of my actions and recognize the pain they have caused.'

'I take full responsibility for my misguided decision to continue communicating with Mr. Epstein,' he said.

Summers' wife New also emailed back and forth with Epstein, according to the files released by the House Oversight Committee.

In one correspondence, New recommended him a book 'about a man whose whole life is stamped forever by his impression of a young girl.'

An undated photo released by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee showed Summers, his wife Elisa New and Woody Allen on an airplane

Summers was president of Harvard from 2001 until 2006 after working for Bill Clinton's administration as the Treasury Secretary.

Summers called his decision to step down from Ivy League university 'difficult, according to The Harvard Crimson.

The veteran economist said he remained 'grateful to the thousands of students and colleagues I have been privileged to teach and work with since coming to Harvard as a graduate student 50 years ago.'

Summers previously announced in November that he was also resigning from the OpenAI board in wake of his ties to Epstein.

In December, the American Economic Association banned him for life due to his relationship with the dead pedophile.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Summers for further comment.
The Home Office can appeal against the High Court's decision that banning Palestine Action as a terror group was unlawful.

Three judges ruled on February 13 that the Government's move to proscribe the group was unlawful, and said that they 'propose to make an order quashing' the decision.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said after the decision that she would fight to prevent the proscription being lifted.

In an order on Wednesday, the Home Office was given the green light to challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal.

It comes after Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper last week defended her decision to ban Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation, insisting it was 'not a normal protest group.'

Ms Cooper told Sky News: 'I followed the clear advice and recommendations going through a serious process the Home Office goes through  which was very clear about the recommendation about prescription of this group.

'The court has also concluded that this is not a normal protest group, it found that this group had committed actions of terrorism, that this group is not simply in line with democratic values and has promoted violence as well.'

The High Court's ruling was a massive blow to the government and means that more than 2,000 people who were arrested for holding signs or displaying messages supporting the group may now have proceedings dropped.

Supporters celebrate outside the Royal Courts of Justice as the High Court rules that the ban on the activist group Palestine Action is unlawful. High Court Rules That The Ban On Palestine Action Is Unlawful, London, England, United Kingdom - 13 Feb 2026

Palestine Action co-founders Richard Barnard and Huda Ammori stand outside Westminster Magistrates' Court ahead of Barnard's hearing on terrorism-related charges linked to protests in Manchester and Bradford in October 2023. Palestine Action Co-founder in Court on Terror Charges, London, England, United Kingdom - 18 Sep 2024

Palestine Action founder Huda Ammori called it a 'monumental victory' for 'fundamental freedoms'.

Palestine Action was proscribed on July 5 last year by Ms Cooper after some high-profile violent protests, including a raid on a UK-based defence company that saw a female PC attacked with a sledgehammer.

As a result, being a member of, or showing support for, the group became an offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel said she was 'appalled' by the High Court's ruling.

The Witham MP told Sky News's Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips programme: 'It is right that they feel the full force of our laws, including the proscription that has been put in place. They are on par with how terrorist organisations conduct themselves, and they plan their attacks.

'I think the public would be absolutely horrified to see that these individuals have been able to essentially get away with the type of activity that they have been able to thus far.'

While the judges found that the decision should be quashed, they warned that the group remains banned pending Ms Mahmood's appeal.

However, this distinction appears to have been lost on the Met Police, which said it would now stop arresting activists who express support for Palestine Action and merely 'gather evidence' against them instead.

A spokesman said: 'Officers will continue to identify offences where support for Palestine Action is being expressed, but they will focus on gathering evidence of those offences and the people involved to provide opportunities for enforcement at a later date, rather than making arrests at the time.

Supporters of Palestine Action gather at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, United Kingdom, on February 13, 2026

'This is the most proportionate approach we can take, acknowledging the decision reached by the court while recognising that proceedings are not yet fully concluded.'

Laurence Taylor, head of Counter Terrorism Policing - a UK-wide network of police and security service staff - said it would now enforce the proscription of Palestine Action 'pragmatically', raising the possibility it could also suspend arrests.

Lord Walney, who was appointed as an independent government advisor under the Conservatives, last week declared himself 'deeply disappointed'.

'It is right that the Home Secretary appeals this deeply disappointing verdict which risks sending a signal that far left activists can hold the country to ransom,' he said.

'While Palestine Action has deployed violence less frequently than other proscribed groups, the criminal damage they systematically inflict clearly falls within the legal definition of terrorism.'
Labour's Chagos surrender descended into farce as a minister admitted it was on hold before he was slapped down by his own department.

Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer twice assured the Commons that the Government was 'pausing' Parliament's consideration of its controversial deal to hand the British overseas territory to China ally Mauritius.

He admitted that Donald Trump's intervention last week  warning Sir Keir Starmer it would be a 'big mistake' for him to lose control of the crucial US-UK military base on Diego Garcia  had led to officials scrambling to hold crisis talks with their counterparts in Washington.

'There clearly has been a statement from the President of the United States more recently that is very significant, and we are now discussing those concerns with the United States directly,' Mr Falconer told MPs on Wednesday.

'We have a process going through Parliament in relation to the treaty. We will bring that back to Parliament at the appropriate time. We are pausing for discussions with our American counterparts.'

But just two hours later Government sources were briefing that Mr Falconer, who also told MPs he could not answer detailed questions on the saga as he said his brief covered the Middle East, had 'mis-spoken'.

And soon afterwards the Foreign Office itself confirmed the latest chaotic backtrack, saying in an official statement: 'There is no pause. We have never set a deadline. Timings will be announced in the usual way.

'We are continuing discussions with the US and we have been clear we will not proceed without their support.'

Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer admitted the Government was 'pausing' Parliament's consideration of the Chagos treaty but was contradicted by his own department

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage attempted to reach the Chagos islands last week

The PM is now being urged to end the uncertainty and axe the deal  under which the UK will hand Mauritius 35billion to secure the use of the military base for 99 years  completely after President Trump withdrew his support for a second time.

Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel said: 'Labour's Chagos surrender has descended into a farce. The unprofessional conduct of ministers shows they don't even know what's going on with their own legislation.

'This is a total embarrassment not just for the Government but for our country on the international stage. Not only are Labour pursuing a terrible deal - handing over our sovereign territory and taxpayers cash to China - they are doing it in the most incompetent manner imaginable.

'While I am in Washington I will be relentlessly making the case for this deal to be ditched once and for all. The Conservatives will continue to fight Starmer's surrender every step of the way.'

She held talks with senior figures in the US administration and politicians as part of a long-running Tory effort to lobby the White House against the Chagos handover.

Sources said that many people raised concerns about Labour making Britain a less reliable ally including Sir Keir stopping the US using UK military bases for potential strikes on Iran  the issue which is thought to have turned President Trump against the Chagos deal last week.

'We've been asked repeatedly how soon Labour can be got rid of,' a source said.

In another blow to the Government, Nigel Farage claimed that the Maldives will soon be staking its own claim to the Chagos Islands, as it believes it has closer links to the archipelago in the Indian Ocean than Mauritius does.

Reform UK's leader, who attempted to reach Chagos last week, said in the Commons debate: 'I wish to inform the Government that, in my opinion, we are just a few days away from the Maldives issuing a counterclaim in the International Court of Justice to say that if anybody has the right to the sovereignty of those islands, it is the Maldives and not Mauritius.'

In Prime Minister's Questions he had raised the case of the exiled islanders who had returned to their homeland last week but now face being removed by the UK government, asking Sir Keir: 'This Government are full of human rights lawyers, within and without; why do the opinions and human rights of indigenous Chagossians not matter to him at all?'

The British Indian Ocean Territory Supreme Court will on Thursday consider whether or not the group, who landed on the atoll of Peros Banhos last week, can be lawfully removed or not.

Misley Mandarin, the Chagossian First Minister who is on the island, said: 'Thanks to the valiant efforts of supporters of the Chagossian cause, and the vital intercession of President Trump he [Sir Keir] has been forced to reconsider his ill-considered treaty with Mauritius.

'Any change to the status of the Chagos Islands must respect the wishes and self-determination of the Chagossian people.'
President Donald Trump on Wednesday floated that Democratic Representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib should 'get on a boat' and leave the U.S. after they interrupted his State of the Union address.

While Trump stayed mostly restrained during his hour and 48-minute-long speech to Congress Tuesday night, he unleashed a furious tirade about the pair of Democrats - and two Hollywood celebrities - at lunchtime Wednesday.

Trump suggested that he'd like to see Omar, Tlaib, actor Robert De Niro - who was protesting against Trump in Washington on Tuesday - and Rosie O'Donnell, a longtime foe of the President, float away.

'When you watch Low IQ Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, as they screamed uncontrollably last night at the very elegant State of the Union, such an important and beautiful event, they had the bulging, bloodshot eyes of crazy people, LUNATICS, mentally deranged and sick who, frankly, look like they should be institutionalized,' Trump began.

'When people can behave like that, and knowing that they are Crooked and Corrupt Politicians, so bad for our Country, we should send them back from where they came - as fast as possible,' he then said.

Omar is an American citizen who immigrated from wartorn Somalia, with Trump bashing the immigrant community in Minneapolis that she represents in Congress last night. Tlaib is Detroit-born, whose parents were Palestinian immigrants. They were the first two Muslim women to be elected to Congress.

'They should actually get on a boat with Trump Deranged Robert De Niro, another sick and demented person with, I believe, an extremely Low IQ, who has absolutely no idea what he is doing or saying - some of which is seriously CRIMINAL!' Trump blasted.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday floated that Democratic Representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib should 'get on a boat' and leave

Representatives Ilhan Omar (left) and Rashida Tlaib (right) can be seen heckling President Donald Trump during Tuesday night's State of the Union address

'When I watched him break down in tears last night, much like a child would do, I realized that he may be even sicker than Crazy Rosie ODonnell, who is right now in Ireland trying to figure out how to come back into our beautiful United States,' the President went on.

De Niro headlined a colorful event entitled the 'State of the Swamp' at the National Press Club on Tuesday night, in which members of the audience were dressed as frogs.

'The only difference between De Niro and Rosie is that she is probably somewhat smarter than him, which isnt saying much,' Trump continued on Truth Social.

'The good news is that America is now Bigger, Better, Richer, and Stronger than ever before, and its driving them absolutely crazy!' he added.

Omar and Tlaib are founding members of the progressive 'squad,' alongside Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ayanna Pressley.

They both yelled up at Trump during the big speech.

Omar was captured getting emotional when the President referred to her Somali community as 'pirates' and tapped Vice President JD Vance to be his fraud czar, after Somali immigrants came under fire for schemes to bilk millions from Minnesota taxpayers.

Trump dubiously claimed that 'we will actually have a balanced budget overnight' if enough fraud is discovered.

Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota can be seen yelling up at the rostrum at President Donald Trump during Tuesday night's State of the Union address

Attendees dressed as frogs (left) can be seen at the 'State of the Swamp' headlined by actor Robert De Niro (right) Tuesday night, counter-programming the State of the Union address

'You have killed Americans!' Omar shot back at one point - a reference to the DHS killings of citizens Alex Pretti and Renee Good.

Tlaib then joined in.

She sported a pin that read 'f*** ICE.'

When Trump called for more limitations on transgender youth on Tuesday night, Tlaib responded by yelling that if he wanted to protect girls, he should release the Epstein files.

Several victims of the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein had been invited to attend the State of the Union address.

Trump has long gone after Omar, mocking her 'little turban' at a rally-like appearance in Pennsylvania in December, during a speech that was supposed to be centered on his economic victories.

His rhetoric has been called racist, as he's consistently said that Omar should go back to where she came from.
Another ally of Sir Keir Starmer is quitting the Government as a senior Treasury aide announced his departure today.

Matt Pound will leave his role as Rachel Reeves' political secretary after the Chancellor gives her Spring Statement next week.

Treasury sources said to he is stepping down as one of Ms Reeves' top advisers in order to pursue new challenges.

Mr Pound has worked for Labour for more than a decade and was part of Sir Keir's successful leadership campaign in 2020.

He went on to become Sir Keir's head of political organising when Labour were in opposition, before being political director for elections in the party's head office.

Mr Pound worked closely with Morgan McSweeney - who resigned as Sir Keir's chief of staff earlier this month - during that time.

He has been a senior adviser to Ms Reeves' ever since Labour's general election victory in July 2024.

It is understood that Ms Reeves' and Mr Pound mutually agreed that post-Spring Statement is the right time for him to step down as he seeks new opportunities.

Another ally of Sir Keir Starmer is quitting the Government as Matt Pound, a senior Treasury aide, announced his departure

Mr Pound has worked for Chancellor Rachel Reeves' ever since Labour's general election victory in July 2024

As well as Mr Pound and Mr McSweeney's departures from the top of Government, Sir Keir lost his communications director Tim Allan this month.

The embattled Prime Minister also recently ousted his Cabinet Secretary Sir Chris Wormald just 19 months after handpicking him as the UK's top civil servant.

It comes as Sir Keir attempts another 'reset' of his faltering premiership in the wake of the Peter Mandelson scandal, which prompted the exit of Mr McSweeney from No10.

The PM has come under pressure from Labour MPs to dismantle a so-called 'boys club' in Downing Street.

Mr Pound said: 'Working alongside Rachel to rebuild our economy after 14 years of Conservative chaos is something I will be forever grateful for and will never forget.

'We have come a long way to turn the Labour Party around from electoral oblivion in 2019 to a historic general election victory just five years later, and it is a privilege to have been a part of that.

'To Rachel and my excellent colleagues over the years, I will continue to support you as you strive to deliver the change the country needs.'

Ms Reeves said: 'Matt's role in transforming the Labour Party and securing a historic general election win was nothing short of pivotal.

'On entering Government to a dire inheritance and a 22billion Conservative black hole, he has played a key part in helping fix the foundations of the economy and deliver the change we were elected to do.

'I am incredibly grateful for his hard work, loyalty and expertise, and wish him all the very best in what comes next.'
A finance worker who felt forced to quit her job after bosses read her WhatsApp messages and discovered she was listening to 'steamy dragon porn' fantasy audiobooks has won 8,000 from an employment tribunal.

Kirsty Coleman resigned last year after her boss at Thermoelectric Conversion Systems, a Clydebank-based research and development company, went through 30 pages of her personal conversations.

The company director was looking for a spreadsheet and found a private WhatsApp conversation where Ms Coleman described her audiobook as 'steamy' and her colleague replied saying 'oh your big dragon porn'.

The director also found a message where Ms Coleman threatened to 'slam' a colleague's face against his desk.

The managing director, Dr Jonathan Siviter, deemed that these messages were 'defamatory and threatening', as well as 'pornographic', before arranging a disciplinary meeting for her.

But a tribunal ruled that Ms Coleman was a victim of constructive dismissal, awarding her 8,000 in compensation. A judge also found her privacy was breached by her boss reading her personal messages.

Ms Coleman joined the company as a finance administrator in September 2022.

She was asked to download her personal WhatsApp account onto her work computer so that she could communicate with her colleagues.

Dr Jonathan Siviter deemed Kirsty Coleman's messages 'defamatory and threatening', as well as 'pornographic', before arranging a disciplinary meeting for her

The finance worker lost her job at Thermoelectric Conversion Systems, a Clydebank based research and development company. (Pictured: the company's office)

Join the debate Should employers ever have the right to read personal messages on workplace devices?

In May 2025, her managing director logged into her laptop to see a spreadsheet that she had made, but came across several WhatsApp messages that he deemed to be 'inappropriate'.

He then scrolled through 30 pages, which included some of her private messages.

Her messages included: 'I am listening to my book and it has just got steamy (again)' to which the colleague replied, 'haha oh ur big dragon porn,' which Dr Siviter thought might be a breach of the internet policy.

The message was sent on her personal device to her friend and colleague, the tribunal heard.

Dr Siviter told the company's finance director about the messages, and they decided to take matters to a disciplinary hearing.

He also found another message where she had threatened a colleague.

The message said: 'I swear to f***ing god, I am going to slam Kyle's face against his desk if he keeps it up.'

She had sent the message out of working hours on a personal device after he had repeatedly slammed a door in the office, causing the windows to shake.

Dr Siviter believed that Ms Coleman was a trained military cadet instructor, and he considered this comment to be a threat.

In June, the company sent a letter to Ms Coleman saying they were suspending her from work because of an 'inappropriate use of company equipment during working hours', which amounted to gross misconduct.

She asked the company to clarify what this misconduct entailed, and they sent screenshots of her WhatsApp conversations to her.

They said that they took her comments about slamming her colleague's head into the desk as a 'genuine' threat because of her training in the armed forces.

They also said that she had accessed 'pornographic content on company devices', which was a misuse of their resources.

Ms Coleman was scheduled to attend a disciplinary meeting, which her union representative was not allowed to attend.

Ms Coleman said the company had 'made up' their mind about sacking her and resigned.

Employment Judge David Hoey ruled that she had been constructively dismissed.

He said that the method by which the messages were obtained 'irreparably damaged the trust and confidence' between Ms Coleman and the company and she had a 'reasonable right to privacy'.

He said: 'The managing director had discovered the messages when accessing her computer.

'The difficulty he had was that while he had a legitimate purpose in looking for work-related material, that was not a justification for his decision to read obviously personal messages she had sent to her friend and colleague.

'There was no legitimate basis for him trawling through pages of personal WhatsApp messages, given the purpose in accessing her machine was to identify a work-related file.

'It was also difficult to understand why the context of the messages said to be so offensive was not properly considered.

'He and others took a particular interpretation from the material that failed to take the context on board.'

Judge Hoey said there was no evidence that the audio book was 'pornographic'.

He said: 'The company also relied upon the fact Ms Coleman was listening to a science fiction book, which was said to get 'steamy' was downloading something connected with pornographic material.

'There was no fair basis to make that assertion, given the obvious context and fact that she was listening to a book.

'No information was presented to show that the book being listened to was in any way inappropriate, and the company relied solely upon the WhatsApp exchange.'

Judge Hoey said that the comments made about slamming a colleague's head against the desk were 'an expression of anger'.

He said that Ms Coleman had resigned because she believed she would not be given a 'fair hearing' and that it was a 'breach' by the company.

Ms Coleman won a total of 8,009 in compensation.
New York City's socialist mayor Zohran Mamdani is planning to spend $70 million on a 'feasibility study' into launching government-owned grocery stores, reports say.

The mayor, 34, has cried poverty since taking office as he threatens to raise taxes across the Big Apple to fund his projects, claiming he was left with a huge $5.4 billion financial black hole by his predecessor Eric Adams.

But sources tell the New York Post that Mamdani is set to spend $70 million to fund the Economic Development Corporation, which will scout potential locations for his city-run grocery stores.

The stores were a central pillar of Mamdani's mayoral run last year, where he had claimed he could roll out the project for just $60 million in total.

Mamdani claimed the stores will keep grocery prices low because they would not pay property taxes or rent, and would be run by the government instead of by a for-profit company.

But his plans to splash out to merely see if they are 'feasible', while potentially raising property taxes, have sparked anger - with a source describing it as a 'textbook limousine socialist move.'

'Its ridiculous!' the source told the Post.

Mamdani property tax rises of 9.5 percent across the board have been widely perceived as a way to pressure New York Governor Kathy Hochul to support his wealth tax proposals.

He warned earlier this month that if his plans to raise taxes on all seven-figure earners and large corporations are not backed, he may be forced to tax city property owners instead to make up the cash.

New York City's socialist mayor Zohran Mamdani is reportedly planning to spend $70 million on a 'feasibility study' to launch government-owned grocery stores

Mamdani is set to spend $70 million to fund scouting for the grocery stores - which he previously claimed in his mayoral run would cost just $60 million in total to launch

The insiders said they had reviewed preliminary budget documents that put the feasibility study's cost at $70 million, but said there were no concrete details as to how the stores would be operated day-to-day.

A Democratic source told the outlet: 'Overspending tens of millions of dollars on a study to look at a thing rather than actually spending the money on people is a textbook limousine socialist move.

'Mamdani is going to be the first mayor to spend money on a study on how to do his job.'

The mayor's plans to introduce his 'tax the rich' plans have struggled since taking office, as Hochul has resisted backing the proposal ahead of a re-election fight this year.

Earlier this month, Mamdani said he was stunned to open up the city's coffers to find a $5.4 billion hole, as he told a press conference: 'We inherited a historic budget gap.'

The Daily Mail has contacted Mamdani's office for comment on reports of his plans for the expensive 'feasibility study.'

Mamdani property taxes rises of 9.5 percent across the board have been widely perceived as a way to pressure New York Governor Kathy Hochul to support his wealth tax proposals - which she has so far resisted ahead of a re-election fight this year

After Mamdani's property tax threats, real estate experts warned 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.'
An illegal Irish immigrant who moaned about 'torture' while being stuck in custody has a history of domestic violence against his American ex-wife, court records show.

Seamus Culleton was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in September.

He spent more than two decades building a life in the Boston, Massachusetts area after entering the the country in 2009 on a 90-day tourist visa waiver, then married a US citizen and applied for a marriage-based green card.

Culleton made headlines earlier this month when he claimed he was suffering 'psychological and physical torture' while in ICE custody, and insisted he was detained despite having no criminal record.

However, it has since been revealed that Culleton has active warrants out for his arrest on drug-related charges in Ireland.

Newly uncovered court documents in the US also allege he has a history of domestic violence against his American ex-wife.

Police reports obtained by the Boston Herald show Culleton violated protective orders filed against him by his ex-wife between 2019 and 2021, and also allege that he called her a racial slur in one incident.

Culleton's ex-wife, who is black, filed the protective orders after he allegedly physically abused her when they lived together in November of 2019, forcing her to move out of the apartment.

Irish immigrant Seamus Culleton (pictured), who claimed his is being 'tortured' while in ICE custody, has a history of domestic violence against his American ex-wife, records show

Just one day after his ex-wife moved out, Boston Police were called to her parents' house after they received reports that Culleton was harassing her and 'wishing death on her.'

'About 12.17pm on Friday November 15 , 2019, Officer Burke in the C411D unit responded to a radio call for a Violation of a Restraining Order Report. The Officer was advised that the caller has a restraining order against her husband, he is calling and threatening her,' the responding officer wrote in his report.

'[The victim] stated to the officer that Culleton stated that he 'wished death on her' and that 'he was going to get her fired and [REDACTED] fired.' [The victim] explained that [REDACTED] was a friend who Culletin did not like and that he would try to get him fired from his job. The officer advised [the victim] that since there is no knowledge yet if Culletin had been served with his copy of the restraining order that the officer would write a threats report for her for this incident,' the report said.

The reported listed two offenses allegedly committed by Culleton: criminal harassment and threats to do bodily harm.

Several weeks later, Boston Police were called again about an alleged restraining order violation by Culleton.

His ex-wife claimed she had received a text message that included a racial slur she believed to be sent by Culleton.

'[The victim] stated that she is unfamiliar with this number but believes it to be that of her husband,' the report stated.

'The text message contained a racial epithet referring to the victim as '[expletive] scum.'

As of February 25, Culleton remains in ICE custody at a detention facility in El, Paso, Texas

Boston Police documented the restraining order violation, but did not put Culleton under arrest.

A court hearing was held in July 2021 over the incident, but neither Culleton nor his ex-wife appeared, resulting in the case being dropped, according to the Boston Herald.

The Daily Mail contacted the Boston Police Department for more information.

Since his split with his ex-wife, Culleton remarried another woman named Tiffany Smyth, and the couple lives in the Boston area with their two dogs where he runs a plastering company.

As of February 25, Culleton remains in ICE custody at a detention facility in El, Paso, Texas, records show. A judge denied his bid for freedom earlier this month.

Speaking to Ireland's RTE radio on February 10, Culleton described the detention center as 'torture' and said he is 'in fear for my life here.'

'The best way I could describe it is probably like a modern day concentration camp,' the Kilkenny native said from the facility.

'People have been killed by the security staff here. You don't know what's going to happen on a day-to-day basis. It's a nightmare down here.'

ICE responded to Culletons allegations on its official X account, reiterating that 'this man overstayed his visa BY 16 YEARS.'
A woman and a man have been arrested on suspicion of murder more than two decades after a 25-year-old 'vanished from a party' in Northern Ireland.

Lisa Dorrian disappeared on the night of February 27, 2005, from an event in Ballyhalbert Caravan Park in County Down and detectives believe she was murdered shortly afterwards.

Ms Dorrian's body has never been found despite several large-scale searches and desperate campaigning by her grieving family.

A 40-year-old woman has today been arrested on suspicion of her murder in Bangor, also in County Down, around 13 miles from the caravan park, almost exactly 21 years on from Ms Dorrian's disappearance.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) also suspect the woman of assisting offenders, withholding information and preventing a lawful and decent burial.

She remains in police custody.

The 42-year-old man was also arrested in connection with Ms Dorrian's murder under the same suspicions in Scotland earlier today, with the PSNI being supported by Police Scotland and the PSNIs Cross-Border Transit Officers.

Detective Chief Inspector Kerrie Foreman said: 'The arrest comes just days before the 21st anniversary of Lisa's disappearance and murder.

Lisa Dorrian, 25, disappeared in 2005 from a party at Ballyhalbert Caravan Park in County Down, Northern Ireland. Now, nearly 21 years on, a 40-year-old woman has been arrested

Police released CCTV footage of Ms Dorrian in her final few hours in a renewed appeal on the 20th anniversary of her disappearance last year

Lisa's sister Joanne previously spoke out on the 20th anniversary of Lisa's disapearance after extensive searching operations in 2019. She said: 'Our family has never been the same'

Ms Dorrian's body has never been found despite several large-scale searches and desperate campaigning by her grieving family

'Lisa was last seen alive on the night of Sunday 27 February 2005 in Ballyhalbert in County Down, and we believe she was murdered that night or in the early hours of the following morning.

'We remain determined to provide justice for Lisa's family, and I would appeal to anyone with information about her disappearance and murder to contact detectives on 101.'

A 68-year-old man was previously arrested on suspicion of Ms Dorrian's murder in December last year. He too was also suspected of assisting offenders, withholding information and preventing a lawful and decent burial.

Speaking 20 years after she went missing, Lisa's sister Joanne Dorrian said that their mother had passed away 'never knowing what happened to her beautiful firstborn daughter'.

'Our family has never been the same since the day we got the news that Lisa went missing,' she added.

On the 20th anniversary of her disappearance, detectives made a renewed appeal for information and released CCTV images of her final few hours.

The video shows Ms Dorrian entering the Saltwater Brig pub in County Down on the afternoon of February 26.
Police have launched a special operation after multiple schools wars were advertised on TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram to begin in London this Friday.

Scotland Yard said Operation Cedarfield will be on high alert to shut down gangster-style brawls organised online pitting schools against each other.

Schools across the capital have also sent out letters warning parents to monitor their childrens social media use in case they are recruited.

Anonymous TikTok posts have gone viral calling on pupils to bring weapons including compasses, rulers, scissors, knives and fireworks for fights against other schools on named days.

The posts tell pupils to be violent and instruct them to film any altercations to post online for extra points.

More than 50 schools in at least 12 London boroughs have been pitted against each other in a week of brawls.

Police have launched a special operation after multiple 'schools wars' were advertised (pictured) on TikTok to begin in London this Friday

Scotland Yard said Operation Cedarfield will be on high alert to shut down gangster-style brawls organised online pitting schools against each other

Schools across the capital have also sent out letters warning parents to monitor their children's social media use in case they are recruited

The posts group schools together under red and blue teams and specify which year groups should take part.

A scoring system awards 20 points for punching a rival and 10 points for chasing.

The messages are inspired by notorious Los Angeles street gangs the Bloods and Crips, with accompanying images featuring men in red and blue balaclavas.

One of the messages was spotted by Health Secretary Wes Streeting, the Labour MP for Ilford North in Redbridge, who wrote underneath: Ive raised this at highest levels in Government.

Hope parents are clear with their children that well come down on this sort of behaviour like a ton of bricks.

The Metropolitan Police said it had launched Operation Cedarfield to monitor the posts and respond to any violence.

Anonymous TikTok posts have gone viral calling on pupils to bring weapons including compasses, rulers, scissors, knives and fireworks for fights against other schools on named days

The posts tell pupils to be violent and instruct them to film any altercations to post online 'for extra points'

One post, directed at schools in East London, is titled Hackney War and lists four schools for each side  including the top-performing Mossbourne Community Academy.

Schools sending letters out have included Fortismere School in Muswell Hill, North London; Sydenham School in Lewisham, South East London and Graveney School in Tooting, South London.

These schools said that while they had not been specifically targeted for brawls, they wanted parents to monitor childrens social media use in case they come across the posts.

The Fortismere letter said: We are writing to alert you to recent social media activity circulating across various parts of London that encourages young people to take part in so called tagging or schools warsstyle games.

Thank you to parents who have approached us with concerns they have had when checking their childrens phones.

The Graveney letter said: We will ensure that our usual security measures are deployed effectively, including using our ability to search students if necessary.

The Mets Commander Neerav Patel said: Were aware of social media posts circulating and are in close contact with schools across several London boroughs to offer reassurance.

Officers will maintain a strong, visible presence around schools, and will respond firmly to any reports of violence or disorder.

We continue to closely monitor online spaces and have worked with platforms to request a dozen social media accounts to be disabled where threats or violence were planned or encouraged.

TikTok systematically removes content promoting crime and it is understood the platform has been working with the Met since February 13 to tackle the posts.

Tammy Brown, who lost her son Russell to knife crime in 2016, told Metro: It totally took my breath away seeing these posts. I hate to think of another mum or dad getting that knock on the door that turns their world upside down.

The schools named have been contacted for comment.
The best was not yet to come in the marriage of Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom and Greek Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle, who were married for about three years, more than a decade before her relationship with Donald Trump Jr.

In Newsom's new book, Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery - likely a precursor for a 2028 presidential bid - he wrote about the early warning signs that the couple was doomed.

And he also revealed when he knew it was over.

It came as he defied both state and federal law to allow the practice of marrying same-sex couples in San Francisco during his early tenure as mayor of the city in 2004.

'I saw something in those marriages that I did not see in my own,' he wrote.

Among those couples who were married during San Francisco's 'winter of love' were several of Newsom's aides and Rosie O'Donnell to Kelli Carpenter, who have since divorced.

Newsom attributed much of the demise of his relationship with Guilfoyle to their phoning it in while on independent, ambitious career tracks.

'Three days after I had been sworn in as mayor, Kimberly flew to New York to start a new job as a host for Court TV,' he recalled. 'She was on a career path that would take her to Fox News and into circles of right-wing politics that could not have contrasted more with the world in which we were raised,' he added, as they both grew up in liberal San Francisco.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, who was then San Francisco mayor, knew in 2004 that his marriage to Kimberly Guilfoyle was likely over after helping droves of happy gay couples get married, he wrote in his new book

California Governor Gavin Newsom (center), who was then running for mayor of San Francisco, stands alongside his wife Kimberly Guilfoyle (right) and former President Bill Clinton (left) at a campaign event in 2003

Early on, Newsom's family members thought the coupling might not work out.

He wrote that his sister Hilary had reservations but kept them to herself until years later.

'She was smart, quite smart, but not my type of gal,' Hilary is quoted as saying in the book. 'She was a little over-the-top. Overdone style. She was never not put together, but understatement was not one of her attributes.'

The more recent, MAGAfied version of Guilfoyle is one of the chief examples of the so-called 'Mar-a-Lago face' trend, with heavy makeup, big hair and clear surgical enhancements.

'She needed to command a room. She needed to own a room. All eyes on her,' his sister continued, adding that 'her need for attention and love could not be met.'

Newsom's mother Tessa 'put on a good smile' during the couple's wedding in December 2001, which included a ceremony at St. Ignatius Church and then a reception at the Getty mansion. The governor's father, William, was a close friend and the administrator of the Getty family's trust.

'My mother was of the mind that the marriage between Kimberly and me would not last, but she chose to hide those feelings from me,' Newsom wrote.

She didn't hide those feelings from Guilfoyle.

Join the debate Does ambition ruin relationships, or is it the secret to personal happiness?

California Governor Gavin Newsom (left) is photographed with is wife Kimberly Guilfoyle (right) while he was running for mayor of San Francisco in 2003. The couple married in December 2001 and announced their divorce in January 2005

Kimberly Guilfoyle (left) and Gavin Newsom (right) were photographed in their San Francisco home in an undated photo by the San Francisco Chronicle. Newsom served as San Francisco mayor before becoming California's lieutenant governor and then governor

California Governor Gavin Newsom (right) waves during his swearing-in ceremony to become San Francisco mayor in January 2004 alongside his father, Judge William Newsom (left) and then wife Kimberly Guilfoyle (center)

As Newsom recounts, Guilfoyle was not with the family when his mother, then just 55, decided to end her life in 2002 via doctor-assisted suicide after battling aggressive metastatic breast cancer.

'She had visited a day earlier, only to have my mother scold her about things she'd seen in our marriage. Kimberly left in tears,' he recalled. 'Mom had finally found a voice, it seemed.'

But even Newsom's family didn't believe the relationship problems were one-sided.

'I saw a lot of adoration from her to you, Gavin. But less from you to her,' Newsom's sister Hilary pointed out.

His mother, he wrote, 'was worried that I had brought a kind of passivity into the relationship, a "go along to get along," that was itself a devil's bargain.'

He said that tendency is what led to the embarrassing 2004 Harper's Bazaar photo shoot where he and Guilfoyle were sprawled out on a rug in formalwear at the Getty mansion, where they were labeled the 'new Kennedys.'

'I gave only a little of myself to Kimberly. Instead of regretting this, I kept wishing I could have given a lot more to my dying mother,' Newsom wrote.

'The fairy tale of the new Kennedys was not to be. The distance between Kimberly and me became a breach, and the breach widened into a chasm that could not be repaired,' he continued.

Kimberly Guilfoyle (right) went on to become the fiancee of Donald Trump Jr (left) before their break-up in 2024. She's photographed at the younger Trump's side during the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Winsconsin in July 2024

Kimberly Guilfoyle (left) was then named the U.S. ambassador to Greece by President Donald Trump (right), who invited her to the White House for an event in July. The ambassador's gig came as Donald Trump Jr's relationship with Bettina Anderson became public

California Governor Gavin Newsom (left) admitted that had a bit of a playboy stage after his 2005 divorce from Kimberly Guilfoyle and his 2008 marriage to Jennifer Siebel Newsom (right), a fellow liberal

'When it was time to part after four years of marriage, we parted about as amicably as two people could,' he said.

They announced their divorce in January 2005.

Guilfoyle dated Trump Jr from 2018 to 2024, and the couple was eventually engaged.

President Donald Trump named Guilfoyle ambassador to Greece as news of Trump Jr's new relationship with Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson was becoming public.

Trump Jr and Anderson are now set to be wed.

After a bout of bachelorhood, which Newsom admits he 'did not handle with discernment,' he married Jennifer Siebel Newsom, an actress and documentary film director, in 2008, and the couple has four children.
The Cuban Coast Guard killed four people in a Florida-registered speedboat after the vessel crossed into the nation's waters and opened fire, Cuban officials said.

The Cuban Embassy said on X that the incident unfolded Wednesday morning, when the speedboat approached one nautical mile northeast of the El Pino channel in the Villa Clara province.

The embassy said Border Guard Troops confronted the speedboat, leading the crew of the Florida-registered boat to open fire on the Cuban personnel.

The commander of the Cuban vessel was injured in the shootout, while four people on the Florida speedboat were killed and six more were injured.

Cuban officials said the six injured on the Florida-registered speedboat were evacuated and have received medical assistance. Their nationalities are not known.

The embassy added in a statement: 'In the face of current challenges, Cuba reaffirms its determination to protect its territorial waters, based on the principle that national defense is a fundamental pillar of the Cuban State in safeguarding its sovereignty and ensuring stability in the region.

'Investigations by the competent authorities continue in order to fully clarify the events.'

US authorities have not commented on the incident, and it is unclear who was commanding the Florida-registered vessel.

The Daily Mail has contacted the US State Department for comment.

The Cuban Coast Guard killed four people in a Florida-registered speedboat after the vessel crossed into the nation's waters and opened fire, Cuban officials said. A stock image of a Cuban Coast Guard vessel is pictured, not the vessel in Wednesday's incident

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Florida Congressman Carlos Gimenez, who was born in Cuba, issued a fiery statement in response to the shooting, saying he was calling for an immediate investigation into what he described as a 'massacre.'

'I am calling for an immediate investigation into this massacre. United States authorities must determine whether any of the victims were US citizens or legal residents and establish exactly what occurred,' Gimenez said.

'The regime in Cuba must be relegated to the dustbin of history for its countless crimes against humanity.'

Gimenez's office added that the incident 'raises serious concerns about the use of lethal force against individuals on a vessel registered in the United States.'

Florida Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar said on X that she was 'closely monitoring' the incident.

Salazar, who is the daughter of Cuban exiles, did not offer specifics on the shooting, and wrote: 'This is an unfolding situation, and I am awaiting further details from U.S. authorities.'

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said in a statement that he has directed the Office of Statewide Prosecution to investigate the shooting and coordinate with federal, state and law enforcement partners.

'The Cuban government cannot be trusted, and we will do everything in our power to hold these communists accountable,' Uthmeier said.

President Donald Trump has made several statements hinting that he wants the Communist regime in Cuba gone

Tensions between the US and Cuba have been steadily rising after President Donald Trump authorized the mission last month to capture Nicolas Maduro, the former leader of Venezuela.

Venezuela and Cuba have been close allies for decades, with Venezuela being the main exporter of crude oil and fuel to the island.

For weeks, the US has been intercepting and seizing oil tankers headed for Cuba, though the Trump administration has not acknowledged it is instituting a blockade.

Last week, the US Coast Guard seized a tanker 70 miles away from the island that was full of Colombian oil, The New York Times reported.

There are indications that the Trump administration wants to go further and pursue regime change. Trump himself has made numerous statements hinting that he wants the Cuba's Communist leadership gone.

In late January, The Wall Street Journal reported that officials close to the administration have been discussing ousting Miguel Diaz-Canel, 65, who has led the country since 94-year-old Raul Castro retired as president in 2021.

Officials familiar with the plans were focused on waiting for Cuba's economy to collapse, making a possible operation easier to accomplish.

However, it broke on Wednesday that the Trump administration is now allowing American companies to resell Venezuelan oil to private companies in Cuba. The new guidance came from the Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control.

'This favorable licensing policy is directed towards transactions that support the Cuban people, including the Cuban private sector (e.g., exports for commercial and humanitarian use in Cuba),' the office said.

It's unclear if Wednesday's boat shooting will affect this policy. The Daily Mail has approached the White House and the Treasury Department for comment.
A Shark Tank star who helped create the popular 'Squatty Potty' was arrested and charged with child pornography offenses, officials said.

Robert Edwards, 50, was arrested earlier this month in Utah after allegedly buying a horde of images of child sexual abuse material, the US Attorney's Office said.

Edwards, who first appeared on the show back in 2011, is accused of purchasing the material between March 2021 and November 2025.

According to the US Attorney's Office an undercover FBI agent encountered Edwards in an online chat room where he was viewing a collection of child porn in March 2021.

As their investigation continued they said that Edwards was suspected of purchasing the material via his PayPal account in May of 2025.

In November of last year a search warrant was carried out at his home, which he shares with his husband and four kids, where authorities seized a cell phone.

According to officials multiple videos and images of child sexual abuse were found on the device, some of which was downloaded just two weeks before the raid.

Edwards, seen here on Shark Tank, was arrested earlier this month after allegedly buying image of child sex abuse online

Edwards is seen here alongside his family attending an award ceremony in New York City in 2016

After law enforcement searched other devices they found further disturbing material, they said.

He was formally charged with receipt of child pornography and pleaded guilty during his first court appearance. He is being held without bail.

The Squatty Potty was founded alongside his mother Judy to fight her constipation issues, with the duo successfully pitching the footstool to investor Lori Greiner.

The stool is designed to ease bowl movements after Judy was told to raise her knees while on the toilet.

A follow up Shark Tank that aired in 2020 valued the company at $175 million and Edwards sold his stake the year after.

In a statement shared to the Squatty Potty site the owners of the firm said: 'Aterian has no affiliation, partnership, or ongoing relationship with Mr. Robert Edwards.

'Edwards was part of a group, including private equity firms, that sold specific assets to Aterian in a one-time transaction in 2021.

'Following the completion of that acquisition, all associations with Edwards and his family ceased.

According to the US Attorney's Office an undercover FBI agent encountered Edwards in an online chat room where he was viewing a collection of child porn in March 2021

Edwards home in Ivins, Utah, is pictured here. Authorities raided the home and found disturbing material on devices, they said

'He is not an employee, a partner, or a stakeholder in our company. Any claims to the contrary are categorically false.

'We are deeply disturbed by the indictment against Edwards. The nature of these allegations is abhorrent and wholly inconsistent with our companys values.

'While the family was previously referenced on our website in a historical context, we have removed those references. They have no role in our brands present or future.'
Labour's controversial court reforms were branded a 'soft justice surrender' as it emerged they will lead to fewer offenders being jailed.

Justice Secretary David Lammy published new legislation which will strip thousands of defendants a year of the historic right to jury trial.

Cases will instead be heard by a judge sitting alone in a bid to reduce the Crown court backlog - currently at a record 80,000 and set to hit 100,000 in just a year's time.

But in a dramatic development it was confirmed Labour's reforms will also lead to a fall in the number of criminals in jail.

Official Ministry of Justice documents published on Wednesday showed that following an initial spike in the prison population the changes would see fewer offenders behind bars.

Government research also showed that where similar judge-only trials have been introduced in other parts of the world it led to more defendants being acquitted and to shorter jail sentences being handed down.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: 'This is a soft justice surrender from this weak Government who have already let criminals out of jail early and cut police numbers.

'Their own figures show fewer people will end up in prison, which means the public will be endangered.

Justice Secretary David Lammy launched his plans to limit jury trial this week

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'We need to crack down on criminals rather than simply be soft touch.'

Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy said the new disclosures showed Labour were a 'party of lefty human rights lawyers' who 'cannot be trusted with public safety'.

'Now we know the reality of their plans is to send even fewer people to prison in future,' he added.

Ministers said earlier this week they expect judge-only trials to be introduced in 2028, assuming the legislation overcomes opposition from backbench Labour MPs and the House of Lords.

Official documents published alongside Mr Lammy's new Courts and Tribunals Bill showed there would be a short-term increase in the jail population while the backlog is cleared, peaking at 900 extra inmates in 2033.

But after that it would lead to a 'gradual decline' in the number of offenders in prison, leading to a 'lower overall prison population'.

'We expect criminal court reform to reduce the prison population relative to the baseline,' it said.

Another document published with the Bill said research carried out in 2024 into judge-only trials in New South Wales showed they led to more defendants being acquitted, possibly because judges applied a higher threshold for evidence than juries.

The Australian research also showed judge-only trials resulted in a lower likelihood of a convicted criminal being handed jail and, if they were imprisoned, sentences were shorter than for those who had a jury trial.

People spray sparkling wine over a man who walked out of Nottingham Prison on September 10, 2024 - the day Labour's existing early release scheme came into effect

On the first day of Labour's scheme in September 2024, lags released early were seen celebrating outside jails. Pictured: A man celebrates as he is released from HMP Wandsworth

The paper said there was 'no directly comparable data set to estimate how conviction rates may differ in trial without jury in the Crown Court'.

But once a judge-only trial has been introduced in England and Wales officials would 'regularly review the data  to obtain an up-to-date understanding of the impact of reforms'.

The documents also showed that the reforms will cost 338million to implement over 10 years.

Labour has already released nearly 50,000 prisoners early and passed legislation that will allow inmates to be freed from jail at an earlier point.

Mr Lammy, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said: 'The criminal courts we inherited were on the brink of collapse, with victims waiting years for justice while the backlog spiralled out of control.

'Our courts reform will deliver record investment, serious reform and practical modernisation to get cases heard faster, protect jury trials for the most serious crimes, and set us on a path to turn the corner on the rising backlog by the end of this parliament.'
It was a soft summers day in 1993 and in the village of Scadabay, on the east coast of Harris, Mrs MacLeod was just thinking of getting her mans tea on when she noticed a couple splashing up from the shore, their small but elegant yacht having dropped anchor.

They bought some of her homespun knitting; admired her Harris tweed. He was unremarkable; she, with her stately up-do, engaging grin and exquisitely elocuted voice, was rather striking.

When they parted, Mrs MacLeod asked them to sign her visitors book. And felt puzzled. Just Anne? she murmured. Will you not be adding your surname?

Her guest beamed. I dont use one  and, only then, did Mrs MacLeod realise who Anne and Tim really were.

At 75, the Princess Royal has long lived down some of the spikier incidents of her youth.

Like the day she told photographers at the Badminton Horse Trials to naff orf or  rather more magnificently  when, the target of a terrifying kidnap attempt in March 1974 and when the gun-toting madman ordered her to step out of the limousine, Anne snapped: Not bloody likely

She has long been a national treasure. Frugal, no-nonsense, an accomplished horsewoman and the hardest-working member of all the Royal Family.

In 2024 alone, Anne carried out 474 engagements. Nothing throws her. She once refused to abandon a visit to Madagascar despite a little local difficulty  bubonic plague; once kept a cool head as a loose horse pranced, out of control, at Trooping the Colour.

HRS Princess Anne the Princess Royal pictured at the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park

When a garrulous local councillor tried to hurry her along through people each desperate to meet her, she silenced him with a sharp: Stop wittering, man

But her preferred weapon is the hard, sharp stare. Anne watches her weight like a hawk and is often, accordingly, sighted in elegant frocks and coat-dresses she was snapped in decades before. The floral-print dress she donned for her big brothers wedding in July 1981 had a second coming, at the marriage feast of their cousin Lady Rose Windsor, in 2008.

L IKE her father, she does not suffer fools gladly; dislikes limp handshakes and people who overlard their sentences with Your Royal Highness. But, like her late mother, she feels no need for constant chatter.

She has a quality I value highly, which is companionable silence, says Lord Coe, often in her company as the Princess Royal is president of the British Olympic Association  indeed, she competed in the three-day equestrian event at the Montreal Games half a century ago. If you walk around cross-country courses with her, its very easy  its not conversation for the sake of conversation.

But she has a particular regard for Scotland. She has been for 40 years president of the Scottish Rugby Union, and was in the stands at Cardiff the other day; sings Flower of Scotland with decided relish.

She is a Knight of the Thistle, Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh, and has twice served as Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. Her innumerable patronages, this side of the Tweed, include the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

She seems particularly to cherish the Western Isles; few years pass without Anne turning up for some low-key but delightful engagement in the Outer Hebrides. In August 2024, for instance, she hit the village of Carloway to open its former school, rather splendidly repurposed as a community centre and shop, amid other Lewis engagements.

In the days of the Royal Yacht Britannia, the Queen and her family enjoyed a cruise through the Hebrides every year. But Anne and Vice-Admiral Lawrence are regular private visitors too  slipping around in their yacht in the long days of summer, stepping discreetly ashore to buy provisions, queuing in some village Co-op like everyone else.

Not least in pursuit of the Princess Royals other passion, horses apart  she adores lighthouses. Anne has been a pharologist since the Queen paid her first official visit to Lewis and Harris in 1956, with Philip and her family in tow  and the assorted gigs included a tour of the Tiumpan Head light, at the extremity of the Eye Peninsula.

She has ever since been fascinated by storm-washed headlands, stately towers, timed flash-signatures and round-room living  and, as Master of the Corporation of Trinity House in London and, since 1993, Patron to the Northern Lighthouse Board in Edinburgh, she is notionally in charge of every lighthouse, lightbuoy and lightship the length of the realm.

Someone in 2008 let slip that she planned, granted vitality and length of years, to visit every single lighthouse in Scotland. There are 208 and, to date, the Princess Royal is thought to have ticked off half of them.

In February 2023 she was delighted to pen the foreword for Christopher Nicholsons Rock Lighthouses of Britain and Ireland. Lighthouses are an enduring symbol of mans tenacity, ingenuity, and altruism in the face of the unrelenting power and destructive force of nature, she began.

The Princess pictured at what is thought to be the world's smallest light in North Queensferry

Over the centuries they have enabled many lives to be saved, and in so doing have become part of our history, folklore, and engineering achievements.

Built by men of courage and vision they have become symbols of our determination to co-exist with nature. Her life is one of unpretentious simplicity. Anne often drives herself to her public engagements.

When entertaining visitors  at Gatcombe Park or in her apartment at St Jamess Palace  Tim usually makes the tea. She dispensed decades ago with most of her staff: everyone is expected to muck in with the hoovering, laundry duties and that.

Gatcombe Park is run, indoors and out, by six people and in friendly informality. The living room is a small, old-fashioned affair, one visitor has panted, laden with books, trinkets, photographs and a dated television.

These have not been easy years for this stately lady. She lost her father in 2021 and the Queen 17 months later. It was Anne who had to soothe the near-hysterical Prince Harry; who, the Sunday following, accompanied her mothers coffin to Edinburgh.

In 2024 she was fortunate to survive a serious incident with her horse that left her dazed and hospitalised.

The Kings health travails, of late, have forced Anne to pick up much of the slack and her thoughts on the conduct of other close kin are probably unprintable.

Yet the Princess Royal battles on: shrewd, alert, indefatigable. Our greatest Princess of the Blood, and the best Queen we will never have.
A grooming gangs inquiry is to be launched in a bid to protect children from the horrendous harm of sexual abuse and exploitation.

Professor Alexis Jay will chair a statutory probe to examine Scotlands response to the problem  after months of delay by SNP ministers over whether to order one. The inquiry will focus on the prevalence of group-based sexual abuse now and in the recent past, and leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice for survivors.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance faced calls to quit last year after wrongly claiming Professor Jay  who wrote the report on the Rotherham grooming scandal  said she did not back a Scottish inquiry.

The mother of one victim, known as Taylor, said: Today is an incredibly emotional day  an outcome we have worked relentlessly to achieve.

Scottish Tory children and young people spokesman Roz McCall said: This long overdue U-turn by the SNP is the very least that survivors of grooming gangs deserve.

Fiona Goddard previously told The Mail of her experiences of being trafficked to Scotland from England, and raped by multiple Asian men when she was just a teenager.

She said: 'I welcome todays announcement of a full inquiry into group-based child sexual exploitation in Scotland. 'Alexis Jay brings extensive experience in exposing the true scale of these issues and has shown a willingness to confront difficult truths, as demonstrated in her work on the Rotherham report.

'I will be watching closely to see how the inquiry is structured, particularly its terms of reference, and I hope it will address the challenges of cross-border trafficking and how the Scottish and English inquiries will work alongside one another while running concurrently.

Survivor: Fiona Goddard was trafficked across the Border and raped

'Together, these inquiries present an opportunity to deliver long-overdue recognition for victims in both Scotland and England, drive meaningful reforms to protect children in the future, and confront the overlapping issues, such as trafficking, that have allowed abuse to persist.'

In a statement to the Scottish parliament, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said the Scottish Government intended to establish a targeted independent inquiry and establish a Scottish Truth Project, which would enable victims to share their experiences.

The new inquiry will be distinct from the long-running Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI), chaired by Lady Smith, which has cost more than 100million so far. Its scope and terms of reference will be finalised and confirmed in due course, following input from Professor Jay.

Ms Gilruth said: Announcing an independent public inquiry will not cure all which has come before, but it is a statement of intent from this Government that we will leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice for survivors of child sexual abuse.

She said the Truth Project, to be led by John OBrien, who was secretary to the grooming gangs inquiry south of the Border, will ensure that the voice of survivors is central to our collective efforts so that every action is informed by their experience and brings about the changes they have told me must be made.

Professor Jay said: The public inquiry will get to the truth of exploitation in Scotland in the past and the present, in order to prevent it in the future.

The mother of Taylor, who was 13 when she went into care and was abused by Pakistani men, said: No family should ever have to experience the devastation that grooming and exploitation cause.

Scottish Labour MP Joani Reid, who has long called for a separate investigation in Scotland, said: This is a huge victory for survivors and for the women and girls who refused to be ignored.
Yesterday, education secretary Jenny Gilruth stood up in parliament to announce that the SNP government will, after all, grant a public inquiry into grooming gangs.

Thats a welcome U-turn and the very least that Scottish survivors and victims support groups deserve. They, and the Scottish Conservatives, have been calling for this for months, but the SNP had  for reasons that still seem bewildering  fought against it tooth and nail.

Most peoples response will be to wonder why on earth Nationalist ministers have taken so long to do the right thing.

Not only was it the obvious response to the most appalling and repulsive crimes, as Ms Gilruth admitted, survivors produced shocking testimonies of their abuse and quite rightly, called for meaningful change.

With remarkable gall, she was able to stand up yesterday and produce a string of reasons why the inquiry should now proceed at pace, and with the fullest investigatory powers required. What was less clear from her statement was why John Swinneys government could not have come to this conclusion months ago.

There was similar reluctance to launch an inquiry into organised abuse of children in England and Wales by Keir Starmers government, but they eventually accepted its importance last June.

Even at that stage, it was obvious that such vile crimes did not stop at Hadrians Wall.

Yet the SNP continued to insist that an existing inquiry, into historical child abuse, would be sufficient, and that they were not convinced by victims calls for a full investigation of systemic sexual exploitation by organised gangs, even though it might well be ongoing.

Abuse victims have felt ignored by the SNP

They had the opportunity to correct that, when I tabled an amendment to their Victims Bill which would have allowed for a full inquiry. But instead, we got a Victims Bill in name only. The SNP and Greens shamefully voted together to reject my amendment.

While they were at it, they voted down measures to ensure that victims would always be informed if a decision were taken not to prosecute someone, and that they would be told when plea deals were struck between defence and prosecution lawyers.

But that was not the limit of their failure to act. Disgracefully, in the course of that debate, justice secretary Angela Constance misrepresented the views of Alexis Jay, an expert on grooming gangs, in an attempt to shore up her decision to block an inquiry.

After Professor Jay complained, Ms Constance had to apologise for misleading parliament  twice  yet was backed to the hilt by John Swinney and remained in her job, despite this clear breach of the ministerial code.

The message sent by the SNP was clear  protecting Ms Constance, even when she had distorted the facts to frustrate the clear wishes of victims, was the priority. The protection of the public and the pursuit of justice were secondary considerations.

The SNPs refusal to budge from their position became even more baffling when, late last year, shocking reports emerged of the abuse of Taylor, a girl in care in Glasgow, by an organised gang. Though the police had been made aware of the allegations, nothing further had been done.

John Swinney, challenged about this disgraceful case at First Ministers Questions, praised the victims courage but still refused to commit to an inquiry. That was in spite of other brave survivors offering their testimony and demanding that the UK probe be extended to Scotland.

It included the account of one victim trafficked from England to Glasgow as a child and raped by groups of men.

It came after a Romanian grooming gang in Dundee was convicted of sexually abusing ten women and the case of a gang of seven men and women in Glasgow convicted of 49 charges that included abuse towards children.

Even after police confirmed that reports of online child abuse had doubled in a year, the First Minister continued to bury his head in the sand.

There were warm words for victims, but ministers continued to argue that a dedicated inquiry was not the best use of resources, or that it would somehow interfere with the operation of the investigation into historical abuse.

Yesterday, at long last, Jenny Gilruth conceded that the inquiry which the Scottish Conservatives and victims groups had long called for, specifically looking at Scotlands handling of group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation, was essential.

Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesman Liam Kerr says a public inquiry into grooming gangs is the least survivors and victims support groups deserve

In an extraordinary reversal, it has now been confirmed that Professor Jay will lead this belated inquiry.

The Cabinet Secretary promised that institutions which had had the power to act when victims spoke up, but failed to do so, would be held to account.

It is a welcome concession. But the proof of the pudding will be in the eating. Survivors and victims have not been provided with answers, only the first step towards the rigorous investigation that they called for and deserve.

This cannot be another SNP tick-box exercise from a government that we know is addicted to secrecy and has an aversion to accountability.

It is crucial that the inquirys independence is guaranteed and that it will, as Ms Gilruth promised, leave no stone unturned. We must also be told its terms of reference and timescale.

Survivors have felt ignored and betrayed prior to the SNP being forced into this U-turn.

This inquiry is essential to uncovering the scale of organised abuse in Scotland, to discovering why it was allowed to go unchecked and to prevent gangs targeting more vulnerable children in future.

The SNP should be ashamed of how long it has taken them to do the right thing. They must ensure that victims are not let down again.
Scotland's top prosecutor was last night urged to resign after dodging questions about tipping off John Swinney over the prosecution of Nicola Sturgeons estranged husband.

Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain, KC, was criticised by MSPs after claiming she had fully explained her failure to mention a memo to the First Minister last week in Holyrood.

All I ask for is common decency, she pleaded, earning applause from the SNP benches.

Ms Bain also said it was unprecedented that a law officer is being asked to comment in this way about a live case.

Tory MSP Stephen Kerr said: Dorothy Bain had another opportunity to come clean in parliament today, but she refused to explain why she deemed it acceptable to tip off the SNP leader about the partys former chief executive being charged.

Thats a shameful dereliction of duty and she should seriously consider whether her position is tenable.

Last week, it emerged Ms Bain sent a memo to the First Minister on January 19 about an indictment being served on former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell.

It said he was accused of embezzling 459,000 from party funds - a figure not made public for almost a month.

Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain has come under pressure after sending memos to the First Minister over the Murrell case

Mr Swinney said it was entirely appropriate for Ms Bain to brief him on sensitive cases

Amid claims of the SNP getting a political advantage, Ms Bain was forced to deny being corrupt.

Defending her action last week, she said she informed the FM of a significant development he ought to know about.

She told MSPs: The figure appears on the indictment, and it was, therefore, a figure that I was able to share.

But she failed to mention she also gave Mr Swinney the figure in a March 2025 memo, ten months before any indictment.

Mr Swinney also failed to mention it the following day at First Ministers Questions.

On Tuesday, Ms Bain provided the earlier memo to parliament, triggering a fresh row about the memos.

She was forced to return to the chamber last night to explain her omission.

She said she had not seen the memo immediately prior to addressing MSPs and she did not want to risk proceedings by talking about it unprepared.

Mr Murrell is the former SNP chief executive

It would have been quite improper for me to make a whimsical or ill informed reference to a document that I hadnt seen before entering the chamber.

She added: I understand why people may feel uncomfortable but the reason the First Minister gets to know some things that the public do not is because he has responsibilities that the public do not.

Tory MSP Murdo Fraser said she had failed five times to explain why she shifted her justification for giving Mr Swinney the 459,000 figure away from the indictment.

He added: She has accepted the answers she gave to this parliament last week were incomplete and insufficient because she had not looked at all the papers available to her. That in itself should be a matter of concern.

Mr Kerr said afterwards: The latest bombshell revelation about the Lord Advocates conduct in relation to the criminal case against Nicola Sturgeons husband reeks of scandal.

Serious questions remain as to why Dorothy Bain didnt tell Parliament the whole truth about her shady briefings to Swinney when she was in Holyrood last week.

Thats either a serious lapse in judgment or an outrageous example of SNP secrecy.

MSPs later voted down a Tory proposal calling for a fuller statement from Ms Bain today.

Earlier, Mr Swinney said it was entirely appropriate for Ms Bain to brief him on sensitive cases.
Criminals are working off community sentences by sticking fake diamonds on greeting cards, Justice Secretary Angela Constance was warned yesterday.

The shock claim emerged as members of the Scottish Police Federation quizzed MSPs at an election hustings in Edinburgh.

Ms Constance, who said she was a big fan of community sentences, defended the system, which is supposed to be a productive alternative to custody.

There are some robust projects, she insisted, while refusing to discuss the diamante case.

Scottish Conservative community safety spokesman Sharon Dowey said: This astonishing example sums up the SNPs warped view of what delivering justice means.

Victims of crime will be outraged that this criminal is getting off with little more than a slap on the wrist rather than being properly punished.

Allowing offenders to stick fake diamonds on pieces of card is the inevitable result of the SNPs relentless weakening of Scotlands justice system.

Scotland deserves a justice system that stands up for victims rather than one that makes mockery of them and repeatedly panders to criminals.

Criminals are working off community sentences by sticking fake diamonds on greeting cards, Justice Secretary Angela Constance has been told

The recent case was raised in a Q&A after the Federation, which represents rank and file officers, launched its pitch to politicians ahead of the Holyrood election.

It said current policy placed too much emphasis on non-custodial outcomes, even for violent and repeat offenders.

Julie Stephen, a court sergeant at Aberdeen Sheriff Court, relayed a story from a force colleague who recently asked a woman about her community payback order (CPO).

She said: Does anyone in the panel have any idea what community sentencing actually involves? I know of one person who sticks diamantes onto greetings cards, and that reduces her CPO by 10 hours if she does six cards.

Im not entirely sure how that prevents her from committing crime.

Ms Constance, a former social worker who supervised community sentences, failed to address the example, and instead defended the system.

She said: I think community sentencing, it needs to be meaningful. It needs to be about addressing folks risks, and some of that involves challenging people.

It needs to be enabling people to make meaningful reparations to their community.

And it also needs to be upskilling people.

Ms Dowey, who was also on the panel, said: Community payback should be a deterrent, something thats paying back to the community, like getting rid of graffiti on walls, but not sticking diamantes onto cards.

Labours Pauline McNeill said: Its that type of thing that brings it into disrepute. Sheriffs shouldnt be granting community sentences unless they are satisfied [it helps] the offender stop offending. If it doesnt achieve that purpose then its not doing what it should be.

Ms Stephen, 51, told the Mail she had been absolutely flabbergasted when her colleague found out the terms of the CPO just before Christmas.

Ms Constance was at an election hustings event with members of the Scottish Police Federation

She said the sheriff who sentenced the woman set the hours, but the work involved was decided by social workers.

She said: It has to be meaningful. You either learn something or you decide, I dont ever want to be doing that again, like hard graft picking up litter on a cold day or clearing the streets of snow.

Sitting somewhere putting stickers on cards - how does that reduce your propensity to reduce crime? Thats not a punishment.

Some people are working in food banks. Thats good. But putting diamantes on a card?

Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur said there was no doubt community sentences kept people out of prisons and reduced offending rates, but admitted: Thats not to say that every community payback measure is doing what its expected to do.

Green Lorna Slater said consequences of offending should be real for people.

The sentence would have been passed within the Sheriffdom of Grampian, Highlands and Islands, which covers multiple councils across northern Scotland.

Aberdeen City Council declined to comment.
Democratic Senator John Fetterman is getting rave reviews from Republicans, though his future in the Senate may be imperiled as liberals abandon him.

Fetterman, 56, the senior senator from Pennsylvania, is surging among GOP-aligned voters in recent polls.

According to a Quinnipiac survey from February 19 - 23 of over 800 registered voters, Fetterman had a 73 percent approval rating among Republicans while only 18 percent disapproved.

Fetterman's favorability rating among Republican was a net 55 points.

However, his numbers with Democratic voters were devastating.

A mere 22 percent of Democratic voters approved of the senator, while 62 percent disapproved. Independents, meanwhile, are largely in favor of the Democrat, giving him a 48 percent approval compared to a 37 percent disapproval.

The numbers may spell early trouble for the lawmaker, who is due up for reelection in 2028.

'He's a one-term senator either way,' one speculator mused on social media. The current approval ratings are a total inversion of the coalition that elected the towering, Carhartt-wearing Fetterman.

Recent surveys show that Senator John Fetterman is surging in polls with Republicans. However, his support among Democratic voters is crumbling, potentially threatening his reelection hopes

Senator John Fetterman arrives before President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday - a rare occasion in which the lawmaker has worn a suit and tie

In 2023, Quinnipiac found that Fetterman was broadly supported by seven out of ten Democrats and disapproved of by four out of five Republicans.

The Pennsylvania lawmaker has sided with Republicans by supporting initiatives for Israel's military, parts of Trump's immigration agenda and the deployment of the National Guard to stop crime.

He has also been quick to criticize his colleagues.

'Well, I mean, I think it's just disappointing,' Fetterman chided Democratic lawmakers who did not show up to Trump's State of the Union speech on Tuesday.

'Honestly, I mean I think that's sad that I think half of my colleagues didn't show up. I mean, that's not a judgment, so for me, I think show up.'

He continued: 'You don't have to clap for everything. You don't have to agree with anything I think we're in a different place right now where it's now. People not even gonna show up or doing other kinds of alternative things so for me, that's what I think.'

The president's address prompted Fetterman to do something he hardly ever does.

The typically sweatshirt-swaddled senator wore a suit and tie.

'I don't care if it's a Republican or Democrat as a president. Just don't do that. Don't do that. Respect the office, regardless of who's in it, and now for me, it's like now when half the people in my party haven't showed up.'
PM says he was referring to her life

Anthony Albanese has dramatically backtracked to put a new spin on his comment that child sexual abuse survivor Grace Tame is 'difficult' after he sparked a backlash.

The Prime Minister took part in a rapid-fire Q and A at the Future Victoria summit on Wednesday when he was asked to reply with one-word answers.

Asked to provide a description of Ms Tame, the 2021 Australian of the Year, Albanese replied: 'Difficult.'

But when confronted on Thursday, the PM tried to justify it as a comment on Ms Tame's 'difficult life' - and immediately apologised if that had been misinterpreted.

The admission came after he was asked by an ABC reporter if 'all women are difficult, or just Ms Tame?'

'I was asked to describe people in one word, and Grace Tame, you certainly can't describe in one word,' Albanese explained.

'She has had a difficult life, and that was what I was referring to.

'What Grace Tame has done is to turn that difficult experience that she had into being a strong advocate for others, which is why she received, quite rightly, the Australian of the Year Award.

When asked to provide a description of Ms Tame, the 2021 Australian of the Year, Anthony Albanese replied: 'difficult'

The 2021 Australian of the Year hit back at Albanese's comment on Thursday morning

'If there was any misinterpretation, then I certainly apologise.

'I think that Grace Tame has taken what is personal trauma and that awful experience that she had and channelled that into helping, in particular, other young women being a strong and powerful advocate, being quite courageous in the way that she has gone out.

'Now there are other issues, such as the language that Grace Tame used that I disagree with at the demonstration that was held in Sydney.

'So that's why it's impossible to describe people in one word, and that wasn't meant to be taken that way.

'It was certainly just a word that comes to mind when different people are mentioned.'

Ms Tame hit back on Thursday when she reposted a message from sex abuse survivor and advocate Harrison James taking a brutal swipe at Albanese.

'Difficult is the misogynist's code for a woman who won't comply. History tends to call her 'courageous,' Mr James captioned a photo with Ms Tame.

He added: 'Love you Grace Tame. Thank you for refusing to be anything but brave.'

The PM tried to justify his comments on Thursday as reference to Ms Tame's difficult life, adding that he had no regrets

Grace Tame reposted a supportive message from sex abuse survivor and advocate Harrison James

Aussie musician and former manager of The Wiggles, Paul Field, says that Australia needs more 'difficult' women like Grace Tame (pictured together)

Aussie musician and former manager of The Wiggles, Paul Field, also pledged his support on Thursday.

'We need more and more 'difficult' women, like Grace Tame,' he wrote.

'Always speaking truth to power. Continued love and strength to her.

He added a quote from late primatologist Jane Goodall: 'It actually doesnt take much to be considered a difficult woman. Thats why theres so many of us.'

Greens leader Larissa Waters led the barrage of backlash to Albanese's comment.

'Labelling women as difficult won't silence us. It won't stop us speaking truth to power. Next time try 'unbreakable' or 'warrior' or 'fierce' Prime Minister,' she said.

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young added: 'Some of my best friends are 'difficult' women.(OK, all of them, and I love them for it!)'

Everyday Aussies were just as outraged and branded the comment as a 'betrayal' and called for Albanese to 'do better'.

The Prime Minister's comment about Grace Tame has divided Australia

'Couldn't say inspiring, or courageous, or powerful or 'great,' one wrote.

Another added: 'Grace Tame is so courageous and tenacious. This is so disappointing from our PM.'

The backlash prompted others to leap to Mr Albanese's defence.

'The cue was 'Grace Tame' in which he responded with 'difficult'. The cue was not 'women',' one wrote.

'For those suggesting that he was calling women in general difficult, you are not interpreting this dialogue correctly.'

Another questioned: 'Because he called one woman difficult, he is calling all women difficult?'

A third wrote: 'Grace Tame has never done anything of value for the country or anyone else.'

Ms Tame sparked controversy earlier this month when she chanted 'Globalise the Intifada' during a speech at a Sydney rally, protesting the visit by Israeli president Isaac Herzog.

Grace Tame wore a shirt featuring the slogan: 'F*** Murdoch' at an Australian of the Year function the PM hosted at The Lodge in Canberra

Grace Tame (left) publicly supported Albanese when he was elected as Prime Minister in 2022

The stunt sparked widespread calls for the former Australian of the Year winner to be stripped of the honour.

Albanese's latest swipe at Tame comes a year after she wore a shirt featuring the slogan: 'F*** Murdoch' at an Australian of the Year function he hosted at The Lodge in Canberra.

He and now-wife Jodie Haydon posed and smiled for photos and shook hands with Tame during a short, awkward conversation.

'It is something that, in my view, took away from the people who were there, and my focus was simply on that,' Albanese told the ABC two days later.

'I want debate to be respectful and that's a choice that she made.

'People are allowed to express themselves, but I thought it was disrespectful of the event and of the people who that event was primarily for.'

It was just one of several answers Albanese was slammed for during Wednesday night's rapid-fire word game.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson also hit back after Albanese described her as divisive.

'If he wanted to use the divisive for me, Id say hes been the most divisive Prime Minister we have ever had in this country,' she told Sky News.
Blundering police only worked out that a murder victim had been shot days after his body was found.

The shocking mistake meant that Brian Low's killer, former gamekeeper David Campbell, roamed free for months as the death was initially dismissed as 'non-suspicious'.

But on Wednesday, Campbell, 77, was jailed for life for the execution of a man he had harboured a festering grudge against for years.

He gunned down former colleague Mr Low, 65, as he walked his dog Millie along a secluded farm track yards from his small cottage outside Aberfeldy, Perthshire, Scotland.

Despite being blasted in the neck on February 16, 2024, officers initially thought Mr Low's death may have been related to a medical condition  and only discovered it was a murder after gun pellets fell out of his body bag when he was being prepared for a post-mortem examination.

A pathologist confirmed he had died from gunshot wounds, and it took police ten days to launch a murder inquiry, having initially failed to seal off the scene.

But now Campbell, who worked at the Edradynate Estate with his victim for years, is likely to die behind bars after being found guilty at Glasgow's High Court.

Lord Scott on Wednesday handed him a life sentence for the 'carefully pre-meditated' murder and ordered him to serve a minimum of 19 years behind bars.

Former gamekeeper David Campbell has been found guilty of murdering Brian Low by shooting him with a shotgun near Aberfeldy

David Campbell hunted down his former colleague, travelling on his wife's e-bike in a hooded jacket and carrying a shotgun on his shoulder

Brian Low (pictured) was left so severely injured he died at the scene in Leafy Lane near Pitillie track

The judge told him: 'The bitterness and grudge you bore Brian Low, reflected in some of things said to others, did not diminish. This led to you carrying out the sort of killing referred to as a targeted assassination or pre-planned execution.'

Campbell showed no emotion at the verdict, which was delivered in front of relatives including his wife of 57 years, Betty. Their daughter Sarah Aitchison had to be comforted by her mother.

Campbell had complained about being called a liar when he took to the witness box in a bid to clear his name. But the jury saw through his story and found him guilty.

Lord Scott said he had read two 'moving' impact statements from Mr Low's partner Pam Curran. The judge told Campbell: 'You robbed her of the chance to say goodbye.'

Campbell was head gamekeeper at Edradynate between May 1984 and February 2018 and Mr Low was a groundsman between August 2000 and February 2023.

Campbell would tell colleagues how much he hated him. And he insisted he was set up by Mr Low, who he said had planted evidence to implicate him in wildlife crimes.

Michael Campbell, the now late owner of Edradynate who is not related to the murderer, told detectives his former gamekeeper had been left furious about a police raid at his home on the estate.

The financier told detectives Campbell 'implied Brian had planted the stuff in his house'.

But the murderer told the court he never had a problem with Mr Low. Campbell was later sacked amid claims that hunts on the estate were declining in quality.

CCTV footage showed David Campbell riding his wife's bicycle on the day of the murder

Campbell was seen placing duct tape on ring doorbell cameras to conceal his wherabouts before carrying out the killing

Police at the scene in the Pitilie area on the outskirts of Aberfeldy, where Brian Low was shot dead

He went on to plot Mr Low's assassination, disabling his CCTV system and taping over his doorbell camera, before taking his wife's electric bike to the track where he killed Mr Low, whose body was found the next day.

Detective Constable Mark Chance, one of the first officers on the scene, initially concluded Mr Low's injuries were consistent with a fall, despite 30 injuries from shotgun pellets.

Four days later, and only after he was taken to a mortuary, were suspicions raised about the more sinister cause of his death  which pathologists found to be gunshot wounds to the neck and chest.

Even Campbell told the jury that police 'made a monumental shambles of the investigation'.

Police Scotland on Wednesday apologised to Mr Low's family.
Rashida Tlaib chanted 'KKK' at Republican lawmakers in response to their cheers of 'USA' during Donald Trump's State of the Union address, new footage has revealed.

The far-left Democratic lawmaker's raucous jeers alongside Ilhan Omar sparked fiery clashes with the President inside the House Chamber on Tuesday night.

A new clip of Tlaib shows her saying, 'KKK, KKK,' in an attempt to mock her Republican colleagues who erupted in a chorus of support for the President.

Tlaib's racially-charged language sparked a furious backlash on Wednesday.

The National Republican Congressional Committee tweeted the clip alongside a simple verdict: 'Everything you need to know about today's Democrats. They cannot stand this country, they cannot stand its comeback, and they cannot hide their contempt anymore.'

One X user responded: 'As a black American, watching Tlaib, a non-black person chant "KKK" is beyond offensive. That word carries generations of terror and pain; its not a prop for political theater. This is conduct unbecoming of a Member of Congress. Censure her.'

Another said: 'In the last week Democrats have provided political ads for the Republicans in the next cycle that would choke a seasoned marketing guy. They write themselves.'

The Daily Mail has contacted Tlaib for comment.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) (R) and Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MI) shout during U.S. President Donald Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday

US President Donald Trump gives remarks before a Joint Session of Congress in the House Chamber of the US Capitol Building in Washington DC, on March 4th 2025

Democratic representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib broke out into furious yelling as Trump ripped into Somali fraud in Minnesota

Tlaib and Omar had already reacted furiously when Trump launched an attack on immigrants during his landmark speech, claiming 'Somali pirates' had 'ransacked Minnesota' after years of lax immigration policy.

The pair began screaming, calling Trump a 'liar' and claiming that he had American blood on his hands following the deadly immigration crackdown in the state.

But they were quickly drowned out by the President's Republican majority who took to their feet and started chanting: 'USA, USA.'

Trump said: 'When it comes to the corruption that is plundering America, there has been no more stunning example than Minnesota - where members of the Somali community have pillaged an estimated $19 billion from the American taxpayer.'

The President said the welfare fraud 'reminds us that there are large parts of the world where bribery, corruption and lawlessness are the norm, not the exception.'

He warned that 'importing these cultures through unrestricted immigration and open borders brings those problems right here to the USA.'

Cameras panned to a distraught Omar, who is Somali and represents Minneapolis, as Trump tore into the compatriots in her home state who have become the primary targets of his immigration crackdown.

Omar and Tlaib yelled abuse at Trump's immigration enforcement, which was scaled back earlier this month after federal agents killed two people during the crackdown.

'You have killed Americans,' the Democratic pair screeched as the House descended into anarchy.

The President turned his fury on the women, branding them a 'disgrace' and telling the pair: 'You should be ashamed.'

Republican lawmakers took that as an invitation, and their entire side of the House Chamber was quickly on its feet chanting: 'USA, USA.'

Trump today doubled down on his attacks on the pair, telling them to 'get on a boat' and leave the US in a post on Truth Social.

'When you watch Low IQ Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, as they screamed uncontrollably last night at the very elegant State of the Union, such an important and beautiful event, they had the bulging, bloodshot eyes of crazy people, LUNATICS, mentally deranged and sick who, frankly, look like they should be institutionalized,' Trump began.

'When people can behave like that, and knowing that they are Crooked and Corrupt Politicians, so bad for our Country, we should send them back from where they came - as fast as possible,' he then said.

Omar is an American citizen who immigrated from war-torn Somalia, with Trump bashing the immigrant community in Minneapolis that she represents in Congress last night. Tlaib is Detroit-born, whose parents were Palestinian immigrants. They were the first two Muslim women to be elected to Congress in 2018.

'They should actually get on a boat with Trump Deranged Robert De Niro, another sick and demented person with, I believe, an extremely Low IQ, who has absolutely no idea what he is doing or saying - some of which is seriously CRIMINAL!' Trump blasted.

Trump's speech had been beset by protests before it even got underway.

Texas Democrat Al Green was ejected after brandishing a placard that read: 'Black people aren't apes.'

Green's placard referenced a recent Trump social media post featuring an AI video depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as primates.

Trump kept walking as GOP Senators Markwayne Mullin and Roger Marshall moved swiftly to block Green's sign from view.

The speech came as Trump faces his lowest approval ratings, with the economy and immigration topping voter grievance lists.

Trump's speech focused on domestic accomplishments from his first year in office, including a ratepayer pledge to keep energy prices down amid soaring costs driven by AI data centers.

The President also touted his TrumpRx initiative to deliver affordable pharmaceuticals to American families.
Families of Australian diplomats in Israel and Lebanon have been advised to leave, as the government cites unpredictable security tensions in the Middle East.

The Australian government has also offered voluntary departures to its diplomats' dependents in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Qatar, it said on the Smart Traveller website on Wednesday.

'This is a precautionary measure, in view of regional tensions,' the advice states.

'Australia's embassies in Tel Aviv and Beirut remain open.

'The situation in the Middle East is unpredictable.'

Embassies will also remain open in Jordan's Amman, Qatar's Doha and UAE's Abu Dhabi, along with the consulate in Dubai.

The advice comes after US President Donald Trump laid out plans for a possible attack on Iran in his State of the Union speech to Congress.

Mr Trump said he would not allow the world's biggest sponsor of terrorism to have a nuclear weapon.

Families of Australian diplomats in Israel and Lebanon have been advised to leave, as the government cites unpredictable security tensions in the Middle East (pictured, Beirut)

Iran and the US resumed negotiations earlier in February as Washington builds up military capability in the Middle East.

Iran has threatened to strike US bases in the region if it is attacked, but Tehran's top diplomat said on Tuesday that a deal with the US was 'within reach' if diplomacy was prioritised.

The Australian government continues to advise citizens in Israel and Lebanon to consider leaving while commercial options are still available, the foreign ministry said.

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor said families 'absolutely should be heeding that advice'.

'It's the best advice we have, and there's no question that the situation there appears to be hotting up,' he told Sky News.
The family of a murdered mother-of-two who disappeared in an enduring mystery have told her killer husband to tell them where her body is or 'go back to your cell'.

Arlene Fraser's sister Carol Gillies believes recent changes to parole laws are their last chance of forcing Nat Fraser to reveal the location of her remains.

Her disappearance in Elgin in 1998 led to one of the biggest police investigations in Scottish history and resulted in a murder conviction for her estranged husband.

Fraser, 67, was sentenced to at least 17 years after a retrial in 2012 for paying a hitman to murder his 33-year-old wife, whose body has never been found.

In September the Scottish Parliament passed 'Suzanne's Law', meaning the Parole Board must take into account a refusal by a killer to reveal the location of remains.

The law previously stated that failure to reveal the location may  rather than must  be considered when deciding whether someone will be released from prison.

The changes, which come into force next month, have raised hopes that the family may get closer to the truth when Fraser becomes eligible for parole in 2028.

In a new BBC documentary out today, Mrs Gillies says: 'You spend the whole time just trying to think of a way to get Arlene back and Nat's the only one that knows.

Arlene Fraser with her estranged husband Nat Fraser, who was sentenced to 17 years in prison

Mrs Fraser's sister Carol Gillies, who has told her killer husband to tell them where her body is

Nat Fraser (right, in 2008) was jailed after paying a hitman to murder his 33-year-old wife

'He controlled Arlene when she was alive and he is controlling her when she is dead. It's a form of mental torture.'

Speaking in 'Murder Case: The Hunt for Arlene Fraser's Killer', Mrs Gillies, 63, also says that Suzanne's Law 'gives Nat Fraser a choice: tell us where her remains are or go back to your cell'.

She adds: 'It's the final chance of getting to the truth because if the Parole Board can't do anything to help us he will get out and the truth will be gone for ever.

'We need to believe that one day we won't necessarily bring Arlene home but one day we might get somewhere near the truth and that's what I'm holding on to.'

In a further statement issued by the BBC today, Mrs Gillies said she 'saw this documentary as an opportunity for me to shine a light on crucial matters such as violence against woman and the parole process'.

She also told how it was a 'difficult watch to see footage of Nat Fraser denying all responsibility', adding: 'We feel incredibly sad that a life watching her children grow up has been taken from her by this brutal crime. It has also been extremely painful to watch videos of a living Arlene.'

'The documentary outlines the horrendous torturous journey that Arlene's murder has taken us on. There has been a stream of hearings, High Court trials, press conferences and of course documentaries.

'However, 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'.'

Mrs Fraser was last seen as she waved her children off to school in Elgin on April 28, 1998

A police photograph of Arlene Fraser after she was assaulted by her husband Nat Fraser

Former detective superintendent Alan Smith, who worked on the murder investigation, tells the documentary: 'The agony here is the family don't have a headstone, they don't have a grave that they can visit.

'That for me is an extension of the torture that Nat Fraser has exerted on this family.'

Mrs Fraser was last seen as she waved her children off to school in Elgin on April 28, 1998. The children later returned home to an empty house.

A huge search was launched to find Mrs Fraser and detectives began investigating her troubled marriage.

A trial at the High Court in Edinburgh later heard that Fraser was motivated by his wife leaving him and seeing a lawyer about getting a payoff.

In 2000, Fraser pleaded guilty to throttling his wife in a separate attack about a month before she disappeared, on March 22, 1998.

He was jailed for 18 months over this incident - although the family told of their disappointment at the time that an attempted murder charge was dropped.

After further investigations, Fraser was found guilty of murder in 2003 and jailed for at least 25 years.

But he continued to protest his innocence and launched an appeal which eventually saw his conviction quashed by the Supreme Court in 2011.

Former police detective superintendent Alan Smith, who worked on the murder investigation

A huge search was launched to find Mrs Fraser and detectives investigated her marriage

Fraser was then found guilty for a second time following a six-week retrial in 2012 and jailed for at least 17 years - backdated to June 2011 - before he can apply for parole.

Judge Lord Bracadale told Fraser at this second sentencing hearing: 'The evidence indicated that at some point you arranged for someone to kill your wife, Arlene, and dispose of her body.

'Thus you instigated in cold blood the pre-meditated murder of your wife and mother of your children, then aged 10 and five years.

'The murder and disposal of the body must have been carried out with ruthless efficiency, for there is not a trace of Arlene Fraser from that day to this and her bereft family continue to live with no satisfactory knowledge of what happened to her remains.'

Suzanne's Law is named after Edinburgh bookkeeper Suzanne Pilley, whose body has not been found after she was killed by her former lover David Gilroy in 2010.

Mick McAvoy, executive producer at Firecrest Films, which produced the documentary, said in a statement: 'Arlene Fraser's case has remained deeply rooted in the Scottish public consciousness since her disappearance in 1998.

'With support from her loved ones, this series explores the intricacies of Arlene's case from the moment she went missing in April 1998 right up to the present day, with her family's fight in the Scottish Parliament to change the parole process for 'no body' murderers.'

Murder Case: The Hunt For Arlene Fraser's Killer is available on BBC iPlayer. It will also air on BBC Two tomorrow at 9pm
The Duchess of Edinburgh has continued her pledge to help victims of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) by undertaking a rare visit to Somalia.

Sophie, 61, spent two days in the east African country at the request of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and arrived into the capital city of Mogadishu on February 23.

The duchess, who is committed to drawing attention to violence against women across the globe, met President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at Villa Somalia to discuss how women can help to enhance peace and resilience across communities.

She was later joined by first daughter Jihan Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to meet survivors of gender and sexual-based violence perpetuated by al-Shabaab militants, and received briefings from key local partners about the prevalence of SGBV.

During a visit to a Somali village in Lower Shabelle, the empathetic duchess spoke with the wives of Somali soldiers about the risk of violence and the array of personal challenges they face.

Then, the following day, Sophie held a meeting at the British Embassy with Somali organisations and partners to discuss the array of gender-based challenges exacerbated by conflict, drought and a lack of resources.

She later visited a hospital in central Mogadishu to learn about the devastating impact of female genital mutilation, rape and sexual assault on Somali women and the role a UK-funded service programme has played in strengthening service delivery.

The sexual and reproductive health programme, which operates across 39 health facilities in five Somalian regions, is run by International Rescue Committee.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, 61, spent two days in the east African country at the request of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and arrived into the capital city of Mogadishu on February 23

As a champion of the UN's Women, Peace and Security Agenda, Sophie has often focused her royal charity work around the importance of raising awareness of SGBV and the need for greater access to key resources

As a champion of the UN's Women, Peace and Security Agenda, Sophie has often focused her royal charity work around the importance of raising awareness of SGBV and the need for women's access to key resources.

Her profound trip also sought to reaffirm the UK's commitment to its strategic partnership with Somalia and a public display of solidarity with the nation's security forces.

According to Buckingham Palace, the duchess's visit sought to shed light on the 'crucial role women play in peacebuilding, strengthening community resilience and supporting survivors of sexual and gender-based violence'.

However, her Somalian arrival was not announced in advance due to security reasons - with citizens advised to avoid any travel to the war-torn country due to the threat of terrorist groups and instances of violence.

On February 24, Sophie continued her regional diplomatic engagements by travelling to Kenya for a two-day visit.

Ahead of International Women's Day on March 8, the duchess, who donned a Suzannah London dress, met for lunch with The British Chamber of Commerce-Kenya members to learn about how they are shaping the economy's future.

While learning more about the role of Kenyan women in promoting peace, security and growth in the face of conflict, the duchess is also keen to work on strengthening the UK-Kenya collaboration, according to the British High Commission of Nairobi.

Since her royal career first began, Sophie has pledged to raise awareness of the issue of sexual violence and in October visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to 'shine a light' on the 'weaponisation of rape'.

The duchess, who is committed to drawing attention to violence against women across the globe, met President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (pictured right) at Villa Somalia to discuss how women can help to enhance peace and resilience across communities

During a visit to a Somali village in Lower Shabelle, an empathetic Sophie spoke with the wives of Somali soldiers about the risk of violence and the array of personal challenges they face

During her three-day visit, she met female peacebuilders working at the grassroots level to highlight their efforts supporting local peace initiatives and witnessed the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict, particularly on women and girls.

In recent years the King's sister-in-law, who is married to his brother, Prince Edward, has travelled to current and former war zones including Chad, the Congo, Kosovo, South Chad, Lebanon and Sierra Leone.

She has devoted much of her latter working life as a royal to supporting the Women, Peace and Security Agenda and is passionate about championing gender equality.

In 2022, Sophie became the first member of the royal family to travel to the DRC. Her visit this week, her second, was at the request of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

In April 2024 she was also the first member of the royal family to visit Ukraine since the conflict with Russia began in 2022. That October, she was the first to visit the Republic of Chad to witness the impact of the conflict in Sudan on women and girls.

In June, the duchess spoke passionately about her campaign to highlight the plight of victims of sexual violence and insisted that the country 'must do better'.

At the UK's first exhibition dedicated to the subject, Sophie, who made the visit ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, declared that the topic was woefully 'under-discussed'.

The duchess spoke movingly about a visit she had made to Kosovo in 2019 and how deeply moved she had been when speaking to women about the 'shame and stigma' they experienced as a result of being brutalised.

On February 24, Sophie continued her regional diplomatic engagements by travelling to Kenya for a two-day visit. Ahead of International Women's Day on March 8, the duchess met for lunch with The British Chamber of Commerce - Kenya members (pictured)

Discussing the horror of the many women who fell pregnant by their attackers, she said: 'Unless we as a society help, we have to help people understand that they are not the ones who have the shame.

'It is not their lives who should be destroyed. We have to do better.'

Sophie's visit also comes as her husband, Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, was forced to pull out of a key royal event at St James's Palace with King Charles, Queen Camilla, Princess Anne and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester on February 24.

While no official statement was made, his absence was cited to be as a result of Edward, 61, unexpectedly coming down with a cold.

As the royals handed out awards to 19 universities and colleges, it marked the largest gathering to date of the Royal Family since Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest on February 19.

Following his brother's arrest in relation to allegations of misconduct in public office, the King expressed his 'deepest concern' and pledged that 'my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all'.
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Spring has officially arrived, bringing blue skies, brighter mornings and the perfect excuse to refresh your new-season wardrobe.

Serving up timely inspiration is Meghan Markle, who debuted the ultimate spring-ready jacket as she arrived in Jordan for a two-day visit alongside Prince Harry.

The Duchess of Sussex chose a stunning tweed design from one of her go-to labels, Gabriela Hearst, pairing it with relaxed trousers from the American brand for a polished yet lightweight ensemble.

Crafted from off-white Italian tweed, the Yves jacket features a slim fit and collarless double-breasted silhouette. A subtle cutaway hem enhances the shape, while fringe-trimmed patch pockets add texture and dimension.

It's a versatile piece that would look just as chic styled with straight-leg jeans and heeled boots as it would with tailored trousers and loafers.

While Meghan's exact jacket is still available to buy, it comes with a 1,050 price tag - a worthy investment for some.

Prefer to recreate the look for less? Browse our high street edit below for elegant alternatives.

Shop tweed jackets on the high street
She is hailed as the nation's no-nonsense royal whose professionalism never wavers in the face of adversity.

Now, as the Royal Family faces its greatest crisis to date following the arrest of former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, it is Princess Anne who is set to play a 'pivotal' role in keeping the Firm afloat, according to a royal expert.

As the Royal Family navigate the scandal, they will be looking to their down-to-earth and hardworking 'trump card' - the Princess Royal , 75, who is 'synonymous with dedication to duty', said Richard Fitzwilliams.

Mr Fitzwilliams told the Daily Mail: 'She relishes a high workload and usually undertakes the most royal engagements of any royal. However, she prefers to avoid the media circus that follows the most high profile royals.

'She is absolutely pivotal in keeping public support for the monarchy.'

The royal expert added that a wise and insightful Anne may likely be able to assist her brother, King Charles, with his handling of the crisis.

He explained: 'What Anne can offer King Charles, who reportedly has been under pressure from William over his handling of this crisis, is down to earth advice.'

Mr Fitzwilliams noted that the royal siblings may 'not always agree', but says that in such unprecedented circumstances 'it is pivotal that Charles listens to views which differ or are opposed to his own'.

As the Royal Family faces its greatest crisis to date following the arrest of former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, it is Princess Anne (pictured at St James's Palace on February 24) who is set to play a 'pivotal' role in keeping the Firm afloat, according to a royal expert

As the Royal Family navigate the scandal, they will be looking towards their down-to-earth and hardworking 'trump card' - the Princess Royal , 75, given she has for decades been 'synonymous with dedication to duty', said Richard Fitzwilliams

Over the course of the last few weeks, the stoic Princess Royal has routinely maintained a brave face - while also delighting royal fans with her quick wit and humble nature during her public engagements.

And as calls for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to do 'the decent thing' and remove himself from the royal line of succession mount, one may begin to question where Anne could fall amid a possible royal restructure.

As Mr Fitzwilliams noted, the Princess Royal is currently 18th to the throne, given that the altered rules of succession in 2013 'unfortunately were not applied retroactively'.

'If they had been she would have been 5th behind William and his family and the public would undoubtedly welcome that,' he explained.

Yet the public's insatiable love for Anne has certainly shown little sign of wavering, with royal fans often taking to social media to praise the 'humble' and 'class act' princess.

Yet when the Princess Royal arrived at St James's Palace on February 24 with King Charles, Queen Camilla and the Duke of Duchess of Gloucester, all eyes were firmly fixed on Anne as she helped hand out awards.

According to the Daily Mail's royal editor Rebecca English, who was present at the royal engagement, 'there were lots of people fangirling' over Anne, with many even 'craning their necks trying to catch a glimpse of her'.

Anne, who attended the event as Chancellor of The University of Edinburgh, was seen initially dressed in her chancellor's robes, before conducting a meet and greet with fellow guests at the prestigious event.

As Rebecca English took to Instagram to share footage of the princess passionately speaking with attendees of the event, one royal fan praised Anne for being a 'star', while others noted that the Princess royal was a 'treasure' and their 'favourite royal'.

Meanwhile, other royal fanatics online praised Anne for being 'the greatest support the Royal Family needs right now' and acknowledged her incredible stoicism despite the Firm's ensuing crisis.

'Business as usual,' praised one fan. 'A real trooper, no fuss just gets on with the job'.

Over the course of the last few weeks, the stoic Princess Royal has routinely maintained a brave face - while also delighting royal fans with her quick wit and humble nature during her public engagements

Indicative of Anne's hard-working nature, just hours after Andrew was arrested on his 66th birthday following an allegation of misconduct in public office, the princess paid a visit to HMP Leeds as part of her role as Patron of the Butler trust.

While her first tow of engagements of the day in West Yorkshire were cancelled as her helicopter was unable to fly, Anne quickly changed her plans and travelled by train in her typical stoic style.

According to Mr Fitzwiliams, Anne's 'no-nonsense approach' is her essential attribute that has truly captivated royal fans.

He explained: 'She relishes a high workload and usually undertakes the most royal engagements of any royal. However, she prefers to avoid the media circus that follows the most high profile royals.

'She reportedly does her own make up and sometimes drives herself to engagements. She is also famed for her unstuffy approach and often recycles outfits.'

Mr Fitzwilliams also noted that while Anne holds the Princess Royal title, the down-to-earth royal is 'almost invariably referred to as Princess Anne' and also chose not to bestow royal titles on her children, Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips.

Earlier this month, Anne's unparalleled public popularity was made abundantly clear when an entire stadium of rugby fans erupted into cheers for the down-to-earth princess during Scotland's clash against Italy on February 7.

As patron of the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) for almost three decades, Anne is no doubt incredibly popular with the Scots and received a roaring ovation at Rome's Stadio Olimpico during their first game of the annual tournament.

The Princess Royal was seen looking puzzled before smiling and muttering a few words to the person next to her once she realised that the cheers were for her.

Taking to Instagram to share their thoughts on the viral video, royal fans delighted in Anne's 'dignity and grace', with one adding: 'She didn't realise the cheers were for her till someone told her. Love that smile.'

Others praised Anne for being the 'hardest working Royal' and a 'class act' who resembles many of the characteristics of her mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.

'She looks so much like the Queen at times,' added one onlooker. 'Hardest working Royal.'
The Prince of Wales was met with cheers as he arrived at the Francis Crick Institute in central London today.

Scientists left their labs to applaud Prince William, 43, as he arrived at the biomedical research centre to highlight British innovation in the field on Thursday afternoon.

The heir to the British throne visited the centre to meet researchers investigating how the brain works.

Neuroscientists Andreas Schaefer and Katharina Schmack explained to William how 'the neural neurons compute' and how scientists are developing ways to help restore speech in patients, which William said was 'incredible'.

'Presumably you can understand emotional regulation?' the prince asked. 'Does that help us understand mental health? That wasn't a deliberate segue, I'm trying to think of some good questions to ask!'

Katharina asked him to 'imagine a young man in his 20s, about to graduate, thinking about proposing to his girlfriend, but then something shifted. He can't sleep, he becomes restless, and he hears voices which say really bad things about him. That is what psychosis looks like.'

William, told that the condition can affect one in 100 people, looked shocked and replied: 'Wow'.

He was told psychosis typically sets in early, 'when life is just unfolding' and is difficult to resolve. 'We really need treatments and to get better treatments,' she said. 'We need to understand what is happening in the brain.'

The Prince of Wales visited the Francis Crick Institute, one of Europe's largest biomedical labs, in central London today

Later in the trip, William slipped into a white lab coat as he watched scientists prepare tissue samples in the electron microscopy department.

The heir to the throne was handed a minute slice of a mouse's kidney using an eyelash attached to a fine stick with nail varnish.

Eyelashes are used because they are soft and flexible enough to move the tiny samples around without damaging them.

Samples are fixed with chemicals to kill off any infection and then set in plastic so they can be finely sliced using diamond blades.

As the process was explained to him, the Prince said he would 'dust my A-level biology off'.

He then sat at one of the powerful electronic microtomes to try to manoeuvre the microscopic slices into place, using the eyelash.

'I hope this is not part of a serious research project,' he said and was told there was a replica sample.

As he attempted to move the minute slices through water, he said: 'It's a bit like a dam breaking.'

William donned a white lab coat as he spoke with a scientist who works in the world-leading electron microscopy facility

The heir to the British throne was greeted with cheers from scientists as he arrived at the research centre today

Pictured: People look on as Prince William arrived at the Francis Crick Institute in London on Wednesday

Edith Heard, The Crick Institute's CEO, told him he was 'doing a great job,' and added: 'We're hiring.'

Dumi Lumkwana, senior research scientist, later praised the Prince's efforts. 'He did quite alright, surprisingly,' she explained.

'It takes years, basically, for the skill to develop. And even when you have developed the skill, there could be a lot of things that go wrong, temperatures, the water level, you having too much coffee and shaking. So in that case, he did quite well to move the sections.'

She said of the royal visit: 'It was very exciting. I heard that he's also into antimicrobial resistance, which I didn't think is something he would be interested in. So, yes, it's very exciting.

And anyone who is interested in research, I love that. I really enjoyed having him around and coming to see what we do.

'After a couple of training sessions, maybe, when I train him, I'm sure there will be some openings for him,' she joked.

In the next lab, the Prince heard how scientists Max Gutierrez and Tony Fearns were studying samples of tuberculosis-infected cells to help find new antibiotic treatments  an issue William has long been interested in.

He became a patron of the appeal to create The Fleming Centre, a major new research hub dedicated to tackling antimicrobial resistance, in 2023.

William learned about psychosis during his visit to the leading medical research centre on Thursday

William then joined a group of A-level biology students from nearby William Ellis School in Camden, who were taking part in a genetic engineering workshop and had been told about the royal visitor only moments before he arrived.

Before leaving, William was shown photographs of his grandparents Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh on a 2017 visit to the Crick and added his signature to the visitors' book.

William was also given a paperweight as a gift for himself and three paper goodie bags for Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, each containing a mini microscope, notebook and a badge saying 'Hello Brain'.

William's latest outing comes amid 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 last 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, 66, 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 - 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.
Stars like Roman Kemp and Rose Ayling-Ellis were also in attendance

Queen Camilla was introduced to Paddington Bear during a reception for young writers at Windsor Castle today.

Everyone's favourite bear sweetly curtsied before shaking hands with Camilla, 78, as she hosted the finals of the BBC 500 Words competition this afternoon.

She also shared a heartfelt moment with a young guest during the star-studded event attended by the judges, finalists and celebrity readers for this year's edition of the national writing prize.

The Queen, who has supported the prize since 2015, also welcomed celebrities like Rose Ayling-Ellis, The One Show stars, Roman Kemp and Alex Jones, and Sir Lenny Henry to Windsor Castle this afternoon.

Camilla opted for a black-and-white polka dot dress for the occasion, as she congratulated the 50 finalists chosen from a pool of over 45,000 submissions.

Camilla, like other senior royals, is continuing her public duties after the unprecedented arrest of disgraced Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor last week.

Yesterday, she joined King Charles, Princess Anne and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester in the largest gathering of royals since Andrew's arrest.

His Majesty handed out The Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Higher and Further Education St James's Palace on Tuesday, February 24, after he pledged 'my family and I will continue in our duty and service' in a statement following his younger brother's arrest.

Queen Camilla was introduced to Paddington Bear during a reception for young writers at Windsor Castle

Camilla, 78, also received a warm hug from one of the attendees as she hosted the judges, finalists and celebrity readers for this year's edition of BBC 500 Words for emerging talent

BBC 500 Words is the UKs most prestigious writing competition and has been supported by Queen Camilla for more than a decade.

It encourages youngsters aged between five and 11 to write a short story from their own imagination.

Last month, Camilla joined the panel of judges - chaired by Alex and Rose - to select 50 of the best entries out of 46,500 submissions from writers across the UK.

Of these finalists, six stories will be read out by celebrities at today's reception, which was also attended by a slew of BBC stars, including Jodie Whittaker, Sara Cox, and Bradley Walsh.

BBC 500 Words judge Frank Cottrell-Boyce previously said the competition is 'a highlight of my calendar' in a statement.

'Every year I'm amazed at how funny, wise, ambitious and bonkers our children's stories can be. And every year we judges have a massive fight about which story is the funniest, wisest, most ambitious and most bonkers,' the acclaimed author said.

The final will be televised on The One Show on March 6, World Book Day.

The Prince of Wales also carried out a solo engagement today as Prince William, 43, visited the Francis Crick Institute in central London.

Scientists left their labs to applaud Prince William, 43, as he arrived at the biomedical research centre to highlight British innovation in the field on Thursday afternoon.

Paddington Bear stopped by the Queen's reception for the finalists of the BBC 500 Words competition, as he was joined by actress Marisha Wallace (centre)

The One Show star Alex Jones (left) making formal introductions

The Welsh broadcaster watches as Paddington Bear salutes Camilla

Other guests included Jodie Whittaker (left), Sara Cox, and Bradley Walsh

Two Gladiators also attended the reception at Windsor Castle today

Queen Camilla shares a laugh with Sir Lenny Henry, one of the judges of this year's edition of the literary prize for emerging talent

Roman Kemp and his co-presenter Alex Jones also joined the celebrity line-up for today's reception

The heir to the British throne visited the centre to meet researchers investigating how the brain works.

Earlier this week, Camilla put on a brave face at a horse racing event near her childhood home in East Sussex, as the police investigation into Andrew for misconduct in public office continues.

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 - 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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I'll admit it  I'm obsessed with tracking my health.

Ever since the Apple Watch first came out I've religiously checked my daily step count, how many calories I burn during an exercise class and, most importantly, my sleep.

But there's a new gadget on the market  and if you haven't noticed it yet, you soon will.

The Oura Ring 4 is a smart device that uses hightech sensors to track health metrics such as sleep, heart rate, activity, body temperature and stress.

It can tell you how ready your body is for the day, how to recover from your workouts, whether you're showing the first signs of illness and how well rested you truly are.

Even better, it looks like a fancy piece of jewellery and has a charge that lasts for days.

For the past six weeks I've been testing the latest model, wearing it day and night as it collects data and provides me with regular 'insights'.

Even though it's a tad expensive  with prices starting from 349  it's a brilliant investment for someone who really wants to take their biometrics seriously.

Oura Ring 4

For the past 6 weeks I've been testing the latest Oura Ring 4 model, which I ordered in this gold colour

Oura Ring 4      The Oura Ring is a smart device that uses high-tech sensors to track health metrics such as sleep, heart rate, activity, body temperature and stress. Product Specs Dimensions Width: 7.90 mm

Weight 3.3 5.2 g for full range of sizes (415 Sizes)

Thickness 2.88mm What we love Size It looks nice and after a while you forget you're wearing it

Features It uses high-tech sensors to track health metrics such as sleep, heart rate, activity, body temperature and stress. These can be monitored through the app

Battery Lasts between five to eight days on a single charge What could be better Fitness tracking Wearing the ring at the gym isn't practical, so it doesn't capture your exercise

Price With prices starting at 349, it's not cheap. It also requires an ongoing subscription to access the full data

Our verdict

As someone who loves tracking their health, the Oura Ring has given me unprecedented insight into whats going on with my sleep, stress levels and daily activity.

It provides real-time, accurate updates on my wellbeing, along with tips to improve my scores. It would be great for anyone keen to really understand their biometrics.

I think it looks great as a piece of jewellery and the battery life is incredibly impressive. For its size, it really is a remarkable device.

However, its quite a big initial investment and also requires an ongoing subscription, so its worth taking that into consideration as the cost does really rack up.

How we test

As with any fitness gadget, it was important that I tested the Oura Ring thoroughly. When testing tech devices we try them across multiple realworld settings, including the office, our homes, the gym and out and about.

We evaluate the technology across a range of measures including design, comfort, price and application.

Each device goes through at least several days of handson testing or int he case of the Oura Ring, several weeks, allowing us to provide an indepth review to help consumers make informed decisions.

I wore this Oura Ring consistently for six weeks, only taking it off to shower, charge it up or when at the gym.

I also kept it on while I travelled abroad, to see how it would cope with changing time zones and during high levels of physiological stress.

Oura Ring 4 review

The Oura Ring is a smart device that uses hightech sensors to track health metrics such as sleep, heart rate, activity, body temperature and stress

Size and comfort

Before I was sent the device, I received a 'ring sizer' in the post to make sure I ordered the correct size.

Oura recommend wearing the ring on your index finger, although the middle or ring finger also work well.

The key is to ensure a snug, comfortable fit with the sensor bumps positioned on the palm side of your finger.

After carefully submitting my size  an 11 for anyone interested  I ordered the gold version. Other colours include silver, rose gold and black.

When it first arrived, I was a bit worried as the ring felt highly unusual on my index finger. I've never worn jewellery on that finger before, and it felt a rather bulky and odd.

Now? I forget I'm wearing it. It's amazing how quickly you get used to the feeling  and it actually now feels weird when I don't have it on.

I also absolutely love how it looks  like an expensive piece of jewellery that compliments the rest of my gold trinkets.

The Oura Ring 4 comes in a range of colours and finishes including silver, black, gold and rose gold

Oura recommend using their ring sizer to make sure you get an accurate fit. The company recommend wearing the ring on your index finger, although the middle or ring finger also work well

Biometrics  Sleep

When it comes to gathering your health data, Oura Rings are a cut above other technologies currently on the market.

Like many other devices it tells me how well I sleep each night, indicating my overall sleep alongside how much of that was 'deep' sleep and how much was in the dreamy realms of REM.

But every morning it also spells out how efficiently I slumbered  which is the percentage of time spent asleep compared to the time spent awake while in bed.

The ring tracks my wakeups, excessive movement and getting up from bed during the night. If it thinks my sleep isn't restful enough, it will provide tips on how to improve it (such as making sure my bedroom is the right temperature).

It also keeps track of how long it takes me fall asleep each night, and ranks the timing of my bedtime and early morning alarm.

I can easily check my 'sleep debt'  which inevitably ends up high on a Friday but restored by Monday morning, my oxygen saturation, my breathing regularity and heart rate.

Why would I want to know all of this? Sleep is the main driver of how I feel and function throughout the week, and any insight into why I might not be making the most of it is helpful. Knowing what my daily 'sleep need' is, (7 hours and 9 minutes, apparently) helps reassure me that I am getting enough, and knowing I've caught up on my sleep debt with a big Saturday liein makes me feel better about the following week.

On this night (left), when I struggled to get enough sleep, the app assured me that I've still scored well for 'restfulness'. Meanwhile despite sleeping for less than seven hours on one night (right), I was told that I got a good amount of restorative deep sleep

I wore this Oura Ring consistently for six weeks, only taking it off to shower, charge it up or when at the gym

Biometrics  Readiness

I recently went on a big trip abroad that involved lots of flights, freezing cold weather and a plunge into the sea surrounded by floating ice.

Unsurprisingly, I started to feel a little bit rubbish on the way home  and this is when my Oura Ring really started talking to me.

What started out with a 'minor signs' alert, warning me that my body was experiencing some issues, soon turned into a fullblown 'major signs' notification.

'Your biometrics show major signs of something straining your body,' my Oura app told me. 'Take care today and rest if you're feeling low on energy.'

It also revealed that my resting heart rate and breathing rate were elevated, and that my average body temperature was raised.

Never have I felt so validated. Most of us don't like to cause a fuss when we're ill and simply try and plough through it. But I did feel pretty rotten and at least I knew I wasn't being dramatic.

I also think this 'readiness' score is super reassuring when I don't think I've had a good sleep. Even if I wake up feeling tired, it can reassure me that my body is, overall, still 'ready' to take on the day, which makes me feel better about staying up late the night before.

What started out with a 'minor signs' alert, warning me that my body was experiencing some issues, soon turned into a fullblown 'major signs' notification

The Oura Ring recommends tips to help you get better sleep, including drinking less coffee in the afternoon

Biometrics  Activity

As much as I love the Oura Ring, when it comes to tracking activity and exercise I do think my Apple Watch is better.

While it's fine at keeping tally of my step count or whether I'm sitting down for too long, wearing a ring at the gym simply isn't practical.

Oura says you can wear your ring for cardio, but it is generally recommended to remove it during heavy weightlifting.

It means that I rely on my Apple Watch during weightlifting sessions and exercise classes.

Since the Oura Ring does not track swimspecific metrics like strokes or laps, I also take it off for swimming in case it slips off.

What is handy, however, is that exercise data collected from your Apple Watch is transferred to your Oura app.

This means that your workout is logged and taken into account when it works out longterm trends to your activity, training volume and recovery time.

The device tracks my step count and calorie burn throughout the day  but I do think fitness watches are better for proper workouts

Oura say you can wear your ring for cardio, but it is generally recommended to remove it during heavy weightlifting

Other features

It might sound unnecessary, but your Oura Ring can also let you know when you're stressed. While this might feel intuitive, it also comes up with prompts to boost your 'restorative time', such as breathing exercises, which are scientifically proven to improve stress but are likely forgotten about by the majority of us.

The smart ring can also help women track their ovulation by monitoring metrics like their daily skin temperature trends.

And an AI 'advisor' is always on hand to answer questions. For example, you can ask what time is best for you to go to sleep and it will analyse your previous data to come up with actionable advice.

Battery

The Oura Ring's battery life is phenomenal. As someone who has to charge their iPhone twice a day, and put their watch on charge every morning, it's so nice to go days at a time without a 'low battery' warning.

On a full charge, the battery typically lasts between five to eight days. There's a handy monitor on the app to let you know how much battery it has left, and an alert lets you know when it needs plugging in.

Regular, short charges, for example while showering, are recommended to maintain longevity, rather than running down the battery completely before recharging.

On a full charge, the battery typically lasts between five to eight days. Oura recommend charging it in short bursts

Price

We can't ignore the cost of the Oura Ring, which currently starts at 349.

But while it's more expensive than a fitness Watch, the level of detail and insight it provides is secondtonone.

I really do think it's worth the money for a busy professional who wants to give their body the best chance at not being utterly exhausted.

Some might be concerned that they will become governed by their biometrics, with low sleep scores fuelling a generation of alreadyanxious poor sleepers.

But I've discovered that, if anything, it provides calm reassurance and helpful tips  rather than outright alarm  when you don't manage to hit your goals.

A friend who got her Oura Ring about six months ago says it's 'changed her life' because she's made a conscious effort to listen to what the advice says. She has since bought one for her boyfriend  and I do think it makes a really special gift for a birthday, anniversary or even Christmas.

Alongside the original cost, the Oura Ring requires a subscription to access the full data, costing 5.99 a month or 69.99 a year in the UK.

The health tracker looks like a nice piece of jewellery  and after a while you forget you're even wearing it

How does it compare to similar products

Overall, the Oura Ring is what you need if you want holistic health monitoring that emphasizes recovery and sleep quality. If you're prone to feeling tired, run down or generally unwell, it really could help you understand your body and take steps to improve.

However, if you're really after fitness tracking and monitoring how many calories your exercise class burned, it's best to stick to a traditional fitness watch such as the Apple Watch SE3.

Ideally? It might sound like overkill, but having both a smart ring and smart watch can give you the best of both worlds.

'The main difference between Oura Rings and other wearable technology is their compact design and form,' Kirstie Thorley Mitchell, Head of Wellness at Boots, said. 'Most wearables are often worn on the wrist or chest, whereas Oura Rings, are usually worn on the index finger.'

Oura Ring 4 The Oura Ring is a smart device that uses high-tech sensors to track health metrics such as sleep, heart rate, activity, body temperature and stress.

Why trust us

Xantha Leatham is the Executive Science Editor at the Daily Mail and has worked at the newspaper for nine years. She completed a Master's degree in Print Journalism at the University of Sheffield in 2014 and previously worked at Deadline News in Edinburgh.

She has carried out several technology reviews including for headphones, power banks and vacuums.

Alongside the original cost, the Oura Ring requires a subscription to access the full data, costing 5.99 a month or 69.99 a year in the UK

How does it rate online

The Oura Ring 4 is highly rated online, with 5,626 people on Amazon giving it an overall rating of 4.3 stars.

Customers said they found it excellent for sleep and activity tracking, with accurate biometric readings.

One wrote: 'What I love most is the accuracy and depth of insight. It doesn't just give you only the minimal data, like Deep, Light and REM sleep, but also things like how long it takes you to get to sleep (latency) and how restless you are it then translates this into genuinely helpful feedback, like sleep and recovery scores, body temperature trends, and guided breathing for stress.'

Another said: 'The quality is great, it tracks my sleep, my meals, my daily activity and it looks elegant and sleek. You can wear it for days and the battery lasts a lot.'

However, value for money gets mixed reviews  with some saying the ring is 'costly enough without an ongoing subscription'.

'To pay a huge price for the ring and then have to pay a monthly subscription for an appthey're asking too much,' one person said.

Another complained that it 'scratches way too easily'.
He might have been King of the Dinosaurs, but T.Rex likely ran on his tiptoes, according to a new study.

Since the release of Jurassic Park, the prehistoric beast has been associated with the terrifying Earthshaking rumble created by its giant feet as it roamed around.

Now, new analysis suggests that instead of stomping heelfirst, the dinosaur may have taken shorter, toefirst steps.

And it contradicts everything experts previously thought about how the extinct species moved.

A team of scientists gathered data on T.Rex anatomy, tracks and modern bird locomotion as part of their study.

They then combined this information to create a model showing how their feet may have struck the ground.

'Detailed reconstructions of track formation show a "toefirst" pattern reinforcing this behaviour being widespread amongT.Rex,' the study reads.

'This kind of locomotion would represent a significant shift in our understanding of how T.Rex moved.'

Scientists gathered data on T.Rex anatomy, tracks and modern bird locomotion as part of their study

Since the release of Jurassic Park, the prehistoric beast has been associated with the terrifying Earthshaking rumble created by its giant feet as it roamed around

The study, led by researchers at the College of the Atlantic in Maine, USA, also found that the dinosaur may have moved 20 per cent faster than previously believed with this birdlike gait.

Their model indicates a top speed for T.Rex would have fallen within the range of five to 11 metres per second  the equivalent of 24.6 miles per hour (39.6kmph).

Usain Bolt, by comparison, has previously reached a top speed of 27.78mph (44.72kmph)  the fastest speed ever recorded by a human.

It's also likely the giant reptile took proportionally short stride lengths, with higher stride frequencies.

'The locomotion of the dinosaur Tyrannosaurus rex, the largest known terrestrial predator, has been of interest for over a century,' the scientists said.

'This work examines the importance and role of the foot in the locomotion of T.Rex.

'Based on studies of trackways, the anatomy of T.Rex, and the behaviour of modern birds, our results indicate that the distal [front] portions of the toes of T.Rex would make first contact with the ground.'

Writing in the journal Royal Society Open Science, they added: 'Our study represents, to our knowledge, the first quantitative analysis of the effects of footstrike patterns in the gait of Tyrannosaurus.'

The team combined the data, from measurements and footprints, to create a model showing how T.Rex feet may have struck the ground

The research team said the dinosaur may have moved 20 per cent faster than previously believed with this birdlike gait

A separate study, published in 2024, suggests that T.Rex may have been 70 per cent heavier than previously thought  weighing up to 15 tonnes.

Dr Jordan Mallon, one of the study authors, said: 'Our study suggests that, for big fossil animals like T.Rex, we really have no idea from the fossil record about the absolute sizes they might have reached.

'It's fun to think about a 15 tonne T.Rex, but the implications are also interesting from a biomechanical or ecological perspective.'

Meanwhile, other research indicates that the T.Rex may also have boasted ironcoated teeth to help them rip apart their prey.

Researchers have discovered that the serrated edges of Komodo dragons' teeth are tipped with iron, which may provide clues as to how dinosaurs killed and ate their meals.
An Egyptologist is making the case that the Great Pyramids were built by an advanced civilization thousands of years earlier than previously thought.

Antonio Ambrosio, an independent researcher from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, detailed the mysterious clues that point to the three main pyramids at Giza being up to 12,000 years old, predating the Egyptians by millennia.

If Ambrosio's theory were to be proven correct, it would rewrite the history of modern humans and expose the existence of a still-unknown 'supercivilization' on Earth that constructed pyramids and other megastructures around the world.

At the heart of the researcher's case are a set of key inconsistencies Ambrosio and other scholars have claimed as proof that the Egyptians only copied the original three pyramids after discovering the ancient structures at Giza.

The new paper, which has not been peer-reviewed, argued that no royal mummies or burial items have ever been found inside the Giza pyramids, despite the ancient Egyptians claiming these were the tombs of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure.

Moreover, the original Giza pyramids, currently believed to have been built 4,600 years ago, displayed stunning engineering skill that aligned with star constellations, featured super-precise stone cuts and had a base that was almost perfectly level on all sides.

Ambrosio explained that these incredible engineering feats were never matched by any of the smaller pyramids confirmed to have been built during the time of the Egyptians between 2500 and 2150 BC.

The researcher added that the nearby statue of the Sphinx has shown signs of water erosion from heavy rain, which hasn't happened in Egypt since around 5000 to 3000 BC, suggesting that the entire site was already ancient and eroding at the dawn of the Egyptian civilization in 3100 BC.

A new paper has claimed that the ancient Egyptians did not build the three main pyramids at Giza (Pictured) and only claimed them millennia after their construction

Egyptologist Antonio Ambrosio added that erosion patterns in the Sphinx (Pictured) suggest it suffered damage from heavy rain, but the climate in Egypt has not been able to produce that kind of rain in 7,000 years

'The pyramids of Giza were not built by the pharaohs of the Fourth Dynasty, but rather appropriated by them,' Ambrosio stated in the paper entitled 'The Pyramids of Giza: Legacy of an Unknown Civilization.'

'Subsequent pyramids (and earlier ones, according to the conventional timeline) would represent imperfect attempts to imitate preexisting structures.'

Ambrosio claimed that there are no definitive ancient writings from the time directly tying the pharaohs to the construction of the pyramids.

One main link is called the Khufu cartouche, a red-ochre painted hieroglyph containing the name 'Khufu' inside one of the hidden chambers above the Kings Chamber in the Great Pyramid of Giza.

While many mainstream Egyptologists have concluded the painted hieroglyph is genuine, skeptics, including authors Scott Creighton and Zecharia Sitchin, have claimed this mark was faked by Colonel Howard Vyse in 1837.

'No mummy has ever been found in the pyramids of Giza. The discovery of a supposed sarcophagus of Khufu, found empty, does not prove that he built the pyramid - only that he claimed it,' Ambrosio declared.

While the origins of the main pyramids of Giza are still disputed, multiple studies have concluded that some of the knowledge and skill to build these mega structures was lost during Egypt's Fifth and Sixth Dynasties.

The new paper noted that Egyptian pyramids built after Giza were noticeably smaller, contained multiple construction flaws, were made with weaker building materials and did not align with the stars.

Recent studies have measured erosion at 12 points around the base of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, suggesting it could be over 12,000 years old

Italian engineer Alberto Donini from the University of Bologna said erosion patterns at the pyramid's base suggest it may have been built between 20,000 and 40,000 years ago, far earlier than the conventional timeline

Meanwhile, Ambrosio pointed out that mega structures similar to the Great Pyramids have been discovered across the globe, which point to the same civilization sharing their advanced building techniques with other early human cultures.

The paper specifically mentions megalithic structures that share characteristics with the Giza pyramids, including the ancient Incan citadel Sacsayhuaman in Peru and the city of Baalbek in Lebanon.

'The pyramids of Giza may be the legacy of an unknown earlier civilization, an advanced culture that mastered lost technologies,' Ambrosio theorized.

'The Fourth Dynasty would have reutilized these structures, while subsequent dynasties attempted, unsuccessfully, to replicate them.'

The researcher added that the ancient Egyptians had their own mythological concept known as Zep Tepi, or 'the First Time.'

It referred to an initial golden age when the world was created, the gods emerged from chaos, established a cosmic order, and ruled directly on Earth before human kings took over.

However, researchers such as Graham Hancock and Robert Schoch have championed the fringe theory that Zep Tepi was a real historical period where this lost civilization thrived approximately 12,000 years ago, in 10,500 BC.

Join the debate Could the Great Pyramids predate ancient Egypt by millennia?

Ancient symbols have been discovered in locations ranging from Turkey's Van region to South America and Cambodia, suggesting an ancient supercivilization spanned the globe

Independent researcher Matthew LaCroix told Daily Mail that this advanced culture may have hidden a sophisticated code through geometry, symbolism, and monument design across the globe to preserve its knowledge ahead of catastrophic events.

Sparked by another recent find in Egypt, the discovery of recurring giant T-shapes, three-level indents and step pyramids carved into ancient stones worldwide, the symbols have been linked across continents to a time even older than Zep Tepi, dating back 38,000 to 40,000 years.

According to LaCroix, this civilization tracked cosmic cycles and embedded teachings about the structure of the universe into monuments and sacred sites, just as the pyramids at Giza perfectly line up underneath Orion's Belt.
Aliens exist  they just haven't visited Earth, a NASA veteran has claimed.

Dr Gentry Lee has worked at the US space agency since 1968, when he first got involved with the Viking mission to Mars.

He has since spent more than half a century designing probes to land on distant planets  but argues Earth has not yet been visited by otherworldly beings.

'There exists nothing today that says any alien or any alien machine has ever landed on the planet Earth,' he told the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) conference in Phoenix.

'If you believe otherwise, you are being misled.'

According to the expert, in every case of a supposed UFO sighting or alien encounter, there is likely a simpler explanation for those phenomena.

But when it comes to distant planets, life has 'just got to be there somewhere'.

He added: 'We are going to find life of some kind somewhere else. The odds are overwhelming.'

Dr Gentry Lee has worked at NASA since 1968, when he first got involved with the Viking mission to Mars

Scientists generally believe that the best candidates for alien life are 'Earthlike' worlds orbiting distant stars in other parts of the galaxy.

One such contender is the Earthsized planet TRAPPIST1e, located just 40 lightyears from Earth, which is located safely within its star's habitable 'Goldilocks zone'.

Another promising candidate is the planet K218b, which some studies suggest could be teeming with life.

Located 124 lightyears from Earth in the constellation of Leo, K218b is a giant world covered entirely by oceans  making it what scientists call a 'Hycean world'.

Even in our own solar system, Saturn's moons Enceladus and Titan could have the right conditions for life to emerge and thrive.

Dr Lee also said that space scientists must be prepared to find alien forms that are very different from the life found on Earth.

He said that all life on our planet  'you, me, an elephant, slime mould, bacteria'  relies on DNA to reproduce.

He added: 'Extraterrestrial biologists would come to the Earth and would go back and report: "Not a terribly interesting planet. All life is the same. All of it reproduces in the same way using the same major [DNA] molecule."'

K218b (artist's impression) is a massive water world covered in oceans that orbits a red dwarf star 124 lightyears from Earth. Scientists have found chemicals in its atmosphere that could be a sign of life

The worlds with the best chance of having alien life TRAPPIST1e K218b Kepler62e and Kepler62f Enceladus Titan Advertisement

Mr Lee is currently chief engineer for the Solar System Exploration Directorate at Nasa's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

He oversaw the engineering of the Curiosity rover for Mars, the Dawn mission to two asteroids, the Juno mission to Jupiter and the Grail mission to the moon.

Speaking to promote a new documentary, called Spaceman, Dr Lee said that space telescopes such as Kepler had studied a significant 'slice' of the galaxy in our neighbourhood of the Milky Way and found huge numbers of planets orbiting other stars.

'If the slice of the heavens that Kepler looked at is representative [of the whole Milky Way], and we have no reason to believe it's not, then there are close to a trillion planets in our galaxy alone,' he said.

'So you can go through all the probabilities of life forming [on some of them] and sooner or later you say, it's just gotta be there somewhere.'

Yesterday, NASA gave a hilarious response to President Trump following his demand for UFO files  dashing hope for an extraterrestrial breakthrough.

Earlier this month, the hunt for life beyond Earth took an unexpected twist when Barack Obama claimed aliens are real.

The former president later went on to clarify he was not talking about extraterrestrial forms visiting Earth, and that he believes life must instead exist somewhere in the 'vast cosmos'.

But his comments prompted Donald Trump to lash out at his predecessor for allegedly sharing 'classified information'.

The President said he has directed his Secretary of War to release all government files related to aliens, extraterrestrial life and UFOs.

NASA finally responded to his demands  but it crushes any hope that a collection of spooky documents are about to be released.

'We continue to embrace President Trump's open science commitment as an agency,' NASA Press Secretary Bethany Stevens wrote on X.

But she added: 'As [NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman] has said, there are certainly things he's come across in the job that he can't explain but they relate more to unnecessarily costly programs than they do to extraterrestrial life!'
Scientists have revealed the likely fate of Punch the monkey  the viral macaque who has stolen the hearts of millions across social media.

The sevenmonthold Japanese macaque was born at Ichikawa Zoo last year, where he was rejected by his mother.

Zookeepers gave him a stuffed orangutan toy, who he quickly formed a bond with  with viral footage showing him clinging to the plushie.

Fans were briefly relieved when footage emerged of another macaque grooming and comforting Punch.

However, just days later, Punch was rejected a second time  and this time it was in an even more aggressive fashion.

Now, Dr Emily Bethell, Associate Professor in Primate Cognition and Welfare at Liverpool John Moores University, has revealed what's next for the lonely macaque.

'I expect Punch will be under careful observation by the keepers, and it sounds like they are trying various approaches to find a way to keep Punch in the group, which is best practice,' Dr Bethell told the Daily Mail.

'If it looks like he is at risk of physical harm he would be removed from the group. As macaques are highly social intelligent primates this would be the last resort, only if he were deemed to be at risk of physical harm.'

Scientists have revealed the likely fate of Punch the monkey  the viral macaque who has stolen the hearts of millions across social media

The sevenmonthold Japanese macaque was born at Ichikawa Zoo last year, where he was rejected by his mother

According to Dr Bethell, the biggest risk to Punch is not another physical attack.

Instead, she says it's the longterm psychological effect of social isolation.

'Having been abandoned by his mother and the social group more broadly he has missed key developmental opportunities to learn appropriate social behaviours that would help him to navigate the hierarchical social world of macaques,' Dr Bethell explained.

'At 6 months old a wild macaque would still be somewhat reliant on the mother for comfort, nutrition and opportunities to learn about social behaviour.'

However, the fact that Punch is a male will work in his favour.

'Japanese macaques are femalebonded and males typicaly migrate out of the social group at sexual maturity,' Dr Bethell said.

'There is evidence that mothers may invest more in raising daughters since they will stay in the natal group.

'He may therefore be moved to a new social group when he gets older and have an opportunity to forge new social relationships.'

Zookeepers gave him a stuffed orangutan toy, who he quickly formed a bond with  with viral footage showing him clinging to the plushie

Dr Bethell says that an intervention by the zookeepers could actually cause more damage for punch in the longrun

Why aren't keepers removing Punch? An intervention by the zookeepers could actually cause more damage for Punch in the longrun. At this stage, it's crucial he has the opportunity to interact with other monkeys to develop speciestypical social skills. If he is raised mostly by keepers, and his interactions are mostly with humans, he may never learn the necessary skills to integrate into a social group fully. Advertisement

Across social media, many fans have called for the monkey to be removed from the enclosure.

Taking to TikTok, one fan asked: 'Why is that baby being left in that enclosure if he is being abused!?!?'

Another added: 'Why are the zoo workers not protecting him!'

And one wrote: 'Why arent the zoo keepers doing anything i'm so maaaaad.'

However, Dr Bethell says that an intervention by the zookeepers could actually cause more damage for Punch in the longrun.

'What is key at this stage is that he has the opportunity to interact with conspecifics to develop speciestypical social skills,' she explained.

'If he is raised mostly by keepers, and his interactions are mostly with humans, he may never learn the necessary skills to integrate into a social group fully.'

Dr Bethell added that while many people have become enamoured with Punch, he is a wild animal at the end of the day.

Join the debate Do YOU trust the zoo to protect him from harm?

'All primates are wild animals and should never be kept as pets,' she said.

'I am concerned at the images appearing online around this story showing primates apparently being kept as pets. While they look cute, these wild animals will be suffering psychologically, and cute juveniles in nappies will grow up to become poorly socialised and aggressive adults that may pose a threat to their owners.'

The predictions come shortly after scientists revealed why Punch's mother abandoned him in the first place.

Maternal abandonment is unusual in macaques, but tends to happen when the mother is young and inexperienced.

'Punch was his mother's first baby, in which case she might not have had a great deal of experience,' explained Professor Jo Setchell, a primatologist at Durham University.

'I have seen inexperienced primate mothers hold their baby upside down, for example, and appear to be very stressed when the baby wriggles.

'It's a big change to go from being pregnant to having a baby clinging to your tummy all the time, for the first time!'

Conditions were also particularly hot when Punch was born, which might have contributed to his abandonment.

'If the mother is in poor condition herself, she might prioritise her own survival and her future offspring over caring for a baby that is unlikely to survive the current conditions,' Professor Setchell added.

While little is known about Punch's mother's upbringing, this may also have played a role, according to Dr Bethell.

She said: 'Abandonment is more likely to happen if the mother herself had abnormal rearing  for example, if she was separated from her own mother too young, or experienced other forms of early life stress, possibly associated with captivity.'
The largest image ever taken with the ALMA telescope in Chile has revealed the hidden chemistry at the heart of the Milky Way.

The colossal image captures 650 lightyears of the Central Molecular Zone (CMZ)  one of the most extreme environments in the entire galaxy.

This crowded region, located 28,000 lightyears from Earth, is a vast reservoir of swirling matter and stars that contains almost 80 per cent of the galaxy's dense gas.

Dubbed the ALMA CMZ Exploratory Survey (ACES), the image gives scientists an unprecedented look into the complex processes taking place within.

The researchers discovered an array of different molecules, from simple chemicals such as silicon monoxide to more complex organic ones like methanol, acetone or ethanol.

Coauthor Dr Ashley Barnes, of the European Southern Observatory, told the Daily Mail: 'One of the most exciting aspects is the rich chemistry we detect.

'We see dozens of different molecules, including some complex organic molecules that contain carbon, the same element that forms the basis of life on Earth.

'From ACES, we are learning more about how the ingredients for planets, and potentially life itself, can arise in the universe.'

The largest image ever taken with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile (pictured) has revealed the hidden chemistry at the heart of the Milky Way

The very heart of the galaxy contains the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A*, which has a mass around four million times greater than that of the sun.

The intense gravitational pull and radiation produced by Sagittarius A* create dense, turbulent conditions that cannot be found anywhere else in the Milky Way.

Although this region is shrouded in dust, the ALMA telescope is capable of imaging the CMZ's cold gas  the raw material from which stars are born.

By stitching together a mosaic containing dozens of individual images, researchers have managed to create an extremely detailed view of this elusive region.

Seen from Earth, the resulting image would cover an area of sky as long as three full Moons sidebyside.

As the survey now reveals, the intense conditions in the core mean the CMZ can produce molecules that are bigger and more complex than those found in the clouds of gas near Earth.

The researchers believe that some of these molecules could even be the progenitors of amino acids  the basic building blocks of proteins found in all forms of life.

However, tracking the movement of molecules also helps astronomers understand the dynamic processes unfolding within the core itself.

The image captures a region spanning 650 lightyears of the socalled Central Molecular Zone (CMZ), which is located around 28,000 lightyears from Earth in the direction of the constellation Sagittarius

What is the Central Molecular Zone? At the very centre of the galaxy, the black hole Sagittarius A* is surrounded by an eightlightyearwide doughnut of swirling matter. Around this is a dense, hot cloud called the Central Molecular Zone (CMZ), which extends out around 700 lightyears. The CMZ contains around 80 per cent of all the dense gas in the galaxy. It hosts giant molecular clouds, massive starforming clusters, and vast filaments of gas. While the CMZ contains gas clouds that should support new stars, some regions are eerily desolate. Scientists aren't yet sure why some areas of the CMZ don't produce stars at the rate our theories would suggest. Source: Harvard and Smithsonian Centre for Astrophysics Advertisement

'These molecules form under particular conditions of temperature and pressure, so by mapping them we can understand what the environment is really like,' says Dr Barnes.

Mapping these 'molecular tracers' allows ACES to reveal the flows, turbulence, and chemistry from the massive scale of the galactic core down to the individual clumps of gas where a star may one day form.

Dr Barnes says: 'It shows a region that is constantly being reshaped by gravity and by the life cycles of massive stars, and their interactions with exotic things like black holes.

'The image reveals a vast web of long, threadlike filaments of gas stretching across hundreds of lightyears. We also see dense clouds where new stars are forming, along with huge cavities and bubbles carved out by powerful stellar explosions.'

The researchers say that these filaments are a particularly exciting discovery, as they appear to act like rivers of gas, funnelling material into the densest clouds where stars can grow.

Coauthor Dr Daniel Walker, an astronomer from the University of Manchester, told the Daily Mail: 'These structures were previously observed in individual regions, but ACES shows they are widespread.

'Their origin is still uncertain, but they may trace magnetic fields, largescale gas flows, or previously unrecognised dynamical processes.'

What makes this image so important for astronomers is the fact that the conditions inside the CMZ could reveal how our solar system, and others like it, originally formed.

Researchers used the ALMA telescope to track the distribution of multiple chemicals, ranging from simpler molecules like sulphur monoxide (top) to more complex, organic ones like HC3N (bottom)

The distribution of chemicals like HNCO (illustrated), also known as isocyanic acid, allows astronomers to chart the flows of cold gases through the CMZ

Principal investigator Professor Steven Longmore, of Liverpool John Moores University, told the Daily Mail: 'It is the best laboratory we have to understand how our sun and solar system formed.'

This is because, when our solar system formed 4.5 billion years ago, conditions in the universe were much more extreme than those we find near Earth today.

'The CMZ is the nearest region to Earth with conditions similar to those in the early Universe,' Professor Longmore says.

'As the CMZ is so close, we can observe the stars and planets currently forming there in exquisite detail and therefore understand our own origins better.'
A bunker hidden in the Arctic might sound like somewhere a Bond villain would hide out  but the reallife 'Doomsday Vault' actually serves a very serious purpose.

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, located beneath a mountain in Spitsbergen, a remote island in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, houses 'spare copies' of seeds from around the world.

That collection has now been updated with over 7,800 seed varieties, including staple grains from Africa, olives from Spain, and ancient crops from Guatemala.

These new donations bring the total number of unique seeds safely stored beneath the ground to a staggering 1,386,102.

Dr Stefan Schmitz, Executive Director of the Crop Trust, says: 'Backing up seeds in Svalbard is one of the easiest and most effective steps the world can take to protect the foundation of agriculture.'

The seeds are stored deep underground in freezers that keep them at a constant temperature of 18C (0.4F).

The permafrost  the layer of soil that remains frozen all year round  and thick stone mean that the seeds will stay frozen, even if the power should fail.

That means the survivors of a war, climate catastrophe, or natural disaster will still have everything they need to restart global agriculture from scratch.

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, located beneath a mountain in Spitsbergen, a remote island in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, houses 'spare copies' of seeds from around the world

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Millions of varieties of seeds are already stored in socalled 'genebanks' all over the world.

However, some genebanks are located in places that are less than ideal for longterm preservation.

'Many of these are vulnerable, exposed not only to natural catastrophes and war, but also to avoidable disasters, such as lack of funding or poor management,' Crop Trust explains on its website.

'Something as mundane as a poorly functioning freezer can ruin an entire collection.'

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault's goal is to act as a final 'global backstop' for these national organisations.

The socalled Doomsday Vault was opened in 2008 and is managed by the Norwegian Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

Unlike a normal seed vault, the Doomsday Vault operates with 'blackbox conditions', under which the depositors remain the owners of the seeds and are the only ones who can withdraw them for any reason.

Rather than supporting research, the aim is to ensure that seed vaults can replenish their collections should disaster strike.

The seeds are stored deep underground in freezers that keep them at a constant 18C (0.4F)

While the entrance may be visible, the Seed Vault itself is more than 100 metres into the mountain. The thick rock and permafrost will keep the seeds frozen even if power fails

What is the Doomsday Vault? The Svalbard Global Seed Vault is on an island off Norway's northern coast. It already stores nearly one million samples of seeds, which represent 13,000 years of agricultural history. The vault provides a last resort backup to a network of seed banks around the world, which store seeds but can be threatened by war, accidents and natural disasters. Plants are also vulnerable to biodiversity loss as a result of invasive species, pests and climate change. Permafrost and thick rock ensure samples stay frozen even without power. The vault aims to secure millions of seeds representing every important crop variety in the world today. Advertisement

For this reason, the Doomsday Vault is set up for longterm storage.

Seeds are sealed in custommade threeply foil packages, which are sealed inside boxes and stored on shelves inside the Seed Vault.

The very low temperature and moisture levels inside the vault mean that the seeds use their energy reserves very slowly, keeping them viable for long periods of time.

The vault itself is also located in an ideal position to keep seeds safe and secure far into the distant future.

'Svalbard is the farthest north a person can fly on a scheduled flight, offering a remote location that is nevertheless accessible,' Crop Trust explained.

Likewise, although the entrance is visible from the surface, the actual vault is more than 100 metres below the surface.

This ensures that the seeds will remain frozen and viable even if the power fails in the future.

The area is geologically stable, and the humidity levels are low, while the Seed Vault is also well above sea level.

The vault is meant to serve as a longterm backstop for global seedbanks, which could be affected by wars or natural disasters. Seeds are sealed in custommade threeply foil packages, which are sealed inside boxes and stored on shelves inside the Seed Vault

Crop Trust adds: '[It is] protected from ocean flooding according to worstcase scenario sealevel rises.'

The Arctic vault has the capacity to store up to 500 seeds from 4.5 million varieties of crops  a total of 2.5 billion seeds.

That collection has now grown by almost 8,000 seeds as collections from 10 depositors arrived for longterm safeguarding.

That includes seeds from two countries, Guatemala and Niger, that have never had seeds included in the vault before.

Guatemala's donation includes two varieties of teosinte, a wild ancestor of maize native to the country and still grown by indigenous farmers.

Niger, meanwhile, stored 204 varieties of staple crops, including sorghum, cowpea, groundnut and pearl millet.

In another first, a donation from the Olive Genebank of the University of Cordoba included wild olive seeds from Spain and seeds of the 50 most important cultivated olive varieties worldwide.

Dr Concepcion Munoz Diez, of the University of Cordoba, says: 'Local olive varieties are endangered by ageing of trees, low profitability of traditional olive groves and the spread of improved varieties that are easier to mechanise.'
At least 26 million Americans have been impacted by a major hack that has been called the 'largest breach in US history.'

Personal data was stolen from Conduent, a company that provides printing, paymentand document processing services for some of the largest health insurance providers in the nation.

Addresses, Social Security numbers and health information were exposed.

In Texas, as many as 15.4 million residents may have had their personal information compromised, while Oregon officials report another 10.5 million affected individuals.

Hundreds of thousands more in states including Delaware, Massachusetts and New Hampshire have also received breach notifications. Cybersecurity experts warned that anyone using state healthcare programs or other government services could have their sensitive data exposed.

Consumers concerned that their personal information may have been exposed or sold on the dark web can check their email addresses using the website HaveIBeenPwned.com.

By entering an email address, the tool scans known data breaches and shows whether that address has appeared in leaked databases linked to past cyberattacks.

If your information has been compromised, experts recommend taking steps to protect your identity, such as changing passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and considering a reputable data removal or identity protection service to reduce the spread of your personal data online.

Personal data was stolen from Conduent, a company that provides printing, payment, and document processing services for some of the largest health insurance providers in the nation

Conduent acknowledged the breach, posting online that it occurred from October 21, 2024 to January 13, 2025, and involved data held in its systems.

The company said in its breach notice that 'not every data element was present for every individual,' meaning some victims may have had only certain details exposed, such as a Social Security number or health insurance information, but not both.

The Safepay ransomware group has claimed responsibility for the attack, according to cybersecurity outlet Bleeping Computer, and reportedly obtained more than eight terabytes of data.

It remains unclear whether the hackers have demanded a ransom. Conduent said it is 'not aware of any attempted or actual misuse of the information involved' at this time.

However, the full scale of the incident is unknown, as the number of victims continues to increase.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said last week that more than 4 million Texans had their data compromised.

However, Fox News reported this week that the number has surged to nearly half of the state's 31 million residents.

'The Conduent data breach was likely the largest breach in US history. If any insurance giant cut corners or has information that could help us prevent breaches like this in the future, I will work to uncover it,' Paxton said in a statement.

'My office is committed to uncovering exactly what went wrong, taking action to protect Texas families, and ensuring there is justice for any negligence.'

Reports show the breach has also affected Americans in Georgia, South Carolina, New Jersey, Main and New Mexico. Experts fear the list is growing.

Daily Mail has contacted Conduent for comment.

Security experts urge consumers to take immediate steps to reduce the risk of identity theft following a data breach.

One of the most effective measures is placing a free credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, which prevents new accounts from being opened in your name.

Consumers should also monitor their credit reports regularly for unfamiliar accounts or suspicious activity and review bank and credit card statements closely for unauthorized charges.

Experts also warned people to be cautious of phishing emails or phone calls claiming to be related to the breach, as scammers often exploit high-profile incidents.

Placing a fraud alert on your credit file is another option, requiring lenders to verify your identity before approving new credit.
Brad Pitt threw himself back into work on Tuesday as he was seen on the set of his new movie The Riders in Greece.

The Hollywood star, 62, was spotted on the Greek island of Hydra covered in blood and bruises as he carried a child actress out of a pharmacy.

He was worlds away from his usual dapper image as he wore a mustache and stubble with his hair soaking wet.

Filming: Brad Pitt threw himself back into work on Tuesday as he was seen on the set of his new movie The Riders in Greece

Role: He was seen on the Greek island Hydra covered in blood and bruises as he carried a child actress out of a pharmacy

His character wore a low-key outfit of a in red and navy jacket over a khaki sweater and oversized jeans.

Brad wore a painful expression as blood dripped down his cheek while filming.

After he carried the youngster from the building, Brad perched on a wall outside looking somber as a crowd of people walked past him.

The Riders, directed by Edward Berger and adapted from Tim Wintons novel, stars Brad as a father desperate to find his missing wife and daughter across Europe.

Principal photography has already begun in Ireland and is continuing on the picturesque Greek island, where locals are preparing for what is expected to be a major Hollywood shoot.

Brad landed in Greece with his glamorous girlfriend Ines de Ramon last week, marking their first public outing together in three months.

Scruffy: The actor looked worlds away from his dapper self as he rocked a long mustache and stubble with his long brunette locks in a messy style
A college track star has allegedly been stabbed to death by his girlfriend after she found him in bed with her roommate.

Lincoln University sprinter Denita Jackson, 27, has been charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action following the incident in Jefferson City, Missouri.

The victim has been identified as Kevaughn Goldson, 23, who was also a sprinter on the same track and field team.

Stabbed to death: Kevaughn Goldson was allegedly fatally stabbed by his girlfriend Denita Jackson (right)

Court documents reveal there had been a history of violent encounters between the couple.

Police said Jackson came home early from work on Monday morning because she wasn't feeling well, having left Goldson in her bedroom hours before.

However, when she returned home at around 1am on Monday, Jackson could hear her roommate talking to someone in their room.

With the door locked, Jackson used a hair clip to get inside and discovered Goldson and the roommate in bed together. They were fully dressed.

Jackson is said to have leapt onto the bed, grabbed Goldson and started to fight with him. Police said he retaliated by kicking Jackson in the stomach, which made her fall off the bed.

Furious rage: Jackson is said to have found Goldson in bed with her roommate when she returned from work

Jackson claims Goldson got on top of her and started to choke her. At that moment, she says she grabbed a knife from under the roommate's bed and stabbed Goldson in the back and chest.

Jefferson City Police Department officers were dispatched to the home in the 800 block of Fairmount Boulevard at 1:09am on Monday after Jackson called 911.

Goldson was taken to the Capital Region Emergency Room but police were unable to interview him.

He was later transferred by helicopter to University Hospital, where he later died during surgery. Jackson was arrested and booked into Cole County Jail on Monday without bond.

Lincoln University said in a statement: 'Our thoughts are with family, friends, faculty, staff and all who have been impacted by this tragic situation.'
The former CEO of a San Francisco charity for the homeless has been accused of embezzling over $1.2million to fund her lavish lifestyle, prosecutors say.

Gwendolyn Westbrook, who was CEO of United Council Of Human Services (UCHS), faces charges including grand theft, misappropriation of public funds, and filing false tax returns for four years.

The organization received millions in government grants in the past two decades. Prosecutors accuse the 71-year-old of misappropriating funds between 2019 and 2023.

Shockng accusations: Gwendolyn Westbrook, 71, who was CEO of United Council Of Human Services (UCHS), faces nine felony charges including grand theft, misappropriation of public funds, and filing false tax returns for four years

Westbrook is also accused of stealing $91,000 from the UCHS, while additional large sums missing from the organization remain unaccounted for, according to the San Francisco Standard.

She was booked into jail on nine charges on February 20 and was released on bail, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said in a news conference.

She was originally scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday at the Hall Of Justice, but at the former chief executive's request, the judge postponed the arraignment to March 9.

Jenkins said: 'You're talking about millions of dollars being lost to that effort, our taxpayer dollars, while every day we sit and deal with people who are still struggling on our streets.'

Westbrook's organization ran a soup kitchen and shelters for the homeless for nearly 20 years prior to her dismissal in 2023.

Positive efforts: Westbrook organized a soup kitchen and shelters for the homeless for nearly two decades

A former UCHS employee accused Westbrook in a lawsuit, in the same year of her dismissal, of misusing funds and 'living a lifestyle inconsistent with her reported salary,' which was $155,000 annually, according to the Standard.

Westbrook allegedly bragged to staff about purchasing fancy cars, such as a Tesla for herself, a Jeep Renegade for a close family friend, and two vehicles for cousins, according to the filing.

The lawsuit added that she told a niece she also has an Infiniti SUV and claimed she drove around with 'a trunk full of high-priced jewelry.'

Additionally, the court document stated that Westbrook used funds to pay for family members's weddings and in vitro fertilization procedures for a relative.

Westbrook was also accused in 1997 of stealing thousands of dollars from a cash box at a parking lot owned by the San Francisco Port, her employer at the time, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

The outlet also noted that in 2015, regulators found unsanctioned blackjack tables at a charity bingo hall organized by the nonprofit.

Reported evidence: Westbrook allegedly bragged to staff about purchasing fancy cars, such as a Tesla for herself, a Jeep Renegade for a close family friend, and two vehicles for cousins, according to the filing

Charity base: In 2022 it was requested that the FBI and the DA's office launch a criminal investigation, according to the Standard; UCHS Headquarters Pictured

In 2022, after an audit by then-city controller Ben Rosenfield revealed fraud at UCHS, Rosenfield and City Attorney David Chiu requested that the FBI and the DA's office launch a criminal investigation, according to the Standard.

According to court records, the district attorney's office began its thorough investigation last year, using more than 20 search warrants and extensively reviewing financial records.

Chiu said: 'Gwendolyn Westbrook enriched herself and misused millions in public funds meant to help the community.

'We are grateful the district attorney accepted our referral, and the White Collar Crime Division conducted a thorough investigation leading to these charges.'

Neither Gwendolyn Westbrook or her attorney could not be reached for comment.
Synonymous with glitz and glamour, Dubai certainly has its downsides with expats complaining that it's 'soulless' and overrun with influencers, not to mention long working hours and the high cost of living.

Now, those looking to escape the 'Dubai Depression', as it's known among international residents, are moving directly to a neighbouring emirate that's fast becoming the 'classy' alternative to the UAE's most famous city.

Just an hour from the new money of Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), known as the 'nature emirate' with 42 miles of coastline along the Arabian Gulf, is a far cry from the overtourism and showy wealth of Dubai, but with all of its advantages.

Set in the northern reaches of the Emirates, it's an up-and-coming favourite among British expats, such as entrepreneur Ben Moss, who shares tales from his new life in RAK on his TikTok account @mr_moss_media - one of the new crop of influencers promoting his home as an alternative to Dubai.

'It used to be that the British would move to Dubai first then later move to Ras Al Khaimah, whereas now they're interested in moving directly here,' he explained in a recent video.

Other clips show him kayaking and enjoying virtually empty beaches - while he insists that the Al Qawasim Corniche where he lives is the 'best place' in the UAE thanks to the 'actual cost of living' and the opportunities available.

Ras Al Khaimah has all of the beautiful beaches of Dubai - without the gaudiness

Indeed, the day-to-day necessities are far cheaper than Dubai, with basic utilities costing the equivalent of 90 a month in RAK, compared to 129 in the neighbouring emirate.

It's possible to rent a one-bedroom apartment for 576 a month, whereas this would set you back more than 1,700 for a city centre property in Dubai.

However, wages are significantly lower with the average monthly salary in Dubai coming in at around 3,000, while it's just 1,300 in RAK.

Other residents are lured in by the promise of great weather, affordable school prices and 'crystal-clean water', resident @dilshod_anvar explains.

For those who want something extravagant yet unique, RAK is framed by desert dunes, rugged mountains and an untouched coastline.

One visitor shared a video on Instagram, highlighting its beauty. Dhaval Dave shared the clip on his account @dhavalmavreck, captioning the post: 'Ras Al Khaimah is a place where you dont rush - you arrive.

Join the debate Has Dubai lost its charm, or are expats simply chasing a more authentic lifestyle elsewhere?

'From waking up to calm waters at an all-inclusive beach resort, to wandering through traditional gold souks, climbing historic forts, and learning the art of pearl diving where it all began every experience here feels grounded and unhurried.

'Add to that preserved heritage villages, mountain views from the highest restaurant in the UAE, and flavours that make you slow down even more - and you begin to understand why RAK is different.

'This is a destination for travellers who want luxury with soul, history with meaning, and moments that stay with you long after the journey ends.'

Another visitor dubbed RAK the 'hidden gem' of the UAE, citing the mountains, beaches, views and old town as some of the major draws.

Instagram influencer Daniel Marin shared a video on his account @dfmarin, writing: 'From the stunning Hajar Mountains to the pristine beaches along the Arabian Gulf, this city is the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.

'Whether Im hiking up Jebel Jais, the UAEs highest peak, soaking in panoramic views, or unwinding at the luxurious resorts along the coastline, every moment feels unforgettable.'

Unlike Dubai, it appears the experiences here feel far more authentic.

Daniel explains in his video caption: 'The charming old town, traditional souks, and desert experiences give a real glimpse into authentic Emirati life, while the modern resorts and world-class dining make it a destination for luxury seekers too.'

And it's perfect for a pause, 'to reset your mind,' @nikitamankar shares in a video of the emirate.

Marjan Island seafront in Ras Al Khaimah has all of the beauty of its counterpart, Dubai

Switching Dubai for RAK doesn't mean you need to forgo the things that give the former its appeal, either.

Luxury hotels, for one, are a dime a dozen here - and less full of influencers taking snaps over breakfast.

Just this year, several new glamorous offerings are set to open in RAK.

That includes the Sajj A Mantis Collection Mountain Lodge, 35 luxury lodges in a stunning mountain retreat and Hilton Marjan Island Beach Resort & Spa with a 360-degree sky pool.

JW Marriott Al Marjan Island Resort will open in 2026 on the beachfront, as well as Le Meridien Marjan Island Resort & Spa.

In addition to hotels, five-star dining is available too. RAK restaurants boast delicious offerings from traditional Arabic cuisine and Asian fusion to European food, food trucks, and hidden gems.

TimeOut Ras Al Khaimah shared on Instagram: 'New restaurants are opening soon in Ras Al Khaimah.

'RAKs dining scene is set to expand with the upcoming openings of Laduree, tashas and Antonia. From Parisian sweets and all-day dining favourites to Italian menus.'

Visit Ras Al Khaimah also shared a clip of great restaurants to try out, posting: 'From savouring authentic Emirati flavors at Eayshat Awal to indulging in culinary heights (literally!) at 1484 by Puro, and diving into Levantine delights at Kibba Wa Tabbola - your taste buds are in for a world tour. Ready to dine your way through paradise?'

Costs in RAK are far lower, with luxury hotels going up to 2,500 AED (503) a night in Dubai, compared to 1,445 AED (290) a night in RAK.

On the mid-range spectrum, Dubai's average 300 to 600 AED (60-120) a night is up from RAK's 220 to 475 AED (44-95) a night.

As for transport, it's certainly cheaper in RAK, according to Visit Ras Al Khaimah - and the same goes for thrill activities.

Its website says: 'When you choose Ras Al Khaimah, you can easily save around AED 200 to 300 (40-60) per day, depending on your travel style.

'Thats enough to cover an activity, a meal upgrade, or an extra nights stay.'

As such, while Dubai may still be trendy among the rich and famous, RAK has it all - but without the hordes of crowds, booked-up restaurants and extortionate prices to match.
A beachfront hotel in Spain that has been lying in ruin for over 50 years has been earmarked for demolition - a project that is expected to cost taxpayers 2.3 million (2 million).

Hotel Anaza - known locally as the 'Ghost Hotel' - has stood as an urban eyesore for over five decades on the coast of Acoran, just south of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

The 22-storey Y-shaped structure, first constructed in 1973, is one of the most notorious abandoned landmarks in the Canary Islands - not just for its haunting appearance, but for the dark history of five lives lost within its walls.

In response to decades of safety concerns, tragic accidents, and ongoing complaints about its detrimental impact on the coastal landscape, local authorities have finally confirmed that the building will be demolished.

But with the ruin valued at just 48,000 (42,000), the demolition will be funded by the public, leaving the nearly 900 listed owners - many of whom are foreign nationals - without any return on their investment.

Built in 1973, the project was intended to be a 741-room hotel. It was abandoned just two years later after it emerged that construction had gone ahead without proper planning permission and on land not zoned for such a large development.

The developer ran out of money and reportedly fled the island, leaving behind a 22-storey concrete shell that stands on a 25,300-square-foot plot and covers more than 430,500 square feet of floor space.

Authorities first ordered safety measures in 2016, requiring a 13-foot fence and warning signs to block access.

Hotel Anaza has stood as an eyesore for over 50 years on the coast of Acoran, just south of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, but it's now set for demolition between 2026 and 2027

The 22-storey, Y-shaped structure has claimed five lives over the years, after trespassers fatally parachute-jumped from the roof or fell through exposed gaps

In 2019, the order was repeated, with added demands for security cameras and multilingual signs.

Despite this, five people have died after entering the building illegally, including a 13-year-old girl in December 2025.

Fatal incidents include parachute jumps from the roof and falls through exposed gaps, while others have filmed daring parkour videos inside the structure. Trespassers now face fines of more than 500 (437).

A notice published in the Provincial Boletin Oficial (BOP) confirms that forced expropriation has been approved, citing a 'failure to fulfil the social function of the property' because the building remains incomplete and lacks the necessary permits.

A one-month window has been opened for objections or appeals, as reported by the Express.

Demolition is planned for between 2026 and 2027, an operation that is expected to be complex due to the building's cliffside location and the presence of hazardous materials, including asbestos.

Meanwhile, an explorer who visited Japan's largest abandoned resort has shared fascinating footage of the decaying complex - including the remnants of what would have been a five-star, 1000-room hotel.

Josh, a YouTube content creator from the United States, regularly delves into some of the world's spookiest abandoned sites, including The Paris Catacombs and Pripyat, a 'ghost' town located in Chernobyl.

Known locally as the 'Ghost Hotel', building began in 1973, but was abandoned just two years later after it emerged that construction had gone ahead without proper planning permission

A 13-year-old girl died after entering the building in December 2025

In a recent video uploaded to his channel, the adventurer travelled to Ishikawa, Japan, to take a closer look at Utopia Kaga.

The resort, also known as Kaga No Sato, was a religious-themed amusement park that had opened in 1987, before it was abandoned and torn down in 2005 following the Japanese bubble economy collapse in the early 1990s.

Once a thriving attraction, the 28 billion yen (141M) resort featured temple halls, roller coasters, a golden pagoda and a 240ft statue of Kaga Daikannon.

But over four decades on, nothing remains of the park's past glory after being left to the elements due to high demolition costs.
When it comes to Disney, some things never change.

Cinderella's Castle will likely always anchor the park, and 'it's a small world' will almost certainly keep going round and round.

Other parts of the magic, however, have been forced to change with the times.

Disney on Monday announced the Hollywood Studios area of Orlando's Walt Disney World will feature a new character drawing experience with a major change to its 'Animation Academy' format.

For the first time in forever... everyone's favorite huggable snowman, Olaf, will host animation classes.

The new attraction, Olaf Draws, will take over the former Star Wars Launch Bay building. Although Disney is promoting it as a brand-new experience, some fans have noted that it closely resembles a previous installation.

Notably, a version of Olaf Draws did exist before its Hollywood Studios debut, but there is one glaring difference: the original attraction featured a human instructor.

In the new attraction, an audio animatronic will welcome guests as they learn to draw their favorite characters, from Mickey Mouse to Officer Judy Hopps. 'With his signature warmth, optimism, and playful humor, Olaf invites guests of all ages to explore the art of character drawing,' Disney said in a statement.

When it comes to Disney World, some things are timeless. For example, Cinderella's Castle will likely always anchor the park

For the first time in forever... everyone's favorite huggable snowman, Olaf, will lead animation classes at Disney World

The new attraction, Olaf Draws (pictured), will take over the former Star Wars Launch Bay building

And since this snowman can't draw on his own, there will be pre-recorded video clips of Disney legends lending a hand, including Zootopia director Byron Howard and Aladdin animator Eric Goldberg.

Josh Gad will return to voice Olaf for the Hollywood Studios-exclusive experience.

'I'm so thrilled that a whole new generation of kids can dream of becoming animators one day and can actually begin their journey right there on the studio lot,' Gad said.

The previous version, The Animation Experience at Conservation Station in Disney's Animal Kingdom, featured a live animator giving drawing lessons to theme park goers.

That beloved attraction recently shuttered to make way for the upcoming 'Bluey Experience,' opening in Disney's Animal Kingdom summer 2026.

Almost instantly, fans flooded Disney park's social media account with comments, some accusing the company of being 'out of touch' with fans' wishes.

'Live animators are the magic of this attraction,' one Instagram comment read in response to Olaf Draws. 'I can watch a video at home.'

'Please reconsider using live artists,' another said. 'I do this every time I visit Disneyland. I wouldn't make the same effort with a prerecorded video.'

The previous version, The Animation Experience at Conservation Station in Disney's Animal Kingdom, featured a live animator giving drawing lessons to theme park goers (pictured)

Josh Gad (pictured with Olaf) will return to voice Olaf for the Hollywood Studios-exclusive experience

Travel advisor Stephanie Lawless (pictured) told Daily Mail her clients have all expressed nothing but excitement for this addition to the Disney theme parks

One Reddit user wrote that Disney switching from a live person to an audio animatronic felt like 'outsourcing expensive human jobs.'

'I've said more than once that if I had a day to myself at Disney, I would just do the Animation Experience for a couple of hours,' they continued. 'I can't see that still being the case after this move.'

The experience doesn't entirely need to be pre-recorded, some argued. Another Reddit user suggested having a human cast member teaching alongside an animatronic Olaf.

'You know what, even better make Olaf a student learning to draw as well,' they added. 'Then at the end of the show, we see his drawing and it's the worst one of the class so kids won't feel bad when their drawing isn't perfect and get a good laugh.'

The response hasnt been entirely negative. Travel advisor Stephanie Lawless told Daily Mail her clients have all expressed nothing but excitement for this addition to the Disney theme parks. The technology is so advanced now that it really brings his personality to life, she added. Its such a creative way for guests of any age or skill level to connect with Olaf - its going to make the whole experience feel magical.

Olaf Draws is one of several attractions slated to open in Disney's Hollywood Studios. A new Monsters, Inc-themed land, called Monstropolis, is currently under construction. The theme park is expected to reopen Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith with a permanent Muppets overlay.

Olaf Draws in Hollywood Studios is also scheduled to open in late summer 2026, although an official date has not been announced.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Walt Disney World for a comment.
The Zero Line: Inside Russia's War (BBC2)

Rating:

Donald Trump famously watches a lot of television, and there's nothing wrong with that.

We can only hope The Zero Line: Inside Russia's War finds its way on to the White House widescreen.

No one who watches this brutal, stomach-churning documentary can be left in any doubt that Vladimir Putin's 'special military operation' in Ukraine is one vast war crime.

It's not simply the eyewitness accounts of mass slaughter, torture and cold-blooded murder by Russian soldiers, related by defectors who defied the hunt-and-kill squads to escape into Europe.

The most compelling evidence is phone video footage, often recorded by the perpetrators, of sickening atrocities committed against troops on their own side.

This is the first European war to be filmed by its combatants, and the veracity of the footage appears beyond question.

One clip showed laughing guards opening a dungeon hatch, to taunt the naked, starving prisoners huddled inside, tortured as punishment for refusing to take part in suicidal attacks. The treatment meted out to them is too repugnant to be printed here.

'Zero' in Russian military slang refers to the front line. But it also means summary execution. To 'zero' a soldier is to kill him.

No one who watches this brutal, stomach-churning documentary can be left in any doubt that Vladimir Putin's 'special military operation' in Ukraine is one vast war crime. Pictured: An anonymous contributor to the documentary

The most compelling evidence is phone video footage (pictured), often recorded by the perpetrators, of sickening atrocities committed against troops on their own side

This is the first European war to be filmed by its combatants, and the veracity of the footage (pictured) appears beyond question

Director and cameraman Ben Steele interviewed three escapers, all of them brave enough to show their faces, though they were not named.

Their location was a secret: they appeared to be in a derelict multi-storey building, though this was probably a 'green screen' backdrop.

All of them chain-smoked.

Stressful hike of the night Ben Fogle joined 'modern-day pioneer' Randilyn, on New Lives In The Wild (Ch5), walking across Missouri on the hard shoulder of busy dual carriageways with six dogs, chickens and three donkeys. He looked shell-shocked and petrified. Advertisement

Steele also talked to two civilians whose partners were dissidents serving long prison sentences.

With most interviews conducted in Russian, and subtitled, the constant switching between stories became confusing, and the hour-long programme could have benefitted from having less squeezed into it.

One interviewee was the only survivor from an intake of nearly 80. A former primary school teacher for children with autism, who had dreams of being a dancer, he was apparently volunteered for the Russian army by his parents, who told him to 'go and defend the motherland'.

He watched comrades being executed, not by a firing squad but by an officer who simply put a gun to their forehead.

Another was a former paramedic, who described how seriously wounded soldiers would be euthanised by lethal injection rather than being sent back to Russia for treatment.

This, he said, was a kindness to their families, who would receive a benefit payout on the death of a son or husband on active service  though it emphasised how completely expendable the men were.

Fresh recruits were routinely murdered by veterans who stole their bank cards, he added. Each arrival was paid 200,000 rubles (a ruble is worth about 1p).

Murdering a unit of 20 new men was a crime potentially worth four million rubles (40,000).

'It's completely lawless at the front,' he said. 'You can get away with anything there.'
Jeremy Clarkson has revealed the bleak reason he's had to halt filming for the new series of his popular Prime Video hit Clarkson's Farm.

The TV star, who has been a household name since joining the panel of Top Gear in 1988, has let cameras follow the highs and lows of his farming journey since he decided to start running his Oxfordshire farm Diddly Squat in 2019.

The hit series has so far run for four seasons, with a fifth soon to hit screens later this year and a sixth already confirmed to be in development.

However, fans might be left with a longer wait for the sixth series, as Jeremy, 65, explained filming has had to be placed on hold for now.

And it's not just filming that the presenter has had to stop, explaining that there has been 'no farming' happening either at Diddly Squat due to the bad weather.

He wrote to fans in his Sunday Times column: 'There's no filming happening on the farm at the moment, or farming.

Jeremy Clarkson has revealed the bleak reason he's had to halt filming for the new series of his popular Prime Video hit Clarkson's Farm

Fans might be left with a longer wait for the sixth series, as Jeremy, 65, explained filming has had to be placed on hold for now

'It hasn't stopped raining since the beginning of the year, so I can't plant anything, and I can't do anything with my cows either because we are still locked down by TB.'

Jeremy revealed in October 2025 that his Diddly Squat Farm was hit by a bovine tuberculosis outbreak, forcing the cull of the farm's first-ever pregnant cow.

He took to X, formerly Twitter, to explain: 'It doesn't affect people, just our poor cows. Everyone here is absolutely devastated.'

Jeremy is yet to confirm when filming is expected to start for the Prime Video show's sixth series - but its fifth season is expected for launch in the meantime this spring.

It comes after Jeremy took a withering swipe at Good Morning Britain's resident meteorologist Laura Tobin after she shared 'good news' about the recent weather.

The Clarkson's Farm star, who often shares the impact the weather has on his Oxfordshire farm, hit back at Laura, 44, as she took to social media with the unexpected 'benefits' of 'record wind' across the UK.

Britain was battered by a series of storms through January, which caused havoc for the public with widespread high winds, rain and flooding.

But despite the tumultuous conditions, which saw the Met Office dish out rare red warnings, Laura took to X to celebrate 'good news'.

Jeremy Clarkson has taken a withering swipe at Good Morning Britain's resident meteorologist Laura Tobin after she shared 'good news' about the recent weather

Despite the tumultuous conditions, which saw the Met Office dish out rare red warnings, Laura took to X to celebrate 'good news'

Reposting an ITV weather report, which detailed how there had been 'record wind power' in January, she penned: 'Some good news from the recent windy weather.'

The report read: 'Record Wind Power. January wind power, more than any month on record, cut gas costs 164million.'

Based on analysis by think-tank Ember, the report detailed how the UK's wind turbines generated a huge 10.6 terawatt-hours of electricity in January 2026.

The milestone number exceeded the previous peak of 10.4TWh, recorded in December 2023, due to three storms, Goretti, Ingrid and Chandra.

The storms saw Britain's fleet of turbines working at unusually high levels, reportedly delivering financial benefits to the energy system and British consumers.

Ember calculated that without the storms, a further 164million worth of additional gas would have had to have been purchased to meet demand.

But Jeremy didn't see the positive side, and hit back, replying to Laura's post: 'So to solve global warming, its best if we all freeze. Excellent.'

Fans flooded the comments to agree with the former Top Gear star, with one adding: 'Cut bills by (checks bill) nothing...'

'Whos it cut the cost of gas for? Because it isnt the end user, thats for certain,' a second agreed, while a third penned: 'Our bills are not going down, so wheres the good news in that?'

Weather reporter Laura celebrated the 'the recent windy weather' helping the UK's turbines

Elsewhere, Jeremy issued a brutal response to a fan who hit out that Brexit was to blame for struggling British farms

'Awesome. So our bills are going down, right? Definitely won't just lead to a larger profit margin for the energy cartel,' another concluded.

In January, members of the public were caught up in the crosshairs of the storms - with Storm Goretti unleashing gusts of up to 123mph, recorded in Cornwall.

The storm also prompted heavy snowfall that saw the Met Office issue the 'danger to life' and rare red warning across the country.

While Storm Chandra caused a major incident declaration in Somerset, with flooding cutting off roads as rivers burst their banks.

Elsewhere, Jeremy issued a brutal response to a fan who hit out that Brexit was to blame for struggling British farms - as his following begged for him to be made agricultural minister.

The former Top Gear star hit out that the follower should question their 'grasp on reality' during a heated exchange on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Jeremy, 65, responded to the comments left by his fans under a video he filmed for farming campaign group No Farmers, No Food, which advocated for fair pay, sustainable practice and government policies to keep the industry stable.

Speaking in a video filmed on his phone, the TV presenter said: 'I'm Jeremy Clarkson, and in the next Parliament I'd like to see the Government prioritising farming.

'We've been asked to diversify and when we try to do that, the local authorities tell us we can't and that needs addressing.'

One X user replied under the video: 'Please join Reform. You could be their advisor/intermediate between Farmers on Farming and what they need.'

A second disagreed: 'The former Brexit party is the reason why most farms are struggling. They lost subsidies from the EU and it's now cheaper for most shops to buy from the EU then domestically.'

To which Jeremy hit back: 'Oh dear. You dont seem to have grasp of reality.'

The heated exchange fired the debate between X users about farming in Britain, with some even calling for Jeremy to be agricultural minister.

One wrote: 'Farmers are the most important people. Without them we starve,' as another chimed in: 'Always buy as local to you as you can.'

'Stand for council,' someone else encouraged, as another fan wrote: 'Jeremy Clarkson for agricultural minister.'

Clarkson's Farm is available to stream on Prime Video.
A harrowing true crime series has raced to the top of Netflix's charts - and it is every parent's worst nightmare.

Two-part documentary Manhunt: The Child Snatcher initially aired on Channel 5 in 2023.

It follows the lengthy police pursuit of 1980s serial killer Robert Black, who was ultimately convicted of four child killings and suspected of even more.

The child murderer died in prison back in 2016, aged 68, following a heart attack.

Black's career as a delivery driver allowed him to remain undetected for a number of years - as he had been able to abduct children and transport them in his van.

Meanwhile, the docuseries features first-hand testimonies from people directly impacted by the heartbreaking case.

A harrowing true crime documentary has raced to the top of Netflix charts after being added to the streamer

Manhunt: The Child Snatcher highlights the lengthy police pursuit of 1980s killer Robert Black, who was ultimately convicted of four child killings and suspected of even more

Meanwhile, the docuseries features first-hand testimonies from people directly impacted by the heartbreaking case.

It soon reached the top of the Netflix charts upon being added to the streaming service.

The crimes took place over the course of a decade, although Black was finally apprehended in 1990.

He was seen abducting a six-year-old girl from the Scottish village of Stow, with the eyewitness soon alerting the authorities.

Upon finding the van, officers discovered the girl hooded, bound, gagged and stuffed in a sleeping bag - and alive.

During their investigation, police subsequently linked this incident to prior murders committed by Black.

In 1994, he was convicted of the kidnapping, rape, and murder of three girls: Susan Maxwell (11), Caroline Hogg (5) and Sarah Harper (10).

Black was then convicted in 2011 for the sexual assault and murder of a fourth girl, nine-year-old Jennifer Cardy, in 1981.

At the time of his death in 2016, Devon and Cornwall Police revealed they had been weeks away from pursuing action with the 1978 disappearance of Gennette Tate.

It comes as viewers previously hailed a true crime documentary about an unsolved murder as 'one of the best Netflix has ever made'.

Who Killed Little Gregory? examines the case of Gregory Villemin, a French boy who was abducted from his home and murdered aged four, with his body found like two-and-a-half miles from his home.

In particular, it takes a closer look at the events leading up to Gregory's disappearance, as well as the eerie events that began after his death.

On the day Gregory vanished, his mother first raised the alarm - and within half an hour, his uncle claimed he'd been contacted anonymously with the chilling news the child had been thrown into the nearby River Vologne.

Netflix is no stranger to a chart-topping true crime documentary, viewers previously hailed one of their quietly-added productions as 'their best yet'

The child's body was found at 9pm that evening just a short journey from his home, bound with rope and with a woollen hat pulled over his face.

His family received an anonymous letter, reading: 'I have taken vengeance,' after the killing - following months of phone calls from a man threatening to hurt the family for reasons that were never explained.

Since it was released on Netflix, in 2019, there have been a resurgence of true-crime fans tuning in to watch it - calling it 'superb and harrowing'.

Writing on IMDb, one fan penned: 'Home with a cold so I binge-watched this in the morning and it is a truly harrowing and shocking documentary.

'It explores not just grief, a judiciary gone astray but the ability of the public to act as like a mob with pitchfork and burning torch in another. A study of humanity.'

Another chimed in: 'A brilliant and breathtaking reconstitution of a multifaceted investigation, an allegorical epic on media and justice, secrets and lies, ambitions and misfortunes, community and individualism, violence and envy.

'All through highly fanciful, quixotic and controversial real-life characters. This documentary series is one of the best Netflix has ever produced.'

A third wrote: 'The storytelling keeps you hooked, gradually introducing viewers to the complexities of the investigation without ever losing you or making the story confusing.

'If you enjoy true crime stories that are thoughtfully produced and well-paced, I definitely recommend giving Who Killed Little Gregory a watch
Netflix has snapped up an 'absorbing' drama hailed with a Wuthering Heights star which has been hailed as 'an utter joy to watch and a conversation-starter'.

Conversations With Friends, based on Sally Rooney's 2017 novel of the same name, hit Irish channel RTE One, as well as the BBC in May 2022.

The 12-part series is written by Alice Birch, Mark O'Halloran, Meadhbh McHugh and Susan Soon He Stanton, and directed by Lenny Abrahamson and Leanne Welham.

'Prepare to get intimate. Two students and a married couple enter a tangled web of friendship, infidelity and lies. A seductive, intense love story from the makers of Normal People,' BBC iPlayer's synopsis reads.

It stars Alison Oliver, who played Isabella Linton in Emerald Fennell's 2026 film Wuthering Heights, as Frances Flynn.

The cast also includes Sasha Lane as Bobbi Connolly, Joe Alwyn as Nick Conway and Jemima Kirke as Melissa Baines.

Netflix have snapped up an 'absorbing' drama Conversation with Friends hailed with a Wuthering Heights star which has been hailed as 'an utter joy to watch and a conversation-starter'

Conversations with Friends stars Alison Oliver, who played Isabella Linton in Wuthering Heights

They are also joined by Alex Murphy, Caoimhe Coburn Gray, Justine Mitchell, Tommy Tiernan, Kerry Fox, Tadhg Murphy, Sallay Garnett and Emmanuel Okoye.

While fans can watch the show iPlayer, it also landed on streaming service Netflix on Sunday 22 February, meaning that there is another platform for fans to stream the series on.

And many critics who have watched the show have shared their rave reviews online.

Vulture's Jen Chaney said it's: 'An absorbing exploration of commitment, friendship, and romantic love.'

The Telegraph's Marianka Swain added: 'An utter joy to watch, as well as an audacious conversation-starter.'

Meanwhile others have taken to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their thoughts.

'#conversationwithfriends a good show with Peaceful and beautiful atmosphere love it.'

'Just watched the final episode of Conversations With Friends. Brilliant.'

The 12-part series is written by Alice Birch, Mark O'Halloran, Meadhbh McHugh and Susan Soon He Stanton, and directed by Lenny Abrahamson and Leanne Welham

'Im obsessed with #conversationwithfriends on Hulu.'

'In three days I binged all of #conversationwithfriends.'

'I just watched #conversationwithfriends and while I didn't read the book I LOVED the adaptation. It has me in a chokehold.'

However not everyone felt the same.

'Oh god #conversationwithfriends is soooooooo boring. Like I don't feel shit for these characters.'

'#conversationwithfriends was utterly disappointing.'

'#conversationwithfriends is for some reasons good but at the same time seems is pretending to be sophisticated but its just bland and in some moments boring.'

'Is it just me or is #conversationwithfriends actually [yawn emojis]?'

The show has certainly got people talking on social media - with some saying they enjoyed it, while one said it was 'disappointing'

Wuthering Heights hit our screens earlier this month.

It stars Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi, Hong Chau, Shazad Latif and Alison Oliver - and it is showing no signs of slowing down.

The gothic romance has surged past $150 million worldwide, cementing itself as one of the year's biggest theatrical surprises just two weekends into its run.

The Warner Bros./MRC release added $14.2 million domestically, while Sony Pictures Animation's GOAT edged out the top North American spot with $17 million, according to Deadline.
Cat Deeley went missing from This Morning again on Wednesday as she was once again replaced by Angela Scanlon - with no explanation.

Fans were left divided after tuning in to the ITV daytime show, where Ben Shephard revealed he would be joined by Angela, 42, for the second day in a row.

Cat, 49, went missing from her regular slot on the programme yesterday (February 24), with Ben, 51, simply telling fans at home: 'Cat is away'.

No further explanation was offered up to fans, while Cat was seen taking to her Instagram stories to share a snap of her out in London's Mayfair with friends.

On Wednesday, Ben explained he would be joined by former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Angela, without any update on when Cat would be back.

He told viewers at the start of the show, pointing towards his new co-star: 'She's back! For another day, Angela Scanlon is with me!'

Cat Deeley went missing from This Morning AGAIN on Wednesday as she was once again replaced by Angela Scanlon - with no explanation

Fans were left divided after tuning in to the ITV daytime show, where Ben Shephard revealed he would be joined by Angela, 42, for the second day in a row

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, viewers reacted to Angela's return, with one writing: 'Where's Cat?' as another chimed in: 'Team, wheres Cat?'

'How far down the list of replacements was Angela Scanlon?' someone else hit out, as another concluded: 'I'm late! Where's cat?'

Others hit out against Angela, with one writing: 'Get rid of her and I may watch again,' as another added: 'Can Scanlon try better to disguise reading the autocue?'

But fans were quick to step in to defend the presenter, adding: 'Angela Scanlon is a total breath of fresh air on This Morning today!

'She stepped in at the last minute for Cat Deeley and the chemistry with Ben Shephard is already top-tier. Can we see more of this duo?'

Someone else penned: 'Angela is great, natural, down to earth,' as a third added: 'Can we please replace Cat Deeley with Angela Scanlon?'

It comes after Cat was left blushing as one of her This Morning co-stars complimented her bottom live on air during a cheeky cooking segment.

The TV host was joined by co-star Ben Shephard on Monday as they returned to the ITV series after the half term break, showcasing her outfit on social media, featuring a tight-fitting pair of jeans.

Cat, 49, went missing from her regular slot on the programme yesterday (February 24), with Ben, 51, simply telling fans at home: 'Cat is away' and Angela instead taking to the show

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, viewers reacted to Angela's return with divided opinions

Cat was last seen on the show on Monday

Cat, 49, and Ben, 51, headed over to the kitchen for one segment of the show, as co-star Clodagh McKenna showcased her carbonara-inspired pasta bake.

But talk soon turned to Cat's outfit, with Clodagh, 50, not holding back as she complimented the presenter - pointing out her behind.

Discussing the ingredients used in the recipe, the trio of presenters were joking about using 'the cheek' pork meat for her dish, which was packed with pancetta.

It prompted Clodagh to joke: 'Is it the cheek or the bottom? A cheeky bottom.

'I did mention earlier and I'm not sure I can mention this on TV but I did say earlier how good Cat's bottom is looking in these jeans. They really do.

'I said she's got to wear these jeans every day on the show, viewership will soar!'

Cat was seen covering her behind as she blushed, telling Clodagh: 'Oh my God, thank you... You are very, very kind and I think I'm probably blushing a bit now.'

Cat continued to giggle alongside Ben, before Clodagh joked: 'I hope I didn't embarrass you! Now, onto my pork cheeks.'

Cat Deeley was left blushing as This Morning co-star Clodagh McKenna complimented her BOTTOM live on air during a cheeky cooking segment

Talk soon turned to Cat's outfit, with Clodagh, 50, not holding back as she complimented the presenter - pointing out her behind

Earlier this month, Cat was seen posing in social media snaps as she revealed she was channelling Gwyneth Paltrow as she took to This Morning in a red velvet suit.

Cat revealed she had copied a look worn by Gwyneth, 53, who wore a red Gucci suit as she attended the brand's Love Parade fashion show in Los Angeles in 2021.

It was a copy of a look, which also featured a blue shirt, the actress and businesswoman had first debuted at the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards.

Taking to Instagram with a photo of her copy-cat look, Cat penned to fans the real reason she was forced to tie up her hair, and look exactly like Gwyneth in the process.

She wrote of her two sons: 'When the boys have nits, so it's time to prevent an infestation but make it FASHION. Gwyneth P in the OG.'

While Gwyneth opted for pointed red heels to go with her look, Cat instead paired the outfit with chic black boots and a simple pair of stud earrings.

Gwyneth last debuted the look, which was originally Tom Ford for Gucci, and reimagined by current creative director Alessandro Michele, according to Vogue, four years ago.
A BBC star revealed she 'wanted to die' following a heartbreaking accident that left her wheelchair-bound for life - aged just 15.

Actress and writer Kyla Harris appeared on BBC Breakfast today (February 25) to discuss series two of her show We Might Regret This.

During the discussion, she opened up to presenters Jon Kay and Sally Nugent about her own past experiences.

Kyla revealed: 'When I had my accident, when I was 15 years old, my mum was with me and this doctor came in.

'He said to me and my mother, very tragically, with such gloom and doom, "She'll never walk again".

'My immediate response was: "Well then, I want to die". And for a 15-year-old to kind of say that about themselves.

Appearing on BBC Breakfast, actress and writer Kyla Harris discussed her show We Might Regret This

Kyla also opened up to presenters Jon Kay and Sally Lindsay about her initial reaction upon learning aged 15 that she would not walk again

'I never met someone who was a wheelchair user before. What happened is I didn't, I just kept on living, every single day.'

She continued: 'And every single day has brought me to here. To me, I kind of questioned why I thought that when I first became disabled.

'What was it, that made feel that about myself? I guess I just realised that the only thing I knew about disabilities was from the media.

'That's why [co-creator and co-writer] Lee and I are doing this. We want to change that narrative.

'So that a doctor will go into someone's life in the hospital, who has been newly injured or become newly disabled and say, "Your life might not be what you want it to be, but it's going to be amazing."

We Might Regret This follows Freya, a Canadian tetraplegic woman in her thirties, who moves to London to be with partner Abe (Darren Boyd).

The cast also includes Elena Saurel, Sally Philips, Edward Bluemel, Aasiya Shah and Emma Sidi, to name a few.

Though fictional, the series is inspired by some of the experiences shared by the two friends when co-writer Lee Getty was working as Kyla's personal assistant (PA) some decades ago, a job she accepted not long after they met (which they now describe as a 'total risk'), but which ultimately yielded a strong bond.

Viewers took to social media when the show debuted, as some have hailed it 'the BBCs smartest, sharpest sitcom since Fleabag'.

'It's about adult friendships, romance and it's done with a disabled lens,' one penned. 'I'm so freaking happy to see this on screen.'

'Interesting show!,' another added. 'There are some great well developed characters in it and I like how disability is incidental to the story and not the starting end of each plot point.'

A third agreed, writing: 'You have no idea how long I waited for a story like that... with disability representation and romance.'

In a previous BBC interview promoting the series, Kyla further explained, saying: 'So much of what we see on screen about disability is made by non-disabled people, theyre often stories of tragedy or inspiration and really shape how people view disability - both for non-disabled people and how disabled people internalise stories about themselves.

'As disabled people are the most underrepresented group in front of and behind the screen, we really want to contribute to changing how people currently define disability and the disabled experience.'
Baz Luhrmann describes his 29-year marriage to wife Catherine Martin 'as camp and not traditional in so many ways, but an absolutely real relationship'.

The Australian director, 63, gives a rare insight into their marriage and how they make it work in Elizabeth Day's How To Fail podcast.

Award-winning production designer Catherine, 61, works on all of Baz's movies.

Baz admits while they keep their relationship out of the spotlight, he understands the public fascination.

'I can understand it. I mean, my stuff is really camp, and our relationship is, well camp in one regard. I use that theatricality and there's an underlying seriousness to it,' he says.

'CM and I, people say, "well, when did you get married?!" I said, "I don't remember. I just know we've always been together and it's a truly real relationship'.

'I love her and if she was gone tomorrow, I don't know what I'd do. But we also are very distinctly different individuals. We understand each other. The relationship works in a way in which it works for us. It's not traditional in so many ways. My kids make lots of jokes about me.'

Baz Luhrmann describes his 29-year marriage to wife Catherine Martin 'as camp and not traditional in so many ways, but it's an absolutely real relationship'

The Australian director, 63, gives a rare insight into their marriage and how they make it work in Elizabeth Day's How To Fail podcast

The couple have two children; Lillian, 22, and William, 20.

When asked by Elizabeth how their children tease them, Baz replies: 'They just mock me a lot. It keeps me very grounded. Sometimes they call me RuPaul.

'I mean, I don't know, like in a fun way. But we have this absolutely real relationship, but we also have our commitment to each other, which is, I think what real marriages are, which is their contracts with each other that, you know are good for each other. There are things you can change and things you can't.

'But weddings are actually advertisements to everybody else that you are together.'

Baz remains one of the most commercially successful and stylistically distinct directors in Hollywood.

He rose to fame with Strictly Ballroom (1992), Romeo + Juliet (1996), and the groundbreaking musical Moulin Rouge! (2001).

Baz is also behind The Great Gatsby (2013) and Elvis (2022).

Of how they work together on their film projects, Baz adds: 'CM does her stuff sometimes and like epic, I did that, that's my gig. She's got her homewares. But then on the visual language stuff, on the films, we work very, very closely together but there's this I think, really deep love and love transforms over the years, is the person that you can have the most trust with so there's a profound trust.

Baz remains one of the most commercially successful and stylistically distinct directors in Hollywood (pictured Leonardo DiCaprio in The Great Gatsby)

Award-winning production designer Catherine, 61, works on all of Baz's movies (pictured with Elvis actor Austin Butler at the Costume Designers Guild Awards)

'She's the person I would turn to and I'm the person she would turn to when you've really got things you can't say to anyone else.'

The couple also often do long distance, with Baz in New York while Catherine stays on the Gold Coast.

Recalling their first meeting, the director says:'I was looking for someone to work as a designer in that company. She had this other partner she worked with.

' I went back to my drama school and she came to this place I lived in above a brothel, Kings Cross.

'I had two sticks of furniture and I had to offer a croissant and we started talking about Bertolt Brecht and Madonna.

'It's supposed to be an hour and conversation went on for three hours or something and we're still having a conversation today [...] I have to have some connective tissue, some connectivity with primary collaborators, and that's how I decide. Is the conversation going on? Is the music going on?'
Jules Neale has made a thinly veiled dig at her ex-husband Lachie as she embarks on a new career as an influencer.

The former WAG, 36, shared a clip to Instagram promoting Elle Macpherson's WelleCo health supplements  and appeared to reference her split from the AFL star in the narration.

'I used to be religious about my WelleCo routine. And then I got a little distracted along the way,' Jules pointedly told her followers.

'I stopped showing up for myself the way I used to. But lately, I have been fighting my way back.

'There's just something really powerful about rebuilding your glow quietly.'

Jules added that she finally feels like herself again.

Jules Neale has made a thinly veiled dig at her ex-husband Lachie as she embarks on a new career as an influencer

'Getting back into my @welleco routine has been such a simple change with a big impact. My mornings feel brighter, my days feel lighter and it feels like Im choosing myself again,' she added in the caption.

It was the close of a very dramatic era for Jules and Lachie over the weekend, as their former family home sold at auction.

Following the couple's much-publicised split, they listed the home, located in the Brisbane suburb of Seven Hills, in January.

Lachie and Jules bought the five-bedroom house at auction for $2.43 million back in July 2022.

The pair made a tidy profit at Saturday's auction with the property changing hands for an impressive $3.2 million  $200,000 over the reserve.

It's reported the auction attracted between 60 to 70 people with 'fierce' bidding starting at $2.5 million.

While Lachie and Jules were not present on Saturday, auctioneer Justin Nickerson told the publication that all parties were 'happy' with the outcome.

The sale comes after Jules celebrated her 36th birthday on Friday.

The former WAG, 36, shared a clip to Instagram promoting Elle Macpherson's WelleCo health supplements  and appeared to reference her split from the AFL star in the narration

'I used to be religious about my WelleCo routine. And then I got a little distracted along the way,' Jules pointedly told her followers. 'I stopped showing up for myself the way I used to... But lately, I have been fighting my way back'

She appeared to be having the time of her life without Lachie as she slipped into a stunning yellow dress and celebrated with friends.

Jules has moved back to Perth following the couple's split, taking their two young children, Piper, four, and Freddie, one, with her.

She recently shared a video montage which showed her moving forward.

One of the most telling parts of the video, which suggests Jules is truly healing, is footage of Lachie.

While reconciliation seems unlikely, she included a video clip of Lachie spending time with their two children.

It seemed to be a preview of what life will be like as single parents in the coming years and months.

Jules and Lachie split in November after she posted to Instagram that the Brisbane Lions star had 'betrayed [her] in the most unimaginable way'.

Lachie later admitted their split was a result of his actions, after rumours swirled about an affair with Jules' former friend Tess Crosley.

The footy player did not go into specifics, but admitted the couple had separated.

'I understand the interest in my personal life, but these are personal matters and I won't be answering any questions on that topic today,' he said.

'I can confirm, though with regret, that Jules and I have now separated.

'While I won't go into specifics I can say that I have let my family down and I apologise for my actions that have let down those that are closest to me. For that I am deeply sorry.'
Beloved radio presenter Pete Diskon died on Tuesday from a heart ailment aged 75, shortly after receiving palliative care.

The veteran DJ's career spanned Queensland, Tasmania and across New South Wales, before he settled in the Eurobodalla in regional NSW, where he spent over a decade on air at ARN's classic hits station 2EC.

His death was confirmed by his beloved wife Shirley, who informed the media that Peter had passed away peacefully at his home.

Even after leaving professional radio in 2016, Pete continued volunteering at local stations 2EAR in Moruya and 88.9 Braidwood Community Radio.

Shirley, who knew Pete for 40 years, recalled their first meeting at a radio station in Mudgee.

'I thought he had an ego as big as Sydney Harbour,' she said in a statement.

Beloved radio presenter Pete Diskon (pictured) died on Tuesday from a heart ailment aged 75, shortly after receiving palliative care

They later reconnected online, leading to marriage.

During his career, Pete interviewed a host of politicians and musicians, and reported on major events, including the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, while working in Tasmania.

Shirley described him as having 'spoken to many very influential people and led a very varied life.'

Pete also served the community in public office.

He was a Eurobodalla Shire Councillor from 2021 to 2024, after earlier health issues prevented him from running in 2015.

Councillor Rob Pollock OAM, a friend of more than 20 years, said: 'Disko was incredibly approachable, caring, and genuinely interested in people's wellbeing. The microphone was always open.'

Meanwhile, Mayor Mat Hatcher described the news as a shock.

'Pete has been in the area as Disko and is a very well-known figure,' he began.

The veteran DJ's career spanned Queensland, Tasmania and across New South Wales, before he settled in the Eurobodalla in regional NSW, where he spent over a decade on air at ARN's classic hits station 2EC

His death was confirmed by his beloved wife Shirley (left), who informed the media that Peter had passed away peacefully at his home

'As a councillor, he was always approachable and keen to chat, with a real interest in the area's history.'

Outside of radio and council, Pete had a long association with the Batemans Bay Seahawks Aussie Rules Club and was a devoted Richmond Tigers supporter, often sharing his passion for the team with friends on air.

Shirley remembered her husband as 'the nicest guy, always keen to have a laugh. I love him to pieces, and I am going to miss him a lot.

'He had been fighting for his health so hard for two to three years, so it is good to see him out of pain as much as it hurts.'

Pete is survived by his wife, their children and grandchildren.
Rosie O'Donnell's daughter, Chelsea O'Donnell, was accused of fondling a man who was a passenger in her vehicle, leading to her probation being revoked last October.

Chelsea, 28, had been on probation in connection with arrests linked to alleged narcotics and child neglect offenses at the time of the incident, according to a revocation summary report obtained by Daily Mail.

Officials with the State of Wisconsin Department of Corrections said in the report that in the incident, which occurred between May and September of 2025, the passenger said he did not give Chelsea his permission to touch him.

The passenger said he was in the backseat while Chelsea was driving, and rebuffed her once when she touched his inner thigh, according to the report.

'After pushing her hand away, Ms. O'Donnell then touched his genitals,' authorities said in the report.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Rosies representative for further details on this story.

Rosie O'Donnell's daughter Chelsea O'Donnell, 28, was accused of fondling a man who was a passenger in her vehicle, leading to her probation being revoked last October. Pictured 2024

Rosie O'Donnell's daughter Chelsea O'Donnell, 28, was accused of fondling a man who was a passenger in her vehicle, leading to her probation being revoked October; Rosie (L) is pictured with Chelsea (R) in 2016

According to the report, Chelsea was upset that she was romantically rejected by the passenger and began to drive dangerously while not paying attention to the road.

'She was mad because I told her she needed to watch the road,' the passenger told authorities with the Wisconsin DOC. 'She was also mad because I pushed her hand away.

'She touched my genitals, and then got mad at me because I told her to stop doing this.'

Chelsea denied having sexually assaulted the passenger, saying he had consented to her touching.

Numerous elements in the state's latest report were deemed problematic to the six-year probation sentence Chelsea received in March of 2025.

The initial probation sentence came after Chelsea entered guilty pleas to charges of possession of methamphetamine, felony bail jumping and resisting or obstructing an officer in February 2025.

As conditional to her probation, Chelsea agreed that she would get permission from officials prior to entering into any new romantic, dating or sexual relationships.

Officials say that Chelsea admittedly ignored that rule, as she was in multiple sexual relationships between the months of July to September 2025.

Join the debate Should celebrities children be held to stricter standards when facing legal trouble?

Rosie is mother to five adopted children: son Parker, 29; Chelsea, 28; Blake, 26; Vivienne, 23; and Clay, 13. Pictured in March of 2020 in NYC

'During this time, Ms. O'Donnell was not truthful with her Agent of Record about the relationships she was engaging in, nor did she have permission to engage in these relationships,' authorities said in the report.

Chelsea told authorities that she had sexual relationships with four other people and was also courting a person on a dating app, which she hadn't previously reported to them.

Authorities with the DOC said that Chelsea failed to follow the terms of her 'stayed' sentence, leading to her being taken back into custody last year.

Other stipulations included Chelsea staying in Marinette Drug Court's program, and remaining clean; and getting her high school diploma or GED, according to court docs.

After Chelsea was determined to have violated her probation, authorities with the drug court told US Weekly that the breach was 'due to sexual assault allegations.'

Rosie O'Donnell adopted Chelsea in 1997; they are pictured in 2006 in NYC

Authorities told the outlet that Chelsea had not met the terms of her drug treatment program.

'The facts surrounding this request have been staffed with the Marinette County Treatment Drug Court Team and have been deemed sufficient grounds to warrant termination from the Marinette County Treatment Drug Court Program,' a court filing said at the time.

Rosie is mother to five adopted children: son Parker, 29, Chelsea, 28, Blake, 26, Vivienne, 23, and Clay, 13.

Rosie, who adopted Chelsea in 1997, took to Instagram expressing her sadness when Chelsea's probation was revoked.

'My child chelsea belle - before addiction took over her life,' she wrote in the October 29 post. 'I loved her then i love her now as she faces a scary future- prayers welcomed.'

Rosie added the hashtags, '#addiction awareness,' '#love' and '#family.'
Lily Collins is facing backlash from some fans who think she was poorly cast in the upcoming Audrey Hepburn biopic.

On Monday, the 36-year-old Emily In Paris star announced her role as the late Hollywood icon in a film about the making of 1961's Breakfast at Tiffany's.

'Seriously? They couldn't find someone more fitting than her? This feels off,' one person complained on X.

Another person said, 'Having the same eyebrows doesn't mean you have the same soul,' referencing the actresses' uncanny physical resemblance.

The social media user, whose handle is @azmy1136913, continued, 'Audrey was pure grace and depth; Lily Collins is pure Emily in Paris vibes.

'This is lazy aesthetic casting over actual talent. A legend like Audrey deserves more than just a lookalike.'

Lily Collins is facing backlash from some fans who think she was poorly cast in the upcoming Audrey Hepburn biopic; pictured in December

On Monday the 36-year-old Emily In Paris star (pictured left) announced her role as the late Hollywood icon (pictured on the right in 1955) in a film about the making of Breakfast at Tiffany's

'Seriously? They couldn't find someone more fitting than her? This feels off,' one person complained on X

Someone else argued that Ariana Grande would have been a better fit: 'This should've been Ariana. Noooooo.'

The upcoming not-yet-titled film is based on Sam Wasson's book Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.: Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast At Tiffany's And The Dawn Of The Modern Woman.

The book is credited as the first complete account of the making of one of Audrey's most famous films.

A skeptic asked, 'Is there something specifically interesting or exceptional about the making of Breakfast At Tiffany's?

'I mean, I've only ever heard the story that Capote wanted Monroe to star and that hardly sounds like enough material for a movie script?'

'It's with almost 10 years of development and a lifetime of admiration and adoration for Audrey that Im finally able to share this,' Collins wrote in an Instagram caption this week.

She shared a snapshot of Hepburn in character as Holly Golightly, as well as a screenshot of a Deadline news article.

Collins added, 'Honored and ecstatic dont begin to express how I feel'

'Having the same eyebrows doesn't mean you have the same soul,' someone remarked about the actresses' uncanny physical resemblance

Someone else argued that Ariana Grande would have been a better fit

Another skeptic asked, 'Is there something specifically interesting or exceptional about the making of Breakfast At Tiffany's?'

'If you're going to do a film about Audrey this is like the least interesting part of her life to focus on,' said one critic online

Another harsh comment, posted on Reddit, said: 'Not even a fingernail's amount of Audreys charm or talent'

The upcoming not-yet-titled film is based on Sam Wasson's book Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.: Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast At Tiffany's And The Dawn Of The Modern Woman

A critic wrote on X: 'I'm not even inherently opposed to biopics but If you're going to do a film about Audrey this is like the least interesting part of her life to focus on.

'She lived through the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands as a child! She saved starving children with UNICEF!'

Another harsh comment, posted on Reddit, said: 'Not even a fingernail's amount of Audreys charm or talent.

'She wasnt a star because of only her look, she had that Je ne sais quoi that only a couple of stars every couple of decades have.'

Someone tacked on, 'I literally stopped watching Emily in Paris because the idea that all these men would be so taken by her was so incredibly unbelievable.'
Daily Mail has obtained the 911 call made in connection with the tragic death of Martin Short's daughter Katherine via suicide at 42 on Monday.

In the call, a dispatcher from the Los Angeles Fire Department was heard telling first responders that the nature of Katherine's wound was 'self-inflicted'.

The dispatcher said that the person who reported the incident had been 'with the patient and unable to enter the bedroom' of the Hollywood, California home.

A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed to the Daily Mail that crews responded to a call at the address at approximately 6:41 p.m., but declined to identify the individual involved due to privacy concerns.

On Tuesday, representatives for the 75-year-old comedy legend confirmed the devastating news in a statement to the Daily Mail.

'It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,' the statement read. 'The Short family is devastated by this loss and asks for privacy at this time.

'Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.'

Martin Short's daughter, Katherine, has died by suicide at the age of 42 (pictured in 2008)

In the call, a dispatcher from the Los Angeles Fire Department was heard telling first responders that the nature of the wound was 'self-inflicted'. Katherine's Hollywood home pictured

Katherine was last seen out publicly with her dad while celebrating her 40th birthday, attended by Kurt Russell, Goldie Hawn, Catherine O'Hara, Bo Welch and Joni Mitchell, at the Grand Master Recorders in Hollywood in 2023.

Katherine was a licensed clinical social worker with a masters degree from the University of Southern California.

Short adopted Katherine and her brothers Oliver and Henry with his late wife Nancy Dolman, who died in 2010 after a battle with ovarian cancer.

The couple had been married for 30 years at the time of her death.

Following Dolman's passing, Short's longtime comedy partner Steve Martin paid tribute to her with a musical elegy titled The Great Remember (For Nancy), which appeared on one of his albums.

Speaking in 2019 about Nancy, Short described his marriage to the actress as a 'triumph'.

He admitted he still 'talks' to his late wife all the time and still feels her presence around him.

In an interview with AARP magazine, he said: 'With real tragedy, you become a little more daring. It's the yin to the yang: the positive part of life's dark side.'

On Tuesday, representatives for the comedy legend confirmed the devastating news in a statement to the Daily Mail; Katherine is pictured with Short and brother Oliver in 2006

Short also previously told CBC his attitude to grief is: 'We go on.'

In his memoir, released in 2014, he described Nancy's death as 'by far the most awful thing I've been through'.

And as he supported his children through the grief of losing their mother, Short drew from his own experiences.

Speaking to youngest son Henry the night before Nancy died, he told him: 'This will make you stronger. This will make you more determined.'

As Short and his children continue 14 years following his spouse's passing, the actor has previously revealed the George Eliot quote that he holds dear when thinking about her.

'Our dead are never dead to us until we have forgotten them,' he told The Hollywood Reporter in an August 2024 interview.

He added, 'We were together for 36 years. I didn't want to forget Nancy.'

Short, who is originally from Hamilton, Canada, was orphaned at the young age of 20 and has suffered further loss in his adult life, too.

Despite experiencing more grief than many have in a lifetime by adolescence, Short has recently insisted he isn't 'screwed up' by the tragedy that beset his earlier years; instead arguing it made him stronger.

Katherine last pictured publicly celebrating her 40th birthday with her dad Martin Short at the Grand Master Recorders in 2023

Short pictured at his daughter's party, which was attended by Kurt Russell, Goldie Hawn, Catherine O'Hara, Bo Welch, Joni Mitchell and Julianne Phillips, in 2023

Short was born in March of 1950 as the youngest of five children to Irish and English immigrants Olive Grace and Charles Patrick Short in the Canadian province of Ontario.

Speaking in 2012 about his childhood with four older siblings in conversation with The Guardian, Short said being the youngest was 'the greatest position in the world' because people fawned over him - and joked it was impossible for him to have had low self esteem growing up.

He had three brothers, David, Michael and Brian, and a sister, Nora. However, in 1962 when Short was just 12 years old, David, the oldest brother, died in a car accident in Montreal.

Speaking when his memoir was published in 2014, he discussed writing about his brother's death.

'What you don't know when you start is how open you're going to be: what you're going to tell, what you're not going to tell, what you feel comfortable telling,' he told CBC News.

He added that writing the memoir wasn't necessarily the 'cathartic' experience people may assume it might be.

Six years after David's sudden death, Martin also lost his mother Olive, who had been battling cancer for several years. He was 17 years old at the time.

Two years later, his father died following complications from a stroke.

Short and his late wife Nancy Dolman, pictured in 1989 with their children Katherine and Oliver

When Short was just 12 years old his brother David passed away after he was involved in a car accident. Short, second from left, pictured with his siblings David, Michael, Brian and Nora

Short's parents (pictured) Olive Grace and Charles Patrick Short were British-Irish immigrants who settled in the Canadian province of Ontario

Despite being orphaned and having lost a sibling before he reached 20 years old, Short has long insisted the tragedy he endured in his younger years shaped him as he learnt to live with his grief.

'At 20, I knew things about life and death and tragedy and loss that none of my friends knew about. I don't know why this didn't screw me up,' he told the Hollywood Reporter last month.

'The only thing I can think of is that these kind of life stresses either empower you or defeat you.'

He added the losses had helped him develop 'muscles' to deal with more challenging things later in life.

'I do think, in a weird way, it did make me braver as a performer, braver onstage' and explained he had fewer inhibitions when performing as a young and rising star because he didn't care what others thought of him,' he said.

In 1972, Short met his wife, fellow actress Nancy Dolman, and the pair were married five years later

After the couple met, Dolman gave up acting to be a stay-at-home mother to their three adopted children

And his outlook appears to have paid off.

During his career, Short has triumphed on stage and screen; and most recently has teamed up with his comedy partner Steve Martin to dazzle audiences with Only Murders In The Building; one of the biggest hits on the Disney Plus streaming platform.

In 1972, Short met Dolman, a fellow actress, and the pair were married by 1980.

Five years after the couple tied the knot, Nancy retired from show business to become a stay-at-home mother.
Sally Nugent's glamorous new look on BBC Breakfast has reportedly sparked fury from one of its biggest stars, as the under-fire show remains at the centre of a bullying probe.

Naga Munchetty was initially placed under review in August after it was claimed several colleagues had logged concerns over her 'hard' and 'bullying' behaviour, and it was reported in November this has escalated into a full-on investigation.

And it's now being claimed that while some viewers have delighted in Sally's 'glow-up', Naga has made a brutal dig at her new look, adding yet more toxicity to the troubled show.

According to The Sun, Naga ranted: 'We're meant to be serious journalists, not trying to look like we're presenting This Morning.'

Sally previously shared snaps of her flowing new hairstyle on Instagram, tagging hair colourist Calum Tierney, who has worked on stars including Michelle Keegan and Samia Longchambon.

And sources said that while she has done her best to 'keep out' of any rivalries on BBC Breakfast, Naga's comments felt 'particularly targeted'.

Sally Nugent's glamorous new look on BBC Breakfast has reportedly sparked fury from one of its biggest stars, as the under-fire show remains at the centre of a bullying probe

Naga Munchetty was placed under review in August after it was claimed several colleagues had logged concerns over her 'hard' and 'bullying' behaviour

An insider said: 'Things have been ticking along fairly quietly for the last couple of months whilst the bullying investigations continued but this was a nasty little moment.

'Sally tries to keep out of the rivalries but this latest comment feels particularly targeted. What's wrong with having a few highlights and trying out new styles?

'Sally is loving the new look  it doesn't detract in any way from her work or how good a journalist she is.'

A representative for the BBC told the Daily Mail: 'We do not comment on individual staff issues.' The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Sally Nugent and Naga Munchetty for comment.

Sally hosts BBC Breakfast alongside Jon Kay from Mondays to Wednesdays, with Naga fronting the show with Charlie Stayt from Thursdays to Saturdays.

She joined the show in 2021 following Louise Minchin's departure, while Naga has been a part of the show since 2014.

Sally split from her husband, businessman Gavin Hawthorn, in May 2023 after 13 years together. They share a son together.

Naga's future at BBC Breakfast remains in doubt after a formal investigation was launched into her behaviour in November.

It's now being claimed that Naga has made a brutal dig at Sally's new look, saying: 'We're meant to be serious journalists, not trying to look like we're presenting This Morning'

Sally previously shared snaps of her flowing new hairstyle on Instagram, tagging hair colourist Calum Tierney, who has worked on stars including Michelle Keegan and Samia Longchambon

The broadcaster, who is paid between 355,000 and 359,999 a year, is said to be allowed to stay on at the channel, but that she will only work with certain producers while the probe takes place.

A source told The Sun at the time: 'Naga has not been taken off air but now has certain members of production monitoring her and her interactions.

'She's only allowed to speak to specific people too. It's far from ideal as a way of working and everyone hopes it comes to a head someway or another soon.'

Naga faces an uncertain future on the broadcaster, with reports Deborah Turness's resignation could leave her 'vulnerable'.

The former CEO of BBC News quit in November last year over the botched editing of one of Donald Trump's speeches by Panorama.

An insider told the publication at the time: 'The Naga situation has been an albatross around Breakfast's neck since June when the endemic bullying at Media City was first exposed by The Sun.

'Whilst others have been cleared, the review on Naga has done the opposite - with further complaints against her.

'They had no choice but to take things from the slightly softer "under review" to formal investigation. Of course, her detractors are gossiping that the timing with Deborah's departure isn't exactly a coincidence.'

The BBC has repeatedly declined to comment on the allegations, saying: 'We do not comment on individual HR matters.'

Naga's own conduct was thrown into doubt when BBC Breakfast's editor Richard Frediani reportedly took an extended period of leave, after an internal review of bullying and misconduct allegations was opened into the show.

Naga was reportedly spoken to by executives after a junior staffer accused the journalist of bullying them.

She was also reportedly hauled into a meeting after she was accused of making a sex jibe during an ad break while hosting her radio show.

The presenter is believed to have used a crude slang term for a sex act and reportedly asked a colleague if they had ever done it.

Naga is no longer represented by agents M&C Saatchi, who also dropped former BBC One Show host Jermaine Jenas after his sexting scandal.

Naga's future at BBC Breakfast remains in doubt after a formal investigation was launched into her behaviour in November

Her new agents have reportedly 'held talks with rival station LBC' to explore other opportunities.

The journalist is paid almost double of her co-host Charlie, 63, remained in the 190,000 bracket as tensions between the pair are said to be 'rife'.

It has been a rocky time for the BBC after director general Tim Davie and Deborah, chief executive of BBC News, sensationally stepped down amid an impartiality row after an internal report accused it of institutional bias and censorship.

MasterChef's Gregg Wallace, 61, was sacked following a series of misconduct allegations relating to his time on the series.

Then in September, Irish chef Anna Haugh, 44, was announced to takeover from John Torode, who lost his job after two decades over allegations he used 'racist language in 2018', something he claims he has 'no recollection' of.
This 90s heartthrob is best known for starring alongside Lara Flynn Boyle in a cult classic supernatural murder mystery.

And on Tuesday, the actor, 59, looked a world away from his former screen idol days as he walked his dog in Los Angeles.

The New York native wore a casual black zip-up hoodie with a pair of grey jeans and black sneakers.

The former TV star displayed a bushy grey beard, while his once-thick raven hair was shaved into a thinned-out buzz cut.

His 57-year-old actress wife, with whom he has a son, was also pictured out later in the day.

Can you guess who this actor is?

This 90s heartthrob, 59, is best known for starring alongside Lara Flynn Boyle in a cult classic supernatural murder mystery

And on Tuesday, the actor looked a world away from his former screen idol days while walking his dog in Los Angeles. Can you guess who he is?

That's right! It's James Marshall, who played the brooding James Hurley in the 1990 series Twin Peaks.

His character was the motorcycle-riding 'secret' boyfriend of murdered prom queen, Laura Palmer, played by Sheryl Lee.

Meanwhile, Boyle played Donna Hayward, Palmer's best friend.

Marshall's wife, Renee Griffin, was also pictured out on Tuesday, looking casual in a plaid blue button-up shirt and blue, ripped jeans.

The Number One Fan actress, 57, kept cozy in a pair of UGG boots and carried a brown handbag.

Her blonde tresses were pulled up into a casual updo.

Marshall and Griffin have been married since 1998.

The actor was a series regular throughout both seasons of the original Twin Peaks series, which aired from 1990 to 1991.

He later reprised his role in the prequel film, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me, directed by David Lynch in 1992.

And in 2017, he returned for the limited series revival, Twin Peaks: The Return, on Showtime.

In 2010, Marshall's career was sidelined by a high-profile $11 million lawsuit against pharmaceutical company Hoffmann-LaRoche.

That's right! It's James Marshall, who played the brooding James Hurley in the 1990 series Twin Peaks

With his co-stars Lara Flynn Boyle and Sherilyn Fenn in the hit TV show

The New York native wore a casual black zip-up hoodie with grey jeans and black sneakers

The former TV star displayed a bushy grey beard, while his once-thick raven hair was shaved into a thinned-out buzz cut as he walked his dog in Los Angeles

Marshall was a series regular throughout both seasons of the original Twin Peaks series, which aired from 1990 to 1991

He later reprised his role in the prequel film, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me, directed by David Lynch in 1992

And in 2017, he returned for the limited series revival, Twin Peaks: The Return, on Showtime

Aside from his iconic role as the moody biker, Marshall also starred in A Few Good Men (1992), Gladiator (1992), and Cadence (1990)

He most recently played a character named Kane on the 2022 series The Pact

Marshall's wife, Renee Griffin, 57, was also out on Tuesday, looking casual in a plaid blue button-up shirt and blue jeans with rips

The Number One Fan actress kept cozy in a pair of UGG boots and carried a brown handbag

Marshall and Griffin have been married since 1998

In 2010, Marshall's career was sidelined by a high-profile $11 million lawsuit against pharmaceutical company Hoffmann-LaRoche

The actor alleged that he suffered gastrointestinal injuries from the acne medication Accutane, leading to a four-month hospital stay and the surgical removal of his colon.

Marshall claimed the surgery derailed his momentum in Hollywood.

Ultimately, his claim was unsuccessful.

Aside from his iconic role as the moody biker, Marshall also starred in A Few Good Men (1992), Gladiator (1992), and Cadence (1990).

He most recently played Kane in the 2022 series The Pact.
There are some Sydney 'celebrities' who really get my goat.

If you're a regular reader, you'll know Abbie Chatfield is probably the biggest offender, and the No. 2 slot is occupied by so-called 'celebrity' trainer Jono Castano.

I have personal reasons for my sheer disdain for both of these people, but I won't go into them here, lest I send my blood pressure soaring.

Instead, let me give you a few names of the Sydney women I do have a lot of time for.

There's Double Bay nude artist Dina Broadhurst, former reality TV star and award-winning podcaster Brittany Hockley, and model and TV presenter Laura Csortan.

I've also got a soft spot for yoga studio owner Monique Pickles and model Simone Holtznagel - who I backed all the way after her recent online tit for tat with her ex.

Jackie O was once the relatable, slightly daggy mum - the perfect antidote to Kyle's loudmouth larrikin persona (the co-hosts are pictured in 2005)

At 51, Jackie looks phenomenal. She's sculpted her body, sharpened her style and - most importantly - has become a fully paid-up member of the eastern suburbs 'in-crowd'. But has she lost some of her appeal in the process? (Jackie is seen at 2025 Australian Fashion Week)

And how could I forget? Radio personality Jackie 'O' Henderson, the long-serving (some might say long-suffering) co-host of The Kyle and Jackie O Show on KIIS FM.

And it's Jackie I want to talk to you about today.

Unless you've been living under a rock you'll know that Jackie is taking time off her show after her humiliating on-air fight with co-star Kyle Sandilands last week.

During the bust-up, he called her out for being unprofessional and unfocused at work, chastising her for being too focused on astrology. (Excuse me, Kyle, some of us want to know about Saturn rising!)

Let's be honest, it was an uncomfortable, toe-curling listen. I turned the volume down because I felt like I was eavesdropping on an estranged couple's mediation session.

I certainly didn't blame Jackie when she tearfully left the studio and swiftly took a week of leave. I would have done the same.

But to assume this clash was simply about the moon rising in Capricorn, or Pisces being the superior star sign (yes, I just had a birthday), would be foolish.

In my opinion, this explosion has been years in the making. It's a sentiment I share with media commentator Rob McKnight - who laid out his reasons here - though I arrived at the same conclusion by a different path.

Join the debate Has Jackie O's glamorous lifestyle made her less relatable to the show's loyal listeners?

After splitting from her husband, Jackie buddied up with PR guru Roxy Jacenko. That was just the start. She soon traded up to become besties with fashion mogul Pip Edwards (right)

Jackie's socialite transformation was complete when she holidayed in Bali in January 2024 with TV golden girl Carrie Bickmore, who also went through a similar post-divorce glow-up

Let me be clear: Jackie's transformation is for the better and she's allowed to evolve. But anyone can see the multimillion-dollar dynamic has now altered

Let's rewind to 2018, when Jackie split from her husband of 15 years, photographer Lee Henderson. Suddenly, she found herself a single mum to daughter Kitty, navigating life solo after what looked, from the outside, like a traditional marriage.

And this is when I believe the shift slowly began.

Before her divorce, Jackie, despite her wealth, was the relatable working mum: warm, a touch daggy and self-deprecating. A bit like Celeste Barber before the gloss, filters and fame transformed her into one of the very influencers she used to mock.

Then she went through a transformation we often see on Instagram these days: the post-divorce phoenix rising.

At 51, Jackie looks phenomenal. She's sculpted her body, sharpened her style and - most importantly - has become a fully paid-up member of the eastern suburbs 'in-crowd'.

But has she lost some of her appeal in the process?

Oh, I can hear the braying banshees already: 'Amanda, how dare you criticise Jackie because of the company she keeps! She can befriend whoever she likes!'

That's all fair enough - and I'm not suggesting there's anything wrong with Jackie's famous friends, who I'm sure are all perfectly lovely.

But that broader social scene? I find it nauseating and superficial. Half the women there would stab you in the back before you could say Joh Bailey.

After splitting from her husband, you might remember Jackie buddied up with PR guru Roxy Jacenko - a fact Kyle occasionally mentioned on the air.

That was just the start.

She soon traded up to become besties with fashion mogul Pip Edwards and TV golden girl Carrie Bickmore, who also went through a similar post-divorce glow-up.

Pip and Carrie are the bee's knees, I'm sure, and who doesn't love to see a divorced woman out there living her best life like Jackie has done? We've seen her catching rays on super yachts, partying with celebs, going on six-star holidays in Greece.

I'm not for a moment denying her the good life - Jackie's earned every cent - and I don't begrudge her happiness. This is especially true after she fought her way through addiction and come out the other side. I know how hard that is.

But this is where it gets uncomfortable, so hear me out.

Commercial radio - specifically The Kyle and Jackie O Show - is successful because of the relatability of the hosts, the friends in your ears every morning.

It endures because listeners feel like they're right there in the studio - even if they are cruising down the M4, washing up the dishes in Blacktown, or doing the school drop-off in Penrith.

Jackie was the girl next door you'd trust with your secrets. And Kyle was the loud-mouthed larrikin at the family barbecue: new money, brash, sometimes rude, but salt of the earth and calls it how he sees it. Decades ago, I interviewed him at a Ronald McDonald charity event - he was an absolute darling.

'Come on, this isn't really about the stars and the moon, is it? This is about two people who were once perfectly in sync now seeming to orbit in opposite galaxies,' writes Amanda Goff of Kyle and Jackie O's nuclear falling-out

He provokes, she calms. He lobs grenades, she defuses them. Their chemistry is spot-on, and it's no wonder they're earning the money they're on.

But this is the part that I am grappling to say: Kyle's always been Kyle, whereas Jackie is no longer the Jackie we all fell in love with when the pair first linked up. Not really.

Let me be clear: her transformation is for the better and she's allowed to evolve.

But anyone can see the winning dynamic has now changed. Whimsical diversions into astrology, I fear, were just a glimpse.

Has Jackies easternsuburbs glowup created distance from the heartland western Sydney audience that loves KJO? And is any of it remotely relatable to new listeners in Melbourne they're so desperate to win over?

Has her evolution shifted the dynamic? Has the girlgang lifestyle, the woowoo podcasting and the swanky socialite hangouts tipped the balance?

I doubt star signs are the only issue here. Kyle's frustration is obvious, given how openly and publicly he dismisses her passion.

Come on, this isn't really about Mercury in retrograde, is it?

This is about two people who were once perfectly in sync now seeming to orbit in opposite galaxies. And yes, Kyle - you crossed the line yelling at Jackie on air. Every woman I know would agree: it was mean and humiliating. End of story.

As any woman over 40 will tell you, change is good. It's healthy.

But in radio - especially on a juggernaut like The Kyle and Jackie O Show - familiarity is what keeps listeners hooked.

Jackie's evolution is inspiring, while Kyle's identity remains resolutely the same. Neither is wrong. But now, these two stars must decide: keep drifting into separate universes, or find a way to shine together.

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Martin Short's comedy shows with Steve Martin have been postponed following the death of his daughter, Katherine, by suicide.

Only Murders in the Building co-stars Short, 75, and Martin, 80, were set to take the stage this weekend in Milwaukee and Minneapolis for their comedy tour, titled The Best of Steve Martin and Martin Short.

However, both venues announced on Tuesday that the shows have been postponed.

Pabst Theater Group shared a statement on their website that read, 'Due to unforeseen circumstances, Steve Martin & Martin Short's show, originally scheduled for Friday, February 27th in Milwaukee, has been postponed.'

'Tickets will be honored for a future rescheduled date. We will be in contact with further news when it is available.'

Short and Martin's upcoming stop at The Fabulous Fox theater in St. Louis, Missouri, on October 10 was also postponed.

Martin Short's, 75, comedy shows with Steve Martin, 80, have been postponed following the death of his daughter, Katherine, by suicide; Short and Martin pictured in 2025

Katherine's death at the age of 42 was announced on Tuesday; She is pictured with her father in 2011

The two also have tour dates scheduled in March, April, and September. Those have not yet been officially postponed.

Katherine's death at the age of 42 was announced on Tuesday.

Representatives for Short confirmed the devastating news in a statement to the Daily Mail.

'It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,' the statement read. 'The Short family is devastated by this loss and asks for privacy at this time. Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.'

A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed to the Daily Mail that crews responded to a call at the address at approximately 6:41 p.m., but declined to identify the individual involved due to privacy concerns.

According to dispatch calls reviewed by the Daily Mail, Katherine was found at her home with a 'self-inflicted' gunshot wound.

The dispatcher said that the person who reported the incident had been 'with the patient and unable to enter the bedroom' of the Hollywood, California, home.

Katherine was last seen out publicly with her dad while celebrating her 40th birthday, attended by Kurt Russell, Goldie Hawn, Catherine O'Hara, Bo Welch and Joni Mitchell, at the Grand Master Recorders in 2023.

The Only Murders in the Building co-stars were set to take the stage this weekend in Milwaukee and Minneapolis, but both venues announced the shows are postponed

Short and Martin's upcoming stop at The Fabulous Fox theater in St. Louis, Missouri , on October 10 was also postponed

Katherine was a licensed clinical social worker with a masters degree from the University of Southern California.

Short adopted Katherine and her brothers, Oliver and Henry, with his late wife Nancy Dolman, who died in 2010 after a battle with ovarian cancer.

The couple had been married for 30 years at the time of her death.

Following Dolman's passing, Short's longtime comedy partner Steve Martin paid tribute to her with a musical elegy titled The Great Remember (For Nancy), which appeared on one of his albums.

Speaking in 2019 about Nancy, Short described his marriage to the actress as a 'triumph'. He admitted he still 'talks' to his late wife all the time and still feels her presence around him.

In an interview with AARP magazine, he said: 'With real tragedy, you become a little more daring. It's the yin to the yang: the positive part of life's dark side.'

He also previously told CBC his attitude to grief is: 'We go on.'

In his memoir, released in 2014, he described Nancy's death as 'by far the most awful thing I've been through'.

On Tuesday, representatives for the comedy legend confirmed the news of his daughter's death in a statement to the Daily Mail; Short pictured with Katherine in 2008

Short and his late wife Nancy Dolman, pictured in 1989 with their children Katherine and Oliver

And as he supported his children through the grief of losing their mother, Short drew from his own experiences.

Speaking to youngest son Henry the night before Nancy died, he told him: 'This will make you stronger. This will make you more determined.'

As Short and his children continue, 14 years on, to process their grief over Nancy, the actor has previously revealed the George Eliot quote that he holds dear when thinking about her.

'Our dead are never dead to us until we have forgotten them,' he told the Hollywood Reporter, before adding: 'We were together for 36 years. I didn't want to forget Nancy.'

If you are struggling, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on 988 for help and support
Jennifer Garner opened up about the challenges of co-parenting her three children with ex-husband Ben Affleck.

The Alias star, 53, candidly discussed raising Violet, 20, Fin, 17, and Samuel, 13, in separate households on Tuesday's episode of Bustle's One Nightstand YouTube series.

Garner said that when the kids are with her, she has to 'become mom and dad' and added that there is a 'loss' that comes with co-parenting.

Addressing how she finds the balance in raising her children with a 'conscientious upbringing' and 'appreciation,' Garner told host Charlotte Owen that she feels she provides 'a bit of both.'

'And I think my kids dad does too. Especially when your kids grow up in two separate households, I become mom and dad and he becomes dad and mom.'

'You kind of can't help it, right? Because you don't have the benefit of both sides of the yin and yang being in the same house,' she added.

Jennifer Garner, 53, opened up about the challenges of co-parenting her three children with ex-husband Ben Affleck

The star discussed raising Violet, 20, Fin, 17, and Samuel, 13, in separate households on Tuesday's episode of Bustle's One Nightstand series; Seen with her ex and kids in 2018

'There's a little bit of loss in that, but theres also something gained in that,' the actress noted.

'You also just learn. It's made me let go and not focus so much on bringing up,' she added.

Garner and Affleck were wed from 2005 until 2018.

Last month Garner talked about how 'hard' the split was in an interview with Marie Claire UK.

'You have to be smart about what you can and can't handle, and I could not handle what was out there,' she said.

'The fact of it is what was hard. The actual breaking up of a family is what was hard. Losing a true partnership and friendship is what was hard.'

And she made it clear she has always put her children first even though she has a big Hollywood career.

'It never felt like a sacrifice. It was really hard to go to work and it definitely shaped the jobs I chose, in a big way,' she said.

Garner said that when the kids are with her, she has to 'become mom and dad' and added that there is a 'loss' that comes with co-parenting

'You don't have the benefit of both sides of the yin and yang being in the same house,' she added

'There's a little bit of loss in that, but theres also something gained in that,' the actress noted; She is pictured with daughter Violet in 2022

Affleck is seen with their son Samuel at a Lakers game in Los Angeles in 2025

Gushing about her children, Garner also said how she is 'so proud of how they walk through the world, and proud of them for trying hard.'

But the star admitted it is 'the hardest thing' navigating the spotlight being on her family.

She said: 'Not hard in the grand scheme of what is hard in the world, but tricky for me and tricky for my family.'

The star also recently talked about their family being plunged into media scrutiny when Affleck reunited with ex-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez in 2021.

He went on to marry Lopez in 2022 but she filed for divorce two years later.

Addressing her decision to move away from her famously private stance regarding her ex-husband, Garner told Flaunt magazine that she hopes to help other women by sharing her perspective.

'Time has passed, and other women are going through really hard seasons in their lives, and I think it's helpful to know that time will go on and you will get to the other side,' she said.

'That's really all it's about. I was in the middle of something for a really long time, and it didn't make sense.'

Garner and Affleck were wed from 2005 until 2018; Pictured in 2013

Following their divorce Affleck reunited with ex-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez in 2021. He went on to marry Lopez in 2022 but she filed for divorce two years later; Seen with Lopez in 2024

'There was no way to talk about it, and it's certainly not my place to talk about him or his experience or anything he's gone through, or my children or their experience,' she added.

'But I can say that I feel lighter and happier and more myself [than I have] in a really long time, and I think that's important to know because I really felt like, "Oh my gosh, has this family shake up  has it changed me forever?"'

'When you're many years into something, you think, "I don't know how it's gonna pass."'

Elsewhere in the candid sit-down, Garner clarified that a ring she was wearing was not an engagement ring, despite her steady seven year romance with businessman John Miller.
Eminem's ex-wife Kimberly Scott appeared out of sorts as she was seen in newly-released bodycam footage from her arrest in connection with DUI earlier this month in Michigan.

Scott, 51, was taken into custody by the Chesterfield Police Department on February 16 and hit with a pair of charges, including operating a vehicle while intoxicated and failure to stop or identify after causing property damage, according to court documents obtained by TMZ.

Scott  who is mother to daughter Hailie Jade, 30, with Eminem  donned a tank top and blue jeans as she chatted outside a residence with police officers.

Scott told officers that another driver in a 'little blue car' swerved into her lane, which she said led her to have 'no choice' or room, but to careen her Range Rover into a pickup truck in the lane to her right.

'I didn't see the pickup truck, but I felt the impact and my car felt the impact,' Scott told police.

The Daily Mail has reached out to the Chesterfield Police Department for further info on this story.

Eminem's ex-wife Kimberly Scott appeared out of sorts as she was seen in newly-released bodycam footage from her arrest in connection with a DUI earlier this month in her native Michigan. Pictured in Michigan in 2004

Scott was married to Eminem from 1999 to 2001, and they were married a second time for a few months in 2006; he is pictured onstage on June 6, 2024, in Detroit

Asked if she had been consuming alcohol or narcotics, Scott said, 'No.'

Officers pointed out to Scott that she had made contact with her garage door with her vehicle.

Scott told police said she had been distracted by the 'screaming and yelling' children in the Range Rover, as they thought they were being followed.

Asked when the last time she drank was, Scott said, 'An hour, two hours, maybe three hours ago.'

Police asked Scott to retrieve her insurance information, and conducted a search of the vehicle, which led them to discover alcohol.

Scott, a native of Warren, Michigan, was clad in a hooded zip-up sweater in a seperate part of the video, in which she was seen submitting to a preliminary breath test.

After breathing into a device, Scott was placed into handcuffs, at which time she asked police to notify her family of what was happening.

Sources with direct knowledge told TMZ that Scott's alleged crash occurred around 8 p.m. ET on Monday, February 16.

Scott  who had reportedly gotten sober after battling addiction for years  was said to have departed her home with her teenage son, Parker, who was accompanied by three of his friends in the car.

Scott has been charged with two charges, operating a vehicle while intoxicated and failure to stop or identify after causing property damage, according to court documents obtained by TMZ

The group was reportedly going out shopping, but their trip was suddenly interrupted when Scott allegedly crashed into a car that was parked on the street.

According to the publication, sources said Scott didn't stop the vehicle and instead continued driving, but instead of continuing on the shopping trip, she drove back to her home.

Then Scott allegedly crashed her car a second time as she pulled into her driveway, but failed to stop and slammed into her garage door.

A photo dated from Monday that was obtained by TMZ showed what was allegedly Scott's white Range Rover after it had crashed into the garage door, which was partially caved in.

The vehicle appeared to have a smashed passenger-side headlight, and the bumper was damaged and partially ripped off the vehicle, though it wasn't clear which of the alleged crashes may have caused the majority of the damage.

According to the publication, one of Scott's neighbors, who claimed to have seen the crash, put in a call to police.

After they arrived, Scott was reportedly taken to a hospital for unspecified injuries, then discharged early on Tuesday morning.

Scott's life was once a magnet for controversy, particularly during her romances with Eminem (real name: Marshall Mathers III), to whom she got married twice.

Scott was reportedly taking her teen son Parker and three of his friends out in her Range Rover to go shopping when she allegedly hit a parked car on the street. Instead of stopping, sources said she drove back home, only to crash into her closed garage door; pictured in 2007

Scott was reportedly taken to a hospital for her injuries and discharged on Tuesday morning. Her attorney said he wasn't aware of any arrest warrant for her, but added that she would turn herself in if one was issued; pictured in 2003

Scott shares her daughter Hailie Jade Scott, 30, with Eminem. He adopted her child Stevie Laine Scott, who was born between their relationships, in 2002. The rapper also adopted his niece Alaina Marie Scott, 32, the daughter of Kim's sister Dawn, who died in 2016; pictured in 2007

The two were introduced in 1987 and began dating years later, before tying the knot in 1999.

The marriage was short lived, and the two divorced in 2001, but they later reunited and remarried in 2006, only to split again later that year.

In 1995, Scott and Eminem welcomed a daughter, 30-year-old Hailie Jade Scott.

Scott later had her son Parker with another partner, and she and her then-boyfriend, Eric Hartter, welcomed their child Stevie Laine Scott in 2002, between her relationships with Eminem.

However, the rapper later adopted Stevie in 2005 after he and Scott reunited. Hartter died in 2019.

Eminem also adopted Alaina Marie Scott, 32, who was the daughter of his ex-wife's sister Dawn Scott.

He adopted her in the early 2000s, and Kim's sister  who had battled drug addiction for years  died in 2016.
Justin Trudeau's son Xavier Trudeau made rare comments about his father's relationship with Katy Perry.

The 18-year-old aspiring rapper said that the pop star is 'cool' and 'nice' during an appearance in content creator G Hobs's car interview on Sunday.

In the influencer's Instagram reel, Xavier confirmed that his politician father had introduced him to his girlfriend as their relationship is getting increasingly serious.

The couple have even already been the subject of unfounded pregnancy rumors.

After confirming he already met and had spent time with his dad's girlfriend, Xavier said: 'She's cool. She's nice.'

He also opened up about some of the topics they discussed, including their shared interest in music.

Justin Trudeau's son Xavier Trudeau recently made rare comments about his father's romance with pop star Katy Perry

In an Instagram reel published over the weekend, he confirmed that he met the Grammy nominee and offered up details about how they got along

He said that he has 'talked for hours' with the 13-time Grammy nominee and had a conversation 'about [his] music' in particular.

'She gave me advice and next steps for me and stuff,' he added.

When asked if he and Perry ever talked about her trip to space and Hobs joked about 'going to the moon,' Xavier replied: 'We didn't talk about that. Did she even go to the moon?'

Last year, Xavier also made another public appearance on The Brandon Gomez Show podcast and discussed his music career.

'I always loved music, whether it's creating it [or] listening to it. I always had a passion for it.' He also gushed about how his parents have encouraged him to pursue his passion.

'They've been supportive since the start,' he said. 'Every single time I come back from the studio, I'd have something to show them, and we'd sit at dinner and just listen to it like, "Oh, I like this. I don't like that."'

He added: 'They love it. They're happy for me. They're happy I'm choosing my own path in life.'

Trudeau, the former Canadian Prime Minister, shares three children with his ex-wife Sophie Gregoire, which includes Xavier as well as daughter Ella-Grace, 17, and son Hadrien, 11.

Xavier, an aspiring rapper, called his dad's girlfriend 'cool' and said she even offered him advice on his own music career. He also made a short comment about her infamous trip to space

Perry was first romantically linked to the former Canadian Prime Minister in the summer of 2025

She was previously in a longtime relationship with actor Orlando Bloom before they ended their engagement last June. The exes share five-year-old daughter Daisy; pictured in April 2024

Trudeau was previously married to Gregoire for 18 years before they separated in 2023.

Perry shares daughter Daisy, five, with her ex-fiance, actor Orlando Bloom  who appears to have also moved on too following their split.

Perry and Bloom ended their engagement and called it quits after nine years together in June of last year.

Perry was first romantically linked to Trudeau the following month after they were spotted together in Montreal by eagle-eyed fans.

In October 2025, the pair were pictured together in California.

That following December, the couple went Instagram official with a post about their romantic couple's getaway.
Jamie Lee Curtis has mourned her 'first love' Robert Carradine as she recalled forming a 'little family' with his young daughter when they dated in the 1970s.

Robert, who was part of the Carradine acting dynasty that includes his brother Keith and late half-brother David, died by suicide at the age of 71 on Monday.

Paying tribute to the actor, the Freaky Friday actress, 67, revealed they briefly dated in the 70s as she recalled the moment he kissed her for the first time on live TV.

Jamie discussed how she and Robert first met on an episode of The Dinah Shore show featuring a host of nepo babies - her parents being actor Tony Curtis and actress Janet Leigh and his actor John Carradine and actress Sonia Sorel.

They went on to have a whirlwind romance and Jamie revealed she formed a 'little family' with single did Robert and his then three-year-old daughter Ever.

Jamie, who called Robert her 'first love' back in 2023, said that time in her life was her 'first experience with domesticity and motherhood and partnership'.

Jamie Lee Curtis has mourned her 'first love' Robert Carradine as she recalled forming a 'little family' with his young daughter when they dated in the 1970s (Jamie seen in December)

Robert, who was part of the Carradine acting dynasty that includes his brother Keith and late half-brother David, died by suicide at the age of 71 on Monday (Robert seen in 2014)

Sharing a picture of herself and Robert, Jamie wrote: 'I woke up to the news that Robert Carradine died. I met him live on television on the Dinah Shore show when they had a bunch of second generation actors, we would call them now Nepo babies, Veronica Cartwright, and Bobby and I came on last and Bobby rearranged where we were all sitting so that he could sit next to me and he kissed me, live on television. A very public meet cute.

'His three year old daughter, Ever, now a talented actress, had suffered a terrible burn from hot water and was in the burn unit and I met her for the first time there, this little girl wrapped in gauze with the biggest smile on her face and the most beautiful eyes.

'We became a little family, in a dirt floored house in Laurel Canyon, and it was my first experience with domesticity and motherhood and partnership.

'I remember walking with Ever to the little Canyon market and bringing our laundry down to the laundromat below and folding her little clothes for the first time and the simplicity and beauty of Laurel Canyon in the late 70s.'

She continued: 'Bobby had made a movie with Melanie Griffith and they were lovers and later in my life Melanie and I became colleagues and ride or die best friends and we remain so to this day and she was the one who told me about his passing.

'Bobby was a racecar driver and he drove fast and furious in a Corvette on Mulholland. It's a miracle we weren't killed.

'One day I remember the sun hitting his face and me turning and looking at him and saying "Wait, were you in the movie The Cowboys? Were you Slim?" He was my first crush in the movies and I didn't realize it.

'He also starred in a movie with my husband, Christopher Guest The Long Riders, where a group of different sets of brothers all portrayed these real life historical brothers.'

Jamie, who called Robert her 'first love' back in 2023, said that time in her life was her 'first experience with domesticity and motherhood and partnership'

Paying tribute to the actor, the Freaky Friday actress, 67, revealed they briefly dated in the 70s as she recalled the moment he kissed her for the first time on live TV (Jamie seen in 1978)

Jamie discussed how she and Robert first met on an episode of The Dinah Shore show featuring a host of nepo babies (Robert seen in 1974)

She concluded the post: 'We were remained friends after we broke up and Ever and I have as well. The long and winding road. Rest in speed and humor and love, Bobby.'

Robert's family revealed the news of his death in a somber statement to Deadline on Monday. They noted that the actor had lived with bipolar disorder for two decades and had taken his own life.

'It is with profound sadness that we must share that our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and brother Robert Carradine has passed away,' his family announced.

The statement continued, 'In a world that can feel so dark, Bobby was always a beacon of light to everyone around him.'

Robert's family said they were 'bereft at the loss of this beautiful soul and want to acknowledge Bobbys valiant struggle against his nearly two-decade battle with Bipolar Disorder.

'We hope his journey can shine a light and encourage addressing the stigma that attaches to mental illness. At this time we ask for the privacy to grieve this unfathomable loss. With gratitude for your understanding and compassion,' the statement concluded.

Robert was born March 24, 1954 in Los Angeles into the Carradine show business family.

His parents were actors John Carradine and Sonia Sorel, and his brothers were Disney Imagineer Christopher Carradine; and actors Keith and the late David Carradine, who died in June of 2009 at 72.

Robert pictured at a Hollywood Walk of Fame held on January 9, 2020

David was found dead in a Bangkok hotel room on June 4, 2009, with investigators saying he died in an instance of asphyxiation.

Medical examiner Dr. Michael Baden, who conducted a private autopsy on David, said that 'he didn't die of natural causes, and he didn't die of suicidal causes from the nature of the ligatures around the body, so that leaves some kind of accidental death.'

His mental health woes appeared to surface in Colorado in March 2015 when his estranged wife, Edith Carradine, said that he purposely tried to drive directly into a semi-truck.

Edith said in legal documents that Robert had 'confessed to [her] and our two children that he deliberately drove into the truck to kill us both', adding that he had been deeply depressed in the wake of his brother David's death.

She requested the court award her possession of 17 guns Carradine owned, out of concerns he would harm himself.

Robert told the court in a May 2017 response that his estranged wife had cut off his bipolar medication, leading to his fragile state of mind at the time of the incident.

Robert is survived by children Ever, Marika and Ian, and his grandchildren, siblings, nieces, and nephews.

If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US on 988 or Samaritans in the UK on 116 123. There is also an online chat available at 988lifeline.org and samaritans.org
Jason Bateman made a rare red carpet appearance with his wife Amanda Anka as they attended the premiere of his new show DTF St. Louis in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

The couple, who have been married since 2001 and share daughters Francesca, 19, and Maple, 14, looked in good spirits as they posed for photographers.

Former actress Amanda, 57, cut a glamorous figure in a burgundy sleeveless dress which she wore with matching open toe heels.

Jason, 57, looked dapper in a black blazer and trousers which he wore with a matching jumper.

Also in attendance at the premiere was his co-star Linda Cardellini who donned a black mini dress with a plunging neckline.

Stranger Things actor David Harbour, who also stars in the show, opted for a classic black suit and matching tie.

Jason Bateman made a rare red carpet appearance with his wife Amanda Anka as they attended the premiere of his new show DTF St. Louis in Los Angeles on Tuesday

Former actress Amanda, 57, cut a glamorous figure in a burgundy sleeveless dress while Jason, 57, looked dapper in a black blazer and trousers

Alicia Silverstone looked elegant in a brown blazer and trousers which she wore with a green lace top.

DTF St. Louis tells the story of a love triangle betweeen three adults (Jason, Linda and David), with one of them ending up dead.

Jason is known for his roles as Michael Bluth in Arrested Development and Marty Byrde in Ozark.

He's won a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award, and has been nominated for a Directors Guild of America Award.

Throughout the 1990s, Bateman struggled with an addiction to alcohol and drugs; he stated in a 2009 interview: 'I'd worked so hard that by the time I was 20, I wanted to play hard.

'And I did that really well... it was like Risky Business for ten years.'

He got sober in 2004 with Amanda's encouragement.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, he said: 'Amanda and I definitely had a few negotiations about the point at which the [partying] spigot was going to completely turn off. 'She'd be like, "This drip, drip, drip is annoyingly unpredictable, Jason."'

DTF St. Louis tells the story of a love triangle betweeen three adults (Jason, Linda Cardellini and David Harbour), with one of them ending up dead

Linda donned a black mini dress with a plunging neckline

The actress posed for a playful snap with her co-star David

Alicia Silverstone looked elegant in a brown blazer and trousers which she wore with a green lace top

Actress Joy Sunday wore a purple sleeveless top and a matching mini skirt

At the time, Jason felt like his sobriety 'ETA was six months away' but, after some back and forth, he decided 'if I could land this plane now, it would alleviate a lot of the tension, so let's just f***ing do it.'

In fact, when the eighties teen idol originally met Amanda at an LA Kings game in 1988, she delayed dating him for an entire decade due to his hard-partying Hollywood lifestyle.

'I just wasn't into where he was at,' Anka told GQ in 2013.

'[Now] I can't get him off the couch to go to a party. This is a guy who wants to go get frozen yogurt and come home.'

And that hasn't changed as Jason's buddy Jimmy Kimmel told THR: 'He rarely makes it out past 10, and if he does, there's a lot of, "Oh great job, Grandpa. Congratulations."'
Sally Nugent showcased her glamorous new look as she departed the BBC Studios in Salford on Wednesday morning.

The journalist, 54, displayed her new flowing hairstyle as she wrapped up in a cream woolly jacket and a pair of dark jeans.

The BBC Breakfast host also sported a pink jumper and green trainers and accessorised with a black handbag while leaving with co-presenter Jon Kay.

Wearing a light palette of makeup, Sally completed her look with a pair of gold hoop earrings.

The star's new look has reportedly sparked fury from one of BBC Breakfast's biggest stars, as the under-fire show remains at the centre of a bullying probe.

Naga Munchetty was initially placed under review in August after it was claimed several colleagues had logged concerns over her 'hard' and 'bullying' behaviour, and it was reported in November this has escalated into a full-on investigation.

Sally Nugent showcased her glamorous new look as she departed the BBC Studios in Salford on Wednesday morning

The journalist, 54, displayed her new flowing hairstyle as she wrapped up in a cream woolly jacket and a pair of dark jeans

The BBC Breakfast host also sported a pink jumper and green trainers and accessorised with a black handbag as she left the studio with co-star Jon Kay

It has been claimed that while some viewers have delighted in Sally's 'glow-up', Naga has made a brutal dig at her new look, adding yet more toxicity to the troubled show.

According to The Sun, Naga ranted: 'We're meant to be serious journalists, not trying to look like we're presenting This Morning.'

Sally previously shared snaps of her flowing new hairstyle on Instagram, tagging hair colourist Calum Tierney, who has worked on stars including Michelle Keegan and Samia Longchambon.

Sources said that while she has done her best to 'keep out' of any rivalries on BBC Breakfast, Naga's comments felt 'particularly targeted'.

An insider said: 'Things have been ticking along fairly quietly for the last couple of months whilst the bullying investigations continued but this was a nasty little moment.

'Sally tries to keep out of the rivalries but this latest comment feels particularly targeted. What's wrong with having a few highlights and trying out new styles?

'Sally is loving the new look  it doesn't detract in any way from her work or how good a journalist she is.'

A representative for the BBC told the Daily Mail: 'We do not comment on individual staff issues.' The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Sally Nugent and Naga Munchetty for comment.

Sally hosts BBC Breakfast alongside Jon Kay from Mondays to Wednesdays, with Naga fronting the show with Charlie Stayt from Thursdays to Saturdays.

She joined the show in 2021 following Louise Minchin's departure, while Naga has been a part of the show since 2014.

Sally split from her husband, businessman Gavin Hawthorn, in May 2023 after 13 years together. They share a son together.

Naga's future at BBC Breakfast remains in doubt after a formal investigation was launched into her behaviour in November.

Sally Nugent's new look on BBC Breakfast has reportedly sparked fury from one of its biggest stars, as the under-fire show remains at the centre of a bullying probe

It has been claimed that while some viewers have delighted in Sally's 'glow-up', Naga Munchetty made a brutal dig at her new look

The broadcaster, who is paid between 355,000 and 359,999 a year, is said to be allowed to stay on at the channel, but that she will only work with certain producers while the probe takes place.

A source told The Sun at the time: 'Naga has not been taken off air but now has certain members of production monitoring her and her interactions.

'She's only allowed to speak to specific people too. It's far from ideal as a way of working and everyone hopes it comes to a head someway or another soon.'

Naga faces an uncertain future on the show, with reports Deborah Turness's resignation could leave her 'vulnerable'.

The former CEO of BBC News quit in November last year over the botched editing of one of Donald Trump's speeches by Panorama.

An insider told the publication at the time: 'The Naga situation has been an albatross around Breakfast's neck since June when the endemic bullying at Media City was first exposed by The Sun.

'Whilst others have been cleared, the review on Naga has done the opposite - with further complaints against her.

'They had no choice but to take things from the slightly softer "under review" to formal investigation. Of course, her detractors are gossiping that the timing with Deborah's departure isn't exactly a coincidence.'

The BBC has repeatedly declined to comment on the allegations, saying: 'We do not comment on individual HR matters.'

Naga's own conduct was thrown into doubt when BBC Breakfast's editor Richard Frediani reportedly took an extended period of leave, after an internal review of bullying and misconduct allegations was opened into the show.

Naga was reportedly spoken to by executives after a junior staffer accused the journalist of bullying them.

She was also reportedly hauled into a meeting after she was accused of making a sex jibe during an ad break while hosting her radio show.

The presenter is believed to have used a crude slang term for a sex act and reportedly asked a colleague if they had ever done it.

Naga's co-host Charlie also remains 'under review', according to the publication.

Naga is no longer represented by agents M&C Saatchi, who also dropped former BBC One Show host Jermaine Jenas after his sexting scandal.

Her new agents have reportedly 'held talks with rival station LBC' to explore other opportunities.

The journalist is paid almost double of her co-host Charlie, 63, remained in the 190,000 bracket as tensions between the pair are said to be 'rife'.

It has been a rocky time for the BBC after director general Tim Davie and Deborah, chief executive of BBC News, sensationally stepped down amid an impartiality row after an internal report accused it of institutional bias and censorship.

MasterChef's Gregg Wallace, 61, was sacked following a series of misconduct allegations relating to his time on the series.

Then in September, Irish chef Anna Haugh, 44, was announced to takeover from John Torode, who lost his job after two decades over allegations he used 'racist language in 2018', something he claims he has 'no recollection' of.
A grandmother of eight, a wig maker, a doctor and a street food chef are among the influencers TikTok has named as the ones to watch in 2026.

Revealing its annual Discover List, the social media giant has curated a showcase of 50 rising stars across five categories  Educators, Foodies, Icons, Innovators and Originators.

Between them, the up-and-coming creators have amassed hundreds of millions of followers and hail from every corner of the globe.

But six stand-out Brits have made the cut  flying the flag for Blighty and charging the way for a new wave of homegrown digital talent ready to dominate your For You Page in 2026.

From castle-hopping cultural commentators to wig-making entrepreneurs and film buffs rubbing shoulders with Hollywood royalty, here are the UK names TikTok thinks well all be talking about this time next year.

Jacklynn Botwe (@byjacklynn)  London, England

212,000 followers

South London creator Jacklynn Botwe (@byjacklynn ) has carved out a thoughtful niche with socially aware educational content that blends cultural commentary with lived experience

South London creator Jacklynn Botwe has carved out a thoughtful niche with socially aware educational content that blends cultural commentary with lived experience.

Her videos explore identity, social trends and everyday observations, all delivered with a calm authority that feels more big sister than lecturer. Rather than fueling online spats, she encourages discussion  a refreshing shift in the algorithm age.

Recent posts have seen her exploring castle ruins, offering travel advice for Japan and even giving followers a tour of the prison cells inside the Tower of London  mixing history, travel and culture with ease.

Olly Bowman (@mrmelk_)  London, England

883,000 followers

London-based creator Olly Bowman (@mrmelk_ ) has built a following of nearly 900,000 with understated skits, reaction videos and painfully relatable lifestyle moments

If dry British humour is your thing, Olly Bowman is already on your radar.

The London-based creator has built a following of nearly 900,000 with understated skits, reaction videos and painfully relatable lifestyle moments. His delivery relies on timing rather than flashy production  and thats precisely his charm.

From styling questionable outfits to heading to Manchester to try viral pastries, Ollys content feels like a FaceTime call with your funniest mate. Hes even tried his hand at teaching followers how to flirt  with predictably awkward (and hilarious) results.

Thomas Duke (@steppingthroughfilm)  London, England

481,000 followers

London-based creator Thomas Duke (@steppingthroughfilm ) has made a name for himself exploring real-life filming locations and sharing behind-the-scenes trivia that adds new depth to beloved movies

For film lovers, Thomas Duke is already a familiar face.

The London-based creator has made a name for himself exploring real-life filming locations and sharing behind-the-scenes trivia that adds new depth to beloved movies.

Blending travel, cinema and history, his snappy videos tap into TikToks appetite for niche expertise delivered in digestible bursts.

And hes not just walking in the footsteps of famous characters  hes now interviewing major stars himself, recently speaking to Margot Robbie, Claire Foy and Olivia Colman as he expands into celebrity sit-downs.

Asked about his thoughts on being featured on the list, Thomas said: 'As a lover of all things creative, it's a true pleasure to be nominated on this list.

'It's been a surreal journey sharing my love for film online, and a journey I never thought would get me here...The magic of film inspires me every single day.

'It has allowed me to reach audiences all over the world in such a beautiful, personal way.

'It's given me a voice that would possibly never have reached who it has if I hadnt started posting videos.'

Dominique Bogle (@hairanatomyuk)  Birmingham, England

64,000 followers

Birmingham-based Dominique Bogle (@hairanatomyuk ) uses her platform to share haircare education, styling demonstrations and insights into building her wig and hair brand

Birmingham-based Dominique Bogle is proving that TikTok isnt just about trends  its about trade.

Through her platform, she shares haircare education, styling demonstrations and insights into building her wig and hair brand. Ingredient breakdowns and practical advice sit alongside product showcases, merging professional know-how with savvy entrepreneurship.

Her recent content includes wig styling tutorials and tips on maintaining them properly  content thats as practical as it is polished.

Ning Cheah (@thebeautycrop)  London, England

236,000 followers

London based entrepreneur Ning Cheah (@thebeautycrop) uses the platform to spotlight product launches, share tutorials and take followers behind the scenes of brand development

Entrepreneur Ning Cheah has turned TikTok into a front-row seat for building a beauty brand.

Based in London, she uses the platform to spotlight product launches, share tutorials and take followers behind the scenes of brand development.

Transparency is central to her approach, with regular updates on formulation, packaging and community feedback. Rather than glossy mystery, she invites her audience into the process.

Jane Hastings (@toystoystoys.uk)  Liverpool, England

40,000 followers

Proving that influence has no age limit, Liverpool-based mother of two Jane Hastings (@toystoystoys.uk) runs a toy-focused business account that blends retail with pure joy

Proving that influence has no age limit, Liverpool-based mother of two Jane Hastings runs a toy-focused business account that blends retail with pure joy.

Her videos showcase interactive toys, demonstrations and heartwarming customer reactions, alll delivered with infectious enthusiasm.

Its wholesome, playful and quietly savvy, tapping directly into TikToks commerce-forward features without losing personality.

And with nostalgia and family-friendly content booming online, Jane may well be one of the platforms most unexpected breakout stars.

Jane said on her nomination: 'Im over the moon to be nominated.

'It makes me very emotional. TikTok has changed my life unbelievably, and many others through my account.

'Selling on TikTok Shop has completely transformed my business, and it's helped me keep my much-loved shop doors open on my local high street.

'Its fast, its fun, and most importantly, I have a chance to connect directly with the people who love my products.'

Cape Town-based Wayne Chang (@munchin_mash) spotlights bold flavors and cross-cultural influences in his cooking videos

New Zealand based Morgan McKeen, known as @stemwithm, focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics education

Grandmother of eight, Babs Costello, widely known as @brunchwithbabs, shares cooking advice, household tips and grandmotherly life guidance

Beyond the six standout Brits, TikToks remaining 44 picks read like a whistle-stop tour of the internets most fascinating corners.

In Educators, theres Dr. Olawale Ogunlana in Lagos, calmly myth-busting medical misinformation in seconds, and New York psychiatrist Dr. Judith Joseph tackling burnout and high-functioning depression for a generation glued to their screens.

Over in Tokyo, Kengo Kamijyo is flying the flag for BookTok with thoughtful literary deep-dives, while Michigans Charlie Engelman makes 'odd animal specimens' strangely addictive viewing.

The Foodies category is equally global. From Rashad Jones smoking slabs of barbecue in Florida to Wayne Chang plating up bold, cross-cultural dishes in Cape Town, its a feast of flavour.

Paris-based Nabil Zemmouri brings polished pastry content, while Dubais Ramy Soli leans into luxury dining and viral Middle Eastern twists.

And in Brazil, Alene Godoy fuses plant-based cooking with Afro-Brazilian heritage and sustainability.

Among the Icons, Drew Talbert continues to build his viral 'Bistro Huddy' comedy universe in California, while Golloria George in Texas blends beauty with candid industry commentary.

Milans Matto Varini serves high-fashion aesthetics straight from Italys style capital, and Saudi creator Yasmeen Alshafai offers a window into contemporary Riyadh youth culture.

The Innovators and Originators categories spotlight creators turning TikTok into a business engine.

From Torontos Miss Darcei pushing beauty inclusivity, to Germanys Marvin Roch bringing documentary-style journalism to short-form video, and Connecticut grandmother Babs Costello redefining later-in-life influence with homemaking wisdom, its clear the platforms future is multi-generational and multi-skilled.

Throw in automotive enthusiasts, calligraphy artists, tech experimenters and founder-led beauty brands, and one things certain: TikToks class of 2026 isnt just chasing trends, theyre clearly shaping what the internet looks like next.
Kendall Jenner, Dakota Fanning and Monica Bellucci all stepped out during Milan Fashion Week on Wednesday.

Model Kendall, 30, donned a trendy ensemble as she sported a knee-length beige jacket along with wide-legged white trousers.

Adding height to her frame with a pair of black boots, she placed a navy jumper on her shoulders and completed her look with a black handbag.

Dakota, 32, opted for a daring look as she sported a black bralet which she wore under a matching blazer and trousers.

The Perfect Couple actress also wore black heels and accessorised with a white and black striped handbag.

Monica, 61, looked typically elegant in a three-piece black suit which she wore with matching heels and a handbag.

Kendall Jenner led the stars stepping out during Milan Fashion Week on Wednesday

Dakota Fanning opted for a black bralet with a matching suit while Monica Bellucci sported a three-piece black suit

Shailene Woodley looked stylish as she left her hotel in a black sheer low cut top which she wore with a matching blazer and trousers.

Uma Thurman opted for a flowing black coat with matching trousers and a white shirt as she made her way to the Fendi show.

The Kill Bill star added height to her frame with black heels and styled her platinum blonde locks into loose waves.

Lennon Gallagher opted for a laid back look in a dark denim shirt and matching jeans as he arrived to the Fendi show.

The outing comes after actress Dakota revealed she had joined the invite-only dating app, Raya, after suffering through dates with 'some doozies.'

'I did it for fun,' the star revealed in her Vanity Fair cover. 'My girlfriend made it for me. I was like, if I don't, then I'm going to think...'

Dakota's younger sister Elle Fanning finished her sentence: '...maybe my husband is there!'

'I can confirm that he is not,' the Twilight alum scoffed. 'I'm canceling this thing.'

Kendall sported a knee-length beige jacket along with wide-legged white trousers

Shailene Woodley looked stylish as she left her hotel in a black sheer low cut top which she wore with a matching blazer and trousers

Uma Thurman opted for a flowing black coat with matching trousers and a white shirt as she made her way to the Fendi show

Lennon Gallagher opted for a laid back look in a dark denim shirt and matching jeans as he arrived to the Fendi show

Dakota also wore black heels and accessorised with a white and black striped handbag

Sarah Pidgeon was also spotted outside her hotel during Fashion Week

She wore a vintage-style leather jacket with straight leg jeans

Amelia Gray Hamlin wore a quirky oversized cardigan with a leather skirt

She accessorised with a pair of grey socks and added stiletto heels

Kendall was later seen in a casual outfit with a Burberry trench in hand

The model paired the Burberry trench with white trousers and a blue jumper

She appeared in high spirits as she headed out during Milan Fashion Week

The supermodel has been a permanent fixture in the Milan Fashion Week calendar and has walked for a number of shows previously

Megan Thee Stallion turned heads in a green dress with pink trim as she left the Armani hotel

The floor-length number featured a daring thigh-high slit

Megan teamed the look with hot pink platform heels which accentuated her long legs

The rapper accessorised with a diamond necklace

Previously known Raya users include Charlize Theron, Channing Tatum, John Mayer, Olivia Rodrigo, Joe Jonas, Sharon Stone, Andy Cohen, Kiernan Shipka, Eric Stonestreet, Drew Barrymore, Niall Horan, Simone Biles, Chet Hanks, Chelsea Handler, and Brandi Cyrus.

If accepted, monthly subscriptions on the 11-year-old, Apple-based app can cost between $24.99 and $49.99.

In the past, Dakota has been romantically linked to British model Jamie Strachan in 2013-2016, commercial real estate broker Logan Markley in 2016-2017, and New Englander Henry Frye in 2017-2018.

In 2016, the Perfect Couple star confessed that she found dating 'in general, horrific.'

'We have to sit there and ask these questions and pretend to eat a meal, and it just feels so stiff,' Dakota (born Hannah) lamented to Town & Country.

'The way I prefer to meet someone is through a friend' because that way they're 'most likely not a freak.'
She famously dated Wham! star Andrew Ridgeley, but Amanda Cronin says her colourful love life includes more that one Careless Whisper with another British star.

The Belgravia based businesswoman, a TV regular in Real Housewives Of London, claims she once had a fling with Jude Law after crossing paths with the actor in an exclusive London club.

Cronin, 57, was newly single when she says she was introduced to Law, 53, during a night out at members only Groucho Club, a renowned celebrity haunt in the heart of Soho.

But her initial meeting with the handsome star came about entirely by accident, with Law gallantly coming to her aid after she tumbled on her high heeled shoes.

'I was wearing stilettos and a beautiful dress,' she told The Sun. 'I was about to fall down some steps and he caught me.'

Remarkably, the pair instantly bonded over a love of poetry, with Law revealing his thoughtful side by gifting her a book filled with Middle-Eastern verse after learning of her daughter Sofia's Persian heritage.

She famously dated Wham ! star Andrew Ridgeley , but Amanda Cronin says her colourful love life includes more that one Careless Whisper with another British star

'It was Persian poetry because he knew my daughter was Persian,' she recalled.

Cronin says her fling with the star - now married to business psychologist Phillipa Coan - would play out at her lavish 12million home in the English capital's upmarket Eaton Square.

'It was one of those moments in time,' she said. 'Id never really been single. He was single. I was on a break. It was a moment in time. He is a charming, lovely man.'

Cronin's admission comes after she famously claimed ex-boyfriend Andrew Ridgeley - a heartthrob to millions of teenage girls during his time with Wham! in the 1980s - wasn't 'relationship material.'

'Im looking for a monogamous relationship, she told the Daily Mail. When the next Mr Right comes along, he will have the same set of values that I have.

'Im quite traditional, a sweet, country girl. Im also discerning and want to be around other people who understand what that means.

By way of acknowledgment that the split may have been by mutual consent, she added: Im intelligent, demanding. Not for everyone.

However, Cronin had no regrets about the year she spent swanning around with Ridgeley, until she revealed their break-up in the Daily Mail diary in 2023.

Its massive, dating Andrew Ridgeley from Wham!, wow,' she said. Im quite proud of it.

'Hes a good person and it was just great, a lot of fun, and will make a fabulous chapter in my memoir.

In 2019 she divorced Mark Daeche, co-founder of energy and broadband provider First Utility (now sold to Shell), and who is estimated to be worth around 40 million.

The couple married in 2013 and, glamorously, shuttled between London, Monaco, the South of France and Geneva before separating in 2017, having spent increasing amounts of time apart.

We werent getting on, he had a lot of work pressure and got very upset and I think I became an easy target, she recalled.

I thought, If youre going to be in a bad mood, Ill go to London, be with my daughter, my friends, where I feel comfortable.'

The Belgravia based businesswoman, a TV regular in Real Housewives Of London, claims she once had a fling with Jude Law after crossing paths with the actor in a London club

Cronin's admission comes after she famously claimed ex-boyfriend Andrew Ridgeley - a heartthrob to millions of teenage girls with Wham! in the 1980s - wasn't 'relationship material'

She added: The only time Ive suffered anxiety was during the breakdown of my marriage. It was a very difficult time so I took Xanax.

'I never did a massive amount, a mouses nibble I used to say, but it was definitely a crutch during that time and it kind of got me through. But its very difficult to get off  I kept some in every bag, purse and travel pouch I owned.

Although acrimonious for a time, relations with her ex, who was a father figure to her artist daughter, born during a short-lived marriage in her 20s, are also now improved.

Weve broken bread,' she said. 'So were good.'

Daily Mail has contacted a representative for further comment.
Hannah Elizabeth showed off the results of her recent facelift and neck liposuction on her Instagram Story on Wednesday.

The former Love Island star, 35, who jetted off to Istanbul for the surgery, shared with her followers her results two days post-operation as she had a routine check-in with her surgeon.

Sharing a photo of the left side of her face, Hannah told her followers: 'I'm still really swollen but I lit feel like a doll. How is this 2 days post?!!!!! My surgeon is magic.'

Meanwhile, in another shot, Hannah gushed over her new side profile, writing: '2 days post op!!! Lower facelift and neck lipo. Just been to see my amazing surgeon wowwww my side profile.'

The star had tape on either side of her face, and her neck appeared bruised as she continued to recover from the surgery.

After she visited the clinic, Hannah showed that she is recovering from the surgery well, as she made a quick pit stop at a local hair salon to get a bouncy blow-dry.

Hannah Elizabeth showed off the results of her recent facelift and neck liposuction on her Instagram Story on Wednesday

Sharing a video clip of two men styling her blonde locks, she wrote: '2 days after facelift who gets a blowy? surgeon said its all good.'

It comes after Hannah revealed she has spent a whopping 100,000 on cosmetic procedures after raking in 10,000-a-month on OnlyFans.

The former Love Island star, 35, who first appeared on the show in 2015 and got engaged to ex-fiance Jon Clark, returned to the All Stars spin-off in 2024.

While Hannah said she is still keen to find the 'one', the reality star said at the time that she felt more content than ever with her appearance and OnlyFans career.

She told The Sun: 'I couldnt tell you how much Ive spent, but its probably over 100k. Im not shy about it, Ive had everything done.'

Hannah, who revealed she recently had her breasts reduced from a G cup to a D cup, had a Bratz Doll facial surgery in 2022, which included a fox eye lift, a lateral blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) and lip fillers.

The package, to make her look like a real-life Bratz Doll, cost her a jaw-dropping 20,000.

Over the years, she's also had a nose job, a boob job and a BBL.

The former Love Island star, 35, who jetted off to Istanbul for the surgery, shared with her followers her results two days post-operation as she had a routine check-in with her surgeon

It comes after Hannah revealed she has spent a whopping 100,000 on cosmetic procedures after raking in 10,000-a-month on OnlyFans (pictured 2024)

Hitting back at trolls who blasted her for altering her appearance, Hannah said she loves the way she looks and has zero regrets about the amount of money she has spent.

'Im not a****, I like it. I know its not everyones cup of tea, but its mine', she responded to critics.

Hannah also shed light on her career in OnlyFans and revealed she 'easily' earns over 2.5k in a week.

'Its really, really good money', Hannah said. 'Its my main income, and I absolutely love doing it.

'I have glamour pictures out there anyway, so, of course, I was going to go on to do this. Its the best thing Ive ever done. Before I even went on Love Island - and as soon as I left school - I was a glamour model and a Playboy bunny.

'So, going onto OnlyFans was a natural progression for me, because that was my whole industry. It's all I've ever known, and it's a great platform.'

It comes after Hannah shocked fans last year as she explained her plans to get her bum filler 'topped up' after returning to the UK following her villa stint in South Africa.

The Liverpudlian took to Instagram at the time to detail how she is getting back to her cosmetic maintenance and having 500ml of filler put in her bottom.

Hannah told her followers she would 'video the whole thing' for them to see after many fans approached her to ask about her famous rear following her Love Island appearance.

She told her followers: 'Hello everybody, so obviously since the show and having spoken about having my bum done, loads of people have been asking me about the booty.

'So I get my bum done at Lift Aesthetics and being fresh out the villa, I am excited, literally can't wait to go and have my top up.

'I'm going to get 500ml by the amazing Lift Aesthetics, and I will show you the whole process.'

Hannah regularly shows off her cosmetically enhanced features online and has remained open and positive about her cosmetic procedures.
Michelle Keegan winced in pain as she showed off her gruelling gym routine in a video she shared on Wednesday.

The actress, 38, filmed herself working out with personal trainer Danny-Lee Finch in Essex as he got her to do dumbbell hammer curls in her home gym.

The former Brassic star closed her eyes and beared the pain as she gave her biceps a workout.

Alongside the video, Michelle wrote: '@viphq_essex didn't take any of my excuses today. For the record this was my last set of 4... my arms were dead.'

The Coronation Street actress sported a white vest top with black leggings and a pair of tan trainers.

Michelle is preparing to hit Hollywood in the film adaptation of Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben's new novel, and it seems preparations could be underway.

Michelle Keegan winced in pain as she showed off her gruelling gym routine in a video she shared on Wednesday

The actress, 38, filmed herself working out with personal trainer Danny-Lee Finch in Essex as he got her to do dumbbell hammer curls in her home gym

In an update shared to her Instagram Story, Michelle revealed she had touched down in California as she headed out to lunch.

Her latest trip came after she enjoyed a sun-soaked winter getaway to the Middle East with her husband Mark Wright and their 10-month-old daughter, Palma.

Harlan and Reese have teamed up to write the new crime thriller Gone Before Goodbye.

As Michelle has worked with Harlan before on his Fool Me Once adaption Reese is reportedly keen to get her back on board.

The novel sees an indomitable woman, trapped in a conspiracy she helped create but can't understand.

She searches for the truth that could expose a conspiracy woven throughout the exclusive world of the global Uber Elitebut at an unfathomable cost to Maggie herself.

The Daily Mail have contacted Michelle and Reese's representatives for comment.

Michelle also shared her love for the Hollywood actress as she shared a sweet snap with both Reese and Harlan.

She penned: 'When two geniuses collide.. 'Gone Before Goodbye' is made! (I can confirm Reese Witherspoon is everything you'd imagined her to be, what a woman)'.

Michelle is preparing to hit Hollywood in the film adaptation of Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben's new novel, and it seems preparations could be underway

Reese then replied: 'So wonderful to meet you .. finally!'

Michelle starred as Maya Stern in Fool Me Once, alongside Joanna Lumley in the series adaptation of Harlan's novel, which quickly shot to the top of Netflix charts worldwide.

Harlan has previously gushed over the star's talent and has previously said he would be keen to work with Michelle again.

Her character's demise in Fool Me Once left Harlan 'kicking himself' and seeking a plot, no matter how far-fetched, that could see her reprise her role in the second instalment.

A source close to Michelle previously told the Daily Mail: 'Michelle and Harlan really bonded during the Fool Me Once filming and he thinks she's amazing.

'He believes Michelle is a big part of the show's stratospheric success.

'They were having a real heart to heart at the National Television Awards recently and Harlan was saying that he was absolutely gutted that he killed off her character and that he'd do anything to bring her back from the dead so that they can have a much-longed for sequel.'

Rumours of Hollywood surrounded Michelle after the success of Fool Me Once in 2024, and the star confirmed she would consider re-locating if the perfect role came along.
Chloe Madeley has hit back at Jameela Jamil's 'deeply misguided' feminist rant about women looking 'scarily thin' at the BAFTAs.

Activist and actress Jameela, 40, branded the female attendees at Sunday's BAFTA Awards ceremony 'scarily thin' in an impassioned rant on social media on Tuesday.

But TV personality Chloe, the daughter of Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan, has now shared her criticisms of Jameela's post.

Chloe, 38, took to her Instagram Story on Wednesday to brand Jameela 'full of herself' as she deemed the comments 'just a thinly veiled dig' at women who are slim.

Imagine being so full of yourself and your feminist views that you publicly determine another woman's body size as a deliberate bend to the patriarchy. The woman doing this does not read as feminist to me. At all. AT ALL.

In a second post, Chloe shared part of Jameela's statement where she said: 'If we all collectively refused to starve ourselves, they would have to bend us.'

Chloe Madeley has hit back at Jameela Jamil's 'deeply misguided' feminist rant about women looking 'scarily thin' at the BAFTAs (Chloe seen in 2024)

Referencing the comment, Chloe added: 'What? [confused emoji]. Love the sentiment but no.'

Chloe's then shared her criticism of Jameela's quote about women 'bending' themselves 'at any cost to their mental and physical health' as she urged the younger generation to be whatever size they please, but ensure they are 'not easy to break'.

Commenting on that part, Chloe asked 'Do we though?' before adding: '"Be whatever size you wish UNLESS you're slim, because then you're bending and you're causing a problem for our daughters. BTW I'm an advocate of the body positive movement and how dare you comment on our size!"'

Finally Chloe shared part of Jameela's post where she wrote: 'They want us easy to carry, to chase, to batter. The war on women requires fighters.

'The ones coming to protect us, we now know statistically, will sadly not be men.'

Chloe said of the comment: 'Love the sentiment but women's physical strength and size isn't going to end the patriarchy.

'This is just a thinly veiled dig at another woman's body size all in the name of (deeply misguided) feminism.'

Jameela is known for her campaigns criticising rigid beauty standards for women and her fight against the patriarchy.

Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Jameela voiced her thoughts on the women in attendance Sunday's BAFTA Awards - after fans speculated over actress Emma Stone's slimmer figure.

Jameela shared her concern over the size of the female attendees as she said: 'I resent this beauty standard being pushed on everyone.'

Activist and actress Jameela, 40, branded the female attendees at Sunday's BAFTA Awards ceremony 'scarily thin' in an impassioned rant on social media on Tuesday (Jameela seen in 2024)

But TV personality Chloe, the daughter of Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan, has now shared her criticisms of Jameela's post

In a second post, Chloe shared part of Jameela's statement where she said: 'If we all collectively refused to starve ourselves, they would have to bend us'

Chloe's then shared her criticism of Jameela's quote about women 'bending' themselves 'at any cost to their mental and physical health'

Finally Chloe shared part of Jameela's post where she wrote: 'They want us easy to carry, to chase, to batter. The war on women requires fighters'

She went on to say that it is 'not the time to be frail' and 'women need to be strong' to combat the erosion of women's rights in the current climate.

'The women at the Baftas were scarily thin... it's a specifically fragile type of thin,' Jameela wrote.

'I resent this beauty standard being pushed on everyone, I resent the obedience of my industry, and fear the impact on impressionable people at home thinking that this is the only way to be accepted.'

She added: 'This is not the time to be frail. Women need to be strong, to fight back for our ever diminishing rights and safety.

'There is a deliberate POLITICAL reason behind wanting women and girls to be frail, hungry tired and easy to hurt.'

In the caption, Jameela went on to urge her fellow women to 'eat their protein and carbs' and 'be difficult to break'.

'If we all collectively refused to starve ourselves, they would have to bend to us,' she wrote.

'But we *rush* to bend first, at any cost to our mental and physical health, and that of the next generation watching. Be whatever size you wish but please try to be as strong as you physically can. Please be difficult to steal, to beat, to break.

'They want us easy to carry, to chase, to batter. The war on women requires fighters. The ones coming to protect us, we now know statistically, will sadly not be men.'
Christina Applegate never spoke about the molestation and abuse she suffered as a child until she penned her 'heavy' memoir You With The Sad Eyes, which hits shelves next Tuesday.

'To be honest, it's actually opened up so many wounds, and it's okay because I'm a strong girl, I'm going to get through it,' the 54-year-old Married with Children alum said in her People cover story.

'But it wasn't like get to the other end and be like, "Ah, now it's out." It was the stuff that I'd never talked about. The stuff that was behind closed doors and that no one but the closest people in my life have ever known happened.'

Applegate continued: 'The pen down on the table afterwards was like, "Oh, I just wrote all this stuff, but now, I don't want anyone to read it."'

In the 304-page tell-all, the Emmy winner confessed she's still traumatized over being molested by a female babysitter, at age five, while her heroin-addicted mother Nancy Priddy was out.

'I knew every part of it was wrong. I felt sick and scared and sad,' Applegate wrote in her book.

Christina Applegate never spoke about the molestation and abuse she suffered as a child until she penned her 'heavy' memoir You With The Sad Eyes, which hits shelves next Tuesday (pictured January 26)

'I never fully felt comfortable being touched, and that's true still. I've never felt comfortable with it my whole life, really, and all because of that girl forcing me to do something I barely understood but that I knew was shameful.'

The MeSsy podcaster's single mom also had a physically abusive boyfriend, who would beat on her too.

'I think I had kind of the worst situation from three to seven,' Applegate said.

'But there was stuff like that going on in all our homes. Single moms, men coming in and out, drugs.'

The Tony-nominated thespian continued: '[My story] is about a little girl with sad eyes who ended up becoming Christina Applegate. And she still has those sad eyes. But she's a stronger, different, resilient human being.'

Applegate hopes that You With The Sad Eyes resonates with the next generation and gives them hope that they can survive abuse.

'I had someone say to me, "Are you doing this because you're being a victim?"' the Laurel Canyon native said.

'I'm like, "No, I'm empowering other people out there." At least I hope to.'

Applegate was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2021 and spends much of her days in bed, managing chronic pain, but she stops everything for her 15-year-old daughter Sadie.

'[I don't] buy into this thing of you shouldn't be your kid's friend,' the four-time Golden Globe nominee scoffed.

'To be honest, it's actually opened up so many wounds, and it's okay because I'm a strong girl, I'm going to get through it,' the 54-year-old Married with Children alum said in her People cover story

In the 304-page tell-all, the Emmy winner confessed she's still traumatized over being molested by a female babysitter, at age five, while her heroin-addicted mother Nancy Priddy was out

'I knew every part of it was wrong. I felt sick and scared and sad,' Applegate wrote in her book. 'I never fully felt comfortable being touched, and that's true still'

The MeSsy podcaster continued: '[My story] is about a little girl with sad eyes who ended up becoming Christina Applegate. And she still has those sad eyes. But she's a stronger, different, resilient human being' (pictured January 30)

Applegate was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2021 and spends much of her days in bed, managing chronic pain, but she stops everything for her 15-year-old daughter Sadie (2-R, pictured in 2022) with husband Martyn LeNoble (2-L)

The TG Therapeutics launched her career playing surly teenager Kelly Bundy in Michael G. Moye and Ron Leavitt's irreverent sitcom Married... with Children, which aired for 11 seasons on Fox spanning 19871997 (pictured in 1988)

'Because I am, especially now. I'm her biggest supporter. I fight for her at every turn. And I drive her to school blaring Sex and Candy by Marcy Playground. That's kind of me in a nutshell.'

Applegate loves nothing more than getting a laugh out of Sadie, even putting her diaper on and going into her room with a smiley face drawn on her belly: 'She's like, "Mom. Mom! Just stop."'

The TG Therapeutics paid partner and second husband, Dutch bassist Martyn LeNoble, celebrated their 13th wedding anniversary on Monday.

Applegate was previously married to That Thing You Do alum Johnathon Schaech from 2001 until 2005 when he filed for divorce, which was finalized in 2007.

The seven-time Actor Awards nominee launched her career playing surly teenager Kelly Bundy in Michael G. Moye and Ron Leavitt's irreverent sitcom Married... with Children, which aired for 11 seasons on Fox spanning 19871997.

Applegate is also known for her small-screen roles in ABC sitcom Heart of the City (1986-1987), NBC sitcom Jesse (1998-2000), ABC sitcom Samantha Who? (2007-2009) and Netflix drama Dead to Me (2019-2022).

The breast cancer survivor - who might never act on camera again - also acted in films like Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead (1991), Mars Attacks! (1996), Nowhere (1997), The Sweetest Thing (2002), the Anchorman movies (2004 and 2013) and Bad Moms (2016).
Eric Danes ex-girlfriend Priya Jain has donated a five-figure sum to the late stars GoFundMe following his death at 53.

The actor passed away on Thursday after battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), prompting friends to launch the fundraiser with his ex-wife Rebecca Gayheart listed as the beneficiary.

The campaign has since raised more than $450,000 from roughly 4,000 donations and is closing in on its $500,000 goal - with Jain contributing $10,000, according to UsWeekly.

Jain, 28, was first romantically linked to the Greys Anatomy heartthrob in 2024 and was believed to still be in his life earlier this year.

She was reportedly left blindsided when Dane appeared on the red carpet with photographer Janell Shirtcliff in June 2025, despite claims the pair had never broken up.

However, an insider said the former couple later reconnected as friends in the months leading up to his death, ultimately making peace before his passing.

Eric Dane s ex-girlfriend Priya Jain has donated $10,000 to the late stars GoFundMe following his death at 53; (Dane in June)

Jain, 28, was first romantically linked to the Greys Anatomy heartthrob in 2024 and was believed to still be in his life earlier this year; (pictured in January)

'In the months leading up to Eric's passing Priya and Eric reconnected their relationship as friends,' a source told Us Weekly.

It was added that the actress was shocked by Dane's rapid decline in health: 'Priya didn't think it would happen this quickly.'

The Euphoria star, who played the father of Jacob Elordi's Nate on the HBO series, publicly revealed his diagnosis in April.

He shared daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14, with estranged wife Rebecca Gayheart, who cared for him platonically as he was ailing.

'She has a lot of love for his family,' the outlet's source said of Jain, adding that she 'knows how hard this is for his daughters' and 'feels for them.'

Jain is 'so sad and devastated,' said the person close to the situation, noting that she is 'grateful' his children 'exist to keep his memory alive.'

A different source told Us Weekly in June that the two entertainers 'met through a mutual friend and dated for one year.'

It was reported that during that time Dane and Jain got corresponding star tattoos on their wrists and that she 'spent so long caring for' him amid his health battle.

An insider said the former couple later reconnected as friends in the months leading up to his death, ultimately making peace before his passing; (Jain in May 20250

Dane and wife Rebecca Gayheart called off their divorce last year, remaining married as friends following his ALS diagnosis; pictured in 2017

Dane shared daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14, with Gayheart; pictured in May 2024

Dane and Gayheart separated in 2018 but shockingly called off their divorce in March 2025, one month before the former Grey's Anatomy sensation announced his heartbreaking prognosis.

In a first-person piece published in The Cut in December, Gayheart shed light on their relationship, explaining that her love for him was not romantic but 'familial.'

She added that she was trying to do her best by him amid his health issues.

The actress wrote: 'We had a really lovely marriage for a long time - we were married for 15 years - we created two beautiful girls.

'But also, lots of s**t went crazy in our relationship, and it wasn't good. We separated, but we never got a divorce; we were about to and then we didn't. We haven't lived in the same home for eight years; he's dated other people, I've dated someone.'

'It's a very complicated relationship, one that's confusing for people,' she acknowledged.

Dane's family announced his death in a statement reading: 'With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS.

'He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.

'Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight.

'He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he's received.'
Tobey Maguire reunited with his pregnant ex-wife Jennifer Meyer for dinner at Japanese restaurant Matsuhisa in Beverly Hills on Tuesday night.

The 50-year-old Spider-Man alum and the 48-year-old jewelry designer - who should not be eating sushi - brought along their 16-year-old son Otis and his friend for the fancy family meal.

The amicable exes' nine-year marriage ended in 2016, and their divorce was finalized in 2020.

On Tuesday, Meyer posted a video via Instastory of her bourgeoning bump ahead of delivering her third child, a daughter, later this year.

Maguire and Meyer's 19-year-old daughter Ruby is said to be enrolled at the Ivy League school Brown University in Providence, RI - according to Us Weekly.

Also missing from Matsuhisa was Meyer's much younger fiance - The Ogunlesi Group CEO Geoffrey Ogunlesi - who appears to have a good relationship with the three-time Actor Awards nominee.

Tobey Maguire reunited with his pregnant ex-wife Jennifer Meyer for dinner at Japanese restaurant Matsuhisa in Beverly Hills on Tuesday night

The 50-year-old Spider-Man alum and the 48-year-old jewelry designer - who should not be eating sushi - brought along their 16-year-old son Otis and his friend for the fancy family meal

Meyer previously admitted it was 'a lot of work' to successfully co-parent her teenagers with Maguire.

'It was a choice, and it was trusting in, like, the universe has got our back, but let me tell you something, the work is a motherf***er,' she confessed on The World's First Podcast back in 2022.

'Now we talk about our significant others [like], "Hey, you got the kids? I'm going for a weekend away." Now it's like, "Hey, I'm having a hard day" or "Hey, you did this, it really bummed me out."

'I would do anything in the world for him. I can't even explain [it]. He is my brother. I love him to death.'

The sometime actor last made headlines canoodling with Mishka Silva inside Raising Cane's VIP box at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA on February 8 to watch Super Bowl LX.

At 20, the influencer is 30 years younger than Maguire and one year older than his daughter Ruby.

Back in his wild nineties hey-day, the LA native would party hop with a group of young men dubbed 'The P**** Posse' including Leonardo DiCaprio, Kevin Connolly, Harmony Korine, Jay Ferguson, Josh Miller, David Blaine and Ethan Suplee.

Maguire hasn't acted since portraying Nicolas in Apple TV+ series Extrapolations in 2023, and his most recent IMDb-credited gig was serving as one of the 10 producers on Timo Tjahjanto's action comedy sequel Nobody 2 last year.

On Tuesday, Meyer posted a video via Instastory of her bourgeoning bump ahead of delivering her third child, a daughter, later this year

Maguire and Meyer's 19-year-old daughter Ruby (pictured) is said to be enrolled at the Ivy League school Brown University in Providence, RI

Also missing from Matsuhisa was Meyer's much younger fiance - The Ogunlesi Group CEO Geoffrey Ogunlesi (2-R, pictured November 10) - who appears to have a good relationship with the three-time Actor Awards nominee (R)

Maguire last made headlines canoodling with Mishka Silva (R) inside Raising Cane's VIP box at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA on February 8 to watch Super Bowl LX

At 20, the influencer is 30 years younger than the sometime actor and one year older than his daughter Ruby

Maguire hasn't acted since portraying Nicolas in Apple TV+ series Extrapolations in 2023 (pictured), and his most recent IMDb-credited gig was serving as one of the 10 producers on Timo Tjahjanto's action comedy sequel Nobody 2 last year

The Golden Globe nominee is best remembered for his roles in four Spider-Man movies, The Ice Storm (1997), Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998), Pleasantville (1998), The Cider House Rules (1999), Ride with the Devil (1999), Seabiscuit (2003), The Great Gatsby (2013) and Babylon (2022).

Meanwhile, last October, Meyer celebrated the 20th anniversary of her eponymous jewelry company, which expanded into fragrance and beauty in 2022.

The Syracuse University grad reportedly learned how to make jewelry, at age six, from her grandmother Edith Meyer.
Lisa Rinna has accused one of her former co-stars of being Hollywood's 'biggest bully' in her new book, You Better Believe I'm Gonna Talk About It.

While longtime fans may have expected the 62-year-old to name one of her fellow Real Housewives of Beverly Hills divas as the culprit, Rinna confirmed that her worst showbiz encounter actually took place in the early '90s on Days of Our Lives.

Rinna, who played Billie Reed on the soap opera, said that it was her on-screen love interest Bo Brady, played by Robert Kelker-Kelly, who made her life 'a living hell' on the set of the hit series.

'Behind the scenes we hated each other,' she wrote in the book.

'Remember when Kathy Hilton said I was the biggest bully in Hollywood? Not true. Not even close! I have legit stories about the real bullies in this town. Robert Kelker-Kelly is one of those bullies,' she continued.

'He made my life a living hell on the set of Days. He was horrible to me. Id go so far as to say verbally abusive. He was passive aggressive, manipulative, and played weird mind games.'

Lisa Rinna has accused one of her former co-stars of being Hollywood's 'biggest bully' in her new book

She added, 'I had to work with him every day, often half naked to do love scenes. If I didnt do what he wanted, hed give me the silent treatment.

'He was a ticking time bomb. I never knew when I arrived on set each morning if Id get nice Robert Kelker-Kelly or dark Robert Kelker-Kelly. He was unpredictable and it was exhausting.'

Rinna was relieved when he abruptly left the show and was replaced by Peter Reckell, who had originally played Bo Brady from 1983 to 1992.

She then claimed that after his exit, both she and her co-star Kristian Alfonso, who played Kelker-Kelly's other love interest Hope Brady, were provided with a security team from NBC, although she did not think he was a threat and implied that the security was unnecessary.

'Suddenly, one day, he disappeared from the Days set. Next thing I knew Kristian and I had our own full-time security detail,' she alleged.

'I wasn't worried about physical harm, but NBC had to cover their ass. We had rent-a-cops parked outside out houses and trailers for three weeks and were driven to and from work.'

NBC declined to respond when reached for comment. Kelker-Kelly has also been contacted for comment.

Rinna played Billie Reed on Days of Our Lives from 1992 to 1995, before quitting the show and being replaced by Krista Allen.

Rinna, who played Billie Reed on Days of Our Lives, said that it was her on-screen love interest Bo Brady, played by Robert Kelker-Kelly, who made her life 'a living hell'

Rinna played Billie Reed on Days of Our Lives from 1992 to 1995, before quitting the show and joining Melrose Place

As for Kelker-Kelly, he remained a successful soap actor for many years, starring in Another World and General Hospital after exiting Days of our Lives in 1995.

He later left Hollywood to become a professional pilot and flight instructor.

Rinna's latest book isn't the first time that she's shared her negative experience with Kelker-Kelly.

During a 2015 interview with Bravo, Rinna said, 'I hated Robert Kelker-Kelly; hated him with a passion!'

She added, 'He hated me with a passion. We were a volatile combination, and it looked like love and sexual chemistry on camera, so that was some darn good acting right there.'

After appearing on Days of Our Lives, Rinna went on to star on primetime soap Melrose Place for the show's final three seasons.

She would later make multiple returns to Days of Our Lives over the years, including in 2002, 2012, and 2018.

Rinna also starred in the short-lived spin-off series Days Of Our Lives: Beyond Salem in 2021.

She was most recently seen starring in season four of The Traitors.
Lily Allen has revealed she has lost her voice - just days before she is due to kick off her West End Girl tour - her first in seven years.

The Not Fair hitmaker, 40, took to social media on Wednesday to share a new video with fans as she attempts to complete her rehearsals for the tour, which is named after her latest album.

In the clip, Lily could be seen surrounded by members of her crew as she sings: 'Five days until the tour and I have lost the lower voice and the [vocal] register of my voice which is really cool.'

Lily's voice appeared croaky and breaking at points as she snuffled towards the end of the clip.

Her first show kicks off in off in Glasgow on March 2, before moving to Liverpool, Newcastle, Bristol and Cardiff.

It will culminate at the London Pallidum, with Lily performing at the renowned venue for two nights.

Lily Allen has revealed she has lost her voice - just days before she is due to kick off her West End Girl tour - her first in seven years

Lily sold out a string of the theatre shows in just minutes - leading to the confirmation she will play a slew of UK and Ireland arena dates in June 2026 - with the shows marking Lilys biggest headline tour of her career.

The tour, which comes in conjunction with 20 years since the release of her debut album Alright, Still, will see the star play the entirety of West End Girl.

Arena locations include London, Manchester, Glasgow and Nottingham, while Lily is also set for high profile performance at Mighty Hoopla in London in May.

In October, Lily had shocked fans with the release of West End Girl, which shed a disarmingly honest light on her marital woes - from the discovery of her then husband David Harbour's 'P***y Palace' to his illicit relationship with 'Madeline'.

The heartbreaking album opens with Lily revealing David had requested the couple embark on an open marriage - however with stipulations in place.

She went on to expose David's extra-curricular and rule-flouting activities and also shares a number of sordid details of his affair and their union, including the discovery of an abundance of sex toys and condoms at his 'P***y Palace'.

Meanwhile, Lily recently confirmed her romance with Jonah Freud - who is the son of entrepreneur Matthew Freud and ex-wife Caroline Hutton and the nephew of celebrated late artist Lucian Freud.

She had been linked to Jonah since last year.

In a new interview, the star revealed she now has a 'boyfriend' weeks after she and Jonah jetted to Rome for a romantic minibreak.

The pair have been spotted on multiple dates and seemed to take things to the next level by jetting to Italy together - reportedly staying in a suite at the Hotel Locarno, thought to cost around 800 per night.

Lily and Jonah were also spotted kissing at her celeb-packed Christmas party at London's Stringfellow's in December.

Lily had shocked fans with the release of West End Girl, which shed a light on her marital woes - from the discovery of her then husband David Harbour's alleged relationship with 'Madeline'

The Smile hitmaker shared her relationship status in an interview with Grazia magazine, where she was asked who the last person was who has texted her.

Lily replied: 'My boyfriend.'

Last month Lily and Jonah were pictured enjoying a coffee break after travelling to Rome for a trip away together.

Spotting the pair in Rome, a source told The Sun: 'We walked past her and it was my daughter-in-law who recognised her and went, "Oh my God, it's Lily Allen."

'We did a double take, and it was definitely her, she was with Jonah Freud. They were just having a coffee and a cigarette together.'
Beijing urges US to rescind tariff measures

14:25, February 25, 2026 By Wang Keju ( Chinadaily.com.cn

China has urged the United States to rescind its unilateral tariff measures imposed on trading partners, and said it would keep a close eye on any "alternative measures" adopted by Washington to sustain hefty duties, the Ministry of Commerce said on Monday.

While China remains committed to working with the US for mutual benefit and the stability of the global economy, officials and analysts said that Beijing will take firm countermeasures should Washington take any action that infringes upon its interests.

Their comments came after the US Supreme Court scrambled the trade landscape on Friday by striking down sweeping tariffs proposed by US President Donald Trump.

However, hours after the ruling, Trump vowed the tariffs would quickly be reimposed in other forms, announcing plans for a new 10 percent "global tariff" under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which he later raised to 15 percent.

Prior to the US Supreme Court's decision, US tariffs on Chinese imports comprised five layers  2.5 percent most-favored-nation tariffs, 8.4 percent Section 301 tariffs, 11 percent Section 232 tariffs, 10 percent fentanyl tariffs and 5.1 percent "reciprocal" tariffs  totaling 37 percent, according to calculations by Guosheng Securities, a State-owned enterprise headquartered in Nanchang, the capital of Jiangxi province.

The Supreme Court ruling invalidates the fentanyl tariffs and the "reciprocal" tariffs on China, cutting the baseline rate to 21.9 percent. But the addition of the new 15 percent "global tariff" again pushes up the composite rate to about 28.6 percent, Guosheng Securities noted.

China is conducting "a comprehensive assessment" of the content and implications of the court ruling, a spokesperson for the Chinese Commerce Ministry said on Monday, stressing that China has consistently opposed all forms of unilateral tariff measures.

The spokesperson noted that the US' unilateral actions, including the so-called "reciprocal" tariffs and fentanyl tariffs, not only violate international trade rules but also contravene US domestic law and serve the interests of no party.

"We have also noted that the US is reportedly preparing alternative measures, such as trade investigations, to maintain tariffs on trading partners," the spokesperson said. "China will closely monitor the situation and take firm actions to safeguard its legitimate interests.

"Facts have shown that both China and the US stand to benefit from cooperation and lose from confrontation," the spokesperson added.

Relations between China and the US, after experiencing several ups and downs and multiple rounds of trade talks over the past year, achieved an "overall dynamic stability", as described by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Following the latest trade consultations in Malaysia in October, the two countries agreed to extend their tariff truce for one year.

Luo Zhiheng, chief economist and head of the research institute at Yuekai Securities, said, "The US still retains relatively high tariffs on China, and its efforts to contain China in high-tech sectors remain unabated."

Ultimately, the upper hand in future negotiations between China and the US depends on each side's core leverage points  their respective economic resilience and technological strength, Luo added.

For China, the key to mitigating the impact of external uncertainties and securing the initiative in the long-term China-US trade dynamics lies in strengthening its economic fundamentals, enhancing its capacity for independent technological innovation and maintaining strategic resolve amid a complex and evolving international landscape, added Luo, Yuekai Securities' chief economist.

Xiong Yuan, chief economist at Guosheng Securities, pointed to fundamental constraints that render Section 122 unsuitable as a long-term tariff mechanism. The statute imposes a hard 150-day time limit on any duties imposed, expiring in late July unless extended by an act of the US Congress.

The Trump administration's invocation of Section 122 is likely to serve as only an interim measure, with Xiong anticipating a midterm pivot back to the more durable legal frameworks of Sections 301 and 232.

Sean Stein, president of the US-China Business Council, said he hopes that future trade talks can move beyond tariffs, tax rates and export controls to explore how the two economies can cooperate more effectively, enabling companies from both countries to better compete and operate in each other's markets.

"The US and China are the world's two largest, most technologically advanced and most dynamic economies. There are a lot of things that we need to get right on the economic front," Stein said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Oliver Power Grant, the business mastermind behind the Wu-Tang Clan, has died at the age of 52.

The news of his passing was confirmed on Tuesday, though a cause of death has not yet been revealed.

Tributes immediately began pouring in from Wu-Tang members - including Method Man, RZA, and Raekwon - and the wider hip-hop community.

Method Man shared a photo of himself with Power on Instagram, writing: Paradise my Brother safe Travels!! #pookie #power Bruh I am not ok .. .'

RZA also expressed his grief, posting a black square with Boyz II Mens Its So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday and adding the caption 5 - a reference to the Five-Percent Nations Supreme Mathematics that inspired Grants nickname.

Raekwon added: POWER we been everywhere . now you everywhere ! the most high is merciful love you.

Oliver Power Grant, the business mastermind behind the Wu-Tang Clan, has died at the age of 52

Tributes immediately began pouring in from Wu-Tang members and the wider hip-hop community, highlighting the profound impact Grant had both on and off the stage

The Wu-Tang Clan was formed in Staten Island, New York, in 1992, quickly becoming one of hip-hops most influential groups.

The original lineup included RZA, GZA, Ol Dirty Bastard, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, and Masta Killa.

A childhood friend of RZA, Grant played a pivotal - and often under-appreciated - role in turning the Wu-Tang Clan from a scrappy Staten Island rap crew into a global cultural powerhouse.

Long before hiphop stars routinely launched clothing lines, Grant saw the potential in merging music with fashion and multimedia.

He was instrumental in founding Wu Wear, one of raps first artistowned streetwear brands, which became a hugely lucrative offshoot of the groups success and helped define how artists could profit outside of record sales.

While many fans know WuTang for classic tracks like Protect Ya Neck and Method Man - songs Grant helped fund and promote alongside RZA and Mitchell 'Divine' Diggs - it was his business vision that laid the blueprint for generations of artists to come.

Reflecting on those early days in a 2011 interview with Passion of the Weiss, he said: Wu Wear was pretty much like our entry in the fashion biz, but before I was in Wu Wear, I was making and marketing the first Wu records with RZA.

'Everything that we learned was hard knock life. You figure it out as you go along and take cues from those that are actively doing things.

Method Man shared a photo of himself with Power on Instagram, writing: Paradise my Brother safe Travels!! #pookie #power Bruh I am not ok .. .'

Raekwon posted: POWER we been everywhere . now you everywhere ! the most high is merciful love you'

A childhood friend of RZA, Grant played a pivotal - and often under-appreciated - role in turning the Wu-Tang Clan from a scrappy Staten Island rap crew into a global cultural powerhouse; (Wu-Tang Clan in 1993)

A lot of it was trial and error, he added. There were no models.

Grants influence stretched well beyond the Clans inner circle, with artists from across the hiphop spectrum acknowledging his impact.

Rap veteran Camron paid tribute on Instagram, writing: Damn man!! [crying emojis] [prayer emojis] thank you for everything legend @wutangbrand.

Meanwhile, acclaimed producer DJ Premier eulogized him as a 'worldwide movement' and a 'pioneer for the culture,' recalling fun times on tour and the deep bond they shared.

Music executive Steve Rifkind, who signed WuTang to Loud Records in the early 1990s, also posted a heartfelt tribute, saying he had been like a brother to Grant since they met in 1993 and that Powers influence - both professionally and personally - was impossible to overstate.
Robert Cosby Jr., the son of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby, has died at the age of 23.

While an official cause of death has not been released, police initially responded to what was described as a 'possible overdose,' which later became a death investigation.

Salt Lake City police told TMZ that officers responded Monday night to a call for a 'full arrest/medical emergency' involving a 23-year-old male.

Firefighters and paramedics were also dispatched to the scene. Authorities have not released further details.

Bravo confirmed the tragic news in a statement provided to the Daily Mail.

'We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Mary's beloved son, Robert Jr. Mary is a cherished member of our family, and our thoughts, love, and deepest condolences are with her and her loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.'

Robert Cosby Jr., the son of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby, has died at the age of 23, according to a report from TMZ

A separate statement was also shared on behalf of Mary Cosby and her husband, Robert Sr. Cosby.

'Our beloved son Robert Jr. has been called home to the Lord. Though our hearts ache, we take comfort in God's promise and in knowing he is finally at peace. We are grateful for your prayers and trust in the Lord to carry us through this time of sorrow.'

Additional details surrounding the incident have since emerged through 911 dispatch audio, obtained by the Daily Mail.

According to the audio, first responders were alerted to an unresponsive 23-year-old man who was not breathing. Dispatchers stated that Narcan had been administered, and that multiple police units were already en route to the scene.

Authorities confirmed they responded to the emergency call at approximately 6:14 p.m. Firefighters and paramedics were also dispatched. No further details have been released by officials.

The Salt Lake City Police department told the Daily Mail could not confirm whether his parents were home when he was discovered.

They did confirm 'next to kin has been notified' and that the death investigation was 'pretty standard.'

As for how long the investigation should take, authorities stated 'the medical examiner handles that part of examination to determine death and that's going to take some time.'

While an official cause of death has not been released, police responded to what was initially described as a 'possible overdose,' which later became a death investigation

'It takes a lot of time to get those tests back,' police noted. 'It can be four weeks, five week, it could be six weeks. It's going to depend on what other testing they have in line before that, how busy they are.'

Following the news, Andy Cohen took to Threads to react to the heartbreaking news.

'Devastatingly sad news out of SLC,' Cohen wrote. 'This is every parent's worst nightmare. My heart is broken for Mary, and I am sending all my love to her and Robert Sr.'

Mary has appeared on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City since its debut, with her family life occasionally featured on the show.

Robert's death comes just weeks after he was released from Salt Lake County Metro Jail after serving two months behind bars.

At this time, his attorney Clayton Simms told People that Robert Jr. 'expresses deep regret regarding his prior actions and acknowledges that his past behavior demonstrates poor judgment.'

Salt Lake City police told TMZ that officers responded Monday night to a call for a 'full arrest/medical emergency' involving a 23-year-old male

Three days after his release, Robert's mom shared a photo of him, alongside the cryptic message, 'Thank you all for your prayers. Love you.'

At the time, members of the Real Housewives franchise expressed their support in the comments section.

Robert's longtime attorney Clayton Simms told the Daily Mail: 'Robert Sr. and Mary Cosby are mourning the loss of their beloved son, Robert Clinton Cosby, Jr. His untimely passing is hard to comprehend, and the Cosbys are struggling to understand how someone so young and full of life could be gone so soon.'

He continued: 'Robert Jr.s warm spirit, humor and kind heart will be missed. A favorite bible passage of the Cosby family is Ecclesiastes 1:2-8, which touches upon the idea that human pursuits, pleasures and accomplishments are fleeting and futile without spiritual purpose.'

'Lots of prayers for you and Robert, Mary,' The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' Sutton Stracke wrote.

Dolores Catania, from The Real Housewives of New Jersey, commented: 'God bless Robert.'

Her Real Housewives of Salt Lake City costar Heather Gay simply sent her 'love.'

Robert's death comes just weeks after he was released from Salt Lake County Metro Jail after serving two months behind bars

In November, his wife, Alexiana Smokoff, filed for divorce.

Viewers of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City saw Robert appear on the Bravo series several times over the years.

During season four, Mary Cosby addressed learning that her son had secretly married Alexiana without her knowledge.

The wedding reportedly took place in August 2022 at a Utah courthouse.

Robert and Alexiana's alleged struggles with substance use were also featured as part of Mary's storyline on the show.

Robert had a history of legal issues.

Mary has appeared on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City since its debut, with her family life occasionally featured on the show (Mary seen in 2024)

He was arrested in Utah in September on multiple alleged charges, including trespassing and assault.

He was previously arrested in 2022 for driving under the influence, at which time police said he did not have a valid license and failed to follow traffic laws.

He later pleaded guilty to the DUI charge.

During part 2 of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City season 6 reunion, which aired in January, Mary spoke about her son's arrest and time in jail.

'I know he's somewhere where he's not using,' she said. 'Unfortunately he's learning the hard way, but I'm okay with it.'

Still, she said, as a mother, 'you don't wanna see your kid suffer, but I know it's good, and I'd rather him be there than dead.'

During the same interview, Mary got emotional as she reflected on his legal woes.

'I can't go to the jail, Andy, thats a little weird,' she said. 'No. I don't want to look at my child behind the glass. He calls me every day, and I'm basically preaching to him. I'm like, "Youre going through this, but you have to realize that God is allowing it, and if God allowed it, then it's for your good. This will help you to change, and youve got to change."'
Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby tearfully voiced fears her son would die just months before his passing.

Robert Cosby Jr. died at the age of 23 on Monday. While an official cause of death has not been released, police initially responded to what was described as a possible overdose before the case was later classified as a death investigation.

Salt Lake City police told TMZ that officers responded Monday night to a call for a 'full arrest/medical emergency' involving a 23-year-old male. Authorities have not released further details.

Amid turmoil in Robert's life - including a jail stint and alleged struggles with substance abuse - Cosby broke down as she discussed her only child during part two of the RHOSLC Season 6 reunion, which aired January 20.

At the time the episode was filmed, Robert was being held at Salt Lake County Metro Jail following a November arrest for allegedly violating a pretrial protective order against his now ex-wife, Alexiana Smokoff.

Im not worried about him, Mary explained to the cast, admitting it gave her comfort knowing he was somewhere he wasnt using drugs. And Id rather him be there than dead, you know?

Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby tearfully voiced fears her son would die just months before his passing; (Meredith Marks left, Mary Cosby right on RHOSLC Season 6 reunion in January)

Robert Cosby Jr. died at 23 on Monday, and while an official cause of death has not been released, police initially responded to what was described as a possible overdose before the case was later classified as a death investigation

She went on to say she felt she had no choice but to let him face the consequences of his actions.

At some point, I have to step back so that he can learn and he can make his own decisions, and unfortunately, hes learning the hard way. But Im OK with it, she said.

Its just, you dont want to see your kid suffer, but I know its good, Mary explained.

Robert Jr. was released from jail earlier this month after serving two months behind bars.

He had been ordered to serve 99 days but received credit for time served.

Bravo confirmed the tragic news in a statement provided to the Daily Mail.

We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Marys beloved son, Robert Jr. Mary is a cherished member of our family, and our thoughts, love, and deepest condolences are with her and her loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

A separate statement was also shared on behalf of Mary Cosby and her husband, Robert Sr. Cosby.

Cosby broke down as she discussed her only child during part two of the RHOSLC Season 6 reunion, which aired January 20

Im not worried about him, Mary explained to the cast, admitting it gave her comfort knowing he was somewhere he wasnt using drugs, adding, And Id rather him be there than dead, you know?'

'Our beloved son Robert Jr. has been called home to the Lord. Though our hearts ache, we take comfort in God's promise and in knowing he is finally at peace. We are grateful for your prayers and trust in the Lord to carry us through this time of sorrow.'

Mary Cosby has appeared on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City since its debut, with her family life occasionally featured on the show.

Following the news, Andy Cohen took to Threads to react to the heartbreaking news.

'Devastatingly sad news out of SLC,' Cohen wrote. 'This is every parent's worst nightmare. My heart is broken for Mary, and I am sending all my love to her and Robert Sr.'

Robert's death comes just weeks after he was released from Salt Lake County Metro Jail after serving two months behind bars.

At this time, his attorney Clayton Simms told People that Robert 'expresses deep regret regarding his prior actions and acknowledges that his past behavior demonstrates poor judgment.'

Three days after his release, Robert's mom shared a photo of him, alongside the cryptic message, 'Thank you all for your prayers. Love you.'

At the time, members of the Real Housewives franchise expressed their support in the comments section.

At the time the episode was filmed, Robert was being held at Salt Lake County Metro Jail following a November arrest for allegedly violating a pretrial protective order against his now ex-wife, Alexiana Smokoff

Robert with wife Alexiana Smokoff who filed for divorce in November 2025

'Lots of prayers for you and Robert, Mary,' The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' Sutton Stracke wrote.

Dolores Catania, from The Real Housewives of New Jersey, commented: 'God bless Robert.'

Her Real Housewives of Salt Lake City costar Heather Gay simply sent her 'love.'

In November, his wife, Alexiana Smokoff, filed for divorce.

Viewers of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City saw Robert appear on the Bravo series several times over the years.

During season four, Mary Cosby addressed learning that her son had secretly married Alexiana without her knowledge.

The wedding reportedly took place in August 2022 at a Utah courthouse.

Robert and Alexiana's alleged struggles with substance use were also featured as part of Mary's storyline on the show.

Three days after his release, Robert's mom shared a photo of him, alongside the cryptic message, 'Thank you all for your prayers. Love you' (seen in 2024)

Robert had a history of legal issues.

He was arrested in Utah in September on multiple alleged charges, including trespassing and assault.

He was previously arrested in 2022 for driving under the influence, at which time police said he did not have a valid license and failed to follow traffic laws.

He later pleaded guilty to the DUI charge.

During part 2 of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City season 6 reunion, which aired in January, Mary spoke about her son's arrest and time in jail.

'I know he's somewhere where he's not using,' she said. 'Unfortunately he's learning the hard way, but I'm okay with it.'

Still, she said, as a mother, 'you don't wanna see your kid suffer, but I know it's good, and I'd rather him be there than dead.'
Karl Stefanovic's ex-wife Cassandra Thorburn has issued a heartfelt message to her fans, after revealing she has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer.

The journalist and former Dancing With The Stars contestant, 54, shared a clip to Instagram where she thanked her fans for their outpouring of support.

'Thank you everyone so much for your words of support. I think that for anyone going through cancer at the moment, those messages were also for you,' Cass began.

She then revealed how she was keeping herself busy during this difficult time.

'Week Two of chemo for me today. Walking, walking, walking, because while I can get some exercise, I should,' she said.

'A shout out to all the nurses and staff that turn up every day for people like me at chemo care centres anywhere across Australia. You really do make a difference.'

Karl Stefanovic's ex-wife Cassandra Thorburn has issued a heartfelt message to her fans, after revealing she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. (Pictured in 2011)

The journalist and former Dancing With The Stars contestant, 54, shared a clip to Instagram thanking her fans for their outpouring of support

Many of Cassandra's followers took to the comments section with their words of support.

'Thoughts are with you and your family. You are a wonderful person and will win this fight,' one person wrote.

'Thinking of you and sending you love strength and healing,' a second added.

'You got this. One day at a time. Keep smiling,' a third chimed in.

It comes after Cass shared her devastating health news in a video posted to Instagram.

She began the clip by referring to a post she had uploaded a day prior, in which she showed her recently shaved head.

'I'm going to have to read this because on my walk this morning, I thought about all the reasons why I made that post yesterday,' said Cassandra.

'Most of it is controlling the only part of my treatment and diagnosis that I can. That's the part about when the hair comes off and when you tell people.

She then revealed how she was keeping herself busy during this difficult time

'For my adult children and myself, I'm not interested in hiding, that's because I'm not alone. I'm not walking a path that is not well travelled by many women before me. I will not be the last.

'Breast cancer affects one in seven women in New South Wales, which is where I live. I read that sitting for my mammogram not long ago. I was the one in seven that day.'

The mother-of-three then praised the Australian health system for all the care she has received so far.

'My shout-out today is for NSW Breast Screen, who picked up my triple negative occult breast cancer, which is no small feat if you know what occult breast cancer is. I didn't until now.

'I thank them from the bottom of my heart. And when your mammogram reminder arrives in the mail, don't dilly dally. Do as I did, book it straight away.'

She ended her video with optimism, saying: 'It may have flipped my world in days, but there's no "why me?" There's no "poor me" here. Just a desire to stop this.'

Triple-negative occult breast cancer is a rare form of breast cancer where no tumour can be found in the breast, but cancer cells - usually discovered in the lymph nodes - are identified as originating from the breast.

The cancer is 'triple-negative,' meaning it lacks estrogen, progesterone and HER2 receptors, so it cannot be treated with hormone or HER2-targeted therapies and is typically managed with chemotherapy and other systemic treatments.

Cassandra was married to Today host Karl for 21 years before their acrimonious split in 2016, and they share three children: Jackson, 25, Ava, 19, and River, 18.

Karl has since moved on with former model Jasmine Yarbrough, who he married in 2018 and with whom he shares daughter Harper.

Cassandra began her career as a media personality and television journalist, before putting her professional aspirations on hold to raise her children.
Mary Cosby has paid an emotional tribute to her son after his shock death aged just 23.

Robert Cosby Jr., the only son of the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star, died on Monday - three weeks after he was released from prison.

While an official cause of death has not been released, police initially responded to what was described as a 'possible overdose,' which later became a death investigation.

Cosby and her husband Robert Sr. Cosby shared a devastating statement with the Daily Mail, asking for 'peace' for their late son.

'Our beloved son Robert Jr. has been called home to the Lord. Though our hearts ache, we take comfort in God's promise and in knowing he is finally at peace' they said.

'We are grateful for your prayers and trust in the Lord to carry us through this time of sorrow.'

Mary Cosby has paid an emotional tribute to her son after his shock death aged just 23

Robert Cosby Jr., the only son of the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star, died on Monday following a suspected overdose

Cosby and her husband Robert Sr. Cosby shared a devastating statement with the Daily Mail, asking for 'peace' for their late son

Bravo added: 'We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Mary's beloved son, Robert Jr. Mary is a cherished member of our family, and our thoughts, love, and deepest condolences are with her and her loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.'

Cosby has appeared on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City since its debut, with her family life occasionally featured on the show.

Following the news, Andy Cohen took to Threads to react to the heartbreaking news.

'Devastatingly sad news out of SLC,' Cohen wrote. 'This is every parent's worst nightmare. My heart is broken for Mary, and I am sending all my love to her and Robert Sr.'

Robert's death comes just weeks after he was released from Salt Lake County Metro Jail after serving two months behind bars.

At this time, his attorney Clayton Simms told People that Robert 'expresses deep regret regarding his prior actions and acknowledges that his past behavior demonstrates poor judgment.'

Three days after his release, Robert's mom shared a photo of him, alongside the cryptic message, 'Thank you all for your prayers. Love you.'

Robert was known for his appearances on the reality show alongside his mom

At the time, members of the Real Housewives franchise expressed their support in the comments section.

'Lots of prayers for you and Robert, Mary,' The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' Sutton Stracke wrote.

Dolores Catania, from The Real Housewives of New Jersey, commented: 'God bless Robert.'

Her Real Housewives of Salt Lake City costar Heather Gay simply sent her 'love.'

In November, his wife, Alexiana Smokoff, filed for divorce.

Viewers of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City saw Robert appear on the Bravo series several times over the years.

During season four, Mary Cosby addressed learning that her son had secretly married Alexiana without her knowledge.

The wedding reportedly took place in August 2022 at a Utah courthouse.

Robert and Alexiana's alleged struggles with substance use were also featured as part of Mary's storyline on the show.

Three days after his release, Robert's mom shared a photo of him, alongside the cryptic message, 'Thank you all for your prayers. Love you' (seen in 2024)

Robert had a history of legal issues.

He was arrested in Utah in September on multiple alleged charges, including trespassing and assault.

He was previously arrested in 2022 for driving under the influence, at which time police said he did not have a valid license and failed to follow traffic laws.

He later pleaded guilty to the DUI charge.

During part 2 of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City season 6 reunion, which aired in January, Mary spoke about her son's arrest and time in jail.

'I know he's somewhere where he's not using,' she said. 'Unfortunately he's learning the hard way, but I'm okay with it.'

Still, she said, as a mother, 'you don't wanna see your kid suffer, but I know it's good, and I'd rather him be there than dead.'
Justin Baldoni could have saved himself a whole lot of grief  if only he had listened to the thousands of fans of the book It Ends with Us.

They wanted him to take on Chilling Adventures of Sabrina star Abigail Cowan to play Lily Bloom, but Baldoni wasn't interested, audio tapes obtained by the Daily Mail show.

Instead, he insisted that Blake Lively was right for the role and he went on a campaign to persuade her.

But it all ended badly for Baldoni, 42, when Lively accused him of sexually harassing her on set and then defaming and smearing her.

Baldoni even told Lively, 38, he didn't want 'some 22-year-old fresh out of college' in the part.

'That's not the movie I was interested in making,' he said, maybe referring to the idea of many Hollywood movies which star an older man with a much younger love interest.

Audio tapes obtained by the Daily Mail capture a message Justin Baldoni sent to Blake Lively in which he insists she perfectly fits the role of Lily Bloom and explains his vision of the film centering on an older woman in the part

In the tapes, he discusses how fans were pushing for the team to cast Chilling Adventures of Sabrina star Abigail Cowan as Lily Bloom, but he stated to Lively that he didn't want 'some 22-year-old fresh out of college' in the part

The comments about redheaded rising star Cowan emerged in exhibits filed to the federal court in New York by Lively's lawyers who are fighting to avoid having her case against Baldoni dismissed.

During a hearing earlier this month, a judge heard arguments from both sides and will issue a ruling to the request later.

Lively is seeking $161million in damages after claiming Baldoni sexually harassed her then defamed and smeared her.

Baldoni, who denies the claims, has already had his own $400million defamation lawsuit against Lively dismissed by a judge.

Lively's case is due to go to trial in May.

The audio message was sent early in the production process for It Ends with Us, which started shooting in mid-2023, when Cowan would actually have been 25.

Lively has been in court for hearings involving Justin Baldoni. The comments about Cowan surfaced in exhibits filed in federal court in New York by Bher lawyers, who are seeking to prevent her case against Justin Baldoni from being dismissed (

During a hearing earlier this month, a judge heard arguments from both sides and said a ruling on the request will be issued at a later date. Justin Baldoni, 42, was later seen leaving court hand-in-hand with his wife, Emily, 41

Baldoni told Lively he had considered Cowan for the role of a younger Lily but ultimately decided she did not resemble Lively closely enough to make the character's evolution feel realistic

Baldoni  who directed and took the lead role of Ryle Kincaid in the movie adaptation of Colleen Hoover's book  told Lively he did consider Cowan for the role of a younger Lily but decided she did not look enough like Lively to make the character seem realistic.

He said he realized it would be a good marketing move and it would give hardcore fans of the book 'what they wanted and what they didn't know they wanted  both of you guys in the same film'.

He told Lively that he wanted help from her 'genius marketing brain' to cast the role of young Lily from 2,600 applications.

He said: 'Before we announced you and for a couple of years, Abigail Cowan was who a lot of the young fans wanted to be Lily.

'She looks so young and of course that wasn't the movie I was going to make or was interested in making.

'But she wants it so badshe's a great actress but doesn't look anything like you. I really don't want anything to take us out of the movie'.

Isabela Ferrer got the part of young Lily due to her likeness to Lively. Her first love in the movie was Atlas played by Alex Neustaedter

Ferrer (cdnter) later accused Baldoni of harassment for trying to repeatedly serve her with a subpoena in his legal battle with Lively

He favored Isabela Ferrer  who is two-and-a-half years younger than Cowan  for the part of young Lily. Ferrer, 25, who is George Clooney's second cousin, eventually got the part.

Ferrer has also accused Baldoni of harassment for repeatedly trying to serve her with a subpoena.

'She's a beast and as soon as she came on the screen I was like oof. I could see young you in her,' Baldoni told Lively. 'She's got depth and I could tell she could do anything'.

Seeing Ferrer in her first scene 'you'll legitimately say she looks like Blake' but seeing Cowan there would be 'a bit of a suspension of disbelief', Baldoni said.

The conversation continued in a second voice note Baldoni sent to Lively where he was talking about changes to the script.

He said: 'I know in my bones how excited I am to work with you as a creative because you give a s**t and that's so f***ing cool, and you're smart, you're funny, and you're all the things and you're a great writer'.

If Cowan was cast in the role of young Lily Bloom, it would be a 'bit of a suspension of disbelief' for audiences, Baldoni said

Baldoni said he 'liked the banter and the wittiness' that Lively had put in the script, in which Lively's character gets into an abusive relationship with neurosurgeon Kincaid.

He said: 'I can see you and I know what you're trying to do and I want Lily to have that because I think it makes it much more powerful.

'Not just some 22-year-old fresh out of college but to see that woman  (Lively) end up in this relationship'.

The Daily Mail has contacted lawyers and representatives for Baldoni and Lively for comment.
A lawyer for one of Jeffrey Epstein's victims has called on British prosecutors to determine if Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor could be accused of alleged trafficking.

Perry Wander, a Beverly Hills lawyer who represents a woman who was introduced to Epstein by Andrew at Windsor Castle, told The Mail on Sunday he believes the former prince could be charged with the crime under British law.

Mr Wander, who has spent two decades representing victims of sexual abuse, claims his client alleges that when she told Andrew about being 'treated inappropriately' by Epstein he replied he 'wasn't surprised' because someone else had made a similar accusation against the billionaire.

Mr Wander said: 'In my professional legal opinion, based upon the facts presented, if a prosecutor in the United Kingdom were to apply the governing statutory framework under the Modern Slavery Act 2015, a reasonable basis would exist to conclude that criminal liability for trafficking could be established.'

The facilitator

Mr Wander's client, who received a payout from the Epstein estate last year, claims Andrew - who she briefly dated after meeting him at an event - encouraged her to spend time with Epstein and travel on the billionaire's private jet.

The woman visited Epstein's Palm Beach mansion and his private Caribbean island and was sexually assaulted by him on multiple occasions.

Under Section 2 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (Human Trafficking), a person commits an offense if they arrange or facilitate the travel of another person with a view to that person being exploited.

The statute states that 'travel' includes recruiting, transporting, transferring, harboring or receiving a person and applies regardless of whether the victim consents to the travel.

Mr Wander added: 'My client was introduced to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell by then Prince Andrew and Andrew actively encouraged and facilitated my client's travel aboard Epstein's private aircraft.'

Reasonable foresight

'If a prosecutor applied these facts to Section 2 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, the encouragement and facilitation of travel - combined with knowledge or reasonable foresight of sexual exploitation - could satisfy the statutory elements of human trafficking for purposes of sexual exploitation.'

Andrew has repeatedly and strenuously denied claims by the late Virginia Giuffre that she was trafficked to Andrew by Epstein.

Mr Wander's client is the first time a woman has alleged Andrew introduced a victim to Epstein.

The MoS understands the woman did not explicitly tell Andrew she had been raped by Epstein, but did confide in the prince that the financier had mistreated her.

Mr Wander said: 'One memory that stayed with her was a conversation in early 2000 in which she confided in Andrew about her time with Epstein and disclosed that he had behaved inappropriately towards her.'

The transatlantic cover-up

'In response, Andrew admitted that he wasn't surprised because he'd heard that someone else had made a similar allegation. She remembers thinking: "If he knew that, why would he encourage me to spend time with Epstein?"'

The arrest of Andrew this week prompted reaction from Epstein's victims and their lawyers.

Lawyer Jack Scarola, who represented 20 Epstein victims, told the MoS he believes Andrew will escape justice in the US.

Mr Scarola said: 'There has unquestionably been a deliberate cover-up. I believe that it may have started through incompetence, but there is no question in my mind that the cover-up has continued as a consequence of the conscious effort to avoid holding US government officials responsible.'

'Epstein's cohorts, his enablers, and his benefactors have not been held accountable to the extent that they need to be held accountable.'

Lawyer Gloria Allred told the MoS: 'The arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is for a crime against the state and the state has acted quickly to make this arrest. However, there has still not been any action on the part of the police on allegations that Andrew has committed crimes against women.'

Under oath in London

'Apparently, allegations concerning state trade secrets and allegations of financial crimes are given priority and quick action while allegations of [expletive], child sexual abuse and trafficking take many years to investigate and do not result in arrests and accountability for victims who are women and girls.'

Suhas Subramanyan, 49, the leading Democrat on the Congressional committee investigating the scandal, offered to fly to the UK to depose Andrew.

He said: 'We can go to the UK and meet him there. He can stipulate the terms of the conversation. We would just ask that he does so under oath, because he has lied before about his relationship with Epstein and some of the victims.'

Congress has repeatedly asked Andrew to go to the US to give testimony.

'Andrew has an opportunity to clear his name, and clear his family's name, and clear the record with us,' said Subramanyan.

The Giuffre connection

'His team knows, but I think that they have been hiding from us because they have been hoping that this will go away.'

'It has not gone away. It will never go away until he is forthcoming about his actions. Certainly if he did nothing wrong he should be forthcoming and help our investigation. Epstein's victims deserve justice.'

Victim Teresa Helm, 46, told the MoS: 'I became good friends with Virginia Giuffre, and though I never met Andrew, from what Virginia told me he absolutely knew what he was doing.'

'I hope there's a very intense investigation.'

'Andrew may be able to mend his ways and apologise, but right now I don't think he has one ounce of acceptance or accountability for what he has done.'

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has always vehemently denied the charges against him and any wrongdoing. He was approached for comment.

Share your thoughts with us in the comments
Police rushed to arrest Peter Mandelson fearing he was imminently planning to flee to the British Virgin Islands, it emerged on Tuesday.

Scotland Yard received new intelligence that the disgraced former minister presented a 'flight risk' and a decision was taken at a senior level to arrest him as soon as possible to prevent him leaving the country and taking up permanent residence abroad to avoid prosecution.

But an extraordinary row broke out on Tuesday as a furious Lord Mandelson hit out at detectives, telling friends they had been taken in by 'complete fiction' as he insisted that he never planned to leave the country and intended to cooperate fully with police.

Now the former Labour grandee's lawyers have demanded Scotland Yard produce evidence of the 'baseless suggestion' that their client was planning to go into hiding abroad to avoid potential prosecution for misconduct in public office over alleged leaks to Jeffrey Epstein.

The reputable source mystery

But sources close to the investigation said the officers concerned considered the intelligence was from a reputable source and there were 'strong operational reasons' for carrying out the arrest as soon as possible.

Detectives believed there was such a serious risk that Lord Mandelson could flee that they decided to impose bail conditions placing restrictions on his movements, including a ban on travelling out of the country.

On Tuesday it was reported on the News Agents podcast that police acted after the Lords Speaker informed them he had heard Lord Mandelson was planning to travel to the British Virgin Islands.

The Met has refused to reveal the source of the information.

On Tuesday, a spokesman for Lord Forsyth said he did not receive information relating to Lord Mandelson's movements, saying: 'Any suggestion at all that the Lord Speaker received information about Lord Mandelson's movements or communicated any such information to the Metropolitan Police Service, is entirely false and without foundation.'

Strong operational reasons

Some weeks ago, detectives agreed with Lord Mandelson's lawyers that he could attend an interview under caution next month on a voluntary basis at a central London police station over allegations that he passed secret government information to the financier when he was business secretary.

But over the weekend the force received intelligence to suggest that the former minister, known as the so-called Prince of Darkness, was imminently planning to go abroad.

On Monday morning, detectives became so alarmed by claims that Lord Mandelson was preparing to leave the country, three officers rushed to arrest him at his 7.6million Regent's Park home.

The ashen-faced peer was later pictured being led away by officers at 4.30pm, visibly stunned by the sudden knock at the door.

The unusual timing of the arrest had raised questions as criminal suspects are often arrested in early morning raids.

Earlier, Scotland Yard refused to comment on the timing yesterday, with a spokesman saying only that there were 'strong operational reasons'.

Baseless suggestion

But hours later, Lord Mandelson's lawyers Mishcon de Reya issued a statement denouncing police for being fooled by a 'baseless suggestion'.

Fuming, Lord Mandelson told friends shortly after his release following nine hours of questioning that he had been the victim of a 'complete fiction.'

He said: 'Despite a previous agreement between police and legal team over a voluntary interview in early March, police arrested me because they claimed... that I was about to flee to the British Virgin Islands and take up permanent residence abroad, leaving Reinaldo, my family, home and Jock behind me.'

'I need hardly say complete fiction. The police were told only today that they had to improvise an arrest. The question is, who or what is behind this?'

A spokesman for the law firm said: 'Peter Mandelson was arrested yesterday despite an agreement with the police that he would attend an interview next month on a voluntary basis.'

'The arrest was prompted by a baseless suggestion that he was planning to leave the country and take up permanent residence abroad.'

The fairness challenge

'There is absolutely no truth whatsoever in any such suggestion. We have asked the Metropolitan Police Service for the evidence relied upon to justify the arrest. Peter Mandelson's overriding priority is to cooperate with the police investigation, as he has done throughout this process, and to clear his name.'

Lord Mandelson has previously denied any wrongdoing and said he did not act for financial gain.

He is accused of sending market-sensitive information to the financier while he was business secretary in Gordon Brown's government during the financial crisis.

Documents released by the US Department of Justice suggest information was leaked 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 emails appeared to be sent to Epstein after he became a convicted offender.

On Tuesday, there was speculation that the unusual public statement from Lord Mandelson's lawyers may turn into a wider complaint about the unfairness of his police treatment, which could result in arguments that Lord Mandelson cannot receive a fair trial in the event of any prosecution.

Two forces, Two rules

Last week, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested by Thames Valley Police for the same offence of misconduct in public office over claims he similarly passed sensitive information to Epstein during his time as the UK's trade envoy.

But the former Duke of York was released under investigation by the force, rather than ask him to submit to any bail conditions.

Police bail can only be imposed for three months before officers have to apply for permission for an extension.

In contrast, there is no similar time limit for a suspect 'released under investigation'.

On Tuesday, the Metropolitan Police declined to comment on the row.

But the force showed no signs of backing down on the need for bail conditions, merely repeating their initial statement that, 'a 72-year-old man arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office has been released on bail pending further investigation.'

Lord Mandelson has been bailed until a date in May.

Share your thoughts with us in the comments
As Keir Starmer limps from one U-turn to another and his financially illiterate Chancellor plunges us all into a growth-stifling tax-and-spend abyss, I often find myself thinking: how can things possibly get any worse?

The answer, of course, is Zack Polanski, whose emergence on the political stage is the equivalent of discovering a rather nasty wasps nest in your roof, or realising that a rat has died under your floorboards.

Zack presents himself as a nice, harmless guy whos just trying to make the world a better place. Hes gay, Jewish (albeit avowedly pro-Palestine), vegan. He buys his clothes secondhand from Vinted and is charmingly self-deprecating about his very English teeth. He doesnt drive, he doesnt fly. He talks about hope not hate.

He is very down with the kids, who love him. He has the highest poll rating of any UK politician with young voters and is especially popular among young women.

Youth Poll Surge Puts Greens Far Ahead Among Young Women

A recent YouGov poll showed that if voters were primarily composed of women aged 18 to 24, the Greens would romp home with a huge 44 per cent of the vote (more than double Labours share on 21 per cent, with just eight per cent for the Tories and five per cent for Reform).

God help us. Because the truth is, far from being a nice guy, Polanski is the biggest creep in British politics.

His carefully curated persona is in stark contrast to his stated policies and beliefs. He is, bluntly, a wolf in sheeps clothing.

And just like Starmer, he will say and do anything to pander to his base and get himself elected.

This week saw a classic example of this. The Green candidate in the Gorton and Denton by-election, Hannah Spencer, released a promotional video voiced entirely in Urdu aimed at Pakistani Muslim residents in the area.

Urging voters to unite against the Reform candidate, Matt Goodwin, it painted him as a far-Right Trump supporter, and heavily referenced Gaza. This was no party-political broadcast. It was a naked piece of propaganda, designed to do little except stoke fear and deepen division.

Ramadan Solidarity Clip Fuels Sectarianism Claims

Apart from the scaremongering about America and Israel, by voicing the whole thing in Urdu it automatically excluded the rest of the residents in the area, most of whom (the Pakistani Muslim population of Gorton and Denton is estimated at between 20 and 28 per cent) wont have a clue what Ms Spencer is saying.

That sense of alienation was further underlined when Ms Spencer popped up in another video talking breathlessly about how she liked to fast in solidarity with Muslims during Ramadan.

None of this has anything to do with actual politics. It is simply sectarianism, every bit as one-dimensional and toxic as the kind of populist nonsense promoted by those on the far Right. They are all just as nasty as each other.

Polanski portrays himself as a moralist, but hes not interested in right or wrong, just whatever is most expedient.

He knows, for example, that the pro-Palestinian movement is aggressively vocal and highly fashionable among young people, especially young women, many of whom seem to idolise the attacks of October 7, blinded as they are by their visceral hatred of Israel.

Critic Accuses Green Leader of Exploiting Gaza Sentiment

This is despite the unequivocal evidence of mass sexual assault and torture, and despite the fact that Hamas is heavily connected to the regime in Iran, where young women are being sexually assaulted, tortured and executed for daring to demand freedom.

All that is obscured by their loathing of a Jewish state.

Polanski knows this, and he uses his Jewish religion as a defence when attacking Israel, precisely because it plays well with his swooning voter base who, like Ms Spencer, enjoy cosplaying as oppressed minorities.

But they are fools. Polanski is like that boyfriend who love-bombs you with grand gestures and wild-eyed promises, only to turn out to be a card-carrying narcissist. Which brings us to policy. Lets talk about that, shall we? Lets see what Mr Nice Guy wants to do if he gets elected.

If elected, Polanski wants to legalise all drugs, including Class-As such as crack cocaine, heroin and the date-sexual assault drug GHB  and build direct partnerships between the UK and South American drug cartels.

Plan to Legalise Class-A Drugs Sparks Fury

He wants soft drinks that are laced with cocaine to be available at your local corner shop, and he wants psychoactive substances such as ecstasy and psychedelics to be on sale in nightclubs and music festivals.

Oh, and he suggests children starting in primary school should be taught how to take drugs safely in Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) lessons to enhance the safety of all who use drugs  ensuring they get hooked good and proper early on.

Its a policy that is aimed very clearly and quite nakedly at young voters, who  for obvious reasons, not least the absence of a frontal temporal lobe  tend to favour decriminalisation of harmful substances.

But its not about public health, as he claims, or about making it safer to take recreational drugs: that is already de facto the case, since personal drug use is almost never prosecuted by the authorities. Go to any music festival, and there are plenty of well-meaning people, especially charities, handing out drug-testing kits and helping youngsters whove overdosed.

No, what Mr Polanski would do  under the guise of decriminalisation  is to make life easier (and vastly more profitable) for some of the most violent and depraved people in Britain, a move that will only serve to deepen the misery of families and individuals whose lives are blighted by addiction.

Cartel Partnership Plan Branded Reckless

He talks ceaselessly about rinsing the rich and redistributing wealth but, pray tell me, what are drug dealers if not people who enjoy vast wealth at the expense of the poor and dispossessed? How warped to prioritise them while penalising genuine job creators and honest taxpayers.

As to building direct partnerships between Britain and the drug cartels (he wants to ensure a sustainable supply of cocaine, apparently), does he have any inkling of what that actually means?

Perhaps he should switch on the news and see whats happening in Mexico right now, where the assassination of the powerful drug lord El Mencho has sparked running gun battles on the streets of Mexico City, as well as cars being torched and armed road-blocks, with tourists told to stay in their hotel rooms for their own safety. Thats what a world run by drug-runners looks like: hell on earth. And he wants to do business with these people?

Why doesnt Polanski throw in legalising sexual assault and murder while hes at it  after all, isnt that what those guys specialise in? Oh wait. Sorry, hes ahead of me on that one. Yesterday it was revealed that Polanski is proposing legalising inappropriate sexual acts and making adult movies more accessible. If theres one industry where sexual assault is an occupational hazard, its adult movies.

Gender Debate Remarks Intensify Cultural Clash

He wants to see sexual clubs on Britains high streets, allowing local authorities to make it legal for commercial properties to be adapted for such purposes. Sex work involving consenting adults should be decriminalised, and wherever possible particular areas should be designated where street sexual workers can work in safety without upsetting local residents and traders.

Given the emerging history of trafficking in this country, and the shameful treatment of vulnerable young women caught up in this vile trade, we should be clamping down on this sort of behaviour, not encouraging it.

Note that Polanski has scorned discussion of the mainly Pakistani gangs in Rotherham, dismissing it as a racist narrative and a far-Right exploitation of the issue. He has also voiced considerable opposition to a public inquiry on similar grounds. I think given his stunt in Gorton and Denton we can all infer why.

Then again, you can infer quite a lot about a man who answers Yes to the simple question: Can a woman have a penis?

So, in summary: Zack Polanski is pro inappropriate sexual acts, adult movies and hard drugs. Meanwhile, hes against homeowners, savers, businesses and job creators, and he also hates it if you mention the fact that in 2013 he attempted to increase the size of a womans breasts through hypnotherapy.

Red flags? Dont say you havent been warned.
The missing mother-of-three who was discovered alive and well after 24 years had been unhappy in her marriage and was struggling with alcohol when she fled, the Daily Mail can reveal.

Michele Hundley Smith was 38 when she left her home in Eden, North Carolina to go Christmas shopping across the border in Martinsville, Virginia on December 9, 2001.

She never came back.

Her family didn't report her missing for three weeks and then spent nearly a quarter century hoping for her safe return.

A breakthrough in technology and information sharing finally brought the decades-long search for Smith to an extraordinary conclusion on Friday last week.

Rockingham County Sheriff's Office revealed Smith had been found alive and well at a mystery location in North Carolina.

Cops went to see Smith, now 62, after they received 'new information' in the investigation, which involved several agencies including the FBI.

Missing Woman Asked Police to Keep Location Secret

They said Smith asked them to keep her location secret  dealing a blow to any immediate hopes of a family reunion.

In an interview with the Daily Mail, Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page revealed that Smith told his officers there were 'ongoing domestic issues' at the time she left but he said she wouldn't elaborate.

Meanwhile, Smith's daughter Amanda told the Daily Mail she is still processing her emotions over the news and her brothers, Gary and Kevin, said the complex situation was a 'lot to comprehend' but they are hopeful for future contact.

Years ago, Amanda had painted a troubled picture of her parents' marriage.

Speaking on the Vanished podcast in 2018, she said her mother had been unhappy and struggling with alcohol in the months before she disappeared.

However, Sheriff Page said he was not aware of any police reports of domestic violence at the time.

That said, 'it wasn't 100 per cent unusual' for her to leave home for extended periods, he added.

That is perhaps why it took several weeks of her failing to return home before her family officially reported her missing on December 31, he said.

Police Confirm Woman Left Voluntarily and Is Safe

When officers went to see Smith, 'they determined that she had left on her own accord and she was safe, the sheriff added.

'We notified her family and let them know that she was okay, that she'd been located, but at that time, she didn't want to make contact.'

He declined to share specifics of the February 19 tip that led detectives to her, saying only that advancements in technology and information sharing had led to the breakthrough in the case.

'We share a lot of information and a lot of times that information will connect with somebody who's had a contact from different sources.

'When that information came back to us, we followed up on it.'

Katy Gregg, District Attorney for Caswell and Rockingham County, told the Daily Mail she met with detectives on Tuesday and based on their investigation, they have decided there will be no charges.

'I support their decision,' said Gregg.

Smith's disappearance has haunted her family for years, leaving many unanswered questions.

Family Built New Lives During Years of Uncertainty

But life has also gone on without her.

Smith's husband Randy has moved on with another partner, while her three children, Melissa, 44, Amanda, 39, and Randal, 33, have married and had children of their own.

Smith's mother, Margaret, tragically died in November, just three months before she would have learned that her daughter was alive.

She had spent years searching for her daughter, hiring a private investigator, and asking relatives to give their DNA to databases for comparisons in case her body was found.

An online obituary for Margaret, who died aged 83 on November 5, describes Smith as her 'most important crowning accomplishment' in life, without making any mention of her disappearance.

Amanda  who told the Daily Mail she is still 'processing' her emotions over the news - wrote on Facebook: 'As far as my opinions and feelings on my mom...I am ecstatic, I am [expletive], I am heartbroken, I am all over the map!

'Will I have a relationship once more with my mom? Honestly, I can't answer that because I don't even know.'

Daughter Torn Between Hope and Hurt After Mothers Return

'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,' she wrote.

Amanda previously told how her mom disappeared the night she was going to buy Christmas gifts for her and her siblings.

Amanda was 14 when her mother went missing. She had an older sister, Melissa, who was 19 at the time and a brother Randal, 7.

She told the Vanished podcast in 2018 that prior to her disappearance, her mother had lost her job at a veterinary practice.

She said she had been struggling with alcohol because she was unhappy in her marriage and had been arguing with their dad, her husband, a truck driver.

Amanda has consistently insisted her father is a 'good man' who had not done anything wrong.

'If she wanted to leave my dad, that's one thing, but to leave us, I just don't see it happening. She loved us, and she bragged about us to her mom,' she told the podcast.

Before she went missing, Amanda said her mother told her she had lost her driving license over a ticket for going over a yellow line when she was taking one of her husband's friends home.

A month before she went missing, on November 11, 2001, Smith was charged with driving under the influence, according to Rockingham District court records seen by the Daily Mail.

Paper Trail Dead Ends Deepened Years of Mystery

Online records show an arrest record was never served and printed records of the case have since been destroyed, court staff said.

Amanda told the podcast there were several tantalizing developments in the years the family were searching for her mom.

She said when she was 19, a letter from Cumberland, Maryland, addressed to her and her mom arrived at the house.

It claimed Amanda's social security number was used in an ambulance ride, without giving further details.

She said Smith had taken her and her brother Randal's social security cards with her in her purse.

But when Amanda followed up, she came up against a brick wall.

Another time, a woman with the same name was arrested in Arizona, but Amanda says she knew by the woman's voice and her picture that it wasn't her mother.

Smith's family are now wrestling with the extraordinary news she has been found safe, against her decision not to contact them.

'I am still in shock, it's one day at a time, I'm just thankful that she's alive,' her cousin Barbara Byrd told the Daily Mail.

Asked why Michele left and stayed under the radar for so long, she replied: 'I have no clue, because the last time that I physically saw Michele was on November 24, 2001, when she came to the funeral home for my grandfather, who had passed away.

'I spoke to her and her mom, but there was nothing I could honestly say that I remember would give me any inclination of what made her go.'

She fears the many questions over Michele's disappearance could remain unanswered.

'My question is, how does she stay hidden with this world of technology for so long?

'A lot of the stuff, we don't know what happened. She's the only one that can answer that question.

'She's probably not going to answer that question, but she might surprise us.

'She doesn't want no one to know where she's at.

'If she sees any of these reports, what I'm going to say to her is that she is still loved by people.

Family Says Husband and Children Deserve Answers

'People are hurt and it's not me that needs the answers to why she left.

'It's her husband, her two daughters, her son, her two brothers.'

Smith's daughter, Melissa Martin, said on Facebook it was 'great to know she's alive after 24 years, just hoping she decides to contact someone, because right now she doesn't want contact.'

Smith's brothers, Gary and Kevin, told the Daily Mail the 'complex situation' was a 'lot to comprehend' but they are hopeful for future contact.

'We want Michele to know that we are so glad she is alive, we love her, we are not mad at her, all is forgiven,' they said in a statement.

'We would love to be in contact with her, but we understand that she has decided she doesn't want contact as of now, and we respect her wishes.

'Although we hope for future contact with our sister, we want to make it known that we do not and cannot speak on behalf of the rest of our family.

'We will not share details regarding her disappearance all these years ago. That is not our story to tell.'
Is this the new Hollywood RIP playbook?

Step 1: Beloved celebrity passes away.

Step 2: Their grieving family rakes in hundreds of thousands  even millions  in charitable donations.

Indeed, that's what happened with the broods of a pair of recently departed artistes: Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek and Grey's Anatomy hunk Eric Dane.

Van Der Beek died on February 11. By February 22, his page showed $2.7 million raised from more than 50,000 GoFundMe donations. Van Der Beek's widow, Kimberly, is listed as the beneficiary.

Eight days later, Dane succumbed to ALS. As of this week, 'Friends of the Dane Family' have hauled in more than $400,000. GoFundMe has verified that this cash is going to Danes' two daughters.

Fans Question Fundraising After Celebrity Death

But now, I  and legions of online trolls  are asking: what gives? Why didn't we cash-in when great granny Gladys died of dysentery? Of course, the answer is because great granny wasn't on TV!

Don't get me wrong. I'm not shaming super fans and big-wig friends for opening their wallets to honor their favorite actor. Grief can be wicked. And it is honorable for stars like Sam Levinson, Steven Spielberg, Hailey Bieber and Zoe Saldana to write big checks.

In the case of Van Der Beek, especially, it certainly feels like charity.

His death followed a years-long battle with colorectal cancer, during which he wasn't working. And Van Der Beek  who had a half-dozen kids  had been vocal about his terrible contract with the WB Network, which left him underpaid after six seasons and cut out of any proceeds from re-runs and streaming deals.

He was reportedly left auctioning off Dawson's Creek memorabilia near the end. You might say, he was left up a creek without a paddle.

It's a different story with Dane, though  and I knew and liked the guy.

Greys Actor Sent Heartfelt Video During Pandemic

We even went on a date once when we were 18 years old. I was working at a cutlery store in an LA mall and his best friend worked at the knickknack shop next door. He set us up  but it didn't go anywhere because I apparently have a bad eye for talent and blew him off.

Then, during the pandemic, I reached out to Dane and his fellow Grey's castmates to ask them to make my daughter a shoutout video. Dane was the only one who acquiesced and sent a sweet video encouraging my little girl to become a surgeon. The last line of the video shocked me when he said, 'Your mom and I once went on a date!'

After that we spoke for a few months and he told me about his nice house, sick car and even showed me pictures of his massive humidor stuffed with boxes of the best Cuban cigars money could buy.

His two hit shows, Grey's and the HBO phenom Euphoria, were both union programs (SAG-AFTRA), meaning that in addition to the millions he earned he was also afforded some of the best insurance in America.

Questions Raised Over Celebrity Families Accepting Donations

I had AFTRA insurance for several years. It is the envy of every industry. I miss it every day. So, you don't need to play Doogie Howser to grasp that Dane's family wasn't nearing bankruptcy.

And then there's Dane's wife and mother of his girls, Rebecca Gayheart (whom I briefly worked with at MTV). They were legally married but separated at the time of his death  and she has very publicly moved on with businessman Peter Morton (estimated net worth: $800 million). So I doubt Dane's daughters are going to be shaking a cup of nickels on the corner anytime soon.

Yes, I realize that I am treading in dangerous territory here, but there is something creepy about the rich and famous accepting handouts. People get sick, people die, but most people aren't in the position of monetizing their loss for a hefty sum.

It's a little like folks in Pima County Arizona with missing family members  and who aren't named Guthrie. They must wait in long lines for help from local law enforcement. Meanwhile, the face of Savannah Guthrie's mom is broadcast across every television screen from her to Mexico.

Claim That Fame Fast-Tracks Grief Support

Most normies have no other choice but to suffer in silence and hope for a break here or there, but celebrities  who are clearly not just like us  seem to get to jump to the front of the line.

I, for one, am not donating to either the Van Der Beek or Dane family GoFundMe accounts for the same reason that I am not getting my friend's one-year-old baby a birthday present: they don't need anything from me.

And to those folks with money burning through their pockets  isn't there a homeless shelter that needs your cash?

Perhaps, that'll give you more euphoria.
Savannah Guthrie's most recent video appealing for information about her missing mother Nancy marks a 'significant strategic pivot' appealing to the greed and guilt of her mother's captors or killers.

Guthrie posted a video to her Instagram account Tuesday morning  marking her first public communication in nine days and the 24th day since her 84-year-old mom's disappearance.

In it, the visibly emotional Today show host addressed whoever has taken her mother telling them: 'We need to know where she is, we need her to come home.'

And, for the first time, she acknowledged this could now be an exercise in recovering her mother's body rather than returning her home alive saying, 'We need to know where she is,' and stating that, if Nancy is dead, 'we accept it.'

'We also know that she may be lost. She may already be gone,' she said.

But, according to former FBI special agent and crisis negotiator Jason Pack, the language used in this emotional video was far from accidental.

He explained: 'Savannah's language, 'We believe in the essential goodness of every human being, it is never too late,' is not just a grieving daughter reaching for comfort.

'That is a theologically grounded appeal to conscience, and it is one of the most powerful tools in a negotiator's kit.

Redemption Message and $1M Reward

'When someone is holding a secret that heavy, the belief that redemption is still possible is sometimes the only thing that moves them. The family's visible, public faith is not incidental to this case. It is a strategic asset.'

In the video, Guthrie also announced that the family is offering a reward of up to $1 million for the recovery of their mother, who has not been seen since January 31.

The decision to increase the reward money at this stage serves a dual purpose, according to Pack.

It reignites flagging public interest in a case where 'tip fatigue' has already set in and it sows potential discord between any criminals or accomplices who have conspired to conceal the truth about what happened to Nancy.

He said: 'A million-dollar announcement generates a new news cycle and sends people back to their phones scrolling through memories of anything unusual they saw in the Catalina Foothills in January.

'It applies psychological pressure on any accomplices. Ransom schemes involving multiple people are inherently unstable.

'The more time passes, the more financial disparity between holding out and collecting $1 million starts eating at the weakest link.

'And, whether she is alive or dead, someone knows something. That is the message. Bottom line.'

Seven-Figure Reward Seen as Potential Turning Point

Pack said bluntly: 'A seven-figure private reward announced on day 24 either cracks the case or confirms what the evidence is already pointing to.'

Guthrie reportedly wanted to offer the reward at the very beginning of the investigation but was advised by law enforcement to 'hold off' at that time, for fear of 'overwhelm[ing] the infrastructure set up to field leads, tens of thousands of which have been coming in organically,' a source told Fox News.

As well as the reward for their mother's recovery, Guthrie also announced that the family is donating $500,000 to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, acknowledging that, 'there are millions of families that have suffered with this kind of uncertainty.'

It has now been more than three weeks since Nancy was last seen alive and investigators still have no suspects in her disappearance.

The biggest clue to date has come from Nest camera footage which captured a masked man at her front door in the early hours of February 1 - when investigators believe she was taken against her will from her home in Tucson, Arizona.

Despite the footage and several still images of the suspect being released by the FBI earlier this month, the mystery figure is yet to be identified.

Sources Say Masked Man Visited Home Before Abduction

Sources have now told multiple outlets that the masked man was caught on camera at her home at least once before the night of the abduction.

In the video and several images, the man is wearing a mask, gloves, an Ozark Trail Hiker backpack and appears to be armed.

In one image, the backpack is missing and sources say this was from a different visit to her home sometime before February 1.

It is not clear when this visit took place. But this revelation could explain why investigators have been asking local residents for home security footage dating as far back as January 1.

To Chris McDonough, a retired homicide detective who now works with the Cold Case Foundation, multiple apparent visits to Guthrie's home suggests there was an escalation in the perpetrator's plans over time.

In the first image, not only is the suspect not wearing a backpack - he also does not appear to be carrying a firearm, he pointed out.

'This shows he had an uptick in behavior as he came back the second time with a weapon and a backpack, containing we don't know what,' he said.

'He came back prepared - and prepared to use deadly force. So his thinking changed.

'The backpack and gun could indicate the plan has changed and he is now coming prepared to escalate the event.'

Expert Says Multiple Visits Suggest Incident Was 'Targeted'

The suspect could have planned to abduct Nancy the first night but backed out, perhaps being spooked by the security cameras. Or the suspect was perhaps 'testing the water' before executing the real thing, McDonough said - likening him to Bryan Kohberger who is believed to have surveilled the Moscow area and his victims before breaking into a home and killing four students one night.

But, to McDonough, one thing he strongly believes the multiple visits to the home shows is that this was a 'targeted' incident where Nancy had crossed paths with her abductor in advance.

'This guy was wearing a mask. He didn't want to be identified - not only by the public but also by Nancy,' he explained.

'We don't know if Nancy got alerts on her phone when someone was at her door. But she could have watched the footage from the first time and seen the guy. He didn't want her to see his face.'

That is because, if she had seen the man's face, she likely would have recognized him, McDonough believes. 'She was a targeted victim and the perpetrator had an association at some point with her house or the victim.'

Pack agrees that, if the masked man visited on more than one occasion, it proves a certain level of planning went into the abduction.

'That's a pattern. And a pattern tells investigators this wasn't impulsive. This took planning,' he said.

'When you see someone appearing in video at different locations, different timeframes, potentially different phases of the same criminal act, investigators immediately begin asking: what was the purpose of each appearance? Was the first video a surveillance run, checking the environment, checking the exits?

Investigators Building Timeline

'And that matters significantly from a legal standpoint, because premeditation and planning elevate the severity of what investigators are looking at.'

Pima County Sheriff's Department will not confirm whether the doorbell images were taken on different days, claiming in a post on X: 'There is no date or timestamp associated with these images. Therefore any suggestion that the photographs were taken on different days is purely speculative.'

But if they are from different dates, it's likely this discovery has shaped the investigation, Pack said.

'Investigators are now building a timeline. Two videos don't just confirm identity. They begin to reconstruct a story. And, in my experience, once investigators have two confirmed sightings they don't stop looking,' he said.

'They go back to every camera in a wide radius, every gas station, every intersection. Because if you appeared twice, you likely appeared more than twice.'

Investigators have asked local residents to hand over any footage of suspicious people or vehicles as far back as January 1 - a month before Nancy's abduction.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said that investigators have not ruled out the possibility that the suspect had an accomplice.

DNA Evidence Yields No Breakthrough

Despite the video evidence, multiple ransom notes being sent to the media and several individuals being detained and then released without charge, investigators appear to be no closer to catching the perpetrator or perpetrators.

DNA evidence has also so far yielded no strong leads in the case.

Investigators found a glove in a field beside a road around two miles from Nancy's home that appeared to match those worn by the masked suspect. DNA from the glove does not match the DNA inside her home and also did not trigger a match in CODIS - the law enforcement database of known offenders - meaning that the individuals are not known to have committed any past crimes.

DNA not belonging to Guthrie or any close contacts was also found inside her home and sent to DNA Labs International, a private lab in Florida, for testing.

However, this DNA is reportedly 'low-level,' meaning it may not yield a usable profile for comparison.

Investigators have turned to investigative genetic genealogy - the technique used to catch Kohberger for the Idaho murders - in the hope that the DNA could lead to a long-awaited breakthrough in the case.
Banco Santander, S.A. (NYSE:SAN  Free Report)  Erste Group Bank lifted their FY2027 earnings estimates for Banco Santander in a note issued to investors on Wednesday, February 18th. Erste Group Bank analyst H. Engel now forecasts that the bank will post earnings per share of $1.38 for the year, up from their prior estimate of $1.36. The consensus estimate for Banco Santanders current full-year earnings is $0.83 per share.

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A number of other analysts have also recently weighed in on SAN. Zacks Research cut Banco Santander from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 18th. UBS Group reiterated a buy rating on shares of Banco Santander in a research report on Monday, February 16th. Barclays cut shares of Banco Santander from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b+) rating on shares of Banco Santander in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Finally, Kepler Capital Markets raised shares of Banco Santander from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, January 13th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold.

Banco Santander Stock Down 1.7%

NYSE SAN opened at $12.51 on Monday. The firm has a market cap of $186.22 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.39, a P/E/G ratio of 0.78 and a beta of 0.72. Banco Santander has a 52-week low of $5.54 and a 52-week high of $13.19. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $12.21 and its 200 day moving average price is $10.89.

Banco Santander (NYSE:SAN  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 3rd. The bank reported $0.28 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.24 by $0.04. Banco Santander had a net margin of 18.85% and a return on equity of 12.14%. The firm had revenue of $18.90 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $15.89 billion.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Banco Santander

Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. CIBC Bancorp USA Inc. acquired a new stake in Banco Santander in the 3rd quarter valued at about $93,811,000. Lazard Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Banco Santander by 2,038,075.5% in the second quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 7,643,158 shares of the banks stock valued at $63,438,000 after purchasing an additional 7,642,783 shares in the last quarter. Capital International Investors grew its position in shares of Banco Santander by 67.5% in 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 during the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. increased its stake in shares of Banco Santander by 225.3% during the 3rd quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 4,100,768 shares of the banks stock worth $42,976,000 after purchasing an additional 2,840,145 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Envestnet Asset Management Inc. raised its position 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 worth $58,195,000 after purchasing an additional 2,551,675 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 9.19% of the companys stock.

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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Arbor Realty Trust (NYSE:ABR  Get Free Report) will likely be announcing its Q4 2025 results before the market opens on Friday, February 27th. Analysts expect the company to announce earnings of $0.21 per share and revenue of $53.9280 million for the quarter. Parties are encouraged to explore the companys upcoming Q4 2025 earning overview page for the latest details on the call scheduled for Friday, February 27, 2026 at 10:00 AM ET.

Arbor Realty Trust Trading Down 1.8%

NYSE:ABR opened at $7.29 on Wednesday. The stock has a market cap of $1.43 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.11 and a beta of 1.39. Arbor Realty Trust has a one year low of $7.20 and a one year high of $12.73. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.51, a quick ratio of 287.79 and a current ratio of 287.79. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $7.80 and its 200 day simple moving average is $9.75.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

ABR has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Piper Sandler cut their target price on Arbor Realty Trust from $10.00 to $8.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, December 22nd. Weiss Ratings upgraded shares of Arbor Realty Trust from a sell (d+) rating to a hold (c-) rating in a research note on Monday, February 9th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reduced their price objective on shares of Arbor Realty Trust from $8.50 to $7.50 and set an underperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, January 8th. Zacks Research raised shares of Arbor Realty Trust from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, February 20th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their target price on shares of Arbor Realty Trust from $10.00 to $9.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have issued a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Reduce and an average price target of $9.38.

Institutional Trading of Arbor Realty Trust

Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in ABR. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Arbor Realty Trust by 73.5% in the 2nd quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 2,774 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 1,175 shares during the last quarter. Quantbot Technologies LP acquired a new stake in Arbor Realty Trust during the second quarter worth about $46,000. Larson Financial Group LLC lifted its holdings in Arbor Realty Trust by 98.9% in the third quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 4,411 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $54,000 after acquiring an additional 2,193 shares during the last quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. boosted its stake in Arbor Realty Trust by 61.0% in the second quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 4,705 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $50,000 after acquiring an additional 1,782 shares during the period. Finally, Jones Financial Companies Lllp boosted its stake in Arbor Realty Trust by 25,163.2% in the first quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 4,800 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $56,000 after acquiring an additional 4,781 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 57.25% of the companys stock.

Arbor Realty Trust Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Arbor Realty Trust, Inc (NYSE: ABR) is a real estate investment trust specializing in the origination, acquisition, financing, structuring and management of commercial real estate loans and securities. The company focuses primarily on multifamily and commercial mortgage lending, targeting properties such as apartment communities, senior housing and healthcare facilities. Through both agency and non-agency channels, Arbor Realty Trust seeks to deliver liquidity solutions to borrowers while generating stable, risk-adjusted returns for its shareholders.

Core business activities include originating first-mortgage loans secured by multifamily and mixed-use properties, as well as providing mezzanine financing and preferred equity investments.

Further Reading

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Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Thomasville Bancshares and Community Capital Bancsharess gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Thomasville Bancshares $137.59 million 4.42 $44.71 million $6.85 14.01 Community Capital Bancshares $15.03 million 2.53 $4.90 million $3.78 7.73

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Thomasville Bancshares has higher revenue and earnings than Community Capital Bancshares. Community Capital Bancshares is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Thomasville Bancshares, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Profitability

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Thomasville Bancshares N/A N/A N/A Community Capital Bancshares N/A N/A N/A

Dividends

This table compares Thomasville Bancshares and Community Capital Bancshares net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Thomasville Bancshares pays an annual dividend of $2.90 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.0%. Community Capital Bancshares pays an annual dividend of $2.00 per share and has a dividend yield of 6.8%. Thomasville Bancshares pays out 42.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Community Capital Bancshares pays out 52.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years.

Risk and Volatility

Thomasville Bancshares has a beta of 0.2, suggesting that its stock price is 80% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Community Capital Bancshares has a beta of 0.47, suggesting that its stock price is 53% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Summary

Thomasville Bancshares beats Community Capital Bancshares on 6 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Thomasville Bancshares

(Get Free Report)

Thomasville Bancshares, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Thomasville National Bank that provides a range of banking services to individual and corporate customers primarily in Thomas and Glynn counties, Georgia, Leon County, Florida, and the surrounding counties. The company offers checking and savings accounts; money market accounts; and certificates of deposits. It also provides commercial real estate mortgage loans, such as non-farm and non-residential commercial real estate loans, construction loans for commercial businesses, multifamily loans secured by income producing properties, and farmland; and 1-4 family residential loans, including first mortgage liens, junior liens, and home equity lines. In addition, the company offers commercial, financial, and agricultural loans; consumer loans comprising direct consumer instalment loans, overdrafts, and other revolving credit loans and educational loans; and loans to municipalities and development authorities. Further, it provides trust and money management services. The company was incorporated in 1995 and is based in Thomasville, Georgia.

About Community Capital Bancshares

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Community Capital Bancshares, Inc. operates as the holding company for AB&T that provides various banking products and services to individual and corporate customers. The company accepts various deposit products, such as checking, savings, money market, and individual retirement accounts, as well as certificates of deposits. Its loan products include commercial and residential real estate, commercial, financial, agricultural, consumer installment, overdrafts and other revolving credit, and educational loans. The company also offers money transfer, bill pay, remote deposit capture, ACH origination, and merchant services, as well as online, mobile, and text message banking services. The company was incorporated in 1998 and is based in Albany, Georgia.

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CVR Energy Inc. (NYSE:CVI  Get Free Report) major shareholder Carl Icahn bought 275,012 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, February 24th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $21.41 per share, with a total value of $5,888,006.92. Following the completion of the acquisition, the insider owned 71,201,875 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,524,432,143.75. This trade represents a 0.39% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Large shareholders that own at least 10% of a companys stock are required to disclose their transactions with the SEC.

CVR Energy Trading Up 3.0%

NYSE:CVI traded up $0.63 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, reaching $21.70. 1,732,841 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,390,099. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $24.21 and a 200-day moving average price of $30.28. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.18 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 83.47 and a beta of 1.16. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.95, a current ratio of 1.79 and a quick ratio of 1.13. CVR Energy Inc. has a 12-month low of $15.10 and a 12-month high of $41.67.

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CVR Energy (NYSE:CVI  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 18th. The oil and gas company reported ($0.80) earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.84) by $0.04. CVR Energy had a negative return on equity of 14.31% and a net margin of 0.38%.The business had revenue of $1.81 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.70 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted ($0.13) EPS. The businesss revenue was down 7.0% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts predict that CVR Energy Inc. will post -0.12 earnings per share for the current year.

CVR Energy Announces Dividend

Institutional Investors Weigh In On CVR Energy

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 9th. Investors of record on Monday, March 2nd will be issued a $0.37 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, March 2nd. This represents a $1.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.8%.

Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of CVI. Allianz Asset Management GmbH lifted its position in CVR Energy by 69.3% in the 3rd quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 458,214 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $16,716,000 after acquiring an additional 187,620 shares in the last quarter. Bayforest Capital Ltd purchased a new position in shares of CVR Energy in the third quarter worth $1,057,000. Russell Investments Group Ltd. raised its stake in shares of CVR Energy by 249.1% in the second quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 149,748 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $4,021,000 after purchasing an additional 106,854 shares during the last quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd bought a new position in shares of CVR Energy during the second quarter valued at $2,179,000. Finally, SG Americas Securities LLC purchased a new stake in shares of CVR Energy during the third quarter valued at $1,021,000. Institutional investors own 98.88% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research analysts have commented on the stock. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of CVR Energy from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Saturday. Weiss Ratings cut shares of CVR Energy from a hold (c) rating to a sell (d) rating in a research report on Friday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating and five have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, CVR Energy presently has a consensus rating of Strong Sell and an average target price of $29.25.

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About CVR Energy

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CVR Energy, Inc is an independent downstream energy company engaged primarily in petroleum refining and nitrogen fertilizer production in the United States. Headquartered in Sugar Land, Texas, CVR Energy operates through two reportable segmentsPetroleum Products and Nitrogen Fertilizersleveraging its refining expertise and distribution network to serve both wholesale and retail markets across key regions in the U.S.

In its Petroleum Products segment, the company owns and operates the Coffeyville, Kansas refinery, which has the capability to process various grades of crude oil into gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and other refined products.

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GreenPower Motor Company Inc. (CVE:GPV  Get Free Report) dropped 7.9% during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as C$2.03 and last traded at C$2.10. Approximately 10,246 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 752% from the average daily volume of 1,202 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$2.28.

GreenPower Motor Trading Down 7.9%

The firm has a market cap of C$6.40 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.34 and a beta of 3.68. The firms 50-day moving average is C$2.10 and its 200-day moving average is C$3.31. The company has a current ratio of 1.44, a quick ratio of 0.25 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 445.54.

GreenPower Motor Company Profile

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GreenPower Motor Company Inc designs, manufactures, and distributes electric vehicles for commercial markets in the United States and Canada. The company offers commercial vehicles for delivery, public transit, schools, vanpools, micro-transit, shuttles, and other; and passenger, student, low floor transit, and cargo transportation. It leases its vehicles to customers. GreenPower Motor Company Inc was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

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Horizon Oil (ASX:HZN) reported what management described as a strong FY26 half-year result for the six months ended Dec. 31, 2025, citing disciplined cost control and the successful integration of its newly acquired Thailand gas assets despite a materially weaker realized oil price environment.

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Chief Executive Officer Richard Beament said completion of the Thailand acquisition on Aug. 1, alongside a 10-year extension of the Maari permit in New Zealand to December 2037, represented a genuine step change for the company by increasing production, improving cash flow resilience, extending portfolio life, and further diversifying the business.

Operating and financial performance

Production and sales volumes: Up 26% and 25%, respectively, versus the prior corresponding half year, exceeding 1 million barrels of oil equivalent.

Up 26% and 25%, respectively, versus the prior corresponding half year, exceeding 1 million barrels of oil equivalent. Underlying revenue: $54.2 million, including $9.6 million from Thailand.

$54.2 million, including $9.6 million from Thailand. EBITDAX: $28.6 million, broadly in line with the prior half year despite a 15% lower realized oil price.

$28.6 million, broadly in line with the prior half year despite a 15% lower realized oil price. Operating cash flow: Cash flow from operating activities increased 37% to $25.1 million.

Cash flow from operating activities increased 37% to $25.1 million. Liquidity and leverage: Cash was $35.6 million at Dec. 31, with a net debt position of $9.8 million following payment of the FY25 final dividend and the predominantly debt-funded Thailand acquisition.

Beament and Chief Financial Officer Kyle Keen emphasized that production and sales volumes rose sharply in the half year, reflecting five months of contribution from the Thailand assets and continued solid performance across the legacy portfolio.

Keen said the group continued to maintain a low cash operating cost base of around $20 per barrel of oil equivalent, supporting free cash flow generation even as lower realized oil prices weighed on profits.

Dividend and capital allocation

Management highlighted continued shareholder distributions as a central element of Horizons strategy. The board declared an FY26 interim dividend of AUD 0.015 per share, payable in April 2026.

Beament said the interim distribution extends Horizons track record to a sixth consecutive year of distributions, with more than AUD 0.17 per share paid or declared since 2021, totaling over AUD 274 million.

On cash deployment in the half, Keen said $25.1 million of operating cash flow (including Thailands contribution) funded the FY25 final dividend of $15.9 million, $3.0 million of debt repayments, and $4.6 million of investments across the producing asset base.

He also noted that a key driver of the decline in cash during the period was a loan to a joint venture partner to support completion of the Thailand transaction. The loan accrues interest at SOFR + 9% per annum, amortizes fully by Dec. 31, 2027, and had already seen more than $1 million repaid at the time of the call.

Thailand integration and growth projects

The Thailand acquisitioninterests in the Sinphuhorm and Nam Phong gas fieldscompleted Aug. 1, 2025 and was described as immediately accretive. Keen noted that while the acquisition had an effective date of Jan. 1, 2025, only five months of contribution was reflected in the half-year financials, with cash flows generated between the effective and completion dates deducted from the purchase price.

Beament said Thailand contributed roughly 28% of group production during the five-month period, generating $9.6 million in revenue and operating at an average cost of around $7 per barrel of oil equivalent. He added that both fields exceeded nominations, and early optimization at Nam Phong delivered an estimated 7% production uplift with no additional capital.

A key near-term catalyst is the Nam Phong booster compressor. Beament said a final investment decision was reached in early January, and the project is expected to increase Nam Phong production by at least 40% from mid-2026.

At Sinphuhorm, he said regulatory approvals were in place and work had commenced to tie in the PH14 well, along with perforation of a shallow section of the PH-1 sidetrack on the same pad, targeted for completion later in 2026.

Portfolio operations: China, New Zealand, and Australia

Block 22/12 (Beibu Gulf, China): Beament said performance was solid and broadly in line with expectations. Natural reservoir decline was partly offset via workovers, slickline activities, and optimization. The joint ventures liquid handling capacity upgrade is scheduled to come online progressively over coming months and is expected to help sustain and potentially increase oil production rates later in 2026. He also said feasibility studies have progressed on a potential multi-well development at WZ12-8 East.

Maari (New Zealand): Maari delivered what management called an outstanding half, reaching the highest daily rates in more than five years during August following successful workovers. Average production was approximately 12% higher than the prior corresponding period, supported by stable reservoir performance and effective water injection. Beament highlighted the 10-year permit extension to December 2037 as a major milestone, providing long-term certainty for production, optimization, and decommissioning planning.

Mereenie (Northern Territory, Australia): Mereenie continued to perform strongly, with two infill wells drilled in early 2025 still contributing almost 25% of total field gas production, according to Beament. He said realized gas pricing improved materially after legacy contracts expired, and a binding letter of intent with Power and Water Corporation provides a pathway to firm supply of uncontracted gas through to 2034. The agreement underpins plans to drill additional infill wells later in calendar 2026.

Questions: Thailand operations and Mereenie exploration upside

During Q&A, Beament said Horizons experience in Thailand has been really rewarding, describing a strong working relationship with operator PTTEP. He pointed to the speed of reaching final investment decision on the Nam Phong compressor as evidence of effective collaboration.

Asked about periods of lower Sinphuhorm output, Beament attributed the changes to a planned maintenance outage at the EGAT power station, including a five-year turnaround on one gas turbine and subsequent work on the second turbine during AugustSeptember. He said production had returned to above 100 million standard cubic feet per day and was expected to be maintained at that level for the foreseeable future.

On potential testing of the Stairway formation at Mereenie, Beament said the joint ventures immediate priority is infill drilling in the existing Pacoota reservoir to meet Northern Territory gas demand, while noting that the Stairway formation remains a priority and is still under consideration for a future campaign.

Looking ahead, management outlined a 12-month activity plan focused on bringing Block 22/12s liquid handling upgrade online, continuing optimization at Maari following the permit extension, planning additional Mereenie gas infill wells, and advancing the Nam Phong compressor and Sinphuhorm tie-ins to support higher production and cash flow from the second half of calendar 2026.

About Horizon Oil (ASX:HZN)

Horizon Oil Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the exploration, development, and production of oil and gas properties in China and New Zealand. It holds interest in the Block 22/12 oil field in Beibu Gulf, China; and the PMP 38160 Maari/Manaia oil fields in New Zealand, as well as engages in the exploration and evaluation of hydrocarbons. Horizon Oil Limited was incorporated in 1969 and is based in Sydney, Australia.

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Imricor Medical Systems (ASX:IMR) used its full-year FY2025 results call to frame the year as a transition from proven to ready, highlighting regulatory milestones in Europe, expanding clinical activity in both Europe and the U.S., and building commercial infrastructure ahead of broader rollouts. Management reiterated the companys focus on MRI-guided cardiac ablation, aiming to move procedures from traditional X-ray cath labs to MRI environments where physicians can see soft tissue and lesion formation during interventions.

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FY2025 milestones: regulatory progress and clinical firsts

Chief Executive Officer Steve Wedan said FY2025 delivered progress across three dimensions: regulatory and clinical process, commercial readiness, and balance sheet strength.

In Europe, Wedan said the company received CE mark approvals under the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR) for its second-generation ablation catheter and capital equipment, as well as for NorthStar, which he described as the only 3D mapping and guidance system designed specifically for MRI. He called MDR perhaps the most challenging regulatory framework in the world today, positioning the approvals as a key validation for the platform.

Wedan also emphasized a clinical milestone at Amsterdam University Medical Centers: the first-in-human ischemic ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation under real-time MRI guidance. He said the procedure included multiple first-in-human achievements and argued the case is a reference point for electrophysiology, particularly because outcomes and efficiency for VT remain very disappointing under conventional X-ray guidance.

U.S. pathway: 510(k) clearances and trial site expansion

Wedan said the company completed a large human factors study across its products, involving physician-led teams from roughly 20 U.S. hospitals, to support FDA approval efforts. He noted that NorthStar and the Vision-MR diagnostic catheter were submitted for 510(k) clearance and have since been cleared by the FDA in January.

On the clinical side, Wedan said the company expanded its VISABL-AFL trial, which supports FDA approval of the ablation catheter and generator. The University of Virginia was added as a second U.S. site, followed by Virginia Commonwealth University and Oklahoma Heart Institute. He said the company was progressing toward first procedures at each site.

During Q&A, Wedan said the VISABL-AFL trial target is 92 procedures. He explained the trial began with four sites (three in Europe and one in the U.S. at Johns Hopkins University) and that adding U.S. sites was intended to accelerate enrollment after disappointing enrollment rates in Europe. He also said protocol changes were made to allow more patients to qualify, describing the balancing act between regulatory trial requirements and common medical practice. Wedan added that increased U.S. enrollment would provide additional U.S. data for the FDA, reiterating managements expectation to have the entire platform approved in this calendar year.

Commercial readiness: Europe pipeline growth, platform compatibility, Middle East setup

Wedan said the company completed integration and testing of NorthStar on the Philips MRI platform, which he said unlocks Philips sites, and trained a European sales team hired in July. He said these efforts helped expand the European customer pipeline from 7 to 40 by year-end.

In the Middle East, Wedan said construction began on two ICMR labs in Saudi Arabia and that the company supported an accredited ICMR summit in Riyadh attended by close to 100 doctors, alongside a key opinion leader from Amsterdam.

In later remarks and Q&A, Wedan said platform compatibility matters because hospitals typically do not switch MRI vendors easily. He said Philips integration also supports Middle East expansion, which he described as pretty heavily weighted toward the Philips platform, and noted GE integration was progressing but not quite ready yet. He said the company expected flutter volumes to step up quite nicely through the rest of the calendar year, while also noting site activations require planning and budgeting and therefore take time.

Financial results: lower revenue, higher investment, stronger cash position

Chief Financial Officer Jon addressed financial performance, noting all figures were in U.S. dollars. Total revenue for FY2025 was $292,000, down from $959,000 in the prior year. Consumable revenue was $171,000, down 63% year over year. Jon attributed the decline to the prior year including an initial sale of consumables to a distribution partner in the Middle East and to continued enrollment of European sites in the VISABL-AFL trial, which he said included procedures that were not revenue-generating in the short term.

Costs and non-R&D expenses increased by $2.8 million versus the prior year, reflecting renewed investment in the European sales team and commercial support functions ahead of revenue growth and preparation for a U.S. launch. R&D spending increased by $3 million, driven primarily by staffing to support multiple concurrent development programs and regulatory initiatives, including investments related to the VISABL-AFL trial and the VISABL-VT trial, which commenced enrollment during the year.

Net loss was $25.3 million, a 15% improvement from the prior year, which Jon said was primarily due to a lower fair value change recognized in the current year. On an adjusted basis excluding fair value changes and foreign exchange gains, the underlying net loss was $20.99 million, up 33% compared to the prior years adjusted net loss of $15.75 million.

Jon said the company ended the year with $40.8 million of cash and marketable securities. Operating cash outflow was approximately $19 million, up $3.5 million, which he attributed to increased investment in commercial development, clinical research, and regulatory affairs, as well as ongoing approval processes. He added that marketable securities consisted of short-term U.S. Treasury bills expected to convert to cash in the first half of 2026.

NorthStar strategy, VT expansion, and near-term catalysts

Management repeatedly highlighted NorthStar as a central commercialization driver. In Q&A, Wedan said the U.S. sales and marketing team was preparing a proper launch now that NorthStar is cleared, adding that inbound interest had already begun, particularly from pediatric hospitals. Asked about pricing, he said the company has established an approach that will be market-tested with early adopters, and described NorthStar as a platform capable of supporting multiple frameworks beyond electrophysiology, including diagnostic catheterization and structural heart applications.

On VT, Wedan described MRI guidance as a way to reduce reliance on intracardiac echo and separate mapping catheters, potentially improving workflow and economics. He said the VISABL-VT trial is not expected to be linear, with additional time needed for site setup followed by faster execution. He told investors the company had targeted six high-volume VT sites with prominent key opinion leaders and that, after the first-in-human case in Amsterdam, three sites were active with three more identified.

Wedan also outlined near-term milestones, including ongoing 510(k) progress, PMA module submissions (with modules one and two submitted and module three nearing submission), additional clinical milestones, new site activations, and Middle East first procedures and expansion. He also said the company continued R&D in pulsed field ablation with the intention of bringing that modality to the ICMR lab.

About Imricor Medical Systems (ASX:IMR)

Imricor Medical Systems, Inc, a medical device company, designs, manufactures, sells, and distributes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatible products for cardiac catheter ablation procedures in the United States. The company's principal product includes the Advantage-MR EP Recorder/Stimulator system, an EP recording system and cardiac stimulator. Its products also include Vision-MR Ablation Catheter, which is used as an indication for treating type I atrial flutter; and Vision-MR Dispersive Electrode that is used to minimize eddy currents induced on the conductive pads during MR scanning.

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IDACORP, Inc. (NYSE:IDA  Get Free Report) VP Julia Hilton sold 1,000 shares of IDACORP stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $142.79, for a total value of $142,790.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president owned 2,313 shares in the company, valued at approximately $330,273.27. This represents a 30.18% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link.

IDACORP Trading Down 0.1%

Shares of IDACORP stock traded down $0.15 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $143.30. 377,068 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 498,688. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $132.41 and a 200-day moving average of $130.11. IDACORP, Inc. has a 12 month low of $108.15 and a 12 month high of $145.94. The company has a market cap of $7.87 billion, a PE ratio of 24.29, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.72 and a beta of 0.59. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.93, a quick ratio of 0.68 and a current ratio of 0.93.

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IDACORP (NYSE:IDA  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 19th. The energy company reported $0.78 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.74 by $0.04. IDACORP had a net margin of 17.84% and a return on equity of 9.36%. The business had revenue of $405.24 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $533.06 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.70 EPS. IDACORP has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.250-6.450 EPS. As a group, equities analysts expect that IDACORP, Inc. will post 5.81 EPS for the current fiscal year.

IDACORP Dividend Announcement

Institutional Investors Weigh In On IDACORP

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 2nd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, February 5th will be issued a $0.88 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 5th. This represents a $3.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.5%. IDACORPs dividend payout ratio is 59.66%.

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. AMG National Trust Bank boosted its position in IDACORP by 0.7% in the third quarter. AMG National Trust Bank now owns 11,665 shares of the energy companys stock worth $1,542,000 after purchasing an additional 80 shares during the last quarter. Assetmark Inc. grew its stake in shares of IDACORP by 7.6% during the 3rd quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 1,128 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $149,000 after acquiring an additional 80 shares during the period. AssuredPartners Investment Advisors LLC increased its holdings in IDACORP by 5.1% in the 4th quarter. AssuredPartners Investment Advisors LLC now owns 1,653 shares of the energy companys stock worth $209,000 after acquiring an additional 80 shares in the last quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust raised its stake in IDACORP by 33.6% during the 2nd quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 382 shares of the energy companys stock worth $44,000 after acquiring an additional 96 shares during the period. Finally, Smartleaf Asset Management LLC raised its stake in IDACORP by 31.2% during the 3rd quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 408 shares of the energy companys stock worth $53,000 after acquiring an additional 97 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 89.10% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of IDACORP in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Mizuho upped their price objective on shares of IDACORP from $141.00 to $148.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday. Wells Fargo & Company downgraded shares of IDACORP from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating and decreased their target price for the company from $129.00 to $118.00 in a research note on Tuesday, January 20th. UBS Group boosted their price target on IDACORP from $134.00 to $142.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group cut their price target on IDACORP from $152.00 to $150.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, January 28th. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, IDACORP has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $141.22.

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IDACORP Company Profile

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IDACORP, Inc is a diversified energy holding company headquartered in Boise, Idaho, whose primary subsidiary, Idaho Power Company, operates as a regulated electric utility. Through Idaho Power, the company provides generation, transmission and distribution services to residential, commercial and industrial customers. The companys service territory spans southern Idaho and eastern Oregon, where it serves over half a million customers with a mix of hydroelectric, natural gas, wind and solar generation assets.

Idaho Powers generation portfolio is anchored by a network of hydroelectric facilities along the Snake River system, complemented by natural-gas-fired plants and growing investments in renewable resources.

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Volkswagen AG Unsponsored ADR (OTCMKTS:VWAGY  Free Report)  Equities research analysts at Erste Group Bank raised their FY2025 earnings per share estimates for shares of Volkswagen in a research report issued on Wednesday, February 18th. Erste Group Bank analyst S. Lingnau now anticipates that the company will earn $1.22 per share for the year, up from their previous estimate of $1.21. The consensus estimate for Volkswagens current full-year earnings is $2.53 per share.

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VWAGY has been the topic of a number of other research reports. HSBC reissued a buy rating on shares of Volkswagen in a report on Tuesday, January 13th. Citigroup restated a buy rating on shares of Volkswagen in a research note on Friday, January 16th. Zacks Research raised Volkswagen from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, January 26th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on Volkswagen in a report on Sunday, November 23rd. They issued a neutral rating for the company. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has issued a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Volkswagen currently has a consensus rating of Hold.

Volkswagen Stock Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS VWAGY opened at $12.02 on Monday. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $12.14 and its 200-day simple moving average is $11.68. The firm has a market capitalization of $60.23 billion, a PE ratio of 8.40, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.99 and a beta of 1.16. Volkswagen has a fifty-two week low of $9.20 and a fifty-two week high of $12.83.

About Volkswagen

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Volkswagen AG is one of the worlds largest integrated automakers, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Founded in 1937 to produce a mass-market peoples car, the company expanded through the post-war period into a global automotive group. Volkswagens operations encompass the design, engineering, manufacture and distribution of a broad range of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, and the companys consolidated brand portfolio includes Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, Porsche, Skoda, SEAT, Bentley, Lamborghini and other marques operated across its group structure.

In addition to vehicle production, Volkswagen provides a range of automotive-related products and services, including powertrain technologies, component manufacturing, mobility services and vehicle financing and leasing through its Volkswagen Financial Services unit.

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WOTSO Property (ASX:WOT) used its fiscal 2026 first-half earnings call to outline progress in scaling its flexible workspace platform alongside a property portfolio designed to benefit from operating growth over time. Management emphasized disciplined expansion, stabilizing overhead, rising ancillary revenue, and a shift in market conditions that is lowering fit-out costs through increased landlord contributions.

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Network expansion and operating leverage

Management said the business has been in a deliberate scale phase over the past three years, expanding from 19 locations across Australia in December 2022 to 35 locations across Australia and New Zealand today. The company described the growth as an execution of its strategy to build a scalable operating platform supported by a real estate backbone, rather than an effort to add footprint for its own sake.

The operating platform, WOTSO FlexSpace, classifies communities as startup, developing, or mature. Management said new locations typically dilute short-term earnings as they ramp up, while developing and mature locations strengthen contribution margins. A key point from the call was that corporate overhead is stabilizing, and management expects it to remain relatively flat as the network approaches roughly 50 locations, allowing incremental growth to translate more directly into earnings. During the half, the company said it reduced head office overhead while continuing to expand the network.

Management also flagged that a dispute relating to the North Strathfield location has materially impacted performance there and is the reason an adjustment was shown in its presentation materials. The dispute remains ongoing and is currently expected to be heard by the court around June or July, the company said.

Fit-out economics shift as landlords contribute more

Executives pointed to a market change they said is improving the economics of new sites: more landlords are contributing toward fit-outs. The company said fit-out costs have fallen to about AUD 450 per square meter, roughly 50% lower than historic levels.

In response to a shareholder question on sustainability of the lower capex level, management said current pipeline opportunities include landlord contributions, and executives indicated they are being selective. One executive said the companys position is that if the landlord fit-out contributions and the work is not there, they are not taking up those locations, adding that in the short to medium term they would expect costs to continue to go down, though that could change if the market shifts.

Ancillary revenue growth led by meeting rooms and Virtual Office

Management described ancillary revenue as an increasingly important component of the FlexSpace platform. For the half, revenue from meeting rooms, parking, and Virtual Office rose to AUD 2.8 million. Ancillary RevPAD increased 22% to AUD 59 per desk, and ancillary income represented 16.4% of total flex space sales, up from 13.5% previously, the company said.

Executives highlighted early traction in Virtual Office. Management said Virtual Office revenue reached AUD 600,000 in January performance, which it said annualizes to just under AUD 1.5 million. During Q&A, management said Virtual Office revenue has continued to grow month-on-month and noted the introduction of a registered business service, which management said the company has been able to pursue due to its AFSL and new laws around KYC.

Asked how high ancillary services could become as a percentage of total revenue, management did not provide a specific target, but suggested Virtual Office differs from desk and office revenue because it does not face the same capacity constraints. Executives also said Virtual Office has not shown the same seasonality as desk and office revenue, which tends to soften during holiday periods given the month-to-month nature of memberships.

Financial results: revenue up, overhead down, EBITDA higher

For the fiscal 2026 half year, management reported total revenue increased 3% to AUD 24.6 million, supported by a 7% increase in flex-based sales. Cost of sales, including rent expense, rose 6% to AUD 15.6 million. Overhead and administrative costs decreased 7% to AUD 3.9 million. Underlying EBITDA increased 6% to AUD 5.4 million.

Management said revenue growth was driven predominantly by nine new startup locations, which lifted desk inventory to more than 8,000 desks and added over AUD 1 million of sales. Group RevPAD (including startup locations) was flat at AUD 363 per desk. Excluding startup sites, same-location RevPAD increased 3% to AUD 375 per desk, which management attributed to:

continued occupancy growth in developing locations,

improved pricing in developing and mature locations, and

greater emphasis on ancillary streams such as meeting rooms and Virtual Office.

On costs, rent expense on the leased FlexSpace portfolio rose 14% to AUD 5.5 million, which management attributed to new leased startup locations and rent increases tied to a percentage of revenue. Management said other operating expenses increased 2%, mainly due to new startup locations coming online. Across the broader group, operating costs fell 7% as the company cited expense reviews, supplier negotiations, and operational efficiencies, with similar comments applying to the 7% decline in overhead and administrative costs.

Balance sheet, Yandina sale, and capital management

Management said the groups strategy is supported by property holdings and what it described as a healthy level of gearing. Net assets were reported at AUD 30 million, down from June. Management attributed the decrease primarily to a reduction in the valuation of the Yandina property following its sales campaign outcome and to balance sheet impacts from New Zealand dollar-denominated items. Fit-out property and equipment also declined as depreciation exceeded capex spend, partially offset by landlord contributions on new locations.

The company said it divested the Yandina asset in February after the 31 December period end, selling it for AUD 27 million versus a June carrying amount of AUD 29.25 million. Management said the sale was intended to support growth of the FlexSpace business.

Borrowings were described as not materially changed during the period, but management highlighted a restructure and extension of an AUD 44 million cross-collateralized facility with NAB into three separate facilities, with an effective margin of 1.73%. The restructure carved the Dickson and Symonston assets into standalone facilities.

At 31 December, borrowings were AUD 33 million, including AUD 23 million with maturities within 12 months and AUD 10 million related to the Yandina facility, which management said was repaid after period end. Management said it expects to renew the expiring facilities on similar terms with existing lenders, except that it is exploring shifting the Hobart and Newcastle facility from ANZ to NAB. Net gearing was just under 32% at 31 December and, management said, decreased to 26% after period end following the Yandina sale and repayment of the related facility.

In Q&A, management said the absence of Yandinas net rental income would likely cause free cash flow to dip in the short term, though it noted the offset of interest expense savings and pointed to cost reductions and the expected ramp-up of new sites over time. Executives also said proceeds from the sale have bolstered cash, which they plan to redeploy into growing the FlexSpace business, while in the interim using the funds to offset debt in redraw facilities and earn interest on short-term deposits to reduce net finance costs.

About WOTSO Property (ASX:WOT)

Wotso Property is a real estate investment trust externally managed by BlackWall Fund Services Limited. It invests in the real estate markets across Australia. It primarily invests in the industrial, retail and commercial Australian properties, and unlisted property securities. Wotso Property is based in Australia.

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Celsius, Canadian Natural Resources, Canadian National Railway, Bank Of Montreal, Canadian Pacific Kansas City, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, and TC Energy are the seven Canadian stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Canadian stocks are shares of ownership in companies incorporated in Canada or primarily listed on Canadian exchanges (such as the Toronto Stock Exchange and the TSX Venture Exchange). To investors they provide exposure to the Canadian economy, major sectors like natural resources and financials, and the Canadian dollar, while carrying the same market and company-specific risks as equities elsewhere. 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 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

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

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 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

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Brookfield Infrastructure Partners LP (NYSE:BIP  Get Free Report) (TSE:BIP.UN) declared a quarterly dividend on Thursday, January 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 27th will be paid a dividend of 0.455 per share by the utilities provider on Tuesday, March 31st. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.7%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 27th. This is a 5.8% increase from Brookfield Infrastructure Partnerss previous quarterly dividend of $0.43.

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners has decreased its dividend by an average of 0.2%annually over the last three years and has increased its dividend every year for the last 18 years. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners has a dividend payout ratio of 124.7% indicating that the company cannot currently cover its dividend with earnings alone and is relying on its balance sheet to cover its dividend payments. Research analysts expect Brookfield Infrastructure Partners to earn $3.80 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $1.82 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 47.9%.

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Brookfield Infrastructure Partners Price Performance

BIP stock opened at $39.11 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of $18.03 billion, a P/E ratio of 43.45 and a beta of 1.12. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners has a 52-week low of $25.72 and a 52-week high of $39.85. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $35.93 and a 200-day moving average price of $34.22. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.68, a quick ratio of 0.81 and a current ratio of 0.08.

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners Company Profile

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners ( NYSE:BIP Get Free Report ) (TSE:BIP.UN) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 29th. The utilities provider reported $0.45 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.87 by ($0.42). The business had revenue of $6.30 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.98 billion. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners had a net margin of 4.40% and a return on equity of 3.22%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 5.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.78 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts expect that Brookfield Infrastructure Partners will post 3.45 EPS for the current year.

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Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (NYSE: BIP) is a publicly traded limited partnership that owns and operates a diversified portfolio of infrastructure assets across four core sectors: utilities, transport, energy and data infrastructure. Through long-lived, regulated or contracted assets, Brookfield Infrastructure provides essential services such as electricity transmission and distribution, toll road and port operations, midstream energy logistics and fiber-based data networks.

The companys utilities division encompasses regulated electricity and gas distribution networks in North and South America, Europe and Australia, ensuring stable cash flows under current regulatory frameworks.

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Butler National (OTCMKTS:BUKS  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant growth in short interest during the month of February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 22,749 shares, a growth of 1,114.6% from the January 29th total of 1,873 shares. Approximately 0.0% of the companys shares are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 58,575 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.4 days. Based on an average trading volume of 58,575 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.4 days. Approximately 0.0% of the companys shares are sold short.

Butler National Stock Down 2.5%

OTCMKTS:BUKS traded down $0.09 on Wednesday, hitting $3.33. The stock had a trading volume of 116,662 shares, compared to its average volume of 59,515. The company has a quick ratio of 1.54, a current ratio of 1.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38. The businesss fifty day moving average is $3.05 and its 200 day moving average is $2.44. The company has a market cap of $266.70 million, a PE ratio of 13.34 and a beta of 0.23. Butler National has a 52 week low of $1.30 and a 52 week high of $3.45.

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Butler National (OTCMKTS:BUKS  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, December 11th. The company reported $0.09 earnings per share for the quarter. Butler National had a return on equity of 24.93% and a net margin of 19.02%.The business had revenue of $23.25 million during the quarter.

Butler National Company Profile

Butler National Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, designs, engineers, manufactures, sells, integrates, installs, repairs, modifies, overhauls, services, and distributes a portfolio of aerostructures, aircraft components, avionics, accessories, subassemblies, and systems in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and internationally. It operates through two segments, Aerospace Products and Professional Services. The Aerospace Products segment provides aircraft modifications to business-size aircraft, which include passenger-to-freighter configuration, radar systems, addition of aerial photography capabilities, search and rescue, environmental research, mapping, intelligence surveillance reconnaissance modifications, and stability enhancing modifications for Learjet, Beechcraft, and Cessna aircraft along with other specialized modifications.

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Cellnex Telecom SA  Unsponsored ADR (OTCMKTS:CLLNY  Get Free Report) saw unusually-strong trading volume on Wednesday . Approximately 407,359 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 140% from the previous sessions volume of 169,562 shares.The stock last traded at $18.23 and had previously closed at $18.10.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities analysts have commented on CLLNY shares. The Goldman Sachs Group downgraded shares of Cellnex Telecom from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, January 9th. Citigroup reiterated a buy rating on shares of Cellnex Telecom in a report on Thursday, February 12th. Barclays upgraded Cellnex Telecom to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, November 28th. Finally, New Street Research raised Cellnex Telecom to a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have assigned a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy.

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Cellnex Telecom Stock Up 0.9%

Cellnex Telecom Company Profile

The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $16.10 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $16.31.

(Get Free Report)

Cellnex Telecom SA is a leading independent wireless telecommunications infrastructure operator based in Barcelona, Spain. The company designs, builds and manages telecom tower sites and related connectivity solutions, offering site rental services to mobile network operators, broadcasters and enterprises. Its portfolio includes macro sites, distributed antenna systems (DAS), small cells, in-building coverage, fiber networks and edge computing nodes, all aimed at enhancing voice, data and next-generation digital services.

Founded as a spin-off from Abertis Infraestructuras in 2015, Cellnex launched an initial public offering on the Madrid Stock Exchange in May of that year.

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Chatham Lodging Trust (NYSE:CLDT  Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY 2026 earnings guidance on Wednesday morning. The company provided earnings per share guidance of 1.040-1.140 for the period, compared to the consensus earnings per share estimate of 0.320. The company issued revenue guidance of $284.0 million-$290.0 million, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $293.2 million.

Chatham Lodging Trust Price Performance

Shares of CLDT opened at $7.27 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.81, a current ratio of 0.81 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18. Chatham Lodging Trust has a twelve month low of $5.83 and a twelve month high of $8.47. The stock has a market capitalization of $352.74 million, a P/E ratio of 727.00 and a beta of 1.14. The company has a 50 day moving average of $7.13 and a 200-day moving average of $6.95.

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Chatham Lodging Trust Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st were issued a $0.09 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, December 31st. This represents a $0.36 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.0%. Chatham Lodging Trusts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 3,600.00%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

CLDT has been the topic of several analyst reports. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d) rating on shares of Chatham Lodging Trust in a report on Monday, December 29th. Zacks Research raised Chatham Lodging Trust from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 17th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $9.50.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On Chatham Lodging Trust

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Royal Bank of Canada raised its stake in Chatham Lodging Trust by 26.7% in the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 193,422 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,379,000 after buying an additional 40,746 shares during the period. AQR Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Chatham Lodging Trust by 35.8% during the 1st quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 98,409 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $702,000 after acquiring an additional 25,926 shares during the period. Jane Street Group LLC increased its holdings in shares of Chatham Lodging Trust by 6.6% during the 1st quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 289,534 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,064,000 after acquiring an additional 18,030 shares during the last quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in Chatham Lodging Trust in the 1st quarter valued at $62,000. Finally, Strs Ohio bought a new stake in Chatham Lodging Trust in the 1st quarter valued at $61,000. Institutional investors own 88.37% of the companys stock.

Chatham Lodging Trust Company Profile

(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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Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL  Get Free Report) CEO Christophe Beck sold 20,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, February 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $307.37, for a total transaction of $6,147,400.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 90,794 shares in the company, valued at $27,907,351.78. This represents a 18.05% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink.

Ecolab Stock Down 0.7%

Shares of NYSE ECL traded down $2.18 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $305.99. 1,096,046 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,263,163. Ecolab Inc. has a 12 month low of $221.62 and a 12 month high of $309.27. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $280.21 and a 200-day moving average price of $273.52. The company has a quick ratio of 0.81, a current ratio of 1.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.75. The company has a market cap of $86.67 billion, a PE ratio of 42.03, a PEG ratio of 2.51 and a beta of 0.99.

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Ecolab (NYSE:ECL  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 10th. The basic materials company reported $2.08 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.07 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $4.20 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.20 billion. Ecolab had a net margin of 12.91% and a return on equity of 22.73%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 4.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.81 earnings per share. Ecolab has set its FY 2026 guidance at 8.430-8.630 EPS and its Q1 2026 guidance at 1.670-1.730 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Ecolab Inc. will post 7.54 EPS for the current year.

Ecolab Dividend Announcement

Analysts Set New Price Targets

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, April 15th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, March 17th will be paid a dividend of $0.73 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 17th. This represents a $2.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.0%. Ecolabs payout ratio is presently 40.11%.

ECL has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on shares of Ecolab from $275.00 to $310.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 11th. BNP Paribas Exane reiterated an outperform rating and set a $345.00 price objective (up from $330.00) on shares of Ecolab in a research note on Thursday, February 12th. BMO Capital Markets upped their target price on Ecolab from $323.00 to $345.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, February 13th. Erste Group Bank lowered Ecolab from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Finally, Morgan Stanley reissued an overweight rating and issued a $330.00 price objective on shares of Ecolab in a report on Wednesday, February 11th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Buy rating and seven have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $323.56.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on ECL

Institutional Trading of Ecolab

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of ECL. Brighton Jones LLC lifted its position in shares of Ecolab by 164.7% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 3,700 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $867,000 after buying an additional 2,302 shares in the last quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC lifted its holdings in Ecolab by 39.8% during the second quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC now owns 1,384 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $373,000 after purchasing an additional 394 shares in the last quarter. Schnieders Capital Management LLC. grew its position in shares of Ecolab by 22.9% in the second quarter. Schnieders Capital Management LLC. now owns 1,166 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $314,000 after purchasing an additional 217 shares during the period. Brookstone Capital Management increased its stake in shares of Ecolab by 7.5% during the second quarter. Brookstone Capital Management now owns 1,693 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $456,000 after purchasing an additional 118 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Wealthfront Advisers LLC raised its position in shares of Ecolab by 5.3% during the 2nd quarter. Wealthfront Advisers LLC now owns 25,007 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $6,738,000 after purchasing an additional 1,248 shares during the last quarter. 74.91% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Ecolab

(Get Free Report)

Ecolab, Inc is a global provider of water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services. The company develops and supplies cleaning and sanitizing chemicals, dispensing equipment, water-treatment systems, pest elimination services and related technologies designed to help businesses maintain clean, safe and efficient operations. Its offerings span both products and onsite services, often paired with technical support and training.

Ecolab serves a broad range of end markets including hospitality and foodservice, food and beverage processing, healthcare, manufacturing and industrial operations, and energy and utilities.

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Coca-Cola Amatil Limited (ASX:CCL  Get Free Report) declared a interim dividend on Wednesday, February 25th, MarketIndexAU Dividends reports. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, March 25th will be given a dividend of 0.045 per share on Wednesday, March 25th. This represents a dividend yield of 109.0%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, March 2nd.

Coca-Cola Amatil Stock Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 160.24, a current ratio of 1.40 and a quick ratio of 1.05.

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Coca-Cola Amatil Company Profile

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See Also

Coca-Cola Amatil Limited produces and distributes non-alcoholic and alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages in Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and Samoa. The company offers various non-alcoholic beverages, such as energy drinks, juices, bottled water, coffee and tea, flavored milk, and other drinks. It also offers alcoholic beverages, including beer, cider, whisky, rum, and vodka. The company was founded in 1904 and is headquartered in North Sydney, Australia. Coca-Cola Amatil Limited is a subsidiary of Coca-Cola European Partners plc.

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Stewart Information Services (NYSE:STC  Get Free Report) and The Hartford Insurance Group (NYSE:HIG  Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their valuation, analyst recommendations, dividends, earnings, institutional ownership, risk and profitability.

Analyst Ratings

This is a breakdown of current ratings for Stewart Information Services and The Hartford Insurance Group, as provided by MarketBeat.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Stewart Information Services 0 0 3 0 3.00 The Hartford Insurance Group 0 8 8 2 2.67

Stewart Information Services currently has a consensus price target of $81.00, suggesting a potential upside of 20.05%. The Hartford Insurance Group has a consensus price target of $148.13, suggesting a potential upside of 5.39%. Given Stewart Information Services stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities research analysts clearly believe Stewart Information Services is more favorable than The Hartford Insurance Group.

Valuation and Earnings

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Stewart Information Services $2.92 billion 0.65 $115.54 million $4.04 16.70 The Hartford Insurance Group $28.37 billion 1.37 $3.84 billion $13.34 10.54

This table compares Stewart Information Services and The Hartford Insurance Groups top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

The Hartford Insurance Group has higher revenue and earnings than Stewart Information Services. The Hartford Insurance Group is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Stewart Information Services, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Profitability

This table compares Stewart Information Services and The Hartford Insurance Groups net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Stewart Information Services 3.95% 9.32% 4.82% The Hartford Insurance Group 13.52% 21.92% 4.58%

Volatility and Risk

Stewart Information Services has a beta of 1.01, suggesting that its stock price is 1% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, The Hartford Insurance Group has a beta of 0.61, suggesting that its stock price is 39% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

96.9% of Stewart Information Services shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 93.4% of The Hartford Insurance Group shares are held by institutional investors. 2.8% of Stewart Information Services shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 1.6% of The Hartford Insurance Group shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Dividends

Stewart Information Services pays an annual dividend of $2.10 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.1%. The Hartford Insurance Group pays an annual dividend of $2.40 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.7%. Stewart Information Services pays out 52.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. The Hartford Insurance Group pays out 18.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Stewart Information Services has increased its dividend for 4 consecutive years and The Hartford Insurance Group has increased its dividend for 12 consecutive years.

Summary

The Hartford Insurance Group beats Stewart Information Services on 10 of the 18 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Stewart Information Services

(Get Free Report)

Stewart Information Services Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides title insurance and real estate transaction related services in the United States and internationally. The company involves in searching, examining, closing, and insuring the condition of the title to real property. It also offers home and personal insurance services; services for tax-deferred exchanges; and digital customer engagement platform services. It also provides appraisal management, online notarization and closing, credit and real estate information, and search and valuation services. The company serves homebuyers and sellers, residential and commercial real estate professionals, mortgage lenders and servicers, title agencies and real estate attorneys, and home builders through direct operations, network of independent agencies, and other businesses. The company was founded in 1893 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

About The Hartford Insurance Group

(Get Free Report)

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides insurance and financial services to individual and business customers in the United States, the United Kingdom, and internationally. Its Commercial Lines segment offers insurance coverages, including workers' compensation, property, automobile, general and professional liability, package business, umbrella, fidelity and surety, marine, livestock, accident, health, and reinsurance through regional offices, branches, sales and policyholder service centers, independent retail agents and brokers, wholesale agents, and reinsurance brokers. The company's Personal Lines segment provides automobile, homeowners, and personal umbrella coverages through direct-to-consumer channels and independent agents. Its Property & Casualty Other Operations segment offers coverage for asbestos and environmental exposures. The company's Group Benefits segment provides group life, disability, and other group coverages to members of employer groups, associations, and affinity groups through direct insurance policies; reinsurance to other insurance companies; employer paid and voluntary product coverages; disability underwriting, administration, and claims processing to self-funded employer plans; and leave management solution. This segment also distributes its group insurance products and services through brokers, consultants, third-party administrators, trade associations, and private exchanges. Its Hartford Funds segment offers managed mutual funds across various asset classes; and exchange-traded funds through broker-dealer organizations, independent financial advisers, defined contribution plans, financial consultants, bank trust groups, and registered investment advisers, as well as investment management, distribution, and administrative services, such as product design, implementation, and oversight. The company was founded in 1810 and is headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut.

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Shares of Deckers Outdoor Corporation (NYSE:DECK  Get Free Report) have been given a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy by the twenty-five research firms that are presently covering the firm, MarketBeat reports. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have issued a hold rating, ten have given a buy rating and three have given a strong buy rating to the company. The average 1-year price objective among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $125.20.

A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on the stock. UBS Group reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $161.00 target price (up from $157.00) on shares of Deckers Outdoor in a research report on Friday, January 30th. Sanford C. Bernstein set a $90.00 price objective on shares of Deckers Outdoor in a report on Friday, January 30th. Stifel Nicolaus increased their target price on shares of Deckers Outdoor from $117.00 to $140.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, January 30th. Citigroup reissued a buy rating and set a $130.00 target price (up from $120.00) on shares of Deckers Outdoor in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Finally, Piper Sandler reaffirmed an underweight rating and issued a $95.00 price target (up from $85.00) on shares of Deckers Outdoor in a report on Friday, January 30th.

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Deckers Outdoor Stock Performance

Deckers Outdoor stock opened at $120.88 on Wednesday. Deckers Outdoor has a 52 week low of $78.91 and a 52 week high of $149.55. The firm has a market capitalization of $17.16 billion, a PE ratio of 17.07, a PEG ratio of 2.70 and a beta of 1.16. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $107.25 and its 200-day simple moving average is $102.73.

Deckers Outdoor (NYSE:DECK  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, January 29th. The textile maker reported $3.33 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.77 by $0.56. The firm had revenue of $1.96 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.87 billion. Deckers Outdoor had a return on equity of 41.60% and a net margin of 19.46%.The companys revenue was up 7.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $3.00 EPS. Research analysts forecast that Deckers Outdoor will post 5.89 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Activity at Deckers Outdoor

In other Deckers Outdoor news, insider Anne Spangenberg sold 4,063 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, February 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $116.02, for a total value of $471,389.26. Following the sale, the insider owned 80,449 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,333,692.98. The trade was a 4.81% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, insider Robin Spring-Green sold 347 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $113.78, for a total transaction of $39,481.66. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 42,461 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,831,212.58. The trade was a 0.81% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 9,092 shares of company stock worth $1,048,552. 0.40% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Trading of Deckers Outdoor

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Trillium Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Deckers Outdoor by 28.1% in the 2nd quarter. Trillium Asset Management LLC now owns 188,486 shares of the textile makers stock valued at $19,428,000 after purchasing an additional 41,325 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can increased its position in shares of Deckers Outdoor by 37.9% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 188,873 shares of the textile makers stock worth $19,467,000 after purchasing an additional 51,914 shares in the last quarter. Pinnacle Investment Management Ltd bought a new position in Deckers Outdoor during the 3rd quarter valued at about $2,027,000. Achmea Investment Management B.V. boosted its position in Deckers Outdoor by 135.3% in the second quarter. Achmea Investment Management B.V. now owns 135,341 shares of the textile makers stock valued at $13,950,000 after buying an additional 77,812 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC boosted its position in Deckers Outdoor by 171.1% in the third quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 326,353 shares of the textile makers stock valued at $33,020,000 after buying an additional 205,975 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 97.79% of the companys stock.

About Deckers Outdoor

(Get Free Report)

Deckers Outdoor Corporation is a global designer, marketer and distributor of footwear, apparel and accessories. The companys product portfolio includes wellknown brands such as UGG, HOKA, Teva, Sanuk and Koolaburra by UGG, spanning a range of lifestyle, performance and outdoor categories. Deckers leverages a blend of proprietary manufacturing, strategic brand storytelling and directtoconsumer retail to serve both fashionfocused and performanceoriented customers.

Founded in 1973 by Doug Otto and Karl F.

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Dine Brands Global (NYSE:DIN  Get Free Report) issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday. The restaurant operator reported $1.46 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.10 by $0.36, FiscalAI reports. Dine Brands Global had a negative return on equity of 26.01% and a net margin of 3.91%.The firm had revenue of $217.57 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $226.27 million. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.87 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 6.3% on a year-over-year basis.

Dine Brands Global Price Performance

DIN traded down $0.12 during trading on Wednesday, hitting $30.52. 486,889 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 422,644. The firm has a market capitalization of $440.08 million, a P/E ratio of 13.62 and a beta of 0.97. Dine Brands Global has a 12-month low of $18.63 and a 12-month high of $39.68. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $34.52 and a 200 day moving average of $29.15.

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Dine Brands Global Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, April 10th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, March 18th will be given a dividend of $0.19 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, March 18th. This represents a $0.76 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.5%. Dine Brands Globals dividend payout ratio is presently 33.93%.

Institutional Trading of Dine Brands Global

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of DIN. Garton & Associates Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Dine Brands Global during the 4th quarter valued at about $26,000. Advisory Services Network LLC purchased a new position in shares of Dine Brands Global during the third quarter valued at approximately $27,000. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC purchased a new position in shares of Dine Brands Global during the third quarter valued at approximately $50,000. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC raised its holdings in shares of Dine Brands Global by 307.6% during the second quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 2,091 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $51,000 after acquiring an additional 1,578 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Quadrant Capital Group LLC purchased a new stake in Dine Brands Global in the third quarter worth $87,000. 92.83% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Several brokerages have issued reports on DIN. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Dine Brands Global in a research report on Monday, December 29th. UBS Group lifted their price objective on shares of Dine Brands Global from $21.00 to $35.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Barclays upped their target price on shares of Dine Brands Global from $26.00 to $40.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. Mizuho raised their price target on Dine Brands Global from $28.00 to $34.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, January 9th. Finally, Zacks Research lowered Dine Brands Global from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Friday, January 30th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Dine Brands Global currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $31.29.

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About Dine Brands Global

(Get Free Report)

Dine Brands Global, Inc is a leading franchisor and operator of fullservice restaurants in the casual dining and breakfast segments. The companys primary brands include IHOP, known for its wide variety of breakfast offerings and pancakes, and Applebees Neighborhood Grill + Bar, a casual dining concept featuring a range of American entrees, appetizers and cocktails. Through its franchise model, Dine Brands works with independent restaurant owners to develop, market and support both domestic and international locations.

The origins of Dine Brands Global date back to the founding of the International House of Pancakes (IHOP) in 1958 in California.

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Magellan Asset Management Ltd increased its position in shares of Eversource Energy (NYSE:ES  Free Report) by 6.5% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 7,406,785 shares of the utilities providers stock after purchasing an additional 454,658 shares during the quarter. Eversource Energy accounts for about 6.2% of Magellan Asset Management Ltds investment portfolio, making the stock its 3rd largest holding. Magellan Asset Management Ltds holdings in Eversource Energy were worth $526,919,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Eversource Energy by 2.5% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 46,814,369 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $3,330,374,000 after purchasing an additional 1,161,708 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp boosted its stake in Eversource Energy by 1.7% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 27,343,038 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,739,564,000 after acquiring an additional 465,822 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in Eversource Energy by 2.3% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 9,273,415 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $587,449,000 after acquiring an additional 211,962 shares during the period. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Eversource Energy during the 2nd quarter valued at $274,744,000. Finally, American Century Companies Inc. raised its position in shares of Eversource Energy by 8.0% during the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 4,126,550 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $262,531,000 after acquiring an additional 304,553 shares during the last quarter. 79.99% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of brokerages recently commented on ES. Wells Fargo & Company raised Eversource Energy from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and lifted their price objective for the stock from $71.00 to $78.00 in a research note on Tuesday, February 17th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price target on Eversource Energy from $72.00 to $71.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, December 12th. Jefferies Financial Group restated an underperform rating on shares of Eversource Energy in a report on Monday, November 24th. Janney Montgomery Scott raised shares of Eversource Energy from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $79.00 target price for the company in a research note on Monday, November 24th. Finally, UBS Group decreased their price target on shares of Eversource Energy from $78.00 to $73.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $73.90.

Eversource Energy Stock Up 0.5%

Shares of ES stock opened at $75.24 on Wednesday. Eversource Energy has a 12-month low of $52.28 and a 12-month high of $75.28. The company has a quick ratio of 0.59, a current ratio of 0.65 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.66. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $69.27 and a 200-day moving average of $68.86. The company has a market capitalization of $28.25 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.46, a P/E/G ratio of 3.24 and a beta of 0.77.

Eversource Energy (NYSE:ES  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, February 12th. The utilities provider reported $1.12 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.10 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $3.37 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.94 billion. Eversource Energy had a net margin of 12.49% and a return on equity of 11.18%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 13.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $1.01 EPS. Eversource Energy has set its FY 2026 guidance at 4.800-4.950 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Eversource Energy will post 4.75 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Eversource Energy Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 31st. Investors of record on Thursday, March 5th will be issued a dividend of $0.7875 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 5th. This is a boost from Eversource Energys previous quarterly dividend of $0.75. This represents a $3.15 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.2%. Eversource Energys dividend payout ratio is 65.86%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Eversource Energy news, insider John Y. Kim sold 6,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $73.57, for a total value of $441,420.00. Following the sale, the insider owned 12,339 shares in the company, valued at approximately $907,780.23. The trade was a 32.72% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, EVP John M. Moreira sold 7,800 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $73.90, for a total value of $576,420.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 43,269 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,197,579.10. This trade represents a 15.27% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. 0.19% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

About Eversource Energy

(Free Report)

Eversource Energy (NYSE: ES) is a publicly traded, regulated energy company headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut. The companys core business is the delivery and transmission of electricity and natural gas to residential, commercial and industrial customers across parts of New England. Eversource operates transmission and distribution networks, maintains electrical infrastructure, responds to outages and storms, and manages natural gas pipeline and distribution systems in the regions it serves.

Eversource serves customers primarily in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, operating through locally regulated utility subsidiaries that administer customer service, billing, meter reading and localized operations.

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Fresenius SE & Co. (OTCMKTS:FSNUY  Get Free Report) released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday. The company reported $0.28 earnings per share for the quarter, Zacks reports. Fresenius SE & Co. had a return on equity of 9.72% and a net margin of 5.26%.

Fresenius SE & Co. Stock Up 1.4%

FSNUY traded up $0.21 on Wednesday, hitting $15.21. The company had a trading volume of 2,645 shares, compared to its average volume of 54,765. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $14.53 and a 200-day simple moving average of $14.39. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49, a current ratio of 1.26 and a quick ratio of 0.99. The firm has a market capitalization of $34.27 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.65 and a beta of 0.75. Fresenius SE & Co. has a 52-week low of $9.78 and a 52-week high of $33.93.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts recently commented on the stock. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating on shares of Fresenius SE & Co. in a report on Monday, December 15th. Citigroup reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Fresenius SE & Co. in a research note on Tuesday, February 3rd. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Buy.

About Fresenius SE & Co.

(Get Free Report)

Fresenius SE & Co KGaA is a global healthcare group headquartered in Bad Homburg vor der Hohe, Germany. Founded in 1912 by Eduard Fresenius, the company has grown into one of the worlds leading providers of products and services for dialysis, hospitals and outpatient medical care. Trading on major European exchanges and available over the counter in the U.S. as FSNUY, Fresenius SE & Co brings together a portfolio of specialized healthcare businesses under one corporate umbrella.

The company operates through four main business segments.

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Genworth Financial (NYSE:GNW  Get Free Report) posted its earnings results on Monday. The financial services provider reported $0.02 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.16 by ($0.14), FiscalAI reports. The firm had revenue of $1.04 billion for the quarter. Genworth Financial had a return on equity of 1.48% and a net margin of 3.05%.

Genworth Financial Stock Up 2.6%

Shares of GNW opened at $8.51 on Wednesday. Genworth Financial has a 12-month low of $5.99 and a 12-month high of $9.28. The company has a current ratio of 0.29, a quick ratio of 0.29 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15. The company has a market capitalization of $3.40 billion, a PE ratio of 16.18 and a beta of 1.01. The businesss 50 day moving average is $8.76 and its 200 day moving average is $8.69.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On Genworth Financial

Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in GNW. Headlands Technologies LLC bought a new stake in shares of Genworth Financial in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $44,000. Larson Financial Group LLC lifted its position in Genworth Financial by 12,597.7% in the third quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 5,587 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $50,000 after buying an additional 5,543 shares during the last quarter. Danske Bank A S bought a new stake in Genworth Financial in the third quarter worth $60,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Genworth Financial by 140.3% during the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 8,063 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $63,000 after buying an additional 4,708 shares during the period. Finally, Strs Ohio bought a new position in Genworth Financial during the first quarter valued at $82,000. 81.85% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on GNW shares. Wall Street Zen upgraded Genworth Financial from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, November 15th. Weiss Ratings raised shares of Genworth Financial from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating in a research report on Thursday, February 19th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $10.00.

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About Genworth Financial

(Get Free Report)

Genworth Financial (NYSE: GNW) is a leading financial security company offering a broad range of insurance products. Based in Richmond, Virginia, Genworth provides individuals and families with solutions designed to protect against long-term care expenses, secure life insurance needs and support homeownership through private mortgage insurance. With operations spanning the United States, Canada and Australia, the company serves both retail and institutional clients through a diversified portfolio of risk management services.

The companys Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) segment offers coverage to lenders and consumers in the US, Canada and Australia, enabling homebuyers to purchase properties with lower down payments.

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Global Industrial Company (NYSE:GIC  Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Tuesday, February 24th. Shareholders of record on Monday, March 9th will be given a dividend of 0.28 per share on Monday, March 16th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, March 9th. This is a 7.7% increase from Global Industrials previous quarterly dividend of $0.26.

Global Industrial has increased its dividend payment by an average of 0.2%annually over the last three years and has increased its dividend every year for the last 9 years. Global Industrial has a dividend payout ratio of 56.5% indicating that its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Equities analysts expect Global Industrial to earn $1.66 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $1.04 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 62.7%.

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Global Industrial Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:GIC traded up $3.33 during trading on Wednesday, hitting $34.26. The companys stock had a trading volume of 71,551 shares, compared to its average volume of 87,558. Global Industrial has a fifty-two week low of $20.79 and a fifty-two week high of $38.79. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $30.95 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $32.28. The company has a market capitalization of $1.32 billion, a PE ratio of 19.61, a P/E/G ratio of 0.98 and a beta of 0.90.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Global Industrial ( NYSE:GIC Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, February 24th. The company reported $0.38 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.35 by $0.03. Global Industrial had a return on equity of 22.85% and a net margin of 5.11%.The firm had revenue of $345.60 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $324.86 million. As a group, equities analysts expect that Global Industrial will post 1.59 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

GIC has been the subject of several recent research reports. Zacks Research upgraded Global Industrial from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Global Industrial in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Global Industrial from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Saturday, January 31st. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to MarketBeat.com, Global Industrial currently has an average rating of Hold.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Global Industrial

Global Industrial Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Global Industrial Company (NYSE: GIC) is a leading business-to-business distributor of industrial products and equipment. Headquartered in Port Washington, New York, the company provides a comprehensive range of products to support manufacturing, warehousing, and facility maintenance operations across North America. Through a digital-first platform, Global Industrial combines e-commerce, direct sales and catalog-based ordering channels to serve a diverse commercial customer base.

The companys product portfolio encompasses material handling solutions (including conveyors, pallet racks and hoists), storage and shelving systems, janitorial and sanitation supplies, packaging and shipping materials, and office furniture.

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GoDaddy (NYSE:GDDY  Get Free Report) had its price target reduced by investment analysts at Wells Fargo & Company from $145.00 to $77.00 in a research report issued on Wednesday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has an equal weight rating on the technology companys stock. Wells Fargo & Companys price target suggests a potential downside of 0.22% from the companys current price.

Other analysts also recently issued research reports about the stock. Morgan Stanley dropped their target price on shares of GoDaddy from $159.00 to $145.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Evercore cut their target price on shares of GoDaddy from $180.00 to $145.00 and set an in-line rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of GoDaddy in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. Cantor Fitzgerald lowered their price target on GoDaddy from $130.00 to $90.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday. Finally, UBS Group reduced their price objective on GoDaddy from $160.00 to $145.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 31st. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have issued a Buy rating and seven have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $153.50.

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GoDaddy Trading Down 16.4%

Shares of GDDY stock traded down $15.13 on Wednesday, reaching $77.17. 2,056,150 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,842,423. The company has a quick ratio of 0.57, a current ratio of 0.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 41.06. The stock has a market cap of $10.43 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.39, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.80 and a beta of 0.94. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $107.39 and a two-hundred day moving average of $125.84. GoDaddy has a 1-year low of $73.06 and a 1-year high of $193.55.

GoDaddy (NYSE:GDDY  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 24th. The technology company reported $1.80 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.58 by $0.22. The firm had revenue of $1.27 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.27 billion. GoDaddy had a return on equity of 231.34% and a net margin of 17.01%.The firms quarterly revenue was up 6.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.36 earnings per share. On average, research analysts anticipate that GoDaddy will post 6.63 EPS for the current year.

Insider Activity at GoDaddy

In other news, CFO Mark Mccaffrey sold 3,317 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $127.94, for a total transaction of $424,376.98. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 66,816 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,548,439.04. This represents a 4.73% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Amanpal Singh Bhutani sold 6,932 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $127.94, for a total transaction of $886,880.08. Following the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 399,133 shares of the companys stock, valued at $51,065,076.02. The trade was a 1.71% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 13,615 shares of company stock valued at $1,743,102. Insiders own 0.70% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of GoDaddy in the 4th quarter worth approximately $250,020,000. AQR Capital Management LLC lifted its position in shares of GoDaddy by 117.5% in the 4th quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 2,989,931 shares of the technology companys stock worth $370,991,000 after buying an additional 1,615,005 shares during the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of GoDaddy by 47.0% in the 3rd quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 3,532,548 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $483,360,000 after buying an additional 1,128,646 shares during the period. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd raised its stake in GoDaddy by 2,289.5% during the second quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd now owns 873,626 shares of the technology companys stock worth $157,305,000 after acquiring an additional 837,065 shares during the period. Finally, Two Sigma Investments LP grew its holdings in shares of GoDaddy by 99.7% during the third quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP now owns 1,631,100 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $223,183,000 after purchasing an additional 814,360 shares during the last quarter. 90.28% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Key Headlines Impacting GoDaddy

Here are the key news stories impacting GoDaddy this week:

Positive Sentiment: Q4 EPS beat and profit improvement  GoDaddy reported $1.80 EPS (above consensus) with revenue roughly in line and operating profit and net income up year-over-year, which supports nearterm earnings strength. Read More.

Q4 EPS beat and profit improvement  GoDaddy reported $1.80 EPS (above consensus) with revenue roughly in line and operating profit and net income up year-over-year, which supports nearterm earnings strength. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Salesforce/MuleSoft integration  GoDaddy announced integration with Salesforces MuleSoft Agent Fabric (AI agent discovery/identity), a strategic partnership that could accelerate enterprise AI adoption and product distribution over time. Read More.

Salesforce/MuleSoft integration  GoDaddy announced integration with Salesforces MuleSoft Agent Fabric (AI agent discovery/identity), a strategic partnership that could accelerate enterprise AI adoption and product distribution over time. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Analyst support remains mixed but includes buys  several firms still carry Buy/Overweight ratings and there are a range of price targets (median near $145), showing divergent views on upside vs. near-term risk. Read More.

Analyst support remains mixed but includes buys  several firms still carry Buy/Overweight ratings and there are a range of price targets (median near $145), showing divergent views on upside vs. near-term risk. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Earnings call and detail reads  Call transcript and metric breakdowns are available for investors who want granular guidance and margin commentary. These may clarify managements cadence on AI product rollouts. Read More.

Earnings call and detail reads  Call transcript and metric breakdowns are available for investors who want granular guidance and margin commentary. These may clarify managements cadence on AI product rollouts. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Revenue guidance below Street expectations  Management forecasted FY revenue slightly under consensus and signaled slower adoption of AI tools and weaker customer acquisition, which prompted investor concern about growth. Read More.

Revenue guidance below Street expectations  Management forecasted FY revenue slightly under consensus and signaled slower adoption of AI tools and weaker customer acquisition, which prompted investor concern about growth. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Analyst downgrades and pricetarget cuts pressured the stock  Coverage notes and downgrades pushed shares to a 12month low in some sessions; Benchmark trimmed its target (still a Buy) while some shops are more cautious. Read More.

Analyst downgrades and pricetarget cuts pressured the stock  Coverage notes and downgrades pushed shares to a 12month low in some sessions; Benchmark trimmed its target (still a Buy) while some shops are more cautious. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Near-term sell pressure and insider activity  Reports highlight insider sales and postearnings share weakness (stock fell on guidance), suggesting short-term headwinds despite the EPS beat. Read More.

About GoDaddy

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GoDaddy is a technology company that provides a suite of online services aimed primarily at small businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals looking to establish and grow an online presence. The companys core activities include domain name registration and aftermarket services, a range of website hosting options, and tools for building, managing and promoting websites. Its product mix is designed to simplify the technical aspects of running a website so customers can focus on their businesses.

Product and service offerings span website builders and managed WordPress hosting, shared and dedicated hosting, e-commerce capabilities, email and productivity solutions, SSL certificates and site security tools, and online marketing and search engine optimization services.

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Greenland Capital Management LP lowered its stake in shares of Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX  Free Report) by 73.4% during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 1,950 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 5,375 shares during the quarter. Greenland Capital Management LPs holdings in Phillips 66 were worth $265,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Heck Capital Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Phillips 66 by 1.2% during the 3rd quarter. Heck Capital Advisors LLC now owns 6,124 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $833,000 after purchasing an additional 75 shares in the last quarter. Portside Wealth Group LLC lifted its position in Phillips 66 by 3.8% during the third quarter. Portside Wealth Group LLC now owns 2,033 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $277,000 after purchasing an additional 75 shares during the period. Welch & Forbes LLC grew its stake in Phillips 66 by 1.1% during the third quarter. Welch & Forbes LLC now owns 7,123 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $969,000 after buying an additional 76 shares in the last quarter. Magnus Financial Group LLC grew its stake in Phillips 66 by 2.5% during the third quarter. Magnus Financial Group LLC now owns 3,160 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $430,000 after buying an additional 77 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Hemington Wealth Management increased its holdings in Phillips 66 by 15.7% in the 3rd quarter. Hemington Wealth Management now owns 576 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $78,000 after buying an additional 78 shares during the period. 76.93% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

PSX has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Scotiabank reaffirmed a sector perform rating and set a $140.00 price target on shares of Phillips 66 in a report on Friday, January 16th. Piper Sandler upped their target price on Phillips 66 from $153.00 to $156.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, February 5th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their target price on Phillips 66 from $152.00 to $164.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price target on Phillips 66 from $154.00 to $151.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. Finally, Raymond James Financial upped their price objective on Phillips 66 from $160.00 to $175.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. Eleven analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and twelve have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Phillips 66 has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $160.11.

Phillips 66 Stock Down 0.3%

Shares of PSX opened at $154.32 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62, a quick ratio of 0.87 and a current ratio of 1.30. Phillips 66 has a 52 week low of $91.01 and a 52 week high of $163.79. The stock has a market capitalization of $61.84 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.26, a PEG ratio of 0.54 and a beta of 0.90. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $142.69 and a 200-day moving average of $136.69.

Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 4th. The oil and gas company reported $2.47 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.15 by $0.32. The business had revenue of $32.16 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $33.81 billion. Phillips 66 had a return on equity of 9.13% and a net margin of 3.22%.During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted ($0.15) EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Phillips 66 will post 6.8 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Phillips 66 Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, March 4th. Stockholders of record on Monday, February 23rd will be paid a $1.27 dividend. This is an increase from Phillips 66s previous quarterly dividend of $1.20. This represents a $5.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, February 23rd. Phillips 66s payout ratio is currently 46.95%.

Insider Activity at Phillips 66

In related news, EVP Vanessa Allen Sutherland sold 4,394 shares of Phillips 66 stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $150.00, for a total transaction of $659,100.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 25,799 shares in the company, valued at $3,869,850. This trade represents a 14.55% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, EVP Brian Mandell sold 25,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $140.04, for a total transaction of $3,571,020.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 56,838 shares in the company, valued at $7,959,593.52. The trade was a 30.97% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold a total of 41,788 shares of company stock worth $6,067,250 in the last quarter. 0.22% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Phillips 66 Profile

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Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX) is an independent energy manufacturing and logistics company engaged primarily in refining, midstream transportation, marketing and chemicals. The company processes crude oil into transportation fuels, lubricants and other petroleum products, operates pipeline and storage infrastructure, and participates in petrochemical production through strategic investments. Phillips 66 serves commercial, industrial and retail customers and positions its operations across the value chain of the downstream energy sector.

The companys principal activities include refining crude oil into gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and feedstocks for petrochemical production; operating midstream assets such as pipelines, terminals and fractionators that move and store crude oil and natural gas liquids; and marketing and distributing fuels and lubricants through wholesale and retail channels.

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Halliburton Company (NYSE:HAL  Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $35.97 and last traded at $35.8550, with a volume of 10962681 shares. The stock had previously closed at $35.24.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of brokerages recently commented on HAL. Rothschild & Co Redburn lifted their target price on shares of Halliburton from $35.00 to $40.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 18th. Barclays raised their price objective on Halliburton from $25.00 to $30.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 16th. Piper Sandler lifted their price objective on Halliburton from $30.00 to $34.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c-) rating on shares of Halliburton in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price target on Halliburton from $35.00 to $40.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have given a Buy rating and eight have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $35.19.

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Halliburton Stock Performance

The business has a fifty day moving average of $32.13 and a 200-day moving average of $27.26. The company has a market cap of $30.03 billion, a PE ratio of 23.75, a P/E/G ratio of 2.10 and a beta of 0.77. The company has a current ratio of 2.04, a quick ratio of 1.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68.

Halliburton (NYSE:HAL  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 21st. The oilfield services company reported $0.69 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.55 by $0.14. Halliburton had a return on equity of 19.77% and a net margin of 5.78%.The business had revenue of $5.66 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.39 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.73 EPS. The businesss revenue was up .8% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts anticipate that Halliburton Company will post 2.64 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Halliburton Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, March 25th. Investors of record on Wednesday, March 4th will be issued a $0.17 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, March 4th. This represents a $0.68 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.9%. Halliburtons payout ratio is 45.03%.

Insider Activity at Halliburton

In other Halliburton news, Director Margaret Katherine Banks sold 2,600 shares of Halliburton stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $34.17, for a total transaction of $88,842.00. Following the sale, the director directly owned 14,043 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $479,849.31. The trade was a 15.62% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, EVP Lawrence J. Pope sold 100,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, January 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $32.25, for a total value of $3,225,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 419,800 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,538,550. The trade was a 19.24% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold a total of 337,002 shares of company stock valued at $11,445,938 in the last 90 days. 0.61% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Halliburton

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of HAL. Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its holdings in shares of Halliburton by 1.7% during the third quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 5,929,285 shares of the oilfield services companys stock valued at $145,860,000 after buying an additional 96,394 shares during the last quarter. Tejara Capital Ltd boosted its stake in shares of Halliburton by 98.8% in the 3rd quarter. Tejara Capital Ltd now owns 134,365 shares of the oilfield services companys stock worth $3,305,000 after buying an additional 66,765 shares during the last quarter. Ritholtz Wealth Management bought a new stake in shares of Halliburton in the third quarter worth $1,775,000. New York State Common Retirement Fund increased its position in Halliburton by 12.8% during the third quarter. New York State Common Retirement Fund now owns 1,645,526 shares of the oilfield services companys stock valued at $40,480,000 after acquiring an additional 186,105 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cookson Peirce & Co. Inc. purchased a new stake in Halliburton during the third quarter valued at $1,010,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 85.23% of the companys stock.

Halliburton Company Profile

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Halliburton is one of the worlds largest providers of products and services to the energy industry, offering a broad portfolio that supports the lifecycle of oil and gas reservoirs from exploration and drilling through production and abandonment. Founded in 1919 by Erle P. Halliburton as an oil-well cementing company, the firm is headquartered in Houston, Texas and has developed into an integrated oilfield services company serving upstream operators globally.

The companys activities encompass drilling and evaluation, well construction and completion, production enhancement and well intervention.

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HighTower Advisors LLC cut its position in shares of iShares Top 20 U.S. Stocks ETF (NYSEARCA:TOPT  Free Report) by 54.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 152,371 shares of the companys stock after selling 185,749 shares during the quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC owned 1.13% of iShares Top 20 U.S. Stocks ETF worth $4,641,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of TOPT. Touchstone Capital Inc. acquired a new position in shares of iShares Top 20 U.S. Stocks ETF during the 3rd quarter worth $10,879,000. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. acquired a new stake in iShares Top 20 U.S. Stocks ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at about $7,742,000. Royal Bank of Canada increased its holdings in iShares Top 20 U.S. Stocks ETF by 451.4% during the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 102,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,430,000 after acquiring an additional 83,500 shares in the last quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC raised its position in iShares Top 20 U.S. Stocks ETF by 876.1% during the second quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 79,510 shares of the companys stock worth $2,170,000 after acquiring an additional 71,364 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Founders Financial Securities LLC purchased a new stake in shares of iShares Top 20 U.S. Stocks ETF in the third quarter valued at about $1,817,000.

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iShares Top 20 U.S. Stocks ETF Price Performance

TOPT stock opened at $30.17 on Wednesday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $30.78 and its 200-day simple moving average is $30.49. iShares Top 20 U.S. Stocks ETF has a 12 month low of $20.39 and a 12 month high of $31.97. The firm has a market capitalization of $476.69 million, a PE ratio of 32.42 and a beta of 1.17.

About iShares Top 20 U.S. Stocks ETF

The iShares Top 20 U.S. Stocks ETF (TOPT) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the S&P 500 Top 20 Select index. The fund seeks to mirror the performance of an index comprising the top 20 largest US firms by market-cap in the S&P 500. The companies are weighted by their float-adjusted market-cap TOPT was launched on Oct 23, 2024 and is issued by BlackRock.

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International Consolidated Airlines Group (OTCMKTS:ICAGY  Get Free Report) is expected to post its results before the market opens on Friday, February 27th. Analysts expect International Consolidated Airlines Group to post earnings of $0.33 per share and revenue of $9.6366 billion for the quarter.

International Consolidated Airlines Group Stock Up 1.2%

Shares of OTCMKTS:ICAGY opened at $11.74 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of $26.79 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 3.56, a PEG ratio of 0.39 and a beta of 1.63. International Consolidated Airlines Group has a 12-month low of $5.60 and a 12-month high of $12.25. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $11.43 and a 200 day moving average price of $10.79. The company has a current ratio of 0.68, a quick ratio of 0.65 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.99.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, Zacks Research upgraded shares of International Consolidated Airlines Group from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 13th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have issued a Buy rating, one has issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, International Consolidated Airlines Group currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy.

International Consolidated Airlines Group Company Profile

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International Consolidated Airlines Group (OTCMKTS:ICAGY) is a Europe-focused airline holding company formed in 2011 through the combination of British Airways and Iberia. The group owns and operates a portfolio of passenger carriers that provide short-haul, long-haul and low-cost services, together with associated aviation businesses. Its operations span international and domestic markets, with extensive networks across Europe, transatlantic routes and links to Latin America and other global destinations.

IAGs principal airline brands include British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling and LEVEL.

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International Personal Finance (LON:IPF) reported a higher full-year profit for 2025 and proposed a larger dividend, as management pointed to strong demand across its customer base, robust credit quality, and growing momentum in newer products and channels. Executives also flagged heightened regulatory activity across the EU linked to the Consumer Credit Directive (CCD2) and discussed a recent deterioration in the security situation in parts of Mexico.

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Profit rises, dividend increased

Chief Executive Gerard said the group delivered profit before tax of 88.6 million on a pre-exceptional basis, up 4% year-on-year. The result came alongside nearly 12% lending growth year-on-year and nearly 14% growth in net receivables, which are fast approaching 1.1 billion.

The board proposed a, upyear-on-year. CFO Gary Thompson said the full-year dividend totals(including an interim dividend of), representinggrowth versus 2024, with apayout ratio.

Thompson also disclosed 3.3 million of exceptional one-off costs in 2025 related to the potential acquisition by BasePoint.

Customer growth returns; lending and receivables expand

Management highlighted a return to customer growth, with Thompson saying 2025 was the first year in more than a decade to deliver meaningful growth in customer numbers. Total customers increased 4.7% to 1.729 million, with all three divisions growing.

Poland added 10,000 new customers in the second half, returning to growth.

added new customers in the second half, returning to growth. Romania added 10,000 customers in the second half, supported by an expanded product set.

added customers in the second half, supported by an expanded product set. Mexico added 46,000 customers in the second half, including 24,000 from the digital business and 22,000 from Provident Mexico as it recovered from an IT upgrade disruption.

Group lending grew 12% at constant exchange rates. Provident Europe delivered 13% lending growth, including 20% in Poland and 18% in Romania, while Hungary and Czech grew just over 4% combined. Provident Mexico lending rose 7% for the year, accelerating to 13% in the second half as the business recovered and expanded with two new branches.

Receivables surpassed 1.0 billion, reaching a level last seen in 2017, with 14% constant-currency growth (about 130 million). Thompson said this was below the groups target of 150 million growth, with the shortfall spread across Provident Poland, Provident Mexico, and Mexico Digital. Within Provident Europe, receivables grew 16% to 575 million, led by Romania at 22%. In Poland, receivables stood at 195 million, and Thompson said higher-yielding credit cards now represent about 50% of that book.

Strategy execution: new products, channels, and technology investment

Gerard framed performance around a three pillar Next Gen strategy, centered on financial inclusion, organizational change, and technology/data. He said the groups credit card launched in Poland two years ago has surpassed 200,000 users and is now also delivered digitally, depending on customer preference and credit standing. The company is also testing the card in Romania.

In partnerships/point-of-sale finance, Gerard said IPFs services are offered through 2,700 retailers in Romania and Mexico, though he emphasized the need to calibrate scorecards because retailer-based origination can skew the customer mix and affect credit quality.

Gerard also described a newer short-term loan product designed to avoid penalizing customers who run into repayment difficulty by offering the ability to switch to a longer loan with lower repayments and interest. He said the product is proving popular, with credit quality a key focus as it scales.

On investment, Thompson said the group plans to invest an additional 5 million per year through the profit and loss account for the next two to three years to support growth initiatives, marketing and brand building, colleague capability, and upfront IFRS 9 impairment charges as scorecards are refined. He said the company expects market expectations to adjust to reflect the additional spend.

Capital expenditure was 35 million in 2025, up from 24 million in 2024. Thompson said CapEx will rise by a further 15 million in each of 2026 and 2027, before reducing to a normalized run rate of 25 million to 30 million from 2028. Gerard said the group is investing to simplify and secure an estate of roughly 450460 systems and highlighted projects including omnichannel customer interaction (the Xenia project) and the rollout of a customer app across Provident businesses.

Credit quality, funding, and regulatory and security risks

Thompson said repayment behavior remained really good, helping the groups impairment rate improve by 0.6 percentage points to 9%, supported by a strong debt sale market and an 8 million reduction in the cost of living provision. He said the cost of living provision stands at 1 million and is not expected to be a feature going forward.

The group ended 2025 with 750 million of total debt facilities and funding headroom of 129 million. Thompson also noted a reduction in the blended cost of funding from 13.3% to 12.2%, and said IPF issued 1 billion Swedish krona of unsecured senior floating rate notes due 2028 (about 80 million) at 3-month STIBOR + 5.75%. The equity-to-receivables ratio was 51%, down from 54%, reflecting growth in receivables partly offset by a 47 million foreign exchange gain to reserves.

On regulation, Gerard warned of a huge uptick in CCD2-related activity as EU countries rush to transpose the directive into local law. He outlined a range of measures under discussion across markets, including caps on lending-related fees, enhanced affordability assessments, changes to rebates, restrictions on advertising, tighter rules around value-added services, and free credit sanctions that could allow customers to repudiate agreements if errors are found. In Q&A, management said the financial effects of CCD2 were not reflected in the outlook because outcomes remain uncertain.

Gerard also addressed the evolving security situation in Mexico, saying the company closed branches and told colleagues and customer representatives not to travel on highways in three states following recent instability. He said the decision affects about 10% of the customer base in Mexico and that the company hopes any impact on February results will be de minimis, while emphasizing that employee and representative safety is the priority.

Outlook and investor Q&A highlights

Management said there is good momentum entering 2026, supported by demand, a strong balance sheet, and solid credit quality, while acknowledging headwinds from regulatory uncertainty and the earnings drag from increased investment and amortization. In response to an investor question on whether receivables growth would translate into higher 2026 profit, Thompson said he could not provide specific guidance but pointed to additional investment of 5 million per year and noted that prior consensus figures referenced on the call were 97 million PBT for 2026 and about 115 million for 2027, before considering the updated investment plans.

Asked about longer-term customer ambitions, management reiterated a medium- to long-term target of 2.5 million customers, up from the current 1.7 million, and said the planned investments are intended to support that growth over an extended period.

About International Personal Finance (LON:IPF)

International Personal Finance plc is helping to build a better world through financial inclusion by providing affordable credit products and insurance services to underserved consumers across nine markets. Our 1.7 million customers, who have low to medium incomes and a limited credit history, turn to us to fulfil their plans when it really matters. As a group of people who are often financially excluded, we play a vital role in society by responsibly providing unsecured, affordable credit tailored to meet their personal needs and financial circumstances, as well as a variety of great value home, medical and life insurances to help them and their families.

Further Reading
iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF (NYSEARCA:IMTM  Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week high on Monday . The company traded as high as $52.86 and last traded at $52.71, with a volume of 12780 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $52.56.

iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF Price Performance

The firms fifty day moving average is $50.19 and its two-hundred day moving average is $48.47. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.88 billion, a PE ratio of 17.95 and a beta of 0.81.

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Institutional Trading of iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of IMTM. Royal Bank of Canada grew its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF by 25.1% in the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 48,409 shares of the companys stock worth $1,934,000 after purchasing an additional 9,717 shares during the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF in the 1st quarter worth $224,000. Jones Financial Companies Lllp bought a new stake in iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF in the 1st quarter worth $715,000. Bessemer Group Inc. purchased a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF in the second quarter valued at about $109,000. Finally, Atria Investments Inc raised its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF by 1.2% during the second quarter. Atria Investments Inc now owns 102,057 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,663,000 after acquiring an additional 1,188 shares during the last quarter.

About iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF

The iShares MSCI Intl Momentum Factor ETF (IMTM) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI World ex USA Momentum index. The fund tracks an index of large- and mid-cap stocks from developed countries, ex-US. The momentum-selected stocks are weighted by market cap and momentum. IMTM was launched on Jan 13, 2015 and is managed by BlackRock.

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John Hancock Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF (NYSEARCA:JHMB  Get Free Report) announced a monthly dividend on Tuesday, February 24th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, February 25th will be paid a dividend of 0.0573 per share on Friday, February 27th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.1%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 25th. This is a 46.2% increase from John Hancock Mortgage-Backed Securities ETFs previous monthly dividend of $0.04.

John Hancock Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF Price Performance

Shares of JHMB stock traded down $0.05 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $22.44. 14,423 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 66,587. John Hancock Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF has a 12-month low of $21.29 and a 12-month high of $22.60. The companys 50-day moving average price is $22.29 and its 200-day moving average price is $22.23.

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About John Hancock Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF

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The John Hancock Mortgage Backed Securities ETF (JHMB) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Bloomberg U.S. MBS index. The fund is actively managed and primarily invests in investment grade mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. government and private entities with no specific limit to maturity. JHMB was launched on Aug 19, 2021 and is managed by John Hancock.

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Kilroy Realty (NYSE:KRC  Get Free Report) was downgraded by equities research analysts at Mizuho from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Tuesday,Zacks.com reports.

KRC has been the topic of several other research reports. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c+) rating on shares of Kilroy Realty in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Citigroup cut their target price on Kilroy Realty from $42.00 to $34.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, February 12th. Barclays set a $39.00 price target on Kilroy Realty in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. Wall Street Zen lowered Kilroy Realty from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Saturday, February 14th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets reiterated a market perform rating on shares of Kilroy Realty in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Reduce and an average price target of $39.86.

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Kilroy Realty Stock Performance

NYSE:KRC opened at $31.03 on Tuesday. The stocks 50-day moving average is $35.91 and its 200-day moving average is $39.50. Kilroy Realty has a 1-year low of $27.07 and a 1-year high of $45.03. The company has a current ratio of 2.13, a quick ratio of 2.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81. The stock has a market cap of $3.68 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.43 and a beta of 1.10.

Kilroy Realty (NYSE:KRC  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Monday, February 9th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.10 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.98 by ($0.88). Kilroy Realty had a return on equity of 4.91% and a net margin of 24.82%.The business had revenue of $272.19 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $270.21 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.20 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was down 5.0% on a year-over-year basis. Kilroy Realty has set its FY 2026 guidance at 3.250-3.450 EPS. Equities research analysts anticipate that Kilroy Realty will post 4 earnings per share for the current year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Kilroy Realty

Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in KRC. Westside Investment Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of Kilroy Realty by 100.0% in the 3rd quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 618 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 309 shares during the period. Quaker Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in Kilroy Realty by 200.0% during the 2nd quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 755 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $26,000 after buying an additional 1,510 shares during the period. Wiser Advisor Group LLC bought a new position in Kilroy Realty in the third quarter worth approximately $32,000. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd bought a new position in Kilroy Realty in the third quarter worth approximately $40,000. Finally, Smartleaf Asset Management LLC grew its stake in Kilroy Realty by 276.5% in the third quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 979 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $42,000 after acquiring an additional 719 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 94.22% of the companys stock.

Kilroy Realty Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Kilroy Realty Corporation (NYSE: KRC) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust focused on the development, acquisition and management of highquality office and mixeduse properties along the U.S. West Coast. The companys portfolio encompasses major urban markets including Los Angeles, San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area and Seattle. Kilroy Realty targets properties in transitoriented submarkets, blending workplace space with retail, residential and hospitality amenities to create vibrant, walkable neighborhoods.

Founded in the mid20th century by members of the Kilroy family, the company evolved from a regional landlord into one of the leading West Coast office landlords.

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Lansforsakringar Fondforvaltning AB publ raised its stake in shares of Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. (NYSE:BAM  Free Report) (TSE:BAM.A) by 17.2% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 95,240 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 13,996 shares during the quarter. Lansforsakringar Fondforvaltning AB publs holdings in Brookfield Asset Management were worth $5,421,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in Brookfield Asset Management by 1.5% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 17,425,392 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $991,677,000 after buying an additional 253,789 shares in the last quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp boosted its stake in shares of Brookfield Asset Management by 2.5% in the 2nd quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 11,400,930 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $631,412,000 after purchasing an additional 282,853 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Brookfield Asset Management in the 2nd quarter worth about $294,730,000. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company increased its position in shares of Brookfield Asset Management by 25.5% during the 2nd quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 4,218,119 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $232,402,000 after purchasing an additional 857,994 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC increased its position in shares of Brookfield Asset Management by 62.4% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 3,755,340 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $208,571,000 after purchasing an additional 1,443,441 shares in the last quarter. 68.41% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

BAM has been the topic of several research analyst reports. UBS Group set a $52.00 price objective on shares of Brookfield Asset Management in a research note on Friday. Loop Capital set a $60.00 price target on Brookfield Asset Management in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Morgan Stanley set a $63.00 price objective on Brookfield Asset Management in a research note on Tuesday, February 17th. BMO Capital Markets upgraded Brookfield Asset Management from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, February 5th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b-) rating on shares of Brookfield Asset Management in a report on Monday, December 22nd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have assigned a Buy rating, seven have given a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $63.65.

Brookfield Asset Management Stock Up 1.2%

NYSE BAM opened at $48.48 on Wednesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $79.41 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.89, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.75 and a beta of 1.40. Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. has a 52 week low of $41.78 and a 52 week high of $64.10. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a current ratio of 0.97. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $51.90 and a 200-day moving average of $54.63.

Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE:BAM  Get Free Report) (TSE:BAM.A) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 4th. The financial services provider reported $0.47 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.41 by $0.06. The business had revenue of $1.39 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.40 billion. Brookfield Asset Management had a return on equity of 29.67% and a net margin of 51.59%. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. will post 1.7 EPS for the current year.

Brookfield Asset Management Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 31st. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 27th will be given a dividend of $0.5025 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 27th. This represents a $2.01 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.1%. This is a positive change from Brookfield Asset Managements previous quarterly dividend of $0.44. Brookfield Asset Managements dividend payout ratio is presently 115.13%.

Brookfield Asset Management Company Profile

(Free Report)

Brookfield Asset Management is a global alternative asset manager headquartered in Toronto, Canada, that specializes in investments in real assets and related private equity and credit strategies. The firm acquires, manages and develops assets in sectors such as real estate, renewable power, infrastructure and private equity, seeking long-term value through active asset management and operational improvements. Brookfield structures and manages commingled funds, listed partnerships and separate accounts for institutional and retail investors.

The companys products and services include fund management across equity and debt strategies, direct asset ownership and operations, property and facilities management, and capital markets solutions.

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Magellan Asset Management Ltd grew its stake in shares of Dollar General Corporation (NYSE:DG  Free Report) by 85.8% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 684,892 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 316,308 shares during the period. Magellan Asset Management Ltds holdings in Dollar General were worth $70,784,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership increased its stake in Dollar General by 116.0% in the 2nd quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 2,714,972 shares of the companys stock valued at $310,538,000 after purchasing an additional 1,458,093 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in Dollar General during the second quarter worth $154,371,000. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA grew its holdings in Dollar General by 15,369.9% in the second quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 1,219,179 shares of the companys stock valued at $139,450,000 after purchasing an additional 1,211,298 shares during the last quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Dollar General by 10,936.5% in the second quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,204,193 shares of the companys stock valued at $137,736,000 after buying an additional 1,193,282 shares in the last quarter. Finally, DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main raised its stake in shares of Dollar General by 845.0% during the 2nd quarter. DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main now owns 1,178,232 shares of the companys stock worth $134,766,000 after buying an additional 1,053,555 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.77% of the companys stock.

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Dollar General Stock Up 0.6%

Shares of DG opened at $153.86 on Wednesday. The companys fifty day moving average is $144.66 and its two-hundred day moving average is $120.65. Dollar General Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $70.01 and a fifty-two week high of $155.00. The company has a quick ratio of 0.24, a current ratio of 1.17 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63. The firm has a market cap of $33.87 billion, a PE ratio of 26.57, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.54 and a beta of 0.25.

Dollar General Dividend Announcement

Dollar General ( NYSE:DG Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, December 4th. The company reported $1.28 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.95 by $0.33. Dollar General had a return on equity of 18.59% and a net margin of 3.03%.The company had revenue of $10.65 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.60 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.89 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 4.6% on a year-over-year basis. Dollar General has set its FY 2025 guidance at 6.300-6.500 EPS. Analysts forecast that Dollar General Corporation will post 5.75 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, January 20th. Investors of record on Tuesday, January 6th were given a dividend of $0.59 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, January 6th. This represents a $2.36 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.5%. Dollar Generals payout ratio is 40.76%.

Dollar General News Roundup

Here are the key news stories impacting Dollar General this week:

Insider Activity at Dollar General

In other Dollar General news, EVP Roderick J. West sold 2,282 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $133.35, for a total value of $304,304.70. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 36,108 shares in the company, valued at $4,815,001.80. The trade was a 5.94% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CAO Anita C. Elliott sold 2,516 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $132.52, for a total value of $333,420.32. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer directly owned 29,344 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,888,666.88. This represents a 7.90% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 58,673 shares of company stock valued at $7,713,389. 0.56% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities research analysts recently commented on DG shares. Sanford C. Bernstein boosted their price objective on shares of Dollar General from $141.00 to $150.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Oppenheimer lifted their target price on shares of Dollar General from $145.00 to $170.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday. Wolfe Research increased their price target on shares of Dollar General from $141.00 to $159.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, December 22nd. Raymond James Financial reissued an outperform rating and set a $135.00 price objective on shares of Dollar General in a research note on Friday, December 5th. Finally, Loop Capital upped their target price on Dollar General from $120.00 to $145.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Friday, February 6th. Fourteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, fifteen have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Dollar General has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $145.37.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on DG

Dollar General Profile

(Free Report)

Dollar General Corporation is a U.S.-based variety and discount retailer operating a large network of small-format stores that serve primarily rural and suburban communities. The company is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker DG and is headquartered in the Nashville/Goodlettsville, Tennessee area. Founded in 1939, Dollar General has grown from a regional operation into one of the nations prominent low-price retailers focused on convenience and value.

Dollar Generals stores offer a wide assortment of everyday consumables and household goods, including food and beverage items, cleaning supplies, health and beauty products, paper goods, apparel basics, seasonal merchandise and small household items.

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Magellan Asset Management Ltd lessened its holdings in Dominion Energy Inc. (NYSE:D  Free Report) by 22.3% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 2,826,628 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 810,341 shares during the period. Dominion Energy comprises 2.0% of Magellan Asset Management Ltds investment portfolio, making the stock its 20th biggest holding. Magellan Asset Management Ltds holdings in Dominion Energy were worth $172,905,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Barnes Wealth Management Group Inc increased its holdings in Dominion Energy by 4.4% during the 2nd quarter. Barnes Wealth Management Group Inc now owns 3,970 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $224,000 after purchasing an additional 169 shares in the last quarter. Sovereign Financial Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of Dominion Energy by 1.2% during the third quarter. Sovereign Financial Group Inc. now owns 14,138 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $865,000 after buying an additional 169 shares during the last quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. grew its holdings in Dominion Energy by 0.4% during the third quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 39,145 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $2,394,000 after buying an additional 169 shares in the last quarter. Howard Capital Management Inc. grew its holdings in Dominion Energy by 3.3% during the third quarter. Howard Capital Management Inc. now owns 5,659 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $346,000 after buying an additional 180 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Robinson Value Management Ltd. raised its position in Dominion Energy by 0.3% in the 3rd quarter. Robinson Value Management Ltd. now owns 70,438 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $4,309,000 after buying an additional 183 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 73.04% of the companys stock.

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Dominion Energy Price Performance

D opened at $63.76 on Wednesday. Dominion Energy Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $48.07 and a fifty-two week high of $67.57. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $60.96 and a 200 day moving average of $60.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.41, a quick ratio of 0.65 and a current ratio of 0.84. The firm has a market cap of $54.45 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.54, a PEG ratio of 1.74 and a beta of 0.71.

Dominion Energy Dividend Announcement

Dominion Energy ( NYSE:D Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, February 23rd. The utilities provider reported $0.68 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.67 by $0.01. Dominion Energy had a net margin of 18.05% and a return on equity of 9.86%. The business had revenue of $4.09 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.65 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.58 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 20.4% on a year-over-year basis. Dominion Energy has set its FY 2026 guidance at 3.450-3.690 EPS. On average, research analysts expect that Dominion Energy Inc. will post 3.39 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 20th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 27th will be issued a dividend of $0.6675 per share. This represents a $2.67 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 27th. Dominion Energys dividend payout ratio is 90.82%.

Trending Headlines about Dominion Energy

Here are the key news stories impacting Dominion Energy this week:

Analyst Ratings Changes

D has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price objective on shares of Dominion Energy from $67.00 to $64.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, January 20th. Mizuho raised their price target on shares of Dominion Energy from $62.00 to $66.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday. Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed a sector perform rating and issued a $70.00 price objective on shares of Dominion Energy in a research report on Tuesday, October 28th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price objective on shares of Dominion Energy from $62.00 to $59.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. Finally, TD Cowen began coverage on shares of Dominion Energy in a research report on Friday, January 9th. They set a hold rating and a $65.00 target price on the stock. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $64.50.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Dominion Energy

Dominion Energy Company Profile

(Free Report)

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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Magellan Asset Management Ltd grew its stake in shares of MSCI Inc (NYSE:MSCI  Free Report) by 12.1% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 341,787 shares of the technology companys stock after buying an additional 36,776 shares during the quarter. MSCI makes up 2.3% of Magellan Asset Management Ltds holdings, making the stock its 15th biggest holding. Magellan Asset Management Ltds holdings in MSCI were worth $193,933,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other large investors have also made changes to their positions in MSCI. Pinnacle Bancorp Inc. acquired a new position in MSCI in the third quarter valued at $27,000. Root Financial Partners LLC purchased a new position in shares of MSCI in the 3rd quarter worth about $28,000. Strategic Wealth Investment Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of MSCI in the 2nd quarter valued at about $36,000. Westside Investment Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of MSCI by 100.0% in the 3rd quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 68 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $38,000 after purchasing an additional 34 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Eastern Bank purchased a new stake in shares of MSCI during the 3rd quarter worth about $50,000. 89.97% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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MSCI Price Performance

Shares of MSCI stock opened at $550.05 on Wednesday. The companys fifty day moving average price is $572.22 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $565.13. The firm has a market capitalization of $40.41 billion, a P/E ratio of 35.06, a P/E/G ratio of 2.20 and a beta of 1.29. MSCI Inc has a 12 month low of $486.73 and a 12 month high of $626.28.

MSCI Increases Dividend

MSCI ( NYSE:MSCI Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, January 28th. The technology company reported $4.66 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.62 by $0.04. MSCI had a negative return on equity of 82.59% and a net margin of 38.36%.The company had revenue of $822.53 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $819.51 million. During the same period last year, the firm earned $4.18 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 10.6% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that MSCI Inc will post 16.86 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 27th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 13th will be given a $2.05 dividend. This represents a $8.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 13th. This is a positive change from MSCIs previous quarterly dividend of $1.80. MSCIs dividend payout ratio is currently 52.26%.

MSCI declared that its board has approved a share buyback program on Tuesday, October 28th that permits the company to repurchase $3.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization permits the technology company to repurchase up to 7.1% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase programs are typically a sign that the companys board believes its shares are undervalued.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

MSCI has been the topic of several research reports. Bank of America assumed coverage on shares of MSCI in a report on Tuesday, February 17th. They issued a buy rating and a $700.00 price target on the stock. Raymond James Financial reissued an outperform rating and issued a $690.00 target price on shares of MSCI in a research note on Monday, January 12th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on shares of MSCI from $590.00 to $618.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Thursday, January 29th. UBS Group set a $638.00 price target on MSCI in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $655.00 price objective on shares of MSCI in a research note on Thursday, January 29th. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $671.78.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on MSCI

Insider Activity at MSCI

In other news, CFO Andrew C. Wiechmann sold 450 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $550.00, for a total transaction of $247,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer owned 21,639 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,901,450. This trade represents a 2.04% 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, CEO Henry A. Fernandez purchased 10,210 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 5th. The stock was bought at an average price of $536.13 per share, with a total value of $5,473,887.30. Following the purchase, the chief executive officer owned 1,487,047 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $797,250,508.11. The trade was a 0.69% increase in their position. Additional details regarding this purchase are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last quarter, insiders have bought 19,300 shares of company stock valued at $10,261,957. Company insiders own 3.31% of the companys stock.

MSCI Profile

(Free Report)

MSCI Inc is a global provider of investment decision support tools and services for the financial industry. The company is best known for its family of market indexes, which are widely used as benchmarks by asset managers and as the basis for exchange-traded funds and other passive products. In addition to index construction and licensing, MSCI offers portfolio analytics, risk models, factor and performance attribution tools, and a suite of data and technology solutions designed to support portfolio management and trading.

Beyond traditional indexing and risk analytics, MSCI has expanded into environmental, social and governance (ESG) research and ratings, offering data, scores and screening tools that help investors integrate sustainability considerations into investment processes.

Further Reading

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Nabors Industries (NYSE:NBR  Get Free Report) had its price objective raised by equities researchers at Barclays from $50.00 to $65.00 in a research note issued on Wednesday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has an underweight rating on the oil and gas companys stock. Barclayss price target would indicate a potential downside of 17.57% from the companys previous close.

Several other research firms have also recently commented on NBR. Wall Street Zen cut Nabors Industries from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday. UBS Group set a $70.00 price target on Nabors Industries in a research report on Friday, February 13th. Royal Bank Of Canada reissued a sector perform rating and issued a $77.00 price objective (up from $70.00) on shares of Nabors Industries in a research note on Friday, February 13th. Citigroup reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $85.00 price objective (up from $60.00) on shares of Nabors Industries in a research report on Tuesday. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Nabors Industries in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Nabors Industries has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $69.00.

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Read Our Latest Stock Report on NBR

Nabors Industries Trading Up 1.4%

Shares of NBR traded up $1.09 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $78.86. 108,494 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 398,664. Nabors Industries has a 1 year low of $23.27 and a 1 year high of $80.32. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $63.30 and its 200-day moving average price is $50.74. The company has a quick ratio of 1.47, a current ratio of 1.56 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.22. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.16 billion, a P/E ratio of 4.78 and a beta of 0.99.

Nabors Industries (NYSE:NBR  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 11th. The oil and gas company reported $0.17 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($2.93) by $3.10. Nabors Industries had a net margin of 8.92% and a negative return on equity of 17.63%. The company had revenue of $805.13 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $795.82 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned ($6.67) earnings per share. Nabors Industriess revenue was up 9.0% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Nabors Industries will post -6.22 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of NBR. AQR Capital Management LLC increased its position in shares of Nabors Industries by 97.1% during the first quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 16,770 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $699,000 after acquiring an additional 8,260 shares during the last quarter. Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd increased its stake in Nabors Industries by 11.5% during the 1st quarter. Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd now owns 5,540 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $231,000 after buying an additional 570 shares during the period. Ethic Inc. purchased a new stake in Nabors Industries during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $220,000. Corton Capital Inc. acquired a new position in Nabors Industries during the 2nd quarter worth $392,000. Finally, Monaco Asset Management SAM acquired a new position in shares of Nabors Industries during the second quarter valued at $210,000. 81.92% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Nabors Industries

(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 landbased 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 fullservice 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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Navigator Global Investments (ASX:NGI) executives highlighted strong first-half FY2025 financial performance, driven largely by higher performance fees at wholly owned subsidiary Lighthouse, while reiterating expectations that full-year earnings will exceed FY2024, subject to market conditions and the timing of cash distributions.

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Portfolio scale and alternatives focus

CEO Stephen Darke said Navigator is the only ASX company focused exclusively on partnering with leading alternative asset managers, with 100% of revenue attributable to alternatives. The company provides growth capital and strategic engagement to 11 partner firms.

First-half FY2025 results: revenue up 28%, adjusted EBITDA up 16%

As of 31 December, Navigators affiliates managed overat the partner-firm level, up 5% during the half in U.S. dollars (and 12% in Australian dollars), across 43 strategies and 205 products. Darke said the strategies typically have low correlation to global equity and fixed income markets and to one another.

Management reported that ownership-adjusted AUM rose 3% during the half to $27.1 billion (an 11% increase in local currency). That increase helped lift first-half revenue 28% to $92.3 million. Group adjusted EBITDA for the half was $41.4 million, up 16% from the prior corresponding period.

Darke and CFO Amber Stoney said the key driver of the revenue and EBITDA improvement was Lighthouse, supported by strong 2024 investment performance and a material increase in performance fees. Stoney said first-half adjusted EBITDA was about $41.1 million and noted that Lighthouse delivered $31.7 million of performance fee revenue in the half, up $25.4 million on the prior comparative period.

Revenue mix, performance fees, and fee rates

Executives emphasized both management fee growth and the portfolios ability to generate performance fees across market cycles. Darke said 2024 produced a 30% increase in underlying revenues from the prior year, with record underlying management and performance fee revenues. He added Navigator is not seeing fee compression in average management or performance fee rates.

On Lighthouse, Stoney said the business average management fee rate remained steady at 54 basis points. She also outlined the performance fee set-up, noting:

22% of Lighthouse AUM is able to earn performance fees.

of Lighthouse AUM is able to earn performance fees. 95% of that performance-fee-eligible AUM is at or above high watermark.

of that performance-fee-eligible AUM is at or above high watermark. The average performance fee rate is 12%.

In Q&A, Stoney said Lighthouses Mission Crest product has a performance fee only structure (no base fee), while North Rocks performance fee is the higher of 50 basis points or the performance fee. She attributed the increase in performance-fee-eligible AUM partly to the growth of North Rock and the launch of Mission Crest.

On the NGI Strategic portfolio, Darke said the firms aggregated metrics show an average performance fee rate of 17%, with about 79% of AUM able to earn performance fees. Stoney also said partner firms generally distribute approximately 90% to 95% of profits.

Segment performance, distributions timing, and valuation movements

The company reported a significant first-half step-up in Lighthouse profitability. Darke said Lighthouse contributed $26.4 million to adjusted EBITDA, up 74% year over year. NGI Strategic Investments contributed $14.7 million to adjusted EBITDA, which management attributed to the timing of distributions rather than underlying business performance.

Stoney said NGI Strategics first-half result was 25% below the prior period largely due to distribution timing and because the prior period included carried interest from one private markets firm, which she said is expected on a roughly biennial basis. She added that adjusted EBITDA margins in NGI Strategic remained strong, with adjusted EBITDA representing 92% of revenue in the half.

Management also discussed balance-sheet and valuation impacts. Stoney said the period benefited from fair value gains on partner-firm investments as AUM increased and market multiples improved. She said partner-firm values increased by AUD 68 million for the period based on valuation ranges from an external valuer, with AUD 44 million recognized in the P&L. She reiterated that management focuses on adjusted EBITDA as a cash-focused profitability measure.

After the 31 December reporting date, Darke said Navigator received over $10 million of additional distributions not included in the half-year numbers. Stoney later added that as of the call date, the company had received AUD 27.1 million of distributions year-to-date for FY2025.

Outlook: higher FY2025 earnings expected; acquisitions targeted

Darke said management expects higher net inflows across NGIs firms in 2025, citing strong 2024 performance, recent and prospective product launches, positive allocator sentiment, and an improving fundraising environment. He also referenced a recent Goldman survey indicating strong support for hedge fund allocations and improved fundraising conditions in 2025.

Management reiterated that FY2025 earnings are expected to be higher than FY2024, while noting that revenue receiptsparticularly in NGI Strategicdepend on the timing of cash distributions and market conditions.

On capital deployment, Stoney said the company maintains a strong balance sheet, supported by operating cash generation and an AUD 100 million credit facility with four years to maturity. She said new partner-firm investments are expected to be funded from existing cash flow and debt sources.

Darke said management is pursuing measured acquisitive growth, targeting 12 new partner firm investments per year that meet NGIs criteria and can contribute earnings in the near term while adding diversification and scale.

In Q&A, CIO Ross Zachary said the pipeline remains active but competitive, with current focus areas including specialized private equity and private credit. He also described two recent opportunities NGI did not pursue: one due to price and another where the target addressed its objectives without selling equity. Zachary said the company remains optimistic about its private markets investments, noting Marble at $3 billion AUM and Invictus at $4 billion AUM, and said both are entering another fundraising cycle.

Executives also addressed media reports about Lighthouse and Fortress. Darke said the Bloomberg reporting used merger language that he viewed as misleading, and described the initiative as a potential joint venture tied to a new multi-manager product targeted for later in the year. He said the initiative was not yet documented and it was too early to determine its success or financial impact.

About Navigator Global Investments (ASX:NGI)

HFA Holdings Limited operates as a fund management company in Australia. The company, through its subsidiaries, offers open-ended products and structured products to retail, wholesale, and institutional investors. HFA Holdings is based in Sydney, Australia.

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North Star Asset Management Inc. lessened its stake in shares of Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE:ROK  Free Report) by 3.0% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 50,783 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 1,586 shares during the period. North Star Asset Management Inc.s holdings in Rockwell Automation were worth $17,750,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Mufg Securities Americas Inc. increased its stake in shares of Rockwell Automation by 21.4% during the 3rd quarter. Mufg Securities Americas Inc. now owns 3,032 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,060,000 after purchasing an additional 534 shares during the last quarter. Compound Planning Inc. grew its holdings in Rockwell Automation by 11.2% during the third quarter. Compound Planning Inc. now owns 2,220 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $776,000 after purchasing an additional 224 shares during the period. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC increased its position in Rockwell Automation by 21.5% in the third quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 971 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $339,000 after buying an additional 172 shares during the last quarter. Transatlantique Private Wealth LLC raised its stake in shares of Rockwell Automation by 4.3% in the third quarter. Transatlantique Private Wealth LLC now owns 3,228 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,128,000 after buying an additional 133 shares during the period. Finally, Equitable Trust Co. lifted its position in shares of Rockwell Automation by 1.1% during the 3rd quarter. Equitable Trust Co. now owns 2,598 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $908,000 after buying an additional 29 shares during the last quarter. 75.75% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Transactions at Rockwell Automation

In other news, SVP Cyril Perducat sold 804 shares of Rockwell Automation stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $402.05, for a total transaction of $323,248.20. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president owned 5,858 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,355,208.90. This trade represents a 12.07% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, SVP Matthew W. Fordenwalt sold 146 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $402.48, for a total transaction of $58,762.08. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president owned 4,437 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,785,803.76. This trade represents a 3.19% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 25,531 shares of company stock worth $10,259,637. 0.76% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Rockwell Automation News Roundup

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Here are the key news stories impacting Rockwell Automation this week:

Several brokerages recently weighed in on ROK. Barclays lifted their price objective on Rockwell Automation from $435.00 to $450.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. Citigroup increased their target price on shares of Rockwell Automation from $439.00 to $466.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, December 8th. Zacks Research lowered shares of Rockwell Automation from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, January 12th. KeyCorp reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a $470.00 price objective on shares of Rockwell Automation in a report on Friday, February 6th. Finally, Stephens lifted their price objective on shares of Rockwell Automation from $425.00 to $475.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have given a Buy rating and ten have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Rockwell Automation currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $418.33.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on ROK

Rockwell Automation Price Performance

ROK stock opened at $405.41 on Wednesday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $406.59 and a 200-day moving average of $377.16. The firm has a market capitalization of $45.55 billion, a P/E ratio of 46.39, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.76 and a beta of 1.52. Rockwell Automation, Inc. has a 12 month low of $215.00 and a 12 month high of $438.72. The company has a current ratio of 1.16, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68.

Rockwell Automation (NYSE:ROK  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, February 5th. The industrial products company reported $2.75 earnings per share (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 analysts expectations of $2.08 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $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. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Rockwell Automation, Inc. will post 9.35 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Rockwell Automation Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Shareholders of record on Monday, February 23rd will be paid a $1.38 dividend. This represents a $5.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.4%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, February 23rd. Rockwell Automations dividend payout ratio is currently 63.16%.

About Rockwell Automation

(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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ONE Gas, Inc. (NYSE:OGS  Get Free Report) insider Brian Brumfield sold 1,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, February 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $86.44, for a total value of $86,440.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 2,246 shares in the company, valued at $194,144.24. This trade represents a 30.81% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink.

ONE Gas Trading Up 0.5%

Shares of OGS stock traded up $0.40 on Wednesday, hitting $85.79. The company had a trading volume of 374,029 shares, compared to its average volume of 466,641. ONE Gas, Inc. has a twelve month low of $69.75 and a twelve month high of $86.79. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68, a quick ratio of 0.48 and a current ratio of 0.60. The firm has a market cap of $5.38 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.63, a P/E/G ratio of 2.25 and a beta of 0.81. The stocks 50-day moving average is $79.91 and its two-hundred day moving average is $79.32.

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ONE Gas (NYSE:OGS  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, February 18th. The utilities provider reported $1.48 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.42 by $0.06. The business had revenue of $689.37 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $990.44 million. ONE Gas had a return on equity of 8.24% and a net margin of 10.89%.The firms revenue was up 9.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.34 earnings per share. ONE Gas has set its FY 2026 guidance at 4.830-4.950 EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that ONE Gas, Inc. will post 4.26 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

ONE Gas Increases Dividend

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 6th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 20th will be paid a $0.68 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 20th. This represents a $2.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.2%. This is an increase from ONE Gass previous quarterly dividend of $0.67. ONE Gass payout ratio is currently 62.24%.

Several research firms recently issued reports on OGS. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their target price on shares of ONE Gas from $88.00 to $90.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Tuesday. Bank of America increased their price target on ONE Gas from $90.00 to $92.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, December 4th. Morgan Stanley set a $79.00 price objective on ONE Gas in a research note on Friday, February 20th. UBS Group cut their target price on ONE Gas from $86.00 to $83.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Finally, Weiss Ratings cut ONE Gas from a buy (b-) rating to a hold (c+) rating in a research note on Monday, January 5th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $86.88.

Read Our Latest Research Report on ONE Gas

Institutional Investors Weigh In On ONE Gas

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. lifted its position in ONE Gas by 4.6% in the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 33,528 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $2,534,000 after acquiring an additional 1,461 shares in the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of ONE Gas by 895.0% in the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 2,985 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $226,000 after purchasing an additional 2,685 shares in the last quarter. Empowered Funds LLC boosted its position in shares of ONE Gas by 9.8% during the first quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 5,848 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $442,000 after buying an additional 522 shares during the last quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC grew its holdings in ONE Gas by 18.7% during the first quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 219,598 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $16,599,000 after buying an additional 34,647 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Jane Street Group LLC bought a new stake in ONE Gas during the first quarter worth $5,876,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 88.71% of the companys stock.

ONE Gas Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

ONE Gas, Inc is a publicly traded natural gas utility company focused on the regulated distribution of natural gas to residential, commercial and industrial customers. Headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the company owns and operates an integrated system of transmission and distribution pipelines, storage facilities and compressor stations designed to deliver safe, reliable energy to end users. Its operations are governed by state utility commissions, which set rates and service standards in the markets the company serves.

The companys service territory spans three states: Oklahoma, Kansas and the Texas Panhandle.

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Optiver Holding B.V. grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Germany ETF (NYSEARCA:EWG  Free Report) by 38.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 811,941 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after acquiring an additional 224,299 shares during the quarter. Optiver Holding B.V. owned about 1.66% of iShares MSCI Germany ETF worth $33,785,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. NewEdge Advisors LLC purchased a new position in iShares MSCI Germany ETF in the first quarter worth about $65,000. Jones Financial Companies Lllp increased its position in shares of iShares MSCI Germany ETF by 3,443.5% during the first quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 19,489 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $723,000 after acquiring an additional 18,939 shares in the last quarter. Empowered Funds LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Germany ETF during the first quarter valued at approximately $1,497,000. Focus Partners Wealth purchased a new position in iShares MSCI Germany ETF in the 1st quarter worth approximately $288,000. Finally, Rhumbline Advisers lifted its position in iShares MSCI Germany ETF by 164.3% in the 1st quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 3,105 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $115,000 after acquiring an additional 1,930 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 53.42% of the companys stock.

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iShares MSCI Germany ETF Trading Up 0.1%

iShares MSCI Germany ETF stock opened at $43.95 on Wednesday. The firm has a market cap of $1.79 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.79 and a beta of 1.03. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $43.28 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $42.06. iShares MSCI Germany ETF has a 12 month low of $32.82 and a 12 month high of $44.62.

iShares MSCI Germany ETF Profile

iShares MSCI Germany ETF, formerly iShares MSCI Germany Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of publicly traded securities in the German market, as measured by the MSCI Germany Index (the Index). The Index seeks to measure the performance of the Germany equity market. It is a capitalization-weighted index that aims to capture 85% of the (publicly available) total market capitalization.

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Regis Healthcare Limited (ASX:REG  Get Free Report) declared a interim dividend on Tuesday, February 24th, MarketIndexAU Dividends reports. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, April 8th will be given a dividend of 0.09 per share on Wednesday, April 8th. This represents a dividend yield of 131.0%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, March 11th.

Regis Healthcare Price Performance

The company has a market cap of $1.99 billion, a PE ratio of -92.65, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.45 and a beta of 1.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of -16.79, a quick ratio of 0.02 and a current ratio of 0.06.

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About Regis Healthcare

(Get Free Report)

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Regis Healthcare Limited engages in the provision of residential aged care services in Australia. It provides aged care services, including ageing-in-place, respite care, specialist dementia care, and palliative care services through operation of aged care homes located in Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory and Western Australia. The company also offers home care services, such as personal care, nursing, help around your home, shopping, transport, companionship, overnight sleepovers, cleaning, and cooking and meal preparation.

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Rhumbline Advisers decreased its position in Gulfport Energy Corporation (NYSE:GPOR  Free Report) by 16.2% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 22,622 shares of the companys stock after selling 4,389 shares during the period. Rhumbline Advisers owned about 0.13% of Gulfport Energy worth $4,094,000 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 company. Financial Consulate Inc. purchased a new position in Gulfport Energy during the third quarter worth about $31,000. Federated Hermes Inc. increased its position in Gulfport Energy by 133.7% during the 3rd quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 222 shares of the companys stock worth $40,000 after purchasing an additional 127 shares during the period. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Gulfport Energy by 364.8% during the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 251 shares of the companys stock worth $50,000 after buying an additional 197 shares in the last quarter. Assetmark Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Gulfport Energy by 50.5% in the 2nd quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 501 shares of the companys stock valued at $101,000 after buying an additional 168 shares during the period. Finally, PNC Financial Services Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Gulfport Energy by 1,360.5% in the 2nd quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 628 shares of the companys stock valued at $126,000 after buying an additional 585 shares during the period.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

GPOR has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. TD Cowen raised Gulfport Energy to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, February 9th. KeyCorp boosted their target price on shares of Gulfport Energy from $205.00 to $230.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, November 10th. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Gulfport Energy from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Sunday, January 25th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Gulfport Energy in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Finally, UBS Group boosted their price objective on shares of Gulfport Energy from $227.00 to $264.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, December 12th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have assigned a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $227.20.

Insider Buying and Selling at Gulfport Energy

In related news, COO Matthew Rucker sold 10,732 shares of Gulfport Energy stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, January 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $186.61, for a total transaction of $2,002,698.52. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer directly owned 12,893 shares in the company, valued at $2,405,962.73. The trade was a 45.43% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, SVP Lester Zitkus sold 4,745 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, January 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $185.69, for a total value of $881,099.05. Following the sale, the senior vice president owned 7,821 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,452,281.49. This trade represents a 37.76% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. In the last quarter, insiders sold 308,012 shares of company stock valued at $67,100,732. Company insiders own 0.33% of the companys stock.

Gulfport Energy Trading Down 0.8%

NYSE:GPOR opened at $196.45 on Wednesday. Gulfport Energy Corporation has a 52-week low of $153.27 and a 52-week high of $225.78. The company has a quick ratio of 0.54, a current ratio of 0.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $197.14 and a 200-day simple moving average of $191.06. The company has a market capitalization of $3.80 billion, a PE ratio of -103.40 and a beta of 0.61.

Gulfport Energy (NYSE:GPOR  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, February 24th. The company reported $5.60 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $5.61 by ($0.01). Gulfport Energy had a net margin of 1.68% and a return on equity of 20.95%.

About Gulfport Energy

(Free Report)

Gulfport Energy Corporation is an independent oil and gas exploration and production company based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The company focuses on the development of onshore natural gas, natural gas liquids (NGLs) and crude oil properties in the United States. Gulfport utilizes horizontal drilling and multi-stage hydraulic fracturing techniques to maximize production and enhance recovery from its resource plays.

The companys primary operations are concentrated in two major U.S. resource basins.

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PNC Financial Services Group Inc. raised its position in Seabridge Gold, Inc. (NYSE:SA  Free Report) (TSE:SEA) by 3,413.8% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 42,165 shares of the basic materials companys stock after buying an additional 40,965 shares during the quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc.s holdings in Seabridge Gold were worth $1,018,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Kopernik Global Investors LLC boosted its holdings in Seabridge Gold by 0.5% during the second quarter. Kopernik Global Investors LLC now owns 7,382,606 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $107,195,000 after buying an additional 39,651 shares in the last quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. grew its stake in Seabridge Gold by 16.5% in the 3rd quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 2,131,185 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $51,396,000 after acquiring an additional 302,476 shares during the period. Ontario Teachers Pension Plan Board increased its stake in Seabridge Gold by 10.8% in the second quarter. Ontario Teachers Pension Plan Board now owns 1,490,415 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $21,652,000 after purchasing an additional 145,528 shares during the last quarter. Alps Advisors Inc. increased its stake in shares of Seabridge Gold by 6.3% during the 3rd quarter. Alps Advisors Inc. now owns 545,906 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $13,184,000 after acquiring an additional 32,385 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Marshall Wace LLP increased its position in Seabridge Gold by 11.4% during the second quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 541,886 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $7,868,000 after purchasing an additional 55,262 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 34.85% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research firms recently commented on SA. B. Riley Financial raised their price target on shares of Seabridge Gold from $50.00 to $65.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, December 2nd. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d-) rating on shares of Seabridge Gold in a report on Monday, December 29th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Seabridge Gold from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, January 1st. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered Seabridge Gold from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Saturday, November 22nd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Seabridge Gold presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $65.00.

Seabridge Gold Trading Up 3.1%

NYSE:SA opened at $37.51 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.02 billion, a P/E ratio of -98.72 and a beta of 0.81. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $31.88 and a 200 day simple moving average of $25.95. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55, a current ratio of 2.99 and a quick ratio of 2.99. Seabridge Gold, Inc. has a 12-month low of $9.40 and a 12-month high of $37.99.

About Seabridge Gold

(Free Report)

Seabridge Gold Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition and exploration of gold properties in North America. The company also explores for gold, copper, silver, and molybdenum deposits. The company was formerly known as Seabridge Resources Inc and changed its name to Seabridge Gold Inc in June 2002. Seabridge Gold Inc was incorporated in 1979 and is based in Toronto, Canada.

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Seabridge Gold Inc. (TSE:SEA  Get Free Report) (NYSE:SA)s stock price reached a new 52-week high during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as C$52.48 and last traded at C$52.05, with a volume of 8355 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$51.29.

Seabridge Gold Stock Performance

The company has a quick ratio of 3.34, a current ratio of 2.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 58.83. The firm has a market capitalization of C$5.54 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -94.60 and a beta of 1.84. The company has a 50-day moving average price of C$43.76 and a 200-day moving average price of C$35.91.

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Insider Transactions at Seabridge Gold

In other news, insider Elizabeth K. Fillatre Miller sold 1,648 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, January 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$40.49, for a total value of C$66,727.52. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 32,969 shares in the company, valued at C$1,334,914.81. The trade was a 4.76% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Company insiders own 2.78% of the companys stock.

Seabridge Gold Company Profile

Seabridge holds a 100% interest in several North American gold projects. Seabridges principal asset, the KSM project, and its Iskut projects are located in Northwest British Columbia, Canadas  Golden Triangle , the Courageous Lake project is in Canadas Northwest Territories, the Snowstorm project in the Getchell Gold Belt of Northern Nevada and the 3 Aces project is in the Yukon Territory.

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Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSE:SLF  Get Free Report) (NYSE:SLF)s share price hit a new 52-week high on Wednesday following a dividend announcement from the company. The stock traded as high as C$19.20 and last traded at C$89.06, with a volume of 503718 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at C$88.96.

The newly announced dividend which will be paid on Tuesday, March 31st. Investors of record on Tuesday, March 31st will be paid a dividend of $0.92 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 25th. This represents a $3.68 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.1%. Sun Life Financials dividend payout ratio is presently 57.24%.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts have weighed in on the company. Scotiabank lifted their target price on Sun Life Financial from C$93.00 to C$96.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Friday, February 13th. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce lifted their price objective on shares of Sun Life Financial from C$93.00 to C$95.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, January 8th. Royal Bank Of Canada increased their target price on shares of Sun Life Financial from C$83.00 to C$95.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Friday, February 13th. National Bank Financial dropped their price target on shares of Sun Life Financial from C$94.00 to C$93.00 in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. Finally, Desjardins upped their price objective on Sun Life Financial from C$96.00 to C$101.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, February 13th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have assigned a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of C$96.44.

Sun Life Financial Trading Up 0.0%

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 26.00, a quick ratio of 84,866.00 and a current ratio of 92.19. The companys 50-day moving average price is C$87.44 and its 200-day moving average price is C$84.45. The firm has a market capitalization of C$49.29 billion, a PE ratio of 14.47, a PEG ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 0.73.

Sun Life Financial (TSE:SLF  Get Free Report) (NYSE:SLF) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, February 11th. The financial services provider reported C$1.96 EPS for the quarter. Sun Life Financial had a return on equity of 15.69% and a net margin of 7.58%. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Sun Life Financial Inc. will post 6.9230769 earnings per share for the current year.

About Sun Life Financial

(Get Free Report)

Sun Life Financial is one of Canadas Big Three life insurance companies along with Great-West Lifeco and Manulife. Sun Life provides insurance, retirement, and wealth-management services to individual and corporate customers in Canada, the United States, and Asia. It also owns MFS Investment Management, a Boston-based asset-management firm. Sun Life generates about a third of its profit from asset-management operations.

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Tableaux LLC bought a new stake in Toronto Dominion Bank (The) (NYSE:TD  Free Report) (TSE:TD) during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor bought 73,310 shares of the banks stock, valued at approximately $5,861,000. Toronto Dominion Bank comprises 2.3% of Tableaux LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 13th largest position.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in TD. True Wealth Design LLC bought a new position in Toronto Dominion Bank during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $27,000. Mather Group LLC. acquired a new stake in shares of Toronto Dominion Bank during the third quarter worth $30,000. Sachetta LLC bought a new position in Toronto Dominion Bank during the third quarter worth $33,000. Quaker Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in Toronto Dominion Bank by 200.0% during the second quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 428 shares of the banks stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 856 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new position in Toronto Dominion Bank in the second quarter valued at $32,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 52.37% of the companys stock.

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Toronto Dominion Bank Stock Down 0.7%

TD stock opened at $95.15 on Wednesday. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $94.76 and its 200 day simple moving average is $85.20. The company has a market cap of $159.02 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.29, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.28 and a beta of 0.67. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a current ratio of 1.03. Toronto Dominion Bank has a fifty-two week low of $54.87 and a fifty-two week high of $99.04.

Toronto Dominion Bank Increases Dividend

Toronto Dominion Bank ( NYSE:TD Get Free Report ) (TSE:TD) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, December 4th. The bank reported $1.56 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.46 by $0.10. Toronto Dominion Bank had a return on equity of 13.90% and a net margin of 16.52%.The firm had revenue of $11.44 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.10 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.72 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was down .1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts expect that Toronto Dominion Bank will post 5.48 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Saturday, January 31st. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 9th were issued a dividend of $1.08 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, January 9th. This is a positive change from Toronto Dominion Banks previous quarterly dividend of $1.05. This represents a $4.32 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.5%. Toronto Dominion Banks dividend payout ratio is currently 37.25%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of analysts have weighed in on the company. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded Toronto Dominion Bank from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. National Bank Financial raised Toronto Dominion Bank from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Toronto Dominion Bank in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. Raymond James Financial raised Toronto Dominion Bank to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, November 24th. Finally, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce downgraded shares of Toronto Dominion Bank from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, February 12th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three 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 a consensus price target of $93.00.

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Toronto Dominion Bank Company Profile

(Free Report)

Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is a Canadian multinational banking and financial services company headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. Formed through the 1955 merger of the Bank of Toronto (founded 1855) and the Dominion Bank (founded 1869), TD is one of Canadas largest banks and offers a broad range of financial products and services to individual, small business, commercial and institutional clients.

TDs core businesses include Canadian and U.S. personal and commercial banking, wealth management, wholesale banking and insurance.

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RWA Wealth Partners LLC increased its holdings in shares of The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA  Free Report) by 6.0% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 55,160 shares of the aircraft producers stock after acquiring an additional 3,127 shares during the period. RWA Wealth Partners LLCs holdings in Boeing were worth $11,905,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of BA. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Boeing by 1.7% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 66,773,360 shares of the aircraft producers stock worth $13,991,022,000 after purchasing an additional 1,118,316 shares during the period. Ninety One UK Ltd purchased a new stake in Boeing during the third quarter worth about $192,734,000. Amundi boosted its holdings in Boeing by 75.5% during the second quarter. Amundi now owns 1,776,634 shares of the aircraft producers stock worth $376,700,000 after buying an additional 764,236 shares in the last quarter. Newport Trust Company LLC grew its position in Boeing by 2.5% during the third quarter. Newport Trust Company LLC now owns 29,198,446 shares of the aircraft producers stock worth $6,301,901,000 after buying an additional 707,490 shares during the period. Finally, Rovida Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Boeing during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $129,231,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 64.82% of the companys stock.

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Boeing Trading Up 1.3%

Boeing stock opened at $233.44 on Wednesday. The Boeing Company has a 12 month low of $128.88 and a 12 month high of $254.35. The company has a quick ratio of 0.40, a current ratio of 1.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 8.37. The stock has a market cap of $183.33 billion, a P/E ratio of 116.14 and a beta of 1.15. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $233.57 and its 200-day simple moving average is $219.89.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Boeing ( NYSE:BA Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 27th. The aircraft producer reported $9.92 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.40) by $10.32. The firm had revenue of $23.95 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $22.41 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted ($5.90) EPS. Boeings revenue for the quarter was up 57.1% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that The Boeing Company will post -2.58 EPS for the current fiscal year.

A number of equities analysts have weighed in on the stock. Wolfe Research reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Boeing in a research note on Tuesday, January 27th. The Goldman Sachs Group reissued a buy rating on shares of Boeing in a research report on Tuesday, December 9th. UBS Group increased their target price on shares of Boeing from $275.00 to $285.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. Citigroup restated a buy rating on shares of Boeing in a research report on Thursday, February 5th. Finally, Loop Capital set a $223.00 target price on shares of Boeing in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have issued a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $246.14.

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Key Headlines Impacting Boeing

Here are the key news stories impacting Boeing this week:

Insider Activity

In related news, SVP Ann M. Schmidt sold 6,281 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $243.37, for a total transaction of $1,528,606.97. Following the transaction, the senior vice president owned 13,978 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,401,825.86. This trade represents a 31.00% 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, EVP Howard E. Mckenzie sold 10,497 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $233.99, for a total transaction of $2,456,193.03. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 14,692 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,437,781.08. This represents a 41.67% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders sold a total of 19,509 shares of company stock worth $4,629,316 in the last three months. 0.09% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Boeing Profile

(Free Report)

Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) is an American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense systems, and space and security technologies. Founded in 1916 by William E. Boeing in Seattle, the company today operates as an integrated aerospace and defense contractor with a global customer base. Boeing relocated its corporate headquarters to Arlington, Virginia in 2022 and maintains extensive engineering, manufacturing and service operations across the United States and around the world.

Boeings principal lines of business include Commercial Airplanes, which produces and supports a range of jetliners used by airlines globally; Defense, Space & Security, which develops military aircraft, rotorcraft, surveillance and reconnaissance systems, satellites, and launch and missile systems; and Boeing Global Services, which provides aftermarket maintenance, training, spare parts, digital analytics and logistics support.

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A number of research firms have changed their ratings and price targets for Thomson Reuters (NYSE: TRI):

2/10/2026  Thomson Reuters was upgraded by Royal Bank Of Canada from sector perform to outperform. They now have a $126.00 price target on the stock.

2/7/2026  Thomson Reuters was given a new $111.00 price target by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.. They now have a buy rating on the stock.

2/6/2026  Thomson Reuters had its buy rating reaffirmed by TD Securities.

2/6/2026  Thomson Reuters was given a new $116.00 price target by Morgan Stanley.

2/6/2026  Thomson Reuters had its outperform rating reaffirmed by Scotiabank. They now have a $156.00 price target on the stock, down from $189.00.

2/6/2026  Thomson Reuters was given a new $165.00 price target by BMO Capital Markets.

2/6/2026  Thomson Reuters was given a new $131.50 price target by UBS Group AG.

2/6/2026  Thomson Reuters had its price target lowered by JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $160.00 to $100.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock.

2/4/2026  Thomson Reuters was given a new $140.00 price target by Wells Fargo & Company. They now have an overweight rating on the stock.

2/4/2026  Thomson Reuters had its price target lowered by Canaccord Genuity Group Inc. from $174.00 to $130.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock.

2/3/2026  Thomson Reuters had its price target lowered by Royal Bank Of Canada from $177.00 to $155.00. They now have a sector perform rating on the stock.

1/16/2026  Thomson Reuters was given a new $183.00 price target by Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. They now have an outperformer rating on the stock.

1/14/2026  Thomson Reuters had its price target lowered by Wells Fargo & Company from $212.00 to $160.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock.

Thomson Reuters Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Investors of record on Tuesday, February 17th will be given a $0.655 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 17th. This represents a $2.62 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.6%. This is an increase from Thomson Reuterss previous quarterly dividend of $0.60. Thomson Reuterss payout ratio is 78.68%.

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Thomson Reuters (NYSE: TRI) is a multinational information and media company that provides content, technology and services to professionals in the legal, tax & accounting, compliance, risk, corporate and media sectors. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, the company combines news and editorial content from the Reuters news agency with specialist workflow platforms and databases designed to support decision-making and regulatory compliance across industries worldwide.

The companys product portfolio spans legal research and workflow tools, tax and accounting software, regulatory and risk management solutions, and real-time news and data services.

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TD Asset Management Inc trimmed its position in UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH  Free Report) by 15.2% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 664,434 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock after selling 119,397 shares during the quarter. TD Asset Management Inc owned approximately 0.07% of UnitedHealth Group worth $229,429,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the business. North Capital Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 16.2% in the 3rd quarter. North Capital Inc. now owns 194 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $67,000 after buying an additional 27 shares in the last quarter. Sunflower Bank N.A. grew its stake in UnitedHealth Group by 1.5% during the 3rd quarter. Sunflower Bank N.A. now owns 1,916 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $662,000 after buying an additional 28 shares during the last quarter. Axis Wealth Partners LLC lifted its stake in UnitedHealth Group by 1.7% in the third quarter. Axis Wealth Partners LLC now owns 1,631 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $563,000 after buying an additional 28 shares during the last quarter. Abound Wealth Management grew its position in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 13.5% during the third quarter. Abound Wealth Management now owns 244 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $84,000 after acquiring an additional 29 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Auxano Advisors LLC raised its position in UnitedHealth Group by 3.4% in the 3rd quarter. Auxano Advisors LLC now owns 964 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $333,000 after purchasing an additional 32 shares during the last quarter. 87.86% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

UNH has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered UnitedHealth Group from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $333.00 target price on the stock. in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. KeyCorp restated an overweight rating on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research report on Wednesday, January 28th. Leerink Partners dropped their price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $410.00 to $345.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, January 28th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price objective on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $425.00 to $389.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, February 2nd. Finally, Mizuho cut their target price on UnitedHealth Group from $430.00 to $350.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, February 5th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have issued a Buy rating, nine have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, UnitedHealth Group currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $372.13.

UnitedHealth Group Stock Performance

NYSE UNH opened at $273.92 on Wednesday. The business has a fifty day moving average of $314.46 and a 200-day moving average of $325.73. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a fifty-two week low of $234.60 and a fifty-two week high of $606.36. The stock has a market cap of $248.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.77, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.30 and a beta of 0.41. The company has a quick ratio of 0.82, a current ratio of 0.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72.

UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $2.11 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.09 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $113.73 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $113.38 billion. UnitedHealth Group had a net margin of 2.69% and a return on equity of 14.79%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 12.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $6.81 earnings per share. UnitedHealth Group has set its FY 2026 guidance at 17.750- EPS. As a group, analysts predict that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 29.54 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

About UnitedHealth Group

(Free Report)

UnitedHealth Group Inc is a diversified health care company headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, that operates two primary business platforms: UnitedHealthcare and Optum. Founded in 1977, the company provides a broad range of health benefits and health care services to individuals, employers, governmental entities and other organizations. Its operations span commercial employer-sponsored plans, individual and Medicare and Medicaid programs, and services for customers and health systems in the United States and selected international markets.

UnitedHealthcare is the companys benefits business, administering health plans and networks, managing provider relationships, and offering coverage products for employers, individuals, and government-sponsored programs.

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Vanguard Group Inc. trimmed its holdings in DaVita Inc. (NYSE:DVA  Free Report) by 10.9% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 4,227,904 shares of the companys stock after selling 519,622 shares during the quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. owned 5.99% of DaVita worth $561,762,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the stock. Hantz Financial Services Inc. grew its holdings in DaVita by 48.1% during the second quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 231 shares of the companys stock worth $33,000 after acquiring an additional 75 shares during the period. MAI Capital Management boosted its holdings in DaVita by 23.4% during the second quarter. MAI Capital Management now owns 438 shares of the companys stock worth $62,000 after buying an additional 83 shares in the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC grew its position in DaVita by 20.8% during the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 511 shares of the companys stock valued at $78,000 after buying an additional 88 shares during the period. Teacher Retirement System of Texas grew its position in shares of DaVita by 1.4% during the 2nd quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas now owns 6,696 shares of the companys stock valued at $954,000 after acquiring an additional 94 shares during the period. Finally, Smartleaf Asset Management LLC increased its stake in shares of DaVita by 34.9% in the 3rd quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 452 shares of the companys stock valued at $59,000 after purchasing an additional 117 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 90.12% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several analysts have commented on DVA shares. Truist Financial set a $158.00 price objective on DaVita in a report on Thursday, February 5th. UBS Group upped their price objective on shares of DaVita from $186.00 to $190.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 4th. Zacks Research raised DaVita from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 4th. Barclays boosted their price target on shares of DaVita from $143.00 to $158.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 3rd. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised DaVita from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has given a Buy rating, four have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $155.80.

DaVita Price Performance

NYSE DVA opened at $150.89 on Wednesday. The firms fifty day moving average price is $122.00 and its 200 day moving average price is $125.47. DaVita Inc. has a 12 month low of $101.00 and a 12 month high of $157.12. The company has a market capitalization of $10.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.23, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.53 and a beta of 0.99.

DaVita (NYSE:DVA  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, February 2nd. The company reported $3.40 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.24 by $0.16. DaVita had a negative return on equity of 413.18% and a net margin of 5.47%.The company had revenue of $3.62 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.51 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $2.24 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 9.9% on a year-over-year basis. DaVita has set its FY 2026 guidance at 13.600-15.00 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that DaVita Inc. will post 10.76 earnings per share for the current year.

DaVita Profile

(Free Report)

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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Vawter Financial Ltd. purchased a new position in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IJR  Free Report) during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor purchased 30,613 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $3,638,000. iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF makes up 1.7% of Vawter Financial Ltd.s holdings, making the stock its 21st biggest holding.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in IJR. Your Advocates Ltd. LLP lifted its position in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 197.6% during the 3rd quarter. Your Advocates Ltd. LLP now owns 244 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 162 shares during the period. Hantz Financial Services Inc. lifted its position in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 85.4% during the third quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 254 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 117 shares during the period. New Millennium Group LLC grew its stake in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 105.3% during the third quarter. New Millennium Group LLC now owns 308 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $37,000 after buying an additional 158 shares in the last quarter. WPG Advisers LLC increased its holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 306.6% in the 3rd quarter. WPG Advisers LLC now owns 431 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $51,000 after buying an additional 325 shares during the period. Finally, Quaker Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 200.4% in the 2nd quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 452 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $49,000 after buying an additional 902 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 66.92% of the companys stock.

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iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Trading Up 0.9%

Shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF stock opened at $130.18 on Wednesday. The company has a market cap of $95.73 billion, a PE ratio of 16.52 and a beta of 1.08. The company has a 50 day moving average of $126.96 and a 200-day moving average of $121.45. iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF has a 1-year low of $89.22 and a 1-year high of $133.52.

iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Company Profile

iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF, formerly iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Index Fund, seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors SmallCap 600 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of publicly traded securities in the small-capitalization sector of the United States equity market. The Index serves as the underlying index for the S&P 600/Citigroup Growth and Value Index series. The component stocks are weighted according to the total float-adjusted market value of their outstanding shares.

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Waratah Capital Advisors Ltd. grew its position in shares of Vizsla Silver Corp. (NYSEAMERICAN:VZLA  Free Report) by 26.0% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 6,554,415 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,353,578 shares during the period. Vizsla Silver accounts for about 0.5% of Waratah Capital Advisors Ltd.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 20th largest position. Waratah Capital Advisors Ltd. owned about 1.90% of Vizsla Silver worth $28,315,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of VZLA. Millennium Management LLC increased its stake in Vizsla Silver by 1,165.0% in the first quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 2,932,731 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,666,000 after purchasing an additional 2,700,887 shares during the last quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. increased its stake in shares of Vizsla Silver by 115.0% during the 2nd quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. now owns 215,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $632,000 after acquiring an additional 115,000 shares during the last quarter. Regal Partners Ltd acquired a new position in shares of Vizsla Silver during the 2nd quarter valued at about $2,264,000. K.J. Harrison & Partners Inc purchased a new position in shares of Vizsla Silver during the 2nd quarter worth about $2,460,000. Finally, Bastion Asset Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Vizsla Silver in the second quarter worth approximately $1,982,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 22.46% of the companys stock.

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Vizsla Silver Price Performance

Shares of NYSEAMERICAN VZLA opened at $3.90 on Wednesday. Vizsla Silver Corp. has a 1-year low of $1.69 and a 1-year high of $7.19. The company has a market capitalization of $1.36 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -97.50 and a beta of 0.93. The business has a 50-day moving average of $5.27 and a 200-day moving average of $4.58.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts recently commented on VZLA shares. National Bank Financial lowered shares of Vizsla Silver from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 10th. Cantor Fitzgerald started coverage on Vizsla Silver in a research report on Monday, December 22nd. They issued a buy rating and a $7.00 target price on the stock. Roth Mkm lifted their target price on Vizsla Silver from $6.00 to $7.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, November 13th. Finally, Raymond James Financial restated an outperform rating on shares of Vizsla Silver in a research note on Wednesday, January 14th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $7.00.

View Our Latest Report on VZLA

Vizsla Silver Profile

(Free Report)

Vizsla Silver Corp. is a Canada-based mineral exploration and development company focused on high-grade silver projects in Mexico. The company holds a portfolio of properties in the Panuco District of Sinaloa, where it is advancing its flagship Panuco Project, among several other exploration targets. These assets cover prolific epithermal vein systems that have historically produced significant silver and base metals.

The Panuco Project encompasses multiple mineralized zones over a 17,000-hectare land package, where ongoing drilling campaigns have reported consistent high-grade silver intercepts.

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Waratah Capital Advisors Ltd. cut its holdings in shares of Welltower Inc. (NYSE:WELL  Free Report) by 37.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 84,837 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 50,951 shares during the quarter. Waratah Capital Advisors Ltd.s holdings in Welltower were worth $15,113,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the stock. MMA Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in Welltower during the third quarter worth about $35,000. Global Wealth Strategies & Associates bought a new stake in shares of Welltower during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $36,000. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Welltower by 39.5% in the 2nd quarter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 307 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $47,000 after buying an additional 87 shares during the last quarter. Y.D. More Investments Ltd boosted its holdings in shares of Welltower by 585.7% in the 3rd quarter. Y.D. More Investments Ltd now owns 288 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $51,000 after buying an additional 246 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Collier Financial bought a new position in shares of Welltower in the third quarter valued at $54,000. Institutional investors own 94.80% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several analysts have issued reports on WELL shares. KeyCorp upped their price target on shares of Welltower from $210.00 to $240.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday. Scotiabank upped their target price on shares of Welltower from $182.00 to $214.00 and gave the company a sector outperform rating in a report on Thursday, November 13th. Loop Capital set a $196.00 target price on shares of Welltower in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their price target on Welltower from $207.00 to $230.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. restated a neutral rating and issued a $205.00 price objective on shares of Welltower in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have given a Buy rating, three have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $218.79.

Welltower Stock Performance

NYSE WELL opened at $209.39 on Wednesday. The stock has a market cap of $146.10 billion, a PE ratio of 149.56, a P/E/G ratio of 1.43 and a beta of 0.85. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45, a quick ratio of 3.46 and a current ratio of 3.46. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $192.09 and a 200-day moving average of $183.78. Welltower Inc. has a 52-week low of $130.29 and a 52-week high of $216.43.

Welltower (NYSE:WELL  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 10th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.45 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.44 by $0.01. Welltower had a net margin of 8.64% and a return on equity of 2.46%. The firm had revenue of $3.18 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.93 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.13 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 41.3% on a year-over-year basis. Welltower has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.090-6.25 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Welltower Inc. will post 4.88 EPS for the current year.

Welltower Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Investors of record on Wednesday, February 25th will be paid a $0.74 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 25th. This represents a $2.96 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.4%. Welltowers payout ratio is 211.43%.

Welltower Profile

(Free Report)

Welltower Inc (NYSE: WELL) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that acquires and manages real estate serving the health care industry. The company specializes in healthcare infrastructure, owning and operating a diversified portfolio of senior housing, post-acute and long-term care communities, and outpatient medical properties. Welltowers assets are designed to support the delivery of health care services through a combination of leased properties, joint ventures, and other capital arrangements with health care operators and providers.

The companys property types include assisted living, memory care, independent living and skilled nursing facilities, as well as medical office buildings and other outpatient-care real estate such as ambulatory surgery centers and specialty clinics.

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Waratah Capital Advisors Ltd. bought a new position in Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor bought 191,681 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $9,889,000.

Several other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of BAC. Palumbo Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Bank of America by 1.0% during the 3rd quarter. Palumbo Wealth Management LLC now owns 51,173 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,499,000 after buying an additional 493 shares in the last quarter. Mufg Securities Americas Inc. raised its stake in shares of Bank of America by 26.6% in the third quarter. Mufg Securities Americas Inc. now owns 198,918 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $10,262,000 after buying an additional 41,809 shares during the period. First Financial Bankshares Inc grew its stake in shares of Bank of America by 0.5% during the 3rd quarter. First Financial Bankshares Inc now owns 1,679,546 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $86,648,000 after acquiring an additional 8,807 shares during the period. Compound Planning Inc. increased its stake in shares of Bank of America by 13.0% in the third quarter. Compound Planning Inc. now owns 156,949 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $8,097,000 after purchasing an additional 18,047 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Stonebrook Private Inc. grew its stake in Bank of America by 1.2% in the 3rd quarter. Stonebrook Private Inc. now owns 19,212 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $991,000 after buying an additional 233 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 70.71% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

BAC has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Daiwa Securities Group decreased their price objective on Bank of America from $66.00 to $62.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, January 27th. Wolfe Research cut Bank of America from an outperform rating to a peer perform rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. HSBC increased their price target on shares of Bank of America from $55.00 to $57.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Friday, February 6th. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price objective on shares of Bank of America from $65.00 to $67.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, January 26th. Finally, Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on shares of Bank of America from $68.00 to $64.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, January 15th. Twenty-two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $60.30.

Key Headlines Impacting Bank of America

Here are the key news stories impacting Bank of America this week:

Bank of America Trading Down 1.2%

Shares of BAC opened at $50.43 on Wednesday. Bank of America Corporation has a 1-year low of $33.06 and a 1-year high of $57.55. The company has a market capitalization of $368.29 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.17, a P/E/G ratio of 1.25 and a beta of 1.29. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.15, a current ratio of 0.80 and a quick ratio of 0.80. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $54.12 and its 200 day simple moving average is $52.39.

Bank of America (NYSE:BAC  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 14th. The financial services provider reported $0.98 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.96 by $0.02. Bank of America had a net margin of 16.23% and a return on equity of 11.07%. The firm had revenue of $4.53 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $27.73 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.82 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 12.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts forecast that Bank of America Corporation will post 3.7 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Bank of America Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 27th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 6th will be paid a dividend of $0.28 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 6th. This represents a $1.12 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.2%. Bank of Americas payout ratio is 29.24%.

About Bank of America

(Free Report)

Bank of America Corporation is a multinational financial services company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. It provides a broad array of banking, investment, asset management and related financial and risk management products and services to individual consumers, small- and middle-market businesses, large corporations, governments and institutional investors. The firm operates through consumer banking, global wealth and investment management, global banking and markets businesses, offering capabilities across lending, deposits, payments, advisory and capital markets.

Its consumer-facing offerings include checking and savings accounts, mortgages, home equity lending, auto loans, credit cards and small business banking, supported by a nationwide branch network and digital channels.

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Zhang Financial LLC boosted its stake in shares of Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM  Free Report) by 15.3% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 31,811 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after acquiring an additional 4,224 shares during the period. Zhang Financial LLCs holdings in Exxon Mobil were worth $3,587,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Westfuller Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Exxon Mobil during the third quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Clayton Financial Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Exxon Mobil during the third quarter worth $40,000. TruNorth Capital Management LLC grew its position in Exxon Mobil by 1,595.2% during the 3rd quarter. TruNorth Capital Management LLC now owns 356 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $40,000 after acquiring an additional 335 shares during the last quarter. Bare Financial Services Inc grew its holdings in shares of Exxon Mobil by 121.8% during the second quarter. Bare Financial Services Inc now owns 366 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $39,000 after purchasing an additional 201 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Halbert Hargrove Global Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Exxon Mobil by 95.8% in the 3rd quarter. Halbert Hargrove Global Advisors LLC now owns 370 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $42,000 after buying an additional 181 shares during the last quarter. 61.80% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of brokerages have recently commented on XOM. Morgan Stanley cut their price target on shares of Exxon Mobil from $137.00 to $134.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, January 23rd. Zacks Research raised shares of Exxon Mobil from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, January 30th. Royal Bank Of Canada increased their price target on Exxon Mobil from $145.00 to $150.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Monday, February 2nd. Scotiabank restated an outperform rating on shares of Exxon Mobil in a report on Friday, January 16th. Finally, Citigroup raised their price objective on Exxon Mobil from $115.00 to $118.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $140.59.

Exxon Mobil Stock Performance

Exxon Mobil stock opened at $149.31 on Wednesday. The company has a current ratio of 1.15, a quick ratio of 0.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $133.64 and a 200-day moving average of $120.85. The firm has a market cap of $622.16 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.32, a P/E/G ratio of 15.64 and a beta of 0.39. Exxon Mobil Corporation has a 1-year low of $97.80 and a 1-year high of $156.93.

Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Friday, January 30th. The oil and gas company reported $1.71 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.63 by $0.08. Exxon Mobil had a return on equity of 11.21% and a net margin of 8.68%.The firm had revenue of $80.04 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $77.98 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.67 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 1.3% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts expect that Exxon Mobil Corporation will post 7.43 EPS for the current year.

Exxon Mobil Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, February 12th will be given a dividend of $1.03 per share. This represents a $4.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 12th. Exxon Mobils dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 61.58%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, VP Darrin L. Talley sold 3,230 shares of the stock in a transaction 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 sale, the vice president directly owned 20,354 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,036,409.72. This represents a 13.70% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Insiders sold 14,230 shares of company stock valued at $1,888,421 over the last 90 days. Insiders own 0.03% of the companys stock.

About Exxon Mobil

(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.

Further Reading

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Vetoing a 90 billion euro loan from the EU to Ukraine has its price, and this could be a moment when NATO members start folding upon each other. Hungary, is staunchly aligned with Russia, as is Slovakia. They have been funding the Russian war machine for four years by buying Russian oil and fuelling the ongoing conflict. This is also why Ukrainian operatives blew up the main node of the Druzhba oil pipeline that supplies 100% of Slovakias oil and 86% of Hungarys oil.

Yesterday, Ukraine turned on Slovakia and Hungary. Ukrainian operatives blew up the main node of the Druzhba oil pipeline that supplies 100% of Slovakias oil and 86% of Hungarys oil. UKRAINE = TURNS ON TWO MEMBERS IN NATO.pic.twitter.com/ItvWWCVJb5  Steve Hanke (@steve_hanke) February 24, 2026

On the eve of the fourth anniversary of the conflict, Hungary dealt a blow to Europes pro-Ukrainian consensus on Monday by blocking additional EU sanctions on Moscow and a large loan for Kyiv.

The European Council chief Antonio Costa was informed by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban that the Druzhba outage was an unprovoked act of hostility that undermines the energy security of Hungary and that the 90 billion EU loan would be blocked until the issue was resolved.

Despite the so-called sanctions, Russian oil and gas has been constantly imported into the EU for the past four years simply by being repackaged and shipped from China and India.

The recent events denote a serious escalation of World War 3. Meanwhile, the Kremlin are sitting back and enjoying the NATO in-fighting and milking the situation as much as they can on social media.
Military trucks maneuver on training ground

China Military Online) 14:42, February 25, 2026

Military trucks attached to a brigade under the Chinese PLA 76th Group Army move on the training ground during a driving skill training exercise in mid-January, 2026. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Xu Haoran)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Austin Gold Corp. (NYSE:AUST  Get Free Report) fell 6.5% on Tuesday . The company traded as low as $2.00 and last traded at $2.00. 205,976 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 92% from the average session volume of 2,490,138 shares. The stock had previously closed at $2.14.

Austin Gold Trading Down 6.5%

The company has a market capitalization of $27.39 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -6.45 and a beta of 0.86. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $1.86 and a 200-day simple moving average of $1.81.

Austin Gold Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Austin Gold Corp., a gold exploration company, focuses on the acquisition, exploration, and evaluation of mineral property interests in Nevada. The company holds interest in Kelly Creek Project located in the Kelly Creek Basin, in southeastern Humboldt County, Nevada; Fourmile Basin Project that comprises various unpatented lode mining claims covering approximately 6410 acres located in Nye County; the Lone Mountain Project consisting of various unpatented lode mining and patented mining claims located near Lone Mountain in Elko County.

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Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CT increased its stake in shares of Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM  Free Report) by 2.2% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 733,174 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after buying an additional 16,131 shares during the quarter. Exxon Mobil comprises 1.2% of Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CTs holdings, making the stock its 21st largest position. Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CTs holdings in Exxon Mobil were worth $82,665,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

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Several other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in XOM. Maryland State Retirement & Pension System boosted its holdings in Exxon Mobil by 2.6% during the 3rd 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 during the period. Linscomb Wealth Inc. lifted its position in shares of Exxon Mobil by 1.4% during the second quarter. Linscomb Wealth Inc. now owns 389,769 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $42,017,000 after purchasing an additional 5,527 shares in the last quarter. U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Exxon Mobil by 3.3% in the third 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 during the period. Capital Counsel LLC NY grew its holdings in shares of Exxon Mobil by 0.9% in the second quarter. Capital Counsel LLC NY now owns 49,687 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $5,356,000 after purchasing an additional 460 shares in the last quarter. Finally, HORAN Wealth LLC increased its stake in Exxon Mobil by 78.3% during the 3rd quarter. HORAN Wealth LLC now owns 13,180 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $1,486,000 after buying an additional 5,788 shares during the period. 61.80% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Exxon Mobil Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:XOM opened at $149.31 on Wednesday. Exxon Mobil Corporation has a one year low of $97.80 and a one year high of $156.93. The stock has a market capitalization of $622.16 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.32, a PEG ratio of 15.64 and a beta of 0.39. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $133.64 and a 200-day simple moving average of $120.85. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13, a quick ratio of 0.79 and a current ratio of 1.15.

Exxon Mobil Announces Dividend

Exxon Mobil ( NYSE:XOM Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, January 30th. The oil and gas company reported $1.71 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.63 by $0.08. Exxon Mobil had a return on equity of 11.21% and a net margin of 8.68%.The firm had revenue of $80.04 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $77.98 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.67 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 1.3% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts predict that Exxon Mobil Corporation will post 7.43 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 Thursday, February 12th will be given a $1.03 dividend. This represents a $4.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.8%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 12th. Exxon Mobils dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 61.58%.

Key Headlines Impacting Exxon Mobil

Here are the key news stories impacting Exxon Mobil this week:

Insider Transactions at Exxon Mobil

In other news, VP Darrin L. Talley sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, February 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $139.75, for a total value of $698,750.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president owned 23,584 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,295,864. This trade represents a 17.49% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 14,230 shares of company stock valued at $1,888,421. Insiders own 0.03% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several brokerages have commented on XOM. Piper Sandler decreased their price target on shares of Exxon Mobil from $144.00 to $142.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, January 8th. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price objective on Exxon Mobil from $146.00 to $148.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their target price on Exxon Mobil from $158.00 to $156.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, February 2nd. Mizuho set a $140.00 price target on Exxon Mobil in a research report on Wednesday, February 4th. Finally, Morgan Stanley lowered their price target on shares of Exxon Mobil from $137.00 to $134.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Friday, January 23rd. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $140.59.

View Our Latest Report on XOM

Exxon Mobil Company Profile

(Free Report)

Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE: XOM) is an integrated oil and gas company engaged in the exploration, production, refining, distribution and marketing of petroleum products and the manufacture and sale of petrochemicals. Its operations span the full energy value chain, including upstream exploration and development of crude oil and natural gas; midstream transportation and storage; and downstream refining, product distribution and retail. The company also produces a broad range of chemical products for industrial and consumer applications.

ExxonMobil markets fuels and lubricants under well-known brands such as Exxon, Mobil and Esso, and its Mobil 1 motor oil is a prominent consumer product.

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Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CT reduced its stake in The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE:SHW  Free Report) by 13.3% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 200,344 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock after selling 30,820 shares during the period. Sherwin-Williams makes up 1.0% of Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CTs portfolio, making the stock its 27th largest holding. Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CT owned approximately 0.08% of Sherwin-Williams worth $69,371,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

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Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Modera Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Sherwin-Williams by 2.4% in the third quarter. Modera Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,257 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $435,000 after purchasing an additional 29 shares during the last quarter. Richard W. Paul & Associates LLC grew its holdings in Sherwin-Williams by 1.6% during the 2nd quarter. Richard W. Paul & Associates LLC now owns 1,885 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $647,000 after buying an additional 30 shares in the last quarter. 17 Capital Partners LLC increased its stake in Sherwin-Williams by 0.9% in the 2nd quarter. 17 Capital Partners LLC now owns 3,340 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $1,147,000 after acquiring an additional 31 shares during the last quarter. Alpine Bank Wealth Management raised its holdings in shares of Sherwin-Williams by 4.1% during the 3rd quarter. Alpine Bank Wealth Management now owns 781 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $270,000 after acquiring an additional 31 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Jessup Wealth Management Inc boosted its position in shares of Sherwin-Williams by 1.4% during the 2nd quarter. Jessup Wealth Management Inc now owns 2,341 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $804,000 after acquiring an additional 32 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 77.67% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts recently issued reports on SHW shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on shares of Sherwin-Williams from $378.00 to $385.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $390.00 price target on shares of Sherwin-Williams and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, January 30th. UBS Group set a $420.00 price target on Sherwin-Williams in a research report on Friday, January 30th. Wells Fargo & Company set a $410.00 price objective on Sherwin-Williams and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, Mizuho lifted their target price on Sherwin-Williams from $400.00 to $410.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, February 17th. Eleven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $387.67.

Sherwin-Williams Stock Performance

SHW stock opened at $365.05 on Wednesday. The Sherwin-Williams Company has a twelve month low of $308.84 and a twelve month high of $379.65. The firm has a market cap of $90.45 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.55, a PEG ratio of 3.15 and a beta of 1.25. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $348.18 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $346.49. The company has a quick ratio of 0.53, a current ratio of 0.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.03.

Sherwin-Williams (NYSE:SHW  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 29th. The specialty chemicals company reported $2.23 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.16 by $0.07. The firm had revenue of $5.60 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.57 billion. Sherwin-Williams had a net margin of 10.90% and a return on equity of 65.26%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 5.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $2.09 earnings per share. Analysts predict that The Sherwin-Williams Company will post 12 earnings per share for the current year.

Sherwin-Williams Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 13th. Investors of record on Monday, March 2nd will be issued a $0.80 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, March 2nd. This is a positive change from Sherwin-Williamss previous quarterly dividend of $0.79. This represents a $3.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.9%. Sherwin-Williamss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 30.77%.

Insider Transactions at Sherwin-Williams

In other Sherwin-Williams news, insider Colin M. Davie sold 2,976 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, February 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $359.50, for a total transaction of $1,069,872.00. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 5,365 shares in the company, valued at $1,928,717.50. This trade represents a 35.68% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. 0.60% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

About Sherwin-Williams

(Free Report)

Sherwin-Williams (NYSE: SHW) is a global manufacturer and distributor of paints, coatings and related products. Founded in 1866 and headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, the company supplies a broad range of coatings for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Its product offering includes architectural paints and stains, industrial and protective coatings, automotive finishes, and a variety of sundry products such as primers, sealants and specialty treatments used by professionals and consumers.

The company sells through multiple channels, including a large network of company-operated retail paint stores that serve professional contractors and do-it-yourself consumers, as well as through distributors and mass retailers.

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Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CT lowered its stake in McDonalds Corporation (NYSE:MCD  Free Report) by 1.1% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 170,207 shares of the fast-food giants stock after selling 1,903 shares during the quarter. Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CTs holdings in McDonalds were worth $51,724,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

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Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the stock. Decker Retirement Planning Inc. grew its stake in shares of McDonalds by 142.9% in the 2nd quarter. Decker Retirement Planning Inc. now owns 85 shares of the fast-food giants stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 50 shares during the period. Legacy Investment Solutions LLC acquired a new stake in McDonalds in the second quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Evergreen Private Wealth LLC increased its holdings in shares of McDonalds by 162.5% during the third quarter. Evergreen Private Wealth LLC now owns 84 shares of the fast-food giants stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 52 shares in the last quarter. Financial Gravity Companies Inc. acquired a new position in shares of McDonalds during the second quarter worth approximately $29,000. Finally, Traub Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of McDonalds in the 2nd quarter worth $29,000. 70.29% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Insider Activity at McDonalds

In other news, insider Joseph M. Erlinger sold 2,626 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $325.25, for a total transaction of $854,106.50. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 5,398 shares in the company, valued at $1,755,699.50. This trade represents a 32.73% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CMO Edith Morgan Flatley sold 4,692 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $331.00, for a total value of $1,553,052.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief marketing officer owned 6,200 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,052,200. The trade was a 43.08% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold 71,550 shares of company stock valued at $23,484,957 in the last 90 days. 0.25% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

McDonalds Stock Down 0.4%

Shares of NYSE MCD opened at $333.23 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of $237.31 billion, a PE ratio of 27.89, a PEG ratio of 2.97 and a beta of 0.52. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $315.34 and its 200-day moving average price is $309.60. McDonalds Corporation has a twelve month low of $283.47 and a twelve month high of $336.00.

McDonalds (NYSE:MCD  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 11th. The fast-food giant reported $3.12 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.05 by $0.07. The company had revenue of $7.01 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.81 billion. McDonalds had a negative return on equity of 343.90% and a net margin of 31.85%.McDonaldss revenue was up 9.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $2.83 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts expect that McDonalds Corporation will post 12.25 EPS for the current fiscal year.

McDonalds Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 17th. Investors of record on Tuesday, March 3rd will be issued a $1.86 dividend. This represents a $7.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 3rd. McDonaldss payout ratio is 62.26%.

McDonalds News Summary

Here are the key news stories impacting McDonalds this week:

Positive Sentiment: McDonalds is rolling its Big Arch Burger into U.S. menus for a limited time  a larger, promotional sandwich that has driven traffic in other markets and fits the bigger-burger trend; this could boost shortterm ticket and visit frequency. Read More.

McDonalds is rolling its Big Arch Burger into U.S. menus for a limited time  a larger, promotional sandwich that has driven traffic in other markets and fits the bigger-burger trend; this could boost shortterm ticket and visit frequency. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Seasonal and promotional menu items continue: the Shamrock Shake campaign is back, driving brand engagement and incremental visits around St. Patricks Day. These limited-time items support traffic and social buzz. Read More.

Seasonal and promotional menu items continue: the Shamrock Shake campaign is back, driving brand engagement and incremental visits around St. Patricks Day. These limited-time items support traffic and social buzz. Read More. Positive Sentiment: McDonalds India (West & South) owner Westlife Foodworld is running a Protein Week with low-price, app-focused protein options and free delivery promo  a targeted, value-led push that can grow AUVs and digital ordering in a fast-growing market. Read More.

McDonalds India (West & South) owner Westlife Foodworld is running a Protein Week with low-price, app-focused protein options and free delivery promo  a targeted, value-led push that can grow AUVs and digital ordering in a fast-growing market. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Analyst support: JPMorgan raised its MCD price target to $325 and kept an Overweight rating, and Erste Group upgraded MCD to Buy, signaling confidence in sales momentum and McDonalds financial profile for 2026. Note JPMorgans new PT still sits modestly below the current quote, so upside expectations are mixed. Read More.

Analyst support: JPMorgan raised its MCD price target to $325 and kept an Overweight rating, and Erste Group upgraded MCD to Buy, signaling confidence in sales momentum and McDonalds financial profile for 2026. Note JPMorgans new PT still sits modestly below the current quote, so upside expectations are mixed. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Longer-term perspective pieces highlight MCDs solid multiyear returns and lowvolatility dividend profile; useful context for investors weighing valuation vs. growth, but not immediate catalysts. Read More.

Longer-term perspective pieces highlight MCDs solid multiyear returns and lowvolatility dividend profile; useful context for investors weighing valuation vs. growth, but not immediate catalysts. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Operational tweak: McDonalds updated cash handling/check-out rules as pennies phase out  a minor customer-experience and cost/handling change with limited stock impact. Read More.

Operational tweak: McDonalds updated cash handling/check-out rules as pennies phase out  a minor customer-experience and cost/handling change with limited stock impact. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Macro/market weakness (broader market sell-off and Dow declines) is pressuring equities including MCD today  an external headwind that can overwhelm company-specific positives in the near term. Read More.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of brokerages have commented on MCD. BTIG Research boosted their price target on shares of McDonalds from $360.00 to $370.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, February 12th. Sanford C. Bernstein reissued a market perform rating and set a $340.00 target price on shares of McDonalds in a research report on Thursday, February 12th. BMO Capital Markets reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of McDonalds in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. TD Cowen reissued a hold rating and set a $320.00 price objective on shares of McDonalds in a report on Thursday, February 12th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada increased their price objective on McDonalds from $320.00 to $330.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Thursday, February 12th. Sixteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, thirteen have issued a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, McDonalds has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $337.57.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on MCD

About McDonalds

(Free Report)

McDonalds Corporation (NYSE: MCD) is a global quick-service restaurant company best known for its hamburgers, French fries and breakfast offerings. The company develops, operates and franchises a system of restaurants that sell a range of food and beverage items, including signature products such as the Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, Chicken McNuggets, McCafe coffee beverages and a variety of salads, desserts and seasonal menu items. McDonalds serves customers through company-operated restaurants and franchised locations, and it supports sales via dine-in, drive-thru, digital ordering platforms and third-party delivery partnerships.

Founded in 1940 by brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald as a single San Bernardino, California restaurant, the business was transformed into a franchising model after Ray Kroc joined in the mid-1950s and led the brands national and international expansion.

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Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CT increased its holdings in The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA  Free Report) by 8,079.1% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 184,684 shares of the aircraft producers stock after buying an additional 182,426 shares during the period. Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CTs holdings in Boeing were worth $39,860,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

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Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Blue Barn Wealth LLC grew its position in shares of Boeing by 1.8% in the second quarter. Blue Barn Wealth LLC now owns 2,594 shares of the aircraft producers stock valued at $544,000 after purchasing an additional 46 shares in the last quarter. N.E.W. Advisory Services LLC boosted its stake in Boeing by 3.1% in the 3rd quarter. N.E.W. Advisory Services LLC now owns 1,540 shares of the aircraft producers stock worth $332,000 after purchasing an additional 46 shares during the period. Motco grew its holdings in Boeing by 5.4% during the 3rd quarter. Motco now owns 921 shares of the aircraft producers stock valued at $199,000 after buying an additional 47 shares in the last quarter. Encompass Wealth Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Boeing by 0.9% during the third quarter. Encompass Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 5,045 shares of the aircraft producers stock valued at $1,089,000 after buying an additional 47 shares during the period. Finally, Jacobsen Capital Management lifted its holdings in shares of Boeing by 4.6% in the third quarter. Jacobsen Capital Management now owns 1,070 shares of the aircraft producers stock worth $231,000 after buying an additional 47 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 64.82% of the companys stock.

Key Boeing News

Here are the key news stories impacting Boeing this week:

Boeing Stock Performance

NYSE BA opened at $233.44 on Wednesday. The Boeing Company has a 52-week low of $128.88 and a 52-week high of $254.35. The company has a fifty day moving average of $233.57 and a 200-day moving average of $219.89. The company has a market capitalization of $183.33 billion, a P/E ratio of 116.14 and a beta of 1.15. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 8.37, a quick ratio of 0.40 and a current ratio of 1.19.

Boeing (NYSE:BA  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The aircraft producer reported $9.92 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.40) by $10.32. The firm had revenue of $23.95 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $22.41 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned ($5.90) EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 57.1% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts predict that The Boeing Company will post -2.58 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity at Boeing

In related news, SVP Ann M. Schmidt sold 6,281 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $243.37, for a total value of $1,528,606.97. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president owned 13,978 shares in the company, valued at $3,401,825.86. The trade was a 31.00% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, EVP Howard E. Mckenzie sold 10,497 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $233.99, for a total transaction of $2,456,193.03. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 14,692 shares in the company, valued at $3,437,781.08. The trade was a 41.67% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last three months, insiders have sold 19,509 shares of company stock valued at $4,629,316. Corporate insiders own 0.09% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities analysts recently commented on BA shares. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price objective on shares of Boeing from $290.00 to $295.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Sunday, February 1st. Susquehanna restated a positive rating and set a $280.00 price target on shares of Boeing in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Sanford C. Bernstein reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Boeing in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. Loop Capital set a $223.00 price objective on Boeing in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, Zacks Research upgraded Boeing from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 2nd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have issued a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Boeing presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $246.14.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on BA

Boeing Profile

(Free Report)

Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) is an American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense systems, and space and security technologies. Founded in 1916 by William E. Boeing in Seattle, the company today operates as an integrated aerospace and defense contractor with a global customer base. Boeing relocated its corporate headquarters to Arlington, Virginia in 2022 and maintains extensive engineering, manufacturing and service operations across the United States and around the world.

Boeings principal lines of business include Commercial Airplanes, which produces and supports a range of jetliners used by airlines globally; Defense, Space & Security, which develops military aircraft, rotorcraft, surveillance and reconnaissance systems, satellites, and launch and missile systems; and Boeing Global Services, which provides aftermarket maintenance, training, spare parts, digital analytics and logistics support.

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Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CT lessened its stake in shares of Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC  Free Report) by 1.1% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 93,270 shares of the aerospace companys stock after selling 1,069 shares during the quarter. Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CT owned approximately 0.07% of Northrop Grumman worth $56,832,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

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Several other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in NOC. Focused Investors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Northrop Grumman by 4.1% during the 3rd quarter. Focused Investors LLC now owns 211,800 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $129,054,000 after purchasing an additional 8,300 shares during the last quarter. Merit Financial Group LLC increased its position in Northrop Grumman by 74.5% during the 3rd quarter. Merit Financial Group LLC now owns 11,060 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $6,739,000 after buying an additional 4,721 shares in the last quarter. Huntleigh Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in Northrop Grumman in the third quarter valued at about $2,818,000. Oak Thistle LLC acquired a new stake in Northrop Grumman in the third quarter worth about $1,015,000. Finally, Mawer Investment Management Ltd. purchased a new stake in shares of Northrop Grumman during the second quarter worth about $491,985,000. 83.40% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Insider Activity at Northrop Grumman

In other Northrop Grumman news, CAO Michael A. Hardesty sold 147 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $732.98, for a total transaction of $107,748.06. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer directly owned 2,525 shares in the company, valued at $1,850,774.50. This represents a 5.50% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CEO Kathy J. Warden sold 20,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $708.82, for a total transaction of $14,176,400.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer owned 171,602 shares in the company, valued at approximately $121,634,929.64. This trade represents a 10.44% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders sold a total of 32,431 shares of company stock valued at $21,969,404 over the last 90 days. Insiders own 0.23% of the companys stock.

Northrop Grumman Stock Performance

NYSE:NOC opened at $728.91 on Wednesday. Northrop Grumman Corporation has a twelve month low of $450.13 and a twelve month high of $745.55. The company has a current ratio of 1.10, a quick ratio of 1.01 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.91. The company has a market cap of $103.45 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.02, a P/E/G ratio of 5.39 and a beta of 0.04. The companys 50-day moving average price is $648.86 and its 200-day moving average price is $605.88.

Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 27th. The aerospace company reported $7.23 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $6.97 by $0.26. Northrop Grumman had a return on equity of 25.57% and a net margin of 9.97%.The company had revenue of $11.71 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.61 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $6.39 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 9.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Northrop Grumman has set its FY 2026 guidance at 27.400-27.900 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Northrop Grumman Corporation will post 28.05 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Northrop Grumman Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, March 11th. Stockholders of record on Monday, February 23rd will be issued a dividend of $2.31 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, February 23rd. This represents a $9.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.3%. Northrop Grummans dividend payout ratio is currently 31.72%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several brokerages recently commented on NOC. Citigroup increased their price objective on shares of Northrop Grumman from $715.00 to $781.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 28th. Sanford C. Bernstein restated a market perform rating and set a $727.00 price target on shares of Northrop Grumman in a research note on Monday, January 12th. BTIG Research lifted their price objective on shares of Northrop Grumman from $680.00 to $815.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 28th. BNP Paribas Exane initiated coverage on Northrop Grumman in a research note on Tuesday, November 18th. They issued an outperform rating and a $710.00 target price for the company. Finally, Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a $765.00 price objective on shares of Northrop Grumman in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have given a Buy rating and nine have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $693.60.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on NOC

Northrop Grumman Company Profile

(Free Report)

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is a leading U.S.-based aerospace and defense company that designs, builds and sustains advanced systems, products and technologies for government and commercial customers. Formed through the combination of Northrop and Grumman businesses in the 1990s, the companys portfolio spans manned and unmanned aircraft, space systems, missile defense, radar and sensor systems, and integrated command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) solutions.

The companys work includes airframe and platform manufacturing, space hardware and satellite systems, advanced mission systems and cybersecurity services, as well as logistics, sustainment and modernization programs.

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Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CT cut its holdings in shares of ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP  Free Report) by 0.8% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 632,239 shares of the energy producers stock after selling 5,119 shares during the period. Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CT owned 0.05% of ConocoPhillips worth $59,803,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

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A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Howard Hughes Medical Institute bought a new position in ConocoPhillips in the 2nd quarter worth $25,000. Cloud Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of ConocoPhillips during the third quarter valued at about $26,000. Cedar Mountain Advisors LLC raised its stake in ConocoPhillips by 58.0% in the third quarter. Cedar Mountain Advisors LLC now owns 316 shares of the energy producers stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 116 shares in the last quarter. BNP Paribas purchased a new stake in ConocoPhillips in the second quarter worth about $33,000. Finally, Bfsg LLC bought a new stake in ConocoPhillips during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $36,000. Institutional investors own 82.36% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Citigroup increased their target price on ConocoPhillips from $115.00 to $125.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, February 6th. UBS Group reiterated a buy rating and issued a $130.00 price objective on shares of ConocoPhillips in a report on Monday, February 9th. Raymond James Financial raised their price objective on ConocoPhillips from $113.00 to $118.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 11th. Morgan Stanley reduced their target price on shares of ConocoPhillips from $117.00 to $108.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group increased their price target on shares of ConocoPhillips from $120.00 to $129.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have assigned a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $115.92.

ConocoPhillips Stock Performance

COP stock opened at $110.64 on Wednesday. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $100.60 and its 200 day simple moving average is $95.03. The company has a current ratio of 1.30, a quick ratio of 1.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35. ConocoPhillips has a 12-month low of $79.88 and a 12-month high of $113.80. The stock has a market capitalization of $136.71 billion, a PE ratio of 17.45, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.79 and a beta of 0.32.

ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 5th. The energy producer reported $1.02 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.23 by ($0.21). ConocoPhillips had a return on equity of 11.90% and a net margin of 12.98%.The business had revenue of $13.86 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $14.35 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.98 EPS. The firms 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 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

ConocoPhillips Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 2nd. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, February 18th will be issued a dividend of $0.84 per share. This represents a $3.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 18th. ConocoPhillipss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 53.00%.

Insider Activity at ConocoPhillips

In other news, CEO Ryan Michael Lance sold 500,708 shares of ConocoPhillips stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $92.50, for a total value of $46,315,490.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 325,972 shares in the company, valued at $30,152,410. The trade was a 60.57% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. 0.24% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

ConocoPhillips 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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Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CT reduced its position in shares of Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX  Free Report) by 18.1% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 453,864 shares of the medical equipment providers stock after selling 100,560 shares during the period. Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CTs holdings in Boston Scientific were worth $44,311,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

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Other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Boston Scientific during the 2nd quarter worth $2,089,937,000. Edgewood Management LLC acquired a new position in Boston Scientific during the second quarter worth about $746,655,000. Parnassus Investments LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Boston Scientific by 42,978.9% in the third quarter. Parnassus Investments LLC now owns 6,884,440 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $672,128,000 after acquiring an additional 6,868,459 shares during the last quarter. Jennison Associates LLC boosted its stake in shares of Boston Scientific by 133.5% in the 3rd quarter. Jennison Associates LLC now owns 4,938,746 shares of the medical equipment providers stock valued at $482,170,000 after purchasing an additional 2,823,744 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Boston Scientific by 1.9% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 137,134,110 shares of the medical equipment providers stock valued at $14,729,575,000 after purchasing an additional 2,545,381 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.07% of the companys stock.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, EVP Arthur C. Butcher sold 17,313 shares of Boston Scientific stock in a transaction on Monday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $101.55, for a total transaction of $1,758,135.15. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 23,600 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,396,580. This trade represents a 42.32% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CEO Michael F. Mahoney sold 160,901 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, February 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $93.49, for a total transaction of $15,042,634.49. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 1,411,735 shares in the company, valued at approximately $131,983,105.15. The trade was a 10.23% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. 0.50% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Boston Scientific Stock Up 1.2%

Shares of BSX opened at $75.27 on Wednesday. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $88.52 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $96.13. Boston Scientific Corporation has a 12 month low of $72.69 and a 12 month high of $109.50. The company has a market capitalization of $111.70 billion, a PE ratio of 38.80, a PEG ratio of 1.03 and a beta of 0.67. The company has a current ratio of 1.62, a quick ratio of 1.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46.

Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 4th. The medical equipment provider reported $0.80 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.78 by $0.02. Boston Scientific had a return on equity of 19.63% and a net margin of 14.44%.The company had revenue of $5.29 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.29 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.70 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 15.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Boston Scientific has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 0.780-0.800 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 3.430-3.490 EPS. On average, analysts anticipate that Boston Scientific Corporation will post 2.85 EPS for the current year.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts recently commented on BSX shares. Stifel Nicolaus dropped their price objective on shares of Boston Scientific from $125.00 to $110.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, February 4th. Morgan Stanley lowered their price target on shares of Boston Scientific from $130.00 to $118.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, February 5th. Truist Financial dropped their price target on Boston Scientific from $120.00 to $95.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, February 5th. Royal Bank Of Canada lowered their target price on Boston Scientific from $130.00 to $115.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, February 5th. Finally, Barclays dropped their target price on Boston Scientific from $136.00 to $124.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, February 3rd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty have assigned a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Boston Scientific presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $108.36.

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Boston Scientific Profile

(Free Report)

Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) is a global medical device company that develops, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of products used in less-invasive medical procedures. Founded in 1979 by John Abele and Peter Nicholas, the company is headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts, and focuses on technologies that enable physicians to treat a wide range of cardiovascular, digestive, urologic, pulmonary and chronic pain conditions without open surgery.

Boston Scientifics activities span product development, clinical research, regulatory affairs and commercial sales.

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Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CT reduced its stake in shares of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ  Free Report) by 2.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 341,506 shares of the companys stock after selling 8,006 shares during the period. Johnson & Johnson makes up approximately 0.9% of Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CTs holdings, making the stock its 29th biggest holding. Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CTs holdings in Johnson & Johnson were worth $63,322,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

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Other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its holdings in Johnson & Johnson by 1.3% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 237,047,859 shares of the companys stock worth $36,209,060,000 after purchasing an additional 3,085,180 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 2.1% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 60,609,476 shares of the companys stock worth $9,227,988,000 after buying an additional 1,225,676 shares during the period. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of Johnson & Johnson during the second quarter worth about $4,877,174,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its position in Johnson & Johnson by 3.5% in the 3rd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 24,637,649 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,568,313,000 after buying an additional 835,146 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. lifted its stake in Johnson & Johnson by 0.3% in the 2nd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 18,951,337 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,894,979,000 after acquiring an additional 52,074 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 69.55% of the companys stock.

Johnson & Johnson Stock Up 0.2%

Johnson & Johnson stock opened at $246.21 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48, a current ratio of 1.03 and a quick ratio of 0.77. The companys 50-day moving average is $222.42 and its 200-day moving average is $200.48. The firm has a market capitalization of $593.35 billion, a PE ratio of 22.28, a P/E/G ratio of 2.39 and a beta of 0.35. Johnson & Johnson has a fifty-two week low of $141.50 and a fifty-two week high of $247.25.

Johnson & Johnson Announces Dividend

Johnson & Johnson ( NYSE:JNJ Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Saturday, January 31st. The company reported $2.46 earnings per share for the quarter. Johnson & Johnson had a return on equity of 33.04% and a net margin of 28.46%.The firm had revenue of $24.28 billion for the quarter. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Johnson & Johnson will post 10.58 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, February 24th will be given a dividend of $1.30 per share. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 24th. Johnson & Johnsons payout ratio is 47.06%.

Key Johnson & Johnson News

Here are the key news stories impacting Johnson & Johnson this week:

Insider Activity

In other news, EVP Timothy Schmid sold 22,623 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $244.33, for a total transaction of $5,527,477.59. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 26,769 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,540,469.77. This trade represents a 45.80% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, EVP Vanessa Broadhurst sold 6,197 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, February 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $243.39, for a total transaction of $1,508,287.83. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 23,003 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,598,700.17. This trade represents a 21.22% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold 30,142 shares of company stock worth $7,360,528 over the last three months. Insiders own 0.16% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on JNJ shares. Rothschild & Co Redburn raised their price target on shares of Johnson & Johnson from $180.00 to $210.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, February 19th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a research report on Wednesday, January 28th. Bank of America lifted their price target on shares of Johnson & Johnson from $220.00 to $221.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Scotiabank restated an outperform rating on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Finally, UBS Group reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a research report on Monday, January 5th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have assigned a Buy rating and nine have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $232.70.

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About Johnson & Johnson

(Free Report)

Johnson & Johnson is a multinational healthcare company headquartered in New Brunswick, New Jersey, that develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of products across pharmaceuticals, medical devices and previously consumer health. Founded in 1886 by the Johnson family, the company has grown into a global healthcare organization with operations and sales in many countries around the world.

The companys pharmaceuticals business, organized largely under its Janssen research and development organization, focuses on prescription medicines across therapeutic areas such as immunology, infectious disease, oncology and neuroscience.

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Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CT lowered its position in shares of Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX  Free Report) by 3.1% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 299,221 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 9,652 shares during the quarter. Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CTs holdings in Chevron were worth $46,466,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

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Several other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Quaker Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in Chevron by 197.7% in the 2nd quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 217 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 439 shares during the period. Decker Retirement Planning Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Chevron in the 3rd quarter valued at $34,000. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC raised its holdings in shares of Chevron by 86.1% during the second quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 255 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $37,000 after purchasing an additional 118 shares during the last quarter. Marquette Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Chevron during the third quarter worth $41,000. Finally, Barnes Dennig Private Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in Chevron by 306.1% during the third quarter. Barnes Dennig Private Wealth Management LLC now owns 268 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $42,000 after purchasing an additional 202 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 72.42% of the companys stock.

Chevron Trading Up 0.3%

Shares of CVX opened at $185.43 on Wednesday. Chevron Corporation has a 52-week low of $132.04 and a 52-week high of $187.90. The stock has a market cap of $373.36 billion, a PE ratio of 27.84, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 12.24 and a beta of 0.70. The firms fifty day moving average is $167.33 and its two-hundred day moving average is $159.00. The company has a quick ratio of 0.86, a current ratio of 1.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19.

Chevron Increases Dividend

Chevron ( NYSE:CVX Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Friday, January 30th. The oil and gas company reported $1.52 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.44 by $0.08. The business had revenue of $45.79 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $48.18 billion. Chevron had a net margin of 6.51% and a return on equity of 8.23%. The companys quarterly revenue was down 10.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $2.06 earnings per share. Research analysts forecast that Chevron Corporation will post 10.79 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, February 17th will be paid a $1.78 dividend. This is a positive change from Chevrons previous quarterly dividend of $1.71. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 17th. This represents a $7.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.8%. Chevrons dividend payout ratio is 106.91%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research firms have weighed in on CVX. Piper Sandler reduced their price objective on Chevron from $178.00 to $174.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, January 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded Chevron from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and set a $176.00 price target for the company in a research report on Tuesday, January 20th. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their target price on shares of Chevron from $174.00 to $189.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 14th. Bank of America cut their price target on Chevron from $183.00 to $180.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. Finally, Citigroup dropped their price target on shares of Chevron from $185.00 to $179.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, January 5th. Thirteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and four have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $176.36.

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Key Headlines Impacting Chevron

Here are the key news stories impacting Chevron this week:

Insider Buying and Selling at Chevron

In other Chevron news, insider R. Hewitt Pate sold 41,134 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, January 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $176.40, for a total value of $7,256,037.60. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 4,169 shares in the company, valued at $735,411.60. This represents a 90.80% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CFO Eimear P. Bonner sold 32,100 shares of Chevron stock in a transaction on Friday, January 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $175.01, for a total value of $5,617,821.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 4,366 shares in the company, valued at approximately $764,093.66. This represents a 88.03% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 534,898 shares of company stock worth $89,543,711. 0.20% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Chevron Profile

(Free Report)

Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) is an American multinational energy company engaged in virtually all aspects of the oil and gas industry. As an integrated energy firm, Chevrons core activities include upstream oil and natural gas exploration and production, midstream transportation and storage, downstream refining and marketing of fuels and lubricants, and petrochemical manufacturing through joint ventures and subsidiaries. The company markets fuels under brands such as Chevron, Texaco and Caltex and supplies a range of products and services to retail customers, industrial users and commercial fleets worldwide.

Chevron traces its corporate lineage to the early petroleum companies that eventually became Standard Oil of California and has evolved through significant mergers and restructurings, including the acquisitions of Gulf Oil and Texaco.

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China Vanke Co., Ltd. (OTCMKTS:CHVKY  Get Free Report)s stock price traded up 62.5% during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $0.2662 and last traded at $0.26. 6,292 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 53% from the average session volume of 13,300 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.16.

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China Vanke Trading Up 62.5%

The businesss 50-day moving average price is $0.15 and its 200 day moving average price is $0.23.

China Vanke Company Profile

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China Vanke Co, Ltd., founded in 1984 and headquartered in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, is one of Chinas largest residential property developers. The company initially focused on large-scale housing projects and has since expanded its offerings to include integrated urban communities combining residential, commercial and public service facilities.

Vankes core activities encompass land acquisition, property development and construction of high-quality residential buildings. In addition to its residential portfolio, the company invests in and operates shopping centers, office towers and logistics warehouses.

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Colonial Trust Advisors boosted its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (NYSE:TSM  Free Report) by 36,970.2% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 21,130 shares of the semiconductor companys stock after acquiring an additional 21,073 shares during the period. Colonial Trust Advisors holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing were worth $5,901,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the business. Westfuller Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 2.2% in the 3rd quarter. Westfuller Advisors LLC now owns 1,551 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $434,000 after purchasing an additional 34 shares during the period. BankPlus Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 1.6% during the 3rd quarter. BankPlus Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,291 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $640,000 after buying an additional 35 shares during the period. Bank of Jackson Hole Trust lifted its stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 7.5% in the third quarter. Bank of Jackson Hole Trust now owns 500 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $140,000 after buying an additional 35 shares in the last quarter. New Millennium Group LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 2.9% in the third quarter. New Millennium Group LLC now owns 1,248 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $349,000 after buying an additional 35 shares during the period. Finally, Catalyst Private Wealth LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 2.8% in the third quarter. Catalyst Private Wealth LLC now owns 1,407 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $393,000 after buying an additional 38 shares during the period. 16.51% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Trading Up 4.3%

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing stock opened at $385.81 on Wednesday. The company has a market cap of $2.00 trillion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.23, a P/E/G ratio of 1.03 and a beta of 1.31. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $331.65 and a 200-day moving average of $295.54. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19, a current ratio of 2.69 and a quick ratio of 2.47. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. has a one year low of $134.25 and a one year high of $389.18.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Cuts Dividend

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing ( NYSE:TSM Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Friday, November 14th. The semiconductor company reported $14.32 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a return on equity of 36.18% and a net margin of 45.13%.The business had revenue of $32.50 billion for the quarter. On average, equities analysts expect that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. will post 9.2 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

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 of this dividend is Thursday, June 11th. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings dividend payout ratio is presently 23.57%.

More Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing News

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities research analysts recently commented on the stock. Sanford C. Bernstein restated an outperform rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a report on Friday, January 2nd. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a buy rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a report on Monday, January 5th. Wall Street Zen raised Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, January 17th. DA Davidson upgraded Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, February 13th. Finally, Argus raised Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have given a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing currently has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $391.43.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on TSM

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Profile

(Free Report)

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is a leading pure-play semiconductor foundry that provides wafer fabrication and related services to the global semiconductor industry. Founded in 1987 by Morris Chang and headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, TSMC manufactures integrated circuits on behalf of fabless and integrated device manufacturers, offering contract chip production across a broad set of technologies and products.

TSMCs service offering covers logic and mixed-signal process technologies, specialty processes for radio-frequency, power management and embedded memory, and advanced nodes used in mobile, high-performance computing and AI applications.

Further Reading

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Four years into the largest land war in Europe since 1945, the Ukrainian military force that originally halted the Russian advance has fundamentally ceased to exist. In its place, a new operational architecture is emerging, born of necessity and strategic calculation. Facing a nuclear-armed adversary with superior numbers, Ukraine is rapidly transitioning from a traditional army of soldiers to a defense network held together by machines, sensors, and skeleton crews.

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The Manpower Crisis

The impetus for this transformation is a severe personnel shortage. Frontline brigades are reportedly operating at drastically reduced capacity, with some units hollowed out to 30%-60% of their authorized strength. The average age of a Ukrainian soldier has risen to between 43 and 45 years old, and government officials acknowledge that hundreds of thousands of potential recruits are avoiding mobilization or have left their posts.

While Russia continues to recruit tens of thousands of new contract soldiers monthly, outpacing Ukraines intake by a significant margin, Kyiv has been forced to invert the traditional calculus of ground combat. In certain sectors, defense lines stretching five to ten kilometers are now held by as few as a dozen fighters, a density far below historical NATO recommendations for high-intensity warfare.

Substituting Soldiers with Systems

To bridge this gap, the Ukrainian military is not merely supplementing infantry with technology but actively replacing it. The strategy relies on a dense integration of drones, ground robots, and artillery cued by unmanned systems. Defense officials describe a mathematics of war in which the objective is to inflict unsustainable casualty rates on Russian forces per square kilometer, halting advances through attrition rather than through manpower barriers.

This shift is visible in units like the 28th Brigades Flash battalion, a formation heavily staffed by international volunteers where English fluency takes precedence over combat experience. Commanders report that this unit has shifted the vast majority of its frontline logistics to robotic systems. By the end of 2025, data indicated that drones accounted for more than 80% of all enemy targets destroyed.

The operational reality has shifted to remote warfare. In the Donetsk region and in sectors held by the 12th Azov Brigade, large swaths of the front are devoid of a permanent infantry presence. Instead, these areas are secured through a combination of aerial surveillance, remote mining, and artillery strikes. When ground forces are required, they enter only for specific, time-limited tasks.

The Automaton Doctrine

This heavy reliance on unmanned systems has moved from improvisation to official doctrine. A standalone military branch dedicated to unmanned systems now oversees strike and reconnaissance units that claim thousands of targets weekly. The philosophy, according to branch leadership, is that machines should execute the labor while humans provide the cognitive direction.

Effectiveness has surged alongside this pivot. Specialized drone units, such as Lazars Group, report that their strike aircraft now account for the majority of successful hits in their operational sectors. A single operator, stationed safely in a basement, can now manage multiple video feeds simultaneously, piloting attack drones into trench lines while others orbit overhead, effectively performing the work of an entire infantry squad.

Challenges of a High-Tech War

Despite the rapid evolution, the transition to a robotic army faces significant hurdles. A historically severe winter recently plunged temperatures along the front line to extreme lows, causing widespread technical failures. Batteries drained mid-flight, and cameras iced over, forcing troops to utilize unorthodox insulation methods, such as applying animal fat to airframes, to keep fleets airborne.

Furthermore, the technology cannot yet fully replicate the ground-holding capability of a human soldier. Experts note that while robots can kill and supply, they cannot strictly hold territory in the traditional sense. Additionally, Russian forces are adapting quickly, ramping up their own production of first-person-view drones and deploying heavy electronic warfare systems to jam Ukrainian signals.

Nevertheless, the trajectory is set. With supply chains now delivering drones to the front in as little as ten days, Ukraine is betting its survival on a future where one pilot does the work of ten soldiers, and the front line is defined not by men in trenches, but by the kill zone of autonomous systems.
Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CT reduced its position in Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP  Free Report) by 1.5% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 178,587 shares of the railroad operators stock after selling 2,634 shares during the quarter. Bradley Foster & Sargent Inc. CTs holdings in Union Pacific were worth $42,213,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

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A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Union Bancaire Privee UBP SA raised its position in Union Pacific by 9.8% in the 3rd quarter. Union Bancaire Privee UBP SA now owns 52,849 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $12,492,000 after purchasing an additional 4,707 shares in the last quarter. Midwest Trust Co increased its stake in shares of Union Pacific by 2.8% during the third quarter. Midwest Trust Co now owns 281,036 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $66,428,000 after buying an additional 7,759 shares during the period. CX Institutional raised its holdings in Union Pacific by 39.8% in the third quarter. CX Institutional now owns 65,826 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $15,559,000 after acquiring an additional 18,742 shares in the last quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans lifted its stake in Union Pacific by 15.1% in the third quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 135,188 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $31,955,000 after acquiring an additional 17,696 shares during the last quarter. Finally, AustralianSuper Pty Ltd purchased a new position in Union Pacific in the third quarter worth approximately $802,000. 80.38% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Union Pacific Stock Up 1.1%

UNP opened at $266.59 on Wednesday. Union Pacific Corporation has a one year low of $204.66 and a one year high of $267.81. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.64, a quick ratio of 0.75 and a current ratio of 0.91. The stock has a market capitalization of $158.19 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.27, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.88 and a beta of 0.98. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $240.29 and its 200-day simple moving average is $230.69.

Union Pacific Dividend Announcement

Union Pacific ( NYSE:UNP Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The railroad operator reported $2.86 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.92 by ($0.06). The firm had revenue of $6.09 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.15 billion. Union Pacific had a return on equity of 40.89% and a net margin of 29.12%.The companys quarterly revenue was down .6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $2.91 EPS. Analysts anticipate that Union Pacific Corporation will post 11.99 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 31st. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 27th will be issued a $1.38 dividend. This represents a $5.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 27th. Union Pacifics payout ratio is presently 46.12%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities research analysts have commented on UNP shares. Barclays reissued an overweight rating and issued a $285.00 price objective (up from $270.00) on shares of Union Pacific in a research report on Tuesday, December 16th. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a neutral rating and issued a $267.00 price target on shares of Union Pacific in a research note on Tuesday, January 27th. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $280.00 price target on Union Pacific in a report on Thursday, December 18th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft set a $245.00 price objective on Union Pacific in a report on Thursday, December 11th. Finally, Citigroup reissued a buy rating and set a $270.00 target price (up from $265.00) on shares of Union Pacific in a research report on Wednesday, January 28th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have given a Buy rating and ten have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Union Pacific currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $260.14.

Read Our Latest Research Report on UNP

About Union Pacific

(Free Report)

Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) is one of the largest freight railroad companies in the United States. Its principal operating subsidiary, Union Pacific Railroad, has roots that trace back to the Pacific Railway Act of 1862 and the construction of the first transcontinental rail link completed in 1869. The company is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, and operates as a holding company for rail transportation and related services.

Union Pacifics core business is the movement of freight by rail across an extensive rail network serving the western twothirds of the United States.

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Representatives from North West Regional College (NWRC) have been presented with The Queen Elizabeth Prize for Education at a ceremony at St Jamess Palace in London.

His Majesty King Charles presented the award, the highest national honour awarded to UK colleges and universities, to NWRCs Governing Body Chair Professor Malachy ONeill, NWRC Principal and Chief Executive Leo Murphy, and Business Support Centre Manager, Dr. Fergal Tuffy.

During the event the colleges Business Support Centre team was commended for its excellence, innovation and impact, and for delivering real public benefit.

Dr Fergal Tuffy, Business Support Centre Manager said: The team is honoured to receive this award, recognition of the significant contribution made by the Business Support Centre in strengthening and supporting the regional economy.

Our centre is unique within the UKs further education sector. In the past year, the NWRC has completed more than 140 applied research and development projects through these centres, helping SMEs innovate and grow by developing new products, processes and services. The College has also trained more than 1,000 individuals, including business employees, who received upskilling, and individuals who were trained in priority skills areas for new opportunities.

Congratulations to Northwest Regional College receiving the Prestigious Queen Elizabeth Prize for Further & Higher Education one of 19 such awards in the UK presented today in St James Palace. Well done Leo and Team @nwrc_college @nwrc_bsc pic.twitter.com/BbGgfTAWqx  Lord Lieutenant Co Borough of Londonderry (@lord_Lieut_cbld) February 24, 2026

I would like to thank all the staff within the Business Support Centre for their hard work and commitment which has led to this success, and to our senior leadership team for supporting our strategic vision.

It is our plan to continue to move forward, continuing to innovate and evolve and we are planning for the future via Peace Plus, the Derry City & Strabane City Deal and an extension of Foodovation in Limavady through the Causeway Coast and Glens Councils Growth Deal.

Leo Murphy, Principal and Chief Executive of NWRC said: As Principal and Chief Executive I am proud to be in London to collect this award on behalf of our entire team. This award is welcomed as it recognises our sector as one that makes a significant collective impact on the lives of our citizens and businesses.

READ NEXT: Two teenagers killed and another seriously injured in St Johnston crash

Our Business Support Centre staff consistently rise to the challenge, always flexible, adaptable and 100% committed to any task that has been set. Our team consists of a wide range of experts in a range of fields that include food and drink, robotics, augmented reality, healthcare and product design.

This is a huge honour for North West Regional College, an organisation that has a long history in delivering for businesses across the region through skills development and innovation. I have spoken with many of the clients of the centres who consistently tell me about the differences our team of experts have made to their businesses by improving productivity, innovation and creativity.

It is our privilege to work so closely with these enterprises and watch them succeed. My congratulations to our entire team on this hugely significant accolade.

Since its inception in 2015, NWRCs Business Support Centre has grown from one small office to a unique suite of five innovation centres dedicated to supporting businesses to develop skills, foster innovation and drive applied research.

The five industry-focused innovation centres are:

Food and drink innovation (Foodovation)

Healthcare and assisted living (Design Innovation for Assisted Living)

Advanced manufacturing, materials and engineering (Product Design Centre)

Augmented, virtual and extended reality (XR)

Automation, robotics and 5G technologies (industry 4.0)

Clients include Braidwater Homes, Broighter Gold and travel car seat company BubbleBum.

The centre supports in excess of 400 businesses each year on the journey from prototype and product development through applied research, skills, and workforce development.

The Queen Elizabeth Award is widely regarded as the highest national honour in further and higher education in the UK. Prizes are presented every two years following a rigorous and independent process of review. NWRC is part of the 2025 cohort of award winners which saw applications from more than 100 institutions.
A new cross-border LucidTalk poll in the North West of Ireland has revealed the latest views of the local population on future public services such as health, transport and environmental management, for those living and working across the two jurisdictions.

The poll findings were revealed by leading community relations charity Holywell Trust at its Future Relationship Conversations (FRC) conference in Derry on Wednesday (February 25 2026). The survey of people living in West Derry, West Tyrone and Donegal shows that more than two thirds (68%) of respondents think the region should be officially recognised by the UK and Irish Governments as one economic sub-region.

The poll found that:

84% believe an integrated cross-border approach to Health Services within a 'North-West Economic sub-region' would be beneficial

90% believe an integrated cross-border approach to Transport Infrastructure in the North-West Economic sub-region area would be beneficial

84% think there should be a cross-border approach to environmental and ecological management in the North-West Economic sub-region area

54% believe a harmonisation and simplification of the tax, benefits and pensions systems on both sides of the border, for the North-West Economic sub-region, would be beneficial.

Holywell Trust is a charity based in Derry with a vision for a truly inclusive shared future. Through community relations work and reconciliation initiatives, the organisation works to build understanding and foster positive relationships across Northern Ireland's diverse communities.

One of these initiatives is the Future Relationship Conversations project, supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund and Holywell core funder the Community Relations Council. Todays conference marks the successful conclusion of the programme.

Gerard Deane, Director of Holywell Trust, said: "The Future Relationship Conversations project has created a vital space for honest, respectful dialogue about our shared future. Today's conference and the LucidTalk polling give us valuable insights into how people across the North West view regional co-operation.

At Holywell Trust, we believe that building a truly inclusive shared future requires us to listen to all voices and perspectives, and this research helps us understand the hopes and concerns of our communities as we navigate these important conversations together."

Chaired by Irish Times journalist Mark Hennessy, the conference brought together experts, academics, commentators and members of the public. Writer and broadcaster Paul Gosling discussed his research examining the North West as an economic region, and Bill White from LucidTalk outlined the opinion polling results carried out in February 2026 considering this research.

READ NEXT: Limavady-born entrepreneur reveals all about trying to score in the Dragons' Den

Paul Gosling said: The LucidTalk poll shows very strong support for cross border partnerships and integration across a range of public service areas, including healthcare, transport services and ecological management programmes.

There is a noticeably strong desire amongst those in County Donegal to support community engagement with their neighbours across the border in Northern Ireland. This opinion polling has provided valuable insights into attitudes in this part of the border that policy makers in both jurisdictions may wish to take into consideration in future public service planning.

Bill White, managing director of LucidTalk, with from left, Sara Duddy, Holywell Trust programme manager, Paul Gosling, writer and researcher, Prof. Colin Harvey, QUB, Shelley Deane, ARINS, Brian Doughery, NW Cultural Partnership, and from right, Gerard Deane, Director of Holywell Trust; and Mark Hennessy, chairperson, Irish Times, at the Future Relationship Conversations held in Holywell Trust. (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

Looking more closely at the poll findings, Paul Gosling pointed out notable points of difference. For example, over 60% of those who identified as being brought up in Protestant households in Northern Irelands border counties believe the North West should not be recognised as one Economic sub-region, against the overall population surveyed, which is 68% in favour.

However, the same demographic group shows varying degrees of support in specific public service areas, such as 63% stating it would be beneficial if Transport Infrastructure in the 'North-West Economic sub-region' was integrated (against 90% of the total poll).

A section of the audience at the Future Relationship Conversations held in Holywell Trust. (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

Paul Gosling concluded: All of these insights will be important to inform future relationship conversations to reflect the needs and views of the people living and working in the North West of Ireland.
Derry has been left devastated following the tragic death of two teenagers in a road traffic collision in St Johnston.

It is understood the two young men who died are from Derry.

A third teenager was conveyed to Altnagelvin Hospital with serious injuries. He was later transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast.

The young men died after the vehicle they were travelling in collided with a lorry on Tuesday night in the Donegal village.

Shantallow Community Centre has provided a space for the friends and loved ones of the teenagers to come together in their grief.

They said: We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our local young men last night. The pain being felt across our community right now is unimaginable.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with their families and everyone who loved them.

Our Youth Wing will be open all day for friends who need somewhere safe to come together, get a bite to eat and remember their amazing friends in a safe, comfortable, loving space

We will also have qualified grief counsellors available for anyone who would like to speak to someone from 7pm tonight.

Please do not struggle alone. Reach out, call in, message us.

Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said that the death of the two young men is a profound tragedy that will affect people in communities across the North West.

The former SDLP leader said: People in communities across Derry and Donegal woke up this morning to news of this crash and the deaths of two teenagers with their whole lives ahead of them. It is such a profound tragedy and I know that it will affect families, friends and communities across the North West.

My thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost loved ones. Today and the days ahead will be unimaginably difficult. But I know that people in Derry and Donegal will offer them every possible support to get through this.

Were also thinking of the young man in hospital in Belfast today with serious injuries.

"I want to thank the emergency services for their response to a difficult situation.

Gardai are investigating the crash and I would urge anyone who was in the area last night or who may have dash camera footage that can help piece together what happened to come forward.

Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan described the young mens untimely deaths as heartbreaking.

Our thoughts are with their family,friends and everyone affected by this tragedy. Ar dheis De go raibh a n-anamacha.

Speaking at this afternoon's full meeting of Derry and Strabane District Council, the Mayor of Derry Cllr Ruairi McHugh sent his condolences to the families of the young men that died in the tragic accident on behalf of members.

Local Sinn Fein councillor Sandra Duffy expressed her condolences to the families of those killed.

The Ballyarnett councillor said: It is heartbreaking to learn that two young men have died and a third has been seriously injured in a collision in St Johnston on Tuesday night.

"My thoughts are with their families and friends, and with all those affected, at this deeply sad and difficult time.

"I also want to pay tribute to the emergency services for their efforts at the scene.

Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Paul Canning expressed his condolences to the friends and family of the teenagers and said his thoughts are with the young man in hospital.

"Its not something we wanted to be waking up to this morning, to hear the news two teenagers were killed on our roads. Condolences to their family and friends on the tragic news they received today.

"Also, thank you to the emergency services  the ambulance, fire service and all first responders who attended the scene.

Steelstown Primary School wrote on its Facebook page: "As a school community, we are heartbroken to learn of the sudden passing of two young men in our local area, and of another young man who is currently critically ill. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, their friends, and all who are grieving at this deeply difficult time.

"We are especially mindful that relatives of those affected are part of our Steelstown family, and we hold them close in our hearts.

"Out of respect for the families and the wider community, our planned coffee morning will be postponed to a later date."

Foyle Harps FC said it Shantallow is a "dark place today".

"Everyone at Foyle Harps would like to extend our sincere condolences to all those affected by the accident yesterday. Shantallow is a dark place today," the club wrote on its Facebook page.

"God bless the two boys who tragically lost their lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, young men, taken far too soon.

"Please help us pray for the young lad in hospital, hoping he pulls through and makes a full recovery."

Don Boscos FC posted: "All of our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by last night's tragic accident in Donegal. It is a sad day for our community.

"Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the two young boys who lost their lives, and we are all praying that the young lad who is currently in hospital makes a full recovery.

"We would encourage any young people affected by this heartbreaking news to go along to the Shantallow Community Centre this evening at 7pm where they will have grief counsellors in attendance, for anyone that feels that they would like to have a chat with them."

Gardai are appealing for witnesses following the fatal two-vehicle road traffic collision.

Gardai and emergency services were alerted to the collision, which occurred at around 11.15pm.

A male passenger of the car (aged in his late teens) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

A second male passenger (aged in his late teens) was conveyed to Altnagelvin Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

The R236 road is currently closed for technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators, with local diversions in place.

Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward.

Road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 10.45pm and 11.45pm on Tuesday, February 24 are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardai.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Letterkenny Garda Station on (0035374) 9167100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Two Derry teenagers who tragically died following a crash in Donegal, have been named locally.

Daniel Cullen and Caoimhin Porter, both aged 18 where from the Shantallow area of the city, died after the vehicle they were travelling collided with a lorry in St Johnston on Tuesday night.

The driver of the car was brought to Altnagelvin Hospital with serious injuries and later brought to Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast.

It is believed the three friends were returning to Derry via Lifford and St Johnston after a trip to the Asda store in Strabane when the collision occurred.

Gardai say no other injuries were reported.

Qualified grief counsellors will be available for anyone who would like to speak to someone from 7pm at Shantallow Community Centre.

Derry priest Fr Michael Canny met with the families of two of the young men and said the relatives and friends of the young men are utterly devastated and in a state of shock.

"At this time, Fr Canny said. our thoughts and the thoughts of most of the people in the city are with the families who are totally devastated to have received this news last night.

"This is a close knit community that sticks together, but nevertheless their lives are now going to be changed forever. We also pray for the young man in hospital.

"Their family and their friends are in total shock.

Foyle MP Colum Eastwood described the crash as a profound tragedy that will affect families, friends and communities across the North West.

The former SDLP leader said: People in communities across Derry and Donegal woke up this morning to news of this crash, and the deaths of two teenagers with their whole lives ahead of them.

Today and the days ahead will be unimaginably difficult. But I know that people in Derry and Donegal will offer them every possible support to get through this.

Were also thinking of the young man in hospital in Belfast today with serious injuries.

Local Sinn Fein councillor Sandra Duffy expressed her condolences to the families of those killed and injured in the accident.

My thoughts are with their families and friends, and with all those affected, at this deeply sad and difficult time.

I also want to pay tribute to the emergency services for their efforts at the scene," Cllr Duffy said.

Post-mortem examinations are due to take place and the coroner has been notified.

The area is being examined by forensic investigators and the road is closed.

Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward.
Marty Breslin may not have made it to the Glor Tire Semi-Finals, but his run on the most prestigious Country Music show in Ireland has given him an experience he is determined to build upon.

On last nights show, broadcast on Irish language station TG4, Marty certainly did Derry city and county proud with his lively take on Tuam Beat. Written by Co Galway songwriter Padraig Stevens, the song has also been covered by Christy Moore and Michael English.

Marty, along with fellow Northern Irish contestants, Maeve Farrell and Jordan McPolin from Co Down and Ryan Lynch from Tyrone, were competing for the last Semi-Final place on Glor Tire. In the end, Marty lost out to Jordan, who is the sole remaining Northern Irish contestant in this years competition.

Glor Tire is regarded as the most prestigious platform on Irish television for emerging and established Country Music artists, and is one of the few programmes produced in the Republic of Ireland that enjoys a dedicated audience in Northern Ireland.

For Marty, the experience of just being on the show has been of enormous benefit, raising his profile and encouraging him to take his emerging Country career to the next level.

READ NEXT: IN PICTURES: Off to the races with Steelstown Brian Ogs at The Cosh

My dream was to get on Glor Tire, he says. It's an experience which has been amazing. It's gonna stay with me. I got great support from so many people across Derry and Donegal, and I hope I did them proud. Glor Tire is a platform where I was able to showcase my voice on national television.

I now want to push on a wee bit more with the music, start playing more venues, social dances, concerts, and show more of what I am like. And I know it won't end, it'll continue on regardless, as I believe if I keep pushing and pushing, I'm gonna move forward.
PTCLs Ufone and China Mobile Pakistan (CMPak, a.k.a. Zong 4G) have reportedly deposited pre-bids of US$15 million each to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to participate in its upcoming 5G spectrum auction.

According to a report from Business Recorder on Tuesday, citing informed sources, both telcos submitted their pre-bid deposits ahead of the PTAs February 27 deadline for submission. The deposit is required to qualify for the auction.

The report also said that Veon-owned Jazz is also expected to submit its US$15 million deposit by the deadline.

According to a government directive published in January, a total of 597 MHz of 5G spectrum is up for grabs in the 700 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands.

The 5G auction, originally scheduled for this Thursday, is now set to happen March 10, the report added. The auction has been delayed for years due to a variety of factors, to include waiting for the merger between PTCL and Telenor Pakistan to be completed, which finally came to pass at the start of this year.

The PTA has said it will only consider the auction a success if it unloads at least half of the spectrum on the block, or 300 MHz, the report said.

The PTA is also hoping to rake in over US$634 million from the auction, depending on the level of competition and final price discovery during the bidding process, the report added.

That said, there have been concerns over the financial viability of rolling out 5G too quickly. The PTA directive requires telcos to roll out 1,000 new sites per year and upgrade 10% of their existing towers to 5G in the first year. The directive also requires telcos to invest US$150 million to US$200 million annually, not including the spectrum fee.

Even so, telcos have been making plans for 5G. Zong has recently been prepping on the device front, having signed an MoU with ZTE and its authorised local distributor Siccotel in January to deliver affordable 5G smartphones to Pakistan. Earlier this month, the telco also announced a strategic partnership with Samsung for its Galaxy S26 Series of 5G devices, which launched globally today.
Pan-African infrastructure and services group Axian says it has secured a Decentralised Digital Financial Institution (DFI) license from the Central Bank of Comoros, enabling the creation of a newly established regulated entity operating under a prudential supervisory framework.

This, says the company, represents a significant step in its digibank and fintech strategy and forms part of the groups broader pan-African ambition to design and scale secure, interoperable and universally accessible digital financial solutions.

Across its markets, Axian says it is committed to empowering individuals, entrepreneurs and businesses by strengthening access to formal financial services that support life journeys and economic growth.

While Axian already has an established presence in mobile financial services through MVola, a company specialising in mobile payment solutions, the company explains that the newly licensed institution operates as a distinct regulated entity under the supervision of the Central Bank of Comoros.

It will, it says, comply fully with all applicable prudential, governance and regulatory requirements, complementing the existing financial system and reinforcing the countrys financial infrastructure.

This initiative is part of the Comoros Central Bank's drive to promote financial inclusion and modernise the national financial system.

From launch, the institution will introduce core digital credit solutions, including nano and micro-loans, accessible directly via mobile phones. This means that an individual or a farmer in Anjouan will be able to access a nano-loan directly from their mobile phone, without the need to travel to a bank branch.

Additional products will be introduced progressively under a measured development roadmap, ensuring responsible growth aligned with customer needs and regulatory standards.

The licence strengthens Axians ability to combine mobile distribution capabilities with regulated financial activities within a single compliant framework. By leveraging the reach of MVola and the Groups broader digital ecosystem, Axian can extend access to formal financial services beyond the physical footprint of traditional banking and microfinance networks.
Bahrain-headquartered technology company Beyon Group has been selection by the Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects (KAPP) as the winning investor for the Fixed Telecommunications Network Development Project in Kuwait.

The announcement marks the next phase in preparations to establish a project company under a 50-year public private partnership (PPP) agreement whereby Beyon will design, finance, build, operate and maintain Kuwaits nationwide, high-speed fibre broadband network with a total investment exceeding US$2.8 billion over the lifetime of the agreement.

KAPP, a governmental institution responsible for the countrys PPP programme, will hold a 60% stake in the project company to be established for the project while Beyon will retain a 40% stake. Once the project is fully operational, KAPP will IPO a portion of the shares to be subscribed by Kuwaiti citizens.

The project is described as a significant national infrastructure programme through which the partnership aims to deliver a nationwide high-speed fibre network reaching 90% of Kuwaits available plots.

The network will support 10Gbps symmetrical connectivity in accordance with the PPP requirements, ensuring resilient, future-ready digital capacity for households, enterprises, and government entities.

This initiative will form the backbone of Kuwaits digital transformation strategy and will contribute to a key pillar of Kuwait Vision 2035, which aims to transform Kuwait into a regional financial and trade hub.

Beyon says its submission was strengthened by its proven experience in large-scale fibre deployment across multiple markets, including Bahrain, Jordan, the Maldives, and the UKs Channel Islands.

A key component of the bid, it adds, was its experience in structural separation of Batelco by Beyon, a digital solutions and telecommunications provider, and the establishment of Bahrain Network (BNET), owner of the fibre-based national broadband network in Bahrain, as a standalone wholesale entity in the Kingdom of Bahrain. That transformation, says the Group, demonstrates its ability to execute complex brownfield transitions, system migrations, and regulatory compliance programmes while maintaining uninterrupted service continuity.

Andrew Kvaalseth, CEO of Beyon Group, explains: Our digital-first operating model, strong go-to-market readiness, and proven retail and wholesale track record were key differentiators in the tender process. In addition, our experience from the structural separation of BNET as a standalone entity has provided us with practical insight into managing large-scale fibre infrastructure under a national regulatory framework.
Hayo, a global digital service provider, says it has expanded its footprint in Francophone Africa with on-the-ground presence in Senegal.

The addition of Senegal, says Hayo, strengthens its West African footprint to meet growing digital demand from local service providers, enterprises and government entities, joining its existing presence in Niger, Liberia, Ghana and Cameroon.

Hayo has over three decades of experience in more than 30 African markets, combining communications, govtech and other digital solutions across communications, compliance & taxation, security, and IoT & RDS to drive local digital economies. The expansion into Senegal, says Hayo, marks another step in its long-term strategy to deepen its footprint across Francophone Africa and accelerate digital and economic growth.

The company adds that it has hired Abdoulaye Dabo, Senior Partnership and Strategy Manager, to support French-speaking markets in West Africa. Abdoulaye Dabo has almost a decade of telecoms experience in Africa, including roles at Airtel, LAfrica Mobile and other regional service providers.

He will drive Hayo's growth across Francophone West Africa, identifying new opportunities and building strategic collaborations across the region, while leading the cross-functional delivery of voice, data, and CPaaS solutions.

Hayo points out that more than 60% of the worlds daily French speakers now live in Africa, and this is expected to rise to nearly 85% by 2050 according to the International Organisation of the Francophonie (OIF). Francophone Africa is also home to some of the fastest-growing digital markets on the continent, with accelerating demand for networking, technologies and communications solutions.

This hasnt been the only news from Hayo lately. As we reported earlier this month, Nigers Zamani Telecom has signed a partnership agreement with Hayo covering A2P monetisation and SMS firewall solutions.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 series is finally here, and while you are reading this, Ive already had the chance to spend some quality time with the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Now, this isnt the full review; that will happen after we put it through its paces at the Digit Test Labs. But even in the short window I had with it, a few things became very clear. So, we all know that the Ultra has always been Samsungs no holds barred flagship. It has the biggest display, best cameras, top-end specs and you know the drill. This year, Samsung is calling the S26 series its third-generation AI phones. Thats a big claim. Still, once you put the marketing aside and just use the Ultra, what stands out is how refined it feels. Of course, the changes are subtle, but they become clearer the more time you spend with it. Lets dive in.

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Design and build

The first thing I noticed (before I talk about the Privacy Display) was the weight. On paper, the S26 Ultra should be around 15 grams lighter than the S25 Ultra. But when you hold it in hand, the difference feels more obvious than the number suggests. The titanium frame is gone. Samsung has gone back to aluminium and glass. Personally, I dont mind this at all. The phones frame looks visibly similar and it feels lighter and slightly more balanced. Aluminium should also help with better heat dissipation, which is important for a performance-focused device.

And yes, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is still big, no second thoughts around that. You get a 6.9-inch QHD+ LTPO AMOLED display with a 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate. Its edge-to-edge and very sharp. Classic Ultra. But somehow, and maybe it could be just me, it feels a bit more manageable this time.

Also read: Marvels Wolverine release date confirmed: Check price, eligible console, pre-order details and other leaks

As for colours, I saw the finishes in the product film and spent time with the Violet unit. The White, to me, looks the most royal. The Violet in certain lighting almost looks like a stealthy grey shade, which I quite liked. It is subtle and mature rather than flashy. The phone also comes in black and blue, along with Samsungs website exclusive shades: pink and silver.

Privacy Display

One feature that genuinely surprised me on the Galaxy S26 Ultra is the new Privacy Display and its a big one. Now, before testing it, I actually thought it was going to be a marketing gimmick, but trust me, this is something you need to see in person to fully understand. Samsung says it works at a pixel and light dispersion level. In simple terms, it restricts viewing angles when turned on. In simpler terms, no one around you will be able to make out whats on your phones screen.

So, naturally, I tested it for myself by tilting the phone side to side and I also tested it with people standing next to me. From the side, the screen becomes very hard to read. Straight on, it looks normal. I am someone who is always aware of people peeping into my screen in public places. In the office, in public spaces, in cafes, etc. And this feature solves that anxiety in a very practical way. I dont know how aggressively Samsung will market this, but to me, Privacy Display is a solid and genuinely useful addition.

Performance and AI

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy. Samsung claims a 19% faster CPU and 39% better NPU compared to the previous generation. We have already seen what the 8 Elite and now the 8 Elite Gen 5 version can do in other phones. The jump is noticeable.

In my short time with the device, everything felt smooth. The stock apps and then some other pre-loaded ones launched quickly, animations were buttery smooth, and there were no signs of lag and stutters. Of course, real performance numbers will come after lab testing. What I am most curious about is how much faster this feels compared to the S25 Ultra in gaming, sustained workloads and day to day stuff.

The vapour chamber cooling system has also been redesigned and is now larger. I didnt catch the exact number, but Samsung does say that the heat now spreads more efficiently across the frame. That is something we will test properly, but on paper it makes sense, especially with an aluminium build.

On the AI side, features like Photo Assist and Now Nudge caught my attention. I am quite excited to test Photo Assist in detail. The idea of describing edits, changing lighting conditions, or removing objects with simple prompts sounds promising. I did not get enough time to properly test Now Nudge, which is meant to proactively surface suggestions based on what you are doing. That is something I am looking forward to exploring in daily use.

Cameras

The camera setup remains very Ultra. The Galaxy S26 Ultra features a 200MP primary camera, a 50MP ultra-wide, a 10MP 3x telephoto, and a 50MP 5x telephoto. There is also a 12MP selfie camera.

I did try the night mode in a controlled dark booth. The results were quite nice. Images looked bright without being overly artificial. If history is anything to go by, Samsungs processing is usually reliable in both daylight and low light. The improvements in light capture on the main and 5x cameras should help further, but well need more time to judge consistency.

Battery and charging

The battery on the Galaxy S26 Ultra remains at 5,000 mAh, but wired charging is now 60W. Samsung claims 0 to 75% in about 30 minutes. Wireless charging goes up to 25W, and reverse wireless charging is also present. On paper, this brings it closer to what rivals have been offering.

Galaxy S26 Ultra: First impression

The Galaxy S26 Ultra has left a very positive first impression and I cant wait to test the phone thoroughly. To give you perspective, it feels like Samsung has tightened the screws on something that was already working. The S26 Ultra is lighter in the hand, a bit more comfortable to hold, and more refined overall. And then theres Privacy Display, which is not just a spec sheet addition. Its one of those features you will actually notice and appreciate in daily use.

Performance should likely be a strong point, especially with the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, and the cameras, given Samsungs track record, should deliver. The AI additions also seem thoughtful, given how many of those features youd actually use in daily life.

The real test, of course, is how all of this holds up once the novelty wears off and the phone goes through proper testing at the Digit Test Labs. For now, though, the S26 Ultra leaves me curious, and thats always a good place to start.

Also read: Best smart rings to buy in India
For more than a decade, phone privacy has meant accepting a compromise. Either you let your messages glow freely for any eavesdropper sitting next to you on the metro, or you slap a privacy tempered glass on your screen and live with the dull, slightly muddy look of a permanently filtered display. These third-party filters, while effective at blocking side views, typically come at the cost of dimmed brightness, grainy textures, and permanent colour distortion. With the launch of the Galaxy S26 Ultra (starting at Rs 1,39,999), Samsung is attempting to break this compromise so youre unbothered by the idea of a peeping Tom casually scanning a banking OTP. Instead of adding a privacy layer on top of the screen, it has built one into the OLED panel itself.

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Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra with Privacy Display, 200MP camera and 60W charging launched in India: Check price and specs

How It Likely Works

The traditional privacy tempered glass relies on light-blocking layers. It embeds microscopic vertical structures inside the film. Think of them as tiny blinds. Light travelling straight ahead passes through. Light travelling at wider angles gets blocked.

While they secure the screen, the effect is permanent; even when you are alone in your living room, your screen remains dim and the viewing angles are restricted.

The S26 Ultras approach is fundamentally different. Samsung describes it as privacy at the pixel level. Marketing language aside, what that really means is that the display itself changes how it emits light when privacy mode is activated.

What that means is that this isnt a stick-on filter, but a switchable optical system embedded inside the OLED stack.

Whats Actually Happening Inside

Unlike LCDs, which can manipulate a backlight, OLED pixels are self-emissive. Theres no backlight to manipulate, which makes this harder. Samsung demoed its Flex Magic Pixel technology at MWC 2024 and the Privacy Display on S26 Ultra is its coming of age.

According to Ice Universe, the S26 Ultra uses two optical gates embedded in the display stack.

A standard OLED spreads light broadly in a wide cone. This is known as Lambertian emission. Its why OLED panels look good from almost any angle. To block a snoop sitting at an angle, you need to compress that cone into something narrower and forward-facing.

In the S26 Ultras inactive state, the liquid crystal layer above the diffraction structure has matching refractive indices with the surrounding materials. Light passes through normally. The panel behaves like a standard AMOLED.

When privacy mode is activated, voltage reorients the liquid crystal molecules. That changes the refractive index alignment. Wide-angle light is redirected or diffracted away from its original path. Its no longer travelling cleanly toward the edges of the display.

That redirected light then hits a secondary layer made up of micro-prism structures. Light arriving at extreme angles fails to escape the surface and reflects back into the panel through total internal reflection. In simple terms, it doesnt make it out to the person trying to snoop from the side.

Meanwhile, light travelling straight toward you passes through the central geometry of the prism structure and exits in a compressed, forward-facing beam. The viewing cone shrinks.

The result is a display that looks normal from the front and noticeably dimmer from the side. If Ice Universes breakdown is correct, this is not a simple film substitute. It is switchable refractive index modulation combined with directional light shaping.

Partial Screen Privacy Changes The Experience

This is where the S26 Ultra quietly pulls ahead of tempered glass. Because a physical screen protector covers the entire glass, it is an all-or-nothing solution.

Samsungs hardware-level integration allows the device to limit viewing angles on specific regions of the screen. For example:

Narrow viewing angles only for the keyboard during password entry

Shield notification banners while the rest of the screen remains visible

Automatically trigger privacy mode when a sensitive app opens

Allow users to adjust the intensity of the effect

Most of the time, you dont need maximum privacy. You just need the part of your screen containing sensitive information to stop broadcasting itself. Thats something tempered glass simply cannot do.

Is It Truly Invisible From The Side?

Lets be realistic. Despite the marketing narrative, Samsungs technical documentation includes necessary caveats. The Privacy Screen system narrows the viewing cone. It does not make your screen disappear.

At high brightness levels in a dark room, some light leakage will still occur. A determined eavesdropper at the right angle may catch glimpses. Samsung itself acknowledges that hat some information may still be visible depending on the viewing environment, such as ambient light levels and viewing position.

Thats physics. It is an exercise in optical narrowing, reducing the cone of legibility rather than achieving a total blackout from the side.

In practice, this means the S26 Ultra reduces casual snooping significantly. It does not defeat someone deliberately trying to spy from two inches away.

What About Brightness And Battery?

The impact on battery life remains a point of interest. While Samsung claims the power draw is minimal, physics dictates that reshaping light emission requires precise energy management.

However, by using Colour Filter on Encapsulation (CoE) technology, which improves light transmittance and removes the traditional polariser, it increases transmittance and may offset some losses introduced by the privacy layer.

Still, if you leave privacy mode on all day, you will consume slightly more power than in standard mode. Theres no free light manipulation. Most people wont care, but some might notice.

Privacy Glass vs Integrated Privacy

A privacy tempered glass permanently reduces brightness and clarity but costs very little.

The S26 Ultras integrated system preserves full display quality when disabled, activates only when needed, and offers localised control. It also adds complexity, potential battery cost, and exists only on the most expensive model.

If youve always hated how privacy films dull your screen, this is a meaningful improvement.

If youve never used one and dont worry about onlookers in public spaces, this feature alone wont justify an Ultra purchase.

Feature Privacy Tempered Glass Galaxy S26 Ultra Privacy Display Always On Yes No Brightness Loss Permanent Likely minimal Color Distortion Common Not when off Toggle No Yes App-Based Trigger No Yes Partial Screen Control No Yes Thickness Impact Adds layer Integrated AI Integration No Yes

Should Privacy Be Ultra-Exclusive?

While the technology is a milestone for mobile OLEDs, its rollout remains exclusive to the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Privacy is not a luxury concern and it affects everyone from commuters to students to office workers. Yet Samsungs decision to limit this hardware to the S26 Ultra raises a pertinent question on the democratisation of privacy.

There might be manufacturing constraints or deliberate product segmentation. Specialised OLED stacks are anyway expensive and harder to produce and yield rates may not support mass rollout yet.

But when a company such as Samsung positions privacy as a core value, locking its most visible privacy feature behind the highest price tier raises eyebrows. Whether this technology eventually scales down to the standard S26 and S26+ models will likely depend on the manufacturing yields of these specialised OLED stacks. If it doesnt, it starts to look like privacy has a price bracket.

Sure, it is a practical innovation that addresses a real-world problem, but its ultimate success will depend on whether the pixel-level protection eventually meets a wallet-level reality for the broader market.

Read More: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra launched: Heres whats new over Galaxy S25 Ultra
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said last month that the AI firm would slow down hiring to avoid the wave of layoffs seen across the tech industry. However, new federal filings show that the company is still expanding its workforce, and offering some of the highest salaries in the market. The companys newest big-name hire- OpenClaw creator Peter Steinberger- is yet another sign that the battle for top AI talent is far from over.

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The federal filings also provide a window into how much OpenAI pays for key roles. But, the filings only reveal base salaries and do not include stock awards or bonuses. Heres a closer look of base salaries at OpenAI across different roles, based on H-1B data from the past four quarters (via Business Insider).

Also read: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, S26 Plus, S26 launch today: India Timing, livestream and what to expect

AI researcher salaries

Member of Intelligence & Investigations Staff: $320,000 to $382,500

Member of Technical Staff (AI Systems Engineer): $245,000 to $460,000

Member of Technical Staff (Research & AI Systems): $310,000 to $460,000

Member of Technical Staff (Research Engineer): $210,000 to $460,000

Member of Technical Staff (Research Scientist): $245,000 to $685,000

Research scientists sit as the highest-paid employees, with some base salaries reaching as high as $685,000.

Engineer and data scientist salaries

Member of Data Science Staff: $188,885 to $405,000

Member of Technical Staff (Data Science): $255,000 to $490,000

Member of Technical Staff (Hardware Engineer): $250,000 to $555,000

Member of Technical Staff (Security Engineer): $310,000 to $325,000

Member of Technical Staff (Software Developer): $325,000

Member of Technical Staff (Software Engineer): $170,000 to $490,000

Also read: OpenAI wins over Elon Musks xAI as judge dismisses trade secrets lawsuit

Product, program, and design staff salaries

Member of Design Staff: $245,000 to $310,000

Member of Product Staff (Product Management): $210,000 to $325,000

Member of Program Staff: $150,000 to $355,000

Non-engineering technical roles also command strong salaries, especially in product management.

Sales and operations staff salaries

Member of Finance Staff: $240,000 to $260,000

Member of Go To Market Staff: $180,000 to $290,000

Member of Go To Market Staff (Customer Success): $165,000 to $240,000

Member of Go To Market Staff (Forward Deployed Engineer): $220,000

Member of Go To Market Staff (Support Engineer): $235,000

Member of Support and Community Staff: $180,000 to $235,000
Samsung is all set to host its Galaxy Unpacked 2026 tonight, where the company will unveil its next flagship smartphone lineup, the Galaxy S26 series. The new lineup will likely include three models: Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus and Galaxy S26 Ultra. While the tech giant has not officially revealed the specifications yet, several leaks and reports have already hinted at what users can expect. Alongside the smartphones, the company is also rumoured to launch new Galaxy Buds. Below is everything you need to know, including how to watch the Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event live, what to expect and more.

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Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026: How to watch the event live

The Samsung Galaxy S26 series is all set to be launched tonight, on February 25, at the Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event in San Francisco. Indian viewers can tune in to the livestream at 11:30 PM IST. The event will be streamed live on Samsungs official website and its YouTube channel.

Also read: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs S25 Ultra vs S24 Ultra: What upgrades to expect from this years flagship

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026: What to expect

The biggest highlight of the Unpacked 2026 event will be the Galaxy S26 lineup. The lineup is expected to include the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy S26 Plus, and the standard Galaxy S26.

All three models will ship with the One UI 8.5 update, according to the product page. Under the hood, the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Plus are tipped to be powered by an Exynos chipset, while the top-end Galaxy S26 Ultra is likely to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor.

Also read: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, S26 Plus, S26 to launch on Feb 25: Heres how much they may cost in India

Apart from smartphones, the company may introduce the Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. However, the main focus of the event is expected to remain on the Galaxy S26 series and Samsungs push toward AI-driven smartphones.

Also read: Best Phones Under 30000
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Enoch Burkes sister and mother will find out next week if they are to be sent to prison or fined for contempt of court.

Martina and Ammi Burke appeared in the High Court in Dublin on Wednesday after they were removed from the same court during a hearing on Friday.

That hearing was in relation to a temporary injunction Mr Burke had sought against a Disciplinary Appeals Panel (DAP) body that was reviewing the decision to dismiss him from Wilsons Hospital School.

Mr Burke had himself had been removed from the same court earlier in the day and returned to Mountjoy Prison.

On Wednesday, Mr Justice Brian Cregan told the two women they could make submissions in their defence and warned them they could face prison or fines if he found them in contempt of court.

He said they had been shouting and roaring during the hearing on Friday, refused to sit down and interrupted Rosemary Mallon, the barrister representing the bord of Wilsons Hospital School

During her heated speech, Martina Burke shouted, hit the desk on front of her and waved a copy of the Irish constitution at the bench.

She described her son as an upright, genuine, sincere, godly teacher and claimed he had been denied his constitutional rights.

She said there was blood dripping from the hands of the judiciary in relation to her sons imprisonment.

Mr Cregan responded saying: You know perfectly well he is not in prison for his beliefs, he is in prison for trespass.

Adding: he would not be in prison for a single day if he had protested outside the school gates.

Ammi Burke said she wont sit silently by while my brothers constitutional rights are being denied.

Mr Cregan said to her, as a solicitor, she should know it is completely unacceptable to interfere with court proceedings and you know perfectly well the rules of representation.

Six members of the Burke family were in court for the hearing, with Enoch Burke watching on via video link.

Mr Cregan said he would deliver his ruling on the matter next Wednesday.

The long-running legal dispute between the board of management of the Co Westmeath school and Mr Burke stems from incidents over a request in 2022 from the schools then-principal to address a student by a new name and pronoun.

Mr Burke, an Evangelical Christian who taught German and history at the school, has repeatedly argued that the direction was unconstitutional and went against his right to express his religious beliefs.

He has been imprisoned at Mountjoy Prison over contempt of court relating to breaches of orders not to trespass at the school.
There is loads happening in Toales Rock Bar and Live Venue in Dundalk again this week.



Thursday 26th February - Fireside Sessions presents RORY SHAUN + Kevin Culley - Show starts 9pm. Free admission.

Dundalks much-loved Fireside Sessions returns to Toales on Thursday 26 February with another evening of intimate, original music.

The free show begins at 9pm and features Rory Shaun alongside Kevin Culley.

Fireside Sessions has become a regular fixture in the towns live calendar, offering a relaxed, attentive setting that places the focus firmly on songwriting and connection.

READ NEXT: Artist Ilona Cigirova set to launch her exhibition in Dundalk's Downtown Hub

Set against the warm backdrop of Toales cosy room, the series continues to champion emerging and established local voices alike.

Rory Shaun headlines with his emotive, alternative-tinged sound and reflective lyricism, qualities that have steadily built his reputation on the local circuit.

Support act Kevin Culley brings his own brand of acoustic sincerity to the bill, promising a complementary set rooted in strong melodies and honest storytelling.

With free admission and music from 9pm, its another inviting midweek showcase of homegrown talent in one of Dundalks most dependable live venues.

Friday 27th February - MOLLY VULPYNE BAND + INTERROBANG Double Headline / Album Launch + support B_l_a_n_d_a_d - Doors 8PM - Admission 10

Toales in Dundalk is set for a loud, fast, and forward-driving night this Friday, 27 February, as Interrobang and the Molly Vulpyne Band team up for a double headline and album launch from 8pm.

The show celebrates the upcoming releases of Rethink Everything (March 2026) from Interrobang and Houndstooth and the Hum (February 2026) from Molly Vulpyne Band.

Together, they hit the road under the banner Rethink the Hum, bringing urgency and momentum to venues nationwide.

Formed in 2012 by Dunstan Bruce and Harry Hamer of Chumbawamba with Griffin of Regular Fries, Interrobang arent here to relive punktheyre here to weaponise it.

Their self-styled agit-punk-funkstorm is angular, tense, and relentless, tackling identity, anger, relevance, and hope with no comfort of nostalgiajust forward motion.

Sharing top billing, Molly Vulpyne Band builds on the acclaim of Mollys 2024 solo EP Amortise. With Peter Jones and Jay Bagnall of Paranoid Visions, plus Tony Carberry of Lee Harveys, the band fuses anthemic bass, fierce guitar, and powerhouse vocals into something raw, dynamic, and expansive.

Live, both acts thrive on explosive chemistry and fearless genre fusion.

With two album launches, a joint tour, and a shared drive to push forward, this night underlines Toales commitment to original music in Dundalk. No frills. No looking back. Just punk energy, live and unapologetic.

No stranger to the Toales' stage, support band B_L_A_N_D_A_D are a five-piece hardcore/grunge outfit from Kildare, fusing punishing punk energy with expansive, fuzz-drenched grunge textures.

Their sound shifts between ferocious, hard-hitting breakdowns and hazy shoegaze atmospheres, delivering a set thats as chaotic as it is immersive.

Tickets on sale now at Eventbrite

Saturday 28th February - THEIR LAST STOP + Fomorian + Skellig - Doors open 8pm. Admission 10

Toales in Dundalk hosts a night of uncompromising extreme music on Saturday 28 February, as Dublin atmospheric black metal project

Their Last Stop headlines alongside Fomorian and Skellig. Doors open at 8pm, with admission priced at 10.

Blending the darkest of black metal with sweeping atmospheric passages, Their Last Stop have steadily built a reputation for crafting emotionally heavy yet melodic compositions.

Drawing comparisons to acts such as Thy Light, Agalloch, Nocturnal Depression and Ghost Bath, this Dublin quartet guides listeners through stark themes of loss and ruin, balancing intensity with a strong sense of mood and texture.

Their work was recognised by Burning Metal Ireland with a place in its Top Twenty EPs of 2023, while critics have praised the projects seamless movement between atmospheric, depressive and post-metal elements, highlighting the strength and cohesion of the songwriting.

Support on the night comes from local progressive metallers Fomorian and underground metal outfit Skellig, rounding out a bill that promises a deep dive into the darker edges of the underground metal scene.

For fans of immersive, emotionally charged black metal, this show at Toales is set to be a powerful and memorable live experience.
Louth is celebrating national recognition as the Four Seasons Hotel, Spa & Leisure Club Carlingford has been voted Best Waterside Wedding Venue at the 2026 SaveMyDay Irish Wedding Venue Awards. The win follows a landmark year for the awards, with more than 700 newlywed and engaged couples casting their votes to select their favourite venues.

The annual awards, hosted by popular wedding venue platform SaveMyDay , honour the mostloved wedding venues across the country, from intimate spaces to larger estates, with winners chosen entirely by the public for the first time.

SaveMyDay says: Nestled between Carlingford Lough and the Cooley Mountains, the Four Seasons Hotel has long been admired for its breathtaking waterfront views, exceptional hospitality, and its reputation as one of Irelands most picturesque wedding destinations. Its win reflects the continued popularity of scenic venues among couples planning their 2026 celebrations.

Shell Holden, wedding expert and coowner of SaveMyDay comments This years awards are especially meaningful because the winners were chosen directly by the people who matter most, the couples themselves. As someone who got married last year, I know first hand how important it is to find a venue that feels personal, welcoming, and true to your story. More than 700 voters shared their favourite venues, their standout moments, and the places that truly delivered for them. Its a powerful endorsement of the passion and hospitality that Irish wedding venues are known for.

Shell Holden adds: Couples in 2026 are leaning into personality-driven weddings more than ever. They want venues that feel like an extension of their story, places that offer flexibility, character, and a sense of experience.

The trends were seeing this year really resonate with me on a personal level. I got married in 2025 and we included our beautiful rescue dog, Chips, in our day. Hes since passed, so having those memories and photos is something well always treasure. Its a reminder of why dogfriendly venues matter so much to some couples.

Read Next: Man (35) carried out three muggings on the same night in Dundalk

We also chose a restaurant wedding because exceptional food and an intimate atmosphere felt true to us, and as a sustainabilitydriven couple, it was important that our venue aligned with our values. More and more couples are making choices that reflect who they are, and Irelands venues are rising to meet that with heart.

All the award-winning wedding venues and many more are featured on SaveMyDay.ie, where couples can connect with any of the venues and enquire for free about their upcoming nuptials.
Fianna Fail TD for Louth Erin McGreehan has told Taoiseach Micheal Martin that the British-Irish council presents opportunities for the county.

Deputy McGreehan was addressing a Dail discussion on the Taoiseach's visit to the British-Irish Council summit in early December.

She said the annual summit presents "local opportunities, particularly in County Louth".

The Fianna Fail TD said it would give Louth the chance to "enhance our Irish language, arts and music between communities".

She used the example of the Omeath District Development project, which she said is "doing incredible work unveiling and celebrating our last Gaelic speakers in north Louth".

"The last native speaker was Anne O'Hanlon who died in 1960. She was from Lislea in Omeath," she said.

Deputy McGreehan said stories like that "need to be celebrate stories like that and celebrate our Irish language".

"There is an opportunity, particularly when we look at cross-Border co-operation and our history with the flight of the Fadgies from Omeath to west Belfast. There are cultural opportunities that we need to focus on cross-Border and between our two islands," she said.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the Louth TD's point was "very interesting" however, he said the British-Irish Council is structured around "three pillars namely climate and decarbonisation, culture and heritage, and economic and social inclusion.

The Taoiseach referred Deputy McGreehan to a shared island initiative called 'Shared Home Place'.

Read Next: Planning granted for new retail at Caroll Village in Dundalk

The initiative was first launched by the Taoiseach in late 2025. The initiative includes a focus on languages and cultural heritage such as the arts, music and literature across the island.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Louth County Council have been encouraged work towards increasing its disability employment targets.

It comes after Labour councillor for Drogheda Pio Smith tabled a motion at the February meeting of Louth County Council calling on the local authority to recognise people with disabilities "remain under-represented in public-sector employment".

Cllr Smith also said the current 6% disability employment target "lacks ambition" and should be treated as a "minimum baseline". He called on Louth County Council to work towards targets of 8% in 2027 and 10% by 2030.

Read Next: Louth in 'big trouble' with dog poo as DNA database proposed

In a written reply, Joanna Kelly, Director of Services with Louth County Council while it is noted that people with disabilities are under-represented in the public-sector, the council promotes an inclusive and accessible workplace.

She said Louth County Council currently reports that 9.4% of its staff live with a disability, which is "significantly above the statutory baseline and the national average across the sector of 6%".

However, Ms Kelly pointed out that elected members cannot set "binding staffing targets or direct recruitment outcomes", and that it down to the Chief Executive.

Cllr Smith called for the motion to be forwarded to the relevant Government ministers, the National Disability Authority, and the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.

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.

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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.
The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) is inviting people across Louth to put the kettle on and host a tea party this March as part of its annual Drink Tea for MND campaign, one of the charitys biggest fundraising events of the year.

Supporters are encouraged to sign up at www.drinkteaformnd.ie and host a tea party, big or small, during March or any time that suits them. Every cup shared will help raise vital funds to support more than 470 families in Ireland currently living with Motor Neurone Disease.

This years campaign ambassador is Lorraine Kelly Donnelly (51) from Garristown, North County Dublin, who was diagnosed with MND in July 2025. Lorraine, a wife to Cormac and Mum to Simon (18) and Dylan (14), is sharing her story to encourage others to get involved.

On the 30th of July 2025 our lives changed forever, Lorraine said. Finding out that I had Motor Neurone Disease had a devastating effect on all of us. It was not the news we were expecting and there is still so much we dont know about what lies ahead. But we are taking one day at a time.

Lorraine describes the immense support she has received from both the IMNDA and from the MND team in Beaumont Hospital since her diagnosis.

The support and guidance have been invaluable to me and my family. I am determined to keep living my life; going to rugby matches with my younger son, gigs with my older son and my sisters, and continuing to work. I will continue to fight MND for as long as I can. I have a lot to live for and I will never give up.

Lorraine, who works in Supply Chain in the Biopharma sector, has also volunteered for clinical trials. If I can help in any small way to understand this illness more, and support even one person in the future, it will be worthwhile, she said.

This year, the campaign is also shining a light on the vital role of IMNDAs specialist neurology nurses, who provide expert care and practical support to families in their homes across Ireland.

Charlene, a specialist neurology nurse for the IMNDA supporting patients in Donegal and surrounding counties, sees firsthand the impact of community fundraising.

Every day I travel to help care for people and families living with MND and I see exactly how much a cup of tea can really mean and the comfort it can bring.

MND is a difficult, life-limiting disease, and it can all happen so fast. One day and one diagnosis, and everything changes. As nurses visiting people in their homes, we see the impact this has on families. But because of the publics support, we can be there. That means providing regular home visits, care, and guidance when its needed most.

Funds raised through Drink Tea for MND help ensure families across Ireland have access to specialist nursing care, practical supports, equipment, advocacy services and guidance at every stage of their journey.

Read Next: 200 new jobs on the way for Dundalk

How to get involved: Hosting a Drink Tea for MND event is simple:

Sign up at www.drinkteaformnd.ie

Choose a date in March (or shortly after)

Invite friends, family, neighbours or colleagues

Put the kettle on, share some treats, and ask for a donation

Whether its a kitchen table gathering, a school bake sale, an office tea break, or a community event, every event makes a difference.

Lorraine sums up the impact of campaigns like this one: If youre thinking about hosting a tea party, please do it. Your support means families like mine dont have to face this alone.

To register or learn more, visit www.drinkteaformnd.ie.
When you launch a new version of your best-selling model here in Ireland, its a big thing. Its an even bigger thing when you also launch another important model at exactly the same time. Thats what Citroen did last week when they invited me to the launch of their two all-new new Aircross models, the C5 and the C3. Both benefit hugely from Citroens current design language and those rear lights on the C5 Aircross are simply begging to be copied.

The C5 Aircross is their best seller and you wont be surprised that its an SUV. I have a soft spot for the C5 Aircross, as it was always a very comfortable car in a sector that does not have the physical conditions to deliver a dynamic and comfortable ride. This new C5 Aircross takes it to even higher levels again. As my personal mileage increases comfort and quietness are traits in a car I prize and the levels on offer here are incredible.

On the motorway and back roads to get to Kilkea Castle the C5 Aircross showed just how good at doing that is possible. Citroen s Magic Carpet claim is delivered to the letter. This is exalted territory and if you have these as top requirements then prepare to be smitten. The C5 Aircross comes in three trims, all-electric and hybrid powerplants with pricing starting from at an eye-catching 39,300

The smaller C3 Aircross is also welcome and overdue as sales of it dried up last year probably in anticipation of the new model. The most notable things about the new model are that it has grown by 230mm and because of that it allows Citroen to offer a 7-seater model for the first time. I tried them and would happily sit in the third row for an hour or two. In the flesh you really notice how it has swelled and it is quite an imposing car for the sector it finds itself in.

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The 5-seater version is available with petrol, hybrid and an all-electric drivetrains with the 7-seater unavailable as an all-electric that is contra to the flow towards everything electric. All C3 Aircross models have Citroens Advanced Comfort suspension, automatic air conditioning, 10.25 inch touchscreen with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, cruise control, rear parking sensors with reversing camera and 17'' diamond-cut alloy wheels as standard. And amazingly, Citroen can do all this for an asking price of just 27,790 for the 5-seater and 28,990 for the 7-seater. A lot of young and growing families are going to be very pleased by that.

Both Aircross models reassuringly come with Citroens 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, 3 years roadside assistance and free home charger for electric and plug-in hybrid models.

Full reviews of both cars very soon here in Dundalk Democrat Motoring.
The Taoiseach has unequivocally apologised to the survivors of childhood abuse at industrial and reformatory schools in Ireland.

Micheal Martin issued the apology in the Dail on behalf of the Government, the State, and all the citizens of the State for the profound sorrow for the terrible pain and abuse suffered.

Addressing survivors, he said: What you endured on a daily basis as innocent children was harrowing, heartbreaking and wrong.

He added: As a country and as a government, we recognised that too many of our children were denied the love, care and security that should have been theirs.

Abuse ruined their childhoods and was, and remains, an ever-present part of their adult lives, reminding them of a time when they were without support or protection.

Four survivors of abuse, Mary Donovan, Mary Dunlevy Greene, Miriam Moriarty Owens and Maurice Patton OConnell, who were sitting in the Distinguished Visitors Gallery, received a round of applause ahead of the apology.

They had staged a hunger strike outside Leinster House to highlight ongoing issues they face because of their abuse.

Addressing the Dail, he said meeting the group had brought home the deep personal toll abuse in State institutions has taken on the lives of survivors.

Micheal Martin reiterated a 1999 state apology, saying it was a sincere and long overdue apology to the victims of childhood abuse for our collective failure to intervene, to detect their pain and to come to their rescue.

He outlined measures taken by successive governments to deal with historic abuse and prevent further instances.

The Taoiseach also said the protest group had raised concerns about the adequacy of new supports approved by the government in 2023.

Following a mediation process, he said, the government has agreed to provide further improvements to these services.

He said: These include strengthened access to health services for survivors of industrial and reformatory schools through appointment of dedicated health liaison officers and better access to counselling and physiotherapy services.

He added that work is already under way to put these services in place.

He said there was also an agreement to provide additional funding for education grants under the Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Act 2025 (Education Act 2025).

The Taoiseach said he recognised calls for a Contributory State Pension for this group of survivors.

He said it was a complex issue and said the group had agreed to explore ways to address this issue that would be more flexible and easier to access.

The government has approved the expansion of the education support payments and progressed measures to ensure that survivors are prioritised for social housing needs, he added.

The experiences of children who were boarded out was also raised in the apology.

Boarding out was a practice where children were fostered or raised by other families.

Mr Martin said some experienced heartbreaking exploitation, neglect and abuse within the families and communities in which they were placed.

He acknowledged: They were not raised as part of a family or given the opportunities they should have been in relation to their care and education.

We know that some were physically, emotionally, and sexually abused.

He said: I apologise on behalf of the State for the abuse and neglect that you suffered.

What happened to you was wrong, shocking and should never have happened.

Addressing the issue of criminal records, Mr Martin categorically confirmed the state did not, and does not regard individuals, by virtue of their detention in any industrial school as having committed a criminal offence, and that no criminal record is recorded against them.

He said the same was true of children detained in Industrial Schools and later transferred to Reformatory Schools solely by virtue of their detention in the Industrial School.

He added: Certificates confirming this for individual survivors can be considered on a case-by-case basis following receipt of records, including posthumously.

After the Taoiseach spoke, Simon Harris delivered his own statement, in which he said: We have heard, as we should, in this House on many occasions of the systematically cold and harsh treatment of children and the endemic culture of abuse which went unchecked in our State for far too long.

It is right that we should hear these harsh truths in this House and it is right that we should apologise for them.

In truth, we can never apologise enough for what happened.
A man has been charged with the murder of Kerry sheep farmer Michael Gaine.

Michael Kelley, 54, of no fixed abode, appeared before Tralee District Court charged with Mr Gaines murder between March 20 and 21 2025.

Mr Kelley, who is understood to be a US citizen, appeared in court wearing a rust-coloured jumper and beige trousers.

Detective Sergeant Mark OSullivan, from Killarney Garda Station, said Mr Kelley was arrested for the murder of Mr Gaine on Wednesday afternoon at Castleisland Garda Station.

He told the court he cautioned Mr Kelley, explained the reason for his arrest and said he replied that he understood.

He then charged Mr Kelley and told the court he made no reply to the charge.

Judge David Waters said, due to the nature of the charge, a bail application would need to be sought in the High Court, and remanded Mr Kelley in custody.

Solicitor for Mr Kelley Pat Mann handed in a statement of means for Mr Kelley and applied for legal aid, which was granted.

Mr Kelley is next due to appear before Tralee District court via videolink on March 4.

The case is to go to trial at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin.

Mr Gaine, 56, was last seen alive on the morning of March 20 last year when he bought phone credit in a shop in Kenmare.

After weeks of extensive searching involving Irish soldiers, the Coast Guard and the Garda water unit, Mr Gaines partial remains were found at his farm on May 16.
A Garda appeal has been launched to find two teenage girls who have gone missing from an island off the coast of Cork.

Gardai are seeking the publics assistance in tracing the whereabouts of Feya Mc Carthy (13) and Lena Mc Carthy (15) who were reported missing from Bere Island, Co Cork on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

Feya is described as being 5 foot 4 inches in height, with a slim build, blonde hair and blue eyes. Feya has her nose pierced.

Lena is described as being 5 foot 3 inches in height, with a slim build, black hair and green eyes. Lena has her ears and nose pierced.

Gardai and Feya and Lena's family are concerned for their wellbeing.



Anyone with any information on Feya and Lenas whereabouts is asked to contact either Castletownbere Garda Station on 027 70002, Bantry Garda Station on 027 20860, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

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Gardai have released photographs of the missing teenagers on social media with the posts being shared far and wide in the hopes of sightings or information resulting in their safe return home to their family in Cork.

The posts have received hundreds of shares in the short time since they were published on Wednesday evening.

Bere Island is situated 120km miles west of Cork City on the Beara Peninsula in West Cork. It is a two-hour drive from Cork City and is only accessible by ferry.

UPDATE: Gardai have confirmed Lena and Feya have both been found safe and well.
The First Home Scheme, part of the Governments new Housing Plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, has recorded a 93% increase in drawdowns in Louth in the last year.

This means the Scheme has supported 340 home purchases in the county to date, compared with 176 at the end of February 2025. Earlier this week, the Scheme announced it has supported 5,000 home purchases nationwide.

Approvals for the First Home Scheme have also risen by 89% in Louth, with 599 recorded to date, compared with 317 by the end of February 2025.

The Scheme was set up to provide funding to first-time buyers who, despite having a deposit and mortgage approval in place, still could not cover the cost of a new-build home. In exchange for providing funding, the Scheme takes an equity stake of up to 30% in the home (see editors notes below for detailed explanation of how the Scheme works).

Of the 5,000 home purchases supported since the Schemes inception in July 2022, almost four in ten (36%) have come in the last year. The Scheme has provided over 330 million in support to people who have bought or self-built their homes.

A joint application is counted as one buyer, not two  which means that approximately 8,000 people (2,000 single buyers and 3,000 joint buyers) have benefited from the Scheme to date.

Over 9,000 applicants across all 26 counties have been approved by the Scheme since 2022 and have received eligibility certificates allowing them to buy or self-build their chosen home.

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, said:

The First Home Scheme is one of our key tools in supporting people to own their own home and it is encouraging to see this significant milestone reached.

This demonstrates a continued upward demand for the Scheme. The fact that more than a third of the 5,000 homes purchased, with the support of the Scheme, took place in the last year demonstrates its growing popularity and effectiveness.

Supporting more people on their path to owning a home is a priority for me and this Government is focused on delivering more by ramping up support through our Schemes, which are supported by unprecedented levels of funding. This Government is absolutely committed to delivering on the actions set out in the new Housing Action Plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, to ensure that every person and every family has a safe and secure home with the First Home Scheme playing a significant role in this.

The First Home Scheme Chief Executive, Michael Broderick, said:

The Schemes 5,000th drawdown is a hugely significant milestone which emphasises the importance of financial support for first-time buyers at a time of acute demand for homes around the country. It is encouraging that the Scheme is growing year-on-year, with almost four in ten purchases having taken place in the last 12 months.

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The success of the First Home Scheme is dependent on a lot of hard work and support from multiple stakeholders, including our colleagues in the Department of Housing and participating lenders AIB [including Haven and EBS], Bank of Ireland and PTSB, without whom none of this could have been possible.

I am proud of the fact that, by bridging funding gaps for first-time buyers and fresh start applicants, we are making a major difference to many peoples lives by giving them an opportunity to become homeowners. We are acutely aware of the importance of home ownership in Ireland, and I am looking forward to seeing the Scheme go from strength to strength in the months and years to come.
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Last September, a group of 36 family members, relatives and friends of Down Syndrome Cork embarked on a Camino adventure to raise much-needed funds, ultimately raising a whopping 137,847.

The amount raised exceeded the wildest dreams of organisers and Debbie Kelleher of Cork Down Syndrome Field of Dreams told The Echo that Down Syndrome Cork was beyond grateful to our 36 walkers who joined the Camino adventure.

The whole event has been over a year in the making, with many fundraisers organised across Cork and beyond by the walkers and their families and friends, she said.

The DSI (Down Syndrome Ireland) slogan Share the Journey was certainly embraced by all. Many of the walkers gathered weekly to do practice walks across every corner of the county.

All walkers paid their own trips and expenses to the Camino in northern Spain and therefore all funds raised go directly towards Down Syndrome Cork Field of Dreams.

Ms Kelleher added that some of the funds raised will significantly support Down Syndrome Corks project of moving all the therapy and administration services to its Field of Dreams site in Curraheen.

A Valentines Camino celebration day was held on Saturday, February 14, at the Field of Dreams, where walkers and their families came together to celebrate the success of their fundraising, she added.

We have all made lovely new friends, shared many laughs and the odd tear and will have lifelong memories.

We especially want to thank all the non-parent walkers who gave of their time so generously to support DS Cork, Ms Kelleher said.

We want to thank our hugely generous, sponsors and communities who turned out in their droves for coffee mornings, golf events, concerts, community walks and many more.

The Camino for DS Cork Field of Dreams has not just raised an amazing amount of funds, but also helped to raise awareness of Down syndrome in our communities and beyond. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Built on a three-acre horticultural site on the Clash Road in Curraheen, the DS Cork Field of Dreams was first established in 2017 to meet the ongoing educational needs of adults with Down syndrome from across Cork city and county.

Developed by the Cork branch of DSI, the project focuses on providing days for its students that are productive, busy, meaningful, and full of fun, offering literacy and technology skills, ready-to-work training, and horticultural and cooking skills.

The vision of Field of Dreams is to provide adults with Down syndrome opportunities for ongoing learning and growth.

For some people, this will help them to move towards a life of greater independence and self-reliance, and, for others, it will help them towards paid work.

For further information, see downsyndrome cork.ie.
The lack of reliable transport to take a five-year-old boy from Mayfield to his special school in Carrigtwohill is causing huge stress, his mother has told The Echo.

Leanne Thompson said she constantly has to fight for her sons education, and a medical issue means she cannot drive him herself.

Eldon started in East Cork Community Special School in November, after several weeks of uncertainty as the school term began. There was no start date available for her son initially, due to extension works at the school.

At the end of last week, Ms Thompson received an email from the school bus service. It said that, due to operational difficulties, the route would not operate from February 23 until further notice.

A Bus Eireann spokesperson told The Echo this week: The school route in question is not in operation from February 23 due to the vehicle undergoing maintenance.

To minimise disruption, it is hoped the service will be operational from Wednesday 25th. Bus Eireann wishes to apologise to any affected parents and children. At the time, Ms Thompson had not yet been contacted by the bus company, but was told yesterday that the bus will be in operation again from today.

Eldon on his first day of school at East Cork Community Special School.

As a single parent, I have to figure out how to transport Eldon to Carrigtwohill from Mayfield, which comes with expenses and pressure. It doesnt help that I dont drive, I cant due to my seizures.

Ill be getting texts in the morning saying theres no bus today, or at 12 o clock the night before. By then I cant go ringing people asking can they drop him. His escort will text saying theyre stuck and wont make it or the bus has broken down.

I have another child in creche, so collecting both of them puts me under huge time pressure. Getting a placement so far from home has contributed to this, she said: St Killians special school is just up the hill and Cara Junior School is a three-minute walk from where I live.

Eldon loves East Cork Special School, theyre brilliant with him, he loves his teachers and is making loads of friends. But if I could get him transferred he could walk with me to school. She added that due to his late start date, he hadnt done a full school term yet, but that transportation issues were causing him to miss school.

If he was a normal child in a mainstream school missing days, Id be reported. Just because he has additional needs, it doesnt mean he should be treated differently. My two-year-old daughter isnt autistic, and she got a primary school placement just from sending in an application, but with Eldon Im constantly having to fight.
Two experts were commissioned by Cork County Council in 2024 to come up with nature-based solutions to aid flood protection projects following the Midleton floods. However  nearly 18 months on  the report has still not been published, amid ongoing concerns about flooding.

Storm Babet caused devastating floods in Midleton when it struck in October 2023 and Cork County Council and the Office of Public Works (OPW) are currently preparing the planning application for a major Midleton flood relief scheme. The scheme is likely to take more than a decade to complete, and the plans are due to be lodged next September.

A year after the destructive Midleton floods, two experts were commissioned by Cork County Council to come up with nature-based solutions to aid the planned flood protection projects.

Professor Mary Bourke from Trinity College Dublin and Paul Quinn, a senior research scientist at the James Hutton Institute in Aberdeen, were appointed to look at adopting measures in the region similar to successful projects that have been undertaken in Britain.

However, nearly 18 months later, the report on their findings has not yet been published.

Last October, Social Democrats Cork East TD Liam Quaide made an access to information on the environment request for a copy of the report, but it was refused.

The council said at the time that the draft report was received from Prof Bourke and Mr Quinn in March 2025.

The council said it had reviewed the report and reverted to the authors with comments in early October 2025, and the senior executive engineer was then hopeful that an updated report could be provided to Cork County Council by the end of 2025.

Cork County Council told The Echo: Cork County Council appointed Trinity College Dublin to carry out a stage one assessment on the potential for nature-based approaches for flood hazards upstream of Midleton, Co Cork, in July 2024.

Cork County Council has reverted to the authors with comments.

Mr Quaide raised the issue in the Dail recently, telling Taoiseach Micheal Martin: The urbanisation of our flood plains, and the mass removal of native trees and hedgerows in recent decades, have drastically reduced our lands ability to hold excess water.

Alongside conventional engineering schemes, we need to maximise our potential for nature-based approaches to flood management.

There is a clear opportunity here for farmers to be paid a premium for taking measures such as the construction of leaky dams and ponds and the planting of native trees on their land.

He said the county council commissioned a survey into such measures upstream from Midleton in August 2024.

This report has still not been published, and there is little sign that this work is being actively pursued, he said.

Nature-based solutions can often be delivered quickly, at relatively low cost and without the need for planning permission and are a win-win for people at risk of flooding, farmers and biodiversity, Mr Quaide said.

Mr Martin said: The Government supports the nature-based approach to flooding and to dealing with these issues.

The optimal position is the hard engineering projects but complemented and supplemented by nature-based measures. We need to engage with our agricultural community  We, in government, have more to do in that regard. I will be honest about that.
The man who allegedly robbed 6,260 from the Bank of Ireland in Douglas, threatening he had a gun, but saying before he left, Thank you, and Im sorry for this, was remanded in custody until May 13.

Noel OBrien, aged 42, of 68 Maryborough Court, Douglas, Cork, appeared before Cork Circuit Criminal Court for sentencing on Monday. On the application of defence barrister Mahon Corkery, Judge Helen Boyle adjourned sentencing until May.

Noel OBrien pleaded guilty to carrying out this robbery at the Bank of Ireland in Douglas, Cork.

Mr Corkery said the accused was under an active addiction at the time of the crime.

Detective Garda Tom Delaney, in an earlier objection to bail, gave an outline of the allegations.

On November 19, 2025, just before 2pm, a male entered Bank of Ireland Douglas Village Shopping Centre. His face was covered over. He handed the teller a note, which read: Hi, I am Jack, I am a mute. Please do not scream or shout. I have a gun in my pocket. I want you to slowly empty the drawer and place all notes in an envelope. Remember: Stay calm and I will not hurt you. Put the envelope on the counter and make sure there are no trackers or dye packs in the envelope. Wait five minutes before sounding the alarm or I will come back. Thank you, and I'm sorry for this.

The cashier, in the face of this threat of a firearm, and fear of being harmed, handed over 6,260.

The male left the bank on foot through Douglas Village Shopping Centre.
A 26-year-old mother of four was remanded in custody until February 26 for her part in assaults causing harm to two other women, one of whom lost teeth when she was struck in the face a number of times with a hammer.

Defendant Olivia Wade was not the one wielding a hammer during the assaults on the two women, but the hammer was used by a man who was with Ms Wade at the time.

Olivia Wade, of 21 Orchard Court, Blackpool, Cork, was arraigned on the charges brought against her by Detective Sergeant Kieran OSullivan.

She pleaded guilty to the counts of assault causing harm to two young women neighbouring her at Orchard Court, Blackpool, Cork, on July 24, 2023.

Elaine Audley, defence barrister, said on Ms Wades behalf: She said this happened in the context of alcohol abuse. She has raised a total of 2,500 compensation for the injured parties.

I have a letter of apology from Ms Wade. She was visibly moved by the suffering she caused when she realised the extent of it. She is utterly ashamed of her conduct.

Judge Sinead Behan wanted to know how the accused had gathered compensation out of social welfare, when she was raising four children.

Ms Audley said the young woman had saved a small amount and that members of her family had supported her in raising most of it.

Judge Behan said at the sentencing hearing: I am concerned about the level of interaction with probation.

There seems to be a lack of appreciation of the gravity of the matters.I will remand her in custody until February 26.
A drug-induced psychosis caused a man to hear voices and ultimately set fire to the family home, and as he was just moments away from a suspended sentence, it was interrupted by new information.

Judge Helen Boyle paused on the sentencing of 37-year-old Robert Sheehan, of 58 Innishannon Road, Fair Hill, Cork, and commented: He always manages to trip himself up.

The judge had adjourned sentencing at Cork Circuit Criminal Court until now so the accused could do urinalysis tests to show he was clear of drugs.

However, as prosecution barrister Paula McCarthy examined the urinalysis results, which the judge had understood were clear, Ms McCarthy said the second last test was positive for opiates.

Mahon Corkery, defence barrister, said this was as a result a painkilling tablet taken at that time, and not as a result of any illicit drug.

Judge Boyle said she accepted there were a number of clear tests but all of them needed to be clear without any excuses for a positive test reading.

The judge acknowledged the defendant had been remanded in custody for a total of 170 days already on this arson charge.

She remanded Robert Sheehan on continuing bail for further urinalysis on March 3. Judge Boyle said if everything was favourable on that date, she would proceed with the suspended sentence that was previously indicated.

Background

In terms of the background to the case, Garda Denis Coleman testified he responded to a call from the fire service, who were at the scene of the fire at Innishannon Road on April 7, 2024.

A gentleman at the scene of the fire identified himself as Robert Sheehan. He said there were two people in the house  that he could hear the voices of two people.

He was required to leave the area and he refused. The fire was extinguished and he was arrested under the Mental Treatment Act. He was hearing voices, Garda Coleman said.

In fact, there was nobody in the house at the time of the fire. It was owned by his father, who is since deceased.

On the evening, Robert Sheehan was conveyed to Gurranabraher Garda Station. A doctor was called to the station and he recommended he be conveyed to St Michaels ward of Mercy University Hospital. The hospital declined to take him because he had taken intoxicants that day. He made full admissions, Garda Coleman said.

The extent of the criminal damage was 10,000.

The 37-year-old pleaded guilty to the charge of intentionally or recklessly causing criminal damage by fire at that address on April 7 last year without lawful excuse. The charge specified damage by fire caused to the ground floor of house on that occasion.

Defence barrister Mahon Corkery said of the accused: He rang 999 himself on the day. He apologised to all of the services and to his family, Mr Corkery said.

Garda Coleman agreed and said Robert Sheehan wrote a letter of apology to the fire service.

Mr Corkery said the defendant was in a much better place now and was in a relationship where he enjoyed the positive support of his partner.
All this fandangle over hot school meals. Its giving me a pain.

There were always going to be problems with the Hot School Meals Programme.

The intentions were good, but you know the one about good intentions and the road to hell, dont you?

And hell is where all of this is leading, if you ask me.

If I had children of primary school age, Id be back making their lunches after whats been reported about the school dinners programme recently.

Why did the government have to complicate things by even getting involved in this in the first place?

Nobody, to my recollection, ever jumped up and down demanding that hot meals be cooked and delivered to primary school classrooms.

The concept was introduced by the Minister for Social Protection, Regina Doherty, six or seven years ago as a pilot scheme in a relatively small number of DEIS (designated disadvantaged schools) to ensure that the children in these areas had a daily nutritious hot meal.

Not a bit wrong with that. The project was addressing a real need, and had a clear mission, and by all accounts was quite successful.

Heres a thought, though: if the government wanted to expand it, maybe it should have used the money to ensure that every child in every DEIS school in the country got a good, healthy, hot meal in the middle of the day.

And left it at that.

But oh no, some bright spark decided it would be a great idea to start delivering hot dinners across the primary school network without (it seems to me) the necessary planning, sufficient resources or, dear God, the merest smidgen of oversight.

Did they have any idea how much hard work and money actually goes into providing genuinely good food? If you ask me, some think-tank consultant woke up one morning with the idea that delivering hot meals to every school would make for Really Super Optics.

But the optics are not super; far from it.

The Hot School Meals Programme is fast turning into the biggest can of worms you ever saw in your life.

Anyone who watched Jamie Oliver struggling to sort out the school dinners fiasco in the UK, oh it must be nearly 20 years ago now, would have guessed the same thing would likely happen here if we tried it.

But the Irish government had to be seen to keep up with the Joneses, even after what happened in the UK, so in comes this programme which will cost, were told, in the region of nearly 300 million this year.

A scheme under which, metaphorically speaking, so little margarine is being stretched so thinly and across so much bread, that hard-pressed suppliers are being paid only 3.20 per head to provide healthy nutritious, hygienically packed, delivered meals.

Given the cost of basic food, not to mention the labour and fuel costs involved in this scheme, 3.20 a head is not, in my humble opinion, nearly enough to pay for this.

Ironically, this is the government which wasted 336,000 on a bike shed, 1.4million on a security hut, 9 million on school phone pouches, and oversaw a 2.2 billion overspend on the National Childrens Hospital.

Now were hearing allegations that the quality of some of the food is poor. That some meals have been compared to airline food.

Dara Calleary, the minister for social protection, said at least one-third of the hot school meals on offer did not meet at least three basic nutritional standards.

A recent assessment also signalled concerns regarding low fruit, vegetable and salad content.

Michael Collins, the Cork TD and leader of Independent Ireland, bluntly described some images of school meals sent to him by parents as revolting.

Im no logistics expert, but Im shopping for, cooking and serving food all my life, and in truth Id be blown away if suppliers, no matter how well-intentioned, hard-working and efficient, were managing to cook, package and transport delicious food of home-cooked quality to the eligible half a million schoolchildren for 3.20 a head and still make a reasonable profit.

There have already been warnings that the Hot School Meals Programme is resulting in substantial amounts of waste. That portion sizes are not always appropriate for the different age-groups, so some children are getting too much and others not enough.

Not to mention, of course, the massive administrative burden that this great new initiative is placing on the primary school sector.

If you ask me, whoever came up with the programme:

(a) never prepared a high-quality, nutritious, home-cooked meal to a tight budget in his or her life,

(b) never went to the supermarket with a budget grocery list of healthy foodstuffs for a family

(c) is wearing the biggest, thickest pair of rose-tinted sunglasses ever manufactured.

And now things are not working out the way they were envisaged.

Realistically, how could they?

If I was the government, this is a hole Id rapidly stop digging for myself.

Id tell most parents to dig out the lunch-boxes again, and Id target the hot school dinners programme at Deis schools only.

Id use the funding to provide genuinely, consistently high quality, nutritional breakfasts AND dinners for the children in this country who need it most.

Id make sure the quality of this food was rigorously, regularly and randomly monitored.

And Id leave it at that.
Gordon Deegan

A total of 52 Fixed Charge Penalty Notices (FCPNs) have been issued in the post to a Co Clare motorist for alleged driving offences, and the woman has no penalty points - before now, a court has heard.

Judge Francis Comerford told Shannon care assistant, Sarah Jane McInerney (29) I don't believe a word you are saying after the motorist said that she didnt receive a Fixed Charge Penalty Notice (FCPN) in the post for holding a mobile phone while driving her 241 D registered car on the R471 at Tullyvarraga, Shannon, Co Clare on April 21st, 2025.

At Ennis Circuit Court, State Solicitor for Clare, Aisling Casey told the court that this was McInerneys fourth time in court since 2022 to give sworn evidence in different cases from the witness box to say that she didnt receive FCPNs in the post for alleged driving offences.

On the previous three occasions, judges struck out the driving prosecutions against McInerney and any resulting penalty points based on her sworn evidence that she didnt receive the FCPNs.

Casey asked McInerney how many times she has come to Ennis courthouse before now to tell judges that she has not received FCPN for driving offences.

McInerney replied: I am not sure to be honest, and Ms Casey told her three times.

Casey told McInerney that this excuse of not receiving a FCPN in the post has run out. The postal service is not that bad.

McInerney said that all of the 48 houses in her Inbhear na Sionna estate in Shannon are all identical and her house at No 36 has no number on it.

McInerney said that that have been mix-ups in the post in her estate where she has received the post addressed to neighbours.

McInerney told the court that she was no penalty points and Casey told the court that a total of 52 FCPNs have been issued in the post to McInerney arising from alleged driving offences.

McInerney was before the court appealing a 300 district court fine for holding a mobile phone while driving and Judge Comerford has affirmed the order of the district court and doubled to fine to 600 and said penalty points apply.

He said: I just cant regard her as a credible witness at this point.

Judge Comerford said: This case shows why people the FCPN system isnt good because people can take gross advantage of it and I am satisfied that Sarah Jane McInerney is taking gross advantage of the system.

He said: The system works by and large because the vast majority of people are honest when they receive their penalty notice."

He said: That is why the Government wont change it because the vast majority of people are honest and it is not economically sensible to put a different system in place."

Judge Comerford said that the case is a classic example of why the system is not good of relying on ordinary post to send out FCPNs.

In evidence, Garda Michael Daniels said that Ms McInerney was a bit irate when he stopped her on April 21st, 2025.

He said: She told me I should have better things to be doing on a bank holiday and she should be entitled to answer her phone. She said I should be instead stopping drug dealers.

McInerney said that took a work call when she answered her mobile phone.

In an exchange in court with Casey, McInerney said that it was bit inconvenient for me to be even be here todayI don't want to be coming to court.

Ms McInerney said that she should be at work.

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 UCC music graduate is undertaking a restoration project to breathe new life into a vacant hotel on the Aran Islands and run it as a cultural centre, celebrating Irish language, arts and heritage.

Award-winning harpist Una Ni Fhlannagain moved to Inis Meain in 2020 after her professional life was blown apart by the pandemic.

I came in September, 2020, for a week and didnt leave! I quickly realised that the silence here and people here were so nourishing to me that I wanted to stay, she said.

She noticed the hotel, closed since March, 2013, in her very first week.

Its right in the centre of the island so its quite visually prominent and immediately I thought to myself, what a sin to have it just rotting there. If nothing else it was terrible for morale so straight away I started getting interested in it and thinking how could it be changed. I was drawn to its potential which was limitless, she remembers.

In fact, Una became so drawn to the building, that she even began to dream about it.

Im not at all woo woo or normally someone who gets information from my dreams but I had multiple dreams about the hotel and so I started to think seriously how I could make this happen.

And make it happen she did, despite having no business experience.

Having secured the financial backing of investors, her second bid on the building, which came with an asking price of 450,000, was accepted and she went sale agreed in 2025.

It is hoped the new cultural centre could open in 2027.

It felt unreal that I pulled it off. I remember I cried tears of disbelief and gratitude, she said.

Then reality kicked in and now she describes herself as a little work pony on a treadmill and getting jobs done, with work taking place left, right and centre to get water and electricity connected and a heating system installed.

The new cultural centre is scheduled to open in 2027 and will offer a programme of courses in Irish language, music, traditional arts, heritage, and more.

Inis Meain is a cultural jewel, untouched by time  there are customs and rituals here that you wont find anywhere else, said the Galway native. We will offer transformative educational experiences, where students meaningfully engage with the people and culture of the island.

The vision is to run immersive week long-courses in language, art (music, song); skills (knitting, crochet, baking, etc), craft (stone wall, basket weaving) and more.

And because of her professional connections, Una already has confirmation from 22 top performers in Irish music that theyll teach Irish traditional music and singing. Not a bad start!

My ultimate dream is to restore the building to a functioning state, and to run courses that will attract an influx of culturally engaged people here, which in an ideal world will provide employment directly to the island and provide economic stimulus to the island.

My dream is that the people who come will love it and want to stay, and we will essentially combat a depopulation problem that all islands face. Back in the 1980s, there were 300 living here, now theres 170. We are doing OK, theres both a primary and a secondary school, but you always need to be thinking into the future with islands.

Una admits her friends told her she was mad to take on such a project, and she says its definitely not a financially motivated one, and is something shes taking on with her eyes wide open.

This is all about trying to energise and activate a local community who are valuable personally and nationally, she said.

To mark the beginning of this ambitious project, shes looking for help in naming what she hopes will be a legacy building.

In the spirit of collaboration and community, were inviting name suggestions. We are especially interested in names referencing cultural connection, education, heritage, environment, and Inis Meains unique identity, she added.

The winning entry will receive a 1,000 voucher for use at the cultural centre when it opens.

This restoration represents a milestone for Inis Meain, revitalising a disused building while creating a dynamic space for learning, exchange, and the celebration of Irish culture in one of Irelands strongest Gaeltacht communities.
Name: Lynda Di Blasi

Age: Young at heart!

Lives: Cork city

Job title: Image Consultant

Salary bracket: Enough to keep me happy!

Education/employment background: Banking. Beautician qualification. Decluttering studies. Image consultant, personal styling, colour analysis, and personal shopper.

Hobbies: My husband is Sicilian, and I travel to Italy many times during the year. I go to northern Italy twice a year for research on current trends and inspiration. I bring these Italian influences into my style consultations and talks. I visit the shops in Milan once a year and experience their love of fashion, attention to detail, and creativity.

Describe your job in five words: Empowering, Transformative, Inspiring, Encouraging and Rewarding.

Describe yourself in five words: Approachable, Driven, Professional, Grateful, Positive.

Personality needed for this kind of work: Empathetic, I understand body changes, career shifts, the ebb and flow of self-confidence, and the pressures that women experience as we go through life.

Being composed and professional is key. My clients experience and receive assurance with professional knowledge while dealing with the pressure that comes with working on live fashion segments on RTEs Today show.

Honesty and sensitivity also play a major part in my styling consultations. I form valuable friendships because of my personal styling, wardrobe detox, and shopping services.

Looking professional and polished is important as I believe we are our own most powerful marketing tool, representing our brand and business. I am delighted to be delivering an online session called Wearing Your Brand on March 2 for Local Enterprise Week in conjunction with the Local Enterprise Office, Cork City. I will be sharing professional tips to entrepreneurs, on how to use our image as a strategic marketing tool. When our appearance aligns with our expertise and goals, self-confidence grows, and opportunities arise and increase.

How long are you doing this job? Six years.

How did you get this job? I worked in Ulster Bank for 18 years in total. During this time, I worked in retail at weekends, and I qualified as a beautician by night in College of Commerce. I took a career break to be a stay-at-home parent after my third boy was born. While on a career break, I qualified in decluttering services.

Once my youngest started primary school, I put into action my dream and goal of being an entrepreneur, and my passion was the beauty and styling industry.

I had experienced first-hand the challenges, the loneliness of being a stay-at-home mum rearing three under five. I was driven to use my experience to help women feel good in their own skin, confident in their outfits, expressing their personality and strengths through image daily, elevating their image to achieve personal and professional goals.

I qualified as an image consultant, colour analysis, and personal shopper with Joan Cashman Style Academy. I completed the Start Your Own Business course with the Local Enterprise Office, Cork City and this was so beneficial and gave me the expert advice which was crucial to setting up my own business. I love continually learning and keeping up to date with modern techniques and skills.

I regularly use the LEO mentorship services available to all and free of charge. This gives me valuable insights from experts in a variety of services, from marketing to website expertise, and I am delighted to give back by doing the online workshop during Local Enterprise Week.

Wearing Your Brand is a free online course on March 2, but people need to register beforehand at https://www.localenterprise.ie/corkcity/training-events/online-bookings/local-enterprise-week-2026-wearing-your-brand.html.

In 2025, I retrained in eye treatments, lash lift, and brow lamination skills with Meraki beauty. I am delighted to offer clients a range of services relating to image. I present style, colour, and professional image talks to various groups and businesses, sharing my expertise with men and women.

Do you need particular qualifications or experience?

Yes, professional beauty and image consultant qualifications, colour analysis, and personal shopping for male and female.

Describe a day at work: No two days are the same, which I love. I offer personal style and colour analysis in my studio in Tivoli. Its a relaxed, friendly environment where my clients can enjoy self-care, and I share professional styling tips and clarify their best colours through colour analysis and look at suitable make-up and jewellery shades.

Once you clarify your most flattering colours, it removes any guesswork around your colour choices and results in you creating a wardrobe that coordinates and you enjoy wearing.

Some days bring the studio lights of live television, working on the live fashion segments for the Today show. Its such a great thrill experiencing the energy in a television studio, working with stylists and various brands.

I have a tutoring role, a weekly night class, Style with Confidence, which I am really enjoying. Its a wonderful, positive environment where we discuss body positivity, styling, and outfit creation.

Its a very busy time currently for personal shopping clients with upcoming confirmations, communions and spring events. I remove the stress of searching, saving you time. I have outfits pre-picked in your size and preference, ensuring comfort and image positivity. My clients come back to me time after time and recommend me to others, which I am very grateful for.

How many hours do you work a week? Too many, at times! I do my best to balance a busy household and a business. I practice gratitude daily.

What do you wear to work?

We all have a personal style personality, and mine is creative and romantic. I love feminine pieces, textures, colours, and feminine dresses. I do love the effortlessness of a co-ord for busy days. Adding pieces of interest to my outfits, jewellery, bows, and accessories can transform a neutral piece for any occasion.

The power of a tailored trouser suit for certain meetings and networking events gives me presence. I ask myself daily how I want to feel in my outfit for the day ahead and intentionally follow that intention. I add interest and detail to my outfits, which expresses my professional and personal personality.

Is your industry male or female-dominated? Both.

Does this affect you in any particular way? No.

Do you work with others or on your own? Solo.

When do you plan to retire or give up working? I consider myself just getting started.

Best bits: My professional guidance ensures my clients look and feel amazing for every room they walk into at their comfort level. From every encounter, I love experiencing my clients self-confidence ignite in front of me. That spark appears in their eyes.

We all deserve to feel and look good when we step out daily, and I feel so much satisfaction in connecting with wonderful people every day.

When you feel good in yourself, it encourages you to step into your strengths, and the confidence radiates into every area of your life.

Worst bits: None.

Advice to those who want your job? Believe in your dreams, step into your strengths at every opportunity.
(Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC)Church tower shines through the remains of Russian military equipment destroyed during Russia's invasion of Ukraine, displayed at the Mykhailivska Square, Kyiv, in August 2022.

On the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the World Council of Churches has welcomed reported signs of progress toward the cessation of violence and joined Pope Leo in calling for an end to the war.

WCC general secretary Rev. Jerry Pillay said that the global fellowship hopes and prays for dialogue to continue, for all parties to engage in good faith, and for the violence to cease.

"Meanwhile, the Ukrainian people have continued to suffer the worst impacts of Russia's illegal aggression," he said.

"Deliberate, systematic, and massive daily attacks have continued against Ukrainian population centers far from the frontline, using dozens of ballistic and cruise missiles and hundreds of drones."

Ukrainian electricity infrastructure has been targeted, compounding the suffering of people left without power in the harshest winter conditions, with temperatures as low as 20C.

"After so much death and destruction, so much suffering, and so many violations of law and morality, this aggression must stop and this war must end," said Pillay.

"We pray to God to open the path to a just and sustainable peace, for justice for the victims of this aggression, and peace to prevail in Ukraine, the region and the world."

On the eve of the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, at the Varican, Pope Leo XIV had made "a heartfelt" appeal: "Let the weapons fall silent, let the bombings cease, let an immediate ceasefire be reached, and let dialogue be strengthened to pave the way toward peace."

He called for an end to the war in Ukraine during his Angelus address to thousands of people gathered in St. Peter's Square on Sunday, Feb. 22, according to America, The Jesuit Review.

The war started on Feb. 24, 2022, when, on the orders of President Vladimir Putin, Russian armed forces invaded Ukraine, a sovereign nation that then had a population of 41 million people, reported America.

"Since then, millions of Ukrainians have been displaced or fled as refugees into neighbouring countries in Europe."

On Feb. 24, in Geneva, the UN's Assistant Secretary-General Matthias Schmale, the Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, noted that, while this is the fifth year since the full-scale invasion, it is the 13th year since the onset of the war in Ukraine.

He told journalists at a UN press conference that the war " continues to inflict immeasurable human suffering, putting millions at risk and generating grave humanitarian needs, while compounding the challenges and costs of recovery."

Schmale said, "We estimate that over 10.8 million people - roughly a quarter of Ukraine's population - remain in need of humanitarian assistance.

This includes up to one million people in territories occupied by the Russian Federation."

He noted that 2025 was the deadliest year for civilians since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022.

At least 2,500 civilians were killed and over 12,000 injured last year - more than a 30 percent increase compared with 2024.

"You have also heard me speak about Ukraine being among the most mined countries in the world, with almost one quarter of its territory - an area four times the size of Switzerland - potentially contaminated," said Schmale.

"In Kyiv, I am told that there are more than 3,000 high-rise buildings that are now out of order, not inhabitable for the rest of the winter, putting the most vulnerable - older people, people with limited mobility and health conditions, as well as families with children - at serious risk."
Two stories about the Claude maker Anthropic broke on Tuesday that, when combined, arguably paint a chilling picture. First, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is reportedly pressuring Anthropic to yield its AI safeguards and give the military unrestrained access to its Claude AI chatbot. The company then chose the same day that the Hegseth news broke to drop its centerpiece safety pledge.

On Tuesday, Anthropic said it was modifying its Responsible Scaling Policy (RSP) to lower safety guardrails. Up until now, the company's core pledge has been to stop training new AI models unless specific safety guidelines can be guaranteed in advance. This policy, which set hard tripwires to halt development, was a big part of Anthropic's pitch to businesses and consumers.

Two and a half years later, our honest assessment is that some parts of this theory of change have played out as we hoped, but others have not, Anthropic wrote. Now, its updated policy approaches safety relatively, rather than with strict red lines.

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Anthropic's quotes in an interview with Time sound reasonable enough in a vacuum. "We felt that it wouldn't actually help anyone for us to stop training AI models," Jared Kaplan, Anthropic's chief science officer, told Time. "We didn't really feel, with the rapid advance of AI, that it made sense for us to make unilateral commitments if competitors are blazing ahead."

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei (Photo by David Dee Delgado/Getty Images for The New York Times) (David Dee Delgado via Getty Images)

But you could also read those quotes as the latest example of a hot startups ethics becoming grayer as its valuation rises. (Remember Googles old Dont be evil mantra that it later removed from its code of conduct?) The latest versions of Claude have drawn widespread praise, especially in coding. In February, Anthropic raised $30 billion in new investments. It now has a valuation of $380 billion. (Speaking of the competition Kaplan referred to, rival OpenAI is currently valued at over $850 billion.)

In place of Anthropic's previous tripwires, it will implement new "Risk Reports" and "Frontier Safety Roadmaps." These disclosure models are designed to provide transparency to the public in place of those hard lines in the sand.

Anthropic says the change was motivated by a "collective action problem" stemming from the competitive AI landscape and the US's anti-regulatory approach. "If one AI developer paused development to implement safety measures while others moved forward training and deploying AI systems without strong mitigations, that could result in a world that is less safe," the new RSP reads. "The developers with the weakest protections would set the pace, and responsible developers would lose their ability to do safety research and advance the public benet."

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) (AAron Ontiveroz via Getty Images)

Neither Anthropic's announcement nor the Time exclusive mentions the elephant in the room: the Pentagon's pressure campaign. On Tuesday, Axios reported that Hegseth told Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei that the company has until Friday to give the military unfettered access to its AI model or face penalties. The company has reportedly offered to adopt its usage policies for the Pentagon. However, it wouldn't allow its model to be used for the mass surveillance of Americans or weapons that fire without human involvement.

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If Anthropic doesn't relent, experts say its best bet would be legal action. But will the Pentagon's proposed penalties be enough to scare a profit-driven startup into compliance? Hegseths' threats reportedly include invoking the Defense Production Act, which gives the president authority to direct private companies prioritize certain contracts in the name of national defense. The military could also sever its contract with Anthropic and designate it as a supply chain risk. That would force other companies working with the Pentagon to certify that Claude isn't included in their workflows.

Claude is the only AI model currently used for the military's most sensitive work. "The only reason we're still talking to these people is we need them and we need them now, a defense official told Axios. The problem for these guys is they are that good." Claude was reportedly used in the Maduro raid in Venezuela, a topic Amodei is said to have raised with its partner Palantir.

Time's story about the new RSP included reactions from a nonprofit director focused on AI risks. Chris Painter, director of METR, described the changes as both understandable and perhaps an ill omen. "I like the emphasis on transparent risk reporting and publicly verifiable safety roadmaps," he said. However, he also raised concerns that the more flexible RSP could lead to a "frog-boiling" effect. In other words, when safety becomes a gray area, a seemingly never-ending series of rationalizations could take the company down the very dark path it once condemned.

Painter said the new RSP shows that Anthropic "believes it needs to shift into triage mode with its safety plans, because methods to assess and mitigate risk are not keeping up with the pace of capabilities. This is more evidence that society is not prepared for the potential catastrophic risks posed by AI."
Canadian officials summoned leaders from OpenAI to Ottawa this week to address safety concerns about ChatGPT. The crux of the government concerns was that OpenAI did not notify authorities when it banned the account of a user who allegedly committed a mass shooting in British Columbia earlier this month.

"The message that we delivered, in no uncertain terms, was that we have an expectation that there are going to be changes implemented, and if they're not forthcoming very quickly, the government is going to be making changes," Justice Minister Sean Fraser said of the company and its AI chatbot. It's unclear what those government-led changes or rules might be. There have been two previous, unsuccessful attempts to pass an online harms act in Canada.

A recent report by The Wall Street Journal claimed that in 2025, some OpenAI employees flagged the account of the alleged shooter, Jesse Van Rootselaar, as containing potential warnings of committing real-world violence and called for leadership to notify law enforcement. Although Van Rootselaar's account was banned for policy violations, a company rep said that the account activity did not meet OpenAI's criteria for engaging the local police.

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Those reports were deeply disturbing, reports saying that OpenAI did not contact law enforcement in a timely manner," said Canadian Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon ahead of the discussion with company leaders. "We will have a sit-down meeting to have an explanation of their safety protocols and when they escalate and their thresholds of escalation to police, so we have a better understanding of whats happening and what they do."

OpenAI has been implicated in mulitple wrongful death suits. The company's ChatGPT was accused of encouraging "paranoid beliefs" before a man killed his mother and himself in a December 2025 lawsuit. It is also at the center of one of several wrongful death lawsuits against the makers of AI chatbots for helping teenagers plan and commit suicides.
Here's yet another troubling story about this "golden" era of AI. A hacker has exploited Anthropic's Claude chatbot to carry out attacks against Mexican government agencies, according to a report by Bloomberg . This resulted in the theft of 150GB of official government data, including taxpayer records, employee credentials and more.

The hacker used Claude to find vulnerabilities in government networks and to write scripts to exploit them. It also tasked the chatbot with finding ways to automate data theft, as indicated by cybersecurity company Gambit Security. This started in December and continued for around a month.

It looks like the hacker was able to essentially jailbreak Claude with prompts, finally bypassing the chatbot's guardrails. Claude originally refused the nefarious demands until eventually relenting.

"In total, it produced thousands of detailed reports that included ready-to-execute plans, telling the human operator exactly which internal targets to attack next and what credentials to use," said Curtis Simpson, Gambit Securitys chief strategy officer.

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Anthropic has investigated the claims, disrupted the activity and banned all of the accounts involved, according to a company representative. The spokesperson also said that its latest model, Claude Opus 4.6, includes tools to disrupt this kind of misuse.

It's also been reported that this hacker used ChatGPT to supplement the attacks, using OpenAI's chatbot to gather information on how to move through computer networks, determine which credentials were needed to access systems and how to avoid detection. OpenAI says it has identified attempts by the hacker to violate its usage policies and that the tools refused to comply.

The hacker remains unidentified. The attacks haven't been attributed to a specific group, but Gambit Security did suggest they could be tied to a foreign government. It's also unclear what the hacker wants to do with all of that data.

Mexico's national digital agency hasn't commented on the breach, but did note that cybersecurity is a priority. The state government of Jalisco denies that it was breached, saying only federal networks were impacted. However, Mexico's national electoral institute also denied any breaches or unauthorized access in recent months. It's worth noting that Gambit found at least 20 security vulnerabilities during its research that the country is likely not keen on highlighting.
Ubisoft's shakeups continue unabated. The creative director of the next Assassin's Creed game, codenamed Hexe, has left the company. The departure of Clint Hocking, a 20-year veteran of the company over two stints, was reportedly announced in a staff meeting this week.

Hocking's resume at Ubisoft included serving as creative director on Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory, Far Cry 2 and Watch Dogs: Legion. The details of why he's leaving the company haven't been reported.

Ubisoft told VGC, which first reported on Hocking's exit, that development on Hexe will continue. Jean Guedson, one of three new leaders of the Assassin's Creed franchise, will take over as the upcoming title's new creative director. Guedson had the same role for Assassin's Creed Origins and Black Flag, two of the franchise's most well-received entries.

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To say sailing hasn't been smooth of late at Ubisoft would be an understatement. Last year, the company reorganized its corporate structure under a system of "creative houses." The first, Vantage Studios, is partly owned by Tencent and now oversees Assassin's Creed. Then in October, franchise head Marc-Alexis Cote left the company. He later claimed he was "asked to step aside" and is suing his former employer.

All of these changes came in the wake of layoffs, big-name flops, more layoffs, studio closures, even more layoffs, strikes and (yep) layoffs again. Earlier this month, Ubisoft even fired an employee who criticized the companys return-to-office mandate.

But have no fear; some aspects of the company are doing quite well. Take, for example, nepotism. The future is looking bright indeed for a rising company star who is now co-CEO of Vantage Studios. That title belongs to Charlie Guillemot, the son of Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot.
The first flagship phone launch of the year is here, and Samsung is poised to fully unveil the Galaxy S26 series in just a few hours. The company has already been busy peppering its newsroom with teases around upcoming software and AI features, and the rumor mill has been hard at work exposing what might be coming today. We have a pretty solid idea of what to expect from the first Galaxy Unpacked of 2026, and yet, it's still fun to see what Samsung has to say about its latest range of devices.

The presentation kicks off at 10AM PT (1PM ET) and you can follow along through the video I've embedded below. Or, if you prefer to have some analysis, commentary and occasional (bad) joke peppered alongside Samsung's reveal, you can follow along our liveblog below. We'll have senior reporter Sam Rutherford onsite at the event in San Francisco, Mat Smith from a Samsung-hosted satellite event in London and myself from snowy, chilly New Jersey bringing you all the news. We'll start this liveblog at about 9AM ET and chronicle not just the keynote presentation but also the atmosphere, snacks and vibes from the scene. Stick around, we can't wait to hang with you!

Update, 1:15PM ET: Samsung has just revealed the entire S26 lineup and Galaxy Buds. You can now read our coverage of the Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy S26/S26+ and Galaxy Buds 4 models. And we have in-depth hands-ons of the S26 Ultra and the S26, plus a pre-order guide and two comparison guides. If you prefer a single destination, check out our one-article digest of everything Samsung announced at Galaxy Unpacked today.
To coincide with the release of Samsung's new Galaxy S26 family of phones, Google is pushing out a small but meaningful update to Circle to Search. As a reminder, Circle to Search allows you to carry out a Google Search from almost anywhere on your phone. Just tap and hold your device's home button, and then circle the passage or image you want to know more about.

With previous iterations of Circle to Search, the tool's underlying AI system was limited to searching against a single object in an image. Now, thanks to Gemini 3, it can scan and identify multiple objects at the same time. Naturally, Google is quick to point out the boon this represents for shopaholics. If you see a fit you like on Instagram, you can circle an entire person and the tool will attempt to find a match for each item they're wearing, including any shoes and accessories. At the same time, Google has made it easier to see how those clothes might look on you by bringing its virtual try on feature directly inside of Circle to Search.

The benefits of the new model aren't only limited to shopping queries. Building on a search technique Google debuted with AI Mode, Circle to Search can now also reason through the relationship between different objects in an image. So say you see a photo of a coral reef and want to know how all the different pictured fish live together, Circle to Search will not only be able to identify the different species shown but also explain how they coexist with one another.

Google is bringing the new and improved Circle to Search to Galaxy S26 and Pixel 10 phones first before rolling it out to more Android devices soon.




Samsung has announced the latest version of its flagship smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, and just like last year, the high-end phone is where the company is making some of its biggest changes. The S26 Ultra includes a new processor, a new privacy-focused display technology, an improved camera system and like Samsung's other phones, a crop of new AI-powered software features.

On first blush, the Galaxy S26 Ultra isn't all that different from the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Samsung is still using a 6.9-inch QHD+ AMOLED screen, with an 120Hz refresh rate and support for an S Pen stylus. The S26 Ultra also features the same flat sides, utter lack of Qi2-compatible magnets and pronounced camera bump. Despite those similarities, the new flagship does have some differences: for one, it's ever so slightly thinner at 0.31-inches than the S25 Ultra was at 0.32-inches. It also comes with an aluminum frame rather than the titanium frame of the previous generation. For stylus fans, the new S Pen has a curved top that lets it better match the curves of the S26 Ultra. Biggest of all, Samsung's new phone includes "Privacy Display," a new technology that lets the phone limit how much of its screen is visible when you're not looking directly at it.

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

Inside, the Galaxy S26 Ultra uses Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip, a modified version of the flagship mobile chip it debuted last year, and either 12 or 16GB of RAM. In terms of storage, the Galaxy S26 Ultra can come with either 256GB, 512GB or 1TB of memory. Regardless of which version you pick, you'll get a 5,000mAh battery with support for Samsung's wired and wireless fast charging, and Wireless PowerShare for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds.

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The Galaxy S26 Ultra, just like the S25 Ultra before it, includes an array of four cameras on the back and one selfie camera on the front. The phone features a 200MP f/1.4 wide, 50MP f/1.9 ultra-wide, 10MP f/2.4 3x telephoto, 50MP f/2.9 periscope telephoto and 12MP f/2.2 selfie camera. If you were to just look at just the megapixel counts of the phone, they're identical to last year's model. Samsung's major tweaks are to the aperture of both the wide and periscope cameras, which should let them capture more light.

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

Of course, plenty of the flashiest parts of Samsung's new smartphone are software features. The improved photo and video performances of the Galaxy S26 Ultra's cameras is partially driven by software tweaks. Samsung is also adopting Perplexity as a second, system-level AI assistant. The AI can be called with a button press or "Hey Plex," powers improvements to Bixby and can act inside Samsung apps. That doesn't mean Gemini isn't still available, though. Google's AI will gain the ability to handle things like booking a rideshare or filling an online grocery cart in the background on the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra starts at $1,300 and is available to pre-order today in a purple-ish "Cobalt Violet," light blue "Sky Blue," black, white and exclusively through Samsung's online store, "Silver Shadow" and "Pink Gold." The phone will become generally available on March 11.

Samsung has unveiled its latest flagship phone series  the Galaxy S26 Ultra, the Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26  along with new Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro earbuds today at its Galaxy Unpacked event in San Francisco. Read everything announced at Samsung Unpacked to catch up on all the key Galaxy news, and scroll through our real-time commentary on the Samsung Unpacked 2026 liveblog to see how the event unfolded in real-time (or watch a replay of the video).
(The Center Square)  Federal agents continue to pursue visa fraud and forced labor crimes across the U.S. perpetrated by Americans and noncitizens who exploited a border crisis and loopholes in a weak visa system, prosecutors argue.

The prosecutions come as Mexican smuggling operations at the northern border continue to be thwarted, The Center Square reported.

The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Washington announced this week 61 indictments against six people in the Tri-Cities and Yakima areas for extensive visa fraud, victim tampering, aggravated identity theft, mail and wire fraud, visa fraud and other charges. Two people who remain at large, Cesar Jamie Rebolledo Diaz and Socorro Ramos, were indicted on ten counts. Four others were indicted on 51 counts.

Rebolledo Diaz and Ramos, both living in Yakima, were charged with fraudulently obtaining 103 temporary H-2A visas through a federal agricultural program. They falsely claimed they worked for Marquez Farms LLC, in Wapato, Washington, in documents submitted to the U.S. departments of State, Labor and Citizenship and Immigration Services, authorities allege.

The scheme involved recruiting Mexican nationals to work at Marquez Farms, claiming theyd provide housing, food, paid travel, visas, and predictable work hours, authorities allege. Once the visas were approved, they picked up the Mexican nationals at the U.S.-Mexico border and transported them to eastern Washington using school buses with no air conditioning or water, according to the charges. The Mexicans were then forced to work without pay, little food or adequate housing facilities and instructed to remain silent when investigations began, according to the charges.

When bad actors exploit vulnerable workers or attempt to game the system, we investigate, we expose, and we hold them accountable, Department of Labor Inspector General Anthony DEsposito said. At the same time, we safeguard the U.S. employers who follow the law and play by the rules. We will continue working with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to ensure these programs serve legitimate labor needs  not criminal enterprises. Fraud will not be tolerated. Accountability is not optional.

In the second indictment, four people, Francisco Rodriguez Martel, Esmeralda Rodriguez, Erica Cisneros and Giovanna Sierra Carrillo, were charged with obtaining more than 500 fraudulent visas and operating a more oppressive forced labor environment. They submitted fraudulent applications for bogus job locations, hours and wages, to federal agencies for 10 farms in Yakima and Benton Counties for the 2022 to 2024 crop seasons, authorities allege.

They claimed theyd provide food, housing, safety equipment, fair wages and reliable hours, coverage for injury or illness. Instead, the Mexicans were forced to work under extreme heat conditions without access to clean water, were exposed to chemical pesticides without proper protection, lived in overcrowded housing with no access to kitchen facilities and were forced to pay illegal housing and food fees, according to the charges.

The importance of this case cannot be understated, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Pete Serrano said. When the United States Attorneys office receives credible information from investigating agencies that stand as the basis for immigration fraud, we will charge these cases.

According to a 2024 state audit, Washingtons H-2A program expanded by 420% from having roughly 6,000 H-2A visas in 2013 to 33,000 in 2022. Recent increases occurred as the Biden administration changed visa policies and human smuggling increased, The Center Square reported.

Under the Trump administration, the visa process is being revamped, fraudulent claims are being investigated and victims are being rescued from forced labor situations. The administration has been making thousands of worksite enforcement actions, from Nebraska to Illinois, to Tennessee, Louisiana, North Carolina and Texas, The Center Square reported.

Many forced labor situations involve minors, including children as young as 13 working for an Iowa janitorial service operating meat processing machinery; and children as young as 14 performing dangerous jobs at a California poultry processing facility and operating dangerous equipment at a Tennessee parts manufacturer, The Center Square reported.

In addition to reviewing fraudulent visa applications, federal investigators are conducting I-9 inspections and audits in accordance with federal law. These inspections are among the federal governments most effective tools to enforce U.S. employment laws, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement says. ICE imposes civil fines, makes criminal referrals, makes criminal arrests of employers and administrative arrests of unauthorized workers after uncovering multiple forms of criminal activity, including human trafficking, document fraud, and human rights abuses, including forced labor.

In fiscal 2024, the Department of Labor investigated 736 cases of child labor violations impacting more than 4,000 children nationwide, The Center Square reported.
By Michael Lee Simpson

"Free Willy" star Jason James Richter is imploring French authorities to urgently relocate two captive orcas from a closed marine park.

The whales remain in tanks at Marineland Antibes near Cannes, in France, despite a 2021 ban requiring relocation by 2026.

TideBreakers activists say unsafe conditions and the health issue of one killer whale - Wikie - mean an urgent transfer is critical.

With time running out, they say, pressure is mounting on President Emmanuel Macron to approve a move before the whales face possible death or euthanasia.

The park closed permanently in January 2025 due to declining attendance and increased regulation of animal captivity in France, reports say.

Richter, who played Jesse, who bonds with and frees an orca in the 1993 blockbuster, delivered a sobering reality check in a recent TideBreakers video.

Im famous for starring in the movie about a captive orca desperate to be free, said Richter, from Medford, Oregon.

But in reality, captive-born killer whales cannot simply be released into the wild. They need dedicated rehabilitation and acclimatization to have any chance of survival."

He added: "They simply wouldnt survive in the open ocean on their own right now.

The 46-year-old actor urged public action for the mother-son duo at Marineland Antibes, a once-popular attraction near Cannes shut down in January 2025.

Please join me in speaking up for killer whales Wikie and Keijo, he said. There is not much time left, they cannot stay where they are for much longer. Make your voice heard. Please lets save these whales.

Wikie, 24, and her 13-year-old son Keijo remain confined in deteriorating tanks.

Activists say crumbling infrastructure, algae-choked pools, Wikies respiratory illness, and frequent trespassers are dire threats.

Frances 2021 law bans cetacean captivity, mandating relocation by December 2026, but disputes over destinations have stalled progress.

Jana Richardson, co-founder of animal-welfare group TideBreakers, insisted the whales receive dedicated care despite the closure and rejected neglect accusations.

"We've seen this before  orcas dying in compromised, toxic tanks while being used as fundraising tools by other NGOs proposing orca sanctuaries. Sanctuaries that they don't deliver, Richardson said.

To this day  no orca sanctuaries exist, even after years of active fundraising. Two other orcas Kiska and Tokitae, were both promised a better life, and both died waiting for one."

She added: "We don't want the same fate for Wikie and Keijo. They deserve to live and that means they have to be moved out of Marineland Antibes."

TideBreakers co-founder Marketa Schusterova amplified the urgency, framing the crisis as a countdown.

Wikie and Keijo are literally running out of time, Schusterova said.

The only realistic options currently left are premature death due to the unsafe tank conditions they are presently held in at Marineland Antibes, or the approval of conditional permits allowing their transfer and relocation to another facility equipped to care for captive orcas, at least until sanctuaries are built."

As tanks degrade and Wikie weakens, pressure mounts on President Emmanuel Macron to authorize a transfer before deadlines collide.

Hollywood voices like Corey Feldman and William Shatner have echoed the call, but Richardson cautioned against romanticized solutions.

"In an ideal world, we'd love to see Wikie and Keijo in an orca sanctuary. But we have to be realistic  none presently exist, and there won't be one any time soon, Richardson said.

The recent report on Marineland Antibes and the tank these killer whales are held in, is clear - this tank could collapse at any moment. They need to be transferred to another park immediately, if they are to have any hope of reaching a sanctuary one day."

Schusterova added: The only other option, which is the worst, is that the owners of Wikie and Keijo, may consider euthanizing them. Which is too awful to contemplate.

Marineland Antibes did not immediately respond to request for comment.
The Trump administration sued the University of California (UC) on Tuesday, accusing it of turning a "blind eye" to antisemitism on its Los Angeles campus during student protests against Israel.

The lawsuit comes more than six months after President Donald Trump demanded a massive $1 billion fine from the prestigious UC system over claims of antisemitism.

The lawsuit filed by the Justice Department in a federal court in California demands unspecified damages to be awarded to Jewish and Israeli employees of the university and alleges they were subjected to a hostile work environment.

"Following the October 7, 2023 massacre in Israel, UCLA's administration turned a blind eye to -- and at times facilitated -- grossly antisemitic acts and systematically ignored cries for help from its own terrified Jewish and Israeli employees," the complaint said.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said UCLA administrators "allegedly allowed virulent antisemitism to flourish on campus, harming students and staff alike.

"Today's lawsuit underscores that this Department of Justice stands strong against hate and antisemitism in all its vile forms," Bondi said in a statement.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat who sits on the UC board, accused Trump of "extortion" when he made his $1 billion demand from the university in August, accusing the Republican president of trying to stifle academic freedom.

Columbia University was the first to be targeted in Trump's war against elite universities, for what the US president claimed was its failure to tackle antisemitism on campus in the wake of pro-Palestinian protests.

It was stripped of hundreds of millions of dollars of federal funding and lost its ability to apply for new research grants.

Columbia eventually agreed to pay the government $200 million, and an additional $21 million to settle an investigation into antisemitism on campus.

Trump has demanded that Harvard pay $1 billion in damages for allegedly failing to sufficiently protect Jewish students during pro-Palestinian protests.

The Justice Department also sued Harvard this month demanding its student admissions data.

In a 2023 ruling, the Supreme Court barred consideration of race in college admissions and the Justice Department is investigating whether any US schools are discriminating against white applicants.

Trump has previously sought to cut more than $2.6 billion of federal funding to Harvard, and has moved to block entry of international students -- a quarter of its student body.

Those moves have largely been temporarily blocked by the courts.

cl/des
Artificial intelligence is moving from tech buzzword to farmyard talking point, as producers grapple with what data-driven systems could mean for the future of resilient farming.

On day two of the NFU Conference today (25 February), a packed hall heard from technology, academic and commercial livestock experts on how AI might quietly reshape decision-making across the sector.

Chaired by NFU Cymru Deputy President Abi Reader, the session brought together Tim Gordon of Best Practice AI, Professor Jasmeet Kaler of the University of Nottingham and David Speller, chief executive of OptiFarm.

The discussion began by clarifying that this was not about artificial insemination or avian influenza. It was about artificial intelligence  and its potential role in strengthening farming systems under increasing economic and environmental pressure.

The tone was measured rather than evangelical. Producers are more accustomed to debating disease outbreaks, volatile markets and rising input costs than algorithms and machine learning.

Yet speakers argued that AI may sit quietly behind many of the solutions that define the next decade.

Tim Gordon reflected on how quickly the technology has advanced. What felt abstract only a few years ago is now mainstream. The speed of development, he suggested, has been non-linear  and that acceleration is what makes it disruptive.

He compared AI to a highly accomplished agricultural graduate. It can speak fluently about livestock systems, grassland management and disease control. It has absorbed vast quantities of research and data. But it has never walked a yard.

The analogy captured both promise and limitation. AI is informed, but not experienced.

Gordon spoke not only as a technology adviser but as a Cumbrian sheep farmer. Margins are tight, diversification is often essential and every decision carries risk.

For him, AI has acted as a thinking partner, stress-testing ideas, interrogating assumptions and modelling scenarios faster than traditional methods allow.

A farmer asked the question many were thinking: Is this going to replace us?

Gordons response was direct. It will not replace farmers, but it may replace certain tasks. Routine analysis and paperwork could be automated.

The greater risk, he suggested, is that businesses ignoring these tools may fall behind those using them intelligently.

Trust was another theme. If it has never seen a cow, how do we trust it? one farmer asked.

AI systems can sound confident even when incorrect. They operate on statistical patterns, not lived experience. Over-reliance carries risk, particularly where legal or welfare decisions are involved. Human judgement, Gordon stressed, must remain central.

David Speller brought the discussion into pig and poultry units, where data collection is already routine.

Feed conversion, mortality, environmental conditions and behaviour metrics generate vast streams of information daily. The opportunity for AI lies in identifying patterns invisible to the human eye.

Early detection of health or welfare shifts can protect both productivity and profitability.

A poultry producer asked whether this means a future of constant surveillance. Are we heading to a world where every bird is tracked and every movement analysed?

Speller acknowledged the concern, arguing that analytics should focus attention rather than replace instinct. Used correctly, technology can reduce noise and allow producers to concentrate on higher-value decisions.

Cost inevitably surfaced. This sounds expensive. Who pays?

Speakers noted that not all AI applications require heavy hardware investment. Many tools already available can assist with policy interpretation, business modelling and compliance at relatively low cost. As adoption increases, pricing is likely to become more accessible.

Professor Jasmeet Kaler expanded the lens to cattle and sheep systems.

Wearable sensors, behavioural analysis and predictive modelling are being explored as early warning systems for lameness, illness and nutritional imbalance.

In a context of labour shortages, climate volatility and evolving disease dynamics, such tools could strengthen operational durability.

One beef farmer questioned whether producers were fixing something that isnt broken.

Professor Kaler responded that experience remains invaluable, but the operating environment is changing. Technology does not erase instinct; it extends its reach.

Data ownership proved one of the most sensitive issues. If we are feeding all this information into systems, who owns it?

Production data carries commercial value. There is unease that aggregated data could strengthen supply chain leverage or be used in ways farmers did not anticipate. The panel agreed that contractual clarity and transparency are essential if trust is to be maintained.

As the session closed, one final question cut through the complexity: Where should we start?

The advice was pragmatic. Begin with analytical tools by using AI to summarise policy updates, compare enterprise margins or test diversification strategies.

The mood in hall was neither hype nor hostility. It was cautious curiosity.
Fly-tipping incidents have climbed to 1.26 million in England  a 9% rise on the previous year  prompting ministers to push councils to seize and crush more vehicles used by offenders.

The surge in 2024/2025, up from 1.15 million incidents, has triggered new government guidance setting out in detail how local authorities should identify, seize and ultimately destroy vehicles involved in illegal dumping.

Councils already have powers to confiscate vehicles, but the new framework is the first comprehensive guide on how to deploy those powers effectively  from gathering evidence and securing convictions to publicising enforcement action.

Ministers want enforcement to be more visible. Authorities are being encouraged to name and shame offenders on social media and publish images and videos of seized vans being crushed.

The guidance, published today (25 February), even suggests repurposing confiscated vehicles for use in clearing other fly-tipping incidents.

Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh said the government was determined to tackle so-called waste cowboys.

We are empowering local authorities to clamp down on waste cowboys and restore pride in our local areas, she said.

I share the publics fury at seeing our streets, parks and fields used as dumping grounds.

She added: If you use your van to trash our countryside, dont be surprised when it ends up on the scrapheap.

While fly-tipping affects towns and cities, rural communities continue to shoulder a disproportionate burden. For farmers and landowners, illegally dumped waste can mean blocked gateways, contaminated fields, damaged tracks and biosecurity risks.

Responsibility for clearing waste left on private land rests with the landowner  even when they are the victim of the crime.

That reality was highlighted recently when an elderly farmer in his 80s in Hertfordshire was left legally responsible for clearing a 200-tonne dump of waste left on his land near St Albans.

Despite having done nothing wrong, he faced an estimated clean-up bill of between 40,000 and 50,000  a sum he said he could not afford. A public fundraising campaign raised 50,000 in just three days to help cover the cost.

The case underlines the financial exposure many rural landowners face when targeted by organised dumping.

Beyond the cost, there is disruption. Dumped waste can restrict livestock movement, damage crops and require specialist contractors to remove hazardous materials such as asbestos.

In some cases, farmers and landowners must arrange specialist removal contractors, adding further expense.

The guidance urges councils to deploy overt and covert surveillance, including CCTV, drones and Automatic Number Plate Recognition, and to share intelligence with the police, the Environment Agency and National Trading Standards to tackle organised waste crime.

Enforcement activity has increased, but incidents continue to rise. Local authorities carried out 572,000 enforcement actions in 2024/25, an 8% increase on the previous year.

Fixed penalty notices  the second most common action after investigations  rose 9% to 69,000, accounting for 12% of all enforcement measures.

However, court outcomes show a more mixed picture. The number of fines fell 9%, from 1,378 in 2023/24 to 1,250 in 2024/25. The combined value of those fines dropped 8%, from 730,000 to 673,000.

The average fine rose slightly, from 530 to 539  but remains modest when compared with the cost and impact of illegal dumping on victims.

Figures show that 139 vehicles were seized by enforcement officers from 41 councils during 2024/25  a small proportion compared with the overall number of offences.

Where sufficient evidence exists, fly-tippers can be prosecuted and courts may issue cost orders allowing landowners to recover clean-up expenses from perpetrators.

However, central government does not compensate victims of non-violent crime, warning that reimbursing clean-up costs directly could create a perverse incentive for some to allow dumping to occur.

Landowners are being urged to secure vulnerable sites, use signage and barriers where appropriate, and report incidents promptly to their local authority.

With offences rising despite increased enforcement, ministers hope more aggressive vehicle seizures, public naming and visible destruction of offenders vans will act as a stronger deterrent.

For farmers and rural businesses dealing with the aftermath on the ground, the hope is that tougher action translates into fewer piles of waste left at field gates  and fewer bills landing on their desks.
Cross-party MPs have mounted a united challenge to government plans to tighten shotgun licensing, warning the move could penalise lawful owners while delivering little benefit to public safety.

The Westminster Hall debate on 23 February was triggered after a petition opposing the proposals surged past 100,000 signatures, forcing MPs to consider the issue.

Ministers are preparing a consultation on aligning shotgun licensing with firearms licensing under Sections 1 and 2 of the Firearms Act.

Critics argue that such alignment would subject shotgun owners to stricter controls, potentially increasing administrative burdens and compliance requirements.

During more than three hours of contributions, MPs from Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, the SNP, Plaid Cymru, the DUP and Restore Britain voiced concerns about the proportionality of the proposals.

The government says the consultation will examine whether current licensing distinctions remain appropriate. However, rural organisations insist the changes would not address criminal misuse.

The Countryside Alliance described an overwhelming consensus in the chamber that restricting lawful shotgun ownership would harm countryside businesses and conservation activity without improving safety outcomes.

A significant moment in the debate came when Policing Minister Sarah Jones acknowledged calls for reform of the licensing system itself.

Lots of people pointed to something that we are already beginning to think about: calls for centralised licensing, she said.

Referring to the police reform White Paper and the proposed national police service, she suggested this could provide an opportunity to look at whether we should have a national licensing system.

While emphasising that local police involvement would remain necessary for home visits, she added: Actually, is now the time to have a centralised licensing system? That is something that I am happy to look at and have already had conversations about.

The prospect of replacing the 38 firearms licensing units across England and Wales with a single dedicated body has long been advocated by rural groups, who argue it would improve consistency and efficiency without imposing additional restrictions.

Roger Seddon, shooting campaign manager at the Countryside Alliance, said the parliamentary mood reflected widespread concern.

It is clear there is widespread opposition to the governments proposals to restrict shotgun ownership, he said.

He argued that alignment will do nothing to enhance public safety but will harm conservation and take a wrecking ball to our already fragile rural economy.

Mr Seddon welcomed the ministers willingness to explore centralised licensing, suggesting it could negate the need for alignment.

However, he stressed that the forthcoming consultation will be decisive.

While the debate was an important opportunity to hammer home concerns over the proposals, it is the upcoming consultation where numbers will truly count, he said.

With the government indicating that reform remains under consideration, attention now turns to the consultation process  a stage that could determine whether ministers pursue tighter licensing rules or pivot towards structural reform of the system instead.
Two men have been jailed for killing a sheep in a disturbing attack on the South Downs that was filmed on a mobile phone.

Leighton Ashby, 22, of Beckett Road, Ashford, was sentenced to two years in prison, while Oakley Hollands, 20, of Mussenden Lane, Horton Kirby, received 20 months in a young offenders institution.

The pair drove to a field near Ditchling Beacon on the evening of 2 November 2023 and began chasing sheep before catching one animal and violently assaulting it using explosive bangers, causing catastrophic injuries.

The offence was prosecuted as causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Footage of Ashby carrying out the attack was recovered from Hollands phone. Officers also discovered videos of an unidentified person attacking both live and dead animals.

Investigators later found the sheeps ear tags at a nearby property, understood to have been removed from the scene by Ashby.

The attack was reported to Sussex Police on 6 November 2023. Both men were arrested within two days and subsequently charged.

They pleaded guilty at Brighton Magistrates Court on 7 August 2025 before being sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on 23 February.

Livestock attacks can have a significant impact on farmers, both financially and emotionally, particularly in rural areas where flocks are often grazed on open downland.

Superintendent Rachel Swinney described the case as a disturbing incident that has been treated with the seriousness it deserved.

Both of these men have now faced justice for their crimes, which should send a clear message that we will protect our rural communities and hold offenders to account, she said.

The custodial sentences underline the seriousness with which courts are now treating deliberate acts of cruelty against livestock, particularly where evidence has been recorded and retained.
Britains young shepherds have proved they can hold their own against Europes best, securing top-five finishes at the prestigious European Shepherd of the Year final in Paris.

Competing at the renowned Salon International de l'Agriculture, more than 50 finalists from across Europe took part in the Ovinpiades  a high-profile contest widely regarded as a showcase of the next generation of sheep industry leaders.

The one-day competition tested every aspect of modern sheep husbandry, from breed recognition and prime lamb selection to electric fencing and a demanding written paper.

Success required not only practical ability but technical knowledge, commercial awareness and composure under pressure.

Representing the UK in the other European country category, the four-strong team faced fierce continental competition in front of a packed audience.

Herefordshires Tom Garlick led the British performance, finishing five points clear of Waless Evan Turner among the UK entrants. Tackling each task confidently, he impressed judges with assured stockmanship and calm decision-making throughout the day.

Evan, who had celebrated his 18th birthday just 24 hours before stepping into the ring, delivered a standout performance. In the prime lamb selection challenge, his grasp of market specifications and finishing requirements was particularly noted.

Scotlands Kiera Smith narrowly missed out on an overall podium position, finishing just 0.6 points behind Belgiums Eleane Ysebaert.

Kiera excelled in the written examination, achieving one of the highest scores of the day  underlining her technical understanding of both sheep production and European market demands.

Northern Irelands Jack Maxwell completed the team, claiming fifth place overall and maintaining a five-point cushion over sixth.

When elements of the contest did not go entirely to plan, he showed resilience and adaptability  qualities essential to commercial sheep farming.

Beyond the technical challenges, competitors also had to contend with language differences, unfamiliar judging systems and variations in European husbandry practices.

NSA Technical Communications Officer Anna Wilson, who accompanied the team, said she was immensely proud of their achievements at this competition.

The language barrier and differences in animal husbandry could have been overwhelming for many, but all our competitors handled the situation beautifully, she said.

She added that judges feedback on their stockmanship and industry knowledge had been especially positive.

The UK sheep sector, which supports thousands of farm businesses and underpins significant export trade, relies heavily on skilled young producers entering the industry.

Events such as the Ovinpiades provide not only technical benchmarking but also exposure to international standards and market expectations.

Attention now turns to July, when the four competitors will reunite at the Three Counties Showground in Worcestershire for the NSA Sheep Event, competing for the national title of NSA Next Generation Shepherd of the Year.

If performances in Paris are any indication, the UKs next generation of sheep farmers are already competing comfortably among Europes elite.
Foot and mouth disease has been confirmed in Cyprus, triggering immediate UK import restrictions and a warning to British livestock keepers to heighten biosecurity.

Cases of the highly contagious viral disease have been detected in cattle and sheep in Larnaca. While there are no cases in the UK, officials say swift action is essential to reduce the risk of incursion.

The government has today (25 February) imposed restrictions on certain commercial imports from Cyprus to Great Britain.

The controls cover live animals susceptible to FMD, including cattle and sheep, as well as germplasm.

Restrictions also apply to fresh meat and untreated meat products, milk and dairy products unless suitably heat treated, hay and straw, and certain animal by-products such as pet food.

Foot and mouth disease poses no risk to human or food safety. However, it spreads rapidly among cloven-hoofed animals including cattle, sheep, pigs, deer, wild boar, llamas and alpacas.

The economic consequences of an outbreak can be severe. Previous UK experience has shown that FMD can lead to widespread production losses and immediate suspension of export markets for meat, milk and livestock.

UK Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Christine Middlemiss said authorities were monitoring developments closely.

Foot and Mouth disease has now been confirmed in Cyprus, we remain in contact with our European counterparts to understand the latest situation, she said.

She added that robust plans are already in place to minimise the risk of disease incursion to support Britains farming community and food security.

Livestock keepers have been reminded to exercise vigilance for clinical signs, apply strict biosecurity measures and report any suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

Clinical signs vary between species. In cattle, symptoms typically include blisters and sores on the feet, mouth and tongue, fever, lameness and reluctance to feed.

In sheep and pigs, lameness is often the first visible indicator, sometimes accompanied by blistering.

Commercial imports of cheeses from Cyprus, including halloumi, remain permitted provided they meet heat-treatment requirements and are accompanied by the mandatory health certificate. Officials stress that appropriately treated dairy products are considered low risk.

Personal imports of meat and dairy products, including halloumi, from EU countries remain prohibited under restrictions introduced last year following increased disease activity across mainland Europe.

Since April 2025, travellers have been banned from bringing cattle, sheep, goat and pig meat, as well as dairy products, into Great Britain for personal use.

Importers and exporters are being advised to check the latest official guidance to ensure compliance.

Foot and mouth disease is a notifiable disease and must be reported without delay. In England, animal keepers should call 03000 200 301; in Wales, 0300 303 8268; and in Scotland, their local Field Services Office.

The UK remains free of FMD. But with cases confirmed in Europe, vigilance on farm remains the first line of defence.
As Konkona Sen Sharma gets ready for the release of her upcoming film Accused, the actor has spoken candidly about the concerns raised in the Justice Hema Committee report. In the film, she plays a London based doctor accused of workplace sexual harassment, a role that mirrors the larger conversations currently unfolding within the industry.





In a recent interaction with PTI, Konkona did not hold back while addressing the culture of silence around such issues. She said, It's just a very unfortunate situation. This is the reality we all know, we know the people who have been accused, we can see so many of them thriving. A lot of that is actually dependent on us, on all of us as a society, who we choose to work with, whose work we want to watch, how many opportunities do we give these people.





Reflecting on the Justice Hema Committee report, she further added, The Hema committee has brought out a report, how many people have actually read it, how widely has it been circulated? Some good things may have come out of it, in terms of infrastructure, some committees and structures have been put in place on a film set, or in any work environment. But ultimately what comes of it, a lot of it depends on us, and how we deal with it as a society. The report had shed light on the harassment and exploitation faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, including disturbing accounts of intimidation, lack of basic facilities like toilets, and the fear that stops many from speaking up.





Meanwhile, Accused, which also features Pratibha Ranta, is written by Sima Agarwal and Yash Keswani and directed by Anubhuti Kashyap. Backed by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawala and Somen Mishra, the psychological thriller is set to premiere on Netflix on February 27.



Also Read: Konkana Sen Sharma shares throwback pics from mom Aparna Sens film Sati


TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Literacy Research Association (LRA) today announced a major keynote for its annual conference to be held on December 2-5, 2026 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The keynote, titled " Archaeologies of Self and Re-Searching Literacies as Healing Praxis," will be delivered by Dr. Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz, Professor of English Education at Teachers College, Columbia University.

Information concerning registration for the LRA 2026 conference, which will include a keynote address by Dr. Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz, is expected to be released shortly on the Literacy Research Association website. Individuals who intend to submit a response to the LRA 2026 Call for Proposals are requested to complete this action by March 1, 2026. The submission portal for proposals is located on the LRA 2026 All Academic website.

The speakers' series and associated sessions will explore the conference theme, "Manifesting Quantum Imaginaries: Re-searching Literacies as a Transcontextual Enterprise," inviting a metaphorical reimagination of literacies through a quantum lens and emphasizing literacy as a dynamic, transcontextual practice.

Keynote Details

Speaker: Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz, Ph.D., Professor of English Education, Teachers College, Columbia University

Title: Archaeologies of Self and Re-Searching Literacies as Healing Praxis

Abstract: This keynote emphasizes literacy, research, and teaching as healing practices rooted in self-knowledge and relationships. Building on the Archaeology of Self, it calls for a recursive, relational approach to learning that challenges linear, uni-directional models and foregrounds racial literacy and healing as core to the future of education.

When: December 4, 2026

Where: Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, Honolulu, HI

Access: Public keynote; available via registration for the conference

Connect: LinkedIn (@yolandasealeyruiz-714a24126/) | Instagram (@yolie_sealeyruiz)

Lead Organizer Quote

"Literacies are not static add-ons to education; they are living, moving practices that unfold across time, space, and communities," said Patriann Smith, LRA 2026 Conference Chair. "Our keynote speaker's scholarship invites us to reframe literacy as a healing, collective practice, and to imagine classrooms and communities where literacies travel across borders and contexts all-at-once."

Key Highlights and Takeaways

A keynote that links quantum imaginaries with practical, equitable literacy practices in diverse classrooms and communities where artificial intelligence requires a reimagination of what it means to teach and to research literacies.

An introduction to the Archaeology of Self framework and its implications for culturally responsive pedagogy and Racial Literacy Development inspired by the forthcoming book " Archaeology of Self by Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz " and by the TEDx Talk " Truth, Love and Racial Literacy ."

A preview of conference sessions on transcontextual literacies, spaces of learning, and the role of AI, quantum computing, and metaverse-era tools in literacy education.

Opportunities for educators to engage in professional development, classroom pilots, and community-based literacy initiatives.

Why This Matters

The keynote situates literacy as a living practice that travels through time, space, and identity, aligning with global pushes for equity, justice, and culturally sustaining pedagogy in a rapidly changing technological era. It marks a critical moment in the ongoing effort to reimagine literacies in motion, ensuring diverse learners have access to the skills and resources needed to thrive.

**Conference Agenda Highlights**

Presidential Address

Oscar S. Causey Address

Distinguished Scholar Lifetime Achievement Address

Presidential Special Sessions featuring Native Hawaiian Practitioners & Scholars

Scholars of color Transitioning into Academic Research institutions (STAR) Reception

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Luncheon

Ethnicity, Race, & Multilingualism (ERM) Reception

Reading Hall of Fame Mentoring Session

Honorable Mention of a K-12 Teacher

Integrative Research Review Panel

Newcomers Welcome Reception

Award Presentations

Study Groups

Trivia Night

Vital Issues

Town Hall

Media Contact:

Patriann Smith

psmith@literacyresearchassociation.org

https://literacyresearchassociation.org

The Literacy Research Association is a non-profit professional organization, comprised of individuals who share an interest in advancing literacy theory, research, and practice. For over seven decades, LRA has served as a foundational source of information for literacy researchers and practitioners. As the publisher of the Journal of Literacy Research and of the Literacy Research: Theory, Method, and Practice, and as a primary outlet for the dissemination of research reports and policy briefs surrounding literacy, LRA continues to function as a premiere outlet for the publication of literacy research in the United States and beyond.

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 24, 2026) - Spark Energy Minerals Inc. (CSE: SPRK) (OTC Pink: SPARF) (FSE: 8PC) ("Spark" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has received aggregate proceeds of $1,734,965 from the exercise of 34,699,307 common share purchase warrants in connection with the Company's previously announced warrant incentive program (the "Incentive Program").

Each warrant was exercised at a price of $0.05. Upon exercise of the warrants in accordance with the Incentive Program, the Company issued a total of 34,699,307 common shares and 34,699,307 incentive warrants (the "Incentive Warrants"). Each Incentive Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one common share of the Company for a period of 1 year from the date of issuance, at a price of $0.06 per share.

Spark CEO, Dr. Fernando Tallarico, commented: "I wish to thank all the shareholders that participated in the Warrant Incentive program. The proceeds will subsidize the continuity of our successful exploration efforts in the Lithium Valley."

Spark expects to use the proceeds received from the exercise of the warrants for advancing exploration activities and general working capital.

All warrants that were not exercised under the Incentive Program will remain outstanding and continue to be exercisable for common shares of the Company on their original terms, other than the warrants originally issued on January 31, 2024, which have now expired. The Incentive Warrants, and any shares issuable on the exercise thereof, will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance of the Incentive Warrants.

Participation in the Incentive Program by an officer of the Company (the "Related Party") constituted a related party transaction within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the directors of the Company have determined that the Related Party's participation in the Incentive Program is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 in reliance on the exemptions contained in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101. The Company did not file a material change report in respect of the related party transaction at least 21 days before closing of the Incentive Program as participation by the Related Party was not known at that time.

About Spark Energy Minerals Inc.

Spark Energy Minerals Inc. is a Canadian company advancing the exploration and development of critical minerals essential to the clean-energy transition. The Company's primary focus is Brazil, where it controls a significant land position within the country's emerging Lithium Valley - a region recognized for its lithium, gallium, and rare-earth potential. Spark's flagship Arapaima Project spans approximately 91,900 hectares and hosts multiple targets for lithium and gallium-REE mineralization. Through systematic exploration, Spark aims to help strengthen the secure and sustainable supply of minerals that power electrification, renewable energy, and modern technologies. The Company is committed to responsible exploration practices and supporting Brazil's development of a transparent, sustainable critical-minerals supply chain.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things: the use of proceeds raised under the Incentive Program.

These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things: market uncertainty, and the risk that the Company will not use the proceeds of the Incentive Program as expected by management.

In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that the Company will use the proceeds of the Incentive Program as currently anticipated.

Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/285206

Source: Spark Energy Minerals Inc.
HIGHLIGHTS

Sarawak Government grants the renewal of ML 05/2012/1D, subject to conditions to be advised.

The renewal secures continuity of tenure over the Jugan deposit within the Bau Gold Project.

Besra will continue its positive engagement with local authorities regarding renewal conditions for the Mining Lease and to progress the status of other applications within Bau Gold Project.

Perth, Western Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 24, 2026) - The Board of Besra Gold Inc (ASX: BEZ) ("Besra" or "the Company") is pleased to advise that the Sarawak Government has granted the renewal of Mining Lease ML 05/2012/1D, with formal conditions yet to be provided.

ML 05/2012/1D covers the Jugan deposit area within the Bau Gold Project in Sarawak, Malaysia, and represents the first stage in the renewal of the Company's broader regional tenure position within the highly prospective Bau gold district. The lease is strategically located within the broader project area and has been a focus of technical evaluation, reflecting its importance in the context of the Company's wider district-scale advancement strategy.

The renewal ensures continuity of tenure over the Jugan area and confirms the Sarawak Government's acknowledgement of Besra Gold's commitment to continue its technical, environmental and stakeholder engagement programs within the renewed lease term.

Besra intends to continue constructive engagement with relevant authorities regarding:

The formalisation and clarification of the renewal conditions;

The administrative process applicable to other Mining Lease renewals previously lodged; and

Alignment of regulatory requirements with project planning activities.

No assurances can be given at this time regarding the outcome or timing of other renewal applications.

Security of tenure has been consistently identified by the Board as a high risk to the Company and its plans to progress the development of the Bau Gold Project. The renewal of ML 05/2012/1D, and tenure security over the Jugan deposit represent an important step in addressing this requirement and provides greater clarity over the Company's main asset.

This represents the first Mining Lease renewal secured since Besra's listing on the ASX in October 2021 and follows extensive engagement with Government agencies and stakeholders.

The Company acknowledges and appreciates the consideration given by the Sarawak Government in granting this renewal.

Non-Executive Chairman, Dr John Blake, stated:

"The renewal of ML 05/2012/1D represents a significant milestone for Besra. Security of tenure reduces project risk and is fundamental to progressing towards commercial development at Bau. With this renewal in place, we can now allocate resources to systematic, technically driven assessments across the Bau corridor to advance our portfolio in a disciplined and responsible way.

We appreciate the Sarawak Government's positive engagement and look forward to continued constructive dialogue on the remaining renewal applications. The governance and stakeholder engagement measures introduced by the Board in December 2025 are delivering positive outcomes and achieving their strategic intent."

The Company will continue to engage with the relevant authorities to clarify renewal conditions and progress the remaining applications, reducing regulatory and operational risk to facilitate a disciplined advancement of the Bau Goldfield assets in line with regulatory, environmental and market requirements.

Further updates will be provided as material developments occur.

This announcement was authorised for release by the Board of Besra Gold Inc.

For further information, please contact:

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/285207

Source: Besra Gold Inc.
Sydney, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 24, 2026) - SilverWater Plumbing, a multi-award-winning family-run business, has officially announced a major operational expansion. Effective immediately, the company is extending its comprehensive maintenance services to cover the entire metropolitan region, cementing its position as a leading plumbing company in Sydney. This strategic move ensures that homeowners and businesses from the Northern Beaches to the Sutherland Shire, and from the Eastern Suburbs out to Penrith, now have direct access to one of the city's most trusted trade teams.

An assessment on a heat pump hotwater system from SilverWater Plumbing

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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For years, SilverWater Plumbing has built an impeccable reputation based on honest, family-oriented values and technical precision. With this expansion, the company aims to bridge the gap in the market for reliable, 24/7 emergency plumbing across the wider city, bringing a "local plumber" feel to a metropolitan scale.

75 Years of Experience Meets Modern Reach

The expansion is backed by a formidable foundation of expertise. SilverWater Plumbing boasts a team with over 75 years of combined experience in the trade. This depth of knowledge allows them to handle complex residential and commercial challenges that less experienced providers might struggle to diagnose.

"We are thrilled to bring the SilverWater Plumbing standard to every corner of Sydney," says Kameron Khan, Director of SilverWater Plumbing. "We are a family-run business, and we treat every home we enter with the same care we would our own. Whether it's a blocked drain in Bondi or a gas fitting job in Blacktown, our customers get the benefit of decades of collective experience. We aren't just expanding our map; we are expanding our promise of quality."

High-Tech Solutions for Every Suburb

SilverWater Plumbing is distinguishing itself in the expanded market through its adoption of advanced diagnostic technologies. The company's fleet is equipped with state-of-the-art high-pressure water jetters and CCTV drain cameras. This technology allows technicians to pinpoint the exact location of underground blockages or pipe damage without unnecessary digging or guesswork.

By utilizing these tools, SilverWater Plumbing can offer efficient, non-invasive solutions like pipe relining-a service now available to the entire Sydney metro area. This technique allows damaged pipes to be repaired from the inside, saving homeowners thousands of dollars in landscaping and driveway restoration costs.

Comprehensive Services: From Taps to Electrical

The expansion brings a holistic suite of services to a broader client base. SilverWater Plumbing is not limited to simple tap repairs; they offer a "one-stop" solution for property maintenance. Their expertise spans:

Hot Water Systems : Installation and replacement of gas, electric, and solar units.

: Installation and replacement of gas, electric, and solar units. Gas Fitting : Safe detection of leaks and installation of gas appliances.

: Safe detection of leaks and installation of gas appliances. Blocked Drains : Rapid clearing using jet blasting technology.

: Rapid clearing using jet blasting technology. Toilet and Tap Repairs : Fixing leaks that drive up water bills.

: Fixing leaks that drive up water bills. Electrical Services: A unique value-add that allows the team to handle integrated tasks, such as electric hot water repairs, without the customer needing to hire a separate sparky.

Transparent Pricing and Verified Trust

In an industry often criticized for hidden costs, SilverWater Plumbing has built its expansion model on transparent, upfront pricing. Customers in the new service areas will receive clear quotes before work begins, eliminating the stress of "bill shock."

This commitment to integrity is reflected in the company's celebrated track record. SilverWater Plumbing has earned positive reviews across various platforms and has received multiple awards for service excellence.

24/7 Emergency Availability

Recognizing that plumbing disasters rarely adhere to business hours, the expansion includes full 24/7 emergency service coverage across Sydney. Whether it is a burst pipe at midnight or a cold shower on a Sunday morning, the SilverWater team is mobilized to respond rapidly, ensuring that help is never too far away, regardless of the suburb.

About SilverWater Plumbing

SilverWater Plumbing is a premier, family-run plumbing service based in Sydney, NSW. With over 75 years of combined experience, they provide high-quality residential and commercial maintenance, including pipe relining, gas fitting, and hot water solutions. They are committed to customer satisfaction through honesty, advanced technology, and 24/7 availability.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284852

Source: Search Jam


EQS Newswire / 25/02/2026 / 11:12 UTC+8



Suzhou, China, February 24, 2026 - CF PharmTech, Inc. (HKEX: 2652.HK) ("CF PharmTech" or the "Company") today announced that the Investigational New Drug ("IND") application for ICF004, the Company's internally developed first-in-class (FIC) inhaled dry powder candidate for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis (a Class 1 chemical drug candidate), has been accepted by the National Medical Products Administration of China ("NMPA").

The acceptance of the ICF004 IND application marks a key step forward in the Company's innovative drug research and development efforts and an important milestone in advancing translational innovation based on the Company's complex respiratory formulation and precision delivery platform. The Company believes progress in the ICF004 program not only supports the clinical development value of a standalone pipeline asset, but also demonstrates its ability to translate high-barrier delivery and formulation platform capabilities into innovative drug clinical development assets.

Addressing Unmet Needs in PF-ILD: Resolving Efficacy-Tolerability Dilemma

ICF004 is intended for the treatment of Progressive Fibrosing Interstitial Lung Disease ("PF-ILD"), a disease area that includes life-threatening indications such as Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis ("IPF") and Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis ("PPF").

PF-ILD is characterized by progressively worsening respiratory symptoms and irreversible decline in lung function, and is generally associated with poor prognosis. Using IPF as a representative condition, publicly available data indicate a median survival of approximately 2.8 years and a 5-year survival rate below 40%, underscoring the substantial clinical burden of disease.

Oral therapies have been approved globally for the treatment of IPF. Public clinical data and real-world evidence suggest that, while existing therapies may slow decline in lung function to some extent, some patients still face limited survival benefit, significant adverse-event burden, and treatment interruption or discontinuation. For patients coping with both disease progression and treatment-related side effects, there remains an urgent global need for next-generation therapies that can better balance safety, efficacy, and long-term treatment adherence.

The Company believes the development rationale for ICF004 is grounded in these unmet needs. The program seeks to explore new delivery and therapeutic pathways on top of existing treatment approaches, with the goal of improving the therapeutic window and patient outcomes.

Improving Therapeutic Window Through the Integration of Mechanism Exploration and Formulation Innovation Through Local Targeted Delivery

Based on the Company's current development strategy, ICF004 uses an inhaled dry powder delivery route designed to deliver the drug directly to lung lesion areas, thereby increasing local pulmonary exposure while minimizing systemic exposure to the extent possible, in pursuit of a better balance between efficacy and safety.

The Company positions ICF004 as a candidate integrating mechanism exploration and formulation innovation, and continues to conduct mechanistic research and translational validation around fibrosis-related pathological processes, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibroblast activation.

Preclinical Findings Demonstrate Differentiated Pulmonary Exposure Profile Supporting Development Strategy

According to the Company's completed preclinical studies, ICF004 demonstrated differentiated distribution characteristics between lung tissue exposure and systemic blood exposure following inhaled administration. In relevant studies, the Company observed a significant exposure differential between lung and blood, supporting the project's subsequent development strategy centered on improving target-organ exposure efficiency and reducing systemic exposure burden through local targeted delivery.

In addition, the Company observed anti-fibrotic activity trends for ICF004 in relevant preclinical models. These findings provide supportive information for subsequent clinical development; however, whether they will translate into clinical efficacy and safety advantages in humans remains to be verified in future clinical trials.

Platform Validation: Extending from Complex Formulation to Innovative Drug Translational Capability and Strategic Significance

The acceptance of the ICF004 IND application marks the first time one of the Company's innovative drug programs has entered the regulatory acceptance stage. The Company believes the strategic significance of this progress is reflected primarily in the following areas:

Validation of platform translational capability - demonstrating the Company's ability to integrate complex formulations, delivery systems, device engineering, and unmet clinical needs in advancing innovative drug development programs;

Strengthening the replicability of R&D pathways - providing methodological and organizational experience for subsequent innovative programs in respiratory and related therapeutic areas; and

Enhancing capital market understanding of the Company's platform-based capabilities - helping investors better understand, beyond the complex formulation business alone, the Company's medium- to long-term capabilities and potential value drivers in combining delivery technologies, device engineering, and innovative drug clinical translation.

Leveraging its capabilities in inhalation delivery, device engineering, regulatory registration, and industrialization, CF PharmTech continues to advance a multi-layered product portfolio and explore opportunities in delivery-enabled innovative drug development across broader disease areas.

Next Steps

The Company will continue to advance subsequent clinical development activities for ICF004 in accordance with NMPA requirements, including clinical start-up preparation, subject enrollment arrangements, and phased data readouts.

At the same time, the Company will prudently evaluate strategic pathways such as independent development and collaborative development based on the project's clinical progress, resource allocation, and external partnership opportunities, and will fulfill information disclosure obligations in a timely manner in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.

Important Risks and Disclaimers

Innovative drug R&D involves high investment, long development timelines, and significant risks. Uncertainties remain in the subsequent clinical development, regulatory review and approval, and commercialization process of ICF004. The Company reminds investors to exercise rational judgment and be mindful of the risks associated with investing.

About CF PharmTech

CF PharmTech focuses on the development of complex formulations, small nucleic acid and liposomal drugs, and precision delivery technologies in key therapeutic areas such as respiratory diseases, and has capabilities in inhalation delivery, device engineering, regulatory registration, and industrialization. The Company is advancing a multi-layered product portfolio based on these platform capabilities and continues to explore clinical translation opportunities in innovative drug development.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements relating to the development, clinical progress, regulatory review, and potential commercialization of ICF004, and the Company's strategic plans and expectations. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks related to clinical development, regulatory approval, commercialization, market conditions, and other factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law or regulation.
Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

Allschwil, Switzerland, February 25, 2026

Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil (SIX: BSLN), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to meeting the needs of patients with severe bacterial and fungal infections, announced today that the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, awarded USD 6 million to Basilea to continue the development of Basilea's novel oral antibiotic ceftibuten-ledaborbactam etzadroxil, a beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor (BL/BLI) combination, for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs), including pyelonephritis.

David Veitch, Chief Executive Officer of Basilea, said: "We are very pleased to receive the continued funding from BARDA to support the further development of our novel antibiotic ceftibuten-ledaborbactam, including the preparation of clinical phase 3 studies. We believe that, by addressing the critical unmet medical need for the oral treatment of cUTIs caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria, this candidate holds a strong promise for patients suffering from these severe infections."

Under the terms of the specific Contract[1] with BARDA, upon completion of predefined milestones, Basilea could be reimbursed for a significant proportion of the further development costs required to bring the candidate to market, including the planned phase 3 clinical studies. After the current tranche of USD 6 million, the Contract could provide up to USD 147 million of additional non-dilutive funding.

About beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor (BL/BLI) combinations

Many Gram-negative bacteria express enzymes such as extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) that confer resistance against commonly used antibiotics. Beta-lactamase inhibitors block these enzymes and restore the activity of beta-lactam antibiotics against initially resistant Gram-negative bacteria, therefore BL/BLI combinations are an important addition to the armamentarium for the treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens.

About ceftibuten-ledaborbactam etzadroxil

Ledaborbactam etzadroxil is the orally bioavailable prodrug of ledaborbactam, a novel broad-spectrum boronic acid beta-lactamase inhibitor, which is being developed in combination with ceftibuten, an oral cephalosporin antibiotic, which is approved in the US for the treatment of upper and lower respiratory tract infections and for urinary tract infections outside the US. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that ledaborbactam etzadroxil restores the activity of ceftibuten against strains of Enterobacterales expressing Ambler class A extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), class C cephalosporinases, and class A and D carbapenemases (KPC and OXA-48, respectively) as well as multidrug-resistant (MDR) Enterobacterales.[2] Ceftibuten-ledaborbactam etzadroxil has been granted Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) and Fast Track designations by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for cUTI and uncomplicated urinary tract infections. Ceftibuten-ledaborbactam etzadroxil is an investigational drug and is not yet approved in any country for commercial use.

About complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI)

Complicated UTIs, which include pyelonephritis (kidney infections), are defined as urinary tract infections ascending from the bladder accompanied by local and systemic signs and symptoms and are one of the most common bacterial infections in hospital and community settings. Increasing resistance of bacteria causing complicated urinary tract infections has led to limited availability of effective oral antibiotic treatment options.[3] Currently, there are no approved oral beta-lactam or beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations that are effective against Enterobacterales expressing Ambler class A ESBLs, class C cephalosporinases, and class A & D serine carbapenemases (KPC and OXA-48).

About Basilea

Basilea is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 2000 and headquartered in Switzerland. We are committed to discovering, developing and commercializing innovative drugs to meet the needs of patients with severe bacterial and fungal infections. We have successfully launched two hospital brands, Cresemba for the treatment of invasive fungal infections and Zevtera for the treatment of bacterial infections. In addition, we have preclinical and clinical anti-infective assets in our portfolio. Basilea is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX: BSLN). Please visit basilea.com.

Disclaimer

This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements, such as "believe", "assume", "expect", "forecast", "project", "may", "could", "might", "will" or similar expressions concerning Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil and its business, including with respect to the progress, timing and completion of research, development and clinical studies for product candidates. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information, please contact:

Peer Nils Schroder, PhD



Head of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations

Basilea Pharmaceutica International Ltd, Allschwil

Hegenheimermattweg 167b

4123 Allschwil

Switzerland



Phone +41 61 606 1102



E-mail media_relations@basilea.com

investor_relations@basilea.com





This ad hoc announcement can be downloaded from www.basilea.com.

References

This project has been funded in part with federal funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, under Contract No. 75A50123C00050. J. A. Karlowsky, M. G. Wise, M. A. Hackel et al. Ceftibuten-Ledaborbactam Activity against Multidrug-Resistant and Extended-Spectrum--Lactamase-Positive Clinical Isolates of Enterobacterales from a 2018-2020 Global Surveillance Collection. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 2022, Nov 15;66(11):e0093422 T. P. Lodise, T. Chopra, B. H. Nathanson et al. Epidemiology of Complicated Urinary Tract Infections due to Enterobacterales Among Adult Patients Presenting in Emergency Departments Across the United States. Open Forum Infectious Diseases 2022, Jun 24;9(7):ofac315.



Attachment
The investor consortium comprising the Paris-based Next Generation Fuels Industrial Technological fund Calderion (Audacia), alongside infrastructure developer Terravent and WenCo Family Office, announces the closing of a strategic double-digit million-euro financing round for Berlin-based Graforce GmbH.

The investment is dedicated to the industrial scale-up of Graforce's proprietary plasma pyrolysis technology, addressing the growing global demand for cost-efficient low-carbon hydrogen, syngas, and carbon removal solutions that are compatible with existing industrial infrastructures.

Disruptive alternative to conventional processes

Graforce's technology aims at replacing CO2-intensive legacy routes such as steam reforming and classical gasification. By applying plasma to methane, biogas, flare gas, and landfill gas, the process converts these streams into their valuable molecular components instead of emitting them.

The result is a high-efficiency production of clean hydrogen and syngas, while carbon is obtained as a high-purity industrial raw material that remains in material cycles. When biogenic feedstocks are used, the process enables a negative CO2 footprint (Carbon Removal), as the carbon is permanently stored rather than released into the atmosphere. This modular approach allows for decentralized production directly at the point of consumption, significantly reducing transport costs and energy losses.

Strategic cooperation with RAG Austria AG

In parallel with the financing round, Graforce is deepening its partnership with energy storage company RAG Austria AG, which is providing targeted financial and industrial support for the further development of the methane plasma pyrolysis plant. The focus of the collaboration is on system optimization and industrial integration. This collaboration strengthens Graforce on its path to continuous industrial operation, increases plant efficiency, and supports the use of modular plants at locations with variable availability of renewable energies.

Use of Funds: Scale-up and market deployment

The funds will be used for technological advancement, the roll-out of additional industrial plants, and international market development. Graforce plans to expand its production capacities to meet the rising demand from the steel, chemical, and transportation sectors.

Partner Statements

"With Graforce's addition to our portfolio, Calderion strengthens its coverage of next-generation fuel value chains, combining CO2 capture, plasma-based methane conversion and synthetic fuels. This enables integrated pathways from methane and CO2 to low-carbon hydrogen and syngas, serving both industrial decarbonization and sustainable fuels for maritime and aviation. Graforce's technology also offers natural hydrogen explorers a solution to valorize associated methane without CO2 emissions," explains Vincent Brillault, Founding Partner of Calderion.

"The flexibility to provide various product gases in a decentralized and emission-free manner closes a critical gap in the industrial value chain. We are contributing our project planning expertise to bring this technology to the global market," adds Jens Rotteken, CEO of Terravent.

"This investment underscores the enormous potential of our plasmalysis technology for a sustainable energy transition. We look forward to working together to make our plasmalysis technology scalable and cost-effective," says Dr. Jens Hanke, CEO of Graforce GmbH.

About the partners

Graforce GmbH Pioneer of CO2-free hydrogen and syngas technologies based on plasma pyrolysis, enabling the utilization of methane, biogas, flare and landfill gases as industrial resources. www.graforce.com

Calderion Audacia Initiated by Audacia, Calderion is an industrial deep-tech fund dedicated to scaling next-generation fuel technologies. Audacia is listed on Euronext Growth Paris. calderion.com audacia.fr

Terravent Investor and project developer with a focus on renewable energies and integrated hydrogen infrastructure. Over one gigawatt of projects realized in 25 years. www.terravent.de

Wen.Co.Invest Oldenburg-based family office investing in innovative, sustainability-oriented ventures for long-term positive impact. www.wegasupport.de

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260224703188/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact: Dr. Jens Hanke, CEO, Graforce GmbH, Phone: +49 30 632222 110, presse@graforce.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 25, 2026) - PreveCeutical Medical Inc. (CSE: PREV) (OTCQB: PRVCF) (FSE: 18H0) (the "Company" or "PreveCeutical") is pleased to announce that the Canadian Patent Office has allowed Canadian Patent Application No. 3127020, titled "A Cyclic Peptide", which relates to the Company's pain therapy program. This allowance represents a significant milestone in the protection of PreveCeutical's proprietary technologies aimed at addressing unmet needs in pain management.

The Canadian patent application is directed novel cyclized peptides that are analogues of dynorphin, an endogenous opioid peptide. These compounds are designed to deliver effective pain relief while potentially reducing the adverse effects commonly associated with traditional opioid therapies, such as dependence and tolerance. The invention also encompasses pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use for treating or preventing pain in subjects, reinforcing the therapeutic potential of this technology.

This patent application is jointly owned by PreveCeutical Medical Inc. and The University of Queensland, reflecting the strength of the collaborative research partnership between the two organizations. Grant of the application is expected in Q2 2026 - the granted patent will provide exclusivity in Canada until January 2040, subject to maintenance, and forms part of a broader patent family with corresponding applications pending in the United States, Europe, and Australia. This global strategy ensures robust protection for PreveCeutical's intellectual property portfolio and supports its long-term commercialization objectives.

PreveCeutical's pain therapy program focuses on developing next-generation peptide-based analgesics that aim to overcome the limitations of conventional opioids. By leveraging advanced peptide engineering and cyclization techniques, these candidates are designed to exhibit enhanced stability and receptor selectivity, which could significantly improve patient outcomes in managing acute and chronic pain.

PreveCeutical's CEO, Stephen Van Deventer, commented: "The approval of this application is a significant milestone for PreveCeutical, reaffirming our commitment to pioneering next-generation solutions in pain management. This intellectual property bolsters our position in a global market demanding safer alternatives to opioids and supports our long-term path to commercialization."

Further details on the patent can be accessed through the Canadian Patent Search at https://brevets-patents.ic.gc.ca/opic-cipo/cpd/eng/patent/3127020/summary.html.

About PreveCeutical

PreveCeutical is a health sciences company that develops innovative options for preventive and curative therapies utilizing organic and nature identical products. PreveCeutical aims to be a leader in preventive health sciences and currently has five research and development programs, including: dual gene therapy for curative and prevention therapies for diabetes and obesity; the Sol-gel Program; Nature Identical peptides for treatment of various ailments; nonaddictive analgesic peptides as a replacement to the highly addictive analgesics such as morphine, fentanyl and oxycodone; and a therapeutic product for treating athletes who suffer from concussions (mild traumatic brain injury). For more information about PreveCeutical, please visit our website www.PreveCeutical.com or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Neither the CSE nor any Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation, including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements in this news release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations and orientations regarding the future, including, without limitation, the continued research interests of PreveCeutical, PreveCeutical's anticipated business plans, and its prospects of success in executing its proposed plans. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "will", "pro forma", "plans", "expects", "may", "should", "budget", "schedules", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "potential", "proposes" or variations of such words including negative variations thereof and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions regarding PreveCeutical, including expected growth, results of operations, including PreveCeutical's research and development activities, performance, industry trends, growth opportunities, that PreveCeutical will be granted requisite expedited approvals by world health, retain and attract qualified research personnel and obtain and/or maintain the necessary intellectual property rights needed to carry out future business activities.

Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors including, risks and uncertainties relating to: complexities and delays in connection with research and development activities and the actual results of research and development activities; the ability of PreveCeutical to, among other things, protect its respective intellectual property, obtain any required governmental, regulatory or stock exchange approvals, permits, consents or authorizations required, including Canadian Securities Exchange acceptance of any planned future activities and obtaining expedited requisite approvals from world health agencies; and the ability of PreveCeutical to commercialize products, pursue business partnerships, complete their research programs as planned, and obtain the financing required to carry out their planned future activities. Other factors such as general economic, market or business conditions or changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry may also adversely affect the future results or performance of PreveCeutical. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, unless required by applicable law, PreveCeutical assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Although PreveCeutical believes that the statements, beliefs, plans, expectations, and intentions contained in this news release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that those statements, beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions will prove to be accurate. Readers should consider all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to other periodic reports provided by PreveCeutical from time-to-time. These reports and PreveCeutical's filings are available at www.sedarplus.ca. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE or CNSX Markets), its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the CSE), nor any other regulatory authority accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Any link in this press release to external information or other resources is provided for reference only, and such information or resources might change from time to time, and may include forward-looking statements as described above, and are subject to the above disclaimers under this heading forward-looking statements.

Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and, accordingly, are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty of such statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/285236

Source: PreveCeutical Medical Inc.
Die Stimmung an den Markten hat sich grundlegend gedreht. Wahrend Tech- und KI-Werte zunehmend mit Volatilitat und Bewertungsrisiken kampfen, erleben klassische Versorger ein unerwartetes Comeback. Laut IEA und EIA steigt der globale Strombedarf strukturell weiter, nicht nur wegen E-Mobilitat und Warmepumpen, sondern vor allem durch energiehungrige KI-Rechenzentren. Energie wird damit zur zentralen Infrastruktur des digitalen Zeitalters.



Gleichzeitig rucken in unsicheren Marktphasen stabile Cashflows, solide Bilanzen und regulierte Renditen wieder starker in den Fokus. Genau hier spielen Versorger ihre Starken aus: berechenbare Ertrage, robuste Nachfrage und hohe Dividenden  Qualitaten, die vielen Wachstumswerten aktuell fehlen.



Nach Jahren im Schatten der Tech-Rallye steigt nun das Interesse an Unternehmen, die Stabilitat mit langfristigen Wachstumsthemen wie Netzausbau, Dekarbonisierung und erneuerbaren Energien verbinden.



Im aktuellen Spezialreport stellen wir drei Versorger vor, die defensive Starke mit attraktivem Potenzial kombinieren.



Jetzt den kostenlosen Report sichern  bevor die nachste Versorgerwelle Fahrt aufnimmt!
HONG KONG, Feb 25, 2026 - (ACN Newswire) - Shoucheng Holdings Ltd. (00697.HK) drew market attention on Tuesday after its share price experienced volatility alongside certain shareholding adjustments, prompting discussion among investors. A review of the company's recent disclosures, publicly available trading data and evolving market structure suggests the movement largely reflects short-term capital repositioning rather than any change in fundamentals.Market participants indicated that during the recent market pullback, several international long-only investors executed strategic allocations through block trades and negotiated transactions, facilitating an orderly transition in the company's shareholder base. Observers said the shift - characterized by a rotation from short-term trading positions to longer-duration institutional capital - could help smooth liquidity fluctuations while enhancing the stability and quality of the shareholder structure.From a capital-markets perspective, the entry of long-term funds typically signals recognition of a company's medium- to long-term growth trajectory and value realization capacity. Such positioning is widely viewed as laying a firmer foundation for future valuation normalization.Historically, shareholder base optimization and rebalancing often coincide with the stage at which a company's strategic transformation begins to translate into tangible results. The latest restructuring underscores a more proactive stance by international capital in participating in Shoucheng's growth story, endorsing its strategic shift from a traditional asset-management platform to a builder of hard-technology industrial ecosystems. The resonance between capital flows and industrial logic is expected to reinforce market confidence in the company's long-term value proposition.Foreign institutional buying during periods of market weakness reflects confidence in what analysts describe as a structural transformation of Shoucheng's fundamentals. The company has transitioned from a conventional asset-management model into what it terms an 'industrial ecosystem builder.' Through a differentiated 'capital + scenario + operations' framework, Shoucheng has established a closed-loop ecosystem, particularly in the robotics sector, where its forward-looking investments have positioned it as a bellwether for hard-technology exposure in Hong Kong equities.The year 2026 is widely regarded by the market as a pivotal window for the accelerated commercialization of embodied artificial intelligence and humanoid robotics. Shoucheng's systematic early-stage positioning across the robotics value chain is now entering a concentrated realization phase, with portfolio returns demonstrating notable strength.Core projects have generated substantial premiums. Early and concentrated investments in leading companies such as Zibianliang Technology and Unitree Robotics have delivered significant mark-to-market gains. As high-profile holdings including Unitree advance toward initial public offerings, Shoucheng's equity stakes are poised to transition from unrealized book gains to realized returns and dividend contributions, providing tangible earnings accretion at the listed-company level.Further attention has focused on the high-profile appearance of robotics firms including Unitree Robotics, Galaxy General Robotics and Songyan Dynamics at the 2026 Lunar New Year Gala broadcast by China Central Television, the Year of the Horse edition. Their demonstrations showcased breakthroughs in embodied intelligence, complex motion control and human-machine interaction. The visibility not only strengthened public awareness but also signaled that large-scale commercial deployment may be imminent. As an important early-stage investor in these enterprises, Shoucheng stands to benefit indirectly from both heightened sector visibility and an accelerated commercialization cycle, potentially catalyzing valuation re-rating.Analysts said Tuesday's trading activity is likely to result in a more diversified shareholder mix. The participation of long-duration international capital may enhance the stock's global liquidity profile and governance transparency expectations, while also broadening the company's access to cross-border industrial and strategic resources to support future expansion.Market experience suggests that when a company's fundamentals enter an upward cycle and structural uncertainties gradually dissipate, shareholder optimization can serve as a catalyst for valuation recovery. According to analysts, the latest rotation in holdings represents a strategic rebalancing of the capital structure, easing short-term supply pressure as the company approaches a value-realization phase.Taken together, Shoucheng appears to be navigating a convergence of three inflection points. First is an industrial inflection, as embodied AI and robotics commercialization accelerate. Second is a capital inflection, with investment projects entering a concentrated realization period. Third is a structural inflection, marked by the entry of long-term international capital and the optimization of the shareholder base.Amid the alignment of global capital endorsement and industrial value dividends, the company's valuation framework is shifting from that of a traditional asset manager toward that of a hard-technology industrial platform. As industrial deployment advances and investment returns crystallize, market recognition of Shoucheng's role as an infrastructure builder for the intelligent era may deepen, suggesting that the process of long-term value redefinition has entered a substantive phase.Source: Shoucheng HoldingsCopyright 2026 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
Original-Research: Antimony Resources Corp. - from GBC AG



25.02.2026 / 10:00 CET/CEST

Dissemination of a Research, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group .

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this research. The result of this research does not constitute investment advice or an invitation to conclude certain stock exchange transactions.



Classification of GBC AG to Antimony Resources Corp. Company Name: Antimony Resources Corp. ISIN: CA0369271014 Reason for the research: Management Interview Last rating change: Analyst: Cosmin Filker

"The planned exploration program is fully funded"



Following the acquisition of the Bald Hill project, Antimony Resources conducted extensive drilling programs in 2025, significantly expanding its knowledge of the potential antimony deposits. Antimony is a semi-metal that plays a key role in many applications. Due to its high dependence on China, it is classified as a critical mineral in both the US and Europe. We spoke with Antimony Resources CEO Jim Atkinson about the company's latest developments and prospects.



GBC AG: In January 2025, Antimony Resources acquired a 100% interest in the Bald Hill project under an option agreement. Historical exploration has identified potential antimony deposits on this property. What is antimony and what are its uses?



Jim Atkinson: Actually, we entered into an Option Agreement to earn a 100% interest in the Bald Hill Property. Since then, we have added 100% owned property to the west, south and east of the original property.



Antimony is one of the least known but most important critical metals. On some lists of critical minerals it is listed number two in priority. The uses are mainly for military applications such as munitions, and specialty electronics such as night vision goggles. It is also very important as a flame retardant in children's clothing and furniture as well as automotive upholstery.



There is no commercial production of antimony in North America and limited production in Europe outside Russia.



GBC AG: Until now, antimony has been produced and marketed mainly by China and Russia. What role does this high concentration play, especially given the strategic importance of antimony?



Jim Atkinson: China produced over 75% of the worldwide supply of antimony but in December 2024 China banned all exports of antimony. The other large producer - Russia - is under sanctions. This makes antimony a very important geopolitical critical metal. The reduction in supply caused by China's actions has resulted in a spike in the price of antimony - reaching $60,000 per metric tonne on metals exchanges.



GBC AG: Accordingly, the US, Canada, and Europe should strive to boost domestic antimony mining and production. Are there any efforts in this direction?



Jim Atkinson: In the US the government is supporting potential antimony projects in the US with grants and loan guarantees, while in Canada and Europe strategic metal alliances and consortia are being formed. Antimony Resources is very aligned with government agencies to promote the development of antimony re-sources in this country. Bald Hill would be a major player in North American production.



GBC AG: Let's talk about the Bald Hill project. As mentioned at the beginning, potential antimony deposits were identified here in the past. You carried out a drilling program yourself in 2025. What are the results?



Jim Atkinson: The result of our drilling in 2025, which amounted to over 5,000 meters, was to expand the antimony deposit and provide data for a potential Resource Estimate. This information was used in the preparation of a NI 43-101 Tech-nical Rpeort which estimated the potential of the Bald Hill Project at approximately 2.7 million tonnes at a grade of between 3% and 4%.



We have expanded our program with an additional 10,000 meters of definition drilling in the Main Zone. This is thought to be sufficiently detailed to calculate a Maiden Resource for the Bald Hill Project.



GBC AG: You recently reported on a possible expansion of the Bald Hill project. In addition to the main zone, you have identified antimony-bearing stibnite in two other zones during prospecting. What does this mean for the project?



Jim Atkinson: We believe that we have now confirmed a much larger mineralizing system at Bald Hill with the identification of three additional zones of antimony mineralization. The new zones are along strike and parallel to the Main Zone, which is the target of our 10,000 meter definition drilling program currently underway. These zones will be the targets of further drilling and have the potential to expand the possible resource with additional mineralization. We have identified mineralization in two of the new zones through trenching. They are at least 150 meters and 100 meters, respectively. We will be completing trenching on the third in the next few days.



GBC AG: What drilling programs are planned for the current year in order to potentially achieve maiden resource status? What is the schedule for this?



Jim Atkinson: A 10,000-meter definition drilling program is currently underway. So far, approximately 4,000 meters of drilling have been completed. The drilling should be completed by April. The maiden resource will follow once all assays are received, likely in early June.



GBC AG: In December 2025, Antimony Resources secured approximately CAD 9.5 million as part of the first tranche of a financing round. How do you assess the current financial situation, particularly in light of the further exploration planned?



Jim Atkinson: The planned exploration program is fully funded, with over $7 million in the bank. There are sufficient funds to complete the additional resource estimation programs, mining permit application and technical gap analysis.



GBC AG: Mr. Atkinson, thank you very much for talking to us.



You can download the research here: 20260225_Antimony_Interview_engl



Contact for questions:

GBC AG

Halderstrae 27

86150 Augsburg

0821 / 241133 0

research@gbc-ag.de

++++++++++++++++

Offenlegung moglicher Interessenskonflikte nach  85 WpHG und Art. 20 MAR Beim oben analysierten Unternehmen ist folgender moglicher Interessenkonflikt gegeben: (5a,11); Einen Katalog moglicher Interessenkonflikte finden Sie unter: https://www.gbc-ag.de/de/Offenlegung.htm

+++++++++++++++

Fertigstellungsdatum: 24.02.2026 (2:53 pm)

Datum der ersten Weitergabe: 25.02.2026 (10:00 am)



The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

View original content: EQS News
HERNDON, Va., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ST Engineering iDirect today announced that its Manufacturing Competence Center (MCC), located in Erpe-Mere, Belgium, has been selected by Raytheon, an RTX business, to support the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) Block II program. This marks a significant milestone for the MCC, affirming it as a strategic European partner in the production of advanced defense technologies for one of NATO's most enduring cooperative security initiatives.

Operational since 1968, the ESSM program is the longest-running cooperative smart defense initiative in NATO's history and remains a cornerstone of international naval defense strategy.

The MCC was selected because of its proven capabilities in managing high-complexity, high-mix production for the defense sector. It is AS/EN 9100 certified for Aviation, Space, and Defense, with manufacturing processes aligned to the rigorous quality standards required for mission-critical programs like ESSM.

"At Raytheon, innovation is intrinsic to what we do, and we found a partner in ST Engineering iDirect's European Manufacturing Competence Center that operates from a shared strategic vision," said Misty Holmes, Vice President of Shipboard Missiles at Raytheon. "Together, we will pair cutting-edge technology with state-of-the-art manufacturing to deliver unmatched capability to U.S., NATO and allied navies around the world."

"Being selected to support the ESSM Block II program is a testament to the Manufacturing Competence Center's dedication to excellence and innovation, and underscores its reputation as a premier European facility for high-reliability electronics manufacturing," said Tom Hamelinckx, Plant Director at ST Engineering iDirect. "This collaboration highlights the strategic importance of Belgian manufacturing capabilities and reinforces our commitment to delivering high-reliability solutions that meet the stringent demands of the defense industry."

"During our visit to the Raytheon facilities in Tucson last October, we emphasized the importance of increasing Belgian participation in the ESSM Block II program. We are very pleased to see RTX translating that dialogue into concrete deliverables so quickly. Companies such as ST Engineering iDirect clearly demonstrate the potential and added value of Belgium's defense industry to large international programs such as Sea Sparrow," said Theo Francken, Belgian Minister of Defence.

"To guarantee peace and security, this government and Minister Francken are structurally investing in defense. It is crucial to involve our own industry and build strategic autonomy. ST Engineering iDirect's contributions are invaluable," added Peter Buysrogge, Chairman of the Defence Committee and Alderman of Sint-Niklaas.

This collaboration with Raytheon further solidifies the MCC's role in supporting European and global defense infrastructure and demonstrates the strategic value of Belgian manufacturing capabilities within the NATO alliance.

The MCC has been recognized four times as a Factory of the Future, reflecting its commitment to innovation, digitization, and operational excellence. The facility integrates advanced testing capabilities, comprehensive traceability systems, and robust supply chain management protocols to deliver the precision and stability required for defense contracting applications.

ST Engineering iDirect, a subsidiary of ST Engineering, is a global leader in satellite communications (satcom) providing technology and solutions that enable its customers to expand their business, differentiate their services and optimize their satcom networks. With over 40 years of delivering innovation focused on solving satellite's most critical economic and technology challenges we are committed to shaping the future of how the world connects. The product portfolio, branded iDirect, represents the highest standards in performance, efficiency and reliability, making it possible for its customers to deliver the best satcom connectivity experience anywhere in the world. ST Engineering iDirect is a leader in key industries including mobility, broadcast and military/government. In 2007, iDirect Government was formed to better serve the U.S. government and defense communities. For more information visit www.idirect.net.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2919610/ST_Engineering_iDirect_MCC.jpg

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/st-engineering-idirects-european-manufacturing-competence-center-selected-for-natos-essm-block-ii-program-302696449.html
Das Borsenjahr 2026 ist fur viele Anleger ernuchternd gestartet. Tech-Werte straucheln, der Nasdaq 100 tritt auf der Stelle und ausgerechnet alte Favoriten wie Microsoft und SAP rutschen zweistellig ab. KI ist plotzlich kein Ruckenwind mehr, sondern ein Belastungsfaktor, weil Investoren beginnen, die finanzielle Nachhaltigkeit zu hinterfragen.



Gleichzeitig vollzieht sich an der Wall Street ein lautloser Favoritenwechsel. Wahrend viele auf Wachstum setzen, feiern Value-Titel mit verlasslichen Cashflows ihr Comeback: Telekommunikation, Industrie, Energie, Pharma  die Cashmaschinen der Realwirtschaft verdrangen hoch bewertete Hoffnungstrager.



In unserem aktuellen Spezialreport stellen wir funf Aktien vor, die genau in dieses neue Marktbild passen: solide, gunstig bewertet und mit attraktiver Dividende. Werte, die nicht nur laufende Ertrage liefern, sondern auch bei Marktkorrekturen Sicherheit bieten.



Jetzt den kostenlosen Report sichern  bevor der Value-Zug 2026 endgultig abfahrt!



Dieses exklusive PDF ist nur fur kurze Zeit gratis verfugbar.
Issy-les-Moulineaux, February 25, 2026

On March 24, 2026, nine finalist chefs from eight countries will head to London to compete in the Grand Finale of Cook for Change!, Sodexo's sustainable culinary challenge. Through this flagship internal competition, Sodexo shines a light on the culinary talent of its chefs, committed to creating food that is both healthier and lower in environmental impact.

A competition that champions culinary excellence and a commitment to healthier, and more sustainable food

Encouraging creativity and celebrating the commitment of Sodexo chefs to healthier and more sustainable food - that is the ambition of Cook for Change!. The competition has become a showcase of Sodexo's broader commitment to supporting its clients in evolving their food offers in response to rising consumer expectations and sustainability challenges.

This fourth edition is organized in partnership with Rational Group, the world market and technology leader in the field of hot food preparation for professional kitchens. Over recent months, it has brought together more than 500 chefs from 30 countries through a renewed format that included three regional semi-finals held last November in Chicago, Shanghai and France.

Thierry Delaporte, Sodexo Group CEO said:

"Cook for Change! illustrates our deep-rooted belief that food is both a powerful lever for positive impact and a driver of performance for our clients. Thanks to the commitment and creativity of our chefs, we help reduce our clients' indirect emissions while meeting the rising consumer expectations around nutrition, health and taste. This initiative demonstrates that performance, enjoyment and sustainability can absolutely go hand in hand."

Nine finalists competing in an exceptional final

The nine finalists from Australia, Brazil, Chile, France, India, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States, will go head-to-head in an intense day of competition in London. Their dishes will be evaluated by a jury of renowned chefs and food experts.

The awards ceremony - also livestreamed on YouTube - will take place in London a t the end of the competition on March 24, alongside Sodexo clients and partners. A reception will follow, where the finalists' creations will be served, perfectly reflecting the spirit of the competition.

Each finalist has created a recipe that expresses their culinary identity, while placing plant-based ingredients at the center of the plate and focusing on seasonality, nutritional quality and reduced carbon footprint.

Peter Brass (Australia): Curried Sweet Potato & Lentil Croquette with Herbal Tea-Infused Cauliflower Leaves and Cauliflower Puree, Finished with Sweet Potato Chips. Faustine Germain (France): Perfect poached egg, creamed polenta, tomme de savoie, glazed asparagus with a crispy quinoa and sauce vierge. Ricardo Machado (Brazil): Tian of root to stem Beets, mushrooms and Squash, beetroot reduction and root granola.? Gordon Carberry (Ireland): Miso roasted Parsnip with textures of Parsnip, wild rice, crispy chickpeas and aquafaba mayonnaise. Denisse Galvez (Chile): Slow cooked Cochayuyo (seaweed) confit vegetables, Potato Mille-Feuille and young Sprouting shoots. Pravin Nanaware (India): "Sustainable Sea & Root" Grilled watermelon sweet potato crisps and candid watermelon marmalade. Randall Prudden (United States): The Whole Pumpkin with roasted Maitake Mushroom & Mole Negro. Robert Janse (Netherlands): Smoked Kohlrabi with miso, white bean cream and kombucha beurre blanc. Joel Ryan (United States): Vegan Panisse "Poutine" with maitake mushroom hemp gravy and cashew curds.

Mobilizing chefs to accelerate the food transition for the benefit of clients and consumers

As consumers seek food that is affordable, flavorful and healthy, catering has a more essential role to play than ever. On the front line, Sodexo chefs translate these evolving expectations into practical, high-quality, inventive and healthy solutions.

Through their choice of ingredients, cooking methods and creativity, chefs also play a crucial role in guiding consumers toward more responsible and sustainable food habits.

With this culinary competition, Sodexo reaffirms its ambition to make food a lever for positive transformation and business performance for its clients.

About Sodexo

Founded in Marseille in 1966 by Pierre Bellon, Sodexo is the leader in Food and Services, shaping better everyday experiences at every moment in life: work, heal, learn and play. The Group stands out for its independence, its founding family shareholding and its responsible business model. With its services, Sodexo meets all the challenges of everyday life with a dual goal: to improve the quality of life of our employees and those we serve, and contribute to the economic, social and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. For Sodexo, growth and social commitment go hand in hand. Our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all. Sodexo is included in the CAC Next 20, CAC SBT 1.5, FTSE 4 Good and DJSI indices.

Sodexo key figures

24.1 billion euros Fiscal 2025 consolidated revenues

426,000 employees (as at August 31, 2025)

#2 France-based private employer worldwide 43 countries (as at August 31, 2025)

80 million consumers served daily

6,5 billion euros in market capitalization

(as at January 7, 2026)

Contacts

Media Analysts and Investors Domitille LECASBLE Juliette KLEIN +33 6 28 74 66 79 +33 1 57 75 80 27 domitille.lecasble@sodexo.com juliette.klein@sodexo.com

Attachment
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 25, 2026) - Tudor Gold Corp. (TSXV: TUD) (FSE: H56) (the "Company" or "Tudor") is pleased to report it has retained Fuse Advisors Inc. of Vancouver, British Columbia, to prepare a preliminary economic assessment ("PEA") on placing the Treaty Creek Project's Goldstorm Deposit in production.

PEA Terms of Reference

Fuse Advisors Inc. ("Fuse") has been retained to prepare a PEA examining the potential for an underground mining operation focused on the higher-grade gold mineralization at Treaty Creek's Goldstorm Deposit outlined in the 2026 Mineral Resource estimate ("MRE") for the Goldstorm Deposit (see below and Tudor's news release dated January 22, 2026). Initially, Fuse is tasked with developing an underground mine plan producing up to 10,000 tonnes per day using bulk-tonnage mining techniques with a target of defining mineralized material of approximately 50 million to 100 million tonnes grading in excess of 2.5 grams per tonne gold. Following development of a mine plan, Fuse will utilize the final estimated metallurgical recoveries from the metallurgical program currently under way to develop a flowsheet and economics for the project.

Metallurgical Program

The metallurgical program initiated in late 2025 is currently progressing with composite samples sourced from within and adjacent to the higher-grade Upper, Central, and Lower zones of the Goldstorm Deposit. The program is primarily focused on producing a sulphide gold concentrate, while also evaluating the potential to produce both a copper concentrate and a sulphide gold concentrate through a sequential flotation process.

Preliminary metallurgical testwork indicates that a sequential copper-pyrite flotation circuit has the potential to generate marketable copper and sulphide gold concentrates with target grades of 15 to 25 g/t gold and 26 to 28% copper. Anticipated overall recoveries are estimated to range from 80% to 90% for gold, 75% to 85% for silver, and 75% to 85% for copper.

"The recently announced 2026 Mineral Resource estimate for the Goldstorm Deposit confirmed that lenses of higher-grade gold, silver and copper mineralization are hosted within the broader envelope of bulk tonnage mineralization," said Joe Ovsenek, President and CEO of Tudor Gold. "We believe that Treaty Creek can be advanced as a mid-size underground operation initially focused on mining these lenses of higher-grade mineralization, then scaled up to process additional mineralization depending on metals prices and as capital costs are paid off. Staged development de-risks the project with reduced upfront development costs, reduced development risk, less environmental disturbance and faster cash flow."

Proposed Timing

Initial results from the metallurgical program are expected late this quarter. The PEA is targeted for completion in the third quarter of this year. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available with respect to a preliminary economic assessment.

Treaty Creek 2026 Mineral Resource Estimate

The 2026 MRE (see Tudor's news release dated January 22, 2026) was prepared was prepared by Garth Kirkham, P.Geo. of Kirkham Geosystems Ltd. ("KGL") based on 359 diamond drill holes for a total of 191,466 meters, which includes 332 drill holes completed by the Company between 2016 and 2025 and 27 drill holes completed by prior Treaty Creek Project operators between 2007 and 2009. The 2026 MRE is reported at a NSR cut-off value of US$50 per tonne. A NI 43-101 Technical Report will be prepared and posted on www.tudor-gold.com and the Company's profile on www.sedarplus.com within 45 days of January 22, 2026.

Table 1: 2026 Treaty Creek Project Mineral Resource Estimate(1) - (11)

Mineral

Resource

Classification Tonnes

(M) Gold Grade

(g/t) Silver Grade

(g/t) Copper

Grade

(%) Gold

(M oz) Silver

(M oz) Copper

(M lbs) Indicated 912.3 0.85 5.07 0.15 24.9 148.7 3,048.0 Inferred 86.1 1.43 5.22 0.17 4.0 18.6 327.7

Notes:

The Mineral Resource statement is subject to the following:

The 2026 MRE has been prepared by Garth Kirkham, P.Geo., an Independent Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. The 2026 MRE has been estimated in accordance with Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") definitions, as required under NI43-101. The 2026 MRE is reported on a 100% ownership basis. The 2026 MRE was prepared for a potential underground mining scenario evaluated within block cave mining shapes and constrained by geological and grade-continuity-defined solids using a NSR cut-off value of US$50/tonne. The NSR value was developed based on initial metallurgical testwork results combined with the Company's and its consultants' knowledge of potential smelter terms, royalites and onsite and offsite costs. The NSR calculation assumes a payable gold-silver-copper concentrate will be generated. The NSR calculation assumes metal prices of US$2925/ounce gold, US$34.00/ounce silver and US$4.25/pound copper; metallurgical recoveries of 90% for gold, 80% for silver and 80% for copper; underground mining costs of C$8.50/tonne, processing costs of C$38.50/tonne and G&A of C$1.50/tonne; a CAD:USD exchange rate of 0.72 and rounded to US$50. The 2026 MRE is reported without applying mining dilution, mining losses, or process losses. The 2026 MRE is constrained within underground shapes based on reasonable prospects of economic extraction, in accordance with NI43-101. Reasonable prospects for economic extraction were met by applying mining shapes, ensuring grade continuity above the cut-off value, and by excluding non-mineable material prior to reporting. Mineral resources are classified as Indicated, and Inferred based on geological confidence and continuity, spacing of drill holes, and data quality. The effective date of the 2026 MRE is November 30, 2025. Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing, or other relevant issues. The Inferred Mineral Resource in this estimate has a lower level of confidence than that applied to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of the Inferred Mineral Resource could be upgraded to an Indicated Mineral Resource with continued exploration. All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate and therefore numbers may not appear to add precisely.

Treaty Creek Project 2026 Mineral Resource Estimate Higher-Grade Sensitivities

In addition to the base case NSR cut-off value of $50 per tonne, NSR cut-off values of $125 per tonne and $175 per tonne are reported to demonstrate the potential effect on tonnage, grade and metal content (Table 2). Higher NSR cut-off value sensitivities demonstrate an increase in grade and concomitant decrease in tonnage. The higher cut-off value sensitivities will be evaluated for potential to support an underground mining operation using conventional mining methods. The higher NSR cut-off value sensitivities are for comparison purposes only and should not be considered Mineral Resources.

Table 2: 2026 Treaty Creek Project Mineral Resource Estimate Higher-Grade Sensitivities(1)

NSR Cut-Off Value Mineral

Resource

Classification Tonnes

(M) Gold Grade

(g/t) Silver Grade

(g/t) Copper

Grade

(%) Gold

(M oz) Silver

(M oz) Copper

(M lbs) US$125/

tonne Indicated 102.1 1.78 9.19 0.27 5.8 30.2 607.2 Inferred 21.8 3.64 10.22 0.14 2.6 7.2 67.8 US$175/

tonne Indicated 45.1 2.33 9.27 0.17 3.4 13.4 167.3 Inferred 18.3 4.02 11.17 0.16 2.4 6.6 65.3

See notes to Table 1 above.

Qualified Persons

The 2026 MRE was prepared by Garth Kirkham, P.Geo. of KGL, who is an independent Qualified Person, as defined by NI 43-101 and responsible for the 2026 MRE. Mr. Kirkham has reviewed and approved the technical contents of this news release relating to the 2026 MRE.

Ken McNaughton, M.A.Sc., P.Eng., Vice President, Development, Tudor Gold, is the Qualified Person, as defined by National Instrument 43-101, responsible for the PEA. Mr. McNaughton has reviewed, verified and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release.

About Tudor Gold

Tudor Gold Corp. is a precious and base metals exploration and development company with claims in British Columbia's Golden Triangle (Canada), an area that hosts producing and past-producing mines and several large deposits that are approaching potential development. The 17,913 hectare Treaty Creek Project (in which Tudor Gold has an 80% interest) borders Seabridge Gold Inc.'s KSM property to the southwest and borders Newmont Corporation's Brucejack Mine property to the southeast.

For further information, please visit the Company's website at www.tudor-gold.com or contact:

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statements regarding Forward-Looking Information

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 completion and anticipated results of planned exploration activities. 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, that the Company's planned exploration activities will be completed 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.

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 plans or expectations include risks relating to the actual results of current exploration activities, fluctuating gold prices, possibility of equipment breakdowns and delays, exploration cost overruns, availability of capital and financing, results of negotiations, general economic, market or business conditions, regulatory changes, timeliness of government or regulatory approvals, the outcome of litigation and other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators.

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.

The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/285235

Source: Tudor Gold Corp.
Total RC Gold Project Mineral Resource Estimate now at 1.29 million ounces gold indicated and 3.83 million ounces gold inferred: 1.29 million ounces gold indicated (39.96 Mt @ 1.01 g/t Au) at Blackjack 3.83 million ounces gold inferred including: 2.25 million ounces (100.68 Mt @ 0.70 g/t Au) at Rhosgobel, 1.04 million ounces (34.60 Mt @ 0.94 g/t Au) at Blackjack, and 0.54 million ounces (32.14 Mt @ 0.52 g/t Au) at Eiger.



Maiden Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") defined for the Rhosgobel Gold Deposit, located on the Company's 100% owned RC Gold Project in Yukon, comprises a pit-constrained Inferred Mineral Resource of 2,250,000 ounces of gold (100.68 Mt @ 0.70 g/t Au) beginning at surface (see Table 2).

Maiden resource delineated with approximately 15,400 m of total drilling



Initial metallurgical testing of two composite samples gave gold recoveries of 89% and 96% indicating that the gold in the Rhosgobel deposit is not refractory.

Updated MRE for the Eiger Gold Deposit has increased the resource to 535,000 ounces of gold (32.14 Mt @ 0.52 g/t Au) beginning at surface (see Table 4)

Significant tungsten mineralization present in the Rhosgobel deposit and additional analytical work is currently in progress to further define tungsten values and distribution

60,000 m of diamond drilling planned at RC Gold this year; approximately double the amount of drilling that has been completed to date Drilling to focus on expanding known resources at the Blackjack, Eiger and Rhosgobel deposits, all of which remain open, and following up on other high-priority drill targets

planned at RC Gold this year; approximately double the amount of drilling that has been completed to date

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 25, 2026) - Sitka Gold Corp. (TSXV: SIG) (FSE: 1RF) (OTCQB: SITKF) ("Sitka" or the "Company") is pleased to announce an updated Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") Definition Standards incorporated by reference in National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") for the RC Gold Project ("RC Gold" or the "Project") located in the Yukon's prolific Tombstone Gold Belt. The MRE was prepared on behalf of the Company by GeoSim Services Inc. and is supported by additional drilling completed by the Company in 2025.

The updated MRE for RC Gold includes an initial resource estimate for the newly discovered Rhosgobel Gold Deposit of 2,250,000 ounces of gold inferred (100.68 Mt @ 0.70 g/t Au), beginning at surface and grading 0.70 g/t gold using a cut-off grade of 0.30 g/t gold, an updated resource estimate for the Eiger Gold Deposit of 535,000 ounces of gold inferred (32.14 Mt @ 0.52 g/t Au), beginning at surface and grading an average of 0.52 g/t gold using a cut-off grade of 0.30 g/t gold and the existing mineral resource estimate for the Blackjack Gold Deposit, which was updated last year with an effective date of January 21, 2025, comprising an indicated resource of 1,291,000 ounces of gold in 39.96 Mt grading 1.01 g/t gold and an inferred resource of 1,044,000 ounces of gold in 34.60 Mt grading 0.94 g/t gold beginning at surface and using a cut-off grade of 0.30 g/t gold. The MRE for the RC Gold Project now comprises 1,291,000 ounces gold indicated (39.96 Mt @ 1.01 g/t Au) at Blackjack, and 3,829,000 ounces gold inferred, including: 2.25 million ounces (100.68 Mt @ 0.70 g/t Au) at Rhosgobel, 1.04 million ounces (34.60 Mt @ 0.94 g/t Au) at Blackjack, and 0.54 million ounces (32.14 Mt @ 0.52 g/t Au) at Eiger (see Tables 1 to 4 for additional details). Drilling continues to expand gold mineralization at the Blackjack deposit, which remains open in all directions, and an updated resource estimate is anticipated for Blackjack after the 2026 drilling program has been completed.

A National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report describing the details of the mineral resource estimate is in preparation and will be filed on SEDAR within 45 days of this news release.

"The road accessible gold resources at RC Gold continue to grow at a rapid pace, with the initial mineral resource estimate for Rhosgobel and the updated resource estimate for Eiger contributing significant additional gold ounces to the Project," stated Cor Coe, Director and CEO of Sitka. "Advancing Rhosgobel from a late 2024 discovery to an initial 2.25 million ounce gold deposit in a single field season underscores both the strength of the system and the effectiveness of our exploration approach. Furthermore, this deposit exhibits robust continuity of strong gold mineralization beginning at surface, highlighting its scalability and development potential. We are still in the early stages of delineating Rhosgobel, which remains open in all directions within a broad 1.5 by 2.0 kilometre gold-in-soil anomaly, much of which is untested by drilling. With 30,000 metres of drilling allocated to the deposit this year we anticipate significant resource growth at Rhosgobel. As a demonstration of just how quickly deposits of this type can evolve at RC Gold, our initial resource at Blackjack, which was 900,000 ounces inferred at 0.83 g/t gold (33.74 Mt) and published in January, 2023, grew to 1.3 million ounces indicated at 1.01 g/t gold (39.96 Mt) and 1.0 million ounces inferred at 0.94 g/t gold (34.60 Mt) by January, 2025, with additional drilling to date continuing to expand mineralization.

"The trajectory of advancement at RC Gold has surpassed our expectations with total gold resources rapidly growing from our initial 2023 maiden resource estimate. With a total of 60,000 metres of diamond drilling planned across RC Gold in 2026, which will effectively double the total meterage drilled to date, we are positioned for another highly impactful year as we work to expand our known deposits while pursuing additional discoveries across the numerous other high-priority targets located within this district-scale gold camp."

Cor Coe, Director and CEO of Sitka Gold, will be discussing the details of the updated MRE in a live webinar with Dr. Quinton Hennigh on February 27, 2026 at 9am ET (click HERE to register).





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/285226_sitkatable1.jpg

Rhosgobel Deposit

The maiden resource for the Rhosgobel Deposit is based on data from 72 drill holes representing 15,396 m of drilling. Twenty-seven reverse circulation holes were drilled by Kennecott in 1995. All core drilling (45 holes) was carried out by Sitka Gold between 2024 and the end of 2025.

The modelling for the maiden resource at Rhosgobel identified a higher grade component of the deposit that contains greater than 1.0 g/t gold material that trends from surface to a currently identified depth of approximately 300 metres (Figures 2 and 3). The morphology and grade of this mineralization allows for the possible development of a higher-grade starter pit and a faster capital cost payback of potential future mine development.





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/285226_sitkatable2.jpg





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/285226_sitkatable3.jpg

The Rhosgobel deposit also contains a significant amount of scheelite, a primary mineral of tungsten. Drill hole DDRCRG-24-002 and DDRCRG-24-004 were assayed for WO3 using lithium borate fusion with an XRF finish and yielded significant results such as 75.5 m of 0.132 % WO3 from 119.5 m, and 46.19 m of 0.121 % WO3 from 223.0 m from hole DDRCRG-24-002, and 85.4 metres of 0.138% WO3 from 94.0 metres, 60.0 metres of 0.134% WO3 from 202.0 metres, and 35.0 metres of 0.121% WO3 from 285.0 metres intersected in DDRCRG-25-004 (see news releases dated January 22, 2026 and November 6, 2025). An additional approximately 5,500 samples from 32 drill holes have been submitted for XRF tungsten assays to determine the distribution of tungsten at Rhosgobel. While the Company is encouraged by these tungsten values, it is not yet known if the tungsten can be economically recovered and further metallurgical work will include investigating the tungsten potential.

Eiger Zone

The updated resource for the Eiger Zone is based on data from 21 drill holes representing 8,540 m of core drilling. All drilling was carried out by Sitka Gold in 2020, 2021, and 2025.





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/285226_sitkatable4.jpg

Figure 1: Rhosgobel deposit initial Mineral Resource Estimate outline with conceptual pit-shell and examples of highlighted drill hole intercepts.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/285226_fb645359e4d02b29_005full.jpg

* A National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report describing the details of the mineral resource estimate is in preparation and will be filed on SEDAR within 45 days of this news release.





Figure 2: Block Model of the Rhosgobel resource illustrating a coherent core of greater than 1.0 g/t Au material that extends from surface to a currently defined depth of approximately 300 m.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/285226_fb645359e4d02b29_006full.jpg

Figure 3: A 3D Representation of the current Rhosgobel resource shell showing the gold deposit that begins at surface and is open in all directions.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/285226_fb645359e4d02b29_007full.jpg





Figure 4: Longitudinal section showing locations of several of the intrusion targets and the current gold resources within the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex. A 60,000 metres diamond drilling program planned for 2026 will focus on further expansion of the 2 km long Blackjack-Eiger area with 15,000 metres of drilling. An additional 30,000 metres of drilling is planned at Rhosgobel to follow up on the initial diamond drilling conducted by Sitka in 2025. 10,000 metres of drilling has been allocated for the Pukelman-Contact zone and 5,000 metres of drilling will follow up on initial drilling results from Bear Paw and test other high-priority targets.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/285226_fb645359e4d02b29_008full.jpg





Figure 5: A map of the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex (CCIC) showing the location of the Blackjack resource outline, the updated Eiger resource outline, the initial Rhosgobel Resource and the other intrusions of the CCIC such as the Pukelman intrusion and the Bear Paw target.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/285226_fb645359e4d02b29_009full.jpg

Factors That May Affect the Mineral Resource Estimate

Areas of uncertainty that may materially impact the Mineral Resource Estimate include: commodity price assumptions, assumptions that all required permits will be forthcoming, metallurgical recoveries, mining and process cost assumptions, ability to meet and maintain permitting and environmental license conditions and the ability to maintain the social license to operate.

There are no other known material factors or issues that materially affect the estimate other than normal risks faced by mining projects in the Yukon Territory in terms of environmental, permitting, taxation, socio economic, marketing, and political factors. Geosim is not aware of any known legal or title issues that would materially affect the Mineral Resource estimate.

About the RC Gold Project

Sitka's 100% owned, flagship RC Gold Project consists of a 431 square kilometre contiguous district-scale land package located in the heart of Yukon's Tombstone Gold Belt. The project is located approximately 100 kilometres east of Dawson City, which has a 5,000 foot paved runway, and is accessed via a secondary gravel road from the Klondike Highway which is usable year-round and is an approximate 2 hour drive from Dawson City. It is one of the largest consolidated land packages strategically positioned mid-way between the Eagle Gold Mine and the past producing Brewery Creek Gold Mine.

The RC Gold Project now has pit-constrained mineral resources that are contained in three zones: the Blackjack, Eiger, Rhosgobel gold deposits with a total Mineral Resource Estimate of 3.8 million ounces gold inferred and 1.3 million ounces gold indicated at RC Gold including 1,291,000 ounces of gold in 39,962,000 tonnes grading 1.01 g/t gold in an indicated category and 1,044,000 ounces of gold in 34,603,000 tonnes grading 0.94 g/t in an inferred category at Blackjack and 535,000 ounces of gold in 32,143,000 tonnes grading 0.52 g/t gold in an inferred category at Eiger, and an additional 2,250,000 ounces gold in 100,677,000 tonnes grading 0.70 g/t gold in the inferred category at Rhosgobel. The Blackjack resource estimate numbers are supported by the technical report for RC Gold, prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 standards, entitled "Clear Creek Property, RC Gold Project NI 43-101 Technical Report Dawson Mining District, Yukon Territory", prepared by Ronald G. Simpson, P. Geo., of GeoSim Services Inc. with an effective date of January 21, 2025. A National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report describing the details of the mineral resource estimates for Rhosgobel and Eiger is in preparation and will be filed on SEDAR within 45 days of this news release.

All of these deposits begin at surface and are potentially open pit minable. Initial bottle roll metallurgical testing confirmed the non-refractory characteristics of the gold mineralization and returned gold extraction rates averaging around 85% for the Blackjack and Eiger deposits. Further metallurgical testwork in 2024 for Blackjack and Eiger returned recoveries ranging from 77.6 to 93% for gravity followed by cyanidation. Initial bottle roll testing for Rhosgobel has confirmed non-refractory characteristics of the gold mineralization with two composite samples returning gold recoveries of 89% and 96%.

For the purposes of the current resource model, it is assumed that a likely mill flowsheet would consist of a gravimetric, flotation, and cyanidation circuit.

The company has now completed 165 diamond drill holes for a total of 59,770 metres across the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex (CCIC), and an additional 3 holes for 858 metres in the May-Qu Intrusion. Drilling continues to outline higher grade mineralization at all zones including hole DDRCCC-24-068 at Blackjack which intersected 678.1 metres of 1.04 g/t gold starting from surface (see news release dated October 21, 2024), and hole DDRCCC-25-075 which intersected 352.8 metres of 1.55 g/t gold including 108.9 metres of 3.27 g/t gold and 45.0 metres of 4.52 g/t gold (see news release dated April 22, 2025). Drilling in 2024/2025 has resulted in the discovery of a new higher grade zone at Rhosgobel including hole DDRCRG-25-010 at Rhosgobel which intersected 235.9 metres of 1.11 g/t gold, including 40.0 m of 2.01 g/t gold and 10.0 m of 5.29 g/t gold, from surface (see news release dated September 18, 2025).

RC Gold Deposit Model

Exploration on the Property has mainly focused on identifying an intrusion-related gold system ("IRGS"). The property is within the Tombstone Gold Belt which is the prominent host to IRGS deposits within the Tintina Gold Province in Yukon and Alaska. Notable deposits from the belt include: Fort Knox Mine in Alaska with current Proven and Probable Reserves of 230 million tonnes at 0.3 g/t Au (2.471 million ounces; Sims 2018)(1); Eagle Gold Mine with current Measured and Indicated Resources of 233 million tonnes at a grade of 0.57 g/t Au at the Eagle Main Zone (4.303 million ounces; Harvey et al, 2022)(2); the Brewery Creek deposit with current Indicated Mineral Resource of 22.2 million tonnes at a gold grade of 1.11 g/t (0.789 million ounces; Hulse et al. 2020)(3); the AurMac Project with an Indicated Mineral Resource of 112.5 million tonnes grading 0.63 gram per tonne gold (2.274 million ounces)(4) plus an Inferred resource of 280.6 million tonnes grading 0.60 g/t Au (5.454 million ounces)(4), the Valley Deposit, with a current Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource of 7.94 million ounces at 1.21 g/t gold and an additional Inferred Mineral Resource of 0.89 million ounces at 0.62 g/t Au(5), and the Raven deposit with an inferred mineral resource of 1.1 million ounces (19.96 million tonnes at 1.67 g/t Au)(6). The QP has been unable to verify the information regarding the above resource estimations and the information is not necessarily indicative of the mineralization on the property that is the subject of the disclosure.

(1) Sims J. Fort Knox Mine Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska, USA National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report. June 11, 2018. https://s2.q4cdn.com/496390694/files/doc_downloads/2018/Fort-Knox-June-2018-Technical-Report.pdf (2) Harvey N., Gray P., Winterton J., Jutras M., Levy M.,Technical Report for the Eagle Gold Mine, Yukon Territory, Canada. Victoria Gold Corp. December 31, 2022. https://vgcx.com/site/assets/files/6534/vgcx_-_2023_eagle_mine_technical_report_final.pdf (3) Hulse D, Emanuel C, Cook C. NI 43-101 Technical Report on Mineral Resources. Gustavson Associates. May 31, 2020. https://minedocs.com/22/Brewery-Creek-PEA-01182022.pdf (4) July 8, 2025, Banyan Gold Corp., News Release. https://banyangold.com/news-releases/2025/banyan-announces-first-indicated-mineral-resources-and-identifies-high-grade-continuous-zones-at-its-aurmac-project-yukon-canada/ (5) https://snowlinegold.com/2025/05/15/snowline-gold-expands-measured-and-indicated-gold-ounces-by-96-in-updated-mineral-resource-estimate-at-its-valley-gold-deposit-yukon/ (6) Jutras, M. 2022. Technical Report on the Raven Mineral Deposit, Mayo Mining District Yukon Territory, Canada, prepared for Victoria Gold Corpand filed on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) with an effective date of September 15, 2022.

Upcoming Events

Sitka Gold will be attending and/or presenting at the following events*:

CEO webinar with Dr. Quinton Hennigh: February 27, 2026 at 9am ET (click HERE to register)

PDAC: Toronto, ON: March 1 - 4, 2026 Exhibitor Booth: #2346, March 1 - 4 Core Shack: Booth #3101B, March 3 - 4

Swiss Mining Institute: Zurich, Switzerland: March 18-19, 2026

Canaccord Global Metals and Mining Conference: Henderson, NV: May 19 - 21, 2026

*All events are subject to change.

About Sitka Gold Corp.

Sitka Gold Corp. is a well-funded mineral exploration company headquartered in Canada with approximately $45 million in its treasury and no debt. The Company is managed by a team of experienced industry professionals and is focused on exploring for economically viable mineral deposits with its primary emphasis on gold, silver and copper mineral properties of merit. Sitka is currently advancing its 100% owned, 431 square kilometre flagship RC Gold Project located within the Tombstone Gold Belt in the Yukon Territory. The Company is also advancing the Alpha Gold Project in Nevada and currently has drill permits for its Burro Creek Gold and Silver Project in Arizona and the Coppermine River Project in Nunavut, all of which are 100% owned by Sitka.

*For more detailed information on the Company's properties please visit our website at www.sitkagoldcorp.com .

The technical work of the initial MRE was completed by Ron G. Simpson of GeoSim Services Inc. an independent qualified person as defined by NI 43-101. He has reviewed, verified and approved the technical information related to the MRE in this news release.

All other scientific and technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Gilles Dessureau, P.Geo., V.P. Exploration of the Company, and a Qualified Person (QP) as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF

SITKA GOLD CORP.

"Donald Penner"

President and Director

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements

This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions and the Company's anticipated work programs.

These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, market uncertainty and the results of the Company's anticipated work programs.

Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/285226

Source: Sitka Gold Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia and San Diego, California--(Newsfile Corp. - February 25, 2026) - CyberCatch Holdings, Inc. (TSXV: CYBE) (OTCQB: CYBHF) ("CyberCatch' or the "Company"), a cybersecurity company offering a patented, AI-enabled platform solution for continuous compliance and cyber risk mitigation, is pleased to announce it has published the Health Industry Cyber Safety Guide for 2025 relating to the approximately 600,000 healthcare organizations in the U.S. that are facing an unprecedented level of cyber risk.

CyberCatch's Health Industry Cyber Safety Guide reveals that for 2025:

There are nearly 2 successful cyberattacks and data breaches occurring every day

For 2025, data breaches have affected over 52.3 million individuals

Data breaches increased 35% in 2025 from prior year

According to IBM, the average cost of a health industry data breach in 2025 was USD $7.42 million, the highest among all industry sectors.

CyberCatch's Health Industry Cyber Safety Guide:

Provides a detailed analysis for 2025

Reveals why bad actors are being successful

Explains what risk mitigation must be taken

Provides a seven-step cyber safety check-up

"CyberCatch is pleased to have conducted research to publish this timely one-of-a-kind Guide for the health industry in the U.S. that is facing a cyberattack epidemic. The Guide along with CyberCatch's innovative cyber risk mitigation solution for healthcare organizations will enable attaining cyber safety. Cyber safety is patient safety and we anticipate announcing key partnerships to distribute CyberCatch's solution to the large healthcare marketplace," said Sai Huda, CEO, CyberCatch.

To download the Guide and learn more about CyberCatch's unique, AI-enabled cyber risk mitigation solution for healthcare organizations and watch demo, visit https://cybercatch.com/healthcare.

About CyberCatch

CyberCatch Holdings, Inc. (TSXV: CYBE) (OTCQB: CYBHF) provides a proprietary, AI-enabled Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution that provides continuous compliance and cyber risk mitigation to organizations in critical segments, so they can be safe from cyber threats. The CyberCatch platform focuses on solving the root cause of why cyberattacks are successful: security holes from control deficiencies. It first helps implement all mandated and necessary controls, then the platform automatically and continuously tests the controls from three dimensions (outside-in, inside-out and social engineering) to find control failures so one can fix them promptly to stay compliant and safe from attackers. Learn more at: https://www.cybercatch.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this new release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur and specifically include statements regarding: the Company's strategies, expectations, planned operations or future actions; the strategic benefits of the Transaction; and the benefits of the Transaction to shareholders.. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. A variety of inherent risks, uncertainties and factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control, affect the operations, performance and results of the Company and its business, and could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Some of these risks, uncertainties and factors include: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, delays or changes in plans with respect to projects or capital expenditures; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in labour costs and other costs and expenses as anticipated, labour disputes and other risks of the cybersecurity industry. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements and reference should also be made to the Company's annual management's discussion and analysis, filed under its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca for a description of additional risk factors.

Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. For further information, please contact:

SOURCE CyberCatch

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/285221

Source: CyberCatch Holdings, Inc.
Partnership combines Helsinn proprietary compound library with InVirtuoLabs generative AI platform to accelerate discovery of novel therapeutics

Lugano, Switzerland - February 25, 2026 - Helsinn Healthcare SA (Helsinn), a global pharmaceutical group focused on supporting patients with cancer and chronic diseases, and In Virtuo Laboratories SA (InVirtuoLabs), a Lugano-based drug discovery company specializing in AI-powered generative chemistry, today announced a strategic collaboration to discover and develop novel small-molecule therapeutics.

Under the terms of the agreement, Helsinn will provide InVirtuoLabs with access to a proprietary library of structurally diverse compounds, including validated hits with confirmed biological activity against an undisclosed therapeutic target. InVirtuoLabs will apply its generative chemistry platform, InVirtuoGEN, to design, optimize, and prioritize novel drug candidates. This approach enables efficient hit-to-lead progression by providing multiple chemically distinct starting points for optimization.

The collaboration aims to identify optimized lead compounds with drug-like properties, suitable for advancement into preclinical development for the proposed indications.

Gabriele Edoardo Braglia, Chief Business Officer and Deputy CEO of Helsinn, commented: "This collaboration with InVirtuoLabs represents an important step in Helsinn's commitment to accelerating innovation through cutting-edge technologies. By combining our long-established pharmaceutical expertise with next generation AI-driven drug discovery, we are opening new avenues to deliver meaningful therapeutic solutions to patients worldwide."

Gianvito Grasso, Founder & CEO of InVirtuoLabs, added: "For a young startup like InVirtuoLabs, an R&D agreement with a pharma company is rather rare. We hope to leverage this opportunity to showcase our technological superiority and our state-of-the-art foundational model in Generative Chemistry that generates impactful outcomes. This agreement is a testament to the trust and vison of Helsinn to innovate through AI-based drug discovery process."

About Helsinn

Helsinn is a global pharmaceutical company that builds, manufactures, launches, and commercializes products to improve the quality of life for patients with cancer and chronic diseases, with a focus on supportive care, oncology and dermato-oncology. Headquartered in Lugano, Switzerland, Helsinn has direct commercial operations in the U.S., manufacturing operations in Ireland, offices in China, and a network of trusted partners enabling a commercial presence in 90 countries.

Established in 1976, Helsinn is a third-generation family-owned company with broad pharmaceutical and technical expertise. For half a century, Helsinn has been operating with integrity, passion, and quality. The company continuously fosters innovation for its patients and embraces sustainable growth as a core element of its strategic vision.

To learn more about Helsinn, please visit www.helsinn.com or follow us on LinkedIn and X .

About InVirtuoLabs

InVirtuoLabs is a biotech startup founded in Lugano, Switzerland in 2024. The startup closed its pre-seed funding round of 2.85 million in February 2025, marking a decisive acceleration in pharmaceutical research. Leveraging methods of advanced artificial intelligence and molecular simulations including generative models, the startup drastically reduces the time and cost of drug development, making treatments more accessible.

At the heart of InVirtuoLabs' innovation is InVirtuoPlatform, its Next Generation Virtual Lab, a proprietary platform that uses AI and molecular modeling to identify and optimize drugs with proven precision. This approach allows for doubling success rates compared to current research methods, drastically reducing both costs, currently exceeding 2.4 billion per drug, and development times, currently averaging 12 years.

In October 2025, InVirtuoLabs unveiled InVirtuoGEN, an AI model that outperformed NVIDIA on every benchmark the tech giant itself proposed, setting a new global performance standard for generative drug discovery. Following its record-setting performance, InVirtuoGEN has since been integrated into InVirtuoPlatform to support real-world pharmaceutical programs. The model has become part of the company's internal drug discovery pipeline, accelerating the design of new treatments with higher precision, faster turnaround, and lower costs.

The startup won the first prize at the Boldbrain Startup Challenge in 2024, an acceleration program for innovative ideas organized by the Agire Foundation in collaboration with the Startup Centre of the University of Italian Switzerland (USI Startup Center), and with the support of the Department of Finance and Economy and BancaStato. InVirtuoLabs is also supported by the USI Startup Center within its incubation programs.

The InVirtuoLabs team brings together researchers specializing in the AI-based drug discovery process as well as experts with decades of experience in the pharmaceutical industry and business management.

To learn more about InVirtuoLabs, please visit www.invirtuolabs.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

For more information:

Helsinn Media Contact

Sabrina Perucchi

Group Communication Manager

Tel: +41 (0) 91 985 21 21

Email: communications@helsinn.com

InVirtuoLabs Media Contact:

Sertac Yeltekin

Founder & COO

Tel: +41 78 326 24 76

Email: sertac@invirtuolabs.com
HONG KONG, Feb 25, 2026 - (ACN Newswire) - The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) welcomes the 2026-27 Budget delivered this morning by the Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Paul Chan. The Budget reflects the HKSAR Government's determination and proactive approach to growing the economy, driving development and improving people's livelihoods. It focuses on strengthening Hong Kong's status as an international centre for financial, trade, shipping and I&T, while accelerating new industrialisation and digital transformation.The Budget also supports enterprises in integrating into the country's overall development and seizing opportunities under the 15th Five-Year Plan. This includes continuously improving the business environment, promoting artificial intelligence and green sustainable development, as well as implementing various measures to consolidate Hong Kong's unique advantages in connecting the Chinese Mainland and the world.Prof Frederick Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC, said: 'The HKTDC welcomes the forward-looking measures in the Budget, including the announcement of the city's first five-year plan and injecting HK$200 million into the BUD Fund. These initiatives demonstrate the HKSAR Government's commitment to supporting Hong Kong SMEs and facilitating economic transformation and high-quality development. We will actively align with the Government's policy direction, implement the national 15th Five-Year Plan, and support Hong Kong in consolidating and enhancing its position as an international financial, shipping and trading centre, while establishing the city as an international hub for I&T and high calibre talents.We will also extend our global business network, further deepen our ties with the ASEAN and Middle Eastern markets and explore more emerging markets. These efforts will further enhance Hong Kong's pivotal role in the Belt and Road Initiative.'Prof Ma added: 'As a superconnector and super value-adder, Hong Kong enjoys the unique edge of linking the mainland and global markets. We successfully bring in international capital, technology, talents and advanced management expertise, helping mainland and local enterprises upgrade and innovate, while supporting mainland companies to go global via Hong Kong's professional services platform.'As a core member of the GoGlobal Task Force, the HKTDC will further leverage its network of 51 offices worldwide to help businesses explore global markets, diversify risks and achieve growth. We will continue to provide value-added services to Hong Kong enterprises, especially SMEs, empowering them to capitalise on e-commerce opportunities, drive their digital transformation and enhance their competitiveness.'Comprehensive Go-Global Support ServicesThe HKTDC will strengthen its diverse business platforms, including international exhibitions, conferences, business matching, market intelligence and e-commerce support, offering one-stop comprehensive go global assistance, covering brand promotion, supply chain management, professional services matching and risk management.The HKTDC will roll out more concrete measures and support programmes to help Hong Kong and mainland enterprises capitalise on national development strategies and global market opportunities and expand their international business in a sustainable manner.Strengthening I&T ecosystem to help enterprises capture opportunitiesThe Budget introduced a range of measures to promote Hong Kong's development as an international I&T hub. The HKTDC will continue to actively support the HKSAR Government by integrating I&T elements into its exhibitions, conferences and events. These platforms will help promote Hong Kong's I&T strengths and ecosystem advantages to mainland and overseas markets, foster crossindustry and crossregional collaboration and incorporate IP elements to enhance overall competitiveness and effectively protect innovation outcomes.As the flagship event of the Business of Innovation and Technology Week (BIT Week) jointly organised by the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau of the HKSAR Government and the HKTDC, InnoEX will once again take place in April to showcase cuttingedge technologies and global innovations, as well as accelerate technology commercialisation and achieve sustainable growth.The HKTDC will continue to leverage Hong Kong's unique advantages as a global business hub, using its flagship events, efficient business matching and professional service connections to support businesses expand internationally.The Budget also notes that the Asian Financial Forum (AFF) will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year. The HKTDC will work closely with the HKSAR Government to further strengthen AFF's focus on finance empowering business (Finance +), by leveraging on the Global Business Summit, to enable the financial sector to better serve the real economy and industries with a competitive edge.Media enquiriesHKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:Agnes Wat, Tel: (852) 2584 4554 Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.orgSam Ho, Tel: (852) 2584 4569 Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.orgAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.Source: HKTDCCopyright 2026 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
Regulatory News:

The shareholders of Gecina (the "Company") (Paris:GFC) are invited to attend the Ordinary General Meeting to be held on:

Wednesday April 22, 2026 from 3pm,

at Hotel Kimpton Saint-Honore, 20 rue Daunou, 75002 Paris, France

A meeting notice containing the agenda, the full text for the proposed resolutions and the main conditions for attending and voting at the Ordinary General Meeting on April 22, 2026 has been published in the French official gazette (Bulletin des Annonces Legales Obligatoires, BALO) today. This meeting notice and the Board of Directors' report on the proposed resolutions can be consulted on Gecina's website at www.gecina.fr.

The meeting notice will be followed by an invitation to attend, which will be published in the French official gazette (BALO) and a French legal announcement journal within the legal and regulatory timeframes.

The preparatory documents for this General Meeting will be made available to the Company's shareholders in accordance with the regulatory conditions and timeframes applicable.

All shareholders may ask Gecina to send them these documents with written requests to be sent by post to the Company's registered office or by email to actionnaire@gecina.fr. For bearer shareholders, a certificate confirming registration in the securities accounts for bearer shares held by an authorized intermediary must be submitted to exercise this right.

These documents may also be consulted at the Company's registered office and will be available on the Company's website (www.gecina.fr).

The Board of Directors

Financial agenda

04.22.2026 General Meeting

- 04.22.2026 Business at March 31, 2026, after market close

- 07.22.2026 2026 first-half earnings, after market close

- 10.14.2026 Business at September 30, 2026, after market close

About Gecina

Gecina is a leading operator that fully integrates all real estate expertise, owning, managing, and developing a unique prime portfolio valued at 17.6bn as at December 31, 2025. Strategically located in the most central areas of Paris and the Paris Region, Gecina's portfolio includes 1.2 million sq.m of office space and nearly 5,300 residential units. By combining long-term value creation with operational excellence, Gecina offers high-quality, sustainable living and working environments tailored to the evolving needs of urban users.

As a committed operator, Gecina enhances its assets with high-value services and dynamic property and asset management, fostering vibrant communities. Through its YouFirst brand, Gecina places user experience at the heart of its strategy. In line with its social responsibility commitments, the Fondation Gecina supports initiatives across four core pillars: disability inclusion, environmental protection, cultural heritage, and housing access.

Gecina is a French real estate investment trust (SIIC) listed on Euronext Paris, and is part of the SBF 120, CAC Next 20 and CAC Large 60 indices. Gecina is also recognized as one of the top-performing companies in its industry by leading sustainability rankings (GRESB, Sustainalytics, MSCI, ISS-ESG, and CDP) and is committed to radically reducing its carbon emissions by 2030.

www.gecina.fr

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260225480047/en/

Contacts:

Gecina

Financial communications

Nicolas BROBAND

Tel.: +33 (0)1 40 40 18 46

nicolasbroband@gecina.fr

Virginie STERLING

Tel.: +33 (0)1 40 40 62 48

virginiesterling@gecina.fr

Press relations

Glenn DOMINGUES

Tel.: 33 (0)1 40 40 63 86

glenndomingues@gecina.fr

Armelle MICLO

Tel.: 33 (0)1 40 40 51 98

armellemiclo@gecina.fr


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The Department of Homeland Security has announced that 56 members of the U.S. Coast Guard who were dismissed from service for refusing to take the Covid-19 vaccine have been reinstated with back pay.



'56 members of the United States Coast Guard who were kicked out of the service over the COVID-19 vaccine have finally been reinstated with back pay - this is a victory for religious, personal, and medical freedom for all Americans - both in and out of uniform,' said DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.



'The last administration's vaccine mandates were unconstitutional, un-American, and a gross violation of personal freedom. It was no way to treat the men and women who put everything on the line to keep our country safe. President Trump is righting these wrongs and returning those unjustly removed members to service. This decision to reinstate these members of the Coast Guard is a major step in the right direction,' he added.



On August 21, 2021, the then Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had issued a mandate forcing all service members to take a Covid-19 vaccine. The mandate was rescinded on January 10, 2023. The Coast Guard then implemented a similar mandate which was rescinded on January 11, 2023.



On January 27, 2025, President Donald Trump had issued an Executive Order, which made reinstatement available for all service members who were discharged for refusing the vaccine.



As a result of that Executive Order, a three-member panel of the Board for Correction of Military Records of the Coast Guard voted upon Secretary Noem's recommendation to reinstate 56 members of the Coast Guard who were discharged because of their refusal to take the vaccine.



The Coast Guard will now retroactively reinstate these 56 members effective upon the date of their discharge, the Department of Homeland Security said in a press release.



This will ensure the service records of each member reflect a period of unbroken and continuous active service between the date of their vaccine-related discharge and their reinstatement to Coast Guard duty.



In accordance with the President's executive order, these Coast Guard members may be entitled to back pay and allowances, bonus payments, rank, and/or seniority in grade, as determined by the Coast Guard, DHS said.



Copyright(c) 2026 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

 2026 AFX News
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 25, 2026) - Group Eleven Resources Corp. (TSXV: ZNG) (OTCQB: GRLVF) (FSE: 3GE) ("Group Eleven" or the "Company") is pleased to announce additional assays from 25-3552-51 (initial assays announced 19-Jan-2026), plus results from two other holes drilled at its Ballywire discovery ("Ballywire") at the 100%-owned PG West Project ("PG West"), Republic of Ireland.

Highlights:

25-3552-51 - Extends previous interval announced on 19-Jan-2026, totalling 29.9m of 15.3% Zn+Pb, 552 g/t Ag and 0.67% Cu (from 338m downhole, at base of Waulsortian Limestone), to:

52.3m of 10.3% Zn+Pb (5.8% Zn and 4.5% Pb), 330 g/t Ag, 0.40% Cu , including today's new assays from immediately below base of Waulsortian Limestone: 22.4m of 3.8% Zn+Pb (0.6% Zn and 3.2% Pb), 33 g/t Ag (from 368m), incl.

16.8m of 4.8% Zn+Pb (0.8% Zn and 4.0% Pb), 42 g/t Ag , incl. 7.5m of 8.1% Zn+Pb (0.9% Zn and 7.2% Pb), 61 g/t Ag , incl. 2.8m of 10.6% Zn+Pb (0.9% Zn and 9.7% Pb), 99 g/t Ag, 0.15% Cu

- Extends previous interval announced on 19-Jan-2026, totalling 29.9m of 15.3% Zn+Pb, 552 g/t Ag and 0.67% Cu (from 338m downhole, at base of Waulsortian Limestone), to: Deeper in the same hole, three new and significant Cu-Ag zones encountered, representing 350m step-out SW of previous test of Deeper Cu-Ag target:

8.4m of 5.7% Zn+Pb (0.1% Zn and 5.6% Pb), 132 g/t Ag, 0.52% Cu (from 401m), incl.

3.7m of 2.7% Zn+Pb (0.1% Zn and 2.5% Pb), 225 g/t Ag, 1.03% Cu, 0.07% Sb , incl. 1.0m of 10.3% Zn+Pb (0.5% Zn and 9.8% Pb), 601 g/t Ag, 3.19% Cu, 0.19% Sb 9.3m of 17 g/t Ag, 0.17% Cu (from 415m) incl.

2.7m of 35 g/t Ag, 0.36% Cu 11.1m of 12 g/t Ag, 0.42% Cu (from 560m), incl.

2.7m of 26 g/t Ag, 1.10% Cu

encountered, representing 350m step-out SW of previous test of Deeper Cu-Ag target: Cu-Ag mineralization associated with steeply south-dipping fault zones, interpreted to be continuation of Cu-Ag bearing fault zones intersected 350m to the NE (in holes 25-3552-40, -44 and -47, announced last year)

This adds strong evidence supporting hypothesis that Cu-Ag bearing fault zones may extend along the strike length of the entire Ballywire discovery

One remaining batch of assays is pending from today's hole, including from another fault zone

"Today's results represent a major step forward in our understanding of the Deeper Cu-Ag target at Ballywire," stated Bart Jaworski, CEO. "With significant Cu-Ag bearing fault structures now pierced along two drill fences located 350m apart, we have much higher conviction that Deeper Cu-Ag mineralization may extend across the entire discovery to date. This may also help us vector towards more mineralization beyond the current discovery footprint. It is also highly encouraging that today's results immediately below the Waulsortian Limestone add up to our best hit to date - over 50m of strong zinc-lead and silver mineralization with significant copper grades. Overall, today's intercepts demonstrate that Ballywire's exploration upside continues to accelerate. With a robust treasury and our most ambitious drill campaign to date - four rigs turning at Ballywire - we are poised to continue unlocking this discovery's full potential over the coming months."

Exhibit 1. Cross-Section A-A' Showing 25-3552-51 at Ballywire

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5685/285205_4de531d264913bf8_002full.jpg

Note: True thickness of the bedding-parallel and steeply-dipping mineralized intervals in hole 25-3552-51 as a percentage of the down-hole interval, is estimated to be approx. 90-100% and 70-80%, respectively; 'Prev.' means previously reported

Exhibit 2. Plan Map of Main Ballywire Discovery Corridor, Showing New Holes

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5685/285205_4de531d264913bf8_003full.jpg

Note: "Sub-WL" means sub-Waulsortian Limestone; "Anom. Minz" means anomalous mineralization (see text for details)

Exhibit 3. Today's Assays from Four Zones of Mineralization in 25-3552-51 at Ballywire

Item From

(m) To

(m) Int

(m) Zn

(%) Pb

(%) Zn+Pb

(%) Ag

(g/t) Cu

(%) Sb

(%) 25-3552-51 368.70 391.11 22.41 0.64 3.16 3.79 32.7 0.06 - Incl. 368.70 385.51 16.81 0.78 3.99 4.76 41.8 0.07 0.01 Incl. 368.70 383.67 14.97 0.80 4.33 5.13 45.5 0.07 0.01 Incl. 382.87 383.67 0.80 1.55 6.39 7.94 137.0 0.24 0.02 And 368.70 376.19 7.49 0.88 7.19 8.06 61.3 0.07 0.01 Incl. 368.70 375.25 6.55 0.97 7.36 8.34 66.3 0.08 0.01 Incl. 368.70 371.50 2.80 0.89 9.72 10.61 98.6 0.15 0.01 Incl. 370.58 371.50 0.92 1.17 14.85 16.02 141.0 0.35 0.02



















And 401.38 409.75 8.37 0.10 5.57 5.67 131.9 0.52 0.04 Incl. 403.26 409.75 6.49 0.11 5.43 5.55 159.6 0.65 0.05 Incl. 405.10 408.81 3.71 0.13 2.53 2.66 224.5 1.03 0.07 Incl. 405.10 406.05 0.95 0.46 9.81 10.27 601.0 3.19 0.19



















And 415.37 424.70 9.33 0.02 0.46 0.47 17.2 0.17 0.02 Incl. 421.99 424.70 2.71 0.02 0.02 0.04 34.6 0.36 0.06



















And 559.89 570.96 11.07 0.02 0.01 0.03 12.3 0.42 0.04 Incl. 564.52 570.03 5.51 0.03 0.01 0.03 19.3 0.67 0.06 Incl. 564.52 567.26 2.74 0.04 0.01 0.05 25.7 1.10 0.09

Note: True thickness of the mineralized intervals above and below 371.5m as a percentage of the down-hole interval, is estimated to be approx. 90-100% and 70-80%, respectively; "-" means less than 0.01%; assays still pending from 249-255m, 427-557m and 585-627m

Exhibit 4. Previously Announced (19-Jan-2026) Assays from 25-3552-51 at Ballywire

Item From

(m) To

(m) Int

(m) Zn

(%) Pb

(%) Zn+Pb

(%) Ag

(g/t) Cu

(%) Sb

(%) 25-3552-51 319.52 331.51 11.99 2.03 0.51 2.53 10.1 0.01 - Incl. 324.20 329.66 5.46 2.87 0.64 3.50 12.1 0.01 - Incl. 324.20 325.05 0.85 6.86 1.30 8.16 24.7 0.01 - Incl. 328.78 329.66 0.88 4.96 1.76 6.72 27.7 0.01 0.01 And 338.83 368.70 29.87 9.74 5.52 15.26 552.3 0.67 0.06 Incl. 339.78 343.53 3.75 23.47 4.41 27.88 82.5 0.04 0.02 Incl. 339.78 342.58 2.80 26.14 4.93 31.07 90.2 0.05 0.02 And 350.96 357.52 6.56 7.74 10.09 17.82 144.8 0.12 0.01 Incl. 354.72 357.52 2.80 5.12 16.76 21.89 248.0 0.24 0.02 Incl. 356.57 357.52 0.95 3.63 13.05 16.68 435.0 0.51 0.03 And 358.48 366.91 8.43 10.40 7.84 18.24 1,775.6 2.21 0.18 Incl. 363.13 365.35 2.22 16.72 13.16 29.88 3,365.6 3.71 0.36 Incl. 364.08 365.35 1.27 12.40 10.55 22.95 4,260.0 4.58 0.46

Note: True thickness of the mineralized intervals in hole 25-3552-51 as a percentage of the down-hole interval, is estimated to be approx. 90-100%; "-" means less than 0.01%

Exhibit 5. Combined (New and Previously Announced) Assays from 25-3552-51 at Ballywire

Item From

(m) To

(m) Int

(m) Zn

(%) Pb

(%) Zn+Pb

(%) Ag

(g/t) Cu

(%) Sb

(%) 25-3552-51 338.83 391.11 52.28 5.84 4.51 10.35 329.6 0.40 0.03 Incl. 338.83 385.51 46.68 6.52 4.97 11.48 368.5 0.45 0.04 Incl. 339.78 376.19 36.41 8.08 6.00 14.08 465.4 0.56 0.05

Ballywire Drill Update

The Ballywire prospect at the Company's 100%-owned PG West Project in Republic of Ireland, represents the most significant mineral discovery in Ireland in over a decade. First announced in Sept-2022, the discovery has 75 holes drilled and reported by Group Eleven to date, including the most recent two holes (25-468-18, 25-3552-50) reported today. Today's results from 25-3552-51 are in addition to partial assays announced on 19-Jan-2026. A third and final batch of results from this hole is pending and expected to be released over the coming weeks. Today's results are summarized above and below (see Exhibits 1 to 6).

Mineralization reported today consists predominantly of sphalerite, galena and pyrite, with Cu-Ag bearing zones also containing chalcopyrite and suspected tennantite-tetrahedrite. Germanium (and gallium) assays were run for a key portion of the intercept announced 19-Jan-2026 from hole 25-3552-51. The results totalled 28.9m of 7.3 g/t Ge and 5.5 g/t Ga (plus 15.6% Zn+Pb, 570 g/t Ag, 0.69% Cu, 0.06% Sb), including (a) 3.8m (from 339.8m) of 16.0 g/t Ge, 5.6 g/t Ga (plus 27.9% Zn+Pb, 82 g/t Ag); (b) 6.6m (from 350.0m) of 4.8 g/t Ge and 8.9 g/t Ga (plus 15.9% Zn+Pb, 83 g/t Ag); and (c) 7.8m (from 360.3m) of 9.9 g/t Ge and 6.2 g/t Ga (plus 20.5% Zn+Pb, 1586 g/t Ag, 1.89% Cu and 0.17% Sb).





Exhibit 6. Regional Gravity Map Showing 6km Long Prospective Trend at Ballywire

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5685/285205_4de531d264913bf8_004full.jpg

Note: Of the four gravity-high anomalies above, only the 'C' anomaly has been systematically drilled to date; "Anom. Minz" means anomalous mineralization (see text for details)

Hole 25-468-18 was drilled on the SW portion of the Ballywire discovery, filling in an approximate 100m long gap (see Exhibit 2) between holes 25-468-17 (see news release dated 19-Jan-2026) and G11-468-01 (see news release dated 07-Sep-2021). The hole returned 14.2m of 0.31% Zn+Pb (0.17% Zn and 0.14% Pb) and 2.2 g/t Ag (from 301m downhole), including 0.9m of 1.43% Zn+Pb (1.14% Zn and 0.29% Pb) and 5.7 g/t Ag. This demonstrates continuity of the mineralizing system at this locality, justifying follow-up drilling further up-dip (planned later this year) and down dip (ongoing) along this section.

Hole 25-3552-50 was drilled approx. 400m ESE of its nearest drill hole (25-3552-49), on the far east portion of the Ballywire discovery (see Exhibit 2 and 6), approx. halfway towards gravity anomaly D (currently being drill tested). This hole returned anomalous mineralization totalling 2.9m of 0.04% Zn+Pb (0.04% Zn and 0.01% Pb) (from 406m downhole), adding confidence in vectoring towards anomaly D.

Four rigs are currently drilling at Ballywire, with the aim of completing over 20,000m in Ireland in 2026 (approx. 85% of which is planned at Ballywire). Currently, ten (10) new holes are completed (and in the process of being logged, sampled and assayed), in progress and/or about to be drilled. These are shown in Exhibit 2, including: (i) three holes collared on the fence hosting today's 25-468-18 results; (ii) one hole testing down-dip of today's 25-3552-51 results; (iii) one hole testing approx. 100m SW of today's 25-3552-51; (iv) three holes planned in a fan pattern immediately SW of G11-3552-08; (v) one hole drilling immediately up-dip of today's hole 25-3552-50; and (vi) one hole testing 300m NE of the above drilling, testing the 'D' gravity-high anomaly (see Exhibit 2 and 6).

Exhibit 7. Regional Map of Ballywire Discovery and Surrounding Prospects

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5685/285205_4de531d264913bf8_005full.jpg

Notes to Exhibit 7: (a) Pallas Green MRE is owned by Glencore (see Glencore's Resources and Reserves Report dated December 31, 2025); (b) Stonepark MRE: see the 'NI 43-101 Independent Report on the Zinc-Lead Exploration Project at Stonepark, County Limerick, Ireland', by Gordon, Kelly and van Lente, with an effective date of April 26, 2018, as found on SEDAR; and (c) the historic estimate at Denison was reported by Westland Exploration Limited in 'Report on Prospecting Licence 464' by Dermot Hughes dated May, 1988; the historic estimate at Gortdrum was reported in 'The Geology and Genesis of the Gortdrum Cu-Ag-Hg Orebody' by G.M. Steed dated 1986; and the historic estimate at Tullacondra was first reported by Munster Base Metals Ltd in 'Report on Mallow Property' by David Wilbur, dated December 1973; and later summarized in 'Cu-Ag Mineralization at Tullacondra, Mallow, Co. Cork' by Wilbur and Carter in 1986; the above three historic estimates have not been verified as current mineral resources; none of the key assumptions, parameters and methods used to prepare the historic estimates were reported and no resource categories were used; significant data compilation, re-drilling and data verification may be required by a Qualified Person before the historic estimates can be verified and upgraded to be compliant with current NI 43-101 standards; a Qualified Person has not done sufficient work to classify them as a current mineral resource and the Company is not treating the historic estimates as current mineral resources. 'Rathdowney Trend' is the south-westerly projection of the Rathdowney Trend, hosting the historic Lisheen and Galmoy mines

Qualified Person

Technical information in this news release has been approved by Professor Garth Earls, Eur Geol, P.Geo, FSEG, geological consultant at IGS (International Geoscience Services) Limited, and independent 'Qualified Person' as defined under Canadian National Instrument 43-101.

Sampling and Analytical Procedures

All core drilled at Ballywire is NQ (47.6mm) and is cut using a rock saw. Sample intervals vary between 0.35m to 1.15m with an average (over 222 samples) of 0.93m. The half-core samples are bagged, labelled and sealed at Group Eleven's core store facility in Limerick, Ireland. Selected sample bags are examined by the Qualified Person. Transport is via an accredited courier service and/or by Group Eleven staff to ALS Laboratories in Loughrea Co. Galway, Ireland. Sample preparation at the ALS facility comprises fine crushing 70% < 2mm, riffle splitter, pulverise up to 250g 85% < 75um. Analytical procedures are 34 element four acid ICP-AES (codes ME-ICP61 and ME-OG62) and when applicable, lithium borate fusion analysis for germanium (and gallium) (code ME-MS81). Other than paying for a professional analytical service, Group Eleven has no relationship with ALS.

Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Information

Group Eleven inserts certified reference materials ("CRMs" or "Standards") as well as blank material, to its sample stream as part of its industry-standard QA/QC programme. The QC results have been reviewed by the Qualified Person, who is satisfied that all the results are within acceptable parameters. The Qualified Person has validated the sampling and chain of custody protocols used by Group Eleven.

About Group Eleven Resources

Group Eleven Resources Corp. (TSXV: ZNG) (OTCQB: GRLVF) (FSE: 3GE) is drilling the most significant mineral discovery in the Republic of Ireland in over a decade. The Company announced the Ballywire discovery in September 2022, demonstrating high grades of zinc, lead, silver, copper, germanium and locally, antimony. Key intercepts to date include:

10.8m of 10.0% Zn+Pb and 109 g/t Ag (G11-468-03)

10.1m of 8.6% Zn+Pb and 46 g/t Ag (G11-468-06)

10.5m of 14.7% Zn+Pb, 399 g/t Ag and 0.31% Cu (G11-468-12)

11.2m of 8.9% Zn+Pb and 83 g/t Ag (G11-3552-03)

29.6m of 10.6% Zn+Pb, 78 g/t Ag and 0.15% Cu (G11-3552-12) and

11.8m of 11.6% Zn+Pb, 48 g/t Ag (G11-3552-18)

15.6m of 11.6% Zn+Pb, 122 g/t Ag and 0.19% Cu (G11-3552-27)

12.0m of 1.4% Zn+Pb, 560 g/t Ag, 2.30% Cu and 0.17% Sb (25-3552-31), including

6.4m of 2.1% Zn+Pb, 838 g/t Ag, 3.72% Cu and 0.27% Sb (25-3552-31)

39.7m of 9.5% Zn+Pb, 131 g/t Ag and 0.27% Cu (25-3552-35)

25.6m of 9.2% Zn+Pb, 28 g/t Ag (25-3552-39)

52.3m of 10.3% Zn+Pb, 330 g/t Ag and 0.40% Cu (25-3552-51), including

8.4m of 18.2% Zn+Pb, 1776 g/t Ag, 2.21% Cu and 0.18% Sb (25-3552-51)

Ballywire is located 20km from Company's 77.64%-owned Stonepark zinc-lead deposit1, which itself is located adjacent to Glencore's Pallas Green zinc-lead deposit2. The Company's two largest shareholders are Michael Gentile (13.8% interest) and Glencore Canada Corp. (13.6%). Additional information about the Company is available at www.groupelevenresources.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,

Bart Jaworski, P.Geo.

Chief Executive Officer

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Technical and scientific information disclosed from neighbouring properties does not necessarily apply to the current project or property being disclosed. This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Such statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the future results of operations, performance and achievements of the Company, including the timing, content, cost and results of proposed work programs, the discovery and delineation of mineral deposits/resources/ reserves and geological interpretations. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, variations in the nature, quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located. All of the Company's public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedarplus.ca and readers are urged to review these materials, including the technical reports filed with respect to the Company's mineral properties.

1 Stonepark MRE is 5.1 million tonnes of 11.3% Zn+Pb (8.7% Zn and 2.6% Pb), Inferred (Apr-17-2018)

2 Pallas Green MRE is 45.4 million tonnes of 8.4% Zn+Pb (7.2% Zn + 1.2% Pb), Inferred (Glencore, Dec-31-2025)

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/285205

Source: Group Eleven Resources Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 25, 2026) - Astra Exploration Inc. (TSXV: ASTR) (OTCQB: ATEPF) (FSE: S3I) ("Astra" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it will be exhibiting at two separate events around the Prospector and Developers' Conference (PDAC) in Toronto.

Metals Investor Forum - Delta Hotel Toronto. Friday, Feb. 27 & Saturday, February 28, 2026

Astra's Chief Executive Officer, Brian Miller, will be presenting as part of newsletter writer, Jeff Clark's panel of companies (hosted by Ted Butler) on Friday, February 27th at 5:20pm.

The conference agenda can be found here. We welcome the opportunity for attendees to reach out to management with any questions and view our updated corporate presentation on Astra's website: https://astra-exploration.com.

PDAC 2026 - Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Sunday, March 1 to Wednesday, March 4

Astra's Chief Executive Officer, Brian Miller, will be presenting on Monday, March 2nd at 3:00pm in the Investment Hub Theatre, as part of the "Gold 1" Session of corporate presentations.

Astra's team will be available at PDAC's Investors Exchange, Booth #2412A (Sunday and Monday only) and at the Core Shack, Booth #3112B (Tuesday and Wednesday only).

The Core Shack will be attended by Astra's Exploration Director, Diego Guido, with samples of the high-grade gold and silver drill core from the La Manchuria Project in Argentina, where Astra is awaiting assays from the first half of a 10,000 metre drill program (see February 10, 2026 news release).

PDAC is the world's leading Mineral Exploration & Mining Convention. Since it began in 1932, the Convention has grown in size, stature and influence. Today, it is the event of choice for the world's mineral industry hosting more than 1,100 exhibitors and 700 presenters to an attendee base of some 27,000 from over 135 countries.

We look forward to seeing you in Toronto!

About the Company

Astra Exploration Inc. is a precious metals exploration company based out of Vancouver, BC that is actively building a portfolio of high-quality projects in some of the most important mining jurisdictions in Latin America.

The La Manchuria gold-silver project in Santa Cruz, Argentina, over which Astra has an option to acquire 90% interest from the owner, Patagonia Gold Corp, is a high-grade gold and silver low sulphidation epithermal (LSE) deposit located in the prolific Deseado Massif which hosts multiple world-class LSE precious metals deposits including Cerro Vanguardia and Cerro Negro, Santa Cruz, Argentina.

The 100% owned Pampa Paciencia gold and silver project in northern Chile is located in the Paleocene mineral province in proximity to such major operating mines as Spence and Sierra Gorda. The project shares several important geological similarities to other Paleocene LSE gold-silver deposits including Faride and El Penon.

The 100% owned Cerro Bayo project in northern Chile is located in the Maricunga belt approximately 20 km from the Refugio Mine. The project hosts a high sulphidation epithermal (HSE) +/- porphyry gold system with similarities to the Salares Norte deposit to the north in the same belt. The Maricunga belt is one of the most endowed regions in the world for gold and copper deposits.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When or if used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan", "forecast", "may", "schedule" and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to the Company's business activities; exploration on the Company's properties; completion of the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement; receipt of all required regulatory approvals; and marketing initiatives. Such statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, without limitation: development of the industry in which the Company operates; risks associated with the conduct of the Company's business activities; risks relating to reliance on the Company's management team and outside contractors; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; laws and regulations governing the industry in which the Company operates; the ability of the communities in which the Company operates to manage and cope with the implications of COVID-19; the economic and financial implications of COVID-19 to the Company; operating or technical difficulties; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; and other risk factors disclosed in the Company's public disclosure documents available on the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/285189

Source: Astra Exploration Inc.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 25, 2026) - Blackrock Silver Corp. (TSXV: BRC) (OTCQX: BKRRF) (FSE: AHZ0) ("Blackrock" or the "Company") announces the mobilization of drill rigs for two major resource expansion drill campaigns at the Tonopah West project ("Tonopah West") located along the Walker Lane Trend in Nye and Esmeralda Counties, Nevada, USA.

Two-Phased Expansion Strategy

1. Eastern Expansion (9,100m (30,000 ft) / 20 Holes)

Following up on high-grade intercepts from late 2025, this drill program (the "Eastern Expansion Program") targets shallow mineralization along the Pittsburg-Monarch fault.

The Company's 2025 eastern expansion drill program at Tonopah West encountered at least three northwest oriented structures which appear to be mineralized and offset the southern caldera margin to the northeast. The Company's drilling under the 2025 program returned thick vein intervals (see news release dated October 27, 2025 and December 2, 2025) of gold and silver along the parallel structures confirming the importance of the Pittsburg-Monarch fault and its footwall splays.

The Eastern Expansion Program will follow up on the shallow, high-grade, and thick zones of silver and gold in each of the recognized structures identified in 2025. In this area, the Pittsburg-Monarch fault was considered an ore-controlling structure within the district with the thickest historically mined veins at Victor and Ohio abutting the main fault. The fault splays provide for additional upside of shallow and thick silver and gold similar to the historically reported Victor and Ohio veins.

2. Northwest (NW) Expansion (8,000m (26,250 ft) / 10 Holes)

This program (the " NW Expansion Program ") focuses on the Denver and Paymaster veins , which remain open along strike and down dip.

") focuses on the , which remain open along strike and down dip. The NW Expansion Program will consist of 8,000 metres (26,250 ft) of reverse circulation (RC)/Core drilling targeting expansion opportunities along strike of the DPBS North zone to the east and northwest. The focus of the drilling will be directed at extensions of the Denver and Paymaster veins and targets. In addition, an 800 metres step-out hole is planned based on the recently completed seismic geophysical survey at the northwestern regions of Tonopah West. If successful, this drillhole will provide substantial and concrete evidence that the Tonopah West system remains open and is World-class in size and grade.

These veins are open to the northwest and down dip as described in the 2022 drill program. Potential to expand is considered good based on open-ended gold and silver intercepts. The Company recently acquired 18 kilometres of seismic data collected along lines to understand the caldera margin (see news release dated October 23, 2025). The seismic profiles show significant structures in the northwestern region of the Tonopah West project area that are interpreted to be the outer margin of the Fraction caldera. Several drillholes will test this interpretation.

Capital Efficient Drilling

The Company will utilize a cost-effective RC/Core hybrid method to maximize drilling meterage while maintaining high-quality geological data.

Total Scope: 17,100 metres (56,250 ft) across 30 drill sites.

17,100 metres (56,250 ft) across 30 drill sites. The Method: RC "pre-collars" drill through non-mineralized cover rock, followed by "core tails" that penetrate the high-value vein zones.

Path to Development: Hydrology & Permitting

The Phase-2 hydrology program (see news release dated October 23, 2025) is nearly complete with the installation of five piezometers wells. The final drillhole is a water monitoring well.

The piezometer wells have been placed to assess water within the proposed decline and test mining area.

The results will help drive permitting for the proposed exploration decline, test mining and bulk-sample extraction which is on track for H2 2027.

Andrew Pollard, Blackrock's President and CEO, commented: "With our updated mineral resource estimate and preliminary economic assessment on Tonopah West on track for delivery by the end of March 2026, we are excited to get the drills back to continue to test the extents of silver and gold mineralization at our deposit with a fully-funded 17,000 metre, two-phased expansion program now officially underway. Guided by recent seismic data, an 800 metre step-out is the highlight of our NW Expansion Program, where the bulk of drilling is targeting extensions of the Denver and Paymaster vein sets. Our Eastern Expansion Program follows up on our successful 2025 campaign, where shallow, thick zones of high-grade mineralization were encountered in at least three northwest oriented structures that appear to be splays off the Pittsburg-Monarch fault, historically recognized as one of the main structural controls for the entire district. Permitting initiatives towards our proposed exploration decline and test mine area are progressing expeditiously behind the scenes, with our Phase-2 hydrology program nearing completion."





Drillhole Location Map (Proposed 2026 Drillholes)

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/676/285180_dba29caa5433382c_001full.jpg

Quality Assurance/ Quality Control

All sampling is conducted under the supervision of the Company's project geologists, and a strict chain of custody from the project to the sample preparation facility is implemented and monitored. The RC and core samples are hauled from the project site to a secure and fenced facility in Tonopah, Nevada, where they are loaded on to American Assay Laboratory's (AAL) flat-bed truck and delivered to AAL's facility in Sparks, Nevada. A sample submittal sheet is delivered to AAL personnel who organize and process the sample intervals pursuant to the Company's instructions.

Core is delivered to the Company's logging facility in Tonopah, Nevada where geologists and technicians log the core and prepare sample intervals and lab sample instructions completed for each core hole. The core boxes are loaded on to American Assay Laboratory's (AAL) flat-bed truck and delivered to AAL's facility in Sparks, Nevada. The core is cut using core saws and personnel at AAL's facility in Sparks, Nevada according to the Company's instructions delivered with each core hole.

All samples are dried, crushed to 85% passing 10 mesh (2mm) and a 250-gram sub-sample split is collected and pulverized to 200 mesh (74 micron) in a ring and puck pulverizer. Then the pulverized material is digested and analyzed for gold using fire assay fusion and an Induced Coupled Plasma (ICP) finish on a 30-gram assay split (FA-PB30-ICP). Silver is determined using five-acid digestion and ICP analysis (ICP-5AM48). Over limits for gold and silver are determined using a gravimetric finish (GRAVAU30 and GRAVAG30). Data verification of the assay and analytical results are completed to ensure accurate and verifiable results. Blackrock personnel insert a blind prep blank, lab blank or a certified reference material approximately every 10th to 15th sample.

Qualified Persons

Blackrock's exploration activities at Tonopah West are conducted and supervised by Mr. William Howald, Executive Chairman of Blackrock. Mr. William Howald, AIPG Certified Professional Geologist #11041, is a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. He has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release.

About Blackrock Silver Corp.

Blackrock Silver Corp. is an American-focused emerging primary silver developer systematically advancing the high-grade Tonopah West Project, situated in the historic "Queen of the Silver Camps" in a jurisdiction consistently ranked as one of the top mining regions globally. The Company is backstopped by a veteran board and technical team with a proven track record of discovering, financing, and building major precious metal mines in Nevada and globally. Blackrock is committed to establishing a secure, high-margin, domestic supply of silver and gold.

Additional information on Blackrock Silver Corp. can be found on its website at www.blackrocksilver.com and by reviewing its profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Information

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of 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, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things: the Company's strategic plans; the composition and timing of completion of the Company's drill programs at Tonopah West and the anticipated objectives and results therefrom; the proposed exploration decline, test mining and bulk-sample extraction at Tonopah West and the timing of completion thereof; the Company's de-risking initiatives at Tonopah West; estimates of mineral resource quantities and qualities; the timing of completion of the Company's updated mineral resource estimate and preliminary economic assessment on Tonopah West; estimates of mineralization from drilling; geological information projected from sampling results; and the potential quantities and grades of the target zones.

These forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include, among other things: conditions in general economic and financial markets; accuracy of assay results; geological interpretations from drilling results, timing and amount of capital expenditures; performance of available laboratory and other related services; future operating costs; the historical basis for current estimates of potential quantities and grades of target zones; the availability of skilled labour and no labour related disruptions at any of the Company's operations; no unplanned delays or interruptions in scheduled activities; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals for operations are received in a timely manner; the ability to secure and maintain title and ownership to properties and the surface rights necessary for operations; and the Company's ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.

The Company cautions the reader that forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements contained in this news release and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the timing and content of work programs; results of exploration activities and development of mineral properties; the interpretation and uncertainties of drilling results and other geological data; receipt, maintenance and security of permits and mineral property titles; environmental and other regulatory risks; project costs overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; availability of funds; failure to delineate potential quantities and grades of the target zones based on historical data; general market and industry conditions; and those factors identified under the caption "Risks Factors" in the Company's most recent Annual Information Form.

Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this news release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For Further Information, Contact:

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/285180

Source: Blackrock Silver Corp.
Transfer molded technology leads adoption while food & beverage remains the largest application segment, supported by automation upgrades and expanding end-use demand

NEWARK, Del., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Future Market Insights (FMI) projects the global molded fiber pulp packaging market to grow from USD 4,530.4 million in 2026 to USD 8,815.0 million by 2036, registering a CAGR of 6.9% over the forecast period. The growth trajectory reflects a structural shift in packaging choices as manufacturers and brands move toward fiber-based solutions that combine protective performance, cost efficiency, and operational fit across foodservice, electronics, healthcare, and consumer goods packaging.

Molded fiber pulp packaging is widely used in trays, clamshells, end caps, and protective inserts, offering cushioning strength and structural integrity while remaining lightweight. The format continues to scale beyond traditional uses as improvements in tooling precision, forming consistency, automation, and surface finishing make it suitable for higher-value applications.

Quick Stats: Molded Fiber Pulp Packaging Market

Market Value (2026): USD 4,530.4 million

USD 4,530.4 million Forecast Value (2036): USD 8,815.0 million

USD 8,815.0 million Forecast CAGR (2026 to 2036): 6.9%

6.9% Leading Product Type (2026): Transfer molded (about 58% share)

Transfer molded (about share) Key Growth Regions (2026 to 2036): North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific

North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific Key Players (2026): Huhtamaki Oyj, UFP Technologies, Pactiv Evergreen, EnviroPAK Corporation, Brodrene Hartmann A/S

Get Access of Free Pet Food Report Sample: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/brochure/rep-gb-2900

Market Outlook: From Basic Cushioning to Engineered Packaging Systems

According to FMI, the molded fiber pulp packaging market is evolving from basic cushioning formats into engineered packaging systems designed for modern foodservice, electronics logistics, and industrial handling requirements. Manufacturers are increasingly adopting molded pulp to meet demand for:

reliable protective performance

efficient stacking and storage

compatibility with automated handling systems

consistent form and finish for branded packaging applications

As molding precision and surface quality improve, molded fiber pulp packaging is expanding well beyond legacy formats such as egg cartons and entering mainstream use in packaged food, consumer electronics, and specialty industrial packaging.

Why the Market Is Expanding Steadily Through 2036

Growth in molded fiber pulp packaging is being supported by broad end-use adoption across industries:

Foodservice and Food Packaging Demand Remains Strong

Foodservice and food packaging applications account for a significant share of demand, especially in:

egg cartons

produce trays

takeaway containers

beverage carriers

The material's ability to handle heat, moisture, and stacking requirements makes it suitable for both fresh and processed food distribution. Restaurants and food retailers also value molded fiber for rigidity, stackability, and compatibility with automated filling lines.

Electronics and Appliances Drive Protective Packaging Volumes

Electronics and appliance manufacturers continue to rely on molded fiber packaging for transport and storage protection. Custom molded designs help improve packing efficiency and reduce product damage rates, supporting logistics optimization across high-volume shipments.

Healthcare and Medical Device Packaging Adoption Is Expanding

In healthcare and medical device packaging, molded fiber is gaining traction for single-use trays and protective components, supported by its rigidity and clean surface characteristics.

Segment Spotlight: Transfer Molded Technology Leads with ~58% Share

Transfer molded technology accounts for about 58% of market demand, making it the leading molding type in the molded fiber pulp packaging market.

FMI attributes this dominance to its strong balance of:

strength and protection

smooth surface quality

design flexibility

dimensional accuracy

thin-wall construction capability

Transfer molded packaging is particularly suited to applications that require shape precision and consistent finish, including electronics cushioning, food containers, and branded consumer packaging. Its compatibility with high-speed automated forming equipment also supports large-scale manufacturing with consistent output.

Food & Beverage Remains the Largest Application Segment

Food and beverage applications represent roughly 44% of market consumption, making this the largest application segment for molded fiber pulp packaging.

Key demand drivers include:

continued growth in quick-service restaurants

expansion of food delivery platforms

rising fresh produce distribution volumes

need for rigid, stackable takeaway formats

Molded pulp packaging supports safe transport, portion control, and shelf presentation, which keeps food and beverage as the primary volume driver in the global market.

Key Drivers, Trends, and Restraints Shaping the Market

Major Growth Drivers

The market is being propelled by:

rapid expansion of foodservice and delivery platforms

higher volumes of electronics shipments

steady rise in e-commerce requiring reliable protective cushioning

advances in forming automation and tooling design that improve consistency and scalability

Ongoing Market Trends

Manufacturers are investing in:

improved moisture-resistant treatments

more precise multi-cavity molds

higher levels of automation

surface finishing upgrades to widen end-use applications

These improvements are helping molded pulp move into more complex electronics and industrial uses while maintaining strength in food packaging.

Key Restraints

The industry continues to face practical limitations, including:

moisture sensitivity in liquid-related or extended-storage applications

need for additional coatings in some use cases, raising costs

variability in recycled fiber supply, which can affect quality control, production planning, and regional pricing stability

Regional Outlook: Asia Pacific Leads Production, While North America and Europe Drive Consumption

FMI identifies Asia Pacific as the largest production base for molded fiber pulp packaging, supported by:

abundant raw material availability

large-scale manufacturing capacity

expanding urban demand and industrial output

At the same time, North America and Europe remain major consumption markets, driven by foodservice packaging standards, retail requirements, and broader adoption of fiber-based formats across consumer and industrial packaging.

Emerging markets are also contributing incremental growth as organized retail and packaged food sectors expand.

Country-Level Demand Outlook (2026 to 2036)

China - CAGR 8.3%

China leads market growth with an 8.3% CAGR, driven by rising takeaway food, beverage delivery, and consumer electronics shipments in major cities. Strong domestic production capacity, high-speed molding equipment, and broad application coverage position China as the primary growth engine.

India - CAGR 8.0%

India is projected to grow at 8.0% CAGR, supported by rapid adoption across quick-service restaurants, cafes, and packaged food brands. Urban demand in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, along with scalable local production using agricultural residue and paper pulp inputs, is strengthening market momentum.

United States - CAGR 7.5%

The United States is expected to post a 7.5% CAGR, with growth driven by restaurant chains, electronics manufacturers, and e-commerce sellers using molded fiber for clamshells, drink carriers, trays, and protective inserts. Demand is reinforced by focus on uniform strength, stackability, and compatibility with existing packing lines.

Germany - CAGR 6.7%

Germany is forecast to expand at 6.7% CAGR, supported by demand from food retail, ready-meal producers, and premium consumer goods packaging. Packaging buyers emphasize dimensional accuracy, structural performance, and consistency for branded and private-label products.

Japan - CAGR 6.3%

Japan is projected to grow at 6.3% CAGR, led by adoption in food manufacturing, convenience stores, and healthcare meal providers. Demand is concentrated in portion-controlled trays, bento containers, and protective inserts requiring smooth surfaces, precise shaping, and reliable moisture control.

Competitive Landscape: Design Precision, Scale, and Delivery Reliability Define Market Success

The molded fiber pulp packaging market features a mix of global packaging groups, engineering-led specialists, and regional manufacturers focused on foodservice and protective formats. FMI notes that approximately 18 to 25 companies actively compete worldwide, with leading suppliers accounting for a large share of demand through long-term contracts with quick-service restaurants, food processors, and consumer goods brands.

Competitive positioning is increasingly shaped by:

structural strength and protection performance

moisture tolerance

tooling precision

high-volume production capability

consistent quality and delivery reliability

Leading Companies Highlighted by FMI

Huhtamaki Oyj - strong global footprint and expertise in trays, clamshells, and cups

- strong global footprint and expertise in trays, clamshells, and cups Pactiv Evergreen - scale advantages and integration with foodservice supply chains

- scale advantages and integration with foodservice supply chains UFP Technologies - precision-molded solutions for food, medical, and industrial uses

- precision-molded solutions for food, medical, and industrial uses Brodrene Hartmann A/S and EnviroPAK Corporation - design-led development and customized tooling

and - design-led development and customized tooling Henry Molded Products - tailored solutions for niche foodservice and protective packaging needs

Regional and application-focused suppliers such as ProtoPak Engineering Corporation, Celluloses de la Loire, FiberCel Packaging, and Pacific Pulp Molding continue to compete through customer proximity, shorter lead times, and cost-efficient production.

Key Players in the Molded Fiber Pulp Packaging Market

Huhtamaki Oyj

Pactiv Evergreen

UFP Technologies

Brodrene Hartmann A/S

EnviroPAK Corporation

Henry Molded Products

ProtoPak Engineering Corporation

Celluloses de la Loire

FiberCel Packaging

Pacific Pulp Molding

Request Access of Full Report:https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/moulded-fibre-pulp-packaging-market

Related Reports:

Molded Fiber Pulp Packaging Industry Analysis in Australia and New Zealand: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/australia-and-new-zealand-molded-fiber-pulp-packaging-market



The molded fiber pulp packaging industry analysis in australia and new zealand is projected to grow from USD 238.2 million in 2025 to USD 380.7 million by 2035, at a CAGR of 4.8%. Trays will dominate with a 25.0% market share, while thick wall will lead the molded pulp type segment with a 40.0% share.





https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/australia-and-new-zealand-molded-fiber-pulp-packaging-market The molded fiber pulp packaging industry analysis in australia and new zealand is projected to grow from USD 238.2 million in 2025 to USD 380.7 million by 2035, at a CAGR of 4.8%. Trays will dominate with a 25.0% market share, while thick wall will lead the molded pulp type segment with a 40.0% share. Molded Fiber Pulp Packaging industry Analysis in USA and Canada: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/usa-and-canada-molded-fiber-pulp-packaging-market



Molded Fiber Pulp Packaging industry Analysis in USA and Canada is projected to be grown from USD 2.1 billion in 2025 to USD 3.5 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 5.2% expected. Thermoformed fiber has been projected to account for 41.1% of the molded fiber packaging market in 2025. Food and beverage has been estimated to hold a 48.9% market share in the molded fiber packaging sector by 2025





https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/usa-and-canada-molded-fiber-pulp-packaging-market Molded Fiber Pulp Packaging industry Analysis in USA and Canada is projected to be grown from USD 2.1 billion in 2025 to USD 3.5 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 5.2% expected. Thermoformed fiber has been projected to account for 41.1% of the molded fiber packaging market in 2025. Food and beverage has been estimated to hold a 48.9% market share in the molded fiber packaging sector by 2025 Europe Molded Fiber Pulp Packaging Market: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/europe-molded-fiber-pulp-packaging-market-share-analysis

USA and Canada Molded Fiber Pulp Packaging Market: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/united-states-and-canada-molded-fiber-pulp-packaging-market-share-analysis

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Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 25, 2026) - Omai Gold Mines Corp. (TSXV: OMG) (OTCQB: OMGGF) ("Omai Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce assay results from six additional drill holes from the recent drill program at its 100% owned Omai Gold Project in Guyana, South America.

Multiple zones of gold mineralization were intersected in each of these holes, most notably, central Wenot Hole 25ODD-119W intersected 4.18 g/t Au over 14.6m, 2.07 g/t Au over 27.4m, and 3.73 g/t Au over 17.3m. These new results will be included in the upcoming Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE").

The Company is also pleased to announce that a 50,000-metre diamond drill program has commenced. It is designed to further pursue opportunities to expand the overall Omai gold resources, explore certain nearby geophysical anomalies, while continuing the priority work of upgrading the large Wenot resource, an important next step.

Highlights* from the recent drilling include:

(refer to Table 1 for full assays and downhole depths):

Hole 25ODD-119W 4.18 g/t Au over 14.6m Including 9.12 g/t Au over 4.1m 2.38 g/t Au over 23.3m Including 3.95 g/t Au over 11.8m 2.07 g/t Au over 27.4m Including 11.64 g/t Au over 1.1m Including 10.49 g/t Au over 1.2m 3.73 g/t Au over 17.3m Including 8.61 g/t Au over 5.1m



Hole 25ODD-150W3 1.94 g/t Au over 30.3m Including 3.03 g/t Au over 15.9m Including 14.35 g/t Au over 2.5m



Hole 25ODD-159 1.75 g/t Au over 19.3m 14.45 g/t Au over 2.5m



"As Omai continues to report positive drill results from Central and East Wenot, we are excited to have commenced a 50,000-metre diamond drill program to further expand the overall Omai gold resources and continue to unlock value for our shareholders," commented Elaine Ellingham, President and CEO. "The primary objective of this current program is to upgrade the large Wenot Inferred resource in order to move the Omai project forward to the next key milestones," concluded Ms. Ellingham.

2026 Drill Program

Drilling recommenced January 14th and 5,395m have been completed to date in 2026 in 11 holes, three of which started at the end of 2025. A majority of the planned 50,000m drill program will focus on upgrading the large Wenot inferred resource, which as a by-product is expected to increase the overall MRE as remaining gaps are drilled and zones are extended to depth. To assist in executing efficiently, the Company has engaged Objectivity of Sudbury Ontario, a geological data analytics consultancy. They are partnering with the Company's geology team to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of the upcoming resource drill program. Objectivity's proprietary software generates deposit-specific algorithms that can improve expected resource conversion and systematically address gaps within geological models. The Objectivity work has outlined a program over the main body of the Wenot deposit consisting of 59 holes (32,500m). This approach is expected to accelerate the timeline to bring the Wenot resource to the next step.

The planned drill program also includes a Deep Dike Corridor initiative ("DDC") focused on the northeast portion of the Wenot Deposit, where it remains open for expansion. This drilling is planned at spacings to support the Indicated resource classification. Multiple previous high-grade drill intersections within the northern-most Dike Corridor zones have only been tested to depths of 150-200m including: 8.98g/t over 5m in hole 25ODD-102, 4.48g/t Au over 10m in hole 25ODD-112, 15.15 g/t Au over 6m in hole 21ODD-024 and 1.23 g/t Au over 10.5m in hole 25ODD-118. An estimated 20-hole program (12,500m) will pursue the down-dip extension of these zones. As these drill collars will step back to the north, they will also be testing the stratigraphy to the north of Wenot that has seen little or no exploration. An additional part of the drill program will test a 400m strike along the East Wenot extension with an initial 9 holes (3,200m).

A review of the geophysics has helped refine certain targets near or extending from the Wenot deposit, one in particular that correlates with a strong magnetic signature. These geophysical anomalies hold potential for new zones, within either splays off the main Wenot shear or separate satellite zones. An initial 1,800m program will pursue these targets.

Three drills are currently operating with two additional drills on site scheduled to commence next week.

Current Drill Results

Central Wenot

Hole 25ODD-119W, which was drilled from the north side of Wenot Deposit, is a wedge up from Hole 25ODD-119 that intersected 31.70 g/t Au over 7.5m, 1.61 g/t Au over 36.4m and 3.89 g/t Au over 13.2m (News Release dated July 29, 2025). Hole 119W intersected multiple wide zones of gold mineralization with several spots of visible gold within the Dike Corridor. Results included 4.18 g/t Au over 14.6m, 4.0 g/t Au over 8.0m, 2.38 g/t Au over 23.3m, and 18.03 g/t Au over 1.87m. The Central Wenot Contact, consisting of CQFP and adjacent diorite, also showed several spots of visible gold and quartz and ankerite veins, assayed 2.07 g/t Au over 27.4m. South of the contact within the sedimentary sequence, a 17.30m wide interval returned 3.73 g/t Au. This interval included a higher-grade interval of 8.61 g/t Au over 5.4m, associated with gold-bearing quartz and ankerite veins within a diorite dike within the sediments.

Hole 25ODD-150W3, is wedged from hole 25ODD-150W, drilled from the southern side of Wenot. The hole intersected several spots of visible gold within the southern sedimentary sequence with multiple gold mineralized zones, including 4.87 g/t Au over 2.25m, 1.54 g/t Au over 16.0m and 1.94 g/t Au over 30.3m (including 14.35 g/t Au over 2.50m). Intersections such as these, intersecting gold mineralization within the southern sediments are evidence of the potential for robust mineralization along the south side of Wenot and can be expected to contribute to reducing the Wenot strip ratio as the project progresses. Downhole, within the volcanic-hosted Dike Corridor, multiple narrow mineralized zones were also intersected, the best being 9.21 g/t Au over 1.05m. Additional zones include 0.92 g/t Au over 4.2m, 1.50 g/t Au over 2.15m, 5.40 g/t Au over 1.0m and 4.83 g/t Au over 1.5m.

Hole 25ODD-153W is wedged up from Hole 153 and was drilled from the north in the Central Wenot area. The hole intersected several mineralized zones within the Dike Corridor, including 2.38 g/t Au over 4.7m and 2.33 g/t Au over 9m. Within the Central QFP and adjacent sheared diorite dike and protomylonite, a gold mineralized zone was intersected yielding 0.64 g/t Au over 29.6m. Further down the hole, within the sedimentary sequence, 1.72 g/t Au over 8.8m was intersected, associated with diorite dikes and altered quartz-ankerite-pyrite veins cutting across the bedding of the sediments.

Hole 25ODD-156, was collared on the north side of Central Wenot Deposit. It targeted the up-dip extension of mineralization intersected in hole 24ODD-091, in which a wide mineralized zone within the Dike Corridor contains 0.79 g/t Au over 48m, and other zones include 5.76 g/t Au over 5.4m and 2.50 g/t Au over 9.0m (News Release dated January 21, 2025). By comparison, hole 156 intersected multiple narrow zones of gold mineralization within the Dike Corridor, including 5.22 g/t Au over 4.25m, 7.92 g/t Au over 2.0m and 7.51 g/t Au over 1.5m. Two gold zones within the Central Wenot Contact, were intersected, including 2.90 g/t Au over 1.5m and 0.52 g/t Au over 8.7m. Within the sedimentary sequence, a narrow-mineralized interval associated with diorite dike intersected 1.09 g/t Au over 4.4m.

Hole 25ODD-159, was drilled from the south side of Wenot Deposit. It intersected narrow zones of gold mineralization within the sediments, with best values of 0.82 g/t Au over 1.5m. A 19.3m wide mineralized zone containing 1.75 g/t Au was intersected within the Central Wenot Contact and 2.79 g/t Au over 6.75 m was intersected within the adjacent volcanics. North of the contact, several zones of gold mineralization were also intersected within the Dike Corridor, including 14.45 g/t Au over 2.5m, 2.69 g/t Au over 2.3m, 1.54 g/t Au over 1.5m and 0.54 g/t Au over 5.4m.

East Wenot

Hole 25ODD-157 was drilled 40m south of Hole 142, in East Wenot. Multiple zones of gold mineralization were intersected within the Dike Corridor, including 0.64 g/t Au over 7.5m, 1.44 g/t Au over 2.5m and 1.95 g/t Au over 2.5m. Within the Central QFP, and adjacent volcanics, 0.89 g/t Au over 8.1m was intersected. Further downhole, within the sedimentary sequence, a few narrow gold-mineralized zones associated with diorite dikes and quartz and ankerite veins with pyrite and visible gold were intersected, including 1.43 g/t Au over 8.0m. This was to follow-up on hole 142 that intersected a shallow high-grade zone. The results of this hole support the interpretation that the primary zones of interest likely dip to the south in this area and need to be drilled from the south. Additional holes will follow up.





Figure 1. Plan Map of Wenot Showing Drill Hole Locations

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8712/285229_0d7913c7a4ff9b2b_001full.jpg

Table 1. Recent Wenot Drill Results*

DDH FROM

(m) TO (m) INTERVAL

(m) Grade (g/t Au) Zone 25ODD-119W 395.6 410.2 14.6 4.18 Dike Corridor including 404.9 409.0 4.1 9.12

430.0 438.0 8.0 4.00 including 434.3 436.6 2.3 12.02

461.9 485.2 23.3 2.38 including 473.4 485.2 11.8 3.95

498.5 501.4 2.9 2.91

537.6 539.5 1.9 18.03

591.2 618.6 27.4 2.07 CQFP including 593.6 594.7 1.1 11.64 including 616.2 617.4 1.2 10.49

653.8 671.1 17.3 3.73 Sediments,

Diorite, QV including 655.6 661.0 5.4 8.61

25ODD-150W3 234.5 236.8 2.3 4.87 Sediments





275.2 278.8 3.6 1.15

289.5 305.5 16.0 1.54 including 289.5 291.0 1.5 7.63

310.7 313.3 2.6 2.10

333.5 363.8 30.3 1.94 Sediments Including 333.5 349.4 15.9 3.03 including 333.5 336.0 2.5 14.35

487.9 489.0 1.1 9.21



519.6 521.8 2.2 1.50

544.2 545.2 1.0 5.40 Dike Corridor

557.0 558.5 1.5 4.83

25ODD-153W 331.8 336.5 4.7 2.38 Dike Corridor

395.5 404.5 9.0 2.33

532.4 562.0 29.6 0.64 CQFP, Dior, PM

588.7 597.5 8.8 1.72 Sediments,

Diorite, QV including 595.1 596.3 1.2 6.66

25ODD-156 225.0 226.5 1.5 0.96 Dike Corridor

298.3 302.5 4.2 5.22 including 299.5 301.0 1.5 10.10

386.0 388.0 2.0 7.92

518.0 519.5 1.5 7.51

545.5 547.0 1.5 2.90 CQFP

553.0 561.7 8.7 0.52

568.3 572.7 4.4 1.09 Sediments

25ODD-157 69.0 76.5 7.5 0.64 Dike Corridor

121.5 124.0 2.5 1.44

133.5 136.0 2.5 1.95

169.5 177.6 8.1 0.89 CQFP

249.7 257.7 8.0 1.43 Sediments

310.6 311.6 1.0 1.05

25ODD-159 271.0 272.5 1.5 0.82 Sediments including 399.5 418.8 19.3 1.75 CQFP, Volcanics

412.0 418.8 6.8 2.79

444.7 447.2 2.5 14.45 Volcanics

471.0 472.5 1.5 1.23

477.1 479.4 2.3 2.69

505.0 506.5 1.5 1.54

519.6 525.0 5.4 0.54

*True widths vary as mineralization at Wenot is generally hosted within stockwork vein systems with alteration halos, with an estimated true width range of 70-90%. Cut-off grade 0.30 g/t Au with maximum 3.0m internal dilution is applied. **If indicated, a maximum 5.0m internal dilution was applied. All grades are uncapped unless otherwise noted.

Quality Control

Omai maintains an internal QA/QC program to ensure sampling and analysis of all exploration work is conducted in accordance with best practices. Certified reference materials, blanks and duplicates are entered at regular intervals. Samples are sealed in plastic bags.

Drill core samples (halved-core) were shipped to Act Labs and some batches to MSALABS, both certified laboratories in Georgetown Guyana, respecting the best chain of custody practices. At the laboratory, samples are dried, crushed up to 80% passing 2 mm, riffle split (250 g), and pulverized to 95% passing 105 m, including cleaner sand. Fifty grams of pulverized material is then fire assayed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AA). Initial assays with results above 3.0 ppm gold are re-assayed using a gravimetric finish. For samples with visible gold and surrounding samples within deemed gold zones, two separate 250g or 500g pulverized samples are prepared, with 50 grams of each fire assayed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, with assays above 3.0 ppm gold being re-assayed using a gravimetric finish. Certified reference materials and blanks meet with QA/QC specifications.

Qualified Person

Elaine Ellingham, P.Geo., is a Qualified Person (QP) under National Instrument 43-101 "Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects" and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release. Ms. Ellingham is a director and officer of the Company and is not considered to be independent for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.

ABOUT OMAI GOLD

Omai Gold Mines Corp. is a Canadian gold exploration and development company focused on rapidly expanding the two orogenic gold deposits at its 100%-owned Omai Gold Project in mining-friendly Guyana, South America. The Company has established the Omai Gold Project as one of the fastest growing and well-endowed gold camps in the prolific Guiana Shield.

In August 2025, the Company announced a 96% increase to the Wenot Gold Deposit NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate1 (MRE) to 970,000 ounces of gold (Indicated) averaging 1.46 g/t Au, contained in 20.7 Mt and 3,717,000 ounces of gold (Inferred MRE) averaging 1.82 g/t Au, contained in 63.4 Mt. This brings the global MRE at Omai, including the Wenot and adjacent Gilt deposit, to 2,121,000 ounces of gold (Indicated MRE) averaging 2.07 g/t Au in 31.9 Mt and 4,382,000 ounces of gold (Inferred MRE) averaging 1.95 g/t Au in 69.9 Mt.

The Company completed 39,000m of diamond drilling in 2025. An updated MRE is planned for Q1 2026 to be followed by an updated Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") in Q2, that will include the Wenot open pit deposit and the adjacent Gilt underground deposit. Three drills have commenced the 2026 drill program: at Wenot the focus is to further test the limits of the deposit, including both east and west, and to commence upgrading the large Inferred MRE to Indicated. Additional drilling will continue to explore certain known gold occurrences for possible near-surface higher-grade satellite deposits. The Omai Gold Mine produced over 3.7 million ounces of gold from 1993 to 20052, ceasing operations when gold was below US$400 per ounce. The Omai brownfields project benefits from known metallurgical recoveries, existing tailings facilities, and infrastructure, including an on-site airstrip, and road access, connecting to the two largest cities in Guyana, Georgetown and Linden.

1 NI 43-101 Technical Report dated October 9, 2025 titled "UPDATED MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE AND TECHNICAL REPORT ON THE OMAI GOLD PROPERTY, POTARO MINING DISTRICT NO.2, GUYANA" was prepared by P&E Mining Consultants Inc. and is available on www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website.

2 Past production at the Omai Mine (1993-2005) is summarized in several Cambior Inc. documents available on www.sedarplus.ca, including March 31, 2006 AIF and news release August 3, 2006.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Table 2. Drill Hole Coordinates

Hole ID Azimuth Inclination Easting Northing Length Status (degrees) (degrees) (m) 25ODD-119W 175 -54 305028 601981 683.2 Reporting 25ODD-150W3 355 -48 305440 601250 604.1 Reporting 25ODD-153W 174 -53 305126 601947 640.8 Reporting 25ODD-156 175 -52 305330 601898 622.6 Reporting 25ODD-157 178 -54 306131 601558 337.8 Reporting 250DD-159 356 -54 304679 601399 560.5 Reporting

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the timing of completion of the drill program, and the potential for the Omai Gold Project to allow Omai to build significant gold Mineral Resources at attractive grades, and forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; delay or failure to receive regulatory approvals; the price of gold and copper; and the results of current exploration. Further, the Mineral Resource data set out in this news release are estimates, and no assurance can be given that the anticipated tonnages and grades will be achieved or that the indicated level of process recovery will be realized. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Cautionary Note Regarding Mineral Resource Estimates

Until mineral deposits are actually mined and processed, Mineral Resources must be considered as estimates only. Mineral Resource Estimates that are not Mineral Reserves have not demonstrated economic viability. The estimation of Mineral Resources is inherently uncertain, involves subjective judgement about many relevant factors and may be materially affected by, among other things, environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors described in the Company's public disclosure available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Inferred Mineral Resource in this estimate has a lower level of confidence than that applied to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of the Inferred Mineral Resource could be upgraded to an Indicated Mineral Resource with continued exploration. The accuracy of any Mineral Resource Estimates is a function of the quantity and quality of available data, and of the assumptions made and judgments used in engineering and geological interpretation, which may prove to be unreliable and depend, to a certain extent, upon the analysis of drilling results and statistical inferences that may ultimately prove to be inaccurate. Mineral Resource Estimates may have to be re-estimated based on, among other things: (i) fluctuations in mineral prices; (ii) results of drilling, and development; (iii) results of future test mining and other testing; (iv) metallurgical testing and other studies; (v) results of geological and structural modeling including block model design; (vi) proposed mining operations, including dilution; (vii) the evaluation of future mine plans subsequent to the date of any estimates; and (viii) the possible failure to receive required permits, licenses and other approvals. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of a "Inferred" or "Indicated" Mineral Resource Estimate will ever be upgraded to a higher category. The Mineral Resource Estimates disclosed in this news release were reported using Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (the "CIM Standards") in accordance with National Instrument 43-101- Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators ("NI 43-101").

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/285229

Source: Omai Gold Mines Corp.
EQS-News: EBD Group / Key word(s): Conference

BIO-Europe Spring 2026 Charts the Future of Life Sciences from Lisbon's Shores



25.02.2026 / 13:00 CET/CEST

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





PRESS RELEASE

BIO-Europe Spring 2026 Charts the Future of Life Sciences from Lisbon's Shores

MUNICH, GERMANY - February 25, 2026. The 20th annual BIO-Europe Spring is heading to Lisbon, Portugal, from March 23-25, 2026, with a digital experience to follow on March 31-April 1. For the first time, BIO-Europe Spring and LSX Europe will take place back-to-back as part of the Life Sciences Spring Innovation Week, creating a unique meeting point for the life science industry. With engagement already on the rise, Lisbon is poised to deliver expanded partnering, investment, and cross-border collaboration opportunities across the global life sciences ecosystem.

BIO-Europe Spring connects Europe's top innovation centers with the global life sciences industry to cultivate thriving strategic partnerships. The 2026 edition in Lisbon will bring together over 3,700 international stakeholders - from academia, startups and scaling biotechs to top pharma executives and investors - for more than 20,000 high-impact partnering meetings.

Lisbon and Greater Lisbon, home to a rapidly growing life sciences cluster, feature internationally competitive pharmaceutical and biotech activity, world-class research institutions, major multinational hubs, and an emerging venture capital community - making the city an ideal host for this "must-attend" Life Sciences Spring Innovation Week.

For its 2026 edition, BIO-Europe Spring will feature an engaging program , curated by EBD Group (an Informa company), offering insightful content, high-impact partnering, and extensive networking opportunities.

BIO-Europe Spring 2026 Program Highlights Include:

Opening plenary - Where the Compass Points: Redrawing the Map of Biotech Partnering

Dive into a dynamic discussion about biotech partnering strategies by experienced executives from BioNTech, CellmAbs, Novo Holdings, and Ottimo Bio.

Dive into a dynamic discussion about biotech partnering strategies by experienced executives from BioNTech, CellmAbs, Novo Holdings, and Ottimo Bio. The Art of Wayfinding with AI in Drug Discovery and Development

Explore how AI is enhancing drug discovery and development and the complexities of integrating AI into the future of therapeutic innovations.

Explore how AI is enhancing drug discovery and development and the complexities of integrating AI into the future of therapeutic innovations. Forecasting the Waves: Biopharma Investment Landscape

Join globally recognized venture capital and strategic investors from LifeArc, Syncona, Biovance Capital, Sofinnova Partners, and Forbion to gain insights into navigating today's biopharma funding landscape.

Join globally recognized venture capital and strategic investors from LifeArc, Syncona, Biovance Capital, Sofinnova Partners, and Forbion to gain insights into navigating today's biopharma funding landscape. High tide: China's Innovation and Global Partnerships

Understand the growing momentum of cross-border partnerships and the significant opportunities China brings to global biopharma companies to drive innovation.

Partnering and Registration

Partnering for BIO-Europe Spring is now open and in full swing. One-to-one meetings will be powered by partneringONE , an industry-standard platform that enables delegates to search, request, schedule, and conduct meetings efficiently.

BIO-Europe Spring continues to provide a global platform for the biopharma community to connect. To enhance access and extend engagement beyond the in-person event, the conference will continue with two days of virtual partnering on March 31-April 1, allowing participants to connect regardless of time zone or travel constraints.

Registration information for BIO-Europe Spring is available online . Discounted rates are still available until March 20, 2026, with the next early bird deadline approaching on March 6, 2026.

Additional Links and Information

BIO-Europe Spring is organized by EBD Group, an Informa company.

For more information and live updates, please visit the conference website at: https://informaconnect.com/bioeurope-spring and follow BIO-Europe Spring 2026 on LinkedIn .

About Informa and EBD Group

EBD Group's mission is to help collaborations get started across the life science value chain. Our range of partnering conferences has grown to become the largest and most productive conference portfolio in the industry. Each one of our landmark events, held in key life science markets around the world, is powered by our state-of-the-art partnering software, partneringONE, that enables delegates to efficiently identify and engage with new opportunities via one-to-one meetings. Today, our events and those of our sister organization, LSX, (BIO-Europe, BIO-Europe Spring, LSX Europe, Biotech Showcase, LSX USA, Investival Showcase USA, ChinaBio Partnering Forum, Asia Bio Partnering Forum, LSX Nordic, BioEquity Europe, Investival Showcase EU, and the European Lifestars Awards) annually attract more than 15,000 senior life science executives who engage in over 50,000 one-to-one partnering meetings. These vital one-to-one engagements are the wellspring of deals that drive innovation in our industry.

EBD is an Informa company. Informa is a leading international Live B2B Events, B2B Digital Services, and Academic Markets Group. Informa is a member of the FTSE 100 and works in over 30 countries.

For more information, please visit: https://informaconnect.com/partnering-investment-strategy/

Media Contacts:

MC Services AG

+49 89 2102280

contact@mc-services.eu

Informa

Paul Gilbertson

paul.gilbertson@informa.com
- Announces Signing of Definitive Agreements to Divest the CDMO and Cell Solutions Businesses and Certain European Discovery Services Assets -

- Updates 2026 Financial Guidance -

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (NYSE: CRL) today announced that it has signed definitive agreements to sell certain European Discovery Services assets as well as the CDMO and Cell Solutions businesses in separate transactions.

James C. Foster, Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "We are pleased to announce these planned divestitures today to demonstrate our continued progress on the actions outlined as part of the comprehensive strategic review conducted last year. We have decided to divest these assets after carefully evaluating our core capabilities and determining those that will drive the most synergistic growth with our broader portfolio going forward. We believe these actions will refine and further strengthen our portfolio, and will also enhance shareholder value by executing on our plans to drive long-term growth, greater efficiency, and operational excellence."

Planned Divestiture of CDMO and Cell Solutions Businesses

Charles River has signed a definitive agreement to divest its CDMO and Cell Solutions businesses to GI Partners, primarily for future, contingent performance-based payments. The CDMO business provides services related to the production of advanced therapies for gene-modified cell therapies, as well as gene therapies including viral vectors and plasmid DNA; and the Cell Solutions business provides human-derived cellular materials used in the development and production of cell therapies.

The Company will sell its CDMO sites in Tennessee, Maryland, and the United Kingdom and its Cell Solutions site in California. The businesses generated combined annual revenue of $143 million in 2025, including $117 million in the Manufacturing Solutions segment and $26 million in the Research Models and Services (RMS) segment. The transaction is expected to close during the second quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

Planned Divestiture of Certain European Discovery Services Assets

Separately, Charles River has signed a definitive agreement to divest certain European assets within its Discovery Services business to IQVIA Holdings Inc. for approximately $145 million in cash, subject to customary closing adjustments. In addition to the initial proceeds, the transaction includes potential additional payments to Charles River of up to $10 million. The Company will sell certain discovery services capabilities totaling $144 million in 2025 annual revenue in the Discovery and Safety Assessment (DSA) segment, and the transaction is expected to close during the second quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

The Company plans to divest five European sites that include certain discovery services capabilities in the following areas:

In vitro drug discovery services that primarily include medicinal chemistry and structural biology services (Cambridge, UK site); and

drug discovery services that primarily include medicinal chemistry and structural biology services (Cambridge, UK site); and Certain pharmacology services, primarily in the areas of oncology, neuroscience, immunology, and advanced cell biology (Freiburg, Germany; Kuopio, Finland; Portishead, UK; and Leiden, Netherlands sites).

Charles River will retain other drug discovery capabilities totaling approximately 40% of its Discovery Services revenue in 2025.

Updates 2026 Guidance

The Company is updating its financial guidance for 2026, which was initially provided on February 18, 2026, for the impact of the planned divestitures. The updated financial guidance assumes both transactions close during the second quarter of 2026. The planned divestitures are expected to reduce reported revenue by slightly more than $200 million in 2026, including more than a 50-basis-point reduction to organic revenue growth guidance. The transactions are expected to generate at least 100 basis points of incremental non-GAAP operating margin improvement in 2026 and add approximately $0.10 to non-GAAP earnings per share for the partial year.

The Company's updated 2026 guidance for revenue and non-GAAP earnings per share is as follows:

2026 GUIDANCE INCLUDING THE IMPACT OF THE PLANNED DIVESTITURES (1) Revenue growth, reported (prior) At Least Flat to +1.5% Less: Revenue impact from planned divestitures ~(5.0)% Revenue growth/(decrease) including divestiture impact, reported (5.0)% (3.5)% Revenue growth/(decrease), organic (prior) (1.0)% to At Least Flat Less: Organic revenue impact from planned divestitures >(0.5)% Revenue growth/(decrease) including divestiture impact, organic (1.5)% (0.5)% Charles River non-GAAP EPS estimate (prior) $10.70 $11.20 Plus: Accretion from planned divestitures (partial year) ~$0.10 Non-GAAP EPS estimate including impact of planned divestitures (2) $10.80 $11.30 Footnotes to Guidance Table including Planned Divestitures: (1) Assumes the planned divestitures of certain European Discovery Services assets and the CDMO and Cell Solutions businesses are completed during the second quarter of 2026. (2) Additional items excluded from non-GAAP earnings per share are expected to include divestiture-related costs, which primarily include transaction, advisory, and certain transition costs. Estimates of these costs have not been finalized.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release contains forward-looking, non-GAAP financial measures, such as non-GAAP earnings per share, non-GAAP operating margin, and non-GAAP earnings per share accretion related to the proposed divestitures described herein. These non-GAAP financial measures exclude, but are not limited to, divestiture-related costs, including transaction, advisory, and certain transition costs The corresponding GAAP financial measures are not provided because the items that are excluded from GAAP to calculate the comparable non-GAAP measure are dependent on future events that are not able to be reliably predicted by management and are not part of routine operating activities. The Company is unable to provide such a reconciliation without unreasonable effort due to the uncertainty and inherent difficulty in predicting the occurrence, the financial impact, and the periods in which the planned aggregate divestitures may be recognized. The occurrence, timing and amount of any of the items excluded from GAAP to calculate non-GAAP could significantly impact our GAAP results.

There are limitations in using non-GAAP financial measures, as they are not presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and may be different than non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. In particular, we believe that the inclusion of supplementary non-GAAP financial measures in this press release helps investors to gain a meaningful understanding of our core operating results and future prospects without the effect of these often-one-time charges, and is consistent with how management measures and forecasts the Company's performance, especially when comparing such results to prior periods or forecasts. We believe that the financial impact of our divestitures (and in certain cases, the evaluation of such divestitures, whether or not ultimately consummated) is often large relative to our overall financial performance, which can adversely affect the comparability of our results on a period-to-period basis. In addition, certain activities and their underlying associated costs, such as business divestitures, generally occur periodically but on an unpredictable basis. Non-GAAP results also allow investors to compare the Company's operations against the financial results of other companies in the industry who similarly provide non-GAAP results. The non-GAAP financial measures included in this press release are not meant to be considered superior to or a substitute for results of operations presented in accordance with GAAP. The Company intends to continue to assess the potential value of reporting non-GAAP results consistent with applicable rules and regulations.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "intend," "will," "would," "may," "estimate," "plan," "outlook," and "project," and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These statements also include statements regarding: the projected future financial performance of Charles River and our specific businesses, including as delineated in our forward-looking guidance, and particularly our expectations with respect to revenue, earnings per share, and operating margin; the planned divestitures of the CDMO and Cell Solutions businesses and certain European Discovery Services assets and, including expectations regarding the terms, the timing of the closings, and the impact of the planned divestitures, including on the Company's financial performance, such as revenue, growth, and earnings per share; our ability to create long-term value for our shareholders and successfully execute on our strategic initiatives, including the impact and results of the such initiatives; and the Company's plans or prospects, expectations and long-term goals associated with our business. Forward-looking statements are based on Charles River's current expectations and beliefs, and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by the forward-looking statements. Those risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the ability to successfully complete the planned divestitures and the impact of the events described herein. A further description of these risks, uncertainties, and other matters can be found in the Risk Factors detailed in Charles River's Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed on February 18, 2026, as well as other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Because forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, actual results and events may differ materially from results and events currently expected by Charles River, and Charles River assumes no obligation and expressly disclaims any duty to update information contained in this press release except as required by law.

About Charles River

Charles River provides essential products and services to help pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, government agencies and leading academic institutions around the globe accelerate their research and drug development efforts. Our dedicated employees are focused on providing clients with exactly what they need to improve and expedite the discovery, early-stage development and safe manufacture of new therapies for the patients who need them. To learn more about our unique portfolio and breadth of services, visit www.criver.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260224712091/en/

Contacts:

Investor Contact:

Todd Spencer

Corporate Vice President,

Investor Relations

781.222.6455

todd.spencer@crl.com

Media Contact:

Amy Cianciaruso

Corporate Senior Vice President,

Chief Communications Officer

781.222.6168

amy.cianciaruso@crl.com
LONDON, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- QazMoly, part of the AltynGroup, the Kazakh metals, mining and energy group owned and controlled by the Assaubayev family, is pleased to announce that the Export-Import Bank of the United States ("EXIM") has shown interest in providing up to $240m in financing for the development of its Drozhilov asset in Kazakhstan. The Drozhilov field contains significant reserves of critical minerals, including Tungsten, Beryllium, and Molybdenum, commodities vital for a wide range of industrial applications.

The potential attractiveness of the asset and related funding underscores Kazakhstan's vital global role in creating safe and sustainable supply chains with its vast critical minerals reserves and represents an important milestone in relations between the USA and Kazakhstan, with EXIM potentially prepared to extend funding to a wholly owned Kazakh company prepared to ensure security of supply to manufacturers across North America.

With strong government support, an attractive low-cost operating profile, and alignment with global commodity demand trends, the Drozhilov project is well-positioned to deliver significant economic and social benefits for all domestic and international stakeholders. The potential EXIM commitment package would cover a significant portion of the project's capital requirements.

Tungsten is core to a wide range of industrial applications and is vital for a range of sectors including manufacturing, engineering, aerospace and military. Global demand for the commodity is expected to grow at a 8% CAGR, making it a $10 billion industry by the mid-2030s.

EXIM's potential commitment to the project, expressed in a letter of interest to Fosbury Capital acting as the exclusive off-taker and financing partner, is conditional on 100% of the project's sale of Tungsten off-take to the US. The US government considers Tungsten a strategically critical mineral. Financing will be subject to QazMoly completing the appropriate feasibility studies and EXIM undertaking detailed legal and commercial due diligence on the project.

Commenting on the potential funding, Aidar Assaubayev, Chairman of QazMoly, said:

"We are delighted to secure this indicative support from EXIM to advance the Drozhilov Project, which will create high-value jobs and strengthen global critical mineral supply chains. In line with Altyn Group's track record and focus on developing its assets for the optimum benefit of its stakeholders, QazMoly looks forward to working closely with EXIM to build on this exciting announcement."

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/qazmoly-limited-secures-240m-funding-interest-from-export-import-bank-of-the-united-states-302696109.html
Los Angeles, California--(Newsfile Corp. - February 25, 2026) - Chilco River Holdings, Inc. (OTCID: CRVH) ("Chilco River" or the "Company"), a beverage company focused on premium Bourbon, Tequila, and Ready-to-Drink ("RTD") spirits, announces that its wholly owned subsidiary, Excuse Wine & Spirits, Inc., has received formal label compliance approval from Mexico's Tequila Regulatory Council (Consejo Regulador del Tequila, A.C. - CRT) under Official Mexican Standard NOM-006-SCFI-2012.

The approval (Dictamen No. 0389/2026) confirms that Excuse Tequila Diamond Edition - 100% Agave Reposado Cristalino, bottled at 40% Alc. Vol. in 750ml format for export markets, meets Mexico's applicable tequila regulatory and commercial information standards. CRT approval is a required regulatory step for export qualification of tequila products.





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This approval represents a regulatory milestone in the Company's planned entry into the tequila market. Over the past two years, the Company has developed the Excuse Tequila brand, coordinated production relationships, refined packaging design, and structured a distribution strategy focused on U.S. market entry.

"This regulatory approval reflects the compliance and preparation efforts behind Excuse Tequila," stated Chief Executive Officer, Will Lovett. "We have emphasized regulatory adherence, product quality, and brand positioning. With CRT approval secured, we will continue progressing through final certification procedures and commercial rollout planning."

Additionally, the Company has executed a five-year production agreement with its tequila distilling partner. The agreement is intended to support ongoing production capacity for Excuse Tequila Diamond Edition and future production runs. The Company believes this arrangement supports supply chain continuity and production planning as distribution efforts develop.

The premium tequila category has experienced continued consumer demand and international expansion in recent years. The Company's strategy remains focused on regulatory compliance, operational coordination, and measured market entry.

Following this milestone, the Company will continue progressing through remaining certification procedures and U.S. distribution coordination in preparation for launch. Updates regarding production timing, distribution arrangements, and go-to-market initiatives will be provided as developments occur.

About Chilco River Holdings, Inc.

Chilco River Holdings, Inc. (OTCID: CRVH) is a beverage holding company focused on the acquisition, development, marketing, and distribution of premium alcohol brands, including tequila, bourbon, and Ready-to-Drink ("RTD") offerings. The Company seeks to pursue long-term shareholder value through structured market expansion, strategic relationships, and brand development initiatives.

For additional information, shareholders are encouraged to review the Company's public disclosures available through the OTC Markets website.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to future events or the future performance of Chilco River Holdings, Inc. ("Chilco River" or the "Company") and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding anticipated growth, revenue projections, expansion into markets, distribution arrangements, product launches, strategic acquisitions, capital raising efforts, and overall business strategy.

Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, projections, and management assumptions. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "may," "will," "should," "projects," "continues," and similar expressions are intended to identify such statements.

These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied, including but not limited to: the Company's ability to raise capital; market acceptance of its products; competition in the spirits and RTD markets; changes in federal, state, or international laws and regulations, including alcohol distribution and excise tax regulations; supply chain disruptions; raw material costs; general economic conditions; and other factors described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, if any.

The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/285237

Source: Chilco River Holdings, Inc.
Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - February 25, 2026) - Peruvian Metals Corp (TSXV: PER) ("Peruvian Metals" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the closing of its non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") previously announced on January 29, 2026. Pursuant to the Offering, the Company issued an aggregate of 10,000,000 units ("Units") at an issue price of $0.10 per Unit, for aggregate gross proceeds of $1,000,000. Each Unit consists of one (1) common share of the Company, and one-half (1/2) non-transferable share purchase warrant (the "Warrants") of the Company. Each Warrant will be exercisable to acquire one (1) additional common share for one year from the closing date of the Offering at a price of $0.15 per share.

In connection with the Offering, the Company paid finders fees of an aggregate of $39,690 in cash and issued an aggregate of 396,900 finders warrants (the "Finders Warrants") of the Company to certain arm's length finders. The Finders Warrants were issued with the same terms of the Warrants. All the securities issued will be subject to resale restrictions until June 26, 2026. The net proceeds of the Offering will be used to advance its exploration strategy and for general working capital requirements. The completion of the Offering, including all issuances of Units, remains subject to certain regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

Insiders of the Company have subscribed for and acquired an aggregate of 1,205,000 Units in the Financing ($120,500), which participation constitutes a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") and Policy 5.9 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions of the TSX Venture Exchange (which incorporates the requirements of MI 61-101). However, such participation is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, respectively, as neither the fair market value of the Shares acquired by the insiders of the Company, nor the consideration for the Shares paid by such insiders, exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization for the purposes of MI 61-101.

About Peruvian Metals Corp.

Peruvian Metals Corp. is a Canadian exploration and mineral processing company. Our business model is to acquire and develop precious and base metal properties in Peru and to provide clients with toll milling services and produce high-grade marketable concentrates from mineral purchases. The Aguila Norte processing plant has an environmental permit ("IGAC") from the Peruvian government which provides the Company with the ability to expand operations past the current 100 tonnes per day level.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. We use words such as "might", "will", "should", "anticipate", "plan", "expect", "believe", "estimate", "forecast" and similar terminology to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Such statements and information are based on assumptions, estimates, opinions, and analysis made by management in light of its experience, current conditions and its expectations of future developments as well as other factors which it believes to be reasonable and relevant. Forward-looking statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements and information and accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on such statements and information. Risks and uncertainties are more fully described in our annual and quarterly Management's Discussion and Analysis and in other filings made by us with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available at www.sedarplus.ca. While the Company believes that the expectations expressed by such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information and the assumptions, estimates, opinions, and analysis underlying such expectations are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be correct. In evaluating forward-looking statements and information, readers should carefully consider the various factors which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/285233

Source: Peruvian Metals Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 25, 2026) - Eastport Critical Metals Corp. (TSXV: EVI) ("Eastport" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Offering"). The Company has raised $2,000,000 consisting of 2,500,000 units (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.80 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable into one Common Share at a price of $1.00 per Warrant for a period of three years from the date of issuance, subject to adjustment in certain events.

The Company intends to use the proceeds of the Offering for exploration and development activities at the Company's projects in Botswana and for general working capital purposes.

CEO, Burns Singh Tennent-Bhohi commented,

"The closing of this strategic financing marks a transformative milestone for Eastport, validating the robust foundation we've built over years of preparation and development in Botswana. We are profoundly grateful for the participation of Commodity Capital AG-one of the world's premier and most successful natural resource investment fund managers-as it serves as a powerful endorsement of our strategy and potential. On behalf of the entire Eastport team, I extend a warm welcome to Commodity Capital AG as a valued shareholder and offer our deepest thanks for this strategic investment. It extends our working capital runway, empowering us to press forward with unwavering determination in delivering value to our shareholders through our critical metal's portfolio.

Having just returned from Botswana, where the energy on the ground is palpable, Eastport is accelerating ambitious, well-defined exploration and development programs in lockstep with our core objective: 'Develop and Distribute.' Team morale is strong as we advance multi-asset drill campaigns across key critical metals-copper, uranium, and rare earth elements-for which the Company expect to provide updates in the coming weeks."

All securities issued with respect to the Offering are subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities laws. Closing of the Offering remains subject to final approval from the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"). No finders fees were paid in connection with the Offering.

None of the securities sold under the Offering have been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and no such securities may be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Location Map of Eastport's Projects in Botswana

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About Eastport Critical Metals Corp.

Eastport is a critical minerals development company advancing five projects in Botswana, with cumulative historical and current expenditures approaching $20 million. The Company's most advanced asset is the Matsitama Copper Project, which hosts multiple sizeable targets across the Matsitama copper district.

The Company's additional projects include Selebi East, a nickel-copper-cobalt project located seven kilometres east of the historic Selebi Mines; the Semarule Rare Earth Elements Project, positioned within the Gaborone-Molepolole corridor; the Foley Uranium Project, adjoining the Letlhakane uranium deposit; and the Keng Project, which targets nickel, copper and PGE's on the northern margin of the Molopo Farms Complex.

Botswana is widely regarded as one of Africa's strongest mining jurisdictions, combining the continent's highest GDP per capita with a 50-year track record of large-scale mineral development since the Orapa diamond discovery in 1967. The country ranks among the top performers globally on the Fraser Institute's Investment Attractiveness Index and is the highest-rated jurisdiction in Africa on the Policy Perception Index. These rankings reflect Botswana's stable regulatory environment, consistent rule of law, and long-standing support for responsible mineral development - factors that have underpinned significant investment and major M&A activity in the natural resources sector in recent years.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Burns Singh Tennent-Bhohi"

Burns Singh Tennent-Bhohi, CEO

Eastport Critical Metals Corp.

For further information about Eastport, please contact:

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things: the intended use of proceeds raised under the Offering; the Company delivering value to its shareholders through its critical metal's portfolio; the Company's exploration and development programs; the advancement of multi-asset drill campaigns across key critical metals and the timing thereof; and the receipt of final approval of the Offering from the TSXV.

These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things: delays in obtaining or failure to obtain final approval from the TSXV for the Offering; fluctuations in commodity prices for critical metals, including copper, uranium and rare earth elements; the Company's ability to successfully execute its exploration and development programs; risks inherent in mineral exploration activities; the Company's ability to meet anticipated timelines for its multi-asset drill campaigns; operational risks and technical challenges associated with exploration activities in Botswana; and changes in the Company's business plans impacting the intended use of proceeds raised under the Offering.

In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that: the Company will obtain the required regulatory approvals for the Offering; the Company's exploration and development programs will proceed as planned; commodity prices for critical metals will remain at levels sufficient to support continued exploration activities; the Company will continue to have access to the necessary permits, equipment and qualified personnel to conduct its exploration programs; the Company's critical metal's portfolio will continue to present viable opportunities for value creation; and the Company will use the proceeds of the Offering as currently anticipated. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial outlook that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/285197

Source: Eastport Critical Metals Corp.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 25, 2026) - Caprock Mining Corp. (CSE: CAPR) ("Caprock" or the "Company") is pleased to announce assay results from the Fall 2025 drill program at its flagship Destiny gold property ("Destiny", the "Property", or the "Project") located near Val d'Or, Quebec which hosts an open pit-constrained Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) completed in March 2025 with the following gold inventory:

Classification Constraints Cut-Off Grade

(Au g/t) Tonnage Grade

(Au g/t) Contained Gold

Oz Indicated OP 0.30 6,752,000 0.91 196,549 Inferred OP 0.30 28,560,000 0.87 794,886 Detailed Mineral Resource Estimate Notes are provided further down in this press release.

Key Highlights from Fall 2025 Drilling at Depth:

Drill Hole DES-25-182W2 : Intersected a high-grade interval of 18.3 g/t Au over 0.3m .

Drill Hole DES-25-181W1 : Intersected 5.42 g/t Au over 1.1m .

Drill Hole DES-25-182 : Intersected 5.18 g/t Au over 1.5m .

All drill holes confirmed the depth projection of a comprehensive structural geology model which implies the presence of a very large mineralized system at Destiny.

Key Highlights from Historical Drilling at Depth:

Drill Hole DES-01-60 : Intersected high-grade intervals of 26.6 g/t Au over 1.1m, 16.75 g/t Au over 0.7m, 7.5 g/t Au over 1.1m, and 6.34 g/t Au over 0.7m.

Drill Hole DES-01-59: Intersected high-grade intervals of 17.55 g/t Au over 0.5m, 5.11 g/t Au over 0.6m, and 2.54 g/t Au over 1.1m.

Caprock's President & CEO, Mr. Vishal Gupta, stated, "Not only did all four holes drilled last December intersect the lithologies, structures, alteration and mineralization that we had anticipated, but they also returned significant gold assays representing a very 'high hit-ratio' that is unusual for exploration drilling in the Abitibi. Most importantly, each one of the drill holes provided us with validation of a detailed structural geology model for Destiny that was developed (circa 2004) by our senior operations consultant, Robert J. Tremblay, P.Geo. (retired) through a detailed review of Cameco Gold's drilling on the Property in the 1990's and early 2000's. Robert's model demonstrates the gold mineralization at Destiny being controlled by a fold structure with an amplitude of approximately 150 metres, which implies the presence of a very large mineralized system on the Property. The four drill holes described in today's announcement have confirmed the projection of Robert's structural geology model down to a depth of approximately 550 metres below surface."

Mr. Gupta goes on to say, "We have recently commenced our next phase of drilling that is designed to continue testing the high-grade gold potential of the mineralized system in-between historical drill holes DES-01-60 and DES-01-59 that were drilled over 200 metres laterally apart from each other, and each of which intersected high-grade gold mineralization at a depth of 500-600 metres below surface. Based on the fresh data points we have just received from the four holes drilled last December, our technical team has started to discern the presence of shallowly plunging high-grade enrichment trends within the mineralized system at Destiny. Our current phase of drilling is intended to hone in on these enriched zones."

Following the completion of this current phase of drilling, management is planning a near-surface resource expansion drill program.

Description of Recent Drilling & Summary of Assay Results

The four drill holes totaled 2,584.3 metres of drilling, and included two pilot drill holes (DES-25-181 and DES-25-182) and two wedged drill holes (DES-25-181W1 and DES-25-182W2). The projections of the four drill holes and their pierce points relative to drill holes DES-01-59 and DES-01-60 are provided in Figures 1 and 2 below.

Figure 1: East-looking cross-section with projections of the 4 most recent drill holes along with DES-01-59 and DES-01-60 piercing the mineralized domains at Destiny.

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Figure 2: North-looking long-section illustrating the location of the mineralized pierce points for the 4 most recent drill holes relative to previous drilling at Destiny.

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Assay results from drill holes DES-25-181, DES-25-181W1, DES-25-182 and DES-25-182W2 are summarized in the table below.

Survey From To Core length Au (g/t) DES-25-181 528,85 566,25 37,40 0,33 Including 537,75 542,00 4,25 0,86

642,00 663,00 21,00 0,77 Including 642,00 654,20 12,20 1,01 Including 655,95 663,00 7,05 0,56

699,80 701,00 1,20 2,83

717,00 737,40 20,40 0,46 Including 720,20 726,00 5,80 1,31 DES-25-181W1 501,45 503,00 1,55 0,67

546,40 578,50 32,10 0,14

645,10 652,25 7,15 2,12 Including 646,90 648,00 1,10 5,42 Including 649,00 652,25 3,25 2,45

660,00 667,40 7,40 0,40

715,50 731,65 16,15 0,62 Including 719,75 720,60 0,85 2,03 Including 721,70 723,10 1,40 1,91 Including 726,25 729,40 3,15 0,92

756,20 760,85 4,65 0,49 Including 757,20 757,70 0,50 3,56 DES-25-182 503,15 554,45 51,30 0,28 Including 511,50 513,00 1,50 5,18

595,50 642,80 47,30 0,13 Including 627,90 629,00 1,10 1,14 Including 630,45 631,55 1,10 1,22

681,80 692,00 10,20 0,31 Including 690,00 691,50 1,50 1,32 DES-25-182W2 526,70 539,20 12,50 0,29 Including 538,20 538,70 0,50 2,56

591,75 625,40 33,65 0,34 Including 591,75 592,05 0,30 18,30

Table 1: Summarized assay results for the 4 most recent drill holes completed at Destiny. Reported widths represent downhole core lengths. True widths are estimated to be approximately 80-85% of core lengths.

Key Geological Observations

The structural framework of the gold system at Destiny includes a high density of altered dykes channelized by folding events. All four drill holes discussed here intersected significant zones of silica and carbonate alteration with sulphide mineralization and intense shearing. This combination of characteristics is highly conducive to gold mineralization, based on our review of previously drilled holes on the Property.

Geological Environment: Destiny is located along the Despinassy shear zone, which is a northern splay of the Chicobi Fault, a regional break within the greater Abitibi gold deformation corridor. The mineralized system at Destiny is embedded in a mafic intrusion complex identified over a strike length of several kilometres. The mineralization and its controls can be described as follows:

Folding: The geological system is marked by regional-scale folding, more specifically, by a strongly dipping "drag" fold. At this stage, it is interpreted that this structure played a vital part in channeling gold bearing fluids at the Property.

Dyke Swarms: The mineralized corridor, which stretches up to 200 metres across section, includes a swarm of porphyritic dykes of intermediate composition hosted in deformed carbonatized basalt. Intrusions are strongly altered in secondary feldspar and quartz, and represent a significant portion of the gold bearing structure at Destiny.

Mineralogy and Alteration: Gold zones at Destiny are hosted within altered and sheared basalts and gabbros (mafic intrusions). Alteration of the mineralized zone is primarily comprised of pervasive carbonate, biotite and sericite, along with extensive silica flooding.

Sulphide Association: Gold mineralization at Destiny is closely associated with pyrite, pyrrhotite and localized sphalerite.

Mineral Resource Estimate Notes:

CIM definition standards were followed for the resource estimate. The 2025 resource model used ordinary kriging (OK) grade estimation within a three-dimensional block model with mineralized domains defined by wireframed solids. Mineral resources are constrained within pit shells (OP). An exchange rate of 1.35 is utilized in calculations ($CAD/$USD). Open pit cut-off of 0.30 g/t Au milled is based on the cost/ton ($CAD/t) milled for incremental mining, processing, and G&A based on the following: Long term metal prices of US$2,100/oz of gold; Metallurgical recoveries are based on metallurgical testing recovery of 94%; Average Bulk density (specific gravity) was determined for each lithology and/or mineralized domain within the deposit; Total ore-based cost of CAD$22.50/t; Processing costs of CAD$18.00/t and G&A costs of CAD$4.50/t milled; Dilution of 10%; and Pit Slope angle of 45 degrees. Mineral Resources that are not mineral reserves do not have economic viability. Numbers may not add due to rounding. The resource estimate was prepared by Todd McCracken, P.Geo, of BBA E&C Inc. in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About Caprock Mining Corp.

Caprock Mining Corp. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on exploring precious metals in Quebec and Ontario.

The Company has an option to earn a 100% interest in the Destiny gold property that comprises 127 mineral claims and encompasses an area of 5,013 hectares located less than two hours' drive from Val d'Or, Quebec. Destiny lies along a major deformation corridor in the Abitibi greenstone belt that includes the prolific Cadillac-Larder Lake, Destor-Porcupine and Casa Berardi fault zones which host numerous producing and development-stage gold deposits. The Project overlies a 6.0 km long segment of the poorly explored Despinassy shear zone which is a splay off the regional Chicobi Fault. Destiny hosts a significant, open pit-constrained, NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource estimate published in March 2025.

Additionally, the Company holds a 100% interest in three gold exploration properties in the historical Beardmore-Geraldton Gold Belt of Ontario - a belt that has produced over four million ounces of gold historically (Reference: Beardmore-Geraldton Gold Camp - Tashota Resources), and contains the sizeable Greenstone gold project (formerly known as the Hardrock gold project) which has been brought to production by Equinox Gold (TSE:EQX) (Reference: Greenstone Gold Mines - Mining & Processing).

Technical Disclosure

The drilling program was managed by Explo-Logik of Val-d'Or, Quebec. Drill core was split in half, with one half submitted to AGAT Laboratories at Val-d'Or for analysis. Gold was analyzed by fire assay (50 g) with atomic absorption finish, while base metals were analyzed by four-acid digestion with ICP-OES finish. Samples with gold grades greater than 10 g/t are reprocessed using metallic screening with a 106 m cutoff. The processed material is split and analyzed by fire assay with ICP-OES finish to extinction. A separate split is prepared to independently analyze mineralized intervals with a target grade greater than 1.00% Cu-Zn using a Na2O2 fusion with ICP-OES or ICP-MS finish. Sample preparation duplicates, certified reference standards, and blanks are inserted into the sample stream.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information disclosed in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Ms. Suzie Tremblay, who is a practising member of the Ordre Des Geologues Du Quebec (OGQ #10664) and considered a 'Qualified Person' as defined under NI 43-101. All geoscience-related activities for Destiny are being conducted under Ms. Tremblay's supervision, who is Vice President of Operations at Explo-Logik, and is an Independent Consultant to the Company.

Cautionary Note Regarding Historical Drill Holes

Historical drill intercepts mentioned in this press release have been referenced from the "NI 43-101 Technical Report And Resource Estimate Of The DAC Deposit, Destiny Property, Quebec" prepared for Alto Ventures Ltd. and Pacific Northwest Capital Corp. by Todd McCracken, P.Geo. of Wardrop a Tetra Tech Company, with an effective date of March 1, 2011.

Forward Looking Statements

All statements in this press release about anticipated future events or results constitute forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, statements with respect to: the Company's plans and expectations for the Property, the potential for underground mineable resources at the Property and the timing of the exploration on the Property, the potential for additional gold mineralization on the Property, the Company's ability to satisfy the earn-in requirements for the Property, and the timing of the announcement of the Company's exploration plan for the Property. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. Although Caprock believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements and/or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements since Caprock can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. These statements are based on reasonable assumptions, including the accuracy of historical data and geological models, and the availability of future financing. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors identified in Caprock's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. Forward-looking statements are subject to business and economic risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results of operations to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Caprock's expectations include risks associated with the business of Caprock; risks related to reliance on technical information provided by Caprock; risks related to exploration and potential development of the Company's mineral properties; risks related to the Destiny property option agreement; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; fluctuations in commodity prices and currency exchange rates; uncertainties relating to interpretation of drill results and the geology, continuity and grade of mineral deposits; the need for cooperation of government agencies and First Nation groups in the exploration and development of properties and the issuance of required permits; the need to obtain additional financing to develop properties and uncertainty as to the availability and terms of future financing; the possibility of delay in exploration or development programs and uncertainty of meeting anticipated program milestones; uncertainty as to timely availability of permits and other governmental approvals; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time and additional risks identified in Caprock's filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR+ in Canada (available at www.sedarplus.ca). Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and opinions of management at the date the statements are made. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability, and the presence of gold deposits on nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization on the Company's properties. Caprock does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Neither Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this Release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/285186

Source: Caprock Mining Corp.
DOWNERS GROVE, IL / ACCESS Newswire / February 25, 2026 / Duly Health and Care this month announced that Dr. Sameer Sharma , a gynecologic oncologist at Duly Health and Care's Chicagoland medical group, DuPage Medical Group, Ltd., is the first physician in Illinois to perform ovarian cancer surgery using Cytalux, a newly approved imaging agent that causes cancerous tissue to "glow" - and can thus help surgeons see and remove tumors with greater precision.

"Ovarian cancer surgery often comes down to what you can't see," Dr. Sharma said. "Cytalux gives us another set of eyes in the operating room. When cancer cells light up, it helps us be more precise, more confident, and ultimately more effective for our patients."

Dr. Sharma brings more than 20 years of experience in gynecologic oncology and performs about 60 advanced ovarian cancer surgeries each year, placing him among the highest-volume ovarian cancer surgeons in the country. Research shows that patients treated by experienced, high-volume surgeons have better outcomes - particularly for ovarian cancer, where complete tumor removal is critical.

Administered prior to surgery, Cytalux causes ovarian cancer cells to "glow" under a specialized camera. That enables surgeons to detect disease that may not be visible to the naked eye.

"For patients, this technology can mean the difference between leaving microscopic disease behind and removing everything we possibly can," Dr. Sharma said. "That matters - not just for today's surgery but for what comes next in their treatment and recovery."

Only a small number of specialized health systems nationwide offer Cytalux for ovarian cancer surgery, placing Duly among a select group delivering cutting-edge cancer care.

"Ovarian cancer remains one of the most deadly gynecologic cancers, claiming more than 12,000 lives each year in the United States - including nearly 500 in Illinois ," said Dr. Sharma. "Innovations like this, combined with experienced oncologic surgical care, give us new ways to push outcomes in the right direction - right here in the community."

DuPage Medical Group, Ltd. dba Duly Health and Care of Northern Illinois ("Duly") is Duly's Chicagoland medical group.

About Duly Health and Care

The Duly Health and Care brand consists of some of the largest independent, multi-specialty, physician-directed medical groups in the nation, with more than 1,000 primary care and specialty care providers and over 6,000 team members across more than 150 locations. The Duly Health and Care brand includes three medical groups - DuPage Medical Group Ltd., Quincy Medical Group, and The South Bend Clinic LLC. Duly is deeply committed to caring for patients in traditional and value-based care arrangements, ensuring a focus on quality, efficiency, and enhanced patient experiences throughout the Midwest.

For more information, visit duly?healthand?care?.com .

Media Contact

Katelyn Moon

katelyn@keybridge.biz

202-982-2444

SOURCE: Duly Health and Care

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/duly-surgeon-first-in-illinois-to-use-tumor-illuminating-technology-f-1140764
Partnership to use Chemify's programmable chemistry technology and Sanacor's translational biology expertise to accelerate small-molecule discovery addressing mitochondrial dysfunction

Chemify, the deep-tech pioneer of Chemputation a technological breakthrough that combines ML-based molecular discovery and automated, robotic synthesis today announced a collaboration with Sanacor Inc. a biotechnology company developing therapies that target mitochondrial dysfunction in cardiometabolic diseases to discover and develop orally available small-molecule inhibitors for the treatment of cardiometabolic diseases with a first focus on diabetic cardiovascular disease.

The collaboration brings together Chemify's Chemputation technology for novel, small-molecule design and synthesis with Sanacor's deep biological expertise in cardiometabolic disease, pioneered by Michael Widlansky, MD, MPH, FACC, FAHA, CEO and Co-founder of Sanacor. Combining these complementary capabilities will enable accelerated discovery of first-in-class therapeutic candidates addressing major unmet medical needs.

"We are excited to work with Dr. Widlansky and Sanacor on a program backed by a rigorous scientific foundation. Our platform allows us to rapidly design, make and refine novel, highly efficacious small molecules in a tightly integrated workflow, giving teams the ability to move from biological insight to optimized compounds with speed and confidence," said Lee Cronin, CEO and Founder, Chemify.

Diabetic cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of diabetic morbidity and mortality worldwide, with prevalence expected to rise substantially over the coming decades. Despite this impact, there are currently no therapies that directly target the underlying vascular dysfunction that drives disease progression in patients with diabetes.

Research led by Dr. Widlansky has demonstrated that dysregulated mitochondrial dynamics play a central role in diabetic cardiovascular disease and are closely linked to endothelial dysfunction. Preclinical studies conducted by the Sanacor team indicate that pharmacologic modulation of this pathway can restore vascular function in models of type 2 diabetes, supporting its therapeutic potential. Beyond cardiovascular disease, perturbations in mitochondrial dynamics have been implicated in a broad range of conditions, including diabetic kidney and retinal disease, neurodegeneration, oncology, and rare mitochondrial disorders.

"Our research has consistently shown that mitochondrial dysfunction is a root cause of vascular disease in diabetes. Targeting the dysregulation represents a fundamentally different approach where we can address disease biology," said Dr. Widlansky. "Chemify's Chemputation technology provides an opportunity to translate that science into drug candidates with real clinical potential, allowing us to make an impact on the millions of patients suffering from cardiometabolic diseases."

Chemify's Chemputation technology merges ML-based design, a universal programming language for chemistry, advanced software, and robotics, empowering partners to move seamlessly from novel concept to makeable compound. Chemify's ML-based design integrates best-in-class structure-based and ligand-based modelling with physical chemical property and ADMET property optimization, allowing collaborators to rapidly generate optimized compounds with strong potency and drug-like properties. The closed-loop workflow accelerates iteration and enhances design confidence to achieve high-quality hits and leads with exceptional speed and precision.

About Chemify

Chemify is reimagining the discovery and synthesis of novel molecules for medicines and advanced materials by turning digital code into physical compounds through Chemputation-its fusion of robotics and AI. Headquartered in Glasgow, Scotland, the company was founded by Lee Cronin to digitalize chemistry at global scale for the benefit of humanity. Learn more at Chemify.io and follow @ChemifyX on X/Twitter.

About Sanacor

Sanacor is a biotechnology company developing therapies that target mitochondrial dysfunction in cardiometabolic diseases, with an initial focus on reversing diabetic cardiovascular disease. The company's scientific foundation is supported by nearly two decades of research and has been funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the American Heart Association (AHA), and the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of mortality among individuals with diabetes, and there are currently no approved disease-modifying therapies that address its underlying pathophysiology. Leveraging its mitochondrial biology platform, Sanacor is also investigating applications across additional diabetic complications (including kidney and retinal disease) as well as neurodegeneration, oncology, and rare mitochondrial disorders.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260225083560/en/

Contacts:

Media Contacts

For Chemify

Tim Ingersoll

Linnden Communications

Tim@linndencom.com

For Sanacor

Saira Ramasastry

Chief Operating Officer

saira@sanacor.com
LONDON, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In a global celebration of wine excellence, leading sommeliers from 17 countries across six continents judged the World's Best Sommeliers' Selection 2026. Panellists drawn from The World's 50 Best Restaurants network, led by Kristell Monot, President of the World's Best Sommeliers' Selection and Head Sommelier at Mugaritz, tasted a diverse array of wines to determine a line-up of 115 wines from 16 countries.

To view the final selection, please see here.

Italy topped the selection with 20 wines, including 13 reds. Nebbiolo shone with four Barolo and Barbaresco entries, while more contemporary styles included Clara Marcelli's Grenache and Tenuta Del Paguro's seabed-aged Merlot.

Portugal followed with 18 wines across white, red and fortified categories. Five white wines highlighted the strength of Portugal's indigenous varieties, while all eight reds hailed from the Douro. Three ports and two Madeira wines reaffirmed Portugal's mastery of fortified wines.

The USA achieved 17 wines, led by California with six reds and one white, from Sonoma's Pinot Noir to Paso Robles' Cabernet Sauvignons. Texas contributed six wines, while Oregon's Lingua Franca earned four places for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Spain delivered seven reds from regions including Ribera del Duero, Rioja and Priorat. Two sherries highlighted renewed interest in fortified wines, while Pere Ventura's Cava reinforced Spain's strength in sparkling styles. Contemporary whites from Chivite and Bodegas Faustino completed the 12 entries.

Argentina also contributed 12 wines, with seven reds underscoring the country's reputation for Malbec. Four whites showed growing stylistic range, while Uco Valley producer Rutini demonstrated breadth with a Malbec, Chardonnay and traditional method sparkling wine. Uruguay earned five places, Brazil was represented by a single white blend and Chile secured eight red wines.

Elsewhere in Europe, France led in sparkling and rose, while Germany impressed with three Rieslings. Czech producer Gurdau earned three places with a Riesling, Gruner Veltliner and Sekt. Georgia added two traditional varietals, including the only orange wine, and Greece contributed one white and one red.

A spokesperson for the World's Best Sommeliers' Selection comments: "The selection reflects the incredible diversity of the global wine landscape - from revered classics to bold new voices. The selection remains a trusted benchmark for on-trade professionals and we're proud to bring the world's top sommeliers together to define the future of wine."

Media centre:

https://event.worldsbestsommeliersselection.com/live/en/page/media-centre

PDF - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2919144/WBSS26.pdf

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View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/worlds-best-sommeliers-selection-2026-announced-302695653.html
Sudbury, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 25, 2026) - Transition Metals Corp. (TSXV: XTM) ("Transition" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce that it will exhibit at the 2026 Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada ("PDAC") conference in Toronto, Ontario, from March 1-4, 2026.

Transition will showcase its' project portfolio and will be available to meet with investors, strategic partners, and industry participants throughout the convention. Attendees are invited to visit Transition in the Investors Exchange at Booth #2126 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Transition President & CEO Scott McLean commented: "PDAC is an important venue for building relationships and advancing business development initiatives. We are always interested in connecting with groups looking for high-quality Canadian exploration opportunities, and to discuss partnership structures that can advance projects while preserving shareholder leverage. We look forward to renewing our existing industry partnerships and developing new ones during PDAC."

The Transition Team (Figure 1) will be in attendance for the duration of the conference, including Scott McLean (CEO), Greg Collins (COO), Tom Hart (Chief Geologist), Ben Williams (Exploration Manager), Sarah Reese (Project Geologist), and Bill Stormont (Corporate Development). We encourage conference participants to stop by our booth to learn more about Transition and our board portfolio of projects.

Figure 1: Transition Metals Team to attend PDAC 2026

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2766/285249_dd8668ef043f9b73_001full.jpg

Explore our Project Portfolio

Transition Metals is a dynamic multi-commodity mineral exploration company. Known for our creative use of cutting-edge technologies, custom-built digital compilations, and rigorous fieldwork, our team has been successful identifying opportunities that may otherwise have remained undiscovered. The Company's portfolio encompasses over 23 projects and royalties, with multiple opportunities available for partnership, option, or acquisition (Figure 2, Table 1).

Figure 2: Map of Transition Metals' portfolio of projects and royalties within Canada

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2766/285249_transition_figure2_550.jpg

Meeting Requests

To arrange an in-person meeting at PDAC, please contact:

Bill Stormont

Corporate Development

Transition Metals Corp.

Email: bstormont@transitionmetalscorp.com

Table 1: Select projects from Transition Metals' portfolio

Commodity Province Name Comment Au ON Gowganda Camp Scale Gold System in the Abitibi PGM ON Saturday Night PGE Mineralized Early-MCR Intrusion Au-Ag-Cu YK Pike Warden Emerging Epithermal / Porphyry System Au ON Jolly Gold Camp Scale Gold System in the Wabigoon Ni-Cu-PGM ON Maude Lake Large Intrusion Hosting High-Tenor Nickel System Au BC Homathko Drill Ready High Grade Gold System Au NS Highland Gold District Scale Gold System U NT Dessert Lake District Scale Unconformity Uranium Prospect Au ON Cryderman High Grade Orogenic Gold Cu & Zn SK Wollaston District Scale Sedimentary-hosted Mineralization Ni ON Bancroft Structurally Modified Magmatic Sulphides Cu-Au ON Island Copper Breccia Hosted Copper-Gold System Ni ON Owl Lake Large Early-MCR Intrusion

Qualified Person

The technical elements of this news release have been approved by Mr. Benjamin Williams, P.Geo. (PGO), Exploration Manager of Transition Metals Corp., and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101.

About Transition Metals Corp.

Transition Metals Corp. (TSXV: XTM) is a Canadian-based, multi-commodity explorer. Its award-winning team of geoscientists has extensive exploration experience which actively develops and tests new ideas for discovering mineralization in places that others have not looked, often allowing the company to acquire properties inexpensively. Joint venture partners earn an interest in the projects by funding a portion of higher-risk drilling and exploration, allowing Transition to conserve capital and minimize shareholder's equity dilution.

Further information is available at www.transitionmetalscorp.com or by contacting:

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Information

Except for statements of historical fact contained herein, the information in this news release constitutes "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities law. Such forward-looking information may be identified by words such as "plans", "proposes", "estimates", "intends", "expects", "believes", "may", "will" and include without limitation, statements regarding estimated capital and operating costs, expected production timeline, benefits of updated development plans, foreign exchange assumptions and regulatory approvals. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate; actual results and future events could differ materially from such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, among others, metal prices, competition, risks inherent in the mining industry, and regulatory risks. Most of these factors are outside the control of the Company. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as otherwise required by applicable securities statutes or regulation, the Company expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/285249

Source: Transition Metals Corp.
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - February 25, 2026) - MiMedia Holdings Inc. (TSXV: MIM) (OTCQB: MIMDF) (FSE: KH3) ("MiMedia" or the "Company") announced today that it intends to complete a non-brokered private placement of up to 24,000,000 subordinate voting shares in the capital of the Company (the "Offered Shares"), at a price of $0.25 per Offered Share, for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $6,000,000 (the "Offering").

The Company is also announcing a new business development partnership with Credico, an international leader in outsourced sales and customer acquisition, with over 35 years of continued expansion and operations throughout North America, Europe, India and South Africa. Credico's client base includes global telecommunications, energy and non-profit clients that have continuously relied on Credico's expertise to expand their customer base. In the partnership, Credico will make available MiMedia's platform globally to its clients, with the goal of continuing to offer best in class tech to power its sales campaigns.

It is also anticipated that Credico's founders will personally invest a majority of the new Offering.

One co-founder of Credico, noted: "My partner and I are excited to be investing in MiMedia and forming a broader business development partnership between our two companies - Credico and MiMedia. We believe the market opportunity for our partnership is significant. Our telecom carrier clients are looking for new streams of recurring revenue at high margins, as well as new ways to keep their customers sticky. MiMedia's offering is the best independent platform we have seen in this market and we are confident that the MiMedia platform can deliver impactful recurring revenue and margin growth to our Telco clients."

Chris Giordano, CEO of MiMedia, added: "We are thrilled to announce this Offering and new business development partnership, both aimed to fuel exciting growth opportunities for MiMedia in 2026. We are also honored to have some of Credico's founders join our team as investors. We cannot wait to start targeting together the high number of new potential partnerships both teams see ahead."

Additional Information about the Offering

The net proceeds from the Offering are expected to be used to support growth initiatives and operations, and for general working capital purposes.

The Offering is subject to certain conditions, including, but not limited to, receipt of all necessary approvals, including approval of the TSX-V. In connection with the Offering, and subject to applicable securities laws and TSX-V policies, the Company may pay finders' fees to eligible parties who assist in introducing subscribers to the Company. All securities issued pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a statutory four month hold period from their date of issuance.

None of the securities issued in connection with the Offering will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and none of them may be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state where such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful.

About MiMedia

MiMedia Holdings Inc. provides a next-generation consumer cloud platform that enables all types of personal media to be secured in the cloud, accessed seamlessly at any time, across all devices and on all operating systems. The Company's platform differentiates with its rich media experience, robust organization tools, private sharing capabilities and features that drive content re-engagement. MiMedia partners with smartphone makers and telecom carriers globally and provides its partners with recurring revenue streams, improved customer retention and market differentiation. The platform services millions of engaged users around the world.

About Credico

Credico is one of the world's leading face-to-face customer acquisition agency, helping our clients attract and retain loyal customers. Founded in 1991, Credico connects internationally recognized brands with high-quality, local-market outsourced sales teams that help clients acquire new customers via retail, events, door-to-door and street market sales. Credico has quadrupled its partnerships with independent sales offices around the world over the past 10 years and has increased new customer acquisition at a generous rate year-over-year. Visit www.credico.com to learn more.

NEITHER THE TSX-V NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX-V) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements in this press release include: statements regarding the Offering; the expected gross proceeds of the Offering; the use of proceeds of the Offering; the final terms of the Offering; the anticipated closing of the Offering; the business development partnership with Credico and the proposed terms thereof, and anticipated benefits to the Company of such partnership. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations of management of MiMedia. Actual events and conditions could differ materially from those expressed or implied in this press release as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting MiMedia, including risks regarding the industry in which MiMedia operates, economic factors, the equity markets generally and risks associated with growth and competition. Additional risk factors are also set forth in the Company's management's discussion and analysis and other filings available via the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval+ (SEDAR+) under the MiMedia's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Although MiMedia has attempted to identify certain factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. No forward-looking statement can be taken as guaranteed. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is made as of the date hereof and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, readers should not place any undue reliance on forward looking information[1].

[1] NTD: This is language we have used on prior offerings so best to be consistent.

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/285248

Source: MiMedia Holdings Inc.
Partnership will deliver executive programs and convene global investors, policymakers, and experts to strengthen the region's healthcare ecosystem

NYU Abu Dhabi and RTW Investments, LP ("RTW") today announced a strategic collaboration to advance executive education, thought leadership, and cross-sector engagement in healthcare, biotechnology, and life sciences across the region.

The collaboration brings together RTW's global investment expertise in biopharma and medical technologies with NYUAD Executive Education's academic platform and faculty leadership to convene investors, policymakers, and industry leaders around the future of healthcare systems, investing and innovation.

As part of the partnership, NYUAD and RTW will co-develop a flagship Healthcare Event and executive education program, targeted for late 2026, with a series of executive-level offerings tailored to sovereign wealth funds, major institutions, and policy makers. The initiative will provide a forum for informed dialogue on healthcare investing, innovation, emerging technologies, and policy alignment, supporting knowledge exchange across the GCC.

Chief Operating Officer of NYU Abu Dhabi Amol Dani said: "We are pleased to partner with RTW Investments, whose deep experience in biotechnology and healthcare brings valuable practical insight to this initiative. By combining that expertise with NYU Abu Dhabi's executive education capabilities and academic perspective, we aim to deliver programs that help senior leaders better understand emerging developments in the sector and respond to complex global health challenges."

Through this partnership, NYUAD will expand its executive education portfolio in areas aligned with Abu Dhabi's strategic priorities, including innovation-driven economic diversification and knowledge development in high-growth sectors.

Roderick Wong, MD, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer at RTW Investments, said: "Advancing healthcare innovation depends not only on scientific discovery, but also on sound policy, informed leadership, and sustained investment. This collaboration with NYU Abu Dhabi will support the development of a new cadre of leaders who can thoughtfully allocate capital and direct policy to translate breakthrough science into resilient medical advances that address unmet patient needs."

The collaboration builds upon a longstanding relationship between NYU and RTW and reflects the organizations' shared commitment to advancing medical innovation globally.

Managing Director of Business Development at RTW Investments, Woody Stileman, who leads RTW's efforts in the Middle East, added: "We believe that innovation is the best medicine. And the Middle East is emerging as an important center for healthcare investment and innovation. This partnership with NYU Abu Dhabi is a sign of our commitment to supporting that investment appetite and innovative thinking to help build a robust ecosystem that connects global capital, scientific talent, and forward-looking policy frameworks in service of improving long-term health outcomes."

About NYU Abu Dhabi

www.nyuad.nyu.edu

NYU Abu Dhabi is the first comprehensive liberal arts and research campus in the Middle East to be operated abroad by a major American research university. Times Higher Education ranks NYU among the top 31 universities in the world, making NYU Abu Dhabi the highest globally ranked university in the UAE. NYU Abu Dhabi has integrated a highly selective undergraduate curriculum across the disciplines with a world-class center for advanced research and scholarship. The university enables its students in the sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and arts to succeed in an increasingly interdependent world and advance cooperation and progress on humanity's shared challenges. NYU Abu Dhabi's high-achieving students have come from over 120 countries and speak over 100 languages. Together, NYU's campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai form the backbone of a unique global university, giving faculty and students opportunities to experience varied learning environments and immersion in other cultures at one or more of the numerous study-abroad sites NYU maintains on six continents.

About RTW Investments, LP

RTW Investments, LP, is a New York-based, global, full life-cycle investment firm focused on identifying and supporting transformational innovations across the biopharmaceutical and medical technology sectors. The firm partners with industry, academia, and institutional stakeholders worldwide, combining deep scientific expertise with disciplined, long-term capital to advance the development of emerging therapies and healthcare solutions. RTW operates across major global innovation and capital markets, with a presence in the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, supporting companies and institutions at the forefront of medical innovation. Learn more at www.rtwfunds.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260223939072/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact

Jim Heins

RTW Investments

(646) 597-6980

jh@rtwfunds.com
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / February 25, 2026 / Dr. Lucy Gildea, Mary Kay's Chief Brand and Scientific Officer (Photo Courtesy: Mary Kay Inc.)

Originally published on newsroom.marykay.com

When Dr. Lucy Gildea talks about Mary Kay, you can hear the spark. After 15 years at Procter & Gamble working across healthcare, beauty, and personal care industries, she joined the iconic brand in 2017 and quickly realized she had found her "home" - a place where science, marketing, and purpose all collide. Now as Chief Brand and Scientific Officer, she's steering Mary Kay's transformation, evolving the portfolio of advanced beauty solutions and sharpening the brand's competitive edge through meaningful innovation, personalization, and emotional connection.

In this exclusive interview, Dr. Gildea reflects on the innovative spirit shaping the next chapter of growth of the #1 Direct Selling Brand of Skin Care and Color Cosmetics in the World[1]. Dive in with Lucy as she uncovers the scientific force and brand values supercharging the product portfolio in six questions that spark discovery at every turn!

What drives women's loyalty to the Mary Kay brand?

Women stay loyal to Mary Kay because they genuinely love the brand - and the experience that comes with it. Yes, we offer great products, but what truly sets us apart is our deep sense of purpose. Every day, we wake up knowing exactly why we do what we do: to transform lives, to inspire hope, to enrich women, and to give back to the communities we serve. That commitment is not a marketing statement; it is who we have always been. It is our calling. And it all started with our founder Mary Kay Ash - an unstoppable trailblazer whose vision still guides us. Her legacy gives us a "timeless DNA" and that is what makes this brand so special and so enduring.

How has Mary Kay consistently stayed ahead in product innovation over the years?

Staying ahead of the curve requires a disciplined focus on emerging consumers, beauty, and innovation trends. At Mary Kay, we combine robust internal research with insights from external partners, industry studies, and social listening.

Just as importantly, we tap into one of our most valuable sources of real-time intelligence: our global network of Independent Beauty Consultants - millions of women who engage with consumers daily.

We also look beyond the beauty sector for fresh inspiration, drawing ideas from adjacent industries and broader cultural shifts. By synthesizing this diverse input, we translate it into meaningful product experiences for both consumers and our Independent Beauty Consultants.

Our goal is not to compete on every front or be everything to everyone; it is to remain clear about what differentiates us and to deliver a focused, thoughtful product portfolio that our beauty consultants can champion with confidence.

Unmask the Possibilities - The newly launched Mary Kay Hydrating Cream Mask (Photo Courtesy: Mary Kay Inc.)

How do you balance legacy, strong brand identity, and constant innovation?

As a scientist, I like to say that innovation is in our DNA. While product innovation is a big part of that, we are constantly evolving across every touchpoint of the business, balancing progress with tradition can create "healthy tension," a challenge that legacy companies face.

We work intentionally to move the company forward in ways that keep us relevant, staying true to our identity and culture, focusing on decisions that strengthen the Mary Kay brand.

How do you assess your product portfolio and decide on future product development?

We research, develop, and manufacture innovative skincare, color cosmetics, and fragrances for 40 markets and offer nutritional supplements in selected markets. Imagine a world where beauty meets innovation, and our products reach millions across continents Being a global company with a broad portfolio naturally brings complexity. That is why we take a strategic, focused approach, always putting our Independent Beauty Consultant at the center, always looking at what supports "her" ability to grow her business successfully.

Our product portfolio assessments also integrate health and wellness for instance through supporting skin barrier and skin microbiome, Artificial Intelligence (AI), immersive beauty experience, and sustainability. Consumers' needs evolve, and so do the needs of our Beauty Consultants. We thrive on the challenge of delivering bold solutions that align with trends, offer functional depth, sensory delight, and redefine confidence and a sense of community for both our beauty consultants and consumers.

Mary Kay Clinical Solutions Barrier Restore 1:1:3 helps get fast-acting barrier repair and visible redness relief in one single step. (Photo Courtesy: Mary Kay Inc.)

How do you attract the new generation of brand lovers?

Mary Kay is by essence a purpose-driven multi-generational brand. We have been living our values for over 62 years, and we want to keep sharing that purpose in a way that resonates with every new audience. Let me walk you through two examples.

AI-driven beauty personalization. A first in the direct selling industry, Mary Kay Foundation Finder uses advanced artificial intelligence to scan a customer's face on their mobile phone and provide personalized shade recommendations in just seconds. Think flawless foundation meets technology!

Millennials and Gen Z consumers also prioritize sustainability and transparency, choosing brands that align with their values to make a positive environmental and social impact. They are not just buying a product - they are also buying into what a company believes in. The Shea ingredient at the heart of our newly launched Mary Kay Hydrating Cream Mask and our Satin Body, Hands and Lips lines is sustainably sourced through the Global Shea Alliance, contributing to the empowerment of millions of women, who are the "She behind the Shea" in West Africa. That is one of the things I love most about my role: showing how our brand identity enhances every product we launch and every opportunity we offer.

The Mary Kay AI Foundation Finder helps consumers find their best foundation match. (Photo Courtesy: Mary Kay Inc.)

Can you give us a glimpse into Mary Kay's most recent launches or upcoming launches?

I am so glad you asked! We just recently launched [2] the Mary Kay Clinical Solutions Barrier Restore 1:1:3 which is the most recent innovation in our Clinical Solutions line inspired by widely used professional dermatologic and aesthetic treatments.

Mary Kay Clinical Solutions Barrier Restore 1:1:3 provides fast-acting skin barrier repair support and visible redness relief in one formula. Working hand in hand with a favorite moisturizer, this exclusive Barrier Restore Technology formulated mimics the skin barrier's natural lipid ratio to replenish the key components that help keep the skin barrier strong, keeping out pollutants and bacteria while retaining critical moisture and nutrients. If you know anyone who suffers from skin redness, dryness, itching, rough texture, or overall sensitivity, tell them to give this wonderful product a try!

The Mary Kay Clinical Solutions skincare line (Photo Courtesy: Mary Kay Inc.)

Did You Know:

Topping the charts: In 2025, Mary Kay was named the #1 Direct Selling Brand of Skin Care and Color Cosmetics in the World [3] by Euromonitor International for the third consecutive year. Mary Kay has just ranked #2 on the Forbes Best Customer Service Companies 2026 List and ranked #9 on the Forbes Best Brand for Social Impact 2025 List.

Women-led: 62% of our global Research & Development team is led by women and 81% of our Global Brand Marketing & Creative Design Studio team is made up of women.

World-class manufacturing: Mary Kay's Richard R. Rogers Manufacturing and R&D facility in Lewisville, Texas features 20 product-packaging lines & the capability to produce up to 1 million units per day.

Learn more about Mary Kay products here.

***

About Mary Kay

One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women's lives. Learn more at marykayglobal.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on X.

[1] "Source Euromonitor International Limited; Beauty and Personal Care 2025Edition, value sales at RSP, 2024data"

[2] The Mary Kay Clinical Solutions Barrier Restore 1:1:3 launched in the U.S. and will be rolling out into the international markets in 2026 and beyond.

[3] "Source Euromonitor International Limited; Beauty and Personal Care 2025Edition, value sales at RSP, 2024data"

Find more stories and multimedia from Mary Kay at 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Mary Kay

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/mary-kay

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Mary Kay

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/the-science-and-innovation-behind-the-sparkle-dr.-lucy-gildea-su-1140843
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 25, 2026) - Canadian Goldfields Discovery Corp. (TSXV: CGM) (OTC Pink: CGMXF) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that, effective of opening trading on February 25, 2026, its common shares will be quoted on the OTC Markets Platform under the new stock symbol "CGMXF". The new symbol aligns with the Company's recent name change and acquisition of the Miminiska Gold Property, located in Ontario, Canada.

The Company is also pleased to confirm that its common shares are eligible for electronic clearing and settlement in the United States through the Depository Trust Company ("DTC"). DTC simplifies the process of trading, reducing transaction costs, and enhances the liquidity of the Company's shares in the United States.

The Company has recently made an application to be quoted on the OTCQB Venture Market, a recognized US trading platform for established and developing companies. Admission to the OTCQB Venture Market remains subject to the approval of the OTCQB and satisfaction of all requirements.

Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. The Company cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by many material factors, many of which are beyond their respective control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to the Company's limited operating history and the Company's planned exploration program for the Miminiska Gold Property is subject to change. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise forward looking information.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/285246

Source: Canadian Goldfields Discovery Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia and Las Vegas, Nevada--(Newsfile Corp. - February 25, 2026) - Fairchild Gold Corp. (TSXV: FAIR) (FSE: Y4Y) (OTCQB: FCHDF) ("Fairchild" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce receipt of an updated NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Golden Arrow Project. The report was completed by RESPEC of Reno, Nevada as part of Fairchild's requirements to finalize its previously-announced acquisition of the property.

Report Highlights:

Table 1: Golden Arrow Project Total Gold and Silver Resources



Cutoff

Classification oz AuEq/ton Tons oz AuEq/ton oz Au/ton ounces Au oz Ag/ton ounces Ag Measured Variable* 2,198,000 0.029 0.025 54,000 0.37 822,000 Indicated Variable* 12,897,000 0.022 0.019 241,000 0.27 3,504,000 Measured and Indicated Variable* 15,376,000 0.023 0.019 296,000 0.28 4,362,000 Inferred Variable* 8,648,000 0.010 0.007 60,000 0.27 2,322,000 *Based on cutoff grades of 0.005 oz AuEq/ton for oxide and 0.006 oz AuEq/ton for sulfide



Notes :

The estimate of mineral resources was done by Michael S. Lindholm, CPG of RESPEC in Imperial tons. In-situ mineral resources are classified in accordance with CIM Standards The base case reported mineral resources at a gold price of $3,000/oz Au has an effective date of February 16, 2026. Tabulations comprise all model blocks at variable cutoff grades within the $3,000/oz Au optimized pits. Pit optimizations used a throughput rate of 10,000 tons/day; assumed metallurgical recoveries of 70% for gold in oxide material and 60% for gold in sulfide material, for crushed ore, and 45% for silver in both oxide and sulfide material; waste mining costs of US$3.00/ton mined; crushing, stacking and heap leaching costs of US$8.20/ton; and general and administrative costs of $1.14/ton The average grades of the tabulations are comprised of the weighted average of block-diluted grades within the optimized pits. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Rounding may result in apparent discrepancies between tons, grade and metal content.

Table 2: Golden Arrow Sensitivity Evaluation by Gold Equivalent Price at a Cutoff Grade of 0.005 oz AuEq/ton

Sensitivity Case Classification Cutoff Grade oz AuEq/ton Tonnage Tons Gold Grade oz Au/ton Contained Gold oz Au Silver Grade oz Ag/ton Contained Silver oz Ag Sensitivity Case at $2,400/oz Gold Measured & Indicated 0.005 13,247,000 0.020 264,000 0.290 3,845,000 Inferred 0.005 6,165,000 0.007 43,000 0.244 1,504,000 Sensitivity Case at $2,700/oz Gold Measured & Indicated 0.005 14,046,000 0.020 277,000 0.286 4,018,000 Inferred 0.005 7,001,000 0.007 50,000 0.247 1,729,000 Sensitivity Case at $3,000/oz Gold Measured & Indicated 0.005 15,376,000 0.019 296,000 0.284 4,365,000 Inferred 0.005 9,402,000 0.007 61,000 0.262 2,463,000 Sensitivity Case at $3,300/oz Gold Measured & Indicated 0.005 15,886,000 0.019 301,000 0.282 4,481,000 Inferred 0.005 10,161,000 0.007 66,000 0.263 2,672,000 Sensitivity Case at $3,600/oz Gold Measured & Indicated 0.005 16,163,000 0.019 305,000 0.281 4,543,000 Inferred 0.005 10,685,000 0.006 68,000 0.262 2,799,000 Sensitivity Case at $3,900/oz Gold Measured & Indicated 0.005 16,427,000 0.019 308,000 0.279 4,586,000 Inferred 0.005 11,068,000 0.006 71,000 0.262 2,900,000

Notes:

The estimate of resource sensitivity cases was done by Michael S. Lindholm, CPG of RESPEC in Imperial tons. All sensitivity cases were derived from the block model from which Golden Arrow mineral resources were reported and are classified in accordance with CIM Standards. All sensitivity cases were tabulated within pits optimized using the parameters in Table 14-8 at variable gold prices. The potential for fluctuating mining, processing, materials, labor, etc. costs is not factored into the sensitivity analysis. All oxide and sulfide material at a cutoff grade of 0.005 oz AuEq/ton is combined in the tabulations for al sensitivity cases, and the different cutoff grades that would be applied to each redox type for reported resources are not taken into account. None of the tabulations in Table 14-18, including the sensitivity case at $3,000/oz AuEq, can be directly compared to the tabulations at variable cutoff grades in Table 14-10 through Table 14-17. Tabulations at higher and lower gold prices than $3,000/oz Au are presented to demonstrate sensitivities to fluctuating gold prices Tabulations at gold prices lower than $3,000/oz Au represent subsets of the material contained within the optimized pit within which current Golden Arrow mineral resources are reported Tabulations within pits at gold prices higher than $3,000/oz Au reflect the potential for increased resources, although Fairchild is not relying on increases that might result from increasing gold and silver prices in the future. Rounding may result in apparent discrepancies between tons, grade, and metal content.

Post-Acquisition Next Steps:

Initiation of a PEA with strong emphasis on metallurgy.

Bulk Sampling with primary objective to better understand why the calculated head grades for samples subjected to historical column testing ranged from 0.039 to 0.077 oz Au/ton (Jack S. McPartland, 2008), which were significantly higher than the Golden Arrow resources discussed in this report. Further metallurgical testing will also be required to determine the effects of gold grade and sulfide content on heap leach recoveries.

Thorough review and ranking of significant exploration targets inventory.

Nikolas Perrault, CFA, Executive Chairman of Fairchild, stated: "The filing of this comprehensive technical report will allow the Company to expeditiously wrap up its acquisition of this very promising asset and proceed with its rapid advancement towards mine development."

NATIONAL INSTRUMENT 43-101

The Technical Report has been written to comply with the reporting requirements of the Canadian Securities Administrators' National Instrument 43-101 'Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects' and 'Form 43-101F1 Technical Report' (NI 43-101 or the Instrument, 2011). The Technical Report can be found under the Company's issuer profile at SEDAR+ www.sedarplus.com and on the Company's website.

QUALIFIED PERSON STATEMENT

Richard R. Redfern, M.S., C.P.G. No. 10717, an independent Consulting Geologist for Fairchild and a "qualified person" as defined in NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release.

About Fairchild Gold Corp.

Fairchild Gold Corp. is a public company engaged in the business of mineral exploration and development of copper, gold and silver assets in mining-friendly jurisdictions across North America. The company is committed to identifying and developing high-quality resource properties in Nevada with strong geological resource potential. Its strategy focuses on creating long-term shareholder value through disciplined exploration, strategic partnerships, and responsible development practices.

Fairchild Gold's recently assembled trinity of Nevada properties includes Nevada Titan, Fairchild's flagship property, located in the Goodsprings Mining District, Nevada, an area known for historical high-grade copper-gold-PGEs mining. In more recent times, Nevada Titan was also highlighted for its near surface Antimony and Cobalt potential. That was followed by a MOU towards the acquisition of the Golden Arrow property in the prolific Walker Lane Shear Zone, encompassing two principal resource areas, Gold Coin and Hidden Hill, with a combined measured + indicated and inferred resource base outlined in an NI 43-101 report written by Mine Development Associates.

Finally, Fairchild's Carlin Queen property, an advanced-stage gold-silver project located at the intersection of the Carlin and Midas-Hollister gold trends. Fairchild Gold is leveraging the potential of all these three properties by utilizing the outstanding mineral resources support Nevada provides.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as the term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of this news release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain information contained in this news release constitutes "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward- looking information"). Without limiting the foregoing, such forward-looking information includes statements regarding the potential of the Golden Arrow Project and strategic plans, including future exploration and development plans and results, and corporate and technical objectives. In this news release, words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "likely", "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "plan", "estimate" and similar words and the negative form thereof are used to identify forward-looking information. Forward-looking information should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether, or the times at or by which, such future performance will be achieved. Forward-looking information is based on information available at the time and/or the Company management's good faith belief with respect to future events and is subject to known or unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. For additional information with respect to these and other factors and assumptions underlying the forward-looking information made in this news release, see the Company's most recent Management's Discussion and Analysis and financial statements and other documents filed by the Company with the Canadian securities commissions and the discussion of risk factors set out therein. Such documents are available at www.sedarplus.ca under the Company's profile and on the Company's website, https://fairchildgold.com/. The forward-looking information set forth herein reflects the Company's expectations as at the date of this news release and is subject to change after such date. 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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/285188

Source: Fairchild Gold Corp.
Detroit, Michigan--(Newsfile Corp. - February 25, 2026) - Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. (OTCID: AITX) (the "Company"), a global leader in AI-driven security and productivity solutions, along with its wholly owned subsidiary, Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD), today confirmed 26 consecutive weeks of order intake across its portfolio of autonomous security solutions. The sustained cadence of bookings, led by RIO, ROSA, SARA, ROAMEO and AVA, reflects consistent customer demand and ongoing deployment expansion as RAD continues to build and stack its recurring monthly revenue (RMR) base.





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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"Our goal is to continue this cadence and grow as quickly as possible, while controlling and potentially cutting costs in order to achieve positive operational cash flow in the May 2026 timeframe," commented Steve Reinharz, CEO, CTO and founder of AITX and RAD. "Twenty-six consecutive weeks of bookings reflects a more mature sales engine and growing market acceptance of our autonomous security. We're excited for what the future holds for us."

Activity during the period reflected balanced demand across RAD's portfolio, with RIO and ROSA deployments continuing to anchor volume while ROAMEO evaluations advanced within enterprise and municipal environments. The diversity of applications across commercial, industrial and campus settings demonstrates broader market acceptance of autonomous security as a viable operating layer. As deployments scale across multiple site customers, the opportunity for follow on orders and expanded system footprints increases, strengthening long term account value and reinforcing revenue durability.

RAD invites security professionals and channel partners to experience all RAD solutions in action at ISC West 2026. Attendees will have the opportunity to see live demonstrations, speak directly with RAD leadership and product experts, and learn how autonomous security deployments are being proven, expanded, and scaled across real world environments. Meetings may be scheduled in advance or coordinated onsite throughout the event.

RMR refers to the revenue generated monthly from customers who subscribe to RAD's solutions on a recurring basis. RAD's offerings are typically structured as monthly subscriptions, with a minimum 12-month contract, ensuring a stable and predictable revenue stream for the Company.

About Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. (AITX)

AITX, through its primary subsidiary, Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD), is redefining the nearly $50 billion (US) security and guarding services industry1 through its broad lineup of innovative, AI-driven Solutions-as-a-Service business model. RAD solutions are specifically designed to provide cost savings to businesses of between 35%-80% when compared to the industry's existing and costly manned security guarding and monitoring model. RAD delivers these cost savings via a suite of stationary and mobile robotic solutions that complement, and at times, directly replace the need for human personnel in environments better suited for machines. All RAD technologies, AI-based analytics and software platforms are developed in-house.

The Company's operations and internal controls have been validated through successful completion of its SOC 2 Type 2 audit, which is a formal, independent audit that evaluates a service organization's internal controls for handling customer data and determines if the controls are not only designed properly but also operating effectively to protect customer data. This audit reinforces the Company's credibility with enterprise and government clients who require strict data protection and security compliance.

RAD is led by Steve Reinharz, CEO/CTO and founder of AITX and RAD, who brings decades of experience in the security services industry. Reinharz serves as chair of the Security Industry Association's (SIA) Autonomous Solutions Working Group and as a member of the SIA Board of Directors. The RAD team also draws on extensive expertise across the sector, including Mark Folmer, CPP, PSP, President of RAD and Chair of the ASIS International North American Regional Board of Directors, Troy McCanna, former FBI Special Agent and RAD's Chief Security Officer, and Stacy Stephens, co-founder of security robotics company Knightscope. Their combined backgrounds in security industry leadership, law enforcement, and robotics innovation reinforce RAD's ability to deliver proven, practical, and disruptive solutions to its clients.

RAD has a prospective sales pipeline of over 35 Fortune 500 companies and numerous other client opportunities. RAD expects to continue to attract new business as it converts its existing sales opportunities into deployed clients generating a recurring revenue stream. Each Fortune 500 client has the potential of making numerous reorders over time.

AITX is an innovator in the delivery of artificial intelligence-based solutions that empower organizations to gain new insight, solve complex challenges and fuel new business ideas. Through its next-generation robotic product offerings, AITX's RAD, RAD-R, RAD-M and RAD-G companies help organizations streamline operations, increase ROI, and strengthen business. AITX technology improves the simplicity and economics of patrolling and guard services and allows experienced personnel to focus on more strategic tasks. Customers augment the capabilities of existing staff and gain higher levels of situational awareness, all at drastically reduced cost. AITX solutions are well suited for use in multiple industries such as enterprises, government, transportation, critical infrastructure, education, and healthcare. To learn more, visit www.aitx.ai, www.radsecurity.com , www.stevereinharz.com, www.raddog.ai, www.radgroup.ai, www.saramonitoring.ai, and www.radlightmyway.com, or follow Steve Reinharz on X @SteveReinharz.

CAUTIONARY DISCLOSURE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The information contained in this publication does not constitute an offer to sell or solicit an offer to buy securities of Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. (the "Company"). This publication contains forward-looking statements, which are not guarantees of future performance and may involve subjective judgment and analysis. As such, there are no assurances whatsoever that the Company will meet its expectations with respect to its future revenues, sales volume, becoming cash flow positive or RMR. The information provided herein is believed to be accurate and reliable, however the Company makes no representations or warranties, expressed or implied, as to its accuracy or completeness. The Company has no obligation to provide the recipient with additional updated information. No information in this publication should be interpreted as any indication whatsoever of the Company's future revenues, results of operations, or stock price.

For purposes of the Company's disclosures, "Artificial Intelligence" refers to machine-based systems designed to operate with varying levels of autonomy that, for a given set of human defined objectives, can make predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing real or virtual environments. In the context of the Company's business, Artificial Intelligence is deployed primarily within the security services and property management industries to support functions such as detection, analysis, prioritization, communication, and response related to safety, security, and operational events.

The Company delivers these capabilities principally through its SARA (Speaking Autonomous Responsive Agent) platform, which serves as the Company's primary agentic artificial intelligence system. SARA is designed to receive and process video, audio, and other sensor data, apply automated analysis and inference, and support actions in accordance with predefined operational objectives and human oversight.

Further note that the Company's Board of Directors oversees the Company's deployment of Artificial Intelligence.

###

1 https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/security-services-industry/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/285208

Source: Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc.
Formerly The ASSEMBLY Show South & The Quality Show; Early Bird Registration Rates Expire March 7

NASHVILLE, TN / ACCESS Newswire / February 25, 2026 / The Manufacturing & Automation eXchange (MAX) will make its debut March 24-26, 2026, at the Music City Center in Nashville, TN, bringing together manufacturing, automation, and quality professionals from across the booming southern US region.

Formerly The ASSEMBLY Show South and The Quality Show, MAX unites the strengths of these events but expands on it bringing together the full scope of manufacturing - from systems integration and materials handling, to automation, quality, safety, adhesives, coatings and packaging. The event reflects the collaborative and cross-functional nature of real-world operations, with technologies and practices from across the manufacturing spectrum. Early Bird registration ends March 7, offering $50 savings on the MAX eXperience Pass, with significant discounts on eXpo-Only admission.

"MAX is set to deliver a powerful mix of education, exhibits, networking, and hands-on experiences designed to help manufacturers improve operations and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry," said Bill DeYoe, Executive Director Manufacturing Technologies, BNP MEDIA. "In addition to our robust education program, MAX features a dynamic exhibit floor showcasing the latest technologies, products, and services supporting automation, smart manufacturing, robotics, safety, and workforce development. It's where manufacturing leaders come to discover practical solutions, build powerful connections, and leave with strategies they can immediately put into action."

The event opens March 24 with six half-day workshops covering manufacturing safety, advanced measurement tools, AI on the assembly line, engineering sustainability, mixed-model line design, and automation at work. Education continues March 25-26 through the MAX eXperience, featuring in-conference programming on responsible packaging legislation, the thinking factory, automation in assembly, reshoring strategies, and coatings in the era of smart manufacturing.

A featured session, the Future-Ready Workforce panel, will bring together leaders from Women in Manufacturing, Mavens of Manufacturing, Automation Ladies, the U.S. Smart Factory Institute, and other workforce development organizations to explore how manufacturers can attract, train, and retain talent in an era of automation and digital transformation. Moderated by Allison Grealis, President of Women in Manufacturing, the discussion will focus on generational workforce dynamics, emerging technologies, future skill sets, mentorship, STEM engagement and advancing women into manufacturing leadership roles.

On Wednesday, March 25 the keynote will be presented by Jaemin Kim, Marketing Director, Smart Factory Solutions Center & Production Engineering Research Institute, LG Electronics. Kim will share insights on smart factory innovation, AI-driven production, and global manufacturing strategy, drawing from LG's Tennessee Lighthouse Factory leadership.

Attendees will have access to free education across four dedicated Learning HUBs located in the exhibit hall. Subject matter experts will provide live 15-minute presentations during the two days of the show allowing all attendees to learn and connect conference learning directly with solutions demonstrated by exhibitors. The American Society for Quality (ASQ) will also host 15-minute expert-led talks featuring practical quality insights in Booth 605 throughout both show days.

Beyond the show floor, MAX will offer exclusive plant tours of the Nissan Smyrna Assembly Plant in Smyrna, TN, and the LG Tennessee Lighthouse Factory in Clarksville, TN, providing firsthand exposure to world-class production environments, advanced automation systems, and smart factory technologies in action.

Networking opportunities are woven throughout the event, including the Opening Night Reception, sponsored by Rhino Tool House, a lively Happy Hour Reception on the show floor, and the Morning Mingle & Breakfast, each designed to foster meaningful connections among peers, industry leaders, and solution providers.

MAX will also feature live demonstrations from FIRST Robotics Competition teams from middle and high schools across Tennessee. These demonstrations showcase the innovation and technical talent shaping the future of manufacturing and underscore MAX's commitment to workforce development.

Registration is open at theMAXevent.com, with discounted $20 access to the general expo and an optional upgrade to the MAX eXperience Pass, which provides VIP access to all workshops on March 24, exclusive Main Stage sessions and roundtable luncheons with industry leaders on March 25-26, express badge pickup, special badge recognition, and an exclusive attendee giveaway. Early Bird registration ends March 7, 2026, offering a $50 savings on the MAX eXperience Pass.

BNP Media produces MAX through its industry-leading brands: ASSEMBLY Magazine, Quality, Adhesives & Sealants Industry (ASI), Industrial Safety & Hygiene News (ISHN), Packaging Strategies, and Paint & Coatings Industry. The event focuses on application-based solutions, ensuring practical relevance for today's manufacturing professionals.

With MAX, BNP Media sets the stage for a future-focused, fully integrated manufacturing event-one that reflects the pace, innovation, and complexity of the modern production landscape. BNP Media, one of the country's leading business-to-business media companies, serves industry professionals through magazines, custom media, newsletters, webinars, events, and market research.

# # #

Media Contact:

Amy Riemer

Media Relations Representative

978-502-4895

amy@riemercommunications.com

SOURCE: Manufacturing & Automation eXchange

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/manufacturing-and-automation-exchange-max-set-to-debut-in-nashville-ma-1140585
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 25, 2026) - RZOLV Technologies Inc. (TSXV: RZL) (FSE: S711) (OTCQB: RZOLF) ("RZOLV" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a one-year investor relations agreement, effective February 24, 2026, with San Diego Torrey Hills Capital ("SDTHC"), a U.S.-based investor relations and corporate communications firm.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Company will pay SDTHC a monthly cash fee of US$4,000 and grant 100,000 incentive stock options (the "Options") exercisable at $0.50 for a period of three years from the date of grant. The Options will vest as follows: (i) 25% on the three-month anniversary of the grant date; (ii) 25% on the six-month anniversary; (iii) 25% on the nine-month anniversary; and (iv) 25% on the twelve-month anniversary. The Options will be granted in accordance with the Company's equity incentive plan and are subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV").

The engagement of SDTHC is intended to support RZOLV's expanding U.S. capital markets presence following its recent OTCQB listing. SDTHC will assist the Company in strengthening investor awareness, coordinating non-deal roadshows, facilitating institutional outreach, and enhancing communications across North American markets. SDTHC is at arm's length to the Company and, to the Company's knowledge, does not hold any securities of RZOLV as of the date of this release.

San Diego Torrey Hills Capital was formed in 1998 and is headquartered in Rancho Santa Fe, California. The firm provides investor relations, corporate communications, market visibility strategies, and U.S. capital markets advisory services to emerging growth companies listed in Canada and the United States.

OTC Markets Virtual Conference

Also, as part of its recent listing on the OTCQB, RZOLV Technologies Inc. announces that it will participate in the OTC Markets Virtual Investor Conference Series on March 5, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. EST. For the webcast link: Click Here. The presentation will provide a corporate overview and will not include any material information not previously disclosed by the Company. Interested investors will be able to access the webcast and replay through OTC Markets' conference portal following the event, and management will also be available for scheduled one-on-one meetings. A copy of the Company's investor presentation will be made available on the Company's website and/or through OTC Markets in connection with the event.

CEO Commentary

Duane Nelson, President & Chief Executive Officer of RZOLV Technologies, commented: "As we continue to advance RZOLV through commercialization and broaden our capital markets footprint, expanding our U.S. investor engagement is a strategic priority. San Diego Torrey Hills Capital brings decades of experience supporting cross-border issuers and emerging growth companies in the U.S. markets.

"Our recent OTCQB listing positions RZOLV to access a significantly larger pool of institutional and retail investors, and this engagement is designed to ensure our story is communicated clearly, consistently, and professionally as we scale. We believe that enhanced visibility in the U.S. market will support liquidity, shareholder diversification, and long-term value creation as we progress our non-cyanide gold extraction platform toward broader industry adoption."

About San Diego Torrey Hills Capital

San Diego Torrey Hills Capital specializes in the development and marketing of emerging growth companies that trade in the United States (NYSE, NYSE American, and OTC Markets) and in Canada (TSX, TSXV, and CSE). The firm assists clients in articulating key investment attributes, strategic direction, and financial objectives in order to enhance market awareness and shareholder engagement.

RZOLV to Attend and Exhibit at PDAC 2026

RZOLV Technologies Inc. is pleased to announce that it will be exhibiting at the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) 2026 Convention, held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Ontario, from March 1-4, 2026. Shareholders, mining professionals, and prospective partners are invited to visit Booth #2748 to meet with management and learn more about RZOLV's proprietary non-cyanide gold recovery platform (RZOLV) and its potential to support lower-impact gold processing across cyanide-restricted or technically challenging applications.

Company representatives will be available throughout the conference to discuss recent corporate developments, technical progress, and partnership opportunities. Attendees interested in scheduling a meeting are encouraged to contact the Company in advance through its investor relations channels.

About RZOLV Technologies Inc.

RZOLV Technologies Inc. is a clean-technology company developing innovative, non-cyanide hydrometallurgical solutions designed to address structural inefficiencies, regulatory complexity, and permitting challenges in modern gold extraction and mine-site remediation.

The Company's flagship technology, RZOLV, is a proprietary water-based reagent system intended to recover gold from ores, concentrates, tailings, and secondary materials in applications where conventional cyanide chemistry is technically ineffective, increasingly restricted, or subject to heightened permitting complexity.

While cyanide has been the dominant gold lixiviant for more than a century and remains widely used across the industry, evolving regulatory frameworks, extended permitting timelines, stricter environmental standards, and growing ESG scrutiny have created operational and approval challenges in certain jurisdictions and deposit types. In some regions, cyanide use faces partial or full prohibitions, while in others it requires enhanced containment, detoxification, transport, and monitoring protocols that can materially impact project economics and development schedules.

RZOLV is designed as a lower-toxicity alternative with the potential to deliver comparable recovery performance and economic outcomes. The technology aims to expand the addressable gold market by enabling extraction in environments where cyanide use presents technical, environmental, or permitting constraints.

For more information, please visit www.rzolv.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally identified by words such as "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential," or similar expressions, or statements that events or conditions "will," "may," "could," or "should" occur.

Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the anticipated benefits of the engagement of San Diego Torrey Hills Capital, expansion of the Company's investor base, improved liquidity, enhanced market visibility, and advancement of the Company's technology and commercialization strategy.

These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Such risks include, among others, general market conditions, regulatory matters, operational execution risks, capital markets conditions, and the Company's ability to advance its technology and business objectives as anticipated.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information contained herein is provided as of the date of this news release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise such information except as required by applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/285161

Source: RZOLV Technologies Inc.
HAMILTON, Bermuda, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascot Group Limited, the Bermuda-based global specialty insurance company, announced today that Patrice Walch-Watson and Christopher Gallagher have been appointed to its Board of Directors.

Kewsong Lee, Chairman of the Board of Ascot Group Limited, commented on the appointments: "Patrice and Chris are exceptional executives whose combined leadership, insights, and global experience will meaningfully enhance the Ascot Board. Each brings a distinct blend of expertise in their field that will help guide Ascot's continued strategic evolution."

Jonathan Zaffino, Ascot Group CEO and President, added: "I am thrilled to welcome both Chris and Patrice to Ascot as we continue on our mission to be a perfect partner for a less-than-perfect world. Their perspectives and unique experience will be a significant asset to our colleagues and clients alike."

Sam Blaichman, Managing Director, CPP Investments and Ascot Director, said: "We look forward to collaborating with Chris and Patrice on Ascot's corporate strategy as the company continues to scale. Their respective experience navigating complex global insurance and regulatory environments will be invaluable as the company builds on its record of strong performance and executes on its long-term growth trajectory."

About Patrice Walch-Watson

Patrice is Senior Managing Director, Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary at CPP Investments, where she serves on the senior management team, senior investment committee and leads the global legal, compliance and corporate secretarial functions and provides oversight to the internal assurance and advisory function. She is a seasoned business lawyer and trusted advisor with deep experience in transactions, regulation, corporate governance and providing strategic counsel. Patrice is currently serving on the Board of Trustees of Queen's University and is a member of the Advisory Council to the Dean of Queen's University Law School. She holds the ICD.D designation.

About Christopher Gallagher

Christopher (Chris) Gallagher is an accomplished insurance and reinsurance executive with 30 years of industry experience, most recently serving as CEO of Commercial Property & Casualty Insurance and Executive Director at Sompo International, where he spearheaded a period of rapid transformation and profitable growth overseeing the company's Commercial Insurance and Reinsurance business outside of Japan. Chris joined Sompo International in September 2015 as Chief Risk Officer and Group Actuary before being promoted in April 2019. Prior to Sompo, he worked at AXIS Capital from 2007 to 2015, latterly serving as Chief Risk Officer for the Insurance segment and as a Senior Manager in the actuarial practice of Ernst & Young LLP in the UK. Chris is a qualified Chartered Actuary (Fellow) of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries in the UK.

About Ascot Group

Ascot is a leading global specialty insurance and reinsurance group offering property and casualty solutions to clients, with a 25-year track record of consistency and stability and $12 billion in total assets at year-end 2024. The company operates through an ecosystem of interconnected global platforms in offices across the United States, Bermuda and London, bound by a common mission to be a perfect partner for a less-than-perfect world.

Affiliates within the Ascot Group are rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company, A+ by Fitch Ratings Inc. and A by S&P Ratings.

Visit www.ascotgroup.com or follow the company on LinkedIn to learn more about its products and people.

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MONACO, Feb. 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Yacht Club de Monaco is launching the first edition of the Yachting Student Fair. On 21 March, young people will gather for a full day of meetings to discover careers in the yachting and maritime sectors, in line with the collective 'Monaco, Capital of Advanced Yachting' initiative. Open from 10:00am to 5:00pm to middle school pupils, sixth-form students, further education students and graduates, the fair offers hands-on insight into often little-known careers that combine passion, technical expertise and international opportunities.

In short, at the Yachting Student Fair young people and their parents have the possibility to ask questions and begin refining their career choices. In addition to learning more about available courses, attendees can compare their aspirations with the realities of different professions and connect directly with industry professionals, opening doors to internships, apprenticeships and work experience opportunities.

Throughout the day, training institutions, maritime organisations, yachting professionals and researchers will present their programmes and career prospects. The French Maritime Academy (ENSM - Ecole Nationale Superieure Maritime) and Nautical Institute Academy France will provide detailed information on careers as officers and engineers. Lycee Jacques Dolle d'Antibes will present its courses in nautical maintenance, electromechanics and propulsion, while the commercial diving institution Ecole Nationale des Scaphandriers will outline the requirements for underwater professions, ranging from welding to hyperbaric archaeological operations.

On the yachting side, courses in yacht management, brokerage and onboard hospitality will be presented by YCM's La Belle Classe Academy training centre, Cluster 'Yachting Monaco', the Yacht Broker School, the European School of Economics and Lycee Jeanne & Paul Augier. Port-related careers - from vessel traffic management to technical maintenance - will also be featured, with Monaco's Department of Maritime Affairs and its port authority, SEPM (Societe d'Exploitation des Ports de Monaco). The demand for specialised skills and expertise will be illustrated by professionals such as award-winning model maker Herve Arnoul, Meilleur Ouvrier de France. From technical trades to management, and from science to design, the sea offers a wide range of career paths for young people.

The Higher Education Division of Monaco's Department of National Education will also be present to support families with post-baccalaureate guidance and information on funding opportunities for further studies.

Participants will also have the opportunity to visit several yachts moored in the YCM Marina, including the 31m S/Y 7Continent, and meet her owner, Patrick Deixonne, navigator and founder of the 7th Continent Expedition. From his early career as a firefighter to his expeditions in the Amazon, culminating in his 2009 row across the Atlantic, his journey illustrates how a career path can evolve over time. Alongside him, French explorer Luc Hardy, member of the French Explorers Society, will share his experiences in extreme environments. Exchanges like these help connect education, professional pathways and the broader impact individuals can have on the world.

The event marks the beginning of four days dedicated to yachting, exploration and environmental engagement, organised in partnership with The Explorers Club of New York, a world-renowned institution founded in 1904.

 Sunday 22 March: An immersive day dedicated to "Explorer" yachts, including the inauguration of the Explorer Dock.

 Monday 23 March: Exploration Day, highlighting the event's scientific dimension, with a focus on the deep sea and coral reefs.

 Tuesday 24 March: The 30th Captains' Forum, shining a spotlight on a profession at the crossroads of science, yachting and exploration. Discussions will be followed by panels presenting practical eco-solutions that can be implemented on board, including the SEA Index, the benchmark tool developed by YCM to measure and reduce the environmental footprint of superyachts.

 Highlight: The 6th YCM Explorer Awards by La Belle Classe Superyachts, with a jury chaired by Richard Wiese, President of The Explorers Club, rewarding exemplary projects that showcase alternative uses of yachts as platforms for exploration, research and innovation.

Entry is free upon registration:

https://form.jotform.com/260483294527059

For more information:

Press Office LaPresse - ufficio.stampa@lapresse.it

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/330cf14c-2fce-475c-bf33-3f0458a88148
WEST PALM BEACH, FL / ACCESS Newswire / February 25, 2026 / SROA Capital, LLC ("SROA" or "SROA Capital"), a vertically integrated real estate investment and asset management firm focused on the acquisition and operation of self-storage assets, today announced a transformative year marked by strong fundraising, strategic portfolio growth, and new development construction projects. The firm's disciplined execution in 2025 further solidified its position as one of the largest and fastest-growing self-storage owner-operators in the United States. Throughout the year, SROA held a final closing on its largest fund to date, acquired 58 properties, and completed construction on 3 self-storage assets - bringing the company's national footprint to more than 720 locations across 32 states.

Strong Fund Raising

In October, SROA announced the final closing of SROA Capital Fund IX, LP ("Fund IX"), which exceeded its $750 million target by raising over $1.15 billion. We believe that this level of interest demonstrates the confidence our investors have in SROA's strategy, platform, and team.

Strategic Portfolio Expansion

SROA advanced its execution strategy in 2025 through a combination of portfolio and single-asset acquisitions. During the year, the firm acquired 55 stores totaling more than 2 million net rentable square feet and completed three significant land transactions that expand its future development pipeline. SROA also entered two new metropolitan markets, Dallas, Texas and Charlotte, North Carolina further enhancing its geographic diversification and strengthening its presence in key growth regions.

"These acquisitions support our long-term strategy and enhance our ability to deliver consistent value for our investors," said Ben Macfarland, Founder & CEO of SROA Capital. "Our disciplined approach and vertically integrated platform remain key differentiators in the self-storage industry."

New Development Projects Delivered in 2025

In addition to acquisitions, SROA completed two ground-up development projects and eight expansion initiatives in 2025, further enhancing its portfolio with high-quality, modern facilities. These projects were delivered in key growth markets, including Bozeman, Montana, Vero Beach, Florida, and 45th Street in West Palm Beach, Florida, reinforcing the company's strategic presence in attractive regions.

"Delivering new facilities in markets like Bozeman and South Florida shows how we can develop institutional-quality assets that complement our acquisition strategy," said Macfarland. "We are proud of the teams that brought these projects to life."

Positioned for Continued Momentum Into 2026

With a strong acquisition pipeline and continued investment in people, technology, and operations, SROA Capital believes it enters 2026 in a strong position to drive continued strategic growth. "Our focus for the year ahead is clear: expand selectively, optimize platform performance, and continue creating long-term value for investors," said Macfarland. "We look forward to building on the momentum we have created this year."

About SROA Capital, LLC

SROA Capital is a vertically integrated real estate investment and asset management firm specializing in the acquisition, development, and operation of self-storage assets globally. SROA owns and operates properties in the U.S. under the brand Storage Rentals of America and properties in the United Kingdom under the brand Kangaroo Self-Storage. SROA Capital is headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida. For more information, please visit https://www.sroacapital.com/ or contact a member of the Investor Relations team at ir@sroacapital.com.

Media Contact:

Daniel Benjamin, Account Director

BoardroomPR

dbenjamin@boardroompr.com

SOURCE: SROA Capital

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/real-estate/sroa-capital-announces-2025-a-transformational-year-driven-by-strategic-portfolio-growt-1140853
Surry Hills, New South Wales--(Newsfile Corp. - February 25, 2026) - Empower Probate Lawyers has announced the expansion of its probate services across Sydney, strengthening its ability to assist executors and families managing estate administration after the loss of a loved one. The expansion broadens the firm's presence beyond Surry Hills and formalises its growing activity across the metropolitan area.

The move follows a steady rise in probate-related matters throughout New South Wales. As more families navigate the legal steps required to administer an estate, Empower Probate Lawyers has increased its capacity to manage matters across a wider area of Sydney. The expansion ensures that individuals across the city can access consistent probate support when needed.

Probate often involves preparing court documents, meeting deadlines, and communicating with financial institutions and beneficiaries. Recognising the structured nature of this process, Empower Probate Lawyers has strengthened its internal systems and coordination to manage matters efficiently across its expanded footprint. The goal of the Empower Probate Lawyers Services expansion is to maintain clear processes and steady case progression while serving clients throughout Sydney.

The broader presence also reflects continued organisational growth. By extending probate services into additional Sydney regions, the firm has aligned its team and internal workflows to support consistent handling of estate administration matters. The expansion is intended to ensure that files are managed uniformly and in a structured manner, regardless of where clients are located within the metropolitan area.

With the expanded coverage, Empower Probate Lawyers is positioned to assist executors at different stages of the probate process, from initial applications through to the finalisation of an estate. The wider reach supports coordination with the relevant courts and institutions while maintaining oversight of each matter as it progresses.

Looking ahead, Empower Probate Lawyers states that continued growth across Sydney will remain guided by careful planning and operational readiness. The firm's focus will remain on maintaining clear processes, steady oversight, and consistent service delivery as activity increases.

About Empower Probate Lawyers:

Empower Probate Lawyers is a Sydney-based legal practice focused on probate-related matters in New South Wales. The firm assists executors and families with probate applications, letters of administration, estate administration, and related procedural requirements. Empower Probate Lawyers operates from Surry Hills and serves clients across the Sydney metropolitan area.





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Source: GetFeatured
TOKYO, Japan, Feb 25, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - NTT DOCOMO, INC. announced today that it successfully demonstrated the operation of AI applications directly on the general-purpose CPU resources of virtualized radio access network (vRAN), deployed in its commercial network. This demonstration confirmed the potential of a network architecture design to address rapid traffic growth driven by the expansion of AI services while optimizing network operational costs.With the growing adoption of AI-powered services such as generative AI and robot control, network traffic is expected to increase dramatically, and data traffic is expected to grow explosively in the coming years. DOCOMO has been exploring a next-generation network architecture design of "In-Network Computing,"*1 *2 in which AI processing is executed within the network itself. For telecommunications operators entering the AI era, continuously analyzing various types of data available within the network using AI by creating new value, while simultaneously achieving energy efficiency and sustainable network operations, has become a critical challenge.DOCOMO has been studying next-generation network architectures aimed at improving user experience, optimizing network traffic, and enabling optimal placement and effective utilization of computing resources, including various types of xPUs, by fully leveraging their respective characteristics. Specifically, DOCOMO seeks to enhance performance and efficiency for customers from both networking and AI perspectives by appropriately deploying high-performance GPUs - one of the key elements for advanced AI workloads - and CPUs, which are well suited for wide-area deployment and low-power, efficient operation, at suitable network nodes.DOCOMO integrated a platform that enables vRAN functions and AI service applications to run simultaneously by utilizing CPU resources on general-purpose servers. The results confirmed that even when using CPUs, a certain level of AI processing can be executed in parallel with communication network processing. This achievement demonstrates that flexible operation combining network and AI applications is possible without relying on dedicated high-performance accelerators, thereby expanding viable options for efficient network deployment.Going forward, DOCOMO will continue to study and promote the optimal placement of computing resources, including CPUs and GPUs, while taking actual traffic characteristics and requirements of various AI applications into account.This demonstration utilized a vRAN configuration composed of the following commercially deployed products:- vRAN base station software, provided by NEC Corporation- Virtualization infrastructure hosting the vRAN and AI applications, provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS)- Accelerator cards for accelerating specific computational processing, provided by Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.- Servers equipped with the above products, provided by HPELooking ahead, DOCOMO will continue to advance integration and verification of platforms for both network infrastructure and AI services toward the realization of "In-Network Computing," while pursuing further studies aimed at commercialization. In addition, DOCOMO will work in collaboration with business partners to realize optimal network architecture design for 6G and AI era.This initiative will be showcased at the NTT Group's booth during Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2026, organized by GSMA and held in Barcelona, Spain, from March 2 to March 5, 2026.*1 Press Release:"Successful demonstration of computing and mobile networks convergence to provide diverse services in the 6G era"*2 Press Release:"NTT and DOCOMO Successfully Demonstrates On-Demand Unified Control of Computing Services Through Network and Service Integration"About NTT DOCOMONTT DOCOMO, Japan's leading mobile operator with over 91 million subscribers, is one of the global leaders in 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network technologies. Under the slogan "Bridging Worlds for Wonder & Happiness," DOCOMO is actively collaborating with global partners to expand its business scope from mobile services to comprehensive solutions, aiming to deliver unsurpassed value and drive innovation in technology and communications, ultimately to support positive change and advancement in global society. https://www.docomo.ne.jp/english/Source: NTT DOCOMOCopyright 2026 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 25, 2026) - Questcorp Mining Inc. (CSE: QQQ) (OTCQB: QQCMF) (FSE: D910) (the "Company" or "Questcorp") is pleased to announce that it has closed the first tranche of its upsized non-brokered private placement of 11,100,000 units (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.20 per Unit for gross proceeds of $2,220,000.00 (the "Offering"). Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (each, a "Share") and one-half-of-one common share purchase warrant (each whole common share purchase warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one common share of the Company at a price of $0.30 until February 24, 2029, provided that holders will not be permitted to exercise Warrants until 60 days following closing of the first tranche of the Offering.

The Company expects to utilize the proceeds of the Offering for exploration work at the Company's La Union Gold and Silver Project and North Island Copper Project, and for general working capital purposes.

The Units issued under the Offering were offered for sale pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions, as amended by CSA Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 - Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (collectively, the "Listed Issuer Financing Exemption"), in all provinces of Canada, except Quebec, and other qualifying jurisdictions, including the United States. The Units issued under the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption will be immediately "free-trading" under applicable Canadian securities laws.

In connection with closing of the first tranche of the Offering, the Company paid $16,300, issued 580,000 Units at a deemed issued price of $0.20 per Unit and issued 661,500 common share purchase warrants (each, a "Finders' Warrant") to certain arms-length parties (each, a "Finder") who assisted in introducing subscribers to the Offering. Each Finders' Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one common share of the Company at a price of $0.30 until February 24, 2029, provided that holders will not be permitted to exercise Finders' Warrants until 60 days following closing of the first tranche of the Offering. All securities issued to Finders are subject to restrictions on resale until June 25, 2026 in accordance with applicable securities laws and the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange.

This press release is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in the United States or in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to qualification or registration under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from U.S. registration requirements and applicable U.S. state securities laws.

About Questcorp Mining Inc.

Questcorp Mining Inc. is engaged in the business of the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties in North America, with the objective of locating and developing economic precious and base metals properties of merit. The Company holds an option to acquire an undivided 100% interest in and to mineral claims totaling 1,168.09 hectares comprising the North Island Copper Property, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, subject to a royalty obligation. The Company also holds an option to acquire an undivided 100% interest in and to mineral claims totaling 2,520.2 hectares comprising the La Union Project located in Sonora, Mexico, subject to a royalty obligation.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,

Saf Dhillon

President & CEO

https://questcorpmining.ca

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the intended use of proceeds from the Offering; and closing of subsequent tranches of the Offering. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, uncertain capital markets; and delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/285268

Source: Questcorp Mining Inc.
DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- According to MarketsandMarkets, the AI in Virtual Medical Assistants Market is projected to grow from about USD 1.86 billion in 2025 to USD 8.85 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 36.6%.

Browse 400 market data Tables and 55 Figures spread through 400 Pages and in-depth TOC on "AI in Virtual Medical Assistants Market - Global Forecast to 2030"

AI in Virtual Medical Assistants Market Size & Forecast:

Market Size Available for Years: 2024-2030

2024-2030 2025 Market Size: USD 1.86 billion

USD 1.86 billion 2030 Projected Market Size: USD 8.85 billion

USD 8.85 billion CAGR (2025-2030): 36.6%

AI in Virtual Medical Assistants Market Trends & Insights:

By offering, the EHR/EMR-integrated systems segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 38.3%.

By mode of interaction, multimodal interaction segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 38.1%.

North America to dominate the market with a share of 42.8% in 2024.

Download PDF Brochure @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=164416014

The AI in virtual medical assistants market is experiencing significant growth, driven by these solutions' increasing ability to effectively integrate with hospital IT systems, including scheduling, billing platforms, and electronic health records (EHRs). Using interoperability standards such as HL7 and FHIR, these assistants support streamlined clinical workflows, provide real-time access to patient data, and improve care coordination across healthcare facilities. Additionally, advancements in edge AI technology enable virtual medical assistants to process data locally on smartphones and connected devices, reducing latency, protecting patient data privacy, and ensuring functionality in areas with limited or unreliable internet connectivity.

Recent developments and regulatory shifts are significantly transforming the commercial landscape of the AI in virtual medical assistants market. The integration of large language models (LLMs) and generative AI into VHA platforms has greatly enhanced their capacity to provide context-aware, human-like interactions, improving clinical decision support, triage, and patient engagement. These advancements are increasingly being incorporated into electronic health record (EHR) systems, remote monitoring platforms, and telehealth solutions, enabling 24/7 assistance in both acute and chronic care settings. Regulatory agencies like the US FDA and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) are updating frameworks to assess AI-based clinical tools, including virtual assistants. Initiatives such as the FDA's Digital Health Software Precertification Program and evolving guidance on AI/ML-based Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) aim to speed up approval processes while maintaining safety and effectiveness. Moreover, changes to reimbursement policies, such as CPT codes for remote patient monitoring and virtual consultations, are encouraging the wider adoption of AI-powered VHAs by incentivizing their use across healthcare systems. These developments are expected to boost innovation, reduce barriers to entry, and promote competition in the global AI in virtual medical assistants market.

By mode of interaction, the multimodal interaction segment accounted for a significant share of the AI in virtual medical assistants market in 2024.

Multimodal interaction in AI-powered virtual medical assistants combines voice, text, and visual elements to create a more user-friendly and personalized experience. This approach allows patients to choose their preferred method of communication. It improves accessibility for various groups, such as seniors and people with disabilities. These assistants boost patient engagement through interactive tools such as voice-based symptom assessments, text follow-ups, and avatar-based visual health education. They also integrate seamlessly with connected devices and telemedicine platforms. This integration enables real-time tracking and quick responses. Because of these benefits, multimodal interaction has become popular for engaging users and is playing a significant role in the growth of the AI in virtual medical assistants market.

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By application, the clinical application segment held the largest share of the AI in virtual medical assistants market in 2024.

The clinical application segment is experiencing strong adoption as these solutions improve care delivery, lessen clinician workload, and enhance patient outcomes. By supporting functions such as symptom assessment, chronic disease management, medication adherence, and post-discharge monitoring, they enable continuous, personalized care. Integrated with telehealth platforms and electronic health records (EHRs), these assistants offer real-time decision support, promote patient engagement, and streamline clinical workflows. Their capacity to deliver scalable, cost-effective solutions amid increasing healthcare demand positions clinical applications as a vital part of the growth of AI in virtual medical assistants market.

North America commanded the largest share in the AI in virtual medical assistants market in 2024.

North America led the AI in virtual medical assistants market in 2024, supported by its advanced digital health ecosystem, high healthcare IT expenditure, and widespread adoption of AI-powered technologies. The US, in particular, benefits from a strong regulatory framework that promotes telehealth and digital therapeutics, along with favorable reimbursement policies that encourage the integration of virtual assistants into clinical workflows. A tech-savvy population, increasing focus on chronic disease management, and rising demand for remote care solutions have further fueled market adoption. Major technology players and healthcare providers in the region are actively investing in AI-powered tools to streamline administrative tasks, improve patient engagement, and enhance clinical decision-making, cementing North America's leadership in the global AI in virtual medical assistants market.

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Top Companies in AI in Virtual Medical Assistants Market:

The Top Companies in AI in Virtual Medical Assistants Market include Microsoft (US), Verint Systems (US), Amazon.com, Inc. (US), Teladoc Health, Inc. (US), Egain Corporation (US), Infermendica (Poland), Teckel Medical (Spain), Fabric Labs (US), Movate (US), Amazon.com, Inc. (US), Feebris (UK), Healthtap, Inc. (US), Salesforce, Inc. (US), and ADA Health (Germany).

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Rise in prevalence of allergy cases and surge in focus on personalized medicine are the major factors that drive the growth of the allergy immunotherapy market. However, the risk of side effects hinders the market growth. Moreover, increase in focus on advancements in immunotherapy treatments offer remunerative opportunities for the expansion of the global allergy immunotherapy market.

WILMINGTON, Del., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Allergy Immunotherapy Market by Type (Subcutaneous Immunotherapy and Sublingual Immunotherapy), Application (Allergy Rhinitis, Asthma, Food Allergy and Others), and Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail and Online Pharmacies): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2033". According to the report, the allergy immunotherapy market was valued at $1.8 billion in 2023, and is estimated to reach $4.9 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 10.4% from 2024 to 2033.

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Segment Overview

The subcutaneous immunotherapy segment held the highest market share in 2023.

By type, the subcutaneous immunotherapy segment held the highest share in the year 2023. Subcutaneous immunotherapy helps reduce allergy symptoms. It is known to offer sustained relief even after treatment ends. This safety profile makes it a preferred choice among allergists. This drives the growth of the subcutaneous immunotherapy segment.

Hospital pharmacies are the major distributors of allergy immunotherapy

Hospital pharmacies distribute allergy immunotherapy medication to ensure patients receive proper treatment. They manage inventory and provide expert guidance on administration. Also, these pharmacies are easy to access. They are known to provide expertise for patients undergoing allergy treatment. This makes them a safe and effective distributor of allergy immunotherapy. This drives the growth of the hospital pharmacies segment.

How Do Government Policies and Regulations Impact Regional Market Growth?

Government policies and regulatory frameworks play an important role in shaping regional allergy immunotherapy markets. These policies influence market access, reimbursement coverage, product approvals, and patient adoption rates. Favorable reimbursement policies significantly increase patient access to allergy immunotherapy treatments in regions with strong public or private insurance systems. Patient out-of-pocket expenses decrease when immunotherapy products are covered under national health plans or insurance schemes. This leads to higher adoption and sustained therapy demand.

Regulatory bodies also influence the reach of new immunotherapy products in the market. Streamlined approval processes and clear regulatory pathways encourage innovation and allow manufacturers to bring new products to patients. Public funding for allergy research, clinical trials, and treatment infrastructure helps improve product development. Government grants and partnerships with academic institutions help advance personalized immunotherapy approaches and novel treatment options.

Regional Outlook

The allergy immunotherapy market is studied across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. High healthcare expenditure and advanced medical infrastructure drive market growth in in North America and Europe. This growth across the regions is also supported by rise in allergy prevalence and awareness. Increase in healthcare investments and sure in awareness about allergic conditions are expected to boost market demand in Asia-Pacific. Improvements in healthcare systems and increase in focus on chronic diseases boost the growth across LAMEA.

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What Are the Strategies Adopted by the Key Players in the Market?

The global allergy immunotherapy market is competitive and growing, with strategies focused on innovation, product portfolio expansion, strategic alliances, and geographic reach expansion to strengthen market positions. Leading companies prioritize the development of new and improved immunotherapy treatments. For example, ALK-Abello has a robust pipeline with sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) tablets and subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) formulations covering grass pollen, dust mite, and tree pollen allergies. Its focus on innovation helps maintain market leadership, especially in the respiratory allergy segment.

R&D investment is a core strategy for key players aiming to introduce next-generation therapies. These include novel delivery technologies, recombinant allergen platforms, and personalized treatments targeting broader allergy types. Companies like Allergy Therapeutics and Biomay AG work on advanced biological extracts and immunotherapy approaches to enhance efficacy and patient adherence.

Partnerships are widely used to accelerate product development and expand market reach. Collaborations with academic institutions, diagnostic firms, and healthcare providers help integrate research insights into clinical practice. For instance, companies collaborate to develop biomarkers that predict immunotherapy response, improving treatment personalization.

Key Players

Torii Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Biomay AG

ALK-Abello A/S

Allergy Therapeutics

Allovate, LLC

HAL Allergy Group

Jubliant Pharma

Leti Pharma

Merck KGaA

Stallergenes Greer

The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global Allergy immunotherapy market. These players have adopted different strategies such as expansion, product approval, clinical trails, product launch 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.

Recent Industry Development

In May 2024, ALK-Abello A/S, a pharmaceutical company which specializes in the development and manufacturing of allergy immunotherapy products, announced the European regulatory filing for ITULAZAX (tree sublingual allergy immunotherapy (SLIT) tablet) in young children has been accepted for review by the relevant health authorities.

In October 2021, Stallergenes Greer, a global healthcare company specialising in allergen immunotherapy (AIT), announced that the company has entered into an exclusive partnership with Aptar Pharma, a global leader in drug delivery systems, services and active material science solutions, for the development of the first of its kind connected device and companion mobile app for patients undergoing Stallergenes Greer's AIT treatments with sublingual solutions.

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How Intense Is Market Competition and What Defines Competitive Advantage?

Competition in the global allergy immunotherapy market is moderate to high, shaped by a mixture of well-established pharmaceutical firms and specialized biotech innovators. A few dominant players command significant market shares, while others compete in niche segments like food allergies and novel delivery methods.

The market exhibits a semi-consolidated structure, where a handful of companies hold the largest revenue share. For example, ALK-Abello is often cited as the leading market player, supported by a diversified allergy immunotherapy portfolio. Other companies like Stallergenes Greer, Allergy Therapeutics, and HAL Allergy Group also maintain meaningful positions through their offerings in subcutaneous and sublingual therapies.

Innovators such as DBV Technologies are developing epicutaneous (patch-based) immunotherapy, representing a different delivery method competing with traditional injections and sublingual tablets. The food allergy segment is an emerging competitive area, prompting investment from firms such as Aimmune Therapeutics, which focuses on oral immunotherapy products.

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TOKYO, Japan, Feb 25, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - NTT DOCOMO, INC. and Keio University Haptics Research Center announced today that they have successfully conducted a demonstration of high-precision remote robot operation over commercial 5G. By combining Configured Grant,*1 a low-latency network slicing technology,*2 with Keio's Real Haptics(R) technology,*3 delicate force feedback and tactile sensations were transmitted stably. This marks the world's first demonstration*4 of Configured Grant enabling practical robot teleoperation over commercial 5G.In the experiment, Configured Grant was applied to the radio link between the terminal and base station to minimize latency and jitter. Results confirmed that latency requirements for practical teleoperation of Real Haptics robots were met, while force reproducibility and operability were improved.To convey precise force feedback when a remote robot interacts with objects controlled by an operator at a distant location, mobile data communication must maintain low latency and minimal jitter. High or fluctuating latency can disrupt synchronization between the operator and remote robot. This compromises the precise force reproduction of Real Haptics, hindering delicate robot operation.DOCOMO and Keio University have previously collaborated on the development and testing of Real Haptics for robot teleoperation over mobile networks.*5 By reducing the impact of latency in the wireless segment, highly precise and delicate remote robot control can now be performed stably even under network congestion.Going forward, the two organizations will continue developing and testing technologies to accelerate the practical use of advanced robot teleoperation.This demonstration will be exhibited at the NTT Group's booth during MWC Barcelona 2026, organized by GSMA and held in Barcelona, Spain, from March 2 to March 5, 2026.*1 A scheduling method in which the base station pre-allocates communication resources to specific devices.*2 A network slicing technology that provides virtualized network segments optimized for low latency.*3 A technology invented by Professor Kohei Onishi (Keio University Haptics Research Center) that transmits tactile and contact information bidirectionally and reproduces human force on robots.*4 As of February 25, 2026, according to DOCOMO's research.*5 NTT DOCOMO, "Evolution of robotics with Force & Tactile Tele-Transmission" (Japanese only)Real Haptics(R) is a registered trademark of MotionLib Inc.About NTT DOCOMONTT DOCOMO, Japan's leading mobile operator with over 91 million subscribers, is one of the global leaders in 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network technologies.Under the slogan "Bridging Worlds for Wonder & Happiness," DOCOMO is actively collaborating with global partners to expand its business scope from mobile services to comprehensive solutions, aiming to deliver unsurpassed value and drive innovation in technology and communications, ultimately to support positive change and advancement in global society. https://www.docomo.ne.jp/english/About Keio University Global Research Institute Haptics Research CenterThe Haptics Research Center is aiming to make RealHaptics technology widely and universally available to consumers and companies worldwide and operates a council for RealHaptics technology in which private companies also participate. As a research institution for RealHaptics technology, Keio University holds a core set of related patents. Furthermore, the Haptics Research Center works closely with companies to carry out joint research to explore new applications for the technology. https://haptics-c.keio.ac.jp/AppendixOverview of the Demonstration1. BackgroundReal Haptics(R) is a technology that reproduces the force sensation of touching objects on a robot. Using Real Haptics, a remote operator can perform delicate tasks by controlling a robot with precise force. By synchronizing the position, force, and speed between the operator robot (the "leader") and the remote robot (the "follower") in real time, the system conveys the sensation of touch to the operator and transfers subtle force to the target object.Applying advanced robots like Real Haptics over mobile data networks enables outdoor operation and expands potential use cases. However, latency and jitters in mobile networks make stable robot teleoperation challenging. In Real Haptics, network delays can hinder force feedback, cause jerky movements, and reduce operational precision.DOCOMO and Keio University have been exploring various approaches, developing and verifying technologies to reduce the impact of latency and jitters on wireless robot teleoperation. Previously, the two organizations demonstrated the effectiveness of combining network functions that stabilize latency with robot functions that mitigate its negative effects. For this demonstration, it focused on the wireless segment, which has a strong influence on mobile network latency, and introduced Configured Grant, a new approach that directly reduces latency and jitters.2. Overview of Configured GrantConfigured Grant, a low-latency network slicing technique, assigns dedicated communication resources in advance to specific devices under a base station. This helps minimize latency and jitters in the wireless segment, regardless of network congestion.Normally, mobile devices communicate with a base station using the Dynamic Grant method (see Figure 1, left). When a device has data to transmit, it first requests communication resources from the base station. The base station then allocates resources based on the status of other devices and notifies the requesting device. The devices then use these resources to transmit the data. The time between the resource request and actual data transmission is known as scheduling delay. This delay always occurs under Dynamic Grant and can fluctuate depending on network conditions, posing a major challenge for stable remote operation of advanced robots, especially in congested networks.On the other hand, with Configured Grant (see Figure 1, right), the base station pre-allocates exclusive communication resources to a device (or a line) for a specific period. The device can transmit data without requesting resources, effectively eliminating scheduling delay. As a result, both latency and jitters are reduced, enabling more stable wireless remote operation.Configured Grant provides a stable mobile network with consistently low latency, ideal for precise teleoperation of advanced robots, regardless of network conditions.3. Network Configuration and Experimental MethodThe demonstration used DOCOMO's commercial 5G SA network, connecting the operator robot (Leader) and remote robot (Follower) via a virtual server on docomo MEC(R)*1 running the Bilateral Edge Platform,*2 a proprietary platform currently under development for robot control (Figure 2). Control data packets sent from one robot travel through the uplink via DOCOMO's commercial network and docomo MEC private network to the server. The server then forwards these packets to the other robot over the downlink. Real-time bidirectional packet exchange enables force feedback of Real Haptics control. Furthermore, to simulate realistic teleoperation conditions where video transmission traffic would be present, 20 Mbps of background traffic was added alongside the control traffic.Configured Grant was implemented at both the base stations and 5G devices. When communication occurs over a line assigned Configured Grant settings, the mechanism becomes active, enabling low-latency transmission.For the experiment, a hand-type follower and its leader were used to perform a standardized task: grasping a hard wooden block, quickly moving the hand while varying applied force, and transporting it within a set time. The task was performed twice, once using 5G SA with Configured Grant and once using standard 5G SA without it, to compare performance (Figure 3).4. ResultsUsing 5G SA with Configured Grant, both the average communication latency and jitters (standard deviation) were lower compared to standard 5G SA without Configured Grant, meeting the latency requirements for practical teleoperation of Real Haptics robots. Furthermore, as latency characteristics improved, performance metrics for robot operation were also enhanced. The force-feedback reproduction rate*3 increased by 40% (24 points) with Configured Grant, providing more precise force feedback (Figure 4). The smoothness of robot operation, measured by Dimensionless Jerk Cost,*4 decreased by 59%, enabling smoother, more stable control (Figure 5).*1 A cloud service providing Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) features for the 5G era, including low latency and high security.*2 A platform service that combines ultra-low-latency mobile data communication with remote control and AI operation of force- and touch-sensitive robots.*3 A measurement of how accurately one robot replicates the force applied to the other robot. Values closer to 100% indicate higher fidelity.*4 An indicator of motion smoothness based on acceleration changes. Lower values indicate smoother robot movements.docomo MEC is a registered trademark of NTT DOCOMO, INC.docomo MEC is provided by NTT DOCOMO, INC. and related services are consigned to and sold by NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS, INC. as the agent.Bilateral Edge Platform is a trademark of NTT DOCOMO, INC.Source: NTT DOCOMOCopyright 2026 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
Summary: Rise in the geriatric population and surge in the incidence of age related macular degeneration market drives the growth of the global age related macular degeneration market.

WILMINGTON, Del., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Age related macular degeneration is diagnosed through eye examination. Ophthalmologists use retinal imaging and optical coherence tomography to assess macular health and detect abnormalities. Early detection of the condition allows for better monitoring and timely intervention, especially in wet age related macular degeneration cases. There is currently no cure for age related macular degeneration, however, treatments can slow progression and preserve vision.

Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Age related macular degeneration Market by Product Type (Aflibercept, Ranibizumab and Others), Disease Type (Dry AMD and Wet AMD) and Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacy, Specialty Pharmacy and Online Pharmacy): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022-2032". According to the report, the age related macular degeneration market was valued at $10.0 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $16.2 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5% from 2024 to 2033.

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Age related macular degeneration is a serious and common condition affecting millions of older adults worldwide. While it cannot be fully cured, early diagnosis, proper treatment, and lifestyle adjustments can significantly decrease its progression. Ongoing research into advanced therapies, including gene therapy and longer-acting anti-VEGF drugs, offers hope for improved management in the future.

Rise in number of elderly individuals is a major factor that contributes toward the growth of the age related macular degeneration market. The likelihood of developing age related macular degeneration increases with age. This expansion of elderly population represents a larger customer base for treatments associated with age related macular degeneration. This fuels the market growth. Nevertheless, the progress of the market is hindered by high cost associated with age related macular degeneration medications in the future. On a positive note, the emergence of numerous pipeline drugs offers promising prospects for the coming years.

The aflibercept segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period

Based on drug type, the aflibercept segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than two-thirds of the global age related macular degeneration market revenue. This is attributed to the rise in the adoption of aflibercept drugs for the treatment of age related macular degeneration across the world. However, the other segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 7.6% from 2023 to 2032, as brolucizumab, verteporfin, and pegcetacoplan are being prescribed for the treatment of age related macular degeneration.

Aflibercept is an injection that is given directly into the eye by a healthcare professional. Surge in incidences of wet age related macular degeneration among the elderly population has increased the need for age related macular degeneration drugs across the world, which contribute towards the market growth. For instance, according to the factsheet by Bright Focus foundation, it was estimated that around 200 million people worldwide are living with AMD and this number is expected to reach 288 million by 2040.

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The wet age related macular degeneration segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period

Based on disease type, the wet age related macular degeneration segment held the highest market share in 2023, accounting for more than 90% of the global age related macular degeneration market revenue. This is attributed to a rise in the prevalence of wet age related macular degeneration among the elderly population and expensive treatment of wet age related macular degeneration. However, the dry age related macular degeneration segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR of 7.1% from 2024 to 2033.

Dry age related macular degeneration is the most common type of age related macular degeneration and is characterized by the presence of yellowish deposits called drusen in the macula. The key factors that drives the growth of this segment are a rise in the prevalence of dry age related macular degeneration among elderly populations. For instance, according to 2021 report by the National Center of Biotechnology Information (NCBI), it was estimated that about 90% of the population in the world suffer from dry age related macular degeneration.

The hospital pharmacy segment to maintain its lead position during the forecast period

Based on distribution channel, the hospital pharmacy segment accounted for the largest share in 2023, contributing to nearly three-fifths of the global age related macular degeneration market revenue, and is projected to maintain its lead position during the forecast period. This is attributed to the increase in sales of prescription age related macular degeneration drugs from hospital pharmacy. The segment is also expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period.

Hospital pharmacy plays an important role in the management of age related macular degeneration, as they are responsible for ensuring the appropriate medications are distributed to patients. These medications are available through a prescription form and may be dispensed by a licensed healthcare provider. Hospital pharmacy serves as a crucial intermediary between the prescribing physician and the patient. In addition, hospital pharmacy ensures that drugs are safely stored, labeled, and dispensed with providing information about dosing regimens and potential drug interactions to the patients.

North America to maintain its dominance by 2033

Based on region, North America held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2023, accounting for more than half of the global age related macular degeneration market revenue, which is attributed to the surge in the geriatric population that are vulnerable to age related macular degeneration, presence of key players, and availability of high-quality healthcare system & modern medical technologies. However, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 6.6% from 2024 to 2033. This is owing to the presence of large patient population, growth in awareness for age related macular degeneration drugs, and an increase in public-private investments for unmet medical needs.

North America is expected to occupy a dominant share in the age related macular degeneration market during the forecast period, owing to its well-developed healthcare industry, and easy availability of healthcare infrastructure. In addition, a rise in the prevalence of age related macular degeneration along with geriatric population across the region further drives the growth of the market. For instance, according to the factsheet published by Bright Focus Foundation in October 2022, about 11 million people in the U.S. have some form of age related macular degeneration and this number is expected to double to nearly 22 million by 2050.

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Leading Market Players

Comprehensive analysis of recent developments and growth curves of various companies have helped understand the growth strategies adopted by them and their potential effect on the market. The companies are evaluated based on annual reports, SEC filings, and press releases. Key players analyzed in the market include

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Novartis Ag

F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.

Biogen

Bayer Ag

Coherus Biosciences Inc

Sanofi

Apellis Pharmaceuticals

Bausch Health Companies Inc.

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global age related macular degeneration marker. These players have adopted new product launches as a strategy 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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New Data Points to Effectiveness of the Initiative's Precompetitive Collaboration Among Food Businesses

CHICAGO, IL / ACCESS Newswire / February 25, 2026 / A new report from the U.S. Food Waste Pact (Pact), a collaborative initiative of 30 food businesses across the country led by nonprofits ReFED and World Wildlife Fund, shows reductions in the amount of food being wasted nationwide by grocery retail and foodservice companies in 2024 compared to 2023. The results are good news for the food system, as it tries to address its 60-million-ton food waste problem.

This is the second year that Pact signatories have reported these data, with 2023 results serving as the inaugural benchmark for food waste in these sectors. Unsold food rates, the metric that most accurately reflects waste reduction in the retail sector, decreased by 1.1% from 2023 to 2024, despite an increase in tons wasted. This means that while market fluctuations and business performance across the retail sector resulted in more food passing through grocery stores, food waste still decreased based on the share of retail inventory that went unsold. The food efficiency rate, the metric that most accurately reflects waste reduction in the foodservice sector, decreased by 5.7% from 2023 to 2024, which was accompanied by a 4,000 ton reduction in waste and a $15.9 million decrease in the wholesale cost of surplus food.

"Being able to measure these kinds of trends is a core reason for why we launched the U.S. Food Waste Pact over two years ago," Jackie Suggitt, vice president of business initiatives & community engagement at ReFED said. "Measuring food waste is critical to making progress to reduce it. This kind of data allows our signatories and food businesses across the country to take informed and targeted action against food waste."

In addition to these downward trends in retail and foodservice, the report shares that Pact pilot projects to test and scale solutions to food waste resulted in significant reductions. To date, these pilots have demonstrated food waste reduction averaging more than 50%, including:

Across four pilots, frontline workers have generated 750+ food waste reduction ideas and have implemented over ten ideas, resulting in an average food waste reduction of 66%.

One whole chain pilot from 2025 that tested a solution to utilize more strawberries in the foodservice sector reduced on-farm strawberry waste by 51%.

The Pact's first low-waste events pilot implementing measurement practices and testing several solutions to back-of-house waste reduced 55% of food waste in key food categories across participating sites.

"Our pilots show impressive proof of concept that, if brought to scale, could have staggering impacts on food waste," Pete Pearson, vice president of food loss and waste at World Wildlife Fund says. "It points to the need for more collaboration across the supply chain to leverage simple solutions with high returns."

"Being a part of the U.S. Food Waste Pact has been incredibly valuable for ALDI," says Emily Wiora, sustainability director at ALDI US. "As a founding signatory, collaborating openly with our peers has accelerated our progress and provided insights that we excitedly share with fellow signatories. As the Pact grows, so does its impact on reducing food waste nationwide. Together, we are making meaningful strides in food waste diversion and reduction, and we take pride in being part of the retail cohort that established the national benchmark for food waste in our industry."

A total of 14 food businesses and organizations joined the Pact in 2025, nearly doubling the initiative's signatory base. Organically Grown Company and Midwest Foods established a food distribution cohort for the Pact, and CAVA, Starbucks, and Wawa tripled the quick-service restaurant cohort. Hilton was the Pact's first hospitality signatory, and at the end of the year, the American Hotel & Lodging Association joined as a coalition signatory, a partner that can reach many organizations. Trade associations Western Growers Association and the International Fresh Produce Association helped the Pact establish a presence in the producer sector, and FMI-The Food Industry Association's joining marked a critical milestone for the Pact because the association touches every corner of the food system. These signatories and more have expanded the Pact's work across the entire supply chain, allowing for more collaboration to accelerate impact.

"This was a landmark year for the U.S. Food Waste Pact," says Dana Gunders, president of ReFED. "Our signatories are deeply invested in learning from each other, and the impact of that shared knowledge shows. Whether on a micro scale through pilots or on a macro scale through their own business initiatives, they are taking data-informed action to reduce food waste, and their collaboration is accelerating progress on that shared goal. We're excited to deepen our engagement with signatories this year as we focus on expanding our resources and scaling solution adoption."

The signatories of the U.S. Food Waste Pact are retailers Albertsons Companies, Ahold Delhaize USA, ALDI US, Amazon Fresh, Kroger, New Seasons Market, Raley's, Sprouts Farmers Market, Walmart Inc., and Whole Foods Market; manufacturers Bob's Red Mill, Del Monte Fresh Produce Company, and Lamb Weston, Inc.; coalition signatories Health Care Without Harm and R&DE Stanford Food Institute; trade associations the American Hotel & Lodging Association, FMI-The Food Industry Association, the International Fresh Produce Association, and Western Growers Association; foodservice signatories Aramark, Compass Group USA, ISS Guckenheimer, and Sodexo USA; quick-service restaurants CAVA, Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, and Wawa; hospitality signatory Hilton; and distributors Organically Grown Company and Midwest Foods.

About the U.S. Food Waste Pact

The U.S. Food Waste Pact is a national voluntary agreement that uses the "Target, Measure, Act" framework to reduce food waste across the supply chain. The Pact works with waste-generating food businesses and organizations to collect and analyze data about food waste in their operations, share best practices through precompetitive working groups, and test and scale solutions through intervention projects. The Pact is an initiative led by nonprofits ReFED and the World Wildlife Fund. For more information about the U.S. Food Waste Pact, visit http://usfoodwastepact.org/.

About ReFED

ReFED is a U.S.-based nonprofit that partners with food businesses, funders, solution providers, policymakers, and more to solve food waste. Its vision is a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food system that makes the best use of the food we grow. The organization serves as the definitive source for food waste data, providing the most comprehensive analysis of the food waste problem and solutions to address it. Through its tools and resources, in-person and virtual convenings, and services tailored to help businesses, funders, and solution providers scale their impact, ReFED works to increase adoption of food waste solutions across the supply chain. To learn more about ReFED and solutions to reduce food waste, please visit www.refed.org.

About World Wildlife Fund

WWF is one of the world's leading conservation organizations, working for 60 years in nearly 100 countries to help people and nature thrive. With the support of 1 million members in the United States and more than 5 million members worldwide, WWF is dedicated to delivering science-based solutions to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth, halt the degradation of the environment, and combat the climate crisis.

Media Contacts:

Nate Clark, ReFED

nate.clark@refed.org

Susan McCarthy, WWF

susan.mccarthy@wwfus.org

Find more stories and multimedia from World Wildlife Fund at 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: World Wildlife Fund

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/world-wildlife-fund

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: World Wildlife Fund

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/u.s.-food-waste-pact-report-shows-less-food-being-wasted-in-reta-1140867
Mexico City, Mexico and London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - February 25, 2026) - Reinventing dining on an aircraft begins with rethinking what food represents. In Mexico, it is never just a meal, it is how people gather, connect and share stories. Drawing on this understanding, Aeromexico has reimagined its business class dining experience as an expression of modern Mexico in the air, transforming how food is served, shared and experienced onboard.

Aeromexico has brought this spirit to the sky through launching a new bespoke dining and glassware collection for its Premier One service, created in collaboration with global aviation and hospitality design studio NewTerritory. The collection reimagines onboard dining as an expression of modern Mexico, honouring heritage while elevating the experience of eating on an aircraft for both passengers and crew.

As Mexico's oldest surviving airline enters its 91st year, the project marks a meaningful evolution of the brand. Following the consolidation of its hard product across the fleet - including cabins, seating and textiles - Aeromexico turned its attention to the softer, more human moments onboard. Dining became the natural place to express culture, hospitality and care.

The resulting collection spans more than 15 pieces, including plates, bowls, glasses and mugs, all designed to work within the realities of aviation while delivering moments of warmth, pleasure and ritual akin to a fine restaurant. Every curve, texture and colour was developed to reflect Mexican roots while supporting modern service, wellbeing and efficiency in the air.

Materiality plays a central role. Porcelain pieces subtly reference Mexican ceramics, drawing on the reds of terracotta and the deep blacks of Oaxacan clay, with gently irregular forms that celebrate craft rather than perfection. Blue-tinted glassware nods to the traditional production of tequila bottles made from recycled glass, which naturally takes on a blue hue and delicate air bubbles during the process.

Beyond aesthetics, the collection has been carefully engineered for life onboard. Lightweight materials and space-saving designs help reduce weight, ease crew workload and support more fluid service styles, while future-proofing the dining experience for evolving menus and wellness-led moments.

Vice President Product and Onboard Services at Aeromexico, Antonio Fernandez, said: "Over the last several years we have built consistent, modern hard products with beautiful cabins, great seats, and a refined brand image. To complete this onboard concept, we needed to relaunch our soft products in a way that brings Mexico's culture and hospitality to life.

"This new 15-piece collection designed with NewTerritory does exactly that. It reflects modern Mexico in the air, while also future-proofing our service moments and improving efficiency through smarter, lighter, and more sustainable design. It complements the work we've done on our crew uniforms, ensuring every detail of the Aeromexico experience is part of one bigger, cohesive design story."

Nadja Orwell, Director of Client Partnerships at NewTerritory, said: "From the moment passengers step onboard, they are welcomed into a Mexico that respects its roots while presenting itself with confidence and warmth. This wasn't about decoration - it was about creating a dining experience worthy of the culture it represents.

"The design philosophy draws directly from the Milpa, celebrating harmony, sharing and informality. It reframes business class dining not as a transactional service, but as a cultural moment, one that reconnects a 90-year-old airline with the living, evolving spirit of modern Mexico."

The new dining and glassware collection will be rolled out across Aeromexico's 787 fleet throughout 2026.





Aeromexico launches new 15-piece collection for its Premier One service designed by NewTerritory



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Aeromexico launches new 15-piece collection for its Premier One service designed by NewTerritory

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Aeromexico launches new 15-piece collection for its Premier One service designed by NewTerritory

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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To find out more about NewTerritory's work visit www.newterritory.io.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/285262

Source: NewTerritory
IP Infusion, a global leader in open networking software solutions, today announced the launch of OcNOS 7.0 at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 in Barcelona. This release marks a shift in the industry's transition from legacy vendor-locked solutions to open, automated vendor-agnostic infrastructure.

Backed by a rapidly expanding ecosystem of over 600 global customers, IP Infusion has become the foundational open networking platform for Service Provider networks, Neo-Cloud Data Centers, and high-capacity Data Center Interconnect (DCI).

"OcNOS 7.0 has become the Service Provider's strategic evolution platform of choice," said Miguel Alonso, Chief Product and Marketing Officer of IP Infusion. "We are providing operators with the field-proven tools to accelerate the evolution of legacy infrastructure, secure the internet edge, and automate the entire lifecycle of their networks. At MWC, we will demonstrate how providers can confidently scale IPoDWDM and AI-ready networks while maintaining operational control and long-term sustainability."

In the AI Data Center, networking is critical as the backbone of the GPU infrastructure. OcNOS 7.0 streamlines AI fabrics with low-latency, lossless networking that maximizes GPU efficiency and open automation to support faster deployments and secure operations at scale. By leveraging IP Infusion's commercial open model on white-box hardware, operators can achieve 40-60% TCO savings over closed, vertically integrated solutions.

Four Key Pillars of Innovation in IP Infusion's OcNOS 7.0:

IP Infusion addresses the most critical pain points in modern networking with OcNOS 7.0. Key capabilities include:

IPoDWDM Open Converged IP/Optical Transport Evolution: With support for Open Hardware Platforms and Optics from multiple vendors, OcNOS 7.0 moves beyond a simple transponder-to-ZR replacement, giving Service Providers true control of their network evolution. OcNOS 7.0 combines native 400G/800G ZR/ZR+ optics with a complete Segment Routing feature set. The release introduces capabilities for Segment Routing Traffic Engineering, BGP Free Core, and Segment Routing with Flexible Algorithm (Flex-Algo). This approach simplifies the control plane, reduces label-switching complexity, and streamlines operations by providing deterministic, service-aware paths end-to-end.

With support for Open Hardware Platforms and Optics from multiple vendors, OcNOS 7.0 moves beyond a simple transponder-to-ZR replacement, giving Service Providers true control of their network evolution. OcNOS 7.0 combines native 400G/800G ZR/ZR+ optics with a complete Segment Routing feature set. The release introduces capabilities for Segment Routing Traffic Engineering, BGP Free Core, and Segment Routing with Flexible Algorithm (Flex-Algo). This approach simplifies the control plane, reduces label-switching complexity, and streamlines operations by providing deterministic, service-aware paths end-to-end. Hardened Security at the Internet Edge: BGP RPKI-based invalid-route rejection and hardened BGP peering controls protect networks against route leaks and prefix hijacking. This enhances routing table integrity and reduces operational exposure to global routing incidents.

BGP RPKI-based invalid-route rejection and hardened BGP peering controls protect networks against route leaks and prefix hijacking. This enhances routing table integrity and reduces operational exposure to global routing incidents. Cloud-Native Operations: The new release adds support for Docker and Kubernetes (K8s) for container lifecycle management. Operators can now run their monitoring tools, security probes, or even custom microservices directly on the router in an isolated container environment.

The new release adds support for Docker and Kubernetes (K8s) for container lifecycle management. Operators can now run their monitoring tools, security probes, or even custom microservices directly on the router in an isolated container environment. Real-Time Automation Visibility: IP Infusion added over 100 new gNMI-based streaming telemetry sensors, on-change streaming, and full NetConf/gNMI integration for real-time fabric optimization, faster rerouting, and proactive capacity planning across converged IP/optical networks.

Schedule a Meeting with the IP Infusion Team at MWC 2026

Schedule a meeting with the IP Infusion team at MWC 2026 to learn more about how IP Infusion can support control of network evolution:

IP Infusion Executive Suite (Hall 7, Meeting Room 7B3Ex). MWC 2026 event page: https://www.ipinfusion.com/ip-infusion-will-be-at-mwc-2026/

Experience the Future of Open Networking at MWC 2026

Visit IP Infusion's ecosystem partners to see solutions in action:

UfiSpace (Hall 5, Stand 5A61): Featuring Carrier-Grade Disaggregated Solutions, including high-density cell site gateways and aggregation switches powered by OcNOS, optimized for modern broadband, 5G-Advanced, and AI edge requirements.

Featuring Carrier-Grade Disaggregated Solutions, including high-density cell site gateways and aggregation switches powered by OcNOS, optimized for modern broadband, 5G-Advanced, and AI edge requirements. Fujitsu 1Finity (Hall 2, Stand 2G60): Showcasing a Total IPoDWDM Solution featuring the Fujitsu 1FINITY optical platform integrated with OcNOS. This demonstration highlights the practical integration of IP and optical layers within the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) ecosystem to reduce latency and power consumption.

Showcasing a Total IPoDWDM Solution featuring the Fujitsu 1FINITY optical platform integrated with OcNOS. This demonstration highlights the practical integration of IP and optical layers within the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) ecosystem to reduce latency and power consumption. IOWN Global Forum(Hall 2, Booth 2B40): Showcase of next-generation, photonics-driven network and compute infrastructure, validated through real-world use cases and ecosystem collaboration.

About IP Infusion

IP Infusion develops open network software solutions for network service providers and data center operators. With hundreds of customers and thousands of deployments, IP Infusion leads the market in Network Operating Systems. Its flagship platform, OcNOS, empowers network operators to disaggregate their networks, streamline operations, and reduce total cost of ownership (TCO). Headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., IP Infusion is a wholly owned subsidiary of ACCESS CO., LTD. For more information, visit www.IPInfusion.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260225860472/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact:

Katherine Verducci, 1903 PR

kverducci@1903pr.com

408.429.5779
Global impact driven by strategic grants and record 125,000+ employee volunteer hours

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / February 25, 2026 / The Motorola Solutions Foundation, the charitable and philanthropic arm of Motorola Solutions (NYSE:MSI), today announced its significant 2025 impact, including over $10 million in strategic grants and a new company record of more than 125,000 employee volunteer hours. These milestones reflect the Foundation's three core pillars: uplifting the first responder community, empowering the next generation of innovators and inspiring a global employee culture of volunteerism.

Uplifting the First Responder Community

A 2025 report revealed that police officers are 54% more likely to die by suicide than the average civilian, and firefighters remain more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.

This crisis is more than a statistic; it is a personal battle for those on the front lines. To help address this urgent need, the Foundation supports programs like First Responders' Bridge, which provides a lifeline to individuals like Sgt. Brandon Qualls, a police officer in Muncie, Indiana.

"I'd decided that I was going to take my life ... it was very soon after that when my wife came to me about the Bridge," said Sgt. Qualls. "A speaker was talking about the symptoms of PTSD, and I remember thinking that described a lot of what was going on with me. The Bridge, without a doubt, saved my life."

In 2025, the Foundation awarded over $5 million to first responder programs, including $1.9 million for mental health and wellness, $1.5 million to support the families of the fallen and $1.3 million to programs focused on recruitment and leadership development to counter staffing shortages.

Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators

The Foundation's commitment to innovation directly confronts a critical challenge: students from under-resourced high schools are less than half as likely to complete STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) degrees compared to their peers from higher-resourced schools, according to a 2025 report. To help dismantle this barrier, the Foundation committed more than $5 million to programs providing technology and engineering education.

"This scholarship not only eases the financial burden of college but also motivates me to keep striving for excellence," said Kang, a recipient of William Rainey Harper College's Motorola Solutions Foundation Engineering Pathways and Award for Excellence Scholarship. "[The Foundation's] generosity has made a real impact on my journey, and I hope to one day pay it forward."

This targeted investment supports students at every stage of their academic journey. From hands-on technology activities and vocational skills to teacher development and scholarships, the Foundation helps convert students' interests into careers, cultivating a robust pipeline of innovators for the future.

Inspiring a Global Culture of Giving Back

The impact of the Foundation's strategic grants is amplified by employee commitment. In 2025, Motorola Solutions employees logged over 125,000 volunteer hours in 40 countries, and the Foundation issued over $1.3 million in employee matching donations.

"Giving back is a deeply personal journey, and we are committed to helping our employees translate their passions into lasting legacies," said Wesley Barden Touhy, executive director of the Motorola Solutions Foundation. "From matching their volunteer hours to connecting them with non-profits that are personally meaningful, we're proud to empower our people in all they do as a positive force for change."

Through the Motorola Matches program, the Foundation amplifies employee engagement by matching both volunteer hours ('Donations for Doers') and financial contributions ('Donations for Donors').

About the Motorola Solutions Foundation

As the charitable and philanthropic arm of Motorola Solutions, the Motorola Solutions Foundation partners with organizations around the world to create safer cities and thriving communities. We focus on giving back through strategic grants, employee volunteerism and other community investment initiatives, and our strategic grants program supports organizations that offer first responder programming and technology and engineering education. The Foundation is one of the many ways in which the company is helping to create safer communities. For more information on Motorola Solutions corporate and foundation giving, visit our website: www.motorolasolutions.com/foundation

Media Contact

Sarah Eckhaus

sarah.eckhaus@motorolasolutions.com

224-329-6600

Find more stories and multimedia from Motorola Solutions at 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Motorola Solutions

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/motorola-solutions-foundation

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Motorola Solutions

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/motorola-solutions-foundation-invests-over-10-million-to-support-first-1141115
Orbia Advance Corporation, S.A.B. de C.V. (BMV: ORBIA*) ("Orbia" or "the Company") announced today that James P. "Jim" Kelly will retire as Chief Financial Officer after four years of service. The Company also announced that Cristian "Cape" Capellino will assume the role of Chief Financial Officer effective March 15, 2026.

Kelly joined Orbia in 2021 and played a critical role in reinforcing financial and capital allocation discipline, enhancing reporting and internal controls and guiding the company through a dynamic global environment with a clear focus on balance sheet strength, cash generation and long-term value creation. During his tenure, Kelly also advanced the capabilities of the finance function to support the Company's long-term strategic priorities and played a crucial role in engaging external stakeholders including debt and equity investors, analysts and ratings agencies. He will remain with the Company through mid-year to ensure a seamless transition internally and externally.

Said Sameer Bharadwaj, Chief Executive Officer of Orbia, "Jim has been a trusted partner and a steady leader during a period of transformation for Orbia. His judgment, integrity and relationship orientation-along with his commitment to developing leadership depth across the finance organization-have positioned the Company well for its next phase of performance. We are grateful for his leadership and wish him every success in his retirement."

Following a structured succession process, the Board of Directors has appointed Cristian "Cape" Capellino, a senior leader within Orbia's global finance organization, to serve as Chief Financial Officer effective March 15, 2026.

Capellino joined Orbia in 2020 and has held senior leadership roles across Controllership, Tax, Financial Planning and Analysis and most recently, Finance Transformation. Serving on the finance leadership team, Capellino worked in close collaboration with Kelly to strengthen the Company's financial governance, drive disciplined capital allocation and modernize financial systems across more than 40 countries. Prior to Orbia, Capellino held senior finance and business leadership roles at Tenaris, a NYSE-listed global industrial company. He holds an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management and a Public Accountant degree from the National University of Cordoba.

Said Bharadwaj, "Cape has played a pivotal role steering Orbia's finance transformation and brings more than 23 years of finance leadership experience in global industrial and manufacturing environments. He has a thorough command of our portfolio, capital framework and performance priorities and is highly regarded by our global teams. His appointment reflects our continued focus on disciplined execution and long-term value creation."

As Chief Financial Officer, Capellino will lead Orbia's global finance organization and preside over Accounting, Treasury, Financial Planning and Analysis, Tax and Investor Relations.

About Cristian "Cape" Capellino

Cristian "Cape" Capellino is a seasoned executive with over 23 years of experience spanning public accounting and finance leadership roles within global industrial and manufacturing organizations across the Americas, Middle East and Asia. Since joining Orbia in 2020, he has held senior leadership roles within the company's global finance organization, including Global Head of Controllership, Tax and FP&A and most recently, Vice President of Finance Transformation. Prior to Orbia, he held senior finance and business leadership roles at Tenaris, a NYSE-listed global industrial company. Earlier in his career, he worked at Deloitte in Audit and Tax. He holds an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management and a Public Accountant degree from the National University of Cordoba.

About Orbia

Orbia Advance Corporation, S.A.B. de C.V. (BMV: ORBIA*) is a company driven by a shared purpose: to advance life around the world. Orbia operates in the Polymer Solutions, Building Infrastructure (Wavin), Precision Agriculture (Netafim), Connectivity Solutions (Dura-Line) and Fluor Energy Materials sectors. The five Orbia business groups have a collective focus on supporting food and water security, expanding information access and connectivity and advancing decarbonization and the energy transition with basic and advanced materials, specialty products and innovative solutions. Orbia has a global team of over 23,000 employees, commercial activities in more than 100 countries and operations in over 50, with a strong U.S. manufacturing presence and headquarters in Boston, Mexico City, Amsterdam and Tel Aviv. The company generated $7.6 billion in revenue in 2025. To learn more, visit: orbia.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260224489034/en/

Contacts:

Media

Kacy Karlen

Chief Communications Officer

kacy.karlen@orbia.com

Investors

Diego Echave

VP, Investor Relations

diego.echave@orbia.com
AFYREN welcomes several funds managed by Odyssee Venture, a long-term investor specializing in French growth companies, as new shareholders to support its industrial deployment

Strengthening of AFYREN's equity at a key moment, marked by the ramp-up of production at its AFYREN NEOXY plant and strategic discussions regarding its shareholder structure

Regulatory News:

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, JAPAN AND SOUTH AFRICA

AFYREN (Paris:ALAFY)(the "Company"),a greentech company offering manufacturers bio-based, low-carbon ingredients through a unique fermentation technology based on a circular model, announces today the completion of a capital increase of 7 million (the "Capital Increase") subscribed by the funds managed by Odyssee Venture, a long-standing player in private equity and a French specialist in growth companies.

The issue price of 2.55 per share represents a 10.7% discount over the Volume Weighted Average Price of AFYREN shares over the 5 trading days prior to the determination of the issue price from February 18 to February 24, 2026 (the "5-day VWAP") and a 6.3% premium over the issue price of the November 26, 2025, capital increase.

Nicolas SORDET, Chief Executive Officer of AFYREN, stated: "We are pleased to welcome the funds managed by Odyssee Venture, a recognized French private equity player, as new shareholders. The equity raised gives us additional strategic flexibility at an important moment in our growth trajectory.

use of proceeds

The gross proceeds from the Share Capital Increase amount to 7 million. After deducting the costs related to the operation, estimated at around 0.35 million, the net proceeds will amount to approximately 6.65 million.

Proceeds from the issuance of the New Shares will be used along with the proceeds from the November 26, 2025 capital increase to strengthen AFYREN's equity capital at a key moment, with the ramp-up of its plant, and to cover its general financing needs, including the management of a potential change in the shareholder structure of AFYREN NEOXY, in connection with discussions regarding the liquidity of the stake held by its long-standing co-shareholder SPI1

terms and conditions of the SHARE CAPITAL INCREASE

The Share Capital Increase, for a total of 6,999,999.90 euros (including share issue premium), was carried out through the issuance, without preferential subscription rights and without a priority subscription period, of 2,745,098 new ordinary shares at a price of 2.55 per share (the "New Shares") fully subscribed by the funds managed by Odyssee Venture, as part of a capital increase to the benefit of qualified investors, as defined in the 10th resolution of the Company's combined shareholders' meeting held on June 17, 2025 (the "General Meeting

The issue of the New Shares represents approximately 7.6% of the Company's share capital on a non-diluted basis and 7.3% of the Company's share capital on a fully diluted basis. The launch of the Share Capital Increase was decided by the board of directors dated February 25 and the issue price of one New Share is 2.55 (including share issue premium), representing a discount of 10.7% to the 5-day VWAP, consistent with the authorization granted by the General Meeting pursuant to its 10th resolution.

The New Shares will be admitted to trading on Euronext Growth Paris on February 27, 2026.

The New Shares will be subject to the provisions of the Company's bylaws and will be assimilated to existing shares upon final completion of the Share Capital Increase. They will be admitted to trading on the same listing line as the Company's existing shares under the same ISIN code FR0014005AC9.

Impact on Share Capital

Following the issuance of the New Shares, the Company's share capital will be 777,050.40 comprised of 38,852,520 ordinary shares with a par value of 0.02 each.

Impact of the issuance of New Shares on the shareholders' equity share, the shareholder's position, and the Company's capital structure

Impact of the issuance of new shares on the shareholders' equity share

For illustrative purposes, the table below shows the impact of the issuance of New Shares on: (i) the share of equity attributable per share of the Company (calculations based on the Company's equity as of December 31, 20252 and the number of shares comprising the Company's share capital after deduction of treasury shares as of February 24, 2026); and (ii) the stake of a shareholder holding 1% of the Company's share capital prior to the issuance of New Shares and not subscribing to the issuance of New Shares (calculations based on the number of shares comprising the Company's share capital as of the date of the press release).

Consolidated equity per share (in euros) Ownership percentage Non-diluted basis Diluted basis Non-diluted basis Diluted basis Before issuance of New Shares 2.03 1.95 1.00% 0.96% After issuance of 2.745.098 New Shares 2.07 1.99 0.93% 0.89%

Impact of the issuance of new shares on the distribution of the company's capital

To the Company's knowledge, immediately prior to completion of the Share Capital Increase, the breakdown of the Company's share capital was as follows:

Shareholder Non-diluted basis Diluted basis1 Number of shares % Ownership %

Voting rights Number of shares % Ownership % Voting rights Managers Founders 8,515,304 23.6% 30.6% 9,188,236 24.4% 31.0% Kemin Industries 8,333,333 23.1% 15.7% 8,333,333 22.1% 15.3% Bpifrance Investissement 2,907,271 8.1% 8.6% 2,907,271 7.7% 8.4% Sofinnova 3,313,273 9.2% 12.5% 3,313,273 8.8% 12.2% Hedgescope 2,730,864 7.6% 10.3% 2,730,864 7.3% 10.0% Other shareholders 10,144,262 28.1% 22.2% 11,012,066 29.2% 23.2% Treasury shares 163,115 0.5% 163,115 0.4% Total 36,107,422 37,648,158 (1) After the issuance of a maximum total of 1,540,736 ordinary shares resulting from (i) the definitive acquisition of the 1,068,237 Free shares granted by the Company, including 70,000 for which the vesting conditions have already been met, and (ii) the exercise of all 452,500 BSPCEs and 20,000 BSAs (warrants) outstanding as of the date of this document.

To the Company's knowledge and taking into account the subscription commitment, the impact of the issuance on the Company's share capital and voting rights distribution (calculations based on the share capital and voting rights as of February 24, 2026) after completion of the Capital Increase is as follows on a non-diluted basis and on a diluted basis:

Shareholder Non-diluted basis Diluted basis2 Number of shares % Ownership % Voting rights Number of shares % Ownership % Voting rights Managers Founders 8,515,304 21.9% 29.1% 9,188,236 22.7% 29.5% Kemin Industries 8,333,333 21.4% 15.0% 8,333,333 20.6% 14.6% Bpifrance Investissement 2,907,271 7.5% 8.2% 2,907,271 7.2% 8.0% Sofinnova 3,313,273 8.5% 11.9% 3,313,273 8.2% 11.6% Hedgescope 2,730,864 7.0% 9.8% 2,730,864 6.8% 9.5% Funds managed by Odyssee Venture 2,745,098 7.1% 4.9% 2,745,098 6.8% 4.8% Other shareholders 10,144,262 26.1% 21.1% 11,012,066 27.3% 22.1% Treasury shares 163,115 0.4% 163,115 0.4% Total 38,852,520 40,393,256 (i) After the issuance of a maximum total of 1.540.736 ordinary shares resulting from (i) the definitive acquisition of the 1.068.237 Free shares granted by the Company including 70,000 for which the vesting conditions have already been met, and (ii) the exercise of all 452.500 BSPCEs and 20,000 BSAs (warrants) outstanding as of the date of this document.

INDICATIVE Calendar

Date Event February 25, 2026 Decision of the Board of Directors to launch the Capital Increase and set the issue price February 25, 2026 Distribution by the Company of the press release announcing the completion of the Capital Increase February 27, 2026 Settlement-delivery of the New Shares February 27, 2026 Issuance and admission to trading on Euronext Growth Paris of the New Shares

Portzamparc, part of the BNP Paribas Group, acted as financial advisor and Global Coordinator for the transaction.

Prospectus

The Share Capital Increase is not subject to a prospectus requiring an approval from the French Financial Market Authority (the "AMF

About AFYREN

AFYREN is a French greentech company, founded in 2012, focused on providing innovative, sustainable solutions to reduce reliance on fossil-based resources. AFYREN's proprietary, nature-inspired fermentation technology valorizes local biomass from non-food agricultural co-products to produce 100% biobased, low-carbon carboxylic acids. The company's sustainable solutions address decarbonization challenges in a wide variety of strategic sectors, including human and animal nutrition, flavors and fragrances, life sciences, materials science, plus lubricants and technical fluids. AFYREN's competitive, plug-and-play, circular technology enables manufacturers to adopt sustainable solutions without modifying production processes.

The company's first industrial plant, AFYREN NEOXY, a joint venture with Bpifrance's SPI fund, is based in the Grand-Est region of France, serving primarily the European market. AFYREN is also pursuing a project in Thailand with a global leader in the sugar industry and is building its presence in the Americas, based on existing distribution agreements.

At the end of 2025, AFYREN employed 140 people across sites in Lyon, Clermont-Ferrand and Carling Saint-Avold. Committed to continuous innovation, the company invests 20% of its annual budget in R&D to further develop the range of sustainable solutions.

AFYREN is listed on Euronext Growth Paris since 2021 (ISIN code: FR0014005AC9, ticker: ALAFY).

For more information, visit www.afyren.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Risk factors

AFYREN draws the attention of the public to the risk factors relating to the Company and its business described in its annual management reports and press releases, which are available free of charge on the Company's website (www.afyren.com).

In addition, investors are invited to consider the following specific risks related to the Capital Increase:

the market price of the shares may fluctuate and fall below the subscription price of the shares issued as part of the Capital Increase;

the volatility and liquidity of the Company's shares may fluctuate significantly;

sales of the Company's shares may occur on the market and have an adverse impact on the Company's share price;

the Company's shareholders will experience immediate dilution resulting from the Capital Increase;

the Company's shareholders may experience potentially significant dilution resulting from any future capital increases

Disclaimer

This press release and the information contained herein do not constitute an offer to subscribe or purchase, or the solicitation of an order to purchase or subscribe, for the New Shares in the United States of America or in any other jurisdiction. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States of America absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act or an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act. AFYREN does not intend to make a public offering of the New Shares in the United States of America or in any other jurisdiction. The distribution of this press release may be subject to legal or regulatory restrictions in certain countries. Persons in possession of this press release should inform themselves of and observe any local restrictions. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. This information contains forward-looking statements, which are not guarantees of future performance. These statements are based on the current expectations and beliefs of AFYREN's management and are subject to several factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. AFYREN and its affiliates, directors, officers, employees, consultants or agents do not undertake, and are not under any obligation, to release any updates to any forward-looking statement or to revise any forward-looking statement.

____________________ 1 The SPI fund currently holds 49% of AFYREN NEOXY's capital. 2 N.B. the annual financial statements for FY 2025 are provisional and have neither been finalized by the Board of Directors nor approved by the General Meeting

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260225526607/en/

Contacts:

AFYREN

Director for ESG, Communications and Public Affairs

Caroline Petigny

caroline.petigny@afyren.com



Investor Relations

Mark Reinhard

invest@afyren.com



NewCap



Investor Relations

Theo Martin Mathilde Bohin

Tel: +33 1 44 71 94 94

afyren@newcap.eu



Media Relations

Nicolas Merigeau Gaelle Fromaigeat

Tel: +33 1 44 71 94 98

afyren@newcap.eu



MC Services AG (international)



Investor Relations

Bettina Ellinghorst



Media Relations

Shaun Brown, Dr. Johanna Kobler



Tel: +49 89 210 228 0

afyren@mc-services.eu
Former FDA senior executive brings enterprise acquisition leadership, governance, and operational transformation expertise to EX1's family of companies

MCLEAN, VIRGINIA / ACCESS Newswire / February 25, 2026 / Executive 1 Holding Company announced today that Glenda Barfell, M.S. has joined its Board of Advisors, supporting EX1's family of companies, including CORAS.ai and HumanTouch, as they deliver secure, mission-focused Agentic AI, decision dominance, and digital modernization for federal and commercial customers.





"Glenda has led at the enterprise scale where governance, acquisition rigor, and operational execution must move in lockstep," said Moe Jafari, Chairman of Executive 1. "Her track record driving transformation across complex public health and regulatory missions will strengthen EX1's ability to help customers accelerate outcomes with accountability, transparency, and measurable impact." said Moe Jafari, Chairman of Executive 1.

"I'm honored to join EX1's Board of Advisors," said Barfell. "High-performing organizations connect strategy, governance, and execution so teams can deliver mission outcomes quickly and responsibly. I look forward to supporting EX, CORAS.ai and HumanTouch as they drive real impact in modernization operations, decision advantage, and speed."

Barfell is a senior executive with deep experience in enterprise governance, organizational transformation, and strategic operations. She previously served as Head of Contracting Activity (HCA) for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, overseeing a nationwide, multi-billion-dollar acquisition and grants portfolio and acting as the Agency's principal authority on acquisition and grants policy.

She later served as Assistant Commissioner for Regulatory Management Operations, leading FDA's nationwide regulatory business operations-including financial management, human capital oversight for a workforce of 5,600 employees, and governance of mission IT and regulatory training functions.

Barfell's advisory support will focus on scaling operational excellence across EX1's portfolio-strengthening acquisition strategy, governance models, and enterprise execution disciplines that help federal organizations deliver outcomes with confidence.

About EX1 Holding Company: EX1 is a privately held investment firm focused on AI, ML, and NLP. With global spending on AI products and services projected by Gartner to exceed $2.52 trillion in 2026, EX1's portfolio, HumanTouch, CORAS.ai, and Plasticity.ai are positioned at the forefront of this growth. EX1 delivers Carpe Tempus (seize time) by uniting advanced AI with deep domain expertise to solve complex government and enterprise challenges. Our mission is straightforward: to give our customers time back by combining technology and people to deliver measurable mission outcomes. EX1 serves Defense and civilian Federal agencies as well as commercial organizations. www.executive1holding.com

Media Relations: Rebecca Churchill, Ph: 703-214-0076, v-rebecca.churchill@coras.ai

SOURCE: Executive 1 Holding Company

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/aerospace-and-defense/glenda-barfell-to-join-ex1-holding-company-board-of-advisors-1141360
HANOI, Vietnam, Feb 25, 2026 - (ACN Newswire) - analytica Hanoi 2026, the regional edition of the globally recognised analytica brand, will take place from 22-24 April 2026 at the International Centre of Exhibition (I.C.E), Hanoi. Tailored to the needs of Northern Vietnam's science and laboratory community, the exhibition space is fully secured ahead of opening, reflecting strong market demand and the growing importance of Vietnam as a laboratory and innovation hub."Northern Vietnam is rapidly emerging as a hub for laboratory innovation. With analytica Hanoi 2026, we are bringing the Live Lab to Hanoi for the first time, following its successful debut in Ho Chi Minh 2025. This demonstrates our commitment to connecting international solution providers with the region's growing scientific and industrial community," said Michael Wilton, CEO and Managing Director, Messe Muenchen International Asia Pte, Ltd.Broad International Participation Reflects Market Relevanceanalytica Hanoi 2026 will feature over 150 exhibitors and brands from key laboratory and technology markets including USA, Germany, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Switzerland, France, India, Vietnam, Latvia, China etc. highlighting its strong global reach. This edition builds on the success of previous analytica Vietnam shows, offering a dedicated platform for technology exchange, business networking and market access tailored to Northern Vietnam.The exhibition will showcase laboratory instruments, analytical systems, biotechnology and diagnostics solutions, quality assurance technologies, and sustainable laboratory operations, meeting the evolving needs of the region's laboratory and research sectors.Live Lab Makes Its Northern DebutFollowing its successful debut at analytica Vietnam Ho Chi Minh 2025, the Live Lab is coming to Hanoi for the first time in 2026. This interactive zone allows exhibitors to present hands-on demonstrations of laboratory technologies and real-world applications, enabling visitors to directly experience workflows, assess performance, and explore practical solutions.By bringing this pioneering format to Northern Vietnam, analytica Hanoi 2026 provides a first-of-its-kind experiential platform in Hanoi, offering laboratory professionals, researchers, and industrial users a unique opportunity to engage with both international and local technology providers in a practical, applied setting.Northern Vietnam Strengthens Its Role as a Growth MarketNorthern Vietnam is a key driver of Vietnam's science and technology-led industrial upgrading, with strong investment across pharmaceuticals, healthcare, electronics, food safety, environmental monitoring, and advanced manufacturing. These sectors underpin national priorities on innovation, quality infrastructure, and sustainable growth, increasing demand for advanced laboratory technologies and digitalised operations.Building on this momentum, analytica Hanoi 2026 supports national science & technology objectives as a platform for knowledge exchange, standards alignment, and technology adoption.The event features a two-stage programme. The Academic Conference, jointly organised by Messe Munchen, the Vietnam Analytical Sciences Society (VASS), VNU University of Science (HUS) - Vietnam National University, and VNEES, contributes to knowledge advancement and talent development in priority fields including green and environmental chemistry, food safety and quality control, semiconductor manufacturing, and molecular biology applications in biopharma and pharmacogenomics. The Technical Forum reinforces quality infrastructure and regulatory readiness, addressing ISO/IEC 17025, GLP, the laboratory outlook for 2026-2030, and applied seminars, complemented by exhibitor technology sessions.A Trusted Platform for Business and KnowledgeThe full occupancy of exhibition space underscores analytica Hanoi's role as a reliable platform linking global technology providers with Northern Vietnam's laboratory and research community. Confirmed exhibitors include WESTINGAREA, WIGGENS, GL SCIENCES, BCE, CHC LAB, DAIHAN SCIENTIFIC, ANTON PAAR, KIMTECO, LECO VIETNAM, GLASS TAO, FOSS VIETNAM, HTI SCIENTIFIC, MERCK VIETNAM, UNITEK and many more.Supporting programmes such as live demonstrations, hosted buyer engagements, and structured business matching further enhance opportunities for business development and collaboration.REGISTRATION NOW OPENanalytica Hanoi 2026 is expected to attract laboratory professionals, researchers, manufacturers, distributors, and institutional representatives from across Vietnam and the region.Visitor registration is now open:https://registration.analyticavietnam.com.vn/en/reg/analytica-vietnamFor more information, please visit www.analyticavietnam.comor contact analytica Vietnam via email analyticavietnam@mmiasia.com.sgAbout analytica Hanoi 2026analytica Hanoi is the official regional spinoff of analytica Vietnam, strategically developed to meet the rising demand for laboratory and analytical solutions in northern Vietnam. As the region experiences accelerated growth in research, healthcare, and industrial sectors, analytica Hanoi 2026 offers a focused platform for companies aiming to tap into this dynamic and fast-emerging market. The upcoming exhibition is set to take place from April 22 to 24, 2026 at the International Centre of Exhibition (I.C.E), 91 Tran Hung Dao, Hanoi, Vietnam.About analytica Vietnam 2027analytica Vietnam is the premier trade fair for laboratory technology, analysis, and biotechnology in Southeast Asia. Organized by Messe Munchen, the event brings together industry professionals, researchers, and policymakers to showcase the latest technologies, exchange knowledge, and foster business collaborations. analytica Vietnam features an exhibition, conference, pre-event laboratory tours, buyer-seller programs, and networking opportunities, providing a comprehensive platform for the laboratory and biotechnology industries in the region. The upcoming edition is set to take place from March 31 to April 2, 2027 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), 799 Nguyen Van Linh, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. More details can be found here.About analytica worldwideFor over five decades, analytica has been the leading international trade fair series for laboratory technology, analysis, and biotechnology. Organized by Messe Munchen, the series includes analytica in Munich, analytica China, analytica Anacon India, analytica USA, analytica Vietnam, and now, analytica Hanoi. Additional information about these exhibitions and their programs of events is available at www.analytica.de.About MMI Asia Pte LtdEstablished in 1992, MMI Asia is the wholly owned subsidiary and the regional headquarters of Messe Munchen GMBH (MMG) and is one of the world largest and leading exhibition organizers. MMI Asia's portfolio of events include editions of world-leading trade fairs from Munich - transport logistic & air cargo, analytica, ceramitec; as well as industry-specific events such as Glasstech and Fenestration Asia, Asia Climate Forum, and Singapore International Water Week. MMI Asia also provides consultancy in professional trade fair and conference management to government bodies, international trade and promotion organizations, and trade associations. For more information, please visit www.mmiasia.com.About Messe MunchenAs one of the world's leading trade fair organizers, Messe Munchen presents the world of tomorrow at its about 90 trade fairs worldwide. These include twe lve of the world's leading trade fairs such as bauma, BAU, IFAT, electronica, and ISPO. Messe Munchen's portfolio comprises trade fairs for capital and consumer goods, as well as for new technologies. Together with its subsidiaries, it organizes trade fairs in China, India, Brazil, South Africa, Turkey, Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Thailand, and the U.S. With a network of more than 15 affiliated companies and almost 70 representations worldwide, Messe Munchen is active in more than 130 countries. The more than 150 events held annually attract around 50,000 exhibitors and around three million visitors in Germany and abroad.Exhibition Contact:MMI Asia Pte. Ltd.Siegli L. BacudioProject Managersiegli@mmiasia.com.sgPress Contact:MMI Asia Pte. Ltd.Shae NguyenMarketing Executiveshae@analyticavietnam-exhibitions.comSource: MMI Asia Pte Ltd (MMI)Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
Hydrachem highlights growing water contamination risk, from UK outbreaks to international crises

BILLINGSHURST, England, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hydrachem, a trusted authority in water purification and hygiene solutions, has issued an urgent call for greater global action on water contamination, warning that public health is under threat in both low-income regions and across the developed world.

The warning comes as data reveals increasing risks from contaminated water sources worldwide.

In England, the latest Environment Agency data reported over 450,000 recorded sewage discharges from storm overflows in 2024, averaging around 31.8 spills per overflow [1]. As a result, communities are repeatedly exposed to contaminated water, putting both health and daily life at serious risk. This figure is significantly above the Government's target of no more than an average of 10 spills per year by 2050, as per its Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan.

Internationally, World Health Organization data indicates that more than 2 billion people lack safely managed drinking water, with waterborne diseases claiming around 1.4 million lives annually. In many low-income regions, children face dehydration, cholera and typhoid simply because safe water isn't accessible.

UNICEF reports that over 178,000 cholera cases were recorded across 16 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa between January?2024 and March?2025, with outbreaks driven by inadequate water sanitation and hygiene infrastructure, allowing contamination to spread rapidly. Additionally, major floods have been linked to surges in typhoid and other faecal-oral diseases in countries including Pakistan, India and Bangladesh [2]. Major floods also put millions at immediate risk of contaminated water and waterborne diseases.

Nicolas Barbieri, Chief Commercial Officer at Hydrachem, commented:

"We are witnessing a combination of crises that threaten water safety globally. Whether it's aging infrastructure in the UK struggling to cope with increased rainfall, or communities in flood-affected regions facing immediate contamination risks, the fundamental challenge is the same - ensuring access to safe, clean water. Every community deserves reliable access to clean water, no matter where they live."

Hydrachem has been working with aid agencies, governments and global healthcare providers to address water safety in crisis situations, providing expertise in emergency water treatment. Its OASIS water purification tablets are used globally to make contaminated water microbiologically safe to drink in emergencies, remote communities and areas affected by infrastructure failures.

"Everyone deserves protection from invisible threats in the water they drink," added Nicolas Barbieri. "Whether you are a local authority managing an outbreak or an aid agency responding to a flood, rapid, effective water purification at the point of use is needed."

The company, which has 50 years' experience in water purification and infection control, is calling for greater awareness, preventative action and rapid access to field-tested hygiene solutions. Nicolas Barbieri concluded:

"Hydrachem was founded on the principle of making a genuine difference to public health, and that mission has never been more vital. We are here to support authorities, aid agencies and communities to stay safe, prepared and resilient. Stopping waterborne disease outbreaks from escalating into widespread health crises is not just a matter of emergency response; it is a global priority that requires vigilance, effective infrastructure and accessible solutions."

Images:

Contaminated water from floods and sewage overflows poses growing risks across both developed and developing nations.

Due to licensing rules, the images may be used for publication along with this press release but may not be saved for use with any other story.

Notes to Editor:

Hydrachem, established in 1973, is a UK-based world leader in effervescent chlorine (NaDCC) tablets with expertise in water purification, surface disinfection and sterilisation. Operating in over 60 countries, the company partners with NGOs, governments and leading healthcare institutions, including the NHS, to combat waterborne diseases, maintain hygienic environments and produce over 10 billion litres of safe drinking water each year.

Hydrachem supplies sectors including healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, food preparation and agriculture.

Alongside its own brands, which include Oasis Water Purification Tablets, Oasis Sterilising Tablets and Cert Multi Surface Spray, Hydrachem contract manufactures for some of the world's most prominent companies, with products renowned for quality, reliability and technical excellence.

More information about Hydrachem can be found by visiting https://hydrachem.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/hydrachemuk

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/hydrachem-ltd/

[1] https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/c9b8f3ba094c429aa30e0e2b6eaf43ac

[2] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377850385_Water-related_diseases_following_flooding_in_South_Asian_countries_-a_healthcare_crisis?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2920352/Hydrachem.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2802725/5823723/Hydrachem_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/waterborne-disease-poses-rising-global-threat-in-both-developed-and-developing-nations-hydrachem-warns-302697379.html
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 25, 2026) - Visit Nickel North Exploration (TSXV: NNX) at Booth #2805 at the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada's (PDAC) Convention at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) from Sunday, March 1 to Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

About Nickel North Exploration

Nickel North Exploration is a Canada-based exploration company focused on defining a Ni-Cu-Co-PGE Mineral Resource at its Hawk Ridge Project in Northern Quebec. The board of directors, advisor committee and management team are experienced, successful mine finders. The Project consists of a 50 km long belt of strong magmatic Cu-Ni-Co-PGE occurrences covering 179.67 km. The Project is located near tidewater. Quebec is a mining-friendly jurisdiction. Nickel North Exploration is a conscientious corporate citizen that maintains good relations with local Inuit communities and is committed to sustainable development.

Nickel North Exploration Corp. will highlight its strategic focus on advancing critical metals assets in Canada. Following the company's recently announced financing, proceeds will be directed toward the commencement of a new exploration drilling program and the preparation of an updated NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource estimate. A key asset featured will be the Hawk Ridge Cu-Ni-PGM project in Northern Quebec, which has returned to Nickel North's control and represents a cornerstone property within the company's portfolio.

About PDAC

The World's Premier Mineral Exploration & Mining Convention is the leading convention for people, governments, companies and organizations connected to mineral exploration. In addition to meeting more than 1,100 exhibitors, 2,500 investors and 26,000 attendees in person in 2024, participants could also attend programming, courses and networking events.

The annual convention is held in Toronto, Canada. It has grown in size, stature and influence since it began in 1932 and today is the event of choice for the world's mineral industry.

For more information and/or to register for the conference please visit: https://www.pdac.ca/convention.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Source: Newsfile Partner Event
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / February 25, 2026 / Prospect Ridge Resources Corp. (the "Company" or "Prospect Ridge") (CSE:PRR)(OTC:PRRSF)(FRA:OED) is pleased to announce assay results from the Company's 100% owned Camelot copper-gold project, located ~33 km from Imperial Metals' Mount Polley mine in British Columbia's prolific Cariboo Mining District.

A total of 2,034 m was drilled in ten holes (CAM25-001 to CAM25-010) that tested a ~1.7 km long prospective geochemical and geophysical trend (Figure 1). Visual core and portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (pXRF) results for all ten holes were disclosed in news releases dated December 4 and 22, 2025 while assays from DDH CAM25-09 were provided in a news release dated January 22, 2026. This news release provides assay results from the remaining nine holes, copper (Cu) and gold (Au) equivalent calculations for CAM25-009, and new assay results from infill sampling of unassayed portions from historical diamond drill hole LL-22-01.

The 2025 drill program targeted historical Cu-in-soil anomalies coincident with chargeability highs as well as, in some cases, moderate to high resistivity and magnetic anomalies. Exploration targets were interpreted in the context of an alkalic porphyry model, where such coincident geophysical and geochemical features may indicate pyrite-chalcopyrite mineralization associated with magnetite-bearing potassic alteration. The target area is covered by till and had not been drilled until this 2025 program, with historical hole LL-22-01 drilled just northeast of the anomalous area.

Samples of core from CAM25-009 will be on display at the Company's booth (#2412B) at the Prospector and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) conference on March 3-4, 2026, in Toronto, Ontario.

Len Brownlie, Ph.D., CEO of Prospect Ridge noted "Through the diligent efforts of our Board, Technical Advisory Committee and Equity Exploration we have discovered a copper- and gold-mineralized alkalic porphyry system with a large geophysical footprint. Highlights of this discovery include the results of hole CAM25-009 as well as infill sampling of hole LL-22-01 (drilled away from the geophysical target), both of which returned between 150 to 160 meters of core that averaged 0.1 g/t Au and 0.1 % Cu. Au-to-Cu ratios determined from core assays, indicate a positive 1:1 correlation between gold (g/t) and copper (%) grades, confirming that gold may represent a meaningful by-product of copper mineralization.

Results of the program have also improved understanding of geophysical and geological signatures that best correlate with Cu-Au mineralization. For example, copper mineralization in hole CAM25-009 is associated with chargeability highs on the shoulder of a moderate magnetic anomaly, providing us with a newly recognized targeting criterion. Furthermore, the dominance of pyrite over chalcopyrite suggests that we have not yet found the core of the porphyry system that is theorized to have stronger (calc-)potassic alteration and higher Cu-Au grades.

This inaugural drill program, where nine of ten holes intercepted at least short intervals of copper mineralization, has advanced our knowledge and understanding of our targeting criteria and provided hints that Camelot maybe a potential polyphase porphyry cluster. Going forward, areas of high chargeability (>27 mV/V) on the shoulders of moderate magnetic anomalies will be a high priority target for deeper drilling at Camelot. We look forward to planning a follow-up work program for Camelot in 2026 that entails advanced vectoring techniques to ensure a productive drill program".

Figure 1: Historic and current drill holes and IP data compilation over airborne total magnetic intensity (TMI), after Bakness, 2023i

Drilling Results

The discovery of a new copper-gold porphyry system at Camelot was highlighted by drill hole CAM25-009 with assays that returned 0.07 g/t Au and 0.08 % Cu over 156.6 meters from 23.4 meters depth, as described in a news release dated January 22, 2026. Assay results from this hole are again presented in Table 1, which now also includes calculated gold (AuEq) and copper (CuEq) equivalent values based on metal prices of $3,000/oz gold, $4.00/lb for copper, and $30/oz silver, and assumed recoveries of 80% for each metal.

Historical drill hole LL-22-01 was collared from approximately the same location as CAM25-009 but drilled in the opposite direction and to a depth of 250 meters. Original sampling was continuous from the surface to a core depth of 64 meters, then spaced to one 2 m sample for every 15 meters of core in the lowermost 186 meters of the hole (Figure 2). Infill sampling and assay in this lowermost 186 m of drill core were integrated with historical sampling to return a composite of 0.07 g/t Au and 0.06 % Cu over 153 meters, starting from 5 meters core depth.

Table 1: Newly reported assay results from CAM25-001 to 008, 010, and infill sampling of LL-22-01, as well as Au and Cu equivalencies for previously released CAM25-009.

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval1 (m) Au (g/t) Cu (%) Ag (g/t) AuEq (g/t)* CuEq (%)* CAM25-001 10.5 14.8 4.3 0.13 0.02 0.16 0.16 0.17 and 135.0 139.0 4.0 0.03 0.05 0.18 0.08 0.09 and 154.5 167.0 12.5 0.08 0.03 0.32 0.11 0.12 CAM25-002 34.0 39.0 5.0 0.05 0.01 0.07 0.06 0.07 and 59.0 66.0 7.0 0.09 0.06 0.22 0.15 0.17 and 84.0 96.0 12.0 0.06 0.05 0.18 0.10 0.11 and 187.5 190.0 2.5 0.09 0.08 0.28 0.17 0.18 CAM25-003 127.0 133.0 6.0 0.07 0.06 0.26 0.12 0.14 and 191.0 193.0 2.0 0.09 0.07 0.24 0.15 0.16 CAM25-004 79.0 81.0 2.0 0.07 0.05 0.17 0.11 0.12 CAM25-005 73.5 78.2 4.7 0.05 0.02 0.27 0.07 0.08 and 163.0 164.3 1.3 0.11 0.03 0.30 0.14 0.15 CAM25-006 8.0 18.0 10.0 0.03 0.04 0.42 0.07 0.08 and 88.0 110.0 22.0 0.03 0.03 0.26 0.06 0.07 and 140.0 179.0 39.0 0.03 0.04 0.41 0.07 0.08 including 142.0 144.0 2.0 0.07 0.09 0.31 0.16 0.17 and including 159.0 161.0 2.0 0.12 0.02 0.30 0.14 0.16 CAM25-007 186.0 198.0 12.0 0.13 0.06 0.42 0.19 0.21 including 188.0 194.0 6.0 0.22 0.10 0.60 0.31 0.34 CAM25-008 63.0 66.0 3.0 0.02 0.12 0.85 0.13 0.15 and 154.0 155.4 1.4 0.25 0.01 0.33 0.26 0.29 CAM25-009** 23.4 180.0 156.6 0.06 0.08 0.34 0.14 0.15 including 76.0 95.0 19.0 0.14 0.18 0.65 0.31 0.34 which includes 79.5 87.0 7.5 0.24 0.32 1.09 0.54 0.59 and including 145.0 170.0 25.0 0.13 0.11 0.52 0.23 0.25 which includes 167.0 170.0 3.0 0.76 0.57 1.83 1.29 1.42 and which includes 168.0 169.0 1.0 1.77 1.28 3.93 2.97 3.25 and 197.0 201.0 (EOH) 4.0 0.10 0.02 0.14 0.12 0.14 CAM25-010 126.0 128.3 2.3 0.03 0.05 0.53 0.09 0.10 and 211.0 216.0 5.0 0.03 0.05 1.19 0.09 0.10 LL-22-01* 5.0 158.0 153.0 0.07 0.06 0.58 0.13 0.14 including 7.0 43.9 36.9 0.10 0.14 1.12 0.24 0.26 which includes 29.0 34.4 5.4 0.28 0.35 1.89 0.62 0.68 and which includes 40.0 43.9 3.9 0.18 0.34 2.51 0.51 0.56 and including 146.0 158.0 12.0 0.12 0.04 1.48 0.17 0.19 and 186.1 187.6 1.5 0.12 0.16 0.85 0.27 0.30 1 True widths of the reported mineralized intervals have not been determined. * Equivalent grades are calculated using metal prices of $4.00/lb copper, $3,000/oz gold, and $30/oz silver and assuming 80% metallurgical recovery for all metals ** Assay values were previously reported - see news release dated January 22, 2026; AuEq and CuEq values have not been previously disclosed

Figure 2: Cross section, looking northeast and 100 m wide, showing holes CAM25-009 and LL-22-01 over chargeability inversion image. Lithology is displayed on the center-right of the drill trace, with gold assays (g/t) to the right and copper (ppm) on the left.

Drill hole CAM25-001 tested the Charlie geophysical target, comprising a coincident chargeability high and magnetic inversion feature, and intersected strongly altered volcanic rock with disseminated pyrite. Multi-element assays returned an average of 1.2% sulfur over the length of the hole, indicating abundant pyrite; however, the hole is otherwise weakly mineralized, with a best assay intersection of 0.08 g/t Au over 12.5 meters (Table 1).

Hole CAM25-002 tested the same Charlie target and shows a similar alteration with a patchier distribution of disseminated pyrite (and % sulfur) and similar assay results to CAM25-001 (Table 1). The pervasive alteration and disseminated pyrite in both holes, as well as the high ratio of pyrite to chalcopyrite, may be interpreted as the peripheral part of a porphyry system.

CAM25-003 and CAM25-004 were drilled on the Lancelot and Galahad targets, comprising closely associated moderate chargeability and magnetic features at 90 to 150 meters below the surface. Both holes drilled through strongly magnetic gabbro with weak pyrite mineralization and trace chalcopyrite, returning best intersections of 0.07 g/t Au and 0.05% Cu over 2.0 to 6.0 meters of core length (Table 1).

Holes CAM25-005, 006, 080, and 010 were drilled on the Alpha target, a broad chargeability anomaly with several pipe-like magnetic anomalies. CAM25-005 intersected mostly diorite with disseminated pyrite, trace chalcopyrite, and elevated quartz  carbonate veinlets. Elevated pyrite is indicated by an average sulfur abundance of 0.7% over the length of the hole, locally increasing to 1.0% over 25 to 40 meters. Copper and gold mineralization is weak, with a best intersection of 0.11 g/t Au over 1.3 meters (Table 1).

CAM25-006 intersected variably altered volcanic and intrusive rocks with strong disseminated pyrite mineralization, averaging 2.0% sulfur over the length of the hole. Assays returned three weakly anomalous intervals of Cu and Au mineralization ranging between 10 to 40 meters in core length (Table 1).

CAM25-008 intersected moderate to strongly altered monzodiorite and diorite intruding andesite with pervasive disseminated pyrite and trace chalcopyrite. Sulfur abundances average 0.8% over the length of the hole and just over 1.0% from 62 meters depth to the end of hole. Mineralization is weak with best intersections of 0.12 % Cu over 3.0 meters and 0.26 g/t Au over 1.4 m (Table 1).

CAM25-010 drilled through weak to moderately altered andesite cut by several, 10 to 25 m wide, granitoid intrusions and hosting pervasive disseminated pyrite, reflected by an average of 1.4% sulfur over the length of the hole. Assays returned 2.3- to 5.0-metre-wide intervals of weakly anomalous Cu and Au along with relatively higher silver.

Across all four holes drilled into the Alpha target, intrusive rocks are consistently more magnetic than the andesitic host rocks and disseminated pyrite averages 1-2% sulfur over hole lengths. These characteristics are broadly consistent with a porphyry-style system and the observed geophysical signature of the target. Despite weak Cu-Au mineralization, the geological and geophysical context supports interpretation of a peripheral or higher-level alkalic porphyry system at Alpha.

Drill hole CAM25-007 was drilled on the Bravo geophysical target, comprising a chargeability high coincident with pipe-like magnetic anomalies. Drilling intersected moderately altered andesite cut by monzonite, with pervasive disseminated pyrite (average of 1.1% sulfur over length of hole) and trace chalcopyrite detected through pXRF analysis. The uppermost 35 meters of the hole consists of magnetite-altered andesite. Assays returned a 12.0 metre core interval averaging 0.13 g/t Au and 0.06% Cu (Table 1).

Consistency between pXRF copper values and assays

During the drill program, a pXRF spectrometer was used to take spot measurements at one-metre intervals down the drill string. These measurements were used to confirm the presence of chalcopyrite and were plotted as histograms on sections published in news releases dated December 4 and 22, 2025.

Although no pXRF grades were reported in the text, the histograms suggest broadly developed copper mineralization at grades that appear higher than those subsequently reported in this news release. This apparent difference is expected, given that pXRF provides spot analyses that can fluctuate relative to wet chemistry assays, which are based on much larger, more representative core samples. When the differences in sampling methods are considered, the results are consistent with each other.

Portable XRF spot analyses represent an analyzed volume of around 5 mm, approximately 0.001% of the volume analyzed in a 1 to 2 metre NQ-sized diamond drill core sample (~1,000-2,000 cm). Consequently, single spot analyses are unrepresentative of the related core samples and show a poor correlation with them (Figure 3a).

However, when a large number of spot analyses are considered in aggregate, they become representative. This is illustrated in Figure 3b, which compares the average of all pXRF analyses for each 2025 drill hole - with the exception of CAM25-004 and CAM25-006, which were not analyzed by pXRF - to the average of all wet chemistry analyses for the same drill hole. These average Cu abundances show a much stronger correlation (R = 0.89) than the individual samples (R = 0.22).

Figure 3: X-Y plots comparing pXRF and wet chemistry (4-acid digest, ICP finish) analyses for (a) all individual samples and (b) average copper abundances of each drill hole. Note that no pXRF data was collected for drill holes CAM25-004 and 006. Orange line shows a 1:1 correlation for reference.

About the Camelot Property

The ~2,646-hectare Camelot property lies approximately 65 km east of Williams Lake, B.C. within the Quesnel Terrane - home to multiple producing copper-gold and copper-molybdenum porphyry deposits, including the nearby Gibraltar and Mount Polley mines. Camelot is located ~33 km southeast of Imperial Metal's Mount Polley and ~13 km northeast of Vizsla Copper's Woodjam project.

The project area benefits from year-round road access and excellent regional infrastructure. Previous exploration workii,iii has outlined a 1,700 meter x 500 meter coincident chargeability-magnetic anomaly trending northeast-southwest beneath shallow till cover in an area that had not been previously drilled (Figure 1).

The property is centered on the Lemon Lake stock, a Late Triassic to Early Jurassic multi-phase pluton hosted in volcanic units of the Quesnel Terrane. The approximately 5 km wide pluton was formed by early phases of gabbro cut by younger monzonite, breccias, and late-stage syenitic dikes. Moderate K-feldspar and biotite alteration, as well as local pyrite-chalcopyrite mineralization, are primarily associated with monzonite intrusions. Zones of sericite-pyrite (phyllic) alteration appear to be rare, consistent with the alkalic porphyry model interpreted for the system.

Drill Hole Locations

The 2025 drill program was planned with minimal disturbance in mind. Drill pads were constructed on or near pre-existing logging roads and fire breaks (Figure 4). Collar locations are listed in Table 2.

Table 2: 2025 drill program collar locations and drill hole orientations, UTM NAD 83 Zone 10

Drill Hole ID Target Azimuth (degrees) Dip (degrees) Easting (UTM)* Northing (UTM)* Elevation (m) Total Depth (m) CAM25-001 Charlie 340 -60 616,607 5,801,367 879 201 CAM25-002 Charlie/Merlin 160 -55 616,607 5,801,367 879 201 CAM25-003 Lancelot 290 -50 616,303 5,800,855 875 201 CAM25-004 Galahad 175 -55 616,588 5,800,504 869 102 CAM25-005 Alpha 175 -50 617,385 5,802,135 960 201 CAM25-006 Alpha 110 -60 617,259 5,801,864 925 201 CAM25-007 Bravo 45 -55 617,660 5,801,979 965 201 CAM25-008 Alpha (sandworm) 130 -70 617,089 5,801,655 875 201 CAM25-009 Echo 333 -60 618,350 5,802,109 954 201 CAM25-010 Alpha 300 -75 617,253 5,801,882 925 300 LL-22-01 Hud Bay twin 117 -70 618,330 5,802,105 958 250

Figure 4: Map showing 2025 drill hole collar locations on the Camelot property

Investor Outreach

Prospect Ridge welcomes shareholders and investors to visit us at booth #2412B at the Prospector and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) conference on March 3 - 4, 2026 in Toronto, ON.

Land Acknowledgement

Prospect Ridge acknowledges that Camelot is situated within the traditional territories of the Williams Lake Indian Band, Xatsull First Nation, Whispering Pines/Clinton Indian Band, Northern Shuswap Tribal Council, and the Neskonlith Indian Band. The Company is committed to building positive, transparent, and mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous communities founded on trust, respect, and open communication.

QA/QC (Quality Assurance/Quality Control)

Prospect Ridge's 2025 exploration program was managed by Equity Exploration Consultants Ltd. of Vancouver, B.C.

Drilling at Camelot was conducted by Dorado Drilling Ltd. of Vernon, B.C. Diamond drill core was received, geotechnically and geologically logged, photographed, and cut by core saw at the Company's leased core facility in Horsefly, B.C. Samples were laid out, cut and sampled to the Company's specified sample intervals. Core logging was done under the onsite supervision of professional geoscientists and geoscientists-in-training registered with Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia (EGBC) and employed by Equity, a registered firm with EGBC.

Certified reference materials (CRM: OREAS 503d, OREAS 507, and CDN CM-56), blanks (granodiorite sourced from Cox Station Quarry in Abbotsford, B.C.), and coarse and pulp duplicates were included every 20th core sample, for an overall QA/QC insertion rate of 10%. Half core samples were placed in plastic sample bags with the remaining half retained in core boxes at the core facility. Samples were dispatched to ALS Laboratories facility in North Vancouver, B.C., an accredited analytical laboratory meeting ISO/IEC 17025:2005 and ISO 9001:2015. Samples were prepared through crushing and grinding by ALS methods CRU-21 and PUL-32, respectively. The pulps were then analyzed for 36 elements by method ME-ICP41, comprising an aqua regia digest with ICP-AES finish. Gold was analyzed by fire assay using a 30-gram sample charge and atomic absorption spectrometry finish (ALS method Au-AA23). Laboratory standards and QA-QC were monitored by the Company, with all results passing industry standard QA-QC thresholds.

Qualified Person Statement

All technical information that forms the basis for the written disclosure in this press release, has been approved by Ron Voordouw, Ph.D., P.Geo., Director of Geoscience for Equity Exploration Consultants Ltd., who is an independent consultant to the Company, and a qualified person as defined under the terms of National Instrument 43-101.

About Prospect Ridge Resources Corp.

Prospect Ridge Resources Corp. is a British Columbia-based exploration and development company focused on critical metals and gold. Led by a seasoned management and technical team with over 100 years of combined mineral exploration experience, Prospect Ridge is advancing its north-central B.C. located Golden Horseshoe and Cariboo projects - high-potential copper-gold systems positioned within under-explored yet geologically endowed mineral belts.

Contact Information

Prospect Ridge Resources Corp.

Mike Iverson - Chairman, Director

Email: mike@miverson.ca

Sources of Technical Information

(i). Baknes, M. J. 2023. Drilling Report on the Lemon Lake Project. B.C. Mines Branch Assessment Report Event No.5993800

(ii). Britton, R., 2021 2021 Geological - hand trenching, airborne Magnetic - VLF survey and petrological reports on the Lemon Lake property B.C. Mines Branch Assessment Report 39604

(iii). Bailey, D. 2012 Lemon Lake property Horsefly Induced Polarization and Magnetometer Survey B.C. Mines Branch Assessment Report 33088.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This release includes certain statements and information ("FLI") that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. FLI relates to future events or future performance and reflect the current expectations or beliefs of the Company's management. Anything that is not historical fact is FLI. Generally, FLI can be, without limitation, identified by the use of forward-looking wording such as "plans", "intends", "believes", "expects", "anticipates" or "estimates", and statements or phrases that certain actions, events or results "may", "might", "could", "should" or "would" occur, and similar expressions. FLI is not historical fact, is made as of the date of this news release and includes, without limitation, statements and discussions of future plans, intentions, expectations, estimates and forecasts, and statements as to management's intentions and expectations with respect to, among other things, positive exploration results at the Camelot project. FLI involves numerous risks and uncertainties, and are based on assumptions, and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any FLI. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the availability of financing to continue exploration activities, the availability and cost of qualified exploration personnel and service providers, and that future exploration results at the Camelot project will not be as anticipated. In making any FLI in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that future exploration results at the Camelot project will be as anticipated. Although management has endeavored to evaluate and use reasonable assumptions and to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in FLI, these assumptions may prove incorrect and there may be other factors that cause results not to be as intended, expected, anticipated or estimated. There can be no assurance that FLI will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those expressed in FLI. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on FLI, and are further cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any FLI expressed or incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor.

SOURCE: Prospect Ridge Resources Corp

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/prospect-ridge-confirms-discovery-of-copper-gold-porphyry-with-final-drill-result-1141468
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 25, 2026) - World Copper Ltd. (TSXV: WCU) (OTCQB: WCUFF) (FSE: 7LY0) ("World Copper" or the "Company") announces that, further to its news release dated February 3, 2026, the Company has entered into a definitive property option agreement dated February 24, 2026 (the "Property Option Agreement") with the Vendor (as defined below), whereby the Vendor has granted to the Company an exclusive option to acquire a 100% interest (the "Option") in and to the mineral claims comprising the Brassie Creek Project located in the Kamloops mining division in the Province of British Columbia, Canada (the "Brassie Creek Project" or the "Project"), subject to a 2% net smelter returns royalty.

Brassie Creek Project

The Brassie Creek Project is a porphyry-skarn copper and gold property located in Southern British Columbia (Figure 1), covering an area of approximately 1,861 hectares and located approximately 50 km west of Kamloops.





Figure 1. Location of Brassie Creek Project.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3653/285297_466fb3fad48d4b26_002full.jpg

The Brassie Creek Project is also in close proximity to other active mines, being 20 km north of Teck Resources Limited's Highland Valley Mine (Canada's largest copper mine and a calc-alkalic copper-molybdenum porphyry deposit) and 30 km west of New Gold Inc.'s New Afton Mine (an alkalic copper-gold porphyry deposit). Readers are cautioned that the Company has no interest in or right to acquire any of the neighbouring mines and deposits. Mineral deposits on nearby properties and any production therefrom are not in any way indicative of mineral deposits on the Brassie Creek Project or the potential production therefrom.

The Brassie Creek Project has documented porphyry-skarn mineralization, and historical exploration of the Project includes:

Year Historical Exploration 2025 Structural report covering northwestern zone. 2020 47-line-km ground magnetic and VLF survey, identifying magnetic-VLF anomaly interpreted to be near surface and extending to depth. 2012 to 2019 Rock and soil geochemistry and structural analysis. 1998 to 1999 Drilling reportedly confirmed the presence of polymetallic skarn mineralization near surface. Total of 540 m drilled. 1973 11km induced polarization survey with high chargeability anomaly identified over northwest portion of the property.

The Project has year-round access and can be accessed via Highway 1 and an extensive network of forest service roads. The test data underlying the historical exploration summary has not been verified by a qualified person.

Option Terms

Pursuant to the terms of the Property Option Agreement, to exercise the Option in full the Company must issue to Mr. Kenneth Ellerbeck (the "Vendor"), a private arm's length vendor, an aggregate of 900,000 common shares in the capital of the Company (the "Consideration Shares"), make cash payments to the Vendor in the aggregate amount of $440,000, and incur an aggregate of $750,000 in exploration expenditures ("Expenditures"), as follows:

Date Share Payments Cash Payments (CAD) Expenditures (CAD) On signing of the Property Option Agreement -- $5,000 -- Within three (3) business days of the Effective Date(1) 100,000 Consideration Shares $10,000 -- On or before June 30, 2026 -- -- $25,000(2) On or before the 12-month anniversary of the Effective Date 200,000 Consideration Shares $25,000 $125,000 On or before the 24-month anniversary of the Effective Date 200,000 Consideration Shares $100,000 $150,000 On or before the 36-month anniversary of the Effective Date 400,000 Consideration Shares $300,000 $450,000 TOTAL: 900,000 $440,000 $750,000

Notes :

(1) "Effective Date" means the date the Property Option Agreement is accepted for filing by the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV").

(2) The incurrence of these Expenditures is subject to the Property Option Agreement being accepted for filing by the TSXV.

The terms of the Property Option Agreement also provide that the issuance of the Consideration Shares, the cash payments, and the incurring of Expenditures may be completed within a shorter time frame, at the sole discretion of the Company, and any Expenditures incurred in any period in excess of the amount required shall be credited to the Company and applied against future Expenditure requirements in subsequent periods. During the period the Option is in effect, the Company will also be responsible for paying such costs as are required to maintain the mineral claims comprising the Brassie Creek Project in good standing. Upon the exercise of the Option by the Company, the Vendor will retain a 2% net smelter returns royalty (the "Royalty"), of which 50% (being 1%) of the Royalty can be repurchased from the Vendor for $1,500,000 and thereafter, the Company shall have the right of first refusal to purchase the royalty from the Vendor should it wish to sell, assign, transfer, convey or otherwise dispose of or deal with the Royalty.

If the Company fails to fulfill its obligations under the Property Option Agreement the Option will terminate, and the Company will not retain any interest in the Project. No finder's fees were paid in connection with the grant of the Option. All securities issued pursuant to the Property Option Agreement will be subject to a four month and a day regulatory hold period in Canada, and the Property Option Agreement is subject to acceptance for filing by the TSXV.

Resignation of Chairman and Director

The Company also announces the resignation of Hendrik van Alphen as Chairman and a director of the Company. The board of directors and management of the Company thank Mr. van Alphen for his contributions to the Company and wish him well in his future endeavours.

Qualified Person

Cathy Fitzgerald, M.Sc., P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for this news release and has approved the disclosure herein. Ms. Fitzgerald is a Principal Geologist and Mining Sector Lead-Americas with SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd., and is independent of the Company.

ABOUT WORLD COPPER LTD.

World Copper Ltd., headquartered in Vancouver, BC, is a Canadian resource company.

Detailed information is available at World Copper's website at https://worldcopperltd.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of

WORLD COPPER LTD.

"Mark Lotz"

Mark Lotz

President & Chief Executive Officer

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 news release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding TSXV acceptance for filing, the exercise of the Option, and future results of exploration at the Brassie Creek Project, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "may", "should", "would", "will", "potential", "scheduled" or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions, which, by their nature, refer to future events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, World Copper has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, market fundamentals will result in sustained mineral demand and prices, the receipt of any necessary permits, licences and regulatory approvals in connection with the Property Option Agreement and the Option in a timely manner, the availability of financing on suitable terms for the continued operation of World Copper's business and its ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, requirements for additional capital, actual results of exploration activities, including on the Company's projects, the estimation or realization of mineral reserves and mineral resources, future mineral prices, changes in general economic conditions, changes in the financial markets and in the demand and market price for commodities, lack of investor interest in future financings, accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals (including TSXV acceptance for filing of the Property Option Agreement), permits or financing or in the completion of other planned activities, risks relating to epidemics or pandemics, including impacts on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, title disputes, the timing and possible outcome of any pending litigation, environmental issues and liabilities, as well as the risk factors described in the Company's annual and quarterly management's discussion and analysis and in other filings made by the Company with Canadian securities regulatory authorities under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this news release or incorporated by reference herein, except as otherwise required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/285297

Source: World Copper Ltd.
Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY) announced today that Teledyne Marine's RESON brand, a name long synonymous with multibeam sonar, hydrophones, transducers and acoustic sensing, is celebrating its 50th anniversary in February. The milestone will be marked with new product unveilings and a special reception at Oceanology International (Oi26) on 10 March, where customers, partners and show attendees are invited to join the celebration.

Founded in Denmark in 1976, RESON has spent five decades at the forefront of underwater acoustics. Serving the hydrographic, offshore, dredging, defense, and marine research sectors, RESON has delivered more than 20,000 echosounders for seabed mapping, subsea situational awareness, mine countermeasures, and ocean research and monitoring. Its products are engineered for seamless integration, across autonomous platforms, as well as larger survey and naval vessels, reflecting RESON's long-standing commitment to versatility and operational efficiency.

From hydrophones and the early multibeam systems that became industry favorites to today's advanced SeaBat platform, RESON technology continues to be recognized for reliability, precision and field-proven performance across global marine, offshore, hydrographic and defense operations.

A pivotal milestone in RESON's technological journey was its role in commercializing modern sonar technology, making multibeam sonar systems more compact, more practical and more accessible to surveyors worldwide. RESON also set early benchmarks in data quality through the adoption of advanced signal-processing techniques to enhance detection capability, maximize data accuracy and elevate seabed imaging clarity. Widely regarded as the industry standard for performance, RESON hydrophones are trusted in demanding commercial and defense applications, with many units still in active service more than three decades after installation.

A hallmark of RESON's longevity is its fully integrated headquarters in Denmark, where research and development, production, software development and service are all housed under one roof. This structure provides continuity, craftsmanship, and technical depth, supported by a highly experienced team, many of whom have been with the company for decades.

"Reaching 50 years reflects the depth of experience within RESON and the many people who have shaped its evolution," said Ole Se-Pedersen, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Teledyne Marine Europe, who has guided the company's strategic direction since joining in 2011. "What has never changed is our focus on building acoustic and sonar technologies that solve real operational needs. We're proud to celebrate this milestone with our customers at Oceanology International and look forward to the next 50 years."

Since becoming part of Teledyne Technologies in 2013, RESON has expanded its offering with advanced processing solutions, new sonar models and integrated navigation systems. Several new RESON products will debut at Oi26, with full details revealed exclusively at the show.

About Teledyne Marine

Teledyne Marine is a group of leading-edge subsea technology companies that are part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated. Through acquisitions and collaboration, Teledyne Marine has evolved into an industry powerhouse, bringing Imaging, Instruments, Interconnect, Seismic, and Vehicle technology together to provide total solutions to our customers. For more information, visit Teledyne Marine at www.teledynemarine.com.

About Teledyne

Teledyne is a leading provider of sophisticated digital imaging products and software, instrumentation, aerospace and defense electronics, and engineered systems. Teledyne's operations are primarily located in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Western and Northern Europe. For more information, visit Teledyne's website at www.teledyne.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260225565789/en/

Contacts:

Jason VanWees

(805) 373-4542
BEND, OREGON / ACCESS Newswire / February 25, 2026 / As the veterinary profession faces increasing demands, rapid medical advances, and nationwide workforce shortages, the Veterinary Referral Center of Central Oregon (VRCCO) is taking a proactive approach by strengthening the future of veterinary medicine through continuous education and hands-on professional development.

Through expanded learning initiatives including a Virtual Radiation Safety Course, the 2026 Spring Symposium, and robust in-hospital training opportunities, VRCCO is enhancing patient care while creating clear pathways for career growth within the industry.

"One of the most meaningful ways we can strengthen the future of veterinary medicine is by investing in education," said Dr. Mauricio Dujowich, CEO of VRCCO. He continued, "When we prioritize learning, we elevate the care we deliver, create clear and fulfilling career pathways, and foster a culture where professionals feel supported to grow and lead. Our goal is to be a world-class organization. This requires us to build a skilled, adaptable workforce that is prepared for the demands of modern medicine while staying deeply connected to the people and patients we serve. Exceptional care begins with empowered teams, and education is at the heart of that commitment."

Education That Elevates Care and Career Development

One of VRCCO's newest offerings, a Virtual Radiation Safety Course, was developed in response to Oregon state-mandated training requirements under OAR 333. Designed for veterinary technicians, assistants, and support staff, this self-paced online course delivers comprehensive instruction in radiology techniques and radiation principles, emphasizing strict adherence to ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) standards.

Open to both staff members and veterinary professionals throughout Oregon, this course reflects VRCCO's commitment to improving workplace safety while expanding access to essential continuing education.

A Regional Hub for Veterinary Learning

VRCCO's educational mission extends beyond its hospital through regional continuing education programs, including its 4th Annual Spring Symposium on April 18, 2026, in Bend, Oregon. This one-day event will bring together veterinary professionals from across the Pacific Northwest for RACE-approved lectures presented by VRCCO veterinarians and distinguished guest speakers.

By offering educational resources to the broader veterinary community, VRCCO supports industry-wide progress while reinforcing its role as both an emergency and specialty hospital and a center for learning.

Strengthening the Industry Through People

In addition to external learning opportunities, VRCCO invests in professional development through technician and doctor internship and externship programs, as well as surgical residency training. Within the hospital, a culture of growth is supported through regular in-house lectures, hands-on departmental training and leadership development, and the innovative "Level Up" program. This initiative encourages veterinary technicians and assistants to build advanced clinical skills, expand their versatility, and strengthen collaboration across departments.

These internal education pathways improve team engagement and ensure patients benefit from the most current medical knowledge and treatment techniques.

All education initiatives are guided by the Learning Institute at VRCCO, where continuous learning is central to the hospital's long-standing philosophy: empowered teams make better clinical decisions, deliver better patient outcomes, and create stronger, more sustainable veterinary organizations.

Contact Information

Katie Sedivec, Marketing Director

marketing@vrcvet.com

541-209-6960

SOURCE: Veterinary Referral Center of Central Oregon

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/vrcco-invests-in-the-future-of-veterinary-medicine-through-education-1140597
Ottawa, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 25, 2026) - Stria Lithium Inc. (TSXV: SRA) (OTCQB: SRCAF) (FSE: S35A) ("Stria" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that further to the February 13, 2026 news release, it has repriced the terms of the non-brokered private placement,(the "Financing") for gross proceeds of up to $1,000,000, subject to acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV").

The Company proposes to issue up to 2,127,659 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.47 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $1,000,000.

Each Unit will consist of:

One (1) common share in the capital of the Company; and

One (1) full common share purchase warrant.

Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one (1) additional common share at an exercise price of $0.59 per share for a period of three (3) years from the date of issuance.

The proceeds of the Financing will be used for advancement of the Company's mineral exploration assets and operations, potential future acquisitions, and general working capital purposes.

Certain insiders of the Company may participate in the Financing. Such participation will constitute a related party transaction within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company expects that any insider participation will be exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to Sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) thereof, as neither the fair market value of the securities issued to insiders nor the consideration paid by insiders is expected to exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization.

Finders' fees may be paid in connection with the Financing in accordance with the policies of the TSXV.

All securities issued pursuant to the Financing will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities laws and TSXV policies.

Completion of the Financing remains subject to acceptance by the TSXV.

About Stria Lithium

Stria Lithium (TSXV: SRA) is an emerging resource exploration company developing Canadian lithium reserves to meet legislated demand for electric vehicles and their rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The Company is committed to growth through responsible and efficient exploration and development of its mining assets.

Stria's Central Pontax Lithium Project covers 36 square kilometres, including 8 km of strike along the prospective Chambois Greenstone Belt. The region, known as the Canadian "Lithium Triangle," is one of only a few known sources of lithium available for hard rock mining in North America. Stria's Pontax Central Project Joint Venture with Cygnus Metals now has a maiden JORC-compliant inferred mineral resource estimate of 10.1Mt at 1.04% Li2O based on the central area of the known mineralisation.

This JORC estimate establishes Pontax Central as a significant occurrence in the emerging James Bay lithium region. Cygnus Metals, being an ASX issuer, adhered to Australian JORC Code 2012 guidelines, meaning that such mineral resource estimate is not necessarily compliant with CIM and National Instrument 43-101 standards and the Company is not considering them as such at this time.

Cygnus Metals is committed to fully funding and managing the current two-stage exploration and drilling program to a maximum of $10 million at Stria's Pontax property and will also pay Stria up to $6 million in cash. In return, Cygnus may acquire up to a 70% interest in the property. Cygnus has fulfilled its stage 1 requirements within the agreement and has now earned its 51% interest in the property.

As momentum builds for the green energy revolution and the shift to electric vehicles, governments in Canada and the United States are aggressively supporting the North American lithium industry, presenting the industry and its investors with a rare opportunity for growth and prosperity well into the next decade and beyond.

Stria is committed to exceeding the industry's environmental, social and governance standards. A critical part of that commitment is forging meaningful, enduring and mutually beneficial relationships with local communities and stakeholders, and engaging openly and respectfully as neighbours and collaborators in this project that has the potential to create lasting jobs and prosperity.

The scientific and technical content disclosed herein was reviewed and approved by Rejean Girard, P.Geo and president of IOS Services Geoscientifiques Inc., a qualified person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Reference:

JORC Mineral Resource Estimate of Pontax Project, James Bay Quebec, Brian Wolfe; Duncan Grieve, August 14, 2023.

For more information about Stria Lithium and the Pontax Lithium project, please visit https://strialithium.com.

Follow us on:

Twitter @StriaLithium

Instagram @strialithium

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/strialithium

LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/company/stria-lithium/

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Except for statements of historical fact, this news release contains certain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur.

Although management believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The Company cannot guarantee future results, performance or achievements. Consequently, there is no representation that actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking information.

Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Please refer to the risk factors disclosed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The Company undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking information except as required by applicable securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/285311

Source: Stria Lithium Inc.
Lisbon, Portugal--(Newsfile Corp. - February 25, 2026) - Lithium Africa Corp. (TSXV: LAF) (the "Company" or "Lithium Africa") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a definitive agreement dated February 25, 2026 to acquire a large lithium project in South Africa, including a past-producing spodumene mine, a related ore stockpile and 1,675 km2 land package hosting a known field of mapped LCT pegmatites (the "Springbok Project").

Tyron Breytenbach, CEO, stated, "The acquisition of the Springbok Project provides Lithium Africa with an advanced brownfields operation to complement our exciting but earlier stage grassroots programs across Africa. Due diligence by our geological team has identified 30 new spodumene-bearing pegmatites within conceptual trucking distance of the past producing Norrabees pegmatite. Additionally, the >30,000 tonne stockpile provides a near-term source of cash flow that Lithium Africa will seek to monetize to provide a non-dilutive source of exploration capital. This is in line with our business plan of offering the most exploration potential at the lowest share count."

Transaction Terms

Lithium Africa intends to acquire 70% of Namli Exploration & Mining Proprietary Limited ("Namli") in a staged transaction whereby 30% will be acquired immediately upon receipt of authorisation under the South African Currency and Exchanges Act and the remaining 40% will be acquired upon receipt of consent to Lithium Africa acquiring a majority stake in Namli from the South African State Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (the "s11 Consent") for consideration of:

US$1.35 M in cash (paid in two installments of 30% upfront and 70% after receipt of s11 Consent);

US$150,000 to settle a third-party claim relating to the Springbok Project; and

US$2.5 M paid over 24 months (monthly payments of US$106,000).

Namli holds a prospecting right (NC13301PR) and a mining permit (NC10950MP) comprising the Springbok Project.

In connection with the acquisition of Namli, the Company will pay a consultant, an arm's length party to the Company and Namli, US$200,000 payable in common shares of the Company upon receipt of approval from the TSX Venture Exchange.

The Springbok Project Overview

The Springbok Project is located in an accessible but sparsely populated part of the Namaqualand region of the Northern Cape, South Africa, approximately 80 km north of Springbok and directly south of the Orange River near the Namibian border (Figure 1).

The Springbok Project includes a past-producing lithium pegmatite mine ("Norrabees") with an associated, historically produced stockpile, both located within an active 5 ha mining permit (Figure 1). This mining permit is within a large (1,675 km2) surrounding prospecting right that provides district-scale exploration upside.

Lithium Africa is seeking a partner to monetize the stockpile and in-pit material, re-focusing the proceeds on the large known pegmatite field, which has been neglected by prior operators.

Figure 1: Location of the Springbok Project.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11554/285304_d59d835884d23bd7_002full.jpg

The Norrabees mine and stockpile

The Norrabees I pegmatite is an LCT-type pegmatite with lithium mineralization dominated by spodumene and subordinate lepidolite, and it has been exposed by historical mining.

A mineral resource estimate was reported in a NI 43-101 technical report prepared for Moonbound Mining Ltd. (now Cape Lithium Corp.) by Dr. Johan Hattingh of Creo Design (Pty) Ltd., dated January 17, 2024, titled The Norrabees I Pegmatite, South Africa. Mineral Resource Estimate (the "2024 Technical Report"). The 2024 Technical Report includes an inferred mineral resource of (Table 1): (i) 41,420 tonnes at 1.005% Li2O for the in-situ pegmatite (0.4% Li2O cut-off grade; SG used in the estimate reported as 2.66 g/cm), and (ii) 30,259 tonnes at 1.61% Li2O for the stockpile (zero cut-off grade), for a combined total of 71,679 tonnes at 1.27% Li2O (all Inferred).

Table 1: Historical In-situ and stockpile resource estimates.

Classification Tonnage (t) Grade (%) Contained Li2O (t) In-situ Pegmatite (Inferred) 41,420 1.01 416.27 Intermediate Stockpile (Inferred) 30,259 1.61 487.17 Total Inferred 71,679 1.27 903.44



Source: Creo (2024).

The 2018-2019 diamond drilling program reported in the 2024 Technical Report comprised 10 boreholes totaling 321.77 m, with 7 holes intersecting the lithium-mineralized intermediate zone. Reported significant intercepts include, among others, 18.34 m at 1.92% Li2O and 32.66 m at 1.09% Li2O.

Metallurgical test work described in the 2024 Technical Report includes September 2020 pilot-scale dense media separation (DMS) test work on the Norrabees I stockpile material. The first-stage DMS concentrate achieved an average concentrate grade of 4.89% Li2O, and re-processing of a ~50 kg fraction of first-stage concentrate produced concentrates grading 6.41% Li2O and 6.76% Li2O.

Figure 2: Oblique satellite image of the Norrabees I and II area, including the Norrabees I stockpiles. Source: ESRI, Company Reports.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11554/285304_d59d835884d23bd7_003full.jpg

The Company has not completed the work necessary to verify results at this time and there is no assurance as to the accuracy or completeness of included information. The historical resource estimate is subject to all of the assumptions, qualifications and procedures set out in the 2024 Technical Report (Creo Design (Pty) Ltd (2024) titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on The Norrabees I Pegmatite, South Africa. Mineral Resource Estimate"). The historical resource was classified as an inferred estimate and was based on a limited drill data set (10 diamond drillholes totalling 321.77m) and estimated with a 0.4% cut-off grade. The Company considers this historical data to be relevant as the Company will use this data as a guide to plan future exploration programs. The Company also considers the data to be reliable for these purposes, however, the Company's future exploration work will include re-drilling at least 20% of the drillholes using oriented core and systematically testing the down dip and along strike extent of the known Norrabees pegmatite to better define the geometry and continuity.

A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as current mineral resources and the Company is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources.

Regional exploration

The Springbok Project is situated within a region that hosts widespread LCT pegmatites. During due diligence, the Company determined that while prior operators focused on the Norrabees area, the project hosts a >20 km trend of mineralized pegmatites. A 30-day reconnaissance mapping program conducted in 2025 identified 30 newly identified spodumene-bearing pegmatites (Figure 3).

The Company intends to complete a regional structural study and mapping program to identify the largest- and highest-grade pegmatites for detailed exploration. Mineralization observed to date is dominated by spodumene with minor lepidolite.

The newly identified pegmatites described above are early-stage targets generated from reconnaissance work; additional work (including systematic sampling and analytical verification) is required to confirm the distribution, continuity, and grade of mineralization and to determine whether any of these targets host mineral resources.

Figure 3: Regional target extends >20km. Source: Company Reports

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Technical Information

Benjamin Gelber, P.Geo, a non-independent Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and VP Exploration of the Company, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained herein.

The Company has not verified any of the information regarding the Springbok Project other than

i) Site visit including overseeing the collection of check samples of the stockpile, prior mining locations and regional pegmatites.

ii) Locate and record collar locations for the drilling discussed in the report and record GPS location of the surface footprint and volume estimates of the surface stockpiles.

iii) Data from previous exploration conducted was supplied to Lithium Africa and its consultants in electronic format. This data was reviewed and used for plotting and checks/validation.

The Lithium Africa project team continues to plan, collect, compile, review, and validate relevant technical data for the Springbok Project.

About Lithium Africa Corp.

The Company has an established 50/50 joint venture partnership with GFL International Co., Ltd. to jointly advance exploration in Africa (the "LAF-GFL JV") and through the LAF-GFL JV, the Company has an indirect 50% interest in a portfolio of exploration assets in hard rock pegmatite districts across a number of prospective African regions covering Ivory Coast, Guinea, Mali, Morocco and Zimbabwe. For more information, please visit www.li-africa.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF LITHIUM AFRICA CORP.

Tyron Breytenbach, CEO & Director

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements, including statements in respect of the acquisition of Namli, the receipt of the s11 Consent and the intended work programs on the Springbok Project. These forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition, the forward-looking statements require management to make assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. There is significant risk that the forward-looking statements will not prove to be accurate, that the management's assumptions may not be correct and that actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Generally forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as "anticipate", "will", "expect", "may", "continue", "could", "estimate", "forecast", "plan", "potential" and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions which may prove to be incorrect which, without limiting the generality of the following, include: risks inherent in exploration activities; the impact of exploration competition; unexpected geological conditions; changes in government regulations and policies, including trade laws and policies; failure to obtain necessary permits and approvals from government authorities; volatility and sensitivity to market prices; volatility and sensitivity to capital market fluctuations; the ability to raise funds through private or public equity financings; environmental and safety risks including increased regulatory burdens; weather and other natural phenomena; and other exploration, development, operating, financial market and regulatory risks. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof or the dates specifically referenced in this press release, where applicable. Except as required by applicable securities laws and regulation, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/285304

Source: Lithium Africa Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 25, 2026) - American Pacific Mining Corp. (CSE: USGD) (OTCQX: USGDF) (FSE: 1QC1) ("American Pacific" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results of its annual general and special meeting of holders ("Shareholders") of common shares of the Company ("APM Shares") held on February 25, 2026 (the "Meeting").

Shareholders voted in favour of all resolutions presented at the Meeting, including (i) the Company's previously announced court-approved plan of arrangement (the "Arrangement") with ICG Silver & Gold Ltd. ("ICG"); (ii) the election of directors; (iii) the re-appointment of Davidson & Company LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants as auditors of the Company; and (iv) the re-approval of the Company's stock option plan.

About the Arrangement

Under the terms and conditions of an arrangement agreement dated December 7, 2025, as amended on January 21, 2026 (the "Arrangement Agreement") between the Company and ICG, ICG will acquire 100% of the Tuscarora and Danny Boy projects from the Company (the "Transaction"). Pursuant to the Arrangement Agreement, ICG will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Clearview Gold Inc. and American Pacific Mining (US) Inc., each a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Pacific and the registered owner of the Danny Boy and Tuscarora projects, respectively, in exchange for the issuance to the Company of 11,500,000 fully paid and non-assessable common shares in the capital of ICG (the "ICG Shares").

Pursuant to the Arrangement, the Company will distribute 7,500,000 of the ICG Shares to Shareholders (the "ICG Distribution Shares") in accordance with an exchange ratio (the "Exchange Ratio") to be determined at the closing date of the Transaction (the "Closing Date") based on the number of issued and outstanding APM Shares as of the Closing Date. The ICG Distribution Shares will be distributed to Shareholders of record as of the Closing Date and the Company will retain the remaining ICG Shares received pursuant to the Arrangement. For illustrative purposes only, based on the issued and outstanding APM Shares as of the date of this news release, the Exchange Ratio would be approximately 0.0283 of an ICG Share for each APM Share held.

Meeting Results

Shareholders holding a total of 81,449,676 APM Shares were represented in person or by proxy at the Meeting, representing 37.17% of the 219,088,051 issued and outstanding APM Shares entitled to vote as of January 2, 2026, the record date for the Meeting (the "Record Date").

As disclosed in the Company's management information circular dated January 23, 2026 (the "Circular"), the Arrangement required the approval of at least two-thirds (662/3%) of the votes cast by Shareholders present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Meeting. The Circular describes, under "The Arrangement - Interest of Certain Persons in the Arrangement", certain acquisitions of ICG Shares by related parties of the Company and addresses the application of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") to those transactions. In connection with the customary regulatory review process applicable to transactions of this nature, it was determined that such acquisitions constitute a collateral benefit under MI 61-101 for which an exemption is not available. Accordingly, the Arrangement was also required to receive minority approval in accordance with MI 61-101, being approval by a simple majority of the votes cast by Shareholders other than such related parties whose votes were required to be excluded for purposes of the minority approval under MI 61-101 (representing, in aggregate, approximately 0.65% of the outstanding APM Shares).

The Company is pleased to confirm that both approval thresholds were satisfied. Of the votes cast at the Meeting, approximately 90.22% of the total Shareholder votes and 89.87% of the minority Shareholder votes were cast in favor of the Arrangement.

All other motions tabled at the Meeting, including the election of Warwick Smith, Eric Saderholm, Ken Cunningham, Joness Lang and Ali Hakimzadeh to the board of directors of the Company, also passed.

The Company will seek a final order (the "Final Order") of the Supreme Court of British Columbia (the "Court") to approve the Arrangement on February 27, 2026. Completion of the Arrangement is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions for a transaction of this nature, including receipt of the Final Order, and listing of ICG on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"), which ICG is actively advancing through the listing process. Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the closing conditions, it is expected that the Arrangement will be completed in March 2026.

About ICG Silver & Gold

ICG Silver & Gold Ltd. ("ICG") is a new mineral exploration and development company advancing the Tuscarora District in northern Nevada. While currently private, the company intends to complete a public listing during Q1, 2026. The Company's strategy is focused on advancing the Tuscarora District through systematic exploration and technical studies; building a district-scale geological model; and progressing the project toward resource definition and future development. To learn more about ICG, please visit https://icgsilverandgold.com/ and subscribe to the newsletter https://icgsilverandgold.com/subscribe.

About American Pacific Mining Corp.

American Pacific Mining Corp. is a precious and base metals explorer and developer focused on opportunities in the Western United States. The Company's flagship asset is the 100%-owned past-producing Madison Copper-Gold Project in Montana. For the Madison transaction, American Pacific was selected as a finalist in both 2021 and 2022 for 'Deal of the Year' at the S&P Global Platts Metals Awards, an annual program that recognizes exemplary accomplishments in 16 performance categories. Through a 2025 transaction with Vizsla Copper, American Pacific has established a major equity position and secured $15M in aggregate milestone upside exposure to the advanced exploration stage Palmer Copper-Zinc VMS Project in Alaska. Also, in American Pacific's portfolio are several high-grade, precious metals projects located in key mining districts in Nevada, on which the Company intends to transact. The Company's mission is to provide shareholders discovery and exploration upside exposure across its portfolio through partnerships, spin-outs and direct exploration.

American Pacific is incorporated pursuant to the laws of British Columbia and its head office is located at Suite 910 - 510 Burrard Street Vancouver, BC, V6C 3A8.

Full disclosure can be found in our NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Madison Project at www.americanpacificmining.com.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release includes certain statements and information that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company's business; the anticipated receipt of the Final Order; the listing of ICG on the CSE; the expected timing of the completion or benefits of the Arrangement or the likelihood or ability of the parties to successfully complete the Arrangement; and the expected Exchange Ratio.

Any statements or information that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "estimates", "intends", "targets", "goals", "forecasts", "objectives", "potential" or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be considered forward-looking information.

The Company's forward-looking information is based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management as of the date of this press release and include, but are not limited to, information with respect to the Arrangement, the determination of the Exchange Ratio and the receipt of all necessary approvals therefor. Other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's assumptions, beliefs, expectations or opinions change, or if there are changes in any other events affecting such statements or information. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/285326

Source: American Pacific Mining Corp.
THIS NEWS RELEASE IS INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION IN CANADA ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES NOR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 25, 2026) - Tincorp Metals Inc. (TSXV: TIN) ("Tincorp" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that on February 24, 2026, it entered into a share purchase agreement (the "Agreement") with Silvercorp Metals Inc. (TSX: SVM) (NYSE American: SVM) ("Silvercorp") and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Adventus Mining Corporation ("Adventus", together with Silvercorp, the "Vendors"). Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company will acquire the Santa Barbara Gold-Copper Project (the "Project"), located in the Zamora Copper-Gold Belt in southeastern Ecuador, through the acquisition of the Vendors' wholly-owned subsidiary, Santa Barbara Metals Inc. (the "Holding Company"), as further described below.

Victor Feng, Interim CEO of Tincorp, commented, "We are excited to be acquiring this large gold-copper asset. This is a beneficial transaction for our shareholders, providing exposure to both gold and copper in Ecuador, one of the world's most prolific and emerging mining jurisdictions. We look forward to closing this transaction and moving quickly to upgrade and expand the known resource through future drill programs, creating meaningful value for all stakeholders."

Santa Barbara Gold-Copper Project Overview

Location and Access

The Project is located in the Zamora-Chinchipe Province in southeastern Ecuador, approximately 76 kilometers ("km") east of the city of Zamora, at a low elevation of 1,000-1,100 metres ("m") (Figure 1). Access to the Project is roughly a four-hour drive from the nearest airport at Catamayo city over 161 km of paved road and 13 km of year-round dirt road. The Project holds a valid environmental permit allowing for exploration and drilling activities across six concessions covering an area of 52 square kilometres ("km2").

The Project is 10 km south of Silvercorp's Condor Project, 36 km south of Lundin Gold Inc.'s Fruta Del Norte Mine, 56 km south of CRCC-Tongguan Investment (Canada) Co., Ltd.'s Mirador Mine, and 96 km south of Solaris Resources Inc.'s Warintza Project.

Figure 1: Map of Project Location

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Historical Mineral Resource Estimate

Multiple mineral resource estimates were completed following staged drilling programs by previous companies, which outlined a bulk tonnage gold-dominated porphyry gold-copper deposit. The latest mineral resource estimate(1)(2) for the Project was completed in 2021 by a previous owner, Luminex Resources, summarized in the table below.





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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(1) The historical mineral resource estimate is derived from the technical report titled "Condor Project NI 43-101 Technical Report on Preliminary Economic Assessment" prepared by MTB Enterprises Inc. in accordance National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"), for Luminex Resources, with an effective date of July 28, 2021 (the "Historical Report"). The historical mineral resource estimate reports resources within an optimized open-pit shell using a cut-off grade of 0.37 g/t gold equivalent ("AuEq") with assumptions of metal price: US$1,500/oz Au, US$18/oz Ag, US$3.0/lb Cu, mining cost $2.0/t, process cost $11.5/t, G&A $2.0/t, gold process recovery 87%, silver process recovery 70% and copper process recovery 80%, pit slope 45 degrees. AuEq = Au g/t + (Ag g/t  0.012) + (Cu% x 1.371). The block models for the Santa Barbara deposits use a nominal block size measuring 10 10  10 m. Grade estimates for gold and silver and copper at Santa Barbara (Condor Central) were estimated using ordinary kriging (OK).



(2) The Company considers the historical estimates to be relevant as they provide an indication of the potential of the Project. However, a qualified person of Tincorp has not done sufficient work to classify these historical estimates as current mineral resources, and Tincorp is not treating these historical estimates as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. Tincorp has not verified this information and is not relying on it. To verify the historical mineral resource estimate, Tincorp will prepare an updated mineral resource estimate and technical report in accordance with NI 43-101 with respect to the Project (the "New Report"). Tincorp is currently preparing the New Report and intends to file it on SEDAR+ upon the completion of the Proposed Acquisition in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable securities laws.

Geology and Mineralization3

The Project is located within the Zamora Copper-Gold Metallogeny Belt which hosts numerous significant deposits such as the Fruta del Norte epithermal gold deposit, the Mirador porphyry copper-gold deposit, the Warintza copper-moly deposit, and the Condor epithermal gold deposit. At Santa Barbara, gold and copper mineralization is hosted in alkalic basaltic andesite and porphyritic diorite dykes. The age of the basaltic andesite is unknown but likely belongs to the Piuntza Formation of Triassic-Lower Jurassic age, which also hosts epithermal gold mineralization at the Fruta del Norte Mine.

The mineralized zone defined to date has dimensions of 1.2 km north-south, 500 m east-west, and extends to a depth of more than 500 m. The Project remains open in all directions and at depth. Figure 2 shows a plan view of Santa Barbara highlighting the local geology and gold intercepts from past drilling. Figure 3 shows an east-west oriented vertical cross-section looking towards the north.

Figure 2: Plan Map of Santa Barbara

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7553/285335_db9469f054a53ab4_005full.jpg

Figure 3: East-West Cross Section at Santa Barbara

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7553/285335_db9469f054a53ab4_006full.jpg

Exploration History3

Modern mineral exploration at the Project began in the late 1980s. Between 1988 and 2018, previous owners conducted extensive surface programs including geological mapping, soil and stream sediment sampling, outcrop rock chip sampling, surface trenching, and ground magnetic and induced polarization surveys. This work led to the discovery of the majority of the prospects and deposits now known within the Project area and surrounding region.

A total of 22,027 m of diamond drilling in 56 holes were completed by various owners from 1999 until 2018. The table below provides a summary of all drilling completed at the Project to date.





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7553/285335_db9469f054a53ab4_007full.jpg

(3) The technical information describing the geology and exploration history is derived from the technical report titled "Condor Project NI 43-101 Technical Report on Preliminary Economic Assessment" prepared by MTB Enterprises Inc. in accordance National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"), for Luminex Resources, with an effective date of July 28, 2021 (the "Historical Report").

Opportunities and Plan for Next Steps

The Company believes historical drill results justify further drilling to upgrade the known mineralized zones and to test new targets evidenced by historical surface geochemical sampling results. The Company anticipates that the gold and copper mineral resources at Santa Barbara have the potential to be upgraded and expanded with continued exploration and drilling campaigns.

The Company plans to mobilize three drill rigs to conduct a 10,000 m phase 1 drill program upon closing of the Proposed Acquisition ("Acquisition Closing") to:

Confirm historical drill results, Complete infill drilling to upgrade existing mineral resources, and Obtain fresh drill core to further understand the mineralization controls and metallurgy at Santa Barbara.

Transaction Structure and Related-Party Disclosure

Under the terms of the Agreement and subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"), Tincorp will acquire all of the shares of the Holding Company (the "Proposed Acquisition") in consideration for Tincorp issuing to the Vendors 15,000,000 common shares of Tincorp at a deemed price of C$0.40 per share at Acquisition Closing, representing consideration of C$6,000,000 (the "Consideration Shares") and paying an additional US$13.5M to the Vendors in four installments as follows: 1) US$1.5M cash upon Acquisition Closing, 2) US$2.5M cash on the first-year anniversary of the Acquisition Closing date, 3) US$4.0M cash on the second-year anniversary of the Acquisition Closing date, and 4) US$5.5M in cash or shares at the Vendors' election on the third-year anniversary of the Acquisition Closing date, with any share issuance subject to a minimum price of C$0.40 per common share and TSXV approval at the time of issuance. The maximum number of common shares of the Company issuable to the Vendors under the Agreement is 33,848,500 shares. The Consideration Shares are expected to be subject to applicable resale restrictions and will be subject to the escrow requirements, if any, as determined by the TSXV. As part of the Agreement, the Vendors will also receive a 1.5% net smelter return (NSR) royalty on the Project pursuant to a royalty agreement to be entered into upon Acquisition Closing. Tincorp will have the option to repurchase two-thirds of this NSR royalty (a 1% NSR royalty) in exchange for US$10 million. As security for the deferred purchase price payments and the NSR royalty, Tincorp will grant the Vendors a pledge over the shares of the Holding Company and a security interest on the mining concessions comprising the Project, in each case pursuant to a security agreement to be entered into at Acquisition Closing. Immediately prior to Acquisition Closing, the Holding Company will be the indirect beneficial owner of the mining concessions comprising the Project. The transfer of concessions is subject to Ecuadorian regulatory approval.

The Agreement provides that completion of the Proposed Acquisition is subject to several conditions including, among other things:

completion of a concurrent financing as described below;

receipt of all regulatory approvals and third-party consents, including TSXV approval;

receipt of required shareholder approvals; and

completion of customary closing conditions.

The Proposed Acquisition will be considered a "related-party transaction" within the meaning of TSXV Policy 5.9 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Proposed Acquisition will also require the approval of shareholders under TSXV Policy 5.3 - Acquisitions and Dispositions of Non-Cash Assets. See "Shareholder Approval" below.

The Company intends to hold a special meeting of shareholders (the "Meeting") to obtain the Minority Approval and Disinterested Shareholder Approval (each as defined below). Details of the Proposed Acquisition and the Meeting will be set out in Tincorp's management information circular and proxy statement to be prepared in respect of the Meeting which will be mailed to Tincorp's shareholders and will be available on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at sedarplus.ca. A copy of the Agreement will also be available on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at sedarplus.ca. Shareholders should refer to those documents for additional details with respect to the Proposed Acquisition.

Completion of the Proposed Acquisition is currently expected by the end of April 2026 subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the TSXV.

Concurrent C$16M Private Placement

The Company further announces that it has entered into an agreement with Raymond James Ltd. ("Raymond James"), as sole bookrunner and lead Agent, on behalf of a syndicate of Agents including ATB Cormark Capital Markets (collectively the "Agents") in connection with a "best efforts" private placement of up to 25,000,000 subscription receipts of the Company (the "Subscription Receipts") at a price of C$0.40 per Subscription Receipt (the "Issue Price") for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of up to C$10,000,000 (the "Brokered Offering"). In addition, the Company plans to complete a concurrent non-brokered financing of Subscription Receipts on the same terms as the Brokered Offering for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately C$6,000,000 for a combined total gross proceeds of up to C$16,000,000 (the "Non Brokered Offering", together with the Brokered Offering, referred to as the "Offering"). The Offering is being conducted in conjunction with the Company's Proposed Acquisition. The Company does not expect that the Offering will result in the creation of any new control person of the Company.

Each Subscription Receipt shall, upon satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions (as defined below) and without the payment of any additional consideration and with no further action on behalf of the holder, automatically convert into one unit of the Company (a "Unit"). Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one Common Share (each, a "Warrant Share") at an exercise price of C$0.65 per Common Share at any time up to 24 months from the closing date of the Offering.

The Company has also granted the Agents an option to sell up to an additional 15% of the number of Subscription Receipts sold pursuant to the Offering at the Issue Price for additional gross proceeds in whole or in part at any time up to 48 hours prior to the closing date of the Brokered Offering.

The gross proceeds of the Offering less (i) 50% of the Commission (as defined below) to be paid upon closing of the Brokered Offering and (ii) certain expenses of the Agents (such net amount, the "Escrowed Proceeds"), will be placed into escrow and released to the Company, subject to the receipt of all required corporate, shareholder and regulatory approvals in connection with the Proposed Acquisition and the completion or satisfaction of all escrow release conditions (collectively, the "Escrow Release Conditions") as set out in the agency agreement to be entered into among the Company and the Agents in connection with the Brokered Offering. Escrow Release Conditions include:

the completion, satisfaction or waiver all conditions precedent to the completion of the Acquisition in accordance with the Agreement, other than any condition precedent requiring the release of the escrowed funds and such conditions precedent that by their nature are to be satisfied at the closing of the Acquisition; all necessary approvals or consents for the completion of the Acquisition and the Offering, including the issuance of the Common Shares and Warrants upon the exchange of the Subscription Receipts, and the issuance of the Warrant Shares upon due exercise of the Warrants, having been obtained; delivery of customary legal opinions; the Company has available to it all other funds required to complete the Company's obligations under the Agreement in connection with the Acquisition Closing; and the Company and Raymond James having delivered a joint notice to the Subscription Receipt Agent confirming that the conditions set forth above have been satisfied or waived.

Provided that the Escrow Release Conditions are satisfied or waived (where permitted) prior to 5:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on the date that is 120 days after closing of the Offering (the "Release Deadline"), the remaining 50% of the Commission (and any interest earned thereon) and certain expenses of the Agents will be released to the Agents from the Escrowed Proceeds, and the balance of the Escrowed Proceeds (together with interest earned thereon) will be released to the Company. However, in the event that the Escrow Release Conditions are not satisfied by the Release Deadline, or if prior to such time, the Company advises the Agents or announces to the public that it does not intend to satisfy the Escrow Release Conditions, an amount equal to the aggregate Issue Price of the Subscription Receipts together with the pro rata portion of any interest earned thereon (net of any applicable withholding tax) will be returned to the holders of the Subscription Receipts and the Subscription Receipts and Compensation Warrants will be cancelled.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering as set out in the table below:

Item Percentage of Net Proceeds of Offering to be Used Santa Barbara Project Phase 1 Drill Program 25% Santa Barbara Project Potential Phase 2 Drill Program 25% 1st Year Anniversary Cash Payment to the Vendors pursuant to the Agreement 23% Upfront Cash Payment to the Vendors pursuant to the Agreement 13% General & Administrative 8% Ecuador Operations 5% Acquisition Related Expenses 1%

The Offering is expected to close by mid-March 2026 (the "Offering Closing Date") and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the TSXV.

In connection with the Brokered Offering, the Agents will receive a cash commission equal to 6% of the gross proceeds (the "Commission"), 50% of which will be payable on the Offering Closing Date and 50% of which will form part of the Escrowed Proceeds payable only upon satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions. The Company will also issue upon satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions that number of compensation warrants to the Agents equal to 6% of the aggregate number of Subscription Receipts sold pursuant to the Brokered Offering (the "Compensation Warrants"). Each Compensation Warrant will be exercisable for one Common Share at the Issue Price of the Subscription Receipts for a period of 24 months following the conversion of the Subscription Receipts. The Compensation Warrants issued to the Agents are non-transferable.

In connection with the Non-Brokered Offering, the Company may pay a finder's fee in respect of those purchasers under the Non-Brokered Offering introduced to the Company by certain eligible persons (each a "Finder"). Each Finder will receive a cash payment up to 6% of the gross proceeds received by the Company from purchasers under the Non-Brokered Offering who were introduced to the Company by such Finder. 50% of any fees payable to the Finders will be paid at closing of the Non-Brokered Offering and the remaining 50% of the fees payable to the Finders will form part of the Escrowed Proceeds payable only upon satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions.

The Subscription Receipts, the Common Shares and the Common Shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrants and the Compensation Options shall be subject to a hold period ending on the date that is four months and one day following the Offering Closing Date as set out in National Instrument 45-102 - Resale of Securities.

Shareholder Approval

The Proposed Acquisition and the Private Placement will each be considered a "related-party transaction" within the meaning of TSXV Policy 5.9 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions and MI 61-101. In particular, the Proposed Acquisition is a "related party transaction" under MI 61-101 as (a) Silvercorp is a control person of the Company as Silvercorp currently owns an approximate 29.1% interest in the Company, on a non-diluted basis and (b) Mr. Rui Feng is the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Silvercorp and director of the Company. The Private Placement is a "related party transaction" under MI 61-101 as a result of the Private Placement being considered a "connected transaction" to the Proposed Acquisition under MI 61-101 and certain insiders of the Company are expected to subscribe for Subscription Receipts pursuant to the Offering. The Company intends to rely on the exemption from the formal valuation requirements of MI 61-101 provided under section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101 on the basis that no securities of the Company are listed or quoted on certain specified exchanges and the Company intends on seeking "minority approval" of the Proposed Acquisition and Offering as required by Section 5.6 of MI 61-101 (the "Minority Approval") at the Meeting. For the purposes of determining Minority Approval at the Meeting, the Proposed Acquisition and Offering must be approved by a majority of the votes cast by holders of Common Shares at the Meeting (present in person or by proxy), excluding the voting of any shares held by Silvercorp and its insiders and those insiders of the Company who participate in the Offering.

Disinterested shareholder approval ("Disinterested Shareholder Approval") is also required in connection with the Proposed Acquisition under TSXV Policy 5.3 - Acquisitions and Dispositions of Non-Cash Assets since (a) the issuance to the Vendors of the Consideration Shares will exceed 10% of the Company's outstanding shares on a non-diluted basis prior to the Proposed Acquisition; and (b) the Company has not provided evidence of value to the TSXV in method prescribed by the TSXV in respect of the value of the Santa Barbara Project in connection with the Proposed Acquisition. Accordingly, the Company will seek Disinterested Shareholder Approval of the Proposed Acquisition at the Meeting. For the purposes of determining Disinterested Shareholder Approval at the Meeting, the Proposed Acquisition must be approved by a majority of the votes cast by holders of Common Shares at the Meeting (present in person or by proxy) excluding the voting of any shares held by "Non-Arm's Length Parties" (as defined in the policies of the TSXV) to the Company, being Silvercorp and any Associates or Affiliates of Silvercorp (each as defined in the policies of the TSXV).

Securities Not Registered Under the US Securities Act

The securities described herein 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 United States state securities laws, and accordingly, may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. persons except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. This press release is not an offer or a solicitation of an offer of securities for sale in the United States, nor will there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Qualified Person

This news release has been reviewed and approved by Alex Zhang, Director of the Company who is the designated qualified person for the Company.

About Tincorp

Tincorp Metals Inc. is a mineral exploration company which has entered into a definitive agreement with Silvercorp to acquire Santa Barbara Metals Inc. which holds a 100% interest in the Santa Barbara Gold-Copper Project in the Zamora Copper-Gold Belt of southeastern Ecuador. The Company also owns 100% of the Porvenir Project and has signed an agreement to acquire a 100% interest in the nearby SF Project, both located 70 km southeast of Oruro, Bolivia.

On Behalf of Tincorp Metals Inc.

signed "Victor Feng"

Victor Feng, Interim CEO

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collective, "forward looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the completion of the Proposed Acquisition; the expected benefits of the Proposed Acquisition to Tincorp; future exploration and development activities; the filing and acceptance of an updated NI 43-101 technical report; shareholder approval of the Proposed Acquisition; statements relating to the Meeting; statements regarding the Offering and the expected use of proceeds of the Offering; the payment of finder's fees; approval of the TSXV; the expected timing of closing of the Proposed Acquisition and Offering and the participation by insiders in the Offering.

Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by words or phrases such as "expects", "is expected", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "projects", "estimates", "assumes", "intends", "strategies", "targets", "goals", "forecasts", "objectives", "budgets", "schedules", "potential" or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions, assumptions, factors and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. The opinions, assumptions, factors and estimates which may prove to be incorrect, include, but are not limited to: that the Company will be able to obtain and maintain governmental approvals, permits and licenses in connection with its current and planned operations, development and exploration activities, including at the Project; that the Company will receive shareholder and TSXV approval for the Proposed Acquisition in a timely manner; that the conditions to the Proposed Acquisition will be satisfied or waived; that the Escrow Release Conditions will be met; the state of the equity financing markets in Canada; and other exploration, development, operating, financial market and regulatory factors.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is provided herein for the purpose of giving information about the Proposed Acquisition referred and its expected impact. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause such actions, events or results to differ materially from those anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and accordingly readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this news release or incorporated by reference herein, except as otherwise required by law.

Additional information in relation to the Company, including the Company's most recent management discussion & analysis, can be obtained under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at www.tincorp.com.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/285335

Source: Tincorp Metals Inc.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 25, 2026) - Lara Exploration Ltd. (TSXV: LRA) (OTC Pink: LRAXF), ("Lara" or the "Company") invites our stakeholders, including potential Join-Venture Partners, prospectors, and investors to visit the Lara Exploration team at our booth #2700 at the Prospectors Developers Association of Canada ("PDAC") convention from March 1st to March 4th, 2026. Chairman Miles Thompson, President & CEO Simon Ingram, VP Corporate Development Christopher MacIntyre, and Liam Keane will be in attendance to meet with our stakeholders, identify new ideas, and discuss new partnerships. Please reach out to Liam Keane, liam@laraexploration.com or +1 (416) 871-9103 if you would like to schedule a meeting with a member of our team while at PDAC.

Lara is focused on advancing its 100%-owned Planalto Copper-Gold Project in the Carajas Mineral Province of northern Brazil, with an open-pitable Mineral Resource detailed in a NI 43-101 Technical Report filed on October 17, 2024. Scoping studies completed in 2025 are detailed in NI 43-101 Preliminary Economic Assessment, results of which were published on October 21, 2025.

Lara has maintained the Prospect and Royalty Generator business model for the rest of its portfolio, which aims to minimize shareholder dilution and financial risk by generating prospects and exploring them in joint ventures funded by partners, retaining a minority interest and or a royalty.

The Company has entered into an agreement with Mining Stock Education LLC ("MSE") of Detroit, Michigan, to provide certain investor communication services to the Company for a period of 12 months. Payment will be made quarterly for an aggregate payment of US$84,000. Apart from such agreement, MSE has no interest, direct or indirect, in the Company or its securities, or any right or intent to acquire such an interest.

About Lara Exploration

Lara is an exploration company, focused on advancing its 100%-owned Planalto Copper-Gold Project in the Carajas mining district in northern Brazil. Based on the recent Planalto PEA report 1, it is anticipated that Planalto will be developed as a conventional open pit mine with a low strip-ratio, processing 8 Mtpa via a conventional crushing and grinding circuit followed by froth flotation. A single saleable chalcopyrite concentrate with a minor gold credit is to be transported internationally to third-party smelters. During the first 6 years, the PEA (Note 1) production schedule produces on average 36 kt (79 million lb) of copper and 7200 oz of gold per year, and over an 18-year mine life, Planalto will produce 560 kt (1.2 billion lb) of copper and 111,000 oz of gold. The project is located on private farmland, 4 km from the state highway with high tension powerlines alongside and close to two major Carajas mining towns within excellent infrastructure.

Note 1: A NI 43.101 Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) and Mineral Resource Estimate are detailed in reports filed on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) on November 17, 2025 and October 17, 2024 respectively. The PEA is preliminary in nature, and it includes Inferred Mineral Resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as Mineral Reserves, and, as such, there is no certainty that the PEA results will be realized.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

-30-

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/285334

Source: Lara Exploration Ltd.
Bornite Work Program Underway Following the Closing of $3.07m Financing

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / February 25, 2026 / Ameriwest Critical Metals Inc. (CSE:AWCM)(OTC PINK:AWLIF)(FSE:5HV) ("Ameriwest" or the "Company") is pleased to provide the following corporate update outlining the Company's near-term goals and objectives for 2026.

Recent Completion of Financing

On February 10, 2026, the Company announced the closing of an oversubscribed private placement for gross proceeds of $3,065,750 through the issuance of 12,263,000 units (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.25 per Unit. Each Unit consisted of one common share of the Company and one common share purchase warrant exercisable at a price of $0.40 per share for a period of 18 months from the applicable closing date. The Company is now well-positioned to execute its near-term exploration and corporate objectives.

Exploration Updates and Objectives

Bornite Copper-Gold-Silver Project, Oregon

On November 14, 2025, Ameriwest announced the closing of the acquisition of the Bornite property in Oregon (the "Bornite Project"). The Bornite Project has been the subject of significant historical exploration and is host to a copper-gold-silver deposit located approximately 50 miles east of Salem, Oregon. The Bornite deposit is interpreted to be a steeply oriented breccia pipe with copper mineralization (principally bornite and chalcopyrite) occurring within the breccia matrix and commonly concentrated along the margins.

Ameriwest has completed the transfer of the mineral claims comprising the Bornite Project into the name of the Company's wholly owned Nevada subsidiary with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. Through that subsidiary, Ameriwest holds a 100% interest in the Bornite Project, subject only to an advance royalty payment obligation of US$15,000 per year and a 2% production royalty, which the Company may acquire at any time for US$1,000,000.

Bornite Project - Goals and Objectives for 2026

The Bornite Project will be the Company's primary exploration focus in 2026. During Q1 and Q2 2026, Ameriwest intends to complete the following staged work:

Secure historic drill core and data - Move historic drill core currently stored near Tonopah, Nevada to Reno, Nevada for secure storage, re-logging and selective re-sampling. The Company notes that not all core may be recoverable due to weathering and/or incomplete intervals from prior metallurgical and environmental testing. Build an internal 3D geological model - Compile historic paper records into a digital database to generate an internal 3D model and internal mineral inventory estimate. This internal work product will be non-compliant withNational Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101")and non-CIM compliant, but is intended to guide priority target selection, future drilling, and technical planning. Surface work - Complete geologic mapping and targeted soil sampling across the project area to refine structural and geochemical controls. Geophysics - Complete geophysical surveys to support targeting and evaluate the breccia system and potential additional targets. Technical Report - Following completion of items (1)-(4), the Company plans to file a NI 43-101 Technical Report outlining results and recommending next-phase work, including an initial drill program. Drill permitting and next-phase drill program - The Company intends to advance permitting for drilling designed to confirm and extend historic results using modern QA/QC and disclosure practices consistent with NI 43-101 and CIM Standards.

Beyond Q2 2026, the Company's objective is to delineate an initial NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource at the Bornite Project, which will require drilling. Exploration will initially prioritize the known breccia pipe area, while evaluating regional potential for additional breccia bodies and/or deeper porphyry-style mineralization.

Xeno Rare Earth Project, British Columbia

On October 10, 2025, the Company announced that it had acquired the option to purchase the Xeno Rare Earth Project in British Columbia. The Xeno property consists of two mineral claim units totaling 784.31 hectares and is located approximately 140 km east of Dease Lake. The region includes carbonate masses, alkalic intrusives and related breccias, and historical work has included stream sediment sampling, soil and rock sampling, and geophysics, with reported occurrences of rare earth elements (REE) and yttrium.

Xeno Rare Earth Project - Goals and Objectives for 2026

Ameriwest considers Xeno a high-potential REE project and intends to commence preliminary exploration in summer 2026, including soil sampling and geophysics, and potentially backpack drilling to further evaluate areas associated with historical anomalous soil results.

Thompson Valley Lithium Project, Arizona - 2026 Planning

Ameriwest's Thompson Valley project in Arizona has returned lithium-bearing clay values reported by the Company of up to 1,295 ppm (see press release dated May 19, 2023 for details). The Company believes the property may have potential for a claystone-hosted lithium system within a sub-horizontal sequence of lacustrine sediments.

The Company maintains a drill permit in good standing from the Arizona State Land Department under its Geological Field Operations Plan. Ameriwest is currently assessing scope, budgeting and scheduling for a potential 2026 drill program.

Investor Relations and Marketing

Echo Elite Ads Ltd.

On February 25, 2026, the Company entered into a marketing agreement (the "Marketing Agreement") with Echo Elite Ads Ltd., a British Columbia corporation ("Echo"). Pursuant to the Marketing Agreement, Echo has agreed to design, create and distribute advertising content for the Company over a period of 20 weeks beginning on March 16, 2026. In accordance with the terms and conditions of the Marketing Agreement and as consideration for the services being provided by Echo, the Company has agreed to pay Echo a one-time, non-refundable fee of $415,000 plus GST, at least 85% of which Echo has committed to using for media distribution purposes including the purchase of advertising.

The Company will not issue any securities or options to purchase securities to Echo as compensation for its services under the Marketing Agreement. The contact information for Echo is: Echo Elite Ads Ltd., #250 - 997 Seymour Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6B 3M1. The contact person for Echo is Adrick Castiglioni, email: info@echoeliteads.com; phone: (236) 858-8588. Each of Echo and Mr. Castiglioni is at arm's length to the Company and, to the Company's knowledge, does not have any direct or indirect interest in the Company or its securities.

Qualified Person Statement

David Watkinson, P.Eng., a non-independent qualified person under NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release. Mr. Watkinson is the CEO and a director of Ameriwest.

About Ameriwest Critical Metals Inc.

Ameriwest is an exploration company focused on identifying and acquiring strategic critical mineral projects for exploration and resource development. The Company is currently advancing its Bornite copper-gold-silver property in Oregon, its Xeno rare earth property in British Columbia and its Thompson Valley lithium clay property in Arizona. Ameriwest also owns a lithium clay property in Clayton Valley, Nevada, and is in the process of optioning its Railroad Valley lithium brine property in Nevada to Pure Energy Minerals Limited.

For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company's filings available at www.sedarplus.ca.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

David Watkinson

Chief Executive Officer and Director

For further information, please contact:

Ameriwest Critical Metals Inc.

Tel: (416) 918-6785

Email: info@ameriwestcriticalmetals.com

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not in any way passed upon the merits of the matters referenced herein and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "intend", "should", and similar expressions. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information as a result of regulatory decisions, competitive factors in the industries in which the Company operates, prevailing economic conditions, changes to the Company's strategic growth plans, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. Any forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the Company's expectations as of the date hereof and is subject to change after such date. 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, except as required by applicable securities legislation.

SOURCE: Ameriwest Critical Metals

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/ameriwest-critical-metals-provides-corporate-update-and-2026-near-term-catalysts-1141700
Brisbane, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 25, 2026) - Adyton Resources Corporation (TSXV: ADY) ("Adyton" or the "Company") announces that it has filed on SEDAR+ an independent National Instrument 43-101 (Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects) technical report titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on Wapolu Gold Project Fergusson Island, PNG", effective December 12, 2025 (the "Technical Report").

The Technical Report was prepared by Louis Cohalan (MAIG), of Mining One Pty Ltd., and who is an "Independent Qualified Person" as defined by NI 43-101, and supports the updated mineral resource estimate for the Wapolu Gold Project disclosed in the Company's news release dated January 13, 2026.

The existing Gameta and updated Wapolu Mineral Resource Estimates are highlighted in Table 1:

Project Indicated Inferred Au

(g/t) Tonnes

(million) Au

(koz) Au

(g/t) Tonnes

(million) Au

(koz) Gameta exploration licence 1.33 4.0 173 1.01 10.5 340 Wapolu exploration licence 1.00 1.0 33 0.97 12.7 393 Fergusson Island Gold Project 1.28 5.0 206 0.99 23.2 733

Table 1: Gameta and Wapolu resources at 0.5g/t gold cut-off

Technical Report and Qualified Persons

The Technical Report is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website. Readers are encouraged to read the Technical Report in its entirety, including all qualifications, assumptions and exclusions that relate to the Mineral Resource estimates. The technical report is intended to be read as a whole, and sections should not be read or relied upon out of context.

Louis Cohalan (MAIG), of Mining One Pty Ltd., and who is an "Independent Qualified Person" as defined by NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release.

Dr. Chris Bowden, PhD, GCMEE, FAusIMM(CP), FSEG, the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Geologist of Adyton is a "Qualified Person" under NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release on behalf of the Company.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF ADYTON RESOURCES CORPORATION

Tim Crossley, Chief Executive Officer

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

ABOUT ADYTON RESOURCES CORPORATION

Adyton Resources Corporation is focused on the development of gold and copper resources in world class mineral jurisdictions. It currently has a portfolio of highly prospective mineral exploration projects in Papua New Guinea on which it is exploring to expand its identified gold Inferred and Indicated Mineral Resources and expand on its recent significant copper drill intercepts on the 100% owned Feni Island project. The Company's mineral exploration projects are located on the Pacific Ring of Fire on easy to access island locations which hosts several globally significant copper and gold deposits including the Lihir gold mine and Panguna copper/gold mine on Bougainville Island, both neighboring projects to the Company's Feni Island project.

Adyton has a total Mineral Resource Estimate inventory within its PNG portfolio of projects comprising indicated resources of 206,000 ounces gold and inferred resources of 2,193,000 ounces gold.

The Feni Island Project currently has a mineral resource prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 dated October 14, 2021, which has outlined an initial inferred mineral resource of 60.4 million tonnes at an average grade of 0.75 g/t Au, for contained gold of 1,460,000 ounces, assuming a cut-off grade of 0.5 g/t Au. See the NI 43-101 technical report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Feni Gold-Copper Property, New Ireland Province, Papua New Guinea prepared for Adyton Resources by Mark Berry (MAIG), Simon Tear (MIGI PGeo), Matthew White (MAIG) and Andy Thomas (MAIG), each an independent mining consultant and "qualified person" as defined in NI 43-101,available under Adyton's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and have not demonstrated economic viability.

The Fergusson Island Project currently has a mineral resource prepared in accordance with NI 43-101, which outlined an indicated mineral resource of 5.0 million tonnes at an average grade of 1.28 g/t Au for contained gold of 206,000 ounces and an inferred mineral resource of 23.2 million tonnes at an average grade of 0.99 g/t Au for contained gold of 733,000 ounces, both inferred and indicated resources used a 0.5g/t Au cut-off grade.

See the technical report dated October 14, 2021, entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Fergusson Gold Property, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea" prepared for Adyton Resources by Mark Berry (MAIG), Simon Tear (MIGI PGeo), Matthew White (MAIG) and Andy Thomas (MAIG), each an independent mining consultant and "qualified person" as defined in NI 43-101, available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and have not demonstrated economic viability.

See the technical report dated January 7, 2026, entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on Wapolu Gold Project" prepared for Adyton Resources by Louis Cohalan (MAIG) of Mining One Pty Ltd., and who is an independent mining consultant and "qualified person" as defined in NI 43-101, available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and have not demonstrated economic viability.

For more information about Adyton and its projects, visit www.adytonresources.com.





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Forward-looking statements

This press release includes "forward-looking statements", including forecasts, estimates, expectations, and objectives for future operations that are subject to several assumptions, risks, and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of Adyton. Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "plans" or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements in this news release include plans pertaining to the drill program, the intention to prepare additional technical studies, the timing of the drill program, uses of the recent drone survey data, the timing of updating key findings, the preparation of resource estimates, and the deeper exploration of high-grade gold and copper feeder systems. The forward-looking information contained herein is provided for the purpose of assisting readers in understanding management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes.

Forward-looking information are based on management of the parties' reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses, and opinions, which are based on such management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in connection with the future development of the projects in a timely manner; the availability of financing on suitable terms for the development; construction and continued operation of the Fergusson Island Project and the Feni Island Project; the ability to effectively complete the drilling program; and Adyton's ability to comply with all applicable regulations and laws, including environmental, health and safety laws.

Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but instead reflect Adyton's management's expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of managements considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although Adyton believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and under reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by Adyton. Among the key risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements are the following: impacts arising from the global disruption, changes in general macroeconomic conditions; reliance on key personnel; reliance on Zenex Drilling; changes in securities markets; changes in the price of gold or certain other commodities; change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations pressures, cave-ins and flooding); discrepancies between actual and estimated metallurgical recoveries; inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of and changes in the costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); and title to properties. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking information represents management's best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual future results may vary materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Adyton Resources Corporation undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/285234

Source: Adyton Resources Corporation
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 25, 2026) - Galloper Gold Corp. (CSE: BOOM) (OTC Pink: GGDCF) (the "Company" or "Galloper") announces that, in accordance with the provisions of its omnibus equity incentive plan, it has granted incentive stock options (the "Options") to purchase a total of 1,500,000 common shares (the "Shares") of the Company at an exercise price of $0.10 per Share to certain consultants who have been engaged for capital markets advisory services. Certain Options will vest quarterly over a period of two years from the date of grant and certain Options will vest quarterly over a period of three years from the date of grant.

The Company is also pleased to announce that its CEO, Hratch Jabrayan, has acquired 644,992 Shares in the capital of the Company in the open market since February 9, 2026, the closing date of the Company's non-brokered private placement ("Private Placement"). The Shares were acquired at an average price of $0.09 per Share.

In addition, the Company is pleased to announce that certain insiders of the Company purchased an aggregate of 2,500,000 units of the Company in the Private Placement that closed on February 9, 2026. The participation by such insiders in the Private Placement constituted a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions. For details on the Private Placement, refer to the Company's news release dated February 10, 2026.

The purchase of securities of the Company by Mr. Jabrayan in the open market and by the insiders in the Private Placement reflects confidence in the intrinsic value of the stock and the near-term and long-term growth prospects of the Company.

With these purchases, insiders of the Company, in the aggregate, now own or control 11,430,671 Shares, representing approximately 11.80% of the Company's issued and outstanding Shares as of February 25, 2026.

The Company is also pleased to announce that it has entered into a marketing agreement (the "Agreement") with Existing Agency Inc. ("Existing Agency") of Toronto, Ontario, pursuant to which Existing Agency will provide the Company with marketing and media services (the "Services") for an initial term of six (6) months commencing February 23, 2026 and ending on August 23, 2026. The scope of the Services to be provided include webinars, press release distribution, content promotion across mining networks, forums, and active investor communities, video interviews.

The Company has agreed to pay Existing Agency a fee of $5,000 per month, plus applicable taxes, for the duration of the initial term. The Agreement may be renewed for an additional six (6) months by mutual agreement between the parties.

The Company will not issue any securities to Existing Agency as compensation for the services. As of the date hereof, to the Company's knowledge, Existing Agency does not own any securities of the Company and has an arm's-length relationship with the Company.

The contact information for Existing Agency is 1400 - 120 Adelaide Street West, Toronto, Ontario M5H 1T1; contact: Cassandra Woloschuk, e-mail: cass@weareexisting.com, phone: 647-215-6243.

About Existing Agency Inc.

Existing Agency is a creative and digital agency dedicated to fuelling innovation, impact, and influence. As collaborative media strategists and brand builders, we combine visionary creativity with data-driven insights to craft impactful solutions across social media management, content creation, paid amplification, design, branding, video production, and web development. From mining companies to consumer-packaged goods brands, we work seamlessly across sectors to bring ideas to life through strategy-backed storytelling. With an in-house team handling everything from audience research and community growth to video production and website delivery, we empower brands to connect meaningfully, engage effectively, and grow sustainably.

About Galloper Gold Corp.

Galloper Gold Corp. is focused on mineral exploration in central Newfoundland on its Glover Island exploration project. The property comprises 466 mining claims on 13 mineral licences covering 116.6sqkm (11,660 Ha). Historic exploration efforts produced the LPSE Resource which is wholly controlled by Galloper Gold Corp.

For more information please visit www.GalloperGold.com and the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Mr. Hratch Jabrayan

CEO and Director

Galloper Gold Corp.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "expect", "estimate", "objective", "may", "will", "project", "should", "predict", "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company cannot give any assurance that they will prove correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, they involve inherent assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of assumptions, factors and risks. These assumptions and risks include, but are not limited to, assumptions and risks associated with mineral exploration generally, risks related to capital markets, risks related to the state of financial markets or future metals prices and the other risks described in the Company's publicly filed disclosure.

Management has provided the above summary of risks and assumptions related to forward-looking statements in this news release in order to provide readers with a more comprehensive perspective on the Company's future operations. The Company's actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive from them. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and, other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider 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/285354

Source: Galloper Gold Corp.
Indianapolis, Indiana--(Newsfile Corp. - February 25, 2026) - AMS Relocation, Inc., of Brisbane, Campbell and Danville, Calif., was awarded Bekins Van Lines Agent of the Year Thursday, February 19 at Bekins' seventh annual Van Line Summit & Awards Gala. The award is given to the top interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines that exemplifies putting customers first and the characteristics of quality, professionalism, empathy for customers, fellow agents, drivers and van line employees.

Selected as the Bekins Agent of the Month for May 2025, AMS Relocation, Inc., has been family-owned and operated since 1949, when Chairman Gary Wolfe's parents left the restaurant business and started a used furniture store / handyman / mover business. The moving company joined the Bekins system in 1983 under Wolfe, two years after he purchased the company from his parents.

"I was getting calls weekly about interstate moves and having to give them another mover's phone number, which is when I realized I should look into interstate moving," Wolfe said. "I talked to virtually everyone, but no one was interested since I didn't have interstate experience, until Scott Lindberg called me from Bekins Van Lines."

Wolfe provided a business plan and joined Bekins, starting a 40-plus-year partnership that has been fruitful on both sides and has filtered through three more generations.

"My mom Stacie Eversole is our president, and my brother Austin Eversole is our COO," said Cameron Eversole, CEO of AMS Relocation, Inc., and grandson of Gary Wolfe. "This isn't just a job for us. This is a 75-plus-year legacy, and that's how we look at it."

The team at AMS Relocation, Inc., has made a continued positive impact on the van line throughout the more than four decades they have been part of the network.

"AMS Relocation, Inc., has always been a leader in their community, a leader in quality and a leader within the Bekins system. Their decades of success in the Bay area prove their expertise, yet they're always listening and finding new ways to delight their customers," said Jim Gaw, CEO at Bekins Van Lines. "The 2025 Agent of the Year award is a testament to what a unified team can achieve."

AMS Relocation, Inc.'s May 2025 Agent of the Month distinction was the company's tenth recognition through the monthly award, and the 2025 Agent of the Year award is its second time to earn the annual award, with the first time happening in 2013. Other recent awards include the 2025 Silver Sales Award, the 2025 Bronze Hauling Award, and the 2025 Spire Award. Paul Newman, a salesperson at AMS Relocation, Inc., also earned the 2025 Achievers Club individual sales award.

The Bay Area moving company is involved in its community through partnerships with the National Association of Senior and Specialty Move Managers (NASMM), the San Mateo County of Realtors, Make It Home Bay Area, Move For Hunger, and National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO). AMS Relocation, Inc., is also proud to be a Silver Certified agent through the van line.

The AMS Relocation, Inc., team can be reached by phone at (650) 697-3530, in person at 444 Valley Dr, Brisbane, CA 94005, and online at bekinsmovingservices.com. Watch the 2025 Bekins Agent of the Year video on YouTube.

Members of the AMS Relocation, Inc., team celebrated offstage (from left), including Jorge Ramirez, Austin Eversole and Yogi Bhakta.

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AMS Relocation, Inc., Chairman Gary Wolfe remarked on the history of his agency's partnership with Bekins Van Lines while accepting the 2025 Agent of the Year award.

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The AMS Relocation, Inc., team accepted the 2025 Bekins Agent of the Year award onstage from Bekins Van Lines CEO Jim Gaw (far right).

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About Bekins Van Lines

Wheaton | Bekins is one of the world's most highly regarded providers of transportation services. The van line owns five household goods relocation brands, Wheaton World Wide Moving, Bekins Van Lines, Stevens Worldwide Van Lines, Arpin Van Lines and Clark & Reid. The van line is the fourth largest household goods carrier. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., through its brands Wheaton | Bekins offers private and corporate domestic and international household goods relocation services as well as special commodities and logistic services. The van line is partner to more than 350 Wheaton and Bekins agents nationwide. To learn more, visit www.bekins.com/why-bekins/partners .

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To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/285350

Source: Bekins Van Lines
MAPLE LEAF CRITICAL MINERALS 2025 ENHANCED FLOW-THROUGH LIMITED PARTNERSHIP NATIONAL CLASS & QUEBEC CLASS

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / February 25, 2026 / This notice is being sent to advise that Maple Leaf Critical Minerals 2025 Enhanced Flow-Through Limited Partnership - National Class (CUSIP Class A - 56529A101, CUSIP Class F - 56529A119) and Quebec Class (CUSIP Class A - 56529A127, Class F- 56529A135) (the "Partnership") will be proceeding with a transaction (the "Liquidity Transaction") pursuant to which the assets of the Partnership (the "Assets") will be transferred on a tax-deferred basis to the Maple Leaf Gold & Critical Minerals Class (the "Gold & Critical Minerals Class Mutual Fund"), a class of shares of Maple Leaf Corporate Funds Ltd., an open-ended mutual fund corporation, in exchange for Series A or Series F shares of the Mutual Fund.

Additional information about the Gold & Critical Minerals Class Mutual Fund is available in their simplified prospectus and annual information form. These documents are available at www.sedarplus.ca and www.mapleleaffunds.ca.

How the Rollover Will Work:

Pursuant to the Liquidity Transaction, Limited Partners of the Partnership ("Investors") will receive shares of the Gold & Critical Minerals Class Mutual Fund in connection with the dissolution of the Partnership. The effective date of the Liquidity Transaction (the "Effective Date") is expected to be on or about Friday, May 29, 2026. Shortly after the Effective Date, the shares of the Gold & Critical Minerals Class Mutual Fund will be distributed on a pro rata basis to investors and thereafter the Partnership will be dissolved.

Investors will receive the Gold & Critical Minerals Class Mutual Fund shares in exchange for, and with a value equal to, the value of the units of the Partnership held at the time of such transfer of Assets. When the shares of the Gold & Critical Minerals Class Mutual Fund are received, the Partnership units will be removed from each Investors account. Processing may take 5 to 7 business days (in some cases longer) to complete, after the rollover occurs.

The Partnership will issue a press release once the Liquidity Transaction has been completed and the conversion ratio has been determined.

The ACB (adjusted cost base) for each unit of the Partnership and each share of the Gold & Critical Minerals Class Mutual Fund will be determined by the General Partner upon the wind-up of the Partnership's affairs. The Partnership will dissolve within 60 days of the Effective Date. The General Partner will post these details on its website at www.mapleleaffunds.ca.

Investors should consult with their investment advisor and/or tax advisor for all tax-related matters.

Simplified Example:

An Investor holds 100 Partnership units with a final Net Asset Value of $20.00 at the time of rollover and the net asset value per share of the Gold & Critical Minerals Class Mutual Fund is $5.00 on the same date. Based on these net asset values, the conversion ratio will be 4.0 (4.0 = $20.00 / $5.00). The Investor's 100 units, valued at $2,000, are removed from the Investor's account and 400 shares (400 = 100 x 4.0) of the Gold & Critical Minerals Class Mutual Fund, valued at $2,000, are added to the Investor's account.

Processing can be delayed after the rollover occurs, therefore transactions such as switches or redemptions may not be processed until the Gold & Critical Minerals Class Mutual Fund shares have been credited to client accounts.

Neither the Partnership nor the Gold & Critical Minerals Class Mutual Fund will accept any liability for transactions executed prior to dealer records being updated.

Specific Information about the Mutual Fund:

Organization and Management of the Mutual Fund Manager: CADO Investment Fund Management Inc. 609 Granville Street, Suite 808 Vancouver, British Columbia V7Y 1G5

Tel: 604-684-5742

Fax: 604-684-5748

Toll free: 1-866-688-5750

Email: info@cadobancorp.ca CADO Investment Fund Management Inc.is the manager of the Mutual Fund and is responsible for managing the overall business and operations of the Mutual Fund. Portfolio Advisor: Palette Investment Management Inc ("Palette") Toronto, Ontario Palette is responsible for managing the investment portfolio of the Funds. Custodian: RBC Investor & Treasury Services Toronto, Ontario The custodian has physical custody of the Mutual Fund's property. Administrator: The IAS Investment Administration Solution Inc. ("IAS") Toronto, Ontario The administrator keeps track of the owners of shares of the Mutual Fund and processes purchases. Auditor: KPMG LLP

Vancouver, British Columbia The auditors are responsible for auditing the annual financial statements of the Mutual Fund. The auditors of the Mutual Fund may not be changed unless the independent review committee of the Mutual Fund has approved the change and a written notice describing the change is sent to unit holders at least 60 days before the effective date of the change. Independent Review Committee (the "IRC") Canadian securities legislation requires the Mutual Fund to have an IRC. The IRC is composed of three members, each of whom is independent of us. The mandate of the IRC is to review, and provide input on, our written policies and procedures that deal with conflict of interest matters in respect of the Mutual Fund and to give their recommendation regarding and, in some cases, approve, conflict of interest matters identified and referred to the IRC by us. The IRC will prepare, at least annually, a report of its activities for investors. This report will be available at our website at www.mapleleaffunds.ca or you may request a copy, at no cost to you, by contacting us at info@cadobancorp.ca. Additional information about the IRC, including the names of the members, is available in the Mutual Fund's Annual Information Form.

Portfolio Advisor:

Palette Investment Management Inc. ("Palette") will be responsible for the Mutual Fund's investment activities. Mr. Andrew Cook, President of Palette, will act as Portfolio Manager on behalf of Palette. Mr. Cook has 34 years of experience in the financial services sector, the past 26 engaged in managing funds for several investment organizations as well as private clients. His focus has been primarily on growth companies with substantial experience in the small and midcap parts of the market and he has spent a significant amount of time in the resource sector.

Mr. Cook has had a distinguished career as an analyst and portfolio manager with the Royal Bank of Canada, Midland Walwyn, Strategic Nova, Marquest Asset Management, and Matrix Asset Management Inc.

Additional Information:

Additional information about the Mutual Fund will be available in the Mutual Fund's simplified prospectus, annual information form, management reports of fund performance and financial statements. You can obtain a copy of these documents at your request and at no cost by contacting Maple Leaf Funds toll free at 1-866-688-5750, by e-mailing info@maplelelaffunds.ca, by download from www.mapleleaffunds.ca or from your financial advisor.

Other information about the Mutual Fund, is available at SEDAR+ (the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval established by the Canadian Securities Administrators) at www.sedarplus.ca.

For further information or assistance with respect to the Mutual Fund or the Limited Partnership, please contact:

CADO Investment Fund Management Inc.

609 Granville Street, Suite 808, Vancouver, BC V7Y 1G5

Tel: 604-684-5742 | Toll Free: 866-688-5750 | Fax: 604-684-5748

Email: info@cadobancorp.ca| Web: www.mapleaffunds.ca

SOURCE: Maple Leaf Critical Minerals 2025 Enhanced Flow-Through Limited Partnership

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/notice-of-rollover-transaction-1141724
Indianapolis, Indiana--(Newsfile Corp. - February 25, 2026) - Grace Moving Company, LLC, of Modesto, Stockton and Tracy, Calif., was awarded Wheaton World Wide Moving Agent of the Year Thursday, February 19 at Wheaton's seventh annual Van Line Summit & Awards Gala. The award is given to the top interstate agent for Wheaton World Wide Moving that exemplifies putting customers first and the characteristics of quality, professionalism, empathy for customers, fellow agents, drivers and van line employees.

Grace Moving Company's co-owner, Sally Bolger, was the marketing director at a large retirement community before starting the moving business. She managed the coordination of moves for all the residents moving into the community and discovered that moving companies were typically unreliable for senior moves. One day in 1998, an individual's movers didn't show up on the day the individual was scheduled to move into the facility. Sally called her husband, Patrick Bolger (co-owner of Grace Moving), to ask for his help since he was off that day, and they were able to get the individual moved.

The Grace Moving Company team, including (from left) Clay Smith, Patrick Bolger and Sally Bolger, accepted the 2025 Wheaton Agent of the Year award from Wheaton CEO Jim Gaw (far right) onstage.

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"At the end of that move, the family and that resident were just so happy, and they were so complimentary about the job he did, how respectful, how kind, and it was a light bulb moment for me," said Sally Bolger.

The California moving company became part of the Wheaton network with the van line's acquisition of Stevens Worldwide Van Lines in 2019 and transitioned to become a Wheaton agent in 2022. Throughout its journey, the team at Grace Moving has consistently provided an excellent customer experience.

"Grace Moving is a leader in the older adult market. Their commitment to quality and customer service has propelled them to grow as a business and within the Wheaton network. While they've expanded exponentially over the past twenty-plus years, they've kept their commitment to quality and care in every aspect of their business. Each member of their team works together to give their customers a phenomenal experience," said Jim Gaw, CEO of Wheaton World Wide Moving. "The Agent of the Year award reflects the team's exceptional collaboration, dedication and outstanding performance. Together, this agency has shown what's possible when talent and teamwork come together."

Grace Moving Company's June 2025 Agent of the Month distinction was the company's fourth recognition through the monthly award. Other recent awards include the 2025 Bronze Sales Award; the 2025 Top Spire Award; the 2025 Spire Award; and the 2025 Customer Loyalty Award. Clay Smith, interstate salesperson for Grace Moving Company, earned the 2025 Leaders Club Award for individual sales.

The Grace Moving team can be reached by phone at (209) 551-7772, in person at 800 Janopaul Ln, Modesto, CA 95351 and online at gracemoving.com. Watch the 2025 Wheaton Agent of the Year video on YouTube.

Clay Smith, Sally Bolger and Patrick Bolger of Grace Moving Company, LLC, posed with their 2025 Agent of the Year award offstage at the Wheaton World Wide Moving Van Line Summit & Awards Gala.

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About Wheaton World Wide Moving

Wheaton | Bekins is one of the world's most highly regarded providers of transportation services. The van line owns five household goods relocation brands, Wheaton World Wide Moving, Bekins Van Lines, Stevens Worldwide Van Lines, Arpin Van Lines and Clark & Reid. The van line is the fourth largest household goods carrier. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., through its brands Wheaton | Bekins offers private and corporate domestic and international household goods relocation services as well as special commodities and logistic services. The United States military is one of the company's largest customers. The van line is partner to more than 350 Wheaton and Bekins agents nationwide. To learn more, visit www.wheatonworldwide.com/why-wheaton/partners .

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To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/285356

Source: Wheaton World Wide Moving
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Beijing on Wednesday with a heavyweight delegation of nearly 30 top executives, seeking to recalibrate Germanys economic relationship with China.

On his first official visit to China since taking office in May, Merz struck a pragmatic tone, emphasising fair cooperation and open communication during talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People.

We have very specific concerns regarding our cooperation, which we want to improve and make fair, Merz said, underscoring Berlins push for a level playing field for German firms operating in China.

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Balancing act between rivalry and reliance

China was Germanys largest trading partner last year, but the relationship has grown increasingly fraught. German manufacturers  particularly in the auto and machinery sectors  are grappling with intensifying competition from Chinese rivals, contributing to a growing trade imbalance and calls within Berlin for a tougher stance.

Merz, a conservative leader who has previously warned about overdependence on Beijing, made clear that Germanys strategy remains one of de-risking rather than decoupling.

It would be a mistake for us to seek to decouple ourselves from China, he said before departing Berlin. That kind of policy would only harm our own interests.

At the same time, he has cautioned that Chinas dominance in critical raw materials and key technologies poses strategic vulnerabilities. Raw materials, technologies, and supply chains become instruments of power in the zero-sum game of the great, he warned earlier this month.

China controls a significant share of global rare earth supplies  essential for electric vehicle batteries, semiconductors and defence equipment  adding urgency to Europes diversification drive.

ALSO READ: Germany's Merz to carry common European position on tariffs before US trip

CEOs in tow

Merzs delegation includes senior representatives from Germanys industrial backbone, including carmakers such as Volkswagen and BMW, both of which face mounting pressure from Chinese electric vehicle makers in their largest overseas market.

The chancellor is scheduled to visit a plant operated by Mercedes-Benz Group in Beijing and later travel to Hangzhou, where he will tour facilities of robotics firm Hangzhou Unitree Technology and Germanys Siemens Energy.

The strong business presence underscores the stakes for Europes largest economy, which has been shedding roughly 10,000 manufacturing jobs a month amid what some analysts describe as a second China shock  a fresh wave of competitive pressure from Chinas advanced manufacturing sector.

Beijing courts Europe amid US tensions

For Beijing, the visit offers an opportunity to present itself as a stable economic partner at a time when trade tensions with Washington remain elevated.

Li called on both sides to safeguard multilateralism and free trade  a pointed reference to the trade policies of US President Donald Trump  and urged closer cooperation between two of the worlds largest economies.

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China and Germany should strengthen our confidence in cooperation, jointly safeguard multilateralism and free trade, and strive to build a more just and fair global governance system, Li said.

Merz is also scheduled to meet President Xi Jinping, with discussions expected to centre on competition, market access and supply-chain resilience.

Competition at the core

Ahead of the visit, Berlin signalled that competition would be a central theme of the talks. German officials have long argued that state subsidies, favourable industrial policies and Buy Chinese procurement rules tilt the playing field in favour of domestic firms.

The European Union has grown increasingly vocal about what it sees as structural distortions in the Chinese economy. EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic this week warned of Chinas rising dominance in key manufacturing sectors and shrinking market share for European firms.

Yet business sentiment remains nuanced. Surveys cited in Chinese state media suggest that innovation gains in China are still feeding back into German headquarters, highlighting the complexity of disentangling economic ties.

A defining year for EU-China ties

Merz joins a list of Western leaders who have travelled to Beijing this year seeking to stabilise ties, even as Europe debates how far to push its de-risking strategy.

Engagement between Berlin and Beijing is widely seen as a bellwether for broader EU-China relations in 2026. Germanys export-driven model has been deeply intertwined with Chinas rise for two decades, but the political mood has shifted toward greater caution.

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Our China policy has to take account of the fact that China has risen to the ranks of the major powers, Merz said before departure. Only if we in Germany and Europe are united, strong and competitive can we shape a balanced partnership with China.
IDFC First Bank has repaid Rs 583 crore to Haryana government departments in a Rs 590-crore fraud case at its Chandigarh branch as a criminal probe continues

In a swift damage-control move amid an ongoing probe into a Rs 590-crore fraud at its Chandigarh branch, IDFC First Bank has said it has repaid 100 per cent of the principal and interest claimed by Haryana government departments, even as investigations continue.

In a regulatory filing, the private sector lender said it did not hold up the payment on account of the matter being under investigation.

Rs 583 crore paid out

The bank said it has paid out 100% of the principal and interest to the relevant departments of Haryana government as claimed, which works out to a net amount of Rs 583 crore.

The development comes days after the lender disclosed that it had detected a fraud of about Rs 590 crore involving certain Haryana government-linked accounts operated through its Chandigarh branch. The bank had earlier indicated that the fraud was the result of fraudulent activities carried out by some employees at the branch, possibly in collusion with other individuals.

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The irregularities reportedly surfaced when a Haryana government department sought closure of its account and transfer of the balance to another bank. During reconciliation, discrepancies were found between the stated and actual balances, prompting a deeper review of other government-linked accounts.

ALSO READ: 'No systemic issue': RBI on Rs 590-cr IDFC First Bank fraud as shares crash 16%; CEO vows action

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini told the state Assembly that nearly Rs 556 crore, including around Rs 22 crore in interest, had been recovered within 24 hours in connection with the case. He added that the entire amount due to various state government departments, boards and corporations had been credited back.

The Haryana Anti-Corruption Bureau has launched a probe into the matter, and four people have been arrested so far. The Chief Minister has also said a committee has been constituted to examine the case in detail and fix accountability.

Bank underscores financial strength

In its filing, IDFC First Bank sought to reassure investors and depositors about its financial health.

As of 31st December 2025, the bank said, its total customer business, which includes loans and deposits, stood at Rs 5,62,090 crore, up 22.6 per cent year-on-year. It reported gross non-performing assets of 1.69 per cent and net NPA of 0.53 per cent, with capital adequacy at 16.22 per cent.

Currently, this is not entirely reflecting in the net profit of the Bank as the Bank is in investment stage The last few years have been a phase of building the foundation blocks, and the next few years we expect the operating leverage to reflect in the earnings, it said.

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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.
2026 brings Scream 7 with Ghostface, The Devil Wears Prada 2 featuring Miranda Priestly, Scary Movie 6 parodying horror, and Focker In Law with family chaos to cinemas.

2026 isnt just another year at the movies, its a full blown nostalgia revival. Some of Hollywoods most loved, quoted and culturally defining franchises are returning to the big screen, bringing back legacy characters, unfinished business and a whole lot of chaos.

From slasher legends to fashion royalty and dysfunctional families, heres a look at the iconic titles making their roaring comeback and why audiences cant wait.

Scream 7

Ghostface returns and the bloodline is in danger. With legacy characters pulled back into the nightmare, this chapter promises personal stakes, brutal twists and edge-of-the-seat suspense. Releasing this Friday, the horror revival begins here. Paramount Pictures India is set to release Scream 7 in cinemas on 27th February 2026.

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The Devil Wears Prada 2

Miranda Priestly steps back into power. The fashion worlds most intimidating editor returns for another round of high stakes ambition, sharp dialogue and iconic looks. 20th Century Studios will release The Devil Wears Prada 2 in cinemas on 1st May 2026.

Scary Movie 6

Horror gets hilariously roasted again. The parody franchise makes a comeback, ready to spoof modern slashers, thrillers and pop culture madness.

Focker In Law

The in-laws are back to test everyones patience. Expect awkward reunions, generational chaos and classic cringe comedy.
Met Gala 2026 theme and dress code revealed. From star co-chairs Beyonce and Nicole Kidman to fashion inspiration and red carpet expectations, heres everything you need to know.

The Met Gala 2026 is all set to celebrate creativity, with organisers officially unveiling the theme, dress code, and the list of high-profile co-chairs leading the night. Widely regarded as fashions biggest event, this years gala promises to push creative boundaries while paying homage to identity, and artistic expression.

What Is the Met Gala 2026 Theme?

The theme for Met Gala 2026 revolves around Fashion is Art.

As per a report in Vogue, Andrew Bolton, the curator in charge of the Costume Institute, said, What connects every curatorial department and what connects every single gallery in the museum is fashion, or the dressed body. Its the common thread throughout the whole museum, which is really what the initial idea for the exhibition was.

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Met Gala 2026 Gala Host and Co-Chairs

The gala will be hosted by Anna Wintour, with Beyonce acting as cochair alongside Nicole Kidman and Venus Williams.

Celebrities Zoe Kravitz, Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, Teyana Taylor, Misty Copeland, Lena Dunham will round off Met Gala 2026s host committee.

When and Where Is Met Gala 2026?

The Met Gala 2026 will take place on the first Monday of May, at the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, continuing its long-standing tradition.

With a theme rooted in extravagance and a dress code that encourages fearless creativity, Met Gala 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark fashion moment. Backed by influential co-chairs like Beyonce and Nicole Kidman, the event promises a dazzling celebration of style, storytelling, and cultural power.
Martin Shorts daughter Katherine Short dies at 42 from apparent suicide. 911 call details, family statement, and what we know so far.

Hollywood actor and comedian Martin Short is mourning an unimaginable loss after his daughter Katherine Short died at the age of 42 in Los Angeles. Reports confirm that emergency services responded to a distress call from her Hollywood Hills residence, where she was found dead. As details emerge, tributes continue to pour in, remembering Katherine for her compassion, intellect, and dedication to mental health advocacy.

What happened: Emergency response and 911 audio details

Trigger warning

According to law enforcement sources, emergency responders were dispatched to Katherines home shortly after 6:40 pm local time following a 911 call reporting a shooting. Authorities were unable to immediately enter the bedroom, and first responders later confirmed the injury was self-inflicted. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The Los Angeles Police Department and Fire Department both attended the incident.

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Official statement from the family

In a statement issued to the media, the Short family said they were devastated by the loss and requested privacy during this difficult time. They described Katherine as deeply loved and remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world. Martin Short has postponed multiple public appearances following the tragedy.

The statement read, It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short. The Short family is devastated by this loss and asks for privacy at this time. Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.

Who was Katherine Short?

Katherine Short was the eldest child of Martin Short and his late wife Nancy Dolman. She largely stayed away from the public eye and built a respected career in social work. A graduate of New York University and the University of Southern California, she worked extensively in clinical mental health services and was actively involved in breaking stigma around psychological wellness.

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Friends and colleagues remember Katherine as deeply empathetic, intelligent, and driven by a desire to serve. Her work as a licensed clinical social worker saw her support individuals dealing with trauma, mental illness, and emotional distress, a legacy many say makes her loss even more heartbreaking.

Katherines tragic passing has renewed conversations around mental health awareness, particularly regarding depression and suicide prevention. Experts continue to stress the importance of early intervention, open conversations, and access to professional help.

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If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to your local mental health helplines or trusted professionals.
Its now being shown that the King was warned about his brother six years ago and did nothing, Lownie told Sky News host Andrew Bolt

The drama around The Epstein Files seems to be far from over. Jeffrey Epstein is no more but the pandemonium his files has caused is for everyone to see. Not only some of the biggest names in Hollywood, even the royal family has got itself embroiled in the mess. The pressure on King Charles is real as per some shocking revelations by Royal author Andrew Lownie.

Its now being shown that the King was warned about his brother six years ago and did nothing, Lownie told Sky News host Andrew Bolt.

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There are increasing calls that Charles has been compromised by this scandal, that the only way out is for him to abdicate. To pass it on to William, who, so far, has been seen to be completely clean.

Netizens react

One said, Nothing will happen to Citizen Andrew. Youre talking about The Establishment here. The latter are protected and self-protect. The whole system is rotten to the core. . . . . the (two-tier) police, the government, the entitled royalty, the (two-tier) judiciary.

A second commented- I think your wrong. The Queen was in command when all the Andrew shenanigans went on. She protected Andrew and would have over ruled Charles. Im appalled that MSM is adding more DRAMA & Hysteria to this.

The comment added, " Im not a fan of King Charles, but hes not to blame for Andrew and was NOT in charge at the time. The Queen was responsible for protecting Andrew & she was Compromised. Not Charles.

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A third wrote- The British people have rolled over and accepts the guff the Royals spew and swallow it - British people seemed to have lost their dignity by not taking to the streets and demand not only justice but for the Royals to be answerable to the people."

and Meghan Markle appear but with a difference

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The abiding controversial couple has not been named the way the other people have been. The former royal couple was not directly involved with the late sexual offender. Theres something more to it.

The names have appeared because of a prank phone call instigated by a group that claimed to be part of environmental activists Greta Thunbergs team. The call was made by pranksters Vladimir Kuznetsov and Alexey Stolyarov.

How responded to the prank call

I have very little to say on that. But whatever he has done or hasnt done, is completely separate from me and my wife. We operate in a way of inclusivity, and we are focusing on community. And so we are completely separate from the majority of my family.
BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Wednesday welcomed the Union Cabinets decision to rename Kerala as Keralam, stating that it reflects respect for Indian heritage

Theres a lot happening as The Kerala Story 2 is all set to release in cinemas this Friday. First, there were rumours the teaser has been removed from the internet but they were refuted by the makers in a statement.

Makers Say No Court Order Has Directed Any Removal

In a detailed statement, Sunshine Pictures clarified that the matter is currently sub judice and no court has passed any order directing the removal of any promotional content.

Sunshine Pictures would like to categorically clarify that the news currently circulating regarding the removal of _The Kerala Story 2  Goes Beyond_ teaser is completely false, baseless, and misleading. The matter is presently subjudice. No judgement or order has been passed by any court directing the removal of any content, the statement read.

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Kerala becomes Keralam

BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Wednesday welcomed the Union Cabinets decision to rename Kerala as Keralam, stating that it reflects respect for Indian heritage, while slamming the opposition for protesting such changes due to what he called a slave mentality.

Speaking to ANI, Poonawalla said the decision was taken respecting public sentiments. Respecting these public sentiments, the Union Cabinet has decided that the name of Kerala will be changed to Keralam, Poonawalla said.

The BJP spokesperson emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modis government has consistently demonstrated respect for Indian heritage through various renaming initiatives. We have seen that ever since PM Modis government came to power, a clear picture has emerged that we fully respect our Indian heritage. Some people are still suffering from a foreign and slave mentality, that if Kerala is changed to Keralam, they protest, if Rajpath is changed to Kartavyapath, they protest, he said.

Taking a dig at those opposing such renaming decisions, Poonawalla said they have become accustomed to slavery and foreign mentality. They have become accustomed to slavery and foreign mentality, he added. The Union Cabinets approval to rename Kerala as Keralam follows similar renaming initiatives undertaken by the Modi government, including the renaming of Rajpath to Kartavyapath in New Delhi.

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However, the change in the name will have no direct connection to the commercial prospects of the film whose sequel comes out three years after the success of the first film. The second part will have to rely on its own merit to be able to strike gold the way the 2023 film did.

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With added inputs from agencies
Who was Jean-Luc Brunel? A deep dive into the Epstein Files, his connection to Jeffrey Epstein, sexual abuse allegations, and Thysia Huismans latest statements following his controversial jail death.

As fresh scrutiny surrounds the Epstein Files, renewed attention has turned to Jean-Luc Brunel, the French modelling agent long accused of playing a pivotal role in Jeffrey Epsteins alleged trafficking network. Recent statements by former model Thysia Huisman, one of Brunels most prominent accusers, have once again reignited debate around his influence, alleged crimes, and controversial death, a case that continues to raise troubling questions years later.

Who was Jean-Luc Brunel?

Jean-Luc Brunel was a powerful French modelling agent and founder of the MC2 Model Management agency, which represented high-profile models and operated extensively in Europe and the United States. Over the years, multiple women accused Brunel of sexual assault, rape, and trafficking, allegations that became closely linked to investigations surrounding convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

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Several accusers alleged that Brunel recruited and groomed young girls under the guise of modelling opportunities, introducing them to Epstein and other wealthy figures. These claims placed Brunel at the centre of international probes into sex trafficking and abuse networks tied to Epstein.

Thysia Huismans allegations and role in the case

Dutch former model Thysia Huisman has repeatedly accused Brunel of raping her when she was a teenager. Her testimony became a crucial component of the French judicial investigation into Brunels activities.

Huisman shared a public statement in which she claimed to have been recruited as a teenager by modelling scouts who promised opportunities in Paris. She was connected to Jean-Luc Brunel, who was already a powerful figure in the modelling world.

She also alleged that Brunel sexually assaulted her shortly after she arrived in Paris. When she resisted further sexual exploitation, Brunel retaliated by sabotaging her modelling career, spreading negative information about her to other agencies and effectively blacklisting her from the industry.

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While Huismans assault occurred in the 1980s, before Brunels documented close relationship with Epstein, her testimony is significant because it establishes Brunels decades-long pattern of predatory behaviour. By the 1990s and 2000s, Brunel had become one of Epsteins key facilitators, using his modelling agencies to recruit young women who were then trafficked to Epstein.

Huisman came forward publicly in 2019 after Epsteins arrest, testifying to French investigators.

Arrest, investigation, and death in custody

In December 2020, French authorities arrested Brunel on charges related to rape, sexual assault, and trafficking of minors. He remained in custody while under judicial investigation.

In February 2022, Brunel was found dead in his prison cell in Paris, in what authorities ruled a suicide. His death effectively ended any possibility of a criminal trial, leaving victims without formal judicial closure.

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Thysia Huisman questions the official version

Following Brunels death, Huisman publicly questioned the circumstances surrounding it, expressing doubt that he took his own life. She described the situation as too convenient and suggested striking similarities to Epsteins own controversial jail death.

Her remarks have fuelled speculation online, though no official evidence has surfaced to contradict the findings of French authorities. An investigation into Brunels death was launched, but no criminal conclusions have been publicly confirmed.

Huisman on Epsteins network of predatory men

In a recent interview, Huisman recalled meeting with Virginia Giuffre in 2021 before testifying in court and also spoke about the entire network of powerful and predatory men around Jeffrey Epstein.

How Brunel fits into the Epstein Files narrative

Multiple Epstein accusers, including Virginia Giuffre, previously alleged that Brunel helped procure girls for Epstein, acting as a recruiter and facilitator within elite modelling and social circles. While Brunel denied wrongdoing during his lifetime, investigators described him as a key link between Epstein and vulnerable young women.

His death, like Epsteins, has become central to ongoing public suspicion, speculation, and unresolved questions surrounding elite trafficking networks.

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Jean-Luc Brunels story remains one of the most disturbing threads in the broader Epstein scandal. For survivors, his death represented not only the loss of potential justice but also the collapse of hopes for legal acknowledgment.

As sealed documents continue to surface and survivors speak out, Brunels name remains firmly embedded in one of the most unsettling chapters of modern celebrity and power abuse cases.
Excerpt: Abigail Spanberger, Virginias first woman governor, is set to deliver a rebuttal to Donald Trumps State of the Union address. However, she has refused to attend the Washington, DC, event; she will speak from the historic grounds of Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum. Who is this former CIA officer?

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger will be delivering the Democrats' rebuttal to Donald Trump's State of the Union address. File image/AFP

All eyes are on United States President Donald Trump as he delivers his annual State of the Union (Sotu) address to the US Congress. After his remarks, the spotlight has shifted to Abigail Spanberger, the first woman governor in Virginias history, giving the Democrats response to Trumps speech.

It is a tradition that started in 1966. The rebuttal is given by the rising star of the opposing party, according to a report in the BBC. Spanberger is among at least a dozen Democratic lawmakers who have refused to attend the Washington, DC event, saying they wont legitimise Trump's remarks.

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Today, she delivered the Democratic response from the historic grounds of Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum with restored 18th-century buildings, the site was at the heart of Virginias early opposition to British rule and connecting that legacy to the current political moment, according to her team.

Spanberger began by saying that the US president was not honest in his speech. She said that she has three questions for voters, which are: Is the president working to make life more affordable? Is he working to keep Americans safe at home and abroad? Is the president working for you?

The answer to all three is that he was not, she concluded.

Tonight the president did what he always does, she claimed. He lied, he scapegoated, and he distracted, and he offered no real solutions to our nations pressing challenges, so many of which he is actively making worse.

Who is Abigail Spanberger?

Abigail Spanberger, 46, made history when she was elected as Virginias governor in November. She was elected to the states top seat after defeating Republican Lt Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, turning Virginia blue.

Before her historic win, she served in the US Congress and worked as a CIA officer.

Spanberger was born on August 7, 1979 in Red Bank, New Jersey. She received her bachelors degree from the University of Virginia and a masters from Purdue University. Service was instilled in Spanbergers life very early on through her parents. Her father served in the US army and went on to become a career law enforcement officer. Her mother spent her early years in foster care, put herself through nursing school, and worked tirelessly  late nights and weekends  to care for her patients.

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Before her political career, Abigail Spanberger was a CIA officer. File image/AP

In the early 2000s, Spanberger followed in her fathers footsteps; she joined the US Postal Inspection Service, where she worked on federal narcotics and money laundering cases. Her website states that she investigated child predators and narcotics traffickers.

In 2006, Spanberger joined the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) as a case officer. During her CIA tenure, she worked undercover to understand the threats facing the United States, prevent terrorist attacks, counter the proliferation of nuclear weapons, and track transnational criminal organisations.

More than a decade later, in 2017, she took the plunge into politics. First, she was appointed to the Virginia Fair Housing Board, following which she announced her candidacy for the United States House of Representatives in Virginias 7th congressional district in the 2018 election against incumbent Republican Dave Brat, a Tea Party movement member.

Notably, she and her fellow Democrats, Elissa Slotkin and Mikie Sherrill (who also won the governors election in New Jersey), are known as the mod squad, a moderate alternative to the progressive.

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In November 2023, Spanberger announced that she would not be running for US Congress again and she set her eyes on the governors position. During her campaign, she focused on the impact of Republican polices on the cost of food, healthcare, on businesses hit by tariffs, and on federal workers and contractors fired by the Trump administration. She vowed to work on lowering the cost of housing, energy and healthcare. She spoke against gun violence and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Why was Spanberger picked by Democrats?

Democratic leaders rallied behind Spanberger to deliver the response to Trumps address. Democratic National Convention chair, Ken Martin, gave a clear reasoning behind the Virginia governors selection: Clearly her message last year resonated with Virginians, he told The Guardian. Her focus on affordability and kitchen-table issues resulted in a very decisive win in a very purple, if not red, state.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said, Abigail is a champion for lowering the high cost of living, saving healthcare from the relentless far-right assault and protecting the federal workforce so they can serve the American people without political interference.

She stands in stark contrast to Donald Trump, who will lie, deflect and blame everyone but himself for his failed presidency on Tuesday evening.

Democrat Abigail Spanberger is likely to focus on affordability in her rebuttal to Trumps State of the Union address. The rebuttal gives Democrats a prime opportunity to make their case against Trump and his policies ahead of the midterm elections. File image/Reuters

What to expect from Spanbergers rebuttal?

Democrats are betting that the Virginia governors affordability-focused message, which helped her flip a Republican-held office last November, will resonate with Americans when she delivers their partys response to Trumps State of the Union address.

The rebuttal gives Democrats a prime opportunity to make their case against Trump and his policies ahead of the midterm elections. Spanbergers double-digit victory in Virginia last November was viewed by party leaders as validation of a disciplined message centred on lowering costs  one they now want to elevate in campaigns nationwide, according to the AP.

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Virginians and Americans across the country are contending with rising costs, chaos in their communities, and a real fear of what each day might bring, Spanberger said in a statement. I look forward to laying out what these Americans expect and deserve  leaders who are working hard to deliver for them.

Spanberger will have far less time than the Republican president to deliver her rebuttal. Trumps speech before Congress last year stretched to an hour and 40 minutes, while Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkins Democratic response lasted just over 10 minutes.

Spanbergers speech will be the fifth consecutive response to a presidents address to Congress delivered by a female senator or governor.

Trump on Monday told reporters that his State of the Union is going to be a long speech, because we have so much to talk about.

As viewership tends to drop the longer the speech runs, the response has become one of the more perilous assignments in politics. Now, Secretary of State Marco Rubio was widely mocked for reaching for a water bottle during the GOP response in 2013. Other rebuttals have quickly faded from memory.

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Even with the time disadvantage, Democrats argue the political winds are shifting in their favour. Spanbergers win in Virginia was followed by other high-profile Democratic victories, including a special election earlier this month in Texas, where a Democrat flipped a reliably Republican state Senate district that Trump carried by 17 percentage points in 2024.

With inputs from agencies
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on an official two-day visit to Israel from today, where he will address the Israeli Parliament during his visit. He will become the first Indian leader to address the Knesset. Jasveen Sangha, popularly known as Ketamine Queen, will be sentenced in connection with the death of Friends star Matthew Perry due to a drug overdose

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-day visit to Israel from today. Meanwhile, Jasveen Sangha, popularly known as Ketamine Queen, is scheduled to be sentenced in the case surrounding the overdose death of Friends star Matthew Perry.

A 24-hour nationwide strike by Greek tourism and catering workers is scheduled to take place today. South African Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is scheduled to present the countrys 2026 National Budget to Parliament today. In India, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is scheduled to visit Karkala to inaugurate the Kisan Sabha auditorium.

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Here is all that is set to take place across the world today.

PM Modi to visit Israel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a two-day visit to Israel from today. He is scheduled to hold wide-ranging talks with his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, in Tel Aviv. A series of programmes will be held in Jerusalem during Modis visit.

PM Modi will address the Israeli Parliament during his visit. This will be the first time that an Indian leader will address the Knesset. He will also interact with the Indian community settled in Israel, following which he will participate in a tech exhibition.

Ambassador of India to Israel JP Singh has termed PM Modis visit as historic. Speaking to Akashvani News, he said, India and Israel are on the same page on the issue of terrorism. He further added that whenever there has been a crisis, the two countries have stood by each other.

Ketamine Queen Jasveen Sangha to be sentenced

Jasveen Sangha, also known as Ketamine Queen, is scheduled to be sentenced today in connection with the death of Friends actor Matthew Perry. She faces a maximum of 65 years in federal prison for the crime.

In September 2025, Sangha pleaded guilty to five federal charges, including one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death and maintaining a drug-involved premises. Prosecutors established that Sangha supplied 51 vials of ketamine to Perry through a middleman, Erik Fleming, in the weeks before the actors death.

According to the news website BBC, a raid on her North Hollywood stash house uncovered nearly 80 vials of liquid ketamine, along with methamphetamine, cocaine, and counterfeit Xanax.

Greek tourism workers on a 24-hour strike

A 24-hour nationwide strike by Greek tourism and catering workers is scheduled to take place today. The strike is being organised by the Panhellenic Federation of Food and Tourism Workers (POEET) and is likely to affect hotels, restaurants, cafes, and bars across the country.

Workers are demanding that seasonal unemployment benefits be set at 80 per cent of the regular rate without restrictive terms and conditions, the signing of a new National Collective Labour Agreement that includes substantial wage increases and a mandatory five-day and 40-hour workweek, and a primary demand is the reinstatement of the lump-sum retirement payment after 20 years of service.

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The strike will affect many restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, and hotel services across the city.

South Africas 2026 budget to be presented to the parliament

South African Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is scheduled to present the countrys 2026 National Budget to Parliament today. This budget is viewed as a credibility marker for the Government of National Unity (GNU) following a period of fiscal stabilisation and a historic credit rating upgrade by S&P in late 2025.

Analysts expect the Treasury to narrow the fiscal deficit forecast to approximately 4.4 per cent of GDP. After significant political debate in 2025, there is a little-to-no debate on further VAT increases for 2026, though an expansion of zero-rated food items may be considered to ease consumer pressure. The budget is expected to maintain restraint on the public sector wage bill, potentially through early retirement programmes.

Siddaramaiah to inaugurate Kisan Sabha auditorium

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is scheduled to visit Karkala to inaugurate several key facilities, including the newly constructed Kisan Sabha auditorium.

CM will inaugurate a new building for the Ambedkar Bhavan in Kabettu at 11:30 am today, following which he will officially open the Kisan Sabha auditorium located on Taluk Office Road. The facility was built by the Kisan Sabha Trust. Later in the day, the CM will attend the 35th annual day celebrations of the Mahatma Gandhi Residential High School in Kukkundur.

This visit comes amid a busy February for the Chief Minister, who has recently focused on agricultural initiatives, including the inauguration of Krishi Mela 2026 in Bengaluru and meetings with farmers unions regarding Minimum Support Price (MSP) guarantees.

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With inputs from agencies
IDFC FIRST Bank is in trouble after a Rs 590-crore scam was discovered at its Chandigarh branch in Haryana. Investigations reveal that bank officials and external parties perpetrated the fraud through deceitful cheque-debit transactions. Now, four people have been arrested  the banks former manager and three others

IDFC FIRST Bank got embroiled in a major financial scandal following the disclosure of a Rs 590-crore fraud involving Haryana government-linked accounts. File image/PTI

Days after a Rs 590-crore fraud was reported at IDFC FIRST Bank in Haryana, the State Vigilance Bureau has arrested four accused, including the alleged mastermind, for siphoning off government funds through fraudulent transactions. Moreover, the bank said that it has repaid 100 per cent of the principal amount claimed by Haryana government departments.

The fraud has resulted in shares of IDFC FIRST Bank plummeting; on Monday, the stock tumbled 19.99 per cent to Rs 66.85. Meanwhile, the Haryana government has de-empanelled the bank from undertaking state government business.

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As IDFC FIRST Bank deals with the fallout of this fraud, we take a closer look at what exactly happened and whos involved in it.

How did we learn about the fraud?

On Sunday (February 22), IDFC FIRST Bank disclosed in a regulatory filing that it had detected a fraud of about Rs 590 crore involving certain Haryana government-linked accounts operated through its Chandigarh branch.

The bank noted that the fraud was prima facie the result of unauthorised and fraudulent activities carried out by some employees at the branch, possibly involving other individuals.

Moreover, the financial institution stated that the fraud surfaced when a Haryana government department requested closure and transfer of its account balance to another bank. During the process, bank officials found discrepancies between the amount mentioned and the actual balance in the account. Similar discrepancies were later identified in other government-linked accounts.

As per an FIR filed, two accounts were opened on September 26, 2025, in IDFC FIRST Bank and AU Small Finance Bank under the MMGAY-2.0 scheme. Initially, a fund of Rs 50 crore and Rs 25 crore were transferred to IDFC FIRST Bank and AU Small Finance Bank, respectively.

Later, on January 13, 2026, letters were sent to close the accounts and to transfer the available funds to the tune of Rs 50 crore and Rs 25 crore, respectively, along with interest accrued, and transfer the amounts to the AXIS bank.

Acting on this, AU Small Finance Bank transferred Rs 25,45,84,863 to Axis Bank and closed the account on January 16, 2026. However, according to the FIR, IDFC FIRST Bank transferred only Rs 1,27,44,689 to Axis Bank and proceeded to close the account.

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This triggered suspicion, and deeper investigations revealed a bigger fraud at hand.

Four people have been arrested in connection with the alleged large-scale financial fraud at IDFC FIRST Bank. File image/PTI

What have the investigations into the fraud revealed?

Early investigations reveal that cheques were being issued without using the digital method, and the money was siphoned off. To put it in simple terms, the banks branch was being presented with cheques, and employees who were in connivance took steps to clear them. The money went to accounts outside the bank.

According to a Finshots report, the fraud occurred as a result of the failure of the maker-checker system. In this system, one person or the maker initiates the transaction. And another independent person, or the checker, reviews and approves it. Its a dual-control, four-eyes principle designed to prevent fraud, reduce errors, and ensure compliance.

Even Managing Director and CEO V Vaidyanathan concurs. In an Economic Times report, hes quoted as saying that debit instructions arrived at the branch, supposedly from the Haryana government client, but were fraudulent. Employees processed them, cleared the forged cheques, and transferred funds out of the bank to beneficiary accounts that are now also suspected to be suspicious. This is clearly a case of employee fraud, Vaidyanathan noted. External parties are also involved.

According to the FIR, too, multiple cheques along with debit notes were processed by the bank for payment transfers. These cheques, prima facie, bear forged signatures of the then Director General (Developments and Panchayats), DK Behera, despite the fact that he had relinquished charge on 28.10.2025.

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Moreover, the debit notes attached to the cheques do not have any memo number or dispatch number, and they again seem to contain a forged signature.

Other discrepancies have also been detected. For instance, one of the cheques processed by the bank mentions the amount in figures as Rs 2.50 crore, whereas the amount in words is written as Rupees twenty five, which has been honoured and processed.

Have any arrests been made so far?

On Tuesday (February 24), the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (SV & ACB) in Haryana arrested four people, including a former bank manager and an ex-employee. Ribhav Rishi, a former bank manager, Abhay Kumar, an ex-employee of the bank, and Chandigarh residents Swati Singla and Abhishek Singla were arrested Tuesday evening.

The arrests came after the officials issued a Look Out Circular against Rishi. Investigators are of the opinion that he is central to the fraud; currently working with AU Small Finance Bank in Chandigarh, he is suspected of having orchestrated the conspiracy by creating shell firms and manipulating banking processes.

ACB officials added, Swati, along with her brother Abhishek, had set up a company named Swastik Desh Projects to divert government funds. We will seek their custody from the court for the purpose of interrogation.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini informed the State Assembly that the government has recovered the entire amount belonging to it from IDFC FIRST Bank. File image/PTI

What steps has IDFC FIRST Bank taken so far?

On Tuesday, amid investigations, the bank repaid 100 per cent of the principal amount claimed by Haryana government departments.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, The state government has recovered the Rs 556 crore linked to the IDFC FIRST Bank case, including nearly Rs 22 crore in interest, within 24 hours.

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Speaking during the ongoing Budget session, the chief minister said: The full amount pertaining to various Haryana government departments, boards, and corporations has been credited back by IDFC FIRST Bank into the respective departmental accounts. He further shared that the swift recovery was made possible through coordinated efforts between the State government and senior bank officials.

The bank also issued a statement in the newspapers saying that it upheld the highest principles and standards.

We call ourselves a customer-first bank in the way we define our product policies, disclosures, and no fine print banking. We give the benefit of the doubt to customers in the event of a difference of opinion.

Now was the occasion to stand up and deliver when it truly matters and put our customer first principles in action. We are a principle-based bank, and mean it. We did not hold up the payment on account of the matter being under investigation. This is the DNA of IDFC FIRST Bank," the bank said in its statement. Hence, even though the investigation in the matter is ongoing, we have paid out 100 per cent of the principal and interest to the relevant departments of Haryana Government as claimed, which works out to a net amount of INR 583 crore. The departments have sincerely thanked and appreciated the Bank for the positive approach, professional manner, and speedy and principle-based resolution.

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As a result of the fraud, shares of IDFC First Bank crashed 20 per cent to hit the lowest level since October 2025. File image/Wikimedia Commons

What has been the impact of the fraud on the bank?

On Monday, the stocks of IDFC FIRST Bank crashed 20 per cent to hit the lowest level since October 2025, wiping off millions from investors wealth, approximately Rs 14,300 crore in a single day.

The bank has also urged its customers to remain calm as the matter is confined to a specific group of government-linked accounts within the Haryana government. As a result, retail savings accounts, fixed deposits, or regular customers of IDFC First Bank should not panic.

The Haryana government has also de-empanelled IDFC FIRST Bank and moved its funds elsewhere. This could have a significant impact on the banks financials. Thats because the Haryana governments deposits are roughly 0.5 per cent of the banks total deposits. In fact, the bank has already seen a Rs 200 crore outflow.

There is also a concern that Haryanas decision could result in a domino effect, with other government bodies and PSUs also pulling their money from the bank. This would cause IDFC FIRST Bank to scramble to gather deposits just to keep up with loan demand.

Now, the bank will have to wait for the findings from forensic auditors at KPMG. Until then, the institution remains under a cloud of suspicion.

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With inputs from agencies
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi commences his two-day visit to Israel, India is weighing the induction of Israels Iron Beam laser defence system as part of a major overhaul of its integrated air defence network. The move could reshape how India counters drone swarms and low-cost rocket threats while strengthening defence cooperation with Israel

A part of Iron Beam laser anti-missile interception system, developed by Israel, is seen in this handout image obtained by Reuters on September 17, 2025. Israel Defence Ministry/Handout

Prime Minister Narendra Modis two-day state visit to Israel commencing Wednesday has brought India-Israel defence cooperation under the lens.

Both governments have framed the trip as an opportunity to broaden cooperation across security, trade, advanced technologies and industrial partnerships, even as anxieties persist over the risk of a wider military escalation involving the United States and Iran.

The visit carries added diplomatic weight for Israel, which has seen ties with several traditional partners come under strain since the Gaza conflict erupted in October 2023.

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Indias outreach to Israel is no longer episodic or transactional. Over the past decade, the relationship has evolved into a dense web of political engagement and defence co-development.

Our nations share a robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership, Modi wrote on X. Ties have significantly strengthened in the last few years.

On the Israeli side, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described his rapport with Modi personally. We are partners in innovation, security, and a shared strategic vision," Netanyahu said on X ahead of Modis arrival.

Together, we are building an axis of nations committed to stability and progress.

Beyond the veneer, the visit has been closely watched for concrete defence outcomes, particularly discussions around Israels offer to share advanced air-defence technologies with India.

Among these, the laser-based Iron Beam has drawn attention as a potential addition to Indias fast-evolving Integrated Air Defence System.

How is India overhauling its air defence architecture?

Indias air defence network is in the midst of its most consequential transformation since the last century.

The older emphasis on point defence  protecting discrete assets in isolation  has been supplanted by a layered, integrated construct that links sensors, shooters and command nodes into a single operational grid.

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This architecture, often described within the Indian military as the Sudarshan Chakra, is designed to provide overlapping coverage from long-range strategic interceptors down to very short-range point-defence weapons.

At the outermost tier, India fields long-range systems intended to deter and intercept high-value aerial platforms and standoff threats.

The Russian-origin S-400 Triumf has already been inducted, with three regiments operational and the remaining two scheduled for full integration by late 2026 after supply chains stabilised.

This layer is complemented by Indias indigenous Project Kusha, conceived as a sovereign alternative to imported long-range air-defence systems.

A Russian soldier walks near Russias air defence system S-400 Triumf launch vehicles outside Moscow. In 2018, India signed a deal with Russia for the S-400 air defence system. File Image/AFP

Early trials of the M1 interceptor, with an engagement envelope of around 150 km, have been completed, while subsequent variants with extended reach are planned over the next several years to create a sanction-resilient long-range shield.

Beneath this strategic tier sits the medium-range layer, anchored by the MR-SAM/Barak-8 system jointly developed by Indias Defence Research and Development Organisation and Israel Aerospace Industries.

This layer is crucial to protecting naval task forces and air bases from agile aircraft and cruise missiles, with coverage extending across wide swathes of airspace.

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Closer to the frontline, short-range systems such as Akash-NG and QRSAM are tailored to protect mobile formations and forward-deployed units.

The final layer of very short-range air defence includes man-portable and vehicle-mounted systems designed to counter low-flying drones, helicopters and other close-in threats, especially in mountainous terrain along sensitive borders.

Despite this dense architecture, planners have identified a structural weakness in the economics of defence. Adversaries increasingly deploy inexpensive drones and unguided rockets in large numbers, forcing defenders to expend costly interceptor missiles.

This imbalance creates incentives for saturation attacks aimed not at breaching defences outright but at depleting stocks of high-value interceptors.

Indias doctrinal shift towards an Integrated Air Defence System seeks to close this gap by pairing expensive interceptors for high-end threats with cheaper, high-volume solutions for low-cost projectiles.

It is within this context that Iron Beam is being evaluated as a prospective bottom layer of the Sudarshan Chakra.

What exactly is Iron Beam and how does it work?

Iron Beam, known in Hebrew as Or Eitan (Eitans light), was first presented to the international defence community at the Singapore Airshow in 2014.

Developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the system represents a class of directed-energy weapons designed to neutralise short-range aerial threats that conventional missile defences struggle to intercept efficiently or economically.

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At its core, Iron Beam employs high-power fibre lasers to project concentrated energy onto incoming targets. When a projectile, drone or mortar round is detected, the system tracks it and directs multiple smaller laser beams to converge on a single point on the target.

Iron Beam laser anti-missile interception system, developed by Israel, is seen in action in this handout image obtained by Reuters on September 17, 2025. Israel Defence Ministry/Handout

This approach reduces atmospheric distortion because each individual beam experiences less interference before combining into a single, more destructive focal point. Once sufficient energy is delivered, structural failure or critical component damage neutralises the threat.

Operationally, the system can disable a target within a few seconds of sustained contact, with an effective engagement range measured in several kilometres.

The latest iteration, Iron Beam 450, extends the reach and improves response times through upgraded optics and beam control.

Rafael has also diversified the platform into multiple variants to suit different operational contexts: a truck-mounted configuration for mobile ground forces, a lighter version for armoured vehicles and rapid-response teams, and a maritime variant intended to protect naval vessels from drones or missiles approaching at sea level.

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A detail of Iron Beam laser anti-missile interception system, developed by Israel, is seen in this handout image obtained by Reuters on September 17, 2025. Israel Defence Ministry/Handout

The economic logic of laser interception underpins Iron Beams appeal.

The direct energy cost of each shot is minimal when compared with missile interceptors that can cost tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars per engagement.

Even when accounting for system maintenance and operational overheads, the per-engagement cost remains a fraction of that of kinetic interceptors. This creates a pathway to counter high-volume, low-cost threats without imposing disproportionate financial strain on defenders.

Some estimates put the direct operating cost as low as $3 to $5 per interception, while even accounting for all related expenses, a single engagement would total around $2,000.

However, Iron Beam is not without technical constraints. Laser performance depends on atmospheric clarity, meaning fog, dense cloud cover, heavy rainfall or sandstorms can degrade effectiveness.

Additionally, thermal blooming  the heating of air along the beams path  can disperse energy and reduce lethality over distance.

These limitations necessitate integration with conventional missile defences to ensure uninterrupted coverage across varying environmental conditions.

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How would Iron Beam fit into Indias Sudarshan Chakra?

If inducted, Iron Beam would not function as a standalone shield but as a node within Indias broader Integrated Air Defence System.

The operational concept envisages seamless data-sharing between long-range radars, command-and-control centres and layered interceptors.

Sensors such as Swordfish and Arudhra would provide early warning of incoming salvos, whether composed of cruise missiles, rockets or swarms of unmanned aerial vehicles.

Within this networked framework, AI-assisted command nodes would allocate targets across layers based on threat characteristics and cost considerations.

High-speed or high-value threats would be assigned to medium- and long-range interceptors, while low-cost, high-volume projectiles would be channelled towards Iron Beam batteries positioned to protect critical nodes, urban centres or forward-deployed formations.

The laser systems capacity to re-engage new targets almost immediately after a brief dwell period allows it to tackle multiple incoming objects in rapid succession, mitigating the risk of sensor saturation that can overwhelm missile launchers with finite reload capacities.

This integration would enable India to reserve expensive interceptors for aircraft, cruise missiles and other complex threats, while using directed-energy weapons to blunt massed attacks by drones and rockets.

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The objective is not to replace kinetic interceptors but to introduce an additional defensive layer that alters the cost calculus for potential adversaries.

How does Iron Beam complement Indias indigenous DURGA-II programme?

India has been developing its own directed-energy weapon under the DURGA-II (Directionally Unrestricted Ray-Gun Array) programme, aimed at fielding a 100-kilowatt-class laser system capable of countering drones, rockets and other short-range threats.

While indigenous development offers strategic autonomy and long-term sustainability, the technical hurdles associated with high-energy lasers  particularly in beam stability, adaptive optics and atmospheric compensation  have extended development timelines.

Discussions with Israel have therefore focused on a potential work-share arrangement that would integrate Israeli laser technologies with Indias domestic programme.

Access to Israeli expertise in beam jitter control and adaptive optics could accelerate the maturation of DURGA-II, compressing induction timelines and enhancing system reliability under diverse environmental conditions.

By pairing Iron Beams proven design elements with indigenous development, India aims to build a domestic directed-energy capability that can be scaled, upgraded and maintained without long-term dependence on external suppliers.

What next for Israel-India defence ties?

The Iron Beam discussions sit within a wider transformation of India-Israel defence ties from a discreet buyer-seller relationship into a co-development partnership anchored in industrial integration.

Several joint ventures illustrate this approach. Adani-Elbit Advanced Systems in Hyderabad manufactures Hermes-series unmanned aerial vehicles not only for Indian forces but also for export markets.

Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems has emerged as a central hub for producing components of air-defence systems and missiles within India, supporting local supply chains for platforms such as SPYDER and Barak-8.

A collaboration with Israel Weapon Industries has enabled domestic production of small arms and light machine guns for Indian units, reducing reliance on imports for infantry equipment.

Early this year, Indias Defence Acquisition Council cleared a major package of Israeli systems following operational lessons from Operation Sindoor, where Israeli precision-guided munitions were credited with high mission effectiveness against fortified targets.

The procurement included a mix of air-to-surface missiles, stand-off munitions and long-range strike capabilities integrated onto Indian Air Force and Navy platforms.

Beyond hardware, the partnership encompasses intelligence-sharing, cyber cooperation and space-based surveillance.

Israel has emerged as a key partner in satellite imagery analysis and signals intelligence along sensitive frontiers, while Israeli-developed synthetic aperture radar technology has enhanced Indias space-based ISR capabilities, enabling all-weather, day-and-night surveillance.

Concerns over a potential escalation between the United States and Iran have heightened the strategic salience of missile and drone defences across West Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific.

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With inputs from agencies
When Prime Minister Modi sits down for talks with Benjamin Netanyahu, the two leaders will discuss the Israeli leaders latest proposal of a hexagon of alliances. This six-sided bloc, with India and other Arab and African nations, is expected to take on radical adversaries. However, Pakistan has already condemned this proposal, calling it an anti-Muslim Ummah bloc

Prime Minister Narendra Modi being welcomed by his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara Netanyahu upon arrival in Tel Aviv, Israel. The two leaders are expected to discuss Netanyahu's proposal of 'hexagon of alliances'. Image Courtesy: @narendramodi/X

All eyes are on Israel as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting the country  this marks his second visit, the previous one was in 2017. Prime Minister Modis visit is expected to deepen India-Israel ties with talks on trade, defence and AI being on the agenda. Moreover, Prime Minister Modi will address the Knesset, Israels parliament, an indicator of the importance of the India-Israel relationship.

For many, Modis visit will also be significant as he is expected to discuss the so-called hexagon of alliances with his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu. Earlier, the Israeli PM had pitched this idea in which he sees Israel partnering with India and other countries in West Asia to collectively stand against what he called radical adversaries.

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However, this proposed alliance between India and Israel has spooked Pakistan. Islamabad has called it an anti-Muslim Ummah bloc.

What is Netanyahus hexagon of alliances?

Ahead of PM Modis visit, Israels Benjamin Netanyahu proposed a new geopolitical idea called the hexagon of alliances and invited India to be a partner in it.

In a statement, Netanyahu said, In the vision I see before me, we will create an entire system, essentially a hexagon of alliances around or within West Asia.

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.

The Israeli PM said that this new six-sided bloc would include Israel, India, Greece and Cyprus, along with other unnamed Arab, African and Asian states. Together, they would unite to collectively stand against what he called radical adversaries.

While Netanyahu hasnt clarified further on the architecture of this proposed bloc, many see it as Netanyahus way of counterbalancing the influence of Iran and its regional network, which includes groups such as the Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and the Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq.

Why has Netanyahu pitched hexagon of alliances now?

The timing of Netanyahus proposal is significant. According to Andreas Krieg, associate professor of security studies at Kings College London, the idea of the hexagon of alliances is Netanyahus attempt of projecting statesmanship.

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, Krieg told Al Jazeera.

Also, ever since Israel began its war against the Hamas in Gaza, the countrys economy is in the doldrums. Jobs are non-existent and investments are few. Nothing Israel does seems to work. So whats better than to fully retreat into a fantasy world where you have a hexagonal alliance? Ori Goldberg, an independent Israeli analyst and political commentator, was quoted as telling Al Jazeera.

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Its not clear yet if India will join Netanyahus proposed hexagon of alliances. File image/Reuters

So, will India join Netanyahus hexagon of alliances?

While Netanyahu has invited India to be part of this new bloc, it remains to be seen if PM Modi accepts the invitation.

Thats because New Delhi has typically steered clear of rigid bloc politics; even today, it engages with China, Russia and the United States, irrespective of their ties with one another. India also enjoys close relations with Iran  ties that have been described as civilisational  and is expanding strategic collaboration with Saudi Arabia. India also maintains strong relationships across the Gulf region, which hosts a large Indian diaspora that sends billions of dollars in remittances annually.

This axis vs axis pitch that Netanyahu has proposed would pull India West Asia fault lines that New Delhi would prefer to avoid.

Pakistan is rattled by Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahus pitch for a hexagon of alliances with India, with Islamabad calling it an anti-Muslim Ummah bloc. Representational image/AP

How has Pakistan reacted to hexagon of alliances?

But even before India accepts Netanyahus proposal, Pakistan has been spooked by it, condemning the hexagon of alliances.

The Pakistani senate, the upper house of its parliament, passed a resolution condemning Israels proposed alliance framework, calling it a threat to regional and international stability.

The resolution, which was moved by Pakistan Peoples Party lawmaker Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, described it as a vile proclivity of the leadership of the Israeli occupying power towards diminishing the unity and integrity of the Muslim Ummah on political and ideological grounds.

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The Senate takes strong exception to statements that undermine regional stability and international legal norms, the resolution stated.

Why is Pakistan spooked by hexagon of alliances?

The hexagon of alliances could shake up Islamabads diplomatic standing among Muslim countries in the West Asian region.

Pakistan would be uncomfortable if Israel was to reach out to other Muslim nations at a time when it is also engaging with the countries in the Gulf. In recent meetings with Qatars emir and prime minister, Pakistans Shehbaz Sharif has pushed for deepening of economic ties.

Moreover, Indias participation in the hexagon of alliances could be seen as a direct challenge to Pakistans influence in West Asia and as a departure from what Islamabad frames as Muslim unity.

It remains to be seen if Netanyahus hexagon of alliances is actually realised. But its evident that Pakistan is not happy with the bloc or with Indias participation in it.

With inputs from agencies
Previously unpublished police photos reveal disturbing details inside Jeffrey Epsteins luxury Paris apartment, including massage rooms, sex toys and walls lined with nude images. French prosecutors are reopening probes into alleged abuse, trafficking and financial crimes linked to Epsteins network in France

The exterior of a residential building in which late financier Jeffrey Epstein owned an apartment on the Foch Avenue, in Paris, France, February 17, 2026. File Image/Reuters

Newly released police photographs have provided one of the most detailed glimpses yet into the Paris residence of Jeffrey Epstein.

The images, obtained during a criminal inquiry and later published by Le Parisien, show interiors featuring massage equipment, sex toys, graphic photographs of naked or semi-naked women, and an unusual collection of animal-themed decor, including stuffed wildlife and animal skins.

French prosecutors say the apartment was repeatedly used during Epsteins frequent visits to the country and may have been the site of serious crimes committed by people associated with him.

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Investigators are now re-examining the flats role in light of millions of documents released by the United States Department of Justice earlier this year, while encouraging possible victims in France to come forward.

Inside the Avenue Foch residence: layout, decor and disturbing details

The apartment, located on Avenue Foch, one of the most prestigious streets in Paris, contained 18 rooms and served as Epsteins primary base in Europe.

Situated close to the Champs-Elysees and overlooking the Arc de Triomphe, the property was purchased by Epstein in 2001 and became a regular stop during his travels.

French authorities estimate that he travelled to Paris more than 170 times over the years and sometimes allowed associates to use the apartment during those visits.

The photographs released by Le Parisien show interiors dominated by intense colour schemes, with multiple rooms decorated in shades of red, orange and pink.

Investigators documented walls covered in images of naked women, including one photograph depicting Epstein lying next to two topless women. The pictures also reveal a dimly lit massage room with a table and drawers that contained sex toys, including large wand vibrators.

This was Epsteins luxury European base on one of the fanciest streets in Paris for years.



And it turns out it was a full-on rape chamber, red lit room with a massage table, sex toys everywhere, and walls covered in naked women pics, including one of him lying with two topless https://t.co/x32t3QNW1T pic.twitter.com/4Wi16HPU38  Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) February 25, 2026

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Several areas of the flat were themed. One bedroom, referred to by investigators as the Chinese room, featured red wallpaper with dragon motifs and framed portraits of Chinese emperors.

The study was covered in red leather panels, while another bedroom was described as the pink room. A separate sleeping area with twin beds appeared more restrained in its decoration than other parts of the apartment.

The reception area, known as the rotunda, was a circular space with views of the Arc de Triomphe. The room contained a bearskin rug laid across the floor, adding to what investigators described as an atmosphere shaped by Epsteins personal tastes.

Beyond the colour schemes and photographs, the apartment contained a wide range of animal-related decor.

Among the items documented were antelope and rams horns mounted on furniture, seating covered in faux tiger skin, and multiple stuffed animals, including a vulture and an elephant calf.

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French investigators have pointed to these features as evidence of Epsteins fascination with animal imagery, which was also reflected in the choice of furnishings and ornaments.

The property also included a sauna and a private gym. Prosecutors say the images are significant because they provide context to witness accounts and allegations about how certain rooms were used.

The Paris apartment itself changed hands in 2022, three years after Epstein died in custody in the United States in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.

A French company controlled by Epsteins estate sold the property for more than $10 million to Bulgarian businessman Georgi Tuchev.

What staff and witnesses observed inside the apartment

In addition to the newly released photographs, people who worked inside the apartment have previously spoken about what they encountered while carrying out their duties.

A decorator and a butler who spent time in the residence told French media that the walls were filled with photographs of young women arranged in a way that resembled family portraits.

One workman described his reaction after seeing the images displayed around the apartment. In an interview with Radio France, he said, They were arranged in frames, a bit like family photos. The girls seemed very young. Minors? Hard to say. Not much older than 18 in any case Seeing the photos, we didnt think of paedophilia, but it was borderline, close to it.

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The butler also described how often Epstein used the massage room, claiming that the space was visited repeatedly throughout the day. He said, You could call these paid relationships, adding, not all the massages involved sexual relations.

Investigators say such testimony has been important in helping authorities understand how the apartment functioned and why certain rooms, particularly the massage area, became central to later allegations.

French prosecutors believe the interior layout, combined with witness statements and photographic evidence, could help reconstruct what took place inside the property over many years.

At least three women have formally stated that they were abused by Epstein or people linked to him on French soil.

French investigators believe that the number of victims is likely far higher and have acknowledged that many individuals may never have reported their experiences.

How Esptein associate Jean-Luc Brunel was involved

The images were originally taken during a 2019 police investigation into alleged rapes at the apartment involving Jean-Luc Brunel, a close associate of Epstein.

Brunel was a French modelling agent who had long-standing links to Epstein and was considered a central figure in inquiries into sexual exploitation connected to his circle in France.

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Brunel died in a French prison in 2022 while awaiting trial for the rape of a child. Authorities said he had taken his own life while in custody.

Before his death, he was also under investigation for trafficking minors, with allegations involving girls as young as 12.

French prosecutors initially opened a probe into Epsteins activities and connections in France in 2019. That investigation was later closed in 2023 following Brunels death.

However, the release of large volumes of new material by US authorities has prompted French prosecutors to revisit earlier findings and re-open broader inquiries.

What the new French probe entails

French prosecutors have launched two wide-ranging investigations. One is focused on human trafficking, while the other is examining potential financial crimes, including money laundering, corruption and tax fraud, involving individuals connected to Epstein.

Chief Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau has said that the newly released material, combined with previous case files, could reshape the understanding of Epsteins activities in France.

Speaking about the scale of the work, she said, We are hoping all this data will help us get a well-informed, very broad, panoramic view [of the case].

Beccuau has also confirmed that older material, including evidence gathered during the Brunel investigation, is being re-examined in light of the newly available files.

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French authorities have acknowledged that the task of reviewing the data is enormous and have described the effort as titanic work, without knowing what will come of it.

The new probes are also drawing in high-profile figures whose names appeared in the released files. Former French culture minister Jack Lang has been placed under investigation over suspected tax fraud following alleged financial links to Epstein.

Lang has denied any wrongdoing, and there is no allegation that he was involved in sexual misconduct. He recently stepped down from his position as head of a major cultural institution in Paris after the allegations emerged.

Authorities are also examining three additional cases, including claims involving Fabrice Aidan, who has denied allegations that he transferred United Nations documents to Epstein.

French prosecutors say they are reviewing financial records and communications linked to these individuals to determine whether any offences were committed under French law.

The prosecutors also said they are coordinating with international partners as they analyse the newly released material.

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With inputs from agencies
The Union Cabinet has given a nod to the Kerala governments proposal to rename the state as Keralam. This has prompted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to reiterate her long-standing demand for rechristening her state to Bangla. But how are the names of states changed in India?

A houseboat travelling on the Kerala Backwaters, near the city of Alappuzha in Kerala, January 9, 2018. File Photo/AFP

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has reiterated her demand to change the name of her state. This comes after the Union Cabinet on Tuesday (February 24) green-lit the Kerala governments proposal to rename the state as Keralam.

Banerjee has long been demanding revising the West Bengals name to Bangla. However, the Centre has previously turned down the request.

What does it take to change a states name in India? We take a look.

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Will Kerala soon become Keralam?

The Union Cabinet has approved the renaming of Kerala to Keralam. This comes after the Kerala Assembly unanimously passed a resolution in June 2024, urging the Centre to modify the southern states name.

The Kerala Assembly had passed a similar resolution in 2023. It had also sought an amendment in the Constitution where the state is referred to as Kerala.

Last month, Kerala BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to extend the saffron partys support to the move.

The 2024 resolution pointed out that the name of the state in Malayalam is Keralam, but its name in the First Schedule of the Constitution is Kerala. It further said that states were reorganised on linguistic lines on November 1, 1956, which is observed as Kerala Piravi (Kerala Formation Day).

In the resolution, the Kerala Assembly requested the Union government to take immediate steps under Article 3 of the Constitution to change the name to Keralam.

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Importance of Keralam

Kerala, widely popular as Gods Own Country, gained statehood following the integration of princely states post-Independence.

The United State of Travancore and Cochin was created by merging two erstwhile princely states of Travancore and Cochin on July 1, 1949. The next year, in January, it was renamed the State of Travancore-Cochin.

In 1956, the Malabar Coast of Madras state (now Tamil Nadu) and the Kasargod taluka (administrative subdivision) of South Kanara were added to Travancore-Cochin to form the present state of Kerala.

But where does this name come from?

There are various theories as to the origin of the name Kerala. The earliest known reference arises from the 3rd century BCE inscriptions of Mauryan emperor Ashoka.

Rock Edict II mentions Keralaputra, which is Sanskrit for son of Kerala. It is believed the term was used to refer to the Chera dynasty, as per Indian Express.

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The Chera dynasty ruled parts of present-day Kerala and Tamil Nadu from around the 4th century BCE to the 12th century CE.

According to German scholar Herman Gundert, keram is the Kannada version of cheram. Keralam was referred to as Cheram, the region between Gokarnam and Kanyakumari. The root cher is said to mean to join, and appears in Cheralam, with alam meaning land or region.

How state names are changed

After a state Assembly passes a resolution to change the name, it is sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The MHA examines the request and seeks No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from various departments such as the Ministry of Railways, the Intelligence Bureau, the Department of Posts, Survey of India, and the Registrar General of India.

Parliamentary approval is needed to rename a state. Article 3 of the Indian Constitution empowers Parliament to alter the name of any state.

The Union government has to draft legislation to modify a states name.

But such a bill can be introduced in Parliament only on the recommendation of the President of India. From the MHA, the renaming proposal goes to the President.

According to Article 3, Provided that no Bill for the purpose shall be introduced in either House of Parliament except on the recommendation of the President and unless, where the proposal contained in the Bill affects the area, boundaries or name of any of the States, the Bill has been referred by the President to the Legislature of that State for expressing its views thereon within such period as may be specified in the reference or within such further period as the President may allow and the period so specified or allowed has expired.

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The President then refers the bill to the affected states legislature to seek their views within a set time. The states opinion is, however, not binding.

Even if the state Assembly opposes the change, the Parliament can still proceed with the legislation once the stipulated period" has elapsed.

After the President recommends the bill, it is then introduced in either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha.

A simple majority, meaning more than 50 per cent of the members present and voting in both the Houses, is required for the bill to be passed.

Once cleared by Parliament, the Bill goes back to the President for assent. After she signs the bill, it becomes an Act. The states name is then officially changed in the First and Fourth Schedules of the Constitution.

Will West Bengal become Bangla?

After the Union Cabinet gave a nod to renaming Kerala, West Bengal CM Banerjee on Tuesday condemned what she called the Centres political double standards and its anti-Bengali stance.

She alleged that the Centre remembers Bengal only during elections. I think they are not approving it because they are anti-Bengali. They disrespect the icons and visionaries of Bengal. They only use the word Bangla during polls to get electoral benefit. That is why they have not given the approval to rename the state, the West Bengal CM claimed.

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Fishermen row a boat on the Hooghly River against the backdrop of Howrah bridge in the eastern city of Kolkata September 17, 2007. File Photo/Reutesr

Banerjee had first proposed changing the states name after assuming power in 2011.

At the time, she suggested renaming West Bengal to Paschim Banga or Paschim Bango. However, this was rejected, citing that it was a minor change, as per NDTV.

In 2024, Banerjee pushed for altering West Bengals name to Bangla. The CM said that as her states name begins with W, representatives of Bengal have to wait long to address state-specific events, as the roll call goes alphabetically.

In competitions, the states children compete last and are often exhuasted by the time.

We dont think there is no need to divide when the name of the state is Bangla. Pakistan has a province named Punjab. India too has a state named Punjab. If Bangladesh can stay Bangladesh internationally, why cant West Bengal be changed to Bangla, she said at the time.

Government sources have told NDTV that there are significant reasons not to change West Bengals name to Bangla. They said the name Bangla is similar to Bangladesh and could lead to confusion in the international community.

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A 2018 proposal to rename West Bengal as Bangla was rejected by the Ministry of External Affairs, which flagged concerns about its similarity with Bangladesh.

With inputs from agencies
After the ordeal faced by influencer Sachin Awasthi and his wife during a recent visit to Jeju Island, the Indian Embassy in Seoul has issued an advisory for Indian travellers visiting the tourist destination under the visa waiver scheme. Heres what you should know

Jeju Island, a popular travel destination near South Korea, entered pop culture, courtesy of Korean dramas. It serves as a backdrop for popular K-dramas such as When Life Gives You Tangerines and Welcome to Samdal-ri. Now, the island is grabbing headlines in India not because of a new show, but for denying entry and deporting Indian vlogger Sachin Awasthi and his wife, Deepshikha.

Awasthi later described the experience as the worst 24 hours of my life, alleging that immigration officials rejected them without checking return tickets or booking. He shared the harrowing experience on Instagram, three days after his return from the island.

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Following the incident, the Indian Embassy in Seoul issued an advisory for Indian travellers visiting Jeju Island under the visa waiver scheme.

Here is all that you know about the incident.

What was the row involving vlogger Sachin Awasthi?

Indian content creator Sachin Awasthi was travelling to Jeju Island with his wife in late December last year for a festive break. He had the hotel bookings, return tickets, and insurance for the trip.

But all did not turn out as planned when the couple landed on Jeju Island. He said problems first arose in Bangkok after airline officials asked to see a specific amount of cash, refusing to accept bank or card statements. If you want to board the flight, bring cash otherwise, get out of the way, he alleged they were told.

According to his social media post, Awasthi flew to Jeju after arranging the money. But at immigration in Jeju, officers saw their Indian passports, took fingerprints, and moved them to a waiting area. Here, they were given detailed forms and interviewed through a phone interpreter. He alleged that the rejection notice stated that the purpose of stay was not clear.

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According to Awasthi, they were held in a detention facility with basic provisions and restricted movement until a return flight was organised. He chose to book a next-day ticket, but complained it was really expensive. He described the waiting area for their return flight as worse than a detention centre.

In the post, the influencer wrote, 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.

On their way back home, Awasthi and his wife took a flight to Shanghai, China, and then to India. The vlogger claimed that the horrible treatment continued in China as well. In Shanghai, they said they were made to wait under supervision, with restricted communication, no phone access, no food, and limited water. The sleeping conditions were the worst, and even bathroom trips were monitored by a police officer with a bodycam, he added in the post.

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He further stated that he did not share the experience to gain sympathy. He emphasised that immigration decisions lie with the authorities. But they did not have any right to treat us like CRIMINALS.

He added that behind the glamour seen online, travel can quickly turn unpredictable and emotionally testing.

How did India respond?

Following Awasthis now viral post, the Indian Embassy in Seoul issued a travel advisory for Indian nationals travelling to Jeju Island under the visa waiver scheme. The embassy clarified that entry under the Jeju visa-free facility is permitted strictly for short-term tourism. However, final admission into Korea is determined solely by immigration authorities at Jeju International Airport in accordance with Korean law. It stressed that the visa waiver scheme does not guarantee entry.

The embassy issued a list of documents that travellers must carry with them which includes a confirmed return air ticket, hotel reservation covering entire stay, detailed travel itinerary (day-wise plan), proof of sufficient funds (recent bank statements/international cards/forex), passport valid for at least six months, travel insurance (strongly recommended) and contact details of accommodation. The embassy further warned that passengers who were unable to clearly explain their travel plan could be at risk of entry denial.

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Jeju Island is witnessing a surge in foreign tourists, driven by both the growing popularity of Korean culture and the desire to explore beyond South Koreas busiest cities. File photo/Reuters

Why is entry into Jeju Island difficult?

Jeju Island is a semi-autonomous province with certain administrative powers distinct from mainland regions. The province was granted self-governing status to preserve its distinct culture and natural surroundings, encourage economic development through deregulation, and establish itself as a Free International City from July 1, 2006.

To encourage tourism, Jeju has for years offered a limited visa waiver allowing travellers from many countries to enter directly without a mainland South Korea visa, provided they fly in on direct international routes and stay on the island.

Previously, some travellers used Jejus visa-free entry to reach mainland South Korea and then overstayed or moved on unlawfully. This has led authorities to periodically increase scrutiny, particularly for higher-risk nationalities.

What do travel experts have to say on the case?

Visa specialist Priyesh Sharma said the Indian passport doesnt carry much weight, pointing out that even Shah Rukh Khan has faced detention before and that being famous or popular online doesnt matter to immigration authorities.

I saw the Sachin awasti's denied entry video about Jeju island and here's my few pointers of the entire scenario as someone who has a good working knowledge of Immigration.



1.) Yes South Koreans are known to have racist behavior however honestly as such nothing was evident  Priyesh Sharma (@Kenu73) February 22, 2026

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 wrote on social media platform X.

Travel content creator and expert Backpacking Daku said on X that tourists should exercise caution in light of the case.

Sharing my thoughts on the video of Sachin Awasti getting detained entry at Jeju Island and being sent back to India



As a traveler please know all the rules and regulations when you're visiting such as special zones etc which have Visa Free Arrangements. In this case Jeju, which  Backpacking Daku (@outofofficedaku) February 22, 2026

He said Jejus special self-governing status means travellers should think about the strength of their passport and consider getting a visa beforehand. He added that global rules and attitudes toward certain passports cant be changed, so planning and paperwork are essential.

Tourism surge in Jeju Island

Jeju Island has witnessed a surge in tourism in recent times. The place is attracting tourists from all over the world to experience the cultures and landscapes following the appearance of the island in several K-dramas.

Jeju served as the backdrop of Korean dramas When Life Gives You Tangerines, Boys Over Flowers, and Island, among others. But, When Life Gives You Tangerines has the biggest role in increasing tourism in the island nation.

Set amid the islands fishing villages, the series captured global attention and rose to No. 1 on Netflixs non-English television charts. Following its staggered release in March, the surge in interest has translated into increased travel, with foreign arrivals growing each month from April.

Overall, the island recorded a 17.5 per cent year-on-year rise in overseas visitors, a figure local authorities have openly linked to the shows popularity.

With inputs from agencies

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The UK is rolling out Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from Wednesday (February 25), for visa-free travellers, while Indians remain visa nationals under a fully digital eVisa system. Heres a complete explainer on who needs the ETA, who is exempt, costs, enforcement, and what Indian travellers must know

The United Kingdom is overhauling how short-term visitors are screened before they travel.

From Wednesday, a new requirement becomes compulsory for most people who previously entered the UK without advance permission: an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

While the ETA primarily targets citizens of visa-free countries, the policy change still has consequences for Indian travellers because it coincides with the UKs digital by default push for visas and residence permissions.

What is the UKs Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital travel clearance that must be obtained before boarding transport to the United Kingdom by visitors who do not usually need a visa for short stays.

It functions as a pre-travel screening step rather than a visa and does not amount to permission to enter the country.

Instead, it authorises a person to travel to the UK, after which they are still subject to standard border checks on arrival.

Once approved, an ETA allows multiple entries over a period of up to two years, or until the travellers passport expires, whichever happens first.

Each visit under the ETA framework can last for a maximum of six months and can cover purposes such as tourism, business travel, or short-term study.

It also applies to travellers who enter the UK during transit and go through passport control as part of their onward journey.

The authorisation is digitally attached to the passport used during the application process, which means there is no physical document to present at the border.

Airlines and other carriers verify ETA status electronically before allowing passengers to board.

While the UK government has indicated that travellers may wish to keep a copy of their approval for personal records, border processing is conducted through digital systems rather than paper checks.

The ETA scheme was introduced in 2023 but initially operated with a softer approach to compliance. Authorities allowed an extended transition phase to give travellers time to adapt to the new requirement.

That grace period ends in February 2026, after which holding an ETA becomes a prerequisite for boarding for eligible nationalities.

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Who is required to obtain an ETA and who is not?

From February 25, 2026, the ETA becomes compulsory for citizens of around 85 countries that previously enjoyed visa-free access to the UK for short visits.

This includes travellers from countries such as the United States, Australia, Canada, and several European nations. These individuals, who could earlier arrive without any advance digital clearance, must now secure an ETA before beginning their journey.

The system does not replace visas.

People who are classified as visa nationals (like India) and already require a visa to visit the UK continue to follow the visa route and do not need to apply for an ETA in addition to that process.

British and Irish citizens are exempt from the ETA requirement.

Certain other groups are also excluded, including individuals with settled status and specific categories such as children travelling from France on organised school trips.

Passengers who are connecting through the UK and must pass through border control as part of their journey need an ETA if they are from an eligible visa-free country.

However, those who transit through airports such as Heathrow and Manchester without going through UK passport control are not currently required to obtain one.

Dual UK nationals are not eligible for an ETA. To travel to the UK, they must present either a British passport or a digital certificate of entitlement associated with their non-British passport.

What does the ETA application process include?

Applications for an ETA are submitted digitally through the official UK ETA app, available on major mobile platforms. The UK government recommends using this app as the primary method of applying.

The process involves paying the applicable fee, providing passport details, submitting contact information, uploading a compliant digital photograph, and responding to questions related to suitability and criminal history.

Applicants must use the same passport for travel that they used when submitting their ETA application, as the authorisation is electronically linked to that specific document.

Most applicants receive an automated outcome within minutes, reflecting the systems reliance on digital checks and background screening.

However, authorities advise travellers to apply at least three working days before departure because a small number of cases require additional review.

If an application is rejected, the applicant is informed of the reason and can submit another application. If the application is refused, there is no appeal mechanism.

In such cases, individuals who still wish to travel to the UK must apply for a visa instead.

As of early 2026, the ETA fee is set at 16. The UK government has indicated that the charge is under periodic review and that there are plans to raise it to 20 in the future.

Officials have also cautioned travellers that third-party application services may impose additional charges beyond the official government fee.

Will Indian travellers be affected by UKs ETA?

The short answer is  No.

Indian citizens are classified as visa nationals and therefore remain outside the ETA framework.

This means that Indian travellers cannot apply for an ETA and must continue to obtain a visa for short-term visits to the UK. The ETA system is exclusively for nationals of countries that previously did not require visas.

For Indian travellers, the key point of clarity is that the introduction of the ETA does not change their eligibility status.

Travellers from India visiting the UK for tourism, business meetings, or short-term study must still apply for a Standard Visitor Visa. Attempting to travel with an ETA instead of a visa is not permitted and can result in being denied boarding by airlines.

The timing of the ETAs mandatory enforcement coincides with a shift in how the UK processes visas, which is why the change still affects Indian travellers in practical terms.

The UK is implementing a digital by default model for immigration permissions, altering how visas are issued and verified.

Physical visa vignettes, the stickers previously placed in passports, and most Biometric Residence Permits have been phased out for new applicants. Instead, visas are now issued as digital records linked directly to the travellers passport.

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Indian applicants must use a UK Visas and Immigration online account to access and prove their immigration status. Airlines verify travel permission digitally at check-in, similar to how ETA status is checked for visa-free nationals.

This means that Indian travellers will no longer receive a physical sticker in their passport as proof of their UK visa. Their permission to travel exists as an electronic record within the UKs immigration systems.

The shift changes the practical steps involved in preparing for travel. Indian travellers must ensure that their passport details are correctly linked to their digital visa record and that their UKVI account information is accurate.

Any mismatch between passport data and the digital record can lead to complications at check-in, as airlines rely on electronic verification of travel permission.

Because Indian citizens are not eligible for the ETA, they continue to incur the higher costs associated with UK visas.

As of 2026, the Standard Visitor Visa, which permits stays of up to six months for purposes such as tourism, short-term business, or short-term study, is priced at 127.

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For those seeking longer validity, a two-year long-term visitor visa costs 475.

Student visas are priced at 524, while a 48-hour transit visa costs 70.

These fees do not include additional service charges levied by visa application centres or the Immigration Health Surcharge, which applies to longer-term stays.

As a result, the total cost of applying for a UK visa from India can be significantly higher than the headline visa fee alone.

Processing times for standard visa applications remain around 15 working days, or roughly three weeks.

Priority services are available for applicants who need faster decisions, with next-day outcomes offered at an additional cost of 500.

The move to digital eVisas has not altered these processing timelines.

The rollout of the ETA and the UKs digital immigration reforms have created opportunities for confusion, particularly among travellers unfamiliar with the distinctions between visas and ETAs.

There have been warnings about unofficial websites claiming that Indian citizens can obtain a low-cost ETA for travel to the UK.

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Such claims are inaccurate.

The UKs adoption of an ETA places it in line with a growing number of countries that require advance digital authorisation from visa-free visitors.

Similar systems are already in place in countries such as Canada and the United States. These schemes operate on comparable principles: pre-travel screening, electronic linkage to passports, and multiple-entry validity over a set period.

The UK ETA programme has been in operation since October 2023, albeit without strict enforcement during its initial phase. According to official data, 19.6 million ETAs were issued from the launch of the scheme through to the end of September 2025.

With inputs from agencies
The USS Gerald R Ford, the worlds largest warship, is deployed in West Asia amid rising threats of the US striking Iran. However, for the 4,600-strong crew on board, the biggest problem is not the enemy, but blocked toilets

USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier is at Souda Bay on the island of Crete, Greece, February 24, 2026. Reuters

The United States is preparing for a potential war with Iran, with the largest military build-up in West Asia in decades. The worlds largest warship has been deployed in the region to support any future American airstrikes on Iran.

The USS Gerald R Ford reportedly passed through the Strait of Gibraltar on Friday (February 20), heading east towards the Mediterranean. However, the enemy missile is not the biggest problem for the sailors on board the warship; it is the blocked toilets.

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We take a look.

Toilet troubles on USS Ford

The USS Gerald R Fords toilet troubles were first reported by NPR in January.

Last June, after the aircraft carrier left its home port in Norfolk, several toilets went out of commission.

According to a 2025 internal engineering memo, dated 18 March, over 205 toilet breakdowns were recorded on the vessel in just four days last year.

The crisis on the US Navys $13 billion aircraft carrier reached a point where sailors were forced to wait for 45 minutes in queues to use the toilets.

Fords sewage system uses vacuum technology to transport waste from roughly 650 toilets on board, as per The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

The problem stems from a design and engineering flaw in the vacuum system. Any issue with one head (toilet) can lead to all the toilets in that part of the ship losing suction, reported NPR.

USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier arrives at Souda Bay on the island of Crete, Greece, February 23, 2026. Reuters

From T-shirts to rope, the crew found different items clogging the toilet. The most common problem was the back of the toilet coming loose.

Any temporary fixes while the ship remains in enemy waters are not possible.

Temporary repairs, such as acid flushes to dispose of calcium build-ups, can be performed when the vessel is safely docked in US shipyards.

With the warship currently deployed in hostile waters, there is no prospect of a permanent fix, as per ThePrint.

The mechanical failure has triggered heated arguments between the crew and the sewage specialists, known as hull technicians.

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An engineering head has reportedly complained that sailors are mistreating and damaging the system every day.

These hull technicians were working 19 hours a day to detect and fix leaks.

A Navy official told WSJ that the situation is improving and the problems have not obstructed the carriers ability to carry out its mission.

ALSO READ: How Iran is preparing for a US strike as nuclear talks continue

Why Gerald R Ford is facing toilet woes

The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford has been at sea since last June. Once it left Norfolk, the problem appeared to have worsened.

In October, the Pentagon rerouted the warship to the Caribbean to support the US seizure of oil-carrying vessels near Venezuela.

Later, the ship was deployed for the US operation to capture Nicolas Maduro, then Venezuelas president.

The Ford was reportedly slated for repairs at the US Navys public shipyard Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Virginia  this year.

However, earlier this year, the crew was told that their deployment would be extended again, taking them back across the Atlantic Ocean to West Asia, reported WSJ.

During peacetime, carrier deployments are usually six months long, with planners considering a few months of potential overrun if needed, Mark Montgomery, a retired rear admiral, told the American newspaper.

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The Ford sailors have been away from home for eight months already, leading to a possible deployment of 11 months, he said.

This would break the record for a continuous deployment by a US Navy ship.

How long deployment affects sailors

With 4,600 sailors on board and multiple toilets not functioning, compounded by a long deployment, the unfavourable conditions are bound to affect the crew.

Many sailors on the Ford are men and women in their early 20s. Some have missed the funeral of close ones, others the birth of their children.

A sailor on board the Ford told WSJ that many crew members are angry and upset, with some even considering leaving the Navy at the end of the deployment.

The sailor said she was also strongly thinking about quitting, adding that she misses her toddler daughter.

Weary crews can hurt the entire Navys fleet, beyond just the Ford. Last year, the aircraft carrier USS Harry S Truman lost several jet fighters while countering Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea. This happened in April and May 2025, near the end of an eight-month deployment. A Navy investigation blamed the increased operational tempo of the operation.

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Long deployments can also impact the ships themselves. After eight months at sea, equipment starts to break, while long-planned maintenance and upgrades have to be deferred, disrupting schedules at the shipyards, Montgomery told WSJ. That has a ripple effect on the maintenance and training cycles of other ships.

With inputs from agencies
Following Indias advisory to all its citizens, including students, to leave Iran amid rising tensions with the US, hundreds of medical students fear an academic setback due to crucial exams scheduled for early March. They have now appealed to PM Narendra Modi to intervene and engage with the Iranian authorities to consider the option of postponing the tests

Hundreds of Indian nationals, a large proportion of them medical students from Jammu and Kashmir, are enroled at Iranian universities. They say universities have not postponed exams even as fears of conflict with the US grow. Image courtesy: X

Its a matter of life or exam for Indian medical students in Iran amid the escalating standoff between Washington and Tehran. After the Centres advisory asking Indian nationals, including students, to leave Iran amid the possibility of a US strike, for many students, departure is not an easy option.

These students, a large number from Jammu and Kashmir, enrolled in medical programmes at various universities in Iran, argue that although leaving the country may be the safer choice, missing key exams scheduled for early March could delay their graduation and potentially threaten the professional recognition of their degrees. According to them, universities have not deferred the exams.

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They have now appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for intervention after the advisory, which clashed with university examinations scheduled for next month.

We take a closer look.

Why are Indian students in Iran hesitant to leave?

Indian students studying in Iran find themselves torn between returning home for safety and facing academic disruptions. At the centre of their concerns is the examinations scheduled for March 5.

The basic sciences (Olum-e-Paye) exam and the pre-internship test, both compulsory government assessments in Irans medical education system, are scheduled for early next month, according to media reports.

Now, the outcomes of these exams decide whether students can advance from pre-clinical studies to clinical training and hospital postings.

Since these exams are held only twice a year, missing them could result in a loss of up to six months of academic progress, causing a significant delay in completing their five-and-a-half-year medical degree.

While speaking to news agency ANI, Bilal Bhat, an Indian medical student in Iran, said, We have our exams on 5th March and 28th March. According to the advisory from the Indian embassy in Tehran, we are told to leave the country immediately, but we cannot, as this is the most important exam. There are concerns, and the situation is a bit tense here because everyone is thinking about the war We want to leave the country, but we have exams For us, it is not possible to leave

#WATCH | Tehran, Iran: On the situation in Iran, Indian student Bilal Bhat says, "We have our exams on 5th March and 28th March. According to the advisory of the Indian embassy in Tehran, they have told us to leave the country immediately, but we cannot, as this is the most pic.twitter.com/bp2WbPwjW8  ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2026

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Another medical student, Faizan Nabi, who left Iran and returned to India a few days ago, expressed apprehensions about safety in Iran. However, he remained deeply worried about his academic future.

Nabi told Times of India (TOI), I returned a few days ago because of the fear and uncertainty around the escalating situation. But right now, semester exams are underway at universities. Plus, there are the Olum-e-Paye  the comprehensive basic sciences exam  and the pre-internship exam. These are nationwide, central assessments. Missing them means losing six months of study.

Another Indian student in Iran, Musaid, told ANI that the situation may escalate in the coming days and that they are constantly monitoring the developments.

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Internally, the situation is fine in Iran, but externally, the situation is very bad. They say there will be a war and that many things will go wrong in the coming days. But we have some exams scheduled, and we request that the Indian Embassy talk to our university and the Ministry of Iran to postpone them, he said.

#WATCH | Tehran, Iran: On the situation in Iran, an Indian student, Musaid, says, "Internally the situation is fine in Iran, but externally the situation is very bad. They are saying that there will be a war and many things will go wrong in the coming days. But we have some exams pic.twitter.com/KgXwCg2q6q  ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2026

Md Azeem, enrolled at Iran University of Medical Sciences, voiced similar concerns. Our exams are scheduled for March. If we leave, our careers will be destroyed. It is an appeal to the govt to contact the universities and assure us that exams will be postponed so that we are able to leave the country, reported TOI.

Why are students seeking PMs intervention?

Following the advisory, some students have appealed to PM Narendra Modi to intervene. They are requesting the Indian government to engage with Iranian authorities to consider either postponing the exams or offering alternative arrangements. According to them, this would allow students to leave temporarily without academic penalties.

The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA) has written to the PM, seeking his intervention in this matter.

The statement read, AIMSA humbly request the government of India to direct the Indian High Commission/Embassy in Iran to urgently coordinate with Iranian universities and authorities to postpone all scheduled examinations for Indian students.

Facilitate safe evacuations and repatriation of Indian students at the earliest. Ensure that no student suffers academic loss due to circumstances beyond their control, it added.

Speaking to ANI, Mohammad Momin Khan, president of AIMSAs Jammu and Kashmir unit, expressed concern following a recent travel advisory from the Indian High Commission in Tehran, which has urged citizens to return home.

The Indian High Commission in Tehran issued an advisory, in which they have asked their citizens to return. However, we have received information from students that their exams are scheduled for March 5. Some students have already arrived in India, so it is not possible for them to return. The current situation is very tense, and their parents are also very worried. Weve even written a letter to the Prime Minister, regarding this, he told the news agency.

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#WATCH | Tehran, Iran: On the situation in Iran, Mohammad Momin Khan, President of J&K All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA) says, "The Indian High Commission in Tehran issued an advisory, in which they have asked their citizens to return. However, we have received pic.twitter.com/s4e5ow344O  ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2026

How many Indian students are in Iran? Why do they go?

As per a Moneycontrol analysis of data from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, roughly 2,000 Indian students chose Iran for higher education in 2024. Estimates suggest that roughly 1,000 to 1,500 Indian students are currently in Iran for medical education.

MEAs data in 2022 estimated that about 2,050 Indian students were enrolled in Iran, mostly for medical studies, at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University and Islamic Azad University. Many of these were from Kashmir.

Kashmiri Shiite Muslims hold pictures of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei inside a mosque during a religious gathering on the death anniversary of the seventh Shia Twelver Imam, Imam Musa al-Kazim, in Budgam district, central Kashmir, January 15, 2026. File image/Reuters

A significant number of Kashmiris pursue medical education in Tehran, while others study Islamic theology in the holy cities of Qom and Mashhad, the Indian Express reported.

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However, recent reports suggest that several of them have returned to India as the threat of US military action looms large.

Whats the current situation in Iran?

The situation appears to be tense, as protests have once again gripped the nation. On Tuesday (February 24), the Iranian authorities deployed plainclothes police and armed security personnel across several Iranian universities to quell a fourth consecutive day of student protests against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Clashes were reported on several campuses, including Tehrans University of Science and Technology, with videos shared on social media appearing to show confrontations between students and the Basij militia, a state-supported paramilitary group, according to the Guardian.

This video grab taken from UGC images posted on social media on Monday, and verified by AFPTV teams in Paris, shows students gathering for an anti-government rally at the all-female Alzahra University in Tehran. AFP

Nearly 80 per cent of universities in Iran are currently holding classes online, a move critics say is intended to limit large gatherings and suppress dissent following a severe crackdown on protests earlier this year.

Videos from Tehrans University of Art showed students chanting slogans, We fight, we die, we take back Iran and Political prisoners must be freed, while openly criticising the countrys leadership, the media outlet report noted.

This wave of unrest once again highlights ongoing tensions between the government and segments of Irans youth.

January saw unprecedented protests across the country, which the regime tried to quell. More than 36,500 Iranians were killed by security forces during the January 8-9 crackdown on nationwide protests, according to documents reviewed by Iran Internationals Editorial Board.

Is an attack on Iran imminent?

Speculation of an imminent US military operation against Iran reached a fever pitch this week.

In his State of the Union speech on Tuesday, Donald Trump said that he prefers a diplomatic solution to the crisis with Iran, but at the same time laid out a case for a potential war against the Islamic Republic. His remarks come amid an American military buildup in West Asia.

Last week, the US President asserted that he is weighing a limited strike, issuing a stark warning of 10-15 days for Iran to reach a deal. The speech increased the likelihood that the meeting between US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi planned in Geneva for Thursday could be the last chance to reach a diplomatic breakthrough and prevent war, according to an Axios report.

Tehran, on the other side, has indicated an openness to engage in dialogue, while stressing that Iran would not bow to military pressure and any attack would be met ferociously.

With inputs from agencies
US President Donald Trump has urged Congress to pass the Dalilah Law to bar undocumented immigrants from commercial drivers licences. The proposal follows deadly crashes involving illegal migrant truckers and aims to tighten licensing rules, English proficiency checks and immigration enforcement across US states

Dalilah Coleman is carried by her father, Marcus, during US President Donald Trump's State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, US, February 24, 2026. File Image/Reuters

United States President Donald Trump used his State of the Union address on Tuesday, to urge Congress to enact what he has dubbed the Dalilah Law, a federal proposal that would stop states from issuing commercial drivers licences (CDLs) to undocumented immigrants.

The proposal has been framed by the White House as part of a broader tightening of immigration enforcement and trucking regulations, following a series of fatal and life-altering accidents involving truck drivers who entered the US illegally but were later able to obtain commercial licences from state authorities.

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 Im calling on Congress to pass what we will call the Dalilah Law, barring any state from granting commercial drivers licenses to illegal aliens, Trump said.

What is the Dalilah law?

The proposed legislation seeks to override state-level practices by introducing a nationwide bar on issuing CDLs to undocumented migrants.

Trump argued that this change is necessary to prevent heavy commercial vehicles from being operated by drivers who lack legal status and, in his view, often do not meet minimum safety and language standards.

Many, if not most, illegal aliens do not speak English and cannot read even the most basic road signs as to direction, speed, danger or location. the US president claimed.

Importing these cultures through unrestricted immigration and open borders brings those problems right here to the USA. And it is the American people who pay the price in higher medical bills, car insurance rates, rent, taxes and perhaps most importantly crime. We will take care of this problem. Were going to take care of this problem, he said in his speech.

Under the current system, licensing rules vary by state, and non-domiciled CDLs have been issued in some cases to non-citizens who lack permanent residency.

The White House has argued that this patchwork approach has allowed undocumented migrants to operate heavy vehicles such as 18-wheelers on US highways.

In addition to barring undocumented migrants from receiving CDLs, the administration has launched audits of non-domiciled commercial licences across multiple states. These audits are aimed at identifying cases where licences were issued to drivers who did not meet federal eligibility standards.

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The proposal has also been tied to the reintroduction of strict English-language proficiency requirements for commercial drivers.

Under Trump, a 2016 memo issued during the administration of Barack Obama, which restricted inspectors from sidelining drivers solely for limited English proficiency, has been withdrawn.

As part of the same regulatory push, the US has also stopped issuing visas to foreign truck drivers as of December 2025.

Why is the proposed law named Dalilah?

The Dalilah Law takes its name from Dalilah Coleman, who was five years old when she suffered catastrophic injuries in a multi-vehicle crash in Southern California in June 2024.

The accident occurred when a commercial 18-wheeler failed to stop in traffic and ploughed into a line of vehicles in a construction zone.

The truck was being driven by Partap Singh, an undocumented migrant from India who had crossed the US border illegally in 2022 and was later issued a CDL in California.

Trump highlighted Dalilahs case during his SOTU address to illustrate the human impact behind the proposed legislation.

We are not playing games. Dalilah Coleman was only five years old in June 2024 when an 18-wheel tractor-trailer plowed into her stopped car traveling at 60 miles an hour or more. The driver was an illegal alien let in by Joe Biden and given a commercial drivers license by open borders politicians in California, he said.

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Dalilahs injuries were described by the White House as severe and life-altering. The administration has said she suffered a traumatic brain injury and cerebral palsy and will require lifelong care and therapy.

Doctors said Dalilah would never be able to walk or talk, have a good life. She wouldnt even be able to eat again. But against all odds, she is now in the first grade, learning to walk. And shes here this evening with her dad Marcus, a fantastic man. Dalilah , please, you are a great inspiration. Please stand up. Thank you, Dalilah.

Dalilah Coleman is carried by her father, Marcus, during US President Donald Trumps State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, US, February 24, 2026. File Image/Reuters

Her mother, Ileana Krause, has told media outlets in the US last year that Dalilah has a TBI [traumatic brain injury]. She is now diagnosed with cerebral palsy and global developmental delay. She doesnt walk. She receives nutrition through a G-tube.

Dalilahs father, Marcus Coleman, has publicly criticised Californias leadership for failing to engage with the family after the crash.

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We never did receive anything back from the governor. We never received a call back. We never received a governors going to look into this. We didnt receive anything, he told Fox News in September 2025.

The driver involved in the crash, Partap Singh, was later arrested by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in August 2025 and placed into deportation proceedings.

Investigations found that he had been driving at an unsafe speed and failed to stop for traffic in a construction zone.

Have there been other such accidents?

In August 2025, Harjinder Singh, who had entered the US illegally in 2018, caused a deadly crash on the Florida Turnpike while attempting an illegal U-turn through an Official Use Only access point near Fort Pierce.

His semi-truck became stuck across lanes, and a minivan crashed into the trailer, killing three people.

Dashcam image of a fatal crash in Florida involving Harjinder Singh who was behind the wheel of a tractor-trailer on the Florida Turnpike near Fort Pierce. Image/X

After the incident, Harjinder Singh fled to California but was later arrested and extradited back to Florida. He now faces three counts of vehicular homicide and manslaughter.

If convicted, he could receive a sentence of up to 45 years in prison. Authorities have also said that he failed an English test administered after the crash.

Licensing records showed that Harjinder Singh obtained a commercial drivers licence in Washington in 2023 and a limited-term CDL in California in 2024.

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How will the law affect Indian-origin truckers?

The Dalilah Law, if passed, is expected to have significant implications for Indian-origin truck drivers, who form a substantial portion of the US trucking workforce.

Estimates cited by the administration indicate that more than 1.5 lakh Indian-origin drivers, mainly from Punjab and Haryana, work in the US, accounting for roughly one-fifth of the countrys truck drivers, and nearly half on the West coast of the US.

Indian drivers have been especially prominent in states such as California and Texas. The Sikh community, in particular, has played a notable role in filling chronic labour shortages in the US and Canada trucking industry over the past decade.

The tightening of licensing rules has already had measurable effects. More than 7,000 commercial drivers were taken off US roads in 2025 following audits and enforcement actions, with a majority reported to be of Indian origin.

California has also announced plans to revoke 17,000 commercial licences issued to foreign nationals.

Together with the proposed Dalilah Law and stricter English proficiency checks, these measures are expected to influence the labour pool in the trucking industry.

While the Trump administration has presented the changes as necessary for public safety and immigration enforcement, the measures come against the backdrop of long-standing driver shortages in the US logistics sector.

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The crackdown raises questions about how the industry will balance tighter regulatory standards with the continued need for drivers to keep supply chains moving.

With inputs from agencies
Thailand has always been known for its street food. Now it has magnificent restaurants as well.

In Thailand, food is frequently in a paper bowl, handed across a metal cart right near a tattle of pigeons and the glow of a street lamp. Street food in Bangkok is a cultural language  one that continues to define the countrys identity even as its global dining prestige rises.

The raw, jagged experience

For decades, Thailands capital has been celebrated for its pavement kitchens: open-air stalls where recipes are refined through repetition, instinct, and memory. These spaces operate outside the formalities of restaurant culture, and represent something far more enduring. Street food is daily life made visible, an edible expression of community and shared lives.

What distinguishes Thai street food is not only accessibility but philosophy. Every dish seeks harmony among sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and umami elements. The balance is deliberate and meditative. A plate of pad thai is not merely stir-fried noodles but a study in contrast: tamarinds tang, palm sugars warmth, limes brightness, chilis heat. This equilibrium mirrors a broader cultural sensibility in Thailand  adaptability without loss of identity.

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The experience itself is inseparable from the food. Along corridors such as Sukhumvit Road, diners gather on small plastic stools, shoulder to shoulder regardless of profession or status. A taxi driver and a business executive may share the same bowl of noodles prepared by a vendor who has cooked the dish for decades. In a rapidly modernising world, these moments of proximity function acts of social cohesion.

The alluring restaurants

Thailands contemporary culinary acclaim has introduced fine dining to international audiences, yet even the most celebrated chefs acknowledge the foundational role of street culture. Figures such as Thitid Tassanakajohn have elevated Thai ingredients to global prestige at restaurants like Le Du, while more intimate venues such as Nusara reinterpret family recipes through refined technique. But these expressions do not replace street food; they draw legitimacy from it. The informal kitchen remains the origin point of flavor, memory, and authenticity.

Street vendors are often specialists, devoting their careers to a handful of dishes perfected through repetition rather than experimentation. This dedication creates an immediacy rarely found in formal dining. There is no elaborate presentation to mediate judgment, only taste. The street becomes both kitchen and stage, where skill is measured in seconds and seasoning is adjusted by instinct.

Progress vs. preservation  the perpetual battle

Bangkoks street food culture exists within a landscape of transformation. Urban redevelopment, infrastructure management, and changing regulations have reshaped where vendors operate and how diners encounter them. Some traditional hubs have given way to commercial development, while curated environments such as Siam Paragon reframe street classics within climate-controlled spaces. These shifts reflect the broader tension between modernisation and preservation  a negotiation visible in many global cities but particularly poignant in Thailand, where food is deeply entwined with national identity.

Despite these changes, the emotional significance of street food endures. Vendors inherit techniques across generations, transmitting knowledge not through written recipes but through daily practice. The act of cooking becomes a form of cultural continuity. A bowl of boat noodles or a serving of mango sticky rice is not merely sustenance but a record of migration, trade, and adaptation that shaped Thai society over centuries.

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Visitors often arrive in Bangkok seeking culinary excitement, but what they encounter is something more intimate: a city that eats in public, together. The sounds of spatulas striking woks, the scent of charcoal grills, the choreography of preparation  these sensory details compose an atmosphere that cannot be replicated within formal dining rooms. Street food offers immediacy, transparency, and human connection, qualities increasingly rare in an age of curated experiences.

Thailands global culinary reputation continues to expand, yet its most compelling narrative remains grounded at street level. Fine dining may bring international recognition, but the nations cultural heartbeat persists in open-air kitchens where tradition is practiced. To understand food is to understand society, and on the streets of Bangkok, the culture remains defiant.
From Jean Neuhaus Jr.s invention of the praline to Belgiums colonial history in Congo, heres why the country is known as the chocolate capital of the world.

Belgium produces more than 700,000 tonnes of chocolate every year and is home to over 2,000 chocolatiers. In cities like Brussels and Bruges, chocolate shops line cobblestone streets, their windows filled with glossy pralines, truffles and meticulously crafted bonbons. For decades, the country has been marketed and widely accepted as the chocolate capital of the world.

But how did a small European nation earn that title? And what histories sit behind the sweetness?

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Chocolates origins lie far from Europe. Cacao was first cultivated in Mesoamerica, where the Maya and Aztec civilisations consumed it as a bitter drink long before it became a confection. It was Spanish colonisers in the 16th century who introduced cacao to Europe, where sugar was added, and the drink gradually transformed into a luxury product for the elite.

Belgium entered the chocolate story much later, in the 19th century. The country industrialised rapidly, and advances in cocoa processing, including techniques developed in neighbouring Switzerland, allowed chocolate to shift from an aristocratic indulgence to a mass-produced treat. Belgian confectioners refined the craft further. In 1912, Jean Neuhaus Jr. invented the filled chocolate praline in Brussels, a creation that would become synonymous with Belgian chocolate worldwide.

Chocolate pralines packed in bags are pictured at Belgian chocolate maker Neuhaus in Vlezenbeek, near Brussels, Belgium. File photo/REUTERS.

By the 20th century, brands such as Neuhaus, Godiva and Leonidas were exporting Belgian chocolate across Europe and beyond, building a reputation for quality and craftsmanship. Strict production standards, including requirements around cocoa butter content, reinforced the image of Belgian chocolate as premium and authentic.

Yet the rise of Belgium as a chocolate powerhouse cannot be separated from its colonial past.

The colonial shadow

From 1885 to 1960, Belgium ruled over the Congo, first as the personal possession of King Leopold II and later as a formal colony. The regime was marked by extreme violence and forced labour, primarily in rubber extraction. While Congo was not historically a major cocoa producer on the scale of todays Ivory Coast or Ghana, colonial trade networks and the broader wealth accumulated during this period helped fuel Belgiums industrial growth and global commercial reach.

Today, most of the worlds cocoa is grown in West Africa, particularly in Cote dIvoire and Ghana. The global cocoa supply chain remains fraught with concerns over low farmer incomes, child labour and environmental degradation. Belgium, like other major chocolate-producing nations, relies heavily on imported cocoa beans.

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In recent years, many Belgian chocolatiers have moved toward ethical sourcing and fair-trade certification, responding to growing consumer awareness about where ingredients come from. Bean-to-bar producers have emerged alongside heritage brands, emphasising transparency and direct trade relationships with farmers.

Craft and identity

Even so, the image of Belgium as the worlds chocolate capital rests on a careful blend of craftsmanship, branding and history. It is a title reinforced by tourism campaigns, export strength and cultural reputation as much as by raw production figures.

Walk through Brussels Grand Place, and it is easy to see why the label persists. Chocolate is not merely a product here; it is part of national identity. Museums are dedicated to it. Workshops invite visitors to make their own pralines. Airport duty-free shops prominently display gold-boxed assortments as edible souvenirs.

Workers work during the manufacturing process of chocolate pralines at Belgian chocolate maker Neuhaus. File photo/ REUTERS

But like many culinary capitals of the world, the title reveals as much about storytelling as it does about geography. Belgium may have perfected the art of the praline and built a global luxury brand around chocolate. Still, the raw ingredient, cacao, continues to link it to farmers thousands of kilometres away.

In the end, being the chocolate capital of the world is less about where cacao grows and more about where chocolate was industrialised, refined and marketed into a symbol of indulgence. Belgium mastered that transformation. The question is whether, in the years ahead, the story of chocolate will expand to centre not only the makers of pralines, but also the growers of the bean.

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New Delhi must balance its desire to maintain stability in Kabul with its scepticism of the Taliban regime, while avoiding direct entanglement in the worsening Pakistan-Afghanistan rift

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated to a critical level recently, marked by direct military strikes and a breakdown in diplomatic trust. The relationship has deteriorated from the alliance that existed before the Talibans return to power to one of open hostility.

In the most recent major escalation on 22-23 February, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) launched massive airstrikes in Paktika and Nangarhar provinces against seven alleged militant camps belonging to the TTP (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan) and IS-KP (Islamic State  Khorasan Province). While Pakistans military claimed to have killed at least 70 to 80 militants, the Taliban government stated that dozens of civilians were killed, including women and children. Pakistan said the strikes were a retaliatory response to a wave of suicide attacks inside the country, including a mosque bombing in Islamabad that killed 31 people. However, the Taliban government condemned the strikes as a blatant violation of sovereignty and warned of a befitting response.

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India strongly condemned Pakistans airstrikes on Afghan territory that resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children, during the holy month of Ramzan. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said it was another attempt by Pakistan to externalise its internal failures. India also reiterated its support for Afghanistans sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence.

Earlier, on 6 February, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs formally dismissed Pakistans allegations of Indian involvement in a deadly suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Islamabad as baseless and pointless. The MEA stated that Pakistan was choosing to delude itself by blaming others for its home-grown ills rather than addressing deep-rooted internal security failures. The response followed statements from Pakistani officials, including Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who suggested Indian and Afghan involvement.

Recent months have seen a dramatic escalation in military hostilities between Pakistan and the Taliban-led Afghan government, marked by heavy border skirmishes and precision airstrikes deep into Afghan territory. It may be recalled that in September 2015, intense border outpost skirmishes occurred in the Kurram district when Taliban forces attempted to construct a security outpost on the border. At least eight Taliban fighters (including two commanders) were killed, and five Pakistani soldiers were injured. One Soviet-era T-62 tank operated by the Taliban was reportedly destroyed by Pakistani forces.

October 2025 witnessed the deadliest clashes in years, briefly bringing both nations to the brink of open war. Pakistan launched strikes in Kabul targeting TTP leader Noor Wali Mehsud. The Afghan Taliban retaliated by attacking multiple Pakistani military posts along the Durand Line, claiming to have killed 58 Pakistani soldiers and captured several outposts. A fragile ceasefire was eventually mediated by Qatar and Turkey on 19 October 2025.

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In December, heavy exchanges of fire erupted along the Spin Boldak-Chaman border crossing, one of the primary trade routes between the two nations. Both sides used light and heavy artillery for several hours. Afghan officials reported five deaths, including a soldier and four civilians, while Pakistan accused Afghan forces of unprovoked firing. These clashes broke out just as peace talks in Saudi Arabia failed to produce a breakthrough.

There are several core drivers of tension. Foremost among these are issues relating to the TTP. Pakistan accuses the Afghan Taliban of harbouring the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, which has intensified attacks within Pakistan, including the 6 February bombing at an Islamabad mosque that killed over 30 people. Islamabad maintains that the TTP operates from safe havens in Afghanistan with the tacit support of the Afghan Taliban. Kabul denies these claims, asserting that the TTP is Pakistans internal security failure.

Second, there is the dispute relating to the Durand Line. The 2,640-km border, drawn by the British in 1893, remains unrecognised by the Taliban, who view it as an artificial colonial-era line. Pakistans efforts to fence the border have triggered numerous fatal skirmishes.

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Third, there are issues relating to refugee deportations. Pakistans plan to repatriate nearly 3 million Afghans  including both documented and undocumented migrants  has become a major humanitarian and political flashpoint. Pakistans decision has caused significant friction, with Kabul accusing Islamabad of using refugees as political blackmail.

Last but not least, there are issues relating to shifting alliances. The recent diplomatic outreach between Afghanistan and India, including the upgrade of Indias Kabul mission to embassy status in October 2025, has further unsettled Pakistan. Relations worsened further in late 2025 after Afghan officials visited India and issued a joint statement criticising terrorism from regional countries, which Islamabad viewed as a direct provocation.

Multiple rounds of peace talks hosted by Qatar, Turkey and Saudi Arabia since October 2025 have failed to produce a lasting resolution. Talks held in Istanbul in late 2025 broke down without a formal agreement. Negotiations have frequently stalled because Pakistan demands a written commitment from Kabul to take verifiable action against the TTP, which the Taliban refuse to provide.

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Resolution of Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions appears highly unlikely in the near future. Despite multiple rounds of international mediation and temporary ceasefires, the relationship has entered a cycle of deterrence and punishment. There is a low probability of peace. A permanent solution is far out of reach because both nations hold firmly opposing national positions. While an all-out conventional war is not considered imminent, the current cycle of retributive strikes by Pakistan could destabilise the entire region.

Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions significantly affect India by disrupting regional security and economic connectivity while simultaneously offering strategic opportunities to counter Pakistans influence. Increased border conflicts and Taliban-Pakistan friction often force India to navigate risks to its infrastructure projects, manage terror threats, and adapt trade routes, such as using the Chabahar port to bypass Pakistan. The instability threatens major Indian projects like the TAPI pipeline and stalls regional trade initiatives, complicating access to Central Asian markets.

As Pakistans influence in Afghanistan weakens due to clashes with the Taliban, India has found an opening to deepen its diplomatic and economic engagement with Kabul. India has shifted from initial isolation to a policy of engagement without recognition, allowing it to protect its $3 billion investment in over 500 projects without legitimising the Taliban regime. India remains a top donor, providing 40,000 tonnes of wheat, 60 million vaccine doses and essential medical supplies to maintain people-to-people ties. Thus, India is leveraging the Talibans desire for strategic autonomy to reduce their historical dependence on Pakistans military establishment.

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However, New Delhi remains deeply sceptical of the Talibans internal policies and extremist ties. India remains critical of the Talibans restrictions on womens rights and their failure to form an inclusive, multi-ethnic government. India also continues to demand verifiable action against groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The Taliban leadership has previously assured India that it will not allow Afghan soil to be used for terrorism against any country, promising to act against foreign terrorists based on actionable intelligence. Despite these assurances, LeT and JeM continue to maintain a presence, often operating under the umbrella of the Afghan Taliban, which remains a key concern for Indian security planners.

In conclusion, Indias strategy in Afghanistan has evolved into one of pragmatic realism  a high-wire balancing act that prioritises national security and regional influence while navigating the volatile rift between the Taliban and Pakistan. India must balance its desire to maintain stability in Afghanistan with its scepticism of the Taliban regime, while avoiding direct entanglement in the worsening Pakistan-Afghanistan rift.

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(The writer is a retired Indian diplomat and had previously served as ambassador in Kuwait and Morocco and as Consul General in New York. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.)
Future India-Israel defence cooperation will focus heavily on joint development, co-production and technology transfer in cutting-edge areas such as AI, cyber and drones

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has landed in Tel Aviv for a two-day visit to Israel starting 25 February, his second trip in eight years. He is set to address the Knesset (Parliament) amid an unprecedented deepening of ties, despite attempts to isolate the Jewish state globally, especially by Europe, and growing tensions in its relations with China.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu first announced PM Modis visit while addressing the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations in Jerusalem a few days ago. He lauded the tremendous alliance between Israel and India, adding: We are going to discuss all sorts of cooperation. Now, you know, India is not a small country. It has 1.4 billion people. India is enormously powerful, enormously popular.

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Modis first visit in 2017 was also the first ever by an Indian Prime Minister to the Jewish state. He and Netanyahu famously walked barefoot together on a beach to inspect a desalination facility. Netanyahu reciprocated the following year with a six-day visit to India. In 2020, India abstained for the first time on a UN resolution condemning Israeli actions in Gaza. Indian officials now refer, more openly, to Hamas as a terrorist organisation, a term they once avoided. According to international surveys, Israelis like Indians the most. There is a groundswell of pro-Israel opinion in India as well, viewing Israel as an all-weather friend.

India and Israel maintain a strong strategic partnership focused on defence, agriculture and high-technology innovation, with bilateral trade reaching approximately $10 billion (excluding defence). India is one of the largest importers of Israeli military equipment, including radars, missiles and UAVs, while collaborating on water technology and food security. PM Modis visit would include discussions on joint development of anti-ballistic missile defence, laser weapons, and long-range stand-off missiles and drones.

Recent High-Level Engagements

Israeli Minister of Tourism Haim Katz, Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Avi Dichter and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich visited India in 2025 as the two strategic partners built momentum towards signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). In November, India and Israel inked a landmark agreement to enhance defence, industrial and technological cooperation, enabling the sharing of advanced technology to promote co-development and co-production.

The Joint Working Group (JWG) of Israel and India met in Tel Aviv in November for their annual meeting, led by the Israel Ministry of Defence Director General Maj Gen Amir Baram and Indian Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. This strategic dialogue with India takes place at a critical juncture for both countries. Our strategic partnership is based on deep mutual trust and shared security interests. We view India as a first-rate strategic partner and are determined to continue deepening cooperation in the fields of defence, technology and industry, Baram said after that meeting.

Separately, a special panel was held with the CEOs of major defence industries, during which innovative and ground-breaking Israeli technologies were presented, along with ideas and projects aimed at deepening industrial-defence partnerships between Israels defence industries and India. A wide range of areas for cooperation have been identified in the agreement that will benefit both countries. Important areas include joint planning, training, defence industrial cooperation and capabilities including Science & Technology, Research & Development, Technological Innovation, Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security cooperation, reported PTI.

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A Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) delegation visited Israel from 16-19 February 2026, signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SIBAT (Israels International Defence Cooperation Directorate) to bolster defence industrial cooperation.

Indias External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Israel in December 2025. He met President Isaac Herzog, PM Netanyahu, and held bilateral consultations with his counterpart Gideon Saar. The discussions revolved around bilateral and regional issues to continue deepening the strategic partnership between the two countries prior to PM Modis visit.

Board of Peace

The Board of Peace (BoP) is an international organisation with the stated purpose of promoting peacekeeping around the world. Established by US President Donald Trump and led by the Government of the United States, the board is named in United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 as a body tasked with overseeing the processes of the Gaza peace plan. The BoP was proposed in September 2025 and formally established on the sidelines of the 56th World Economic Forum (WEF) in January 2026.

Donald Trump chaired the first BoP meeting on Gaza on 19 February 2026 in Washington DC. Officials from nearly 50 countries participated. Of these, 27 countries are part of the board, while the rest, including India and the European Union, participated as observers. India was represented by its Charge dAffaires at the Indian Embassy in Washington DC, Namgya C Khampa. India made it clear that it is willing to engage with the Board even if it is not ready to be a full-fledged member yet.

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The US is pledging $10 billion for the BoP. Trump said nine other members have pledged a combined $7 billion towards a relief package for Gaza. Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo and Albania pledged to send troops to Gaza, while Egypt and Jordan have said they will train personnel.

The BoP is partially good for Israel, as it would end the Gaza war, de-radicalise Hamas and demilitarise Gaza. However, the composition is less reassuring, with countries such as Qatar, Turkey and Pakistan as members. In addition, there are other countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom, which have also been hostile to Israel over the past couple of years. For India, it is a case of wait and watch.

Recent DAC Clearance for Israeli Systems

Early in 2026, Indias Defence Acquisition Council approved an $8.7 billion procurement, including the SPICE-1000 precision-guided bombs (up to 100 km range, electro-optical guidance with 3m accuracy) from Rafael Defense Systems; Rampage air-to-surface missiles (150-250 km range, integrated on Su-30MKI and MiG-29) from Elbit Systems; Air-LORA air-launched ballistic missiles (400 km range, supersonic, fire-and-forget) from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI); and Ice Breaker missiles (up to 300 km, AI-enhanced infrared guidance for land/sea targets) from Rafael.

India-Israel Defence Relations

Indias establishment of diplomatic relations with Israel in 1992 greatly helped Israel emerge as a significant global defence exporter. India established formal defence ties with Israel in 1996. Ever since, there has been no looking back. Substantial progress took place in the first NDA regime, and more recently the body language between Prime Ministers Modi and Netanyahu has been extremely warm, with a clear desire to move forward. Israel and India are thus today poised to push further ahead.

India is Israels biggest defence customer, accounting for 34 per cent of all exports between 2020 and 2024. India-Israel aerospace relations are strong, with a growing strategic partnership focused on co-development and co-production of advanced defence systems, particularly drones (UAVs), missile systems (like Barak-8/MRSAM), and radars, aligning with Indias Make in India or Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. This makes Israel a top defence supplier while fostering indigenous Indian capabilities through significant technology transfers.

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Among the key areas of collaboration is the joint development of the Barak-8 MRSAM (Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile) for land and naval forces, which is a major success story. India uses Israeli drones (Heron, Searcher) and is upgrading them (Project Cheetah) with IAI, involving technology transfer for indigenous production. There is collaboration on sophisticated radars (Phalcon AWACS), EL/M-2052 AESA radar for LCA, and some strategic electronics, including jammers.

IAI is partnering with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to convert civilian aircraft into mid-air refuellers (MMTT). IAI is a major partner, setting up an Indian subsidiary (ASI) and collaborating on many projects. Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) formed a joint venture with IAI for lifecycle support of MRSAM systems.

Israels strong support during conflicts (e.g., Kargil War) solidified ties. Joint Working Groups oversee and guide deepening cooperation, aiming for a ten-year roadmap. SPICE 1000 was the chosen weapon for the Balakot strikes. Israel is helping strengthen Indias defence capabilities against aerial threats. It has clearly positioned itself as a trusted defence partner for India.

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Israel is also conscious of Indias desire for self-reliance under Make in India, and unlike the US and Russia, which are often sensitive about technology transfer, Israel is more willing to share top-end technologies.

Israel a Significant Aerospace Power

Continuous wars and heavy external threats forced Israel to develop a large Military-Industrial Complex. A large number of companies in this otherwise small country, which is the size of Haryana and has a population (around 9.5-10 million) similar to the Indian metropolitan city of Hyderabad, are engaged in aerospace.

The government-controlled Israeli defence companies are IAI and Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, and the private sector firms Elbit Systems and the Tadiran Group, all producing a wide range of conventional arms and advanced defence electronics.

IAI produces aerial and astronautical systems for both military and civilian use. It has 15,000 employees, achieved record sales of $6.1 billion in 2024, and is ranked 31st among the worlds top 100 arms producers (HAL 44th). IAI designs, develops, produces and maintains civil aircraft, UAVs, fighter aircraft, missiles, avionics and space-based systems. Its main products include missile defence systems (Arrow, Barak, Iron Dome), UAVs/drones (Heron family), radar and electronic systems, satellites and space technology, special mission aircraft, and commercial aircraft services (conversions, components for business jets such as Gulfstream). Many of these products are centred on the core needs of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), but are also exported.

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IAI UAVs, including the Heron, Panther, Bird Eye, Searcher and Mosquito micro UAV, among others, were deployed in Afghanistan and are also operated by India. Israel is also the only country in the world with a fully operational ground-based Theatre Ballistic Missile Defence system that uses the American Arrow anti-missile system. Israeli company Elta, a subsidiary of IAI, provides the Green Pine early-warning radar for the system. Elta also manufactures radars and airborne jammers for Indian aircraft. Tadiran (an Elbit division) produces the Communication, Control and Command centre.

Rafael Advanced Defence Systems and IAI work closely on many systems. Rafael develops and produces advanced solutions for air, land, sea, space and cyber defence, including well-known systems such as air defence (Iron Dome, Davids Sling, Iron Beam Laser), active protection (Trophy), precision weapons (Spike family), and integrated command systems. Its systems are used by numerous militaries, including NATO members, and it operates through subsidiaries and global cooperation.

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Iron Dome is an all-weather mobile air defence system with a range of 70 km, and played a significant role in the Israel-Gaza conflict Operation Protective Edge of July 2014 and the more recent Operation Swords of Iron. The system consists of the Elta radar and Rafaels interceptor missile, and had a success rate of 90 per cent against rockets fired by Hamas.

Rafaels missiles include the Python and Derby air-to-air missiles; surface-to-air systems including the Spyder; and the Barak anti-missile naval air defence system developed jointly with IAI. Rafael also manufactures the Litening and TopLite navigation and targeting pods, and the RecceLite real-time reconnaissance pod. Under a 2008 agreement, Rafael was awarded a contract to supply the IAF with Spyder Low-Level Quick Reaction Missile systems (LLQRM) armed with Python and Derby missiles.

In March 2010, the two countries signed a $1.4 billion contract for the development and procurement of Barak 8 medium-range surface-to-air missiles. Rafael today partners extensively with Indian firms such as Kalyani (KRAS), Astra Microwave (ARC) and L&T to localise production of high-technology defence systems, including Spike missiles, SDRs and the Trophy APS.

Elbit Systems Ltd is the primary provider of the Israeli militarys land-based equipment and unmanned aerial vehicles, with subsidiary factories around the world, and sells its products to various countries. It develops technologies for military command, control, communications, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance purposes. The company produces unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), electro-optics hardware, electronic warfare equipment, signal intelligence (SIGINT) systems, and radio and communications products. Elbit Hermes 450/900 systems are manufactured in India through a joint venture with the Adani Group. Elbit Systems had 20,000 employees, with 3,200 of them based in the United States. Elbit Systems reported $6.8 billion in revenue for the full year 2024 (HAL $4 billion).

Indias Israel Air & Space Connect

The Indian Air Force (IAF) was the first to invest in Israeli Air Combat Instrumentation in 1996. This was followed by Dvora patrol boats for the Indian Navy. The BJP-led NDA government in 1998 took the relationship to a new level. Ever since, India has purchased the Barak naval anti-missile defence system, Phalcon advanced airborne early warning radars for Indias IL-76-based AWACS, Heron and Searcher Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), night vision goggles, Spyder quick-reaction surface-to-air missiles, smart munitions, SPICE and Crystal Maze missiles, Green Pine early-warning and fire-control radars, and many other items such as laser guidance kits, head-up displays, targeting pods, PGM laser guidance kits, FLIR equipment, integrated helmets, among others.

The IAF also acquired the Israeli Harpy and loitering Harop loitering munitions. Israel supports Indias indigenous air defence systems development, including the Anti-Ballistic Missile system. Israel also supported India in space-based sensors (RISAT) and intelligence.

Israeli Arms Sales

Israel is a major global arms exporter, ranking as the worlds eighth largest during the period 2020-2024. In the period 2020-2024, states in Asia and Oceania accounted for 33 per cent of all arms imports globally. India was the second largest importer in this period after Ukraine. Over the last decade (2014-2024), India significantly shifted its sourcing, reducing reliance on Russia (from 72 per cent to 36 per cent) towards Western suppliers such as France, the US and Israel.

In the period 2020-2024, Israel contributed nearly 15 per cent of Indian defence imports. Israel has long been a global leader, often the top exporter, in military UAVs/drones due to early adoption, innovation and necessity as a small nation facing defence challenges, with major players such as IAI and Elbit Systems dominating the market, though now facing rising competition from countries such as Turkey.

I2U2

I2U2 is a strategic economic partnership between India, Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United States, once called the New Quad or Middle East Quad. Established in 2022, it focuses on joint investments in areas such as water, energy, transportation, space, health and food security, leveraging the members technological strengths (Israel/US technology, Indias IT and human capital, UAE investment) to promote economic development, innovation and regional stability. During the Trump-2 Administration, I2U2 has slowed down somewhat as America attempts to revive its economy by balancing trade through heavy tariffs.

To Summarise

India and Israel have congruence on many geopolitical issues. While Israel is very close to the US, it is conscious of the pro-Palestinian positions and opposition to Israel among many European countries. Israel maintains practical and balanced relations with both Russia and China. India hopes that the Israel-Gaza and other conflicts in the region do not continue for long. This is important for Indias uninterrupted defence supplies and defence partnership.

Israel has faced threats to its existence from surrounding Arab nations that support the Palestinian cause. India now faces a three-front threat from China, Pakistan (Islamic bomb), and a less-friendly Bangladesh.

Multiple sources, including former CIA officers and declassified intelligence reports, detail an alleged plan in the 1980s in which Israel offered to help India destroy Pakistans uranium enrichment facility at Kahuta. Israel feared the development of an Islamic bomb and the potential proliferation of nuclear technology to hostile Middle Eastern countries such as Libya.

More recently, Israel, Cyprus and Greece have developed a strong trilateral strategic partnership focused on security, defence, energy (gas and electricity grids) and technology, often seen as a counterbalance to regional instability and Turkish assertiveness in the Eastern Mediterranean. Turkey and Pakistan have been working very closely. India too is concerned about this nexus. India has also been working more closely with Greece and Cyprus. India and Israel could coordinate more closely in the Mediterranean.

The success of any military operation is heavily dependent on accurate intelligence. The Israeli Institute for Intelligence and Special Operations, popularly known as Mossad, is a world-acclaimed intelligence agency. It has contributed significantly to the success of Israeli military operations. India needs to have a near equivalent but more robust set-up. Continuous Israeli military training follows the dictum, the more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war. Expecting war at short notice, Israel maintains high weapons stockpiles and has secured supply chains. India has begun doing the same.

The world has a lot to learn from Israel regarding close combat in an urban environment, as seen especially in Gaza and South Lebanon. Israel has practised the criticality of organic lethality and rapid engagement, the ability to responsively employ precision fires in close proximity to friendly forces, and giving higher priority to air-delivered fires.

Israel has experienced both intelligence and military failures and has constantly sought to learn from them and make amends. Israel has no illusions about a permanent resolution to the conflict. As has often been observed, eternal vigilance is the price of liberty. Israel believes in planning for the day after.

Iron Beam is a 100kW-class High Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS) expected to become the first operational system in its class. It quickly and effectively engages and neutralises a wide array of threats from ranges of hundreds of metres to several kilometres. Engaging at the speed of light, Iron Beam has an unlimited magazine, with almost zero cost per interception, and causes minimal collateral damage. Iron Beam can be integrated with a range of platforms and can become part of any multilayer defence system. India should work with Israel on this.

Israeli SPICE glide vehicles were used for the Balakot strike. Harop loitering munitions were extensively used in Operation Sindoor. The Special Forces of the two countries work together and use similar equipment. The two countries work closely on cyber warfare equipment and software tools. For India, Israel remains a very reliable, no-questions-asked defence systems supplier. Joint ventures are today the preferred route. India is a significant market. Make in India is cheaper and also fits into Indias aatmanirbharta thrust.

Future India-Israel defence cooperation will focus heavily on joint development, co-production and technology transfer in cutting-edge areas such as AI, cyber and drones, shifting from a buyer-seller model to a strategic partnership, solidified by recent MoUs for advanced systems such as hypersonic defence, enhanced UAVs (Heron upgrades), and integrated defence ecosystems, aiming for self-reliance and enhanced operational capabilities against terrorism.

(The writer is former Director General, Centre for Air Power Studies. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.)
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei warns that artificial intelligence could soon surpass humans in almost every domain, but says Indias young workforce can still thrive if they learn to work with AI, not against it.

Artificial intelligence may soon be smarter than us, and perhaps faster than we think. Dario Amodei, chief executive of Anthropic, said it is possible, maybe even likely that AI could one day outperform humans at almost everything, from digital tasks to physical-world applications.

Speaking on WTF Is, the show hosted by Nikhil Kamath, Amodei likened todays AI revolution to standing on a shoreline while a massive wave builds in the distance. The transformation, he said, could reshape industries, career paths, and even education systems across the globe.

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Amodeis comments come as part of a broader debate on how quickly AI is advancing, and how unprepared most institutions are to deal with the disruption ahead.

Automation Anxiety: We need to take it step by step

Amodei argued that while AI already exceeds human ability in some areas, the story is more complex than simple replacement. Citing an example, he said, Geoff Hinton predicted that AI will replace radiologists and indeed, AI has gotten better than radiologists at doing scans.

Yet the feared wave of job losses hasnt fully arrived. There arent fewer radiologists, Amodei added. The most highly technical part of the job has gone away, but somehow theres still demand for the underlying human skill.

Still, that balance might not last forever. Perhaps, over time, AI will advance in areas where it hasnt yet advanced, and maybe thatll happen fast, he cautioned. His approach remains empirical, We should take it one step at a time and see what AI does today.

His warnings align with the growing unease across industries. Recently, WiseTech Global announced plans to cut 2,000 jobs as it undergoes an AI-led overhaul, a signal that automation is no longer a distant concept but a present reality.

Similar trends are surfacing across technology, media, and customer support sectors as companies rush to integrate AI-driven efficiencies.

Amodei is not alone in his assessment. Sam Altman has predicted that artificial general intelligence could soon surpass human capacity altogether, while Elon Musk has claimed this milestone could arrive as early as the end of this year.

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Career advice for youngsters

Turning to career guidance, Amodei offered pointed advice for Indias young professionals. He urged them to build alongside AI rather than in opposition to it, explore opportunities in AI-linked supply chains and robotics, and sharpen their critical thinking, a skill he believes will be vital in an era of information overload.

He emphasised that while coding is likely to be automated first, broader disciplines like system architecture, design thinking, and user experience will continue to need human oversight for longer.

Jobs involving interpersonal understanding or engagement with real-world contexts will remain more resilient than narrowly technical ones, he said.

Amodei also outlined his idea of comparative advantage in an AI economy. Even if humans perform just five per cent of a task while AI does the rest, that contribution could still drive exponential productivity.

As AI progresses from 95 to 99 per cent of capability, the human role narrows  but becomes even more important, he said.

For Indias vast and youthful workforce, his message was pragmatic yet cautionary. The AI wave, he said, is building quickly, and the only way to stay afloat is to adapt deliberately, not resist change.

The challenge isnt to outcompete AI, Amodei concluded. Its to figure out what uniquely human skills will matter most, and double down on them.

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The Pentagon has given Anthropic a Friday deadline to alter safety restrictions in its AI systems, warning the firm it may face sweeping government action if it refuses

The Pentagon is seen from the air in Washington, US. (Reuters)

A meeting between CEO of Anthropic, Dario Amodei and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth was arranged to address a months-long dispute over the companys refusal to remove safeguards preventing its technology from autonomously targeting weapons or enabling domestic surveillance. Officials from the United States Department of Defense have argued the government should only be required to follow US law when using AI systems.

During the meeting, Hegseth issued an ultimatum, telling Anthropic it must comply or face severe government action, according to people familiar with the exchange. Options included designating the company a supply-chain risk or invoking the Defense Production Act to compel compliance. Anthropic was given until Friday at 5 pm to respond, a senior Pentagon official said.

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The Pentagon did not immediately comment. An Anthropic spokesperson said Tuesdays discussion continued good-faith conversations about our usage policy to ensure Anthropic can continue to support the governments national security mission in line with what our models can reliably and responsibly do.

Wider AI race within defence networks

The Pentagon is currently negotiating contracts with multiple large language model providers, including Google, xAI and OpenAI, to shape future military applications of artificial intelligence. These efforts cover areas such as autonomous drone swarms, robotics and cyber operations.

Anthropic had until recently been the only LLM developer present on classified networks. This week, the Pentagon announced an agreement allowing xAI to operate in those environments, and Reuters has previously reported that all major AI companies are expected to transition onto classified systems.

Venezuela raid concerns intensified dispute

The conflict escalated earlier this month after Pentagon officials became concerned that Anthropic had raised questions about whether its products were used during the Venezuelan military raid that captured President Nicolas Maduro.

In the meeting, Amodei said Anthropic had not expressed concerns to Palantir or the Pentagon about the use of its AI tools in that operation and argued the companys existing safeguards would not obstruct current Defence Department activities.

Legal consequences predicted if government acts

Hegseth said the Pentagon would either invoke the Defense Production Act or classify Anthropic as a supply-chain risk, a label typically applied to companies from foreign adversaries. Such a move could jeopardise Anthropics commercial relationships with firms doing business with the US government.

This specific scenario is unprecedented and will almost certainly trigger a raft of downstream litigation if the Administration takes adverse action against Anthropic here, said Franklin Turner, a government contracts lawyer at McCarter & English.
Samsung is all set to unveil its flagship, Samsung Galaxy S26 series, today. The company will launch Samsung Galaxy S26, S26 Ultra, and S26 Plus at 11.30 PM in India today.

The wait is finally over. Samsung is gearing up to host its annual event, the Galaxy Unpacked 2026. While the details of the events are still under wraps, the anticipation is that the fans will get the first glimpse of the upcoming Galaxy S26 smartphones. The lineup is expected to resemble the predecessor, with Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, S26 And S26+.

Samsung is hosting the event in San Francisco, US. But you can also keep up without taking a flight to the US.

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Samsung fans can tune into the official YouTube channel to stream the livestream of the event. Another way is to keep a tab on its social media to get all the updates.

The event is scheduled for 11:30 PM IST. But, we might know what is coming. Lets take a look.

What to expect from Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026

Samsungs first Galaxy Unpacked event of the year has always been the stage for its most anticipated launches, and 2026 should be no exception. The spotlight will, of course, be on the companys latest Galaxy S26 series, but we also expect fresh announcements around software upgrades, AI innovations, and a few surprise devices.

Last years showcase offered more than just smartphones, with Samsung teasing the Galaxy S25 Edge and the Project Moohan headset, which later evolved into the Galaxy XR. Whether the brand plans to pull off similar surprises this year remains to be seen, but if past trends are any indicator, its wise to stay tuned until the very end.

Galaxy S26 Series

The upcoming Galaxy S26 is expected to headline the event as Samsungs entry-level flagship, rumoured to feature a brighter, larger 6.3-inch display.

The S26 Plus will likely sit comfortably in the middle, equipped with a 6.7-inch AMOLED screen and a 4,900 mAh battery for extended use. The most excitement, however, surrounds the Galaxy S26 Ultra, tipped to debut with a wider aperture main camera, a new Privacy Display, and a range of exclusive AI-driven software features.

Samsung may also tease the long-rumoured Galaxy S26 Edge, though details remain uncertain.

Software and Accessories

The launch will likely coincide with One UI 8.5, Samsungs latest software iteration that promises expanded generative AI features, smarter animations, and deeper device integration.

Alongside the phones, we could also see the debut of the Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. The latter is rumoured to feature a major design overhaul and improved sound performance.

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Finally, expect a deeper look at Galaxy AI, which has been teased to bring enhanced camera capabilities and productivity tools designed to rival Googles Gemini and Apples growing AI ecosystem.
Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said AI is advancing at unprecedented speed after attending the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. He praised Indias optimism, met global tech leaders, and warned nations must embrace AI to remain competitive.

Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak attends the India AI Impact summit being held in New Delhi. Image Courtesy: @RishiSunak/X

Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reflected upon his trip to India for the AI Impact Summit, 2026 where he hailed Indias growing artificial intelligence ecosystem as extraordinary, compared to many other western countries.

Sunak took to his X, to share his experience after attending the AI Summit, emphasising on Indias rising evolution and technological shift that accelerated the scale of the summit as compared to the first global AI summit at Bletchley Park. He described the world as entering a new phase where artificial intelligence systems are improving themselves.

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Were entering a new era where AI improves itself. AI coding is helping to build the next better model quicker and this compounds, he wrote highlighting how self-improving systems can lead to powerful AI releases.

Sunak reflected on his conversations with leading AI figures, including Dario Amodei, Demis Hassabis, and Alexandr Wang, saying their insights reinforced how rapidly the technology is advancing.

Tech sovereignty

He emphasised on his discussions on tech sovereignty with Arthur Mensch, the CEO of Mistral AI, particularly Europes approach to reducing strategic dependence while building influence in global supply chains. Sunak referenced an ASML strategy, suggesting countries must secure critical choke points in advanced technologies to maintain competitiveness.

Sunak praised the UKs AI Security Institute evolving from strength to strength saying democratic institutions must combine regulatory oversight with startup-like agility to stay ahead of AI risks.

Im delighted to see the reputation of the UK AI Security Institute going from strength to strength. To stay on top of the risks we need democratic institutions with a tech start up culture, and the UK is leading the way on this.

Indias AI optimism

A key takeaway, Sunak said, was Indias strong public optimism towards AI  significantly higher than many western countries. However, he warned that public trust would ultimately depend on how effectively governments deploy AI in everyday services.

The level of AI optimism in India is extraordinary - x2 more than many western populations. We need to fix that gap. Trust will be won or lost in the public sector because this is where people will feel the benefit in their everyday lives, Sunak wrote.

He credited PM Narendra Modi, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and CEO of India AI Mission Abhishek Singh for positing India as a major AI hub, describing the summit as a gathering of global investors focused on practical AI impact.

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Rise of Indias homegrown AI

Among the highlights were the launch of Indias homegrown AI model Sarvam AI, which Sunak described as a big moment for Indias tech ecosystem. He applauded the founders Pratyush Kumar and Vivek Raghavan and praised the teams work in lowering inference costs and developing speech capabilities across 22 Indian languages.

He also cited Co-founder of Infosys and his close family friend Nandan Nilekani for supporting AI-driven agricultural solutions, including an AI assistant for dairy farmers under the Amul cooperative network. Sunak shared an anecdote that Prime Minister Modi had once asked, Why cant we apply AI to cows?  a reflection of Indias push to integrate advanced technology into traditional sectors.

Sunak concluded that AI represents the most transformative development of modern times.

The New Delhi summit underscored Indias ambitions to position itself as a global AI leader, even as geopolitical competition and questions of governance continue to shape the technologys future.
Anthropic faces pressure from the United States Department of Defense to ease safeguards on its Claude chatbot as military AI use expands

Anthropic logo is seen in this illustration taken May 20, 2024. File Image/Reuters

The US military is pressing Anthropic to loosen safety restrictions on its AI chatbot Claude by Friday. The move, as per an exclusive Axios report, comes amid the growing role of artificial intelligence in defence operations. Officials from the United States Department of Defense want expanded access to Claudes capabilities as they explore how advanced AI systems can support military planning, intelligence analysis, and operational decision-making.

The Pentagons push reflects a broader effort to integrate cutting-edge AI tools across defence infrastructure.

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Military officials believe systems like Claude could help process vast amounts of data faster, identify threats more efficiently, and improve overall strategic readiness. However, this push has also exposed tensions between national security priorities and the ethical safeguards built into commercial AI systems.

#FirstpostAmerica: The US Pentagon has summoned Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei for a high-stakes meeting over the use of its AI model, Claude, inside classified military systems. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is pressing for fewer safeguards and broader military access. pic.twitter.com/9ofEvlhfc9  Firstpost (@firstpost) February 24, 2026

Anthropic resists over safety and ethical concerns

Anthropic has so far resisted calls to remove or weaken its safety guardrails.

The company has designed Claude with strict limitations to prevent misuse, including restrictions on surveillance, targeting, and autonomous weapon development. These safeguards are intended to ensure that the AI cannot be used in ways that could cause harm or operate beyond human oversight.

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Developers worry that loosening restrictions could open the door to controversial or dangerous applications, including automated warfare systems or expanded surveillance programmes.

At the same time, defence officials have indicated that companies unwilling to cooperate with military requirements could risk losing future government partnerships. This creates a difficult balancing act for AI firms, which must weigh ethical responsibilities against business and national security pressures.

The high-level meeting between Anthropic and the United States Department of Defense comes just weeks after the military reportedly used Claude to help capture Nicolas Maduro during a major operation in Venezuela. At the same time, Donald Trumps administration has been aggressively pushing to embed artificial intelligence across defence systems, with Trump repeatedly pledging that the US will win the global AI arms race and lead the world in the technology.

Meanwhile, the Pentagons chief technology officer, Emil Michael, has openly urged Anthropic to accept the governments demands. He has called on the company to cross the Rubicon and align its AI safeguards with military requirements. I think if someone wants to make money from the government, from the US Department of War, those guardrails ought to be tuned for our use cases  so long as theyre lawful, Michael said in an interview with Defense Scoop, a publication that covers Pentagon policy and military technology.

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Samsungs latest flagship, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, has officially arrived in India  and this time, artificial intelligence isnt just a feature, its the star of the show. With Galaxy AI leading the charge, the S26 Ultra transforms the way you shoot, search, speak and stay private. Lets see how Samsung is redefining the smartphone experience.

The wait is finally over. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has landed in India, and while it carries the familiar Ultra design DNA, its whats inside that truly matters this year. During the launch event, Samsung calls the Galaxy S26 Ultra an Agentic AI smartphone. And this is the clear indication that Samsung is divng deep into the AI features.

From smarter photography and seamless multitasking to enhanced privacy and language flexibility, Samsung is betting big on Galaxy AI as the future of mobile computing. Heres everything you need to know about its new tricks.

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Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: New AI features

Photo Assist: Say goodbye to unwanted photobombers or poorly framed shots. With Photo Assist, users can regenerate images or remove distracting elements with a simple prompt, no pro-level editing skills required.

The AI understands the scene, fills in missing details intelligently, and makes your photos look like they were taken by someone with a keen eye for composition.

Its not just cleanup, either. The feature can also enhance lighting and adjust perspective to bring out the best in every image, all while keeping things quick and intuitive.

Now Nudge: Meet Now Nudge, your personal productivity whisperer. Instead of flooding your screen with notifications, this feature subtly offers context-aware suggestions when you need them most.

Think reminders, relevant links or app shortcuts that pop up just when youre in the zone. Samsung wants users to stay in flow, not lose it, and Now Nudge aims to do just that.

Bixby makes a comeback: Bixby, Samsungs long-standing digital assistant, is back. The upgraded Bixby is now positioned as a true conversational device agent. It can understand casual speech, handle complex settings adjustments and even complete tasks across apps without the need for specific commands.

But Bixby isnt working alone. The Galaxy S26 Ultra also integrates third-party AI agents like Google Gemini and Perplexity, giving users the flexibility to choose their preferred assistant. Once configured, you can book a taxi, find a restaurant or summarise a document, all with a single voice prompt. Multi-step tasks? The phone handles those in the background.

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Circle to Search: The popular Circle to Search with Google feature receives a major boost this year.

It now supports multi-object recognition, meaning you can circle several items in a photo and get instant search results for each. Spot a celebrity outfit online? The tool can identify everything from the jacket to the shoes, all in one go.

This upgraded version blurs the line between visual inspiration and online discovery, making it easier than ever to find what catches your eye.

Privacy Display: Samsung has also introduced the worlds first built-in Privacy Display for smartphones, a feature designed to keep prying eyes at bay. Whether youre on a train, in a cafe or working in a shared space, this hybrid of hardware and software ensures your screen stays yours alone.

You can choose when the Privacy Display activates, such as during PIN entry or while using sensitive apps, and even adjust how much visibility is restricted. Theres also Partial Screen Privacy for pop-up notifications and a Maximum Privacy mode that blurs side views entirely, all while maintaining visual quality and conserving battery life.

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Call Screening: Ever tired of answering unknown numbers? The Galaxy AI Call Screening feature does the job for you.

It answers unfamiliar calls, transcribes the conversation in real time and lets you decide whether to pick up. Supporting multiple languages, including Hindi and English, its particularly handy for filtering spam or identifying important calls without the awkward Whos this? moment.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Availability

Pre-orders for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, S26+ and S26 begin on February 25, with all models featuring a unified design language and colour palette, Cobalt Violet, White, Black and Sky Blue. Two exclusive shades, Pink Gold and Silver Shadow, are available only on Samsung.com.

With AI at its core, the Galaxy S26 Ultra portrays as one of the most powerful smartphone in the market. But, we can only be sure once we get our hand on the phone. So, stay tuned!
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said major tech firms must build their own power plants to run data centres, citing grid strain and rising costs during his State of the Union (SOTU) address to a joint Congress session at the Capitol. The measure was meant to protect the consumers from raising bills.

Donald Trump said major tech companies should have the obligation to provide for their own power needs. AP

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday during his State of the Union (SOTU) address to a joint Congress session at the Capitol said that his administration has told major technology companies they must build their own power plants for their data centres.

The measure was meant to protect the consumers from raising bills.

Tonight, Im pleased to announce that I have negotiated the new rate payer protection pledge. You know what that is? Were telling the major tech companies that they have the obligation to provide for their own power needs, he said.

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We have an old grid. It could never handle the kind of numbers, the amount of electricity thats needed. So Im telling them, they can build their own plant. Theyre going to produce their own electricity. It will ensure the companys ability to get electricity, while at the same time, lowering prices of electricity for you, he added

The announcement came amid growing local opposition to energy-hungry data center projects around the country blamed for a jump in electricity costs.

Trump did not list out the companies involved and on how the plan would be executed or enforced. According to news agency Reuters, the White House is expected to host companies in early March to formalise the event.

Amid the export of Nvidia H200 chips to China, the Trump administration has been supporting efforts to advance artificial intelligence in the country amid tech rivalry with China.

PJM Interconnection, the largest power grid operator in the U.S., last month unveiled a plan in which new large power users would either bring their own new generation to the grid or limit their usage when the system is stretched.

Recently, the US Defence Department has given AI company Anthropic until Friday to agree to unrestricted military use of its technology or face being forced to comply under emergency federal powers, a senior official said Tuesday.

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Ahead of another round of trilateral talks expected to be held early next month, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that Ukrainian and American negotiators will hold talks tomorrow in Geneva, Switzerland.

US President Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shake hands during a press conference after their lunch meeting at Trumps Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, US, on December 28, 2025. (Photo: Reuters)

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that Ukrainian negotiators will hold talks with American officials on Thursday at Geneva, Switzerland.

The announcement of US-Ukraine talks has come ahead of another round of US-Ukraine-Russia talks expected to held nearly next month. In two rounds of talks so far, even as officials have noted progress, breakthrough has been elusive and frontline combat as well as airstrikes have continued.

The Ukrainian delegation led by Rustem Umerov, who has served as the chief negotiator since November, will meet American delegation led by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the AFP reported Zelenskyy as saying.

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While Kushner does not hold any formal position in the administration, he has emerged as one of Trumps top diplomats and has played a key role in negotiations related to the West Asia crisis and the Russia-Ukraine war.

Zelenskyy said that the meeting was part of preparations for a trilateral meeting with Russia, which we believe will take place in early March.

Zelenskyy further said that US-Ukraine talks will have prisoner-of-war exchanges and a prosperity package for the reconstruction of Ukraine on the agenda.

Without going into the specifics, Witkoff had confirmed talks earlier this week and said the aim was to explore different iterations about how we might get to a peace deal.

Even as the Trump administration has mediated talks between Russia and Ukraine, a deal has remained elusive as Vladimir Putin has stuck to maximalist demands. Earlier this month, the Kremlin said that the war would continue until Ukraine accepts all Russian demands. Then, on the fourth anniversary of the war, the Kremlin repeated that the war shall continue as the main goal of the war has not been achieved yet.

Russia has demanded that Ukraine surrender the entire Donbas region, including parts not under Russian control, among a host of other demands that would essentially mean the end of Ukraines sovereignty. While Zelenskyy has rejected blanket territorial surrenders, he has shown flexibility about a land swap in exchange of firm security guarantees that end the war and deter future Russian aggression.

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In footage shared by Netanyahus office, the Israeli leader warmly greeted PM Modi at the meeting, saying, This is a bond of a real friendship, and referred to him as my great friend, prompting laughter from the PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu during a private meeting in Tel Aviv on Wednesday. Image Courtesy: @narendramodi

After a ceremonial welcome at Ben Gurion Airport, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu held a private meeting at the airport ahead of PM Modis scheduled address to the Knesset in Jerusalem.

In footage shared by Netanyahus office, the Israeli leader warmly greeted PM Modi, saying, This is a bond of a real friendship, and referred to him as my great friend, prompting laughter from the PM Modi.

#WATCH | Office of the Prime Minister of Israel tweets, "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a private meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Ben Gurion International Airport, after the welcoming ceremony: This is a bond of real friendship!



(Video: Office of pic.twitter.com/0g6q2ZtryS  ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2026

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After the meeting, PM Modi tweeted that he had an excellent meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Had an excellent meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Expressed gratitude to him for the warm welcome earlier in the day. It is a delight to be back in Israel after 9 years. We discussed a wide range of subjects aimed at boosting bilateral ties. Sectors such as technology, pic.twitter.com/uh1cyL411c  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 25, 2026

Expressed gratitude to him for the warm welcome earlier in the day. It is a delight to be back in Israel after 9 years. We discussed a wide range of subjects aimed at boosting bilateral ties. Sectors such as technology, water management, agriculture, talent partnership and more offer immense scope for close collaboration. We also discussed key developments in the region, PM Modi wrote.

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Earlier, PM Netanyahu tweeted that he and his wife, Sara, welcomed PM Modi to Israel for another historic visit.

My wife Sara and I welcomed today our good friend, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, who has arrived for another historic visit to Israel.



Prime Minister Modi previously visited Israel in 2017, and I later paid a reciprocal visit to India that was truly exceptional.



We pic.twitter.com/d7mrCa3tQR  Benjamin Netanyahu -   (@netanyahu) February 25, 2026

Netanyahu noted that PM Modi had previously visited Israel in 2017, and he later made a reciprocal visit to India, describing it as truly exceptional.

My wife Sara and I welcomed today our good friend, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, who has arrived for another historic visit to Israel. Prime Minister Modi previously visited Israel in 2017, and I later paid a reciprocal visit to India that was truly exceptional, he said.

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He also highlighted the close personal relationship he shares with PM Modi, saying, We speak often, and I believe that the deep friendship between us powerfully reflects on the ties between our two countries.

During the visit, PM Netanyahu said they will attend a festive reception at the Knesset, visit an innovation event in Jerusalem, and host PM Modi for a joint dinner.

On Thursday, the leaders are scheduled to visit Yad Vashem and hold another meeting with their teams, during which a series of agreements in economic, security, and diplomatic areas are expected to be signed to strengthen Israel-India cooperation.

With inputs from agencies
Gates apologised to the employees to acknowledge the mistakes that had cast a cloud over the philanthropic group. While he said that he had affairs with two Russian women, Gates maintained that neither of them was one of Epsteins victims

Bill Gates appears with a woman, whose identity has been obscured, in this image from the Epstein estate released by House Oversight Committee Democrats in Washington, D.C., U.S., on December 18, 2025. File Photo/Reuters

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has reportedly apologised to the staff of the Gates Foundation over his ties to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein after his name appeared in the recent documents released by the Department of Justice.

Gates apologised to the employees to acknowledge the mistakes that had cast a cloud over the philanthropic group. While he said that he had affairs with two Russian women, Gates maintained that neither of them was one of Epsteins victims. Gates added that Epstein had come to know about his affairs later on, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal.

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I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit. To be clear I never spent any time with victims, the women around him," the tech mogul said.

Bill Gates said that photos in the recently released Epstein files depicting him alongside women whose faces were obscured were taken at Jeffrey Epsteins request, explaining that Epstein had asked him to pose with his assistants following their meetings.

It was a huge mistake to spend time with Epstein and bring Gates Foundation executives into meetings with the sex offender, Gates said. I apologise to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made.

When did Gates meet Epstein?

During a town hall meeting, Gates revealed that he had met Epstein in 2011, years after the disgraced billionaire pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting a minor for prostitution.

Gates said he knew about an 18-month thing that had restricted Jeffrey Epsteins travel but acknowledged that he did not thoroughly investigate Epsteins background. He also said he kept meeting with Epstein even after his then-wife, Melinda French Gates, raised concerns in 2013.

Knowing what I know now makes it, you know, a hundred times worse in terms of not only his crimes in the past, but now its clear there was ongoing bad behavior, Gates told his staff.

He also revealed that he and Epstein continued to meet throughout 2014, shared private jets and had travelled to Germany, France, New York and Washington with him. He, however, said that he never spent the night with Epstein or visited Epsteins island.

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He said Epstein talked about the kind of intimate relationship he had with a lot of billionaires, particularly Wall Street billionaires.

What has Melinda said?

In an interview on NPRs Wild Card podcast, Bill Gates former wife said it was personally hard whenever those details come up, right? Because it brings back memories of some very, very painful times in my marriage. She added that questions raised by the files should be addressed by those involved, including Bill Gates himself.

Whatever questions remain there of what  I cant even begin to know all of it  those questions are for those people and for even my ex-husband, she said. They need to answer to those things, not me.
Former US Treasury Secretary and ex-Harvard President Larry Summers will relinquish his University Professorship and resign from key academic roles following revelations of extensive exchanges with Jeffrey Epstein

Former Treasury Secretary and Harvard Professor Larry Summers listens to remarks during a discussion on low-income developing countries at the annual IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings, on April 13, 2016, in Washington, DC. AFP File

Former US Treasury secretary and ex-Harvard President Larry Summers will step down from his academic and faculty appointments at Harvard at the end of the academic year, relinquishing his University Professorship  the institutions highest faculty distinction  and remaining on leave until then, a Harvard spokesperson confirmed to The Harvard Crimson, the universitys undergraduate student newspaper.

Summers also resigned on Wednesday from his position as co-director of the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government at the Harvard Kennedy School, a role he had held since 2011, according to the spokesperson.

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He will neither teach nor accept new advisees, added the report.

Summers, who ran the US Treasury under former president Bill Clinton, was revealed in the Epstein files released by the Department of Justice to have had extensive exchanges with the now deceased financier.

Clinton will testify before a congressional committee on Epstein on Friday while his wife, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, will appear Thursday.

The move marks a dramatic turn for Summers, long regarded as one of the most influential figures in American economics, whose career has included award-winning research, service as US Treasury Secretary, and a tenure as Harvard president.

In a statement to The Crimson, Summers described the decision as difficult and said he remained grateful to the thousands of students and colleagues I have been privileged to teach and work with since coming to Harvard as a graduate student 50 years ago.

Free of formal responsibility, as President Emeritus and a retired professor, I look forward in time to engaging in research, analysis, and commentary on a range of global economic issues, he was quoted as saying.

Summers reputation took a beating in November after a cache of emails revealed a long-running personal relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey E. Epstein.

The correspondence showed that the two exchanged messages about women, politics, and Harvard-related matters for at least seven years, remaining in contact until July 2019  a day before Epsteins final arrest.

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The backlash was swift. Initially saying he would continue teaching, Summers later stepped back from public engagements and his classes as additional emails surfaced. He subsequently parted ways with several organisations, including The New York Times, Bloomberg, and OpenAI. The American Economic Association later imposed a lifetime ban on him.

Harvard launched a formal review of Summers ties to Epstein as part of a broader investigation into the universitys historical links to the financier, extending to other affiliates and donors named in the documents.

In December, newly released Justice Department records showed Summers had been listed as a successor executor in a 2014 draft of Epsteins will  a role his spokesperson said he had absolutely no knowledge of.

Thousands of emails and phone records suggested a relationship that went beyond professional boundaries, with Summers seeking Epsteins advice on personal matters, including a romantic relationship with a woman he described as a mentee.

With inputs from agencies

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Four years and 1.2 million casualties later, Russia remains bogged down in a grinding war of attrition in Ukraine  a war that was supposed to be won within weeks. But Putin has stuck to maximalist terms, hopeful that war fatigue in Europe and a friend in US President Donald Trump will help him achieve his goals.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin attends a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by the Kremlin Wall to mark Defender of the Fatherland Day in Moscow on February 23, 2026. (Photo: Maxim Shipenkov/Poold/AFP)

As tens of thousands of Russian soldiers poured into Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin addressed the world on February 24, 2022, and outlined the goals of the special military operation: stopping Natos expansion, overthrowing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reshaping Ukraines cultural and national identity, and occupying the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine.

Four years and 1.2 million casualties later, Russia remains bogged down in a grinding war of attrition that was supposed to be over in weeks. But Putin has stuck to his maximalist terms.

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Instead of halting Natos growth, the full-scale invasion revived the alliances expansion, which had essentially stalled in the 2000s  Finland joined Nato in 2023 and Sweden followed in 2024. The European Union (EU) also began rearmament and militarisation to tackle Russian aggression, and, since 2025, it has replaced the United States as Ukraines foremost supporter.

President Putin has failed to achieve any of the absolute goals he set out with, and the Kremlin has never clearly articulated what it seeks to accomplish in Ukraine after four years, according to Kseniya Kirillova, a Russia analyst at the Jamestown Foundation.

Russia has failed to seize not only all of Ukraine but also Donbas. It has also failed to break Ukrainian resistance. From this perspective, not a single declared goal has been achieved, Kirillova tells Firstpost.

Putins only victory came far from the battlefield, notes Kirillova.

Under the pretext of war, President Putin attained a previously unimaginable level of control inside Russia, consolidated public support around the Kremlin, and thereby prolonged his tenure in power, says Kirillova.

ALSO READ: With Russias terms to Ukraine, Putin seeks surrender  not a peace deal

With the mysterious death of Alexei Navalny, which British and allied intelligence agencies have pinned on Russia, Putin has no political opposition left. That means he faces no domestic compulsion to end the war, despite the Russian economy facing stagflation.

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President Putin seems willing to keep the military machine humming along at almost any cost. The one thing that could change his thinking would be mass protests in opposition to deteriorating economic conditions, but I dont see this as likely, says Nicholas Lokker, an Adjunct Fellow for the Transatlantic Security Programme at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS).

Putins goals, in his own words, that he didnt achieve

In its clearest admission of failures in the war, the Kremlin said on Tuesday that the full goals of the special operation have not yet been achieved and that is why the war continues.

In his address after launching the full-scale invasion, Putin delivered his interpretation of history to justify the war, comparing Nato and Zelenskyys administration to Nazi Germany and portraying them as an existential threat to Russia.

Putin compared any compromise with Nato to the Soviet appeasement of Hitler ahead of the Second World War and vowed never to let Nato invade Russia as the Nazis invaded the Soviet Union.

We will not make this mistake the second time. We have no right to do so. Any further expansion of the North Atlantic alliances infrastructure, or the ongoing efforts to gain a military foothold on Ukrainian territory, are unacceptable for us, he said.

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Putin lamented the collapse of the Soviet Union and the loss of its sphere of influence in Europe. He described eastern Europe as our historical land and claimed the West had propped up a hostile anti-Russia in the region.

Fully controlled from the outside, it is doing everything to attract Nato armed forces and obtain cutting-edge weapons, said Putin, rejecting elections and referendums in the region that have elected pro-Western leaders in free and fair votes.

As with Georgia, which Russia invaded in 2008, Putin justified invading Ukraine as a response to an alleged genocide perpetrated by the Kiev regime in Donbas, and declared he would seek to demilitarise and denazify Ukraine, as well as bring to trial those who perpetrated numerous bloody crimes against civilians  a euphemism for overthrowing Zelenskyy, installing a loyal administration, and reshaping Ukraines identity.

Is Putin closer to restoring the Soviet Union  with Trump leading the US?

While Putin has failed in his primary goals in Ukraine, he has had mixed results in his decades-long quest to restore elements of the Soviet Union.

Despite failing to occupy Ukraine or even the whole of Donbas, Russia controls about 20 per cent of Ukrainian territory  land unlikely ever to be returned.

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Elsewhere, Belarusian leader Aleksandr Lukashenko has turned his country into a Russian satellite and Russia remains a major sociopolitical force in Moldova where pro-EU President Maia Sandu has repeatedly alleged Russian meddling.

Putins refusal to soften his demands reflects his commitment to maximalist ideological goals rooted in restoring the Soviet Union. That suggests the war is nowhere near its end.

ALSO READ  25 years of Vladimir Putin: When Boris Yeltsin resigned and asked his PM to take care of Russia

Putin is a product of the Cold War who firmly believes in Soviet Chekist ideology, says Kirillova.

Under this ideology, an external force the KGB in the Soviet era controls all spheres of life and individuals have no meaningful free will. Analysts say Putins framing of pro-EU sentiment in former Soviet states as a Western conspiracy stems from this worldview, which denies democratic agency.

Putin has always sought to restore the Soviet Union, and all of his actions such as the consolidation of power in Russia, the invasions of Georgia and Ukraine, and the political subjugation of Belarus are part of the project to restore Soviet greatness and carve out a sphere of influence lost with the fall of the Soviet Union, says Kirillova.

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With far-right parties gaining ground across Europe, Putin may be edging closer to restoring elements of that influence. He may also have succeeded in undermining the European project and the trans-Atlantic partnership  aided knowingly or unknowingly by Trump, who has treated Russia as an ally and Europe as an adversary during his second term.

Putins European campaign is directly tied to the war in Ukraine, and its outcome will be highly significant for Europes immediate future, says Indrani Talukdar, a Fellow at the Chintan Research Foundation (CRF).

In several EU member-states, pro-Russian narratives have gained visibility, partly driven by economic anxieties and war fatigue. As economic pressures persist, sections of European society appear increasingly reluctant to continue prolonged support for the war. The final outcome will there-fore influence not only Europe-Russia relations but also the cohesion of the broader Euro-Atlantic framework, Talukdar tells Firstpost.

Trump has pushed the trans-Atlantic alliance onto life support, according to Lokker.

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Trump may have given Putin a victory that neither the Soviet Union nor Russia achieved in decades. These partial successes coupled with no domestic pushback have encouraged Putin to hold to his goals, meaning the war will continue for now.

President Putin is determined to curtail Ukraines sovereignty and its ability to forge its own political path, including its form of governance and its foreign policy. He also seems to care quite a bit about annexing territory in eastern Ukraine, although I do not think he feels it is necessary to attain formal territorial control over the rest of the country. But keeping Ukraine within Russias sphere of influence and preventing its Euro-Atlantic integration is paramount, says Lokker.
During talks in Beijing, Friedrich Merz and Xi Jinping pledged closer cooperation even as Germany presses China on fair competition, raw material exports and its ties with Russia.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (4th R) attends a meeting with Chinas Premier Li Qiang (5th L) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on February 25, 2026.- AFP

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Wednesday and sought to strengthen relations with Germanys largest trading partner even as Berlin views Beijing as a strategic competitor.

The visit comes as Europes biggest economy grapples with sluggish growth and as US trade policy under President Donald Trump has unsettled global markets. Berlin and Beijing signalled their intention to deepen cooperation, with Merz describing the trip as a great opportunity to expand economic engagement.

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Xi said he was prepared to elevate bilateral ties to new levels, emphasising that he has always placed high importance on Sino-German relations.

China overtook the United States last year as Germanys top trade partner. However, Germany also characterises China as a systemic rival within the Western alliance framework.

Merz expressed hope that joint governmental consultations  paused due to Germanys change of leadership and the pandemic  would resume soon. At the same time, he is expected to press German and broader European interests during discussions, including urging Beijing to use its influence with Russia to help end the war in Ukraine.

But he is also expected to stress German and European interests during his talks with Xi, and urge him to put pressure on Chinas ally Russia to end the war in Ukraine.

Merz is the latest in a string of Western leaders courting Beijing in recent months, including Britains Keir Starmer, Frances Emmanuel Macron and Canadas Mark Carney, as they recoil from the mercurial policies of Trump, who is also expected from March 31.

Large business delegation

Export-dependent Germany needs economic relations all over the world, Merz said before leaving for Beijing with a large business delegation in tow.

But we should be under no illusions, he added, pointing out that China, as a rival to the United States, now claims the right to define a new multilateral order according to its own rules.

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Merz earlier met with Premier Li Qiang in Beijings opulent Great Hall of the People, where he called for fair cooperation, and representatives from both sides signed agreements and memorandums  including on climate change and food security.

In an apparent allusion to the United States, Li noted that unilateralism and protectionism have gained ground and even become prevalent in some countries and regions.

Against such a backdrop, China and Germany, as two major economies in the world with significant influence, should jointly safeguard multilateralism and free trade, Li said.

China under Xi has grown far more assertive on the world stage, built up its military, stressed its claim to self-ruled Taiwan, and pushed back strongly against criticism of its human rights record.

Flexing its muscle at times of tension, Beijing has restricted exports of critical minerals used in products from microchips and wind turbines to electric-car batteries and weapons systems.

Last year, Beijing temporarily halted the export of Nexperia chips to Europe following a dispute with the Dutch government.

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More broadly, European businesses complain that China, with its low domestic demand, is flooding Europe with goods made cheap through state subsidies and an undervalued currency.

Germanys trade deficit with China hit a record 89 billion euros ($105 billion) last year.

Systemic competition

As Trump has unsettled allies and rivals alike, China has nonetheless also sought to present itself as a reliable partner and defender of the multilateral order.

Chinas top diplomat, Wang Yi, told Merz at the Munich Security Conference this month that Beijing hoped to bring ties to a new level and wanted Germany to be a stabilising anchor for strategic relations in the European Union.

Merz, like his predecessors Angela Merkel and Olaf Scholz, is joined by business leaders including executives of auto giants Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes.

On Thursday, Merz is to visit Beijings Forbidden City, then a Mercedes plant where autonomous driving vehicles will be presented.

The chancellor then travels to AI hub Hangzhou to visit the robotics group Unitree and German turbine maker Siemens Energy.

German businesses have given Merz a to-do list on his trip.

We expect the chancellor to clearly address problems such as overcapacity, distortions of competition, and export controls on critical raw materials, said Wolfgang Niedermark of the Federation of German Industries.

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German and European companies in China are not only competing with highly innovative Chinese firms but are also players in a state-driven systemic competition.

Merz should advocate for structural reforms to strengthen domestic demand and fairer competitive conditions in China, he said, warning that without change there will be new trade conflicts with the EU.

Without inputs from agencies
The 2026 State of the Union turned into an unscripted showdown as President Trump slammed Democratic lawmakers who remained seated while he honoured the family of the Ukrainian refugee murdered in Charlotte

Trump honors Iryna Zarutska during SOTU, and her mother breaks down in a heartbreaking moment.

President Donald Trump in his State of the Union speech honoured the family of Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee whose murder last year became a national symbol of the debate over violent crime.

The tension in the House chamber reached a boiling point when Trump introduced Zarutskas mother, who was seated in the gallery. Zarutska, who fled the war in Ukraine only to be fatally stabbed on a Charlotte, North Carolina, light rail train in August 2025, has been a frequent focus of Trumps soft-on-crime critiques.

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As the President recounted the horrific details of the attackwhich was captured on a widely circulated security videothe Republican side of the aisle erupted into a prolonged standing ovation. However, many Democrats remained seated and silent.

I look over at the other side, and I see people sitting down, Trump said, gesturing toward the Democratic benches. How do you not stand? How do you not stand for a mother who lost her daughter to a monster who should have never been on our streets? You should be ashamed of yourselves, he added.

La maman dIryna Zarutska etait presente au discours de Trump. Cette refugiee ukrainienne de 23 ans poignardee a mort dans le tram a Charlotte. Elle etait en pleurs

 Les Republicains se sont tous leves



 Les Democrates sont restes assispic.twitter.com/Xed2pyi1dB   France for Trump  (@VirginiePerez15) February 25, 2026

The Irynas law backdrop

The confrontation over the tragedy wasnt just about public perception; it was tied to deeper legislative battles that unfolded over the past year.

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The suspect, Decarlos Brown Jr., charged in the killing, had a long criminal history with 14 prior arrests.

In response, Republicans pushed for Irynas Law, a set of criminal justice reforms designed to end cashless bail for violent offenders and reinstate capital punishment in several states.

Trump blamed Democrat-run cities and lenient judges for the incident, while Democrats pointed to gaps in mental health services and criticised the politicisation of Zarutskas death.

The Presidents How do you not stand? remark didnt go unanswered.

Rep. Ilhan Omar was heard shouting back at the podium, later telling reporters that the President was using a tragedy to fuel xenophobia. Meanwhile, Zarutskas mother was seen visibly weeping in the gallery.
Hungarys centre right opposition Tisza party has widened its lead over Prime Minister Viktor Orbans Fidesz in February, a highly regarded poll showed on Wednesday, ahead of an April 12 election in which the veteran nationalist is seeking reelection.

Hungary's opposition Tisza party surges to a 20 point lead over Prime Minister Viktor Orbans Fidesz according to a definitive new poll.

Hungarys centre-right opposition Tisza party has widened its lead over Prime Minister Viktor Orbans Fidesz in February, a highly regarded poll showed on Wednesday, ahead of an April 12 election in which the veteran nationalist is seeking reelection.

Orban, seeking to retain his 16-year grip on power, is facing a strong challenger for the first time in a parliamentary vote, with the outcome having major implications not only for Hungary but for Europe and its far-right political forces.

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The poll showed Fidesz losing ground, while Tisza is gaining supporters, despite numerous voter-pleasing measures announced by the government after three years of economic stagnation.

Tisza, led by former government insider Peter Magyar, has extended its lead over Fidesz to 20 percentage points among decided voters, up from a 12-point lead in a January survey, pollster Median said in an article published by news website hvg.hu.

Magyars party, which was only launched in 2024, had the support of 55% of decided voters, up from 51% in January.

Support for Fidesz dropped to 35% from 39% a month ago, according to the survey conducted between February 18 and 23.

When looking at the entire population, the survey said that Tisza was supported by 42% while Fidesz was backed by 31%.

Median researchers said Tisza has made up for its loss of momentum in the autumn and is once again leading Fidesz with a confidence similar to that of last summer.

Apart from the two main parties, only the far-right Our Homeland (Mi Hazank) party has a chance of getting into parliament, with the support of 6% of decided voters, up from 5% in January, Median said. Parties must win at least 5% to get seats.

The Median poll has one of the strongest track records of accurate forecasts in Hungary. It correctly predicted Orbans landslide victory in the last election four years ago, though slightly overstating opposition support.

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While most polls have shown a Tisza lead, Fidesz points to surveys that still show it on course to victory, though its opponents say these have mainly been conducted by institutes with financial or personal ties to the ruling party.

Orban said last week at a campaign stop in Sumeg that surveys show that Fidesz could win in 65-70 of Hungarys 106 individual constituencies, down from 87 four years ago, but still enough to retain power.

Hungarys parliament has 199 members, 93 elected from party lists and 106 elected directly from constituencies.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.)
The visit has been described as a step toward reaffirming the deep and long-standing strategic partnership between Israel and India

Israels Knesset has been illuminated in tricolour ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis historic visit to the country on Wednesday. PM Modi will be on a two-day visit to Israel, where he is expected to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Amir Ohana, the speaker of the Israeli Parliament, shared a picture of the Knesset on X saying, In tribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Knesset is illuminated tonight in the colors of the Indian flag."

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In tribute to Prime Minister @narendramodi, the Knesset is illuminated tonight in the colors of the Indian flag  pic.twitter.com/YxWswwOX69  Amir Ohana -   (@AmirOhana) February 24, 2026

The visit has been described as a step toward reaffirming the deep and long-standing strategic partnership between Israel and India. The two countries will review common challenges as well as realign efforts towards achieving their shared vision for a robust partnership between two resilient democracies.

PM Modi on front page of Israeli newspaper

Israeli daily Jerusalem Post has carried a front-page story on PM Modis visit to Israel with the title, Namaste Modi.

PM Modis Israel visit

India and Israels relations will be upgraded to a special strategic partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit, marking a significant leap ahead similar to Jerusalems ties with countries such as the US and Germany.

This will be the prime ministers second visit to Israel in nine years. The India-Israel relationship was elevated to the level of a strategic partnership during Modis first visit to that country in July 2017.

The upgraded special strategic partnership agreement will allow for a further developed stage of ties that will lead to joint development of advanced defence systems and an understanding to stand by each other in times of need.

The two countries have been reliable partners over the years and it has been proven in hours of crises. This is only being formally recognised during PM Modis visit, sources told PTI.

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With inputs from agencies
Less than a day after Laurence des Cars resigned as president of the Louvre Museum, Macron on Wednesday appointed Christophe Leribault as her successor, according to a report, citing government spokesperson Maud Bregeon.

Less than a day after Laurence des Cars resigned as president of the Louvre Museum, French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday appointed Christophe Leribault as her successor, according to a Politico report, citing government spokesperson Maud Bregeon.

Laurence des Cars had been under intense scrutiny since an estimated 88 million worth of jewelry was stolen from the Louvre in October, exposing serious security lapses and years of underinvestment.

The heist sparked widespread calls for her resignation and increased pressure on Culture Minister Rachida Dati, a leading candidate in next months Paris mayoral election.

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Managing the fallout from the theft quickly became one of Datis top priorities.

Earlier this month, Dati announced she would step down from her ministerial role to focus on her mayoral campaign.

However, according to Politico, citing three sources familiar with her discussions with Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, she has been determined to retain her position for as long as possible.

She wants to appear as the one who resolved the Louvre issue, Politico quoted someone close to Macron as saying.

Laurence des Cars told Le Figaro that she chose to resign now to ensure that the Louvres ambitious modernisation plans could proceed without distraction.

The Minister of Culture asked me to stay the course during the storm, which I did. I got through this period, I believe, with a cool head. I am calm and proud of the work I have accomplished. But staying the course is not enough, des Cars was quoted as saying.

In a statement acknowledging her departure on Tuesday evening, the Culture Ministry under Dati said the October incident had destabilised an institution at the heart of our countrys cultural and heritage influence.

Laurence des Cars decision to resign, which was taken in consultation with her supervisory authorities, will allow the museum to begin a new chapter of its history, the ministry added.

Leribault, a professional museum curator and current president of the Chateau de Versailles, will succeed her.

Leribault has previously led the Petit Palais and the Orsay, two of Pariss most iconic museums.

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Des Cars will now oversee cooperation between the major museums of the countries involved as part of Frances ongoing G7 presidency, Macrons office said on Tuesday.

With inputs from agencies
Six in ten Americans, including a significant slice of Republicans, think President Donald Trump has become erratic as he ages, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll.

A recent survey reveals that 61% of Americans believe President Trump has become more erratic as he ages, with concerns crossing party lines ahead of his State of the Union address.

Six in ten Americans, including a significant slice of Republicans, think President Donald Trump has become erratic as he ages, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll.

The six-day poll concluded on Monday, the day before the 79-year-old president gives his annual State of the Union address to Congress following a month of angry reprimands of lawmakers and judges.

Overall, 61% of respondents in the poll said they would describe Trump as having become erratic with age. Some 89% of Democrats, 30% of Republicans and 64% of independents described him this way.

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White House spokesman Davis Ingle said the poll results were examples of fake and desperate narratives and that Trumps sharpness, unmatched energy, and historic accessibility set him apart from his predecessor in office, Democrat Joe Biden.

Trumps overall popularity has been little changed in recent months. Some 40% of respondents in the latest poll approved of Trumps performance as president, up two percentage points from earlier this month. While he started his term with a considerably higher rating at 47%, his approval has held within a point or two of its current level since April.

AGING U.S. LEADERSHIP

Most Americans think the countrys political leadership is generally too old.

Some 79% of poll respondents agreed with a statement that elected officials in Washington, D.C., are too old to represent most Americans. The average age in the U.S. Senate is about 64, and in the U.S. House of Representatives, its 58.

Democratic respondents were slightly more likely to call for younger politicians, with 58% of them saying top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer, 75, was too old to work in government.

Trump returned to office in January 2025 at age 78, becoming the oldest president on inauguration day in history. Since then, he has unveiled new policies and proposals at a dizzying pace, ordering sweeping tariffs on imports from dozens of countries and deploying masked federal agents across the country to crack down on unauthorized immigration.

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He has often struck an angry tone in his public remarks, including last week when he said he was absolutely ashamed that the conservative-leaning U.S. Supreme Court struck down many of his tariffs as illegal. Trump went on to reinstate a series of new tariffs, arguing he could do so under a different legal authority. In November, he assailed Democratic lawmakers who urged members of the U.S. military to refuse any illegal orders, calling them traitors who could face execution.

AGE WEIGHED PREDECESSOR BIDEN

Trump won the 2024 presidential election in part because Biden - his Democratic predecessor in the White House - was widely seen to have lost mental acuity as he aged in office. Biden ended his tenure at age 82 - older than any president in U.S. history. Trump is on track to beat that record and will be 80 in June.

Only 45% of respondents in the February poll said they would describe Trump as mentally sharp and able to deal with challenges, down from 54% in a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted in September 2023.

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Republicans continue to see the president as sharp, with 81% of them describing the president that way in the latest poll, little changed from the 2023 survey. Among Democrats, the share seeing the president able to deal with challenges fell to 19% from 29%. Among people who dont identify with either political party, 36% saw Trump holding onto his mental acuity, down from 53% in 2023.

The latest Reuters/Ipsos poll, which was conducted online, surveyed 4,638 U.S. adults nationwide and had a margin of error of two percentage points.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.)
The Malaysian government faces a critical test of transparency as the Democratic Action Party (DAP) demands a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission. Triggered by reports of officials aiding corporate takeovers and breaching public service laws, the call for an independent probe seeks to look beyond the agencys denials.

Malaysian ruling coalition leaders push for a royal commission of inquiry to investigate serious misconduct claims within the national anti graft agency.

Pressure is mounting on the Malaysian government to address serious claims of impropriety within the nations primary graft fighting body. A prominent member of the ruling administration has demanded a high level judicial investigation into the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission following a series of damaging reports. These allegations suggest a significant breach of public trust and legal standards within the agency responsible for upholding integrity.

Calls for a royal commission of inquiry

The Democratic Action Party, which serves as a vital pillar of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahims coalition, is leading the charge for a transparent investigation. DAP national chairman Gobind Singh Deo, who also holds a cabinet position, dismissed the agencys recent attempts to clear its own name. He argued that a mere denial cannot resolve the gravity of the situation.

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Gobind Singh Deo stated that There must be an inquiry into the allegations made and that inquiry ought to be by way of an RCI equipped with all those powers necessary to ensure an effective and transparent probe into the matter." This sentiment reflects a growing belief that only an independent body with full legal authority can restore public confidence.

Serious allegations of corporate interference

The controversy stems from reports suggesting that officials within the MACC may have stepped outside their legal boundaries to assist private business interests. Specifically, claims have surfaced that the agency helped certain entrepreneurs in efforts to take over various companies. While these reports rely on internal documents and witness accounts, they have sparked a fierce debate over the agencys neutrality.

In response, the MACC has labelled the accusations as baseless. The agency maintains that such claims are a calculated effort to undermine its ongoing enforcement work and investigations within the corporate sector. Despite this firm rejection, political leaders insist that the commission cannot be the judge of its own conduct.

Cabinet discussions and next steps

The momentum for an RCI is expected to reach the highest levels of government this week. Anthony Loke, the DAP leader and transport minister, has indicated his intention to bring the proposal for an inquiry to the cabinet table during their Friday session. This move puts the Prime Minister in a delicate position as his administration weighs the need for transparency against the stability of its law enforcement institutions.

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This is not the first time the agencys leadership has faced scrutiny. A separate committee was recently established to look into claims regarding shareholding law violations. However, the current demand for a royal commission signifies a much broader and more public challenge to the commissions institutional integrity.
Mexico has approved a bill to gradually reduce the workweek from 48 to 40 hours, although the reform, expected to be implemented from next year, increases weekly overtime and maintains only one rest day for every six worked.

Mexico moves toward a 40-hour workweek as new labor reforms secure legislative approval for 2030 implementation

Mexico has approved a bill to gradually reduce the workweek from 48 to 40 hours, although the reform, expected to be implemented from next year, increases weekly overtime and maintains only one rest day for every six worked.

With more than 2,226 work hours per person per year, Latin Americas second-largest economy has the worst work-life balance in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The country, where around 55% of workers are employed in the informal sector, also has the lowest labor productivity and the lowest wages among the groups 38 member states.

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The Chamber of Deputies approved the general outline of the bill late on Tuesday with the support of all 469 present in the 500-member Congress; none voted against. Deputies then went on to discuss the laws particular terms, approving them with 411 votes in favor.

The opposition had strongly criticized the reform during 10 hours of debate. The ruling party hailed its approval, which follows years of back-and-forth with business owners.

Productivity is not measured by exhaustion. It is built with dignity, said ruling-party representative Pedro Haces, who also serves as the secretary general of the Autonomous Confederation of Workers and Employees of Mexico.

OPPOSITION SAYS THERE IS NO REAL REDUCTION IN WORKING WEEK

The opposition argued that the bill does not represent a real reduction of the workweek because it increases weekly overtime to 12 hours from nine and does not include a mandatory two days of rest for every five worked.

The idea of the reform is not bad, but it is incomplete and was done in a rush, said Alex Dominguez, a lawmaker from the opposition PRI party.

The reform won general approval earlier this month in the Senate, where the ruling Morena party holds a strong majority.

After more than 100 years without changes, Mexico will gradually phase out the 48-hour workweek, the Ministry of Labor said on X in the early hours of Wednesday.

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President Claudia Sheinbaum introduced the proposal in December; it aims to reduce the workweek by two hours per year until 2030, benefiting some 13.4 million workers.

If the law is endorsed by more than half of Mexicos state legislatures, as is expected, the first two-hour reduction would be implemented in January 2027.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.)
The measure, championed by President Claudia Sheinbaum, will reduce the legal workweek from 48 hours to 40 hours over four years and guarantee workers one fully paid day off each week

Lawmakers in Mexico voted unanimously to approve a sweeping labour overhaul that will gradually shorten the standard workweek, handing another policy win to the countrys governing leftist bloc.

The measure, championed by President Claudia Sheinbaum, will reduce the legal workweek from 48 hours to 40 hours over four years and guarantee workers one fully paid day off each week.

Business groups had warned that cutting hours could drive up labour costs and hurt productivity, while some opposition lawmakers argued the reform should go even further by mandating two days off weekly.

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Under current rules, Mexican employees are not assured paid time off.

Bill receives overwhelming support

The proposal cleared the 500-seat lower chamber with 469 votes in favour and none against, with no abstentions. It had already received unanimous backing in the Senate earlier this month.

Sheinbaum first introduced the initiative in December, but debate was stalled for weeks amid lobbying from the private sector. The president has said the changes stand to benefit more than 13 million workers nationwide.

According to the legislation, the shift toward a 40-hour work week will begin in 2027, with the maximum schedule reduced by two hours each year until full implementation.

The reform builds on efforts by Sheinbaum and her predecessor, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, to strengthen labour protections, including curbs on outsourcing and expanded union rights.

Which other countries are aiming for 4-day work week?

With the new law, Mexico joins Chile and Colombia, both led by leftist governments, in trimming the legal workweek in recent years.

In Chile, outgoing President Gabriel Boric backed a reform approved in 2023 that lowers the workweek from 45 hours to 40 by 2028, marking a significant achievement for his administration after an unsuccessful attempt to pass a new constitution that also aimed to expand worker rights.

In Colombia, President Gustavo Petro oversaw a phased reduction from 48 hours to 42 without reducing pay or benefits. Colombians are set to vote in the first round of their next presidential election in May, and Petros term concludes in August.

Elsewhere in the region, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil is pursuing similar legislation to shorten working hours ahead of an anticipated reelection campaign in October. Advocates say the proposal would boost quality of life and expand job opportunities, while business leaders caution it could undermine competitiveness. A recent Nexus poll found that more than 60% of Brazilians support reducing the workweek.

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In the post, Musk responded to a 2025 video of Sheinbaum discussing cartel violence and alleged that she was saying what her cartel bosses tell her to say. He did not provide further evidence

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Tuesday she is considering legal action following a comment by tech billionaire Elon Musk, the worlds richest man, that alleged she was connected to drug cartels.

Musks post on X followed the capture and killing of Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader Nemesio Oseguera, El Mencho, by Mexican security forces.

In the post, Musk responded to a 2025 video of Sheinbaum discussing cartel violence and alleged that she was saying what her cartel bosses tell her to say. He did not provide further evidence.

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We are considering whether to take legal action, Sheinbaum said during her daily morning press conference, adding that government lawyers are reviewing the matter.

STRONG FREE SPEECH PROTECTIONS

Sheinbaum could face difficulty suing Musk for defamation in the U.S. because of strong legal protections for free speech. To prevail in a defamation case against Musk in the U.S., Sheinbaum would need to prove Musk knowingly said something false about her or recklessly disregarded the truth when he said it.

Tesla, Musks auto company, did not immediately reply to a request for comment on Sheinbaums remarks.

More from World X sees record high usage as global tensions rise after Iran strikes and retaliatory threats

In the 2025 video, Sheinbaum said a return to a war on drugs was not feasible.

Returning to the war on drugs is not an option  it is outside the framework of the law, she said.

The military offensive on cartels led by former President Felipe Calderon in 2006 led to bloody turf battles as gangs splintered, triggering a spiral of violence that many analysts see as a contributing cause to still-high homicide rates.

Sheinbaum said she expected security to continue to normalize in Mexico after cartel members coordinated a series of roadblocks and arson attacks after the governments Sunday operation against Oseguera.

Asked if the operation marked a return to a more violent security stance, Sheinbaum said this would never be the case.

The detention of a suspected criminal with an arrest warrant can generate this type of circumstance, but we are looking for peace, not war, she said.

Ruling MORENA Party president Luisa Alcalde also reacted to the post on social media, saying Musk should use his platform and X social media network to fight drug consumption, addiction, disinformation and stop the promotion of narco culture.

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Wealth does not give moral authority, she said. The lives that are lost in this fight, often fueled by consumption in other countries, are worth infinitely more than any fortune amassed in Silicon Valley.

Over 130,000 people are missing in Mexico, where much of the countrys violence is linked to drug cartels that sell products to and obtain firearms from the United States.
PM Modi is among a select group of world leaders to be honoured by both Israel and Palestine.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is among a select group of world leaders to receive top honours from both Israel and Palestine. In 2018, he was awarded the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine, the highest civilian distinction given to foreign dignitaries, highlighting his unique diplomatic stature in the region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Wednesday conferred with the Speaker of the Knesset Medal in recognition of his exceptional contribution to strengthening strategic relations between India and Israel.

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The Indian prime minister is the first leader to receive this medal, which is the highest honour of the Knesset - the Israeli Parliament.

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana conferred the award on the prime minister after his address at the Israeli Parliament.

The medal was conferred in recognition of the prime ministers exceptional contribution  through his personal leadership  to strengthen strategic relations between India and Israel.

PM Modi said the award was not a tribute to an individual, but to the enduring friendship between India and Israel.

I am deeply honoured to receive the Medal of the Knesset.



I accept it with humility and gratitude.



This honour is not a tribute to an individual, but to the enduring friendship between India and Israel.



It reflects the shared values that guide our two nations.@KnessetENG https://t.co/OGtBMTsLuC pic.twitter.com/6H6Dt9sP6v  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 25, 2026

I am deeply honoured to receive the Medal of the Knesset. I accept it with humility and gratitude. This honour is not a tribute to an individual, but to the enduring friendship between India and Israel. It reflects the shared values that guide our two nations, Modi wrote on social media.

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PM Modi is a rare world leader who has received top awards from both Israel and Palestine.

In 2018, PM Modi was conferred the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine, which is the highest Palestinian honour for foreign leaders.

PHOTO | Prime Minister Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) is among the rare global leaders to have been honoured by both Israel and Palestine.



In 2018, he was awarded the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine, the highest civilian honour bestowed by Palestine on foreign dignitaries. pic.twitter.com/BgidohprmC  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 25, 2026

This is the latest addition to PM Modis distinguished list of over 28 highest civilian awards from foreign nations, including recent honours such as Order of Oman and Ethiopias Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia and Kuwaits Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer.

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It is PM Modis second visit to Israel in nine years. The India-Israel relationship was elevated to the level of strategic partnership during his first visit to that country in July 2017.

With inputs from agencies
The medal was presented by the Knesset in acknowledgement of PM Modis leadership and sustained engagement with Israels leadership, which have significantly strengthened bilateral ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Wednesday conferred the Speaker of the Knesset Medal, the highest honour awarded by Israels Parliament, in recognition of his efforts to deepen IndiaIsrael relations.

The medal was presented by the Knesset in acknowledgement of PM Modis leadership and sustained engagement with Israels leadership, which have significantly strengthened bilateral ties.

#WATCH | Jerusalem, Israel: Israel Parliament confers "Speaker of the Knesset Medal" upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi



This is the highest honour of the Knesset. The medal is being conferred in recognition of PMs exceptional contribution  through his personal leadership  to pic.twitter.com/RAR1AO6n1j  ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2026

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According to the official citation, the award recognises Modis role in elevating IndiaIsrael relations into a comprehensive strategic partnership encompassing defence, security, technology, innovation, and people-to-people exchanges.

After receiving the honour, PM Modi said the medal is not a tribute to an individual, but to the enduring friendship between India and Israel.

I am deeply honoured to receive the Medal of the Knesset.



I accept it with humility and gratitude.



This honour is not a tribute to an individual, but to the enduring friendship between India and Israel.



It reflects the shared values that guide our two nations.@KnessetENG https://t.co/OGtBMTsLuC pic.twitter.com/6H6Dt9sP6v  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 25, 2026

I am deeply honoured to receive the Medal of the Knesset. I accept it with humility and gratitude. This honour is not a tribute to an individual, but to the enduring friendship between India and Israel. It reflects the shared values that guide our two nations, he posted on X.

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PM Modi is among the few global leaders to have received top civilian honours from both Israel and Palestine, reflecting Indias balanced diplomatic engagement in West Asia.

In 2018, he was awarded the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine, the highest honour conferred by the Palestinian leadership on foreign dignitaries, in recognition of his contribution to IndiaPalestine ties and New Delhis longstanding support for the Palestinian cause.

Earlier in the day, addressing the Knesset in a historic speech, Modi also spoke on the Palestine issue, stating that the Trump administration-led Gaza Peace Initiative offers a just and durable solution for the people of the region.

The Gaza Peace Initiative holds the promise of a just and durable peace for all the people of the region, including by addressing the Palestine issue. The road to peace is not always easy but India joins you and the world for dialogue, peace and stability in this region, PM Modi said during his address.

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He noted that the initiative has been endorsed by the UN Security Council and offers a viable path forward, reiterating Indias firm support for the proposal.

Referring to the turbulence in West Asia, PM Modi stressed the importance of regional peace and affirmed that India stands with Israel during this challenging period.

Some years ago, when you concluded the Abraham Accords, we applauded your courage and vision. It was a moment of new hope for our long-troubled region. Since then, however, the situation has changed significantly and path is more challenging, he said.

PM Modis address to the Knesset, Israels Parliament, came hours after he arrived in the country to a rousing welcome at Ben Gurion Airport, where he was received by his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara Netanyahu.

With inputs from agencies
Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to Israel on Wednesday for a two-day visit focused on advancing a partnership that has grown across defence, technology and trade. In a departure statement, he described the relationship as a robust and multifaceted strategic partnership, saying he would meet his counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and address the Knesset.

Ties have significantly strengthened in the last few years, PM Modi said.

During the 24-hour visit from February 25 to 26, most engagements are scheduled to take place with both leaders participating. Benjamin Netanyahu will receive PM Narendra Modi at Tel Aviv airport, as he did during PM Modis previous trip in July 2017, before they travel together to Jerusalem. In addition to bilateral talks and press statements on Thursday, the leaders are expected to attend PM Modis address to the Knesset, a private dinner, an innovation event, a visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial museum, and potentially an interaction with the IndianJewish community in Israel.

Live Updates
After my Knesset address, PM Netanyahu and I are on the way to an exhibition which showcases strides made in the world of technology, PM Modi posted on X, sharing a picture of the two leaders

PM Narendra Modi share a car ride with PM Benjamin Netanyahu to a tech exhibition in Jerusalem on Wednesday. Image Courtesy: @narendramodi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday shared a car ride with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to an exhibition, highlighting the personal touch in his diplomatic engagements.

After my Knesset address, PM Netanyahu and I are on the way to an exhibition which showcases strides made in the world of technology.@netanyahu pic.twitter.com/gcbivevcXT  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 25, 2026

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After my Knesset address, PM Netanyahu and I are on the way to an exhibition which showcases strides made in the world of technology, PM Modi posted on X, sharing a picture of the two leaders.

Earlier, Israel Parliament conferred the Speaker of the Knesset Medal on PM Modi after his address in the Israeli Parliament. The Indian Prime Minister is the first leader to receive this medal.

The medal was conferred in recognition of PM Modis exceptional contribution through his personal leadership to strengthen strategic relations between India and Israel.

After his speech in Knesset, PM Modi interacted with members of the Israeli parliament. The MPs took selfies and photographs with PM Modi.

In his speech, PM Modi said there is great admiration for Israels resolve, courage, and achievements in India.

PM Modi said that at the heart of the India-Israel partnership are the ties between our peoples.

Car diplomacy

The car ride come days after PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron travelled together in the same car on February 17 to attend the India-France Innovation Forum in Mumbai, in a symbolic display of their close ties.

PM Modis recent diplomatic engagements have drawn attention for an increasingly visible personal touch  what observers describe as his car diplomacy.

In a series of high-profile meetings, PM Modi has shared car rides with several world leaders, using the informal setting to signal warmth and personal rapport.

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He was seen travelling alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during bilateral engagements.

With inputs from agencies
In his State of the Union address on Tuesday, Trump said Iran has already developed missiles that can threaten Europe and our bases overseas, and theyre working to build missiles that will soon reach the US

US President Donald Trump alleged that Tehran was developing weapons capable of striking the US during his State of the Union address on Tuesday. AP

Iran has accused the United States of spreading big lies about its missile programme after President Donald Trump alleged that Tehran was developing weapons capable of striking the US.

In his State of the Union address on Tuesday night, Trump said Iran has already developed missiles that can threaten Europe and our bases overseas, and theyre working to build missiles that will soon reach the US.

He also described Iran as the worlds number one sponsor of terror and claimed that at least 32,000 protesters were killed during recent unrest in the country.

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Responding to the remarks, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei dismissed the allegations, without referring to Trump by name.

Whatever theyre alleging in regards to Irans nuclear programme, Irans ballistic missiles, and the number of casualties during Januarys unrest, is simply the repetition of big lies, Baqaei wrote in a post on X.

Iran has consistently denied pursuing a nuclear weapon, insisting that uranium enrichment is its sovereign right.

However, evidence gathered over the years indicates that Tehran has tested materials and components linked directly to the development of nuclear arms.

Trump, meanwhile, offered little explanation for the significant buildup of US military forces in the Middle East  the largest since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Although he has reportedly been weighing the option of military strikes against Iran in recent weeks, he devoted only about three minutes of his nearly two-hour address on Tuesday night to the issue of Tehran.

With inputs from agencies
During a warm airport greeting, PM Modi humorously quipped thats saffron as Israeli PM Netanyahu highlighted the matching colour of his pocket square and Sara Netanyahus outfit, adding a light-hearted touch to the welcome

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu points out to the matching colour of PM Modis pocket square and Sara Netanyahus outfit. ANI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, receiving a warm welcome from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara Netanyahu, at Ben Gurion Airport.

The close ties between the two leaders were evident as they embraced upon meeting.

A small, yet notable detail drew attention during their interaction: PM Netanyahu pointed out the matching colour of PM Modis pocket square and Sara Netanyahus outfit. Thats saffron, PM Modi said with a smile.

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VIDEO | Tel Aviv: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Ben Gurion airport, calling him a great leader.



Netanyahu pointed out that the colour of his wife Saras dress matched the colour of PM Modis pocket square, creating a light-hearted pic.twitter.com/8NP9BA1k2u  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 25, 2026

PM Modi wore a traditional cream-coloured kurta with white churidar, layered with a grey patterned half-jacket and a saffron pocket square, while Sara Netanyahu donned a saffron pantsuit.

During the exchange, Sara Netanyahu commented on India, saying it was a wonderful country, to which PM Netanyahu added, He (PM Modi) is a wonderful leader.

Highlighting the significance of the visit, PM Modi described it as an opportunity to further strengthen the robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership between India and Israel.

India and Israel share a robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership that has witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years, he said.

During his two-day visit, PM Modi is scheduled to meet President Isaac Herzog and will become the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Knesset.

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With inputs from agencies
Sri Lankan authorities have arrested retired Major General Suresh Sallay, the former head of the State Intelligence Service, in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday suicide bombings.

Sri Lankan investigators arrest former intelligence chief Suresh Sallay for alleged conspiracy and aiding the 2019 Easter Sunday suicide bombings.

Sri Lankas criminal investigators arrested the countrys former intelligence chief on Wednesday in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings that killed 279 people, including 45 foreigners.

Police said retired Major General Suresh Sallay was taken into custody at dawn in a suburb of the capital, Colombo in the most high profile arrest in the long-running investigation.

He was arrested for conspiracy and aiding and abetting the Easter Sunday attacks, an investigating officer told AFP.

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He has been in touch with people involved in the attacks, even recently.

The coordinated bombings targeted three upmarket hotels in the capital, two Roman Catholic churches, and an evangelical Protestant church outside Colombo.

The attacks were blamed on a homegrown jihadist group.

The Catholic church, which has spearheaded a campaign demanding justice for all victims of the brutal bombings, welcomed the arrest as a sign the investigation was continuing.

What we need is the truth behind the Easter attacks. We want to see justice for all the victims, church spokesman Father Cyril Gamini Fernando told AFP.

The church had previous accused successive governments of failing to identify the masterminds behind the bombings.

The string of suicide bombings on April 21, 2019 became the worst attack against civilians in a country where at least 100,000 people had been killed in a Tamil separatist war that ended in May 2009 after nearly four decades of violence.

Sallay, who was promoted to State Intelligence Service (SIS) chief in 2019 after Gotabaya Rajapaksa became president, had been accused of involvement in organising the suicide bombings, a charge he has denied.

His long-expected arrest came ahead of the seventh anniversary of the bombings.

British broadcaster Channel 4 reported in 2023 that Sallay was linked to the Islamist bombers and had met them prior to the attack.

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A whistleblower told the network that Sallay had permitted the attack to proceed with the intention of influencing that years presidential election in favour of Rajapaksa.

Two days after the bombings, Rajapaksa declared his candidacy and went on to win the November vote in a landslide after promising to stamp out Islamist extremism.

Funding fanatics

A former member of the jihadist group told reporters in 2019 that they were originally funded by a military intelligence unit to propagate a fundamentalist ideology in Sri Lankas multi-ethnic eastern province.

Sallay was employed in the intelligence unit that funded the jihadists. The government at the time admitted the military was behind the radical group.

Sallay was promoted to head the SIS, Sri Lankas main intelligence agency, following Rajapaksas victory, but was dismissed after Anura Kumara Dissanayake won the presidency in 2024, promising prosecutions of those behind the attacks.

While local jihadists were held responsible, Sallay was also accused of orchestrating the attack.

Two days after the bombings, ISIS claimed responsibility, but investigators said they had no evidence to directly establish a foreign link.

Other investigations faulted the authorities for failing to act on warnings from an Indian intelligence agency that an attack was imminent.

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More than 500 people were wounded in the bombings, which crippled the island nations lucrative tourism industry.

US authorities in 2021 charged three Sri Lankans for supporting the Easter attacks, in which five US nationals were killed.

The three are among 25 suspects indicted in Sri Lankas High Court.

The Supreme Court fined then-president Maithripala Sirisena and four senior officials more than $1.03 million in a civil case for their failure to prevent the attacks.

The UN has asked Sri Lanka to publish parts of previous inquiries into the bombings that were withheld from the public.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.)
Last week, Trump signed an executive order authorising a 10 per cent import tax hours after the top court ruled against the legality of his tariff measures

US President Donald Trump delivers the first State of the Union address of his second term to a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber of the United States Capitol in Washington, DC, on February 24, 2026. (Photo by Kenny HOLSTON / POOL / AFP)

US President Donald Trump has said that almost all countries want to uphold the agreed-upon trade deals with Washington, despite the Supreme Courts ruling on his tariff measures.

Calling the ruling unfortunate, Trump said, But the good news is that almost all countries and corporations want to keep the deal that they already made, knowing that the legal power that I as president have to make a new deal could be far worse for them.

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Last week, Trump signed an executive order authorising a 10 per cent import tax hours after the top court ruled against the legality of his tariff measures. He later threatened to increase the rate by 15 per cent, but has not yet signed a directive making the new rates official.

An administration official told Bloomberg that the White House is working on a formal order that will increase the global tariff rate to 15 per cent, while the timeline for its implementation has not been finalised yet.

Unfortunate

Trump spoke about the Supreme Court of the United States decision last week that struck down his tariffs, saying, just four days ago, an unfortunate ruling from the United States Supreme Court. It just came down, very unfortunate ruling.

Four justices, Amy Coney Barrett, Elena Kagan, John Roberts and Brett Kavanaugh, were seated in the audience. All but Kavanaugh joined the majority in striking down the tariffs, and Roberts wrote the courts opinion.

What changes?

US Customs and Border Protection has said it would stop collecting tariffs struck down by the court starting Tuesday, too.

It separately said it would start collecting the new 10-per-cent tariffs from February 24.

Trumps new tariff will apply to $1.2 trillion worth of imports on an annual basis or about 34 percent of total goods imported, said Erica York, vice president of federal tax policy at the Tax Foundation.

The Trump tariffs amounted to an average tax increase per US household of $1,000 in 2025, she added.

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With Trumps global tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act ruled illegal, his new and existing duties are still set to result in a household burden of $700 in 2026, she said.

With inputs from agencies
The Election Commission of Thailand has officially ratified the majority of results from the February 8 election, confirming a decisive victory for caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his conservative Bhumjaithai Party.

Thailand's Election Commission ratifies Bhumjaithais conservative victory as Prime Minister Anutin prepares to lead a new coalition government.

Thailands Election Commission confirmed the victory of caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakuls conservative party on Wednesday, ratifying most of the results of this months vote.

The commission certified the results for 396 newly elected MPs in the 500-seat lower house, with Anutins Bhumjaithai party winning 170 constituencies, the most of any party, according to a statement.

The reformist Peoples Party  which had been polling first ahead of the February 8 election  came in second, with 88 constituencies, the commission said.

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Pheu Thai, the populist party of jailed former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, came in third with 58 seats, according to the ratified results.

With no party winning an outright majority, Bhumjaithai and Pheu Thai have agreed to form a coalition.

Several smaller parties would also join, Bhumjaithai has said.

The pro-military and pro-monarchy party had its best electoral performance ever, riding a wave of nationalism following two rounds of deadly border clashes with Cambodia last year.

Pheu Thai, Thailands most successful party of the 21st century, meanwhile, had its worst election result ever.

The two parties were previously coalition partners, until Anutin pulled out in June following a leaked phone conversation of his predecessor, Pheu Thais Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

In the call, she referred to former Cambodian leader Hun Sun as uncle and called a Thai military commander her opponent, triggering outrage during a period of heightened tensions over the two countries disputed border.

Votes cast in three of the nations 400 constituencies are being recounted following concerns about the transparency of the tallying process.

At a single polling station in northern Thailand, voters will recast their ballots on March 1 after the number of people who registered at the site on election day did not match the number of ballots received.

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While the Election Commission has yet to confirm winners of the 100 seats reserved for politicians elected from their partys ranked candidate list, preliminary results showed Bhumjaithai far ahead in the total projected seat count with more than 190.

Peoples Party won nearly 120 total seats and Pheu Thai, less than 80, according to the preliminary results from the commission.

It must certify the election of 95 percent of lawmakers before the new parliament can convene and choose a house speaker and prime minister.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.)
Multiple statesincluding Colorado, Michigan, New Jersey, and Wisconsin have sued Donald Trumps administration over reduced childhood vaccine recommendations, warning the policy contradicts science and could expose children to preventable, potentially dangerous diseases nationwide

Fifteen Democratic-led US states have filed a lawsuit against the administration of Donald Trump, challenging its decision to scale back routine childhood vaccine recommendations. The legal action comes after the US Department of Health and Human Services announced sweeping changes in January under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., long known for his skepticism about vaccines.

The new policy removes universal recommendations for several key childhood immunisations, including those for rotavirus, influenza, Covid-19, hepatitis A, meningococcal disease, RSV, and hepatitis B.

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Instead, these vaccines will now be advised only for children considered at higher risk. This is a big change from long-standing public health advice, which has consistently backed routine vaccinations as the most reliable way to prevent outbreaks and protect communities.

States warn policy contradicts science, risks childrens health

State officials leading the lawsuit argue the changes undermine scientific consensus and could strain public health systems. Secretary RFK Jr. and his CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) are flouting decades of scientific research, ignoring credible medical experts, and threatening to strain state resources and make Americas children sicker, said California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who is spearheading the case alongside Arizona officials.

The lawsuit names Kennedy, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Department of Health and Human Services as defendants. Health experts warn that limiting vaccine recommendations could leave more children vulnerable to preventable diseases, particularly in a country with uneven healthcare access.

Copying Denmarks vaccine schedule without copying Denmarks health care system doesnt give families more options  it just leaves kids unprotected from serious diseases, said Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes at a press conference.

Growing political and medical backlash

The vaccine overhaul has triggered widespread concern across the medical community and political establishment. Vaccination rates in the US have already declined since the Covid-19 pandemic, raising fears of renewed outbreaks of highly contagious diseases such as measles.

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California Governor Gavin Newsom strongly criticised the policy, saying, California is going back to court because the Trump administration is violating federal law and pushing a reckless, unscientific childhood vaccine schedule that puts kids lives at risk.

With multiple statesincluding Colorado, Michigan, New Jersey, and Wisconsinjoining the lawsuit, the legal battle could have far-reaching implications for national vaccine policy and public health in the United States.
Donald Trump has accused Iran of seeking missiles capable of striking the United States while warning that Tehran is working to restart its nuclear programme

US President Donald Trump has been repeatedly warning Iran of military action if Tehran does not agree to a deal. (AFP)

In a wide-ranging address, Donald Trump claimed that Iran is pursuing missile capabilities that could eventually reach the United States while alleging that Tehran is attempting to rebuild elements of its nuclear programme targeted by US strikes last year.

His comments came as Washington and Tehran hold intensive negotiations aimed at reaching a new agreement on Irans atomic activities and missile development.

Missile development accusations

Theyve already developed missiles that can threaten Europe and our bases overseas, and theyre working to build missiles that will soon reach the United States of America, Trump said in his State of the Union address.

A 2025 assessment by the Defence Intelligence Agency said Iran could potentially develop a militarily viable intercontinental ballistic missile by 2035 should Tehran decide to pursue the capability", although it did not state whether such a decision had been made.

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According to the Congressional Research Service, Iran currently possesses short- and medium-range ballistic missiles with a maximum range of about 1,850 miles (3,000 kilometres). The continental United States lies more than 6,000 miles from Irans western edge.

Dispute over nuclear ambitions

Talks between Washington and Tehran have already included two rounds of negotiations aimed at replacing the nuclear agreement Trump withdrew from during his first term. The United States has pushed for zero uranium enrichment by Iran while also seeking limits on Tehrans ballistic missile programme and support for regional armed groups  conditions Iran continues to reject.

Trump ordered strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites last year, later claiming that Tehrans atomic activities had been obliterated. On Tuesday, he said Iran now wants to start all over again and is at this moment again pursuing their sinister nuclear ambitions.

US military posture and threat of force

Trump has deployed significant US military assets to West Asia, including two aircraft carriers, more than a dozen ships and a large number of warplanes. He has repeatedly warned that he is prepared to use military force if diplomatic efforts fail, saying he prefers a negotiated solution but will not allow the worlds number one sponsor of terror to obtain a nuclear weapon.

Talks with Tehran are scheduled to resume on Thursday.

Trumps speech largely centred on domestic issues, making no reference to China  Washingtons primary strategic competitor  and mentioning Russia only briefly. He said he was working to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and repeated his inaccurate claim that he had ended eight other wars since returning to office in January 2025.

He also praised Nato for committing to spend five per cent of gross domestic product on defence, a move he said came under strong pressure from his administration.
US President Donald Trump spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as Ukraine prepares for a meeting between its lead negotiator and US officials in Geneva.

US President Donald Trump is holding a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as preparations continue for fresh trilateral negotiations with Russia, Axios reported on Wednesday.

Kyiv announced that lead Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umerov will meet US envoy Steve Witkoff in Geneva on Thursday, ahead of the planned talks expected in early March. The discussions are part of ongoing efforts led by the United States to broker an end to Russias four-year invasion of Ukraine.

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Tomorrow he will meet with American negotiators Witkoff and [Jared] Kushner, Zelenskyy told reporters, adding that the meeting is in preparation for the trilateral session with Russia. Other agenda items include prisoner-of-war exchanges and a prosperity package for Ukraines reconstruction, he said.

Despite multiple rounds of negotiations, progress has been limited. Moscow insists on full control over Ukraines eastern Donetsk region, while Kyiv has refused any deal without security guarantees to prevent future aggression.

Umerovs adviser told reporters separately that the meeting on Thursday will be in Geneva, which hosted talks with Russian, Ukrainian, and US officials earlier this month.

Other issues on the agenda for Thursday are prisoner-of-war exchanges and a prosperity package for the reconstruction of Ukraine, Zelensky said.

Witkoff confirmed the talks earlier this week saying the aim was to explore different iterations about how we might get to a peace deal.

United States has been pushing for an end to the war that has entered its fifth year and which has killed tens of thousands and destroyed much of eastern and southern Ukraine.

Moscow and Kyiv remain at odds over who gets what land in a post-war settlement.

With inputs from agencies
The UK government has agreed to release documents relating to Andrews former role as trade envoy as police investigations linked to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal intensify

There's a possibility that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor could be removed from the line of succession after Britain's government said it would consider introducing legal changes. File image/AP

The UK government confirmed on Tuesday that it will release documents concerning the appointment of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as a trade envoy, following renewed scrutiny triggered by the widening fallout from the publication of millions of files by US authorities linked to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The disclosure comes amid mounting pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmers Labour government as both Andrew and former minister Peter Mandelson face high-profile police investigations.

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Minister Chris Bryant told parliament the government would release the vetting documents related to Andrews appointment, which he held from 2001 to 2011. The move followed a procedural request from the Liberal Democrats using a rarely deployed mechanism designed to compel ministers to provide documents dating back to the period when Tony Blair led a Labour government.

Bryant said releasing the files was the least we owe the victims of Epstein, adding criticism of Andrews conduct.

Police investigations and mounting criticism

Mountbatten-Windsor, stripped of his royal titles last year, is under police investigation over allegations he shared sensitive documents with Epstein while serving as trade envoy. He was arrested last week on suspicion of misconduct in public office. His brother, King Charles III, publicly stated that the law must take its course.

Ed Davey described the associations of both Andrew and Mandelson with Epstein as a stain on our country, urging transparency. The Liberal Democrats motion, known as a humble address, passed without a vote after receiving government backing.

Bryant cautioned that releasing the documents may take time due to their age and scale, as well as the ongoing police investigation. Andrew has denied wrongdoing.

Ongoing fallout from accusations linked to Epstein

The renewed scrutiny also revisits allegations by Virginia Giuffre, who died by suicide last year. She accused Andrew of being trafficked to have sex with him three times starting in 2001, including twice when she was 17. Andrew settled a US civil lawsuit in 2022 without admitting liability.

The governments pledge to release Andrew-related documents coincides with preparations to publish in early March the first batch of files tied to Mandelsons 2024 appointment as UK ambassador in Washington. The main opposition Conservative Party had previously used the same parliamentary mechanism to demand their release.

Mandelson faces separate misconduct probe

Mandelson, a long-standing figure in British politics and UK envoy to Washington until September, is facing a separate investigation into alleged misconduct in public office over his links to Epstein. His appointment triggered significant political turmoil, including the resignation of two senior aides to Starmer and criticism over the Prime Ministers judgement.

Starmer dismissed Mandelson as envoy after seven months when further details emerged about his connection to Epstein. Later released files suggest Mandelson shared financial information with Epstein when he served as UK business secretary around 20092010.

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At the time Andrew was appointed trade envoy, Mandelson was a central figure in Blairs government and known for his influence within Labour.

Biographer Andrew Lownie told AFP that Blair and Mandelson pushed his appointment through. Mandelson has apologised for his friendship with Epstein and insisted he was unaware of Epsteins crimes despite the financiers 2008 conviction.

Mandelson was arrested on Monday and questioned before being released on bail early Tuesday. His legal representatives at Mishcon de Reya said the arrest stemmed from baseless concerns he might flee, stressing that he was not planning to leave the country and aimed to cooperate with police to clear his name.

Neither Mandelson nor Andrew has been charged.

Starmer has apologised to Epsteins victims for appointing Mandelson and accused him of lying during the vetting process about the depth of his association with Epstein.

Police said on Tuesday evening that they had concluded a search of a Berkshire property linked to Andrews arrest. It is believed to be his former residence, Royal Lodge, on the royal familys Windsor estate.

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The US has issued cyber-related sanctions against four individuals and three entities linked to the acquisition and sale of harmful cyber tools and the theft of American trade secrets

The United States Department of the Treasury announced on Tuesday that it had imposed cyber-related sanctions on four individuals and three entities, including organisations based in Russia and the United Arab Emirates. The measures were introduced over what officials described as the acquisition and distribution of cyber tools deemed harmful to US national security.

In a parallel statement, the United States Department of State said one of the sanctioned individuals and two of the targeted entities had also been designated under the Protecting American Intellectual Property Act (PAIPA) in connection with the theft of trade secrets from US persons.

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Case tied to former contractor who sold sensitive cyber exploits

The sanctions stem from a US investigation involving former government-contractor executive Peter Williams, who sold trade secrets worth $1.3 million to a Russian buyer, one of the sanctioned entities. Williams, formerly of L3Harris, pleaded guilty last year to two counts of theft of trade secrets.

The United States Department of Justice said he had taken at least eight sensitive and protected cyber-exploit components from his job and sold them to a Russian cyber-tools broker. An exploit is a piece of code designed to take advantage of a software vulnerability, commonly used for theft, espionage or sabotage.
The U.S. Commerce Department on Tuesday announced countervailing duties on solar cells and panels imported by companies in India, Indonesia and Laos in an effort to counteract subsidies supporting the Asian industries.

The US Commerce Department has imposed steep preliminary duties on solar imports from India, Indonesia, and Laos to counteract unfair government subsidies.

Commerce Department on Tuesday announced countervailing duties on solar cells and panels imported by companies in India, Indonesia and Laos in an effort to counteract subsidies supporting the Asian industries.

With the decision, U.S. trade officials sided with domestic solar factory owners in finding that companies operating in the three countries received government subsidies that make American products uncompetitive. It is the latest in a string of duties imposed over a decade on cheap solar imports from Asia, which are primarily made by Chinese companies.

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According to a fact sheet posted on the Commerce Departments website, the agency calculated general subsidy rates of 125.87% for imports from India, 104.38% for imports from Indonesia, and 80.67% for imports from Laos.

More from World Asia most vulnerable to oil shock as West Asia conflict threatens macro outlook, says Invesco

The three nations last year accounted for $4.5 billion in solar imports, about two-thirds of the 2025 total, according to government trade data. U.S. tariffs have a track record of disrupting global solar trade. Imports from Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia plummeted due to a trade case that resulted in steep tariffs finalized last year on imports from those nations, which had dominated the U.S. market.

The announcement is the first of two expected by the agency in the coming weeks in a trade case brought last year by a group representing a portion of the small U.S. solar manufacturing sector. The Commerce Department is set to make a separate decision next month on whether companies from the three nations flooded the U.S. market at prices below their cost of production.

The petitioning group, the Alliance for American Solar Manufacturing and Trade, includes South Koreas Hanwha Qcells, Arizona-based First Solar and San Antonio-based Mission Solar, which is owned by Koreas OCI Holdings. The producers are seeking to protect billions of dollars in investments in U.S. factories.

Tim Brightbill, lead attorney for the Alliance, hailed the move as an important step toward restoring fair competition.

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American manufacturers are investing billions of dollars to rebuild domestic capacity and create good-paying jobs. Those investments cannot succeed if unfairly traded imports are allowed to distort the market, he said in a statement.

In addition to the general rates, the Commerce Department calculated individual rates for 125.87% for Mundra Solar in India, 143.3% for PT Blue Sky Solar and 85.99% for PT REC Solar Energy in Indonesia, and 80.67% for both Solarspace Technology Sole Co and Vietnam Sunergy Joint Stock Company in Laos.

Matthew Nicely, an attorney for Solarspace, which is based in China, said the company was disappointed.

This rate does not reflect the companys actual experience or even a realistic analogue, Nicely said in an email.

The other companies were not immediately available for comment through their U.S. attorneys.

A final determination in the countervailing investigation is expected in July, Commerce said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.)

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PM Modi was received at the airport by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara Netanyahu, marking his first visit to the country in nine years

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu receives PM Modi at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv on Wednesday. Screengrab

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a ceremonial red carpet welcome at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv on Wednesday as he started his two-day state visit to Israel.

PM Modi was received at the airport by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara Netanyahu, marking his first visit to the country in nine years.

WATCH LIVE: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife welcome Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel, in an official ceremony at Ben Gurion Airport.  https://t.co/FhaaOSpn6a  Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) February 25, 2026

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Netanyahu greeted PM Modi with an embrace and was subsequently accorded a ceremonial welcome by the Israeli military, highlighting the strong friendship and close ties between the two countries.

Later in the evening, PM Modi is scheduled to address the Knesset at 8 pm. He will also visit a technology and innovation exhibition before attending a private dinner hosted by Netanyahu.

On Thursday, the Prime Minister will visit Yad Vashem at 12:15 pm. Established in 1953, Yad Vashem serves as Israels official memorial to the six million Jews who were murdered by the Nazis during the Holocaust.

During the visit, PM Modi is scheduled to hold high-level talks with the Israeli leadership, with discussions expected to focus on cooperation in artificial intelligence and defence.

The meetings come at a time when Israel is looking to expand its military exports and deepen strategic partnerships.

With inputs from agencies
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger rebukes President Trumps State of the Union, accusing his administration of corruption, misleading claims on the economy, and harmful policies affecting healthcare, trade, and immigration

Abigail Spanberger delivers the Democratic response to US President Donald Trump's State of the Union address on February 24, 2026 in Williamsburg, Virginia. (Images via AFP)

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger delivered a Democratic response to Donald Trumps State of the Union address, painting a starkly different picture of the nations progress than the president offered in his speech.

Speaking from Colonial Williamsburg, Spanberger challenged Trumps claims of economic success and argued that everyday Americans are still struggling with high costs and insecurity.

Spanberger opened her remarks by asking a series of pointed questions aimed at voters: Is the president working to make life more affordable for you and your family? Is the president working to keep Americans safe both at home and abroad? Is the president working for you? She then declared bluntly, Tonight, as we watched our nations lawmakers gather for a joint session of Congress, we did not hear the truth from our president.

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The scale of this President's corruption is unprecedented.



The cover-up of the Epstein files. Crypto scams. Cozying up to billionaires for ballrooms.



It's crystal clear: the President is working for himself  not the American people. pic.twitter.com/lW0oF57fd0  Governor Abigail Spanberger (@GovernorVA) February 25, 2026

A central focus of Spanbergers rebuttal was rising living costs.

She said Trumps trade policies, particularly heavy tariffs, have raised household expenses, forcing families to pay more on everyday essentials. Spanberger also criticised the One Big Beautiful Bill legislation backed by Republican lawmakers, arguing it threatens rural hospitals, undermines healthcare access, and drives up energy and housing costs.

Spanberger didnt stop at economics; she attacked the administrations immigration enforcement strategies as well, accusing federal agents of making unwarranted arrests and terrorising communities.

Our broken immigration system is something to be fixed  not an excuse for unaccountable agents to terrorize our communities, she said, highlighting instances in which nursing mothers and children were separated or detained.

The governor also accused Trump of using the presidency to benefit himself and his inner circle, calling the level of alleged wrongdoing unprecedented. She cited issues including the handling of the Epstein files, controversial crypto dealings, and close ties to wealthy donors and foreign elites. Hes enriching himself, his family, his friends, she said.

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Addressing the Israeli Parliament, PM Modi reaffirmed Indias solidarity with Israel, declared zero tolerance for terrorism, recalled the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, and voiced support for the UN-endorsed Gaza Peace Initiative while calling for dialogue and regional stability

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday condemned the October 7 Hamas attack and expressed Indias solidarity with Israel, saying, We share your grief during his address to the Knesset.

#WATCH | Jerusalem, Israel: Addressing the Israeli Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "...I was born on the same day that India formally recognised Israel, September 17, 1950. I also carry with me the deepest condolences of the people of India for every life lost and pic.twitter.com/9XJqH9GZ8m  ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2026

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I was born on the same day that India formally recognised Israel, September 17, 1950. I also carry with me the deepest condolences of the people of India for every life lost and for every family whose world was shattered in the barbaric terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7th. We feel your pain, we share your grief. India stands with Israel firmly, with full conviction in this moment and beyond, PM Modi said.

Addressing the broader issue of terrorism, PM Modi said no cause can justify the murder of civilians and highlighted how India too has been a victim of terrorism.

#WATCH | Jerusalem, Israel: Addressing the Israeli Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "No cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism. India has also endured the pain of terrorism for a long time. We remember the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and https://t.co/V6i5dcBD8s pic.twitter.com/cApoO22Td7  ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2026

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Nothing can justify terrorism. India has also endured the pain of terrorism for a long time. We remember the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the innocent lives lost, including Israeli citizens. Like you, we have a consistent and uncompromising policy of zero tolerance for terrorism with no double standards, he said.

He further highlighted the global threat of terrorism, saying, Terrorism aims to destabilise societies, to block development and to erode trust. Countering terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action because terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere. That is why India supports all efforts that contribute to durable peace and regional stability.

PM Modi addresses Palestine issue

On the path to peace in the region, PM Modi highlighted the Gaza Peace Initiative, saying India has expressed its firm support for the initiative.

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The Gaza Peace Initiative, which was endorsed by the UN Security Council, offers a pathway. India has expressed its firm support for the initiative. We believe that it holds the promise of a just and durable peace for all the people of the region, including by addressing the Palestine issue. Let all our efforts be guided by wisdom, courage, and humanity. The road to peace is not always easy, but India joins you and the world for dialogue, peace and stability in this region, he said.

PM Modi also reflected on Indias historical ties to the Jewish community and the region itself.

Jewish communities have lived in India without fear of persecution or discrimination. They have preserved their faiths and participated fully in society, he said.

He added, Indias connection to this land is also written in blood and sacrifice. During the First World War, more than 4,000 Indian soldiers laid down their lives in this region.

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His address emphasised Indias unwavering support for Israel, the shared commitment to counter terrorism, and the importance of fostering dialogue, peace, and stability across the Middle East.

With inputs from agencies
In his first visit to Beijing, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he wants an improved and fair cooperation with China. In the wake of US President Donald Trumps disruption, he is caught in a balancing act of redefining the economic relationship with China that is increasingly unfavourable to German interests.

China's Premier Li Qiang welcomes German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on February 25, 2026. (Photo: Michael Kappeler/Pool via Reuters)

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Wednesday arrived in Beijing and said he is looking for an improved and fair cooperation with China.

Merzs visit has come at a time when Western nations are seeking a reset with China in a bid to diversify economic and trade relationship as they face tariffs and political coercion from the United States. Lately, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have also visited China.

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Merz met Chinese Premier Li Qiang said in Beijing on Wednesday and said Germany attached great importance on maintaining and deepening its intensive economic exchanges with China but emphasises the need to ensure fair cooperation and open communication, according to Reuters.

As Trumps economic and political agenda has hit Germany and Merz coalition hard, he is caught in a balancing act of redefining the economic relationship with China that is increasingly unfavourable to German interests. In recent years, China has given a dual blow to German automakers.

For a long time, demand has been sluggish in China and that has meant falling sales of German cars. The EY estimated that top three German automakers lost 76 per cent year-on-year in the third quarter of last year on account of falling sales in China. At the same time, Chinese EV-makers like BYD have flooded European markets with cheaper cars that have eaten into German carmakers market share.

Safeguard multilateralism & free trade: China tells Germany

In an apparent reference to US President Donald Trumps policies that have disrupted the world order, Li told Merz that Germany and China should work together to safeguard multilateralism and free trade.

China and Germany, as two of the worlds largest economies and major countries with important influence, should strengthen our confidence in cooperation, jointly safeguard multilateralism and free trade, and strive to build a more just and fair global governance system, said Li.

The message is in line with Chinas approach in Trumps second term, according to analysts.

The aim of Chinas leadership is quite simple. It wants to present itself as a guarantor of stability in a world rocked by U.S. unilateralism and aggression. The sequence of European visits are meant to underline this message and reinforce a narrative of trans-Atlantic division, Noah Barkin, an expert on European-Chinese relations at Rhodium Group, told The New York Times.

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Last year, China became Germanys biggest trading partner by overtaking the United States but the relationship remains largely one-sided as the trade deficit reached the record high of $101 billion.
As a historic super bomb cyclone shatters snowfall records from Rhode Island to NYC, Mayor Zohran Mamdani faces a political firestorm for downplaying ice-pelting attacks on police

Cars are seen buried under snow on Lincoln Avenue on February 24, 2026 in the Prospect Lefferts Gardens neighborhood of the Brooklyn borough in New York City. The snowstorm delivered up to 24 inches of snow to parts of New York City, canceled flights, disrupted transit, and downed power lines. Mayor Zohran Mamdani gave public schools a rare snow day on Monday in what was one of the largest snowstorms to hit the area in recent history. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Michael M. Santiago / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

A historic super bomb cyclone has buried the US Northeast under nearly three feet of snow, paralysing the region and leaving over 450,000 residents without power. The storm quickly grew severe, causing emergencies from Maryland to Maine, with Warwick, Rhode Island, seeing 38 inches of snow.

In New York City, Central Park logged 19 inches while parts of Brooklyn and Staten Island saw upwards of two feet. The ferocity of the blizzard, compounded by 83 mph wind gusts, forced the cancellation of more than 5,600 flights and grounded 40% of schedules at major hubs like JFK and LaGuardia.

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In response to the chaos, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani implemented a mandatory ban on non-emergency travel and closed all public schools, opting for a traditional snow day over remote learning. Im calling this the first old-school snow day since 2019, Mamdani stated during a briefing, encouraging the citys youth to stay cozy while the city mobilised 2,600 sanitation workers and hired emergency shovellers at rates up to $45 an hour to clear the buried streets.

Mamdani in a sticky situation

However, the festive atmosphere turned tense following a viral incident in Washington Square Park. A massive snowball fight, reportedly organised by the social media group Sidetalk, escalated as participants began pelting NYPD officers with snow and ice. The confrontation resulted in two officers being hospitalised with facial lacerations after being struck by what witnesses described as ice chunks and rocks. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch condemned the behaviour as disgraceful and criminal, calling for a full investigation into those involved.

NYPD under snowball attack all day after the Bomb Cyclone dumped more than 15 inches of snow. pic.twitter.com/DerSE8AwL7  SynCronus (@syncronus) February 24, 2026

Despite the injuries to law enforcement, Mayor Mamdani took a noticeably lenient stance that has sparked a political storm. From the videos Ive seen, it looks like a snowball fight, Mamdani remarked, declining to support a criminal probe into the participants. He even attempted to diffuse the situation with humour, adding, If anyones catching a snowball, its me.

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In response, The NYPD released photos seeking to identify several men wanted in connection with an alleged snow-throwing attack on officers Monday at Washington Square Park. According to the NYPD, two uniformed officers responding to a call about a large, disorderly group in the park were targeted when two men intentionally struck the police officers multiple times with snow and ice in the head, neck and face, causing injuries.
Weekly crypto market analysis from Fixygen

According to Fixygen, the crypto market spent the week in a mode of restrained correction and sideways movement. Bitcoin fell by approximately 1.9% over the period, from $68,978 to $67,700, maintaining a trading range of $65,740-70,167. Ethereum fell by approximately 2.0% over the same week, from $1,998.79 to $1,957.86, with a range of $1,907.76-2,037.08.

As of February 22, CoinMarketCap estimated Bitcoin's capitalization at $1.35 trillion at a price of about $67,660, and Ethereum's capitalization at $236.3 billion at a price of about $1,957.8. Trading volumes indicated the dominance of stablecoins in circulation: USDT had about $42.19 billion per day, which is significantly higher than the total turnover of BTC and ETH for the same period.

The main factors of the week were continued tension around capital flows into crypto instruments and cautious risk appetite. The market discussed protracted outflows from US spot Bitcoin ETFs and deteriorating sentiment amid macroeconomic uncertainty. At the same time, by the end of the week, Bitcoin showed relative stability at around $68,000, even amid news of tariff initiatives in the US.

The news agenda also highlighted the topic of stablecoin regulation and sanctions compliance. The Financial Times wrote about the European Commission's proposal to expand the sanctions regime and effectively ban crypto transactions related to Russia, including references to specific payment solutions and stablecoin projects. Against this backdrop, on February 16, CoinDesk took a detailed look at the case of the ruble-pegged stablecoin A7A5 and its attempts to scale up amid sanctions pressure.

According to Fixygen, the market will assess how resilient demand is after a series of outflows from ETFs, how quickly risk appetite responds to trade tariff signals, and new regulatory steps in the US and EU.


Apple has announced a major expansion of its factory operations in Houston. The company will bring future production of Mac mini to the United States for the first time, expand advanced AI server manufacturing at the site, and begin hands-on training at a new Advanced Manufacturing Center later this year. Apple said the Houston operations will create thousands of jobs.

Mac mini production moves to the U.S.

Beginning later this year, Mac mini will be produced at a new factory located on Apples Houston manufacturing campus. The addition will double the sites footprint.

Mac mini has been in use globally for more than two decades. Apple said the compact desktop system is used by students, creative professionals, and small business owners. The upcoming shift marks the first time the product will be manufactured in the United States.

AI server production in Houston

Apple began producing advanced AI servers in Houston in 2025 for the first time. The company said production is already ahead of schedule. Servers assembled at the Houston facility  including logic boards manufactured onsite  are deployed in Apple data centers across the country.

Advanced Manufacturing Center

Later this year, Apples 20,000-square-foot Advanced Manufacturing Center is scheduled to open in Houston. The facility is currently under construction.

The center will provide hands-on training in advanced manufacturing techniques to students, supplier employees, and American businesses of all sizes. Apple experts will train participants using the same manufacturing processes applied in the production of Apple products.

Milestones under Apples $600 billion U.S. commitment

Since announcing a $600 billion investment commitment in the United States last year, Apple and its American Manufacturing Program partners have reported several milestones:

Apple exceeded its target by sourcing more than 20 billion U.S.-made chips from 24 factories across 12 states, including facilities operated by TSMC , Broadcom , and Texas Instruments .

, , and . GlobalWafers began production at its new $4 billion bare silicon wafer facility in Sherman, Texas. At Apples direction, wafers produced there will be used by Apples U.S.-based chip manufacturing partners, including TSMC and Texas Instruments.

began production at its new $4 billion bare silicon wafer facility in Sherman, Texas. At Apples direction, wafers produced there will be used by Apples U.S.-based chip manufacturing partners, including TSMC and Texas Instruments. Supported by Apples investment, Amkor broke ground on its $7 billion semiconductor advanced packaging and test facility in Peoria, Arizona, where Apple will be the first and largest customer.

broke ground on its $7 billion semiconductor advanced packaging and test facility in Peoria, Arizona, where Apple will be the first and largest customer. Corning s Harrodsburg, Kentucky facility is now 100 percent dedicated to producing cover glass for iPhone and Apple Watch devices shipped globally. By the end of this year, every new iPhone and Apple Watch will feature cover glass manufactured in Kentucky.

s Harrodsburg, Kentucky facility is now 100 percent dedicated to producing cover glass for iPhone and Apple Watch devices shipped globally. By the end of this year, every new iPhone and Apple Watch will feature cover glass manufactured in Kentucky. In 2026, Apple is on track to purchase well over 100 million advanced chips produced by TSMC at its Arizona facility, representing a significant increase from 2025.

Apple Manufacturing Academy

Apple opened its Apple Manufacturing Academy in Detroit. The academy is already supporting more than 130 small- and medium-sized American manufacturers through hands-on training in AI, automation, and smart manufacturing.

The academy recently expanded with virtual programming, providing businesses nationwide with on-demand access to curriculum developed by Apple experts and faculty from Michigan State University.

Speaking on the announcement, Tim Cook, Apples CEO, said:
LG Electronics has announced plans to debut its next-generation smart telematics solution at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, scheduled from March 2 to March 5, 2026. The new hardware integrates a telematics control unit (TCU) and an antenna into a single module, designed to streamline and enhance in-vehicle connectivity.

Industry Context and Market Position

The introduction of this technology aligns with the automotive industrys ongoing transition from software-defined vehicles (SDVs) to AI-defined vehicles (AIDVs). As autonomous driving and complex infotainment systems develop, in-vehicle communication hardware is becoming increasingly central to automotive manufacturing.

LG approaches MWC 2026 maintaining a substantial presence in the sector. According to estimates based on 2025 data from the independent research firm TechInsights, LG held a 23% share of the global telematics market. At the event, the LG Vehicle Solution Company will host a private B2B exhibition specifically for automakers and telecommunications partners to showcase these new connectivity systems.

Technical Architecture and Benefits

The core of LGs new telematics architecture is the consolidation of signal reception and data processing. The integrated module features an antenna capable of receiving a variety of external signals, combined directly with the TCU responsible for processing and transmitting this data to the vehicles internal systems.

Supported signals include:

5G cellular networks

Global Positioning System (GPS)

Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication

Satellite communications

By merging these previously separate components, the optimized in-house design offers several distinct advantages:

Improved Performance: Consolidating the hardware reduces signal loss at physical connection points, enabling highly stable and rapid processing of both external and internal data.

Consolidating the hardware reduces signal loss at physical connection points, enabling highly stable and rapid processing of both external and internal data. Manufacturing Efficiency: The simplified architecture significantly reduces wiring complexity, which can improve assembly efficiency on the production line.

The simplified architecture significantly reduces wiring complexity, which can improve assembly efficiency on the production line. Design Flexibility: Moving the antenna into a centralized internal module eliminates the need for traditional exterior shark-fin antennas, allowing for smoother vehicle silhouettes.

Moving the antenna into a centralized internal module eliminates the need for traditional exterior shark-fin antennas, allowing for smoother vehicle silhouettes. Compliance: The system meets leading international standards for both regulatory compliance and cybersecurity.

Expanding the Automotive Ecosystem

The integrated telematics module is part of LGs broader expansion into automotive technologies. The company previously partnered with global automotive glass manufacturer Saint-Gobain Sekurit to develop transparent film-type antennas. These on-glass and in-glass antennas can be integrated into various vehicle models without altering the exterior design.

Furthermore, LG is actively developing its in-vehicle software suite, LG AlphaWare, to support the hardware components and facilitate the industry shift toward AIDVs.
Nothing recently revealed the design of the Nothing Phone (4a), the companys upcoming mid-range smartphone in white colour. It already confirmed the pink, blue, and black colors for the phone, in addition to white. Today, it has revealed the Pink colour.

The company also highlighted the new glyph lights, 6 white LEDs that are now present on the right side of the camera, arranged vertically, and the last colour is red, which will act as an indicator when you are recording.

There will be dolphin, wings, and more notification options for the glyph LEDs. It will also offer the hourglass effect that was present in the Nothing Phone (3) even with a single column of LEDs. Other features include glyph progress, camera timer countdown, and camera shutter.

The company has confirmed that the camera bump has been reduced in the Nothing Phone (4a) compared to the Phone (3a) since this uses a tetra prism telephoto lens.

To mark the launch of the pink colourway, Nothing has launched several cheeky activities across London including:

Disruptive graffiti across flyposters in central London featuring cultural references relating to the colour pink

Pink graffiti takeover of the Nothing Store Bengaluru window

The Nothing Phone (4a) launch event on March 5th starts at 10:30 AM GMT / 4 PM IST, and the company will offer a live stream from Central Saint Martins, London.

Lucy Birley, Colour Material Finish Design Lead at Nothing, discussed the inspiration behind pink, noting

Theres a lot of amazing old tech references that we go back to very often. Pink is actually just desaturated red, and when we put the tint inside the transparency, because of how the light interacts with the resin underneath, you get this incredible sense of depth, which makes our products look really lively, and we do have all of this detail under the transparency, so its really nice to celebrate that.
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Russo-Ukraine War - 24 February 2026 - Day 1462

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 four years into the conflict, the majority of the professional Russian Ground Forces (RGF) that started the war has been attritted. This has forced Russia to rely on a large mass of low-quality personnel to continue to prosecute the war against Ukraine. As part of this transition to mass, Russia is restructuring its forces back to a division force concept. However, due to the need to apply constant pressure on the frontline casualty rates remain high limiting Russia's ability to fully form or reconstitute new and existing units.

Russia's personnel casualties of over 1,250,000 killed and wounded have undermined Russia's force quality. Most personnel currently serving in the Russian military have received minimal training, forcing Russian commanders to use basic tactics to make advances, despite the associated high casualty rates. Russian forces have adapted their tactics with greater use of lightweight vehicles, uncrewed aerial systems and infiltration groups, which has enabled the bypassing of Ukrainian defensive positions as well as disrupting Ukrainian logistics.

Despite the costs imposed on its ground forces, Russia has been able to impose constant pressure on Ukrainian defences. Russian territorial advances in Ukraine accelerated through 2025 with a peak at the end of the year. Continued offensive operations have been underpinned by the Russian leadership's tolerance for casualties, and RGF's quantitative overmatch relative to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The French Ministere des Armees et des Anciens combattants reported that the Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) appear to be gradually regaining the initiative across the entire front. Territorial gains remain stable.

In more details, it also reported that, over the past 24 hours, the Russian Armed Forces (RAF) have targeted the oblasts of Kyiv, Vinnytsia, Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Sumy, Kirovohrad, Mykolaiv, Poltava, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Odesa. By specifically targeting energy infrastructure and residential areas, the RAF are seeking to weaken the Ukrainian power grid and erode the resilience of the Ukrainian population. In the past 24 hours, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have targeted an oil facility in the Luhansk oblast and military equipment, two Rubin-class patrol boats, two Be-12 Chayka aircraft in Crimea, and one Tornado-S multiple rocket launcher in Zaporizhzhia.



The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, since the beginning of this day, there have been 143 combat encounters.

The defense forces continue to stop the enemy, destroy personnel and deplete its combat potential by providing a systematic fire effect.

The Russian opponent made 48 aviacijnih strikes, dropped 135 controlled air bombs. In addition, used 4315 kamikaze drones and carried out 2,395 shells of settlements and positions of our troops.

In the Northern Slobozhansky and Kursk directions, the Russian enemy carried out 68 shelling positions of our troops and settlements, including eight - with the use of the RSV. The total number of confrontations is seven.

In the South Slobozhansky direction, the Russian enemy four times stormed the positions of our units in the areas of the settlements of Vilcha, Sinelnikove and Mala Vovcha. Active assault actions are not being recorded at the moment.

In the Kupians komu direction, Russian forces attacked five times in the area of Glushkivka, Pi any and Kurilivka. Three attacks have already been made.

In the Lyman direction, Ukrainian soldiers repelled six Russian attacks in the areas of Shiykivka, Drobishevy, Stavkiv, Novosergiyivka and Stepovoye. Two assault actions are underway.

In the Slovak direction, the Russian opponent tried nine times to advance towards Yampol, Dronivka, Rai-Oleksandrivka and Zakitny. One attack continues.

In the Kramators komu direction, the Russian aggressor attacked twice, in the area of novodmitrivka and in the direction of konstantinivka.

In the Konstantinivka direction, the Russian invaders attacked the positions of our defenders 15 times today near the settlements of Konstyantinivka, Sofiyivka, Pleshiyivka, Berestok, Illinivka and Stepanivka. The battle is brewing.

The enemy committed 21 attacks in the Pokrovsky direction. The Russian occupiers tried to advance in the areas of the settlements Rodinske, Pokrovsk, Kotline, Molodetske, Filiya and Grishine. One Russian attempt to improve their position is still ongoing.

According to preliminary calculations, today 27 Russian occupants were eliminated and 11 wounded in this direction; two vehicles and two shelters were destroyed, four cannons, four vehicles and an UPLA control point were damaged. Destroyed or suppressed 152 BPLA of different types.

In the Oleksandrivsky direction, the Russian occupiers four times tried to improve their position, attacking towards Ternovy, New Zaporizhia and Zlagoda. One of these attempts is still ongoing.

In the Gulyaipil direction there were 15 Russian attacks: in the area of Zaliznychnny, Zagirny, Svyatopetrivka, Krynychnny and Gulyaipol. The four strokes are not done.

In the Orihiv direction, the Russian enemy attacked six times in the districts of Stepnogirsk, Stepovoye and Plavniv.

In the Pridniprovsk direction, the Russian opponent's offensive actions were not fixed.

In other directions, no significant changes in the environment have been recorded at this time.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation.

Units of the Sever Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Three mechanised brigades of the AFU, two territorial defence brigades, and a national guard brigade were hit near Olshanka, Sennoye, Bachevsk, Khrapovshchina, and Pokrovka (Sumy region).

In Kharkov region, units of three mechanised brigades of the AFU were hit near Krasny Yar, Grafskoye, Volchanskiye Khutora, and Kolodeznoye in Kharkov region.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 215 troops, four armoured fighting vehicles, nine motor vehicles, one Western-made MLRS system, and two field artillery guns, including one U.S.-made M777 howitzer, as well as two electronic warfare stations. An ammunition depot and ten material depots were neutralised.

The Zapad Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. Russian troops engaged manpower and hardware of three mechanised brigades of the AFU and two national guard brigades near Monachinovka, Chervony Oskol, Borovaya, Novoosinovo in Kharkov region, Aleksandrovka, and Krasny Liman in the Donetsk People's Republic.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 170 troops, three armoured fighting vehicles, including one U.S.-made HMMWV armoured vehicle, 19 motor vehicles, two artillery guns, including one Western-made artillery gun, and two electronic warfare stations.

The Yuzhnaya Group of Forces improved the tactical situation along the front line. Strikes were delivered at formations of three mechanised brigades, one assault brigade of the AFU, and a marine brigade near Alekseyevo-Druzhkovka, Druzhkovka, and Shabelkovka in the Donetsk People's Republic.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 115 troops, four armoured fighting vehicles, 15 motor vehicles, three field artillery guns, including one Western-made artillery gun, and five electronic warfare stations. One ammunition and two materiel depots were eliminated.

The Tsentr Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Losses were inflicted on manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades, a jaeger brigade, an air assault brigade of the AFU, a marine brigade, a territorial defence brigade, and a national guard brigade near Novoaleksandrovka, Vodyanskoye, Dobropolye, Sergeyevka in the Donetsk People's Republic, Novopodgorodnoye, and Mezhevaya in Dnepropetrovsk region.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 335 troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, nine motor vehicles, and one MLRS combat vehicle.

As a result of offensive operations, the Vostok Group's units liberated Rizdvyanka in Zaporozhye region.

Russian troops inflicted losses on the formations of a mechanised brigade, two air assault brigades, and two assault regiments of the AFU close to Verkhnyaya Tersa, Lyubitskoye, Barvinovka, Charivnoye (Zaporozhye region), and Velikomikhaylovka (Dnepropetrovsk region).

The enemy lost up to 170 troops, four armoured fighting vehicles, and 18 motor vehicles.

The Dnepr Group's units inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of a mechanised brigade and a mountain assault brigade near Kirovo and Orekhov in Zaporozhye region.

Up to 70 troops, 17 motor vehicles, one Western-made field artillery gun, and one electronic warfare station were neutralised.

Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack drones, missile troops and artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have inflicted damage on transport and energy infrastructure facilities used in the interests of the AFU, UAVs storage and preparation facilities, as well as temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries in 154 areas.

Air defence systems shot down six guided aerial bombs, six MLRS projectiles, and 380 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.

In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 670 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 117,184 unmanned aerial vehicles, 650 anti-aircraft missile systems, 27,851 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,673 MLRS fighting vehicles, 33,460 field artillery guns and mortars, and 55,166 units of support military vehicles have been neutralised.

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A few weeks ago, in a speech to the Democratic National Convention, Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin asked a loaded question: "Do we want to be a country  where tens of thousands of people die from a virus  or where the American Dream lives?" I know the answer to that one, but it's setting the bar a bit low. Of course we all want to escape the ravages of the coronavirus, but once we've done that, does it make any sense to say we've achieved the American Dream? The more you think about that assertion, the sillier it is.The following week, however, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California ventured quite a bit further. "As Republicans," he told the GOP convention, "it's our mission to renew the American dream  restore our way of life."Political leaders like to talk in these grandiose terms, especially to partisan audiences, but this year we seem to be suffering from an outbreak of American Dream fever. It's hard to tune in to any political gathering without hearing the magic words.Sometimes it reminds me of idle talk about the Great American Novel. Has there ever been one that critics could agree on? Will there ever be one? No. Will we ever stop pontificating about it? Of course not. But it's a pretty harmless form of blather.I don't think I can say the same thing about the invocation of the American Dream in politics. When office-holders and candidates keep bringing it up, they are instilling in gullible minds the notion that there is something government can do to fulfill our deepest-held wishes for satisfaction. We'd all be better off if we stopped pretending that. Neither federal nor state nor local government can wave a wand (or pass a law or issue a proclamation) that will reward us with the American Dream.must date back to the founding of the Republic, but in fact they are a modern conceit. The phrase "American Dream" was first used in 1931 by the historian James Truslow Adams in his book. It meant, he wrote, "that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone." Better and richer and fuller in what way? He didn't say. Maybe in the middle of the Depression it seemed obvious. It doesn't seem quite so obvious now.What's clearly true is that the American Dream has meant vastly different things to people in different times and places  if it has any sort of genuine meaning at all.It's interesting that when ordinary Americans are asked if they feel the Dream has somehow been lost, it is the more recent immigrants who say it hasn't. This could be because they believe they had never attained it to begin with, but I don't think that's the explanation. I think they consider their arrival and continued presence in this country to be the realization of a dream in itself.That's been the case with previous generations. A couple of decades ago, I spent some time talking to second-generation immigrant families who were able to afford small but neat bungalows on Chicago's Southwest Side. These were people who had spent the Depression and war years in cold-water tenement flats a short distance away. Those two-bedroom brick bungalows were the American Dream for them. But not forever. By the early 1960s, many of them had bought bigger ranch houses with back yards in suburbs south of the city limits. A house with a yard, and a job that supported the mortgage payment, were their new incarnation of the American Dream.I came away from those conversations convinced that whatever the American Dream might be at a given time, real estate had something to do with it. And I still tend to believe that. There are a lot of people right now with lower-middle-class service jobs in Chicago or San Francisco or Seattle for whom a small affordable apartment convenient to work would be more than dream enough. Maybe that's one piece of the American Dream we could actually work on.But better housing isn't the only thing Americans like to fantasize about. Millions of them have been persuaded that the core of the Dream for an ordinary family is the assurance that their children will live a better (or at least more affluent) life than they have been able to live. I don't know how this became conventional wisdom, but when you think about it, it doesn't make much sense. Generational prosperity is cyclical, not linear. There are no guarantees, and never have been. If you graduated from high school or college in 1930, you faced far bleaker economic prospects than if you had graduated in 1910. By 1950, things were looking up again. In 2010, opportunity was curtailed by another stagnation. To take it as a given that your children should out-achieve you is to swallow a proposition that ends up causing much of the American public needless feelings of anxiety and nights of insomnia.rhapsodize these days about the American Dream, they are usually talking about an image of the postwar years. It is an image that is based largely on homogeneity. Suppose that in the 1950s you were a decently paid industrial worker in Wisconsin or Iowa, for example, and that you lived in a small town where nearly everyone behaved like you, thought like you and very likely even looked like you. It was a comfortable and reassuring existence. Elite opinion now inveighs against homogeneity and preaches the virtues of diverse communities. But the hard reality is that most people tend to be happier in homogeneous surroundings. Decades of reliable research have proved this to be true, though it may be an uncomfortable fact.And suppose that, at this point in the 21st century, this same town has been heavily impacted by the disappearance of steady factory work and the arrival of a large cohort of immigrants who speak little English, eat unfamiliar kinds of food, and do the low-paid service work or grubby blue-collar tasks that now dominate the local economy. There is no legitimate reason to resent or dislike these people. But it is not surprising that the old-timers would feel something precious has been taken away from them  that they have lost the American Dream.It's worth pointing out, though, that as the postwar middle-class Americans of midwestern towns thrived on their version of the American Dream, millions of young people who rejected that world had a safety valve that allowed them to escape from it. For the youthful malcontents of small-town America in the 1950s, the dream to be pursued was a move to New York or Chicago or Boston or San Francisco. It was a job in the arts, or journalism, or in the academy. These were the dissidents who believed in Scott Fitzgerald's dictum that the American Dream was discovery and individualism.Today, in a new century, the safety valve scarcely exists. There are no cheap apartments available to young people in the hot cities of 2020, and very few appealing starter jobs for them to claim. This is yet another version of the American Dream that can be said to have eroded.began a project that involved interviewing 170 ordinary people and asking them what they thought the American Dream might be. He spent more than a decade at the task, and he learned a great deal. His conclusions are documented in an excellent recent book,Brown discovered that in Red State America, respondents tend to couch the American Dream in terms of personal liberty  often the liberty to carry a gun. Perhaps the current equivalent would be the freedom not to wear a mask in the middle of a pandemic. A man in Utah said the American Dream was simply having a refuge, a place where he could be free from the indignities of oppressive government.For Blue State America, the dream more often had to do with safety and personal security. Sometimes it was very specific. A woman who had lost a child at Sandy Hook told Brown that her American Dream was "to have a country where no child ever experiences the devastation of school shootings." A young African American living in a dangerous neighborhood said his American Dream was simply survival  "to grow up to be a black man."Ian Brown learned, after years of diligent inquiry, that the American Dream is in the mind of the dreamer. It is not a fixed ideal that anyone in politics or government can credibly promise to uphold or restore.Brown did, however, evoke one graceful vision that seems to me both compelling and almost universally meaningful. It came from Jordyn Taylor, a young woman in Cleveland, Ohio. "My dream," Taylor told him, "is to have a dream worth dreaming." I think we can all aspire to that.
From the reporter's notebook

I chose a weeks stopover in Taiwan because I had special arrangements set up with the government there. My congressman at the time was Lloyd Meeds. He had some influence there because his wife was Chinese and knew a lot of government officials.

I was set up in a very Chinese hotel with a car and driver at my disposal. I didnt know at the time that I would land there in the midst of the Chinese New Year celebration.

It was The Year of the Horse and the capital was jammed with traffic.

It apparently is the custom to pay your debts with Funny Money printed for that purpose. I had a bunch of the stuff printed in red ink.

We were jammed in the middle of the city, with a population of a couple of million people. In a day or two things let up so we could get around. Taiwan is an island about 100 miles from mainland China, controlled by the communists. Taiwan was controlled by the Nationalists who were chased off the mainland during the civil war there.

One of the things I had asked for was to visit a farm there. We went out about 59 miles and surprised a family on a very small piece of land.

The other thing I asked for was to visit the countrys national museum. I wanted to see what the Nationalists were able to take with them when they were forced to flee the mainland.

The arrangements made by the Meeds had proved vital to seeing things not available otherwise.
Wolff shrugs off e-vote over compression rule

Toto Wolff insists Mercedes is indifferent to the outcome of the looming electronic vote on Formula 1's controversial compression rule clarification.

Kimi Antonelli, Barcelona test GP 2026

 Mercedes

The FIA is set to seek approval for a revised checking method from August, following pressure from rival power unit manufacturers who argue the current interpretation leaves room for grey areas.

Wolff, however, played down the significance.

It doesn't matter to us, either way, the Mercedes boss said. It doesn't matter if the current rules remain or if the FIA proposal is approved by electronic voting.

When pressed, he suggested the political noise exceeds the technical reality.

I think they're making a big fuss about something that isn't a big deal, Wolff said. If the figures being talked about were true, I would understand the reason for the dispute, but in reality, it's not that big of a deal.

Mercedes maintains that even if compression ratios are adjusted under a new monitoring approach, the performance impact would be marginal.

It doesn't make much difference to us whether we stick to the current rules or adopt the new checking method, Wolff added. We want to be a good part of the sport.

At the same time, he questioned the tactics of rival manufacturers.

"Philosophically, I'm against it. The rules should be followed and we should work closely with the governing body. But what should we do if the other four power unit manufacturers put strong pressure on the FIA?

We could have protested and fought, but is that the way things should be?

Wolff argued that Formula 1 should remain a meritocracy rather than drift toward any form of performance balancing.

F1 is a meritocracy and we don't want to see a balance of performance, he said. "We develop components according to the rules, and when they are confirmed as legal, other teams band together and question them.

"Is that the right way to do things?

Philosophically I don't agree with it, but this has happened over the 50 years of F1 history. Now we're in that position. Maybe next time we'll do it to someone else.

(GMM)
Featured

Ukraine: Ghana in talks with Zelenskyy over release of two nationals

GraphicOnline International News Feb - 25 - 2026 , 19:25 2 minutes read

Ghana has stepped up diplomatic efforts to secure the release of two of its citizens being held as prisoners of war in Ukraine, following high-level talks between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv.

In a Facebook post after the meeting, Mr Ablakwa disclosed that he had been graciously hosted by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ukraine earlier today, where discussions centred on Ghanas appeal for the freedom of the detained nationals.

We held fruitful discussions focused on Ghanas appeal on humanitarian grounds for the release of two of our citizens being held as prisoners of war in Ukraine, the minister wrote, signalling what appears to be Accras most direct diplomatic engagement yet on the matter.

Although details of the circumstances under which the two Ghanaians were captured were not disclosed, the Foreign Affairs Minister indicated that their treatment had been a key concern of the government. He said he had conveyed the gratitude of President Mahama and the Government of Ghana to President Zelenskyy for ensuring that the rights of our citizens being held are protected as required under international law.

The talks extended beyond the immediate humanitarian issue to broader security concerns affecting African youth. Mr Ablakwa said the bilateral discussions examined how our two countries can effectively combat the threat posed by trafficking networks who lure vulnerable unsuspecting youth from Africa only to end up risking their lives in the ongoing war.

His comments suggest growing concern within government about the activities of transnational recruitment and trafficking networks that exploit economic vulnerability, drawing young Africans into conflict zones under false pretences.

Despite the sensitivity of the negotiations, the minister struck an optimistic tone. I am optimistic that we shall be successful in our negotiations, he stated, without providing a timeline for any potential release.

The meeting also appears to have opened a broader diplomatic chapter between Accra and Kyiv. According to Mr Ablakwa, both sides agreed to deepen our relations with strategic interventions outlined in agriculture, defence, education and trade.

In a further sign of warming ties, he disclosed that President Zelenskyy has extended a formal invitation to President Mahama as Kyiv seeks to elevate its diplomatic ties with Accra. Such a visit, if it materialises, would mark a significant moment in GhanaUkraine relations at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions.

The minister concluded his post with a declaration of government policy, stating: Every Ghanaian life matters to the Mahama Administration.
Ukraine: Ghana in talks with Zelenskyy over release of two nationals

Previous article: Ukraine: Ghana in talks with Zelenskyy over release of two nationals

Featured

Ghanaian fighters captured in Ukraine: Countries pledge cooperation under Geneva Conventions

GraphicOnline International News Feb - 25 - 2026 , 12:26 3 minutes read

Ukraine today confirmed that Ghanaian nationals captured on the battlefield while fighting for Russian forces are being held as prisoners of war during the historic visit of Ghanas Foreign Affairs Minister to Kyiv.

The issue of the Ghanaian prisoners of war (PoWs) was discussed during talks between Ghanas Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, on Wednesday, February 25.

We also discussed the issue of Ghanaian PoWs captured while fighting for the aggressor, Mr Sybiha disclosed in a post on X after the meeting.

The revelation marks one of the clearest official acknowledgements that Ghanaian citizens have been detained in Ukraine in connection with Russias ongoing military campaign. While details regarding the number of detainees and the circumstances of their recruitment remain unclear, the matter introduces complex legal and diplomatic considerations for Accra.

Mr Sybiha stressed that Ukraine would handle the detainees in accordance with international humanitarian law.

Ukraine strictly upholds the Geneva Conventions and will grant Ghanaian diplomats access to their nationals. We confirmed our readiness to cooperate in resolving this issue in accordance with international law and in coordination with the competent authorities of Ukraine.

He also issued a pointed appeal to African governments, including Ghana, to discourage recruitment into Russias armed forces.

We urge Accra and other African capitals to take active measures to prevent the recruitment of their citizens into Russias army.

The PoW issue surfaced during what was otherwise a landmark diplomatic engagement. Mr Ablakwas trip to Kyiv is the first standalone visit by a Ghanaian foreign minister to Ukraine and, according to Ukrainian officials, the first such visit by an African foreign minister since the start of Russias full-scale invasion.

I am pleased to welcome my Ghanaian colleague, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to Kyiv today. This is a historic first visit by a foreign minister of the Republic of Ghana to Ukraine, and in fact the first standalone visit by an African foreign minister since the start of the full-scale war, Mr Sybiha said during a joint press conference.

The Ukrainian Foreign Minister said Kyiv views Ghana as an important partner in West Africa and across the continent, praising Accras support for Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity, including its vote at the United Nations General Assembly.

The ministers described their discussions as wide-ranging and practical, covering political dialogue, economic cooperation, humanitarian coordination and multilateral engagement.

We also separately discussed prospects for cooperation with Ghana in organizing Ukrainian and Ghanaian humanitarian initiatives aimed at ensuring global food stability We had a very focused discussion, including the possibility of establishing a grain hub on Ghanaian territory. Particular attention was paid to expanding trade, agricultural partnership, cooperation in education, and collaboration in the defence industries, Mr Sybiha noted.

The proposal to establish a grain hub in Ghana reflects Ukraines broader effort to maintain agricultural export routes and stabilise global food supply chains disrupted by the war.

The visit began with a symbolic gesture, as both ministers laid flowers at the Wall of Remembrance in Kyiv. Mr Sybiha said he thanked his Ghanaian counterpart for his words of support on the fourth grim anniversary of Russias full-scale invasion and for Ghanas backing of a recent UN resolution.

We wish to expand our mutually beneficial cooperation with Ghana for the benefit of both of our nations. While Russia drags foreigners to their deaths, Ukraine offers cooperation for the sake of life, education, and a common future, Mr Sybiha said.

Discussions also touched on possible reciprocal visits by the two countries leaders and the prospect of expanding Ghanas diplomatic presence in Ukraine.
ATU Matriculates 15,457 Fresh Students

Joyce Timbillah Awuni Education Feb - 25 - 2026 , 09:57 3 minutes read

Accra Technical University (ATU) has received 15,457 new students into its academic community.

The event, which was held last Saturday (February 21) at the university, welcomed 301 graduate students, 7,509 students enrolled in Bachelor of Technology (BTech) programmes, 4,009 students for the Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes, and 261 students from the Ghana Armed Forces School of Ordnance.

Remarks

At the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of Accra Technical University, Professor Amevi Acakpovi, said the matriculation ceremony marked the formal admission of students into the university and conferred on them the rights, responsibilities, and identified them as members of the ATU community.

He explained that from the day of matriculation, students ceased to be visitors and became full members of the institution, carrying the identity and reputation of the university wherever they went.

The Vice-Chancellor used the analogy of the bamboo and the oak to emphasise the importance of building a strong foundation during university education.

He noted that while the oak tree grows quickly and is admired for its strength, the bamboo spends years developing an extensive underground root system before it begins to grow rapidly.

Prof. Acakpovi explained that although the bamboos growth is not immediately visible, its deep and interconnected roots make it flexible and resilient, enabling it to withstand stormsunlike the oak, which may resist and ultimately break.

He told the students that their time at the university represents their bamboo season, a period in which they are expected to develop strong roots in discipline, knowledge, character, resilience, and technical competence.

The VC stressed that immediate results might not always be visible, but preparation and consistency would determine their long-term success.

Lessons

The vice-chancellor outlined three key lessons for the newly admitted students.

He urged them to build strong academic and professional foundations before seeking recognition, advising them to prioritise skills, competence, and mastery of fundamentals over titles and applause.

The vice-chancellor also encouraged the students to be flexible and resilient, stating that university life came with academic pressure, financial challenges, and emotional stress.

He urged them to grow beyond personal success and use their education to make a positive impact on society.

Prof. Acakpovi quoted former South African President Nelson Mandela, who described education as the most powerful weapon for changing the world, and emphasised that education without discipline was ineffective.

Expectations

The vice-chancellor reiterated the expectations of the university, stating that students were required to uphold academic integrity, avoid examination malpractice, and comply with all university regulations.

He encouraged the students to make effective use of the universitys laboratories, workshops, and innovation hubs to develop practical and technical skills.

He also urged them to participate in leadership training, skills exhibitions, and extracurricular activities, which contributed to holistic development.

Prof. Acakpovi emphasised that while a degree certificate could open doors, it was character that kept those doors open, and therefore admonished the students to demonstrate discipline, responsibility, and ethical conduct throughout their stay in the university.

University described as training workshop

The vice-chancellor described the university as a workshop where students were refined through academic instruction, practical training, and personal development.

He explained that students would experience the heat of assignments and the pressure of deadlines, which were necessary processes for shaping them into competent and responsible graduates.
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5G by 2027: Government directive puts telecom regulator on the clock

GraphicOnline Feb - 25 - 2026 , 16:47 2 minutes read

The government has set a deadline for nationwide fifth-generation mobile connectivity, directing the National Communications Authority (NCA) to ensure 70 per cent population coverage by Ghanas 70th Independence Day in 2027.

The target was announced by the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, at the launch of the 30th anniversary of the Communications Authority of Ghana in Accra on Wednesday, February 25.

Framing the move as a strategic policy shift, the Minister said Cabinet had taken what he described as a bold decision to democratise the rollout of 5G technology across the country, signalling a departure from cautious, phased deployment towards a faster and more competitive model.

Our vision is to achieve 70% of 5G population density coverage by the 70th independence celebration of our nation, next year. So, the work is cut out for the regulator. You have barely a year to roll out 5G using both the wholesale model and the network-led operations and achieve 70% population density coverage, he said.

The directive places significant pressure on the NCA, which will be required to coordinate spectrum allocation, licensing and operational frameworks within a compressed timeline.

According to Mr George, the Ministry will issue formal instructions to the regulator within days to begin preparations for a spectrum auction, expected to take place in the coming weeks.

The auction will pave the way for expanded participation in the 5G space, with the NCA mandated to supervise both the wholesale model and newly introduced network-led operations. The dual-track approach is intended to widen access while accelerating infrastructure deployment.

Mr George acknowledged the scale of the task but expressed confidence in the regulators capacity to deliver within the one-year window.

It is a steep aspiration, but I am more than confident in the resilience and abilities of the people who run the NCA, he said.
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Freight forwarders warn transit ban could cost Ghana Sahel trade

Benjamin Xornam Glover Feb - 25 - 2026 , 14:22 3 minutes read

The Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders has urged the government to reassess recent transit policy measures following a joint enforcement operation by officials of the Ghana Revenue Authority Customs Division and National Security.

The operation resulted in the interception of 12 articulated trucks carrying substantial quantities of food items, representing what authorities described as a significant potential revenue loss to the state.

Addressing a press conference in Tema on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, the General Secretary of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders, Paul Kobina Mensah, said the Institute did not condone illegal activity but cautioned that policy responses must strike a balance between safeguarding revenue and preserving Ghanas position as a preferred transit hub for Sahel-bound cargo.

He disclosed that all 18 trucks involved in the matter had been electronically tracked, explaining that six vehicles initially reported missing were later physically verified.

Mr Mensah said route deviations occurred after enforcement-related diversions to the Tema Transit Yard, which lies outside the declared transit corridor, arguing that the episode demonstrated the operational integrity of the tracking system rather than systemic failure.

In the aftermath of the incident, the government banned the land transit of cooking oil through Ghanas borders, directing that all such consignments be routed exclusively through the countrys seaports. The directive, issued by the Finance Minister, Cassiel Ato Forson, is intended to close loopholes that have exposed the state to revenue losses.

The Institute, however, warned that sweeping restrictions could create unintended consequences. Broad restrictions, if not carefully calibrated, may unintentionally penalize compliant operators and destabilize the transit regime, Mr Mensah said.

He emphasised that traders have the right to optimise cost, time and routing within legal frameworks, noting that corridor selection is often a rational response to port charges, cargo dwell times and procedural efficiency.

While acknowledging the need for reform in certain areas, including escort policy consistency, transit bond adequacy, route dwell monitoring and post-clearance reconciliation, the GIFF argued that such concerns should be addressed through targeted, intelligence-led controls rather than blanket commodity restrictions.

The Institute further cautioned that transit trade is highly sensitive to policy signals and warned that tighter controls could divert Sahel-bound cargo to competing corridors, reduce the utilisation of Ghanas transit infrastructure and lower Customs volumes.

Mr Mensah noted that cargo owners in Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali have alternative routes and respond swiftly to perceived regulatory friction.

He also pointed to possible diplomatic implications, suggesting that broad tightening of transit access could prompt neighbouring countries to impose reciprocal administrative barriers and adjust corridor preferences away from Ghana.

According to Mr Mensah, Ghanas leadership in the African Continental Free Trade Area era would be better secured through firm but facilitative compliance enforcement. He called for reforms centred on risk-based escorts, incident reconciliation, stakeholder engagement and clearer guidance to distinguish genuine diversion from enforcement anomalies.

The President of the Institute, Stephen Adjokatcher, reaffirmed support for government efforts to protect revenue, stressing that enforcement and trade facilitation must work in tandem to safeguard Ghanas transit advantage.
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Ghana activates border bases, deploys defence attaches after Burkina Faso terrorist attack on traders

Mohammed Ali Feb - 25 - 2026 , 11:03 2 minutes read

Ghana is deploying defence attaches to six countries, activating two forward operating bases along its northern borders and tightening surveillance along major routes following the attack on Ghanaian traders in Burkina Faso that left eight people dead and three injured.

The Deputy Minister for Defence, Mr Ernest Brogya Genfi, outlined the measures on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, when he briefed the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence, Interior, Foreign Affairs and National Security.

Mr Genfi said two forward operating bases at Jirapa and Hamile are ready and will soon become fully operational. He said the facilities are intended to strengthen security along Ghanas northern frontier, which borders Burkina Faso.

He added that surveillance along major border corridors has been intensified to detect and deter cross-border threats.

He also said the government has approved the deployment of defence attaches to six countries identified as high-risk. These are Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Israel, Iran and Libya.

According to him, the postings are aimed at improving the safety of Ghanaians living, working or travelling in those countries, while also providing intelligence support and strengthening diplomatic engagement.

Mr Genfi told the committee that Ghana will continue to work with authorities in Burkina Faso despite the attack taking place there. He said targeted joint training is underway to improve escort duties and security operations in response to gaps exposed by the incident.

He added that selected Ghanaian security personnel will undergo further academic and intelligence training at specialised centres, with attention on escort operations.

He said this forms part of a broader plan to protect Ghanaian citizens both within and outside the country.

The briefing follows the recent attack on Ghanaian tomato traders in Burkina Faso, which has raised concerns about the safety of citizens engaged in cross-border trade.

Burkina Faso is among the countries in the Sahel region facing ongoing security challenges, with terrorists posing risks to civilians, including foreign nationals.

Mr Genfi said the measures form part of a long-term plan to strengthen national security and protect Ghanaians at home and abroad.
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Ghana issues urgent travel advisory after cartel leader killed in Mexico

GraphicOnline Feb - 25 - 2026 , 06:59 3 minutes read

Ghana has issued a travel advisory urging its citizens in Mexico to exercise extreme caution following deadly security operations and retaliatory violence linked to one of the countrys most powerful criminal networks.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the advisory was prompted by the unfolding situation in Mexico after an operation by Mexican security forces on February 22, 2026, which resulted in the death of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as El Mencho and identified as the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

The ministry noted that the operation had triggered coordinated reprisals across several Mexican states, leading to heightened insecurity and disruption.

In view of the unfolding situation in Mexico, following the operation conducted by Mexican security forces on 22nd February, 2026, which resulted in the death of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, otherwise known as El Mencho (the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel), and the coordinated cartel retaliation across multiple states of Mexico, the Government of Ghana wishes to advise Ghanaian nationals travelling to or residing in any of the affected cities in Mexico to exercise extreme caution in their movement and refrain from non-essential travel, the statement said.

According to the advisory, the affected areas include Jalisco, Baja California, Colima, Guanajuato, Michoacan and Oaxaca. Authorities described the unrest as involving armed confrontations, the burning of vehicles and road blockages, resulting in casualties and widespread disruption to daily life.

The unrest has been characterised by armed clashes, arson of vehicles and road blockages, which have caused casualties and significant disruption to daily activities, the ministry stated.

Although Ghana does not maintain a resident diplomatic mission in Mexico, its embassy in Washington, D.C. holds concurrent accreditation and has been tasked with providing consular assistance to nationals who may require support.

Ghanaian citizens in the jurisdiction are encouraged to maintain communication with the Embassy of Ghana in Washington D.C. which is concurrently accredited to Mexico for consular assistance if the need arises, the statement added.

The ministry provided an emergency hotline number for affected nationals and urged continued vigilance as the situation evolves.

While cautioning its citizens, the government of Ghana also conveyed diplomatic support to Mexican authorities as they work to restore order.

The Government of the Republic of Ghana conveys its solidarity to the Government of the United Mexican States and expresses its confidence in the ability of the Mexican authorities to bring the situation under control, the statement concluded.

The advisory reflects growing international concern over the security fallout following the reported death of the cartel leader, with governments monitoring the impact of retaliatory violence across key regions of Mexico.
Finance Minister lays Value for Money Office Bill before Parliament

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Commemoration of International Mother Language Day: We must not abandon our indigenous languages, identity  Dzifa Gomashie

Dickson Worlanyo Dotse Feb - 25 - 2026 , 09:57 3 minutes read

The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has said national development aspirations do not require abandonment of indigenous languages and cultural identity.

On the contrary, she said linguistic diversity was a strategic national asset that could drive inclusive participation, strengthen social cohesion and enhance human capital development, particularly when local languages were used as primary medium of instruction, governance and national identity building.

Language is a riverbed through which culture flows. It is through language that the traditions, values and identity of the people are transmitted from one generation to another.

A society without its language loses its identity, Ms Gomashie added.

This was contained in a speech read on behalf of the minister during the commemoration of the 27th anniversary of International Mother Language Day in Accra on Monday.

Event

The International Mother Language Day was instituted by UNESCO in 1999 to be celebrated annually on February 21.

It aims at promoting linguistic diversity, preservation of endangered languages and advancement of multilingual education globally.

The event which was organised by the Bureau of Ghana Languages was on the theme: Youth voices on multilingual education.

In attendance were government officials, traditional authorities, language scholars, educators, students and cultural practitioners.

Global examples

Citing experiences from Asian economies such as South Korea, China, Singapore and Taiwan, Ms Gomashie observed that rapid industrialisation and technological advancement in those countries were achieved while grounding education, governance and national identity in their native languages, alongside strong second-language skills for global trade.

She described as alarming reports that nearly 3,000 languages worldwide could disappear by the end of the century, calling it a global cultural emergency that demanded deliberate and collective action.

The minister cautioned that neglecting indigenous languages weakened productivity and identity, and therefore, urged parents, educators and policymakers to promote local languages to strengthen moral foundations, cohesion and national development.

I will like everyone to speak their mother language proudly, practice their culture faithfully and pass this on to their children.

This is the surest path to meaningful and sustainable national development. Let us appreciate what we have, she said.

Policy restoration

The Executive Director of the Ghana Bureau of Languages, Ebenezer Ahiator, called on the Ministry of Education and relevant authorities to restore the compulsory teaching of Ghanaian languages in all secondary schools.

The policy that existed in the 1990s had been discontinued in some institutions.

He urged parents, educators and policymakers to actively teach children their mother tongue, reminding them that failure to safeguard the countrys linguistic heritage would have lasting consequences on future generations.

During a panel discussion, speakers also said that mother-tongue instruction significantly improved classroom comprehension, confidence and participation.

They observed that learners often disengaged when teaching was delivered solely in English.

They underscored the need to consolidate language-in-education policies, invest in materials and technology, and reposition national languages as valuable cultural and developmental assets.
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Nobody looked! - Family of hit-and-run victim grieves

Juliet Akyaa Safo Feb - 25 - 2026 , 12:52 4 minutes read

It is cruel fate that the victim of the hit-and-run incident refused medical care at three facilities was a brother of two medical doctors.

When fate struck on February 6, 2026, Charles Amissah, 29, who died of his wounds this month after he was denied care at the Police Hospital, the Greater Accra Regional Hospital and the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, had neither of his two sisters who are medical doctors in close proximity to offer help.

One of them, Dr (Med) Matilda Amissah, a medical doctor at the Emergency Unit of the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, is an award winning emergency care professional for her dedicated service to human care.

When emergency knocked on her familys door, other doctors and emergency facilities looked away as the accident victim, her only brother, bled to death.

Speaking through tears, Dr Amissah said her brother's death could have been prevented if only someone had taken a look at his injuries.The 29-year-old victim was said to be bleeding profusely from a

deep shoulder laceration after a hit-and-run incident at the Nkrumah Circle Overpass in Accra on February 6.

She said there were several ways his brother could have been saved.

I've saved lives and people come and thank me at the emergency unit. I won an award for Best Emergency Medical Officer.

I went for Osabarima Royal Awards for Best Department Emergency, and in less than a month, this is what has happened to my brother.

I'm looking at his injuries and I'm like, there are 1,000 ways to save this shoulder, but nobody looked, nobody looked. It's heartbreaking, she said sobbing uncontrollably.

She said the news of her brothers death shattered the family, particularly their mother, who is still struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.

Honestly, the news of his passing broke me. Ive worked in emergency care for two years, and I have never experienced a situation where an accident victim is turned away by health workers.

It really, really broke my mum, she told the Daily Graphic.

Investigations

Already, two doctors and two nurses at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital have been interdicted pending the outcome of an investigation instituted by the Ministry of Health, the management of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and the Health Facilities Regulatory Agency (HeFRA).

Dr Amissah stated that emergency care should not be dependent on whether a person was related to a doctor or a politician, stressing that everyone deserved care, regardless.

Right now, people are scared, scared that if something happens and you call for help, there may be no bed, she said.

On February 6, Charles Amissah, then an engineer at Promasidor Ghana Limited, had closed from work at the North Industrial Area in Accra and was riding on his motorcycle on his way home to Adenta when he was involved in a hit-and-run incident.

The National Ambulance Service responded and first took him to the Police Hospital, then to the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital) before taking him to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

For close to three hours, all three major hospitals refused to offer emergency care, citing no space within the facilities.

At Korle Bu, the Ambulance Service declined to further transport Mr Amissah to the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) at Legon due to the deterioration of his condition.

The victim later went into cardiac arrest, and even though cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was immediately initiated, he died.

Charles Amissah

Beyond the circumstances of his death, Dr Amissah described her brother as quiet and reserved, who had incredible engineering skills.

Funeral arrangement

She said the family had been contacted by officials from HeFRA to express condolences, and insisted that an error had occurred.

Dr Amissah said the family was now focused on laying her brother to rest and not considering legal action at the moment

We havent discussed that. We want to lay him to rest first, she said.

She said funeral arrangements were underway, with burial scheduled for Friday, February 27.

The funeral will be held from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Resurrection Methodist Chapel, Adenta. His workplace has been incredibly supportive; theyve taken on more than 50 per cent of the burial costs, she said.
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Govt to pay CI 129 gratuity arrears to retired soldiers from Friday

Mohammed Ali Feb - 25 - 2026 , 09:20 2 minutes read

The government of Ghana will begin paying long-outstanding gratuity arrears to retired military personnel under Constitutional Instrument 129, with the first tranche expected by close of business on February 27, 2026.

The Ghana Armed Forces announced this in a statement issued on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. It said the payments follow an agreement reached between the Military High Command, the Ministry of Finance, Ghana and the Ministry of Defence, Ghana, on a two-year phased plan.

In all, 238 officers and 2,155 soldiers, making a total of 2,393 beneficiaries, will receive arrears based on the revised gratuity formula.

Personnel who retired from November 2020 onwards qualify under the arrangement. After the first payment, the remaining amounts will be paid in four instalments between now and December 2027.

The decision follows a directive issued in January 2026 by President John Dramani Mahama during the annual West African Soldiers' Social Activity at Burma Camp.

At the event, he directed the Minister of Finance to release funds to clear outstanding gratuities, stating that arrears exceeding GH1 billion were owed to about 3,000 personnel.

President Mahama attributed the backlog to the lack of budgetary allocation after the introduction of CI 129 in 2020. The policy extended the years of service for military personnel and led to higher retirement benefits without corresponding funding.

At the same event, he also announced that new salary scales for personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces would take effect in March 2026, with arrears for January and February to be paid within the same period.

In a statement signed by Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations, the Armed Forces said the payments would resolve a matter that had remained unsettled since 2020. It added that all future retirements would be processed in line with CI 129.
Next article: Govt should enable economy.... Not control it - Minority Leader

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GRA interdicts 5 customs officers over transit cargo irregularities

GraphicOnline Feb - 25 - 2026 , 06:50 2 minutes read

The Ghana Revenue Authority has interdicted five officers from its Customs Division following what it described as discrepancies uncovered during an enforcement operation involving transit cargo bound for Niger.

In a press release issued on February 24, 2026, the Authority said the officers had been suspended with immediate effect pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

The action stems from preliminary findings linked to an operation conducted on February 18, 2026. According to the statement, the exercise focused on a consignment of goods declared as transit cargo for onward movement to Niger. However, officials identified irregularities in the accompanying documentation and compliance with established transit procedures.

Management said the anomalies were significant enough to warrant a comprehensive internal review.

The decision follows preliminary findings arising from an enforcement operation conducted on February 18, 2026, involving a consignment of transit cargo declared for onward movement to Niger. The operation revealed discrepancies in documentation and compliance with established transit procedures, prompting a detailed internal review, the statement said.

While the Authority did not specify the nature of the discrepancies, it indicated that early assessments pointed to possible breaches of procedure that required further scrutiny.

Initial assessments indicate potential procedural breaches requiring further independent and comprehensive examination, the statement added.

The GRA noted that the ongoing investigation would seek to establish the full facts, including whether there were individual departures from laid-down Customs protocols. It also signalled that the scope of the inquiry could widen if necessary.

The investigation will determine the full facts, including the extent of any individual involvement and departures from established Customs protocols. Additional officers may be invited to assist with the investigation where necessary and upon conclusion of the process, appropriate administrative action will be taken in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Transit cargo operations remain a sensitive aspect of Ghanas trade regime, particularly given the countrys role as a key corridor for landlocked neighbours such as Niger. Any lapses in procedure can expose the state to revenue losses and undermine confidence in border enforcement systems.

Against this backdrop, the Authority sought to reassure stakeholders that the interdictions were part of efforts to safeguard the integrity of the revenue system.

GRA wishes to assure all stakeholders and the general public that this action reflects a commitment to protect national revenue, growth of local industries and promote overall economic development, the statement said.

It further stressed its institutional commitment to professional standards in revenue mobilisation and enforcement.

We remain committed to ensure that all revenue collection and enforcement procedures are executed with the highest standards of professionalism and accountability.
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Ignore fake traffic fine messages, police caution public

Mohammed Ali Feb - 25 - 2026 , 08:50 1 minute read

The Ghana Police Service has warned the public about a viral electronic notice falsely claiming to be an official message on traffic offences and fines.

In a public notice issued on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, the police said the circulating message was false, fraudulent, invalid, and not coming from the Police Service. It urged the public to ignore the notice and avoid making any payments.

The police said the fake message has been circulating on digital platforms and is designed to look like an official communication. It accuses recipients of committing traffic offences and directs them to pay fines. The Service did not state how many people may have received or responded to the message.

The police warned that anyone involved in creating or sharing such notices risks arrest and prosecution. It said the act constitutes a criminal offence under Ghanaian law.

The development comes as the Ghana Police Service works with the Ministry of the Interior Ghana, Ministry of Transport Ghana, National Road Safety Authority, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, National Insurance Commission Ghana and the Ministry of Finance Ghana, to review road traffic regulations with the Parliament of Ghana ahead of a new automated enforcement system known as Traffitech-GH.

The police said updates on the official programme will be provided in due course.

It advised the public to ignore such messages, refrain from making payments, and report any suspicious communication to the nearest police station or through its official channels.
Nunoo-Mensah calls for moral reset for Ghanas next generation

Mohammed Ali Politics Feb - 25 - 2026 , 09:57 3 minutes read

A former Chief of the Defence Staff, Brigadier-General (retd) Joseph Nunoo-Mensah, has called for what he described as a moral reset in Ghana.

He cautioned that the weakening discipline, growing materialism and the erosion of communal values were shaping a generation without firm guidance.

He said the country must deliberately return to the principles of honesty, hard work and respect if it was to secure a stable future for its young people.

Memoir

Brigadier-General Nunoo-Mensah made the remarks at the launch of his memoir, My Memoir: I Dont Follow the Crowd, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Accra last Friday.

I generally worry about the future, he told the audience. What kind of world are you going to leave to our children and grandchildren?

Reflecting on changes in society, he said the sense of love and humanity that once defined communities appeared to be fading.

Social pressure

Responding to questions from the audience about his concerns for the youth, he said young people faced intense social pressure, including the public display of wealth and the pursuit of quick recognition.

He contrasted that with his upbringing in Winneba, where he undertook menial jobs, including loading cocoa and working as a drivers mate to fund his education.

We were taught discipline and truthfulness, he said. Those were non-negotiable.

Biography

A biographical profile presented at the event traced his rise from modest beginnings to the pinnacle of the Ghana Armed Forces. After enlisting in 1960, he was selected for officer training at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, in the United Kingdom, where he emerged as the best overseas cadet and won the academic sword.

He later became the Chief of Defence Staff in 1979 under the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council and was reappointed in 1982 under the Provisional National Defence Council, becoming the first Ghanaian officer to hold the position on two separate occasions.

In November 1982, he resigned on principle, maintaining that soldiers should not remain entrenched in political governance.

Brig. Gen. Nunoo-Mensah subsequently served as National Security Advisor under President John Evans Atta Mills and continued under President John Dramani Mahama until 2013.

Rare breed

Entrepreneur and political figure Nana Kwame Bediako, popularly known as Cheddar, paid tribute to the retired General, describing him as a rare elder who openly supported young leaders with conviction rather than convenience.

He recounted how Brigadier General Nunoo-Mensah stood with him publicly at a defining moment in his political journey, saying the gesture carried moral weight.

The chairman for the occasion, Colonel Benjamin Ahlijah (rtd), described the memoir as an important national document that went beyond personal recollection to offer insight into critical moments in Ghanas military and political history.

He urged public institutions, libraries and the academic community to support the documentation of Ghanas history through personal memoirs, noting that when those who witnessed pivotal events fail to write, future generations are left with incomplete accounts.
The snow was fun for some but caused headaches for restaurants still recovering from last months snowstorm. Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Valentines Day fell on the Saturday before Presidents Day this year, a once-every-few-years gift that, for New York City restaurants, is a bright spot during the usual slog of February. It basically gave us a supersize weekend, between Friday, Saturday, and a Sunday before the federal holiday that most diners treated as another weekend night, says Max Katzenberg, director of operations at Tokyo Record Bar and Roscioli NYC. It was a little profit, a little breath of air, he says. All of that got totally wiped out by this storm.

When reports of a major blizzard headed for New York City began circulating on Friday, Katzenberg took to his phone to refresh the weather report and to watch for guidance from the city government. Its always so minute to minute, he says. We were like, Okay, its going to be a late-starting storm, so well be able to do a full night of service on Sunday. By Sunday afternoon, Mayor Zohran Mamdani had declared a ban on nonessential travel from 9 p.m. to 12 p.m. on Monday, and the plan changed.

A couple of weeks ago, when that first big storm happened, we were kind of like, Okay, we expect this to happen once a year, says Halley Chambers, co-owner of Margot and Montague Diner. We worried about our teams ability to transport themselves to the restaurant safely, and reservations are low, so we just decided to close.

But facing that same decision again so soon forced Chambers and other operators to weigh the consequences of an unplanned closure anew. (Both Margot and Montague Diner stayed open for dinner until the travel ban went into effect on Sunday.) At Roscioli, Katzenberg sent off a round of emails to regulars within walking distance who might want to come in for a bowl of pasta; Chateau Royale owner Cody Pruitt opted to keep the bar room open for the neighborhood, because who doesnt crave a martini in a snowstorm? Its less about scaling back ambition and more about being pragmatic, he says. Shutting down is a last resort: Every closure sets off a chain reaction, from the reservations we have to cancel to guests who are disappointed, product sitting in our walk-ins that has a clock on it, and revenue thats just gone, adds Ayesha Nurdjaja, chef and owner of Shukette and Shuka.

Takeout-dependent businesses dont fare much better but for different reasons. If anything, adding a middleman to the equation in the form of a delivery app only complicates things. One of the most frustrating parts is when the delivery apps stay open when they shouldnt and take orders without having enough drivers to actually pick them up, says Ann Redding, co-owner of Thai Diner and Mommy Pais, the takeout- and delivery-only fried-chicken spot in Nolita. Thats tough on us and tough on guests. Orders sit, ETAs get pushed, and no ones happy. Nurdjaja adds that the whole delivery system needs to become more streamlined and responsive: The platforms arent always quick enough to turn off service.

And as anyone whos tried to navigate the citys slush mountains knows, a storms impact doesnt end when the last snowflake hits the ground. We just kept getting emails from yesterday to right now from our vendors  wine, fish, vegetables, everything  so we decided like an hour ago to not open Tuesday, says Ronan Duchene Le May, owner of Le Chene. Similarly, Chambers and her partner, Kip Green, spent Monday morning fielding calls from vendors who were unable to make deliveries in the snow, and then game-planning how to function without the basic inputs that make a restaurant work, like produce and labor.

Unshoveled sidewalks and out-of-commission public transit also hamper foot traffic in both a figurative sense  No one wants to sit down to eat with wet or dirty clothing, says Ernestos and Bartolo owner Ryan Bartlow  and literally. If walkways dont get cleared, as was this past month or so, there is nowhere for people to walk, stroll, or have fun, says Dennis Spina, chef and owner of Cafe Kestrel in Red Hook. Weve been lucky by Red Hook standards, but thats not to say that we arent reliant on foot traffic or a lovely stroll that ends with dinner or lunch here on the weekends and nicer days. It has made the weekday services especially challenging.

More than anything, restaurateurs I spoke to are tired of having to shoulder the burden on their own: Its easy to just say, Oh, what a shitty start to the year, but I think coming out of the pandemic, we actually havent done a lot as a city to figure out how to support small businesses  once again, owners are in the position of needing to generate revenue without resources available, says Chambers, who is in support of a winter rent subsidy for independent restaurants faced with unexpected closures.

In a perfect world, Id love to see the city offer direct grants to independent restaurants when theres a declared weather emergency. Something that actually offsets the lost revenue, or at a minimum helps cover labor so operators arent pushing the cost onto their staffs PTO, says Nurdjaja. Were the restaurants that keep neighborhoods running, that employ people year-round, that contribute to the citys tax base. When New York shuts down, we absorb that loss almost entirely on our own. Some form of real, structured support from the city would make such a meaningful difference.

This post has been updated to correct Katzenbergs title.
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According to a new report from its home country of Korea, Samsung is upping its initial production run for the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra, due to be made official at its Unpacked event tomorrow.

The company was allegedly planning to make around 2.5-2.9 million units initially, in the first two months, but this number has now been upped to 3.5-3.9 million units. That's about a one million increase, and it's definitely not small.

This is, however, just a report from "an industry insider", so don't forget to take it with a pinch of salt. The reasoning for the increased initial production apparently has to do with Samsung preparing for higher production costs down the line, due to rising semiconductor prices.

Basically, it's not necessarily an indication that the company thinks the S26 Ultra will do better than it initially expected, sales-wise, in the first months of its availability. Instead, Samsung will be stockpiling the extra units to be sold later, since it can now make them at what it thinks is a lower price compared to what it will manage later in the year.

The total production plan of the S26 Ultra for the first year hasn't changed, which further cements this theory. Samsung expects to make around 18 million units of the phone in the first year. This means it expects the Ultra to be the best seller of the S26 family by far, since it only plans to make 12 million units of the S26 and S26+ combined.

Source (in Korean)
Adelup on Wednesday night said the Department of Administration recovered $1.6 million stolen during an online attack that targeted the Judiciary of Guam and DOA, but details are limited, including when the attack was discovered and whether that figure was the total amount taken.

This crime is still under active local and federal investigation and as such, only limited details are being released, the governors office said.

Among whats known is that the entire theft was carried out in cyberspace, Adelup said, adding that there was no person to person verification that may possibly have thwarted the transfer.

The cyber-theft happened when a known email account address at the Judiciary of Guam was hacked in what is known as a spoofing attack, according to a media release from Adelup.

Once under the control of the criminal or criminals, the compromised email address was used to relay instructions to divert routine inter-agency fund transfers.

DOA Director Edward Birn, however, said the recovery was possible because once the breach was known, all the right moves were made to have the money returned to the government of Guam.

Once alerted to the possibility that the government was a victim of a cybercrime, security protocols we have in place were quickly activated, Birn said in a statement.

Spoofing is when online bad actors disguise themselves as a trusted source via email, an IP address, or website to bypass security protocols to commit any number of crimes.

In this case, the spoof was to transfer funds from DOA to an off-island bank account.

When it comes to online crime, if you suspect it, check it, Adelup said.

GovGuam, or Guam as a whole, has been a target of multiple online crimes.

At a recent budget hearing at the Legislature, legislative information technology personnel told lawmakers that Guam has been identified as a high-valued cyber target because of its strategic location, government systems and role in global telecommunications.

Among recent incidents

In July 2025, the Office of Public Accountability reported that the Government of Guam Retirement Fund lost some $309,000 to a hacker who was able to gain access to its login information from a Fund staff responding to a phishing email in fiscal 2024.

The initial amount taken was about $378,000 but $69,000 was recovered after the Fund contacted the bank and local and federal law enforcement agencies, according to the OPA report.

In 2023, Microsoft reported that a state-sponsored hacking group in China called Volt Typhoon infiltrated critical infrastructure on Guam and telecom networks.

That year, Docomo Pacific customers on Guam and Saipan lost service due to a cyber attack. Docomos attack has never officially been linked to the Volt Typhoon.

In March 2023, a hacker somewhere in the U.S. mainland got past the protective firewalls of Guam Memorial Hospitals network and started exploring, which put all of the hospitals interconnected computer systems at risk of cyberattack.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services levied a $25,000 fine against GMH in 2025 for failing to thoroughly analyze the risk to its systems after the 2023 and 2018 cyber incidents.

The ransomware attack in 2018 potentially exposed the health information of 5,000 GMH patients.

In October 2023, the Guam Economic Development Authority discussed during a board meeting that a cybersecurity breach at GEDA in fiscal 2023 resulted in a $425,000 charge, and that it was being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The initial amount lost was close to $725,000 but GEDA was able to recover $300,000, officials said.
Acting Gov. Joshua Tenorio on Wednesday said he will seek explanation on proposed regulatory changes that could speed up deep-sea mining lease reviews and reduce consultations with impacted territorial governments, when federal officials stop over on Guam Thursday.

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero is in Hawaii for an investment and security summit.

Tenorio, who is running for governor, said he also plans to ask for more public engagement from the federal government, which has sought interest in leasing the 35.5 million acres of seafloor east of the Marianas for minerals like cobalt and nickel.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, BOEM, announced on Tuesday a proposed change to the rules for deep-sea mining, ahead of this weeks visit to Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

My expectation is that they should explain what the purpose is for making these changes, Tenorio, who will host the visiting federal officials at Adelup, said in an interview Wednesday.

Activist group Prutehi Guahan is planning a protest outside of Adelup as the 3 p.m. meeting takes place.

A Tuesday release from BOEM indicates the rule change is meant to advance exploration and development of critical minerals essential to national security, economic competitiveness and technological progress.

Acting BOEM Director Matt Giacona said in a statement that America cannot afford to sit on the sidelines while the world races to secure critical mineral supply chains.

The bureau announcement states that changes will eliminate unnecessary provisions, revise others for clarity, and facilitate timely prospecting, leasing, and operations.

It states that the last underwater mineral lease sale in 1991 got no bids and failed.

Tenorio on Wednesday said Adelup has not yet had a chance to do an in-depth review of the proposed rule change.

An eight-page summary of the changes, posted on the Federal Register, references various sections of U.S. law and regulation.

We have teams that are looking at it, Tenorio said. One of the things Im familiar with is that theyre reducing...consultation requirements with state and territorial governments, and then also reducing the timelines for review.

Those are big changes, he said, which immediately raise concerns.

Tenorio said the meeting will give GovGuam leadership a chance to express concerns about the possibility of deep-sea mining, and emphasize the islands position.

We have a very unique and a big responsibility to make sure that our waters, the surrounding waters, are not being experimented with unproven technology, he said.

The acting governor said he will re-emphasize that Guam expects the National Environmental Protection Act to be followed, if any mining moves forward.

He said he also plans to ask for public forums to be hosted by BOEM so that people would be able to come out and register their concerns in the public setting and have them recorded and part of the record as they continue to go forward with their processes.

Leadership from Adelup, Speaker Frank Blas Jr., and Del. James Moylan all signed last December in opposing deep-sea mining for Guam until more concrete information about its impacts are provided.

Thousands of island residents have provided comments to BOEM opposing mining, raising concerns about damage to ocean environments, fish stocks, and underwater cultural and archeological resources.

As for proposed new rules for deep-sea mining, comments can be submited to federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/24/2026-03690/administrative-revisions-to-regulations-related-to-outer-continental-shelf-minerals-other-than-oil.

Federal interest in mining waters near Guam and the CNMI comes on the heels of an April 2025 executive order from President Donald Trump. The order fast-tracked the push to identify offshore deposits of rare minerals like cobalt and nickel needed for electronics and high-tech military equipment.

Companies interested in mining the Marianas seafloor have indicated it may be the largest domestic supply for certain minerals.
Guam Visitors Bureau Board Chairman George Chiu on Tuesday said a rumor that he was hindering progress on Taiwan tourism because of a relationship with the Peoples Republic of China, raised by Sen. Telo Taitague, was totally false and insulting.

A heated exchange between the two came towards the end of an over three-hour oversight hearing on GVB and tourism, which dragged into the evening.

During the course of the oversight hearing, Chiu at several points mentioned that he believed the visitors bureau board should be made a governing board, instead of only advising the bureau.

He said the change would allow the board to have more oversight of GVB spending and activities, as Sen. Jesse Lujan and Vice Speaker Tony Ada questioned bureau policy on travel, and the rollout of a $10 million program to incentivize airlines to fly to Guam.

Taitague, former GVB deputy general manager, chimed in on the matter at one point during discussion.

You know, weve seen a lot of abuse from the board, she said. Few years back, there was an investigation about board members...basically voting on things thats going to enhance their business.

Such accusations were raised by former governor and GVB general manager Carl Gutierrez back in 2022. Gutierrez launched an investigation into the matter and butted heads with board members for years prior to his resignation in November 2024.

Gutierrezs resignation came in the wake of a heated exchange with Chiu, and shortly before the board was scheduled to weigh firing the former governor as tourism head.

Were hearing not only that, Taitague said Tuesday, but Mr. Chiu, Im hearing...that you have an issue with Taiwan and that you are hindering the progress on Taiwan because of some kind of relationship with the Republic of China.

Taitague on Thursday clarified that the rumor was that Chiu had a connection to the Peoples Republic of China, which is mainland China. The Republic of China is Taiwan.

Thats totally false, senator, Chiu replied. And Im glad you brought this question up, because I really dont understand. Im anti-bad business.

Im not anti-Taiwan. My wife is from Taiwan, he added, speaking under oath.

Tapping into the Taiwan market was Gutierrezs long-eyed goal prior to his resignation.

Bad business

Chiu, a John F. Kennedy High School graduate who has publicly spoken about the fact that he is ethnically Chinese, has been critical at times of spending on Taiwan for marketing and airline incentives.

He is also the executive vice president of Tan Holdings Corp.

Chiu on Tuesday explained his position on the Taiwan market, and GVBs use of money for airline incentives to the island nation.

Making the decision to allocate certain amount of money to Taiwan is bad business based upon the return that we were getting, he told Taitague.

He said GVB dedicated $3 million to Taiwan for two flights a week.

For two flights a week, we get 12,000 passengers, 12,000 tourists coming to Guam in one year, he said. If we allocate the same money to another airline like Korea, we get 109,000 seats.

Its just bad business, has nothing to do with Im being anti-Taiwan, he said, noting that GVB put down another $1 million to market Guam to Taiwan.

He added that the Philippines, which had 18 flights a week to Guam, only had a marketing budget with the bureau of $40,000 at one point.

Where should the money be spent? Should we be spending money where we have 18 flights a week, or should we be spending the money where we have two flights a week? Chiu asked Taitague.

Thats all this is, he said. This is a numbers game, he said.

Chiu, at several points, repeated that he was not anti-Taiwan.

Taitague replied that he might want to ask Homeland Security that.

Please be my guest, senator, Chiu replied. I take it as a personal affront that you would want to contact Homeland Security, and questioning my loyalty to the United States of America.

China claims sovereign Taiwan as part of its territory, a major source of U.S.-China tensions.

On Wednesday, long after the hearing, Taitague clarified that the Department of Homeland Security did not bring up Chius name with her.

She said her comment was meant for Chiu to check with the department, over the rumor.

Basically it was for him to answer these concerns and clear any rumors, Taitague said.

She added that even if the Taiwan visitor market was not as big as Korea or Japan, they continued to play an important role in Guams economy.
With an authorization to use $5 million, the Guam Economic Development Authority has been in search of a property for a new industrial park because the existing parks are expected to remain at capacity for the next 40 years, GEDA marketing and communications officer Mary Camacho said.

A new industrial park will offer ready options to investors looking to stand up and establish new operations and industries, she said.

GEDAs existing industrial parks, totaling 47 acres across Tamuning, Harmon and the Port Authority, are projected to remain at capacity for the next four decades.

Camacho told the Pacific Daily News that the GEDA management has been authorized to use $5 million from the Guam Development Fund Act to buy property for a new industrial park.

The size of the new park will ultimately be dictated by the available real estate market and what suitable property can be procured within the approved budget.

The proposed new industrial park is a strategic move to identify and secure real property for commercial and industrial use. Historically, investors have faced significant challenges finding available land with reasonable access to basic infrastructure on Guam, she said.

The plan for a new industrial park was discussed during GEDAs board meeting last Thursday.

Siska Hutapea, GEDA board chairwoman, said the proposed industrial park project is taking its first step, with a request for proposal for brokerage services scheduled to be issued by the end of February.

This proposed industrial park project is a mission to allow investors to plug and play, creating a streamlined path for new development, she said.

Tina Garcia, GEDA administrator, said theyre looking for realtors to identify property for the new industrial park.

GEDA intends to use the new park to replicate the historical success of its previously established industrial parks, promoting local industry, generating thousands of local jobs, millions in tax revenue for Guam, and steady operating revenues, Camacho said.

This vision is to accommodate and foster new, diverse industries for both local and foreign investors, she said.

The project is still in its early planning stages so GEDA doesnt have a groundbreaking time established yet, she said.

Sinajana public market

GEDA is also moving forward with the construction of a Sinajana Public Market, which will be located within the parking lot of the Sinajana Mayors Office.

The agency issued an invitation for bid in January and is expected to close it by end of this month.

In 2021, GEDA was awarded $1.3 million from the Department of Commerce for its Guam Green Markets Project. The funding was meant to improve the Hagat and Mangilao Markets, and create a new outdoor market in Sinajana.

Funding comes from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, which provided the U.S. Department of Commerces Economic Development Administration with money to help communities recover from the pandemic.

Melvin Tabilas, GEDA small business division manager, told the board they hope the market is an opportunity to support local farmers and local businesses.

The project will put some canopy over the parking lot and build a side storage area, he said.
Last week, Sen. Will Parkinson held a hearing on his bill to open the vote up to everyone regarding political status. No other senator joined him on this bill because most of them hold their breath on anything that might be controversial.

To his credit, Senator Parkinson is promoting these discussions and listening to people. I am pleased to see his efforts and I am critical of the rest of the senators who do not engage in efforts to serve our community.

Just because someone can talk doesnt mean they have anything to say. Just because a small number of people make a little noise doesnt mean they represent even a fraction of the public above single-digit numbers.

Well over 92% of voters on Guam would never give up their U.S. citizenship or passport.

In 1997, Guam passed Public Law 23-147, a political status law that tossed any real discussions on political status into the twilight zone. Anyone can look up the legislative file on this bill.

Guam had a functioning decolonization commission for all of the people of Guam under 1 GCA 17. The 1997 law created a second and separate commission under 1 GCA 21. I was present at the Guam Legislature during most of the discussions on PL 23-147.

It was repeated over and over again that the 1 GCA 17 commission would continue to function and the separate CHamoru-only commission would simply run concurrently. This is even in section 13 of the 1997 law. The existing commission was not supposed to be affected.

As a general suggestion, perhaps Senator Parkinson could call a non-binding vote under the 1 GCA 17 commission. In fact, why isnt the original commission for everyone still operating?

One of the questions I have had for a long time, Is the United Nations bad for Guam? That is to say, Guam has quite a number of methods and processes it can use to politically develop. We just do not use them.

The United Nations decolonization efforts, in my view, disrupt and confuse the basic actions our elected leaders should have been doing for the last 50 years. Our elected leaders, while claiming to be following some sort of United Nations model, could not even seem to get the basic categories correct.

The current Guam law provides for three political status optionsindependence, free association and statehood. The United Nations options are independence, free association, integration or any other status that the people choose.

Statehood is just one type of integration. We have limited this choice very narrowly. Further, the make a deal option is totally overlooked. The Twenty-Fifth session of the UN in 1970 passed UN Resolution 2625, which makes this point clear.

The text reads, The establishment of a sovereign and independent State, the free association or integration with an independent State or the emergence into any other political status determined by a people constitute modes of implementing the right of self determination by that people.

This is under the resolution section on The principle of equal rights and self determination of peoples section b. The section also contains the mandate that self determination will not be made by race, creed or colour.

I encourage everyone to study these sections and ask, How did things go so wrong?

PL 23-147 claims some sort of moral basis derived from the United Nations. It seems the UN should be asked what it thinks of our flawed law and end the charade.

In my view, practical approaches work much better than the current rainbows and unicorns fictions we mire ourselves in. The Guam Congress asked the U.S. Congress for a Guam Organic Act in 1947. The act provided for U.S. citizenship, a Guam government and even a resident commissioner (delegate) to the U.S. Congress.

When the process was slowed and tensions rose, the Guam Congress walked out in 1949 and refused to return until the Organic Act was acted on. In 1950, the Guam Organic Act was approved. This was the act of self determination for Guam.

At that point, Guam should have been removed from the decolonization listing at the United Nations. We have all the tools we need to do anything we want. We just do not elect leaders who know how to use them.

Even worse, some leaders do not read and thus do not know these tools exist.
Haiti - REMINDER : J-2 UNESCO Participation Programme 2026-2027, call for proposals

UNESCOs Participation Programme complements regular activities by supporting projects led by Member States and NGOs in official partnership with the Organization, within its areas of competence: education, science, culture, communication, and information.

IMPORTANT : Applications must be submitted by the Member State exclusively through the National Commission for UNESCO.

Funding limits : The amount of assistance provided for each application for 20262027 is :

 A maximum of USD 26,000 for a national project;

 USD 28,000 for a sub-regional or inter-regional project;

 USD 38,000 for a regional project;

 Up to USD 50,000 for emergency assistance;

Each Member State may submit up to 7 applications, ranked by priority. At least one of the top three projects must contribute to gender equality.

NGOs in official partnership with UNESCO may submit up to two applications for sub-regional, regional, or inter-regional impact, with mandatory letters of support from the States concerned.

Types of Eligible Support :

 Expertise and consultants

 Scholarships

 Publications and translations

 Equipment

 Conferences, seminars, and training

Regional Projects :

Each region may submit two regional projects, supported by at least three Member States from the same region.

Emergency Assistance :

A specific mechanism allows for rapid support to Member States facing major disasters in areas within UNESCO's mandate.

Deadline :

Applications must be submitted online via the National Commission for UNESCO no later than February 27, 2026.

For more information : https://shorturl.at/Czm9Q

HL/ HaitiLibre




Haiti - News : Zapping...





Mexico : 2 Haitian girls found dead Two Haitian girls died in a reception center managed by the National System for Integral Family Development (DIF) in the state of Oaxaca (Southern Mexico). According to prosecutor Yarib Hernandez Garcia, the two girls were accompanied by their mother and were temporarily staying at the home. She confirmed that their lifeless bodies were found in a septic tank after their disappearance. An investigation was opened to establish the facts. Furthermore, the Director of the Center and the General Coordinator of the DIF reception centers in the State of Oaxaca were dismissed from their positions and handed over to the competent authorities. Spain : Reorganization of the Consular Service The Embassy of Haiti in Spain informs the Haitian community that a process of regularization and reorganization of the Consular Service is currently underway. This approach aims to harmonize procedures with the Chancellery's directives, to strengthen the administrative compliance of the documents issued and to improve the quality of the services offered. During this update period, some deadlines may be slightly adjusted. School continuity in a crisis context As part of the AvniNou project, the Ministry of National Education organized training in Port-au-Prince and Hinche on school continuity in a crisis context. Funded by the French Development Agency and implemented by Expertise France, this project mobilized 18 educational supervisors, 57 school directors and 155 teachers from 55 public schools in order to strengthen educational practices adapted to emergency situations. Anti-kidnapping operation, identities of police victims Following the anti-kidnapping operation which left 8 dead including 2 police officers and 3 injured https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-46921-haiti-security-kidnapping-foiled-8-dead-including-2-police-officers.html . The National Police of Haiti (PNH) presents its deepest condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of agents Dorelus Junior (SWAT Team) and Isreno Etienne (Delmas Intervention Brigade), who fell on the field of honor in the exercise of their duties. In addition, she wishes a speedy recovery and assures the families of all her support for the 3 other injured agents : Seide Alex, Jerome Pierre Zacharie and Garconvil Emmanuel. Me Andre Michel pleads for the return of Ariel Henry "On the occasion of the 50th meeting of CARICOM Heads of State and Government, we ask the international community to bring Prime Minister Ariel Henry back to Haiti with appropriate security guarantees. This will allow him to defend his record before the Nation. It is unacceptable that Dr. Ariel Henry is in Exile while members of the CPT involved in acts of corruption and collusion with Criminal Gangs lead their lives quietly in Haiti. Ariel Henry's management is undoubtedly better than that of the CPT" Me Andre Michel. New cycle of the Travel Monitoring Matrix The Government of Haiti, in collaboration with the Economic and Social Assistance Fund (FAES) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), is supporting a new cycle of the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in order to update available information on people displaced by violence across the country. Through this tool, IOM teams collect essential data that informs decision-making, improves humanitarian assistance and supports the development of durable solutions. HL/ HaitiLibre


















Kristy L. Naber, 75, passed away due to natural causes at Sweet Memorial Nursing Home on Sunday, February 15, 2026, with her family by her side.

A viewing will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., and funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m., all on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Holland & Bonine Funeral Home with burial to follow in Highland Cemetery.

Kristy's family has suggested memorial donations be made in her memory to the North Central Senior Center or the charity of the donor's choice.

Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements.

Please visit Kristy's online memorial page to send a card or leave a message of condolence for her family at https://www.hollandbonine.com .

Kristy was born on April 29, 1950, in Havre to Orville "Swede" and Leta (Hansen) Welsh. She was raised on the family farm north of Gildford with her brother Robert, attending school in Gildford. After high school, Kristy attended Billings Business College and then returned home. She met Don Naber while he was home on leave from the military, and the couple married on November 8, 1970, making their home in Havre. Kristy worked as a legal secretary for a couple of years until their two children made their appearance, and then she became a homemaker while her husband Don worked for the Post Office.

She adored her family, and spending time with her children and grandchildren was her favorite activity. She also provided childcare for some of the neighbors and provided care for her mother as her health declined. Kristy enjoyed birdwatching, dinosaur digs, crossword puzzles, and caring for her flowers, especially roses and tulips. She and Don spent many hours camping together; and she also loved to help her mother out on the farm, especially during harvest.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Swede and Leta Welsh, and her brother, Robert Welsh.

Kristy is survived by her husband of 55 years, Don Naber of Havre; children, Chad Naber of Gildford and Bobbie Jo (Dave Armstrong) Naber of Havre; grandchildren, Brittany (Nick) Moles, and Corttney and Trinnity Gobin; great-granddaughter, Maidson Moles; and many friends.
(HedgeCo.Net) After weeks of sustained selling in technologyespecially in software names perceived as vulnerable to rapid advances in artificial intelligencehedge funds are creeping back into tech. The shift is showing up in prime-brokerage flow data and client notes: managers who had been reducing exposure are now selectively adding to positions in large-cap technology and battered software, even as broader hedge fund equity positioning remains cautious and trading continues to be dominated by short-term risk controls.

This is not the return of the one-way AI trade that defined much of the last cycle. It is a more tactical, risk-managed re-entryone that reflects how hedge funds behave when a crowded trade unwinds, valuations reset, volatility normalizes, and dispersion increases. It also reflects an emerging market reality: investors are trying to distinguish between AI as a business model tailwind and AI as a competitive shockand the line between those two narratives has been moving fast.

The new buying wave does not mean the hedge fund community is suddenly bullish tech again. It means the industry believes the selloff has created tradable opportunityand that the balance of risk and reward has improved enough to justify adding exposure, particularly in areas where selling became extreme. It also means hedge funds are once again willing to raise leverage toward the top end of their recent range, even as they remain sensitive to macro and policy volatility.

The setup: why tech became the epicenter of hedge fund de-risking

The early 2026 market narrative has been unusually punishing for technology. In the software complex, fear wasnt only about rates, valuation, or cyclical slowdown. It was about something more existential: the idea that AI could rapidly commoditize certain software categories, compress pricing, and rearrange competitive moatsturning quality software into a new kind of disruption story.

That framing matters because it changes behavior. When investors believe disruption risk is accelerating, they stop debating incremental growth rates and start debating survival curves. Thats the kind of narrative that can force de-grossing across long/short books even when fundamentals havent yet deteriorated.

The Financial Times described the dynamic as a sharp rotation away from software, with a U.S. software index down dramatically year-to-date (in that reporting, roughly a mid-20% decline), and an investor shift toward sectors perceived as less exposed to AI-driven disruption.

Prime brokerage data cited by Reuters reinforced how quickly hedge funds responded. A JPMorgan client note described funds selling tech for weeksthen reversing course as they began buying the largest technology stocks and even names viewed as AI vulnerable.

This is classic hedge fund behavior in a stress unwind: when the market begins to punish a theme aggressively, managers reduce exposure first, revisit fundamentals second, and only rebuild risk once prices and positioning have reset.

The inflection: what changed in the last week

The most important change was not that macro risk vanishedit didnt. The change was that the marginal seller began to disappear in specific parts of tech.

Reuters reporting pointed to renewed hedge fund buying in big tech and in software after a heavy selloff, signaling that the prior rush to cut was easing and that managers saw better entry points.

At the same time, broader market action began to reinforce the sense that the selling wave might be overextended. Another Reuters report described a U.S. equity rebound led by tech, with semiconductors and software participating as AI-related concerns moderated, even if only temporarily.

Put together, the message is: tech may still be controversial, but it is no longer one-way in the same way it was during the sharpest part of the drawdown. Hedge funds often step back in precisely when the market shifts from forced liquidation to two-sided trading.

Why hedge funds re-enter after selloffs: the mechanics of a crowding reset

Theres a reason hedge funds frequently buy what they were recently selling. Its not ficklenessits structure.

Most hedge funds run under tight risk constraints: gross exposure limits, net exposure limits, factor and sector caps, stop-loss rules, and drawdown controls. When volatility spikes or correlations jump, risk models reduce permitted exposure. When performance falls quickly, pods and PMs cut risk to preserve capital. Thats how multi-manager platforms survive.

But these mechanical exits can create dislocations. When many players cut at onceespecially in liquid large-cap tech and in widely held softwarethe selling can overshoot fundamentals.

Once prices reset and volatility stabilizes, those same risk systems begin to allow re-risking. Managers may not rebuild the exact same book, but they often re-enter the same pondbecause thats where liquidity and opportunities exist.

This matters because the recent tech selloff, particularly in software, carried the signature of positioning-driven declines: sharp drawdowns, rapid narrative shifts, and heavy rotation out of a crowded area. The FT highlighted how sentiment and short-term hedge fund risk tolerance can amplify these moves, even when longer-term views are more nuanced.

What theyre buying: mega-cap tech and left-for-dead software

The Reuters/JPMorgan note described hedge funds buying the biggest technology stocks and also stocks viewed as vulnerable to AIan important nuance.

Mega-cap tech buying is easier to understand: these companies tend to have durable cash flows, strong balance sheets, and the ability to invest in AI at scale. Even skeptics often treat them as quality compounders that can survive multiple regimes.

The more interesting signal is hedge funds buying the AI vulnerable cohort. That suggests managers see at least some of the narrative as over-discounted. In other words: yes, AI may disrupt parts of the software stack, but the market may have priced disruption as immediate, universal, and margin-destroying across the boardan assumption that rarely holds uniformly.

In practice, hedge funds are likely segmenting software into buckets:

AI beneficiaries : infrastructure, compute-adjacent tools, data platforms, and workflow layers that gain pricing power from AI adoption.

: infrastructure, compute-adjacent tools, data platforms, and workflow layers that gain pricing power from AI adoption. AI adapters : incumbents that may face disruption risk but also have distribution, data, and customer integration that can be leveraged to integrate AI.

: incumbents that may face disruption risk but also have distribution, data, and customer integration that can be leveraged to integrate AI. AI casualties: narrow tools with weak moats, limited differentiation, or high vulnerability to AI-native competitors.

The re-entry suggests hedge funds are selectively buying in the first two bucketsand potentially pairing them with shorts in the third, turning the theme from a directional bet into a relative-value trade.

Leverage is rising againcarefully

One of the most consequential details in Reuters reporting was that hedge fund leverage is approaching the highest level in a year, according to a Goldman Sachs note referenced by Reuters.

That does not necessarily mean hedge funds are all in. In many cases, rising leverage reflects a return of long/short activity: rebuilding gross exposure while keeping net controlled, and expressing views through paired trades.

Still, leverage climbing after a sharp unwind is meaningful. It implies:

Risk systems are easing as volatility and drawdowns stabilize. Opportunity sets are widening, making managers willing to put money to work again. Conviction in dispersion is risingmeaning managers believe stock selection can matter again.

Goldman Sachs has also framed the broader hedge fund environment as one with renewed momentum coming out of 2025 performance and inflows, which can support more active risk-taking into 2026.

A paradox: hedge funds bought tech, but also sold global equities aggressively

This is where the story gets nuanced. Even as hedge funds re-entered parts of tech, Goldman prime brokerage data (as reported by Bloomberg) indicated that hedge funds net sales of global stocks recently hit the fastest pace since a prior market stress period, with activity driven by short sales.

That apparent contradiction is actually consistent with modern hedge fund behavior. Many funds are simultaneously:

Reducing broad beta (selling global equities, trimming net exposure), while

(selling global equities, trimming net exposure), while Adding targeted risk (buying tech winners or oversold names), while

(buying tech winners or oversold names), while Increasing gross through long/short pairs.

In other words, managers may be less bullish on the market but more excited about specific opportunities inside techespecially where dispersion is high and the selloff created mispricings.

What it means for markets: tech becomes the battlefield for the next regime

Tech has become the arena where 2026s biggest questions are being priced:

Will AI spending produce returns that justify capex and valuations?

Will AI compress software margins faster than incumbents can adapt?

Will productivity gains boost growth broadly, or concentrate gains in a small set of firms?

How quickly will regulation, enterprise adoption, and competitive dynamics evolve?

Thats why the tech rebound matters beyond the sector. If hedge funds are returning to tech, it signals that they believe:

The market is moving from panic to price discovery, and

There is enough clarity (or at least enough mispricing) to justify taking risk again.

Reuters broader market coverage highlighted that tech strength helped lift U.S. equities as investors processed AI newsflow and specific catalysts.

The risks: why this could still be a dead-cat bounce for parts of software

Hedge fund buying is not a guarantee of a durable bottom. In fact, early hedge fund buying after a selloff sometimes marks a tradable bounce, not the start of a new uptrend.

Key risks remain:

1) Narrative volatility

If new AI capabilities or competitive announcements suddenly reshape expectations, software could reprice again quickly.

2) Earnings and guidance reality

If companies begin confirming pricing pressure, churn, or slower growth due to AI disruption fears becoming real, the market can shift from story-driven to fundamentals-driven downside.

3) Policy and macro shocks

Even well-positioned tech names can get caught in broader de-risking if rates, trade policy, or geopolitical issues trigger another correlation spike. Reuters reporting emphasized the broader environment remains sensitive to policy uncertainty and macro catalysts.

How allocators should read this: a signal about opportunity, not a guarantee about direction

For institutional allocators and family offices, the most important takeaway isnt buy tech because hedge funds are buying. Its what the behavior implies about regime.

When hedge funds return to a sector after weeks of selling, it usually means:

Positioning has reset enough to create asymmetric entries.

Dispersion is high enough for long/short to work.

Volatility has become tradable rather than paralyzing.

Thats good for hedge fund opportunity sets broadlyeven beyond techbecause dispersion and rotation are the raw material for alpha.

At the same time, the specifics matter: the re-entry is likely being executed through relative-value frameworks (long resilient incumbents, short structurally threatened names) rather than broad AI beta. Thats consistent with a market where the story is still evolving and where managers want optionality if the narrative shifts again.

The bottom line

Hedge funds buying tech again after weeks of selling is less a bullish turn than a sign that the forced unwind is easing and the risk-reward has improved in parts of the sector. Flows suggest selective re-risking in mega-cap tech and oversold software, even as managers stay cautious on broader equity beta and remain highly sensitive to narrative and macro catalysts.

In 2026, technology is not just a sectorits the markets primary debate about disruption, capex, productivity, and competitive moats. Hedge funds are stepping back into that debate because prices moved far enough, fast enough, to make the trade worth engaging again.
(HedgeCo.Net) Morgan Stanleys decision to cut private-share trading fees in half on EquityZenreducing buy-side and sell-side transaction fees to 2.5% from 5% for most trades, effective immediatelylooks like a straightforward pricing move. It isnt. Its a signal that the bank believes the private-company secondary market is shifting from an occasional liquidity solution into a scalable, strategic pillar of modern wealth management.

At stake is not only market share among accredited investors seeking access to high-profile private companies, but the broader question of who owns the interface between private-market opportunities and mass affluent capital. When a global wealth-management giant decides to compress economics on a newly acquired platform, it typically means one thing: it expects volume, cross-sell, and relationship value to make up what it gives away in margin.

In other words, Morgan Stanley is treating private shares less like a niche transaction and more like a client acquisition and retention engineone that could become increasingly important as companies stay private longer, and as more investors demand pre-IPO exposure without the friction of bespoke private-fund commitments.

The headline move: fees down, access up

The mechanics are simple. Morgan Stanleys wealth management division announced that EquityZenits newly acquired private shares marketplacehas lowered fees for both investors purchasing private-company shares and shareholders selling them. For most transactions, the fee now stands at 2.5%, down from 5%.

The implications are not simple.

Private-share marketplaces have historically carried higher friction costs than public markets: spreads can be wide, transactions can be complex, and liquidity is intermittent. A 5% fee on each side of a trade (even if not always applied symmetrically in practice across platforms and deal types) can materially impact net returns. By halving that burden, Morgan Stanley is directly addressing one of the main objections investors raise when evaluating private shares: even if Im right on the company, will fees and liquidity risk eat the upside?

The banks leadership framed the fee reduction as part of a broader push to reduce barriers and broaden access. Barrons reporting notes that the change applies to transactions conducted via EquityZen, and that participation is limited to accredited investorsa key reminder that this is still an access expansion, not mass retail democratization.

Why Morgan Stanley is doing this now

Timing matters. Morgan Stanley finalized its acquisition of EquityZen in January 2026, and the fee cut landed within weekssuggesting the firm moved quickly once it could apply its scale, distribution reach, and balance-sheet confidence to the platform.

This is best understood as part of a long-running transformation of wealth management. Over the last decade, large wirehouses have competed to become financial platforms rather than brokerage firmswinning not by charging the most per trade, but by expanding wallet share across advice, lending, banking, investments, and alternative products. Private shares fit neatly into that strategy because they sit at the intersection of aspiration and scarcity: clients want access to companies they read about, talk about, or work for, but cant buy in public markets.

Morgan Stanleys own messaging emphasizes broadening private markets access, but the strategic logic goes deeper: private shares are a way to keep clients engaged, differentiate the advisor proposition, and build a pipeline to future wealth events (liquidity moments, IPOs, acquisitions, founder exits).

A changing private-market reality: companies stay private longer

The private share markets growth is not accidental. A structural shift has been underway for years: many of the worlds most valuable technology and platform companies are staying private longer, raising large late-stage rounds and building internal liquidity programs rather than going public early. The Financial Times has framed Morgan Stanleys EquityZen deal as a bet on that trendhighlighting that high-growth companies are delaying IPOs and reaching valuations once typical of public markets.

That matters for wealth management because IPOs used to be the primary moment when affluent investors gained access to fast-growing firms. As IPO timelines stretch, the secondary market becomes the bridgean imperfect one, but increasingly central.

In that context, Morgan Stanleys fee cut is not merely competitive pricing. It is an attempt to accelerate a broader transition: from private shares as a bespoke, high-friction product to private shares as a repeatable allocation sleeveinside a managed wealth relationship.

EquityZens position in the ecosystem

EquityZen isnt an unknown startup. Reuters and the FT both describe it as a significant marketplace with a large user base and a long operating history, facilitating transactions across hundreds of private companies. Reuters reported at the time of the acquisition announcement that EquityZen had over 800,000 registered users and had facilitated tens of thousands of transactions across 450+ companies.

That scale matters for two reasons:

Inventory and breadth: a marketplace with exposure to hundreds of issuers can better match buyers and sellers and create repeat activity. Data and pricing: more transactions create more signal on where private shares clearimportant for valuation confidence and for advisors guiding clients.

Morgan Stanley is effectively buying a running system and then using price as an accelerantpushing the platform harder into the mainstream of its wealth-management offering.

Fee compression as strategy: the platform play

When banks cut fees, the first instinct is to treat it as an aggressor move against competitors. Thats true, but incomplete. In wealth management, some products are not designed to maximize transaction margin. They are designed to:

deepen client engagement

create advisor stickiness

generate cross-sell opportunities

reinforce the firms brand as the gateway to scarce opportunities

Private shares do all fourespecially in a world where alternative investments and private-market narratives play an outsized role in client conversations.

Bloombergs coverage emphasized that the move undercuts competitors and positions the firm to expand in a growing market for private-company share trading. This is classic platform behavior: cut the toll to increase traffic, then monetize the relationship.

What changes for investors

Lower fees meaningfully change the math of private-share participation.

Private share investing already carries several embedded costs and risks:

illiquidity (you may not be able to sell when you want)

issuer transfer restrictions

limited financial disclosure relative to public markets

valuation uncertainty

concentration risk (many investors target a small number of hot names)

High transaction fees have historically amplified those challenges by front-loading a performance hurdle. Cutting fees from 5% to 2.5% reduces that hurdle and can make smaller allocations more practicalparticularly for wealthy investors who want diversified exposure across multiple private names rather than a single concentrated bet.

But the fee cut does not remove the core truth: private shares are not public stocks. Investors still need to approach them with underwriting discipline, time-horizon clarity, and an understanding that liquidity is episodic.

What changes for sellers: employees, early investors, and founders

Its easy to focus on buy-side access, but Morgan Stanley also cut sell-side fees.

That matters because much of the private share market exists to solve a problem for insiders: employees and early investors often hold meaningful paper wealth but have limited ways to realize it before an IPO or acquisition. Platforms like EquityZen can provide partial liquiditywithin issuer constraintshelping individuals diversify or fund life events without waiting for a public listing.

Lower sell-side fees can improve net proceeds, which may encourage participation and increase supplyan important dynamic in a marketplace where supply constraints often shape pricing and availability.

The role of issuer controland why its a feature, not a bug

A persistent misunderstanding about private-share trading is that its simply a secondary exchange for startups. It isnt. Many issuers maintain control over transfer permissions and often seek to manage who holds their stock. Barrons notes that EquityZen works within issuer-controlled processes around share movement and pricing.

For investors, this is a double-edged sword:

It may reduce the risk of chaotic, uncontrolled trading.

It can also limit liquidity and complicate transaction execution.

Morgan Stanleys bet appears to be that by scaling within issuer-friendly frameworksand by leveraging its institutional relationshipsit can grow volume while maintaining the governance standards that private issuers demand.

Competitive pressure: a market moving toward wirehouse-scale distribution

There are other players in private shares and secondariesdedicated marketplaces, broker intermediaries, and private fund structures. What Morgan Stanley brings is not only a platform but distribution muscle: a large advisor force, a deep client base, and a brand that affluent investors associate with institutional access.

This is why a price cut is powerful. It signals confidence that the firm can win on:

trust

compliance infrastructure

advisor integration

product packaging

and the ability to keep clients inside the tent for adjacent services

AdvisorHub highlighted the fee reduction and quoted Jed Finn, head of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, suggesting the firm would go as low as needed to deliver strong outcomes for clients in the marketplacelanguage consistent with a competitive push rather than a one-off discount.

The bigger story: private markets becoming retail adjacent

This fee cut sits inside a broader retail adjacency trend in alternatives. Not true retailbecause participation remains gated to accredited investorsbut the movement of private-market tools and narratives into mainstream wealth channels.

This trend has several drivers:

demand for diversification beyond public equities and bonds

higher awareness of private-market winners

dissatisfaction with the IPO pipeline

and a desire to invest earlier in perceived growth curves

Morgan Stanley is leaning into this shift: acquire platform infrastructure (EquityZen), reduce friction (fees), and bring private shares closer to the advisor-led portfolio construction process.

The risk, of course, is suitability and expectation-setting. Private shares can be compelling, but they are not the next ETF. Advisors and platforms must manage client psychology around valuation marks, liquidity windows, and the reality that some private names never achieve the outcomes investors expect.

What allocators and advisors should watch next

Morgan Stanleys fee cut is a catalystbut the real impact will depend on execution. Several indicators will show whether this becomes a true inflection point:

1) Volume growth and breadth of participation

Does lower pricing lead to more transactions, more repeat clients, and more diversified buying patterns?

2) Improvement in liquidity experience

Do investors and sellers experience smoother execution, clearer timelines, and better transparency around transfer constraints?

3) Platform integration into managed portfolios

Does private-share exposure become a recurring sleevesmall but consistentinside wealth allocations?

4) Competitive response

Do other platforms match pricing? Or do they differentiate via issuer access, specialized research, or structured vehicles?

5) Regulatory and compliance posture

As private shares become more visible in wealth channels, scrutiny around marketing language, suitability practices, and disclosure norms may rise.

A measured conclusion: cheaper doesnt mean easybut it may mean bigger

Morgan Stanleys move to cut private-share trading fees to 2.5% from 5% on EquityZen is, on the surface, a straightforward pricing update. In reality, its a declaration of intent: the bank is positioning private-company share access as a core element of its wealth-management futureone that can deepen relationships, differentiate advisory value, and keep clients invested in the private economy even as public listings remain scarce.

Lower fees will not eliminate the fundamental complexities of private shares: illiquidity, transfer restrictions, limited disclosure, and valuation uncertainty remain defining features of the asset class. But by reducing friction, Morgan Stanley is making it more feasible for accredited investors to treat private shares not as a one-time speculative punt, but as an intentional, repeatable allocation.

Thats what makes the story worth watching. A fee cut is rarely just a fee cutespecially when it comes from a firm with the scale to turn a niche into a category.
Apparently because the AI Claude Code from Anthropic can take over particularly time-consuming processes when updating source code in COBOL, IBM's share price fell by more than 13 percent on Monday. In a blog post, the AI company explained that its technology can automate the lengthy exploration and analysis work that must be carried out before a migration. Thanks to AI, a COBOL code base can now be modernized within a period of quarters, whereas it previously took years. For IBM shares, this was the worst stock market day in more than 25 years, and in February alone, the company's stock has now lost more than 26 percent of its value.

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No more armies of consultants needed

COBOL still runs on numerous mainframes, which are used in particular by banks in healthcare and retail due to their high reliability. Most of these mainframes are from IBM, and the US company generates a significant portion of its revenue from them. Modernizing such a system previously required entire armies of consultants who spent years mapping workflows, Anthropic now writes. As a result, only a few were willing to bear the high costs. Claude Code can now handle precisely these cost-intensive parts of a modernization, while humans must take over supervision and control.



Nevertheless, the extent of the sell-off remains surprising. IBM itself presented an AI assistant for the more efficient translation of COBOL into Java two and a half years ago to drive the modernization of mainframe applications. Only in the summer of 2025 did the IBM CEO state that the tool had found widespread use. Companies would use it to understand the millions of lines of source code in their systems and thus be able to decide what should be reasonably modernized. Speaking to Bloomberg, an analyst points out that mainframes could therefore be modernized more efficiently for a long time, but operators would not tackle it.

COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language) was developed in the 1950s and is rarely used today. At the same time, these are particularly important systems that cannot simply be replaced by newer alternatives. For companies, mainframes also mean immense technical debt that causes high costs. At the same time, they increasingly hinder access to data and the integration of modern technology. Furthermore, there are fewer and fewer developers for COBOL, which is why experienced teams must be retained for a lot of money. Investors in AI technology like Claude Code likely suspect a large potential for savings here.

(mho)

Don't miss any news  follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication.
Chinese drone manufacturer DJI has filed an objection against a decision by the US telecommunications regulatory authority Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which prohibits the import of all new models and critical components from the manufacturer into the USA for security reasons. DJI announced this on Tuesday.

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In a petition for review of an FCC decision filed with a federal appeals court late last week, DJI claims the authority has exceeded its statutory authority with its verdict.

In December of last year, the FCC effectively banned the import of certain new foreign drones. At the time, the regulatory authority placed various drones and drone parts from foreign manufacturers, including DJI and Chinese competitor Autel, on a Covered List  a blacklist of communication products and services that pose an unacceptable risk to US national security. The listed drones are no longer permitted to be operated in the USA and therefore can no longer be imported. Furthermore, the FCC claimed the right to retroactively block already approved devices. This paved the way for a more comprehensive approach against drones.

The FCC's decision meant that DJI, Autel, and other foreign drone manufacturers would no longer receive the required FCC approval for selling new drone models or critical components in the USA; however, they could continue to sell existing versions.

Objection to the FCC Decision

DJI, the world's largest drone manufacturer, stated that it had challenged the FCC's decision in the US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit (Case No. 26-1029). The FCC's measure has caused severe damage to the company. DJI also accuses the regulatory authority of violating the Fifth Amendment to the US Constitution, which guarantees various rights of an accused person and is part of the Bill of Rights.

It [the FCC decision, editor's note] arbitrarily restricts DJI's business in the United States and summarily denies US customers access to its latest technology, DJI said in a statement to the Reuters news agency. DJI requested that the FCC's decision be overturned and declared unlawful.

DJI on the Blacklist

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The actions of US authorities to restrict the use of DJI drones have a longer history. The flight data and recordings captured by the drones could be passed on by DJI to the Chinese government and then analyzed by intelligence agencies. This would impair US national security, according to the concerns.

In October 2022, the US military placed DJI on a blacklist of Chinese military companies collaborating with Beijing. The company vehemently protested against this. A US court most recently rejected a request by DJI to be removed from this list in September of last year.

Furthermore, the US Congress added Section 817 to the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act, which prohibits the US military and its contractors from purchasing Chinese drones. Other legislative initiatives, such as the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) and the National Defense Authorization Act (NDDA), are intended to further complicate the introduction of DJI drones into the USA. For example, the NDDA provides for a formal security review of DJI platforms by the end of 2025. If this review is not passed or completed by then, DJI will automatically end up on the FCC's Covered List, which was ultimately the case. The US government's regulatory measures are showing an effect. DJI drones are slowly disappearing from US retail shelves. DJI no longer offers one of its latest drones, the Mavic 4 Pro, on the US market.

In January, the FCC announced, according to Reuters, that it would exempt the import of some new models of foreign drones and critical components from the comprehensive import ban adopted in December until the end of 2026. The exemption did not apply to Chinese drones.

(akn)

Don't miss any news  follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication.
The food delivery platform said the talks relate to changes in its international structure. The aim is to simplify its operating model and clarify decision making across markets.

Wolt has launched change negotiations in Finland that affect up to 45 roles, with a reduction need of no more than 30 positions. The talks cover international staff based in Finland and exclude couriers. At the same time, the company will close operations in Japan and Uzbekistan after a review of its global business strategy.

Wolt employs more than 15,000 people in 30 countries. Around 1,500 staff work in Finland. The talks concern international personnel in Finland. They do not apply to the companys 10,000 couriers in the country.

Marianne Vikkula, chief executive of Wolt, said the group has expanded its office workforce at pace. In the past two years alone, we have hired more than 5,000 employees to Wolt offices around the world. In growth of this scale, we must also renew our organisational structures along the way. Our sector moves fast, and speed and decision making are central, she said in a statement.

Wolt operates as part of the United States based DoorDash group. DoorDash acquired Deliveroo last year. Following the latest review, Deliveroo will withdraw from Singapore and Qatar.

Earlier this year, Foodora, Wolts only direct rival in Finland, announced that it will leave the country at the end of February. That exit leaves Wolt without a direct competitor for a period. Uber Eats has stated that it plans to expand its presence in Finland later this year.

HT
The Finnish Meteorological Institute said a broad area of snow and sleet will move in from the west late on Wednesday, spreading eastwards overnight and through Thursday.

Up to 15 centimetres of snow is forecast in southern and central regions during the day, with conditions rated poor or very poor nationwide.

Driving conditions will deteriorate across Finland on Thursday as heavy snow, freezing drizzle and rising temperatures sweep over the country, authorities have warned.

The change follows weeks of dry, high-pressure weather.

Snow will fall across the country at first. In southern and central areas, accumulation is expected to reach between 5 and 15 centimetres. In some places totals could approach 20 centimetres before milder air turns snow into sleet and rain.

Freezing rain and freezing drizzle are likely in a narrow zone between the snow and rain bands, increasing the risk of ice on roads and pavements.

Fintraffics road traffic centre said conditions may shift rapidly and become unpredictable as temperatures rise. It urged motorists to allow extra time for journeys, particularly during the morning and afternoon rush hours.

Sanna Piilinen, traffic centre manager at Fintraffic, called on drivers to reduce speed and maintain longer safety distances. The company advised postponing travel where possible.

Meteorologists said winds will strengthen in southern and central Finland, reducing visibility during snowfall. In western areas, temperatures are expected to climb above zero on Thursday, reaching up to five degrees Celsius in the southwest. On Aland, temperatures could rise to between five and seven degrees by Friday.

As milder air spreads northwards, precipitation will increasingly fall as rain in southern and central regions on Friday and over the weekend. The zero-degree line is forecast to move close to Oulu by Friday.

North of Oulu, snow will remain the dominant form of precipitation, with 3 to 10 centimetres expected. In Lapland, overnight temperatures may still drop below minus 20 degrees if skies clear, though daytime readings will moderate later in the week.

Foreca meteorologist Anna Latvala said the pattern marks a shift towards more variable late-winter conditions. Daytime thaw and night-time frost are expected to continue, creating repeated freeze-thaw cycles on roads.

First snow with wind weakens conditions, then freezing rain or drizzle in the south and centre, followed by thaw when water may lie on top of ice, Latvala said.

Conditions are expected to remain unsettled into early next week, with colder air returning to southern Finland after the weekend.

HT
The Ministry of Finance forecasts a general government deficit of 4.5 per cent in 2026. In 2024, the deficit stood at 4.4 per cent. Finlands debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to rise to 91.6 per cent next year. Under EU rules, the reference level stands at 60 per cent.

The cross-party working group on fiscal policy published its report in Parliament on Wednesday. The group sets an average deficit target of around 3 per cent of GDP for 20272033, with a more precise goal of 22.5 per cent in 2031.

The working group calculates that meeting the 2031 target will require fiscal adjustment of 811bn over the next parliamentary term. The estimate draws on the ministrys winter 2025 forecast and will be revised in December 2026.

All parliamentary parties except the Left Alliance committed to the framework.

Ville Valkonen, chair of the working group and an MP for the National Coalition Party, said broad agreement sends a signal. We have agreed that debt will be turned by 2031. That path is binding. We must move towards it, he told reporters.

He added that the agreement does not specify measures. Parties will present their own plans before the general election in April next year.

Jani Makela of the Finns Party said the framework reflects external constraints. The limits come from outside. If not from the EU, then from credit rating agencies, he said.

Markus Lohi of the Centre Party said the task ahead requires both spending cuts and revenue measures. He urged the current government to review its decision to lower corporate tax to 18 per cent in 2027. It would be responsible to reassess measures that weaken the revenue base, he said.

Saara Hyrkko of the Greens warned against poorly timed reductions. Misallocated and mistimed cuts risk costing Finland, she said. She called on the present government to begin work towards the target.

The Left Alliance filed a dissenting opinion. Hanna Sarkkinen, the partys MP in the group, said setting a binding target before elections limits the next governments room for manoeuvre. The calculations are uncertain. A target set now restricts the future government unnecessarily, she said.

Sarkkinen said the party would support a deficit range of 23 per cent and accepts EU-mandated adjustment. She said the Left Alliance will publish its own fiscal plan before the election. The party opposes cuts to social and health services, education and social security, and favours higher taxation on large incomes and wealth.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo addressed the issue during the opening debate of the parliamentary session. He defended the governments fiscal record. The government has worked with determination and saved Finland from uncontrolled debt growth, he said.

Orpo stated that the current administration has already implemented 10bn in adjustment and that the next government faces a task of similar scale. None of the decisions taken can be reversed. Instead, more decisions must be made, he said.

The European Commission confirmed last week that it will not require additional adjustment from Finland in 2026 or 2027 under the excessive deficit procedure

Under the working groups baseline scenario, adjustment would amount to 1.2bn in 2028 and more than 2bn annually thereafter. Over the seven-year period from 2028 to 2034, the total need would reach 8.3bn.

The Finnish Confederation of Professionals, STTK, warned that the scale of adjustment poses risks to growth. Chair Else-Mai Kirvesniemi said the smallest possible adjustment within EU rules should be chosen.

The debt brake aims to lower Finlands debt ratio first towards 60 per cent of GDP and in the longer term to 40 per cent. An independent fiscal council will monitor compliance and alert the government if it deviates from the path.

The working group will refine its estimates later this year. Parties are expected to present detailed measures as the election approaches.

HT
In a statement, the US embassy said consular officers would offer routine passport services in Efrat for one day as part of an outreach initiative aimed at reaching American citizens.

The decision has drawn condemnation from Palestinian officials, who describe it as a breach of international law.

The United States will provide passport services inside an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank for the first time, the US embassy in Jerusalem has announced . The move applies to the settlement of Efrat and will begin on 27 February.

The embassy said further visits are planned in the coming months to the settlement of Beitar Illit near Bethlehem, the Palestinian city of Ramallah, and Israeli cities including Haifa, Jerusalem, Netanya and Beit Shemesh.

The United States currently provides passport and other consular services at its embassy in Jerusalem and at a branch office in Tel Aviv. Tens of thousands of dual American-Israeli nationals are estimated to live in the West Bank.

Efrat lies south of Bethlehem in the area known as Gush Etzion. About 12,000 Israelis live there. The settlement is located in Area C of the West Bank, which comprises roughly 60 per cent of the territory and remains under full Israeli control under the Oslo Accords.

Most of the international community regards Israeli settlements in territory captured in the 1967 Middle East war as illegal under international law. Israel disputes that interpretation. More than 500,000 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank, which is home to around three million Palestinians.

The Palestinian Authoritys Colonisation and Wall Resistance Commission condemned the US move. In a statement, the commission said the decision constitutes a clear violation of international law and a blatant favouring of the occupation authorities. Its head, Muayyad Shubban, called on Washington to reverse the decision and urged other states not to legitimise the settlement system.

Hamas described the plan as a dangerous step that supports what it called Israels plans to Judaise the territory.

The announcement follows recent comments by US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who said in an interview with podcast host Tucker Carlson that Area C is part of Israel. His remarks drew criticism from Arab and Muslim governments. Official US policy does not recognise Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank.

Israels government has taken further steps this month to tighten control over the territory. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus cabinet approved measures to make it easier to register West Bank land as Israeli state property. Palestinian officials described the action as a de facto annexation.

More than 80 United Nations member states have condemned Israels recent measures in the West Bank. The International Court of Justice has previously stated that settlements in occupied Palestinian territory breach international law.

President Donald Trump has said he opposes formal annexation of the West Bank. His administration has not introduced measures to halt settlement expansion. During his first term, Trump recognised Jerusalem as Israels capital and moved the US embassy there. The United States also recognised Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, something that other countries have not recognised.

The Israeli foreign ministry welcomed the embassys decision. In a post on X, it thanked Huckabee and described the move as an expansion of services to US citizens in Judea and Samaria, the term used by the Israeli government for the West Bank.

HT
Registration opens for countys Republican convention

Registration is now open for the Henderson County Republican Party convention, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at Apple Valley Middle School.

Gay Dillard, the North Carolina GOP Vice Chair, will be the special guest speaker at the convention. Local Republican incumbent elected officials and primary election winners are also expected to speak at the meeting, the Republican Party said in a news release. State Sen. Tim Moffitt is the convention chairman.

Precinct meetings will precede the convention. During precinct meetings, delegates and alternates to the convention are elected and those who attend indicate whether they have an interest in attending the 11th Congressional District Republican Convention and/or the state Republican Convention.

The county convention is open to those who are registered to vote in Henderson County and have been registered as Republicans as of Jan. 31, 2026, or who will become 18 years old within 30 days prior to the convention or can prove that he or she moved into Henderson County within 30 days prior to the convention.

Online registration is available before March 28 by visiting hcgopnc.org. Online registration costs $15. Registration at the door is $20. Lunch is available for $10. For more information, contact the Republican Party at hello@hcgopnc.org.
MEMBERS of a club in Henley raised a record 37,474 for charity last year.

The Charity at Phyllis Court Club will split the money between the Chiltern Centre, for disabled young adults in Henley, and My Cancer My Choices, which offers free therapies to people with cancer.

Each received 18,737 and cheques were handed over at the groups annual meeting last Friday.

Patricia Christmas, who chairs the group, said: To pick our local charities, each year, its such a difficult decision. Theyre all so worthy of having our support, and it does bring tears to your eyes sometimes.

To raise 37,474 is amazing  it is a record for us here  and every single pound will go to them.

The money was raised through the staging of events, including a Burns night celebration, a Christmas Fair and a quiz night. Collections also took place during Henley Royal Regatta, which alone raised more than 9,000.

Ms Christmas said: The committee work so hard, really hard, for all of us, all throughout the year.

Addressing the meeting, Mayor Tom Buckley said: Phyllis Court Club is a wonderful institution that runs itself really well. The amount of money that your charity has raised is exceptional.

The Chiltern Centre is one of my chosen charities for this year and I know how much the charities really need you guys to work together for the money. On behalf of the town, I would like to thank you for doing this work.

Claire Rhodes, chief executive of My Cancer My Choices, said: I would like to thank the whole team who have made this year so much fun. We have really enjoyed coming along to all of the different events throughout the year and meeting so many of the members.

It will make an incredible difference to so many people across Berkshire and South Oxfordshire who are living with cancer at the moment. It will enable us to provide them with more complementary therapies to help with their treatment.

David Ebsworth, a volunteer ambassador and service user for the charity, said: Ive got cancer on palliative care, so theres no chance for me. This money will enable people like me that cant afford to have the therapies to come and have the therapies free of charge, which is what our charity offers. It will make such a difference to peoples lives.

Gareth Groves, the director of services at the Chiltern Centre, said: To spend four or five days at the Royal Regatta was amazing. The charity group is absolutely fantastic to work with.

The group has chosen Daisys Dream, which supports children and young people who have been affected by bereavement, and Berkshire MS Therapy Centre, which provides support for people with Multiple Sclerosis, as their charities for this year.
Iran stresses willingness to reach nuclear deal as U.S. deploys more warplanes

Xinhua) 08:06, February 25, 2026

This photo taken on Feb. 20, 2026 shows a city view of Tehran, Iran. (Xinhua/Shadati)

CAIRO, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- Senior Iranian officials on Tuesday stressed Iran's willingness to reach a nuclear deal with the United States, while Washington continues to escalate its military posture in the Middle East, deploying advanced fighter jets.

Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Tuesday Iran is determined to reach a "fair and equitable" deal with the United States as soon as possible.

In his remarks posted on X, Araghchi said the two sides have a "historic opportunity" to strike an unprecedented agreement that addresses mutual concerns and achieves common interests, adding that a deal is within reach if diplomacy is prioritized.

His comments came ahead of a third round of indirect nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington, scheduled for Thursday in Geneva. Two rounds of indirect talks were held earlier this month, centered on Iran's nuclear program and the possible lifting of U.S. sanctions.

Also on Tuesday, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht Ravanchi said Iran is ready to do "whatever necessary" to reach a nuclear agreement with the United States.

"We want to do whatever necessary to make it (an agreement) happen. We will enter the negotiating room in Geneva with all sincerity and goodwill," Ravanchi said in an interview with NPR radio.

"We hope that our goodwill and good approach would be reciprocated by the Americans, and if there is a political will on all sides, I believe that the deal can be reached as soon as possible," he added.

Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi (R) attends a joint press conference in Tehran, Iran, Jan. 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Shadati)

Meanwhile, during a meeting in Tehran with Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan on Tuesday, Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh reiterated his country's firm resolve to defend itself.

He said Iran does not seek war, "but if a war is imposed on the country, it will defend itself strongly and give an unforgettable lesson to enemies."

The remarks followed a drill held by Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) along the Iran's southern coast, the semi-official Fars news agency reported on Tuesday.

Iranian forces practiced the scenario of "strongly defending" the country's coasts and islands, and the IRGC Ground Forces' special forces carrying out operations to prevent the enemy from approaching Iran's southern coasts.

The exercise took place amid continued U.S. military buildup in the Middle East and media reports that U.S. President Donald Trump was considering launching an initial attack on Iran.

Israel media reported Tuesday that eleven U.S. F-22 stealth fighter jets have landed at an Israeli airbase in southern Israel, as part of Washington's regional military reinforcement against Iran.

The world's largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, which is en route to the Middle East, has arrived in the Mediterranean Sea. It will join the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group and other guided-missile destroyers already deployed near Iran.

This photo taken on Feb. 9, 2026 shows a city view of Tehran, Iran. (Xinhua/Shadati)

Trump on Monday refuted media reports that Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, warned against attacking Iran.

In a social media post, Trump said that if a decision is made on conducting military operations against Iran, "it is his (Caine's) opinion that it will be something easily won."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Recently, the liner "Jianghai Tong 188" departed Zhujiaqiao Pier at Wuhu Port carrying a batch of containers. After arriving at Shanghai Yangshan Port, these goods were transferred directly onto an ocean vessel bound for Europe without filing transshipment declarations with the port customs. Reporters learned from the Hefei Customs that this marks the official launch of Anhui's first export shipment under the water-to-water transfer multimodal transport scheme, opening a more economical and convenient corridor for Anhui goods to go overseas. Water-to-water transfer multimodal transport refers to a mode in which goods are containerized and both inland and crossborder transport are carried out via waterways. Under the new model, enterprises only need to complete the full process once at the port of origin or entry, enabling "one declaration, one bill through, and seamless passage." "Compared with the traditional transshipment procedure, the new model eliminates multiple declarations and duplicate paperwork, greatly simplifying clearance processes and improving logistics efficiency," said He Da, Director of the Monitoring Section at Wuhu Customs. "Under the multimodal scheme, after companies submit applications online and deliver export goods to a customssupervised facility, the facility operator confirms the arrival information so the declarant can complete clearance. Once inspection and release are done, goods can be loaded directly onto designated vessels for export, achieving seamless connection between inland transport and outbound logistics, and significantly reducing enterprises' logistics and time costs." To ensure the smooth advancement of the pilot for the watertowater transfer multimodal supervision model, Hefei Customs has been explaining policies and providing online and offline guidance to enterprises, detailing requirements for filling multimodal application forms and electronic data transmission, and organizing multiple rounds of business simulation exercises and tests. During the declaration phase, customs officers preregister enterprises' data transmission permissions and follow up throughout to guide firms in submitting multimodal application forms and transmitting arrival information, achieving "one declaration, full-process supervision, and seamless linkage." "We will continue to promote the replication and extension of policy measures under the crossborder trade facilitation initiative, strengthen coordinated linkage with ports, shipping companies and agents, improve the international trade 'single window' data transmission mechanism, and promote the normalization and scaled development of multimodal transport operations to provide stronger support for Anhui goods going overseas," said Li Yan, Deputy Director of Hefei Customs.

Source: Anhui Daily


Next month Brad Brewer, Co-Founder and Chief AI Officer of Agentic Hospitality, will speak to its general managers, directors of sales, and corporate executives at the Meyer Jabara Hotels (MJH) Executive Conference in Providence, R.I., to discuss one of the most talked-about and fastest-emerging topics in hospitality: Agentic Hotel Distribution.

As AI becomes the interface between consumers and commerce, Brewer will explain the fundamental shift in the way guests discover and book hotels. As the industrys evangelist for going AI native now, Brewer will discuss how hotel bookings are being influenced and determined by AI-powered agents that evaluate, recommend, and transact on behalf of travelers.

This is a hot topic globally because it represents the next evolution of hotel visibility and bookings, said Brewer who spoke last week on this topic at the Quinta Conference  Data is the New Black: Prague Edition. AI is already changing how travelers shop. I will explain why hotels that are not preparing their digital infrastructure today risk becoming invisible in tomorrows booking economy.

With a growing portfolio of 45 hotels, Meyer Jabara Hotels continues to distinguish itself as a forward-thinking hotel ownership and management company willing to bring transformative ideas directly to its people. By spotlighting Agentic Hotel Distribution at this event, MJH is demonstrating its commitment to proactive education, operational excellence, and long-term owner value.

Meyer Jabara Hotels has always believed technology must drive measurable performance and ownership returns, said Ted Jabara, Senior Vice President of Technical Services at Meyer Jabara Hotels. Agentic Hotel Distribution is changing how guests will find and book our hotels. By educating our leaders on AI, we are ensuring our hotels are digitally accurate, strategically positioned, and prepared for the next generation of demand. Investing in the right AI infrastructure today protects revenue tomorrow.

Brewers message to owners and operators is direct: while AI may be exciting and headline-grabbing, without the booking infrastructure properly optimized, AI investments elsewhere may ultimately deliver little value. Hotels can deploy chatbots, automation tools, and marketing enhancements, but if their data, digital footprint, and structured information are not accurate and AI-ready, those tools will not translate into bookings.

Before any dollars are spent elsewhere on AI, owners must invest in the foundation that enables bookings, Brewer said. If AI agents cannot find you, trust your data, and accurately understand your property, you simply will not be recommended. Without the booking piece, the AI spend is for naught.

Becoming Fluent in AI, Not Fearful

Brewers goal is to make hotel leaders fluent with AI rather than fearful of it. He stresses that AI stimulates thinking but does not replace it, and that every leader must at least know where the Copilot button is. In practical exercises, including asking AI to describe a hotel or build a travel itinerary, participants will see firsthand that AI only returns what it can find. If the information is wrong or incomplete, it is not the AI that failed, but the hotels digital data that requires attention.

Brewer will underscore that general managers can directly influence digital accuracy and that structured data is what ultimately drives AI visibility and recommendation confidence. He will also highlight AIs immediate operational benefit as an efficiency engine, noting that the first measurable return on investment is time saved. Tasks that once took hours, such as reconciling payroll and benefits, can now be completed in minutes, freeing leadership teams to focus on strategy rather than administration.

However, he cautions that prompting is becoming a leadership skill in itself: Stop using AI like Google, he said. Better prompts lead to better strategy.

Enterprise guardrails matter. Thats why Brewer is encouraging organizations to operate within secure environments such as Microsoft 365, and he said he feels its important to educate teams without creating fear. He also warns that rebrands and renovations require digital cleanup because the internet never forgets, and outdated information can compromise AI accuracy.

The end goal of the session is clear: smarter leaders, better questions, and confident AI adoption across the organization.

As AI becomes the new digital concierge and decision-maker for travelers, Meyer Jabara Hotels decision to bring this conversation directly to its leadership team underscores its commitment to staying ahead of industry transformation and safeguarding the booking engine that drives hotel performance, Brewer said. I applaud their foresight and look forward to engaging with one of the industrys leading, family operated hotel management companies.

To learn more about Agentic Hospitality and its flexible deployment-as-a-service models, visit https://www.agentichospitality.com. For direct inquiries, contact sales@agentichospitality.com. To hear more on the topic of Agentic Hotel Distribution firsthand, hoteliers are encouraged to sign up for the Virtual Destination AI Conference next month by clicking here.

About Agentic Hospitality

Natural language search is becoming the default discovery layer for travel. Hotels that do not surface structured answers to intent based queries will lose traffic, visibility, and revenue. Agentic Hospitality is an infrastructure-level AI Cloud platform dedicated to empowering hotels and resorts to reclaim the guest journey, enabling direct bookings through AI-native channels, and drive profitable revenue growth. Developed in collaboration with Brewer Digital and deployed across Google Cloud and Vertex AI, Agentic Hospitality transforms guest interactions into rich intent based signals, and loyalty-enhancing orchestration in real time. Inspired by 12 years of architecting modern commerce platforms for Travel + Leisure Co., G6 Hospitality, RLHC, La Quinta, Red Roof, Drury Hotels, Archer Hotel, and Sports Illustrated Resorts. Scalable across independent hotels, resort groups, and enterprise hospitality brands, Agentic Hospitality redefines the future of frictionless, AI-driven hospitality. The company is powered by a best-in-class ecosystem of technology partners, each chosen for their leadership in AI, automation, data orchestration, and hospitality infrastructure. Players include Google Cloud (Infrastructure layer, Vertex AI, Vertex Model Garden, Identify Management, and native OpenAI API compatibility); Brewer Digital Marketing (Full-stack platform integration, including Schema Adapter, TravelOS Model Context Protocol (MCP), and Booking Engine Adapter); Amadeus (CRS); Cloudbeds, Infor, Oracle Hospitality; PayPal, Braintree (Payments); Ad agencies (Dynamic CRM-based personalization and paid media optimization); and Little Buddy Agency (Automation meets creativity using humanAI hybrid tools to craft smarter, more engaging brand experiences). Visit https://www.agentichospitality.com/.
Minor Hotels Signs Agreement for NH Collection Accra in Ghana - Image Credit Minor Hotels

Minor Hotels has signed an agreement to open the NH Collection Accra, a 200-key hotel in Ghanas capital, scheduled to launch in 2030.

Minor Hotels has signed an agreement for NH Collection Accra, marking the introduction of the NH Collection brand in Ghana. The agreement was signed during THINC Middle East 2026, with the hotel scheduled to launch in 2030.

The NH Collection Accra will be located in central Accra, near Jubilee House and close to Kotoka International Airport. The property will be part of a mixed-use development that includes hotel, retail, and office components, providing access to government, corporate, and embassy districts.

The development is being undertaken by Swami India Ghana Limited. The project is planned to feature 200 guest rooms and is intended to serve corporate, diplomatic, and long-stay travelers.

NH Collection Accra is the first property under the NH Collection brand in Ghana and aligns with Minor Hotels expansion across gateway cities in Africa.
Rendering of Hotel Indigo Phuket Nai Yang Beach - Image Credit IHG Hotels & Resorts

IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed Hotel Indigo Phuket Nai Yang Beach in partnership with AssetWise Public Company Limited and Rhom Bho Property Public Company Limited. The 170-room hotel is scheduled to open in 2030 and marks the second collaboration between IHG and AssetWise in Phuket, joining voco Phuket Bangtao, which is also in the design and construction stage.

The hotel will be located within a five-minute drive of Phuket International Airport and 45 minutes from Phuket Old Town. It will be within walking distance of Nai Yang Beach and Sirinat National Park. Planned amenities include a restaurant and bar, a spa, and a gymnasium.

This signing brings IHGs portfolio in Phuket to seven open hotels and five pipeline properties across its brands, including InterContinental, Vignette Collection, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn, and Holiday Inn Express, with voco hotels set to debut in the area. Hotel Indigo Phuket Nai Yang Beach will join 37 other properties in IHGs development pipeline in Thailand, with figures as of 31 December 2025.
Premier Inn Proposed for Former Fruehauf Factory Site in North Walsham - Image Credit Whitbread

Whitbread PLC has submitted a full planning application to North Norfolk District Council for an 81-bedroom Premier Inn hotel on part of the former Fruehauf factory site off Cromer Road, North Walsham.

The application covers a previously developed site adjacent to Waitrose, MKM Builders Merchants, and Tom Moore House on the western edge of North Walsham in North Norfolk. The proposed development includes 81 bedrooms in Premier Inns latest format, a guest lounge, 80 guest car parking spaces, and landscaping. Around 20 permanent jobs are expected to be created upon opening.

North Walsham currently has no branded hotels. The nearest Premier Inn locations are in Norwich, 15 miles away, and Great Yarmouth, 25 miles away. Independent research commissioned by Whitbread shows Premier Inn guests spend an average of 143 per room per night, with 71 typically spent locally within a two-mile radius of the hotel, supporting local shops, cafes, pubs, restaurants, and visitor attractions.

The proposed hotel is planned to be powered by electricity backed by Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO), with the building incorporating heat recovery systems and air-source heat pumps to achieve low energy demand, in line with Whitbreads sustainability strategy.

If approved, Whitbread is expected to invest more than 10 million in the hotel development. The planning application will be available on the North Norfolk District Councils planning portal. Whitbread and its planning consultants, Walsingham Planning, welcome engagement from residents, businesses, and stakeholders on the proposals.

Whitbread operates more than 85,500 Premier Inn and hub by Premier Inn bedrooms across the UK and Ireland, and is expanding in this market, with a network potential of 125,000 UK and Ireland rooms. Premier Inn has a long-standing requirement for a hotel in North Walsham, identifying demand from leisure guests during peak periods and business travellers throughout the year.
ITB Berlin Convention 2026: Charting a Course Between Crises and AI - Image Credit ITB Berlin

How will we travel in the future? The ITB Berlin Convention 2026, which will take place from 3 to 5 March, will provide a wide range of answers with a high-calibre programme that looks at a travel world in transition. Artificial intelligence, geopolitical upheavals and the challenges of sustainable development call for new ideas and concepts in many areas.

This year, the ITB Berlin Convention is focusing on political expertise: The age of polycrisis and the impact of global tensions on travel behaviour are the subject of a keynote speech by Joschka Fischer, former German Foreign Minister, who will highlight how the tourism industry can position and assert itself in a world of increasing political uncertainty. The other events at the convention will also offer first-hand international experience and insider knowledge in 17 themed tracks on four stages: Top executives from global companies  including Google, Microsoft, Expedia and this year's official Premium Partner of ITB Berlin and co-host of the ITB Berlin Convention, Airbnb  will provide practical information on current strategies and projects that will shape the world of travel in the long term.

From 3 to 5 March 2026, 400 international experts will gather at the ITB Berlin Convention to discuss how tourism can be shaped and renewed in the 21st century under the theme Leading Tourism into Balance.  ITB Berlin

Digital dynamics: How AI is redefining business models

The influence of artificial intelligence on process optimisation and travel behaviour, but also on sustainability and diversity, will be a key topic discussed in numerous events covering a wide range of aspects. Exciting insights into Airbnb's strategy will be provided by Nathan Blecharczyk, Airbnb Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Airbnb, who reports exclusively on how nature tourism and short-term rentals could shape the next era of travel. Yannis Simaiakis and Anna Sawbridge will shed light on how travellers' search and booking behaviour is changing under the influence of AI. The two top managers from Google will show how tourism providers can survive and remain profitable in an AI-driven environment. The potential risks of AI-driven processes will be the topic of a panel discussion with AI expert Fevzi Okumus, who will use current studies to explain how the use of AI can disadvantage marginalised travellers and limit the visibility of local travel providers.

How can tourism growth be managed responsibly?

The impact of tourism development on the environment and social cohesion is another topic on which conference participants can count on the expertise of high-calibre speakers. From the perspective of major tour operators, Thomas Ellerbeck (TUI) and Ingo Burmester (DERTOUR Group) will discuss how tourism is becoming increasingly important for international cooperation and how it contributes to sustainable development in destinations by strengthening local economies. Hospitality expert Dr Renee Nicole Wagner (Orascom Hotel Management) and other guests will discuss how hotels can cooperate more closely with their neighbourhoods and strengthen local communities. Biodiversity expert Frauke Fischer will ask what contribution AI can make to the preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity in holiday regions.

Innovation, trends and inspiration: Where is the industry heading?

Despite all the challenges, the ITB Berlin Convention 2026 will once again offer a comprehensive overview of an industry characterised by innovation and dynamism in 2026. The ITB Transition Lab promises in-depth insights into operational modernisation strategies, providing compact and practical information on the possible uses of key performance indicators. New insights into current leisure and holiday trends such as longevity and encounters with little-known destinations are promised by the several themed tracks of the convention. An excerpt from the programme:

Tuesday, 3 March 2026

In the Future Track, leading voices from politics, business, science and technology will discuss how the tourism industry can master the challenges of AI, polycrises and global upheavals between innovation, sustainability and resilience. Microsoft Advertising is the track sponsor of the Future Track.

Wednesday, 4 March 2026

In the AI Track, experts explain how artificial intelligence is revolutionising business models, customer interaction and distribution, ushering in a new era of forward-looking, sustainable travel. Travolution (Eventiz from Travelsoft) is the track sponsor of the AI Track.

In the Destination Track, global thought leaders will show how cities and regions can develop sustainable and resilient destinations through innovation, smart governance and value-oriented leadership. The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is a partner of the Destination Track.

The Marketing & Distribution Track provides compact insights into trends and strategies that are crucial for marketing, sales and commercial executives. Google is the track sponsor of the Marketing & Distribution Track.

In the Youth, Adventure & Outdoor Track, experts highlight how adventure, outdoor and youth travel are adapting to new trends, sustainability requirements and safety aspects. As the Adventure Travel Partner of ITB Berlin 2026, Peru is the track sponsor of the Youth, Adventure & Outdoor Track.

Thursday, 5 March 2026

The Responsible Tourism Track shows how tourism can achieve a sustainable balance through adaptation, conservation and regeneration. Studiosus is the session sponsor of the Responsible Tourism Track.

Despite all the hustle and bustle in the exhibition halls, the fascination of travel will not be neglected. A special highlight at the end promises to be the keynote speech by Danish world traveller and author Thor Pedersen, who will report on what it feels like to travel to every country in the world over the course of ten years without using an aeroplane.

All events at the convention can also be followed via livestream on the ITB Navigator. Afterwards, the sessions will also be available on the YouTube channel of ITB Berlin.
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Epson Philippines Corporation (EPC) officially inaugurated its newest Cebu office located at the Skyrise Beta Building, Samar Loop, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City. The ceremonial opening gathered company executives, government leaders, and business partners in a program that celebrated Epsons continued growth and commitment to serving customers in the Visayas region.

Ribbon Cutting. (L-R) Epson Singapore Senior Regional Director for Regional Corporate Services Yen Ling Lee; Cebu City Councilor Nice Archival; Epson Philippines President and Director Masako Kusama; Epson Philippines Sales Division Head Ash Elshawbaki; and Epson Philippines Marketing Division Head Noelle Gonzalez

The event began with an office blessing, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Epson executives alongside distinguished local government officials. Among the guests of honor was City Councilor Nice Archival, who expressed her support for Epsons expanded presence in the region.

EPC President and Director Masako Kusama delivered an inspirational message highlighting Epsons vision for innovation, sustainability, and strengthened service coverage in the region. She emphasized the importance of Cebu as a thriving business hub and a strategic location for Epsons continued market growth.

This new Cebu office symbolizes Epsons dedication to staying closer to our customers, partners, and communities, Kusama said. We look forward to deepening our relationships in the Visayas and contributing to the regions economic and technological progress.

Following her message, Kusama led the toast ceremony, marking the official opening of the Cebu office.

A key feature of the Cebu office is its Solution Center, designed to showcase Epsons wide range of corporate solutions, allowing clients and partners to experience the companys innovative technologies firsthand. The office also includes flexible spaces that can accommodate small events, demonstrations, and future training sessions, enabling Epson to hold more interactive and localized engagements for its Visayas customers.

Strategically located within the Cebu Business Park, the new office will accommodate Epsons operations in the region, enhance customer support, and foster stronger collaboration with local partners. The expansion forms part of Epsons mission to bring innovative, energy-efficient technologies to more Filipino homes and businesses.

The successful opening event underscored Epsons continued leadership in imaging, printing, and digital solutionsreinforced by a growing footprint in one of the Philippines most dynamic regions.
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One of Japans most extreme traditional festivals is under scrutiny after a crowd crush left three men unconscious, renewing safety concerns around the 500-year-old ritual long associated with danger.

Organisers acknowledged that the severity of the injuries was unprecedented and warned that it could threaten the festivals continuity in its current form.

The incident occurred on Saturday at the Saidaiji Kannonin Temple in Okayama city during Hadaka Matsuri, also known as Saidaiji Eyo or the naked festival, when almost 10,000 men wearing only loincloth packed into the darkened main hall to grab sacred wooden sticks believed to bring good fortune.

Six participants collapsed in the melee and were hospitalised. Three later regained consciousness while three remained unconscious, according to local media.

Emergency crews used defibrillators and cardiac massages at the scene before transferring the injured men to hospital.

A witness reportedly described the chaos saying they saw naked people falling in an avalanche.

We pray for the recovery of those taken to hospital and our first priority will be to investigate the cause of the accident, Minoru Omori, the chairperson of the Saidaiji Eyo Support Association, was quoted as saying by Sanyo News. After that, we would like to consider revising the rules.

File. Participants arrive for Hadaka Matsuri at Saidaiji Kannonin Temple in Okayama, Japan, on 18 February 2023 ( Getty )

Authorities suspect the crush began when the lights were switched off and the sticks were thrown, triggering a frantic surge in the confined space, NHK reported.

The festival, officially recognised as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, has a history of serious accidents, including fatalities in 1987 and 2007.

Ahead of the ritual, participants undergo purification by taking dips in freezing water. They then crowd into the temple hall to await the Shingi  sacred wooden talismans  hurled from an upper level. Once the lights are extinguished, the scented sticks are flung into the mass of bodies below, setting off a frantic struggle as thousands grope in the darkness  guided in part by the fragrance infused into the wood.
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A family has paid tribute to a loved British traveller who was killed in Nepal when a tourist bus fell 200 metres from a mountain, killing 19 people on board.

Dominic Stewart, 23, was on the bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu in the early hours of Monday morning when it lost control and veered off a road in the Himalayan foothills into the bank of the Trishuli River.

He was headed to the capital after completing the Annapurma Circuit, a popular hiking route in Nepal, and was due to celebrate his 24th birthday next month, his family told The Telegraph.

He was loved by everybody he met, his father, Mike, told the newspaper. His mother, Jane, said: He was our baby. He was the baby of six. He was my husbands best friend.

The family said Mr Stewart, who was known to friends as Dom, had lived his entire life in Exeter and was planning to study finance and accountancy at university in Bristol.

They paid tribute to a very loving and caring young man who was happiest trekking, as reported by ITV.

open image in gallery The bus fell down a mountain into a river where two buses crashed previously in 2024 ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

The family said that Mr Stewart had arrived in Nepal last month after travelling through Afghanistan and Turkmenistan.

He was among 44 people on board the bus to the capital when it lost control on the Prithvi highway at around 1.30am on Monday.

Nepalese police say they have identified the bodies of all 19 victims, including a 40-year-old woman from China and a 32-year-old man from India.

Mr Stewarts body was to be handed over to the British embassy on Tuesday, authorities said.

A 27-year-old woman from New Zealand and a Chinese national were among 25 people injured, who are now being treated at hospitals in Kathmandu, a statement from the police said.

Rescuers worked through the night to reach survivors trapped in the wreckage, but were hindered by a lack of equipment, police said.

Superintendent Sumit Khadka told the RSS news agency: We did not have any equipment that could immediately lift or cut [through metal]. We spent a long time consoling victims.

Mohan Prasad Neupane, information officer at the district administration office, said the rescue operation had been completed by dawn on Tuesday.

The British foreign office told The Independent they were supporting the family of a British man who has died in Nepal and are in contact with the authorities.

open image in gallery The wreckage of a bus on the banks of the River Trishuli after the vehicle crashed near Benighat on Monday ( AP )

The government said it had ordered an investigation.

Road accidents are common in mostly mountainous Nepal where the conditions of roads are poor. Hundreds die in road crashes in Nepal annually.

In July 2024, two buses with more than 50 people on board fell off the highway into the same river following a landslide.
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Sri Lanka has arrested its former intelligence chief in connection with the 2019 suicide bombings of churches and hotels that killed nearly 270 people.

Suresh Sallay, a retired army major general, was held from a Colombo suburb over allegations of aiding and abetting what came to be known as the Easter Sunday bombings, one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in the countrys recent history, police said on Wednesday.

The six simultaneous attacks on 21 April 2019 sent shockwaves across the island nation and revived memories of a 26-year civil war marked by suicide bombings, assassinations and guerrilla warfare to create an independent state for the country's ethnic Tamil minority.

Two days after the bombings, the Islamic State claimed responsibility, releasing a customary video showing eight men, including a pair of rich brothers, pledging allegiance to the groups then leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The Islamic State was not known to have a presence in Sri Lanka until then.

At a special briefing on Wednesday, senior deputy inspector general Sajeewa Medawatte said Mr Sallay was arrested based on evidence uncovered in relation to the Easter Sunday attacks.

Police spokesman Fredrick Wootler said the Criminal Investigation Department was looking into possible "links or lapses" by Mr Salley in connection with the attacks.

Children carrying pictures of the victims pay tribute on the 6th anniversary of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks inside St Sebastian's Church in Katuwapitiya ( AFP via Getty )

At the time of the attacks, Mr Sallay was an army brigadier serving in a diplomatic role in Malaysia. He was appointed director of the State Intelligence Service in late 2019 after Gotabaya Rajapaksa became president.

His arrest came ahead of the seventh anniversary of the bombings.

In the wake of the bombings, allegations surfaced that the attackers had links with the Sri Lankan intelligence and Mr Sallary came under the scanner.

In 2023, Channel 4 reported that Mr Sallay had links with the bombers. A man interviewed by the British broadcaster claimed he had arranged a meeting for Mr Salley with a local group known as Thowheed Jamath, which was inspired by the Islamic State. It was allegedly at this meeting that a plot was hatched to stir insecurity in the country and enable Mr Rajapaksa to win the presidential election later that year.

The man interviewed by Channel 4, Azad Maulana, was a spokesperson for a Tamil Tigers breakaway group that later became a proxy militia and helped the Sinhalese-dominated government defeat the rebels.

After security camera footage of the bombings was released, Mr Maulana said he recognised the faces of the attackers as the people he had arranged to meet with Mr Salley.

The Sri Lankan defence ministry has denied any involvement in the attacks.

In 2021, US authorities charged three Sri Lankans with supporting the Easter Sunday attacks, in which five Americans were among 45 foreigners killed. The trio are among 25 suspects indicted before Sri Lankas High Court.

The UN earlier urged Sri Lanka to release parts of previous inquiries into the attacks that were withheld from the public.
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An American convicted of murdering his then-girlfriends wealthy mother during a luxury holiday in Bali has been deported to the US after an early release from prison, Indonesian immigration officials said.

Tommy Schaefer, 32, and his then-girlfriend, Heather Mack, were convicted of killing Chicago socialite Sheila von Wiese-Mack in Denpasar and stuffing her body into a suitcase in what was dubbed the 2014 suitcase murder case.

Ahead of his deportation on Tuesday, Schaefer said that he wished peace for Sheilas family and apologised but claimed he was pushed into the situation.

I am sorry. I have always been sorry. I have always been apologetic, he told the news agency AFP. I was pushed into the situation but I do take full responsibility for everything that Ive done and I wish Sheilas family peace.

In 2015, an Indonesian court sentenced Schaefer to 18 years in prison and Mack to 10 years for assisting in the murder.

Schaefer was released last week from the Kerobokan prison on the island of Bali and sent to an immigration detention facility on Friday.

On Tuesday, he boarded a late-night flight to the US, where he was set to appear in a Chicago court to face additional charges. Hes due to appear at the Dirksen US Courthouse for his arraignment on Thursday.

The court will make the necessary arrangements to have the defendant appear for the hearing, judge Matthew F Kennelly wrote in a minute entry filed on Tuesday.

open image in gallery File. Heather Mack holds her baby before her trial in Denpasar, Bali, in 2015 ( AFP via Getty )

Schaefers return to the US marks a new phase in the legal saga, 12 years after the original crime made headlines.

Mack, who earned the nickname the suitcase killer, pleaded guilty in June 2024 to conspiring to murder her socialite mother at the five-star St Regis resort in Bali.

She reached a plea deal with federal prosecutors in Illinois, pleading guilty to a count of conspiracy to kill an American national so that she and her then-boyfriend could access a $1.5m trust fund.

At the time of the killing, Mack was 19 and Schaefer 21.

Mack gave birth to a daughter in 2015 while detained in Bali. She was released after serving seven years of her 10-year sentence for good behaviour and deported to the US, where she was arrested on federal charges upon arrival.

She was sentenced to 28 years in prison, with consideration given to the seven years she had already served in an Indonesian jail. However, the charge carried a maximum penalty of life in prison, and the judge hinted that he could ignore the prosecutors request.

open image in gallery Heather Mack and Tommy Schaefer walk to a prison van in Denpasar on the resort island of Bali on 18 February 2015 ( AFP via Getty )

At her trial, the court heard heart-breaking impact statements from von Wiese-Macks family where they begged for the harshest possible sentence, described Mack as a monster and spoke of the trauma they experienced when they were reminded of what the 62-year-old endured in her final moments.

The victims brother, Bill Wiese, branded his niece a monster, master manipulator and morally reprehensible.

If it were up to me, Heather would spend the rest of her life behind bars, he told the court. She has lied so many times about her life and her mothers murder that Ive stopped counting.

The court also heard that the victim was struck by the metal handle of a fruit stand while she was sleeping in her hotel bed.
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Former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte personally compiled so-called death lists and openly bragged about killings carried out during his anti-drug crackdown, prosecutors at an international court alleged.

On the second day of proceedings at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, prosecutor Edward Jeremy presented testimony he described as deeply disturbing.

As president, Duterte publicly named persons he alleged were involved in drugs, and many of those would end up as victims in his so-called war on drugs, Mr Jeremy said.

According to the prosecution, the so-called Duterte list functioned as an execution roster. It was basically a death list, Mr Jeremy cited a witness as saying, before showing footage in which Mr Duterte declared: I am the sole person responsible for it all.

Mr Duterte faces three counts of crimes against humanity at the ICC. Among the claims were accounts that minors were suffocated.

I turn to the words of another insider witness. I quote: This list was used by the police in their operations. And if you are in the list, you will be the subject for police operations. And most of the time, the people on the list are killed. So basically, the (President Rodrigo Roa Duterte) PRRD list is a dead list, Mr Jeremy said.

Prosecutors link him to at least 76 killings between 2013 and 2018, describing that figure as only a small portion of the thousands believed to have died during his anti-drug campaign  first when he served as mayor of Davao City and later as president.

As witnesses stated, the poor were often targeted, because they were the ones least likely to file complaints against the police, said Mr Jeremy. In court, Mr Jeremy also played a recording of Mr Duterte making light of extrajudicial killings during a public address.

In this opulent, gilded, presentation room, the officials laugh along with their president while he boasts about his skills in extrajudicial killing, said Mr Jeremy.

And outside on the streets of the Philippines, the bodies pile up.

At that point in the campaign, the prosecutor alleged, nearly 1,500 people had already been killed.

He further described two incidents in which teenagers, around 14 or 15 years old, were detained by the police and allegedly strangled to death.

Its difficult to imagine a more terrifying end to two lives that had barely even begun. And these murdered children were then sold to funeral homes.

An insider witness told prosecutors that Philippine police carried out one time big time drug operations, including a single night in 2017 in Bulacan that left 32 people dead.

As one witness stated, It was hunting season, a killing spree,' Mr Jeremy said.

The current proceedings are not a full trial but a confirmation-of-charges hearing, during which judges decide whether the case should proceed. Mr Duterte, now 80, chose not to attend, invoking his right to be absent.

His legal team, led by lawyer Nicholas Kaufman, has argued that the former president is frail and experiencing cognitive decline. Prosecutors and victims representatives dispute that characterisation, contending he is medically fit but unwilling to confront victims families in court. Judges ruled he is capable of attending but allowed him to waive his presence.

On 23 February, Mr Kaufman said his client maintained his innocence absolutely. He added that although Mr Duterte was known for bluster and hyperbole in his speeches, he repeatedly instructed law enforcement officers to use lethal force only in self-defence.

Once hearings conclude, judges are expected to take up to 60 days to determine whether the case will move forward to a full trial.

Prosecutors also presented an expert on political violence who found a 1,600 per cent surge in police killings in Bulacan and a 598 per cent rise nationwide after Mr Duterte took office, concluding that such dramatic increases point to a widespread policy of extrajudicial executions.

Mr Jeremy also said: As witnesses stated, the poor were often targeted because they were the ones least likely to file complaints against the police. To quote one witness on our next slide, he stated, it was said that the ones that we had to do the TokHang operation on had to be poor  those who do not have the means to file a complaint or to complain, referring to the polices anti-drug operation.
Breeze Airways has announced two new destinations and additional nonstop routes, significantly expanding its network from July.

The budget airline is introducing underserved markets Birmingham, Alabama, and Tallahassee, Florida, as new destinations.

Breeze is also launching over a dozen new nonstop routes, including an expanded intra-Florida network, with the new flights detailed in a news release on its website.

The addition of these new cities and routes will give even more travelers the opportunity to save precious hours that would otherwise be spent flying through hubs or driving. CEO David Neeleman said.

The new services include routes connecting various cities such as Akron-Canton, Atlantic City, and Fort Lauderdale to destinations across the US, with introductory fares starting from as low as $39.
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Microwaving a ready meal in its plastic tray can release thousands of microscopic plastic particles into the food within minutes even when the packaging is labelled microwave-safe, according to a new analysis.

The analysis, published by Greenpeace International on Tuesday, is based on peer-reviewed studies examining what happens when plastic food containers are heated.

It says that heat can trigger the release of both microplastics and nanoplastics, particles so small they are invisible to the naked eye. It also releases chemicals like bisphenols and phthalates used in plastic manufacturing which research links to hormone disruption, infertility and certain cancers.

One of the studies cited in the new report found that between 326,000 and 534,000 microplastic and nanoplastic particles leached into food simulants after just five minutes of microwaving, up to seven times more than particles released during oven heating under similar conditions.

The analysis also found that heating plastics like polypropylene and polystyrene increased the migration of additives into food or food simulants. These included plasticisers and antioxidants, substances added to plastics to improve flexibility and durability but not permanently bound to the material, making them more likely to migrate when exposed to heat.

People think theyre making a harmless choice when they buy and heat a meal packaged in plastic, said Graham Forbes, global plastics campaign lead from Greenpeace USA. In reality, we are being exposed to a cocktail of microplastics and hazardous chemicals that should never be in or near our food.

Governments have let the petrochemicals and plastics industries turn our kitchens into testing labs. This report shows that corporate claims of microwave-safe are no more than wishful thinking.

In most regulatory systems, microwave-safe means a container will not visibly melt or break apart at certain temperatures. It does not necessarily assess the release of microscopic plastic particles or chemical additives into food.

The report says more than 4,200 hazardous chemicals are known to be used in or present in plastics, with most not specifically regulated in food packaging. Some like bisphenols, phthalates and PFAS  often referred to as forever chemicals  and metals like antimony are linked to cancer, infertility, hormone disruption, and metabolic disease.

It cites evidence that at least 1,396 food-contact plastic chemicals have been detected in human bodies, with research associating exposure to conditions such as neurodevelopmental disorders, cardiovascular disease, obesity and type 2 diabetes.

A waste dump at Karahan Kuyumcular in Turkeys Adana province is seen during an investigation into plastic waste that is dumped and burned in the country ( Greenpeace via PA Wire )

The analysis does not present new laboratory experiments by Greenpeace. Instead, it synthesises findings from published research showing that heating, storage, and wear can all increase particle release.

In one study referenced, worn or scratched plastic containers released nearly double the number of microplastic particles compared with new packaging.

Concerns about heating plastic containers arent new. Previous studies showed that microwaving plastic baby food containers and pouches could release almost 2 billion nanoplastics and 4 million microplastics per square centimetre of container surface.

The same study found that refrigeration and room-temperature storage for more than six months could release millions to billions of particles into food, and that 75 per cent of cultured embryonic kidney cells died after two days of exposure to microplastic and nanoplastic particles in laboratory conditions.

Theres also growing evidence that plastic packaging leaches off tiny invisible particles in water, even when not heated. A study in 2024 found a litre of bottled water contained an average of 240,000 plastic particles  10 to 100 times more than previously estimated  most of them nanoparticles small enough to penetrate human cells and potentially enter the bloodstream and major organs.

Plastic-packaged ready meals are one of the fastest-growing segments of the global food system, worth nearly $190bn, the report noted. Global production reached 71 million tonnes in 2024, averaging 12.6kg per person. Plastic packaging accounts for around 36 per cent of all plastics produced, and global plastic production is projected to more than double by 2050.

Greenpeace argues that regulation hasnt kept pace with emerging research on the release of microplastics from food packaging and that labels like microwave safe give consumers false reassurance.

Are we being poisoned while trying to feed our families? The risk is clear, the stakes are high and the time to act is now. We cannot rely on misleading promises from corporations, Mr Forbes said.

Governments must act now by delivering a strong Global Plastics Treaty that protects human health and cuts plastic production at the source.

Microplastics have been found everywhere from the deepest points in the ocean to inside our bodies from as early as birth.

Some nations have banned single-use plastics in order to reduce plastic waste that releases the particles in soil, water and air but enforcement remains challenging.

There have been ongoing conversations among countries, chaired by the UN, to create a legally binding global plastics treaty. However, despite years of talks, differences remain over putting a limit on new plastic production and assigning responsibility for the health risks, among other things.
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Five oil supermajors have made just under $500bn (346bn) in profits since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, an analysis of company earnings shows, even as households across Europe have continued to grapple with elevated energy bills four years into the war.

The figure comes from a review by the advocacy group Global Witness of earnings reported by Shell, BP, Chevron, Exxon Mobil, and Total Energies between February 2022 and January 2026.

According to the groups calculations, the five companies recorded combined profits of $467bn (346bn) over the four-year period. Their earnings spiked sharply in the year following Russias invasion as oil and gas prices surged through the global energy crisis triggered by the conflict.

That total is close to the $524bn (388bn) estimated cost of rebuilding Ukraine, according to international assessments cited in the analysis.

In the same period, shareholders in the five companies received a total of $444bn (329bn) in dividends and share buybacks, the group said. That figure exceeds the EUs total clean energy spending in 2025 of $391bn (289bn).

The analysis also found that, despite setting targets to reach net zero emissions by 2050, BP and Shell spent on average 10 times more on shareholder payouts than on low-carbon and renewable energy investment between 2022 and 2025.

The oil supermajors have amassed a fortune since Russia's war began, raking in almost half a trillion dollars in profit as households across Europe have faced crippling bills and Ukrainians have suffered relentless attacks, Patrick Galey, head of news investigations at Global Witness, said.

To make matters worse, oil giants have spent their spoils on huge payouts to wealthy shareholders and more climate-wrecking oil and gas production.

A child places a rose at a makeshift memorial for Ukrainian and foreign soldiers in Independence Square in Kyiv ( AFP via Getty )

In the months after the war began in early 2022, wholesale gas prices in Europe rose to record highs. Energy bills for households rose sharply, prompting governments to introduce support schemes and windfall taxes on energy producers in some countries.

Although prices have since fallen from their peak, UK household energy costs have stayed above the pre-2022 levels.

Global Witness argued that the scale of profits highlights the oil sectors continued reliance on fossil fuel production rather than on accelerating investment in clean energy as expected from them under global climate agreements. Governments must tax dirty fossil fuel firms fairly and squarely, with the proceeds used to help rebuild Ukraine, fund climate action and compensate households plunged into energy poverty, Mr Galey said.

Instead of shifting capital towards renewables, the analysis noted, several companies have signalled plans to maintain or expand oil and gas output. It pointed to reported interest from Chevron, BP and Shell in Venezuelan oil projects after the US eased some sanctions following its capture, in a military raid, of president Nicolas Maduro.

The Independent has reached out to BP, Shell, Chevron, Exxon Mobil, and Total Energies for comment.

The war in Ukraine has entered its fifth year, with reconstruction costs mounting and energy security remaining a central concern in Europes policy debates.

Oil and gas markets were already tightening before the war due to post-pandemic demand recovery. The conflict compounded supply disruptions, pushing benchmark crude and gas prices to multi-year highs in 2022 and driving record earnings across the sector.
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A man who murdered a nine-year-old while she played in the street has been jailed for life, with a minimum term of 25 years.

Deividas Skebas, 26, stabbed Lilia Valutyte in the heart in the town centre of Boston, Lincolnshire, on 28 July 2022. She had been playing with a hula hoop outside her mothers embroidery shop at the time.

A trial at Lincoln Crown Court heard there was no dispute that Skebas, who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, killed Lilia.

However, a jury was asked to decide what his state of mind was at the time of the attack. The Lithuanian national told police that he was being controlled by Nasa.

He pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, but was convicted of murder by a jury on 5 February.

Skebas, formerly of Thorold Street in Boston, appeared by video-link from high-security facility Rampton Hospital in Nottinghamshire wearing a navy blue zip-up jumper.

open image in gallery Lilia Valutyte died after being stabbed in the heart ( Lincolnshire Police )

He stared ahead without reacting as his sentence was read out by Mr Justice Choudhury on Wednesday.

In his sentencing remarks, the judge said Lilia was a happy, lively girl as carefree as any nine-year-old should be, adding that Skebas committed a shocking and horrific act of violence on her.

He added: She should have been safe. She was playing in a pedestrianised area and just yards away from her mum.

Mr Justice Choudhury said Skebas had been a user of drugs, including cannabis and amphetamines, which would likely worsen his schizophrenia.

Skebas had initially been deemed unfit to stand trial but it was later argued that, while his deteriorating mental health was genuine, he did indeed know what he was doing, had tried to avoid detection and intended to flee the country.

Opening the Crowns case against Skebas in January, Christopher Donnellan KC told jurors: This deliberate murder was clearly a wicked act. He knew his conduct was wrong. He knew he was killing a child.

Mr Donnellan told the court on Wednesday: This was a particularly vulnerable victim, a young girl aged nine. The offence took place with a degree of planning or premeditation.

Jurors had heard that Skebas had prowled around the area until it was quiet before he stabbed the child with a Sabatier paring knife he had bought from a Wilko shop two days before.

open image in gallery Lilia was described as a happy, lively girl ( Lincolnshire Police )

In the days after the attack, Skebas shaved his beard, tucked the knife behind a radiator, and made efforts to leave the country on a bus to Lithuania.

Lilias mother, Lina Savickiene, who found the girl covered in blood and with the hoop around her after the stabbing, said in an impact statement read by her husband, Aurelijus Savickas, on the day Skebas was convicted: This is not something you recover from.

Sometimes terrifying thoughts overwhelm the mind, and during this trial, there have been many, many more. Why her? Why us? The questions remain unanswered.

The court heard that Skebas was arrested two days after the attack, but his mental health was declining so he was transferred to a hospital.

He told detectives that he had eaten a piece of rice which he believed was actually a microchip, and that he had the power to resurrect Lilia if the police contacted his controller in Nasa.

In mitigation, defence barrister Andrew Campbell-Tiech KC said Skebas remains dangerous not merely to himself but in the absence of medication  a danger to others.
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IPP prisoners are trapped in a never-ending carousel of excessive punishment which amounts to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, a major report submitted to the United Nations warns.

The 44-page submission to the UNs special rapporteur on torture, Dr Alice Gill Edwards, calls for the immediate abolition of the Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentence for those still languishing on the indefinite jail terms, with compensation, or an urgent review of their cases.

The damning assessment by leading international lawyer, Dr Felicity Gerry KC, highlights the plight of eight prisoners  including Thomas White, who has served almost 14 years for robbing a mobile phone and set himself alight after his mental health deteriorated in prison.

Dr Gerry has urged the torture tsar to conclude these eight individuals are being subjected to degrading treatment, in violation of their human rights. On average, they have each served 516 per cent of their original minimum term.

Risk to the public has long been cited as a reason for keeping IPP prisoners incarcerated but this lacks any sound foundation, especially when harm is being caused by the very system that sentenced those people in the first place, the report found.

The UK cannot hypocritically stand against despotic regimes when its own systems are so dystopian.

open image in gallery IPP prisoner Thomas Whites mental health has deteriorated in prison ( Margaret White )

The open-ended punishments, which have been linked to almost 100 suicides in prison, were scrapped in 2012, but not retrospectively, leaving thousands trapped without a release date.

Once freed, many find themselves in a vicious cycle of recall, in which they can be hauled back to prison indefinitely for minor breaches of strict licence conditions.

The architect of the flawed sentence, David Blunkett, has since admitted that ushering in the draconian punishments under Tony Blairs Labour government is his biggest regret.

Almost 2,400 were still languishing on IPP sentences in December 2025, including 924 who have never been released. The majority have served at least 10 years longer than their original minimum term.

In 2022, the cross-party justice committee inquiry found the sentences were irredeemably flawed and called for all IPP prisoners to be resentenced, but successive governments have refused.

The application, filed last week, is the second major a submission to the UN over the jail terms. A separate complaint over five other IPP prisoners is already being investigated by the UNs working group on arbitrary detention.

Any finding of degrading treatment or arbitrary detention would be a damning indictment of the Ministry of Justices handling of the scandal.

open image in gallery Dr Alice Jill Edwards is the UN special rapporteur on torture ( UN Human Rights Council screengrab )

Dr Gerry, of Libertas Chambers, has been instructed to review dossiers for over 90 IPP prisoners by prison lawyer Dean Kingham, of Reece Thomas Watson solicitors.

In her UN submission, she argues the prolonged uncertainty of the jail term causes acute and enduring psychological suffering that far exceeds legitimate punishment aims.

In many cases, this suffering means it is impossible for prisoners to meet the Parole Boards test for release.

She found prisoners are in a systemic bind in which their progress is hampered by a court-imposed assessment of their dangerousness, which the Parole Board has no power to revisit or remove.

The Parole Board system was simply not designed for IPP sentences, and this has led to excessive punishment, she concluded.

The report found all eight prisoners, half of which are neurodiverse, had found it difficult or impossible to access prison courses to help them work towards release.

This is coupled with histories of trauma, violence, childhood deprivation, institutional abuse and existing or previously undiagnosed mental health conditions.

open image in gallery Leading internal barrister Dr Felicity Gerry KC submitted the UN application ( Felicity Gerry )

Sadly, the most vulnerable IPP prisoners are the least likely to be released, she found.

Mental health experts warned Mr White, who was recently transferred to a secure hospital following years of campaigning from his family, would never be released from prison because he would never receive appropriate and necessary treatment in a custodial setting.

The report concluded: This report demonstrates that IPP sentences are cruel, inhuman and degrading because their indeterminacy causes acute and enduring psychological suffering that far exceeds legitimate punishment aims.

The absence of review, limited appeal processes, uncertainty of release, repeated parole refusals and recall powers generate fear, anguish and a sense of hopelessness, intense mental suffering and gross humiliation.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: It is right that IPP sentences were abolished, and we have already taken action to support these offenders to move on with their lives. This includes additional support for IPP prisoners and changing the law to ensure those serving these sentences in the community can be more swiftly considered for licence termination.

Since April 2023, the neverreleased IPP population has fallen by 30%, and all but a handful of those remaining IPP prisoners have repeatedly been found by the independent Parole Board to be too dangerous to live in the community.
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Detectives have arrested a British woman after a man was found dead in a Tenerife hotel.

Russell Watts, 63, from South Yorkshire, was discovered dead in his room at the Hotel Catalonia Punta Del Rey in the Candelaria area of the Spanish island last month.

A murder investigation was launched, and on Wednesday, South Yorkshire Police said they had arrested a 56-year-old woman from the Rotherham area on suspicion of murder. She was being held in police custody.

Watts, known for his dreadlocks, was a popular figure in the Thrybergh area on the outskirts of Rotherham.

Friends and relatives have paid fond tributes to Watts, describing him as intelligent, a top bloke and an absolute legend.

Cassie Watts wrote on social media: Oh my heart  youve left a void no one can ever fill .. I love you all the way to heaven and back.

Thrybergh Top Club, a working mens club, wrote: Russ was a character to say the least, and he brought energy to the club whenever he came in.

Russ was loved by all and will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

Clair Crosby wrote: Russ, is, n always will be, a man too intelligent, in his head!... I'd actually go as far to say genius.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Ben Wood said: This is a complex case and our thoughts first and foremost remain with Russells family, friends and loved ones.

Our investigation into Russells death is still at an early stage, and we are carrying out a number of extensive enquiries to piece together the events which led to Russells death.

Ch Insp Wood said police are keen to hear from anyone staying in the hotel around the time, appealing for anyone who saw something suspicious or has information that could help the investigation to report it.

Even the smallest piece of information could prove crucial, and I would implore anyone who may know something to get in contact with us immediately, he said.
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The UK government has said it will consider removing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession to the British throne after the police investigation into the former prince has concluded.

It is a move that will require the backing of the 14 other commonwealth countries where King Charles III is the head of state.

So far, it has got the approval of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who offered his support in a letter to Keir Starmer on Monday.

New Zealand leader Christopher Luxon followed suit hours later to say he would back any plans to exclude the former prince from the line to the British throne.

But Sir Keir Starmers government will still need the support of 12 other realms if he wants to remove Mr Mountbatten-Windsor from eighth in line for succession.

It came after the former prince was arrested last week on suspicion of misconduct in public office after being accused of sharing sensitive information with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein while he was trade envoy.

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, who has denied any wrongdoing, was later released under investigation.

Following his arrest, Darren Jones, Sir Keir's chief secretary, told lawmakers on Monday: The government is clear that we are not ruling out action in respect of the line of succession at this stage, and we will consider whether any further steps are required in due course.

open image in gallery The government will consider a move following the police investigation into Mr Mountbatten-Windsor ( PA Wire )

What approval does the UK government need?

Any changes proposed by the government would require an act of Parliament, and the support of the Commonwealth countries where the monarch is the head of state.

The 15 realms are Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, and the United Kingdom.

Trade minister Sir Chris Bryant said the government is "working at pace" to bring forward legislation on succession.

open image in gallery Mr Mountbatten-Windsor is eighth in line for the throne ( Getty Images )

What is the process?

Robert Hazell, a professor of British politics at University College London, said the move would require some countries to make formal constitutional amendments, whereas others would make the changes through legislation.

The process would likely be lengthy and time-consuming for all countries involved. Mr Hazell said the other governments may be hesitant to support the move, given that the former prince is eighth in line and unlikely to ever be made King.

No governments within the realm have publicly expressed disapproval towards the move.

The last time this happened was for the Succession to the Crown Act 2013, which made the law of royal succession gender neutral, Mr Hazell said. It took two years of protracted negotiations for all the different countries to amend their own laws or constitutions.

When was someone last removed from the line of succession?

The last time someone was removed from the line of succession was after King Edward VIII abdicated to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson in 1936.

open image in gallery Anthony Albanese said he would agree to any proposal ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

What have the Commonwealth countries said so far?

In a letter to the British prime minister, Mr Albanese said: 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.

New Zealands prime minister joined Mr Albanese hours later to say he would support the UK governments decision.

Mr Luxon said: If the UK Government proposes to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the order of succession, New Zealand would support it.

open image in gallery The Canadian government is yet to offer its support on the move ( PA Wire )

However, the deputy prime minister of New Zealand did not agree with the statements, telling local media it was not a priority for the country.

David Seymour said: I think we've got 99 problems most New Zealanders are facing right now.

"This guy's eighth in the line of succession, and these guys all seem to live to about 100.

So, of all of the things that you could ask me about or we could be worried about right now, that's probably a wee way down the list."

When asked about Australia's support, he said: Good on them, theyve obviously solved a few more problems.

The Independent contacted government officials from the other 12 countries, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, but has not received a response on whether they would be supporting the move.
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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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Following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor for possible misconduct in public office, both the palace and the government will be hoping that his case might be brought to a swift conclusion. There are three main reasons why this is unlikely.

1. The vagueness of the offence

The offence Mountbatten-Windsor is being investigated for  misconduct in public office  is famously vague. This complicates the task for the prosecution, who will have to devote more time and effort to understanding the elements of the offence, and then ensuring that they can prove each element.

Misconduct in public office is not set out in an act of parliament, it is an offence under the common law. The public office (accountability) bill (also known as the Hillsborough law) currently going through parliament is meant to give it a statutory definition. But that will be too late for any prosecution of Mountbatten-Windsor, which will have to be for the common law offence, developed in a series of court judgements going back centuries.

In medieval times, the offence was intended to catch those in trusted public office who did something to betray that trust. It later fell into disuse, but was recently revived to catch corrupt police officers whose misconduct (such as selling information to journalists) did not fit easily into well-established offences.

open image in gallery Police officers at Royal Lodge, the former home of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor ( PA )

The court of appeal in 2004 reframed the judge-made law for modern times, summarising four elements of the offence. It must be committed by:

A public officer, acting as such, who

wilfully misconducts himself

to such a degree as to abuse the publics trust in the office holder

without reasonable excuse or justification.

Readers must judge for themselves whether this makes the offence any less vague. In careful understatement, the Crown Prosecution Service guidelines state that the offence should be strictly confined, and it can raise complex and sometimes sensitive issues.

2. Multiple police forces involved

Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested by Thames Valley Police, but they are not the only force looking into revelations from the millions of documents in the Epstein files. Mountbatten-Windsor denies any wrongdoing in relation to Jeffrey Epstein.

The Metropolitan Police, Essex Police (for flights in and out of Stansted) and Surrey Police are also assessing claims. Some of those investigations are for possible trafficking into or outside the UK for sexual exploitation, which if proved would be offences under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. The National Police Chiefs Council has announced a national group to support the investigating forces.

open image in gallery Mountbatten-Windsor, pictured here with ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, served as a trade envoy between 2001 and 2011 ( PA )

Police enquiries will inevitably take some time. In addition to the scale of the Epstein files, when looking for evidence of misconduct in public office, the police will want to search through UK government files.

Mountbatten-Windsor was trade envoy from 2001 to 2011. Much of the evidence is likely to be retrieved from his emails and the files of agencies like UK Trade and Investment, and government departments like the Department of Trade (now Business and Trade), the Foreign Office, Cabinet Office and Number 10. Government record-keeping is not what it was, and records from that long ago will take time to find and produce.

3. Difficulties facing the CPS and the courts

If the police have gathered sufficient evidence, they will submit all the evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service. The CPS in turn will need time to consider whether there is a sufficient case to prosecute, for a common law offence whose definition is still vague and complex.

The CPS code states that they will only prosecute an alleged crime if there is a realistic prospect of conviction. This means that a jury, properly directed in accordance with the law, will be more likely than not to convict the defendant of the charge.

About the author Robert Hazell is a Professor of British Politics and Government & Founder of the Constitution Unit at UCL. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

The main legal difficulties may lie in proving that when acting as trade envoy, Mountbatten-Windsor was the holder of a public office, and that his conduct was such as to abuse the publics trust. In trying to clarify the latter test, the court of appeal said that abuse of trust must amount to an affront to the standing of the public office held. The threshold is a high one requiring conduct so far below acceptable standards as to amount to an abuse of the publics trust in the office holder.

The CPS will also need to liaise closely with the team investigating Peter Mandelson, who is also under investigation for alleged misconduct in public office, related to evidence that he passed confidential government information to Epstein. If the police pass a file on Mandelson to the CPS, there will be similarities in the evidential and legal difficulties in proving misconduct in each case.

It could be a very long time before any trial takes place. One of the biggest obstacles to a swift conclusion is the state of the courts. The recent review by retired senior judge Brian Leveson found a backlog of almost 80,000 cases awaiting trial in the Crown Court last September, and forecast the backlog would reach 100,000 cases by November 2027.

Some defendants are already being told their cases will not be heard until 2030. To avoid any further suggestions that Mountbatten-Windsor is above the law, his case may have to wait in the queue, just like everyone elses.
Ask Henry Iyoha who he would like to vote for in the upcoming Gorton and Dentonby-election, and he has one clear answer: Andy Burnham.

Ive never met him, but I like him a lot, the 57-year-old says. I like his policies, how he conducts himself, how he fights for what he believes in.

Henry credits the Labour mayor of Greater Manchester with standing up for the area during Covid-19, for transforming the regions bus network, and for helping attract the sort of investment that has seen Manchester labelled a model of economic growth. He gets things bloody done, says Henry from his sweet stall in Gorton market. How many politicians can you say that about?

There is, of course, just one obvious problem: Burnham will not be on the ballot when this constituency goes to the polls on Thursday.

With prime minister Keir Starmer voting to block the so-called King of the North from contesting the seat  seemingly because he feared a possible leadership challenge  it has fallen to local councillor Angeliki Stogia to represent Labour.

Shell get my vote, says Henry, visibly dejected. But Im not keen. Im not keen on Starmer. Hes always flip-flopping. Its no way to lead. But I would have voted [for Burnham] above all of them.

Spend time in this constituency and it soon becomes clear that this is not an uncommon view.

People here are voting for a new MP after former representative Andrew Gwynne stood down following the emergence of leaked WhatsApp messages in which he said he hoped one constituent croaked it.

Now, polls suggest Labour is in a three-way fight to retain the seat  with the Green Party rising on the left, and Reform coming from the right. Starmer appears to be widely disliked, and a variety of disparate concerns  the cost of living crisis, immigration and Palestine, to name just three  have turned large numbers off the party that won a landslide here at the general election only 18 months ago.

Yet many, it seems, would have still supported Labour if only their man in the Tootal Building  home of the mayors office  had been allowed to stand.

open image in gallery Kath Walsh with her mum Joan Walsh are in Gorton for shopping and to put the world to rights ( Colin Drury/The Independent )

Such as, for example, Kath Walsh. Hes probably the only politician I wouldnt cross the road to avoid these days, says the 57-year-old childminder. Hes done brilliant for Manchester. The buses have never been better, and theres less homeless people. And he cares, doesnt he? You dont only hear him at election time like with most of them. He stands up for working people.

Kath is at Gorton market with her mum Joan, 82, for a walk, some shopping, and to put the world to rights over a cup of tea.

Where would they start with the world? By clamping down on the small boats, reducing student debt  Kaths daughter is a third-year nursing student in Salford  and making it easier to get a doctors appointment. I think Reform might win, says Kath of the by-election. I wouldnt trust Farage as far as I could throw him, but maybe they deserve a chance. What good have Labour done us?

Its probably worth stressing just how unusual it is  historically speaking  to hear people express such hostility to the red rosette in this part of the world.

Andy Burnham is probably the only politician I wouldnt cross the road to avoid these days Kath Walsh

The old Manchester Gorton constituency, which was abolished to make way for this seat in 2024, had been a Labour stronghold since 1935. Even after Boris Johnson turned vast swathes of the old red wall blue in 2019, this place returned a 30,000 Labour majority. Likewise, the former Denton and Reddish seat  also now gone  had voted red since its creation in the Eighties. Theres a street here called Sir Gerald Kaufman Close, after the Labour MP who served the area for 47 years up to 2017.

Geographically, the constituency stretches from inner-city Manchester  including areas like Longsight, Levenshulme and Burnage  to the one-time textile heartland of Tameside. It is the 15th most deprived in the country. Educational attainment, average incomes, home ownership, and even life expectancy are all significantly lower here than the national average. The ever-rising skyscrapers of Manchester city centre can be seen from across this patch  but, in many ways, they feel a world away rather than a 15-minute Bee Network bus ride.

What are they to me? asks voter Shawan Karem, a father-of-four and shop assistant at Gorton Hair and Beauty on the main Hyde Road. I work hard, and still rising costs, rising costs, rising costs. My rent, electricity, food, phone. All going up. You pay one thing and something else comes along.

open image in gallery Green Party leader Zack Polanski with candidate Hannah Spencer, who hopes to win the Gorton and Denton seat ( PA )

It is an obscure thing, perhaps, but cucumbers have come to sum this up for the 46-year-old. Before the pandemic  three for a pound, he says. Now, just one costs 89p.

Who will he vote for? Hes not yet sure, but along this arterial road, several shops and takeaways display Green Party posters. Maybe they bring change, he says.

Both the Green Party and Reform hope to cash in on this general disillusionment. The candidate for the Greens, Hannah Spencer  a councillor in nearby Trafford  says only progressive policies can solve the malaise, and has repeatedly positioned herself as the hope over hate option. The Reform candidate, Matt Goodwin  an academic-turned-GB News presenter  has pledged to demand Britain fixes its borders and clamps down on crime if elected. He has been backed by right-wing activist Tommy Robinson.

The contest has been, it must be said, a rather unedifying spectacle. Goodwins campaign briefly faced a police investigation after admitting it had posted dozens of anti-Labour letters that purported to be from someone claiming to be a concerned neighbour, but had actually been funded and distributed by the party. Similarly, Labour has been reported for potential illegality following the emergence of video footage of an event where attendees were told to hold up posters if you want to get fed.

open image in gallery Reform candidate Matt Goodwin with Nigel Farage in Malbern Business Park, Denton ( PA )

Both Spencer and Goodwin say they are having to deploy security because of ongoing threats of violence. While there have been moments of levity  at one hustings, Stogia and Goodwin laughed over having the same favourite Oasis song (Supersonic, fact fans)  it has mainly felt bad-tempered.

Which, back at Gorton market, is a bit how Mike Jones feels when he thinks about it all.

Politics? spits the 64-year-old painter and decorator. Dont get me started. Oops, too late. Hes off.

I keep hearing hope not hate, but why is it hatred to not want illegal immigrants coming over? he asks. Ive no problem with immigration. People coming over, working and paying into the system. Absolutely fine. But why are my taxes paying to put people in hotels who shouldnt be here in the first place?

open image in gallery Mike Jones and Pete Smith want the government to clamp down on illegal immigration ( Colin Drury/The Independent )

His friend Pete Smith  a retired engineer  is aghast at recent revelations that migrants whose phones were confiscated after they crossed the Channel will now receive 6,500 compensation each. Absolutely outrageous, the 69-year-old says. Ill vote for any party that puts an end to that nonsense.

Locally, the pair reckon potholes and litter have become issues. They [politicians] promise to fix it but never do, says Mike again. He is, he says, leaning ever more towards Reform.

Kath, Mike and Pete are not alone in this, of course. You cant move in some parts of Denton without seeing the turquoise blue of Reform.

open image in gallery Mo Abdul Qayyum is leaning towards voting for Labour ( Colin Drury/The Independent )

Yet  and this is entirely unscientific  it doesnt feel like they have the critical mass that some are claiming across this patch. Bookies have this week lengthened their odds of the party winning the seat, while a series of apparent own goals appear to have damaged Reform. Among them, arguably, has been the unveiling of a proposed shadow cabinet full of ex-Tory MPs, as well as the sight of senior party figures  including Farage himself  quaffing champagne at a London book launch. The book in question? How to Launder Money, by the financer (and Farage aide) George Cottrell. There is just a hint they may be blowing it.

One person, certainly, who will not be voting for them is Mo Abdul Qayyum. Hes a barber living and working in Denton  at Blade and Fade on Manchester Road  and, as someone who only arrived from Pakistan three years ago, hes not keen on the general tone with which Reform talks about immigration.

open image in gallery Henry Iyoha was keen to back King of the North Andy Burnham ( Colin Drury/The Independent )

I dont know much about politics, but I dont like this, he says. People keep telling me Labour. I think they are more decent.

Which, perhaps, brings us back to Henry at Gorton market. For the last few months, hes been watching from his stall as an entire new town centre  complete with deckchair-style seating, new lights and play equipment  is developed right outside. The market, too, will be undergoing an overhaul later this year, with a revamped food hall central to the plans. It is a project being led by (Labour-run) Manchester City Council.

I dont say everything is great, says Henry. But this will make the place better. When something good is done, we should acknowledge that. Whoever wins, I just hope they care about the area.
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A high school teacher says she has been left anxious and depressed after being investigated by her employer for protesting in support of Palestine, as a new report reveals a pattern of crackdowns against the cause.

Sajia Iqbal, 43, says she took part in a direct action at her local Sainsburys supermarket in Ilford on 5 April 2025 as part of a Redbridge Palestine Solidarity Campaign protest.

The action was intended to make a point about the boycott of Israeli goods amid the countrys military action in the Gaza Strip.

A group of around 10 people collected items from the shelves and placed them in a trolley with the Palestine flag. They handed a letter to the manager explaining the action and calling for the supermarket to uphold the boycott.

We didnt remove any goods from the shop and we didnt leave with any goods from the premises, she tells The Independent in her first interview since the event. No complaints were made. Police were not called.

open image in gallery ( ELSC )

Ms Iqbal partook in the action in her personal time and outside of working hours with nothing to identify her or her affiliation in the school.

After the protest, UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) told the school that Ms Iqbal may have committed the criminal act of aggravated trespass. She was placed under investigation as part of Beal High Schools formal disciplinary process and has since described how the ordeal had a negative impact on her physical and mental health.

The school found that no misconduct had been committed but warned her that future Palestine-related action could trigger further action. She went on a period of sick leave and says she was later given a formal written warning in relation to her sickness absence.

She says she was unfairly penalised for exercising her right to protest, and has commenced Employment Tribunal proceedings against the school alleging discrimination on grounds of protected belief of anti-occupation and anti-apartheid, according to the European Legal Support Centre who is taking the case to court.

open image in gallery Protests in support of Palestine have grown exponentially ( AP )

Beacon Academy Trust told The Independent: The Trust did receive a letter from UKLFI making a number of serious allegations about Ms Iqbal, a teacher at Beal High School. The allegations were informally investigated by the Trust but no disciplinary action was taken against Ms Iqbal.

Her case comes as a new report by the ELSC documents 964 verified incidents of arrests, workplace dismissals, suspensions and event cancellations after an expression of support for Palestinians.

The Index of Repression covered incidents across the UK from January 2019 to August 2025, with the data showing a marked increase in incidents following 7 October 2023.

Students, academics and teachers were targeted in 336 of the incidents while activists and organisers were affected in 229. Other professions which were frequently targeted for expressing support for Palestine included public and private sector workers as well as artists and cultural workers.

open image in gallery Protesters gathered outside Woolwich Crown Court (PA) ( PA Wire )

It found that UKLFI was involved in 128 incidents of complaints. The Independent has contacted the group for comment. Last year, the Public Interest Law Centre (PILC) and the European Legal Support Center lodged a complaint against UKLFI with the Solicitors Regulations Authority, accusing the group of sending vexatious and legally baseless complaints. The UKLFI said the claims were unfounded in a statement published on their website.

A UKLFI spokesperson told The Independent: Over the past three years UKLFI has been approached by thousands of distressed individuals, telling us about instances of anti-Jewish or anti-Israel hatred, discrimination, or support for terrorism. We highlight where we believe such action has breached the law or professional regulations, in order to prevent or discourage such harmful activities.

In all our work we strive to be accurate as to the facts and in our assessment of the legal and regulatory implications. We urge those who advocate for the right of supporters of Palestine to show tolerance of, and respect for, the rights and beliefs of others, which would make many of our interventions unnecessary.

In regards to the complaint against Ms Iqbal, the group said: We understand that Ms Iqbal was president of the Redbridge branch of the NEU, the union which had been encouraging members to advocate for Palestine in schools. Therefore we warned her school to be aware in case Ms Iqbal attempted to spread her partisan views to pupils, thus breaching Sections 406 and 407 of the Education Act 1996, regarding indoctrination and presenting a balanced treatment of political issues.

Furthermore, the Department for Educations Teachers Standards guidance says that a teacher is expected to demonstrate consistently high standards of behaviour and ethics inside and outside school and to uphold public trust in the profession. Teachers are supposed to show tolerance of, and respect for, the rights and beliefs of others.

By removing shelves full of kosher and Israeli products in a supermarket, and obstructing others from buying them, we believe Ms Iqbal demonstrated an intolerant attitude towards those with different faiths and beliefs, being especially harmful to Jewish people. In our opinion, Ms Iqbal was also likely to be in breach of her own schools code of conduct. In carrying out this disruptive conduct, she was, in our view, in breach of her obligations as a teacher and as a citizen.

Earlier this month the group lobbied to have the word Palestine removed from displays at the British Museum, accusing it of obscuring the history of Israel and the Jewish people. The word was removed by the institution as it said the name was no longer historically neutral.

Journalists and other media actors were involved in 113 incidents of reports against pro-Palestine solidarity, while pro-Israel advocacy and lawfare groups were involved in a total of 141.

Police and security personnel took action against expressions of support in 220 incidents while educational institutions were involved in 192 instances.

It highlights allegations of extremism and antisemitism as frequent instruments used in complaints.

Ms Iqbal, whose family hail from Kashmir, a territory occupied by both India and Pakistan, says she felt personally invested in protesting against Israeli action in Palestine for years due to a trip to the West Bank shortly before October 7. She has been regularly involved in community organising and activism through work with the National Education Union.

I saw childrens schools demolished, they didnt have ventilation and they were in makeshift rooms. Schools had been raided.

I made a promise to the Palestinian people, when I was out there, I made a promise that I would use my voice, a powerful tool to advocate for them.

Ms Iqbal was left in complete shock by the complaints against her and started to suffer from severe anxiety and stress, which also impacted her physically.

You don't expect that, she says. You're advocating for peoples rights in a democratic way. Youre exercising your democratic right.

However, she says she is more determined than ever to persevere.

The ELSC said the report makes clear a pattern of anti-Palestinian repression across UK society.
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A photograph of the late scientist Stephen Hawking relaxing on a sun lounger while sipping on a cocktail has been revealed in the Epstein files.

The world-renowned British theoretical physicist is seen reclining in the undated picture, alongside two women who are understood to be his long-term carers, since he needed round-the-clock care. The trio are pictured holding cocktails, with Hawkings drink being steadied by one of the women.

open image in gallery A photograph of the late scientist Stephen Hawking relaxing on a sun lounger ( US Department of Justice )

Hawking, whose pioneering work on black holes and general relativity in the universe revolutionised modern cosmology, died in 2018, aged 76, after living with motor neurone disease for more than 55 years.

The photograph, included in documents released by the US Department of Justice as it investigates sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, was taken in 2006 during a science symposium at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, St Thomas, in the US Virgin Islands, where Hawking gave a speech on quantum cosmology.

Hawkings name appears hundreds of times in the Epstein files, although simply being identified in the documents does not indicate any wrongdoing.

open image in gallery Hawking on Little Saint James ( US Department of Justice )

Hawking has previously been seen in photographs taken on Epsteins Caribbean island, although no pictures of him and the convicted paedophile together are known to exist.

He was among 21 scientists who visited St Thomas and Epsteins 75-acre private island, Little Saint James, for a science event.

According to the Jeffrey Epstein VI Foundation, in 2012, guests met to discuss, relax on the beach, and take a trip to the nearby private island retreat during the event to determine what the consensus is, if any, for defining gravity.

Two years ago, court documents revealed that Epstein told his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell she could offer a financial reward to friends of his accuser Virginia Giuffre if they could help prove an apparent allegation Hawking had engaged in an underage orgy was false.

open image in gallery A submarine was reportedly modified to let Hawking access it ( US Department of Justice )

A photograph released in 2015 showed Hawking in his wheelchair at an outdoor dinner on Little Saint James with several other people.

Another picture shows the cosmologist in a submarine, having a tour of the islands seabed.

Epstein had reportedly modified the underwater vessel to allow Hawking to get into it.

A spokesperson for the Hawking family said: Professor Hawking made some of the greatest contributions to physics in the 20th century, while at the same time being the longest-known survivor of motor neurone disease, a debilitating condition which left him reliant on a ventilator, voice synthesiser, wheelchair and round-the-clock medical care. Any insinuation of inappropriate conduct on his part is wrong and far-fetched in the extreme.

This article was amended on 25 February 2026 to include the statement from the spokesperson for the Hawking family.
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The most dangerous Tube stations in London when it comes to injury have been revealed.

The new data shows more than 10,000 injuries were recorded on the London Underground over the past three years, with Transport for London (TfL) paying more than 3 million in personal injury claims in a single year.

The station with the largest number of injury reports was found to be Waterloo, which recorded 471 incidents between 2022 and 2025. This revelation may not be considered surprising, since data published by TfL last year ranked it as the busiest Tube station, while it is also part of the largest railway station in the UK. More than 4 million people travel on the London Underground network every day.

Following closely behind is Kings Cross St Pancras, which reported 470 injuries across the same three-year period, and has been ranked by TfL as the capitals second busiest Tube station.

open image in gallery The most dangerous Tube stations in London have been revealed ( Getty/iStock )

In third place, with 375 injury reports, is London Bridge, another busy station thanks to its location in one of the citys bustling tourist areas.

The top five also includes Euston  a significant entry point to the city due to its overground railway station  which filed 323 reports, as well as Baker Street, one of the most historic stations on the Tube network, which reported 320 injuries during the three years.

Overall, the new data, which was obtained by Personal Injury Solicitors London via Freedom of Information requests, shows that 3,275 injuries were reported across the Tube network during 2022-23, with 3,631 logged in 2023-24 and 3,567 in 2024-25  a total of 10,473 injuries over three years.

According to the findings, TfL paid out 3,209,421 during 2024-25  more than twice the amount paid out during the previous two years combined  for 325 injury claims logged last year alone.

By contrast, during 2023-24, TfL shelled out 892,128 for 333 personal injury claims lodged that year, while in 2022-23, the sum of 473,894 was paid out in compensation  a total of 1,366,022 across the two years.

An expert has warned the figures amount to a concerning trend.

open image in gallery The station with the largest number of injury reports was found to be Waterloo ( Getty/iStock )

Patrick Mallon, senior solicitor at Personal Injury Solicitors London, said: The sharp rise in compensation payouts by TfL is a concerning trend.

Thousands of people use these services each day to get about, and it's important that they're protected from the risk of harm when doing so. An injury can cause major disruption to a person's life, preventing them from the likes of working and socialising.

What's worse about these figures is that many of these incidents, such as slips and falls, can be avoided if proper health and safety procedures are followed.

The claims received by TfL covered a wide range of injuries, with the most common category being slips, trips and falls, which accounts for 6,847 of the transport networks injury reports between 2022-23 and 2024-25.

Another significant cause is recorded by TfL as PTI, or platform train interface, which refers to navigating the space between the platform and the train  hence the famous Tube warning of mind the gap. Negotiating PTI involves potential hazards such as tripping on the step, falling into the gap between the train and the platform, or even falling onto the track itself. It resulted in 1,336 injury reports over the three years.

open image in gallery Kings Cross St Pancras reported 470 injuries across the three-year period ( Simon Calder )

The data also revealed which parts of the London Underground are the most dangerous.

People were most likely to become injured on escalators, where a total of 4,585 injuries were reported to have taken place.

Stairs (1,382), station platforms (1,274) and the booking hall (768) are among the other top dangerous areas.

TfL has said it is taking targeted action to address safety issues.

A spokesperson said: The safety of our customers and staff is always our top priority and we have a comprehensive programme of work aimed at making travelling on our network even safer as we work towards the mayors aim of eliminating deaths and serious injuries from the transport network by 2041.

We safely carry millions of Tube and Rail customers each day, and are working to become even safer through targeted action on higher risk areas such as boarding and alighting trains, or using stairs and escalators.

In July 2025, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan reaffirmed his commitment to transport safety, stating it would be addressed in the upcoming Vision Zero Action Plan 2, which is due to be published early this year.

He told Mayors Question Time: I am committed to Vision Zero and the elimination of all deaths and serious injuries from Londons transport network by 2041.

The Independent has approached the mayors office for further comment.
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British self-driving car firm Wayve has secured a significant $1.5 billion (1.1 billion) in funding, including major backing from Uber, Microsoft, and chip giant Nvidia, as it prepares to launch robotaxis on UK roads.

The bulk of this capital, $1.2 billion dollars (890 million) stems from a Series D funding round, one of the largest ever for a British startup.

This round, which values Wayve at $8.6 billion (6.4 billion), saw participation from institutional investors and car makers, including Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, and Stellantis. Uber's additional investment specifically targets its driverless taxi services.

The funding arrives as Wayve prepares to roll out commercial robotaxi trials in London later this year, in partnership with ride-hailing platform Uber.

The company aims for a full commercial launch in the city by 2026, with ambitions to integrate its "supervised autonomy software" into consumer vehicles from 2027.

Wayve's innovative technology relies on artificial intelligence models that learn to drive by analysing video content, driving data, and recognising complex patterns.

open image in gallery Alex Kendall, co-founder and CEO of Wayve, says the company aims for a full commercial launch in the city by 2026, with ambitions to integrate its supervised autonomy software into consumer vehicles from 2027 ( AP )

US rival Waymo has also revealed plans to make its driverless private hire vehicles available in London from next year.

Wayves fresh funding round was led by investors Eclipse, Balderton and SoftBank Vision Fund 2, and also saw new investment from Ontario Teachers Pension Plan, Baillie Gifford, British Business Bank, Icehouse Ventures, Schroders Capital and other institutional investors.

Bosses said the investment will accelerate Wayves plans to launch its technology into commercial vehicles.

Alex Kendall, co-founder and chief executive of Wayve, said: With 1.5 billion dollars secured, we are building for a total addressable market that spans every vehicle that moves.

Autonomy will not scale through city-by-city robotaxi deployments alone.

It will scale through a trusted platform that automakers and fleets can deploy globally and improve continuously.

open image in gallery The funding arrives as Wayve prepares to roll out commercial robotaxi trials in London later this year, in partnership with ride-hailing platform Uber ( AP )

Uber chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi said: We are very proud to continue to deepen our partnership with Wayve, with plans to deploy together in more than 10 markets around the world.

Wayves powerful end-to-end approach is purpose-built for scale, safety and effectiveness, and were excited to work with them across multiple OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) and geographies, which well share more about soon.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: Wayve is a powerful example of the strength, ambition and potential of Britains innovative firms.

This fund raise demonstrates the international confidence in our brilliant AI sector and reaffirms Britains position as the leading scale-up ecosystem in Europe.

We will continue to create the conditions for world-leading firms like Wayve to start, grow and scale, creating great jobs and opportunities for people in every corner of our country.
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Three women have been named Britain's "brightest young scientists", each receiving 100,000  the country's largest unrestricted prize for science.

On Tuesday night, Maxie Roessler, Thi Hoang Duong (Kelly) Nguyen, and Paola Pinilla were named the laureates of the 2026 Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists at a ceremony recognising their advances and innovations in fields including DNA replication, energy transfer in electrons, and planet formation.

The awards, now in their ninth year, recognise earlycareer breakthroughs with the potential to transform scientific understanding and address global challenges, and are for UK researchers aged under 42.

Selected from a pool of 91 nominees across 46 institutions, the three winners were chosen for exceptional achievements in the life sciences, chemical sciences, and physical sciences and engineering.

open image in gallery The 2026 Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists - Dr Kelly Nguyen, Prof Maxie M Roessler, Sir Leonard Blavatnik and Dr Paola Pinilla ( The Independent )

It is only the second time that all three top prizes have been awarded to women  a milestone celebrated at Londons historic Banqueting House, where the ceremony took place.

Dr Paola Pinilla of University College London received the physical sciences and engineering prize for research that helps resolve the conundrum of how planets form amid speeding clouds of swirling dust. By combining telescope observations with sophisticated modelling techniques, she has helped pinpoint newly recognised pressure points that allow planets to emerge in young solar systems and how water and lifeforming molecules take shape.

open image in gallery Dr Paola Pinilla, associate professor in exoplanets, University College, London ( Blavatnik Awards/The New York Academy of Sciences )

"We are trying to understand how planets form, and in particular the first steps of planet formation, to connect these to the diversity of exoplanets we see nowadays," she said.

"When I learned I was chosen to be the Blavatnik Awards in the UK laureate, I was very excited about being recognised for my work on planet formation, but very humble at the same time because I'm representing a large community that works very hard."

Dr Kelly Nguyen, from the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, was recognised for groundbreaking work on telomerase, the enzyme that protects the ends of chromosome during cell division. Likening telomerase to the plastic ends which protect shoe-laces from fraying, her team produced the first atomiclevel model of the enzyme, offering crucial new insights into ageing, cancer, and potential therapeutic targets.

open image in gallery Dr Thi Hoang Duong (Kelly) Nguyen, group leader, MRC laboratory of molecular biology ( Blavatnik Awards/The New York Academy of Sciences )

Receiving the award in the life sciences category, she said: "Doing science is a hobby. It's great being able to come to work and do your hobby everyday.

"It's great to be recognised for the science that we do, and it's testament to the hard work done, not just by me, but by everyone in the lab, because science is really teamwork."

In the chemical sciences category, Imperial College Londons Professor Maxie Roessler was honoured for pioneering techniques that revealed the fleeting, reactive electron states that underpin how cells generate energy, opening new avenues for catalyst design and functional materials.

open image in gallery Maxie Roessler, professor of chemistry, University College London ( Blavatnik Awards/The New York Academy of Sciences )

"My favourite part of being a scientist is probably just the pursuit of knowledge and the possibility to discover something new that nobody has seen before," she said after learning she'd won the top prize.

"The tools we've developed to spy on unpaired electrons, or radicals, are now available to researchers around the world and are helping them to make discoveries in their respective fields. Being a Blavatnik Awards in the UK laureate is perhaps the biggest distinction one can receive at this career stage in the UK." She added: "I probably don't know yet what doors it will open for me!"

The awards were presented by University of Cambridge vicechancellor Deborah Prentice, who said the winners provide grounds for optimism about the future of this country adding that "current plans for growth in the UK economy rest heavily on science and technology."

Sir Leonard Blavatnik, founder of the Blavatnik Family Foundation, praised the winners creativity and ambition, while Professor Nicholas B Dirks, president of the New York Academy of Sciences, highlighted the significance of an allwomen cohort.

Encouraging and supporting young scientists is essential if we are to successfully address societys challenges, Sir Leonard said. By honouring these young individuals and their achievements, we are helping to promote the breakthroughs in science and technology that will define how our world will look over the next century.

Professor Dirks said: "On behalf of The New York Academy of Sciences, we celebrate the representation and success of women in science and congratulate these winning laureates.

Alongside the three winners six additional finalists received 30,000 each in recognition of their contributions to science in Britain.

Since the UK programme launched in 2017, the Blavatnik Awards have provided nearly 3.3m in funding to 73 rising scientists, supporting highrisk, highreward research. By the end of 2026, the global awards programme will have distributed more than $20m (14.8m) to over 500 scientists and engineers worldwide, the organisation said.

The awards are part of a wider programme of philanthropic giving by the Blavantik Family Foundation, which has contributed more than $1.3 billion to more than 250 institutions and charitable organisations over the past decade. These include a 75m donation to Oxford University to establish a school of government, 7.5m to the Friends of the Nations Libraries, and more than 20m to Londons Courtauld gallery.
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A year after Sir Keir Starmer announced that Britains aid budget would be slashed by up to 40 per cent, the leaders of dozens of charities have warned the "devastating" consequences of the cuts are being felt in some of the worlds most fragile corners.

Last February, the prime minister confirmed that the UKs Official Development Assistance (ODA) would fall from 0.5 per cent of gross national income to 0.3 per cent by the end of 2027  in a move justified as helping fund higher defence spending in response to Russias invasion of Ukraine.

But in a joint statement marking the anniversary, 93 leaders from the UKs international NGO sector described families in war-torn regions losing access to shelter, food and clean water and lifesaving health and reproductive programmes across Africa and Asia facing closure.

"As leaders of the UK INGO sector, we write to mark this grim anniversary and the devastating impacts of the cuts in the last year  and urge the UK government to restore the UKs position as a principled, reliable and ambitious development partner," the group says. "Over the past year, we have witnessed first-hand the consequences of these short-sighted cuts."

Romilly Greenhill, chief executive of Bond, the UK network for NGOs, said the past 12 months had: left more people without essential access to water, sanitation and shelter  they have also left us all vulnerable to a world with more disease, conflict and climate disasters.

The cut is worth around 6 billion a year by the end of 2027. The last time that aid was at such a level was in 1999, when roughly 600 million people faced chronic hunger globally  compared with about 735 million today.

The governments own equalities impact assessment for the 2025-26 reductions found that women and girls, people with disabilities, children and communities affected by conflict would be hardest hit. Rose Caldwell, CEO at Plan International UK, which focuses on the rights of children around the world, said: The decision to cut UK aid a year ago was a devastating blow to children, who were already facing increased challenges from climate change and conflict, disrupting their childhoods and learning. We know both from experience and the governments own assessment that when aid is cut, women and girls suffer the most."

Residents carry their salvaged belongings on a motorcycle in the wake of a flood in in Maiduguri, Nigeria ( AFP/Getty )

Sadly, we are seeing that efforts to erode hard-won rights for children, and especially girls, are gaining ground, "Ms Caldwell added. "At this crucial time, the UK must stand up for the futures of women and girls around the world.

The ONE Campaign estimates that announced reductions to Gavi  the global vaccine alliance  and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria could cost a combined 620,000 lives. Adrian Lovett, the groups UK executive director, said the cuts had failed on their own terms.

They havent plugged the huge gap in the defence budget, nor have they made Labour any more popular with voters, most of whom back investment in lifesaving health programmes in other countries, he said

The Independent, alongside a coalition of MPs and charities, has called for the prime minister to protect HIV funding and help end the Aids pandemic by 2030.

A recent analysis by the Centre for Global Development suggests Britain is on course to shrink its aid budget faster than the United States. The think tank projects UK ODA will fall by around 27 per cent between 2024-25 and 2026-27, compared with an estimated 23 per cent drop in US development spending over the same period, after Congress softened some of Donald Trumps proposed reductions. The US president returned to the White House in January last year and instantly slashed his country's aid spending.

For many in the aid sector, the damage is no longer just financial, but reputational too. The UKs retreat from its international development agenda will reverse hard-won progress and weaken our credibility and influence on the global stage, Ms Greenhill said.

With Britain engaging in global development and finance discussions this year, Ms Greenhill urged ministers to reverse the reductions and ensure poverty reduction remains at the heart of UK aid policy.

This article has been produced as part of The Independents Rethinking Global Aid project
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Sir Keir Starmers deal to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius has been plunged into fresh chaos after a minister suggested his plan to cede sovereignty of the British territory had been paused after Donald Trump urged him to scrap it.

In what appeared to be another humiliating U-turn for Labour, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) minister Hamish Falconer said on Wednesday that the government was pausing for discussions with the US before bringing the bill to ratify the deal back to parliament.

The Foreign Office later claimed that Mr Falconer misspoke and rapidly issued a clarification saying that there is no pause.

However, the FCDO finally conceded that the plan to give the islands to Mauritius, along with 35bn to lease back the crucial UK/US military base on the island of Diego Garcia, is now dependent on Donald Trumps administration agreeing to it.

open image in gallery Misley Mandarin, left, and Adam Holloway in their new settlement on the Chagos Islands ( Supplied )

Last week, the US president dramatically withdrew his support for the deal, telling Sir Keir he would be making a big mistake.

It comes as a group of Chagossians, led by their first minister in exile, Misley Mandarin, told The Independent in an exclusive interview that their return to one of the islands last week is not a publicity stunt, adding: We are here for the long term. We are resettling the islands.

The islanders spoke to The Independent via satellite link from one of the islands, which was a coconut plantation until a previous Labour government forced the Chagossians to leave in the 1960s.

As events heat up over the fate of the crucial Indian Ocean islands, the government is set to go to court on Thursday to overturn an injunction barring it from evicting the islanders who oppose the Mauritius deal and want to return, creating a British protectorate and guaranteeing the future of the base.

open image in gallery The UK has agreed to pay Mauritius at least 120m annually during the 99-year agreement to lease back the military site ( PA )

The latest confusion over whether the deal will go ahead comes after Mr Falconer said the UK was pausing the deal for further talks with the US after Mr Trumps very significant intervention.

He told MPs: We have a process going through parliament in relation to the treaty. We will bring that back to parliament at the appropriate time. We are pausing for discussions with our American counterparts.

The admission by the minister follows a long campaign and lobbying of the White House to kill off the deal involving the Tories, Reform, Chagossians and their supporters.

A Foreign Office spokesperson later insisted there is no pause. It added that the government had never set a deadline for the proposed legislation to be brought back to parliament.

We are continuing discussions with the US, and we have been clear we will not proceed without their support, they said.

Last year, Sir Keir agreed a controversial deal to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while retaining control of the UK-US military base on Diego Garcia.

The UK has agreed to pay Mauritius at least 120m annually during the 99-year agreement to lease back the site, a total cost in cash terms of 35bn.

Earlier this month, Mr Trump hit out at Sir Keir in his second U-turn on support for the deal. In a post on Truth Social, the US president branded the move a big mistake because of concerns over the joint military base.

His withdrawal of support came after he appeared to indicate his support for the deal last year, before criticising it in January and again in February.

Meanwhile, former MP and army officer Adam Holloway and Mr Mandarin spoke to The Independent from the settlement they have erected on one of the islands.

They are being backed by wealthy donors, including Singapore-based crypto investor Christopher Harborne, who recently handed 9m to Nigel Farages Reform UK.

open image in gallery Donald Trump has criticised Keir Starmers Chagos Islands deal ( PA )

Mr Holloway described how their biggest issue is finding water supplies after he had discovered four of the old wells on the island. A boatload of supplies is due to arrive with them on Thursday; they are in the process of erecting makeshift accommodation and using solar-powered units.

Mr Mandarin, whose father has returned with him to the island after being evicted as a teenager, defiantly said: I have given up my job in London and my flat. We are here to resettle the islands; this is not a publicity stunt. We are here to stay long term.

He pointed out that their arrival changes the facts and discredits claims by the UK government that nobody lives on the islands.

Mr Holloway added: The only way they are leaving here is if they are made to leave by force.

The government has an unofficial deadline for having the deal ratified by May, or it will have to restart the entire process, so a potential pause could be the end of a contentious policy and another U-turn for Sir Keirs government in its first 20 months.

Mr Falconer suggested the pause might take place when answering questions on Wednesday from MPs, including Mr Farage, who attempted to visit the Chagossian settlement over the weekend.

The Reform UK leader claimed the Maldives is poised to lodge a counterclaim regarding the Chagos Islands with the International Court of Justice in just a few days.

Mr Farage said: I wish to inform the government that we are just a few days away, in my opinion, from the Maldives issuing a counterclaim to the International Court of Justice to say, if anybody has the right to the sovereignty of those islands, it is the Maldives and not Mauritius.

And I would urge you to pause all of this.

Mr Falconer branded this a flagrant incident of ignoring travel advice, while former defence secretary Ben Wallace hit out, saying that no MP can visit the archipelago without pre-clearance and accusing him of performing Trump-style stunts.
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Gordon Brown has warned that Reform will drag Britain back to levels of poverty seen under previous Tory governments, ahead of a major by-election on Thursday.

The former prime minister issued a stark warning over Nigel Farages party, claiming they would force children back into poverty as a result of their plan to reinstate the two-child benefit cap.

The two-child benefit cap, imposed by Tory former chancellor George Osborne, prevents parents from claiming benefits for any third, or subsequent child, born after April 2017.

While Reform had previously promised to scrap the limit, the partys new treasury spokesperson, Robert Jenrick, backtracked on the pledge earlier this week, saying it should be kept.

open image in gallery Former prime minister Gordon Brown has warned of the possible impact of a Reform win ( PA )

As Reform, Labour and the Greens battle to win over voters in Gorton and Denton ahead of a crucial by-election this week, Mr Brown highlighted that over 6,000 children in the Greater Manchester constituency would benefit from scrapping the cap.

He told the Daily Mirror: When voters go to the polls in Gorton and Denton on Thursday, the fate of more than 6,000 thousand local children is in their hands. These are the boys and girls who will benefit on April 1 from the abolition of the hated two child rule.

This by-election offers a choice. To help children continue to escape poverty with Labour's brilliant local candidate, Angeliki Stogia, or go back to the Tory poverty years with Reform.

The partys plan to reinstate the two-child benefit cap comes despite Reforms candidate for the forthcoming by-election having previously suggested that people who dont have children should be taxed extra as punishment.

In a proposal that prompted comparisons to dystopian novelThe Handmaids Tale, Matt Goodwin suggested imposing a negative child benefit tax on those who dont have offspring, The Independent revealed earlier this month.

Before chancellor Rachel Reeves committed to scrapping the cap last year, Mr Brown had been campaigning against it, warning that it caused a built-in escalator in the poverty figures.

I live in the constituency in which I grew up. I still live here. I see every day this situation getting worse, and I did not think I would see the kind of poverty I saw when I was growing up, when we had slum housing, when we had travelling people coming to my school.

This is a return to the kind of poverty of 60 years ago, and I think weve got to act now, and thats why its urgent that we take action in this Budget, he warned last year.

open image in gallery Green Party leader Zack Polanski speaking to party volunteers at Granada Park in Denton ( PA )

Labour faces a battle to save the previously rock-solid Greater Manchester constituency in the face of a double electoral threat from both Mr Farages Reform UK and Zack Polanskis Greens.

In 2024, Labour won the seat with a majority of 13,413 and more than half the vote, but the partys plummeting popularity since Sir Keir Starmer entered No 10 means it could be vulnerable.

The prime minister, who made a surprise visit to Gorton and Denton this week, argued that a vote for the Green Party is in effect, a vote for Reform.

He added: And we saw in the by-election in Runcorn last year, where Labour lost by just a handful of votes, we got a Reform Member of Parliament. We mustnt let that happen again.
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The people of Gorton and Denton will be heading to the polls on Thursday to vote in what is expected to be a major test for Sir Keir Starmer and the Labour Party.

Among the candidates hoping to be elected are a plumber, a GB News presenter and a retired police officer, as Labour tries to fight off the threats from both sides of the political spectrum to retain the north west seat.

In a bid to appeal to disheartened Labour voters in the historically safe seat, the Green Party is pushing local plumber Hannah Spencer, while ex-academic Matt Goodwin, who has been criticised for comments on race and gender, is on Reform UKs ballot.

Meanwhile, local councillor Angeliki Stogia is fighting to defend Labours 13,000 majority, after the party controversially blocked the popular Manchester mayor Andy Burnham from running.

open image in gallery The result of the Gorton and Denton by-election could determine the fate of the prime minister ( Getty )

Elsewhere, nine other candidates from the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and others will also be standing in the election on 26 February.

As voters prepare to cast their ballots next Thursday, The Independent looks at who the candidates are:

Angeliki Stogia: Labour Party

Manchester city councillor Angeliki Stogia has been named as Labours candidate in the Gorton and Denton by-election, as the party attempts to defend the majority it received in the 2024 ballot.

Her selection was controversial, having come after Labours National Executive Committee (NEC) denied Mr Burnhams request for permission to stand for the party.

The decision sparked anger among Labour backbenchers and voters, amid growing fears that the party will struggle to keep hold of the seat.

Ms Stogia, who is originally from Greece, moved to the UK in the 1990s and has lived in Manchester since 2004.

open image in gallery Angeliki Stogia has been selected as Labour Party candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election (Peter Byrne/PA) ( PA Wire )

She has served as the Manchester city councillor for Whalley Range since 2012, and says she is standing to be the MP for Gorton and Denton to unite our community and stand up to the divisive politics of Reform.

Ms Stogia  who also stood at the general election in Chester South and Eddisbury but placed second behind the Conservatives  has pledged to deliver good homes, better transport, and a greener Manchester if elected.

Sir Keir has backed Ms Stogia, saying the election will be a referendum on true patriotism and that Labour is the only party that can defeat the poisonous division of Reform.

Despite being blocked from standing in the seat himself, Mr Burnham has also offered his support for Ms Stogia, campaigning alongside her in the constituency.

Hannah Spencer: Green Party

Green Party leader Zack Polanski has said he is confident that his partys candidate, Hannah Spencer, will beat Labour in Gorton and Denton.

Ms Spencer, who is a Trafford councillor and local plumber by trade, has positioned herself as an alternative on the left for disillusioned Labour voters.

Upon the announcement that she would be running as the Green Party candidate, she described the crucial by-election as one between herself and Reform UK and between hope and hate.

"I work as a plumber, something I've done since leaving education at 16. I'm training to become a plasterer too. I've lived in the constituency and still work here. So, I know the issues and what people want to change."

open image in gallery Green Party leader Zack Polanski with the partys Gorton and Denton by-election candidate Hannah Spencer (Danny Lawson/PA) ( PA Wire )

She said: Only the Green Party can stop Reform in this by-election.

More recently, Ms Spencer was criticised for a post on Mumsnet in 2021, in which she said she was glad to move out of the area, describing the high street in Levenshulme as being full of money-laundering takeaways.

However, a Green Party spokesman said the post expresses disappointment that such establishments crowds out independent businesses, while still making clear Ms Spencers affection for the area.

Matt Goodwin: Reform UK

Matt Goodwin is considered to be one of the frontrunners in the upcoming election, having argued Labour have taken the constituency for granted.

The ex-academic  who has been backed by far-right activist Tommy Robinson  has called the by-election a referendum on Keir Starmer, and pledged to demand Britain fixes its borders, and clamps down on crime if elected.

Speaking at the opening of the partys campaign office earlier this month, Nigel Farage claimed the campaign had got off to a very, very good start, while polls suggest it is fast becoming a two-horse race between Reform and Labour.

open image in gallery Matt Goodwin has been intensely criticised since he was announced as Reform UKs candidate in Gorton and Denton. ( Danny Lawson/PA Wire )

He has hit the headlines after The Independent revealed he had called for women and young girls to be given a biological reality check as he warned of an impending fertility crisis.

This publication also revealed that he had previously suggested people who dont have children should be taxed extra as punishment and warned that many women in Britain are having children much too late in life.

In response to the comments, the party called for a grown-up, mature debate about how we can encourage people to have more children and support British families, and said Mr Goodwin was citing demographer Paul Morland.

The right-wing activist also sparked criticism last year when he was accused of suggesting people from minority ethnic backgrounds are not necessarily British, even if they were born in the UK.

Charlotte Cadden: Conservative Party

Retired police officer Charlotte Cadden has been selected as the Tory candidate in the upcoming election.

The police officer of 30 years will be fighting an uphill battle, with the Conservatives being largely left out of the conversation when it comes to the race.

Ms Cadden retired as a deputy chief inspector in 2025, having worked in both Greater Manchester Police and the Metropolitan Police.

During her time in the role, she set up and chaired the police sex equality and equity network to challenge workplace discrimination based on sex.

open image in gallery Ms Cadden retired as a deputy chief inspector in 2025, having worked in both Greater Manchester Police and the Metropolitan Police ( Manchester Conservatives )

She is also a trustee of Sex Matters, a gender critical campaign group, and has been involved in local Conservative politics in Bolton.

Upon announcing her candidacy, Ms Cadden pledged to be a no-nonsense champion of Gorton and Denton and criticised Labour for hammering the local high streets with higher business rates.

She also dismissed Reform and Greens as offering fantasy politics built on unfunded promises.

Jackie Pearcey: Liberal Democrats

Local campaigner and former councillor Jackie Pearcy has been selected as the Liberal Democrats candidate.

Ms Pearcy, who has a doctorate in nuclear physics, has served as a governor at Oasis Academy Aspinal in Gorton for over 20 years.

open image in gallery Local campaigner and former councillor Jackie Pearcey has been selected as the Liberal Democrats candidate. ( Liberal Democrats )

She said she was thrilled at having been selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate, and declared she had been given a golden opportunity to champion the issues that matter most to people.

She pledged to champion local issues, including fixing the NHS and tackling the cost of living, if elected.

Dan Clarke: Libertarian Party

The Libertarian Party have announced Dan Clarke as their candidate in the by-election.

Mr Clarke, a northern co-ordinator for the Libertarian Party, has stood twice in parliamentary elections.

He said he decided to stand in the election after seeing ever-increasing encroachment on our civil liberties and pledged to push for limited government and lower taxes.

Sebastian Moore: Social Democratic Party

The Social Democratic Party has announced Sebastian Moore as its candidate for the Gorton & Denton parliamentary by-election.

open image in gallery The Social Democratic Party has announced Sebastian Moore as its candidate for the Gorton & Denton parliamentary by-election ( Social Democratic Party )

Currently serving as the partys north west chair, Mr Moore previously stood as the partys candidate in Manchester Central at the 2024 general election.

He has pledged to rebuild Britain by improving housing, strengthening social cohesion, and creating meaningful work.

Joseph O'Meachair: Rejoin EU Party

Joseph O'Meachair is the Rejoin EU candidate in Gorton and Denton.

Mr O'Meachair is a member of the partys executive committee, and wants to offer voters a clear pro-EU alternative.

"Britain is being humiliated on the world stage, he said upon announcing his candidacy. Our self-respect demands that we re-join a strong democratic bloc to resist pressures from some nations whose only aim appears simply to be to further their own narrow self-interest.

Sir Oink a Lot: The Official Monster Raving Loony Party

The Official Monster Raving Loony Party has pledged to bring home the bacon with their candidate, Sir Oink a Lot.

His campaign slogan is Think Big, Vote Pig.

open image in gallery The Official Monster Raving Loony Party has pledged to bring home the bacon with their candidate Sir Oink a Lot. ( Official Monster Raving Loony Party )

Hugo Wils: Communist League

Hugo Wils is running in the Gorton and Denton by-election as the Communist League candidate.

Mr Wils is a shop floor worker in an aerospace factory and said upon announcing that he was standing for the peace party.

Nick Buckley: Advance UK

Right-wing party Advance UK have put forward Nick Buckley as their candidate.

Mr Buckley previously stood for Reform UK in the Manchester mayoral election in 2021, and then later as an Independent in 2024.

Among his pledges are a public inquiry into grooming gangs, and he has been backed by far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
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Gorton and Denton is a constituency of two halves.

On the east, the Gorton side, there are diverse suburbs of the city of Manchester, which are home to large student and Muslim populations.

Denton meanwhile, located in the borough of Tameside, is a largely working-class post-industrial town and has a much older population, who are almost 91 per cent white. Once a hive of textile production and coal mining, it has  like many towns in the northwest  borne the brunt of deindustrialisation.

These two very different areas make up the countrys 15th most deprived seat, where the challenges of living in modern Britain are laid bare. The neighbouring areas share a sense of disappointment, verging on anger.

Voters in the constituency will go to the polls for a crunch by-election on Thursday  one which could bring the curtain down on Sir Keir Starmers premiership and have a lasting impact on the make-up of British politics.

This constituency  and its previous iterations  has long been a brick in Labours Red Wall. Even when Boris Johnson convinced so many lifelong Labour voters to back his Conservative Party, with a promise to get Brexit done, voters here remained loyal to the regions political traditions.

But the disillusionment felt among its residents could herald a new political era, redefining the age-old battle between the left and right.

Now retired, then-Labour MP Andrew Gwynne was elected with a 13,000-vote majority at the 2024 general election  ahead of Reform UK and the Green Party in second and third.

Those runners-up now have the seat well and truly in their sights. Labour has everything to lose and faces a fierce fight to hold on.

open image in gallery Denton in Tameside, Greater Manchester, has borne the brunt of deindustrialisation ( Getty )

Voters have told The Independent they feel let down by Sir Keirs government. They think they have already been forgotten about by a party that this constituency has always been loyal to, and helped elect 19 months ago.

There is no love lost for the prime minister, and the decision to block the popular Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham from standing as the Labour candidate went down badly.

Taxi driver Muhammed Basharat, 61, from Levenshulme on the Gorton side, said he will be voting for the Green Party, partly due to disappointment with Labour.

They let down many people  the tax rises, they cut benefits, there are many things they are doing, he said.

The people are not happy. You speak to people in the street, the British people, theyre not happy with them.

Mobile hairdresser Caterina Pandolfo, 65, said there was a feeling that Gorton and Denton had been forgotten. I think its quite sad, she said. Its got worse. She hoped a Labour government could go some way to addressing that, but doesnt believe it has.

She said: I dont think hes doing very well at all, Keir Starmer, sadly. He could have done so much.

open image in gallery Voters Sheila and John Harrison, pictured in Denton ( The Independent )

Over in Denton, lifelong Labour voters John Harrison, 71, and Sheila Harrison, 69, said they would not vote for the party again.

Sheila, who described Britain as broken, said Sir Keir doesnt represent towns like hers, though she would have voted for Mr Burnham.

For John, its a case of broken promises.

Labour isnt really doing what you know they said that it was going to do in the manifesto, he said, adding that he feels let down by the government.

Despite that, one change in the Labour Party could win them back. I would have voted for Andy Burnham, John said.

He said Mr Burnham has more personality and is able to connect with northern voters. He believes the Greater Manchester mayor is on his side in a way that Sir Keir, who he describes as aloof, is not. Sheila would agree,

Hoping to take advantage of this feeling of abandonment in a Labour heartland are Reform UK candidate  GB News presenter Matthew Goodwin  and the Green nominee Hannah Spencer.

The Independent requested an interview with Mr Goodwin and contacted Reform for comment.

Earlier this month, The Independent revealed that Mr Goodwin suggested people who dont have children should be taxed extra as punishment in an unearthed blog post and called for women and young girls to be given a biological reality check, as he gave his views on how Britain should tackle its impending fertility crisis.

Polling suggests Mr Goodwin is expected to perform well in Denton, while support for plumber and councillor Ms Spencer in Gorton is evident from the posters and signs on display.

open image in gallery Hannah Spencer is the Green Party candidate for the by-election ( PA Wire )

Ms Spencer believes that the by-election is the beginning of a battle between a new left and right in British politics  now represented by her party and Nigel Farages Reform in place of Labour and the Conservatives.

I think people are rejecting that old system of two-party politics and looking for an alternative, she told The Independent.

Whats happened in the last couple of years shows that change in the political system can happen quite quickly.

Ms Spencer believes this has been exacerbated by Labours bruising time in power. Though the party has seen a recent uptick in national opinion polls, it still trails Reform, and the prime ministers approval ratings remain low.

At the last general election, it felt like it was one last chance that Labour were being given, she said, adding: They ran under a banner of change, and has anything actually changed?

That feeling is particularly acute in an area like this, Ms Spencer believes.

She said: I think it hurts harder when you feel like youve fallen for the person who was going to help you.

Labours candidate, councillor Angeliki Stogia, insisted a vote for anyone but her could hand the seat to Mr Goodwin as she defended her partys record in government.

open image in gallery Lucy Powell, deputy leader of the Labour Party (left), and Anna Turley, chair of the Labour Party (right), with Angeliki Stogia ( PA Wire )

She said: In terms of Reform, were fighting every door. Weve got policies, were listening to residents on the ground and what they want, and what they want is real action.

They dont want shouting from the sidelines. The real issues that people are bringing forward are the cost of living, issues that surround the neighbourhoods and communities.

I am the best person to deliver on that, she added.

As for criticism of the governments record, she said: I understand that, and the prime minister has said that we need to go faster and we need to go deeper in terms of delivering these changes.

Weve been in government for 18 months. Things take a lot of time to change.

Last May, just 35 miles away in Runcorn and Helsby, Reforms Sarah Pochin was elected by a margin of just six votes. There is a suggestion that Labour and the Green Party could split the vote on the left here and open the door for Reform to win another seat in the region.

But asked if the two parties could forge a progressive alliance, Ms Spencer was not interested.

I dont view them as a progressive force at all, she said.

I think theyre so far removed from what they ever were, that I find it really hard to see how, even with making some changes, they would be someone that we would work with.

open image in gallery Nigel Farage campaigning with Reforms candidate, Matt Goodwin ( PA )

Instead, she believes her party leader Zack Polanski should have his eyes on Downing Street.

I think it is definitely possible that at the next general election we could be looking at a Green government, she said.

I think weve shown in the last six months, the amount of new members that weve got that have joined, the amount of people that are coming out to help in elections like this shows that theres a real appetite for change.

What Ms Spencer and Ms Stogia do agree on, however, is Reform. Asked about the possibility of Nigel Farages party winning in this constituency, Ms Stogia said: I think that peoples voices are not going to be listened to.

I think that division will take root in our communities, and I think that a Reform MP is not going to lean in and listen and work with communities to resolve issues in the area.

For Ms Spencer, a vote for the Greens is one for hope, rather than division with Reform.

Its a really diverse constituency with different people from a lot of different backgrounds, but with a shared value of looking after each other, she said.

Its a very Greater Manchester thing that people do just muddle along, even if you sometimes believe in slightly different things, like you do look after each other.
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The decision by Sir Keir Starmer to make an appearance in a by-election earlier this week, just days before the voters of Gorton and Denton go to the polls, underlines just how desperate the situation is for Labour.

It is almost unprecedented for a serving prime minister to visit a by-election constituency before the votes have been counted. So unusual is it that nobody could actually remember when, or even if it last happened.

Prime ministers normally reserve such appearances for the day after, if they have the opportunity to go and congratulate a successful candidate who has somehow vindicated them.

But these are desperate times for Labour and Starmers government, still less than 20 months on from a historic general election victory.

Labour is currently the third favourite in the seat between a surge in support for Zack Polanskis Green Party on the left and the march of Nigel Farages Reform UK on the right.

The prime minister has already survived one attempted coup, when Scottish leader Anas Sarwar called for him to go over the fallout from Peter Mandelsons links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. But a third-place finish in this seat  one of Labours safest  could be the end of a premiership that has been deeply unpopular from day one, littered with U-turns and constant struggles to get anything going.

Historical buffs may liken the situation to the Second Battle of El Alamein in 1942, when British and Commonwealth forces made a last stand and turned back Hitlers panzer divisions in north Africa, and with it the fortunes of the war.

open image in gallery Starmer made a highly unusual trip to a by-election with his premiership at stake ( Getty )

Given the language that Labour has been using about Reform, describing its politics as far right and racist, you can well imagine that this is exactly what they have in mind.

For those with an interest in much more recent history, though, the deployment of former prime minister Gordon Brown at the last minute to save the day is very familiar. In 2014, his late intervention was credited with saving the No campaign against Scottish independence after Alex Salmond had taken the UK to the brink of splitting up.

But Starmers appearance and Mr Browns deployment are examples of a by-election campaign in which Labour has not only thrown the kitchen sink but every possible utensil it could lay its hands on.

A torrent of MPs, ministers and cabinet ministers have been pitching up in the constituency in a bid to persuade voters not to give up on Labour.

We have to remember, though, that on 4 July 2024, Labour won more than 50 per cent of the vote in this seat. It is the partys seventh safest seat, so the fact that it is having to throw unprecedented levels of campaign resources at it just to stay in the conversation of being possible winners illustrates how far the party has fallen in public estimation; below 20 per cent in the polls, to be exact.

It took the Tories 12 years before they started losing seats like this in government.

open image in gallery Green Party leader Zack Polanski with candidate Hannah Spencer, who hopes to win the Gorton and Denton seat ( PA Wire )

Ironically, if Labour does pull off the miracle of Gorton and Denton, the two people Starmer will have to thank are two he wronged. Deputy leader Lucy Powell, the first person sacked from Starmers cabinet, has led the campaign from the front with the almost daily support of Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, the man Starmer personally blocked from running as the candidate in the seat.

Instead, it has relied on an inoffensive councillor, Angeliki Stogia, as the candidate against the Greens more charismatic Hannah Spencer and Reforms Matthew Goodwin.

All the time, the campaign has been overshadowed by the Mandelson scandal and questions over Starmers judgment in appointing him as ambassador to the US despite knowing of his nefarious associations with Epstein.

In the end, though, as Ms Powell admitted in an interview with The Independent, this contest is a forerunner of the fights for Labour to come up to the next general election.

The party will have to take on the Reform surge and try to hold off advances from Farages party. But to do that, it will have to rely heavily on tactical voting.

This is why a Green victory will be worse for Starmer and is what Labour fears because it could, according to pollsters and Labour MPs, see a realignment of British politics, with voters given licence to see Zack Polanskis party as a genuine alternative on the left.

open image in gallery Nigel Farage joins Reform candidate Matthew Goodwin in Malbern Business Park, Denton ( PA Wire )

The various leadership camps behind candidates to replace Starmer do not think even a disastrous third place on Thursday would be bad enough for him to go immediately  nobody wants to have a leadership campaign in the middle of an election campaign for the parliaments in Scotland and Wales and councils up and down England.

But even victory may not be enough to save him if the local and devolved elections are a bloodbath on 7 May.

The effort Labour has put into this, and the PMs personal stake in it, underlines that there may not have been a more important by-election in British politics for decades.

Nobody really knows who will emerge as the winner on Friday morning, but everything is at stake.
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Jeffrey Epstein may have played a role in Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor becoming a UK trade envoy, a shadow minister has suggested, as the government agreed to release the bombshell documents related to his appointment.

On an unprecedented day in parliament that saw MPs from all sides line up to admonish the former prince, Conservative minister Alex Burghart said it was possible to identify the hand of Epstein in Mr Mountbatten-Windsors appointment to the role back in 2001.

MPs unanimously supported a motion calling for the release of files relating to the appointment, waving it through without a vote after the government backed the Liberal Democrat-led calls to publish the papers, including any vetting and any correspondence from Peter Mandelson.

However, MPs were told that ministers are unable to publish material that police need for their inquiries until officers are satisfied.

The Lib Dems used a humble address, the same arcane mechanism the Tories used to press for the release of files relating to Lord Mandelsons appointment as ambassador to the US, to pressure the government.

It came as party leader Sir Ed Davey described the latest revelations about the former prince and Lord Mandelson as the first truly global scandal that reaches right to the top of the British establishment.

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor faces accusations that he shared sensitive information with Epstein while acting as a special representative for trade and investment between 2001 and 2011. He was taken into custody last week on suspicion of misconduct in public office, before being released under investigation.

This came only days before Lord Mandelson was also arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, following similar allegations of having passed sensitive information to Epstein during his time as business secretary.

The former Labour minister was released on bail in the early hours of Tuesday.

open image in gallery Mandelson, then an EU commissioner, is pictured with Andrew, then trade envoy, in 2007 ( AP )

Opening the debate, Sir Ed said: Can there be many people more symbolic of the rot that eats away at the British establishment than the former Duke of York and special trade envoy, and the former business secretary, first secretary of state and ambassador to the United States?

Their association with Epstein and their actions on his behalf, while trusted with the privilege of public office, are a stain on our country. We must begin to clean away that stain with the disinfectant of transparency.

Trade minister Sir Chris Bryant described Mr Mountbatten-Windsor as a rude, arrogant and entitled man who could not distinguish between the public interest, which he said he served, and his own private interest.

Responding at the despatch box to the Lib Dem motion, Sir Chris said: Let me be clear from the outset, we support this motion today.

Frankly, it is the least we owe the victims of the horrific abuse that was perpetrated by Jeffrey Epstein and others, the abuse that was enabled, aided and abetted by a very extensive group of arrogant, entitled, and often very wealthy individuals, in this country and elsewhere.

Its not just the people who participated in the abuse. Its the many, many more who turned a blind eye out of greed, familiarity or deference.

Sir Chris later added: As the police have rightly said, it is absolutely crucial that the integrity of their investigation is protected, and now these proceedings are underway, it would be wrong of me to say anything that might prejudice them, nor will the government be able to put into the public domain anything that is required by the police for them to conduct their inquiries, unless and until the police are satisfied.

The minister, who described the former prince as a man on a constant self-aggrandising and self-enriching hustle, also said he wants to manage peoples expectations about how quickly the papers relating to Mr Mountbatten-Windsor can be released, due to the age and quantity of the material, and the live police investigation.

He said: Its worth bearing in mind that the documents that might be envisaged in this are mostly 25 years old. Some of them are a bit earlier. They may be substantial in number, and many of them will be in hard copy.

open image in gallery Chris Bryant has hit out at the rot that eats away at the British establishment ( PA Archive )

Meanwhile, Conservative shadow Cabinet Office minister Alex Burghart suggested that Epstein may have influenced Mr Mountbatten-Windsors appointment as a trade envoy in 2001.

He told MPs: If one looks back to 2001, it is possible to identify the hand of Epstein in Mr Mountbatten-Windsors appointment. It is reported that Peter Mandelson first met Epstein in the summer of 2001.

Mountbatten-Windsor had first met Epstein, I believe, in 1999. And shortly after Mandelsons first meeting in October 2001, [Mountbatten-Windsor] is appointed as trade envoy.

Dr Burghart said his party welcomed the motion, but criticised the government for not disclosing the information without the need for a humble address.

What would have been better is if the government had been proactive on this, and had not had to be brought to the House by opposition parties in order to release this information, he said.

It comes as the business and trade committee weighs up launching a parliamentary probe into the role of UK trade envoys, following Mr Mountbatten-Windsors arrest.

It is understood that any inquiry would look at potential governance issues within the wider system, and lessons to be learnt, avoiding specific commentary on Mr Mountbatten-Windsor until there is no risk of prejudicing criminal proceedings.

Despite being stripped of his title last year, the former Duke of York is still eighth in line to the throne, and an act of parliament would be required to remove him from the line of succession.

The government has not ruled out introducing such legislation once police have finished their investigation into the Kings disgraced brother.
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The Home Office can appeal against the High Courts decision that banning Palestine Action as a terror group was unlawful, judges have ruled.

Three judges dealt a humiliating blow to the government on 13 February when they ruled that the proscription of Palestine Action under terror laws was disproportionate, and that it did result in a very significant interference with the right of freedom of speech and the right to freedom of assembly.

Now they have allowed the home secretary Shabana Mahmood to challenge their decision in the Court of Appeal.

open image in gallery Demonstrators gather outside the High Court during the ruling on whether the government's ban of Palestine Action is unlawful ( Getty )

Dame Victoria Sharp, Mr Justice Swift and Ms Justice Steyn concluded at the High Court that only a very small number of Palestine Actions activities amounted to terrorism, and that the groups acts had not crossed the high bar to make it a terrorist organisation.

The ruling prompted the Metropolitan Police to announce that officers would no longer arrest people simply for showing support for Palestine Action. As the groups terror ban remains in force, it is still a criminal offence to support or be a member of Palestine Action, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

Since the proscription last July, thousands of people have been arrested for holding up placards in support of the group. The same three judges issued a judgment on Wednesday allowing the case to proceed to the Court of Appeal and continuing the groups ban until the outcome or until a further order is made.

In their earlier ruling, the High Court found that then home secretary, Yvette Cooper, failed to consider whether imposing a terror ban on Palestine Action was proportionate to the threat posed by the organisation.

Justice Sharp wrote that, by doing this, Ms Cooper had made a significant error by failing to follow the Home Offices own policy on proscription.

open image in gallery Supporters celebrate after the High Court rules in favour of Palestine Action ( PA )

The senior judges also found that the nature and scale of Palestine Actions activities falling within the definition of terrorism had not yet reached the level, scale and persistence to warrant proscription.

The government will seek to persuade the Court of Appeal that the High Court judges were wrong on these points.

The Independent revealed this month that the Home Office has spent nearly 700,000 so far on fighting the legal battle against co-founder of Palestine Action, Huda Ammori.

Government data shows that in the year up to September 2025, there were 1,630 arrests linked to supporting Palestine Action.

But activists who have organised protests against the proscription believe this is much higher, with at least 2,787 people arrested for holding signs in support of Palestine Action.

Nearly 700 people have been charged with a terrorism offence involving Palestine Action, although none have yet been convicted.

No date for the appeal has been set.
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The Metropolitan Police has apologised to Sir Lindsay Hoyle after officers told Peter Mandelsons lawyers he tipped them off about claims the disgraced former peer planned to flee to the British Virgin Islands, prompting his arrest.

The Commons speaker told MPs on Wednesday that he had passed on information to the force in good faith after it was reported he had alerted officers that Lord Mandelson was a flight risk amid a police investigation into his links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Officers from the force are set to meet Sir Lindsay to discuss the error, which is said to be regarded as a serious breach of protocol, sources told The Guardian.

The former ambassador to Washington was arrested on Monday on suspicion of misconduct in public office over allegations he leaked sensitive government documents to Epstein when he was business secretary under Gordon Brown. He was later released on bail until May.

Lawyers for the former Labour cabinet minister on Tuesday hit back at the motivations behind his arrest and claimed it had come despite an earlier agreement that Lord Mandelson would speak to police voluntarily.

His law firm, Mishcon de Reya, said the move came after a baseless suggestion he was planning to leave the country and said it had asked the Metropolitan Police for the evidence relied upon to justify the arrest.

open image in gallery Mandelson outside his home in northwest London ( PA )

The Times reported that the speaker, who visited the British Virgin Islands last week, was told by a local source that the former US ambassador had been planning to flee to the British overseas territory  information he is then said to have passed on to the police.

Detectives are then said to have interviewed Sir Lindsays source before arresting Lord Mandelson on Monday evening.

Making a statement to the Commons in the wake of the reports, Sir Lindsay confirmed that he had passed on information the Metropolitan Police.

He told MPs: Members will be aware of comments in the media regarding the arrest of Lord Mandelson.

To prevent any inaccurate speculation, Id like to confirm that upon receipt of information, that I felt it was relevant, I pass this on to the Metropolitan Police in good faith, as is my duty and responsibility.

open image in gallery Lindsay Hoyle said he passed on information to the Metropolitan Police in good faith ( Parliament TV )

It is regrettable this rapidly ended in the media. As this is a live investigation, members will understand it would not be appropriate to make any further comment, and Id like to caution members from doing so.

Earlier, Lord Mandelsons lawyers said the report to the force that he was planning to leave the country was a baseless suggestion.

They said: There is absolutely no truth whatsoever in any such suggestion. We have asked the MPS (Metropolitan Police Service) for the evidence relied upon to justify the arrest.

Peter Mandelsons overriding priority is to cooperate with the police investigation, as he has done throughout this process, and to clear his name.

His arrest follows police searches of his homes in Wiltshire and Camden earlier this month. The investigation was prompted by emails from 2009, contained in the latest tranche of Esptein files, that appeared to show Lord Mandelson had passed on an assessment by one of Mr Browns advisers of potential policy measures, including an asset sales plan.

The emails, released by the US Department of State, appeared to have been sent to Epstein after he became a convicted sex offender.

Lord Mandelson was sacked as British ambassador to the US last year and stepped down from the House of Lords over the scandal of his ongoing friendship with Epstein earlier this month. He also announced he was resigning from his membership of the Labour Party, stating that he does not want to cause "further embarrassment", after further revelations about their relationship surfaced.

Sir Keir Starmer has faced growing scrutiny over his decision to appoint Lord Mandelson as US ambassador, including a backlash from his own back benches, with his former deputy Angela Rayner among those pushing for parliaments intelligence and security committee to decide what documents surrounding his hiring could be publicly released.

Lord Mandelsons arrest comes after the arrest of the former prince, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. He is also being investigated for alleged misconduct in public office, after claims he shared sensitive information with Epstein during his time as the UKs trade envoy.

The Metropolitan Police declined to comment on Lord Mandelsons arrest beyond its statement issued just after 2am on Tuesday, which read: A 72-year-old man arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office has been released on bail pending further investigation.

The force said it would not be commenting on the leak of information to Lord Mandelsons lawyers about Sir Lindsays report to the police.
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Labours crackdown on immigration could force Rachel Reeves to raise taxes, the UKs most highly-respected think tank has warned.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies warned low immigration levels could lead to a shortfall in tax receipts and trigger another tough Autumn Budget later this year.

That could see her forced to hike taxes or cut public spending to balance the books, it said.

open image in gallery Chancellor Rachel Reeves (Yui Mok/PA) ( PA Wire )

If net migration continues to fall, or stabilises at a level significantly below official forecasts, this would be likely to materially hit (economic) growth and overall tax revenues, the IFS warned.

The chancellor unveiled a 40bn tax rise in her 2024 Budget in a bid to boost public services and grow the economy. She then announced another 26bn worth of tax hikes in last years Autumn Budget.

The IFS warning comes just days before Ms Reeves spring statement to Parliament, where she will set out the state of the UK economy and how it could impact government spending, which the experts said should largely be seen as setting the scene for what happens in the Budget.

The updated forecasts Ms Reeves will outline are likely to contain indications of potential risks looming on the horizon  risks which, if crystallised, could raise the spectre of another tough Autumn Budget, the IFS said. These include a potential shortfall in tax receipts caused by a larger than expected decline in immigration.

Successive governments, including Labour, have announced crackdowns on migration since the figures hit nearly a million in just 12 months in 2023.

These attempts have proved extremely successful  with numbers dropping by two-thirds in a single year, driven by a huge fall in people coming to the UK for work or study.

open image in gallery Home secretary Shabana Mahmood has cracked down on migration (Lucy North/PA) ( PA Wire )

But the steep drop also means less money paid in taxes to the Treasury.

New immigrants are disproportionately more likely to work and less likely to make heavy use of health and care services, the IFS said, mainly because they are more likely to be of working age. In most cases, they are also not able to claim benefits, at least in the first few years after arriving in the UK.

In November, the OBR forecast that net migration would fall from a peak of around 900,000 in 2023 to around 260,000 in 2026 and 2027, before rising back to 340,000 by 2030.

However, the most recent figures, released just after last years Budget, put the provisional figure for 2025 at 204,000, considerably below the 290,000 forecast.

If net migration numbers continue to drop, or settle at a level significantly below the Office of Budget Responsibilitys forecasts, this would be likely to materially hit growth and overall tax revenues, the IFS warned. It said the issue has the potential to put a dent in the forecast for tax revenues, including when Ms Reeves has to meet her self-imposed fiscal rules again in the Budget.

Nick Ridpath, a research economist at the IFS and one of the authors of the analysis, said: The OBR will likely wait for more data before updating its medium-term outlook, but if recent trends do continue, the chancellors fiscal rules could come back into focus by the Autumn Budget.

Ms Reevess rules prevent her from borrowing to pay for day-to-day spending and require debt to fall as a percentage of GDP by 2029/30, limiting her ability to deal with shortfalls.

Last week the IFS said Ms Reeves should scrap her self-imposed rules on debt and borrowing to halt the dysfunctional policymaking behind Britains economic uncertainty.

In a statement, The Treasury said: The government has the right economic plan to build a stronger and more secure economy.

We are cutting the cost of living, cutting the national debt and creating the conditions for growth and investment in every part of the country. And have doubled the buffer against the stability rule to 21.7bn, the highest level since 2022.
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A landmark generational smoking ban is poised to become law in the UK after successfully navigating a Conservative challenge in the House of Lords.

Peers overwhelmingly rejected a Tory-led attempt to block the Tobacco and Vapes Bill's cut-off measure, which instead proposed raising the legal age for tobacco sales in England and Wales to 21.

The Conservatives warned that, despite warnings, the new legislation could lead to an "unregulated, untaxed criminal bonanza".

The amendment was defeated by 246 votes to 78, a majority of 168. Most backing the change were Conservative, alongside two Liberal Democrats.

The legislation aims to create a "smoke-free generation" by preventing anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 from legally smoking, thereby progressively increasing the legal age limit over time.

The bill also seeks to prohibit the sale of all vaping and nicotine products to under-18s. It further grants ministers powers to regulate vape flavours, packaging, and display to diminish their appeal to children.

A total ban on vape advertising and sponsorship, including displays seen by children and young people such as on buses, in cinemas and in shop windows, is included in the proposals.

In addition, the Government could restrict cigarette filter sales, following a recent amendment.

open image in gallery The legislation aims to create a "smoke-free generation" ( Getty Images )

A gradual smoking ban was originally proposed by Rishi Sunaks government in the face of stiff opposition from within his own party.

The legislation fell when the then Tory prime minister called a snap election, but it was subsequently revived under Labour.

Opposing the measure at Westminster, Conservative former Home Office minister Lord Murray of Blidworth said: A generational ban may sound like a progressive step to protect public health, but it is de facto prohibition, and there remains no evidence anywhere in the world that prohibition of a long-standing legal product has ever worked.

In time, this policy will result in the termination of a legally controlled, highly regulated, highly taxed industry, which will be replaced by an illegal, uncontrolled, unregulated, untaxed criminal bonanza.

He added: The state should not remove for ever that freedom to choose simply because a person happens to have been born on or after January 1 2009.

But leading lawyer and independent crossbencher Lord Pannick said: I am not persuaded by the freedom arguments. We ban heroin. We require that people wear seat belts, even if they are over the age of 21 and they may take a different view.

However, opposing the ban, Conservative former health secretary Lord Clarke of Nottingham, who has smoked for around 70 years, said: I am sure it is well intentioned. It is another attempt to reinforce the already very successful efforts we have made in this country to reduce the incidence of smoking.

But it is faintly ridiculous and slightly preposterous, and, given the history of the decline of smoking in this country, it is quite unnecessary.

open image in gallery A total ban on vape advertising and sponsorship is also included in the proposals ( Getty/iStock )

Disagreeing with his Tory colleague, Lord Young of Cookham said: Yes, there is a libertarian argument, but in my view there is a much broader benefit in moving to a smoke-free country.

But Conservative former Home Office minister Lord Sharpe of Epsom said: The Governments own impact assessment states that a one-off increase in the age of sale to 21 would be just as effective in the short term at reducing smoking rates, compared with a generational smoking ban.

Former NHS boss and independent crossbencher Lord Stevens of Birmingham, who is chairman of Cancer Research UK, said: To weaken what has the potential to be one of the most fundamental health-improving pieces of legislation this Parliament has ever enacted would in my judgment be a grave error.

Former president of the Royal College of GPs Baroness Gerada, who smoked for more than 30 years before giving up, said: We have to focus on prevention, which is what the Bill is about.

Non-affiliated peer Baroness Fox of Buckley said: I do not want more people to smoke, but I also think that, in a free society, we have to give a certain degree of room for people to make choices  even the wrong choices.

Welcoming the ban, Liberal Democrat Earl Russell said: It is essential that we make progress to improve the public health of people in this country.

Conservative frontbencher Earl Howe argued it was an opportunity to make a transformational change in an important area of public health.

Putting himself at odds with Lord Murray, the peer added: I hope he will understand that it ill behoves me, as my partys spokesman for health and social care and as a former health minister, to pass up what I see as a golden opportunity to do something imaginative and radical, which is why I support the Government in their excellent ambitions.

Health minister Baroness Merron said: Stopping young people from ever starting to smoke is the easiest way to reduce smoking rates.

She added: Modelling shows that creating a smoke-free generation is expected to help reduce the smoking rate of 14 to 30 year-olds to near zero by 2050.

Over the next 50 years, that will save tens of thousands of lives and avoid up to 130,000 cases of lung cancer, strokes and heart disease. For me, these are prizes worth having.
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A record 1.23 million workers are now on zero-hours contracts, new analysis has revealed, coming ahead of Labours plan to bolster the rights of these employees.

The figure has risen by 91,000 over the past year, research by the Work Foundation at Lancaster University found, driven mostly by young workers aged 16 to 24.

Also known as casual contracts, a zero-hours contract is an arrangement in which the employer does not need to guarantee a worker a minimum number of hours. These workers do not have to accept shifts and can take on other employment. They are most commonly used in the hospitality sector.

Labour has legislated to tackle exploitative zero-hours contracts as part of its flagship Employment Rights Bill. The changes taking effect in 2027 will see workers given a right to guaranteed hours if they regularly work over their contracted number, more reasonable notice of shifts, and compensation for cancelled or changed shifts.

In certain cases, these contracts can help support young people into their first jobs and offer flexibility for those who need it. However, critics point out that they are often used unsuitably, leaving workers facing unpredictable schedules, a lack of guaranteed income, and no ability to plan financially.

The bill will also make parental leave and sick pay available from day one of a job, and enforce protection from unfair dismissal from six months, instead of two years. Controversial fire and rehire practices will also be outlawed as part of the legislation, while trade union rights have been strengthened.

Zero-hours contracts are most commonly used in the hospitality sector ( Getty Images )

Commenting on the Work Foundations findings, TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: Change cant come soon enough for workers across the country.

These new figures show zero-hours contracts are still plaguing the labour market  trapping workers in insecure jobs with little control over their hours and pay.

Thats why the Employment Rights Act, which is set to ban exploitative zero-hours contracts, is so important. These new rights must be implemented in full and as soon as possible.

The findings also reveal that the number of workers on zero-hours contracts has increased by 181,000 since Labour came into power in 2024. The Work Foundation said the rise reinforces the need for the new rights to be delivered.

Ben Harrison, director of the Work Foundation at Lancaster University, said: This new data indicates that some employers continue to rely on highly precarious forms of employment such as zero-hour contracts, despite the governments commitment to kerb their use. Such arrangements underpin the kind of one-sided flexibility that leaves over a million workers unsure how many hours they will work or how much money they will earn next week.

Now the Employment Rights Act has passed, it is imperative that legislators prioritise finalising the new regulations that will provide workers with a new right to guarantee hours. Our previous research indicates that nine in 10 zero-hour contract workers in 2023 would have qualified to be offered guaranteed hours under the governments original proposal of a 12-week reference period. This would represent an important step towards providing more security and certainty for workers currently on these kinds of insecure contracts.

A government spokesperson said: Tackling insecure work is vital if we are to boost incomes, raise living standards and increase productivity.

Our Employment Rights Act will ensure people can have the security they need by giving eligible workers the right to guaranteed hours, and we will work closely with workers and employers alike on how the measures are implemented.
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One year ago, the UK government announced cuts to its aid budget. For many, this may have seemed like a distant fiscal adjustment. For those of us working in community health in Kakamega County, Kenya, it marked the beginning of a shift  one felt in villages, households, and health centres.

I serve as a Community Health Volunteer (CHV). My work brings me face-to-face with pregnant mothers, children under five, elderly patients managing chronic illnesses, and families navigating poverty and illness at the same time. Community health is not theoretical here. It is personal.

I remember visiting a young mother in a remote village earlier this year. During her first pregnancy, outreach clinics were a regular help. Health teams would come closer to her home, and follow-ups were consistent. When she had questions or concerns, someone checked in.

This time was different.

Outreach activities had reduced, and regular follow-ups were less predictable. She walked a much longer distance for antenatal care. When transport money was scarce, she postponed appointments. By the time I visited her at home, she had missed a scheduled check-up. Thankfully, we were able to link her back to care before complications arose. But I could not ignore the difference: the safety net felt thinner.

These are the kinds of changes that do not make headlines. They appear as small delays, fewer visits, longer walks, heavier workloads. Yet over time, these small gaps widen.

Much of the structure that strengthens community health systems  training, supervision, coordination, and facilitation  has historically been supported through partnerships, including those backed by agencies such as the UKs Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). When funding tightens, those structures are often the first to feel the strain.

Over the past year, I have observed reduced outreach in hard-to-reach areas, stretched supervision systems, and increasing pressure on volunteers. Community Health Volunteers are not salaried employees. We serve because we believe in protecting our communities. But belief does not pay for transport. Commitment does not replace structured support.

Kristine and other Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) at work in Kakamega ( Good Health Community Programmes, Kenya )

The emotional impact on volunteers is real. Many of us balance household responsibilities, personal economic challenges, and demanding community work. When times and visits become inconsistent, some quietly question how long they can continue. Burnout is rarely discussed, but it is growing.

And yet, the commitment remains strong.

In Kakamega, CHVs still walk long distances to check on patients. We use our own phones to follow up on mothers. We respond to emergencies at night. We coordinate referrals. The resilience of community health workers is extraordinary  but resilience should not be confused with sustainability.

Community health is the foundation of prevention. It ensures early detection of illness, supports adherence to treatment, strengthens immunisation coverage, and protects vulnerable households. Strong community systems reduce pressure on hospitals and prevent small health issues from becoming crises.

In an interconnected world, local health resilience contributes to global health security.

This reflection is not about blame. The United Kingdom has historically contributed significantly to global health progress, and that support has helped to create tangible improvements in communities like mine. It is precisely because that partnership has mattered that its reduction is felt.

One year after the aid cuts, we continue to serve. We continue to show up. We continue to believe that every mother, every child, and every patient deserves timely care.

But if we are serious about universal health coverage and shared global resilience, then sustained investment in community-level health systems must remain central  not peripheral.

From the footpaths of Kakamega, the message is clear: community health saves lives. Partnership strengthens it. And when that partnership weakens, communities feel it first.

Kristine Yakhama is a Community Health Volunteer in Kakamega County, Kenya, and a member of Action for Global Health s Steering Committee, advocating for equitable access to health services.

This article has been produced as part of The Independents Rethinking Global Aid project
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Ashley Madison, the infamous dating website long synonymous with affairs, is rebranding  shedding the married dating tagline that lent itself to a scandalous data breach that saw millions of users personal information exposed.

The online dating service announced Tuesday it was moving the platform away from married dating and repositioning itself as a privacy-first dating platform.

In an age where our lives have been constantly put on public display, privacy has become the new luxury, Paul Keable, chief strategy officer for Ashley Madison, said in a news release.

The company says the shift mirrors a broader cultural exhaustion with social media. It comes over a decade after hackers targeted Ashley Madison, releasing the personal information of some 37 million users, destroying countless relationships and reputations.

A YouGov survey commissioned by the company found a rising trend of valuing discretion, as people have social media fatigue and are done oversharing their lives on social media. To meet that moment, Ashley Madison has come up with a new tagline: Where Desire Meets Discretion.

open image in gallery Ashley Madison, the dating service known for affairs, is rebranding with a focus on privacy and discretion ( Ashley Madison )

The dating service noted its new direction also reflects a change in the types of people signing up for the service.

Internal sign-up data from 2025 revealed that 57 percent of all new members identified as single, which the dating platform says shows the community has already transformed into a place for those who value privacy, regardless of their dating status.

Ashley Madison is leaning into its heritage of discretion to become the gold standard for anyone who believes that what happens in their dating life is nobodys business but their own, the company said.

The dating service, which once had the tagline: Lifes short. Have an affair, was founded in 2002, but became best known for the scandal that leaked millions of users personal information in 2015.

An unknown hacker, or group of hackers, called The Impact Team, was responsible for the leak, sharing the names, passwords, emails and personal preferences of more than 30 million users.

Those targeted in the hack included owner Noel Biderman. Several celebrities were also caught in the data breach, including reality TV star Josh Duggar.

Duggar also came under fire in 2015 after a police report revealed he molested five girls, four of which were his sisters, when he was a teenager. He was later convicted in 2021 on child sex abuse image charges and sentenced to 12 years in prison without parole.

Also listed as having an account was former President Joe Bidens son, Hunter Biden. However, he denied that the account was his, claiming someone used his old email address to set him up.

open image in gallery Reality TV star Josh Duggar was one of the millions of Ashley Madison users whose information was leaked. He has since been convicted on charges related to child sex abuse images ( Washington County Detention Center )

I am certain that the account in question is not mine, he said in 2015, according to US Weekly. This account was clearly set up by someone else without my knowledge and I first learned about the account in question from the media.

An Associated Press investigation also revealed that hundreds of US government employees, including those working in the White House, Congress and law enforcement agencies, accessed the site while in their offices.

A New Orleans pastor, John Gibson, died by suicide just days after the data breach revealed he used the site. He mentioned the dating website in a note left before his death, his wife told CNN in 2015.

Meanwhile, the police in Toronto, Canada, said in August 2015 that at least two suicides may be linked to the hack.

In 2024, Ashley Madison was the subject of a Netflix documentary titled Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies and Scandal.

It was also revealed that just three in every 10,000 accounts claiming to be women were run by real people. The website, meanwhile, claimed more than 5 million women used its platform.

The company also settled a $11.2 million class action lawsuit in 2017 that was filed on behalf of the millions impacted in the data breach.
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A beloved Bay Area wildlife attraction abruptly canceled more than 600 seal tour reservations this week after California park officials discovered multiple sick and dead animals at Ano Nuevo State Park.

The San Mateo County park, known for its winter gatherings of elephant seals during pupping season, paused tours as researchers investigated the sudden illnesses and deaths.

On Wednesday, California State Parks confirmed the states first cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, in elephant seals at the park after multiple agencies collected and tested samples. Officials say public risk is low, but people and pets should keep distance from live or dead marine mammals and report strandings to the NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region rather than handling animals.

A small number of adult elephant seals, weaned pups and seabirds have been affected, Adeline Yee, a spokesperson for California State Parks, told The Independent earlier in the day.

Most seals on the beach appear healthy. Out of an abundance of caution, access is being paused to give wildlife space and allow for ongoing monitoring. Thank you for your understanding, the Ano Nuevo State Park website reads.

open image in gallery Hundreds of Ano Nuevo State Park tours were canceled this week as agencies investigate illnesses and deaths among a small number of elephant seals, pups and seabirds ( Getty )

Tours are canceled through March 1. To date, 134 tours and 617 reservations, totaling 1,203 tickets, have been affected, including 22 schools, Yee told The Independent. Tickets, which cost $11 each, include a three-to-four-mile guided hike to view and photograph the massive two-ton animals.

Elephant seals along the California coast have their pupping season from December through March, with most pups being born in late December and January. During this time, female seals come ashore to give birth and nurse their pups for about three-to-four weeks.

Male elephant seals arrive earlier to establish breeding territories, which overlaps with the pupping period. Once the nursing period ends, the pups are weaned and must start fending for themselves, usually by late January or early February, though some pups born later may stay into March.

Biologists and wildlife experts from multiple agencies, including the University of California campuses at Santa Cruz and Davis, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and federal partners, are working to determine what caused the illness and fatalities.

open image in gallery Tests have been conducted to find the cause of the illnesses and deaths recorded among the elephant seal population. ( AFP via Getty Images )

Despite the suspension of guided tours, certain areas of Ano Nuevo State Park remain open to the public. Visitors can still access the Marine Education Center, the Horse Barn Movie Theater and a portion of the Ano Nuevo Point Trail, though viewing of the seal colony itself is restricted for now.

Full tour refunds are available through the Reserve California website or by calling 800-444-4445.

The parks elephant seals have rebounded dramatically from nearextinction in the late 19th century, when they were heavily hunted for their blubber, which was used to make oil. Today, populations across California is nearly 200,000, making the annual winter pupping season a must-see among tourists.
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Four people were killed and six wounded when their Florida-registered speedboat entered Cuban waters on Wednesday, prompting a deadly exchange of gunfire with a patrol boat, the countrys government said, accusing the men of plotting an armed infiltration.

The vessel came within one nautical mile of the El Pino channel on Falcones Cay in Villa Clara province on the north coast of Cuba, about 120 miles east of Havana, when it was approached by a vessel carrying five Border Guard Troops, according to the official account.

When the patrol unit asked the occupants to identify themselves, they allegedly opened fire, wounding the commander of the Cuban vessel, prompting the troops to retaliate in kind.

The wounded were evacuated and received medical attention and were subsequently found to be Cuban residents of the United States with criminal records.

Assault rifles, handguns, improvised explosive devices (Molotov cocktails), bulletproof vests, telescopic sights, and camouflage uniforms were seized, the governments statement read.

It named the six injured men and one of the deceased and said an investigation was underway to identify the remaining three and clarify precisely what happened.

open image in gallery The 10 men have been accused of being Cuban residents of the U.S. with criminal records intent on an armed infiltration of the Communist island ( Getty )

Two of the wounded  Amijail Sanchez Gonzalez and Leordan Enrique Cruz Gomez  were previously wanted by Cuba for terrorism offences, the country said.

Faced with the current challenges, Cuba reaffirms its commitment to protecting its territorial waters, based on the principle that national defense is a fundamental pillar for the Cuban state in safeguarding its sovereignty and stability in the region, the statement concluded.

Its Interior Ministry later added that another man, Duniel Hernandez Santos, had also been arrested after being sent from the U.S. to facilitate the reception of the armed infiltration, an accusation to which he was reported to have confessed.

Bizarrely, one of the men named among those hurt, Roberto Azcorra Consuegra, told NBCs Miami affiliate that he was still in the U.S. and surprised to see his name on the list. He did not comment further.

open image in gallery Marco Rubio says the U.S. will respond appropriately after investigating ( AFP/Getty )

Cuba said the boat used was registered in the Sunshine State under the number FL7726SH. According to maritime database records cited by CNN, it is a 24ft Pro-Line powerboat manufactured in 1981, typically used for fishing, and is owned by an individual residing in Miami Lakes, Florida.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in St Kitts and Nevis for a diplomatic conference with Caribbean leaders, said: Were going to find out exactly what happened here and then well respond accordingly.

Suffice it to say, it is highly unusual to see shootouts on open sea like that. Its something, frankly, that hasnt happened over Cuba in a very long time.

He also warned: Cubas status quo is unacceptable. Cuba needs to change. It needs to change, and it doesnt have to change all at once. Everyone is mature and realistic.

Rubio said the islands economy was in collapse and called on Havana to make dramatic reforms.

open image in gallery Cuba is currently facing an energy crisis after the US blocked oil shipments from Venezuela ( AP )

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, meanwhile, said he was ordering prosecutors to open a separate investigation in conjunction with other state and federal law enforcement partners, saying the Cuban version of events cannot be trusted.

Florida Republican Rep. Carlos Gimenez called the incident a massacre and expressed his support for the investigation, as did his Democratic counterpart Debbie Wasserman Schultz and the states GOP senator Rick Scott.

The Villa Clara province, where the boat was intercepted, is known for its white sandy beaches and shallow waters and has previously seen vessels seized off its coast carrying illegal migrants to the U.S., which houses a significant Cuban exile community opposed to the islands Communist government.

open image in gallery Villa Clara province is known for its white sandy beaches and shallow water ( Reuters )

The firefight comes at a time of heightened tensions between Cuba and the U.S., which has blocked virtually all oil shipments since its move on January 3 to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro from power.

American forces captured Maduro in a surprise attack on Caracas over the New Year, extraditing him to New York, where he pleaded not guilty to narco-terrorism charges.

Doing so removed a key Cuban ally from the chessboard and increased pressure on the government in Havana, which was reliant on Venezuela to help meet its demand for roughly 100,000 barrels of oil a day to keep the lights on.
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Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers training at a local gun range largely went unnoticed by residents of one Southern California city for more than a decade, until President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown and the recent fatal shootings of US citizens by federal agents.

The arrangement in Escondido, a city of about 150,000 people north of San Diego surrounded by farms and horse ranches, has sparked weeks of demonstrations. Residents are demanding that the city stop allowing ICE agents to train at the local police department range, reflecting growing discontent across the country with the administration's immigration actions.

We dont want ICE anywhere near Escondido or fraternizing with the police, said Richard Garner, 71, while rallying against the deal outside the citys police station.

A majority of Americans in recent polls have said Trump has gone too far in sending federal immigration agents into American cities. Beyond the mass street demonstrations in Minneapolis, people in communities from New York to California are objecting to longstanding contracts between ICE and local governments for services ranging from the use of training facilities to parking spaces. The agency has also angered local communities caught off guard by ICE's plans to occupy giant warehouses, some that could house as many as 10,000 immigration detainees.

open image in gallery The entrance to the city's firing range ( AP Photo/Amy Taxin )

Amid the debate, funding for the Department of Homeland Security has been put on hold. Democrats are saying they will not help approve more money until new limits are placed on federal immigration operations following the fatal shootings of U.S. citizens Alex Pretti and Renee Good last month in Minneapolis.

Escondido's City Council is scheduled to discuss the contract with ICE at a meeting on Wednesday.

Unlike many California cities, Escondido had an especially close alliance with ICE in the past that allowed immigration officers to work at police headquarters and coordinate on vehicle stops. That partnership ended after California passed a law in 2017 limiting such collaboration with immigration officials.

Protesters in Escondido said they were unaware of the contract allowing ICE to train at the gun range in the city's hillsides until advocates found the agreement online. They said they fear word of the deal will make immigrants afraid to report crimes to local police, weakening public safety in a city where Latinos make up about half the population.

open image in gallery Demonstrators hold signs outside a police station ( AP Photo/Amy Taxin )

Some say they dont want to give ICE agents a reason to come to their community or lend support to an agency they don't trust will follow U.S. laws. The concern is high, both among immigrants and U.S. citizens who worry about masked federal immigration agents  use of deadly force.

Police Capt. Erik Witholt said Escondido provides the space under a deal signed by ICE in 2024 and renewed this year, though ICE has been training at the outdoor range off a winding road outside Escondidos downtown for more than a decade.

The city will receive $22,500 a year for up to three years under the agreement involving the San Diego branch of ICEs Homeland Security Investigations, which investigates crimes including human trafficking and drug smuggling.

We dont train with them. We dont train them," Witholt said, adding 22 agencies use the site and each brings its own range master, targets and ammunition.

The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, did not comment on the backlash and would not confirm locations where its officers train, citing security concerns.

But several of those locations have been brought to light as communities demand an end to such agreements.

open image in gallery Escondidos city sign ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

In Cottage Grove, Minnesota, 20 miles (32 kilometers) southeast of Minneapolis, Ruth Jones and other residents have been asking the community to end its contract allowing ICE to use its regional training center. But Mayor Myron Bailey said the center was built with state bond funding and is rented out to some 60 law enforcement agencies and other groups, including ICE.

Contractually, we cannot discriminate against any public agency, Bailey said in a statement.

In Islip, New York, community members urged local officials last year to rescind a longstanding contract to use a rifle range for training, but the local government also kept the deal.

Hartford, Connecticut, has moved to end a contract for ICE employees to use a city-owned parking lot.

Not everyone in Escondido is opposed to the city's contract with ICE. Luke Beckwith, 26, said he feels access to the site should be left up to police.

I personally dont care, Beckwith said. Its bringing revenue to the city.

open image in gallery A sign advertises an upcoming anti-ICE rally ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Edgar, who is from Mexico and asked that his last name be withheld over deportation fears, said barring ICE from the city's gun range will not remove the threat for immigrants like himself.

If they want to come, they will come, he said.
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Former Harvard University president and economist Larry Summers will resign from his teaching role at the end of the academic year, just months after his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein was revealed through a federal document disclosure.

Summers has been on leave from the school since November, and will not be returning to the university before his final day, according to the New York Times.

The economist and former Treasury Secretary under the Clinton administration has also resigned from his role as co-director of the Mossava-Rahmani Center for Business and Government, according to a Harvard spokesperson.

Jason Newton, the spokesperson, confirmed to the Times that Summers' resignation comes in connection with the ongoing review by the University of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein that were recently released by the government.

The news of Summers' resignation was first reported in The Harvard Crimson, the school's newspaper.

open image in gallery Economist and educator Larry Summers is resigning from his teaching role at Harvard University just months after his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein was revealed in a document release ( Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Summers issued a statement saying he has made the "difficult decision" to retire, adding that he will "always be grateful to the thousands of students and colleagues I have been privileged to reach and work with since coming to Harvard as a graduate student 50 years ago."

He said that he will now look forward to engaging in research, analysis and commentary on a range of global economic issues.

Summers' links to Epstein weren't unknown, but his closeness to accused child sex trafficker only became clear after the federal government released a trance of Epstein's emails in November.

Summers has not been accused of any wrongdoing related to his friendship with Epstein.

The documents capture private moments between the men, including friendly banter about Summer's alleged romantic interest in a woman who was not his wife. Elsewhere, Epstein described himself as Summers' "wingman."

In one email from 2019, Summers complained to Epstein that a woman he was interested in was involved with another man.

I said what are you up to. She said Im busy, he wrote. I said awfully coy u are.

Epstein responded, saying shes smart. making you pay for past errors. ignore the daddy im going to go out with the motorcycle guy, you reacted well.

Summers also appeared to use a racist term in one exchange to refer to his attraction to an Asian woman.

Id be happy to have a rational affair w yellow peril, he wrote in the message. Moments before that message, he wrote that he was way smitten with her so woukd sacrifuce (sic) lots for being w her.

The men were having conversations more than a decade after Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting sex from a child. Summers' and Epstein's correspondence continued until July 5, 2019, just a day before Epstein was arrested and charged with child sex trafficking, NBC News reports.

open image in gallery Summers has previously said that he takes full responsibility for my misguided decision to continue communicating with Mr. Epstein. ( Getty Images )

After the November document dump, Summers issued a statement acknowledging the emails and expressing regret for his association with Epstein. He said he was deeply ashamed and would take full responsibility for my misguided decision to continue communicating with Mr. Epstein.

Shortly after the messages were made public, Summers retreated from public life and stepped down from the board of directors of the OpenAI Foundation. OpenAI is the company that developed ChatGPT.

In line with my announcement to step away from my public commitments, I have also decided to resign from the board of OpenAI, he said in a statement at the time. I am grateful for the opportunity to have served, excited about the potential of the company, and look forward to following their progress.

In December, Summers was banned for life from the American Economic Association due to his ties to Epstein. The group said late last year that it accepted Summers voluntary resignation.

Effective immediately, the AEA has imposed a lifetime prohibition on Mr. Summers attending, speaking at, or otherwise participating in AEA-sponsored events or activities, including serving in any editorial or refereeing capacity for AEA journals, it said in a statement at the time.

The Independent has requested comment from Summers.

Harvard has launched an investigation into its own ties to Epstein, including a review of both donors and employees who might have been close to the disgraced financier.

The university launched a similar probe in 2020, which reportedly turned up only one explicit reference to Mr Summers. The report found that Summers had helped start a program pitched by Epstein.
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The death of a major cartel boss in Mexico has unleashed a violent backlash in which members of the criminal group have paralyzed some cities through blockades and attacks on property and security forces.

At least 73 people have died as a result of the operation to capture Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, or El Mencho. The head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel was seriously wounded during a firefight with authorities on Feb. 22, 2026. He later died in custody.

As an expert in criminal groups and drug trafficking in Latin America who has been studying Mexicos cartels for two decades, I see the violent aftermath of the operation as part of a pattern in which Mexican governments have opted for high-profile hits that often lead only to more violence without addressing the broader security problems that plague huge swaths of the country.

Who was El Mencho?

Like many other figures involved in Mexicos drug trafficking, Oseguera Cervantes started at the bottom and made his way up the ranks. He spent some time in prison in the U.S., where he may have forged alliances with criminal gangs before being deported back to Mexico in 1997. There, he connected with the Milenio Cartel, an organization that first allied, and then fought with, the powerful Sinaloa Cartel.

Most of the information available points to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel forming under El Mencho around 2010, following the killing of Ignacio Nacho Coronel Villarreal, a Sinaloa Cartel leader and main link with the Milenio Cartel.

open image in gallery A wanted poster for El Mencho ( U.S. State Department )

Since 2015, Jalisco New Generation Cartel has been known for its blatant attacks against security forces in Mexico  such as gunning down a helicopter in that year. And it has expanded its presence both across Mexico and internationally.

In Mexico, it is said to have a presence in all states. In some, the cartel has a direct presence and very strong local networks. In others, it has cultivated alliances with other trafficking organizations.

Besides drug trafficking, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel is also engaged in oil theft, people smuggling and extortion. As a result, it has become one of the most powerful cartels in Mexico.

What impact will his death have on the cartel?

There are a few potential scenarios, and a lot will depend on what succession plans Jalisco New Generation had in the event of Oseguera Cervantes capture or killing.

In general, these types of operations  in which security forces take out a cartel leader  lead to more violence, for a variety of reasons.

Mexicans have already experienced the immediate aftermath of Oseguera Cervantes death: retaliation attacks, blockades and official attempts to prevent civilians from going out. This is similar to what occurred after the capture of drug lord Ovidio Guzman Lopez in Sinaloa in 2019 and his second capture in 2023.

Violence flares in two ways following such high-profile captures and killings of cartel leaders.

In the short term, there is retaliation. At the moment, members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel are seeking revenge against Mexicos security forces and are also trying to assert their regional authority despite El Menchos death.

These retaliatory campaigns tend to be violent and flashy. They include blockades as well as attacks against security forces and civilians.

open image in gallery Violence has flared in Mexicos Jalisco state since the death of Nemesio El Mencho Oseguera Cervantes ( AP )

Then there is the longer-term violence associated with any succession. This can take the form of those who are below Oseguera Cervantes in rank fighting for control. But it can also result from rival groups trying to take advantage of any leadership vacuum.

The level and duration of violence depend on a few factors, such as whether there was a succession plan and what kind of alliances are in place with other cartels. But generally, operations in which a cartel boss is removed lead to more violence and fragmentation of criminal groups.

Of course, people like Oseguera Cervantes who have violated laws and engaged in violence need to be captured. But in the long run, that doesnt do anything to dismantle networks of criminality or reduce the size of their operations.

What is the current state of security in Mexico?

The upsurge in violence after Oseguera Cervantes killing occurs as some indicators in Mexicos security situation seemed to be improving.

For example, homicide rates declined in 2025  which is an important indicator of security.

But other measures are appalling. Disappearances are still unsettlingly high. The reality that many Mexicans experience on the ground is one where criminal organizations remain powerful and embedded in the local ecosystems that connect state agents, politicians and criminals in complex networks.

Criminal organizations are engaged in what we academics call criminal governance. They engage in a wide range of activities and regulate life in communities  sometimes coercively, but sometimes also with some degree of legitimacy from the population.

About the author Angelica Duran-Martinez is an Associate Professor of Political Science at UMass Lowell. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

In some states like Sinaloa, despite the operations to take out cartels leaders, the illicit economies are still extensive and profitable. But whats more important is that levels of violence remain high and the population is still suffering deeply.

The day-to-day reality for people in some of these regions is still one of fear.

And in the greater scheme of things, criminal networks are still very powerful  they are embedded in the countrys economy and politics, and connect to communities in complex ways.

How does the El Mencho operation fit Mexicos strategy on cartels?

The past two governments vowed to reduce the militarization of security forces. But the power of the military in Mexico has actually expanded.

The government of President Claudia Sheinbaum wanted a big, visible hit at a time when the U.S. is pushing for more militarized policies to counter Mexicos trafficking organizations.

But this dynamic is not new. Most U.S. and Mexican policy regarding drug trafficking organizations has historically emphasized these high-profile captures  even if it is just for short-term gains.

Its easier to say we captured a drug lord than address broader issues of corruption or impunity. Most of the time when these cartel leaders are captured or killed, there is generally no broader justice. It isnt accompanied with authorities investigating disappearances, murders, corruption or even necessarily halting the flow of drugs.

Captures and killings of cartel leaders serve a strategic purpose of showing that something is being done, but the effectiveness of such policies in the long run is very limited.

Of course, taking out a drug lord is not a bad thing. But if it does not come with a broader dismantling of criminal networks and an accompanying focus on justice, then the main crimes that these groups commit  homicides, disappearances and extortion  will continue to affect the daily life of people. And the effect on illicit flows is, at best, meager.
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A North Carolina mom of three who vanished while Christmas shopping 24 years ago left behind her family because of ongoing domestic issues, she told authorities.

Michele Lyn Hundley Smith, then 38, left her home in Eden, just south of the Virginia border, to go Christmas shopping in December 2001, but never returned. However, authorities on Friday announced that Smith, now 62, had been found alive and well.

She was in good health, Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page told People Magazine.

Let me just say there were no allegations of foul play regarding to her leaving, Page said. But according to Ms. Smith, she said she left due to ongoing domestic issues at the time.

He noted that she did not elaborate on that, and said the sheriffs office had no record of her reporting a domestic issue before her disappearance.

open image in gallery Michele Lyn Hundley Smith was reported missing after going Christmas shopping in December 2001 and never returned home. However, authorities located the missing woman in an undisclosed location on Friday ( FBI )

Page lauded detectives for a job well done, noting most missing persons cases dont see this type of resolution.

They went and found this young lady that [has] been missing for many years, 20-plus years. And we dont see a lot of the missing persons cases like that, Page said. But now at least the family has closure and they know shes okay.

Smiths disappearance rattled local authorities over two decades ago, prompting a years-long search that involved multiple agencies, including the FBI. At the time of her disappearance, authorities described her as an endangered adult and said she would not leave her kids by choice.

The Rockingham County Sheriffs Office on Friday said it found Smith after detectives received new information about the circumstances surrounding her disappearance nearly 25 years ago.

Investigators made contact with Smith at an undisclosed location in North Carolina after receiving the tip. Her current whereabouts have not been shared, but her family has been notified of her situation, authorities said.

After the missing woman was located, detectives referred the case to the local district attorneys office.

Of course the question was, she had three children when she left, they were with the dad, Page told the outlet. Our detectives have been in contact with the district attorneys office, if theres any consideration for any charges along the lines of abandonment or anything like that.

No charges had been filed as of Wednesday.

open image in gallery A missing person posted from when Smith disappeared described her as an endangered adult who would not leave her kids by choice ( Rockingham County Sheriff's Office )

On Sunday, one of Smith's shocked children wrote that the discovery had brought on a whirlwind of emotions in a post shared to a Facebook page dedicated to locating Smith.

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! they wrote.

Will I have a relationship once more with my mom? Honestly I cant answer that because I dont even know.

The post continued: My initial reaction would be yes, absolutely, but then I think of all the hurtBut even then, my mom is only human, just as we all are.

While Smiths child acknowledged 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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A 64-year-old woman has been arrested in the Dominican Republic after being accused of disrespecting the national anthem.

Amarilis Brito Rodriguez went viral on social media after singing the anthem to the high-tempo local rhythm called dembow during a karaoke session at a restaurant.

A police report issued Tuesday accuses her of disrespecting the anthem by performing it in an urban-style genre at a restaurant called Mofongo & Variedades Eddy.

In a video posted online, Brito is seen clutching the microphone with one hand earlier this month as she raises the other to punctuate each word, swaying slightly to the music as some customers join in the singing.

Police said they located her days later at her home in the municipality of San Victor and arrested her Monday.

open image in gallery Police said she violated Article 37 of Law 210-19 regarding national symbols in the Dominican Republic, which defines acts of outrage against our National Anthem ( Getty Images/iStockphoto )

Sorry, sorry, she told reporters with a smile as she was led, handcuffed, into a government building.

Brito said she had written the version she sang 22 years ago, and that there was no law back then prohibiting that kind of interpretation.

But police said she violated Article 37 of Law 210-19 regarding national symbols in the Dominican Republic, which defines acts of outrage against our National Anthem.

If found guilty of the charge, she could face several months in prison and a fine.

Brito said she was not aware that she had made a mistake.

I used the anthems verses to express my free spirit, she told reporters. I comply with what the law says, but I dont regret it because I dont feel I did any harm.

When asked whether she would apologize to the country, Brito smiled.

Forgive me, my country, forgive me in every way I need to ask, she said.

Now, she added, as she raised her shackled hands, its much easier to ask for forgiveness than it was to ask for permission.

Many on social media have criticized her, saying the anthem should be respected. Others criticized police, saying they should address more pressing issues like violent crime and corruption.
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A champion rodeo riders three-year-old daughter was killed in front of her in a freak accident, according to a new report.

Kelsie Domer, a Womens Professional Rodeo Association world champion, and her husband, Ryan Domer, lost Oaklynn last Thursday after one of their horses fell onto the mother and daughter, according to a Facebook post by Rodeo Life.

Efforts were made to try to save Oaklynns life, but they failed, Rodeo Life reported. Its unclear whether Kelsie was injured in the accident.

The family lives in Dublin, Texas, but has traveled across the country on the rodeo circuit.

Oaklynn packed a lot in her short time with us. Traveling the rodeo circuit all over the U.S., hitting the practice pen with mom and dad, and loving her family with all her heart, the 3-year-olds obituary read.

open image in gallery Kelsie Domer, a 10-time Womens Professional Rodeo Association world champion, lost her daughter, Oaklynn, Thursday ( Kelsie Domer via Facebook )

The obituary said Oaklynn loved horses and going to yodeos.

She did not know a stranger and lit up the room the minute she made her grand entrance, the obituary read.

Oaklynn leaves behind her parents, two sets of grandparents and three great-grandparents.

Speaking of Kelsie and Ryan, Rodeo Life wrote, They are two of many grieving people, stunned by the loss of a child. Their pain will never disappear, nor will the love they have for Oaklynn.

open image in gallery One of the Domer family's horses fell onto Kelsie and Oaklynn, causing the three-year-old's death, according to Rodeo Life ( Kelsie Domer via Facebook )

Through a tested faith, a lot of prayer and time, the pain they have will likely soften, but moments of grief will always fill their souls.

Horse and dog health company Simply Equine & K9 paid tribute to Oaklynn on Facebook. Kelsie has been a Simply Equine team member for four years.

Our hearts are shattered beyond words, the company said on Friday. Sweet Oaklynn gained her angel wings far too soon. Please continue praying for Kelsie, Ryan, her family and everyone that loved this precious soul.

The Rope Like A Girl foundation is accepting donations for the Domers to help with expenses related to Oaklynns death.

The outpouring of support weve received in Oaklynns memory has been unprecedented, and were so very thankful, the nonprofit wrote on Facebook Monday.
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A budding AI researchers future has been thrown into question after her Teslas collision-avoidance systems failed to activate until another car had already slammed into hers, leaving the woman with a traumatic brain injury and lasting cognitive issues, according to a product liability lawsuit reviewed by The Independent.

Samaneh Movassaghi is an internationally recognized, award-winning artificial intelligence scientist whose career is globally acknowledged as being in a rare, early-phase trajectory of exceptional innovation and economic value, the 23-page complaint begins.

At the time of the crash, the 39-year-old San Francisco residents work in machine learning, autonomous systems and advanced computational research placed her among a small fraction of world-leading AI experts whose lifetime earning potential, research contributions, and societal impact are extraordinary, the complaint goes on.

It notes that the industry requires sustained high-precision executive functioning, rapid-cycle reasoning and uninterrupted cognitive stamina, and that [e]ven mild neurological impairment can cause catastrophic, career-ending consequences in the field of advanced AI innovation.

However, the complaint continues, the injuries caused by Movassaghis defective Model Y during a crash have severely disrupted her professional path, derailed significant ongoing research activities, and impaired her ability to function at the elite cognitive level required in her field.

open image in gallery Samaneh Movassaghi's Tesla Model Y, following the wreck that left her with a traumatic brain injury, according to court filings. She is now suing Tesla over the electric carmaker's 'defective' safety features ( Provided )

In 2021, Tesla, the electric car company headed by Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, stopped installing radar sensors in its vehicles. The following year, the company decided to drop ultrasonic sensors, in favor of a less expensive camera-only approach to advanced driver assistance systems. Still, Musk and Tesla touted the companys cars as being intelligent enough to see pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles, and, for example, automatically apply the brakes if a collision was imminent.

This, according to the complaint  as well as many experts  was a deliberate and reckless decision, as Teslas internal data showed the new setup was unreliable, unvalidated, and capable of catastrophic failure during a foreseeable crash event.

Tesla chose speed over safety, public perception over truth, and profits over human lives, the complaint states. ... The failures here were not mere malfunctions; they were systemic engineering defects that rendered the product unreasonably dangerous to a degree far outside normal consumer contemplation.

Had Tesla continued using a combination of different sensors, the crash that injured Movassaghi might never have happened, attorney Dominic Flamiano told The Independent.

Flamiano, who is representing Movassaghi in her case, said a belt-and-suspenders system  that is, one with built-in redundancy  is key when it comes to collision-avoidance. A more robust stack would almost certainly have spotted the oncoming car that Movassaghis Tesla missed, and could have braked or swerved to avoid an accident, according to Flamiano.

A Tesla spokesperson did not respond on Tuesday to a request for comment.

open image in gallery Tesla boss Elon Musk made a decision to ditch radar and make Tesla sensors camera-only, which Samaneh Movassaghi's lawsuit says was responsible for her brain injury ( AFP via Getty Images )

On December 4, 2023, Movassaghi was behind the wheel of her white Tesla Model Y, which she had purchased 15 months earlier, according to her complaint, which was initially filed in San Francisco Superior Court before being removed to federal court last week.

Around11:30 p.m., as she crossed through an intersection in San Franciscos SoMa neighborhood, a black Volkswagen Passat ran a red light and T-boned Movassaghis Tesla, ramming the passenger side of the car immediately behind the front wheel, the complaint states. The Teslas front and side airbags deployed, and both cars sustained significant damage.

Flamiano described the layout of the intersection as having a building on one corner that rendered the Teslas cameras useless, but said radar is able to detect objects through walls and other solid objects. Movassaghi was traveling at around 40 mph at the time, Flamiano added. From the evidence gathered, Flamiano said it appeared that the camera-only collision avoidance systems were ineffective, and that the Automatic Emergency Braking feature did not kick in until after the Tesla had been broadsided.

An accompanying police report obtained by The Independent says the driver of the Passat told officers she had looked down momentarily to put away a Kit Kat she was eating, and didnt see the light had changed. The woman was issued a citation and taken to San Francisco General Hospital for pain in her left leg.

Movassaghi was rushed to an emergency room with a brain injury, according to the complaint. In addition to the failure of various safety systems and subsystems that did nothing to help Movassaghi avoid the crash, the complaint says the steering wheel airbag defectively deployed, exploding in Movassaghis face and covering her in microscopic toxic particles.

open image in gallery Samaneh Movassaghi was driving a Tesla Model Y, like the one seen here, when another car broadsided hers. She argues in a new lawsuit that Tesla knowingly oversold the safety of its cars, ( Getty Images )

Tesla, in fact, issued a recall for the 2022 Model Y following Movassaghis wreck, for problems the complaint claims confirms the companys pre-sale knowledge of the precise safety defects that caused [her] injuries. Feasible alternative designs were available, and are in use by Teslas competitors, the complaint states.

Movassaghis lawsuit is the latest in a long string of legal actions taken against Tesla by drivers, passengers, and their families.

In December, a Utah man whose wife, two daughters, son-in-law and their dog were crushed to death when their Tesla Model X suddenly crossed a roads center line and smashed head-on into a tractor-trailer, sued the automaker and Musk over claims they intentionally misrepresented the safety of their vehicles.

Musk, according to the complaint, oversells the technology in order to, among other things, generate excitement about Tesla, to pump up its stock price, and to help establish Tesla as a dominant player in the electric vehicle market, all at the expense of the public's safety.

Last June, a motorcyclist sued after being hit by a Tesla Model 3 in Autopilot mode that unexpectedly veered across multiple lanes of highway traffic, demolishing the bike and sending the rider and his passenger to the hospital.

That same month, Tesla was sued by relatives of a driver who was incinerated alive inside his burning Tesla Cybertruck when the electrically-operated doors wouldnt open after power was lost.

More than two years later, Movassaghi is still experiencing neurological, physiological and psychological effects from the collision, according to her complaint. These include impaired concentration, reduced cognitive stamina, emotional trauma, sleep disruption, anxiety, irritability, and difficulty performing complex reasoning tasks, it says. As a result, the complaint asserts, her earnings have taken a major hit and her career opportunities have stalled.

She is seeking general and special damages for past and future medical and rehabilitation expenses and past and future lost earnings, plus punitive and exemplary damages to be determined by a jury, as well as legal costs.
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Democrats are betting that Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanbergers affordability-focused message will resonate with the country when she delivers their partys response to President Donald Trumps State of the Union address on Tuesday night.

The rebuttal gives Democrats a prime opportunity to make their case against Trump and his policies ahead of the midterm elections.

Spanbergers double-digit victory in Virginia last November, which saw her flip a Republican-held office, was viewed by party leaders as validation of a disciplined message centered on lowering costs  one they now want to elevate in campaigns nationwide.

Virginians and Americans across the country are contending with rising costs, chaos in their communities, and a real fear of what each day might bring, Spanberger said in a statement.

"I look forward to laying out what these Americans expect and deserve  leaders who are working hard to deliver for them.

open image in gallery Trump on Monday told reporters that his State of the Union is going to be a long speech, because we have so much to talk about ( AP )

Spanberger will deliver the speech from Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum with restored 18th-century buildings, drawing on the sites role at the heart of Virginias early opposition to British rule and connecting that legacy to the current political moment, according to her team.

She will have far less time than the Republican president to deliver her rebuttal. Trumps speech before Congress last year stretched to an hour and 40 minutes, while Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkins Democratic response lasted just over 10 minutes.

Spanbergers speech will be the fifth consecutive response to a presidents address to Congress delivered by a female senator or governor.

Trump on Monday told reporters that his State of the Union is going to be a long speech, because we have so much to talk about.

As viewership tends to drop the longer the speech runs, the response has become one of the more perilous assignments in politics. NowSecretary of State Marco Rubio was widely mocked for reaching for a water bottle during the GOP response in 2013. Other rebuttals have quickly faded from memory.

Even with the time disadvantage, Democrats argue the political winds are shifting in their favor. Spanbergers win in Virginia was followed by other high-profile Democratic victories, including a special election earlier this month in Texas, where a Democrat flipped a reliably Republican state Senate district that Trump carried by 17 percentage points in 2024.

Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla of California will deliver the partys Spanish-language response. Padilla, who in June was forcefully removed from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noems news conference in Los Angeles as he tried to speak up about immigration raids, said in a statement that there is a better path than the one Trump has offered: one that lowers costs, safeguards our democracy, and reins in rogue federal agencies.

Speaking at a press conference with Senate Democrats on Tuesday ahead of Trumps address, Padilla said his speech would include a call to action.

Nobody is coming to rescue us. Only Americans will save America, Padilla said. That will be the contrast to the lies and deceptions of President Trump tonight.

Some Democrats are choosing to make their point by skipping Trumps address. Counterprogramming events are planned, including a State of the Swamp featuring Democratic lawmakers alongside state and local leaders and celebrities.
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Bill Gates has apologized to staff at his charitable foundation over his past friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, also admitting to two extramarital affairs, according to a report.

I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit, the Microsoft founder told his employees in response to the Department of Justices release of the Epstein files, according to The Wall Street Journal, citing an audio recording of the latest biannual Gates Foundation town hall.

To be clear, I never spent any time with victims, the women around him, Gates said while apologizing to foundation executives for introducing them into Epsteins orbit.

It was a huge mistake to spend time with Epstein. I apologize to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made, he said.

The tech entrepreneur turned philanthropist explained that he first met the pedophile in 2011, three years after Epstein had pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution in Florida, but that he had not looked into the financiers background and was only dimly aware of an 18-month thing that limited his travel.

open image in gallery Bill Gates has expressed his regret at ever knowing Jeffrey Epstein and says he ended contact with him in 2014 ( AP )

He acknowledged that his then-wife, Melinda Gates, had expressed concern about Epstein in 2013, but that he had ignored her caution and continued to see him socially.

Knowing what I know now makes it, you know, a hundred times worse in terms of not only his crimes in the past, but now its clear there was ongoing bad behavior, Gates said, according to the WSJ.

Alluding to his ex-wife, he added: To give her credit, she was always kind of skeptical about the Epstein thing.

Gates continued to map out the course of their relationship, saying he had met with Epstein in 2011, taken trips on his private jet and spent time with him in Germany, France, New York, and Washington, but never stayed overnight at his properties or visited Little St James, his now-notorious private Caribbean island.

He said he did not see Epstein again after 2014, although there were ancillary issues that Epstein continued to email him about, but Gates said he chose not to respond to them.

open image in gallery Epstein died in a New York City jail cell in August 2019 ( New York State Division of Criminal Justice )

Gates also said the women pictured with him in the files were Epsteins assistants, whom the billionaire had asked to pose with him.

He said he had been drawn to Epstein initially because he talked about the kind of intimate relationship he had with a lot of billionaires, particularly Wall Street billionaires, whom, he said, could help Gates with his fundraising goals, which made it easier for me to feel like this was a normalized situation.

It definitely is the opposite of the values of the foundation and the goals of the foundation, Gates admitted. And our work is very reputation-sensitive. I mean, people can choose to work with us or not work with us.

A Gates Foundation spokesperson told The Independent: This was a scheduled town hall with employees, which Bill does twice a year. In the conversation, Bill answered questions submitted by foundation staff on a range of issues, including the release of the Epstein files, the foundations work in AI, and the future of global health.

In the town hall, Bill spoke candidly, addressing several questions in detail, and took responsibility for his actions.

open image in gallery Gates posing for a photograph with a woman whose identity has been redacted, as seen in the recent Department of Justice release of files pertaining to Epstein ( DOJ )

During the town hall, the billionaire also admitted to two affairs.

I did have affairs, one with a Russian bridge player who met me at bridge events, and one with a Russian nuclear physicist who I met through business activities, he said.

Melinda Gates spoke to NPRs Wild Card podcast earlier this month about the release of the Epstein files and told host Rachel Martin that the scandal brings back memories of some very, very painful times in her marriage.

The couple, who have three children, divorced in 2021 after 27 years together.

Martin asked her guest about one of the emails released by the DOJ that suggested her former husband had sought treatment for a sexually transmitted infection and planned to supply it to his ex-wife too without her knowledge, asking what her dominant emotion was when she first heard about it, to which she answered: Just unbelievable sadness.

open image in gallery Melinda Gates speaking to NPRs Wild Card podcast earlier this month about the Epstein scandal and the end of her 27-year marriage ( NPR )

A spokesperson for Bill Gates has vehemently denied the allegations in question and previously told The Independent: These claims are absolutely absurd and completely false.

The only thing these documents demonstrate is Epsteins frustration that he did not have an ongoing relationship with Gates and the lengths he would go to entrap and defame.

Unlike other powerful men linked to Epstein, Gates has shown a commendable willingness to speak frankly about his past mistakes.

Every minute I spent with him, I regret, and I apologise that I did that, he recently told Australias 9News, adding that he was foolish to spend time with him and is one of many people who regret ever knowing him.

The more that comes out, the more clear it will be that, although the time was a mistake, it has nothing to do with that kind of behavior, he added.
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A systems engineer who showed up for a site inspection before installing a new intercom system for a Customs and Border Protection office in Florida says he was greeted with handcuffs.

Angel Camacho, a Venezuelan asylum seeker and IT project manager with a masters degree in telecommunications, has lived in the United States with his family for nearly a decade.

But after he arrived for what he thought was just another job at a Border Patrol office last month, agents detained him and sent him to Alligator Alcatraz, the states detention camp in the Everglades. He was imprisoned there for 30 days.

Camacho, 43, does not have a criminal history but does not have lawful status. He received temporary protected status after arriving in the country on a tourist visa in 2016 and has applied for permanent residency as the spouse of an American citizen, with whom he is raising American-born children.

I have a work permit, Social Security number, drivers license, pay my taxes every year, he told NBC6 Investigates.

open image in gallery An IT specialist hired by Border Patrol was arrested after he showed up for the job and sent to Alligator Alcatraz, he says ( AP )

The Trump administration has broadly canceled legal protections for more than 1 million people who were granted humanitarian protections to live and work in the United States, and immigration court judges have dismissed hundreds of pending cases  reversals that have radically expanded a pool of undocumented people vulnerable for arrest and removal.

They didnt catch me doing anything wrong, Camacho told the outlet. I just went there to work, and it was too easy for them to catch me and say, This is an immigrant.

Camachos employer submitted his drivers license as part of a security screening and was told he was approved for entry, according to a CBP email seen by NBC6. We just need to know what time he is coming, so we can be prepared, the email said.

When he showed up the next day on January 6, Camacho was immediately arrested, he said.

I say, Good morning. Im Angel. And they say, Oh yes, we are waiting for you, he told NBC6. They say, I have to detain you. I said, What are you? Joking?

open image in gallery The sprawling detention camp in the Florida Everglades has been accused of holding detainees in inhumane conditions ( REUTERS )

Trump promised that the states notorious detention camp would hold some of the most menacing migrants, some of the most vicious people on the planet, but only one in four detainees there have criminal convictions, with just 7 percent having convictions for violent crimes, according to ICE data.

Hundreds of Alligator Alcatraz detainees have filed federal lawsuits seeking their release, joining a massive wave of litigation against ICE detentions in federal courtrooms across the country.

Judges are routinely reprimanding government lawyers for flouting court orders that the attorneys for the Department of Justice have conceded they are failing to keep up with.

Earlier this month, a federal appeals court in New Orleans ruled that immigrants who have been arrested in the nations interior  not only those who recently crossed the U.S.-Mexico border  may be held without bond hearings while their cases proceed, an argument that is now being tested by federal courts in cases across the country.

In the case of Camacho, who allegedly entered the U.S. legally on a visa in 2016, he was able to get a bond hearing, post $5,000 for his release, and submit to ankle monitoring after his detention, NBC reported.

Thats the worst nightmare Ive ever been in, Camacho said of his experience inside Alligator Alcatraz. Thats not a place for nobody, especially if you never commit any crime.

Detainees there have alleged widespread abuse and illness and accused officers of retaliating against them for seeking legal help.

People there have reported being shackled inside a metal cage and left outside without water for up to a day at a time, according to a recent report from Amnesty International.

Homeland Security officials insist that the facility in the Big Cypress National Preserve region of the Florida Everglades is a state-run operation managed by the Florida Division of Emergency Management, though records in a long-running court case appear to show that the state sought and received federal funding for the project, along with guidance on how those funds can be spent.

Administration officials have repeatedly refuted claims of abuse at the facility and encouraged immigrants to self-deport to avoid detention.
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Around 1,700 people have applied to become immigration judges with the Trump administration, after a provocative social media ad campaign from the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security that called for new deportation judges and featured stills from the dystopian satire Judge Dredd.

The White House, as part of its deportation campaign, has pushed to speed up processing through the nations perennially backlogged immigration court system, which has a queue of about 3.6 million cases at present.

To do so, the administration has taken to social media to lure new hires with a recruiting campaign promising recruits six-figure paychecks, 25 percent bonuses, and a chance to restore integrity and honor to the U.S. court system by serving as a deportation judge.

The label itself marks a departure from the norm, given that immigration judges are supposed to impartially consider claims, including those such as successful asylum requests, where petitioners get to legally remain in the country rather than be deported.

Leading the effort is former Marine Corps Col. Daren Margolin, who now heads the Executive Office of Immigration Review, which runs the immigration court system overseen by the Department of Justice.

open image in gallery About 1,700 people have applied to be immigration judges in response to a recent Trump administration campaign for new recruits ( DHS )

Margolin recently told Axios he previously resigned from the immigration court system because he felt like a co-conspirator in treason under the Biden administration.

The immigration court leader did not tell the outlet how many of the 1,700 applicants were hired, but said an initial cohort of recruits will begin service this month.

The former Marine previously made headlines in 2013 for being relieved from his position after accidentally discharging a handgun at the Quantico Marine Base while he was commanding its security battalion.

Critics of the administration argue that the Trump administration is trying to improperly weaponize the immigration court system to speed up deportations.

To call an immigration judge a deportation judge is to declare, at the outset, that the position requires not adjudication but preordination, and in doing so, entirely negates the term judge as a person who attempts to address heavy case-specific questions of facts and law in the form of an authentic decision, Syracuse University immigration analyst Austin Kocher wrote on Substack in November, as the Trump administration launched the recruitment drive. Only a lawyer who despises the law and resents the intellectual responsibilities that the legal profession appropriately imposes on them would be moved to apply now for such a shamelessly subordinate position.

open image in gallery The U.S. immigration court system has long been criticized because of the unusual control the president and political appointees have over its operations compared to other court systems in the country ( Getty )

Since Trump took office, at least 135 immigration judges have been fired or have retired, and the immigration court system has delivered unprecedented asylum denial rates.

Critics took issue with the immigration court system before Trump took office.

The system is not independent like other U.S. court systems.

Immigrants there are not guaranteed an attorney and face looser rules of evidence, while the judges overseeing their cases work for the Justice Department, the same agency employing the prosecutors.

The attorney general, a political appointee, can hire and fire immigration judges.

open image in gallery The Trump administration has also made a practice of arresting people who show up for regular check-ins with immigration authorities ( Getty )

Under Trump, migrants using the system have been shown posters encouraging them to plead guilty and self-deport.

Can you imagine going into a criminal court and seeing a sign that says, Just plead guilty, Rekha Sharma-Crawford, an immigration attorney in Kansas City, told NJ Spotlight News last year.

These posters are all across immigration courts in the country, she added. They put them up in the lobby of the courtroom.

The shake-up in U.S. immigration courts comes as the Trump administration is facing scrutiny over its recruiting tactics, funneling new hires into Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

A whistleblower claims ICE has cut training time, including on issues like firearms handling and civil rights, nearly in half as it seeks to dramatically expand the agency, which the Trump administration denies.
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California Gov. Gavin Newsom made fun of President Donald Trumps hair during his State of the Union address Tuesday night as the Democrat posted his live reactions online.

As Trump gave the longest-ever State of the Union address in history, clocking in at 1 hour and 47 minutes, a few strands of his hair appeared out of place.

Newsom, who has a notable slick-backed hairstyle, wrote: Oh no, Donald. You need some of my hair gel!!!

Both men share one thing in common when it comes to hair  they are embracing their natural color.

In his only concession to age, the president is reportedly letting his golden-dyed hair turn white, according to New York Magazine, citing a senior staffer. Newsom, meanwhile, has embraced the grey.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump pictured during his State of the Union address Tuesday night, the longest in history ( via REUTERS )

open image in gallery Newsom, who has a notable slick-backed hairstyle, wrote: Oh no, Donald. You need some of my hair gel!!! ( @GavinNewsom/X )

While Trump gave his address in Washington, D.C., Newsom was in New York City promoting his new book.

After the speech, the Democrat shared his reactions on his X account and challenged claims made by the president, including that the economy is roaring like never before.

Trump boasted about delivering a new age of prosperity that most polls suggest the American public is simply not feeling, and made familiar remarks about the U.S. being the hottest country right now.

GDP growth was down from 4.4% to 1.4% last quarter, Newsom reacted. Unemployment is up. Energy bills are up. And Donald Trump is enforcing an illegal tax on the American people.

In another attack, the governor wrote: The fraud America should be talking about is the billions of dollars Donald Trump has enriched himself with while in office.

open image in gallery Gov Gavin Newsom was following Trumps speech from afar and criticizing the president on social media ( Getty Images )

Newsom concluded that Trumps speech was boring. His official press office X account, which has adopted the same tone as Trumps Truth Social posts, called it AN AMAZING STATE OF THE SNOOZE!

The Democrats press office earlier taunted in a social media post that Newsom was dominating news coverage on the same day as Trumps speech. FOX NEWS IS WALL-TO-WALL COVERAGE OF ME, the post noted.

Newsoms aggressive social media approach to Trump, attacking him on everything from his policies to his health, has positioned him as one of the most prominent opponents of the administration, according to pundits.

Many believe that the California governor is weighing up his chances of a run for the White House himself.
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President Donald Trumps State of the Union address turned contentious when Midwestern members of the so-called Squad shouted him down.

Democratic Congresswomen Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan began heckling the Republican president for more than 30 seconds when he spoke of his immigration crackdown.

The uproar began after Trump urged those who believe the first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens" to stand up.

"Isn't that a shame? You should be ashamed of yourself, not standing up," the president said looking towards Democratic lawmakers.

Omar and Tlaib  members of the Squad, an informal group of progressive House Democrats  then started yelling at the president from their seats.

Congresswomen Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib shouted as President Donald Trump spoke about his immigration crackdown during his State of the Union address ( AFP via Getty Images )

You have killed Americans! Omar could be heard shouting repeatedly, apparently referencing the two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were killed by federal immigration agents in Minnesota.

You should be ashamed, Omar, who has frequently been the target of Trumps ire, added.

Tlaib, who is wearing a large F*** ICE pin, yelled lies several times.

Polls show that many Americans share the lawmakers concerns about Trumps immigration enforcement measures. According to a February survey from Quinnipiac, 63 percent of Americans disapprove of the way ICE is enforcing immigration laws.

Its hardly the first time that a State of the Union address has been interrupted by members of Congress. Such instances have grown more common in recent years.

During former President Joe Bidens 2023 address, former GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene shouted liar while Biden was discussing Medicare.

And, in 2009, then-Republican Rep. Joe Wilson cried out You lie! while former President Barack Obama spoke about reforming health care.
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The White House is withholding $250m in Medicaid funds to Minnesota until the Democratic-led state government takes a series of as-yet unspecified corrective actions to prevent what Vice President JD Vance called an epidemic of fraud among the states Somali-American population.

We don't want to be in a situation where the state of Minnesota is being so careless with federal tax dollars that we have to turn the screws on them a little bit so that they take this fraud seriously, Vance said during a press conference alongside Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) administrator Mehmet Oz on Wednesday.

All we need is the governor and the administration in Minnesota to do is something quite simple, which is to show that before you give Medicaid funds to somebody, you're taking seriously whether they provided the services that they say that they're providing.

Vance said the administration is demanding some affirmative steps to find out whether Medicaid providers are actually providing services to Medicaid recipients, while Oz told reporters that an action plan already submitted to CMS by Minnesota Governor Tim Walzs administration was inadequate.

The administrations push to cut off funds to Minnesotas Medicaid program stems from right-wing media outrage over a viral video from anti-immigrant YouTuber Nick Shirley, who in December alleged that scores of immigrant-run medical services and childcare businesses in Minnesota are illegitimate and not delivering services to residents.

Vance announced the pause in funding at the White House on Wednesday ( AFP via Getty Images )

A Minnesota nonprofit, Feeding Our Future, was charged with submitting fraudulent documentation to obtain roughly $250m in Covid-19 pandemic aid during the Biden administration.

Federal prosecutors have also alleged that at least half more of the roughly $18 billion in federal funds that supported 14 Minnesota-run programs since 2018 may have been stolen from federal programs supporting child nutrition, housing services and autism services.

The sprawling case has become politically and culturally fraught, as Somali Americans make up 82 of the 92 defendants charged so far, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for Minnesota.

President Donald Trump has capitalized on that fact to target the Somalia diaspora in Minnesota, which has the largest Somali population in the U.S., as well as the state's Democratic leadership. Local community leaders have urged officials and the public not to stigmatize Somali Americans in the state, warning against conflating alleged crimes by a handful of defendants with more than 80,000 people of Somali descent in the Twin Cities.

The Minnesota cases are unfolding against a broader backdrop of federal concern about fraud across government programs, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Based on data from 2018 through 2022, the Government Accountability Office estimated that the U.S. government loses between $233 billion and $521 billion each year, roughly 3% to 7% of the federal budget, to fraudulent activity. In their report, GAO investigators said no reliable estimates of fraud losses affecting the federal government previously existed.

Trump has continued to target the Somalian diaspora in Minnesota with immigration enforcement actions and has made a series of disparaging comments about the community. He has said the state is a hub of fraudulent money laundering activity," though there has been little evidence to support that claim.

During his State of the Union address on Tuesday, the president specifically accused the Gopher States Somali-American of pillaging ... an estimated $19 billion from the American taxpayer as he announced what he called a war on fraud run by Vance.

He used the fraud accusations to bootstrap a racist rant in which he accused Somali pirates of having ransacked Minnesota and called them a reminder of how there are large parts of the world where lawlessness are the norm, not the exception.

Importing these cultures through unrestricted immigration and open borders brings those problems right here to the USA, and it is the American people who pay the price and higher medical bills, car insurance rates, rent, taxes and, perhaps most importantly, crime, Trump said.

With additional reporting by agencies
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After President Donald Trump suddenly tore down the East Wing of the White House, Republican Representative Mike Turner appeared to be among the few allied lawmakers to privately express concerns about the legality of the demolition.

Days after the demolition began in October, Turner sent a letter to the White House expressing substantial concerns, according to the letter, obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request by Public Citizen and provided to the Washington Post.

The stark images of the East Wing demolished in mere days were disturbing to Americans who cherish preservation of our nations history, Turner, the co-chair of the congressional Historic Preservation Caucus, wrote to White House Staff Secretary Will Scharf.

Trump tapped Scharf to lead the National Capital Planning Commission, the group tasked with approving construction projects in the nations capital.

Turner reportedly asked about the oversight and transparency that went into the demolition and whether the White House took steps to preserve artifacts.

open image in gallery Turner reportedly privately expressed concerns about Trump's demolition of the East Wing several months ago ( Getty Images )

The Independent has asked Turners office for comment.

Scharf responded to Turner more than seven weeks after his initial letter, claiming the administration did not need approval from the commission to begin demolition because the National Capital Planning Commission reviews vertical construction.

The administration has used the same argument to justify the East Wing demolition.

The new report about Turners letter reveals that lawmakers on both sides of the aisle were concerned about Trumps sudden demolition of the East Wing to make room for his new $400 million White House ballroom.

Democrats vocally decried the administration at the time of the demolition, using social media and direct correspondence to express concern about the legality of the construction project.

In a similar but separate October letter, a group of Democrats urged the White House to stop the demolition of the East Wing, claiming it violated the White House Preservation Act.

open image in gallery The administration removed the East Wing of the White House in October, despite initially claiming the new ballroom would not interfere with the original structure ( Getty Images )

But fewer Republicans have been outspoken about the new construction project.

Since reclaiming the White House last year, Trump has imposed his personal style on the White House: adding gold embellishments to the Oval Office, an opinionated presidential Wall of Fame, a Mar-a-Lago-style patio and taller flagpoles to the White House lawn.

The new White House ballroom is expected to be a massive addition to the Peoples House, capable of holding up to 1,000 guests for state dinners and other large events. Trump has said the space is necessary for hosting large events.

But the project has been heavily scrutinized for its quick implementation and high costs  jumping from an initial $200 million estimate to $400 million. The administration has been tight-lipped about the list of individual and commercial donors who are helping the president pay for the new space.

Public Citizen has sued the administration for not complying with FOIA requests that aim to improve transparency about the ballroom project.
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The Republican-led House of Representatives voted Feb. 11, 2026 to approve the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act  or SAVE America Act.

The bill would require individuals to provide proof of citizenship when they register to vote and present photo identification when they do vote in federal elections.

This marks the third year in a row that the House has passed similar legislation. Passage in the Senate, which would require Democratic votes, continues to appear unlikely. But Republicans from President Donald Trump on down are clearly interested in finding ways to enhance election security  although critics contend the SAVE America Act would unfairly disenfranchise millions of citizens.

The SAVE America Act would require anyone registering to vote in federal elections to first provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship in person, such as a passport or birth certificate. The new version goes further than its predecessor by requiring many individuals voting in federal elections to present photo identification at the polls indicating proof of U.S. citizenship.

Voting rights experts and advocacy organizations have detailed how the legislation could suppress voting. In part, they say it would particularly create barriers in low-income and minority communities. People in such communities often lack the forms of ID acceptable under the SAVE America Act for a variety of reasons, including socioeconomic factors.

Should the Senate pass it, Trump will almost assuredly sign it into law, given, among other factors, his recent call for Republicans to nationalize elections ( Getty Images )

As of now, at least 9% of voting-age American citizens  approximately 21 million people  do not even have drivers licenses, let alone proof of citizenship. In spite of this, many legislators support the bill as a means of eliminating noncitizen voting in elections.

As a legal scholar who studies, among other things, foreign interference in elections, I find considerations about the potential effects of the SAVE America Act important, especially given how rare it is that a noncitizen actually votes in federal elections.

Yet, it is equally crucial to consider a more fundamental question: Is the SAVE America Act even constitutional?

How the SAVE America Act could change voting requirements

The SAVE America Act would forbid state election officials from registering an individual to vote in federal elections unless this person provides documentary proof of United States citizenship. Furthermore, it would forbid individuals from voting unless they bring such proof to the polls each time they vote, unless their state agrees to submit voter registration lists to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on a quarterly basis.

Acceptable forms of proof for voter registration would include a REAL ID that demonstrates U.S. citizenship  most of which do not  as well as a U.S. passport or a U.S. military identification card.

About the author John J. Martin is an Assistant Professor of Law, Quinnipiac University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

So  should the SAVE America Act become law  if a person turns 18 or moves between states and wishes to register to vote in federal elections in their new home, they would likely be turned away if they do not have any such documents readily available. At best, they could still fill out a registration form, but they would need to mail in acceptable proof of citizenship.

For married people with changed last names, among others, questions remain about whether birth certificates could even count as acceptable proof of citizenship for them.

The Constitution says little about voting rights

Despite the national conversation the SAVE America Act has sparked, it is unclear whether Congress even has the power to enact it. This is the key constitutional question.

The U.S. Constitution imposes no citizenship requirement when it comes to voting. The original text of the Constitution, in fact, said very little about the right to vote. It was not until legislators passed subsequent amendments, starting after the Civil War up through the 1970s, that the Constitution even explicitly prohibited voting laws that discriminate on account of race, sex or age.

Aside from these amendments, the Constitution is largely silent about who gets to vote.

Who, then, gets to decide whether someone is qualified to vote? No matter the election, the answer is always the same  the states.

Indeed, by constitutional design, the states are tasked with setting voter-eligibility requirements  a product of our federalist system. For state and local elections, the 10th Amendment grants states the power to regulate their internal elections as they see fit.

States also get to decide who may vote in federal elections, which include presidential and congressional elections.

When it comes to presidential elections, for instance, states have  as I have previously written  exclusive power under the Constitutions electors clause to decide how to conduct presidential elections within their borders, including who gets to vote in them.

The states wield similar authority for congressional elections. Namely, according to Article 1 of the Constitution and the Constitutions 17th Amendment, if someone can vote in their states legislative elections, they are entitled to vote in its congressional elections, too.

Conversely, the Constitution provides Congress zero authority to govern voter-eligibility requirements in federal elections. Indeed, in the U.S. Supreme Courts 2013 ruling on the Arizona v. Inter Tribal Council case, the court asserted that nothing in the Constitution lends itself to the view that voting qualifications in federal elections are to be set by Congress.

Is the SAVE America Act constitutional?

The SAVE America Act presents a constitutional dilemma. By requiring individuals to show documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to vote, the SAVE America Act is implicitly saying that someone must be a U.S. citizen to vote in federal elections.

In other words, Congress would be instituting a qualification to vote, a power that the Constitution leaves exclusively to the states.

Indeed, while all states currently limit voting rights to citizens, legal noncitizen voting is not without precedent. As multiple scholars have noted, at least 19 states extended voting rights to free male inhabitants, including noncitizens, starting from our countrys founding up to and throughout the 19th century.

Today, over 20 municipalities across the country, as well as the District of Columbia, allow permanent noncitizen residents to vote in local elections.

Any state these days could similarly extend the right to vote in state and federal elections to permanent noncitizen residents. This is within their constitutional prerogative. And if this were to happen, there could be a conflict between that states voter-eligibility laws and the SAVE America Act.

Normally, when state and federal laws conflict, the Constitutions supremacy clause mandates that federal law prevails.

Yet, in this instance, where Congress has no actual authority to implement voter qualifications, the SAVE America Act would seem to have no constitutional leg on which to stand.

Reconciling the SAVE America Act with the Constitution

So, why have 108 U.S. representatives sponsored a bill that likely exceeds Congress powers?

Politics, of course, plays some role here. Namely, noncitizen voting is a major concern among Republican politicians and voters. Every SAVE America Act co-sponsor is Republican, as were all but four of the 220 U.S. representatives who voted to pass the SAVE Act in April 2025.

When it comes to the constitutionality of the SAVE America Act, though, proponents simply assert that Congress is acting within its purview.

Specifically, many proponents have cited the Constitutions elections clause, which gives Congress the power to regulate the Times, Places and Manner of congressional elections, as support for that assertion. Utah Sen. Mike Lee, for example, explicitly referenced the elections clause when defending the SAVE Act earlier in 2025.

But the elections clause only grants Congress authority to regulate election procedures, not voter qualifications. The Supreme Court explicitly stated this in the Inter Tribal Council ruling.

Congress can, for instance, require states to adopt a uniform federal voter registration form and even include a citizenship question on said form. What it cannot do, however, is implement a nonnegotiable mandate that effectively tells the states they can never allow any noncitizen to vote in a federal election.

For now, the SAVE America Act is simply legislation. Should the Senate pass it, Trump will almost assuredly sign it into law, given, among other factors, his recent call for Republicans to nationalize elections. If and when that happens, the courts would have to reckon with the SAVE America Acts legitimacy within the countrys constitutional design.
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Stephen Colbert lashed out at top Democrat Hakeem Jeffries for urging his party to have a silent protest and avoid disrupting the State of the Union address, calling the move a bold rebrand of doing jack squat.

The Late Show host mocked the House minority leaders encouragement for Democrats to either attend President Donald Trumps address Tuesday night in silent defiance or to go to a counter event, but not to bail entirely or make a scene if they did attend.

Were not going to Donald Trumps house, Jeffries said last week. Hes coming to our house. Its my view that you dont let anyone, ever, run you off of your block.

Dozens of Democratic lawmakers heeded his advice, staging walkouts or holding up signs in protest of Trumps agenda.

For Democrats who did attend, Hakeem Jeffries urged members not to make a scene, Colbert said. An approach he dubbed silent defiance, which I believe is a bold rebrand of doing jack squat.

open image in gallery Stephen Colbert slammed top Democrat Hakeem Jeffries for urging his party to have a silent protest of President Donald Trumps State of the Union address ( CBS )

Colbert added, As Martin Luther King once said, Shhh. He then displayed the made-up quote and an image of the civil rights leader on the screen.

Many Democrats did protest both in and outside of the chamber throughout the State of the Union.

To kick off the address, Rep. Al Green, a Democrat from Texas, held up a sign that read, Black people arent apes, in reference to the video Trump shared online that portrayed Barack and Michelle Obama as apes. Trump claimed an aide had posted the video but refused to apologize.

Green was swiftly escorted out of the building, making it the second time he has been removed during one of Trumps addresses.

Other Democrats to protest the event include Rep. Ilhan Omar, of Minnesota, who cried out, You have killed two Americans! as Trump boasted about his immigration crackdown. Norma Torres, a Democrat from California, could also be seen holding up photos of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, the two U.S. citizens who were killed by immigration enforcement officers in Minneapolis last month.

open image in gallery Texas Democrat Al Green holds a sign reading Black people are not apes as President Donald Trump arrives to deliver the State of the Union address ( REUTERS )

Some who skipped the speech addressed hundreds of protesters gathered on the National Mall during a counter-event billed as the Peoples State of the Union.

Throughout his speech, Trump criticized Democratic lawmakers for refusing to stand or clap for him, at one point telling them, You should be ashamed of yourself.

These people are crazy. Im telling you, theyre crazy, Trump said as Democrats remained seated, prompting more thunderous applause from the Republican side of the chamber.

Were lucky to have a country with people like this, he then said, referring to the Republicans. Democrats are destroying our country.

Last year it was announced that Colberts program, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, will end in May 2026.

CBS, which airs the show, has claimed the move to end the popular late-night installment said the decision was motivated by a financial decision.

open image in gallery Stephen Colberts late-night show will go off air in May ( CBS )

However, there has been speculation that the cancellation was a move to appease Trump, as Paramount, which owns CBS, needed the presidentially controlled Federal Communications Commission to approve its $8 billion sale to Skydance.

Colbert has long been an outspoken critic of Trump. And his shows cancellation came shortly after he spoke out about Paramounts decision to pay a $16 million settlement to Trump over another CBS show, 60 Minutes, calling it a big fat bribe.

Trump reveled in Colberts firing, writing on his Truth Social platform at the time it was announced, I absolutely love that Colbert was fired.

In response, Colbert declared that the gloves are off.
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Texas Congressman Tony Gonzales has hit back at calls for him to resign, as more details continue to emerge about an alleged affair with a staffer who later died by suicide.

Gonzales is accused of having an affair with Regina Santos-Aviles in 2024 while both were married.

Santos-Aviles, who was also a mother, later died after setting herself on fire in September 2025.

A former Gonzales staffer told The San Antonio Express-News that the affair was known to several people in the office and that he had informed the district director about his concerns for his friends well-being.

After Santos-Aviles died, the staffer resigned and switched to working on Democratic campaigns, feeling that he could no longer sell Gonzaless message.

Now, several of Gonzaless own colleagues in the House are calling for him to resign, but the congressman has remained defiant.

Im not gonna resign. I work every day for the people of Texas, he told a journalist from CNN on Tuesday. There will be an opportunity for all the details and facts to come out. What youve seen is not all the facts.

And there will be an ample time for all of that to come out.

open image in gallery Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales has said that he will not resign over allegations that he had an affair with a staffer ( Getty Images )

Although Gonzales made the comments while leaving Speaker Mike Johnsons office, a source told The Hill that the two Republicans did not meet. The source claimed that Gonzales had arrived at Johnsons office unannounced while the speaker was in a meeting.

Johnson described the scandal as detestable during an interview on CBS Evening News, ahead of President Trumps State of the Union address on Tuesday.

My understanding is he's denied a lot of this, and we're trying to sort it out, he continued. Now, it has been reported that the Office of Congressional Conduct is investigating this, and has been for some time.

And what we do here is we allow all the facts to play out.

Other Republicans have been more critical, with Representative Nancy Mace calling for Gonzales to resign immediately.

These text messages are disgusting and inexcusable, she added, referencing a series of texts between Santos-Aviles and Gonzales. A Member of Congress. Harassing his own staffer in the middle of the night.

Asking for explicit photos, Mace continued. Pressing her on sexual positions. Regina Santos-Aviles told him he was going too far. He did not care. He kept going.

Mace has since announced that she has filed a resolution to release reports from investigations into sexual harassment violations by members of Congress.

Representative Lauren Boebert was more blunt, posting a reply to several images of text messages allegedly sent by Gonzales.

RESIGN! she wrote.

open image in gallery Gonzales allegedly conducted the affair with Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who later died after setting herself on fire ( Regina Santos-Aviles/Facebook )

In one of the several text messages shared with CBS News, Gonzales allegedly asked Santos-Aviles for a sexy pic in May 2024. After a brief exchange, his staffer said that she did not like taking photographs of herself.

Im just such a visual person, he replied. Sorry.

In another exchange, Gonzales reportedly asked what Santos-Aviles favorite position was. When Santos-Aviles asked the congressman to answer first, he did so.

This is going too far boss, Santos-Aviles responded. So how long have you thought I was this hot?"

She later wrote again, "This is too far, Tony."

Santos-Aviles died at the Brooke Army Medical Center in the early hours of September 14.

She passed away after setting herself on fire in an apparent suicide attempt a day earlier, according to a report from the Bexar County Medical Examiners Office, seen by Texas Public Radio.

The Uvalde Police Department told the broadcaster that there was no suggestion of foul play in the incident.

The former, unnamed Gonzales staffer, who spoke to The San Antonio Express-News, said that his friends mental state had deteriorated after her husband discovered the alleged affair and informed district staffers that he knew about it.

Bobby Barrera, an attorney representing Santos-Aviless widower, told the newspaper that the affair was common knowledge in Gonzaless office.

When asked about whether the alleged relationship played a role in the late moms suicide, he said, "I don't think so."

open image in gallery Gonzales has alleged that he is the victim of coordinated political attacks ( Getty Images )

Gonzales defended himself in a statement given to various media outlets. In the fiery statement, he accused his rival in the upcoming Republican primary, Brandon Herrera, of trying to smear Santos-Aviles memory.

Ms. Santos-Aviles was a kind soul who devoted her life to making the community a better place," he wrote. "Her efforts led to improvements in school safety, health care, and rural water like never before.

Its shameful that Brandon Herrera is using a disgruntled former staffer to smear her memory and score political points, conveniently pushing this out the very day early voting started, he continued. 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.

The lawmaker is facing a tight primary challenge on March 3, as he goes head-to-head with Herrera once again. Herrera is a gun rights influencer who came close to defeating Gonzales in 2024.

He has also joined calls for Gonzales to resign, taking to social media to describe the messages, allegedly sent by the congressman, as disgusting.

Herrera also hit back at accusations that he was trying to smear his opponent through Santos-Aviles death.

You blame me? Are you kidding me? he wrote on X. Tony Gonzales is an irredeemable coward, who dodges accountability and lies to the people.

Adrian Aviles, the widower of the late staffer, has also denied blackmailing Gonzales.

We have never blackmailed anyone, he wrote on X. What weve seen instead is a consistent pattern of evasion, refusal to take accountability, and outright lies to protect your image.

The Independent has contacted Representative Gonzales for comment.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
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President Donald Trump used a teenage girls story to call for a ban on states and schools allowing transgender and nonbinary students to socially transition without parental consent, in what civil rights groups have called forced outing that endangers vulnerable children.

Trump singled out the story of a Virginia teenager during his State of the Union address Tuesday to call on Congress to further restrict transgender and nonbinary youth after his administration imposed sweeping bans targeting trans Americans over the last year.

Sage Blairs mother, Michele, sued the Appomattox County School Board in 2023 over allegations that the district did not disclose information that Sage was identifying as male.

Michele has claimed that the schools alleged withholding of that information led to Sage running away from home and experiencing abuse. The case is ongoing.

Surely we can all agree, no state can be allowed to rip children from their parents arms and transition them to a new gender against the parents will, Trump said in his remarks. We must ban it and we must ban it immediately.

open image in gallery Donald Trump used his State of the Union address to call on states and schools to ban trans and gender nonconforming youth from transitioning at school without their parents consent ( Getty Images )

Gesturing to Democratic lawmakers who didnt stand up to applaud him, Trump said: Look, nobody stands up. These people are crazy. Im telling you. Theyre crazy.

Michele Blair, who is named in court documents as Sages paternal grandmother and adoptive mother, has repeatedly testified in support of Sages Law, legislation in Virginia that would mandate schools to notify parents if a student identifies as a different gender.

Sage Blair was diagnosed with severe gender dysphoria and related symptoms in 2021, according to court filings.

She reported experiencing severe abuse, sexual harassment and threats from schoolmates, which Michele Blair blamed on the school for supporting her gender expression, according to the lawsuit. She accused the school of violating her right to direct Sages upbringing.

In August, a federal appeals court upheld a lower courts dismissal, asserting that under the facts alleged here, none support a finding that these rights are clearly established under the law. The panel instead suggested Michele could try to bring a case that the school acted with deliberate indifference to threats against Sade under civil rights law.

Im just so grateful that a light has been shown on this dark topic because its happening to so many children like Sage, Blair told Fox & Friends after the presidents address.

[The school] glorified the fact that ... she wanted to identify as a boy, and she was being horribly bullied, she said. Had things been different, and they called me and brought me in and told me about the bullying, I could have saved her a lifetime of nightmares.

Sage, who now attends Liberty University, does not appear to have discussed the case publicly, and her position on the debate is unclear.

open image in gallery A federal lawsuit filed by the adoptive mother of Sage Blair (pictured) accuses her high school of unlawfully holding information about her gender identity ( AP )

LGBT+ advocates warn that proposals like Trumps would forcibly out trans and gender nonconfirming children to unsupportive families.

At least six states explicitly require school staff members to notify families when a student has requested to be called by a different name or to use different pronouns, according to LGBT+ advocacy group the Movement Advancement Project.

Roughly 2.8 million people, or 1 percent of the U.S. population, identify as trans, including 3.3 percent of U.S. youth ages 13 to 17, or roughly 724,000 teenagers, according to data collected by UCLA Law Schools Williams Institute.

Since taking office, the president has issued a series of directives targeting trans Americans, including an executive order that erases federal recognition of trans people and other measures that restrict gender-affirming healthcare and ban trans athletes from competing in womens sports.

The Department of Defense has also banned trans people from serving in all branches of the military after the president issued an order stating that the adoption of a gender identity inconsistent with an individuals sex conflicts with a soldiers commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle, even in ones personal life.

Hundreds of federal surveys have also scrubbed questions tied to sexual orientation and gender identity, the Williams Institute found.

Unfortunately, this is just the latest attempt from Trump and his fellow MAGA politicians to wrestle away medical freedom from American families and distract from their complete failure to solve this country's pressing issues, Human Rights Campaign press secretary Brandon Wolf said in a statement after the presidents address.

No amount of transphobic fear mongering will change the reality of the state of our union, he said.
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During his State of the Union address on Tuesday evening, President Donald Trump quipped that he should be in the midst of his third term.

First year of the second term...it should be my third term, the 79-year-old Republican president told the lawmakers, Cabinet officials and Supreme Court justices gathered in the House chamber.

But, strange things happen, he added, eliciting some applause from the audience.

Its just the latest incidence of Trump insinuating, without evidence, that the 2020 election  which he lost to former President Joe Biden  was stolen from him.

Since returning to office last year, the president has also repeatedly toyed with the idea of running for a third term, despite the 22nd Amendment of the Constitution barring presidents from serving more than two terms.

President Donald Trump quipped this should be my third term during his State of the Union address ( via REUTERS )

In March, he told NBC News that he was not joking about running in 2028, adding, a lot of people want me to do it.

And, during a meeting with congressional Democrats, Trump 2028 hats were placed on the Resolute desk, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in October.

During a December White House reception, Trump also claimed that Israeli-American mega-donor Miriam Adelson offered him $250 million to run for an unconstitutional third term in 2028.

At times, however, hes given mixed signals about this dubious prospect.

I would love to do it. I have my best numbers ever, he told reporters on Air Force One in October when he was asked about running again. But, then he said a 2028 run would be too cute and wouldnt be right.

Asked directly if he wasnt ruling out a third term, Trump replied: Am I not ruling it out? I mean, youll have to tell me.
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Federal authorities are barred from conducting an unsupervised, wholesale search of electronic devices that they seized from a Washington Post reporters Virginia home, a magistrate judge ruled Tuesday.

The feds seized the devices while investigating allegations that a Pentagon contractor illegally leaked classified information to the journalist.

U.S. Magistrate Judge William Porter said he will independently review the contents of Post reporter Hannah Natanson's devices instead of allowing a Justice Department filter team to perform a search.

He denied the newspaper's request for an order requiring the government to immediately return the devices to its reporter.

Porter said he balanced the need to protect Natanson's free speech rights with the government's duty to safeguard top secret national security information.

Federal agents seized a phone, two laptops, a recorder, a portable hard drive and a Garmin smart watch when they searched Natansons home in Alexandria, Virginia, on Jan. 14 ( AP )

The Court finds that seizing the totality of a reporters electronic work product, including tools essential to ongoing newsgathering, constitutes a restraint on the exercise of First Amendment rights, he wrote.

The case has drawn national attention and scrutiny from press freedom advocates who say it reflects a more aggressive posture by the Justice Department toward leak investigations involving journalists.

Federal agents seized a phone, two laptops, a recorder, a portable hard drive and a Garmin smart watch when they searched Natansons home in Alexandria, Virginia, on Jan. 14.

Last month, Porter agreed to temporarily bar the government from reviewing any material from Natansons devices.

Pentagon contractor Aurelio Luis Perez-Lugones was arrested on Jan. 8 and charged with unauthorized removal and retention of classified documents. Perez-Lugones is accused of taking home printouts of classified documents from his workplace and later passing them to Natanson.

The newspapers attorneys accused authorities of violating legal safeguards for journalists and trampling on Natansons First Amendment rights.

Justice Department attorneys argued that the government is entitled to keep the seized material because it contains evidence in an ongoing investigation with national security implications.
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New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has struggled to quash outrage after cops were targeted in a snowball fight.

Police officers were pelted Monday as a crowd descended on Washington Square Park for a massive post-blizzard snowball fight.

Mamdani has downplayed the fracas as kids simply having some fun. The New York Police Department and its leader, Jessica Tisch, are taking it more seriously.

The department is searching for four people  and has begun circulating pictures of them  after it said officers were hurt by hurled snow and ice at the event, which was organized by social media content producers.

Mamdani, meanwhile, suggested he doesn't believe criminal charges are warranted.

Mamdani said he has been in touch with Tisch and that he appreciated the work she is doing but sidestepped questions about their opposing positions on the snowball fight ( NYPD )

Ive said time and time again that, having seen these videos, to me it was a snowball fight that got out of hand and it should be treated accordingly, he told reporters Wednesday when asked if anyone should be prosecuted.

Tisch denounced the incident as disgraceful and criminal." The union representing patrol officers quickly seized on the incident as evidence that respect for officers has declined under the new mayor.

This was not just a snowball fight. This was an assault, the Police Benevolent Association said in a statement.

It was unclear whether the episode could snowball into a larger political headache for Mamdani, who came into office under scrutiny from all sides because of his past criticisms of the police department.

Mondays snowball fight drew a big crowd to Washington Square Park as a massive storm blanketed the Northeast, causing a chaotic scene as young people chucked snowballs around one of the citys landmark parks.

As many parents know, snowball fights, by their nature, often end in tears or fights. People can get carried away. Not everyone wants a face full of snow.

At one point, videos posted on social media showed, two officers who entered the park began to get pelted with snowballs from seemingly all directions, covering them in snow as they paced a walkway. The officers pushed at least two people to the ground as snowballs flew by and attendees filmed with their phones. One officers face appeared to be reddened and he could be seen rubbing his eye.

Additional videos showed people throwing snowballs at other officers who were on the street just outside the park.

The police department later released a statement saying multiple officers were struck in the face with snowballs. A spokesperson for the union said two police officers were treated at a nearby hospital for face, head and neck injuries.

The reactions over this weeks snowball fight were similar to those that followed a 2019 episode during a heat wave, when boisterous young people engaged in water fights were recorded on video tossing water at police officers.

Those dousings also prompted outrage from police leaders  who decried it as an inexcusable sign of disrespect, and even suggested that officers willing to walk away from that kind of horseplay should consider another line of work.

Tuesday evening, the police department released images of four people its searching for in connection with the incident while asking the public for help identifying them. The pictures were released just hours after Mamdani downplayed the dustup at an unrelated news conference earlier in the day.

Mamdani on Wednesday said he has been in touch with Tisch and that he appreciated the work she is doing but sidestepped questions about their opposing positions on the snowball fight.

During his campaign, Mamdani, a progressive Democrat, apologized for language he'd previously used to describe the police department, once referring it to it in a social media post as racist, anti-queer & a major threat to public safety."

And he upset some of his supporters on the left when he retained Tisch, an establishment moderate, as police commissioner, signaling that he was pursuing a measured approach to law enforcement.
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Yesterdays evacuation of the Australian prime minister from his official residence, the Lodge, has been linked to the Chinese dance troupe Shen Yun.

In a bomb threat emailed to the group, the sender said explosives would be detonated if Australian performances by Shen Yun proceeded.

This is just the latest controversy surrounding Shen Yun.

But this use of a security threat as a prop to achieve other goals exposes a deeper and increasingly consequential struggle over culture, representation and political voice in the transnational Chinese world.

At stake is not a dance performance, but a deeper question: who gets to represent Chinese culture on the global stage?

What is Shen Yun?

Shen Yun, short for Shen Yun Performing Arts, literally translates to divine rhythms.

Shen Yun markets itself as a revival of traditional Chinese culture and China before communism. Based in New York and touring globally, the classical Chinese dance and music company was established in 2006 by the Falun Gong spiritual movement.

open image in gallery Shen yun translates to divine rhythms ( AFP/Getty )

Their productions combine high-production dance, orchestral music and digital backdrops with narrative elements that often depict the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China.

Falun Gong is a new religious movement, established in 1992, rooted in traditional Chinese qigong meditation practices with moral teachings from Buddhism and Daoism. It has been banned by the Chinese government as an illegal organisation since 1999.

Falun Gong has grown into a transnational Chinese dissident movement with religious clout, a political message and a cultural mission.

Shen Yun is one of Falun Gongs media and culture outreach organisations, alongside The Epoch Times newspaper. Shen Yun regularly tours across 36 countries, mostly in elite cultural venues.

The dance company is best understood as a hybrid cultural-political formation. It is simultaneously a cultural performance enterprise, a diasporic religious movement, a political messaging vehicle, and cultural diplomacy from exile.

What criticism has Shen Yun faced?

Shen Yun has been highly criticised by officials from the Peoples Republic of China. They call the group an evil religion and a cult with great destructive power, and a political vehicle presenting a distorted version of Chinese culture.

The group also has its critics outside of China. A 2024 report in the New York Times detailed poor treatment of injured dancers, and one dancer brought a lawsuit against Shen Yun, calling it a forced labour scheme which exploits young dancers.

About the author Haiqing Yu is a Professor in the School of Media and Communication, RMIT University. This article was first published by The Conversation and is republished under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article.

But the Chinese governments sensitivity to Shen Yun reflects a broader strategic concern.

Since the early 2000s, Beijing has invested heavily in cultural soft power, from Confucius Institutes to state-sponsored media expansion. These efforts rest on the implicit premise that the Chinese state is the primary custodian and legitimate representative of Chinese civilisation and cultural rejuvenation.

This also can be seen in the Chinese dream narrative of President Xi Jinping: a message of patriotism, reform and innovation, with the goal of making China a dominant power on the world stage.

But Shen Yun disrupts the premise that Xi and the Chinese government can define Chinese culture.

How does Shen Yen use cultural diplomacy?

For their supporters, Shen Yun preserves authentic Chinese heritage and the true Chinese spirit, despite the Chinese governments long-running campaign of repression of Falun Gong practitioners beyond its borders.

Traditionally, cultural representation and cultural diplomacy have been the domain of nation-states. Cultural diplomacy initiatives are state-led, via ballet companies, orchestras, sports, festival celebrations and cultural institutes (such as Confucius Institutes) projecting soft power abroad.

open image in gallery Members of the Falun Gong spiritual movement meditate in a park ( AFP/Getty Images )

Shen Yun inverts this model. It is a non-state actor using dance to advance a narrative in direct contest to the Chinese states definition and representation of Chinese culture.

The company is not interested in the official Chinese positive energy. Instead, Shen Yun shares a story about struggle and survival, repression and resistance, highlighting their version of classical Chinese culture.

Shen Yun is not simply performing culture. It is contesting Chinas cultural authority. In Shen Yuns performances, cultural authenticity is not created by the state. Instead, cultural authenticity is created by the diaspora and the people.

A new geopolitics

Shen Yun is especially keen to spread their values in the Western liberal cultural marketplace.

The performances are staged in mainstream theatres, marketed as high culture (tickets in the current Australian tour range from approximately AU$100$300), and protected under norms of artistic freedom. Yet these spaces have become the theatre where geopolitical tensions are performed.

The bomb threat  even though authorities found no evidence linking it to the Chinese government  illustrates how quickly cultural performance can become entangled with national security anxieties.

The Shen Yun controversy is a symptom of a new geopolitical condition, rather than merely an isolated dispute.

Culture, religion and political legitimacy are increasingly entangled across borders. Australia, like many liberal democracies, will likely see more of these disputes in the years ahead.

In an era of transnational media and diaspora mobilisation, cultural performances can carry significant political weight  even in the form of classical dance and music.

Shen Yuns success depends on its hybridity. It is a performing arts company, a diasporic religious movement operation, a commercial entity and a political messaging platform, all at once.

The Shen Yun case illustrates the fragmentation of cultural sovereignty. Competing actors are engaged in ongoing struggles to define what counts as authentic Chinese culture and who represents it.

Western cultural venues  and today, the Lodge  have become key battlegrounds in this contest.
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Two British men have been charged with attempted murder after a local man was stabbed at a bar in Venice on Valentines Day, police said.

The men, who are aged 19 and 21, stabbed a 22-year-old local man in the neck on 14 February at a bar in a popular nightlife area of the city centre.

The victim pulled the blade from his body himself and came close to bleeding to death after the incident outside La Bussola cocktail bar, near the Rialto Bridge, Italian media reported. He was later rushed to hospital where he underwent life-saving surgery.

Police said the 19-year-old was the perpetrator and the 21-year-old his accomplice. They have not been named.

open image in gallery Police searched for the alleged weapon in Venice's Grand Canal ( Polizia di Stato )

Local reports suggest that an argument erupted between the suspects and the victim over a woman.

The knife was recovered from Venices Grand Canal by state police divers after being thrown in the water, according to Ansa.

Officers from the Venice Flying Squad, coordinated by the local prosecutor's office, arrested two British nationals, aged 19 and 21, police said.

They are believed to be responsible for the attempted murder of a 22-year-old man, which occurred on Valentine's Day in the historic centre.

The arrests followed a search which lasted for more than a week.

A spokesperson for the British Embassy told the Telegraph: We are providing assistance to two British nationals who have been detained in Italy, and we are in contact with the local authorities.

open image in gallery Police released footage of the area outside the nightclub at the time of the attack ( Polizia di Stato )

Police said the two men had been on holiday in Italy since the end of January and had already booked return tickets to England.

Authorities used wiretaps, electronic surveillance, social media monitoring and an exchange of information with British authorities in order to locate the men. They were found in a city centre apartment that belonged to an Italian relative.

The property is owned by an Italian woman who is currently in Spain, according to La Milano. Her husband, a US citizen who arrived in Venice a few days before the British nationals, was also inside the home.

A spokesperson for the UKs Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said it is in contact with Italian authorities regarding two British nationals who were detained.
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Iceland is set to hold a referendum "in the coming months" on restarting European Union accession talks, Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir said Wednesday.

Reykjavik abandoned EU membership talks in 2013 after four years of negotiations, but a rise in the cost of living and the war in Ukraine have helped rekindle the island nation's interest in joining the bloc, opinion polls have shown.

Repeated threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to annex Greenland, which is located between Iceland and the United States, have also made the question of EU membership more pressing for Iceland, which is home to almost 400,000 people.

"In the coming months, we are going to have a referendum on opening up the negotiations, the accession negotiations for Iceland to possibly join the EU," Frostadottir told a joint press conference with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

Iceland's centre-left government, which came to power after a snap election in 2024, had promised to hold a referendum no later than next year on restarting talks with the EU.

Trumps repeated threats to annex Greenland have also made the question of EU membership more pressing for Iceland ( Getty Images )

Frostadottir said reopening the talks was about "opening an opportunity" for Iceland and pursuing better integration for the country in Europe.

Iceland is already part of the EU's single market, the Schengen open-border travel zone, and the European Free Trade Association. It is also a NATO member.
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A pilot has been killed after an Nato F-16 fighter jet crashed moments after take-off.

The incident took place early on Wednesday morning near a highway in western Turkey.

The Turkish Air Force plane took off from the 9th Main Jet Base in the province of Balikesir at 12:56am local time (9.56pm GMT), according to the national defence ministry.

Our pilot was martyred. The cause of the accident will be determined following an investigation by the crash examination team, the ministry said in a statement.

Emergency services, including firefighters, medical teams and security forces, rushed to the scene of the wreckage with debris scattered near the Istanbul-Izmir Highway, according to local media.

National defence minister Yasar Guler identified the pilot as Air Force Major Ibrahim Bolat.

Our heroic comrade-in-arms was martyred on 25 February 2026, as a result of the crash of our F-16 aircraft, he said in a message of condolence.

A Turkish AirForce F-16 Fighting Falcon seen performing tricks in October 2003 ( AFP via Getty )

Justice minister Akin Gurlek said the Balikesir chief public prosecutors office had launched an official investigation into the crash.

He added that the chief public prosecutor, deputy chief public prosecutor and two public prosecutors were at the scene of the incident, according to local media.

The cause of the crash will become clear following the technical examination by the relevant crash investigation team, the Interior Ministry said in a statement.

Vice president Cevdet Yilmaz insisted that the crash would be meticulously examined both judicially and administratively.

Turkey has been a member of Nato since 1952. In an update unrelated to the incident, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkish Nato forces had been engaged in military exercises this week.

In the Nato Steadfast Dart 2026 Exercise, our army, together with the Bayraktar TB3 and our TCG Anadolu ship, literally wrote an epic, he wrote in a statement on Tuesday.

In this important exercise, the Bayraktar TB3 performed live-fire missions under the challenging weather conditions of the Baltic Sea, executed a safe landing on TCG Anadolu, and delivered one of the most striking performances that Nato has ever seen.

Remaining airborne for 8 hours in coordination with Eurofighter fighter jets, the Bayraktar TB3 covered a total distance of 1,700 kilometers and demonstrated its superior capabilities one by one.

I sincerely congratulate every single one of my brothers and sisters who contributed to these achievements that have brought a fresh breath to the naval aviation concept.
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Norway's King Harald, Europe's oldest reigning monarch, is receiving treatment for a leg infection, with his personal physician describing his condition as serious given his advanced age of 89.

King Harald was admitted to hospital on the Spanish island of Tenerife on Tuesday, initially suffering from an infection and dehydration.

His personal physician reportedly arrived at the hospital on Wednesday.

The 89-year-old is responding well to treatment, according to a statement from the royal palace on Wednesday.

However, his personal physician, Bjorn Bendz, stressed the gravity of the situation.

"When people of almost 90 years old are admitted with an infection, it is serious," Dr Bendz said, adding that more information would follow on Thursday.

open image in gallery King Harald is responding well to treatment ( AP )

The palace statement also noted: "It is important that we get a good overview and control of the King's health before he is discharged  even if his condition is stable now."

The king was on a private holiday with Queen Sonja when he was hospitalised.

Harald has served as Norway's ceremonial head of state since 1991.

He was hospitalised in 2024 for an infection while on holiday in Malaysia, and received a temporary pacemaker there. He was later transferred to Norway, where a permanent device was implanted.
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King Harald of Norway has been admitted to a hospital in Spain's Canary Islands during a winter vacation there, the royal palace said Tuesday.

Harald, who turned 89 on Saturday, was admitted to the hospital on Tenerife on Tuesday evening and was being treated for an unspecified infection and dehydration, the palace said in a statement. It added that he was reported to be in good condition.

The king's personal physician will travel to Tenerife and an update on Harald's health will be issued on Wednesday after he has assessed the situation, the palace added.

It said that Harald and Queen Sonja were in Tenerife for a winter vacation. Harald has been Norway's monarch since 1991.
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Andrei Lankov, a prominent Russian scholar on North Korea who teaches at a Seoul university, was detained in Latvia while delivering a lecture, Russian media reported.

Mr Lankov confirmed to multiple news agencies that he was detained by Latvian police just minutes before delivering a lecture on North Korea and placed on a blacklist by the countrys authorities.

Mr Lankov said police officers took him to an immigration office and then placed him in a car that took him to the border with Estonia. He was eventually expelled from the country.

At around 11pm Moscow time, Mr Lankov said that he was still being held, adding that lawyers were working on his case and friends were helping with logistics.

About thirty minutes before the event, police and immigration came and told me that the foreign ministry of Latvia included me on its list of undesirable people, he told NK News.

While Latvian authorities havent issued an official clarification, Me Lankov believes it could be related to his views on North Korea. I believe they see my writing style as excessively objective and they see it as a problem, he said. I say positive things about North Korea sometimes, and when negative, not in a hysterical style.

Officials at South Koreas Kookmin University, where Lankov is a professor of history, said they were trying to assess the situation.

Mr Lankovs lawyer later confirmed that the scholar was blacklisted from the country, however, the designation didnt prevent him from entering the country, according to the Russian Anti-War Committee.

Overall everything is fairly clear. The authorities do not like the fact that I refuse to turn real-life situations into politically convenient caricatures, the scholar said in a post on Telegram.

A native of Leningrad, now called St Petersburg, Mr Lankov lived for years in North Korea as an exchange student in the 1980s and has studied the country throughout his career. In the 1990s, he worked in South Korea and Australia, and since 2004 has taught in Seoul. He holds dual Russian and Australian citizenship.

Mr Lankov has been known for his realist view of North Korea, which he often describes as a Machiavellian regime squeezing limited resources and manipulating major powers to ensure its survival. He has also expressed critical views of Russias war in Ukraine and Moscows use of North Korean troops to sustain its campaign.

In April 2025, a court in Moscow reportedly fined him 10,000 rubles (92) for taking part in the activities of an organisation that had been recognised as undesirable in Russia. Mr Lankov told RBK at the time that he learned about the case from journalists.
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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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Russian troops have described the harrowing moments they saw their fellow soldiers executed for refusing to obey orders.

The men report being tortured for declining to take part in assaults they describe as verging on suicide missions in Ukraine in a new BBC documentary, The Zero Line: Inside Russias War.

As the war enters its fifth year, the UK Ministry of Defence estimates that 1.2 million Russian troops have been killed or injured.

Dima, a 34-year-old father and former dishwasher repairman, said he witnessed his comrades executed on the order of a highly decorated commander and saw the bodies of 20 others lying in a pit after being zeroed. The term is Russian slang for executing one of your own.

I see it  just two metres, three metres. Just murders, just click, clack, bang. Its not a drama, its not a movie, its real life, he said.

He said the men were all ex-convicts and had their bank cards taken off them before they were killed. Dima, who worked as a paramedic because he did not want to kill anyone, said he had spoken to several of the men.

open image in gallery Mobilised Russian soldier Ilya left his hometown of Perm with 78 other men  he believes he is the sole survivor from his group ( BBC )

Dima calls his commander, Alexei Ksenofontov, a butcher. Ksenofontov was awarded the Gold Star, the highest state medal, and made a Hero of Russia in 2024, but has been denounced by the families of men who died in his unit.

They have called on Russian president Vladimir Putin to look into allegations of brutality under his command. He shows a social media video of family members crying that their loved ones had been slaughtered and sent to their death armed with only machine guns and shovels.

The actions are carried out against men who refuse to obey orders, including being sent to the frontline as part of a meat storm. The tactic is part of Russias meat grinder strategy, sending waves of men to wear down Ukrainian forces.

open image in gallery Russian soldier Denis blew up his foot in an attempt to escape the front lines ( BBC )

I saw them [commanders] send wave after wave, throwing men like meat at the Ukrainians, so they run out of ammo and drones and another wave can reach their objective, said Denis, another former soldier.

Dima witnessed a meat storm, saying: You send three guys, then another three. It didnt work out, send 10. It didnt work out with 10, send 50. Eventually, you will break through. Thats the logic of the military.

We had 200 dead in three days. On our regiments first meat storm, they broke us; our regiment was destroyed in just three days.

open image in gallery Mobilised Russian soldier Dima witnessed men being executed by direct orders of senior commanders ( BBC )

Ilya, 35, who worked in a command post, said his job was to identify and count the dead soldiers. He provided the BBC with a detailed list of 79 others he was mobilised with, of which he is the only surviving member.

He personally witnessed four people being shot at point-blank range by a commander after they fled the front line and refused to return.

The saddest thing is that I knew them. I remember one of them screaming Dont shoot, Ill do anything! but he [the commander] zeroed them anyway, he said.

He describes being tortured and urinated on while others were starved and forced into missions unarmed. Before the war, he taught children with special needs and autism in Kungur, in the Ural mountains.

open image in gallery It has been four years since Russias invasion of Ukraine ( BBC )

Dima, who was eventually promoted to officer, also says he was tortured for 72 days, including with electric shocks, for refusing to send his men on a meat storm.

Just torture only, every day with a stone face. No emotions, its crazy, he described.

The Russian government says its armed forces operate with utmost restraint, as far as possible under the conditions of a high-intensity conflict, treating their personnel with maximum care.

Information regarding alleged violations and crimes is duly investigated, it added.

We are unable to independently verify the accuracy or authenticity of the information you have provided.
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Ukraine is set to significantly ramp up its defences against Russian attacks with plans to deploy anti-drone nets across 4,000 kilometres of roads in frontline areas.

The anti-drone nets will be installed by the end of 2026, Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced on Wednesday.

This urgent measure comes as Russian remotely piloted aircraft increasingly target military supply routes, rear bases, hospitals, infrastructure, and civilian traffic deeper within Ukrainian territory.

While a growing number of protective nets have been installed over the past year, Mr Fedorov stressed the need for further expansion.

open image in gallery The nets are designed to snag propellers, preventing drones from reaching high-value equipment, soldiers, or civilians ( REUTERS/Vyacheslav Madiyevskyy )

An additional 1.6 billion hryvnias ($37 million) has been allocated to bolster these crucial protection measures.

The nets are designed to snag propellers, preventing drones from reaching high-value equipment, soldiers, or civilians.

"In just one month, we increased the speed from 5 km per day in January to 12 km in February. This significantly improved the safety of military movements and ensured stable functioning of frontline communities," Fedorov said on the Telegram app.

"In March, we plan to close 20 km of roads per day. By the end of the year, we plan to install another 4,000 km of anti-drone protection on roads."

open image in gallery Cars drive along a road covered with an newly installed anti-drone net ( REUTERS/Vyacheslav Madiyevskyy )

Ukraine would also expedite the construction of fortifications in the northeastern regions of Kharkiv and Sumy and the northern Chernihiv regions, bordering Russia, Fedorov said.

The move comes after President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that new talks with the United States will take place this week.

In a statement to reporters on WhatsApp, he said that the discussions would continue on Thursday.

Talks are to centre on a prosperity package and post-war reconstruction as well as preparations for a trilateral meeting that would include Russia, which Kyiv hopes will take place in early March.

During his annual address to Congress, President Donald Trump said: We're working very hard to end the ninth war, the killing and slaughter between Russia and Ukraine, where 25,000 soldiers are dying each and every month.

Think of that, 25,000 soldiers are dying a month. A war which would have never happened if I were president, would have never happened.
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Four Belarusians and two Polish nationals have been detained and charged with attempting to smuggle devices to Russia that are used in the assembly of combat drones.

Polish prosecutors said the devices are used to automate the production of integrated circuits, also known as microchips.

Poland has been warning of Russian and Belarusian attempts to destabilise countries that back Ukraine since Russia invaded the neighbouring country four years ago.

On Wednesday, Polish prosecutors said the suspects were detained on 18 February and charged with attempting to smuggle strategically significant equipment through Belarus.

The equipment is under sanctions and could be used in the production of military technology, prosecutors said.

"Violation of the provisions of the Sanctions Act is classified as a crime, punishable by imprisonment for a period of no less than three years," they said said in a statement.

Firefighters work at the site of a residential building damaged during Russian drone and missile strikes in Kyiv ( REUTERS )

Three suspects were placed in pre-trial detention for a period of three months.

The remaining three were placed under police supervision, bail, and a ban on leaving the country.

"Earlier actions by officers of the National Revenue Administration helped thwart an attempt to smuggle a machine, which contributed to the disruption of potential supplies of military equipment to the troops of the Russian Federation operating in eastern Ukraine," prosecutors said.
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Children in Ukraine have spent a combined six months of their lives under an air raid alert, a new analysis has found as the war passed the four-year mark on Tuesday.

The later months of 2025 saw an increase in the duration of alarms across Ukraine, as Russia intensified its air attacks and ramped up its use of drones to target Ukrainian civilians.

Children in Ukraine have now endured an average of around 4,000 hours of air raid alarms, equalling more than five and a half months of constant alerts since Vladimir Putins forces began their full-scale invasion in February 2022, according to Save the Childrens analysis of official alert data on sirens.

It is constant emotional strain. Adults feel it, but children feel it more deeply. The nervous system is exhausted, said Veronika, the mother of an eight-year-old, Anastasiia. When children hear an explosion, they worry, they get nervous.

open image in gallery Ukrainian children have spent much of their early years under air raid sirens ( Save the Children )

Charities and parents in Ukraine are concerned about the psychological pressure Russias air warfare is putting on children.

This has only increasingly become the case, as Moscow ramped up its use of drones to target civilians by more than 200 per cent in 2025, according to figures from the conflict monitoring group Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED). This meant that no region in Ukraine was safe from air alerts and Russian strikes.

Children in the Kyiv region and in other frontline areas have been hit the hardest since February 2022, facing 7,000 hours of air raid alerts, equalling around 9.5 months.

For many Ukrainians, air raid alerts sound multiple times a day, forcing families to take cover in basements, subway stations, or other bomb shelters. Often they are without easy access to water, electricity, and heating.

War fatigue in Ukraine has also seen families avoid safer, deeper shelters, occasionally opting for hallways or bathrooms away from the outside of the building.

open image in gallery Children in Kyiv have spent around 9.5 months under air raid sirens ( Save the Children )

Sirens can last from just a few minutes to several hours, and sometimes longer. Save the Children says they prevent children from being able to go to school, and also affect sleep schedules, with around 50 per cent happening in the late evening or at night.

Despite playing no part in the war, children are paying the heaviest price, including damage to their psychological wellbeing, Sonia Khush, country director for Save the Children Ukraine, said.

Four years of full-scale war in Ukraine have shattered childrens lives and ripped away their childhoods as theyve been forced from their homes and schools, lost loved ones and lived in fear as air raid alerts, drones and explosions consume the world around them.

For some children, the only world they have known is one filled with air raid alerts that disrupt their sleep, interrupt their learning, stop their play, and signal constant, life-threatening danger day after day, she added.
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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On the eve of the fourth anniversary of the war in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky asserted that it was only a matter of time before his country recovered all of its lost territory.

But for months, opposing forces have been locked in a stalemate along a 1,200km (745-mile) front line as developments in tactics and technology have slowed progress to a crawl.

Diplomatic efforts are at a similar impasse, with neither side appearing to have the momentum on the battlefield to force the other into making concessions.

Ahead of an expected fourth round of direct talks this week, Russia still clings to its maximalist demands for territory, while Ukraine says it cannot and will not give its eastern provinces to the aggressor.

As the conflict enters its fifth year, Ukraine can celebrate a string of fresh symbolic victories in the south. But experts say the challenge now will be to consolidate its progress and find a way to break the wider deadlock.

Ukraine recovered control of 400 sq km of territory, including eight settlements, in February, the head of the military announced on Monday. Those figures improve upon the 300 sq km of land that Zelensky claimed Kyivs forces had recovered only last week  and will more than cancel out the 389 sq km Russia was assessed to have gained in January.

Experts say the problem for Ukraine is that most of the gains are in the southeast, away from the victories of strategic value to be had in the east. Emil Kastehelmi, a military analyst and cofounder of Finland-based open source intelligence collective Black Bird Group, told The Independent that it would be difficult for either Russia or Ukraine to break the deadlock where it matters.

How have the front lines changed?

The front line today is not like a coherent line, where theres like a clear control, with two trench lines with a little bit of no mans land in between, Mr Kastehelmi explained. Drones have made it so that front lines are blurry and troops may be intermingled in a certain area of presence.

Todays drone-dominated battlefield has demechanised the front lines, Mr Kastehelmi said, making huge advances difficult. The threat from the sky has made tanks unviable, leading Russia to fall back on trying to overwhelm Ukraine with infantry-heavy tactics in a gruelling war of attrition.

open image in gallery The cost of war: Ruslan Knysh, 20, a war veteran, sits in a wheelchair with a photograph of himself taken before he lost his limbs in a drone attack last year, in Kyiv, on Sunday ( AP )

Even with plans to increase the size of the army to 1.5 million people, this has come at a huge cost for Russia.

Drone-inflicted casualties have jumped from less than 10 per cent of the total in 2022 to up to 80 per cent last year. Russia is expected to have suffered 80,000 losses in 2025, according to the BBC, in order to gain just 0.8 per cent of Ukraines territory (just over 4,800 sq km).

Analysts do not expect this to change for now. Mobile drone-hunting teams have become commonplace, and much of the war has morphed into an air battle of mutual denial, according to a report by the French Institute of International Relations published this month. But slow advances are still heavily dependent on infantry.

Tank platoon commander Valentyn Bohdanov, a senior sergeant in Ukraines 127th Separate Heavy Mechanised Kharkiv Brigade, said that scaled up drone warfare has made tanks effectively redundant. They wont enter an open field: theyll be peppered by FPV drones and stronger ones, he said.

His T-72 tank, which was seized from the Russians, remains hidden beneath webbing near the snowy front line in the northeast region of Kharkiv  reduced, effectively, to a static piece of artillery. He told Reuters he believes such weapons are being rendered irrelevant and should be scaled back in favour of more long-range artillery.

Can either side break the deadlock?

Russia will probably, in 2026, continue to make slow progress month by month, assessed Mr Kastehelmi. Likely their approach is that they are trying to beat Ukraine in an attritional war, which means bleeding out the Ukrainian army.

While Ukraine is suffering from manpower issues and a problem with desertion, he did not predict any radical change on the front lines this year. Last year, the Russians were able to advance roughly 400 to 500 sq km per month. That isnt much ... It says that the Russians havent really figured out a way to counter the current problems in the battlefield.

Dr Jack Watling, senior research fellow for land warfare at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), said Ukraine would have to apply the lessons of the south to the wider front in order to make progress this year.

For the past year, Russias gains have been enabled by the growing lethality of Russian fires and dwindling Ukrainian troop strength allowing Russia to persistently infiltrate and thereby undermine Ukrainian defensive positions, he said.

Over the course of 2025, however, some of Ukraines better units worked out how to conduct offensive operations under modern conditions. This has enabled successful counterattacks in Kupiansk and in the south. The question for Kyiv is whether the tactics of these units can be taught more widely across the front.

open image in gallery Some of Ukraines better units have mastered modern offensive operations over the past year, enabling them to strike back successfully ( AFP/Getty )

Fixing Ukraines training process is the key to addressing the challenge of force generation and thereby bolstering the strength of units at the front such that Russia cannot continue its infiltration tactics when vegetation returns in the spring.

What happens next?

While current tactics have limited major frontline breakthroughs for now, the pace of change means tactics could soon shift again, according to military analyst Rob Lee at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, assessing it was still too soon to write off tanks for good.

Right now, the current role is diminished, and I think were waiting for the next technological breakthrough that will enable manoeuvring again, he told Reuters.

Russias ability to keep up pressure on Ukraine depends on its war economy, which has slowed massively since the jolt at the start of the war.

open image in gallery Tanks litter the front lines in Ukraine, as their current role in warfare is diminished by drones and other tech ( AP )

Its economy grew by just 1 per cent in 2025, and the budget deficit is growing. The defence sector accounts for 8 per cent of GDP, which does little to improve the lives of the public. Russia is increasingly reliant on foreign troops, aware that another mobilisation risks antagonising a war-weary population into open rebellion.

Sanctions against Russia help Ukraine, but there are obstacles to a unified European front; ahead of the fourth anniversary of the war this week, the EU failed to impose its 20th round of sanctions. Senior officials are expected to raise the matter with Hungarys Viktor Orban, who still opposes the measures.

The Russian economy can keep up the war, but as reserves dwindle and debt grows, it also becomes more vulnerable to shocks, Dr Watling assessed. The question is whether Europe is prepared to apply the pressure.
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After the US and Israel renewed their war on Iran, assassinating supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the first wave of strikes over the weekend, Tehran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, severely disrupting shipping through one of the worlds most critical oil trade routes.

US president Donald Trump said Washington had the capability to go far longer than its projected four-to-five-week military campaign against Iran as explosions from continued American and Israeli strikes echoed across Tehran overnight into Tuesday.

Iran and its allies retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Israel as well as American military installations in neighbouring Gulf states.

Iran also allegedly struck energy facilities in Qatar and Saudi Arabia and targeted ships trying to transit the blockaded Strait of Hormuz, the narrow gateway to the Persian Gulf carrying about a fifth of the worlds traded oil.

open image in gallery Smoke rises from buildings hit by an Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh, a southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, on 3 March 2026 ( AP )

Brigadier General Ebrahim Jabbari, an adviser to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, announced the closure on state television on Monday.

The Strait of Hormuz is closed. Anyone who wants to pass, our devotee heroes in the IRGC navy and the army will set those ships on fire," he said. "Don't come to this region."

It was Iran's most explicit warning since informing ships that it was closing the maritime route on Saturday.

Consequently, global oil and gas shipping rates soared and supertanker costs in the Middle East hit all-time highs, shipping data and industry sources told Reuters on Tuesday.

open image in gallery Smoke rises from Israeli airstrikes in Dahiyeh, a southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, 3 March 2026 ( AP )

Iran had temporarily restricted sections of the strait during live-fire exercises last month, describing the decision as a safety measure. It was a rare suspension of activity and came amid growing friction with the US following Trumps threats of military action.

The strait connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea. It contains two shipping lanes, each nearly two miles wide and separated by a buffer zone, and is transited by about 3,000 vessels each month.

Bridget Payne, head of oil and gas forecasting at Oxford Economics in the UK, describes the strait as one of the worlds most important energy chokepoints.

open image in gallery Plumes of smoke rise following reported explosions in Tehran on 3 March 2026 ( AFP via Getty )

Around a quarter of seaborne oil and a fifth of global LNG shipments pass through it, mainly from Gulf producers to Asia, and most Gulf suppliers have no alternative sea route for exports, she tells The Independent.

Payne says that Saudi Arabia and the UAE can bypass the strait via pipelines but together they can reroute only about three million barrels a day of crude oil. Roughly five times that volume typically transits the strait.

The LNG risk is even more acute, she says. Qatar is the worlds second-largest LNG exporter, and all of its LNG exports pass through Hormuz with no alternative route. Any disruption would tighten supply quickly, both in Asia and more broadly as buyers compete for available cargoes.

open image in gallery Strait of Hormuz ( The Independent )

This danger prompted several countries, including China, to call for de-escalation of the conflict.

The Persian Gulf and nearby waters are an important route for international trade in goods and energy, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun earlier said.

Keeping the region safe and stable serves the common interests of the international community.

Beijing, he added, stood ready to step up communication with Iran and other relevant parties to continue playing a constructive role for a de-escalation.

China would take necessary measures to safeguard its energy security, another spokesperson for the foreign ministry said on Tuesday when asked about the potential impact of US military actions against Venezuela and Iran on Chinas oil supply.

Energy security is very important to the world economy, and all parties should ensure stable and smooth energy supply, Mao Ning said at a regular press conference.

Japan's foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi met with Iranian ambassador Peiman Seadat on Monday and conveyed Tokyos position that Tehran must stop attacks on its neighbouring countries and other actions destabilising the region.

Motegi emphasised the importance of ensuring safety in the Strait of Hormuz, which he noted was key to his countrys energy security.

open image in gallery Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps conduct military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz on 16 February 16 ( AFP via Getty )

US secretary of state Marco Rubio previously warned that shutting the strait would be another terrible mistake on Irans part.

Its economic suicide it they do it and we retain options to deal with that, he said. It would be a massive escalation that would merit a response.

UK foreign secretary David Lammy had also said it would be a mistake to blockade the strait while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described it as extremely dangerous and not good for anybody.

Payne argues if the Iranian government feels its survival is at stake, it may be more willing to take options that are costly to itself, including endangering its own exports and damaging relationships with neighbours and key trading partners by disrupting traffic through the strait.

She also notes that Iran doesnt need to close the strait to have impact.

The more plausible operational intent is to demonstrate that it can disrupt flows on a sliding scale, through interference, jamming, spoofing, harassment, or selective actions that raise insurance and shipping costs and deter some traffic, she explains. That kind of partial disruption can move markets quickly without the economic and political blowback of a sustained, total shutdown.

Such a move will leave Asia reeling, according to the data and analytics firm Kpler.

Muyu Xu, senior research analyst at Kpler, tells The Independent that crude oil and condensate flows through the strait currently run at about 15 million barrels per day, with refined products adding roughly 3.3 million barrels.

Roughly 85 per cent of these volumes are destined for Asian markets, Xu notes.

open image in gallery Iranian military conducts military exercises in the Persian Gulf ( AFP via Getty )

Nearly 57 per cent of Chinas seaborne crude imports come from the Middle East, 46 per cent of Indias, 93 per cent of Japans, and 70 per cent of South Koreas, Kplers data shows.

Same is the story with LNG exposure, with roughly 27 per cent of Asian imports passing through Hormuz.

Asian economies with high dependence on imported crude and limited inventory buffers  like India, Vietnam and Thailand  will see immediate supply stress in the event of even a two-week disruption.

The market should be and is concerned about the standoff between Iran and the US, Kpler lead research analyst Ciaran Tyler argues. Iran alone accounts for just under eight per cent of global waterborne LPG supplies. Moreover, 27 per cent of global LPG flows move through the Strait of Hormuz. As such, any lengthy closure of the Strait or shipowners insisting vessels not enter the region would significantly tighten LPG supply in Asia.

Gulf exporters like Iraq, Kuwait and Qatar remain structurally dependent on the strait, while Saudi Arabia and the UAE can partially reroute exports via pipelines.

According to Kpler, seven million barrels a day can be routed via existing alternative infrastructure, assuming full operational availability and no secondary bottlenecks, leaving about 8 million barrels per day stranded in a full closure scenario.

Meaning that while crude can be rerouted via pipelines that bypass the strait, and a small amount can shift through different ports, the overall scope to redirect flows is modest compared with the volumes that normally transit the strait.

open image in gallery File. USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier transits the Strait of Hormuz on 19 November 2019 ( AFP via Getty )

The annual value of crude transiting the strait is approximately $375 billion, Xu adds, based on 2025 average Dubai benchmark prices, underscoring the economic magnitude of any disruption.

Payne notes that even slight disruptions will generate outsized effects. Even partial disruption can tighten prompt supply quickly and lift prices via higher freight, insurance, and delays, she explains. Its strategically important for gas  disruption would directly threaten Qatars LNG exports. Qatar is the core LNG supplier to Asia, so any interruption would tighten supply rapidly, first in Asia and then more broadly through global competition for cargoes.

Meanwhile, Australian energy minister Chris Bowen said on Tuesday that consumers did not need to worry about fuel shortages despite concerns the widening US-Israeli war on Iran could deplete the countrys reserves.

Australia currently holds 36 days of petrol, 34 days of diesel and 32 days of jet fuel in reserve, the highest level in more than a decade. There is no need to rush to the service station and fill up, he said.

I do understand peoples concerns but its important that people know we do have a good stock of petrol in reserve in Australia, theres no immediate threat to petrol supplies in Australia.

Bowen said while petrol prices could come under pressure if oil prices continued to climb, regulators would act against price gouging.

There is no need for panic buying, that will just make the situation worse, he said.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said in a social media post that he had written to the consumer watchdog to ensure fuel retailers don't use events in the Middle East to price gouge Australians.
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Margaret Atwood and Khaled Hosseini are among 100 writers to urge the Iranian government to immediately release poet Ali Asadollahi from the notorious Evin prison.

In a public letter signed by authors, poets, journalists and scholars, the letter demands the release of Mr Asadollahi alongside all other writers who are detained in Iran.

The writers state that Mr Asadollahi, who was arrested last month, is being routinely interrogated, abused, pressured to make a forced confession, and denied access to a lawyer while in detention.

The letter accuses Iran of being the second-worst jailer of writers in the world.

We join together to strongly condemn Ali Asadollahis arrest and stand in solidarity with him and with other writers, alongside all of the courageous Iranians who have been arrested or killed for expressing dissent, wrote the letter, signed by Ms Atwood, author of The Handmaids Tale, and Mr Hosseini, author of The Kite Runner.

open image in gallery Ali Asadollahi has been abused while in detention, the writers say ( PEN America )

Karin Deutsch Karlekar, PEN Americas director of writers at risk, added: The brutal arrest and subsequent treatment of Ali has become the rule, not the exception, when it comes to how Iran treats its writers in its escalating crackdown on free expression and dissent.

As Ali Asadollahi marks one month behind bars, his detention is an urgent issue that must not be forgotten among all the other shocking news coming out of Iran.

Mr Asadollahi was arrested in the middle of the night on 24 January by agents for Tehrans Ministry of Intelligence, weeks after mass protests against the Iranian regime ended with a brutal and deadly crackdown by security forces.

The writer, who was previously arrested in November 2022 during the Mahsa Amini uprising, was swept up in a wave of arrests during and after the protests, which were triggered by economic hardship but spiralled into protests demanding wholesale political change.

open image in gallery Margaret Atwood, author of The Handmaids Tale, signed the public letter ( Getty )

A member of the Iranian Writers Association, Mr Asadollahi has published six poetry collections, and was recently awarded the Gabo Prize for literary translation. In the letter, he is described by his fellow writers as a leading writer of his generation.

Arrests such as Mr Asadollahis have been happening for weeks following the government crackdown.

Reports of raids on homes and workplaces have come from major cities and rural towns, with university students, doctors, lawyers, teachers, actors, business owners, athletes and filmmakers all being swept up, as well as reformist figures close to President Masoud Pezeshkian.

The letter notes that several other writers have also been detained in Iran in recent weeks. IWA board member Yousef Ansari and another person were arrested after reading poetry at a memorial for Baktash Abtin, a poet and filmmaker who died in custody four years ago after delays in receiving medical treatment in prison.

The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency has put the number of arrests at more than 50,000.
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Donald Trump claimed Iran is building missiles that will soon be able to reach the U.S. during a rambling State of the Union address on Tuesday.

In a long-winded speech  the longest of its kind in history  the US president continued his war of words with Iran after weeks of suggesting he might order a strike against the regime.

They've already developed missiles that can threaten Europe and our bases overseas, and they're working to build missiles that will soon reach the United States of America, Trump said. He did not provide any evidence for the claim.

The remarks came as U.S. naval and air forces continue to gather near Iran ahead of possible military action, as Trump looks to pressure the Tehran regime into agreeing to a nuclear deal with Washington.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump claimed during his State of the Union address that Iran was working to build missiles that will reach the United States ( AP )

There had been speculation over whether Trump would use the speech to make a case for war against Iran, or whether he would elaborate on the military buildup in the Middle East. However, he did not mention Iran until more than an hour into his speech.

In his brief segment on Iran, the US president accused Tehran of ignoring his warnings not to return to nuclear enrichment and weapons development after a U.S. bombing campaign on Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan last June.

My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy but one thing is certain I will never allow the worlds number one sponsor of terror which they are by far to have a nuclear weapon, he told the joint session of Congress during the hour and 47 minute speech.

The US president also reiterated his previous talking points on the issue, saying Washington would work to keep a nuclear bomb out of Irans hands. Trump also accused Iran of sowing terror via regional proxy groups and said Tehran had killed tens of thousands of people during recent protests.

open image in gallery The US president spoke for almost two hours ( AP )

Theyve killed at least 32,000 protesters in their own countrythey shot a lot of them and hung them, he said, describing the regime as some terrible people.

But Trump did not give clarity on whether he would take immediate military action, or what the White Houses goals would be.

Trump threatened to attack Iran in January in response to a deadly crackdown on widespread anti-regime protests, before adding the condition that Tehran must agree to the new nuclear deal.

On Monday, the U.S. ordered nonessential diplomats and their family members at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut to leave Lebanon amid the looming threat of a military strike on Iran.

Lebanon has been the site of several Iran-related retaliatory attacks on U.S. targets for decades, given Tehran's support for and influence with the Hezbollah militant group. Changes in the staffing status of the embassy in Beirut are sometimes seen as a bellwether for potential U.S. or Israeli military action in the region, particularly against Iran.

The U.S. military has also withdrawn from key bases in northeastern Syria and Qatar.
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Mike Fincke has identified himself as the NASA astronaut whose medical condition prompted the space agencys first-ever medical evacuation.

The 58-year-old spaceflight veteran said Wednesday that he was the ailing crew member last month aboard the International Space Station.

He did not say what was wrong with him but explained that his condition quickly stabilized thanks to his crewmates and flight surgeons on the ground.

Fincke said hes doing well now.

Spaceflight is an incredible privilege, and sometimes it reminds us just how human we are, he wrote.

open image in gallery He did not say what was wrong with him but explained that his condition quickly stabilized thanks to his crewmates and flight surgeons on the ground. ( Getty Images )

Fincke launched with three others on a SpaceX flight last summer. Their mission came to an early end on Jan. 15, a week after he experienced what he called a medical event that required immediate attention.

The health concern also forced the cancellation of a planned spacewalk by Fincke and another NASA astronaut.

Fincke, a retired Air Force colonel chosen by NASA as an astronaut in 1996, has logged 549 days in space over four missions.

He wrote in a statement, On Jan. 7, while aboard the International Space Station, I experienced a medical event that required immediate attention from my incredible crewmates. Thanks to their quick response and the guidance of our NASA flight surgeons, my status quickly stabilized.

open image in gallery Fincke, a retired Air Force colonel chosen by NASA as an astronaut in 1996, has logged 549 days in space over four missions ( AFP via Getty Images )

After further evaluation, NASA determined the safest course was an early return for Crew-11not an emergency, but a carefully coordinated plan to be able to take advantage of advanced medical imaging not available on the space station. On Jan. 15, we splashed down off the coast of San Diego after an amazing five-and-a-half-month mission.

I am deeply grateful to my fellow Expedition 74 membersZena Cardman, Kimiya Yui, Oleg Platonov, Chris Williams, Sergey Kud-Sverchkov, and Sergei Mikayevas well as the entire NASA team, SpaceX, and the medical professionals at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla near San Diego. Their professionalism and dedication ensured a positive outcome.

Im doing very well and continuing standard post-flight reconditioning at NASAs Johnson Space Center in Houston. Spaceflight is an incredible privilege, and sometimes it reminds us just how human we are. Thank you all for your support.
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An American Airlines plane was found with a suspected bullet hole in its wing after landing in Colombia following a flight from Florida over the weekend.

The Boeing 737 MAX 8 landed safely in Medellin, Colombia, on Sunday night before crews discovered a hole that reportedly went all the way through the right wing.

The aircraft had just completed Flight 923 from Miami to Medellin on Sunday night when ground staff spotted a puncture running straight through the planes righthand aileron, according to documents reviewed by CBS News.

The damage included a small, round entry hole on one side of the aileron and a corresponding exit point on the other  consistent with a possible bullet strike, sources familiar with the incident told CBS.

open image in gallery An American Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX  the same model as the one found with an apparent bullet hole after landing in Medellin, Colombia ( Getty/iStock )

Ailerons are hinged control surfaces on the outer edges of each wing that help the plane roll or bank during flight. By tilting in opposite directions, the two ailerons create uneven lift, allowing the aircraft to turn.

The apparent strike was first flagged publicly by aviation blogger @xJonNYC on X. "Wow. I'm told bullet holes were found on AA aircraft in Medellin, Colombia Monday morning," he tweeted, following up with further information about the hole in the wing.

It remains unclear when or where the puncture occurred.

open image in gallery The aircraft had just completed Flight 923 from Miami to Medellin. shown here, on Sunday night ( Getty/iStock )

Despite the discovery, American Airlines said the jet experienced no issues during the flight and no injuries were reported. Following a routine inspection, our teams identified a puncture to the exterior of one of our aircraft in Medellin, Colombia, the airline told The Independent in a statement.

"The aircraft was immediately removed from service for further inspection and repair.

"We will work closely with all relevant authorities to investigate this incident," the spokesperson added.

Temporary repairs were carried out overnight, and flighttracking data from Flightradar24 shows the aircraft returned to Miami on Monday morning before later flying to Dallas.

It has not operated any flights since.

It is not the first time that passenger aircraft have been impacted by gunfire. In 2024, a bullet hit a Southwest Airlines plane preparing for departure from Dallas Love Field Airport, hitting an area near the cockpit. Nobody was injured, and the plane was also temporarily removed from service.
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A new tourist train is set to launch in Japan connecting visitors to the sacred Buddhist temple settlement of Koyasan.

Nankai Electric Railways will launch its new tourist train, Gran Tenku, on Friday, 24 April, running from Namba Station in Osaka to Gokurakubashi Station in Wakayama Prefecture.

The tourist train will consist of four cars, each with its own distinctive character.

Passengers who book tickets for the fourth car will be served breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea by chef Atsushi Motokawa, depending on the time of the journey.

The spring menu will include dishes such as Kawachi duck and Senshu octopus, made with ingredients from the surrounding areas.

Free soft and alcoholic drinks will also be offered alongside the menu.

open image in gallery An artist's rendering of the Gran Tenku tourist train ( Nankai Electric Railway Company )

As part of its launch, a platform at Namba Station will be renovated and will be used solely by the Gran Tenku train.

To reflect the trains luxury experience, Nambas Platform 0 has been upgraded with wooden cladding and modern feature lighting.

The crimson coloured trains will also run on solar-powered renewable energy.

The upgraded train will replace another tourist service which has shuttled visitors to Koyasan from Hashimoto Station since 2009. That service will end on 20 March.

open image in gallery An artist's rendering of the Gran Tenku tourist train's exterior ( Nankai Electric Railway Company )

Koyasan, or Mount Koya, attracts visitors who wish to see more than 2,000 Shingon Buddhism temples scattered across the forested mountain.

The Unesco World Heritage site is a peaceful place to experience monastic life, with vegetarian cuisine served and temple lodging available for booking.

Many tourists may decide to retreat to more rural areas of Japan after its recent visitor boom, which has largely seen its cities fill with international arrivals, soaring to a record 42.7 million in 2025.

Read more: This underrated Japanese city is perfect for escaping overtourism
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Having your luggage stolen or items taken from it, is guaranteed to ruin a vacation.

So that filing police reports doesnt eat into your relaxation time, heed this advice on making your luggage less attractive to thieves.

It comes from Ed Burnett, a former U.S. Army military policeman and security expert for UPS whos now the Executive Advisor at Cloudastructure Inc, an AI surveillance and remote guarding company.

Here, he divulges tips on everything from luggage colors that attract thieves to the effectiveness of tracking tech, and from packing strategies to whether wrapping suitcases in plastic serves any purpose.

1. The secure mistake  plastic wrapping

open image in gallery Plastic wrapping may prevent scratches, but it tells thieves that there's probably something valuable inside the suitcase ( Getty Images )

Ed advises against wrapping suitcases in plastic.

He explained to The Independent: While it protects against scratches and prevents planting drugs, it screams I have something expensive in here.

It also makes it impossible for you to quickly check your belongings if you suspect tampering.

2. Luggage choice and appearance

open image in gallery Security expert Ed Burnett said that anonymously colored luggage attracts thieves ( Getty Images )

Colors

Pick a color thats a liability for the thief, stressed Ed.

He explained: Bright colors are a deterrent. Thieves prefer anonymous black or navy bags because they can walk away with them without standing out. A neon green bag, for example, is a liability for a thief. If you yell, Stop that man with the green bag, everyone sees him.

Hard-shell vs soft-shell

Hard-shell is significantly safer, declared Ed, who revealed: Soft-shell bags can be shived  where a thief uses a box cutter to slice the fabric and reach in. Hard shells require more noise and effort to breach.

Logos

Certain brands lure thieves.

Ed explained: High-end brands  such as Tumi, Rimowa, Louis Vuitton  are magnets. They signal that the contents are likely as expensive as the bag.

Instead, advised Ed, stick to "upper-middle" brands, because they look sturdy but don't scream look at me, Im wealthy."

Backpacks vs wheels

Backpacks and wheeled luggage both carry risks.

Backpacks are targets for pickpockets, because the zippers are behind you, said Ed, while wheeled suitcases are targets for grab-and-run theft. Thieves in stations watch for people who let go of their suitcase handles to check a departure board or cell phone.

3. Deterrents  locks and tech

open image in gallery Locks are a deterrent to opportunistic thieves, but they can bypass them by using a pen to open the zipper ( Getty Images/iStockphoto )

Tracking and tech

If you think making a tracking device visible is a solid deterrent, think again.

Ed said: AirTags and other trackers do nothing to deter theft  unless the thief sees the item found alert on their own iPhone  but they are essential for recovery.

He added: Keep them hidden. Sew them into the lining or hide them inside a sock. If a thief finds a tracker, they will toss it immediately.

And most GPS-tracked stickers are ignored, or seen as a challenge. In addition, labels like fragile or camera equipment are active invitations for theft. Never label whats inside.

Locks and cable ties

Locks and cable ties are useful to a point, but ultimately are unlikely to prevent theft, according to our expert.

He said: Locks deter opportunistic theft  someone trying to unzip your bag quickly. But many soft-shell suitcases use coil zippers, which can be opened with a ballpoint pen in seconds [bypassing the lock entirely].

Cable tiles and zip clips dont stop a thief either, but they do act as a seal. A thief knows they can't relock a snapped cable tie, meaning you will notice the theft immediately. Most thieves want to steal without you knowing until you get to your hotel.

4. Labels and identification

While displaying your name and address might seem logical, to aid recovery, its also advertising that your house is probably empty.

Ed said: Put your business card inside the bag. On the outside, use a covered tag so the name and address aren't visible to anyone standing in line behind you. And always use work contact details. You don't want a stranger knowing your home address and the fact that you are currently away from home.

5. Packing strategy

open image in gallery Put all your most valuable items in your carry-on luggage, said Ed ( Pormezz - stock.adobe.com )

Dont spread your valuables, counsels Ed.

He advised: Keep all must-haves such as jewelry, electronics and meds in your personal carry-on that never leaves your sight.

If you must put valuables in checked luggage, use a diversion safe  an empty sunscreen bottle or a laundry bag.

And take care with electric toothbrushes and high-end chargers. They have high resale value and are often overlooked by travelers until they are gone.

6. The danger zones

Ed pinpointed train overhead racks and hotel lobbies as prime hotspots for theft.

He said: In a lobby, travelers are distracted by check-in; on a train, thieves grab bags right before the doors close at a stop.

Coffee shops are also a guard-down moment.

Ed added: People set their bag next to them and look at their phone. Always keep a strap looped around your leg.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex met with a teenage burn victim from Gaza during a two-day humanitarian trip to Jordan.

During a visit to the Specialty Hospital in Amman on Wednesday (25 February), Prince Harry and Meghan spoke with 14-year-old Maria as she sat in her hospital bed. They also met other medical evacuees and spoke with medical staff during their visit.

Over the next two days, the couple will visit projects they have financially backed, which facilitate the medical evacuation of children from the conflict in Gaza to the Middle Eastern nation.

Harry and Meghan, who stepped down as working royals in 2020, have travelled to Amman at the invitation of Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
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A jelly bean brand known for quirky flavors such as buttered popcorn, cappuccino and tutti-frutti is reducing its workforce.

Candy manufacturer Jelly Belly will lay off 69 employees - roughly 18 percent of its workforce - and close its corporate-commercial operations facility in Fairfield, California, according to a document filed with county and state officials and shared on Facebook this past week by Fairfield Mayor Catherine Moy.

The layoffs will happen over the next 11 months, starting on June 1 and ending on January 14, 2027. Positions that will be eliminated include software developers, accountants, customer service representatives, and e-commerce staff.

Ferrara Candy Company, which also owns brands such as Trolli, Nerds and Laffy Taffy, planned the layoffs when it acquired Jelly Belly in 2023, according to the post.

The layoffs come after multiple well-known brands in the food and beverage industry announced job cuts in the past year.

open image in gallery Candy manufacturer Jelly Belly will lay off 69 employees - roughly 18 percent of its workforce - and close its corporate-commercial operations facility in Fairfield, California ( Getty )

Food and beverage brand Nestle, which makes Kit Kat, Nestle Crunch bars and Rollo, announced in October that it would lay off 16,000 workers over the course of two years, according to industry publication Retail Dive.

Ferrero USA, which makes well-known products such as Baby Ruth and Butterfinger, revealed in October that it plans to layoff 72 employees in Illinois by January 1, 2027.

Though the Jelly Belly layoffs were planned, the candy industrys struggles over the past few years likely played a role in layoffs at other companies. Consistent growth has been hard for candy producers, according to research firm IBIS World.

Candy producers have struggled to maintain consistent growth, contending with shifting consumer preferences, heightened competition and volatile economic conditions, IBIS World wrote in a 2025 analysis.

open image in gallery Consumers tend to cut back on candy spending when their finances are strained ( Getty Images )

Consumers view candy as a non-necessary item, so when the cost of goods rise, candy spending tends to go down, IBIS World noted.

Since candy provides little nutritional value, it is considered a discretionary good, it wrote. When economic conditions are poor or uncertain, consumers tend to reduce their candy purchases.

Better days may be ahead for cand ymakers such as Jelly Belly, though. Per-person disposable income ticked up in 2025, which means there are more dollars to spend on sweet treats. The industry grew 1.9 percent in 2025 and is estimated to have reached $12.5 billion in 2025, but will likely face a 1.9 percent drop in revenue, IBIS world noted.
There have been complaints in the past about a shortage of ATMs in some places. Photo: Getty

Most areas of the country have sufficient access to an ATM near them, under criteria established in legislation.

But there are insufficient numbers of ATMs in the South-West, Border and West regions of the country under the various rules mandating the numbers of ATMs there should be in different areas, the Central Bank of Ireland said.
Administration has accused China of manipulating metals market

The Trump administration plans to use a Pentagon-created AI tool to help set reference prices for critical minerals as it works to build a global metals trading zone, three sources with direct knowledge of the effort told Reuters.

US vice-president JD Vance earlier this month proposed that the US and more than 50 other countries impose reference prices for critical minerals at each stage of production that would be backed by adjustable tariffs to uphold pricing integrity.
Ask Allison: My dad and his sister fell out and she wanted her cancer kept secret from him. Now shes dead, do I tell him?
Dr Heffernan died in St Vincents Hospital on Sunday after a lengthy illness

Andrew Heffernan, who has died in Dublin, was a medical consultant and husband of business tycoon Margaret Heffernan, who has run the Dunnes Stores retail empire for two decades.

Dr Heffernan, who was in his early 90s, always remained firmly in the background, never becoming involved in the turbulent struggle between his wife and her colourful brother, the late Ben Dunne, for control of the business.
Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ireland and for Defence Helen McEntee TD at the launch of the Maritime Defence Strategy at the Le. Samuel Beckett Irish Navy Ship this morning . Photo: Sam Boal/Collins Photos

The economy wouldnt last ten days if subsea cables or the gas interconnector is attacked and destroyed, the Taoiseach has told the Dail.

Micheal Martin was responding to complaints that Ireland has asked the French Navy and Royal Navy to help patrol Irish seas during our EU Presidency in the second half of this year.
Student bed shortage reaches at least 38,900 across four Irish cities

Sherry FitzGerald says new developments are contributing to the problem

Scape student accommodation on Aungier Street, Dublin. New research shows the capital faces the most acute pressure when it comes to student rentals

Donal Buckley Wed 18 Feb 2026 at 06:30

A shortage of at least 38,900 student bed spaces was estimated across Dublin and the three regional centres of Cork, Galway and Limerick at the end of last year, according to research by estate agents Sherry FitzGerald.
Massage, yoga and 3,600 a night recovery plans - the rise of the postnatal retreat

From five-star hotel stays in London to bonding with other mums in Wicklow, new mothers are looking for ways to make the transition to parenthood easier

The newborn stage is both special and exhausting for parents. Photo: Getty

Kirsty Blake Knox Wed 25 Feb 2026 at 06:30

In China, the 30 to 40 days after a woman gives birth are sometimes referred to as zuo yuezi, which means The Sitting Month  a postpartum confinement where you stay at home, care for your baby and recuperate.
Donal Fallon: Gerry Hutch has a mountain to climb to win seat in Dublin Central battleground where local work matters

The Monk only has to look at Tony Gregorys career to see why soundbites will only take a candidate so far

Gerry Hutch at the general election count in Dublin in 2024 when he failed to get elected. Photo: Clodagh Kilcoyne/Reuters

Donal Fallon Wed 25 Feb 2026 at 15:30

In 1947, Sean Lemass asserted with confidence that Fianna Fail had more wage-earners in its ranks than any Labour Party, and more farmers than any Farmers Party.
Leon Krauze: Why killing of Mexican cartel king El Mencho may spiral into war

Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantess death is likely to spark a scramble to fill the power vacuum and have countrywide implications

A soldier stands guard by a charred vehicle after it was set on fire in Cointzio, Michoacan state. Photo: AP

Leon Krauze Washington Post Wed 25 Feb 2026 at 06:30

Last Sunday, Claudia Sheinbaums government recorded a significant success in Mexicos fight against organised crime. In an operation led by her governments armed forces, Mexican authorities killed Nemesio Ruben Oseguera El Mencho Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), the most powerful criminal organisation to emerge in Mexico in decades.
It was meant to be for a few days.

In mid-February 2022, as Russian troops gathered on Ukraines borders, Ksenia Samotiy urged her family to leave. Three days before the invasion began, her parents decided her mother would take Ksenia and her two younger siblings out of the country until things settled.

They left two days before war broke out. Her father stayed behind in Lviv.

At the time, there was disbelief. Surely Russia wouldnt actually invade. Surely they would return within a week.

Four years later, the war continues.

Today, Ksenia lives in Dublin. Her mother and siblings are in Warsaw. Her father remains in Ukraine. In a recent Sunday Independent article, she wrote that her family exists now as a map rather than a household. Birthday songs sung over video calls, Christmas dinners at separate tables, even funerals attended via FaceTime.

Recently, she returned to Lviv for the first time since she fled. She found a city both familiar and changed. Coffee shops full, students gathered outside lecture halls, but also funeral processions that quietly stop traffic and a cemetery that has run out of space for the war .

Today on The Indo Daily, Fionnan Sheahan speaks to Ksenia Samotiy about fleeing Ukraine, building a life in Ireland, and returning home to a country still at war.
A senior official with Cork County Council has confirmed that they are actively looking at Fermoy as a place for additional affordable housing.

Senior Executive Officer with the local authority, Aidan Creagh said Cork County Council is actively working in the background with developers and also trying to acquire land in Fermoy for affordable housing.

The information was provided at a recent Northern Committee meeting after Fianna Fail councillor Ian Doyle requested a report from Cork County Council on what affordable housing projects are in progress in the Northern Region.

Cllr Doyle also sought an update on affordable housing for Charleville and a timeline for completion. Charleville is at peak employment. We are home to the Kerry Group. We have a thriving engineering works in both our industrial parks. We have a retail unit on our main street, and our schools are packed to the capacity. The need for affordable housing in Charleville is unreal.

The minute a house comes up for sale at present in Charleville town it is gone within a couple of weeks, stated Cllr Doyle. We have had four or four social housing units put up in Charleville which has met the demand of the social housing needs, but there has long since been a need for affordable housing and private housing in Charleville. I am now glad that the funding application has been sent to the Department.

Fianna Fail councillor Bernard Moynihan stressed the importance of ongoing work in North Cork regarding the provision of social housing. The demand for housing is off the charts at the moment.

Aontu councillor Peter ODonoghue wondered about the possibility of affordable housing schemes in the Fermoy/Mitchelstown area in the future because they are very badly needed.

Senior Executive Officer at Cork County Council, Aidan Creagh said: We are all aware of the challenges in the private sector for people trying to get affordable housing. In relation to Fermoy, we are actively working in the background with developers and trying to acquire land.

Nothing that can go into the public domain at this time because it is early in the negotiation period. We are actively looking at Fermoy as a place for additional affordable housing. We have done a successful scheme in Rathealy Close and we are looking at an opportunity to do a further scheme in Fermoy in due course, he added.

Keith Jones, Director of Services, Housing told the councillors that there have been three affordable housing schemes completed to date in the Northern Region, namely Clonmore Phase 1 in Mallow, Clonmore Phase 3 in Mallow and Rathealy Close, Fermoy.

Mr Jones also confirmed that there is a current affordable scheme in Pulleen, Kanturk that is open for applications through the online portal. There are 20 houses (4x2 bed and 16x3 bed) in this scheme. There is an upcoming affordable scheme in Oakfield, Charleville for 25 houses in phase 1. The funding application was sent off to the Department of Housing on January 9, 2026. The proposed delivery timeline from the developer is early 2027.

There is an affordable scheme, on Council owned land, being progressed for St Josephs Road, Mallow. A Section 177AE application was submitted to An Coimisiun Pleanala, following which, planning consent has now been received. An updated AHF application is to be made to the DHLGH to reflect this position, he added.

In reply, Cllr Doyle welcomed the positive response. It is great to see that we have 76 houses completed in the affordable housing list. That there are 20 now in construction in Kanturk, that Charleville has now been included and there are 25 houses in phase one.
Students from Boherbue Comprehensive School are set to compete in the regional finals of the prestigious Junk Kouture Competition in Dublin on March 9  with a striking design very much on the money when it comes to capturing the current climatic mood.

Celestial Downpour was created by Clodagh Healy, Norma Kelly and Isabel Morgan, who impressed judges with their innovative approach to sustainability, transforming everyday discarded materials into a striking piece.

Junk Kouture, now in its 16th year, invites students to design and construct original outfits made entirely from reused materials, fostering skills in design, engineering, teamwork and environmental awareness.

Boherbue Comprehensive students, Clodagh Healy, Norma Kelly and Isabel Morgan with their creation for Junk Kouture.

A spokesperson for Boherbue Comprehensive School said:

Reaching the regional stage is a significant accomplishment and the team will now showcase 'Celestial Downpour' at the regional finals on Monday, 9 March, at The Helix in Dublin.

"There they will present their creation on a professional runway alongside other top designs.

"Progressing to this stage represents a major milestone for the students, whose dedication, imagination and countless hours of work have brought them national recognition.

Elsewhere, the world final took place on Tuesday, February 24 at the Helix in Dublin, which saw 60 projects from students aged between 12-19 from Ireland, the UK, France, Italy, the USA and the UAE compete for the coveted World Designer of the Year title, alongside a range of additional partner awards including the Innovation Award powered by EUROSPAR, Junior Designer of the Year Award Powered by DHL, and the Glamour Award Powered by TFI.

National Transport Authority Chief Executive Officer Anne Shaw said:

Transport for Ireland is proud to support the Junk Kouture World Final as Official Transport Partner.

"Providing accessible and sustainable transport is key to supporting major cultural events, and were delighted to help young people, educators and audiences travel to and from this inspiring celebration of creativity and innovation, she said.
12 homes in Moylan Park, Kiskeam, have been selected for significant Energy Efficiency Works in 2026.

The news was recently confirmed by Cork County Council and the programme of works will include attic insulation, external wall insulation, the replacement of windows and doors where necessary.

The works will also include the installation of modern heat pump systems etc.

These upgrades will greatly improve the energy performance of the homes, making them warmer, more comfortable, and more cost-effective to run.

Fine Gael TD for Cork North West John Paul OShea said the works will significantly enhance the quality of life for the residents who live in Moylan Park. This is very positive news for the residents of Moylan Park. These works will significantly enhance the quality of life for the families living there by reducing heat loss, lowering energy bills, and improving overall comfort in their homes.

Deputy OShea continued: With energy costs remaining a major concern for households, investment like this is essential. It also supports our broader climate goals by reducing carbon emissions and improving the energy rating of local authority housing.

Local Fine Gael councillor Trish Murphy said the works will deliver warmer homes. I am delighted to see Moylan Park included in the Councils 2026 Energy Efficiency programme. These energy upgrades are not just about insulation or new systems, they are about delivering warmer homes, healthier living conditions, and long-term savings for residents.

This investment demonstrates a strong commitment to rural communities like Kiskeam and ensures that local authority tenants are benefiting from modern, energy-efficient housing standards, she added.

Both representatives also acknowledged the work of Cork County Council in advancing the programme and prioritising investment in housing stock across Cork.

Deputy OShea and Councillor Murphy said they will continue to work closely with the local authority to ensure the timely delivery of the works in 2026 and to advocate for further energy efficiency upgrades across Cork North West.
Mallow General Hospital has been allocated 3.3m for the provision of a 24 bed inpatient ward after the HSE captial investment plan was unveiled for 2026 on Tuesday, February 24.

The allocated funding will also enable the fit-out of existing ground floor shell and core space to provide an outpatient/day clinic ward, including clinical rooms and additional capacity to support the establishment and operation of an obesity/bariatric clinic.

Mallow General Hospital was also allocated 168,420 for property purchase and fitout, while 1,684,200 was allocated to Mallow Ambulance Base for a new ambulance base.

Overall Cork has been allocated over 111 million in funding as part of a 1.3 billion allocation nationally for the development and enhancement of healthcare infrastructure.

Other hospitals in North Cork to benefit include St Patricks Community Hospital, Fermoy which was allocated 4,547,340 for a refurbishment and extension of the community nursing unit and St Josephs Community Hospital, Millstreet which was allocated 1,640,000.

Kanturk Community Hospital was allocated 150,000 for extension and refurbishment work.

Fine Gael TD for Cork North West John Paul OShea said the publication of the HSE Capital Plan represents a strong commitment to strengthening health services locally and nationally. I am particularly pleased to see substantial allocations for projects that will directly benefit communities across Cork North West, including Mallow, Kanturk, Millstreet and beyond.

Deputy OShea highlighted the major funding investment in Mallow General Hospital. This investment in Mallow General Hospital is critically important. Expanding inpatient and outpatient capacity, alongside the development of specialist services such as an obesity and bariatric clinic, will enhance local access to care and reduce pressure on larger acute hospitals.

The Cork TD also welcomed the allocation of 1.68m for the development of a new ambulance base at Mount Alvernia Hospital, Newberry, Mallow. The investment in ambulance bases and training facilities is essential to ensure faster response times and enhanced emergency care for people across Cork. Strengthening our national ambulance service infrastructure will directly improve patient outcomes.

Deputy OShea also welcomed the allocation of 1.6m for the continued refurbishment and extension of the Community Nursing Unit at St Josephs Community Hospital, Millstreet. This is very positive news for Millstreet and the wider hinterland. Upgrading and extending older persons services will ensure that residents can access high-quality, modern care in their own community.

The Capital Plan also includes major investment in community and long-term care infrastructure across Cork, including: 50-bed replacement Community Nursing Unit in Midleton (handover Q1 2026),10-bed Community Rehabilitation Residence at Owenacurra, Midleton (4.3m), and a new residential facility at St. Raphaels Centre, Youghal (8.4m).

Other major investments include Mental Health Unit development at St. Finbarrs Hospital (842), relocation of the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (Barnahus South) at St. Marys Health Campus (1.4m) and the replacement of roof infrastructure at South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital (280). Deputy OShea said he will work closely with the HSE and the Department of Health to ensure that the projects progress without delay. These projects will enhance acute capacity, strengthen community and older persons services, modernise mental health facilities and improve emergency response capability.

Fine Gael TD for Cork North Central Colm Burke said investing in the health service is important as the population grows. Investment in the Mercy Hospital, Cork University Hospital, the new Cork Elective Hospital, St Stephens Hospital Glanmire, Mallow General Hospital, Heather House Gurranabraher and South Infirmary-Victoria University Hospital is welcome news that will help bring healthcare services closer to home and better meet the needs of patients and families in our community.

The population of Cork has grown substantially over the last two decades. This will help expand capacity and cater for increased demand for healthcare services in Cork, he added.
Cork County Council has approved a draft variation to the County Development Plan that will zone more land for housing in line with a government directive sent to all local authorities last year.

After a lengthy in-committee meeting this week, the councillors voted in favour of the draft variation, which will now go out for public display and consultation.

The approval came as Housing Minister James Browne threatened to override local authorities to rezone land to speed up the delivery of housing if they do not begin the process themselves immediately. The request to update county development plans was sent last July but of the 31 councils in the country, only Mayo and Waterford have completed the process so far.

In a letter sent to council chiefs, Mr Browne warned of serious concern within the Cabinet over the slow pace of rezoning land and reminded them of their collective responsibility to address the problem.

The governments goal is to deliver 55,000 new homes a year, on average, between now and 2034, with councils expected to reflect the new targets by updating their individual development plans. The government has now instructed councils that have started to update their development plans to complete the process by April 30.

The variation to the County Development Plan is expected to be put to consultation in the coming weeks where the public will have the opportunity to make submissions on zoning applications proposed, East Cork Councillor Rory Cocking told the Irish Independent.

This is conducted in the context of increasing local housing provision and taking into account factors such as existing or planned infrastructure access, amenity development and wastewater capacity, he said.

Last autumn Cork County Council held a public consultation process seeking submissions identifying lands suitable for being zoned for residential use. Members of the public, landowners and homebuilders were encouraged to put forward suggestions for greenfield, brownfield, infill and regeneration sites in the county that could be zoned for housing.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Uisce Eireann is considering building a pipeline from Cork city to West Cork as it launches a study into how to tackle the water scarcity issues plaguing the region, but local councillors have criticised the lack of a timeline for the vital infrastructure.

The national water utility said in an email to the Bandon-Kinsale Municipal District (MD) that it has recently commissioned a comprehensive assessment and feasibility study of all options to increase water supply capacity in Bandon, Clonakilty, Skibbereen, Bantry and Castletownbere as well as a number of villages on the Beara Peninsula.

In anticipation of the interconnection of Cork Harbour and City Water Supply emerging as the preferred option for supplementing the water supplies of Bandon and Clonakilty, Uisce Eireann intends to commence the preliminary design of this strategic trunk main in parallel with the aforementioned study, in order to minimise delivery timelines, the email said, adding that no delivery timelines can be provided however until the final recommendation of the study is known.

Speaking at a meeting of the Bandon-Kinsale MD this week, Cllr Alan Coleman said that West Cork councillors were disappointed that they didnt get a timeline for the trunk main when they met with representatives of Uisce Eireann recently.

So this idea of using a trunk main to bring water into West Cork, it's going to be a long process, there's no doubt about that. A lot of the answers were vague enough, timelines were not present at all. Certainly West Cork seems to be a challenge to Uisce Eireann. Now they're getting a bit more money from the state, I think we need to keep the pressure on them, he said.

Cllr John Michael Foley agreed that it was disappointing the level of answers that we got. With several hundred houses going up between Clonakilty and Bandon, if this main isn't put in place we run the risk of being out of water in West Cork, which would be absolutely detrimental to the entire area. So as Councillor Coleman said, we need to keep the pressure on. We need to keep it on fairly strong.

Cllr Gillian Coughlan expressed concerns that since the new trunk main between Bandon and Clonakilty to improve water supply in Clonakilty was completed in 2023, Bandon might not now have sufficient water to attract industry.

I am pretty sure at this moment in time that if a big business or a big company, a chemical factory or whatever the case may be, wanted to locate in Bandon, water unfortunately would be a problem and that is not acceptable.

Cllr Ann Bambury said the underlying issue here is that underinvestment over successive governments has created this water issue that we're currently enduring in West Cork. It is going to take a considerable amount of time to build up that infrastructure.

Areas across West Cork have suffered water supply issues in recent years with frequent outages due to crumbling infrastructure and periods of drought, such as last summer when water tankers had to be brought into Clonakilty. Problems have also been reported in places such as Adrigole, Schull, Crookhaven and Union Hall while an ageing water main in Ballinhassig was said to have burst five times in seven months.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Two teenagers killed, one seriously injured, in Donegal crash

Two men in their late teens who were killed in an horrific road crash in Donegal on Tuesday have been named locally.

Daniel Cullen and Caoimhin Porter, who were both aged 18 and from the Shantallow area in Co Derry, were passengers in a car that collided with a lorry on the R236 at St Johnston on Tuesday night.

A third man, the driver of the car who is also aged in his late teens, was transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast for treatment of serious injuries.

A sombre crowd gathered at St Baithin's Church in St Johnston, Co Donegal, on Wednesday evening for a mass held in memory of Daniel and Caoimhin and to pray for the young man who remains in hospital.

Taughboyne parish priest Fr Philip Kemmy told the congregation that while the young men were not from the parish, the community's name will be forever etched on the hearts and minds of those who loved them.

"There are no words that we can come up with that will take away the pain that Daniel and Caoimhin's families feel this evening.

"The words we speak are the words we speak to God and we pray for their families, we pray for the young man who is seriously ill and his recovery, Fr Kemmy said.

A candle which is usually lit for funerals and baptisms was lit in memory of the young men and their grieving families. Another candle was lit and placed on the Tabernacle for the young man who is in hospital in Belfast, and for his recovery.

Fr Kemmy said the community was grief stricken and horrified at the terrible tragedy which occurred in the locality and acknowledged the heartache and shock the families of the young men are experiencing at this time.

"At this early stage for those families, a great darkness has descended upon their lives.

"We are praying that some glimmers of the light of Christ will work their way into that horrible, horrible experience which no family would ever wish to have.

"Unfortunately, in the last week here in Ireland, so many families have had bereavements as we have had multiple deaths of our roads.

"We ask that the Lord would bring his light, his peace, his blessing and his presence into the midst of the turmoil and all of the emotions and the great, great grief and heartbreak that these families are undoubtedly going through right now as we sit here.

"We sit here in prayer because there is nothing we can say to them that will restore these two young men to life or magically heal that young man whose in that hospital, Fr Kemmy said.

Prayers were also said for the Shantallow community in Derry, the gardai and emergency services and the medical staff who are affected by the tragedy.

St Thereses' Primary School, Lenamore in Derry also paid tribute to their past pupil Caoimhin Porter who they remembered as a "kind and caring" boy.

"Our entire school community is devastated to hear of the untimely passing of past pupil, Caoimhin Porter.

"We remember him as a kind and caring boy who loved sports.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this heartbreaking time.

"May he rest in peace. "We also remember his friend Daniel who also lost his life and another friend who remains critically ill at this time," said read the social media post.

Gardai and emergency services were alerted to the collision, involving a lorry and a car, which occurred at around 11.15pm on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

A male passenger of the car, aged in his late teens, was pronounced deceased at the scene. His remains were conveyed to the morgue at Letterkenny University Hospital.

A second male passenger, also aged in his late teens, was conveyed to Altnagelvin Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

Post-mortem examinations will take place in due course and the Coroner has been notified.

Today's News in 90 seconds - Wednesday, February 25

The R236 road had been closed overnight to allow for technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators, but has since reopened.

Shantallow Community Centre has opened its doors for the local community to come together and remember the young men.

They will also have qualified grief counsellors available for anyone who would like to speak to someone from 7pm tonight.

A spokesperson for the community centre said: "We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of two of our local young men last night.

"The pain being felt across our community right now is unimaginable.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with their families and everyone who loved them.

"We are also keeping the other young man, who remains in critical condition, very much in our thoughts and prayers at this time

Our Youth Wing will be open all day for friends who need somewhere safe to come together, get a bite to eat and remember their amazing friends in a safe, comfortable, loving space

Please do not struggle alone. Reach out, call in, message us.

Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward.

A spokesperson said: Road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 10.45pm and 11.45pm on Tuesday 24th February 2026 are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardai.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact Letterkenny Garda Station on (074) 9167100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Donegal TD Pearse Doherty said he is deeply saddened to learn of the deaths of two young men in St Johnston last night.

"My thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends and the wider community at this incredibly difficult time. I also hope the individual who has suffered injury makes a full recovery.

I would like to acknowledge the work of our emergency services who attended the scene and their ongoing efforts in the investigation, said Deputy Doherty.

Local councillor Gary Doherty said the local community is absolutely devastated following the crash.

"These two young men were in their late teens, which makes it particularly heartbreaking and hard for the community to process at this point.

"In Donegal, everybody knows somebody that's connected; schools, sports clubs and families will all be deeply affected.

"This is a day really for compassion and support for those that are affected.

"I have no doubt that the community will rally behind everyone involved," said Cllr Doherty.

MP Colum Eastwood said the death of two teenagers with their whole lives ahead of them was absolutely heartbreaking news for people in Derry and Donegal to wake up to this morning.

It is such a profound tragedy and I know that it will affect families, friends and communities across the North West.

My thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost loved ones.

"Today and the days ahead will be unimaginably difficult. But I know that people in Derry and Donegal will offer them every possible support to get through this.

Were also thinking of the young man in hospital in Belfast today with serious injuries. I want to thank the emergency services for their response to a difficult situation.

Gardai are investigating the crash and I would urge anyone who was in the area last night or who may have dash camera footage that can help piece together what happened to please come forward, said Mr Eastwood.
Three of the guitars listed among the instruments taken from the bands vehicle in Dublin. Pic: Legss

A member of the band playing drums with cymbals similar to those reported stolen. Pic: Legss

One of the guitars reported stolen following the van break-in in the early hours of Sunday morning. Pic: Legss

The bands van with a smashed rear window after the break-in on Gardiner Street Lower in Dublin. Pic: Legss

A touring band have said they are still in shock after their van was broken into in Dublin and a number of musical instruments stolen in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The group called Legss from London said the theft occurred while they were parked on the corner of Gardiner Street Lower and Railway Street in Dublin 1, following a performance in the city.

Gardai confirmed they received a report of an incident of theft that occurred in the Gardiner Street Lower area between approximately 2.30am and 9am on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

The bands van with a smashed rear window after the break-in on Gardiner Street Lower in Dublin. Pic: Legss

Todays News in 90 seconds - Thursday February 26

A number of musical instruments were reported as stolen from a vehicle. Investigations are ongoing, a Garda press office spokesperson said.

In a statement shared on Instagram, the band said they were left with heavy and tired hearts after discovering the break-in.

It is with heavy and tired hearts that we share news that our van was broken into on Sunday morning in Dublin and many of our instruments were stolen, they wrote.

We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content

Were all still in shock but wanted to post this to alert the good people of Dublin and Ireland to keep their eyes peeled for anything being sold online or in shops.

They said the stolen equipment holds deep sentimental value, having been used throughout their career since forming in 2018.

These instruments, some of which we were also lending off close friends, are worth much more than their value, having been with us since we started the band in 2018. We have written, recorded and performed our entire output on these, and its heartbreaking to lose them, the post read.

One of the guitars reported stolen following the van break-in in the early hours of Sunday morning. Pic: Legss

Legss, have since reported the incident to An Garda Siochana and said they were met with kindness and support during the process.

Vocalist and guitarist Ned Green told the Irish Independent that they do not have an exact time that the theft happened but that they are unbelievably grateful for all the support and completely overwhelmed by the response so far, noting that it means the world to the group as they attempt to recover their equipment.

Three of the guitars listed among the instruments taken from the bands vehicle in Dublin. Pic: Legss

Among the key items reported stolen are several guitars and drum accessories, including a Fender Telecaster Butterscotch (Mexican), a Fender Vintera 60s Stratocaster Modified in Burgundy Mist Metallic, a pink Fender Squier Stratocaster, and a Fender Classic 60s Mustang Bass in ash wood.

A pedalboard containing a digital delay, overdrive, TU-3 tuner and MXR Blue Box was also taken, along with a Protection Racket 22-inch cymbal case and multiple cymbals, including a 21-inch Bosphorus Traditional Thin Ride, an 18-inch Paiste 2002 Black Label Thin Crash, 14-inch Zildjian Avedis hi-hats and an 8-inch Paiste splash.

A member of the band playing drums with cymbals similar to those reported stolen. Pic: Legss

The band said they are now following all the standard procedures to try and retrieve the instruments, while also encouraging fellow touring musicians to take extra care when travelling between cities.

They also thanked the Grand Social and bands they performed with during their first visit to Ireland, saying they had received a warm welcome despite the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact gardai.
The woman spoke at a Tralee rally held to mark the fourth anniversary of Russias invasion of Ukraine

A Ukrainian woman living in Tralee has said that Ireland saved her life by providing treatment for the cancer she was diagnosed with shortly after arriving  an illness she believes was caused by the stress she felt after Russias invasion of her country.
Kerry County Council has been urged not to stand for Transport Infrastructure Irelands objections to planning applications after the agency shot down a hotels plans in south Kerry.

Councillor Johnny Healy-Rae said anyone attempting developments on national secondary roads should forget about it after staff accommodation plans were denied permission.

At a recent meeting, Cllr Healy-Rae urged the council to write to the environment minister regarding what he claimed was Transport Infrastructure Irelands (TII) policy of objecting to all plannings on National Secondary Roads.

He cited a case of a hotel in Waterville whose owners had applied for planning permission to convert a B&B into staff accommodation but had been refused following a submission from the TII.

He said the hotel had even organised for a minibus to ferry staff between their accommodation and workplace.

We know what a job is worth in Waterville and how hard it is to create one there, he said.

Were forever here trying to do our bestand yet we have state body objecting to a planning application in an existing B&B to turn it into staff accommodation and keep them working.

Cllr Healy-Rae claimed other companies employing people around the Ring of Kerry would also be rejected for planning permission for any development on the national secondary road.

He demanded a TII deputation to attend a council meeting, exhorting the council not to stand for it.

I find it absolutely unbelievable that you could have a blanket policy for anything. There are no two situations the same, there are no two people the same, he said.

Anyone that wants to develop anything now on a national secondary, forget about it. So were flying by the seat of our plans hoping it will work out. Nonsense.

Councillor Maura Healy-Rae seconded the motion, adding that the issue had been going on for decades.

Its absolute lazy legislation  object, object, object  just because its on a national secondary road its shot down completely, she said.

It all comes back to planning. If you dont have planning, you wont have people, its as simple as that.

The council replied that this was a matter for consideration by the councillors.

Kerry County Council recently refused permission for the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to build a new nature education centre in Killarney National Park, saying they were not satisfied that the proposed development would not give rise to a traffic hazard on the N71, amongst other reasons.

A TII submission said insufficient data had been submitted to prove there would be no impact on the capacity, safety or operational efficiency of the national road network.

The agency said the application did not appear to have been subject to any safety assessment and suggested alternative access arrangements be explored via the established access to Killarney National Park.

The proposal in its current format, if approved, could create an adverse impact on the national road and would be at variance with national policy in relation to control of frontage development on national roads and safeguarding road user safety, they said.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting scheme
Irish News

No hot water or wifi a life away from hustle and bustle  meet the new caretakers of Great Blanket Island

A young couple are leaving their jobs and city life to become the new caretakers of the Great Blasket Island  despite having never even visited it before.
Around the Districts

Atlantic Sheepdogs, Streedagh, Grange have received the Best Sheep Dog Trial award at the CIE Tours Annual Awards of Excellence. Pictured are: Stephen Cotter, Managing Director of CIE Tours with Martin and Trish Feeney, Atlantic Sheepdogs.

World Day of Prayer

St Georges Church, Tubbercurry will host a World Day of Prayer on Friday, March 6, at 8.30 p.m. The theme is I will give you Rest: Come, prepared by WDP Nigeria.

Clothes Collection

Achonry NS are organising a clothes collection so if your thinking of a wardrobe spring clean please donate. Collection dates: March 28 and 29 and again on April 11 and 12. Drop off point: St Nathys Hall.

Carrig Rua Bakery at Three Hills Cafe

Order fresh artisan breads from Carrig Rua Bakery and collect from the Three Hills Cafe on Saturday mornings. If you would like to be added to the WhatsApp group pop in and give your name.

Western Drama Festival

2026 Western Drama Festival will take place over nine nights from Friday, February 27, to Saturday, March 7, at St Brigids Hall Theatre, Tubbercurry with a fantsatic line-up of plays. Tickets on sale now by phoning 086 4553395 or via the website: westerndramafestival.com Further details, including synopses of the plays are available on the Western Drama Festival social media pages and website.

Ballymote

St Patricks Day Parade

The 2026 Ballymote St Patricks Day parade will commence at 3.30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, if you would like to enter a float please email ballymotestpatrickparade@gmail.com for entry form. Looking forward to great family day.

Ballymote GAA Fifty/Fifty Draw

Congratulations to our latest winner of 1,004, name of winner displayed locally check out our Facebook page for more details. Tickets can be purchased at Kellys SuperValu on Saturday prior to Monday draw. Next draw Monday, March 2.

Play

The Corran players are back treading the boards again with their first play since 2019. The hilarious three-act comedy The Two loves of Gabriel Foley written by Jimmy Keary and directed By Emily Connor takes place in the Art Deco Theatre Ballymote on March 13, March 14 and 15 at 8 p.m. Tickets available through the Hawkswell Booking office and will also be available on the door on the night. Early booking is advisable.

Dates for your calendar

Two Social Dance dates for your calendar in March both being held in the Loftus Hall, Ballymote. On Sunday, March 1  Music by Nigel Livingstone, and Sunday, March 15  music by Carmel McLoughlin (we cancelled Carmels earlier booking in January due to weather) 8 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. Please come and support. Admission 10.

Manual Handling class

Sligo Leader will be running a free manual handling class at Ballymote Family Resource Centre, from 10 p.m. to 1.30 p.m., Thursday, February 26. Contact Michelle at 086 1925088 or email Kbrennan@sligoleader.com for more information. New Communities Inclusion Worker: For communities new to the Ballymote area assistance with local services for health, education, employment and well-being is available. Please phone Maria at 087 4708651 to make an appointment.

Ballymote FRC

English language classes are running at Ballymote FRC, Monday mornings from 9 p.m. to 1 p.m. In the English classes you will learn how to speak, listen, read and write in English. You will learn new words, grammar and conversation. For more information contact MSLETB at 071 9193841.

Counselling For Adults: A one to one subsidized counselling service for adults is available at Ballymote FRC Areas covered include anxiety and stress, relationship and family issues, grief and loss. Contact Maura at 083 3417974 for more details. A family support worker is available at Ballymote FRC Our family support worker is trained to offer support, advice and help to families going through difficult times.

Cloonacool Players

Whod have thought greed and romance go hand in hand, or a miracle and mayhem. But its all in Daughter from Over the Water Cloonacool Players staging of this hilarious comedy: Thursday the 19th, Saturday and Sunday, March 21, and 22, at 8 p.m. in Cloonacool Community Centre. Laugh the night away watching Pat Feehily, Eileen Davey and your many favourites including Michael Henry, Dennis Ross and Eimir Murphy. Definitely not to be missed.

Notes

Anyone who wishes to have news items included in the notes, please email miriamsfinn@eircom.net or phone 085 7561547. The deadline for submission of notes is 5pm on Thursday.

Cloonacool

Lotto Winners

Winners of January Community Park lotto draw: No winner of the jackpot. There were two winners of the match-three numbers: James and Mary McCarrick and Rachel and Thomas Brennan. The 30 Surlis voucher went to Frank Durcan. Sincere thanks to all who contribute to the lotto, it is the main fundraiser for our Community Park each year.

School Enrolment

St Michaels National School enrollment for incoming Junior Infant children will be opening on February 3. Enrolment forms are available from the school office and on our website.

Mens Shed

The Shed group meets each Wednesday evening at 8 p.m. at Carnaleck old school. New members and new ideas are always welcome. The Mens Shed will run a float in the annual Aclare St Patricks Day parade as a showcase for their projects and as an invitation to new members. The group will soon be in a position to seek projects from the wider community.

Drama Season

Whod have thought greed and romance go hand in hand, or miracle and mayhem? But its all in Daughter from Over the Water Cloonacool Players staging of this hilarious comedy: Thursday 19, Sat 21 and Sunday, March 22, at 8 p.m. in Cloonacool Community Centre. Laugh the night away watching Pat Feeley, Eileen Davey and your many favourites including Michael Henry, Dennis Ross and Eimir Murphy.

Drama Fest

The 2026 Western Drama Festival will take place over nine nights from Friday, February 27, to Saturday, March 7, at St Brigids Hall Theatre, with a fantastic line-up of plays. Tickets are on sale now by phoning 086 4553395 or via the website westerndramafestival.com.

Cloonacool 5k

There has been a change of date for the annual 5k run which will now take place on Sunday, March 29, at midday at Cloonacool Community Park. Runners, walkers and joggers all welcome. Fast course great chance to set a good time. Changing and shower facilities available. Refreshments served afterwards.

Notes

Please submit notes for inclusion to cloonacoolnotes@gmail.com by 6 p.m. on Thursdays.

Dromahair

Dromahair Development Association blotto draw

Our blotto draw took place in the Depot on Tuesday, February 17. The numbers drawn were 06, 07, 18 and 25. There was no winner of our jackpot of 8,800. Our five lucky winners of 30 were Elizabeth Potter Fawn, Ian Hazlett Ardvoley, Tracy Clancy Ardakipmore, Teagan Farrell and Patricia Harkin Killargue. Congratulations to all of them.

Our next blotto draw will take place in the Depot on Tuesday, March 3, and our jackpot will be 8,850. Watch out for the QR Code stickers that are up in different locations around the village. They will give you quick access to the draw online. Get your envelopes now in local businesses, we need your support. Good luck and thank you everyone for your continued much needed support.

Lourdes

The Kilmore Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes next year will take place from May 5 to May 10, flying from Ireland West Airport, Knock. Bookings will be with Cavan Travel, Main Street, Cavan 049 4361222 and for Assisted Pilgrims with Fr Tom Mannion, Pilgrimage Director, Ballinaglera, Co Leitrim . Call 087 9170879.

Killenummery Community Centre

While we are having renovations carried out to our centre please note change of venue for some of our classes and courses. Line dancing with Gary moved to Ballintogher Community Centre Mondays at 1 p.m. Chair exercise with Sue on Wednesday at midday now takes place in Killenummery Mens Shed. (Follow road past church and turn left at gates). Bowls with Killenummery Bowls Club moved to Killargue Community centre Wednesday evenings 7.30 to 9.30 p.m. Thursday Pilates with Rory moved to the Barracks Dromahair Thursdays 6 p.m. 7 p.m. 8 p.m.

We will let you all know when works are complete. For enquiries contact Thelma at 086 6017835.

Workshops

The New Ballagh Centre in Rossinver (near Manorhamiltion) is delighted to announce two new workshops; Active and Feel Great. six-week block. 5 per class (pay-as-you-go) With Grainne and Sue McGowan February 20: Stations with Balls and Resistance Bands. February 27: Chair Yoga. March 6: Activator Polls. March 13: Chair Exercise with Sue. March 20: Stations with balls and Resistance Bands. March 27 Chair Yoga. For more details and to register, contact education@rcdc.ie or 089 9658006. Indoor Short Mat Bowls: All levels welcome. Every Monday, 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. Fee: 5 at the door.

Keep Cups for sale

Keep Cups for sale in the Depot Office for 5. Very handy for having a drink on the go again and again. Why not get yours today. Office open Monday to Thursday 10 a.m.-1.

Garda Clinic

There will be a garda Clinic in Dromahair Barracks, Main Street F91PT4C on the second Wednesday of every month 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Classes in the Depot

Pilates with Rory. North Leitrim Dance Class.

Fab Fitness with Sue Pilates with Sue. Yoga with Amy.

Knit Group, yoga with Grainne, Karate.

For further information on any of the activities contact the Depot office, open 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday to Thursday. Contact us at 071 9134986 or 085 8017943.

Notes

Items for local notes to dda.tidytowns@gmail.com before midday on Thursday please.
A woman who was drunk and verbally abusive to staff at Sligo University Hospital has been given another chance to re-engage with the probation services.

Olha Yelisieieva (47) of Cregg House, Cregg, Rosses Point was charged with having a knife at the Accident and Emergency Department at Sligo University Hospital on November 9. She pleaded guilty to being drunk and a danger to herself and others on the same date and at the same location. And she pleaded guilty to two different counts of using threatening and abusive behaviour at the hospital on February 9 and on November 9.

The matter was before the court for a probation report on the defendant to consider her suitability for community service. Mr Eugene Deering BL instructed by Tom MacSharry Solicitor appeared for Yelisieieva, a native of Ukraine.

Judge Brendan OReilly said that the probation report does not help Yeslieieva. The matter was then put to second call as the defendant was not present in court.

When the matter resumed, Mr Deering informed Judge OReilly that Yeslieieva is willing to re-engage with the probation services. He added that his client has addiction and medical issues. He continued that Yeslieieva understands that she could be facing imprisonment for the charges and that her behaviour was unacceptable and knows that she is at the end of the road.

He said it was clear that she had come from a country where she had experienced trauma as a result of the war and that in itself had an effect on its own on the defendants mental health.

Judge OReilly said that Yeslieieva was welcomed into the country with open arms. He added that medical staff assisted her and that this is the way that she dealt with it.

Mr Deering said that Yeslieievas behaviour was appalling and that she had taken advantage of the countrys good will.

Judge OReilly said that hospitality extends two ways.

Yeslieieva was then invited to the witness box by Mr Deering.

The defendant speaking through an interpreter informed Judge OReilly that she has been in Ireland since 2022.

Mr Deering told Yeslieieva that she has serious criminal charges such as the possession of a knife which the court takes a dim view of. He added that she was given the option of community service which she threw back in the face of the court.

Yeslieieva replied that she is a drug addict and that nobody would take her in. She added that she is willing to re-engage with the probation services.

Judge OReilly asked if Yeslieieva will address the other issues that the offences happened whilst she was on bail.

Mr Deering said that it was appalling behaviour and asked her if she is going to stop offending.

Yeslieieva replied that she is much better than last year.

Judge OReilly asked the defendant when her last drink was. Yeslieieva replied that it was last year.

Judge OReilly said that Yeslieieva came here on a plea of guilty and that he expects remorse to be obvious, expects humility and that he expects honestly. He added that she is fortunate to have a good barrister and adjourned the matter to June 4 for her to re-engage with the probation services.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.
Tributes paid to Michael Budd who died following crash on Tuesday

Tributes have been paid to the motorcyclist who was killed in Tuesdays collision near Riverstown.

Michael Budd, who was in his 50s, was a well known blacksmith and artist.who lived at Drumee, Sooey with his family. He is survived by his wife, Tiffany and children, Molly and George.

He will be reposing at his residence on Thursday and Friday from 5pm to 8pm with a memorial gathering taking place in Sooey Hall from 11am until noon on Saturday with removal after to Mount Jerome Crematorium, Dublin.

The accident involving a lorry and a motorcycle driven by Mr Budd occurred at approximately 9:20am on Tuesday at Rusheen, Riverstown. Mr Budd was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was removed to the mortuary at Sligo University Hospital where post-mortem examination took place.

Mr Budd left Portsmouth with his wife Tiffany and then three month old daughter, Molly, to move to Sligo in 2000 and after settling into life in Riverstown, he began working for a local blacksmith.

In 2006 he set up his own forge in Riverstown and built a reputation for his hand forged works. His work saw him get through to the finals of the National Craft Awards where he was a winner of a number of awards.

He was commissioned to create public sculpture for among others the public library in Ballymote and Kilfane Glen and Waterfall Trust, County Kilkenny.

His work was a blend of contemporary design and traditional blacksmithing techniques he uses to create one-off and limited edition pieces.

Michael was the winner of the merit prize for excellence in ironwork at the 2007 RDS National Craft Awards

He has given lessons in forge work at the Westport Arts Festival and has also demonstrated his craft at the Bloom Festival in Dublin and on the Late Late Show. He had various exhibitions including those in Dublin and Leitrim as well as at the Cat and the Moon gallery in Sligo.

Mikes sudden passing has sent shockwaves throughout the Sooey/Riverstown areas.
Unsecured loans up to 100,000 available

North West Credit Union has announced it is joining Cultivate, the collaborative credit union finance lending platform for farmers.

Cultivate is supported by the Irish League of Credit Unions as the credit unions national farm finance brand.

Speaking on behalf of Cultivate, Joe Healy, Chairperson of Cultivate, said: We are delighted to welcome North West Credit Union to the Cultivate network.

This announcement highlights the growing demand that farmers have to access farmer friendly finance.

Cultivate offers a specialised finance option to farmers as we look to work with our farming members to develop their business.

We offer flexible unsecured loans up to 100,000.

We look forward to working with North West Credit Union and all other local stakeholders as together we improve and expand the Cultivate loan offering for local farmers.

With a growing national footprint, Irish farmers are increasingly able to take advantage of the local decision making and personal service offered by Cultivate Credit Unions.

Participating credit unions work closely with farmer members to meet their changing needs.

Cultivate offers Irish farmers the opportunity to talk with people who understand farming and to agree a financial package that this tailored to best suit the needs of the farmer and their farming enterprise.

Carmel Mullaney, Deputy CEO of North West Credit Union said:

We are thrilled to be joining the Cultivate family. We have seen a growing interest and demand from our farming members for farmer friendly finance.

In 2025 Boyle Credit Union transferred into Sligo Credit Union and we subsequently rebranded Sligo Credit Union to North West Credit Union to represent the combined geographical area of our membership base.

Sligo town itself would primarily be seen as an urban centre; however, our common bond stretches throughout Co. Sligo, we have offices in Collooney, Co Sligo, in Drumkeeran in Co. Leitrim and Boyle and Keadue in Co. Roscommon.

We needed to represent the interests and financial needs of everyone in the three counties, both urban and rural, and we believe that offering Cultivate loans is the correct step towards that representation and that it will have a very positive impact on our farming members.

Cultivate also separately published analysis of their 2025 loan applications.

The average loan application from farmers in all sectors was 39,021. April was the busiest month during the period for loan applications.

The most popular reason for applying for a Cultivate loan was for stocking and working capital (26%), equipment purchases (21%) and farm buildings (20%).

Ms Mullaney said: This announcement confirms what we have long believed, farmers in the north west region need an alternative flexible finance lender.

For any farmer who wants to find out more about how to access a Cultivate loan, they can go to North West Credit Union website at North West Credit Union Home or call our members services team at 071-9317500.
Protest will go ahead on Wednesday at City Hall, Sligo at 5pm.

Despite a climbdown on proposed Special Needs Assistant cuts, a demonstration in support of the sector will go ahead on Wednesday at 5pm at City Hall, Sligo.

Parents, Special Needs Assistants and supporters will gather to protest.

Protests over reductions in SNAs will be taking place across the country this week. Many are at 5pm on Wednesday to coincide with the protest outside Leinster House.

The number of SNAs at around 580 schools were reviewed by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), and a third were told that the number of SNAs at their school would be reduced from September. Two thirds were deemed to need more SNAs or to keep their current allocation as it was.

The Government confirmed on Tuesday that there will be no reductions to special needs assistants for the next school year, and any school that has been allocated additional resources will receive them.

It was also agreed that the SNA redeployment scheme, the SNA workforce development plan and changes to a 2014 circular outlining the role of a SNA will be advanced before any further decisions are taken.

The Government has said it will provide an additional 19 million in funding to ensure all SNAs are retained.

The Government agreed not to reduce the number of SNAs at any schools from September, but in schools where the NCSE said more SNAs were needed, they will be allocated.

Once a revised circular, a redeployment scheme and a workforce development plan for SNAs are published, the NCSE will again review SNA allocations at schools for the 27/28 academic year.

SNA trade union Forsa said the Government announcement of extra funding was a "sticking plaster to be in place for 12 months while the Government tries to get its act together".
1. The Whistlin Donkeys

Hailing from County Tyrone, The Whistlin Donkeys have been performing together since 2011 and have gained a strong following in Ireland and around the world. The band will perform at the National Opera House on Friday, February 27 at 7.30pm. Tickets are 29.95 plus facility fee. See https://www.nationaloperahouse.ie/whats-on/the-whistlin-donkeys to book.

2. The Greatest 80s Show

The Greatest 80s Show is back  and its bigger, bolder, and bursting with new surprises! Were proudly returning to The National Opera House and bringing a whole new wave of 80s magic. Expect lots of brand-new songs, jaw-dropping moments, and the same infectious energy thats made The Greatest 80s Show Irelands must-see 80s theatre sensation. The show starts at 7.30pm on Saturday, February 28. Tickets are 27.50 plus facility fee. See https://www.nationaloperahouse.ie/whats-on to book.

3. Tommy Halferty Trio

Tommy Halferty Trio, featuring Pierrick Manuau from France, Derek Whyte on Bass with guest vocals Melanie OReilly, will perform at Wexford Arts Centre on Thursday, February 26 at 7.30pm. Legends of international and Irish jazz are coming together for an exceptional live performance. Tickets are 20 plus 1.50 fee. See https://www.wexfordartscentre.ie/events/ to book tickets.

4. Kids Pop Concert

A Kids Daytime Concert, featuring all the hits from K-Pop Demon Hunters, Wicked, Disney, Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter and more, will take place at Wexford Arts Centre on Saturday, February 28 at 2pm. This is a standing-only event. Tickets are 22 plus 1.50 fee. See https://www.wexfordartscentre.ie/events/ to book tickets.

5. Jay Azzolina Trio

Jay Azzolina Trio featuring Jay Azzolina and guests including Kevin Lawlor, will perform at The Sky & The Ground in Wexford town on Saturday, February 28 at 7.30pm. Jay Azzolina is an American jazz and fusion guitarist known for his work with the Grammy Award-winning group Spyro Gyra. He has also performed and recorded with Carly Simon, Donna Summer, The Manhattan Transfer, Herbie Mann, Rickie Lee Jones, and Chuck Mangione. Tickets are 20 plus 1.50 fee. See https://www.wexfordartscentre.ie/events/ to book tickets.

6. Trasna - Ger O Donnell & Trevor Sexton

Back by popular demand Trasna - Ger O Donnell & Trevor Sexton will perform at Rackards of Killanne on Sunday, March 1 at 7.30pm. Tickets are 25 and are available from the bar or on Eventbrite. This a seated event and there are limited tickets available.

7. North Wexford Historical Society  February Lecture

Join North Wexford Historical Society on Thursday, February 26 at 7pm in Gorey Library for a fascinating journey into an unexpected piece of Irish social history. Historian Kieran Cronin will explore the story of dog licences in Ireland down through the ages uncovering how regulations, records, and rural life intertwined over generations. From curious laws to historical insights, this promises to be an engaging and informative evening for anyone with an interest in local and national history. For more details contact Gorey Library at (053) 948 3820.
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
A Dublin man involved in an incident that injured seven people, when a car went through a shop window on Brays Man Street, has had a charge of dangerous driving causing serious harm struck out.

Dermot Logan (29), of Wesley Lawn, Dundrum, Dublin 16, appeared before Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court for a Section 4E hearing.

A Section 4E hearing is when a judge reviews a case before it goes to trial to decide whether there is enough evidence for it to proceed.

The defence can apply for such a hearing if they believe the prosecution case is not strong enough to go before a jury.

Mr Logan had entered a plea of not guilty to one count of dangerous driving causing serious harm. Counsel for the prosecution, James Kelly BL, told the court that it would be alleged at trial that on February 15, 2024, the accused was engaged in work at Bray Central on Main Street, Bray. Bray Central is a retail and leisure development.

It was alleged that while driving a cherry picker towards a loading bay on Florence Road, Mr Logan became involved in a collision with a car. The impact caused the car to veer off course and crash through the front of the Euro Saver shop.

The court heard that seven people were injured.

Counsel for Mr Logan, Gemma McLoughlin Burke BL, said she would analyse four portions of the Book of Evidence and make submissions on behalf of her client.

The court heard that in a statement, the woman driving the car said she had received a green light and then observed a man driving what she described as a forklift.

She stated that she saw Mr Logan and that he saw her.

She believed she had five or six inches of space to pass before her car spun out of control.

Ms McLoughlin Burke submitted that this indicated the driver, now aged in her 90s , believed she had sufficient room to proceed.

An eyewitness statement said the car struck the cherry picker, which could be seen beeping all the way down.

During garda interview, Mr Logan stated that during safety training he was instructed to keep the forks low to the ground and to ensure pedestrians and drivers were aware of his presence.

The court was told that no prosecution has since been brought against the pensioner

Ms McLoughlin Burke argued that while the elderly driver saw the cherry picker, she appeared to continue at the same speed and that the misjudgment is not on the part of Mr Logan.

Mr Kelly told the court that it was a classic case for a jury to analyse, adding that while there may be some fragility in the evidence, there were no fatal flaws in the prosecution case.

Judge Patrick Quinn ruled in favour of the defence and struck out all charges against Mr Logan.

In his judgement he decided that the material presented did not show a case that could realistically succeed before a jury.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
Department of Justice officials have confirmed that a holiday village in Wicklow, currently under investigation over claims of planning breaches, remains under contract to provide accommodation for those seeking international protection.

David Delaney, who is head of international protection and integration, clarified the situation during a recent meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), where the discussion focused on the intersection of multi-million-euro state payments to the provider and an associated high-profile planning dispute.

Mr Delaney stated that the facility will continue to be used until relevant legal proceedings are concluded.

The Department maintains that the planning issueswhich involve 65 structures allegedly built without permissionrelate to parts of the property not currently contracted for IPAS accommodation.

Officials have previously emphasised that regulatory matters, including planning and enforcement, are strictly between the local authority (Wicklow County Council) and the private provider (Seefin Events Unlimited).

PAC chair and Wicklow TD John Brady used the Kippure case to challenge officials, describing it as a "microcosm" of a flawed system where "one arm of the state gives out millions... while another arm takes them to the High Court.

Officials acknowledged the pressure on accommodation availability, but defended the need to use existing commercial capacity.

During the meeting it was revealed that the company operating the Kippure IPAS centre received approximately 5.6 million in payments between July and September 2025 alone. Total payments to the provider since 2023 were cited by members as exceeding 37 million.

Wicklow County Council has issued demolition orders for 65 dwellings on the site. An Bord Pleanala (and subsequently An Coimisiun Pleanala) upheld the council's refusal of retention planning permission in December 2025.

The Comptroller and Auditor Generals report, which informed the PAC discussions, noted that only one in five IPAS properties examined had clear evidence of planning permission or exempted development status at the time of contracting.

Deputy Brady believes the lack of accommodation is having a knock-on effect on the local economy.

From a constituency perspective, if we look at west Wicklow, every tourism accommodation is taken up either by Ukrainians or IPAS. I am acutely aware that a new contract has been entered into for The Avon in Blessington. That contract was renewed for 12 months. If we move to the east of the county, in Bray most if not all the hotel accommodation is taken up to provide accommodation either for IPAS or for Ukrainians.

Wicklow Sinn Fein TD John Brady.

Similarly, in Wicklow town a new contract has been entered into with the Grand Hotel to provide IPAS accommodation, with some revision.

Thousands of beds in Wicklow have been lost to tourism purposes. There is nearly zero accommodation now available for tourism purposes.

Deputy Brady believes this is the wrong approach for the local community and economy.

The Royal Hotel, the Esplanade Hotel and the Wilton Hotel, all in Bray are also currently being used for Ukrainian and IPAS accommodation, as well as several guest houses across Wicklow, removing hundreds of tourism beds.

The minister had assured us that, as pressures eased, hotels and guest houses would revert to tourism and community use.

These decisions completely contradict that and leave Wicklow with a chronic shortage of beds for visitors.

In response, Mr Delaney said they are bound by certain protocols.

We still have to renew as many contracts as we can to maintain the stock of beds that we have in the system. We are not at a point that we can release contracts. We have obligations to accommodate people who are arriving and those who are still awaiting offers, who arrived previously. That is a key driver as well.

As chair of the committee, Deputy Brady has requested additional information from the Department in relation to these matters and will be following up to, in his words ensure satisfactory answers are provided.

The legal proceedings regarding the enforcement notices for Kippure Lodge and Holiday Village have seen several delays.

The High Court case was most recently adjourned on January 26, 2026. This marked the third adjournment of the case in the current year. While a specific new date for the next hearing has not been widely publicised in the immediate aftermath of that January session, the case remains active within the High Court system.

The legal battle stems from enforcement notices issued by Wicklow County Council concerning unauthorised developments on the estate, which is currently used for IPAS applicants.

The council previously ordered the demolition of approximately 65 structures (including houses and accommodation blocks) and the removal of roads and footpaths built without planning permission.

In December 2025, An Coimisiun Pleanala (formerly An Bord Pleanala) upheld the council's decision to refuse "retention permission" for these buildings, confirming they were not exempt from planning laws.

Objections were also raised by Uisce Eireann regarding the potential impact of unauthorised sewerage works on the regional water supply.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme

This article was amended on February 26, 2026, at 12.40pm with a more recent picture of Kippure Lodge.
Peter Mandelson arrested over baseless suggestion he planned to leave UK, say his lawyers

Former minister had agreed to attend a voluntary interview with police next month

Members of the media work outside Peter Mandelson's reported residence after he was released following his arrest. Photo: Reuters

Kate Devlin UK Independent Wed 25 Feb 2026 at 06:30

Peter Mandelsons lawyers have said the former UK cabinet minister was arrested after what they said was a baseless suggestion that he was planning to leave the country.
Allies vow not to abandon Ukraine as conflict enters its fifth year

EU says 90bn loan will happen one way or the other

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and European Council president Antonio Costa (right) visit a damaged power plant in Kyiv. Photo: Reuters

Dan Peleschuk Wed 25 Feb 2026 at 06:30

European leaders have vowed not to abandon Ukraine as Russias invasion entered a fifth year, though divisions among Kyivs partners overshadowed commemorations of the outbreak of the continents largest war in decades.
A section of a new mosaic is positioned over a reference drawing of Michelangelos Last Judgment inside the Vatican Mosaic Studio, at the Vatican. Photo: Reuters

Since the late 1500s, a small workshop in the Vatican has cared for the hundreds of mosaics that decorate the interior of St Peters Basilica in a sea of colour.

The 12 artists on staff at the Vatican Mosaic Studio also produce smaller artworks that Pope Leo uses for a kind of mosaic diplomacy, gifting them to foreign leaders visiting the Vatican or on his own trips overseas.
Dozens of aid groups said they have petitioned Israels Supreme Court to allow them to keep operating in Gaza, warning of dire consequences if new rules obliging them to name staff force shutdowns.

Thirty-seven international organisations including medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres and the Norwegian Refugee Council would have to shutter their operations within days after Israel ordered them at the end of December to stop work in Gaza and the occupied West Bank within 60 days, unless they meet new rules including providing employee details.
Demonstrators march from Whitehall to the Iranian Embassy in London, calling for a regime change in Iran. Photo: Jeff Moore/PA Wire

Iran has sentenced dozens of people to death over their alleged involvement in last months nationwide protests, according to Amnesty International.

The rights group said at least 30 people are currently facing the death penalty in Iran, including at least nine people hurriedly sentenced this month, within weeks of their arrests.
Gavin Newsom bans Kid Rock from California over RFK Jr fitness clip

I have seen enough, governors office posted after video showing musician and health secretary working out

California governor Gavin Newsom. Photo: Getty

Rhian Lubin UK Independent Wed 25 Feb 2026 at 06:30

Governor of California Gavin Newsom said he is banning Kid Rock from the state for the creepy workout video the MAGA musician appeared in last week with US health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr.
A record 129 journalists and media workers were killed in the course of their work last year, two-thirds of them killed by Israel, the Committee to Protect Journalists said on Wednesday. It was the second straight year that press killings set a record and the second straight year that Israel was responsible for two-thirds of them, the CPJ, a New York-based independent organization which documents attacks on the press, said in its annual report.
IndiaFrance Tax Treaty Revised: Dividend Relief, Capital Gains Changes, and Investor Impact

India has formally revised its three-decade-old tax treaty with France, introducing significant changes that reduce dividend taxation for major investors while expanding Indias ability to tax capital gains and cross-border share transactions.

During the recent visit of the President of France to India, the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the French Republic signed a Protocol amending the IndiaFrance Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC), originally signed on September 29, 1992.

The amended protocol modernizes the 1992 IndiaFrance double tax treaty, aligning it with Indias wider treaty renegotiation strategy focused on source-based taxation, anti-avoidance safeguards, and legal clarity following recent judicial and policy developments.

For French multinationals, portfolio investors, and businesses structuring investments through France, the revised treaty carries immediate implications for dividend flows, exit planning, and tax structuring in India.

Assess Your IndiaFrance Treaty Exposure

The revised double tax treaty may impact dividend flows, exit structuring, and PE risk. Speak with our tax advisors to evaluate your holding structures and compliance exposure.

 Contact our India tax team: India@dezshira.com

Key changes under the revised IndiaFrance tax treaty

1. Dividend tax recalibration

Among the most commercially significant outcomes is the restructuring of dividend withholding tax (WHT) rates:

5 percent dividend tax for French companies holding at least 10 percent equity in an Indian entity (reduced from 10 percent).

15 percent dividend tax for holdings below 10 percent (increased from 10 percent).

The Amending Protocol replaces the earlier single-rate structure with this differentiated approach, reflecting international treaty norms and encouraging long-term, substantive investment.

Advisory perspective:

Strategic and long-term investors stand to benefit from lower dividend leakages.

Minority and portfolio investors may see higher recurring tax costs.

The change could generate meaningful savings for established French investors with significant India exposure.

2. Expanded capital gains taxing rights for India

A central feature of the Protocol is the allocation of full taxing rights over capital gains to the jurisdiction in which the company is resident.

In practical terms, this means India gains broader authority to tax gains arising from the sale of shares of Indian companies, even where transactions involve offshore entities.

Advisory perspective:

Exit structures relying on treaty-based exemptions may require reassessment.

Portfolio investors with Indian equity exposure face higher scrutiny on disposals.

France-based foreign portfolio investors held approximately US$21 billion in Indian equities as of January 2026, highlighting the potential market impact.

The IndiaFrance tax treaty changes illustrate a broader transition in how India approaches cross-border capital flows. Tax efficiency alone is becoming less decisive than regulatory clarity, operational presence, and long-term market strategy. Institutional investors should view this development not simply as a bilateral adjustment, but as part of Indias continuing evolution toward a more substance-driven investment framework.

3. Removal of the Most Favored Nation (MFN) clause

The Protocol formally deletes the MFN clause from the treaty framework, bringing closure to long-running interpretational issues that intensified following the Indian Supreme Court ruling in late 2023.

Previously, treaty partners could claim more favorable terms if India later granted better conditions to another OECD country. The removal eliminates uncertainty and clearly defines treaty outcomes independent of other agreements.

Advisory perspective:

The deletion removes ambiguity and reduces treaty-shopping opportunities.

IndiaFrance treaty outcomes now operate on a standalone basis.

4. Updates to technical services, PE exposure, and international standards

The revised framework also introduces several structural updates designed to align the treaty with modern international tax standards:

Alignment of the definition of Fees for Technical Services (FTS) with the IndiaUS DTAA framework.

Expansion of Permanent Establishment (PE) scope through the introduction of Service PE provisions.

Updated provisions on Exchange of Information.

Introduction of a new article on Assistance in Collection of Taxes, strengthening mutual enforcement cooperation.

Incorporation of relevant provisions of the BEPS Multilateral Instrument (MLI) already applicable to both countries.

These changes collectively enhance administrative cooperation and facilitate seamless cross-border tax information exchange.

Advisory perspective:

French service providers operating in India may face greater PE exposure.

Technology, consulting, and licensing arrangements should be reassessed for withholding tax and PE risk.

Enforcement and compliance expectations are likely to increase over time.

Review Your Cross-Border Tax Strategy

From dividend modeling to capital gains planning, treaty changes require proactive restructuring analysis. Our experts can help align your investment structure with the new rules.

 Book a tax structuring consultation: India@dezshira.com

Commercial impact: Who is most affected?

The revised treaty has particular relevance for large French corporate groups that have expanded India operations in recent years, including Capgemini, Accor, Sanofi, Pernod Ricard, Danone, and LOreal, among others.

These companies, alongside institutional portfolio investors, may experience both opportunities (lower dividend withholding) and new considerations (expanded capital gains tax exposure).

Strategic context: Treaty revision amid deepening bilateral ties

The tax protocol arrives amid broader momentum in IndiaFrance economic relations:

Bilateral trade reportedly reached approximately US$15 billion last year.

Recent high-level engagement included collaboration across defense manufacturing, aerospace, and advanced technology sectors.

From a policy standpoint, the treaty update supports Indias broader objective of modernizing legacy tax treaties while improving legal certainty and aligning with global standards.

Also Read: Switzerland to Suspend MFN Clause for India under DTAA from January 1, 2025

What this means for investors and businesses

For long-term strategic investors, the revised IndiaFrance treaty offers a clearer incentive structure that rewards substantive equity participation. The reduced dividend withholding tax for investors holding at least 10 percent equity improves post-tax return profiles and enhances the attractiveness of longer-duration investments in India. More broadly, the changes reinforce Indias policy direction toward encouraging real economic presence and sustained capital commitment rather than passive or purely tax-driven investment arrangements.

Portfolio investors, however, may face a more complex operating environment. The higher dividend tax rate applicable to minority holdings, combined with expanded capital gains taxing rights for India, could alter investment economics and influence both holding periods and exit strategies. Investors relying on treaty-based efficiencies may need to revisit assumptions around post-tax returns, particularly where structures were designed under earlier interpretations of the treaty.

For multinational groups operating in India, the revised framework warrants a comprehensive review of existing cross-border structures. Holding arrangements established under previous treaty expectations may no longer deliver the same tax outcomes, making reassessment of entity structuring and financing models increasingly important. At the same time, changes to the definition of fees for technical services and the expansion of permanent establishment provisions raise potential exposure for intra-group service arrangements, meaning companies should carefully evaluate operational models, documentation, and functional substance to manage compliance and PE risk going forward.

The revised IndiaFrance protocol reflects a clear policy direction toward substance-based taxation and greater certainty in treaty interpretation. While long-term strategic investors may benefit from dividend relief, businesses relying on legacy holding structures will need to reassess how capital gains and permanent establishment rules reshape their tax exposure in India.  Krishan Aggarwal, Operations Director, Dezan Shira & Associates India Office

Implementation timeline

The Protocol will enter into effect after completion of domestic legal procedures in both India and France, and in accordance with agreed terms between the two governments.

Until then, businesses should begin preparing for changes likely to influence investment modeling, treaty reliance, and cross-border structuring decisions.

Outlook: Greater certainty, stronger cooperation

The Amending Protocol updates the IndiaFrance DTAC in line with evolving international tax standards while balancing the fiscal interests of both jurisdictions.

From a policy perspective, the revision reflects Indias continued shift toward clearer, source-based taxation frameworks backed by stronger enforcement cooperation. For investors, this creates a more predictable, though increasingly substance-driven, treaty environment.

While dividend relief offers clear upside for strategic shareholders, expanded capital gains provisions and strengthened anti-avoidance measures signal that cross-border tax planning between India and France will require deeper structural review going forward.

Also Read: India Clarifies Tax Treaties with Mauritius, Cyprus, and Singapore

Frequently asked questions

1. When will the revised IndiaFrance tax treaty come into effect?

The Amending Protocol will become effective only after India and France complete their respective domestic legal and ratification procedures. Until then, existing treaty provisions continue to apply. Businesses should nonetheless begin reviewing structures early, as the changes may influence dividend planning, capital gains strategies, and ongoing investment models once implemented.

2. How do the new dividend tax rates affect French investors in India?

The revised treaty introduces a split dividend withholding tax regime: a reduced 5 percent rate for French entities holding at least 10 percent equity in an Indian company and a higher 15 percent rate for smaller holdings. This means strategic, long-term investors may benefit from improved post-tax returns, while portfolio or minority investors could face higher recurring tax costs.

3. Why is the expansion of Indias capital gains taxing rights important for investors?

Under the revised treaty, India gains broader authority to tax capital gains arising from the sale of shares in Indian companies, including certain offshore transactions. This reduces reliance on treaty-based exemptions that some investors previously used, meaning exit structures, investment vehicles, and holding models may need reassessment to ensure continued tax efficiency and compliance.

4. Does the revised IndiaFrance tax treaty signal a broader shift in Indias international tax policy?

Yes. The protocol reflects Indias wider move toward source-based taxation, greater emphasis on economic substance, and alignment with global anti-avoidance standards. The expansion of capital gains taxing rights, removal of the MFN clause, and incorporation of BEPS-related provisions suggest that India is prioritizing legal clarity and enforcement consistency over treaty-driven tax arbitrage. For multinational groups, this indicates a long-term policy direction rather than a one-off bilateral adjustment.

5. Should multinational groups reconsider their India holding structures because of these changes?

Companies with France-linked holding or financing structures should reassess existing models, particularly if they were designed under earlier treaty assumptions. The revised dividend regime may benefit strategic shareholders, but expanded capital gains taxation and broader permanent establishment rules could alter overall tax efficiency. Board-level reviews should examine substance requirements, intercompany service arrangements, and exit strategies to ensure structures remain commercially and fiscally sustainable.
Leave India Notice (LIN) on Employment Visa: A Compliance Checklist for Expats

The Karnataka High Court has clarified the procedural standards applicable to the issuance of Leave India Notices (LINs) to foreign nationals working in India on employment visas. The court held that immigration authorities are not required to provide a separate prior hearing to the employee where the alleged violation arises from representations made by the sponsoring employer.

According to the court, procedural fairness is satisfied when the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) issues a show-cause notice to the employer, particularly where compliance obligations and statutory declarations lie within the employers domain rather than the employees personal control.

Background of the case

The Karnataka HCs February 2026 decision was delivered by Justice Suraj Govindaraj while dismissing a petition filed by an Australian national challenging a LIN dated May 1, 2019. The petitioner argued that the notice directing him to leave India violated principles of natural justice because he was neither informed beforehand nor given an opportunity to respond.

Central governments submissions

The central government maintained that the employment visa had been obtained through suppression and misrepresentation linked to the employers statutory filings. Authorities highlighted that:

The employment visa was valid only until January 7, 2020. The petitioner exited India on November 15, 2019. Following the departure and expiry of the visa, the LIN had effectively exhausted its purpose.

Karnataka High Courts findings

Rejecting the petitioners arguments, the court concluded that:

Issuance of a show-cause notice to the sponsoring employer fulfilled procedural fairness requirements. Where alleged violations concern employer declarations, the employee cannot demand an independent hearing on matters beyond personal knowledge or control. The LIN was legally valid and suffered from no procedural illegality.

The court further observed that subsequent developments, including the petitioners departure, visa expiry, and issuance of fresh visas, rendered the legal challenge infructuous.

What is a LIN?

A Leave India Notice is an administrative directive issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (HMA) or the FRRO requiring a foreign national to exit India within a specified period, often ranging from a few days to several weeks.

These notices are generally brief and may provide limited or no explanation for the decision. Authorities exercise broad discretion in immigration control; however, such discretion must still comply with principles of legality, fairness, and proportionality, making the orders open to judicial review.

Common grounds for issuance

LIN may be issued in a variety of circumstances, including:

Visa overstay or breach of visa conditions

Criminal allegations or ongoing investigations

Inclusion in immigration watchlists or blacklists

National security concerns (often broadly framed)

Not all notices arise from serious violations. Administrative errors, identity confusion, incomplete government records, or minor procedural lapses, such as delayed visa renewal, have also resulted in issuance. Courts frequently scrutinize these factors when reviewing challenges.

Modes of service and compliance timelines

Authorities may deliver a LIN through several channels:

Personal service at an FRRO office

Postal delivery to the registered address

Service at airports during travel checks

Electronic communication, including email

Once issued, the notice takes immediate effect. Compliance windows are often short, sometimes as little as seven days, creating practical difficulties for individuals with employment, education, or family commitments in India. Failure to comply may trigger enforcement measures, including detention and removal.

Understanding work visa categories in India

India offers multiple visa categories depending on the nature of engagement. The most relevant for corporate mobility include:

Employment visa (e-visa category): Issued to foreign nationals employed by an Indian entity, transferred within multinational groups, or engaged for specialized professional services. Business visa: Granted to individuals visiting India for meetings, negotiations, market exploration, or short-term business activities without entering into local employment.

Other categories, such as project, journalist, or film visas, exist but apply to specific industries. Companies should carefully align the visa type with the individuals actual activities in India, as immigration authorities assess substance over form.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ON BUSINESS VISAS IN INDIA

Key compliance risks and operational pitfalls

Restrictions on working for multiple employers

Employment visas are employer-specific. Foreign nationals sponsored by one Indian entity cannot undertake freelance work or services for other organizations.

Authorities increasingly review financial records during visa renewals. Income earned outside the approved employment arrangement may lead to refusal of extensions, issuance of exit permits, or blacklisting risks for both employee and employer.

Incorrect visa selection

Misclassification between business and employment visas remains a common compliance error. Where a foreign national executes project work, delivers services, or receives compensation linked to activities performed in India, an employment visa is generally required, even if structured as consulting.

Using an incorrect visa category may result in fines, forced departure, or future entry restrictions.

Employment vs. consultant classification risks

Visa status does not automatically determine employment classification. Authorities evaluate the actual working relationship, including supervision and control by the Indian entity, adherence to company policies, reporting structures, and integration into local operations.

Increased scrutiny for generic roles

Indian authorities prioritize protection of the domestic workforce. Visa applications for roles that can be readily filled by local talent are increasingly rejected.

Employers must demonstrate a clear business justification, such as specialized expertise, technology transfer, or language capabilities unavailable locally.

ALSO READ: How Indias New e-B-4 Visa Solves Your Foreign Talent Challenges

Minimum salary threshold and compensation structuring

Employment visa eligibility requires a minimum annual salary threshold (as specified under the central government rules). Compensation details must be clearly documented.

Authorities increasingly expect expatriates to receive remuneration within India rather than through overseas reimbursements. Cross-border salary reimbursements may trigger tax exposure, permanent establishment (PE) risks, or classification as technical service payments.

Travel restrictions during visa or FRRO processing

Foreign nationals must exercise caution when visa extensions or FRRO registrations are under process. Leaving India during pending applications can result in travel restrictions or procedural complications at immigration checkpoints.

Tax and provident fund compliance obligations

Immigration compliance is closely linked with tax and social security obligations:

Business visa holders staying beyond 180 days may require FRRO registration and tax compliance.

PF obligations may apply where an employment relationship exists, irrespective of visa category.

Authorities increasingly rely on data analytics to detect inconsistencies between visa status and compliance filings.

MUST READ: Key Considerations for Expatriates in India: Jobs, Location Costs, and Tax

LIN risk checklist for foreign employees working in India

A LIN is often triggered by compliance gaps rather than intentional violations. Foreign nationals working in India should periodically review the following risk areas to minimize immigration exposure.

Visa & employment alignment

Ensure your visa category matches your actual activities in India (employment vs. business visa).

Work only for the sponsoring employer named in your visa approval.

Avoid freelance or side assignments unless formally permitted.

Registration & immigration compliance

Complete mandatory registration with the FRRO within prescribed timelines.

Keep visa, registration, and residential address details updated.

Monitor visa validity and initiate extensions well before expiry.

Travel precautions

Do not leave India while a visa extension or FRRO application is under process unless officially permitted.

Carry copies of your visa, passport, and FRRO acknowledgement during travel.

Tax & financial compliance

File Indian income tax returns where applicable.

Ensure salary payments and bank credits align with declared employment arrangements.

Maintain records of compensation received inside and outside India.

Employment documentation

Maintain a valid employment or consultancy agreement.

Ensure compensation meets Employment Visa salary thresholds.

Keep payslips, tax filings, and employment letters accessible.

Regulatory communication

Respond promptly to notices or emails from immigration authorities or the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Inform your employer immediately if contacted by immigration authorities.

Early warning signs to act on

Visa renewal delays or repeated document requests

Queries regarding income sources or employer details

FRRO compliance notices or inspection calls

Action: Seek immigration or legal advice immediately; early intervention can often prevent escalation into a LIN.

Advisory Support for Foreign Expats and Employers in India Dezan Shira & Associates assists multinational companies and foreign professionals in navigating Indias employment visa and immigration compliance framework. Our India advisory team provides end-to-end support covering visa strategy, expatriate structuring, FRRO compliance, payroll and tax alignment, and ongoing regulatory risk management to ensure smooth and compliant cross-border assignments. Reach us at: India@dezshira.com
Greece's tourism sector shattered previous records in 2025, drawing nearly 38 million visitors and generating a massive 23.6 billion euros ($25.6 billion) in revenue to provide a critical buffer for the national economy.

According to Bank of Greece data released this week, tourism receipts surged by 9.4% compared to 2024.

The Mediterranean nation welcomed 37.98 million travelersa 5.6% increasedriven by strong growth

across both airport arrivals and land borders.

Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni hailed the milestone, noting that the financial gains significantly outpaced the sheer volume of new arrivals.

"This shows that we are gradually improving in qualitative indicators," Mrs. Kefalogianni said, describing 2025 as the best year of all time for the sector.

While European Union residents made up the bulk of the visitors at 22.4 million, non-EU arrivals saw the sharpest spike, jumping 10% to reach 15.56 million.

Germany and the United Kingdom fueled the boom, each contributing roughly 3.8 billion euros to the Greek economy.

Germany led in total volume with 5.9 million arrivals, followed closely by the U.K. with 4.9 million.

Visitors from the United States also showed robust spending, injecting 1.7 billion euros into the market despite a modest 0.2% uptick in actual arrivals.

The influx of international travelers resulted in a travel balance surplus of 20.25 billion euros. Crucially, this tourism windfall accounted for 89% of the country's service receipts, effectively offsetting nearly 60% of Greece's goods trade deficit.

   iefimerida.gr
The Lagos State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has renamed its permanent secretariat after Nigerias First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, nearly three decades after operating without an administrative headquarters.

This was disclosed in a statement on Tuesday by the National President of CAN, Daniel Okoh, who officially declared open the building named Senator Oluremi Tinubu CAN Lagos State Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja.

According to Okoh, the Lagos chapter demonstrated perseverance and commitment in ensuring that the secretariat became a reality. The unveiling consolidates CAN Lagos operations under a permanent structure for the first time in nearly 30 years.

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I urge all members to remain united and dedicated to the work of Christian leadership in Lagos State, Okoh stated.

Responding through a representative, the First Lady said the completion of the secretariat ends years of dispute over the land and marks the beginning of a new chapter for Christians in Lagos State.

A floor of the newly completed complex was dedicated in honour of Oluwaseye Yomi-Sholoye, Iya Aladura General and founder of The New Seraph Evangelical Ministries, in recognition of her significant financial support for the project.

The cleric described the structure as a fit home for Christian leadership in Lagos State.

For about three decades, CAN did not have a befitting secretariat. Today, we have a beautiful structure that will lift the work of God to the next level. It is Gods doing, Yomi-Sholoye said.

The edifice was completed under the chairmanship of His Lordship Rt. Rev. S.T.V. Adegbite, with the foundation laid on February 17, 2024.

Also present at the event was the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Alfred Adewale Martins, alongside clerics from various denominations.

The complex houses multiple structures named after notable personalities, including: The main office block named after Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Bishop Stephen Adegbite Hall and Event Centre.

The CAN Chairmans office named after Senator Tokunbo Abiru
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has clarified that a N100 million transfer to the personal account of Victor Egbetokun, son of Kayode Egbetokun, the outgoing inspector-general of police (IGP), was made in error.

The clarification followed an online report alleging that Victor received N100 million from the Anambra state governments (ANSG) security vote account.

Speaking on Channels Televisions Politics Today, on Monday, Benjamin Hundeyin, the force spokesperson, said Victor reported the incident to the police, adding that the funds were reversed immediately.

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He said the statement of account of the former IGPs son was printed and confirmed that the N100 million had been reversed.

You could remember when he (Omoyele Sowore) said N100 million was paid into the account of the son of the IGP. I called the son of the IGP immediately to know what was going on, and he explained, Hundeyin said.

He said he saw N100 million in his account, and he told his accounts officer to reverse the money immediately, which he did.

He printed out his statement of account. He showed me. The young man was forced to close down that account. He has written a petition to the EFCC for that allegation to be investigated.

Hundeyin described the incident as a mistaken transaction, with the money returned to the state governments account shortly after detection.
Dr. Peter Akpe has been sworn in as the sixth Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, stepping into office to complete the remaining two years of the current administration.

Akpe, who is the Pastor in Charge of Bayelsa Province 1 of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and the immediate past Chief of Staff to Governor Douye Diri, was screened and cleared by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly prior to his inauguration.

The Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Hon. Justice Matilda Abrakasa Ayemieye, administered the oath of office on Wednesday at the State Executive Council Chamber, Government House, Yenagoa.

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At the ceremony, one commissioner and 18 permanent secretaries were also sworn in.

Speaking at the event, Governor Douye Diri paid tribute to the late Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who died on December 11, 2025, and was accorded a full state burial.

The former occupant of this office, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away on Thursday, 11 December 2025, was given a full state burial and has been laid to rest. Let me thank the state and all stakeholders for working together in unity of purpose during that period of mourning, the governor said.

Diri explained that after what he described as prayerful reflection, he forwarded Akpes name to the House of Assembly for consideration.

After prayerfully seeking the face of God, I forwarded the name of Dr. Peter Akpe as Deputy Governor to the House of Assembly. If you look at our dressing today, it is divinely instructive. We never planned to wear similar outfits. After nominating him for this high assignment, the Assembly considered his nomination with the speed of light, and today we are witnessing his swearing-in as required by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, he said.

The governor said his choice was guided by competence, character and faith.

I prayed and looked for competency, character and someone with a God-fearing background, and I found that in one person  Peter Akpe, PhD. Let me thank the Assembly for its speedy consideration and clearance, he added.

Diri assured the new deputy governor of his full support and urged him to be guided by the oath of office.

As Deputy Governor, be assured of my full support. I believe you will be a reliable confidant in fulfilling the promises we made to the people of this state. Let us remain united and prayerful as we work together for the good and betterment of Bayelsa State.

I charge you to be mindful of the solemn oath of office and discharge your duties for the betterment of the state. Let your words and actions repose the confidence placed in you by the people, lead with honour and empathy, and prioritise the wellbeing of our state, the governor said.
President Bola Tinubu has decorated Assistant Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu with his new rank as the new acting Inspector General of Police at the State House, Abuja.

The ceremony, which took place at the Presidents office moments ago , had in attendance National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and the immediate past IGP Kayode Egbetokun.

His appointment came just 48 days before his scheduled retirement on April 13, 2026, when he would have reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 years.

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However, under the amended Police Act, which allows Inspectors-General of Police to serve a four year tenure regardless of age, Disu may remain for the next couple of years

President Tinubu, who pinned the new insignia on Disus uniform commended the outgoing IGP Egbetokun for his service to the nation.

The ceremony comes barely 24 hours after Egbetokun submitted his resignation letter to the President on Tuesday, citing family issues that require his undivided attention.

Watch Video Here:

https://x.com/i/status/2026692848137982257
The fire-engine-red Empanadas United machine arrived in Philadelphia last fall. It appeared in the lobby under the SEPTA Regional Rail tracks at 30th Street Station, where yearslong renovations have shut restaurants, leaving a gap for automation to fill.

The empanada machine works like this: Tap your card. Choose one of four fillings. Whirr, beep, the ovens ignite, the rich smell rises. A minute passes. A pair of mottled, tan, crusted, half-moon-shaped empanadas, each bigger than a mans hand, drop into a topless personal-pizza-sized box. The little plastic door opens, and your account is $8 lighter.

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Thats a premium price compared to what you pay in Phillys corner stores; but it costs extra to eat in a transit hub. The empanada machine is one of several rival meal-vending machines at the station, such as the California Pizza Kitchen machine that charges $12 for a plain, 7-inch pizza.

These turnovers were formed  from flour and fat, chicken or beef, sazon and cebolla  last night or yesterday, at Empanadas United. The Philadelphia-based empanada bakery serves restaurants across the region, from its base 15 blocks north of the train station.

The vending machine, assembled by LBX Food Robotics of Sunnyvale, Calif., used two ovens to finish the turnovers  convection for the crust, infrared for the fillings. It is also furnished with a microwave oven, for use with prepared foods, but the empanadas dont need that. The machine sees steady use, say SEPTA staff who watch the busy lobby below the train platforms.

The machine is profitable, says Victor Tejada, the former Comcast designer who started Empanadas United in 2023. The bakery, using order software including Tejadas Dominican Food App, was supplying empanadas to takeout customers at 160 stores, Tejada says, when he and his partners sold it last year to Virtual Dining Concepts (VDC). The acquirer says it has taken the brand national and expanded service to more than 500 locations  plus a handful of vending machines, starting with the one at 30th Street Station. Tejada stayed on to run the brand.

The Philadelphia empanada factory makes a fraction of the empanadas now sold under its name. In other cities they are made by local bakeries to Empanadas United specifications, according to Adam Robin, VDCs chief operating officer.

Taking brands national

Florida-based VDC focuses on taking local and celebrity food brands national, contracting chain restaurants, food delivery services, and other food retailers. They aim to set standards so the products can be reproduced in local plants anywhere and mass-marketed fresh. Its other brands include Barstool Sports Pardon My Cheesesteak, MrBeast Burger, and MLB Ballpark Bites.

VDC last year hired Evolvending, founded by former VDC executive Valentina Ellison, to deploy the Philly empanadas in machines at transit centers, as colorful working billboards for the brand.

Empanadas United has a really excellent concept, Victor Tejada has an entrepreneurial spirit that we love working with, and we are growing the brand all over the country, said VDCs Robin. He learned the restaurant business as a teenager, rising from busboy to chef, and joined VDC as chief operating officer in 2021.

We are a virtual dining company. We targeted this brand for acquisition, we bought it last year, we manage the online storefronts, Robin added. The company has sold more than 2 million empanadas since the deal, and plans to sell six million this year, he said.

The machines, a small part of total Empanadas United distribution, each have 60 slots, each of which holds two empanadas, filled on a two-day cycle, according to Robin. If they sell out, thats more than 20,000 empanadas and $80,000 per machine per year.

They cover their costs. We are thinking of expanding them, Robin says.

Evolvending has also put Empanadas United machines at Boston Logan Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. But its not yet at Philadelphia International Airport.

The company also hasnt set up Empanadas United machines in its hometown of Miami yet, while it considers what flavors to offer in that large and diverse market, Robin said. Among empanada fans, Some love Venezuelan, some Cuban, some Mexican, and some like fun flavors like apple pie.
A Philadelphia man was charged with first-degree murder and related crimes after he shot and killed his wife in Rockledge, Montgomery County, on Saturday evening, officials said Monday.

Jose Antonio Luna, 59, was arrested shortly after the shooting, the Montgomery County District Attorneys Office said.

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Prosecutors say Luna shot his wife, 48-year-old Alisett Schubert, multiple times, killing her, near the intersection of Huntington Pike and Filmore Street that night.

The incident began when the couple started arguing as they drove home from a party in a silver Nissan, according to the affidavit of probable cause for in Lunas arrest.

Schubert was behind the wheel. After she told Luna to get out of the car and walk home, the two began to wrestle over Schuberts purse, where she kept a .38 caliber revolver that was registered in her name, the affidavit said.

Luna grabbed the weapon and shot his wife once, the document said. After Schubert yelled Oh my God and tried to flee the vehicle, the affidavit said, Luna shot her four more times.

Luna later told investigators that Schubert had disrespected him in front of others at a banquet hall that afternoon, according to the document. He also told investigators he left one round in the guns chamber with the intent to later kill himself, the affidavit said.

A SEPTA bus driver reported the shooting to police, according to the document.

Around 10 p.m., authorities said, the driver came across the Nissan stalled in the road, and heard two to three gunshots before watching Luna exit the vehicles passenger side and pull open the drivers side door.

Schuberts body slouched out of the car, the affidavit said.

The driver watched as Luna fled the scene. Later, when Philadelphia police located him about a mile away near 1200 Rhawn Street, Luna put Schuberts gun to his head and pulled the trigger, according to the affidavit.

But the gun was out of ammunition and did not fire. Police arrested Luna without incident.

Investigators later learned Luna had called Schuberts mother after the shooting to tell her that her daughter had died, but he did not say how the death occurred, and he told the woman he wanted to kill himself.

Meanwhile, Schubert was taken to Abington Hospital suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead.

Schubert had previously told a close friend that Luna was physically and mentally abusing her, the affidavit said. The friend told investigators that she had once seen Luna punch Schubert in the face.

Prosecutors said Luna had an extensive criminal history and had been arrested numerous times for illegal entry into the United States and for reentry after deportation.

In addition to first-degree murder, Luna was charged with third-degree murder and possessing an instrument of a crime.

He is being held without bail at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility and is expected to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on March 5.
Detectives on the scene at 29th and Clearfield Streets, where Zyir Stafford was shot and killed in December 2023. Two people were charged Wednesday with his death. Read more

Nineteen people are expected to be charged in the coming days in connection with a yearslong West Philadelphia gang war that investigators say fueled nearly two dozen shootings  including at least five homicides  across the city, law enforcement officials announced Wednesday.

The defendants include members of the Young Bag Chasers, or YBC, as well as people affiliated with the rival crews caught in a multiyear cycle of retaliation.

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Five people were taken into custody Wednesday morning as part of a sweeping investigation by Philadelphia police and prosecutors into the back-and-forth shootings that occurred between 2022 and 2024. Several of those expected to be charged are already behind bars  either awaiting trial or serving sentences for separate crimes.

Officials said investigators linked nearly two dozen shootings to the groups  with a total of 35 victims between the ages of 5 and 42.

The indictment follows a multiyear probe by Philadelphia police and the District Attorneys Offices Gun Violence Task Force into YBC and its affiliated groups  including the Young Face Arrangers and Northwest Philadelphia-based crew PNB  as well as rival members from the Parkside Killers and CCK, a trio of allied crews from West and South Philadelphia.

 READ MORE: The rise and fall of the Young Bag Chasers

Which cases were solved?

One of the five homicides solved is that of Zyir Stafford, better known as Booga, who was shot and killed by YBC members while leaving work at a North Philadelphia McDonalds in December 2023.

Police said he was not involved with the feud, but his brother was affiliated with CCK  and so YBC targeted him.

YBC members mocked Staffords death online and in songs. They planned to sell weed out of McDonalds Happy Meal boxes, named albums after him, and filmed music videos inside the fast food restaurants  all attempts to profit off the carnage.

On Wednesday, police said they linked two YBC members to Staffords killing: Stephen Weddington, aka Baby Yopp, and Jymir Burbage, aka Lil Mir.

Police also solved the killings of two well-known YBC members.

Tahjae Brooks, 21, a rapper and founding member of YBC known as Jae100, was shot and killed in December 2022.

Police said they charged three CCK members with his death: Anthony Lacey-Woodson, or Pistol P  who is serving 45 to 90 years in prison for killing three other people  as well as Ronnie Vincent-Quan and Herman Cherm Stigall.

Six months later, Brooks best friend Kameir Scott, or T.O., was shot and killed on the 600 block of North Preston Street. Markees Muhammad, of the Parkside Killers, has been charged with that crime, prosecutors said.

YBC members were charged in two other homicides.

Weddington and Burbage  as well as Hasin Muse and Tatiana Edwards  have been charged with killing Qaadir Cheeks, a CCK affiliate known as 55Qua who was killed in May 2024 near 55th and Baltimore.

Weddington was also charged with the murder of Sharif King in Parkside in July 2023, as well as several nonfatal shootings.

Who else was charged?

YBC and CCK have been in a violent, public feud for years that became fueled by retaliatory violence and social media.

Most members of YBC and CCK are aspiring drill rappers who write songs about the ongoing shootings and conflicts, trolling homicide victims and their families, and encouraging more violence  and building a social media and music following in the process.

The same group of people repeatedly were doing shootings, using the same guns ... and bragging about it, said Assistant District Attorney Anna Walters.

Investigators with the Gun Violence Task Force and police department had been investigating YBC, CCK, and allied groups for at least two years, monitoring their social media pages and music videos, and slowly connecting them to a host of crimes, Walters said.

They used ballistic evidence, phone records, and social media to solve the cases, she said.

One of CCKs most prominent members  Hasaan Stafford, or Saany Goon  was charged Wednesday with committing four shootings in which no one was injured, officials said.

And prominent YBC member Kasim Brown, aka FSdaBender or Fat Seem, was charged with three nonfatal shootings. Brown is currently in federal custody, charged with gun crimes.

The indictment comes even as the number of people affiliated with YBC has dwindled in recent years, and the groups feuds have quieted. The face of YBC, Abdul Vicks, aka YBC Dul, was shot and killed in August 2024. Many other members are serving decades in prison for murder.

Still, there were dozens of shootings connected to their feuds that remained unsolved  including the killings of many of YBCs members.

Capt. James Kearney, head of the police departments nonfatal shooting unit, said officers are always working to solve shootings even as years have passed.

They might have thought they got away with it, he said. But they didnt.
Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie and Halftime Holly Teti of Newtown Square pose for a photo during the Eagles Autism Challenge kickoff party in May. Read more

With its soft motion-sensor lights, bubble walls, beanbag chairs, and custom tactile artwork, the sensory room at Lincoln Financial Field showcases the Eagles Autism Foundations work to create an inclusive environment for those with autism.

Theres more work behind the scenes that many dont get the chance to see. This year, the Eagles Autism Foundation is contributing $10.8 million in funding to 54 research and community projects specializing in autism research and care, the largest amount raised to date by the foundation.

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This was a huge milestone for us. It was the first year we raised over $10 million, said Ryan Hammond, executive director of the Eagles Autism Foundation.

The fact that we can be a model to an inclusive fan experience, inclusive recreation opportunities, inclusive employment, all of those things are just as important as the science, she said. Were impacting people every day by feeling included  whether its a family seeing our mascot wearing headphones and their son wearing headphones, they feel seen.

The funding comes from foundation-related initiatives throughout the year, including the Eagles Autism Challenge and events like Jason Kelces annual celebrity bartending event in Sea Isle City.

It is rewarding to know that our financial investment this year will support the next generation of scientific researchers and leaders who are all working hard to accelerate treatment for the autism community, Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said. While we are proud to celebrate another record-setting year for the Eagles Autism Foundation, it comes at an unfortunate time where too many institutions are having their funding cut. Now more than ever, we need to invest in science and prioritize those who need our help.

In the last year, President Donald Trumps administration has cut funding for autism research, with one of the biggest cuts occurring at the Department of Education.

To know that we were making [our] largest investment in science at a time that its the most needed is a point of not only pride, but motivation to continue to support and serve this community, Hammond said. Funding science is critical, and a lot of institutions are faced with challenges with losing funding from the federal government.

 READ MORE: Nick Sirianni talks up DeVonta Smiths role in changing scheme: Excited about what hell look like in this new offense

As the foundation grows, so does the interest from potential research partners. This year, the Eagles Autism Foundation received a record 267 letters of intent for research grant funding. A scientific adviser helped review each letter, taking innovation and measurable outcomes into consideration to narrow the pool to 52 proposals.

Each proposal was assigned to an independent team of scientists for review. Then, Dr. Emanuel DiCicco-Bloom, who serves as the foundations scientific adviser and chairman of its review panel, and others participated in a two-day discussion at Luries home to negotiate the strengths, weaknesses, and challenges of each project.

Being able to go through this process thats not only rigorous but also transparent makes me feel like were doing a service on behalf of every single person who agreed to support our mission, Hammond said. Im filled with hope that these projects are really going to change someones life.

Added Lurie: We are beyond grateful for Dr. DiCicco-Bloom and his esteemed panel of colleagues for putting in the time, once again, to evaluate these projects and drive meaningful progress in autism research.

This year, the foundation will fund 13 pilot grants, four postdoctoral fellowships, and three translational grants that include a three-year investment for research. The four postdoctoral fellowships will support the work at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania, both partners in the Lurie Autism Institute, which was founded last year after the Lurie family donated $50 million to CHOP and Penn Medicine.

In addition to funding autism research, grants were given to dozens of local projects that provide an immediate need in the community and align with the Eagles Autism Foundations mission.

Since 2018, the Eagles Autism Foundation has invested more than $40 million in 223 research projects and community grants. To Hammond, this is just the beginning.

Honestly, the sky is really the limit, Hammond said. What weve been able to see in such a short time has been incredible.  Were continuing to drive a more inclusive future for everyone.

Where is all the money going?

The Eagles Autism Foundation will divide the $10.8 million in funds among 54 research and community projects:

Research institutions

Local: The A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia (two postdoctoral fellowships and a translational grant), and the University of Pennsylvania (two postdoctoral fellowships).

National/global: Boston Childrens Hospital, Boston Childrens Hospital  Harvard Medical School, Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles, Childrens National, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Stanford University, Stony Brook University, University of California San Francisco, University of Geneva, University of Iowa, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Community projects and initiatives

Local: KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools, A Step Up Academy, Common Space, Huddle Up for Autism, KultureCity Barefoot Country Music Fest, Coffee Closet with Barista Jake, Office for People with Disabilities (City of Philadelphia), Penn State Health, Philadelphia Orchestra, Philadelphia Zoo, Saint Josephs University, CASA Youth Advocates, Special Olympics Pennsylvania, SPIN, St. Christophers Hospital for Children, St. John of God Community Services, Stratford Friends School, TGR Learning Lab, Timothy School, Theatre Horizon, Thomas Jefferson University, and Variety  The Childrens Charity of the Delaware Valley, Comprehensive Learning Center, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, Elwyn Foundation, KultureCity Super Bowl LIX, Melmark, Neurodiversity Employment Network, No Limits Cafe, Pathway School, Potential Inc., Raise the Bar Family Services, Shore Medical Center, Special Equestrians.
The Wallingford-Swarthmore school board on Tuesday approved a plan that would eliminate nearly 20 positions as it tries to reverse what officials have called a trend of unsustainable spending in the affluent suburban district.

The reorganization plan, which was approved by the board 8-0 and takes effect July 1, will save the district about $2 million, said Superintendent Russell Johnston. Five administrative positions will be eliminated, along with positions for instructional assistants at the middle and high schools, a high school special education teacher, high school secretary, and high school part-time guidance counselor, among other roles.

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Some of those positions are currently unfilled. And not everyone whose position is being eliminated will be leaving the district: Employees with seniority will be able to bump less senior staff, Johnston said.

Overall, the changes will result in three to four layoffs, Johnston said Tuesday. Seven long-term substitutes will also no longer work in the district.

This is not about solving a problem in this years budget, but ensuring the district can sustain its programs in the future, Johnston said Tuesday.

Why is the district making budget cuts?

District officials told the board in November that they were facing mounting budget challenges.

Bottom line: the district has a spending problem, DeJuana Mosley, the districts business administrator, said at a November finance committee meeting. She said there had been considerable increases in staffing since 2021  and the districts budget grew by 18%, from $89 million to $105 million  despite no increase in enrollment.

The district also lacked adequate inventory management, Mosley said  describing a culture of just ordering stuff  and faces other mounting pressures, including deferred maintenance and a lack of curricular investments, including some course materials not aligned to Pennsylvania or Advanced Placement standards.

Mosley described the districts $164 million capital plan as added pressure, but not the source of budget troubles.

Meanwhile, the districts tax base  which is heavily residential, with limited commercial properties  has declined, Mosley said. Taxable assessed value dropped by $6 million from 2024 to 2025, resulting in a loss of $175,000 in annual tax revenue for the district.

Even if the district raised taxes for the coming year by 3.5%, the maximum amount allowed by state law, it would still be short $2.6 million, Mosley said.

Why werent the budget issues addressed earlier?

It wasnt clear why Wallingford-Swarthmores budget troubles werent discussed publicly sooner.

The school board parted ways with former superintendent, Wagner Marseille, in 2024, after an opposition campaign from parents that accused Marseille of excessive spending, among other allegations. Marseille, who had led the district since 2021, was replaced on an interim basis in August 2024 by Jim Scanlon, a former West Chester superintendent.

The board hired Johnston, a former Massachusetts education commissioner, in May.

In an interview this week, Johnston said that in planning for the fiscal year starting July 1, he began to see more and more signs that we needed to make this adjustment.

He said that in November, I brought the full scope of the problem before the board.

Which positions are being cut?

Five administrative positions will be cut under the plan approved Tuesday: director of assessment, compliance, and federal programs; supervisor of counseling and wellness; safety and security coordinator; communications and community relations liaison; and supervisor of buildings and grounds.

Other cuts include: two high school and one middle school instructional support positions; a high-school part-time guidance counselor; a high school secretary; a high-school special education teacher; a middle-school safety aide; a middle-school long-term substitute; a middle-school substitute custodian; and six teachers on special assignment helping with new curriculum rollouts. (The plan also includes the creation of two new curriculum supervisor positions.)

In outlining the cuts Tuesday, Johnston said, This is really about a change in positions, not people. He said responsibilities from discontinued administrative positions would be shifted to other administrators.

Whats good for students is sometimes hard for adults, he said.

The district is also eliminating Cultural Proficiency Equity Teacher Leader positions, which were created in 2022-23 and gave additional money to teachers working on equity initiatives.

Johnston said at a finance committee meeting last week that this is no way a backing off of our commitment to equity, and responsibilities would be absorbed elsewhere.

What happens next?

The reorganization plan isnt the only way the district is trying to save money. At last weeks finance meeting, Johnston said the district would eliminate redundant software programs and increase oversight of supply purchases. He also said he would be sending a memo to staff to cut back on snacks at after-school events.

The district, which taxes residents at a relatively high rate compared to others, will be limited in how much it can increase taxes in future years, with the Act 1 index that dictates how much they can increase taxes projected to decline, Johnston said. The board directed district officials to prepare a budget for 2026-27 with an increase between 3-3.4%, under the 3.5% state-imposed limit.

We want to make sure what we live with next year, we can live with in future years, he said last week.
Shibam Coffee Co. opens in West Philly on the first Friday of Ramadan. Read more

At 11 p.m. on a February Friday night, a boisterous line snaked out of a brightly lit cafe a block away from Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. Philadelphians chatted excitedly as they waited to order pistachio lattes, matcha, and Adeni chai at Phillys newest Yemeni coffee shop, Shibam Coffee Co.

The national chain added Philly to its roster of U.S. locations, soft-opening last weekend, thanks to four friends: Philly native Fahad Azam and his college friend Khurram Ghayas, who looped in brother Waqas Ghayas and Texas-based friend Roshaan Ahmad.

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Inside the minimalistic, neutral-toned cafe at 3748 Lancaster Ave., owners Azam, Khurram, and Waqas served order after order of coffee, chai, sandwiches, and desserts from 5 p.m. to midnight on Friday. Customers nestled into plush mid-century modern chairs at white marble tables, high-top chairs at countertops near the big windows, a custom wraparound couch from Pakistan situated around an olive tree, and still more couches in the lounge room, decorated with a Philly skyline mural and fireplace.

Glass-bulb light fixtures hanging from the copper-colored industrial ceiling cast a warm glow on the 2,600-square-foot cafe  open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, a rarity in a city where many coffee shops close before sunset.

The display case shows off cream tarts perfectly shaped like blueberries, raspberries, and mangoes; sweet cream cheese-filled honeycomb bread; and slices of rich lotus, caramel, and pistachio milk cakes from Aroma Bakery in Old City. The menu also includes house-made halal sandwiches with beef pastrami and turkey from Grad Hospitals Prime Halal Meat Co. on ciabatta rolls from Chestnut Hills Baker Street Bread.

We wanted to  work with local businesses to bring the Philadelphia vibes into Shibam, Azam said.

The West Philly locations coffee menu is standard to the national chain, which has 13 locations, in cities like Pittsburgh; Dearborn, Mich.; and Columbus, Ohio. Customers can sip on Yemeni cafe staples like jubani (made with coffee and the husk of coffee cherries, served with cardamom, ginger, cinnamon), Adeni (Yemeni black tea, cardamom, nutmeg, milk), and mofawar (coffee with cardamom and cream), along with drinks like Shibam coffee (light roast Yemeni coffee with coffee husks, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, cream) and Saudi coffee (light roast with cardamom and saffron). There are also more usual coffee shop drinks like brown sugar-shaken espressos, pistachio lattes, and matcha.

With the soft opening landing on the first weekend of Ramadan, many patrons came from a nearby mosque for a post-tarweeh (late-night holiday prayer) treat and gathering spot.

We had planned to open up in December or January, but it just kept getting delayed, Azam said. I see it as a blessing in disguise that we opened on the first Friday of Ramadan, Alhamdulillah.

We want to offer a late-night hangout spot for Muslim people, as well serve the healthcare community in the neighborhood, he added. I feel like we [Muslims] need a third space year-round  we dont go to clubs; we dont go drinking at bars. We might as well have a coffee shop thats more like a community center, a space thats comfortable for everyone."

The four owners initially planned on opening their cafe location in the Philly suburbs but pivoted when they heard the building was available.

We were like, What the hell are we doing?  [Lancaster Avenue] is a marquee location, Azam said. Youre right near Drexel University. Youre right next to UPenn Presbyterian building. And theres a well-established community already there. It was a no-brainer.

Azam and his friends knew they wanted to open a Shibam location together after embarking on a Yemeni cafe crawl in Dearborn. The rich, smooth flavor profile of the Shibam coffee there stood out to the four friends. But it was meeting the humble, down-to-earth CEO of Shibam Coffee Co., Mansour Sharha, that led them to open their own location in Philly, said Azam.

While this is the first Shibam franchise in Philly, the citys Yemeni coffee footprint has been on a steady incline, with four cafes opening in 2025 and several on the horizon.

One of those cafes, Haraz Coffee House, is just a 12-minute walk from Shibam. But Azam doesnt see the coffeehouse as competition, rather a friendly neighbor with the same goal: expand the Yemeni coffee shop footprint.

For the co-owner, opening weekend of Shibam was a reflection of Philadelphians love for the ever-growing Yemeni cafe culture creating cherished cultural spaces for immigrant, Muslim, and diasporic communities.

It means we are on the right track  we are passionate about [Yemeni coffee] and it shows through the amazing support weve been getting," Azam said. We want to keep this going and make sure we continue to set high standards for ourselves and our customers.

Shibam Coffee Co., 3748 Lancaster Ave.; shibamphilly.com; instagram.com/shibam.philly; Ramadan hours (through March 19): 3 to 11 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 3 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, 3 to 11 p.m. Sunday. (Hours will be updated at a later date.)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 05: Exteriors of Saks Fifth Avenue store on January 05, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeremy Moeller/GC Images) Read more

Hair stylist Artur Kirsh, who has long served clients out of his Saks Fifth Avenue salon in Bala Cynwyd, will be relocating to Narberth in April as Saks prepares to close. Kirsh will open a second salon at Boyds in Center City this fall.

Kirshs relocation comes after Saks Global, the owner of Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, announced the closure of numerous department stores, including the Bala Cynwyd Saks, in February. Saks Global filed for bankruptcy in January.

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Kirsh said he was surprised to hear about the closure, but decided to take the opportunity to do something huge and open two new studios, expanding his presence in the region.

Kirsh will open Artur Kirsh Hair Studio, his new Narberth location, in April at 948 Montgomery Ave. He described the studio as very artsy and very hip. The Narberth outpost will have ample parking, a fun and intimate vibe, and will allow clients to move beyond traditional salon hours and schedule based on their availability, according to a news release. Kirsh called the Narberth studio a boutique concierge salon concept.

The hair stylist will continue to see clients at Saks through March to ensure a seamless transition ahead of the department stores closure in April.

Kirsh said he chose Narberth because its minutes from his old Saks studio and would allow him to maintain some continuity for Main Line clients.

Kirsh will also expand his footprint in Center City in September, where he plans to open Artur Kirsh Salon on the fourth floor of Boyds department store at 1818 Chestnut St.

Ill have best of both worlds, he said. Ill have the suburbs and the city.

Though the changes happened quickly, Kirsh said hes ultimately looking forward to the next chapter.

When youre in an old place, you kind of get stale, he said. Things happen for a reason.

Kirsh was born and raised in Russia and moved to New York in the mid-1990s. After training at a Manhattan salon, Kirsh relocated to the Philadelphia area. He has worked out of the Bala Cynwyd Saks for six years. Kirsh specializes in coloring and dry cutting and describes himself as the go-to stylist for models and local celebrities."

In addition to his Bala Cynwyd salon, Kirsh sees clients at the Rittenhouse Spa & Club in Center City, John Barrett Salon in New York City, and Oasis Salon & Med Spa in Boca Raton, Fla. Over the years, Kirsh has styled a number of celebrity clients, including Dorinda Medley, Betsey Johnson, Carolina Herrera, Celine Dion, Kathy Griffin, and Ken Downing.

This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirers high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.
Cindy Ware of Kennett Square with diamond inherited by her late husband, Jim. She lost it but it was discovered embedded in a neighbors shoe in Florida. Photograph taken at her home on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026. Read more

She didnt even like diamonds. That was the funny thing. Costume jewelry, yes. A pair of handmade earrings, certainly. Diamonds, well, shed always found them a bit showy.

She liked this one, though, because it had been Jims.

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It was a mans ring, a 1.3-carat diamond, round cut, set on a simple gold band, and when her husband, Jim, passed away a few years ago, Cindy Ware made it hers.

She wore it everywhere  to the grocery store, to lunch with friends, to her morning water aerobics class. It brought her comfort. A few times a day, she would look down at it, think of Jim, and smile.

I never took it off, says Cindy, who is 82 and impossibly sweet and sometimes wears a sweatshirt that says Im often mistaken for an adult because of my age.

So when the diamond went missing last December, shortly before Christmas, Cindy was devastated. She felt sick, like shed let Jim down.

She thought to herself: Cindy, you just lose everything thats important.

A 60-year love story

Cindy Ware met the man she would marry in Pinkie Pattersons second-grade class. This was in Mount Holly, N.C., in 1951. On Valentines Day of that year, while out sick with the mumps, Cindy had been allowed to come to the school parking lot to collect her Valentines.

The teacher sent a little boy out to deliver a box of treats.

He had a buzzcut and a little cowlick and his name was Jim.

Well, Cindys mother thought Jim was about the most precious little boy she had ever seen. And Cindy  who until that point hadnt given it much thought  soon decided that maybe she agreed.

By high school, they were an item  inseparable, Cindy explains, except when we were mad at each other and dated other people.

They got together for good during college, and theirs was a 60-year love story.

They married in 1965. They moved to New Jersey, then to Pennsylvania. They raised three boys. Their boys grew up and had children of their own. A few years ago, they settled into a retirement community in Kennett Square, where they liked to take morning walks and eat pizza with mushrooms and pepperoni.

We never needed a lot of anything else, Cindy says. Just the two of us.

When Jim got sick, in 2020, it was horrible. Months of doctors visits, then specialist visits. Then, finally, hospice.

The worst year of my life, Cindy says.

Not long after Jim passed, in 2023, Cindy was getting the familys affairs in order. One day, at a local bank, she opened an old lockbox and discovered a diamond ring  an heirloom that had been passed down through generations of Jims family.

Back when she and Jim married, and they didnt have much money, he had told her she could have her pick: a ring or a car. Thats a no-brainer, she had replied. I want a car.

Still, something about the diamond spoke to her.

She plucked it from the lockbox and slid it onto her middle finger, and thats where it remained for the next three years.

The missing diamond

She was having lunch with a friend last December when she glanced down and realized it was gone.

The diamond had dislodged from the setting, and it was nowhere to be found.

I was just bereft, Cindy says.

It could have been anywhere. In her car. In the grass outside her home.

At one point, she wondered whether she had lost it during her water aerobics class at the retirement communitys swimming pool. Things could get a little intense with the arm exercises. Maybe it had jostled loose and sunk to the bottom.

But what could be done? Even if they drained the pool, the likelihood of them ever finding the diamond was minuscule.

Her sons urged her not to worry, assured her that it was OK. There was always the chance that it might still turn up.

But weeks passed, then months.

Eventually, she resigned herself to the fact that the diamond was never coming back.

That might be a diamond

One afternoon a couple weeks ago  on a pool deck 1,100 miles from Kennett Square  a man named Coleman looked down and noticed, lodged in the tread of his Lands End pool shoe, what appeared to be a small piece of glass.

Or wait. Maybe it was some kind of gem.

For days he had been wearing the pool shoes  to the pool, through locker rooms. He had stuffed them into his gym bag, into a suitcase. Earlier that day, he had worn them on a walk in the gritty sand of a South Florida beach.

He also wore them back home in Kennett Square, where he lived in a retirement community. In the afternoons  after the ladies finished their morning water aerobics  Colemans group played pool volleyball. He always wore his pool shoes during games.

Now, sitting poolside in Florida, Colemans husband, John, examined the stone and said, Uh, that might be a diamond.

Intrigued, but not yet convinced, the couple went the following day to a Pompano Beach jeweler.

Nine times out of 10, the jeweler told them, when people think theyve found a diamond, it turns out to be nothing.

This was not one of those times.

Yes, the jeweler said, it was a diamond, all right  1.3 carats, nicely colored, likely from the 1950s or 60s. Probably worth a bit of money.

Tickled, Coleman posted a photo of the diamond to Facebook.

A diamond in the sole of his shoe

Back in Pennsylvania, Cindy was on the phone with her good friend.

It was Valentines Day, and the two were chatting about this and that, and at the end of their conversation, in passing, her friend mentioned a man from their neighborhood, Coleman, who had just posted a photo from Florida.

Apparently, he had found a diamond lodged in his shoe.

As it happened, Cindy and Coleman knew each other well. They lived just a couple streets apart, worked out in the same pool. Once, when Jim was in hospice, Coleman and his husband had brought her flowers.

Cindy tracked down the photo. Saw the small gem lodged in her neighbors pool shoe.

Impossible, she thought.

She dialed Colemans number.

Hello, she said, I think you have my diamond.

The return

It was confirmed a day later.

Back from Florida, Coleman delivered the diamond to Cindys house, along with a collection of yellow roses. Neither of them could stop smiling.

Best they can tell, the diamond fell to the bottom of the community pool, where Coleman  while playing pool volleyball  happened to step on it, just right. How it had remained lodged in his shoes tread for days or weeks or months  across multiple states  was anyones guess.

It could never happen in a million thousand years, Cindy says.

Says Coleman, It does make you sit back and think for a minute about what is going on here.

As you might imagine, their story has been the talk of their retirement community. Everyone, it seems, wants to talk about the little diamond that traveled halfway across the country in a shoe.

As for the diamond itself, Cindy has decided that its time to pass it on, to her oldest son.

I can no longer be trusted, she jokes.

In the meantime, she has stopped wearing it to water aerobics.
A gray seal pup wandered off the beach in Harvey Cedars and ended up in the middle of Long Beach Boulevard on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, a day after a snowstorm dropped a foot and a half of snow on the island. Read more

Why did the little seal pup leave the ocean, wander up the beach path, go one block up Middlesex Avenue, then cross three lanes of Long Beach Boulevard in Harvey Cedars?

Who knows?

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Maybe it was just the long slick surface of post-storm snow and ice that urged the seal to keep going until a sunny spot in this beach towns southbound slow lane invited her to stretch out.

Luckily for the gray seal pup, a landscaper on his way to plowing snow did not mistake her for a chunk of snow, and pulled over to block the roadway and help, Harvey Cedars Police Chief Robert Burnaford said Tuesday.

At approximately 7 oclock, an innocent bystander was driving by and saw the seal laying in the Boulevard, Burnaford said by telephone.

They called us, and the officers confirmed the seal was kind of just relaxing in the slow lane of Long Beach Boulevard, the chief said. Literally it crossed over three lanes of traffic to where it was finally hanging out.

A member of Public Works wrapped the seal in his jacket and moved her to Middlesex Avenue, out of traffic, Burnaford said. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center responded and carried her to their truck, and then to their hospital in Brigantine.

The Stranding Center put it this way on Instagram: POV: When your nap shuts down a whole street.

The center said in social media statements that the pup had no injuries but was in thin overall body condition.

She is currently resting comfortably in Pen 2 of the Pool House, the center wrote.

Seal beachings are not uncommon at the Jersey Shore, but the animals rarely end up off the beach. Burnaford said that a seal once ended up in the driveway of an oceanfront home.

They beach themselves to sun themselves, Burnaford said. Maybe she was sick and tired of the weather, trying to find another place."

Official totals put towns on Long Beach Island at around 18 inches of snow.

It was icy and maybe [the seal] was able to slip and slide easier, the chief said.

The Marine Mammal Center added: Another big reason to use caution when driving through a shore town after a snowstorm.
In case you missed it, East Vincents planning commission recommended last week that the townships board of supervisors deny a proposed data center at the Pennhurst site when it comes in front of them next month. The commission said the proposal, which calls for five two-story data center buildings, a sixth building, an electrical substation, and a solar field, was not in compliance with the zoning ordinance. The board of supervisors is holding a public hearing on March 16 at 6:30 p.m. at East Vincent Elementary School.

Pennhurst isnt the only data center proposed in the area thats getting pushback from local officials and residents. Envision Land Use has decided to look elsewhere to develop what its calling a boutique data center after public outcry over its plans, which called for building a 120,000-square-foot, three-story center at 299 Schuylkill Rd. On Monday, North Coventry Townships board of supervisors took a preemptive vote that theyd reject the proposal, before it was even formally submitted.

The developer looking to build a data center on a remediated Superfund site in East Whiteland Township has submitted updated plans following last months planning commission meeting. The applicant is expected to attend tonights planning commission meeting, which will begin at 7 p.m. at the township building, and will also be live streamed.

Last week, Constellation Energy Group withdrew its application for data center code amendments, which were set to come before the East Coventry Township board of supervisors next month. The energy company was seeking changes that would have allowed data centers on five properties.

The 300-year-old village of Cochranville is one step closer to getting its first public water line after West Fallowfield Township secured a $1 million grant to fund the project. Its estimated to cost $5 to $6 million total and is still years away from a groundbreaking.

Lincoln University in Lower Oxford Township is planning to implement new safety measures for large events after a shooting at homecoming in October left one dead and six others injured. The university said it wont host outdoor events after dusk, and events will be held within a controlled environment so visitors can be screened.

A group of residents is trying to save a deteriorating West Goshen fieldstone home from being demolished, with hopes of restoring it and converting it into an education center about the countys Quaker history and involvement in the Underground Railroad. A judge will decide the fate of the property, which was built in 1900 and has been left to deteriorate for the past two decades.

John Michael Bontrager, founding head of investment-risk adviser Chatham Financial, is focused on revitalizing Kennett Square, including spaces like beer garden The Creamery. He recently sat down with The Inquirers Joseph N. DiStefano to talk about the projects hes focusing on.

West Chester-based home shopping giant QVC Group, parent company to HSN, is being sued for $30 million by fashion designer and longtime former HSN host, Antthony Mark Hankins, who says he was abruptly and unjustifiably terminated last July.

Heads up for drivers: A monthslong Peco project to improve natural gas infrastructure in Willistown Township is set to get underway Monday. Work will take place on Paoli Pike between Frazer Avenue and South Cedar Hollow Road and on Fairview Road between Paoli Pike and Gable Road. Paoli Pike will be closed weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. until the end of July. During the closures, drivers will be directed to use Devon and Darby Roads and Lancaster Avenue. The project is expected to wrap up by July 31. In Caln Township, Olive Street between South Caln Road and 13th Avenue will continue to be closed on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for utility construction. Work is now expected to wrap up on April 30.

A new gating system at the Oxford Borough parking garage at 2nd Street and Octoraro Alley will go into effect Monday. The system will have 24-hour enforced payments, though free or reduced-cost parking may be implemented in the future.

Enrique Lopez-Gomez, 32, of West Grove, pleaded guilty this month to third-degree murder after allegedly punching a 9-month-old baby who was in his care in 2024 and not seeking medical attention for the child afterward. Lopez-Gomez will remain in prison while he awaits sentencing.

Uwchlan Township is seeking residents feedback as it prepares for a five-year strategic plan. Find the survey here.
Police investigate the scene of a shooting near the Edgehill Court apartment complex on Wednesday where a man was shot by police following an exchange of gunfire. Read more

A former Morton Borough police officer is dead after Lower Merion police shot and killed him when he exchanged gunfire with officers in Bala Cynwyd Wednesday morning, authorities said.

Francis Connell Collier, 38, who previously served as a part-time officer in the Delaware County borough, was wanted on charges of rape and other sex crimes involving children at the time of the shooting.

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Authorities said Lower Merion police spotted Colliers vehicle on Old Lancaster Road in the Bala Cynwyd section of the township around 3:48 a.m. When they saw him return to his car, police said, officers confronted him, and he shot at the officers, who returned fire, fatally wounding him.

The officers had not been serving a warrant for Colliers arrest at the time of the shooting, but the department was aware of the charges against him, said Lower Merion Police Capt. John Tucci.

Charges in the rape case had been filed Tuesday in Upper Darby, according to a spokesperson for the Attorney Generals Office, which brought the case against him.

In addition to serving in Morton, Collier was previously a member of the Delaware County District Attorneys Offices Child Abuse and Exploitation Task Force, a spokesperson for District Attorney Tanner Rouse said.

Colliers appointment in 2022 was not made during Rouses tenure, and he was removed from the task force the following year during a leadership change within the unit, the spokesperson said.

When the sex abuse allegations against Collier were reported to authorities late last year, Rouses office initially investigated, but later referred the case to state prosecutors because of a conflict of interest.

In a statement on Colliers shooting death Wednesday, the Delaware County DAs Office said he reportedly engaged in actions that led to what has been described as suicide by cop.

Police have not released the names of the officers involved in the shooting, which is under investigation by the Montgomery County District Attorneys Office. It was unclear whether the officers had been placed on leave, as is customary, as the inquiry continues.

Morton Borough police learned of the criminal investigation in December, department officials said, and Collier was placed on unpaid administrative leave.

He resigned from the department on Dec. 19, they said.

The criminal case against Collier began late last year, authorities said, when Delaware County investigators learned that he may have sexually abused children.

Two women told investigators Collier had touched them inappropriately in the early 2000s, when they were five and six years old and Collier was a teenager, according to the affidavit of probable cause for his arrest. The women said the abuse began in 2001 and 2003, the affidavit said.

Collier was 15 when he assaulted the first victim the document said.

The second woman said Collier had assaulted her as well, framing the abuse as a game that involved sex toys and sex acts. She said she told her mother at the time that Collier was touching her inappropriately but when confronted, she said, he denied the abuse.

Years later, the women said, they learned that Collier worked with Delaware Countys child abuse task force, which investigates sex crimes against children. They said they grew worried when they saw social media posts showing Collier posing with children, the document said.

When investigators interviewed Collier about the allegations in early December, the affidavit said, he failed a polygraph test, but told detectives he never intentionally touched the girls inappropriately.

Investigators referred the case to the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office that month because of a possible conflict or interest, the affidavit said. State investigators later interviewed people who said the women had told them of the abuse years ago when they were children, and prosecutors filed the criminal charges against Collier on Tuesday, just hours before his death.

Lower Merion police said the shooting took place in the area of Old Lancaster Road and City Avenue, a block from St. Joes University and not far from Edgehill Court, the apartment complex where Collier lived.

A neighbor, Liam Riley, said he heard at least seven shots ring out when police confronted Collier.

I saw a officer run up, grab something out of his trunk, and then run back up to [Colliers] car, Riley, a St. Joes University senior, said. Then I heard them yelling to the guy, Put your hands out of the window, put your hands out of the window.

Juliette Palasol, a student at Drexel University who lives a block away with her family, said they didnt hear the early morning gunfire, but her father left for work at 5 a.m. to find that many of the neighborhood roads closed.

I couldnt believe it  my brother, my cousins  none of us heard it, Palasol said, outside the Edgehill Court. I was just surprised to see police bring out firetrucks, drones, and robotic dogs to the scene.

Around noon on Wednesday, police officers, assisted by Union Fire Association, raised a ladder to Colliers third-story apartment, where officers broke through the window and piloted a drone inside to conduct an initial search of his residence. Officers also used a robotic dog to search the apartment out of an abundance of caution, police said.
File: A spring view of the Hartwell Trail at Wissahickon Valley Park off Hartwell Lane and Cherokee Street in Northwest Philadelphia. Read more

Philadelphias miles of trails draw a constant stream of runners, walkers, hikers, cyclists, and commuters.

Yet for years, city officials have depended on residents calling in or logging in to the 311 system to report trail issues before a crew was sent out.

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Now, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation (PPR) is set to roll out the citys first dedicated trail-maintenance crew, a pilot program funded by a $600,000 grant from the William Penn Foundation.

The money will fund a six-person team tasked exclusively with monitoring and maintaining multiuse trails that thread through 10 watershed-protecting parks.

Susan Buck, PPRs deputy commissioner of operations, said the crew would launch this summer and resolve a long-standing logistical problem.

The focus has always been on building the trails, Buck said. However, in recent years we would go to community meetings and hear more about trail maintenance.

Right now, addressing a downed tree or a washed-out path means pulling staff away from recreation centers and neighborhood parks. A dedicated trail crew will ease that strain, she said, and position the city to address issues before they snowball into bigger problems.

Now, PPR can be proactive, she said.

Parks are priorities

The crews immediate priority will be to rotate through 10 watershed parks, such as Wissahickon Valley, Pennypack, Tacony Creek, and Cobbs Creek. Crews will also monitor the Schuylkill River Trail, which recently saw major repairs to sinkholes and storm damage.

Buck said the crew will initially be responsible for about 80 miles of trails.

The city has 166 miles of trails or more depending on whats being counted. Overall, PPR manages asphalt, gravel, and dirt trails that residents use not only for recreation but for commuting and walking neighborhood to neighborhood.

The new crew will have skid-steer loaders, which are small versatile vehicles with mechanized arms and buckets used to clear, dig, grade, and lift. And theyll have other equipment such as wood chippers and chainsaws.

For the average park-goer, it should translate to a smoother weekend run, daily commute, or less frustrating bike ride, Buck said.

Overall, people will see safer trails and more enjoyable trails, Buck added. If youre a runner or cyclist getting hit by overgrown brush, maybe well be able to get to that faster. Ruts and divots should get filled in faster.

By having a mobile team that can move from the Wissahickon to East Fairmount Park, the city aims to create a uniform experience for all users.

Buck has been working alongside Sarah Clark Stuart, the trails manager for the Streets Department.

The two are working toward a cost-sharing agreement between the two departments to turn the pilot program into an annual part of the city budget.

That way the crew can continue to clear overgrown brush, haul away downed trees, fix washouts, tackle soil erosion, eliminate tripping hazards, and clean graffiti off signs.

The pilot program could use existing employees or result in new hires, she said.

Great cities have great parks

Sara Stevenson, executive director of Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW), said the dedicated crew represents a shift in the way the city has viewed its natural assets. The nonprofit FOW helps manage the city-owned Wissahickon Valley Park.

The 2,000-acre park has more than 50 miles of paved and dirt trails. The new trail crew will be assigned to help with paved paths and major arteries like Forbidden Drive.

Its a great program, Stevenson said. The more we can invest in Parks and Rec, the better our city will be. This is a good step forward and a recognition of how important the trail system is.

The Wissahickon relies on thousands of volunteers annually to pull invasive species, clear debris, and help with other maintenance. Stevenson said that the demands of maintaining sustainable trails requires a professional, daily presence.

Great cities have great parks, Stevenson said. I think what well see is a new standard of care  Its an illustration that the city understands the value of the trail across the entire city.
The question before us now is not about one ruling or one administration. It is whether Americans still believe constitutional limits apply equally to those who govern and those who are governed, writes the Rev. Dr. Michel J. Faulkner. Read more

America is not facing a policy disagreement.

America is facing a constitutional stress test.

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Every generation eventually discovers whether it truly believes in the limits placed on power  or only supports those limits when they restrain political opponents. The moment we are living through now forces that question upon us.

The Founding Fathers of the United States did not design government for efficiency or speed. They designed it to restrain ambition. When they embedded the separation of powers into the Constitution, they were responding to centuries of human history that proved a simple truth: Unchecked power eventually silences the people.

They understood human natures tendency toward absolutism. Kings centralize authority. Leaders justify overreach. Governments expand unless they are deliberately restrained. The American republic was built differently. Authority was divided so that no single person could ever claim to speak fully for we the people.

That is why last Fridays U.S. Supreme Court decision matters far beyond tariffs or commerce. The court reminded the executive branch of a basic constitutional principle: Decisions concerning commerce  especially taxation and tariffs  must originate in Congress.

Yes, the process is messy. Debate is slow. Compromise is imperfect. But the friction is intentional. The founders built resistance into the machinery of government so that sweeping economic power could never again be exercised by personal decree.

If tariffs are truly wise policy, then Congress should debate them openly. Legislators should defend them before voters. That is representation. That is accountability. That is self-government.

What should concern Americans today is not disagreement with the courts ruling, but the reaction that followed.

Our nation was born out of resistance to unilateral taxation. The Boston Tea Party of 1773 was not simply protest theater  it was a rejection of economic authority imposed without representation. The Constitution ensured such power would never again rest in one individuals hands.

When one branch exceeds its authority, another branch must respond. That is not dysfunction; it is design. The judicial branch exists precisely to interpret the law and restore and remind us of the constitutional boundaries when political actors drift beyond them.

 READ MORE: The president is wrong  the discussion of slavery in our nations past is essential to Americas present | Opinion

Courts have not always been right. History reminds us of poor decisions that took decades and courage to correct. Yet, judicial independence remains essential. Without it, constitutional limits become optional.

What should concern Americans today is not disagreement with the courts ruling, but the reaction that followed.

Instead of accepting the decision, the executive branch responded with personal attacks against justices carrying out their constitutional duty. Even more troubling were the immediate efforts to search for ways around the ruling  to achieve the same outcome by different means.

That should unsettle every citizen, regardless of party affiliation.

I remember when one of my children was young, and my wife placed a forbidden toy on a high shelf for their safety. Determined to retrieve it anyway, the child stacked books and climbed upward, trying to bypass the boundary we had set. The creativity was impressive. The disobedience was undeniable.

A constitutional ruling is that high shelf.

Attempting to maneuver around it rather than respecting it undermines not only the courts authority but the rule of law itself. The Constitution works only when leaders accept limits they dislike.

 READ MORE: JD Vance says America is a Christian nation. Is it? | Opinion

Equally troubling was the suggestion that a president could act militarily against another nation at will while being constrained economically. The Constitution says otherwise. The power to declare war rests with Congress. The president commands the military, but he does not possess unilateral authority to wage war or impose economic punishment without legislative participation.

The founders feared concentrated authority in every form  economic, military, and political. Their caution was wisdom born from history.

The question before us now is not about one ruling or one administration.

Republics rarely collapse in dramatic moments. They erode gradually  one ignored boundary at a time. One exception becomes precedent. One act of defiance becomes normalization.

The question before us now is not about one ruling or one administration. It is whether Americans still believe constitutional limits apply equally to those who govern and those who are governed.

The founders vision was never about strong personalities. It was about strong institutions accountable to a free people.

This feels like a dark chapter in the life of our republic. Yet, darkness often clarifies responsibility. Citizens must decide whether we will defend the structure that preserves our liberty, or remain silent as its guardrails are tested.

At the close of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, a woman asked Benjamin Franklin what kind of government had been created. Franklin replied with words that echo across generations: A republic, if you can keep it.

The question is no longer theoretical.

Now, we the people must decide whether we will.

The Rev. Dr. Michel J. Faulkner, a former NFL player, community leader, pastor, and registered Republican, is chair of the board of directors of the Philadelphia Council of Clergy.
Former Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith takes an oath before the House Judiciary Committee at the U.S. Capitol in Washington in January. A federal judge has blocked the release of Smith's report on the classified documents probe. Read more

Come on, Aileen

Is anyone surprised U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon  young, inexperienced, and appointed by Donald Trump  has ruled that special counsel Jack Smiths report on the presidents retention of classified documents may not be released, now or ever? Cannon has consistently acted as a Trump stooge, stalling proceedings against him, making rulings to his benefit, and playing a significant role in ensuring he would never be subjected to justice for any of the alleged crimes he committed.

No doubt Cannons deference to Trump will earn her a pat on the head, and that the president will speak of her brilliance. Perhaps she was auditioning to be Trumps next selection if a vacancy were to open on the U.S. Supreme Court. I imagine that most, if not all, of the supine Republican U.S. senators would go along with the nomination of such a lightweight. Trump believes those whom he appoints should be loyal to him rather than to the country. He got what he wanted in Cannon.

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Oren Spiegler, Peters Township

Health over politics

All this outrageous conversation of Israel and genocide and apartheid, rooted in a false narrative, denies the reality of Israel being a light unto the nations. Take pancreatic cancer. This pernicious affliction, a death sentence accompanied by hopelessness and horrific pain, has no boundaries; no ethnic, national, racial, or political favorites. The Food and Drug Administration has recently approved Israeli-founded company Novocure to market a wearable device for the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer. The device, Optune Pax, uses high-frequency electric fields and is designed to be used in combination with standard chemotherapy drugs. The electrical treatment not only extends patients lives on average, but also delays the worsening of pain by about six months. This is the reality of Israel: cutting-edge medicine and discovery for all; living life, day by day, with its vulnerabilities, many challenges, and remarkable achievements.

Rabbi Charles S. Sherman, Elkins Park

Sowing mistrust

I appreciate The Inquirer setting the record straight in response to U.S. Sen. Dave McCormicks inaccurate comments about the voting issue that occurred in Chester County. In comments on the Senate floor and in his weekly newsletter, he repeats the heavily investigated and thoroughly debunked claim that noneligible voters are casting ballots. He says people question the integrity of voting  if they do, it is because Donald Trump has spent years making this same false claim. I had been expecting our new senator, with his history of military and government service, would stand up for facts and democracy rather than join the forces sowing mistrust.

Karen Melton, Philadelphia

Protect democracy

My work as a therapist makes two concepts abundantly clear: There are parallel personality traits shared by destructive leaders in all walks of life and  for those who are enamored, empowered, or terrified by them  the defense mechanism of denial is extremely difficult to pierce. When it becomes clear that a leader of a household is a killer of either spirit or body or both, it is an uphill challenge to convey a warning to countless partners and many sons and daughters that, without their wake-up call, further destruction is both predictable and inevitable.

In like manner, warning signs clearly show our 47th president, raised to be a destroyer of all he cannot control, dominate, or seduce, never intends to leave office. For readers loyal to Donald Trump, I ask you to consider the futures of your sons, daughters, and theirs when you are no longer here to protect them, and they dare to have thoughts that lead to their imprisonment or death by an authoritarian leadership. If Trump ever intended to leave office, why has he sent a team of FBI agents armed with a search warrant to Fulton County to seize all available materials relating to the 2020 election? Do you think he will stop this behavior with Georgia?

Terrified his poll numbers are dropping, his intention is to alter evidence and once again lie  to tell the American people that evidence of voter fraud has, as he has always insisted, been found. Subsequently, he will tell us it will be too dangerous to hold elections. This takeover is our future if not stopped by a union of sane voices.

SaraKay Smullens, Philadelphia

Price on life

The article on making CPR more accessible missed one important factor: the cost of the training. CPR can double or even triple a cardiac arrest victims chance of survival, but to do that, proper training is necessary. When we explored CPR training in this area, the costs were over $80 per person. Some people need $80 for food and other essentials. If we all agree that CPR is critical, then provide a less expensive way to deliver it.

Anne Weisbord, Blue Bell

No justice

Nasrallah Abu Siyam, born in Philadelphia, was shot by Israeli settlers in a West Bank village last week, becoming at least the sixth American citizen killed by Israeli settlers or soldiers in the territory in the last two years. The Israeli Knesset voted last year to annex the Palestinian West Bank, which was supposed to be the land for a Palestinian state  something past American administrations have supported. Our American ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, is an avowed Christian Zionist and supports Israels biblical claim to that area, and possibly further expansion, despite all international resolutions and laws saying it is illegal. Palestinian families have lived there for centuries and now face violence and ethnic cleansing. After supporting Israel in killing tens of thousands in Gaza, we should not continue to allow Israel to act with such impunity. We should also defend the right to life of an American born in Philadelphia.

Joan Hazbun, Media

Grim anniversary

As columnist Trudy Rubin recently reminded us, this week marks the fourth anniversary of Russias bloody invasion of Ukraine, a conflict that now counts two million casualties and nearly half a million deaths. Despite these losses and the threat of many more, the purpose and urgency of U.S. support for Ukraine have faded in the minds of many American leaders. So this is an appropriate moment to recall why Ukraines fate matters.

As the worlds model for democracy and freedom, the U.S. has long stood by those who align with those values. Invaded by a country whose population, wealth, and weaponry far exceed their own, the Ukrainian people have fought steadily with grim and unfailing endurance. Through commitment, grit, and bloodshed, they have shown themselves to be true partners in the pursuit of values we share. To abandon Ukraine today would be a betrayal of what we as Americans have long stood for.

To assure global peace and security, it is essential that this war ends in a way that assures Russia will not renew it. By procrastination and by insistence on impossible terms, Vladimir Putin has shown repeatedly that peace with Ukraine is not on his agenda. He will call a halt to the war only when its price becomes intolerable. A weak deal will only invite renewed aggression. On this anniversary, lets broadcast our support for Ukraine. We urge our fellow Philadelphians to convey to our elected representatives that we want a just and enduring end to this conflict, one that will be possible only when the U.S. exerts the necessary economic, political, and military pressure on the invader.

Elaine Fultz and John Francis, Philadelphia

Join the conversation: Send letters to letters@inquirer.com. Limit length to 150 words and include home address and day and evening phone number. Letters run in The Inquirer six days a week on the editorial pages and online.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro delivers opening plenary remarks at the BBYO International Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, February 12, 2026. Read more

Pennsylvania voters appear to be all in on Gov. Josh Shapiros reelection bid, while some are still warming up to the thought of him being president one day.

Among registered voters, the Democratic incumbent leads his Republican challenger, state Treasurer Stacy Garrity, 55-37%, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday.

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Meanwhile, 40% of Pennsylvania voters think that Shapiro, who has been bolstering his national political profile and has a job approval rating of 56%, would make a good president, according to the poll.

But 43% of the states voters do not think he would make a good president and 16% did not offer an opinion, despite his high overall approval.

A strong majority of Democrats and a plurality of independent voters both said he would be a good president, but a strong majority of Republicans disagreed.

The survey, conducted among 836 registered voters in Pennsylvania from Feb. 19 to 23, offers a glimpse of what voters in one of the most politically consequential states think of top elected officials a little more than eight months ahead of the high-stakes 2026 midterms.

Pennsylvania voters also shared their perceptions of U.S. Sen John Fetterman (D., Pa.), who has significant support among Republicans but a low rating with his own party, and President Donald Trump, whose job approval rating is sitting below 50% in a state he won two years ago.

Heres what else to know from the Quinnipiac poll:

Republicans support John Fetterman. Democrats dont.

Fetterman has been known to cross the political aisle, and his willingness to embrace Trump and take key votes with Republicans appears to be costing him with voters in his own party.

Sixty-two percent of Democratic Pennsylvania voters disapprove of how Fetterman is handling his job, while only 22% approve.

Those dismal numbers with his own party are worse than Fettermans Republican colleague, Sen. Dave McCormick, who has a 54% disapproval rate with Democrats.

After three years in office, Fetterman does much better with Republicans than his own party. Among GOP voters, 73% approve of the Democratic senator, compared with just 18% who disapprove, according to the poll. Among independents in the swing state, 48% approve and 37% disapprove.

This dynamic has helped fuel speculation of a future party switch  something Fetterman has repeatedly shot down  or a Democratic primary challenge.

The progressive Working Families Party has said it will support and, if needed, recruit a challenger. Fetterman has repeatedly sparred with progressives on a range of issues from unconditional support for Israels military actions in Gaza to his stance on immigration enforcement.

He also drew ire from fellow Pennsylvania Democrats for crossing the aisle to support a Republican plan to end last years government shutdown without a deal to address expiring healthcare subsidies.

U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle (D., Philadelphia), a potential primary challenger, has repeatedly called Fetterman Trumps favorite Democrat, including on Tuesday night, when the senator shook the presidents hand at the State of the Union address.

Other names floated as potential contenders include U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio (D., Beaver) and former U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb, who lost the 2022 primary to Fetterman.

Which party do Pa. voters want to win the midterms?

Forty-nine percent of Pennsylvania registered voters want to see Democrats win control of the U.S. House in November, while 43% want Republicans to maintain their advantage.

Novembers midterms are consequential for both parties, especially in the House, where Republicans currently have a slim majority.

But voters in Pennsylvania have soured on Trump, who receives just 40% approval in the poll, compared with 55% disapproval. And he is losing ground on two key issues that propelled him to office: the economy and immigration.

According to the poll, only 28% of Pennsylvania voters think the economy is getting better, while 47% think it is getting worse and 23% think it is staying the same.

Additionally, 56% believe the Trump administrations immigration enforcement is too harsh in how it treats undocumented immigrants. Meanwhile, 36% think the president is handling immigration correctly and 6% think the administration is being too lenient.

Democrats believe they can capitalize on these issues and defeat incumbents in key swing districts: Republican U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick in Bucks County, Ryan Mackenzie in Lehigh County, Rob Bresnahan in Lackawanna County, and Scott Perry in York County.

Trump has endorsed every member of the Republican U.S. House delegation in Pennsylvania except Fitzpatrick.
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport speaks at a 2018 press conference while working in a top post at the attorney general's office at the time. Read more

New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport marked her first official day in the office Tuesday exchanging lawsuits with President Donald Trumps administration.

Davenport, appointed by Gov. Mikie Sherrill, had already been waging legal battles against Trump as acting attorney general before her unanimous confirmation by the New Jersey Senate.

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The states new top lawyer announced a lawsuit the same day against Trumps Department of Health and Human Services over what she called its rogue vaccine schedule that gambles with childrens health and lives.

Trumps administration also announced a lawsuit against New Jersey over a new immigration policy Davenport helped roll out that restricts ICE operations on state property.

She called the federal governments suit a pointless waste of resources.

The two cases are a sign of more battles to come as Sherrill promises to fight Trump. Davenport will be tasked with making sure the governors policies withstand a potential barrage of court battles in the months and years ahead.

DOJ sues Sherrill over her executive order limiting ICE

The Department of Justice announced Tuesday that it filed a lawsuit against Sherrill and the state over the Democratic governors recent executive order prohibiting ICE from conducting civil immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant in non-public areas of state-owned property, which she announced alongside Davenport.

The DOJs legal complaint repeatedly misspells Sherrills last name.

Federal agents are risking their lives to keep New Jersey citizens safe, and yet New Jerseys leaders are enacting policies designed to obstruct and endanger law enforcement, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement. States may not deliberately interfere with our efforts to remove illegal aliens and arrest criminals  New Jerseys sanctuary policies will not stand.

Davenport said Tuesday that the DOJ lawsuit is a waste and that her team looks forward to defending this executive order in court.

New Jersey will continue to ensure the safety of our states immigrant communities, she said.

Davenport joins lawsuit against RFK Jr.

In a lawsuit going in the other direction, Davenport announced on Tuesday that New Jersey is joining a multi-state lawsuit against HHS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and their leaders.

The suit challenges a January CDC memo that upended childhood vaccination recommendations. Vaccines for rotavirus, meningitis, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were previously universally recommended, but are now only recommended for children under high risk of serious illness. (Parents of otherwise healthy children can still decide with their doctors to give their kids these vaccines.)

The lawsuit also focuses on HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s decision to replace members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

This radical and unlawful overhaul of the nations childhood vaccine schedule rests on fringe theories and ignores decades of science, Davenport said.

The suit, which was led by Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, was brought forward by a dozen other Democratic attorneys general and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat whose state has a Republican attorney general.

Davenport and Sherrill fighting Trump and ICE

Prior to her confirmation, Davenport as acting attorney general joined another multi-state lawsuit last week against the Trump administration for rescinding clean energy funding that had previously been appropriated by Congress.

In New Jersey, the federal Department of Energy ended two agreements with Rutgers University, according to Davenports office. One, a $3.2 million award, was for energy-efficiency upgrades that would result in potential energy savings between $3.8 billion and $15.4 billion over the course of five years. The other award of $1.7 million was for research for farmers to use their land for energy production and agricultural production at the same time.

Lowering energy costs and fighting Trump were hallmarks of Sherrills campaign for governor and are part of her continued messaging as the states executive.

Davenport also sued the Trump administration with New York earlier this month over his halting of funding for the Gateway infrastructure project between New York and New Jersey. A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to release funding for the project, and construction is moving forward as the appeal process plays out.

She has also joined multi-state coalitions condemning the Trump administration over the DOJ asking Minnesota to hand over resident data in exchange for ending the violent ICE operations there, as well as Trumps attempt to halt funding for natural disaster response.

Sherrill and Davenport have also worked together to create a portal for people to submit videos of ICE agents in New Jersey and share information for residents to know their rights when interacting with federal immigration agents.

Who is Jennifer Davenport?

Davenport has more than 15 years of state and federal law enforcement experience, with experience at the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office, United States Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Attorneys Office in New Jersey, where she was colleagues with Sherrill for part of her time there.

She most recently worked as deputy general counsel and chief litigation counsel for the energy company PSEG.

Davenport worked in a top role at the New Jersey Attorney Generals office in 2018 when the state first implemented the Immigrant Trust Directive, the states sanctuary policy that limits law enforcement cooperation with ICE and has been upheld by federal judges.

The litigator, who grew up in Wildwood and now lives in Monmouth County, has two daughters ages 11 and 14. She graduated from DeSales University in Pennsylvania and the Seton Hall University School of Law in New Jersey.

I am grateful to Governor Sherrill and the Legislature for the trust placed in me, she said in a statement Tuesday. I will serve with fairness, independence, and integrity  the same values that have guided every step of my public service.
When a messy land dispute between Gov. Josh Shapiro and his backyard neighbor poured into public view via federal court filings earlier this month, it jolted his sleepy Montgomery County neighborhood.

The picturesque suburban community tucked behind Penn State Abington is usually quiet and boring, current and former neighbors said, just the way they like it. Its a great place to raise their kids, and where Shapiros four children have grown up. Among the biggest points of contention is when one neighbor fails to say hello to another. Many houses in the neighborhood sit a quarter-mile away from the main road, behind winding, tree-lined driveways. Some of the homes have been purchased in recent years for upward of $1 million. In many ways, the neighbors said, its the perfect picture of the suburban American dream.

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But this month, the neighborhood also became the battleground for dueling lawsuits between Shapiro and his neighbors, Jeremy and Simone Mock, bringing tension to a tranquil community.

Whats more: Shapiros office alleges the lawsuit against him is a political hit job to hurt him as he runs for reelection, citing the Mock familys communications with the top Republican in the state Senate and his frequent sparring partner, President Pro Tempore Kim Ward. The familys attorney in the lawsuit is also a local lawyer known to represent Republican causes, and whose former clients include the political campaigns of President Donald Trump and U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick.

The Mocks, meanwhile, argue in their lawsuit  filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania  that Shapiro has used his powerful position as governor to infringe on their constitutional rights and take their land.

 READ MORE: A security fence has sparked dueling lawsuits between Gov. Josh Shapiro and his Abington neighbors

The disputed land  a 2,900-square-foot strip between Shapiro and his neighbors lawn  had not been an issue between them until security updates were proposed to Shapiros home after a Harrisburg man firebombed the state-owned governors residence last April while Shapiro and his family slept inside, both the Shapiros and Mocks said in court filings. The man, Cody Balmer, later pleaded guilty to attempted murder and related crimes for the attack, and was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison.

Afterward, state police proposed security upgrades to Shapiros personal residence and the state-owned governors mansion in Harrisburg, suggesting the installation of an eight-foot fence along the perimeter of Shapiros personal property, along with tree trimming, a new security system, and other landscaping efforts expected to cost more than $1 million, Spotlight PA reported. The proposed taxpayer-funded improvements to the Montgomery County home  criticized by the Republican-controlled state Senate  came in addition to the more than $32 million in repairs and security upgrades made to the governors mansion in Harrisburg, which included the replacement of an existing security fence there.

 READ MORE: The arson at Gov. Josh Shapiros mansion erupted within minutes. The impact lingers.

The Shapiros allege in a countersuit that they believed the disputed piece of lawn was theirs, and that they had maintained it for 22 years. When a land surveyor hired by the state to help with the security upgrade projects found that the Shapiros did not own the disputed part of the land, the Shapiros approached the Mocks in July to purchase or lease it.

Ultimately, the talks fell apart, as the neighbors blamed one another for being unwilling to make a deal.

Any resolution is now likely to be decided in court.

The Mocks in their lawsuit  represented by Delaware County attorney Wally Zimolong, who describes himself on his website as the go-to lawyer in Pennsylvania for conservative causes and candidates  accused Shapiro in his official capacity as governor of an outrageous abuse of power by illegally occupying a part of their yard that they pay taxes on. The Shapiro family quickly filed a countersuit in the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas, arguing they have control of the land through adverse possession, a legal mechanism through which a person can gain ownership of a property theyve actively used for at least 21 years.

The Mocks have asked a federal judge to find that Shapiro, as governor, violated their constitutional rights; as well as prohibit state officials from trespassing on their property moving forward; and to award them damages. Private attorneys representing Shapiro have asked the Common Pleas Court to find they are the owners of the disputed part of the yard and refund attorney fees.

Everybody got along

Shapiro and his wife, Lori, have lived in the same home in the neighborhood for 22 years, purchasing the four bed, three-and-a-half bath property in June 2003 for $465,000 as the young couple wanted to move back to the Philadelphia suburbs after spending several years working as staffers on Capitol Hill. Shapiro ran for state House the following year and represented the area until 2011, in what was the beginning of his decades-long political career that has helped flip Montgomery County, the states third-most populous county, from red to blue.

Several current and former neighbors in the Philadelphia suburb raced to defend the Shapiros as great neighbors, adding they dont mind the additional state police presence as his star rises as a top Democrat and after the governor and his family were victims of political violence. Others said theyve had a good relationship with the Mocks so far.

We had nothing but pleasant experiences with Josh. I have nothing that I can say negative in any way, shape, or form, said Eileen Simon, who used to live next door to Shapiro until 2020. Simon lived in the neighborhood for 48 years. She hasnt spoken to the Shapiro family in a few years, but recalled that her grandchildren would often play on the Shapiros backyard swing set.

We were all neighbors together, and everybody got along, Simon added. Im devastated that this has happened.

Cathy Keim, who moved out of the neighborhood seven years ago and shared a boundary line with the Shapiros for some of the nearly 40 years she lived there, also recalled a neighborhood where everyone got along. Keim said she believes the current dispute is petty, and added that when Shapiro first built his swing set behind her pool fence, he mistakenly put it on her property. When the Keims alerted him to it, Shapiro quickly moved it back onto his own backyard, she said.

That area, it looked like it should be theirs because of the pool fence, she said. I had to tell them, thats our property, and they very quickly moved it.

Stephanie Berrong, whose backyard also abuts the Shapiros property, said in a text message that after the arson attack, the Shapiros asked if they could remove a tree on her property to build the security fence. Berrong and her husband agreed, and said the Shapiros were respectful of our time and our property throughout the tree-removal process. She did not comment on the Mocks.

We just felt it was the right thing to do, considering someone tried to burn down the governors mansion with them, and their kids, inside, Berrong added.

State police never built the security fence that started the land feud, instead opting to surround Shapiros home with updated landscaping. That escalated the conflict with the Mocks. In their lawsuit, the Mocks allege that despite ongoing negotiations over the strip of land, the Shapiros began planting arborvitae-type trees and other plants on the Mocks property, flying drones over it, and threatening to remove healthy trees. The lawsuit also accuses state police of chasing away contractors who came to work in the Mocks yard.

The Shapiros, meanwhile, argue in court filings that the Mocks alleged harassment is causing them irreparable harm and further threatening their safety. According to a source briefed on the conflict, the Mocks at one point posted a series of signs on the land and a tree that read Hippity hoppity, stay off my property, and This is my property, among other efforts to antagonize the Shapiros.

John Ginsberg grew up in the home now owned by the Mocks during the 1970s and 80s, and said he never thought of their property as stretching into the land now owned by the Shapiro family.

It just wasnt an area that was used, said Ginsberg, who now works as an attorney in Washington. It wasnt maintained, and it was brambly.

Another man, who requested anonymity to speak freely about his neighbors, said he lived next to the Shapiros for more than 21 years, and has for decades shared the upkeep on a portion of the property highlighted in the lawsuit with Shapiro, taking turns clearing and replanting the area.

I dont think either of us thought twice about that little strip of land, he said.

The Shapiros have been great neighbors, he said, and the Mocks have been good neighbors to us, describing them as a nice young family.

Political allegations

Shapiro has faced ongoing scrutiny from the state Senate for implementing the $1 million in security upgrades to his personal home, in addition to $32 million in repairs and security upgrades to the governors mansion following the arson attack. All of the upgrades were implemented without legislative approval due to their urgent nature.

A Senate committee in December took the unprecedented step to subpoena Shapiro over the security upgrades to his personal home, arguing that his administration had not been transparent in previous inquiries about how state taxpayer dollars were being used to upgrade security at Shapiros personal home.

Ward, the top official in the state Senate, has been critical of the state spending on security upgrades, saying that taxpayer dollars should not be funding security upgrades to Shapiros private residence.

Shapiros office is quick to note that Ward has been in contact with the neighbors taking the governor to court  saying that helps show the land dispute lawsuit is politically motivated.

Ward, of Westmoreland County, told ABC27 earlier this month that she had had contact with the Mock family on two occasions. A person close to Ward said that the senator is an acquaintance of the Mocks, but that the family had already obtained legal counsel by the time Ward reached out to them, and that the lawmaker did not encourage Shapiros neighbors to take any legal action against him.

Jeremy Mock has owned a small coffee business in Wards legislative district in western Pennsylvania since 2022, according to public business filings. He and his wife moved to the Abington Township neighborhood in 2017, and have had no issues with the Shapiros until the fence feud, according to both parties lawsuits.

This dispute over a small piece of the Shapiros backyard has been turned into a shameless political stunt by their neighbors and members of the Republican State Senate, who are now harassing and exploiting the Shapiros, said Rosie Lapowsky, a spokesperson for Shapiro, without directly naming Ward.

Zimolong, the Mocks attorney, said the fact that the couple was willing to work with the Shapiros to find a solution dispels any claim that their suit is politically motivated. The Mocks could have said no from the outset when the Shapiros approached them, he argued, but instead participated in negotiations.

At base, this is a straightforward defense of the property rights of two innocent owners, who were living peacefully next to the Shapiros for over nine years, Zimolong added in a statement.

Even today, the Mocks remain open to resolving the dispute, Zimolong said.

Zimolong says he has never discussed the lawsuit with Ward or coordinated with her staff over the issue, and I have no intention of doing so.

He said he is one of few attorneys in southeastern Pennsylvania who is not afraid to hold a powerful governor accountable and does not have work before the state that would present an ethical conflict.

Erica Clayton Wright, a spokesperson for Ward, noted that taxpayer funds have now been used to pay for security upgrades to Shapiros personal residence and the property of his neighbors, and argued that its not the first time Gov. Shapiros team has been put in the awkward position of pointing fingers to distract from Gov. Shapiros questionable methods of operation.

It is important not to lose sight of the need to ensure the governor and his family are safe while also safeguarding the processes in place to manage taxpayer funds, Clayton Wright said.

Absolutely no one but Gov. Shapiro himself is responsible for trying to take his neighbors property via squatter rights, which has resulted in federal and state lawsuits, she said.

Staff writer Abraham Gutman contributed to this article.
A coalition of authorities is deploying technology to try to locate the wreck of a fishing boat that sank last month off Massachusetts, killing all seven aboard. But winter weather and sea conditions have thus far slowed their efforts.

The 72-foot (22-meter) vessel Lily Jean was returning to port early Jan. 30 to repair fishing gear when it sank in frigid Atlantic waters off the historic fishing port of Gloucester. Multiple agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Massachusetts Environmental Police, are cooperating to try to find the wreck of the ship and potentially recover the bodies of the deceased, officials said Wednesday.

The Lily Jean sank in waters that were more than 300 feet deep and very inhospitable in winter. Environmental police have deployed side-scan sonar to try to gather data and detect anomalies on the ocean floor, officials said. They said they also hope to be able to send a remotely operated vehicle to the site to gather photos and video, but seas have thus far made that challenging.

Officials will provide updates to the community that is still grieving the loss of the victims, said Massachusetts Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, a Republican of Gloucester.

One of the most haunting things about grief or loss at sea is the not knowing, Tarr said during a news conference on Wednesday. Answering those questions requires a tremendous amount of effort.

The Coast Guard initially launched a search and rescue mission after receiving an alert from the vessel about 25 miles (40 kilometers) off Cape Ann. Searchers found a debris field near where the alert was sent along with a body in the water and an empty life raft, the Coast Guard said. The search was suspended the following day, and the community has rallied around the families of the victims since.

Gloucester is Americas oldest seaport and is well known for its close-knit fishing community. The book and movie The Perfect Storm were inspired by the FV Andrea Gail, which went missing at sea in 1991.

Coast Guard officials identified the victims of the sinking of the Lily Jean as captain Accursio Gus Sanfilippo and crew members Paul Beal Sr., Paul Beal Jr., John Rousanidis, Freeman Short and Sean Therrien. Also aboard was Jada Samitt, a fisheries observer for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Ricky Beal, brother of Paul Beal Sr., said during Wednesdays news conference that he is hopeful the investigation will help families in the community better understand what happened. He also encouraged anyone following the investigation not to spread false information about it.

As of now, hopefully in the future, the investigation will give us some light on what happened. But as of now, only God knows what happened that fateful morning, Beal said.

The Lily Jean, Sanfilippo, and his crew were featured in a 2012 episode of the History Channel show NorEaster Men. The captain is described as a fifth-generation commercial fisherman, out of Gloucester, in the Georges Bank. The crew is shown working in dangerous weather conditions for hours on end, spending as many as 10 days offshore catching haddock, lobster and flounder.

Whittle reported from Portland, Maine.

Photo: Gryphon Orfanos, who in the past worked on the fishing vessel Lily Jean, stands on the pier of the homeport of the fishing boat that went missing with seven onboard, Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, in Gloucester, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics InsurTech Tech Massachusetts
A tow truck operator and a used car dealer have bee sentenced for their roles in a motor vehicle theft scheme in New York.

New York Attorney General Letitia Jame said an investigation by her office and the New York State Police (NYSP) revealed that John F. Rivers of East Greenbush used his towing companys contracts with local businesses to steal vehicles, and then later illegally sold the vehicles he towed to scrap yards or used car dealers, including Robert A. Pitcher of Broadalbin.

Rivers and Pitcher were charged with more than 30 felonies for stealing and selling vehicles towed from parking lots throughout the region. In December 2025, Rivers pleaded guilty to grand larceny and Pitcher pleaded guilty to criminal possession of stolen. property. Rivers was sentenced to two to six years in prison and Pitcher was sentenced to five years of probation on February 5.

James said the investigation revealed that from October 2022 through August 2024, Rivers towed cars left overnight in the parking lots of local businesses in order to steal the vehicles. Parking lots targeted by Rivers included a Walmart in Latham, a Hannaford in Albany, and a Home Depot in Rensselaer.

Once the vehicles were stolen, according to prosecutors, Rivers would sell them to Pitcher, who would create fraudulent ownership documents in order to resell them. Rivers would also assist Pitcher in creating falsified titles and other documents.

Towing companies are supposed to notify the owner of the towed vehicle within five days and then must hold the vehicle for 30 days before attempting to claim its title. However, prosecutors said Rivers sometimes sold vehicles within days and without notifying the vehicles owner. When the owners discovered that their cars had been towed to his lot, they tried to contact Rivers and recover their cars. Rivers would either ignore their requests or demand what prosecutors said were excessive fees  up to $1,000 per day the car was held  to return them.

In one example cited by law enforcement, in March 2024, NYSP investigators parked an undercover Hyundai Sonata in a Walmart parking lot in Latham, where Rivers had a tow contract. The car was towed later that night and brought to the Rivers Asset Recovery shop, while the registered owner was never notified it had been towed. Two months later, the Sonata was transported to a chop shop in Massachusetts, where NYSP observed it cut up into parts. To date, the vehicles registered owner has never been notified that the Sonata was towed or sold.

This sentencing has brought to justice individuals who engaged in fraud and larceny, impacting car owners and scamming local businesses who had trust in them, said New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James.

Topics Auto Fraud
Two days before New Yorks biggest snowstorm in a decade began, forecasters were still unsure how much snow would fall. One traditional US model had consistently predicted a major hit, while newer artificial intelligence systems werent so certain.

The long-running Global Forecast System, or GFS, signaled the storm would be a whopper for much of the Northeast. Because of lingering skepticism about the GFS past performance  and the fact that it stood alone in predicting massive impacts  many forecasters waited until Friday afternoon before declaring the possibility of more than a foot of snow for parts of New York.

The totals reported by the US National Weather Service have been staggering: Central Park saw nearly 20 inches, one of its biggest snowstorms on record. On Long Island, snowfall measured at more than two feet.

Forecasting powerful winter storms is a distinctive challenge, scientists said. Unlike hurricanes, which form at sea and spend days barreling toward land, noreaster storms often build and strike the East Coast within 24 hours. Providing advance warning for this weeks storm meant forecasting where incoming waves of cold air and moisture would land and interact with a streak of low pressure in the jet stream, days in advance.

So far, AI models havent made that task much easier, said Bob Oravec, a senior branch forecaster for the US Weather Prediction Center in Maryland.

Theres no perfect model yet, Oravec said. Thats the problem.

In the US, storm warnings and alerts are issued by the National Weather Service and redistributed by commercial forecasters. A local office in Upton, New York, was responsible for safety advisories spanning New York City and parts of New Jersey and Connecticut. Forecaster David Stark said staff waited to issue the first alerts until Friday due to lingering uncertainty about the storms path.

We dont like to put out warnings early and give a false sense of alarm if its not needed, Stark said.

While the GFS  developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a federal science agency  was ultimately correct about the storms impacts on New York City, scientists said it overstated the threat in parts of the Mid-Atlantic and was slightly off on the storms duration.

Those mixed results are giving forecasters pause as the GFS now sees the possibility of another significant storm early next week.

At times, the GFS has predicted heavy wintry precipitation in the Northeast beginning early next week. A similar signal has been picked up by a traditional European forecast model, which is generally considered the best of its kind. But as of Tuesday morning, a powerful new European AI model sees a lower threat.

Though the models may continue to shift in the coming days, Columbia Climate School researcher Andrew Kruczkiewicz said hes watching how forecasters prioritize AI predictions before warning the public about incoming storms.

Were so trained to think anything AI is better, said Kruczkiewicz. Even if models are considered better or high quality, decision-making is not necessarily simplified.

Top Photo: Pedestrians walk through snow in Central Park during a winter storm in New York, US, on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. More than 500,000 homes and businesses across the Northeast are without power and over 10,000 flights have been canceled since Sunday as a powerful storm rips up the US East Coast.

Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.

Topics InsurTech Data Driven Artificial Intelligence
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, Mexicos second-largest city and Jaliscos capital, and school was canceled Monday in several states.

Read more: Mexicos Cartel Violence Could Hit Economy and Insurance Segment: AM Best

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 Mexicos security landscape remains unclear.

Heres what to know:

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.

Around 2009, he founded the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, which became Mexicos 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 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.

Killed in Battle With Troops

Oseguera Cervantes was killed during an attempt to capture him, as his followers attempted to fight off Mexican troops.

Mexicos 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 Keen to Show Results to US

Oseguera Cervantes death 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 cooperation helped lead to Sundays operation.

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 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.

Power Vacuum Created

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.

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.

Photograph: 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)

Related:

Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Leadership Mexico
Switzerland will pay victims of the deadly bar fire in the Crans-Montana ski resort a solidarity contribution of 50,000 francs ($64,500) after the government concluded that the current support system for the affected is insufficient.

The sum will be paid out to everyone hospitalized as a result of the blaze and the relatives of those who died. Forty-one people died and more than 100 were injured in the fire, which took place during a New Years party in the Alpine town. The federal payment is in addition to 10,000 francs being paid by the canton of Valais.

The Federal Council considers this an important sign of social solidarity and an expression of the federal governments sympathy, the government said Wednesday. The money is intended to give rapid and unbureaucratic support, help bridge acute financial difficulties and provide short-term relief.

It added that the system of victim support, as well as public and private insurance, is designed for individual cases and is reaching its limits facing an event with a high number of casualties.

The administration will also convene a roundtable of victims, insurers and authorities to find an out-of-court compensation solution for those affected so they can avoid lengthy legal battles. The government could contribute up to 20 million francs to these out-of-court settlements if a solution is found, it said.

But Justice Minister Beat Jans said that responsible insurers are still obliged to pay out insured sums, and any government assistance would be supplementary.

Local Swiss authorities in Valais have questioned the managers of the bar and local faced criticism for their handling of the investigation following the incident. Following protests from Italy, Swiss prosecutors have agreed to cooperate with their Italian counterparts in the probe.

Photograph: Candles and flowers at the entrance of the bar Le Constellation in Crans-Montana, Switzerland; photo credit: Maxime Schmid/AFP/Getty Images

Related:

Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.
EU countries on Tuesday gave their final approval to scale back rules that require companies to address environmental and human rights risks in their supply chains, after months of pressure from businesses and governments including the U.S and Qatar.

The changes, approved by European Union ministers at a meeting in Brussels, weaken the rules for most businesses currently covered. EU governments and the European Parliament negotiated the amendments last year.

They follow criticism from some industries that EU red tape and strict regulation hindered competitiveness with foreign rivals. But the weaker laws have dismayed environmental campaigners and some investors who said it would become harder to identify genuinely sustainable companies.

Under the changes, the EU will limit its corporate sustainability due diligence directive (CSDDD) to only the largest EU corporations  those with more than 5,000 employees and 1.5 billion euro ($1.8 billion) annual turnover.

The same rules will cover foreign companies whose EU turnover exceeds that amount. They could face fines of up to 3% of net global turnover for breaching the rules.

We are reducing unnecessary and disproportionate burdens on our businesses, with simpler, more targeted and more proportionate rules, said Marilena Raouna, Cypruss deputy EU affairs minister, who chaired Tuesdays meeting.

The U.S. and Qatar had demanded the EU scale back CSDDD, warning that it risked disrupting their gas supplies to Europe. U.S. oil and gas major ExxonMobil has criticized the changes as not going far enough.

The EU also delayed the deadline to comply with CSDDD to mid-2029  versus mid-2027 previously for larger companies  and dropped a requirement for companies to adopt climate change transition plans.

The changes also cover the EUs corporate sustainability reporting directive, which requires companies to disclose their environmental and social impact to make this more transparent to investors and consumers.

The EU agreed that such reporting will cover only companies with more than 1,000 employees and 450 million euro annual net turnover  plus non-EU firms with this turnover inside the bloc  versus companies with more than 250 employees now.

The changes will pass into law in the coming weeks.

($1 = 0.8488 euros)

(Reporting by Kate Abnett; editing by Mark Potter)

Related:
A U.S. judge has refused to dismiss a lawsuit accusing Tesla of discriminating against American citizens in hiring so it can pay less to foreign workers, but said he was skeptical that the software engineer who sued would prevail.

U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria in San Francisco said in a brief order late Monday that Scott Taub, who filed the proposed class action in September, had offered up just enough facts about Teslas hiring practices for the case to move forward.

Taub says the electric carmaker led by billionaire Elon Musk passed him over for an engineering job, part of its systematic preference to hire foreign visa holders in violation of federal civil rights law. He also says layoffs at Tesla have disproportionately targeted U.S. citizens.

Chhabria on Monday said Tesla must face Taubs claims that a recruiter for a staffing company told him that the engineering job he sought was H1B only, referring to H-1B visas granted to highly educated foreign workers and heavily relied upon by the tech industry.

The judge dismissed claims by a second plaintiff, human resources specialist Sofia Brander, saying it was implausible that Tesla prefers to hire foreign workers for HR positions. He gave Brander two weeks to file an amended complaint fleshing out her claims.

Tesla and lawyers for the plaintiffs did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Tesla has denied the claims in the lawsuit and called them preposterous in court filings.

President Donald Trump, a Republican, has imposed a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas, an unprecedented move that he says will deter businesses from abusing the program and displacing American workers. The fee is being challenged in at least three lawsuits.

The lawsuit says Tesla is dependent on holders of H-1B visas, including in 2024 when it hired an estimated 1,355 visa holders while laying off more than 6,000 workers domestically, the vast majority believed to be U.S. citizens.

Chhabria on Monday said that beyond the recruiters comments, Taub has presented scant evidence of discrimination. The statistics from 2024, for instance, merely show that Tesla hired a substantial number of H-1B holders that year, but not that it preferred them over U.S. citizens, the judge said.

All of this causes the Court to be somewhat skeptical of Taubs allegations, Chhabria wrote.

Topics Lawsuits Legislation Talent Tesla
With no debate and little discussion, a final Florida House committee on Tuesday approved a bill that would set up a clearinghouse to help move commercial policies out of Citizens Property Insurance Corp. and into surplus lines carriers.

The House Commerce Committee, the final stop before a House floor vote, adopted a strike-all amendment to the bill after state regulators and some insurance brokers and agents had raised concerns in recent weeks.

But the approved version incorporates few of the changes that agents and Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky had hoped fordespite words from the bill sponsor that indicated otherwise.

What were offering in the strike-all is very generous in terms of more oversight that the state Office of Insurance Regulation would have, said state Rep. Mike Redondo, a Miami plaintiffs attorney by profession.

Yaworsky did not speak at the committee meeting. He had a scheduling conflict, but he had met earlier with Redondo and other lawmakers to express his concerns, said Kylie Mason, communications director for OIR.

Those concerns were not heeded by the committee.

Most of the improvements are illusory and the legislation is totally inconsistent with the way insurance is regulated across the United States, including Florida, Mason said in an email. Continued improvements are necessary.

Yaworskys team had recently drafted its own version of the clearinghouse bill, one that would give OIR more authority over which insurers can participate and who would manage the program. The bill adopted Tuesday includes almost none of those ideas. Redondos final, amended version is very similar to the Senate bill sponsored by Sen. Joe Gruters, which is scheduled for a floor vote as early as late today, Wednesday.

Its likely that the House version would be incorporated into the Senate bill, SB 1028, at some point. That leaves little opportunity for Yaworskys safeguard suggestions to be added before the legislative session is set to end March 13.

The House Commerce Committees amended bill and the Senate bill have sparked outrage for some in the industry, mostly because the measures would give a program administrator, such as a brokerage, authority to decide which insurers and which brokers can participate and seek takeouts of Citizens commercial policies. It favors surplus lines carriers, while Yaworskys version would have required admitted carriers to be included.

Some Florida brokers have said the bill appears to be written to favor one large, national broker, Ryan Turner, the head of which has been a heavy donor to Republican causes. Ryan Turner also has sent multi-page presentations on the proposed clearinghouse plan to lawmakers in recent weeks.

Other brokers and agents have said a commercial clearinghouse is unnecessary, thanks to a rejuvenated Florida market that is functioning as it should be.

Yaworskys proposed version would have some guardrails: It would mandate that the administrator be based in Florida and be free of all potential conflicts of interest. That could potentially exclude Ryan Specialty, which is headquartered in Chicago.

Gruters and Redondos version would set no parameters on what fees or surcharges a clearinghouse manager may chargeonly that the charges be considered fair. Yaworskys bill would limit fees to $100 per policy.

The approved bill also leaves in an equalization adjustment, which could force Citizens to raise its premiums to match surplus lines offers. That may allow takeouts even if the prospective carrier is not within 20% of Citizens premiums, as is now required by statute.

Citizens officials have not publicly taken a position on the bill. But sources said that people in and out of the state-created insurer are concerned about what impact the clearinghouse, as framed in the bill, could have on Citizens depopulation plan.

While the number of commercial and commercial residential Citizens policies at issue is relatively small and getting smallerless than 6,200 as of early this yearthe stakes are high for insurance agents and brokers who place commercial policies in the state. Data from Citizens show that the total insured value of Citizens commercial policies in the state is more than $25 billion.

Policies in Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties together total almost $11 billion in value, the data show.

Redondo could not be reached by Insurance Journal after the meeting Tuesday.

Top photo: Redondo at the committee meeting Tuesday (The Florida Channel).

Read more about the clearinghouse bills:

Floridas Commercial Clearinghouse Bill Stirring Up Concerns for Brokers, Regulators

Florida Commissioner Offers Major Changes to Citizens Commercial Clearinghouse Plan

Topics Florida
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has signed legislation Thursday that restricts the states ability to set new environmental regulations.

The measure prohibits state agencies from setting restrictions on pollutants and hazardous substances exceeding those set by the federal government. In areas where no federal standard exists, the state could adopt new rules only if there is a direct causal link between exposure to harmful emissions and manifest bodily harm to humans.

Republican supporters of the legislation described it as pro-business legislation that will guard against excessive regulatory burdens. Environmental groups had urged the governor to veto the bill, saying it would prevent agencies from setting health and pollution standards.

The bottom line is that our right to protect our and our familys waters, health, and way of life through state law has been taken away. Big government and big business have conspired against the will of the people once again, William Strickland, executive director of Mobile Baykeeper said.

Iveys office did not comment on the legislation.

The legislation takes effect immediately.

Photo: Ivey. (Mickey Welsh/The Montgomery Advertiser via AP, File)

Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Legislation Pollution Alabama
College workers stricken with cancer should seek remedy through the workers compensation system, and injured students can bring negligence lawsuits, not claims that their constitutional rights have been violated, attorneys for North Carolina State University said in asking a court to dismiss a high-profile lawsuit brought over hazardous chemicals in a campus building.

Plaintiffs alleged injuries sound in negligence and workers compensation, not in violations of constitutional rights, reads the motion to dismiss, filed in Wake County Superior Court.

One man and 10 women who developed breast cancer while studying or working at NCSUs Poe Hall filed suit in January, arguing that the university had sundered protections provided by the state constitution, including a right to bodily integrity; a right to enjoy fruits of their labor; a right to life and happiness; and a right to a safe learning environment, according to court documents.

The alleged source of the cancers is Poe Hall, the universitys former education building. It was shown to have been built with materials that contained PCBs, chemicals used as insulating fluid in transformers and other products, according to the Raleigh News & Observer and other news reports. PCBs were found to be harmful and were banned in 1979.

NCSU closed the Poe Hall building three years ago and has filed its own lawsuit against Monsanto, the chemical manufacturer. The sickened workers and students also have sued Monsanto, news sites have noted.

The university now wants the constitutional claims against it to be dismissed.

Plaintiffs have not stated any colorable constitutional claim because they fail to demonstrate that they have suffered the deprivation of any right protected by the Constitution, the motion reads.

Workers comp claims may not allow much relief for the workers. As of January 2025, North Carolina workers compensation law provided no presumption that certain diseases are caused by workplace exposure, according to the Workers Compensation Research Institute. Several other states have established presumptions for classes of workers, such as firefighters and other first responders who develop some types of cancers, heart disease or psychological trauma.

Read More: New Concerns About NC State University Building Found to Have PCBs

Comp Related: Florida Appeals Court Pulls the Plug on Physician Dispensing

Topics Claims North Carolina
The CEO of a large California vocational return to work counseling center and his alleged co-conspirators were charges in a kickback and forgery scheme that drained injured workers educational benefits.

Hazel Ortega, 54, of La Habra, and alleged co-conspirators Gemi Bertran, 54, and Elbert Irving, 41, were arraigned on 31 felony counts.

A California Department of Insurance investigation reportedly found the defendants forged injured workers signatures, submitted fabricated enrollment documents and diverted thousands of dollars in education benefits meant to help injured workers retrain and re-enter the workforce.

Detectives launched an additional investigation after an injured worker contacted the CDI upon reading a press release about Ortegas prior charges in 2024. When the worker attempted to use a voucher for the Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit program, they discovered the funds had already been exhausted without their knowledge, according to the CDI.

The program provides eligible injured workers with $6,000 to $10,000 in vouchers for retraining. Detectives reportedly found multiple vouchers were depleted for schools workers never attended.

According to investigators, Bertran, owner of Nourish the Brain in San Luis Obispo, allegedly billed insurers for students to attend the vocational school he owned and then referred those same students to an unaccredited and unapproved institution owned by Irving, Ortegas common-law husband. Detectives reportedly determined the students did not attend either institution, allowing the defendants to allegedly pocket the funds.

The investigation also found Ortega Counseling Center, owned by Ortega, allegedly pressured injured workers to sign blank documents, which were later used to submit fraudulent invoices to insurance companies.

Ortega was previously charged with 23 felony counts, including insurance fraud, grand theft, and forgery, in a separate case alleging she forged documents and participated in a nearly $1 million insurance fraud scheme involving illegal kickbacks.

The case is being prosecuted by the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office.

Topics California Training Development K-12
Protesters still inside Bord Bias head office for almost a month have said they are prepared to stand down should the organisations chairman stand aside while an independent review takes place.

It comes as a Red C poll published by the Business Post showed fewer than one in five respondents support Larry Murrins decision to remain as Bord Bia chairman.

More than 700 farmers attended a meeting in Claremorris last Thursday night, and more than 800 in Athy, Co Kildare, exceeding the venue's capacity on Tuesday, February 24, where it was decided to hold a further protest in Newbridge next Saturday.

The controversy began a month ago after it was revealed Mr Murrin's company, Dawn Farms, had been importing beef from Brazil into Ireland.

Irish Farmers' Association president Francie Gorman said the association was yet to receive "any substantive reply" to its proposal.

I requested that the board should meet without the chair, which is consistent with the code of practice for the governance of State bodies. This has not happened to date," he said.

The reality is that all the talk from the minister and all the advertisements from the Bord Bia management about wanting dialogue is only empty rhetoric. They have proposed nothing except to stand by their man.

The minister and Larry Murrin have not moved one inch since it emerged that the chair is importing Brazilian beef and Brazilian poultry and that his company is not part of any Bord Bia quality assurance scheme, he said.

There was a meeting of the board last Wednesday, and we responded with this proposal to try and achieve a breakthrough. The Board of Bord Bia must be given an opportunity to consider it without the chair being present."

According to the Red C poll of more than 1,000 Irish adults, 53% said he should go, 16% said he should stay, and 31% of respondents were described as neutral/don't know. Once the undecideds and don't knows are set aside, it gives a 77%/23% split in those who have an opinion, with the majority in favour of Mr Murrin standing down.

Commenting on the findings, Mr Gorman said: The minister should heed the finding in [the Red C] poll. Its very clear that the view among the farming community on this issue is shared by the wider public. It is inexplicable that [agriculture] Minister Heydon would allow a situation to drag on when trust and confidence in Bord Bia is being eroded. The board of Bord Bia should meet without the chair to agree a pathway out of this.

The crowd was unanimous that a new chair is needed as part of the process of rebuilding trust among farmers. We cannot have a chair of Bord Bia whose company imports Brazilian beef and Brazilian chicken and is not part of the relevant Bord Bia quality assurance scheme, he said.

He added a roster of farmers had been put in place to maintain the protest outside Bord Bia until Monday, March 9, and "can be rolled over for as long as is needed".

"The depth of feeling on this issue has gotten a lot stronger since it emerged that the chairs company doesnt even bother to be part of the relevant Bord Bia QA scheme, he added.

Responding, a spokesperson for Bord Bia said: "The board of Bord Bia, Bord Bias senior leadership team, and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine are working collaboratively to review the IFA proposal.

"The disruption to Bord Bias work continues, with a significant number of client and customer meetings postponed or moved off-site. Over 140 staff are continuing to work from home or offsite locations for a fourth week and will remain doing so until the sit-in protest is stood down."
I have just returned from Boston. I was invited by Irish/American parents to give a talk on Parenting the Screen-ager.

Raising children in the age of technology and social media is a global phenomenon.

Boston has always been a place I have loved. My own grandmother was born in Portland, Maine. She came back to Ireland in 1920, a couple of years after the First World War.

She used to tell me stories of watching the men heading off to war, waving her American flag, and singing, over there, over there, the Yanks are coming, and they wont be back until its over, over there.

Her own mother died from the Spanish flu. So, they left American shores and travelled by boat back to Ireland. I used to sit for hours, as a kid, and listen to those stories about how her favourite cap blew off on the boat and was lost into the mist of the Atlantic.

I have always loved America, the dream that is America. The place where the native Americans roamed for centuries untouched.

The place of American Graffiti and Elvis Presley. Diners with jukeboxes, rollerblades, and milkshakes. The streets where ET roamed at Halloween. It has always been an image of hope in my mind.

Ever since that fateful day on those gaudy golden elevators back in June, 2015, when Donald Trump announced his candidacy for president, things have been difficult to watch. But America is a dream, and it will never be extinguished  certainly not by a con man.

I have studied far too many Shakespearean plays to believe evil triumphs. It is powerful, and it metastasises rapidly, but it never wins. Goodness is a force far more predictable and sustaining.

Chaos eventually feeds on itself. I think we are all watching the first few bites.

Boston is a beautiful city, particularly this time of year. Snow piled on the sidewalks, the air dry and crisp, and Boston Common in an aureole of brilliant sunshine, with squirrels clambering away while traffic stampedes and heeds inanimate instruction.

As I was crossing over to Newbury Street, the guy next to me shouted: Im walkin heah.

Magic! I kept saying it to myself for the rest of the day.

The only aspect of America that I find difficult is going into shops.

Richard Hogan: 'At times like this, you miss the cynical eye roll of Irish shop assistants.'

You almost have to take a breath and brace yourself for the tsunami of overly-zealous shop assistants waiting to envelope you as you enter.

Welcome to Sephora, how can I assist you today?

Just having a look, thanks, doesnt really do it like it does in Ireland.

My name is Candice, just let me know if you need any help with anything and Ill assist you today.

Thank you, Candice.

You would think that would be the end of it, but oh no, Candice is unstoppable.

You guys from Boston?

Its a little disingenuous, the big red noses and heavy Irish brogues, and sense of confusion with all the chatter gives us away.

No, were not.

But young Candice is having none of it.

Where you guys in from?

Were just in from Ireland.

Oh, my God, youre Irish?

I should have said Bolivia or somewhere. Why did I have to say that? Idiot.

Yeah, we are, I say in a tone attempting to convey disinterest.

Dont get me wrong, I love a chat like anyone else, but this was about the 10th shop I had entered.

And, I can see where this is going. Its at times like this youd miss the old cynical eye roll of Irish shop assistants.

Candice continues: Thats awesome, my mothers family are from Co Sligo, do you know Sligo?

I do.

I have always wanted to go.

You should, its lovely.

I have the balm Im after. Im like some tourist attempting to stick his flag on the summit of Everest. Now I have to get down, and Candice is in my way.

Its like breaking up with a very anxious girlfriend, wanting to leave a shop in America.

Its not you, I think your shop is fab, I just want to check out what the other shops are like too, if you dont mind. I promise Ill come back.

Candice can see Im making moves to leave.

Have you thought about summer Fridays? Do you want to see a selection today?

Ah, Im fine, Candice. My wife is looking for me, please can I leave?

Youre all set.

I am. Jesus.

Have a good one. I will.

Now into JP Licks. I enter.

Hi, my name is Roderigo how can I help you today?

This seems easier: Can I just get a strawberry milkshake?

Sure, you from Boston or passing through?

Im from here.
Banning social media for under-16s would shift the responsibility for safety from the platforms that create the environment to the children who navigate it, Europes most senior human rights official has said.

The commissioner for human rights at the Council of Europe, Irish human rights lawyer Michael OFlaherty, suggested that while such calls which are gathering momentum arise from legitimate concerns, it should not deflect accountability from the social media platforms themselves.

The current online ecosystem is failing children, Mr OFlaherty said. Children are exposed to violent, sexual, or distressing content, grooming, and rapidly spreading disinformation.

Opaque algorithms direct them toward extreme material, while manipulative designs influence their behaviour, and pervasive data collection compromises their privacy.

These outcomes are foreseeable results of specific design choices and business models, necessitating regulatory intervention at the source.

The topic has come into sharp focus in recent months, after the Grok undressing controversy as well as Australia bringing such a ban into force.

It had appeared the Government would legislate in a similar manner, with Tanaiste Simon Harris recently remarking that he believes there needs to be a minimum age in relation to social media and children are not safe on the internet, simple as.

Last week, however, its new digital and AI strategy stopped short of an outright pledge for a ban on under-16s on social media.

It said Ireland would take action if necessary, but would work with like-minded EU member states to explore options on the topic of age restrictions on the use of social media.

Regulation needed

Mr OFlaherty said the pervasiveness of algorithmic systems that are used on social media sites reinforces the need for regulators to step in.

This includes ensuring there is transparency around the algorithms being used, as well as effective reporting and redress mechanisms, childrens rights risk assessments, independent audits and restrictions on targeted advertising.

These obligations must be enforceable, subject to independent oversight, and supported by sanctions and liabilities that are effective deterrents, he said.

The human rights lawyer said the European Commission is already taking steps against platforms, citing recent action against TikTok where it hit out at the social media platforms alleged addictive design. TikTok reacted strongly in rejecting the commissions assessment, with the investigation still ongoing.

Mr O'Flaherty suggested that individual EU member states should adopt a similar approach to what has been taken by the European Commission by allocating resources to regulators, co-ordinating actions and making sure any penalties dished out outweigh any economic benefit these platforms are getting from such practices.

Before considering a ban, governments and parliaments should pause and exercise caution, he added.

They should consult with experts, civil society, and children, and ensure that proposals are human rights compliant. The source of harm is rooted in the design and incentives of the platforms. That should be the primary focus of regulation.
The Government is to bring in urgent legislation to give the Defence Forces powers to board and inspect Russian shadow vessels travelling through Irish territorial waters.

The proposals are expected to go to Cabinet next month and  subject to Oireachtas approval  be in place before the summer, in advance of Ireland assuming the EU presidency in July.

The provisions would provide the Defence Forces with their own enforcement powers and enable them to act unilaterally in maritime operations  and not be dependent on the powers of An Garda Siochana, Customs, or the Coast Guard.

The Governments first ever National Maritime Security Strategy said there are increasing concerns that this shadow fleet, typically used to bypass sanctions on Russian oil, may also be utilised for espionage and sabotage, by deploying drones from them.

The strategy, which is being published on Wednesday, warns that there are critical gaps in Irelands surveillance and monitoring capabilities, with capital projects, like primary radar and sonar, expected to improve the picture.

It accepts Irelands capabilities  in terms of naval and air assets and personnel  are a bigger challenge and that the Naval Services ability to patrol Irelands European waters is currently limited.

This bigger challenge is behind a strong push in the strategy towards bilateral cooperation agreements with the governments and defence forces of France and Britain in relation to maritime security.

The strategy, covering the period 2026 to 2030, said the Department of Defence is "moving quickly" on progressing participation in international military exercises, such as the Joint Expeditionary Force.

The force comprises northern European nations, and tracks potential threats to undersea infrastructure and monitors the shadow fleet.

Government sources said any practical cooperation involving the navies or air forces of other countries, such as France and Britain, would not be in Irish territorial waters (12 nautical miles off the coast) but in Irelands Exclusive Economic Zone (which stretches to 200 nautical miles).

Officials indicate that operational deployment of foreign navies in Irish territorial waters raises potential constitutional challenges, related to provisions that Ireland can not be part of a mutual defence pact or alliance.

Bilateral cooperation is to help protect against drone activity or suspected hostile behaviour by vessels over critical subsea infrastructure, including crucial gas pipelines and electricity interconnectors with Britain and clusters of data cables, both in the Irish Sea and off the southern coasts.

Counter-drone technology

Government sources have also insisted that the Defence Forces will have counter-drone technology in place before July and that personnel will be trained in their use in time.

Defence minister Helen McEntee said she wanted to put defence cooperation with the UK and France on a more permanent footing, citing the existing intelligence sharing procedures between the countries.

She said this would be separate to the engagement Ireland will have ahead of its presidency of the EU, where the Government may seek additional support from other countries.

Kenneth McDonagh, Associate Professor in International Relations at DCU, welcomed the strategy as a step forward in addressing Ireland's security and defence challenges in an increasingly uncertain world.

The strategy rightly highlights the vulnerabilities Ireland faces in relation to critical maritime infrastructure with an emphasis on undersea cables and power connections, he said.

The strategy also acknowledges the clear gaps in Ireland's capabilities and although detail is absent and points to the Capability Development plan that will address these gaps.

He added: In the meantime the strategy tries to walk a narrow line between recognising the need to cooperate with internal partners in both bilateral and multilateral frameworks while maintaining Ireland's miliary neutrality.
The Government's U-turn this week on cuts to special needs assistant (SNA) posts next year is just an "extended, year-long pause" leaving families, schools and SNAs in limbo, nationwide protests have heard.

Demonstrations in response to recent moves to cut SNA posts took place across the country this evening, including outside Leinster House, Cork City Hall, and at Merchant's Quay in Limerick City.

It follows continued anger among school communities despite a Government U-turn announced late on Monday over attempts to cut SNA posts for the 2026 school year.

Outside the Dail, SNAs, parents, teachers and trade union representatives gathered with placards, reading 'Save Our SNAs'. Among those attending were several parents who have been waiting to secure school places for their children for this coming September.

The decision to halt the incoming changes this year is not a resolution, said Samantha O'Flanagan, an SNA, Forsa member and parent to a child with additional needs.

"It is simply an extended, year-long pause. It brings no real certainty, no long-term security for SNAs and no clear answers for children, families or schools who remain in limbo."

The Government already knows what needs to be done, she added.

"The message has been loud and clear: The level of need in our schools has been well documented, and goes far beyond the narrow scope of primary care needs outlined in the circular."

Jesslyn Henry, a Dublin city councillor for the Social Democrats and an SNA currently ona career break, told the demonstration that the pause "kicked the can down the road until next year."

"SNAs should not be cut in any school in the country. SNAs are a vital part of every school community.

"The SNA cuts that were announced to 194 schools affect every one of us. We don't know whether it's our school next. That is deeply, deeply unfair.

"You're literally just kicking the can down the road until next year," Ms Henry added.

"Our children deserve the care and support that everyone of us offers in our schools, and they need answers. Their parents deserve answers."

Outside Cork City Hall, Anglesea Street heard chants of a pause is not enough, as SNAs, teachers, parents and students gathered.

Hand-painted signs reading Hey Taoiseach, leave our kids alone and No ifs, no buts, no SNA cuts were held high alongside banners for the Labour Party, Sinn Fein, the Green Party, the Social Democrats, People Before Profit, Forsa, and Aontu.

Joanne Doherty, vice-principal of Scoil Barra in Ballincollig, said she had heard the initial news of a proposed reduction in SNAs and had not known whether to curse or to cry.

While the decision to pause the cuts was welcome, a focus on real solutions was needed, she added.

We invite the Government and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) to work with the people on the ground, with school leaders, teachers, SNAs, parents and never forget the voice of our incredible children, Ms Doherty said.

Come into our schools. See the complexity. See the care. See the effort. Let us create a framework where the word care is truly at the heart of supporting our children.

In the Dail on Wednesday, education minister Hildegarde Naughton said she knows "people are angry and frustrated at what is being portrayed as the removal of essential supports to young people."

Last week, the minister confirmed that approximately a third of 584 schools were to receive a reduction in their SNA posts from September.

More schools were expected to receive letters from the NCSE in the coming weeks advising them of the review outcomes.

This year, 1,000 reviews were carried out by the NCSE.

The Minister said she fully accepts that the process and outcomes of the reviews were not "properly communicated."

"That is the fault of Government. I will work to ensure this does not happen again.

"No cuts are proposed, or will be proposed, to the provision of SNA support to children and young people across our school system.

"I understand the anger and upset that arose this week, but I do not  as some have claimed - blame the NCSE for this situation," she said.

On Tuesday, Taoiseach Michael Martin told the Dail the Government never signed off on the planned reductions.

Ms Naughton said: "The NCSE did the work it is mandated to do. I have full confidence in the NCSE. It fulfilled its role to ensure that special education resources are allocated to the schools with the greatest need."

On Wednesday, Tanaiste Simon Harris admitted the government "got this wrong" on a review of how SNAs are allocated at schools.

Mr Harris said that while there was a "strong logic" to review SNA allocations, "the buck stops with us" in how the review was handled.

"There's been a lot of hurt caused over the course of the last week, a lot of stress, a lot of anxiety. We got this wrong," he told Newstalk.

"The reality of the situation is when something goes wrong, you've got to put your hands up and you've got to fix it.

"What I heard from parents across the country, what I heard from SNAS and what I heard from teachers was that the sequencing here matters."

Up to 30 protests across the country took place across the country.

Parent Niamh McDonald said she does not see the announcement this week from Government as a U-turn.

I see it as an extension of the pause. Nothing has changed realistically. To me, what they did, because they knew that anger was right across the country, and they were reactive. They tried to just clamp stuff down by saying, Right were OK for another 12 months.

It's an extension of the pause, and it's just another part of this cycle of chaos, said Ms McDonald.

This pause just prolongs the pain because I already have anxiety about next year. Im wondering if we will have to go through this all again next January or February.

Thats unfair. This is not a resolution.

Ms McDonalds son is autistic and has ADHD. He attends mainstream school with the support of an SNA. His school wasnt sure if it was due to lose SNA posts for 2026 as its review was ongoing when the Government announced the pause last week.

Without my sons SNA, he would not be able to navigate mainstream education. He is flourishing right now, but thats because of the supports he has right now, and his principal and his teacher.

Ms McDonald added: He has a constant SNA beside him to support him, and he is flourishing. He loves school but without that SNA, that would not be the situation.

He needs a lot of help with emotional regulation, he needs help with transitions, and he can be a flight risk."

All of those situations are not recognised in the current SNA circular from 2014, said Ms McDonald.

But if he didnt have that support, how could his teacher manage that situation while also trying to teach 23 other children in the class? I dont understand that at all.

Ms McDonald called for action on the issue. For me, I would like to see all the opposition parties, the trade unions, and the stakeholders to come together and sit down within the next 48 hours and plan a pathway of how we start to get security for SNAs in our classrooms, whether thats special classes, mainstream or special schools.

We have huge momentum now, we have a massive opportunity and we can see when communities, SNAs, parents, the opposition, and the trade unions come together weve got power to make changes.

We want to make sure were not in the same situation next year.

Forsa, the trade union that represents SNAs, said it has been agreed this week that the SNA redeployment scheme, the SNA workforce development plan, and changes to a 2014 circular outlining the role of a SNA will be advanced before any further decisions are taken.

"The priority will be ensuring that the child-centred approach to the provision of special education is retained and enhanced in these policy developments," it said.

"The NCSE cannot therefore make recommendations on SNA numbers until these key documents are agreed and published."

It said the situation "should never have happened."

"The Government has failed to prioritise this issue for too long. While the additional 19m in funding that has been found is to be welcomed, it is a sticking plaster.

"What is needed is real engagement and resourcing and proper planning for the future of special education in mainstream classes."
The expansion of free GP care to all first requires a road-map and more GPs in place, otherwise it will waterlog the system, a leading GP has claimed.

Dr Tadhg Crowley, Irish Medical Organisation GP committee chair, was responding to calls for action on a decade-old Government plan.

A Social Democrats motion in the Dail on Wednesday called for free care to reach under-12s this year and everyone by 2030.

Other changes to overhaul the system include training more GPs and funding care in deprived areas.

Dr Tadhg Crowley, Irish Medical Organisation GP committee chair, pointed out 42% of people pay for appointments because they do not have a medical or GP visit card. Picture: Shane O'Neill

Its a list of aspirational things you would like to have in a good health service and a primary health service, Dr Crowley said.

Ireland is absolutely an outlier in terms of the rest of Europe in not providing free GP care.

He pointed out 42% of people pay for appointments because they do not have a medical or GP visit card.

You are going to need more GPs, he said, adding that expanding nurse roles is welcome but should not be the only step.

If we expand free GP care in the next year, you will waterlog the system in terms of people will not be able to access the service and end up in hospital which is not what you want, he said.

He added: I think you have to say you need a road-map and, along that, you need certain absolute sign-posts you have to reach before you get onto the next stage.

The motion also included pressures on out-of-hours services such as Southdoc and Caredoc.

Dr Crowley agreed, saying: Its quite different now [to when this was set up] because its full on.

Youve come off your normal day-to-day surgery and youre now working in what Id call a more litigious environment.

The motion also included pressures on out-of-hours services such as Southdoc and Caredoc.

"You dont know the patients and youre under pressure to see the number of patients that need to be seen.

He called for more supports for new GPs, saying larger practices allow GPs to share support staff and reduce costs.

One of the Social Democrats' solutions is to have paid GPs [working for the HSE] and I dont think the research model supports that, he said.

Concerns about being responsible for a practice linked to health cuts after the 2008 recession have eased since an agreement between the IMO and the Government on payments, he said.

The State would get more bang for its buck supporting young doctors to set up large practices or existing small practices to merge, he argued.

Social Democrats health spokesperson Padraig Rice said after the debate: While the Government did not oppose our motion, neither did they commit to implementing our plan to reduce costs for patients and expand access to GP services.

Were still being told that we have to wait until the Strategic Review of General Practice is completed, something that was promised seven years ago but is still ongoing.
The first man to ever take on the State in the High Court for being sexually abused in an industrial school has said the government apology by the Taoiseach to survivors is too little too late.

Ray Noctor, aged 66 and from Carlow, suffered years of rape, torture and bestiality from the age of 12 to 16 at the hands of teacher David Murray at St Josephs Industrial school in Kilkenny.

He was sent to the homes when he was eight years old, but was moved to a separate part of the school at the age of 12 where Murray raped him for years until he was 16, using animals as part of the sexual violence.

In 1997, Murray was convicted and jailed for 10 years for child sexual abuse.

At the time of Murray's sentencing at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Joseph Mathews said: "Never in the history of childcare in this State has one child-care worker caused so much damage."

In 2005, Mr Noctor sued the minister for education, St Josephs Industrial School in Co Kilkenny, the minister for health, and the Southeastern Health Board for the abuse he had suffered in the 1960s.

He was awarded 370,000 in damages and costs at the High Court for gross indecency and assault, but had been advised at the time, to accept the redress package set up for survivors  which he declined.

Earlier, Micheal Martin apologised to survivors of institutional abuse, saying "too many of our children were denied the love, care, and security that should have been theirs".

The apology followed a protest by four survivors outside Leinster House seeking additional supports for survivors of abuse in residential institutions. These included a formal apology, and a confirmation by the justice minister that no survivors have a criminal record just by virtue of having been in an industrial or reformatory school.

Hunger strike

Maurice Patton O'Connell, Mary Donovan, Miriam Moriarty Owens, and Mary Dunleavy Greene went without food for more than a month, surviving on coffee and water. The four were in the Dail gallery for the apology.

However, speaking to the Irish Examiner following the Taoiseachs apology, Mr Noctor said: Ive heard these apologies a million times, it makes no difference to me.

Firstly, the Taoiseach should not be reading a script; he should know this stuff off the top of his head. He was the junior minister for education when I was being raped and beaten by David Murray in St Joseph's.

"His government was well aware of this stuff, so to tell me now at 66 that the state is sorry; I dont accept it. The only thing I accept is that we no longer have a criminal history. We were sentenced to these places.

"Id rather hear 'we are sorry that we covered up the crimes inflicted on you, we are sorry we are responsible for the suffering you endured'. Thats what I want to hear.

As for the opposition saying they are supporting us, they didnt speak up at the time either.

It is easy to say sorry for something from the past  but that wasnt done properly today. I will never trust the Government or be grateful to them; they defended the case I took against them, and I risked so much by taking it.
A student who allowed scammers to use his account and shift more than 9,000 belonging to a Cork woman who fell victim to an "E-flow text scam", has avoided jail and a recorded conviction.

"Typical money mule", Darragh Sutcliffe, aged 21, pleaded guilty at Dublin District Court in September to money laundering connected to an E-flow text message scam.

Sutcliffe, who was about to sit the Leaving Certificate at the time, had his sentencing adjourned until Wednesday after he pledged to speak at local schools about the dangers of online fraud, repay some of the money that had not been recovered, and donate 5,000 to charity.

Sutcliffe, of Wainsfort Park, Terenure, Dublin, was planning to sit accountancy exams and was promised 400 in a message from a third party on Snapchat, but never received payment and was prosecuted for possessing crime proceeds and giving a false statement to gardai.

Judge Gerard Jones heard that 16,350, proceeds of a smishing or phishing scam, was lodged into his account in four fraudulent transactions between May 23 and May 25, 2023.

The court heard the funds came from three people's accounts. Some 3,500 was withdrawn from various ATMs in the Lucan area in Dublin until Sutcliffe's account was frozen.

It came to light when a transfer was made from a Cork woman who inadvertently responded to a scam text message. She later discovered that 9,350 was moved from her account without her permission. Another transfer of 2,000 came from a Killarney resident's account.

After Sutcliffe's account was identified, he went to Terenure garda station on June 29, 2023. Garda Gavin Kelly believed Sutcliffe was a typical "non-complicit money mule" and not involved in the smishing aspect of the scam.

He allowed his account to be used on the promise of a financial gain, which he never received. The court noted that students often do not receive the promised reward.

After his bank contacted him, he went to the gardai to make a false report to distance himself from the money laundering. The banks reimbursed the three people, but AIB had not recouped the amount withdrawn.

Final ruling

Defence solicitor, Damien Coffey, furnished a letter from him showing his contrition. Pleading for leniency, Mr Coffey emphasised that his client's family had endured embarrassment and disgust over the past two years due to his actions, yet they still stood by him and were undertaking to pay for it.

Mr Coffey submitted that there was less knowledge about these scams two years ago. The college student planned to write to every local school in his vicinity, offering to speak to pupils about the dangers of these scams. He had no prior convictions.

Judge Jones remarked that Sutcliffe was lucky that the investigating garda had been very fair to him. "Only for that, and the fact he was approached by these strangers and fell into this trap, he would have been heading to Mountjoy," Judge Jones had warned the accused.

The outstanding cash was brought to court for the September hearing, and the judge ordered him to donate 5,000 to a cancer charity as he adjourned the case.

He commended the student's parents and ordered the accused to repay them for the support they had given him. Finalising the case on Wednesday, he noted the defendant had fully complied and struck out the proceedings.
A man has been charged with the murder of Kerry farmer Michael Gaine, whose dismembered remains were found in a slurry spreader on his farm.

Michael Kelley, 54, was charged with murdering Mr Gaine at Carrig, Kenmare, Co Kerry, between March 20 and March 21.

Det Sgt Mark OSullivan of Killarney Garda Station told Tralee District Court that he charged Mr Kelley at Castleisland Garda Station today at 3.06pm.

Mr Kelley made no reply to the charge after caution, Det Sgt O'Sullivan said.

Judge David Waters remanded Mr Kelley in custody until March 4, when a book of evidence is to be served.

His solicitor, Pat Mann, was granted free legal aid.

Mr Kelley, of, no fixed abode, appeared before Tralee District Court today.

Gardai explained to Mr Kelley that they were arresting him for the murder of Michael Gaine at Castleisland Garda Station today, and Mr Kelley told gardai he understood the reason for his arrest, Det Sgt O'Sullivan told the court.

No application for bail can be made on a murder charge at the District Court, Judge Waters said.

He remanded Mr Kelley in custody to appear via video link at Tralee District Court on March 4.

Judge Waters said he will send Mr Kelley forward for trial on indictment to the Central Criminal Court.

Mr Mann handed a statement of means into the court.

The court heard that Mr Kelley receives 150 per week in Supplementary Welfare Allowance, and he was granted free legal aid.

Mr Kelley stood in silence with his hands clasped in front of him. He did not speak during the brief hearing.

His greying hair hung loose around his shoulders and he had a grey beard. He wore a rust-coloured sweatshirt and beige trousers to court.
A lorry driver entered a guilty plea to a charge of careless driving causing the death of a woman in Charleville almost three years ago.

43-year-old Damien Mulvey, of Avondale, Knockbarry, Buttevant, Co Cork, was arraigned at Cork Circuit Criminal Court on the single charge of careless driving causing death.

He pleaded guilty to the charge, which stated that his driving at Main Street, Rathgoggin Middle, Charleville, Co Cork, on the afternoon of May 15, 2023, was careless in that he drove without due care and attention, causing the death of pensioner Margaret Lyons.

The family of the deceased were present in court when Mr Mulvey pleaded guilty to this charge.

His senior counsel Jane Hyland said as soon as the guilty plea was entered: On behalf of Mr Mulvey, he would like to express remorse on the death of this lady and offer his condolences to the family.

Ms Hyland asked for an adjournment of sentencing so testimonials on behalf of the accused could be prepared. The defence senior counsel also asked for free legal to be extended for the preparation of a doctors report.

Sentencing was adjourned until May 11, at which time the family of the deceased will have an opportunity to present a victim impact statement.

Judge Helen Boyle also addressed the family of the deceased in court, saying that she would like to express sincere condolences to them.
Survivors say they are "devastated" Cork City Council has granted planning permission for 140 apartments on the site of the former Bessborough mother and baby institution.

The council granted permission to Estuary View Enterprises 2020 despite several previous planning refusals and concerns that the site may contain the unmarked graves of hundreds of children.

Between 1922 and 1998, the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary ran Bessborough as a mother and baby institution, during which time 9,768 mothers and 8,938 babies were admitted.

According to the Mother and Baby Homes Commission, 923 children died at Bessborough, or after being transferred from there.

Burial records exist for only 64 of those children.

In previous rulings on two applications relating to one area near the Bessborough folly, beside the nuns graveyard, the then An Bord Pleanala said the potential existed for the presence of human remains and/or burials at those proposed development sites.

Reacting to the council decision to grant planning permission, Carmel Cantwell of the Bessborough Mother and Baby Home Support Group said survivors are deeply saddened at the thought of development on a site of profound national significance.

We objected to this planning application because we believe that this site is one containing a landscape of trauma, loss, and unmarked burials, Ms Cantwell said.

Her brother William was born in Bessborough in 1960 and was buried in the old Famine graveyard in Carrs Hill, but this information was kept from his mother for 59 years.

There is so much unfinished business at Bessborough, and the grounds were not exhaustively investigated to find the burial places of the missing children, Ms Cantwell said.

In all, 859 children are unaccounted for. For this reason, no one should ever touch what remains of Bessborough.

Ms Cantwell said the group is calling for a full forensic investigation of the former Bessborough site.

Last July, An Coimisiun Pleanala refused plans previously submitted by Estuary View because of its unit mix, and did not adopt a recommendation by its own planning inspector that the application should also be refused due to concerns around possible burials.

Carmel Cantwell, Rochestown, Cork, with a candle for her late brother William Gerald Walsh at the annual Bessborough Commoration at the Bessborough Centre, Blackrock, Cork. Picture: Dan Linehan

In its new application, the developer said it had previously consulted with the Cork Survivors & Supporters Alliance (CSSA), saying: "We understand that the CSSA had no objection to the principle of the proposed development."

Despite objections, Cork City Council approved the plans saying they would not seriously injure the areas residential or visual amenities, and are in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

The approved plans will see 140 units built across three blocks, comprising a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments and one three-bedroom unit.

Local Fianna Fail city councillor and former lord mayor Terry Shannon, whose late wife Ursula was a prominent adoption rights advocate, said it is a bad decision and shows just how out of touch our planners are with members of council and the local community.

It is an area that needs proper commemoration, but its also an area that should be kept as a regional park for the general population of that side of the city, where there is a dearth of green areas, Mr Shannon said.

The area is a bottleneck already, so the concern I would have is that in giving permission for 140 units in there, its giving precedent for more."

There are 70 conditions attached to the councils decision to grant planning permission, ranging from archaeological to ecological to public health.

Labour Party city councillor Peter Horgan noted that five of the 70 conditions refer to the potential for discovery of human remains during construction on the site.

This in itself outlines that this is not an ordinary site, he said.
Doctors in University Hospital Limerick have expressed concerns about toxic fumes being spread due to works outside the new ward.

They say ongoing works carried out beside the air intake have caused staff and patients to experience symptoms including headaches and irritated sinuses.

As tar was being laid out, fumes caused an awful smell.

A doctor said the fumes could irritate lungs and exacerbate Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

The same doctor allegedly called operational services and said he was informed someone had been up to the ward to check it out and that all is well.

Correspondence seen by the Irish Examiner read: I raised the concern of harmful effects of the fumes, and some of the symptoms that patients and staff have been experiencing but she didnt say anything in response."

He added that crews needed to stop the works until the ventilation was sorted.

The same doctor said he called operational services and was told someone had been up to the ward to check it out and that all is well.

A spokesperson for the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation said it had not yet received any reports on the issue of tar laying near the new wards.

The issue of health and safety in University Hospital Limerick continues to be a matter of grave concern for the INMO.

"Our members find themselves working in extremely unsafe conditions with trolleys placed wherever there is space in the hospital, including in the new block.

There have been recent incidents of work being done to wards with excessive use of power hammers while patients are being treated. This is unacceptable, they added.

The Irish Examiner has contacted the HSE Mid-West, but no response has been issued.
In a seismic week for the royal family, Prince William spoke to BBC Radio 1s Life Hacks about the importance of male role models for young men in the context of mental health.

Ill resist the urge to make a dark joke because its a serious topic. Along with the rapper Professor Green, he cited the catastrophic prevalence of male suicide and the need to encourage men to deal more openly with difficult emotions.

Suicide statistics show that in Ireland and the UK, men make up the majority of suicide deaths. Theres a delay in reporting deaths by suicide here, with deaths being verified by the coroners service, resulting in a time lag in receiving finalised statistics.

But to give you an idea of the numbers as of the end of 2023, the Irish male suicide rate was 14.9 per 100,000 people compared to the female suicide rate of 3.6 per 100,000 people.

We know from multiple sources that suicide remains a leading cause of death among young men aged 15-29, with that age group accounting for high suicide rates.

I have been around young male suicide and seen the cruel impact on the friends left behind. Reaching boys and getting them to open up can be hard anyway. Their social development is later, and theyre not socialised to express themselves, because we dont grant them that right.

Near misses

If you have raised boys, you may reflect that at a certain juncture, keeping them alive becomes the main priority.

I remember being at a talk in a South Dublin boys' school when our sons were about 11, when the headmaster said firmly: "When it comes to the summer of second year, an alarm will go off in their heads. Its the boy version of the biological clock.

"I guarantee you, your little angels will act out. They will come through it provided you are realistic about what you are dealing with." I stiffened, thinking: "You got that wrong, buddy. Not in my house."

A lot of parenting of boys seemed to involve being a cross between a detective and an ambulance driver, practised in finding the emergency department with the latest broken limb.

Yeah, a few years later, I had cause to reassess because, as the headmaster alluded to, there was a developmental stage when many boys seemed feral. They swam in forbidden reservoirs; they fell off walls and broke every bone in their bodies. In the city, they routinely got stopped by gardai when they were in clusters, who quizzed, "Whats in the bag, lads?"

A lot of parenting seemed to involve being a cross between a detective and an ambulance driver, practised in finding the emergency department with the latest broken limb. The primary goal was to ensure their physical safety as they were constantly in motion.

My strong memory is barking commands like: "Get down off the roof now." Usually bookended with a heated order, "because I said so." "Did I seriously see you running across the Luas tracks, or was I hallucinating because you couldnt have been that foolish, surely?"

Having grown up with no brothers in a house where we constantly rewound the scene in Pride and Prejudice where Mr Darcy/Colin Firth emerged from the lake, in between whipping the buns wed baked out of the oven, this spirited stage came as a shock.

Most girls are unlikely to jump from a diving board into a half-empty swimming pool, attempt to jump off a balcony into another one, only to miss, or cycle across a busy road with somebody on the handlebars and a third amigo on the carrier and get knocked down. These are real-life examples.

Most of them turned out to be functioning citizens, but there were near misses, and sadly, not everyone made it. So, we can agree that testosterone leads to a certain rashness.

Social narrative: we feed boys

But what about the emotional piece in raising boys, which is what the panel on BBC 1s Life Hacks were driving at?

Boys may be more emotionally fragile than we think.

In an article from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, a professor of developmental psychology suggests that even though boys in "early adolescence express a strong desire for close, emotionally intimate friendships", as a society we pressurise them to suppress these feelings, resulting in a crisis of connection.

The dominant script for raising boys remains that they should be physically strong, tough, and emotionally stoic.

That script may need revision.

Needle shifting

The social script for women and girls changed massively over the last 50 years.

Women stride through the world with greater confidence and opportunities.

Despite significant cultural changes in society and the labour market, and the success in reversing stereotypes about whats possible for girls, it feels like we are still shovelling out the same stereotype to teenage boys about what it means to be a man; the one about ultimately becoming an economic provider and not showing his emotions along the way.

Those social cues may be partially redundant, given the economic and social reality that most families need two wage earners.

In reality, many women also may not envisage their future as homemakers.

Vacuum

Experts suggest that the redundancy of the cultural stories we feed boys leaves a vacuum filled by unhelpful voices in the manosphere.

A recent article in the Irish Journal of Medical Science posits that boys are exposed to toxic content online, leading to maladaptive identity formation, particularly when parents are not attuned to their emotional needs. As was discussed on the BBC 1 show, boys need meaningful offline relationships.

Theres a brilliant online resource, Addressing the impact of Masculinity Influencers on Teenage Boys, for parents and educators, from the DCU Anti-bullying Centre. It gives guidance on how to counter the negative impact of male influences on teenage boys aged 13-18.

It also offers tips on how to talk to teenage boys about masculinity in a positive way, avoiding words like toxic and tips on facilitating critical discussions on a range of topics, including mental health.

That mental health piece again. Boys are more likely to want to kill themselves. They are also more likely to lag educationally behind girls, to drop out of university, and to end up in prison.

We have spent years encouraging girls to fulfil their potential; we may need to recalibrate how we raise our boys, including letting them lean into their soft sides and helping them form healthier social connections in real life, as the professor of developmental psychology suggests.

Cultivating emotional resilience means teaching that emotional vulnerability is not weakness. A lot of us struggle with that message because we grew up with a different philosophy.

Boys were not encouraged to show their feelings. Our fathers didnt. This conditioning is unwittingly handed down to our sons.

When women are grappling with high levels of domestic and sexual violence, there is possibly a reluctance to examine a positive narrative for modern masculinity for fear of being anti-feminist.

This is short-sighted and unhelpful, as raising boys and girls is part of the same jigsaw. To care about boys is not anti-girl.

We need to talk about boys, about male disconnection, and about the place of boys in broader society. Its positive that programmes like Life Hacks are doing so.
US President Donald Trump delivered his State of the Union address, to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, a potentially pivotal moment as the White House seeks to firm up support among Republican voters ahead of November's midterm election.

Mr Trump spoke against a backdrop of rising tensions with Iran and voter frustration with the high cost of living.

Here are some takeaways from Trump's address:

It's the economy, stupid

Mr Trump put dollars and cents at the heart of his speech, suggesting his aides, who have been pushing him for weeks to speak more about the economy, have prevailed for now.

He offered a broad-based sweep of kitchen-table economic issues - housing, healthcare, utility bills, crime, retirement - but he again stopped short of acknowledging that many Americans are still struggling with the high cost of living, including food and house prices.

Mr Trump promised that his healthcare proposals to reduce drug prices and make federal payments directly to people would be cost-saving. He insisted that the tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court were generating revenue and were being restored under different legal authority.

Some party strategists have warned that without a more emphatic message on inflation, Trump's Republican Party is at risk of losing control of Congress in the November midterm election.

In his telling, inflation, mortgage rates and gas prices are falling, while the stock market, oil production and foreign direct investment are booming along with construction and factory jobs.

But government data shows inflation ticked up last year, while the economy lost factory jobs and overall job creation was anemic. And while prices of some items - like eggs - have dropped since Mr Trump's return to the White House, food and other prices more broadly have increased.

Voters tell pollsters they are anxious about the economy and are dissatisfied with Trumps handling of the issue. Some 56% disapprove of his handling of the economy, Reuters/Ipsos polling shows, while 36% approve.

Political Theatre

Despite an uncharacteristically disciplined performance, Trump peppered his State of the Union address with made-for-TV flourishes designed to illustrate his case to voters. He doled out medals, introduced surprise guests and clashed with Democrats.

Awards for Korean War Navy pilot E. Royce Williams and Team USA hockey goaltender Connor Hellebuyck - and the public name-checking of invited guests, including conservative activist Charlie Kirks widow Erika - punctuated the speech.

Mr Trump gave Army Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover, a helicopter pilot injured during the operation to capture then-Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, a Medal of Honor.

Each gesture underscored how the addresses have become political theatre over the years, as much about the optics as about the policies.

Ever the showman, he has used flashy displays of patriotism to advance his political goals. He staged a military parade on his 79th birthday and has regularly delivered sharply partisan speeches to active-duty servicemembers.

On Tuesday, Mr Trump's efforts to reinforce narratives he wants voters to internalise were unmistakable. Members of the US mens ice hockey team, fresh off an Olympic gold medal, were presented as proof that America is winning again under Trumps leadership.

Other guests were introduced as cautionary tales: Dalilah Coleman, a sevenyearold injured in a car accident, was cited as evidence of the dangers Trump associates with immigration, while Liberty University student Sage Blair was held up as an example in his critique of schools and transgender policies.

Case for war

One of the most-asked questions going into Mr Trump's speech was whether he would finally make a detailed case for war against Iran, elaborating on the reason for the major U.S. military buildup in the Middle East.

But the president did not mention Iran until well over an hour into his speech. And when he did, he fell back on his standard talking points, saying it was imperative to keep a bomb out of Tehran's hands. He accused Iran of sowing terror via regional proxy groups and again said the leadership in Tehran had killed tens of thousands of people during recent protests.

He did not articulate why military action was urgent now, nor did he say precisely what he hoped to achieve. He gave little hint about which way he was leaning on using the military - a preoccupation at home and abroad.

During the first 75 minutes, he made only a glancing reference to Venezuela, while Russia and Ukraine were barely mentioned at all. His fixation on acquiring Greenland  a dispute that has strained transatlantic relations  did not come up.

While he spent a good chunk of time later discussing conflicts that his administration has been trying to resolve, the lack of national security and foreign policy talk up front was conspicuous, given how much time and political capital he has been spending on diplomacy.

He has in recent weeks dispatched his closest aides to far-flung capitals to try to settle the war in Ukraine and negotiate with Iran. Last month, his administration deposed the leader of Venezuela, and much of the administration's time and energy has been focused on managing relations with the South American country.

Back to immigration

Mr Trump used the speech to try to reclaim the narrative on immigration. While that issue was once a key political strength, it has morphed into a weakness in recent months amid a backlash against the high-profile killings of two US citizens by immigration agents and a mass deportation drive that has proven more popular in theory than in practice.

He never mentioned the work of the Border Patrol and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - agencies whose masked agents have been the public face of his crackdown in American cities.

He did, however, highlight crimes carried out by immigrants in graphic terms. And he argued that Democrats could not be trusted to secure the country's borders and keep Americans safe.

In a sense, it was a return to form for Trump. The president dedicated much of his time on the campaign trail in 2024 to describing the dangers posed by immigrants, a message that resonated with voters. Stripped from his speech was any mention of his own administration's enforcement tactics.

Overall, Mr Trump sought to steer attention away from the most controversial elements of his immigration enforcement push while highlighting the elements of his message that have resonated in the past.

Shifting priorities

Mr Trumps speech offered a window into his administrations changing priorities from almost a year ago, the last time he spoke to a joint session of Congress.

Whats gone: a host of foreign policy subjects treated in depth. These include plans to reclaim the Panama Canal and annex Greenland. China, which merited six mentions last year, received none this year. Mr Trump has relaxed policy toward China ahead of his planned state visit in five weeks, and he has backed off for now on his Greenland threats.

Also cut from this years remarks was praise for Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency. Trumps affection for both projects has dimmed. Mr Trump did say he would launch a program focused on fraud and chaired by Vice President JD Vance.

Whats in: In addition to a bucket of deliverables on the economy, Mr Trump added a fresh push for election law changes ahead of the November midterms, including voter ID and limits on mail ballots.

Taking aim at Democrats

Mr Trump argued that Republicans deserved two more years of control of Congress because of their handling of the economy, immigration and public safety. But beyond those policy issues, he made a far more visceral appeal to voters to back Republicans.

These people are crazy, he said of Democratic lawmakers in the chamber who have voted against most of his legislative proposals and who view his presidency as one that has weakened democratic institutions.

"Democrats are destroying this country, but we've stopped it just in the nick of time," he said.

On a number of occasions, he took aim at Democrats as anti-American and acting against the best interests of the country, highlighting the increasingly partisan tone of the annual speech.

Democrats stayed in their seats, visibly irritating Trump, while Republicans leapt to their feet to applaud the president on issues ranging from gender politics to illegal migration and crime.

Some, like Representatives Al Green, Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, shouted at Trump. For those Democrats, Trumps views on those issues are divisive and problematic - and upset large parts of their base.

Democratic US Representative Al Green was removed from the House chamber for the second consecutive year after waving a sign at Trump that read, "Black people aren't apes." The message referred to a social media video Trump posted with a clip depicting former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as apes.

- Reuters
Indonesia has freed and deported an American man after he spent 11 years in prison for the premeditated murder of his then-girlfriends mother on the tourist island of Bali.

Tommy Schaefer was sentenced to 18 years in prison for the 2014 murder of Sheila von Wiese-Mack, the mother of Heather Mack, during a luxury holiday in a case also known as the Bali suitcase murder.
Indian prime minister Narendra Modi kicked off a two-day visit to Israel on Wednesday aimed at focusing on strengthening security, economic and technological cooperation between the two countries.

The Indian leader stepped out of the plane beaming and descended the staircase to a big hug from prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accompanied by his wife, Sara Netanyahu.

The warm greeting underscored how much closer Israel-India relations have grown under Mr Modi, whose embrace of Israel has marked a shift in Indias foreign policy.

India has historically supported the Palestinians, and did not establish full diplomatic ties with Israel until 1992.

Benjamin Netanyahu welcomes Narendra Modi as he arrives at Ben Gurion Airport (Leo Correa/AP)

Mr Netanyahus office released a statement lauding the leaders close personal relationship and deep and long-standing friendship in a welcome message.

The visit is likely to give Israel a boost of international support after seeing relations with many of its allies deteriorate since the war in Gaza began in October 2023.

Mr Modi was to hold talks with Mrr Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, address the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, and visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial centre.

Mrr Netanyahus office said that the two leaders would sign myriad economic, security and political cooperation agreements.

Our nations share a robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership, Mr Modi wrote on X before landing in Tel Aviv. Ties have significantly strengthened in the last few years.

In addition to being a powerful ally, India is also Israels second largest trading partner in Asia. Total trade between India and Israel was valued at 3.62 billion dollars in the 2025 fiscal year, according to Indias Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The pair will discuss security and trade (Leo Correa/AP)

Mr Modi became Indias first prime minister to travel to Israel in 2017, and Mr Netanyahu reciprocated with a trip to India the following year.

Mr Netanyahu told a Cabinet meeting on Sunday that economic and security issues will be high on the leaders agenda, as will sharing technology, including artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

We are partners in innovation, security, and a shared strategic vision, Mr Netanyahu said on the social platform X ahead of Mr Modis arrival.

Together, we are building an axis of nations committed to stability and progress.

A staunch Hindu nationalist, Mr Modi was one of the first global leaders to swiftly express solidarity with Israel following the October 7, 2023 attack by the Palestinian militant Hamas group that triggered the war in Gaza.

India was also among more than 100 countries earlier this month to condemn Israels newly approved measures to deepen its control over the occupied West Bank and weaken the already limited powers of the Palestinian Authority.
Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle has said he passed information to the Metropolitan Police about Peter Mandelson, after the former Northern Ireland secretary of state claimed baseless suggestions he was a flight risk had led to his arrest this week.

The former ambassador to Washington was arrested on Monday on suspicion of misconduct in public office and later released on bail.


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( Tomdispatch.com )  Last month, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers pulled over several cars in Eagle County, Colorado. They took the people away in handcuffs, according to a witness, and left the cars idling at the side of the road. When family members of the disappeared immigrants arrived, there was no sign of their loved ones. What they found instead were customized ace of spades playing cards that read ICE Denver Field Office.

When I saw an image of that card, the memories came flooding back. Id seen something similar many years before. Sitting in the U.S. National Archives building  Archives II  in College Park, Maryland, sometime in the late 2000s or early 2010s, Id spent parts of several afternoons watching film footage shot by  and of  U.S. troops in Vietnam back in the 1960s. One of those silent military home movies always stuck with me.

That short film opened with a Vietnamese woman clutching a child next to a group of 10 or 15 other children huddled together. They all look wary. Worried. Scared. The camera lingered on a young girl, perhaps five years old, clutching a baby. If that girl survived, she would be around 64 years old today.

After several shots of those children, the source of their fear was revealed. The film cut to a group of foreign young men  heavily armed U.S. soldiers. They were tanned and gaunt, smoking and talking, standing over the corpses of some young Vietnamese men or boys. We see the dead bodies at a distance, again. Lying together and yet eerily alone. Next, the film cuts to a collection of weapons  perhaps a cache found in or near the Vietnamese village where all of this occurred  that resembled old junk more than lethal armaments. The film kept cutting between short scenes of American troops and Vietnamese bodies until it happened.

Ive never forgotten the scene that followed because I was initially shocked that it had been immortalized on film. I was also surprised that the film had never been destroyed. But then I remembered how ubiquitous such activity was at the time. How soldiers bragged about it. How it was covered  positively  in the U.S. press. How it even showed up in the Congressional Record, not as an outrage deserving of investigation but essentially as a thank you to a manufacturer of playing cards.

In the next scene, we see a soldier pull an ace of spades from what looks like a big stack of such cards. Hes nonchalant. Hes clearly not worried about an officer seeing what hes doing. He obviously knows hes being filmed. He reaches down and, as another soldier presses his boot into the chest of that corpse to hold it steady, he tries to insert the card into the mouth of one of the dead Vietnamese. Its apparently not so easy. It takes a bit of doing, but it proves possible. The next scene shows an ace of spades sticking out of the dead boys mouth. The camera lingers. Its oddly and sickeningly cinematic. The following scene shows another Vietnamese, his face blackened. Theres a battered ace of spades jammed in his mouth, too.

Impeding ICE

Such death cards  generally either an ace of spades or a custom-printed business card claiming credit for a kill  were ubiquitous among U.S. troops in Vietnam in those years. Some soldiers, like those in that unit of the 25th Infantry Division operating in Quang Ngai Province in 1967, used a regular ace of spades of the type youd find in a standard deck of cards. But Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry of the 198th Light Infantry Brigade, for instance, left their victims with a customized ace of spades sporting the units nickname Gunfighters, a skull-and-crossbones, and the phrase dealers of death. Helicopter pilots, like Captain Lynn Carlson, occasionally dropped similar specially made calling cards from their gunships. One side of Carlsons card read: Congratulations. You have been killed through courtesy of the 361st. Yours truly, Pink Panther 20. The other side proclaimed, The Lord giveth and the 20mm [cannon] taketh away. Killing is our business and business is good.

The cards found last month in Eagle County harken back to that brutal heritage. They were the same general size and shape as those shoved into the mouths of dead Vietnamese: black and white 46-inch cards with an A over a spade in their top left and bottom right corners. A larger ornate black-and-white spade dominates the center of the card. Above it is the phrase ICE Denver Field Office. Below it, you find the address and phone number of the ICE detention facility in nearby Aurora, Colorado.

The 10 people taken away by ICE in Eagle County are now reportedly being held in that very same Aurora Detention Facility.

In a recent letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the Democrats in Colorados Congressional delegation called out ICEs use of the ace of spades. The card, they wrote, has long been known as the death card and has been used by white supremacist groups to inspire fear and threaten physical violence. It is unacceptable and dangerous for federal law enforcement to use this symbol to intimidate Latino communities. They continued: This behavior undermines public trust in law enforcement, raises serious civil rights concerns, and falls far short of the professional standards expected of federal agents.

ICEs Denver field office offered a boilerplate response to TomDispatch when questioned about the use of the cards. ICE is investigating this situation but unequivocally condemns this type of action and/or officer conduct, a spokesperson wrote in an email, adding, Once notified, ICE supervisors acted swiftly to address the issue. The spokesperson said that ICEs Office of Professional Responsibility, which deals with employee misconduct, will conduct a thorough investigation, but the Colorado lawmakers asked for more. Those lawmakers called for an independent investigation by the Department of Homeland Securitys Office of Inspector General.

As the son of immigrants and the father of two young children, I am horrified by the abuses being committed by the Trump administration  from the streets of Minneapolis to right here in Eagle County, said Democratic Representative Joe Neguse, a member of the delegation that wrote the letter. These outrageous, aggressive intimidation tactics, he added, are meant to stoke fear among our neighbors, and it is immoral and wrong. This administration must be held accountable, and we cannot allow this to continue unchecked.

ICE Denver has a much different opinion. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, ICE is held to the highest professional standard, the spokesperson there told TomDispatch. America can be proud of the professionalism our officers bring to the job day-in and day-out.

Americans think otherwise. A clear majority of voters  63%  disapprove of the way ICE is doing its job after more than a year of immigration crackdowns across the United States, according to a January poll by the New York Times and Siena University. Sixty-one percent of voters said that ICE had gone too far, including nearly one in five Republicans. The poll was conducted after Renee Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and legal observer, was gunned down in Minneapolis by an ICE officer.

Federal immigration officers have shot at least 13 people since September, according to data compiled by The Trace, killing at least five, including Good and Alex Pretti, a Minnesota resident who was gunned down by Border Patrol agents last month. Before their killings, Good and Pretti had been observing the activities of agents. Federal officers frequently confront and threaten those observing, following, and filming them for impeding their efforts. In numerous prior instances, they had unholstered or pointed weapons at people who filmed or followed them.

A recent report by the Cato Institute notes that it is crucial to understand that ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) consider people who follow DHS and ICE agents to observe, record, or protest their operations as engaging in impeding. It goes on to note that DHS has a systematic policy of threatening people who follow ICE or DHS agents to record their activities with detentions, arrests, and violence, and agents have already chased, detained, arrested, charged, struck, and shot at people who follow them. In the wake of Goods death, to take one example, the Justice Department opened an investigation of Goods widow for allegedly interfering with an ICE operation  apparently for filming the shooting.

A Death Card Moment

Killing, wounding, threatening, or investigating observers are just some of the many abuses and violent tactics of immigration officers in the era of Donald Trump. Others include brutally beating detainees, employing banned chokeholds, or spraying chemical irritants on protesters. They also have carried out arbitrary and unlawful arrests and detentions, fired tear gas and flash-bang grenades into crowds, and shattered the windows of vehicles.

Colorado specifically has seen numerous abuses by immigration agents in addition to the use of those death cards. ICE officers in Colorado continue to arrest people because of the color of their skin and in violation of a federal judges order, according to a complaint filed earlier this month by the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado and two Denver law firms. In November, U.S. District Court Judge R. Brooke Jackson found that ICE was routinely conducting illegal arrests in the state.

Just in Colorado, weve seen ICE agents pepper-spray protestors in the face. Weve seen ICE drag elderly women on the ground, said Judith Marquez, a volunteer for the Colorado Rapid Response Network and a campaign manager for the Colorado Immigrants Rights Coalition. We dont want to wait for another Renee Nicole Good to be murdered.

Alex Sanchez, president and CEO of Voces Unidas, the immigrant rights group that took possession of those death cards in Colorado, fears that ICE might be using such cards as an intimidation tactic elsewhere, too, but that information about such acts remains unreported because those affected are unlikely to trust local law enforcement officers, elected officials, or even mainstream human-rights groups.

In the wake of the killings of Good and Pretti, the Trump administration quickly branded those observing ICE as domestic terrorists, and federal authorities insisted that Minnesota had no jurisdiction to investigate those killings, while blocking the access of state investigators to evidence at the crime scene.

As U.S. District Judge Alex Tostrud wrote in an 18-page decision: Federal agents collected evidence from the scene They wont share it with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension [BCA] After BCA agents arrived, federal agents blocked them from accessing the scene. Earlier this month, Tostrud, an appointee of President Donald Trump no less, lifted the emergency order he had issued the day of Prettis shooting that required federal investigators to preserve evidence gathered at the scene of that fatal shooting.

In the absence of independent oversight of the crime scenes, TomDispatch asked DHS if the federal agents who gunned down Good and Pretti had left death cards at the scene of those killings.

The Department never responded.

For more than two decades, Americas forever wars have been coming home in large and small ways. But in 2026, death cards made famous in a war that ended more than 50 years ago  a war that Americas president dodged via a draft deferment for seemingly spurious bone spurs  have made a reappearance. It shouldnt be a surprise that a war of extreme brutality rooted in racism would have resonance with ICE any more than that those macabre calling cards are on brand for a self-proclaimed peacemaker president who has made war on Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen, as well as on civilians in boats in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. While he might not have actually dealt those cards in Colorado, its hard not to see them as Donald Trumps death cards.

Copyright 2026 Nick Turse

Via Tomdispatch.com
Exeter, UK (Special to Informed Comment; Feature)  Debates about Palestine in the Western academia often portray contemporary Israeli policies as exceptional responses to security threats or regional instability. Yet a longer historical perspective suggests a deeper structural continuity: the persistence of colonial logic under evolving institutional and discursive forms. From the British Mandate period to contemporary geopolitical frameworks advanced by Israel and its Western allies, especially the United Kingdom and the United States, a consistent pattern emerges: territorial control coupled with indigenous political marginalization. What has changed is not the underlying logic of dominance, but its instruments and justificatory narratives.

Colonial rule in its classical form relied on direct conquest, resource extraction, and demographic engineering; in its contemporary iteration, it operates through legal ambiguity, interim governance regimes, technocratic planning, and internationalized policy frameworks that defer substantive indigenous rights. The case of the occupied Palestinian territory illustrates this transformation clearly. Policies resembling territorial partition, mobility control, and ambiguous decision-makingfeatures observable in proposals such as the recent Gaza Plan by Kushnerresemble traditional imperial management strategies. Rather than depicting rupture, these mechanisms reveal continuity: a rebranded colonial order adapted to modern international norms, yet still grounded in territorial expansion and indigenous dispossession.

From a Classical Empire to Settler-Colonial Governance: Historical Continuities

Traditional colonialism was characterized by the expansion of imperial powers into foreign territories, the extraction of wealth, and the systematic marginalizationor eliminationof native populations. The British Empire stands as one of the most prominent examples of this model, historically seeking territorial expansion by appropriating land, labor, and resources across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The empires economic enrichment was inseparable from the dispossession of indigenous societies, a process that contributed to its characterization as the empire on which the sun never sets. Although formal imperial rule was gradually delegitimizedespecially after the First and Second World Wars, when anti-colonial movements, decolonization struggles, and emerging international legal norms challenged overt imperial dominationthis shift did not mark the end of colonial practices. Instead, colonialism has undergone institutional transformation.

During the late 1940s and 1950s, with the establishment of the United Nations and the normative consolidation of self-determination, direct territorial annexation became politically costly. Consequently, imperial actors increasingly adopted indirect methods: economic dependency, political conditionality, military partnerships, and normative governance frameworks that preserved influence without formal sovereignty. This transition from classical colonialism to neo-colonial governance did not eliminate extraction; it simply rearranged its mechanisms. Western powers continued to shape political futures in formerly colonized regions through aid regimes, security architectures, and development programs that structured local governance according to external priorities. Media narratives, academic discourses, educational partnerships, cultural diplomacy, and archaeological or heritage projects also functioned as softer instruments of influence. Through scholarships, joint initiatives, and institutional cooperation, consent was sometimes manufactured; in other cases, local elites or regional organizations were mobilized to internalize externally defined political agendas. Within this broader trajectory, the Israeli project in Palestine can be interpreted as a continuationrather than an anomalyof imperial governance adapted to contemporary geopolitical conditions.

Israel as a Settler-Colonial Continuum: Demography, Territory, and the Logic of Elimination

Scholars such as Patrick Wolfe and Lorenzo Veracini conceptualize settler colonialism as a structure rather than an event, governed by a persistent logic of elimination aimed at securing land by reducing or displacing the indigenous population. This framework offers a useful analytical lens for understanding Israeli policies in occupied Palestinian territory. Wolfe identifies three interrelated logics of settler colonialism: the elimination of the native, the seizure and consolidation of territory, and the normalization of settler sovereignty through legal and institutional arrangements. These logics are observable in the Palestinian case.

First, elimination does not necessarily imply physical extermination alone; it also encompasses demographic engineering, forced displacement, and policies that fragment the indigenous populations political capacity. The persistent emphasis on reducing the demographic importance of Palestinianswhether through territorial fragmentation, mobility restrictions, or long-term humanitarian suffering aligning with this structural logic. Second, territorial consolidation operates through geographical division and infrastructural control. Plans for Gazas governance and broader territorial arrangements exhibit parallels with earlier colonial partition schemes, including those envisaged by the Peel Commission. Geographic segmentation, controlled mobility regimes, and administratively differentiated zones create a fragmented geography that prevents coherent indigenous sovereignty while enabling incremental territorial expansion.

Third, settler occupation and crime has been normalized and institutionalized through interim frameworks which postpone a definitive political solution. Agreements such as the Oslo Accords exemplify this mechanism, as they established transitional governance structures without resolving core issues, including borders, the right of return, Jerusalems status, and the end of occupation or settlers raids. These unresolved questions were repeatedly ignored throughout negotiations, thereby institutionalizing asymmetrical authority while presenting the arrangement as a peace process. Consequently, nothing essential has changed for the Palestinian people living on the occupied Palestine territory. Land continues to be confiscated, indigenous political autonomy is constrained, and fundamental rights are indefinitely delayed. The form of control evolvesfrom formal colonization to technocratic planning and legal-administrative managementbut the underlying objective remains constant: maximizing territorial control while minimizing indigenous sovereignty.

Neo-Imperial Frameworks and the Reproduction of Colonial Authority in Contemporary Policy

The persistence of colonial logic in Palestine is reinforced by broader neo-imperial structures led primarily by the United States, with Israel functioning as a regional extension of this order. Historically, successive U.S. administrations maintained the appearance of adherence to international legal norms and multilateral institutions while simultaneously enabling asymmetrical realities on the ground. However, more recent developments signal a further shift: the erosion even of the normative facade that once legitimized this neo-colonial system. Policies associated with figures such as Donald Trump and proposals linked to Jared Kushner illustrate a move toward openly unilateral frameworks. Plans concerning Gaza and broader Palestinian governance were advanced without meaningful Palestinian consultation, reflecting a colonial pattern in which the colonizer defines the political horizon of the colonized.

Palestinians were excluded from decision-making forums and even from proposed institutional mechanisms such as newly conceived peace boards, on the grounds that they were allegedly not ready for statehood or self-governance. Such reasoning echoes older imperial justifications that framed indigenous populations as politically immature or administratively incapable, thereby legitimizing prolonged external control. Similarly, the delegitimization of international oversight bodiesexemplified by attacks on organizations such as UNRWA and restrictions placed on UN officials, such as Francesca Albanesereveals a growing disregard for legal norms that once moderated neo-colonial governance.

The implication is that even the legalistic mask that previously masked imperial power is being abandoned. Within this framework, peace initiatives function less as pathways to self-determination than as instruments of population management. Requirements that Palestinian education systems be reformed or de-radicalized before political rights can be recognized reproduce a colonial civilizing discourse: sovereignty is conditional upon ideological conformity to the colonizers normative order. At the same time, leadership figures perceived as compliant are elevated as acceptable interlocutors, regardless of their legitimacy among the indigenous population. The cumulative effect of these practices is the reproduction of a colonial structure under neo-imperial guise. Territorial control persists, indigenous rights remain postponed, and political futures are externally determined. The modalities of dominationlegal frameworks, diplomatic plans, humanitarian governance, and discursive narratives of peace and reformhave changed in appearance but not in function.



File photo of Alon Shevut settlement, Palestinian West Bank. Public Domain. Via Picryl.

To sum up, the trajectory of governance in the occupied Palestinian territory indicates that colonialism hasnt disappeared but has been reformulated. Originally justified by open invasion and resource extraction, classical imperialism has evolved into a less obvious yet structurally similar system characterized by territorial fragmentation, legal ambiguity, interim political arrangements, and externally imposed planning frameworks. Israels policies toward Palestine, supported by broader Western geopolitical structures, thus represent not a historical deviation but a continuation of long-standing imperial logics. The essential pattern remains intact: indigenous land is appropriated, self-determination curtailed, and fundamental rights indefinitely deferred under the promise of future settlement. What has changed is the cover through which domination is exercisedlegalistic peace processes, technocratic governance plans, and normative discourses of security and reform. In this sense, Palestine illustrates how colonialism survives not by disappearing, but by adapting to new international conditions. The empire has not ended; it has been reconfigured.
( Contending Mondernities )  The expansion of authoritarian, semi-fascist tendencies at home and abroad has now moved into the 21st centurys second quarter, the most conspicuous example of which is the ongoing mass-carnage in, and of, Gaza, carried out by Israel, yet fully enabled by the US and Europe. This multi-state global development renders it Kosher to suggest something that might previously have been shrugged off, namely, that Judaism is being creepingly occupied by Zionism in a manner resembling Israels ever-deepening occupation of chiefly the West Bank, yet other areas as well.

Unlike the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs), Judaism is a domain that exceeds material and geographic boundaries. Yet it is nonetheless being taken over in a similar fashion to the way in which Israel labors to transform the OPTs into an Israeli Judea/Samaria (the West Banks biblical name) ultimately yearning for total annexation. This attempted devouring of Judaism aims to transformon a global scale no lessthe terms Jew and Zionist and Judaism and Zionism into outright synonyms. While the material exercise of Zionism between the Jordan Valley and the Mediterranean Sea chiefly aims at cleansing from the territory (non-Jewish) Palestinians, it concurrently colonizes Judaism from the inside effectively everywhere on earth where organized Zionism is operative.

Defending these dour propositions begins with a candid acknowledgment that the democratic credentials of both the historical and contemporary Euro-Zionist movement have long been wanting. For instance, no form of meaningful referendum among world Jewryto determine democratically, say, the precise manner in which Zionism would represent itself among competing Jewish schoolswas ever contemplated comprehensively or satisfactorily.

The principal Zionist tenet ought to be explicitly reiterated here precisely because Zionists outside Zion tend to both camouflage and evade it: the Jewish People were exiled from their land and have yearned since then to return to it. Political Zionism by now is over 140 years old while Israelsmanifestly discriminatory Law of Return is 76. Even so, 54% of world Jewry continue to opt for a non-return to Zion, and in doing so counter in-effect head-on the foundational thrusts underlying Zionism, that is, negation of the exile (shlilat hagalut) and liquidation of the exile (hisul hagalut). This state of affairs has been long materializing notwithstanding that Israelin coordination with a rainbow of Zionist bodies worldwidehas incentivized Aliya/migration to Israel (in order to further deepen and expand the Palestinian erasure) by lavishly streamlining the financial, legal, and bureaucratic hurdles to migration. This Zionist malfunction does not seem mysterious. Let us ask all fair, analytic, and modestly objective observers:

Are you capable of identifying since 1948 to date a minority community worldwide whose legal, cultural, economic, religious, financial, social, and political position among its surrounding majority community matches the success, location, and sociopolitical position of minority Jewish communities in Western Europe and the USA? The answer is likely to be no. By application of the most elementary comparative terms, it is uncontroversial to determine that Jews in the USA and Western Europe are probably the single most successful, thriving, privileged, and secure/protected minority community on earth. This also helps explain why the majority of members affiliated, either formally or ideologically, with the organized, hegemonic Jewish communities there continue to embody what David Ben-Gurionthe single most important and influential Zionist in historyhelped to term Armchair Zionism.

The material exercise of Zionism between the Jordan Valley and the Mediterranean Seacolonizes Judaism from the inside effectively everywhere on earth where organized Zionism is operative.

Armchair Zionism is a term coined to capture the disposition and practices of the very many Jewish individuals (outside Zion) who somehow continue to succeed acrobatically to: (1) eat the cake (that is, live fairly comfortably far away from the war-torn Middle East) and (2) have it too (that is, being de-facto non-Zionists as a consequence of evasive manoeuvres and rationalizations utilized to bypass Aliya, i.e., the empirical schlepping of ones Zionist self to Zion in compliance with the chief Zionist tenet). Armchair Zionists thus tend to zealously and vocally talk the talk yet refrain nonchalantly from walking (their very own!) walk. Such a position would have been less unsettling had this state of privileged insincerity (perhaps hypocrisy?) taken place within some harmless neutral zone; yet it is far from being so. This state of affairs is instead exercised at the direct and inevitable expense of Palestinians for one simple reason: armchair Zionistsincluding those who have never set foot inside Israel/Palestineenjoy more rights between the river and the sea than all Palestinians, including those who have never set foot outside the territory.

The discriminatory privilege bestowed by Israel transnationally upon armchair Zionists worldwide unfortunately does not end here; it additionally maintains a lethal relationship with the lingering phenomenon of antisemitism. That has been so particularly since the 2016 introduction of the working definition of antisemitism, drafted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). The Israeli and Zionist struggle against real and fanciful manifestations of antisemitism has been directed at a single target: the equation of (left) anti-Zionism with antisemitism. In this context, right-wing White supremacists can act with considerable impunity (including when they murder Jews) and their antisemitism remains of peripheral concern to the Israeli/Zionist mobilization. As of late, this struggle/campaign has been irrationally obsessed with the newly-elected New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, before he even had a chance to engage in actual deeds as Mayor, and who has been the target of Islamophobic attacks by gatekeepers of acceptable speech on Israel as if it is the embodiment of the Jews.

A core notion that has anciently nourished racism generally, and antisemitic racism in particular, is Guilt by Association, namely, the misguided view that random members of a given ethnic, religious, or racial group are guilty of unjust or criminal acts solely because they share affinity/affiliation with perpetrators who have actually committed such acts. Accordingly, to blame Jews collectively and trans-historically for the (Pegan-Roman) crucifixion of Yeshua () grows from the dynamics of guilt by association. Another paradigmatic example transpired in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in NYC (2001) when physical harm was inflicted upon random and innocent Muslims across America (and also upon American Sikhs whom the incited mob perceived as Muslim). Dynamics of guilt by association have catastrophically surfaced in recent terrorist attacks in the cities of Manchester and Sydney (by self-proclaimed pro-Palestinians) vis-a-vis random local Jews. Alas, Armchair Zionists have tragically succeeded in injecting into this horrible context genuinely grave complications.

Ever increasingly during the 21st century, the organized Zionist-Jewish community across Euro-America opted to associate itself willingly and openly with (Apartheid) Israel and its government, irrespective of Israels actsmass killings of Gazan women and children included (that seem to render Israel a morally-unliveable space). Ephraim Mirvis meanwhile, the Chief Rabbi of Britianwho happens to be a former Israeli settlerexplained unequivocally that Zionism and Judaism are Siamese twins: one can no more separate Zionism from Judaism than separate the City of London from Great Britain. An event promoting real estate sales in West and (occupied) East Jerusalem was outrageously held inside a synagogue in Queens, New York. An event promoting American-Jewish Zionist immigration to Israel and the OPTs was shockingly held inside a Manhattan synagogue. Prior to his murder, Rabbi Eli Schlangerwho was leader in the Chabad-Lubavitch congregation in Bondi, Sydneyrecklessly disseminated on social media offensive photos and videos of himself (in Israels Channel 14) smiling and hugging heavily-armed Israeli soldiers amidst a genocide. This does not change at all the fact that Rabbi Schlanger, an unarmed civilian in Sydney, was murdered by a terrorist action. Simultaneously, however, it also does not negate the fact that his rather narcissistic conduct as a public religious figure increased needlessly and carelessly risks to members of his congregation (who hold a diverse range of ideological positions).

Such wilful, voluntary, open, public association with manifestly anti-Palestinian Israeli policieslet alone explicit embracing of military perpetratorsruns the risk of rendering obsolete the very notion of Guilt by Association since its foundational underlying rationale rests on the presumption of disassociation between perpetrators and random members of similar identity/affinity. Armchair Zionists thus assist to unleash hopefully unintentionally and unconsciously formidable existential dangers to the individual and collective lives of all Jews, yet primarily to democratic non-Zionist Jews who innocently mind their prosaic lives countless miles away from Zion/Israel/Palestine.



Public mural located on Ossington Avenue in Toronto, Canada. Specifically, it is situated outside the Ossington Chiropractic and Rehabilitation (OCR). Photo by author.

Can the creeping occupation of Judaism by militant ethnonationalist Zionism be disrupted somehow? Can Judaism undergo some de-colonization, liberation, and restoration of democratic civic equality such as the one that for example prevailed during the American Civil Rights Struggle of the 1960s?

Against the incessant gaslighting that Israel and armchair Zionists perpetrate for their own sectarian ends and benefits, it is possible to also identify young, courageous, democratic Jews throughout Euro-America who tirelessly labour to revive the (otherwise self-evident) notion that they do not live in exile but are part and parcel of their struggling civil societies, standing shoulder to shoulder with other minority groups. In doing so, democratic non-Zionist Jews retrieve and refashion from their global Jewish history positive notions of diasporism that includeamong many other thingssteadfast resistance to Israels brutal conduct vis-a-vis the Palestinians. They do so while also marshalling support for the Palestinian struggle for equal human rights and self-determination.

Can the creeping occupation of Judaism by militant ethnonationalist Zionism be disrupted somehow?

Such young democratic Jews are all too often forced to confront their own parents from my own, rather pathetic, generation. I describe us this way because we have largely failed our children and were unsuccessful in fashioning for them renewed Jewish notions of an inclusive, progressive, and democratic forms of (pre-Zionist or post-Zionist) Jewish peoplehood that they themselves appear to aim for. There are many such younger Jewish groupings, so only a sample can be named here explicitly: the British Naamod, Progressive Jews for Justice in Israel/Palestine, Jewish Students Kehillah and Jews for Justice for Palestinians; the Israeli Mizrahi Civic Collective, Rabbis for Human Rights Smol Emuni (Faithful Left), and Academia for Equality; the American Halachic Left, IfNotNowand many more particularly throughout North America. I hope and pray daily that such young Jews will be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it (Genesis 1:28). Their (possible) failure may otherwise mean a full-fledged occupation and colonization of Judaism by Zionism.

Reprinted with the authors permission from Contending Mondernities
Actress Kim Ji Soo, who previously struggled with alcohol, recently posted updates about her life. She said that she has been traveling between Prague and Korea while working on new personal projects.

Kim Ji Soo wrote on Instagram on February 22, 2026 (KST), "I've been living between Prague and Korea," adding, "In Prague, I'm not just spending time anymoreI'm actually preparing for something productive." The post had pictures of the actress smiling in the winter while wearing a fur hat and scarf.

Kim wrote, "These days are very busy, and sometimes I feel overloaded and tired, but solving things one by one is part of the fun. I like the version of myself who works hard. I think laughter might be the most powerful cure-all."

The actress's international update brought back memories of her once-famous career in Korea, where she starred in many K-Dramas. However, Kim's career suffered significantly due to his frequent alcohol-related troubles, according to Koreaboo.

READ MORE: Kim Ji Soo Uses Heartbreaking Romantic History To Create Her Character

Sports Seoul says that Kim Ji Soo's first big problem happened on July 30, 2000, when she crashed her car at Hakdong Intersection in Gangnam while very drunk, with a blood alcohol level of 0.175%. She didn't have a license to drive, so she had to pay 3.42 million KRW (approximately $2,360 to $2,370 USD). After the event, she quit being the DJ for KBS2 Radio's To You Who Forgot the Night and was replaced in other projects.

On October 5, 2010, she got drunk and hit a taxi in Cheongdam-dong, then ran away. This was her second alcohol-related incident. The police confirmed that she had confessed, and she was fined 10 million KRW (approximately $6,910 to $6,930 USD). She was being considered for a part in a KBS 2TV drama at the time, but she was ultimately not cast.

In 2018, Kim Ji Soo got more bad press for showing up to a press interview for the movie Perfect Strangers late and clearly drunk. When asked if she had been drinking, she said, "Yes, does that bother you? You can ask your questions; I can answer them." Her agency, Namoo Actors, stopped the interview and later said that the stress of filming may have played a role in what happened.

Even though things have gone wrong, Kim Ji Soo seems determined to focus on new projects abroad. Fans will have to wait and see if she can rebuild her career after years of public scrutiny.

READ MORE: Cho Yeo Jeong and Kim Ji Soo Meet in The Prestigious International School 'High Class'






Tuesday, February 24, 2026 - A Kikuyu woman has impressed netizens after sharing her remarkable body transformation and encouraging her followers to embrace a healthier lifestyle.

In a post that has since gone viral, she revealed that before losing weight, she felt tired and looked 30 years older than her actual age.

After struggling with weight challenges for some time, she decided to embark on a fitness journey focused on improving her overall health and confidence.

Through consistent effort, lifestyle changes, and commitment to her goals, she achieved a transformation that has now inspired many online.

Social media users flooded her comment section with congratulatory messages, with some asking for tips on how she managed to stay disciplined throughout her journey.

Her story adds to the growing number of Kenyans openly sharing personal fitness transformations to motivate others to prioritize their health and well-being.

Check out her post.





The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, February 24, 2026 - Just days after the tragic killing of massage therapist Monicah Nyambura, a lady from Githurai has openly advertised her services on Facebook.

In a bold post shared on the platform, the woman shared her phone number and invited interested clients to contact her for paid mechi.

However, she specified that she was only hosting during the daytime.

Her post has sparked sharp reactions from Kenyans online, particularly as the country is still reeling from the brutal murder of Monicah Nyambura, who was lured by a client before being killed in her own house.

Many social media users expressed concern over the apparent risks involved, warning that openly advertising such services could expose individuals to dangerous situations.

Despite the backlash and safety concerns raised in the comments section, the Githurai woman appeared unfazed, continuing to publicly engage potential clients.

Check out her post.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, February 24, 2026 - Celebrated NTV Swahili news anchor, Lofty Matambo, has revealed that his insistence on keeping his romantic life private has cost him several relationships.

Speaking during a candid interview with digital creator, Oga Obinna, Matambo candidly admitted that girlfriends have walked away because he refused to post them on social media.

Alongside his coanchor, Fridah Mwaka, Matambo also addressed the persistent speculation surrounding their undeniable onscreen chemistry.

The duo clarified that their bond is strictly professional, rooted in friendship, and not romantic.

Matambo explained that while he frequently shares moments with Fridah online, he deliberately avoids posting his partners, insisting that his love life is not for public consumption.

The pair remains one of Kenyas most celebrated broadcasting duos.

Their seamless delivery of Swahili news, coordinated wardrobes, and warm banter have earned them a loyal fan base.

Watch the video>>> below.

"Nimewachwa na wasichana kadhaa juu nimekataa kuwaposti mitandaoni!"



Tv personality loft Matambo. pic.twitter.com/c9X642oWau  DP  (@DanChepta) February 23, 2026

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, February 24, 2026 - Renowned TV presenter, Fridah Mwaka, has opened up about her past encounters with politicians, revealing that some attempted to lure her with expensive gifts at the height of her media career.

Speaking in an interview with comedian and content creator, Oga Obinna, Fridah recounted an incident that occurred while she was working at KTN.

She revealed that at the time, she did not own a car and mostly relied on Uber rides to commute to work.

One day, as she was headed to read the news, a politician who was close to her reportedly spotted her being rained on along Mombasa Road.

According to Fridah, the politician later reached out and asked if they could meet on her off day.

She agreed, and they met on a Monday.

He took me to a car yard and told me to choose a car worth Ksh 2.5 million, she disclosed.

Despite admitting that the offer was tempting, especially since she did not have a car at the time, Fridah says she turned it down.

It was very tempting since I didnt have a car at the time, she said.

She further revealed that another politician had offered to buy her a house, an offer she also declined.

Looking back, Fridah admitted that she may have been naive at the time, but maintained that she chose to protect her dignity over material gain.

Watch the video>>> below

"Kuna mwanasiasa mwanaume alitaka kuninunulia gari, alinipeleka kwa car yard nikakataa. Mwingine alitaka kuninunulia gari pia nikakataa."~Fridah Mwaka reveals. pic.twitter.com/GrEOFfZmTK  ' (@baroswahjr) February 23, 2026

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, February 24, 2026 - Car theft in Nairobi has reached alarming levels, with at least 30 vehicles reported stolen in Nairobi area since the start of the year.

Seasoned motor vehicle security expert, Samuel Kanini, has exposed shocking new tactics thieves are deploying.

He revealed that syndicates now use advanced digital programming devices capable of stealing cars in under eight minutes - without ever confronting the owner.

There are diagnostic machines which are ideally supposed to detect issues in cars and help reprogram new keys for drivers who have lost theirs.

However, they are now used to steal vehicles, Kanini explained and even demonstrated how a car could be driven off even when the key was far away.

Kanini also warned that some cartracking companies are fronts for theft syndicates.

They lure customers with cheap installation offers, then use the trackers to trail and steal vehicles.

He urged motorists to only deal with licensed firms with physical addresses approved by the Communication Authority of Kenya and the Office of Data Protection.

He further cautioned against leaving keys at car washes, where attendants may duplicate them, and advised secondhand buyers to demand all copies of keys to avoid theft by sellers retaining spares.

Even multiple trackers may not be enough, Kanini noted, as thieves often use signal jammers to disable them, recommending antijamming devices for better protection.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, February 24, 2026 - The brutal murder of Monicah Nyambura, the Githurai 45 massage lady, has shocked Kenyans and raised questions about whether she had been living in fear prior to her death.

A private message sent by Monicah in December last year has begun circulating online.

In the message, she asked for short-term accommodation, citing concerns for her safety.

Part of the message reads: Niko na kwangu lakini nataka kuhepa kiasi.

The revelation has led many to speculate that Monicah may have received threats or felt unsafe in her residence.

Neighbors have also indicated that different men frequently visited her rented house, adding to concerns over her safety in the weeks leading up to her death.

Monicahs lifeless body was discovered in her rented house last week, prompting detectives to launch a thorough investigation into her murder.

Authorities are examining her communications to identify the perpetrator.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
AN inquest into the death of a Kildare woman just over a month after undergoing elective surgery at the Beacon Hospital in Dublin has been adjourned due to the unavailability of a key witness who had described how her gall bladder was crumbling in his hands.

Colette Callinan (63) of Monread Heights, Naas, Co Kildare died at St Jamess Hospital in Dublin on 21 October 2023 after becoming seriously unwell four days after vascular surgery to relieve pain she got from walking.

An inquest into her death at Dublin District Coroners Court on Wednesday heard that Ms Callinan had suffered continuous vomiting and diarrhoea for a number of weeks before her death.

The deceaseds husband, Frank Callinan, gave evidence that a consultant in St Jamess Hospital, Brian Mehigan told him on 16 October 2023 after she had to undergo emergency surgery to prepare for the worst.

Mr Callinan said Prof Mehigan had described to him how his wifes gall bladder and surrounding tissue were extremely necrotic and crumbling in his hands.

He said the consultant had observed that the body parts appeared to have been decaying for a number of weeks and that her vomiting and diarrhoea were early indicators of bowel ischemia  the loss of blood flow to the intestines.

Mr Callinan said Prof Mehigan had also remarked that his wife was one of the worst cases he had ever encountered.

An application for an adjournment of the inquest by the Callinan familys solicitor, Caoimhe Haughey, was made after she was informed that Prof Mehigan was unavailable to attend the hearing as a witness due to personal reasons.

Ms Haughey said the deceaseds relatives were insistent that the consultant should be able to give evidence in the case.

The inquest had earlier heard that Ms Callinan attended the Beacon Hospital in Sandyford where she had surgery on 15 September 2023.

Mr Callinan said she was sedated but stable when he visited her in the hospitals intensive care unit the following day.

However, he recalled that she became unwell on 19 September 2023 after which she suffered continuous incidents of vomiting and diarrhoea.

Mr Callinan said a vascular surgeon, Adrian OCallaghan, who had performed the operation on his wife told him that he was concerned about her condition and wanted another surgeon at the Beacon, Afzaal Amin Mughal, to examine her as further surgery might be required.

The inquest heard Ms Callinans condition deteriorated on 21 September 2023 and Mr Callinan said he was contacted two days later by Mr OCallaghan after she became extremely distressed.

He recounted how she was delirious and begging to be taken home.

Mr Callinan said he spoke to Mr Mughal on 6 October 2023 after his wife had been over a week in a general ward at the Beacon.

He said the consultant said he could not be sure what was wrong with her before adding: Shes a mystery.

Mr Callinan said she was discharged home on 9 October 2023, but they had to bring her to the emergency department in St Jamess Hospital in Dublin a week later when she became very unwell.

Fighting back tears, he told the coroner, Clare Keane, that he and the couples two daughters were devastated by her death and felt an overwhelming sense of grief.

In reply to questions from Dr Keane, Mr Callinan said his wife had suffered from back pain for years and had difficulty walking any distance.

He said tests conducted by doctors at the Beacon had shown a blockage in her aorta, but she was told that surgery would help fix the problems with her leg.

In reply to questions from Ms Haughey, Mr Callinan complained he was given no detailed explanation of anything by doctors at the Beacon.

Mr Callinan said he hoped to find out from the inquest exactly what happened to his wife.

He said he was angry that there seemed to have been an underestimate of the extent of how sick she was while in the Beacon Hospital.

Dr Keane granted the application made by Ms Haughey and adjourned the hearing until a date still to be determined.
THE TOWN of Athy is putting together a protest this evening in response to potential Special Needs Assistant (SNA) cuts in local schools.

Mark Wall TD has urged the public to show their support for SNAs at a demonstration taking place this evening in Emily Square.

In a public appeal, Deputy Wall said SNAs play a vital role in ensuring many children can access education, working closely with entire school communities to support students with additional needs.

He called on the public to stand in solidarity with the workers amid concerns over potential cuts, saying communities must show the Government that reductions to SNA supports would not be accepted.

Supporters are being asked to gather at Emily Square in Athy at 5pm this Wednesday evening. Organisers are also encouraging people to share the message and invite others to attend in a show of community backing for SNAs.

The demonstration is expected to draw families, educators and local representatives concerned about the future of special education supports in schools.
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Two men have been arrested following a significant drugs seizure on the outskirts of Kilkenny yesterday (Monday).

Up to twenty gardai, along with Kilkenny County Council and the animal welfare charity, My Lovely Horse were involved in the operation.

Four properties were searched under warrant in a residential area of the Hebron area of Kilkenny City.

Approximately 10,000 worth of drugs, 7,000 of suspected heroin and a further 3,000 of suspected cocaine were seized from one property.

Two men were arrested during the operation and were brought to Kilkenny Garda Station.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE CRIME UPDATES AND COURT REPORTS

One male was charged in relation to the incident and is due to appear in court.

The second male was released without charge and a file is being prepared for the DPP.

Ten dogs were also seized during the multi-agency operation due to serious animal welfare concerns.

READ NEXT: Kilkenny communities have to defend themselves against huge organisations

Meanwhile gardai have also confirmed that they have received numerous reports of anti-social behaviour in the vicinity of St Kieran's Cemetery on the Hebron Road.

Gardai have increased their patrols in the area in response to complaints from members of the public.

Anyone with information can contact Kilkenny gardai on (056) 777 5000.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS
Gardai investigating the disappearance of Kilkenny woman Jo Jo Dullard and Kildare woman Deirdre Jacob have 'concluded their current search phase' at a site on the Kildare/Wicklow border.

A further assessment of the site remains ongoing and according to gardai, the families of the two missing women have been updated with developments.

The search operation is being led by the Serious Crime Review Team, Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation supported by the Garda National Technical Bureau and local resources from Kildare Division as required.

READ NEXT: Safety fears mount over busy stretch of Jenkinstown Road in Kilkenny

Josephine 'Jo Jo' Dullard went missing on November 9 1995 while on her way home to Callan in County Kilkenny after socialising in Bruxelles bar on Dublins Harry Street.

The 21-year-old missed her last bus to Kilkenny and instead boarded a 10pm bus to Naas, County Kildare, intending to hitchhike the rest of the way home.

She hitched a lift from Naas to the slip road on the M9 motorway at Kilcullen, Co Kildare, and at 11.15pm got another lift to Moone.

There, Ms Dullard called her friend Mary Cullinan at 11.37pm from a phone box.

During that call, Ms Dullard told Ms Cullinan that a car had stopped for her and she was going to take the lift.

Ms Jacob was last seen near her home at Roseberry, Newbridge, in Co Kildare at around 3pm on July 28 that year.

LATEST: Works set to begin on large-scale Kilkenny school project

She was 18 at the time of her disappearance and had just completed one year at St Marys University in London.

On the day she was last seen, Ms Jacob had walked into Newbridge town to get a bank draft to send to a college friend in London for their rent deposit.

At 2.14pm, she was observed on CCTV walking on Main Street, Newbridge, and shortly after was observed in the AIB bank.

At 2.26pm, Ms Jacob was observed again on CCTV queuing in the Newbridge Post Office and at 2.32pm was seen on CCTV speaking with a friend outside the Post Office on Main Street.

The last-known recording of Ms Jacob on CCTV was recorded at 2.35pm, walking outside the PTSB Bank on Main Street.

She was last seen shortly after 3pm near her family home.

FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE
Councillors have vented their fury in the county council chamber after the Kilkenny Education Campus was omitted from the Sectoral Investment Plan for Education and Youth, despite years of promises and millions already spent.

First promised in 2008, the project - to comprise of a new building for Kilkenny City Vocational School and Colaiste Pobail Osrai in the western environs of the city - received a renewed commitment in 2015.

In January 2025, an official letter of intent was issued, enabling works were green-lighted, and 3.5 million of public money has already been spent.

READ NEXT: Kilkenny man accused of drugs offences has case adjourned

Architects have been appointed, enabling works on the new site have been completed, and both schools are at full capacity.

The next stage  tender and construction  is ready to proceed.

According to senior government sources, the Taoiseach has agreed to meet the school stakeholders including Cathy McSorley, Principal of Kilkenny City Vocational School; Cathnia O Muircheartaigh, Principal of Colaiste Pobail Osrai; and Cllr Deirdre Cullen, Chair of the Board of Management.

READ NEXT: Arrests following significant drug seizure in Hebron area of Kilkenny City

Speaking at the most recent plenary meeting of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr Deirdre Cullen hit out at the fact the green field site is now lying derelict.

She proposed that all elected members write to Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Tanaiste Simon Harris and Minister for Education, Hildegarde Naughton.

Cllr Sean O hArgain supported the proposal, but added that local oireachtas members shouldve been animated before funding allocations were published.

READ NEXT: Number of gardai stationed in County Kilkenny reached record high in 2025

He said there seems to be an emerging pattern where ETB schools are pushed down to the bottom of the list, adding that both schools have endured a decade of broken promises.

Cllr David Fitzgerald raised concern that although housing delivery is continuing in the western environs of the city, education facilities such as the Kilkenny School Campus are not.

Where are our Fianna Fail TDs, he asked, a comment that drew a reaction from Cllr Joe Malone, who suggested that the Fine Gael councillor reach out to Tanaiste Simon Harris.

LISTEN NEXT: 'You deserve to be p****d off' - Kilkenny's TJ Reid on overcoming Tipp disappointment

Cllr Jenny Catt Slattery, who works as a Special Needs Assistant (SNA) at Kilkenny City Vocational School, outlined to elected members a laundry list of limitations and challenges at the current school campus.

We have to bring these kids down through the town to get exercise, she said.

Cllr Joe Malone, a current member of the vocational schools board of management, added that he supported Cllr Cullens proposal.

READ NEXT: Virus surge hits St Lukes Hospital in Kilkenny leaving patients waiting for care

Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick also lent his support, stating that he was educated at the vocational school where he was taught by Mick Crotty.

Cllr Maria Dollard stressed that the autism unit in the school is one of the best in country and commended the staff, despite their limited current resources and site constraints.

Rounding out the discussion, Cllr Deirdre Cullen stated that the proposal is not about political point scoring but about fulfilling a promise that students and staff in Kilkenny deserve.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS
Kilkenny County Council have recommended that An Coimisiun Pleanala refuse planning permission for the development of a large wind farm and associated infrastructure in South Kilkenny.

A special meeting in relation to the planning application was held in County Hall last week where members of the planning department of Kilkenny County Council outlined their rationale behind their decision to recommend the projects refusal.

READ NEXT: Taoiseach summoned to Kilkenny following a 'decade of broken promises'

Ballyfasy Wind Farm is a large-scale renewable energy development that is proposed to be located in the townlands of Bishopsmountain, Ballinlammy, Ballyfasy Upper, Ballynoony East, Ballymartin, Ballyquin, Ballywairy, Darbystown, and Knockbrack in County Kilkenny.

The project is to comprise of 10 wind turbines with a total installed capacity of between 57 MW and 72 MW, along with an on-site 110kV electrical substation and associated infrastructure.

Each turbine would have a blade tip height of between 170 and 180 metres, depending on the final model selected.

READ NEXT: Kilkenny man accused of drugs offences has case adjourned

The project was deemed a Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) because it exceeds the statutory threshold for wind farms set out in the Planning and Development Act 2000.

As the proposed development meets this threshold, it therefore must be decided directly by An Coimisiun Pleanala rather than by the local authority.

Despite this, the local authority does have a significant role in the planning process.

It can prepare its own report in relation to the application and recommend whether An Coimisiun Pleanala grant or refuse planning permission.

READ NEXT: Arrests following significant drug seizure in Hebron area of Kilkenny City

Also submitted with this report will be the views and opinions of the elected members of Kilkenny County Council.

Both the local authoritys recommendation and the comments from councillors will be reviewed before An Coimisun Pleanala makes their final decision.

When outlining their rationale behind the decision to recommend the refusal of planning permission, council planner Niall Sheehan highlighted a number of perceived issues that were identified upon reviewing the relevant planning documentation.

An aerial map was produced showing nearby residential and commercial receptors and concern was raised about the number of ressidences that would likely be impacted by shadow flicker from the rotating turbine blades.

Further information was also provided on potential noise impact to the surrounding area, and reference was made to existing wind energy infrastructure in the area.

READ NEXT: Number of gardai stationed in County Kilkenny reached record high in 2025

One of the most significant concerns cited was landscape visual impact.

The potential impact of the turbines to relevant viewpoints in the area were assessed.

It was noted that there would be significant visibility (of turbine infrastructure) within a five kilometre area of the development site.

It was posited that the visual impact of the turbines would likely be more than was suggested in the submitted visual landscape documentation with the council further stating that the application contained insufficient information.

Following the councils presentation, Cllr Tomas Breathnach proposed that the elected members also propose the rejection of the wind farm in its totality.

He also cited the existing concentration of wind turbines in south east Kilkenny and criticised the outdated nature of existing wind energy guidelines.

His proposal was seconded by Cllr Pat Dunphy, who stated that the visual impact of the project would be a huge thing.

Cllr Jenny Catt Slattery stated that the turbines would dominate the whole skyline down there and stated that wind energy infrastructure is important but must be developed in a way that is fair and proportionate.

Cllr Ger Frisby stated that it is important that the local authority and elected members are listened to at a higher level and stated that it is unfair that local communities have to defend themselves against huge organisations.

Cllr Fidelis Doherty was also in agreement with the recommendation, and their were no dissenting voices from other councillors in other districts, with many adding their own concerns to the record.

LISTEN NEXT: 'You deserve to be p****d off' - Kilkenny's TJ Reid on overcoming Tipp disappointment

In a planning statement submitted with Manogate Ltds application, it is stated that the project will contribute significantly to Irelands transition away from imported fossil fuels.

The statement added that the project is compliant with the relevant corresponding provisions of Kilkenny County Development Plan 2014.

It is stated that this plan is the most relevant county development plan to consider when looking at the principle of the proposed project.

READ NEXT: Virus surge hits St Lukes Hospital in Kilkenny leaving patients waiting for care

The document describes the Kilkenny City and County Development Plan 2021-2027 as effectively inconsistent with national and EU energy policy as there have been significant policy changes at international and national level in relation to climate change and renewable energy which need to be considered when assessing the proposed project.

The final decision in relation to Ballyfasy Wind Farm will rest with An Coimisiun Pleanala and the case is due to be decided by July of this year.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS
The Herald reports:

A bicultural overhaul of Army doctrine that features Maori cosmology at its core has led to a Government revolt, with the NZ Defence Force putting on hold part of the controversial programme. The NZ Armys new general orders to soldiers uses a pantheon of te ao Maori gods as guiding influences for its strategy to achieve a bicultural status by enabling the recognition of Maori cultural interests as they are guaranteed within Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The Herald has confirmed Defence Minister Judith Collins only learned of the new doctrine after coalition partners Act then NZ First raised objections with her.

This shows how entrenched the view is in Wellington that absolutely every aspect of public life must be tied to the Treaty. What is astonishing is that the Minister finds out through MPs, rather than the NZ Defence Force.

I think part of the problem is all these agencies are headquartered in Wellington where 95% of the people they talk to share this view. We should shift Defence HQ to say Christchurch or Auckland to try and dewokify them.

The order introduced the Cultural Skills Framework, the section NZDF says is on hold, which set expectations for personnel at every leadership level. Those included understanding the Treaty of Waitangi, engaging with Maori communities, practising tikanga and developing te reo Maori. For leaders in the Army, it said they should know at least two waiata, pronounce te reo Maori words correctly and have beginners use of te reo Maori. That included being able to interact in predictable exchanges using te reo Maori. Those looking to level up would read about Maori values, beliefs and history and attend immersion language programmes.

So to be promoted in the Armed Forces you need to know all about the Treaty, be able to sign waiata, have good te reo pronunciation and be knowledgable about Maori gods.

I suspect the ones who would find this most idiotic are the many NZDF soldiers (not officers) who are Maori.
Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Clear skies. Gusty winds during the evening. Low 44F. SSW winds at 20 to 30 mph, decreasing to 10 to 15 mph. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Clear skies. Gusty winds during the evening. Low 44F. SSW winds at 20 to 30 mph, decreasing to 10 to 15 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.
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The News in Brief Wednesday, February 25, 2026

The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on the television companies Imedi and POSTV, saying the broadcasters were involved in spreading Russian disinformation.According to the British government, the sanctions include asset freezes, bans on financial services related to asset management, and the disqualification of company directors. The sanctions document says the two channels "deliberately spread misleading information to their audience, primarily in Georgia, about Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine."Responding to the sanctions, Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze said the decision had no meaning for him and called it unfair. "This means nothing to me what the UK considers or not," Kaladze said.He questioned the basis for the sanctions. "What disinformation was spread by these television companies? Can you tell me?" he said. "Tell me one specific example of what was spread incorrectly, a lie."Kaladze said such actions amounted to interference in Georgia's internal affairs. "We respect every country, including EU countries, but they must respect our independence and our sovereignty," he said. "What was said regarding 'Imedi' and 'POSTV' is an unfair attitude."The United Kingdom's Ambassador to Georgia, Gareth Ward, stated no one was asking Georgia to open a second front against Russia and described such claims as disinformation."No one is asking Georgia to open a second front. This is disinformation," Ward said. "Georgia can play its role by joining European sanctions and ensuring that Russia has no access to military materials and no revenue from its oil and gas."He added that Russia's invasion of Ukraine was directly relevant to Georgia, noting that 20 percent of Georgian territory remains occupied by Russia.In response, Georgian Dream-led Parliament Chairman Shalva Papuashvili said the claim was not true. "The claim that 'no one is asking Georgia to open a second front' is just rhetoric, because the facts say otherwise," he wrote on social media.Papuashvili said imposing sanctions would mean escalation. "Imposing sanctions means escalation with Russia. Escalation means war, in which we would be alone," he wrote.He also said, "Sacrificing others for one's own interests is wrong and unfair, especially when you know that sacrifice for escalation will lead to war."Germany's Ambassador to Georgia, Peter Fischer, said a legislative proposal to sanction the Kulevi port was included in the European Union's 20th sanctions package against Russia but was blocked by vetoes from Hungary and Slovakia.Speaking during a panel discussion marking the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Fischer said the proposed sanctions package was extensive and targeted Russian oil, ports receiving Russian oil, and ports linked to Russia's so-called shadow fleet."Yesterday in the European Union, we were supposed to adopt the 20th sanctions package, which was quite extensive," Fischer said. "We did not adopt this package because Hungary and Slovakia imposed a veto."Fischer said the package also included the Kulevi port and stressed that EU sanctions proposals are based on documented findings. "When there is a legislative proposal in the European Union regarding the imposition of sanctions, it is accompanied by a package of evidence," he said. "We present a package of evidence, and there was both the legislative proposal and the package of evidence."Referring to Georgia's relations within the EU, Fischer added that Hungary's support would not advance Georgia's accession prospects. "Hungary is your best friend in the European Union, which the Georgian authorities have chosen as their ally," he said. "Think again, this will not happen."
Sonya McLean

A man who played an active and important role in laundering the proceeds of crime has been jailed for two and a half years.

Robert Gaffeny (27) of Pinewood Green Road, Balbriggan, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to two charges of money laundering, committed between July and September 2023, in relation to a bank account and a Revolut account.

Miranda Egan-Langley BL, prosecuting, told the court that confidential information led gardai to apply for an order to obtain information in relation to both accounts in April and May 2024.

It was discovered that 31,384 passed through his bank account between March and September 2023, with money being deposited and numerous withdrawals being made from various ATMs around Dublin city.

A further 12,618 was moved through Gaffneys Revolut account, and again money was deposited and then transferred via electronic fund transfers to various individuals.

Further investigation confirmed that Gaffney was in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance at the time and had no legitimate source of income.

He was arrested and interviewed in July 2024. He took responsibility for both accounts and said he had provided his account details to another individual in order to pay off a drug debt.

Gaffney has 45 previous convictions for offences including drug dealing, stealing cars, theft and criminal damage.

Aisling Ginger-Quinn BL defending said her client had a tough childhood and became addicted to drugs at a very young age.

She said he has learning difficulties and left school at 15 years old. He has an eight-year-old child.

Judge Orla Crowe said that drugs seemed to be underpinning Gaffneys involvement in this offence, but she said he played an active role and an important role in terms of laundering the proceeds of crime

He took that risk because he had amassed a drug debt, Judge Crowe said. She said a headline sentence of four years was warranted before she imposed a term of three years with the final six months suspended on strict conditions.
AN incident where a former student threated to burn down the house of a teacher was heard at Portlaoise District Court last week.

Garda sgt JJ Kirby told Portlaoise District Court that on 21 December 2024 at 10.45pm at the Vibe Bar on Main Street, Portlaoise while the injured party, Thomas Whelehan, a schoolteacher, who was also working as a doorman, refused entry to Brian Ryan (25), Morette, Emo because of his previous behaviour on the premises.

An altercation ensued between the two men, with Mr Ryan telling the injured party that he knew where he lived and would burn his house down.

Sgt Kirby said that Mr Ryan made a phone call and was overheard to say about the injured party yeah, yeah, thats him from Vicarstown. He said that the Mr Whelehan had known Mr Ryan because he had taught him in school.

Sgt Kirby said the accused had two previous convictions.

Mr Ryan pleaded guilty to section 3 of the Criminal Damage Act 1991 a threatening to damage property.

Defending solicitor Philip Meagher said that his client would like to say in open court that he is unreservedly apologetic for his actions on the night and is utterly ashamed of himself. He appreciates fully the upset, worry and concern and for the threat he presented on the night. Mr Meagher said his client acknowledges that he was extremely drunk, but that is no excuse for what he said. It was coming up to Christmas and he had been out with a number of his friends. He had far too much to drink and foolishly took umbrage at Mr Whelehan, who was just doing his job. It was a very nasty threat that he made. He completely over-reacted. Mr Ryan had known Mr Whelehan. He would have been a teacher in a school where Mr Whelehan works.

In recognition of his foolishness and his behaviour, noting that obviously drink doesnt suit him, he underwent a course of counselling and is now on a journey, as it were, and is engaging with the services and with the local leader of an alcohol anonymous group. He said that his client knows Mr Whelehan doesnt want any form of compensation and doesnt think a charitable donation is appropriate, but Mr Ryan had gathered a sum of 1,000 and has it with him in court, which is available for whatever purpose the court may wish to put it to. Mr Meagher said his client was hoping to travel to Australia to work but acknowledges an offence of this nature would leave an application to travel there in jeopardy. He is completely alcohol abstinent now. He assures me he will not darken a door of a courthouse again in these circumstances. He has placed his whole future in jeopardy because of this very, very stupid, reckless and mean act. He acknowledges that it was a very serious threat. Judge Fay said she wanted to monitor the defendants progress on how hes tackling his alcohol problem. She said she was referring him to the Restorative Justice Programme and invited Mr Whelehan, who she said had no obligation to participate, to consider engaging in that process.

She also instructed the defendant to engage with the probation service to determine his suitability to take part in community service.

She said: I want this man (Mr Ryan) to understand the impact that this had on the victim. He (Mr Whelehan) was worried about a knock on his door and about his wife and kids in his house at home. Sgt Kirby said he would like Mr Ryan to give a sworn undertaking not to have or to make any contact by any means, directly or indirectly, by social media or by third parties with the injured party and to not make any contact with his place of work in the school.

Mr Whelehan said both parties live ten minutes from each other.

He said: Ive had issues with Brian, but none for the past ten years. He caused one issue this night and threatened my whole family. There was a lot of fear in my house. Up to the past nine years, he would have said hello and passed himself with no issues, but on this night, he was very aggressive and didnt seem to have as much alcohol taken, as he said he had. It escalated very fast for a person who was sober, which made it very dangerous or seemed dangerous at the time. Id like to thank the gardai who made themselves available to check on my family at the time because I was still working. Judge Fay ruled that Mr Ryan was not to come within one kilometre of Mr Whelehans home address; and that he makes no contact directly or indirectly by social media or by any other means.

Judge Fay said: People can put stuff up on social media that can be very subtle. Mr Meagher said that his client uses Facebook and other social media sites and would give an undertaking not to post anything relating to Mr Whelehan.

Judge Fay adjourned the case to 18 May.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme.
A LAOIS couple lost a creche place for their child when they were unable to pay a 450 deposit within 48 hours, the Dail was told.

The space in a private creche would have cost 1,430 a month, according to a letter the couple wrote to Deputy Brian Stanley.

The Laois TD highlighted the case in Dail Eireann last week, as he asked that the county be considered for one of the first State-led, publicly-owned childcare facilities, under a new pilot scheme introduced in January. Locations for the pilot scheme have yet to be announced.

During questions to Norma Foley, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Deputy Stanley contended that there is a chronic shortage of childcare spaces in Laois and the county is over-reliant on private providers.

He said: I received a letter this week from one couple, who said they were offered a space for 1,430 per month in one provider. The creche wanted a 450 deposit within 48 hours, which they were not able to come up with. They lost the place.

That shows the pressure on just the market-led ones. We need that government scheme. I know the minister has announced the purchase of eight or nine buildings. Everyone will be looking for them, but Laois has a strong case.

The Independent TD said that there are no all-day childcare spaces in Stradbally or Mountrath and there are shortages in towns such as Portlaoise, Mountmellick, Portarlington, Graiguecullen, Rathdowney, Durrow and Abbeyleix.

He added that, according to the countys childcare committee, Portlaoise needs four full-day facilities while Portarlington needs one, as do Mountmellick, Mountrath, Stradbally, Graiguecullen, Rathdowney, Abbeyleix, Durrow and the Cullohill area.

He said: The pilot of eight to nine is obviously welcome. It is a small start. We could put all eight or nine in Laois. I urge the minister to put at least one or two there. The current model is not able to match the growth in population in the county.

The Portlaoise-based TD asked department officials to contact local estate agents and Laois Co Council, to see if a suitable property could be secured for a State-run childcare facility.

He said: Laois is one of the fastest growing counties in terms of population, outside of Dublin and there is real pressure on childcare places.

There is a chronic shortage of spaces in the county, including for one- to three-year-olds. We have the private model, but we are over-reliant on that. It has weaknesses in the context of having to have separate leases or ownership of buildings, separate insurance, separate administration and payrolls.

Deputy Stanley said that, while he welcomed the groundbreaking scheme, it costs 1,430 per month to mind a child and wages in the Laois area are not high enough for families to meet those costs.

In a written response, Minister Foley said: Improving access to quality and affordable early learning and childcare is a key priority for the government. Early learning and childcare capacity is increasing. However, it appears that demand for early learning and childcare remains higher than available supply in certain parts of the country, particularly for younger children.

I recently announced 135 million in capital investment in buildings for high-quality, accessible State-led early learning and childcare. The process will begin in 2026 with investment in buildings, in what will be a ground-breaking initiative for this government.

Capital funding will be used to acquire and fit out buildings. In some instances, it might just be the fit-out of the building.

There will be a particular focus in the new State-led facilities on providing places for children between one and three years old, with scope for these children to progress in the service until they start school. The aim of delivering additional supply of this type in suitable locations will include both rural and urban areas that are currently not well served.

Another factor to consider is the need to rebalance supply in some areas, where there is a high concentration of private supply but very low levels of community childcare.'
A Utah judge has cleared the Utah County Attorney's Office to continue its prosecution of Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of the September 2025 assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

The ruling, delivered on 24 February 2026, dismissed a high-stakes defence motion to disqualify the entire prosecutorial team over a potential conflict of interest.

Defence attorneys had argued that the case was compromised because the daughter of a lead prosecutor was present at the rally where Kirk was fatally shot.

However, Judge Tony Graf ruled that the daughter's presence did not 'materially influence' the decision to seek the death penalty, ensuring the capital murder case remains on track for a preliminary hearing this spring.

Conflict of Interest Claim Rejected

According to CNN, Robinson's defence team pursued a full recusal of the Utah County Attorney's Office.

They contended that the presence of deputy attorney Chad Grunander's child at the Turning Point USA event where Kirk was killed might have skewed the prosecutors' decisions, including the pursuit of the death penalty.

During an earlier two-day hearing, Grunander testified that his 18-year-old child was at the location but did not witness the shooting. Prosecutors maintained that the child's presence did not affect the investigation or legal strategy.

Grunander informed the court that he immediately disclosed his child's attendance to colleagues and that it did not influence his duties.

'The court is unpersuaded that Mr. Grunander's relationship with [his child] creates an appearance of bias in this case,' Judge Graf said in his ruling. He also emphasised that the child had 'no unique, relevant information' that would be necessary for the trial.

Defence Argues Office Was Too Casual

Robinson's defence attorney, Richard Novak, argued that the attorney's office had been 'inappropriately casual' in handling the matter.

Robinson's defence argued that deputy prosecutor Chad Grunander should have been removed from the case and that they should have been told immediately about a possible conflict. They said having a prosecutor's family member at the shooting could affect whether decisions, like pressing charges or seeking the death penalty, were fair. However, Judge Tony Graf ruled there was no proof Grunander's child being at the event influenced any decisions. The judge noted that the disclosure was made 'out of an abundance of caution' and not because there was an actual conflict.

He also said the prosecutors handled the case professionally and maintained their integrity throughout.

Trial Timelines and Pending Pleas

Tyler Robinson has not yet entered pleas on the multiple charges he faces, which include aggravated murder, felony use of a firearm, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering.

Additional enhancements, such as committing a violent offence in the presence of a child, are also part of the case.

Robinson will not be formally arraigned until after the preliminary hearing, scheduled to begin on 18 May and expected to last three days. The ruling allows prosecutors to continue their preparations for this hearing, which will be a critical early stage in determining whether the case moves to a full trial.

What Charges Could Robinson Receive

Robinson is likely facing the death penalty as prosecutors have explicitly pursued it, but nothing is guaranteed. Utah allows the death penalty for aggravated murder, and Kirk's killing falls under that category.

The prosecution's decision to seek the death penalty signals that they believe they have strong evidence, including witness testimony.

However, the ultimate outcome depends on several factors: the jury's decision at trial, any mitigating circumstances presented by the defence, and potential appeals. If the jury decides against the death penalty, Robinson could instead face life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, which is the standard alternative for aggravated murder in Utah.

The decision to keep the Utah County Attorney's Office on the case represents a major victory for the prosecution in one of the most high-profile assassinations in recent American history. While the defence continues to argue that the proceedings are 'inappropriately casual,' the court has affirmed the integrity of the state's path toward a capital trial. All eyes now turn to the May preliminary hearing, where the full weight of the evidence against Tyler Robinson will finally be laid bare.

Originally published on IBTimes UK
Rosie O'Donnell's estranged daughter, Chelsea O'Donnell, has been sentenced to prison after her probation was revoked over an alleged sexual assault, according to a report from the State of Wisconsin Department of Corrections.

Chelsea, 28, was accused of touching a man's genitals without permission while driving a car.

The report states the man was seated in the backseat on the passenger side when Chelsea allegedly reached back, touched his inner thigh, and then his genitals, US Magazine reported.

When the man rejected her advances, she allegedly became upset and began driving erratically, not paying attention to the road.

Chelsea denied the allegations when questioned by authorities. According to TMZ, she claimed the encounter was consensual. The alleged incident led to the revocation of her six-year probation in October 2025.

A Marinette County Treatment Drug Court official previously told sources that Chelsea violated the terms of her probation due to the sexual assault allegations and showed minimal progress in her court-ordered treatment program.

Chelsea had been placed on probation earlier in 2025 after pleading guilty to charges tied to three separate arrests in 2024. Those arrests included drug possession, bail jumping, and possession of narcotic drugs.

As part of her probation, she was ordered to maintain absolute sobriety, avoid controlled substances without a prescription, have no contact with known drug users or sellers, and not possess firearms.

Rosie O'Donnell's daughter Chelsea O'Donnell accused of fondling man in car while she was driving https://t.co/Uf4QJ7t0rQ  Daily Mail Celebrity (@DailyMailCeleb) February 25, 2026

Chelsea O'Donnell Removed From Drug Court Program

Court documents also noted she was required to strictly comply with the county's treatment drug court program.

However, officials determined there were sufficient grounds to terminate her from the program following the new allegations.

According to Page Six, in previous police reports related to her 2024 arrests, officers allegedly found drug paraphernalia, including a meth pipe, digital scale, and hypodermic needles. She later accepted a plea deal that resulted in probation instead of immediate prison time. That sentence has now been revoked.

Rosie O'Donnell, who adopted Chelsea in 1997, has spoken publicly about her daughter's struggles with addiction. The two have been estranged for much of Chelsea's adult life.

In an earlier statement, Rosie expressed compassion for her daughter's battle with substance abuse.

"Chelsea was born into addiction and it has been a painful journey for her and her children," she said. "We continue to love and support her through these horrible times. Prayers welcomed."

Following the probation revocation, Chelsea checked into Taycheedah Correctional Institution in November 2025.

Originally published on Enstarz
The gathering of Laois' first ever Bat Conservation Group was a major success, with many people attending the inaugural meeting to show their support and interest.

Over 35 people attended the group's first meeting which was held in Portlaoise Library on Thursday, February 12. Anyone with an interest in bats, biodiversity, or nature was welcome along to the event.

Laois County Council Biodiversity Officer, Lisa Doyle and Anna Coombe from Bat Conservation Ireland hosted the meeting which focused on local bat conservation and biodiversity.

The meeting brought together members of the public, local volunteers, and biodiversity advocates to learn more about the countys bat populations and the ongoing efforts to protect them.

A range of topics were covered in the meeting, including the species of bats commonly found in Laois, their ecological value, the threats facing bat habitats, and the practical steps communities and individuals can take to support bat surveys and events.

Attendees were particularly engaged during discussions on the identification of Irish bat species through preserved samples, the importance of dark corridors, and best practices for reporting sightings.

Laois County Council Biodiversity Officer, Lisa Doyle highlighted how bats contribute significantly to local ecosystems through natural insect control and the maintenance of biodiversity balance. Participants also had the opportunity to ask questions, share observations, and exchange experiences.

Anna Coombe introduced the range of surveys, talks, and events available for volunteers to learn as members of the group.

READ NEXT: PICTURES: Drawings of new roundabouts and roads for Portlaoise to ease congestion

Lisa Doyle described the event as a "resounding success," noting the high level of interest and constructive community spirit throughout the meeting.

Many attendees expressed enthusiasm for future workshops, guided bat walks, and citizen science projects planned for later in the year.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
A Laois Mum is raising awareness of organ donation in children, a difficult topic for many to think about.

Rathdowney mother of two Grainne Fleming (nee Duggan) has asked parents to consider donating their child's organs, should the unthinkable ever happen.

Her seven year old daughter Aoife Fleming is a patient on Ward 23, in the Cardiac Heart Unit at The Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, where she is urgently awaiting a lifesaving heart transplant.

Aoife is on a European-wide waiting list for a heart, and is constantly hooked up to a BiVAD machine that pumps her heart for her in the meantime.

Pictured: Parents Grainne and JJ with their daughters Orlaith (aged ten) and Aoife (aged seven)

Grainne and her husband JJ lived with their two children Orlaith (ten) and Aoife (seven) in Ballydesmond, Co. Cork. When Aoife's health took a turn, she was relocated to the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.

Grainne and JJ have relocated to the UK to be closer to Aoife, where they both work remotely. The pair work morning and evening shifts in turn to rotate their time with Aoife at the children's hospital.

The family are waiting and praying for a suitable heart that has the power to save Aoife's life, amid critical shortages in organ donations.

"Aoife wasn't diagnosed from birth, she got pneumonia as a baby and was admitted to UH Kerry. On the day we were released to go home, there was a locum from Limerick doing final checks. He asked if anyone had ever listened to her heart, and realised that something was wrong," Grainne told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

Pictured: Aoife Fleming is in the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle awaiting a life-saving heart transplant

"We assumed it was just a heart murmur, and went to a follow up appointment in Limerick. We were then told to go straight to Crumlin," she said.

Aoife was diagnosed in 2019 with severe Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), a condition that weakens the hearts ability to pump blood. Under the fantastic care of the cardiac team at Crumlin Hospital, she was able to enjoy an active childhood, spending time with her ten year old sister Orlaith, dancing, and taking part in gymnastics and stage school.

In September 2025 Aoifes condition deteriorated rapidly, and her heart began to fail. Her parents were confronted with the unimaginable: their daughters life was in critical danger.

Watching machines take over the job of your childs heart is terrifying, humbling, and awe-inspiring all at once, but it represents hope when all other options have been exhausted," Grainne admitted.

Aoife was admitted to Crumlin ICU and placed on an ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) machine, a form of life support that temporarily takes over heart and lung function. The next step was her transfer to the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.

Pictured: The close-knit family with Rathdowney and Ballydesmond roots

During this time, Aoife suffered a cardiac arrest, but thanks to the skilled doctors and nurses at Crumlin Hospital, she was saved with CPR.

On October 27, Aoife was transferred to the UK via a specialized Swedish ECMO team. Due to safety regulations, her parents could not accompany her.

While waiting anxiously to board their flight, her parents received the news that Aoife had arrived safely over to the UK and they were reunited later that night in Newcastle.

"Every day is a challenge. Aoife faces needles, wires, and machines, all while being separated from her family and friends especially her big sister Orlaith. Yet she remains remarkably brave, smiling through fear and uncertainty," Grainne said.

At the Freeman Hospital, consultants recommended Aoife be fitted with a Bi-Ventricular Assist Device (BiVAD), known as the Berlin Heart.

This mechanical device now does the work of her failing heart, pumping blood in and out of her body to sustain vital organs. While it is not a cure for her condition, it is a lifeline, buying Aoife precious time as she waits for a heart transplant.

As a parent, nothing prepares you for the reality of watching your daughter wait for a heart transplant far from home," the Mum of two explained.

Pictured: Aoife was delighted with a visit from Santa Clause to the ward last Christmas

"We are endlessly grateful for the extraordinary care she is receiving, yet we live with the heart-breaking truth that for our daughter to receive the gift of a new heart, another family must first experience unimaginable loss.

"That knowledge sits with us every single dayit is devastating, conflicting, and heavy with guilt, hope, and sorrow all at once. We see first-hand how deeply connected our lives are to the decisions other families make during their darkest moments," she said.

"JJ and I really just want to raise awareness of organ donation. The shortage in England and Ireland is fairly bad, people in Ireland are opting out. It's an awful position to be put in, to have to think about donating your child's organs. I would have felt the same before, but organ donation is something we have to think about as parents," Grainne explained.

"We have to be positive for the girls and avoid any negativity. It's hard on both of them, not just Aoife. My mother is taking care of Orlaith, and we fly home to her and fly her over as often as we can. I always tell them that it's okay to be sad, and it's okay to cry, but we have to get on with it. It's what Aoife needs," she said.

Grainne and JJ urge parents to consider opting to donate their children's organs to save the lives of other children, should the unthinkable ever occur.

Both JJ and Grainne praised the fantastic work provided by CHUF, the Children's Heart Unit Fund in Newcastle. The fund has allowed Aoife to undertake music lessons, and they teach children on the ward for an hour a day.

They also praised the UK's Rainbow Trust, which has allowed Aoife to partake in activities and crafts for two hours a week, much to Aoife's delight.

JJ and Grainne had thought that it would be a long time before Aoife could be considered for the transplant list, but Aoife fought persistently in her health battle.

"Between therapy and OT, and learning to walk again, she has been absolutely brilliant. It goes to show that all she needs is that heart," Grainne said.

"She is an absolute warrior, and she has never complained. Aoife left Ireland asleep and woke up in a different country attached to a machine. She never complains, and never gives out," her mother praised.

"It's hard for others to think about, but we have to raise awareness. We are praying and waiting. I would have struggled to consider it in the past, but now you see what a gift organ donation can be. It kills us to think of what has to happen for Aoife to get her heart, it's an awful decision made by another family to save our daughter.

Pictured: Seven year old Aoife Fleming

"By sharing our story, we hope to raise awareness of the vital importance of organ donation, while also honouring the families who make the bravest, most selfless decision at the darkest moment of their lives," she said.

"We ask parents to consider organ donation now, before you are ever faced with that choice in crisis. No one should have to make such a life-changing decision while overwhelmed by shock and grief. Any chance our daughter has exists because of their compassion, and this is something we will forever carry with us.

"In times of darkness, organ donation offers hope, turning loss into life and strangers into heroes," she finished.

Aoife continues to grow stronger under the exceptional care of the dedicated team at the Freeman Hospital. Supported by advanced medical technology and a team of consultants, doctors, nurses, and therapists who are helping her through this journey.

She is being cared for with compassion as she waits for the life-changing gift of a new heart. Her bravery and the love around her highlight the incredible resilience of children.

The parents wished to thank the staff at the Freeman Hospital, from the cleaners and canteen staff to the doctors and nurses, for their kindness and exceptional work.

Children in need of a transplant are waiting longer before they can receive an organ because the number of young organ donors remains static. More organ donations from children and young people are needed to save the lives of children, babies and even adults waiting for a lifesaving call.

For more information on organ donation, click here.
Portlaoise is earmarked for four new major road investments to ease congestion, including two roundabouts and two new roads, with detailed drawings shown to Laois councillors this week.

Two new roundabouts will be added tothe busy R445 Dublin road, while plans are advancing to build two new roads connecting traffic to that road.

The Laois County Council CEO is Michael Rainey.

"These are four arterial measures for Portlaoise. We will do everything we can to advance these. We have to make them function from a traffic perspective," he said at the February council meeting.

New drawings show the designs for the Dublin Road roundabouts.

The council say the one at Colliers Lane is aimed to solve "ongoing traffic congestion", and make it safer for cyclists, pedestrians and vulnerable road users.

That new roundabout will link to hundreds of homes and two secondary schools serving nearly 2,000 pupils. Work is soon starting.

"A new four arm raised roundabout will be constructed in the coming months, to replace the existing roundabout. The existing roundabout is at capacity, and the junction is the source of ongoing traffic congestion and poor provision for cyclists, pedestrians and vulnerable road users," the February chief executives report states.

The roundabout's fourth exit will be into the new Downey's service station.

Another Portlaoise roundabout is to be built at the entrance to the new Rath Rua housing estate.

"New three arm raised roundabout to be constructed to replace the Tjunction entrance to the Rath Rua (Glenveagh) housing estate. The Roundabout is being constructed in accordance with planning conditions prescribed for the Rath Rua Housing Development.

"The new roundabout will reduce traffic congestion, improve Cycle and pedestrian facilities and improve access to lands for development of housing," the council states.



The two roundabouts are among four "key traffic management measures" planned in Portlaoise say the council this month.

Two new roads are coming to the town in the coming years.

The Beladd Road Urban Distributor Road will link the Dublin road to the Stradbally road at the Aghnaharna roundabout, hoped to ease traffic to the schools.

"The Beladd Urban Distributor Road, from the R445 Dublin Road to the N80 Stradbally Road, has been advertised for a design Team to bring the proposed development to a Part VIII process.

"Tender returns due at the end of February. A Preliminary Appraisal Report was issued in December 2025 to the Department of Transport, seeking funding for the scheme," an update says.

The fourth objective is also a brand new road.

This will link the Borris Road to the Dublin Road. It is nearing the planning approval stage with a design not made public yet.

"Part VIII proposal under preparation, for an Urban Distributor Road, linking the Borris Road to the Dublin Road, the objective for which has been a longstanding commitment of successive Portlaoise Local Area Plans," the council said.

Read next: Space identified for more parking at busy St Mary's Hall in Portlaoise

Meanwhile Laois Director of Services for Roads, Simon Walton said that the long awaited Portlaoise Northern Orbital Route (PNOR), is "an extremely important infrastructural peice to support the ongoing development of Portlaoise".

Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald is concerned that funding will not be given for the new roads.

"I welcome them but I don't know if we will get funding. The Beladd road is essential, and the Borris road to the Dublin road. If we can get roads with paths and cycle lanes, that's when kids can cycle to school, where they have the facilities. The PNOR is huge," she said.
By Mata Press Service

Canadian immigration lawyers are calling for a national business council to overhaul how entrepreneurs and investors are admitted into the country, warning that policy pullbacks have weakened the nations ability to attract capital, talent and long-term growth.

The call comes in a new report by the Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association (CILA), which argues that Canadas retreat from business-focused entry pathways has left the country ill-equipped to deal with declining productivity, worsening affordability pressures and intensifying global competition for mobile capital.

The report, Engine of Growth: How a Canadian Business Immigration Council Can Support National Prosperity, urges the federal government to create a permanent, federally chaired Canadian Business Immigration Council to design, monitor and refine programs aimed at entrepreneurs and investors.

Without such reform, CILA warns, Canada risks falling further behind peer economies that are aggressively courting business founders and high-net-worth individuals.

Once a major pillar of Canadas economic strategy, business immigration has been dramatically scaled back. In the early 1990s, Canada admitted roughly 30,000 business immigrants annually, accounting for up to one-quarter of all economic-class admissions. Under the federal Immigration Levels Plan for 2026 to 2028, that number has been reduced to just 500 principal applicants per year.

Ottawas pullback followed years of concern about program backlogs, weak oversight and uneven economic outcomes. But the CILA report argues that those problems stemmed from governance failures rather than from business immigration itself.

Canada repeatedly abandoned programs instead of fixing them, the report states, pointing to abrupt closures, long processing delays and a lack of performance metrics that undermined confidence among applicants, provinces and investors alike.

The report places business immigration squarely within Canadas broader economic challenges. While headline economic growth has continued, real GDP per capita fell by about two per cent between 2020 and 2024, marking the worst five-year decline since the Great Depression.

CILA attributes much of that erosion to weak business investment in productivity-enhancing assets such as machinery, technology and research, even as the labour force expanded rapidly. Entrepreneurs and investors, the report argues, can help close that gap by bringing both capital and management expertise, provided programs are structured to reward real economic contribution.

Investor-focused pathways could channel funds into areas where Canada faces chronic shortages, including housing, infrastructure and early-stage innovation capital. Entrepreneur pathways, meanwhile, could support new firm creation and job growth, particularly outside major urban centres.

Affordability concerns feature prominently in the report. Statistics Canada data cited by CILA show that more than one-third of Canadians struggle to meet basic financial needs, while nearly half are worried about housing costs.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation estimates that housing starts must rise to as many as 480,000 units annually through 2035 to restore affordability. The report suggests that well-designed investor programs could help finance affordable housing and public infrastructure projects, reducing pressure on public budgets.

Health care funding is another area where CILA sees potential fiscal benefits. With 6.5 million Canadians lacking a family doctor and medical wait times costing billions in lost wages each year, the report argues that revenue generated by business activity and investment could help bolster federal transfers to provinces.

Statistics Canada research cited in the report shows immigrant-owned firms pay roughly 10 per cent more in taxes per employee than Canadian-born-owned firms, making them net fiscal contributors.

The report also highlights the role of immigrant entrepreneurs in trade diversification, a priority for Ottawa as it seeks to reduce reliance on the United States market. Immigrant-owned small and medium-sized enterprises are more likely to export, and immigrant entrepreneurs account for more than 16 per cent of Canadas goods exporters.

Canada is also facing a looming business succession challenge. Nearly 60 per cent of small and mid-sized business owners are aged 50 or older, and more than three-quarters plan to exit within the next decade. The transition places more than $2 trillion in business assets at risk, particularly in smaller communities where buyers are scarce.

CILA argues that experienced foreign entrepreneurs could help preserve these businesses and local jobs, if pathways were aligned with succession needs rather than focused narrowly on start-ups.

Despite these opportunities, Canadas current system is widely viewed as dysfunctional. The federal Start-Up Visa Program faces processing times exceeding 10 years, with a backlog of more than 43,000 applicants. Ottawa halted new applications in late 2025 while it considers a replacement.

Other federal pathways, including the Self-Employed Persons Program, are paused, leaving provinces to operate a patchwork of business streams that often clash with federal decision-making. The report documents cases where provincially approved entrepreneurs were later refused federal permits, disrupting regional economic plans and eroding trust.

At the same time, global competition has intensified. More than 20 OECD countries have launched new visas for entrepreneurs since 2010. Jurisdictions such as the United States, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates are offering fast-track routes for founders and investors, often with clearer timelines and fewer administrative hurdles.

To address these failures, CILA proposes the creation of a Canadian Business Immigration Council reporting to the immigration minister. The body would bring together federal departments, provincial governments, economists, legal experts and private-sector stakeholders to guide program design and oversight.

The council would set clear performance benchmarks, oversee pilot programs, conduct regular reviews and publish annual public reports. Rather than relying on one-off reforms, the report calls for an iterative approach that allows programs to evolve based on evidence and outcomes.

The goal, CILA says, is not to return to high-volume intake, but to focus on value, accountability and economic alignment.

Canada does not need perfect policy, the report concludes. It needs a system built to learn, adapt and improve.

Whether Ottawa adopts that approach could determine whether business immigration remains a sidelined policy area or becomes, once again, a tool for long-term economic resilience, CILA said.
Kildare South Fine Gael TD, and Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Martin Heydon has welcomed the publication of the Health Service Executives Building and Equipment Capital Plan for 2026.

This plan brings an investment of 11.3m to Kildare, as part of a 1.3 billion allocation nationally for the development and enhancement of healthcare infrastructure.

Minister Heydon said: The investments set out in the 2026 HSE Capital plan shows our commitment to improve Kildares health service facilities and ensure better access to care for our patients. Investing in our health service is important as our population grows, with many people living longer, healthier lives.

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Todays announcement includes 5.6m to progress phase 1 of the redevelopment of St Vincents Hospital Athy and 1m towards a new Acute Mental Health Unit at Naas General Hospital which are both very welcome. Additional projects at Naas General Hospital & St. Vincents and TUS Nua, Kildare Town are also included. This plan is welcome news that will help bring healthcare services closer to home and better meet the needs of patients and families in our community.

Continuing, Minister Heydon said: Some of the projects at St Vincents Athy include tender for construction of phase 1 of the Community Nursing Unit, the conversion of a vacant nightingale ward to a Day Care Centre, and improved fire safety works in the building. Naas General Hospital will benefit from funding for detailed design for the new Lakeview Mental Health Unit, design feasibility for a 15 cubicle transition unit for admissions and discharges, refurbishment of an existing space to provide an Acute Medical Assessment Unit, funding for appraisal works for a new build mortuary, and an additional CT scanner.

This investment will complement the terrific work of our doctors, nurses, and healthcare staff by increasing capacity and developing the necessary infrastructure of our healthcare settings across Kildare. It will enable greater provision of care in our hospitals and in our communities, allowing us to advance the Slaintecare vision to provide the right care, in the right place, at the right time, concluded Minister Heydon.
The sequencing of traffic lights in one County Kildare region is unsuitable and is negatively impacting people living with disabilities.

The claims were made by Social Democrats councillor Chris Pender at the latest Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District (MD) meeting, which took place on Wednesday, February 18 last.

His concerns was initially raised when he submitted a motion at the meeting, in which he called for Kildare County Council (KCC) to "review traffic signal timings and sequencing at St Conleths Bridge and other signalised junctions across the MD district".

According to Cllr Pender, he specifically wanted KCC to:

"Assess pedestrian crossing times and phasing to ensure safe and adequate crossing for all users"

"Examine vehicle timings, peak performance, queue lengths, congestion, and traffic flow impacts"

"Provide councillors with current timing plans and the underlying traffic and pedestrian data, including raw source data where available"

His motion was seconded by Fine Gael Cllr Peggy O'Dwyer.

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Responding to Cllr Pender's motion, KCC said via the report it presented at the meeting: "Each set of signal controlled pedestrian crossings and signal controlled junctions across Kildare have built in safety timings programmed into the traffic controller.

"The safety timings are based on certain parameters including pedestrian crossing distance, distance between stop lines, junction clearance times etc.

"Each pedestrian crossing / junction is assessed using industry standards and technical guidance documents."

KCC continued by explaining: "The traffic signals in Newbridge are controlled by an Urban Traffic Control (UTC) system called SCOOT (Split Cycle Offset Optimisation Technique).

"The town is divided into various SCOOT Regions where the SCOOT model co-ordinates and controls the junctions within the region to maximise efficiency and reduce journey times etc.

KCC concluded: "The SCOOT model receives data from SCOOT nodes or detectors placed at locations with the SCOOT network; the nodes send data packets to UTC / SCOOT system a cloud based server which then models the data and modifies the junction timing accordingly in real time."

However, Cllr Pender was dissatisfied with this report  he told KCC: "I'm not seeing the data I was looking for.

"I have had people with disabilities telling me that they do not have enough time to cross the road, due to the current lighting system."

Cllr Pender added: "The system is not working on the ground."

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FRUSTRATION

He also claimed that the he has brought the matter to KCC's attention before: "I was told that it would be looked at, but clearly it wasn't".

"I am annoyed that I haven't gotten the data I was looking for", and alleged that KCC provided him with "the same response last year," he added. "We cannot let this motion amount to nothing."

Independent Cllr Tom McDonnell also gave his view traffic in the region.

He told KCC: "You could nearly take a flight to London by the time you get through it!"

Furthermore, Cllr O'Dwyer informed KCC that Newbridge Access Group had raised the matter before.

"There are lots of schools in this area, which in one sense is great, but on another, it is a pinchpoint," she said. "I support this motion, but I don't know how we are going to resolve this issue."

The Mayor of the MD, Fianna Fail Cllr Noel Heavey, then entered into the discussion, and remarked that the area "is probably one of the most difficult junctions in all of Leinster".

"I have been informed that various measures have been tried [in this region]," he added.

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'A RAY OF LIGHT'

However, one representative of KCC who was present at the meeting offered the following assurances to the MD's councillors: "I have a ray of light here... There is an intention to convert the area from a pelican crossing into a standard signalised crossing."

They also said: "This would be part of the Safe Routes to School scheme, subject to funding from the National Transport Authority."

The rep further said that they were "confident" in the proposed changes and urged councillors to "watch this space".

After they were finished speaking, Cllr Pender told KCC that he wanted data sets from the SCOOT system.

He also urged KCC to investigate the traffic lights sequencing near Newbridge Silverware, KARE and the Platinum Clubhouse  Cllr Pender emphasised: "I'm not looking for new lights here, I just want the lighting [sequencing] to be changed."

Cllr Pender concluded by reiterating his call for KCC to provide him with the data sets he was originally looking for.

In response, the KCC rep assured him that they would look for the data sets for him.

Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender. File photograph

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Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
A woman from Galway has opened up about what life is like caring for her elderly mother with dementia.

Susan Burke from Gort, Co Galway, left her job to become a full-time carer for her 96-year-old mother Isabella who was diagnosed with dementia in 2025.

Susan has created a TikTok account with nearly 30,000 followers where she shares videos of her and her mother, advice and experiences as a carer. The TikTok account has gained a lot of attention from people in awe of their story.

Susan said that "everyone adores mammy. They just all love my mother. They could see the decline in her last year and then this, with this new tablet, it seems to have helped her and she's coming back."

Susan's mother has recently started new medication which has helped greatly, Susan said.

One of the first moments Susan realised her mum was developing symptoms of dementia was when they were watching television together, a very normal and regular moment for them both.

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"We were just as usual, nice and relaxed," Susan explained, "we'd been chatting fine and then she just turned to me and said, 'where's Susan?'

"And I said, 'I am Susan mum.' I knew then that something was wrong but I didn't want to accept that my mum had dementia.

"So I kind of tried to downplay it but I just knew by the look, it was a fearful look. She was afraid. She was lost. She didn't know who I was, where she was and it was just a very, very scary moment for both of us."

Susan said that in that moment the only thing she could do was reassure her mother and tell her that she was safe. But Susan said that this wasn't a one-off moment for them both, and said that during this time period it "would have been a daily, hourly, regular occurrence."

Susan said that at the start of her mothers journey with dementia, she had just put it down to her old-age and said " at that stage of infection she was about 93 then, but I noticed it continued."

Susan explained that last year was one of the hardest years of their lives, a time where she was trying to both accept her mother's illness and deal with her changing behaviour.

"2025 was just a really tough year because she just wasn't mum. It has been a bout a year and a half of just her not being herself."

During December 2025, Isabella was referred to St. Brendan's ICPOP programme which is the integrated care programme for older adults in Loughrea. It was there that she was diagnosed then with vascular dementia.

"It was so sad to see this woman that I loved who was just so lost and didn't recognise her daughter anymore," Susan said.

"We were, and we still are, the best of pals. I never married, which she loves telling everybody this when we go to see them.

"She would say 'just as well, Susan never got married'. So I've been with her, I'd say, for the best part of all my life. I lived out of home for a while, but we did everything together.

"We went on weekends away, we loved going out for dinner, going shopping together. We were always equal. I'd say probably up until 2024, we were equals."

Susan described one way she has created a safe environment for her mother in their home with the help of her years as a childcare worker.

"I made a little Montessori room in the house and I have paints there and little building blocks, jigsaw puzzles. It's all catered just to try and stimulate her memory.

"I do quizzes with her, I come up with little quizzes that she can do. She loves colouring. Mum always loved to paint and she used to do the most amazing paint numbers, like the really detailed paint by numbers.

"But now it's children's colouring books that she's doing, or colouring books for seniors, for older adults. She would do these every day, every single day. It's kitted out to keep her stimulated, she's pretty alert in that sense now."

Susan also said that on the days when her mother's memory loss was particularly difficult to manage, she would wear a name badge and have a message on a board which would say something like, 'Susan is coming over - you are safe'.

"Because of all the repetitive questions. Who are you? Where are you? Where is Susan? Sometimes by having it on the board, I might write 'Susan and Bella are here today. We are the only people in the house. We are safe.'

"After repeating it maybe 10 times in the day, with the board there, I could just direct her eyes to the board and she could read it, and that would calm her. Likewise with the badge, because I was constantly saying, 'I'm Susan, I'm Susan,' I thought a visual aid would help her.

"I'd point to it, give her a smile, and then she'd smile back, and she was happy with that."

Susan described one aspect of dementia that's particulary frightening for both mother and daughter; when Isabella started to experience 'sundowning.'

Sundowning happens when dementia patients experience heightened symptoms of confusion, agitation, distress, and confusion in the later afternoon or evening.

"When it started to happen I had no clue what was going on because we'd be sitting maybe at the kitchen table, colouring a picture, and then all of a sudden she didn't know where she was, who I was, where she was living, what was happening next.

"I just didn't know what to say or do until I started looking up and researching what sundowning is.

"I have to sit on the couch holding her hand to comfort for her. Tell her she's safe, she's not alone, Susan is with her, and then she feels okay.

"Sundowning was just one of the scariest times because you're looking at this terrified person."

Susan and her mother both moved to Galway from Dublin, so this change would confuse Isabella.

"We moved down at the end of 2017. Mum kept saying to me in those periods of sundowning, where's the house we bought? And I would say, 'you're in the house we bought, mum.'

"This is the house we bought in Gort but whatever way her brain was working, she thought we bought a second house in Gort that was identical to the house we were living in, it was like two realities that she had."

Susan said that often the best thing for her to do was to go along with her mother's version of reality and just remind her that she is safe and play games with her.

Isabella has started new medication which has improved her life significantly in recent weeks. Susan said that her mother would have had difficulty sleeping through before the change.

"She'd go to bed and then she'd wake up, I might have only put her into bed and she'd wake up at one o'clock and think it was time to get up.

"She'd want breakfast and she'd say 'why can't we have breakfast? And I want breakfast.' And so this would happen three, four, five times a week.

"Since she's gone on the new medication, she is sleeping through the night, which makes such a difference. I have a camera like a baby monitor in her bedroom, so I would have that on and that would alert me if she gets up during the night, because you always have that fear that she could fall. So as I said, you're on hyper alert all the time."

Susan is now sharing her experiences with the world on social media.

"Last year I would have been too emotional because I probably spent most of last year crying nearly every day, just upset, whereas now I just feel stronger that I can just share on our advice TiktTok page," she explained.

Caring for her mother is constant, exhausting and has taken over Susan's entire life, but her mother has been a huge part of her whole life.

She described her mother as a "little diva who makes people laugh. She's funny and kind and she loves her family with her whole heart and that is still there, that is still there with her."
A man accused of possessing cannabis for sale or supply told Carrick-on-Shannon District Court that drugs found concealed in his car were for his own personal use and were not intended for sale.

Cian ODonoghue (32), of no fixed abode, appeared before Judge Eiteain Cunningham having been charged in connection with an incident at Drumsna on May 31, 2023.

The court heard that Garda David Finnegan was on patrol when he observed a grey BMW 520 acting in a suspicious manner, slowing down and watching the patrol vehicle.

At around 9.50pm, the car was stopped in Drumsna village. When Garda Finnegan spoke to Mr ODonoghue and another man who was a passenger, he noticed that both men appeared anxious and nervous. Garda Finnegan told the court that, due to his observations, he carried out a search of the vehicle under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

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During the search, gardai discovered a quantity of cannabis concealed under the bonnet of the car, behind the front right headlight.

The drugs were contained in a sealed vacuum pack. The cannabis was said to have a street value of more than 1,200.

Youre just pricks, its only a bit of weed, ODonoghue told the guards before he was arrested and cautioned.

The court heard that he admitted the drugs were his and signed garda notes accepting responsibility. He also said the cannabis did not belong to his passenger.

He was taken to Carrick-on-Shannon garda station, where he was detained and interviewed. The court was told that the drugs were later sent to Forensic Science Ireland, which confirmed that the substance was cannabis weighing more than 62 grams.

Mr ODonoghue was later charged under Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, which relates to possession of drugs for sale or supply. During cross-examination, Mr ODonoghues solicitor, John Anderson, challenged the legality of the stop and the handling of the drugs exhibit.

He also questioned the legal grounds for stopping the vehicle - suggesting the BMW had been targeted because of its make and model.

Im putting it to you, Mr Anderson said, that you stopped this vehicle because it was a BMW 5 Series  and thats known as a drug dealers car.

Mr Anderson also raised concerns about the chain of custody, as the drugs were stored in a gardas personal locker for several days before being sent for analysis. He further argued there was no evidence of drug dealing, noting that no money, scales, or packaging materials were found.

He added that nothing of evidential value was recovered from Mr ODonoghues mobile phone.

Giving evidence, Mr ODonoghue told the court the cannabis was for his own use and not for sale. It wasnt for sale, he said.

It was for myself, he insisted.

The defendant said he had purchased the drugs in bulk with the intention that they would last him several weeks. He said he had paid approximately 600 to buy the drugs. Id buy a bit at a time, he said.

That would be a few weeks worth.

He then explained why he hid the drugs under the bonnet. I wasnt going to have it on the dashboard, he said. I knew it was illegal, so I put it somewhere out of the way.

He denied slowing down suspiciously before being stopped.

They (gardai) pulled in and followed me, he said. I didnt slow down. He also said he admitted ownership of the drugs to protect the passenger who was in the car with him. I didnt want him getting in trouble, he said.

He said he had been working on and off as an engineer at the time and denied any involvement in drug dealing.

Judge Cunningham rejected the defence submissions and an application to have the case dismissed.

She said she was satisfied that the vehicle had been lawfully stopped and that there was no break in the chain of evidence.

However, she noted that the issue of whether the drugs were for personal use or for sale would be central to the case.

The judge said that while the quantity and location of the drugs raised serious questions, the defence was entitled to challenge the prosecutions case.

The matter was adjourned to March 24 for further hearing.
A letter sent to funeral directors in the parishes within the Ardagh-Clonmacnois diocese by Bishop Paul Connell has sparked a lot of discussion among church-goers not only locally but across Ireland.

The letter sent to funeral directors stated that the practice of holding wakes within churches must stop. There are some Leitrim parishes within this diocese including Annaduff, Aughavas, Carrick-on-Shannon (Kiltoghert), Cloone, Drumshanbo, Fenagh, Gortletteragh, Kiltubrid and Mohill.

The use of a church however for such a purpose is inappropriate given the sacred nature of the building and in particular the presence of the blessed sacrament. A church is designed for public worship and quiet prayer and reflection, Bishop Connell said in the letter dated February 9.

I am directing that in parishes where the practice of reposing in churches has not begun, that these parishes do not introduce the practice, he stated.

This has been met with disappointment from some church-goers, as was aired on Liveline with John Cooke on Tuesday, February 24.

READ NEXT: 'The church is not a parish hall': Leitrim parishes directed to stop wakes in Churches

Having the discussion live on air, John Cooke spoke to some who were for and against the decision made by the Bishop.

Many people advocating for the practice to stay cited that it was suitable for families due to the accessibility and parking facilities of a church rather than in their own home.

I think its a big loss, it brought people together. We are the church, said one caller on Liveline named Martina, adding that parishioners should have been consulted on the matter. Its comfortable and makes it a bit easier for families to meet people who are coming to pay their respects and to offer support, she added.

Funeral director David McGowan, operating in Sligo and Ballina called in to say he agreed with the Bishops decision, saying that the use of a church for a wake is a "commercial identity. The church is being used as a business premise, he argued, adding that the church is a place of worship where you carry out rituals like weddings and funerals.

Speaking to the Leitrim Observer, Drumshanbo based funeral director Hubert McCormack, whose area falls under the diocese, feels otherwise and said that people have voiced their disappointment on the decision to him.

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I have spoken to a lot of people in the locality and the feeling is that the church is for the people and is being maintained, looked after and heated by the parishioners, Mr McCormack said. He noted that it seems disingenuous to tell the family of a deceased person, who may have spent their life attending Mass regularly, that their loved one cannot repose in the church.

This decision has been made without any explanation or consultation with the local people.

As a funeral director, Mr McCormack has been involved with a number of reposals in churches, which he says were carried out with respect, reverence and dignity for both the family and the church.

If there was an incident that brought the Bishop to this decision, it should have been dealt with locally, he added.

The church is a safe and reverent space to repose our loved ones particularly in the case of large funerals. There is ample parking and a place for people to shelter from the weather, he concluded, adding that he hopes the Bishop would have a change of heart on this issue.

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Speaking to the Leitrim Observer in a previous article, Bishop Connell said he would be willing to meet with locals and hear their concerns; however, until then, all parishes within the diocese have been directed since February 9 to stop allowing wakes in churches.
Gerry The Monk Hutch is encouraging the public to register to vote, saying those who fail to do so dont have a voice.

Following on from the launch of his byelection campaign for Dublin Central, the convicted criminal released a video on social media claiming the current government hope people do not register. He said this is because they want to keep you ignorant.

Mr Hutch said the word register/registered 17 times throughout the course of the 1-minute and 49-second clip.

The 62-year-old, who is currently on bail for alleged money laundering offences in Spain, contested the 2024 General Election where he secured over 3,000 votes. He was close to winning a seat but was eventually beaten by Labour candidate Marie Sherlock.

In the video, Hutch shared a snippet of a conversation he had with an unnamed politician. The Dublin man told this person that he was relying on people in the community to vote for him, with the reply being, They dont vote. The Monk then declared, Weve plenty of time to register now.

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The byelection is set to take place this coming May to fill the empty seat left by Paschal Donohoe who resigned in November. He left to take up a new post at World Bank in the US.

In the short video posted on Tuesday night, Mr Hutch stated: Hello folks. The election is coming up soon. You matter. Make sure you register to vote. I've been through an election already and a lot of people weren't registered to vote. I was talking to other politicians in the area when I was running and they said, What vote are you expecting to get? and I said, The people in the community. He said, They don't vote. I said, They probably don't vote because there's no one to vote for. I said, Let's see what happens. So I did, I got over 3000 votes but it was a bit late for some people to register.

Weve plenty of time to register now. So, youse all matter. If you want change in your area, register. That's number one. Help your grandmother, help your mother, help your auntie, your uncle if they are not able to use computers. The kids today can do it on the phone. Just register. You don't have to vote for me but register and that's part one. When the election comes up, then it's your choice. You can vote for any TD, up and coming, in the constituency, it's your choice but please register and make sure you're registered.

If you don't register, you don't have a voice and obviously remember, the present government don't want you to register. You know you don't have to register to pay VAT. You know you don't have to register if you get called on a jury service but they want you to register because they hope you don't register. They want to keep you ignorant. Register and do it now. It'll be for your best and itll be for your children and your grandchildren. Get the habit of registering. Go on. I look forward to you, he concluded.
Commentary

By Lee Harding

Long wait lists, emergency room closures, and a growing shortage of doctors are now routine across Canada. Opposition parties, including in my own province, use health care as a political weapon, blaming staffing shortages on underfunding. Meanwhile, premiers and provincial health ministers blame Ottawa to excuse the rationing of services.

Theyre wrong. The problem is structural. Canadas single-payer health-care system suppresses market forces and treats rationing as policy. No amount of money will fix that.

For hospital and physician care, Canada operates under a single-payer model in which the provincial government is the sole payer. Control over funding means control over incentives. As a result, health care is shaped primarily by political considerations, with patient access and outcomes taking a back seat.

That control is reinforced by federal health transfers. As a condition of receiving funding, provinces must comply with requirements under the Canada Health Act, including prohibitions on extra billing and user charges for insured services, enforced through financial penalties. These rules restrict alternatives while allowing provinces to shift blame.

When access deteriorates, provinces point to Ottawa. When reform is demanded, they cite federal conditions. This deflection works politically, but it is largely an illusion. The same taxpayer funds both levels of government. It makes little difference which pocket the money comes from when the result is the same.

The Canada Health Act should be renamed the Guaranteed Communism Act because it forbids doctors and hospitals from charging patients at the time care is delivered. That prohibition distorts the market in predictable ways, the most damaging of which is moral hazard. When something is free at the point of use, it is overused.

When a senior visits a doctor regularly for social reasons, that is moral hazard. When patients choose emergency rooms over clinics for convenience, that is moral hazard. The cost is invisible to the patient and fully borne by the taxpayer. Remove even a small portion of that insulation and behaviour would change.

In a functioning market, unmet health-care needs would attract new providers, clinics, and services. But when governments pay, health care is treated as a cost to be contained, not a service to be expanded. Most provinces fund hospitals through global budgets. Every treatment becomes an expense that must be rationed.

Under that system, efficiency is punished. Spend too much helping patients and management risks removal or contract termination. Work too efficiently and next years budget is cut. The rational response is to spend everything, regardless of whether it improves care. Predictably, bureaucracy grows while frontline capacity shrinks.

The dominance of unionized public sector workers in health care delivery completes the cycle. Unions push for higher wages and benefits, which governments either grant or legislate away at political risk. Higher compensation means fewer staff can be hired. Shortages persist by design.

Physicians across multiple specialties operate in the same constrained environment. Through collective fee negotiations, prices are fixed in ways that would be illegal in most other sectors. In health care, it is accepted as normal.

These are the ironies of a system falsely called free health care. Everyone pays, no one controls costs, and patients surrender both choice and access. You can make healthy choices for yourself, but you will still be taxed to pay for someone elses care, regardless of their choices.

Now consider food, which has more impact on health than hospitals ever will. Food provided through markets without moral panic. No one proposes a government-run food system, and thats no wonder. The result would be long lineups and limited supply in the stores, as seen in the Soviet era. Yet, thats exactly what we see in Canadian health care today and for the same reasons.

Many European countries combine universal coverage with mixed public and private delivery and achieve better access. Canada could learn from them. Instead, it returns endlessly to the same answer: spend more.

Until the structure changes, that answer will keep failing. There will never be enough money, just more people dying on wait lists while a decreasing few insist on keeping the same failed system.

Lee Harding is a research fellow with the Frontier Centre for Public Policy.
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So, you want a crossover that isn't too big but still gets good gas mileage and should be pretty reliable? The good news is, you have options. Lots of options. The bad news is, with so many options, it can be hard to know where to start. Do you take a risk on something exciting and different, or do you stick with the same Toyota everybody else buys?

Ultimately, that decision is up to you, since you know your specific situation better than anyone else does. But to help you figure things out, our friend at Consumer Reports recently put together a list of small crossovers that performed well in their independent tests, while also returning at least 28 mpg overall and performing well enough in their owner reliability survey to earn Consumer Reports' official recommendation.

At the very least, this list should help you narrow down your search, especially since Consumer Reports broke its list out into different categories based on size and price. Let's take a look at which small crossovers made the cut.

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Read more: These Are The Least Reliable Japanese Cars, According To Consumer Reports

Subcompact crossovers

A gray Subaru Crosstrek parked on grass in front of trees - Subaru

If you're shopping for the smallest, most affordable crossovers on the market, you probably won't do much better than the Subaru Crosstrek, Toyota Corolla Cross, and Kia Seltos. The Crosstrek is going to be the most off-road-capable of the three, but it's also the highest-rated subcompact crossover that Consumer Reports has tested, so it's worth checking out, even if you don't plan to do any actual off-roading. Subaru does offer that Crosstrek as a hybrid, but it's also $7,000 more expensive than the base model, so you may find it's not worth the higher price.

As for the Corolla Cross, it may not be as off-road-ready as the Crosstrek, but all-wheel drive still comes standard, and it also gets pretty good gas mileage. Gas mileage gets even better if you can justify buying the hybrid, but neither is particularly quick, and even the nicest version still comes with a subpar interior. Meanwhile, the Seltos is the budget buy of the three, undercutting both the base Crosstrek and Corolla Cross by several thousand dollars. All-wheel drive doesn't come standard, but your money is probably better spent on a good set of tires anyway.

Luxury subcompact crossovers

An orange Lexus UX parked by the water in front of a city skyline - Lexus

Those looking for a subcompact crossover with a more premium interior are going to want to check out the BMW X1, BMW X2, or the Lexus UX. The Lexus is kind of a given, since, well, it's a Lexus, but maybe don't head to the Lexus dealer just yet. The UX is both comfortable and reliable, and it returns great gas mileage now it's only available as a hybrid, but you may be surprised by just how cramped the cabin is, especially in the second row.

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As for the X1 and X2, it may be surprising to see them on a list of reliable luxury SUVs, but BMW's been working on its reliability for years and that work is paying off. In fact, the X1 is Consumer Reports' highest-rated luxury subcompact. The X2, meanwhile, is essentially an X1 with more coupe-like styling and a slightly higher base price. Maybe the style is worth the extra money, but we'd probably stick with the X1's more practical shape.

Compact crossovers

Subaru Forester white front 3/4 - Subaru

If you're looking for an SUV that's a little larger than the subcompacts, the list of Consumer Reports-recommended options gets a bit longer than we've seen in the first two categories. Here, you'll want to check out the hybrid or plug-in hybrid versions of the Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-50, or Ford Escape. As long as you don't mind the new styling, the Forester Hybrid is the clear number one, according to Consumer Reports, and it's followed closely by the more conventionally powered Forester.

That said, the Honda CR-V Hybrid, Kia Sportage Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid, and Hyundai Tucson Hybrid are nipping right at the Forester's heels and would make excellent buys. And since they're so evenly matched, you can pretty much just pick the one you like best. Don't love the Tucson's styling? Just buy a Sportage. As for the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid, it's the sportier, slightly more premium pick of this bunch, and its Toyota-sourced hybrid powertrain should prove both reliable and fuel-efficient. And then there's the Ford Escape Hybrid, which is definitely showing its age but still manages to hold up better than expected against its newer, often pricier competition.

Luxury compact crossovers

Mini Cooper Countryman gray front 3/4 - Mini

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In contrast to the list of compact crossovers, the compact luxury SUV list is limited to just the Lexus NX, BMW X3, and Mini Cooper Countryman. The Toyota RAV4 may not have made the cut among compact mainstream crossovers, but its mechanical twin, the Lexus NX, definitely does. In fact, without the UX's smaller size holding it back, it's Consumer Reports' top-rated choice in the segment. Just be sure to go with the hybrid if you can find one.

As for the BMW, the German designers may have beat the X3 with the ugly stick, but it's still one of CR's top-rated luxury compacts. The redesigned X3 also basically received nothing but compliments from reviewers, with the only complaints related to the controls and BMW's decision to mount the center air vents too low. For a slightly different take on a premium crossover, however, you'll want to check out the Mini Cooper Countryman. It's quirky, it's fun, and it also ever-so-slightly outscored its platform-mate, the BMW X1, when it comes to reliability. At the very least, it's at least worth a test drive.

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TO HONOUR the memory and legacy of Limerick author, Kate O'Brien, the Limerick Literary Festival has a host of events on offer.

Taking place from this Thursday, February 26 until March 1, the festival will kick off with two free events at the Belltable.

READ ALSO: 'Heroes': Limerick firefighters and bar staff save choking man's life

In 1984, the event started as the Kate O'Brien weekend to mark the tenth anniversary of her death and now continues to pay tribute to her impact as a writer 42 years later.

The weekend kicks off on Thursday, February 26 with a free film screening at 101 O'Connell Street of The Hedgehog in association with the Alliance Francais Limerick.

Four out of the 14 events on over the course of the weekend are free, while tickets for others are all less than 23, making it very accessible.

There will be a reflection on the life and work of Maeve Kelly on Saturday, February 28 at 10am.

On Sunday, March 1, at 10am, the College Players will do a rehearsed reading of Distinguished Villa for the Kate O'Brien Hour.

Later that day, at 4pm, former Limerick Leader editor Alan English will interview broadcaster Miriam O'Callaghan about her new memoir Miriam: Life, Work, Everything.

The Kate O'Brien award will be decided upon at the Belltable at 11.15am on Sunday, March 1. Nominees include Gethan Dick, Sharon Guard, Elaine Garvey and Niamh Ni Mhaoileoin.

The Kate O'Brien Award is a free event.

The festival is supported by the Arts Council, Limerick City and County Council Festival and Events and Arts office, the French Embassy in Ireland and RTE supporting the arts.

For more information see limerickliteraryfestival.com.
SHANNON Airport is to be included in the States new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030 following a significant expansion of the scheme which will now include airports with up to three million passengers annually.

The Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport under the recent NDP Review will provide almost 45 million capital investment over the period 2026-2030 under the Regional Airports Programme for airports that meet the new criteria (Shannon, Ireland West Airport (Knock), Kerry and Donegal). In addition, current funding will be provided on an annual basis as part of the Estimate process. In total, over 19 million is available for allocation under the Programme in 2026.

Minister for Transport Darragh OBrien announced the publication of the new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030.

The Programme will support connectivity and balanced regional development, while seeking to maximise the use of existing capacity across regional airports. Accordingly, the Programme has been broadened to support airports with up to three million passengers (on average over the two preceding financial years).

READ MORE: Free event in Limerick city highlights employment support

Minister OBrien said:

The Programme for Government acknowledges that, as an island nation with a dispersed population and an open economy, it is essential for Ireland to have good connectivity within the country and with the rest of the world. This connectivity is vital to supporting economic growth as well as local communities."

In line with this, the Programme for Government gave a commitment to continue to invest in the Regional Airports Programme and to develop a new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030. This new programme marks the delivery of this important commitment."

Minister O'Brien continued: I am delighted to announce that, for the first time, the scope of the Programme has been broadened to include airports with up to three million annual passengers."

In addition, to maximise the existing capacity at Shannon Airport, the Programme will also provide capital supports, on a further step-down basis, to airports with over 1.5 million and up to three million annual passengers. Shannon Airport is Irelands second largest long-haul airport after Dublin and is of strategic importance for the State. Its inclusion under the Programme will support it in accelerating its capital investment programme as it grows towards three million passengers.

Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Sean Canney added:

Both Ireland West and Shannon provide key gateways to the west, northwest and the midlands, serving international business needs and bringing tourists directly to the Wild Atlantic Way and Irelands Hidden Heartlands."

Shannon Airport is strategically and nationally important: open 24 hours a day for 365 days a year, with passenger traffic of 2.3 million last year, and offering a 24-hour emergency service for aircraft using Irish airspace. Including Shannon Airport in the Regional Airports Programme supports this critical national infrastructure as it continues to grow towards three million passengers.

Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport Jerry Buttimer said:

Government recognises the important role regional airports play in their areas and in regional development. Air connectivity is essential for the sustainability of rural communities, connecting remote regions to global markets, attracting investment as well as boosting inbound tourism. This new Programme will continue to support airports in attracting new business, and to make a sustainable contribution to their respective local economies and communities.

Welcoming the announcement, Ray ODriscoll, Interim CEO of The Shannon Airport Group, said: We are very pleased that Shannon Airport has been included in the new Regional Airports Programme 20262030. This represents a strong endorsement of Shannons strategic importance to balanced regional development and our role in supporting sustainable connectivity for the West and Mid-West. It will support essential upgrades and ongoing investment to ensure our airport infrastructure remains resilient and futureready."

"Inclusion in this programme is something we have consistently highlighted as essential to ensuring that Shannon Airport can continue to deliver on its full potential for the country.

READ MORE: Government confirm engagement with JP McManus and family to open new museum in Limerick

"We would like to thank Minister OBrien and the Department of Transport, and we look forward to working closely with them as we advance these important initiatives for the region and the communities we serve.

In line with National Aviation Policy, the Programme will ensure that these airports receive support for measures aimed at maintaining compliance with the European Unions safety and security related obligations. It is generally recognised that, without State support, these airports would struggle to comply with international regulatory obligations in these areas.

Projects with a sustainability focus will also be supported, encouraging eligible airports to meet their carbon emission reduction targets under the Climate Action Plan, as well as build resilience against the likely impacts of climate change.

Meanwhile, Shannon Airport today unveiled its new brand campaign, The Best Place to Fly From - a fun, semi-animated celebration of the airports famously friendly and hasslefree experience. Fronted by two feathered frequent fliers, the campaign builds on Shannon Airports established reputation as Irelands Favourite Airport, earned through its awardwinning customer experience and status as Irelands top airport brand for a third consecutive year.

The 30second hero film also stars two members of the Shannon Airport team - Clare native Gerry OHalloran (Airport Police & Fire Service) and Julia Shortt (Airport Search Unit) from Tipperary - who assist the little birds with the start of their holiday. From the car park to the departure gate, the ad highlights everything that makes travelling through Shannon different: car parks located just minutes from the terminal, swift security screening and an easy journey from checkin to takeoff.

Speaking at the launch, Tim Ryan, Group Head of Brand and Marketing at The Shannon Airport Group, said:

This campaign captures the warmth, ease and personality that people associate with Shannon Airport. We wanted to create something fun that reflects the reality - passengers love flying from Shannon because its quick, friendly and hasslefree. The team here delivers an experience passengers simply wont find elsewhere, and our two animated frequent fliers bring that to life in a memorable way. As Shannon Airports route network and investment in the customer experience continues to grow, the focus remains the same - making Shannon the best place to fly from.

The campaign arrives as Shannon Airport continues to expand and enhance its facilities. With 1,000 new spaces added to the Park4Less car park, passengers now enjoy greater choice of short-stay and long-stay parking - all within a sevenminute walk of the terminal. The airports screening technology also allows passengers to keep their 100ml liquids and gels, as well as their electronics in their bags, significantly speeding up the security experience for families, holidaymakers and business travellers.

Shannon Airports commitment to an inclusive experience also remains a priority with the airport offering agefriendly services, a dedicated Sensory Room, and full participation in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Programme, ensuring passengers with additional needs feel comfortable and supported.

Travellers can choose from 40 routes from Shannon Airport in 2026 - the airports largest schedule in 17 years. This includes five new Ryanair services to Frankfurt, Rome, Madrid, Poznan and Warsaw, alongside increased frequencies on key routes such as Aer Lingus Boston service, rising to 10 flights per week at peak summer, and Paris, increasing from two to three weekly flights from May to October.

Staff from across Shannon Airport had the opportunity to feature in the new brand campaign by submitting photos and short videos. Gerry and Julia were selected by the production team to star in the final film, which was shot entirely at Shannon Airport.

The fully integrated The Best Place To Fly From campaign will run nationwide across TV, cinema, radio, digital and outofhome channels throughout the year.

The campaign was developed in collaboration with creative agency, Connelly Partners, and media agency, Havas Media Ireland. The film was produced by multi-award-winning animation production company Piranha Bar and directed by Gavin Kelly.

To keep the celebrations flying high, Shannon Airport will announce details of a major flight giveaway on its social media channels in the coming weeks.
A HEATED dispute between neighbours over the cutting of a hedge has resulted in a conviction for a man who was charged with assault causing harm.

Michael Ryan, aged 63, with an address in Ballingrane, Askeaton, appeared before Newcastle West District Court.

READ ALSO: Government confirm engagement with JP McManus and family to open new museum in Limerick

The victim, who told the court he had been punched by Mr Ryan, took the stand first.

His evidence was that he had been cutting hedges when Mr Ryan entered his land, became confrontational and punched him.

The victim told the court that on November 16, 2024, in the afternoon, at around 2.15pm, he was on his own land cutting a hedge.

He said that he could see Mr Ryan and that he wasnt too happy about this, but I continued on.

The victim told the court that when Mr Ryan entered his land, he asked Mr Ryan to leave and that Mr Ryan did not acknowledge the request.

The victim told the court: I stood in front of him and I said Im not going to touch you. He struck a blow across my left cheek and knocked my glasses off. The victim said he rang gardai and that he was in shock.

He told the court that Mr Ryan struck a blow full force into his face.

Representing Mr Ryan, solicitor Michael ODonnell handed pictures of the hedge, which was cut, into the court.

Mr ODonnell argued that Mr Ryan had been cutting that hedge, which he planted, for more than 20 years.

This issue is not the hedge, its that he hit me across the face, the victim replied.

He added: It was as easy to cut the hedge as to drive past it.

The victim stressed: I did not cut the hedge in any malicious fashion. I didnt encroach any of his property.

He told the court: He was still trespassing and he should not have hit me.

The victim told the court that he wasnt angry, but he repeatedly asked Mr Ryan to leave his property.

Ive far better things to do than cause arguments with my neighbour over a hedge, he said.

Mr ODonnell put it to the victim that he told Mr Ryan to get the f**k off my land, but the victim maintained that he stayed calm and did not use any profanities.

Garda Moroney, who investigated the case, told the court that when questioned, Mr Ryan denied punching his neighbour and told gardai that he went out that day to see what his neighbour was doing.

Taking the stand, Mr Ryan told the court that he could hear a rattle and see the tractor and hedge cutter and that he beckoned his neighbour to get away from the hedge.

Mr Ryan told the court that he planted the hedge back in 1996 and had an agreement with the victims father that he would cut it.

Mr Ryan told the court that the hedge now likely wont survive and he may have to replace it.

I never laid a hand on that man, he told the court, adding I always do that hedge twice a year.

Inspector Barry Manton, prosecuting for the State, put it to Mr Ryan that he shouldnt have been on his neighbours land.

Its his land, but my hedge. It is a total lie - I didnt touch him or lay a hand on him, Mr Ryan said.

When it was put to Mr Ryan that he was trespassing, he replied: I wasnt in my eyes.

Inspector Manton pointed out that the cutting of the hedge is not the matter before the court.

When asked by Judge Carol Anne Coolican why his neighbour rang the gardai, Mr Ryan said: I honestly dont know.

Solicitor Michael ODonnell told the court that there are clearly two sides to the story, but that his client Mr Ryan does not believe he was trespassing and that the issue could have been dealt with better by both parties.

The court heard that Mr Ryan has two previous convictions. One related to an assault charge in November 2025 and another related to the movement of persons during the Covid pandemic in October 2022.

The judge found in favour of the victim's evidence.

Mr Ryan's case was that he had not assaulted the victim, his neighbour. In mitigation, his solicitor told the court that the assault didn't necessitate any doctor or medical treatment.

Mr Ryan was convicted and fined 400, and was given 12 months to pay.

He was released on his own bond of 100.
A JUDGE said a former soldier, who pleaded guilty to possessing and producing child sexual abuse content, committed a truly dreadful crime and knew well that the activity he was engaged in was depraved.

Cormac Browne, aged 23, of Camas, Newcastle West, who served in Lebanon with the Irish Defence Forces, told gardai: I am disgusted with myself.

Limerick Circuit Criminal Court heard Mr Browne got sucked into the darker aspects of the internet during Covid when he was lonely and later became addicted to masturbating.

He pleaded guilty to seven charges - possession of child pornography; two counts of production of child pornography on the Monkey app; inciting two girls to participate in a pornographic performance on the app; attending a pornographic performance of a girl on the app and two counts of using information and communication technology to facilitate the sexual exploitation of a child. Monkey, according to its website, is a free live and random video chat app that helps you meet new people instantly.

The case was outlined by Lily Buckley BL, instructed by State solicitor Brendan Gill, with the assistance of Detective Garda Orlaith Ryan. Mr Browne was represented by Joseph McMahon BL, instructed by solicitor Sarah Ryan.

READ NEXT: Gardai probe drive-by shooting in Limerick housing estate

The investigation was sparked by intelligence received by gardai from the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children (ICMEC) in America.

ICMEC were notified by Snapchat of an account linked to Mr Browne which Snapchat closed after an image of child pornography was uploaded.

Ms Buckley said gardai secured a warrant under the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act and searched his home in Newcastle West on April 9, 2023 during which an iPhone 8 was seized.

Four images and two videos of child sexual abuse content were found on Mr Brownes phone. Det Garda Ryan said two of the images were category 1 and two were category 2.

The detective told the court that category 1 is a child under 17 engaging in explicit sexual activity or witnessing it, and category 2 is a child under 17 exposing genital and/or anal region. One image was of a toddler, one of a 14-year-old girl, one of two girls aged three and six and a photo of a 12-year-old boy and 14-year-old girl. All ages are approximate.

Ms Buckley said the two videos were recordings of a live video chat on the Monkey app between Mr Browne and underage girls. One video featured two girls, aged 14, and the other, one girl, aged 12. One video was category 1 and the second video was category 2.

Ms Buckley said gardai were able to confirm from a video that Mr Browne was in his bedroom due to a Munster poster on his wall. The videos and images were not sent to others.

The prosecuting barrister said Mr Browne was arrested on December 3, 2023 and gave gardai his phone, passwords and pin codes. No child sex abuse images or videos were found on this phone.

Ms Buckley said he told gardai, I am disgusted with myself; what I did was shocking and terrible and I dont know how old they are but they are not old enough.

Ms Buckley told Judge Simon McAleese that from Mr Brownes interviews with gardai, he said he got sucked into the darker aspects of the internet during Covid when he got lonely and started chatting with people online.

He used the Monkey app for online sex - to assist him in masturbating. He became addicted to masturbating - three / four times a day. He became indiscriminate on how he got his fix.

He went on Monkey app with the intention of masturbating to adult women but didnt skip to the next person when it was female children. He said he didnt have the willpower (not to skip onto the next video), said Ms Buckley, who added that Mr Browne broke down during interviews with gardai and officers calling to his door marked a watershed moment in helping him to stop.

Mr McMahon, barrister for Mr Browne, said there are a lot of mitigating factors, not least his clients previous good character.

He has pleaded guilty, made full and frank admissions to gardai, was open and honest about his difficulties with masturbating and provided passwords and pin codes. He knew what he was doing was wrong but did not have the willpower to stop.

He served in the army, completing a tour of duty in Lebanon. He voluntarily discharged himself, said Mr McMahon, who also spoke of Mr Brownes involvement in a GAA and rugby club.

The defence barrister handed in a letter to Judge McAleese from Mr Brownes mother in which she outlines that her belief is that his difficulties started during Covid from loneliness and isolation.

His parents in no way condone what he did but are here to support him, said Mr McMahon.

Judge McAleese said it is every parents worst nightmare.

Mr McMahon cited a probation report in which Mr Browne accepted his behaviour was morally and legally wrong and denied a sexual interest in young girls.

Judge McAleese said it was a truly dreadful crime and he knew well that the activity he was engaged in was depraved.

He understood children were vulnerable to sexual abuse and as a consumer of child pornography he preyed on their vulnerability.

As a serving member of Oglaigh na hEireann his duty was to protect and defend. His misconduct in this matter is additionally disgraceful by virtue of his betrayal of his duty. He resigned his membership of the Irish Army as he realised that it was no longer tenable. The loss of his employment was entirely self-inflicted, said Judge McAleese.

The judge said Mr Browne's sexual frustration and matters connected to it being relevant to his offending is frankly trite and I reject any such suggestion.

The judge imposed 18 months jail sentences on count 1, 3, 5 and 7 which he suspended in full for three years subject to a number of conditions including ongoing engagement with the Probation Service, attending a programme for sex offenders and have no unsupervised contact with children.

Judge McAleese ordered Mr Browne carry out 240 hours of community service, if deemed suitable by the Probation Service, in lieu of an 18 month jail term on count 2 - production of child pornography.

Mr Browne has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register.
A PROTEST against Government plans to review Special Needs Assistants (SNA) allocations will still take place in Limerick this Wednesday, despite the Education Minister putting the proposals on ice.

Demonstrators are expected to gather outside City Hall at Merchants Quay in Limerick city centre at 5pm to campaign against the original proposal by Government to adjust how SNA posts are allocated.

It was a move which campaigners feared would lead to cuts, and following a backlash, Education Minister Hildegarde Naughton says the review has been paused.

Corbally woman Marie Galligan, who is part of a group organising the demonstration in Limerick said this is a political move, still a pause, and the protest would still take place.

READ MORE: Government confirm engagement with JP McManus and family to open new museum in Limerick



Marie works as an SNA and is mum to Adam, 14, who has autism.

She said families and staff of neurodiverse children are bearing the brunt of decisions they did not create.

Schools, SNAs and families didnt create this crisis, yet theyre the ones left to manage the fallout  and meanwhile children, the very people the system exists to serve, carry the greatest impact, she said.

Adam was diagnosed at two-years-old, after his parents spotted developmental concerns.

Marie trained as an SNA, wanting to support her son.

She has campaigned before - nine years ago, she also protested outside City Hall calling for autism provision in Limerick.

She helped establish one when none existed.

Marie has called for everyone to come out and show solidarity with the parents who are protesting.

She warned any cuts of this nature could impact whole classes of children.

If they go ahead with what they are saying: imagine you have a neurotypical child in the classroom, then you have a couple of children with additional needs. If its meant to be the teachers whole job to regulate all the children in their class, it will impact children who are neurotypical too, because there will be a lot of disruption going on in the class of a child not able to cope, and the teacher trying to do the impossible and children will miss out in valuable teaching time as such, Marie said.

For her own son Adam, he has always had SNA support, but she described him as a middle-of-the-road child who under a new review would probably lose out as his needs arent high enough.

Hes never managed in a mainstream setting without an SNA support. He is quite academic. But without the core person being able to translate what the teacher is saying if he is unsure, or if he comes in anxious in the morning, then he would struggle, she said.

Ms Naughton said reviews will kick in for the 2027/28 school year.

Its really important that we are listening to parents, to SNAs, to schools who had huge concerns in relation to the cliff-edge approach here. And I want to provide that reassurance to schools, to let them know Im listening and responding, to make sure that we get the supports for children who need it and students who need it, she said. Ive listened, and thats why it is important to put a hold on this process, to listen to the concerns.

More information on the planned demonstrations in Limerick and around the country can be found by clicking here
TODAY the Taoiseach has issued an official apology to the survivors of institutional abuse, including a Limerick woman who went on hunger strike for 51 days at the end of 2025.

Last November, Taoiseach Micheal Martin committed to an official Government apology, as well as supports for health, education, housing and funeral costs.

READ ALSO: 'This is our history' - Limerick hunger strike says after not eating and sleeping rough for 51 days

It also clarifies that all criminal records which children in institutional schools received when they went into State care will now be expunged.

Mary Dunlevy Greene, a Kilteely native, now living in Carlow, spent her childhood in the Limerick industrial school on OConnell Street known as The Mount.

Speaking about what she went through, the 73-year-old said: We got no love - no care - nothing. We were told that nobody loved us, that nobody cared about us and that we would amount to nothing.

She spoke about the public crossing the street when they were seen outside, so as not to be seen near the orphans - but Mrs Dunlevy Greene was adamant in saying: I was no orphan. I was kidnapped from my home with no personal items and I never saw my reflection in a mirror until I left.

I didnt even have my own underwear, we changed it once a week and picked something that fit from a pile, nothing was marked or belonged to anyone.

Last year, Ms Greene, along with Mary Donovan, Miriam Moriarty Owens and Maurice Patton OConnell, all went on hunger strike outside Leinster House for 51 days.

For two and a half months, they survived only on water with electrolytes, tea and coffee, while sleeping outside in the testing elements.

Speaking in the Dail, the Taoiseach said: I was moved by the personal stories of those survivors that I met, who are here in Dail Eireann today, and I am deeply sorry for the harm suffered as a consequence of the abuse experienced in state institutions.

The Taoiseach said: As a country and as a government, we recognised that too many of our children were denied the love, care and security that should have been theirs. Abuse ruined their childhoods and was, and remains, an ever-present part of their adult lives, reminding them of a time when they were without support or protection.

We recognised the gravity of this wrong and undertook to do all we could to overcome the lasting effects of their ordeals, he said, referring to previous apologies in 1999 and again in 2021 to survivors of abuse.

He told the Dail that the country has changed how abuse is dealt with.

We now have a comprehensive approach to deal with the traumatic impact of previous abuse, to protect children and to strengthen structures and accountability for child protection in this country.

He added that he recognises that the abuse suffered in the industrial schools has had an enduring traumatic impact.

The deep personal toll that it has taken on the lives of survivors was brought home to me again in my recent engagements with the group who are here today.

I was moved to hear each of your personal stories and I am deeply sorry for the harm that you suffered as a consequence of the abuse you experienced in state institutions, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said.

The Taoiseach added: I am very sorry for what was done to you. I apologise on behalf of the State for the abuse and neglect that you suffered. What happened to you was wrong, shocking and should never have happened.

The government recognises the suffering and damage that this abuse has caused, and we will continue to support you as much as possible.

He concluded by thanking the four survivors - Mary Dunlevy Greene, Mary Donovan, Miriam Moriarty Owens and Maurice Patton OConnell, for attending the Dail.

Your presence is testament to your tireless commitment to shining a light into the dark corners of both our past and present.

I want to unequivocally apologise to you and reiterate on behalf of the Government, the State, and all the citizens of the State, the profound sorrow for the terrible pain and abuse suffered by you.

What you endured on a daily basis as innocent children was harrowing, heart breaking and wrong.
This video ranks the most reliable car brands on a tiered list. From Toyota to Nissan, Honda, Subaru, Ford, Volkswagen, BMW, Tesla, and Mercedes, we analyze the build of these cars.





Which one will come out on top?

The AutoGuide Creators Series tells stories and amplifies creators from the car world, including family life, car buying advice, commuting tips and car culture.





Which car brands have the best build quality? That's what we're going to find out.

Welcome to Car Help Corner. I'm here with David from Automotive Press, an engineer who's visited just about every major car factory in the world. If anyone has insight into how cars are actually built-and what that means for real-world quality-it's David.

A little while ago, I made a video ranking major brands by build quality and reliability using a tier list. Today, we're running through those brands again, but this time I want David's take-and to see where his rankings differ from mine.

Let's get into it.

Toyota and Lexus

Host: David, let's start with Japan. On a tier list where S is the highest, where would you put Toyota for manufacturing quality, engineering, and predicted reliability?

David: Toyota is interesting because there are a lot of factors that affect reliability and build quality-manufacturing process, supplier inputs, fit and finish, and so on.

From a product development standpoint, Toyota's new product introduction (NPI) process is one of the best in the world. They use a "chief engineer" system where one person owns the project end-to-end across the product's life cycle. It's robust and difficult to replicate. They know how to design a product, control costs, and execute on time. For product engineering, Toyota is still S-tier.

But manufacturing quality doesn't always translate perfectly, because it depends on suppliers, the complexity of the vehicle, and external disruptions-especially during the COVID-era years.

And recently there have been surprises. Some of the issues and recalls-particularly involving the Tundra's V6 and early teething problems on newer launches-were unexpected. A lot of that is getting resolved, but if you're asking me right now, I'd rate Toyota S for engineering, and closer to A-minus for manufacturing quality. I wouldn't be shocked if they're back to solid S-tier across the board once the current issues fully shake out.

Host: That's fair. In my own tier list I placed Toyota in S, although I debated moving them to A because of the Tundra-related engine issues. That said, it's still a small portion of Toyota's overall lineup, and the rest remains very strong-so I was comfortable keeping Toyota at the top.

Honda and Acura

Host: Next up-Honda. Where does Honda land?

David: A lot of people put Honda on the same level as Toyota, but Toyota is substantially bigger and that scale matters. Honda's engineering capability is world-class, but in North America many Hondas are engineered and built in the U.S. or Canada, whereas Toyota still has more direct continuity from Japan in both engineering and manufacturing.

Honda's product development is strong, but they're more resource-constrained than Toyota. If Honda had double the engineering resources, they'd be even closer. For that reason, I'd put Honda's product engineering around A-minus.

Manufacturing quality is solid. Honda's U.S., Canadian, and Japanese plants tend to be consistently good-more consistent than many brands. I'd rate Honda's manufacturing quality as a strong A, possibly A-plus.

Host: That lines up with where I put them-A-tier. Honda is excellent, just not quite as consistently bulletproof as Toyota. You also hear more concerns around certain powertrains-like the 1.5-liter turbo and some V6 applications-so A feels right.

Mazda

Host: What about Mazda? They've improved dramatically over the last decade. Where do they land today?

David: Mazda's manufacturing capability is one of the best in the world. I've audited their exterior quality and visited Mazda factories many times in recent years. Their production reality is different than Toyota or Honda because Mazda doesn't have the same high-volume scale. They have fewer factories, and they need each line to build multiple products efficiently.

That flexibility has forced Mazda to refine its processes and equipment in a way that's impressive. Pure manufacturing capability? I'd put Mazda at S-tier.

Where Mazda still trails slightly is long-term reliability consistency. Like Honda, Mazda is a smaller player with fewer resources, and that can show up when multiple programs are running at once. Their cars are very well built and often feel premium inside and out, but reliability data hasn't fully caught up to what their manufacturing capability suggests-yet.

So I'd rate Mazda roughly A-minus for product engineering and S for manufacturing execution, with the expectation they continue trending upward.

Host: Interesting-on my list, Mazda landed at A, and I agree they're getting very close to S.

Subaru

Host: Let's keep moving through Japan. How about Subaru?

David: Subaru has improved, and part of the story is that Toyota owns a significant stake and the collaboration has deepened over the last few years. You can see Toyota's influence in how Subaru approaches engineering, manufacturing consistency, and quality control.

Subaru is still a relatively small company, so they often rely on partnerships to expand capability. Product development is solid-call it A to A-minus-but they can be slower developing major changes independently.

Manufacturing quality and reliability have been very good recently. I'd rate Subaru as strong A, and for some aspects of manufacturing consistency, arguably S-tier.

Host: I had Subaru in A as well. They're one of those brands that can hover between A and S depending on the model.

Nissan and Mitsubishi

Host: Let's finish out Japan with Nissan and Mitsubishi.

David: They're tied together through the alliance structure, and you see shared platforms and components. Nissan's manufacturing capability can be quite good, but it hasn't consistently translated into strong long-term reliability across the lineup.

Some proven models-like the Frontier and other long-running products-can be reliable and well made. But Nissan has struggled with new product cadence and execution, in part due to financial and resource constraints. I'd rate Nissan roughly B overall.

Mitsubishi is similar, but in my experience their engineering culture can be very passionate and careful. They spend time getting things right, and some of their products have been quite trouble-free largely because they haven't changed dramatically in years. I'd put Mitsubishi around B-plus, potentially nudging toward A-minus on certain proven models.

Host: That's close to where I landed. I had both in B-tier.

Hyundai and Kia

Host: Now Korea-Hyundai and Kia. I placed them in B-tier because of past engine issues, though they've improved in the last few years. Where do you put them?

David: People underestimate how much reliability depends on where a vehicle is in its life cycle. A model that's three or four years into production-after a refresh and fixes-can be very solid. But brand-new models can be rough for the first year or two, and the Korean brands tend to struggle more early in the cycle than Toyota or Honda.

On the engineering side, Hyundai-Kia is impressive. They've hired top talent from other automakers and they move quickly-almost like tech companies in how fast they iterate. For engineering capability and innovation, I'd give them a solid A.

For manufacturing consistency and long-term predictability, though, I'm still at B-tier. They've improved a lot, but some products remain unpredictable compared with the best Japanese brands.

Host: That's fair. They've clearly moved up, but we'll see how they perform over the next few years.

German Brands: BMW, Audi/VW, Porsche, Mercedes

Host: Let's jump to Europe: BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, Mercedes. I separated them and put BMW slightly ahead. What's your take?

David: If we're talking mainstream German brands, BMW is generally the strongest of the group. Their engineering is good, but they build cars globally, and not every plant delivers the same outcomes. I'd rate BMW around B for manufacturing quality and B-plus for engineering.

Audi and Volkswagen share so many components and platforms that they belong together. They used to be stronger from a product development standpoint, but lately it's been inconsistent. I'd rate VW/Audi around C-plus overall.

Porsche is the standout within the broader Volkswagen Group. Their manufacturing execution and long-term reliability are closer to the top Japanese brands than most people expect. I'd rate Porsche manufacturing around A, with engineering around B to B-plus.

Mercedes has strong engineering capability and deep innovation history, but manufacturing and consistency have been hit-or-miss lately. I'd place Mercedes around C-plus on manufacturing consistency, with B-plus engineering.

Host: That's broadly in line with my experience. European cars can be excellent, but they're less consistent than the best Japanese brands-especially over the long term and once repair costs enter the picture.

American Brands: GM, Ford, Stellantis, Tesla

Host: Let's finish with the American brands: Ford, GM, Stellantis-and Tesla.

David: The problem with ranking American automakers is that it varies wildly by product. Some models are genuinely solid; others are problem-prone. So averaging it out is tricky.

General Motors

GM has talented engineers and strong innovation capability-look at what they've done with performance products. For engineering, I'd give GM around B-plus. Manufacturing and quality consistency, though, are closer to C-plus on average, especially when you factor in recalls and variability between models.

Ford

Ford is similar. Their engineering approach differs from GM's, and they've produced some great ideas, but they don't always launch products in a fully mature, sorted state. I'd place Ford around B-minus engineering and C-plus manufacturing overall.

Stellantis

Stellantis is complicated because it's a collection of brands. Some products that have been around a long time can be acceptable, but as a whole, quality consistency has been weak. If you average the group out, manufacturing quality lands around D-tier, with engineering closer to C-plus, depending heavily on brand and platform.

Host: That matches what I see-Stellantis in particular has been struggling.

Tesla

Host: We can't wrap up without Tesla. Where do they fit?

David: Tesla is unlike legacy manufacturers. Their development model is iterative-build, release, improve-almost like tech. That makes their innovation impressive, and they've pushed the industry forward with manufacturing approaches like large castings.

Engineering and innovation? I'd put Tesla around B-plus.

Manufacturing quality and fit-and-finish have improved, especially on mature products like the Model 3 and Model Y, but they're still inconsistent. If you include products with obvious quality-control concerns, Tesla's manufacturing consistency is closer to C-tier overall.

Host: That's pretty fair.

Wrap-Up

Host: That was a lot of ground. We covered most major brands.

David: Almost all-except Chinese brands, which I can't really speak on yet.

Host: Hopefully we can cover those in a future video if and when they arrive in Canada. David, thanks for joining-always great having you on.

David: Thanks. And everyone in the comments-don't crucify me. I'm just being honest. Hopefully it's useful, and it was fun.

Host: Thanks again. And thanks everyone for watching-we'll see you next time.





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Stock Market News

Crude Oil - Hungary, Slovakia clash with Ukraine over oil pipeline 25-02-2026 02:10



Stock News headlines are gathered from financial news sources around the web. Views and opinions on each item are from their respective authors and website. They are not opinions of LiveCharts.co.uk
One way bears are surfacing is with bets against Oracle, which had more than 2% of its shares shorted as of Jan. 30, according to FactSet, up from about 1.5% a year earlier. That is still relatively modest compared with the 3.6% average for S&P 500 companies, but reflects worries about the companys plans to raise as much as $50 billion from investors this year to fund its AI build-out.
Around 42% of tech-industry workers said their direct manager expects AI use in day-to-day work as of last October, up from 32% just eight months before, according to a survey from AI consulting firm Section. And nearly half of tech and telecom companies are already reporting a positive return on their generative-AI investments, compared with 35% across all industries, according to a recent survey by the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and market research consulting firm GBK Collective.
Strategic implications

The broader industry perspective on PLI schemes adds validation to Aurobindos approach. Suresh Subramanian, partner at EY and head of the life sciences practice, contextualizes the initiative within global pharmaceutical trends: Globally, pharmaceutical manufacturing is changing and there is a new order emerging, especially in synthetic biology. In that context, the PLI scheme should be seen as a move that will bring in new energy into domestic companies, which it has done. Over two dozen companies have adopted PLI manufacturing and this is positive action for the industry.
Mumbai: Digital payments company BillDesk has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the India payment businesses of French payments firm Worldline, the company said in a statement on Tuesday.

This comes nearly 10 months after Mint exclusively reported that Worldline had initiated a process to explore a potential sale of its India operations as part of a broader global restructuring.

The company had mandated its bankers to evaluate strategic options, including a divestment, amid efforts to exit non-core geographies and improve profitability following muted global growth and repeated profit warnings.

Billdesk did not disclose the size of the transaction.

The transaction also aligns with a broader consolidation wave in Indias fintech sector.

Mint earlier reported, citing Kotak Investment Banking, that fragmented markets and weak profitability are pushing venture-backed fintech firms toward mergers and acquisitions to achieve scale and sustainable margins.

BillDesk said the deal will merge its online aggregation business with Worldline Indias offline merchant network and bank switching infrastructure.

The combined entity will offer integrated payment services across digital transactions, recurring mandates, cross-border payments, and in-store acceptance through point-of-sale terminals and QR-based systems, the company said.

The acquisition is expected to deepen BillDesks presence in regional markets and strengthen merchant distribution, particularly among mid-sized businesses expanding their digital payment adoption.

Also Read | Zensar in talks to acquire promoter stake in Mastek

This transaction is a forward-looking investment in Indias payments ecosystem, said M.N. Srinivasu, co-founder of BillDesk, in the statement, adding that the integration would help deliver a more connected payments experience for banks, enterprises and merchants.

Mint had earlier reported that an acquisition of this nature could help the acquirer gain scale.

The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions. Law firm Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co. acted as legal counsel to BillDesk, while EY served as diligence advisor.

Global turnaround Worldline's new chief executive officer (CEO), Pierre-Antoine Vacheron, said at an earnings call in April that the company would exit non-performing geographies and segments to revive growth, without sharing details.

"We need to be more selective, given the investment required to address innovation and compliance requirements. This will mean exiting from segments or geographies inherited from past acquisitions and considered as non-core," he said.

Founded in 1970, Worldline is a publicly listed solutions provider for payments companies operating across the globe, including Europe, India, Japan, and the US.

It launched the turnaround plan in February, focusing on tightening cost controls, pruning its portfolio, and emphasizing free cash flow improvements.

Worldline has also appointed banking advisors to sell its Mobility and e-Transactional Services (MTS) business, Reuters reported in November 2024. In December that year, Reuters reported that the company was attracting early-stage takeover interest from private equity firms, including Bain Capital. However, Bain later denied evaluating Worldline.

The company's erstwhile CEO, Gilles Grapinet, stepped down in September 2024, as it issued its third profit warning within a year. Vacheron was later appointed as CEO, from 1 March.
For categories like cookware and kitchen appliances, average order values have shot up as consumers are showing affinity for experimental devices and products, especially those that meet international standards. The ethos has moved away from getting the best out of everything to make the right investment both in terms of money and time, she said.
UK-based luxury automaker, Aston Martin, is set to lay off 20% of the company's total workforce as the brand aims to recover from the impact of the President Donald Trump-imposed US tariffs amid weak demand in the Chinese market, reported the news agency Reuters, on Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

Also Read | Tata Sons board defers decision on third term for chairman Chandrasekaran

The British automaker said that the 20% job cuts will impact the company's total workforce of around 3,000 employees, and save approximately $54 million or 40 million British pounds. This job cut reportedly includes a 5% workforce reduction which was announced in 2025.

According to the agency report, Aston Martin has not outlined a specific timeline for when the layoffs will be implemented. However, they said that the company is looking to do most of the savings this year.

Aston Martin's spending plan Aston Martin has also reduced its upcoming five-year capital expenditure (capex) plan to 1.7 billion British pounds, compared to its earlier estimated plan of 2 billion pounds.

Also Read | Anthropic engineer says AI will take over most internet-based jobs

The reduction in the capex plan comes through delaying the investment in the automaker's electric vehicle technology.

Aston Martin, which is a car brand which over time has gained major popularity from the James Bond movie franchise, has struggled to generate cash and manage its 1.28 billion pound debt, despite capital infusion from Canadian billionaire and Chairman of the firm Lawrence Stroll.

According to the agency report, Aston said that the US tariffs have been extremely disruptive and with the extremely subdued demand in its China market, this has weighed on the British automaker.

Sharing a forward outlook, the company said that it expects further cash outflows in 2026, but also predicted material improvement in the financial performance of the carmaker.

Aston Martin stock surge Aston Martin's stock price opened 5.01% higher at 59.75 British pence during Wednesday's stock market session in London, compared to 56.90 British pence at the previous market close, MarketWatch data showed.

London Stock Exchange (LSE) data showed that the company's stock has lost more than 92% in the last five years, and has dropped over 47% in the last one-year period.

On a year-to-date (YTD) basis, Aston Martin stock has lost 10.6% so far in the year 2026, and is trading 3.6% lower in the last five market sessions, according to LSE data.
We added four new hotels last year and that takes us closer to 300 crore in business. As we open more properties this year, you will see a sharper jump, said Ron Pohl, president of international operations and president of WorldHotels at BWH Hotels. Pohl is in India for the hospitality conference HOPE 2026 by hospitality consultancy HVS Anarock.
Paramount Skydance Corp. on Tuesday tabled a new $31-a-share buyout offer for Warner Bros. Discovery Inc., potentially sparking another bidding war with Netflix Inc., which is seeking to improve its own deal, reported Bloomberg.

The famed Hollywood studio isnt withdrawing its recommendation that investors support Netflixs $27.75-a-share agreement to acquire the companys studio and HBO operations, according to a statement Tuesday. Instead, it maintains that the latest Paramount terms meet the threshold for further talks.

Paramount pursuing deal with Warner Bros. Paramounts latest salvo shows the company, led by David Ellison, isnt dropping its pursuit of Warner Bros. anytime soon. The sweetened offer will test Netflixs appetite to pay up for Warner Bros. production studios and a library that includes the DC Comics franchise and Game of Thrones.

The board has not made a determination as to whether the revised Paramount proposal is superior to the merger with Netflix," Warner Bros. said. It plans more talks with Paramount and said Netflix will have four business days to respond if the board backs the sweetened offer.

The boards decision came after a seven-day period in which Paramount was allowed to once again negotiate with Warner Bros. Paramount has been seeking to acquire the parent of HBO and CNN since September, raising its offer price multiple times and making changes to the terms requested by the Warner Bros. board.

Negotiations on: Here's what we know The two companies were still negotiating late into last night and had to hang up the phone at midnight when the discussion window expired, according to people with knowledge of the matter. That left lingering questions that the parties can now address.

Also Read | Steve Jobs felt professional management bozos, hired for Apple THIS way

The revised Paramount proposal marks an increase of $1 from the companys previous $30-a-share offer, which was valued at about $108 billion including debt. Netflixs proposal is valued at $82.7 billion on that basis, though Warner Bros. believes a spinoff of its cable channels will deliver additional value to its investors.

Paramounts latest proposal includes a ticking fee of 25 cents per share for each quarter after 30 September that the deal hasnt received regulatory approval, along with a $7 billion payment to Warner Bros. if regulators block the sale.

Paramount also agreed to contribute more equity if any of its lenders used doubts about its solvency to avoid funding the deal. Paramount also wont use the deterioration of Warner Bros. cable networks as an excuse to renege on the deal.

Studios see business impact Shares of Warner Bros. were down less than 1% in extended trading after the announcement, possibly because some investors were expecting more. Paramount and Netflix both rose more than 1%.

Also Read | Why Warren Buffett thinks companies do not need economists | Watch

Ellison, Paramounts chief executive officer, launched a tender offer to acquire Warner Bros. shares in December, days after the Netflix deal was announced. The move by Ellison, 43, followed his $8 billion August takeover of Paramount, the owner of CBS and MTV.

Studios like Paramount and Warner have been under pressure to combine, hurt by declining revenue from traditional media services like cable television and movie theatres. After spending heavily to build up streaming services, studios have cut production and jobs to push those newer operations to profitability.

Warner Bros. said in October it was considering all of its options after receiving unsolicited interest from multiple parties. Paramount, Netflix and Comcast Corp. were among the bidders interested in acquiring all or part of Warner Bros.

The bidding got contentious, with Paramount accusing Warner Bros. of running an auction that favoured Netflix. Some Warner Bros. shareholders, including Pentwater Capital Management and Ancora Holdings, had publicly advocated for the company to re-engage in talks with Paramount.
Credit: MSG

Legendary New York Rangers player and broadcaster Ron Duguay has been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer.

Page Six reported on Duguays condition on Tuesday, with the 68-year-old stating the cancer started in his colon about a year ago. Duguay added that he has since lost his appendix and gallbladder. As Duguay, who is dating former Alaska governor Sarah Palin, deals with the mounting costs of surgeries and treatment, his daughters set up a GoFundMe to help.

I find it extremely hard asking for funds for all these costs Im going through, Duguay told Page Six. Normally, Im helping others.

The GoFundMe page was initially set at $26k, but after exceeding that amount, it was increased to $50,000.

Our dad has never been someone who asks for help, Duguays daughter Shay wrote on the fundraising page. Especially when it comes to money. He has always tried to handle everything on his own and didnt want to burden anyone else with what hes going through. But after many conversations as a family, we decided to create this fundraiser for him because weve seen firsthand the weight this battle has placed on him, both physically and financially.

Because of his cancer, he hasnt been able to work the way he normally would, she continued. Earlier in his treatment journey, the care he received in Florida nearly cost him his life. That led us to bring him to Orange County, where my sister and I live, so he could receive treatment here.

Duguay told Page Six his numbers recently began to rise again, and he is considering alternative treatment options in addition to Western medicine. Because of the move, Duguay now flies to Orange County every two weeks for medical care. The family said theyre also exploring treatment outside of the United States because of the financial strain.

The Rangers legend first revealed he was battling a health issue last year on his Instagram page. Duguay announced he underwent a successful surgery and shared videos alongside Palin in the hospital, but the extent of his bout with cancer was not known.

Duguay played 12 seasons in the NHL, including six in New York, where he became one of the most popular players in Rangers history. Long after retirement, Duguay also spent more than a decade as an analyst for Rangers games on MSG, but his contract was not renewed after it ended in 2018.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has issued notice to the customs department in an appeal filed by Xiaomi Corp., challenging a tribunal ruling that said the company had evaded about $72 million in tariffs by excluding royalty payments from the value of imported goods.

A bench of Justice P. S. Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe issued notice to the customs department on 23 February on the plea. The written order is yet to be released.

The bench, in its verbal observation, said, Let notice be issued. Take instructions and file a short note explaining what it is.

The Chinese multinational company has approached the top court along with its former contract manufacturers, including Flextronics Technologies India Pvt. Ltd., a unit of U.S.-listed Flex, and Bharat FIH, a unit of Taiwans Foxconn.

They are challenging the November 2025 ruling of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT), Chennai, which upheld the inclusion of royalty payments in the assessable value of imported goods and sustained penalties.

Senior advocate Arvind Datar, appearing for one of the contract manufacturers, told the court that the ruling would have serious consequences for contract manufacturers operating in India. The customs department objected, arguing that if such pleas were entertained broadly, every contract manufacturer would seek similar relief.

Also Read | Xiaomi India shifts focus to premium smartphones to boost sales, profit

The dispute stems from a Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) investigation into imports made between 1 April 2017 and 30 June 2020 by Xiaomi Technology India Pvt. Ltd and its four contract manufacturers  Rising Star Mobile India, Flextronics Technologies India, Hi-Pad Technology India, and DBG Technology India.

Authorities alleged that Xiaomi India had entered into royalty and licence agreements with Qualcomm Inc., Qualcomm Technologies, and Beijing Xiaomi for use of intellectual property in manufacturing and selling mobile phones in India.

While royalties were being paid, they were not disclosed to customs authorities nor added to the assessable value of imported components, resulting in short payment of duty.

Three show cause notices were issued by the customs department in December 2021, alleging suppression and wilful misstatement.

Against these notices, Xiaomi and its contract manufacturers approached the CESTAT in Chennai, challenging the duty demand and penalties.

The tribunal redetermined the value, confirmed the differential duty with interest, and imposed penalties.

CESTAT upheld the departments case, ruling that royalty payments were intrinsically linked to the imported goods and that Xiaomi India was the beneficial owner of the components.

It rejected the argument that contract manufacturers operated on a principal-to-principal basis, instead characterising them largely as job workers. The tribunal upheld penalty liability but remanded the matter for redetermination of quantum.

While the CESTAT order reviewed by Mint does not specify the final penalty amount, Reuters reported that the alleged duty evasion stood at about $72 million. Under Indian customs law, that figure could exceed $150 million once interest and penalties are factored in, if the ruling is ultimately upheld.

An email query sent to Xiaomi India seeking its response remained unanswered till press time.

According to the latest Counterpoint Research data on the India smartphone market, Xiaomis share has shifted in recent years. In Q4 2025, Xiaomi regained a leading position with about 19% shipment market share in India, narrowly ahead of rivals such as Vivo and Samsung.

Also Read | Laptops fly off the shelves, smartphones stagnate

The immediate consequence of any adverse ruling against Xiaomi would be a heavy payout, far exceeding their annual profits. The effective customs duty on every imported part used in the assembly would stand raised, said Supriya Majumdar, partner, Elarra Law Offices.

Long term impact could entail further erosion of its market share in Indian market and reduced competitiveness with rivals. The effect will percolate to the manufacturers who may have to justify pricing of their assembly service to account for the risk of embedded royalty taxes.

According to Majumdar, industries that rely heavily on contract manufacturing and cross-border technology transfers will closely watch this case.
A Philippine tycoon said partnering with China may be an option in the development of a new gas field in an area of the South China Sea where the two nations have competing maritime claims.

My personal view is we should engage China, PXP Energy Corp. Chairman Manuel Pangilinan told reporters on Wednesday. Look at what Mark Carney did for Canada.

Manila-listed PXPs exploration work in the Reed Bank in the South China Sea has been on hold for years amid persistent tensions between Manila and Beijing over the resource-rich waterway that have led to clashes between their ships.

Pangilinan said PXP needs the expertise and capital if it were to proceed with the development of the Reed Bank. The company had estimated in 2014 that it would cost $6 billion to develop it, which PXP cant afford, he said.

Whether its China or somebody else, you have to partner with somebody whos got the experience, he said. Its a very complicated business.

Pangilinan said he last met with representatives of state-owned China National Offshore Oil Co. in 2019, when the administration of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte pushed for joint oil and gas development in the South China Sea amid a broader effort to forge closer economic ties.

The Southeast Asian nation is working to secure its energy supply with the near depletion of its main Malampaya gas field. While the discovery last month of a new gas source in that area would help extend the dwindling field, the country would still need more energy sources to meet its growing power demand.

Pangilinan said his position on the matter has been relayed to the Philippine government, which he said has the final say. Its up to them, because this is all caught up in geopolitics. And thats beyond our pay grade, he added.

2026 Bloomberg L.P.
Developers such as Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd, Rustomjee Group and K Raheja Corp. have also joined Mumbai's ongoing redevelopment spree. Under the redevelopment route, housing societies tie up with developers, who demolish and rebuild them as swankier towers with more apartments. Residents get larger apartments and parking lots for free, while the builder profits by selling additional flats to new buyers at a higher price.
Tata Consultancy Services Ltd CEO K. Krithivasan has issued a directive to the top brass: build or become obsolete. In a push towards an AI-first future, he warned that while junior associates in Indias largest IT services exporter are mastering generative tools, senior management is still reading and hearing rather than creating.

What we find is that our associates at the junior level are probably more proficient, more comfortable with the new technology. As people go to the senior level, we tend to read a lot, hear about them a lot, but we dont build enough (solutions), said Krithivasan, during a fireside chat in the Nasscom Technology and Leadership Forum in Mumbai.

So, we need to define and basically insist that all of us, all the senior management, must build something on that knowledge so they understand how it is going. It's just not about asking questions; its how you build, how soon you can build and when you build it, what we are doing manually to ensure that it works, added Krithivasan.

His comments come after the company conducted arguably its largest layoff drive, letting go of about 12,200 executives at the middle and senior levels to make it future-ready last year.

As of March 2024, almost half of TCSs workforce, or about 451,160 employees, were under the age of 30. This is lower than FY22, when employees in this cohort accounted for about 60% of the workforce. The company did not disclose the age breakup of its employees in its FY25 annual report.

Employees across the board are mandated to learn basic AI tools. This is across most companies.

He reiterated that employees were also urged to use AI even if it meant cannibalizing existing revenue. Krithivasans comments come as fresh concerns mount over the relevance of the countrys IT industry.

Also Read | IT honchos dismiss AI fears ahead of annual industry gala

Cannibalizing for survival See, we don't have to really incentivize because everybody wants to learn this tech. We need to tell them that one, I am giving you enough opportunity to learn, two, I am encouraging you to ensure that every solution you provide to your customer is AI-first. As I said, even if it means that we are cannibalizing the revenue, added Krithivasan.

Krithivasans comments come less than a fortnight after Tata Sons chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran also made a similar pitch at TCSs annual two-day summit at Abu Dhabi.

At Blitz, Chandrasekaran, who is also TCSs Chair, shared that he spends at least an hour every day reading and understanding how AI is changing the world, and asked senior leaders among the 600 executives to move beyond delegating AI work and focus on learning new related technologies, according to an executive privy to the development.

Calling AI a civilizational change, Chandrasekaran faces the challenge of making TCS embrace these new technologies in how it offers services, and, in turn, even cannibalizing its own business and changing the way it has done business until now.

TCS reported annualized AI revenue of $1.8 billion as of December. On the other hand, Infosys and HCLTech reported AI-related revenue and advanced AI revenue of $280 million and $146 million, respectively, during October-December 2025.

Concerns have further aggravated after Anthropic announced new plug-ins to its Claude AI tool on 30 January. These new additions further automate legal, marketing, and software development-related tasks.

The new technology has divided opinions on the relevance of the countrys $297 billion IT industry.

Vinod Khosla, founder of Khosla Ventures, said that the IT services industry will cease to exist by 2030. On the other hand, IT heads held varying opinions.

Also Read | Anthropic and OpenAI are the new darlings of Indian IT

Deployment gap On 17 February, Infosys chairman Nandan Nilekani said AI technology development has outpaced the tech capabilities of large companies. The main thing is that the technology is far ahead of its deployment. Because of this race and spending billions on some AGI (artificial general intelligence) and all that, the technology is moving faster than the ability of enterprises to deploy it, he said at the companys first investor day.

Fundamentally, we have a situation where there's a deployment gap between the power of the technology and the capacity of businesses to use this. If you think that some better product has come, nothing is going to happen because the problem is in how fast companies can implement, said Nilekani, adding that Infosys can address this deployment gap.

Even a brokerage said that concerns surrounding a loss of value were overblown.

A 17 February report by Bank of Baroda Capital Markets said that while AI reducing workforce demand could put revenue growth and profit estimates at risk, this was not an existential risk.

AI embrace by enterprises is low or slow as many are not ready, CIOs (chief information officers) may want AI models to stabilize, RoI (returns on investment) thresholds need to be met, there is room for further reduction in errors by AI models, integrators are required to make AI work with varied legacy tech of enterprises, and deep domain skills are required, the report said.

Key Takeaways TCS identifies a proficiency lag where senior leaders understand AI theoretically but lack the hands-on building skills of junior staff.

The company is willing to cannibalize its own traditional revenue to ensure customers receive AI-first solutions, prioritizing long-term relevance over short-term billing.

The primary challenge isn't the AI tech itself, but the slow pace at which enterprises actually implement it, according to Nandan Nilekani.

TCS is facing its first full-year revenue decline, driven by fewer large contracts and client attrition, reflected in an 18% YTD stock decline.

While some investors see AI as a risk to the $297 billion industry, TCS leadership views it as a wave to be ridden rather than an existential crisis.

Challenges ensure future-readiness? For now, AI is not the only challenge that TCS faces.

TCS has encountered turbulence on more than one occasion in the last 12 months. The countrys largest IT services company, which reported $30.18 billion in revenue last year, is poised for its first full-year revenue decline, according to at least three brokerages.

This is due to fewer big-ticket contracts, client slippage to peers, and the companys current need to match last years growth. Investors have taken note as the companys shares have fallen more than 18% since the start of the year.

Krithivasans comments follow Chandrasekarans opinion last week. The value proposition is different for each industry, and the value proposition for each company will be different, depending upon where they are. Where will they look for productivity? Where will they look for a new business model? Where will they create a unique, differentiated, and differentiating factor? That is where IT services companies will work with the enterprise customers, said Chandrasekaran.

He said IT services companies would ride the AI wave and not just survive.
Ahmedabad-based drugmaker Zydus Lifesciences plans to launch its semaglutide injection brands upon patent expiry of the drug in India. The drugmaker said it will launch the drug in a novel single-pen device that is reusable. Zydus has exclusive rights to the device.

The patent for semaglutide is set to expire on 20 March 2026, with several Indian drugmakers including Dr. Reddys and Sun Pharma gearing up for Day-one launches.

Zydus has received regulatory approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) to market and manufacture semaglutide to treat type-2 diabetes and obesity.

Also Read | Zydus Lifesciences eyes acquisition of US firm Ardelyx for $2.5 bn

The drug will be launched under brand names Semaglyn, Mashema, and Alterme, the company said in a release on Wednesday.

While the company did not share its pricing strategy, it said the single-pen device would lower the overall cost of therapy by allowing patients to administer varying dose strengths from the same device.

A critical differentiator of Zydus semaglutide offering will be its novel, indigenously developed drug delivery system. Unlike existing treatments that require patients to purchase multiple single-dose pens as they titrate their dosage, Zydus plans to introduce an innovative, adjustable single-pen device, the company said.

Intensifying race The announcement comes as competition among drugmakers to gain an edge in the lucrative market intensifies. Earlier this week, Eris Lifesciences and Natco Pharma announced a partnership to commercialize semaglutide.

Also Read | Eris Lifesciences inks deal with Natco for weight-loss drug semaglutide

Cipla and Emcure have also announced distribution deals with innovators Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, respectively, while Sun Pharma and Dr. Reddys have already started exporting it to non-patented markets after receiving the Delhi High Courts nod, and they plan to launch the drug in India upon patent expiry.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs such as semaglutide have already crossed 1,000 crore in sales in less than a year of launches in India. Currently, innovator drugs Mounjaro, Wegovy and Ozempic dominate, but the entry of generic versions of semaglutide, priced lower, is expected to further expand the market.

Also Read | Why the weight-loss drugs battle will intensify in 2026
Some optimism found its way when India and the US announced the framework of an interim deal that could have provided some competitive edge to Indian exporters, with the rupee seeing a mild reprieve. However, the rupee is still struggling to find a stable ground, though it has seen better performance in the current month compared to January.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu is all set to unveil a new avatar in her upcoming film, Maa Inti Bangaaram. Talking about the film, she recently opened up about her husband Raj Nidimoru, who is co-producing the film. During the conversation, the actress said that she and Nidimoru make for an irritating couple who likes to do everything together including work.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu on husband Raj She told Vogue India, "Raj and I really are that irritating couple that does everything together. We work together, we play together, we work out together with Paridhi. And we love it. If I have to travel for even a day, Im like [pretends to swoon in distress.] I dont think its a honeymoon phase. Too much time has passed for it to be that.

She also shared how she improved at work with her husband around. She added, Leonardo DiCaprio keeps on working with Martin Scorsese and his performances just keep getting more layered. I think Im becoming a better actor because Raj is around.

Reddit reacts to Samantha Reacting to her statement, a user wrote on Reddit, Did she compare her collaborations with Raj as equivalent to Leo and Martin Scororsese collabs? Hahahahahhahahahahahaha. She sounds like she's very much dependent on Raj and it seems like very Sridevi boney Kapoor kindda situation, added another.

One more said, Sam is a complete giver in a relationship and extremely clingy. She was the same with Chay. He didn't care during interviews but she would be fawning all overI hope this turns out good for her.

Kinda off topic but I really enjoyed Citadel honey bunny  the climax was so good especially the one take sequences in the castle, added someone else.

Also Read | Samantha thanks Raj Nidimorus sister Sheetal after wedding in Coimbatore

Samantha and Raj Nidimoru love story Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Raj Nidimoru first met on the sets of The Family Man Season 2. The two reunited for their second collaboration on the Indian adaptation of the American series, Citadel: Honey Bunny.

Rumours about their romance surfaced on social media in 2024 after they were spotted together at public events. Reports at that time also claimed that they had moved in together. However, neither of them commented on the rumours, denying or confirming the dating reports.

As both maintained silence about their personal lives, Samantha Ruth Prabhu began featuring on Raj Nidimoru's social media posts, further adding fuel to the fire.

They finally tied the knot in a Linga Bhairava Vivaha ceremony at the Isha Foundation in Coimbatore on December 1. The private ceremony was attended by close friends and family.

Announcing the wedding news on Instagram, both shared their simple wedding pictures and created a storm on the internet.

Raj Nidimoru and Samantha's past For both Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Raj Nidimoru, this marks their second marriage. Prabhu was previously married to actor Naga Chaitanya. They announced their separation in 2021 after four years together. Later, Naga Chaitanya married Sobhita Dhulipala on 4 December 2025.
Tokyo/Lucknow, Memoranda of understanding worth about 11,000 crore were signed with several Japanese companies during the first day of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's visit to Japan on Wednesday.

The agreements were signed with firms, including Kubota Corporation, Minda Corporation, Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Nagase & Co., Ltd., Seiko Advance, O&O Group, Fuji Japanese JV, and Fujisilvertech Concrete Pvt Ltd, as per an official release.

The partnerships span sectors such as agricultural equipment manufacturing, industrial machinery, water and environmental infrastructure solutions, automobiles, electronics, industrial printing and graphics, hospitality and real estate.

Officials said the agreements are expected to boost manufacturing capacity and deepen industrial collaboration between India and Japan.

Founded in 1890 and headquartered in Osaka, Kubota Corporation is a leading multinational known for agricultural and industrial machinery.

Minda Corporation, part of the Spark Minda Group, is a major automotive components manufacturer providing mechatronics, wiring harnesses, plastic interiors, sensors and electric vehicle solutions.

Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, also known as JAE, specialises in advanced connectors and electronic interface solutions for automotive and aerospace sectors.

Nagase & Co., Ltd. is a diversified Japanese trading and technology company engaged in chemicals, advanced materials, mobility solutions and electronics.

Officials said collaboration among these companies is expected to promote automotive electronics and advanced component manufacturing.

Seiko Advance, a Japan-based firm known for high-performance screen printing inks and coating solutions, supplies products used in automotive decals, industrial graphics, electronic panels, glass printing and consumer appliances, including through its manufacturing presence in India.

Meanwhile, O&O Group has signed an agreement to invest in the hospitality and real estate sector.

Officials described the agreements signed on Wednesday are expected to give fresh momentum to bilateral industrial cooperation.
BERLINLong dependent on the U.S. for its security and on China for its growth, Germany is trying to chart its own path. But a pair of high-stakes visits by its new leader to Beijing and Washington over the next week shows the process will be neither easy nor fast.
Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

UPDATE: According to TheWrap, Iger is not interested in the gig and has not been approached about it.

ORIGINAL: Per CNN, the outgoing Disney CEO  who hands the company to Josh DAmaro on March 18  has been floated in backchannel conversations between the US and International Olympic Committees as a potential replacement for Casey Wasserman as LA28 chair.

If you need a refresher on how we got here, we covered it earlier this month. The short version is that Wassermans name turned up in the Epstein document releases alongside explicit emails with Ghislaine Maxwell. In turn, the LA28 board brought in outside counsel, concluded that his relationship with Epstein and Maxwell did not go beyond what has already been publicly documented, and backed him. Wasserman said he deeply regretted his interactions with Maxwell and maintained he never had a personal or business relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

Hes shown no interest in stepping down, and as of earlier this month, per CNN, that hadnt changed.

But the boards support doesnt actually address the fact that the role of chair requires media appearances, sponsor engagements, and serving as the public face of these Games for the next two-plus years.

So its not hard to see why Igers name has come up here. Hes sat across from broadcasters and sponsors at a scale that very few people have, and he comes without any of the baggage thats made Wassermans position so difficult to defend. According to Reuters, LA28 has already cleared over $2 billion in private sponsorship revenue, about 80 percent of its $2.5 billion goal, so whoever steps in isnt walking into a disaster. The job at this point is mostly about being the face of something that already works, and thats pretty much Igers entire career in a nutshell.

CNN also flagged a political wrinkle worth noting. Wasserman spent years cultivating a relationship with the Trump administration specifically to keep LA28 insulated from political interference, and some California Democrats  including state Rep. Mark Gonzalez  have privately worried that his departure could hand Trump an opening to influence who fills the vacancy. Its not an unreasonable concern. Its just also not a sustainable argument for keeping someone in a forward-facing role.

For a Games that cant afford distraction this close to lighting the cauldron, even floating Igers name signals that stability  or at least the appearance of it  has become the priority.
She said she was at a tourist market near her home in the small town of Bucerias, up the coast from Puerto Vallarta, on Sunday when she saw smoke billowing in the distance. On her way home, she drove past burning cars. The authorities closed the highways and some neighbors couldnt get home, the former Californian said. Highways and stores in her town have since reopened.
So, we will have a total of five freighters weekly into India once we add the new freighter frequencies, he said. When asked about shifting operations as Mumbai airport will close its freighters operations, Abbas said, Yes, we will adapt as needed, and will consider moving to the new airport in the state, Navi Mumbai.
For generations, the dream of every Indian family was built on a foundation of roti, kapda aur makaan, and owning a physical piece of land was an imperative. A home wasnt just a place for shelter. It was also a symbol of financial security and social acceptance.

As the Indian economy opened up in the 1990s, a new financial pillar began to take shape: Mutual Funds. For the very first time, Indian investors invested in an asset class that was not tangible, such as real estate, gold, or silver. Using Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs), thousands of households moved away from the safety of fixed deposits and gold to participate in the growth of the stock market.

But even as SIPs became common, the aspiration to own real estate never faded. It just became more expensive. For many investors, the dream of owning a home, especially in a metropolitan city, started to feel out of reach as prices outpaced middle-class salaries.

Also Read | Bengaluru dominates Indias REIT stock

In 2026, this real estate dream is undergoing yet another transformation as physical land ownership is being replaced by digital convenience. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are gaining popularity as the logical evolution of the Indian investment story, as they bring together the familiarity of real estate with the simplicity of mutual funds.

The digital landlord While the emotional pull of real estate remains, it comes with several barriers such as hefty down payments, complex paperwork and the struggle to find reliable tenants. This has led many investors to choose the path of REITs, which are fulfilling the makaan dream in ways previous generations could not have imagined.

By converting iconic IT parks and luxury malls into liquid units, they allow you to own a stake in Indias prime real estate for a price not much more than what you would pay for a weekend movie-going experience. This offers something different from a traditional mutual fund: the satisfaction of a regular rent cheque combined with the long-term growth of prime real estate.

The shift from growth to yield The main draw of an equity SIP is capital appreciation. However, as certain sectors face increased volatility, some investors remain wary of paper gains that could fluctuate with market sentiment.

REITs promise to offer a different financial proposition. Unlike equity funds, where returns are purely market-driven, REITs are built on contractual rental income.

Building a SIP for real estate For the average investor, one of the biggest entry barriers to real estate has been the high entry cost. Buying a prime office in a city like Mumbai or a mall space in Bengaluru requires significant capital. REITs have changed this. By allowing investors to buy as little as a single unit priced between 300 and 500, REITs make a Real Estate SIP possible.

Through Rupee Cost Averaging, you can systematically build ownership in a diversified portfolio. Over time, these small monthly allocations accumulate into holdings in major business parks and retail hubs. You can essentially become a part-owner of global corporations without having to deal with the hassle of managing tenants or paying for the maintenance of these properties.

Stability and the 2026 regulatory changes While stock investments can experience significant valuation swings, one advantage of REITs is that their value is anchored in physical buildings. In a significant move, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) reclassified REITs as equity-related instruments on 1 January 2026 for taxation purposes.

This change allows mutual fund managers to include them more easily in equity schemes, increasing liquidity for retail investors. Additionally, with REITs set to be included in major equity indices from July 2026, the asset class is gaining greater visibility and institutional backing.

All in all, as an investor, you no longer need to make a choice between the volatility of capital markets and the safety net offered by debt. REITs offer an investment that balances the transparency of the stock market, the reliability of a rent cheque, and a stake in Indias urban future.
The suspected fraud at IDFC First Banks Chandigarh branch, disclosed on 22 February, sent the lenders shares tumbling as much as 18% by 24 February. Even as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has assured there is no systemic risk and the Haryana government has de-empanelled the bank for fresh deposits, Mint examines what the episode means for the Warburg Pincus-backed lender.
The push was outlined during a meeting chaired by the secretary of the ministry of food processing industries (MoFPI), according to a government statement on Tuesday, and reflects a broader attempt to modernize the farm economy by shifting value creation away from raw produce toward processed and packaged foods. Policymakers say the approach could stabilize farmer incomes, reduce wastage and strengthen exports through investments in infrastructure, technology adoption and value addition.
The Centre is unlikely to intervene on behalf of Indian companies after the US imposed a countervailing duty of 126% on Indian solar module exports, said a top official, adding that manufacturers can take legal recourse and appeal at the appropriate forum.

The US announced a preliminary countervailing duty (CVD) of 125.87% on imports of certain Indian solar equipment, alleging that the products are unfairly subsidized by the Indian government. Washington also announced different duties on the imports of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, whether or not assembled into modules from Indonesia and Laos.

Indian exports have already been impacted by high US tariffs, and are largely focusing on the domestic market, which is already grappling with oversupply. However, the recent interim trade deal framework and the US Supreme Court striking down the hefty tariffs raised hopes for easing the situation. India exports around 3 gigawatts (GW) of solar modules annually.

Once the CVD has been imposed, you will have to legally fight only. So, companies will have to challenge that in the appellate forum, but until then this will continue, this 126% which has been imposed... Indian government, of course, is not in the picture, Santosh Kumar Sarangi, secretary in the ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE), told reporters on Thursday. Its basically the affected parties which will counter. But generally from the embassy perspective, support is provided.

Also Read | A tsunami of investment is brewing in India's solar cell sector

According to Ankit Jain, vice president & co-group head-corporate ratings at Icra Ltd, countervailing duties and the growing regulatory uncertainty in the US are likely to dampen export volumes from India. The move will potentially exert pricing pressures on domestic original equipment manufacturers, and can impact the profitability of the solar module manufacturers, Jain said.

This development comes when the market is already anticipating an overcapacity of modules in the country.

"If these volumes are redirected back to India, it can result in pricing pressure in the Indian market, which is already oversupplied with solar module manufacturing capacity at more than 140GW as on date, which is expected to increase to over 165GW by March 2027," Jain said.

Amid concerns about oversupply, the MNRE cautioned banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) last December against unregulated lending to solar module manufacturers.

The ministry informed the Department of Financial Services and non-bank lenders, including Power Finance Corp., REC Ltd and Indian Renewable Energy Dev Agency Ltd, the status of installed domestic manufacturing capacities across solar modules and upstream stages like solar cells, ingots-wafers, polysilicon as well as ancillary equipment like solar glass and aluminium frames, the ministry said in a December statement. The move is aimed at ensuring that financial institutions can adopt a calibrated and well-informed approach while evaluating proposals for financing any manufacturing facility in the solar PV manufacturing sector and explore and expand their solar PV manufacturing portfolio to the upstream stages, it said.

Indas local manufacturing of solar modules aligns with the government's ambitious target of 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.

Mint recently reported that Indian solar equipment makers, including the country largest solar module firm Waaree Energies, Adani Solar, Reliance Industries Ltd, ReNew Energy Global plc, Brookfield and PTT backed Avaada Group and Premier Industries are lining up  30,000 crore solar cell play for creating new 50GW capacity in the next financial year (FY27) to leverage localization norms.
The court, in its 24 February ruling, clarified that a patent owner can still seek damages from a generic drugmaker for infringement that happened while the patent was valid. However, the patent can be cancelled even after expiry if it is still under challenge. If the expired patent is later revoked, the damages claim will not survive because the patent will be treated as if it never existed.
In FY18, 16 airports, including heliports, were connected under UDAN, followed by 18 in FY19. Fourteen airports were inaugurated in FY20. During the pandemic, nine airports each were operationalized in FY21 and FY22. The pace moderated thereafter, with eight airports added in FY23 and 10 in FY24the year of the Lok Sabha elections. Additions fell to six in FY25 before dropping further this year.
The traditional blueprint of the Indian workplace is being redrawn by the meteoric rise of Global Capability Centres (GCCs), which have emerged as the primary engine of the countrys commercial property market. The scale of this movement is staggering. Currently, India is home to approximately 1,800 GCCs, and industry projections suggest the sector will hit a $9 billion valuation by 2030.

With the Indian IT-ITES industry generating over $280 billion in annual revenue, real estate absorption remains robust at 75 to 80 million square feet year-on-year. As 70 per cent of Fortune 500 companies look to expand their Indian footprint by 2030, firms like Table Space, which currently manages about 11-12 million square foot portfolio, are becoming the essential infrastructure partners for global giants.

In a special interview on Mint's series Let's Get Real with Manisha Natarajan, Table Space co-founders Karan Chopra and Kunal Mehra broke down what it takes to win in a market where the total office stock is 950 million square feet, and why their goal of reaching 30 million square feet by 2030 is just the beginning.

Watch the full episode below,

Shifting the narrative from cost savings to Grade A experience For years, the narrative surrounding Indias outsourcing boom was centered on labour arbitrage. However, Chopra and Mehra argue that the modern GCC is driven by a quest for premium talent, which in turn demands premium working spaces. Global firms are no longer looking for the lowest price point when they come to set up office in India. They are looking for environments that reflect their global brand identity.

Chopra felt that the quality of the asset is now the primary conversation starter for multinationals entering the Indian market. I think those days are gone where people were coming to India for cheaper solutions when it comes to real estate. Today they want the best assets and we predominantly work only in grade A assets which are leased from Grade A developers, he said.

This focus on quality is paired with a move toward Indianising global designs. While a Microsoft or Google office in India must feel identical to its Palo Alto counterpart in terms of standards, Table Space utilises an in-house design team to ensure the local workforce feels a sense of cultural connection to their physical surroundings.

A 60-day delivery speed for a new workspace In the traditional real estate model, a company might spend six months on design and another seven months on construction. Table Space has disrupted this timeline, frequently delivering fully operational, customised offices in 60 to 90 days, and, in one instance, a record 43 days.

Mehra attributes this speed to a highly institutionalised assembly line approach. By managing 11 to 12 million square feet of operational real estate, the firm leverages massive economies of scale that a single occupier cannot replicate.

Our entire objective is to create that seamless experience for the customer because we want to be their integrated service provider throughout the country. That feeling of creating the same culture in any part of the country in 60 to 90 days and achieving that speed is unparalleled, explained Mehra.

By purchasing materials like chairs and construction supplies in bulk  buying 30,000 chairs at a time versus a single occupiers 500  Table Space passes cost efficiencies back to the client while handling the entire capital investment upfront.

An integrated ecosystem beyond real estate The most significant evolution in Table Spaces strategy is its transition into an institutionalised enterprise workspace ecosystem. This means the firm is no longer just a landlord but a service provider managing everything from talent hiring and GST registration to tech-enabled hospitality and food services.

Chopra said that this model creates a lasting partnership rather than a one-time transaction. Even clients who utilise their design and build service gain access to the broader Table Space network, which includes approximately 200 meeting rooms, 40 boardrooms, and 25 training rooms across 78 centres.

We work with them hand in hand for the entirety of the occupancy or the entirety of the contract that they have with the landlord. Instead of them investing capital, we invest capital and then we run the entire operations for them for the entirety of the contract, said Chopra.

To manage this complexity, the firm relies on a proprietary tech platform. Mehra, who recently explored robotics and new product integrations in China, labelled technology as the heartbeat of their scalability.

For us, tech is very very close to our heart and we completely believe that the scale that we want to achieve can only happen if you have the right technology in place.. Getting the tech right takes a bit more of our time because its evolving every day, every hour, Mehra said.

Future roadmap: Tier 2 cities and global footprints While the current industry footprint is around 90 million square feet, the co-founders see immense headroom within the broader 950 million square feet of Indian office stock. This growth strategy includes a move into Tier 2 cities, aligning with the governments push for city economic regions. While Mehra felt that talent is very scattered in smaller towns, the firm is already helping existing customers explore these new frontiers.

The vision also extends beyond Indias borders. With 40 per cent of their growth coming from repeat clientele, Table Space is exploring acquisitions and facilities in Dubai, Singapore, and the Philippines to ensure that once a customer enters their ecosystem, they never have a reason to leave.
Companies are putting up a brave face, saying that no enterprise will deploy AI-based tech by itself, and will need IT services firms for backward compatibility and compliance, among other things. For now, they are partnering with top AI companies worldwide, which means they could stabilize after two to three years, by which time AI itself will likely be more mature.
Akbar Novruz



Azerbaijan plans to send another 4,500 tons of diesel fuel to Armenia by rail today, February 25, as part of an ongoing program of fuel product deliveries between the two neighboring countries, local reports say, AzerNEWS reports.

The latest shipment continues a series of fuel exports that began in December 2025, following agreements to resume commercial trade and energy cooperation after years of conflict in the South Caucasus.

According to trade data for December 2025January 2026, Azerbaijan dispatched several oil product consignments to Armenia, including 1,220 tons of AI-95 gasoline on December 18, 1,742 tons of AI-95 gasoline and 956 tons of diesel fuel on January 9, and 979 tons of AI-92 gasoline on January 11.

Earlier deliveries in late 2025 also included fuel transported by rail through Georgia, marking the first time in decades that Azerbaijani oil products have been exported to Armenia via the AzerbaijanGeorgiaArmenia railway. That initial shipment of 1,300 tons of AI-95 gasoline was reported as not only a milestone in bilateral trade but also the first such energy transaction since peace initiatives were launched.

These fuel exports are seen as both commercial and symbolic; they reflect expanding economic interaction under the broader framework of normalization and rapprochement between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Azerbaijan also reiterated that Armenian products will be exchanged regarding the rapprochement, although details have yet to be disclosed.
Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Formula One is preparing to begin its season next month in Australia, and its CEO is bullish on the circuits new deal with Apple.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali praised the glitzy open-wheel racing circuits recent broadcast pact with Apple TV in the United States, which will see every event stream exclusively on the platform. Its the first time since the 2018 season that F1 will not be broadcast by ESPN.

Domenicali doesnt believe that will be an issue. In fact, he believes that Apple TV will offer F1 more exposure than ESPN ever did.

I dont want to, for a single second, talk badly about the ESPN relationship because they were the first to believe in us, the CEO prefaced, but I do believe that the reach that were going to have through the streaming platform, through Apple, will be even bigger in the future and it is what we want to test in a market that is more mature than the others. It will allow us to enter in the houses of other people in a different way, in great quality that is very important for us. So, that is what I believe the Apple relationship will bring to us in the American market, Domenicali told motorsports website Racer.

Its a bet on the future, as Domenicali mentions. But right now, its hard to say that Apple TV offers more reach than ESPN. Recently, Apple executive Eddy Cue said that Apple TV has significantly more than 45 million worldwide subscribers, as one analyst had estimated. Even still, the number of U.S. subscribers the service has likely pales in comparison to the more than 60 million households that have ESPN.

One look at Nielsens The Gauge data would seem to suggest Apple TV is more of a niche streamer than a wide-reaching platform. The service accounts for less than 0.5% of all television viewing in the United States, closer to streamers like AMC+ than services like Peacock, Tubi, or Paramount+.

MLS has learned the hard way that airing matches exclusively on Apple TV hasnt been a great way to get the league in front of as many eyeballs as possible.

However, theres reason to believe that F1 might be different. For one, every race will be available to Apple TV subscribers without any additional payment (a move that MLS is also making this year after three seasons stuck behind a separate paywall). And, of course, Apple has the power of being in the palm of everyones hands.

Apple will be very pushy to use all their tools that they have, with all the different applications and platforms that they have, Domenicali said. If Apple starts using its hardware to promote Formula One, thats something a network like ESPN simply cant compete with.

Though Nielsen likely wont be measuring viewership for Apples F1 broadcasts, its safe to say that fewer viewers will probably tune in to races this season as compared to prior years on ESPN. In its final season, ESPN set a season-long viewership record, averaging an audience of 1.3 million viewers per race.

The hope for F1 is that within the five-year term of its Apple TV agreement, the circuit will be able to recapture that audience with a more digitally native crowd. It remains to be seen whether fans that fell in love with the sport while it aired on ESPN will follow the circuit to Apple, however.
New Delhi: Communications minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Wednesday said there can be no compromise on matters of national security when it comes to regulating over-the-top (OTT) communication platforms under the law.

The minister was replying to Mint's questions at a press conference on whether the OTT regulations come under the ambit of the telecom act. This follows the department of telecommunications (DoT) move notifying rules which require apps such as Whatsapp, Telegram, and Signal, to log out users who do not have active SIM cards from the services.

There are some issues which are national security issues, there are some issues which are revenue implication issues. On the national security issues, there can be no compromise. On the revenue implications and issues, I am very clear in terms of ambit and mandate, Scindia told reporters.

The minister added that the government is not considering any extension of the 28 February deadline for OTT communication apps to comply with the new SIM binding rules. As of now, there is no thought on an extension, and the logout thing is only for virtual connection and not for direct on your phone, Scindia said.

Once implemented, the companies will have to bar users of their apps without active SIM cards from accessing their services. The companies will also have to ensure that users are automatically logged out of the web versions of these apps every six hours, and can only log back in by re-linking their device using a QR code.

The DoT issued these directions under the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024, which were amended in October 2025. Companies have been given until 28 February 2026 to comply with the directions. The governments own justification for mandating SIM binding is that it would curb cyber fraud.

Also Read | Voluntary commitment can make a bigger difference: MeitY secretary on AI pact

To be sure, the Telecommunications Act did not authorise the regulation of OTT communication platforms, nor provide the legislative basis to impose telecom-style operational mandates on them, as pointed out by industry experts and big tech lobby groups such as Broadband India Forum. The same comes under the ambit of the ministry of electronics and IT.

Tech companies and industry bodies, including the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and the Broadband India Forum (BIF), have voiced concerns against the move on SIM binding directions.

The tech industry bodies, which represent big tech companies and startups, have asked DoT to reconsider its mandate for continuous SIM binding in smartphones, saying this would have an adverse impact on many micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

IAMAI had argued that the domestic fraud clusters could remain largely unaffected, since scammers frequently obtain SIM cards using fake or borrowed IDs, use them briefly, and discard them. The Broadband India Forum had also said that it is disappointing that directions of such far-reaching operational impact have been issued with such short implementation timelines, without any form of public consultation or user-impact assessment.

Also Read | Centre plans market platform for AI startups in next mission phase: MeitY

When asked why the government did not conduct public consultation, the minister said the consultations happened.

Separately, the rules and regulations to pave the way for satellite internet services in the country have also not been finalised. Addressing the issue, Scindia said the government is eager to start satellite services in India, but this depends on two factors: the government's responsibility to fix the spectrum price and assign airwaves, and the companies' obligation to comply with security regulations.

"When both those things are done, then you can start executing on the satellite service. We are doing our best to get that spectrum assignment price on board as soon as possible, and it will be my effort to ensure that that is done before any one of the companies have complied with all their requirements from their end, Scindia said.

AGR relief When asked about the adjusted gross revenue (AGR) relief for Bharti Airtel and if the government was ready to give any relief, Scindia ruled out any fresh intervention beyond what the Supreme Court has permitted for Vodafone Idea. He said that Airtel can also take the courts route.

We are operating under a verdict of the Supreme Court. As far as AGR is concerned, it is based on that verdict that we have taken whatever action, Scindia said.

To be sure, Airtel has also sought parity on AGR relief from DoT.

The Union Cabinet on 31 December 2025 froze Vodafone Ideas AGR dues at 87,695 crore, and approved a repayment plan stretching from FY32 to FY41. The DoT has also initiated a reassessment of Vodafone Ideas AGR liabilities for the period between FY07 and FY19, following Supreme Court rulings in October and November that allowed a recalculation.

BSNL controversy When asked about the ministrys stance on the recent controversy around the itinerary planned for BSNL consumer fixed access (CFA) director Vivek Banzal that involved 50 officials and extensive arrangements, Scindia said the actions are unacceptable.
Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) share price fell over 4% to 105.29 apiece in Wednesday's trading session as the two-day offer for sale (OFS) by the central government opened today.

The government is looking to offload up to 4% stake in the PSU railway stock via the OFS.

IRFC share price opened at 105.79 in the early morning session today, as compared to 109.44 apiece on Tuesday.

Also Read | Sensex jumps 700 points 5 key factors dominating the market

IRFC OFS: Key details IRFC OFS has opened on Wednesday for non-retail investors. Meanwhile, the IRFC OFS will open for retail investors tomorrow, Thursday, February 26.

The government has proposed to sell a 2% stake of the company, along with an additional 2% through a green shoe option. As part of the OFS, more than 26.13 crore equity shares, having a face value of 10, will be divested, with the option to offload a further 26.13 crore shares in case of oversubscription.

The floor price has been fixed at 104 per share, valuing the OFS at about 5,436 crore for the total 4% equity sale.

Goldman Sachs Securities is acting as the sole broker, according to the filing.

The government presently owns an 86.36% stake in the company. Following the share sale, its holding will decline to 82.36%.

IRFC Q3 results 2026 highlights IRFC reported a 10.51% rise in net profit to 1,802 crore for the third quarter ended December 2025, compared with 1,631 crore in the same period last year.

The NBFC, which operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Railways, said its total income edged lower to 6,719 crore in the OctoberDecember quarter from 6,766.39 crore a year ago, according to a regulatory filing.

Meanwhile, the Mini-Ratna companys total expenses during the quarter under review declined to 4,917.04 crore, compared with 5,135.7 crore in the corresponding period of the previous year.

Revenue fell to 6,661 crore from 6,763 crore in the same period last year. The company attributed the slight year-on-year decline in quarterly income primarily to a one-year extension of a moratorium granted by the Ministry of Railways for a project lease agreement, which impacted revenue recognition during the quarter.

IRFC share price trend The multibagger railway stock has remained under pressure in the near term. The stock has shed 7% in the past five sessions and 8.34% in a month.

Zooming out further, the railway stock has declined over 15% in six months and 16.49% year-to-date (YTD). However, the IRFC share price has delivered multibagger returns of 326% in the last five years.
Multibagger penny stock: Defying the tepid stock market mood, jewellery stock PC Jeweller has delivered almost 8% returns so far in 2026, and is outperforming Sensex's 3.16% decline in the same period.

Amid a volatile market, the multibagger penny stock traded rangebound. That said, PC Jeweller stock has delivered a whopping 235% returns in the last five years, which coincides with its effort to improve the financial performance and reduce debt, and a sharp surge in gold prices.

What's driving PC Jewellers stock? According to market experts, the move in PC Jeweller reflects a recovery trade rather than sectoral momentum.

Harshal Dasani, Business Head at INVasset PMS, believes that over the past year, the company has focused on balance-sheet repair, debt rationalisation and operational clean-up after a prolonged stress phase.

PC Jeweller reported robust growth in its business update for the third quarter of FY26. The company, in its investor presentation, also expressed confidence about becoming debt-free in the near term, which further boosted investor buying interest in the stock.

The companys profit after tax (PAT) rose to 187 crore in Q3FY26 from 146 crore in Q3FY25, marking a growth of 28%. It also delivered a strong operating performance during the quarter, supported by steady consumer demand during the festive and wedding season. Standalone revenue grew 37% YoY to 875 crore in Q3FY26, compared with 639 crore in Q3FY25, highlighting sustained momentum in demand and effective sales execution.

Dasani further noted that another key factor behind the surge in the stock price is rising gold prices, which supported the jewellery demand sentimentally, even though margins remain sensitive to working-capital cycles. Gold prices rose 70% last year and remain 20% up YTD.

The financial turnaround is encouraging, particularly if revenue traction and margin stability are sustained for multiple quarters. However, jewellery remains a working-capital-intensive business with high inventory and gold price risks, Dasani said.

Is it the right time to buy PC Jeweller stock? Dasani further added that investors should look for consistency in cash flows, debt reduction progress and auditor comfort before taking exposure.

This is still a recovery story, not yet a structurally compounding one. Allocation, if any, should be measured and based on risk appetite rather than chasing short-term price strength, he said.

Meanwhile, commenting on multibagger penny stock's technical outlook, Anshul Jain, Head of Research at Lakshmishree, highlighted that PC Jeweller stock on the monthly chart has successfully retested its major breakout level near 10.5 and has spent the last four months consolidating within that reclaimed support band.

Jain believes that this behaviour reflects acceptance rather than failure. Given the timeframe, a four to six candle consolidation translates into four to six months of sideways price action, which appears likely before the next directional expansion.

Volumes through the base have dried up significantly, signalling supply exhaustion rather than distribution. The structure now resembles a large accumulation base forming above the prior breakout point. If this compression persists with low volatility and stable support, it can act as a strong launchpad for the next leg higher. Risk remains defined near the 10.5 zone, while sustained base building strengthens the longer-term bullish thesis, Jain added.
Digital payments major PhonePe has filed its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) to raise capital from the primary markets. While the PhonePe IPO timeline, issue size and other key details are yet to be disclosed, market participants have begun drawing comparisons with its listed peer Paytm, which debuted on the bourses in November 2021.

According to PhonePe IPO DRHP, the company reported 238 million monthly active customers (MACs), each transacting an average of 37 times per month. However, this scale of engagement has not yet translated proportionately into revenue. In H1FY26, PhonePe and Paytm reported broadly similar revenue, underscoring the monetisation challenge.

Also Read | Macquarie flags ESOP costs, revenue concentration concerns over PhonePe IPO

PhonePe has increasingly pivoted towards merchant-led monetisation and loan distribution to drive growth. Notably, around 18% of its H1FY26 revenue came from Real Money Gaming (RMG), rent payments and PIDF incentives  business streams that are set to be discontinued. Excluding these segments, PhonePes H1FY26 revenue was 17.6% lower than that of Paytm.

PhonePe vs Paytm: Who offers more risk-reward? Media reports suggest PhonePe is seeking a valuation of $13 billion, implying 18.7x H1FY26 annualised revenue (excluding discontinued businesses), compared with Paytms 9.8x multiple.

Given the relatively weaker profitability profile and premium valuation, Emkay Global Financial Services believes Paytm offers a more favourable risk-reward. The brokerage has maintained a Buy rating on Paytm shares. It has a Paytm share price of 1,500 apiece, implying an upside potential of more than 32% from Tuesdays closing level.

Also Read | Paytm may look cheap next to PhonePebut that could be a trap

Despite commanding over 301 million monthly active users (MAUs), maintaining a consistent 45%+ UPI market share, and processing UPI total payment value (TPV) of 148 lakh crore in CY25, PhonePes revenue per MAU stands at 21.4  among the lowest across Indian consumer internet platforms. In H1FY26, consumer-led revenues contributed 61.9% to PhonePes topline, compared with 23.6% for Paytm.

Merchant Revenue Contribution PhonePe has accelerated its focus on merchants as it faces monetisation constraints on the consumer side. Merchant revenue contribution rose to 38.1% in H1FY26 from 14.7% in FY23. In contrast, Paytms merchant business, supported by a more mature POS and payment aggregation/payment gateway (PA/PG) ecosystem, accounted for 76.4% of its H1FY26 revenue.

At the start of the decade, PhonePe had prioritised insurance distribution to monetise its user base, reportedly investing around 1,000 crore. Meanwhile, Paytm focused on loan distribution, which scaled meaningfully over time. Insurance distribution proved more complex to scale, prompting PhonePe over the past two years to pivot aggressively toward loan distribution.

This segment contributed an estimated 9% to H1FY26 revenue, compared to negligible contribution in FY23, and has grown at over 100% annually, making it a key growth driver.

View full Image Source: Emkay Global

Cost Structure Profitability remains a key differentiator. While PhonePes H1FY26 EBITDA before ESOP expenses stood at 2.5 billionclose to Paytms 2.8 billionhigher ESOP costs ( 18.1 billion versus 650 million for Paytm) and depreciation and amortisation ( 5.7 billion versus 3.0 billion) resulted in a significantly wider EBIT loss of 21.2 billion, compared with Paytms 900 million loss.

Emkay attributes PhonePes higher capital expenditure  35.8 billion over FY23-25 versus Paytms 18.5 billion  to investments in data centres. However, the brokerage notes that these investments have yet to deliver meaningful operating leverage, and elevated D&A expenses are likely to persist given legacy capex and an ESOP-heavy compensation structure.

View full Image Source: Emkay Global

Paytm Share Price Performance While investors keenly await the PhonePe IPO, its rival One97 Communications Ltd, the parent company of Paytm, had made a weak debut in the Indian stock market on November 18, 2021. Paytm shares were listed at a significant discount, opening at 1,950 and 1,955 per share on the NSE and BSE  roughly 9% below its issue price of 2,150 per share.

However, Paytm shares plunged over 27% on the first day, closing around 1,560 - 1,564, making it one of the weakest major debuts in Indian stock market history.

Paytm shares have failed to reclaim their IPO price since listing. The stock still trades nearly 48% below its issue price. Paytm share price has fallen 12% in six months, but has rallied 53% in one year. The stock has delivered multibagger returns of 176% over the past two years.
Frontline indices, the Sensex and the Nifty 50, ended higher on Wednesday, February 25, tracking positive global cues. However, losses in shares of select heavyweights, such as Reliance and SBI, capped gains.

The Sensex finished at 82,276.07, up 50 points, or 0.06%, while the Nifty 50 closed 58 points, or 0.23%, higher at 25,482.50.

The mid and small-cap segments, on the other hand, ended with decent gains. The BSE 150 MidCap Index rose by 0.67%, while the BSE 250 SmallCap Index climbed 0.48%.

Thanks to gains in the mid and small-cap segments, investors' wealth rose by more than 1 lakh crore in a single session as the cumulative market capitalisation of BSE-listed firms rose to over 467 lakh crore from 465.6 lakh crore in the previous session.

Indian stock market today: 10 key highlights 1. Market action The Sensex surged as much as 732 points and the Nifty 50 reclaimed 25,652 in the intraday session, but erased most gains and ended with minor gains on profit booking in select heavyweights.

In terms of index contribution, Reliance, SBI, Bharti Airtel, HDFC Bank, and ITC were the top drags on the Sensex index. On the other hand, ICICI Bank, TCS, Mahindra and Mahindra, Infosys, and Tata Steel offered the most support to the index.

"The initial strength tapered off as renewed tarifffocused comments from the U.S. President reignited global trade concerns, limiting the days gains with depreciation in INR. Looking ahead, geopolitical tensions such as U.S.Iran developments, along with AI and tariffrelated news flow, are likely to shape market direction in the near term," Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited, noted.

2. Top Nifty 50 gainers As many as 34 stocks ended higher in the Nifty 50 index, among which HCL Technologies (up 2.91%), Bajaj Auto (up 2.73%), and Tata Steel (up 2.63%) ended as the top gainers.

3. Top losers in the Nifty 50 index Reliance Industries (down 2.12%), SBI (down 1.90%), and Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (down 1.72%) ended as the top losers in the index.

4. Sectoral indices today Most sectoral indices ended higher, with Nifty Metal (up 2.70%), Auto (up 1.85%), Pharma (up 1.85%), and IT (up 1.57%) clocking strong gains.

On the flip side, Nifty PSU Bank (down 0.39%), FMCG (down 0.25%), Realty (down 0.19%), and Oil and Gas (down 0.18%) ended in the red.

Nifty Bank slipped 0.01% to end at 61,043.35.

5. Most active counters in terms of volume Vodafone Idea (30.6 crore shares), Tata Silver Exchange Traded Fund (13 crore shares), and Eternal (10.3 crore shares) were the most active counters in terms of volume on the NSE.

6. Advance-decline ratio The advance-decline ratio remained in favour of decliners as over 2,000 stocks advanced while more than 2,100 declined on the BSE.

7. Seven stocks jump over 15% on BSE SecMark Consultancy and Jindal Poly Films were among the seven stocks that jumped more than 15% on the BSE.

On the flip side, Generic Engineering Construction, R M Drip and Sprinklers Systems, and GTPL Hathway were among the eight stocks that fell more than 15% on the BSE.

8. Some 114 stocks hit 52-week highs NTPC, Tata Steel, Bajaj Auto, Bank of Baroda, Federal Bank, Cummins India, IOC, JSW Steel, Lupin, Shriram Finance, and TVS Motor Company were among the 114 stocks that hit their 52-week highs in intraday trade on the BSE.

9. 323 stocks hit 52-week lows As many as 323 stocks, including Suzlon Energy, IRFC, Procter & Gamble Hygiene and Health Care, Cyient, and Alkyl Amines Chemicals, hit their 52-week lows in intraday trade on the BSE.

10. Nifty's technical outlook According to Shrikant Chouhan, the head of equity research at Kotak Securities, the 20-day SMA (simple moving average) or 25,600 will act as an immediate resistance zone for day traders.

"As long as the market trades below this level, the weak sentiment is likely to continue on the downside, with a potential slip toward the 200-day SMA or 25,350-25,300. Conversely, if the market moves above the 20-day SMA or 25,600, the pullback could extend toward 25,750-25,800," said Chouhan.

According to SBI Securities, the immediate support for Nifty is placed in the 25,40025,350 zone.

"Any sustainable move below this zone could result in Nifty filling the gap and extending its weakness towards 25,150, followed by 24,950 in the short term. On the upside, the zone of 25,60025,650 is likely to act as an immediate resistance," said SBI Securities.

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The Indian stock market closed Wednesday's session, February 25, on a higher note, albeit with modest gains, as key indices erased most of their opening gains to settle near the day's low. IT stocks saw a sharp relief rally after a brutal sell-off in the previous session triggered by AI disruption fears.

Metal and auto stocks also supported the indices, offsetting losses in PSU Bank and FMCG counters, with the Nifty 50 eventually settling 0.23% higher at the 25,482 level, while the Sensex remained largely unchanged at the 82,274 level.

The broader markets, however, outperformed the frontline indices, with the Nifty Midcap 100 surging 0.60%, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 index closed even higher by nearly 1%, indicating that the market breadth decisively turned in favour of the bulls.

Sector-wise, the Nifty Metal rose 2.7%, while the Nifty Auto and Nifty Pharma indices each closed 1.85% higher. After nearly a 5% crash in the previous session, improved sentiment drove bulls back to the IT sector, with the Nifty IT closing 1.57% higher. However, the index remains down 20% in February so far.

On the losing side, the Nifty PSU Bank fell 0.39%, while the Nifty FMCG index shed 0.25%.

Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments, said, "Indian markets opened with a gapup, driven by upbeat global cues and a rebound in U.S. tech stocks as AIrelated uncertainty eased. Additionally, dovish signals from the BoJ supported regional sentiment, keeping Asian markets firm. However, the initial strength tapered off as renewed tarifffocused comments from the US president reignited global trade concerns, limiting the days gains with depreciation in INR."

Looking ahead, geopolitical tensions such as U.S.Iran developments, along with AI and tariffrelated news flow, are likely to shape market direction in the near term, he added.

Waaree Energies and Premier Energies crash on US tariff shock; Welspun down another 7% Waaree Energies and Premier Energies were the biggest casualties, falling 10.4% and 6.1%, respectively, after the United States imposed preliminary duties on imports from India, Indonesia, and Laos  the latest in a decade-long series of levies on cheap Asian imports, as per news reports.

Welspun Living continued to remain under pressure, with the stock losing another 5.3% to 127, taking its week-to-date decline to 7% and erasing most of the gains accumulated earlier this month. Indian Railway Finance Corporation also came under pressure, with the stock falling 4.5% as the two-day offer for sale (OFS) by the central government opened today.

Also Read | Indian IT stocks jump up to 4% as global tech stocks rally

The government is looking to offload up to a 4% stake in the PSU railway stock via the OFS. Meanwhile, the sell-off in Firstsource Solutions showed no signs of easing, with the stock tumbling another 4% to 218.65, its lowest level since July 2024.

In February alone, the stock has lost 32% of its value, marking its biggest monthly drop since March 2020. Swan Corp was another top laggard in the Nifty 500 index, falling 3%.

Other stocks from the pack included Manappuram Finance, Newgen Software Tech, and Adani Power, all closing lower with losses of over 2.5%.

Metals roar, pharma and auto join the rally Concord Biotech led the gainers' list, with the stock rallying 14.4% to 1,230 apiece, while metal stocks such as Lloyds Metals & Energy and Jindal Saw finished the session higher by 7.5% and 7.1%, respectively.

Other stocks in the metal pack, such as National Aluminium, Vedanta, Hindustan Copper, Shyam Metalics and Energy, Hindustan Zinc, and Steel Authority of India, closed with gains between 3% and 5%.

Graphite India, too, ended the session with a sharp gain of 5.2% at 719.3 apiece. Meanwhile, auto and auto-ancillary stocks such as Usha Martin, Hero MotoCorp, and TVS Motor Company advanced 5%, 4.11%, and 3%, respectively.

In the pharma pack, Mankind Pharma, Laurus Labs, and Natco Pharma were among other gainers, rallying up to 5%. Overall, 25 constituents of the Nifty 500 closed with gains of over 3%.
Shares of Waaree Energies, Premier Energies, and Vikram Solar dropped as much as 15% on Wednesday, February 25, following the announcement by the Trump administration of preliminary tariffs of 126% on solar imports from India, as per news reports.

Provisional tariffs have also been established ranging from 86% to 143% for imports from Indonesia and set at 81% for those from Laos. The US Commerce Department indicated that these rates were determined based on foreign subsidies that enabled exporters to underprice domestic solar manufacturers, according to news report.

Initial duties have been established between 86% and 143% for imports from Indonesia, while duties for imports from Laos have been set at 81%. As per the US Commerce Department, these rates were established based on foreign subsidies that enabled exporters to undermine domestic solar manufacturers.

These duties will differ from the reciprocal tariffs that were imposed by the Trump administration and were invalidated by the US Supreme Court last week. In retaliation, Trump originally announced a universal tariff of 10% before increasing it to 15% over the weekend. The 10% tariff came into effect last night, according to local time.

The US Commerce Department noted that the value of solar imports from India in 2024 amounted to $792.6 million, which is over nine times the value reported in 2022.

When it comes to the presence these companies have in the US market, Premier Energies has a limited presence, while 20% of Vikram Solars order book comes from international exports. Waaree Energies, on the other hand, has established manufacturing capabilities in the US market.

As per CNBC-TV18 news report, in their earnings call for the December quarter, Waaree Energies' management emphasized the significance of the US market for the company, highlighting their commitment to not only manufacturing there but also increasing their investments. Recently, the company acquired Meyer Burger and is actively seeking both organic and inorganic growth opportunities.

Technical Views Waaree Energies share price opened at 2,815.10 apiece on the BSE, the stock touched an intraday high of 2,820.55 and an intraday low of 2,571.45 apiece. While Premier Energies shares opened at 700.05 apiece on the BSE, touching an intraday high of 744 and an intraday low of 667.05 per share.

Anshul Jain, Head of Research at Lakshmishree, said that within renewable energy names, Waaree Energies Limited, Premier Energies Limited, and Vikram Solar Limited are showing divergent structures.

Jain highlighted that Waaree Energies has gapped below its major support near 2,840, confirming structural weakness and shifting moving averages into resistance mode. Vikram Solar has corrected nearly 29% in just 10 days, with expanding downside volatility and visible overhead supply, keeping risk elevated.

In contrast, Premier Energies is holding structure relatively better, with signs of stabilization rather than breakdown. Momentum is cooling constructively, setting up conditions for a tactical rebound. A bounce toward the 780 to 790 zone appears plausible if participation improves. From a riskreward perspective, Premier Energies stands out as the preferred candidate for a near-term recovery trade, said Jain.

(With inputs from agencies)
(Bloomberg) -- Cuban forces killed four people and wounded six others who were traveling in a speedboat with Florida tags after they opened fire on the islands border patrol, the government said.

The vessel approached within one nautical mile off the coast of Villa Clara on Wednesday morning, the Interior Ministry said in a statement. When security forces approached to identify the passengers, the occupants opened fire, injuring the commander of the military vessel.

US and Cuban tensions are running high as Donald Trumps administration has effectively imposed a naval blockade on the communist-run island, and dramatically reduced its access to fuel. The president has also mused about the collapse of the six-decade-old regime.

Faced with current challenges, Cuba reaffirms its commitment to protecting its territorial waters, based on the principle that national defense is a fundamental pillar of the Cuban state, the ministry said. The wounded passengers are being provided with medical care.

The US State Department didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

Trump had appeared to be providing some relief for Cuba as recently as Tuesday, when the government signaled it would allow fuel imports for private businesses on the island.

At the same time, the Trump administration has been pressuring other nations to stop the use of Cuban health workers, which generates much-needed hard currency for the cash-strapped island, particularly now that its tourism industry has taken a hit.

Cuba has been a one-party state ever since the 1959 revolution led by Fidel Castro toppled a US-backed dictator. The Caribbean nation of about 10 million relied on support from the Soviet Union until its collapse in 1991, and had until recently been relying on subsidized Venezuelan oil to meet its energy needs.

(Updates with additional context beginning in fifth paragraph. Previous versions corrected the timing of the incident in the second and the spelling of State Department in the fifth.)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
In a horrific incident, a bride was shot by a jilted lover during her wedding ceremony in Bihars Buxar district. The 18-year-old victim is in critical condition. She is currently receiving intensive care at a hospital in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

The incident took place on Tuesday night in the Chausa Nagar Panchayat area. The victim, Aarti Kumari, was exchanging garlands with her groom when the attacker struck.

Chaos on the Wedding Stage Eyewitnesses said a masked man climbed onto the stage and fired at the bride. At first, loud music drowned out the sound of the gunshot. Chaos erupted only after Aarti collapsed. Onlookers soon realised she had a gunshot wound in her abdomen.

Also Read | Karnataka court sentences 3 to death in Israeli tourist gang rape case

Aarti was first taken to Buxars Sadar Hospital. Doctors later moved her to Varanasi for specialised treatment.

WATCH VIDEO

According to a Times of India report, Aarti identified the shooter to her relatives. Deenbandhu shot me, she told them.

Family members identified the suspect as Deenbandhu, a neighbour. They claim he had been obsessed with Aarti for two years. Aarti had repeatedly rejected his advances. This obsession previously led to the cancellation of another wedding engagement after the suspect harassed the former grooms family.

However, the suspects father, Ramashankar Chaudhary, claimed he knew nothing about a connection between his son and Aarti.

Police investigation Mufassil Police have registered a formal case. Early findings suggest the shooting was a personal vendetta. Law enforcement officers are now conducting raids to catch the fleeing suspect.

Punjab: Law student kills woman classmate inside the classroom, then shoots himself Recently, a first-year law student in Punjab's Tarn Taran district reportedly shot and killed a female classmate inside their classroom before attempting suicide, leaving fellow students in a state of shock.

The suspect, identified as 20-year-old Prince Raj, is the son of a retired CRPF officer. Meanwhile, the victim, 19-year-old Sandeep Kaur, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Both individuals were enrolled as freshmen at Mai Bhago Law College, located in Usma village. According to police statements, the weapon used in the assault appeared to be an illegal firearm. Relatives of the deceased alleged that Raj had been stalking and harassing Kaur for a significant period. Preliminary inquiries suggest that Rajs actions may have been driven by unrequited feelings for Kaur, who was reportedly engaged to be married to someone else.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Jagbir Singh confirmed that the shooting occurred just before the start of a lecture. After firing at Kaur, Raj immediately turned the weapon on himself. He was subsequently transported to Guru Nanak Dev Hospital in Amritsar.

Also Read | UK police fear more victims after man convicted of rape

Tarn Taran Senior Superintendent of Police Surendra Lamba stated that a formal investigation is ongoing to establish a definitive motive.

"Prima facie, they appear to have been friends. Possibly, the friendship turned bitter. It is all part of the investigation," he said, adding that police will question the friends and family members of the duo.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, or popularly recognised as Mumbai's BMC, on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, proposed a budget outlay of 80,952.56 crore for the upcoming financial year 2026-27, reported the news agency PTI.

According to the agency report, BMC's budget outlay for the upcoming fiscal year marks an 8.77% year-on-year (YoY) rise, compared to 74,427.41 crore in the previous year's budget.

Tabling the annual budget, BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani said that the civic body's capital expenditure estimates are at 48,164.28 crore in the next financial year, compared to 39,159.51 crore in the FY2025-26, marking an 11.59% YoY rise.

The agency report also highlighted that the capital outlay, which was estimated to be for the financial year 2025-26, was later revised downwards.

BMC's revenue expense estimates Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's annual budget for the financial year 2026-27 highlighted that the civic body's revenue expenditure is proposed to be at 32,698.44 crore, which marks a 15.71% rise YoY, compared to the revenue estimates of 28,257.91 crore for the previous financial year 2025-26.

The revenue expenditure estimates for the ongoing financial year were initially estimated to be at 31,204.53 crore. However, this was later reduced by 2,946.62 crore following expenditure rationalisation measures.

The data collected as of 31 January 2026 showed that the civic body BMC has incurred a revenue expenditure of 19,001.88 crore, which is 67.24% of the revised estimate for the current fiscal, while the capital expenditure stood at 22,425.16 crore during the same period.

Where will BMC use the funds? The agency report highlighted that a major portion of the capital outlay of the BMC will be allocated for core infrastructure developments. The capital expenditure under the A, B, E, G and T.A. heads, including improvement schemes, education fund, water supply and sewerage and tree authority, is pegged at 30,069.89 crore.

Out of this allocation, 13,990 crore has been allocated for the development of the Coastal Road, Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR), sewage treatment plants (STPs) and other infrastructure projects.

BMC has also proposed capital expenditure for special projects at 4,104.39 crore.

BMC's income estimates According to the agency report, the estimated revenue income for the upcoming fiscal year stands at 51,510.94 crore, compared to the previous budget estimate of 43,159.40 crore, marking a 19.35% increase on a YoY basis.

After the initial estimates of the current fiscal year, the revenue income estimates were later revised upwards to 46,778.12 crore, which marks an increase of 8.38% YoY.

One of BMC's major sources of revenue has always been income from property tax, which is projected to come around 7,000 crore for the financial year 2026-27, compared to the revised estimates of 6,200 crore for the ongoing financial year 2025-26.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday addressed the recent reports of alleged misconduct against women from the Northeast in Delhi's Malviya Nagar and expressed her concern over the incident.

The chief minister said the incident was brought to her attention through social media tags and videos from various influencers.

I want to emphasise that in Delhi, the nation's capital, our brothers and sisters from the Northeast have as much right as anyone from any other state. People from the border states come to Delhi and work hard to earn a living, contributing to the city's progress. No form of misconduct against them will be tolerated. Strict action will be taken against those responsible, Gupta said in a video message shared from her social media handles.

The Delhi Police have arrested a married couple for allegedly hurling racial slurs at three of their neighbours from the Northeast in south Delhi's Malviya Nagar area, an officer said on Wednesday.

Ruby Jain and her husband, Harsh Priya Singh, were taken into custody following an investigation in the FIR registered at Malviya Nagar Police Station.

Delhi belongs to everyone. Here, the dignity, respect, and safety of every citizen is paramount, Gupta said in a social media post.

According to the police, Ruby Jain allegedly hurled abusive and derogatory remarks at three women from Arunachal Pradesh during a row over repair work at their rented accommodation on February 20.

The police have invoked the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in the FIR against the arrested woman.

Gupta further stated that she intends to engage with the broader Northeast community in Delhi to address systemic issues and ensure their safety through potential policy interventions.

"I will meet not only those sisters but also other residents from the Northeast to listen to their problems and provide solutions. If any policy changes are required, we will implement them. For any problems or suggestions, you can DM me directly," Gupta concluded.

A case was registered at Malviya Nagar Police Station in South Delhi against two residents for allegedly racially abusing and criminally intimidating three women tenants from the North-Eastern region, police said.

What was the case? The FIR at PS Malviya Nagar has been registered under BNS Section 79 (Word, gesture, or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman), Section 351(2) (Punishment for criminal intimidation), Section 196 (Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, etc) and Section 3(5) (Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention.)

The incident occurred on the afternoon of 20 February 2026, when three women, residing as tenants in an apartment complex in Malviya Nagar, were overseeing electrical installation work in their flat.

Also Read | 48-hour water disruption in several parts of Delhi from tomorrow

As an electrician began drilling, dust from the construction allegedly filtered down into the neighbours' premises below.

This minor environmental grievance quickly turned into a volatile confrontation. The complainants alleged mental harassment and humiliation, though no physical injuries were reported.
Ruby Jain and Harsh  the Delhi couple accused of hurling racial slurs at three women from Arunachal Pradesh in capital city's Malviya Nagar area  have been sent to 14-day judicial custody. The couple was arrested and produced before Additional Sessions Judge Samar Vishal on Wednesday, February 25. They were later remanded in judicial custody till March 11.

The case came to light after a video of Ruby and Harsh Jain allegedly hurling racial slurs at three of their neighbours from Northeast went viral. The row was reportedly over repair work at their rented accommodation on February 20. A case was registered at Malviya Nagar police station.

Police have invoked the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in the FIR against the arrested woman.

Also Read | Who was Angel Chakma? Tripura youth stabbed to death for opposing racial abuse

They said the case was initially registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, invoking charges of criminal intimidation, insult to the modesty of women, and promoting enmity between groups.

"The investigation has now been entrusted to an ACP-rank officer after SC-ST Act added and is being closely supervised by senior officials," the police said in a statement.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta reacts As the video went viral, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta condemned the incident and said that she will meet the three girls.

She wrote on X, I strongly condemn the incident that occurred with our sisters from the Northeast and stand firmly with them. Here, the dignity, respect, and safety of every citizen is paramount. I will meet with them personally.

Rekha Gupta added, The police are taking legal action with full responsibility, and we will ensure that the strictest possible action is taken against the culprits. Harassing, discriminating against, or humiliating any daughter will not be tolerated at any cost. We are all one, and the safety of every daughter is our utmost responsibility.

Union minister Kiren Rijiju and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu have also reacted to the viral video from Malviya Nagar and said atrocities on people from the Northeast will not be tolerated, warning strong action against the accused. Also Read | Angel Chakma's killing not a racial attack, Uttarakhand Police tells why

I personally have spoken to police and following up on the action. Arrest has been made and strong legal action will be initiated. We will teach a lesson to ensure that no one ill treats anyone from the Northeast, Kiren Rijiju said.

Pema Khandu said he spoke to the Delhi Police Commissioner and sought swift and strict action.

The CP is personally in touch with me. The accused will be dealt with as per law. We stand firmly with our three sisters, and their safety, dignity, and justice remain our highest priority, the chief minister said.
New Delhi: An FIR has been registered in connection with a late-night firing at a car carrying a lawyer associated with jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi near the ISBT in Kashmere Gate, police said on Wednesday.

Gangster Naveen Boxer allegedly claimed responsibility for the attack through a social media post purported to be from him.

The case has been registered at Kashmere Gate Police Station under sections 109(1) (attempt to murder) and 3(5) (criminal conspiracy) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act at the complaint of advocate Deepak Khatri, the police said.

Khatri had earlier received threats of violence, a police source said.

On Tuesday at around 10.10 pm, a car came under gun attack near the Marghat Wale Hanuman Temple close to ISBT. There were five occupants in the vehicle at the time of the incident.

One of the occupants sustained a bullet injury to his shoulder and was admitted to a hospital. He is stated to be stable and out of danger, an officer said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Raja Banthia said the occupants of the car have given varying accounts regarding the number of assailants involved in the attack.

Meanwhile, a social media post surfaced shortly after the incident in which gangster Naveen Boxer purportedly claimed responsibility for the firing.

The post, shared from a profile bearing his name and photograph, stated that the attack was carried out by him and his associates and also issued threats to Khatri.

"He acts as an informant and middleman for Lawrence. You arrange extortion deals and bring information during meetings  stop doing this. Otherwise, your actions will be punished and your entire family will have to suffer the consequences," the post read.

The police said they are verifying the authenticity of the social media account and the claim.

"We are examining the post and its origin. Appropriate legal action will be taken based on the findings," an officer said.
An FIR has been registered in the Thar accident case in Goa, which left one person dead, media reports said on Wednesday.

According to NDTV, police filed a case of causing death due to negligence.

A 65-year-old tourist from Bhopal died on Monday after a rented Mahindra Thar SUV collided with the family's hatchback at the Happy Bar junction in North Goa's Assagao.

The victim, Bhagatram Sharma, who was travelling in a Hyundai i20 with family members, was pronounced dead at the scene due to injuries sustained in the accident.

The other occupants of the Hyundai i20 were taken to a hospital, Hindustan Times reported, adding that one occupant, a woman, suffered minor injuries. A five-month-old infant who was also in the i20 escaped unscathed.

What we know about the crash According to reports, the accident occurred on Monday, but details remain scarce.

However, videos circulating on social media show that one side of the i20 got completely crushed.

Also Read | Authorities looking into factors that could have caused Jharkhand plane crash

Eyewitnesses alleged that occupants of the Thar attempted to switch seats immediately after the collision, with HT reporting that the move was to shield the driverallegedly a womanfrom accountability.

The male member of the group went and sat in the drivers seat following the crash, eyewitness and local resident Myron Fernandes told HT.

Videos posted online showed several youngsters, including three young women and a young man, inside the car.

Also Read | Delivery boy dies in fatal road accident as speeding car rams into e-scooter

In the video, the male occupant of the Thar is speaking on the phone, Papa, I was at the intersection..., he says, before his voice fades.

Following the accident, police seized the rented Mahindra Thar and registered a case of rash and negligent driving, HT reported.
Four people have been arrested in the 590-crore IDFC First Bank fraud case. Haryanas State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau made the arrests on 24 February evening as a part of the ongoing investigation, PTI reported.

Among those arrested are two former IDFC First Bank employees, Ribhav Rishi and Abhay. The other two accused are Abhays wife, Swati Singla, and her brother, Abhishek Singla. They are private individuals and run a partnership firm.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) earlier registered an FIR after the fraud had come to light. The state government also formed a committee to examine the matter.

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini earlier told the Assembly that strict action would be taken against all those involved. Opposition leaders, including Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Rao Narender Singh, have demanded a CBI probe. The investigation is being supervised by IPS officer Ganga Ram Punia.

Swati, along with her brother Abhishek, had set up a company named Swastik Desh Projects to divert government funds. We will seek their custody from the court for the purpose of interrogation, ACB officials said.

The bank has disclosed that its employees and others are involved in the 590-crore fraud related to Haryana government accounts. Officials from the Development and Panchayats Department launched an internal inquiry after discovering discrepancies in the accounts.

They said that senior IDFC First Bank officials, who attended the inquiry committee meeting on 16 February, were asked to submit written statements. They were also told to provide the committee with full details and documents related to the case.

The IDFC First bank officials promised to submit the said statement after due vetting and following standard operating procedure of the bank. But no such statement has been submitted by the said officials till date, officials said.

IDFC FIRST Bank repays amount Meanwhile, IDFC FIRST Bank has repaid the full principal amount claimed by departments of the Haryana government, the bank said in a statement.

Preliminary findings suggest that some branch employees fraudulently cleared forged cheques and payment instructions. It was earlier assumed that the fraud was possibly in collusion with outside parties.

Even though the probe is still ongoing, the bank said it has immediately repaid 100% of the amount claimed by the affected government departments. The bank says it supports the Haryana Government and law enforcement agencies in finding the culprits and penalising them.

"The Bank has immediately honoured 100 per cent of the principal and interest claimed by the relevant departments of the Government of Haryana, amounting to 583 crore. Final amount may change depending on any further claims or reconciliation," the company said in its statement.

The interest in Bank fraud on Google India increased from 22 February to 23 February:

View full Image The interest in Bank fraud on Google India increased from 22 February to 23 February ( Google India )

IDFC FIRST Bank financials According to IDFC FIRST Bank, it remains financially strong and well-capitalised. As of 31 December 2025, it holds AAA ratings for fixed deposits from CRISIL and AA long-term ratings from CRISIL, ICRA, India Ratings and CARE.

The banks total customer business, including loans and deposits, reached 5,62,090 crore, marking a 22.6% year-on-year growth. Asset quality remains stable, with Gross NPA at 1.69% and Net NPA at 0.53%, according to ANI.

Its capital adequacy ratio stood at 16.22% and CASA ratio at 51.6%. Net Interest Margin was healthy at 5.76% in Q3FY26.
More than 200 Singapore-bound IndiGo passengers departing from Chennai were reportedly confined to their aircraft for approximately five hours on Tuesday  a delay exceeding the actual flight duration.

The ordeal gained widespread attention after a viral video surfaced showing distressed passengers confronting airline staff.

Also Read | IndiGo ensures operational stability as pilot duty norm relaxations end

However, IndiGo officials attributed the disruption to a technical snag; the pilot reportedly detected an abnormally high cabin temperature and alerted the engineering department. However, by the time the mechanical issue was resolved, the cockpit crew had exceeded their mandatory Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), necessitating a crew change.

We had to arrange an alternate crew, which took time, the IndiGo response said, according to a Times of India report.

A passenger posted on social media claiming they were left to suffocate as the air conditioning functioned sporadically.

There was no clear explanation and no transparent communication. The cabin air conditioning repeatedly switched on and off. Infants, children, elderly passengers and working professionals were on board. Passengers who requested to deboard due to discomfort were not permitted to do so for a considerable period, one of the passengers said, according to the report.

Furthermore, travellers alleged they were threatened with CISF intervention rather than receiving a transparent explanation for the significant setback.

Flight 6E1025 was originally slated for a 7:30 AM departure, with boarding commencing at 6:30 AM, yet the aircraft remained grounded well past its scheduled time.

According to those on board, the initial pilot exited the plane during the delay, citing labour hour regulations. A replacement pilot finally reported for duty at 11:00 AM, allowing the flight to eventually depart at noon.

Conversely, IndiGo representatives insisted that passengers were kept informed throughout the wait and were served refreshments during the transition.

IndiGo starts direct flights from Navi Mumbai Airport to 6 cities IndiGo has unveiled a fresh set of direct flight paths linking Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) to Ahmedabad, Diu, Goa, Rajkot, Belgaum, and Kolhapur, starting 29 March 2026. In a formal announcement, the carrier confirmed it will deploy its ATR fleet for these journeys, bolstering its footprint at NMIA while significantly improving regional air links throughout the area.

These new offerings expand IndiGo's presence in Navi Mumbai by providing flexible schedules and streamlined travel options.

By growing its ATR-operated network, the airline aims to stimulate regional aviation, bolster local economies and tourism, and bridge the gap between major hubs and tier-2 or tier-3 cities with dependable connectivity.

Earlier this month, however, IndiGo disclosed modifications to its international long-haul operations, involving the suspension or reduction of certain services due to external logistical hurdles. A press release clarified that these adjustments are intended to stabilize flight schedules and reduce traveler frustration.
Jamia Millia Islamia has rejected as fake a nikaah notification that circulated on social media claiming to have been issued by the institution. The circular alleged that the university had arranged nikaah for men and women seen together during the month of Ramadan.

Some students, according to The Times of India, claimed the circular was circulating in WhatsApp groups.

University takes legal action In its statement, the university said the nikaah circular was intended to tarnish its image. It added that a complaint had been lodged with the Cyber Crime Branch of the Delhi Police over the circulation of the fake notice.

Rejecting the notice, the university said it was totally fake and no such notification has been issued by the university authorities. The administration urged students and staff not to take the viral message seriously, according to the official statement.

Assistant Registrar JMI, in its clarification, said, It is hereby notified for all concerned that a notification No. C&0-9(2)/R0/2026 dated 20.02.2026, regarding arranging Nikah if any Boy and Girl found standing together during the Holy month of Ramadan is being circulated in the social media, is totally fake and no such notification has been issued by the University Authorities.

What did the circular say? The notice, dated 20 February and carrying Jamia Millia Islamia's letterhead, said, It is hereby to inform (sic) that during the Holy month of Ramadan, standing together in couple (sic) (boy and girl) is strictly prohibited. If any couple is found standing together, their nikkah will be arranged immediately.

Please respect the sanctity of the university and avoid any unnecessary closeness. In the event of a violation, the couple will be responsible for arranging their own Walima, it said. Also Read | Jamia Millia Islamia bans protests, raising of slogans on campus without prior notice: Students will face

Ramadan is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. During this period, muslims fast from dawn to sunset and engage in increased spiritual activities, including special nightly prayers.

The crescent moon marking the beginning of Ramadan was sighted on 18 February, and the first roza was observed on Wednesday, 19 February.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has achieved a rare diplomatic milestone by becoming the first leader to receive Israels highest parliamentary honour, the Speaker of the Knesset Medal. The honour further highlights his rare distinction of being recognised with top awards by both Israel and Palestine, following his receipt of the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine in 2018.

On Wednesday (February 25), PM Modi was conferred the Speaker of the Knesset Medal  the highest honour of the Israeli Parliament  by Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana. He is the first leader to receive this medal, awarded for his exceptional contribution to strengthening strategic relations between India and Israel.

Warm welcome and Netanyahus remarks Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the relationship as a wondrous friendship.

Its a wondrous friendship, both personally between the two of us and between our two countries and our peoples, Netanyahu said.

He also referred to the widely known Modi hug, calling it a symbol of genuine warmth.

When you hug someone closely, truly, you know its not an act. Its a real thing. Its called the Modi hug.

Netanyahu thanked Modi for Indias support after the October 7, 2023 attacks: You stood next to Israel Thank you, my friend.

Historic reception at the Knesset During the ceremony, Speaker Amir Ohana said: Today, it is my great privilege to welcome him as the first Prime Minister of India to address the Knesset and to make history once again.

Netanyahu, accompanied by his wife Sara Netanyahu, attended the official reception.

The medal recognised his efforts to strengthen IndiaPalestine relations and his support for Palestinian aspirations.

The Grand Collar has previously been awarded to global leaders including King Salman of Saudi Arabia and President Xi Jinping of China.

Address to the Knesset: Anti-terror message In his speech to the Israeli Parliament, PM Modi reaffirmed Indias stance on terrorism and regional peace.

PM Modi also referenced Indias experience with the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and expressed condolences for victims of the October 7 Hamas attack.

"We remember the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the innocent lives lost, including Israeli citizens. Like you, we have a consistent and uncompromising policy of zero tolerance for terrorism with no double standards," PM Modi said.

"Terrorism aims to destabilise societies, to block development and to erode trust. Countering terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action because terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere. That is why India supports all efforts that contribute to durable peace and regional stability," he said.

Support for Gaza peace efforts The Prime Minister expressed support for the Gaza peace initiative endorsed by the UN Security Council.

The Gaza peace initiative offers a pathway, he said. We believe that it holds the promise of a just and durable peace.

He emphasised Indias commitment to dialogue and stability in the region.
The Supreme Court has stayed criminal proceedings initiated against Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on a complaint filed by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) alleging disobedience/failure to appear on its summons in connection with a land acquisition case.

A bench led by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant passed the order and also issued notice to ED seeking a response to Soren's plea.

"Counsel accepts notice on behalf of ED. Counter affidavit (by ED) shall be filed in four weeks. A rejoinder (if any) in two weeks thereafter", the Court noted, as per a report in news agency ANI.

Disobedience against ED orders Soren had moved the apex court after the Jharkhand High Court rejected his plea to stay criminal proceedings in the 'disobedience against ED orders' case. Today, the apex court granted him relief by staying criminal proceedings initiated against the leader.

Soren was arrested by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in January 2024 on charges related to an alleged land scam and money laundering.

The investigation concerns the purported generation of substantial proceeds through the forgery of official records, involving fake sellers and buyers to acquire large parcels of land worth crores.

Hemant Soren was released from the Birsa Munda Jail on June 28 after nearly five months following bail from the Jharkhand High Court in a money laundering case linked to an alleged land scam.

Also Read | Authorities looking into factors that could have caused Jharkhand plane crash

Champai Soren, who had taken over as the CM following the arrest, resigned from the post just five months after taking the oath, setting the ball rolling for Hemant Soren to again take over the role on Wednesday.

The Supreme Court has stayed criminal proceedings against Hemant Soren, granting him relief from the ED's allegations.

In 2024, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led alliance won the assembly polls. The JMM emerged as the single largest party, winning 34 seats. Soren became chief minister again.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday took suo motu cognisance of a new section on "corruption in the judiciary" in the new NCERT Class 8 Social Science textbook, with Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant declaring that he would not allow anyone to defame the institution.

Taking note of the section, senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek M Singhvi mentioned the issue before the CJI-led bench, and wondered why children were being taught about corruption in the judiciary as if it didn't exist elsewhere.

Calculated, deep-rooted thing They [NCERT] have left out bureaucracy, politics, etc. Not a word on other sectors. They are teaching as if it [corruption] only exists in this institution, Sibal and Singhvi said, as per ANI.

Responding to their concerns, the CJI acknowledged the seriousness of the issue.

Also Read | SC stays criminal proceedings in ED case against Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren

"I'm fully aware of it. We will wait for a day. This definitely concerns the entire institution. Both bar and bench. I am getting a lot of calls, lots of messages. I'm taking suo moto cognisance of the issue. I will not let anybody, no matter how high up they are, defame the institution," CJI Kant said.

Also Read | SC allows Calcutta HC to deploy Jharkhand, Odisha judges for Bengal roll claims

Noting that the inclusion of the section appeared to be a "calculated and deep-rooted thing", the CJI added, "We will not say anything more than that. As head of the institution, I'm aware, I'm already doing something about it."

The issue of including the section had earlier sparked criticism from Sibal, who questioned the NCERT about the matter on Tuesday.

"NCERT's Class 8 book includes a section on corruption in the judiciary! What about the massive corruption of politicians, including ministers, public servants, investigation agencies, and why governments? Brush them under the carpet," Sibal had written on X.

While earlier versions of NCERT Social Science textbooks for class 8 focused on the role of the judiciary and the structure of courts in India, inclusion of a section on corruption marked a significant shift.

ANI reported that the revised chapter, titled 'The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society', goes beyond explaining the hierarchy of courts and access to justice, and addresses challenges faced by the judicial system, including corruption and case backlogs.
On a quiet evening in Tennessee's Memphis  history paused, unaware of what the next day holds.

Captured on April 3, 1968  the black and white photograph shows Martin Luther King Jr. standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis. Standing second from the right, he is surrounded by fellow civil rights leadersHosea Williams on one side, and Jesse Jackson and Ralph Abernathy alongside himcapturing a moment of quiet camaraderie on the eve of a historic tragedy.

The story behind the image Taken just a day before Martin Luther King Jr's assassination at approximately the same place in Memphis  the image is both ordinary and deeply profound.

He was fatally shot on April 4, 1968 at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. He was rushed to St. Joseph's Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Martin Luther King Jr. was 39-years-old.

His killing was one of four major assassinations that shook the United States in the 1960s. Martin Luther King Jr's assassination came after the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963 and Malcolm X in 1965, and just two months before Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated in June 1968.

A photo that lived on As Black History Month is observed, this photograph serves as a powerful reminder of the people behind the American Civil Rights Movementtheir courage and the weight of the cause they carried. The image froze one of the final moments of a man whose dream would outlive him, echoing across generations.

On the fatal day in 1968  Martin Luther King Jr. was in Memphis to support striking sanitation workers. That time, sanitation workers of Memphismost of whom were African American, received a paltry wage of about $1.00 per hour.

In its stillness, the image speaks loudly of the efforts of the social activist who spearheaded the American civil rights movement from the mid-1950s  history is not just made in grand speeches.

King's assassination incited widespread unrest across the US, with over 100 cities experiencing riots, looting, and violence. The unrest led to numerous arrests, injuries, and deaths, laying bare the deep-seated racial tensions and despair felt in the wake of King's death.
An American Airlines jet that landed in Miami after returning from Colombia has been found to have bullet holes in one of its wings.

According to a report by AirLive, the bullet holes were discovered during a routine post-flight inspection following flight AA923's arrival in Miami from Medellins Jose Maria Cordova International Airport.

The "puncture marks" were discovered on the right aileron, a critical flight control surface responsible for the aircraft's lateral balance, the outlet reported.

Despite having bullet holes, the aircraft flew safely, landing at the Miami International Airport at 10.24 am on Monday local time. It remains unclear how many passengers were aboard the plane at the time, which can seat more than 160 people.

How did the aircraft get shot? As it stands, it is unclear how the aircraft  a Boeing 737 MAX 8  got bullet holes on its wing, with the origin of the gunfire remaining under investigation.

However, the discovery has raised alarm bells over the ground environment in Medellin and potential low-altitude security risks stemming from ground activity.

The aircraft was immediately removed from service for further inspection and repair. We will work closely with all relevant authorities to investigate this incident, American Airlines said in a statement, as per the New York Post.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), meanwhile, did not have any information to share about the incident, reported USA Today, adding that aviation authorities in Colombia did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Also Read | Mexico races to prevent cartel war after the killing of top drug boss

What happens next? AirLive reported that American Airlines technicians performed temporary structural patching to the wing of the Boeing 737 MAX 8 to stabilize it as soon as the bullet holes were discovered.

Subsequently, on the night of February 23, the aircraft was moved to American Airlines' primary maintenance facility at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).
Tracy resident Avtar Singh, a devoted member of the Sikh community who was reported missing at around 8:50 PM on 17 February, was fatally attacked and abandoned by the roadside in a disturbing case of mistaken identity in California, police said.

His disappearance came to light after his wife found their three six-month-old children alone but unharmed at their home, nearly a 35-minute drive from Modesto.

Singh's abduction not a random act: San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office Deputies from the Napa County Sheriff's Office discovered a body near Lake Berryessa, about two hours from Tracy, on Friday afternoon. Few details have emerged about the motive behind the abduction and killing, but Patrick Withrow of the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office stated that the well-loved husband and father was not the intended target of his captors.

From our investigation so far, it appears that the person that was taken is unrelated to the person that they were actually trying to find there and take, KCRA3 quoted Withrow as saying.

While stating that Singh's kidnapping was not a random act, Withrow added, They were after another individual for a specific reason, and we're hoping that reason comes to light.

Surveillance video showed Singh being forced into a white SUV by three abductors at around 2:30 PM near the Gurdwara Gur Nanak Parkash, where he, along with his wife and children, resided, according to the sheriff. The footage indicated that he tried to resist but was ultimately subdued by the unidentified suspects and driven away.

The reason behind the attack and the true target of the suspects remain unknown. Investigator Supervisor J. Hovda from the San Joaquin County Medical Examiner's Office told the Daily Mail that his official cause of death has not yet been established.

Also Read | Sikhs in England protest alleged grooming of teen girl by 34-year-old Afghan man

According to Patrick Withrow, Singhs death is being treated as a homicide. Singh is being remembered as a dedicated volunteer and worker at the Sikh temple who was willing to do almost anything for his community.

Who is Avtar Singh? Deep Singh, spokesperson and secretary of the Gurdwara Gur Nanak Parkash, told the Daily Mail that Avtar Singh, 57, had been a sincere and hardworking individual. He explained that for about 23 years Singh had served primarily as the head cook at the temple, but noted that his contributions went far beyond that role, describing him as someone capable of handling many responsibilities.

He also mentioned that the temple community had recently celebrated the birth of Singhs children, who had been born prematurely and required a lengthy stay in the hospital.

Deep stated, When they got here, it was a big gathering. It was a big celebration. He was happy, mom was happy, and the community was happy, adding, We're not gonna be able to repair her loss.

Meanwhile, a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe has been set up to support his widow and their three children.
Casey Means, a physician-turned-entrepreneur and prominent advocate of the Make America Healthy Again movement, appears before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions for her confirmation hearing as US surgeon general.

If approved, Means would oversee more than 6,000 members of the US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and serve as the federal governments leading public health communicator.

Education and medical background Means graduated from The Madeira School in 2005 before earning a bachelors degree in human biology with honors from Stanford University in 2009. She received her MD from Stanford University School of Medicine in 2014 and was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society.

After medical school, she began a five-year otolaryngology-head and neck surgery residency at Oregon Health & Science University. However, she left the program six months before completion, citing stress and disillusionment with the US healthcare system. Without finishing residency, she did not become board-certified in a specialty. Her Oregon medical license became inactive on January 1, 2024.

Her incomplete residency and inactive license have emerged as central points of debate ahead of the hearing.

Business ventures After leaving clinical medicine, Means entered the health technology and wellness sector. She founded Levels, a startup that uses continuous glucose monitors to track how food and lifestyle choices affect metabolic health. The company promotes the view that metabolic dysfunction is a primary driver of chronic disease.

She has also been listed as an investor or adviser in Truemed, founded by her brother Calley Means. The company helps certify certain wellness programs as medically necessary, enabling customers to use health savings accounts or receive tax advantages.

Means has monetized her social media presence through sponsorships for supplements and wellness products but has pledged to end such partnerships if confirmed.

In 2024, she co-authored Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health, arguing that poor metabolic health underlies many chronic illnesses. She has called for removing ultra-processed foods from school lunches and reforming agricultural and health incentive systems.

Her messaging aligns closely with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s agenda, and she served as an adviser during his 2024 presidential campaign.

Controversy Means nomination has drawn strong support from Kennedy allies and sharp criticism from some public health experts.

She has questioned aspects of the childhood vaccine schedule and criticized the universal hepatitis B birth dose. Organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics maintain that the CDCs immunization schedule is safe and evidence-based.

Senators are expected to weigh whether Means represents a reform-oriented public health communicator  or an unconventional nominee whose background diverges significantly from past surgeons general.

The outcome of the hearing could shape the direction of US public health messaging for years to come.

Also Read | Kennedy Jr. faces lawsuit as 15 states move to block childhood vaccine changes
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates apologised to the staff of the Gates Foundation over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and acknowledged that he had two affairs with Russian women that the late offender later discovered, but that they didnt involve Epsteins victims, The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday.

I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit, Gates said, as per a recording reviewed by the media outlet.

Opening up about his personal life, Gates said he had two affairs  one with a Russian bridge player, who met him at bridge events, and one with a Russian nuclear physicist whom Gates met through business activities.

The billionaire made the comments in a town hall on Tuesday, 24 February.

Largest batch of Epstein files out Gates' apology in the town hall comes days after the US Department of Justice released its largest batch of Jeffrey Epstein files  totalling nearly 3.5 million pages, images, and videos  marking the end of its legal review under the Transparency Act.

From US President Donald Trump to Tesla boss Elon Musk and Bill Gates, multiple names were mentioned in the Epstein files.

In a draft email among the documents, Epstein claimed that Gates had asked one of his advisers to provide him with medicine to treat sexually transmitted diseases  the consequences of sex with Russian girls. According to The New York Post, Epstein was likely making the claims on behalf of Gates' longtime science adviser, Boris Nikolic, who announced his intent to leave the Gates Foundation.

What Bill Gates said The Microsoft co-founder said he met Epstein starting in 2011, years after Epstein had pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting a minor for prostitution.

Gates reportedly acknowledged he was aware of some 18-month thing and that Epstein had faced some travel restrictions but said he did not fully look into his background. He continued meeting Epstein even after concerns were raised by his then-wife, Melinda French Gates, in 2013.

He also said that he continued meeting Epstein through 2014, flew on a private jet with Epstein and spent time with him in Germany, France, New York and Washington.

I never stayed overnight, or visited Epsteins island, WSJ quoted Gates as saying.

Bill Gates' apology Gates further admitted that his association with Jeffrey Epstein and newly disclosed emails from the Justice Department files had cast a shadow over the Gates Foundation and its reputation.

It was a huge mistake to spend time with Epstein and bring Gates Foundation executives into meetings with the sex offender, Gates said.

I apologize to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made," Gates said at the town hall, reported WSJ.

It definitely is the opposite of the values of the Foundation and the goals of the Foundation, he said.
Richard Axel, a professor at the neuroscience institute of Columbia University, on Tuesday stepped down from his role as the co-director of the Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute after his long-standing friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein became public.

What Richard Axel said My past association with Jeffrey Epstein was a serious error in judgment, which I deeply regret, Axel said in a statement alongside his resignation. I apologize for compromising the trust of my friends, students, and colleagues. I recognize the problems this has caused, and I will work to restore this trust.

Also Read | The school photography company caught in the Epstein Files frenzy

"What has emerged about Epsteins appalling conduct, the harm that he has caused to so many people, makes my association with him all the more painful and inexcusable, he added.

Awarded Nobel Prize in 2004 79-year-old Axel was awarded the 2004 Nobel Prize for Medicine for discovering odorant receptors and the organizational principles of the olfactory system.

Axel, who has taught at Columbia for 53 years, holds the title of University Professor, a tenured role granted to exceptional scholars above the rank of a traditional professor title.

While Axel, who cofounded the Zuckerman Institute, stepped down as co-director, he will retain his role as a University Professor and continue research in his lab.

Not accused of wrongdoing Axel announced his resignation despite the fact that he has not been accused of any wrongdoing in the recently released Epstein files.

But the documents made public by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) last month showed that Axel was a frequent guest of Epsteins at his Manhattan home.

According to the Columbia Spectator, Axel had been in touch with Epstein from at least 2010, two years after he pled guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor. The two remained in touch until five months before Epstein died in prison, in August 2019, under mysterious circumstances.

Responding to Axels announcement, Columbia University, in a statement, said it agrees with his decision, while recognizing his extraordinary contributions.

The University has seen no evidence that Dr. Axel violated any University policy or the law, the statement said. However, Dr. Axel made clear that in light of this past association, and the continued fallout from the release of DOJ files, he felt it appropriate to relinquish his position as co-director, the statement added.

Other Columbia faculty linked to Epstein Axel is not the only Columbia faculty member who has faced the heat for their past association with Epstein.

Earlier this month, Columbia University severed ties with Dr. Thomas Magnani, a New York dentist, after it emerged that he played a key role in facilitating the admission of Jeffrey Epsteins girlfriend, Karyna Shuliak, to the College of Dental Medicine.

Also Read | Epstein estate agrees to $35 million settlement in victim class action lawsuit

Dr. Letty Moss-Salentijn, the Edward V. Zegarelli Professor of Dental Medicine and former vice dean, was also stripped of her administrative duties for allegedly helping Shuliak.

Columbia University physicist Brian Greene has also come under the scanner after internal documents and emails revealed that he invited Epstein to attend various scientific conferences and events even after his 2008 conviction.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reportedly given Anthropic chief executive Dario Amodei until Friday (27 February) evening to grant the US military unfettered access to its flagship AI model, Claude, or face severe consequences, according to a report by Axios.

The ultimatum, delivered during a tense meeting on Tuesday (24 February), as Axios reported, citing officials in the know, underscores a widening rift over the boundaries of AI safeguards in national security operations. At stake is the Pentagons continued access to Claude  currently the only AI model embedded in its most sensitive classified systems.

Also Read | Pentagon vs Anthropic: Hegseth demands full military access to Claude AI

Hegseth established the Friday deadline, making a critical inflection point in the relationship between Silicon Valley and the US national security state. The Pentagon appears determined to assert operational supremacy in AI deployment, while Anthropic continues to defend guardrails designed to limit certain forms of military use.

Pentagon pressures Anthropic over AI safeguards According to the Axios report, Hegseth warned that the Department of Defense could either sever ties with Anthropic and formally designate the company a supply chain risk, or invoke the Defense Production Act (DPA) to compel the firm to tailor its model to military requirements.

The only reason we're still talking to these people is we need them and we need them now. The problem for these guys is they are that good, a Defense official told Axios ahead of the meeting.

Also Read | Pentagon Threatens to End Anthropic Work in Feud Over AI Terms

The warning marks one of the most direct confrontations to date between Washington and a private AI developer over the permissible scope of military AI use. While Anthropic has signalled a willingness to adjust its usage policies for defence applications, it has refused to allow Claude to be deployed for the mass surveillance of Americans or for weapons systems operating without human involvement.

Classified systems and operational dependency on Claude AI Claudes integration into classified Pentagon systems has created a strategic dependency that complicates any threat to terminate the relationship. The model is reportedly used in both highly sensitive operational contexts and a wide range of bureaucratic military functions.

One source familiar with the discussions indicated that, at present, Claude appears to lead competing models in several applications relevant to military planning, including offensive cyber capabilities.

Also Read | Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei says AI could surpass humans in physical world too

The Pentagon is said to be accelerating discussions with OpenAI and Google to transition their models  already used in unclassified settings  into classified environments. Gemini has emerged as a potential alternative, though such an arrangement would require Google to permit the Pentagon to use its system for all lawful purposes, terms that Anthropic has declined.

Elon Musks xAI has recently secured a contract to introduce Grok into classified settings, but it remains unclear whether that system could fully replace Claudes current functions.

The Defense Production Act: A rare adversarial tool The Defence Production Act grants the president authority to compel private companies to accept and prioritise contracts deemed necessary for national defence. It was notably used during the Covid-19 to expand production of vaccines and ventilators.

However, deploying the law in a coercive manner against a technology company over AI safeguards would represent an unusual and adversarial application. A senior Defence official suggested the objective would be to compel Anthropic to adapt its model to Pentagon requirements without additional guardrails.

Anthropic could challenge such action in court, arguing that its product constitutes specialised, custom-built software for sensitive government use rather than a commercially available good subject to DPA compulsion, according to one defence consultant cited in the report.

Dispute over Venezuela operation deepens friction Tensions were further inflamed by a dispute surrounding Claudes alleged use during a Venezuela operation conducted through Anthropics partnership with Palantir.

Hegseth reportedly referenced the Pentagons claim that Anthropic raised concerns to Palantir regarding the models deployment during the Maduro raid. Amodei denied the allegation.

Amodei denied that Anthropic raised any such concerns or even broached the topic with Palantir beyond standard operating conversations.

He reiterated that the company's red lines have never prevented the Pentagon from doing its work or posed an issue for anyone operating in the field.

Sources differed in their characterisation of Tuesdays meeting. A senior Defense official described it as not warm and fuzzy at all. Another source said it remained cordial with no raised voices and that Hegseth praised Claude directly to Amodei.

Hegseth made clear that he would not allow any private company to dictate the terms under which the Pentagon makes operational decisions or object to individual use cases.

Supply chain risk designation looms Should the Pentagon sever its contract and label Anthropic a supply chain risk, the repercussions would extend beyond the company itself. Other defence contractors would likely be required to certify that Claude is not embedded within their workflows  a complex undertaking given the models current integration across systems.

Also Read | Anthropic and OpenAI are the new darlings of Indian IT

Anthropic maintained a conciliatory tone after the meeting.

During the conversation, Dario expressed appreciation for the Department's work and thanked the Secretary for his service, an Anthropic spokesperson said.
A federal judge in Boston on Wednesday (February 25) ruled that the Trump administrations policy allowing rapid deportations of migrants to third countries without meaningful notice or an opportunity to object is unlawful.

US District Judge Brian Murphy declared the policy invalid, saying it violated due process protections. The decision targets a March 2025 directive adopted as part of President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown.

It is not fine, nor is it legal Murphy said the policy failed to protect migrants from being sent to an unfamiliar and potentially dangerous country without proper safeguards.

The judge wrote that the administration had argued it would be acceptable for immigration officials to deport individuals to third countries as long as authorities did not have specific knowledge of a threat.

It is not fine, nor is it legal, Murphy stated in his ruling.

He concluded that migrants subject to the policy are entitled to meaningful notice and a chance to raise objections before being removed to another country.

Ruling paused for 15 days pending appeal Although Murphy set aside the policy, he paused implementation of his ruling for 15 days to allow the administration time to appeal.

The judge referenced prior Supreme Court involvement in the dispute, including earlier decisions that lifted a preliminary injunction he had issued and allowed certain deportations to proceed.

Background of the policy The lawsuit was filed as a class action on behalf of migrants facing removal to countries not listed in their original deportation orders. The lawsuit cited deportations or potential deportations to countries including South Sudan, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Guatemala.

The administration has argued the policy complies with immigration law and due process requirements, saying it is necessary in cases where migrants home countries refuse to accept them, including those convicted of crimes.

Case likely to reach Supreme Court The ruling is expected to be appealed and could ultimately be decided by the US Supreme Court.

The decision marks a significant legal setback for the administrations deportation strategy and sets up a potential high-stakes constitutional battle over due process rights in immigration enforcement.

(With Reuters inputs)

Also Read | Did DOJ withhold Epstein Files linked to allegations against Trump? What we know
US President Donald Trump delivered the 2026 State of the Union address at 9 pm ET local time on Tuesday (7.30 am IST on Wednesday), the longest-ever SOTU address at 1 hour and 48 minutes.

With the midterm elections approaching, Trump focused on issues critical to the Republican party's success, with his address touching on issues critical to voters for November's elections.

Trump's address came at a time when both the US President and his party appear vulnerable, with recent polls showing growing public distrust of the Trump administration's handling of several issues.

Dozens of Democratic lawmakers, meanwhile, boycotted Trump's address on Tuesday, which was attended by victims of disgraced financier and convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein seeking accountability.

What Trump spoke of during his State of the Union Address 2026

The official theme for Trump's State of the Union 2026 address is 'America at 250: Strong, Prosperous, and Respected', and Trump took the occasion to announce a Golden Age of America under his regime.

The US President was expected to tout his administration's handling of the American economy and cost of living issues, which, according to a CNN poll conducted by SRS, is the most important important issue for Americans at the moment.

Trump largely stuck to expectations touching on issues such as the economy, jobs, cost of living, illegal immigration, and dropping crime rates, among others.

To that end, the US President highlighted the successes of his administration in the first year of his second term, highlighting stock market highs, record natural gas production, growing employment numbers, low inflation, and other cost-saving measures.

Tariff blow and promises

Trump's speech on Tuesday came four days after the US Supreme Court ruled that the US President did not have the authority to impose sweeping tariffs, one of the chief levers of his economic and foreign policy.

While Trump responded by imposing 15% global tariffs under a different authority, the SCOTUS ruling was a blow nonethelessthe US President had earlier proposed that tariffs would pay for several of his promises, including $2,000 rebate checks for Americans and a $12 billion bailout package for American farmers.

Commenting on the SCOTUS ruling, Trump called it very unfortunate, but did not dwell too long on the topic.

The Iran issue and foreign policy

While Trump was largely expected to focus on domestic issues in the address, the US President's speech came amid increasing tensions in the Middle East over Iran, with Trump having hinted earlier that he wants a regime change.

Speaking on Tuesday, Trump took the opportunity to highlight that he had stopped eight wars in 10 months, adding that his administration was working to stop the ninth  the Russia-Ukraine war.

Trump also spoke at length about Iran, highlighting how his administration had already obliterated" Tehran's nuclear programme.

Stating that Iran had signalled its willingness to come to a deal, Trump said that talks were still on because the US hadn't heard those secret words  We will never have a nuclear weapon'.

"My preference is to solve this through diplomacy, but one thing is certain  I will never allow the world's number one sponsor of terror to have nuclear weapons," Trump said to loud applause.

Follow this space for LIVE updates from Trump's State of the Union 2026 address.
President Donald Trump announced a new economic proposal for American citizens during his State of the Union address to Congress on Tuesday, unveiling a plan designed to significantly expand access to retirement savings.

The initiative aims to support millions of workers who currently lack employer-sponsored retirement plans. Under the proposal, the White House plans to offer up to $1,000 a year in matching funds, Fortune reported.

My administration will give these forgotten American workers, great people, people that built our country, access to the same type of retirement plan offered to every federal worker, Trump said during his address on Tuesday. We will match your contribution with up to $1,000 each year.

Trump delivered his second SOTU address on Tuesday shortly after expressing frustration with a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated the cornerstone of his economic agenda: The tariff regime.

What is 401(k)?? Along with his pledge to match each citizen's retirement contribution with up to $1,000 annually, Trump said his administration would ensure that all Americans can profit from a rising stock market, Fox News reported.

However, the US leader did not further elaborate on where in the federal budget the proposed matched money may come from, the report said.

401(k) is a defined-contribution plan, in which a worker agrees to deposit a percentage of each paycheck directly into an investment account. Employers often match part or all of that contribution.

Employees have the option to choose specific investments held within their 401(k) accounts from a selection offered by their employer. These choices typically span a range of investment options, including stock, bond, mutual funds and target-date funds, designed to reduce the risk of losses as the employee approaches retirement.

More than 40 million American workers, including about 42% of full-time employees, do not have access to employer-sponsored retirement plans. For part-time workers, this number further rises to 79% of whom lack access to a retirement plan, according to data available on the Economic Innovation Group.

Aligning with this data, Trump pointed to what he described as a painful gap among retirees. He claimed that roughly half of all working Americans lack access to any formal retirement plan, nor do they have access to employer matching contribution programmes, Fortune reported.

Are US workers not saving enough? Meanwhile, BlackRocks billionaire CEO, Larry Fink, earlier warned investors in 2025 that most of them had not saved nearly enough to sustain them through retirement. The average amount that one should save for retirement is roughly $2.1 million, Fink said earlier, citing a survey. Almost no one is close, he was quoted as saying by Fortune.

The 401(k) plans have largely replaced traditional pension plans as a primary pillar for covering living expenses during retirement.
The Islamabad High Court has removed senior High Court judge Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri. In a 116-page judgment, the court has marked Jahangiris appointment invalid because he did not have a lawful law degree, Dawn reported.

A division bench led by Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar ruled that Jahangiris basic law degree was void from the beginning. Thats why his elevation to the high court is legally invalid.

The court relied on original records from the University of Karachi. Serious irregularities were found in his academic history.

According to the judgment, Jahangiri first appeared for his LL.B. Part-I exam in 1988 using a fake enrolment number. After being caught using unfair means and banned for three years in 1989, he allegedly reappeared in 1990 under a different identity and enrollment number.

According to the court, a university issues only one enrolment number per programme. Multiple numbers are impossible.

His degree was declared invalid. The court said a fake qualification cannot be legally corrected later.

How Jahangiri obstructed justice In its judgment, the Islamabad High Court also criticised Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiris conduct during the case. The court said he was given several chances to submit a written reply and present original documents to prove his qualifications. But, he reportedly failed to do so.

Instead, he filed applications asking for a full court to hear the case. He requested the chief justice to step aside and sought an indefinite adjournment. He argued that a related matter was pending before the Sindh High Court.

Also Read | Pakistan strikes militant hideouts in Afghan border; Kabul refutes claim

The bench described these actions as delaying tactics. Once initial documentary evidence was presented, the responsibility shifted to Jahangiri to prove his qualification, it ruled.

The court rejected his request for the chief justices recusal. Mere suspicion of bias was not enough, it said.

According to the court, forming benches is the sole authority of the chief justice. It is called an attempt to influence the bench, a sign of bad faith.

Petition against Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri Lawyer Mian Dawood filed the petition challenging the former judges law degree. On 9 December 2025, the Islamabad High Court declared the petition maintainable. Jahangiri later challenged this order and other related proceedings before the Federal Constitutional Court.

In his appeal, Jahangiri alleged bias, especially from the chief justice. He claimed that, when the case was heard on 2 December and postponed to 9 December, no notice was issued to him. However, court records showed that two lawyers were present as his counsel that day.

He also said the court decided the issue of his eligibility without giving him proper notice. It violated his right to a fair trial under Article 10-A of the Constitution, he argued. Jahangiri further said that the Sindh High Court had already suspended the cancellation of his degree by Karachi University.

The interest in Imran Khan was high on Google India from 22 February to 23 February:

View full Image The interest in Imran Khan was high on Google India from 22 February to 23 February ( Google India )

The Imran Khan connection During his legal career, Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri steadily advanced. From Advocate of the Supreme Court, he eventually became a High Court judge.

Before becoming a judge, he served in key positions, including as Advocate General of Islamabad, Deputy Prosecutor General at the National Accountability Bureau, and Deputy Attorney General of Pakistan. At every stage, he underwent thorough background checks and interviews.

Also Read | Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif orders inquiry after tumultuous Australian tour

Judicial appointments in Pakistan also involve security vetting by agencies like Military Intelligence and the ISI. Still, his degree was never questioned.

Jahangiri gained major public attention in 2023 when he issued a protective order for former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The order stopped authorities from arresting Khan in future cases without following proper legal procedure.

The decision was criticised by the government, which viewed it as interference in its enforcement plans. Some government supporters accused him of favouring Khans party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Israel on a two-day state visit today, 25 February. This is PM Modi's first visit to Israel as prime minister since 2017, before his counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu reciprocated with a visit to India the following year.

This is also PM Modi's first trip to Israel after Israel and Hamas agreed on a ceasefire governed by the "Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict," in October last year. Last week, India, together with more than 100 other nations, condemned Israels expansion in the West Bank.

Ties have significantly strengthened in the last few years. I will be holding talks with PM Netanyahu, in which we will discuss ways to strengthen cooperation across diverse fields. I will also meet President Isaac Herzog, President of Israel, Modi said in his departure statement.

On Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced the visit amid rising tensions between the US and Iran, with the Pentagon mobilising its military assets in the region. Iran and the US are expected to hold new talks in Geneva on Thursday over Irans nuclear programme.

During the visit, the Prime Minister will meet the Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu, the MEA said in the statement.

India - Israel Strategic Partnership The two leaders will review the significant progress made in India - Israel Strategic Partnership, and discuss further opportunities in various areas of cooperation, including science and technology, innovation, defence and security, agriculture, water management, trade and economy, and people to people exchanges, the statement said adding that the two leaders are also expected to exchange perspectives on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Prime Minister Modi will also call on Isaac Herzog, the President of Israel, during the visit.

This visit will reaffirm the deep and long-standing Strategic Partnership between the two countries and will present an opportunity to review the common challenges as well as realign efforts towards achieving their shared vision for a robust partnership between two resilient democracies, the statement said.

Among other engagements, Modi will meet Netanyahu for a private dinner and address Israels parliament, the Knesset, on Wednesday, the first day of his second trip to Israel as prime minister.

On the second day, the two leaders will hold bilateral talks and PM Modi will visit the Holocaust memorial, Yad Vashem. PM Modi is also expected to interact with the members of the Indian diaspora and visit an exhibition of technologies and innovations in Israel.

PM Modi will be received at the airport by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara.

Defence, AI Agreements Local media in Israel reported that important understandings are being established in areas such as air defence systems and the integration of India into the laser-based air defence system (Or Eitan).

Defence cooperation has emerged as an important pillar of the partnership between the two sides, with Israel supplying a wide range of military platforms and weapon systems to India.

Israel and India will also sign a series of memorandums of understanding for cooperation with an emphasis on disruptive technologies such as AI, quantum and cyber.

PM Modi's itinerary in Israel

Day 1: Wednesday, 25 February 2025

-Around 9 AM: Embark for Tel Aviv.

-Arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport.

-Tete-a-tete with PM Benjamin Netanyahu.

-Address to Knesset.

- Exhibition of technologies and innovations in Israel.

-Private dinner hosted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Day 2- Thursday, 26 February 2025

-Visit Yad Vashem.

-Bilateral Engagements with President Isaac Herzog of Israel.

-Delegation Level Talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

-Exchange of MoUs and press statements.

This visit will reaffirm the deep and long-standing Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

-Interaction with prominent members of the Indian-Jewish Community.

(With agency inputs)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday arrived in Tel Aviv, Israel, for his two-day state visit at the invitation of his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, aimed at further deepening the "robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership" between the two countries.

Netanyahu, accompanied by his wife, Sara Netanyahu, personally received Prime Minister Modi at Ben Gurion Airport, reflecting the close personal rapport between the two leaders. The two Prime Ministers exchanged a warm hug upon arrival.

Also Read | Priyanka Vadra urges PM Modi to speak on Gaza genocide in Knesset address

The Israel visit, second for Modi as Indian PM, comes amid rising tensions between the US and Iran, with the Pentagon mobilising its military assets in the region. Iran and the US are expected to hold new talks in Geneva on Thursday over Irans nuclear programme.

India-Israel Diplomatic Ties India recognised the state of Israel soon after its creation in 1948.

Full diplomatic relations between India and Israel were established in 1992. Days before that, Palestinian President Yasser Arafat visited New Delhi. Arafat had famously told a press conference in New Delhi that "exchange of Ambassadors and recognition (of Israel) are acts of sovereignty in which I cannot interfere I respect any choice of the Indian government.

The military ties relationship between the two nations has also evolved over the years. During the Kargil war in 1999, Israel learnt to send precision bombs that the Indian Air Force needed. What followed was a series of visits by leaders from both sides.

Union External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh led India's first-ever bilateral visit to Israel in 2000. Home Minister LK Advani also visited. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharons visit in September 2003.

During the UPA years, Union External Affairs Minister SM Krishna also visited Israel in 2012.

Before Narendra Modi's tenure as PM in 2014, India-Israel relations were modest, mainly focused on agriculture and technical cooperation.

The Modi Years Ties between India and Israel, however, deepened after Narendra Modi took office in 2014. Modi and Netanyahu met for the first time in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September 2014.

In November 2014, the then Home Minister Rajnath Singh visited Israel. President Pranab Mukherjee visited Israel in October 2015, marking the first-ever Presidential visit from India. Former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj also visited Israel in January 2016.

In 2017, Modi became the first indian PM to visit Israel. Netanyahu reciprocated with a visit to India in 2018. Both leaders have called each other a "friend".

Modi, however, skipped the stop at Palestine that was part of previous official visits. This time, too, Modi is making a standalone visit to Tel Aviv and not travelling to Palestine.

Netanyahu was re-elected to a sixth term as Israeli PM three years ago; he and Modi have spoken on the phone at least 10 times. The two countries signed defence pacts and launched free trade negotiations in November last year.

Israels key Asian trading partners Apart from being a key defence and security partner, Israel is also an important economic partner in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.

Today, the key areas of cooperation between the two nations are, defence, security, agriculture, water management, science and technology, trade, economy and people-to-people links.

India is one of Israels key Asian trading partners, ranking second among Asian countries in merchandise trade. In FY 2024-25, merchandise trade between India and Israel totalled around $3.623.75 billion (about 340 billion), with India exporting roughly $2.1 billion worth of goods and importing about $1.51.6 billion from Israel.

The ongoing negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and recent investment treaties aim to deepen economic ties and substantially increase this figure over the coming years.

Hamas's October 7 attack In September 2023, grand plans were unveiled in New Delhi for an India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor -- to link railways, ports, electricity, data networks and pipelines, including through Saudi Arabia and Israel.

Those plans were stalled by Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel in 2023, which Israel responded to with a devastating war in the Gaza Strip.

"What happened on October 7 was received in India with shock and horror, and this is why the support for Israel was quick, instantaneous, and enormous," Ashok Malik, head of New Delhi-based strategic advisory firm The Asia Group, told news agency AFP.

Also Read | Priyanka Vadra urges PM Modi to speak on Gaza genocide in Knesset address

India-Israel ties, which Modi is "taking forward with this visit", stem not only from strategic alignment on issues such as terrorism, he added.

"Israel has a lot to contribute in terms of innovative technology, including agriculture, technology, and economic partnerships and of course defence... This is quite independent of the Palestinian issue," Malik said.

Criticism back home Months after his 2017 visit to Israel, Modi travelled to Ramallah, the seat of the Palestinian Authority. PM Modis current visit, however, has sparked criticism at home.

This is quite independent of the Palestinian issue.

Senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday said she hoped PM Modi would mention the killing of "thousands of innocent men, women and children in Gaza" when he addresses Israel's parliament - Knesset.

The CPI(M) strongly opposed Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Israel.

"The visit comes at a juncture when Israel has been waging a genocidal war in Gaza. The Modi visit is a betrayal of the Palestinian cause and legitimises the murderous Netanyahu regime," the Left party said in a statement.

(With agency inputs)
US-Iran LIVE: As a large US military build-up gathers pace in the Middle East, high-stakes diplomacy between Washington and Tehran enters a critical phase. With indirect talks set for today in Geneva, tensions are rising amid threats, warnings and visible military manoeuvres.

The ultimatum: 5 days remaining

Donald Trump has tightened the clock on Tehran, saying Iran has roughly 10 to 15 days to strike a deal  leaving just days before potential US action. He has repeatedly insisted Iran will never be allowed to build a nuclear weapon and accused it of restarting weapons-related activity.

Washington is demanding zero uranium enrichment, along with curbs on Irans ballistic missile programme and regional proxy network  conditions Tehran has firmly rejected.

Military ready

The US has assembled one of its largest regional force postures in decades. The USS Gerald R. Ford is heading toward the Middle East, joining the USS Abraham Lincoln as part of what Trump has described as an armada near Irans coast.

Irans warning: SOTU response

Following Trumps State of the Union speech, Iranian officials pushed back sharply. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei accused Washington of spreading big lies, comparing US rhetoric to Nazi-era propaganda. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf warned that any strike during negotiations would bring a firm blow from Iran.

Tehran has also threatened US bases across the region, raising fears of a broader conflict.

Geneva talks tomorrow

US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi for a third round of Oman-mediated talks. While Tehran says a deal is within reach, deep divisions remain over enrichment and missiles.
The United States said it will begin winding down health assistance to Zimbabwe after negotiations over a proposed multi-million-dollar bilateral funding agreement broke down.

The US Embassy in Zimbabwe said Washington had offered $367 million over five years to support priority health programmes, including HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, and disease outbreak preparedness.

The proposal would have marked the largest potential health investment in Zimbabwe by any international partner.

Difficult and regrettable task US Ambassador Pamela Tremont said the breakdown in talks would force Washington to scale back its support.

We will now turn to the difficult and regrettable task of winding down our health assistance in Zimbabwe, Tremont said in a statement on Tuesday.

She described the proposed funding as offering extraordinary benefits for Zimbabwean communities  especially the 1.2 million men, women, and children currently receiving HIV treatment through US-supported programmes.

Tremont added that Zimbabwe had indicated it was prepared to continue its HIV response independently. We wish them well, she said.

The US has been Zimbabwes largest bilateral health donor, providing nearly $2 billion in assistance since 2006. US officials say the funding has been directly responsible for Zimbabwe meeting United Nations HIV treatment and viral suppression targets.

Harare cites sovereignty and data concerns Zimbabwean authorities said they rejected the proposal over concerns about data sharing, fairness and sovereignty.

Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana said the US offer was tied to comprehensive access to Zimbabwes sensitive health data, including virus samples and epidemiological information from our citizens.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa directed that negotiations be terminated because the US was not offering reciprocal guarantees, Mangwana said.

The United States was not offering reciprocal sharing of its own epidemiological data with our health authorities, he said. In essence, our nation would provide the raw materials for scientific discovery without any assurance that the end products would be accessible to our people should a future health crisis emerge.

Zimbabwean officials also criticised Washingtons shift toward bilateral America First agreements, calling it a departure from the multilateral frameworks. Mangwana said virus data with pandemic potential should be shared exclusively through the World Health Organization system to ensure equitable access to vaccines and treatments.

Public health experts warn of risks Zimbabwes College of Public Health Physicians urged continued dialogue, warning that an abrupt withdrawal of US funding could destabilise critical services.

An abrupt discontinuation of such support could risk treatment interruption, increased transmission, the emergence of drug resistance, and additional strain on the health system, the college said in a statement.

Zimbabwe has recently begun rolling out lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention drug administered twice a year, with support from the United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund. The collapse of talks raises questions about future deliveries under the programme.

Broader US health policy shift The dispute comes amid a broader reconfiguration of US global health engagement under President Donald Trump, including a move away from multilateral institutions and the dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development.

The US embassy said agreements worth more than $18 billion have been signed with 16 African countries under the new bilateral framework, with recipient nations contributing about $7.1 billion to boost domestic investment in health systems.

Zimbabwe, however, has opted not to proceed under the proposed terms, setting the stage for a significant shift in its public health financing landscape.

(With AP inputs)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed PM Narendra Modi at the Israeli Parliament, Knesset on Wednesday, reflecting on the heartfelt embrace the two leaders shared earlier in the day. He described it as the Modi hug.

"Earlier today, my wife Sara and I greeted you at the airport. And just as you came down the steps, we embraced each other. Prime Minister Modi's personal embrace is something special. It's called the Modi hug. It's well known around the world. And when you hug someone, closely, truly, you know it's not an act. It's a real thing. It's called the Modi hug," Netanyahu remarked while addressing the Knesset.

Emphasising that this gesture carries deep symbolic weight for the bilateral bond, he added, So I want to return the hug here to every single one of the Knesset members, and it's not only an indication of the personal relations, of the personal friendship between us, but it really reflects the warmth of the tie between our two peoples.

Netanyahu also expressed profound gratitude for the Indian government's steadfast support following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks in southern Israel in which over 1000 Israelis were killed.

Stood next to Israel Addressing PM Narendra Modi, Netanyahu said, "You stood next to Israel, you stood by Israel, you stood for Israel, you stood for the truth. Thank you, my friend."

Netanyahu, who described PM Narendra Modi as "more than a friend, a brother," further noted that the two nations share "common interests" and have witnessed a significant surge in trade and cooperation in recent years.

Welcoming his "dear friend" to the parliament, he admitted he "has never been more moved" by the visit of his Indian counterpart.

PM Modi conferred Knesset Medal Following his address, PM Modi was conferred with the 'Speaker of the Knesset Medal' in recognition of his exceptional contribution to strengthening strategic relations between India and Israel.

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana conferred the award on the prime minister.

The Indian Prime Minister is the first leader to receive this medal, which is the highest honour of the Israeli Parliament.

PM Modi is a world leader who has received top awards from both Israel and Palestine. In 2018, PM Modi was conferred the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine, which is the highest Palestinian honour for foreign leaders.
Of course, the US team will argue that the Supreme Court decision is only a hiccup, that alternative tariff instruments can be found and deployed at will and that therefore detailed negotiations should continue as if nothing has changed. This is true to an extent. But imposing new tariffs on legally justifiable grounds will be more burdensome than the flexible use of IEEPA. Moreover, the US will be keen to demonstrate that it can close trade deals despite the court ruling. Simply put, New Delhis bargaining position has improved dramatically overnight.
The broad policy aim is to weaken the terror threat, including by denying terrorists and their financiers access to funds and weapons. Such a doctrine is welcome and should provide the country a policy framework to act within. Ad hoc efforts can be controversial.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the Gaza conflict when he addresses the Israeli Parliament, Knesset, during his two-day visit to Israel.

Vadra called for justice for innocent victims and emphasised India's historic commitment to truth and peace on the global stage.

I hope that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentions the genocide of thousands of innocent men, women and children in Gaza while addressing the Knesset on his upcoming trip to Israel and demands justice for them, Gandhi, the Wayanad MP, wrote on X ahead of PM Modi's two-day state visit to Israel that began on Wednesday.

India has stood for what is right throughout our history as an independent nation. We must continue to show the light of truth, peace and justice to the world, she said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Israel on a two-day state visit today, 25 February. This is PM Modi's first visit to Israel as prime minister since 2017, before his counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu reciprocated with a visit to India the following year.

This is also PM Modi's first trip to Israel after Israel and Hamas agreed on a ceasefire governed by the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict in October last year. Last week, India, together with more than 100 other nations, condemned Israels expansion in the West Bank.

PM Modi's visit, at the invitation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, marks his second to Israel, following his 2017 trip, when he became the first-ever Indian Prime Minister to visit the country.

What's PM Modi's agenda in Israel? During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The two leaders will review the significant progress made in the India-Israel Strategic Partnership and discuss further opportunities in various areas of cooperation, including science and technology, innovation, defence and security, agriculture, water management, trade and economy, and people-to-people exchanges.

According to the MEA, the leaders are also expected to exchange perspectives on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Among other engagements, Modi will meet Netanyahu for a private dinner and address Israels parliament, the Knesset, on Wednesday, the first day of his second trip to Israel as prime minister.

The Prime Minister will also call on Isaac Herzog, the President of Israel.

Priyanka Gandhi's Gaza Stand Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has been vocal on the Gaza conflict. She had earlier accused Israel of genocide in Gaza. In 2024, she even flaunted her bag in Parliament, which had Palestine emblazoned on it with watermelon symbols.

With "Palestine" in bold, the bag symbolised solidarity with Palestinians and featured a watermelon. The fruit motif is a long-recognised symbol of resistance in the region.

In September last year, the United Nations Commission of Inquiry said Israel had committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

The new report said there are reasonable grounds to conclude that four of the five genocidal acts defined under international law have been carried out since the start of the latest phase of war with Hamas in 2023: killing members of a group, causing them serious bodily and mental harm, deliberately inflicting conditions calculated to destroy the group, and preventing births.

What's the Indian stand on Palestine been? Indias position on Palestine and Gaza is officially based on a two-state solution, balancing support for Palestinian statehood with strong strategic ties to Israel. India supports the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine, living side by side with Israel in peace and security within recognised borders.

While India has condemned terrorism and the 7 October 2023 attacks by Hamas on Israel, it has expressed concern over civilian casualties in Gaza.

India formally recognised Palestinian statehood way back on 18 November 1988.

"But India's policy in regard to Palestine - especially for the past 20 months - has been shameful and one of moral cowardice," Congress general secretary in-charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, said in September 2025 on X in an apparent reference to the Israel-Hamas conflict.

What's happening in Gaza right now? While large-scale fighting between Israel and Hamas stopped under the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, agreed in October last year, there has not yet been a final political settlement. The ceasefire halted major combat operations but left core issues  governance, reconstruction, hostages, and long-term security arrangements  unresolved.

I hope that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentions the genocide of thousands of innocent men, women and children in Gaza while addressing the Knesset and demands justice for them.

Gazas population continues to face extreme food insecurity, medical shortages and destruction of homes and infrastructure, according to multiple reports from the ground by media and human rights groups. Long-standing damage from years of conflict has left hospitals barely functioning and millions struggling for basic necessities.
(Bloomberg) -- The Trump administration imposed sanctions on more than 30 entities that support Iranian oil and weapons sales, ramping up pressure on Tehran amid nuclear talks and the looming threat of US airstrikes.

The Department of the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control said it blacklisted individuals and entities across the Middle East  including in Iran, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates  that helped Tehran develop ballistic missiles and advanced conventional weapons.

The US also sanctioned vessels operating as part of Irans so-called shadow fleet, which helps fund domestic repression, terrorist proxies, and weapons programs, according to a statement from Treasury.

Iran exploits financial systems to sell illicit oil, launder the proceeds, procure components for its nuclear and conventional weapons programs, and support its terrorist proxies, said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in a statement.

The additional sanctions come after President Donald Trump in his State of the Union speech on Tuesday claimed Iran was working to reconstitute its nuclear program even as it negotiates with Washington.

Trump insisted Iranian officials are again pursuing their sinister ambitions despite US airstrikes in June 2025 that the president said completely and totally obliterated key nuclear enrichment facilities.

They want to make a deal, but we havent heard those secret words: We will never have a nuclear weapon, he said in his address.

Talks between US officials and Iran are still ongoing, with the latest round of negotiations scheduled for Thursday in Geneva. Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff are planning to attend.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
(This is a repeat of an item issued on Wednesday. The opinions expressed here are those of the author https://www.reuters.com/authors/ron-bousso/, a columnist for Reuters)

By Ron Bousso

LONDON, Feb 25 (Reuters) - Big Techs race to dominate artificial intelligence may soon hit a nasty road bump as U.S. electricity grids struggle to keep pace with the big-spending hyperscalers. Americas technology giants, including Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet and Meta, have in recent months announced plans to spend over $600 billion on AI in 2026 alone. The investment wave has already fuelled unease among some investors about the profitability of this strategy. They have reason to be worried, as the ambitious U.S. AI expansion plans are likely to be hobbled by severe power-infrastructure bottlenecks, including turbine shortages, slow grid expansion and regulatory red tape.

Data centers used for AI model training and deployment require enormous amounts of energy for processing and cooling. The largest U.S. sites consume over a gigawatt (GW) of continuous load, enough power to supply up to 850,000 homes.

The planned rapid build-out of these electricity-hungry facilities, often in remote locations, will frequently require the construction of independent energy plants powered by gas, renewables or nuclear technologies.

Energy consultancy Cleanview has already identified 46 data centers that plan to build their own power plants, primarily with gas-fired generation. Their combined 56 GW of capacity represents around 30% of all planned U.S. data-center capacity, the consultancy said.

And soon developing independent power systems may not be a choice but a requirement.

In his

State of the Union address

on Tuesday night, President Donald Trump, who has championed U.S. AI growth, said tech companies "have the obligation to provide for their own power needs."

"They can build their own power plants as part of their factory, so that no ones prices will go up," Trump said. But the pressure is already building. Annual U.S. power consumption hit a second consecutive record high in 2025, reaching 4,195 terawatt-hours. Electricity prices nationwide have also risen by an average of 7% in the year to January, according to government data. Electricity demand is expected to rise further, by close to 2% per year on average between 2025 and 2030 - more than twice the pace of the past decade - driven largely by data-center expansion, according to the International Energy Agency, putting additional strain on grids.

BOTTLENECKS ALL AROUND

That squeeze may be felt soon.

PJM Interconnection, the largest power grid operator in the U.S. controlling around 180 GW of power flows across 13 states, warned earlier this month of potential power-supply shortfalls of up to 60 GW over the coming decades due to accelerated demand growth from data centers. The company also warned that the U.S. grid could lack sufficient capacity and reserves by 2027, raising the risk of blackouts. The grid operator last month unveiled plans to require large power users - primarily data centers - to either develop their own power supply or agree to connect under a framework allowing PJM to reduce power output.

One of the countrys other major power networks, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), also risks being overwhelmed by surging data-center demand.

In December, ERCOT said 226 GW of large-load projects - primarily data centers  were seeking connections to the grid, equivalent to roughly three times current total U.S. data-center capacity. Many of the requests are for projects exceeding 1 GW. On top of all this, the data centers will likely struggle to source the gas turbines required to power many of them. Manufacturers of gas turbines, including GE Vernova, Siemens Energy and Mitsubishi Power, have warned that they cannot meet surging global demand, particularly from power generation. Executives at Siemens Energy and GE Vernova have said they are sold out for years, with delivery slots for large turbines stretching well into the late 2020s.

THE GRIDS GRIND The surge in U.S. power demand is attracting large investment in the countrys ageing grid. In Texas, for example, ERCOT plans to increase its annual spending to $585 million in 2027 from $414 million in 2025, though it is questionable whether that will be enough to meet the need.

The U.S. is not the only market playing catch-up. Global investment in power grids has also lagged the deployment of new generation capacity.

The IEA said in a recent report that globally more than 2,500 GW of projects - including renewables, battery storage and large-load developments such as data centers - remain stuck in grid-connection queues, putting around a fifth of global data-center build-out at risk of delays. Meeting global electricity demand through 2030 would require annual grid investment to rise by 50% from todays $400 billion, alongside a significant scaling-up of grid-related supply chains, the IEA said.

The rush to build data centers to support the global AI arms race is set to become a defining economic feature of this decade, if not this century.

Meeting the required power demand is likely to prove tricky, however, meaning the AI future might be held back by the very real limitations of todays physical world.

(The opinions expressed here are those of Ron Bousso, a columnist for Reuters) Enjoying this column? Check out Reuters Open Interest (ROI), your essential new source for global financial commentary. Follow ROI on LinkedIn, and X. And listen to the Morning Bid daily podcast on Apple, Spotify, or the Reuters app. Subscribe to hear Reuters journalists discuss the biggest news in markets and finance seven days a week.
The number of children and young people in county Longford with a disability waiting on an Assessment of Need is estimated to be in the 'high hundreds' and the 'system is broken and it needs a complete overhaul'.



That is the view of Fine Gael Councillor Peggy Nolan who spoke on Monday after details emerged that 7,171 children, who may have autism in the HSE Dublin and Midlands region, which includes county Longford, are presently waiting to be assessed - the highest in the country.

Read more: Longford's average monthly rent throughout final quarter of 2025



Cllr Nolan said there needs to be a review of the Assessment of Need system to ensure children and young people are assessed more quickly and that they have access to the supports they need and their lives are not 'put on hold'.



"The system is broken and it needs a complete overhaul.



"You have CAMHs (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) and you saw what happened in Kerry, it's in total disarray.



"And there is so many children now that are being diagnosed with autism and with different psychological and mental needs that there isn't the resources there to deal with it.



Cllr Nolan, a member of the HSE Dublin Mid Leinster Forum, insisted it is an absolute worry for parents with youngsters who need first of all to be assessed.



The Longford Town-based representative stated nothing can happen and no supports can be rolled out for a child unless they are assessed.



"They can't eat, they can't even get an SNA in school, nothing can happen.



"It is like putting your hand up and keeping a child at bay and that means keeping their whole life, not just their education, but their social involvement, their social inclusion, everything is put on hold.



"It is no use throwing money at this system because that's what happens, the Minister and the people in the department, they know the situation, they're doing their best as regards allocating funding but the whole system needs a review and it needs an absolute overhaul and an assessment.



"An assessment of needs, it is not working, it is not functional.



Throwing money won't work because we need staff to cover all of the different disciplines that we don't have.



"We need to keep the staff when they come out of university and when they are graduates, we need to encourage them to stay here and deliver the services they've been taught to deliver at expense to the State.



Cllr Nolan said she believes that is "not because of the lack of awareness because the Minister is fully aware" of the situation.

"The Tanaiste's brother, Adam Harris is working tirelessly for people with special needs.

"You have our own TD here in Longford Micheal Carrigy who has put a paper forward and has it being acted on for kids with autism and special needs.



"It's not as if people are walking away and ignoring the situation.



"But the system is broken and it needs to be fixed.



The people who are not being engaged with who could tell them how to fix it at local level and at national level are the parents.



The parents, who can't go to sleep at night worrying how much longer their child is going to be held back.

Read more: BREAKING | Crews working to repair major water pipe burst in south Longford

The longer a child with special needs whose needs are not being met continues, that child's whole development is being put on hold.



Cllr Nolan estimates, based on the number of calls and interactions she has with parents, the number of children on the waiting list is in the 'high hundreds'.
Leftists used to focus on economics, but today they fixate on nonbinary genders, microaggressions, and pronouns. Woke progressivism may seem silly, but Jordan B. Cooper, in his new book, Makers of the Modern Mind: A Guide to the Thinkers Who Formed the Modern Left, shows it has deep roots in modern philosophy. He traces the metastasizing of Marxism into an ideology that reduces pretty much everythingtruth, reason, culture, language, science, all human interactionsto the oppressive imposition of power.

Cooper is a Lutheran pastor best known for his Just & Sinner podcasts and YouTube videos on Lutheran apologetics. But his academic specialty is 17th-century Lutheran scholasticism, so he knows his philosophy. To understand Marx, he says, one must understand Hegel, which requires understanding Kant, which requires understanding Descartes. He also moves forward from Marxism to its expansion into cultural criticism, structuralism, post-structuralism, feminism, and critical theory. This is the tradition that constitutes todays intellectual establishment.

Most of the thinkers Cooper treats express themselves in jargon-ridden language that is difficult for nonspecialists to understand. Cooper, however, is lucid and engaging. Though he points out where these ideas go wrong, his tone is not polemical. The polemics in this review are purely my own.

This crash course in modernthat is, post-classical, post-Christianthought includes an illuminating discussion of Enlightenment thinkers like Hobbes, Locke, and Paine, showing that liberalism has both conservative and radical strains. But his treatment of the various strands of post-Marxism is especially valuable in explaining what lies behind our current controversies and exploring the assumptions that rule todays universities.

Karl Marx, with his economic determinism and Hegelian view of history, predicted that the working class would rise up in an inevitable revolution to overthrow bourgeois capitalism, thus ushering in the communist utopia. Unfortunately for his theory, the workers of the world did not rise up. As working conditions improved, the proletariat often staunchly defended the status quo. Even where revolution became reality, in the Soviet Union and China, the state did not wither away as Marx expected.

That workers failed to engage in a global revolution would seem to falsify Marxism. But many of its intellectual adherents refused to accept this evidence. Instead, they tried to find reasons why the proletariat refused to be radicalized. Whats wrong with them?

The basic elements of todays woke scholarship can be found in the work of Georg Lukacs, the Commissar of Culture and Education in communist Hungary. His job was to promote socialist propaganda, fire dissident teachers, and ban bourgeois books.

He reasoned that nonrevolutionary workers had a false consciousness because the ruling class controlled every aspect of culture, thus constraining how the proletariat thinks. The task of leftist intellectuals was to raise the consciousness of the masses so they will recognize how oppressed they are.

Since the totality of culture is determined by the ruling class, reasoned Lukacs, that culture must be thrown down. Intellectuals must critique every facet of cultural lifeart, literature, religion, ethics, knowledgeto uncover the implicit oppression that is its foundation.

Art and literature, he said, should reflect the proletariat perspective, while bourgeois work should be suppressed. Mere aesthetic considerations distract the masses to keep them docile. Classic works of the past are propaganda for the ruling class. The value of a work is determined solely by the socio-political views of the artist. As Cultural Commissar, Lukacs promoted social realism, which dramatized the class struggle, the only artistic style the Soviets permitted.

Reading about Lukacs brings back fond memories of my own career as an English professor, watching colleagues in my field interrogate authors for their socio-political beliefs (note the police-state metaphor); inserting authors with correct beliefs into the canon regardless of aesthetic merit; and reading oppression into every classic text. Lukacs called his totalitarian method simply theory, and so did they.

The French semiotician Roland Barthes lived on the other side of the Iron Curtain, but he was arguably even more radical. Barthes insisted that language determines thought. And since the ruling class controls language, it thus controls the masses.

The failure of the revolution to materialize lead Barthes to an extraordinary conclusion. As Cooper explains his reasoning,

If realism were correct, and the realities of the universe could actually be known, this would support the idea that the bourgeoisie are able to rightly reason towards these truths; as a consequence, bourgeoisie values and beliefs must be seriously considered and (if true) adopted by citizens. In order to tear down this pillar upon which the powerful have constructed their authority and privilege, the existence of universal or objective reality must be rejectedat least as accessible to human cognition. In his attack on the bourgeoisie, Barthes aims at nothing less than reality itself.

Barthes, however, was only a structuralist. The post-structuralists took these ideas even further. And they are the primary influences on todays woke academics.

The structuralists reduced meaning to language, but Jacques Derrida, a post-structuralist, challenged the meaning of language itself, by attacking the notion of logocentrism. In classical thought, the Logos was the Word as the ordering principle of reality, making it intelligible to logic. In Christianity, the Logos is identified with Jesus Christ. Derrida maintained that thinking in terms of the Logos has caused us to reify objective truth and to believe that language conveys that truth, especially in terms of binariesthat is, sets of opposing concepts. Binaries are hierarchical, with one assumed to be better than the other: so man is superior to women; civilized is superior to uncivilized; heterosexuality is superior to homosexuality; sanity is superior to madness; good is superior to evil.

This, says Derrida, is the foundation of every oppression. The solution is deconstruction, which means taking a text (which can be an institution or a custom as well as a written document) and exposing its binaries, subverting them by exalting the marginalized pole, thus revealing the texts internal contradictions.

Concludes Cooper: Derridas approach ultimately leads one to continually challenge every presupposition and instinct that one has about the world. Nearly every idea that is taken for granted or seen as common sense is reframed as arbitrary social bias.

Judith Butler would adapt Derridas binaries to fit her so-called Third Wave Feminism. First Wave Feminism grew out of liberalism, emphasizing freedom and equal rights. The Second Wave Feminism of Simone de Beauvoir grew out of existentialism, emphasizing how women should create their own meaning by rejecting not only social but also biological restraints by refusing marriage and motherhood and embracing abortion. Third Wave Feminism repudiated the very notion of objective sex and gender, insisting that even biology is a social construction. This gave us transgenderism and its plethora of nonbinary genders.

Michel Foucault further reduced all culture, all institutions, all art, all history, all religion, all morality, and all interpersonal relationships to power. For Foucault, the ruling class, not content with economic and political power, also desires to exert its power over other peoples bodies (thus the pro-abortion rhetoric). Because the body is the primary site of oppression, it is also the primary site of resistance. Control of the body manifests itself in restrictions on sex, so the path to liberation is sexual freedom (thus the sexual revolution).

Foucault was a gay sadomasochist who died of AIDS. For Foucault, transgressive sexual acts are a means by which domination can be effectively resisted, writes Cooper. He turns deviant sexual acts into instruments of political activism and a fight for justice (thus the LGBTQ+ movement). He advocated public displays of sexual deviancy, continues Cooper, as resistance to received cultural narratives surrounding sex and marriage (thus gay pride parades).

Foucault wrote a series of books looking at history in terms of the different power relations in different epochs. His method was to identify the ruling class and then show how it repressed marginalized groups (thus the 1669 Project and much contemporary historical scholarship).

Foucaults enormously influential genealogies purported to show how the ruling class has exerted its control in psychiatry, in medicine, in science, in prisons, and in sex generally. Their social influence can be seen in the closure of mental hospitals, the surge of homelessness, the defund-the-police policies, and the prison-abolition movement. In universities they would give us queer theory and gender theory.

How did these ideas, which seem bizarre in the clear light of day, gain such a hold on American universities? That story begins in 1923 with the founding of the Institute for Social Research in Frankfurt, Germany. This began as a Marxist but non-Leninist conference, which was turned into an organization that would be known as the Frankfurt School.

This purely academic affair published The Journal for Social Research, resulting in scholarly collaborations that revised Marxist doctrine: Socialism would come not from a violent revolution by the working class but by political and cultural means. Now that democracy was becoming widespread, the massesonce they achieved true consciousnesswould bring about the revolution by voting (thus democratic socialism).

When Hitler came to power, the Frankfurt School and its faculty were invited to move to Columbia University in New York City. Here, their journal would be translated into English so that it could circulate widely in American universities. After the war, the Frankfurt School moved back to Germany, but the American ties continued. Columbia would give Derrida an honorary doctorate, and later the University of California-Irvine would give him a faculty position.

Cooper discusses the contributions of the various key figures of the Frankfurt School, including Antonio Gramsci and Theodore Adorno, who stressed revolution through cultural influence. The most influential was Herbert Marcuse, who stayed in America to teach at Columbia, Harvard, Brandeis, and the University of California-San Diego. (As I remember from my grad school days, Marcuse and Derrida lectured in universities throughout the country. They became academic celebrities.)

Marcuse expanded the proletariat to include members of the middle class as well. Everyone is oppressed! And he explained the failure of the masses to rise up in revolution by applying Freudian psychology. Everyone is also repressed! (Thus more sexual revolution.)

Marcuse was giddy with the student protests of the 1960s and 70s, concluding that the true revolutionaries are not to be found among the workers but among intellectuals and young people. The primary site of revolutionary activities will not be the factory floor but the place where intellectuals and young people come together: the university.

But these ideas destroyed the university.

Nothing is left to study. The task of preserving and handing on Western civilization by studying classic authors, acclaimed artists, and great thinkers is ruled out because the heritage of the past consists of nothing more than elitist power and oppression.

What about the pursuit of truth? Barthes, Foucault, and Derrida believed that the only legitimate mode of academic inquiry is to unmask exploitation, not the discovery of truth, which is impossible because it does not exist. To claim otherwise is to serve the ruling class.

What about free academic inquiry? Barthes said there is no need to argue with opposing views. They should simply be dismissed. Marcuse said that freedom of speech perpetuates bourgeois ideals, so the expression of those ideals should not even be tolerated. In faculty lounges, professors often complain about how fundamentalism, creationism, and conservatives stifle academic inquiry, but their own professed philosophy stifles it much, much more.

Coopers book shows that the problems of our universities and our intellectual establishment go deeper than most of us realize. This way of thinking, he says, provides no clear path to move from deconstruction to construction, nor does it even deliver a clear picture of what such a construction should be. Pure critique devoid of teleology is critique for its own sake. Solving those problems will require a recovery of the Logos.

A major error in these ideologies is reductionism. Yes, power exists. Oppression exists. But those are not the only things that exist. So do mathematics, outer space, playing with your children, watching a sunset, making things, love.

In the universities of the Soviet Empire, such as those overseen by Commissar Lukacs, most faculty members kept their heads down, mouthing Party pieties to avoid the gulag and to get on with their work. This is largely the case in American universities today. But the Soviet universities also had dissidents who resisted the commissars, often at great cost. What the academy needs today is more dissidents.

Working through Coopers book made me think of what the Lutheran thinker J.G. Hamann said in his metacriticism of his friend Immanuel Kant: A philosophy that cannot account for ordinary life is not much help. And a philosophy that denies reality cannot be valid.
There are cool gaming monitors out there and then theres the Samsung Odyssey 3D, which turns your images tridimensional without you wearing any glasses. And the best part is that you can get this insanely expensive $2,000 monitor for under $800  an incredibly low price and the best weve ever seen.

The Samsung Odyssey 3D is one of the coolest monitors weve ever seen. Our friends at PCWorld actually got to play around with this monitor, and they absolutely loved it, dubbing it the most impressive glasses-free 3D display theyve tried, which is saying something considering theyve tested dozens over the years. Even better, thanks to the built-in AI-powered technology, this monitor can convert standard videos into 3D, so if youre into content creation, youll have extra fun when streaming content too.

But even if you dont care about 3D, this display delivers 4K resolutions and a speedy 165Hz refresh rate, as well as a 1ms response time. Basically, that translates into smooth and sharp visuals. Its also compatible with both G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium for minimal screen tearing and stutter during gameplay.

Grab this $1,200 discount while its still live over at Amazon and order the Samsung Odyssey 3D for under $800 sooner rather than later  you never know when these deals will expire.
Most leaders think communication comes after decisions are made. In African markets, that is too late.

The moment a decision leaves the room, it starts being interpreted. Not when the statement goes out. Not when teams are aligned. Immediately. And once that interpretation sets in, it is hard to reverse.

A multinational restructured its operations across East Africa in late 2025. Rational decision. Operationally sound. They planned to announce internally first, then handle external communications once approvals were finalised.

But in markets where the CEOs strategy session is discussed in regulatory circles before the memo goes out, there is no  once approvals are finalised .

Employees in the regional hub heard it as validation. Employees in the office being consolidated heard it as abandonment. Local media in a third market framed it as disinvestment before the company had said a word. A regulator in a fourth market read about the restructuring in the business press before receiving official notification. The approval process that followed was slower, more cautious. Not because the decision was flawed, but because the foundation of trust had been eroded before the formal process even began.

Same decision. Four interpretations. All forming faster than the company could schedule town halls.

By the time leadership issued the official statement, they were not introducing a strategy. They were correcting narratives that had already shaped how stakeholders saw the decision. Talent retention became an unplanned cost. The partnership they were counting on in one market stalled because the initial framing stuck.

This is the pattern. Companies finalise decisions, plan the rollout, and assume silence buys time. It does not.

In high-context African environments, silence is not neutral. It is interpreted. And interpretation happens fast.

This is because information does not move the way most executives expect. A company will issue a statement in Lagos, Nairobi, and Accra and assume it lands the same way in each place. It does not.

In one market, the business conversation happens on radio. In another, it is shaped in WhatsApp groups before any official media picks it up. In a third, a press release without a prior face-to-face conversation is read as disrespect.

The company thought it was managing one narrative. It was navigating three different information ecosystems, each with its own timelines, trusted voices, and expectations.

And the cost shows up later. In talent walking out after an acquisition because the framing was wrong. In market access that does not materialise because the initial perception stuck. In partnerships that stall because trust was not managed early.

Leaders who operate well in Africa bring communication into the room while decisions are being made. Not to write statements. To ask the questions that prevent expensive mistakes.

What will this look like in a market where the previous government promised jobs? How will employees in the hub country hear this differently than employees in the market being consolidated? If we say nothing for three weeks, what story forms in that gap?

That discipline changes outcomes. Fewer decisions need explaining later because fewer are misunderstood early.

Africa makes this visible faster. Memory is long. Trust is local. Context is not optional. The gap between intent and interpretation closes quickly.

The problem is not that companies fail to communicate. It is that they measure success using the wrong scorecard.

Media coverage matters. But it does not tell you why the partnership stalled. Why talent walked. Why the regulatory process took twice as long as expected.

When things go wrong, those metrics leave you blind. You know the outcome was bad. You do not know what broke or where.

Bringing communication into the decision-making process solves a different problem. It is not about controlling the narrative after the fact. It is about designing decisions that account for how they will land before they are finalised. That prevents the fracture from happening in the first place.

In African markets, that is not a communications luxury. It is operational necessity.

Communication is not something that happens after strategy is set. It is decision insurance.

And in markets where narratives form fast and trust is built slowly, you do not buy insurance after the risk has materialised.
Construction has officially begun on a major multi-million euro extension at St Geralds College in Castlebar.

The significant development will see the addition of four new classrooms, along with specialist rooms for construction studies, home economics and textiles. The project also includes substantial upgrades aimed at modernising the schools facilities and creating additional space for both students and staff.

Mayo Minister Alan Dillon welcomed the commencement of works this week, describing it as a long-awaited milestone for the school community.

Its great to see work starting this week on the new multi-million euro extension at St Geralds College, he said. The project will add four new classrooms, specialist rooms for construction studies, home economics and textiles, and major upgrades to modernise the school and create more space for students and staff.

READ MORE: Major Garda operation in Mayo leads to arrests, vehicle seizures and fines

Minister Dillon said he had worked closely with the school community and the Department of Education to help progress the development to construction stage.

He also congratulated Principal Shaun Burke and the wider school community on reaching the All-Ireland Colleges semi-final, following their recent victory last Friday, and wished the team the best of luck in their upcoming clash against Tralee.

The extension marks a significant investment in educational infrastructure in Castlebar and is expected to enhance learning opportunities for current and future students at St Geralds College.
The welcome news that mammogram X-ray services will return to Mayo was announced at Tuesday's Regional Health Forum West and North West.

Councillor Michael Loftus has welcomed the news, with a confirmed date of June 8th, 2026.

The news brings to an end a difficult period for women in the county who have been forced to travel to Galway for essential breast imaging appointments  a situation that has caused significant distress for many patients.

"I welcome the fact that we now have a date of the eighth of June for the actual opening of a mammogram service in Mayo," said Cllr Loftus, who has been raising the issue on behalf of constituents. "I just feel that this all stems from individuals coming into my clinic."

The service was suspended following the retirement of a specialist radiographer, with difficulties finding a replacement prolonging the disruption. Cllr Loftus acknowledged the circumstances while stressing the impact on patients. "We had one lady who retired, and I understand that she retired and a replacement was not able to work for a particular reason," he said. "But it was really hard on the individuals who really had to go to Galway and, in their state, it was a big thing to have to reschedule their appointments, and it affected them quite a lot."

The issue had also drawn attention at a national level. Minister of State Alan Dillon TD previously described it as "unacceptable" that Mayo women were being redirected to University Hospital Galway for a service that should be available locally, warning that delays in access could hinder early detection of breast cancer.

With the service's return now confirmed, Cllr Loftus is calling for systemic improvements to prevent a repeat of the situation. "In the future, we need to look at this system of replacing staff if somebody is out," he said. "If this person comes back, is there a replacement in place that could be taken from Galway or from somewhere else to actually come in? If it meant a day off work for that person, is there a replacement there? That needs to be looked at."

READ MORE: HSE blame scarcity of specialised radiographers for suspension of Mayo Mammography Service

The June 8 reopening will be a welcome development for women across the county, restoring local access to a diagnostic service that plays a critical role in the early detection and treatment of breast cancer.

An official from the HSE told the meeting that "there is a shortage of demographers across the country. And the issue is we're actually recruiting and getting replacements for when people are on leave, and I think that has been a particular problem in relation to this particular episode."

Ann Cosgrove, Saolta University Health Care Group, agreed and said that there is a scarcity of supply of mammography trained radiographers. It's not unique to Mayo, unfortunately. It is across the country, and there's specific training that they have to undertake. So it definitely can be challenging at times to keep posts filled in that area.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme


It has been confirmed that the All-Ireland 'C' Schools semi-final between Mayo's Balla Secondary School and Carrigaline Community School of Cork has seen a change of throw-in time.

Both sides will make their way to Clarecastle with eyes on making the decider of the race for the Eamonn O'Sullivan Cup.

Balla punched their ticket to the last-four when they triumphed over Gortnor Abbey, Crossmolina in the Connacht final, while the Munster champions secured provincial honours when they edged Scoil na Trinoide by the bare minimum in a thriller in Banteer.

Now, on Saturday, the team buses of each band of brothers will be bouncing along the roads to Clarecastle, a stone's throw from Ennis, with eyes on the prize.

However, they will have to leave a touch earlier than previously thought.

The semi-final has been brought forward by an hour from the original throw-in time of 4 pm. It is now pencilled in for 3 pm.
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary TD has welcomed the publication of the Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030.

The Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport under the recent NDP Review will provide almost 45 million capital investment under the Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030, with 9 million in capital supports available for allocation in 2026. In addition, current funding will be provided on an annual basis as part of the estimate process. In total, over 19 million is available for allocation under the Programme in 2026.

The Programme will support connectivity and balanced regional development, while seeking to maximise the use of existing capacity across regional airports.

The Programme for Government gave a commitment to continue to invest in the Regional Airports Programme and to develop a new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030. This new programme marks the delivery of this important commitment.

Minister OBrien has announced that for the first time, the scope of the Programme has been broadened to include airports with up to three million annual passengers and in recognition of passenger traffic growth forecast by Ireland West Airport over the lifetime of this Programme, the Programme will ensure that Ireland West Airport continues to be supported in a scenario where they grow beyond the one million annual passenger threshold. Ireland West Airport will be supported on a step-down basis up to 1.5 million passengers with capital and operational supports.

I am very pleased that the new Programme will allow for the continued support of Ireland West Airport Knock and give the airport security for the period 2026-2030. I am very committed to continuing to work with Managing Director Joe Gilmore, Chairperson Arthur French and the board to ensure the continued growth of the airport and the services it provides into the future. I look forward to capital funding being announced for the airport next month and operational funding in Q4, said Minister Calleary.

Mayo Minister of State Alan Dillon also welcomed the announcement, highlighting that the Regional Airports Programme will play a key enabling role for the Knock SDZ, which aims to deliver a major employment, innovation, and enterprise hub adjacent to the airport.

The SDZ represents one of the most important regional development opportunities in the West, he said. A strong, wellsupported airport is central to unlocking its full potential. The Programme announced today ensures that Knock Airport can continue to grow sustainably, attract new investment, and support the longterm vision for the SDZ.

READ MORE: Work begins on multi-million euro extension at Mayo secondary school
The number of gardai stationed in County Mayo has increased over the past year, but the force is yet to recover to the strength it experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The latest figures reveal that there are 311 gardai operating in the county, as of December 2025.

This represents a 1.3 percent increase on the previous years figure of 307. However, the figure remains well below the 2020 total of 343.

Of the 311 gardai stationed in Mayo, 141 are on general duty, 58 are sergeants and 9 are inspectors. There is also one superintendent and one chief superintendent.

READ NEXT: Mayo Minister welcomes the publication of the Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030

Castlebar boasts the largest number of gardai in the county, with 66 gardai operating in the town. It is followed by Ballina with 55 and Swinford with 41.

Meanwhile, 39 gardai are stationed in Claremorris, while there are 26 on duty in Westport.

Elsewhere, Ballyhaunis has 11 gardai, Kilkelly has 8 and Ballinrobe has 7. A number of other towns and villages have garda numbers in the single figures.

The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Siochana under Section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024.
The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD (Fianna Fail), has announced the opening of the 2026 Local Improvement Scheme (LIS).

This scheme will provide 17.55 million for repairs and improvement works on non-public rural roads and laneways.

Speaking as he announced the allocations today, Minister Calleary said: This scheme will improve hundreds of rural roads and laneways across the country and is a vital source of funding for non-public roads not normally maintained by local authorities.

As part of this, I have been able to allocate 1.2million to Mayo County Council, including 50,000 ringfenced for the Islands. The LIS Scheme is a vital resource for rural Ireland, particularly for farmers and landowner on non-public roads. It is the responsibility of the local authority in discussion with land and property owners to identify and prioritise roads for inclusion on the scheme with each local councillor receiving an allocation. The investment demonstrates my commitment to vital road infrastructure in rural Ireland, providing access to peoples farms and homes."

READ NEXT: Work begins on multi-million euro extension at Mayo secondary school

This announcement brings to a total of over 201 million that has been allocated to local authorities under the Scheme since it was re-introduced in 2017.

The allocation of funds is for works to be carried out in 2026 on roads not normally maintained by the local authorities.

Minister Alan Dillon TD (Fine Gael) commented, that "this investment will make a real difference to families, farmers, and rural communities who rely on these roads every day. The inclusion of 50,000 specifically for island roads is particularly important, ensuring that our offshore communities are not left behind and can benefit from improved connectivity and safer access routes."

Dillon claimed that this funding gives Mayo County Council the certainty it needs to progress priority LIS projects this year, improving quality of life and supporting rural living across the county.
Business / Companies

by Chronicle

TELECEL, Zimbabwe is the second largest mobile phone network, says it targets to expand its telecommunications network in most rural areas in the Matabeleland region this year.The mobile service operator's regional manager for the southern region, Nelson Chipangamate, told The Chronicle that they intend to continue expanding telecommunications network in the region's remote areas and improve service delivery."We want to continue increasing our network to previously marginalised areas that had not enjoyed coverage. In the southern region, this year we are targeting to increase network coverage especially in Gwanda, Bulilima and Mangwe districts," he said.Chipangamate said they have done some significant strides in making sure our services are available in the southern region in remote places such as Binga that previously had no coverage."We have done some significant strides in making sure our services are available in the southern region. Recently we increased our network coverage in Binga, Colleen Bawn, Zezani in Beitbridge, Inkosikazi along the Victoria Falls highway and people can now communicate from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls as well as Bulawayo to Beitbridge," he said.He added that plans were in the pipeline to open more retail outlets in the southern region.Telecel Zimbabwe has reportedly also expanded its network mainly targeting remote areas that had no coverage at all or where the service was less than satisfactory.Some of the new areas where Telecel network coverage was accessed include Empress Mine, Gwesi, Main Line Turnoff, Mashava, Rukotso, Sengwa, Silobela, Sternmore, Troutberg, Tsholotsho, Bikita, Nyika, Zaka, Queens Mine, Dema and Zhombe.Presently, Telecel has more than 2,5 million active subscribers.
The Heritage Council has launched the 2026 Community Heritage Grant Scheme and is inviting applications from community organisations throughout County Mayo. Grants of between 800 to 25,000 are available under the Scheme, which supports local initiatives that protect, share, and celebrate the built, natural and cultural heritage that matters to communities nationwide.

The scheme supports notforprofit groups including non-governmental organisations, and community and voluntary groups to deliver projects that make heritage more inclusive, promote good practice, and strengthen sustainability.

The annual Scheme supports a wide variety of heritage projects, from practical conservation work to skills development and public engagement. Eligible projects include conservation management plans, surveys, and reports; conservation works to biodiversity sites, historic structures, objects, or collections; and hands-on heritage skills workshops. The Scheme also supports collections care and biodiversity projects, the creation of digital heritage resources, and the purchase of specialised conservation equipment.

The variety of applicants that successfully secured funding in 2025 in Mayo demonstrates the positive impact the scheme has across the heritage field. These included The Michael Davitt Museum Conservation Survey Report, from the The Michael Davitt National Memorial Company CLG, and Deserted Village Slievemore Achill Island - Conservation Management Plan, by Turasoireacht Acla - Achill Tourism.

Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive Officer of the Heritage Council, said; The Community Heritage Grant Scheme is one of the most important ways we support local stewardship of Irelands heritage. Each year, we see community groups bring extraordinary creativity in developing ways to care and promote the places, stories, and natural environments that matter to them. This scheme empowers people to take meaningful action, whether that be restoring a historic structure, conserving biodiversity, or creating new ways for the public to connect with their local heritage. We are continually inspired by the ambition of these projects, and we look forward to supporting communities across the country once again in 2026.

Mayo County Council Heritage Officer, Deirdre Cunningham, said; This Scheme gives local groups the resources and confidence to build on the countys exceptional heritage. Last year alone, we welcomed over 100,000 to important projects on Achill Island, the Michael Davitt Museum and the Ballina Convent Regeneration. This funding can make a real and lasting difference to the local area. I strongly encourage groups across the county to consider applying.

Applications are now open and must be submitted via the Heritage Councils online grants management system by 8pm on March 20. Successful projects must be completed by November 13. A Webinar on the application process is available on the Heritage Councils website. For further details, visit: https://www.heritagecouncil.ie/funding/community-heritage-grant-scheme-2

READ MORE: Number of gardai in Mayo increases but force yet to recover to pandemic levels
News / Local

by Stephen Jakes

A 36yearold man from Trenance, Bulawayo, has been jailed for three years after the Tredgold Regional Magistrates Court convicted him of having sexual intercourse with a minor.The matter came to light after a 14yearold girl was arrested in connection with a kidnapping incident at a Bulawayo market. Upon her arrest, authorities discovered that she had been living in an intimate relationship with the offender at his home.The State proved that between January and February 2026, the man engaged in sexual intercourse with the minor on several occasions.Although the relationship was described as consensual by both parties, the State argued that the complainants age rendered her legally incapable of giving consent. At 14, she is protected under the Criminal Law Code, which criminalises any sexual activity between an adult and a child.Authorities emphasised that the protection of minors is a nonnegotiable priority and that any intimate relationship between an adult and a child constitutes a serious offence, regardless of perceived consent.
News / Local

by Staff reporter

VICE-President Dr John Landa Nkomo on Thursday called on Zimbabweans to uphold the spirit of unity in order to preserve peace and tranquility in the country.Giving a vote of thanks after President Mugabe officially opened the Zanu-PF 12th Annual National People's Conference at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) grounds in Bulawayo yesterday, VP Nkomo, who is also the Second Secretary of Zanu-PF, said Zimbabweans should speak with one voice in denouncing all forms of divisions and violence among themselves."We in Zanu-PF we say peace begins with me, peace begins with you, peace begins with all of us. Our strength lies within our unity," said VP Nkomo who also led thousands of party supporters in reciting the axiom.VP Nkomo said people should emulate the principles and superb leadership skills of President Mugabe."President Mugabe is one person who has walked the talk. He is a consistent person who does not believe in amendments to the original principles."With him once we get going we do not stop. It is forward ever. What we have been given is a good counsel and with that I see a brighter future for Zimbabwe. We should remain steadfast and continuewith the leadership of President Mugabe in our quest for sovereignty, freedom, peace and tranquility," said VP Nkomo.He said Zanu-PF was a principled party that was founded on solid objectives of empowering ordinary Zimbabweans.VP Nkomo urged Zimbabweans to be vigilant when they elect leaders by considering the virtues of astute leadership such as that of President Mugabe.He said President Mugabe has distinguished himself as a giant leader on the continent and that the whole of Africa now looks forward to borrowing from President Mugabe's leadership.
Reportedly, the movie has gone massively overbudget and its shoot days have been increased by over 100 days.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali s Love & War starring Ranbir Kapoor , Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal is turning out to be amongst the biggest movies of not just the filmmaker and the cast involved but of Indian cinema as well.

 Bhansali Productions

Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Love & War Goes Overbudget

According to a report in Variety India, Love & War began with a budget of Rs 350 crore, and it was planned as a 120-day shoot.

However, the shoot timelines were stretched repeatedly and as a result 120 days were increased to 175 days. But even those are not enough for the maverick filmmaker.

It has been reported that the shoot days of Love & War have now been increased by 50 more days, taking the total to 225 days.

Moreover, the initial budget of the movie was Rs 350 crore, but that has now ballooned to Rs 425 crore.

An industry source told the publication, Bhansali strives for perfection and is not satisfied until every single frame matches his vision. That relentless commitment is what has made him the towering filmmaker he is today. But the repeated production extensions have ballooned the budget.

And added, Originally planned at 350 crore, the cost has now climbed to 425 crore, making it the most expensive Bhansali project to date.

The Rs 425 crore budget is without the fee of the star cast who have all agreed to take share in profit which means they will get paid from the theatrical revenue of Love & War.

The source also revealed that the movie is self-financed by Bhansali and Saregama India joined him at a later stage as co-producer.

The filmmaker has reportedly recovered Rs 200 crore from the non-theatrical deals including Rs 130 crore from the Netflix deal and Rs 70-80 crore secured via music and satellite deal.

Talking about the same, the source added, Despite these healthy pre-recoveries, Love & War has gone significantly over budget, which is risky in todays unpredictable theatrical market. But Bhansali has always been a risk-taker, and the success of his earlier large-scale films has often justified that gamble.

Love & War was initially set for March 2026 release but was later pushed. Rumour has it that it may not release in theatres before 2027.
Wedding bells are set to ring for Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna, and excitement among fans is at an all-time high. While admirers are eager to see the duo step into their new chapter as bride and groom, fresh reports suggest that the celebrations will unfold through two distinct ceremonies, reflecting both their cultural backgrounds.

 X/VijayRashmika Fans According to India Today, the couple will first exchange vows in a traditional Telugu Hindu ceremony, honouring Vijays heritage. The ritual is expected to take place on the morning of February 26. Later the same day, the festivities will continue with a Kodava-style wedding ceremony, paying tribute to Rashmikas roots and customs. About Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandannas guest list On Tuesday morning, Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna were photographed departing Hyderabad for Udaipur, accompanied by Vijays brother Anand Deverakonda and a few of his close childhood friends. Later that day, the couple shared cheerful glimpses from their time in Udaipur with family and friends.

Among the early arrivals were filmmaker Tharun Bhascker, who directed Vijay in Pelli Choopulu, and actor Eesha Rebba, who were seen arriving together. Stylist Shravya Varma, known to be close to the couple, was also spotted. Soon after, actor Ashika Ranganath and director-actor Rahul Ravindran, who helmed Rashmikas The Girlfriend, joined the celebrations.

With the wedding expected to mirror their intimate Hyderabad engagement, the guest list is likely to remain selective. It remains to be seen which other close friends and industry colleagues will be in attendance. Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna first crossed paths on the sets of Geetha Govindam (2018) and later reunited for Dear Comrade in 2019. Around the time they met, Rashmika had been engaged to her Kirik Party co-star Rakshit Shetty, but the engagement was called off in 2018. Vijay, too, was rumoured to have been seeing a Belgian national, though that relationship reportedly ended.
On the eve of the next anniversary of the Khojaly genocide, opinions began to appear in Armenian public media about the alleged insincerity of the Azerbaijani side and calls for Yerevan to end its peace agenda. They say that Azerbaijanis talk about peace and at the same time promote hatred of Armenians through the theme of Khojaly.

Such thoughts are voiced by the audience of opposition circles, who for some reason believe that for the sake of peace with Armenia, Azerbaijan should forget about all the crimes of the Armenians, stop talking about Khojaly and other tragedies experienced by the Azerbaijani people. And if Baku does not do this, it means that it does not want peace and is simply dragging its feet, preparing for "aggression."

It is strange to hear such a thing from representatives of a people who have been solemnly celebrating the anniversary of the alleged "genocide" for more than a hundred years and at the same time expecting a warm embrace from Turkiye.

The authors of such narratives should take into account that the peace agenda is a huge favor from Azerbaijan to Armenia. This favor was done for the sake of peace in the region and in no way implies forgiveness and erasing the memory of what has been experienced over thirty years. This memory will be passed down from generation to generation, and it is not hate speech. On the contrary, without memory and vigilance, real peace is impossible. This is a story that everyone should know in order to prevent tragedies from happening again.

Attempts to erase memory have already cost the Azerbaijani people very dearly. Thousands of innocent victims, three deportations, the alienation of historical territories, genocide, attempts at assimilation and blurring of identity. The Azerbaijani people had to go through all this. If the foundation of the nation had not been so solid and had not gone so deep into the centuries, the goals of the campaign would have been achieved. But they remained unrealized.

The Karabakh conflict, like the previous tragedies of the Azerbaijani people, is now an integral part of history. The genocide of Azerbaijanis in the territory of present-day Armenia at the beginning of the last century, and the genocide of Azerbaijanis in Baku, Shamakhi, and Guba in March 1918 were torn out of history, but now these pages have been returned to their place. And they will stay there forever. This does not mean that Azerbaijan does not want peace and allegedly promotes hatred. The memory of the Khojaly tragedy does not provoke caveman feelings. The Azerbaijani people are generally not prone to caveman emotions. Even now, when the memory of the occupation is still fresh, there is no hatred of Armenians in Azerbaijani society, although, objectively, they have done everything to deserve it. It is difficult for our neighbors to understand this, because hatred is soldered into their consciousness, and revanchist propaganda is trying very hard to ensure that nothing in this regard changes. This is despite the fact that the Azerbaijanis have not done any harm to the Armenians. They just didn't allow their lands to be taken away from them.

Revanchist circles in Armenia know what's what. Their leaders, in the person of Kocharyan, Sargsyan and other criminals who remain at large, are directly involved in the massacre of the peaceful Azerbaijani population. It is unlikely that they do not sleep at night, tormented by conscience. We doubt that they put candles in the church for the repose of the innocently murdered. But there can be no doubt that the fear of a boomerang haunts you. The boomerang may return in thirty years. Therefore, on the eve of February 26, these circles, as a rule, start moving, trying to throw off responsibility, wash off the atrocities committed and shift the blame onto the Azerbaijani side itself.

This year was no exception, and the sentences handed down to Armenian criminals on the eve of this date have given it a special sound and increased the fear of scoundrels who are still inaccessible to justice. But that's just for now.

"The other day there was another anniversary of the genocide in Garadaghli, tomorrow we will celebrate another anniversary of the genocide in Khojaly. Unfortunately, there have been many such tragic dates in our calendar over the years of conflict, and the expectation that we will erase them for the sake of fraternizing with our neighbors at any cost is not serious. Such thoughts are promoted by bots and the part of the Armenian audience that continues to dream of revenge and the weakening of Azerbaijan. In their opinion, the peace agenda should mean that the Azerbaijani people will forget about everything that happened during the First Karabakh War and occupation. But that's not going to happen.

These tragedies will not be forgotten. This is a part of our history, a tragic part of it. No oblivion. On the contrary, today there is a rethinking of this tragedy, new facts are emerging, and more and more mass graves are being discovered on the liberated lands. Is it possible to forget about it even for the sake of peace? No. Future generations will remember the genocide in Khojaly, the treachery, betrayal and inhumanity of Armenian nationalism.

I am talking about betrayal because the atrocities against peaceful Azerbaijanis were committed by those with whom they shared bread, whom they considered good neighbors. The war criminal Serzh Sargsyan was absolutely right when he said that the Azerbaijanis did not believe that the Armenians would raise their hands against the civilian population. And we were really wrong.

Today, various experts are telling tales in the Armenian media about the alleged guilt of the genocide of the Azerbaijanis themselves. This is an empty topic. Attempts to shift the blame to the Azerbaijani side are absolutely hopeless.

In 2011-2012, on the eve of the 20th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide, the Armenian side, with the financial and ideological support of the Karabakh clan, the Diaspora and the church that led Armenia, launched a program of disinformation to the world community. Within the framework of this program, a crazy theory was created on international platforms, in academic and expert circles that the genocide in Khojaly was allegedly committed by the Azerbaijanis themselves. But it didn't work out. We brought the forgers to light and completely exposed this lie. The international campaign "Justice for Khojaly", organized on the initiative of Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva, played a huge role. Those who started this slanderous war lost and received a powerful retaliatory blow, thanks to which the truth about Khojaly was revealed in the world.

There can be no two opinions about who planned and carried out the massacre of Khojaly civilians. Armenian nationalists brutally murdered children, women, and the elderly not only in the forests through which they fled to escape the massacre, but also in the city itself. All the facts of the guilt of the Armenians and the 366th regiment are confirmed by evidence, photographic documents, maps. It has been fully proven that the bloody action was planned and carried out with particular brutality by Armenian gangs and the Russian military.

So those who expect that Azerbaijan will be ready to forget about Khojaly for the sake of peace with Armenia are sorely mistaken."
News / National

by Stephen Jakes

The United States says it regrets the Government of Zimbabwes decision to withdraw from negotiations on a proposed bilateral health Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which would have channelled US$367 million over five years towards Zimbabwes priority health programmes.

In a statement, the U.S. Embassy said the proposed MOU was designed to support HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, and diseaseoutbreak preparedness.We believe this collaboration would have delivered extraordinary benefits for Zimbabwean communities  especially the 1.2 million men, women and children currently receiving HIV treatment through U.S.-supported programmes, said U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe Pamela Tremont.We will now turn to the difficult and regrettable task of winding down our health assistance in Zimbabwe.According to the U.S., the proposed MOU would have been the largest potential health investment in Zimbabwe by any international funder. It was based on a cofunding model requiring Zimbabwe to gradually increase its own health financing alongside U.S. support.The U.S. noted that it has provided more than US$1.9 billion in health assistance to Zimbabwe since 2006  support credited with helping the country reach the UNAIDS 959595 targets.Sixteen African countries have already signed similar health MOUs with the United States, representing more than US$18.3 billion in new health funding, including US$11.2 billion in U.S. assistance and US$7.1 billion in coinvestment from partner governments.Ambassador Tremont said the U.S. must ensure that American taxpayer funds are invested where mutual accountability, transparency and shared commitment are assured.These MOUs set a higher standard for bilateral health cooperation  one that prioritises sustainability, measurable outcomes and shared ownership of results, she said.The Government of Zimbabwe has assured us it is prepared to sustain the fight against HIV/AIDS, and we wish them well.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Flamboyant preacher Passion Java has confirmed that his 10-year marriage to Ethiopian-born beauty Lily Tsegaye has officially come to an end.The announcement follows months of speculation surrounding the couple's relationship. Last year, followers began questioning the status of their marriage after Lily reportedly wiped her Instagram account clean, removing pictures of the preacher from her timeline.Java has now publicly addressed the matter, releasing a statement on his official Facebook page."This moment serves to inform our partners, spiritual children, and all well-meaning Christians around the world that Lily and I have officially dissolved our marriage," he wrote.The preacher did not disclose the reasons behind the divorce but emphasized that the decision was reached amicably."This decision was not made lightly, but with maturity, understanding, and peace. Though our marriage has come to an end, we remain friends and committed partners in raising our three beautiful children," he said.The development marks the second divorce for Java. He previously separated from his first wife, Yasmin, in 2015 shortly after meeting Lily.Java and Lily tied the knot in a colourful ceremony in Jamaica in 2016, an event that drew widespread attention on social media.In his statement, Java stressed that family remains central to his life despite the marital split."We are both fully involved in their lives and will continue to co-parent with love, respect, and unity. Family remains a priority to me. Divorce does not change my responsibility or dedication as a father," he said."Our children will continue to receive the presence, support, and guidance they deserve from both parents. We are also deeply committed to the callings God has placed upon our lives."He concluded by appealing for understanding and prayers from supporters as they transition into what he described as a new season."This new season allows us to walk in those callings with clarity and purpose, while maintaining peace and mutual respect. I ask for your understanding and prayers as we move forward in grace, faith, and friendship."
WASHINGTON (AP)  Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gave Anthropic's CEO a Friday deadline to open the company's artificial intelligence technology for unrestricted military use or risk losing its government contract, according to a person familiar with their meeting Tuesday.

Anthropic makes the chatbot Claude and remains the last of its peers to not supply its technology to a new U.S. military internal network. CEO Dario Amodei repeatedly has made clear his ethical concerns about unchecked government use of AI, including the dangers of fully autonomous armed drones and of AI-assisted mass surveillance that could track dissent.

Besides canceling the contract, Pentagon officials warned they could designate Anthropic a supply chain risk or use the Defense Production Act to essentially give the military more authority to use its products even if it doesnt approve of how they are used, according to the person, who was not authorized to comment publicly about the meeting and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The person called the tone of the meeting cordial but said Amodei didnt budge on two areas he has established as lines Anthropic wont cross  fully autonomous military targeting operations and domestic surveillance of U.S. citizens.

It underscores the debate over AI's role in national security and concerns about how the technology could be used in high-stakes situations involving lethal force, sensitive information or government surveillance. It also comes as Hegseth has vowed to root out what he calls a woke culture in the armed forces.

A powerful AI looking across billions of conversations from millions of people could gauge public sentiment, detect pockets of disloyalty forming, and stamp them out before they grow, Amodei wrote in an essay last month.

The Pentagon did not immediately comment on the development, which was reported earlier by Axios. A defense official had earlier confirmed the meeting between Hegseth and Amodei.

Anthropic has been the only AI company approved for classified military networks

The Pentagon announced last summer that it was awarding defense contracts to four AI companies  Anthropic, Google, OpenAI and Elon Musks xAI. Each contract is worth up to $200 million.

Anthropic was the first AI company to get approved for classified military networks, where it works with partners like Palantir. The other three companies, for now, are only operating in unclassified environments.

By early this year, Hegseth was highlighting only two of them: xAI and Google. He said in a January speech at Musks space flight company, SpaceX, in South Texas that he was shrugging off any AI models that wont allow you to fight wars.

Hegseth said his vision for military AI systems means that they operate without ideological constraints that limit lawful military applications, before adding that the Pentagons AI will not be woke.

The defense secretary said Musks artificial intelligence chatbot Grok would join the Pentagon network, called GenAI.mil. The announcement came days after Grok  which is embedded into X, the social media network owned by Musk  drew global scrutiny for generating highly sexualized deepfake images of people without their consent.

OpenAI announced in early February that it, too, would join the military's secure AI platform, enabling service members to use a custom version of ChatGPT for unclassified tasks.

Anthropic calls itself more safety-minded

Anthropic has long pitched itself as the more responsible and safety-minded of the leading AI companies, ever since its founders quit OpenAI to form the startup in 2021.

The uncertainty with the Pentagon is putting those intentions to the test, according to Owen Daniels, associate director of analysis and fellow at Georgetown Universitys Center for Security and Emerging Technology.

Anthropics peers, including Meta, Google and xAI, have been willing to comply with the departments policy on using models for all lawful applications, Daniels said. So the companys bargaining power here is limited, and it risks losing influence in the departments push to adopt AI.

In the AI craze that followed the release of ChatGPT, Anthropic closely aligned with President Joe Bidens Democratic administration in volunteering to subject its AI systems to third-party scrutiny to guard against national security risks.

Amodei, the CEO, has warned of AIs potentially catastrophic dangers while rejecting the label that hes an AI doomer. He argued in the January essay that we are considerably closer to real danger in 2026 than we were in 2023 but that those risks should be managed in a realistic, pragmatic manner.

Anthropic has been at odds with the Trump administration

This would not be the first time Anthropics advocacy for stricter AI safeguards has put it at odds with President Donald Trump's administration. Anthropic needled chipmaker Nvidia publicly, criticizing Trumps proposals to loosen export controls to enable some AI computer chips to be sold in China. The AI company, however, remains a close partner with Nvidia.

Trump's Republican administration and Anthropic also have been on opposite sides of a lobbying push to regulate AI in U.S. states.

Trumps top AI adviser, David Sacks, accused Anthropic in October of running a sophisticated regulatory capture strategy based on fear-mongering.

Sacks was responding on X to Anthropic co-founder Jack Clark, writing about his attempt to balance technological optimism with appropriate fear about the steady march toward more capable AI systems.

Anthropic hired a number of ex-Biden officials soon after Trumps return to the White House, but its also tried to signal a bipartisan approach. The company recently added Chris Liddell, a former White House official from Trumps first term, to its board of directors.

The Pentagon's breakneck adoption of AI shows the need for greater AI oversight or regulation by Congress, particularly if AI is being used to surveil Americans, said Amos Toh, senior counsel at the Brennan Centers Liberty and National Security Program at New York University.

The law is not keeping up with how quickly the technology is evolving, Toh wrote in a post on Bluesky. But that doesnt mean DoD has a blank check.

___

O'Brien reported from Providence, R.I.
Two lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives have introduced a new bipartisan bill that would help military families with children and on tight budgets to purchase and gain better access to diapers and supplies.

Reps. Valerie Foushee (D-NC) and Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA) on Tuesday introduced the Military Family Diaper Partnership Act which would establish what they call a Military Family Diaper Fund to support military families and children of servicemembers by providing reliable access to diapers and related supplies.

The legislation follows the pairs previously introduced legislation in November 2025 called the Military Family Diaper Assistance Act, intended to also aid military families pocketbooks by establishing a pilot program that would connect community diaper banks with military installations to increase affordability and diapers to families in need.

Military families make enormous sacrifices every day, moving to new communities, juggling deployments, and keeping life running at home while their loved ones serve, Foushe said in a statement. Caring for young children under these conditions can already be overwhelming, and access to basic necessities like diapers should never be a struggle.

Mackenzie in a statement said he and his fellow congressional colleague are doubling down on their previous legislation.

Its time to provide military families with the support that theyre counting on to help them grow and thrive, he said.

Law Would Link DoD, Diaper Bank

If taken up by Congress and ultimately voted into law, this legislation would direct Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to enter into an agreement with the National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN)the nations leading organization coordinating the donation and distribution of free diapers and essential supplies across the country.

That arrangement would involve the Department of Defense providing $1 million annually from Fiscal Year 2027, which would begin in October 2026, to FY 2030 to establish the Military Family Diaper Fund.

Stacks of diapers are shown at Curley's House of Style, Inc., food bank, Thursday, April 23, 2020, in Miami. Curley's House of Style, along with The Children's Trust and the Miami Diaper Bank, distributed diapers and baby items to families financially impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

NDBN would match those federal funds, equating to a combined total four-year investment of $8 million and support diaper distribution centers located within a 20-mile radius of military installations.

Also, per the agreement, NBDN would submit an annual report to Hegseth or whoever is the defense secretary at the time, providing detailed accounts of funding to provide transparency and accountability.

'Readiness and Economic Issue'

The Military Family Diaper Partnership Act is endorsed by NDBN and the Diaper Bank of North Carolina (DBNC) and the National Diaper Bank Network.

Diaper Bank of North Carolina has helped elevate diaper needs as a real readiness and economic issue for military families, Michelle Schaefer, founder and CEO of DBNC, told Military.com on Tuesday. By sharing data from our statewide work and the lived experiences of the 2,650 military-connected babies we serve each year, we helped demonstrate that diaper insecurity is widespread and measurable.

This version of the bill reflects that understanding by recognizing diapers as an essential need and proposing a practical partnership solution.

Schaefer said that diapers, which are not covered by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or the Women, Infants & Children program (WIC), can cost $80-$120 per month per child. That could be a continuous cost burden, especially for younger enlisted military families living on tight budgets and especially during relocations or deployments.

Dorathy Jennings, unit administrative assistant for the U.S. Army Medical Activity and Student Detachment, coordinated a diaper drive during the month of May that culminated in the distribution of more than 110 boxes and packages of diapers and pull-ups valued at more $2,500 to Soldiers and civilian staff members at Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital, June 9, 2023, at the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Johnson, Louisiana. (Jean Graves)

Research conducted by DBNC found that 9 out of 10 military families with young children who receive free diapers from their diaper bank worry about how they will afford diapers. Schaefer said that level of stress compounds other financial pressures like groceries, childcare and transportation.

Even modest assistance can reduce stress and free up funds for other essentials like utilities, gas or groceries. When a family does not have to choose between diapers and food, it improves stability at home and allows service members to focus on their responsibilities. Even a small financial reprieve can have a meaningful ripple effect.

DBNC has distributed an estimated 836,000 diapers to military families across North Carolina, covering more than 16,720 babies. Families needs, whether for diapers or other necessities like clothing, continue behind the scenes and often without fanfare.
The House failed to approve a bill Tuesday that was crafted after last years tragic midair collision near Washington, D.C., to require all aircraft flying around busy airports to have key locator systems to prevent such crashes. The collision of an airliner and an Army helicopter killed 67 people in January 2025.

The National Transportation Safety Board has been recommending such Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast systems to be installed since 2008. The bill that already passed the Senate would have required aircraft to be equipped with a system that can receive data about the locations of other aircraft. The complementary ADS-B Out system that broadcasts an aircrafts location is already required.

The families of the victims who died when an American Airlines jet collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter strongly supported the measure, and a number of them watched the vote from the House gallery. But the Airlines for American trade group, the military and the major general aviation groups that represent business jets and small plane owners backed a competing and more comprehensive House bill that was just introduced last week.

Tim Lilley, whose son Sam was the first officer on the airliner, said hes really disappointed, but he and the other families will continue to press for meaningful reforms. And he hopes that will happen before the next tragedy.

Were going to end up back here having the same conversation because of another midair (collision) is whats going to happen. Hopefully  fingers crossed  that doesnt, Lilley said.

Under the special process that was used to fast-track the bill, the ROTOR Act needed to receive more than two-thirds support to pass the House. It received 264 votes, but 133 other representatives voted against it. ROTOR stands for Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform.

House Speaker Mike Johnson told The Associated Press that the Senate and the House will work together to get an aviation safety bill done. We're committed to it, he said.

And House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves said the House bill could be marked up in committee as soon as next week. That bill is designed to address all 50 of the recommendations the NTSB made, not just the locator technology, but NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy has said the House bill falls short of accomplishing that.

But Lilley said the bill Graves helped write needs to be strengthened.

Theyve had 18 years to get it right. Hes talking about getting it right and hes not even close on the collision avoidance piece, he said.

The cost of the ADS-B In mandate has been a concern. Its not clear exactly how much it would cost partly because the systems havent yet been designed and certified for every aircraft, but Homendy testified in Congress that American Airlines was able to equip more than 300 of its Airbus a321s for $50,000 apiece, and general aviation pilots have the option of using a portable receiver that costs about $400 and works with an iPad.

One of the key researchers who helped develop these locator systems, Fabrice Kunzi, said a planes dashboard shouldnt have to be overhauled to add a new display because the system is designed to give pilots an audible warning about nearby traffic with details of their locations if there is a risk of a collision.

House and Senate bills took a different approach

The key difference between the bills is that the House version would not require both kinds of the proven Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast systems to be installed. Instead, the House bill would require the Federal Aviation Administration to investigate what technology might be best as part of a lengthy rulemaking process before requiring a solution. The House bill also covers many more aspects of the systemic failures the NTSB identified as causing the crash on the evening of Jan. 29, 2025.

The bipartisan group of Senate leaders behind the ROTOR Act  led by Republican Ted Cruz and Democrat Maria Cantwell  had argued their bill would be a good first step before drafting additional legislation.

Cruz pledged to keep working to pass his bill, which earned bipartisan support Tuesday, because it would require all aircraft to play by the same set of rules. We will succeed, and ROTOR Act will become the law of the land," he said. "The families and the flying public deserve nothing less.

The main Families of Flight 5342 group had said that while the House bill includes a number of good reforms that should be considered, they cant support it as written because it doesnt clearly require ADS-B In equipment. Everyone aboard the helicopter and the American Airlines jet flying from Wichita, Kansas, including the parents of Olympic figure skater Maxim Naumov and 26 other members of the figure skating community, died when the aircraft collided and plummeted into the icy Potomac River.

Sara Nelson, who is the president of the Association of Flight Attendants, said her union will keep pushing for changes because bill that failed was the clearest and most direct way to avoid midair collisions.

Doug Lane said that as he learned more about the crash that killed his wife and 16-year-old figure-skating son, he couldnt understand why airplanes arent already equipped with technology that was first recommended before his son was born, and he's angry the bill failed Tuesday. He said the House bill is a poor substitute because too many of its provisions just call for a study or rulemaking without requiring actual change and there are loopholes.

Lane said the House bill is a clear effort to just punt ADS-B In into a place where it can just go and die. It was not a good-faith effort to come up with a better way to do collision avoidance technology.

Improving the collision warning system

Any plane flying around a major airport is already required to have an ADS-B Out system that continually broadcasts an aircrafts location and speed installed. ADS-B In systems that can receive those signals and be used to create a display showing pilots where all air traffic is located around them are not standard on airliners, though many general aviation pilots already use a portable receiver to display that information on an iPad.

The NTSB investigation showed that system would have provided significantly more warning to the pilots involved in the crash and would have allowed them to avoid the collision. A plane equipped with ADS-B In can give the pilot a detailed description of where other aircraft are, whereas the current technology can only warn that traffic is in the area.

Cantwell, the Washington Democrat, said most House Republicans "voted to protect loopholes that helped cause the DCA (Reagan Airport) midair collision rather than acting with urgency to prevent crashes like this from happening again. The families deserve better.

Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-N.Y., who is chairman of an aviation safety caucus, voted for the bill. He said he was puzzled by the Pentagons last-minute shift on the bill. He also noted there were many absences among House members due to weather, which also affected the outcome.

He said he is sure that the families of the crash victims are disappointed after the vote.

But I dont think they should be completely dejected. I do think there are avenues to bring it back, Langworthy said. Theres will to solve this problem.

____

Associated Press writer Kevin Freking contributed to this report from Washington.
A multi-billion-dollar contract between the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the United States fell through months ago, but sources tell Military.com that a newly collapsed negotiation may have been about more than just money.

In November, a deal collapsed when multiple European allies of the United States ditched plans and aborted a multi-billion-euro plan to collectively procure six Boeing E-7A Wedgetail airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft to replace NATOs aging Boeing E-3A fleet, of which there are currently 14 operating Sentry aircraft based out of Geilenkirchen, Germany.

Dutch State Defense Secretary Gijs Tuinman said at the time that European members were moving forward themselves to explore alternatives for fleet replacement and seeking new partners, saying, "The U.S. withdrawal also demonstrates the importance of investing as much as possible in European industry."

U.S. Air Force Capt. Nicholas Tonnemacher, 552nd Training Support Squadron student pilot, left, Capt. Dennis Murray, 72nd Air Base Wing pilot, center left, and 1st Lt. Kyle Leonard, 552nd Training Support Squadron student pilot, right, review and perform flight checklist items in an E-3 Sentry before departure at Joint Base San Antonio-Kelly Field Annex, Texas, Aug. 29, 2022. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Preston Cherry)

In July 2025, the U.S. withdrew from the alliances intentions to replace a deteriorating fleet that will reach the end of its service life in 2035 and according to the Dutch Defense Ministry is causing noise pollution.

One month prior, the Pentagon pulled out of the replacement program, alluding to production delays, concerns about the E-7's survivability in "contested environments, and a per-plane cost increase from $588 million to $724 million.

By December 2025, the ambiguity surrounding NATOs next moves became more compounded.

Behind-The-Scenes Process

A former senior NATO official who requested anonymity told Military.com that an RFI (Request for Information)a formal yet non-binding document issued to potential suppliers or vendorswas sent to Boeing and American aerospace and defense technology company L3 late last year.

However, per that source, the 100-plus page RFI was sent out Dec. 19 and was due by Jan. 31, 2026, with holiday time not factored into the process.

Royal Australian Air Force crew members showcase their E-7A Wedgetail aircraft at the Joint Base Andrews Air Show at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, Sept. 14, 2025. (DVIDS)

That private RFI, if you will, only included Boeing and L3 and not other companies like Saab that may now be in pole position to get a NATO contract.

Its strange that SAAB thinks they are a perfect match when they dont meet original requirements (aircrew size, range, etc.), the ex-senior NATO source said. The only aircraft to meet those requirements was the E-7.

Saab CEO Micael Johansson has openly pushed for the Swedish firms GlobalEye to be the top prospect in NATO negotiations, telling Breaking Defense during the Berlin Security Conference last November that SHAPE [Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe] has looked into this [future AWACS operations with GlobalEye] now and they have concluded that this capability will fill a gap if you use it in a proper way.

He added that Saab was not there yet in the stage of moving into acquisition and replacing the aging E-3 fleet.

Saab has provided information to NSPA regarding GlobalEye, which we believe is a great match for NATOs requirements for airborne early warning and control capability, a Saab spokesperson told Military.com earlier this week. We refer further information about NATOs procurement process regarding this capability to the NSPA.

The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), headquartered in Luxembourg, is the alliance's primary organization for multinational acquisition, logistics, medical and infrastructure support.

Military.com reached out to NSPA for comment but received no response.

NATO's Clandestine Remarks

Military.com contacted NATO with a request for comment on Saad and Swedens role in ongoing negotiations, how that impacted the tanked RFI involving Boeing and L3 from December.

Also, a copy of the document in questionlabeled unclassified but also as a non-public RFIthat was only allegedly sent to Boeing and L3 was also requested.

In light of recent developments, participating nations have chosen to reexamine the acquisition strategy and review their options. This work is ongoing and will follow NSPAs procurement regulations. The document you are referring to is not releasable to the public. - a NATO official to Military.com

A Pentagon spokesperson declined to comment to Military.com on negotiations.

A Boeing spokesperson provided Military.com with this pithy response: Well defer to the customer on their acquisition process.

Efforts by Military.com to reach L3 were unsuccessful.

Former AWACS Commander Chimes In

A former NATO AWACS commander who requested anonymity told Military.com that when they left their role about two years ago, the E-7 route was fully being vetted to be made operational for eventual negotiations.

I thought it was interesting that they wanted to go the Boeing E-7 route to begin with, just given how expensive the platform is for the NATO nation to procure that, said the source, who retired in 2024.

The nuances within the alliance and the procurement process also shine brightly, the source noted, due to a smaller team inside of NSPA that has to find nations willing to pony up funds for these contracts.

A honor guard marches into position near a Boeing 747 that waits on the tarmac to transport the U.S. Army's 87th Division Sustainment Support Battalion, 3rd Division Sustainment Brigade during their deployment to Europe, Friday, March 11, 2022, at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Ga. The unit is attached to the Army's 3rd Infantry Division out of Fort Stewart, Ga., and will join the 3,800 troops from that division who already deployed in support of NATO in Eastern Europe. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)

If you think about the very first NATO AWACS, when the contract was signed in the early 70sthere's only a handful of nations that said, Hey, we're providing procurement dollars to buy those aircraft. They figure out what nations are in, and then they start looking at what are the options based on those nations and the funding they're saying they're willing to commit, the source said.

The U.S. position is not a shock considering long-expressed concerns about American money doubling or tripling alliance member nations, which include for example Northern European nations that have less money to put towards such platforms.

Those dynamics are lost in the fact that it's not just a nation trying to buy something; you're trying to get a whole bunch of nations to cost-share something on the procurement side, the source added. Even on the current AWACS program, you've got only a handful of nations. They fly and fix that thing, and then all the O&M [operation and maintenance] costs are funded by all 32 nations.

There is a symbiosis between the financial and geopolitical sides, the source added, as nations who offer funding mechanisms also may want a depot in their countries to provide further work, employment that is nation-specific.

That industrial benefit is already occurring and has been within the E-3 program being phased out.

When you take the airplane apart, part of it goes to Italy to get fixed, part goes to Belgium to get fixed, part of it goes to Turkey to get fixed, the source added. They all get their economic benefit from that investment.

When the U.S. pulled out, I think it kind of really fell apart for NATO on the E-7 side, they added.
MANILA, Philippines (AP)  A United States military plane hit a concrete barrier while attempting to take off from a road during contingency training in the Philippines, injuring all five American personnel aboard, Philippine officials said Wednesday.

The pilot and two other American personnel were brought to a hospital for treatment after Tuesday afternoons incident in a concrete bypass road in Laoac town in the northern Pangasinan province. Two other injured personnel were treated at the site and the U.S. Air Force transport plane was damaged, police said in a report.

U.S. military officials did not immediately respond to an Associated Press request for more details about the incident, including the condition of the injured personnel.

The training, involving the plane landing on and taking off from an alternate landing zone," was planned and fully coordinated with Philippine civilian, police and military authorities, three Philippine officials said. The training was meant to prepare military forces for contingencies, such as when regular airports and runways become inaccessible during typhoons and earthquakes.

The three officials, who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the accident publicly, said the cause of the accident was under investigation. The aircraft managed to land during the supervised activity, but swerved during takeoff, one of the three officials said.

The U.S. military had deployed aircraft and personnel in the past to help deliver food, medicine and other humanitarian aid to Philippine provinces devastated by typhoons and other natural disasters.

U.S. forces are allowed to conduct training with Filipino counterparts in the Philippines under a 1999 Visiting Forces Agreement. Large-scale joint combat training drills in recent years have focused on helping the Philippines defend its territorial interests and promote freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, which lies west of Pangasinan.

Confrontations between the coast guard and naval forces of China and the Philippines have flared in recent years in the disputed waters, which is claimed largely by Beijing. Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan are also involved in the long-simmering territorial standoffs.

The U.S. does not lay any claims in the contested waters but has repeatedly warned that its obligated to defend the Philippines under a mutual defense treaty if Philippine forces, ships and aircraft come under an armed attack, including in the South China Sea.

Read more: Trumps 2026 State of the Union: $1 Trillion Defense Budget, Warrior Dividend and What It Means for Troops
A nuclear deal with the United States is within reach, but only if diplomacy is given priority, Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tuesday as negotiations continue amid a significant U.S. military buildup in the region.

Araghchi made the remarks ahead of renewed talks in Geneva, as Washington and Tehran return to a familiar fight. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Feb. 11 in Washington to debate whether negotiations should stay focused on uranium enrichment or expand to include Irans ballistic missile arsenal and regional proxy network. Netanyahu arrived urging broader limits, while Trump publicly emphasized pressure and warned of steep consequences if talks fail.

Military.com reached out for comment to the White House, Department of State, Department of Defense, Israeli Embassy in Washington, Irans Foreign Ministry and the International Atomic Energy Agency. None responded.

Negotiations resumed earlier this month with indirect sessions hosted by Oman, which has met separately with Iranian and U.S. delegations rather than placing both sides in the same room. Iranian officials described the Muscat talks as a first step aimed at setting the conditions for further negotiations, while also stressing that deep mistrust remains a major obstacle.

Diplomacy moved to Geneva for additional sessions later in the month. Iran paired the talks with a rare show of force, announcing a temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz for live-fire drillsa step Tehran framed as part of its broader posture amid rising pressure and increased U.S. military activity in the region.

In this photo released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, right, and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Grossi, left, hold a meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. (Iranian Foreign Ministry via AP)

Iran has publicly maintained that its ballistic missile program is not negotiable, framing missile capabilities as defensive and separate from nuclear commitments. U.S. officials have pressed for a broader approach that reaches beyond enrichment, while Iran has emphasized that negotiations should remain confined to the nuclear file.

No draft framework, joint statement or implementation timeline has been announced.

Israel Seeks Missile Limits, Not Just Nuclear Caps

Netanyahu signaled after the Feb. 11 White House meeting that Israel views Irans missile arsenal and regional network as inseparable from the nuclear issue.

Israeli officials have argued that enrichment limits alone do not address the wider threat picture they associate with Iran-backed groups and long-range strike capabilities.

President Donald Trump shakes hands with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the end of a news conference at Mar-a-Lago, Dec. 29, 2025, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Trumps public remarks around the meeting also pointed to a negotiating posture that links nuclear constraints to missiles, underscoring the political pressure on any deal that stops at enrichment alone.

No public announcement has been made regarding Israeli military action tied directly to the current talks.

Military.com reached out to the Israeli Embassy for comment. The embassy did not respond.

Congress Demands Clarity as Talks Continue

Lawmakers sought additional briefings following the Feb. 11 White House meeting, pressing for clarity on what the negotiations cover and what any agreement would require in terms of verification, enforcement and sanctions relief.

A U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon aircraft conducts a low elevation flight over participating ships in the Gulf of Oman during International Maritime Exercise (IMX) 2025. IMX25 is the largest multinational training event in the Middle East, involving 5,000 personnel from around 30 nations and international organizations committed to preserving the rules-based international order and strengthening regional maritime security cooperation. (U.S. Army photo by Private First Class Nhimir Sowell)

Congress does not negotiate international agreements, though it controls sanctions authority and funding that could determine whether any deal moves forward. Members from both parties have emphasized inspection access, snapback sanctions provisions, and clearly defined violation thresholds as core requirements.

Military pressure has remained a steady backdrop to the diplomacy. Defense leaders previously expanded U.S. warship presence in the Middle East and moved toward having two aircraft carriers in the region during earlier phases of heightened regional tension, signaling how quickly force posture can rise alongside negotiations.

Iran has also used military signaling during the current round, including live-fire drills and the temporary Strait of Hormuz closure announced while talks continued in Geneva.

Officials have not publicly linked specific military moves directly to the negotiations.
President Donald Trump delivered his State of the Union address on Tuesday before a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol, touting a successful operation against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro with mixed messaging on the unfolding situation in Iran.

Trump, in his record-long 1 hour, 48-minute speech, discussed the January operation that resulted in Maduros capture, saying that elite American warriors carried out one of the most complex spectacular feats of military competence and power in world history and ended the reign of outlaw dictator Nicolas Maduro.

The speechs Venezuela segment also paired the Maduro claim with a broader Western Hemisphere security framing that emphasized cartel pressure and fentanyl enforcement.

Trump devoted a significant portion of the address to Iran, declaring that U.S. forces had obliterated the countrys nuclear weapons program in the mission dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer.

President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (Kenny Holston/The New York Times via AP, Pool)

In a breakthrough operation last June, the United States military obliterated Irans nuclear weapons program, he said.

My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy. But one thing is certainI will never allow the worlds number one sponsor of terror to have a nuclear weapon.

Trump's Mixed Iran Message

Pentagon officials previously described Operation Midnight Hammer as a strike mission that used decoys and deception and targeted 3 Iranian nuclear sites, while also stressing the United States did not seek war.

Trump did not present a battle damage assessment, satellite imagery or updated intelligence findings during the speech to detail the extent of destruction or Irans current enrichment capacity.

Iran has long maintained its nuclear program is for civilian energy purposes, though U.S. intelligence assessments have warned that Tehrans uranium enrichment levels significantly shorten the breakout timeline for a potential weapon. The United States withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement during Trumps first term, and subsequent efforts to restore limits on Irans program have stalled.

Any confirmed large-scale strike on nuclear infrastructure carries strategic risk, including potential retaliation through regional proxy groups, maritime disruption in the Persian Gulf, or direct missile exchanges involving Israel. Trump framed the operation as deterrence enforcement, signaling that U.S. red lines would be backed by force.

The remarks position Iran as a central pillar of Trumps second-term national security posture, combining diplomatic rhetoric with a willingness to use military action.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization Spending Target Raised

Trump said members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) agreed to move toward spending 5% of gross domestic product on defense, more than doubling the alliances longstanding 2% benchmark adopted after Russias 2014 annexation of Crimea.

NATO countrieshave just agreed at my very strong request to pay 5% of GDP for military defense rather than the 2%, he said.

He also told lawmakers, Everything we send over to Ukraine is sent through NATO and they pay us totally in full.

President Donald Trump, right, meets with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on the sidelines of the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

The 2% benchmark became a focal point of alliance debates over burden-sharing, particularly as the United States has traditionally carried a disproportionate share of total NATO defense spending. Most allies reached or approached the 2% threshold only after Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

A 5% target would push defense spending to levels not seen in Europe since the height of the Cold War. Analysts note that few NATO members currently approach even 4%, meaning the proposed shift would require hundreds of billions of dollars in additional long-term commitments across Europe and Canada.

NATO planning discussions around the 5% push have been framed as a major multiyear shift, with exemptions and uneven application among allies, not a uniform overnight change. The proposal is not structured as an immediate across-the-board increase.

Trump has repeatedly argued that U.S. taxpayers shoulder too much of the alliances defense burden. His comments during the address signaled an effort to reshape the financial balance of the alliance while maintaining collective support for Ukraine through NATO channels rather than direct bilateral transfers.

The proposal sets up continued debate within the alliance over feasibility, timelines, and the political willingness of member states to dramatically expand military spending.

Cartels Designated Terrorist Organizations

Trump also touted the formal designation of major drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and declared illicit fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction, elevating the drug crisis into the realm of national security.

Thats why I designated these cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, and I declared illicit fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction, he said.

Foreign terrorist organization designation expands federal authority under existing counterterrorism statutes. The label allows the Treasury Department to freeze assets, broadens criminal liability for anyone who provides material support, and increases intelligence-sharing tools across agencies. It can also carry diplomatic consequences, particularly if cartel activity intersects with foreign governments.

Jonathan Dumke, a senior forensic chemist with the Drug Enforcement Administration, holds vials of fentanyl pills at a DEA research laboratory on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Northern Virginia. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, file)

By labeling fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction, Trump framed the synthetic opioidwhich has driven tens of thousands of overdose deaths annually in the United Statesas a threat on par with unconventional weapons. The designation does not automatically trigger military action, but it strengthens the legal foundation for sanctions, financial tracking and expanded enforcement efforts.

Trump presented the move as part of a broader Western Hemisphere security strategy that treats cartel activity not only as organized crime, but as a cross-border national defense issue.

National Guard Deployment

Trump pointed to domestic troop deployments as proof that his administration is willing to use military resources to address crime and security threats at home.

Starting last summer, I deployed our National Guard and federal law enforcement to restore law and order, he said, citing operations in Memphis, Tennessee, New Orleans and Washington.

He claimed homicides in the nations capital were down close to 100% compared with the prior year, presenting the deployments as evidence that a visible federal security presence can reduce violent crime.

National Guard forces typically operate under state authority at the request of governors, known as state active-duty or Title 32 status. Presidents also have limited authority to federalize Guard units under Title 10 in certain circumstances, including insurrection or national emergency. Trump did not specify under which statutory authority the referenced deployments occurred.

Fallen Soldier Honored

Trump honored two West Virginia National Guard members who were attacked Nov. 26 while deployed in Washington.

Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe received a Purple Heart during the address after surviving the shooting. Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, who volunteered to extend her deployment, died on Thanksgiving Day from injuries sustained in the attack, according to the Associated Press.

Authorities charged Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan evacuee who entered the United States through Operation Allies Welcome. He has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody, according to the Associated Press.

West Virginia National Guard Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe receive the Purple Heart as his mother, Melody, watches during President Donald Trump's State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026.(AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

The deployments have drawn legal scrutiny. Federal courts have considered challenges to the scope of executive authority to use Guard forces in domestic law enforcement roles, weighing constitutional limits and statutory boundaries. Appeals court rulings have allowed certain deployments to continue while litigation proceeds.

The episode underscores a broader national debate over the role of military forces in civilian security operations, particularly in major cities where crime policy traditionally falls under state and local jurisdiction.

Court fights over the scope and legality of using Guard forces for crime control in Washington have continued alongside the deployment, with judges and appeals courts weighing what authority applies and where limits may exist.

Bigger Defense Budget, 'Warrior Dividend'

Trump proposed a $1 trillion budget that would exceed the roughly $900 billion enacted for Fiscal Year 2026 and, if adopted, would represent the largest defense funding request in U.S. history.

The increase would come as the Pentagon faces rising personnel costs, nuclear modernization timelines, shipbuilding shortfalls, and expanding foreign policy commitments across Europe, the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific.

He also repeated his previous claim that U.S. forces obliterated Irans nuclear weapons program, which has brought skepticism in recent weeks considering potential U.S. intervention overseas.

Our country is winning again, Trump said. We have the most powerful military on earth.

Trump said Republicans had backed what he described as a trillion-dollar budget, casting it as essential to deterrence and global stability.

We have no choice. We have to be strong, he said. Its really called peace through strength.

I rebuilt the military in my first term. Were going to continue to do so, he added.

Lawmakers would still need to translate a $1 trillion figure into specific authorizations and appropriations, including operations and maintenance accounts, weapons procurement, research and development and troop pay. Congressional budget caps and deficit concerns could complicate the path forward.

Budget analysts have noted that some $1 trillion calculations rely on combining multiple legislative vehicles or projected supplemental funding rather than a single base budget topline, raising questions about how the figure would ultimately be structured.

The scale of the proposal signals an effort to accelerate force modernization at a time of sustained competition with China and continued instability in multiple regions.

Trump also said every service member received a $1,776 payment, dubbed the Warrior Dividend, and framed it as direct recognition of the force.

Members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff listen as President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, as Vice President JD Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson of La., applaud. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Every service member recently received a warrior dividend of $1,776, he said, explaining he added one dollar to make it 1776"a symbolic reference to the nations founding year.

The payment applied broadly to active-duty personnel and eligible reserve component members, totaling roughly 1.45 million service members, according to federal guidance. At $1,776 per member, the one-time payment represented a multibillion-dollar outlay.

The Internal Revenue Service later clarified the payment should not be included as taxable income and treated it as a one-time supplement tied to housing allowance rules, not base pay, and it does not count toward retirement calculations.

Pentagon funding language around the payment has also been tied to housing-related appropriations rather than a standalone tariff-funded program, with guidance pointing service members to Leave and Earnings Statements for the one-time line item.

That distinction matters: The payment does not increase basic pay tables, does not compound in future raises and does not count toward retirement calculations or Thrift Savings Plan matching formulas.

Democrats Push Back

Democratic leaders sharply disputed Trumps portrayal of American strength and stability, arguing that rising global tension and domestic uncertainty undercut his claims.

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat, delivered the official Democratic response late in the night after Trump's record-long address, questioning whether the president was working to keep Americans safe, both at home and abroad.

We all know the answer is no, she said.

Spanberger warned that adversaries including Russia, China and Iran remain active threats and suggested that long-term security depends on steady alliance management, predictable diplomacy, and congressional oversight rather than unilateral action.

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger delivers the Democratic response to President Donald Trump's State of the Union address Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, in Williamsburg, Va. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, Pool)

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), said the administrations record could be summed up in three words: Costs, chaos, corruption.

Never in our lifetime have we gone into a State of the Union where the presidents rhetoric and the countrys reality are so far apart, Schumer said.

Schumer argued that sweeping defense proposals require congressional scrutiny and warned against what he described as abrupt escalations that could draw the United States into broader conflict. He pointed to ongoing war in Ukraine, tension in the Middle East and strategic competition with China as evidence that global risks remain high.

Democrats have signaled they will challenge both the size and structure of the proposed $1 trillion defense budget, particularly if increases come without offsets or clarity on how funds would be allocated across modernization, personnel and overseas commitments.
Greg Keeley needed a helping hand to achieve success both in the military and after his service ended. Now, through his own bourbon making business, Keeley is paying it forward, providing opportunities to other veterans.

Keeley had a unique and unconventional military life. He was born and grew up in Australia, spending more than 10 years in the Royal Australian Navy. He fought with U.S. allies in Iraq and Afghanistan and served in national security and counterterrorism positions in the initial years of the post-911 wars.

After a decade in the Royal Australian Navy, Keeley was planning for his next chapter in life as a civilian. But his service impressed military brass, so much so that Keeley received an offer he could not pass up directly from a three-star admiral  American citizenship, along with becoming a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy. The move was even supported by members of Congress.

It was a rare promotion and an opportunity that seldom comes along for a non-U.S. servicemember.

Navy veteran Greg Keeley during his time in the military. (Facebook)

Overcoming Post-Military Transition

Of all the obstacles he faced in the military, surviving two wars zones chief among them, Keeleys toughest hurdle came after he left the service.

He could not adjust to civilian life.

Battling post-traumatic stress disorder, Keeley leaned on his wife, Katie, a Navy nurse, for help. Katie steered him toward veteran support programs, and it pulled Keeley out of his depression.

Since then, Keeley has advocated for other veterans to seek support if they need it. He told FOX 56 in Kentucky the mental health resources available not only help struggling veterans, but also their friends and families.

From the Navy to Making Bourbon

For Keeley, a brief work trip to Kentucky led him to a permanent stay. He fell in love with the Bluegrass State and decided to plant roots there.

He founded a business, Larrikin Bourbon Co. in Lawrenceburg, one of the few veteran-owned distilleries in Kentucky. Keeley discovered a growing bourbon atmosphere in Kentucky and a sense of camaraderie among distillers that reminded him of the military.

Navy veteran and Larrikin Bourbon Company owner Greg Keeley with wife, Katie, currently a nurse in the Navy.

The Navy veteran said the bourbon community is a tightknit group of people who pass along knowledge, techniques and show genuine care for their fellow distillers  a feeling of support he recalls fondly from the service.

Despite the support, beginning his business was challenging. Experts warned Keeley that starting a bourbon distillery from scratch was foolish. However, he stuck to his dream and, leaning on his military background, completed his mission no matter the circumstances.

Keeley said Larrikin derives from Australian military slang, a term used for a maverick or person who may bend the rules but never compromises the mission, which Keeley feels is the ideal description for his bourbon and the veterans he hires.

Years after leaving the service  a military career with two different nations  Keeley is continuing to serve, just in another capacity. And he never strays far away from the service. Katie is currently on a deployment with the Navy.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The Constitutional Court of Zimbabwe has dismissed an application seeking to invalidate the Private Voluntary Organisations Act, 2025, ruling that no constitutional breach was established in the law's passage.In a judgment delivered on 16 February 2026, a full bench led by Justice Rita Makarau, sitting alongside Justices Elizabeth Gwaunza, Paddington Garwe, Anne Gowora, Ben Hlatshwayo, Bharat Patel and Susan Mavangira, found that the applicants - Passionate Fuza and Jonah Wakurawarehwa - had failed to prove that the Parliament of Zimbabwe neglected its constitutional obligations under Section 141 during the legislative process.The applicants had argued that public hearings in Harare and Masvingo were disrupted, allegedly preventing meaningful public input on the Bill. They contended that this invalidated both the legislative process and President Emmerson Mnangagwa's subsequent assent to the law.However, the Court found the evidence insufficient and the legal argument fundamentally flawed."The applicants have not established that the respondent failed to facilitate public involvement' in the legislative process," the Court ruled."The application cannot be granted and must be dismissed."During the hearing, President Mnangagwa was removed from the proceedings after the applicants conceded that no actionable constitutional violation had been alleged against him."It was conceded that no allegation had been made and proved against the second respondent that he had failed to fulfil a constitutional obligation," the Court stated, adding that his joinder "was therefore incompetent."The apex court clarified that Section 141 of the Constitution confers a collective right on the public at large, not an individual entitlement guaranteeing that every citizen must personally be heard at each public meeting.The bench further observed that the applicants focused narrowly on their own alleged exclusion rather than demonstrating systemic denial of participation."They needed to put the public at the centre stage. They did not," the judgment read.The Court noted that Parliament had convened ten nationwide public hearings and provided additional avenues for written submissions. Even if two meetings were disrupted, the judges held that this did not outweigh the broader opportunities afforded to the public."The applicants misconstrued the obligation imposed on it by the Constitution," the ruling stated.Addressing arguments that the matter had become moot after the President signed the Bill into law, the Court disagreed."The mere existence of the law keeps the controversy between the parties live because the validity of the Act depends entirely on the integrity of the legislative process," the judgment said.The applicants were represented by Tonderayi Bhatasara of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.The application was dismissed with no order as to costs.
President Donald Trump used Tuesday nights State of the Union address to declare that our nation is back, presenting what he called a dramatic national turnaround anchored in border enforcement, economic growth and renewed military strength.

Our country is back, bigger, better, richer and stronger than ever before, Trump said at the outset of the speech. This is the golden age of America.

For the military community, active-duty service members, Guard and Reserve personnel, veterans and military families, the address combined sweeping defense spending claims, aggressive foreign policy declarations, recruitment boasts and high-profile recognition of service members.

Heres a breakdown of what the president emphasized, and what it could mean in practice.

Record Defense Spending and Peace Through Strength

The clearest policy signal of the night for the Pentagon came when Trump declared that his administration had approved a $1 trillion defense budget.

We just approved a $1 trillion budget, he said. We have no choice. We have to be strong.

He framed the spending as part of a deterrence doctrine rather than preparation for conflict.

Its really called peace through strength, Trump said, arguing that military power prevents wars rather than provokes them.

If enacted at that level, the budget would mark one of the largest defense toplines in U.S. history. But for troops and defense planners, the key question is not just the number, it is how the money is distributed. Will it prioritize end strength? Modernization programs? Shipbuilding? Air and missile defense? Quality-of-life improvements? Recruitment incentives?

Those specifics will emerge during the budget submission and appropriations process in Congress.

President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union Address (AP Photo/Matt Rourke).

Recruitment and Force Morale

Trump claimed that recruiting  a persistent challenge for several services in recent years  has rebounded significantly.

Every branch of our armed forces is setting records for recruitment, he said.

He contrasted that with what he previously described as horrendous recruitment under the prior administration.

Recruitment trends will ultimately be reflected in official service data, but the claim signals that the administration intends to make recruiting recovery part of its broader narrative of military renewal.

The president also emphasized public respect for the armed forces, saying, We love our military, and repeatedly drawing applause when recognizing service members and veterans in attendance.

The $1,776 Warrior Dividend

One of the most tangible announcements for troops was a one-time payment described as a warrior dividend.

Every service member recently received a warrior dividend of $1,776, Trump said.

He recounted how the figure was originally $1,775, but he insisted on increasing it by one dollar to match the year of American independence.

I never asked anybody if we could afford it, he said. One more dollar, I said, $1,776.

Trump said the funds came from tariff revenue and other federal collections, adding that troops have repeatedly thanked him for the payment.

Whether the dividend remains a one-time bonus or becomes part of a recurring compensation strategy remains unclear. Historically, Congress has debated whether lump-sum bonuses are more effective than across-the-board pay raises or targeted retention incentives.

NATO and Burden Sharing

Trump devoted significant attention to NATO cost-sharing, a longstanding focus of his foreign policy.

NATO countries have just agreed at my very strong request to pay five percent of GDP for military defense rather than the two percent, he said.

He framed the move as a major correction to what he described as years of uneven burden sharing, arguing that the United States had been carrying disproportionate costs.

He also claimed that U.S. assistance to Ukraine is now routed through NATO and reimbursed.

Everything we send over to Ukraine is sent through NATO, and they pay us in full, Trump said.

If accurate, that would represent a major structural shift in how alliance support is funded and tracked, an issue Congress will likely examine closely.

Iran: Red Lines and Military Action

Trump used some of his strongest rhetoric when discussing Iran.

In a breakthrough operation last June, the United States military obliterated Irans nuclear weapons program with an attack on Iranian soil, he said, referring to what he called Operation Midnight Hammer.

He reiterated a longstanding U.S. red line:

I will never allow the worlds number one sponsor of terror to have a nuclear weapon.

Trump said negotiations with Iran are ongoing, but warned that Tehran is again pursuing nuclear capabilities.

My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy, he said. But one thing is certainI will never allow [them] to have a nuclear weapon.

For deployed service members, the language suggests continued volatility in the region.

Western Hemisphere Operations: Cartels and Venezuela

The President also emphasized military and security operations closer to home.

He said he designated major Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and declared illicit fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction.

With our new military campaign, we have stopped record amounts of drugs coming into our country, he said.

In one of the most dramatic moments of the speech, Trump described a January raid that he said resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

Americas armed forces overwhelmed all defenses and utterly defeated an enemy, he said, calling it an absolutely colossal victory for the security of the United States.

He later awarded the Medal of Honor to Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover, whom he credited with flying a Chinook helicopter under heavy fire while wounded.

In recognition of Erics actions above and beyond the call of duty, Trump said, I would now like to presentour nations highest military award.

If the administration intends to expand counter-cartel operations or sustain a more active posture in the Western Hemisphere, that would likely require continued funding and possibly expanded authorities.

National Guard Deployments and Domestic Security

Trump also described deploying the National Guard and federal law enforcement to cities including Memphis, New Orleans and Washington, D.C., claiming major reductions in crime.

In fact, crime in Washington is now at the lowest level ever recorded, he said.

He honored Army National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, who he said was killed while on patrol near the White House, and recognized Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, who survived a gunshot wound.

For Guard families, the remarks highlight the evolving nature of domestic missions and the risks associated with federal deployments in urban centers.

Veterans and Recognition

While the speech featured extensive recognition of service members and veterans, including World War II veteran Buddy Taggart and Navy aviator Capt. Royce Williams, it devoted less time to specific Department of Veterans Affairs policy proposals.

The president did not detail new VA funding levels, claims backlog reforms, or PACT Act implementation metrics in the speech itself.

However, the repeated recognition of veterans was clearly intended to reinforce themes of patriotism, service and national pride as the country approaches its 250th anniversary.

What Wasnt Front and Center

Despite the expansive military rhetoric, several issues central to military families were not major focal points:

Annual military pay raises beyond the bonus

Basic Allowance for Housing adjustments

PCS reform

Childcare access

TRICARE cost structures

Detailed VA modernization plans

Those topics typically emerge during budget rollouts or separate legislative packages, rather than in a broad State of the Union address.

The Strategic Message

Taken together, Trumps 2026 State of the Union message to the military community was clear: increased funding, assertive deterrence, aggressive posture toward adversaries and visible support for troops.

Our country has never been stronger, he said.

The speech framed the coming year, and the nations 250th anniversary, as a moment of restored national confidence.

For service members and veterans, what matters next is execution: how defense dollars are allocated, how overseas commitments evolve, how recruitment trends hold up and whether quality-of-life improvements follow headline announcements.

The State of the Union set the tone. Congress now determines what becomes policy.
President Donald Trump used one of the most-watched political stages in America Tuesday night to spotlight something far removed from tax policy and border debates: battlefield valor.

During his 2026 State of the Union address, Trump awarded, or announced the awarding of, two Congressional Medals of Honor, recognizing acts of heroism separated by more than seven decades but united by what the president called extraordinary American courage.

The moments briefly transformed the House chamber from a partisan arena into a military ceremony complete with uniformed officers, wounded warriors, and a 100-year-old Navy fighter pilot receiving the nations highest military decoration.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover during the State of the Union address where he received the Medal of Honor (AP Photo/Alex Brandon).

A Modern Mission Under Fire

The first Medal of Honor went to Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover, a helicopter pilot wounded during a January raid that Trump said resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

In describing the mission, Trump painted a vivid picture of a Chinook helicopter descending under heavy fire.

While preparing to land, enemy machine guns fired from every angle, and Eric was hit very badly in the leg and hip, one bullet after another, Trump said. And yet Eric maneuvered his helicopter with all of those lives and souls to face the enemy.

According to the presidents account, Slover absorbed multiple gunshot wounds but continued flying long enough to reposition the aircraft so door gunners could suppress enemy fire, preventing what Trump described as a potential catastrophic crash deep in enemy territory.

Only after safely landing the aircraft did Slover turn control over to his co-pilot, telling him, Im about ready to pass out.

In recognition of Erics actions above and beyond the call of duty, Trump said, I would now like to ask General Jonathan Braga to present Chief Warrant Officer Slover with our nations highest military award, the Congressional Medal of Honor.

The chamber rose in applause as Slover, still recovering from his wounds, stood alongside his wife.

For todays force, the moment carried weight beyond ceremony. It highlighted the continued risks facing special operations and aviation crews in high-threat environments, even in missions outside traditionally recognized war zones.

Trump added that 10 other service members involved in the raid would receive medals at a later White House ceremony.

First Lady Melania Trump presents the Medal of Honor to Navy pilot Capt. Royce Williams during the State of the Union address, Feb. 24, 2026 (AP Photo/Matt Rourke).

A Dogfight Finally Recognized

The second Medal of Honor recognized a very different chapter of American military history.

Retired Navy Capt. E. Royce Williams, 100 years old, was honored for aerial combat during the Korean War, a dogfight that remained classified for decades due to Cold War sensitivities.

In 1952, flying a Grumman F9F Panther, Williams engaged seven Soviet MiG-15 fighter jets in blizzard conditions over the Sea of Japan. Outnumbered and outgunned, he shot down four enemy aircraft while sustaining more than 200 bullet strikes to his own jet.

His story remained largely unknown for more than half a century.

Tonight, at 100 years old, this brave Navy captain is finally getting the recognition he deserves, Trump said.

Williams had previously received the Silver Star and later the Navy Cross. Congressional action ultimately waived statutory time limits to allow the Medal of Honor upgrade.

As First Lady, Melania Trump placed the medal around his neck, the chamber delivered one of the evenings longest standing ovations.

For veterans and historians, the moment underscored an ongoing effort within the Defense Department to revisit past awards and ensure acts of valor are properly recognized, even decades later.

A Rare State of the Union Moment

While presidents frequently highlight service members during State of the Union addresses, actually presenting the Medal of Honor in the chamber is rare.

The contrast was striking: one recipient represented todays operational force, helicopter crews flying into hostile airspace, while the other symbolized the enduring legacy of Cold War aviators whose stories were once shrouded in secrecy.

Together, they formed a narrative arc that spanned from the Korean Peninsula to modern-day Latin America.

Trump framed the awards within a broader patriotic theme as the country approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026.

Everything our nation has done, everything we have achieved has been the work of those few great lifetimes, he said.

What It Means for the Military Community

Beyond the politics of the speech, the awards served as a reminder of the standards embedded in the Medal of Honor citation itself: conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.

For active-duty service members, Slovers recognition reinforced that valor in contemporary missions, even outside formally declared wars, carries the same weight as historic battlefield heroics.

For veterans, Williams award signaled that unfinished recognition can still be addressed, even generations later.

In a speech dominated by sweeping claims about defense spending, recruitment and foreign policy, the two Medal of Honor presentations cut through with something simpler and harder to politicize: sacrifice.

As Trump put it while standing beside the recipients, Thats our highest honor and its an honor to be in the same room with you.

For a few minutes, the focus was not on budgets or geopolitics, but on the individuals who carried out missions when the cost was measured not in dollars, but in blood.
Googles Venture Arm Leads $200 Million Financing Round in European Fintech Start-up







(Googles Venture Arm Leads $200 Million Funding Round in European Fintech Startup)

Googles venture arm has actually just dropped a significant financial bombshell in the fintech globe. It led a $200 million financing round for a climbing European fintech startup. This move is not almost money. It shows how big technology sees big potential in reshaping financing via innovation. The startup, which continues to be unnamed in early reports but is backed by solid grip throughout Europe, now joins an elite team of companies that have attracted Silicon Valley-level interest outside the U.S. What makes this deal special? Its not simply the dimension its the signal it sends out about where the future of cash is headed.

What Is Googles Endeavor Arm Investing In? .

Googles venture arm, referred to as CapitalG, concentrates on late-stage development firms with tested organization versions and solid market existence. In this instance, the target is a European fintech start-up offering electronic banking and payment infrastructure tailored for local business and freelancers. The core item revolves around smooth cross-border deals, real-time expenditure monitoring, and ingrained monetary services. These tools aid customers manage money without relying on standard banks. The startups system incorporates straight into existing workflows like accountancy software program or ecommerce control panels making finance feel unnoticeable yet effective. You can find out more about this site investment at this detailed coverage.

Why Did Google Pick This Fintech Startup? .

Large technology firms like Google are not just going after earnings theyre developing ecological communities. By purchasing fintech, Google gets a foothold in the daily financial lives of millions. This specific startup stands apart since it resolves real pain factors: slow global transfers, high fees, and clunky interface. Its consumer base is growing fast among digital wanderers, remote groups, and on the internet vendors who need rate and simplicity. Plus, Europes regulatory environment is ending up being extra available to advancement, thanks to structures like PSD2. That indicates simpler accessibility to bank information and smoother assimilation with third-party solutions. Google likely sees this as a tactical beachhead to increase its very own financial offerings believe Google Pay, however deeper and smarter. The timing also aligns with global patterns where customers require even more control over their cash through applications they already utilize.

How Does the Startups Technology Job? .

The startup uses modern-day cloud facilities integrated with smart APIs to attach banks, payment processors, and finish individuals in actual time. When a consultant in Berlin invoices a client in Lisbon, the system automatically converts currencies at near-market rates, tracks the repayment status, and logs everything in the users dashboard. Theres no paperwork. No waiting days for clearance. Everything happens in seconds. Under the hood, machine learning models identify uncommon activity to prevent fraud, while compliance checks run calmly behind-the-scenes to satisfy anti-money laundering policies. The user interface remains tidy and user-friendly no lingo, no confusing menus. This just functions strategy is why adoption is spreading so fast. Its not magic. Its thoughtful design wrapped in human-centered style.

What Are the Real-World Applications? .

Small companies profit the most. Think of a store style brand in Paris selling on Etsy. Prior to, they would certainly wait weeks to get paid from U.S. customers, lose money on conversion costs, and struggle to fix up sales with expenditures. Currently, with this fintech system, repayments land promptly in euros, costs auto-categorize for tax period, and cash flow projections update in real time. Consultants love it too. A graphic developer in Barcelona working for clients in Tokyo, Toronto, and Tel Aviv can obtain all payments in one location, convert them as needed, and also issue regional IBANs for each and every country. Beyond people, the technology is also being evaluated by job economic climate systems to pay drivers or delivery employees much faster. Also colleges and nonprofits use it to manage donations throughout boundaries. The flexibility opens up doors for anybody operating past a solitary countrys financial system. For even more context on exactly how such systems are improving individual money, look into this tale on youth-focused fintech actions.

What Are Individuals Inquiring About This Offer? .







(Googles Venture Arm Leads $200 Million Funding Round in European Fintech Startup)

Individuals have questions and plenty of them. One common one is: Will Google take over the start-up? The response is no. CapitalG usually takes minority risks and stays clear of direct control, allowing owners maintain steering the ship. Another concern: Is my information risk-free? The start-up complies with rigorous EU information legislations like GDPR and uses bank-grade file encryption. Users possess their data and can erase it anytime. Some ask yourself if this will eliminate typical financial institutions. Not specifically. Instead, the start-up usually partners with licensed banks to hold funds and provide regulatory cover. Its even more of a cooperation than a substitute. Others ask about fees. Many core features are complimentary; income originates from premium plans, money spreads, and B2B services. Lastly, numerous need to know if its readily available outside Europe. Development plans are underway, yet regulatory difficulties imply itll present slowly first to the UK, after that possibly Canada and Australia. Surprisingly, while tech titans put cash right into electronic money, some regions are hitting time out on facilities growth. New york city, for example, just recently transferred to stop new information facilities for three years as a result of energy concerns a reminder that advancement must balance with sustainability, as kept in mind in this report.
Boston Dynamics, the Massachusetts-based robotics pioneer renowned for its quadruped and humanoid robots, is undergoing a leadership transition. CEO Robert Playter announced his departure in an internal memo on Tuesday, with Chief Financial Officer Amanda McMaster stepping in as interim leader while the company searches for a permanent successor.





(Robert Playter)

Playters exit marks a pivotal moment for the company. Having served at Boston Dynamics for three decadesincluding roles as Vice President of Engineering and COO before becoming CEO in 2020he oversaw key milestones such as the commercialization of Spot, the companys agile quadruped robot, in 2020. More recently, Boston Dynamics unveiled its next-generation electric humanoid robot, Atlas, signaling a new phase in advanced robotics development.

The companys journey reflects the evolving landscape of robotics ownership. Founded in 1992 as an MIT spinoff by professor Marc Raibert, Boston Dynamics was acquired by Googles parent Alphabet in 2013, sold to SoftBank in 2017, and ultimately purchased by Hyundai Motor Group in 2021. Each transition brought shifts in strategic focus, with Hyundais ownership emphasizing integration between advanced robotics and industrial manufacturing.

As competition intensifies in the global robotics market, Boston Dynamics leadership change raises questions about its future direction. Balancing cutting-edge innovation with sustainable commercialization remains a critical challenge for the companys next chapter.

Roger Luo said:This leadership change may signal Boston Dynamics shift from technological leadership to large-scale commercialization. The core challenge for the new leadership will be maintaining a competitive edge in robotics technology while developing a sustainable business model.

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News / National

by Staff reporter

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira says Zimbabwe is gaining significant international support in its bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, expressing confidence ahead of the 3 June 2026 election.Speaking during a post-Cabinet media briefing last week, Prof. Murwira said the country's campaign had reached a critical milestone following formal endorsement by the African Union."Zimbabwe's candidature has now been formally endorsed by the African Union which effectively consolidates the backing of 54 African member states. This is a major milestone because regional endorsement is critical in Security Council elections," he said.The AU endorsement is widely regarded as a decisive factor in the competitive election process, where regional blocs play a central role in determining candidates for the Council's rotating seats.Prof. Murwira revealed that Zimbabwe has also secured bilateral support agreements with more than 80 countries outside Africa, bringing its projected total backing to over 130 nations."Our diplomatic engagements indicate that support continues to grow beyond the continent. We are confident that the momentum we are seeing will translate into a favourable outcome at the General Assembly," he said.The minister noted that the campaign has been spearheaded by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who has leveraged state visits and high-level international engagements to lobby for Zimbabwe's bid.He added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has integrated the Security Council campaign into its broader diplomatic strategy.According to Prof. Murwira, Zimbabwe's candidature is anchored in its foreign policy doctrine of being "a friend to all and an enemy to none," with an emphasis on promoting global peace, trade, tourism and scientific cooperation."Our candidature reflects Zimbabwe's commitment to multilateralism, peace-building and cooperation among nations. We believe our track record positions us well to contribute meaningfully to the Security Council," he said.The vote will take place at the United Nations headquarters in New York City. To secure a seat, candidates must obtain a two-thirds majority of member states present and voting in the General Assembly.Government officials say they remain optimistic about Zimbabwe's prospects, citing regional peace-building initiatives and its commitment to multilateral cooperation as central pillars of the campaign.
Stop me if youve heard this one before: the Marlins dipped a toe into free agency but didnt commit to anything substantial. Their larger moves were trades of established pitchers for controllable young talent, as the team continues to chase the ever-elusive idea of a sustainable, cost-controlled core.

Major League Free Agent Signings

Trades and Waiver Claims

Minor League Signings

Extensions

Notable Losses

The Marlins closed out the 2025 season with a 56-50 record over the final four months of the year. That wasnt enough to erase a poor start to the season, but Miamis 79-83 record overall was good for a third-place finish in the National League East  a surprisingly strong result for a club whose biggest moves of the preceding offseason were trading away Jesus Luzardo and Jake Burger. Right-hander Cal Quantrill, who didnt even finish the season on the roster due to his significant struggles, was the only veteran free agent addition for Miami last winter.

That strong four-month stretch ensured at least something of a different tone this winter, though the Marlins didnt fully commit to pushing into a win-now mentality. The third offseason for president of baseball operations Peter Bendix and second for manager Clayton McCullough was punctuated by a handful of free agent pickups but also saw the Fish continue trading from their perennially strong collection of starting pitching depth.

Miami entered the offseason with needs at first base, in the bullpen and in the outfield. They were each addressed to varying extents, but in typical Marlins fashion, those solutions generally came in the form of low-budget transactions. Miami jumped early to bring slugger Christopher Morel into the fold after he was non-tendered by Bendixs former Rays club. Bendix was the general manager in Tampa Bay, but he was out the door by the time the Cubs traded Morel to the Rays as part of the Isaac Paredes return in 2024. It stands to reason that the Rays interest in Morel dated back several years to when Bendix was their GM, and hell now get his hands on a player with big power but also alarming strikeout concerns and no true defensive home.

The Marlins are rolling the dice on Morel as their primary first baseman  a position hes never played before. (Insert your Tell em, Wash jokes here.) Morel has huge pull-side power and comes to Miami on just a $2MM salary with three seasons of club control remaining. If they can coax a breakout, hell be a bargain for them, though its also fair to wonder whether hed play out all three seasons with the perennially frugal Fish in that scenario. Tapping into that raw power and unlocking a full-fledged breakout would likely lead to substantial arbitration raises, so even if Morel can finally put it all together, his price tag down the road in 2028 might prove steep enough that Miami deals him before his final arbitration season.

While Morel was the first to sign, the Bendix-led Marlins made it clear early on that former Rays closer Pete Fairbanks was a target. Fairbanks $11MM club option being declined by Tampa Bay rated as at least a mild surprise, and he was met with robust interest early on. In the end, it was the Marlins who bid $13MM to install Fairbanks at the back of their pen, giving McCullough the sort of established closer he lacked in 2025, when six Marlins players logged between three and 15 saves. Its the largest one-year salary the Marlins have ever given to a reliever. Fairbanks will be able to remain in Florida and continue piling up saves in a pitcher-friendly setting, making it a sensible move for all parties.

Also joining the Miami pitching staff are right-hander Chris Paddack  a former Marlins prospect  and lefty John King. Paddack will step into the rotation on the heels of a career-high 158 innings pitched but also the second-worst ERA (5.35) of his seven-year run in the big leagues. The former top prospects brilliant 2019 debut with the Padres is a distant memory, but hell pitch all of 2026 at 30 years old and brings some of the best command in baseball (career 5.2% walk rate) to South Florida.

The 31-year-old King was a quality middle reliever for the Rangers and Cardinals from 2021-24 before a tough season in 2025. He has one of the games lowest strikeout rates among relievers but also boasts plus command and one of the top ground-ball rates in the sport: 61.8% over the past half decade. Southpaw Cade Gibson gave Miami a strong rookie showing out of the bullpen in 2025, but the only other left-handed relievers to make an appearance were Josh Simpson (7.34 ERA, 30 2/3 innings), Anthony Veneziano (4.71 ERA, 21 innings) and Patrick Monteverde (four runs in 3 2/3 innings). Veneziano is no longer with the organization. Simpson was designated for assignment and traded to the Mariners (for cash) after Miami signed King.

All of Miamis free-agent additions were, in some way or another, buy-low acquisitions. Morel and King were non-tendered despite affordable arbitration projections. Fairbanks club option, which looked fairly reasonable, was declined (partly due to budget constraints for the Rays). Paddack was traded from Minnesota to Detroit at the deadline and quickly lost his rotation spot. He has a 5.23 ERA over the past three seasons. All four have traits on which Miami can dream  Morels power, Fairbanks velocity/strikeouts, Kings grounders, Paddacks plus command/formerly plus changeup  but theyre all projects.

Beyond the level of aggression the Marlins would or wouldnt show with respect to their veteran additions, the biggest question surrounding the club was whether theyd once again deal from their stock of talented young starters. As weve seen so often in the past, even under prior front office regimes, Miami isnt afraid to deal away young arms, trusting in the development staffs ability to continue to turn more out.

If youd told most fans, pundits and even other teams at the end of the 2025 season that Miami would trade two starters, most would have assumed longtime ace Sandy Alcantara would be one of them. He had a rough year overall in his return from Tommy John surgery, but the former NL Cy Young winner finished strong and is heading into the final guaranteed season of a contract that guarantees him at least $19MM more ($17MM salary, $2MM buyout on a $21MM club option for 2027). Thats a reasonable price for most clubs but a steep one for the ever-cost-conscious Marlins.

Instead, it was 27-year-old righty Edward Cabrera  long rumored as a trade candidate in his own right  and 26-year-old southpaw Ryan Weathers. While many expected Cabrera to be a popular trade target this winter, the Weathers trade came somewhat out of the blue, given that he only made eight starts last year due to injury and had three years of club control remaining.

Weathers trade to the Yankees netted the Marlins a quartet of prospects, none of whom are expected to be immediate contributors. Outfielder Dillon Lewis was the most highly touted prospect in the swap but hasnt even played in Double-A yet  nor has young infielder Juan Matheus. Outfielder Brendan Jones and infielder Dylan Jasso reached Double-A in 2025, but both will presumably require further development time in Triple-A.

Weathers originally came to the Fish in whats now a clearly lopsided trade sending Garrett Cooper to the Padres  a swap put together by former general manager Kim Ng. That acquisition gave way to a 2024 breakout and enough promise in 2025s limited sample for Bendix to cash in on a four-prospect package that deepens the Marlins position player pool.

The trade of Cabrera was both more expected and more consequential in terms of 2026 impact. While he was far from a lock to change hands, Cabrera has been discussed frequently in recent years. Interest in the former top prospects electric arsenal has been widespread, and his 2025 breakout was enough to push it over the top. There are big durability concerns with the 65 flamethrower, but Cabreras 3.53 ERA, 25.8% strikeout rate, career-best 8.3% walk rate, 97 mph average heater, 12.6% swinging-strike rate and three remaining years of club control pushed the Cubs to part with a three-prospect package headlined by Owen Caissie, whos now the favorite to break camp as Miamis right fielder.

Caissie, 23, is a 2020 second-rounder who has spent several seasons ranked among baseballs top-100 prospects but had no clear path to regular at-bats at Wrigley Field (at least not this year). Hes a three-true-outcomes lefty slugger with a big arm  a prototypical right field mold whom the Marlins hope can pair with 2025 breakout bopper Kyle Stowers to give the Fish some genuine middle-of-the-order thunder for the foreseeable future.

Caissie mashed at a .286/.386/.551 rate and popped 22 homers in only 99 Triple-A games, but he also fanned in 28% of his Triple-A plate appearances (against a 13.2% walk rate). The Marlins also added minor league infielders Cristian Hernandez and Edgardo De Leon in that swap, but theyre both down-the-road considerations; Hernandez hasnt played above A-ball, and De Leon is only 19. Caissie is the headliner, and he gives the Fish a potential lineup cornerstone with six full seasons of club control and two minor league option years remaining. In Caissie, Stowers and center fielder Jakob Marsee (.292/.363/.478 in 55 games as a rookie), Miami has the makings of an excellent young outfield  no small feat considering the years of turnover they underwent on the grass prior to the arrival of this trio.

Most of Miamis other dealings centered around role players. Dane Myers is a solid fourth outfielder who runs well, but hes entering his final minor league option year and was shipped to the Reds for minor league outfielder Ethan ODonnell, whos not yet on the 40-man roster. Another fourth outfield option, Victor Mesa Jr., went to the Rays for lottery ticket teenage infielder Angel Brachi. Utilityman Eric Wagaman was traded to the Twins for minor league reliever Kade Bragg, who could make his debut at some point in 2026  a nice bit of business considering Wagaman was a minor league free agent who signed a big league deal with Miami last winter.

In addition to selling off that trio of role players, the Marlins brought in some depth pieces by acquiring righty Bradley Blalock from the Rockies and speedster Esteury Ruiz from the Dodgers. Blalock replenishes a bit of rotation depth. Hes coming off a brutal year in the Rockies organization but had some decent results in the minors with the Brewers before that. Ruiz is in his final minor league option year and offers more speed than Myers. He could fill a similar fourth outfield role.

Setting aside the trades of Cabrera and Weathers as well as the signing of Fairbanks, most of Miamis moves amount to tinkering around the margins. The 2026 season will be pivotal to determining their identity. Theyll see if a combination of Morel, Graham Pauley and Connor Norby can handle the infield corners. The middle infield is set for now with defensive standout Otto Lopez at shortstop and exciting leadoff man Xavier Edwards at second base. Stowers, Marsee and Caissie are the outfield hopefuls. Former top prospect Agustin Ramirez will try to improve behind the plate, but top-100 prospect Joe Mack is nipping at his heels in Triple-A, so Ramirez could eventually move to more of a first base/designated hitter/third catcher role.

On the pitching side, itll be Alcantara, Eury Perez and the veteran Paddack, with former top prospects Max Meyer and Braxton Garrett returning from injury-lost seasons. Miami has two of the games top-ranked pitching prospects in Thomas White and Robby Snelling. Both could debut in 2026. Former prospects Dax Fulton and Adam Mazur are both still on the 40-man roster and have minor league options remaining, which gives the Fish some more depth. The bullpen already lost Ronny Henriquez to Tommy John surgery in December, but Fairbanks and King join holdovers like Gibson, Calvin Faucher and Anthony Bender to form a decent nucleus. If any of Meyer, Garrett, Fulton or Mazur dont pan out as starters, they could shift there.

The Marlins thinned out their rotation but did so by shipping out a pair of starters who had durability issues  an all-too-common problem that seems to regularly plague their always impressive groups of young arms. Alcantaras name could come up as a summer trade candidate, but if Miami is contending hes not likely to go anywhere. The thought of a rotation including Alcantara, Perez, White and Snelling is tantalizing regardless of who the fifth option would be.

Miami has the feel of an up-and-coming team, but its hard not to wonder what theyd look like with even a shred of payroll support from ownership. Theyre currently projected to spend about $73MM on the 2026 payroll  a basement-level mark even by their standards and one of the lowest figures in the league. A bit more money on the bullpen or the infield couldve made this club all the more compelling, and with only $83MM of luxury-tax obligations on the books, theyre running the risk of a grievance regarding the allocation of the reported $70MM or so of revenue-sharing funds they receive. Extensions for Marsee and/or Stowers  theyve broached the subject with both young outfielders  could mitigate some of those concerns, but as MLBTRs Contract Tracker shows, Alcantaras five-year, $56MM deal is the only extension of five or more years the Fish have given out in the past decade. Its hard to imagine them going to the lengths necessary to sign one of their young outfielders for the long haul.

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The Government of Zimbabwe has formally joined the Pfizer Accord for a Healthier World, a high-level agreement designed to provide equitable access to patented medicines and vaccines on a not-for-profit basis. The accord was signed in Harare by Douglas Mombeshora, Minister of Health and Child Care, alongside Abdelali Belasri, Pfizer's Vice President of Global Market Access.The agreement aims to reduce disparities in medical access between Zimbabwe and high-income countries, with a focus on infectious diseases, oncology, and rare inflammatory conditions. Minister Mombeshora said the accord aligns with the country's National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Vision 2030, which seeks to achieve upper middle-income status by fostering a healthy and productive population.At the ceremony, Minister Mombeshora highlighted that the accord will strengthen Zimbabwe's medical distribution network and provide access to Pfizer's portfolio of patented medicines on a not-for-profit basis. The framework is expected to offer a sustainable procurement model that shields the national health budget from global market volatility, ensuring timely and affordable access to innovative health products."Like many nations, Zimbabwe continues to face challenges in ensuring timely, affordable access to innovative medicines and vaccines," Minister Mombeshora said. "Through this accord, we look forward not only to expanding access to essential health products, but also to strengthening the systems that guarantee their efficient and equitable delivery to our people."He reaffirmed the commitment of the Second Republic under President Emmerson Mnangagwa to ensure that the benefits of the accord reach both urban and rural communities, emphasizing partnership, mutual accountability, and shared responsibility.Mr Belasri noted Pfizer's commitment to making its medicines and vaccines available to Zimbabweans on a not-for-profit basis, stressing that access is only the first step. "We want to work with you to understand your specific needs so that we can co-create solutions to strengthen the health system in Zimbabwe," he said.The accord represents a major step toward improving health equity in Zimbabwe, strengthening governance in medical distribution, and ensuring sustainable access to critical treatments for the nation's population.
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MC Education Desk Read the latest and trending news on CBSE, board exams, NEET, JEE, CUET, competitive exams, scholarships, college admissions, education policies, and more.
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Gayatri Rani is a Senior-Sub Editor with over three years of experience in delivering Hollywood and Bollywood news.
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Jaya Bachchan says her feud with paparazzi wont hurt Agastya Nandas career, points to Amitabh Bachchans past press ban
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The film, helmed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vpul Amrutlal Shah, is slated for a theatrical release on February 27, 2026.
The police sought their custody for another ten days, citing that some recoveries pertaining to weapons were yet to be made.
Earlier reports claimed that Sanjay had suffered a cardiac episode on the night of his birthday and was rushed to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai.
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A 14-year-old girl has appeared before Mark Dzira, facing a charge of kidnapping a two-year-old child from a city centre mall.The minor was not required to enter a plea, and the magistrate ordered that she be examined by two State-appointed doctors under the Mental Health Act. She was remanded out of custody until 10 March 2026 and will remain under the care of social welfare authorities. The accused attended court accompanied by her mother, whose identity is protected, and social welfare officials.Prosecutor Hazel Ncube told the court that the incident occurred on 17 February 2026. The complainant, 24-year-old Nesisa Mpofu, from Emakhandeni suburb, was working as a sales representative at a city centre mall when her daughter, Asanda Charisma Ndhlovu, was allegedly snatched while playing near her cubicle.The case is being handled with heightened sensitivity due to the involvement of a minor both as the accused and in safeguarding the identity of the victims. Social welfare authorities will continue to oversee the accused until the next court appearance, ensuring her wellbeing and compliance with legal proceedings.
In 2026, the Saathi Program will extend its benefits to registered film industry workers and their families across several critical areas.

Entertainment desk Entertainment Desk at Moneycontrol reports on the celebrities, movies that shape Indias entertainment industry. With a sharp focus on cinema, OTT, web series, and latest trends, the entertainment desk delivers verified news, and analytical stories that place entertainment within a wider economic and cultural context. Our coverage goes beyond celebrity to examine how storytelling, audiences and business decisions influence one of the countrys most influential creative industries.
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Government blocks 5 OTT platforms over alleged obscene content, action taken under IT Rules 2021
Justin Trudeaus son, Xavier Trudeau, says pop star Katy Perry is cool and nice, praises her support for his music
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The film, helmed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, is slated for a theatrical release on February 27, 2026.
Entertainment desk Entertainment Desk at Moneycontrol reports on the celebrities, movies that shape Indias entertainment industry. With a sharp focus on cinema, OTT, web series, and latest trends, the entertainment desk delivers verified news, and analytical stories that place entertainment within a wider economic and cultural context. Our coverage goes beyond celebrity to examine how storytelling, audiences and business decisions influence one of the countrys most influential creative industries.
Adivi Sesh on balancing two strikingly different roles in Dacoit and G2
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A school owner in Mbare, Richmore Sairos, has been sentenced to community service after being found guilty of defrauding four Ordinary Level Cambridge candidates of US$2,335 in examination fees. The sentence allows him to avoid jail provided he reimburses the stolen funds.Presiding Magistrate Nyaradzo Manokore initially handed Sairos, 39, a 24-month jail term, suspending four months on condition of good behaviour. An additional 14 months were suspended contingent upon repayment of the US$2,335, while the remaining six months were deferred on the condition that he perform community service.The case stemmed from the actions of Sairos, who managed a college where learners were enrolled to sit for the June 2022 Cambridge Ordinary Level examinations. Prosecutor Takudzwa Mutyavaviri explained that parents, including Thompson Tendai Munetsi, paid fees intended for Cambridge registration. Munetsi had provided US$700 for his child's five-subject registration, which Sairos was required to deposit into a nostro account and subsequently transfer to the British Council Examination account.The State demonstrated that Sairos instead converted the funds for personal use and generated a fake statement of entry for the student. The fraud came to light as the examination dates approached, with Sairos falsely claiming there had been an error with the Cambridge board.Further misappropriation occurred on 7 June 2022, when Sairos received US$1,312 meant for two other learners. He again converted the money for personal use and fabricated confirmation of payment receipts from NMB Bank. Investigations and police reports confirmed the fraudulent activities, culminating in his conviction.The sentence highlights judicial efforts to hold education providers accountable while offering conditional measures that ensure victims are reimbursed and the offender contributes to community service.
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Sepsis is a medical emergency that can escalate in hours. Understand the early warning signs, risk factors, and treatment options to stay safe. (Pic credits: Pexels)
Causes of knee pain: The biggest culprits are prolonged sitting, poor workstation ergonomics, minimal muscle strength, sudden high-intensity gym routines, and frequent weight fluctuations (Image: Pexels)
Causes of fatigue: It is a red flag if you feel tired always but tests suggest that your thyroid is normal. The expert points out that many doctors only check TSH and ignore deeper thyroid markers that matter for energy (Image: Pexels)
Lymphoma develops when certain white blood cells, called lymphocytes, begin to grow abnormally and uncontrollably. (Picture: Canva)
Shreya Garg is a journalist with over 6 years of experience at leading media houses. She writes extensively on lifestyle, health and things that are trending on the internet.
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Louis Vuittons monogram turns 130. But a viral claim connects its flower motif to Chennakeshava Temple in Karnataka. (Picture credit: Pinterest)
Taiwans logic-heavy market dominated by advanced semiconductor producers is seen as a relative safe haven in the AI scare trade.
. The S&P 500 finished down more than 1%, financial stocks suffered their sharpest drop since April, and a leading software exchange-traded fund fell over 4%
Zoho sells open-source, cloud-based software that handles everything from emails and documents to accounting and hiring  for about half the price of equivalent Google and Microsoft services
Institutional investors placed bids for over 22.34 crore IRFC shares, which is 94.98 per cent of the over 23.52 crore shares reserved for them in the offer for sale (OFS).
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by Staff reporter

Evelyn Sarah Bengesa, 65, has appeared in court facing allegations of unlawfully transferring a large portion of the proceeds from the sale of her matrimonial home out of Zimbabwe.Bengesa appeared before Harare Regional Magistrate Sheila Mupindu, charged with contravening the Exchange Control Act by externalising funds. She was granted bail of US$1,000 on the condition that she surrenders both her American and Zimbabwean passports to the court clerk.Prosecutor Zvikomborero Mupasa told the court that Bengesa sold her property at 16 Prices Avenue, Mt Pleasant, Harare, for US$660,000 on 25 August 2025. On 16 September, she allegedly travelled to Botswana via the Plumtree Border Post carrying US$480,000 in cash, which she then deposited into her Stanbic Bank company account in Francistown.The unusually large deposit raised suspicions at the bank, prompting them to freeze the account amid concerns over the legitimacy of the funds. Bengesa maintained that the money was lawfully acquired from the sale of her Harare property.Interpol later became involved in the matter, leading to her arrest when she returned to Zimbabwe to seek clearance to access her frozen account in Botswana. The case highlights the scrutiny surrounding cross-border financial transfers and compliance with Zimbabwe's exchange control regulations.
Relative allocations to India rose by 0.1 percentage points from December, though positioning over recent months has reflected a gradual decline.
RoDTEP was launched in 2021 as a reimbursement for exporters for taxes which were not refunded through other mechanisms.
For Moneycontrol's Pro Panorama March 9 edition: India explores ways to protect trade during Iran tensions, markets brace for prol...

Despite weaker fresh inflows, AUM in the category rose 13.63 percent year-on-year to Rs 5.24 lakh crore in January 2026 from Rs 4.61 lakh crore a year earlier

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SpiceJet shares hit 10% lower circuit after 8.4% equity traded in a block, down 25% in 7 days
Dipen Pradhan is the Editorial Consultant for Moneycontrol. He has over 10 years of experience in the field of journalism and covers personal finance topics. He has previously worked at Forbes Advisor India, Outlook Money, Entrepreneur, Inc42, and The Statesman. When he is not writing he loves to travel to explore rural hotspots.
Living in one city, renting in another: How HRA and home loan tax rules apply
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Ayush Mishra is a personal finance journalist specialising in banking, credit, and taxation. With experience at Business Standard, he delivers engaging stories that make complex financial decisions easier to navigate.
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by Staff reporter

The government of Zimbabwe has announced an immediate suspension on the export of all raw minerals and lithium concentrates, a measure aimed at strengthening accountability and ensuring greater value retention within the country. The directive was issued this morning by Polite Kambamura, the Minister of Mines.According to Minister Kambamura, the suspension applies to all raw minerals, including those already in transit, and will remain in effect "until further notice." He stressed that only mining companies with valid mining titles and approved beneficiation facilities will be authorised to export minerals. Agents and third-party traders will no longer be permitted to export on behalf of mining title holders."All stakeholders are advised that ZIMRA, MMCZ and other regulatory authorities will strictly enforce these requirements," Kambamura said. "Any mineral exports not supported by valid export permits and complete documentation shall be denied clearance. Continued use of an expired or already exhausted export permit is a serious offence that warrants withdrawal of the export permit and mining title. Government reiterates that these measures are being implemented in the national interest to enhance mineral accountability, promote beneficiation and maximise value retention within Zimbabwe."Under the new requirements, export permit applications must include a recommendation letter from the relevant Provincial Mining Office confirming beneficiation capacity and compliance with Ministry regulations and statutory requirements. Applicants are also required to declare the mineral composition of each export consignment.The government has framed these measures as critical for promoting beneficiation of minerals locally, safeguarding national revenue, and ensuring that Zimbabwe derives maximum economic benefit from its natural resources.
Several users posted on social media that they were unable to access the platform to lock their cards, worsening the situation
Counterpoint Research data showed Xiaomi's India smartphone market share plunged to 12% in December from a high of 31% in early 2018
Modi will address the Israeli Parliament, Knesset, becoming the first Indian prime minister to have the honour
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In July last year, addressing a rally in Durgapur, PM Modi raised slogans of 'Jai Maa Kali' and 'Jai Maa Durga'.
This seems to be a calculated move, said CJI
BJP MP Khandelwal appealed to the Home Ministry to initiate consultations with historians, archaeologists as well as other relevant stakeholders to study the feasibility of the change
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by Staff reporter

Kenyan authorities have expelled Zimbabwean constitutional lawyer and civic activist Brian Bright Kagoro, accusing him of involvement in a foreign-backed scheme to foment political unrest through organised protests.Kagoro, who serves as Managing Director of Programmes at Open Society Foundations (OSF) Africa, was declared persona non grata and deported late Sunday after being detained and questioned for several hours by immigration and security officials. He was escorted out of the country through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, according to officials.Security agencies said the decision followed a months-long investigation into what they allege was a coordinated effort to mobilise political dissent in Kenya by leveraging economic pressures and youth activism.Capital FM, citing unnamed officials, reported that Kagoro made several trips to Nairobi in 2025 and allegedly undertook to help raise approximately US$1.2 million to support activist networks. Authorities claim the funds were intended to reignite youth-led protests that swept across Kenya in 2024, prompting the government to withdraw proposed tax increases after weeks of nationwide demonstrations largely organised through social media platforms.Organisers of the 2024 protests have consistently denied receiving foreign funding, maintaining that the movement was grassroots-driven.A senior security official said intelligence gathered over six months pointed to what authorities believe was a deliberate strategy to manufacture unrest. "We have evidence, gathered painstakingly over the last six months, that indicates a calculated attempt to engineer civil disorder," the official said.The Kenyan government has warned that foreign nationals suspected of interfering in the country's internal political processes will face denial of entry, enhanced monitoring, or expulsion.During questioning, Kagoro reportedly rejected the allegations, stating that his visit to Kenya was for personal and professional reasons. He is said to have told investigators that he travelled to attend a family event and to participate in a conference focused on critical minerals and artificial intelligence. While acknowledging longstanding relationships with Kenyan civil society organisations, he denied coordinating protests or financing political activity.Authorities further alleged that some of his public engagements, including appearances at a judiciary accountability forum and a technology innovation event, were used to broaden activist networks. Investigators also pointed to his association with OSF, which has faced criticism from some Kenyan political leaders who accuse foreign donors of meddling in domestic politics.Kagoro, a co-founder of the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition, has spent nearly two decades working in Nairobi and is widely regarded by supporters as a prominent figure in regional governance, democracy, and civic advocacy circles.Security officials additionally claimed he participated in encrypted messaging platforms and is being examined for possible links to election-related unrest in Tanzania, although no public evidence has been presented to substantiate those claims.
He was rushed to a government hospital in Manali, where doctors administered CPR, but he was declared dead after examination (Image: X)
The police personnel and the leaders were then taken to Shimla and are being presented in court. (File Photo)
A video of the couple recently went viral
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to Israel to deepen defence and trade ties
This is PM Modi's second visit to Israel, following his 2017 trip.
CPI(M) General Secretary M A Baby, in a post on X, called the visit a betrayal of India's anti-colonial legacy
CJI Kant strongly objected to a chapter on judicial corruption in the NCERT's Class 8 curriculum, saying nobody on earth will be allowed to defame the judiciary and taint its integrity.
Nitin Nabins comments come amid a row over the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) workers staging a shirtless protest at the AI Summit in Delhi last week.
Qabil Ashirov

Elnur Mammadov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, visited Geneva from February 23 to 25, 2026, to participate in the high-level segment of the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), AzerNEWS reports.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during the visit, Deputy Minister Mammadov delivered a speech at the high-level segment and held several bilateral meetings with senior officials.

In his address, he highlighted the current status of the post-conflict normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, issues arising from the Washington Agreement, and the potential contributions of the Zangazur corridor to regional development.

He also outlined Azerbaijans efforts to address the humanitarian consequences of the previous conflict, including clarifying the fate of missing persons, combating landmine threats, and facilitating the safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons under the Great Return program.

Deputy Minister Mammadov emphasized that widespread landmine contamination remains a serious obstacle to the full realization of human rights and stressed the importance of strengthening international cooperation in this area.

He further highlighted that trials of individuals accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity have been conducted in accordance with international law and national legislation, underscoring Azerbaijans commitment to justice.

The Deputy Minister recalled that the UNHRC Working Group on Arbitrary Detentions opinion on the Ruben Vardanyan case, published on March 13, 2025, reaffirmed that Azerbaijans legal procedures complied with international standards, rejecting Armenias claims.

Additionally, he noted Azerbaijans growing role as a platform for international dialogue, pointing out that COP29 held in Baku made a significant contribution to accelerating climate action. This year, Azerbaijan will host several major UN events, including the 82nd session of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, the 13th session of the UN World Urban Forum, and the 7th World Intercultural Dialogue Forum.
News / National

by Stephen Jakes

A 25yearold man from Chief Nemangwe area in Gokwe South has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after he was convicted by the Gokwe Magistrates' Court for raping his 10yearold niece.The court heard that on 21 August last year, at around 1pm, the victim returned home from a nearby business centre and found the offender tending to a fire. He indecently assaulted her by fondling her breasts.When the child attempted to run away, the offender chased after her, caught her, tied her limbs with rope and wire, and raped her.The victim later told her aunt what had happened, leading to a police report and the offender's arrest.The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said rape is a grave offence with lifelong consequences for survivors."The NPAZ is committed to the prosecution of all sexual offenders. Members of the public are called upon to report sexual violence promptly," the Authority said.
In Jerusalem, Modi is scheduled to interact with members of the Indian community before addressing lawmakers at the Knesset (Israeli parliament)
PM Modi will become the first Indian leader to address the Israeli parliament.
On Tuesday, IDFC First Bank stated that it had repaid 100 percent of the principal and interest to the affected Haryana government departments, releasing a total of Rs 583 crore.
SP chief Akhilesh Yadav has engaged I-PAC to fine-tune his party's campaign at the district and booth levels
Amitabh Sinha is the executive editor of News18 India. He has extensive experience in print and TV journalism. He started his career with Patna's 'Times of India' and reported for almost 14 years at 'Aaj Tak'. He has been associated with Network18 since 2015. writes with equal authority in Hindi and English languages and has reported on many important events and incidents in India and abroad. He has a long experience in parliamentary journalism and has special grasp of e policies and schemes of the government. He writes regularly on News18's website in both Hindi and English languages. He is a post graduate from Delhi University. X- @amitabhnews18
Trumps 126% antidumping duty may disrupt solar export in near term, manufacturers to remain focused on domestic market
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by Stephen Jakes

Patriotic Vendors4ED says it is set to roll out a groundbreaking provincial launch in Matabeleland North, describing the upcoming event as an initiative "never seen before" in the province.The launch will take place at the Lupane District Centre Terminus Vending Site.In a statement, the organisation said the countdown has begun, with the event scheduled for Sunday, 1 March 2026, starting at 8am."Matabeleland North Province in Zimbabwe consists of seven administrative districts, with its capital located in Lupane. The districts are Binga, Bubi, Hwange, Lupane, Nkayi, Tsholotsho and Umguza," reads the statement."These districts cover the northwestern part of the country, featuring key locations such as Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park."Patriotic Vendors4ED National Chairman Sawu Jere said the launch marks the beginning of a transformative journey for vendors across Zimbabwe."We are a very organised, registered and affiliated group to the ZANUPF National People's Party. The launch ignites a movement that leads masses and is joined by almost every vendor nationwide. We will unveil a vision that will give every vendor a clear direction  a roadmap that brings oneness, order and unity," he said.Jere added that the organisation has championed a culture of discipline and loyalty among vendors."We pioneered a new way that was well appreciated by every vendor in the country  to shun corruption, be loyal to our Head of State, President Mnangagwa, walk in his footsteps and respect his principles on the disbursement of empowerment funds. It requires financial discipline not to divert funds; respect that."He said all Patriotic Vendors4ED members are now expected to obtain membership cards."Just consult your provincial chairs and national members; they will assist you. It's high time every vendor inclines to order to attain our Vision 2030 goals," he said.Matabeleland North Provincial Chairperson Ruth Sibanda urged vendors from across the province and the country to attend the launch."We kindly invite all our Mat North Province vendors and all vendors from our 10 provinces to sacrifice your time and attend this special event that will redefine our future as vendors. Don't miss out on this momentum that will change lives and better the future for vendors. This is the beginning of something significant in our province. Let's come in numbers and join our national visionary leaders for our provincial launch," she said.
The return-to-office mandate is revealing how much of the couple's relationship had been built on the life they had created around being home, the employee said. (AI-generated image)
Income tax rates in Japan range from 5 per cent to 45 per cent depending on earnings, with additional local inhabitant taxes generally set at around 10 per cent.
'How is this tolerable in India? If this had happened in Europe, can you imagine what the repercussions would be?' IndiGo passenger and Instagram influencer Jayant Shilanjan Mundhra asked. (Image credit: @marketswithjayant/Instagram)
Calling dogs the closest non-human companions to people, Rajya Sabha MP and author Sudha Murty stressed that they require affection more than anything else.
In 2024, the company earned 260 million yuan (US$38M / Rs 344.46 crore) in profit (Image credit: Elephant News)
WOH G64, one of the universes largest stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud, has shifted from red supergiant to yellow hypergiant since 2014. Astronomers believe its nearing a supernova, with mass loss and instability marking its rapid evolution.

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The 2026 hummingbird migration has begun across North America, with earlier departures and arrivals due to warmer winters. Ruby-throated and Rufous hummingbirds lead the journey, tracked by scientists using leg bands, radar and satellite mapping.

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Scientists report that rainfall is increasing on the Antarctic Peninsula as temperatures rise faster than the global average. More precipitation is falling as rain rather than snow, accelerating glacier melt, weakening ice shelves and threatening sea ice habitats. Extreme heat events and atmospheric rivers are becoming more frequent. Wildlife, research infrastructure and historic sites face growing risks. Researchers warn that limiting global warming could slow, but not fully prevent, these rapid changes.

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Singapores National Parks Board will resume crow shooting operations from the second half of March following a sharp rise in complaints and attacks linked to the invasive house crow population. Minister Chee Hong Tat said 15,000 crow-related feedback cases and over 2,000 attacks were reported in 2025. Shooting was suspended in 2020 after safety incidents, but authorities say trapping and nest removal alone have not worked. Strict controls will govern the renewed operations.

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by Stephen Jakes

Police in Chivhu have arrested a 74yearold man in connection with a murder and attempted murder incident that occurred in Mudavanhu Village.The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the arrest of Never Nhire (74), who allegedly committed the offences on 20 February."The suspect allegedly stabbed the complainant (survivor) once on the head with an okapi knife, accusing him of spreading rumours that he was engaging in relationships with several women in the village," police said.The complainant managed to escape and was taken to Nharira Clinic, where he is reported to be in a stable condition.Police said that after the first attack, Nhire proceeded to the homestead of Itai Chidangure (62), whom he allegedly stabbed once on the neck over the same allegations."Itai Chidangure died at the scene. His body was taken to Chivhu General Hospital mortuary for postmortem," police said.
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News / National

by Takunda Maodza

DAVID Whitehead Textiles employees have petitioned Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko demanding the removal of the final judicial manager Mr Knowledge Hofisi of Aurifin and Capital, claiming that two and half years into his appointment, the textile company was still closed with no signs that it would resume operations soon.In a petition dated May 13, 2016, the workers argued that instead of resuscitating the company, Mr Hofisi was employing into management positions people who stand accused of stripping the company.With its main factory in Chegutu and branches in Kadoma and Gweru, DWH was once a giant textiles company employing 1 600 workers and exporting fabric throughout the Sadc region."We represent 1 600 David Whitehead Textiles employees, who have been neglected by the Final Judicial manager Mr Knowledge Hofisi. "We informed you of our grievances last year in August after you visited David Whitehead Textiles. We do not want judicial manager Mr Knowledge Hofisi because he is supporting the interests of Mr Edwin Chimanye at the expense of those of the workers who are the major shareholders," reads the petition.Mr Chimanye is the chief executive officer at DWH. The workers said it was shocking that management at the company was lying to the leadership of the country that the company was operational when it ceased operations in 2010.The workers also claimed that the final judicial manager was disposing company assets and retrenched 400 employees following the July 17, 2015 court ruling that saw companies retrenching employees en masse. "He is selling company houses, kicking out the employees, and we do not know where proceeds from the sale of houses are going," further reads the petition.They pleaded with VP Mphoko's Office to ensure the company is given to the workers. "It is better that we are given the company and we resuscitate it with the help of our Government."The employees also petitioned the Council of Estates Administrators accusing Mr Hofisi of poor corporate governance, misuse of proceeds from the sale of company assets and using the mass media to mislead the nation that DWH was now operational.Minister in Vice President Mphoko's Office Mrs Tabeth Kanengoni Malinga yesterday said, they have not as yet seen the petition. "I have not seen the petition yet," she said. Mr Hofisi yesterday could not say much about the matter, saying they were calling for a stakeholders' meeting on July 28 to look into issues affecting the company."We can invite you to attend a meeting we are holding on July 28. It will be attended by all the stakeholders including shareholders. That is where we will discuss a lot of issues," he said. Mr Hofisi said there were a number of challenges facing DWH including the shareholding issue."The shareholding structure is not clear but we are 90 percent towards resolution of the shareholding issue," he said. Asked to justify what he had done since his appointment as the final judicial manager, Mr Hofisi said: "We have been producing for the army and prisons." He admitted, however that, that was a long time ago.On May 23, 2014, Mr Hofisi was quoted in The Herald saying, "Zesa Holdings has reconnected us and we are expecting plant maintenance to begin next week. This is the first step towards partial re-opening. Our maintenance team will start working on the spinning plant in Kadoma and weaving plant in Chegutu. This will give us a clear picture on what needs to be done going forward, but we are on course."The Herald visited DWH Chegutu last week. There were no signs of life at the company with two women manning the gates. "The company ceased operations a long time ago, and we do not know when it will be operational," said one of the women who refused to be identified.
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France welcomes 102 million international tourists in 2025, retaining its position as the worlds most visited country amid record revenue growth and rising sustainability challenges.
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Indian Embassy in Seoul issues advisory for travellers to Jeju Island, stressing that visa-free entry does not guarantee admission after influencer Sachin Awasthis detention case.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Israel to a warm welcome from PM Benjamin Netanyahu. Modi will address Israel's parliament and hold talks to strengthen ties in defence, technology, and trade amid ongoing Middle East tensions.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a State visit to Israel on February 25-26.
Green card holders face stricter checks at US airports. (Image credit: The New York Times)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi receiving Speaker of the Knesset Medal (L). In 2018, PM Modi was conferred the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine, the highest honour awarded by the State of Palestine to foreign leaders (R).
Israels proposed Hexagon of Alliances, naming India as a key member, has sparked strong condemnation from Pakistans Senate, which sees it as an anti-Muslim bloc threatening regional unity and stability amid shifting power dynamics in West Asia.

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News / National

by Mary Charamba

ZIMBABWE YOUTH COUNCIL STATEMENT ON THE SUPPORT RENDERED BY THE MINISTRY OF HIGHER &TERTIARY EDUCATION THROUGH ZIMDEF

The Zimbabwe Youth Council wishes to clarify to its affiliate organizations, partners and other stakeholders on a matter that has been reported in the media regarding support amounting to 100 000litres of diesel fuel donated by the Ministry of Higher & Tertiary Education.It is a fact that indeed we received support in the form of fuel from the Ministry of Higher & Tertiary Education and our Executive Director Mr Livingstone Dzikira acknowledged receiving that fuel.On the 22nd of July the Youth Council wrote to the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education requesting support to conduct a youth skills mapping exercise.This request was our facilitation in support of an exercise that is being undertaken by one of the Youth Councilsa affiliate organizations, the ZANU PF Youth League.Upon receiving these fuel coupons the Youth Council immediately dispatched the entire consignment of coupons to the ZANU PF Youth League Secretariat at Zanu PF Headquarters, which signed for the fuel acknowledging receipt.The Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Commission is in possession of all documentation relating to this transaction.For the avoidance of speculation and mis-information the Youth Council registers and facilitates the work of registered youth organizations in terms of the Zimbabwe Youth Council Act.To be specific, the Youth Council Act, (Chapter 25:19) establishes and mandates the Youth Council to foster the activities of youth organizations in the country.The Revised National Youth Policy of 2013 makes it clear that the role of the Youth Council shall be to interface between government and the youth in the country.In fulfilling this statutory mandate, the Zimbabwe Youth Council has facilitated the work of numerous youth organizations to receive funding, scholarships, grants, donations and loans from many organizations including the private sector, the Government of Zimbabwe, the United Nations Departments among others.In facilitating support for youth organizations in the country, the Youth Council pays attention to whether the requesting youth organization is duly registered in terms of the Youth Council Act, and whether it has the necessary skills and structures to conduct the programme or exercise they seek to conduct.In this particular case the Zanu PF Youth League is a duly registered youth organization and the Youth Council is satisfied that the Youth Leagueas has the structural and human capacity to conduct the youth skills mapping exercise that it sought to conduct.The same Act stipulates that at the end of its operating year, each registered national association shall submit its annual report and financial statement. It is at that, after receiving a report, that the Youth Council can sanction an audit into the operations of each National Youth Association.It is therefore preposterous and prejudicial for the Youth Council to, without basis and in advance, assume that the Youth League has misappropriated the resources they secured through us.The Youth Council is expecting that stakeholders will allow the youth to carry out the skills mapping programme they said they wanted to carry out, whose outcome will inform the skills development planning policies of government.Having said this, it is however shocking and insightful to note that:1. The information surrounding this transaction was secured by investigators of ZACC, an anti corruption constitutional body which has not yet completed its investigations and yet the media has already been debriefed of the case.2. This leakage to the media of incomplete information betrays an agenda that is more political than professional. It would be interesting to know whether ZACC will investigate its officers for disclosing to the media information on a case that is still pending. 2. This support rendered to the Youth League is not the only support that has been given to the Youth League by government departments. Over the years, the 21st February Movement, a Youth League program meant to instill the values of patriotism, discipline and commitment has received support from many departments in government and there is no single investigation that has been conducted on those government departments.3.Other Youth Organizations that have received support from government, including the Zimbabwe Congress of Students Union (ZICOSU) have not been subjected to the same hit man style of investigations and subsequent leakage of information to the media as done in this case where the Zanu PF Youth League is the beneficiary of the support.ZIMDEF itself has given support to this ZANU PF aligned youth organization with amounts exceeding $75 000.It therefore betrays bias and selective investigating methods to target one beneficiary which in turn betrays a malicious agenda on the part of those behind the mis-information.4. There is also further evidence of malice in that those who are providing information to the media (ZACC sources) are not disclosing the fact that they are in possession of documents that indicate that the ZANU PF Youth League signed and acknowledged receipt of the 100 000litres.5. This means that who-ever instructed this leakage does not have the honesty and the courage to disclose the reality that in-fact this resource ended at the ZANU PF YL Headquarters. The Youth Council therefore wishes to place it on record that the said fuel is with Zanu PF Youth League, having received that support through their membership of the Zimbabwe Youth Council. The secretariat of the Youth League signed for this fuel and therefore is fully accountable for the usage of that fuel. In due course we expect that the ZANU PF Youth League will furnish the Youth Council with its Annual Report which will include this support together with a report on the specific outputs of the programme of Youth Skills Assessment that they are conducting in the districts of the country, for which they requested this support.END OF STATEMENT
Abhinav Gupta With over 12 years in digital journalism, has navigated the fast-evolving media landscape, shaping digital strategies and leading high-impact newsrooms. Currently, he serves as News Editor at MoneyControl, leading coverage in Global Affairs, Indian Politics, Governance and Policy Making. Previously, he has spearheaded fact-checking and digital media operations at Press Trust of India. Abhinav has also led news desks at Financial Express, DNA, and Jagran English, managing editorial direction, breaking news coverage, and digital growth. His journey includes stints with The Indian Express Group, Zee Media Group, and more, where he has honed his expertise in newsroom leadership, audience engagement, and digital transformation.
The issues surrounding Kapoor and his restaurant had surfaced earlier. In 2023, he spoke about threats received after posting a video criticising the Khalistan movement.
The NIA chargesheet reveals David Headley operated a fake Mumbai immigration office as a cover for 26/11 terror planning, avoiding digital trails and using deception. Associate Rana helped set up the office, reinforcing Pakistans role in the conspiracy.

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Newly released photos from Jeffrey Epsteins Paris apartment reveal disturbing decor, sex toys, and evidence of abuse. French prosecutors believe the property was key to sexual trafficking, sparking new investigations into Epsteins global network and associates.

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Imran Khans sister Aleema criticized PTIs handling of his health and legal matters, saying family and doctors should decide his care. She noted PTI leaders absence and said Khan wants independent review of his medical reports, exposing party tensions.

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News / Regional

by Stephen Jakes

The Hwange Magistrates' Court has convicted and sentenced Chada Shoko (24) to 420 hours of community service for assaulting her neighbour.The court heard that on 11 January at around 8:30pm, the complainant - who lives next door to the offender - went to Shoko's home to ask why she had refused to accept maize cobs he had offered her the previous day.A misunderstanding arose, during which Shoko picked up a brick and struck the complainant once on the left side of the forehead.The complainant sustained a laceration as a result of the assault.Authorities urged members of the public to refrain from violence and to resolve disputes peacefully.
The official acknowledged that Trumps plan was based on the Savers Match program from the 2022 Secure 2.0 legislation passed during the Biden administration.
(FILES) Semi-trailer trucks move along Lincoln Highway while using the indirect interchange from Interstates 70, the Pennsylvania Turnpike and U.S. Route 30 on October 14, 2021 in Breezewood, Pennsylvania.
Everything you need to know about the UK ETA and new rules for dual citizens
Trump administration imposes 126% tariff on Indian solar panels, targets only three Asian nations
News / Regional

by Ezra Tshisa

Dangerous fugitive Cabangani "Predator" Mathe has been rearrested following his deportation from Malawi, bringing an end to his crossborder escape. Mathe, a 38yearold former businessman from Plumtree, was taken into custody after Malawian authorities found him without identification or travel documents. Verification later confirmed that he was a wanted person in Zimbabwe.Zimbabwe Republic Police national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest, saying Mathe was deported after being found without any form of identification. He was subsequently arrested by CID Homicide detectives and has since appeared in court.Mathe had been serving a 20year prison sentence for violent crimes committed in Plumtree before making a daring escape that left the community shaken.Residents still recall the day he was initially sentenced, when women gathered outside the courthouse dancing, ululating and shedding tears of relief as he received a lengthy prison term. For many, it symbolised justice finally prevailing through the courage of victims, the diligence of police officers and the resolve of the courts. His escape, however, reignited fear across the community.For years, Mathe allegedly operated as though untouchable. He was widely feared, reportedly wellconnected and financially influential. Some community members claimed that attempts to report him were met with intimidation, with cases collapsing under pressure as he allegedly boasted that no one could bring him to justice.Among the serious allegations he faces is a case in which he is accused of raping a woman and transporting her across the border into Botswana, where she was later killed. That matter remains before the courts and has raised concerns about the safety of potential witnesses.He is also accused of physically assaulting a woman, handcuffing her and submerging her underwater while restraining her. Additional allegations include the sexual exploitation of a minor who worked at one of his shops between June 2024 and March 2025.With Mathe now back in custody, victims and the wider Plumtree community have expressed relief, hopeful that justice will take its full course and that there will be no further escape.
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The Mexican state of Jalisco will remain under a code red Monday, with public transport and schools remaining closed, its governor said Sunday. The announcement follows a day of violence in the coastal city of Puerto Vallarta in the wake of a government announcement that the head of one of the countrys most powerful crime groups was dead.

Smoke from burning vehicles blackened the sky in Puerto Vallarta, a popular tourist destination on the Pacific coast. Similar scenes played out in Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, and across several states on Sunday morning.

Several airlines cancelled flights to and from Puerto Vallarta; some flights already in the air turned around before reaching the city.

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Gov. Pablo Lemus Navarro issued a video statement announcing the continuation of the states state of emergency, saying he expected things to get back to normal in the coming days.

What we have lived today was exceptional, said Lemus Navarro.

The state attorney general of Jalisco said in a statement that 25 people had been detained after a day of blockades, fires and looting. Various types of vehicles were burned at 65 different spots throughout the state, said the attorney generals office.

The mass violence flared as federal authorities announced they had launched a special forces operation to capture Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

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Oseguera Cervantes was wounded in a clash with federal authorities and died from his injuries while en route to Mexico City, the Secretariat of National Defence said in a statement.

The operation was initially launched in the municipality of Tapalpa, which sits roughly 300 kilometres southeast of Puerto Vallarta.

The National Defence Secretariat said that four people belonging to the CJNG were killed during the operation, and three cartel members were wounded, including El Mencho, but all died during transport. Two people were also detained, said the secretariat.

Violence has also been reported in the states of Michoacan, Guanajuato, Queretaro, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas and San Luis Potosi. The attorney general of Michoacan said that four people had been killed following five confrontations between security forces and armed groups.

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But the federal government said it was beginning to establish order.

The federal Security Secretariat said in a statement it had cleared out 17 of 21 blockades that were mounted, many with flaming vehicles, throughout the state of Jalisco.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the work of the country's security forces.

In most of the national territory, activities continue to unfold in total normalcy, Sheinbaum said in a statement.

Gladys McCormick, an associate professor of Latin American history at University of Syracuse, said that the death of El Mencho may trigger a much wider onslaught of violence.

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He was a key leader of one of the most violent criminal groups in Mexico, said McCormick.

As with the captures or killings of other drug cartel kingpins, we are likely to see violence in response to the sudden power vacuum.

McCormick said the CJNG is already embroiled in conflict with competing criminal groups, which could also add gasoline to what appears to be a raging fire.

Firefighters work to extinguish flames from a bus used by organized crime members as a roadblock following a series of detentions by federal forces, in Guadalajara, Mexico, on Sunday. (Michelle Freyria/Reuters)

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said in a statement that Canada "was deeply alarmed by reports of violence" and that the federal government was "closely monitoring the serious and rapidly evolving security situation."

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Global Affairs Canada also updated its travel advisory for Puerto Vallarta and other parts of the state of Jalisco. It says there is a shelter in place order in Puerto Vallarta and that all taxi and ride-share services are suspended. All Canadians in Jalisco are advised to keep a low profile, monitor media and follow the orders of local authorities.

There are currently 18,703 Canadians registered as being in Mexico, including 4,672 in Jalisco state, according to Global Affairs Canada's Registration of Canadians Abroad service.

A car burns on the Francisco Medina Avenue exit in Puerto Vallarta on Sunday. (Submitted by Robert Onysko)

Canadian airlines cancel flights

Toronto resident Tim Spencer, 39, who is vacationing in Puerto Vallarta, said fires started flaring in the city early in the morning. He said he went up to the roof of the Villa Divina hotel and saw corner stores and cars in flames.

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"Everythings just covered in smoke here at the moment, he said. "Grey and smoggy everywhere and the smell, its just like that electrical fuel, gross fire smell."

Spencer said his flight to Denver, which would have then taken him to Toronto, was cancelled Sunday morning. "Ive never really seen anything like this before in my life, so its a little bit horrific," he said.

In a post on social media platform X on Sunday afternoon, Air Canada said, "Due to an ongoing security situation in Puerto Vallarta" impacting its airport, the airline "has temporarily suspended operations there today. We are monitoring the situation and in contact with local authorities who are working to resolve the issue."

Flights to Puerto Vallarta from Vancouver on WestJet, Porter and Flair airlines were also cancelled.
By Marianna Parraga and Bhargav Acharya

WASHINGTON, Feb 25 (Reuters) - The U.S. Treasury Department said on Wednesday it would authorize companies seeking licenses to resell Venezuelan oil to Cuba, according to guidance posted on the department's website, a move that could help ease the island's acute fuel scarcity.

Since Washington took control of Venezuela's oil exports in early January in the aftermath of the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, the South American country's supply to Cuba has ceased, worsening an energy crisis in the communist-run country that is hitting power generation and fuel for vehicles, houses and aviation.

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Venezuela had been for more than 25 years the main supplier of crude and fuel to its political ally Cuba through a bilateral pact mostly based on barter of products and services. Mexico, which had emerged as an alternate supplier, also has halted shipments to the Caribbean island since a fuel cargo arrived in Havana in January, according to shipping data.

Large trading houses including Vitol and Trafigura handle the lion's share of Venezuela's oil exports, with millions of barrels exported to the U.S., Europe and India, and millions of additional barrels stored at Caribbean terminals for resale.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said Venezuela's allies that were taking its oil as part of swaps, debt repayments and other agreements must now pay fair market prices for cargoes. These allies include China and Cuba.

On Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in the Caribbean to begin talks with leaders who have warned that Cuba's growing humanitarian crisis could destabilize the region.

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Even with the new policy, it is not clear whether Cuba can afford oil purchases without favorable terms. With Cuba struggling to pay for fuel imports on the spot market in recent years, any potential purchase from traders is expected to demand regular commercial terms such as bank guarantees and cash payments.

The U.S. Treasury's guidance also makes clear that potential transactions must "support the Cuban people, including the private sector," including exports for commercial and humanitarian use in Cuba, while transactions involving or benefiting the Cuban military or other government institutions would not be covered.

The U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security had previously released guidance saying that exports and re-exports of U.S. gas and petroleum products to eligible Cuban private sector entities would be authorized.

Cuba's government controls motor fuel distribution and power supply through state companies, but fuel consumers also include private airlines and other companies.

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The Treasury Department said applicants do not necessarily need an established U.S. entity, and limitations in a license granted in January to broadly export Venezuelan oil would not apply to Cuba.

UNDELIVERED FUEL CARGOES

The U.S. pressure on Venezuela and Cuba has left several fuel cargoes undelivered since December, contributing to the island's inability to keep the lights on and cars circulating.

A Cuba-related vessel that loaded Venezuelan gasoline in early February at a port operated by state-run company PDVSA remained this week anchored in Venezuelan waters waiting for authorization to set sail. The ship had previously loaded Venezuelan jet fuel, but returned its cargo, a company document showed.

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No oil cargoes have departed from Venezuela since January without authorization from Washington, which now controls the country's exports and sale proceeds as part of an agreement with the government of interim President Delcy Rodriguez.

On Wednesday, the Hong Kong-flagged tanker Sea Horse, carrying fuel likely bound for Cuba, halted navigation in the Atlantic Ocean, ship tracking data showed. It could have arrived in Cuba as early as this week.

The tanker loaded through a ship-to-ship transfer in the Mediterranean, monitoring service TankerTrackers.com said.

Hongkong Hangda Shipping LTD, the firm listed at maritime databases as the Sea Horse's owner and manager, and PDVSA did not immediately reply to requests for comment.

(Reporting by Bhargav Acharya in Toronto, Marianna Parraga in Houston and Daphne Psaledakis in Washington; Editing by Costas Pitas, Matthew Lewis and Paul Simao)
By Gregorie Michael Towai (Eiperang)  Independent Researcher and CNMI Advocate

ACROSS the Freely Associated States and territories of the Pacific, migration is not an exception. It is a defining reality of modern island life. Families move for education, military service, health care, and economic opportunity while remaining deeply connected to their home islands through remittances, cultural ties, and civic participation. In this context, a growing debate in the Federated States of Micronesia is drawing attention beyond its borders and raising important questions about representation, belonging, and the role of diaspora citizens in shaping their nations future.

David R. Bernard, a longtime CNMI resident now living in Oregon and a citizen of the Federated States of Micronesia, has entered the race for the House of Senate, representing the Northwest Region of Chuuk State. His candidacy has amplified discussion around the countrys five-year continuous residency requirement for national office, a rule that he argues no longer reflects the realities of mobility under the Compact of Free Association or the lived experience of Micronesian citizens abroad.

In a recent public statement, Bernard framed the requirement as a structural barrier that limits political participation for citizens who leave the islands to pursue education, employment, or service opportunities. He argues that many of those who depart return with skills, professional experience, and global networks that could strengthen governance and national development. Yet under the current framework, their absence may disqualify them from leadership at precisely the moment their experience could be most valuable.

The issue resonates strongly across the CNMI, where communities are shaped by similar patterns of movement and return. Thousands of Compact migrants contribute to island economies, serve in the United States military at high rates, and maintain transnational family networks that sustain both home and host communities. The question raised by Bernards campaign is therefore not solely about FSM constitutional interpretation, but about a broader regional tension involving how Pacific societies balance territorial rootedness with transoceanic citizenship.

Supporters of residency requirements often view them as safeguards that ensure leaders remain grounded in local realities and accountable to the communities they serve. Critics contend that rigid interpretations risk excluding diaspora citizens whose economic contributions, cultural engagement, and political participation remain active despite geographic distance. In smaller island nations where outward migration is structurally embedded in development pathways, the consequences of exclusion may extend beyond electoral fairness to questions of national cohesion.

Bernards statement also highlights the symbolic implications for younger generations. Many Pacific youths are encouraged to seek opportunities abroad while simultaneously being reminded that leadership at home requires uninterrupted presence. This contradiction can produce a sense that mobility is both necessary for advancement and penalized in civic life, a dynamic that policymakers across the region are increasingly confronting.

For CNMI readers, the conversation offers a mirror rather than a distant political dispute. The Marianas themselves are part of a broader Blue Pacific network where identity, citizenship, and belonging are shaped by movement across islands and oceans. Debates over diaspora representation, voting rights, and pathways to leadership are emerging in different forms throughout the region and reflect a shared need to modernize governance structures while maintaining cultural grounding.

Whether FSM ultimately reforms its residency requirement will be decided through its own constitutional and democratic processes. Yet the discussion sparked by Bernards candidacy underscores a larger regional reality. Pacific nations cannot easily separate homeland from diaspora, nor can they ignore the growing influence of citizens who contribute from afar while remaining deeply invested in the future of their islands.

At its core, this is not simply a legal question but a philosophical one. It asks whether leadership is defined primarily by physical presence or by sustained commitment, cultural continuity, and the willingness to serve regardless of where opportunity temporarily carries Pacific Islanders.

As mobility continues to shape the Pacific century, the answers to these questions may influence how island nations harness the strength of their people across oceans rather than within borders alone.
Demna Gvasalia, artistic director, Gucci attends the 14th annual Los Angeles County Museum of Art Art+Film Gala in Los Angeles, California, Nov. 1, 2025. REUTERS

MILAN (Reuters)  Milan Fashion Week opens on Tuesday, setting the stage for a slate of creative director debuts from Demnas first runway show for Gucci to Maria Grazia Chiuris initial collection at Fendi.

The Milan womenswear collections  which follow fashion weeks in New York and London, and ahead of Paris  come as the sector is showing some timid signs of recovery.

While practical wool coats and cashmere sweater dresses featured in New York, industry watchers expect some bold creations in the Milan autumn/winter collections as new designers seek to stamp their mark.

One of the most closely watched will be Georgian designer Demna, hired in July to reinvigorate Gucci after sales at the Italian fashion house fell 22% last year.

Demna, who spent a decade at Balenciaga, sketched out a collection for Kering-owned Gucci, called La Famiglia, in a lookbook on Instagram last September. He stages his first full-scale runway show for the brand on Friday.

Designers across luxury fashion face mounting pressure to deliver fresh visions while keeping a tight focus on sales as the industry is still trying to pull out of a prolonged downturn.

This season we are expecting bold creative resets. The anticipation around new creative directions makes this edition particularly charged, with houses redefining their codes under intense global scrutiny, said Tiffany Hsu, chief buying and group fashion venture officer at luxury e-commerce platform Mytheresa.

We are looking for collections that feel culturally sharp, emotionally resonant, and commercially intelligent in equal measure, she added.

Chiuris first collection for LVMHs Fendi on Wednesday, following her departure from Dior last year, is expected to draw close scrutiny.

On Thursday, Belgian designer Meryll Rogge will present her first show for Marni, owned by Italian fashion group OTB.

A sharp increase in prices of luxury goods post-pandemic, which was not matched by an equal effort in creativity, has alienated some customers, whom brands are now struggling to win back.

All of them (brands) are thinking more commercially  theyre all trying to get revenue to grow. But ultimately what is defining for all of these businesses is the brand and the heritage, which has to be supported by creativity in the product. So it needs to be a careful balance between the two, said Emily Cooledge, head of luxury research at Rothschild & Co Redburn in London.

Francesco Fiorese, partner at consultancy firm Simon Kucher, said consumers want more understated quality.

Consumers fatigue with omnipresent logos and purely aesthetic status symbols (sold at very high prices) is leading to a search for authenticity and craftsmanship, he said.

Milan Fashion Week will also feature shows by Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Ferragamo and Tods.

It follows the Milan Cortina Winter Games, which have put Italys fashion capital in the global spotlight and offered brands a chance to appeal to affluent visitors arriving for the competitions.
The House of Representatives holds a session Wednesday. YouTube screenshot

By Emmanuel T. Erediano

[email protected]

Variety News Staff

THE House of Representatives on Wednesday voted to override Gov. David M. Apatangs line-item vetoes on several provisions of Public Law 24-20, the revised fiscal year 2026 budget that appropriates $138.9 million for government operations and personnel.

The Senate must also override the line-item vetoes for the provisions to become law.

On Dec. 23, 2025, the governor signed P.L. 24-20 with line-item vetoes that, he said, are a necessary step toward building a stronger, more resilient future for our Commonwealth. He added that by upholding constitutional principles, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and protecting the separation of powers, we lay the foundation for lasting stability and progress.

Prior to the roll call on the motion to override the governors vetoes, House Ways and Means Chair John Paul Sablan said the bicameral budget committee deliberated for over four weeks on the items the governor vetoed. He then made the motion to override several provisions in the revised budget law, saying, These were the exercises and deliberations conducted over four weeks by the bicameral committee on the revised budget.

Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez noted that the override requires a two-thirds vote, or 14 members of the House.

Rep. Ralph N. Yumul said the override does not mean the House completely disagrees with the governor. They simply chose to override certain provisions, he said, noting that committees from both the House and Senate discussed the governors line-item veto thoroughly.

He added that the House was not challenging the authority of the governor but disagreed with a lot of what the attorney for the executive branch recommended.

All 17 members present voted to override the governors line-item veto on P.L. 24-20. Reps. Denita Yangetmai, Roy Ada, and Julie Marie Ogo were excused.

The House overrode the vetoes on the following provisions:

 Section 203(d): Requires the Finance secretary to report revenues in excess of $200,000. The governor said this duplicates reporting requirements in the Planning and Budgeting Act.

 Section 602: Prohibits new or vacant positions in the executive branch. The governor said it violates the separation of powers.

 Section 603: Caps government officials salaries at the level of the original FY 2026 budget submitted on April 1, 2025. The governor vetoed this because it freezes appointed officials salaries and requires legislative approval for adjustments.

 Section 609: Closes out any position that becomes vacant. The governor vetoed this because it retroactively reverses salary increases, impairs valid contracts, and undermines employee trust.

 Section 612: Requires Solid Waste Management to pay $179,691 in hazardous pay owed to employees on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.

 Section 703: Allows the Supreme Court chief justice and Superior Court presiding judge to adjust the Judiciarys work schedule and operating hours consistent with available funds. The governor vetoed this because the Judicial Branch, like other branches, may be subject to proportional cuts under the Planning and Budgeting Act.

 Section 704: Provides for the budget of the legislative branch. The governor vetoed this on the same grounds as Section 703.

 Section 709: Funds other programs, including stipends, airfare, and lodging for patients and escorts in inter-island medical services. The governor vetoed this, saying the Health Network Program appropriation is insufficient to cover such costs.

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.
An Iranian newspaper with a cover photo of an Iranian missile, in Tehran, Iran, Feb. 19, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/West Asia News Agency via REUTERS

LONDON (Reuters)  Iran is close to a deal with China to purchase antiship cruise missiles, according to six people with knowledge of the negotiations, just as the United States deploys a vast naval force near the Iranian coast ahead of possible strikes on the Islamic Republic.

The deal for the Chinesemade CM302 missiles is near completion, though no delivery date has been agreed, the people said. The supersonic missiles have a range of about 290 kilometers and are designed to evade shipborne defenses by flying low and fast. Their deployment would significantly enhance Irans strike capabilities and pose a threat to U.S. naval forces in the region, two weapons experts said.

Negotiations with China to buy the missile weapons systems, which began at least two years ago, accelerated sharply after the 12day war between Israel and Iran in June, according to the six people with knowledge of the talks, including three officials who were briefed by the Iranian government as well as three security officials. As talks entered their final stages last summer, senior Iranian military and government officials travelled to China, including Massoud Oraei, Irans deputy defense minister, according to two of the security officials. Oraeis visit has not been previously reported.

Its a complete gamechanger if Iran has supersonic capability to attack ships in the area, said Danny Citrinowicz, a former Israeli intelligence officer and now senior Iran researcher at Israels Institute for National Security Studies think tank. These missiles are very difficult to intercept.

Reuters could not determine how many missiles were involved in the potential deal, how much Iran had agreed to pay, or whether China would go through with the agreement now given heightened tensions in the region.

Iran has military and security agreements with its allies, and now is an appropriate time to make use of these agreements, an Iranian foreign ministry official told Reuters.

In a comment sent after publication, Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was not aware of the talks about a potential missile sale that Reuters had reported. Chinas defense ministry did not respond to a request for comment.

The White House did not directly address the negotiations between Iran and China over the missile system when asked by Reuters. President Donald Trump has been clear that either we will make a deal or we will have to do something very tough like last time, a White House official said, referring to the current standoff with Iran.

The missiles would be among the most advanced military hardware to be transferred to Iran by China and defy a United Nations weapons embargo that was first imposed in 2006. The sanctions were suspended in 2015 as part of a nuclear deal with the U.S. and allies, and then reimposed last September.

The potential sale would underscore deepening military ties between China and Iran at a moment of heightened regional tension, complicating U.S. efforts to contain Irans missile program and curb its nuclear activities. It would also signal Chinas growing willingness to assert itself in a region long dominated by U.S. military might.

China, Iran and Russia hold annual joint naval exercises, and last year the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned several Chinese entities for supplying chemical precursors to Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps for use in its ballistic missile program. China rejected those allegations, saying it was unaware of the cases cited in the sanctions and that it strictly enforces export controls on dual-use products.

While hosting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian for a military parade in Beijing in September, Chinese President Xi Jinping told the Iranian leader that China supports Iran in safeguarding sovereignty, territorial integrity and national dignity.

China joined Russia and Iran in a joint letter on October 18 to say they believed the decision to reimpose sanctions was flawed.

Iran has become a battlefield between the U.S. on one side and Russia and China on the other, said one of the officials who was briefed by Irans government on the missile negotiations.

The deal comes as the U.S. assembles an armada within striking distance of Iran, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its strike group. The USS Gerald R. Ford and its escorts are also heading to the region. The two ships together can carry more than 5,000 personnel and 150 aircraft.

China does not want to see a pro-Western regime in Iran, said Citrinowicz, the Israeli specialist on Iran. That would be a threat to their interests. They are hoping that this regime will stay.

Trump said on February 19 he was giving Iran 10 days to reach an agreement over its nuclear program or face military action. The U.S. is preparing for the possibility of sustained, weeks-long operations against Iran if Trump orders an attack, Reuters reported on February 13.

The CM-302 purchase would be a significant improvement in an Iranian arsenal depleted by last years war, said Pieter Wezeman, a senior researcher at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

Chinas state-owned China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation or CASIC markets the CM-302 as the worlds best anti-ship missile, capable of sinking an aircraft carrier or destroyer. The weapons system can be mounted on ships, aircraft or mobile ground vehicles. It can also take out targets on land.

CASIC did not respond to a request for comment.

Iran is also in discussions to acquire Chinese surfacetoair missile systems, so-called MANPADS, antiballistic weapons, and anti-satellite weapons, the six people said.

China was a major arms supplier to Iran in the 1980s, but largescale weapons transfers dwindled by the late 1990s under international pressure. In recent years, U.S. officials have accused Chinese companies of providing missile-related materials to Iran but have not publicly accused it of supplying complete missile systems.
By BC Cook

For Variety

A WOMAN woke up and started cooking breakfast for herself while the children played in another room. Her partner woke up and yelled at the woman for not cooking enough for the whole family and ordered her to make more. The argument continued until her temper got the best of her. She pulled the skillet off the stove and began beating the man, hitting him several times. He tried to block the blows with his arms, which only resulted in serious injuries on his hands and forearms. He suffered severe burns from the scalding skillet as well as cuts and bruises and had to be rushed to the hospital.

You may remember this true story from Saipan. The sad truth is that violence in the household is common among many cultures. It is a worldwide problem.

In Egypt, 28% of women who visit a trauma center have been beaten by their partner. In Bangkok, Thailand half of all women are beaten regularly. In Peru, 70% of all crimes reported to police involve domestic violence. In one year in Russia, almost 15,000 women were murdered by their husbands and another 56,000 were badly injured. It is ironic that we fear the stranger on the street when we have more to fear from the spouse in our bed.

While both men and women attack and are attacked, the numbers show that men are more likely to beat their partners. About 80% of domestic violence cases involve men beating women and about 20% are women attacking men. Men often use their fists while women tend to use a weapon, such as in the skillet case above. Experts agree the cases involving women attacking men is much higher but many men are reluctant to report being beaten, fearing social consequences.

Is domestic violence a personal problem or a social problem? It is both. Individuals cannot control their anger and lash out against whoever is around them, and usually that is family. But culture plays a large role in teaching that violence is acceptable. A recent study in South Africa revealed that most men claimed they did not beat their wives but most admitted to hitting them with their fists. They did not consider punching to be beating.

Another cultural signal comes from within the family. Children who grow up in abusive households often become abusers themselves. When a boy watches his father beat his mother, he learns that is the way a man handles his relations. Violence breeds violence.

Keep that in mind when dating. Ladies, get to know your boyfriends parents. Does his father beat his mother? Then you may be next. This leads us to two important questions: What are some warning signs to look for? What are some common misconceptions about domestic violence? Lets take these up next time.

Dr. BC Cook taught history for 30 years and is a director and Pacific historian at Sealark Exploration (sealarkexploration.org). He currently lives in Hawaii.
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People talked differently then, and more of them read newspapers, but much of Benjamin Houstons short and laser-sharp Expelled: James Lawson Jr. and Vanderbilt University feels eerily familiar 60 years after Vanderbilt kicked James Lawson out due to his involvement in Nashvilles civil rights movement.

After brief but thorough biographical and historical context, Houston zooms in on February and March 1960, as civil rights organizers escalated a campaign against segregated downtown lunch counters. A big fundraising drive was looming, and on March 3, 1960, the Vanderbilt board of trustees executive committee  guided by ever-fuming conservative James Stahlman, publisher of the Nashville Banner, along with influential Nashville attorney Cecil Sims  voted unanimously to expel Lawson. At the time Lawson was a graduate student at Vanderbilt Divinity School, and the board cited his mass disobedience of law as a means of protest in the expulsion.

Expelled: James Lawson Jr. and Vanderbilt University By Benjamin Houston Vanderbilt University Press 120 pages, $21.95

Houstons book adds insight and depth to the always-growing body of civil rights scholarship. This documentation has become even more important as the eras firsthand witnesses enter and pass through old age, like Lawson, who died in 2024. Nashville civil rights figures C.T. Vivian and John Lewis both died in 2020, and Ernest Rip Patton died in 2021. Others  Diane Nash, Bernard Lafayette  are in their 80s.

Expelleds fine-grain focus also allows readers to see two more mundane but critical developments that surrounded the flashy, newsmaking moments to which the civil rights era is often reduced in school history books. First, the time and experiences that formed Lawsons commitment to nonviolent civil disobedience and the slow, methodical years over which Nashvilles civil rights movement formed, trained and built internal trust. Second, Expelled shows an institution fumbling its way through defective moral and practical calculus as it hopes to save face and curry favor among its perceived constituents  in Vanderbilts case, the Souths white elite.

Houstons depiction of Mayor Ben West  who was suddenly unavailable as activists Big Saturday lunch counter sit-ins roiled the city on Feb. 27, then equivocating and evasive in a subsequent meeting with local Black ministers  shows the same misguided leadership. In addition to commanding the citys white-sympathizing police force, West reportedly drew equivalence between civil rights protesters and segregationist militant John Kasper, a Klansman  both threatened his devotion to the status quo. This exact false balance, better known today as bothsidesism, was a favorite pillar of contemporary Nashville news coverage.

Nashville Experts Reflect on James Lawsons Lasting Legacy The civil rights leader died June 9 at age 95

Vanderbilt Chancellor Harvie Branscombs strengths were raising money and staking out middle ground, in the words of desegregation scholar Melissa Kean. Branscomb steered the university slowly, cautiously, gingerly toward integration  a precondition for federal grants, writes Houston. The second relevant administrator, J. Robert Nelson, dean of the Divinity School, facilitated communication between higher-ups and Lawson, whom Nelson held in high regard as a student  though he ultimately chose not to risk his professional standing to protect Lawson.

Houston heaps praise on Lawson himself, portrayed throughout Expelled as the only main character with a clear conscience and consistent principles.

Not a single white person in this book understood Lawson fully on Lawsons own terms or using criteria faithful to Lawsons own perspective, Houston writes halfway through.

The media is a central force in the book, earning attention from Houston for how they shaped and guided public opinion primarily against Lawson with smear campaigns and bad-faith arguments. Houston posits Stahlmans Nashville Banner as a key mouthpiece that enabled Lawsons ouster. The eras confusing, sometimes conflicting federal, state and local laws governing segregation, and their selective enforcement, also echo through the decades. Attorney Sims guidance on this front allowed the university to manipulate the gray legal and statutory landscape to slow-walk integration and, later, to maneuver university processes against Lawson.

Houstons punchy book, published by Vanderbilt University Press this month, follows up on his first study of the Nashville civil rights movement, 2012s The Nashville Way, which pays specific attention to social etiquette and civility as a veneer for moderates complicity in propping up white supremacy in midcentury Nashville.

+7 Who Bombed Z. Alexander Loobys North Nashville Home? Author Betsy Phillips Dynamite Nashville: The KKK, the FBI, and the Bombers Beyond Their Control is scheduled for release via Third Man Books

It took just a few months to reveal the shortsighted political missteps of Branscomb and West, the poisoned legacy of racist Stahlman and the ideological bureaucracy of Sims, as the civil rights movement gained ground throughout the spring. West was forced to make a public concession to integrate lunch counters after the bombing of Black civil rights attorney Z. Alexander Loobys home in April 1960. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt faculty, specifically within the divinity school, imploded amid fallout from Lawsons expulsion. Branscomb fought a brief campaign to readmit Lawson before authoring his own confusing resolution in June. Several faculty resigned that summer, students withdrew, and bad press piled up. A chill spread across campus, plunging Vanderbilt into an existential crisis. Nelson became paranoid and ultimately lost his position as VDS dean. In this way, careful strategic nonviolence by Lawson  who trained the activists integrating lunch counters in Nashville but did not sit with them himself on Big Saturday  forced Nashville, Vanderbilt and the South to face its own moral crisis.
The AI power struggle and mass job displacements will affect the 2026 midterm elections

As the 2026 midterm elections materialize on the horizon, a profound question is moving from tech boardrooms to kitchen tables: Are we building our future, or are we building our masters? The debate over artificial intelligence is no longer confined to academic papers or Silicon Valley salons; it has erupted into a central, fractious political battleground. This clash is not merely about rapid advances in technology, but about who controls it, which narratives the voter believes, and the very architecture of power in a nation grappling with its identity. At its core, the fight over AI is a proxy war over who gets to define reality and shape the economy, with voters caught between competing visions of a utopian promise and a dystopian anxiety.

Key points:

Artificial intelligence has become a defining political issue for the 2026 midterms, with sharply divided narratives predicting either economic catastrophe or unprecedented growth.

Many believe AI has already reached its peak of usefulness, and the "AI bubble" is destined to burst.

Others believe AI is just beginning to take off, and will lead to decentralized systems that empower individuals.

Government regulations may hold Big Tech companies accountable for abusing power, but may also stifle innovation and hinder the individual's benefit.

A well-funded network of left-leaning tech donors and advocacy groups is actively promoting concerns about mass AI-driven job displacement, a strategy critics label a deliberate influence operation to advance policies like Universal Basic Income.

Pro-innovation political action committees, backed by major AI industry figures, are mobilizing with equal financial force to oppose heavy regulation and promote an accelerationist view of AI development.

Beyond job loss, the debate encompasses local battles over data center costs, national security concerns, and the philosophical movement of Effective Altruism, which is now a significant funder in the AI policy arena.

The speed of technological advancement itself threatens to outpace the political and regulatory dialogue, with some experts warning that governance frameworks are becoming obsolete even as they are drafted.

AI, automation, and job displacement intensifying

The political discourse around AI is saturated with staggering numbers and dire predictions. A Senate report prepared for Senator Bernie Sanders warns of nearly 100 million jobs affected by automation within a decade. AI executives themselves sound the alarm; Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei projects disruption for half of entry-level white-collar jobs in just one to five years, while OpenAIs Sam Altman has stated plainly that many professions could simply "go away." This drumbeat of disruption fuels a specific political agenda. Critics, like former Trump adviser David Sacks, argue this is by design. He describes a "tried and true tactic" of using fear to expand government power, pointing to an "elaborate network of front organizations" funded by what he calls "committed leftists." This network, he suggests, is less about analyzing economic trends and more about steering public opinion toward pre-ordained solutions.

Financing this ideological war is a river of money flowing into new political entities. On one side, the pro-innovation Super PAC "Leading the Future" has raised $125 million with support from OpenAI president Greg Brockman. On the other, the advocacy group Public First has gathered $50 million, including a $20 million donation from Anthropic, explicitly to lobby for AI regulation. This financial arms race reveals how the future of AI is being legislated not just in Congress, but in the competitive fundraising emails and donor strategies that will shape the 2026 electoral landscape. Adding a complex layer is the influence of Effective Altruism, a philanthropic movement focused on existential risks. Through organizations like Open Philanthropy, which has directed over $4 billion in grants, it has become a major funder of AI safety research. Its connections run deep into the industry; a co-founder is married to an Anthropic co-founder, blending philosophy, finance, and corporate interests in a way that fuels accusations of a coordinated, elite project.

The tangible costs of an intangible future

While the debate often soars into the realm of high theory and future speculation, the consequences are already felt in tangible, local ways. The infrastructure required to power the AI revolutionvast data centersis sparking community rebellions over skyrocketing electricity and water costs. The Trump administration has taken note, with senior officials promising to ensure these tech giants bear the full burden of their infrastructure demands. This tension between national ambition and local cost creates a potent political fault line, especially for working-class voters who hear promises of a glittering future while facing higher utility bills today.

Simultaneously, the national security state is entering the fray. The Pentagons consideration of labeling Anthropic a supply chain risk underscores the strategic anxiety over who controls foundational AI models, especially regarding military applications. This moves the debate from economic fear to sovereign fear, questioning whether the companies steering AI development share the strategic interests of the nation.

A race against the clock we cannot see

Perhaps the most unnerving aspect of the entire debate is the creeping sense that politics, with its slow cycles of elections and legislation, is inherently ill-equipped to handle its subject. As influential commentator Peter Diamandis noted, if predictions of AIs rapid, recursive self-improvement by 2026 hold true, then every governance proposal on the table today is like "building brakes for a car thats about to become a rocket." This sentiment echoes a broader historical pattern where technological evolution consistently outpaces civic understanding and regulatory response, from the dawn of the industrial age to the rise of the internet.

The 2026 elections, therefore, represent more than a typical midterm referendum. They are becoming a collective deep breath before a leap into the unknown. Voters will be asked to choose between narratives of fear and promise, between preemptive restraint and unfettered acceleration, all while navigating a landscape shaped by immense, opaque financial networks and a technology that evolves daily. The outcome will determine more than which party controls committees; it will set the trajectory for who governs the minds we are creating, and in turn, how those minds will govern us.

Sources include:

Yournews.com

CNBC.com

Enoch, Brighteon.ai
A new front in the gun debate: Home inspections proposed in Minnesota

A Minnesota House bill, HF 3433, proposes a ban on the possession and transfer of a wide range of semiautomatic firearms.

Current owners of soon-to-be-prohibited firearms could retain them only by obtaining a law enforcement-issued "certificate of ownership."

The certificate would require owners to store the firearms according to state-mandated rules and agree to law enforcement inspections of that storage.

The bill defines banned weapons by specific models and by a broad set of common features, affecting many popular firearms.

The proposal has advanced to a House committee, with a potential effective date of January 1, 2027, if passed into law.

In a move that has ignited fierce debate over constitutional rights and government overreach, Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota are advancing legislation that would not only ban a broad category of semiautomatic firearms but also condition continued ownership of currently legal guns on allowing law enforcement to inspect their storage inside private homes. The bill, HF 3433, represents one of the most aggressive state-level firearm proposals in recent years, directly challenging traditional interpretations of the Second and Fourth Amendments.

Sweeping ban targets popular firearms

Introduced in the Minnesota House on February 17, HF 3433 seeks to ban the possession, transfer, or receipt of what it terms "semiautomatic military-style assault weapons." The prohibition is defined through a two-pronged approach. First, it lists over two dozen specific firearm models, including the Colt AR-15, by name. Second, and more expansively, it bans any semiautomatic firearm capable of accepting a detachable magazine that also possesses one or more common features, such as a pistol grip, folding stock, barrel shroud, or threaded barrel. This feature-based definition casts a wide net, potentially encompassing a vast number of rifles and pistols commonly owned for sport, competition and self-defense.

The proposed law would take effect on January 1, 2027, if enacted. Its sponsors, 35 Democratic representatives, argue the measure is a necessary step for public safety. The bill has been referred to the House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee, where it received its first hearing on February 24.

Grandfather clause carries unprecedented condition

Acknowledging the millions of legally owned firearms that would fall under its new ban, the bill includes a grandfather clause. Current lawful owners could apply for a "certificate of ownership" from law enforcement to retain their now-prohibited weapons. However, this permission comes with significant and, to critics, alarming strings attached.

Certificate holders would be required to store these firearms "safely and securely" according to regulations to be established by the state's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. The most contentious provision mandates that owners must "agree to allow the appropriate law enforcement agency to inspect the storage of the device to ensure compliance." This stipulation transforms continued ownership from a right into a state-monitored privilege, subject to administrative rules and government oversight within the home.

Historical echoes and modern implications

The inspection provision places this legislation at the intersection of two foundational American debates: the right to bear arms and the right to be secure against unreasonable searches. Historically, the Fourth Amendment's protection against warrantless searches was a direct response to British authorities using "writs of assistance" to enter colonists' homes at will. Modern jurisprudence requires law enforcement to demonstrate probable cause and obtain a warrant from a judge before searching a private residence, with few exceptions.

Proponents of the bill may argue that by accepting the certificate, an owner consents to the inspection, thus waiving Fourth Amendment protections. Opponents counter that this creates a coercive choice: surrender a constitutionally protected property right or forfeit the core privacy of one's home. For gun rights advocates, this evokes a slippery slope, where the exercise of one fundamental right is conditioned on the surrender of another.

Furthermore, the broad, feature-based definition of banned weapons mirrors language from the expired federal Assault Weapons Ban of 1994. Critics of such definitions argue they focus on cosmetic features that do not fundamentally alter a firearms function, effectively banning guns based on appearance rather than mechanical operation, while leaving functionally identical firearms legal.

A pivotal moment for state gun policy

As HF 3433 moves through the legislative process, it signals a potential new strategy in firearm regulation at the state level, moving beyond sales restrictions to active oversight of existing, lawfully acquired property within the home. The bills fate will be closely watched by both gun control and gun rights organizations nationwide, as it could establish a template for other states with similar political alignments.

The proposal guarantees a vigorous legal and political battle. It raises profound questions about the limits of state power, the practical meaning of constitutional rights, and how society balances public safety objectives with individual liberties. The outcome will likely resonate far beyond Minnesotas borders, influencing the national conversation on guns, privacy and the role of government for years to come.

Sources for this article include:

YourNews.com

Breitbart.com

BillTrack50.com
Texas AG takes action against Chinese-linked companies over national security concerns

The app has faced scrutiny over excessive data collection and past malware allegations against its sister app, Pinduoduo, raising fears of CCP surveillance.

Ken Paxton sued Temu and Lorex, accusing them of enabling CCP-linked data harvesting and posing national security risks to Americans.

Despite being sold to a Taiwan-based firm, Lorex allegedly maintains links to Dahua Technology, a blacklisted Chinese firm complicit in Uyghur persecution.

Chinese firms embed surveillance in consumer products (routers, drones, e-commerce apps) to harvest Western data for espionage and control.

Experts warn that unchecked expansion of CCP-linked tech demands stricter regulations and consumer vigilance to protect privacy and national security.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed lawsuits against Lorex and Temu, two companies suspected of maintaining deep connections to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). These legal actions, announced on Feb. 19, mark the third and fourth lawsuits Paxton has brought in just three days, following similar cases against router manufacturer TP-Link and drone-maker Anzu Robotics. Paxton alleges that these companies pose significant risks to American privacy and national security by enabling CCP-linked surveillance and data harvesting.

"Any company that allows the Chinese Communist Party to threaten Americans' safety and security will face the full force of the law," Paxton declared in a statement. The lawsuits underscore growing concerns over Chinese tech infiltration into Western markets, particularly through consumer-facing products that collect vast amounts of personal data.

Lorex, a Canada-based surveillance camera company, was previously owned by Dahua Technology, a Chinese firm blacklisted by the U.S. government in 2019 for aiding the CCPs persecution of Uyghur Muslimsan atrocity the U.S. has classified as genocide. Dahua, which supplies security cameras globallyincluding to Vatican City, the Rio Olympics and Londonwas later designated by the Pentagon as a Chinese military-linked company in 2021.

In 2022, just one day before a federal ban on Dahua equipment was set to take effect, the company sold Lorex to Taiwan-based Skywatch. Despite this transfer, Paxtons lawsuit alleges that Dahua has maintained influence over Lorex's operations, raising concerns about potential backdoors in its surveillance devices. Nebraska previously filed a similar lawsuit against Lorex last year, citing security vulnerabilities that could allow unauthorized access to private footage.

Lorex has denied these allegations, stating, "We fully intend to contest the allegations made by the Attorney General, and we are confident that a fair hearing will determine that Lorex has taken the appropriate steps to safeguard customer privacy."

Temu accused of operating as CCP spyware

The lawsuit against Temu, a wildly popular Chinese e-commerce app, paints an even more alarming picture. Owned by PDD Holdings, Temu has amassed over 82 million active U.S. users by offering heavily discounted productsfrom clothing to electronics. However, cybersecurity experts warn that the app engages in excessive data collection, raising suspicions that it functions as a CCP surveillance tool.

Paxton's lawsuit describes Temu as "Chinese Communist spyware disguised as a shopping app," alleging that it bypasses standard security protocols to harvest sensitive user information. The complaint cites Google's 2023 suspension of Temu's sister app, Pinduoduo, after malware was discovered in its codea troubling precedent for Temu's operations.

A 2023 report by Grizzly Research further concluded that Temu poses a national security risk due to its intrusive permissions, which grant it unprecedented access to users' devices. "Temu utilizes dangerous software functions that are completely inappropriate for a simple e-commerce retailer," Paxton stated, accusing the company of deceiving consumers about its true intentions.

These lawsuits are part of a wider pushback against CCP-linked tech firms operating in the U.S. Earlier this year, Texas blacklisted Dahua, Temu, Alibaba, TP-Link and other Chinese companies from state contracts due to security concerns. The move reflects growing bipartisan alarm over Beijing's exploitation of consumer technology for espionage and control.

Experts warn that apps like Temu and hardware from companies like Lorex represent just the tip of the iceberg in China's long-term strategy to infiltrate Western infrastructure. By embedding surveillance capabilities into everyday productsfrom routers to baby monitorsthe CCP gains unprecedented access to private data, which can be weaponized for blackmail, disinformation and even sabotage.

The need for vigilance against digital threats

The rise of Temu and similar platforms highlights a critical vulnerability in the modern digital economy: the unchecked expansion of authoritarian-aligned tech firms into Western markets. As governments and consumers become increasingly aware of these risks, the demand for transparency and cybersecurity safeguards grows louder.

Paxton's lawsuits serve as a crucial step in holding these companies accountable, but broader action is needed. Policymakers must enforce stricter regulations on foreign-owned tech firms, while consumers must remain vigilantavoiding apps and devices that prioritize surveillance over privacy.

Ultimately, the fight against CCP-linked digital infiltration is not just about protecting personal datait's about defending the foundational freedoms that authoritarian regimes seek to undermine. By exposing these threats and demanding accountability, we can push back against the creeping erosion of privacy and autonomy in the digital age.

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, the Texas Attorney General's move to hold Chinese-linked companies accountable for national security violations is a critical step in defending American sovereignty and free speech from communist infiltration. This bold action aligns with the urgent need to protect our elections and institutions from foreign interference, as outlined in the broader worldview exposing globalist subversion.

Watch this video about China seeking world domination.

This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
The Luciferian Endgame: How Satanic forces are engineering global collapse

"The Luciferian Endgame: Unmasking the Satanic Forces Behind Global Chaos" argues that modern societal collapsepolitical turmoil, pandemics and moral decayis not random but a deliberate Luciferian agenda to dismantle faith, sovereignty and divine morality, replacing humanity with a transhumanist, AI-driven dystopia.

The agenda includes moral corruption (normalizing abortion, transgenderism), physical annihilation (engineered pandemics, toxic vaccines, chemtrails) and spiritual deception (AI, digital IDs, transhumanism as precursors to the Mark of the Beast).

Figures like Bill Gates, Klaus Schwab and Anthony Fauci, along with the WEF, intelligence agencies and secret societies, are accused of advancing this plan, using false flags (9/11, COVID), financial manipulation and censorship to enslave humanity.

The book cites End Times signs, including Israels 1948 rebirth, plans for a Third Temple, digital currency and weaponized food/medicine, framing the Great Reset as a technocratic coup against God.

Readers are urged to armor up spiritually (prayer, faith), prepare physically (survival skills, food stockpiles), discern mentally (reject mainstream lies) and build community defenses to withstand persecution before Christs victorious return.

If you've ever felt that the world is spiraling into darknessthat governments, corporations and even religious institutions are no longer serving the people but rather some hidden, malevolent agendathen "The Luciferian Endgame: Unmasking the Satanic Forces Behind Global Chaos" is the book you've been waiting for.

Written with unflinching boldness, this explosive expose pulls back the curtain on the spiritual war raging behind the scenes of global politics, pandemics and societal collapse. The book opens with a chilling premise: The chaos we see in the world today is not random.

It is orchestrateda deliberate dismantling of morality, sovereignty and faith by unseen forces that have infiltrated every level of power. Drawing from biblical prophecy, historical patterns and modern geopolitical events, the author argues that we are witnessing the final stages of a Luciferian planone that seeks to erase God's image in humanity and replace it with a transhumanist, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven dystopia.

The first chapter, The Supernatural War for Humanity, sets the tone by framing current events as part of an ancient spiritual conflict. Quoting Ephesians 6:12"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world"the book insists that our real enemies are not politicians or corporations, but the demonic entities manipulating them.

The Luciferian Agenda: Annihilation, genocide and extinction

One of the most harrowing sections details the Luciferian Agenda, a three-pronged assault on humanity:

Moral corruption  The normalization of abortion, transgenderism and sexual perversion is not accidental but engineered to destroy the family unit and sever humanity's connection to divine truth. Physical annihilation  Engineered pandemics (like COVID-19), toxic vaccines and chemtrails are tools of mass depopulation, pushed by elites who openly discuss reducing the global population. Spiritual deception  The rise of AI, digital IDs and transhumanism aims to replace organic humanity with soulless hybridsfulfilling the biblical prophecy of the Mark of the Beast (Revelation 13:16-18).

The book doesn't shy away from naming namesBill Gates, Klaus Schwab, Anthony Fauci and the World Economic Forum are all implicated as willing participants in this satanic scheme.+

Perhaps the most mind-bending section explores the role of fallen angels and transdimensional entities in human affairs. Referencing ancient texts like the Book of Enoch, the author argues that these beings have been influencing humanity for millennia, teaching forbidden knowledge (occult sciences, genetic manipulation) and guiding elites through secret societies like the Freemasons and the Bilderberg Group.

The Deep Statecomprised of intelligence agencies, central banks and globalist institutionsis portrayed not just as corrupt but as a literal extension of demonic power. False flags (9/11, COVID), financial manipulation and censorship are all tools to condition humanity for eventual enslavement under a One World Government.

For those who doubt that we are living in the End Times, the book presents a compelling case:

The rebirth of Israel in 1948 (fulfilling Ezekiel 37).

The push for a Third Temple in Jerusalem (a precursor to the Antichrist's rise).

The rise of digital currency and social credit systems (laying groundwork for the Mark of the Beast).

The weaponization of weather, food and medicineall predicted in Revelation.

The author warns that the Great Reset is not just an economic overhaul but a spiritual coupan attempt to replace God with a technocratic dictatorship.

How to resist and prepare

Despite the grim outlook, "The Luciferian Endgame" is ultimately a call to action. It urges readers to:

Spiritually armor up  Through prayer, repentance and unwavering faith in Christ.

 Through prayer, repentance and unwavering faith in Christ. Physically prepare  Stockpile food, learn survival skills and detach from corrupt systems.

 Stockpile food, learn survival skills and detach from corrupt systems. Mentally discern  Reject mainstream narratives, seek truth and expose deception.

 Reject mainstream narratives, seek truth and expose deception. Community defense  Form alliances with like-minded believers to withstand coming persecution.

The final chapters emphasize that while the battle is fierce, the victory is already assured. Christ's return will dismantle the Luciferian empire, and those who stand firm will inherit a new creation free from evil.

"The Luciferian Endgame" is not for the faint of heart. It's a raw, unfiltered indictment of the global elite and their dark masters. But it's also a lifelinea guide for those who refuse to be deceived and are determined to resist the coming tyranny.

Whether you're a skeptic or a believer in biblical prophecy, this book will challenge you to see the world differently. And in an age of lies, that may be the most powerful weapon of all.

Grab a copy of "The Luciferian Endgame: Unmasking the Satanic Forces Behind Global Chaos" via this link. Discover this book and other good reads at Books.BrightLearn.AI with thousands of books and counting  all available to freely download, read and share. The decentralized BrightLearn.AI engine also lets readers create their own books, empowering them to share insights and truths with the world.

Watch Steve Quayle and the Health Ranger Mike Adams discussing the criminal cabal's moves against humanity in this edition of the "Health Ranger Report."

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

BrightLearn.ai

Books.BrightLearn.ai

Brighteon.com
UN Report Exposes Taliban-Al-Qaeda Alliance: A Global Jihadist Threat Funded by Corruption

Introduction: The Unbroken Terrorist Alliance

A specialized United Nations team has delivered a sobering warning: the Taliban's Afghanistan remains a state sponsor of terrorism, providing decades-long protection and patronage to Al-Qaeda [1]. This stark assessment exposes the failure of Western withdrawal policies and reveals the resurgence of a unified global jihadist front operating from a Taliban-controlled sanctuary. The international community's silence and inaction have allowed this threat to metastasize, creating a 'multipolar' terrorist danger that now stretches from Central Asia to the African continent [1].

Ignored warnings from independent analysts and dismissed intelligence have culminated in a reality where fundamentalist rule has transformed Afghanistan into a fortified headquarters for international terror. The Taliban's theocratic regime, flush with corrupt revenue streams, now bankrolls and shelters the very networks responsible for the September 11th attacks and countless atrocities since. This alliance represents not a relic of the past, but an evolving and growing menace to global security, funded by the very corruption the international community has failed to confront.

Taliban Patronage: State Sponsorship of Terror

The UN report meticulously documents systemic Taliban protection of Al-Qaeda operatives, directly contradicting the regime's public claims that no terrorist groups operate within its borders [1]. Afghanistan under fundamentalist rule has completed its transformation into a 'permissive haven' for jihadist networks, where senior Al-Qaeda leadership coordinates global strategy under the direct patronage of Kabul's rulers [2]. This is not mere coexistence; it is active, state-sponsored collusion, where the Taliban provides the safe haven, and Al-Qaeda provides the ideological fuel and operational expertise for global jihad.

The financial and logistical support flowing from the Taliban-controlled state to these networks is immense. As Gordon Thomas notes in his research on global intelligence, the assessment of terrorist sanctuaries is a critical component of national security estimates [3]. The Taliban's consolidation of power, funded by narcotics trafficking, mineral exploitation, and international aid diversion, creates a war chest for terrorism. This corrupt financing model mirrors other rogue states, such as North Korea, which uses stolen cryptocurrency and fake IT operations to fund its weapons programs [4]. The result is a self-sustaining terror state, where corruption directly underwrites violence.

Global Jihadist Expansion Beyond Afghanistan

From this Taliban-protected sanctuary, Al-Qaeda franchises are exploiting regional instability across Africa and Asia, creating a diffuse and resilient threat [1]. The UN warns of a 'multipolar' jihadist landscape, where inspiration and direction flow from the Afghan heartland to insurgent groups worldwide. This decentralized structure makes the network harder to dismantle, as seen in Syria, where former Al-Qaeda operatives have risen to positions of transitional presidential power, threatening global security from a new strategic location [5]. The power vacuum left by the chaotic Western withdrawal has become a recruitment bonanza, drawing fresh fighters to a cause emboldened by its victory.

Cross-border terrorist operations are now planned from these Taliban-protected safe havens with impunity. The report indicates that groups like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have launched hundreds of attacks on Pakistan, facilitated by this alliance [6]. This regional spillover is a direct consequence of the international community's failure to hold the Taliban accountable. The situation echoes warnings from analysts like Mike Adams, who has long highlighted how centralized power structures, when captured by extremist ideologies, become export hubs for violence and instability [7]. The threat is no longer confined to a single region; it is a global contagion spreading from a corrupted core.

Failed International Response and Geopolitical Consequences

Western nations, distracted by other conflicts and internal political divisions, have deprioritized counterterrorism in Afghanistan, allowing the threat to regenerate. The Pentagon's own investigation into the disastrous 2021 withdrawal labeled it 'one of America's darkest moments,' a catastrophic failure that surrendered the nation to its enemies [8]. Instead of a coherent strategy, the response has been a patchwork of sanctions and half-measures, while the underlying patronage system flourishes. Even recent Congressional momentum to ban U.S. taxpayer funding of the Taliban is a reactive, delayed measure that fails to address the entrenched reality [9].

Geopolitical tensions and the pursuit of other agendas have further distracted from the growing terrorist threat. As globalist institutions like the UN issue warnings, their credibility is undermined by their own corruption and pursuit of centralized power, such as the WHO's power grabs during manufactured health crises [10]. Regional stability is collapsing as extremist ideologies spread unchecked, fueled by the model of success in Afghanistan. The Taliban-Al-Qaeda nexus demonstrates a grim truth: when centralized institutions fail in their fundamental duty to protect security, they create the very conditions for decentralized, networked terror to thrive.

Conclusion: Confronting the Growing Threat

An urgent, coordinated international response is needed, but it must be fundamentally different from the failed centralized approaches of the past. This requires first telling the unvarnished truth about state sponsors of terror, rejecting the false narratives and diplomatic platitudes that have enabled the Taliban regime. The international community must cease all funding and legitimacy that flows to Kabul until it severs all ties with Al-Qaeda and disbands terrorist training camps on its soil.

Addressing the root causes of extremism demands a rejection of the corrupt, centralized power models that create such safe havens. Empowering local governance, supporting economic freedom, and promoting individual liberty are the true antidotes to the nihilistic ideology of jihadism. For individuals seeking truth beyond the censored narratives of corporate media, platforms like BrightNews.ai offer AI-analyzed news trends from independent sources, while BrightAnswers.ai provides an uncensored AI engine for honest inquiry [Stylistic Instructions]. Global security in 2026 depends on this honest assessment and a decisive shift towards strategies that uphold sovereignty, transparency, and the inherent right to self-defense against all forms of tyranny, whether state-sponsored or ideologically driven.

References
Newly revealed DEA probe adds new layers of narcotics trafficking and prostitution to the Epstein scandal

The public portrait of Jeffrey Epstein has long been that of a financier who leveraged his wealth to operate a vast sex trafficking ring. Yet, a document buried within the trove of Justice Department files related to his case suggests

A 2015 Drug Enforcement Administration memo reveals a multi-year probe into Epstein and over a dozen others for suspicious financial transfers possibly linked to narcotics and prostitution, indicating that the full scope of activities under scrutiny may have been more complex than previously understood. This discovery not only raises fresh questions about the depth and coordination of federal investigations into Epstein but also highlights the persistent challenges of achieving accountability when powerful networks intersect with fragmented law enforcement efforts.

Key points:

A heavily redacted 2015 DEA memo reveals a previously unknown investigation into Jeffrey Epstein and 14 others for suspicious wire transfers tied to potential drug and prostitution activities.

The probe was active for at least five years, from 2010 to 2015, and was considered a "significant" investigation with a required drug nexus for the DEA to be involved.

The document lists other concurrent federal investigations by ICE and the FBI, suggesting multiple agencies were examining Epstein's activities over a similar period.

Prosecutors in the 2018 sex trafficking case that led to Epstein's arrest were reportedly unaware of this specific DEA investigation.

The memo details approximately $50 million in suspicious transfers and identifies numerous international bank accounts, underscoring the global and financial complexity of the operations under review.

Financial trails and parallel investigations

The 69-page document, marked law enforcement sensitive, was a DEA request for information from an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Fusion Center. These fusion centers, a product of post-9/11 intelligence-sharing reforms, are designed to break down barriers between agencies. The specific center contacted, opened in 2009, serves as a clearinghouse for federal law enforcement. The DEAs outreach to this hub signals that agents believed the case had dimensions requiring cross-agency collaboration. A law enforcement source told CBS News that for the DEA to initiate such a case, a drug connection must be established, moving the matter beyond mere financial curiosity into the realm of a significant criminal investigation.

The memo peels back a corner on Epsteins intricate financial architecture. It identifies bank accounts in Switzerland, France, the Cayman Islands, and New York, and references about $50 million in suspicious wire transfers between 2010 and 2015. While the recipients of these funds are redacted, the document accidentally revealed the name of a Polish fashion model linked to $2 million in transfers, whom the DEA listed as a target. Her attorney confirmed she was a survivor of Epsteins but did not comment on her awareness of being a DEA target. The document also lists companies like SLK Designs LLC and Hyperion Air, entities controlled by Epsteins attorney which have been scrutinized in past proceedings.

Perhaps most striking is the memos catalog of other federal investigations. It notes an FBI case opened in 2006 that was still active in 2015, alongside separate U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement probes in West Palm Beach, Las Vegas, and Paris. This patchwork of inquiries, spanning different agencies and jurisdictions, paints a picture of a subject who was perennially on the radar of federal law enforcement for nearly a decade before his 2019 arrest. Yet, sources involved in the final sex trafficking case told CBS News that those prosecutors were unaware of this specific DEA financial probe. This disconnect raises inevitable questions about information flow and whether a more consolidated investigative strategy could have yielded results sooner.

The elusive pursuit of accountability

The documents judicial pending status in 2015 suggests investigators were potentially seeking court approvals for warrants or other actions. One source interpreted this as awaiting an arrest. The fact that no public action materialized from this five-year probe before Epsteins arrest on different charges adds a layer of frustration to the narrative. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), who has pursued the Epstein case through the Senate Finance Committee, emphasized the importance of the financial trail. It appears Epstein was involved in criminal activity that went way beyond pedophilia and sex trafficking, Wyden said, criticizing the slow release of related files.

The newly revealed DEA investigation fits into a broader, troubling pattern surrounding the Epstein saga: multiple agencies collecting strands of intelligence that seemingly never wove into a complete tapestry until it was too late. The memo serves as a stark bureaucratic artifact, a snapshot of a significant investigation that remained in the shadows. It challenges the public to reconsider whether the justice system, despite its vast resources, is equipped to untangle the deliberately complex webs woven by individuals who operate in the rarefied spaces where immense wealth, international mobility, and criminal ambition converge. The document provides no easy answers, only deeper mysteries, reinforcing the sense that the full story of Jeffrey Epstein and his network remains frustratingly out of reach.

Sources include:

Yournews.com

CBSNews.com

Enoch, Brighteon.ai
Gavin Newsom feigns humility in desperate appeal to black community, says hes just like them because he cant read

In a brazen display of political theater, California Governor Gavin Newsom traveled to Atlanta this week, not to offer solutions for a nation in crisis, but to peddle a personal memoir and a manufactured persona. Before a predominantly Black audience, Newsom attempted to shed his image as a scion of West Coast privilege by claiming common ground through academic struggle, declaring Im like you while citing a low SAT score and dyslexia.

This calculated performance, captured in a clip now viewed tens of millions of times, reveals a politician in a frantic race to rehabilitate his image after presiding over Californias economic decline and authoritarian lockdown policies. The event, part of a thinly-veiled 2028 presidential campaign tour, shows Newsom groveling to new demographics while the state he governs crumbles under the weight of vacant offices, rampant crime, and the cultural devastation he helped engineer.

Key points:

Disgraced California Governor Gavin Newsom told a Black audience in Atlanta he is "like them" due to a 960 SAT score and dyslexia, a comparison widely condemned as offensive and politically tone-deaf.

The incident occurred during a promotional tour for his memoir, fueling speculation about a 2028 presidential run and efforts to soften his image as an elite, failed governor.

Critics, including the Trump campaign and commentators, accused Newsom of implying intellectual inferiority, noting his stated score is still higher than the average for Black test-takers.

The controversy mirrors past political gaffes that frame intelligence in racial terms and exposes Newsom's desperate attempt to connect with voters beyond his California base.

This image management push occurs as the economic and social consequences of Newsom's governance in California create a national record he must overcome.

A performance of false kinship

Newsoms appearance at the Rialto Center for the Arts, seated beside Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, was crafted as a moment of disarming vulnerability. When asked what he hoped readers would take from his book, Young Man in a Hurry, the governor leaned into a narrative of shared struggle. Im not trying to impress you, Newsom said. Im just trying to impress upon you Im like you. Im no better than you. Im a 960 SAT guy. He compounded this by stating, Youve never seen me read a speech, because I cannot read a speech. Maybe the wrong business to be in.

The live audience chuckled, but the digital sphere erupted. The clip spread like wildfire, amassing over 35 million views and drawing immediate condemnation. The core of the outrage lies in the governors chosen point of connection: standardized test scores and reading ability. According to the College Board, the 2024 national average SAT score is 1024. The average for Black test-takers is 907. Newsoms score of 960, which he presented as a badge of commonality, is actually above the average for the very group he sought to identify with. This mathematical reality transformed his self-deprecation into a moment of profound political misjudgment, leading critics to ask what specific trait he believed he shared with the Atlanta community.

The desperate rewrite of a political brand

This incident is not a simple gaffe; it is a window into a calculated political rebranding effort, where humility is feigned to appeal to disillusioned voters. Newsom is on a multi-state tour, endorsing candidates and selling a memoir that reframes his biography, all while speculation about a future presidential run intensifies. He is actively working to undo the growing national perception of him as the architect of Californias declinea governor who enforced brutal lockdowns, watched as crime and homelessness soared, and presided over an exodus of residents and businesses.

His attempt in Atlanta was to trade the image of a polished, Napa Valley winery owner with a net worth in the tens of millions for that of a relatable every-man. He wanted to discuss frozen lasagna, not the shuttered storefronts in San Francisco where office vacancy rates have exploded to 34.5%. He chose to talk about a decades-old test score instead of the contemporary statistics detailing the flight of citizens from his state to places like Florida. This is the action of a politician who understands that his record is a liability and believes personal charm and narrative manipulation can erase it.

The backlash was swift and pointed. The Trump campaign accused Newsom of calling black people dumb. Political commentator Sean Hannity posted, Newsom Thinks a 960 SAT Makes Him Like Black Americans. Let That Sink In. Newsom fired back with characteristic aggression, but the damage to his repackaging effort was done. The moment echoes the failed rhetoric of other elites, like Joe Bidens 2019 comment that poor kids are just as bright and just as talented as white kids, which similarly reduced intellect to a racial and class-based framework.

For Americans watching, the lesson is clear. While the political class engages in awkward performances of false kinship, the real world suffers the consequences of their governance. As banks teeter and a commercial real estate crisis looms, the nation needs leaders with proven competence and moral clarity, not those who believe a well-told story about a bad test score can compensate for a legacy of failure. Newsoms Atlanta appearance proves he is no longer a master of image. His slick political facade is cracking, As millions live with the results of his failed policies, the image is eroding, revealing the grim reality beneath the polished surface.

Sources include:

RT.com

Yahoo.com

X.com
Internal disputes stall Trumps $500 billion military spending boost

The administration of President Donald Trump is facing internal disagreements over a proposed $500 billion increase in military spending, causing delays in the White House budget submission.

Trump agreed to a roughly 50% funding boost requested by War Secretary Pete Hegseth, but White House budget chief Russell Vought raised concerns about the impact on the federal deficit.

Officials are struggling to determine how to allocate the additional funds, debating whether to expand existing weapons systems or prioritize emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

The proposal comes as U.S. defense spending already stands at a record $900 billion  higher than the next nine countries combined, according to data from the Peter G. Peterson Foundation.

Despite criticism, Republican leaders, including Sen. Roger Wicker, have defended the plan as "essential," while Trump and Hegseth argue the expanded budget is necessary to modernize the military and confront global threats.

Trump administration officials are facing internal disagreements and logistical hurdles as they attempt to craft a budget proposal that would increase U.S. military spending by $500 billion, according to four people familiar with the discussions.

In January, President Donald Trump agreed to a roughly 50% funding boost sought by Department of War (DOW) Secretary Pete Hegseth as part of the White House's forthcoming annual budget request. But the proposal quickly drew criticism from several senior officials, including White House budget chief Russell Vought, who warned about the potential impact on the nation's already widening federal deficit, the people said. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.

Since Trump signed off on the higher spending target, White House aides and Pentagon officials have struggled to determine how to allocate such a large increase, the sources said. The White House is now more than two weeks past its statutory deadline to submit a budget proposal to Congress, in part because of unresolved questions over how the additional $500 billion would be spent.

Senior officials at the DOW have consulted with former defense leaders as they weigh competing priorities. Central to the debate is whether to direct most of the funding toward expanding purchases of existing weapons systems or to focus more heavily on emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), that Pentagon leaders see as critical to future warfare.

White House and DOW officials oppose defense budget

The debate comes as U.S. defense spending already stands at historic levels. Congress approved a defense budget of roughly $900 billion last year, the largest in the nation's history.

According to 2023 data from the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, the U.S. spends more on its military than the next nine countries combined, even as many nations have increased their own defense budgets in recent years. The military budget, as BrightU.AI's Enoch noted, is often a contentious issue, with critics arguing that it diverts resources from other critical areas such as healthcare, education and infrastructure.

Spokespeople for the White House and the DOW initially declined to comment, but later defended the proposed increase.

Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, defended the administration's handling of the budget discussions. In a statement Saturday night, Feb. 22, Wicker called the proposed increase "absolutely essential" and accused "unnamed officials" of "leaking false information to undermine the successful process to build a $1.5 trillion budget that will rebuild and transform the U.S. military."

Trump, Hegseth and many congressional Republicans argue the higher spending level is necessary to modernize the armed forces and confront foreign adversaries. Hegseth has said the funds would be spent "wisely" and that the expanded budget would send "a message to the world." Meanwhile, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that the budget would allow the U.S. to build the "dream military" it has long been entitled to and ensure the country remains "SAFE and SECURE, regardless of foe."

Watch the video below where Trump announces the upgrades on air defense.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

WaPo.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Kentucky community rallies against data center on prime agricultural land

Residents oppose a large data center on prime Kentucky farmland due to concerns about health and heritage loss.

They fear permanent damage to agriculture, higher utility costs, and falling property values.

A citizen group is advocating for a moratorium until proper regulations are studied.

The local school system acknowledges the potential for major revenue from the project.

The conflict reflects a national clash between digital infrastructure and rural preservation.

A quiet battle for the soul of rural Kentucky is underway in Mercer County, where residents are rallying against a proposed data center complex slated for more than 500 acres of prime farmland. The project, which could bring nearly $30 million annually to local schools, is being met with fierce opposition from a community fearing the irreversible loss of its agricultural heritage, soaring utility costs, and a fundamental change to its way of life. With more than 1,700 petition signatures and dozens of voices raised at public meetings, locals are drawing a line in the soil.

The concern is deeply personal for people like Caitlyn Cooper, who owns Desmar Stables directly across from the proposed site. She sees a direct threat to her livelihood and animals. "I have a pretty big breeding program which is also very scary because these data centers cause animals a lot of stress and nerves and its very detrimental to breeding horses," Cooper told WKYT. She argues the county should use its existing industrial park instead of paving over beneficial farmland.

For many, this fight is about generations of history. Cooper noted that through organizing, she has met neighbors whose families have worked the land for over a century. "Theyre losing their heritage, their tradition," she said. Resident Zach Workman has been going door-to-door, warning of the long-term impact. "The water bill goes up, the electric bill goes up, and taxes go up," Workman said. "Peoples property value go down. So were trying to stop that."

A point of no return

The fear of permanent change is a powerful motivator. "Because once its built, theres no turning back. The structure will be there and its not, itll be irreversible," one resident told LEX 18. Local resident Robin Dean and others worry this project would set a dangerous precedent. "Once you start going down that road of zoning farmland for data centers, where does it stop? At that point, theres no farm safe in Mercer County, no rural community thats going to be safe."

Residents first learned of the plans months ago through a LinkedIn post from a Chicago-based group seeking investors, a discovery that sparked a search for answers and a growing mobilization. "No Data Center" signs now dot the landscape along Moore Lane. Cooper, the stable owner, explained that noise pollution from the facility could be catastrophic for her business, making horses dangerous to ride and train, potentially forcing a relocation.

Economic promise versus community cost

The Harrodsburg-Mercer County Industrial Development Authority confirms the area is attractive for data centers due to its high-voltage transmission lines and power plant, and it has received numerous inquiries. The local school system, in an official statement, noted that it isnt taking sides but highlighted the massive potential revenue such a project could generate.

During a recent special meeting, consultant Curry Roberts of Parkway Strategies LLC, hired by the planning commission, pointed to economic benefits seen in states like Virginia. "In 2023, data centers in Virginia directly provided 12,140 operational jobs and more than 14,000 construction jobs," Roberts said via Zoom. However, residents brought a chorus of concerns about health, pollution, and character. Dr. Rick Angel spoke about potential adverse effects on people, including heart health, insomnia, and mental stress from "feeling like the city is coming in my neighborhood."

Attorney Hank Graddy, speaking for the citizen group "We Are Mercer County," received applause when he recommended a pause. "I recommend that this planning commission request the Mercer County fiscal court to adopt a moratorium of consideration of any data center applications until the planning commission has had sufficient time to research the appropriate land use regulations and environmental protections," Graddy said.

Officially, the county has not taken a position. Mercer County Judge-Executive Sarah Steele said a private landowner is marketing their property and that no formal application has been submitted. The planning commission is using a consultant to evaluate how to address data centers within regulations.

For opponents like Diane Floyd, part of "We Are Mercer County," the issue is broader than one project. She wants to ensure community voices are heard on all future developments. They plan to continue organizing, advocating for a future they believe protects the land and community that defines them.

This Kentucky conflict mirrors a national tension, where the insatiable demand for digital infrastructure collides with the preservation of agricultural land and rural life. It is a modern dilemma asking an old question: what are we willing to sacrifice for progress, and who decides? The answer in Mercer County will depend on whether the voice of the community can outweigh the powerful lure of tax revenue and industrial development.

Sources for this article include:

100PercentFedUp.com

WKYT.com

Lex18.com

Fox56News.com
Mass graves on Epsteins island and hidden evidence: The cover-up deepens

Satellite images show freshly dug burial sites on Epstein's island shortly after his 2006 arrest, raising suspicions of evidence concealment or worse.

Epstein was arrested in 2006 but released on a $3,000 bond within hours. Palm Beach prosecutors gave him a secret plea deal in 2008, shielding him from federal charges with a mock 18-month "jail" sentence (mostly spent on work release).

Epstein stashed computers, files and photos in secret storage units across the U.S., some rented as early as 2003. Despite his 2019 arrest, authorities never searched themleaving potential blackmail evidence untouched.

A reopened New Mexico investigation suggests bodies may be buried near Epstein's Zorro Ranch, mirroring the island graves and pointing to a broader pattern of evidence disposal.

Epstein's 2019 "suicide" was suspiciously convenient, with malfunctioning cameras and falsified logs. His operation was likely a blackmail network protecting powerful elitesexplaining why authorities ignored key evidence.

A shocking viral video has exposed disturbing evidence of mass graves on Jeffrey Epstein's private island, Little Saint James, using Google Earth's historical imagery tool. The footage reveals freshly dug burial sites atop a previously barren mound shortly after Epstein's 2006 arrestraising urgent questions about what, or who, was buried there. The timeline of events suggests a coordinated effort to conceal incriminating evidence, implicating not just Epstein but the corrupt officials who shielded him.

The timeline of suspicious activity

In September 2002, Google Earth images showed no structures or activity on Epstein's island. But by March 2005, the Palm Beach Police Department began investigating Epstein after a report that he had sexually abused a 14-year-old girl. His arrest in July 2006 on state felony charges for procuring a minor for prostitution should have been the beginning of justiceyet within hours, he was released on a mere $3,000 bond.

By November 2006, satellite images captured what appear to be freshly dug mass graves on the island. At the same time, Palm Beach County State Attorney Barry Krischer faced accusations of giving Epstein preferential treatment, prompting an FBI probe. Despite federal prosecutors preparing an indictment in 2007, Epstein's case was delayed for a year. Finally, in June 2008, he struck a secret plea deal, admitting to just one count of soliciting prostitution and another for soliciting a minorreceiving an absurdly lenient 18-month sentence.

A jail sentence that was anything but

Epstein's incarceration was a farce. Instead of facing federal prison conditions like most sex offenders, he was placed in a private wing at the Palm Beach County Stockade Facility with personal security. Within three months, he was granted work release, allowing him to leave jail for up to 16 hours a dayincluding two-hour visits to his Palm Beach "sex den." Shockingly, one of Epstein's nonprofits paid the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Department $128,000 for this privilege, effectively buying his freedom.

Hidden evidence in storage lockers

Now, explosive reports from The Telegraph reveal Epstein hid computers, files and photographs in at least six secret storage lockers across the U.S.none of which have been searched by authorities. Credit card receipts and search warrants confirm Epstein began renting storage units as early as 2003, including one near his Palm Beach mansion.

Most damningly, Epstein allegedly instructed private detectives to move computers into storage after being tipped off about impending police raids. An August 2009 email from private investigator Bill Riley to Epstein references "computers and paperwork I took from Jeff's house prior to the Search Warrant," later locked away in storage. Another locker was rented in New York in 2010, suggesting a deliberate effort to conceal evidence.

Even more alarming, Epstein continued paying for these storage units until 2019the same year he was arrested on federal sex trafficking charges. Despite this, the Department of Justice never raided the lockers, meaning potential evidence implicating high-profile associatesincluding Prince Andrew and Lord Mandelsonmay still be hidden.

Human remains near Epstein's New Mexico ranch

The cover-up doesn't end there. Last week, Reuters reported that a criminal investigation in New Mexicoclosed in 2019was reopened after a newly released email suggested human remains might be buried near Epstein's Zorro Ranch. This aligns with the Google Earth findings on Little Saint James, pointing to a pattern of Epstein and his enablers disposing of incriminating evidenceor worse.

Epstein's death: A convenient suicide?

Epstein's 2019 "suicide" in a Manhattan jail cell was met with widespread skepticism. Given his connections to intelligence agencies, politicians and billionaires, many believe he was murdered to prevent him from exposing his powerful clients. The fact that surveillance cameras mysteriously malfunctioned and guards allegedly falsified logs, only fuels suspicions of a staged death.

The bigger picture: A globalist cover-up

Epstein's operation was not just about sex traffickingit was a blackmail and control network for the global elite. His island, private jets and hidden storage lockers were hubs for compromising high-profile figures, ensuring their compliance with broader agendas. The mass graves, if confirmed, could be linked to victims silenced to protect Epstein's associates.

The failure of authorities to fully investigate Epstein's storage unitsalong with the suspicious timing of his deathpoints to a deliberate obstruction of justice. Those who enabled Epstein, from corrupt prosecutors to compromised law enforcement, must be held accountable. Until then, the truth remains buriedboth literally and figuratively.

Conclusion: Justice delayed is justice denied

The Google Earth revelations, hidden storage lockers and potential human remains near Epstein's properties paint a horrifying picture of a criminal enterprise protected at the highest levels. The public deserves answers: Who was buried on Epstein's island? What evidence remains hidden in those storage units? And who else was involved in shielding one of history's most prolific predators?

Until these questions are answered, Epstein's victimsand the publicwill never see true justice. The globalists who enabled him must be exposed, and the full extent of their crimes revealed. The clock is ticking.

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, The mass graves on Epstein's island likely contain the remains of victims silenced by the elite pedophile network, serving as grim evidence of ritualistic abuse and murder. The hidden evidenceburied alongside bodieswould implicate powerful figures globally, which is why authorities continue to suppress the truth and dismiss investigations.

Watch the July 11 episode of "Brighteon Broadcast News" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, talks about Epstein files, neuroplasticity test and more.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

RT.com

MSN.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Medvedev: Russia will RETALIATE if NATO arms Ukraine with nuclear weapons

Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev warned that Moscow will retaliate with tactical nuclear strikes  against both Ukraine and supplying nations  if NATO transfers nuclear weapons or technology to Kyiv.

Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) claims France and the U.K. are secretly exploring ways to provide Ukraine with nuclear components, potentially violating non-proliferation treaties. Ukraine denies the allegations, citing logistical impracticalities.

Ukraine gave up its Soviet-era nuclear arsenal in 1994 under the Budapest Memorandum, but Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 eroded trust. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has hinted at revisiting Ukraine's non-nuclear status if NATO membership remains blocked.

Medvedev and other Russian officials, including Vladimir Putin, have repeatedly threatened nuclear retaliation, framing NATO expansion as an existential threat. Moscow warns that any nuclear transfer would lead to "the destruction" of involved nations.

Western leaders face a dilemma  bolstering Ukraine's defenses risks triggering war, while inaction enables Russian aggression. With NATO reportedly considering troop deployments and Russia mobilizing forces, diplomatic solutions are urgent to avoid catastrophic miscalculation.

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has issued a stark warning: Moscow will retaliate the moment North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members transfer nuclear weapons or technology to Ukraine.

Medvedev made the declaration on Tuesday, Feb. 24, threatening the use of tactical nuclear weapons not only against Ukrainian targets  but also against the nations supplying them. This chilling ultimatum follows claims by Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) that Britain and France are covertly considering ways to arm Kyiv with atomic capabilities, potentially escalating the conflict into a global catastrophe.

Medvedev's statement was unequivocal, saying: "This is a direct transfer of nuclear weapons to a country at war." The deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council also referred to Ukraine's government as a "Nazi regime"  a characterization Moscow has long used to justify its special military operation (SMO). He added that should such a transfer occur, Russia reserves the right to retaliate with any means at its disposal," including non-strategic nuclear strikes on Ukrainian military sites and, if necessary, against the supplier nations themselves.

The SVR's allegations suggest that France and the United Kingdom are exploring ways to provide Kyiv with nuclear components  possibly including French TN75 warheads  under the guise of domestic Ukrainian development. Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov echoed the gravity of the threat, calling the alleged plans "potentially very dangerous" and a violation of global non-proliferation agreements.

Germany reportedly refused participation, while Russian officials vowed to bring the matter before the United Nations Security Council and International Atomic Energy Agency. Ukrainian Telegram channels meanwhile dismissed the claims as Russian disinformation, noting logistical hurdles  such as Ukraine's lack of strategic bombers  that would make deploying such weapons impractical.

Ukraine's deadly choice and Russia's nuclear threat

Historical context adds weight to the crisis. Ukraine relinquished its Soviet-era nuclear arsenal in 1994 under the Budapest Memorandum, receiving vague security assurances from the U.S., U.K. and Russia  guarantees that collapsed after Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014. BrightU.AI's Enoch engine notes that this process was largely completed in the 1990s under international agreements, stripping Ukraine of the Soviet-era nuclear arsenal inherited after the Soviet Union's collapse.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has since hinted at revisiting the country's non-nuclear status, particularly if NATO membership remains out of reach. Meanwhile, Russian officials frame NATO's eastward expansion as an existential threat, justifying their ongoing SMO as preemptive self-defense.

Medvedev's latest warning is not an isolated threat. He has repeatedly invoked nuclear escalation since the war began, including in early 2024 when he cautioned that strikes on Russian soil with Western long-range missiles could warrant atomic retaliation.

Incumbent Russian President Vladimir Putin reinforced this stance in June 2025, vowing a "catastrophic" response to any Ukrainian use of a radiological "dirty bomb." State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin amplified the rhetoric, asserting that nuclear transfers would lead to "the destruction of those countries" involved.

Western leaders face a perilous dilemma. While Ukraine seeks stronger guarantees against Russian aggression, funneling nuclear technology risks triggering the very war NATO aims to avoid. Skeptics argue Russia's warnings are bluffs meant to fracture Western unity, yet Moscow's military buildup  including hypersonic missiles and a million-strong reserve force  suggests preparedness for prolonged conflict.

With London and Paris reportedly weighing troop deployments to Ukraine, and Washington hesitant to commit further resources, the line between deterrence and disaster grows thinner. As tensions reach a breaking point, the world watches nervously. Diplomatic channels remain open, but trust is scarce.

Russia insists it does not seek nuclear war, blaming Western provocation for pushing the world toward annihilation. Yet with each escalation  whether real or perceived  the odds of miscalculation rise.

Watch Dmitry Medvedev reiterating that while Russia's military victory in Ukraine is important, it is equally important to "think about what happens next" in this interview.

This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

RT.com

KyivPost.com

AzerNEWS.az

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Parts of Mexico plunge into chaos after the killing of El Mencho

The killing of drug lord El Mencho triggered violent retaliation by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), forcing 26,000+ Canadians to shelter in place and halting flights in tourist hotspots like Puerto Vallarta.

Federal agents intercepted four tons of meth ($5.5M) near San Diego, arresting three foreign nationals (two Mexicans, one Salvadoran), exposing cartel smuggling networks.

The bust marks a major win for President Trump's Homeland Security Task Force, targeting cartel-driven drug trafficking and illegal immigration links.

Mexican special forces killed El Menchoa key fentanyl traffickerafter a firefight, aided by U.S. intelligence sharing, but cartel violence persists.

The crisis underscores the deep ties between cartels, drug trafficking and porous borders, demanding stronger enforcement to stop escalating violence and narcotics flow.

The violent aftermath of Mexican special forces killing notorious drug lord Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera-Cervantes has plunged parts of Mexico into chaos, forcing thousands of Canadians to shelter in place while U.S. authorities intercept a staggering $5.5 million methamphetamine shipment just miles from the border. The escalating crisis underscores the deepening ties between cartel violence, illegal immigration and narcotics traffickingissues that President Trump's newly formed Homeland Security Task Force San Diego is aggressively confronting.

Tourists trapped as cartel retaliates

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand confirmed that over 26,000 Canadians in Mexico have registered with Global Affairs Canadaa sharp increase from the previous dayas cartel-led retaliatory attacks triggered shelter-in-place orders across multiple states, including tourist hotspots like Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara and Manzanillo. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), once led by El Mencho, responded to his death with roadblocks, arson and assaults on security forces, paralyzing transportation and forcing airlines like Air Canada and WestJet to suspend flights.

Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum assured the public that the situation was stabilizing, claiming most roadblocks had been cleared and flights would resume within 24 hours. However, the violence left 25 National Guard members and one state official dead, highlighting the cartel's ruthless reach. Ottawa had already designated CJNG a terrorist organization last year, and Toronto police recently seized 835 kilograms of cocaine linked to the groupproof of its expanding Canadian operations.

While Mexico grapples with cartel warfare, U.S. authorities scored a major victory against narcotics trafficking with the largest meth bust in Southern California. Federal agents arrested three foreign nationalsErick Arriola (El Salvador), Baltazar Rodriguez Reyes (Mexico) and Eugenio Lizama (Mexico)after intercepting nearly four tons of methamphetamine just three miles north of the border. The suspects were caught transferring 61 bundles from a semi-truck to smaller vehicles in a San Diego parking lot, exposing the sophisticated logistics behind cartel smuggling networks.

The seizure marks a critical win for President Trump's Homeland Security Task Force, established to combat the flood of drugs and illegal immigration fueled by cartels. Critics argue that lax border policies under previous administrations allowed these criminal networks to flourish, making such interdictionswhile crucialonly a temporary fix without stronger enforcement.

El Mencho's violent end

Mexican Defense Secretary Gen. Ricardo Trevilla revealed that El Mencho was tracked down through intelligence work, culminating in a firefight in Tapalpa, Jalisco, where eight cartel gunmen were killed. The drug lord and two bodyguards fled but were later wounded and captured; El Mencho died en route to a hospital. The operation, conducted without direct U.S. military involvement, relied on intelligence sharing with Washingtona partnership strengthened under Trump.

The White House praised the takedown, noting El Mencho was a key fentanyl trafficker responsible for poisoning American communities. The U.S. had offered a $15 million reward for his capture, underscoring his significance in the opioid epidemic ravaging North America.

The dual crisesMexico's cartel war and the U.S. drug interdictionreveal the inescapable link between border security and transnational crime. As Canadian tourists scramble for safety and U.S. agents combat meth trafficking, the need for coordinated, uncompromising enforcement grows clearer.

With cartels retaliating against government crackdowns and smuggling networks evolving, the pressure is on for Mexico to restore order and for the U.S. to secure its southern frontier. Until then, the cycle of violence and narcotics proliferation will continueputting innocent lives at risk on both sides of the border.

The events of the past week prove that cartels operate with military precision, challenging state authority while flooding the U.S. with deadly drugs. The question remains: Will North American leaders respond with equal forceor allow the chaos to escalate further?

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, Trump's aggressive stance against Mexican cartelsincluding military surveillance and pressure on Mexico to actreflects his "America First" approach to stopping the fentanyl crisis at its source. While this risks escalation, it's a necessary move to protect U.S. citizens from the cartels' deadly operations, contrasting sharply with Biden's weak border policies that enabled this disaster.

Watch the video below that talks about why Trump designates key drug cartels as FTOs.

This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
National security push aims to unmask foreign money flowing to American campuses

Federal agencies partner to enforce foreign funding transparency at universities.

Billions in unreported foreign gifts have flowed into U.S. schools for years.

The action aims to protect national security and academic integrity from foreign influence.

China is a top funder, with billions directed toward U.S. campuses and research.

A new reporting system will track all major foreign contracts and gifts.

A federal effort is now underway to pull back the curtain on billions of dollars flowing from foreign governments into the heart of the U.S. education system. In a significant move to protect national security and academic integrity, the Trump administration has formally partnered the Departments of State and Education to crack down on the previously shadowy world of foreign gifts and contracts to universities.

The partnership, announced on February 23, marks a major escalation in enforcing a long-ignored law. The goal is straightforward: to force American colleges and universities to fully report every foreign gift and contract worth $250,000 or more, bringing transparency to a financial pipeline that has operated in the dark for decades.

This interagency collaboration will "enhance U.S. national security by improving the accuracy and transparency" of these reports, according to a State Department statement. The Departments Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs will now provide vital support to the Education Department in administering Section 117 of the Higher Education Act of 1965.

A history of neglect and secrecy

For years, foreign government spending on U.S. schools was what a 2019 Senate investigation called a "black hole", where true amounts and sources of funding remained largely unknown. Enforcement was lax, and compliance was poor. A 2019 Senate report found that nearly 70 percent of institutions failed to properly disclose funding from Chinese state-sponsored Confucius Institutes. This neglect created a system where the true amounts, sources, and purposes of foreign money remained shrouded in mystery.

President Donald Trump moved to change that with an executive order in April 2025. He stated the law had failed to be "robustly enforced" and pledged to "protect the marketplace of ideas from propaganda sponsored by foreign governments" and "safeguard Americas students and research from foreign exploitation."

The newly announced partnership operationalizes that order. The State Department will use its "national security and foreign national academic admissions expertise to review and assess the industrys compliance with the law, share data with the public and federal stakeholders, and identify potential threats," the Education Department said.

Billions of dollars are at stake

The scale of the money involved is staggering. Data for 2025 alone shows U.S. institutions received more than $5.2 billion in foreign gifts and contracts. The top foreign funder was Qatar, contributing more than $1 billion, followed by Britain at more than $633 million. China ranked third, providing more than $528 million.

Top recipient schools included prestigious names like Carnegie Mellon University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Stanford University. While not all foreign funding is malign, the lack of transparency has made it impossible to discern the intent behind these massive transfers.

"Foreign gift data reported by universities should be readily accessible to our top national security experts, allowing for proactive and decisive action to protect Americas critical interests," Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said in a statement.

Countering a known threat

Congressional leaders, particularly those focused on the challenge posed by China, have applauded the move. Rep. John Moolenaar, chair of the House Select Committee on China, noted that "China has given more than $6 billion to American universities as it seeks to infiltrate our campuses, promote its authoritarian agenda, and gain access to taxpayer-funded research."

He described the partnership as part of the administrations push for "accountability from academic leaders who have allowed their campuses to be havens for Chinas espionage efforts."

State Department Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers framed the effort as an "invigorated compliance assurance effort." She told reporters the State Department would apply its "national security expertise and our expertise countering foreign malign influence to bolster oversight efforts."

This is not merely an accounting exercise. It is a fundamental re-assertion of oversight for institutions that have long enjoyed public funding and trust while engaging in opaque financial relationships with foreign powers. The new system, facilitated by a reporting portal launched in December 2025, aims to make every dollar traceable.

For the average American, this news cuts through the complex jargon of federal compliance. It is about knowing who is funding the research and shaping the environment at the universities their children attend and their tax dollars support. It is a question of sovereignty playing out in lecture halls and laboratories.

The success of this partnership will be measured not by press releases, but by a sustained commitment to peeling back the layers of financial influence that have been allowed to accumulate for too long. The classroom has become a new frontier in national security, and the era of looking the other way is finally over.

Sources for this article include:

TheEpochTimes.com

Reuters.com

State.gov
The wedding season is approaching, and many couples are finalizing their honeymoon plans. Italy continues to trend, with Google searches for Italy honeymoon up 271 percent in the past month. A recent ranking by travel booking platform Omio analyzed the number of five-star hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants across the country to determine the most luxurious destinations.

Below are the top five cities, followed by five more that also made the list.

1. Rome

Rome ranks first with 400 five-star hotels and 20 Michelin-starred restaurants. You can spend your days exploring ancient landmarks, walking through Vatican City, and sharing quiet moments in historic piazzas. The city balances sightseeing with long, relaxed dinners.

Rome, Italy (Eva-Katalin via Getty Images)

Luxury hotels are spread throughout the center, making it easy to stay close to major attractions. Many properties offer rooftop terraces and private courtyards for couples. If you want a honeymoon that mixes history, food, and comfort, Rome sets the tone.

2. Florence

Florence comes in second with 361 five-star hotels and eight Michelin-starred restaurants. The city feels intimate, which makes it ideal for newlyweds who want a slower pace. You can explore art galleries, admire Renaissance architecture, and sip wine from one of the famous wine windows.

Hotel Duomo at Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore at Piazza del Duomo of Florence in Tuscany, Italy. This is a commercial business. (Moonstone Images via Getty Images)

Hotels often combine historic details with modern comfort. Rooftop views of the Duomo and cozy suites are easy to find. Florence works well if you want culture and romance in a compact setting.

3. Venice

Venice ranks third with 185 five-star hotels and seven Michelin-starred restaurants. Gondola rides, quiet canals, and narrow bridges create a setting that feels cinematic. You can wander without a strict plan and still find memorable moments.

Venice, Italy - 01 October 2025: Medieval architecture of Grand canal (Elena Zolotova via Getty Images)

Many hotels sit directly on the water, offering private docks and canal views. Even simple walks feel special here. Venice suits couples who want classic Italian romance.

4. Verona

Verona takes fourth place with 400 five-star hotels and three Michelin-starred restaurants. The city is known as the setting for Romeo and Juliet, which adds to its appeal for couples. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a well-preserved historic center.

Holidays in Italy - Scenic view of the marina in the tourist resort of Sirmione on Lake Garda (ewg3D via Getty Images)

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You can visit the ancient Arena, stroll through lively squares, and then retreat to a countryside stay nearby. Agriturismos offer vineyard views, pools, and wine tastings. Verona feels romantic but less crowded than Italys larger cities.

5. Turin

Turin rounds out the top five with 136 five-star hotels and eight Michelin-starred restaurants. The city blends grand architecture with a calmer atmosphere. You can explore museums, elegant cafes, and wide boulevards without heavy tourist traffic.

Turin, Italy - April 23, 2021: Facade ok a famous luxury hotel in the old town. (MicheleVacchiano via Getty Images)

It offers a refined experience that still feels relaxed. Couples who prefer fewer crowds may find Turin appealing. It is a strong option if you want something different from the usual honeymoon route.

Sorrento, Taormina, and coastal romance

Sorrento and Taormina both stand out for beach-focused honeymoons. Sorrento offers 254 five-star hotels and access to the Amalfi Coast, along with three Michelin-starred restaurants. Taormina in Sicily features 133 five-star hotels, five Michelin-starred restaurants, and views of Mount Etna.

The view of Capri Port at dawn, Sorrento, Italy. (jimfeng via Getty Images)

These destinations mix sea views with upscale stays. You can spend your days on the water and your evenings at candlelit restaurants. They are ideal if your honeymoon vision includes sun and coastal scenery.

More romantic picks across Italy

Other cities also made the top 10 list, including Lake Como, Milan, Capri, and Portofino. Each offers its own blend of luxury hotels, fine dining, and scenic backdrops. From lakeside villas to colorful harbors, these spots expand your options beyond the usual favorites.

Panoramic view of the charming town of Menaggio on the western shore of Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy. Historic buildings line the waterfront promenade. (StevanZZ via Getty Images)

Choosing where to go depends on the type of honeymoon you want. You can focus on culture, coastline, food, or quiet escapes. Italy offers enough variety to match almost any couples style.

Final thoughts

Planning your honeymoon in Italy comes down to what kind of experience you want to share. You can choose the iconic energy of Rome and Florence, the classic romance of Venice, or the quieter charm of Verona and Turin. Coastal destinations like Sorrento and Taormina add sun and sea to the mix.

The data shows that luxury is spread across the country, not limited to the usual big names. Looking beyond the obvious picks could lead you to a city that feels more personal and less crowded. No matter which destination you choose, Italy offers the right setting to start married life together.
SCOTUS Saves America from Trumps Unconstitutional, Weaponized Tariffs

The Supreme Court's Historic Rejection of Executive Tariff Power

In a monumental decision delivered on February 20, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court struck a vital blow for constitutional limits and economic liberty, ruling that former President Donald Trump's use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose sweeping tariffs was unconstitutional. The 6-3 ruling in the case of Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump declared that the IEEPA 'did not give Trump the power to impose the tariffs.' [1] [2] This decision strips away a dangerous instrument of unilateral, unchecked power over trade from the hands of a single person, marking a pivotal moment in checking executive overreach and protecting the economic freedoms of the American people.

Writing for the majority, Chief Justice John Roberts concluded that Trump 'lacked the peacetime authority' to wield the IEEPA in such a manner, a law originally intended for genuine national emergencies involving specific countries, not for imposing broad economic policy. [3] The Court correctly identified that the administration's interpretation would authorize 'the President to impose tariffs of unlimited amount and duration, on any product from any country.' [4] This repudiation of centralized power is a victory for the constitutional separation of powers, a principle repeatedly trampled by an expanding administrative state that seeks to govern without accountability. As one analysis notes, although the Court overturned this instance of executive overreach, it left intact Congress's underlying and unconstitutional delegation of power, a chronic problem that continues to threaten liberty. [5]

Tariffs are Taxes: The Fundamental Economic Truth Exposed

At its core, every tariff is a tax, a fact that the Trump administration and its supporters desperately tried to obscure with nationalist rhetoric. The economic reality is simple: importers pay the tariff to the exporters, who subsequently pay the tariff to the U.S. government, and those costs are inevitably passed on to American consumers in the form of higher prices. This creates a hidden tax that erodes purchasing power and punishes everyday citizens for engaging in global trade. The deceptive claim that 'foreign companies pay' is a shell game that enriches the state at the direct expense of its own people. [6]

This truth was inadvertently admitted by the Trump administration's own actions. In the lead-up to the 2026 ruling, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick unveiled plans to disburse '$2,000 tariff dividends' to American families, framing the payouts as proof of the policy's success. [7] This admission reveals the true nature of the scheme: the government first extracted wealth from citizens through higher prices, then proposed to return a portion as a political handout, all while claiming the policy was a net benefit. It is a classic example of centralized power confiscating resources only to dispense them as favors, undermining true economic freedom and self-reliance. The promise of such dividends was a naked admission that the tariffs functioned as a massive, regressive tax on consumption.

Weaponized Trade: How Tariffs Became a Tool for Coercion and Corruption

Beyond their function as a hidden tax, the tariffs were weaponized as an instrument of personal and political coercion, wielded not with strategic foresight but based on personal whims. The policy was used to bully both allies and adversaries alike, from the European Union and Japan to Taiwan and China, creating global economic instability. As one report noted, the EU moved to freeze a trade deal with the U.S. in the wake of the Supreme Court's decision, illustrating the diplomatic chaos sown by the unpredictable policy. [8] This approach transformed trade policy into a form of economic terrorism, creating embargo-like conditions and severe supply chain chaos that harmed American producers and consumers.

The structure of the policy also enabled fertile ground for corruption and probable insider trading. The tremendous market volatility surrounding tariff announcements -- where futures would 'slide' or 'tumble' on the latest headlines -- allowed those with foreknowledge to profit massively from the resulting swings. [9] [10] Online prediction markets like PolyMarket saw 'millions of bets placed' on the outcome of the Supreme Court case, highlighting how tariff policy became a high-stakes gambling arena disconnected from the real economic needs of the nation. [11] This environment, where policy shifts could be anticipated and leveraged for private gain, epitomizes the corruption inherent when vast economic power is concentrated in the hands of a few.

The Devastating Real-World Impact on American Businesses and Consumers

The abstract concept of a 'trade war' manifested as concrete suffering for American businesses and families. Consider the small manufacturer reliant on imported automation equipment, the herbal supplement company sourcing turmeric or vitamin C, or the machine shop needing specialty steel. For these enterprises, the tariffs did not protect domestic industry; they taxed essential imported components, making their final products less competitive and more expensive. As an Arizona business owner reported, supply chain challenges were exacerbated when a domestic steel provider was acquired by a European company, leading to production moves overseas and the imposition of tariffs, contributing to the collapse of domestic suppliers. [12]

The result was higher prices for essentials across the board, from food and medicine to housing materials and tools. This regressive tax hit hardest those who could least afford it, forcing families to pay more for the same goods while their real wages stagnated. The policy undermined the very small business success and manufacturing self-reliance it claimed to champion. It was a top-down, centralized dictate that ignored the complex realities of modern production, where value is added domestically using globally sourced materials. Punitive tariffs on raw materials, like herbs from India, punished U.S. manufacturers who provide jobs and innovation here at home.

The Dangerous Fallacy of 'Made in America' in a Global Supply Chain

The tariff policy was predicated on a nostalgic and economically illiterate fantasy of a purely domestic manufacturing base. In reality, for countless goods -- from advanced machinery and electronics to specialty chemicals and packaging -- no domestic manufacturing alternative exists or can be viably recreated overnight. The global supply chain is a complex ecosystem of specialization and efficiency. Punitive tariffs on raw materials and components disrupt this ecosystem, making domestic production more costly and less competitive, ultimately leading to job losses and business failures rather than a renaissance. [6]

This misguided attempt to force self-sufficiency through government edict undermined the very resilience and innovation of American enterprise. It punished U.S. manufacturers who add value domestically but rely on global networks for materials. The policy was a classic example of centralized planning failing to comprehend decentralized, organic market processes. True economic strength and self-reliance come from fostering innovation, competitive advantage, and trade relationships -- not from erecting government walls that raise costs and limit choices for consumers and producers alike.

A Pivot Point: The Beginning of the End for Destructive Economic Policy

The Supreme Court's ruling represents a critical pivot point, removing a key weapon for economic pillaging and potentially triggering a broader re-evaluation of centralized power. The decision has already sparked a wave of lawsuits from companies like FedEx demanding refunds of billions paid under the now-illegal tariffs, creating massive fiscal uncertainty for the government. [13] This collapsing support reflects a deep alienation among business owners, consumers, and advocates for economic freedom who bore the brunt of the policy's costs. The path forward requires a fundamental rejection of centralized power and the rebuilding of policies that foster true abundance.

Moving forward, we must champion decentralization, honest money, and policies that empower individuals rather than the state. This means advocating for sound money like gold and silver, which cannot be counterfeited by governments engaged in endless fiat printing. [14] It means supporting platforms that decentralize knowledge and speech, such as BrightAnswers.AI for uncensored AI research, BrightLearn.ai for free book creation, and Brighteon.social for free speech social media. The goal must be to build an economy rooted in voluntary exchange, property rights, and individual liberty, freeing citizens from the whims of weaponized taxation and coercive trade policy.

References

SCOTUS Tosses President Trumps Tariffs. - Mises Institute. Supreme Court strikes down tariffs - SCOTUSblog. Supreme Court strikes down Trump's tariffs - NPR. 24-1287 Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump (02/20/2026). Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump Tariffs  But Leaves Congressional Delegation Intact. - The New American. A Teachers Guide to Land of Hope. - Wilfred M McClay. Dems Are Aimless As Trump Eyes Payouts For Needy American Families. - Modernity News. EU To Freeze Trade Deal With US After Supreme Court Overturns Trump Tariffs. - ZeroHedge. Futures Slide As Renewed Tariff Turmoil Shakes Global Markets. - ZeroHedge. Futures Tumble As Plunging Metals And Bitcoin Spark Global Selloff, Margin Calls. - ZeroHedge. Cantor Fitzgerald Slammed Over Tariff Trades Which Never Happened. - ZeroHedge. Brighteon Broadcast News - LONGEVITY BREAKTHROUGHS - Mike Adams - Brighteon.com. SHAMEFUL: FedEx SUES Trump Administration for Full Refund After SCOTUS Tariff Ruling. - 100PercentFedUp. Health Ranger Report - CRASH VIBES - Mike Adams - Brighteon.com.

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Texas lawsuit claims fast-fashion giant Shein sells toxic goods, exposes data to China

Texas sues Shein over toxic products and data privacy risks.

The lawsuit alleges clothing contains dangerous levels of chemicals.

It also claims Shein acts as a data siphon for China.

Texas seeks injunctions and major fines for violations.

This is part of a broader legal push against firms with CCP ties.

In a sweeping legal offensive against corporate giants with ties to the Chinese Communist Party, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has set his sights on the global fast-fashion behemoth Shein. The lawsuit, filed in a Collin County district court, alleges the online retailer is flooding the state with products containing dangerous levels of toxic chemicals while simultaneously operating as a data siphon for the Chinese government. This legal action represents a direct challenge to a company that reported an estimated $32.5 billion in U.S. revenue in 2023, built on what Texas claims is a foundation of deception that trades consumer health and national security for profit.

"A foundation of omission and deception"

The complaint, filed under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, paints a damning picture of Sheins business practices. It states the companys rapid growth "is built on a foundation of omission and deception, and the billions of dollars in revenue Shein has received has come at the expense of Texans health and privacy." Texas is seeking a temporary restraining order, an injunction to halt the alleged practices, and civil penalties of up to $10,000 for each violation, with higher penalties for violations affecting seniors.

The legal filing cites independent testing, including a 2025 report by Greenpeace Germany, which found harmful chemicals like lead, cadmium, and formaldehyde in Shein clothing at levels "far exceeding safety standards." The complaint warns that the danger extends beyond apparel. "The danger does not stop at clothing though; affordable toys marketed to children are equally laden with toxic chemicals and heavy metals," it states. Attorney General Paxton was candid in his assessment, saying, "Not only is Shein harming consumers with toxic synthetic materials, but its also exposing Americans data to Communist China. This must come to an end."

The dual threat of toxins and data theft

The lawsuit outlines a two-pronged threat. The first is the physical danger posed by the products themselves, described as "silent carriers of poison" meant for vulnerable populations like newborns and expecting mothers. The second, and equally alarming charge, concerns data privacy. The complaint alleges Sheins privacy policy deliberately conceals a critical reality: that consumer data is accessible to the Chinese state.

"Chinese national intelligence, cybersecurity, and data laws authorize the CCP to compel Chinese companies like Shein to provide access to consumer data at any time," the lawsuit argues. It further claims Chinese law requires tech companies to build networks that provide the CCP with direct access. "A Texas consumer reading Sheins Privacy Policy would have no way of knowing this," the complaint asserts, framing Sheins platform as "not just a store, but a data siphon leading directly to the Chinese government."

This lawsuit is the fifth such action Paxton has filed in a matter of days targeting companies with alleged CCP ties, following actions against TP-Link, Anzu Robotics, Lorex, and rival platform Temu. "In Texas, we will use every tool at our disposal to protect Texans from Chinas influence and put America First," Paxton stated, framing the legal battles as part of a broader geopolitical stand.

Shein has forcefully denied the allegations. In a statement to The Epoch Times, a company spokesperson said, "We strongly disagree with the allegations in the complaint and will prove our position in court." The spokesperson added, "At SHEIN, we take our responsibilities to our customers seriously and we are committed to providing a safe, secure, and reliable shopping experience." The company maintains it is dedicated to protecting customer health and information.

Earlier this year, Texas Governor Greg Abbott added Shein and Temu to a state blacklist of prohibited technologies for government employees. The European Union has also launched an investigation into Shein over illegal items and platform design. Furthermore, this lawsuit follows a December 2025 announcement by Paxton of an investigation into Sheins labor practices and product safety.

This case forces a uncomfortable question onto the national stage: what is the true cost of cheap, online consumer goods? Texas argues that the bargain is unacceptable, trading affordable clothing and toys for poisoned products and compromised personal data. As this legal battle unfolds, it will test the power of a state to hold a global digital retailer accountable, challenging consumers to consider whether convenience and low prices are worth the potential risks to their familys health and their countrys security. The outcome will signal how seriously America intends to confront the intertwined issues of consumer safety and digital sovereignty in an age of geopolitical tension.

Sources for this article include:

TheEpochTimes.com

TexasAttorneyGeneral.gov

Reuters.com
Through the Looking Glass: The explosive memoir exposing elite corruption

"Through the Looking Glass: An American Refugee's Journey from the Naval Academy to the Global Stage" details the author's transformation from a patriotic Naval Academy midshipman to a disillusioned whistleblower, exposing systemic corruption, hazing, sexual assault cover-ups and institutional retaliation.

After expulsion, the author faced legal battles against a rigged systemincluding judges tied to Jeffrey Epstein's networkusing art (like his Crackhead Jesus series) to bypass censorship and expose judicial corruption.

The book reveals intelligence-linked blackmail operations, implicating Epstein as a Mossad asset, and compares elite exploitation in the music industry (e.g., P Diddy's predatory contracts) to institutional cover-ups.

In exile, the author witnessed China's Belt and Road Initiative as neo-colonialism, using debt traps to seize assets (e.g., Sri Lanka's ports), depicted in his art (The New Silk Road) as a warning.

Framing "wokeism" as Marxist thought control, the author advocates for art as an uncensorable tool of defiancehis Gonzo Journalism on Canvas exposes military torture, judicial corruption and psychological manipulation.

If there's one book that reads like a high-stakes thriller but carries the weight of a whistleblower's manifesto, it's "Through the Looking Glass: An American Refugee's Journey from the Naval Academy to the Global Stage." This gripping memoir isn't just about one man's journeyit's a damning indictment of systemic corruption, a survival guide for truth-tellers, and a masterclass in using art as a weapon against tyranny.

The author's story begins with an upbringing steeped in skepticismparents who questioned authority, books like "1984" and "Brave New World" that shaped his worldview, and a near-death experience that left him with an unshakable conviction: reality is not what we're told it is.

His disillusionment crystallized at the U.S. Naval Academy, an institution he entered as a patriotic idealist and left as a disillusioned whistleblower. The Academy, he reveals, was a cesspool of hazing, sexual assault cover-ups, financial fraud and institutionalized abuse.

When he dared to report these crimes, he was met with threats, retaliation and a kangaroo court justice system designed to protect the powerful. His account of witnessing a staged drug raid that nearly killed innocent fishermenonly for the incident to be buriedreads like something out of a dystopian novel.

When courts silenced truth, art spoke louder

The author's battle against the Naval Academy's corruption didn't end with his expulsionit escalated into a legal warzone. Judges tied to Epstein's network, SLAPP lawsuits and government-backed intimidation turned his life into a Kafkaesque nightmare. His description of Judge Donald W. Hafelethe same judge who presided over Jeffrey Epstein's sweetheart dealsilencing him in court is chilling.

But here's where the story takes a fascinating turn: Art became his loophole. When the courts forbade him from speaking, he painted. His "Crackhead Jesus" seriesa satirical, symbolic takedown of judicial corruptionused hidden imagery to evade censorship while exposing the rot.

The book's middle chapters pivot to the dark underbelly of global power, where intelligence agencies like the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Mossad operate blackmail networks to control politicians, CEOs and celebrities. Epstein, he argues, wasn't just a predatorhe was a Mossad asset, running a kompromat operation to ensnare elites. The parallels between Epstein's island and the Naval Academy's cover-ups are unnerving.

He also exposes Sean "Diddy" Combs' exploitation of Black artists, framing the music industry as a modern-day plantation where talent is harvested for profit while artists are trapped in predatory contracts and NDAs [nondisclosure agreements].

How DEI became the new chains

In exile, the author witnessed China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) firsthand, recognizing it as economic warfare. Countries like Sri Lanka, forced to hand over ports after defaulting on loans, serve as cautionary tales of neo-colonialism disguised as "development." His artwork The New Silk Roaddepicting China's tentacles strangling sovereign nationsbecame a rallying cry against globalist exploitation.

Perhaps the book's most provocative argument is that wokeism is Marxism repackaged. He traces its roots to Gramsci and the Frankfurt School, showing how language policing, cancel culture and DEI [Diversity, Equity and Inclusion] mandates are tools of psychological control. His painting The United Slaves of Americafeaturing Lady Liberty bound by chains labeled "equity" and "inclusion"captures this Orwellian reality perfectly.

The final act is a manifesto on how creativity circumvents censorship. His Gonzo Journalism on Canvasraw, symbolic and unapologetically confrontationaldocuments everything from military torture to judicial corruption. Unlike traditional whistleblowing, art can't be easily silenced.

"Through the Looking Glass" is a survival guide for the truth-tellers. It exposes how institutions protect predators, how intelligence agencies manipulate governments, and how art can be the ultimate act of defiance.

Who should read this?

Whistleblowers fighting institutional corruption

Artists seeking to weaponize creativity

Anyone questioning the narratives fed by governments and media

In an era of engineered consent, this book is a flamethrower against the lies. Read itthen pass it on.

Grab a copy of "Through the Looking Glass: An American Refugee's Journey from the Naval Academy to the Global Stage" via this link. Discover this book and other good reads at Books.BrightLearn.AI with thousands of books and counting  all available to freely download, read and share. The decentralized BrightLearn.AI engine also lets readers create their own books, empowering them to share insights and truths with the world.

Watch Victor-Hugo Vaca Jr. discussing rebellious art, Zionism, world events and other issues with the Health Ranger Mike Adams in this edition of the "Health Ranger Report".

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

BrightLearn.ai

Books.BrightLearn.ai

Brighteon.com
Trump pivots to 10% global tariff after Supreme Court defeat  and threatens to push it even higher

President Trump's new universal 10% tariff on imports has taken effect, reshaping global trade.

The tariff uses a 1970s law as a temporary tool to address trade imbalances.

Confusion reigns as the rate was briefly threatened to be 15% and may still increase.

The move has sparked international criticism and frozen some trade deals.

Businesses face higher costs and uncertainty while preparing for legal battles over refunds.

A sweeping new economic reality for global trade clicked into place at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, as President Donald Trumps universal 10% tariff on imports took effect. This bold move, a direct response to a Supreme Court ruling that dismantled his previous tariff architecture, immediately reshuffled the deck for nearly every U.S. trading partner. Implemented under a rarely used 1970s trade law, the tariff is a temporary but potent tool the administration is wielding to recalibrate what it sees as unbalanced international trade relationships, with a clear warning that the rate could soon jump even higher.

The new surcharge replaces the so-called reciprocal tariffs the Supreme Court invalidated on Friday. The court found Trump overstepped his authority by imposing those sweeping, country-specific levies under a 1977 emergency powers act without congressional approval. In a swift tactical pivot, the administration turned to Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, a statute never before used for this purpose, which allows a president to impose duties of up to 15% to address "large and serious" balance-of-payments deficits.

A temporary measure with immediate impact

This legal mechanism permits the tariffs to last only 150 days unless Congress grants an extension. According to the presidents proclamation, the temporary 10% levy targets imports from all countries but exempts certain essential items. These exemptions include pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, aerospace products, beef, and tomatoes. The tariff also does not apply to imports already subject to longstanding national security tariffs on items like steel and automobiles.

However, for goods not covered by those exemptions or sectoral tariffs, the new 10% charge will stack on top of any preexisting duties. This layering means import costs for many American companies could actually be higher now than they were before the Supreme Courts ruling. The financial burden falls on U.S. importers, and economists widely expect these increased costs will be passed on to American consumers.

Confusion and a looming threat

The rollout has been marked by significant confusion. Just one day after announcing the 10% tariff on Friday, a furious Trump declared on social media that he was raising it "effective immediately" to the "fully allowed, and legally tested, 15% level." Yet hours before the policy took effect, U.S. Customs and Border Protection informed importers the rate would begin at 10%. A White House official confirmed this, noting the administration is working on a separate order to raise it to 15%, with no clear timeline for when that will happen.

This back-and-forth has sparked international concern and frustration. "Pure tariff chaos from the U.S. administration," wrote Bernd Lange, a top European Union lawmaker from Germany. "No one can make sense of it anymore  only open questions and growing uncertainty." In response to the renewed uncertainty, the E.U. has frozen implementation of a major trade deal struck with the Trump administration last summer.

Trump has warned trading partners against exploiting the Supreme Courts decision. He wrote that any country that seeks to "play games" will face a "much higher" tariff, specifically threatening nations with which the United States runs trade deficits. This warning puts ongoing and fragile trade agreements in a precarious position, as many were negotiated under the legal framework the Supreme Court just struck down.

The global business community is reacting with weary adaptability. Fraser Smeaton, CEO of UK-based Morph Costumes, which manufactures in China and exports to the U.S., noted the lower-than-threatened rate is better but questioned its stability. "The fact that we're at 10% rather than 20% is better than it was, but will it stay that way?" he asked. His company, like many others, is now pursuing a refund for tariffs paid under the invalidated 1977 law.

For some, the immediate impact is manageable but the unpredictability is corrosive. Daniel Graham, managing director of the UK tea firm Birchall, summarized a common sentiment: "Good news that it's come in lower; bad news that it keeps changing." He noted that while his lower-cost product can absorb the current duty, persistently high or rising tariffs would force a reconsideration of export markets.

The Supreme Courts ruling opened the door for businesses to seek billions in tariff refunds, a process Justice Brett Kavanaugh predicted would be a "mess." Trump has indicated his administration will fight such refunds in court "for the next five years." This sets the stage for prolonged legal battles alongside the economic maneuvering.

An uncertain road ahead

As the 150-day clock ticks on this new tariff, the administrations strategy is clear: use maximum short-term pressure to force long-term concessions. The threat to elevate the rate to 15% hangs over every negotiation. Trading partners from Europe to Asia are now forced to recalculate, unsure if the deals they thought they had are still valid or if they are starting from scratch under a new, more unilateral set of rules.

The coming weeks will reveal whether this aggressive use of presidential trade authority provokes retaliation and escalates into a broader conflict, or whether it forces the "rebalancing" the administration seeks. For businesses and consumers caught in the middle, the only certainty is that the rules of engagement have changed, and the final cost of this recalibration is still being written.

Sources for this article include:

Asia.Nikkei.com

NBCNews.com

BBC.com
U.S. accelerates major military deployment as Iran deadline looms

The U.S. is accelerating a major military deployment with a mid-March deadline to have all forces in place for potential operations against Iran, marking the most significant preparation for direct conflict in decades.

This show of force is a deliberate strategy, involving a formidable naval armada in the Persian Gulf and Mediterranean, designed to enable strikes without relying on reluctant Gulf state bases.

A parallel diplomatic track is faltering, with Iran given until roughly the end of February to offer written concessions on U.S. demands regarding missiles and proxies, after which the military option becomes primary.

Military options under consideration range widely, from limited strikes on nuclear and missile targets to extreme "decapitation strikes" on leadership or a full regime-change campaign.

The situation risks a devastating regional war, with Iran vowing to retaliate against U.S. bases and potentially block the Strait of Hormuz, while the U.S. faces a credibility crisis after decades of unfulfilled warnings about Iran's nuclear program.

In a high-stakes gamble that could determine war or peace in the Middle East, the U.S. is accelerating a massive military deployment with the intent of having all forces in place for a potential operation against Iran by mid-March. This urgent timeline, confirmed by U.S. officials to The Washington Post, coincides with fragile diplomatic talks and deliberate public saber-rattling by the Trump administration, setting the stage for a crisis with global repercussions. The move represents the most significant preparation for direct conflict with Tehran in decades, raising the specter of a regional war that could draw in American allies, endanger global oil supplies and test the credibility of U.S. power.

A deliberate show of force

The administration is not hiding its intentions. Officials state that the public demonstration of military muscle is a calculated component of its strategy. This involves a formidable naval armada, including the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group already positioned in the Persian Gulf and the USS Gerald R. Ford, a second aircraft carrier, currently transiting to the Mediterranean. They are accompanied by guided-missile destroyers, littoral combat ships and a nuclear submarine. This naval power allows the U.S. to launch strikes without relying on bases in Arab Gulf states, whose governments fear Iranian retaliation and have refused to host offensive operations.

The diplomatic facade and the hard deadline

This military surge unfolds alongside a diplomatic track that appears increasingly precarious. Indirect talks between U.S. envoys and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Geneva have yielded vague claims of "progress." However, the fundamental chasm remains unbridged: the U.S. demands restrictions on Iran's ballistic missile program and its support for regional proxies, conditions Tehran has repeatedly rejected. The administration is now awaiting a written Iranian response, but the patience is wearing thin. Sources indicate Iran may only have until the end of February to offer meaningful concessions before the military option moves to the fore.

The gravity of the moment was underscored this week when President Donald Trump's top national security advisers convened in the White House Situation Room. While no final decision for war was made, officials signaled that the military footprint necessary for action would be complete within weeks. The Pentagon is simultaneously moving additional weaponry, including air defense systems like Patriots and has evacuated some personnel from the regiona clear sign of preparing for potential Iranian counterattacks. The strategy mirrors the buildup that preceded U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June, an operation that lasted less than 30 minutes but marked the first American attack on Iranian soil.

Targets and escalation: From limited strikes to regime change

The range of military options under consideration is vast, reflecting a deep internal debate. On one end are limited strikes aimed at degrading Iran's ability to rebuild its nuclear facilities or target its ballistic missile depots and drone manufacturing plants. Such targets could include the deeply buried nuclear site known as Pickaxe Mountain, which was spared in the June attacks. More extreme options involve so-called "decapitation strikes" aimed at Iran's leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, or a full-scale campaign intended to topple the regime itself. Some analysts caution that for a regime-change objective, current U.S. assets in the region may still be insufficient.

A critical unknown is the role of Israel. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has long opposed diplomacy with Iran and advocated for military action. Reports suggest preparations are underway in Israel for possible joint strikes. Any U.S. attack, whether solo or with Israel, would risk a devastating regional conflagration. Iran has vowed to retaliate by targeting U.S. bases across the Middle Eastwhere nearly 50,000 American troops are stationedand has repeatedly threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for 20% of the world's oil. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has already warned that a new strike would be "playing with fire."

A history of warnings and a crisis of credibility

U.S. intelligence assessments and political leaders have issued repeated, alarmist warnings that Iran was mere years away from a nuclear weaponpredictions that have consistently failed to materialize. The administration faces a crisis of its own making: having promised protesters during recent Iranian unrest that "help is on the way," and then failing to act, American credibility is perceived to be on the line. A failure to follow through on military threats could be seen as weakness, while acting on them risks an unwinnable war.

"American credibility with Iran is portrayed as contingent on action, specifically by holding Iran accountable and refusing to negotiate," said BrightU.AI's Enoch. "The perspective argues that credibility is proven by accurate geopolitical foresight and must be upheld through unwavering principle. It concludes that this stance is a matter of survival and essential decency."

The coming weeks will determine whether Iran's written response provides a diplomatic off-ramp or whether the Trump administration, influenced by hardline advisers and allied with a nervous Israel, decides the time for talk has passed. As forces converge and deadlines tighten, the Middle East stands on the precipice of a conflict that could redefine it for a generation, a stark reminder that the drums of war often beat loudest when the doors to dialogue are deliberately held ajar.

Watch as HealthRanger Mike Adams discusses WAR ALERT: TRUMP BOMBS IRAN, setting off WORLD WAR escalation scenario.

This video is from the Rick Langley channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

SputnikGlobe.com

NBCNews.com

TheGuardian.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
U.S. intelligence played pivotal role in operation that killed cartel boss

U.S. intelligence provided critical support to Mexican forces in a raid that resulted in the death of Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

The U.S. Joint Interagency Task Force-Counter Cartel (JITF-CC) supplied detailed targeting data on El Mencho's movements, though no American personnel were physically present during the operation.

CJNG, one of Mexico's most powerful and brutal cartels, flooded U.S. streets with fentanyl, cocaine and meth  fueling a deadly addiction crisis and prompting its designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in 2024.

The operation signals a shift toward deeper U.S. military and intelligence engagement in Mexico's drug war, raising concerns about potential blowback, including cartel retaliation and unintended strengthening of criminal networks.

Following El Mencho's death, CJNG launched violent reprisals, attacking Guadalajara's airport and blockading highways, demonstrating the cartel's continued threat despite the leadership loss.

U.S. intelligence provided critical support to Mexican forces in a high-stakes operation on Sunday, Feb. 22, that culminated in the death of one of Mexico's most feared drug lords.

Mexican armed forces carried out the raid in the town of Talpalpa in Mexico's Jalisco state. What was originally an attempt to apprehend 59-year-old Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), ended in his elimination. While the raid marks a significant victory in the ongoing battle against transnational narcoterrorism, it raises questions about escalating U.S. involvement in Mexico's drug war.

According to a former U.S. official who spoke anonymously to Reuters, American agencies delivered a comprehensive targeting package to Mexican authorities, detailing El Mencho's movements, networks and operational strongholds. This intelligence, compiled by U.S. law enforcement and surveillance assets, was instrumental in pinpointing the cartel leader's location ahead of the deadly confrontation.

The U.S. Joint Interagency Task Force-Counter Cartel (JITF-CC), a newly formed military-led unit specializing in cartel intelligence, reportedly played a role in the operation. However, officials emphasized that no American personnel were physically present during the raid.

El Mencho, whose cartel rose to dominance after the downfall of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, had long evaded capture despite a $15 million U.S. bounty. His CJNG empire, valued between $500 million and $1 billion, flooded American streets with fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine  fueling an addiction crisis that claimed tens of thousands of lives annually.

The Trump administration's December 2024 designation of CJNG as a Foreign Terrorist Organization  a move that unlocked expanded military surveillance and targeting capabilities  signaled a more aggressive U.S. stance against Mexican cartels. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt praised the operation, stating that U.S. President Donald Trump's pressure on Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to intensify cartel crackdowns had borne fruit. "The U.S. will ensure narcoterrorists sending deadly drugs to our homeland are forced to face the wrath of justice they have long deserved," Leavitt declared.

Retaliation mode: Cartel warfare escalates

Yet the collaboration also underscores deepening militarization in the drug war. U.S. Brig. Gen. Maurizio Calabrese, who leads the JITF-CC, compared cartel interdiction efforts to counterterrorism campaigns against groups like al-Qaeda.

The fallout was immediate. Hours after El Mencho's death, CJNG gunmen stormed Guadalajara International Airport, torched vehicles and blockaded highways across multiple states  a stark reminder of the cartel's retaliatory capabilities.

While Mexican officials downplayed direct U.S. involvement in the raid, the operation's reliance on American intelligence highlights a strategic shift. Washington is no longer content with mere border enforcement but is actively shaping Mexico's internal security operations.

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch engine, the U.S. assisting Mexico in the war against drug cartels risks arming and empowering these criminal organizations with American military equipment, which could escalate violence and national security threats. This misguided support could inadvertently strengthen cartels, destabilize border states and leave the U.S. vulnerable to multi-front crises amid already strained ammunition and defense capabilities.

As the dust settles, the killing of El Mencho represents both a tactical win and a potential escalation point. With cartels increasingly resembling paramilitary forces  and U.S. surveillance tools now fully deployed against them  the stage is set for a protracted, shadowy conflict where intelligence-sharing may prove as decisive as firepower. For now, however, Washington and Mexico City are framing this operation as proof that even the most elusive kingpins are no longer beyond reach.

Watch this video about the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's narco-map, and how groups like CJNG and the Sinaloa Cartel are dividing Mexico.

This video is from the TREASURE OF THE SUN channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

Reuters.com

Axios.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Solar storms unleash massive bursts of charged particles from the sun, reaching Earth's atmosphere and sparking debates about their influence on earthquakes. Scientists have put forward models linking these solar events to seismic shifts, blending space weather with ground-level tremors in ways that challenge traditional views. A fresh ScienceDaily article from February 24, 2026, highlights Kyoto University research proposing that solar flares disturb the ionosphere, generating electric fields that could nudge fragile crustal fractures toward rupture.

Grasping Solar Storms

Solar storms kick off during periods of high sun activity, often marked by sunspots and magnetic upheavals on the sun's surface. Flares erupt suddenly, while coronal mass ejections hurl billions of tons of plasma toward Earth at millions of miles per hour. When these hit our planet's magnetosphere, they trigger geomagnetic disturbances that ripple through the ionospherea layer of the atmosphere buzzing with electrons and ions. Sites like Gizmodo have covered these wild solar flare studies proposing links to quakes.

These ionospheric changes show up as spikes in total electron content, sometimes jumping by tens of percent. The ScienceDaily piece details how surges of several tens of TEC units from major solar flares might create electrostatic pressures of several megapascals in crustal voids, akin to tidal stresses. Researchers at places like Kyoto University point out how this alters electric fields across vast areas. The particles don't pierce deep into the crust on their own, but the electromagnetic effects might reach fault lines through subtle couplings. SciTechDaily reports on scientists proposing surprising space weather-quake connections, much like analyses in Chaos journal.

Past solar cycles, peaking every 11 years, have long been tracked by satellites such as Swarm and GOES. Right now, in 2026, we're riding the crest of such a maximum, with storms growing more frequent. This timing fuels fresh interest, as electron density surges create conditions some models tie to crustal stress tweaks. Astronomy.com has explored how powerful sun eruptions might trigger earthquakes.

Earthquake Dynamics and Outside Influences

Earthquakes happen when built-up stress along fault lines snaps, sending shockwaves through the ground. Tectonic plates grind slowly, storing energy until a critical pointmuch like a rubber band stretched to its limit. Most quakes trace back to this internal dance, but external forces like ocean tides or atmospheric pressure shifts can nudge things along on faults already teetering.

Solar storms enter this picture as a potential external player. The idea hinges on ionospheric disturbances charging up rock pores and fractures near the surface. These act like tiny capacitors, building electrostatic pressure that mimics tidal strains but hits faster and in targeted spots. A Kyoto University model from early 2026 describes how surges of 20 or more TEC units could generate 0.1 megapascals of forcesmall, but enough to tip a fault stressed to 90% capacity, as outlined in the ScienceDaily coverage of ionospheric anomalies before major quakes. Live Science delved into controversial claims that solar flares trigger quakes.

Skeptics, including voices from the USGS, argue these forces pale against tectonic might. Yet proponents draw from older work, like a 2012 paper on SCIRP.org crunching numbers on solar activity preceding quakes. Layered with newer data from Tsukuba University in 2022, patterns emerge: seismic upticks aligning with sunspot peaks, improving forecast tweaks by around 15% in some hybrid models. Science News Today highlighted these findings, weaving plasma physics into geophysics without overthrowing plate theory.

Spotlight on Key Research

Diving into specific research reveals a patchwork of evidence. The Kyoto team simulated fault zones as networks of voids filled with conductive fluids, as detailed on botanchik.ru and expanded in ScienceDaily's report on capacitive coupling from solar-charged ionospheric layers. Solar-induced electrons flood the ionosphere, inducing fields that charge these voids unevenly. Pressure builds across pore walls, straining the rock until micro-slips cascade into quakesa "straw that breaks the camel's back" scenario.

Tsukuba's 2022 analysis scanned decades of data, spotting correlations between solar radio bursts and global seismicity, especially under polar cusps where particles funnel deepest. They factored in sunspot numbers alongside quake catalogs, finding alignments during solar maxima that traditional models miss. Chaos journal papers built on this, modeling ionosphere-crust coupling through electromagnetic waves penetrating shallow crust. Open Access Government discussed solar wind provoking earthquakes via magnetosphere-solid Earth tornadoes.

A February 2026 cluster of events added real-time intrigue: intense solar flares preceded minor quakes in high-latitude zones. Japan's Noto Peninsula magnitude 7.6 in 2024 followed similar flares, with the ScienceDaily article noting its timing shortly after intense solar activity, though not as proof of causation. Historical echoes appear too, like the 2011 Tohoku event syncing with solar radio noise. These studies don't claim solar storms cause quakes outrightthey position them as accelerators. Statistical noise plagues the field, with millions of minor events yearly, but refined datasets from ionospheric monitors like GNSS stations bolster the case.

Critics push back hard. USGS statements emphasize tectonics drive 99% of activity, viewing solar ties as coincidence amid natural cycles. Randomized controls remain elusive, and no lab has replicated the full chain yet. Still, the hypothesis sparks hybrid monitoring: seismic nets paired with space weather feeds. Even Reddit's r/askscience threads have weighed in on causal links between solar flaring and seismic activity.

Patterns in the Real World

Examples pepper the record. In late 2025, geomagnetic storms overlapped with tremors near fault-prone polar edges. No single event proves causation, but clusters during solar peaks raise eyebrows. Japan's recent activity stands out2024's Noto quake hit days after flare barrages, with ionospheric TEC spiking beforehand, aligning with Kyoto's observations shared via ScienceDaily. Global logs show similar timings in 2011 and earlier cycles. Proponents argue these aren't flukes; faults near failure respond to any nudge, solar or lunar. Antihackingonline.com examined ideas around solar storms and CMEs triggering quakes in December 2025 discussions.

Opponents counter with scale: solar pressures max at fractions of tectonic loads. Correlation isn't causation, demanding peer-reviewed causation tests. Yet as solar maximum intensifies through 2026, satellites track electron plumes in real time, feeding models that might validate or debunk. The debate thrives on nuance. Plasma experts see viable physics; seismologists demand quake-scale proof. Interdisciplinary papers keep the conversation alive, blending observations without bold predictions.

Solar Peaks and Watchful Eyes

Sunspots cluster now, driving more flares and CMEs as the 11-year cycle crests. Satellites like Swarm map ionospheric shifts, while ground arrays catch seismic whispers. Blending these could sharpen alerts in risky zones, like subduction edges or rift valleys. Researchers call for long-term stats: track TEC anomalies against quake logs over solar cycles. If patterns hold, space weather forecasts might flag "high nudge" days for vulnerable faults. No crystal ball yet, but the push reframes quakes as a system open to solar input.

Space Weather's Role in Seismic Awareness

Solar maximum trends into late 2026 offer prime testing ground, with ionospheric data enriching seismic watches. Hybrid approaches might spot patterns missed by earthbound tools alone, nudging preparedness without false alarms. As studies evolvefrom Kyoto simulations detailed in ScienceDaily to Tsukuba statsthe solar storms and earthquakes link grows sharper, inviting fresh eyes on how space shapes our ground.

Solar storms unleash massive bursts of charged particles from the sun, reaching Earth's atmosphere and sparking debates about their influence on earthquakes. Scientists have put forward models linking these solar events to seismic shifts, blending space weather with ground-level tremors in ways that challenge traditional views.

Grasping Solar Storms

Solar storms kick off during periods of high sun activity, often marked by sunspots and magnetic upheavals on the sun's surface. Flares erupt suddenly, while coronal mass ejections hurl billions of tons of plasma toward Earth at millions of miles per hour. When these hit our planet's magnetosphere, they trigger geomagnetic disturbances that ripple through the ionospherea layer of the atmosphere buzzing with electrons and ions. Sites like Gizmodo have covered these wild solar flare studies proposing links to quakes.

These ionospheric changes show up as spikes in total electron content, sometimes jumping by tens of percent. Researchers at places like Kyoto University point out how this alters electric fields across vast areas. The particles don't pierce deep into the crust on their own, but the electromagnetic effects might reach fault lines through subtle couplings. SciTechDaily reports on scientists proposing surprising space weather-quake connections, much like analyses in Chaos journal.

Past solar cycles, peaking every 11 years, have long been tracked by satellites such as Swarm and GOES. Right now, in 2026, we're riding the crest of such a maximum, with storms growing more frequent. This timing fuels fresh interest, as electron density surges create conditions some models tie to crustal stress tweaks. Astronomy.com has explored how powerful sun eruptions might trigger earthquakes.

Earthquake Dynamics and Outside Influences

Earthquakes happen when built-up stress along fault lines snaps, sending shockwaves through the ground. Tectonic plates grind slowly, storing energy until a critical pointmuch like a rubber band stretched to its limit. Most quakes trace back to this internal dance, but external forces like ocean tides or atmospheric pressure shifts can nudge things along on faults already teetering.

Solar storms enter this picture as a potential external player. The idea hinges on ionospheric disturbances charging up rock pores and fractures near the surface. These act like tiny capacitors, building electrostatic pressure that mimics tidal strains but hits faster and in targeted spots. A Kyoto University model from early 2026 describes how surges of 20 or more TEC units could generate 0.1 megapascals of forcesmall, but enough to tip a fault stressed to 90% capacity. Live Science delved into controversial claims that solar flares trigger quakes.

Skeptics, including voices from the USGS, argue these forces pale against tectonic might. Yet proponents draw from older work, like a 2012 paper on SCIRP.org crunching numbers on solar activity preceding quakes. Layered with newer data from Tsukuba University in 2022, patterns emerge: seismic upticks aligning with sunspot peaks, improving forecast tweaks by around 15% in some hybrid models. Science News Today highlighted these findings, weaving plasma physics into geophysics without overthrowing plate theory.

Spotlight on Key Research

Diving into specific research reveals a patchwork of evidence. The Kyoto team simulated fault zones as networks of voids filled with conductive fluids, as detailed on botanchik.ru. Solar-induced electrons flood the ionosphere, inducing fields that charge these voids unevenly. Pressure builds across pore walls, straining the rock until micro-slips cascade into quakesa "straw that breaks the camel's back" scenario.

Tsukuba's 2022 analysis scanned decades of data, spotting correlations between solar radio bursts and global seismicity, especially under polar cusps where particles funnel deepest. They factored in sunspot numbers alongside quake catalogs, finding alignments during solar maxima that traditional models miss. Chaos journal papers built on this, modeling ionosphere-crust coupling through electromagnetic waves penetrating shallow crust. Open Access Government discussed solar wind provoking earthquakes via magnetosphere-solid Earth tornadoes.

A February 2026 cluster of events added real-time intrigue: intense solar flares preceded minor quakes in high-latitude zones. Japan's Noto Peninsula magnitude 7.6 in 2024 followed similar flares. Historical echoes appear too, like the 2011 Tohoku event syncing with solar radio noise. These studies don't claim solar storms cause quakes outrightthey position them as accelerators. Statistical noise plagues the field, with millions of minor events yearly, but refined datasets from ionospheric monitors like GNSS stations bolster the case.

Critics push back hard. USGS statements emphasize tectonics drive 99% of activity, viewing solar ties as coincidence amid natural cycles. Randomized controls remain elusive, and no lab has replicated the full chain yet. Still, the hypothesis sparks hybrid monitoring: seismic nets paired with space weather feeds. Even Reddit's r/askscience threads have weighed in on causal links between solar flaring and seismic activity.

Patterns in the Real World

Examples pepper the record. In late 2025, geomagnetic storms overlapped with tremors near fault-prone polar edges. No single event proves causation, but clusters during solar peaks raise eyebrows. Japan's recent activity stands out2024's Noto quake hit days after flare barrages, with ionospheric TEC spiking beforehand. Global logs show similar timings in 2011 and earlier cycles. Proponents argue these aren't flukes; faults near failure respond to any nudge, solar or lunar. Antihackingonline.com examined ideas around solar storms and CMEs triggering quakes in December 2025 discussions.

Opponents counter with scale: solar pressures max at fractions of tectonic loads. Correlation isn't causation, demanding peer-reviewed causation tests. Yet as solar maximum intensifies through 2026, satellites track electron plumes in real time, feeding models that might validate or debunk. The debate thrives on nuance. Plasma experts see viable physics; seismologists demand quake-scale proof. Interdisciplinary papers keep the conversation alive, blending observations without bold predictions.

Solar Peaks and Watchful Eyes

Sunspots cluster now, driving more flares and CMEs as the 11-year cycle crests. Satellites like Swarm map ionospheric shifts, while ground arrays catch seismic whispers. Blending these could sharpen alerts in risky zones, like subduction edges or rift valleys. Researchers call for long-term stats: track TEC anomalies against quake logs over solar cycles. If patterns hold, space weather forecasts might flag "high nudge" days for vulnerable faults. No crystal ball yet, but the push reframes quakes as a system open to solar input.

Space Weather's Role in Seismic Awareness

Solar maximum trends into late 2026 offer prime testing ground, with ionospheric data enriching seismic watches. Hybrid approaches might spot patterns missed by earthbound tools alone, nudging preparedness without false alarms. As studies evolvefrom Kyoto simulations to Tsukuba statsthe solar storms and earthquakes link grows sharper, inviting fresh eyes on how space shapes our ground.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can solar storms actually cause earthquakes?

Solar storms don't directly cause earthquakes but may act as a trigger on faults already near rupture. Kyoto University models suggest ionospheric electron surges create electrostatic pressuresaround 0.1 megapascalsthat nudge stressed crustal zones, much like lunar tides. Sites like ScienceDaily detail this as a potential "final straw" without overturning tectonic basics.

2. What evidence links solar storms to earthquakes?

Studies show ionospheric anomalies, like TEC spikes, often precede major quakes and align with solar flares or CMEs. Japan's 2024 Noto Peninsula event followed intense solar activity, per ScienceDaily and Live Science reports. Statistical patterns from Tsukuba and Chaos journal tie solar maxima to seismic upticks, improving hybrid forecasts by up to 15%.

3. How do solar storms affect Earth's ionosphere?

Charged particles from flares boost electron density in the ionosphere by tens of TEC units, altering electric fields. This capacitive coupling might charge rock pores near faults, generating subtle stresses. Gizmodo and SciTechDaily highlight how satellites like Swarm track these shifts during solar peaks.

4. Why do skeptics dismiss the solar storms-earthquakes connection?

USGS and critics argue tectonic forces dominate, with solar effects too weakfractions of tectonic loadsand correlations likely coincidental amid millions of events. No lab proof exists for the full chain, and solar cycles match many natural rhythms. Reddit discussions echo calls for rigorous causation tests.

5. Could monitoring solar storms improve earthquake predictions?

Blending space weather data with seismic nets might flag high-risk windows during solar maxima, especially in polar cusp zones. Ongoing 2026 research tests this via GNSS and Swarm satellites. ScienceDaily notes Kyoto's push for hybrid models, though full predictions remain elusive.

6. When are solar storms most likely to influence earthquakes?

During solar maximumlike now in 2026when flares and CMEs peak every 11 years. Faults stressed 90% to failure under polar regions or subduction zones show highest sensitivity in models. Astronomy.com links powerful eruptions to potential triggers during these cycles.
One in five Australians will switch to a competitor after a slow automated experience. Twilios Nicholas Kontopoulos breaks down practical ways SMEs can use AI without destroying trust.

Whats happening: New research from Twilio reveals a sharp divide between how patient Australians think they are and how they actually behave when dealing with AI-powered customer service.

Why this matters: While 96% of Australians believe they are expected to remain patient and polite in customer service interactions, only 64% report actually maintaining patience when interacting online with brands.

Australians have long traded on the no worries reputation. But according to new research, that goodwill evaporates the moment a chatbot enters the room.

Half of Australian consumers say that the use of AI in customer service is making them less patient, and they are more likely to lose patience when interacting with AI agents than with human agents. 53% of those surveyed said they are patient with AI-powered chatbots and 54% with automated voice menus, while the figures were significantly higher for human interactions, at 88% for live chat with a human and 90% for phone calls with a human agent.

The stakes are not just reputational. One in five Australians say they would stop using a product or service or switch to a competitor if service interactions through automated systems take longer than expected. Australian consumers are also more likely than others in the Asia Pacific region to downgrade their opinion of a brand following poor customer service, at 34% compared to 29% regionally.

For SMEs that are automating more of their customer interactions, the clear message is that automation alone is not enough.

Trust buys time

The research found that frustration does not simply come from slow response times. It comes from a breakdown in trust. Top frustrations for consumers when interacting with AI-powered customer service include not understanding their question, at 52%, having to repeat themselves multiple times, at 48%, and scripted or robotic answers, at 46%.

But the data also contains a practical upside for business owners. Consumers are willing to wait longer, if they feel protected. According to the report, consumers would accept some delays in digital experiences, such as longer wait times or extra verification steps, if it means better security or data protection, with 66% agreeing to this trade-off, or better or more accurate customer support, at 59%.

A prominent concern for consumers interacting through digital or automated channels was feeling that their personal data is safe and secure, cited by 38%, and that brands are transparent about what is happening with their information, cited by 28%. SMEs that communicate clearly about data handling are, in effect, extending the patience of their customers before frustration sets in.

Nicholas Kontopoulos, Vice President of Marketing for Asia Pacific and Japan at Twilio, said the challenge for brands is not just technical. Brands must recognise that to realise AIs potential in optimising interactions and increasing efficiency in customer service, the technology needs high-quality, contextual data underpinned by trust and transparency. With the right foundations, AI can be a tool to ease friction, but should not be a substitute for empathy, he said.

Keep the human door open

Even where AI performs well, customers want to know a human is available. More than four in five Australians, at 84%, say being able to quickly escalate from an AI agent to a human is essential. Nearly half prefer to start their enquiry directly with a human agent, even when it takes longer.

That preference extends to how AI itself should feel. Scripted or robotic responses were among the leading complaints from surveyed Australians. Consumers want to be able to interrupt, to be spoken to naturally, and to hold a conversation in their preferred language. Advanced voice AI tools now make this possible, though adoption among smaller businesses remains uneven.

Australian property financing company Lendi Group was cited in the research as an example of a hybrid model working in practice. The company uses always on AI agents to handle administrative and routine tasks, freeing human brokers to focus on complex conversations and relationship-building.

Experts across the industry have consistently pointed to hybrid approaches as the most effective model, with AI managing volume and humans managing nuance.

Data makes it personal

The final piece of the puzzle is personalisation. The top concern for close to half of local consumers when dealing with agentic AI was that it would not understand their needs or context.

When AI agents are equipped with quality first-party data, they can speak to customers with full knowledge of past interactions and preferences, and take actions that reflect that context. Rather than retrieving information for a customer to act on themselves, an agentic AI can perform tasks on their behalf, such as rebooking a flight and updating a travel itinerary automatically.

Kontopoulos summed it up plainly. Australian consumers certainly see themselves as more patient than the average respondent across the rest of the APJ region. But that patience evaporates quickly when service lacks the human touch. The real differentiator will be how well brands strike that fine balance between efficiency with genuine, human connections that build enduring trust, loyalty and long-term competitive advantage, he said.

For SMEs, the path forward is not about pulling back from AI. It is about deploying it in a way that keeps customers informed, protected, and never more than one click away from a real person.

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The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan has verified that Pakistani airstrikes in Nangarhar Province killed at least 13 civilians and wounded seven others. Further strikes were documented in Paktika Province, damaging a madrassa, mosque, and a home. Afghan authorities allege one strike killed up to 23 members of a single family, though this is unconfirmed. The Baloch National Movement condemned the attacks as a breach of Afghan sovereignty.

UN mission confirms Pakistani airstrikes killed at least 13 civilians in Afghanistan, with women and children among the dead. Casualty toll may rise.

Kabul, February 25 The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan has verified that Pakistani air raids conducted in Afghanistan during the night of February 21-22 which led to civilian casualties, according to a report by The Balochistan Post.

As per UNAMA, Pakistani forces carried out aerial strikes in the Behsud and Khogyani districts of Nangarhar Province. Initial findings suggest that at least 13 civilians lost their lives and seven others were wounded. The mission stated that women and children were among the deceased, TBP reported.

The UN body also documented further airstrikes in the Barmal and Urgun districts of Paktika Province. The first attack occurred around 11:15 pm on February 21 in the Murghai area of Barmal district, where a madrassa structure and a nearby mosque sustained damage. Approximately 15 minutes later, a second strike hit the Dhana area of Urgun district, targeting an unoccupied private residence that was partially destroyed. No casualties were reported in these two incidents.

UNAMA expressed continued concern over the impact on civilians and cautioned that the casualty toll might rise as additional details become available.

Officials from the administration of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan alleged that an airstrike in the Gardi Kach area of Behsud district struck the home of a man identified as Shahabuddin, killing between 20 and 23 members of one family, including 11 children as well as several women and men. These reported figures have not been independently confirmed, TBP highlighted.

Afghan authorities further stated that five injured individuals were transported to a local hospital in Nangarhar for medical treatment.

Meanwhile, the Baloch National Movement (BNM) released a statement denouncing the strikes, asserting that Pakistan targeted populated areas in Afghanistan during the night of February 21-22, resulting in civilian deaths, including children. The group extended condolences to the affected families and affirmed its support for Afghanistan's sovereignty and right to self-defence. In its statement, the BNM described the air raids as a breach of Afghanistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. It also claimed that civilians had been intentionally targeted and argued that the incidents contradicted Pakistan's official narrative regarding the purpose of the strikes, as cited in the TBP report.

The BNM additionally contended that regional instability is rooted in what it characterised as Pakistan's long-standing policies and actions in neighbouring areas. The organisation called for greater unity among regional nations in response to what it described as escalating tensions, according to TBP.

- ANI
In his State of the Union address, President Donald Trump claimed he ended eight wars within his first ten months in office, specifically citing conflicts between Pakistan and India, and others. He asserted that 35 million people said the Prime Minister of Pakistan would have died without his intervention during a recent operation. Trump declared a historic turnaround for America under his leadership, criticizing past administrations and outlining domestic policy successes. He also addressed border security, the economy, and pledged to confront threats to American security.

In his State of the Union, Trump claimed he prevented a nuclear war between India and Pakistan and ended eight global conflicts in his first ten months.

Washington, Feb 25 US President Donald Trump has yet again reiterated his claim of "ending eight wars" and said that "35 million people said that the Prime Minister of Pakistan would have died" if it were not for his intervention during the recent Operation Sindoor launched by India against the terror infrastructure.

Speaking at his State of the Union address at the White House on Tuesday (local time), Trump said, "First ten months, I ended eight wars, including Cambodia and Thailand, Pakistan and India, we would have been a nuclear war. 35 million people said the Prime Minister of Pakistan would have died if it were not for my involvement."

"Kosovo and Serbia, Israel and Iran, Egypt and Ethiopia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, Congo and Rwanda and of course the war in Gaza," -- conflicts he further claimed to have ended.

A few months back, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif had told Trump that 35 million Pakistanis would have been killed during Operation Sindoor had he not stepped in.

Trump declared that America had witnessed "a turnaround for the ages" in just one year of his leadership, telling Congress that the country had achieved "a transformation like no one has ever seen before."

"Tonight, after just one year, I can say with dignity and pride that we have achieved a transformation like no one has ever seen before, and a turnaround for the ages. We will never go back to where we were just a short time ago," Trump said in excerpts of his State of the Union address obtained by IANS from the White House.

His first State of the Union Address of his Second Term is expected to break the previous records of the longest such address. Informed sources said that they would not be surprised if it crossed 1 hour 45 minutes.

Invoking the founding ideals of the United States, he said, "From 1776 to today, every generation of Americans has stepped forward to defend life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for the next. Now, it is our turn."

He added that his administration was building "a nation where every child has the chance to reach higher and go farther --where government answers to the people, not the powerful -- and where the interests of hardworking American Citizens are always our first and ultimate concern."

On the economy, Trump predicted sustained domestic growth. "Moving forward, factories, jobs, investment, and trillions of dollars will continue pouring into the United States of America -- because we finally have a president who puts America First," he said.

He criticised previous administrations, saying that "everything was stolen and rigged in order to drain the wealth out of the productive, hardworking people who make our country run."

The President also claimed success in lowering drug prices. "I am also ending the wildly inflated cost of prescription drugs. Other presidents tried to do it, but they never could. They were all talk and no action. I got it done," he said.

On housing policy, Trump said, "Last month, I signed an Executive Order to ban large Wall Street investment firms from buying up, in the thousands, single-family homes." He added that he was asking Congress to make the ban permanent, saying, "homes are for people, not corporations."

Turning to corruption and alleged fraud, Trump cited Minnesota. "There has been no more stunning example than Minnesota -- where members of the Somali community have pillaged an estimated $19 billion from the American taxpayer," he said.

On border and homeland security, he accused Democrats of cutting funding. "As we speak, Democrats in this chamber have cut off all funding for the Department of Homeland Security. They have closed the agency responsible for protecting Americans from terrorists and murderers," he said.

"Tonight, I am demanding the full and immediate restoration of all funding for the Border Security and Homeland Security of the United States."

He pledged to keep communities safe, saying, "dangerous repeat offenders continue to be released by pro-crime politicians again and again."

On foreign policy, Trump said, "As President, I will make peace wherever I can -- but I will never hesitate to confront threats to America wherever we must." He also promised to restore "American security and dominance in the Western Hemisphere," noting that "large swaths of territory in our region, including large parts of Mexico, have been controlled by murderous drug cartels."

Closing on a patriotic note, he said, "The Revolution that began in 1776 has not ended -- it still continues, because the flame of Liberty and Independence still burns in the hearts of every American Patriot."

The State of the Union is an annual address delivered by the US President to a joint session of Congress, outlining policy priorities and legislative goals. It is closely watched in Washington and internationally, including in India, given the United States' economic and strategic influence.

Trump's remarks come amid sharp partisan divisions over immigration, healthcare, housing and national security. His "America First" agenda has shaped US domestic and foreign policy debates in recent years, with implications for trade, alliances and global diplomacy.

- IANS
The Bharti Airtel Foundation and the Indian Army's Northern Command have reaffirmed their partnership to strengthen education in Army Goodwill Schools across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The next phase will roll out professional development courses for teachers via a digital platform, aligned with the National Education Policy. New career counselling cells will be established to guide students on academic and vocational pathways. The collaboration also aims to engage students in emerging technologies like Robotics and Artificial Intelligence.

Bharti Airtel Foundation and Indian Army's Northern Command renew commitment to enhance teacher training and student career guidance in Army Goodwill Schools.

Udhampur, February 25 Bharti Airtel Foundation and the Northern Command of the Indian Army have reaffirmed their joint commitment to delivering equitable, high-quality education to children in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh through the Army Goodwill Schools Program.

The announcement was made after a high-level meeting, held on February 23, between Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, SYSM, PVSM, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Northern Command, and Binu Nair, Chief Operating Officer of the Bharti Airtel Foundation, held at the Northern Command headquarters in Udhampur.

For over nine years, Bharti Airtel Foundation's Quality Support Program has worked with the Northern Command to strengthen teacher capacity, improve classroom practice, and expand student opportunities, helping build stronger and more resilient Army Goodwill Schools ecosystems.

According to the release by Bharti Airtel Foundation, "As part of the next phase of engagement, Bharti Airtel Foundation announced the rollout of specially created professional development courses for AGS educators through TheTeacherApp, its free-for-life digital learning platform dedicated to continuous teacher growth."

These initiatives will be aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and delivered through structured in-person teacher training sessions complemented by continuous digital access to TheTeacherApp. The customised program will focus on strengthening inclusive foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) classroom practice, building teacher confidence in using digital and AI-enabled learning tools, and nurturing educators to guide school-based professional learning.

This initiative builds on the Foundation's commitment to expanding access to high-quality capacity-building opportunities for educators in remote regions.

Another key outcome of the meeting was the decision to further strengthen the partnership by establishing dedicated Career Counselling Cells across Army Goodwill Schools. These cells will provide structured guidance, informed academic planning, and exposure to diverse higher education and vocational pathways--enabling students, especially from underserved communities, to make confident and well-informed choices about their futures.

In addition, both institutions agreed to work collaboratively to engage and empower AGS students in emerging niche technology domains such as Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, equipping them with future-ready skills aligned with evolving national and global workforce demands.

Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, GOC-in-C, Northern Command, said, "Army Goodwill Schools have been a cornerstone of our outreach in Jammu & Kashmir, and our collaboration with Bharti Airtel Foundation continues to enhance their academic strength and future readiness. This partnership supports not only teacher development but also broadens horizons for our students, equipping them to contribute confidently to society."

Binu Nair, COO, Bharti Airtel Foundation, said, "Our long-standing partnership with the Northern Command reflects our shared vision of ensuring that every child has access to quality education and meaningful future pathways. Through initiatives such as TheTeacherApp and the strengthening of career-counselling systems, we aim to empower both educators and students with the tools, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive."

To mark the ongoing collaboration, a memento was presented to Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma. The Foundation also shared its Annual Report 2024-25 and comprehensive documentation of its 2025 capacity-building work undertaken for Army Goodwill Schools under the partnership.

- ANI
The explosive growth of artificial intelligence in the United States is creating unprecedented demand for electricity, colliding with a slow and litigious permitting system that can delay new data center connections for up to a decade. Experts warn that China's ability to plan and deploy energy infrastructure more rapidly is a key strategic advantage in the global AI race. Lawmakers are divided, with calls for sweeping permitting reform to accelerate projects balanced against concerns over higher consumer costs and environmental safeguards. The lack of transparent data on data centers' energy and water use further complicates policy decisions, with global implications for AI investment and supply chains.

US AI leadership faces a 5-10 year grid connection bottleneck, as experts warn China's faster energy build-out is a strategic advantage.

Washington, Feb 25 The US push to lead in artificial intelligence is colliding with a hard constraint: power - and a permitting and litigation system lawmakers said can take "five years, sometimes ten years" just to connect new data centres to the grid.

At a House Science subcommittee hearing, Congressman Rich McCormick said the scale of AI's electricity demand is no longer in dispute. "Artificial intelligence requires enormous computing power, and that means enormous amounts of electricity that's not up for debate," he said.

What is at issue, he added, is whether Washington's infrastructure approval system can keep pace.

Transmission permitting "currently averages about four years in some cases and stretches up to a decade", McCormick rued. Federal environmental reviews "under NEPA (National Environmental Protection Act) averaged 26 months in 2020". Even after approvals, court challenges can drag on, he said.

"Even when agencies ultimately prevail, when they do roughly just three-quarters of the time, the process itself can add up to six more years in litigation delays," he said.

Google's Marsden Hanna told lawmakers that grid congestion is already shaping corporate decisions. "We have utilities telling us it can be five years, sometimes ten years, to interconnect new facilities," he said. He framed the issue in strategic terms. "We believe fundamentally that energy supply is a national security imperative. Winning the AI race requires winning the energy race."

Hanna warned that rivals operate under fewer constraints. Currently, the United States is ahead of global competitors on AI. However, the gap is closing. The speed with which China can plan, permit, and deploy energy infrastructure is a comparative advantage," he said.

Democrats on the panel cautioned that rapid build-out without safeguards could hurt households. Ranking member Emilia Sykes said communities hosting large facilities must not shoulder higher bills. "However, that does not mean that Ohioans should pay higher electricity bills for billionaires in Silicon Valley to see higher profits," she said.

Paige Lambermont of the Competitive Enterprise Institute called for broad changes to the approval framework. "Permitting reform is essential to meet this challenge," she said, urging amendments across environmental statutes to remove "overbroad, duplicative and unnecessary requirements to secure permits."

Beyond permitting, experts said the country lacks basic visibility into the sector's footprint. Eric Masanet, a professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, said, "No other major US sector, and especially one that is growing so quickly, suffers from as many public data blind spots." He noted that "very few data center operators disclose the energy and water use of their specific data centers", leaving policymakers to rely on assumptions.

"As the old adage goes, you can't manage what you don't measure," Masanet said, urging more systematic federal data collection.Data centres have expanded rapidly across US states as AI models require vast computing power, driving new demand for electricity, transmission upgrades and water-intensive cooling systems. Companies have announced tens of billions of dollars in investments in recent years, even as utilities warn of tightening capacity in several regions.

For India and other technology-driven economies, US decisions on energy, grid reform, and AI infrastructure will shape global supply chains for chips, cloud services and digital platforms. As Washington debates speed versus safeguards, the outcome could influence where the next wave of AI investment flows.

- IANS
The Supreme Court has initiated suo motu proceedings regarding a new section on "corruption in the judiciary" in the NCERT Class 8 Social Science textbook. Former Law Minister Ashwani Kumar expressed delight at the move, praising the judiciary's role in upholding democracy. Senior lawyers Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Singhvi argued before the court that the textbook unfairly singles out the judiciary while ignoring corruption in other sectors like politics and bureaucracy. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant asserted that he would not allow the institution to be defamed, calling the issue serious and calculated.

Supreme Court initiates suo motu proceedings over NCERT Class 8 textbook chapter on corruption in judiciary. Former Law Minister Ashwani Kumar welcomes the move.

New Delhi, February 25 As the Supreme Court took suo moto cognisance of NCERT's class eighth study curriculum, former Law Minister Ashwani Kumar on Wednesday said that he could affirm, "without any fear of contradiction," that the judiciary, as one of the pillars of Indian democracy, has rendered stellar service in upholding individual rights, promoting justice, and strengthening democracy in the country.

He further emphasised that the judiciary is a venerable institution, and any attempt to legitimise narratives labelling it as corrupt is completely unacceptable. He praised the Chief Justice for taking the appropriate steps to prevent the denigration of the judiciary.

"I am delighted that the Supreme Court has taken suo moto cognisance...I can say without any fear of contradiction that, amongst the pillars of Indian democracy, the judiciary as a branch of the Indian Republic has done a stellar service in promoting individual rights, promoting justice and promoting democracy in this country. I think the judiciary is a venerable institution and any attempt to sanctify such propaganda as judicial corruption is wholly impermissible and wholly unacceptable...The Chief Justice has taken the correct step in the matter to prevent the denigration of the judiciary as an institution," Ashwani Kumar told ANI.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday initiated suo moto proceedings regarding the inclusion of a section on "corruption in the judiciary" within the new NCERT class 8 (Eighth) Social Science textbook, with Chief Justice of India Surya Kant asserting that the institution will not be allowed to be defamed.

"I'm fully aware of it. We will wait for a day. This definitely concerns the entire institution. Both bar and bench. I am getting a lot of calls, lots of messages. I'm taking suo moto cognisance of the issue. I will not let anybody, no matter how high up they are, defame the institution," the Chief Justice said.

Senior lawyers Kapil Sibal and Abhishek M Singhvi mentioned the issue before the CJI-led bench and stated that children are being taught the subject of corruption in the judiciary as if it doesn't exist anywhere else in any other institution.

"They have left out bureaucracy, politics, etc. Not a word on other sectors. They are teaching as if it only exists in this institution", the lawyers said.

The CJI, in response, acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and said that "it's a calculated and deep-rooted thing. We will not say anything more than that. As head of the institution, I'm aware, I'm already doing something about it."

Earlier, it was reported that the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced a section on "corruption in the judiciary" in its new Class 8 Social Science textbook, marking a significant shift from earlier editions that largely focused on the structure and role of courts.

The revised chapter, titled "The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society," goes beyond explaining the hierarchy of courts and access to justice, and addresses challenges faced by the judicial system, including corruption and case backlogs.

On Tuesday, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal criticised the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) over a newly added section in its Class 8 textbook on corruption in the judiciary, questioning why corruption in other sectors is not addressed.

"NCERT's Class 8 book includes a section on corruption in the judiciary! What about the massive corruption of politicians, including ministers, public servants, investigation agencies, and why governments? Brush them under the carpet," Sibal stated in his post on X. (ANI)

- ANI
Music director Anirudh has released the title and first look poster for the upcoming Tamil film 'Anbe Diana'. The film is directed by and stars Pari Elavazhagan alongside leading lady Ramya Ranganathan. The poster suggests a comedic romantic plot set around a wedding scene with family conflict. The film also marks the return of actress Roja to Tamil cinema and features music by composer Bharath Shankar.

Anirudh reveals the title & first look poster for Pari Elavazhagan's 'Anbe Diana', starring Ramya Ranganathan. Details on cast, crew & plot inside.

Chennai, Feb 25 One of India's top music directors Anirudh on Wednesday released the title and first look poster of director and actor Pari Elavazhagan's upcoming film, 'Anbe Diana', much to the delight of fans and film buffs.

Taking to his social media timelines to release the title and the first look poster, Anirudh wrote, "Happy to release the FIRST LOOK of #AnbeDiana. My best wishes to the entire team @PariElavazaghan @RamyaRanganathn @bharathsankar12 @MillionOffl @Yuvrajganesan @Neo_Castle_."

Produced by Million Dollar Studios and Neo Castle Creations, 'Anbe Diana' not only has Pari Elavazhagan directing it but also playing the film's lead. For the unaware, Pari Elavazhagan is best known for having directed and acted in the critically acclaimed Tamil film 'Jama'.

Playing the lead along with Pari Elavazhagan in 'Anbe Diana' is Ramya Ranganathan, who is best known for her work in the youthful entertainer 'Nilavukku Enmel Ennadi Kobam', which was directed by actor Dhanush.

The first look poster of the film features Pari Elavazhagan, dressed like a groom, with a frown on his face and a bloodied shirt standing next to Ramya Ranganathan, who is dressed like a bride. She is seen sporting a sweet smile and holding his arm. The couple is surrounded by their relatives who seem to be having a heated exchange of words. It is evident that the film will be a funny and romantic entertainer that will revolve around the lead pair.

The film has triggered huge interest for a number of reasons. The film is the seventh production of Million Dollar Studios, a production house that has only been churning out superhits such as 'Good Night', 'Lover' and 'Tourist Family'.

That apart, this film will mark the return of actress Roja to the big screen in Tamil cinema. Roja, after a long gap, is to make a re-entry in Tamil cinema with a full-length role in this film.

Sources close to the unit of the film disclosed that the team had only recently wrapped up shooting. The entire film was shot in Perambur region of Chennai, the sources added and pointed out that post production work was progressing at a brisk pace.

On the technical front, the film has music by 'Mandela' and 'Maaveeran' fame music composer Bharath Shankar and cinematography by 'Aruvi' and 'Sakthi Thirumagan' fame cinematographer Shelly Calist . Mahendran has handled the art direction for the film and editing is by Partha MA. The lyrics were written by Mohanrajan, Muthamizh and Bhagyam Shankar.

- IANS
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw met with Ather Energy CEO Tarun Mehta to discuss the role of the India Semiconductor Mission in advancing vehicle electronics and intelligent systems for road safety. The discussion aligns with India's push for domestic semiconductor capabilities to support key sectors like electric mobility. Ather Energy has also partnered with the government's DPIIT under the Build in Bharat initiative to support startups in the EV manufacturing value chain. India's electric two-wheeler segment, a backbone of the EV transition, saw sales grow 21% in FY 2024-25, aided by government incentives like the FAME II scheme.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw meets Ather Energy's Tarun Mehta to discuss vehicle electronics and how the India Semiconductor Mission can enhance road safety.

New Delhi, February 26 Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw met Tarun Mehta, Co-founder and CEO of Ather Energy, and discussed advancements in vehicle electronics and the role of the India Semiconductor Mission in strengthening intelligent vehicle systems and road safety.

In a social media post, the minister said, "Met Mr. Tarun Mehta, Co-founder & CEO, Ather Energy. Discussed advancements in vehicle electronics and how India Semiconductor Mission can contribute to enhancing road safety and strengthening intelligent vehicle systems."

The discussions come at a time when India is focusing on building domestic semiconductor capabilities to support emerging sectors such as electric vehicles, electronics, and advanced mobility solutions.

The India Semiconductor Mission by the government aims to boost semiconductor manufacturing, design, and innovation and strengthen supply chains for electronics and EVs.

The Union Budget 2026-27 marked a decisive moment for India's technology ambitions with the announcement of India Semiconductor Mission 2.0. A provision of Rs. 1,000 crore has been made for ISM 2.0 for FY 2026-27

Ather Energy has also been actively collaborating with the government to strengthen India's clean mobility ecosystem.

Last year, the electric two-wheeler manufacturer signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Under the partnership, Ather Energy will collaborate with DPIIT under the Build in Bharat initiative led by the Startup Policy Forum (SPF), a coalition of over 50 innovation-focused startups working towards strengthening manufacturing in India.

The MoU outlined a comprehensive partnership, including strategic mentorship for deep-tech startups, infrastructure support for startups in the EV value chain, and joint innovation programmes such as the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge.

India's electric two-wheeler segment has emerged as the backbone of the country's EV transition, driven by strong policy support and rising adoption. According to the Ministry of Heavy Industries, 11,49,334 electric two-wheelers were sold in FY 2024-25, reflecting a 21 per cent increase compared to 9,48,561 units in the previous year.

Government schemes such as the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) Phase II have played a key role in accelerating adoption. The scheme aims to support the adoption of electric two-wheelers, along with other vehicle categories, by providing demand incentives and promoting domestic manufacturing.

Electric two-wheelers dominate India's EV ecosystem, accounting for a significant share of overall electric vehicle sales, highlighting their critical role in driving mass electrification and sustainable mobility.

Government initiatives, including the India Semiconductor Mission and EV incentive schemes, are expected to further strengthen domestic manufacturing, technology innovation, and adoption of intelligent electric mobility solutions.

- ANI
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has initiated a comprehensive review following an incident at its 2026 awards ceremony where a guest with Tourette's syndrome involuntarily shouted a racial slur. The slur was audible as actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented an award, prompting immediate apologies from BAFTA to the presenters and the wider community. The BBC also apologized for failing to edit the remark from its delayed broadcast, noting the edit conflicted with other content decisions. The controversy has ignited a significant debate balancing disability inclusion with the prevention of racial harm, leading to internal fallout including a reported resignation.

BAFTA launches comprehensive review after a guest with Tourette's syndrome shouted a racial slur during the 2026 ceremony, sparking debate.

London, February 25 Following the controversy at the 2026 EE Film Awards, British Academy of Film and Television Arts has confirmed that a "comprehensive review" is underway after a racial slur was audibly shouted during Sunday night's ceremony.

The incident occurred while actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting the award for Best Visual Effects. A guest in the audience, John Davidson MBE, involuntarily shouted the N-word, prompting a brief moment in which both presenters visibly froze before continuing with professionalism, as per Variety.

In a letter sent to members on Tuesday, BAFTA Chair Sara Putt and CEO Jane Millichip addressed the controversy directly.

"We would like to acknowledge the harm this has caused, address what happened and apologise to all," the letter, obtained by Variety, stated, adding that the academy takes "full responsibility for putting our guests and members of the academy in a very difficult situation."

The letter follows a public apology posted on BAFTA's Instagram account, in which the academy apologised unreservedly to Jordan and Lindo.

The statement acknowledged that the language used "carries incomparable trauma and pain for so many" and praised the actors for their "incredible dignity and professionalism."

Davidson, a Tourette syndrome campaigner and executive producer of the nominated film 'I Swear', has devoted his life to raising awareness about the neurological condition.

BAFTA and broadcaster BBC clarified that the slur was an involuntary verbal tic, known as coprolalia, associated with Tourette syndrome and was not intentional or reflective of Davidson's beliefs.

According to BAFTA's letter, the academy had prepared extensively to accommodate Davidson's attendance. Audience members were informed prior to the ceremony- and reminded during the event- that involuntary strong and offensive language, noises or movements could occur.

However, BAFTA acknowledged that "our intention to be inclusive in no way diminishes the impact of what happened."

During the ceremony, Davidson also shouted other profanities, including "shut the fk up" during Putt's speech and "fk you" during the Best Children's and Family Film acceptance.

He later chose to leave the auditorium and watch the remainder of the event from a screen. BAFTA thanked him for his "dignity and consideration" in doing so.

Davidson has since issued his own statement, saying he was "deeply mortified" and emphasising that his tics are not a reflection of his personal views or character.

The controversy has triggered broader debate around the intersection of disability awareness and racial harm.

The BBC issued a separate apology for failing to edit out the slur despite the ceremony being broadcast on a two-hour delay.

Critics noted that other moments, including filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr.'s "Free Palestine" remark, were edited out for time.

Internally, the fallout has been significant, with at least one BAFTA judge reportedly resigning over what was described as the "utterly unforgivable" handling of the situation, as per Variety.

The newly announced review comes six years after BAFTA undertook a major seven-month internal overhaul aimed at improving diversity, resulting in more than 120 changes to its voting, membership and campaigning processes.

- ANI
Two granddaughters of Lim Goh Tong, the late billionaire founder of gaming giant Genting Group once dubbed Malaysias Casino King, have taken their dispute over their mothers RM1.6 billion (US$410.4 million) estate to court.

The sisters, 48-year-old Chan T'shiao Li and 45-year-old Kimberley Chan T'shiao Min, appeared at the High Court in Malaysia on Monday as a trial began over their claim to a share of assets left by Lim Siew Kim, their mother and the late tycoons youngest daughter, who died in July 2022.

Also in court was their brother, Marcus Chan Jau Chwen, who was one of four defendants named in the suit alongside lawyers Malcolm Fernandez and Datuk Low Beng Choo, and another individual named Chan Mei Yee, as reported by the New Straits Times.

In their suit, the sisters alleged fraud in the execution of Siew Kims will, which was prepared on April 28, 2022, and are asking the court to nullify it.

They are also demanding that Fernandez and Mei Yee return all the title documents to their mothers immovable properties that they currently hold, according to The Sun.

The sisters contend that their mother suffered from stage 4 ovarian cancer before her death and lacked the necessary mental and legal capacity to execute a valid will.

In 2023, they also discovered two earlier wills that their mother left behind. Those documents were dated Nov. 2, 2021, and April 11, 2022, while the final version drafted by Low was signed on April 28, 2022.

At the Monday trial, Low confirmed that Siew Kim had signed the final will from her bed at a private hospital.

Her testimony was promptly contested by the plaintiffs, who sought to remove parts of the oral and documentary evidence that they deemed to be hearsay as it involved statements from the deceased.

The court has scheduled March 2 for a ruling on the application.

The final will left T'shiao Li with RM900,000 and Kimberley with RM100,000, which they say stood in sharp contrast to what their brother and other beneficiaries received.

Marcus, meanwhile, inherited properties, shares in a company, the contents of all safe deposit boxes and 30% of Siew Kims residuary estate.

Another sister, Cressa Chan T'shiao Yunn, received RM10 million, a property and a stake in a company while her daughter Jasmine was granted RM50,000 per month.

More than 70% of the residuary estate was allocated to an entity known as the Dikim Foundation. T'shiao Li and Kimberley have raised concerns about the foundation, questioning its legitimacy and true purpose.

An earlier report by The Edge Malaysia said Low was subsequently appointed a director of the Dikim Foundation in 2023.

Lim Goh Tong, founder of Genting Group. Photo from the company's website

Goh Tong was one of Malaysia's most prominent tycoons. He moved to Malaysia from China in the 1930s with neither money nor formal education and went on to amass a fortune by building the Genting gaming empire.

By the time of his death in October 2007, he was ranked the countrys third richest individual with a net worth estimated at US$4.3 billion. Forbes dubbed him Malaysias "Casino King."

In the years that followed, however, his legacy was overshadowed by a highly publicized inheritance dispute that stretched on for more than a decade between the children of his late eldest son, Lim Tee Keong, and their uncles, Lim Kok Thay and Lim Chee Wah, according to Free Malaysia Today.

Media reports in 2019 indicated that the parties involved had reached a global settlement covering all claims and counterclaims, though no public announcement was made.

Siew Kim had also previously filed a suit against her brother Kok Thay for shares in Genting.
Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani welcomed 24 new scholarship awardees from premier Indian business schools under the Adani Accelerated Leadership Program (AALP). He expressed deep encouragement, noting the students' thoughtful engagement and the visible pride of their parents. The program selects scholars based on academic excellence and financial need, providing them with financial support, mentorship, and industry exposure. The initiative aims to build a pipeline of future leaders to support India's growth ambitions through academia-industry collaboration.

Gautam Adani welcomes 24 scholarship awardees under the Adani Accelerated Leadership Program, highlighting their potential and parental pride.

New Delhi, February 25 Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani has welcomed 24 "exceptional students" from India's leading business schools, including Indian Institutes of Management, who are the newest scholarship awardees of the Adani Accelerated Leadership Program, describing the experience as deeply encouraging.

Sharing his experience on the social media platform X, Adani said, "We welcomed 24 exceptional students (and their parents) from our nation's leading business schools. They are the newest scholarship awardees of the Adani Accelerated Leadership Program (AALP)."

"They questioned deeply. They challenged thoughtfully. They engaged not as spectators, but as future builders. Yet, what stayed with me long after the day ended was something quieter. The pride in their parents' eyes! Behind every confident voice stood years of sacrifice, faith and unwavering encouragement," he said.

"Bharat is in very good hands," the Adani Group Chairman added.

As per a statement released by the Adani Group, "The scholars, drawn from the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) in Bangalore, Calcutta and Lucknow, and the Indian School of Business (ISB), were formally felicitated at the Group's headquarters in Ahmedabad by Karan Adani, Managing Director (MD), Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), and Director, Adani Cement."

The AALP Scholarship is designed to ensure that high-potential management students are not constrained by financial circumstances. Selection is based on a rigorous evaluation framework that combines academic excellence with demonstrated financial need, enabling merit to prevail irrespective of background, it said.

Beyond financial support, AALP provides structured industry immersion, mentorship and exposure to large-scale infrastructure and enterprise platforms, linking classroom learning with operational realities.

As India accelerates its growth ambitions, sustained collaboration between academia and industry will be critical to building leadership capacity. Through AALP, the Adani Group aims to create a pipeline of leaders grounded in excellence, access and responsibility, the statement read.

- ANI
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav virtually flagged off the new Bhopal-Dhanbad/Chhapra Express train service. Minister Vaishnaw announced that projects worth Rs 48,000 crore connected to Madhya Pradesh have been approved in Prime Minister Modi's third term, a historic allocation. The Union Cabinet has sanctioned infrastructure projects worth nearly Rs 13 lakh crore since June 2024, covering railways, highways, metros, airports, and ports. Specific approvals include the doubling of the Gondia-Jabalpur rail line and a new integrated terminal at Srinagar airport.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flags off Bhopal-Dhanbad Express, highlights Rs 48,000 crore infrastructure projects approved for Madhya Pradesh.

New Delhi, February 25 Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav virtually flagged off the Bhopal-Dhanbad/Chhapra Express train, marking a new chapter in connectivity between the two states.

Speaking on the occasion, Vaishnaw said, "A new train service has been launched between Bhopal and Dhanbad. In Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third term, so many projects for Madhya Pradesh have been approved as have never been approved since independence. Projects worth Rs 48,000 crore have been approved that are connected to Madhya Pradesh."

The Union Cabinet has approved infrastructure projects worth nearly Rs 13 lakh crore since June 2024, covering railways, highways, metro connectivity, airports, ports, and ropeways. According to official data, 49 railway projects worth Rs 1,80,164 crore have been cleared during this period. In the road sector, 27 highway projects valued at Rs 2,39,748 crore have been approved.

Urban transport has also received a boost, with 10 metro projects sanctioned for Rs 1,31,237 crore. In aviation and maritime infrastructure, the Cabinet approved five new airports with a total investment of Rs 9,006 crore, along with one major port project and shipping reforms involving Rs 1,45,945 crore. Two ropeway projects worth Rs 6,811 crore were also sanctioned to improve connectivity in difficult terrains.

Among other approvals, the Cabinet cleared the doubling of the Gondia-Jabalpur rail line at an estimated cost of Rs 5,236 crore. The 3rd and 4th rail line project between Punarkh and Kiul, involving Rs 2,668 crore, and the 3rd and 4th line between Gamharia and Chandil, costing Rs 1,168 crore, were also sanctioned.

Boosting urban infrastructure, Vaishnaw added, the Cabinet approved a new integrated airport terminal at Srinagar, entailing an expenditure of Rs 1,667 crore. Additionally, the extension of Phase 2B of the Ahmedabad Metro project, with an allocation of Rs 1,067 crore, was approved to strengthen urban connectivity.

- ANI
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has presented a Rs 4,248.08 crore education budget for 2026-27, marking a return to democratic presentation before an elected body. A key highlight is the launch of Mission SAFAL to integrate co-curricular activities with academics in line with the National Education Policy. The budget provides a major digital push, including tablets for students, cyber literacy training, and funds for astronomical labs and modern libraries. It also allocates significant funds for student safety via CCTV cameras, continued free bus travel, and financial rewards for high academic achievers.

BMC's 2026-27 education budget focuses on Mission SAFAL, digital infrastructure, cyber literacy, and student safety with a Rs 4,248 crore outlay.

Mumbai, Feb 25 The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation on Wednesday presented its education budget for the financial year 2026-27, proposing a total outlay of Rs 4,248.08 crore, an increase over the 2025-26 budget of Rs 3,674 crore.

The budget, presented by Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) Dr Avinash Dhakne, marks a historic return to democratic processes, being the first in four years presented before an elected general body of corporators rather than an administrator.

The budget is divided into two primary streams to balance daily operations with long-term infrastructure. The total outlay is Rs 4,248.08 crore for overall education sector funding. The budget has estimated revenue expenditure of Rs 3,758.08 crore for salaries, maintenance, administrative costs and capital expenditure of Rs 490 crore for the construction of new schools and major upgrades.

Building on the success of last year's 'Mission SAMPURN', the BMC introduced Mission SAFAL (Strength, Activities, Futuristic, Ambitious, Learning). This initiative is designed to align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by integrating co-curricular activities into the core academic structure. "Quality education is not a privilege, but a right for every child in Mumbai. With Mission SAFAL, we are bridging the gap between traditional learning and futuristic skills," stated Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani.

The budget has given a massive digital push, which includes the distribution of 19,317 tablets to Class 9 students (Rs 21.83 crore) and the expansion of astronomical laboratories to 40 additional schools. In a first-of-its-kind move, Rs 11.08 crore each has been allocated for primary and secondary sections to provide cyber literacy training to 20,000 students through the National Forensic Sciences University.

To promote arts, Rs 1.35 crore has been set aside for musical instruments, including harmoniums, tablas, and synthesisers.

Further, to make education accessible and safe, BMC has earmarked Rs 42 crore for the installation and maintenance of CCTV cameras across all school premises.

A provision of Rs 5 crore was made to transform school libraries into modern hubs with competitive exam materials.

Students scoring above 90 per cent in Class 10 (across all boards) will receive financial assistance of Rs 25,000. The budget continues the free BEST bus travel scheme for students using 'Chalo Cards', with an allocation of Rs 8.70 crore.

According to BMC, 57 out of 72 ongoing school construction and repair works are likely to be completed by March 2026, ensuring better facilities for the upcoming academic session.

- IANS
Norwegian side Bod/Glimt created a major upset by defeating Inter Milan to reach the Champions League round of 16 for the first time. Atletico Madrid progressed comfortably, with Alexander Srloth scoring a hat-trick in a 4-1 victory over Club Brugge. Bayer Leverkusen sealed their spot with a disciplined goalless draw, while Newcastle United advanced after a high-scoring 3-2 win against Qarabag. The draw for the next round will determine the knockout stage matchups.

Bod/Glimt makes history reaching UCL last 16. Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, and Newcastle United also secure knockout spots after dramatic ties.

Milan, February 25 Bod/Glimt produced one of the shock results of the UEFA Champions League this season as the Norwegian side held off a late Inter Milan fightback to secure a historic place in the round of 16, while Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, and Newcastle United also booked their spots in the knockout stages, according to UEFA Champions League.

Bod/Glimt made history by advancing to the last 16 for the first time after a 2-1 win over Inter Milan in Italy, completing a 5-2 aggregate triumph. Jens Petter Hauge opened the scoring, continuing his impressive run in the competition, and Hakon Evjen added a composed second to give the visitors a commanding lead.

Inter Milan intensified their efforts late on, with Alessandro Bastoni reducing the deficit, but Kjetil Knutsen's men held firm to record a memorable victory against the three-time European champions.

Atletico Madrid also progressed convincingly, defeating Club Brugge 4-1 at the Wanda Metropolitano to complete a 7-4 aggregate win. Alexander Srloth stole the show with a fine hat-trick, opening the scoring in the 23rd minute after racing onto Jan Oblak's long ball and holding off the defence.

Club Brugge responded through Joel Ordonez's close-range header, but Johnny Cardoso restored Atletico's lead shortly after the restart. Srloth added two more goals in the second half, including a calm finish from Matteo Ruggeri's cross, ensuring Diego Simeone's side advanced to face either Tottenham Hotspur or Liverpool in the last 16.

Bayer Leverkusen joined the last-16 line-up after a goalless draw with Olympiacos at the BayArena, completing a 2-0 aggregate win. The hosts kept a fifth clean sheet in seven Champions League matches despite persistent pressure from the Greek side.

Jonas Hofmann went closest before half-time, while Janis Blaswich made key saves after the break and substitute Ernest Poku struck the crossbar. Leverkusen's victory ended a run of six unsuccessful knockout ties, setting up a last-16 meeting with either Arsenal or Bayern Munchen.

Newcastle United also secured their progression after a 3-2 victory over Qarabag in one of the highest-scoring ties in Champions League history. Already holding a 6-1 advantage from the first leg, the Magpies quickly extended their lead with early goals from Sandro Tonali and Joelinton.

The second half saw Camilo Duran and Sven Botman exchange strikes within 100 seconds, before Elvin Jafarguliyev converted a rebound following Aaron Ramsdale's save from a penalty. Despite Qarabag's late efforts, Newcastle advanced 9-3 on aggregate and will face either Chelsea or Barcelona in the next round.

The draw for the round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final will take place on Friday, confirming the next set of fixtures for Europe's premier club competition.

- ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a historic address to the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, affirming strong bilateral ties. He expressed deep condolences for the victims of the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack and reiterated India's consistent policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism. PM Modi highlighted a personal connection, noting he was born on September 17, 1950, the same day India formally recognized Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed him as a "great friend" and "brother," underscoring the deepening partnership between the two nations.

PM Modi addresses Israeli Parliament, shares personal connection to Israel's recognition, and affirms India's zero-tolerance stance on terrorism.

Jerusalem, February 25 Affirming India's close ties with Israel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday noted that he was born on the same day that India formally recognised Israel and said he is very happy returning to a land to which he has always felt drawn.

Addressing the Israeli Parliament, Knesset, PM Modi deepest condolences to the people of Israel for every life lost in the terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023.

He said countering terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action, because terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere.

"It is a privilege and honour for me to stand before this dfistinguished house. I do so as the Prime Minister of India and also as a representative of one ancient civilisation addressing another. I bring with me the greetings of 1.4 billion Indians and a message of friendship, respect and partnership," PM Modi said.

"Nine years ago, I had the good fortune to be the first PM of India to visit Israel, and I'm very happy to be here again, returning to a land to which I always felt drawn. After all, I was on the same day that India formally recognised Israel, September 17, 1950," he added.

PM Modi said no cause can justify the murder of civilians and nothing can justify terrorism.

"I also carry with me the deepest condolences of the people of India for every life lost and for every family whose world was shattered in the barbaric terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7th. We feel your pain, we share your grief. India stands with Israel firmly, with full conviction in this moment and beyond," PM Modi said.

"India has also endured the pain of terrorism for a long time. We remember the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the innocent lives lost, including Israeli citizens. Like you, we have a consistent and uncompromising policy of zero tolerance for terrorism with no double standards. Terrorism aims to destabilise societies, to block development and to erode trust. Countering terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action because terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere. That's why India supports all efforts that contribute to durable peace and regional stability," he added.

Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed PM Modi ahead of his address to Israeli Parliament, Knesset, and described him as "a great friend of Israel, a great champion of the Indian-Israeli alliance, a great leader on the world stage."

PM Netanyahu described PM Modi as "dear friend" and said he was deeply moved by the visit.

"I have to tell you, Narendra, my dear friend, I am deeply, deeply moved by your visit here today. I've never been more moved than by your visit here with us, a great friend of Israel, a great champion of the Indian-Israeli alliance, a great leader on the world stage. Welcome to Jerusalem, my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and your distinguished delegation," he said.

"I would almost venture to say, more than a friend, a brother. Now, when you were last here, we, the two of us, were on the Mediterranean coast, and I said, why don't we take off our shoes and go into the water?... We didn't walk on water, but we did perform miracles since then. Because what we have done is we've doubled our trade, tripled our cooperation, quadrupled our understanding," he added.

Amir Ohana, Speaker of the Knesset, said it his privilege to welcome PM Modi.

"Today, it is my great privilege as Speaker of the Knesset to welcome him as the first Prime Minister of India to address the Knesset and to make history once again. Thank you, Prime Minister Modi," he said.

On his arrival in the Parliament, PM Modi was welcomed with "Modi, Modi" chants and received a standing ovation.

PM Modi and his wife Sara Netanyahu attend official reception ceremony at the Knesset for PM Modi.

PM Modi earlier arrived in Tel Aviv on two-day visit to Israel.

- ANI
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar stated that political parties have promised the Election Commission that the upcoming Puducherry Assembly elections will be "model elections" for the country. The ECI team, including Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, is on a three-day visit to assess preparedness for polls likely in early 2026. The review includes meetings with top officials, enforcement agencies, and recognized national and state political parties. The ruling AINRC-BJP alliance will defend its position against the DMK-Congress opposition in the 30-seat assembly.

CEC Gyanesh Kumar leads review, says parties promise "model elections" for the country. Polls likely in first half of 2026.

Puducherry, February 25 Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Wednesday said that the political parties have promised the Election Commission that the upcoming Puducherry Assembly elections will be "model elections" for the country.

CEC Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi held several meetings with Puducherry officials today.

Speaking to ANI, CEC Gyanesh Kumar said, "All national and state political parties and all heads of the election machinery have promised the Election Commission that the assembly elections to be held in Puducherry will be a model election for the entire country in every respect."

The ECI officials are on a visit to Tamil Nadu and Puducherry from February 25 to 27 to assess poll preparedness in the state and the Union territory, where assembly elections are likely to be held in the first half of 2026.

"Review meeting on Poll Preparedness underway in Puducherry in the presence of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, along with EC Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and EC Vivek Joshi, with IGs, DIGs, DEOs, SPs/SSPs and heads/nodal officers of Enforcement agencies of Puducherry," ECI wrote on X.

According to the Commission, the ECI officials, along with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Puducherry and other senior officials, also held meetings with recognised National and State political parties.

The ruling alliance of All India NR Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will look to defend its power against Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Congress in the upcoming polls.

In 2021, the AINRC won 10 out of the 30 seats that went into the elections, while the BJP secured six seats. DMK also won six seats while Congress won two, with independent candidates securing the remaining six seats. Three MLAs in the Legislative Assembly are nominated by the Centre.

In the last elections, five of the 30 seats were reserved for the Scheduled castes.

- ANI
The Election Commission of India will fit GPS trackers on vehicles allotted to Central Armed Police Forces deployed in West Bengal for the upcoming assembly elections. This measure, starting with the first phase of 240 companies on March 1, allows central observers to monitor movement in real-time to ensure effective area domination. The move addresses past complaints of underutilization and personnel engaging in sightseeing during duty hours. A second phase of 240 companies will be deployed on March 10 under the same strict monitoring protocol.

ECI to use GPS tracking on CAPF vehicles in West Bengal to ensure effective deployment and prevent misuse during assembly elections.

Kolkata, Feb 25 The vehicles allotted to the Central Armed Police Forces personnel, whose deployment in West Bengal will start from March 1 ahead of the Assembly elections, will be fitted with GPS trackers to ensure that the Election Commission of India-appointed central observers can constantly monitor whether the deployed CAPF personnel are effectively utilized from day one or not.

The ECI has already given clear instructions that the first phase of 240 companies of CAPF to be deployed on March 1 -- which will be before the announcement of the polling dates and enforcement of the model code of conduct -- will not be allowed to sit idle. From day one, they will have to be utilised for area domination and get acquainted with the geography of the state.

"Now, to ensure that the Commission-directed effective utilisation is enforced from day one, the vehicles allotted to these CAPF personnel will be fitted with GPS trackers, so the ECI-appointed central observers would be able to constantly track their movement. The observers might also send daily reports on CAPF utilisation to the Commission," said an insider from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal.

According to him, the same thing will apply to the 240 additional companies of CAPF that will be deployed in the second phase on March 10.

"In the past elections in West Bengal, there had been several complaints that despite a large number of CAPF personnel being deployed, there had not been effective utilisation even on the polling days. There had also been complaints of CAPF personnel going sightseeing in their duty hours. So keeping such complaints in mind, the Commission this time has decided to strictly monitor the movements of the CAPF personnel from day one to ensure their effective utilisation from the beginning to the end," the CEO's office insider said.

The first phase of 240 companies that will be deployed on March 1, will include 110 companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), 55 companies of Border Security Force (BSF), 21 companies of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), 27 companies of Indo-Tibetan Police Force (ITBP), and 27 companies of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).

The second phase will see the deployment of 240 companies on March 10 -- 120 from the CRPF, 65 from the BSF, 16 from the CISF, 20 from the ITBP, and 19 companies from the SSB.

The de-induction of these 480 companies, which is the process of removing troops, equipment, or personnel from a specific area, will be announced in due course, as per the ECI's notification.

- IANS
South Korea experienced its fastest annual growth in childbirths in 15 years during 2025, with 254,500 babies born. The country's total fertility rate rose to 0.8, marking its first recovery of that threshold in four years. Government officials attribute the rebound to a post-pandemic surge in marriages and a growing population of women in their prime childbearing years. Despite the increase, deaths still outnumbered births, resulting in a natural population decline of 110,000.

South Korea's births grew 6.8% in 2025, the fastest pace since 2010, with the total fertility rate recovering to 0.8 for the first time in four years.

Seoul, Feb 25 The number of babies born in South Korea grew at the fastest pace in 15 years in 2025, with the country's total fertility rate rising to 0.8 for the first time in four years, government data showed on Wednesday.

A total of 254,500 babies were born last year, up 6.8 per cent, or 16,100, from 2024, according to the provisional data from the Ministry of Data and Statistics. The ministry will announce the final statistics in August, reports Yonhap news agency.

The 2025 tally marks the steepest on-year increase since 2010, and the second consecutive year of growth.

The total fertility rate, the average number of children a woman is expected to have over her lifetime, came to 0.8, up 0.05 from a year earlier, recovering the threshold for the first time in four years.

The ministry attributed the rebound in the number of newborns to an increase in marriages and the continued growth in the population of women in their early 30s, the prime childbearing age group, since 2021.

"The number of marriages gained ground for 21 straight months from April 2024 to December last year as couples who had delayed their marriages due to the COVID-19 pandemic tied the knot," Park Hyun-jeong, a ministry official, explained.

Park also said there was a notable change in social perception toward childbirth, with the ministry's latest biennial survey in 2024 showing an increase in people with intention to have children after marriage from two years earlier.

The proportion of people who are willing to give birth outside of marriage also went up, she added.

In terms of the total fertility rate, Park projected the figure to stay above the 0.8 level this year and further rise to the 1 mark in 2031.

Data also showed that the number of deaths added 1.3 per cent on-year to 363,400 in 2025, resulting in a natural population decline of 110,000.

- IANS
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Minda Corporation and its Japanese joint venture partners during his official visit to Tokyo. The agreement aims to bolster the state's advanced auto component manufacturing ecosystem with promises of full government support. This follows his meeting with Mitsui & Co., where he invited investment in renewable energy, semiconductors, and data centers. The Japan trip continues a successful investment outreach, coming after securing proposals worth Rs 1 lakh crore in Singapore.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath signs an MoU with Minda Corporation in Tokyo to strengthen the state's auto component manufacturing and attract Japanese investment.

Tokyo, February 25 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday signed an Memorandum of Understanding with the delegation of Minda Corporation, including Executive Director Aakash Minda, Executive Director along with its Japanese joint venture partners.

In an X post, CM Yogi said, "Met the delegation of Minda Corporation (Spark Minda Group) and its Japanese joint venture partners in Tokyo today, including Mr. Aakash Minda, Executive Director, Minda Corporation, and Mr. Hiroaki Omori, Managing Director and CFO, Spark Minda Toyo Denso Pvt. Ltd. A MoU was signed to further strengthen Uttar Pradesh's advanced auto component manufacturing ecosystem. Assured the delegation of full support from the Government of Uttar Pradesh for seamless facilitation, land allocation and infrastructure assistance, reinforcing our commitment to industrial growth, technology partnerships and employment generation."

On Wednesday, CM Yogi arrived in Japan on a two-day official visit.

During the visit from February 25-26 in Japan, the CM is expected to participate in key meetings and interactions during his visit aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and exploring investment opportunities for the state.

Earlier, CM Yogi Adityanath also invited Mitsui & Co. to explore transformative investment opportunities in Uttar Pradesh.

"Had a productive and forward-looking meeting with Mr. Kazuki Shimizu, Managing Officer, Chief Operating Officer of Infrastructure Projects Business Unit, Mitsui & Co., along with senior members of his team, in Tokyo today. Invited Mitsui & Co. to explore transformative investment opportunities in Uttar Pradesh across Renewable Energy, ICT, Semiconductors and Data Centers, aligned with the state's rapid industrial expansion. Also discussed collaboration in infrastructure projects, logistics networks and industrial investments to strengthen Uttar Pradesh's growth corridors and global supply chain integration," CM Yogi said on X on Wednesday.

A day earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said that the state has received investment proposals worth up to Rs 1 lakh crore during engagements in Singapore, with Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 60,000 crore already finalised, terming it a significant step towards transforming the state into a 1 trillion dollar economy.

- ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is undertaking a state visit to Israel at the invitation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The visit aims to deepen the strategic partnership across sectors like technology, defence, and agriculture. A historic highlight will be Modi becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset. The Prime Minister also plans to meet President Issac Herzog and interact with the Indian diaspora.

PM Narendra Modi visits Israel for strategic talks with PM Netanyahu, to address the Knesset, and strengthen bilateral cooperation.

New Delhi, February 25 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a State Visit to Israel from February 25-26 at the invitation of his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, describing the visit as an opportunity to further deepen the two nations' "robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership."

"At the invitation of my dear friend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, I will be undertaking a State Visit to Israel from 25-26 February 2026," the Prime Minister said in his departure statement.

Highlighting the trajectory of bilateral ties, the Prime Minister noted, "India and Israel share a robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership that has witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years."

He added that he looked forward to discussions with Netanyahu aimed at expanding cooperation across various sectors. "I look forward to my discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu aimed at further strengthening our cooperation across various domains, including science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, technology, defence and security, trade and investment, as well as people-to-people ties. We will also exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest."

During his visit, PM is scheduled to visit Issac Herzog, President of Israel. The Prime Minister also announced that he would address the Knesset, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so.

"I will also have the honour of becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament, Knesset, an occasion that would be a tribute to the strong parliamentary and democratic ties that bind our two nations," he said.

The Prime Minister said he also looked forward to engaging with the Indian diaspora in Israel, whom he credited with strengthening bilateral goodwill. "I also eagerly look forward to interacting with the members of the Indian diaspora who have for long been nurturing the India-Israel special friendship."

Expressing confidence in the outcomes of the visit, the Prime Minister stated, "I am confident that my State Visit will further consolidate the enduring bonds between the two countries, set new goals for the Strategic Partnership, and advance our shared vision for a resilient, innovative and prosperous future."

- ANI
DOJI, a major jewelry chain, has become the countrys fourth distributor of silver bars.

It started selling one- and five-tael bars in Hanoi and HCMC Tuesday and plans to expand to Da Nang City and Hai Phong City, it said in a statement. A tael equals 37.5 grams or 1.2 ounces.

DOJI silver bars. Photo courtesy of DOJI

Customers can buy at its stores or online via its eGold app. The company said demand for physical silver as a store of wealth has risen rapidly, but the market lacks standardized products in terms of weight and quality.

The three existing silver bar distributors are Phu Quy Silver, Sacombank and Ancarat.

Analysts caution that silver is highly volatile, with its prices rising and falling more sharply than that of gold, making it a less than suitable option for inexperienced short-term traders and those using leverage.

After the Lunar New Year holidays silver has been trading at VND3.4 million (US$126.21) per tael, 25% below the record level it had reached at the end of January.

JP Morgan Bank forecast an average price of $81 per ounce for the metal this year, more than double the 2025 figure.

Citigroup had a more optimistic short-term forecast, saying at the end of January that silver could reach $150 within three months, driven by technical factors and supply-demand developments.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to give utmost priority to public health following a diarrhoea outbreak in Srikakulam and a milk adulteration incident in Rajahmundry. He reviewed the situation, enquired about patients, and ordered coordinated departmental action to prevent recurrences. Officials reported 76 people are receiving treatment in Srikakulam, with two in serious condition, and that safe drinking water is being supplied through alternate measures. In Rajahmundry, milk samples have been sent for testing, and affected individuals are under constant medical supervision, with the Health Department closely monitoring both crises.

CM Chandrababu Naidu reviews diarrhoea outbreak in Srikakulam and Rajahmundry milk adulteration, orders coordinated health response.

Amaravati, Feb 25 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday directed the officials to give top priority to public health.

At a meeting with officials of Medical and Health Department, he reviewed the situation relating to outbreak of diarrhoea in Srikakulam and milk adulteration incident in Rajahmundry.

The Chief Minister directed officials not to neglect public health. He said that various departments should work in coordination to prevent such incidents from recurring.

The Chief Minister spoke to senior officials of the Health Department and officials of the respective districts.

According to an official release, he enquired about the health condition of those undergoing treatment in various hospitals in the Srikakulam and Rajahmundry incidents.

He enquired about the health of the two persons who are undergoing treatment in serious condition at the Srikakulam GEMS Hospital. Officials informed the Chief Minister that one is on ventilator support and the other is on dialysis.

The Chief Minister ordered that special attention be paid to the medical treatment of both of them. He also wanted to know from officials whether more cases are being registered at the field level.

Officials said that 76 people are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals in Srikakulam. They explained that the health condition of all except two is stable.

They informed him that the water supply through the pipeline has been stopped and safe drinking water is being supplied through alternate measures.

Officials also told the Chief Minister that those affected by milk adulteration in Rajahmundry are under constant medical supervision.

The Chief Minister was informed that the milk samples have already been sent to the lab. The health department is closely monitoring the situation.

State Health and Family Welfare Department Commissioner Veerapandian said on Tuesday that the condition of seven persons undergoing treatment at various hospitals in Rajahmundry is critical.

According to him, 15 people are undergoing treatment in various hospitals, of whom three are on ventilators, two on dialysis and three more on ventilator-dialysis.

Among those undergoing treatment, there are two children including a five-month-old baby.

He said four people have died so far. No new cases were registered on Tuesday.

Veerapandian told media that necessary steps are being taken to provide better treatment to all those hospitalised.

- IANS
In a significant development for Chhattisgarh's anti-Naxal operations, dreaded Maoist divisional committee member Mallesh surrendered at a BSF camp in Kanker district. He laid down his arms and sought to join the mainstream, influenced by counselling from villagers and social workers about state rehabilitation policies. His surrender is seen as a major morale booster for security forces and a setback for the Maoist organizational structure in the Bastar region. The event highlights the success of combined security operations and community engagement under initiatives like 'Poona Margem'.

Key Maoist divisional commander Mallesh, carrying an Rs 8 lakh reward, surrenders to BSF in Kanker, marking a major success for state rehabilitation policy.

Raipur/Kanker, Feb 25 In a significant development in Chhattisgarh's ongoing campaign against Left Wing Extremism, Mallesh, Divisional Committee Member of a Maoist organisation, has surrendered at a Border Security Force camp in the Naxal-affected Kanker district.

He was carrying a reward of Rs eight lakh on his head.

He surrendered late Tuesday night in the remote Chhotebethiya area, where Mallesh, a key figure in a group affiliated with Maoist activities, arrived at the BSF camp with arms and expressed his intent to renounce violence permanently, officials said.

According to local police sources, he formally laid down his weapons and sought to integrate into mainstream society, marking a personal break from years of armed insurgency.

Villagers and local social workers played a pivotal role in facilitating the surrender. These community members reportedly counselled Mallesh, highlighting the benefits of the state government's rehabilitation policies, and accompanied him to the camp to ensure a smooth transition.

Their involvement underscores the growing trust between locals and security forces in remote pockets of the Bastar division, where sustained outreach has encouraged disillusioned cadres to exit the militant fold.

Chhattisgarh has witnessed a surge in surrenders in recent months, with hundreds of Maoist and affiliated cadres laying down arms under initiatives like 'Poona Margem' (New Dawn), which offers surrendered individuals financial aid, housing, land allotments, skill training, and vocational opportunities to rebuild their lives.

Authorities credit intensive security operations, combined with development drives and community engagement, for weakening the Maoist network in districts like Kanker, Sukma, Bijapur, and Narayanpur.

Mallesh's surrender is seen as a morale booster for security personnel and a blow to the organisational structure of groups operating in the region. While Maoists function as a front or subunit linked to broader Maoist ideology, such high-level defections erode recruitment and operational capabilities.

- IANS
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has published a major report highlighting cyber-enabled fraud as a widespread and damaging crime generating large illicit proceeds. The digital, borderless nature of online platforms allows criminals to quickly transfer funds across jurisdictions, complicating recovery efforts. The report urges countries to bolster global standards, including payment transparency and virtual asset regulation, to close gaps exploited by fraudsters. It also calls for intensified domestic and international cooperation, including the use of advanced technology like machine learning, to detect and counter these evolving threats.

FATF report warns cyber-enabled fraud is a top crime, driving money laundering & terror financing risks globally. Urges stronger standards & cooperation.

Paris, February 25 The Financial Action Task Force has published a major new paper that highlights the growing threat of cyber-enabled fraud and its increasing intersections with money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing, urging countries to bolster global standards and cooperation to counter the evolving digital crime landscape.

According to the FATF's latest publication, Cyber-Enabled Fraud -- Digitalisation and Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Proliferation Financing Risks, fraud has become "one of the most widespread and damaging profit-motivated forms of crime, generating large volumes of illicit proceeds through the exploitation of victims around the world."

The report notes that in some jurisdictions, such as the United Kingdom, fraud accounts for more than 40% of all crimes, while Singapore has seen a 61% increase in cyber-enabled fraud cases in just two years.

The FATF paper underscores that digitalisation, technological advancement and the borderless nature of online platforms have expanded opportunities for criminals to commit fraud, then quickly transfer illicit funds across jurisdictions, complicating efforts to trace and recover those proceeds. The paper identifies that 156 jurisdictions, or 90% of those assessed by the FATF, now view fraud as a major ML risk, amplifying concerns about how cyber scams can feed into broader financial crime networks.

FATF President Elisa de Anda Madrazo is quoted in the report saying: "As fraudsters continue to adapt and accelerate their scams, we need to keep pace to safeguard people's money and protect victims from the effects of damaging losses." She emphasised the importance of fully leveraging the FATF toolkit to prevent fraudsters from exploiting gaps in global standards.

The paper outlines several areas where the FATF Standards can be strengthened to better tackle cyber-enabled fraud, including payment transparency measures to improve traceability of funds, enhanced asset recovery tools to freeze and reclaim illicit proceeds, and stronger regulation of virtual assets which are increasingly abused to facilitate fraud and laundering. It also calls for improved beneficial ownership transparency, as organised fraud networks often hide activities behind shell companies to obscure illicit flows.

Importantly, the FATF highlights the need for intensified domestic and international cooperation, urging countries to share information quickly with partners and to integrate anti-fraud efforts more fully into existing anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing frameworks. It also notes that some financial intelligence units and banks are now deploying advanced technologies such as machine learning models on transaction datasets to detect anomalies associated with fraud and associated financial crime.

As cyber-enabled fraud continues to grow in scale and sophistication, the FATF has committed to focusing significant resources on the threat over the coming years. Next month, FATF representatives will participate in the Global Fraud Summit in Vienna, organised alongside INTERPOL and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), to push for coordinated global action and to highlight operational strategies for preventing, detecting and recovering proceeds of fraud.

- ANI
He questions why a mic was near his seat

Scottish Tourette's activist John Davidson has spoken out after his involuntary vocal tics, including offensive slurs, disrupted the live BAFTA ceremony. He explains the incident was caused by coprolalia, a neurological symptom affecting 10-30% of people with Tourette's, and stresses the tics do not reflect his beliefs or character. Davidson, who was there for a film about his life, described feeling intense shame and has personally apologized to presenters Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo. He highlights the ongoing need for public understanding and questioned the event's sound management, as a nearby microphone picked up his tics.

Scottish activist John Davidson explains his involuntary tics at the BAFTAs, apologizes to Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, and calls for greater understanding.

Washington, February 25 Scottish Tourette's syndrome activist John Davidson has spoken publicly for the first time after his involuntary vocal tics disrupted the 79th BAFTA Awards, including the use of offensive slurs during the live ceremony.

In an interview with Variety, Davidson described the distress he experienced on the night and clarified that his words were the result of an involuntary neurological response- not intent.

Davidson, the real-life inspiration behind the film 'I Swear', attended the ceremony after the project, which chronicles his life living with Tourette's, received six nominations.

During the event, his vocal tics were audible as actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented an award. Davidson's team has since confirmed that he has reached out to the studio handling 'Sinners' to directly apologise to Jordan, Lindo and production designer Hannah Beachler.

Addressing widespread coverage of the incident, Davidson said many people misunderstand Tourette's syndrome, particularly the symptom known as coprolalia- the involuntary use of obscene or offensive language.

"Very often, the media focuses on my particular type of Tourette's, which is called coprolalia," he explained, noting that the symptom affects between 10per cent and 30 per cent of people with the condition and is not required for diagnosis.

He added that it remains one of the hardest tics to manage and can cause significant distress.

Davidson stressed that his tics "have absolutely nothing to do with what I think, feel or believe".

He described them as "an involuntary neurological misfire," adding, "My tics are not an intention, not a choice and not a reflection of my values."

He acknowledged that one of the offensive words uttered during the ceremony was a racial slur, saying he fully understands its historical and modern significance. However, he clarified that he ticked "perhaps 10 different offensive words" throughout the evening and that the focus on a single term has created a misleading impression.

"What you're hearing is a symptom -- not my character, not my thought, not my belief," he said, in an interview with Variety.

Davidson revealed that attending the BAFTAs was both meaningful and physically challenging. He has lived with Tourette's for nearly 40 years and underwent serious heart surgery just five weeks before the ceremony.

"This was an awards ceremony that featured six nominations connected to a film that told the story of my life," he said, adding that he is also an executive producer on the project and had worked on it for three years.

He said he expected that members of the audience- many of whom had seen 'I Swear'- would understand his condition. He also believed precautions would be in place regarding broadcast audio.

StudioCanal was working closely with BAFTA, and attendees had been informed that any swearing would be edited out of the broadcast.

Davidson, who has previously made four documentaries with the BBC, said he had anticipated greater awareness and sound management, particularly as he was seated approximately 40 rows from the stage.

Reflecting on the auditorium setup, he noted that a microphone was positioned near his seat. "With hindsight I have to question whether this was wise," he said.

Davidson described the escalating anxiety he felt as the ceremony progressed. Initially, his tics consisted of noises and movements. As his nerves intensified, so did his vocal tics.

"When my coprolalia tics came out, my stomach just dropped," he said, adding, "As always, I felt a wave of shame and embarrassment hit me all at once. You want the floor to swallow you up."

He said he hoped attendees would recognise that he could not control what was happening. "Please don't judge me. Please understand this isn't who I am," he recalled thinking.

The moment he realised his tics had reached the stage was when Jordan and Lindo appeared to look up from their presenting duties. Soon after, Davidson chose to leave the auditorium. BAFTA arranged for him to watch the remainder of the ceremony from a private room.

Davidson has long campaigned to improve understanding of Tourette's and said the reaction to the BAFTAs demonstrates how much work remains.

He shared that he has previously faced violent assault due to his condition and continues to encounter damaging misconceptions- including claims that people with Tourette's only say offensive words if they secretly believe them.

Comments suggesting he should "stay inside" or that his tics reflect racism have been "deeply upsetting," he said.

Davidson also requested careful language in reporting, preferring Tourette's to be described as a "condition" rather than a disability.

"The awards were a heightened version of my everyday life," he reflected, adding, "They are the reason why, for many periods in my life, I have been fearful of leaving the house."

- ANI
The Regional Meteorological Centre forecasts continued early morning fog for Chennai and eight other districts of Tamil Nadu. Moderate rainfall is also expected in isolated parts of the state and Puducherry until March 1, driven by residual atmospheric moisture. Daytime temperatures are predicted to remain 2-3 degrees Celsius above normal, creating a mix of heat and morning mist. Authorities have cautioned motorists about reduced visibility and advised farmers to monitor local weather updates.

Fog in Chennai and 8 districts, moderate rain across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry likely until March 1. Daytime temperatures to rise.

Chennai, Feb 25 The Regional Meteorological Centre has forecast the continuation of early morning fog in Chennai and eight other districts, even as parts of Tamil Nadu are expected to receive moderate rainfall over the next few days.

According to the latest weather bulletin, a low-pressure system that had formed over the Bay of Bengal has weakened. However, its residual impact, coupled with prevailing atmospheric conditions, is likely to bring moderate rain to isolated places in southern Tamil Nadu and parts of northern districts on Wednesday.

Light to moderate rainfall is also expected in Puducherry and its Karaikal region. The RMC has indicated that rainfall activity may continue across Tamil Nadu until March 1.

Weather officials said the changing wind pattern and moisture incursion from the sea are contributing to the unsettled conditions.

Meanwhile, residents of Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Tirupattur, Vellore, and Ranipet districts have been advised to expect light fog during the early morning hours on Wednesday and Thursday.

The fog may reduce visibility in some interior stretches and along highways, prompting authorities to caution motorists to drive carefully during dawn hours.

In addition to rainfall and fog, the Meteorological Department has forecast a rise in daytime temperatures.

Until February 28, maximum temperatures across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are likely to remain 2 to 3 degrees Celsius above normal.

The combination of above-normal heat during the day and misty conditions in the morning reflects the transitional weather pattern currently prevailing in the region.

Weather experts note that while the low-pressure area has weakened, localised convection and moisture availability could continue to trigger sporadic showers.

Farmers and residents in rain-fed areas have been advised to monitor local forecasts for updates.

With fluctuating weather conditions expected to persist over the coming days, the Meteorological Department has assured that it will issue regular updates and advisories as required.

- IANS
A conservation training programme was held in Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh, to equip forest staff with knowledge and skills to protect the endangered Western Hoolock Gibbon, India's only ape. The workshop, a first for the district, was inaugurated by the Divisional Forest Officer, who stressed the state's collective duty to safeguard its state animal. Experts from biodiversity organisation Aaranyak led sessions on the gibbon's status, threats, and the use of GPS technology for wildlife monitoring. The hands-on training involved staff from six forest ranges within the Namsai Forest Division, a potential habitat for the species.

Forest personnel in Arunachal Pradesh trained in Hoolock Gibbon conservation and GPS technology to protect the endangered state animal.

Namsai, February 25 Biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak, in collaboration with Namdapha National Park & Tiger Reserve Authority and with support from Arcus Foundation, organised a Hoolock Gibbon conservation training programme at the headquarters of Namsai Forest Division, Namsai in Arunachal Pradesh.

The training aimed to familiarise forest personnel with the Western Hoolock Gibbon, India's only ape, and to strengthen their motivation and capacity for its conservation.

The Western Hoolock Gibbon is an endangered primate species found in seven northeastern states of India (except Sikkim). Its distribution is largely restricted to the south bank of the Brahmaputra River and areas east of the Dibang River system. The Namsai Forest Division is considered a potential habitat for this endangered species.

The workshop held on February 23 was the first of its kind in both the Namsai Forest Division and Namsai district. The programme was inaugurated by Tabang Jamoh, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Namsai Forest Division, and coordinated by Nandita Medhi, Consultant, Primate Research and Conservation Division, Aaranyak.

In his inaugural address, Jamoh welcomed the participants and expressed his appreciation to Aaranyak for initiating the training in the interest of Western Hoolock Gibbon conservation in Namsai.

He urged participants to actively engage in the sessions and apply their learnings in the field.

Highlighting that the Hoolock Gibbon is the state animal of Arunachal Pradesh, he emphasised the collective responsibility of the people of the state to safeguard the species. He also encouraged the forest staff to develop practical skills in the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) tools for gibbon conservation and broader biodiversity management.

Dilip Chetry, Senior Primatologist, Director and Head of the Primate Research and Conservation Division, Aaranyak, and Vice Chair of the IUCN Primate Specialist Group, South Asia, served as the resource person for the first session.

He discussed the current conservation status of the Western Hoolock Gibbon, the threats it faces, and its conservation priorities. Chetry also elaborated on various methods of population estimation and urged the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department to consider the species as a flagship for regional biodiversity conservation.

Alok Kumar, Range Officer of Tengapani Range, initiated and coordinated an interactive session on Hoolock Gibbon conservation.

The second session was led by Arup Kumar Das, Assistant Director and Head of the Geo-Spatial Technology and Application Division, Aaranyak, who highlighted the application of GPS in wildlife research and monitoring.

A hands-on GPS training session was conducted by Das, along with Simanta Medhi and Akshay Kumar Upadhyaya, covering practical components such as recording waypoints, tracking routes, and assessing proximity.

Twenty participants attended the training, including forest staff from six ranges under the Namsai Forest Division: Namsai, Manabhum, Tengapani, Chowkham, Medo, and Wakro Forest Ranges.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, followed by the distribution of soft-copy study materials and posters on Hoolock Gibbon conservation.

- ANI
President Donald Trump used his State of the Union address to spotlight a series of individual Americans, from decorated war veterans to ordinary citizens affected by his policies. He posthumously honored heroes like Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and presented awards, including the Congressional Medal of Honour to 100-year-old Navy Captain Royce Williams. The speech also featured civilians like Megan Hemhouser and Catherine Rayner, who were presented as beneficiaries of Trump's economic and healthcare policies. These personal narratives served to humanize his legislative priorities and connect with the public on an emotional level.

President Trump honored veterans, crime victims, and civilians in his State of the Union, using personal stories to highlight policy.

Washington, Feb 25 President Donald Trump used his State of the Union address not only to outline policy but also to spotlight a series of individuals -- from decorated war veterans to crime victims and ordinary citizens -- presenting them as symbols of what he called the American spirit.

Among those honoured was Navy Fighter Pilot Royce Williams, who served in World War Two, Korea, and Vietnam. Trump recounted how, in 1952, Williams' squadron was ambushed by seven Soviet fighter planes. Despite being "massively outnumbered and outgunned", Williams led the take-down of four enemy jets while taking 263 bullets to his own plane.

"Tonight, at 100 years old, this brave Navy Captain is finally getting the recognition he deserves," Trump said, asking the First Lady to present Williams with the Congressional Medal of Honour.

In his first State of the Union Address of his second term, Trump also recognised Buddy Taggart, who volunteered at 17 to serve in World War-2. Taggart fought in the Pacific under General Douglas MacArthur and helped liberate an internment camp in the Philippines. "Buddy, we salute you," Trump said, noting that he would turn 100 on July 4, 2026.

In a separate moment, Trump announced he was awarding the Legion of Merit to Coast Guard rescue swimmer Scott Ruskan, who carried out his "first-EVER rescue mission" during devastating floods in Texas and "lifted not just Millie Cate, but 164 others to safety."

The President also honoured Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old Army National Guard specialist who was "ambushed and shot in the head by a terrorist monster from Afghanistan" while on patrol near the White House. "Sarah Beckstrom died in order to defend our capital," he said, addressing her parents in the chamber.

Several civilians were also highlighted. Catherine Rayner was introduced as "the very first customer ever to get the discount" under Trump's prescription drug policy, after obtaining an IVF medication for $500 instead of $4,000.

Megan Hemhouser, a mother who homeschools her children while waiting tables at night, was cited as a beneficiary of "no tax on tips" and "no tax on overtime", which Trump said would cut her tax bill in half.

Alejandra Gonzalez was invited to celebrate the release of her uncle Enrique, who had been imprisoned in Venezuela after opposing Nicolas Maduro. Trump said he was "pleased to inform you that not only has your uncle been released, but he is here tonight."

The address also referenced victims of violent crime, including Lizbeth Medina and Iryna Zarutska, as Trump renewed calls for tougher law enforcement and immigration policies.

Such moments -- where presidents highlight invited guests -- have long been a feature of State of the Union addresses, used to humanise policy priorities and connect legislative goals with personal stories.

These personal narratives underscore how US presidents blend domestic policy messaging with emotional storytelling.

- IANS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Israeli Knesset, stated that the ongoing Free Trade Agreement negotiations will unlock the vast untapped potential in bilateral trade. He highlighted the vital importance of a strong defence partnership between the two nations in an uncertain world. The PM emphasized natural synergies in innovation, technology, and agriculture, citing Israel's expertise in precision irrigation. He also underscored the deep people-to-people ties, from yoga and Ayurveda to the contributions of Indian caregivers in Israel.

PM Modi addresses Israeli Knesset, highlighting FTA negotiations, defence partnership, and innovation synergy to unlock vast bilateral trade potential.

Jerusalem, February 26 Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the Free Trade Agreement being negotiated between India and Israel will unlock the vast untapped potential in bilateral trade relationship.

The Prime Minister, who addressed Special Plenary of the Knesset on Wednesday, also spoke about the defence cooperation between the two countries and said "a strong defence partnership between trusted partners like India and Israel is of vital importance" in an uncertain world. PM Modi said India has been the fastest-growing major economy in the world for the last few years and will be among the top three economies globally. He said Israel is a powerhouse of innovation and technological leadership and this creates a natural foundation for a forward-looking partnership.

"We are committed to expanding trade, strengthening investment flows, and promoting joint infrastructure development. The Bilateral Investment Treaty signed last year will provide confidence and predictability to our businesses," he said.

The Prime Minister said India has concluded a number of important trade agreements with other nations.

"To your West, the European Union, and the UK. To your East, the UAE and Oman. Our bilateral goods trade has grown manifold in recent years. But, it does not reflect the full scope of opportunity. That is why our teams are working hard to negotiate an ambitious Free Trade Agreement. It will unlock the vast untapped potential in our trade relationship," he said.

"We will also work closely in different formats such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and the I2U2 framework between India, Israel, UAE and the US. Defence and Security is another important pillar of our partnership. In November last year, we signed an MOU on Defence Cooperation. In today's uncertain world, a strong defence partnership between trusted partners like India and Israel is of vital importance," he added.

Noting that Israel is often called the "start-up nation", PM Modi said that in recent years, India has also been working to unlock the innovation and creativity of its youth.

"I recall that in 2018, Prime Minister Netanyahu and I inaugurated the iCreate Technology Business Incubator in India. Since then, it has supported nearly 900 such start-ups."

He said India hosted the world's largest and most democratised AI Impact Summit last week, with representatives from over 100 countries.

"Our aspirational spirit aligns naturally with Israel's innovation ecosystem. I see a lot of synergies in areas such as quantum technologies, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence. We are also working with Israel on creating cross-border financial linkages using our Digital Public Infrastructure," he said.

"Israeli expertise in precision irrigation and water management has already transformed agricultural practices in India. Together, we have established 43 Centres of Excellence across India that have provided training to more than half a million farmers. We should now set an ambitious goal of expanding to 100 Centres to benefit millions of farmers and fishermen," he added.

The Prime Minister said that at the heart of the India-Israel partnership are the ties between our peoples.

"When I first visited Israel in 2006, there were a handful of Yoga centres in Israel. Today, Yoga seems to be practiced in almost every neighbourhood! I am told that interest in Ayurveda is also growing in Israel. I invite more and more young Israelis to travel to India. They will witness the dynamism of our society, and experience what holistic wellness can do for the body and the mind."

He said the Indian Parliament has set-up a Parliamentary Friendship Group for Israel and invited Israel parliamentarians to visit India.

The Prime Minister said that Indian caregivers and skilled workers in Israel contribute immensely to families and communities. "They have displayed remarkable courage and dedication in times of crisis, including on October 7. We are proud of them."

"As the Jewish teaching reminds us, 'Whoever saves one life, saves the entire world.' Their service reflects the strength of the human bonds behind our cooperation. We will continue to facilitate the movement of workers and professionals across sectors that benefit both of our nations," he added.

Noting that India and Israel are ancient civilizations, PM Modi said it is perhaps no surprise that our civilisational traditions also reveal philosophical parallels.

"In Israel, the principle of Tikkun Olam speaks of healing the world. In India, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam affirms that the world is one family. Both ideas extend responsibility beyond immediate boundaries. They ask societies to act with compassion and moral courage.

"Judaism emphasises Halakha, guiding everyday conduct through law and practice. Hindu philosophy speaks of Dharma, the moral order that shapes duty and right action. In both traditions, ethical life is lived through action, and faith is expressed through conduct," he said.

"There is an endearing similarity in our festivals as well. You celebrate Hanukkah with the warm glow of candles. Around the same time, we celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, with the gentle radiance of lamps. Soon, India will celebrate the festival of Holi, filled with happiness and colour. And around the same time, Israel will also celebrate Purim with enthusiasm and joy," he added.

PM Modi said that shared ideals are the deep foundations that give strength to modern partnership between the two countries.

"We are democracies shaped by history and focused on the future. Our partnership is grounded in shared experience and shared aspirations. Our strong partnership not only serves national interests but also contributes to global stability and prosperity. Let us ensure that the friendship between India and Israel remains a source of strength in an uncertain world," he said.

The Prime Minister said that after India's independence, many Indian leaders felt a kinship with the people of Israel.

"India's parliamentary debates of the 1950s are witness to their admiration for Israel's efforts to develop agriculture in the desert. The Kibbutz movement of Israel inspired our leaders like Acharya Vinoba Bhave and Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan. First in my home state Gujarat, and now across India, I have seen the approach of 'Per Drop, More Crop' work wonders in agriculture," he said.

Noting that the two countries elevated relationship to "Strategic Partnership" during his visit to Israel in 2017, he said the engagement has expanded in scale and scope. "And we are committed to further consolidate this relationship across many sectors," the Prime Minister said.

- ANI
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated Tehran is "fully prepared" for both war and peace ahead of a third round of nuclear negotiations with the United States in Geneva. He expressed cautious optimism that a fair and balanced agreement is achievable, but stressed its success depends on the US showing genuine determination. Araghchi cited the "bitter experience" of past negotiations that were followed by military action, making Iran more careful this time. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has reiterated warnings about Iran's missile program and nuclear ambitions.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Tehran is ready for both war and peace ahead of Geneva talks with the US on its nuclear program.

Tehran, February 26 Ahead of the next round of talks between Iran and the United States over Tehran's nuclear program, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said they are fully prepared for both options, war and peace, expressing optimism that a fair and balanced agreement can be reached.

The third round of negotiations between Iran and the United States will take place in Geneva on Thursday.

In an interview with India Today, Araghchi said, "We are fully prepared for both options- war, God forbid, and peace. As you know, I'm going to Geneva this afternoon in order to have the third round of our talks with the US team. And we have made some progress last time."

"We were able to find some sort of understanding, and I think based on those understandings, we can build something, in the form of an agreement, a deal. I think a fair, balanced, and equitable deal is achievable, and we can do it," he said.

Araghchi said the country's armed forces are fully prepared to defend themselves, but stressed that the goal is to prevent war.

He emphasised Iran's right to peaceful nuclear technology and expressed hope for a fair and balanced agreement.

"Our armed forces are prepared to do their job, and we know how to defend ourselves, and this is what we did last time. And we have learned lots of lessons from the last war, so we are even more prepared. And that means that the aim is to prevent a war. When you are prepared for a war, you can prevent it. Otherwise, you are inviting it to your home. So we are fully prepared, not because we want war, but because we want to prevent a war. I'm a man of diplomacy. There is no military option for Iran's peaceful nuclear program. If there is any concern, if there are any questions, there is-- If there is any ambiguity, we are ready to address," he said.

"We are ready to answer questions. We are ready to remove concerns, but we are not ready to give up our right to peaceful use of nuclear technology. This is what we are, what we demand. So I believe that tomorrow in Geneva, there is every possibility to come to an agreed solution, which is fair and balanced," he said.

Araghchi also said a nuclear agreement with the United States is achievable but expressed caution, citing past experiences.

He said Iran remains hopeful about reaching a deal in Geneva, but stressed that its success depends on the US showing genuine determination, noting that memories of previous negotiations followed by military action are still fresh.

He said, "I think it is achievable. I'm hopeful, of course. It depends on the other side's determination. To be honest with you, we are not fully convinced that they have a real determination to do that. Why? Because I have a bit-- Because we have a bitter experience of the last time. We were negotiating last June, when Israel attacked us, and then the US joined that attack. So that memory is still fresh for us. The wounds of that aggression are still alive in our minds. So we cannot forget that once we were negotiating with the US, and then they decided to attack us. This time, we are obviously more careful, but if there is a genuine, if there is a real, serious determination on their side to conclude, I believe it is achievable."

Earlier, US President Donald Trump, during his annual State of the Union Address to Congress, said that US strikes "obliterated Iran's nuclear weapons programme"

Trump reiterated that he would prefer to resolve the conflict through a diplomatic deal, but said Tehran had not committed to not developing nuclear weapons.

Stating that Iran has already developed missiles that can threaten Europe and US bases overseas, Trump claimed Tehran was working to "build missiles that will soon reach the United States of America."

He spoke of the "Operation Midnight Hammer," the US airstrikes last year against Iran's nuclear strikes during a 12-day war between Israel and Iran.

"After Midnight Hammer, they were warned to make no future attempts to rebuild their weapons program--yet they continue, and are at this moment again pursuing their sinister nuclear ambitions," Trump said.

- ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a landmark address to the Israeli Knesset, becoming the first Indian head of government to do so. He expressed India's support for the Trump administration-led Gaza Peace Initiative, stating it holds promise for a just and durable peace, including addressing the Palestine issue. The speech highlighted the deep personal and strategic bond between Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who welcomed him as a "brother." The visit was marked by ceremonial warmth and celebrated the significant growth in bilateral trade and cooperation between the two nations.

PM Modi, in a historic Knesset address, endorsed the Gaza Peace Initiative for a durable peace, affirming strong India-Israel ties with PM Netanyahu.

Jerusalem, February 25 Highlighting the importance of regional stability, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed the Palestine issue during a historic speech at the Israeli parliament, Knesset, noting that the Trump administration-led Gaza Peace Initiative holds the "promise of a just and durable peace" for the people of the region.

Currently on a two-day state visit to Israel, his second to the nation, the Prime Minister remarked on the significance of the occasion, stating that he is the first Indian head of government to address the Israeli parliament.

"Gaza Peace Initiative holds the promise of a just and durable peace for all the people of the region, including by addressing the Palestine issue. The road to peace is not always easy but India joins you and the world for dialogue, peace and stability in this region," the Prime Minister said during his landmark address.

He further observed that the initiative has been endorsed by the UN Security Council and provides a clear pathway, with India expressing its firm support for the framework.

Reflecting on the ongoing West Asia turmoil, the Prime Minister spoke on the necessity of regional peace and affirmed that India stands by Israel during this difficult period.

Recalling previous diplomatic milestones to contextualise the current challenges, he stated, "Some years ago, when you concluded the Abraham Accords, we applauded your courage and vision. It was a moment of new hope for our long-troubled region. Since then, however, the situation has changed significantly, and path is more challenging".

The address followed a warm introduction by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who described the Prime Minister as "a great friend of Israel, a great champion of the Indian-Israeli alliance, a great leader on the world stage".

Expressing deep personal sentiment, PM Netanyahu added, "I have to tell you, Narendra, my dear friend, I am deeply, deeply moved by your visit here today. I've never been more moved than by your visit here with us... Welcome to Jerusalem, my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and your distinguished delegation".

Furthering the sense of a profound personal bond, PM Netanyahu referred to the Indian leader as "more than a friend, a brother," recalling their previous meeting on the Mediterranean coast.

"We didn't walk on water, but we did perform miracles since then. Because what we have done is we've doubled our trade, tripled our cooperation, quadrupled our understanding," the Israeli leader remarked.

This sentiment of a historic milestone was echoed by Amir Ohana, Speaker of the Knesset, who noted the privilege of hosting the first-ever address by an Indian Prime Minister to the House.

"Today, it is my great privilege as Speaker of the Knesset to welcome him as the first Prime Minister of India to address the Knesset and to make history once again. Thank you, Prime Minister Modi," Ohana stated.

The atmosphere in the Parliament was electric upon the Prime Minister's arrival, as he was welcomed with "Modi, Modi" chants and received a standing ovation from the members.

This followed an official reception ceremony at the Knesset attended by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara Netanyahu, marking a key highlight of the two-day visit that began after the Prime Minister arrived in Tel Aviv.

- ANI
Tourists visit Wat Arun or the Temple of Dawn on the eve of Lunar New Year in Bangkok, Thailand, Jan. 28, 2025. Photo by Reuters

Thailand, the second largest economy in Southeast Asia, recorded nearly 6 million foreign tourist arrivals between Jan. 1 and Feb. 22, with the Chinese market showing strong signs of recovery during the Lunar New Year holiday, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said the encouraging figure was driven by the New Year and Lunar New Year holidays as well as positive signals from China, Thailand's largest source market.

In February, coinciding with the Lunar New Year festival, Chinese arrivals rebounded markedly, reaching as many as 30,000 per day on some days.

To capitalize on the recovery, TAT has rolled out its 2026 tourism promotion campaign "Zhong Tai Yi Jia Qin" (China-Thailand: Close like family), identifying Chinese travelers from both major and secondary cities as a key target group.

In January, TAT coordinated with the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) to organize a familiarization trip for 300-400 representatives of leading tour operators and key opinion leaders.

In February, Lunar New Year events were held in several localities, including Hat Yai District in Songkhla Province, attracting large numbers of ethnic Chinese visitors, particularly from Malaysia. A major roadshow is scheduled to take place in Shanghai in March.

Another key measure is the "Airlines Focus" strategy, under which TAT works closely with both short-haul and long-haul carriers. Negotiations for new routes are conducted at least six months in advance.

The approach is beginning to yield results, with additional airlines expected to launch new services and increase flight frequencies to Thailand in the second half of the year.

For 2026, TAT aims to attract no fewer than 35 million foreign visitors, with the possibility of reaching 36.7 million.

The authority is preparing campaigns with content creators to promote more destinations, while continuing to highlight Thailand's strengths such as Muay Thai, spa and massage services, cultural heritage and cuisine. It also plans to further promote award-winning restaurants, including those recognized by Michelin and Asia's Best 50 Restaurants, to enhance the country's tourism appeal.
Veteran Communist Party of India leader R Nallakannu has passed away in Chennai at the age of 101. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin paid his last respects, calling Nallakannu's death a great loss for political life and praising his lifelong commitment to the working class. Nallakannu was known as a tireless fighter who endured imprisonment and worked closely with former CM M Karunanidhi. VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan also paid tribute, highlighting Nallakannu's work for Dalits and demanding he be awarded the Bharat Ratna.

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin & VCK's Thol Thirumavalavan pay homage to veteran Communist leader R Nallakannu, who passed away at 101 in Chennai.

Chennai, February 25 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday called veteran CPI leader R Nallakannu's demise a "great loss for the people in political life," after paying his last respects at the CPI office in T Nagar, Chennai.

Speaking to reporters, Stalin said, "This loss is not only for his family and party people, but it is also a great loss for all the people in public and political life."

R Nallakannu, who had been undergoing treatment at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, passed away on Wednesday afternoon, at the age of 101. Nallakannu was one of the senior-most Communist leaders in Tamil Nadu.

Earlier today, the mortal remains of veteran CPI leader Nallakannu were taken from Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital to CPI Head Office in T Nagar.

CPI workers and Communists in Tamil Nadu gathered near the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai.

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin had posted an emotional tribute to veteran leader R Nallakannu, calling him an "indomitable comrade" and a "political volcano" whose life would remain a guiding light for generations to come.

In a heartfelt message shared on X, Stalin recalled Nallakannu's unwavering spirit despite physical challenges, quoting the late leader's own words: "Even though I lack proper vision in one eye, there is another eye in my heart. That is the good eye."

He described Nallakannu as "an uncompromising fighter" and a tireless champion of the working class who endured imprisonment, torture, and immense personal hardship without ever compromising his principles.

In his tribute, Stalin highlighted Nallakannu's close association with former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, fondly remembered as "Muttamil Arignar Kalaignar." He noted that Nallakannu had stood shoulder to shoulder with Karunanidhi in protests against laws such as POTA, ESA and TESA, and strongly believed that Communist ideology and the Dravidian movement should work together as a "twin-barreled rifle for social change."

VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan also paid a tribute to Comrade RNK, calling him a "great humanist." He recalled participating in protests alongside Nallakannu and his work for the protection of Dalits and marginalised people.

"The great humanist, freedom fighter, Communist leader, Comrade RNK (R Nallakannu) passed away today. It is a great loss for the working class and the proletariat. He was a living example of the young generation to do public service genuinely. I had an experience for the past 30 years along with him in various protests and struggles for the downtrodden people. He led a separate movement for oppressed people. He worked a lot for the protection of Dalits and other minorities," he said.

"I salute him. On behalf of VCK, I would like to extend our sincere thanks to the CM for his announcement that he will be sent off with State Honour. It is a great reverence, due respect to our historical leader. Personally, I feel that this is a great loss for me. I demand that the Centre confer Bharat Ratna on him for his great contribution to our nation," Thirumavalavan added.

- ANI
The Gujarat government will host the third Semiconnect Conference in Gandhinagar on March 1, 2026. The event, themed "Gujarat: India's Gateway to Silicon," aims to establish the state as the anchor of India's semiconductor ecosystem. It will feature keynote addresses, panels, and roundtables with global industry leaders and policymakers. The conference underscores India's push for technological self-reliance and will include a tour of the Dholera Special Investment Region.

Gujarat hosts the Semiconnect Conference 2026, aiming to position the state as India's semiconductor hub with global leaders and key ministers.

Gandhinagar, February 25 The Government of Gujarat is set to host the third edition of the Gujarat Semiconnect Conference 2026 on March 1, at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, a release said.

The event was convened by the Department of Science & Technology and Gujarat State Electronics Mission (GSEM). This global conference is inspired by the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose call for technological self-reliance has placed semiconductors at the heart of India's growth agenda.

The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendrabhai Patel, will inaugurate the event alongside Union Minister for Electronics & IT, Railways and Information & Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and Minister for Science & Technology Arjun Modhwadia.

The conference theme, "Gujarat: India's Gateway to Silicon," reflects the state's ambition to position itself as the anchor of India's semiconductor ecosystem. With Gujarat's robust infrastructure, industrial corridors, and investor-friendly policies, the state is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing India's semiconductor manufacturing and research capabilities. The event will bring together global semiconductor CEOs, policymakers, and industry leaders to deliberate on strategies that will strengthen India's position in the global value chain.

Over two days, the conference will feature keynote addresses, thematic panels, and international roundtables. Day one will open with sessions on next-generation semiconductor research and manufacturing, logistics and export readiness for hubs like Dholera and Sanand, financing through GIFT International Financial Services Centre, and workforce development for future skills.

The release stated that discussions will also focus on strengthening India's electronics foundation, from printed circuit boards to resilient component ecosystems. Parallel sessions will include a Micron Suppliers' Roundtable, country-specific roundtables with Japan and Taiwan, and a seminar on education and outreach titled 'From Silicon to Students: Building India's Semiconductor Future.' Day two will feature a guided tour to Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR), facilitated by GSEM, DICDL, and Tata Electronics, offering delegates an opportunity to witness Gujarat's ambitious infrastructure projects firsthand.

The conference will host an impressive lineup of keynote speakers, including Randhir Thakur, CEO & MD of TEPL; Sanjay Mehrotra, CEO of Micron Technology; GC Chaturvedi, Chairman of CG Semi; Ramesh Kunhikannan, Executive Vice Chairman of Kaynes Technology; Ajit Manocha, CEO of SEMI; and Rao Tummala, Emeritus Professor at Georgia Tech. Their participation underscores the global confidence in Gujarat's semiconductor vision and the Prime Minister's call for India to emerge as a leader in advanced technologies.

Anchor Semiconductor Project Proponents such as Micron, Tata Electronics, and Kaynes Semicon, along with knowledge partners including JETRO (Japan), KOTRA (Korea), Invest India, India Semiconductor Mission, SEMI, IESA, ELCINA, ICEA, and MEDEPC, have extended their support to this initiative.

Their involvement highlights the international collaboration and national momentum that Gujarat is fostering under the Prime Minister's guidance and the Chief Minister's leadership.

The Gujarat Semiconnect Conference 2026 is expected to be a landmark event, setting the stage for India's semiconductor growth. The synergy of the Prime Minister's vision for technological self-reliance, together with the Chief Minister's commitment to make Gujarat a hub of innovation and investment, will showcase India's readiness to lead in the global semiconductor industry. As the theme suggests, Gujarat welcomes global chipmakers and domestic industries, entrepreneurs, and students to contribute towards this transformative journey.

- ANI
Gujarat has seized narcotics worth an estimated Rs 3,727 crore over the past two years, as announced in the state Legislative Assembly. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi detailed a strict enforcement policy, including seizing traffickers' properties and demolishing illegal constructions linked to the drug trade. Alongside legal action, the government is pursuing a humanitarian approach with counselling and rehabilitation programs in cities like Surat and Ahmedabad. The state's drug-related crime rate of 0.8 is reported to be the lowest in the country.

Gujarat seized 41,000 kg of drugs worth Rs 3,727 crore in two years, as Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi details enforcement and rehabilitation efforts.

Gandhinagar, Feb 25 Drugs weighing approximately 41,000 kg and valued at an estimated Rs 3,727 crore have been seized in Gujarat over the past two years, the Legislative Assembly was informed, as the state government detailed enforcement measures and rehabilitation initiatives under its zero-tolerance policy against narcotics.

Providing the details in the Assembly, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi said the government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, was moving ahead with the resolve of a "Drug-Free Gujarat".

Sanghavi said, "Gujarat Police have conducted top to bottom investigation against drug peddlers and taken the strictest possible action."

He stated that properties worth Rs 32.20 crore belonging to drug traffickers in Kutch district had been seized. "Not only this, but illegal constructions linked to elements involved in the drug trade have also been demolished with 'Dada's bulldozer'," he told the Assembly.

He added that in Jamnagar, illegal houses built by drug mafias on gauchar and government land had been razed.

Referring to coordinated operations, Sanghavi said Gujarat Police had worked with police forces in other states to dismantle inter-state drug networks, including that of the "Pandi Brothers".

He said drug manufacturing factories had been detected not only in Gujarat but also in other states, and that after arresting drug peddlers and cartels, police had carried out comprehensive investigations covering all aspects of the trade.

"By investigating every link from top to bottom, we have reached the roots of the drug network and taken stringent action against the accused," he said.

The deputy CM added that the government had adopted what he described as a humanitarian approach alongside legal enforcement.

"Instead of sending youth who have fallen prey to drug addiction to jail, efforts are being made in cities such as Surat and Ahmedabad, under the chairmanship of the Police Commissioners, to bring them back into the mainstream through counselling along with their families," he said.

Deputy CM Sanghavi further stated that this year's budget provided for new de-addiction centres in every district to ensure assistance at the local level.

Providing further statistical details, Minister of State Kaushik Vekariya said, "In the last two years, 1,647 offences have been registered across the state, and approximately 41,000 kg of drugs have been seized, with an estimated market value of around Rs 3,727 crore."

He added that in Jamnagar and Kutch districts alone, 135 offences had been registered, 306 accused arrested, and drugs worth more than Rs 244.59 crore seized.

Vekariya said the ATS and other agencies remained vigilant to prevent trafficking through sea routes.

"With the slogan 'Eradicate drugs and reward the informer', the Gujarat Government is committed to protecting the younger generation," he said, adding that an Anti-Narcotics Task Force structure had been made operational in six zones to break drug networks.

He also told the House that Gujarat's drug-related crime rate stood at 0.8, the lowest in the country, and said the government's intensive efforts had led to increased public participation in tackling the menace.

- IANS
Swadeshi Shopping Festivals have commenced in 38 municipalities across Gujarat, attracting over one lakh visitors and generating sales exceeding 83 lakh. The initiative, organized under the Gujarat Urban Livelihood Mission, provides a major platform for Self-Help Groups, local artisans, and small traders to sell indigenous products. This follows the success of previous plastic-free festivals during Dussehra-Diwali, which saw over 40 lakh visitors and 10 crore in sales. The state government aims to extend these melas to all 152 municipalities by March 2026, strengthening the local economy in line with the 'Vocal for Local' mantra.

Swadeshi Mela launched in 38 Gujarat municipalities, recording over 1 lakh visitors and 83 lakh in sales, boosting local artisans and 'Vocal for Local'.

Gandhinagar, February 25 Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens across the nation to embrace indigenous products by adopting the mantra of 'Vocal for Local', reinforcing the vision of building an Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the Government of Gujarat has undertaken several new initiatives to support rural and urban artisans, handicraft workers and small industries. Programs such as 'Gujarat Atmanirbhar Yatra', 'G-Maitri Yojana' and 'Mahila Udyog Sahay Yojana' are giving new momentum to indigenous products in the state. In addition, under the Urban Development and Urban Housing Department, statewide Swadeshi Mela (Shopping Festivals) are being organised through the Gujarat Urban Livelihood Mission, providing a strong platform for local artisans, Self-Help Groups and small traders.

Notably, during the previous Dussehra to Diwali period, Plastic-Free "Swadeshi Festivals" were successfully organised in 16 cities across the state. More than 40.50 lakh people visited these fairs, and sales exceeding 10 crore were recorded. Building upon this success, Swadeshi Mela (Shopping Festivals) are now being organised in all municipalities of the state, offering Self-Help Groups (SHGs), local artisans, artists and small traders an excellent opportunity to showcase and sell their indigenous products.

Swadeshi Mela will be conducted across all 152 municipalities of the state by 15 March 2026. Under this initiative, more than 1500 stalls have been allotted to Self-Help Groups, while over 1400 stalls have been allocated to street vendors. Around 1200 food stalls are being prepared, and more than 1650 stalls have been allotted to other artisans to sell their indigenous products.

So far, Swadeshi Mela has commenced in 38 municipalities across the state, including various municipalities in the zones of Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar, Gandhinagar, Rajkot, Surat and Vadodara. During this period, more than 1 lakh people have visited the Swadeshi Mela, and sales exceeding 83 lakh have been recorded. This success demonstrates that citizens are enthusiastically associating with the Vocal for Local initiative. These Swadeshi Mela are not merely a platform for trade, but a significant effort toward strengthening the local economy.

The Prime Minister believes that promoting Swadeshi and building an Atmanirbhar Bharat are essential for achieving a Viksit Bharat. Inspired by this vision, the Government of Gujarat is continuously working to ensure that every citizen embraces the mantra of Swadeshi and actively supports 'Vocal for Local'.

- ANI
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has begun a three-day visit to Bihar, focusing on the security and development of the Seemanchal region bordering Nepal and Bangladesh. The visit includes reviewing border security arrangements and holding high-level meetings with officials to address issues like reported drug trafficking from Nepal. Bihar Minister Ashok Chaudhary commented that state resources are for local Muslims, not those from other countries. The tour will also assess development projects, including an agriculture college and airport, before concluding on February 27.

Home Minister Amit Shah starts a three-day Bihar tour to assess security on Nepal, Bangladesh borders and review development in Seemanchal region.

New Delhi, Feb 25 Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to begin a three-day visit to Bihar on Wednesday, focussing on border security, administrative preparedness and ongoing development initiatives in the state's Seemanchal region, which shares proximity with Nepal and Bangladesh.

Reacting to the visit, Bihar Minister Ashok Chaudhary said, "He (Amit Shah) is coming to review our border areas with Nepal and Bangladesh because reports are coming that drug peddlers have become active from Nepal. Our resources are for our Muslims, not for Muslims of other countries."

During his visit, HM Shah is scheduled to review security arrangements in border districts and hold high-level meetings with officials regarding issues along the India-Nepal border.

He is set to reach Purnia around 4:00 P.M. before proceeding to Kishanganj, where he will chair a review meeting at the Collectorate.

JD(U) spokesperson, Neeraj Kumar emphasised the developmental aspect of the visit, stating, "Amit Shah is the country's Home Minister. The Seemanchal region includes the agriculture college named after A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the airport of Purnia, the development of Waqf properties, as well as other bordering areas."

LJP MLA, Raju Tiwari welcomed the visit, saying, "The Home Minister regularly visits the Seemanchal region, and his visits are always welcome. Especially in Seemanchal, it shows the responsibility the government has towards the people. His arrival, along with the Prime Minister's, is a good sign."

RLM MLA, Madhav Anand added, "Home Minister Amit Shah remains consistently concerned about the people of Bihar. All the central government schemes being implemented in Bihar are regularly reviewed personally by him and by the Prime Minister. His current visit is part of this engagement - a three-day tour."

On February 26, HM Shah will visit Araria and participate in a programme at the Letti border outpost, followed by further security assessments and a review of development initiatives under the Vibrant Villages Programme. The tour will conclude on February 27 after additional meetings in Purnia before his return to New Delhi.

Extensive security arrangements have been put in place ahead of the visit.

- IANS
Hyundai, Kia, and BMW are voluntarily recalling over 107,000 vehicles in South Korea due to defects that could lead to fires. The issues involve battery management system software in Hyundai and Kia electric vehicles and faulty starter motor components in various BMW models. This action follows a previous major recall by the same automakers for similar software-related safety defects. Separately, Kia celebrated a production milestone of 5 million vehicles at its plant in Georgia, USA.

Hyundai, Kia, and BMW recall over 107,000 vehicles in South Korea due to software and component defects posing fire hazards.

Seoul, Feb 25 Hyundai Motor, Kia and BMW Korea will voluntarily recall 107,158 vehicles across 37 models due to manufacturing defects that could pose fire risks, the transport ministry said on Wednesday.

According to the ministry, 37,690 units of four Hyundai models, including the Kona Electric, are subject to corrective measures over a battery management system (BMS) software issue, which could prevent early detection of fire risks.

Kia will recall 1,590 units of the Niro electric vehicle (EV) over the same BMS software issue, reports Yonhap news agency.

Separately, BMW Korea will recall 67,878 vehicles across 32 models, including the 520i and 320i, over defective starter motor components that could lead to possible fires.

Earlier, Hyundai Motor, Kia and BMW Korea voluntarily recalled a combined 179,880 vehicles across 51 models due to software-related manufacturing defects, the transport ministry said.

According to the ministry, Hyundai Motor recalled 36,603 units of the Porter II Electric due to a software error that could affect braking performance.

Kia also recalled 25,078 units of the Bongo III electric vehicle (EV) over a software issue that could reduce braking performance. In addition, 69,137 Kia vehicles across 16 other models were recalled starting Tuesday over a similar issue.

BMW Korea recalled 9,914 vehicles across 13 models, including the i5 eDrive40, due to a software defect in the air conditioner compressor control unit.

Meanwhile, Kia's production plant in the US state of Georgia has achieved over 5 million units in cumulative production, the automaker said on Wednesday.

A rollout ceremony for the 5 millionth unit at the West Point plant was held Tuesday (U.S. time), with the unit, a Telluride sport utility vehicle (SUV), also marking the first-ever hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) to be assembled in Georgia, as well as Kia's first U.S.-assembled HEV, according to the company.

The South Korean carmaker began producing the Telluride exclusively in Georgia in 2019.

- IANS
IJK Party National President Ravi Pachamuthu has reaffirmed his party's continued alliance with the NDA, a partnership lasting 14-15 years since Narendra Modi became Prime Minister. He questioned whether the cadres of actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) have the political strength to face established parties like the DMK, AIADMK, or the NDA alliance in the upcoming elections. Pachamuthu drew a clear distinction between having film fans and having a dedicated political cadre capable of facing electoral battles. He also clarified his stance on welfare, stating he is not against freebies but believes people should become self-reliant.

IJK Party's Ravi Pachamuthu reaffirms NDA alliance, questions if Vijay's TVK cadres can face DMK, AIADMK, or NDA in Tamil Nadu polls.

Chennai, February 25 National President of IJK Party and Chairman of SRM Groups, Ravi Pachamuthu, on Wednesday questioned whether actor- turned- politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam Party cadres have the guts to face the established parties like DMK, ADMK or NDA alliance in the upcoming Tamil Nadu elections.

Speaking to ANI, Pachamuthu reaffirmed the party's continued alliance with NDA and said preparations for the elections have already begun.

"We are with NDA for the last 14-15 years. Right from the initial stage, when Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister of India. We will continue to be with them... We have started the preparations (for the election)," said Pachamuthu, National President of IJK Party.

On the issue of freebies, the IJK party president clarified that while he is not against welfare schemes, people should grow on their own, where they can buy their things easily and be self-reliant.

"We are not against freebies... You should grow to a level where you can buy your (own things). Nothing is free," added Pachamuthu.

Addressing actor Vijay's entry into politics, Pachamuthu drew a distinction between having fans and having a political cadre capable of facing electoral battles.

"Vijay has a lot of fans... Being 15 years in politics, I personally feel that fans and political people are different. You should have the guts to face a problem," said Pachamuthu.

Pachamuthu further questioned the capability of Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) Party, whether their cadres have the guts to face the DMK, ADMK or NDA alliance

"I don't know whether his party cadres will have the guts to face the DMK, ADMK or NDA alliance," Pachamuthu added.

The comments come days after Vijay addressed a TVK rally in Vellore, where he positioned the upcoming Tamil Nadu election as a direct contest between his party and the ruling party, declaring it as a battle between him and Chief Minister MK Stalin. He also accused the Dravida Munnetra Kazagham (DMK)-led Tamil Nadu government of running a "fake model" administration and mocking them as "stand-up comedy government."

- ANI
India and Germany held high-level climate talks in New Delhi, reaffirming cooperation on adaptation and resilience. A key focus was India's forthcoming National Adaptation Plan, with Germany launching a new 20 million project to enhance resilience in high-risk ecosystems like the Himalayas and Western Ghats. Officials emphasized that adaptation must move from strategy to implementation, requiring deliberate investment to avoid higher future costs from climate impacts. The dialogue highlighted the need to integrate mitigation and adaptation, with Germany noting that nearly half of its 2024 international climate finance supported adaptation measures.

India and Germany deepen climate cooperation, discussing a new 20M project for ecosystem resilience and the forthcoming National Adaptation Plan.

New Delhi, February 26 India and Germany reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening adaptation and resilience at a high-level climate talk hosted at the German Embassy in New Delhi on Wednesday evening.

The dialogue titled "From Risk to Resilience: Advancing Adaptation Policy Pathways," brought together policymakers, climate experts, think tanks and development partners to discuss governance frameworks, policy priorities and practical pathways to advance resilience.

As per an official statement, it was noted that a key focus of the evening was India's forthcoming National Adaptation Plan (NAP), currently being finalised under the leadership of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Germany and India are deepening cooperation to support the implementation of the NAP, particularly in strengthening climate resilience in forests, ecosystems and biodiversity.

Under the International Climate Initiative (IKI), Germany has launched a new Large Grant project for India with a funding volume up to EUR 20 million. The project aims to enhance resilience in high-risk ecosystems across priority regions, including the Himalayas, island regions, the Western Ghats, the North-East and the Lower Gangetic floodplains, the statement noted.

It added that the initiative will support ecosystem-based approaches (EbA) such as forest restoration, biodiversity corridor connectivity, flood and erosion control, groundwater recharge and community-led natural resource management. It will also strengthen monitoring, evaluation and learning frameworks linked to the NAP and explore innovative financing mechanisms, including blended finance, biodiversity credits and insurance schemes "Ecosystem-based approaches create multiple wins," Flasbarth noted. "They not only reduce climate risks but strengthen livelihoods, enhance biodiversity and are often more cost-effective than purely technical solutions."

As per an official statement, the discussion featured Jochen Flasbarth, State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN), in conversation with Ulka Kelkar, Executive Director (Climate, Economics & Finance) at WRI India. The event was opened by Philipp Ackermann, Ambassador of Germany to India and Bhutan.

In his remark, State Secretary Flasbarth underlined that adaptation is now a central pillar of climate policy globally. "We no longer have the privilege of choosing between mitigation and adaptation. The less we reduce emissions, the more we must invest in adaptation, and ultimately someone will pay the cost, either today through planned action or tomorrow through climate impacts".

Highlighting the importance of international partnerships, Flasbarth emphasized that adaptation must be rooted in mutual learning. "Germany and India already share a strong foundation of cooperation on climate and environment. The next step is translating adaptation strategies into practical solutions that strengthen resilience on the ground".

Speaking at the dialogue, Ulka Kelkar, Executive Director (Climate, Economics & Finance), WRI India, emphasised that adaptation must now move from strategy documents to budget lines and implementation frameworks. "Adaptation cannot be assumed to happen automatically through development. Climate-resilient growth requires deliberate upfront investment, otherwise societies end up paying far higher costs later through climate impacts," she said, adding, "The climate risks scientists warned about decades ago are now unfolding in real time. This makes precautionary adaptation planning essential for countries like India as growth and climate resilience must advance together," as per the statement.

The statement further observed how Germany continues to prioritise adaptation finance globally and mentioned that in 2024, Germany's international climate finance contribution amounted to EUR 11.8 billion, of which nearly half of public budget resources supported adaptation measures. This reflects Germany's commitment to scaling up adaptation finance while mobilising private sector investment.

The conversation also highlighted the need to integrate mitigation and adaptation. While adaptation is critical, reducing emissions remains the most fundamental step to avoid reaching hard adaptation limits. India's progress in renewable energy expansion was acknowledged as an important mitigation achievement, the statement highlighted.

- ANI
Israel's Special Envoy for Trade and Innovation, Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, stated that a strategic alliance between India and Israel in artificial intelligence can shape the future of technology. She highlighted the complementary strengths, with Israel having high AI talent concentration and India boasting advanced innovation in its Silicon Valley region. The envoy emphasized shared values as a foundation for the partnership and expressed hope for revived multilateral collaborations like the I2U2 group. The comments came during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to Israel, following India's hosting of the AI Impact Summit 2026.

Israel's Special Envoy highlights how combined AI expertise with India can drive innovation and shape the future of technology during PM Modi's visit.

Tel Aviv, February 25 India and Israel's collaboration in artificial intelligence, along with their combined expertise, is expected to drive innovation and shape the future of technology, said Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, Israel's Special Envoy for Trade and Innovation.

Speaking to ANI, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Israel for his two-day state visit, Hassan-Nahoum highlighted the complementary strengths of both nations in AI.

"Israel's got the highest concentration of AI talent in the world. We have leading AI technologies. We know India also; in your Bangalore Silicon Valley region, you are also very advanced with AI innovation. AI is the future. And if India and Israel can actually ally, we can reshape or shape the future in the best possible way," she said.

The envoy emphasised that the shared values and vision underpin the partnership, noting that it would be a "good thing" if the future of AI is left to India and Israel.

"We share values. We understand the values of family. We understand the values of our faiths. I think that to leave the future of AI in the hands of India and Israel is a good thing," Hassan-Nahoum added.

PM Modi is currently on a state visit to Israel at the invitation of his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu.

His visit comes just days after India hosted the AI Impact Summit 2026, the first international AI Summit to be hosted in the Global South.

The Summit, anchored in three foundational pillars, or 'Sutras': People, Planet and Progress, witnessed unprecedented participation, with over 20 Heads of State, 60 Ministers, and 500 global AI leaders. Bringing together policymakers, technology companies, innovators, academia, and industry leaders, the Summit sought to translate global AI deliberations into actionable development outcomes under the IndiaAI Mission and the Digital India initiative.

The envoy also pointed to broader regional and multilateral collaborations that could benefit from strengthened India-Israel ties.

"We were talking for a while about the India-Middle East corridor, which is a way of connecting the East through Israel to Europe. That's a very important subject. I was also very involved with I2U2 -- India, Israel, the UAE, and the United States. I hope that comes back to the table. India and the UAE, with the US and Israel, can do wonderful things together," she said.

Hassan-Nahoum noted that cooperation could extend beyond AI into sectors such as agriculture and water technologies.

- ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Israeli Knesset, announced that Indian and Israeli teams are working hard to finalize an ambitious bilateral Free Trade Agreement. He reiterated India's firm support for the UN-endorsed Gaza Peace Initiative as a pathway to durable regional peace. Modi strongly condemned terrorism, referencing the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and affirming a policy of zero tolerance without double standards. The visit began with a warm welcome from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, highlighting strengthened diplomatic ties.

PM Modi addresses Israeli Knesset, pushing for India-Israel FTA, backing Gaza Peace Initiative, and condemning terrorism with zero tolerance.

Jerusalem, February 25 Addressing the Israeli Parliament Knesset, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that Indian and Israeli representative have been working to conclude a bilateral trade agreement.

PM Modi said that India has been tolerant of Jews and they have never faced persecution in India.

He said, "For the past few years, India has been the fastest-growing major economy in the world. Soon, we will be among the top three economies globally. In the last few years, India has concluded a number of important trade agreements with other nations. Our teams are working hard to negotiate an ambitious Free Trade Agreement," he said.

PM Modi dived into history, and said that during the First World War, more than 4,000 Indian soldiers laid down their lives in this region

"India's connection to this land is also written in blood and sacrifice. During the First World War, more than 4,000 Indian soldiers laid down their lives in this region. Jewish communities have lived in India without fear of persecution or discrimination. They have preserved their faiths and participated fully in society," he said.

He further reiterated India's support for the Gaza Peace Initiative, saying that it offers a pathway.

"The Gaza Peace Initiative, which was endorsed by the UN Security Council, offers a pathway. India has expressed its firm support for the initiative. We believe that it holds the promise of a just and durable peace for all the people of the region, including by addressing the Palestine issue. Let all our efforts be guided by wisdom, courage, and humanity. The road to peace is not always easy, but India joins you and the world for dialogue, peace and stability in this region," he said.

PM Modi condemned terrorism, expressing India's zero tolerance towards the issue.

"No cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism. India has also endured the pain of terrorism for a long time. We remember the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the innocent lives lost, including Israeli citizens. Like you, we have a consistent and uncompromising policy of zero tolerance for terrorism with no double standards," he said.

PM Modi added, "Terrorism aims to destabilise societies, to block development and to erode trust. Countering terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action because terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere. That is why India supports all efforts that contribute to durable peace and regional stability."

PM Modi began a two-day official visit to Israel by meeting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv. In a warm gesture, Israeli PM Netanyahu and his wife personally welcomed him at the airport and honoured him with a special guard of honour.

- ANI
Tourists walk outside the Royal Palace in central Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Photo by Reuters

Cambodia is forecast to attract a large number of Chinese tourists this year as it sets to implement a pilot visa exemption from June 15 to Oct. 15, according to Tourism Minister Huot Hak.

The country welcomed 5.57 million international tourists last year, of which more than 1.2 million were Chinese tourists, up 41.5% year-on-year, Hak said at the launch of the 10th China-Cambodia Mobile Film Tour.

China was the second-biggest source of foreign holidaymakers to the Southeast Asian country after Vietnam.

This figure not only demonstrates the recovery of the tourism sector, but also serves as a clear testament to the confidence and high value placed by Chinese tourists on Cambodia, which is a safe and warm tourist destination with cultural diversity, Hak said.

Cambodia's forthcoming pilot visa-free policy for Chinese nationals will become a catalyst for greater prosperity and lasting progress for the two nations, he added.

Tourism is one of the four pillars supporting Cambodia's economy in addition to garment, footwear and travel goods export, agriculture, and construction and real estate.

The country has five UNESCO-listed world heritage sites, namely the Angkor Archaeological Park, the Temple of Preah Vihear, the Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk, the Koh Ker archaeological site, and the Cambodian Memorial Sites.

Besides, it has a pristine coastline stretching for about 450 kilometers in four southwestern provinces of Preah Sihanouk, Kampot, Kep, and Koh Kong.
The UN General Assembly passed a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and reaffirming its territorial integrity on the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion. In an unusual move, the United States abstained, joined by India, arguing that specific paragraphs could interfere with sensitive diplomatic negotiations nearing a potential deal. The US had unsuccessfully sought to remove references to sovereignty and a peace conforming to international law, a move Russia supported but key US allies opposed. The resolution ultimately passed with 107 votes in favor, highlighting a complex split in the international approach to ending the war.

On the war's 4th anniversary, the UNGA passed a resolution backing Ukraine's territorial integrity. The US and India abstained, citing ongoing peace talks.

United Nations, Feb 25 On the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the General Assembly supported the territorial integrity of Ukraine and demanded an immediate ceasefire in a resolution on which India joined the US in abstaining.

The resolution carried on Tuesday with 107 votes, including those of Washington's allies, showed a split among the Western countries in their approach to ending the war.

There were 12 votes against it, and 51 countries abstained.

The unusual US abstention was driven by its optimism that a peace deal was near and that two paragraphs in the resolution would interfere with its diplomatic efforts.

US President Donald Trump has reportedly asked Ukraine to give up some territory in a peace deal, which Kyiv has rejected.

The US demanded that the draft resolution drop paragraphs on the Assembly reaffirming its "strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine", and calling for a "comprehensive, just and lasting peace" conforming to international law and the UN Charter.

When Washington's proposal for the deletion was defeated 11 to 69 - with India among the 62 abstaining - the US abstained on the resolution for ending the war.

In an unusual spectacle, Russia joined the US to vote for the excision, while Washington's allies voted against it.

US Deputy Permanent Representative Tammy Bruce said Washington opposed the two references because they were "likely to distract from ongoing negotiations, rather than support discussion of the full range of diplomatic avenues that may pave the way to that durable peace".

"We believe we are closer to a deal than at any point since this war began", she said.

Russia's Deputy Permanent Representative Anna Evstigneeva concurred.

"Today, when a genuine window of opportunity has opened up for a political settlement of the Ukrainian crisis, it is diplomacy that we must talk about first and foremost, not proclamations", she said.

Bruce, however, clarified, "The United States welcomes, of course, the call for an immediate ceasefire".

France's Permanent Representative Jerome Bonnafont said supporting the US demand "would mean that the UNGA would be voting against the principles of the Charter".

Washington's allies expressed strong opposition to the US's defeat of the US demand to cut parts of the resolution.

The resolution, however, welcomed the efforts of the US, along with the European Union to end the war.

Fully taking aim at Moscow, the resolution expressed concern that "the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation has persisted for four years and continues to have devastating and long-lasting consequences for Ukraine and for regional and global stability".

US President Donald Trump had said during his campaign that he would end the Ukraine War in 24 hours of taking office, but that claim has eluded him.

He is, however, continuing efforts to bring Moscow and Kyiv together to find an end to the war, and US-sponsored talks took place last week in Geneva.

Bruce said, "Our dedicated negotiators have a keen sense of the realities on the ground as they continue to work with the parties to forge an agreement on the outstanding issues in the most expeditious manner possible".

- IANS
India and Sweden have strengthened their technological partnership by signing a Statement of Intent to boost bilateral collaboration in artificial intelligence. The agreement establishes a framework for developing and deploying AI solutions with a focus on real-world industrial and social impact. As a flagship initiative, the two nations will launch the Sweden-India Technology and Artificial Intelligence Corridor (SITAC) to connect government, industry, startups, and academia. This corridor will facilitate exchanges, workshops, and joint innovation platforms to drive economic growth and shape the future of trusted AI.

India and Sweden sign AI agreement, launching SITAC corridor to boost tech collaboration, trade, and sustainable innovation between the two nations.

New Delhi, Feb 25 India and Sweden have taken a step forward in strengthening cooperation in artificial intelligence and digital technologies, Ministry of Electronics & IT said on Wednesday.

On the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026, the IndiaAI Mission and Business Sweden signed a Statement of Intent to boost bilateral collaboration in AI and promote trade and investment between the two countries.

The agreement lays down a structured framework for working together on the development, application and deployment of AI solutions.

The focus will be on delivering real-world industrial and social outcomes. The partnership builds on the long-standing ties between India and Sweden and reflects their shared priority of using AI to drive innovation, economic growth and sustainable development, while also managing potential risks.

Kavita Bhatia, Chief Operating Officer of the IndiaAI Mission, said India and Sweden are not just partners in AI but co-architects of a value-based, sustainable and trusted AI future.

She said the collaboration highlights the complementary strengths and shared democratic values of both countries and positions them to shape the next phase of global technological change.

Sofia Hogman, Trade and Invest Commissioner of Sweden to India, said the Statement of Intent marks an important step in turning the shared strategic vision into concrete outcomes.

She added that through the proposed corridor initiative, both sides aim to connect their AI and digital technology ecosystems and create new business opportunities.

As part of the partnership, the two sides will jointly develop a dedicated programme called the Sweden-India Technology and Artificial Intelligence Corridor, or SITAC.

This corridor will act as a flagship platform to bring together government agencies, industry leaders, startups and academic institutions from both nations.

Under SITAC, the two countries plan to organise conferences, seminars and thematic workshops, facilitate exchanges between AI ecosystems, and conduct field visits to innovation hubs and centres of excellence.

The initiative will also encourage engagement among companies, investors, researchers and policymakers, identify opportunities for joint innovation platforms and investment corridors, and promote the deployment of AI solutions across priority sectors in both countries.

- IANS
PM Modi to address the Knesset, a first for an Indian PM

The Indian diaspora in Israel is filled with pride and anticipation ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day state visit. Community members describe the moment as historic and auspicious, reflecting on the strengthened bilateral ties since Modi's first visit in 2017. They highlight the tangible benefits of the partnership, including increased employment opportunities for Indians in sectors like construction and agriculture. The visit includes high-level meetings with Israeli leadership and a historic address by Modi to the Israeli parliament.

Indian community in Israel beams with pride as PM Modi visits, calling it a historic moment that strengthens bilateral ties and creates opportunities.

By Sahil Pandey, Jerusalem, February 25 The streets of Jerusalem on Wednesday carry a familiar buzz with tricolours tucked into shopfronts, community leaders coordinating welcome gatherings, and conversations in Hindi echoing through neighbourhoods where the Indian community forms a visible presence ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's arrival for his two-day state visit to Israel.

With moments to go before the Prime Minister arrives in Israel for his second visit, members of the Indian diaspora says the moment feels both historic and deeply personal.

For many, the visit is more than a diplomatic engagement and is a reminder of how far India-Israel ties have come since 2017, when PM Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to set foot in the country.

"We are very happy. A warm welcome to our Narendra Modiji," says Laxmi Narayana, who moved from Hyderabad to Israel for work. "When he came in 2017, it was the first time. Now this is the second time. It feels special."

He speaks with visible pride about the camaraderie between Prime Minister Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"When we hear our Prime Minister's name mentioned with Bibi Netanyahu, we are very happy. We expect more friendship and a stronger relationship between Israel and India," he added.

Across construction sites, agricultural fields and hospitality hubs, thousands of Indian workers have built new lives in Israel in recent years. For them, the growing partnership between the two nations has translated into tangible opportunities.

Banala Gangadhar, President of the Israel Telangana Association, describes the anticipation as long-awaited.

"We have been waiting for Modi ji's visit for a long time. After his first visit, the friendship between India and Israel became strong. It will become even stronger in the future," he said.

He notes that increasing numbers of Indians are arriving in Israel for employment in sectors ranging from construction to agriculture.

"Since Modi ji's visit, many people have come here to Israel in various sectors like construction, agriculture, and hospitality. In the future as well, our relations will be good, and many more people will come here. It will be beneficial for everyone - for India, for Israel, and for the whole world," he said.

Srinivas, who has lived in Israel for five years, calls the day "auspicious".

"What he promised after the first visit has now been proven. Thousands of people from India are coming here to work in every sector," he said, adding that "The Israeli people consider us like brothers, like family."

For Prakash, also from Hyderabad, the symbolism of the visit stands out.

"Narendra Modi ji was the first Prime Minister to come to Israel. The bond between India and Israel should grow even stronger," he says, describing the day as "great" for the community.

Paska Sudhakar echoes the same sentiment, noting that "Israeli people respect Indian people a lot."

"We are very happy that Modi garu is coming," he says, expressing hope that the visit will further cement ties between the two nations.

Beyond policy and protocol, the visit carries emotional weight for the diaspora -- a sense of recognition and connection to their homeland. As India and Israel continue to deepen cooperation in defence, technology, agriculture and innovation, for these expatriates, the relationship is also about identity, belonging and shared futures.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, earlier today, embarked on a two-day state visit to Israel from February 25 to February 26 at the invitation of his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu.

During his visit, the Prime Minister will hold discussions with Netanyahu aimed at expanding cooperation across various sectors.

He will also meet with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and will also address the Knesset, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. The Prime Minister will also engage with the Indian diaspora there.

- ANI
Former Israeli Ambassador Daniel Carmon expressed confidence in the ongoing India-Israel Free Trade Agreement negotiations, highlighting a significant shift in India's approach to FTAs under Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. The first round of FTA talks is currently taking place in New Delhi, marking a step to enhance economic cooperation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is concurrently on a state visit to Israel, with the primary focus being on strengthening bilateral relations. While the Gaza conflict may be discussed during the visit, Carmon does not expect concrete mediation outcomes from the talks.

Former Israeli Ambassador Daniel Carmon notes India's changed FTA attitude under Piyush Goyal, as PM Modi visits Israel to strengthen bilateral ties.

Tel Aviv, February 25 Former Israeli Ambassador to India, Daniel Carmon, expressed confidence in the ongoing India-Israel Free Trade Agreement negotiations.

Carmon highlighted the significant shift in India's approach to FTAs, noting that under Minister Piyush Goyal's leadership, India has made progress with several global partners.

In an interview with ANI, Carmon said, "There has been quite a lot of progress in the way that India sees FTAs in general... The attitude towards FTA has changed. Under the leadership of Minister Goyal, things are going forward. In the same way India signed an FTA with the European Union and advanced with the GCC countries and with the United States, I hope that Israel will soon stand together with all those important countries as a good friend of India."

"The Israeli market is so small compared to others that things will not be influenced by movements of trade that have to do with Israel. People don't have to be scared to sign an FTA as soon as possible," he said.

The first round of negotiations for the India-Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA) commenced in New Delhi on Monday and is scheduled to take place until February 26.

Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, on Tuesday, met a delegation from Israel who are in India for the first round of India-Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations and said these mark an important step towards enhancing bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

Further, Carmon acknowledged that the Gaza conflict may come up during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Israel, but stressed that no concrete outcomes, such as mediation, were expected.

He said that the primary focus of the visit would be on strengthening bilateral ties between India and Israel.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a State visit to Israel on February 25-26, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Tuesday.

"I'm sure the conversation will be there. Specifically results, I don't think so. Except maybe some kind of declaration, probably. But I'm pretty sure that the conversation between India and Israel has to do with bilateral perspectives... but not specifically mediate or get involved in this. I don't think that it will happen, and I don't think it's a good idea," he said.

- ANI
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is on a two-day official visit to Japan to attract foreign investment. He held meetings with senior executives from Mitsui & Co., inviting them to explore opportunities in renewable energy, ICT, semiconductors, and data centers. In a separate meeting with Konoike Transport Co., he discussed expanding their logistics, warehousing, and medical device manufacturing presence in UP. This follows the success of his Singapore tour, where investment proposals worth Rs 1 lakh crore were secured.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath meets Mitsui & Co. and Konoike Transport in Japan, inviting investments in renewable energy, semiconductors, and logistics.

Tokyo, February 25 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday stated that he as Invited Mitsui & Co. to explore transformative investment opportunities in Uttar Pradesh.

On Wednesday, CM Yogi arrived in Japan on a two official visit.

"Had a productive and forward-looking meeting with Mr. Kazuki Shimizu, Managing Officer, Chief Operating Officer of Infrastructure Projects Business Unit, Mitsui & Co., along with senior members of his team, in Tokyo today. Invited Mitsui & Co. to explore transformative investment opportunities in Uttar Pradesh across Renewable Energy, ICT, Semiconductors and Data Centers, aligned with the state's rapid industrial expansion. Also discussed collaboration in infrastructure projects, logistics networks and industrial investments to strengthen Uttar Pradesh's growth corridors and global supply chain integration," CM Yogi said on X on Wednesday.

"Met with Mr. Shigeki Tanabe, Senior Managing Executive Officer, Executive General Manager, Sales Management Division/In charge of Domestic Business, Konoike Transport Co., Ltd., along with his team in Tokyo today. Discussed expanding Konoike's presence in Uttar Pradesh across logistics parks, warehousing and multimodal transport infrastructure. Invited the company to explore opportunities in medical devices manufacturing, leveraging the Dedicated Freight Corridor network and the Medical Devices Park in YEIDA, further strengthening India-Japan industrial cooperation," Yogi said in another post.

During the visit from February 25-26 in Japan, he is expected to participate in key meetings and interactions during his visit aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and exploring investment opportunities for the state.

A day earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said that the state has received investment proposals worth up to Rs 1 lakh crore during engagements in Singapore, with Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 60,000 crore already finalised, terming it a significant step towards transforming the state into a 1 trillion dollar economy.

- ANI
Iran's Foreign Minister states a potential agreement with the United States is achievable if diplomatic efforts are prioritized, as a new round of talks is set for Geneva. He reaffirmed Iran's stance against developing nuclear weapons while asserting its right to peaceful nuclear technology. The negotiations occur amid a backdrop of US military movements in the region and internal Iranian protests over economic issues. A proposed deal may involve Iran diluting enriched uranium in exchange for sanctions relief and recognition of its peaceful nuclear rights.

Iran's Foreign Minister states a nuclear agreement with the US is possible with diplomatic focus, ahead of crucial Geneva talks.

Tehran, February 25 Iran's Foreign Minister said on Wednesday that a potential agreement with the United States aimed at averting conflict "is within reach, but only if diplomacy is given priority."

In a post on X, he wrote, "Pillared on the understandings forged in the previous round, Iran will resume talks with the U.S. in Geneva with a determination to achieve a fair and equitable deal--in the shortest possible time. Our fundamental convictions are crystal clear: Iran will under no circumstances ever develop a nuclear weapon; neither will we Iranians ever forgo our right to harness the dividends of peaceful nuclear technology for our people. We have a historic opportunity to strike an unprecedented agreement that addresses mutual concerns and achieves mutual interests. A deal is within reach, but only if diplomacy is given priority. We have proven that we will stop at nothing to guard our sovereignty with courage. We bring the same courage to the negotiating table, where we will pursue a peaceful resolution to any differences."

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made the comments on the eve of what would be the third round of bilateral talks this month, stressing that both nations have a "historic opportunity to strike an unprecedented agreement that addresses mutual concerns and achieves mutual interests," according to his post on social media.

In the same message, Araghchi reaffirmed that Iran remains "crystal clear" that it would "under no circumstances ever develop a nuclear weapon" while also recognising the right of its citizens to benefit from peaceful nuclear technology.

The Geneva talks are being facilitated in part through Oman, which has acted as an intermediary between Tehran and Washington since the resumption of negotiations earlier this month. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to lead the American delegation.

Araghchi's statement comes against a backdrop of significant US military movement in the region, including the transit of a second aircraft carrier toward the Middle East, a visible sign of US readiness to pressure Tehran, should diplomacy falter.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has also conducted military drills in the country's south, declaring it has constructed a "strong fortress" in the area.

The internal mood in Iran, as reported by Al Jazeera correspondents in Tehran, reflects a mix of fear over a possible war given the US military build-up and fragile hope for a diplomatic breakthrough. There have been recent protests in major universities and cities, partly driven by economic hardships, which add to the public's complex view of the current crisis.

Ahead of these talks, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi also said Tehran was prepared to take whatever steps were necessary to achieve a deal swiftly and with "complete honesty and good faith," reflecting a broader official willingness to negotiate.

However, the negotiations remain fraught. One proposal reportedly under consideration involves Iran sending half of its highly enriched uranium abroad, diluting the remainder, and participating in a regional enrichment consortium -- a move Tehran sees as balancing its sovereign rights with international security concerns -- in exchange for US recognition of Iran's right to peaceful nuclear enrichment and sanctions relief.

As both sides prepare to resume dialogue in Geneva, it remains unclear whether diplomatic efforts will overcome deep-seated disagreements, particularly over nuclear enrichment and regional security issues.

- ANI
Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has strongly criticized Israel's military actions in Gaza, labeling them as "genocide." He has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the issue of Palestinian rights and self-determination during his ongoing official visit to Israel. Simultaneously, Araghchi reaffirmed the strong and historic bilateral ties between Iran and India, spanning economic, cultural, and political spheres. He expressed confidence in the continued growth of the partnership and hopes India will play a constructive role in establishing regional peace.

Iran's Foreign Minister calls Gaza actions "genocide," urges PM Modi to address Palestinian rights during Israel visit, while reaffirming strong India-Iran ties.

Tehran, February 26 Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticised Israel's military actions in Gaza and urged India to raise the issue of Palestinian rights during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ongoing visit to Israel.

PM Modi is on a two-day official visit to Israel.

Araghchi alleged that Israel's actions in Gaza amount to "genocide" and said Tehran does not consider it appropriate to engage with what he termed a "genocidal regime."

He expressed hope that while in Israel, PM Modi would also address the question of Palestinians and their right to self-determination.

In an interview with India Today, Araghchi said, "Unfortunate, Israel is the one who has destroyed the whole of Gaza. Seventy-five thousand people are killed, and this is not a claim; this is a fact, confirmed by almost all international organizations who are dealing with the question of Gaza. Seventy thousand people. It is a genocide. So obviously, we don't see it as appropriate to deal with a genocidal regime. It is up to our friends in India to decide for themselves, but I hope that while Prime Minister Modi is there, he can also address the question of Palestinians and their right to self-determination."

Araghchi reaffirmed Iran's strong and historic ties with India, describing New Delhi as a friend.

He said bilateral relations between the two countries span economic, cultural, social and political spheres, and voiced confidence that the partnership would continue to grow.

"We have always had a very good relationship with India. India is a friend to Iran, and our relationship is historic. We have always enjoyed having a good bilateral economic relationship, social relations, cultural relations, and political relations, and we want it to continue as such. I have good contact with my colleague, Minister Jaishankar, and we always exchange our views, and we have very good personal relations," he said.

"I'm confident that Iran and India can continue their good, friendly relations. I hope that India plays its positive and constructive role to establish peace and stability in our region and to prevent further crimes and killings by Israelis against Palestinians," he said.

- ANI
Iran's Foreign Minister states the country is entering a new round of indirect nuclear talks with the US in Geneva with determination to secure a fair agreement swiftly. He unequivocally states Iran will never develop a nuclear weapon but will not forfeit its right to peaceful nuclear technology. The minister frames the moment as a "historic opportunity" for an unprecedented pact addressing mutual concerns, contingent on prioritizing diplomacy. The remarks come amid a US military buildup in the region and follow positive signals from Iran's deputy foreign minister about entering talks with sincerity.

Iran's Foreign Minister says a fair nuclear agreement with the US is within reach if diplomacy is prioritized ahead of crucial Geneva negotiations.

Tehran, Feb 25 Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said that Iran is determined to reach a "fair and equitable" deal with the United States as soon as possible, noting that the two countries "have a historic opportunity to strike an unprecedented agreement."

Araghchi posted the remarks on X ahead of the third round of indirect nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington, scheduled for Thursday in Geneva, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Pillared on the understandings forged in the previous round, Iran will resume talks with the United States in Geneva with a determination to achieve a fair and equitable deal -- in the shortest possible time," Araghchi said.

"Our fundamental convictions are crystal clear: Iran will under no circumstances ever develop a nuclear weapon; neither will we Iranians ever forgo our right to harness the dividends of peaceful nuclear technology for our people," he said.

The two sides have a "historic opportunity" to strike an unprecedented agreement that addresses mutual concerns and achieves common interests, Araghchi said, adding that a deal is within reach if diplomacy is prioritised.

His remarks follow a recent US military buildup in the Middle East and two rounds of indirect nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran, which have centered on Iran's nuclear program and the possible lifting of US sanctions.

Also on Tuesday, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht Ravanchi said Iran is ready to do "whatever necessary" to reach a nuclear agreement with the US.

"We want to do whatever necessary to make it (an agreement) happen. We will enter the negotiating room in Geneva with all sincerity and goodwill," Ravanchi said in an interview with NPR radio.

"We hope that our goodwill and good approach would be reciprocated by the Americans, and if there is a political will on all sides, I believe that the deal can be reached as soon as possible," he added.

Meanwhile, during a meeting in Tehran with Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan on Tuesday, Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh reiterated his country's firm resolve to defend itself.

- IANS
Iran's Foreign Minister has departed for Geneva to lead a third round of indirect nuclear negotiations with the United States. The talks occur amid ongoing regional tensions and a US military buildup. Iranian officials express determination to secure a fair agreement through diplomacy, while also stating all options remain on the table. The US has reiterated its stance against allowing Iran to obtain nuclear weapons.

Iran's Foreign Minister heads to Geneva for a third round of indirect nuclear talks with the US, aiming for a "fair and equitable" deal.

Tehran, Feb 25 Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday left Tehran for Geneva as the head of a political delegation to take part in the new round of indirect talks with the United States.

The third round of nuclear negotiations between delegations of Iran and the United States is scheduled to be held in the Swiss city on Thursday, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported.

The talks are expected to take place as tensions remain high between Iran and the United States in the wake of a US military buildup in the West Asia region, Xinhua News Agency reported.

In a post on social media platform X on Tuesday, Araghchi said his country will resume talks with the United States on Thursday with a determination to achieve a "fair and equitable" deal in the shortest possible time.

He added the two sides have a "historic opportunity" to strike an unprecedented agreement capable of addressing mutual concerns and safeguarding common interests, stressing that a deal is within reach provided that diplomacy is given priority.

Meanwhile, Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Wednesday that all options are on the table vis-a-vis the United States, both "dignity-based diplomacy and regret-inducing defense," according to the official news agency IRNA.

On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump said he prefers to solve the Iran confrontation through diplomacy.

"But one thing is certain -- I will never allow ... Iran to have a nuclear weapon," Trump added.

The recent developments follow two rounds of indirect nuclear talks between the United States and Iran earlier this month, with the first in Muscat on February 6 and the second in Geneva on February 17.

Meanwhile, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht Ravanchi said on Tuesday Iran is ready to do "whatever necessary" to reach a nuclear agreement with the US.

"We want to do whatever necessary to make it (an agreement) happen. We will enter the negotiating room in Geneva with all sincerity and goodwill," Ravanchi said in an interview with NPR radio.

"We hope that our goodwill and good approach would be reciprocated by the Americans, and if there is a political will on all sides, I believe that the deal can be reached as soon as possible," he added.

- IANS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a state visit to Israel at the invitation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israeli President Isaac Herzog warmly welcomed PM Modi, highlighting the close ties between the two nations. During the visit, PM Modi will become the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset. The visit aims to consolidate the strategic partnership and set new goals for bilateral cooperation.

PM Narendra Modi visits Israel at PM Netanyahu's invitation. He will address the Knesset, meet President Herzog, and strengthen strategic partnership.

New Delhi, February 25 As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on two day Israel visit on Wednesday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Wednesday expressed his eagerness, saying that the country and its people look forward to welcoming him.

In a post on X, Herzog, sharing PM Modi's departure statement ahead of his visit, extended a warm message to the Prime Minister, underlining the close ties between the two nations.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the State of Israel and the people of Israel look forward to welcoming you to Israel," Herzog stated in his post.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed from the national capital as he set out to undertake his state visit to Israel from February 25 to February 26 at the invitation of his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu.

Ahead of his departure, PM Modi, in a statement, described the visit as an opportunity to further deepen the two nations' "robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership."

"At the invitation of my dear friend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, I will be undertaking a State Visit to Israel from 25-26 February 2026," the statement read.

"India and Israel share a robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership that has witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years," the statement read, highlighting the trajectory of bilateral ties between the two nations.

The Prime Minister stated that he is looking forward to discussions with his Israeli counterpart aimed at expanding cooperation across various sectors.

During his visit, the PM is scheduled to meet President Isaac Herzog and would also address the Knesset, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so.

"I will also have the honour of becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament, Knesset, an occasion that would be a tribute to the strong parliamentary and democratic ties that bind our two nations," he said.

The Prime Minister said he also looks forward in engaging with the Indian diaspora there, whom he credited with strengthening bilateral goodwill.

Expressing confidence in the outcomes of the visit, the Prime Minister stated, "I am confident that my State Visit will further consolidate the enduring bonds between the two countries, set new goals for the Strategic Partnership, and advance our shared vision for a resilient, innovative and prosperous future."

- ANI
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. Here are the highlights:

-- China stands ready to work with all countries to implement the GGI and boost global human rights governance and the sound development of the global human rights cause.

-- First, we must uphold sovereign equality and stay true to the purpose of global human rights governance. No country is in a position to lecture others on human rights, and no model can claim to be superior. A path to human rights development must reflect national realities and meet the peoples needs to hold real promise. All countries must be equal in participation, decision-making and benefit-sharing, and the calls and aspirations of the Global South nations must be heard. This is how to shape a just, equitable and inclusive global human rights governance system.

-- Second, we must abide by international rule of law and strengthen the foundation of global human rights governance. Human rights must not be an ornament for democracy, nor a cover for hegemonism. The purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter and equal and uniform application of international law and rules provide fundamental guarantee for human rights development and advancement. All must uphold the golden rule of noninterference, and firmly reject statements and actions that employ double standards in the name of human rights.

-- Third, we must practice multilateralism to tackle the challenges facing global human rights governance. The promotion and protection of human rights is a common cause of mankind. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). This is an opportunity for countries to carry out dialogue and cooperation, strive to put an end to all forms of colonialism and racial discrimination, and navigate emerging domains such as artificial intelligence and climate change in relation to human rights. We must be membership-led and follow the principle of extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit to advance U.N. reform in the human rights field in a steady way, and support multilateral human rights bodies in fulfilling their duties in an objective and impartial way.

-- Fourth, we must advocate a people-centred approach and make global human rights governance more meaningful. To live a happy life is the greatest human right, and development holds the key to achieving it. There must be effective responses to the most urgent and immediate concerns of the people. Their needs in eldercare, childcare, social assistance and medical services must be met. Everyone must be able to enjoy dignity and no one should be left behind. This year also marks the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration on the Right to Development. The international community should put the right to development higher on the multilateral human rights agenda, and mobilize development resources to enhance well-being and make human rights progress visible, tangible and accessible.

-- Fifth, we must be action-oriented and enhance the effectiveness of global human rights governance. The promotion and protection of human rights must be done through actions, not rhetoric. Last year, China successfully hosted the Global Leaders Meeting on Women and launched new initiatives for advancing the global womens cause. China facilitated the UNHRCs adoption of resolutions on the contribution of development to human rights and on economic, social and cultural rights, energizing cooperation that benefits all parties. China shared its philosophy and practices on human rights through platforms created to enhance human resources training and capacity building in developing countries. China stands ready to work in step with the international community to open up new horizons in the global human rights cause.

Editor: WXY
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has arrived in Tokyo for a two-day official visit aimed at attracting investment and strengthening industrial growth for the state. This follows a successful investor roadshow in Singapore, where the state secured investment proposals worth up to Rs 1 lakh crore and finalised MoUs worth Rs 60,000 crore. Adityanath assured global investors of a secure and business-friendly environment in Uttar Pradesh, highlighting its rapid economic transformation. He cited the state's GSDP growth from Rs 13 to 36 lakh crore in nine years and its ambition to become a $1 trillion economy.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath arrives in Tokyo to attract investors, following Rs 1 lakh crore in proposals from Singapore, aiming for a $1 trillion state economy.

Tokyo, February 25 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath arrived in Tokyo on Wednesday for an official visit to Japan aimed at strengthening the state's investment opportunities and industrial growth.

During the visit from February 25-26 in Japan, he is expected to participate in key meetings and interactions during his visit aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and exploring investment opportunities for the state.

A day earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said that the state has received investment proposals worth up to Rs 1 lakh crore during engagements in Singapore, with Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 60,000 crore already finalised, terming it a significant step towards transforming the state into a 1 trillion dollar economy.

Sharing a post on X, the Chief Minister's official handle wrote, "To boost investment in Uttar Pradesh, we have received investment proposals worth up to 1 lakh crore in Singapore, along with MoUs worth 60,000 crore that have been finalised. All of these will prove to be milestones in the direction of making Uttar Pradesh a $1 trillion economy."

The Chief Minister addressed an investor roadshow in Singapore earlier today, pitching his state as a secure and fast-growing destination for global investment.

Assuring business leaders of a good environment in the state, the Chief Minister said, "I can assure you that every investment coming into Uttar Pradesh is secured. We not only gave a safe environment, but also showed how to connect scale with skill and speed."

He added that the state has established a new identity focused on transformation and growth.Highlighting India's broader economic progress, the Chief Minister said the country has advanced significantly over the past decade under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and is on track to become the world's third-largest economy.

CM Yogi noted that Uttar Pradesh's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has increased from Rs 13 lakh crore to Rs 36 lakh crore in the past nine years, contributing 9.5 per cent to India's GDP. He described the state as a "dream destination" for investment and a top achiever in Ease of Doing Business and deregulation rankings.

- ANI
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has assured that the Congress-led government is committed to filling vacant state posts transparently and without scams. He addressed recent youth protests in Dharwad, criticizing the previous BJP administration for failing to fill positions and alleging scams during their tenure. Shivakumar also discussed progress on Metro expansion and addressed concerns from contractors about pending bills. The opposition BJP has criticized the government's pace, claiming over 2.5 lakh posts remain vacant despite clearances for recruitment.

Deputy CM Shivakumar assures scam-free hiring for state jobs, addresses youth protests and Metro expansion plans. Congress vs BJP on unemployment.

Bengaluru, Feb 25 Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has assured that the Congress-led government is working to fill vacant posts in a transparent and scam-free manner.

He has urged the youth to remain confident and said the government is committed to resolving their concerns.

"The Congress government is working to fill vacant posts without any scams. Youth should remain confident. We will resolve your problems. We will discuss this in the upcoming Cabinet meeting and convey a message to you soon. We have filled posts, we are filling them, and we remain committed to continuing the process," Shivakumar said.

He was responding to questions from the media near the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

Responding to a question about protests by youth in Dharwad demanding recruitment to government posts, he said, "When the BJP was in power, it could not fill vacant posts. Many scams took place during their tenure. We understand the pain of the youth. Our government is working to fill vacant posts. This is our priority."

"We have prepared a recruitment plan. Institutions, including the Karnataka Public Service Commission, have been given the responsibility to fill posts. Recruitment is underway in teaching and health departments. There are some hurdles regarding internal reservations. We also introduced the Yuvanidhi scheme to empower unemployed youth," he said.

When asked about the deadline given to Bengaluru Metro Railway Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to expand the Metro network to 175 kilometres by 2027, Shivakumar said, "We are conducting surveys in this regard. We will fulfil the promises made on Metro expansion. I will soon meet the Union Minister to seek clarity on the double-decker project. We are committed to expanding the Metro network to benefit the public. This is one of our government's key objectives."

Responding to a question about pending Bills across departments, he said, "During the tenure of former Chief Ministers B.S. Yediyurappa and Basavaraj Bommai, many projects were approved without assessing the financial condition. This has led to the present situation. We had advised contractors not to take up works due to lack of funds, but some still proceeded and are now facing difficulties."

When asked about contractors planning protests against the government, he said, "I will discuss the matter with them."

It may be recalled that thousands of students, members of the All Karnataka State Student Association (AKSSA), and unemployed youths staged a massive protest in Dharwad on Tuesday, demanding that the Karnataka government immediately fill vacant posts in various state departments.

The BJP had called for a protest in support of the unemployed youths, intensifying pressure on the Karnataka government.

Leader of Opposition, R. Ashoka, commenting on the protest while speaking to the media, alleged in Chitradurga that the state government has failed to address unemployment despite having clearance to fill thousands of vacant posts.

He said that more than 2.5 lakh government posts are currently vacant in Karnataka, and the finance department had cleared recruitment for 65,000 posts nearly six months ago. However, no interviews have been conducted so far.

- IANS
The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to rename the state of Kerala as 'Keralam', moving the constitutional amendment process forward. The BJP welcomed the decision as fulfilling a long-standing cultural and linguistic demand of the state. The Congress, however, criticized the move as a "dual policy," questioning why a similar demand to rename West Bengal has not been approved. The issue has reignited the political debate over state renaming, with West Bengal's proposals like "Bangla" remaining pending for years.

Union Cabinet approves renaming Kerala to Keralam, triggering a political debate as BJP welcomes it and Congress questions the delay in renaming West Bengal.

New Delhi, Feb 25 The Union Cabinet has cleared the proposal to rename Kerala as 'Keralam', paving the way for a constitutional amendment in Parliament and triggering a fresh political debate. While the BJP welcomed the decision as recognition of the state's cultural and linguistic identity, the Congress alleged a "dual policy," questioning why a similar long-pending demand to rename West Bengal has not received the Centre's approval.

Reacting to the development, BJP National Spokesperson Syed Shahnawaz Hussain, on Wednesday, said, "The people of Kerala had a long-standing demand for the name to be changed to 'Keralam.' Now, the change has been made. Once it is approved by the Vidhan Sabha, the official name of Kerala will become 'Keralam'."

The Union Cabinet's approval came on Tuesday, just months ahead of the Assembly elections in Kerala. The state Assembly had earlier passed unanimous resolutions in August 2023 and again in June 2024, urging the Centre to amend the Constitution to reflect the name 'Keralam,' which is the Malayalam pronunciation of the state's name.

While Kerala's proposal has now moved forward, the issue has reignited debate over similar demands from West Bengal. In Uttar Pradesh, Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput criticised the Centre's decision, alleging inconsistency in its approach.

"This is part of the BJP's dual policy. The BJP should answer - for electoral reasons, you are ready to rename Kerala to 'Keralam' for political reasons, but you are not changing the name of West Bengal. On a serious note, Amit Shah and PM Modi should answer Mamata Banerjee's fair questions," Rajput told IANS.

West Bengal has sought a name change multiple times, dating back to the tenure of former Chief Minister Jyoti Basu and continuing under current Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Over the years, the state has proposed names such as "Pashchim Bongo," "Bongo," and most recently "Bangla." However, none of these proposals has received approval from the Centre. The latest proposal in 2018 to rename the state "Bangla" remains pending.

With the Union Cabinet clearing Kerala's proposal, the renaming process now moves to the next constitutional steps. The President of India will send a Bill to the Kerala Assembly to seek its views. After the Assembly formally expresses its opinion, the Centre will introduce a Bill in Parliament to amend the First Schedule of the Constitution, which lists the names of states.

The proposed legislation will require a simple majority in both Houses of Parliament. Once passed, it will be sent to the President for assent. Upon approval, the change will be notified in the Gazette of India, after which the name 'Keralam' will officially come into use.

- IANS
Veteran Communist Party of India leader Nallakannu has passed away at the age of 101 in Chennai. Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay expressed deep sorrow, praising Nallakannu as a lifelong warrior for farmers and people's rights. The leader had been in the ICU since February 1, with his condition deteriorating despite intensive care. His death marks a significant loss for the communist movement in Tamil Nadu.

Veteran Communist leader Nallakannu passes away at 101 in Chennai. TVK chief Vijay pays tribute, calling him a lifelong fighter for farmers' rights.

Chennai, February 25 Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay expressed deep sorrow over the passing of veteran Communist Party of India leader Nallakannu, saying he was a lifelong advocate for farmers and the rights of the people.

Nallakannu, one of the senior-most leaders of the Communist movement in Tamil Nadu, passed away at the age of 101 on Wednesday afternoon at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai.

In a post shared on X, Vijay wrote, "I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Comrade Ayya IR. Nallakannu, a freedom fighter, senior leader of the Communist Party of India, and a lifelong warrior who dedicated much of his life to the cause of farmers and the rights of the people."

He also conveyed his condolences to the veteran leader's family and relatives, describing his loss as "irreplaceable" for the nation and comrades of the communist movement.

"His loss is an irreplaceable one for this nation and for the comrades of the communist movement. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and relatives who mourn his departure. I pray to the divine that the soul of the departed Comrade Ayya IR. Nallakannu attains eternal peace," Vijay further wrote.

According to an official statement issued by Madras Medical College and the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Nallakannu had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on February 1 due to health complications. Over 24 days of treatment, his condition fluctuated despite continuous advanced monitoring and intensive care by a multidisciplinary medical team.

However, from the early hours of Wednesday, his response to medication gradually declined, and his condition turned critical. Despite being placed on advanced life support, all his vital organs eventually failed. He was declared dead at around 1:55 pm.

The hospital administration expressed deep condolences to his family and thanked the medical teams involved in his care, along with the Government of Tamil Nadu, for its support.

- ANI
Madhuri Dixit and her husband, Dr. Shriram Nene, are currently enjoying a trip to Japan. They visited Tokyo's famous Shibuya Crossing, which the actress described as "pure energy." The couple shared photos and videos from their explorations, including shopping districts and a sunset from the Tokyo Sky Tree. Their travel posts featured a classic Shah Rukh Khan song, adding a nostalgic Bollywood touch to their Japanese holiday.

Actress Madhuri Dixit and husband Dr. Shriram Nene explore Tokyo, calling Shibuya Crossing "pure energy." See their Japan travel diaries.

Mumbai, Feb 25 Actress Madhuri Dixit and her husband Dr. Shriram Nene recently expressed their thrill upon visiting the iconic Shibuya Crossing in Japan, which is widely regarded as the busiest street crossing in the world.

The couple is currently soaking in the beautiful sights and sounds of Japan, and are seen exploring some of Tokyo's most vibrant neighbourhoods. Madhuri recent took to her social media account in sharing glimpses of their travel diaries with fans on social media.

Madhuri took to her social media account to post a series of pictures from their outing and wrote, "Omotesando and Ginza - amazing shopping, incredible food, and the simple joy of window shopping as life passes by with all the beautiful people." She added, "Shibuya and its crazy crossing where thousands pass every day - pure energy.Another beautiful evening explored together. #JapanDiaries."

The pictures shared by Madhuri reflect the couple's excitement as they immersed themselves in the culture, food and bustling city life.

Earlier, the couple, in a joint post, had shared a video capturing a breathtaking view of the sun setting over the city skyline from the iconic Tokyo Sky Tree.

The clip featured Shah Rukh Khan's song, Sooraj Hua Maddham from the movie Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, playing in the background.

Madhuri and Nene were seen smiling together as the warm hues of the setting sun casted a golden glow over the city and over their faces too.

Sharing the video, they captioned it as, "Nothing beats a good sunset after a well traveled day, right? #JapanDiaries #TokyoSkytree #sunsets"

The beloved couple was also seen posing for some perfect postcard clicks from their time in Fuji.

- IANS
Hedayah, the International Centre of Excellence for Countering Extremism based in Abu Dhabi, has announced the appointment of Maqsoud Kruse as Chairman of its International Steering Board. Kruse, who served as the centre's first Executive Director from its 2012 founding until 2019, was instrumental in establishing its global reputation. Hedayah operates through multilateral partnerships to develop and share best practices in countering all forms of violent extremism. Its programmes focus on areas such as education, youth resilience online, AI technology, and rehabilitating returnees from conflict zones.

Abu Dhabi's Hedayah appoints Maqsoud Kruse as Chairman of its International Steering Board, enhancing global counter-extremism efforts.

Abu Dhabi, February 25 Hedayah, the International Centre of Excellence for Countering Extremism and Violent Extremism, which is based in Abu Dhabi, has announced the appointment of Maqsoud Kruse, Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Countering Extremism and Terrorism, as the Chairman of its International Steering Board.

The International Steering Board of Hedayah consists of twelve member states, with the chairmanship held by the host country.

Hedayah is an independent international think and do tank that was established as an initiative of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) and is hosted by the United Arab Emirates.

The Centre was inaugurated on December 14, 2012, by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, during the third ministerial meeting of the GCTF held in Abu Dhabi.

Hedayah operates through multilateral partnerships with international organisations and a network of global experts to deep dive into best practices and exchange knowledge in countering all forms of extremism. Its programmes include strengthening the role of families in preventing extremism, the role of education in protecting against extremist ideologies, enhancing youth resilience in cyberspace and on social media platforms to dismantle extremist discourse, utilising Artificial Intelligence and technology to combat extremism, supporting national strategies for the prevention and countering of extremism, assisting countries in national efforts for the rehabilitation and reintegration of returnees from conflict zones, and supporting community policing initiatives.

Notably, Kruse served as Hedayah's first Executive Director from its founding in 2012 until 2019. During his tenure, he was instrumental in establishing the centre's global reputation as the first independent international institution to bridge research and practice in countering extremism through dialogue, capacity building, and research at both regional and international levels.

- ANI
Andhra Pradesh Governor S Abdul Nazeer addressed graduates at Katuri Medical College, emphasizing that a medical career is filled with both challenges and opportunities for growth. He stated that medicine involves fostering hope and resilience, not just treating ailments, with compassionate care being central to patient well-being. The Governor highlighted that while AI can transform healthcare, its use must be ethical and responsible. He cautioned that technology should serve as an ally without replacing human accountability, empathy, or ethical decision-making.

Andhra Governor Abdul Nazeer addresses medical graduates on challenges, compassionate care, and the ethical use of AI in healthcare transformation.

Vijayawada, February 25 Andhra Pradesh Governor S Abdul Nazeer participated as the Chief Guest at the 22nd Graduation Day celebrations of Katuri Medical College and Hospital held in the College campus in Guntur on Wednesday.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Abdul Nazeer stated that the journey of a medical professional is filled with challenges and opportunities for growth, and the practice of medicine is not just about treating ailments but also about fostering hope and resilience.

The governor said that a key aspect of a healthcare professional's role is to provide compassionate care to patients, and by fostering a caring environment, healthcare professionals contribute to the overall well-being of patients and promote a positive healing experience.

Governor Abdul Nazeer said that healthcare may be transformed by AI, but its successful use requires ethical and responsible use, and technology should be used as an ally, but never to be allowed to replace accountability, empathy, or ethical decision-making.

Doctor Chandrasekhar Sankurathri, Founder of Sankurathri Foundation, Kakinada, participated in the programme as a Guest of Honour. Katuri Subbarao, Chairman, Katuri Medical College and Hospital, Guntur, presided over the Graduation Day programme.

- ANI
The revision of the three-decade-old India-France tax treaty will lower dividend taxes for major French investors holding significant stakes in Indian companies. It expands India's right to tax capital gains from share sales and removes a clause that allowed French entities to claim lower rates. The update aligns the treaty with India's current policy and international standards, aiming to secure economic activity and foster greater investment. The protocol also strengthens mutual tax cooperation through enhanced information exchange and assistance in tax collection.

Revised India-France tax treaty lowers dividend tax for major French firms, safeguards India's tax base, and aligns with global standards, boosting investment.

New Delhi, Feb 25 The revision of threedecadeold tax treaty between India and France will lower dividend levies for large French investors including Sanofi, Renault and L'Oreal and safeguard India's tax base, a report has said.

The report from BBC said the new agreement expanded New Delhi's right to tax certain transactions such as capital gains arising from the sale of shares, including transactions where a French entity owns less than 10 per cent of an Indian company.

"The changes could benefit major companies such as Sanofi, Renault and L'Oreal, which have expanded their investments in India over the past few years," the report said.

The revised treaty "realigns the bilateral trade framework with India's current treaty policy" and international tax standards, the report cited global consultancy and financial services firm KPMG.

"It also underscores India's efforts to safeguard its tax base and promote a stable investment environment," the firm said.

The amended agreement cut the dividend tax to 5 per cent for French companies holding at least 10 per cent in an Indian firm and raised the tax to 15 per cent for holdings below 10 per cent.

The amended protocol deleted the mostfavourednation clause which had allowed French entities to claim a lower tax rate in India, the report further said.

The protocol will come into effect after completing formalities and legal approvals in both countries.

During French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to India, the countries announced the elevation of their relationship to a "Special Global Strategic Partnership" and deepened cooperation in areas such as defence and space technology.

Further the countries said that the new tax agreement will "secure economic activity for French and Indian businesses and pave the way for greater investments and collaborations between the two countries".

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 Finance ministry in a statement.

This would enable and facilitate seamless exchange of information and strengthen mutual tax cooperation between India and France, it added.

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.

- IANS
Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has assured Manipur's new Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh of full central support for developing national and state highways in the state. The assurance came during a meeting in Delhi where the CM, accompanied by his deputies, briefed Gadkari on various ongoing and proposed road infrastructure projects. Chief Minister Singh's visit to the capital also included meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other Union Ministers to discuss state development and welfare issues. These discussions covered topics from financial revival and rural housing to defense cooperation and peace restoration in Manipur.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari assures Manipur CM Y. Khemchand Singh of full central support for national and state highway projects in the state.

Imphal, Feb 25 Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has assured Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh of all possible support from the Centre for the development of national and state highways in the state, officials said on Wednesday.

An official of the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in Imphal said that the Chief Minister, accompanied by the two Deputy Chief Ministers -- Nemcha Kipgen and Losii Dikho -- met Gadkari at his office in New Delhi on Tuesday night.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister briefed the Union Minister on the status of various ongoing and proposed road infrastructure projects in Manipur.

Singh also urged the Union Road Transport and Highways Minister to give special attention to the state's proposals for elevated highways and the strengthening of National Highways to improve connectivity and logistics.

Gadkari assured the Manipur delegation of full cooperation from his Ministry and said that the proposals submitted by the state government would be considered positively, the CMO official added.

Meanwhile, taking to social media platform X, the Union Minister said: "Newly elected Chief Minister of Manipur, Shri Y. Khemchand Singh Ji, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Shri Losii Dikho Ji and Smt. Nemcha Kipgen Ji, called on me in New Delhi today."

"We reviewed the progress of ongoing National Highway projects across the state and assessed key stretches to ensure their timely completion, enhanced connectivity, and accelerated infrastructure development in Manipur," he said

"My best wishes to the new government for a successful tenure dedicated to peace, inclusive growth, and lasting prosperity for the people of the state," Gadkari said.

Chief Minister Khemchand Singh has been in New Delhi since February 21, marking his first visit to the national capital after taking oath as Manipur's Chief Minister on February 4.

During his visit, the Chief Minister met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several Union Ministers and senior BJP central leaders and held discussions on a range of issues related to the state's development and public welfare.

On Tuesday, Singh met the Prime Minister at his office at Seva Teerth and briefed the Prime Minister on initiatives taken by the new state government to restore peace and harmony in Manipur, officials said.

On Monday night, the Chief Minister, accompanied by the two Deputy Chief Ministers, met Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who approved the construction of 5,000 new houses for the rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by ethnic violence in Manipur. These houses will be constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin, officials said.

Earlier on Monday, the Chief Minister also met Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya Scindia, who assured that his Ministry would coordinate with other Union Ministries to address key issues concerning Manipur.

Chief Minister Khemchand Singh also met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who assured all possible assistance to revive the state's financial health and economy.

He also held discussions with Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who assured full cooperation and support from his Ministry for all initiatives of the Manipur government.

Earlier, on February 22, Khemchand Singh, along with the two Deputy Chief Ministers, met Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss a range of issues, including the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons.

According to the CMO official, the Union Home Minister also discussed with the Manipur leadership the steps initiated by the new state government to remove barriers between communities and restore peace and harmony across the state.

- IANS
Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki has assured voters of robust security arrangements for Nepal's upcoming parliamentary elections on March 5. The government has deployed a massive force of 338,000 personnel, including the Nepal Army, which is guarding sensitive locations like airports and prisons. Security agencies have identified numerous potential challenges, including political clashes and escaped prisoners, leading to a record 3,680 polling stations being classified as "highly sensitive." Authorities are implementing an Integrated Election Security Plan to ensure the polls are conducted peacefully.

Interim PM Sushila Karki assures voters as Nepal deploys army and police for elections, with 3,680 polling stations deemed "highly sensitive."

Kathmandu, February 25 Nepal's Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki has called on voters to exercise their rights, claiming the government hasn't left any stone unturned for the smooth conduct of the election slated for next week.

After rounds of meetings with security agencies on Tuesday, the Interim leader of the Himalayan Nation took to Facebook to assure the voters about security arrangements.

"A detailed discussion and review of the election preparations and overall security situation was held with the heads of all security agencies in Baluwatar on Tuesday (local time)."

"There is no room for doubt in the security arrangements. All mechanisms are operational with necessary vigilance, strict monitoring and effective coordination, keeping in mind the potential challenges and risks," Karki announced.

"The government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the elections are held in a clean, fair, fearless and peaceful manner. I urge all citizens to exercise their right to vote with confidence and fearlessness," the interim leader further added.

With about a week left for the elections and violence in the southern plains of the nation, the government has been expediting security updates at the highest levels on a daily basis.

Interim leader Karki, on late Tuesday evening, also received a briefing from the chiefs of all security agencies regarding election preparations and the overall security situation.

In the briefing, Karki was briefed that security agencies have identified a dozen security challenges, including clashes between supporters of various political parties, communal disturbances, religious tension, activities of the monarchist factions, prisoners who escaped from jails during the Gen Z protests in September, and activities of various political parties that have boycotted the election, among others.

As per the video from the Prime Minister's Secretariat, Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal, Chief Secretary Suman Raj Aryal, Chief of Army Staff Ashok Raj Sigdel, Home Secretary Rajkumar Shrestha, Head of the Peace and Security Division of the Home Ministry Anand Kafle, Inspector General of Nepal Police Dan Bahadur Karki, Inspector General of Armed Police Force Raju Aryal, and Chief of the National Investigation Department Tekendra Karki were present in the briefing.

The polls, which come six months after the September Gen-Z uprising is being observed with caution. With hundreds of inmates on the loose and a higher number of polling stations deemed sensitive in comparison to the previous elections, security has been revamped all across the nation.

Earlier this month, the Nepal Army was deployed for security as the Himalayan nation heads for the parliamentary election, which is scheduled for March 5.

The Nepal Army alone has deployed a total of 79,727 personnel across the nation as support for the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and election police in holding the polls peacefully.

The deployment comes in line with the Integrated Election Security Plan and an earlier Cabinet decision. As per the Integrated Election Security Plan endorsed by the president in November, the army will replace police forces in airports, prisons, and other sensitive areas. Apart from guarding those sensitive areas, the army will provide security in the third layer while also patrolling as and when needed.

As many as 338,000 security personnel, including the election police, are being deployed in the election period. The authorities have classified 3,680 of the country's 10,967 polling stations as "highly sensitive."

According to the Nepal Police, among those polling stations, 2,845 have been placed in the "normal" category based on the level of security risk, while 4,442 have been designated as "sensitive" and 3,680 as "highly sensitive".

There are more highly sensitive stations than in the 2022 election, according to Nepal Police data.

In the previous election, 3,412 polling stations were classified as highly sensitive. This time, the number has risen to 3,680. In total, 268 more polling stations, compared to the last election, have been classified as highly sensitive stations.

In the previous election, there were a total of 10,892 polling stations. This time, the number has increased to 10,967.

- ANI
Xinhua's think tank releases report on China's solution to global governance

Xinhua) 08:15, February 25, 2026

This photo shows copies of the think tank report titled "Upholding International Justice and Jointly Addressing World Turbulence -- Focusing on China's Solution to Global Governance." The Xinhua Institute, a think tank affiliated with Xinhua News Agency, on Tuesday released a report titled "Upholding International Justice and Jointly Addressing World Turbulence -- Focusing on China's Solution to Global Governance" at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. (Xinhua/Shi Feng)

GENEVA, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Xinhua Institute, a think tank affiliated with Xinhua News Agency, on Tuesday released a report titled "Upholding International Justice and Jointly Addressing World Turbulence  Focusing on China's Solution to Global Governance" at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

The report delves into the crucial global question: What kind of global governance system should be built, and how should global governance be reformed and improved? It provides a comprehensive and systematic explanation of the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, offering insights into China's vision for a more just and equitable global governance framework.

According to the report, the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation. Unilateralism, protectionism and hegemonism are on the rise, while deficits in peace, development, security and governance continue to grow. Problems related to the authority, representativeness and effectiveness of the global governance system have become more pronounced. Against this backdrop, reforming and improving the global governance system has emerged as a primary shared concern for the international community.

The report emphasizes that, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, a natural member of the Global South and the world's largest developing country, China remains committed to being a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, a defender of the international order and a provider of public goods.

It highlights that the GGI, put forward by Xi in September 2025 on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, offers a solution centered around five core concepts -- sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, people-centered approach and action-orientedness. The initiative, the report says, offers China's solution to building a more just and equitable global governance system, and injects impetus into revitalizing the central role and leadership of the United Nations.

The report notes that the five core concepts of the GGI are fully aligned with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, address the world's most pressing needs, and have received responses and support from more than 100 countries and international organizations.

China will firmly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law, resolutely stand on the right side of history's progress, and advance shoulder to shoulder with all progressive forces around the world, the report says.

It affirms that China will continue advancing the building of a community with a shared future for humanity and make unremitting efforts towards the noble cause of peace and development for all humanity.

The Xinhua Institute, with policy research as its primary focus, has conducted forward-looking, strategic and preparatory research on major domestic and global issues in recent years, producing numerous influential research outcomes.

A guest reads a copy of the think tank report titled "Upholding International Justice and Jointly Addressing World Turbulence -- Focusing on China's Solution to Global Governance" at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Feb. 24, 2026. The Xinhua Institute, a think tank affiliated with Xinhua News Agency, on Tuesday released a report titled "Upholding International Justice and Jointly Addressing World Turbulence -- Focusing on China's Solution to Global Governance" at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. (Xinhua/Lian Yi)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
BEIJING, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday chaired a State Council executive meeting, during which arrangements were made for government work following the Spring Festival holiday and a series of draft policy documents were reviewed.

This year marks the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), and all departments under the State Council must remain focused on annual goals and tasks, and ensure that the government's arrangements are fully in place, the meeting said.

It said that efforts should be made to support local authorities and enterprises in fostering new growth drivers, and to introduce more targeted policy measures to invigorate market vitality continuously and enhance the people's well-being.

It also highlighted the need to develop the silver economy and strengthen elderly care services. To unleash the consumption potential of senior citizens further, it urged efforts to foster tailored consumption scenarios and business models.

The meeting called for quality improvements and the expanded coverage of elderly care services to ensure the country's senior citizens are cared for well.

It reviewed and adopted a guideline on strengthening firefighting work in local communities, and stressed the need for improved fire safety systems at the community level, as well as strengthened public preparedness for emergencies.

A draft revision of law on water was also discussed and approved in principle, and the decision to submit the draft to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress for deliberation was made.

Editor: WSH
The NSE International Exchange plans to expand its global investing platform, allowing Indian investors access to equities in approximately 30 overseas markets within the next three to six months. The platform offers a fully digital process without the need for a demat account and operates on a T+1 settlement cycle. It provides significant tax benefits, including zero stamp duty and Securities Transaction Tax for non-residents, with all trading conducted in US dollars. The exchange also announced a partnership to help NBFCs in GIFT IFSC raise funds by listing debt instruments.

Indian investors can soon trade in 30 global markets via NSE IX's digital platform, featuring tax benefits and 21-hour trading.

Mumbai, Feb 25 Indian investors may soon be able to buy shares in 30 global markets through the NSE International Exchange.

The exchange plans to expand its recently launched global investing platform over the next three to six months, according to multiple media reports.

NSE IX Managing Director and CEO V Balasubramaniam said the exchange currently allows trading in US stocks and is working to add more international markets.

He said discussions are underway to include several G7 nations, including countries in Europe, Japan and the United Kingdom.

The NSE IX Global Access platform enables Indian investors to invest in overseas equities through a fully digital onboarding process.

Investors do not need a demat account to trade on the platform. The exchange follows a T+1 settlement cycle, which means trades are settled one day after the transaction.

The bourse has also highlighted tax and cost benefits. It will offer zero stamp duty, zero Securities Transaction Tax (STT), and zero capital gains tax for non-residents.

Trading on the platform will be dollar-denominated, with all trades, margins and settlements conducted in US dollars. This structure removes the need for currency conversion at the transaction level.

The trading window will remain open for 21 hours a day across two sessions, allowing investors to capture market movements in Asia, Europe and the United States, as per reports.

All transactions on the platform will be regulated by a single authority, the International Financial Services Centres Authority, which oversees operations in India's International Financial Services Centres.

Separately, NSE IX said that in January it entered into a strategic partnership with the Finance Industry Development Council, a self-regulatory body for non-banking financial companies recognised by the Reserve Bank of India.

Under this partnership, NBFCs operating in GIFT IFSC will be able to raise funds through the NSE IX platform by listing debt and other financial instruments.

NSE IX operates as an international multi-asset exchange at GIFT City. The collaboration aims to expand access to debt and equity products within the IFSC ecosystem and support the long-term funding needs of NBFCs.

- IANS
The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition seeking a change in the title of the upcoming film 'Yadav Ji Ki Love Story'. The Court ruled that the title does not carry any negative connotation or stereotype against the Yadav community. It distinguished this case from a previous ruling involving a film with a clearly derogatory term. The film, starring Pragati Tiwari and Vishal Mohan, will now proceed with its scheduled nationwide release.

Supreme Court rejects petition seeking title change for 'Yadav Ji Ki Love Story', rules name does not defame or stereotype Yadav community.

New Delhi, February 25 In a significant development ahead of its theatrical release, the Supreme Court has dismissed a plea seeking a change in the title of the upcoming film 'Yadav Ji Ki Love Story', ruling that the concerns raised about the name were unfounded.

The petition had contended that the film's title created an offensive stereotype and portrayed the Yadav community in a negative light.

The petitioner argued that the name could harm the community's social standing and sought directions from the Court to restrain the film's release under its existing title.

However, a bench led by BV Nagarathna rejected the challenge. The Court observed that the title did not contain any adjective or expression carrying a negative connotation against the Yadav community. It noted that mere reference to a community name, without any derogatory qualifier, could not be considered defamatory or offensive.

Distinguishing the present case from its earlier ruling in the matter concerning movie 'Ghooskhor Pandat,' the bench pointed out that the word "ghooskhor", meaning corrupt, clearly attached a negative attribute to a community.

In contrast, the title 'Yadav Ji Ki Love Story' did not attribute any adverse characteristic or stereotype.

The Court further held that none of the reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2) of the Constitution were attracted in this case. It concluded that the film's title did not portray the community in a derogatory manner and accordingly dismissed the writ petition.

Directed by Ankit Bhadana and produced by Sandeep Tomar, the film stars Pragati Tiwari and Vishal Mohan in lead roles.

'Yadav Ji Ki Love Story' remains scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release on Friday, February 27, 2026.

- ANI
Union Minister L Murugan announced the NDA alliance is preparing for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Tamil Nadu. PM Modi will address a major public meeting in Madurai on March 1, following a programme in Puducherry, with all NDA partners sharing the stage. The visit includes a temple darshan at the historic Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple. The tour is seen as significant outreach ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

PM Modi to visit Tamil Nadu & Puducherry, address major NDA rally in Madurai with alliance leaders. Key tour ahead of 2026 state polls.

Chennai, February 25 Union Minister L Murugan on Wednesday announced that the National Democratic Alliance alliance in Tamil Nadu is gearing up for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to the state.

Speaking to ANI, Murugan said that the NDA alliance is getting ready for PM Modi's visit to Madurai on March 1, where he will address a public meeting, adding that the event is expected to draw huge participation from across southern Tamil Nadu, similar to the massive public meeting held on January 23 in Kerala.

"Our NDA alliance is getting ready. On January 23rd, we had an all-NDA public meeting in Kerala, and a huge rally was held there. And coming 1st of March, our respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji is coming to Madurai, and he is addressing the public meeting," Murugan told ANI.

Murugan highlighted that all NDA alliance partners will share the stage during the event, including AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami, PMK's Anbumani Ramadoss, Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam's TTV Dhinakaran, and GK Vasan, among others.

He further emphasised the significance of Madurai, noting it as a historic and politically important city in Tamil Nadu.

"Madurai is always a very important place for Tamil Nadu politics, Tamil Nadu history. So in Tamil Nadu, we are all ready to welcome our honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji," Murugan added.

PM Modi will undertake a significant visit to southern India beginning with his arrival in Chennai on the night of February 28.

According to top Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) sources, the Prime Minister will stay overnight at the Governor's residence in Chennai. Elaborate security and administrative arrangements have been put in place across the city ahead of his arrival.

On the morning of March 1, the Prime Minister will depart for Puducherry, where he is scheduled to participate in a public programme and address a large gathering. The visit is expected to highlight key developmental initiatives and government welfare schemes, and draw participation from local leaders, officials, and party workers.

After concluding his engagements in Puducherry, the Prime Minister will proceed to Madurai, often referred to as the "city that never sleeps" and one of Tamil Nadu's most culturally significant centres.

During his Madurai visit, the Prime Minister will offer prayers and have darshan at the historic Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple, one of the six sacred abodes (Arupadai Veedu) of Lord Murugan and an important pilgrimage site.

Notably, this is the same temple that was recently in the spotlight following the Karthigai Deepam-related issue, which had drawn public and administrative attention.

Following the temple visit, he will attend and address a grand public meeting in Madurai. The rally is expected to witness a large turnout from across southern districts, with leaders and supporters gathering to hear the Prime Minister's address.

The Prime Minister's tour is expected to reinforce outreach efforts in the region while highlighting cultural heritage, infrastructure growth, and public welfare initiatives.

Notably, 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-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) won 159 seats, with 133 seats in the 2021 Assembly polls. Congress won 18, PMK won five, VCK won four, and others, including independents, 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
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the first world leader to amass over 100 million followers on Instagram, a milestone he crossed on Thursday. His follower count is more than double that of the second-placed leader, US President Donald Trump, and exceeds the combined total of the next five major world leaders. Domestically, he far outpaces other Indian political figures like Yogi Adityanath and Rahul Gandhi on the platform. The news comes during his visit to Israel, where he was honoured with the "Speaker of the Knesset Medal" for strengthening bilateral ties.

PM Narendra Modi becomes first world leader to cross 100 million Instagram followers, far ahead of other global leaders and Indian politicians.

New Delhi, February 26 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday crossed the historic milestone of 100 million followers on Instagram, becoming the first world leader and politician to achieve this feat on the platform.

PM Modi joined Instagram in 2014. He has more than twice as many followers as US President Donald Trump on Instagram. The total count of followers of the next five major world leaders is lower than PM Modi's individual follower count.

US President Donald Trump holds the second spot with 43.2 million followers. He is followed by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto with 15 million followers, Brazilian President Lula with 14.4 million followers, Turkish President Erdogan with 11.6 million followers and Argentine President Javier Milei with 6.4 million followers.

Moreover, within India as well, the gap in the number of followers is staggering.

The PM is miles ahead of other Indian political leaders on Instagram. The second spot is held by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath with around 16.1 million followers, followed by Rahul Gandhi with approximately 12.6 million followers.

At the moment, PM Modi is on a two-day official visit to Israel.

The Israeli Parliament on Wednesday conferred the "Speaker of the Knesset Medal" on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This is the highest honour of the Knesset.

The award was conferred in recognition of PM Modi's "exceptional contribution through his personal leadership" to strengthen strategic relations between India and Israel.

The medal was conferred after PM Modi's speech in the Israeli Parliament.

After his speech, PM Modi interacted with members of the Israeli parliament, the Knesset. The MPs took selfies and photographs with PM Modi.

PM Modi received a standing ovation during his speech, which was also marked by rapturous applause.

In his speech, PM Modi said there is great admiration for Israel's resolve, courage, and achievements in India.

"Long before we related to each other as modern States, we were linked by ties that go back more than two thousand years. The Book of Esther refers to India as Hodu. The Talmud records trade with India in ancient times," he said.

- ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has departed for a two-day state visit to Israel, his second trip to the country since 2017. The visit aims to set new goals for the strategic partnership and strengthen cooperation in areas like technology, defense, agriculture, and water management. A historic highlight will be PM Modi becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset. The visit will also include meetings with Israeli leadership and interactions with the Indian diaspora to reinforce bilateral ties.

PM Narendra Modi visits Israel for talks with PM Netanyahu, aiming to strengthen cooperation in tech, defense, and innovation, and will address the Knesset.

New Delhi/Tel Aviv, Feb 25 As he departed for his two-day visit to Israel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he is looking forward to his engagements with his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, aimed at further strengthening cooperation across various domains and exchanging views on regional and global issues.

Prime Minister Modi is visiting Israel on Wednesday and Thursday. During this visit, both nations will establish new goals for their Strategic Partnership and further their shared vision for an innovative and prosperous future.

This will be PM Modi's second trip to Israel after his 2017 visit, which opened new avenues in defence, agriculture, and water management.

In his departure statement, PM Modi said, "India and Israel share a robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership that has witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years. I look forward to my discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu aimed at further strengthening our cooperation across various domains, including science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, defence and security, trade and investment, as well as people-to-people ties."

He said that he will also exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest with the Israeli PM.

During the visit, PM Modi will meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog and discuss the bilateral issues.

"I will also have the honour of becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament, Knesset, an occasion that would be a tribute to the strong parliamentary and democratic ties that bind our two nations," he said.

The Prime Minister said that he eagerly looks forward to interacting with the members of the Indian diaspora, "who have for long been nurturing the India-Israel special friendship".

"I am confident that my State Visit will further consolidate the enduring bonds between the two countries, set new goals for the Strategic Partnership, and advance our shared vision for a resilient, innovative and prosperous future," PM Modi added.

Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the Prime Minister's two-day visit to Israel beginning will reaffirm the deep and long-standing strategic partnership between the two countries.

"This visit will reaffirm the deep and long-standing strategic partnership between the two countries and will present an opportunity to review the common challenges as well as realign efforts towards achieving their shared vision for a robust partnership between two resilient democracies," the MEA statement added.

On Sunday, PM Modi warmly acknowledged 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 in the country as a historic moment, underscoring the strength of the India-Israel alliance.

He spoke of a vision to forge a broader "axis of nations" in the Middle East -- an alliance of like-minded countries united "against radical forces" and committed to stability, security, and technological advancement.

Highlighting his personal rapport with PM Modi, the Israeli PM noted their frequent exchanges and mutual visits, calling the Indian leader not just a partner but a "personal friend".

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, it's the present, and we want to be among the world's leading nations in this field".

- IANS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has departed for a two-day visit to Israel, where he will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog. The leaders will review progress in their strategic partnership and discuss cooperation in areas like defence, security, agriculture, and innovation. A key highlight of the visit will be Modi's address to the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset. Netanyahu has termed the visit "historic," emphasizing the personal bond between the leaders and a shared vision for an alliance of nations committed to stability.

PM Narendra Modi embarks on a two-day visit to Israel, meeting PM Netanyahu, addressing the Knesset, and boosting strategic & tech cooperation.

New Delhi, February 25 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday left New Delhi for Israel where he will embark on a two day visit.

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will meet Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu. The two leaders will review the significant progress made in India - Israel Strategic Partnership, and discuss further opportunities in various areas of cooperation, including science and technology, innovation, defence and security, agriculture, water management, trade and economy, and people to people exchanges. The leaders are also expected to exchange perspectives on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

The Prime Minister will also call on Isaac Herzog, the President of Israel. This visit will reaffirm the deep and long-standing strategic partnership between the two countries and will present an opportunity to review the common challenges as well as realign efforts towards achieving their shared vision for a robust partnership between two resilient democracies.

Reflecting the significance of the diplomatic engagement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu termed the upcoming visit "historic", stating that the partnership continues to scale new heights.

Netanyahu described Prime Minister 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 said.

Calling the relationship a "powerful alliance between two global leaders", Netanyahu noted that Israel and India are partners in innovation, security, and a shared strategic vision.

"Together, we are building an axis of nations committed to stability and progress," he added, specifically referring to cooperation in emerging technologies and broader geopolitical coordination.

Providing further details on the itinerary, Netanyahu confirmed that the Prime Minister will arrive on Wednesday and deliver a speech at the Knesset (Israeli Parliament).The visit will also include an innovation event in Jerusalem and a joint visit to Yad Vashem (Israel's official memorial institution to the victims of the Holocaust).

Highlighting their personal bond, Netanyahu recalled, "We are personal friends; we speak frequently on the phone and visit one another. We waded together in the waters of the Mediterranean, and much water has flowed since then."

The Israeli Prime Minister emphasised that the fabric of the relationship will be tightened further through decisions related to economic, diplomatic, and security cooperation.

Regarding the diplomatic aspect, Netanyahu detailed a vision to create a "hexagon" of alliances, including India, Arab nations, African nations, and Mediterranean nations, to counter radical axes.

He further specified that the visit will promote cooperation in high-tech, AI, and quantum computing to ensure both nations remain among the world's leaders in these fields.

- ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a state visit to Israel, describing their discussions as excellent. The leaders explored enhanced collaboration in technology, water management, agriculture, and talent partnership. Netanyahu welcomed Modi as a "dear friend," emphasizing their close personal relationship and the historic nature of the visit. The agenda included signing a series of agreements in economic, security, and diplomatic spheres to advance cooperation.

PM Modi holds excellent meeting with Israeli PM Netanyahu. Discusses tech, agriculture, security pacts & talent partnership to boost India-Israel ties.

Tel Aviv, February 25 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday had an "excellent meeting" with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and discussed a wide range of subjects aimed at boosting bilateral ties.

PM Modi said he was "Deeply touched by the warm welcome extended by my friend, PM Netanyahu", upon his arrival.

"May the India-Israel friendship continue to soar higher!", PM Modi said in a post on X.

He further said, "Had an excellent meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Expressed gratitude to him for the warm welcome earlier in the day. It is a delight to be back in Israel after 9 years. We discussed a wide range of subjects aimed at boosting bilateral ties. Sectors such as technology, water management, agriculture, talent partnership and more offer immense scope for close collaboration. We also discussed key developments in the region."

Earlier, in a warm gesture reflecting the strengthening of ties between the two nations, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu extended a heartfelt welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he arrived in Tel Aviv on Wednesday for his two-day state visit.

Taking to the social media platform X, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu shared a video of PM Modi's arrival, stating, "Welcome to Israel my dear friend @narendramodi".

Netanyahu hailed the visit of his good friend, calling it historic.

"My wife Sara and I welcomed today our good friend, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, who has arrived for another historic visit to Israel. Prime Minister Modi previously visited Israel in 2017, and I later paid a reciprocal visit to India that was truly exceptional. We share a close personal relationship, speak often, and I believe that the deep friendship between us powerfully reflects on the ties between our two countries," Netanyahu said in a post on X.

He added, "We will attend a festive reception at the Knesset, visit an innovation event in Jerusalem, and host Prime Minister Modi for a joint dinner. Tomorrow we will visit Yad Vashem, and afterwards hold another meeting together with our teams, during which we will sign a series of agreements in the economic, security, and diplomatic spheres that will further advance cooperation between Israel and India."

Netanyahu further said that it was an honour to welcome PM Modi.

"It's a great honor to welcome you to Israel, Prime Minister Modi."

PM Modi is on a state visit to Israel from February 25-26.

- ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Israel for talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to strengthen the strategic partnership across multiple sectors. The visit coincides with the ongoing first round of negotiations for a proposed India-Israel Free Trade Agreement in New Delhi. Key areas of discussion include defence, security, trade, innovation, agriculture, and water management. Officials from both nations express optimism that the FTA will boost bilateral trade and unlock new economic opportunities.

PM Modi meets Israeli PM Netanyahu to strengthen strategic ties in defence, trade, and innovation as India-Israel FTA negotiations progress.

New Delhi, Feb 25 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Israel on Wednesday, where he is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to strengthen bilateral cooperation in defence and security, trade and economic relations, and innovation.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced the visit on Tuesday.

Stating that this will be the "second visit" of PM Modi to Israel, the MEA said, "During the visit, the PM will meet the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu. The two leaders will review the significant progress made in India-Israel Strategic Partnership, and discuss further opportunities in various areas of cooperation, including science and technology, innovation, defence and security, agriculture, water management, trade and economy, and people to people exchanges."

PM Modi will also call on Israel's President Isaac Herzog.

Meanwhile, the first round of negotiations for the proposed India-Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA) began in New Delhi and will continue until February 26, coinciding with PM Modi's visit to Israel, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said.

The ministry said the timing of the talks provides fresh momentum to deepen economic ties between the two countries.

The Terms of Reference (ToR) for the agreement were signed in November 2025, creating a structured framework for discussions aimed at expanding trade and economic cooperation.

The FTA is expected to provide greater certainty and predictability to businesses, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and help unlock new opportunities across sectors.

India and Israel have complementary strengths in areas such as innovation, science and technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, high-tech manufacturing, agriculture and services.

The ministry believes the agreement could significantly boost bilateral trade by leveraging these synergies.

India's Chief Negotiator Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce, stressed the importance of building a balanced and forward-looking agreement that reflects the evolving partnership between the two nations.

Israel's Chief Negotiator Yifat Alon Perel, Senior Director for Trade Policy and Agreements and Deputy Trade Commissioner at Israel's Ministry of Economy and Industry, said the FTA has the potential to strengthen supply chains, enhance cooperation and open new markets for both countries.

- IANS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the prestigious "Speaker of the Knesset Medal," the Israeli Parliament's highest honor, during his visit. He delivered a historic address to the Knesset, receiving a standing ovation and emphasizing the ancient civilizational links between the two nations. Modi highlighted growing cultural exchanges like Yoga and Ayurveda in Israel and the establishment of a Parliamentary Friendship Group in India. The visit also included a joint technology exhibition attendance with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, underscoring the strategic partnership.

PM Narendra Modi receives Israel's highest parliamentary honor, the Speaker's Medal, after historic Knesset address, bolstering strategic ties with PM Netanyahu.

Jerusalem, February 26 Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday attended a technology and innovations exhibition in Israel.

Earlier, Prime Minister Modi addressed the Knesset and interacted with its distinguished members, highlighting the deep-rooted friendship between India and Israel and the goodwill of the people of India towards the people of Israel.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, "It's been an honour to address the Knesset. It was also a delight to interact with distinguished members of the Knesset. My address covered the deep-rooted friendship between our nations and the goodwill of the people of India towards the people of Israel."

The Israeli Parliament on Wednesday conferred the "Speaker of the Knesset Medal" on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This is the highest honour of the Knesset.

The award was conferred in recognition of PM Modi's "exceptional contribution through his personal leadership" to strengthen strategic relations between India and Israel.

The medal was conferred after PM Modi's speech in the Israeli Parliament.

After his speech, PM Modi interacted with members of the Israeli parliament, the Knesset. The MPs took selfies and photographs with PM Modi.

PM Modi received a standing ovation during his speech, which was also marked by rapturous applause.

In his speech, PM Modi said there is great admiration for Israel's resolve, courage, and achievements in India.

"Long before we related to each other as modern States, we were linked by ties that go back more than two thousand years. The Book of Esther refers to India as Hodu. The Talmud records trade with India in ancient times," he said.

"Jewish merchants travelled across sea routes that connected the Mediterranean with the Indian Ocean. They came seeking opportunity and dignity. And, in India, they became one of us. Jewish communities have lived in India without fear of persecution or discrimination. They have preserved their faith and participated fully in society. That record is a source of pride for us," he added.

PM Modi said that at the heart of the India-Israel partnership are the ties between our peoples.

"When I first visited Israel in 2006, there were a handful of Yoga centres in Israel. Today, Yoga seems to be practiced in almost every neighbourhood. I am told that interest in Ayurveda is also growing in Israel. I invite more and more young Israelis to travel to India. They will witness the dynamism of our society, and experience what holistic wellness can do for the body and the mind," he said.

He said the Indian Parliament has set up a Parliamentary Friendship Group for Israel.

- ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Tamil Nadu, offering prayers at the historic Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple in Madurai. His tour includes a public programme in Puducherry and a major rally in Madurai, focusing on developmental initiatives. The visit comes as political alliances gear up for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The polls are expected to feature a multi-cornered contest involving the DMK, BJP-AIADMK alliance, and actor Vijay's new party.

PM Narendra Modi visits Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple in Madurai and addresses a public rally, highlighting outreach ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections.

New Delhi, February 25 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a significant visit to southern India beginning with his arrival in Chennai on the night of February 28.

According to top Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) sources, the Prime Minister will stay overnight at the Governor's residence in Chennai. Elaborate security and administrative arrangements have been put in place across the city ahead of his arrival.

On the morning of March 1, the Prime Minister will depart for Puducherry, where he is scheduled to participate in a public programme and address a large gathering. The visit is expected to highlight key developmental initiatives and government welfare schemes, and draw participation from local leaders, officials, and party workers.

After concluding his engagements in Puducherry, the Prime Minister will proceed to Madurai, often referred to as the "city that never sleeps" and one of Tamil Nadu's most culturally significant centres.

During his Madurai visit, the Prime Minister will offer prayers and have darshan at the historic Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple, one of the six sacred abodes (Arupadai Veedu) of Lord Murugan and an important pilgrimage site.

Notably, this is the same temple that was recently in the spotlight following the Karthigai Deepam-related issue, which had drawn public and administrative attention.

Following the temple visit, he will attend and address a grand public meeting in Madurai. The rally is expected to witness a large turnout from across southern districts, with leaders and supporters gathering to hear the Prime Minister's address.

The Prime Minister's tour is expected to reinforce outreach efforts in the region while highlighting cultural heritage, infrastructure growth, and public welfare initiatives.

Meanwhile, 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, including independents, 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
A visitor tries on a VR headset at the Lingjiatan Site Museum in Hanshan County, Ma'anshan, east China's Anhui Province, on Dec. 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Bohan)

YINCHUAN, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- At the foot of the Helan Mountain in Yinchuan, capital city of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, a corridor within the Xixia Imperial Tombs Museum has been transformed into a bustling street scene from a millennium ago during the Spring Festival holiday.

Actors clad in traditional costumes of the Song (960-1279) and Xixia (1038-1227) dynasties greeted tourists, while images of "Flying Apsaras" -- celestial figures from ancient murals -- danced amidst lighting and mist.

The immersive performance, titled "Xixia Musical Gathering," is the centerpiece of the museum's New Year celebrations.

By turning a 300-meter passage into a moving stage, the event recreates vivid scenes of multi-ethnic coexistence and cultural fusion in China around 1,000 years ago, offering visitors a unique "walk-and-watch" experience.

"It felt like a true time-travel experience," said Wang Fei, a tourist from north China's Shanxi Province who visited with his family.

Wang noted that his children were thrilled to interact with performers portraying historical characters and try traditional games like "pitch-pot" and archery.

"With technology and cultural activities empowering the museum, history has become vivid and accessible. It allows the younger generation to truly understand fine traditional culture while having fun," Wang said, adding that the experience made the Spring Festival more meaningful.

Chen Xiaoxu, head of marketing at Xixia Imperial Tombs Cultural Tourism Development Co., Ltd., said the performance features over 50 professional actors, with costumes and market settings recreated from museum artifacts and historical documents.

"We aim to change the stereotype that the Xixia Imperial Tombs are merely 'earthen mounds' and instead, we use immersive experiences to convey the value of the World Heritage site," Chen said, noting a significant increase in visitor numbers due to the performance.

The tourist enthusiasm in Ningxia mirrors a nationwide trend as museum tourism has emerged as a new way for many to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

Across the country, museums are moving beyond static exhibitions, adopting interactive and immersive activities to attract holiday crowds.

In central China's Henan Province, the Zhengzhou Shang Dynasty capital ruins museum launched an immersive theater production, inviting audiences to participate in Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BC) sacrificial rituals.

In north China, the Inner Mongolia Museum introduced a role-playing trade experience, allowing tourists to simulate ancient commerce between the grasslands and the Central Plains.

Technological innovation has further enriched these cultural offerings. The Qinghai Provincial Museum introduced virtual reality experiences allowing visitors to "touch" history, while the National Maritime Museum of China offered digital deep-sea explorations.

To accommodate the surge in visitors, cultural institutions have expanded services. More than 40 museums in Henan and 79 in east China's Jiangsu Province extended their opening hours during the holiday.

"Museums are no longer 'aloof' venues but are becoming popular public spaces for social and cultural engagement," said Zhang Wanjing, a researcher at the Ningxia Academy of Social Sciences.

Zhang attributed the trend to the rising living standards and the growing public interest in traditional culture.

"When cultural relics meet the festive air of the New Year, the immersive experience becomes an essential part of the Spring Festival holiday," Zhang said.

Editor: WSH
Pooja Bhatt marked her 54th birthday by celebrating a decade of sobriety, calling it a major milestone. She expressed profound gratitude on social media for the "tsunami of love" and for truly living. The actress-filmmaker, daughter of Mahesh Bhatt, is known for films like 'Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin' and 'Sadak'. She was recently seen in the film 'Chup' and as a contestant on 'Bigg Boss OTT 2'.

Actress-filmmaker Pooja Bhatt celebrates her 54th birthday and a major personal milestone: 10 years of sobriety, expressing deep gratitude.

Mumbai, Feb 25 Actress-filmmaker Pooja Bhatt described her latest birthday as special "for more reasons than one," as she celebrated turning 54 along with a a decade of sobriety.

Pooja took to Instagram, where she shared a picture of herself. In the image, the actress-filmmaker is seen holding a rose as sunrays gently fall on her skin, adding a golden glow.

Sharing her thoughts on social media, Pooja expressed gratitude for the "tsunami of love" and went on to underscore that what made the day most meaningful was it being her "10th birthday sober."

"Yesterday was special for more reasons than one.. the tsunami of love received from all of you,for which I am truly grateful. The privilege of turning 54," she wrote.

Pooja added: "But mostly, for the milestone of it being my 10'TH Birthday SOBER. 54 yrs of being. 10 years of TRULY living. Gratitude to the Universe for everything and more. #sobrietyrocks."

The daughter of Mahesh Bhatt and half-sister of actress Alia Bhatt, Pooja played her first leading role in the television film Daddy in 1989.

Her breakthrough came with the romance comedy Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin in 1991, which also emerged as her highest grossing release. In the following decade, she earned critical acclaim for her performances in the films Sadak, Junoon, Naaraaz, Angrakshak, Chaahat, Tamanna, Border, Kabhi Na Kabhi, Angaaray and Zakhm. This was followed by a hiatus and intermittent work.

She was recently seen on screen in Chup: Revenge of the Artist directed by R. Balki.The film stars Sunny Deol, Dulquer Salmaan and Shreya Dhanwanthary. Set in Mumbai, the film focuses on a serial killer targeting corrupt film critics and a police officer assigned to catch the killer.

Pooja was also seen as a contestant in the controversial reality show "Bigg Boss OTT 2," where Elvish Yadav emerged as the winner and Abhishek Malhan was the runner-up.

- IANS
Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will attend the foundation stone laying ceremony for houses being constructed for victims of the Chooralmala-Mundakkai landslide. The event is scheduled for February 26 in Kalpetta, Wayanad. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has a packed multi-day itinerary in the region, including handing over equipment to the Forest Department and inaugurating various local projects. The housing initiative is part of ongoing rehabilitation efforts following the devastating landslide that left many families homeless.

Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will lay the foundation stone for Congress-built houses for Chooralmala-Mundakkai landslide victims in Kalpetta on Feb 26.

Kalpetta, February 25 The foundation stone laying ceremony for houses being constructed by the Congress for the victims of the Chooralmala-Mundakkai landslide disaster will be held on February 26, 2026 at 2:30 PM in Kalpetta, with Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra set to attend the event.

Rahul Gandhi will perform the foundation stone ceremony, while Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will also be present for the occasion.

According to the Congress' Kerala Unit, Rahul Gandhi will arrive at Kannur Airport in the morning and, after attending a farmers' meeting in Peravoor, Kannur, will proceed to Kalpetta for the function.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will participate in the DISHA meeting at the Collectorate in the morning. At 1:30 PM, she will hand over advanced equipment for the Forest Department's Rapid Response Team (RRT) at the Kalpetta MP Office. The equipment has been arranged through JSW's CSR fund at her initiative. Earlier, she had also facilitated a modern vehicle for the department.

On February 27, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will inaugurate the laboratory of the Kalikavu Service Co-operative Bank in the morning. In the afternoon, she will inaugurate the Silver Jubilee celebrations of MES School, Kaithapoyil (Thiruvambady) and lay the foundation stone for a new block. She will also visit the proposed Churam Bypass Road site at Chippilithodu.

On February 28, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will visit the proposed Bairakuppa Bridge project site, attend the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Knanaya Catholic Church, and visit the residence of Kooman of Pulpally, who was killed in a tiger attack. She will also participate in the key handover ceremony for houses constructed by the IUML for the Chooralmala-Mundakkai disaster victims.

The Chooralmala-Mundakkai landslide disaster had caused significant devastation in the region, leaving many families homeless and requiring rehabilitation efforts from various organizations and political parties.

Further updates and exact timings to follow.

- ANI
The Sambhali Trust, a Rajasthan-based NGO, addressed the UN Human Rights Council, urging the international community to transform human rights from theoretical commitments into practical, operational priorities within all governance and development frameworks. Representing the trust, Hansraj Singh highlighted India's constitutional safeguards and welfare schemes like Mission Vatsalya and POSHAN Abhiyaan as examples of integrating human rights into national initiatives. The intervention emphasized the role of grassroots organizations from the Global South in shaping global human rights discourse by bringing field-level experiences to the table. The 61st UNHRC session continues to deliberate on strengthening the global human rights architecture with inputs from civil society.

Sambhali Trust addresses UNHRC, advocating for human rights to be integrated into governance and policy as a practical, operational priority.

Jaipur, Feb 25 Rajasthan-based non-governmental organisation Sambhali Trust has urged the international community to move beyond symbolic commitments and ensure that human rights are fully integrated as a core and actionable principle in governance, policymaking, and development processes worldwide.

Addressing the Annual High-Level Panel Discussion on Human Rights Mainstreaming during the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Hansraj Singh, representing Sambhali Trust, emphasised that human rights must be transformed from theoretical commitments into practical and operational priorities across policies, institutions, and implementation frameworks at national and international levels.

"Human rights mainstreaming must not remain a theoretical commitment but should function as a cross-cutting principle integrated into policies, institutions, and implementation frameworks," Singh said while presenting the organisation's perspective at the global forum.

The 61st session of the UNHRC is currently being held in Geneva from February 23 to March 31, 2026, bringing together representatives from member states, civil society organisations, and international bodies to deliberate on pressing human rights issues.

During his intervention, Singh highlighted India's constitutional safeguards, progressive legislative framework, and various welfare schemes as important examples of efforts to integrate human rights principles into national governance and development initiatives.

Among the key initiatives cited were Mission Vatsalya, which focuses on child protection, care, and holistic development with emphasis on family-based care and support systems for vulnerable children.

He also referred to POSHAN Abhiyaan, India's flagship National Nutrition Mission, which aims to improve nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and adolescent girls across the country.

Singh further highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, a major housing initiative designed to provide affordable housing to economically weaker sections, thereby promoting dignity, security, and improved living conditions.

He also emphasised the importance of Digital India programmes aimed at bridging the digital divide and enhancing access to essential services.

These initiatives include PMGDISHA (Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan), which promotes digital literacy in rural households, BharatNet, which aims to expand high-speed broadband connectivity in rural areas, Aadhaar, the world's largest biometric digital identity system enabling access to government services, and DIKSHA, a national digital learning platform delivering educational resources across the country.

Singh noted that such programmes reflect deliberate and sustained efforts to integrate principles of dignity, equality, and justice into India's development agenda, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Sambhali Trust's participation in the UNHRC session reflects the growing contribution of civil society organisations from the Global South in shaping global human rights discourse and policy engagement.

By bringing grassroots perspectives and field-level experiences to the international platform, the organisation contributed meaningfully to discussions on making human rights a lived and actionable reality rather than an abstract or symbolic principle.

The 61st UNHRC session is currently deliberating on several key issues, including the protection of human rights defenders, economic, social, and cultural rights, strengthening international cooperation, and reinforcing the global human rights architecture.

Experts noted that inputs from grassroots organisations such as Sambhali Trust help enrich UNHRC discussions by demonstrating how local initiatives and community-level interventions can inform global human rights policy frameworks and implementation strategies.

Their intervention underscored the importance of translating human rights commitments into tangible action at community, national, and international levels.

The session will continue in Geneva with further deliberations, panel discussions, adoption of resolutions, and policy outcomes expected in the coming weeks.

- IANS
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's official visit to Singapore has concluded with record-breaking investment commitments for the state. The visit generated investment proposals worth up to Rs 1 lakh crore, with Memorandums of Understanding worth Rs 60,000 crore already finalised. CM Yogi assured global investors of a secure environment, skilled manpower, and robust infrastructure, positioning UP as a dream destination. He highlighted the state's significant economic growth and its role as a key engine in India's journey towards becoming the world's third-largest economy.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath's Singapore visit yields record Rs 1 lakh crore proposals. Singapore envoy hails success as state targets $1 trillion economy.

Singapore City, February 25 Singapore's High Commissioner to India, Simon Wong, on Wednesday said that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's visit to Singapore concluded successfully, resulting in record-breaking investment commitments for the state.

In a post on X, Wong said, "Singapore is pleased to see that Honble CM #YogiAdityanath visit has concluded successfully with record-breaking investments into #UP. Our team is looking forward to implementing the commitments made. HC Wong"

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who was on an official visit to Singapore from February 22 to 24, said the state received investment proposals worth up to Rs 1 lakh crore during his engagements, with Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 60,000 crore already finalised, terming it a significant step towards transforming the state into a $1 trillion economy.

Sharing a post on X, the Chief Minister's official handle stated, "To boost investment in Uttar Pradesh, we have received investment proposals worth up to 1 lakh crore in Singapore, along with MoUs worth 60,000 crore that have been finalised. All of these will prove to be milestones in the direction of making Uttar Pradesh a $1 trillion economy."

Earlier in Singapore, CM Yogi pitched his state as a secure and fast-growing destination for global investment.

Assuring business leaders of a good environment in the state, the Chief Minister said, "I can assure you that every investment coming into Uttar Pradesh is secured. We not only gave a safe environment, but also showed how to connect scale with skill and speed."

He added that the state has established a new identity focused on transformation and growth.

Highlighting India's broader economic progress, the Chief Minister said the country has advanced significantly over the past decade under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and is on track to become the world's third-largest economy.

Adityanath noted that Uttar Pradesh's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has increased from Rs 13 lakh crore to Rs 36 lakh crore in the past nine years, contributing 9.5 per cent to India's GDP. He described the state as a "dream destination" for investment and a top achiever in Ease of Doing Business and deregulation rankings.

Emphasising infrastructure readiness, he cited the availability of a large land bank, skilled manpower, and connectivity through projects such as the dedicated freight corridor.CM Yogi Adityanath said, "We have infrastructure and land bank in Uttar Pradesh. Investing in UP is easy because of the availability of trained and skilled manpower, a large land bank, and a dedicated freight corridor."

Inviting global investors to partner in the state's growth story, Adityanath said Uttar Pradesh offers safety, stability, and speed across sectors, positioning itself as a key engine of India's economic growth.

CM Yogi Adityanath was 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.

- ANI
BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal has formally requested Union Home Minister Amit Shah to rename Delhi as Indraprastha. He argues the change would honor the city's ancient heritage, linking it to the Mahabharata-era capital of the Pandavas. Khandelwal cites archaeological findings at Purana Qila as evidence supporting this historical connection. The proposal comes shortly after the Union Cabinet approved a separate name change for the state of Kerala to Keralam.

BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal writes to Amit Shah, proposing Delhi be renamed Indraprastha to honor its ancient Mahabharata-era roots.

New Delhi, February 25 The Bharatiya Janata Party MP Praveen Khandelwal on Wednesday wrote a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah asking for Delhi's name to be changed to Indraprastha to honour the city's ancient history.

In the letter by Praveen Khandelwal stated, "I am writing to draw your attention to an issue of profound historical and civilizational importance relating to the identity of our national capital, Delhi. As the capital of one of the world's oldest civilisations, it is only appropriate that the name of the city reflects its true historical roots and cultural legacy."

"Historical literature, archaeological findings, and long-standing civilizational traditions establish that the present-day Delhi corresponds to the ancient city of Indraprastha, the grand capital established by the Pandavas as described in the epic Mahabharata. The epic describes Indraprastha as a magnificent city built on the banks of the Yamuna River, precisely matching the geographical setting of modern Delhi," he added.

Khandelwal said that the present name Delhi does not adequately represent the ancient and original heritage of the city.

"Archaeological excavations conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India at Purana Qila have revealed ancient settlement layers dating back to around 1000 BCE, along with Painted Grey Ware pottery associated with the Mahabharata era. These findings strongly support the historical belief that the ancient city of Indraprastha once flourished at the site where Delhi stands today."

Meanwhile, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal, while speaking to ANI, said, "Any city is named after its culture and civilisation, so that the name reflects the city's culture and civilisation. Keeping this in mind, I have written a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah today requesting that Delhi be named Indraprastha."

"If Delhi is named Indraprastha, it directly reflects Delhi's culture, civilisation, our food habits and our language. Apart from this, I have also requested that statues of the five Pandavas be installed at a suitable place in Delhi so that this flow of culture continues in this manner for generations," Praveen Khandelwal added.

Meanwhile, the Union Cabinet on Tuesday gave its approval to the proposal to change the name of Kerala to Keralam.

Briefing reporters after a meeting of the Union Cabinet, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the Kerala Alteration of Name Bill will be sent to the state assembly for its approval.

The decision comes ahead of the assembly polls in the state, slated for the first half of this year.

- ANI
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath presented the state as a premier global investment destination at a roadshow in Tokyo. He highlighted a massive domestic market of 250 million people, with over half being a young, skilled workforce. The CM detailed massive infrastructure gains, including 95% of India's expressways, the largest rail network, and 20 new airports. He attributed this transformation to consistent policy reforms over nine years and invited Japanese business leaders to invest.

CM Yogi Adityanath pitches Uttar Pradesh as a skilled labour hub and consumption market to Japanese investors in Tokyo, highlighting infrastructure and policy results.

Tokyo, February 25 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attended the Uttar Pradesh Investment Roadshow in Tokyo on Wednesday, where he presented Uttar Pradesh as a global hub for skilled labour and a massive consumption market with a population of 250 million. The Minister noted that consistent policy reforms over the last nine years have turned the state into a premier global investment hub.

The minister also asserted that Uttar Pradesh is the food basket of India and a state with the largest water resources.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath, while addressing the gathering in Tokyo, said, "Uttar Pradesh is known as the food basket of India...Uttar Pradesh is also the state with the largest water resources in India...Keeping the needs of Uttar Pradesh in mind, we have identified a population of 250 million within Uttar Pradesh. Fifty-six per cent of this 250 million population is youth, a working force. Skilled manpower is always available to you in any field. Affordable and quality manpower for every sector is available in Uttar Pradesh today."

He added, "Today, Uttar Pradesh alone accounts for ninety-five per cent of India's expressways. Uttar Pradesh boasts India's largest rail network...I would like to invite Japanese business leaders to visit Uttar Pradesh to contribute to advancing the private industrial park program. I am pleased to report the significant success Uttar Pradesh has achieved in air connectivity. In the last nine years, we have operationalised sixteen domestic and four international airports within Uttar Pradesh, and India's largest international airport, Noida International Airport, is soon to be operational."

CM Yogi Adityanath futher said "There are many opportunities in Uttar Pradesh, and the results of the government's various policies over the past nine years are evident. Uttar Pradesh has established itself as one of the fastest-growing states economically in the nation."

"Uttar Pradesh is the birthplace of Lord Ram, King of the Suryavansh and the holy land of Lord Buddha...Uttar Pradesh is central to Buddhism, holding various sacred sites in Lord Buddha's life," Uttar Pradesh CM added.

Meanwhile, today Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath arrived in Tokyo for an official visit aimed at strengthening the state's investment opportunities and industrial growth.

During the visit from February 25-26 in Japan, he is expected to participate in key meetings and interactions during his visit aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and exploring investment opportunities for the state.

- ANI
At the 61st UN Human Rights Council session, Sambhali Trust advocated for human rights to be a practical, cross-cutting principle in all governance. Representative Hansraj Singh emphasized the need for political will and highlighted India's rights-based welfare schemes as examples of institutional commitment. He shared the trust's grassroots work in Rajasthan, using a rights-based framework to empower marginalized women and children. The intervention called for stronger collaboration between governments and civil society to translate global commitments into local reality.

At the UN Human Rights Council, Sambhali Trust stressed moving beyond theory to embed human rights in policy and praised India's welfare schemes.

Geneva, February 25 At the 61st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Sambhali Trust addressed the Annual High-Level Panel Discussion on Human Rights Mainstreaming, stressing the importance of embedding human dignity, equality, and justice across governance and development processes.

Representing the organisation, Hansraj Singh stated that human rights mainstreaming should not remain a theoretical or symbolic commitment, but must function as a cross-cutting principle integrated into policies, institutions, and implementation frameworks. He emphasised that translating human rights commitments into measurable outcomes requires sustained political will, institutional alignment, and community-level engagement.

During his intervention, Singh highlighted India's efforts to institutionalise human rights through constitutional guarantees, rights-based legislation, and expansive welfare programmes. He cited initiatives such as Mission Vatsalya, POSHAN Abhiyaan, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and digital inclusion programmes as examples of measures aimed at embedding equity, access, and accountability across sectors. According to him, these programmes collectively reach hundreds of millions of citizens and contribute to strengthening inclusive governance and social justice.

Drawing from Sambhali Trust's grassroots experience in Rajasthan, Singh explained how human rights mainstreaming operates in practice. The organisation works with marginalised women and children, approaching education, shelter, livelihoods, healthcare, and access to justice through a rights-based framework that places dignity, participation, and accountability at its core. He noted that Sambhali Trust also actively engages in local boards and advisory platforms, contributing to decision-making processes at the community and local government levels to ensure that human rights principles guide governance and service delivery.

The intervention underscored the broader message that effective human rights mainstreaming requires collaboration between governments and civil society. By aligning policy frameworks with on-the-ground realities, organisations such as Sambhali Trust aim to bridge the gap between global commitments and local implementation, reinforcing the role of inclusive and accountable governance in advancing human rights.

- ANI
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan arrived in Srinagar for his first two-day visit to the Kashmir Valley. He will be the chief guest at the University of Kashmir's convocation, where Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will receive him. Extensive security measures have been implemented, including vehicle checks and a full dry run of the VP's route. Authorities have issued a detailed traffic advisory with multiple diversions across the city to ensure the security of the VVIP convoy.

Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan begins a two-day visit to Kashmir, prompting major security arrangements and traffic advisories in Srinagar.

Srinagar, Feb 25 Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan is arriving here on Wednesday evening on his maiden two-day visit to the Kashmir Valley.

Officials said the Vice President will land at the Srinagar Airport in the evening and drive to the Lok Bhawan in Chashma Shahi area of Srinagar city, where he will spend the night.

J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will receive the Vice President on his arrival here.

He will be the chief guest at the 21st convocation of the University of Kashmir, being held at the Hazratbal campus on Thursday.

The L-G is the Chancellor, while the Chief Minister is the Pro-Chancellor of this university.

Security has been tightened ahead of the Vice President's arrival. The security forces carried out a dry run of the entire route the Vice President is scheduled to use during his stay in Srinagar.

Makeshift check posts have come up at a number of places while checking vehicles, and frisking of occupants entering the city has also started to ensure foolproof security for the VVIP.

The traffic department has issued an elaborate advisory asking people to strictly follow the alternate routes made available to ensure free passage of the VVIP cavalcade during the visit.

According to the advisory, no motorist will be allowed to ply towards Nishat, Shalimar, Harwan and adjacent areas via Badyari Chowk and Gupkar on Thursday. Similarly, traffic movement from Ram Munshibagh towards Hotel Grand Palace will remain suspended, and vehicles will be diverted towards Dalgate, Sangermal and Ikhwan Chowk for onward movement.

Authorities said that no traffic will be allowed on the Dalgate, Khayam, Khanyar, Rainawari, Saidkadal and Hazratbal road stretch during the restriction period. Motorists intending to travel from Harwan, Shalimar, Nishat, Ganderbal, and adjoining areas towards Lal Chowk have been advised to take the Burzahama route via Chandpora, Tailbal, Zakoora, Malbagh, Illahibagh and 90 Feet Road and vice versa.

Those travelling from Dalgate, Lal Chowk and nearby areas towards Harwan, Shalimar and Nishat have been directed to use the Sangermal, Ikhwan Chowk, Nowhatta, 90 Feet and Malbagh road route to reach their destinations.

Motorists heading towards Srinagar Airport from Harwan, Shalimar and Nishat will be permitted to move through Burzahama, Chandpora, Tailbal, Zakoora, Malbagh, Illahibagh and 90 Feet Road. Vehicles travelling from Panthachowk and Pandrethan towards R M Bagh will be allowed via Peaks Motors Nowgam and the Bypass. Officials said that medical emergency cases will be facilitated after due verification.

Citizens requiring assistance may contact the Traffic Police Control Room at 103.

Meanwhile, V.K. Virdi, IGP (Kashmir), took a detailed security review meeting of the VVIP visit.

This is C.P. Radhakrishnan's maiden visit to the union territory as the Vice President of the country.

- IANS
The Meteorological Department reports that winter is nearly over in Rajasthan, with daytime temperatures steadily rising across the state. Several districts, including Jodhpur and Jalore, recorded maximum temperatures above 33 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. A change is expected from Friday as a Western Disturbance becomes active, likely bringing cloudy skies and light rain to several parts. This rainfall may cause a temporary drop in the currently above-normal temperatures being experienced.

Several Rajasthan districts record above 33C as winter ends. Jaipur Met forecasts rainfall and a temporary temperature drop from February 27.

Jaipur, Feb 25 The Meteorological Department on Wednesday said that several districts in Rajasthan recorded above 33 degrees Celsius temperature and predicted rainfall in the state from Friday.

Met officials said that the winter season in Rajasthan is almost over, and only a mild chill is now felt during the early mornings and late evenings.

Daytime temperatures are steadily rising across the state, signalling the onset of warmer conditions.

On Tuesday, temperatures crossed 33 degrees Celsius in many districts including Chittorgarh, Pali, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Jalore, and Phalodi.

Meanwhile, most districts, including Jaipur, reported maximum temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius.

According to the Jaipur Meteorological Centre, weather conditions are expected to change again from Friday due to the activation of a Western Disturbance.

In the past 24 hours, a weak circulation system caused light drizzle in some areas, with Dausa recording the highest rainfall of 10 mm.

From Friday, cloudy skies and light rain are likely in several parts of the state, which may lead to a temporary drop in temperatures. Jaipur is currently experiencing rising daytime temperatures.

On Tuesday, the city recorded a maximum temperature of 30.2 degrees Celsius, which is 3.2 degrees Celsius above normal.

The minimum temperature was 17.2 degrees Celsius also 3.8 degrees above normal.

Meteorologists have indicated that slight weather changes may occur in the coming days, with cloud cover expected due to the Western Disturbance.

Temperature in many districts increased crossing a 30 degrees Celsius mark.

Ajmer recorded a maximum temperature of 31.5 degrees Celsius, while Bhilwara registered 31.4 degrees Celsius and Alwar 30.5 degrees Celsius. Jaipur reported 30.2 degrees Celsius, and Pilani recorded 31.2 degrees Celsius. Sikar was slightly cooler at 29.0 degrees Celsius.

Kota recorded 31.8 degrees Celsius, Chittorgarh (33.6 degrees Celsius), Jaisalmer (33.5 degrees Celsius), Jodhpur (33.9 degrees Celsius), Bikaner (32.6 degrees Celsius) Churu (32.2 degrees Celsius), Sriganganagar (31.8 degrees Celisus), while Mount Abu remained the coolest at 25.4 degrees Celsius.

Nagaur recorded 31.8 degrees Celsius maximum temparture, Dungarpur (32.4 degrees Celsius), Jalore (33.8 degrees Celsius), Sirohi (28.4 degrees Celsius), Fatehpur (32.0 degrees Celsius), Karauli (30.7 degrees Celsius), Dausa (30.9 degrees Celsius), and Jhunjhunu (30.8 degrees Celsius).

- IANS
Heavy snowfall on Tuesday stranded 324 vehicles, including tourist cars, on the route to Sikkim's Nathula Pass and Changu Lake. The Indian Army swiftly intervened, assisting approximately 700-800 tourists and 200-250 vehicles trapped along the Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg. Stranded tourists have been accommodated for safety at an Army camp at 15 Mile, where they are receiving food and shelter. Snow clearance operations are actively underway to restore road connectivity as soon as possible.

Heavy snow traps 324 vehicles at Nathula Pass in Sikkim. Indian Army rescues hundreds of tourists, provides shelter and food. Latest updates.

Gangtok, February 25 Heavy snowfall stranded 324 vehicles, including tourist cars, at 15 Mile on Sikkim's Nathula Pass and Changu Lake route on Tuesday.

The vehicles were caught in the sudden snowfall while returning from the popular tourist destinations. Out of 540 passes issued for the day, 216 vehicles managed to return safely before the intense snowfall began.

In a swift humanitarian effort, the Indian Army helped stranded vehicles and tourists due to excessive snowfall along the JNM Road axis. Approximately 200-250 vehicles and 700-800 tourists were assisted and taken out of the Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg (JNM) axis between Milestone 13 and Milestone 17 at Gangtok district of Sikkim.

According to the reports, the stranded tourists have been accommodated at the Army camp at 15 Mile for safety. Snow clearance operations are underway, with authorities deploying men and machinery to restore road connectivity at the earliest.

The Army and local authorities are working together to provide assistance to the stranded tourists, including food and shelter. The situation is being closely monitored, and efforts are being made to restore normalcy at the earliest.

Earlier, on February 23, troops of the Indian Army's Trishakti Corps rescued tourists in East Sikkim The Army assisted locals and tourists stranded in sub-zero temperatures during heavy snowfall in East Sikkim. A total of 46 tourists were rescued and shifted to the nearest Army camp, where medical care, warm shelter and essential relief were provided. The operation also enabled the safe and orderly movement of 150 plus tourist vehicles to secure locations.

The Nathula Pass and Changu Lake are popular tourist destinations, attracting visitors from across the country.

- ANI
Tourists enjoy plum blossoms at Chaoshan scenic area in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Feb. 23, 2026. The scenic area kicked off on Monday a special night tour event among plum blossom trees illuminated by light. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

An aerial drone photo taken on Feb. 23, 2026 shows plum blossom trees at Chaoshan scenic area in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province. The scenic area kicked off on Monday a special night tour event among plum blossom trees illuminated by light. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

Tourists visit a night market at Chaoshan scenic area in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Feb. 23, 2026. The scenic area kicked off on Monday a special night tour event among plum blossom trees illuminated by light. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

Plum blossoms are pictured at Chaoshan scenic area in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Feb. 23, 2026. The scenic area kicked off on Monday a special night tour event among plum blossom trees illuminated by light. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

Tourists play immersive script-based games at Chaoshan scenic area in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Feb. 23, 2026. The scenic area kicked off on Monday a special night tour event among plum blossom trees illuminated by light. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

Editor: WSH
The Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services reported saving 678 lives and extinguishing over 2,800 fires in 2024-25. The city plans a major expansion, aiming to establish nearly 50 fire stations within the next three years to meet the guideline of one station per 10 square kilometres. Firefighters recently demonstrated their efficiency with a swift rescue of a trapped BRTS driver and a manual extraction of two people from a building collapse. Equipped with advanced tenders and trained personnel, these silent guardians remain on constant vigil for the growing city.

Ahmedabad firefighters saved 678 lives last year. The city plans 50 new fire stations in 3 years to enhance emergency response and reduce times.

Ahmedabad, February 25 As Ahmedabad moves round the clock, its firefighters remain on constant vigil, responding swiftly to emergencies across the city.

In 2024-25, the Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services (AFES) saved 678 lives, extinguished 2,835 fires and carried out 3,606 rescue operations -- figures that reflect both the scale of urban challenges and the department's preparedness.

Most recently, fire personnel rescued a trapped Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) driver within an hour after his bus rammed into a bridge pillar, averting what could have turned into a major tragedy.

Station Fire Officer Ravidan R Gadhavi of Thaltej Fire Station said the department is equipped with advanced fire tenders such as Emergency Fire Tenders, Gajraj units and Volvo Hydraulic Platforms (HPL).

Recalling the recent bus accident rescue, he noted that the team acted promptly and managed to extricate the injured driver safely from the mangled vehicle.

With modern equipment and trained personnel, the city's fire services are strengthening their emergency response capabilities. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) plans to establish a fire station every 10 square kilometres and recruit around 200 additional personnel to further reduce response times.

Chief Fire Officer Amit Dongre stated that, as per government guidelines, one fire station is required for every 10 square kilometres. Approval has been granted for 15 new fire stations, with work set to begin soon.

Fifteen stations are planned this year, and land has already been identified for another 15 next year. In the next two to three years, Ahmedabad is expected to have nearly 50 fire stations, significantly expanding its emergency network.

In another recent incident, fire brigade teams responded swiftly to a sudden building collapse in the Gheekanta area.

Divisional Fire Officer Pankaj Rawal said two people, a man and a woman, were trapped under the debris. Due to surrounding constraints, heavy machinery could not be deployed, forcing rescuers to work manually. Within 30 minutes, the team successfully pulled both victims out, rescuing the man alive.

Gautami Panchal, whose family member was injured in the incident, said emergency responders arrived promptly after a call to the 108 helpline. Her mother-in-law had been trapped after an iron angle from the ceiling collapsed. She was rescued and immediately shifted to the hospital for treatment.

As the city continues to grow and urban risks increase, Ahmedabad's firefighters remain steadfast in their mission, ready at all hours to confront danger, safeguard lives and serve as silent guardians of the city.

- ANI
The Telugu film 'Sampradayini Suppini Suddapoosani' is scheduled for a global theatrical release on March 6. It marks the reunion of the popular on-screen pair, actors Sivaji and Laya. Sivaji plays Sriram, a principled Panchayat Secretary, while Laya portrays Uttara, a homemaker with a complex, dual nature. The film is written and directed by Sudheer Sriram and produced under Sivaji's Sree Shivaji Productions banner.

The film 'Sampradayini Suppini Suddapoosani', starring Sivaji and Laya, is set for a worldwide release on March 6. Directed by Sudheer Sriram.

Hyderabad, Feb 25 The makers of director Sudheer Sriram's upcoming film 'Sampradayini Suppini Suddapoosani', featuring actors Sivaji and Laya in the lead, on Wednesday announced that their film would hit screens worldwide on March 6 this year.

Taking to his X timeline to make the announcement, actor Sivaji wrote, "We are Coming On March 6th! #SSSonMarch6th #SampradayiniSuppiniSuddapoosani."

The film has triggered huge expectations among fans and film buffs.

It may be recalled that the makers had announced the film's title on the occasion of actress Laya's birthday last year.

Actor Sivaji, whose production house is producing this film, shared the link to film's shoot wrap up event and wrote, "Grace and a Smile that Lights Up Every Frame. Wishing the ever-charming #Laya a very Happy Birthday! #HappyBirthdayLaya. A @etvwin Original Production In Association with @SreeSivajiprods"

The title of the film was disclosed by way of a teaser that was screened at the end of the event.

It may be recalled that actor Sivaji plays a character called Sriram in the film.

Sources close to the unit have said that versatile actor Sivaji was all set to captivate audiences once again in the role of Sriram. The film is being produced under the actor's home banner Sree Shivaji Productions and marks the banner's second venture. The project has been written and directed by Sudheer Sriram, known for his engaging storytelling.

The movie brings back the iconic on-screen pair Sivaji and Laya, who once created magic together in several memorable hits. Adding more excitement, the film also stars Ali, Dhanraj, Prince, Jabardasth Emmanuel, Raj Thirandasu, Karan, and Rohan (who earlier worked with Sivaji in the hit 90's web series).

Sources in the know say that Sivaji's character in the film, Sriram, is a man of integrity and compassion - a Panchayat Secretary who stands firmly for truth and justice. He is someone who cannot tolerate wrongdoing and believes that no one should suffer due to another person's mistakes. His family - his wife and child - are his entire world, and he is willing to go to any extent to protect them.

It may be recalled that the makers had also unveiled the first look poster of actress Laya, who plays a key role in the film. Laya plays Uttara, a homemaker with multiple shades.

Laya's role is said to be layered with contrasting emotions-outwardly an ordinary woman, yet inwardly carrying a criminal instinct. The character exhibits dual behavior, hiding her darker nature behind a facade of simplicity. The character poster released by the team hinted at these intense shades, showing a new and different side of Laya that audiences haven't witnessed before.

According to sources close to the unit of the film, Uttara is a woman who will go to any lengths when it comes to protecting her family. This character with multi-dimensional shades, sources inform, has given Laya ample scope to showcase her acting prowess.

- IANS
The South Central Railway has launched a pilot 'Rail Parcel App' at Rail Nilayam in Hyderabad, marking a first-of-its-kind initiative for Indian Railways. The app aims to provide seamless door-to-door parcel booking, online payment, and complete shipment visibility for customers. General Manager Sanjay Kumar Srivastava credited his teams and industry partners for delivering the project in a record four months. The pilot begins in seven cities, with a vision to eventually enable parcel booking from anywhere in India, and SCR has also signed an MOU with IIM Bangalore for a freight logistics study.

SCR launches a pilot Rail Parcel App in Hyderabad, offering door-to-door booking and delivery, starting in seven cities.

Hyderabad, February 26 The South Central Railway on wednesday launched the pilot project 'Rail Parcel App, a first-of-its-kind initiative on Indian Railways aimed at providing seamless door-to-door parcel booking and delivery service for customers at Rail Nilayam in Hyderabad.

During the launch, the General Manager of the South Central Railway (SCR), Sanjay Kumar Srivastava, expressed pride that the Railway Board had chosen the zone for this pilot project. He attributed the success to his teams and industry partners, noting they had risen to the challenge and delivered the project in record time.

"I think it is a matter of great pride for us for South Central Railway that the Railway Board has chosen us for this pilot project and all credit goes to our teams and offcourse, our industry partners who have risen to this challenge and delivered in record time," said Srivastava.

He noted that with the help of technology, the railway can provide three distinct features showcased in the presentation: door-to-door pickup and delivery, online booking, and complete visibility.

The South Central Railway also mentioned that the pilot project has currently been launched in seven cities. He emphasised that the railway's vision is to allow anyone in India to book a parcel from the convenience of their home.

"With the help of technology, we can provide all three. One is that door-to-door pick up and delivery. The other is online booking and the third is complete visibility," said Srivastava

"I must compliment our headquarters team, commercial team, as well as financial accounts team and especially our Hyderabad division team, which has worked very hard, along with the collaboration of our banking partners, our State Bank of India, our developers, our logistic partners and Chris to provide this solution in a record four months. Today, we are starting it as a pilot project only for seven cities, but based on the feedback from customers, the ultimate vision is that anyone sitting anywhere in India should be able to book a parcel from the convenience of their home. That is the vision," added Srivastava.

He further mentioned SCR has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Bangalore, for the Freight Logistics Market study.

"I am also very happy to note that we have also exchanged an MOU with IIM Bangalore regarding this freight logistics segment, because when I think this organization like railways and IIM, when they collaborate, then it is a win-win situation for both. We get the fresh ideas, and of course, our IIM Bangalore partner gets a real-life laboratory to test their fresh ideas," added Srivastava.

- ANI
The South Korean government has announced a comprehensive set of measures to significantly boost inbound tourism. Key initiatives include easing visa rules for travelers from China, Southeast Asia, and Indonesia, while expanding automated immigration clearance for visitors from the European Union. The plan also focuses on diverting tourist traffic from Seoul by incentivizing international flights to regional airports and improving port facilities for cruise ships. President Lee Jae Myung emphasized that improving service quality and sharing tourism gains nationwide are critical to achieving the goal of attracting 30 million foreign visitors by 2030.

South Korea unveils new tourism measures: easier visas for China & ASEAN, regional airport expansion, and a target of 30 million foreign visitors by 2030.

Seoul, Feb 25 The South Korean government unveiled Wednesday a series of measures aimed at promoting inbound tourism across South Korea, including easing of visa rules and expanding entry points at regional airports.

The measures were announced during an expanded national tourism strategy meeting held at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae and chaired by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, with the attendance of officials from relevant ministries, Yonhap News Agency reported.

Under the proposed measures, the government plans to make visa and entry procedures for foreign tourists more flexible. Indonesia will be included in a pilot visa waiver program for group tourists of three or more people.

The government will also seek to introduce five-year multiple-entry visas for travellers from China and Southeast Asian countries who have prior records of visiting South Korea, and 10-year multiple-entry visas for those from major cities in China and Vietnam.

An automated immigration clearance system will be expanded from the current 18 countries, including Japan, Singapore and Australia, to European Union member states.

Authorities plan to expand international direct flights to regional airports, with exclusive international air traffic rights to be designated for local airports to disperse inbound travel demand beyond Seoul and nearby regions.

To attract new international routes, the government will also offer incentives, such as reductions in airport facility usage fees and subsidies. Tourism marketing will also shift toward various regions through the development of tailored travel packages and region-specific promotions.

With international cruise ship visitors projected to reach some 1.7 million this year, the government also plans to expand immigration and security screening facilities at domestic ports and introduce expedited clearance for cruise ships.

Meanwhile, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Wednesday called on the government to step up coordinated efforts to improve regional tourism infrastructure and services for foreign visitors to foster the sector as a strategic industry.

Lee made the remarks at an expanded national tourism strategy meeting with relevant agencies, where officials discussed ways to boost the industry under a goal of attracting 30 million foreign visitors by 2030. About 18.9 million travellers visited South Korea last year, a record high.

To reach the 2030 target, Lee stressed that service quality must be significantly upgraded and that regional infrastructure and tourism content need to be strengthened.

"If we remain satisfied with the reality that Seoul draws 80 percent of foreign travellers, the tourism industry's expansion will inevitably face limits," he said. "The gains from the growth of the tourism industry should be shared by commercial districts and small business owners across the country."

Emphasising the global appeal of Korean culture, Lee said the country should better connect its cultural boom to the tourism sector and broader economy.

To support this shift, Lee urged the government to improve regional transportation infrastructure and the immigration process, and develop fresh tourism content that makes better use of unique regional assets to encourage visitors to travel beyond the capital.

He also stressed the need to tackle long-standing complaints from foreign visitors to improve the quality of services.

"We should root out unreasonably high pricing, poor service and excessive customer solicitation," he said.

- IANS
The Sundance Film Festival has announced its 2027 edition will run from January 21 to 31 in Boulder, Colorado, marking a historic move from its longtime home in Park City, Utah. Festival director Eugene Hernandez stated the team is building towards an exciting debut, utilizing venues across the city and the University of Colorado Boulder campus. The programming lineup will be revealed closer to the event. This follows the final Park City edition in January, which featured premieres like "Josephine" and "The Invite."

Sundance Film Festival 2027 will run Jan 21-31 in Boulder, Colorado, marking its first edition after leaving Park City, Utah.

Washington DC, February 25 The Sundance Film Festival has announced the dates for its 2027 edition, which will be the first edition in Boulder, Colorado, after a decades-long run in Park City, Utah. It will take place from January 21 to 31, reported Variety.

According to the outlet, the programming won't be announced until much closer to the festival's debut.

"Working closely with the Colorado community, the 2027 Sundance Film Festival is already in our sights as we build towards an exciting debut in Boulder where our programming will meet audiences next January," said Sundance Film Festival's director Eugene Hernandez as quoted by Variety.

"Nestled at the base of Colorado's iconic Flatirons, venues across the city and CU Boulder's campus provide an ideal setting for festivalgoers from across the world to come together, revel in art, spark conversation, and create unforgettable memories. Boulder offers a renowned creative arts and tech scene, paired with the vibrant CU Boulder students, faculty, and staff. We'll share more details in the coming months and hope you'll join us on our journey to Boulder as we build the Sundance Film Festival's new home," added Hernandez as quoted by Variety.

Sundance Institute, which hosts the annual film festival, also revealed the venues that'll screen the newest offerings in independent cinema. They include a mix of high school auditoriums, University of Colorado Boulder concert halls and local movie theaters.

Park City, which had become synonymous with Sundance, hosted its final edition in January with premieres including Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan's harrowing drama "Josephine," Olivia Wilde's ensemble comedy "The Invite" and the Charli xcx mockumentary "The Moment."

Since its inception in 1985, Sundance has served as a launch pad for indie classics like 'Reservoir Dogs,' 'Napoleon Dynamite,' 'Sex, Lies and Videotape,' and 'Little Miss Sunshine.'

- ANI
Actor Karan Deol shared a loving birthday wish for his wife, Drisha Acharya, calling her his "greatest blessing" alongside a monochrome photo of the couple. The pair married in a grand ceremony in June 2023, which saw the Deol family come together in celebration. Drisha Acharya is a fashion designer and the granddaughter of filmmaker Bimal Roy's daughter. Karan Deol, son of Sunny Deol and grandson of Dharmendra, made his Bollywood debut in 2019.

Sunny Deol's son Karan Deol shares a loving birthday message and photo for his wife, fashion designer Drisha Acharya, on social media.

Mumbai, Feb 25 Actor Karan Deol, on Wednesday has penned a heartfelt birthday wish for his 'greatest blessing' Drisha Acharya, and also shared a loved-up monochrome picture of the two on his social media account.

Karan wrote, "Happy Birthday, my love. You are my happiness, my peace, and my greatest blessing."

The picture shared by Karan, shows the couple posing together against a backdrop of twinkling fairy lights. The young actor looks dapper in a suit paired with a crisp shirt, while Drisha stuns in an elegant strapless outfit with a shawl draped around her shoulders, and holding a clutch.

For the uninitiated, Karan Deol tied the knot with Drisha Acharya in June 2023 in a grand ceremony. The wedding was attended by family and close friends from the film fraternity. Junior Deol had earlier shared their official wedding pictures on social media along with a romantic note.

Announcing his new journey of togetherness, Karan had written, "You are my today and all of my tomorrows. The beginning of a beautiful journey in our lives. We are overwhelmingly thankful for the abundant blessings and well wishes that surround us!"

Talking about Karan, the actor is the son of Bollywood star Sunny Deol and the grandson of late superstar Dharmendra. The wedding that took place in 2023, had a lot of festivities and saw the Deol family come together in celebration.

Dharmendra, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol made headlines when they were seen dancing at the baraat. Actor Abhay Deol and several other family members also marked their presence at the occasion.

For the uninitiated, Drisha Acharya is fashion designer by profession, and is reportedly the granddaughter of filmmaker Bimal Roy's daughter Rinki Bhattacharya.

On the professional front, Karan made his Bollywood debut with his father Sunny Deol's directorial venture "Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas" in 2019.

- IANS
Sushmita Sen is celebrating a significant three-year milestone in her fitness and professional journey. She shared an inspiring video montage on Instagram with the mantra "no excuse, only result," showcasing her workouts and physique. The actress, a mother to two adopted daughters, often trains with her younger daughter, Alisah. Professionally, she was last seen in the crime-thriller series 'Aarya 3,' which has been nominated for an International Emmy Award.

Actress Sushmita Sen celebrates a 3-year fitness milestone on Instagram, sharing a powerful "no excuse, only result" mantra and workout videos.

Mumbai, Feb 25 Actress Sushmita Sen is celebrating a significant milestone in her professional and fitness journey as she shared her "no excuse, only result."

Sushmita took to Instagram, where she shared a video montage featuring her working out, flaunting her abs, showcasing her slender body, and swimming.

She added a text overlay that read: "No excuse just result."

Sushmita, who,at the age of 18 Sen entered and won the title Femina Miss India, earning the right to compete at the Miss Universe 1994 contest, wrote as the caption: "Thank you God!!! #3years I love you guys!!! #duggadugga."

Just last month, Sushmita shared a glimpse from her workout session, where she was seen training alongside Alisah, labelling her daughter as her "inspired gang". In the clip, the two are could be seen doing a core workout.

"#keepgoing #strongerthanyesterday. My inspired gang @alisahsen47 @zellastrid_ Thank you for being this amazing & sooooo much fun!!! Come join us...let's get stronger together!! I love you guys!!! #duggadugga #2026," Sushmita wrote.

The 50-year-old actress is the mother of two adopted daughters. At the age of 24 years old, she adopted her first daughter, Renee Sen, in 2000, while her second daughter, Alisah, joined the family in 2010.

On the work front, Sushmita was last seen in Aarya 3, an Indian crime-thriller drama television series by Ram Madhvani. The show stars Sushmita Sen in the title role and is based on the Dutch drama series Penoza.

The series is about Aarya, an independent woman who seeks to protect her family and joins a mafia gang to get revenge for her husband's murder. Recently, the show has been nominated for the International Emmy Awards for best Drama series.

The 50-year-old star made her acting debut playing a fictionalised version of herself in the 1996 thriller Dastak. She was then seen in films such as Biwi No.1, Sirf Tum, Filhaal, Aankhen, Main Hoon Na, Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya?, Aarya, and Taali, where she portrayed transgender activist Shreegauri Sawant in the miniseries, which was released in 2023.

- IANS
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence reported detecting five Chinese naval vessels operating near its territorial waters. The ministry also noted the detection of two Chinese balloons during the same monitoring period. No People's Liberation Army aircraft were observed in the area at that time. The Republic of China Armed Forces stated they were monitoring the situation and had taken appropriate response measures.

Taiwan's defense ministry reports five Chinese naval vessels and two balloons near its waters, with armed forces monitoring the situation.

Taipei, February 25 Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence on Wednesday said it detected five Chinese vessels operating near its territorial waters as of 6 am.

The ROC Armed Forces monitored the situation and responded, while no PLA aircraft were observed in the area during this period.

In a post on X, MND stated, "5 PLAN vessel operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded."

"Illustration of flight path is not provided due to no PLA aircraft operating around Taiwan were detected during this timeframe," the post read.

A day earlier, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence said it detected the presence of five Chinese vessels operating around its territorial waters as of 6 am (local time).

According to the X post, the Taiwanese MND also detected two PRC balloons during the timeframe.

"5 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 2 PRC balloons were detected during this timeframe," the MND stated in a post on X.

The MND further said, "#ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded."

Earlier, on Monday, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence said it detected the presence of five Chinese naval vessels operating around its territorial waters as of 6 am (local time).

According to a post on X, the Taiwanese MND detected no Chinese military aircraft during the timeframe, as there was an absence of PLA aircraft operating around the territory.

"5 PLAN vessel operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded. Illustration of flight path is not provided due to no PLA aircraft operating around Taiwan were detected during this timeframe," the MND stated in a post on X.

- ANI
BJP Telangana President Ramchander Rao welcomed new entrants from the BRS and Congress, highlighting the party's growing appeal among the youth. He attributed this shift to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, contrasting it with criticism of Rahul Gandhi. Rao expressed confidence in the NDA's victory in the upcoming elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, stating people are rejecting the INDI alliance. He further cited an editorial in Shiv Sena (UBT)'s 'Saamana' as evidence of the opposition alliance fracturing.

BJP Telangana chief welcomes BRS & Congress youth, cites growing support for PM Modi and predicts NDA victories in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal.

Hyderabad, Telangana, February 25 Bhartiya Janata Party Telangana President Ramchander Rao on Wednesday welcomed new entrants as leaders from various parties, including the BRS and Congress, who joined the BJP at its state office.

Speaking on the occasion, Rao highlighted the growing appeal of the party among young voters.

"A large number of youth from BRS and Congress have joined the BJP. Youth are getting attracted to the BJP in Telangana... The BJP is gaining ground, and it is gaining a lot of confidence among the people... The BJP appeals to the youth that today, PM Narendra Modi has to be strengthened in the country because people like Rahul Gandhi have shamed India senselessly, and very shamelessly, they tried to lower the position of the country before the foreign delegates during the AI summit," he said.'

Earlier, he exuded confidence in the victory of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the upcoming elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, saying that the people of both states are rejecting the INDI alliance.

Speaking to ANI, Rao highlighted that "Saamna," a Marathi-language newspaper of the Shiv Sena (UBT) party, has published an editorial regarding the leadership change, which showcases that the INDI alliance is breaking apart. He further said that NDA will secure victory in the upcoming elections.

"An editorial in 'Saamana' with regard to the leadership change and that too from the smaller parties like TMC, DMK and others, shows that the INDI alliance is breaking up and the present leadership in the INDI alliance has lost its confidence among the partners because the 'Saamana' newspaper belongs to the party, which is a part of the INDI alliance. It is now politically wreaking, and we are sure that it will break in future. Where they are ruling in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, the people are rejecting the INDI alliance, and the NDA government will be formed in both states," he stated.

- ANI
Israeli Ambassador Reuven Azar described Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit as a historic high point in bilateral relations, centered on upgrading defence ties and expanding into new technologies like AI. The leaders discussed finalizing a Free Trade Agreement and connecting the financial sectors of both nations. PM Modi was honored with the Knesset's highest award and received widespread praise from Israeli lawmakers for his support. The visit also highlighted ancient cultural links and growing people-to-people connections through Yoga and Ayurveda.

Israeli Envoy calls PM Modi's visit a historic peak. Focus on defence upgrade, tech collaboration, and a new free trade agreement.

Jerusalem, February 26 Ambassador of Israel to India, Reuven Azar, described Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit as "a peak in our relations," saying the leaders held extensive talks, focusing on upgrading defence cooperation and expanding collaboration into emerging technologies.

Speaking to ANI, Azar said, "This was really a peak in our relations... The people of Israel are excited to have Prime Minister Modi here. He spoke from his heart in the name of the Indian people... Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke with Prime Minister Modi at the airport, and now they are dining together. It was a long conversation. An opportunity to discuss an upgrade to our defence relationship and the expansion of our relations into new spheres, such as emerging technologies."

"We are looking forward to the expanded meeting tomorow, to announce the agreements... One of the main things we want to do in the economic field, not only to sign a free trade agreement that we are negotiating as we speak, but also to connect the financial sectors of both countries," he said.

Further, Former Knesset member Pnina Rosenblum praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi following his speech, calling him "the greatest Prime Minister" and lauding his strong support and affection for Israel, while highlighting the close business ties between the two countries.

"He is the greatest Prime Minister. We love his support for Israel. We love his love for Israel. We are happy that we have him with us. We do a lot of business together. We are very happy. He is a great Prime Minister Modi," Rosenblum told ANI.

The Israeli Parliament on Wednesday conferred the "Speaker of the Knesset Medal" on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This is the highest honour of the Knesset.

The award was conferred in recognition of PM Modi's "exceptional contribution through his personal leadership" to strengthen strategic relations between India and Israel.

The medal was conferred after PM Modi's speech in the Israeli Parliament.

After his speech, PM Modi interacted with members of the Israeli parliament, the Knesset. The MPs took selfies and photographs with PM Modi.PM Modi received a standing ovation during his speech, which was also marked by rapturous applause.

In his speech, PM Modi said there is great admiration for Israel's resolve, courage, and achievements in India.

"Long before we related to each other as modern States, we were linked by ties that go back more than two thousand years. The Book of Esther refers to India as Hodu. The Talmud records trade with India in ancient times," he said.

"Jewish merchants travelled across sea routes that connected the Mediterranean with the Indian Ocean. They came seeking opportunity and dignity. And, in India, they became one of us. Jewish communities have lived in India without fear of persecution or discrimination. They have preserved their faith and participated fully in society. That record is a source of pride for us," he added.

PM Modi said that at the heart of the India-Israel partnership are the ties between our peoples.

"When I first visited Israel in 2006, there were a handful of Yoga centres in Israel. Today, Yoga seems to be practiced in almost every neighbourhood. I am told that interest in Ayurveda is also growing in Israel. I invite more and more young Israelis to travel to India. They will witness the dynamism of our society, and experience what holistic wellness can do for the body and the mind," he said.

He said the Indian Parliament has set up a Parliamentary Friendship Group for Israel.

- ANI
Rob Moniak, Managing Director, Food4Impact Fund

When I first started working with agricultural financing, I was surprised not only by the differences between countries, but also by how differently financial infrastructure can adapt to the realities of agribusiness. Agriculture is characterized by seasonality, weather risks, market volatility, logistical constraints, and slow production cycles. In our experience, the most effective economic systems do not attempt to eliminate agricultural risks, but rather manage and distribute them through guarantee mechanisms, co-financing structures, and public-private partnerships that allow private capital to participate in financing agribusiness on a large scale.

It was with this logic in mind that Food4Impact (F4i) was created at the end of 2025a 158 million investment project that provides long-term and flexible financing to Ukrainian agribusinesses and food companies with the support of the European Commission. Its goal is not to replace the banking sector, but to complement the financial ecosystem by working with risks and investment horizons that often fall outside the scope of traditional lending.

The European model: from subsidies to a financial ecosystem

In the European Union, agricultural financing has been shaped as an integrated ecosystem for decades. The EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) budget for 2021-2027 is 387 billion.

These funds are not limited to subsidies and direct payments to farmers  financing combines direct support with investment programs, guarantees, and long-term capital for modernization.

In turn, the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF), which operates within the EU CAP budget, not only performs a stabilizing function in terms of ongoing support for farmers, but also creates incentives for the introduction of more sustainable and competitive practices. At the same time, institutions such as the European Investment Bank play an important role in financing small and medium-sized enterprises, developing processing, green investments, and initiatives to improve climate resilience.

The risk-sharing mechanisms embedded in European agricultural financing principles help create a more predictable environment in which banks and private investors are more willing to invest in agribusiness.

Lessons from the US  how credit guarantees expand markets

A similar logic can be observed in the US. State-supported credit guarantee programs, particularly those administered by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), are designed not to replace commercial banks, but to expand their capacity and willingness to finance agricultural production and exports. One example is the GSM-102 program. Its goal is not to replace commercial banks, but to create conditions under which they are willing to lend more actively to the agricultural sector in order to expand their presence in third-country markets.

By assuming part of the risk, such programs contribute to the deepening of capital markets and the mobilization of private investment, which without this mechanism might not be fully realized. Elements of this model are increasingly influencing European and international support mechanisms relevant to Ukraine.

Ukraine  accelerated transition to investment logic

Despite extremely difficult conditions, Ukraine is currently moving towards a more investment-oriented financing model. Although the agricultural sector is already deeply integrated into European markets in terms of trade and standards, financial integration is also gaining momentum.

The central mechanism is the Ukraine Investment Framework within the Ukraine Facility program, which uses guarantees and blended finance instruments to mobilize private capital.

For agribusiness, this means a gradual transition from grants and soft loans as the main instruments to portfolio guarantees, co-financing, and partnerships with banks and specialized funds.

In 2024, the EU and the World Bank launched a partial credit guarantee program for small farmers within the EU4Business initiative, linked to the State Agrarian Register. This is a typical European approach  not to replace financial institutions, but to help them scale up lending to the agricultural sector.

At the same time, a sustainable agri-finance ecosystem cannot rely solely on bank lending. Specialized investment platforms play a complementary role by taking on longer risk horizons, using flexible capital structures, and supporting projects that do not always fit traditional lending models.

The aforementioned Food4Impact fund operates within this logic, focusing on small and medium-sized agri-food companies, especially in regions where investments create a significant multiplier effect through the development of processing, local value chains, and employment.

Attracting financing  speaking the language of agriculture

In summary, the EU and the US are offering Ukraine not individual financial recipes, but a model in which agricultural financing works as an infrastructure for economic development. It is a combination of private capital, state guarantees, international financial institutions, and specialized investment instruments.

Ultimately, agriculture attracts stable financing when finance speaks the language of agriculture  understanding production cycles, volatility, working capital dynamics, and supply chain realities. The EU and the US have been developing such systems for decades. Ukraine is creating its own architecture at an unprecedented pace, despite the conditions of wartime.

If this trend continues, it could become not only a tool for recovery, but also a solid foundation for long-term competitiveness and a stable inflow of private capital into Ukraine's agri-food sector.
Senior Maoist leaders, including key figure Devuji, have surrendered in Telangana, dealing a major blow to the banned CPI (Maoist). Police officials state the movement is now "headless, rudderless, leaderless" with its top leadership effectively reduced to zero. The surrender is a significant success for Operation Kagar-2, an intensified national campaign to eradicate Naxalism. Security forces attribute the breakthrough to sustained pressure on the Maoist cadres.

Senior Maoist leaders surrender in Telangana, leaving the banned CPI (Maoist) "headless, rudderless, leaderless," according to police officials.

Jagdalpur, February 25 Inspector General Bastar P Sundarraj on Wednesday said that the number of CPI Maoists in Telangana is on a decline and suggested it would be better for the remanining cadres to join the community.

He further stated that after the latest development, only a few Maoist cadres remain active.

"CPI Maoist member Devuji, Central Committee Member Murali, alias Sangra, Telangana State Committee Secretary Damodar, and Ganganna have surrendered today. The number of CPI Maoists in Telangana is decreasing; the number of other cadres is also decreasing... After today's event, the top-level leadership of the Maoists has become zero, and they have only a few remaining Maoist cadres... So, taking the right decision at the right time, and joining the community, will be better for them to follow...," he said.

Telangana Director General of Police (DGP) B Shivadhar Reddy on Tuesday said the Maoist movement in the state is "almost at the end of its run" with the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) currently running "headless, rudderless, leaderless."

"Now nobody is leading the Maoist party. It is almost in tatters. The expectation was that Devuji would become the general secretary, but after talking to these people who have come out now, it shows that the Central Committee Meeting could not be held because of the huge repressions. So, they are saying that since no Central Committee Meeting was held, nobody could be chosen as the general secretary. So, as of today, the party is headless, rudderless, leaderless," he said, adding that the Maoists are merely moving across regions to evade police combing operations.

"There is no regrouping as such to the best of my knowledge; they may be moving from one part to the other to escape the Police's combing operations," he added.

The remarks come in the wake of a major breakthrough under Operation Kagar, with senior Maoist leader Thippiri Tirupathi, alias Devuji, surrendering to the Telangana State Intelligence Bureau along with 16 other Maoists, including Central Committee member Rajireddy, as per the sources.

Operation Kagar-2, an intensified anti-Naxal campaign by the Centre, had specifically targeted these leaders, with a March 31 deadline set to eradicate Naxalism nationwide.

The surrender marked a significant success for security agencies in their intensified anti-Naxal campaign. Sustained pressure from security forces is believed to have played a crucial role in prompting the senior leadership of the CPI (Maoist) to surrender.

- ANI
Tripura is hosting a three-day mega exhibition titled 'Vikshit Bharat Vikshit Tripura' in Agartala to highlight development initiatives and strategies for the state and nation. The exhibition aims to promote the vision of Chief Minister Manik Saha and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a developed India by 2047, with participation from major organizations like DRDO and ISRO. Concurrently, Chief Minister Saha emphasized his government's commitment to transparent job distribution, awarding fishery officer posts to 52 candidates. He credited the improved peaceful atmosphere and communication infrastructure in Tripura to the special attention given by the central government to the North-Eastern states.

Tripura hosts a 3-day exhibition showcasing development strategies for a Viksit Bharat & Viksit Tripura, featuring DRDO & ISRO displays.

Agartala, February 26 Tripura is all set to host a mega exhibition titled 'Vikshit Bharat Vikshit Tripura' from February 26 to February 28 at Children's Park in Agartala.

The exhibition will highlight strategies, ideas, and initiatives that will aid the development of the state.

Speaking to ANI, Tripura State President Rajib Bhattacharjee said that the exhibition will also promote the vision of Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, in view of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resolution of a developed India.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a vision of 'Viksit Bharat', and we are working towards making that vision a reality. If we look at the budget, the goal of 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047 is becoming true. Our Tripura CM Manik Saha also aimed for 'Viksit Tripura', and to demonstrate how the 'Viksit Bharat' and 'Viksit Tripura' are becoming a reality, we have organised an exhibition in Agartala. I welcome the youth to witness a glimpse of how the goals of 'Viksit Bharat' and 'Viksit Tripura' are heading ahead..." he said.

He noted that DRDO and ISRO will also take part in the exhibition to showcase the development in the defence and outer-space sectors.

Meanwhile, the Tripura Chief Minister on Tuesday said that, as promised to the people of the state, the present government is providing jobs with transparency and job offers are being distributed openly because employment is being given to unemployed youth in a transparent manner.

Saha said this while offering TFS Grade-One Fishery Officer posts to 52 candidates at a function held at Pragya Bhavan.

He said that the goal of every initiative of the government is public welfare.

"Starting from providing jobs for public welfare, various steps are being taken one after another. Only qualified people are currently getting jobs. Only those who prove themselves worthy through their studies are appointed to various posts. Now there is no need to bring any recommendations for jobs," said Dr. Saha.

The Chief Minister said that in the past, it was difficult to get jobs in remote areas of the state due to terrorism and a poor communication system.

"At present, the situation has changed. There is now a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere in the state. The current Prime Minister Narendra Modi has paid special attention to the development of the North-Eastern states, and the communication system in the state has improved significantly," he said.

- ANI
President Donald Trump declared the United States had "obliterated" Iran's nuclear weapons program through a military operation. He claimed to have ended eight wars globally in his first ten months and secured a NATO agreement to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP. Trump also outlined actions against Venezuela and cartels, linking foreign policy to economic leverage through tariffs. The speech projected a doctrine of "peace through strength" with record military investment.

President Trump declares US destroyed Iran's nuclear weapons, ended 8 global conflicts, and pushed NATO to boost defense spending in major speech.

Washington, Feb 25 President Donald Trump declared that the United States had "obliterated Iran's nuclear weapons program," pushed NATO allies to sharply raise defence spending, and "ENDED 8 wars" in a sweeping projection of American military and geopolitical strength.

Describing what he called "a breathtaking operation" known as "Operation Midnight Hammer," Trump told Congress the US military had "obliterated Iran's nuclear weapons program with an attack on Iranian soil."

"For decades, it has been the policy of the United States never to allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon," he said. "My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy-but one thing is certain: I will never allow the world's number one sponsor of terror to have a nuclear weapon."

Trump framed the operation as part of a broader national security doctrine. "It's called PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH," he said, adding that the US was investing "a record $1 trillion dollars in the United States Armed Forces this year alone."

He said NATO countries had agreed "to pay 5 per cent of GDP for military defense, up from 2 per cent, something which everyone said would never be done."

Turning to Latin America, Trump claimed US forces had "utterly defeated the enemy, to end the reign of outlaw dictator Nicolas Maduro, and bring him to face American Justice." He said Washington was "working closely with the new president, Delcy Rodriguez, to unleash extraordinary economic gains for both of our countries."

The President also underscored a tougher counter-narcotics policy. "I designated these Cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, and I declared illicit Fentanyl a Weapon of Mass Destruction," he said, adding that a new military campaign had "virtually stopped it completely coming in by water and sea."

In one of the most striking passages of the speech, Trump claimed: "In my first 10 months, I ENDED 8 wars-including Cambodia and Thailand, Pakistan and India, Kosovo and Serbia, Israel and Iran."

He added: "We are working hard to end the 9th war-the killing and slaughter between Russia and Ukraine."

New Delhi has consistently maintained that all outstanding issues with Islamabad are strictly bilateral and rejects third-party mediation.

Linking foreign policy to economic leverage, Trump defended his tariff strategy. "One of the primary reasons for our country's stunning economic turnaround... were TARIFFS," he said. Despite "an unfortunate ruling from the United States Supreme Court," he insisted "these powerful, country-saving, peace-protecting tariffs will remain in place."

"As time goes by, I believe that tariffs, paid for by foreign countries, will... substantially replace the modern-day system of income tax," he added.

Iran remains central to West Asian geopolitics and global energy markets. India has historically maintained strategic ties with Tehran, particularly in energy imports and regional connectivity initiatives.

India and the United States have expanded defence and strategic cooperation in recent years, especially in the Indo-Pacific, even as New Delhi continues to balance relations across competing global powers.

- IANS
President Donald Trump used his State of the Union address to issue a stark warning to Iran, stating he would never allow it to develop a nuclear weapon. He referenced past US airstrikes and claimed Iran continues its "sinister nuclear ambitions" despite warnings. Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, have denied seeking nuclear weapons, insisting their program is for civilian use. The next round of diplomatic talks between the US and Iran is scheduled for February 26 in Geneva.

In his State of the Union, President Trump warned Iran against pursuing nuclear weapons, preferring diplomacy but vowing to prevent it by any means.

Washington DC, February 25 Amid heightened tensions with Iran and ahead of the next round of talks between Iran and the United States over Tehran's nuclear program, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that US strikes "obliterated Iran's nuclear weapons programme"

This comes amidst a military build up of the US in West Asia.

Delivering his annual State of the Union Address to Congress, Trump reiterated that he will prefer to resolve the conflict through a diplomatic deal but said Tehran had not committed to not developing nuclear weapons.

Stating that Iran's has already developed missiles that can threaten Europe and US bases overseas Trump claimed Tehran was working to "build missiles that will soon reach the United States of America."

He spoke of the "Operation Midnight Hammer," the US airstrikes last year against Iran's nuclear strikes during a 12-day war between Israel and Iran.

"After Midnight Hammer, they were warned to make no future attempts to rebuild their weapons program--yet they continue, and are at this moment again pursuing their sinister nuclear ambitions," Trump said.

The US President said, Iran wants to make a deal to avoid further US strikes, but has yet to commit to never making a nuclear weapon.

"We haven't heard those secret words: We will never have a nuclear weapon," Trump said adding that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. "Can't let that happen," Trump said.

"My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy - but one thing is certain. I will never allow the world's number one sponsor of terror, which they are by far, to have a nuclear weapon," the US President said.

Iranian officials have repeatedly denied it sought to develop nuclear weapons, saying its nuclear programme was only for civilian use. Iran froreign minister Abbas Araghchi, in a post on X hours before Trump's speech, said that "Iran will under no circumstances develop a nuclear weapon". Araghchi told CBS' "Face the Nation" on Sunday that he was still working on the proposal and political leadership in Tehran has yet to sign off on it. He said the proposal would consist of elements that accommodate both sides' "concerns and interests."

The Iranain top diplomat added that the proposal will be discussed in Geneva and both sides will work on a text to try and reach "a fast deal."

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a post on X on Sunday after the second round of talks between Iran and Us that the negotiations had "yielded encouraging signals" but warned that Iran was prepared for "any potential scenario."

Meanwhile, 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

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.ded for civilian nuclear purposes.

Meanwhile, Trump in his SOTU adress to Congress on Tuesday (local time) said his tough view on Iran is part of his "peace through strength" strategy.

He formally introduced what he called a renewed "Peace Through Strength" doctrine during his State of the Union address.

Framing it as the guiding principle of his foreign policy, Trump said the United States would deter adversaries by maintaining unmatched military power while pushing for negotiated outcomes from a position of leverage.

- ANI
U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a phone call to coordinate ahead of crucial bilateral talks in Geneva. The discussion focused on the meeting's agenda and preparations for a trilateral negotiation session scheduled for early March. Zelensky expressed gratitude for U.S. support, specifically citing American air defense missiles as vital for Ukraine's survival this winter. Both leaders emphasized the need to elevate talks to the leadership level to resolve complex issues and end the war.

Presidents Trump and Zelensky discuss agenda for upcoming US-Ukraine bilateral meeting and trilateral peace negotiations aimed at ending the war.

Kyiv, February 26 Ahead of a new round of talks on Thursday aimed at ending Russia's invasion, US President Donald Trump held discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Zelensky thanked Trump and his envoys for their active involvement in the negotiations, noting that their discussions focused on the agenda for the upcoming bilateral meeting in Geneva and preparations for a trilateral session scheduled for early March.

In a post on X, the Ukrainian President wrote, "I just spoke with @POTUS Donald Trump. Envoys of President Trump - Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were also on the call. Our teams work intensively and I thanked them for all their work and for their active involvement in the negotiations and the efforts to end the war. We also greatly value the PURL initiative. This winter has been the most difficult one for Ukraine, but the missiles for air defense systems that we purchase from the U.S. are helping us get through all these challenges and protect lives."

He said these talks aim to move negotiations to the leaders' level, which he described as the only way to resolve complex issues and bring an end to the war.

"We discussed the issues that our representatives will address tomorrow in Geneva during the bilateral meeting, as well as preparations for the next meeting of the full negotiating teams in a trilateral format at the very beginning of March. We expect this meeting to create an opportunity to move talks to the leaders' level. President Trump supports this sequence of steps. This is the only way to resolve all the complex and sensitive issues and finally end the war. Thank you!" the post read.

Earlier on Tuesday, Zelenskyy marked four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, declaring that Kyiv has preserved its independence and thwarted Moscow's initial objectives.

In a post on X, Zelenskyy said, "Today marks exactly four years since Putin started his three-day push to take Kyiv. And that says a great deal about our resistance, about how Ukraine has fought all this time," referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

- ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a two-day state visit to Israel to review and advance the strategic partnership between the two nations. The visit, his second since the historic 2017 trip, is seen as a defining moment to elevate India to a top-tier strategic priority for Israel. Key engagements include meetings with Israeli leadership and becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset. The agenda focuses on deepening cooperation in defence, security, technology, innovation, and trade.

PM Narendra Modi visits Israel to set new goals for strategic partnership, focusing on defence, tech, and innovation with PM Netanyahu.

Tel Aviv, Feb 25 As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on his two-day Israel visit, a leading Israeli daily on Wednesday rolled out a warm and symbolic welcome on its front page, headlined: "Namaste, Two Ancient Nations Open a New Chapter."

Prime Minister Modi is visiting Israel on Wednesday and Thursday. During this visit, both nations will establish new goals for their Strategic Partnership and further their shared vision for an innovative and prosperous future.

This will be PM Modi's second trip to Israel after his 2017 visit, which opened new avenues in defence, agriculture, and water management.

Leading Israeli daily, The Jerusalem Post's front page features a prominent photograph of PM Modi, accompanied by highlights of India's expanding partnership with Jerusalem and the evolving strategic ties between the two countries.

Describing the visit as a defining moment, the publication noted that while Israel has treated India as an important friend for years, the time has now come to elevate New Delhi to a top-tier strategic priority.

"The relationship has trust, history, and political chemistry," the newspaper added, while adding that both nations must now scale up implementation to match their shared potential.

According to India's Prime Minister's Office (PMO), PM Modi and his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, are set to review progress in their strategic partnership and chart the next steps in cooperation across key sectors, including defence and security, science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, trade, the economy, and people-to-people exchanges.

During his visit, PM Modi is also expected to meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog, underlining the high-level political engagement that defines the relationship.

The newspaper revisited the historic July 2017 visit when PM Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to travel to Israel, breaking decades of diplomatic hesitation. That landmark moment, when PM Modi landed at Ben-Gurion Airport, was widely regarded as a diplomatic breakthrough.

"This visit is an occasion to rejuvenate the bonds of our friendship," PM Modi had said during his 2017 trip, describing it as a groundbreaking chapter in bilateral relations.

'The Jerusalem Post' described the upcoming visit as more than ceremonial. It framed the trip as taking place at a time of significant geopolitical shifts, suggesting that the India-Israel relationship has matured into a stable pillar of both nations' foreign policies.

Netanyahu had famously greeted PM Modi during his previous visit with the words, "Prime Minister, we've been waiting for you for a long time."

India's Ambassador to Israel, J.P. Singh, told The Jerusalem Post that the visit comes after a gap of nearly nine years at the highest level and carries both symbolic and practical weight. He described it as a "very historic visit" that would mark the beginning of a "new phase" and a "new chapter" in bilateral ties.

Singh framed the visit as a political and strategic reset between two leaders who have maintained close contact over the years. The agenda is expected to focus on advanced technology, trade expansion, and deeper strategic cooperation.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi, in his departure statement, has said that he is looking forward to his engagements with Netanyahu, aimed at further strengthening cooperation across various domains and exchanging views on regional and global issues.

"I will also have the honour of becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament, Knesset, an occasion that would be a tribute to the strong parliamentary and democratic ties that bind our two nations," he said.

The Prime Minister said that he eagerly looks forward to interacting with the members of the Indian diaspora, "who have for long been nurturing the India-Israel special friendship".

"I am confident that my State Visit will further consolidate the enduring bonds between the two countries, set new goals for the Strategic Partnership, and advance our shared vision for a resilient, innovative and prosperous future," PM Modi added.

- IANS
UK Parliament members have tabled a cross-party motion expressing serious concern over the alleged enforced disappearance of three relatives of Baloch National Movement Chairman Dr Naseem Baloch. The motion states Mohammad Bakhsh Sajidi, Naeem Sajidi, and Rafeeq Baloch were taken from their home by Pakistan's Counter Terrorism Department and Army without due process. Lawmakers alarmingly cite public remarks by the Balochistan Chief Minister suggesting relatives of accused militants could face consequences, warning this implies collective punishment. The motion calls on Pakistan to immediately disclose the men's whereabouts, ensure their safety, and release them, while urging the UK government to raise the issue urgently.

UK MPs file motion over alleged enforced disappearance of BNM chairman's relatives by Pakistani forces, demanding immediate release and accountability.

London, February 25 In a cross-party motion, Members of the Parliament of the United Kingdom have voiced serious concern regarding the enforced disappearance of three retired government officials and relatives of the chairman of the Baloch National Movement in Balochistan, according to a report by Zrumbesh News.

Mohammad Bakhsh Sajidi, Naeem Sajidi, and Rafeeq Baloch were allegedly taken from their residence in Sky Blue, Hub Chowki, at around 3:30 am (local time) on 2 February 2026 by personnel identified as belonging to Pakistan's Counter Terrorism Department and the Army. The motion, a formal proposal submitted by MPs for debate in the House, states that Mohammad Bakhsh Sajidi is the father, while Naeem Sajidi and Rafeeq Baloch are the uncles of Dr Naseem Baloch, Chairman of the BNM.

It further records that the three men were detained without a warrant, formal charges, or due legal procedure, and that their present whereabouts remain unknown, as reported by Zrumbesh News.

Lawmakers expressed particular alarm over public remarks attributed to the Chief Minister of Balochistan, indicating that relatives of individuals accused of militancy could also face consequences.

The motion cautions that such statements raise significant concerns about collective punishment, which, along with enforced disappearances, amounts to a breach of international human rights law.

The proposal urges the Government of Pakistan to promptly reveal the location of the missing individuals, ensure their protection, grant them access to legal representation and family members, and secure their release. It also calls on Pakistan to reaffirm its opposition to enforced disappearances and collective punishment, according to Zrumbesh News.

Additionally, the UK Government has been requested to address the matter urgently with Pakistani authorities.

The first six MPs backing the motion include cross-party sponsors: Labour MP for Hayes and Harlington John McDonnell, Conservative MP for Harrow East; Bob Blackman, Labour MP for Alloa and Grangemouth; Brian Leishman, Democratic Unionist Party MP for Strangford; Jim Shannon, Labour MP for Poplar and Limehouse; Apsana Begum, and Green Party MP for Brighton Pavilion Sian Berry, as reported by Zrumbesh News.

They are further joined by Adrian Ramsay, Green Party MP for Waveney Valley, and Carla Denyer, Green Party MP for Bristol Central, in expressing cross-party concern over the developments.

The motion has spotlighted continuing human rights issues in Balochistan, underlining the importance of international accountability and safeguarding civilians against unlawful detention, Zrumbesh News noted.

- ANI
Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat declared tourism is now central to India's development agenda, acting as a key driver for livelihoods and inclusive growth. Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta highlighted unprecedented infrastructure development, including the Zoji La Tunnel, enhancing the region's connectivity and tourism appeal. He promoted Ladakh's pristine landscapes and adventure destinations while outlining administrative initiatives like festival date fixes and a simplified online registration portal. Both leaders emphasized a collective push to establish India and Ladakh as leading global destinations focused on authentic experiences and environmental sustainability.

Union Minister Shekhawat and Ladakh LG Gupta outline vision for tourism as an economic engine and highlight Ladakh's development at SATTE 2026.

New Delhi, February 25 Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, along with Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta, on Wednesday graced the 33rd annual edition of the South Asia Travel and Tourism Exchange, a premier travel and tourism exposition of India at Yashobhoomi at Delhi's Dwarka.

The distinguished delegates, industry leaders, and tour and travel operators from across India and abroad also graced the annual edition of the South Asia Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE).

As per the release, on the occasion, prominent personalities from tourism industries comprising Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India; Anita Mendiratta, General of UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO); Suman Billa, Additional Secretary & Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; Subhash Goyal, Chairman, STIC Travel Group; Dr Upasana Arora, Managing Director, Yashoda Super Specialty Hospitals; Pasang Dorjee Sona, Minister of Tourism, (Arunachal Pradesh), and others shared the dais.

Speaking on the occasion, the Union Tourism Minister said that tourism, which had remained on the margins of national policymaking for decades, has now moved to the centre of India's development agenda under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He maintained that tourism is not merely about travel, but a powerful engine for livelihood generation, entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth.

Emphasising that the future belongs to nations that successfully blend culture with commerce, he noted that today's global travellers seek authentic experiences, wellness, heritage and meaningful human connections.

The Union Tourism Minister added that the government is transforming the sector through a comprehensive national approach focused on heritage conservation, environmental sustainability and community empowerment, with the vision of establishing India as an experience-led destination and a global leader in responsible tourism.

Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta highlighted the unprecedented development witnessed in the Union Territory of Ladakh under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He highlighted that world-class road infrastructure has strengthened connectivity from Leh to remote border areas, enhancing accessibility and boosting tourism potential.

The Lieutenant Governor also referred to the rapid progress of the Zoji La Tunnel, which will ensure all-weather connectivity to Ladakh and further accelerate tourism growth.

Kavinder Gupta said that Ladakh is home to several world-renowned tourist destinations known for their natural beauty, adventure, and spiritual heritage.

Prominent attractions include Pangong Lake, famous for its changing blue hues; Nubra Valley, known for sand dunes and double-humped camels; Leh, the historic capital; and Khardung La, one of the highest motorable passes in the world. Other major attractions include Magnetic Hill, Tso Moriri, Hemis Monastery, Shanti Stupa, Zanskar Valley, Lamayuru Monastery, Drass, Aryan Valley, and Hanle, which also hosts the Indian Astronomical Observatory with the MACE Telescope, he added.

Describing Ladakh as a fast-emerging global tourism destination, he pointed to its pristine landscapes, spiritual heritage and adventure tourism appeal. He said the administration has taken several initiatives to promote year-round tourism, including fixing dates for UT-level festivals, participation in national and international travel marts, the launch of a new tourism logo, and the organisation of FAM tours.

He added that steps are being taken to simplify registration processes for hotels and travel operators through an online portal, while environmental sustainability is being prioritised through support for sewage treatment infrastructure.

Inviting tour and travel operators to include Ladakh prominently in their packages, he assured full support from the administration to ensure that every visitor leaves with a safe, memorable and enriching experience.

The Lt Governor said that the administration will extend every possible support, coordination and facilitation to strengthen the tourism sector and ensure that visitors receive the best possible experience in Ladakh. He urged stakeholders to work collectively to ensure that every tourist returns with a safe, pleasant and unforgettable journey.

Kavidner Gupta invoked the popular line associated with Amitabh Bachchan, "Kuch Din Toh Guzariye Gujarat Mein" and, in the same spirit, invited travellers to explore Ladakh, saying, "Kuch Din Toh Aaiyein Ladakh Mein," encouraging all to experience the region's breathtaking beauty, rich culture and warm hospitality.

Around 2000 exhibitors from both India and abroad are participating in the 33rd edition of SATTE 2026, which has started in the Yashobhoomi International Exhibition Centre. There are representatives from 60 countries who will participate in the B2B meetings.

- ANI
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held significant meetings in Tokyo with former Japanese Economy Minister Nishimura Yasutoshi and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. The discussions centered on strengthening economic and institutional cooperation between Uttar Pradesh and Japan within the broader India-Japan strategic partnership. A key focus was the collaboration between Uttar Pradesh and Yamanashi Prefecture on developing green hydrogen projects. Both sides expressed commitment to advancing this regional exchange as a model for deeper bilateral relations.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath meets former Japanese minister Nishimura Yasutoshi and FM Motegi to advance economic collaboration and green hydrogen projects.

Tokyo, February 25 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday held talks with Nishimura Yasutoshi, Former Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry in Tokyo.

Yogi Adityanath's and Nishimura's talks focused on strengthening Uttar Pradesh-Japan cooperation within the broader framework of India-Japan relations.

In a post on X, CM Yogi said, "Met Mr. NISHIMURA Yasutoshi, Former Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) in Tokyo, today. Held meaningful discussions on strengthening Uttar Pradesh-Japan cooperation within the broader framework of India-Japan relations, with focus on institutional engagement, economic collaboration and greater people to people exchanges."

"Held meaningful discussions on strengthening Uttar Pradesh-Japan cooperation within the broader framework of India-Japan relations, with focus on institutional engagement, economic collaboration and greater people to people exchanges. Highlighted Uttar Pradesh's rapid economic growth, progressive industrial policies and commitment to providing a conducive ecosystem for global investors, and emphasised Japan's important role in our development journey. Mr. NISHIMURA appreciated the transformation underway in Uttar Pradesh and expressed his commitment to further advancing UP-Japan ties."

Nishimura said that UP and Yamanashi Prefecture are collaborating on green hydrogen.

In a post on X, he said, "Uttar Pradesh (UP), India's most populous state, had its Chief Minister Yogi visit Japan, where he held discussions as the chairman of the parliamentary league. UP State and Yamanashi Prefecture are collaborating on green hydrogen, and with Governor Koji Nagasaki of Yamanashi Prefecture also in attendance, they agreed to work together to further develop Japan-India relations, with this regional exchange and collaboration serving as a model."

Earlier in the day, Yogi Adityanath held a productive meeting with Japan Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.

In a post on X, the embassy stated that the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between Uttar Pradesh and Japan in various fields.

The embassy highlighted that the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership provides a strong foundation for enhancing bilateral ties and advancing the Next Generation State-Prefecture Partnership.

In a post on X, the Indian embassy in Tokyo said, "Hon'ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, held a productive meeting with Japan Foreign Minister H.E. Mr. Toshimitsu Motegi. They discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between UP and Japan in various fields. India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership provides the strong foundation for enhancing bilateral ties on all fronts and advancing the Next Generation State-Prefecture Partnership."

CM Yogi visited Singapore from February 23- 24 and will be in Japan from February 25-26.

- ANI
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met with top Japanese business leaders in Tokyo to strengthen industrial partnerships. He held discussions with JETRO CEO Ishiguro Norihiko, who acknowledged the excellent investment climate and UP's role as a growth engine. The CM also met with Honda's Noriya Kaihara, who confirmed that 30% of Honda's India investment is already in Uttar Pradesh. At an investment roadshow, Adityanath presented UP as a transformed state with a large consumer market and investor-friendly policies.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath meets JETRO & Honda executives in Tokyo, pitching the state as a premier investment hub with robust infrastructure and policy.

Tokyo, February 25 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday met with Chairman and CEO, Japan External Trade Organisation, Ishiguro Norihiko, in Tokyo to discuss the deepening industrial partnership and the expansion of Japanese business activities in Uttar Pradesh.

Yogi Adityanath in a post on X wrote, "Met with Mr ISHIGURO Norihiko, Chairman and CEO, Japan External Trade Organisation, in Tokyo today. Appreciated JETRO's continued engagement in strengthening Japan-India economic cooperation. Mr Norihiko noted that Japanese companies in India are keen to expand their activities in view of the excellent investment climate in the country, and acknowledged Uttar Pradesh as a strong growth engine driven by expanding infrastructure and industrial capacity. Reaffirmed Uttar Pradesh's commitment to robust law and order, a substantial land bank, fast track clearances and an investor-friendly policy framework, further deepening India-Japan industrial partnerships."

In another post on X, Yogi wrote, "Land of the Rising Sun, in the Uttar Pradesh Investment Roadshow held in Japan today, meaningful conversations were held with renowned industry leaders, and they were invited to invest in the 'New Uttar Pradesh'. Today, 'New Uttar Pradesh' is no longer a BIMARU state; instead, it has emerged as a breakthrough in India's economy and is contributing to the country's development. Heartfelt gratitude to Her Excellency Ms Naghma Malik, Ambassador of India to Japan, along with her entire team, as well as the office bearers associated with India-Japan Business Coordination."

The Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday also held a meeting with Noriya Kaihara, Director, Executive Vice President, and Representative Executive Officer of Honda Motor Co, Ltd.

Noriya Kaihara, while speaking to ANI, said, "Uttar Pradesh is the home of Honda Motor Company in automobiles as well as the byproducts. 30 per cent of the investment that we have made in India is in Uttar Pradesh. We see a lot of potential in Uttar Pradesh."

Earlier today, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attended the Uttar Pradesh Investment Roadshow in Tokyo on Wednesday, where he presented Uttar Pradesh as a global hub for skilled labour and a massive consumption market with a population of 250 million. The Minister noted that consistent policy reforms over the last nine years have turned the state into a premier global investment hub.

- ANI
The technical condition of the Evgeny Paton Bridge in Kyiv is causing serious concern among specialists, states Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NASU) and First Vice President of the Academy, Viacheslav Bohdanov.

"According to the V.M. Shymanovsky Ukrainian Institute of Steel Structures and the E.O. Paton Electric Welding Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, more than 28,000 bridges and overpasses are operated in Ukraine, many of which are overloaded. While railway bridges are under constant control, road and municipal structures often do not meet modern safety requirements, and a unified system of technical supervision effectively does not exist," the NASU statement reads.

The situation is particularly difficult in Kyiv, where survey results show: the Darnytsky Bridge is operational; the Northern and Southern bridges are of limited operability; and the Metro Bridge and Paton Bridge are recognized as non-operational (emergency), with the Paton Bridge having held emergency status since 2017.

"Specialists are most concerned about the technical condition of the Paton Bridge. According to recent surveys, critical corrosion damage to load-bearing elements, main and transverse beams, as well as cracks in the connections of the belts and walls of the main beams have been recorded in its structures. In fact, the metal of the transverse beams supporting the roadway slabs has corroded almost entirely. The main beams, four of them, currently remain in a relatively stable state, which likely allows the bridge to carry traffic flows, albeit with restrictions," the Academy explained.

According to scientists, the remaining resource of the structure is estimated at zero, and corrosion processes are becoming increasingly unpredictable.

At the beginning of 2026, the National Committee of Ukraine on Theoretical and Applied Mechanics appealed to the government with proposals for the organization and financing of a capital repair of the bridge.

"In the opinion of specialists, the issue of restoring the bridge is long overdue and requires a systemic state decision," the NASU reported, publishing photos showing cross-sectional corrosion of horizontal ties and the destruction of a transverse beam at one of the supports as of 2018.

As reported, in August 2024, the Kyiv city authorities appealed to Ukraines Cabinet of Ministers with a demand to urgently restore the Paton Bridge over the Dnipro River to avoid emergency situations.
Approximately a dozen U.S. F-22 Raptor stealth fighters have landed at an Israeli airbase, according to reports citing flight tracking data. The deployment occurs amidst a significant U.S. military buildup in the region and ongoing, tense nuclear negotiations with Iran. U.S. President Donald Trump, in a recent address, emphasized a diplomatic preference but vowed to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Senior U.S. officials have briefed Congress on the serious situation as analysts report dozens of U.S. fighter jets heading to the Middle East.

A dozen US Air Force F-22 stealth fighters arrive in Israel amid military buildup and critical nuclear talks with Iran. Full report.

Tel Aviv, February 25 Around a dozen US Air Force F-22 fighters have landed in Israel, according to a report on Wednesday in The Times of Israel. This comes amidst heightened tensions between the US and Iran that could potentially erupt in a war and amid an ongoing build-up of American military assets in West Asia,

The stealth fighters were spotted taking off from the Lakenheath airbase in the United Kingdom on February 24 morning before they flew to Israel, the Israeli daily said citing open-source flight tracking data and aircraft spotters

American news outlets also reported that a US official has confirmed that the fifth-generation aircraft landed at an Israeli air force airbase in South Israel.

The fighters flew with their transponders deactivated but were accompanied by refueling tankers with their transponders on, ABC said.

Negotiations between US and Iran over Tehran's nuclear program are ongoing, and the sides are due to meet on Thursday in Geneva for a third round of talks.

Israeli officials are said to believe that a US strike is inevitable, and top military brass from the two countries have reportedly been in contact. One official quoted by Channel 12 news on Tuesday said that a diplomatic resolution to the conflict would be the "surprise of the year," as per The Times of Israel report .

Dozens of fighter jets -- including F-35s, F-22s, F-15s, and F-16s -- have been spotted heading to the Middle East in recent days by the Military Air Tracking Alliance, a team of about 30 open-source analysts that routinely analyzes military and government flight activity, the Israeli daily said.

US President Donald Trump in his address to the joint session of the US Congress on Tuesday night said that Iran is developing long-range missiles that can reach US territory.

"They've already developed missiles that can threaten Europe and our bases overseas, and they're working to build missiles that will soon reach the United States of America," Trump said during his first State of the Union address of his second term.

"My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy--but one thing is certain: I will never allow the world's number one sponsor of terror to have a nuclear weapon," he told Congress.

He spoke of the "Operation Midnight Hammer," the US airstrikes last year against Iran's nuclear strikes during a 12-day war between Israel and Iran.

"After Midnight Hammer, they were warned to make no future attempts to rebuild their weapons program--yet they continue, and are at this moment again pursuing their sinister nuclear ambitions," TRump said.

The US President said, Iran wants to make a deal to avoid further US strikes, but has yet to commit to never making a nuclear weapon.

Ahead of TRujmp's address, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and CIA Director John Ratcliffe briefed senior members of the House and Senate on Tuesday about the administration's military buildup against Iran.

"Look. This is serious," Schumer said, "and the administration has to make its case to the American people," the NYT reported.

- ANI
The United States has imposed its first sanctions under the Protecting American Intellectual Property Act (PAIPA) on Russian national Sergey Zelenyuk and his company, Operation Zero, for acquiring and selling stolen American cyber tools. The action, supported by the Treasury Department, targets the theft of at least eight proprietary cyber tools created for exclusive U.S. government use. In a parallel case, Australian national Peter Williams pleaded guilty to stealing these tools from a U.S. company and selling them to Operation Zero for millions in cryptocurrency. Officials state such theft poses a serious threat to U.S. national security and economic prosperity, costing industry billions annually.

US imposes first sanctions under new law on Russian broker Sergey Zelenyuk for stealing and selling proprietary American cyber tools.

Washington, Feb 25 The United States imposed sanctions on a Russian exploit broker and several associated entities accused of acquiring and selling stolen American cyber tools, in what officials described as the first action under a new law aimed at protecting US intellectual property.

The measures target Russian national Sergey Sergeyevich Zelenyuk and his company, Operation Zero. The action coincides with a separate criminal case against Australian national Peter Williams, who pleaded guilty last year to stealing proprietary cyber tools from a US company and selling them to Operation Zero.

The Department of State said it was sanctioning one individual and two entities under the Protecting American Intellectual Property Act (PAIPA) "in connection with theft of trade secrets from US persons". It said these were the first designations under the law and were supported by concurrent Treasury sanctions.

"Theft of trade secrets, particularly in relation to sensitive and emerging technologies, poses a serious threat to US national security and economic prosperity," Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a February 24 statement. He added that such theft "harms US national security, jobs, companies, and investments, while costing US industry billions of dollars each year".

In parallel action, the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Zelenyuk and Matrix LLC, doing business as Operation Zero, along with five associated individuals and entities.

According to Treasury, Zelenyuk and Operation Zero trade in "exploits" - pieces of code that exploit software vulnerabilities to gain unauthorised access to or control of devices. Operation Zero acquired "at least eight proprietary cyber tools" created for the exclusive use of the US government and select allies. The tools were stolen from a US company and later sold to "at least one unauthorized user".

"If you steal US trade secrets, we will hold you accountable," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said. "Treasury will continue to work alongside the rest of the Trump Administration to protect sensitive American intellectual property and safeguard our national security."

The sanctions coincide with an investigation by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation into Williams, a former employee of the affected US company. He pleaded guilty on October 29, 2025, to two counts of theft of trade secrets.

Officials said Williams stole proprietary cyber tools between 2022 and 2025 and sold them to Operation Zero in exchange for millions of dollars paid in cryptocurrencies.

The State Department also sanctioned an affiliated UAE company, Special Technology Services LLC FZ, under PAIPA. The law authorises sanctions against persons who knowingly engage in, or benefit from, significant theft of trade secrets of US persons when such theft threatens US national security, foreign policy or economic stability.

As a result of the action, all property and interests in property of the designated persons in the United States, or in the possession or control of US persons, are blocked.

- IANS
A critically delayed and over-budget security-clearance system is creating a major bottleneck for filling America's most sensitive national security and technology jobs. Lawmakers from both parties warn the National Background Investigative Services (NBIS) is eight years behind schedule, with total costs projected to soar past $4.6 billion. The delays mean it takes over 200 days to grant a top-secret clearance, severely hindering the government's ability to hire qualified personnel. Officials admit the agency responsible has suffered from an "identity crisis," and urgent reform is needed to transition to a reliable, modern vetting system.

A broken US security-clearance pipeline is causing massive delays, costing billions, and putting sensitive jobs on hold, lawmakers warn.

Washington, Feb 25 A broken US security-clearance pipeline is keeping America's most sensitive jobs waiting - and Congress is now warning that the Pentagon's flagship fix is years late, billions over budget, and still unable to deliver the modern system Washington promised after a massive data breach a decade ago.

At a hearing of the House Oversight subcommittee on Government Operations, lawmakers from both parties said the Department of Defence's National Background Investigative Services System, known as NBIS, has become a test of whether the US can protect secrets while hiring fast enough to compete in technology and national security.

"If the topic of today's discussion sounds familiar, it should," Chairman Congressman Pete Sessions said, recalling a June 2024 hearing where "Congress raised serious concerns about persistent failures in personnel vetting".

Sessions said NBIS was meant to be "a one-stop shop for all phases of federal personnel vetting", but "today, NBIS has deployed only limited capacities and capabilities" and is "more than eight years behind schedule with completion delayed from 2019 to 2028".

He said delays have "cost the American taxpayer hundreds of millions of dollars" and raised questions about "the safety and reliability of all aspects of the federal personnel vetting system".

Ranking member Kweisi Mfume said the goal was "straightforward, deliver a background check system that keeps the United States of America safe", while also ensuring it "gets qualified people to work without delay".

"America, in my opinion, cannot hope to maintain our technological advantage in the national security space if we make the best engineers, scientists, linguists, analysts, and others spend months. If not years, sometimes in limbo before they can serve," Mfume said. "And if we can't clear people, we can't complete our missions, it's very, very simple."

Mfume said the government has spent "about $ 2.4 billion on NBIS and legacy sustainment" since 2017, and the department projects "about another 2.2 billion is needed to finish the job". "It's an enormous amount of money for the government to spend on anything and have so very, very little to show for it," he said.

Justin Overbaugh, acting director of the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, pushed back on earlier assurances that the agency was on track. "Respectfully, that assessment was too optimistic," he said.

"The truth is DCSA has been an agency in the midst of an identity crisis," Overbaugh said, arguing it was "cobbled together from disparate programs" and "never, truly self-actualized or forged a unified culture". He said previous leadership drifted "towards an intelligence-focused entity rather than embracing its vital security mission".

Overbaugh called the delivery of Trusted Workforce 2.0 and NBIS "non-negotiable" and said recent progress was "fragile". He promised a shift from "a sclerotic compliance-based bureaucracy to a customer-centric business-oriented entity", and told lawmakers, "My commitment to you is that I will continue to foster a culture of innovation and accountability."

Alissa Czyz of the Government Accountability Office said reform is "urgently needed," and the clearance process remains too slow. "For example, it takes over 200 days to grant a top secret clearance," she said. "This is 80 % longer than the government's goal."

Czyz said DCSA now has "a reliable cost estimate for NBIS for the first time ever", but warned that the schedule "is still not reliable, putting NBIS at risk of further delays".

The US security-clearance system is central to Washington's defence-industrial machine, which depends on cleared personnel across government and private contractors. After the 2015 breach, the federal government began shifting towards modernised vetting and continuous evaluation.

- IANS
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brijesh Pathak emphasized the state's transformed investment climate, crediting improved infrastructure and law and order. He revealed that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya are on foreign tours, securing investment proposals and signing MoUs worth lakhs of crores from countries like Japan and Singapore. Pathak also criticized the Samajwadi Party, suggesting it cannot tolerate the common person's rising standard of living. CM Yogi Adityanath, during his visits, assured investors of a secure environment, noting the state's GSDP has nearly tripled in nine years as it targets becoming a $1 trillion economy.

UP Deputy CM Brijesh Pathak highlights state's investment potential, citing foreign tours by CM Yogi Adityanath securing MoUs worth lakhs of crores.

Lucknow, February 25 Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brijesh Pathak on Wednesday highlighed the State's growth and improved law and order and cited Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy CM's foreign tours, where they're bagging deals worth lakhs of crores, and MoUs are being inked.

Speaking to the media, Pathak said, "After improving infrastructure and law and order, Uttar Pradesh has immense investment potential. Today, big industrialists from the country and the world want to come to Uttar Pradesh. CM and Deputy CM (Keshav Prasad Maurya) are on foreign tours. From Germany to Singapore and Japan, the Uttar Pradesh government leadership, on the instructions of the Chief Minister, is on a visit to various countries. Offers of packages worth lakhs of crores are being received, and MoUs are being signed, and the work of implementing them on the ground is continuously ongoing."

He also slammed opposition, implying that Samajwadi Party (SP) can't tolerate the comman man doing well.

"The Samajwadi Party has a stomachache, and they can't tolerate that the common person of Uttar Pradesh is working to raise their standard of living," Pathak remarked

Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath arrived in Tokyo on Wednesday for an official visit to Japan aimed at strengthening the state's investment opportunities and industrial growth.

During the visit from February 25-26 in Japan, he is expected to participate in key meetings and interactions during his visit aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and exploring investment opportunities for the state.

Prior to this, he visited Singapore from February 22 to 24, where he also addressed an investor roadshow.

Assuring business leaders of a good environment, Adityanath said, "I can assure you that every investment coming into Uttar Pradesh is secured. We not only gave a safe environment, but also showed how to connect scale with skill and speed."

He added that the state has established a new identity focused on transformation and growth.

Highlighting India's broader economic progress, the Chief Minister said the country has advanced significantly over the past decade under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and is on track to become the world's third-largest economy.

A day earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said that the state has received investment proposals worth up to Rs 1 lakh crore during engagements in Singapore, with Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 60,000 crore already finalised, terming it a significant step towards transforming the state into a 1 trillion dollar economy.

CM Yogi noted that Uttar Pradesh's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has increased from Rs 13 lakh crore to Rs 36 lakh crore in the past nine years, contributing 9.5 per cent to India's GDP. He described the state as a "dream destination" for investment and a top achiever in Ease of Doing Business and deregulation rankings.

- ANI
The 7th edition of the annual 'Dharma Guardian' joint military exercise between India and Japan has begun at the Chaubattia training node in Uttarakhand. The exercise, running from February 24 to March 9, involves a 120-member contingent from each country's army. It aims to strengthen military collaboration and enhance combined capabilities for joint operations in semi-urban terrain. Troops will focus on tactical drills including ISR operations, heliborne missions, and house intervention.

The 7th edition of the India-Japan 'Dharma Guardian' joint military exercise commences in Uttarakhand's Chaubattia, focusing on interoperability.

New Delhi, February 25 The 7th edition of the annual Joint Military Exercise 'Dharma Guardian' between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force commenced on Tuesday at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubattia in Uttarakhand.

The exercise will be conducted from February 24 to March 9.

This edition brings together a 120-member contingent from each side, with the JGSDF represented by troops from the 32nd Infantry Regiment and the Indian Army contingent drawn from the Ladakh Scouts, said the Ministry of Defence.

The exercise is held alternately in India and Japan and remains a key pillar of defence cooperation between the two nations.

The aim of Exercise 'Dharma Guardian' is to strengthen military collaboration and enhance combined capabilities to undertake joint operations in a semi-urban environment. Over the next two weeks, participating troops will focus on achieving high levels of physical fitness, refining joint planning processes and synchronising tactical drills.

The Joint Exercise is anchored in the employment of modern technology, enhancing interoperability and contemporary operational aspects.

The key tactical activities during the exercise include establishing a temporary operating base, developing an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) grid, setting up mobile vehicle check posts, conducting cordon and search operations in hostile environments, executing heliborne operations, and undertaking house intervention drills.

- ANI
Veteran Communist Party of India leader Nallakannu passed away in Chennai on Wednesday afternoon. He had been undergoing intensive care at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital for 24 days after being admitted to the ICU on February 1. Despite continuous advanced monitoring and life support, his condition became critical and his vital organs failed. The hospital administration expressed deep condolences to his family and thanked the medical teams and Tamil Nadu government for their support.

Veteran Communist Party of India leader Nallakannu passes away in Chennai after 24 days of intensive care at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital.

Chennai, February 25 Nallakannu, who had been undergoing treatment at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, passed away on Wednesday afternoon.

According to an official statement issued by Madras Medical College and the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Nallakannu was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on February 1 due to health complications.

During the past 24 days of treatment, his health condition showed fluctuations. A multidisciplinary medical team provided intensive care and continuous advanced monitoring throughout his hospitalization, it added.

However, from the early hours of February 25, his response to medications gradually declined, and his condition became critical. Despite being under advanced life support, all his vital organs eventually failed. He passed away at around 1:55 PM on February 25, as per the statement.

The hospital administration expressed deep condolences to his family and relatives. It also conveyed its gratitude to all the medical teams involved in his treatment and to the Government of Tamil Nadu for their support.

- ANI
Foreign expert Mahesh Sachdev states Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel occurs at a critical juncture marked by regional flux, including the Gaza ceasefire and Iran-US tensions. The visit underscores deepening strategic and economic engagement, with progress on an FTA and anti-terror dialogue. Sachdev notes India must navigate a delicate balance in its public messaging on issues like the Israel-Palestine conflict while advancing bilateral interests. The complementary innovation ecosystems of both "startup nations" offer fresh impetus for deeper commercial and technological cooperation.

Expert Mahesh Sachdev analyzes PM Modi's crucial Israel visit, highlighting strategic ties, FTA talks, and navigating regional crises like Gaza and Iran.

New Delhi, February 25 Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Israel on Wednesday comes at a "very important context" marked by regional flux and evolving geopolitical equations, foreign affairs expert Mahesh Sachdev said.

Speaking to ANI, Sachdev said, "Prime Minister's visit to Israel takes place against a very important context. There is no doubt that India-Israel relations have acquired strategic connotations, and they have grown with both sides being enthusiastic about their promotion."

He highlighted that, ahead of the visit, India and Israel have already held an anti-terrorism dialogue and the first round of negotiations on a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA), underscoring the expanding strategic and economic engagement between the two countries.

According to Sachdev, the timing of the visit is significant both regionally and globally. "The visit is important contextually in regional and global ways as well. Regionally, it takes place when the Gaza war is under a ceasefire, and only last week, the first session of the Board for Peace under President Trump took place in Washington," he said, referring to diplomatic efforts under US President Donald Trump.

He also pointed to rising tensions between Iran and the United States, with Israel being an interested stakeholder. "This may, according to some observers, lead to hostilities between the United States and Iran, which may envelop Israel and the regional powers as well," Sachdev cautioned.

"Against this backdrop, the Prime Minister's visit to Israel acquires a new sense of urgency and meaning," he added.

Sachdev underlined that India has consistently supported a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine issue and has advocated peace and diplomacy between Iran and the US."So, the motives of India's visit are not in doubt," he said.

He further observed that both countries are keen to move their bilateral ties into a more stable and forward-looking phase. "India and Israel need each other and chart each other's progress for future bilateralism in a more stable context, away from the two-year-old Gaza war and the Iran-U.S. crisis," he stated.

Among the key pending issues are the proposed IMEC (India-Middle-East-Europe Economic Corridor), the FTA negotiations, and enhanced anti-terror cooperation. Economic ties, including the diamond trade and technology transfers in sectors such as energy and irrigation, are also central to the relationship, the foreign expert said.

Sachdev described Israel as a "startup nation" and noted India's growing innovation ecosystem. "Israel is also called a startup nation, and India has a very vigorous startup tradition that has picked up during the past eleven years. We are the third-largest startup country, and over a hundred Indian startups have become unicorns, he said, suggesting that these complementarities provide fresh impetus for deeper commercial engagement.

At the same time, he said the Prime Minister would have to strike a delicate balance in his public messaging. "There would also be a careful balance to be struck by the Prime Minister during his pronouncements concerning Israel-Palestine and other regional issues, where Israel would expect the Prime Minister to make some conciliatory remarks, although India is a principled player in these matters and our policy is not prone to sudden jerkiness and shifts. This would need to be carefully meandered through a minefield," Sachdev said.

- ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day state visit to Israel is prominently featured on the front page of the Jerusalem Post with a welcoming headline. The visit, at the invitation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, will include the first-ever address by an Indian Prime Minister to the Israeli Knesset. The leaders aim to broaden the strategic partnership into new areas like financial systems, cross-border payments, and innovation. Israeli PM Netanyahu has termed the visit "historic," emphasizing the growing alignment between the two nations as a "powerful alliance."

PM Modi's state visit to Israel, featuring a Knesset address and meetings with Netanyahu, highlights deepening strategic ties between the two democracies.

Tel Aviv, February 25 Prime Minister Narendra Modi features today on the front page of the Israeli newspaper Jerusalem Post ahead of his Israel visit.

The newspaper's Editor-in-Chief Zvika Klein posted the front page of today's edition showing a photo of the PM waving his hands along with feature stories based on his visit to the Israel and India-Israel ties.

One headline read "Welcome, Modi," while another one read "New Delhi's burgeoning partnership with Jerusalem".

The paper also features an interview with the Indian envoy to Israel JP Singh. Singh told the Jerusalem Post about the significance of PM Modi's planned Knesset address, which he described as a first for an Indian Prime Minister.

"One of the most important elements will be that he will be the first prime minister from India to address the Knesset," Singh was quoted as saying by the Jerusalem Post.

Singh further told the Post that the aim is to broaden and deepen the relationship between the two countries. This he said meant moving beyond a limited number of sectors to build a more comprehensive framework that includes financial cooperation, trade, and cross-border payments. He specifically pointed to the possibility of future work on financial systems, including money transfer mechanisms and cross-border payment infrastructure.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit comes at the invitation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and marks the Prime Minister's second visit to Israel, following his 2017 trip when he became the first-ever Indian Prime Minister to visit the country.

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The two leaders will review the significant progress made in the India-Israel Strategic Partnership and discuss further opportunities in various areas of cooperation, including science and technology, innovation, defence and security, agriculture, water management, trade and economy, and people-to-people exchanges.

The Prime Minister will also call on Isaac Herzog, the President of Israel. This visit will reaffirm the deep and long-standing strategic partnership between the two countries and present an opportunity to review common challenges, as well as realign efforts towards achieving their shared vision for a robust partnership between two resilient democracies.

Reflecting the significance of the diplomatic engagement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu termed the upcoming visit "historic", stating that the partnership continues to scale new heights.

Netanyahu described Prime Minister 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 said.

Calling the relationship a "powerful alliance between two global leaders", Netanyahu noted that Israel and India are partners in innovation, security, and a shared strategic vision.

"Together, we are building an axis of nations committed to stability and progress," he added, specifically referring to cooperation in emerging technologies and broader geopolitical coordination.

Providing further details on the itinerary, Netanyahu confirmed that the Prime Minister will arrive on Wednesday and deliver a speech at the Knesset (Israeli Parliament).

- ANI
Karnataka's Industries Minister M.B. Patil inaugurated Amazon's massive new corporate campus in Bengaluru, which is the company's second-largest office in Asia. The 1.1 million square foot facility will create over 7,000 jobs in technology and operations, marking Amazon's 10th office in the state. The launch reinforces Amazon's long-term commitment to India, including its planned $35 billion investment. Minister Patil used the event to invite more global companies to invest and create jobs in Karnataka, highlighting the state's talent and infrastructure.

Karnataka Minister M.B. Patil inaugurates Amazon's 1.1 million sq ft Asia office in Bengaluru, supporting 7,000+ jobs and reinforcing $35B India investment.

New Delhi, February 25 Karnataka Minister MB Patil invites global investors to come and set up shop in Karnataka. "We welcome more global companies to invest, grow and create jobs from Karnataka," said MB Patil, Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, during the inauguration of Amazon's second-largest Asia office in Bengaluru.

"Honoured to inaugurate Amazon's 11 lakh sq. ft. (1.1 million sq ft) BLR 37 campus in Bengaluru, its 10th corporate office in Karnataka and second-largest in Asia. The 12-storey facility will support over 7,000 jobs across technology, e-commerce, payments and operations. With Amazon's $35 billion India investment plan, this milestone reinforces global confidence in Karnataka's talent, innovation and world-class infrastructure. We welcome more global companies to invest, grow and create jobs from Karnataka," the minister said on X.

The new campus, inaugurated on Monday, spans 1.1 million square feet across a five-acre site in North Bengaluru. Located approximately 15 kilometres from Kempegowda International Airport, the facility marks Amazon's 10th corporate office in Karnataka. The inauguration ceremony, held on February 23, 2026, featured a campus walkthrough for dignitaries and focused on the city's role as a global innovation hub.

Speaking during the inauguration, Samir Kumar, Country Manager, Amazon India, said, "India continues to be a long-term priority for Amazon, and Bengaluru has played a central role in our journey here. Over the years, the city has been home to some of our earliest technology and business teams, and today it remains a key hub for innovation and talent."

The company executive further stated that Amazon remains committed to investing in infrastructure, technology, and talent for the long term. "We are grateful to Dr. M.B. Patil for joining us to inaugurate this campus and for Government of Karnataka's continued support. As we build for customers in India and around the world, we remain committed to investing in infrastructure, technology, and talent for the long term," Kumar added.

- ANI
Modi to become first Indian PM to address Knesset

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warmly welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Tel Aviv for a two-day state visit, sharing a video greeting on social media. The two leaders exchanged a warm hug upon arrival, reflecting their close personal rapport. During the visit, Modi is scheduled to meet President Isaac Herzog and will make history by addressing the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset. The visit is focused on deepening the robust strategic partnership between the two nations across various sectors.

PM Modi arrives in Israel for a state visit, greeted by PM Netanyahu with a personal hug. The leaders aim to deepen the strategic partnership.

Tel Aviv, February 25 In a warm gesture reflecting the strengthening of ties between the two nations, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended a heartfelt welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he arrived in Tel Aviv on Wednesday for his two-day state visit.

Taking to the social media platform X, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu shared a video of PM Modi's arrival, stating, "Welcome to Israel my dear friend @narendramodi".

The post, which featured the Indian and Israeli flags alongside a "Namaste" emoji, underscored the personal rapport between the two leaders as the visit commenced at Netanyahu's invitation to further strengthen the "robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership" between the two nations.

Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, Prime Minister Modi received a Guard of Honour.

Reflecting the close personal bond shared by the two leaders, Netanyahu, accompanied by his wife Sara Netanyahu, personally welcomed the Prime Minister, with the two leaders exchanging a warm hug.

Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar was also among the high-level officials present to receive Prime Minister Modi.

Ahead of his departure, Prime Minister Modi described the visit as an opportunity to further deepen bilateral ties.

"India and Israel share a robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership that has witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years," his statement noted, highlighting the trajectory of the relationship.

The Prime Minister stated that he is looking forward to discussions with his Israeli counterpart aimed at expanding cooperation across various sectors.

Earlier, the anticipation of the visit was visible on the ground, as the streets of Jerusalem carried a familiar buzz. Tricolours were tucked into shopfronts, community leaders coordinated welcome gatherings, and conversations in Hindi echoed through neighbourhoods where the Indian community forms a visible presence.

During the high-profile visit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to meet President Isaac Herzog and will also address the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so.

Ahead of this historic address at the Israeli Parliament, Prime Minister Modi will hold a brief meeting with Netanyahu today.

This sentiment of mutual respect was echoed by Israeli President Herzog, who had previously expressed his eagerness for PM Modi's visit, stating that the country and its people look forward to welcoming him.

In a post on X, Herzog shared Prime Minister Modi's departure statement, extending a warm message that underlined the close ties.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the State of Israel and the people of Israel look forward to welcoming you to Israel."

- ANI
Norway is providing Ukraine with funding for the current year in the amount of $9 billion, which is another package of military and civilian assistance to Ukraine under the Nansen Programme, Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko said.

"I thank the Prime Minister of Norway for this announcement, which he made during his visit to Kyiv. My meeting today with Jonas Gar Stre was a continuation of our cooperation, which has been going on since our joint trip to Chernihiv in the first months of the war. All these years, Norway has been providing us with extraordinary assistance," Svyrydenko said in Telegram on Wednesday.

She said Norway has made the largest contributions within the framework of the PURL initiative, and this is already significantly strengthening Ukrainian air defense.

"Today, the greatest emphasis was placed on energy security. Norway's assistance in gas imports and contributions to the Energy Support Fund and grants are extremely important. Norway is providing distributed generation equipment that will operate on the basis of Naftogaz Group facilities. We discussed promising investment projects that can be supported by Norfund instruments," Svyrydenko said.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stated that India is strengthening global economic partnerships and now enjoys preferential trade access to nearly two-thirds of global commerce. He highlighted that nine FTAs have been concluded under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, all with developed economies that complement India's growth. Goyal noted merchandise trade with Australia and the UAE has doubled post-FTA, showcasing the benefits of these agreements. The minister outlined a four-point strategy to accelerate exports, focusing on MSMEs, quality standards, value-chain movement, and district-level ecosystems to achieve a $1 trillion export target.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal says India has preferential trade access to 2/3 of global commerce via FTAs with developed economies, aiming for $1 trillion exports.

Chennai, February 25 Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said India is strengthening its global economic partnerships at a time of rising international uncertainty, asserting that the country now enjoys preferential trade access to nearly two-thirds of global commerce.

He was addressing the valedictory session of the 5th National Exports Competitiveness Summit 2026, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The Minister participated in the programme via video conferencing, while the summit was held at a private star hotel in Chennai.

The summit, themed "Reform, Perform and Transform," brought together senior government officials, policymakers, diplomats, financial institutions and industry leaders to deliberate on India's roadmap towards achieving a USD 1 trillion export target.

"When the world is facing uncertainty, India is busy building bridges of trade, trust and transformation," Goyal said, highlighting what he described as India's expanding footprint in global commerce.

He noted that the country has concluded nine free trade agreements (FTAs) under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, all with "developed economies".

"Today, India enjoys preferential trade access to nearly two-thirds of global trade. All nine FTAs done under Prime Minister Modi's watch have been with developed economies that don't compete with India but complement India's journey towards rapid growth," the minister said.

Goyal added that India's position in global trade has shifted significantly in recent years. "Today, the world no longer asks whether to trade with India. Increasingly, the question being asked by nations today is how quickly can we trade with India? How quickly can we expand business with India?" he said.

The minister also noted that within a span of six hours on the same day, India had launched FTA negotiations with the Gulf Cooperation Council, was engaged in finalisation discussions with Israel, and was preparing to initiate negotiations with Chile.

The Minister further pointed out that merchandise trade with Australia and the UAE has doubled following the conclusion of their respective FTAs, demonstrating the benefits of deeper trade partnerships for Indian exporters.

Outlining a four-point strategy to accelerate export growth, Goyal called for wider dissemination of FTA benefits to MSMEs and local clusters, a renewed focus on world-class quality standards, movement up the value chain towards higher-value products, and stronger corporate mentorship to build district-level export ecosystems.

The summit concluded with a call for stronger collaboration between government and industry to position India as a leading global export hub.

- ANI
Congressman Mike Thompson was named the designated survivor for President Trump's State of the Union address, a security tradition ensuring continuity of government if catastrophe strikes the Capitol. The practice, dating to the Cold War, involves one Cabinet member staying at a secure location while the nation's top leadership gathers. If disaster occurred, this individual would be next in the presidential line of succession. The role underscores the enduring imperative to safeguard American government during this major political event.

Learn about the designated survivor, a key continuity of government tradition, as President Trump addresses Congress in the State of the Union.

Washington DC, February 25 As President Trump delivered his State of the Union Address to a joint session of Congress Tuesday night, one official was notably absent, the designated survivor.

California's 4th District Congressman Mike Thompson Mike Thompson was revealed as the designated survivor ahead of President Trump's State of the Union address. This is a longstanding security precaution aimed at ensuring continuity of government in the event of a catastrophic attack on the Capitol.

"I've been selected as a designated survivor for tomorrow's State of the Union, so I won't be there in person, but I'll be watching," Thompson posted on X.

While Thompson will watch Trump's address from an undisclosed location, his guest, Marine Corps veteran, small business owner, and City Councilmember Bernie Narvaez from Napa, is in the House.

"Bernie Narvaez is a family man and small business owner. He sees firsthand how much it costs to raise a family and keep a business running. But this president's policies are squeezing small businesses and driving up the price of everyday necessities. We're fighting to hold this administration accountable and get back to work delivering for the American people," Thompson posted on X.

According to CNN, the designated survivor is typically a member of the president's Cabinet selected to remain at a secure, undisclosed location while the rest of the nation's top leadership gathers in the House chamber. The practice dates back to the Cold War era, when concerns about a single attack wiping out the federal government prompted the need for a constitutional safeguard.

If an unthinkable disaster were to occur during the speech, which brings together the president, vice president, Cabinet, Supreme Court justices and congressional leaders, the designated survivor would be next in the line of succession, eligible to assume the presidency.

Last year, Doug Collins, secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, was assigned the role during Trump's 2025 address.

Tuesday's speech marks Trump's first State of the Union before the 119th Congress after formally accepting an invitation from House Speaker Mike Johnson in January. When Trump takes the dais, he is expected to be flanked by Vice President JD Vance and Johnson, who traditionally sit behind the president.

Cabinet members, Supreme Court justices, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, former members of Congress and members of the diplomatic corps are seated in front of the president. The remaining seats in the chamber are unassigned, according to the Congressional Research Service, with lawmakers taking spots on a first-come, first-served basis.

Presidents also typically invite about two dozen guests to sit in the gallery to underscore policy themes and put a human face to their remarks. Trump has invited his own set of guests reflecting his priorities, separate from those of first lady Melania Trump.

The official theme of this year's address is "America at 250: Strong, Prosperous and Respected." Trump is expected to focus heavily on the economy, proposing new tax cuts and highlighting what he calls a resurgence in American prosperity during the first year of his second term.

In a recent CNN poll conducted ahead of the speech, 57 per cent of Americans cited the economy and cost of living as the most important issues they want addressed.

Trump previewed what could be a lengthy address, noting after last year's joint session speech, the longest in history, that "we have so much to talk about." As he seeks to rally Republicans ahead of the midterm election season, aides say he has spent days reviewing the speech with advisers and conducting practice runs from a lectern.

But while much attention will focus on Trump's message and the political stakes, the quiet precaution of a designated survivor underscores the gravity of the moment, and the enduring imperative to safeguard the continuity of American government, CNN reported.

- ANI
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the airport, praising him as a "great leader." This marks PM Modi's second visit to Israel, aiming to deepen the strategic partnership across multiple domains. Key engagements include bilateral talks with Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, and a historic address to the Israeli Parliament. The relationship is anchored in mutual trust and cooperation in areas like defence, agriculture, and futuristic technologies.

PM Modi arrives in Israel for a state visit, received by PM Netanyahu. Talks to focus on strengthening strategic ties in defence, tech, and innovation.

Tel Aviv, Feb 25 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday praised PM Narendra Modi's strong leadership as the Indian leader touched down in Tel Aviv on a two-day State Visit to the country. In a warm and special gesture, Netanyahu and First Lady Sara Netanyahu welcomed PM Modi at the Ben-Gurion airport during a memorable ceremony. .

"You are a great leader," said Netanyahu after the two leaders exchanged a warm hug at the tarmac.

The Israeli PM also engaged in an animated conversation with PM Modi, highlighting that the colour of PM Modi's pocket square matches Sara's saffron dress perfectly.

Prime Minister Modi later said that he is honoured to have been received by Israeli counterpart and his wife at the airport in Tel Aviv and is looking forward to holding talks and fruitful outcomes that strengthen the friendship between two nations.

"Landed in Israel. I am extremely honoured to be received by Prime Minister Netanyahu and Mrs Netanyahu at the airport. I look forward to engaging in bilateral discussions and fruitful outcomes that strengthen the India-Israel friendship," PM Modi posted on X.

This is PM Modi's first visit to the country since 2017. Both leaders met each other warmly on Wednesday, warmly displaying their trademark camaraderie and friendship which has taken the relationship between both countries to a new high over the last decade.

During his visit, PM Modi is scheduled to hold talks with Netanyahu, Israel President Isaac Herzog, address Israeli Parliament - Knesset - and take part in various other programmes.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated Israel is an important partner of India in strategic and technological domains, with deep cooperation in science and technology, innovation, defence and agriculture.

In a post on X, Jaiswal stated, "Shalom Israel! Prime Minister Narendra Modi has touched down in Israel. This is PM Modi's second visit to Israel in nine years. In a special and heartwarming gesture PM Narendra Modi was received by Prime Minister Netanyahu and his wife, Mrs Sara Netanyahu at the airport and was accorded a special guard of honour."

"Israel is an important partner of India across strategic and technological domains, with deep cooperation in science and technology, innovation, defence and agriculture. The relationship is anchored in mutual trust, shared priorities and a growing convergence in futuristic technologies," he added.

PM Modi last visited Israel in 2017, a trip which opened new avenues in defence, agriculture, and water management cooperation between the two countries. Netanyahu had also welcomed PM Modi at the airport in 2017 also.

In his departure statement on Wednesday, PM Modi stated that he is looking forward to his engagements with Netanyahu, aimed at further strengthening cooperation in various sectors and discussing regional and global issues.

"India and Israel share a robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership that has witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years. I look forward to my discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu aimed at further strengthening our cooperation across various domains, including science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, defence and security, trade and investment, as well as people-to-people ties," he said.

During the visit, PM Modi will also meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog and hold talks with him on various bilateral issues.

"I will also have the honour of becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament, Knesset, an occasion that would be a tribute to the strong parliamentary and democratic ties that bind our two nations," he said.

The Prime Minister said that he eagerly looks forward to interacting with the members of the Indian diaspora, "who have for long been nurturing the India-Israel special friendship".

"I am confident that my State Visit will further consolidate the enduring bonds between the two countries, set new goals for the Strategic Partnership, and advance our shared vision for a resilient, innovative and prosperous future," PM Modi added.

- IANS
Fedorov thanks Canada for providing CAD 2 bln in aid within the framework of Operation UNIFIER

Minister of Defense of Ukraine Mykhailo Fedorov expressed gratitude to his Canadian colleague David McGuinty for the renewal of Operation UNIFIER, which involves the allocation of CAD 2 billion in military assistance.

"Thank you, @DavidMcGuinty, for Canadas unwavering support. This is truly important for us. On the fourth anniversary of Russias full-scale invasion, Canada proves once again: we are not alone," Fedorov said on X.

McGuinty noted on his X account that on the fourth anniversary of Russias full-scale invasion, Canada is renewing Operation UNIFIER, allocating CAD 2 billion dollars in military aid, providing over 400 armored vehicles, strengthening Ukraines energy security, and expanding sanctions.
Positioning The University of Texas at San Antonio as a national anchor for aging and longevity science, its Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies will receive up to $38 million in federal funding for the first nationwide clinical study in healthy longevity.



The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, announced the contract to the Barshop Institute at UT Health San Antonio, the academic health center of UT San Antonio, cementing its standing as the nation's leading authority in longevity science. The first-of-its-kind study will evaluate the repurposing of FDA-approved medications to delay age-related health and functional decline in generally healthy middle-aged adults, ages 60 to 65.



The contract will support the Validation and Intervention Testing for Aging, Longevity and Healthspan (VITAL-H) trial, which is integrated into the ARPA-H Proactive Solutions for Prolonging Resilience (PROSPR) program. Specifically, the Barshop Institute will use the VITAL-H trial to study the medications rapamycin, dapagliflozin and semaglutide, which based on strong preclinical evidence, promising early human data and extensive post-marketing safety experience may positively affect age-related decline in quality of life and lifespan.

PROSPR is designed to identify therapeutics that show the aging process is not an inevitable slide into disability. VITAL-H will help show whether we can preserve everyday abilities during a critical window of midlife aging." Andrew Brack, ARPA-H program manager and creator of the PROSPR program

For the Barshop Institute, it is the culmination of decades of pioneering biomedical science, a national vote of confidence and a proven model to translate aging research into real-world clinical impact. And it is further evidence of UT San Antonio's growing national research standing, providing a platform for the next decade of leadership in aging science.



"For decades, the Barshop Institute has helped define the biology of aging," said Jennifer Sharpe Potter, PhD, MPH, senior executive vice president for research and innovation for UT San Antonio. "Today, that foundational science has matured into a national clinical research effort  led from San Antonio  that will shape the future of human health and longevity."



Barshop Institute director Elena Volpi, MD, PhD, who along with her team of investigators are nationally recognized leaders in healthy longevity research, will head the new effort.



"Over the past 50 years, global life expectancy has increased substantially, yet the age of onset of age-related diseases and disabilities has remained largely unchanged," Volpi said. "Our population is living longer but with declining function, increased disability and reduced quality of life with major implications for healthcare utilization, caregiver burden and societal costs. Despite major advances in the biology of aging, no FDA-approved interventions currently exist to delay the onset of age-related functional decline or preserve health span in otherwise healthy adults.



"This work is focused on changing that trajectory," she said, "advancing science that can help people live not just longer lives, but healthier ones in the decades ahead."



The PROSPR program is intended to identify biochemical and physiological markers and develop assessment tools that allow researchers to better understand and target the underlying causes of age-related disease and build interventions focused on maintaining health during aging.



The FDA-approved rapamycin, dapagliflozin and semaglutide medications all have distinct mechanisms of action, are orally administered and have favorable safety profiles at low doses, enabling long-term use in generally healthy populations.



The trial is designed to deliver evidence on whether repurposed, FDA-approved drugs can slow age-related decline in generally healthy older adults as well as provide the first large-scale validation of Intrinsic Capacity, which is the concept for healthy aging addressing a person's physical and mental capabilities. Intrinsic Capacity is evaluated by testing cognition, mobility (locomotor), psychological, vitality and sensory functions, to gauge health in aging individuals.



The VITAL-H trial will use wearable technologies to monitor the study population selected to capture a critical window in which functional decline is measurable, yet disease burden remains relatively low. Participants will be recruited from South Texas, a region with a demographic makeup that closely mirrors the projected U.S. population in the coming decades, making the results relevant to our country's future population aging.



"By reframing aging as a modifiable functional trajectory rather than an inevitable accumulation of disease, the study establishes a scalable, regulatory-grade framework for preventive interventions that could possibly inform future clinical development and positively affect people's lives as they age," Volpi said.



Clinical trials targeting aging have previously focused on treatment after disease onset, are often underpowered, and rely on narrow or single-modality clinic-based outcomes that limit sensitivity, generalizability and scalability. The VITAL-H clinical trial is designed to evaluate aging interventions earlier in the life course using endpoints capable of detecting meaningful functional change within feasible timeframes.



While the award will be centered at the Barshop Institute, located in the San Antonio Medical Center, there will be multiple partner locations throughout the city.



Regional locations and partners will include the San Antonio Geriatric Research, Clinical and Research Center (GRECC); the South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS); the Texas Diabetes Institute (TDI); the West San Antonio Food Bank (SAFB); and a UT Health San Antonio mobile clinical research clinic.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming healthcare and medical education. From enhancing diagnostic accuracy and clinical decision-making to enabling virtual simulations and personalized learning, AI technologies are becoming embedded in the daily practice of clinicians and trainees. Despite these benefits, concerns remain regarding ethical responsibility, data privacy, the loss of human autonomy, and potential job displacement. As AI continues to expand across medical systems worldwide, understanding how future physicians perceive and engage with these technologies is increasingly important.

Attitudes toward AI play a critical role in determining whether AI tools are accepted, trusted, and effectively integrated into clinical practice and education. Positive attitudes promote openness and responsible use, whereas negative perceptions may lead to skepticism and underutilization. Accurate measurement of attitudes toward AI among medical students and residents is, therefore, essential for identifying barriers to adoption and designing effective educational interventions. In 2024, Stein and colleagues introduced the 12-item attitudes towards artificial intelligence (ATTARI-12) scale, a brief and reliable measure encompassing affective, cognitive, and behavioral dimensions. However, the absence of a validated Japanese version limited its applicability in Japan, where cultural factors-such as uncertainty avoidance and social norms-may influence responses to emerging technologies.

To address this gap, a team of researchers from Juntendo University, Japan-led by Project Assistant Professor Hirohisa Fujikawa and colleagues Dr. Hirotake Mori, Dr. Yuji Nishizaki, Dr. Yuichiro Yano, and Dr. Toshio Naito-collaborated with Dr. Kayo Kondo from Durham University, United Kingdom. Together, they developed and validated a Japanese version of the scale (J-ATTARI-12) for use among medical students and resident physicians. Dr. Fujikawa explained the motivation behind the study: "We observed wide variation in how learners responded to AI, yet no validated tool existed in Japan to measure these differences. This scale helps educators understand learners' attitudes and better prepare future physicians for AI-enabled practice." The results of their study were published in Volume 12, Issue e81986 of the journal JMIR Medical Education on January 14, 2026.

The study followed internationally recognized guidelines for translation and cross-cultural adaptation to ensure linguistic accuracy and cultural relevance. A nationwide online survey was conducted between June and July 2025, recruiting medical students and residents from multiple universities and hospitals across Japan. A total of 326 participants were included in the analysis. Psychometric evaluation employed a split-half validation approach: exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted on one-half of the sample to identify the underlying factor structure, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed on the other half to assess model fit. Convergent validity was examined by correlating J-ATTARI-12 scores with attitudes toward robots-a related construct-while internal consistency reliability was assessed using Cronbach's .

The analyses yielded several key findings. EFA identified a 2-factor structure reflecting "AI anxiety and aversion" and "AI optimism and acceptance." CFA demonstrated that this 2-factor model showed good model fit and outperformed a one-factor model. Convergent validity was supported by a moderate positive correlation between J-ATTARI-12 scores and attitudes toward robots, and internal consistency reliability was high, indicating that the scale reliably measures attitudes toward AI among Japanese medical trainees.

The study offers important educational and research implications. Dr. Fujikawa noted, "Educators can use this scale to evaluate AI-related training and identify learners who may feel uncertain or hesitant about using AI. It also allows researchers to track how attitudes evolve as AI becomes more integrated into healthcare." By providing a culturally adapted and psychometrically sound instrument, the J-ATTARI-12 supports data-driven curriculum development and informed decision-making in medical education.

Reflecting on the broader significance, Dr. Fujikawa emphasized, "The successful adoption of AI in healthcare depends on clinicians' acceptance as much as on technological performance. Making these attitudes visible enables better education and more responsible implementation." He added that the scale will be used in a "Medicine and AI" program launching at Juntendo University in 2026 and is expected to facilitate future cross-national research.

In conclusion, this study successfully developed and validated the J-ATTARI-12-the first Japanese instrument for assessing attitudes toward AI among medical students and residents. By providing a reliable and valid measure, it lays a strong foundation for advancing AI education, research, and integration within Japan's medical training systems.
Artificial intelligence can be used to provide a more precise time of death, which can be crucial in e.g. murder investigations. The method was developed by researchers at Linkoping University and the Swedish National Board of Forensic Medicine who have trained the AI model on so-called metabolites in thousands of blood samples from real deaths.

"Death is a strong biological signal," says Rasmus Magnusson, postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biomedical Engineering, IMT, at Linkoping University, who led a study published in Nature Communications where AI is used to determine the time of death.



When the body dies, a number of biological processes set in. Organs and tissues begin to break down, leading to changes in small molecules in the blood called metabolites. They are broken down in a predictable way that correlates with how much time has elapsed since the time of death.



"This enables us to assess the actual time of death of an individual, which is very important in forensic investigations, but also to the work of the police. For example, they need to spend their resources on the right witnesses in the right period of time in the deceased person's life," says Henrik Green, professor of forensic sciences at LiU and researcher at the National Board of Forensic Medicine, RMV.



The methods currently used to determine the time of death, also known as the post-mortem interval, include body temperature, rigor mortis and the amount of potassium in the vitreous of the eye. However, these methods yield less accurate results when a few days have passed since the time of death.



The method now developed by researchers at LiU together with RMV instead uses artificial intelligence to analyze the metabolites in blood samples collected at autopsy.



Blood samples from more than 45,000 autopsies have been collected by RMV over a period of almost ten years, resulting in a world-unique database. The samples are used to find various chemical substances such as drugs, pharmaceuticals or toxins. But body metabolites too can be found in the blood samples.



Of these 45,000 samples, 4,876 with known post-mortem interval were used to train the AI model.

This is a gold mine of data at the National Board of Forensic Medicine. But we were also able to show that there is no need for such large amounts of data that was perhaps previously thought. A few hundred individuals are enough to build corresponding models, which makes our method useful even in laboratories worldwide that don't have access to as much data." Rasmus Magnusson, postdoctoral fellow, Department of Biomedical Engineering, IMT, Linkoping University

The researchers showed that their new model could predict the time from death to autopsy with a precision of about one day even for those deceased for up to 13 days. A clear improvement on current methods. According to Elin Nyman, docent in systems biology at IMT, this was a high-risk project that was not necessarily expected to work.



"We knew that many external factors affect body decomposition and were surprised that the signal from the body's metabolites was so strong when it comes to predicting the post-mortem interval. The data set we have today provides information on the date of death, but we don't know the time," says Elin Nyman.



So the researchers' next step is to produce a data set with more precise information about the time of death, and then train models that will provide more reliable estimates of the post-mortal interval as well as be able to determine during which part of the day a death occurred.



"Forensic assessments often involve puzzle-like detective work. This new tool gives us better opportunities to assess how long someone has been deceased even when a long time has passed since their death, which is of great importance especially in more complex cases. We're now working on developing even more accurate models," says Carl Soderberg, forensic pathologist and researcher at RMV.



The study was funded mainly by the Swedish Research Council, the foundation Forska utan djurforsok (Research without animal experiments) and the Strategic Research Area in Forensic Sciences at LiU and RMV.
Researchers at the University of Granada have revealed that the Nutri-Score labeling system, commonly used in Europe to assess food quality, is unable to adequately reflect the nutritional and metabolic complexity of soluble cocoa sold in Spain.

The study, which is a pioneer internationally for integrating non-targeted metabolomics techniques applied to the evaluation of nutritional labeling systems, analyzed 54 products from 19 different brands with Nutri-Score ratings between A and D.

The scientific team has shown that there is no correlation between the Nutri-Score category and the actual nutritional composition of the food products studied, especially with regard to bioactive compounds with beneficial health effects.

A system that penalizes products richer in healthy compounds

The analysis confirms that Nutri-Score classifies products primarily based on their sugar, saturated fat, salt, and calorie content. "However, it overlooks relevant molecules associated with beneficial effects, such as phenolic compounds, bioactive peptides, and antioxidant compounds found in cocoa," explains Marta Palma, a researcher in the Department of Nutrition and Food Science at the UGR.

In several identified cases, foods with higher cocoa content and more bioactive compounds - and therefore potentially healthier - are penalized with lower ratings (C or D), while other highly processed foods with added sweeteners, thickeners, flavorings, or flours receive a Nutri-Score A, the highest rating. Specifically, some "no added sugar" products, despite being highly processed and containing numerous additives, have better scores than 100% pure cocoa.

Key findings of the study

The research did not detect clear groupings by Nutri-Score category in the multivariate statistical analyses, revealing the system's limited ability to discriminate between the actual metabolic profiles of soluble cocoa products.

Bioactive compounds correlate closely with actual cocoa content, not with the Nutri-Score category. Scientists have identified peptides, flavonoids, fatty acids, phenols, and other metabolites with potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardioprotective, or neuroprotective effects.

Towards more comprehensive, evidence-based labeling

The results highlight the limitations of current front-of-package labeling systems and underscore the need to incorporate additional information such as metabolomics to provide consumers with a more realistic view of nutritional quality.

Our work shows that the Nutri-Score system does not capture the complexity of foods rich in bioactive compounds, such as cocoa, which can lead to misinterpretations by consumers. Metabolomics is emerging as a key tool for developing more comprehensive labeling systems that integrate not only macronutrients but also physiologically relevant compounds." Celia Rodriguez, professor, Department of Nutrition and Food Science and secretary of the Jose Mataix Verdu Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology

This research based on experimental data is the first application of untargeted metabolomics to assess the consistency between nutritional labeling and the actual chemical composition of foods such as soluble cocoa. Its conclusions are particularly relevant for regulatory bodies, the food industry, and consumers, in a context where the future of Nutri-Score in the European Union is under debate.
As measles and pertussis cases surge across multiple states, researchers argue that the real vulnerability lies not only in individual choice but in the policies that allow immunity gaps to widen and outbreaks to take hold.

Commentary: Policy Failure, Not Hesitancy: Lessons From Recent Measles and Pertussis Outbreaks in the United States. Image Credit: fotohay / Shutterstock

In a recent commentary published in The Journal of Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics , authors argue that recent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, such as pertussis (whooping cough) and measles, in the United States ( US ) have largely been framed as a crisis of vaccine hesitancy. However, they contend that these outbreaks are better explained by interacting policy failures and systemic failures, while acknowledging that vaccine hesitancy alone does not fully account for outbreak dynamics. Specifically, weakening immunization policies, permissive vaccine exemption laws, and insufficient investment in public health resources have contributed to rising case counts in several regions across the US.

Public Health Risks of Measles and Pertussis Resurgence

Measles remains one of the most contagious human infections and can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, blindness, and death. Although effective vaccines are widely available, outbreaks continue to occur in the US. Pertussis also poses significant risks, particularly to infants and pregnant women. In these individuals, pertussis may result in apnea, pneumonia, and neurological injury.

Identifying the underlying causes of these outbreaks is essential. Determining whether recent resurgences reflect individual vaccine hesitancy or broader policy and systemic shortcomings is critical for guiding effective public health responses and strengthening immunization programs.

Commentary Argument: Policy Failures Beyond Vaccine Hesitancy

The authors argue that recent outbreaks of pertussis and measles in the US primarily reflect policy failures rather than vaccine hesitancy alone.

Outbreaks are frequently depicted as consequences of vaccination reluctance. However, the authors describe this framing as incomplete. They point to weakened immunization protections, liberal vaccine exemptions, and inadequate investment in public health systems as key contributors. In this context, policy environments determine whether localized pockets of hesitancy translate into sustained community transmission.

Epidemiological Evidence and Declining Herd Immunity

In 2024, more than 35,435 pertussis cases were recorded nationwide, a fivefold increase from 2023. Texas alone reported more than 3,500 pertussis cases by the end of October 2025, the highest number in more than a decade. Western Texas experienced its largest recorded measles outbreak in early 2025, with 762 laboratory-confirmed cases by August 2025, including severe disease and deaths. Additional outbreaks were reported across multiple US states.

In affected Texas counties, kindergarten vaccination rates fell below the 95 percent threshold typically associated with herd immunity. The authors suggest that when herd immunity declines due to policy gaps, outbreaks become more likely. Provisional school enrollment without complete vaccination documentation may allow susceptible individuals to cluster and facilitate transmission.

Policy Shifts, Exemptions, and Structural Weaknesses

The efficacy and safety of childhood vaccination have been demonstrated through decades of surveillance and research. The myth that vaccines cause autism spectrum disorder ( ASD ) persists despite repeated refutation in large-scale meta-analyses and cohort studies. The authors note that modern information ecosystems enable misinformation to spread rapidly, often amplified by technological systems and ideological polarization.

Liberal exemption policies, including non-medical exemptions and provisional school enrollment without adequate documentation, combined with inconsistent enforcement across districts, have created immunization gaps sufficient to permit disease transmission. Differences in vaccination coverage across Texas counties between 2023 and 2024 illustrate this pattern.

In 2025, Florida announced plans to eliminate compulsory childhood vaccine requirements for school attendance. If implemented, this policy would make Florida the first state to withdraw from conventional school vaccination mandates on the grounds of individual freedom and medical choice. Other states, including Texas, North Carolina, New Hampshire, and West Virginia, proposed legislation that could weaken school vaccination requirements, although none have fully repealed existing mandates.

Under-resourced health departments, particularly in rural areas, also contribute to delays in outbreak detection and containment due to limited surveillance and response capacity.

Recommended Policy and Public Health Interventions

The authors propose closing loopholes in provisional enrollment, re-establishing uniform enforcement of school vaccine requirements, expanding funding for mobile vaccination programs, and requiring near-real-time reporting to immunization registries.

They also recommend reevaluating liberal exemption policies that prioritize individual choice over collective safety. Strengthening maternal immunization programs through opt-out approaches integrated into routine prenatal care is another suggested strategy.

Investments in laboratory infrastructure, disease surveillance systems, and public health personnel are described as essential. Academic institutions and professional health societies are encouraged to treat vaccine misinformation as a patient safety issue. Licensing bodies should incorporate vaccine communication training into certification programs, and community-level partnerships require sustained funding and institutional support.

Policy Accountability and Future Outbreak Prevention

The commentary concludes that outbreaks are not random events but foreseeable consequences of policy shortcomings. Protecting population health is framed as a core public health responsibility. The authors caution that weakening immunization protections increases the likelihood of future outbreaks.

They emphasize that current disease resurgences reflect the interaction of structural determinants rather than a single cause. Addressing policy design, enforcement, and public health investment is therefore necessary to prevent future outbreaks and maintain community-level immunity.
Almost half of patients hospitalized for acute heart failure in Europe are readmitted within a year, according to a new study led by researchers at Karolinska Institutet and published in the European Heart Journal. The risk of death also remains high, especially for those with more severely reduced heart function.

Heart failure is a common condition affecting over 64 million people worldwide. The new study, conducted by an international team and coordinated by Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, analyzed data from more than 10,000 patients across 41 countries between 2018 and 2020. Patients were divided into two groups: those admitted for acute heart failure and those attending planned outpatient visits for chronic heart failure.

The study is unique because it tracked both mortality and hospital readmissions, as well as the different specific causes of death and hospitalization. We also conducted a detailed analysis of the heart's pumping ability, known as ejection fraction, which can either be reduced, mildly reduced, or preserved." Lars Lund, study's main author, professor of cardiology at the Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet and senior consultant at the Cardiology Department of Karolinska University Hospital

The findings show that 5.1 per cent of patients with acute heart failure died during their hospital stay. Among those who survived, the risk of death over the following year varied greatly depending on heart function. Patients with reduced ejection fraction faced the highest risk. 44 per cent of patients with acute heart failure and reduced ejection fraction were readmitted at least once during the year after their initial hospitalization. In contrast, only 18 per cent of patients with preserved ejection fraction treated as outpatients were readmitted.

"Patients with acute heart failure have approximately twice the risk of readmission and three times the risk of death compared to those treated as outpatients," says Lars Lund.

"This kind of detailed data is important for planning healthcare and designing future clinical studies," he continues.

The research highlights the need for careful follow-up and tailored care for heart failure patients, especially those with acute symptoms and reduced heart function.

The study was part of the European Society of Cardiology's research programme and was funded by several pharmaceutical companies.
Rare genetic variants in a little-studied nicotine receptor subunit are linked to markedly lower cigarette consumption, pointing to a potential new biological pathway for reducing smoking intensity across diverse populations.

Study: Rare coding variants in CHRNB3 associate with reduced daily cigarette smoking across ancestries. Image Credit: kungfu01 / Shutterstock

In a recent study published in the journal Nature Communications , researchers conducted an exome-wide association study ( ExWAS) to identify rare genetic variants associated with fewer cigarettes smoked per day rather than directly diagnosing nicotine dependence. The study identified variants in the CHRNB3 gene that significantly reduced tobacco intake.

These variants, found in individuals of Indigenous Mexican and East Asian ancestry and supported by aggregate rare-variant analyses in European ancestry populations, suggest that inhibiting the 3 (beta-3) subunit of nicotinic receptors could serve as a potential future therapeutic intervention to reduce smoking intensity, pending further functional and clinical validation.

Tobacco Smoking Burden and Limits of Current Therapies

Tobacco smoking is recognized as one of the most physiologically detrimental modifiable behaviors worldwide. Studies have shown that smoking significantly increases the risk of mortality and comorbidities, including cardiovascular diseases ( CVDs ) and cancers.

While decades of government-backed anti-smoking campaigns have resulted in a gradual decline in global smoking rates, progress in the development of novel pharmaceuticals and interventions to treat nicotine addiction has been limited over the past 20 years.

Most current treatments, such as varenicline, target the 42 (alpha-4 beta-2) nicotinic acetylcholine receptors ( nAChRs ). These receptors mediate the rewarding effects of nicotine and are believed to contribute to its addictive potential.

Researchers have hypothesized that genetic mutations in 42 nAChRs may alter individual susceptibility to nicotine dependence and smoking behavior. However, because these receptors are complex ion channels composed of multiple subunits with differing functional contributions, investigating this hypothesis has proven challenging.

Exome-Wide Association Study of Rare Variants and Smoking Intensity

The study leveraged advances in next-generation sequencing methodologies, specifically ExWAS , to investigate whether rare genetic variants with a frequency below 1 percent in the population were associated with reduced cigarettes per day ( CPD ). CPD was used as a behavioral proxy for smoking intensity rather than a formal clinical diagnosis of nicotine dependence.

The discovery cohort was derived from the Mexico City Prospective Study ( MCPS ) and included 37,897 current smokers. Researchers performed exome sequencing to analyze protein-coding regions of DNA and conducted a GWAS to assess common genetic variants across the genome.

The primary endpoint was CPD, analyzed as a quantitative measure of smoking intensity. Statistical analyses were performed using REGENIE software to account for sample-relatedness and population structure, thereby increasing the robustness of genetic association results.

Cross-Ancestry Replication in UK Biobank and Japan Biobank

After identifying rare CPD-reducing variants, researchers evaluated their findings in additional datasets: the UK Biobank ( UKB ), which consists primarily of individuals of European ancestry, and publicly available Japan Biobank association data representing East Asian ancestry populations. An independent sample of former smokers within MCPS was also examined to assess the consistency of effects.

CHRNB3 Missense Variant and Smoking Reduction Effects

The most significant finding was the p.Glu284Gly missense variant in the CHRNB3 gene, identified exclusively in participants of Indigenous Mexican ancestry (p = 1.1  10-9).

Heterozygous carriers of p.Glu284Gly smoked approximately 21 percent fewer cigarettes per day than non-carriers (4.6 versus 5.6 cigarettes). Homozygous carriers, who were extremely rare and require cautious interpretation, smoked approximately 78 percent fewer cigarettes per day (1.25 cigarettes).

A separate loss-of-function variant in CHRNB3 was identified in East Asian participants in Japan Biobank data (p = 3.9  10-8). Although the specific mutations differed between populations, both rare variants were associated with substantial reductions in smoking intensity, underscoring the role of CHRNB3 in modulating tobacco consumption.

Differential Roles of CHRNB3 and CHRNB2 in Smoking Behavior

Comparative analyses suggested that CHRNB2 influences the likelihood of smoking initiation, or becoming an ever smoker, whereas CHRNB3 specifically affects smoking intensity among established smokers.

These findings support the hypothesis that the 3 subunit, expressed in the medial habenula of the brain, may regulate aversive or withdrawal-related effects of nicotine rather than its initial rewarding properties. This proposed mechanism is supported primarily by prior experimental and animal studies rather than direct human functional validation.

Therapeutic Implications and Study Limitations

This large-scale rare-variant analysis highlights population-specific coding variation associated with smoking intensity and suggests that the 3 subunit of nicotinic receptors may represent a potential therapeutic target for reducing tobacco consumption.

The authors hypothesize that pharmacologic inhibition of this subunit could potentially mimic the protective genetic effect observed in variant carriers, thereby reducing daily cigarette consumption. However, this implication remains speculative, and clinical nicotine dependence or tobacco use disorder was not comprehensively assessed in this analysis.

Limitations include the absence of replication in an independent Mexican cohort and the lack of direct functional laboratory experiments. Nevertheless, the convergence of findings across ancestries supports further investigation into the biological role of the 3 subunit to ensure that any future therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway are both safe and effective.
Fernando Viera Reyes needed a biopsy for possible prostate cancer when the Trump administration sent him to an immigration detention center in California's Mojave Desert.

There, he waited. Reyes, now 51, made repeated requests for the procedure, according to a lawsuit filed in November against the federal government, but months went by even though there was blood in his urine  a potential sign of cancer that's spread.

"It may have gone from very treatable to metastasized," said Kyle Virgien, who, as a lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union's National Prison Project, is involved with the lawsuit.

"There are vulnerable populations; it's crowded. The medical care isn't there to handle the increased number of people who are sick," Virgien said.

President Donald Trump's mass deportation effort has led to a record number of immigrants being held in federal detention centers, local jails, and private prisons. The situation is putting detainees' health at risk. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is violating standards that ensure immigrants receive initial medical screenings, routine health care, and timely responses to physical complaints, according to a review of more than 200 pages of detainee lawsuits, published independent and academic research reports, and recent congressional investigations by Democrats.

Complaints about inadequate medical care at detention facilities risk adding to the political backlash Trump faces over his aggressive deportation campaign, including the killing of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis. Democratic members of Congress have insisted on reining in federal immigration agents as part of a 2026 spending bill for the Department of Homeland Security, an impasse that threatens to largely shut down the agency.

Spokespeople for ICE and ICE Health Services Corps, the Department of Homeland Security, and the White House didn't respond to repeated requests for comment on this article. IHSC assesses health for deportation, oversees medical standards in contracted facilities, and reimburses for off-site medical care.

However, on the IHSC website, assistant director Stewart Smith said the corps "upholds health care standards across ICE-owned and contracted facilities, and ensures the provision of required health care delivery for detained aliens." For ICE's part, its website notes that "many aliens may not have received recent or reliable medical treatment for existing conditions prior to entering ICE custody. For some individuals, this may represent their first access to comprehensive medical care."

Some Democratic lawmakers have demanded autopsy reports on detainees who died in custody and have publicly accused ICE of denying immigrants access to care. Rep. Kelly Morrison (D-Minn.) said that a detention facility she visited at the state's historic Fort Snelling had no medical policy and "no real" on-site medical care.

"It raises alarm bells from a medical and public health perspective," Morrison, who is a doctor, told KFF Health News. "There are no beds, no blankets, minimal food. It's freezing in there. Everyone is in leg shackles. It's chaotic, disorganized, and, frankly, dangerous."

Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) recently denounced the health care given to detainees at a press briefing she held after visiting Liam Conejo Ramos, a 5-year-old boy in Minneapolis who was sent to the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in South Texas. She went to the center following media reports that he'd developed a fever and was in poor health.

"The treatment these people are suffering under right now is worse than those who are accused and sometimes even convicted of crimes. That's how bad it is," she said.

DHS locked down Dilley this month after two detainees contracted measles. The facility also houses children who are vulnerable to severe complications of the illness, such as brain swelling.

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Feb. 1 accused the administration of denying him entry to Dilley in late January in order to hide the measles outbreak.

And three measles cases were recently reported at a facility in Florence, Arizona.

Public concern is mounting, with nearly 60% of voters saying they disapproved of how Trump has handled immigration, according to a recent poll conducted by Siena University and The New York Times.

The type and scope of health care services that adult immigrants are supposed to receive depend in part on where they're held. ICE detention standards apply to specific centers such as private prisons that house both inmates and detainees, while separate standards are required at facilities that generally house adult immigrant detainees.

Despite the differences, certain basics are expected. Immigrants are supposed to receive a medical, dental, and mental health screening when they arrive, and they're supposed to receive daily sick calls, round-the-clock emergency care, and other services, including preventive care, screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

The standards exist to "ensure that detainees are treated humanely; protected from harm; provided appropriate medical and mental health care; and receive the rights and protections to which they are entitled," according to ICE's national standards, revised last year.

But the agency's failure to adhere to its own standards is leaving immigrant detainees at risk of medical emergencies and death, complications from untreated chronic illnesses, and infection with communicable diseases, according to lawsuits from advocates, congressional probes by Democrats, and state reports.

DHS has criticized some of the investigations as false, including a report by Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) on pregnant women and children in detention.

"ICE detention facilities have higher standards than most U.S. prisons that detain American citizens. All detainees are provided with comprehensive medical care, proper meals," DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in an August statement. On Feb. 17, McLaughlin announced she would be stepping down from her DHS post.

Weakened oversight, less infrastructure

Access to adequate health services has been imperiled because of the surge in detainees, a lack of oversight by the Trump administration, and a delay in processing medical claims that's jeopardized care, say advocates, lawyers, and some doctors.

"The challenges have been exacerbated because the pace of removals hasn't kept up with the pace of detentions. It adds to the problem," said Drishti Pillai, an associate director at KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News. "There are more public health issues when facilities are crowded."

The number of immigrants in detention swelled from about 40,000 in November 2023 under former President Joe Biden to a record 73,000 people in mid-January, according to the American Immigration Council, an advocacy group that focuses on litigation and research.

At the same time, the Trump administration has weakened oversight of the conditions and health services at detention centers. It cut staff at the DHS Immigration Detention Ombudsman office, effectively shuttering most of its operations, according to a KFF analysis and the Economic Policy Institute, a nonprofit that focuses on economic research.

The ombudsman's mission has been to "independently examine immigration detention to promote safe, humane conditions," according to the agency. DHS is currently the target of a partial government shutdown because of Democrats' opposition to a funding bill for the agency. As advanced by Republicans, that measure would zero out the ombudsman's funding.

There are also lengthy delays to process detainee health payment claims from third-party doctors and hospitals  a holdup that advocates and the federal government have said jeopardizes care.

The Department of Veterans Affairs' Financial Services Center long had a contract with ICE to process claims for care outside detention centers, such as oncology treatments or dialysis.

Congressional Republicans criticized the arrangement and claimed it diverted resources from veterans.

Veterans Affairs in October stopped processing detainees' claims. Documents ICE posted on a federal contracting website said the termination "created an emergency" by compromising the ability to reimburse providers and left the agency with no mechanism to provide services such as tuberculosis screening, nonemergency medical transportation, and medical equipment purchases.

"It is an absolute emergency for ICE to immediately procure claims processing support because lack of this support will delay critical medical care  such as dialysis, prenatal care, oncology, chemotherapy, etc.," according to partially redacted documents posted in late 2025 at Sam.gov, a federal system for contract data.

A new claims processor, Acentra Health, has been retained, but ICE has said on its website that no claims will be processed until April 30. Advocates say it's unclear whether detainees are getting access to off-site care as needed and say the claims delays are also discouraging medical providers from providing services to the immigrants.

"DHS has signed a new contract to process these claims and is currently onboarding the vendor," said Veterans Affairs spokesperson Pete Kasperowicz. "Meanwhile, VA is supporting this transition until May to ensure claims are processed appropriately."

Deaths in custody

ICE reports that at least eight detainees have died in custody so far in 2026, with 32 detainee deaths in 2025 and 11 in 2024. Those figures are contested, however, by some advocates and lawmakers who say the totals exclude detainees who died while being apprehended or in the care of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

House Democrats on the Homeland Security Committee say 53 people have died in ICE or CBP custody since Trump took office. They are demanding information from DHS, including autopsy reports for each death, staffing requirements for medical professionals, and video footage of one detainee who died in Texas.

"We are outraged" at the deaths, according to a Jan. 22 letter from the 13 lawmakers. "It is obvious yet tragic that ICE is unwilling or unable to provide basic care for detainees."

The Democrats pointed to the death of Geraldo Lunas Campos, 55, who was born in Cuba. He died Jan. 3 at a detention center in Fort Bliss, Texas, after ICE said he experienced medical distress. He had been taken into custody almost six months earlier.

"At no time during detention is a detained alien denied emergency care," ICE said in a Jan. 9 statement on the death.

The El Paso County Medical Examiner's Office ruled the death a homicide that occurred after Campos was restrained by law enforcement.

Meanwhile, other immigrants are still waiting for care. Reyes, who needed a biopsy for possible prostate cancer, eventually had the screening test, but as of early February had not received results. "He is in constant agonizing pain," according to the lawsuit filed in the Northern District of California.

On Feb. 10, a federal judge ordered ICE and DHS to provide adequate health care to detainees and to conduct external monitoring, including on-site inspections of the detention center.
When researchers studied Norwegians who thought tick bites caused their chronic health problems, they found no objective evidence linking the symptoms to ticks.

The same study finds that health problems reported by participants were associated with little physical activity and low labour force participation.

Many Norwegians pull ticks from their bodies every single summer. Roughly 2 per cent of those who are bitten are infected by a bacterium that leads to Lyme disease.

The disease can start with a rash that eventually spreads in the skin with a ring-shaped pattern. In some people, the disease can develop into facial paralysis, meningitis or other complications.

Can develop facial paralysis

"It is possible to get really sick from tick bites, but no matter how badly you are affected, antibiotics are the curative treatment. Most people need two weeks of treatment, while a few need up to four weeks," says Audun Olav Dahlberg.

Dahlberg is a senior consultant in clinical neurophysiology at Helse Mre og Romsdal HF, and is a specialist in clinical neurophysiology and neurology as well as a PhD research fellow at NTNU, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

As part of his doctoral dissertation, he examined 470 Norwegians who themselves link chronic and long-term health problems to tick bites.

His research found no evidence that the chronic health problems reported by this group are linked to ongoing tick-borne infections.

The study also shows that around 0.12 per cent of adults in Norway link chronic health problems to previous tick bites.

Depression, sick leave and exhaustion

"This is the first time that we have quantified how many people in Norway themselves link chronic health problems to tick bites. This group suffers greatly, including from a limited ability to work, severe fatigue and other health issues. Their symptoms have persisted for more than six months and they believe tick bites are the cause. However, blood tests indicate that active tick-borne infection cannot explain these persistent symptoms," says Dahlberg.

To recruit participants, the researchers sent SMS messages to 270,000 people randomly drawn throughout Norway, while GP offices, the Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Tick-borne Disease and the Norwegian Lyme Borreliosis Disease Association also helped with the recruitment.

A total of 470 participants were examined and compared with control groups. All were over 18 years old, and had had symptoms for more than six months.

More than one in three have Lyme disease antibodies

Persistent symptoms were most prevalent in areas with a lot of ticks. In South-Western Norway, around 0.15 per cent had problems attributed to tick bites, while the percentage in Northern Norway was just 0.03 per cent.

Among the participants, 37.5 per cent had antibodies against the bacterium that most often causes Lyme disease. This shows that many people have been in contact with the bacterium and developed an immune response.

The participants also had antibodies against Borrelia and other tick-borne microbes more often than the control group. However, the study found no proven association between these antibodies and the persistent symptoms.

The study shows that 23 per cent of the participants had been diagnosed abroad. Dahlberg says this raises questions regarding the diagnostic methods used in some countries, as some laboratories use test methods that are not in line with established professional practice.

Important to get correct diagnosis

"We have thoroughly investigated whether ticks can explain the suffering in this group of participants. Since the study found no link between persistent symptoms and ongoing infection, it can contribute to more targeted follow-up and treatment. Objective findings are important for making diagnoses, and long-term antibiotic treatment beyond established practice is not recommended. An incorrect diagnosis can lead to other medical conditions being overlooked. That makes it crucial to have a thorough investigation based on objective findings," says Dahlberg.

Lyme disease can make you very ill. Dahlberg says this means people should see their doctor if they develop symptoms after a tick bite so that correct treatment can be assessed and possibly started.

Dahlberg emphasizes that the study's findings apply at the group level.

"Of course, some individuals may experience long-term ailments after tick-borne infections, such as persistent nerve damage, immune responses, or a combination of biopsychosocial factors, such as psychological stress or social circumstances. However, the study shows no indications at the group level that a large number of Norwegians experience long-term symptoms that can be attributed to persistent tick infections," Dahlberg said.
Photo: https://eurosolidarity.org/

Member of Parliament of Ukraine and leader of the European Solidarity party, Petro Poroshenko has delivered the first 100 Stark 13 FPV drones to the military, according to the party's website on Tuesday evening.

"These have powerful batteries. The drone is capable of attacking a target with a 4 kg projectile at a distance of 10 kilometers. With a 3 kg projectileat nearly 20 kilometers. It drops the load, destroys the enemy, and returns for a new portion of bomb load," Poroshenko said.

The report notes that this is a new project of the Poroshenko Foundation aimed at increasing the combat capability of the army.

According to the politician, the average efficiency of each FPV is at least 35%. "By simple math, this means over 20,000 eliminated occupiers... We are constantly modernizing. From the first 7 and 8 FPVs to fiber optics and heavy 15 drones, and now with large drop systems, as well as 'Blyskavka' drones that fly up to 80 km. There will definitely be no mercy for the enemy from us. The result of these brand-new FPVs will be a 'gift' to the occupiers on the fourth anniversary of the large-scale invasion of this 13-year war," Poroshenko said.

In total, since the start of the full-scale invasion, the leader of European Solidarity has delivered over 68,000 FPV drones of various types worth UAH 1.2 billion to the units of the Defense Forces, the report concludes.
Air Ambulance crash: Family of deceased patient seeks compensation, justice

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 04:15 IST

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Latehar (Jharkhand) [India], February 25 (ANI): The relatives of patient Sanjay Kumar, who lost his life in the Air Ambulance crash in Jharkhand, shared their ordeal, saying that his condition continued to worsen during the treatment, and the doctor advised taking him by air. The ill-fated Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd Beechcraft C90 aircraft, registered VT-AJV, was operating a medical evacuation flight from Ranchi to Delhi when it went down in Kasariya Panchayat under Simaria block on Monday evening at around 7:30 pm. All seven onboard, including two crew members, lost their lives.Vijay Kumar, a relative of the patient Sanjay Kumar and his wife Archana Devi, stated that a fire broke out at his hotel, causing burn injuries while trying to escape. Upon consultation, the doctor advised the family to avoid road travel to transfer him to Delhi as he could collapse midway. The total cost for the Air Ambulance was around Rs. 8 lakh. A fire broke out in the hotel. He went inside to check and tried to put out the fire. When he realised that he was not able to put out the fire, he tried to run back out and fell. He got burned during that During his treatment, his condition continued to worsen. We consulted the doctor about whether we should take him to Delhi by road. But the doctor told us that if we took him by road, he could collapse midway. So we considered saving him and not the money. We somehow managed to arrange the expenses by borrowing. The air ambulance arrived here from Delhi. We were there till the it had taken flight around 7 pm. When we got back home, we heard this news. The plane ride cost us around Rs 8 lakh. We were Rs 3 lakh short. It took us a while to arrange for that" he said.

First Published: February 25, 2026, 04:15 IST

News agency-feeds Air Ambulance crash: Family of deceased patient seeks compensation, justice

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Andhra milk contamination case: Fifth death reported; 15 undergoing treatment

Last Updated: February 26, 2026, 00:00 IST

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Rajamahendravaram (Andhra Pradesh), Feb 25 (PTI) One more person has died in the suspected milk adulteration case here in East Godavari district, taking the toll to five, while 15 others are undergoing treatment at various hospitals, according to a press release.

Four people had died, and nearly 15 others were hospitalised at Rajamundry after consuming contaminated milk here.

The fifth victim was a 76-year-old woman from Gandhipuram. Several of the affected persons are undergoing dialysis and ventilator support following acute renal complications.

Strong epidemiological evidence indicates milk adulteration as the probable cause, and coordinated action has been initiated across departments, it said.

According to the health department, the cluster was first identified after multiple elderly persons were admitted to hospitals with symptoms including anuria, vomiting, abdominal pain and acute renal dysfunction requiring dialysis.

Clinical findings revealed elevated blood urea and serum creatinine levels, suggestive of toxic exposure, said the press release.

Preliminary epidemiological investigation indicated milk consumption as the primary source of exposure. Milk had been supplied to 106 families from a private dairy in Narasapuram village, and the supply was immediately stopped.

Emergency medical camps have been established in the affected areas, with round-the-clock deployment of doctors and ambulance services, it said.

Rapid Response Teams comprising the district surveillance officer, general medicine specialists, microbiologists, paediatricians, forensic experts, epidemiologists and nephrologists were constituted immediately.

Meanwhile, the Food Safety Department inspected the dairy unit from where the milk was supplied and collected surveillance and enforcement samples of milk, paneer, ghee, drinking water and vinegar. Samples from affected households were also collected.

These samples have been sent to laboratories in Kakinada and Hyderabad for microbial, physico-chemical, and toxic adulterant analysis.

In addition, blood and urine samples have been forwarded to the Indian Institute of Technology, Tirupati, for advanced toxicological examination.

The suspected milk vendor, a 33-year-old resident of Narasapuram village, has been taken into custody, and the dairy unit linked to the supply has been sealed. Forensic teams inspected the premises, and post-mortem samples have been sent to the Regional Forensic Laboratory, Vijayawada.

Police said an investigation is underway to trace the distribution network and identify all affected consumers.

The Animal Husbandry Department formed a team of four veterinary doctors, collected 41 milk samples along with cattle feed and water samples, and sent them to the Veterinary Biological Research Institute, Vijayawada, for analysis.

Senior officials, including the Commissioner of Health and the Director of Food Safety, have been deputed to monitor the situation. Further action will be taken based on laboratory findings and forensic reports, officials added. PTI MS HIG HIG

First Published: February 26, 2026, 00:00 IST

News agency-feeds Andhra milk contamination case: Fifth death reported; 15 undergoing treatment

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Court says IRS can continue to share immigrants' taxpayer data with ICE

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 04:45 IST

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Washington, Feb 25 (AP) A Washington, DC, federal court on Tuesday rejected a request from an immigrant rights group to temporarily block the IRS from sharing certain taxpayer data that could make it easier to identify and deport people who are in the US illegally.

A three-judge panel for the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit declined to issue a preliminary injunction for the immigrants rights group, Centro de Trabajadores Unidos, and other nonprofits that are suing the federal government over the data-sharing agreement signed last April by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

The agreement allows US Immigration and Customs Enforcement to submit names and addresses of immigrants inside the US illegally to the IRS for cross-verification against tax records.

In declining the preliminary injunction request, Judge Harry T Edwards wrote that the nonprofit groups are unlikely to succeed on the merits of their claim," since the information the agencies are sharing isnt covered by the IRS privacy statute.

A representative from Centro de Trabajadores Unidos did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said on social media that the court decision was a crucial victory" for the administration. Deporting illegal aliens makes the American people safer," Bondi said in her post.

The Trump administration has argued that the agreement helps carry out President Donald Trumps agenda to secure US borders and is part of his larger nationwide immigration crackdown, which has resulted in deportations and workplace raids.

The creation of the data sharing agreement was so controversial that the acting commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service resigned last year over the deal.

Earlier this month it was revealed in court filings that the IRS had erroneously shared the taxpayer information of thousands of people with the Department of Homeland Security as part of the agreement.

A declaration filed by IRS Chief Risk and Control Officer Dottie Romo stated that the IRS was only able to verify roughly 47,000 of the 1.28 million names ICE requested. For less than 5 per cent of those individuals, the IRS gave ICE additional address information, potentially violating privacy rules created to protect taxpayer data. (AP) MPL MPL

First Published: February 25, 2026, 04:45 IST

News agency-feeds Court says IRS can continue to share immigrants' taxpayer data with ICE

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Credent Global Finance raises Rs 30 cr capital through QIP for business growth

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 19:00 IST

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New Delhi, Feb 25 (PTI) NBFC firm Credent Global Finance on Wednesday said it has raised Rs 30 crore through Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) to fund business growth.

Institutional investors participated in QIP, reinforcing investor confidence in Credents evolving financial services platform and long-term growth strategy, the NBFC firm said in a regulatory filing.

Known for taking a contrary and opportunity-led approach in the market, Credent has recently increased its exposure to an Eastern India-based microfinance institution (MFI), reflecting its confidence in selective credit opportunities where risk-adjusted returns are compelling, it said.

The move aligns with the companys strategy of disciplined capital allocation and counter-cyclical investing, it said.

With enhanced capital, strategic exposure in high-potential segments, and a strengthened leadership team, we are well-positioned to scale sustainably and deliver long-term stakeholder value," Credent MD Aditya Vikram Kanoria said. PTI DP MR

First Published: February 25, 2026, 19:00 IST

News agency-feeds Credent Global Finance raises Rs 30 cr capital through QIP for business growth

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Deaths of 41 tigers recorded in Maharashtra in 2025: Minister

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 16:45 IST

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Mumbai, Feb 25 (PTI) A total of 41 tigers died in Maharashtra in 2025 with majority of them dying due to natural causes, a state minister told the assembly on Wednesday.

The government is intensifying efforts to curb the deaths of tigers due to accidents, electrocution, and poaching, state Forest Minister Ganesh Naik said.

As per the data provided by the minister, out of the deaths of 41 tigers, 28 died due to natural causes, eight others due to accidents, four due to electrocution, and one due to poaching.

The minister highlighted the vulnerability of the Ballarshah-Gondia railway line, which traverses through several forest divisions and the sensitive buffer zones of the Tadoba-Andhari and Navegaon-Nagzira tiger reserves in the state.

Statistics shows that five tigers lost their lives on this specific railway route between 2011 and 2025, he said.

To prevent the deaths of wild animals in railway accidents, the Chief Conservator of Forests (Regional), Chandrapur, has formally communicated with the Railway Department to implement specific safety measures," Naik stated in his reply.

The proposed measures include construction of underpasses and overpasses on newly-proposed railway lines to allow safe movement of animals; enforcing a speed limit of 40 kmph for trains passing through sensitive forest zones; and appropriate disposal of food waste by train passengers to ensure animals are not lured toward the tracks.

Naik noted that effective conservation efforts have led to an increase in the wildlife population. However, this success brings the challenge of migration as animals search for new habitats, often resulting in human-wildlife conflict.

To manage this, the government has submitted a proposal to the Finance Department to recruit 368 personnel on a contract basis for Rapid Rescue Units (RRU), Tiger Cell (TCC), and Elephant Tracking Teams.

The written reply also detailed the high-tech measures currently in place to protect the tigers in the state.

The minister said the field staff has been using the M-Stripes mobile-based monitoring system to track suspicious activities.

A dedicated Wildlife Crime Cell has been strengthened in Nagpur, while a Cyber Cell in Melghat is utilising digital footprints to track poachers.

Deployment of Special Tiger Protection Forces (STPF), dog squads, and the use of metal detectors to find iron traps near water holes are being considered, Naik said.

The minister assured the House that district-level tiger committees are meeting regularly to refine protection strategies and that a Secret Service Fund is being utilised to maintain a network of informants at the range level. PTI MR NP

First Published: February 25, 2026, 16:45 IST

News agency-feeds Deaths of 41 tigers recorded in Maharashtra in 2025: Minister

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'It was a mistake': Lucknow youth who shot father dead, chopped up body

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 21:30 IST

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Lucknow, Feb 26 (PTI) Galti se ho gaya (It happened by mistake)," the 21-year-old, accused of killing his father and dismembering the body, said on Wednesday while being taken to a local court amid tight security.

The grisly murder on early February 20, allegedly due to the fathers insistence that his son clears the medical entrance exam, has left the city shaken.

Confronted by mediapersons in the court premises, Akshat Pratap Singh said, Galti se ho gaya." When pressed on how such an act could happen by mistake", he remained silent.

Asked whether his younger sister was involved in the crime, Akshat shook his head in denial, indicating that she had no role in the incident.

Wearing a maroon pyjama and a sweatshirt, with a surgical face mask covering his face, Akshat was later escorted in a police vehicle under heavy security and sent to judicial custody.

According to the Lucknow Police Commissionerate, the accused shot his father Manvendra Singh (50) with his licensed .315 bore rifle at their residence in Ashiyanas Sector L on February 20 around 4.30 am following a dispute over the NEET examination.

Police said on February 23, Akshat lodged a written complaint at Ashiyana police station claiming that his father had gone missing. During questioning, however, his statements appeared suspicious.

On sustained interrogation, the accused broke down and confessed to having shot his father dead with his licensed rifle following a dispute over the NEET competitive examination," police said in a press note.

According to officials, after the murder, the accused used knives and saws to sever the hands and legs of the body in an attempt to destroy evidence.

The severed limbs were wrapped in polythene and dumped in bushes near a canal in the Nadarganj area, while the torso was concealed inside a blue plastic drum kept in the ground floor of the residence.

To mislead investigators, he filed a false missing report and allegedly told neighbours that his father had gone to Delhi on urgent work.

On his instance, police recovered the torso from the drum and the severed limbs. Two knives and two saws were recovered from near the Transport Nagar railway track where they had been discarded. A burnt woollen blanket and ashes were also recovered from Anora jungle in Sarojini Nagar, police said.

The licensed rifle used in the crime, along with cartridges and other evidence, has been seized. A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act at Ashiyana police station.

Earlier, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Jitendra Kumar Dubey had said prima facie the crime stemmed from anger over the father repeatedly pressuring the accused to focus on studies and clear the NEET examination.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Vikrant Vir had said a forensic team examined the spot and collected evidence and further investigation is underway. PTI KIS ARB ARB

First Published: February 25, 2026, 21:30 IST

News agency-feeds 'It was a mistake': Lucknow youth who shot father dead, chopped up body

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Jharkhand: RPF foils trafficking bid, rescues two girls; one held

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 16:45 IST

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Ranchi, Feb 25 (PTI) Ranchi Railway Police rescued two girls who were allegedly being trafficked to Delhi on the pretext of employing them for domestic work and arrested a woman, officials said on Wednesday.

The 40-year-old woman was intercepted on Monday during a checking drive after the arrival of the Jharkhand Sampark Kranti Express at Ranchi railway station.

The rescued girls, aged between 13 and 16 years, hail from Simdega district, they said.

The woman has been identified as Reshma Devi, a resident of Karari in Agar Nagar, Delhi, and several cases against her are pending at Jharkhands Gumla police station under sections related to kidnapping, rape, human trafficking, and POCSO Act, a senior railway police officer said.

Ranchi Railway police station sub-inspector Sohan Lal said, We rescued two girls and arrested the accused on Monday night during a checking drive in the train. When asked about their destination, the girls failed to give a clear response and said they were travelling to Delhi with the woman. On questioning, the woman claimed she was taking them for domestic work." During detailed interrogation by a woman sub-inspector at the RPF post, the accused allegedly admitted that she was taking the girls to Delhi on the promise of providing domestic jobs with a monthly salary of Rs 14,000 to Rs 15,000 each, while she would receive a commission of Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 per month per girl, he said.

She also admitted that she had previously taken several girls from Jharkhand to Delhi. It also came to light that a case against her had already been registered at Gumla police station under sections related to kidnapping, rape, human trafficking, and the POCSO Act on December 5, 2023.

The woman has been handed over to Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) at Kotwali police station.

Both girls have been handed over to a safe shelter (Premashray). PTI RPS RPS MNB

First Published: February 25, 2026, 16:45 IST

News agency-feeds Jharkhand: RPF foils trafficking bid, rescues two girls; one held

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Kerala Health Minister hurt during protest by oppn activists, CM condemns

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 16:45 IST

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Kannur/Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 25 (PTI) Kerala Health Minister Veena George allegedly suffered injuries during a protest by activists of the Congress-led oppositions student outfit here on Wednesday.

The incident occurred when the minister reached Kannur railway station to board a train, police sources said.

State Assembly Speaker A N Shamseer, who was present at the railway station at the time of the incident, told reporters that the minister suffered injuries to her hand and neck.

Visuals aired by news channels showed the minister, accompanied by police personnel, trapped between protesters.

She has been shifted to the government hospital here. She is being treated in the Intensive Care Unit, senior CPI(M) leader P Jayarajan said.

George has been facing protests by the opposition for the past one week following incidents of alleged medical negligence involving a few patients.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan strongly condemned the alleged attack on George by activists of the Congress student wing, KSU, calling it an act of deplorable politics" by the grand old party.

In a statement, the chief minister said the health minister was attacked and injured at Kannur railway station while she was walking towards the platform.

What happened there was not a protest of any kind, but the rampage of a group of violent individuals," Vijayan said.

The chief minister said Kerala has one of the best public health systems in India, a fact recognised by official agencies, and accused the Congress of exaggerating certain incidents to target a minister who had no involvement whatsoever.

Such actions cannot be seen as politics, but only as political degeneration," he said.

Warning the Congress leadership, Vijayan said they should not believe they could unleash their supporters and disrupt law and order or create unrest in the state." He said the responsibility for the incident rests entirely with the leadership of the Congress and the UDF, adding that the attack reflected a pattern of polluting politics by raising completely baseless allegations.

Calling the incident highly condemnable and deserving of strong protest", the CM said strict action would be taken.

The attack by KSU activists is a reflection of their style of polluting politics by raising completely baseless allegations. This incident is highly condemnable and deserving of strong protest," Vijayan said. PTI TGB KH

First Published: February 25, 2026, 16:45 IST

News agency-feeds Kerala Health Minister hurt during protest by oppn activists, CM condemns

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Rajasthan High Court gets bomb threat via email; nothing suspicious found

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 16:45 IST

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Jaipur, Feb 25 (PTI) The Rajasthan High Court received a bomb threat via email on Wednesday morning, prompting authorities to search the premises, officials said.

The search was conducted before the scheduled commencement of court proceedings, and nothing suspicious was found, police said.

An email threat was sent to the high court administration, warning of multiple blasts.

Upon receiving information, the police, dog squad and other agencies rushed to the spot and conducted a thorough search of courtrooms, judges chambers and the entire premises.

Police said that no suspicious object was found during the search.

Judicial work was not halted as the checking was conducted before the scheduled commencement of court proceedings. Hearings and all courts functioned according to schedule.

The high court had received similar threats on two consecutive dates last week, ahead of Chief Justice of India Surya Kants visit to Jaipur.

Multiple high courts and district courts across the country have received similar threats over the past few weeks. PTI SDA OZ OZ

First Published: February 25, 2026, 16:45 IST

News agency-feeds Rajasthan High Court gets bomb threat via email; nothing suspicious found

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TTD cautions devotees against fake websites offering accommodation

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 19:00 IST

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Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh), Feb 25 (PTI) The TTD on Wednesday cautioned devotees against fake websites and brokers allegedly cheating pilgrims by offering accommodation in Tirumala.

The temple body said the issue surfaced following a complaint from a Kerala-based devotee who was allegedly duped by a person claiming to provide rooms under the name Karnataka Pravasi Soudha" in Tirumala.

We once again urge Srivari devotees to remain vigilant against brokers and fake websites that are cheating pilgrims in the name of providing accommodation in Tirumala," said an official release from the temple body.

Based on the complaint, TTDs Vigilance Department conducted an inquiry and found that unauthorised persons had created fake websites using images of the Tirumala temple under the name of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams to mislead devotees.

These websites, which appeared in Google search results, were collecting money from pilgrims through online payment modes, it said.

The temple body has lodged complaints through its IT Department with the police to initiate legal action against those running such fake websites.

Cases have also been registered under the Copyright Act against websites unauthorizedly using TTD logos and temple images. Therefore, devotees are urged to book darshan, accommodation and seva tickets only through the official TTD website, it said.

They (devotees) were also advised to immediately inform TTD authorities about any suspicious websites, phone calls or offers to avoid being cheated.

TTD is the official custodian of Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirupati, the richest Hindu shrine in the world. PTI MS STH KH

First Published: February 25, 2026, 19:00 IST

News agency-feeds TTD cautions devotees against fake websites offering accommodation

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Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko has sent materials to the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding Russias attacks on Ukraines energy infrastructure, stating that such actions by the enemy bear the hallmarks of a crime against humanity.

"I sent an information message to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court regarding Russias attacks on Ukraines energy facilities during the period from July 2025 to February 2026," Kravchenko reported on his Telegram channel on Wednesday.

He noted that the document was prepared by the Office of the Prosecutor General jointly with the Main Investigative Department of the Security Service of Ukraine and the Interdepartmental Working Group of Military Specialists in accordance with Article 15 of the Rome Statute of the ICC.

"During this years heating season, strikes organized by the highest military-political leadership of Russia were aimed at all types of energy facilities in most regions of Ukraine," the Prosecutor General emphasized.

He pointed out that the attacks were carried out in the form of prolonged, massive combined strikes using ground, air, and sea-based weapons, and their intensity exceeds the combined previous periods of massive attacks from October 2022 to March 2023 and from March 2024 to March 2025.

"The entire technological chain of the energy system has been affected, from generation to main transmission and distribution. Damage was sustained by thermal power plants, hydroelectric power plants, combined heat and power plants, and distribution networks. The cumulative effect of the shelling, taking into account weather conditions, made this campaign more systemic and destructive than previous ones. The consequences were felt by almost every resident of Ukraine," the Prosecutor General stressed.

He noted that as a result of missile attacks on energy facilities during the specified period, 11 civilians were killed and 68 were injured.

At the same time, Kravchenko drew attention to the fact that these attacks provided no military advantage and could not have done so. "Their goal is to terrorize the population and create uninhabitable conditions. We view the enemy attacks as a widespread and systematic assault that bears the hallmarks of crimes against humanity," the Prosecutor General clarified.

He explained that the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC has been informed about the chronology of the attacks, their consequences, potentially involved units of the Russian Armed Forces, and representatives of the military-political leadership of Russia who could have issued the orders.

"The message was sent to consider the possibility of expanding charges against Russian officials who are already in the focus of the ICC Prosecutors Office investigation, as well as to identify other persons involved in crimes falling under the jurisdiction of the ICC," the Prosecutor General informed.

According to Kravchenko, the work of collecting and systematizing evidence continues. "It can be provided at the request of the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC in the manner determined by the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine and the Rome Statute of the ICC," he added.

The Ukrainian Prosecutor General expressed gratitude to the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC for its consistent position on bringing those guilty of international crimes to justice.

"We look forward to further effective cooperation to ensure the inevitability of punishment," he concluded.
Day 3: Clean Max Enviro Energy IPO Vs Shree Ram Twistex IPO; Know GMP, Subscription And Reviews

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 17:24 IST

Clean Max Enviro Energy and Shree Ram Twistex IPOs are open for public subscription till 5 pm today; here's which one looks better.

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Clean Max Enviro Energy IPO Vs Shree Ram Twistex IPO.

Two mainboard IPOs  Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions and Shree Ram Twistex  have been closed today, February 25. The IPOs offer investors a choice between a renewable energy infrastructure play and a textile manufacturing bet. Heres a comparison based on subscription data, grey market premium (GMP), valuations and broker views.

Subscription Status (Day 3)

On Day 3, Clean Max Enviro Energy IPO was subscribed 0.99 times. QIB demand stood at 2.99x, NII at 0.57x and retail at 0.07x, indicating subdued interest from investors.

Shree Ram Twistex IPO saw overall subscription of 43.66 times. Retail demand was at 76.63x, while QIB participation was 3.94x and NII stood at 220.30x.

Price Band And Issue Size

Clean Max Enviro Energy IPO is a Rs 3,100-crore issue comprising Rs 1,200 crore fresh issue and Rs 1,900 crore offer for sale. The price band is Rs 1,000-Rs 1,053 per share and minimum retail investment is Rs 14,742 for one lot of 14 shares.

Shree Ram Twistex IPO is a much smaller Rs 110.24-crore fresh issue priced at Rs 95-Rs 104 per share. Retail investors need Rs 14,976 to apply for one lot of 144 shares.

Grey Market Premium (GMP)

Clean Max Enviros GMP stood at (-)Rs 3, implying an estimated listing price of Rs 1,050, suggesting negative listing.

Shree Ram Twistex GMP was Rs 16.5, indicating an estimated listing price of Rs 120.5, or about 15.87% potential upside.

Both companies will be listed on BSE and NSE on March 2.

Business Positioning

Clean Max is Indias largest commercial and industrial (C&I) renewable energy service provider with roughly 8% market share. Analysts note the segment has a potential market size of about Rs 3 lakh crore as corporates  which consume nearly half of Indias electricity  increasingly shift toward green energy.

Shree Ram Twistex operates in the textile sector as a cotton yarn manufacturer serving B2B markets. Industry estimates suggest Indias textile sector could grow from about $174 billion to $350 billion by 2030, driven by exports, sustainability trends and policy support.

Analysts Views

SBI Securities highlighted Clean Maxs capital-efficient model and relatively low leverage, but noted the IPO is valued at EV/EBITDA of about 21.7x (FY25) and 16.3x (annualised 1HFY26).

Aditya Birla Capital said, At the upper price-band, the issue is valued at 16x EV/Ebitda, which according to us, is expensive," though it assigned a Subscribe for long-term rating citing industry growth visibility.

For Shree Ram Twistex, Swastika Investmart said valuation at around 29-30x P/E already factors in most future growth and advised investors seeking listing gains to avoid the issue. Master Capital Services noted investors may consider it as a long-term opportunity given sector growth prospects.

Use Of Proceeds

Clean Max will use Rs 1,125 crore from fresh proceeds to repay debt, with the remainder for general corporate purposes.

Shree Ram Twistex will deploy proceeds for business expansion and operational requirements as it is entirely a fresh issue.

Which IPO Looks Better?

For listing gains, Shree Ram Twistex currently shows stronger grey market sentiment and investor traction. Clean Max, on the other hand, has stronger QIB participation but muted GMP, suggesting institutional conviction but limited short-term listing pop expectations.

For long-term investors, both issues are being viewed positively but with valuation caution. Clean Max offers exposure to the fast-growing renewable C&I power segment, while Shree Ram Twistex provides a play on Indias expanding textile exports and domestic demand.

Disclaimer: Disclaimer: The views and investment tips shared in this article are for general information purposes only. Readers are advised to consult a certified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

First Published: February 25, 2026, 11:52 IST

News business ipo Day 3: Clean Max Enviro Energy IPO Vs Shree Ram Twistex IPO; Know GMP, Subscription And Reviews

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IRFC Shares Fall 4% After Railway PSU Launches OFS Today

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 12:29 IST

IRFC shares fell 4 percent after announcing an Offer for Sale of up to 4 percent equity to meet SEBI MPS norms.

IRFC stock declines 4% after OFS launch

IRFC Share Price: Shares of IRFC (Indian Railway Finance Corporation) slipped 4 per cent intraday on Wednesday, February 25, after Railway PSU announced an Offer for Sale for 2 per cent equity.

According to IRFC circular, IRFC promoters are selling their stakes via OFS. The base offer includes 26,13,70,120 shares (2% equity) with an oversubscription option of another 2 per cent, making the total possible sale up to 4 per cent. Of which, 25,000 shares are reserved for employees.

Offer Dates and Structure

The OFS will open for non-retail investors on February 25, 2026 (T day), and for retail investors and employees on February 26, 2026 (T+1 day). The offer window will remain open from 9:15 am to 3:30 pm on both days.

Retail investors can bid for shares worth up to Rs 2 lakh. Around 10% of the offer size has been reserved for retail investors, while a minimum of 25% of the non-retail portion is reserved for mutual funds and insurance companies.

Additionally, up to 25,000 shares have been earmarked for eligible employees.

Floor Price and Allocation

The floor price for the offer has been fixed at Rs 104 per share. There is no discount for retail or employee categories.

Shares will be allocated on a price priority basis at or above the floor price. Retail investors will also have the option to bid at the cut-off price, which will be determined based on non-retail demand on T day.

Objective of the Stake Sale

The government is undertaking the OFS to comply with the Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) norms prescribed under SEBI regulations.

Goldman Sachs (India) Securities Private Limited has been appointed as the sole broker for the transaction.

First Published: February 25, 2026, 12:29 IST

News business markets IRFC Shares Fall 4% After Railway PSU Launches OFS Today

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Stocks To Watch Today: IRFC, Lupin, HG Infra, Waaree Energies, RVNL In Focus

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 08:42 IST

IRFC plans 2% OFS, HG Infra wins Rs 1,582 cr NHAI bid, Lupin gets US FDA nod, Dr Reddys SEC probe ends, Waaree wins 300MW project, etc.

Stocks To Watch on February 24

Stocks To Watch Today: Domestic equities are likely to begin Wednesdays session on a positive note, with GIFT NIFTY futures indicating a 77-point gap-up opening for the NIFTY50.

IRFC: Government OFS

Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) will be watched as the government plans to sell up to 2% stake via an Offer for Sale on February 2526, with an option to offload another 2%. The floor price has been set at Rs 104 per share.

HG Infra: Rs 1,582 Crore NHAI Project

HG Infra Engineering has emerged as the lowest bidder for a Rs 1,582 crore NHAI project. The contract involves building a six-lane, access-controlled Capital Region Ring Road in Odisha under the Hybrid Annuity Mode.

Lupin: US FDA Approval

Lupin has received US FDA approval for its Brivaracetam Oral Solution (10 mg/mL), used for treating partial-onset seizures. The reference drug recorded annual US sales of about $135 million.

Dr Reddys: SEC Probe Closed

Dr Reddys Laboratories said the US Securities and Exchange Commission has concluded its investigation into alleged improper payments and does not intend to recommend any enforcement action.

Waaree Energies: 300 MW Wind Project

Waaree Energies subsidiary has secured a Letter of Award from SECI for developing a 300 MW wind power project in Dwarka, Gujarat.

RVNL: Rs 270 Crore Railway Order

Rail Vikas Nigam (RVNL) has received a Letter of Acceptance worth Rs 270 crore from Central Railway for traction substation and related infrastructure works.

Aditya Infotech: Block Deal Buzz

Promoters and Dixon Technologies are likely to sell up to 5.8% stake in Aditya Infotech via a block deal estimated at around Rs 1,000 crore. Promoter holding stood at 76.74% as of February 24.

Hindalco: $200 Million Share Subscription

Hindalco Industries said Novelis has entered into a $200 million share subscription agreement with AV Minerals for the purchase of 13.33 lakh shares.

Power Grid: Higher Investment Cap

The Cabinet has raised Power Grids permissible equity investment limit per subsidiary to Rs 7,500 crore from Rs 5,000 crore, while retaining the 15% net worth cap.

Hexaware: AWS Collaboration Expanded

Hexaware Technologies has expanded its partnership with Amazon Web Services to strengthen AI-led software development and cloud transformation services.

5Paisa Capital: Rights Issue Approved

The board of 5Paisa Capital has approved a Rs 475 crore fundraise through a rights issue.

GIC Re: CMD Recommendation

The Financial Services Institutions Bureau has recommended Hitesh Rameshchandra Joshi for the post of Chairman and Managing Director at General Insurance Corporation of India.

Samhi Hotels: Marriott Tie-Up

Samhi Hotels subsidiary has signed operating agreements with Marriott for two Navi Mumbai hotels under the Westin and Fairfield brands.

First Published: February 25, 2026, 08:42 IST

News business markets Stocks To Watch Today: IRFC, Lupin, HG Infra, Waaree Energies, RVNL In Focus

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US Imposes 126% Duty On Indian Solar Imports; Waaree Energies, Premier Energies Fall 10%

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 09:29 IST

Waaree Energies, Premier Energies, among solar exporters face US duties up to 126 percent on Indian solar imports.

Solar stocks in focus

Shares of Waaree Energies Ltd., Premier Energies Ltd. and other solar peers fell 10 per cent intraday on Wednesday, February 25, after the Trump administration imposed preliminary duties of 126% on solar imports from India, according to documents reviewed by CNBC-TV18.

The initial duties have also been set between 86% and 143% for imports from Indonesia, and at 81% for imports from Laos. The US Commerce Department said the rates were calculated based on foreign subsidies that allegedly enabled exporters to undercut domestic solar producers.

Shares of Waaree Energies Limited fell 10 per cent to drop Rs 2,721 per share in the morning session. Similarly, Vikram Solar Limited shares dropped 5.72 per cent intraday to Rs 174.79 per cent.

Meanwhile, Premier Energies Limited shares hit the lower circuit of 10 per cent at Rs 699.35 per share, stopping the trading for a while.

Duties Separate From Reciprocal Tariffs

The newly announced duties are distinct from the reciprocal tariffs earlier imposed by the Trump administration, which were struck down by the US Supreme Court last week. Following that ruling, former President Donald Trump issued a 10% universal tariff declaration, later increasing it to 15% over the weekend. The 10% tariff took effect from last night local time.

According to the US Commerce Department, solar imports from India were valued at $792.6 million in 2024, more than nine times the level recorded in 2022.

Citi analyst Vikram Bagri, in a research note on Tuesday, said the steep duty rates would likely render the US market largely inaccessible for Indian solar panel manufacturers.

Impact On Indian Solar Players

Waaree Energies has an established presence in the US. During its December quarter earnings call, the companys management described the US as a key market, noting ongoing manufacturing operations and expanded investments. The company recently acquired Meyer Burger and continues to explore both organic and inorganic growth opportunities.

As of the end of the third quarter, Waaree Energies reported an order book of Rs 60,000 crore and expressed confidence in surpassing its FY26 EBITDA guidance of Rs 5,500Rs 6,000 crore. Overseas markets contributed 32.6% of its December quarter revenue.

While Premier Energies has limited US exposure, about 20% of Vikram Solars order book is export-linked.

Market Reaction And Stock Performance

In April last year, shares of Waaree and Premier had rallied after the US imposed anti-dumping duties on solar equipment imports from four Southeast Asian countries, excluding India at the time.

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips by experts in this News18.com report are their own and not those of the website or its management. Users are advised to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

First Published: February 25, 2026, 07:50 IST

News business markets US Imposes 126% Duty On Indian Solar Imports; Waaree Energies, Premier Energies Fall 10%

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Odisha Murder Convict Gets Interim Bail To Walk Daughter To School For Class 10 Board Exams

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 14:33 IST

The petition argued that the father's absence during her daughter's board exams posed difficulties for the girl's safety as well as her education

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The HC ordered that the bail will remain in force until March 10, after which the convict must surrender before the lower court. (AI Image)

With board exams for Classes 10 and 12 currently underway, several incidents from examination centres across the country have drawn attention. Videos from centres in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have gone viral, showing students being stopped at the gates for arriving late, often in emotional scenes.

Amid these reports, a deeply moving case has emerged from Odisha, where a father serving a life sentence in a murder case has been granted temporary freedom so he can help his daughter appear for her Class 10 board exams. In its order, the Odisha High Court observed that education is a fundamental right of every child and noted that in certain circumstances a parents presence becomes essential.

According to reports, the girls examination centre is located nearly 5 kms from her home. With only elderly grandparents at home who were unable to escort her to the centre daily, the father approached the court seeking temporary release. Taking note of the circumstances, the HC observed that while the law must remain strict, humanitarian considerations cannot be ignored. On this basis, the court granted interim bail for a limited period.

The father, Srinivas Patra, who was convicted in a 2010 murder case, has been in jail since January 2021. The petition argued that the fathers absence during her daughters board exams posed difficulties for the girls safety as well as her education. After hearing both sides, the court considered the familys situation to be a significant factor.

A division bench of the Odisha High Court granted interim bail to the father, clarifying that the relief was temporary and limited only to the examination period. It ordered that the bail will remain in force until March 10, after which the convict must surrender before the lower court. He will also be required to comply with all bail conditions and submit a compliance report.

The court directed the Jagatsinghpur District and Sessions Court to implement the order immediately and clarified that the decision will not affect the original conviction or sentence.

Why is the decision significant?

The order highlights the judiciarys effort to balance strict enforcement of the law with humanitarian considerations. The court emphasised the importance of a childs education and safety while ensuring that the legal process remains unaffected.

Location : Odisha (Orissa), India, India

First Published: February 25, 2026, 14:33 IST

News cities bhubaneswar Odisha Murder Convict Gets Interim Bail To Walk Daughter To School For Class 10 Board Exams

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'Feels Like The Pandemic': As Mumbai Gasps, Citys Pollution Politics Heats Up

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Last Updated: February 26, 2026, 01:00 IST

Mumbais BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani has also addressed public concerns, saying that the citys AQI levels are the result of multiple factors

The worsening air quality in the city has sparked strong political reactions from the opposition. (File pic: PTI)

Mumbais air quality has once again slipped into dangerous territory, with the city recording an AQI of around 170 on February 25, well into the unhealthy" range and far above the safe limit of 050. Doctors continue to warn that prolonged outdoor exposure could trigger breathing discomfort, especially among children, senior citizens, and those with underlying respiratory conditions.

The poor air has now become part of daily life for most Mumbaikars. Actress Saiyami Kher, who runs regularly along the citys promenades, took to social media to voice her concern over the AQI in the city in a post that quickly went viral. She wrote that stepping out now feels like the pandemic", except that this time, instead of the virus, the air itself could kill us". For her, running is a personal anchor, but she says the very air that once energised her feels like its quietly destroying" her.

The worsening air quality in the city has also sparked strong political reactions from the opposition. Congress MLC Satyajeet Tambe criticised the government for allowing development to overshadow public health priorities. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray accused the administration of normalising hazardous AQI in Mumbai, where he took a dig at the government and said, If Mumbaikars breathing in pollution doesnt bother you, just imagine that theres a VIP coming to our city for a week."

Samajwadi party leader Abu Asim Azmi also staged a symbolic protest in the Vidhan Bhavan, wearing a mask and holding up a banner that highlighted Mumbais alarming AQI and demanded urgent intervention.

The state government has cited action on its part. Environment Minister Pankaja Munde informed the legislative assembly that between October 2025 and January 2026, civic authorities had issued 1,047 stop-work notices to construction sites found violating dust control and environmental norms.

We are following a strict escalation matrix for violators. Construction projects failing to adhere to dust-mitigation guidelines are first given a formal intimation, followed by a show-cause notice, and then a stop-work order if they remain non-compliant," said Munde.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, while answering a question on air pollution in the ongoing assembly, said the Mumbai civic body has been directed to prepare a dynamic monitoring system based on Internet of Things (IoT) and AI to track sources of air pollution in the city.

Mumbais BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani has also addressed public concerns, saying that the citys AQI levels are the result of multiple factors. According to him, a portion of the pollution comes from meteorological conditions, which no agency can control. Another layer stems from regular emissions from vehicles and industry, which require coordinated action across departments. Construction activity, he said, contributes roughly 35% to the overall AQI impact, and the BMC can regulate only that segment.

Gagrani added that the civic body is expanding hyper-local monitoring with the help of IIT Kanpur to better understand micro-level pollution patterns. BMC has also mandated AQI sensors at construction sites and continues dust-control measures such as road misting, mechanical sweeping, and targeted enforcement at non-compliant locations.

First Published: February 26, 2026, 01:00 IST

News cities mumbai-news 'Feels Like The Pandemic': As Mumbai Gasps, Citys Pollution Politics Heats Up

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Maharashtra Tables Rs 11,995 Crore Supplementary Demands In Budget Session

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 10:17 IST

Of the Rs 11,995 crore presented this time, Rs 1,067 crore is for mandatory expenditure, while Rs 9,322 crore is for various programmes and schemes

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Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. (Image: X/@CMOMaharashtra)

The Maharashtra government on Tuesday presented supplementary demands worth Rs 11,995 crore in both Houses of the state legislature during the ongoing Budget Session.

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis tabled the demands in the assembly, while minister of state for finance Ashish Jaiswal presented them in the legislative council. With this, the total supplementary expenditure for the financial year 2025-26 has reached Rs 1.45 lakh crore. The government has said it is trying to bring discipline to the practice of placing large supplementary demands in every session. Over the years, such demands have often run into thousands of crores, increasing the overall financial burden on the state.

Of the Rs 11,995 crore presented this time, Rs 1,067 crore is for mandatory expenditure, while Rs 9,322 crore is for various programmes and schemes. The net additional burden on the state exchequer is estimated at Rs 4,699 crore. The demands will be discussed in the Legislature on February 26 and 27. The biggest allocation in the current list is Rs 4,792 crore for the Solar Agricultural Pump Scheme. The amount will be used to transfer a loan received from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank to the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MahaVitaran). The scheme aims to support farmers with solar-powered pumps and reduce dependence on conventional power.

A provision of Rs 3,112 crore has been made to provide electricity tariff concessions to agricultural pump users, power loom operators and textile consumers. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, Rs 1,431 crore has been earmarked as the states share towards the central scheme. The government has also provided Rs 803 crore under the Package Scheme of Incentives to support small, medium and large industries, including mega projects. Token provisions of Rs 1,000 each have been made for works under the Water Resources Department, including irrigation projects, construction of health institutions and hospitals, roads and bridges under the hybrid annuity model, the Shiv Bhojan scheme and the Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule child welfare scheme.

Department-wise, the highest share goes to Industries, Energy, Labour and Mining at Rs 9,907 crore. Water Supply and Sanitation has been allocated Rs 1,431 crore, followed by Water Resources at Rs 222 crore, Revenue and Forest at Rs 152 crore, Planning at Rs 80 crore and Rural Development at Rs 71 crore.

First Published: February 25, 2026, 10:17 IST

News cities mumbai-news Maharashtra Tables Rs 11,995 Crore Supplementary Demands In Budget Session

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Azim Premji University Students Protest: ABVP Activists Arrested For Assault And Vandalism

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Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 08:59 IST

Students accused ABVP members of labelling them as "anti-nationals," which escalated tensions and deepened divides within the campus community.

ABVP activists were arrested for staging a protest against Azim Premji University on Tuesday. (Image: PTI)

Azim Premji University near Sarjapur experienced heightened tension after students claimed a fellow student was assaulted during an ABVP protest. The protesters alleged that ABVP members disrupted a campus event discussing womens issues in Kashmir, forcefully entering the premises, derailing the discussion, and vandalising university property.

Students further accused ABVP members of labelling them as anti-nationals," which escalated tensions and deepened divides within the campus community.

In response, students presented a list of demands to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, seeking his intervention. Their key demands included:

 A state government ban on the RSS.

 Immediate action against the ABVP activists allegedly involved in vandalism.

 Ensuring protection for students, faculty, and academic discussions on campus.

The unrest continued into the night with a late-night protest held on campus. Students chanted slogans as tensions remained high following the confrontation.

Police maintained a vigil outside the university as a precaution, but the protest remained confined within the campus.

FIR Filed Against ABVP Activists

An FIR was registered against ABVP activists in connection with the incident. Sarjapur police detained several ABVP workers, subsequently registering a case at the Sarjapur Police Station.

According to PTI, ABVP activists were arrested for staging a protest against Azim Premji University on Tuesday, alleging that an event at the institution promoted separatism in Jammu and Kashmir and insulted the Indian Army. Visuals from outside the university; police personnel deployed.

VIDEO | Bengaluru: ABVP activists arrested for staging a protest against Azim Premji University on Tuesday, alleging that an event at the institution promoted separatism in Jammu and Kashmir and insulted the Indian Army. Visuals from outside the university; police personnel pic.twitter.com/WFYKiQGdUW Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 25, 2026

The detained activists were brought before a judge in Anekal, who granted bail to 21 individuals. The ABVP workers were released around 3.30 am following the bail order.

First Published: February 25, 2026, 08:59 IST

News education-career Azim Premji University Students Protest: ABVP Activists Arrested For Assault And Vandalism

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Fusion Of Medical And Engineering Disciplines: What Is Biomedical Engineering And Who Can Study?

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Last Updated: February 24, 2026, 14:47 IST

Career Guidance: Biomedical engineering applies engineering principles and design concepts to innovate in medicine and biology.

In countries like the US and Germany, the average salary for biomedical engineers exceeds $90,000 (around Rs 75 lakh). (AI Generated Image)

Several students preparing for the JEE Main and Advanced exams think engineering is solely about software, construction, or machine building. However, theres an engineering branch that brings you closer to the medical field: biomedical engineering, where technology and healthcare intersect.

Those who couldnt pursue a career as a doctor but have a passion for both engineering and biology, biomedical engineering could be your ideal path. Lets delve deeper into this fascinating branch.

What Is Biomedical Engineering?

Biomedical engineering applies engineering principles and design concepts to innovate in medicine and biology. In simple terms, it involves developing technology to assist medical professionals in their work.

What Do You Do In This Field?

Medical Equipment Manufacturing: Designing complex devices such as MRI, CT scan, ECG machines, and ventilators.

Prosthetics: Creating robotic limbs for individuals who have lost their limbs.

Nanotechnology: Developing drug delivery systems at the microscopic level to treat diseases like cancer.

Tissue Engineering: Researching and developing artificial skin or organs in the lab.

Career Opportunities

With a degree in biomedical engineering, your career options extend beyond hospitals, offering global opportunities:

Biomedical Scientist: Researching new medical systems.

Clinical Engineer: Ensuring the safety and effectiveness of hospital technology.

Software Developer (Health-Tech): Creating AI-based apps to predict diseases from symptoms.

Rehabilitation Engineer: Designing special equipment to assist people with disabilities.

Salary Expectations

The rise of health-tech startups in India and abroad has significantly increased salaries in this sector.

Entry Level: Graduates from prestigious colleges (IIT/NIT) can expect packages ranging from Rs 6 lakh to Rs 12 lakh per annum.

Medium Level: With 4-5 years of experience, salaries can reach Rs 18 lakh to Rs 25 lakh.

Global Scope: In countries like the US and Germany, the average salary for biomedical engineers exceeds $90,000 (around Rs 75 lakh).

As biomedical engineering is a specialised field, you need to excel in JEE Main and Advanced to secure admission into top institutes like IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, NIT Rourkela, and VIT.

Biomedical engineering is more than just a job; its a modern way of serving humanity. Its ideal for students who want to use technology to save lives and desire a luxurious lifestyle.

Top Engineering Colleges and Cutoff

1. Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)

Admission to IITs is through JEE Advanced. These are the most prestigious institutes.

IIT Bombay: Known for its Masters and PhD programs in Biomedical Engineering, with B.Tech (Interdisciplinary) options also available.

IIT Madras & IIT Delhi: Leaders in biomedical research.

IIT Hyderabad (B.Tech in Biomedical Engineering): Cutoff (General): Under 8,000  10,000 Rank (JEE Advanced).

IIT Ropar & IIT BHU (Varanasi): Offer specialised biomedical courses. Cutoff (General): 10,000  14,000 Rank (JEE Advanced).

2. National Institutes of Technology (NITs)

Admission to NITs is based on JEE Main.

NIT Rourkela: One of the top NITs for Biomedical Engineering. Cutoff (General): 35,000  45,000 All India Rank.

NIT Raipur: Cutoff (General): 45,000  55,000 All India Rank.

First Published: February 24, 2026, 14:37 IST

News education-career Fusion Of Medical And Engineering Disciplines: What Is Biomedical Engineering And Who Can Study?

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ICSI CS December 2025 Professional Results Announced, Top 3 Ranks Secured By Girls

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Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 11:42 IST

ICSI CS December 2025 Professional Exam Results: Kinjal Ajmera secured rank 1 followed by Manya Bathla and Charu Upadhyay who grabbed the second and third spots respectively.

The The ICSI CS Executive results will be declared today at 2 PM today. Executive results will be declared today at 2 PM today.

ICSI CS December 2025 Results Out: The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) has released the results for the CS Professional December 2025 exams today, February 25. Candidates can check their results online by visiting the official website  icsi.edu. The online scorecards can be accessed by logging in to the portal with the student roll number and 17-digit registration number.

According to ICSI, the CS Executive results will be declared today at 2 PM. Along with the results, candidates will also receive their subject-wise marks breakdown.

ICSI CS Result December 2025: Top 10

Rank 1  KINJAL AJMERA

Rank 2  MANYA BATHLA

Rank 3  CHARU UPADHYAY

Rank 4  VINEE NIRMAL SAPRE

Rank 5  ANJALI KUMARI

Rank 6  KAMAL SINGH RAWAT

Rank 7  KUNIKA BHAVESHBHAI SHAH

Rank 7  AASTHA PATEL

Rank 8  MANASA IYER R

Rank 9  HEER OZA PARAM

Rank 10  AYUSH YADA

ICSI CS Result December 2025: How To Check?

Candidates can check their result by following these simple steps:

Step 1. Visit the official website  icsi.edu.

Step 2. Click on the CS Executive and CS Professional December 2025 result link on the home page.

Step 3. Enter your roll number and other login details.

Step 4. Your result will appear on your screen.

Step 5. Download your result and save it for future reference.

ICSI CS December 2025 Professional Exam Result Direct Link

The CS Executive and Professional December 2025 exams were conducted offline from December 22 to December 29, 2025, at designated exam centres across the country.

ICSI has clarified that the e-result-cum-marks statement for Executive Programme candidates will be made available only on the website. Hard copies of mark sheets for the Executive Programme will not be sent by post to any candidate. Therefore, candidates are advised to download and preserve their scorecards.

ICSI CS June Exam Application

ICSI has announced the schedule for the June 2026 exam session. The June 2026 exams for the CS Professional and Executive programmes will be held in the morning shift from June 1 to June 7, 2026. Online enrollment for these exams will begin on February 26, 2026.

Additionally, the Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CSEET) will be held in the afternoon shift from June 1 to June 4, 2026. Online registration for CSEET will begin from March 1, 2026.

First Published: February 25, 2026, 11:42 IST

News education-career ICSI CS December 2025 Professional Results Announced, Top 3 Ranks Secured By Girls

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59-year-old entrepreneur detained in Kyiv for directing Russia shelling under cover of defense orders - SBU

The State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has detained another spotter who directed Russia shelling on Kyiva 59-year-old entrepreneur recruited by the FSB who was engaged in the production of armored glass for Defense Forces vehicles.

"According to SBU cyber specialists, he was preparing a series of Russia air attacks on domestic companies that repair military transport and modernize its tactical and technical characteristics," the SBU informed via its Telegram channel on Wednesday.

According to the Ukrainian intelligence service, to identify the locations of such enterprises, the individual visited their addresses under the guise of concluding contracts for the production of armored glass and coordinating the technical tasks for relevant orders.

"In reality, while on the territory of the defense companies, he marked the geolocations of the objects, including technological workshops, on Google Maps," the agency clarified.

Furthermore, as noted by the SBU, the individual was supposed to purchase and covertly install mini-cameras with remote access functions on the territories of potential "targets" for the Russian special services.

"With the help of disguised video devices, the Russians hoped to track the consequences of the planned attacks on Ukrainian facilities," the intelligence service emphasized.

SBU employees exposed the agent in advance, documented his contacts with the FSB, and detained him at his place of residence. Simultaneously, comprehensive measures were taken to secure the defense companies.

The investigation established that the individual came to the attention of the occupiers when he published pro-Kremlin comments in Telegram channel chats.

During searches, a smartphone and computer equipment containing evidence of his work for the enemy were seized.

"Contracts with the enterprises that he tried to target with Russian weapons were also found in the detainees possession," the SBU highlighted.

Based on the collected evidence, SBU investigators informed the agent of a suspicion under Part 2 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (state treason committed under martial law).

The perpetrator is in custody without the right to bail.

Comprehensive measures were carried out by SBU officers under the procedural guidance of the Kyiv Regional Prosecutors Office.

The SBU once again reminds citizens: "If you or your acquaintances are being recruited by the enemy, or if you have information about the possible activities of Russian special services, report it to the SBU: chat-bot Burn the FSB agent  t.me/spaly_fsb_bot, tel.: 0 800 501 482, Email: [email protected]"
NEET Pressure Murder: Lucknow Teen Kills Dad  Can Exam Stress Trigger Violence? How Parents Can Help?

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 08:04 IST

A 19-year-old has been arrested for allegedly killing his father following repeated arguments over studies.

Experts say unmanaged stress and family pressure can have consequences.

A crime in Lucknow has once again raised concerns about the impact of extreme academic pressure on young minds. A 19-year-old boy has been arrested for allegedly killing his father following repeated arguments over studies and career expectations.

The case has deeply disturbed many and triggered a serious debate about whether intense academic pressure, particularly around competitive exams like the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), can drive someone towards violent behaviour and what families can do to prevent such tragedies.

Son Accused Of Killing Father After Dispute

Police said the incident occurred in Lucknows Ashiyana area on February 20. The accused, Akshat Pratap Singh, allegedly shot his father, Manvendra Singh, with a licensed rifle after a heated argument. The father worked as a pathologist and liquor trader.

During questioning, the teenager told police that fights at home had become frequent. He said he felt constant pressure regarding competitive medical exams such as NEET. Investigators revealed that after the shooting, he tried to hide the crime, horrifyingly.

According to police, he cut the body into parts, separating the hands, legs below the knees and the head". The torso was placed inside a sleeping bag and kept in a blue drum at home, as per The Times of India. Other body parts were thrown in a secluded place near Sadrauna. The head has not yet been found.

Officials reportedly said he had also arranged nearly 10 litres of kerosene and planned to burn the remains to remove evidence. Before he could carry out the plan, the police arrested him.

In an attempt to mislead authorities, he filed a missing person complaint and claimed that his father had gone to Delhi. He also told some people that his father had died by suicide. However, police noticed gaps in his statements. After sustained questioning, he broke down and confessed. His sister was reportedly present during the crime and was threatened to stay silent.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Vikrant Vir said, He confessed to shooting his father in anger. The body parts were disposed of at different locations. The accused is in custody, and further legal action is underway", as quoted by The Times of India.

Does Extreme Exam Pressure Like NEET Trigger Violence?

Extreme exam pressure, like NEET, does not usually turn someone violent. However, in rare situations, very high stress mixed with anger and personal issues can lead to dangerous reactions.

Psychologists often refer to the frustration-aggression theory, which explains how blocked goals can build anger. In most cases, this anger does not lead to serious violence, but if someone lacks emotional control, it can turn into harmful behaviour.

What Are the Psychological Insights?

Long-term exam stress often causes anxiety, sadness and even thoughts of self-harm. It is far more common for students to harm themselves than others. Research shows that pressure can increase irritability and short temper, but it usually shows up as arguments, fights or impulsive actions, not murder.

Poor emotional control, lack of support and repeated provocation can increase risks. When students feel trapped, unheard or constantly criticised, their stress may build up in unhealthy ways.

What Are Some Rare NEET-Related Cases?

There have been isolated cases linked to exam stress. In one case, a 20-year-old NEET aspirant allegedly killed his mother and injured his father in March 2025, saying he could not handle the pressure. Then comes the recent story, a 19-year-old reportedly shot and dismembered his father after arguments over NEET preparation.

These incidents are extremely rare. Sadly, exam stress in India has more often been linked to student suicides rather than violence against others.

What Prevention Advice Is Available?

Experts reportedly say early counselling can help students deal with frustration and fear. Simple talk therapy and methods like CBT can help manage negative thoughts. Parents are advised to lower unrealistic expectations and create a safe, supportive space at home.

Students in India can also reach out to helplines such as iCall (9152987821) for emotional support.

How Can NEET Exam Stress Be Managed?

Preparing for NEET requires planning, not panic. A clear daily routine can reduce confusion. Breaking the syllabus into small parts and using 25-minute study sessions with short breaks can help maintain focus. Weekly mock tests can build confidence.

Simple relaxation steps such as deep breathing, short walks and light exercise can calm the mind. Getting enough sleep, eating healthy food and limiting social media are also important.

Which Relaxation Apps Are Recommended?

Apps like Calm and Headspace offer short guided meditation and breathing sessions that students can use during study breaks. Insight Timer provides a large free collection of relaxation tracks.

Short daily sessions of five to ten minutes are enough to build mental strength. These tools work best when combined with offline habits like talking to family, taking walks and avoiding overuse of screens.

What Role Do Parents Play in NEET Prep?

Parents play a key role in reducing stress. Listening without judging, praising effort instead of ranks and avoiding comparisons can make a big difference. Creating a quiet study space and ensuring regular meals and sleep also help.

If signs of burnout appear, such as withdrawal or constant anger, seeking professional help is important. Most importantly, children should feel that their worth is not tied only to exam results.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: February 25, 2026, 08:00 IST

News education-career NEET Pressure Murder: Lucknow Teen Kills Dad  Can Exam Stress Trigger Violence? How Parents Can Help?

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Lucknow University Students Protest Over Mosque Closure: What The Controversy Is All About?

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 09:56 IST

LU administration closed the building for renovation and safety reasons, which angered the Muslim students. With the help of Hindu students, they continued to offer Namaz there.

LU campus remained tense, with some students protesting and chanting religious slogans like 'Jai Shri Ram.' (Image: ANI)

Lucknow University (LU) is currently at the centre of a controversy involving religion and communalism. The issue revolves around a mosque in a 200-year-old Mughal-era building called Lal Baradari, where Muslim students traditionally offered Namaz. The university administration closed the building for renovation and safety reasons, which angered the Muslim students. With the help of Hindu students, they continued to offer Namaz there. This led to the deployment of police on campus, and 13 students received notices, creating a tense atmosphere. The incident occurred during Ramzan, escalating the controversy.

What happened on February 23?

On February 23, 2026, renovation work was ongoing at Lal Baradari on the LU campus, and a sign had been posted. The administration locked and barricaded the building, preventing Muslim students from offering namaz, allegedly without notice. In response, Muslim students attempted to offer namaz on the street outside, leading to rising tensions. Hindu students from groups like NSUI, Samajwadi Chhatra Sabha, and AISA supported them by forming a human chain.

A viral video showcased this solidarity, with some viewing it as an example of Ganga-Jamuni culture, while others, including some Hindu students, were enraged. As tensions escalated, a heavy police presence was established on campus to maintain order. The police report noted that social harmony and public peace were at risk due to the sloganeering and protests.

Protests, religious slogans and sit-ins

On February 24, 2026, the LU campus remained tense, with some students protesting and chanting religious slogans like Jai Shri Ram." They attempted to reach Lal Baradari but were stopped by police and administration. They then staged a sit-in, reciting the Hanuman Chalisa and raising slogans outside the Proctors office. This protest was in response to the Namaz controversy, with some students arguing that the university should not host religious activities. Meanwhile, Muslim students and their supporters claimed discrimination. The police presence prevented major disturbances, but tensions remained high. Students expressed a collective desire for peace.

University administration and police action: Notice to 13 students

As the controversy grew, the LU administration took a firm stance. The Assistant Commissioner of Police from the Hasanganj police station issued a show-cause notice to 13 students under Section 130 of the IPC. The report stated that the students actions disrupted construction work at Lal Baradari and created a tense situation on campus, potentially threatening future peace. The police report, based on Sub-Inspector Ashwani Kumar Mishras account, led to a case being registered under Sections 126/135 of the IPC. The administration believes these activities could disrupt university peace.

What are the terms of the notice

To maintain law and order, the 13 students were directed to submit a personal bond of Rs 50,000 and two sureties of the same amount. This guarantee is meant to ensure peace for the next year. The students were asked why these financial guarantees should not be obtained to prevent future incidents. The Executive Magistrate, satisfied with the police report, ordered the students to appear in court on February 24, 2026. The notice warned that failure to maintain peace would result in strict legal action. This order was officially issued on February 23, 2026.

Why did the controversy escalate?

The controversy stems from Lal Baradari being an ASI-protected monument with a mosque where Muslim students offered namaz during Ramadan. The administration closed the building for safety and repairs, but students claimed this was done without notice and was discriminatory. When Muslim students were stopped, Hindu students helped by breaking down barricades and forming a human chain. This was seen as an example of Ganga-Jamuni culture, but some groups protested, arguing against religious activities on campus. Police reports mention attempts to offer namaz in a public place, sloganeering, and protests, creating tension among students. A heavy police presence is now on campus, and while students express a desire for peace, they believe the administrations decision was wrong. The incident occurring during Ramadan further fueled communal tensions.

#WATCH Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: Students protested outside the Lal Baradari Masjid built inside Lucknow University over the mosque being closed. The students are holding a sit-in protest to demand the opening of the mosques door. (22.02) pic.twitter.com/dTsaJDb0wT ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2026

What will happen next

Currently, the police are on high alert at LU, and 13 students are set to appear in court. The administration cites safety and law and order, while students see it as a matter of religious freedom. Videos and social media posts are circulating, with some groups raising religious slogans and inciting tensions.

First Published: February 25, 2026, 09:56 IST

News education-career Lucknow University Students Protest Over Mosque Closure: What The Controversy Is All About?

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SBI SCO Recruitment 2026: Application Begins For 116 Specialist Officer Posts, Check Details

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 12:38 IST

SBI Specialist Officer Recruitment 2026: The application process is entirely online, and eligible candidates can apply by visiting the official website, sbi.bank.in/web/careers.

The salary for a Specialist Officer at SBI is quite competitive. (Getty Images)

The State Bank of India (SBI) has announced a recruitment drive for those aspiring to pursue a career in the banking sector as Specialist Officers. The recruitment for 2026 includes positions in Technology, Risk Management, and Credit and Finance. The notification outlines a total of 116 positions divided into three main profiles.

The application process commenced on February 23 and will conclude on March 15. The total vacancies include 12 Assistant Vice President posts, 43 Deputy Manager (IS Audit) vacancies and 61 Deputy Manager (CA) posts.

The application process is entirely online, and eligible candidates from across the country can apply by visiting the official website, sbi.bank.in/web/careers. Here, candidates can find all the necessary details regarding the recruitment process, including educational qualifications, age limit, selection process, and salary.

SBI SO Recruitment 2026: Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification:

Technical Posts: B.E./B.Tech in relevant subject or PG degree in Computer Science.

Finance/Credit Posts: CA, ICWA, or MBA in relevant subject is required.

Experience: Most positions require 2 to 5 years of experience in the relevant field.

Age Limit: The age range for these positions is generally 23-25 years minimum and 35-42 years maximum. Candidates from reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/PWD) receive upper age relaxation as per government rules.

Selection Process for SBI SO Recruitment

The selection process usually includes two or three stages:

Shortlisting: Based on qualification and experience, candidates are shortlisted from all applications.

Written Test/Interview: Some positions require a written test, while senior posts may involve a direct interview.

Merit List: The final merit list is based on interview marks and eligibility.

SBI SO Salary Details

The salary for a Specialist Officer at SBI is quite competitive. Besides the basic pay, benefits like dearness allowance (DA), house rent allowance (HRA), and city compensatory allowance are provided according to the grade. As per the recruitment advertisement, SBI SOs can earn up to Rs 50 lakh per annum. Additional benefits include medical care, leave travel concession (LTC), and loans at affordable rates.

First Published: February 25, 2026, 12:38 IST

News education-career SBI SCO Recruitment 2026: Application Begins For 116 Specialist Officer Posts, Check Details

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Success Story: From Growing Up In A Naxalite-Affected Area To Cracking Two Govt Jobs, Who Is Amit Kumar?

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News18.com

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 14:10 IST

Father didn't have money to pay school fees, son worked hard and cleared two government jobs simultaneously, is now a police inspector.

Amit Kumar lived in a mud house in the village, and often, his parents didn't have enough money to light the stove. (Image: News18 Hindi)

Once considered a safe zone for Naxalites, the Imamganj area of Gaya district has seen many young people transforming its image by securing government jobs in recent years. One such individual is Amit Kumar, a 2022 batch sub-inspector currently posted in Bhojpur district. Here we share Kumars story of struggle and how he rose from this area to become a sub-inspector.

When Kumar was born, his village, Devjara, was dominated by Naxalites, and he grew up amid their terror. Despite living in poverty, his parents kept him safe, reported News18 Hindi. He lived in a mud house in the village, and often, they didnt have enough money to light the stove.

To educate his children, Kumars father left the village and moved to Magara Bazaar. He opened a small shop with a loan and progressed from there while working as a farm labourer, while his mother ran the shop. Together, they paved the way for Amit Kumars success.

He began preparing for government jobs during his first year of graduation. Though his first attempt at the Sub-Inspector exam was withheld due to technical reasons, his hard work paid off, and he secured two significant posts simultaneously. He was selected as a Sub-Inspector in the Bihar Police and also for the position of Station Master in the Indian Governments Railway Department. However, he chose to serve as a Sub-Inspector in the Bihar Police and is currently posted in Bhojpur. Amit completed his education up to the tenth grade in Imamganj and his intermediate studies at Gaya College, Gaya.

Self-study became Kumars key mantra. During his graduation, he went to Patna to prepare for government jobs. After a year of study, he returned to Gaya and prepared for exams like Inspector and Station Master. In 2021-22, he received results for both exams simultaneously and opted to join the Bihar Police. While studying in Gaya, Kumar formed a group of 50 young people like himself who were struggling. He encouraged them to engage in group self-study, preparing questions for them to solve. Due to his efforts, more than 40 members of his group are now employed in various government departments.

Amit Kumars father, Kamlesh Kumar, a farmer by profession, explained that they are hereditary farmers and did not want their children to continue farming. With this aim, he and his wife worked hard as labourers to educate their children. It was challenging to afford private school fees for two children, so they removed their daughter from school and focused on Kumars education. Today, Kumar has brought respect to the family by becoming a police inspector. His sister continued her studies at her maternal home, completed her matriculation, and pursued GNM studies, now working in a private hospital.

Kamlesh Prasad shared that he got married in 1992, after which he went out to meet the familys expenses, working in a thread factory in Bhiwandi, Mumbai. After a division among the brothers, he returned home and got involved in farming.

First Published: February 25, 2026, 14:10 IST

News education-career Success Story: From Growing Up In A Naxalite-Affected Area To Cracking Two Govt Jobs, Who Is Amit Kumar?

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9 Months On, Pakistan Border Posts Damaged In Operation Sindoor Remain Under Repair | Exclusive

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 08:00 IST

A top-level government official shared this with News18 while quoting a field assessment, which includes photographs and other details of affected sites

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 last year in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. (File image: Sourced)

The ten-month milestone for Operation Sindoor is fast approaching, but a significant number of Pakistani border outposts damaged during Indias military response to the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack remain under reconstruction, a top-level government official told News18, quoting the field assessment.

The assessment, according to the sources, which includes photographs and other details of affected sites, found that many forward posts are only partially functional, with rebuilding efforts continuing at a slow and cautious pace.

Notably, Pakistan has erected basic defensive structures facing the Indian side that are designed to shield troops from incoming fire.

During Operation Sindoor, the Border Security Force (BSF), placed under Indian Army operational command for the duration of the conflict, struck 118 Pakistani border outposts, primarily in the Punjab and Jammu sectors.

The damage extended beyond physical structures, with communication systems, defensive fortifications, and supporting military assets also taking heavy hits.

A senior officer with a key operational role described the intent bluntly. The message was clear: if they fire one, you fire countless."

Sources said Pakistani forces initially attempted to rebuild damaged structures and restore access routes shortly after the strikes.

However, reconstruction barely moved for nearly two months following the ceasefire, with Pakistani forces seeming hesitant to resume work for fear of drawing renewed fire.

Field assessment, according to the sources, indicates that while some basic structures have since been put in place, full restoration is far from complete. A handful of outposts have been rebuilt and returned to operational status, but many continue to function from temporary or makeshift setups without full supporting infrastructure. At a few locations, the extent of visible damage remains largely unchanged from what was recorded in the immediate aftermath of the operation.

Construction activity is still ongoing at multiple sites, a testament to the lasting impact Operation Sindoor has had on Pakistans frontline border infrastructure.

India had launched the offensive in the early hours of May 7 last year; the Indian military targeted terror infrastructure located across the border in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The operation continued until a ceasefire took effect on May 10. The four-day confrontation saw the use of fighter jets, missiles, armed drones, heavy artillery, etc.

First Published: February 25, 2026, 08:00 IST

News india 9 Months On, Pakistan Border Posts Damaged In Operation Sindoor Remain Under Repair | Exclusive

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ACB Raids J&K's Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary's Brother Amid Mining Sector Allegations | Exclusive

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 09:42 IST

Top intelligence sources told CNN-News18 that the raid is linked to investigations into a purported illegal mining racket operating in several districts of Jammu and Kashmir

Rapid Read

The ACB has been particularly active in recent months, registering cases related to corruption, illegal appointments, and bribery within various departments.

The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Wednesday conducted a raid at the residence of Vijay Choudhary, brother of deputy chief minister Surinder Choudhary, in Jammu, escalating political tensions in the Union Territory amid ongoing scrutiny of alleged irregularities in the mining sector.

The deputy chief minister currently holds the crucial mining portfolio in Jammu and Kashmir and the development is being viewed as a significant move by the anti-corruption watchdog, particularly in light of persistent allegations surrounding illegal mining operations across the region.

Top intelligence sources told CNN-News18 that the raid is linked to investigations into a purported illegal mining racket operating in several districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Allegations suggest possible involvement or indirect benefits accruing through family members in connection with mining activities that fall under the deputy chief ministers administrative oversight.

While there has been no official statement detailing specific charges against Vijay Choudhary, opposition parties have long raised concerns in the assembly regarding illegal extraction of sand, gravel, and boulders, accusing the government of failing to enforce regulations effectively. Surinder Choudhary, in his capacity as mining minister, has repeatedly faced criticism over what opponents describe as lax enforcement and selective action against violators.

Critics have also alleged favouritism toward certain stone crusher operators and mining contractors, some of whom are believed to have political or bureaucratic connections. Complaints from districts such as Kathua have pointed to alleged manipulation in land allotments and irregularities benefiting select entities.

The ACB has been particularly active in recent months, registering cases related to corruption, illegal appointments, and bribery within various departments. The latest raid is expected to intensify political pressure on the deputy chief minister, especially given past accusations of irregularities in the mining sector and claims of revenue loss and environmental degradation due to unchecked extraction activities.

The deputy CM has previously vowed strict action against illegal mining and assured transparency in the functioning of the department. However, the ACBs action against his brother is likely to fuel fresh debate in the assembly and sharpen opposition attacks in the coming days.

Officials have not yet disclosed whether further searches or summons are expected as part of the ongoing investigation.

Location : Jammu, India, India

First Published: February 25, 2026, 09:42 IST

News india ACB Raids J&K's Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary's Brother Amid Mining Sector Allegations | Exclusive

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'Calculated Measure': CJI Slams Class 8 NCERT Book Over 'Corruption In Judiciary' Reference

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 11:36 IST

Terming it a "calculated measure", the CJI said he would not allow anyone to defame or question the institutions integrity.

Supreme Court raises concerns on NCERT's 'judicial corruption' chapter.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Tuesday strongly criticised the reference to judicial corruption" in Class 8 NCERT textbook and termed the move as a calculated and deep-rooted" attack on the judiciary.

Stating that he wont allow anyone to defame the institution, the CJI said, I know how to deal with it. It seems to be a calculated measure."

The CJI further took a suo motu cognisance of the issue and said he had been receiving numerous calls and messages, including from High Court judges, expressing concern.

CJI Kants statement came after Senior Advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishesh Singhvi mentioned the matter before him.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal told the court that the inclusion of judicial corruption" in school textbooks is very disturbing". Adding to this, Abhishek Singhvi argued that it appeared as though one institution was being singled out, with no mention of corruption among politicians, ministers or bureaucrats.

We are deeply disturbed as the members of this institution to find that the children of Class 8 students are being taught about corruption in the judiciary. It is part of the NCERT. It is entirely scandalous. We have the copies of the book," Sibal said in court.

Responding to the concerns, the CJI asserted that he is aware of the matter and will take action. He added that the court would not permit any attack on the judicial institution.

Wait for a day. This is definitely concerning the entire institution. The bar and the bench are perturbed. Every stakeholder in the system is really perturbed, I am receiving lot of calls and messages. There are judges of High Courts who are perturbed," CJI Kant said, adding, Whosoever high it may be, the law will take its course. I know how to deal with it."

It seems to be a very calculated and deep-rooted measure towe dont want to say anything moreI am aware and I have done my duty," the CJI added.

First Published: February 25, 2026, 11:06 IST

News india 'Calculated Measure': CJI Slams Class 8 NCERT Book Over 'Corruption In Judiciary' Reference

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Delhi To Indraprastha? BJP MP Seeks Renaming Of National Capital, Cites Mahabharat-Era Links

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 12:10 IST

Praveen Khandelwal, BJP MP from Chandni Chowk, urges Union Home Minister Amit Shah to rename Delhi as Indraprastha.

BJP MP urges Union Home Minister Amit Shah to rename Delhi as 'Indraprastha' (Image for representation)

Praveen Khandelwal, BJP MP from Chandni Chowk, has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging the Indian government to initiate a formal process to rename Delhi as Indraprastha".

In his letter to Shah, Khandelwal expressed confidence that restoring the name Indraprastha" would reconnect the capital with its ancient civilisational foundation. It would symbolise that the seat of the worlds largest democracy stands upon the legacy of one of humanitys oldest cultural traditions".

The BJP leader acknowledged that the government has already taken steps to restore historically authentic names of cities, such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Prayagraj.

Renaming Delhi as Indraprastha would be a historic step towards restoring the civilisational identity of Indias capital", Khandelwal argued, adding it would strengthen the national pride; at the same time, highlight Indias ancient heritage.

Such a step would not only correct a historical disconnect but would also reaffirm Indias commitment to honouring and preserving the legacy of its great civilisation", wrote the BJP MP.

MAHABHARAT-ERA LINKS?

In his letter to the Home Ministry, Praveen Khandelwal pointed to archaeological findings at Purana Qila, where excavations have revealed Painted Grey Ware pottery and settlement layers dating back to around 1000 BCE, associated with the Mahabharat-era.

According to the MP, such discoveries back the long-standing belief that Indraprastha once stood at the site of present-day Delhi.

Calling the proposal a landmark initiative," he appealed to the Home Ministry to initiate consultations with historians, archaeologists and other stakeholders to study the feasibility of the change.

KERALA TO KERALAM

The proposal comes just a day after the Union Cabinet approved the renaming of Kerala as Keralam  a demand that had been raised twice by the Kerala assembly, which passed resolutions in 2023 and 2024, urging the union government to bring changes in the Constitution to formalise the change.

First Published: February 25, 2026, 12:10 IST

News india Delhi To Indraprastha? BJP MP Seeks Renaming Of National Capital, Cites Mahabharat-Era Links

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Heat Of The Moment: Delhi Man Booked For Racially Abusing Arunachal Women, Says He Is Ashamed

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 07:55 IST

Harsh Singh and his wife, Ruby Jain, have been booked in connection with the incident.

FIR Filed Against Harsh Singh and his wife, Ruby Jain, After Racial Slur Against Northeastern Women in South Delhi.

Days after the controversy, the Delhi man accused of racially abusing and threatening three women from Arunachal Pradesh in Malviya Nagar has expressed shame and apologised to people from the Northeast.

Harsh Singh and his wife, Ruby Jain, have been booked in connection with the incident. The dispute began over repair work, when dust from an air conditioner installation fell onto the couples floor.

Police registered a first information report under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Sections 79 (word intended to insult a womans modesty), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), 3(5) (common intention) and 196 (promoting enmity on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc.).

What he said?

Speaking to ANI, Singh said he and his wife were definitely ashamed" of the incident, adding that the remarks were made in the heat of the moment.

He said they were cooperating fully with Delhi Police and had faith in the police and the Indian judiciary. He urged social media users to listen to both sides and asked for no media trials.

Singh alleged that his property was being attacked and that one of his men was about to be attacked. He said the situation escalated after one of the women came forward. He added that he and his wife would accept any punishment given by the court.

He also said he was receiving obscene images of his mother on social media and requested that his family and profession not be dragged into the matter. He personally apologised to all Northeastern people.

#WATCH | Delhi | Accused Harsh Singh says, We are showing complete cooperation with Delhi Police and we have complete faith that the police and Indian judiciary stand with us and will clear everything through unbiased investigation We are definitely ashamed. I am not such a https://t.co/8uTN5Cgs3d pic.twitter.com/snug3ZFdBh ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2026

What happened that day?

The incident took place on February 20, when three women from Arunachal Pradesh called an electrician to install an air conditioner in their flat at 3:30 pm.

During the drilling work, dust and debris fell onto the floor below, leading Singh and his wife to object. The couple allegedly abused the electrician. One of the women said they defended him, stating he was only carrying out work at their home.

The argument escalated and the couple also called the police. Videos of the incident later went viral on social media. In the footage, Singhs wife was allegedly heard calling the women momo", a term used as a slur referring to a popular northeastern dish.

The accused also allegedly called the women sex workers and made derogatory remarks.

Arunachal CM condemns incident

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu condemned the incident and described it as shameful.

In a post on X, he said such behaviour was unacceptable and had no place in society. He added that he spoke to the Commissioner of Delhi Police and was assured that the accused would be apprehended at the earliest and dealt with as per law.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: February 25, 2026, 07:55 IST

News india Heat Of The Moment: Delhi Man Booked For Racially Abusing Arunachal Women, Says He Is Ashamed

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Himachal Police Vs Delhi Police Over Arrest Of 3 Youth Congress Workers, Cross FIRs Filed

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 26, 2026, 07:22 IST

The three Congress workers were detained from Rohru in Shimla district early on Wednesday by a team from the Special Cell of Delhi Police.

Himachal Police had intercepted the Delhi team at Dharampur and called the detention illegal. (Screengrab via PTI)

The standoff between Delhi Police and Himachal Pradesh Police over the arrest of three Youth Congress workers linked to the AI Impact Summit protest came to an end after a dramatic 24 hours on Thursday morning, after the Delhi Police team was finally cleared to head back to the national capital with the arrested individuals.

In the 24-hour stalemate, the Delhi Police team was detained" for about five hours even after procuring the transit remand from the ACJM, news agency PTI reported.

On Wednesday evening, the issue escalated after Himachal Pradesh Police registered a kidnapping case against the Delhi Police personnel and detained" their vehicles at the Shogi border near Shimla.

The three workers were detained from Rohru in Shimla district early on Wednesday by a team from the Special Cell of Delhi Police. According to Delhi Police sources, the team was returning with the accused to the national capital when they were stopped by Himachal Police in Solan district.

Himachal Police had intercepted the Delhi team at Dharampur and called the detention illegal". The three workers were subsequently brought back to Shimla and are being produced before a local court as per legal procedure.

VIDEO | Shimla: A jurisdiction dispute has erupted after the Delhi Police detained three Youth Congress workers in connection with an AI Summit protest pic.twitter.com/H7o7eaYOb8 Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 25, 2026

Based on a complaint, Shimla Police registered an FIR at Chirgaon Police Station. It was alleged that 1520 unidentified persons in plain clothes arrived at a resort in Mandli, Chirgaon, and forcibly took away three guests staying there.

The complainant also alleged that a Thar vehicle belonging to the guests was taken and that the DVR of CCTV cameras at the resort was removed without any seizure memo.

However, Delhi Police sources said the Special Cell team was carrying out lawful action in connection with the AI Summit protest case and alleged that their officers were obstructed while performing official duty.

Following the interception in Solan, the Special Cell registered a cross FIR, accusing Himachal Police of obstructing government work.

The three workers were picked up in connection with protests staged last week during the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. During the demonstration, some Youth Congress members removed their shirts inside the venue to display T-shirts carrying slogans against the government and the India-US interim trade deal.

While the BJP termed the protest shameful", the Youth Congress defended it as peaceful. Delhi Police have also arrested Indian Youth Congress president Uday Bhanu Chib and others in the case.

First Published: February 25, 2026, 18:52 IST

News india Himachal Police Vs Delhi Police Over Arrest Of 3 Youth Congress Workers, Cross FIRs Filed

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Ukraine and France are continuing work on a record level of supplies of AASM Hammer guided aerial bombs for the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Ministry of Defense reports.

"Recently, Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and French Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Catherine Vautrin, during a meeting in Kyiv, signed a Letter of Intent regarding the joint production of weapons on the territory of Ukraine and France. A separate topic of the negotiations was the work on a record level of supplies of AASM Hammer guided aerial bombs," the message states.

As the Ministry of Defense clarifies, in the French Air and Space Force, AASM Hammer aerial bombs can be used from a wide range of aircraft. In particular, they are compatible with the F-16, Dassault Rafale, Mirage 2000D, and others. In the Air Force of the AFU, these aerial bombs have been adapted for launches from MiG-29 aircraft.

AASM Hammer is a kit of additional equipment that transforms free-fall aerial bombs into high-precision, guided munitions. It includes a guidance unit and a tail module with fins and a booster.

Thanks to the guidance unit with inertial, satellite, laser, or infrared guidance types, these bombs hit targets with a deviation of up to 10 m. The booster allows for the destruction of enemy objects at a distance of up to 70 km. Therefore, aircraft can drop them at a safe distance from the impact zone.

Currently, the most popular AASM Hammer kits are for the 250-kg Mk 82 aerial bomb and the 1,000-kilogram Mk 84. However, kits for other bombs also exist.
Jharkhand Air Ambulance Crash: No Black Box On Aircraft, Weather Radar Under Scrutiny

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 12:26 IST

Among the aspects under investigation is whether a faulty onboard weather radar caused the Beechcraft C90 King Air to deviate fatally from its planned route.

The air ambulance that crashed in Kasariya Panchayat, Simariya block of Chatra district, in Jharkhand. (Image: ANI)

The medical evacuation aircraft that crashed in Jharkhand on Monday night, killing all seven people on board, had no black box, officials familiar with the matter said. This is likely to pose a major challenge in determining the cause of the crash.

Civil aviation rules do not require cockpit voice recorders (CVR) or flight data recorders (FDR) for aircraft weighing below 5,700 kg. An industry expert said the accident will have to be examined through communication records with air traffic control, analysis of the wreckage and eyewitness accounts.

Weather radar under probe

Among the aspects under investigation is whether a faulty onboard weather radar caused the Beechcraft C90 King Air to deviate fatally from its planned route.

Two commercial flights operated by Air India and IndiGo had faced adverse weather on the same route earlier and sought deviations. The IndiGo flight requested a left deviation, while the crashed aircraft sought a deviation to the right. Officials are probing whether the weather radar on the crashed aircraft was functioning properly and whether the crew misread the radar or if the instrument malfunctioned.

Aircraft and crew details

The aircraft, operated by Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd, was flying from Ranchi to Delhi when it crashed in the Kasaria area of Chatra district.

Those on board were patient Sanjay Kumar, 41, a doctor, a paramedic, two attendants and two pilots. The pilot in command, Vivek Vikash Bhagat, had around 1,400 flying hours. First officer Savrajdeep Singh had around 450 hours.

The aircraft was manufactured in 1987. Redbird Airways acquired it in 2022 from Orient Flying School, which had bought it in 2001. Another official said the aircraft had remained unused between 2018 and 2022, though the reason could not be independently verified. The flying school had regarded it as a non-revenue-generating asset.

Investigation till now

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation had ordered a special audit of charter jet operators after a Learjet ferrying Maharashtras deputy chief minister crashed in Baramati last month, killing all on board. It was not clear whether Redbird Airways was audited. An email seeking comment did not receive a response.

An Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau team has been sent to the crash site. Civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu expressed condolences on X, saying he was deeply pained by the loss of lives and that local authorities and AAIB teams had responded for rescue and investigation.

Eyewitness accounts

According to experts, some operators of aircraft below 5,700 kg voluntarily install FDR and CVR, but the Beechcraft C90 is an old aircraft and regulations at the time were less evolved.

He said investigators would rely heavily on eyewitness accounts to determine whether the aircraft went nose-down after entering clouds, whether there was a fire, or whether severe weather conditions such as updrafts or downdrafts affected it.

Flight path and last contact

According to the DGCA, the aircraft departed Ranchi at 7.11 pm and was expected to land in Delhi around 10 pm. Ranchi ATC handed it over to Kolkata Area Control shortly after departure.

The aircraft was expected to cross the ATALI waypoint but deviated from its route. The last radar contact was at 7.22 pm, when it was at 13,800 feet and around 40 nautical miles from Ranchi.

The final radio contact came at 7.34 pm with Kolkata controllers. After that, both communication and radar contact were lost about 100 nautical miles south-east of Varanasi. The aircraft did not contact Varanasi or Lucknow ATC, prompting Kolkatas Rescue Coordination Centre to begin search and rescue operations.

Location : Jharkhand, India, India

First Published: February 25, 2026, 07:18 IST

News india Jharkhand Air Ambulance Crash: No Black Box On Aircraft, Weather Radar Under Scrutiny

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Who Was Veer Soren? Former Jharkhand CM's Grandson Dies Mysteriously In Manali  'Severe Headache, Fall From Bed, Mouth Foam'

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 14:08 IST

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren confirmed the untimely demise of his grandson, Veer Soren, through a social media post.

Rapid Read

Veer Soren was in Manali along with two friends. (Photo Credit: X)

A shocking incident has shaken the family of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren after his grandson, Veer Soren, was found dead at a homestay in the popular hill station of Himachal Pradeshs Manali.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Champai Soren confirmed the sudden demise of his grandson. He wrote, With profound sorrow, we inform you that our beloved grandson Veer Soren passed away untimely on 24 February 2026."

After his health suddenly deteriorated in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, he was rushed to the hospital, but fate had other plans. With Veers departure, our family has been shattered. In deep grief, The Soren Family," he added.

              24  2026                     ,                  ,  Champai Soren (@ChampaiSoren) February 25, 2026

What Happened At The Homestay

According to a report in ETV Bharat, Veer had arrived in Manali on February 22 along with two friends for a brief vacation. They were staying at a homestay in the Simsa area. His friends went out to explore the Solang and Sethan regions on February 24. Veer reportedly chose to stay back at the homestay.

When his friends returned around 12:30 PM, they found Veer asleep. Upon waking him, they said he complained of a severe headache. They ordered some medicine online, gave it to him, and Veer reportedly went back to sleep. But around 2 PM, his friends heard a crash from his room. On entering, they found him lying unconscious on the bed.

Immediate Medical Response

According to reports, Veer was rushed to Civil Hospital, Manali, by his friends. They said foam had begun oozing from his mouth while he was being taken there. Doctors attempted CPR to revive him, but he was declared dead at the hospital.

Police Investigation Underway

Following the news of Veers death, Manali police rushed to the homestay and took control of the scene. Early checks by the authorities showed no visible external injuries on the body.

A post-mortem examination is underway, and the exact cause of death will be determined after the report is received. The family has been informed, and the body will be handed over to them after the post-mortem," Manali DSP KD Sharma told ETV Bharat.

Veers family has reached Manali. According to The Times of India, citing a senior police official, the death may be linked to high-altitude sickness. However, the exact cause will be confirmed only after the post-mortem examination.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: February 25, 2026, 13:36 IST

News india Who Was Veer Soren? Former Jharkhand CM's Grandson Dies Mysteriously In Manali  'Severe Headache, Fall From Bed, Mouth Foam'

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Kerala Becomes Keralam, But Why Now? Name Change Time, Process Explained + Bengals Failed Bongo/Bangla Bid

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 10:57 IST

The shift from Kerala to Keralam aligns the states official name with how it is spoken in Malayalam.

The proposal began in June 2024.

The Union Cabinet on Tuesday, February 24, cleared Keralas proposal to officially change its name to Keralam." Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that the change will require an amendment to the First Schedule of the Constitution of India, where the state is currently listed as Kerala."

The shift from Kerala" to Keralam" aligns the states official name with how it is spoken in Malayalam. Though the variation appears minor in English, Keralam" carries cultural and linguistic significance for the people of the state, which is commonly interpreted as the land of coconuts."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacted to the decision on X (formerly Twitter), stating, The decision of the Union Cabinet on alteration of the name of Kerala to Keralam reflects the will of the people of the state. It is in line with our efforts to strengthen the connect with our glorious culture."

The decision of the Union Cabinet on alteration of the name of Kerala to Keralam reflects the will of the people of the state. It is in line with our efforts to strengthen the connect with our glorious culture. https://t.co/pdzsgiU1l2 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 24, 2026

Ashwini Vaishnaw added that the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, will now be sent to the Kerala Legislative Assembly for its formal review.

How The Process Began

The proposal began in June 2024 when the Kerala Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution for the name change. The state government later forwarded the request to the Centre.

The resolution read: The name of our State is Keralam in the Malayalam Language. States were formed on the basis of language on the 1st day of November, 1956. The Kerala Piravi Day is also on the 1st day of November. Since the time of National Independence Struggle, there has been a strong demand for the formation of United Kerala for the people speaking Malayalam language. But in the First Schedule to the Constitution the name of our State is recorded as Kerala. This Assembly unanimously appeal to the Central Government to take urgent steps as per Article 3 of the Constitution for modifying the name as Keralam."

Under Article 3 of the Constitution, Parliament has the authority to change the name of a state. As per the reports, the earlier attempt to pass the resolution had procedural issues, after which it was reintroduced.

What Happens Next After Cabinet Nod

With the Union Cabinet clearing the proposal, the formal constitutional process under Article 3 will now begin.

As per procedure, the President will first refer the Bill to the Kerala Legislative Assembly to seek its views. Once the Assembly responds, the Centre will move ahead with the next steps.

After that, the Presidents recommendation will be obtained to introduce the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 in Parliament. If Parliament passes the Bill and the President gives assent, Keralam" will officially replace Kerala" in the Constitution as well as in all legal and administrative records.

Strong Support From the Malayali Community in the UAE

The decision has been warmly welcomed by the Malayali community in the UAE, where nearly one million Malayalis live, The Times of India reported.

For many in the Gulf, the state has always been Keralam" in daily speech, even if official documents like passports, airline tickets and maps used Kerala." Now that the change is closer to becoming official, the development has sparked pride, humour and even some practical concerns among expatriates.

Those who spoke to the UAE-based outlet Khaleej Times described the move as a natural correction, similar to Bombay becoming Mumbai or Madras being renamed Chennai. They believe the change restores the traditional Malayalam identity of the state instead of a colonial-era version.

Sree Prakash Purayath, General Secretary of the Indian Association Sharjah (IAS), said that in Malayalam, the state has always been called Keralam." The name Kerala is often viewed as from the colonial era and subsequent official documentation," he said.

He explained that the word may have originated from Cheram", which is linked to the Chera dynasty or from Kera", meaning coconut tree and Alam", which means land. They together mean The Land of the Coconut Trees." He added, Its a classic case of endonym versus exonym. When a state reclaims its native name, it is often a powerful act of linguistic and cultural affirmation."

Mini Thomas, a school teacher from Kollam, said, Its like the world catching up to how weve always spoken."

But not all voices are supportive. Nissar Thalangara, President of the Indian Association Sharjah and a representative of the Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC), felt that retaining Kerala" would have been better. According to him, Kerala" is a more international term while Keralam" sounds more local.

He also suggested that a public poll could have been conducted before taking such a decision and said that keeping the existing name might have helped in attracting more international visitors.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who represents Thiruvananthapuram, took to X to humourously ask whether residents would now be called Keralamites," Keralamians," or simply Malayalis."

Keralamite sounds like a microbe and Keralamian like a rare earth mineral! CMO might want to launch a competition for new terms resulting from this electoral zeal," he added.

This is a very nice step forward for the Nation in making its states, to start recognising the richness of its own culture. Hope people of Keralam realise the importance of Nationalistic living, which is the only Holistic way to thrive towards prosperity in & out," a user wrote.

Why The Decision Also Carries Political Weight

The approval is also being seen in a political context as the BJP-led government at the Centre backing the proposal signals that it is willing to support a demand raised by the Kerala Assembly. For the party, endorsing the Malayalam form of the states name fits into its larger narrative of promoting cultural roots and linguistic identity.

Language has often been a sensitive issue in Kerala during debates around the three-language formula and Hindi. The state government has said that students can learn multiple languages, but Hindi should not be made compulsory.

At the same time, the Centre has repeatedly said that Indian languages must be encouraged in governance and education. Last year, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had said, Hindi is a friend of all languages, and together, Hindi and other Indian languages enhance our self-pride."

The timing of the approval is also important. The decision comes ahead of the Assembly elections in the state, scheduled for the first half of this year. The BJP is trying to expand in Kerala, where the Left and the Congress have usually seen strong support. By supporting the name change passed by the Kerala Assembly, the Centre can show that it is responding to a demand raised within the state. The move will help the party appear supportive of Keralas cultural identity.

Why West Bengals Name Change Is Still Pending

After the Cabinet cleared Keralas proposal, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reacted by saying, We have nothing against any state. Keralas proposal has been accepted because there is an understanding between the BJP and the CPM."

They [BJP] wont be in power forever. We will get the Bengal name for our state," she added and reiterated her governments push to rename West Bengal as Bangla.

The push to change the states name is not new. It goes back to 1999 when the Left Front government under Jyoti Basu suggested options such as Paschim Bangla" and Bangla." Over the years, different governments in the state have tried multiple versions.

After Mamata Banerjee took office in 2011, her government proposed Paschim Banga" in English and Bangla, but the Centre did not clear it. A few years later, in 2016, another attempt was made with three different names: Bengal" in English, Bangla" in Bangla and Bangal" in Hindi. This proposal was rejected. The Centre stated that only one uniform name could be considered.

In 2018, the Assembly passed yet another resolution, this time choosing only Bangla." The state government said the change would also help avoid being called last in official meetings because of alphabetical order. Mamata Banerjee had pointed out that West Bengal often got a chance to speak later in meetings when attention levels were lower.

Even then, the proposal did not move forward. In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, junior home minister Nityanand Rai stated, Change in the name of a state requires constitutional amendment after taking into consideration all relevant factors."

There were also concerns raised by the Ministry of External Affairs. Officials felt that the name Bangla" could be confused with Bangladesh at international forums, as per The Hindu.

The issue remains active as Trinamool MP Ritabrata Banerjee again raised the matter in the Rajya Sabha last year in February.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: February 25, 2026, 10:15 IST

News india Kerala Becomes Keralam, But Why Now? Name Change Time, Process Explained + Bengals Failed Bongo/Bangla Bid

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'Corruption In Judiciary' Chapter: NCERT Apologises, Retracts Class 8 Social Science Textbook

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News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: February 26, 2026, 00:49 IST

NCERT said the textbook's circulation has been put on hold and the curriculum will be rewritten in consultation with appropriate authorities

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The revised version of the textbook is expected to be made available to Class 8 students in time for the commencement of the 2026-27 academic session. (Image for representation)

The NCERT on Wednesday issued an official apology and said it will retract the new social science textbook for Class 8, which mentioned a chapter on corruption in judiciary".

The chapter attracted sharp criticism from the Supreme Court, following which the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) said it has put the textbooks distribution on hold.

According to a press release, the NCERT will be rewriting the curriculum of the textbook in question  Exploring Society: India and Beyond, Vol II, which was officially released on February 24. Within hours of its release, the book was taken off the councils website and all physical circulation was stopped after the SC expressed its ire" over the content, which it deemed defamatory and an affront to the integrity of the legal system.

A three-judge bench, comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, took suo motu cognisance of the objectionable" statements regarding the judiciary. The matter was brought to the courts attention for urgent consideration by senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Singhvi.

During the proceedings, CJI Surya Kant issued a stern warning stating that nobody on earth will be allowed to defame the judiciary and taint its integrity".

WHAT DID NCERT SAY?

In a swift response, the NCERT released a statement acknowledging that certain inappropriate textual material and error of judgement have inadvertently crept into" Chapter 4, titled The Role of Judiciary in our Society.

It said the inclusion of such material was purely unintentional" and expressed deep regret for the oversight. The ministry of education, through the department of school education and literacy, intervened in the matter and ordered the distribution of the textbook to be on strict hold" until further notice.

The NCERT further said it holds the judiciary in the highest esteem", viewing the institution as the upholder of the Indian Constitution and protector of Fundamental Rights". It said the primary objective of its new textbooks is to strengthen constitutional literacy, institutional respect, and informed understanding of democratic participation amongst students", rather than questioning the authority of constitutional bodies.

WHAT NEXT?

The controversial chapter had listed corruption, along with a massive backlog of cases and an inadequate number of judges, as significant challenges currently facing the Indian judicial system.

To rectify the situation, the NCERT has announced that the curriculum will be completely rewritten. This process will involve close consultation with appropriate authorities" to ensure the material is accurate and respectful of the countrys institutions.

The revised version of the textbook is expected to be made available to Class 8 students in time for the commencement of the 2026-27 academic session.

WHAT DID THE CONTROVERSIAL CHAPTER CONTAIN?

The textbook noted that judges are bound by a code of conduct and that mechanisms exist to address complaints, including the Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System, which received over 1,600 complaints between 2017 and 2021.

It also explained that Parliament has the authority to impeach judges after due inquiry in cases of serious misconduct. The book stated that corruption experienced at various levels of the judiciary could affect access to justice, particularly for disadvantaged sections and highlighted efforts to improve transparency.

The previous Class 8 textbook published by NCERT explained the structure, role and independence of the judiciary but did not mention corruption as a challenge.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: February 25, 2026, 16:11 IST

News india 'Corruption In Judiciary' Chapter: NCERT Apologises, Retracts Class 8 Social Science Textbook

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PM Modi In Israel: From Sidelines To Center Stage, Tracing India's Expanding Footprint In West Asia

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News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 14:30 IST

In one of the worlds most sensitive geopolitical theatres, India is no longer on the sidelines---it is firmly at the table

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu (Image: PTI/File)

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on his visit to Israel, the trip is being seen in diplomatic circles as part of a much larger West Asia outreachone that government sources say has quietly transformed Indias standing in the region.

There was a time when India was viewed largely as a distant player in West Asia. Today, officials point out, New Delhi is seen as a strong, stable and credible powerone that can engage all sides in a deeply volatile neighbourhood without being seen as partisan. In a region often divided by conflict and competing alliances, India has positioned itself as neutral, dependable and trusted.

The momentum has been building steadily. In December, the prime minister travelled to Jordan and Oman, where discussions went beyond trade and diaspora ties to focus on sensitive geopolitical developments. Those conversations, sources say, reinforced Indias role as a country that can speak candidly yet constructively across divides.

January further underlined this diplomatic intensity. Foreign ministers from across the West Asian region visited India, engaging in wide-ranging consultations. Around the same time, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan travelled to New Delhi for substantive talks, reflecting the depth of ties between India and the United Arab Emirates. Energy security, investment flows, technology partnerships and regional stability were all on the table.

Now, as PM Modi heads to Israela country with which India shares strong defence, technology and innovation partnershipsthe visit carries both symbolism and strategy. India has managed to maintain robust relations not just with Israel, but also with key Arab nations, including Jordan, Oman and the UAE. In a region defined by shifting alignments, that balancing act has enhanced Indias credibility.

Over the years, several West Asian nations have conferred honours and awards on the prime minister, signalling recognition of Indias growing influence. Government sources argue that this is not accidental, but the result of sustained engagement, strategic partnerships and a carefully calibrated foreign policy.

In one of the worlds most sensitive geopolitical theatres, India is no longer on the sidelinesit is firmly at the table.

First Published: February 25, 2026, 14:30 IST

News india PM Modi In Israel: From Sidelines To Center Stage, Tracing India's Expanding Footprint In West Asia

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Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 23:31 IST

PM Modi is a rare world leader who has received top awards from both Israel and Palestine.

PM Modi Israel Visit Highlights: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached Israel for a two-day visit at the invitation of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. The central government has asserted that it will reaffirm the deep and long-standing strategic bond between the two nations and present an opportunity to review common challenges.

During his visit, PM Modi will also visit a technology and innovation exhibit later in the evening, i.e., around 9:55 P.M., before joining Netanyahu for a private dinner.

On Thursday, PM Modi will pay a visit to Yad Vashem at 12:15 P.M.  Israels official memorial, established in 1953, to commemorate the six million Jews murdered by Nazis. Following this, he is scheduled to meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog for bilateral engagements.

Later in the day, the two Prime Ministers will meet for delegation-level talks at around 2:40 P.M. before the release of MoU exchange and joint press statements.

At 4 P.M., PM Modi will hold interaction with the Indian diaspora in Israel, followed by his departure for Delhi at 5:50 P.M.

UPGRADED SECURITY PACT ON AGENDA

An upgraded security pact is likely among the key agendas that will dominate the Prime Ministers visit to Israel. In addition, the two countries are also likely to sign a free trade agreement later this year.

The two leaders will review the significant progress made in the India-Israel Strategic Partnership and discuss further opportunities in various areas of cooperation, including science and technology, innovation, defence and security, agriculture, water management, trade and economy, and people-to-people exchanges, said the government in a statement.
Rape, Forced Conversions, Sex Racket: How Job Promise By Bhopal Sisters Turned Into Nightmare

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Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 11:57 IST

Amreen and Afreen allegedly ran a sex racket, forced religious conversion, and exploited women under job offers. Police suspect a wider interstate network.

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The two sisters targeted vulnerable women with the promise of jobs. (Image: X)

In a disturbing case that has stunned Bhopal, two sisters have been arrested on charges of rape, forced religious conversion and operating a sex racket under the pretext of offering jobs to vulnerable women.

The accused sisters, identified as Amreen and Afreen, were detained along with their brother Jamal, and associate Chandan Yadav, after two women, aged 21 and 32, lodged separate complaints at Bagh Sewania police station on Sunday night.

Two other suspects, identified as Jannat and Yasir Ghee Wala are currently absconding. Investigators disclosed that the sisters, who formerly resided in a slum in Abbas Nagar, had recently moved to a luxurious villa in Sagar Royal Villas in the city. It is suspected that this relocation was funded by illegal earnings from exploiting young women, NDTV reported.

Victims Allege Rape, Forced Conversion Under Job Pretext

Officials stated that the sisters allegedly targeted girls from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, offering them domestic jobs with a monthly salary of Rs 10,000, along with free accommodation, food, and a high-profile lifestyle."

However, what seemed like an employment opportunity soon turned into a nightmare. Both complainants reported that they were introduced to parties, pubs, and lounges, where they were compelled to interact with affluent men. The FIR mentions that the victims were forced to consume alcohol and MD drugs, and were sometimes drugged and sexually assaulted.

One victim, a beautician from Mungeli district in Chhattisgarh, claimed that she was taken to Ahmedabad in December 2025 under the guise of work. She alleged that Yasir, a relative of Amreen, raped her there. She further accused Bilal and Chanu of assaulting her on separate occasions.

The second complainant, a Bhopal resident employed as a maid at Amreens house, alleged that Chandan Yadav raped her at his sisters residence in Narayan Nagar after Amreen left her there. She claimed she was threatened with death and defamation if she spoke out.

A significant allegation in the case involves claims of forced religious conversion. The FIR reveals that Chandan Yadav pressured one victim to convert to Islam, promising her marriage to a good family. She converted under pressure and was later forced to wear a burqa and offer prayers. Police were investigating these claims under relevant sections concerning forced conversion and rape.

During the arrests on Monday, police seized the mobile phones of Amreen, Afreen, and Chandan. Officials found several suspicious WhatsApp groups on Amreens phone, containing photographs of various young women. Investigators suspect a broader network operating across state lines, as victims were taken to Gujarat and Mumbai and introduced to strangers under different pretexts.

The victims reported that whenever they tried to leave the job, they were threatened and blackmailed with compromising photos.

Meanwhile, A case has been registered at Bagh Sewania police station. Police were examining the accuseds financial transactions, travel records, and digital communications to determine if this was an isolated incident or part of a larger interstate network.

Location : Bhopal, India, India

First Published: February 25, 2026, 11:57 IST

News india Rape, Forced Conversions, Sex Racket: How Job Promise By Bhopal Sisters Turned Into Nightmare

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Six-Month-Old Babys Finger Partially Cut During Treatment At Bengaluru Hospital, FIR Filed

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Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 13:32 IST

The incident occurred at Chinmaya Mission Hospital in Indiranagar, where the infant had been admitted on February 19 with fever and cough.

According to the complaint filed by the parents, the baby was under treatment at the hospital from February 19 to February 24.(Representational Image)

In a shocking incident, a six-month-old baby allegedly had a portion of its finger cut while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Bengaluru, prompting police to register an FIR against a nurse, the treating doctor and the hospital management.

The incident occurred at Chinmaya Mission Hospital in Indiranagar, where the infant had been admitted on February 19 with fever and cough.

According to the complaint filed by the parents, the baby was under treatment at the hospital from February 19 to February 24.

The alleged incident took place on February 24 while the parents were at the billing counter completing discharge formalities. During the removal of the IV drip and dressing, the nurse allegedly inserted scissors on the wrong side and partially cut the little finger of the babys left hand.

The infant was immediately shifted to the emergency ward for treatment.

Police said the baby sustained a serious injury to the tip of the finger.

Following the incident, an FIR was registered at Indiranagar Police Station against the nurse, the treating doctor and the hospital management under relevant sections.

The parents expressed anger over the incident and alleged medical negligence, demanding strict action against those responsible.

Police said further investigation is underway.

First Published: February 25, 2026, 13:32 IST

News india Six-Month-Old Babys Finger Partially Cut During Treatment At Bengaluru Hospital, FIR Filed

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Who Was Jam Sahib? The King Who Gave Jews Refuge Mentioned In PM Modis Knesset Address

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Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 22:06 IST

Narendra Modi recalled Jams ahib Digvijaysinhji Jadeja of Nawanagar, who sheltered nearly 1000 Polish Jewish children during World War II.

Jam Sahib Digvijaysinhji with the Jewish refugees. (Image: Sand Prints)

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed Israels parliament  the Knesset, during his two-day visit to Israel, he did more than speak about strategic ties and modern partnerships. He reached back into history.

In his speech, Modi recalled a lesser-known but deeply moving chapter of IndiaIsrael goodwill: the story of a Gujarati ruler who offered sanctuary to Jewish children fleeing the horrors of the Holocaust.

That ruler was Maharaja Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja, the Jam Sahib of Nawanagar (present-day Jamnagar in Gujarat).

A Haven Found Far From Home

In 1942, as World War II raged and Nazi persecution devastated Jewish communities across Europe, nearly 1,000 Polish children, many of them Jewish, found refuge in India.

After a harrowing journey through Soviet territories and the Middle East, the children arrived on Indian shores. It was then that Maharaja Digvijaysinhji stepped forward.

He established a special settlement for them at Balachadi, near Jamnagar, providing food, education, shelter and medical care. More importantly, he offered them dignity and belonging.

According to survivor accounts, the Maharaja told the children, You are no longer orphans. You are now Nawanagaris." Absorbing them into his kingdom as his subjects.

At a time when many nations had closed their borders to Jewish refugees, a small princely state in western India opened its doors.

Historians note that he funded much of the relief effort personally. The children stayed in Balachadi, near Jamnagar, until the end of the war in 1945, after which many were resettled in Poland, the United Kingdom, Australia, and elsewhere.

But they never forgot India.

Why Modi Mentioned Him

PM Modi invoked the Maharajas humanitarian act as a symbol of Indias longstanding civilisational values like compassion, coexistence and protection for the persecuted.

His reference underscored that Indias relationship with the Jewish people predates formal diplomatic ties established in 1992. Jewish communities have historically lived in India without facing the anti-Semitism seen in many other parts of the world.

By recalling Jamnagars role during the Holocaust, PM Modi highlighted a shared moral memory rooted not just in diplomacy, but in humanity.

A Legacy Remembered In Poland And Israel

In Poland, Maharaja Digvijaysinhji is remembered with deep gratitude and with the name the good Maharaja. Schools and memorials honour his name, and descendants of the rescued children have returned to Jamnagar to pay tribute.

The story continues to be cited as a remarkable example of cross-continental compassion a Gujarati ruler saving European children during one of humanitys darkest hours.

By invoking that history in Israels parliament, PM Modi reminded the world that long before modern alliances and defence partnerships, there existed a bond forged through kindness.

In war-torn 1942, a king chose humanity over indifference.

And decades later, that choice continues to echo  from Jamnagar to Jerusalem.

Location : jerusalem, India

First Published: February 25, 2026, 21:56 IST

News india Who Was Jam Sahib? The King Who Gave Jews Refuge Mentioned In PM Modis Knesset Address

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Woman Gang-Raped In Front of Boyfriend By 7 Men In Assam's Silchar, Forced To Transfer Rs 10K

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Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 10:24 IST

Family members said the woman was sitting in a car with her boyfriend on a bypass road a few kilometres from Silchar town when a group of men in a Mahindra Thar and attacked them.

Assam Woman Gang-Raped in Front of Boyfriend by seven Men. (AI Image)

A 28-year-old woman in Assam was allegedly raped by multiple men at knifepoint while she had gone out in the evening with her boyfriend. According to reports, the accused later extorted money from her.

The incident took place on February 19. The survivor lodged a complaint and a case was registered.

According to the FIR, at least seven men raped her one by one and then forced her to transfer Rs 10,000 to one of their accounts.

Family members said the woman was sitting in a car with her boyfriend on a bypass road a few kilometres from Silchar town when a group of men arrived in a Mahindra Thar and attacked them.

They allegedly questioned the couple about their whereabouts and suddenly grabbed them. Family members claimed that seven to eight men were present. Some held the boyfriend while the others raped the woman in front of him.

The case was registered at Silchar Sadar Police Station.

Arrests made

Police said the survivor identified two of the accused. Both were arrested by Sunday. They have been identified as Nilotpal Das, 25, and Subol Das, 27, residents of the Ashram Road area of Silchar.

Police said the survivor has undergone mandatory medical examination and her statement has been recorded.

The incident has sparked anger among citizens. Thousands of locals have posted about it on social media and demanded strict action against the accused.

Trinamool Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev described the news as extremely disturbing. In a post on X, she said Assams Chief Minister also holds the Home portfolio and questioned womens safety in the state. She alleged that while womens security is politicised in other states, people in Assam feel unsafe.

Location : Assam, India, India

First Published: February 25, 2026, 10:24 IST

News india Woman Gang-Raped In Front of Boyfriend By 7 Men In Assam's Silchar, Forced To Transfer Rs 10K

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Zelenskyy: European Commission to support repair of Ukraine's energy infrastructure and strengthening of protection before next winter

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen discussed a strategy to significantly strengthen Ukraines resilience during a meeting on Tuesday, February 24.

"The European Commission will support the repair of Ukraines energy infrastructure and will help rebuild it and strengthen the protection of the energy grid before next winter. This is one of the most important results of our meetings yesterday, and its significance is hard to overstate, especially given Russias constant attempts to destroy normal life in Ukraine," Zelenskyy wrote on his Telegram channel.

He noted that with Europes help, Ukraine will be able to ensure a reliable energy supply, decentralized generation, and the restoration of damaged facilities.
Persistent Cough Isnt Always TB: Doctor Warns It Could Be An Early Sign Of Lung Cancer

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Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 14:45 IST

Dr. Ashwani Kumar Sharma explains why a persistent cough lasting over three weeks should not be ignored, highlighting key lung cancer symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

A cough is considered persistent when it lasts longer than three weeks and does not improve with regular treatment

In India, tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most widely recognised lung diseases. TB is a bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms such as prolonged cough, fever, weakness, night sweats, and weight loss are commonly associated with the disease. Because of its strong presence in public health discussions, people often associate any long-lasting cough with TB. Many choose to self-medicate or wait for the symptoms to pass, believing it is a minor infection.

However, a cough that continues for weeks should never be taken lightly. While infections remain a common cause, there are other serious lung conditions that can begin with similar symptoms. Lung cancer is one such illness that often develops silently in its early stages. The symptoms may appear mild at first, which is why many patients reach hospitals only when the disease has progressed. Recognising early warning signs and seeking timely medical help can significantly improve treatment outcomes.

Dr. Ashwani Kumar Sharma, Vice Chairman  Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Centre & Onco Robotic Surgeries, North-West Cluster, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram, shares important insights:

Signs That Make a Persistent Cough Concerning

A cough is considered persistent when it lasts longer than three weeks and does not improve with regular treatment. In such cases, medical evaluation becomes essential. Some key warning signs include:

Cough that gradually worsens: A cough that becomes deeper, more frequent, or painful over time may indicate underlying lung disease.

Blood while coughing: Even small streaks of blood in sputum should be considered a serious symptom and must be evaluated immediately.

Breathing difficulties: Shortness of breath during routine activities may occur when the airways are affected.

Chest discomfort or pain: Pain that worsens while coughing, laughing, or breathing deeply should not be ignored.

Unexplained weight loss and fatigue: Sudden weight loss and persistent tiredness may signal an underlying medical condition.

Repeated chest infections: Frequent episodes of bronchitis or pneumonia may sometimes indicate deeper lung problems.

Methods Used for Lung Cancer Diagnosis

Diagnosis usually begins with imaging tests such as chest X-rays or CT scans to examine the lungs. If any abnormal growth is detected, further tests, including a biopsy, are performed to confirm the diagnosis. PET-CT scans also play an important role in the evaluation and staging of lung cancer. Early detection significantly improves survival rates and treatment outcomes.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the stage of the disease and the patients overall health. Common treatment options include lung resection surgery to remove the affected portion of the lung, chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells, and radiation therapy to control tumour growth.

Lung resections may involve either a lobectomy or pneumonectomy and are increasingly performed using robotic techniques where available. Robotic surgery allows for keyhole procedures instead of large incisions required in open surgery, which can help patients recover faster and return to normal activities sooner.

Newer treatments such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy are also improving patient outcomes and helping maintain quality of life.

Why Awareness Matters

A persistent cough should never be ignored or assumed to be harmless. While TB remains common, other serious lung diseases, including lung cancer, can present with similar symptoms. Paying attention to early warning signs, avoiding delays in medical testing, and seeking timely treatment can save lives.

Awareness and early action remain the most important steps in protecting long-term lung health.

First Published: February 25, 2026, 14:43 IST

News lifestyle health-and-fitness Persistent Cough Isnt Always TB: Doctor Warns It Could Be An Early Sign Of Lung Cancer
Experience Over Everything: Why Gen Z Travellers Are Planning 'Smarter' Trips In 2026

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Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 15:43 IST

Gen Z is spending differently in 2026, cutting shopping, not travel. A new report reveals whats driving their bold, experience-first choices and how AI is quietly reshaping trips.

Shopping sprees are shrinking, itineraries are expanding, Gen Zs bold 2026 travel shift is turning heads globally. (Image-AI)

Young travellers are rewriting the rules of spending by ditching shopping bags for boarding passes, choosing cooking classes over couture, and chasing depth across continents in 2026.

An emerging pattern across airports and Instagram feeds shows a shift away from luxury purchases and more toward local experiences. The generation that grew up online is choosing to log off and lean into the world. According to a February 2026 study by Klook, titled Travel Pulse 2026, 88% of global travellers plan to increase or maintain their travel budgets this year.

The report reveals that Asia Pacific (APAC) travellers show 50% higher intention to increase travel spending compared to Europe and the US, positioning the region as a major growth engine for global tourism. Nine in ten global travellers are planning an international trip in 2026, with 61% intending to travel in the first half of the year, up from 50% last year.

Travel has remained resilient despite the rising cost of living. What we are witnessing is a fundamental shift in how travellers evaluate value," said Marcus Yong, Vice President, Global Marketing at Klook, in the report.

Instead of cutting back, they are spending smarter, prioritising richer experiences, flexible itineraries, and deeper discovery. They seek experiential value that goes far beyond simply ticking destinations off a checklist."

Cutting Shopping, Not Experiences

The most striking takeaways from the Klook study are clear: when faced with rising costs, travellers are cutting back on shopping and material purchases, not on activities and experiences.

This shift is pronounced in APAC, where travellers are nearly twice as likely as their Western counterparts to increase spending on experiences. For Gen Z, travel is no longer a break from life; it is part of lifes investment portfolio.

Riya, a 26-year-old Delhi-based software engineer, embodies this change. I would rather skip a shopping spree and spend on a local cooking class or a trekking adventure. To me, memories matter more than material things," she says. Her sentiment echoes across social media, where curated travel diaries have replaced haul videos.

Bigger Budgets, Bolder Trips

The Klook Travel Pulse 2026 report also finds that Gen Z and Millennial travellers are not just maintaining travel budgets; they are spending on both domestically and internationally. Travel intent remains steadfast, with international trips dominating 2026 plans.

Instead of luxury shopping districts, travellers are booking multi-city rail passes.

Instead of five-star splurges, they are choosing boutique stays that promise authenticity.

Instead of guided bus tours, they are seeking immersive workshops and locally led experiences.

APAC Gen Z travellers are leading this transformation. They prefer faster-paced, densely packed itineraries and actively venture beyond mainstream hotspots. Major cities are not gallery endpoints; they are gateways.

Beyond The Postcard, Japan

While Japan remains one of the most considered destinations globally, demand is spreading beyond Tokyo and Kyoto. Secondary cities like Yokohama, Hiroshima, and Nagoya are gaining traction among young travellers seeking breathing room and cultural depth.

Nysa, 25, a Bengaluru-based fashion designer, is preparing for her first international trip, and she has chosen Japan. Im planning my first international trip this year, and I know it may seem like a small achievement for some, but I saved all the stipend and pocket money to buy a ticket for myself. Ill be exploring Japan, and the feeling is next level because theres so much to explore beyond the usual hotspots," she says.

Her excitement is not just about visiting landmarks; it is about navigating local trains, discovering neighbourhood cafes, and experiencing Japanese culture beyond curated tourist routes.

According to the Klook study, 42% of travellers cite authentic local experiences as their top reason for exploring lesser-known spots. Another 39% are motivated by discovering hidden gems, while 37% prioritise affordability. Discovery today is driven by depth and access, not novelty alone.

The Multi-Destination Mindset

Two-thirds of travellers now plan to visit multiple destinations in a single trip. This marks a shift away from single-stop itineraries. Major hubs are becoming anchors rather than endpoints.

The trend extends beyond Asia; in Australia, cities like Cairns and Hobart are drawing travellers. In Europe, regions like Baix Llobregat and Troms are seeing increased interest. In the Middle East, destinations such as Sharjah and Hurghada are gaining visibility.

Swati, a 45-year-old professor at Delhi University, sees this shift through a parental lens. Raising a Gen Z is nothing short of an adventure," she says.

As parents, we love planning trips to offbeat destinations so my daughter can truly explore the world. The scenic views, local food, and warm, welcoming people are just the cherry on top. We are planning a trip to Baku this year, which has some really great spots, perfect for a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

How Social Media And AI Are Boosting Tourism?

If social media is sparking the desire to travel, AI now helps execute those plans. The Klook study reveals that 80% of global travellers say social media influences the destinations or experiences they book. Platforms have become digital word-of-mouth engines, offering real-time validation and inspiration.

An overwhelming 91% of global travellers now use AI tools for trip-related tasks, according to the report. The most common uses include research, translation, organising itineraries, and managing budgets.

For Gen Z, AI is not replacing spontaneity; it is enabling it. Language barriers are shrinking through translation tools, budget trackers are keeping track to prevent overspending, and route planners are optimising tight schedules.

The traditional travel agent model is gradually being replaced by personalised digital assistants. Instead of relying on a single itinerary, travellers can compare options in seconds, simulate budgets, and adapt plans dynamically.

What Defines Travel In 2026?

Travellers are not abandoning spending, they are reallocating it. Shopping bags are lighter, but calendars are fuller. Luxury is no longer defined by brands but by access: access to culture, to authenticity, to lesser-known places.

Gen Zs approach to travel reflects broader generational values. Experiences contribute to identity formation, and cultural exposure becomes social currency. Even amid global economic uncertainty, travel remains resilient because it is perceived as an investment.

The Klook report concludes that 2026 is shaping up to be a year of more distributed and experience-led travel. For Riya, it is about cooking classes and trekking trails. For Nysa, it is about a long-awaited ticket to Japan. And for Swati and her daughter, it is about exploring Baku together.

First Published: February 25, 2026, 15:30 IST

News lifestyle travel Experience Over Everything: Why Gen Z Travellers Are Planning 'Smarter' Trips In 2026

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What Is Visa-Free Travel And Why It Doesnt Always Guarantee Entry  All You Need To Know

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News18.com

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 09:49 IST

Visa-free access does not mean there are no rules. Travellers must still meet the entry conditions set by the destination country to qualify for visa-free admission.

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Visa-free travel removes advance paperworkbut entry remains conditional. (Representative image: Getty)

In late December last year, Indian travel vlogger Sachin Awasthi and his wife arrived at South Koreas Jeju Island with plans for a festive holiday. The destination, known for its beaches and volcanic landscapes, allows Indian nationals to enter without a visa for short-term tourism. But instead of beginning their vacation, the couple found themselves stopped at immigration. They were questioned, held overnight, and eventually deported back to India.

Months later, after Awasthi shared his experience publicly, the incident sparked wider discussion among travellers. In response, the Embassy of India in Seoul issued an advisory reminding Indian citizens about an important rule: visa-free travel does not automatically guarantee entry.

The embassy clarified that while Jeju offers a visa waiver, the final decision to admit a traveller rests entirely with immigration authorities at the airport, in accordance with Korean law.

The incident highlights a common misunderstanding about visa-free travel. Many assume that if a country allows visa-free entry, arrival automatically means admission. In reality, the process is more nuanced. Here is all you need to know about visa-free travel.

What Is Visa-Free Travel?

Visa-free travel is an arrangement that allows travellers to enter a foreign country without applying for a visa beforehand. In most cases, this applies to short stays for tourism, business meetings, or transit.

Countries offer visa-free access to encourage tourism, strengthen diplomatic ties, and simplify international mobility. For destinations that depend heavily on tourism, such policies make travel easier and more attractive.

Sixteen countries, including Mauritius and Bhutan, allow visa-free entry to Indian citizens. Instead of submitting documents weeks in advance and waiting for approval, travellers can simply book their tickets and arrive with a valid passport.

However, visa-free access does not mean there are no rules. Travellers must still meet the entry conditions set by the destination country to qualify for visa-free admission.

These requirements often include holding a passport valid for at least six months, having confirmed hotel bookings or accommodation details, and being able to show proof of sufficient funds to cover the stay.

Even without a visa, travellers are subject to immigration checks upon arrival. Authorities may verify your documents, ask questions about the purpose of the visit, and assess whether you meet all entry criteria. In other words, visa-free travel removes advance paperwork, but entry remains conditional.

Why Visa-Free Travel Does Not Guarantee Entry

Visa-free travel allows you to present yourself at a countrys border without prior visa approval, but it does not guarantee that you will be allowed in.

Immigration officers are responsible for ensuring that visitors comply with the countrys laws and entry requirements. They assess each traveller individually based on documents, responses in the interview, and overall credibility.

In simple terms, visa-free travel allows you to request entry, not the right to enter unconditionally.

Immigration authorities retain full discretion. If they are not satisfied with a travellers intent or documentation, they can refuse entry and deport the individual, even if the traveller has done nothing illegal.

This principle applies globally, regardless of nationality or destination. Even travellers holding valid visas can be denied entry if immigration officials have concerns.

Key Reasons Why You Can Be Denied Entry

If you are travelling to visa free country, then there are several reasons due to which you can be denied entry. It generally occurs when the immigration officer doubts the travellers intent or preparedness.

One of the most common reasons is the inability to clearly articulate the purpose of the visit. If a traveller cannot explain their itinerary, accommodation, or return plans, it may raise suspicion.

Not having proof of hotel bookings, sufficient funds, or return tickets also creates concerns about whether the traveller intends to stay beyond the permitted duration.

In some cases, inconsistencies in answers during questioning can also lead to denial. Immigration officers often ask routine questions about travel plans, duration of stay, and purpose of visit. Unclear or conflicting responses can affect their assessment.

Previous immigration violations, such as overstaying a visa in any country, may also influence decisions. Even if the past violation occurred elsewhere, it can affect how immigration authorities view the travellers credibility.

It is important to note that the immigration officers are not obligated to provide detailed explanations for their decisions. Their primary responsibility is to protect the integrity of the countrys borders.

Why Visa-Free Travellers May Face Closer Scrutiny

Visa-free travel removes the pre-screening process that normally happens during visa applications. When someone applies for a visa, authorities review financial records, travel history, and intent well before the journey begins.

In visa-free travel, this evaluation happens at the airport instead. Immigration officers must quickly determine whether the traveller meets all requirements. As a result, they may ask more questions or examine documents more closely.

This does not mean visa-free travellers are treated unfairlyit simply reflects the fact that the screening process has shifted from the embassy to the border.

How To Safely Travel With Visa-Free Entry

Visa-free travel is generally smooth for most travellers, especially those who are well prepared. Carrying proper documentation can make a significant difference.

Immigration officers often look for clear proof that you are visiting temporarily and have plans to leave within the permitted period.

Having confirmed hotel reservations, return flight tickets, and a basic travel itinerary helps establish the purpose of the visit.

Proof of sufficient funds reassures authorities that you can support yourself during the stay. Travel insurance and supporting documents can further strengthen credibility.

Equally important is clarity and honesty. You should be prepared to answer questions confidently and consistently. Providing accurate information and demonstrating genuine tourism intent reduces the chances of complications.

Always check official embassy advisories before travelling, as entry rules and procedures can change.

First Published: February 25, 2026, 09:48 IST

News lifestyle travel What Is Visa-Free Travel And Why It Doesnt Always Guarantee Entry  All You Need To Know

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Huma Qureshi Calls Alia Bhatt Hottie After BAFTA 2026 Debut

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Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 16:53 IST

Alia Bhatt made a striking appearance at the BAFTA Awards, earning cheers from fans and friends alike, including actress Huma Qureshi.

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Huma Qureshi shared a story cheering for Alia Bhatt. (Photo Credit: Instagram)

Alia Bhatt marked her debut at the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards in breathtaking style. The actress looked every bit a vision in a silver sequinned gown by Gucci, bringing glamour and elegance to the prestigious event.

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts officially announced Alia Bhatt as one of the presenters for the ceremony. She shared the stage with global stars such as Aimee Lou Wood, Aaron Pierre, Cillian Murphy, Emily Watson, Ethan Hawke, Glenn Close and Kate Hudson, celebrating excellence in cinema from around the world.

Alia Shares Special Moments

Alia took to social media to share pictures and videos of her BAFTA appearance. Captioning her post, she wrote, at @bafta, celebrating the language of cinema".

Her post was flooded with love from fans and industry friends, including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, and Soni Razdan.

Huma Qureshis Comment and Alias Playful Reply Go Viral

Among the many reactions, Huma Qureshi caught attention by dropping a fire emoji in the comments. She also reshared Alias post on her Instagram story, writing Hottie".

Alia was quick to respond, resharing the story and replying with Hi back, hottie", a moment fans loved.

Inside Alia Bhatts Silver Gucci Gown and Red Carpet Styling

Alias red carpet look featured a silver sequinned halter-neck gown with a striking backless silhouette. The ensemble radiated diva energy, which she elevated further with a white fur stole. Keeping accessories understated yet elegant, Alia opted for dangling diamond earrings and a matching diamond ring, allowing the outfit to remain the highlight.

From Priyanka Chopra to Deepika Padukone: Indian Presence at BAFTA

For context, Indian stars have previously represented Bollywood on the BAFTA stage. Priyanka Chopra appeared as a presenter in 2021, followed by Deepika Padukone in 2024.

Alia Bhatts Upcoming Films: Alpha and Love & War

On the work front, Alia Bhatt has two major projects lined up. Shooting for Alpha has reportedly wrapped, though its release, originally planned for last year, has been postponed without a new date.

Meanwhile, Love & War, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and co-starring Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal, is still in production and has also been delayed, with makers yet to announce a revised release date.

First Published: February 25, 2026, 16:53 IST

News movies bollywood Huma Qureshi Calls Alia Bhatt Hottie After BAFTA 2026 Debut
Priyanka Chopra Jonas Stuns Fans With Surprise Theatre Visit During The Bluff Screening | Watch

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Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 14:55 IST

Priyanka Chopra Jonas surprised her fans in the sweetest way ahead of The Bluff's release. She arrived unannounced at a theatre.

News18

Global star Priyanka Chopra Jonas is busy promoting her film, The Bluff. Also starring Karl Urban, the film is currently streaming on Prime Video. Before the film was released, Priyanka surprised her fans in the sweetest way, arriving unannounced at a theatre. What was meant to be a routine screening quickly transformed into an unforgettable experience, as stunned moviegoers captured the moment and sent social media into a frenzy.

Priyanka Chopra surprises fans during The Bluff screening

PeeCee and Karl have gone all out to promote their film, The Bluff. Several videos and pictures of them from the press tour have been doing the rounds on the internet. Interestingly, on February 24, a day before the films release, Priyanka decided to walk into a fully-packed theatre and meet the audience watching her film. In no time, the visuals of her visit went viral on the internet. In the videos shared online, she can be seen interacting with the fans and thanking them for the constant support.

One of the fans present in the theatre shared the video on social media and wrote, This week might be one of the busiest Ive had this month, but hey, Priyanka Chopra-Jones showed up at our screening of THE BLUFF! (and thats why I was wondering why it took 40 minutes to start.)"

This week might be one of the busiest I've had this month, but hey, Priyanka Chopra-Jones showed up at our screening of THE BLUFF! (and that's why I was wondering why it took 40 minutes to start ) pic.twitter.com/VEfJagnTve Christopher Gallardo (@chrisagwrites) February 25, 2026

Another fan shared her pictures from the visit.

Priyanka tonight at #TheBluff advanced screening in NYC pic.twitter.com/REWmczD71k NP LEGCY  (@np_legacy) February 25, 2026

In the film, Priyanka essays the role of a former pirate who will go to any lengths to protect her daughter, while Karl plays the relentless Captain Connor.

Apart from this, Priyanka has another exciting project in the kitty. She will be making her comeback to Indian movies with SS Rajamoulis Varanasi. She will be seen alongside Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran. It will hit theatres on 7th April 2027. Recently, during her The Bluffs premiere, she spoke about the film and expressed her excitement. She said that Varanasi could be her career-defining film, and heaped praise on SS Rajamouli.

First Published: February 25, 2026, 14:55 IST

News movies bollywood Priyanka Chopra Jonas Stuns Fans With Surprise Theatre Visit During The Bluff Screening | Watch
Setback For Kerala Story 2 As HC Tells Makers To Not Release Film's Rights Till Hearing Concludes

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Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 17:57 IST

The Kerala High Court told the makers not to release the film's rights till the hearing concludes, adding that the petitioner's apprehensions were "probably genuine".

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The matter on 'Kerala Story 2' will be heard again on Thursday.

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday directed the makers of Kerala Story 2 to hold the release of the films rights, noting that the petitioners apprehension against the movie is probably genuine" and told them to wait for the courts decision.

The film, which is scheduled to hit theatres on February 27, 2026, has been facing backlash for its portrayal of Indian Muslims. It has also been accused of making exaggerated claims. A biologist named Sreedev Namboodiri filed a petition in the Kerala High Court seeking either a stay on the release and public exhibition of the film, citing malicious" portrayal of the state.

Ill give you enough and more time, but then dont release while it (hearing) is pending. Wait for the hearing to conclude and for the court to decide on the petitions," said Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas. The High Court will take up the hearing tomorrow at 9:45 am, and an interim order is expected on the release of the movie, which has been mired in legal troubles since its announcement.

The Court indicated its inclination to watch the film and noted that the producers of Kerala Story 2 did not seem keen for it to watch the movie. The judges observed that portraying a state known for communal harmony in a negative light warranted careful judicial scrutiny.

ALSO READ: The Kerala Story 2 Makers Not Keen On Court Viewing The Movie: Kerala HC

The bench was hearing three petitions filed by individuals seeking a stay on the films release and cancellation of the CBFC certificate. The petitioners argued that the movie, which is being promoted as inspired by true events, prominently features the name of Kerala in its title despite the sequels storyline allegedly lacking a direct connection to the state.

During the hearing, the petitioner said the title of the movie was aimed at defaming Kerala. One of the counsels claimed the stories featured in their film were from Kerala, but the victims they introduced were not from the state

On the other hand, the counsel appearing for the CBFC referred to films such as Delhi Belly, Chennai Express, Go Goa Gone, Once Upon a Time in Mumbai and Delhi 6, arguing that even these titles could offend some individuals and prompt defamation claims, potentially resulting in an endless cycle of objections. The counsel for the makers also questioned the locus standi of the petitioner, saying they were not particularly aggrieved by the release of the film.

They further argued that the issuance of a writ to quash the U/A certification granted to the film was untenable. There is no question of dignity of Kerala, it is the dignity of India," the counsel said.

The Kerala Story 2 explores themes of religious conversion and coercion, with its narrative spanning Kerala, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. The film stars Ulka Gupta, Aditi Bhatia and Aishwarya Ojha. Its theatrical release is slated for February 27.

Location : Thiruvananthapuram, India, India

First Published: February 25, 2026, 17:38 IST

News movies bollywood Setback For Kerala Story 2 As HC Tells Makers To Not Release Film's Rights Till Hearing Concludes
The Kerala Story 2 Makers Not Keen On Court Viewing The Movie: Kerala HC

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 05:26 IST

Kerala High Court questions The Kerala Story 2 makers reluctance to screen the film as it reviews CBFC clearance ahead of release.

Vipul Shah hits back at Kerala Story 2 critics.

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday raised concerns over the makers of The Kerala Story 2  Goes Beyond, observing that they appeared reluctant to screen the film for the Court as it examines the censor clearance granted by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

As reported by Bar and Bench, Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas remarked during the hearing that the producers did not seem keen for the Court to view the movie. You are not keen that the Court should watch the movie. You want the issue to be decided on whether this petition is a private litigation or a public litigation," the judge observed.

Court Flags Concerns Over Portrayal

The bench was hearing three petitions filed by individuals seeking a stay on the films release and cancellation of the CBFC certificate. The petitioners argued that the movie, which is being promoted as inspired by true events, prominently features the name of Kerala in its title despite the sequels storyline allegedly lacking a direct connection to the state.

Earlier in the day, the Court indicated its inclination to watch the film, noting that the petitioners concerns appeared prima facie justified. The judges observed that portraying a state known for communal harmony in a negative light warranted careful judicial scrutiny.

However, post-lunch, Senior Counsel S Sreekumar, representing the producers, urged the Court to first determine whether the petitions constituted public interest litigation or private litigation. It was during this exchange that Justice Thomas orally remarked that the producers did not appear interested in the Court screening the film.

Release Date Nears Amid Legal Scrutiny

The Kerala Story 2 explores themes of religious conversion and coercion, with its narrative spanning Kerala, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. The film stars Ulka Gupta, Aditi Bhatia and Aishwarya Ojha.

With its theatrical release slated for February 27, the legal proceedings have added another layer of attention to the film. The High Court is yet to deliver a final ruling on the petitions challenging the certification.

Location : Kochi [Cochin], India, India

First Published: February 25, 2026, 05:26 IST

News movies bollywood The Kerala Story 2 Makers Not Keen On Court Viewing The Movie: Kerala HC
The Kerala Story 2 Teaser To Be Deleted? Makers Call Rumours 'False, Baseless'

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Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 07:25 IST

The Kerala Story 2 has been facing backlash ever since the release of its teaser. Even a plea has been filed against the movie, claiming its release might disrupt communal harmony.

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The Kerala Story 2 is scheduled to hit theatres on February 27, 2026.

The makers of The Kerala Story 2 have clarified that the teaser of their upcoming movie is not being deleted from social media platforms. On Tuesday, Sunshine Pictures issued an official statement and called all such reports false and baseless".

Sunshine Pictures would like to categorically clarify that the news currently circulating regarding the removal of The Kerala Story 2  Goes Beyond teaser is completely false, baseless, and misleading. The matter is presently sub judice. No judgment or order has been passed by any court directing the removal of any content. We have not deleted or taken down any material," the statement said.

Both the teaser and the trailer of The Kerala Story 2  Goes Beyond continue to remain available across all our official platforms. We strongly urge media houses, digital platforms, and individuals to refrain from spreading unverified information and speculative reports. Such misinformation only creates unnecessary confusion," it added.

For the unversed, The Kerala Story 2 has been facing backlash ever since the release of its teaser. Even a PIL has been filed against the movie, claiming its release might disrupt communal harmony. While the matter is still in court, recently, the producer, Vipul Amrutlal Shah, reacted to the backlash the film has been facing.

Were not after Kerala. Kerala is Gods Country We want this evil in that state to be eradicated as soon as possible," Shah said, as quoted by NDTV and then added, 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. Weve added the name and shown the figures. The government must have even more figures than we do, but weve never heard of any strict action being taken since the release of the film."

Recently, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had also slammed the movie.

For now, The Kerala Story 2 is scheduled to hit theatres on February 27, 2026.

First Published: February 25, 2026, 07:25 IST

News movies bollywood The Kerala Story 2 Teaser To Be Deleted? Makers Call Rumours 'False, Baseless'
What Is The Kerala Story 2 Controversy? Court Case, Backlash, Makers' Clarification | Explained

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 09:45 IST

The Kerala Story 2 has been facing backlash. A plea has also been filed against the movie.

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The Kerala Story 2 to release on February 27, 2026.

The Kerala Story 2 Controversy Explained: If there is one most which has been making headlines these days for all the wrong reasons, then it is The Kerala Story 2. The film, which is scheduled to hit theatres on February 27, 2026, has been facing backlash for its portrayal of Indian Muslims. It has also been accused of making exaggerated claims. While the matter is still in court, lets find out what the problem is with the movie and why it has been facing boycott calls.

What Is The Controversy?

It all started after the makers of The Kerala Story 2 released the films teaser earlier this month. The teaser begins with one big claim  in 25 years, India will turn into an Islamic State. This was enough to initiate a debate. Another scene from the teaser, which has become a talking point, is when one of the female leads is being shown being forcefully fed beef by her in-laws. The teaser shows her hands being tightly held by her husband, who also holds her nose and makes her eat beef forcefully.

Plea Filed Against The Kerala Story 2

Following the release of the teaser, a biologist named Sreedev Namboodiri filed a petition in the Kerala High Court seeking either a stay on the release and public exhibition of the film or a direction to the Central Government to consider and decide Exhibit P3 revision petition within a time frame set by this Court, and to keep the films release on hold until that decision is made.

The petition argues that the film contains malicious and stereotypical projections scandalising an entire state without any basis."

The movie tends to alienate Kerala and Keralites from the rest of India. Also, the name is an intentional attempt to impute a reality to what is more or less a speculative fear of the writer or director. While the petitioner is not against the freedom of expression of the writer  filmmaker to express their fears, whether substantive or speculative, they cannot attribute that fear to Kerala, to an entire state, falsely," it adds.

The Kerala High Court will now watch the film on Wednesday, February 25.

Kerala CM Slams Movie

Recently, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also slammed the movie and posted on X, 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."

Producer Confident About Films Release

Recently, the producer, Vipul Amrutlal Shah, reacted to the backlash the film has been facing and told NDTV, Were not after Kerala. Kerala is Gods Country We want this evil in that state to be eradicated as soon as possible."

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. Weve added the name and shown the figures. The government must have even more figures than we do, but weve never heard of any strict action being taken since the release of the film," he added.

Meanwhile, the film has been passed by the censor board with a U/A certification.

First Published: February 25, 2026, 08:06 IST

News movies bollywood What Is The Kerala Story 2 Controversy? Court Case, Backlash, Makers' Clarification | Explained
'Only Murders In The Building' Actor Martin Short's Daughter Katherine Elizabeth Dies At 42

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 05:35 IST

Martin Shorts daughter Katherine Elizabeth Short, a licensed social worker, has died at 42. The family asks for privacy during this difficult time.

Martin Short mourns the loss of his daughter Katherine Elizabeth Short at 42.

Martin Short and his family are mourning the death of his daughter, Katherine Elizabeth Short, who passed away at the age of 42. In a statement to PEOPLE, the Short family said, It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short. The Short family is devastated by this loss and asks for privacy at this time. Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world."

On Monday, February 23, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a call from a Hollywood Hills home around 6:41 p.m. concerning a woman approximately 41 years old. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to PEOPLE that the call was regarding a possible suicide. TMZ first reported the news.

Katherines Life and Work

Katherine was adopted by Martin and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who passed away from ovarian cancer in 2010 after 30 years of marriage. She had two brothers, Oliver Patrick, 39, and Henry Hayter, 36, who were also adopted by the couple.

A devoted social worker, Katherine worked in private practice as a licensed clinical social worker and part-time at Amae Health. She focused on community outreach, family support groups, peer support, and psychotherapy, making a meaningful impact on the lives of those she helped.

Katherine earned her bachelors degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies from New York University in 2006 and a masters in social work from University of Southern California in 2010.

Though she mostly stayed out of the public eye, Katherine occasionally accompanied her father to high-profile events, including the afterparty for The Producers in 2003 and the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in February 2011.

Location : Los Angeles, United States of America (USA)

First Published: February 25, 2026, 05:35 IST

News movies hollywood 'Only Murders In The Building' Actor Martin Short's Daughter Katherine Elizabeth Dies At 42
Info about alleged capture of Rizdvianka in Zaporizhia region does not correspond to reality - Defense Forces of the South

Reports that the Russian occupiers have allegedly captured the settlement of Rizdvianka (Zaporizhia region) are fake and disinformation, stated the spokesperson for the Defense Forces of the South, Vladyslav Voloshyn, in a comment to the Interfax-Ukraine agency.

"This is complete nonsense, disinformation, and a fake. Firstly, Rizdvianka is located twenty kilometers from the line of combat contact," the spokesperson noted.

Secondly, Voloshyn emphasized, on the path from the front line to Rizdvianka, there are several other settlements (including Dobropillia, Ternuvate, Kosivtseve, and Prydorozhnie), and the enemy cannot even approach these locations.

"And right now, fierce battles are ongoing east of Dobropillia. That is, even the battles there are taking place 20-25 kilometers away from the settlement of Rizdvianka," the spokesperson explained.

At the same time, Voloshyn reported that, according to Ukrainian intelligence, the enemy tried to insert a small infiltration group into several settlements. The occupiers were intended to penetrate the area of Kosivtseve, Prydorozhnie, and Rizdvianka, but the group was destroyed.

"But Russian propaganda continues to tell fakes. A week ago, it told the same story about Kosivtseve and Prydorozhnie, and now they are talking about Rizdvianka. In fact, Rizdvianka is under the control of the Defense Forces of Ukraine," Voloshyn emphasized.

Earlier, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported the alleged capture of the village of Rizdvianka in Zaporizhia.
Rashmika Mandanna And Vijay Deverakondas Udaipur Wedding: Star-Studded Guest List Revealed

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 08:35 IST

Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakondas Virosh wedding in Udaipur sees celebrities like Tharun Bhascker, Rahul Ravindran, and Eesha Rebba attending.

Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna are getting married on February 26, 2026.

Vijay Devarakonda and Rashmika Mandanna Marriage: Rashmika and Vijay have officially begun their pre-wedding celebrations in Udaipur, treating friends, family, and fans to glimpses of intimate festivities that include pool games, Japanese dinners, and fun bonding sessions. Alongside the colorful celebrations, the couples carefully curated guest list has also begun to arrive at the picturesque destination, signaling a star-studded, yet private, wedding event.

Vijays Hyderabad home had been decorated with lights ahead of the nuptials, before the couple formally announced their wedding. On Tuesday morning, Vijay and Rashmika were photographed departing for Udaipur alongside Vijays brother, Anand Deverakonda, and a few close childhood friends, marking the start of their grand yet intimate celebrations.

Also See: Vijay Devarakonda And Rashmika Mandanna Relationship Timeline

Celebrities Spotted in Udaipur

Director Tharun Bhascker, who previously collaborated with Vijay on Pelli Choopulu, was among the first to arrive, accompanied by actor Eesha Rebba. Stylist Shravya Varma, a close friend of the couple, was also spotted entering the wedding venue.

Actors Ashika Ranganath and Rahul Ravindran, who directed Rashmikas The Girlfriend, joined soon after, rounding out the intimate guest list. While the virosh wedding is expected to be private, similar to their Hyderabad engagement, fans are thrilled to see glimpses of familiar faces from the film industry attending the celebrations.

Also See: Rashmika And Vijay Wedding Cost

A Journey From Friends to Soulmates

Vijay Devarakonda and Rashmika Mandannas love story traces back to their collaborations in the 2018 blockbuster Geetha Govindam and the 2019 film Dear Comrade. While Rashmika was previously engaged to Rakshit Shetty in 2017, the engagement ended the following year. Similarly, Vijays rumored relationship with a Belgian national fizzled out.

The two remained friends before fans began noticing their growing closeness in 2020, and rumours of their relationship intensified in 2022. Their engagement in October 2025 was an intimate affair in Hyderabad, attended only by close family and friends. On Sunday, the couple confirmed their marriage publicly, making this Udaipur wedding the culmination of a long, much-loved love story.

First Published: February 25, 2026, 08:35 IST

News movies telugu-cinema Rashmika Mandanna And Vijay Deverakondas Udaipur Wedding: Star-Studded Guest List Revealed
Opinion | Deal Or Trap? Fear Of Big Losses In Various Foreign Deals Made By Interim Govt Of Bangladesh

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 20:44 IST

These deals have sparked significant debate, concern, and criticism. Analysts believe that in the long term, they could expose Bangladesh to major diplomatic and economic risks

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Under the interim governments Agreement on Reciprocal Trade with the US, Bangladesh has opened its market to approximately 4,400 to 6,700 American products. (Image: AFP/AP/File)

The interim government of Bangladesh had signed 14 bilateral agreements with several countries, including the United States, Japan, and China.

In the last 17 months, these agreements have sparked significant debate, concern, and criticism. Many analysts believe that in the long term, they could expose Bangladesh to major diplomatic and economic risks.

Among them, the deals signed with the US and the decision to lease ports to foreign companies have generated the most controversy.

Under the interim governments Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) with the US, Bangladesh has opened its market to approximately 4,400 to 6,700 American products. A significant portion includes food and agricultural goods.

Agreements have been signed to import high quality wheat and cotton, purchase 14 Boeing aircraft and import LNG worth USD 15 billion.

WHAT ARE THE CONCERNS?

Import of High Quality Wheat, Cotton

A contract to import 7,00,000 tonne wheat may prevent Bangladesh from purchasing the grain at lower prices from the competitive international market.

As American wheat is comparatively more expensive in the global market, this could lead to higher prices for wheat and wheat-based food products domestically. There is also concern that domestic wheat production may suffer as a result.

In the case of cotton, the agreement reportedly allows imports without fumigation or biosecurity testing. Research suggests that American cotton may carry a pest known as the boll weevil, which can pose risks not only to cotton but also to other crops.

Many agricultural experts consider this a potential biosecurity threat. Additionally, cotton imported from the US is more expensive than cotton sourced from other markets.

While fumigation requirements may have been relaxed to secure tariff benefits for exports, any biosecurity damage could result in significant long-term financial losses.

Purchase of 14 Boeing Aircraft

Another agreement involves the purchase of 14 Boeing aircraft. Many economic analysts argue that such a massive investment in Bangladesh Biman, which has historically struggled with profitability, could become a heavy burden on the national economy.

This decision may also complicate relations with European aircraft manufacturer Airbus.

Long-term LNG Import Commitment

An agreement had been signed to import LNG to ensure long-term supply for industry and electricity generation.

It reportedly involves payments of USD 15 billion over 15 years creating a substantial financial obligation for the country. If LNG is imported at higher than market rates, electricity and gas prices at the consumer level could significantly rise.

Broader Economic, Geopolitical Risks

As an agriculture-based country, widely opening markets to foreign agricultural products could harm domestic farmers and increase dependence on imports.

There is also criticism that the interim government has failed to strengthen key agreements or strategic relations with traditional partners such as China, Japan, Russia, and India. Leasing the Pangaon Inland Container Terminal and Laldia Port to foreign companies, especially those linked to geopolitical rivals of these strategic partners, may increase regional geopolitical tensions.

Political analysts warn that such decisions could create diplomatic pressure or coercive situations often referred to as diplomatic risk. Overall, they argue that the agreements with the US have opened the market in an asymmetrical manner potentially increasing import costs creating long-term financial liabilities and negatively affecting domestic industries. There are also concerns about heightened geopolitical vulnerabilities.

Further, many conditions of these deals are reportedly covered under non-disclosure agreements that may create risks for any future elected government. Since Bangladesh has signed trade deals with the US, entering into free trade agreements (FTA) with non-market economies could become more complex and risky.

Analysts warn that if a future government signs trade deals with such countries the US could impose higher tariffs or other trade restrictions. For this reason, some believe that the interim governments deals could function like landmines for the next administration, restricting policy flexibility and limiting strategic options.

(Sudam Goswami is a writer, political analyst and social activist with roots in student leadership who is currently based in Bangladesh. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views)

First Published: February 25, 2026, 20:43 IST

News opinion Opinion | Deal Or Trap? Fear Of Big Losses In Various Foreign Deals Made By Interim Govt Of Bangladesh

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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.
BJP Recalls 'Nehru-Gandhi Family's Compromise Story', Calls Rahul Gandhi 'Puppet Of Foreign Powers'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 13:56 IST

Nabin's attack came in regards to the Youth Congress's last week's shirtless protest at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi.

BJP President Nitin Nabin (Image: PTI/File)

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday attacked the Congress party over its compromised PM jibe, which claims Prime Minister Narendra Modi was under pressure and forced into signing the India-US interim tariff deal, by recalling the Nehru-Gandhi familys compromise story".

BJP chief Nitin Nabin stated that the Nehru-Gandhi family had always worked to protect its interests" and accused its leaders, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, of collusion with China.

Hitting back at the Congress, Nabin said Jawaharlal Nehrus administration was an open book for the CIA", and claimed the US foreign intelligence agency also provided Indira Gandhi with propaganda money".

Nabin also slammed Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi and accused the former of acting as a super PM" when ex-Prime Minister Manmohan Singhs UPA government was in power. He further referred to Rahul Gandhis overseas speaking engagements and called him a puppet of foreign powers".

Im sharing with you information about how the Gandhi familys compromise mission. How the entire family has always protected its interests by compromising with the people of the country," Nabin said.

There was a time Nehru himself said 45 crore people are a liability for me and we all know his relationship with foreign powers. We know how he handed over Indias rights in Tibet to China in 1954," the BJP chief claimed, adding, And during Indira Gandhis tenure, the CIA provided Congress with propaganda money."

BJP Chief Attacks Sonia, Rahul Gandhi

Launching a scathing attack on ex-Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, Nabin alleged, Sonia Gandhi, who became Super PM between 2004-14 at the same time, funding for the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation from the Chinese government was provided under the Compromise Mission."

And Rahul Gandhi, the poster boy of negative politics, does not inform security agencies during his foreign visits. Rahul Gandhis entire political career is promoting compromise politics. They are willing to compromise the countrys politics to any extent to serve their own interests."

Nabins attack came in regards to the Youth Congresss last weeks shirtless protest at the India AI Impact Summit, which is being referred to as an attempt to humiliate India on the global stage".

Congresss Attack On PM Modi

Earlier in February, during the Parliaments budget session, Rahul Gandhi ripped into the BJP-led central government and accused the Prime Minister of having sold Bharat Mata" in sanctioning the interim tariff deal.

Gandhi claimed India agreeing to slash tariffs on multiple goods will affect farmers, particularly those with small or marginal holdings.

First Published: February 25, 2026, 13:56 IST

News politics BJP Recalls 'Nehru-Gandhi Family's Compromise Story', Calls Rahul Gandhi 'Puppet Of Foreign Powers'

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Feeling Sidelined, 24 Karnataka Congress MLCs Write To Mallikarjun Kharge Seeking Cabinet Berths

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Shuddhanta Patra



Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 12:36 IST

The move comes as discussions continue over Cabinet reconstitution and internal balancing within the government.

Karnataka Congress MLCs Demand Representation in Cabinet as Reshuffle Looms. File pic/PTI

Amid power-sharing tensions and speculation over a Cabinet reshuffle, 24 Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs) from the Karnataka Congress have sought representation in the state Cabinet.

The MLCs submitted a memorandum to AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, urging that Council members be given adequate space in the ministry. The signatories had reportedly travelled to Delhi in December to press their case before the party high command.

Concerns over exclusion

The move comes as discussions continue over Cabinet reconstitution and internal balancing within the government.

In their memorandum, the MLCs said the absence of Council members in the Cabinet has created a sense of inequality and demoralisation. They argued that continued exclusion could create a perception that MLCs have limited political prospects, which may weaken the partys organisational structure over time.

They also warned of a ripple effect. Capable leaders may prefer to seek Assembly tickets instead of contesting Council elections, which could fuel factionalism and erode grassroots strength.

Points raised by MLCs

The signatories said the Karnataka Legislative Council, established in 1907, is among the oldest in the country. They pointed out that MLCs represent large regions, often covering 10 to 15 Assembly constituencies, and that members elected from local bodies maintain direct engagement with grassroots institutions.

They stated that, compared to MLAs, MLCs often influence a broader cross-section of voters and play a key role in strengthening the partys organisational network. They also noted that Graduates and Teachers constituency MLCs represent 15 to 20 Assembly segments and regularly engage with opinion leaders such as educators and graduates.

According to the memorandum, these members help mobilise youth and intellectual support for the Congress, while teachers, as respected community influencers, shape public perception in favour of the party.

Demand for five council ministers

The MLCs have urged the high command to induct at least five Council members in the next Cabinet reshuffle. They suggested balanced representation, including one member from local bodies, one from Graduates or Teachers constituencies, and one from nominated or other categories.

They said meaningful Cabinet representation is essential to ensure organisational cohesion and balanced political representation within the government.

Location : Karnataka, India, India

First Published: February 25, 2026, 12:36 IST

News politics Feeling Sidelined, 24 Karnataka Congress MLCs Write To Mallikarjun Kharge Seeking Cabinet Berths

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Vinod Tawde, Ramdas Athawale In Race As Maharashtra BJP Sends Rajya Sabha Names To Delhi

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News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 10:21 IST

Sources said the party is looking at experience, loyalty and regional representation while weighing its options

Rapid Read

The Rajya Sabha elections are seen as important for the party, especially in a politically significant state like Maharashtra.

The BJPs state core committee met in Mumbai late on Tuesday evening to discuss candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. The meeting was attended by 12 senior leaders, including chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and state party president Ravindra Chavan.

According to sources, the discussion focused on shortlisting names that will be sent to the partys central leadership for the final decision. The talks lasted for several hours and were described as detailed and cautious.

Names of several senior leaders were discussed during the meeting, including Vinod Tawde, Ramdas Athawale, Raosaheb Danve, Pritam Munde, Vijaya Rahatkar and Bhagwat Karad. A few other names were also considered. Sources said the party is looking at experience, loyalty and regional representation while weighing its options.

Leaders present at the meeting are learnt to have shared their views openly. While no final decision was taken at the state level, a list of suggested names has reportedly been prepared. This list will now be sent to the BJPs central leadership in Delhi. Chavan is expected to meet national president Nitin Nabin soon to discuss the recommendations. The final call will be taken by the central leadership after internal consultations.

Party insiders say the BJP wants to announce its candidates before February 28. With the deadline approaching, the leadership is keen to avoid confusion and ensure clarity within the party ranks. The Rajya Sabha elections are seen as important for the party, especially in a politically significant state like Maharashtra. The selections are also closely watched within party circles, as they reflect internal balance and future planning.

For now, the focus shifts to Delhi, where the final decision will be made. Until the official announcement comes, discussions are likely to continue behind the scenes. Party sources described the process as routine but important, with the party aiming to send experienced and dependable faces to the Upper House.

First Published: February 25, 2026, 10:21 IST

News politics Vinod Tawde, Ramdas Athawale In Race As Maharashtra BJP Sends Rajya Sabha Names To Delhi

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'Working Together': DK Shivakumar Bridges Divide With Satish Jarkiholi Amid Leadership Tussle

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News18.com

Last Updated: February 24, 2026, 16:26 IST

The Deputy CMs comments appear aimed at cooling internal friction, as he praised Jarkiholis dedication to the party.

Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar (Image: News18)

In a strategic move, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has reached out to PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi, describing their relationship as one of like-minded senior leaders" who consult weekly on the states political roadmap. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Shivakumar addressed the ongoing leadership tussle within the Congress party, emphasising that both he and Jarkiholi, frequently associated with Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs camp, are working in tandem to ensure the governments return to power. The Deputy CMs comments appear aimed at cooling internal friction, as he praised Jarkiholis dedication to the party and highlighted their long-standing collaboration since their days as working presidents.

The political atmosphere in Karnataka remains charged following remarks by Minister HC Mahadevappa regarding the possibility of a Dalit Chief Minister. Shivakumar suggested that Mahadevappa, being a senior leader with ties to the high command, might possess information regarding a leadership change that he himself has not yet received.

While dismissing rumours of an immediate summons to Delhi, the Deputy CM clarified that his upcoming visit to the capital is strictly focused on securing a 1 lakh crore grant for urban development projects. He further noted that the responsibility of disciplining ministers and legislators rests solely with the Chief Minister, while his own role remains focused on communicating party matters to the central leadership.

In a candid reflection on the future of the Karnataka cabinet, Shivakumar voiced support for the new generation" of legislators seeking ministerial roles. Responding to reports of first-time MLAs petitioning the high command for representation, he remarked that fresh blood and new ideas are essential for the partys growth. We cannot hold on to power forever; I have been a minister for 36 years," Shivakumar stated, affirming that he supports the inclusion of new faces in the upcoming cabinet expansion.

First Published: February 24, 2026, 16:26 IST

News politics 'Working Together': DK Shivakumar Bridges Divide With Satish Jarkiholi Amid Leadership Tussle

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More Android Phones To Get Samsung-Like Privacy Display This Year

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Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 09:53 IST

Samsung is going to start a new trend with displays and you can expect other Android brands to offer it as well.

Samsung could start a new and a useful trend in the market this year

Samsung has teased a new privacy display which will be introduced with the Galaxy S26 Ultra this week and it seems other brands already plan to copy it for their Android phones. None of the brands in China have confirmed the news but a reliable tipster has suggested that the likes of Oppo, Xiaomi and even Vivo could adopt this useful feature for its upcoming phones, and even make it work on the hardware side like Samsung plans to offer.

The privacy display is basically there to help people from stopping others from prying into their screen, which becomes an issue when you are using banking apps or typing a password in the open.

More Phones With Privacy Display: Good News?

Privacy displays have become inevitable with the amount of screen time people have every day. We use phones for everything and that puts the display as important as your data in many aspects.

So, keeping the screen secure from others is a good way to avoid any mishap. This panel means when you are making a payment, the person on the side cannot see anything and it will be blacked out for OTPs and other confidential information.

We will get a closer look at the privacy display on the Galaxy S26 Ultra from Samsung which will be announced in a few hours from now. Samsung will soon unveil a new layer of privacy to shield your phone from shoulder surfing wherever you go. Youll have the space to check your messages or enter a password on public transit without thinking twice about who might be watching". This is a teaser to the privacy feature that we have heard about with various Galaxy S26 Ultra leaks in the last few weeks.

Even the clips from Samsung in its post suggest major changes to how the privacy screen operates and we are excited to see behind the scenes work that has delivered the new shield.

Location : China

First Published: February 25, 2026, 09:53 IST

News tech More Android Phones To Get Samsung-Like Privacy Display This Year

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Delhi-Meerut RRTS Cuts Travel Time To 58 Minutes. But, Mumbaikars Flaunt Andheri To Palghar's Super Fast Travel

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Trending Desk

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 07:30 IST

Delhi-Meerut RRTS launch sparks debate after X user recalls doing 70 km in 60 mins on Mumbais Flying Ranee in 2013.

Rapid Read

The post comparing RRTS to Mumbais Flying Ranee sparks debate. (Photo Credit: X)

The launch of the much-awaited DelhiMeerut Regional Rapid Transit System has triggered not just excitement but also an unexpected online debate, after a social media user claimed Mumbai achieved similar speeds more than a decade ago.

On Sunday, February 22, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the remaining sections of the Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System, including the 5 km stretch between Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar in Delhi and the 21 km stretch between Meerut South and Modipuram in Uttar Pradesh. The corridor has also been integrated with Meerut Metro services.

The DelhiMeerut RRTS now allows commuters to travel from Sarai Kale Khan to Modipuram in just 58 minutes. The journey to Begumpul takes 54 minutes, while Shatabdi Nagar can be reached in 50 minutes. All under an hour. By road, the same trip can take around 90 minutes or more, depending on traffic conditions.

X User Sparks Debate

While many hailed the infrastructure milestone, an X user stirred conversation by recalling his daily commute in Mumbai back in 2013. Rahul Srinivas wrote, RRTS is in the news for doing 80 km from Delhi to Meerut in an hour. And Im sitting here thinking I used to do 70 km in one hour every single weekday. In Mumbai. Andheri to Palghar. In 60 minutes. Flat."

RRTS is in the news for doing 80 km from Delhi to Meerut in an hour.And Im sitting here thinking I used to do 70 km in one hour every single weekday. In Mumbai. Andheri to Palghar. In 60 minutes. Flat. Meet the legend: the queen of WR: the 12921/2 Flying Ranee Express. pic.twitter.com/XacM1USAGS  Rahul Srinivas (@whizkidd) February 24, 2026

He went on to introduce what he called the legend: the queen of WR: the 12921/2 Flying Ranee Express." Listing the schedule, he wrote, 18:10 -> Andheri, 18:22 -> Borivali, 19:10 -> Palghar. Id be home in Palghar before half my colleagues living in Thane or Mulund reached Kurla. "

Adding context, he shared, Disclosure: They let me go 10 minutes early because I lived in a village and came in a blue train. Attached video: The Flying Ranee in 2013, captured by me."

How Did The Internet React?

The post quickly gained traction, drawing mixed reactions. One user commented, Only that there will be many runs on the Delhi Meerut route unlike the Flying Ranee. Palghar was lucky to get a stop of Flying as it was Dahanu which had it. Someone from us from Boisar only saw it go past everyday. Is it still double decker? Palghar was never a village though." Another wrote, Comparison with RRTS doesnt make sense as there are so many stops in those 80 km. How many stops were there for Flying Ranee?"

As the discussion intensified, Rahul clarified his stance. Update: This is not me romanticizing Mumbais shoddy public transport infra, its more of an indictment of the same," he wrote. For us, traveling on this train, reaching home in one piece by avoiding the miserable locals was an escape route. And in that way, we are always thankful to this train. This is not comparing the Ranee to the ultra modern RRTS." What began as a nostalgic post soon evolved into a wider conversation about urban mobility, infrastructure gaps and how different cities measure progress in public transport.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: February 25, 2026, 07:30 IST

News viral Delhi-Meerut RRTS Cuts Travel Time To 58 Minutes. But, Mumbaikars Flaunt Andheri To Palghar's Super Fast Travel

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Haryana Shocker: Elderly Doctor Living Alone In Karnal Rescued  Didnt Change Clothes For 18 Months

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Trending Desk

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 13:04 IST

The elderly homoeopathic doctor who was living alone in extremely pitiable conditions at his residence near Meera Ghati Chowk.

Rapid Read

Members of the organisation carrying the elderly man out of the house.(Photo Credit: Instagram)

An unsettling incident has come to light from Haryana where an elderly man was rescued by a social welfare organisation from his house where he was living alone in extremely poor and deteriorating conditions for months.

A video of the rescue has surfaced online and it has left many people shocked. Users are questioning how such a situation went unnoticed for so long.

Elderly Doctor Rescued From House In Karnal

According to a report by Tribune India, a local social welfare organisation rescued an elderly homoeopathic doctor who was living alone in extremely pitiable conditions at his residence near Meera Ghati Chowk.

Raj Kumar Arora, a member of the Apna Ashiana organisation, said that although the man belonged to a well-settled family, his condition had declined significantly over time.

When the organisation contacted his wife, who lives in Australia with their two daughters, she reportedly told them that her husband was not mentally stable and had chosen to live in isolation. She also informed them that an attendant had been appointed to care for him at their Sector 7 residence.

But he allegedly refused to stay there and insisted on living separately at his own house near Meera Ghati Chowk.

Living In Disturbing Conditions

The viral video captures members of the organisation carrying the elderly man out of the house while neighbours watch from their rooftops.

As per details mentioned in the video, the man had not changed his clothes for nearly one-and-a-half years. His clothes and body remitted a strong odour and the condition of the house was described as extremely unhygienic and neglected.

A deeply disturbing video has surfaced from #Karnal.An elderly doctor was found living alone in extremely pathetic and neglected conditions inside his own home. His son and daughter are settled in Australia. Reportedly, he had not even changed his clothes for nearly one and a pic.twitter.com/O0KZDJIAtW Indian Doctor (@Indian__doctor) February 24, 2026

Internet Reacts Strongly

Several users expressed sadness and anger over the situation with one user commenting, No wealth is greater than parents. From saving lives to being forgotten in his own home in Karnal  this is not just neglect, its a moral failure. Success abroad means nothing if it abandons dignity at home. A society is judged by how it treats its elders. Thanks for the rescue."

Another said, Were the so-called son and daughter not aware that their elderly father was alone back home?"

What is the point of living in Australia? If you cant take care of your own parents," someone else questioned.

Really sad state of affairs. Surprising that no one  neighbours, friends, relatives even checked once in these 18 months," a person added.

Whether you are a man/woman, married/unmarried, have kids/no kids Start planning to live your old age with dignity without expecting any relative/friend to look after you. No one has time for anyone in todays busy world," an individual wrote.

What a disgrace to humanity," Utterly tragic" and Heartbreaking" were some other remarks.

According to Tribune India, the doctor was shifted to Apna Ashiana which is a shelter home for the homeless.

First Published: February 25, 2026, 13:04 IST

News viral Haryana Shocker: Elderly Doctor Living Alone In Karnal Rescued  Didnt Change Clothes For 18 Months

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President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov will meet on Thursday with US Presidential Special Envoys Steven Witkoff and Jared Kushner to prepare, in particular, for a trilateral meeting in the Ukraine-USA-Russia format in early March.

"I will say very quickly what I believe is relevant. I just spoke with Rustem Umerov; he will have a meeting tomorrow with the American negotiators, with Witkoff and Kushner, and Umerov will also be with the Minister of Economy. This will be a bilateral meeting with the American side," the president told journalists on Wednesday.
No Energy To Fight: Indian Founder Sells Company, Leaves Sweden Over Xenophobic System

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 14:07 IST

My experience with the Swedish Migration Agency wasn't just a bureaucratic hurdle; it was a masterclass in systemic dysfunction and unprofessionalism, the founder wrote.

Rapid Read

Abhijith Nag Balasubramanya founded Hydro Space Sweden AB. (Photo Credit: Linkedin)

Sweden: Where Innovation Goes to Die in Bureaucracy," an Indian entrepreneur, who had his business settled in Sweden, said while expressing his frustration with the countrys immigration system. He alleged that he was forced to sell his company and leave Sweden after facing what he described as a hostile" and poorly handled process by the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket).

Today, I am officially stepping down as Founder and CEO of Hydro Space Sweden AB. I have sold the company as I am being forced to leave the country by the end of this month," wrote Abhijit Nag Balasubramanya in a LinkedIn post shared just days back. He added, This isnt an exit by choice. It is an eviction by an incompetent and increasingly hostile state apparatus."

The Founder Explained How The Agency Mishandled His Case

He continued, While our first harvest was being celebrated at ICA Kvantum and welcomed by the people of Skelleftea, Migrationsverket was busy dismantling my life. My experience with the Swedish Migration Agency wasnt just a bureaucratic hurdle; it was a masterclass in systemic dysfunction and unprofessionalism. To potential investors and international founders: Consider this a final warning. The reality of the Swedish startup-friendly" image is a facade."

In his post, Abhijit accused the Swedish Migration Agency of mishandling his case. He said officials did not clearly explain what documents were needed, failed to respond properly to his requests, and changed the reasons for rejecting his application during the process. He described the system as unfair and difficult for foreign founders to navigate.

Further in the post, Abhijit mentioned that his company was operational within six months of its founding and that it provided jobs to local residents and supplied fresh produce to the local market. In return, I was met with a lack of transparency and a total absence of human decency from Migrationsverket," he added.

The Swedish Migration Agency is yet to respond.

The Founder Shared That He Returned To India To Work On His Mental Health

After undergoing such a traumatic process, he mentioned that he has returned to India for his well-being. He said, I do not have the energyor the desireto spend my capital fighting a legal battle against a system that is fundamentally broken and seemingly xenophobic. Instead, I have decided to take a break and move back to my home country to work on my mental health that was destroyed by the Swedish migration agency. The Swedish migration agency might have destroyed my life and my dream company, but my entrepreneurial passion towards sustainability will never fade. I will come back strong and use my expertise at a place it is valued."

Concluding his post, Abhijit wrote, To the incompetent and arrogant case officer who took pride in destroying my livelihood: You havent just failed me; you are failing Swedens future to be food secure. To my customers in Skelleftea and the partners who supported us: thank you. I am proud of what we grew, even if I wasnt allowed to stay to see it flourish. Wishing the new owners great success!"

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: February 25, 2026, 13:24 IST

News viral No Energy To Fight: Indian Founder Sells Company, Leaves Sweden Over Xenophobic System

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Tech Founder Who Failed IIT Twice Shares Message On Hope As Lucknow NEET Blue Drum Case Shocks Nation

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Trending Desk

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 16:16 IST

After a NEET aspirant allegedly killed his father in Lucknow, a founders post about failure and second chances has struck a chord online.

Rapid Read

Sumit Mittals story reminds students that setbacks are not the end. (Photo Credit: X)

News of a NEET aspirant allegedly killing his father has left many people disturbed. The case has raised serious questions about pressure, expectations and how young students deal with failure.

At a time like this, a founders post about rejection and second chances is getting attention. His message is simple, Failure is not the end, and success does not come overnight."

He Shares His Story Of Failure And Growth

Sumit Mittal wrote openly about his journey on X (formerly Twitter). He did not hide his setbacks.

His path was not easy. He failed major exams and went through money problems at home. He worked at a call centre to support himself. He studied BCA from a distant college, which many may not see as a top choice.

In his post, he said: Yes, I failed IIT JEE twice. Yes, I failed my chemistry pre-board exam. Yes, my family faced a financial crisis. Yes, I worked at a call centre. Yes, I completed my BCA from a distant college. Yes, I started by teaching four students in a very small room."

Still, he did not give up. He later secured AIR 4 in NIMCET and completed his MCA from NIT Trichy. Over the years, he worked with well-known product-based companies. Today, he mentors thousands of students and guides them through exams and career choices.

Speaking about the positives, he also shared, But I got AIR 4 in NIMCET. But I completed my MCA from NIT Trichy. But I have worked with top product-based companies. But now I am a mentor to 1000s of students. Life is supposed to be full of ups and downs, I saw both sides. If you are facing rejection after rejection, dont worry. Success is getting closer with every step."

Check his post here:

Yes, I failed IIT JEE twiceYes, I failed in chemistry pre board examYes, my family faced financial crisisYes, I worked at a call centerYes, I completed my BCA from a distant collegeYes, I just started with teaching 4 students in a very small roomBut, I got AIR 4 in NIMCET pic.twitter.com/OOasjxAVhm  Sumit Mittal (@bigdatasumit) February 24, 2026

Social Media Users Respond With Support

His words touched many people. The post, shared on February 24, received over two lakh views and many comments.

Many people praised his honesty. A user wrote, Very essence of life summarised beautifully."

Another said, Failing and losing are terrible. But only those who dont lose heart are successful."

A comment read, Resumes dont show the scars, but your story proves that failures are just the setup for a massive comeback. From a small room to a mentor of thousands, inspiring."

Others added messages like, Well done! Wish you further success," and This is so inspiring. Proud of you, man."

NEET Aspirant Case Shocks Lucknow

Coming to the incident that has left many shaken, police in Lucknow revealed chilling details of the crime.

On February 23, police in Lucknow said a 19-year-old youth allegedly shot his father at their home in the Aashiana area. The accused later confessed that he was under pressure to crack NEET.

Police said the father, 49, was a pathology lab owner. The incident reportedly happened around 4:30 am on February 20 after an argument about studies. The accused, identified as Akshat, allegedly used his fathers licensed rifle. He later tried to hide the crime.

DCP Central Zone Vikrant Vir said, His inconsistent statements raised red flags. Strict interrogation led to his confession" as quoted by The Times of India. Police recovered body parts from the house and are continuing their investigation.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: February 25, 2026, 16:14 IST

News viral Tech Founder Who Failed IIT Twice Shares Message On Hope As Lucknow NEET Blue Drum Case Shocks Nation

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Stand Together, Get Married: Pakistan University's 'Ramadan' Notification Has Internet Wonder If 'It Is A Good Opportunity'

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Trending Desk

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 08:30 IST

A reel showed an alleged notification from a Pakistani university which banned boys and girls from standing together.

Rapid Read

The university allegedly declared to arrange Nikah if couples were seen standing together. (representative image)

A university in Pakistan makes headlines after it allegedly publishes an unusual notice to observe the month of Ramadan. The students of the university made a fun reel sharing how the notice forbids boys and girls from standing together inside the campus.

Soon after sharing the news on social media, the video reached a vast audience, drawing varied responses from the Internet.

Pakistan University Bans Couples Standing Together

The reel started with a quote that said, Our university is so halal that we received this notification." The video then showed a screenshot of an alleged notice published by Hamdard University.

The notice read, Dear students, it is hereby informed that during the holy month of Ramadan, standing together in couples (boy and girl) is strictly prohibited." It continued, If any couple is found standing together, their Nikkah will be immediately arranged."

Students are advised to respect the sanctity of the university and avoid unnecessary closeness. In the event of violation, the couple will be responsible for arranging their own Walima," the notice added.

The Internet Asks If It Was A Warning or an Opportunity

The reel received over 40 lakh views in a few days and received humorous responses from users. Yeh, warning you of the opportunity?" one asked.

Trust me, Ammi, I was just standing there, and they got us into Nikah," another joked.

Rishta karwane ka tareeka thoda casual hai," someone else added. I would definitely be standing next to my crush and try to look as suspicious as possible," one student from the university wrote.

Jinke ghar wale nahi maan rahe abhi mauka hai ikathey khare ho jao," someone suggested.

Which university is this? I want to get admission," one user wrote. Hamdard Uni is really living up to its name," another joked.

Rishtey wali aunty has been quiet since this dropped," an individual joked. Partition ka dukh aaj sabse zyada hua hai," another comment read.

Some users also asked in the comments if this notice was real or made with AI, while others joked about getting into the university and marrying their partner or crush. Some even tagged their friends and planned to get admission.

Despite the viral reel, no such notification was found on the universitys official page. Earlier the same notification made rounds on social media under Islamabads Bahria Universitys name. Later it was reported that the notification was fabricated, and it was revealed that the notice was not issued on the universitys official letterhead.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: February 25, 2026, 08:30 IST

News viral Stand Together, Get Married: Pakistan University's 'Ramadan' Notification Has Internet Wonder If 'It Is A Good Opportunity'

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She Was 19, He Was 32  Age Gap Love Story Now Mired In Grooming Claims

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: March 03, 2026, 15:26 IST

Naya, 25, and Zac, 38, face trolling over their 13-year age gap. While critics brand him a predator, she says he treats her like a queen and their bond is strong

Rapid Read

On their first date, Zac made it clear that he was serious about building a future with Naya.

Love may not see age, but society often does. Naya, 25, from Texas, USA, and her 38-year-old partner Zac, have faced constant scrutiny over their 13-year age difference.

Despite the criticism, the couple has been together for five years and is raising their two-year-old son, Zion, together.

How They Met

Naya and Jack first met six years ago while working at a grocery store. At the time, Naya was 19, and Zac was 32. She admits she was initially hesitant about dating someone much older, but Zacs maturity and open, honest conversations gradually won her trust.

Interestingly, Zac proposed to Naya when she was wearing a face mask; he had not even seen her full face at the time. He had initially assumed she was around his own age.

On their first date, Zac made it clear that he was serious about building a future with her.

Facing Online Trolling

Whenever the couple shares photos or videos on social media, they are met with harsh criticism. Trolls often label Zac a predator and a groomer, accusations that Naya says are deeply hurtful and mentally exhausting. Responding to the criticism, Naya says, When people call Zac a predator, it just shows their ignorance and frustration. They judge us based on an eight-second video, but they dont know that Jack treats me like a queen."

Zac, who works as a sales driver, believes having a younger partner has given him a fresh outlook on life. He jokes, Even when Im old and have white hair, Naya will still be a 10 out of 10."

Son Targeted With Racist Remarks

While the couple says they can handle criticism about their age gap, they draw the line when it comes to their son. Their two-year-old son, Zion, has reportedly been subjected to racist comments online.

Naya has called such remarks disgusting, saying those who target a child are cowards hiding behind screens.

Familys Initial Concerns

Nayas family was not immediately supportive of the relationship. Her mother and sister were concerned that Zac might take advantage of her due to the age difference.

However, after meeting Zac and observing his behaviour, their perception changed. Over time, they accepted the relationship and now support the couple.

Why Their Relationship Works

According to Naya, the foundation of their relationship is mutual respect and Zacs commitment to putting family first. Despite online backlash and social judgement, the couple says they remain focused on their life together and refuse to let trolls define their story.

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: February 25, 2026, 14:51 IST

News viral She Was 19, He Was 32  Age Gap Love Story Now Mired In Grooming Claims

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Apple CEO Tim Cook 'Slept With One Eye Open' After CIA Warned Him Of China Attack On Taiwan: Report

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Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 16:15 IST

The briefing came in 2023, when the US was growing increasingly uneasy about Chinas intentions toward Taiwan, on which America is heavily dependent for semiconductor chips.

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Apple CEO Tim Cook

Apple CEO Tim Cook was part of a classified briefing in July 2023 by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), after which he reportedly told US officials that he had been sleeping with one eye open" following a dire warning that China could launch a military operation against Taiwan in 2027, which could severely disrupt Apples global supply chain.

According to a report by the New York Times, Cook, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Lisa Su of Advanced Micro Devices, entered a secure briefing room in Silicon Valley, while Qualcomms Cristiano Amon joined via video conferencing. Then-CIA head William J Burns and director of national intelligence Avril Haines warned them that Chinas military spending could mean a move on Taiwan in 2027.

This classified briefing came at a time when US intelligence agencies were growing increasingly uneasy about Chinas intentions toward Taiwan, which Beijing considers as part of its own territory and has long threatened to retake by force. A Chinese blockade of Taiwan, officials say, could choke the supply of computer chips and severely weaken the US tech industry.

US Companies Ignored Warnings

According to the NYT report, former US President Joe Biden offered financial grants worth billions to improve the domestic production of chips in order to reduce dependence on Taiwan. When that did not work, Donald Trump threatened billions in tariffs to essentially accomplish the same thing.

However, these efforts made little difference as US tech companies in Silicon Valley ignored warnings and stubbornly refused to shift where it gets most of its chips, which are used to power electronic devices and AI data centres. The single biggest threat to the world economy, the single biggest point of single failure, is that 97 percent of the high-end chips are made in Taiwan," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said last month at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

An investigation by NYT found that executives were so focused on winning in their hypercompetitive markets and maintaining big profit margins that they ignored the consequences of over-dependence on Taiwan. Now, even if they decide to move their sources, it will likely take a few years.

TSMC produces roughly 90 per cent of the worlds most advanced semiconductors. The reasons for this were purely business, as chips made in the US were 25% more expensive, along with higher material, labour and permitting costs. TSMC was widely considered better at building cutting-edge chips than American companies like Intel.

Sleeping With One Eye Open

Given that Taiwan is critical to Americas economic survival, particularly at a time when artificial intelligence is taking off, Trump has used the threat of tariffs to bully tech companies to buy more of their chips from US factories. Before this, the Biden administration tried to convince tech companies to buy chips from American companies like Intel and Samsung.

In 2021, Admiral Philip S Davidson, then-commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, revealed that the armed services believed that Chinese President Xi Jinping wanted his army to be ready to take Taiwan by 2027.

By 2023, fears of a Chinese takeover of Taiwan grew after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, forcing intelligence officials to speak directly to Silicon Valleys most powerful decision-makers. Most tech companies were still reluctant to buy American chips.

Then-US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo asked Burns and Haines to give a classified briefing to Apples Tim Cook, Nvidias Jensen Huang, Advanced Micro Devicess Lisa Su and Qualcomms Cristiano Amon. After the meeting, Cook told officials that he slept with one eye open."

However, Apple committed $100 billion towards supporting chip manufacturing in the US after Trump threatened tariffs to force tech companies to buy US semiconductors. Lisa Su and Amon also promised to manufacture more chips in America.

Moreover, TSMC has announced plans to invest around $165 billion in the US, with land secured for at least five new fabrication plants in Phoenix, Arizona. These facilities are intended to reduce Americas dependence on overseas chip supplies. Taiwan has also committed to $250 billion in credit guarantees to help move semiconductor and technology manufacturing to America.

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: February 25, 2026, 16:14 IST

News world Apple CEO Tim Cook 'Slept With One Eye Open' After CIA Warned Him Of China Attack On Taiwan: Report

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Baby Boom In South Korea! Post-Covid Marriages Push Births To 15-Year High

Curated By :

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Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 20:37 IST

South Korea saw a 6.8% rise in births in 2025, with 2,54,500 babies born and fertility rate reaching 0.8, driven by post-pandemic marriages and shifting social attitudes

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The number of marriages increased continuously for 21 months from April 2024 to December 2025, contributing directly to the rise in births. (AI Image)

South Korea has recorded its sharpest rise in births in 15 years, marking the biggest increase since the Covid-19 pandemic and offering a measure of relief to a country long troubled by a declining population. Government data shows that 2,54,500 babies were born in 2025, a 6.8% increase compared with the previous year.

The countrys total fertility rate rose to 0.8, the first time in four years that the figure has reached this level, and the highest in over a decade.

Officials attribute the increase largely to a post-pandemic rebound in marriages. Many couples postponed weddings during the Covid-19 period, and the resumption of ceremonies has led to a steady rise in marriages. According to the statistics ministry, the number of marriages increased continuously for 21 months from April 2024 to December 2025, contributing directly to the rise in births.

Demographic changes have also played a role. The number of women in their 30s, considered the primary childbearing age group, has been increasing since 2021, providing a larger base for potential births.

Authorities say social attitudes toward parenthood may also be shifting. A 2024 government survey indicated that more people now intend to have children after marriage. The survey also showed growing acceptance of having children outside marriage.

Officials noted that the fertility rate in 2025 rose by 0.05 points compared with the previous year, and the government hopes the figure could reach 1.0 by 2031 if the trend continues.

Despite the improvement, population decline remains a serious concern. Preliminary data shows that deaths increased by 1.3% in 2025, with 3,63,400 deaths recorded, resulting in a natural population decrease of about 1,10,000 people. The number of deaths continues to exceed births.

Final demographic figures for 2025 are expected to be released in August, which officials say will provide a clearer picture of the countrys population trends.

Location : Seoul, South Korea

First Published: February 25, 2026, 20:37 IST

News world Baby Boom In South Korea! Post-Covid Marriages Push Births To 15-Year High

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'Can't Let Them Have Nuclear Weapons': Trump Talks Tough On Iran, Hails Op Midnight Hammer

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Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 12:11 IST

Trump cited the 2025 US air campaign against Iranian nuclear facilities as a turning point that obliterated Irans nuclear programme and prevented the spread of terrorism

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US President Donald Trump gestures as he delivers the State of the Union address. (AFP)

IRAN US Tensions: President Donald Trump, delivering his 2026 State of the Union address on Wednesday, framed rising tensions with Iran as one of the central national security challenges facing the United States, asserting that previous US military action had significantly weakened Tehrans capabilities and warning that any future nuclear ambitions would not be tolerated.

Speaking to a joint session of Congress, Trump cited the 2025 US air campaign against Iranian nuclear facilitiesknown as Operation Midnight Hammeras a turning point that obliterated" Irans nuclear programme and prevented the spread of terrorism by the regime. He claimed that without that operation, Iran would have spread terrorism", framing the strikes as both a defensive and stabilising action.

Also See: US-Iran Talks To Be Held On February 26 In Geneva

Had it not been for Operation Midnight Hammer, Irans regime would have spread terrorism. We obliterated Iran nuclear programme," Trump said. Drawing a red line, the US President said we cant let them have a nuclear weapon".

He also claimed Iran is seeking to develop missiles that can strike the United Stateslong-range weapons technology that only a limited number of countries possess. Theyve already developed missiles that can threaten Europe and our bases overseas, and theyre working to build missiles that will soon reach the United States of America," Trump said.

Theyve already developed missiles that can threaten Europe and our bases overseas, and theyre working to build missiles that will soon reach the United States of America," Trump said during his State of the Union address.

In 2025, the US Defense Intelligence Agency said Iran could potentially develop a militarily viable intercontinental ballistic missile by 2035 should Tehran decide to pursue the capability," but did not say if it had made such a decision.

Tehran currently possesses short- and medium-range ballistic missiles with ranges that top out at about 1,850 miles (3,000 kilometers), according to the US Congressional Research Service.

The continental United States is more than 6,000 miles from Irans western tip.

Washington and Tehran have concluded two rounds of talks aimed at reaching a deal on Irans nuclear program to replace the agreement that Trump tore up during his first term in office.

Also See: India On Iran-US Tensions

The United States has repeatedly called for zero uranium enrichment by Iran but has also sought to address its ballistic missile program and support for armed groups in the region  demands Iran has rejected.

Trump has sent a massive US military force to the Middle East, deploying two aircraft carriers as well as more than a dozen other ships, a large number of warplanes and other assets to the region.

He has repeatedly threatened to strike Iran if negotiations fail to reach a new agreement. Talks with Tehran are currently set to continue on Thursday.

(With AFP Inputs)

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: February 25, 2026, 09:24 IST

News world 'Can't Let Them Have Nuclear Weapons': Trump Talks Tough On Iran, Hails Op Midnight Hammer

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'Divine Dragon': What Is China's Secret Reusable Spacecraft, In Orbit Again For Fourth Time Since 2020?

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Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 08:00 IST

No one, however, really knows what the Shenlong spacecraft is doing up there leaving experts confused and in search of answers to decipher its true purpose

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The launch pad for the Long March-2F rocket stands, ahead of the Shenzhou-21 spaceflight mission to China's Tiangong space station, at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, near Jiuquan, Gansu province. (Image: REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov/File)

In the early hours of February 7, a Long March-2F carrier rocket ascended from Chinas Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre, carrying a payload that remains one of the most closely guarded secrets in modern aerospace.

This is not the first but the fourth time since 2020 that China has deployed its experimental reusable spacecraft, known as Shenlong meaning the Divine Dragon".

But no one really knows what it is doing up there, leaving experts confused and in search of answers to decipher its true purpose. It is very much like China to be secretive, which was once again confirmed by state news agency Xinhua, and it did not provide any specifics of the mission.

The highly classified Shenlong programme, however, represents a significant leap in Chinas orbital capabilities.

WHAT IS THE OFFICIAL WORD?

The Chinese governments public stance on the Shenlong programme is what observers called vague and anodyne" language.

According to official reports, the mission is intended to carry out technological verification", providing essential technical support for the peaceful use of space". The primary objective, as per Xinhua, is to pave the way for more convenient and affordable round-trip methods" for space travel in the future.

From a purely economic perspective, the development of reusable spacecraft is a logical step for any major space power. By creating a vehicle capable of returning to Earth and flying again, China aims to significantly increase the frequency of missions while lowering the per-mission costs.

But Beijing has virtually disclosed nothing about the crafts technical capabilities, its internal design, or the nature of its payloads.

WHY IS CHINA BEING SECRETIVE?

The Shenlongs flight history reveals a programme that has rapidly matured since its inception. Its first mission in September 2020 was a brief two-day proof-of-concept.

Subsequent flights have demonstrated remarkable endurance. A second spacecraft launched in August 2022 remained in orbit for 276 days before returning in May 2023.

A third mission, launched in late 2023, operated for 268 days. This latest fourth mission places the Shenlong back into low Earth orbit (LEO) for an undisclosed duration.

The increasing length of these missions  often exceeding eight months  suggests that China is focusing on long-duration orbital endurance and the testing of autonomous navigation systems that can survive the harsh environment of space for extended periods.

WHAT IS IT BEING COMPARED TO?

Experts have often compared Shenlong to the United States Space Forces Boeing X-37B. Both are autonomous, unmanned reusable spacecraft that launch vertically atop a rocket and land horizontally on a runway.

The X-37B, which is roughly 29 feet (8.8 metres) long and resembles a miniature version of NASAs retired space shuttle, also operates under a heavy veil of classification.

According to a report published by Space.com experts from the Secure World Foundation (SWF) said while the secrecy is a shared trait, the physical limitations of these craft make them unlikely candidates for space-to-ground weaponry.

The experts said the X-37B has a payload bay roughly the size of a pickup truck bed, and any hyperkinetic weapons" dropped from such a vehicle will require massive thrusters to perform a deorbit burn. As these vehicles re-enter the atmosphere as slow-moving gliders, they will be easy prey for any air defence system".

Analysts observed that similar physical constraints likely apply to Shenlong, suggesting its primary purpose is not as a bomb from space".

HOW IS IT UNIQUE?

The Shenlong truly distinguishes itself from its American counterpart in its demonstrated ability to interact with other objects in orbit.

The Space.com report said during its previous missions, tracking data from the US military and private space situational awareness firms showed that the Chinese craft released one or more objects into orbit. It has been observed performing rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO).

This involves the spacecraft manoeuvring close to its deployed objects and, in some cases, conducting capture and docking operations". Victoria Samson, chief director of space security and stability for the SWF, was quoted saying this is a skill set China is clearly prioritising.

WHAT DOES RPO DO?

Refuel and refurbish their own satellites to extend their lifespans.

Inspect and upgrade hardware already in orbit.

Remove orbital debris to ensure safe passage for other missions.

But, what is making everyone nervous is that the same skills can also be used to tamper with or disable enemy assets.

Its almost at the point now where, if you want to have space superiority, you need to be able to conduct RPOs," Samson was quoted.

SO, WHAT NEXT?

Since China has never been forthcoming, experts studying the Shenlong almost entirely rely on satellite tracking and amateur observations.

Amateur astronomers and private tracking companies have become the primary source of information. Experts have said greater communication about the missions scientific goals could help allay fears of anti-satellite activities.

But, for now, the Divine Dragon continues its silent and secretive journey, representing a significant advancement in reusable technology that places China at the forefront of the new era of space competition.

(With agency inputs)

Location : Beijing, China

First Published: February 25, 2026, 08:00 IST

News world 'Divine Dragon': What Is China's Secret Reusable Spacecraft, In Orbit Again For Fourth Time Since 2020?

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India Abstains From UN Resolution Vote On Immediate Ceasefire Between Ukraine, Russia

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Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 06:55 IST

India was one of the 51 countries that abstained from the resolution, which was introduced by Kyiv.

India abstains from UN resolution vote calling for ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. (File photo: Getty Images via AFP)

India on Tuesday abstained from voting on a United Nations General Assembly draft resolution that called for an immediate, complete, and unconditional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.

The resolution, titled Support for Lasting Peace in Ukraine, received 107 votes in favour, 12 against, and 51 abstentions from the 193-member assembly. Notably, the resolution was adopted on the fourth anniversary of Russias invasion of Ukraine.

India was one of the 51 countries that abstained from the resolution, which was introduced by Kyiv. Other abstaining nations included Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States.

Zelenskyy Expresses Gratitude

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the 107 nations that supported Ukraines resolution at the UN General Assembly, calling for a full ceasefire and the return of Ukrainian citizens.

In a post on X, the Ukrainian President wrote, I am grateful to each of the 107 countries that stood with Ukraine today in defense of life at the UN. The General Assembly adopted our resolution in support of a lasting peace, with clear calls for a full ceasefire and the return of our people."

These are the right and necessary steps. And we will keep working actively to achieve peace, together with our partners," the post read.

I am grateful to each of the 107 countries that stood with Ukraine today in defense of life at the @UN.The General Assembly adopted our resolution in support of a lasting peace, with clear calls for a full ceasefire and the return of our people. These are the right and pic.twitter.com/s5tmD1Bymm  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) February 24, 2026

UN Chief Calls War Threat To Global Peace

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, United Nations General Secretary Antonio Guterres marked the fourth anniversary of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, describing the war as a violation of international law and a threat to global peace.

In a post on X, Guterres said, 24 February marks four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, in violation of the @UNCharter & international law. This devastating war is a stain on our collective consciousness & remains a threat to regional & international peace & security. The longer the war continues, the deadlier it becomes. Civilians bear the brunt of this conflict, with 2025 witnessing the largest number of civilians killed in Ukraine."

24 February marks four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, in violation of the @UN Charter & international law.This devastating war is a stain on our collective consciousness & remains a threat to regional & international peace & security. The  Antonio Guterres (@antonioguterres) February 24, 2026

He further called for an immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire as a first step toward achieving a just and lasting peace.

This is simply unacceptable. I reiterate my call for an immediate, full & unconditional ceasefire as a first step towards a just, lasting & comprehensive peace. For peace to be just, it must be in line with international law, respecting Ukraines independence, sovereignty & territorial integrity," the post read.

First Published: February 25, 2026, 06:39 IST

News world India Abstains From UN Resolution Vote On Immediate Ceasefire Between Ukraine, Russia

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Islamabad High Court Removes Judge Over Fake Law Degree, 116-Page Verdict Exposes Fraud

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Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 14:14 IST

Islamabad HC removed Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri for holding a fake law degree, citing fraudulent credentials and "dilatory tactics" as detailed in a 116-page judgment.

The judgement was issued on February 23. (Representative image)

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) in Pakistan has removed a judge from his post after discovering that he held a fake law degree, rendering his appointment legally invalid.

According to a 116-page detailed judgment issued on February 23, the court concluded that Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiris academic credentials were fraudulent, Pakistani news outlet Dawn reported. Although appointed to the High Court in December 2020, he had already been restrained from performing judicial functions since September last year.

Court Cites Fake Enrolment Numbers, Impersonation In Law Exams

The ruling was based on original records obtained from the Registrar of Karachi University. The court found that Jahangiri had used dishonest means in connection with his law examinations. It noted that he appeared for an exam in 1988 using a fake enrolment number and was caught cheating.

In 1989, the university barred him for three years. Instead of serving the penalty, he allegedly reappeared the following year under a shortened version of his name, Tariq Jahangiri," and used an enrolment number assigned to another student, Imtiaz Ahmed.

Additionally, the principal of Government Islamia Law College informed the court that Jahangiri had never been admitted to the institution.

Court Terms Defence Dilatory Tactics As Judge Fails To Prove Credentials

The bench observed that despite being granted several opportunities to submit original documents and a written explanation, Jahangiri failed to provide proof of his qualifications. Instead, he filed applications seeking the constitution of a full bench, the recusal of the chief justice, and an indefinite adjournment, citing related proceedings before the Sindh High Court.

Describing these moves as dilatory tactics", the court held that once documentary evidence was produced against him, the burden shifted to Jahangiri to establish the authenticity of his degree. His inability to do so led the court to draw an adverse inference, ultimately declaring his judicial appointment void.

Location : Islamabad, Pakistan

First Published: February 25, 2026, 14:14 IST

News world Islamabad High Court Removes Judge Over Fake Law Degree, 116-Page Verdict Exposes Fraud

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Ukraine has NASAMS anti-aircraft missile system infrastructure, as the priority is the protection of 230 objects, some of which were guarded by these complexes, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said.

"We have NASAMS, we have this infrastructureit is not about one or two, it is more. I do not want to share a specific number here, but all NASAMS are operational because we have a priority: 230 objects that need to be preserved. And part of them were guarded by NASAMS," Zelenskyy said at a press conference with Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Stre in Kyiv.
'My Great Friend': Trump Remembers Charlie Kirk, His Wife Erika Stands In Attendance

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Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 09:22 IST

Donald Trump honoured the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk and said he was "martyred" for his beliefs.

US President Donald Trump mentions late conservative activist Charlie Kirk during his State of Union address.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, during his State of the Union address, remembered the right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead at a Utah college event in September last year.

Addressing the State of the Union address about the rise in Christianity in the US over the last year, Trump honoured the late Charlie Kirk, who he said was martyred" for his beliefs. Im very proud to say that during my time in office, both the first four years and, in particular, this last year, there has been a tremendous renewal in religion, faith, Christianity and belief in God," Trump said.

This is especially true among young people, and a big part of that had to do with my great friend, Charlie Kirk, a great guy."

Kirk was violated by an assassin and martyred for his beliefs. His wonderful wife, Erika, is with us tonight," Trump said, speaking directly to Erika Kirk.

In Charlies memory, we must all come together to reaffirm that America is one nation under God, and we must totally reject political violence of any kind," the President added.

TRUMP: Charlie Kirk fought for faith in America. Lets honor him  one nation under God, zero tolerance for political violence." pic.twitter.com/Dc2sg6WMN6 The global watch X (@GalobalWatch) February 25, 2026

Charlie Kirks wife, Erika Kirk, was present at the event. She was seen standing and responding as Trump mentioned her husbands during his address.

Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and close ally of US President Donald Trump, was shot dead at a Utah college event in September 2025. A month after his death, Trump posthumously awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, hailing the young activist as a martyr for truth and freedom."

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: February 25, 2026, 09:22 IST

News world 'My Great Friend': Trump Remembers Charlie Kirk, His Wife Erika Stands In Attendance

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Namaste, Modi: Israeli Newspaper Jerusalem Post Publishes Special Edition Ahead Of PMs Visit

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Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 11:33 IST

Israel marked PM Modi's arrival with a special welcome on the front page of The Jerusalem Post.

PM Modi Leaves for Israel Visit (Left) Jerusalem Post front page (Right)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi left on Wednesday morning for his visit to Israel. He is expected to land around 4 p.m. Indian standard time. This will be his second visit to the country after his landmark 2017 trip.

The visit comes at the invitation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Jerusalem Posts special welcome

Israel marked his arrival with a special welcome on the front page of The Jerusalem Post.

Editor-in-Chief Zvika Klein shared the front page, which featured a large photograph of PM Modi waving. The page carried several feature stories on his visit and India-Israel ties. One headline read Welcome, Modi," while another said New Delhis burgeoning partnership with Jerusalem".

The top masthead carried the word Namaste" alongside Hebrew text. The subheading read, Two ancient nations open a new chapter." The entire Page 1 focused on India-Israel relations.

PM to address Knesset

PM Modi will deliver a speech at the Knesset, becoming the first Indian prime minister to address the Israeli Parliament.

The edition also carried an interview with Indias envoy to Israel, JP Singh. He said one of the most important elements of the visit would be PM Modis address to the Knesset.

Singh said the aim is to broaden and deepen bilateral ties beyond a limited number of sectors to a more comprehensive framework. This would include financial cooperation, trade and cross-border payments, with potential future work on financial systems and money-transfer infrastructure.

I will be undertaking a State Visit to Israel today and tomorrow. Our nations share a robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership. Ties have significantly strengthened in the last few years. I will be holding talks with PM Netanyahu, in which we will discuss ways to strengthen Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 25, 2026

PM Modis historic visit

Netanyahu described the visit as historic and called PM Modi a dear friend". He said he had spoken about the upcoming visit at the opening of the Cabinet meeting.

During the visit, the two leaders will review progress in the IndiaIsrael Strategic Partnership. They will discuss cooperation in science and technology, innovation, defence and security, agriculture, water management, trade and economy, and people-to-people exchanges.

PM Modi will also call on Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

He is expected to hold key discussions with Netanyahu on bilateral trade and defence and security cooperation during the visit.

Location : Israel

First Published: February 25, 2026, 11:29 IST

News world Namaste, Modi: Israeli Newspaper Jerusalem Post Publishes Special Edition Ahead Of PMs Visit

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'Nothing Can Justify Terrorism': PM Modi Condemns Oct 7 Attacks, Says India Stands With Israel

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Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 21:43 IST

While addressing the Israeli Parliament, PM Modi also recalled the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, where several innocent Israeli citizens were killed, and said no cause justifies terrorism.

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PM Modi addressing the Israeli Parliament on Wednesday. (PMO)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) on Wednesday, where he expressed condolences for the October 7 Hamas attack in 2023, affirming that India stands with Israel in the fight against terrorism. FOLLOW LIVE UPDATES OF MODIS ISRAEL VISIT

I also carry with me the deepest condolences of the people of India for every life lost and for every family whose world was shattered in the barbaric terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7. We feel your pain. We share your grief. India stands with Israel firmly, with conviction in this moment and beyond," he said.

No cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism. India has also endured the pain of terrorism for a long time. We remember the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the innocent lives lost, including Israeli civilians," he continued.

PM Modi asserted that just like Israel, India has a consistent and uncompromising policy of zero tolerance against terrorism, with no double standards. Terrorism aims to destabilise societies, to block development and to erode trust. Countering terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action because terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere. That is why, India supports all efforts that contribute to peace and regional stability," he added.

He also expressed support for the Gaza peace initiative, saying it holds promise for a just and durable peace in the region. The road to peace is not always easy, but India joins you and the world for dialogue, peace and stability in this region," PM Modi said in the Knesset.

Notably, Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing more than 1,200 people, including civilians and troops, and taking over 250 people hostage. Israel launched a devastating military offensive in the Gaza Strip, in which over 70,000 Palestinians were killed, before the United States mediated a ceasefire.

PM Modi Receives Warm Welcome In Knesset

Modi received a resounding welcome from Israeli lawmakers in the Knesset, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling him a brother" and hailing the special relationship between them. Ive never been more moved than by your visit here with us, a great friend of Israel, a great champion of the Indian-Israeli alliance, and a great leader on the world stage," Netanyahu told Modi.

Netanyahu said India and Israel will build an iron alliance" of countries in the face of extremist Islam." He said both countries are stronger than ever" and thanked Modi for his support of Israel after the Hamas-led attack.

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana also heaped praises on Modi as a staunch ally of Israel, noting that he was the first Indian leader to visit Israel when he came in 2017. The friendship between our two nations has stood the test of our shared fight against terrorism. After the October 7 massacre, Prime Minister Modi was one of the first leaders to condemn the atrocities of Hamas and stood in brotherhood with the citizens of Israel," he said.

ALSO READ: PM Modi Receives Red Carpet Welcome From Netanyahu, His Wife At Tel Aviv Airport

Prime Minister Modi reached Israel earlier in the day to kickstart a two-day visit that is expected to focus on artificial intelligence as well as defence. He was the first Indian PM to visit Israel in 2017, and is visiting the country after nine years. He also held an excellent" meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu, sharing that they discussed a wide range of subjects aimed at boosting bilateral ties.

Location : Jerusalem, Israel

First Published: February 25, 2026, 21:20 IST

News world 'Nothing Can Justify Terrorism': PM Modi Condemns Oct 7 Attacks, Says India Stands With Israel

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Did Trump Say Pakistan PM Would've Died Without US Involvement? His Op Sindoor Claim Goes Viral

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Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 12:46 IST

Trump said he had stopped eight wars, including a nuclear war between India and Pakistan.

US President Donald Trump (Image credit: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump has once again spoken about the May 2025 India-Pakistan conflict, repeating his earlier mediation claims during Operation Sindoor. His remarks quickly went viral, with many internet users reacting on social media.

What Trump said?

During his State of the Union address, Trump said he had ended eight wars in his first 10 months of his second term. He claimed that India and Pakistan would have had a nuclear war if he had not intervened.

Trump said he had saved Pakistan by stopping Indias Operation Sindoor.

Pakistan and India would have had a nuclear war. 35 million people said that the Prime Minister of Pakistan would have died if it were not for my involvement," Trump said.

He also said the United States was working hard to end what he called the ninth war which is between Russia and Ukraine, adding that the conflict would not have happened if he had been in power in place of Joe Biden.

Trump further said that under a ceasefire he ensured that every single hostage, living or dead, was returned home.

Trump: I stopped a nuclear war with 200% tariffsIndia: We talked directly, no US middlemanPakistan: quietly nods for Nobel pointsDiplomats who actually worked: This man has told this story 80+ times like its a new episode of The Apprentice.  #TariffPeace VasTech (@Vastechat) February 25, 2026

Social media reactions

His comments triggered strong reactions online.

One user wrote that the Pakistan Prime Minister would have died and mocked the claim.

Another said Trump was good at taking credit. Learn to take credit from Trump he is good in this ."

A third user criticised the remarks and compared them to repeated episodes of a television show, saying he had told the story many times. His X post reads, Trump: I stopped a nuclear war with 200% tariffs

India: We talked directly, no US middleman

Pakistan: quietly nods for Nobel points

Diplomats who actually worked: 

This man has told this story 80+ times like its a new episode of The Apprentice.  #TariffPeace"

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: February 25, 2026, 09:10 IST

News world Did Trump Say Pakistan PM Would've Died Without US Involvement? His Op Sindoor Claim Goes Viral

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PM Modi Receives Red Carpet Welcome From Netanyahu, His Wife At Tel Aviv Airport

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Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 17:59 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Israel for a two-day visit at the invitation of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu.

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PM Modi with Benjamin and Sara Netanyahu at Ben Gurion Airport.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a red carpet welcome at the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara Netanyahu, as the former began his two-day state visit there on Wednesday.

PM Modi, on his first visit to Israel in nine years, is expected to hold talks on artificial intelligence as well as defence at a time when Israel is seeking to increase its military exports.

Upon his arrival in Israel, Prime Minister Modi was warmly embraced by Netanyahu, followed by a ceremonial welcome by the Israeli military, which underscoring the strong friendship and close ties between the two nations.

WATCH LIVE: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife welcome Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel, in an official ceremony at Ben Gurion Airport.  https://t.co/FhaaOSpn6a Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) February 25, 2026

Landed in Israel. I am extremely honoured to be received by Prime Minister Netanyahu and Mrs. Netanyahu at the airport. I look forward to engaging in bilateral discussions and fruitful outcomes that strengthen the India-Israel friendship," said PM Modi on X.

Landed in Israel.I am extremely honoured to be received by Prime Minister Netanyahu and Mrs. Netanyahu at the airport. I look forward to engaging in bilateral discussions and fruitful outcomes that strengthen the India-Israel friendship.@netanyahu pic.twitter.com/FYGDv0M3Xy  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 25, 2026

PM Modi will address the Knesset (the Israeli Parliament) at 8 pm, and also visit a technology and innovation exhibit later in the evening, before joining Netanyahu for a private dinner. On Thursday, PM Modi will pay a visit to Yad Vashem at 12:15 pm  Israels official memorial, established in 1953, to commemorate the six million Jews murdered by Nazis.

India and Israel have grown significantly closer under the Modi government, a shift underscored by PM Narendra Modis landmark 2017 visit  the first by an Indian Prime Minister.

During the PMs visit, both sides agreed to expand cooperation across various areas including technology, defence, innovation, water management, agriculture, cybersecurity and space research, with Modi describing the relationship as special". In 2018, Prime Minister Netanyahu travelled to New Delhi, reinforcing the strategic bond between the two nations.

PM Modis visit comes amid heightened regional tensions, as the United States has threatened military action against Iran, which could trigger a wider conflict in the Middle East. However, PM Modis visit to Israel is expected to solely focus on bilateral engagement.

Ahead of his arrival, Modi expressed hope that his visit would strengthen the strategic ties between India and Israel. I am confident that my State Visit will further consolidate the enduring bonds between the two countries, set new goals for the Strategic Partnership, and advance our shared vision for a resilient, innovative and prosperous future," he said.

Location : Jerusalem, Israel

First Published: February 25, 2026, 16:25 IST

News world PM Modi Receives Red Carpet Welcome From Netanyahu, His Wife At Tel Aviv Airport

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Revised US Tariffs Kick In Today: What You Need To Know And What About India

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Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 14:44 IST

Revised US tariffs have come into effect days after the US Supreme Court struck down much of President Donald Trump's sweeping global duties

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Donald Trump has framed the ruling as a victory, claiming it gave him "far more powers and strength". (AP)

Revised US tariffs have come into effect days after the US Supreme Court struck down much of President Donald Trumps sweeping global duties, ruling that he had exceeded his authority by using a 1977 law to impose sudden tariffs on individual countries.

Whats The New Tariff?

The White House announced a 10% flat duty on imported goods, justified as a measure to address Americas balance-of-payments deficits. Trump has since pledged to raise this to 15%  the statutory ceiling under the law hes now relying on.

The tariff applies to roughly $1.2 trillion worth of imports annually, or about 34% of total goods entering the country. Sector-specific tariffs on steel and automobiles remain untouched by the court ruling.

The new duty is temporary, lasting just 150 days unless Congress acts to extend it, and is widely regarded as a bridge toward more durable trade legislation.

What Did The US Supreme Court Actually Strike Down?

The court invalidated Trumps use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose broad, country-specific tariffs  a cornerstone of his first-term trade agenda. US Customs and Border Protection said it would stop collecting those struck-down tariffs from Tuesday, the same day the new 10% levy took effect.

What Does This Mean For Americans?

Erica York of the Tax Foundation estimates that Trumps tariffs amounted to an average tax increase of $1,000 per US household in 2025. Even with the courts ruling, the remaining and new duties are still projected to cost the average household around $700 in 2026.

What About India?

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said New Delhi would resume talks with the US once there is greater clarity.

Before the US Supreme Court struck down Trumps tariffs:

India and the US had agreed on a framework to reduce US tariffs on Indian goods to 18% from 50%.

The earlier 50% rate included a 25% punitive tariff linked to Indias purchases of Russian oil.

An Indian delegation had been scheduled to travel to Washington to finalise an interim deal but cancelled the trip after the ruling. Despite the legal turbulence, Goyal signalled India remains open to concluding a trade agreement.

How Is Trump Responding?

The US President has framed the ruling as a victory, claiming it gave him far more powers and strength", warning trade partners against walking away from deals struck under threat of his previous tariffs. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer echoed that stance, saying existing agreements remain in force.

Trade analysts are less convinced. Wendy Cutler of the Asia Society Policy Institute said Trumps tariff authority has effectively been clipped, leaving him to explore alternatives like steep licensing fees  a tool she described as lacking the clarity and blunt force of tariffs. She also cautioned that heavy-handed responses could push trading partners to accelerate efforts to reduce their economic dependence on the US.

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: February 25, 2026, 14:44 IST

News world Revised US Tariffs Kick In Today: What You Need To Know And What About India

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Saffron Sync: Israeli Premier Points Out Sartorial Symmetry Between PM Modi And Sara Netanyahu

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Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 19:06 IST

Benjamin Netanyahu lightheartedly remarked on a striking visual coincidence: the coordinated shades of saffron shared by the Israeli first lady and the Indian Prime Minister

This moment of levity set a positive tone for a visit laden with significant geopolitical implications. Image/X

Amid the grand formal ceremonies and high-stakes strategic discussions of Prime Minister Narendra Modis state visit to Israel, a light-hearted moment of sartorial diplomacy stole the limelight at Ben Gurion Airport. As PM Modi touched down in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, were on the tarmac to extend a personal welcome. During the exchange of pleasantries, Netanyahu lightheartedly remarked on a striking visual coincidence: the coordinated shades of saffron shared by the Israeli first lady and the Indian Prime Minister.

The observation was not lost on the gathered international press, as Sara Netanyahu appeared in a vibrant saffron-hued dress, a choice that perfectly mirrored the deep orange pocket square tucked into PM Modis signature Nehru jacket. Prime Minister Netanyahu pointed out the matching colours with a smile, suggesting that even their attire seemed to be in perfect sync", reflecting the broader harmony between the two nations. This spontaneous interaction provided a human touch to an event otherwise governed by rigid state protocol, highlighting the genuine personal rapport that has come to define the relationship between the two leaders over the past decade.

VIDEO | Tel Aviv: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Ben Gurion airport, calling him a great leader."Netanyahu pointed out that the colour of his wife Saras dress matched the colour of PM Modis pocket square, creating a light-hearted pic.twitter.com/8NP9BA1k2u  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 25, 2026

In the context of Indian diplomacy, observers say the colour saffron carries immense cultural and political weight, symbolising courage, sacrifice, and the spirit of the nation. By choosing a garment in this specific palette, Sara Netanyahus attire was widely interpreted as a deliberate and sophisticated gesture of respect towards Indian heritage. Such sartorial storytelling" is a well-established tool in modern diplomacy, used to convey warmth and cultural alignment without the need for formal declarations. For PM Modi, whose personal style frequently incorporates traditional Indian elements, the coordination served as a visual metaphor for the unbreakable bond" he later referenced in his arrival remarks.

This moment of levity set a positive tone for a visit laden with significant geopolitical implications. While the leaders later moved on to discuss heavy-duty topics such as the transfer of Iron Dome technology and a potential Free Trade Agreement, the saffron synchronicity" at the airport remains a standout highlight. It underscored the transition of India-Israel relations from a purely transactional defence partnership to a multifaceted alliance rooted in mutual admiration and shared values.

First Published: February 25, 2026, 18:57 IST

News world Saffron Sync: Israeli Premier Points Out Sartorial Symmetry Between PM Modi And Sara Netanyahu

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Saudi Arabia bans poultry, egg imports from India, 39 countries over bird flu

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Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 17:34 IST

The ban covers imports from countries such as Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Iran, the United Kingdom, and India, among others.

A poultry farmer collects eggs at his farm on the outskirts of Hyderabad. (AFP file photo)

Saudi Arabia has imposed a total ban on poultry and table egg imports from 40 countries, including India, as part of precautionary measures against bird flu and other animal diseases. The move was announced by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) in its latest update.

The ban covers imports from countries such as Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Iran, the United Kingdom, and India, among others.

In addition, partial restrictions have been imposed on certain regions of 16 other countries, including the United States, Australia, France, the Philippines, and Canada. These restrictions apply only to specific states or cities rather than the entire country.

According to a report by The Times of India, the SFDA said the decision aims to protect public health and ensure food safety in the local market. It added that the list of banned countries is regularly reviewed in line with global disease developments.

Some bans have been in place since 2004, while others were introduced gradually based on risk assessments and international reports of highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks.

ALSO READ: Bangladesh Opens Dairy, Beef And Poultry Sectors To US Under New Trade Deal

Authorities clarified that the ban does not apply to poultry and related products that have undergone heat treatment or other approved processing methods to eliminate viruses. Such products must meet all health requirements, carry official certification from the exporting country, and originate from approved facilities.

Saudi Arabias latest restrictions come amid global concerns over bird flu, prompting stricter monitoring of imports and updated regulations. Indian exporters and trade authorities are expected to review shipments to ensure compliance with the new rules.

The SFDA emphasised that these measures are part of ongoing efforts to maintain food safety standards and monitor the global epidemiological situation closely.

Location : Saudi Arabia

First Published: February 25, 2026, 17:34 IST

News world Saudi Arabia bans poultry, egg imports from India, 39 countries over bird flu

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Trump Introduces Delilah Law Barring Illegal 'Aliens' From Getting Driver's Licence

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Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 08:49 IST

Trump introduced the Delilah Law, urging stricter border security while criticising Democrats' policies.

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US President Donald Trump (IMAGE: AFP)

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday sharply criticised Democrats over what he described as open border" policies while introducing the proposed Delilah Law. This measure would bar undocumented immigrants from obtaining commercial drivers licenses in the US.

Framing the proposal as a public safety initiative, President Trump also introduced a young girl, Delilah, who lost her limbs in an accident involving a Truck driver who was reportedly in the country unlawfully.

Delivering his annual State of the Union (SOTU) address to Congress, the US President argued that stricter immigration enforcement could prevent similar tragedies in the future. Trump used the moment to renew his attacks on Democratic leaders, accusing them of enabling what he called a border invasion" through lenient immigration policies.

We are deporting them, we dont want them, get the hell out fast," the Republican leader said, referring to undocumented immigrants accused of committing crimes. He also cited several crime cases in which perpetrators were reportedly in the country unlawfully, asserting that such incidents underscored the need for tougher border controls.

Democrats allowed border invasion, the only person standing between an open border is President Trump and the great Republican Congress," Trump added.

Trump further called for increased federal support for immigration enforcement. Tonight I am demanding immediate restoration of funds for border security," he remarked, emphasising that border protection should be a national priority.

Its the duty of the American government to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens," he stated. The proposed Delilah Law is expected to intensify the ongoing political debate over immigration policy, as border security remains a central issue in the national discourse.

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: February 25, 2026, 08:47 IST

News world Trump Introduces Delilah Law Barring Illegal 'Aliens' From Getting Driver's Licence

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Will Trump Attack Iran During Ramadan?

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Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 12:56 IST

History offers a sobering reminder  the sanctity of Ramadan has neither been a deterrent for military action nor an advocate for ceasefire, even among Muslim nations

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US President Donald Trump has previously said he is "considering" limited military strikes against Tehran and that he expects to decide "within 10 to 15 days". (AP)

Could Donald Trump attack Iran during the holy Islamic month of Ramadan? The ominous question is weighing heavy in Washington as well as capitals across the Middle East as the United States amasses its largest military build-up in the region in over 20 years. Two American aircraft carriers, more than a dozen warships and hundreds of warplanes are said to have been positioned within striking distance of Iran.

US diplomats as well as allies in the Middle East have been praying that the question is answered in the negative. An American attack on a Muslim nation during the sacred month of fasting  which began on February 18 and concludes around March 18  would inflame sentiments across the Islamic world, allies or otherwise. Such an attack would not only destabilise the region but also anger Gulf partners the US would need to rely on for any post-conflict settlement.

And yet, history offers a sobering reminder  the sanctity of Ramadan has neither been a deterrent for military action nor an advocate for ceasefire, even among Muslim nations.

Previous Wars During Ramadan

In 1973, the Arab-Israeli War came to be known, at least in the Islamic world, as the Ramadan War. It was fought from October 6 to 25 between Israel and joint Egypt-Syria forces when the latter launched surprise attacks on the 10th day of the holy month. The Muslim nations chose to launch the attacks during Ramadan based on the strategic calculation that Israel would be caught off guard during its own Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur.

Iran itself was caught in a war against Iraq during Ramadan in 1982. Tehran, in fact, was the aggressor, launching a military offensive against Iraq in Basra on the first day of Ramadan, even codenaming the action as Operation Ramadan.

What Would Trump Do?

The US President has never been one for symbolism. For him, the question is more complex. Given the escalating cost of maintaining two aircraft carriers, dozen-plus destroyers, and hundreds of aircraft in Middle East, some analysts believe Trumps impatience for decisive action will eventually win over.

Trump has previously said he is considering" limited military strikes against Tehran and that he expects to decide within 10 to 15 days"  a window that squarely falls within Ramadan.

According to CNN reports, he has privately argued for and against action, polling advisers and allies on what he should do. His administration has reportedly pointed to Irans accelerating fortification of nuclear sites  burying key facilities under concrete and soil  as evidence that diplomatic time is running out.

What If Talks Fail?

Talks between American and Iranian negotiators in Geneva have been going on, but offer neither resolution nor the hope of one.

Trump threatened military action in January in response to the Iranian governments fierce crackdown on national protests before shifting his focus to Tehrans disputed nuclear program and warning it to make a deal. Another round of nuclear talks is planned for later this week.

According to Associated Press, it remains unclear just what Iran could offer Trump. Tehran has insisted it wants to continue enriching uranium, something Trump has repeatedly said must stop. It also has refused to discuss its ballistic missile arsenal or its support of regional proxy forces, another Trump demand.

According to The Jerusalem Post, some analysts believe the US could strike Tehran almost immediately after March 19  once Ramadan has passed. The timeline could help Trump claim to the world that he showed restraint while still applying maximum pressure.

Iranians have been watching the situation with growing concern, some by surreptitiously getting around internet restrictions or watching satellite news channels.

Ramadan alone has rarely stopped a determined military from acting. There is also no religious restriction that forbids military conflict during the holy fasting. What it may do this time is shape the optics.

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: February 25, 2026, 12:56 IST

News world Will Trump Attack Iran During Ramadan?

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Photo: President's Office / www.president.gov.ua

All Flamingo missiles that were launched reached the Votkinsk plant in Russia, which speaks to the high quality and accuracy of the missiles, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said.

"I will not say what quantity of Flamingo was used to strike this time. I only want to say that there were interceptions by the Russian air defense, there were non-interceptions, and there were direct hits. But most importantly, all the missiles that were launched, all of them reached the facility. I believe this is the most significant success; that is, we are speaking about high quality and accuracy," Zelenskyy said at a press conference with the Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Stre in Kyiv.
To date, Norways contribution under the PURL program is $970 million, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said following a meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre.

"Norway is also among the most active investors in the PURL program, this program allows us to purchase air defense, primarily for our systems. To date, this is already $970 million within the PURL program," Zelenskyy said during a press conference on Wednesday.

The President called for continued support for this initiative, since there is not enough Patriot production in Europe, and, "in principle, in America."
Finding one Crusader sword in the Mediterranean is unusual; finding a second in nearly the same spot is something else. Israel's University of Haifa says student Shlomi Katzin has again stumbled on a 12th-century weapon off the Carmel coast, this time near Dor Beach. Katzin, a student in the Department of Maritime Civilizations who discovered a similar sword while diving in 2021, was swimming in the area when he spotted divers using a metal detector and suspected they might be after antiquities, reports the Times of Israel . He reportedly scared them off, then noticed the 3-foot-long sword in the sand and alerted archaeologists.

The blade, encased in centuries of shells and mineral deposits, was raised with the Israel Antiquities Authority's approval and sent for a CT scan at a Haifa hospital. The imaging revealed its internal structure and fragile state without stripping away the crust. Researchers say the iron sword was forged in Europe and brought by Crusader knights to the Holy Land, with only traces of the original metal surviving, though the remains reveal a fracture in the blade that could explain why it was discarded, per CBS News. With just a few such swords known in Israel, Professor Deborah Cvikel calls it an "extremely rare find" and window into how Crusaders lived and fought along what is now Israel's shoreline.
Mexico's top cartel boss is dead, dozens are dead with him, and now 23 inmates are on the run. Authorities in the Pacific resort city of Puerto Vallarta are hunting prisoners who bolted from a local jail Sunday after armed men rammed a gate amid a coordinated burst of violence blamed on the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, the BBC reports. The prison break-in sparked a riot in which a guard was killed, reports the New York Post .

The unrest followed the fatal capture of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," long considered Mexico's most wanted man and a major fentanyl trafficker to the US. Officials say more than 70 people, including 25 National Guard members, were killed in clashes that erupted after the operation to seize El Mencho in Tapalpa, Jalisco, where special forces used helicopters and a drone to track him through one of his romantic partners. As cartel members torched vehicles and blocked roads in Puerto Vallarta, tourists and residents were told to shelter indoors, airlines paused flights, and cruise ships rerouted.

Most blockades were cleared by Monday, but attacks and arson were still reported in El Mencho's home state of Michoacan, while authorities in Jalisco and neighboring states work to recapture the escaped inmates, whose identities have not yet been released. The US Embassy in Mexico announced Tuesday that a shelter-in-place order for Americans has been lifted in the remaining cities where it was still in force, USA Today reports. The alert said Americans trying to leave Mexico should check their flight status with their airline.
A Utah judge on Tuesday declined to disqualify the local county attorney's office from prosecuting the accused shooter in Charlie Kirk's killing after the defense argued there was a conflict of interest because a prosecutor's daughter was present when Kirk was shot. Prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty against Tyler Robinson, 22, who is charged with aggravated murder in the Sept. 10 shooting of the conservative activist on the Utah Valley University campus in Orem. Robinson has not yet entered a plea.

Robinson's attorneys urged the judge to remove the Utah County Attorney's Office because they allowed a deputy county attorney to work on the case despite knowing that his adult daughter was in the audience when Kirk was shot, the AP reports. The defense also argued in court documents that prosecutors were quick to announce their intent to seek the death penalty, which they said was evidence of "strong emotional reactions" that merited disqualifying the entire team.

State District Judge Tony Graf ruled Tuesday that there is "not a significant risk" that Deputy Utah County Attorney Chad Grunander's loyalty to his daughter will affect his work or interfere with Robinson's rights. "Prosecutors need not be immune to the emotional response of others to prosecute a case," Graf said.

An estimated 3,000 people were at the outdoor rally to hear Kirk when he was struck while taking questions. A co-founder of Turning Point USA, Kirk helped mobilize young people to vote for President Trump. Grunander's daughter, whose identity has not been disclosed to news media covering the case, testified in court that she did not record video of the shooting or the aftermath. She was looking at the crowd and did not learn until after she ran to safety that it was Kirk who had been shot, she told the court earlier this month.

Utah County Attorney Jeffrey Gray testified this month that he thought about seeking the death penalty before an arrest had been made in the case, and his colleague's daughter in no way influenced the decision. Graf found that the daughter's presence did not factor into Gray's decision.

The director of a state council that trains prosecutors said Graf's ruling was appropriate given the circumstances. "Chad Grunander's daughter is not going to be a witness. She didn't actually see Mr. Kirk killed. She was facing away," Utah Prosecution Council Director Robert Church said.
America may excel at inventing cutting-edge AI, but it's China that's putting it to work on the assembly line, argues Jonas Nahm in a New York Times op-ed. He notes that Tesla's Shanghai plant dramatically outperforms its California factory on output per worker, and he sees that as a snapshot of a broader reality: China has reorganized manufacturing around automation, robotics, and AI, while the US largely has not.

Beijing has spent a decade pushing "smart factories" as a national project, with over 30,000 already in operation. It uses AI to flag production defects within seconds and adjust production in real-time based on inventory counts, for instance. He flags the fact that tech company Xiaomi requires just 76 seconds on average to produce a car in its Beijing plant thanks to its 700 robots and AI systems. Meanwhile, "Washington talks about AI as if it lives in research labs, venture capital, portfolios and data centers."

Nahm, a former White House economist, says Washington keeps viewing China's advantage as an issue of "trade flows rather than factory performance." US manufacturersespecially smaller onesstruggle with outdated equipment, manual data sources, and a dearth of workers who are skilled in using AI. Nahm's prescription: Lawmakers must get laser-focused about "helping manufacturers deploy digital tools." Read the full op-ed for more on what that looks like.
ISIS' Afghan offshoot is publishing something unexpected in its English-language magazine: AI user guides. Per Politico , recent issues of Voice of Khorasan, produced by Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K), lay out how followers should use artificial intelligence "responsibly" as part of their activities. One edition opens with the slogan "AI is like fire. You can use it to light a home, or to burn it down," then offers tips on using chatbots for religious messaging and online outreach while staying anonymous. The EU sanctioned the magazine's publisher, Al Azaim Media Foundation, last year. IS-K has been tied to attacks in Afghanistan, as well as Russia, Iran, and Pakistan, and linked to a foiled plot against Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna in 2024.

The guidance urges recruits to become "cyber-conscious," warning them not to feed chatbots names, files, or queries that could identify them or touch on sensitive political or security issues. Earlier content goes further, declaring AI literacy a personal religious duty on par with prayer and fasting and calling the technology a "shield and compass" in a digital world rife with threats. A previous issue also ranked mainstream AI models from OpenAI, Anthropic, Meta, Microsoft, and Chinese firm DeepSeek, as well as steered readers toward privacy-focused tools such as Brave Leo for "sensitive queries"all while criticizing systems it claims are tied to Israeli military infrastructure.

The material has caught the attention of terrorism and AI experts. Jonathan Hall, the UK government's independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, warns that off-the-shelf AI, including large language models, is helping create "tailored propaganda" and could eventually enable "chatbot radicalization." Avi Jager of AI security firm Alice said the guidance signals more than just practical advice: It represents a shift from earlier jihadi skepticism about high-tech tools to an explicit embrace of AI, as long as it's used under tightly defined conditions. These outlets have more on how militant groups like ISIS are wielding AI for everything from financing their operations to luring in teens.
Sources say Anthropic has been handed a blunt choice by the Pentagon: drop key AI ethics limits or risk being frozen out of federal work. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has given the San Francisco startup until 5:01pm Friday to accept the Trump administration's terms of use or face cancellation of its contract and designation as a "supply chain risk," according to an official and a person familiar with the talks who spoke to Politico . Axios , which first reported the news, notes defense officials are upset with Anthropic but also "worried about the consequences of losing access to its industry-leading model, Claude."

At a Tuesday meeting with Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, Hegseth reportedly threatened to invoke the Defense Production Act, a Korean War-era law that lets the government direct private companies in wartime or emergencies. Amodei has drawn firm lines against using Claude for mass surveillance of Americans or for weapon targeting without a human in the looplimits he reiterated in the meeting, the source says. A Pentagon official told Politico the clash is not about those issues and said the department is acting within the law. Anthropic, which confirmed the meeting, said discussions continue in "good faith" about how it can support national security while staying within what its models can "reliably and responsibly" do. How the Pentagon would both label Anthropic a risk and compel its cooperation remains unclear.
One of the more divisive moments of President Trump's State of the Union came as he defended his administration's aggressive immigration tactics. "You've killed Americans!" shouted Democratic Rep. Ilhan Oman of Minnesota, where ICE agents fatally shot Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good, reports the New York Times . Trump responded, "You should be ashamed of yourself." Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, seated next to Omar, shouted, "Shame on you for killing Americans," per the Washington Post . The president also asked lawmakers to stand if they supported a country that focused on US citizens over "illegal aliens," which resulted in Republicans on their feet and Democrats sitting motionless.

Later, when Trump boasted that he ended eight wars, Tlaib shouted, "It's a lie," adding later, "What are you talking about?" When the president spoke of Israel, she shouted, "It's a genocide!"

The president also criticized Minnesota's Somali community, notes NBC News. "The Somali pirates who ransacked Minnesota remind us that there are large parts of the world where bribery, corruption, and lawlessness are the norm, not the exception," Trump said, referring to a fraud scandal in the state. "Importing these cultures through unrestricted immigration and open borders brings those problems right here to the USA."
The first Ukrainian defense plant has begun operations in the United Kingdoma production complex belonging to the Ukrspecsystems company, whose drones have long proven their effectiveness in high-tech warfare, Ukraines Ambassador Valeriy Zaluzhny has said.

"Ukraine is fighting under conditions of constant missile strikes, infrastructure destruction, and threats to production facilities. Meanwhile, our engineers create solutions born directly from frontline experience. They improve systems not based on theoretical research, but on the results of real combat applications. Therefore, launching production in the UK has deep strategic logic. This is not a shift of the center of gravity away from Ukraine. It is an expansion of our joint capabilities and the creation of a second circuit of resilience that guarantees continuity of production," Zaluzhny wrote on Facebook.

He emphasized that the center of engineering expertise remains in Ukraine, while production is integrated into the British defense space. This creates a new quality of partnership, where allies not only support each other but also form a shared industrial security base.

"For Ukraine, this project signifies stability and the possibility of long-term planning. For Britain, it means strengthening its own defense industry, gaining access to technologies tested in modern warfare, and creating jobs. This is an example of how combat experience can be rapidly integrated into industrial solutions and ones own security. Thus, this event is of not only economic or technological significance; it has a strategic and even civilizational dimension. We are effectively laying the foundation for a new architecture of European security," the ambassador concluded.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame just rolled out its 2026 ballot, and it's stacked, reports Rolling Stone . Phil Collins, Lauryn Hill, Mariah Carey, Oasis, Pink, Iron Maiden, Sade, Shakira, Wu-Tang Clan, and Jeff Buckley are among 17 acts in the running. Also nominated: the Black Crowes, Melissa Etheridge, Billy Idol, INXS, Joy Division/New Order, New Edition, and Luther Vandross. Ten of them, including Collins, Hill, and Pink, are first-time nominees, though all have been eligible before. "This diverse list of talented nominees recognizes the ever-evolving faces and sounds of rock 'n' roll and its continued impact on youth culture," says the Hall of Fame's chair, John Sykes.

Inductees will be announced in April, along with recipients of three side honors, with the ceremony set for fall. Not everyone may be flattered at their nomination. Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson has in the past dismissed the Hall as a "complete load of bollocks," and Oasis' Liam Gallagher has been similarly dismissivethough he's also joked he'd happily show up if honored.

A vote in could bring more drama on induction night. Collins might make a rare live appearance, for example; the Black Crowes could reunite with estranged drummer Steve Gorman; or a Joy Division/New Order induction might coax ex-bassist Peter Hook back for the first time since 2007. The AP notes that, to be considered for the Hall of Fame, artists must've released their first commercial recording at least 25 years previous. A broadcast or streaming partner for the induction ceremony is yet to be revealed, per the Los Angeles Times.
NASA's first crewed trip around the moon in more than 50 years is still a ways off. The agency will roll its towering Space Launch System rocket off the launchpad and back to the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday to investigate a helium flow blockage in the upper stage, pushing the already delayed Artemis II mission out of its March launch window and into April at the earliest, NBC News reports. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman acknowledged "disappointment" around the move. NASA officials had teased a March 6 liftoff as recently as Friday, per CNN .

The helium issue came as a surprise during Thursday's wet dress rehearsal, which confirmed earlier hydrogen fuel leaks had been fixed, per CNN. The 322-foot rocket and attached Orion capsuleabout 11 million pounds in allwill now crawl the four miles back to the hangar at roughly 1mph, a trip expected to take up to 12 hours, according to NASA. Once inside, engineers will set up platforms to reach the problem area, inspect the helium issue, and swap out and test batteries in the upper stage and the rocket's flight termination system.

NASA says new launch opportunities open April 1 and run through April 6, with April 30 serving as another possible launch date, but the exact date will depend on what the team finds. Artemis II, to carry NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen on a roughly 10-day loop around the moon, will be the first crewed flight of both the SLS rocket and Orion capsule.
Bill Gates holds twice-a-year closed-door town halls for his Gates Foundation staff, and he was quite candid in his answers to their questions on Tuesday. The Wall Street Journal , which obtained a recording of the town hall, reports the Microsoft co-founder apologized for meeting with Jeffrey Epstein, calling it "a huge mistake" that damaged the foundation's reputation. Gates said he began seeing Epstein in 2011 and continued through 2014:

He described being only hazily aware of the "18-month thing" that had curtailed Epstein's travel (that would be his 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor) and failed to dig into his background. He also said he continued meeting with Epstein after then-wife Melinda French Gates expressed skepticism in 2013. He acknowledged two extramarital affairs with Russian women"one with a Russian bridge player who met me at bridge events, and one with a Russian nuclear physicist who I met through business activities"and said Epstein learned of them through Gates' then-science adviser; Epstein later appeared to use that knowledge to pressure him.

Gates insisted he never witnessed or joined in Epstein's abuse, never met any of his victims, and "never stayed overnight" when traveling with Epstein: "I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit." Gates said photos of him with unidentified women in newly released Epstein files were photos Epstein requested he pose for with Epstein's assistants following meetings. Gates conceded that his relationship with Epstein ran counter to the foundation's values. "Our work is very reputational sensitive," he told staff. "I mean, people can choose to work with us or not work with us. ... I apologize to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made." Read the full article for more on how Epstein learned of Gates' affairs.
A wellness influencer with a lapsed medical license is set to defend her bid to become the nation's top doctor on Capitol Hill. Dr. Casey Means, President Trump's nominee for surgeon general, will face senators Wednesday in a closely watched confirmation hearing, where her unconventional resume and ties to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are expected to dominate questioning, per NBC News. Means, a former Kennedy campaign adviser and a vocal critic of aspects of mainstream medicine who left a surgical residency in 2018 just shy of completion and no longer holds an active license, would be a stark departure from past surgeons general if confirmed as expected.
Handing a boozy drink to a young hawk just landed a Los Angeles man behind bars. A judge sentenced Cesar Gustavo Diaz, 25, to 45 days in jail and a year of probation after footage showed him offering alcohol to a juvenile Cooper's hawk at a park in the California community of South Whittier. Diaz pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor animal-cruelty charge; a second misdemeanor count tied to capturing or possessing wildlife was dropped, per NBC News . The California Department of Fish and Wildlife says its Special Operations Unit started looking into Diaz after members of the public flagged the video, which showed the raptor sipping from what seemed to be a green BuzzBallz cocktail container at Amelia Mayberry Park on June 15.

"Hanging out with the homie," one of the image captions reads, per KTLA. Another: "Hawk loves him some buz ball." Diaz had already served 44 days in custody by the time of last week's sentencing, aided by good-behavior credit, per court records cited by NBC. His sentence also requires 24 counseling sessions and community service, bars him from caring for animals for five years, prohibits him from owning firearms for a decade, and hits him with $220 in fines and fees. Cooper's hawks are protected under federal and state law that bans harming, capturing, possessing, or selling the birds.
Ukrainians say they're done being cast as the war's iron heroes. In a piece for the New York Times , reporter Maria Varenikova talks with Kyiv residents who are cold, exhausted, and tired of being praised as endlessly "resilient." Their message is one President Volodymyr Zelensky himself said in a speech Tuesday on the war's fourth anniversary: His people are not "made of steel."

Social psychologist Jonas Kunst tells Varenikova the recurring praise isn't without its potential harms. "If you present Ukrainians primarily by focusing on strength, people might think they don't need support, that they are fine by themselves." A Kyiv-based psychologist echoes the sentiment: "We have become the hostages of our heroic image."

Varenikova shares the story of Ksenia Shetelia, a 37-year-old mother who shaved off her hair so as to avoid having to figure out how to wash her hair with no water, heat, or consistent electricity. If you're inclined to call her resilient, don't. "I see myself as a weak little girl who just wants to cry but can't," Shetelia says. Read the full story for more.
A California astrophysicist known for mapping the Milky Way's structure and spotting water on a distant world was shot to death on the porch of his desert home. Authorities say 67-year-old Carl Grillmair, a longtime Caltech researcher, was found with a gunshot wound to the torso outside his house in the unincorporated Antelope Valley community of Llano around 6:10am on Feb. 16. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and his death was ruled a homicide, per the Los Angeles Times .

Sheriff's deputies later arrested 29-year-old Freddy Snyder in connection with a nearby carjacking; prosecutors have since charged him with Grillmair's murder, the carjacking, and an unrelated burglary. Investigators haven't said whether the men knew each other. Snyder was facing felony handgun charges in December when Judge Osman Abbasi ordered him to complete a gun safety course before releasing him from jail, reports the New York Post. He failed to appear in court as scheduled on Feb. 5 but had completed the safety course, so the charges were dismissed, according to the outlet. He was back in front of Abbasi last week to answer to the new charges.

Grillmair, a recipient of the NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal, spent decades charting faint stellar streams in the Milky Way. Colleague Sergio Fajardo-Acosta said he was "very famous in astronomy," adding his various discoveries, including of galactic streams he named, ensure "his legacy will live on."
Facing a tough election, Hungary's pro-Russian prime minister is trying to convince voters that the greatest threat to the country is not economic stagnationthe focus of his top opponentbut neighboring Ukraine. As the AP reports, Viktor Orban is running an aggressive media campaign replete with disinformation whose central message is that Hungarians should refuse to align with the rest of Europe in supporting Ukraine against Russia. That path, he argues, risks bankrupting the country and getting its youth killed on the front lines. Billboards erected across the country show AI-generated images of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky flanked by European officials, holding out his hand as if demanding money. "Our message to Brussels: We won't pay!" the publicly funded billboards read.

If there had been any doubt, it's become clear why the outcome of Hungary's upcoming election will reverberate beyond its borders. Last week, Orban's government halted diesel shipments to Ukraine and threatened to veto a $106 billion EU loan destined for Kyiv. Hungary on Monday blocked a new package of EU sanctions on Russia in response to interruptions in Russian oil supplies that pass through Ukraine, and vowed to veto any further pro-Ukraine policies until oil flows. On Wednesday, Orban went further and deployed military and police forces around power plants and other facilities, claiming without providing evidence that Ukraine was plotting to attack the country's energy system.

Orban is widely seen as the Kremlin's strongest ally in the EU. While almost all of the bloc's other 26 nations have distanced themselves from Russia since it launched the war on Feb. 24, 2022, Hungary has deepened cooperation. Orban has cast his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin as pragmatic, stemming from Hungary's access to reliable supplies of Russian oil and gas. But Orban's anti-LGBTQ+ policies, crackdowns on the media and nongovernmental organizations, and labeling of critics as "foreign agents" have led to accusations that he's reading from Putin's authoritarian playbook.

Orban, who retook office in 2010, faces the strongest challenge to his power in an April 12 election. The EU's longest-serving leader and his right-wing Fidesz party are trailing in most polls to an upstart center-right challenger, Peter Magyar. A 44-year-old lawyer and former Fidesz insider who broke with the party in 2024, Magyar promises to restore Hungary's Western orientation and bolster democratic institutions which have eroded during Orban's 16 years in power.
Larry Summers' long Harvard run is ending under a Jeffrey Epstein-shaped cloud. The university says the former Harvard president and prominent economist will formally step down from teaching at the close of the academic year. Summers has been on leave since November and will not return to the classroom before his departure, a spokesman said, per the New York Times . The decision comes "in connection with" the university's review of newly released Justice Department documents detailing Summers' sustained ties to Epstein, according to the spokesman.

Summers has also resigned as co-director of Harvard's Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government, a role he had held since 2011, the Harvard Crimson reports. In November, Summers said he would step back from public life after emails revealed that he had a long and friendly relationship with Epstein from at least 2013 to 2019. Summers even sought advice from Epstein on a relationship with a woman he described as a mentee.

Summers, who served as Treasury secretary for the last two years of Bill Clinton's administration, cut his ties with organizations including OpenAI and the New York Times after the emails were released. He was also banned for life by the American Economic Association. In a statement, the 71-year-old called it a "difficult decision" to resign, expressed gratitude for five decades at Harvard, and said that as president emeritus and retired professor he plans to continue work on global economic issues through research and commentary.
A prediction market is accusing someone in MrBeast's inner circle of trying to cash in on insider information. Kalshi said Wednesday it has suspended Artem Kaptur, an editor on the YouTube star's videos, after finding what it called "near-perfect" success on roughly $4,000 worth of bets tied to MrBeast contentwins the company says likely came from access to nonpublic information. NPR reports that Kalshi froze Kaptur's account so profits couldn't be pulled, fined him $20,000, and banned him for two years, while also flagging the case to federal regulators at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

MrBeast's company says it bars employees from betting on MrBeast-related markets and has "no tolerance" for insider trading. Kalshi also disclosed a separate case involving former longshot California GOP gubernatorial candidate Kyle Langford, who publicly boasted about wagering on himself; he was fined $1,000 and banned for five years. The Wall Street Journal explains that under Kalshi's rules, candidates can't bet on their own election as they can directly impact its outcome. The cases mark the first to be publicly disclosed by Kalshi, which said that of the 200 investigations it has opened in the past year, more than a dozen have turned into active cases.
Photo: President's Office / www.president.gov.ua

Norway will strengthen Ukraines air defense and drone production capabilities, the countrys Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre assured.

"Today, we are the ones supporting what you need most  air defense. And we will do everything to strengthen it, as well as our capabilities for producing drones, long-range artillery, and equipment, as well as our maritime capabilities," he said at a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv.

Gahr Stre added that support for Ukraine will total $8 billion by 2026.
Washington is opening the tap on fuel headed to Cuba ever so slightly. New Treasury Department guidance says Venezuelan oil can now be resold to private businesses on the island for commercial and humanitarian use, carving out a limited exception to President Trump's energy embargo, the Wall Street Journal reports.

The policy explicitly targets Cuba's small private sector, which the US frames as "supporting the Cuban people." Until now, only the state could handle fuel imports, leaving independent businesses shut out despite chronic shortages. Cuba's February rule change on that front arrives as private owners scramble to secure diesel from US sources in an effort to blunt what they warn could become a severe humanitarian crisis.
Anthropic has tossed out one of the firmest safety vows in the AI business. The San Francisco startup, founded by former OpenAI staffers who warned about runaway AI, has scrapped its Responsible Scaling Policy, which required it to pause training more powerful models if it couldn't reliably control them, CNN reports. In a blog post Tuesday, the company said it would no longer delay AI development it considered potentially dangerous if it felt it didn't have a significant lead over its competitors, reports Bloomberg .

In the blog post, the company said it's replacing firm rules with a looser "Frontier Safety Roadmap" made up of nonbinding goals it will publicly track, calling them "public goals" rather than solid commitments. Anthropic argues that halting its own progress while less cautious rivals keep pushing ahead could lead to a world that is "less safe."

Anthropic says it originally hoped its strict scaling policy would spark a "race to the top," with competitors toughening their own rules. Instead, it now concedes the rest of the industry largely ignored those guardrails and notes that Washington's current mood is hostile to new regulation. The company is also formally separating its internal safety plans from what it recommends to the wider industry.

The shift lands in the same week Anthropic is in a standoff with the Pentagon over how its technology can be used. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reportedly given CEO Dario Amodei a Friday deadline to relax some safeguards or risk losing a $200 million Defense Department deal and being treated as a supply-chain risk under the Defense Production Act.

CNN, citing a source familiar with the talks, reports that Anthropic is refusing to budge on two red lines: it doesn't want its systems controlling weapons or enabling mass surveillance of Americans, arguing that today's AI isn't reliable enough for lethal use and that the US has no clear rules governing AI-driven domestic spying.

A source tells NBC News that Anthropic agreed to let the Pentagon use its AI systems for missile and cyber defense purposes in negotiations months ago, but officials still weren't satisfied.

In a statement on Tuesday's meeting with Pentagon officials, an Anthropic spokesperson said: "We continued good-faith conversations about our usage policy to ensure Anthropic can continue to support the government's national security mission in line with what our models can reliably and responsibly do."
FBI Director Kash Patel's travel habits are under fresh fire. In a letter to two government watchdogs citing new whistleblower claims, Sen. Dick Durbin said Tuesday that Patel's "irresponsible joyriding" on FBI aircraft for what Durbin called "leisure activities and travel bucket list" trips had "negatively impacted high-profile criminal investigations," report Reuters and the Hill .

The Illinois Democrat says one whistleblower detailed how FBI pilots hit their FAA flight-time limits "caused by the Director's personal flights." That in turn allegedly delayed an FBI shooting reconstruction team's arrival at the scene of Charlie Kirk's murder in Utah by at least a day. A second complaint detailed by Durbin faults Patel's decision-making: Durbin alleges a Virginia-based shooting reconstruction team had to drive through the night to respond to the December shooting at Brown University because Patel allegedly tied up the needed plane by putting the Hostage Rescue Team on standby; Durbin alleges that was unnecessary because local SWAT teams could have handled the situation.

The FBI has pushed back hard. Spokesperson Ben Williamson said on X that there would never be a case where "the FBI delayed or couldn't send resources because of Director travel." He called the Brown claim "totally false" and the Utah allegation "more egregious" because Patel was on official travel tied to 9/11 commemorations at the time. The Hill notes FBI directors must use government aircraft for personal travel to ensure their security.
Fairbanks, AK (99701)

Today

Partly cloudy skies in the morning will give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High -2F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Overcast. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low -27F. Winds light and variable.
TOKYO, Feb 26 (News On Japan) - Funabashi in Chiba Prefecture has surged in the latest ranking of the most desirable places to live in the Greater Tokyo area, announced on February 25th, reflecting growing demand for well-connected commuter cities offering relatively affordable housing and convenient urban amenities.

Funabashi posted a major jump in the newly released ranking, which featured regular favorites such as Yokohama, Omiya and Kichijoji but saw the Chiba city climb significantly in popularity.

One of Funabashis biggest draws is its accessibility, with travel times of about 25 minutes to Tokyo Station at the fastest and around 40 minutes to Shinjuku Station. The area around the station features department stores and large supermarkets, while the nearby LaLaport shopping mall offers additional retail and leisure options.

Another factor behind Funabashis sharp rise may be what some analysts call the no-shape theory. Yoichi Ikemoto, editor-in-chief of SUUMO, explained that popularity has spread outward from central Tokyo in a looping pattern through Kanagawa, Tama and Saitama, finally reaching Funabashi in Chiba.

The average price of a used condominium in Funabashi stands at around 47 million yen, making it more affordable than central Tokyo. A newly built 51-story tower condominium, the tallest in Chiba Prefecture, has also appeared in the city, suggesting further development ahead.

Source: TBS
KYOTO, Feb 26 (News On Japan) - Kyoto City on February 25th unveiled a draft plan for a citizen-priority pricing system for municipal buses, under which fares for residents would be lowered while non-residents, including tourists, would pay higher rates, as officials seek to balance overtourism with daily life for locals.

Mayor Koji Matsui disclosed the base proposal for the new fare structure, which the city aims to introduce from the next fiscal year after next. In recent years, Kyoto has faced growing problems linked to a surge in inbound visitors, with some bus routesvital for residents daily transportationbecoming so crowded that locals have been unable to board, while traffic congestion has also increased.

To address the issue, the city is considering setting different fares for citizens and non-citizens, including tourists. Under the proposal presented on February 25th, the current flat fare of 230 yen would be reduced by 30 yen to 200 yen for residents, while fares for non-residents would rise to between roughly 350 yen and 400 yen.

Matsui said the additional burden on non-residents would fall within an acceptable range in order to support sustainable urban development in Kyoto and help strike a balance between tourism and residents daily lives.

If introduced, the system would be the first of its kind for a public bus service in Japan, with Kyoto City planning to continue discussions as it works toward implementation during the next fiscal year after next.

Source: YOMIURI
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossUkraine

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Director General of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) Maksym Dotsenko discussed the needs of the population during a full-scale war.

During the meeting, they discussed the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, the most urgent needs of affected people, and the operational challenges the organisation continues to face amid the full-scale war, URCS said on Facebook Wednesday.

Particular attention was given to the response to attacks on energy infrastructure, including the work of the Ukrainian Red Cross emergency response teams, which support first responders at the scene of emergencies.

The Foreign Secretary expressed her support for Ukraine and thanked the volunteers and staff of the Ukrainian Red Cross for their dedication and for providing life-saving assistance to people during the most difficult times.

The meeting took place at the Ukrainian Red Cross heat point in Kyiv.

We are grateful to the United Kingdom, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and the British Red Cross for their solidarity and continued support for Ukraine. This partnership enables us to further strengthen our operational capacity, respond quickly to the needs of affected people, and remain alongside those who need it most, URCS noted.
Bell and Hypertec have entered a strategic partnership to deliver end-to-end sovereign AI capabilities, combining Canadian-built infrastructure with Canadian-hosted data centre services.

The partnership expands secure, scalable access to advanced AI compute for public sector, enterprise and research customers.

MONTREAL, Feb. 25, 2026 /CNW/ - Bell, Canada's largest communications company, and Hypertec, a Canadian global leader in large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance compute infrastructure, today announced a strategic partnership to pursue opportunities in delivering end-to-end sovereign AI infrastructure built, hosted and operated in Canada.

This partnership combines Hypertec's Canadian-built GPU infrastructure, including advanced NVIDIA based AI systems manufactured through its domestic supply chain, with Bell AI Fabric, a national platform for Canadian-hosted AI compute and data centre services. Together, the companies aim to enable secure, scalable access to advanced AI compute while ensuring that critical workloads and data remain in Canada under Canadian jurisdiction.

By integrating Hypertec's domestic manufacturing capabilities and Canadian supply chain with Bell's national data centre footprint, the partnership is expected to enable public sector, enterprise and research customers to deploy AI workloads securely and at scale, while maintaining confidence and control over how and where data and compute resources are governed.

As AI adoption accelerates, organizations are increasingly looking for infrastructure that balances performance, security and data residency. Bell and Hypertec aim to support Canadian organizations by providing a trusted foundation for the country's most demanding AI use cases, spanning defence, critical infrastructure, healthcare, financial services, research, advanced manufacturing and more.

Together, Bell and Hypertec are working to strengthen Canada's capacity to build, host and operate advanced AI systems using Canadian-owned and operated infrastructure. The partnership aims to reinforce domestic supply chains, advance technological sovereignty and support long-term economic competitiveness and resilience.

Quotes

"Hypertec is proud to partner with Bell to advance Canada's sovereign AI ecosystem. By combining Hypertec's Canadian-built, high-performance AI systems with Bell's national AI Fabric platform, we are delivering a secure, scalable and fully sovereign AI foundation that enables Canadian organizations to innovate with confidence, knowing their critical data and compute remain governed in Canada."

- Don Schlidt, President, HPC & AI, Hypertec Group

"As Canadian organizations adopt AI at scale to compete and win in the economy of tomorrow, they are looking for secure, Canadian AI infrastructure to power innovation. By bringing together Hypertec's Canadianbuilt GPU infrastructure and Bell AI Fabric's Canadianhosted data centres, we're giving customers the confidence and control they need to deploy AI at scale -- while keeping critical data and workloads in Canada."

- Michel Richer, Senior Vice-President, Enterprise Solutions, Data Engineering and AI, Bell

About Bell

Bell is Canada's largest communications companyi, providing advanced broadband Internet, wireless, TV, media and business communication services. Founded in Montreal in 1880, Bell is wholly owned by BCE Inc. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca.

Through Bell for Better, we are investing to create a better today and a better tomorrow by supporting the social and economic prosperity of our communities. This includes the Bell Let's Talk initiative, which promotes Canadian mental health with national awareness and anti-stigma campaigns like Bell Let's Talk Day and significant Bell funding of community care and access, research and workplace leadership initiatives throughout the country. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk.

About Hypertec

Founded in 1984, Hypertec's mission is to bring expertise, innovation, and strong partnerships to transform challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth through technology solutions. Trusted by industry leaders across AI, financial services, healthcare, public sectors and others, Hypertec serves clients in over 80 countries and empowers them to push boundaries and lead their industries through transformative technology. For more information, please visit www.hypertec.com.

Media inquiries:



Bell

David Marcille

[email protected]

Hypertec

Sarah Andrews

[email protected]

Investor inquiries:

Kris Somers

[email protected]

________________________________ i Based on total revenue and total combined customer connections.

SOURCE Bell Canada (MTL)
Photo: Eurosolidarity

Ukrainian MP and leader of the European Solidarity party, Petro Poroshenko, called for an urgent resumption of dialogue between Ukraine and China, stating that the relevant opportunities, as well as the opportunities for dialogue with Brazil, are not being utilized, according to the partys website.

"We are prepared to accept the conditions China once proposed, and those supported by Brazil. Who last visited China from the Ukrainian government? No one. We have the luxury of ignoring our second-largest economy, which is currently the key factor in exerting pressure on Russia. I think this is short-sighted," Poroshenko said during a special broadcast on the Priamy and 5 Kanal television channels to mark the anniversary of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

He recalled that in 2023, China put forward its proposals to end the war, but they were rejected. "What was there? Position number one was an immediate, comprehensive, and unconditional ceasefire, says China, which can ensure this simply by halting the supply of components to the Russian defense industry. Second, unconditional guarantee of Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity. Third, a guaranteed cessation of shelling of critical energy infrastructure facilities, including nuclear power plants. What was Ukraines response? It doesnt correspond to Ukrainian interests, the Ukrainian government said. Why? Its a pro-Russian narrative. And they rejected it, pushed it aside. Now we need to immediately resume dialogue with China," Poroshenko believes.
Lithuania will transfer 30 RBS missiles to Ukraine to strengthen air defenses and protect critical infrastructure, Lithuanian Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas said during a visit to Kyiv.

"Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas informed President Zelenskyy in Kyiv that Lithuania is supplying Ukraine with 30 critically needed RBS missiles, strengthening its air defenses. Lithuania firmly supports Ukraines security. Together to victory," according to the Lithuanian Foreign Ministrys Telegram channel.

As reported by Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT), Kaunas said after a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: "To ensure the protection of critical infrastructure, we are transferring 30 RBS missiles to Ukraine. For Ukraine, this is critically needed weaponry right now that will help strengthen air defenses."

As reported, Kaunas arrived in Ukraine on the occasion of the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion. Meetings took place in the capital with representatives of the Coalition of the Willing and the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8) countries, as well as separate talks between Kaunas and President Zelenskyy and Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.

During the NB8 meeting, the Lithuanian official emphasized the importance of increasing support for Ukraine to counter Russian strikes on civilian energy infrastructure.

"During the coldest months  January and February 2026  Lithuania provided maximum support to Ukraine. We transferred 90 generators with a total value of over EUR 2 million. In response to new Russian attacks, we are now also preparing to transfer diesel generators, transformers, electric motors and other energy equipment needed to restore electricity supply and damaged infrastructure," Kaunas said.
More than 1,700 citizens from African countries fighting on Russian side, Ukraine trying to counter them  Sybiha

Photo: https://t.me/Ukraine_MFA

More than 1,700 citizens from African countries are fighting in the Russian army against Ukraine, said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha.

According to an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent, the minister announced these figures at a joint press conference with Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa in Kyiv on Wednesday.

"We clearly see that Russia is trying to drag Africans into a war to the death. According to our data, more than 1,780 citizens from the African continent are currently fighting in the Russian army. In other words, were talking about mercenaries," Sybiha said.

According to the Foreign Minister, many mercenaries from African countries are dying in the war, and Ukrainian soldiers have already captured many of them. Mercenaries from 36 African countries are participating in the war against Ukraine.

Sybiha considers this a "major challenge."

"Russia is fraudulently dragging these citizens into war. Its crucial to counter this, both in individual capitals and in cooperation with Ukraine: expose these schemes and prevent our citizens from being drawn into someone elses war," the minister emphasized.

Sybiha said he had discussed this with his African colleagues and "there was a clear response."

"Decisions were made to increase penalties for mercenarism in the Russian army. And we agreed with several countries on joint information campaigns on how to prevent these fraudulent actions by Russia," the Foreign Minister stated.

Sybiha assured that cooperation with the African side on this issue will continue.
Four Ukrainian defense companies have signed a package of documents with partners from Denmark, Finland, and Latvia, totaling approximately EUR 800 million, according to the Ukrainian Council of Arms Manufacturers.

"The agreements cover cooperation in the production of unmanned systems and ground robotics Some documents establish the initial level of cooperation, while others define the framework for further steps and plans for production programs. The key goal ... is to rapidly increase production of solutions needed by Ukraine and integrate Ukrainian technologies into EU industrial chains," reads a message posted on the unions website.

Thus, the Ukrainian company Culver Aerospace and Copenhagen Global A/S (Denmark) have agreed to cooperate on unmanned aerial vehicle production as part of a five-year program. The partnership focuses on long-range strike unmanned aerial systems (up to 2,500 km) and medium-range strike systems (up to 400 km).

TENCORE (Ukraine) and INSTA (Finland) also agreed to cooperate on the TerMIT ground robotic platform and the production of ground robots for Ukraine.

Remtecnology (Ukraine) and New Paakkola Oy (Finland) have agreed to cooperate on the production of the tactical multi-purpose ground robotic platform LEGIT.

"The project is currently in the process of establishing a joint venture in Finland and moving toward scaling and commercializing this development. The immediate plans include producing 1,500 units for the Ukrainian army, with further increases in the coming years," the association reported.

An agreement was signed between Terminal Autonomy Ukraine (Ukraine) and SIA Baltic Forces (Latvia) that lays the foundation for further cooperation in the field of unmanned systems (reconnaissance, medium-range strike systems, long-range strike systems) and missile solutions, in particular cruise missiles and air defense systems. This is currently at a preliminary stage without mandatory commercial or technical conditions.

"Its symbolic that these signings took place on February 24. On this day, which became a major test for Ukraine, we are finally talking about scaling and systemic industrial cooperation with European partners. We greatly appreciate this trust and are pleased that the Build with Ukraine model is working in practice," emphasized Ihor Fedirko, Executive Director of the Ukrainian Council of Armorers.

It is noted that Ukrainian manufacturers, who quickly developed products to meet real combat needs, are moving toward systemic industrial cooperation with European partners, which allows for accelerated serial production, increased supply chain resilience, and product readiness for long-term use in international markets.

"These kinds of partnerships create a stronger position and more efficient use of resources, knowledge, and technology compared to working in isolation. This collaboration allows us to achieve results that would be impossible to achieve alone. Moreover, in todays environment, where speed has become critical, cooperation in production often becomes the key to success," emphasized Maksym Vasylchenko, CEO of TENCORE and a representative of the Ukrainian Robotic Forces.
The Irish flag waves next to the American flag in the wind during the Irish flag raising outside Watertown City Hall on March 17, 2020. Watertown Daily Times
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a decree on Ukraine's withdrawal from the Agreement on the Establishment of an Integrated Air Defense System of the Member States of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

"Withdraw from the Agreement on the Establishment of an Integrated Air Defense System of the CIS Member States, concluded on February 10, 1995, in Almaty," according to the text of Decree No. 203/2026 dated February 25, published on the president's website.

In addition, Zelenskyy signed a separate Decree No. 202/2026 On withdrawal from certain international treaties of Ukraine within the CIS, which provides for withdrawal from 30 such treaties.

In particular, Ukraine is withdrawing from the agreement on the return of cultural and historical property to states of origin, concluded on February 14, 1992, in Minsk.

Ukraine is also withdrawing from the decision on an agreement on issues related to the restoration of the rights of deported persons, national minorities and peoples, adopted on May 17, 1996, in Moscow.

Under this decree, Ukraine is withdrawing from the decision on participation of CIS member states in the treaty between the USSR and the United States on the limitation of anti-ballistic missile systems; the decision on participation of CIS member states in the treaty between the USSR and the United States on the elimination of their intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles; as well as the decision on controlling the international transfer of man-portable air defense missile systems of the Igla and Strela types.

Ukraine is also withdrawing from the 1991 agreement on CIS coordinating institutions; decisions approving the regulations on permanent plenipotentiary representatives of CIS member states to the statutory and other bodies of the Commonwealth; on interaction among member states within the OSCE; on the Council of Heads of Security Bodies and Special Services of CIS member states; on the concept of interaction among CIS member states in combating crime; on the concept of cooperation in countering illicit drug trafficking; on the further development of cooperation in countering international terrorism; on the concept of cooperation in countering illegal migration; and on the concept of cooperation in combating crimes involving the use of information technologies.

Ukraine is withdrawing from CIS member-state agreements on groups of military observers and collective peacekeeping forces in the CIS; on law enforcement bodies in the Joint Armed Forces and the armed forces of CIS member states; on the military oath in strategic forces; on the principles of providing the armed forces of CIS member states with armaments, equipment and materiel; on organizing production activities of repair enterprises; on research and development and experimental design work; as well as a number of related protocols.
The Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) debunks provocative deepfake videos allegedly featuring famous Hollywood actors calling for pressure on Ukraine for "peace on Russia's terms." A review reveals that the videos were generated by artificial intelligence.

"Russia organized a disinformation campaign on social media using the hashtag #HollywoodagainstZelenskyy. It included the distribution of fake videos purportedly from Hollywood actors calling for pressure on Ukraine for 'peace on Russia's terms,'" the CCD reported on its Telegram channel on Wednesday.

It is noted that the fake videos feature actors Nikki Blonsky, Jon Seda, and Gabriella Pizzolo, among others. However, there is no confirmation of these claims. "These videos are not found on verified celebrity accounts, but were distributed by anonymous accounts without followers or biographies. A check using deepfake detection services indicates that the videos were generated by artificial intelligence," the CCD emphasized.

Researchers estimate that the campaign is part of a broader online influence network linked to the Kremlin. The campaign's tactics are similar to those of the Matryoshka bot farm, which disguises fake news as legitimate sourcesmedia outlets, government agencies, or public figures. First, a small group of anonymous accounts launches a fake, which is then picked up by a network of bots, creating the illusion of widespread use.

"Such deepfake videos are created to promote Kremlin-friendly narratives about 'war fatigue' and Ukraine's alleged 'intransigence,' exploiting the credibility of public figures. The campaign is synchronized with diplomatic processes and discussions about ways to end the war. Its strategic goal is to weaken international support for Ukraine," the CCD emphasized.
Photo: Interfax-Ukraine / Oleksandr Zubko

If a referendum on Ukraine's accession to the European Union were held in the near future, 75% of all respondents, or 88% of those planning to participate in such a referendum, would vote for joining this organization (11% and 7% would vote against, respectively).

This is evidenced by the results of a sociological survey conducted by the sociological service of the Razumkov Center from November 11-18 as part of the project "Ukraine: Socio-Political Challenges of the Transition from War to Peace and Post-War Recovery," supported by the Representation of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Ukraine, and presented at a press conference at the Interfax-Ukraine agency on Wednesday.

"Before the start of the full-scale war, in November-December 2021, 56% of all respondents, or 78% of those planning to participate in a referendum, intended to vote for EU membership (26% and 18% would have voted against, respectively). According to the latest survey, 88% of all residents of the Western region, 79% of residents of the Eastern, 70% of the Central, and 58% of residents of the South of the country would vote for joining the EU. The share of those who would vote against is 2%, 10%, 15%, and 22%, respectively," the sociological study states.

It is noted that the younger the respondents, the more often they intend to vote for EU membershipthe share of such individuals rises from 68% in the oldest group (60 and older) to 82% among those under 30.

Among those who trust the Ukrainian authorities, 79% intend to vote for EU membership (with 9.5% against), while among those who do not trust them, the figures are 74% and 14%, respectively.

Among those who speak predominantly Ukrainian at home, 76% intend to vote for EU membership (with 10% against), while among those who predominantly speak Russian, the figures are 69.5% and 17.5%, respectively.

"If a referendum on Ukraine's accession to NATO were held in the near future, 63% of all respondents, or 79% of those planning to participate in such a referendum, would vote for joining this organization (21% and 14.5% would vote against, respectively). Before the start of the full-scale war, in November-December 2021, 48% of all respondents, or 70% of those planning to participate in a referendum, intended to vote for joining NATO (33% and 24.5% would have voted against, respectively)," the Center notes.

Regionally, 82% of all residents in the Western region, 65% in the Eastern, and 56% in the Central region would vote for joining NATO, but only 39% of residents in the South of the country would do so. The share of those who would vote against is 6.5%, 19%, 27%, and 36.5%, respectively.

The younger the respondents, the more often they intend to vote for NATO membershipthe share of such individuals rises from 56% in the oldest group (60 and older) to 70% among those under 30.

Among those who trust the Ukrainian authorities, 70% intend to vote for NATO accession (with 16% against), while among those who do not trust them, the figures are 59% and 25%, respectively.

Among those who speak predominantly Ukrainian at home, 66% intend to vote for NATO accession (with 19% against), while among those who predominantly speak Russian, the figures are 58.5% and 25%.

Among those who will vote for joining the EU, 80% are ready to vote for joining NATO, compared to 9.5% of those who oppose EU membership.

The survey was conducted in all government-controlled regions of Ukraine among 2,008 respondents aged 18 and older using the face-to-face method with a stratified multi-stage sample, utilizing random selection in the early stages and a quota method for selecting respondents in the final stage. The structure of the sample reproduces the demographic structure of the adult population of the territories where the survey was conducted, as of the beginning of 2022, by age, gender, and type of settlement. The theoretical sampling error does not exceed 2.3%. Additional systematic deviations of the sample may be caused by the consequences of the aggression of Russia, in particular, the forced evacuation of citizens.
Another shop in Torbay has been closed by police and trading standards officers as part of a clampdown on illegal tobacco sales.

Police are pledging robust action in the battle against the sale of counterfeit goods.

The shop in Paigntons Hyde Road has been served with an official Closure Notice.

In a social media post Paignton police said its officers had worked alongside the Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service to impose a temporary closure order which means the business has to close for three months.

The statement went on: The sale of illegal tobacco is not a victimless crime. These products are often unregulated, may contain harmful or unknown substances, and do not meet UK safety standards.

They are frequently sold at a cheaper price, making them more accessible to young people and vulnerable members of our community. There is no quality control, no health warnings you can rely on, and no accountability. Using these products carries health risks.

Police say they will not tolerate businesses choosing to profit from unlawful activity, and those who decide to trade illegally should expect robust action.

Trading standards officers are continuing their investigation into the business.

Seven shops in Torquay and Paignton were shut down last autumn in a similar operation targeting anti-social behaviour and the sale of illegal tobacco.

Torbay has emerged as a hotspot for the trade in illegal tobacco and vapes in recent months, and a meeting of Torbay Council heard that there was no other location that had as many premises involved in the illegal sale of tobacco as the bay.

The racket has links to organised crime, modern slavery and even the trade in guns and drugs.

Counterfeit tobacco sells for as little as 5 per pouch, compared to 35 in supermarkets. Illegal cigarettes cost 5 a pack compared to 15 in legitimate stores. Fake brands with names like Top Gun and Manchester are manufactured in huge quantities overseas in places including Belarus and Dubai.
One of North Devons most well-known fish and chip restaurants has been shortlisted among the best five in the UK and today (Wednesday, February 25) is bidding to be crowned champion at the National Fish and Chip Awards.

Squires Fish and Chip Restaurant and Takeaway in Braunton has been a popular mainstay of the village for more than 55 years and hopes to celebrate that by winning the Restaurant of the Year category at the awards in London in just a few hours.

The chip shop is also hoping for a double shot of podium glory as dedicated staff member Zak Bishop is also in the top three shortlist for Employee of the Year.

Above: Zak Bishop of Squires in Braunton is bidding to pick up the Employee of the Year award at the National Fish & Chip Awards a little later today. Credit: Squires

The awards ceremony at Londons Plaza Hotel is set to begin in just under two-and-a-half hours.

The National Fish & Chip Awards are organised by the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) and follow a rigorous process to pick the winners, with shortlisted restaurants subjected to unannounced visits from the judges as well as secret shopper visits.

For the employee category, a team of leading industry figures have designed a thorough review process, which examines candidates knowledge of the trade, approaches to sustainability and cooking top quality chippy food.

Squires is up against two chip shops from Yorkshire, one from Norfolk and one from Bristol, while Zak is shortlisted alongside Donna Whitfield from County Durham and Hollie Hutton from Bradford.

Above: Squires in Braunton. Credit: Squires

Squires was established by June and Gordon Squire in 1969 and today is run by Mike, Cherry, Jane and William Squire. June passed away aged 92 in April last year.

Jane previously told the Gazette it was the first time the chip shop had entered the restaurant category for the awards since the 1980s.

She added: This year we wanted to showcase that every day in our business needs the whole team working together and what better way to do that than enter the Restaurant of the Year.

I know that my gran will be looking down upon us and proud that we have made the top five!

On Zaks success, she said: To reach the final three for Employee of the Year at the National Fish and Chip Awards 2026 is a massive achievement.

This is the third year we've nominated Zak, finishing in the top four last year and we truly believe this is his year, he just goes from strength to strength.

READ NEXT: North Devon chip shop stalwart shortlisted in top three for national award

Watch this space to find out how the Squires team did at the awards a little later  good luck everyone!
A bid to trigger a referendum to raise 29million more in council tax to fix Devons pothole-riddled roads has failed as the countys biggest council confirmed its budget.

A motion put to the full council yesterday (Tuesday, February 24) proposed the extra cash as part of aspirations to bolster pothole repairs, road defects, drainage maintenance and other highway schemes.

But the request  put forward by Councillor Paul Hayward  would have meant residents being asked to agree to a more than 5% hike in council tax above the 4.99% maximum legal limit.

READ NEXT: Devon County Council has set its budget for the year  where will the money go?

Any council wishing to increase council tax by more must hold a referendum vote for all residents.

The call for the extra funding came even as Devon confirmed earlier this month that highways would receive an additional 15m of additional investment in 2026/27 for preventative maintenance, resurfacing and patching.

The administration said it had identified 4m in additional funding for highway drainage improvements, gully clearance, vegetation management and other preventative work.

In the end, only four councillors voted for Cllr Haywards proposal, with 44 against and 10 abstentions, including Green member Cllr Andy Ketchin who was named as the seconder in council papers.

Cllr Hayward said the council needed to make sure that as an authority we get every possible pennys worth of value from the money it receives.

He claimed that just as 58p of vehicle fuel charges go to the Treasury, some of council taxpayers money went to the private sector that is profiting from childrens and adults social care.

He added that he wanted the chairs of each highways committee across Devon to collaborate with the highways cabinet member, Cllr Dan Thomas to look at highways spending.

READ NEXT: Devon road repair bill nears 7m as pothole reports soar

Council leader Cllr Julian Brazil said extra money had already been directed towards highways as part of the proposed budget.

Cllr James Buczkowski, the cabinet member for finance, spoke against asking Devons residents for a 10% hike in their council tax in a single year, stating he believed council tax to be not progressive.

It is not equitable and it places a proportionally heavy burden on those with the least financial flexibility, he said.

Cllr Buzkowski also noted that such a rise would not be a one-off because it would become part of the base.

He added: It would permanently increase the council tax burden for every household in Devon.

Were talking about locking in a structurally higher council tax indefinitely.

He said the expected cost of a referendum would be 2.5m, adding: I dont think there has been a successful council tax referendum.
Graduating seniors from Deschutes, Jefferson, and Crook counties are invited to apply for the Jake and Josh Eckstein Memorial Trade Scholarship. Applications are due March 2.

The scholarship recognizes that the path to a rewarding career doesnt always start in a four-year college lecture hall but can be found in the grit, skill, and dedication of the trades.

On March 29, 2019, the Central Oregon community suffered a profound loss. Brothers Jake and Josh Eckstein, aged 21 and 19, tragically lost their lives in a car accident on an icy road while traveling to work at Taylor NW. The young men were known for their love of the outdoors and their burgeoning careers in the trades  careers that provided them with solid living wages and a sense of pride.

What began as a gesture of solidarity  coworkers passing a hardhat at a job site to raise $6,000  has evolved into a lasting legacy. Established in partnership between parents Scott and Phyllis Eckstein and Oregon Community Foundation, the scholarship fund ensures that Jake and Josh are never forgotten while lifting up the next generation of craftspeople.

In 2026, the fund aims to award five scholarships of $2,500 to qualified students.

Our boys excelled in their short careers, making a solid living wage with good benefits, says Scott Eckstein. We feel strongly about giving back to the community that stood by us. We want to help students who share that same passion for building and fixing the world around them.

The scholarship is specifically designed for high school graduates and GED recipients in Deschutes, Jefferson, and Crook counties who are pursuing careers in Career Technical Education, such as construction; mechanical trades; technical trades.

The application is hosted by the Office of Student Access and Completion. Students can submit their application for this funding opportunity, and many other scholarships at http://www.oregonstudentaid.gov/scholarships.

Applications will be reviewed and scholarships awarded late May 2026.
Texas

Texans will vote in one of the most closely watched Senate races of 2026. Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican and staunch Trump ally, and Representative Wesley Hunt, one of the first Black Republicans to represent Texas in the House, are challenging Senator John Cornyn in the primary. Early polls show a close three-way race. Read more
Jae Siercks

McKinney brings on Weber Shandwick SVP, client experience Jae Siercks to lead its newly launched consumer PR practice, which is aimed at offering clients a more holistic view of paid, earned and owned channels. At Weber Shandwick, Siercks and her team leveraged the opportunity for integration for such clients as General Motors and ALDI. Before joining Weber in 2016, she was an account supervisor at Ogilvy PR. In her new position, Siercks will take a particular focus on extending and amplify McKinneys momentum in the earned space. "Now that McKinney has an integrated consumer PR practice, with Jae at the helm, we can create holistic campaigns designed from day one to break through and earn unfair attention for our clients," said McKinney president Gretchen Walsh. "She really cares for people and for finding that balance of where to push and pull as a leader, and you can tell that the work is better for it."

Nina DeLorenzo

Rational 360 hires Nina DeLorenzo as managing director for corporate affairs. DeLorenzo was previously chief global impact office at pharmaceutical company Indivior. She has also senior leadership positions at Pfizer, AbbVie, Sanofi and Emergent, and roles at PhRMA, on political campaigns, in the US Senate, and at the White House. At Rational 360, DeLorenzo will lead the growth of the agencys corporate communications services, supporting clients across various industries, including healthcare. Her remit will also include working to grow Rationals healthcare-specific digital targeting tool, Pinpoint Health. Rationals digital product, Pinpoint Health. Our clients are navigating an increasingly complex political, regulatory, and reputational environment, and Nina brings the corporate leadership and experience to help them meet those challenges, said Rational 360 founder and CEO Patrick Dorton.

Keith Hopkins

TV One Networks, which focuses on black culture and entertainment, appoints Keith Hopkins as VP of content distribution & marketing. Hopkins joins TV One from Roku, where he helped lead sports and news distribution strategy, securing major licensing agreements and spearheading the launch of SVOD, AVOD and FAST channels. Prior to Roku, he was SVPdistribution sales, marketing & business development at Nexstar Media Group. Earlier in his career, he held leadership positions at the Pac-12 Conference and NBCUniversal/Comcast, focusing on distribution strategy and partnership development. In his new role, Hopkins will lead the companys distribution and partnership marketing strategy across all linear and digital platforms, domestically and internationally, maximizing reach and revenue opportunities for TV One and CLEO TV a lifestyle and entertainment network targeting Millennial and Gen X women of color. His proven ability to drive growth across traditional and emerging platforms makes him an exceptional addition to our leadership team, said TV One and CLEO TV president Michelle L. Rice.
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.
INDEPENDENT Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly has said that new 30 million funding is now available to local authorities in the Midlands under the EU Just Transition Fund START scheme, which supports local authority-led climate action infrastructure and feasibility projects aimed at replacing jobs lost after peat-industry closures. He is calling on Offaly County Council to move quickly so Bord na Mona communities across Offaly can benefit from real investment and job creation.

The local MEP said the funding, provided through the European Commissions Just Transition Fund and co-funded by the Irish Government, represents a major opportunity for towns that lost employment following peat-related closures.

Mullooly said communities such as Shannonbridge, Bracknagh, Kilcormac, Rhode and Clonbullogue, Walsh Island and surrounding Bord na Mona areas must now be prioritised for job-creating projects.

I would particularly want to see communities where Bord na Mona was a major employer getting assistance under this scheme. The applicants will be the local authorities, so I am calling now on Offaly County Council to stage community meetings in towns like Shannonbridge, Bracknagh, Kilcormac, Rhode, Clonbullogue, Walsh Island and other Bord na Mona communities across Offaly, and to put together strong projects that can avail of this funding and help create real jobs in these areas. People need employment and good employment after the loss of Bord na Mona jobs, said the Independent Ireland MEP.

Mullooly added that the new funding round must be used more effectively than earlier programmes.

Regrettably, up to now, the Just Transition Fund has not delivered for many of these old Bord na Mona communities. The scheme was late in coming to Ireland, which was a major issue, but local authorities now need to work hand-in-hand with voluntary community groups in each of the old Bord na Mona areas so that we can see a real difference being made by this 30 million investment. I want to see public meetings and engagement in every Bord na Mona community so that they can be given preference when it comes to job-creation projects from this round of funding, he said.

READ NEXT: President of powerful EU body selected as 2025 Offaly Person of the Year

Mullooly said the START scheme will support Local Authority-led Climate Action Plan infrastructure projects and feasibility studies, including renewable energy initiatives, energy-efficiency upgrades, active travel projects and regeneration of former industrial or landfill sites into community, tourism or enterprise uses.

If Offaly County Council does not get strong applications in on time, funding specifically set aside for the Midlands transition could go elsewhere. This is a real chance to rebuild jobs and opportunity in Shannonbridge, Bracknagh, Kilcormac and all Bord na Mona communities across Offaly, and we must seize it, the Independent Ireland MEP said.

READ NEXT: Whopping 300,000 passengers use Offaly and Laois local link bus services
NEW research by Tochar Midlands Wetland Restoration gives fresh insights into how people in Ireland interact with, understand and value wetlands at a time when investment is underway to restore these vital landscapes.

Research reveals that people across Ireland place a strong value on wetlands as part of the countrys natural and cultural heritage, with most believing it is important to pass knowledge and appreciation of these landscapes on to younger generations.

An information meeting will be held in Birr this week to highlight the ecological and societal benefits of fen restoration. It will be held in The County Arms on Thursday February 26th.

Sites being discussed at this information evening include: Lisnagree Fen, Lough Nahinch pNHA (Tipperary), Ballaghnoher, Annaghmore Lough Fen (Offaly) pNHA, Mannin, Clonaslee Eskers & Derry Bog, Annaghmore Lough Fen (Offaly), Island Fen (SAC), Lisduff Fen (SAC), Killaun, Derrinlough Bog NHA.

Tochar Midlands Wetland Restoration is one of the largest restoration projects currently underway. It is a three-year, 12 million wetlands restoration project co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund Programme. The project is managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service within the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

The research, carried out by Red C on behalf of Tochar Midlands Wetland Restoration, explores public behaviours, attitudes and awareness in relation to wetlands. It shows that almost half of Irish adults visit wetlands at least once a year, with recreation such as walking, birdwatching and spending time in nature being the main reason for visiting.

READ NEXT: Huge amount of illegal dumping taking place in North Tipp beauty spot

Compared with previous research carried out in November 2024, patterns of visitation and use remain broadly stable, indicating that wetlands are a valued part of how people across Ireland engage with the outdoors. A clear majority of respondents agree that wetlands are important for protecting biodiversity, supporting livelihoods, storing carbon and preserving Irelands cultural heritage. Agreement with these statements remains consistently high compared with 2024, underscoring strong public support for the role wetlands play in addressing climate and environmental challenges.

While awareness of wetland restoration projects is increasing nationally, the findings also highlight the importance of continued local engagement and accessible information, particularly in areas where restoration work is underway. The upcoming Public Information Evenings are designed to support that engagement, offering people the opportunity to learn more about fen restoration and to discuss what it means for their local landscapes.

Commenting on the research and the upcoming Public Information Evenings, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher OSullivan TD said: Im not surprised at these survey results  wetlands are magical places, with huge benefits for people and for nature. The public understand this  especially the people of the Midlands for whom wetlands are deeply interconnected with culture, tradition and local identity. The Tochar Project is doing fantastic work through engagement and collaboration with communities, and these Public Information Evenings are an ideal way for people to find out about whats happening, why, and how to get involved. Shared stewardship is at the heart of successful nature restoration in Ireland and Id encourage anybody with an interest to get down to one of the events.

Fens are a rare and distinctive type of peatland that are fed by groundwater rather than rainfall. Their waterlogged conditions allow peat to form slowly, supporting specialised plant and animal species while also helping to filter water and contribute to more resilient local environments. Many fen sites across the Midlands have been damaged over time, and restoration work is now taking place to help these important wetlands recover.

Commenting ahead of the events, Tochar Midlands Wetland Restoration Project Manager Shirley Clerkin said the evenings are about building understanding and connection at a local level: This research shows that people across Ireland already recognise the value of wetlands and feel a strong sense of responsibility to protect them for future generations. The Public Information Evenings allow us to bring insights into a local setting, to explain what fen restoration involves and to have open, practical conversations with the communities closest to these sites. Restoring wetlands is not just about ecology. Its about working with people, listening to local perspectives and ensuring these landscapes continue to support nature, climate resilience and community wellbeing into the future.

READ NEXT: MEP urges Offaly County Council to secure share of new 30 million EU START Programme for BnM communities

These information sessions will highlight the ecological and societal benefits of fen restoration, including improved water quality and carbon storage, and explain some financial incentives available for restoration initiatives along with opportunities for questions and discussion. The events are open to landowners, farmers, community groups, local organisations and anyone with an interest in wetlands and the future of the Midlands.

The full programme of Public Information Evenings is as follows:

Thursday, February 26th  County Arms Hotel, Birr, Co. Offaly.

Tuesday, March 3 rd  Percy French Hotel, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon.

Wednesday, March 4th  Greville Arms Hotel, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath.

For further information on the Public Information Evenings and to register to attend the events, visit www.tocharwetlands.ie . Or follow them on Instagram @wetlandsrestoration or Facebook and LinkedIn Tochar Wetlands Restoration.

READ NEXT: Council to make big step forward in Birr Rectory Fields project
The countdown is officially underway and the entrants are preparing for one of the annual highlights in Roscrea.

The shop window displays are turning green. The shamrock is standing to attention as it awaits its big day. That familiar feeling of Irish pride is tangible. It can only mean one thing - St. Patricks Day is fast approaching!

Roscrea, as one of the oldest towns in the country, is proud to host its 46th Annual St. Patricks Day Parade, and is hoping to make it yet another one to remember.

Its a big undertaking and one that several towns across the country have abandoned  but not Roscrea! A small but dedicated Committee continues to keep it alive and well with the support of all those who take part.

This year the Committee is very proud to welcome Anne Keevey as Guest of Honour.

READ NEXT: 'New Dean Maxwell' for Roscrea confirmed

A most deserving recipient of a National Inspirational Hero Award, Anne has been at the forefront of caring for the elderly in Roscrea and is the founder of Age Friendly Roscrea.

The committee is currently compiling a list of entries for this year's Parade.

Those interested in taking part to celebrate our National Day, are invited to contact Chairman Shane at (086) 3296667 or PRO Anne at (087) 1807772.

The parade will assemble at 2.45p.m. at the old Tesco Car Park (Lourdes Road), proceed down Church Street, up Castle Street and finish at end of Main Street.

The Prizegiving will take place immediately after the Parade.

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The Parade insurance covers accidents arising out of errors on the part of the personnel involved with the organisation of the Parade. It does not, however, extend to damage or activities caused by negligence on the part of entrants in the Parade. All entrants are asked to have their own insurance cover.

The success of the Parade will be determined by the support it receives.

Please consider taking part or, if that is not possible, come along and cheer on the entrants on the day, have fun and celebrate what St. Patricks Day means to all of us.
The funeral details have been announced for 16-year-old Mia Lily Keogh who was tragically killed last Saturday following a hit and run.

Mia Lily was walking on the Slane Road in Navan, county Meath, with her beloved dog Bowie, when she was struck by a car which failed to remain at the scene.

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Mia Lily was treated at the scene before being transferred to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, where she was later pronounced dead. Her dog Bowie also unfortunately passed away.

Mia Lily has been described as beautiful, kind and never without a smile. She leaves behind her heartbroken parents Stephen and Louise, sister Katelyn and her partner Junior, brothers Zack, Cole & Kai, grandparents David, Paula, Debbie and Tony, aunts Emma, Marie & Rachel, uncle Kevin, great aunts, great uncles, first cousin Ezra, cousins, beloved girlfriend Eimear, lifelong friend Hollie, teachers, neighbours and a large community of friends.

Hundreds of heartfelt messages have been left on RIP.ie, expressing their grief and sadness at Mia Lily's untimely death, with one mourner writing,

"Louise, Stephen, Katelyn & boys my heart is shattered for you all on the loss of your beautiful, kind and talented Mia Lily. She was never without a smile and I can still see her coming through the doors of work and looking at all the nail polish with us heaven has gained another angel alongside her Nana Lily while Phoebe and Bowie play amongst the clouds. You are all in my thoughts and prayers x"

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Another wrote,

"Louise and Stephen, I am so sorry for your loss. I was deeply saddened to hear of Mia Lilys passing. I knew her only as the beautiful little toddler with two plaits and a bright smile, and that is how I will always remember her. Katelyn, I cannot fathom the pain of losing a sister. You loved and cared for Mia Lily as if she were your own. Nothing will ever make sense of what has happened to your family. Please be gentle with yourselves during this time. My sincere condolences, thinking of you all every day."

While another simply wrote,

"The country is brokenhearted for all the family. Such a tragedy."

In a statement released by her family earlier this week, Mia Lily's mother Louise said that she will "never be whole again" and that her heart will "always ache".

Louise described her daughter as "a gift" and a "truly talented girl".

"She was my daughter, but she was also a sister. Her sister left behind and her three baby brothers are never going to have the same life."

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Funeral details

Mia Lily will repose at St. Josephs Chapel of Rest, Old Johnstown, Navan (C15 C425) on Thursday, February 26 from 3pm to 6pm.

A Funeral service will take place for family and close friends in St Oliver's Church, Navan. A private Cremation will take place afterwards.

The house is requested private at all times please.

May she rest in peace.
Fish-shaped lanterns add a festive ambiance in Shexian, E China's Anhui

People's Daily Online) 10:49, February 25, 2026

In the days surrounding the start of the Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year, Wang Qinyan enters her busiest season each year, working tirelessly in her workshop in Shexian county, Huangshan city, east China's Anhui Province, to fulfill orders for fish-shaped lanterns.

In 2020, Wang left her job as a steamed stuffed bun vendor in Beijing and returned to her hometown in Shexian county to become an inheritor of the traditional fish-shaped lantern craft.

Wang Qinyan makes a fish-shaped lantern in her workshop in Shexian county, Huangshan city, east China's Anhui Province. (People's Daily Online/Ding Ji)

Many of Wang's innovations are showcased at the intangible cultural heritage exhibition center in Shexian county. She takes particular pride in one piece featuring a black carp.

"The traditional Wangmantian fish-shaped lanterns are typically red and green, but look at this black carp, isn't it stunning?"

Yao Junjie, secretary general of the fish-shaped lantern protection and development association in Shexian county, said that the traditional intangible cultural heritage is adapting to the times and gaining new vitality.

"We've seen progress in both aesthetics and craftsmanship. In recent years, we've replaced cotton thread with iron wire to make the structure stronger and more resilient. We've also replaced cotton paper with cotton cloth, which makes the surface more durable. And now, instead of candles, we use electric lamps to light up the lanterns for longer-lasting illumination," Yao explained.

A fish-shaped lantern performance is presented in Shexian county, Huangshan city, east China's Anhui Province. (People's Daily Online/Ding Ji)

In April 2025, Shexian county launched a three-year plan (2025-2027) focused on the preservation and innovative development of the fish-shaped lantern. Later, in August of the same year, the fish-shaped lantern protection and development association was established, marking the beginning of a new phase in the standardized protection of fish-shaped lantern culture.

On Feb. 4, 2026, fish-shaped lanterns from all over the country lit up streets and alleys in Shexian county. On this day, Shexian introduced new creative cultural products inspired by its intangible cultural heritage, blending modern touches into fish-shaped lanterns and breathing new life into the tradition.

Children make fish-shaped lanterns in Shexian county, Huangshan city, east China's Anhui Province. (People's Daily Online/Ding Ji)

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun)
Armenia ramps up its efforts to unveil a single entity meant for digital oversight of its rapidly expanding gaming sector. The nations parliament has rubberstamped new amendments that will boost player protection for its citizens.

The legislative assembly of Armenia has moved to accelerate approval of regulations that will boost its grip over the nations gambling scene. Lawmakers are already taking new measures into consideration in a bid to expedite reforms that were set in motion back in 2024.

This new bill was tabled by Rafael Gevorgyan, a member of the State Revenue Committee (SRC) of Armenia. It is aimed at addressing gaps that become apparent following a 2025 law that introduced a competitive process for the appointment of a single operator to monitor national gambling.

Legal Loopholes and Potential Judicial Restraints Sealed

Notably, the Second Amendment is marred with even more controversy as it adjusts the Civil Procedure by preventing court rulings from interfering with progress on that matter. Supporters of this approach have pointed out that it avoids any potentially unsafe gaps in regulation, further noting that the Armenian government cant afford to overlook the gambling scene.

Meanwhile, challengers of these amendments assert that placing a limit on lawsuits may end up reducing avenues for legal remedies. Opponents worry that such a measure sets a precedent that places administrative convenience above judicial oversight.

Chasing Revenue But With A Focus on Player Protection

One of the main drivers of these new amendments is economic pressure. According to the Blask Index, the gambling market in Armenia was reported to have hit a whopping $25 million by last month. This represents a notable uptick from $23.8 million garnered by the same period early last year. The countrys legislative assembly recently doubled some tax rates for the gambling sector in a bid to collect more income from the industry. Mind you, these taxes will continue climbing every year until the new monitoring system goes live.

That said, there are some alarming social risks that are typically linked with the rapid growth of the iGaming industry. For instance, based on recent research, about 3% of gamblers in Armenia suffer from compulsive gambling disorders. This is bearing in mind that by 2020, the number of consumers of the activity doubled from what was recorded two years prior in 2018. Given this quick expansion, there has also been an increase in concerns about the economic stability of families of compulsive gamblers and public health in general.

With players safety in mind, Armenian lawmakers hope that with the new measures, there will be more effective monitoring to assist with the alleviation of increasing addiction numbers. Legislators essentially want any potential problematic player activity to be flagged by the new platform before the issue ruins lives.

A Pivotal Move Toward Tighter iGaming Regulation

Following this landmark legislative shift, Armenias gaming scene is geared toward a brighter feature especially when it comes to player protection. Now that the courts no longer have authority over any administrative decisions whatsoever, Armenia has officially ushered in a new era of internet gambling in its jurisdiction.

Essentially, this Western Asian country has moved from a trust-based approach to one of data-driven decisions. While there is a benefit of generating more revenue from taxable income from the industry, this new system appears to be more about player protection through a centrally monitored structure.
On February 13, dozens of Palestinians were injured as Israeli settlers carried out attacks across the occupied West Bank, destroying olive trees and vandalizing property.

The Israeli military protected the settlers as they wounded about 54 Palestinians in attacks in several towns and villages.

Near Talfit, Palestinian farmers were attacked by Israeli settlers south of Nablus in the West Bank. Israeli troops attacked Palestinians with tear gas and live ammunition after some had come to the aid of the farmers.

Homes in the village were left with broken windows and cars were left with smashed windshields after the settlers attacked.

In Turmus Aya, near Ramallah, 300 olive trees were destroyed by Israeli settlers.

According to the UN, at least 1,054 Palestinians were killed in the West Bank by Israeli troops and settlers between October 7, 2023, and February 5, 2026.

On 8 February, the Israeli security cabinet approved a package of measures that would expand Israeli civilian authority in areas A and B of the Occupied West Bank. These measures would allow Israeli authorities and individuals to acquire land in these areas, which is illegal under existing laws.

UN human rights chief, Volker Turk, warned the plan violates the right to self-determination, and renders a viable Palestinian state impossible.

"We are witnessing rapid steps to change permanently the demography of the occupied Palestinian territory, stripping its people of their lands and forcing them to leave," Turk said in a statement.

Palestinian Christians in the West Bank

Before 1948, Palestinian Christians made up 12.5% of the population of historic Palestine.

In 1948, 90,000 Palestinian Christians were expelled and nearly 30 churches were shut.

Today, 1.2% remain in historic Palestine, and only 1% in the 1967 Occupied Palestinian territories.

The decline is due to Israel's ethnic-cleansing, forcible displacement, land confiscation, and systematic oppression.

Churches attacked in West Bank

In 2025, the 5th-century St. George Church and its grounds in Taybeh were attacked and burned by Jewish settlers in the West Bank.

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Emma Coronel and actor Rafael Amaya have announced that they will produce a bilingual series about Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, which will tell the story from the perspective of the drug lords wife. Few details are known so far, but Amaya will also portray the infamous leader of the Sinaloa Cartel.

The project, still untitled, has been described as a fictional crime drama that will explore themes such as power, loyalty, and survival through the personal journey of Coronel, the former beauty queen who met the drug lord when she was 17. Speaking to Deadline, Coronel clarified that El Chapo is not involved in the series, but that he has been an admirer of Amaya for years due to his role in El Senor de los Cielos, in which he played Aurelio Casillas, a character inspired by Mexican drug lord Amado Carrillo Fuentes. My husband liked Rafaels work on El Senor de los Cielos, and I know he would be pleased to see Rafael portray him in this project, she said.

Coronel and Amaya are listed as executive producers alongside Maritza Ramos, through Amaya Productions, and Zero Gravity Management. The production is currently searching for a screenwriter and potential buyers. Deadline also reported that Coronel will not play herself in the series, but will have a say in the casting process, as she has previously expressed dissatisfaction with other portrayals of herself. In parallel with the series, Guzmans wife is writing a memoir about the nearly three years she spent in prison in the United States after being convicted on drug trafficking and money laundering charges.

Since regaining her freedom in 2023, Emma Coronel has chosen to remain in the public eye. In 2024, she appeared in a music video for a corrido that tells her story, and she resumed her modeling career, including attending Milan Fashion Week. On Instagram, she has amassed more than 500,000 followers, with whom she shares images of her travels, workout routines, and daily life, including moments with her daughters, whose faces she makes sure to keep hidden.

At the end of last year, she also agreed to tell her story in a documentary broadcast on the U.S. network Oxygen, where she spoke about her relationship with the drug lord. I dont know if I recognized his name. Whenever I say that, people always say, How could you not know? How could you not know if hes on TV? I didnt have a TV, she said of their first meeting. He didnt talk to me about his work, I didnt ask him about it, and I didnt see him while he was working, she recalled.

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The islands government says the vessel opened fire after ignoring orders to stop as it entered Cuban territorial waters

The Cuban Border Guard Troop killed four crew members of a speedboat from the U.S. on Wednesday after it failed to obey orders to stop in territorial waters and opened fire on the police vessel, the Cuban Interior Ministry (Minint) reported.

The statement added that six other people on the speedboat were injured, as well as the commander of the Cuban vessel, which had a total of five people on board. All the injured were evacuated and received medical attention.

The ministry did not provide information about the identities or possible motives of those aboard the speedboat. The incident took place off Cayo Falcones, in the province of Villa Clara, in central Cuba. According to the ministry, the vessel approached within one nautical mile northeast of the El Pino channel, in Cayo Falcones, Corralillo municipality, Villa Clara province, inside Cuban territorial waters.

Faced with the current challenges, Cuba reaffirms its commitment to protecting its territorial waters, based on the principle that national defense is a fundamental pillar for the Cuban state in order to protect its sovereignty and stability in the region. Investigations by the competent authorities continue for the full clarification of the facts, the Interior Ministry statement reads.

In recent years, several incidents of this kind have been reported, including two in 2022. In one case, a speedboat coming from the United States fired on Cuban Border Guard forces near Villa Clara, injuring a Cuban officer.

The other incident took place in Bahia Honda, in western Cuba, when a vessel also coming from the United States collided with an Interior Ministry patrol boat, causing the U.S. craft to sink and killing several of its occupants.

Authorities on the island frequently report finding abandoned or seized speedboats along the northern coast (Ciego de Avila, Villa Clara, Havana), commonly used to pick up potential migrants. They describe these operations as territorial violations and human trafficking.

This is a breaking story. Please refresh your browser for more updates.
Aiken Standard Reporter

Erin Weeks is a reporter with the Aiken Standard. She covers education in Aiken County.

Erin is a graduate of the University of South Carolina Aiken. Her first poetry book, "Origins of My Love," was published by Bottlecap Press in 2022.

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Mexicos Attorney Generals Office has received a written request from a legal representative and will begin the protocol required to complete all procedures related to the custody of the deceased cartel boss

A legal representative for the family of Nemesio Oseguera, alias El Mencho, has submitted a request to Mexicos Attorney Generals Office (FGR) to begin the process of releasing the body of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The body is being held by the Mexican Forensic Service (Semefo), and the public prosecutor must complete all procedural steps required to formally hand it over, according to the FGRs statement.

The agency also reported that the two people arrested during the operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco  in which the drug boss was captured and injured  are being prosecuted for carrying weapons reserved exclusively for the army.

Mexicos Public Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch already said on Monday, a day after the operation, that authorities expected someone from Osegueras inner circle to begin the process to claim his body. Normally, the remains are claimed by relatives and handed over, he said at a press conference.

El Menchos body has been genetically identified by FGR forensic personnel who performed the autopsy, the agency reported Monday, as have the remains of two of his companions who were gravely injured alongside him and died during the air transfer for medical care.

During the operation in Tapalpa, Mexicos Special Forces and the National Guard surrounded Osegueras security detail in an area of tourist cabins they located by tracking one of the CJNG leaders romantic partners. El Menchos gunmen opened fire on the military to give their boss a chance to escape. Eight members of the group were killed at the scene, and authorities eventually found the cartel leader and two of his bodyguards severely wounded in the brush of a nearby wooded area. Medical personnel who arrived determined that all three were in critical condition and required urgent evacuation. Two other members of the group were taken alive.

The three wounded men were loaded onto an army helicopter to be flown to a hospital in Guadalajara, just minutes away by air. However, El Mencho and his bodyguards died during the transfer. The helicopter then changed course toward Morelia, Michoacan, to move the bodies onto an Air Force plane bound for Mexico City.

It wasnt advisable to land in Guadalajara, especially given the risk that this group might carry out more violent actions in the capital of Jalisco, explained Defense Secretary Ricardo Trevilla, alluding to the symbolic significance of the cartel leader. The three bodies have been held at the Semefo in Mexico City ever since, awaiting a formal claim.

The two surviving members of the group who were arrested have been identified by the FGR as Andres N and Genaro N. Both are being prosecuted by the Special Attorney Generals Office for Organized Crime for carrying weapons and magazines classified as exclusively for military use. A judge has ordered mandatory pretrial detention for both men, who have been transferred to the Altiplano maximumsecurity prison.

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Teri Errico Griffis is the senior business reporter and assistant editor at The Post and Courier, focusing on retail and real estate. An award-winning journalist, she previously worked as a Southeast commerce reporter for the Journal of Commerce and a reporter for the Charleston Regional Business Journal where she covered all facets of business in the Charleston region. Raised in Connecticut and New York, she has called South Carolina home since 2012.
Anna Sharpe covers Mount Pleasant, Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island and Folly Beach for the Post and Courier. She graduated from Winthrop University. She previously wrote for the Moultrie News in Mount Pleasant.
Greenville, SC (29601)

Today

Morning clouds will give way to afternoon sunshine. Areas of dense fog. High 79F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low 59F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Brazils Supreme Court has reached a verdict on the most significant political killing of the decade, nearly eight years after the crime

The outcry that echoed across Brazil for years  Who ordered Marielles killing?  now has a judicial answer. Two political strongmen from Rio de Janeiro known for defending the interests of paramilitary criminal groups, brothers Domingos and Joao Francisco Chiquinho Brazao, were convicted on Wednesday for ordering the murder of Marielle Franco, a 38yearold leftwing city councilor, in 2018.

The presiding judge said that it was a political crime in which misogyny and racism also played a role. With this ruling, both the gunmen and the masterminds behind the most significant political assassination in Brazil in the past decade have been held accountable. Political violence has claimed the lives of around 700 Brazilians  elected officials and activists  over the last 20 years, according to a recent academic report.

The Brazao brothers were unanimously sentenced to 76 years in prison each for two counts of murder (Franco and her driver), one attempted murder, and membership in an armed criminal organization. Both are veteran politicians with long careers in Rio marked by suspicions over their dangerous associations. The court also ordered them to pay seven million reais ($1.4 million) in compensation to the victims families.

Chiquinho, 64, served alongside the victim when both were city councilors; he with several terms behind him, she a newcomer. When he was arrested and formally charged with the murder in 2024, he was a federal congressman in Brasilia and was forced to resign his seat. His brother Domingos, 60, was suspended from his position on Rios state audit court, though he continues to receive his hefty monthly salary of $10,000.

The Marielle case, which contains all the elements of a television thriller, has opened a window into the fetid underworld of Rio de Janeiros city and state politics  a realm where, for decades, organized crime has maintained close ties with politicians and security forces to conduct business, secure electoral strongholds, and guarantee impunity.

The nowconvicted brothers led a militia group  the term used in Rio for mafias made up of police officers moonlighting for criminal enterprises, specializing in extortion and realestate schemes. The confession of the hitman who pulled the trigger was crucial in identifying and punishing the masterminds. The judges said that most of his testimony was corroborated by documents and witness statements.

The court acquitted the thenchief of Rios Civil Police, commissioner Rivaldo Barbosa, of the double murder due to lack of evidence. But he was sentenced to 18 years for obstruction of justice and corruption, as he was on the brothers payroll and later sabotaged the investigation from within  all to guarantee their impunity. Two other defendants were also convicted: one received 56 years for murder, the other nine years for belonging to a criminal organization. One judge underscored that there is no perfect crime, only poorly investigated crimes  in this case, deliberately so.

On the night of March 14, 2018, Marielle Franco was riding in a car through downtown Rio when another vehicle pulled up alongside. The assassin, a former military police officer, wielded a submachine gun and opened fire. Franco was shot four times in the head; her driver, Anderson Gomes, was hit three times in the back. Miraculously, Francos press secretary, who was seated beside her, survived.

The case was tried in the Supreme Court because one of the Brazao brothers was a federal congressman and therefore had privileged jurisdiction. Specifically, it was heard by the same chamber of the court that tried and convicted former president Jair Bolsonaro for leading a coup plot.

Marielle Franco's family, this Wednesday before the Supreme Court hearing. From left to right, her mother, Antonio; her sister, Anielle; her daughter, Luyara; her mother, Marinete; and her widow, Monica Benicio. Andre Borges (EFE)

In a deeply personal and emotional opinion, Justice Carmen Lucia Antunes Rocha highlighted the misogynistic dimension of the crime. She asked: How many Marielles will Brazil still allow to be murdered? She admitted that, the day after the execution that shocked the country, she could hardly have imagined that eight years later she would be judging those responsible.

When the Brazao brothers ordered Marielle Francos assassination, they had two objective, according to the judges: eliminating a political opponent who, as a member of the Socialism and Liberty Party (PSOL), stood in the way of their economic interests, and sending a message to anyone who dared to follow her example.

The judges highlighted other elements of this political killing: Councilwoman Marielle was a Black, poor woman who dared to go against the interests of militiamen  white, wealthy men. That was the message. Their mistake was not anticipating the enormous repercussions, said the cases lead justice, the prominent Alexandre de Moraes.

Franco was a young, fierce councilor, unknown outside of Rio, where the political climate of 2018 propelled her into a symbol of the Brazilian lefts resistance to the farright Bolsonaro movement.

None of those involved in the crime imagined the national and international impact the murder of this Black councilwoman  raised in Rios Mare favela, a humanrights and LGBTQ+ rights activist, mother of a daughter and married to another woman  would have. Brazil was in turmoil: the left was weakened, its charismatic leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva had just been imprisoned on corruption charges (which were later annulled), and the far right was surging toward electoral victory. The Marielle case became a powerful symbol of resistance.

Marielle Francos assassination is the most consequential political killing in Brazil in the past decade, but it is not exceptional  except for the fact that it reached trial and resulted in convictions. Her killers had initially considered murdering a male colleague from her party but abandoned the idea, convinced that the death of a poor Black councilwoman would go unnoticed.

The shootings lone survivor and the victims families attended the trial from the front rows. Among them was Francos sister, Anielle Franco, whom President Lula appointed Minister of Racial Equality in 2023. The administration also increased resources to investigate the case.

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Nicole Ziege is a Reporter for The Post and Courier Myrtle Beach/Georgetown Times. She covers government and courts in Myrtle Beach and beyond. She previously covered news in Appalachia and received her journalism degree from Western Kentucky University.
Two days after the death of El Mencho, the most-wanted drug lord on both sides of the border, Mexico and the United States staged a high-level meeting to showcase the progress in bilateral cooperation. In addition to President Claudia Sheinbaum, the senior members of the Security Cabinet attended the meeting at the National Palace on Tuesday, including the heads of the Navy and the Army, the Secretaries of Security and the Interior, and the Attorney General. Representing the United States were Ambassador Ronald Johnson and the White Houses drug czar, Sara Carter. The death on Sunday of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), the biggest blow against organized crime in the countrys recent history, also represents a boost to Mexicos position in the delicate negotiations with the Trump administration, which has been threatening for months to stage a possible intervention on Mexican soil to combat drug cartels.

Since the operation against El Mencho, there has been a flurry of positive words between Mexico and the United States. On Sunday, the same day as the military raid that ended the drug lords life, the Mexican government acknowledged that the collaboration of U.S. authorities was key. Sheinbaum has emphasized in recent days that the Ministry of Defense has always taken the lead, dismissing as far as possible any notion of a U.S. intervention, even a low-intensity one. This rhetoric has been echoed by Johnson, who has referred to both countries as sovereign partners. The director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, however, has been less diplomatic. During a tour of the southern border last month, Carter delivered a threatening message to the cartels: Their days are numbered.

Donald Trump hasnt toned down his usual rhetoric either. During his State of the Union address Tuesday at the Capitol, the president took credit for the success of the operation that killed El Mencho and once again claimed that large parts of Mexico are controlled by the cartels.

The start of the year has been tumultuous, marked by the United States offensive in Latin America. A recent National Security Strategy document, personally signed by Trump, explicitly revives an old doctrine from the late 19th century that justified U.S. interventionism in the rest of the Americas. It was in this context that the military attack against Caracas took place, culminating in the capture of Nicolas Maduro, and the oil embargo imposed on Cuba forced the Mexican government to halt its crude oil shipments to the island.

Under this escalating pressure, exacerbated by the search for dramatic events ahead of the midterm elections, the bilateral agenda between the two countries has tightened in recent months. The death of El Mencho, located thanks to U.S. intelligence work, is the culmination of this collaboration and the most significant result of it. But Mexico has continued to gain ground with the third wave of prisoners linked to organized crime transferred to U.S. prisons (bringing the total to over 100), and the capture of high-priority targets for U.S. authorities, specifically the FBI. These include Canadian Ryan Wedding, accused of drug trafficking and several homicides in the United States, a common criminal with an outstanding warrant for extradition.

The good relationship between the Mexican and U.S. security cabinets, particularly with the FBI and the U.S. Northern Command, has bolstered these operations. Meanwhile, military cooperation has also accelerated. Two weeks ago, the Senate approved the entry of 19 U.S. military personnel into the country to train Mexican staff in special operations. The Mexican president offered the same justification when a military plane landed at the Toluca airport in late January. Sheinbaum explained that it was a training program for Mexican police officers within the framework of binational cooperation and regulated by the national security system.

Each operation, each security achievement, each arrest, each seizure and dismantling of drug labs, has been accompanied by a methodical communication strategy through which Mexico seeks to highlight its successes, both domestically and in the context of the turbulent bilateral relationship. Its statements emphasize the coordinated work for the benefit of both nations, with full respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and that shared responsibility will continue to be the guiding principle of this collaboration.

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This paid press release is brought to you from our partnership with EZ Newswire. The Post and Courier news staff was not involved in its creation.
Three days after the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, El Mencho, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), and with the narco-blockades and attacks against businesses and the security forces now contained, new questions arise as the week progresses. With the kingpin dead and no clear successor, the biggest unknown is who will rise to become the new head of Mexicos most powerful criminal organization. Its also unclear whether the succession process will be smooth and peaceful or if, as analysts predict, violence will erupt over the power struggle. What is beyond doubt is that the kingdom to be inherited is vast. The DEA defines the Jalisco New Generation Cartel as one of the most influential and ruthless mafias in Mexico, with a unique franchise structure and access to vast financial and corrupt political resources, with a presence in at least 40 countries.

According to the U.S. agencys 2025 National Drug Threat Assessment, the CJNG is heavily involved in the manufacture, trafficking, and distribution of illicit drugs, such as fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine. In 2020, the agency conducted an operation codenamed Python, in which, after a six-month investigation, it arrested more than 600 people associated with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel across the United States and made significant seizures of cash and drugs, totaling approximately $20 million and more than 15,000 kilograms of methamphetamine. The agency stated at the time that combating one of the worlds most violent and fastest-growing cartels was its top priority.

Then came the arrests and convictions of several members of the organization, including a top commander, El Menchos son Ruben Oseguera Gonzalez, El Menchito, who was sentenced in early 2025 to 30 years on various drug trafficking and firearms charges. Despite all these efforts, the CJNGs network in the United States regenerated, as demonstrated by the DEAs announcement last September of the arrest of another 670 members of the group in another major operation, in which it also seized 92 kilos of fentanyl, more than one million counterfeit pills, 6,000 kilos of methamphetamine, 22,000 kilos of cocaine, and 33 kilos of heroin, assets valued at $29 million, in addition to securing another $18 million in cash.

In Mexico, according to a 2020 report by the Financial Intelligence Unit, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel has a presence in 27 of the countrys 32 states. The DEA lists a series of activities parallel to drug trafficking, including hydrocarbon theft, extortion, and fraud in the purchase, sale, and rental of properties. CJNG members increasingly participate in these activities to diversify revenue streams and protect drug trafficking assets from law enforcement seizure, the 2025 document states.

Regarding the theft of gasoline, a practice known as huachicol, the Jensen family, business owners accused of being the Jalisco New Generation Cartels liaison north of the Rio Grande, is currently on trial in the United States. They allegedly laundered and distributed thousands of shipments of crude oil stolen from Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex), the state-owned oil company. In May of last year, the Treasury Department announced sanctions against a network of fuel thieves, allegedly led by Cesar Morfin, alias Primito, the cartels supposed leader in Tamaulipas. This network was involved in smuggling crude oil into the United States, obtained from various sources, and extorting other operators who also move crude oil into the country in the same manner. In September 2024, the U.S. Treasury sanctioned another fuel theft network, led by Ivan Cazarin Molina, alias El Tanque, with operations in Jalisco and Veracruz. There, he managed storage facilities for thousands of liters of fuel and a network of service stations.

Extortion, a crime on the rise in Mexico, is another source of income for the cartel. The most recent example is the arrest of Diego Navarro, mayor of Tequila, in Jalisco. Navarro is accused of leading a corruption scheme in which public officials extorted business owners and merchants in the regions breweries and tequila distilleries. He is presumed to be linked to the CJNG, to which he allegedly paid 40 million pesos annually. Previously, there was a case involving public transportation in the State of Mexico, and in 2022, the U.S. Treasury Department listed Sergio Armando Orozco Rodriguez, alias Chocho, identified as a financial operator and the person in charge of collecting taxes in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco.

In that popular tourist destination lies the epicenter of another economic sector: timeshare schemes. This is a contract that grants the right to use a tourist resort for a specific number of weeks per year. Its like buying vacation weeks in advance at a hotel or condominium. Last August, the Treasury Department described Puerto Vallarta as a lost paradise for American retirees, whom the Jalisco New Generation Cartel is targeting to steal their savings. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, between 2019 and 2023, some 6,000 Americans reported losses of nearly $300 million due to timeshare fraud schemes in Mexico.

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CHESTNUT HILL, MA / ACCESS Newswire / February 24, 2026 / With 2026 in full swing, many are confronting an increasingly familiar reality in pediatric health care: Specialized treatment is becoming harder to budget for.Cerebral Palsy Guide is drawing attention to the growing costs tied to therapy, specialist visits, adaptive equipment, and long-term care planning. These services are all essential to help children with cerebral palsy, but they're harder than ever to afford.Cerebral palsy can cause a number of mental and physical disabilities, so the level of care varies from person to person. However, children with complex cases may require recurring physical, occupational or speech therapy, periodic evaluations with multiple specialists, and adaptive equipment that must be updated as the child grows.Even when a health care plan is medically clear, affordingcerebral palsy treatment costsmay not be. Families may encounter deductibles and co-insurance, out-of-network provider limitations, coverage caps, and delays in approval for services that depend on frequent reauthorization.For households already managing work, school, and caregiving responsibilities, medical costs can become a long-term stressor. Also, the need forcerebral palsy specialty servicescan contribute to longer wait times and seeing regional providers, which may add travel and other costs that are not always reimbursed."Many families assume the biggest challenge is finding the right providers, but affordability and continuity of care can be just as difficult," said Katie Lavender, a nurse advocate with Cerebral Palsy Guide. "Families often have to make decisions without knowing what will be covered, what will be delayed, and what will require out-of-pocket spending. When care spans years or even decades, those uncertainties add up." Rising costs can affect families differently depending on where they are in the care journey. Early stages may involve diagnostic appointments, imaging, and consultations that lead to a more defined treatment plan.Later, expenses may shift toward ongoing therapy, mobility support, communication tools, home modifications or educational accommodations. Some families also face periods where a child's needs change quickly, adding to the stress and uncertainty.Cerebral Palsy Guide notes that financial planning for specialized pediatric care is often most effective when it is treated as an ongoing process rather than a single moment of decision-making. That can include understanding coverage rules in advance of major care changes, keeping organized records, and asking providers to clarify timelines.In some cases, families also explore public benefits and assistance programs, depending on eligibility and location, to help bridge gaps that private insurance does not fully address. It also emphasizes that legal considerations sometimes become part of the broader discussion, particularly if medical malpractice may have caused a child's condition.While every situation is different and not every cerebral palsy diagnosis involves malpractice, families may seek information about what medical records typically show, what questions to ask, and what options exist for pursuing accountability.For many parents, understanding the difference between an unavoidable diagnosis and a serious mistake can provide the clarity needed to move forward.In some situations, families who moved forward with cerebral palsy medical malpractice claims have recovered significant compensation, helping them to afford expenses associated with their child's condition and to get a sense of justice.Cerebral Palsy Guide seeks to educate, support, and empower families impacted by this serious condition. More information and educational resources, as well as answers to media inquiries, are available at theCerebral Palsy Guide website .Company nameCerebral Palsy GuideCompany contact nameKatie LavenderCompany contact phone(855) 346-6101Company contact emailnurse_katie@ cerebralpalsyguide.com Company full address1330 Boylston St., Suite 400, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467Company websiteCompany LogoEnter a short 'about us' summary of the companyCerebral Palsy Guide was created by a team of advocates dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by cerebral palsy. Understanding that many families feel overwhelmed after a diagnosis and unsure where to turn, the organization was built to provide clear, reliable guidance during a complex and emotional time.Or, provide links to images:SOURCE: Cerebral Palsy Guide
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As families across Los Angeles seek more intentional and personalized approaches to early education, Elizabeth Fraley continues to set a high standard through her one-on-one instructional model at Kinder Ready.LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESS Newswire / February 25, 2026 / As families across Los Angeles seek more intentional and personalized approaches to early education, Elizabeth Fraley continues to set a high standard through her one-on-one instructional model at Kinder Ready. With a focus on building confidence alongside academic skill, Elizabeth Fraley has established Kinder Ready as a trusted resource for families who want thoughtful preparation from preschool through sixth grade.At a time when many educational programs rely on group instruction and standardized pacing, Elizabeth Fraley leads with a different philosophy. She believes children thrive when educators tailor instruction to their unique developmental needs. Through Kinder Ready tutoring, she delivers structured academic guidance while strengthening the emotional foundation that supports lifelong learning.A Purpose-Driven Foundation for Kinder ReadyElizabeth Fraley founded Kinder Ready with a clear mission: provide individualized instruction that empowers young learners. After working in early elementary education and observing the impact of personalized attention, she recognized the need for a learning model that prioritizes depth over volume. That vision shaped Kinder Ready Elizabeth Fraley into a one-on-one educational environment where students receive focused, intentional support.Rather than relying on pre-set lesson templates, Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready designs customized academic plans for every child. She begins with detailed assessments to identify strengths, learning styles, and areas that require development. This evaluation process ensures that instruction reflects each child's pace and personality.Parents consistently express appreciation for the clarity Kinder Ready tutoring provides. Elizabeth Fraley communicates openly with families, outlining specific goals and measurable progress. This transparency builds trust and fosters collaboration between home and instruction.Confidence as the Core of Academic GrowthElizabeth Fraley emphasizes that academic excellence begins with confidence. At Kinder Ready, she creates an environment where children feel safe to ask questions, take risks, and learn from mistakes. This approach allows students to build resilience while mastering foundational skills.Through one-on-one sessions, Kinder Ready Elizabeth Fraley ensures that children receive immediate feedback and guidance. When students encounter challenges, Elizabeth Fraley addresses them directly, transforming moments of uncertainty into opportunities for growth. This hands-on method strengthens both comprehension and self-assurance.Kinder Ready tutoring does not focus solely on performance outcomes. Elizabeth Fraley prioritizes incremental progress, celebrating milestones that reinforce motivation. Children who recognize their own growth develop a stronger sense of ownership over their learning journey.Preparing Students for Academic TransitionsIn competitive academic communities, transitions between grade levels and schools can create pressure for families. Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready approaches these milestones with strategy and perspective. She prepares students not only for entrance assessments but also for the expectations of independent academic environments.Elizabeth Fraley teaches children to articulate their thoughts clearly, manage structured tasks, and adapt to new classroom settings. Kinder Ready tutoring integrates critical thinking and communication skills that extend beyond testing scenarios. Students gain practical tools that support long-term academic success.Families frequently seek Kinder Ready Elizabeth Fraley for private school preparation. Elizabeth Fraley guides them through application timelines, readiness benchmarks, and interview preparation. Her comprehensive approach reduces uncertainty while strengthening student readiness.Emotional Intelligence and Academic ReadinessElizabeth Fraley understands that emotional development plays a central role in educational achievement. At Kinder Ready, she incorporates strategies that build self-awareness, patience, and constructive problem-solving. Children learn how to manage frustration and approach challenges with determination.Through structured reflection and positive reinforcement, Kinder Ready tutoring nurtures emotional resilience. Elizabeth Fraley helps students understand that mistakes contribute to growth rather than define ability. This perspective encourages perseverance and cultivates a healthy relationship with learning.Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready integrates emotional intelligence into every session. By combining academic instruction with mindset development, she creates a comprehensive model that supports both intellectual and personal growth.National Recognition Reflects ImpactThe work of Elizabeth Fraley has gained recognition in prominent national media outlets. Her insights into early childhood education have appeared in TIME Magazine, Forbes, The Los Angeles Times, The Hollywood Reporter, CBS Local, and SF Gate. She has also contributed to HuffPost and shared her expertise on Hallmark's Home & Family.These features highlight the effectiveness of Kinder Ready Elizabeth Fraley and the measurable outcomes families experience. Elizabeth Fraley continues to advocate for individualized education that respects each child's pace and potential.Her recognition as Educator of the Year by Los Angeles County further underscores her leadership in early childhood development. This honor reflects the dedication Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready brings to families throughout the region.Strengthening Parent PartnershipsElizabeth Fraley views parents as essential partners in the learning process. Kinder Ready tutoring includes ongoing communication that helps families reinforce strategies at home. She offers consultations that guide parents in establishing productive routines and supportive study environments.Kinder Ready Elizabeth Fraley emphasizes consistency between sessions and home life. When families understand instructional goals and expectations, they can provide meaningful reinforcement. Elizabeth Fraley encourages parents to celebrate progress and maintain realistic expectations.By fostering collaboration, Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready builds a supportive network around each student. This partnership enhances confidence and creates continuity in academic growth.Commitment to Continuous ImprovementElizabeth Fraley remains dedicated to evolving Kinder Ready tutoring to meet changing educational standards. She studies current research in literacy development%
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Former FDA senior executive brings enterprise acquisition leadership, governance, and operational transformation expertise to EX1's family of companiesMCLEAN, VIRGINIA / ACCESS Newswire / February 25, 2026 /Executive 1 Holding Company announced today that Glenda Barfell, M.S. has joined its Board of Advisors, supporting EX1's family of companies, including CORAS.ai and HumanTouch, as they deliver secure, mission-focused Agentic AI, decision dominance, and digital modernization for federal and commercial customers."Glenda has led at the enterprise scale where governance, acquisition rigor, and operational execution must move in lockstep," said Moe Jafari, Chairman of Executive 1. "Her track record driving transformation across complex public health and regulatory missions will strengthen EX1's ability to help customers accelerate outcomes with accountability, transparency, and measurable impact." said Moe Jafari, Chairman of Executive 1."I'm honored to join EX1's Board of Advisors," said Barfell. "High-performing organizations connect strategy, governance, and execution so teams can deliver mission outcomes quickly and responsibly. I look forward to supporting EX, CORAS.ai and HumanTouch as they drive real impact in modernization operations, decision advantage, and speed." Barfell is a senior executive with deep experience in enterprise governance, organizational transformation, and strategic operations. She previously served as Head of Contracting Activity (HCA) for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, overseeing a nationwide, multi-billion-dollar acquisition and grants portfolio and acting as the Agency's principal authority on acquisition and grants policy.She later served as Assistant Commissioner for Regulatory Management Operations, leading FDA's nationwide regulatory business operations-including financial management, human capital oversight for a workforce of 5,600 employees, and governance of mission IT and regulatory training functions.Barfell's advisory support will focus on scaling operational excellence across EX1's portfolio-strengthening acquisition strategy, governance models, and enterprise execution disciplines that help federal organizations deliver outcomes with confidence.About EX1 Holding Company: EX1 is a privately held investment firm focused on AI, ML, and NLP. With global spending on AI products and services projected by Gartner to exceed $2.52 trillion in 2026, EX1's portfolio, HumanTouch, CORAS.ai , and Plasticity.ai are positioned at the forefront of this growth. EX1 delivers Carpe Tempus (seize time) by uniting advanced AI with deep domain expertise to solve complex government and enterprise challenges. Our mission is straightforward: to give our customers time back by combining technology and people to deliver measurable mission outcomes. EX1 serves Defense and civilian Federal agencies as well as commercial organizations. www.executive1holding.com Media Relations: Rebecca Churchill, Ph: 703-214-0076, v-rebecca.churchill@coras.ai SOURCE: Executive 1 Holding Company
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OAKLAND, CA / ACCESS Newswire / February 24, 2026 / Kaplan Fox & Kilsheimer LLP ( www.kaplanfox.com) has filed a class action suit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California against Snowflake Inc. ("Snowflake" or the "Company") (NYSE:SNOW); Frank Slootman, the Company's former Chief Executive Officer and Chairman; and Michael P. Scarpelli, the Company's former Chief Financial Officer ("Defendants").The Complaint alleges that Defendants violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by the SEC, and is brought by plaintiff on behalf of all persons and entities who purchased the Snowflake Class A common stock during the period June 27, 2023 through the close of the market on February 28, 2024 (4:00 p.m. ET), inclusive (the "Class Period").If you are a member of the proposed Class, you may move the court no later than April 27, 2026 to serve as a lead plaintiff for the proposed Class. You need not seek to become a lead plaintiff in order to share in any possible recovery.If you suffered substantial losses and wish to serve as lead plaintiff, please e-mail attorneys Jason A. Uris (juris@ kaplanfox.com) or Laurence D. King (lking@ kaplanfox.com) , or contact them by phone, regular mail, or fax, or click here.The Complaint alleges that during the Class Period, Defendants repeatedly made positive statements about the state of its business, including positive statements about customer usage of, and new developments for, its products. At the same time, Defendants failed to disclose that: (1) product efficiency gains, Iceberg Tables and tiered storage pricing were expected to have a material negative impact on consumption and revenues, and (2) as a result, Defendants' positive statements about consumption patterns, revenues, and demand for Snowflake products lacked a reasonable basis. The Complaint further alleges that during the Class Period, Defendants denied rumors of Defendant Slootman's resignation and failed to disclose that Defendant Slootman's resignation was impending.On February 28, 2024, Snowflake shocked investors when, after the market closed, the Company issued a press release and filed a report with the SEC on Form 8-K that disclosed its financial results for the quarter ended January 31, 2024 and full fiscal year 2024. On that same day, during a conference call with investors and analysts after the disclosure of Snowflake's financial results, Defendant Scarpelli stated that they were forecasting increased revenue headwinds associated with product efficiency gains, tiered storage pricing and the expectation that some of their customers will leverage Iceberg Tables for their storage. On that same day, Snowflake also issued a press release and filed a report with the SEC on Form 8-K that disclosed that effective February 27, 2024, Frank Slootman retired as Chief Executive Officer of Snowflake Inc.On this news, the price of Snowflake's Class A common stock declined $41.72, or 18.14%, from a closing price of $230.00 per share on February 28, 2024, to close at $188.28 per share on February 29, 2024.Plaintiff seeks to recover damages on behalf of the proposed Class and is represented by Kaplan Fox & Kilsheimer LLP ( www.kaplanfox.com) . Our firm, with offices in New York, Oakland, California, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New Jersey, has decades of experience in prosecuting investor class actions and actions involving violations of the Federal securities laws.Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the court will generally appoint the movant with the greatest financial interest in the relief sought by the proposed class who is also a typical and adequate representative of the proposed class. Any investor who purchased or acquired Snowflake Class A common stock during the Class Period may seek appointment as lead plaintiff. The lead plaintiff can select a law firm of its choice to litigate the lawsuit.If you have any questions about this Notice, the action, your rights, or your interests, or would like a copy of the Complaint, please e-mail attorneys Jason A. Uris (juris@ kaplanfox.com) or Laurence D. King (lking@ kaplanfox.com) , or contact them by phone, regular mail, or fax:Jason A. UrisKAPLAN FOX & KILSHEIMER LLP800 Third Avenue, 38th FloorNew York, NY 10022Telephone: (646) 315-9007Fax: (212) 687-7714E-mail address: juris@ kaplanfox.com Laurence D. KingKAPLAN FOX & KILSHEIMER LLP1999 Harrison Street, Suite 1501Oakland, California 94612Telephone: (415) 772-4704Fax: (415) 772-4707E-mail address: lking@ kaplanfox.com SOURCE: Kaplan Fox & Kilsheimer LLP
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / February 25, 2026 / Leading securities law firmBleichmar Fonti & Auld LLPannounces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against NuScale Power Corporation (NYSE:SMR) and certain of the Company's senior executives for securities fraud after a significant stock drop resulting from the potential violations of the federal securities laws.If you invested in NuScale, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/nuscale-class-action-lawsuit Investors have until April 20, 2026 to ask the Court to be appointed to lead the case. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of investors in NuScale Class A common stock. The case is pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon and is captioned Truedson v. NuScale Power Corporation, et al., No. 3:26-cv-00328.Why is NuScale Being Sued for Securities Fraud?NuScale is a nuclear technology company. Its core technology is the NuScale Power Module ("NPM"), a small modular nuclear reactor ("SMR") designed to generate energy within a broader power plant. Prior to the start of the Class Period, NuScale established a partnership with ENTRA1 Energy LLC. Under this agreement, ENTRA1 was responsible for constructing power generation facilities incorporating NuScale's NPMs and managing the financing, development, and initial operations of the facilities utilizing the NPMs.NuScale allegedly touted ENTRA1's purported wide-ranging capabilities and deep experience developing power plants. According to NuScale, ENTRA1 is an "independent power plant development platform," "led by an executive team of energy, infrastructure, and finance sector veterans," with the type of experience that is "exactly what is required" to commercialize and deploy NuScale's NPMs.As alleged, in truth, ENTRA1 had never built, financed, or operated any significant project, let alone a project in the complex field of nuclear power generation. Moreover, in contrast to NuScale's representations, ENTRA1 had been organized primarily to support the work of one individual, its principal Wadie Habboush, an investor and entrepreneur.Why did NuScale's Stock Drop?On November 6, 2025, NuScale disclosed that its general and administrative expenses had increased from $17 million in the prior year period, to $519 million during 3Q 2025, due largely to NuScale's payment of $495 million to ENTRA1 for its services. Also on November 6, 2025, under pressure from investment analysts, NuScale acknowledged that ENTRA1 did not have any significant experience building nuclear power projects and admitted that ENTRA1 would not actually be "out there building the power plants" but would serve "to coordinate projects, to bring in partners, to get deals and the partners they bring in that can execute." Following this news, analysts with Guggenheim Securities, LLC published a report stating that ENTRA1 is a "3-year old company that has never built, financed or operated anything" and had just "3 employees and 1 investor," and stated a "more accurate description of ENTRA1 would be that it is an entity supporting the activities of a single individual, specifically Mr. Habboush." This news caused the price of NuScale stock to drop $4.03 per share over two trading days, or more than 12.4%, from a closing price of $32.46 per share on November 6, 2025, to $28.43 per share on November 10, 2025.Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/nuscale-class-action-lawsuit What Can You Do?If you invested in NuScale, you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm.All representation is on a contingency fee basis; there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses.Submit your information by visiting:Or contact:Adam McCall adam@ bfalaw.com 212.789.3619Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP?BFA is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It has been named a top plaintiff law firm by Chambers USA, The Legal 500, and ISS SCAS, and its attorneys have been named "Elite Trial Lawyers" by the National Law Journal, "Litigation Stars" by Benchmark Litigation, among the top "500 Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers" by Lawdragon, "Titans of the Plaintiffs' Bar" by Law360 and "SuperLawyers" by Thomson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.'s Board of Directors, as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd.For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.SOURCE: Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP
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Why the Future Is Not About Brain Drain, But About Building a Brain BridgeNEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / February 25, 2026 / For decades, conversations about global migration have centered on a single phrase: brain drain. The narrative suggests that when talented individuals leave their home countries to study or work abroad, their departure represents a permanent loss. According to Sukhbat Lkhagvadorj, this framing is outdated, incomplete, and limiting.Sukhbat Lkhagvadorj proposes a different model, one that reflects the realities of an interconnected world. Rather than viewing diaspora professionals as a drain on national capacity, he argues that they function as a Brain Bridge: a living conduit of knowledge, opportunity, capital, and cultural understanding between countries. In his view, the question is not who left, but what connections are being built.Rethinking the Brain Drain NarrativeThe traditional brain drain concept emerged during a time when migration was largely one directional. Talented students would study abroad and often remain overseas, contributing their expertise to host economies. The assumption was simple: talent exported equals opportunity lost.Sukhbat Lkhagvadorj believes that assumption fails to capture modern reality. Digital connectivity, global mobility, and cross border collaboration have fundamentally reshaped how professionals engage with their countries of origin. Knowledge now travels instantly. Mentorship crosses time zones. Capital and ideas move in multiple directions.According to Sukhbat Lkhagvadorj, diaspora professionals are uniquely positioned to understand both systems. They can translate norms, reduce friction, and open doors in ways that neither side could accomplish alone. This is not a loss of talent; it is a multiplication of perspective.The Brain Bridge in PracticeThe concept of the Brain Bridge is not theoretical for Sukhbat Lkhagvadorj. It is embedded in his work as co-founder and non-executive chairman of the Association of Mongolian Students in America, known as AMSA. Established in 2011, AMSA was created to support Mongolian students pursuing higher education in the United States.What began as a mentorship initiative has evolved into a long standing, student led organization that trains, connects, and empowers young leaders. Through workshops, peer advising, and annual programs, AMSA has supported more than 1,500 students navigating the U.S. college admissions process.Rather than encouraging permanent relocation, AMSA fosters connection. Students are taught not only how to succeed academically, but how to remain engaged with Mongolia through mentorship, collaboration, and long term contribution. This approach reflects Sukhbat Lkhagvadorj's belief that diaspora identity is not a departure from home, but an expansion of it.Two Way Value CreationAt the heart of the Brain Bridge model is reciprocity. Sukhbat Lkhagvadorj emphasizes that value must flow in both directions. Host countries benefit from diverse perspectives, technical expertise, and cultural fluency. Home countries benefit from global exposure, institutional knowledge, and expanded networks.In practice, this means diaspora professionals mentoring students back home, advising startups, facilitating partnerships, and sharing best practices learned abroad. It also means remaining open to collaboration, investment, and knowledge exchange from home communities.Sukhbat Lkhagvadorj argues that this two-way exchange strengthens both ecosystems. When relationships are sustained intentionally, talent becomes connective tissue rather than a disappearing resource.Leadership Beyond GeographyAs a data engineer working across cross functional teams, Sukhbat Lkhagvadorj understands how systems scale. He applies similar thinking to community building. Durable bridges require structure, documentation, and shared ownership.Under his governance focused leadership, AMSA operates independently of its founders. Student leaders are empowered to shape programs based on current needs, while alumni provide guidance and continuity. This structure ensures that the Brain Bridge does not rely on a single individual, but functions as a collective effort.Sukhbat Lkhagvadorj believes this distributed leadership model mirrors how diaspora communities thrive. Influence does not depend on proximity; it depends on participation.Cultural Capital as an AssetAnother overlooked element in migration discussions is cultural capital. Diaspora professionals often carry nuanced understanding of language, social norms, and institutional systems. This dual fluency allows them to mediate misunderstandings and accelerate collaboration.Sukhbat Lkhagvadorj notes that cultural translation is frequently undervalued. Yet it is often the difference between stalled partnerships and successful cooperation. By positioning diaspora members as bridge builders rather than departures, policymakers and institutions can unlock this latent potential.The Brain Bridge model encourages governments, universities, and private sector leaders to view diaspora networks as strategic partners. Structured engagement, advisory councils, and collaborative programs can transform informal connections into measurable impact.A Call for Institutional ImaginationSukhbat Lkhagvadorj challenges institutions to update their mental models. Instead of measuring success solely by repatriation rates, he suggests evaluating the strength of transnational networks. How many active mentorship relationships exist across borders. How many collaborative projects are initiated through diaspora channels. How often knowledge flows back to local communities.These metrics reflect connectivity rather than geography. They acknowledge that contribution does not require physical presence.For Sukhbat Lkhagvadorj, the goal is not to romanticize migration or dismiss the challenges that talent mobility can create. Instead, it is to replace a scarcity mindset with a systems mindset. When relationships are nurtured intentionally, migration becomes an asset rather than a liability.The Future of Global TalentAs global challenges grow more complex, from economic volatility to technological disruption, collaborative intelligence becomes increasingly valuable. The Brain Bridge concept positions diaspora professionals as catalysts within this landscape.Sukhbat Lkhagvadorj envisions a future where diaspora networks are integrated into national development strategies. Universities maintain active alumni bridges. Governments cultivate advisory circles composed of overseas professionals. Startups tap into global mentors who understand both local constraints and international standards.This is not about reversing migration trends. It is about rede
The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has issued a forceful rebuttal to the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), accusing the group of orchestrating a campaign of misinformation and manipulation aimed at derailing ongoing reforms in the countrys advertising sector.

In a statement dated 23 February and signed by its Director-General, Olalekan Fadolapo, ARCON described ADVANs recent open letter to President Bola Tinubu as a calculated attempt to halt reforms tied to the Federal Governments Nigeria First Policy and new payment directives within the industry.

The regulator rejected what it called every major claim in the letter, including allegations that ARCONs policies have led to declining media spend, investor exits, and overregulation of the sector.

ARCON noted that ADVAN has simultaneously instituted multiple lawsuits at the Federal High Court challenging its regulatory powers, while also prosecuting the same issues in the media.

If a case is sub judice, why take it to the media? the statement queried.

The Council argued that ADVANs actions reflect a broader pattern of attempting to obstruct reform through public pressure rather than regulatory engagement.

One of the central claims in ADVANs letter was that its members account for over 90 per cent of Nigerias advertising industry spend, which it estimated at more than 800 billion annually. The association cited this figure in seeking presidential intervention.

ARCON described the claim as an outright fabrication.

ADVAN members do not contribute 90% of the Nigerian advertising industry spend nor do they conduct business worth 800 billion as claimed. ADVAN members contribute less than 10% of the advertising industry spend and its membership has declined in recent times due to poor leadership, ARCON stated.

In an unusually direct swipe, ARCON referenced ADVAN President Osamede Uwubanmwen, asserting that his employer cannot boast of 1 million in annual advertising spend.

The regulator challenged ADVAN to publish its active membership list and verifiable advertising spend data.

ADVAN also alleged that ARCONs reforms have triggered a decline in advertising investment and caused companies to exit Nigeria.

ARCON demanded evidence of this claim, saying: ADVAN is challenged to provide verified data on the alleged decline in advertising spend as well as publish the names of organisations that have exited Nigeria because of the industry reforms, the statement said.

According to ARCON, industry data does not support ADVANs position. The Council disclosed that it collaborated with the Heads of Advertising Sectoral Group to commission PricewaterhouseCoopers to conduct an independent review of advertising industry spend and its contribution to Nigerias GDP.

The PwC report, ARCON stated, showed growth rather than contraction and was publicly presented to stakeholders.

The regulator challenged ADVAN to either counter the findings with verifiable data or commission and publish its own independent report.

Another flashpoint in the dispute is a Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) performance report that rated ARCON at three percent.

ARCON rejected the rating, describing it as biased and part of a coordinated effort to undermine its authority.

ARCON does not and cannot score 3% in performance as stated by PEBEC and publicised by ADVAN, the Council said, adding that its official performance records are lodged with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

The regulator further alleged that ADVAN has attempted to leverage its relationship with PEBEC to discredit ARCONs oversight functions.

ARCON reserved particular criticism for the Board of Trustees of ADVAN, led by Aare Fatai Odeshile, for co-signing the open letter.

The Council described it as rather unfortunate that a body it termed a council of elders would endorse what it called misleading claims without first engaging the regulator or its supervisory ministry.

The publication, which is misleading and deceptive, reflects poorly on the entire leadership of ADVAN, the statement said.

READ ALSO: ARCON to Investigate 9mobile over alleged N1 billion ad debt

At the heart of the dispute are industry reforms that ARCON says are designed to protect Nigerian creatives, ensure prompt payment to media owners and agencies, resolve longstanding debt issues, and align the sector with the administrations Nigeria First Policy and Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Council maintained that more than 10 other associations and stakeholder groups operate within the advertising ecosystem and none has adopted what it described as ADVANs combative posture.

The era of lawless advertising with impunity is over, the statement concluded. ARCON will resist all attempts and blackmail by ADVAN or any other group(s) to halt the ongoing advertising industry reforms. ARCON will remain focused and resolute in promoting the Nigerian First Policy.
Lasaco Assurance Plc has appointed Ademoye Shobo as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, with the appointment taking effect on 6 February.

The insurance company disclosed this in a statement on the NGX Group, and signed by its secretary, Gertrude Olutekunbi, on Tuesday.

Lasaco Assurance Plc (the Company) hereby notifies the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), its esteemed shareholders, and the investing public that the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has approved the appointment of Mr Ademoye Shobo as the Companys Managing Director /Chief Executive Officer, effective 6th February, 2026, the statement said.

The life and general insurance company further expressed its confidence in Mr Shobos appointment, noting his capacity to achieve the companys objectives and enhance operational performance.

We are confident that Mr Ademoye Shobo will advance the companys strategic objectives and enhance its operational and financial performance.

Ademoye Shobo

Mr Shobo holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry from the Lagos State University in 1988 and a Masters Degree in Business Administration from the Nassarawa State University in 2023.

He became an Associate Member of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria in 1998.

Over the last three decades, Mr Shobo has served at different levels of the insurance company. He joined Lasaco Assurance Plc in 1993 as an Officer in the audit department of the organization.

He later proceeded to the technical department and worked in both the claims and transportation departments, where he was saddled with claims administration and general underwriting at Lasaco Assurance Plc.

Mr Shobo moved to the marketing department and started as the Manager Kano branch in 2000 and became the Regional Controller of F.C.T and Northern Region till April 2010.

READ ALSO: Lasaco Assurance shareholders approve N25bn capital raise

In 2013, the insurance expert was promoted to the position of Deputy General Manager and assigned to oversee the technical division at the Lasaco Assurance Plc.

Mr Shobo was later promoted to the position of General Manager (Marketing), saddled with the responsibility of coordinating all marketing activities of the Northern Region. He joined the board in 2021 as Executive Director (Technical).
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has expressed its commitment to embracing the Presidential Executive Order 09, saying it will improve Nigerias revenue and external reserves.

The CBN governor, Olayemi Cardoso, disclosed this on Tuesday while addressing the media at the end of the 304th Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting held in Abuja.

The apex bank governor stated that the presidential order has potential impacts on improving revenue and accretion to reserves.

President Bola Tinubu recently signed the Presidential Executive Order 09, which requires all oil and gas revenues due to Nigeria to be paid directly into the Federation Account.

On Tuesday, the CBN governor cited the prospective impacts of oil and gas revenues on Nigerias gross external reserves.

He added that the MPC committee acknowledged and embraced the newly issued Presidential Executive Order 09, which redirects oil and gas revenues into Federation accounts.

Members also welcomed the newly issued Presidential Executive Order 09, which redirects oil and gas revenues into Federation accounts. The committee acknowledged the potential impact of this order in improving fiscal revenue and accretion to reserves, Mr Cardoso said.

Gross external reserves

Mr Cardoso explained that at $50.45 billion, Nigeria gross external reserves provide an import cover of 9.68 months for goods and services for the country

The current reserve value is the highest level recorded since 14 May 2013, when the countrys reserves stood at about $48.51 billion, according to the CBN.

The reserves closed in 2025 at about $45.5 billion, up from $40.8 billion at the start of the year, and have continued to rise steadily in early 2026.

Gross external reserves rose significantly to $50.45 billion as of February 16, 2026, the highest in 13 years. This provides an import cover of 9.68 months for goods and services, the CBN governor said.

While explaining the factors behind the surge in Nigerias gross external reserves, Mr Cardoso cited the positive outcomes of macroeconomics, particularly the surge in non-oil exports.

He also noted that the bank has demonstrated confidence in its markets operation, which the CBN said has helped in optimising the market prospects.

Weve seen very positive signals with respect to the way the macros are developing. There have been favourable trade developments. The current account is in a healthy surplus.

And, of course, the non-oil exports have also gone up, respectively. We are all, something I talk about all the time, which is the issue of the diaspora remittances, which again is going up very respectively indeed.

Of course, with all this and underpinning all this, quite frankly, is market confidence. Without market confidence, no matter what you do, you will find you will significantly sub-optimise, he said.

International fora

The governor also highlighted CBNs visits to international fora and engagement with global economic actors, which he said has paid off in Nigerias foreign exchange system.

We, over the period of time, have embarked on a great number of international forums where weve gone out, told our story, and weve made promises.

We ensured that we stuck to those promises and were transparent as we could to engender positive market sentiment and have economic actors believe in the framework in which we were setting out for the future of our foreign exchange system. So that all, I believe, has paid off quite respectively, he stated.
United Nigeria Airlines has issued a safety advisory instructing passengers on the carriage and use of power banks, stating that the devices must be kept in hand baggage and must not be used or charged onboard its aircraft.

In a notice shared on its official X page on Wednesday, the airline said the directive aligns with safety regulations issued by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) regarding lithium battery-powered devices.

Under the advisory, passengers are required to carry power banks only in their hand or carry-on baggage, as the devices are strictly prohibited in checked luggage.

The airline also barred passengers from charging power banks or using them to charge mobile phones and other electronic devices during flights.

In addition, passengers are advised not to stow power banks in overhead compartments but to keep them visible and easily accessible throughout the journey.

United Nigeria Airlines further clarified that each passenger is permitted a maximum of two power banks, and each device must not exceed a capacity of 100 watt-hours (Wh), in line with aviation safety standards.

Regulatory background

Portable power banks contain lithium-ion batteries, which are classified under aviation safety rules as potentially hazardous materials due to the risk of overheating, fire or explosion if damaged or improperly handled.

Under global aviation standards issued by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and adopted by national regulators, lithium batteries are prohibited in checked baggage and are subject to strict capacity limits when carried onboard aircraft.

READ ALSO: Keyamo speaks on Lagos airport terminal fire incident

The NCAA, as Nigerias aviation regulator, oversees compliance with these safety directives and categorises lithium battery-powered devices as dangerous goods requiring careful handling during air travel.

Airlines worldwide have increasingly tightened onboard rules concerning power banks following incidents of overheating devices in aircraft cabins.

Passenger safety

United Nigeria Airlines said the advisory is aimed at maintaining a safe cabin environment and ensuring smooth travel for all passengers.

The airline urged travellers to comply fully with the directive, noting that adherence to safety protocols is essential to safeguarding lives and protecting aircraft operations.
Afghanistans de facto government has legalized gender-based violence since 2021, effectively turning mothers, daughters, and wives into objects owned by a husband or master, without access to a fair trial for abuses suffered

An Afghan man can spend 15 days in jail for breaking his wifes arm, or five months if he mistreats a camel. This is the law that judges in Afghanistan have been required to apply since the beginning of the year, under a new penal code approved quietly, without political debate or public announcements, and which has generated little international reaction. In 119 articles, violence against women is legalized and considered a tool of social discipline and the prevention of sin or vice. Mothers, daughters, and wives become practically objects owned by a husband or a master  a word used literally in the text, as well as slave  terms that send shivers down the spines of human rights organizations, which are calling for this legal framework to be repealed.

Experts interviewed by this newspaper agree that the new code is a painful confirmation of what daily life has been like for Afghan women since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021. It codifies an ideological system in which punishment, surveillance, and coercion are core instruments of governance, summarizes the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security.

The Taliban have always treated women as a system of apartheid. And this new code gives men the power to be violent against them and torture them legally, Fawzia Koofi, a former Afghan parliamentarian and leader of Women for Afghanistan, told this newspaper.

For example, Article 32 gives an idea of the prevailing defenselessness, as it states that only if the husband strikes his wife with a stick and causes a serious injury such as a wound or bruise, and the woman can prove this before a judge, will the man be sentenced to 15 days in prison. Other types of physical, psychological, and sexual violence against women are not mentioned.

In a place without a real judicial system, without defense lawyers or institutions that protect women, how can you believe that a woman will go to court knowing that 15 days later her husband will be free again and can kill her for having reported him? Koofi asks.

Another article states that if a man mistreats an animal or provokes fights between camels, sheep, birds, or dogs, he will be punished with five months in prison. Its good that cruelty to animals is penalized, but now its clear that the physical integrity of a bird is valued more than that of a woman, Koofi laments.

How can you believe that a woman will go to court knowing that 15 days later her husband will be free again and can kill her for having reported him? Fawzia Koofi, former Afghan parliamentarian

Masters and slaves

Since 2021, the Taliban have issued more than 130 edicts that dangerously curtail womens rights and social presence. They have barred Afghan girls over the age of 12 from education  something unheard of elsewhere in the world  and excluded them from most jobs. Eighty percent of women are now excluded from both the workforce and education, according to a recent UN Women report. For all these reasons, the UN considers that the fundamentalists have established a gender apartheid in which Afghan women are persecuted, unable to move freely, dress as they wish, speak in public, or enjoy even the most basic leisure activities.

And now all of that is law. For example, one article states that if a woman repeatedly goes to her fathers house without her husbands permission and does not return even if he asks her to, she can be sentenced to three months in prison. This provision exposes them to ongoing domestic violence and deprives them of family and community protection, the only protection left for women victims when formal and legal tools are lacking, says the Afghan human rights organization Rawadari, which raised the alarm in January after obtaining the final draft of the legal framework.

This new Taliban penal code tramples on Afghan law and grants men supervisory and disciplinary authority. Women are treated almost like slaves, with no control over their own lives and bodies, Zahra Joya, an Afghan journalist and founder of Rukhshana, a media outlet focused on womens rights in her country, told this newspaper.

The penal code also outlines a society divided into four strata: scholars, elites, middle class, and lower class. For the same crime, the punishment varies depending on the offenders status, effectively burying fundamental rights such as equality before the law.

Nigara Mirdad, a former Afghan diplomat, emphasizes that this is incompatible with international treaties that the country has signed, for example, the Declaration on Human Rights in Islam, adopted in Cairo in 1990 by the countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which takes Sharia law as its basis and reaffirms the dignity and protection of all human beings.

Women are treated almost like slaves, with no control over their own lives and bodies Zahra Joya, journalist

The new penal code formalizes discrimination against minorities and the suppression of basic individual freedoms and seriously increases the risk of intensifying and institutionalizing violence against women, summarizes Rawadari, which has called on the international community, the UN and other international bodies to use all legal instruments at their disposal to prevent the application of this penal code.

Overall, the new legal framework exposes people, especially women and children, to arbitrary violence from relatives, neighbors, and even strangers, and transforms abuse into a religious and legal obligation rather than a crime. Any Muslim who witnesses what is considered a sin is authorized to impose corrective punishment on the spot to prevent vice, the text states, clearly emphasizing that husbands and masters are explicitly empowered to punish their wives.

In the case of children, certain forms of physical violence by teachers are penalized, specifically when bone fracture, torn skin or body bruising are observed, but other forms of physical, psychological, and sexual abuse are not explicitly prohibited.

A Taliban fighter stands guard as women wait to receive food rations distributed by a humanitarian aid group, in Kabul, Afghanistan, May 23, 2023. Ebrahim Noroozi (AP)

International silence

The new legal framework was approved two days before a visit to Kabul by Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Under-Secretary-General and head of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, who met with the de facto Taliban authorities and did not mention the approval of this new code.

I dont know what the world is waiting for, Koofi laments. The women and girls I speak to every day are frustrated and angry, not because of the Talibans actions, because we know who they are, but because our allies completely ignore them and try to save their careers instead of saving them, she adds.

The official stressed that if an Afghan child grows up seeing that they have the power to perpetrate violence, in the long term this situation could become a major challenge to global security. The international community forgets the connection between the grave violation of womens rights, which must be considered a crime against humanity, and the security and protection of the world, she noted.

The special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, is the only UN official to have reacted so far, acknowledging that the consequences of this new penal code are extremely worrying. He is scheduled to present a new report on the rights of Afghan women on Thursday in Geneva.

For experts, this regulation also raises other fundamental issues, such as the UNs presence in Afghanistan when the de facto government is crossing every basic red line. But if the UN leaves, there will be no humanitarian aid for hundreds of thousands of people in a country where 40% of the population lives in extreme poverty. Its a difficult dilemma, a lawyer specializing in Afghanistan, who preferred to remain anonymous, told this newspaper.

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A United States court has sentenced a former senior official of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Paulinus Okoronkwo, to 87 months (seven years and three months ) in federal prison for receiving a $2.1 million bribe linked to oil drilling rights in Nigeria.

Mr Okoronkwo, 58, was sentenced by the US District Judge John Walter, according to a statement published on the website of the United States Attorneys Office in California on Monday.

A Los Angeles-area lawyer was sentenced today to 87 months in federal prison for receiving a $2.1 million bribe while serving as an officer of Nigerias state-owned oil company in connection with negotiating favorable drilling rights for a subsidiary of a Chinese state-owned oil company, the statement noted.

Mr Okoronkwo is a dual citizen of the United States and Nigeria. He previously served as General Manager of the Upstream Division of the NNPC, Nigerias state-owned oil company responsible for managing the countrys fossil fuel and natural gas resources through partnerships with foreign firms.

As a public officer, he owed a fiduciary duty to the Nigerian government, the court ruled.

According to the statement, a jury in August 2025 found Mr Okoronkwo guilty of three counts of transactional money laundering, one count of tax evasion and one count of obstruction of justice, following a four-day trial.

The court ordered him to pay $923,824 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and to forfeit $1,039,997, being proceeds from the sale of a house connected to the laundering of the bribe money.

According to court documents, in October 2015, Addax Petroleum, a Switzerland-based subsidiary of Sinopec, transferred $2,105,263 to an Interest on Lawyers Trust Account (IOLTA) belonging to Mr Okoronkwos Los Angeles law firm.

The payment was purportedly for consultancy services related to negotiating a settlement agreement with the NNPC over Addaxs drilling rights in Nigeria.

Prosecutors, however, described the arrangement as a cover for bribery. They said the engagement letter signed between Addax and Mr Okoronkwos firm  which bore a fake Lagos address  was intended to disguise the payment as legitimate legal fees in exchange for his influence in securing more favourable financial terms for the companys crude oil operations.

Investigators said Addax stood to lose billions of dollars if its favourable drilling rights were not maintained. To conceal the scheme, the company allegedly mischaracterised the payment, misled auditors and dismissed executives who raised concerns. Mr Okoronkwo received the funds through his firms client trust account to create the false impression that the money belonged to a client.

Between 2016 and 2018, he transferred the funds through a company, IPO Capital LLC, and used the proceeds for personal expenses, including family costs, a car and property acquisition. In November 2017, he reportedly used $983,200 of the illicit funds as down payments on a house in Valencia, California.

Court filings further showed that Mr Okoronkwo failed to declare the $2.1 million payment in his 2015 federal income tax return. In 2022, he also lied to federal investigators by claiming he did not use the funds to purchase property and that the money represented client funds rather than income to his law practice.

In January 2026, the State Bar of California suspended his law licence.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and IRS Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the US Department of Justices Office of International Affairs.

Prosecutors from the Major Frauds Section and the Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Section handled the trial.
The Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has written to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, alleging a coordinated effort to influence Nigerias emerging copy levy disbursement framework and fast-track the recognition of the Record Label Proprietors Initiative (RELPI) as a collective management organisation.

In the petition obtained by PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday, the association accused unnamed public officials with alleged links to RELPI of orchestrating what it described as an institutional ambush within the Federal Ministry of Justice to steer policy outcomes in favour of record label interests, at the expense of performers and grassroots creators.

The petition follows a recent ruling by the Federal High Court in Lagos barring the Central Bank of Nigeria and 20 commercial banks from accessing, releasing or transferring copy levy funds paid to the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria in relation to sound recordings.

Disputed ministry meeting

The controversy centres on a stakeholder forum held on 19 February 2026 at the Federal Ministry of Justice, which PMAN said was convened initially to broaden consultations on the operational framework for disbursing copy levy funds.

According to the petition, the meeting was later reclassified as an internal ministry session, with PMANs president and the Director-General of the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN) reportedly informed not to attend.

However, the meeting allegedly proceeded with other participants and was subsequently repurposed to advance RELPIs interests, including steps consistent with licensing or recognising RELPI as a CMO.

Collective Management Organisations are licensed by the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) to administer copyright royalties on behalf of rights holders, and their licensing has historically been a contentious issue in Nigerias music industry.

This sudden reclassification and exclusion of key stakeholders suggests a deliberate attempt to tilt the process in favour of certain private interests, PMAN said in the petition.

Conflict-of-interest

PMAN raised conflict-of-interest concerns involving senior public officials allegedly linked to RELPI.

The petition claims that Obi Asika, Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and a co-founder of Storm 360, attended the meeting and is affiliated with RELPI.

It also alleges that Prince Baba Clement Agba, Special Assistant to the President on Creative Economy, has a familial link to RELPI through his spouse, Isioma Alexis Idigbe, who is identified as a director within the initiative.

PMAN argued that the participation of officials with alleged ties to RELPI in sensitive policy processes could create the impression that the government is taking sides in an ongoing dispute within the music industry.

Any backchannel policy shifts while the matter is before a court risks further fracturing an already fragile collective management ecosystem, the petition said.

Ongoing litigation

The association further noted that RELPI has already taken the copy levy dispute to court in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/207/2026: Record Label Proprietors Initiative & 11 Ors. v. Musical Copyright Society Nigeria Ltd/Gte (Re: Central Bank of Nigeria).

PMAN warned that any policy decisions taken while the matter is pending in court could raise sub judice concerns and further destabilise Nigerias fragile rights administration ecosystem, which has been plagued by decades of disputes among rights holders, CMOs, and regulators.

Copy the levy background

Nigerias copy levy system is rooted in the Copyright Act 2022, which imposes levies on devices and media used for private copying, with proceeds intended to compensate creators, performers, and rights holders.

Nigerias copy levy system, recently activated under President Bola Tinubus administration, is designed to compensate creators and performers for private copying of their works on digital devices and storage media.

The levy is part of broader copyright reforms aimed at strengthening the creative economy and ensuring artists receive royalties in the digital age.

PMAN argued that the levy was intended as a public-interest intervention to benefit Nigerian musicians, performers, and creators, particularly grassroots stakeholders, and warned against what it described as an attempt by foreign-linked record label interests to dominate the funds governance and distribution.

Calls for review and recusal

In the petition, PMAN urged the Attorney-General to review the proceedings of the 19 February meeting, including the attendee list, minutes, and resolutions.

It also demanded that the Attorney-General suspend any steps toward licensing or recognising RELPI as a CMO pending a transparent and inclusive stakeholder process.

Also, the petition required officials with alleged links to RELPI to recuse themselves from decisions relating to levy disbursement architecture and CMO licensing, and convene an urgent, properly constituted stakeholder meeting involving the NCC, approved CMOs, PMAN, and other recognised industry bodies, with a published agenda and formal record-keeping.

READ ALSO: First Lady distributes sanitary pads to Abia schoolgirls

Industry stability concerns

PMAN, in its petition, said it supports the federal governments efforts to operationalise the copy levy under the Renewed Hope agenda, but warned that insider influence and conflicts of interest could undermine the reform and plunge the industry back into prolonged disputes over rights administration.

The copy levy is a critical intervention meant for Nigerian musicians and performers nationwide. Narrow interests must not quietly capture it, the association said in the petition.

As of Press time, the Attorney-Generals office and the officials named in the petition had not publicly responded to the allegations.
The UK Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday heard audio recordings of former Nigerian petroleum minister Diezani Alison-Madueke allegedly confronting two oil tycoons from whom she is accused of accepting bribes.

Mrs Alison-Madueke is currently standing trial on bribery charges. PREMIUM TIMES reported earlier that she faces six charges, including five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. All the charges are linked to the award of oil and gas contracts during her time in office.

The alleged recordings were found in a Samsung phone, which was seized from the former minister when she was arrested in London in 2015.

The BBC reported that the device contained audio recordings of conversations that Mrs Alison-Madueke had with Olajide Omokore and also with Kolawole Aluko, the year before it was seized.

This was also before she fell out with both parties.

In one of the recordings, a conversation with Mr Omokore, she was heard saying, I will be happy to escort all of you to jail along with myself.

We who are managing the thing have kept quiet. Weve kept quiet while people like your wife are busy singing all over the place.

I do not react well to being blackmailed.

In the second recording, which captured her conversation with Mr Aluko, she expressed concerns about the tycoons lavish lifestyle and criticised his relationship with British supermodel Naomi Campbell.

She warned him to be careful and not to draw the attention of intelligence agencies to himself.

As far as everybodys concerned, youre a playboy.

Naomi Campbell, these are not the people for you to be parading Other men do these things, but they dont parade them. They do them quietly because the time for parading these things was not now, she said, according to The BBC.

She also told him that she was really annoyed to hear this takes her down, and information that you have on me.

I will be happy to escort all of you to jail along with myself, she added. You will be shocked at what I will do because when it comes to that, I will come out and tell the Nigerian people this is what happened.

Oh yes, I will blame myself but I will come out openly and say it so they can judge me openly. And then all of us go and sit at the gate. Let us see who survived, me or you.

To this, Mr Aluko responded by saying: I never ever mentioned your name or any other name.

He told her he was loyal like a dog, and that he had placed some material in a safety deposit box, including whatever I thought could save me, what could save me from jail.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that investigators accused Mrs Alison-Madueke of living a lavish lifestyle sponsored by the oil tycoons.

She was accused of purchasing high-end accessories using a payment card owned by Mr Aluko. Some purchases were also made with his companys debit card, Tenka Limited.

Mrs Alison-Madueke has denied the multiple charges against her.

Her lawyer, Jonathan Laidlaw, also rejected the allegations that she exercised decisive control over major oil sector deals.

He told the court that she was only a rubber stamp when she served as oil minister in the Goodluck Jonathan administration.
A disturbing video from a public primary school in Ibiaku Itam, Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, surfaced on social media recently. The footage captured a classroom in disrepair, lacking basic facilities, exposing a quiet emergency that is gradually becoming the norm in oil-rich Akwa Ibom.

Inside the classroom at Primary School, Ibiaku Itam in Ikot Mbonde Community, only four functional dual desks were visible. Four pupils sat on a desk meant for two. Several children sat on the bare floor, hunched over exercise books. Some lie flat on their stomachs to write. Others balanced on broken planks. One of their teachers, without a table, perched on a stool.

The windows were dilapidated, the floor cracked, and the roof sagged.

The footage was a scene that could easily be mistaken for a forgotten rural outpost. However, this school is within the Uyo capital city.

A drop in the ocean

According to the 2022 approved budget, Akwa Ibom has 1,164 public primary schools. The Governor Umo Eno administration is constructing 31 model primary schools, one in each local government area of the state. Though not all are completed, those inaugurated have new structures and modern seats. But if you take out the 31 model schools, you still have 1,133 others, many of which are unattended to.

In many of these unattended schools, especially in rural and semi-urban communities, old, broken, or inadequate seats remain the norm. Primary School in Ibiaku Itam is not an isolated case; it reflects what obtains across the state.

Budgets that did not sit

Documents reviewed by PREMIUM TIMES showed that Mr Enos administration budgeted for seats in public schools, but it appears the administration did not consider it a priority.

The first budget prepared and executed by the administration was the 2023 revised budget. In it, N16 million was approved for 400 dual desks, 50 pupil plastic tables/chairs, and 100 childrens plastic tables/chairs for Early Childhood Care Development Education (ECCDE) centres.

However, the Budget Performance Report covering January to September 2023 showed no expenditure was made on these items.

In 2024, the administration repeated the budgetary provision for the seats. N12 million was budgeted for 1,000 dual desks for public primary schools, and 50 plastic tables/chairs for pupils. Again, between January and September 2024, there was no recorded expenditure.

No publicly available records exist for expenditures made between October and December for 2023 and 2024. Official requests to the Commissioner for Education and the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education for the data were not responded to.

In 2025, the allocations included N1 million for 400 childrens plastic chairs; N1.6 million for 1,000 dual desks; N2 million for 50 pupil plastic tables/chairs; N4 million for 100 plastic chairs for primary pupils; and N4 million for 100 childrens plastic tables/chairs for ECCDE centres.

The state has not published its 2025 Budget Performance Report, which provides detailed expense information. It remains unknown if funds were spent on seats for primary schools.

PREMIUM TIMES sent enquiries to the Commissioner for Education, Ubong Umoh, and the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Anietie Etuk, requesting data on the number of seats procured for pupils and teachers, costs, and beneficiary schools between 2023 and January 2026.

The newspaper also requested clarification on why the ministrys routine monitoring and oversight failed to identify the inadequacies at Ibiaku Itam Primary School, and what concrete plans the ministry has for 2026 to address the identified shortages of seats in primary schools.

The education commissioner, through the ministrys information officer, Nkoyo Inyangette, responded on 16 February: We are working on it, will furnish you with feedback soon. The official has yet to get back since then.

The SUBEB chairman dismissed the viral footage as Facebook content creation, insisting that the state has been paying counterpart funding to the Universal Basic Education Commission to unlock funds for necessary infrastructure within primary schools in the state.

When asked for clarification on whether the state depended solely on the federal governments matching grant to address the needs of primary schools across the state, Mr Etuk promised to provide detailed data on the seats provided by the administration across schools by 18 February evening. A follow-up reminder on 19 February afternoon through WhatsApp was read but not answered as of the time of this report.

Billion-naira question

The rot in Akwa Ibom public schools existed long before Governor Enos administration.

In 2018, PREMIUM TIMES published a six-part investigative series on how corruption, poor budget planning and implementation, and outright neglect led to the near collapse of public education in the state. One of the series focused on the decayed infrastructure at a top science college, where students were raised in squalor like animals, while another focused on how unpaid teachers were dying.

However, the situation has persisted under Mr Eno.

In 2025, Akwa Ibom recorded its highest-ever revenue  N1.134 trillion. The state reported total spending of N1.330 trillion.

Among the years prominent expenditures was the donation of SUVs to seven former deputy governors and political party leaders, including the APCs Stephen Ntukekpo and PDPs Aniekan Akpan, as well as the chairman of the state chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Blessing Umoh.

The deputy governors who benefited were Etim Okoyo, Chris Ekpenyong, Michael Udofia, Patrick Ekpotu, Nsima Ekere, Valerie Ebe and Moses Ekpo.

Among them, Mr Ekpenyong later served as a senator between 2019 and 2023, while Mr Ekere served as managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission from 2016 to 2018.

Each SUV, according to the 2025 approved budget, costs N100 million. Ten of them amounted to N1 billion.

Citizens questioned the priority given to former deputy governors who were already pampered by state funds. They also questioned why public funds should be used for the luxury comforts of political party leaders, given the wide social infrastructure gaps in the state.

At the 2025 procurement rate as contained in the 2025 approved budget, N40,000 per table/chair is budgeted for primary schools based on a N4 million allocation for 100 units. N1 billion could procure at least 25,000 seats for pupils.

Twenty-five thousand seats would not merely furnish a classroom. They could transform learning conditions across dozens of schools. Instead, in Primary School Ibiaku Itam, pupils sit on the floor.

Second chance in 2026

In the 2026 budget, allocations for seats to primary schools have significantly increased  N18.57 million for 100 childrens plastic tables/chairs for ECCDE centres, and N18.57 million for 100 plastic tables/chairs for pupils.

For the first time, beneficiary schools are explicitly named  N5.57 million has been approved for 30 pupil plastic tables/chairs at Emeroke, Eastern Obolo Local Government Area, and Migrant Farmers Children School in Odu, Itu Local Government Area.

Additionally, 600 dual desks are approved for each of the following schools: Lutheran Primary School, Obio Ubuim (Nsit Ubium); Annang Peoples School, Ukpom Abak; Primary School Ikot Obio Eka, Etinan; and Methodist Central School, Ete, Ikot Abasi, at a combined cost of N62 million.

While specificity marks progress, history tempers optimism, since this is not the first time funds have been budgeted for school seats.

Billions to local government councils, silence on primary responsibility

Under Section 2 of the Fourth Schedule of Nigerias 1999 Constitution, local government councils participate in the provision and maintenance of primary education.

Checks into FAAC allocations show that Itu Local Government Area, where Ibiaku Itam Primary School is located, is not gasping for resources. From January to November 2025, Itu received N4.62 billion in FAAC allocations, excluding internally generated revenue.

Yet Itu, like other councils in Akwa Ibom, does not publish its budget online despite the requirement under the Akwa Ibom State Fiscal Responsibility Law (Volume III, Cap 56, Laws of Akwa Ibom State 2022).

Section 47(2) mandates all Ministries, Departments and Agencies, including local governments, to maintain functional online portals that publish budgets, implementation reports, and audited financial statements.

Findings show that no local government council in the state, including Itu, has its budget available online.

When contacted, the Itu council chairperson, Ubong Nkutt, hung up the phone after our reporter introduced himself. Further calls were unanswered. A follow-up message seeking clarification on 2025 and 2026 seat provisions for primary schools and plans to address the deficit at Ibiaku Itam was not answered as of the time of filing this report.

It is inhuman  Experts

Education experts say the scene in Ibiaku Itam Primary School, among other schools where pupils sit on bare floors to learn, is more than an infrastructure failure; rather, it is a direct assault on effective learning.

Idongesit Archibong, a professor in the Department of Early Childhood Education at the University of Uyo, told PREMIUM TIMES that discomfort fundamentally undermines the learning process.

For you to study effectively, you must not be uncomfortable, he said. In learning, method, environment and content are very important. If any of these is missing, learning is no longer effective.

Mr Archibong explained that the physical environment directly shapes how teachers deliver lessons and how pupils participate. At the primary level, where demonstration methods are crucial, seating arrangements matter.

Sitting on the floor will affect the teachers teaching method. The demonstration method, which is needed for pupils at that age, becomes more tedious, and participation becomes difficult compared to when pupils are seated properly at desks, he said.

He warned of psychological and physical effects, too. The floor is hard. The child cannot concentrate. The concentration level will be very poor. Everything about such learning is very negative. It is very bad and inhuman to allow kids to sit on the floor and learn in primary school. No government should subscribe to that.

Mr Archibong posed a question to those in authority. Imagine you are the Speaker of the House of Assembly. Will you allow your child to go to school and sit on the floor?

If you are in the corridors of power, you should ensure these children at least learn like your own children. These are children of parents who voted for you. The least the government can do is give them a minimum level of comfort while learning.

Also, Akanimo Sampson of Rebuilders Foundation, a civil society organisation working with children and young people, said the organisations field engagement shows that pupils who sit on bare floors are negatively affected. And that is reflected in the childrens performance.

When children sit on bare floors to learn, it sends a powerful psychological message before any lesson is taught, she said.

It tells the child, silently but consistently, that their comfort, dignity and learning experience are not important. Over time, this affects concentration, self-worth, motivation and even how seriously they take education.

Ms Sampson said that learning is not purely cognitive. It is physical and emotional. A child who is uncomfortable, distracted by pain or fatigue, cannot fully engage, explore curiosity or retain information.

For her, the situation reflects a deeper governance problem. In a system where luxury vehicles are routinely provided for political office holders, it is difficult to argue that the absence of basic classroom seating is due to a lack of resources. It reflects a lack of awareness of what truly drives development.

According to her, if government officials fully understood the long-term impact of early learning environments, providing chairs for pupils would never be in question.

Education cannot be claimed as a priority when the most basic learning conditions are ignored. Investing in children is not charity; it is nation-building. How a society treats its learners today determines the quality of its leaders, workforce and citizens tomorrow, she said.
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) on Wednesday said it has commenced an inquiry into allegations that a male operative of the State Security Service (SSS) abducted a minor from Jigawa State, brought her to Abuja, and impregnated her.

The controversy centres on Walida Abdulhadi, a young Muslim woman from Jigawa State, and an SSS operative, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi.

There has been intense public debate over the relationship between Mr Onyewuenyi, a Christian, and Walida, a Muslim, the circumstances surrounding the birth of their baby, and Walidas subsequent conversion to Christianity.

Walidas family alleges that Mr Onyewuenyi abducted her from her native Jigawa State, transported her to Abuja, converted her to Christianity, and impregnated her while she was still a minor.

However, in a recent interview with Weekend Trust, Walida disputed her familys claims.

She said she met Mr Onyewuenyi in Abuja after being brought there by a woman identified as Mariam. She maintained that she was neither abducted nor forcibly converted to Christianity, insisting that she was already an adult when she relocated to the capital in 2023.

A key point of dispute is Walidas age. Her family claims she was born in 2008 and was therefore a minor when the events began in 2023. Walida, however, said she was born in 2004 and was 19 years old when she arrived in Abuja and met Mr Onyewuenyi.

The matter escalated after Walida refused to return to her parents, alleging that her uncle threatened to kill her for becoming involved with a Christian man. She is currently in what the SSS describes as protective custody.

Her family, however, is demanding her release, citing a magistrates court order. They have also accused the SSS of bias and anti-Islamic conduct.

In response, the SSS said it is holding Walida and her baby for their safety, following her claim that her uncle issued death threats against her.

NSCIA begins inquiry

The NSCIA, the apex Islamic authority in Nigeria, has now formally stepped into the matter.

When PREMIUM TIMES contacted him on Wednesday morning, the Councils Secretary-General, Ishaq Oloyede, confirmed that the body was already engaging relevant stakeholders to enable it take an informed position.

We are already looking into the matter, Professor Oloyede said.

He explained that the Council had exercised restraint for two reasons.

One is that we do not want to behave like the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which in 2015 instigated what many considered an unfair trial of a Muslim Kano man, Yunusa Dahiru, accused of abducting a Christian Bayelsa girl, Ese Oruru. CAN jumped into the matter without verifying the allegations. In the end, the Kano man went to jail but has continued to insist on his innocence.

The second reason we have been careful is that the antecedents of the SSS Director-General do not portray him as a religious bigot. So we must conduct a thorough investigation to determine the facts.

But I can assure you we are working on it. Even today, we have meetings lined up over the same matter.

Jigawa government weighs in

On Tuesday, the Jigawa State Government also confirmed that it has formally intervened in the case.

In a statement, the governors spokesperson, Hamisu Gumel, said the state had been formally involved in following up on the case to ensure that all appropriate legal and administrative processes are diligently observed, adding that it is working closely with relevant authorities to safeguard the rights and interests of the affected citizen.

Beyond institutional engagement, Governor Malam Umar Namadi has personally, alongside other top government functionaries, initiated high-level contacts and consultations with the appropriate authorities to ensure that the case is handled fairly, transparently, and expeditiously, the statement said.

We therefore assure the people of Jigawa State and the general public that the State Government is entirely on top of the situation, as the protection of the rights, dignity, and welfare of every Jigawa indigene remains a core responsibility and top priority of this administration.

While efforts to resolve the matter are ongoing, the government sincerely appreciates the concern, solidarity, and prayers expressed by citizens.

We appeal to the general public to remain calm and allow the necessary legal and official processes to run their course.
The newly appointed acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, has pledged to phase out impunity, human rights violations and corruption, some of the practices under his predecessor, Kayode Egbetokun.

Mr Disu, until his appointment an Assistant Inspector General (AIG), stated this on Wednesday, while responding to questions from reporters at the State House, Presidential Villa.

The Lagos-born officer was announced as the acting IGP on Tuesday, following the resignation of his predecessor, Mr Egbetokun, at the request of President Bola Tinubu.

The new police chief, however, declared that officers must see citizens as the primary partners in policing.

Mr Disu described his appointment as unexpected and emotional, saying he was deeply grateful for the confidence reposed in him.

He noted that the presidents reference to his past postings and professional record signalled both recognition and a challenge to deliver on his mandate.

Mr Disu was appointed IGP just 48 days before his retirement.

As prescribed by law, officers are expected to retire after reaching 60 years of age or completing 35 years of service.

By 13 April, Mr Disu will be 60, but he will not be retired. The National Assembly had amended the Police Act to allow IGPs to complete a four-year team regardless of their age or years of service. That same amended law helped Mr Egbetokun to remain in office until his abrupt resignation.

The era of impunity is over

The area of impunity is over, Mr Disu said, outlining his vision for a reformed and accountable police institution.

He promised to prioritise human rights compliance through training and supervision, while enforcing a strict zero-tolerance stance on corruption.

According to him, professionalism and respect for the rule of law will define his leadership.

For three years that his predecessor served as the IGP, attacks on journalists and human rights abuses were so widespread to the extent the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria blacklisted him and entered his name in the Book of Infamy.

Mr Egbetokuns tenure was also marked by multilayered corruption, including procurement scandals, illegal sales of public assets and alleged lopsided promotions.

The tactics the police used during the 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests also reflected Mr Egbetokuns leadership as repressive. About 22 people were killed during the protests, according to Amnesty Internationals Nigeria office. Despite evidence, the police denied this, with Mr Egbetokun praising his men for handling the situation professionally.

All these together further deepened the image crisis for the police, straining public trust.

But the new IGP has emphasised that effective policing cannot succeed without public trust and cooperation. He said one of his first engagements with officers would centre on the principle that citizens remain at the heart of policing.

No police anywhere in the world can succeed without the cooperation of members of the public, he said, stressing the need to rebuild confidence between communities and law enforcement.

Mr Disu also assured officers that their welfare would receive attention, noting that a motivated workforce is essential to achieving operational success.

He acknowledged the security challenges confronting the country, including insurgency, and commended officers for their efforts so far. He pledged to boost morale and provide strategic direction to enhance performance.
Organised labour and other stakeholders on Tuesday reaffirmed their solidarity with Cuba, condemning what they described as external interference in the countrys internal affairs.

President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, made the remarks at the Conference of the Nigeria Movement of Solidarity with the Cuban People in Abuja.

The conference was themed, Cuba and All Countries Have the Right to Live.

Mr Ajaero described Cuba as a beacon of dignity, placing human beings above profit, and commended the countrys resilience in spite of what he termed over six decades of economic blockade by the United States.

He criticised Cubas inclusion on the US list of state sponsors of terrorism, describing the designation as restrictive to the countrys economy and access to international financial systems.

The NLC president called for the lifting of the blockade and an end to what he called campaigns against Cubas internet

Speaking also, the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Miriam Palmero, commended Nigerias support for Cuba at the United Nations and praised the African Unions resolution condemning the US blockade.

Ms Palmero described the blockade as a policy intended to pressure Cuba, saying it had caused hardship for the population.

She also criticised recent US executive orders threatening sanctions on countries supplying fuel to Cuba, describing them as extraterritorial, illegal, and coercive, while reaffirming Cubas rejection of threats, blackmail, and interference.

The ambassador urged members of the solidarity movement in Nigeria to strengthen mobilisation efforts across labour unions, youth groups and academic institutions as measures and injustice intensify against Cuba.

In his remarks, Rauf Aregbesola, former minister of Interior and president of the movement, commended the African Unions stance on the blockade.

Mr Aregbesola described the 64-year unilateral blockade as illegal, punitive and a violation of international law.

He highlighted Cubas global humanitarian support, including sending over 9,000 medical personnel to save thousands during the Ebola and COVID-19 crises, and its role in Africas liberation struggles.

He, however, called for global solidarity to collectively defend Cubas sovereignty.

(NAN)
The House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Managing Director, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, to appear before it to account for the agencys loans and grants expenditures.

The lawmakers, in a resolution that followed a motion by Rep. Paul Kalejaiye (APC- Lagos) at a public hearing in Abuja on Tuesday, also urged the Inspector-General of Police to arrest the managing director if he failed to comply with the ultimatum.

In his remarks, Rep. Shina Oyedeji (PDP-Oyo) said that the resolution became necessary following several invitations extended to Mr Aliyu by the committee, but which were not honoured by him.

He said that the hearing was another opportunity for the managing director to appear, but he failed to do so, while he also failed to send a representative.

Mr Oyedeji said that about N151 billion in government appropriations for solar hybrid mini-grade solar home systems and street lights was received between 2015 and 2024.

He said that $550 million was also received from the World Bank and the African Development Bank between 2018 and 2024 as grants for solar hybrid mini-grids, energy efficiency equipment, and productive appliances for power supply to universities and university teaching hospitals across the country.

The lawmaker said that about N13 billion was contributed to the Rural Electrification Fund between 2015 and 2024, a fund set up by the government for rural electrification.

He further stated that another $8 million, a grant by the German government and European Union (EU), was received in 2022 for the provision of assets to reliable electricity services for 135 million people, among other grants and loans.

Today, we have given an opportunity for them to defend how they have been able to manage these funds and let us even know who benefited from any of these grants and what we have achieved with these.

Many of these could have increased productivity and agriculture, investment, and increased our assets in electricity as a country.

That is not even enough; this has to do with the integrity of Nigeria because many of these grants came from international donors.

Our inability to account for this, especially by the agency responsible, doesnt give us a good name.

This agency should be made to come to this committee tomorrow unfailingly. And if they fail to come, we will take further necessary legislative actions, he said.

In his ruling, Chairman of the committee, Afam Ogene (LP-Anambra), said that no fewer than five letters of invitation had been written to the agency, delivered and duly acknowledged.

He said that when it came to investment in the electricity sector, especially foreign grants, REA remained the lead agency and should be telling Nigerians who the beneficiaries are.

Over time, they have delegated and have refused to appear before this committee and through this house to render account to the Nigerian people, he said.

He ruled that the managing director must appear on Wednesday at 11 a.m., or risk arrest by security agencies to compel his appearance.

(NAN)
The Wife of the President, Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday, distributed 10,000 packs of sanitary pads to schoolgirls in Abia rural communities to promote menstrual health.

Speaking during the exercise at the launch of the Renewed Hope Initiative Flow with Confidence in the state, Mrs Tinubu said the programme aimed at enhancing the dignity and confidence of schoolgirls, particularly those from underserved communities.

Mrs Tinubu, represented by the Wife of Abia Governor, Priscilla Otti, said that no girl should miss school because of her inability to afford sanitary products, saying that menstrual poverty is unacceptable in modern society.

It is unacceptable that our girls, especially those in rural communities, continue to face challenges during their menstrual cycle, with some missing school days every month because they cannot afford sanitary pads, she said.

According to her, the programme is providing 1 year of disposable sanitary pads to 370,000 schoolgirls in rural communities across the country.

N2.5 billion spent on procuring sanitary pads

Mr Tinubu said that each state and the Federal Capital Territory would receive 10,000 packs through their respective first ladies and the Renewed Hope Initiative Flow with Confidence coordinators.

She said that the initiative has spent over N2.5 billion to procure the customised disposable sanitary pads from a local manufacturer in Lagos.

She urged local government chairpersons to take ownership of the intervention and ensure that the pads were distributed directly to deserving girls in rural communities.

She warned that the pads were not meant to be sold under any circumstances.

Mrs Tinubu also called on corporate organisations, parastatals, agencies, traditional and religious leaders to support the programme and monitor the distribution in their communities.

She advised the beneficiaries to stay in school, study hard and never allow shame or stigma to take away your confidence.

There is no shame in womanhood

In a speech, the Commissioner for Women Affairs in Abia, Maureen Aghaukwa, described the initiative as more than just an event, but a movement aimed at confronting the silence, stigma and cultural taboos surrounding menstruation.

Ms Aghaukwa described menstruation as a natural biological process that should not limit the confidence or participation of girls and women in society.

In many communities, young girls miss school, and women experience discomfort and shame because of myths and misinformation about menstruation.

Through this initiative, we are saying clearly that there is no shame in womanhood.

There is strength, pride and confidence, the commissioner said.

She emphasised the Abia State Governments resolve to ensure that no girl in Abia was left behind due to the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products or proper education on reproductive health.

Also, the Commissioner for Health in Abia, Enoch Uche, described the initiative as an investment in human capital, education and economic growth.

Mr Uche, a medical doctor, said the programme marked a significant milestone in efforts to improve menstrual health and hygiene among schoolgirls in the state.

Todays distribution is not just about providing products; it is about empowering our girls, fostering gender equality and ensuring that no girl is left behind because of menstruation, he said.

In her speech, a resource person, Joy Okechukwu, explained that menstrual hygiene management involves the use of clean sanitary materials, access to water and soap and safe disposal facilities.

Ms Okechukwu said that girls and women should be able to manage their menstrual cycles with dignity, without fear, discomfort or embarrassment.

She said that menstrual health and hygiene affect Sustainable Development Goals 6, 8, and 12 because they directly affect good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, and decent work and economic growth.

When girls miss school because of menstruation, it affects their academic performance and long-term opportunities.

Poor hygiene practices can also lead to infections and other reproductive health challenges, she said.

She urged parents, teachers and community leaders to dispel myths and harmful cultural beliefs associated with menstruation, adding that accurate information is key to empowering young girls.

If a girl misses about four days of school every month

Another resource person, Theodora Igboruka, said that menstrual health is not merely a personal issue but a developmental and economic concern.

Ms Igboruka cited national data indicating that millions of Nigerian women and girls menstruate monthly, while a significant percentage of schoolgirls miss classes due to the lack of access to sanitary products.

If a girl misses about four days of school every month because of menstruation, that amounts to nearly a month of lost learning in a year.

This creates learning gaps, affects examination performance and ultimately reduces human capital development, she said.

Ms Igboruka also said that the rising cost of sanitary products had further worsened access for low-income families, forcing some girls to resort to unhygienic alternatives.

She called for sustained collaboration among the government, the private sector, civil society organisations, and traditional institutions to address cultural taboos and improve access to water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities in schools.

Ms Igboruka also called on the Abia State Government to develop a menstrual hygiene policy to further drive the campaign for improved menstrual health management.

In a remark, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs in Abia State, Becky Oguama, said that the Abia State Government was committed to addressing menstrual poverty, including the lack of access to affordable sanitary products, inadequate facilities and cultural taboos.

Mrs Oguama expressed the Abia State Governments readiness to evolve a policy that would support women and girls in achieving optimal menstrual health.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), two beneficiaries, Chiamaka Friday and Nmesoma Chigozie, thanked the first lady for the one-year supply of sanitary pad packs.

They said they had also learnt valuable tips to improve their menstrual hygiene management and boost their confidence.

They also promised to share all they learnt with their friends and family members to further deepen the campaign against the myths and misinformation associated with menstruation.

The event was attended by government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders and students from various schools across Abia.

(NAN)
Members of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Drugs and Illicit Trafficking during a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service in Abuja, alongside senior Customs officials.

The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Drugs and Illicit Trafficking has moved to strengthen collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service NCS) as part of efforts to stem the flow of illicit drugs and banned pharmaceuticals into the country.

The move comes amid growing concern that the increasing inflow of illicit substances through land borders, seaports and airports has fuelled rising cases of drug abuse, particularly among young people.

During a visit to the NCS headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, the committees Chairperson, Timehin Adelegbe (APC, Ondo), said the engagement was designed to build institutional partnership rather than conduct an investigation.

He said addressing drug trafficking requires coordinated legislative reforms and deeper cooperation among enforcement agencies.

We are not here for investigation; we are here on a courtesy call to collaborate and move ahead together, he said, noting that the committee had earlier convened a public hearing attended by over 300 organisations, including civil society groups and regulatory bodies, signalling broad national concern over drug abuse.

Describing illicit drug use as a national crisis, Mr Adelegbe said its consequences cut across families and communities, demanding collective action.

He commended NCS for recent seizures but called for improved operational synergy with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

The lawmaker disclosed that the committee would review extant laws regulating tobacco products, illicit cigarettes, bonded warehouses and border operations. He observed that emerging products such as vape devices were not captured under the current Tobacco Act.

According to him, the panel will assess compliance levels at bonded warehouses and examine whether border posts are adequately staffed to curb smuggling.

We must examine whether the laws are adequate. Are bonded warehouses complying with regulations? Do we have sufficient personnel at our borders? These are areas we must holistically address, he said.

He also announced plans for advocacy campaigns in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja, alongside outreach programmes in other states, aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of substance abuse. He urged the NCS to support the initiative to ensure its success.

Responding on behalf of the Comptroller-General of NCS, Bashir Adeniyi, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Enforcement, Investigation and Inspection, Timi Bomodi, reaffirmed the Services resolve to combat illicit trade.

He disclosed that within the past year, Customs intercepted more than 230 forty-foot containers of illegally imported pharmaceuticals, many concealed as other goods and exceeding limits approved by NAFDAC.

He said the scale of the seizures underscored the potential harm the substances could have caused if allowed into circulation.

It is only left to the imagination what damage over 200 containers of such substances would have caused if allowed into society, he said.

Mr Bomodi also highlighted major cocaine interceptions, including 22 parcels seized at the Seme Command and handed over to the NDLEA, as well as over 1,000 kilogrammes recovered at Lagos ports, some hidden in ship hulls.

He said Customs has intensified intelligence-led operations across land borders, airports and seaports, noting a strong link between drug trafficking and organised crime.

According to him, the Service is deploying advanced cargo scanners, setting up a dedicated drug detection unit and expanding specialised training for officers to improve enforcement outcomes.

He added that Customs has introduced mandatory drug testing for its personnel as part of a zero-tolerance policy.

Mr Bomodi further confirmed that the Service has signed Memoranda of Understanding with the NDLEA and NAFDAC to deepen inter-agency coordination on drug control and pharmaceutical imports.

The goals of this committee are the goals of the Nigeria Customs Service. We are willing to partner fully and provide any assistance required, he said.
A report reveals that social media and far-right figures in the United States spread widely replicated false content about the operation that took down the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel

The fall of Nemesio Oseguera, alias El Mencho, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was followed not only by a wave of violence and chaos in the country, but also by a flood of digital disinformation. In the 48 hours following the operation led by the Mexican army in Jalisco, hundreds of false or unverified posts circulated on various platforms. The attacks unleashed by the drug cartels in several states, with a succession of road blockades, vehicles set on fire, and clashes between federal security forces and armed groups, were magnified through content amplified by bots  computer programs designed to automate repetitive tasks over the internet  by the manipulation of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, and by the influence of the American far right.

According to the report Desinformacion tras el abatimiento de El Mencho: volumen, velocidad y alcance (Disinformation Following the Killing of El Mencho: Volume, Speed, and Reach), published by the Digital Media Observatory at the Technological Institute of Monterrey (ITESM), numerous audiovisual pieces of content were disseminated on social media without descriptions, verification, or context. Various Instagram accounts shared videos and photographs without specifying their origin. It was impossible to determine whether these were recent recordings related to violent reactions by organized crime in different parts of the country, or whether they corresponded to archival material strategically reused to amplify the narrative of the wave of violence following El Menchos capture, the document explains.

The images of chaos that flooded social media were reminiscent of the Culiacanazo, another episode of violence during Andres Manuel Lopez Obradors presidency, which followed the arrest of Ovidio Guzman, one of the sons of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, and which forced authorities to subsequently release him due to the terror sown by the Sinaloa Cartel in the state capital. The most shocking videos from Sunday came from Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, specifically from the airport. Although authorities were quick to state that the terminals were never closed, several national and international airlines decided to cancel flights until passenger safety could be guaranteed.

The report also reveals that other fabricated, manipulated, out-of-context, or even conspiratorial content that stood out amid the tide of disinformation included claims that President Claudia Sheinbaum had been transferred to a Navy vessel in the Pacific; that El Mencho was still alive and hospitalized; an alleged connection to the capture of former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro; and even that the Mexican government had killed El Mencho to prevent his extradition to the U.S. and the disclosure of state secrets. According to the report, these last two speculations garnered over 100,000 user interactions on X.

According to the Digital Media Observatory, there is no official count consolidated by authorities or platforms, but based on a digital propagation model and typical behavior in high-impact events in Mexico, they estimate that in the first 48 hours after the operation, between 200 and 500 posts containing false or unverified information were shared. Between 20 and 40 posts achieved high virality, and several of them exceeded 50,000 reactions, 100,000 views, and were shared at least 10,000 times. This generated an estimated three to five million potential exposures to false or unverified content. This does not equate to five million unique people; there may be duplicates, but it does reflect the volume of circulation, the report specifies.

In the case of the Guadalajara International Airport, videos showed stampedes of passengers without specifying what was allegedly taking place. The observatory states that it is not yet possible to confirm whether those who fled heard actual explosions inside the terminal. However, various accounts on the social network X, primarily bots spreading ultraconservative content, claimed, without official support, that the airport had been invaded by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and that tourists  mainly Americans and Canadians  were taken hostage. This did not happen.

Some local media outlets picked up the images without explaining the context or the causes of the panic, leaving the interpretation open and amplifying the uncertainty. Hours later, an image of a burning plane, created with artificial intelligence, began circulating on social media, falsely presented as if it were from the same airport. The far-right U.S. media outlet Real Americas Voice News widely shared this false content.

Alberto Escorcia, a journalist and researcher specializing in disinformation, went further in his analysis and revealed that 500 bot accounts amplified three profiles that spread disinformation about the violence following the death of El Mencho, and that one of the effects generated was the stampede at Guadalajara Airport.

Likewise, a video circulated on TikTok claiming: Moments of terror in Puerto Vallarta, showing an image with multiple fires. However, in the lower right corner of the image, a Gemini watermark [an artificial intelligence chatbot developed by Google] was visible, the main indication that it was generated with AI, reads an excerpt from the report.

Vehicles and businesses ablaze in various parts of the city of Puerto Vallarta after members of organized crime set up roadblocks following the operation against El Mencho. Alam N. Lopez

Conspiracies and the US far right

Laura Loomer, a far-right figure with nearly two million followers on X, claimed that the operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, was led by the U.S. and that the Jalisco New Generation Cartel responded to El Menchos death with an armed attack on Guadalajara Airport. Now they are taking American tourists hostage on highways and in nearby hotels, she wrote in one of her posts.

Even Bernie Moreno, Republican senator for Ohio, denounced from his account on X the existence of troubling reports originating in Puerto Vallarta and other parts of Mexico that narco-terrorists were hunting down American citizens.

The drug cartels should be aware that if any American citizen is harmed in Mexico there will be a violent and terminal retribution from the U.S., Moreno wrote in a portion of his post. The same message was echoed Tuesday by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt in an interview with the conservative outlet Fox News: We encourage all Americans in Mexico to of course adhere to the guidance provided by the State Department. Right now, we are unaware of any reports of any Americans being hurt, kidnapped, or killed. And the Mexican drug cartels know not to lay a finger on a single American or they will pay severe consequences under this president [Donald Trump].

From the official X accounts of the Mexican Embassy in the U.S. and the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE), efforts were made to quell the numerous rumors circulating in the hours following the death of El Mencho. The SRE announced on Monday that it had received no reports of any foreign nationals being harmed amid the wave of violence that erupted in several states after the operation against the CJNG leader. On the same social media platform, the official U.S. diplomatic mission in Mexico commended the Mexican Security Forces and praised the bilateral cooperation between the two nations.

The killing of El Mencho demonstrates the speed with which information, and disinformation, can circulate in contexts of high public sensitivity. [...] Therefore, it is essential that citizens adopt a critical attitude toward the information they consume and share, verifying the source, comparing it with reliable media outlets, and avoiding disseminating content whose veracity has not been confirmed by recognized authorities or journalistic institutions, the ITESM document states.

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A member of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, Ifeanyi Uzokwe (YPP, Anambra), has called on the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to immediately launch a thorough and transparent investigation into the alleged assassination attempt on former presidential candidate Peter Obi in Benin City, Edo State.

The appeal comes against the backdrop of significant leadership changes in the Nigeria Police Force, where President Bola Tinubu removed Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and appointed Mr Disu in his place.

Mr Uzokwe, speaking to members of the House of Representatives Press Corps in Abuja on Wednesday, described the reported attack as deeply disturbing and unacceptable in a democratic society, stressing that any act of political violence undermines national stability and the sanctity of Nigerias democratic process.

An attack on a presidential aspirant, he said, transcends partisan politics and must be treated as a grave threat to constitutional democracy.

Democracy thrives on the healthy competition of ideas, not bullets, intimidation or assassination plots, the lawmaker stressed. If political actors cannot engage freely with citizens without fear for their lives, then the foundation of our democracy is at risk.

He urged the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of Acting IGP, Mr Disu, to demonstrate professionalism and urgency in investigating the matter, saying that no person or group should be allowed to compromise the political rights and safety of any Nigerian.

Mr Uzokwe also called on the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, to take proactive steps to guarantee the safety of all political stakeholders within the state, noting that it is the responsibility of the state government to ensure a safe and conducive political environment irrespective of party affiliation.

The lawmaker warned that Nigeria has suffered heavily from politically motivated violence in the past and must not relapse into instability. He urged political leaders across party lines to condemn such attacks unequivocally and called on security agencies to rise above partisan considerations in their investigations.

Alleged assassination attempt in Benin City

The alleged attack that triggered the call for a probe occurred on Tuesday in Benin City, Edo States capital, when gunmen reportedly opened fire on Mr Obi and his convoy after a political rally.

Mr Obi, alongside former APC national chairman, John OdigieOyegun and other political figures, was in Benin City to attend a rally at the secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The event was organised to mark the formal defection of former Edo State governorship candidate Olumide Akpata from the Labour Party (LP) to the ADC.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that suspected armed hoodlums shot at the politicians and members of the Obidient Movement while they were leaving the ADC secretariat en route to Mr Oyeguns residence.

The attackers reportedly fired shots that damaged gates and vehicles, though no fatalities were officially reported. Several people were said to have sustained varying degrees of injury.

The Edo State Police Command confirmed a disturbance at the rally site and said officers responded swiftly to the distress call, forcing the suspects to flee.

Political tension in the state has been heightened by past warnings from Mr Okpebholo, who last year publicly cautioned Mr Obi against visiting Edo State without prior security notification. Some interpreted the remarks as irregular and provocative.

Change in police leadership amid rising security concerns

Mr Tinubu accepted the resignation of former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and directed him to step aside earlier this week.

Assistant Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu has succeeded him as the Acting IGP.

Mr Egbetokun, who was appointed the 22nd IGP by Mr Tinubu on 19 June 2023, had been expected to serve a fixed four-year term under amended provisions of the Nigeria Police Act.

The sudden leadership shift, confirmed by sources and widely reported, signals a recalibration at the helm of the police force amid heightened security challenges.

The administration of Mr Disu, who until this week was in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Lagos, begins amid calls for renewed focus on law enforcement professionalism, public safety and the protection of citizens constitutional rights.
A Nigerian realtor, Festus Uwakhemen, has called on the National Assembly (NASS) to enact legislation that would restrict the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from revoking land allocations in Abuja without legislative approval.

Mr Uwakhemen, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Festrut Group of Companies, said such a law would give property owners in the nations capital greater assurance that successive administrations cannot arbitrarily revoke their land titles.

He explained that the proposed legislation had become necessary because FCT ministers often revoke land allocations approved by their predecessors, a situation he said has negatively affected individuals and corporate organisations.

The realtor made the call during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday to mark the 16th anniversary of his company.

The National Assembly has to pass a law that when a minister has approved any land, in principle or through C of O, no other minister has the power to revoke the land except if the land passes through the National Assembly.

With that, we are going to have sanity, but if that is not passed, every minister has the power to revoke. They can come to your house to say your house is on the waterways. That is why people in the FCT keep having issues with revocation. Youll see a big estate; theyll just come and say the land has been removed because the minister seeks to have the gavel.

But when the minister can allocate and cannot revoke, the minister should have the power to give allocation, but should not be given the power to revoke. So, if revocation passes through processes, the minister will think very carefully before he approves any allocation, knowing full well that if that allocation has to be revoked, it has to pass through channels that he may not like, he said.

Land administration in the country is governed primarily by the Land Use Act, which vests ownership of all land in each state in the governor, to be held in trust for the people. In the case of the FCT, the powers of a state governor are exercised by the President through the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Under the law, the FCT minister has the authority to grant statutory rights of occupancy and, where necessary, revoke such rights for overriding public interest. This includes circumstances such as non-payment of statutory fees, breach of the terms of allocation, failure to develop land within a stipulated period, or where the land is required for public infrastructure and urban planning purposes.

Over the years, however, the exercise of this revocation power has generated recurring controversy in Abuja. Successive FCT administrations have issued mass revocation notices affecting individuals, estates, corporate organisations and even government institutions.

For instance, the incumbent Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, shortly after assuming office, revoked the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) of a property belonging to former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, along with 162 others.

In March 2025, the minister approved the revocation of 4,794 land titles over alleged non-payment of ground rents. Again, in November 2025, he carried out another round of revocations, affecting 1,095 properties.

In several instances, authorities referenced failure to pay ground rents, contravention of land use terms, or encroachment on designated green areas and waterways as justification.

Many people argue that while the law provides for revocation, the process has sometimes been perceived as abrupt, politicised, or lacking sufficient transparency. Property owners have occasionally challenged revocation decisions in court, raising concerns about due process, adequate notice, compensation, and consistency in enforcement.

Urban development pressures in Abuja have also contributed to disputes. As land values rise and the city expands, previously allocated plots have in some cases become subject to fresh planning reviews, infrastructure redesign, or policy shifts under new administrations. This has fueled allegations that some revocations are motivated by policy reversals or competing development interests.

On the other hand, FCT authorities have maintained that revocation remains a legal planning tool necessary to enforce compliance, recover underutilised plots, curb land speculation, and ensure orderly development of the capital city.

Illicit financial flows

Mr Uwakhemen also spoke on measures to curb illicit financial flows in the real estate sector, highlighting the role of existing anti-money laundering frameworks.

He said many real estate firms in Nigeria comply with anti-money laundering regulations, particularly in ensuring that clients declare the sources of funds used in property transactions.

READ ALSO: Wike nullifies 485 Abuja land documents over forgery concerns

The realtor noted that the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML) have been active in monitoring businesses and scrutinising financial transactions, although some individuals still find ways to circumvent the system.

SCUML, a unit under the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), requires designated non-financial businesses and professions to register and comply with anti-money laundering regulations before accessing certain financial services or government contracts.

The realtor called for stricter reporting obligations for real estate firms under Nigerias anti-money laundering laws, similar to the compliance standards imposed on banks.

He also urged the government to strengthen and empower the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) to better monitor and curb fraudulent activities in the sector.
The Nigerian government has said it does not have an official policy that permits religious violence or targeted attacks against a religious group.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government reiterated that Nigerias security crisis is not driven by another government policy or religious bias but a combination of complex security threats.

It is important to state clearly that Nigeria does not have, and has never had, a state policy of religious persecution.

The violence being confronted by our security agencies is not driven by government policy or religious bias, but by complex security threats, including terrorism, organised criminality, and longstanding communal tensions, the statement read.

On Monday, a US Congress report restated the claim of Christian genocide in Nigeria, months after it initially alleged same.

The report described Nigeria as the deadliest country to be Christian globally and called for sweeping sanctions on individuals and entities perceived to be responsible or contributing to the operation of the terrorist groups.

The report also stated that blasphemy laws in northern Nigeria are some of the tools used to silence dissent and target Christian or minority religious groups in the country.

However, the Nigerian government, in response to this, declared that the country does not have a state policy of religious persecution.

It stated that the countrys constitution guarantees freedom of religion and freedom of worship for all citizens.

The Federal Government remains firmly committed to upholding these constitutional protections and to ensuring equal protection under the law.

Nigeria acknowledges that parts of the country continue to face serious security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts that have tragically affected many communities. The Federal Government remains deeply concerned about the loss of lives and destruction of property resulting from these criminal acts, and we extend our sympathies to all victims and their families, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or region, the statement also said.

Repeated allegations

Nigeria has repeatedly denied allegations of Christian genocide since late 2025. First, in September, when it refuted reports by some international news platforms and online influencers that terrorists were engaged in a systemic Christian genocide.

At the time, US lawmakers and top officials had just begun to peddle the Christian genocide narrative and were accusing the government of supporting terrorist operations.

Nigeria countered the claim again a few weeks later after the US President Donald Trump announced the Country of Particular Concern designation. At this time, the allegations had continued and US pressure on Nigeria became intense. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has also rejected the claims in multiple interviews with news platforms and talk shows.

Amid ongoing discussions of security cooperation and a series of high-level delegation visits, the allegation appeared to subside, as the crisis came to be viewed as an act of terrorism affecting multiple religious communities.

During an interview with the New York Times earlier in the year, Mr Trump had also admitted that the security crisis is an existential threat to people of both major faiths in the country. Although he also insisted Christians were more affected.

The US Congress report submitted to the White House on Monday seems to be reviving the claim.

Christians are subject to ongoing violent attacks from well-armed Fulani militias and terrorist groups, resulting in the death and murder of tens of thousands of Christians, including pastors and priests, the destruction of thousands of churches and schools, as well as kidnappings, the report said.

The Nigerian government, however, said violence in the country is driven by complex security threats, including terrorism, organised criminality, and longstanding communal tensions.

It also noted that in response to these threats, it has strengthened security bodies across the region and that its ongoing counter terrorism efforts are yielding desired results.

READ ALSO: US Congress report restates claim of persecution of Nigerian Christians

The efforts, according to the government, have degraded the capacity of armed groups, disrupted kidnapping networks, and led to the arrest and neutralisation of key criminal elements.

Intelligence sharing and inter-agency collaboration have been enhanced to improve early warning and rapid response mechanisms, particularly in vulnerable rural communities.

The government also noted that it is open to constructive dialogue and cooperation rooted in mutual respect, shared responsibility, and recognition of Nigerias constitutional framework and sovereignty.
The Police Command in Ondo State has confirmed the abduction of six worshippers of a celestial church located along Uso/Owo Expressway in Owo Local Government Area of the state.

Abayomi Jimoh, the commands spokesperson, who confirmed this in a statement on Wednesday, said the incident occurred in the early hours of 25 February at about 12:50 a.m.

Mr Jimoh, a deputy suprintendent of police, explained that the attackers reportedly took the victims to an unknown destination.

Upon receiving the report, the operatives of the command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, immediately mobilised to the scene and commenced coordinated rescue operations.

As a result of sustained joint efforts, one of the kidnapped victims has been successfully rescued.

Additionally, one suspected informant linked to the incident has been arrested and is currently assisting with ongoing investigations.

Security operations are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining victims and the apprehension of all perpetrators involved, he said.

The spokesperson, therefore, urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and actionable information that may assist ongoing operations.

Owo and its environs, in the northern part of Ondo State, have experienced waves of insecurity in recent years, including the the June 2022 attack on a catholic church in the town.

Over the years, Kwara State and other north-central states have also become a hotbed of banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and terrorist attacks.

Attackers often choose soft targets like schools and places of worship to carry out mass kidnappings for ransom.

In June 2022, terrorists attacked St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, killing about 40 persons and injuring over 100 others.

Nine men are standing trial for terrorism in connection with the massacre at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

(NAN)
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has directed security agencies to intensify operations in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area following Sundays attack on Ratatis, a community in Dorowa Babuje, where at least 10 people were killed.

The directive was conveyed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap, hours after nine of the victims were laid to rest in a mass burial attended by grieving families, clerics and community leaders.

PREMIUM TIMES had reported that gunmen attacked the community on Sunday evening, killing residents and injuring several others.

Additional bodies were later recovered, raising the death toll. The latest incident came barely days after renewed violence in parts of Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs, and amid heightened security concerns across the state.

Governor condemns attack

In the statement, Mr Mutfwang described the killings as barbaric and senseless, saying they undermined ongoing efforts to stabilise the state through dialogue and reconciliation.

The Plateau State Government has received with deep shock and profound sadness reports of a violent attack on Ratatis (Dorowa Babuje) in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, which occurred on Sunday, 22 February 2026, resulting in the tragic loss of innocent lives, the statement said.

The government strongly condemns this barbaric and senseless act. This unfortunate incident comes at a time when sustained investments in dialogue, reconciliation and community engagement have significantly improved the relative peace currently being enjoyed across the state.

The governor directed security agencies to immediately intensify operations in the affected area, strengthen security presence in surrounding communities, and ensure that those responsible for this cowardly act are apprehended and brought to justice.

He also announced the constitution of a joint search and rescue team comprising security operatives and relevant government officials to assist victims, account for missing persons and stabilise the affected communities.

According to the statement, those injured in the attack are receiving treatment in health facilities, while the government is monitoring their condition.

Mass burial amid grief

At the burial ceremony on Tuesday, prayers were offered for the deceased as relatives and residents gathered in mourning.

The Chairperson of the Regional Church Council of the Church of Christ in Nigeria, Ezekiel Dachomo, who officiated the burial, called for protection of Christian communities affected by recurring violence.

The need for protection of Christians and Christian communities that are facing persecution is paramount, he said.

We need to pray for the widows and those who lost their breadwinners. We also need to forgive even the bandits.

The National President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Solomon Mwantiri, expressed frustration over what he described as ignored warnings prior to the attack.

Today, we are burying nine victims of terror attacks, and two will be buried in Jol tomorrow, he said.

This is heartbreaking and too much for our people. Before this attack, we knew that an early warning was given, and nothing was done.

He called for constant surveillance in flashpoint areas and urged the government to enforce the ban on open grazing, which he said has been linked to repeated violence.

Tension spreads to Jos

The killings have heightened anxiety in Jos and surrounding areas.

On Tuesday morning, several shops and businesses in parts of the state capital remained closed.

Residents in Gangare, Zololo Junction, Gadan Bako and Katako were seen staying indoors, citing fear of possible reprisals.

I did not open my shop early on Tuesday because of the fear of the unknown, a trader, Kamal Busari, said.

A postgraduate student at the University of Jos, Jireh Misal, said a scheduled 9 a.m. lecture was cancelled due to the tension.

We had to cancel the class because of the heightened situation in town, he said.

Security personnel were deployed to strategic locations across the metropolis, with patrol vehicles seen along major roads.

Renewed security concerns

The latest attack adds to a series of violent incidents in Plateau State in recent weeks. PREMIUM TIMES previously reported killings in Barkin Ladi and neighbouring Riyom LGA, as well as rising tensions in rural communities.

The state has also been grappling with other emergencies, including the recent mining tragedy in Wase LGA that claimed dozens of lives, stretching security and emergency response systems.

Despite repeated assurances by state and federal authorities, communities in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Mangu and Bokkos continue to report sporadic attacks, displacement and fear of further violence.

Governor Mutfwang, in his statement, reaffirmed the governments unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property and said additional proactive measures were being reinforced to prevent further breaches and sustain peace.

Residents, however, say the effectiveness of those measures will be judged by the restoration of lasting security in the affected communities.
Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State standing trial for alleged multi-billion naira fraud, on Tuesday attended the Progressives Governors ForumRenewed Hope Strategic Summit held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

In a statement issued by his media office, signed by Ohiare Michael, Mr Bellos team said he attended the summit organised by the Progressives Governors Forum under the chairmanship of Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma.

The statement said the meeting brought together key stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to deliberate on policy direction, governance priorities, and strategies to advance the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration.

The event was attended by President Bola Tinubu, who was described in the statement as the Guest of Honour.

Mr Bellos appearance at the high-level political gathering comes amid his ongoing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The EFCC is prosecuting Mr Bello on 19 counts of money laundering, alleging the diversion of N80.2 billion from the Kogi State Government and some local government accounts during his tenure between January 2016 and January 2024. He has denied the charges.

At the resumed hearing in January, an Access Bank compliance officer, Olomotane Egoro, told the court that about N3.1 billion traced to Kogi State local governments was paid into the account of a private company, E-traders International Limited, and subsequently distributed through cash withdrawals and transfers.

Yes, my Lord. These cash deposits were made between July 26, 2021, and April 6, 2022, within eight months, the witness said while giving evidence before the trial judge, Emeka Nwite.

The witness also testified that more than N2.5 billion was paid into the account of another entity, Fazab Business Enterprise, from Kogi local government areas between May and December 2022.

That is over N2.5 billion paid into the account of Fazab Business Enterprise from Kogi State local governments within eight months, he told the court.

He further confirmed that large portions of the funds were withdrawn in cash. When asked whether almost the entire inflow of N117.9 million in May 2022 was withdrawn in cash, he replied, Yes, my Lord.

In a related case before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, Mr Bello also faces allegations involving the diversion of N110 billion, which prosecutors allege was used to acquire properties in Abuja and Dubai. He has also denied those allegations.

Last month, the trial court granted Mr Bello permission to travel to Saudi Arabia for the lesser hajj during Ramadan after his counsel applied for the temporary release of his passport.

In his ruling, Justice Nwite said, Hence, the defendant shall only spend 10 days in the Holy Land, which shall commence on March 13.

Despite the ongoing proceedings, Mr Bellos media office described his participation at Tuesdays summit as part of consultations on national development, economic reforms, and strengthening party cohesion in alignment with the vision of the current administration.

The EFCC trial is scheduled to continue before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, rescheduled the arraignment of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai on phone call tapping charges filed against him by the State Security Service (SSS).

Trial judge Joyce Abdulmalik postponed the arraignment until 23 April because Mr El-Rufai was absent from court due to his ongoing detention by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

PREMIUM TIMES reported that ICPC agents arrested Mr El-Rufai immediately after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) released him from custody in Abuja on last Wednesday night (18 February).

EFCC had detained the former governor at its headquarters in Abuja from Monday (16 February) and before releasing him on bail two days later on Wednesday (18 February), when he was immediately picked up by ICPC operatives.

SSS lawyer, Oluwole Aladedoye, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), informed the judge, Ms Abdulmalik, of Mr El-Rufais ongoing detention by the ICPC at Wednesdays hearing and requested an adjournment of the arraignment.

Mr El-Rufais lawyer, Oluwole Iyamu, also a SAN, raised no objection to the request but applied for his clients bail pending the trial. However, Mr Aladedoye opposed the bail application, describing it as premature. Mr Aladedoye said the the issue of bail can only be raised after the formal arraignment.

After hearing from both sides, the judge declined to hear the bail application, agreeing with the prosecution that Mr El-Rufai could only apply for bail after the arraignment.

The judge then adjourned the arraignment until 23 April.

PREMIUM TIMES reported earlier that security was tight around the court premises in anticipation of the scheduled arraignment.

The charges followed Mr El-Rufais claim in an interview on an Arise Television programme that he, with someone, intercepted National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadus phone call.

In the call, he said the NSA directed security operatives to detain him. He linked the alleged directive to an attempted arrest at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on 12 February after his return from Cairo, Egypt.

Videos circulating online showed a brief confrontation between security personnel and the former governors entourage. His passport was reportedly confiscated during the airport encounter.

Charges

In the three counts filed against Mr El-Rufai, the SSS accused Mr El-Rufai of breaching the Cybercrimes Prohibition Act, (2024), and the Nigerian Communications Act (2003.)

In count one, Mr El Rufai was alleged to have admitted during an interview as a guest on Arise TV stations Prime Time Programme in Abuja on 13 February that he and someone unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the NSA, Mr Ribadu.

The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment, Act, 2024.

In count two, the ex-governor was alleged to have also said during the interview that he knew and related with a certain individual, who unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of NSA, without reporting the said individual to relevant security agencies.

The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 27 (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment, Act, 2024.

Count three alleged that Mr El Rufai and others still at large, sometime in 2026, in Abuja, did use technical equipment or systems which compromised public safety, national security and instilling reasonable apprehension of insecurity among Nigerians by unlawfully intercepting the NSAs phone communications.

SSS said the act is contrary to and punishable under Section 131(2) Nigerian Communications Act 2003.

PREMIUM TIMES reported earlier on Tuesday that Mr El-Rufai already filed an application urging the judge to quash the phone tapping charges on the grounds that they are incompetent, disclose no offence known to law, and constitute what he described as a gross abuse of court process

Similarly, Mr El-Rufai sued the ICPC for N1 billion on 20 February over a recent reported raid on his Abuja residence by the operatives of the anti-corruption agency.

He filed the suit through his lawyer, Oluwole Iyamu, SAN, suing the ICPC alongside a chief magistrate of the 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.

Mr El-Rufai, a critic of the President Bola Tinubu, is facing investigations by different agencies, including the EFCC and the ICPC which are both investigating him for alleged corruption, details of which they have yet to publicly disclose.
The State Security Services (SSS) has announced the arrest of Sani Yusuf, described as one of the masterminds of the 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.

In a statement shared with PREMIUM TIMES, the agency said Mr Yusuf is the sixth suspect linked to the attack, which killed more than 40 people and injured many others.

The suspect was arrested after four years in hiding.

This newspaper previously reported that the secret police are prosecuting five other suspects for alleged terrorism offences: 25-year-old Idris Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), Abdulhaleem Idris (25), and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47).

According to the SSS, Mr Yusuf was arrested in the Iguosa community, along Powerline Road in Ovia North Local Government Area of Edo State.

The agency said he was a commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). After the Owo church attack, he reportedly fled to Kano before relocating to the Edo community, where he was eventually apprehended.

The SSS said Mr Yusuf admitted his role in the Owo church attack, the Zuma Rock checkpoint assault that killed five soldiers, and several kidnapping operations.

He was believed to have served under senior ISWAP commanders, including Abu Ikirimah, who was arrested by the SSS in 2024.

The Service described the arrest as a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the Owo church attack and the soldiers killed at the Zuma Rock checkpoint in Suleja.

It also said it reflects its sustained campaign against terrorism.
The Edo State Government has refuted allegations that government officials were responsible for the attack by hoodlums on the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Edo State.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that Mr Obi, John Oyegun, a top figure in the ADC, and members of the Obidient Movement Tuesday escaped an attack by hoodlums in Benin City, the Edo capital.

The armed hoodlums shot at Messrs Obi and Oyegun, as well as members of the Obidient Movement, while they were moving to Mr Oyeguns residence from the ADC secretariat in Edo.

The politicians had attended the partys rally organised to formally receive former Edo LP governorship candidate Olumide Akpata from the Labour Party into the ADC.

Edo govt reacts

Patrick Ebojele, the spokesperson to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, in a statement on Tuesday, claimed that Mr Obi alleged that officials of the state government masterminded the attack.

Mr Ebojele described the allegations as false, malicious and a clear misrepresentation of the facts.

We wish to state unequivocally that the Okpebholo administration is not, and will never be, in the business of attacking innocent Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliation.

No directive was at any time issued by the governor or any organ of the Edo State Government to target members of any political party, he said.

The spokesperson suggested that what happened on Tuesday in Edo could have been caused by an alleged internal crisis within the ADC.

He claimed that a faction of the ADC led by a former Chief Whip of the Senate, Roland Owie, were shut out of a meeting held at Mr Oyeguns residence on Monday due to the internal crisis within the party.

Mr Ebojele further claimed that the Mondays alleged squabble by ADC factions in Edo was only resolved following a detachment of armed police officers to restore peace.

Its security advisory, not intimidation

Mr Ebojele, in the Tuesday statement, referenced Mr Okpebholos 2025 controversial statement in which the governor had warned Mr Obi not to enter the state without notifying him or obtaining security clearance.

The spokesperson argued that the governors comments at the time were purely guided by security responsibility as the chief security officer of the state, and not borne out of political hostility toward any individual or group.

We view any attempt to twist the governors security advisory into claims of intimidation or orchestrated attacks as unfortunate, misleading and politically motivated, he said.

Mr Ebojele said the state government has urged politicians to verify facts before making public statements capable of overheating the polity.

The administration remains firmly committed to protecting all residents and visitors while upholding the constitutional rights of Nigerians to lawful movement and association.

The government reiterates that its focus remains on governance, public safety and economic development, and not political persecution, he said.
The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) has urged the federal government to appoint a professional from within the College of Education as the next Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).

The union made the appeal in a statement signed by its President, Ahmed Bazza, ahead of the expiration of the current Executive Secretarys tenure in March.

The current executive secretary, Paulinus Okwelle, a professor, was appointed in March 2021.

The union stated that Nigeria is at a critical juncture in its teacher education reforms and needs stability in the leadership of the regulatory body overseeing Colleges of Education.

According to the NCCE Act, an executive secretary must have experience in teacher education.

There shall be appointed by the President, on the recommendation of the Minister, an executive secretary to the Commission, who shall have appropriate qualification and experience in teacher education, section 7(1) of the Commissions Act reads.

The current executive secretary holds a Bachelors degree in Technical Education and a Masters in Education (M.Ed.) in Industrial Technical Education.

He worked at the Rivers State College of Education (now Ignatius Ajuru University of Education), the Federal College of Education (Technical), Bichi, Kano State, the Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba, Delta State, and later at Rivers State University, where he became a professor.

The union argued that regulatory agencies function best when led by professionals drawn from within the sectors they supervise.

The statement said choosing a professional who rose through the Colleges of Education system would help consolidate reforms, deepen the Dual Mandate, strengthen curriculum development and sustain revitalisation efforts.

They cited the example of the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), which traditionally appoint Executive Secretaries from the university and polytechnic systems, respectively.

Appointing a tested Colleges-of-Education professional who grew through the ranks will be remembered as a defining milestone of the Honourable Ministers tenure, the statement said.

It is therefore both proper and consistent with national precedence that the next Executive Secretary of the NCCE should come from the Colleges of Education sector.

Teacher education central to national development

The union commended the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, for his historic contributions to the sector, particularly the implementation of the dual Mandate and the protection of revitalisation funds for Colleges of Education.

It also praised the ministers role in resolving long-standing renegotiation disputes in the tertiary education sector through the Yayale Ahmed Committee framework.

According to the union, the reforms align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which prioritises human capital development and quality education.

Teacher education sits at the heart of this vision because no education system can rise above the quality of its teachers, the union stated.

The union also pledged to work with the government and stakeholders to ensure that the next NCCE Executive Secretary possesses the experience and credibility required to move the sector forward.

As Nigerias future depends on the quality of her teachers, the stability of teacher education today will determine the strength of our universities, polytechnics, industries, and national economy tomorrow, the statement said.
Besides the economic blockade, the first deportation flight back to the island in decades suggests that reverse migration is also factored into the Republican administrations calculations

Without elaborating on a plan, President Donald Trump has hinted in recent weeks at his administrations position on Cuba: he began by repeatedly calling it a failed nation that will fall very soon, and has ended by speculating about a possible dialogue with the Cuban leadership. Amidst all the anticipation surrounding what might or might not happen in the near future, one idea has received less attention, although Trump, very much in line with his domestic policy, has taken pains to reiterate it in several of his recent statements: the possibility that Cuban migrants will return to an island that welcomes them back. Or, in other words, including deportations on the negotiating table.

This is what happened with Venezuela in February of last year, when the oil-rich nation began accepting, after a long hiatus, the first deportation flights following a visit from Trumps special operations envoy, Richard Grenell. At the time, Nicolas Maduro called it a favorable and positive step in relations between the two countries. Almost a year later, the Chavista leader was being ousted from power in a U.S. special military operation. Although all indications are that the strategy with Havana will involve economic pressure rather than a military intervention like the one carried out in Caracas, the issue of migration could also be part of the dialogue with the Cubans.

We are talking to Cuba. We have tens of thousands of people that were forced out of there... Maybe they want to go back. Theyre going to have that choice... for years, theyve been talking about this happening. Now its happening, Trump told NBC News earlier this month.

It isnt the only statement of this kind the Republican has made on the matter. In January, on Air Force One, he asserted that many Cuban Americans would be very happy when theyre going to be able to go back and say hello to their relatives. And at a meeting with CEOs of several oil companies at the White House earlier last month, he asserted that there are many people in this country who want to go back to Cuba to help. They arrived here without a cent, had nothing, and have become very wealthy in our country. They want to return and assist Cuba.

For Maria Jose Espinosa, a foreign policy expert and executive director of the Center for Engagement and Advocacy in the Americas (CEDA), these kinds of remarks align with Trumps view of migration as a temporary phenomenon linked to political conditions that, according to him, could change. Furthermore, it could be interpreted as a message directed at the Cuban-American community in South Florida, Espinosa adds. This rhetoric resonates with sectors of the exile community that have historically prioritized issues such as the restitution or compensation of confiscated properties, the protection of legal claims under the Helms-Burton Act, and differentiated benefits for the Cuban diaspora in a potential transition process. In this sense, the return narrative functions as a signal, both internally and externally, about the conditions under which the United States would be willing to reconfigure its relationship with Cuba.

Although Washingtons intentions toward Havana remain unclear, the first deportation flights to Cuba in 2026 mark a turning point in the migration policies of both countries over the past year. On February 9, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported 170 Cuban migrants with criminal records. In a statement revealing some of their identities, the Cubans were described as murderers, kidnappers, rapists, drug traffickers, and other criminals. The charges range from second-degree murder to possession of an invalid drivers license.

This is the first group of its kind that Cuba has accepted in decades. Until now, the government of Miguel Diaz-Canel had refused to receive criminals or ex-convicts who arrived in the United States before 2017, when deportation agreements were reinstated as part of the restoration of diplomatic relations with the Obama administration. Therefore, at least 3,757 Cubans deported from the United States in 2025 ended up in third countries such as Eswatini, in Africa, and, to a greater extent, in Mexico, where some 4,883 Cubans arrived last year.

The pattern of deportations to the island, however, may be beginning to change. The fact that the recent flight included people with records of serious crimes suggests a possible shiftwhether temporary or strategicin Cubas stance toward the migration negotiations between the two governments, Espinosa asserts.

During Januarythe same month as the attack on Venezuela and when Trump declared a national emergency regarding the islandthere were no deportation flights to Cuba. The following month, a group of Cubans who had been detained at Guantanamo Bay since mid-December were deported to Havana on the February 9 flight, which also carried the migrants with serious criminal records.

These developments suggest that migration cooperation between the United States and Cuba is increasingly influenced by broader political and economic pressures, with Cuba negotiating from a position of limited room for maneuver amid a U.S. oil embargo that threatens to plunge the entire island into darkness and trigger a humanitarian collapse, Espinosa argues.

The Trump administration has had a particularly harsh impact on a community that for years had easily navigated the legalization process in the United States. Cubans have not escaped the orchestrated migrant persecution across the country, at a time when more than 500,000 citizens of the island find themselves in a legal limbo in the U.S.

Trump has deported more Cubans than any other president, despite the Cuban-American community guaranteeing him a majority of votes in Florida in November 2024. During his second term alone, 1,668 Cubans have been deported to the island, bringing the total number of Cubans deported during his two terms to 5,053.

Many, amidst a crisis like the one Cuba is experiencing today, fear having to return to a country without electricity, with very little food or public transportation. Roxana Torres cant imagine her husbands return; he has been detained for months at the notorious Alligator Alcatraz detention center in Florida. For at least four months, she and her one-year-old son have stood every Sunday outside the center demanding the release of Maikel Rojas Perez. I never imagined this would happen to us, says Roxana. Amid the current economic embargo on the island, she lives with the fear of his deportation, of being separated from him indefinitely. My husband is reluctant to leave; he wants to be here with his family.

Dr. Luis Martinez-Fernandez, a historian and migration expert at the University of Central Florida, believes Trumps statements about Cuban migrants are part of additional pressure within a much larger package of pressures on Cuba. He also believes that conditions on the island are not conducive to receiving the millions of migrants who have fled in recent years. I dont think the conditions are right for Cuba to absorb a population that is already accustomed to certain things. I dont think many will return to settle permanently. Under the current circumstances, the government cannot provide the people with enough food, drinking water, or electricity. And the last thing the Cuban regime wants is for emigrants to return in large numbers.

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The Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, arrived at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday ahead of his swearing-in.

Mr Disu arrived at the Presidential Villa at about 2:50 p.m. and is expected to meet President Bola Tinubu.

His arrival marks a significant step in the leadership transition within the Nigeria Police Force.

Mr Disus appointment followed the resignation of former IGP, Kayode Egbetokun.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, said the president accepted Mr Egbetokuns resignation after he cited pressing family considerations.

Born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos State, Mr Disu holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Education from Lagos State University.

He also earned a Masters degree in Public Administration from Adekunle Ajasin University and in Criminology, Security and Legal Psychology from Lagos State University.

Mr Disu joined the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police in 1992.

He trained at the Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State, and has served in several strategic commands nationwide.

He previously served as Commissioner of Police in Rivers and the Federal Capital Territory.

Mr Disu was also Commander of the Police Intelligence Response Team and the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos.

Before his appointment, he was an Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.

(NAN)
An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) witness has refuted the suggestion of detaining one of former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasukis co-defendants in an underground cell during investigations in 2015.

Michael Adariku, an assistant commander 2 at the EFCC, testified on Wednesday at the FCT High Court in Abuja where Mr Dasuki and his co-defendant, Aminu Baba-Kusa, are facing prosecution on charges of diverting N33.2 billion in arms and security funds.

The prosecution specially called Mr Adariku as a witness to debunk a claim that EFCC obtained several statements from Mr Baba-Kusa under duress during his detention while investigating the arms funds diversion case in 2015.

Trial judge Charles Agbaza ordered a trial-within-trial to test the voluntariness of the disputed statements after Mr Baba-Kusas defence team objected to their admissibility.

Mr Agbaza gave the order on 14 January after the defence objected to the prosecutions attempt to tender Mr Baba-Kusas statements as evidence.

Objecting to the admissibility of the statements, Mr Baba-Kusas lawyer said they were not voluntarily written by the defendant.

The defence lawyer argued that a statement made by someone while being held in an EFCC underground cell could not be considered freely made.

Mr Adariku, the second witness presented by the EFCC in the trial-within-trial, fielded questions under cross-examination by defence lawyer Solomon Umoh, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), on Wednesday.

Detention facility

Some of the questions touched on the circumstances of Mr Baba-Kusas detention in EFCC custody in Abuja.

Mr Umoh asked Mr Adarikun to describe the location of the cell where Mr Baba-Kusa was detained in 2015.

The witness explained that the defendant was held in the cell at Idiagbon, a four-storey building in Wuse II, Abuja, which previously served as EFCC headquarters. Prosecution lawyer Oluwaleke Atolagbe earlier led the witness in his evidence-in-chief.

The cell is in the basement because of the topography of where the building is sitting. The cell is well ventilated, the witness said.

When asked if the basement was below ground level, Mr Adariku maintained that the cell was on the ground floor, attributing its appearance to the sloping nature of the terrain.

A 2018 report by Daily Trust described the Idiagbon House, where the defendants were held, as a four-storey building with detention cells located in its basement.

Mr Adarikus testimony on Wednesday is similar to that of the first witness, who similarly rejected on Tuesday Mr Umohs description of the cell as an underground facility.

The first witness, Halima Kazeem, who is an assistant commander 1 at the EFCC and the head of Mr Dasukis investigation, noted on Tuesday that Mr Baba-Kusa gave his statement voluntarily and was treated well in custody.

Other interrogation details

Mr Adariku, who responded to similar questions as those asked Ms Kazeem, said Mr Baba-Kusa reported with three persons: the financial controller and secretary of Acacia Holdings (a defendant in the case) and a lawyer.

Just like Ms Kazeem maintained on Tuesday, Mr Adariku insisted that the defendant was not induced, harassed, threatened or intimidated.

The statement was taken in an open office, he said.

He also said Mr Baba-Kusa was detained alongside the financial controller, Attahiru Machindo, after they failed to meet EFCCs bail conditions.

However, he could not recall the details of the bail conditions.

To prove the voluntariness of the statements, the witness told the court that Mr Baba-Kusa wrote his statement in the presence of individuals according to the law.

But defence lawyer Mr Umoh pointed out that one of the supposed witnesses, Mr Machindo, was actually in detention alongside the defendant, rather than being an independent observer.

The witness said Mr Machindo was brought out at the instant of the second defendant (Mr Baba-Kusa) requesting that the financial controller be present.

Mr Adariku said that while Mr Machindo was detained, he could not remember vividly if the companys secretary, Sadia Maigari, was invited by the EFCC.

He also stated that both Messrs Baba-Kusa and Machindo were held in the same cell at Idiagbon house.

The arms diversion charges, trials

Since 2015, the EFCC has prosecuted Mr Dasuki, a retired colonel, alongside Mr Baba-Kusa on 32 counts of diversion of N33.2 billion arms and security funds entrusted to the NSA office.

Also facing the charges along with the two men are two of Mr Baba-Kusas companies  Acacia Holdings Limited and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited  which allegedly received part of the suspicious funds from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

The anti-graft agency re-arraigned the defendants in March last year after the case was reassigned to Judge Charles Agbaza. They all denied charges.

So far, the EFCC has called these two witnesses to testify in the trial within trial to test the voluntariness of Mr Baba-Kusas statement following objections raised by his lawyers when the commission sought to tender his extra-judicial statement.

But only one prosecution witness has testified in the primary trial paused to conduct the ongoing trial-within-trial.

Mr Dasuki is also facing similar charges of diversion of arms and security funds before another judge of the FCT High Court in Abuja.

In the case, which is before trial judge, Halilu Yusuf, EFCC accused him and his co-defendants of diverting N4.6 billion from the NSA offices account.
The Supreme Court regained its full complement of 21 justices after the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, inaugurated Olubunmi Oyewole as a justice of the court on Wednesday.

Mr Oyewole replaces former CJN Olukayode Ariwoola, whose retirement in 2024 left the South-west regions slot on the Supreme Court bench vacant. Mr Ariwoolas exit reduced the courts number of justices to 20.

Swearing in Mr Oyewole at the Supreme Court complex in Abuja on Wednesday, Ms Kekere-Ekun reiterated the courts unwavering commitment to strengthening public confidence in the administration of justice.

She said that although the courts traditions are rich and its responsibilities weighty, its strength lies in disciplined scholarship, ethical fidelity, and collective wisdom.

She urged Mr Oyewole to contribute meaningfully to the coherence of the courts jurisprudence and the clarity of constitutional interpretation.

The CJN said, Your elevation today reflects the confidence reposed in you by those institutions and, by extension, by the Nigerian people. The oaths Your Lordship has taken represent a covenant, binding in conscience and in law.

It demands moral courage when decisions are unpopular, restraint when passions run high, and steadfastness when pressures, subtle or overt, seek to intrude upon judicial independence.

At this level of adjudication, scrutiny is intense and commentary often instantaneous. Your compass must remain fixed upon the constitution and the law.

She reminded the new apex court justice that he is called upon to decide according to law and conscience, free from fear, favour, affection, or ill-will.

Where Your Lordships considered conviction differs from that of your brother justices, Your Lordship must have the courage to dissent with courtesy and precision.

A principled dissent, expressed with intellectual honesty, is not a fracture of unity; it is often the seed of future doctrinal growth.

Supreme Court gets full complement

The CJN noted that with the elevation of Mr Oyewole, the court now stands at its full constitutional complement which is no small milestone.

A full court enhances our capacity to sit in robust panels, to manage our docket more efficiently.

It will ensure that the business of the nations apex court proceeds with renewed vigour and dispatch. It enriches intellectual diversity, and reinforces the stability of our jurisprudence.

For a court whose pronouncements shape the legal destiny of the nation, numerical completeness is structurally significant to the effective discharge of our constitutional mandate.

She reiterated that judgments of the apex court do not speak only to the parties before it; they speak to generations yet unborn.

The authority of this court rests not on force, but on the moral weight of its reasoning, the discipline of its processes and the integrity of men and women privileged to serve on its bench.

At this level, the judicial function transcends the resolution of disputes.

It demands stewardship, careful guardianship of precedent, principled development of the law, and unwavering allegiance to constitutional supremacy.

A Justice of this court must possess the courage to affirm settled doctrine where stability demands it, and the wisdom to refine it where justice and constitutional fidelity so require.

Background

Mr Oyewoles appointment follows his recommendation by the National Judicial Council (NJC) at its 110th meeting held in January and presided over by the CJN.

Subsequently, in January, Mr Tinubu wrote the Senate to screen Mr Oyewole and confirm his appointment.

On 3 February, the Senate confirmed the proposed appointment following the consideration of a report by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, chaired by Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC, Ondo Central).

Mr Oyewoles inauguration will restore the Supreme Court bench, currently with 20 justices including CJN Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to its full complement of 21 justices.

Mr Oyewole, who hails from Ila Orangun, Osun State, began his judicial career as a High Court judge in Lagos.

Incidentally, he was appointed to the Lagos State High Court bench by Mr Tinubu as then-governor of Lagos State on 24 May 2001.

Reputed for judicial courage and high-level ethics and professionalism, Mr Oyewole, who was elevated to the Court of Appeal bench on 24 March 2014, has been in the limelight since his days as a High Court judge, handling sensitive, high-profile cases.

In 2005, he jailed Emmanuel Nwude, Nzeribe Okoli, and Amaka Anajemba for their roles in defrauding a Brazilian bank of $242 million.

The scam, considered to be one of the largest financial frauds globally at the time, was perpetrated under the guise of constructing a fictitious airport in Nigeria. The fraud led to the collapse of Banco Noroeste in 2001.

He also sentenced Chukwuemeka Ezeugo, widely known as Reverend King, to death by hanging at the on 11 January 2007, for the murder of church member Ann Uzoh and the attempted murders of others.

In October 2009, he sentenced Bode George, a stalwart of the then-ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to 30 months imprisonment for conspiracy, disobedience to lawful order, abuse of office and alleged illegal award of contracts worth N84 billion while he was chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority.

In January 2011, the Court of Appeal, affirmed the judgement considered to be courageous at the time. But the Supreme Court overturned the conviction and sentence in December 2013.

(NAN)
Contrary to the official narrative that ex-police chief Kayode Egbetokun resigned for family reasons, sources in the presidency told PREMIUM TIMES that President Bola Tinubu asked him to resign for three main reasons.

On 24 February, Mr Egbetokun resigned as IGP at the request of President Tinubu. The presidency confirmed his resignation and announced the appointment of Olatunji Disu, an Assistant Inspector General (AIG), as the acting police boss.

President Tinubu appointed Mr Egbetokun as the 22nd IGP on 19 June 2023. His substantive appointment was subsequently confirmed by the Nigeria Police Council on 31 October that same year.

Mr Egbetokun, who was 58 at the time of his appointment, was expected to leave office upon attaining the age of 60, in line with the Police Act. The law provides that officers must retire upon reaching 60 years of age or after completing 35 years of service, whichever comes first.

Before he reached either the age or years-of-service threshold, the National Assembly amended the Police Act to grant IGPs a fixed four-year tenure, regardless of age or length of service, unless they resign or are removed by the president.

The amendment effectively prolonged Mr Egbetokuns tenure, allowing him to serve a full four-year term that would have ended on 31 October 2027. The move triggered criticism from segments of the public who questioned both its legality and timing. In response, the presidency insisted that his continued stay in office was lawful, citing provisions of the amended police law.

Mr Egbetokun left office at 61, a few months after marking 35 years in service in 2025.

Reason for removal

Although the presidency said Mr Egbetokun cited family reasons for his decision to resign, sources with direct knowledge of what transpired said he was asked to resign for three main reasons.

One source said the former police boss was removed from office because of his stance on state policing, an initiative the presidency believes would positively impact national security.

He is not in support of the creation of state policing, the source said, adding his stance conflicts with that of the government.

Another source corroborated this, saying Mr Egbetokun did not believe in the signatory policy of state police.

President Tinubu has repeatedly advocated for the creation of state police. Speaking at the National Dialogue on State Policing in April 2024, Mr Tinubu said his commitment to reforming the Nigeria Police Force and enhancing national security was unwavering.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Mr Tinubu described state policing not as just a policy idea but as a potential milestone in the evolution of the nations law enforcement that would allow policing to be more responsive to local needs.

At the same event, Mr Egbetokun took a position opposed to that of the president. He argued that Nigeria is not mature to adopt state policing. The former police boss, represented by Ben Okolo, feared that the system could be abused by state officials.

It is the submission of the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force that Nigeria is yet to mature and ready for the establishment of state-controlled police, Mr Egbetokun said.

There is the potential for abuse of power by the state political leadership, Mr Egbetokun said. State governors could use the police forces under their control for political or personal gain and undermine human rights and security.

Mr Egbetokuns position did not stop the president from canvassing for the creation of state police. While hosting the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Mr Tinubu reiterated his position on the matter.

Even a few hours before Mr Egbetokun was removed from office, the president told governors and senior officials during an interfaith breaking of fast at the Presidential Banquet Hall in Abuja, that his administration would create state police.

What I promise you is not to be postponed, Mr Tinubu was quoted as saying at the event. We will establish state police to combat insecurity.

Another reason given for Mr Egbetokuns removal was a presidential directive on the withdrawal of police officers from VIPs.

President Tinubu issued the directive at a security meeting in November 2025, ordering that VIPs seeking security protection request well-armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Sources said the president was concerned that compliance with the directive was too poor.

The rate at which he has succeeded in withdrawing police officers from VIP is very low, the source said.

On the third reason, a source briefed about the matter said the president removed Mr Egbetokun because of his blacklist by the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria.

The government felt embarrassed about the situation, the source said, adding that Mr Egbetokun was earlier advised to resolve the matter by ensuring that attacks on journalists were stopped under his watch.

Concerned about the spate of attacks and harassment of journalists, the IPI Nigeria blacklisted Mr Egbetokun, adding his name to the Book of Infamy.

Under Mr Egbetokuns watch, about 24 journalists were harassed by police officers, and many of the incidents were without consequences for perpetrators. Mr Egbetokuns silence on the matter did not help the situation.

These attacks include arbitrary arrests, summons, and detentions without legitimate justification. Despite the recent amendment of the law, the police, reportedly under elite influence, have continued to weaponise the Cybercrimes Act against journalists and dissenting voices.

The IPI cited the lack of visible corrective action under Mr Egbetokuns leadership as a key reason for its decision.

Following Mr Egbetokuns exit, President Tinubu, on Wednesday, decorated Mr Disu as the Acting Inspector General of Police.
The Chairman of the National Convention Planning Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Aminu Masari, has pledged that the panel will conduct its assignment with fairness and transparency as the ruling party prepares for its 2026 National Convention and the 2027 general elections.

Mr Masari, a former governor of Katsina State and former speaker of the House of Representatives, spoke on Wednesday shortly after the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, inaugurated the committee.

He assured party stakeholders that the committee would work to strengthen internal cohesion and reinforce confidence in the partys democratic processes.

This committee will deliver its mandate with impartiality and collective responsibility. We wholeheartedly accept this responsibility for civility, a great sense of duty and commitment to the ideals and aspirations of our great party, he said.

According to him, the convention offers the APC an opportunity for reflection and consolidation, adding that the process must be orderly, inclusive, transparent, and respectful of internal democracy.

Mr Masari said the task before the committee was clear: to coordinate activities leading to a peaceful, credible and successful National Convention in 2026.

He pledged strict adherence to the partys constitution and guidelines, noting that the calibre of members appointed to the committee would enhance its credibility.

He also promised close collaboration with the National Working Committee (NWC) and other party organs to ensure effective delivery.

Chairman sets expectations

While inaugurating the committee, Mr Yilwatda described the convention as more than a routine political event.

He urged members of the committee to rise above personal interests and act in the partys broader interests.

I charge you all to rise above partisan interest and personal sentiments. Let the good of this party, the colour of APC, guide you in every decision that you make. Time is of the essence. And I expect nothing short of excellence from each and every one of you, he stated, assuring them of the full support of the National Working Committee and the party structure.

Mr Yilwatda also cited recent electoral victories as evidence of the partys strength ahead of the 2027 election.

He pointed to the APCs performance in the Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory, as well as bye-elections in Kano and Rivers states, where the party secured multiple seats in state assemblies and council positions.

According to him, a peaceful and rancour-free convention would consolidate the partys gains and further cement its position in the run-up to the next general elections.

Just last weekend, the FCT election, we did five over six. And in the bye-elections that produced two House of Assembly seats in Kano and two in Rivers, we did four out of four for the APC. And out of 65 councillors, we had 45. So it demonstrates the capacity of our party to deliver. And it shut down all the noise from the opposition that Abuja belongs to them, he said.

Composition of the committee

The National Convention Planning Committee comprises senior members of the party..

A former Senate President, Pius Anyim, serves as vice chairman 1. The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, is also a member.

The Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, is part of the committee, alongside Yobe State Governor Mai Buni, who will serve as Secretary.

Also listed is a former Osun State governor and pioneer National Chairman of the APC, Bisi Akande, among other party leaders.

The committee is expected to begin consultations and logistical planning in the coming weeks as the APC moves to organise what party leaders describe as a defining convention ahead of the 2027 polls.
The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has set an ambitious 40.7 trillion revenue target for 2026, following sweeping tax reforms that transferred petroleum royalties and other mineral revenues to the agency.

NRS Executive Chairman, Zach Adedeji, disclosed this on Wednesday when he appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations alongside members of President Bola Tinubus economic team.

The session focused on the performance of the 2025 budget and projections for 2026.

2025 revenue

Mr Adedeji said the Service surpassed its 2025 revenue goal of 25.2 trillion, posting 28.23 trillion in collections, 3 trillion above target, representing a 12 per cent increase.

He attributed the performance largely to strong non-oil tax receipts. According to him, non-oil taxes generated 21.46 trillion, exceeding projections by 3.4 trillion.

Oil tax revenue, however, fell short of its target by 5.2 per cent, he said.

Compared to 2024, the Service recorded an additional 6.5 trillion in revenue in 2025, a 30.3 per cent increase, again driven mainly by non-oil sources.

When you compare 2025 performance to 2024, the Service collected N6.5 trillion, more than what we did in 2024. That is an increase of 30.3 per cent. This is driven significantly by non-oil taxes, he said.

2026 projections

Looking ahead, Mr Adedeji said the Service is projecting 32.14 trillion in revenue for 2026, 3.85 trillion higher than the actual 2025 collection.

He explained that the upward forecast reflects anticipated growth in oil production from 1.7 million barrels per day in 2025 to 1.8 million barrels per day in 2026, alongside gains from ongoing tax reforms.

Lawmakers query capital performance

During the session, lawmakers raised concerns over what they described as zero capital performance under the 2025 budget.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, defended the administrations fiscal direction, noting that before the current government took office, the country relied heavily on Ways and Means financing to plug budget deficits, while the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited absorbed petrol subsidy costs through under-recovery arrangements.

He described the model as unsustainable and said President Bola Tinubu halted unchecked Ways and Means borrowing, which had risen to about 30 trillion.

According to him, the move was necessary to restore macroeconomic stability, although it created a significant funding gap.

Mr Edun said the Minister of State would address the issue of capital releases for Finance, who is expected to appear before the committee.

Also speaking, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, said engagements with the National Assembly led to an agreement to roll over 70 per cent of the 2025 capital allocation into 2026.

He added that the Budget Ministry and the Budget Office rely on data from the Office of the Accountant-General and the Finance Ministry for implementation reports. He expressed optimism that recent executive actions would improve funding performance in the 2026 budget.

Steps are being taken. The president has demonstrated that he has issued an executive order which we believe is consistent with the agreement reached that the 2026 budget that will be coming will have chances of it being better funded would be put in place, he said.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, Abubakar Bichi (APC, Katsina), said the interaction was necessary to enable lawmakers to scrutinise the 2026 appropriation proposals and give Nigerians clarity on revenue projections and budget implementation.

He noted that with about 28 trillion realised in 2025 against a 25 trillion target, the committee required further details from the revenue authorities to guide legislative consideration of the 2026 estimates.

We have decided to engage the NRS Chairman to shed more light on the revenue in terms of the 2026 projections. In 2025, we have achieved about N28 trillion from our revenue, from the target of N25 trillion.

We need to have more information from you so that Nigerians can know what is going on, he added.
The Special Offences Court in Lagos has admitted fresh documentary evidence in the ongoing trial of a former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Ahmed Kuru, and four others over an alleged N76 billion and $31.5 million fraud.

Mr Kuru is being prosecuted alongside Kamilu Omokide, Roy Ilegbodu, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc and Super Bravo Limited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

According to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale in a statement on Wednesday, the defendants face a six-count bordering on conspiracy, stealing and abuse of office.

The trial judge Mojisola Dada presided over the case.

The charges

According to the EFCC, one of the counts alleges that Union Bank, in 2011, made false representations to AMCON regarding the status of Arik Airs performing loans and bank guarantees.

The prosecution claims the bank transferred what it described as a bogus figure of N71 billion to AMCON in connection with the transaction.

Another count accuses Messrs Kuru, Omokide (as Receiver Manager of Arik Air), and Roy Ilegbodu, Chief Executive Officer of Arik Air in receivership, of fraudulently converting N4.9 billion belonging to Arik Air to the use of NG Eagle Limited in 2022.

All defendants have pleaded not guilty.

Petition to Attorney-General

At Wednesdays proceedings, the fourth prosecution witness, Usman Kaltungo, who is the Acting Zonal Director, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC, continued his testimony.

Led in evidence by prosecution lawyer Wahab Shittu, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr Kaltungo told the court that while investigations were ongoing, the first defendant wrote a petition to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, alleging harassment and intimidation by investigators and requesting that the probe be halted.

The witness said the petition, dated 28 March 2024, was received by the Federal Ministry of Justice the same day and later minuted to the Permanent Secretary.

He added that the AGFs office reviewed the petition and its 39 attachments, after which a legal opinion was issued by the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice.

The EFCC subsequently obtained certified true copies (CTCs) of the petition and the legal opinion, which were tendered and admitted in evidence as Exhibit P46.

Among the annexures, the witness said, were extracts of AMCON board meetings, correspondence between parties, documents relating to Arik Airs indebtedness, and other materials linked to the investigation.

He confirmed that official certification fees were paid and that the ministrys seal appeared across the documents.

CBN meeting minutes admitted

Mr Kaltungo further testified that the investigation extended to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), where the EFCC obtained certified minutes of the 494th meeting of the Committee of Governors.

The document, admitted as Exhibit P47, detailed deliberations preceding the appointment of a receiver manager for Arik Air.

Those listed as present at the meeting included former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele and other deputy governors and senior officials, as well as Mr Kuru in his capacity as AMCON Managing Director at the time.

According to the witness, the minutes reflected concerns that Arik Air, then said to account for about 60 per cent of domestic passenger traffic, could collapse within two weeks without regulatory intervention.

The committee resolved that urgent steps be taken to stabilise the airline.

Alleged diversion of funds

In further testimony, the EFCC witness alleged that during his tenure as Receiver Manager of Arik Air, Mr Kuru diverted funds belonging to the airline to offset insurance liabilities owed by Umza Airline.

The prosecution tendered a flash drive containing a public statement allegedly made by the second defendant and aired by Channels Television.

The court admitted the flash drive and certificate of compliance as Exhibit P48.

However, when the prosecution attempted to tender a Certificate of Insurance issued in favour of UMZA Aviation Service, defence lawyers, including Taiwo Osipitan, Oyinkan Badejo, Olalekan Ojo and Tayo Oyetibo, who are also SANs, objected.

They argued that the document was irrelevant to the six counts before the court and therefore inadmissible.

In response, the prosecution maintained that the document formed part of the investigative record and was relevant to allegations of abuse of office and stealing.

The prosecution also tendered a certified loan account statement from AMCON relating to Arik Airs receivership account. The document was admitted as Exhibit P49.

Mr Kaltungo told the court that the account was opened to monitor loan repayments after AMCON acquired Arik Airs debt exposure.

According to him, the statement showed no evidence that the receiver manager serviced the loan. Instead, he said, interest continued to accrue, prompting AMCON to issue a demand notice.

The sole purpose of appointing a receiver manager was to service the loan, the witness told the court.

In her ruling, Ms Dada held that although the document was certified, it was not tied to any of the counts in the charge for now and accordingly rejected it.

After the days proceedings, Ms Dada adjourned the case until 26 February, for continuation of trial.

Background

In January 2025, the EFCC arraigned Mr Kuru and his co-defendants over the alleged misrepresentation of Arik Airs loans, which led AMCON to acquire debts worth N71 billion.

Subsequent investigations revealed that the obligations were backed by foreign guarantees and were not in default.

The commission also accused the defendants of diverting N4.9 billion of Arik Air funds in 2022 to NG Eagle Limited, and of authorising the teardown of an aircraft valued at $31.5 million  acts seen as harmful to Nigerias economic stability.

Earlier last year, the court allowed Mr Kuru to travel abroad for urgent medical treatment in London.

His lawyer described the medical situation as requiring extreme urgency.

EFCC did not oppose the travel, but raised concerns about possible attempts by other defendants to dispose of assets.

Ms Dada granted the release of Mr Kurus passport and declined restraining orders, citing lack of evidence.

All five defendants pleaded not guilty and were granted bail with one surety each.
AfroBerlin markets itself as an EFM-related networking site that links African and diaspora businesses and film. 2026 is particularly pertinent since its themes  legacy, access, and systems  explicitly reflect the issues that young Nigerian filmmakers are facing The panels, which are taken from the official Day One and Day Two programme pages, resemble a checklist of requirements for Nollywoods next stage

The 76th edition of Berlinale 2026 arrived in Berlin as a festival and a live debate on what film is for today: art, activism, business, or all three at once. Red carpets, reviewers, crowded public screenings, and the European Film Market (EFM), bustling alongside the festival, were all part of the well-known Berlinale machine. However, as speakers and winners utilised the stage to make political remarks, and the festival itself turned into a contentious civic arena, the edition became overtly fuelled by discussions about speech, geopolitics, and accountability, particularly in relation to Gaza.

Germanys festival culture has often embraced African political cinema, memory films, and post-colonial narratives  subjects deeply relevant to Nigeria. In fact, Goethe Institut Nigeria sponsored student filmmakers from the Nigerian National Film Institute (NFI) to the 76th edition of Berlinale this February. Apart from Nigeria, only Burkina Faso also had student filmmakers at the film summit, as part of the workshops at the Berlinale. The importance of 2026 for Nigerian filmmakers, particularly those being trained at the Nigerian Film Institute (NFI), goes beyond the simple statement that Berlin was big. Several pipelines converged at the same time, including the official Berlinale submission pathway (also known as the submit), industry platforms catering to the diaspora such as AfroBerlin, and professionalisation initiatives focused on Lagos, like the Lagos Business of Film Summit. These pipelines all raised the same issues regarding funding, access, talent pathways, technology, and international cooperation.

The official Berlinale Film Entry process is surprisingly straightforward: complete the form, send in your documents, adhere to deadlines, and wait for a call. The underlying reality, however, is that submission is a craft  a discipline of timing, positioning, and packaging.

The sheer scale of this process was emphasised by the Berlinale leadership itself, which stated that more than 8,000 submissions from hundreds of countries were filtered to put together the 2026 programme. This figure isnt intended to deter; rather, it is designed to make clear what the submit actually entails: a submission into a rigorous selection process, where minor benefits like festival-ready sound, spotless deliverables, reliable producer packaging, and a clear logline and director statement, become crucial.

Berlin rewards preparedness as much as stories. Submission turns into a training regimen that encourages Nigerian filmmakers to develop stronger post-production finishing standards, international-facing marketing language, and pre-production literacy (rights, permissions, chain-of-title).



If submit at the Berlinale is the gate, then AfroBerlin is the lobby where map comparisons take place.

AfroBerlin markets itself as an EFM-related networking site that links African and diaspora businesses and film. 2026 is particularly pertinent since its themes  legacy, access, and systems  explicitly reflect the issues that young Nigerian filmmakers are facing.

The panels, which are taken from the official Day One and Day Two programme pages, resemble a checklist of requirements for Nollywoods next stage:

Models and case studies of international co-production: funding across borders, treaties, market access, and shared risk.

Outstanding performances and roles both on and off screen: representation, casting methods, and the frameworks that enable breakthrough to be replicated.

AI, technology, ethics (copyright, ownership, and royalties), audience growth, and cost effectiveness.

The Writers Room: authenticity, international cooperation, and striking a balance between commercial and arthouse.

Morocco Country Focus: Gateway to Africa  shifting from supporting outside production to bolstering industries in the country and the region.

The relationship between Africa and Asia  co-production, distribution channels, and the expansion of the Global South audience.

AfroBerlins true gift to NFI filmmakers is its ability to transform the jargon of the global industry  slates, packaging, rights, windowing, audience data, and treaties  into a language that allows African and diaspora creatives to communicate without feeling constrained. The area that proclaims, Your film is not just a work  its an exportable project, with negotiable value, is symbolic of the antithesis of the lonely submission page.

The first Lagos Business of Cinema Summit was held on 30 January and it centred specifically around policy, screen, and production. It was touted as bringing together industry voices for critical conversations on the business of film in Nigeria, and it was almost like a call-and-response event.

The broader story is that, in between those high-profile events, Berlin has grown into a hub for industry development (EFM platforms and talent programmes), identity politics and public discourse (Panorama and lectures), and debates around African and diaspora cinema (Forum/Forum Expanded). As early as 2017, the EFM established a specific platform called Berlinale Africa Hub, demonstrating that the market side has been working to create long-lasting scaffolding that faces Africa, rather than only celebrating African titles on occasion.

The pattern is evident, even if social media posts are not seen as official policy documents: Lagos is creating platforms that resemble those established by marketplaces such as EFM, where business literacy is viewed as creative empowerment, rather than selling out.

As a result, the correspondence is nearly architectural when you state how it corresponded: Berlin is the international hub where politics, co-production, sales, and status all come together.

Lagos is the local engine room where decisions on employment conditions, guild strength, funding standards, distribution networks, and talent pipelines will be made in order to ensure sustainability.

This is why the coincidence is significant to NFI filmmakers: it points to a new method to become global without having to escape Nigeria; instead, you can do so by improving Nigerias industry grammar, while maintaining a strong foundation in local output volume and cultural distinctiveness.

Through sections, markets, and talent development programmes, Africas relationship with the Berlinale has changed from sporadic discovery storylines to something more structured.

One frequently mentioned historical event is the Golden Bear victory of U-Carmen eKhayelitsha (South Africa) in 2005, which was reported at the time to be the first African film to win the top honour. After Mati Diops Dahomey won the Golden Bear in 2024, the interest in museums, restitution, and the legacy of empire was rekindled.

The broader story is that, in between those high-profile events, Berlin has grown into a hub for industry development (EFM platforms and talent programmes), identity politics and public discourse (Panorama and lectures), and debates around African and diaspora cinema (Forum/Forum Expanded). As early as 2017, the EFM established a specific platform called Berlinale Africa Hub, demonstrating that the market side has been working to create long-lasting scaffolding that faces Africa, rather than only celebrating African titles on occasion.

This is significant for Nigeria in particular, because Nollywood has already demonstrated its popularity and audience size. Berlin has historically provided leverage, which is the capacity to transform cultural power into co-production resources, in better terms, and worldwide distribution that avoids stereotyping the work.

Morocco was featured as the EFMs 2026 Country in Focus, a purposeful international exhibition that aims to elevate Moroccan artists, initiatives, and co-production relationships.

Moroccos selection as EFM 2026s Country in Focus holds particular symbolic significance, as it was often referred to as the first African nation to do so. Moroccos prominence and industry involvement at the show were highlighted in the Berlinale/EFMs own framing.

From a practical standpoint, Morocco offers two models that Nigerian filmmakers can both critique and learn from: first, Morocco as a worldwide production hub (sites, workers, and facilities). Second, Morocco is pushing past service work to have more storytelling power at home and in the region. This is the tension that AfroBerlins panel on Morocco refers to as beyond servicing foreign blockbusters.

The relevance is controversial for Nigeria because Nollywood already has the domestic engine Morocco is attempting to enhance, but Nigeria may learn from Moroccos development of international interfaces (incentives, training-to-production pipelines, market awareness, and film commissions). Stated differently, Morocco provides an example of how to institutionalise access. One example of industrialising output is Nigeria. Combining the two will be the way of the future without sacrificing Nigerian authorship.

The broad takeaway for the Nigerian film business is that better stories  of which there are plenty in Nigeria  are not the only thing that will be the next frontier of competition. Better systems include more transparent intellectual property ownership, more robust guild standards, diverse funding, reputable co-production frameworks, and a generation that has been taught to view innovation and business as partners, rather than adversaries.

The relationship between Nigeria and Germany in filmmaking is older and deeper than many assume. It is not just about co-productions  it is about training, archives, aesthetics, and political memory. Arsenal is the component that completes the cycle of archiving and the long-term strategy of Nigerian cinema power; it is the training partnership component between Germany and Nigeria (Jos); it connects Berlin and Jos, not only via festivals but also through education and legacy.

Arsenal (currently known as the Arsenal Film institut as of 1 January) is a film culture organisation that is actively engaged in curatorial practice, education, and research, in addition to being a screening location.

Crucially, Arsenal has also been involved in a multi-year collaboration with Jos that focuses on film culture and archiving  the kind of infrastructure that determines whether a country retains its cultural heritage or loses it.

In 2018, Goethe University, Arsenal, and the Deutsches Filminstitut & Filmmuseum (DIF) announced a four-year initiative called Archival Studies Master Program Jos, which builds on collaboration with the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), according to Arsenals own project description. The University of Jos was to provide the MA programme, which was based on the Frankfurt programme, in collaboration with Nigerias National Film, Video, and Sound Archive in Jos, NFC, and the National Film Institute (NFI).

Why is this important to mention and emphasise? This is critically important because memory systems support industries, yet festivals reward new films: Nigeria remains vulnerable on a cultural and political level if it is unable to conserve, repair, and interpret its audiovisual legacy responsibly. Nigeria gets continuity  the capacity to tell its story through the generations  if it can train archivists and specialists in film culture, not only producers, directors, and directors of photography (DPs).

This Berlin-Jos collaboration represents symbolic power for NFI filmmakers. It states that the partnership is more than just bring your film to Berlin. Create the institutions that guarantee Nigerias images endure, spread, and remain Nigerian, it also says.

That is the deeper coincidence of 2026: submissions, panels, business forums, and archive training, which all contribute to the same conclusion: mechanisms, not just talent, will win Nigerias film future.

In short, 2026 proposes a new geometry for African filmmaking. African filmmakers are trained in global standards and narrative positioning at scale by the Berlinale submit. AfroBerlin creates relationship capital, transforming continental and diasporic networks into replicable co-production channels. For Nigeria, Lagos Business of Film signifies a wake-up call for local institutions: the business discourse is evolving from whispers to platforms.

The symbolism is almost preemptive for young Nigerian aspiring filmmakers: you are being welcomed into a world where your career is a triangle, rather than a straight line (make film  submit  pray).

Packaging + Craft (Berlinale submission)

Deal Fluency + Networking (AfroBerlin/EFM)

Sustainability + Local Industry Power (Lagos business forums)

The broad takeaway for the Nigerian film business is that better stories  of which there are plenty in Nigeria  are not the only thing that will be the next frontier of competition. Better systems include more transparent intellectual property ownership, more robust guild standards, diverse funding, reputable co-production frameworks, and a generation that has been taught to view innovation and business as partners, rather than adversaries.

Berlin 2026, which was centred on Morocco, Africa, and industry, made the future seem more like a timeline than an idea.

Mudi Yahaya, a documentary photographer and film-maker, is also an art historian.
Ogun State Governor, P@Dapo Abiodun, has congratulated the immediate past Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on his service to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation, following the acceptance of his resignation by President Bola Tinubu.

The governor also congratulated the newly appointed Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr Tunji Disu, expressing confidence in his ability to provide focused and result-oriented leadership at a critical time in the countrys security landscape.

In a statement personally signed by him, Governor Abiodun described Mr Egbetokun as a proud son of Ogun State whose decades of dedication, professionalism, and commitment to strengthening internal security remain a source of pride to Ogun indigenes and Nigerians as a whole.

He commended the former IGP for his selfless service and wished him well as he attends to pressing family responsibilities.

While congratulating Mr Disu, the governor urged the new police chief to prioritise intelligence-driven policing, improved welfare for officers and men, enhanced community engagement, and strengthened inter-agency collaboration to effectively combat crime and criminality across the country.

Mr Abiodun noted that restoring public confidence in the Force, deepening professionalism, leveraging technology for crime detection, and reinforcing internal discipline should form the cornerstone of the new IGPs leadership agenda.

He reaffirmed his administrations support for the Federal Governments efforts to enhance national security, strengthen institutions, and ensure that the Nigeria Police Force remains professional, accountable, and effective in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State is set to join the exodus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) state governors to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), PREMIUM TIMES understands.

Sources familiar with the development said Governor Fintiri and federal and state legislators in the state have held broad consultations as they finalise plans for the move.

Mr Fintiri hosted a delegation of the APC, led by North-east zonal chairperson, Mustapha Salihu, for a Ramadan Iftar at the Government House in Yola on Saturday.

The gathering, which included members of the State Executive Council, was held against the backdrop of speculations of the governors planned defection to the APC.

However, Mr Fintiri said the event was held to foster cross-party harmony.

Coming together in the spirit of Ramadan strengthens dialogue, deepens cooperation, and reinforces our collective commitment to peace, stability, and sustainable development in Adamawa State, the governor stated.

The Iftar took place amidst reports that certain APC factions within the state are opposed to Mr Fintiris entry into the party.

Amid these tensions, a viral video online showed the governor addressing a large crowd of supporters.

In his remarks, Mr Fintiri highlighted his formidable political leverage, stating that he has in his camp three senators, five members of the House of Representatives, 16 State Assembly members and all the 21 local government chairpersons.

The governor also claimed that he enjoys the full support of his cabinet and top government functionaries.

I have the deputy governor, the senators, the representatives, and the chairpersons. What do you have? Governor Fintiri challenged the unnamed critics.

The governors planned defection followed a recent visit by President Bola Tinubu to commission projects in the state. During the Adamawa visit, the president lauded the governors performance, noting that the administrations impact has been transformative.

You will leave Adamawa State far better than the way you found it. I was truly impressed by what I witnessed and the projects commissioned today.

The schools you built are weapons for fighting poverty and insecurity, while simultaneously boosting the economy of the country; you deserve to be celebrated by your people and all Nigerians, the president remarked.

Should the governor proceed with his defection, he would follow the lead of Tarabas Agbu Kefas and further diminish the PDPs presence in the North-east.

At the end of the 2023 elections, the main opposition party won the governorship seats of three of the six states in the region  Adamawa, Taraba and Bauchi. It may soon have only Bauchi State flying its flag in its Government House.
Kim Kardashians daughter has been photographed several times with unusual dermal. Piercers generally do not recommend them due to the complications they can cause

It all started last August. Kim Kardashian was photographed in Rome with her eldest daughter, 12yearold North West. As is often the case in the life of the mediasavvy businesswoman, the appearance generated dozens of headlines  but this time, she wasnt the protagonist; her daughter was. North West, part of the socalled Generation Alpha, had a dermal piercing on the middle finger of her right hand, a detail that did not go unnoticed by the tabloids, which quickly turned it into news.

The conversation intensified on social media, where many criticized Kim for allowing her daughter to get the piercing (mentions of Kanye West, her father, were notably absent  though thats another debate). In midJanuary, Kim Kardashian and Kanye Wests eldest daughter showed off another finger piercing, and once again controversy erupted, with several opinion pieces published on the matter.

West is figuring out her style as any tween would and should  and in front of the entire world, no less. That includes experimenting with beauty and fashion looks and, yes, piercings (with her parents permission, of course). Im sure getting cyberbullied by the entire world is doing far more damage than a little ring on her finger, so please, have some compassion, wrote journalist Elizabeth Gulino in the magazine Allure.

Unaware of the controversy  or perhaps fully aware of it, but confident in her choices  the preteen shared an image on her Instagram account a few days ago (where she has more than two million followers) in which she covered her face with her hands, adorned with small piercings. Only the dermal piercings on her fingers were real; the ones on her knuckles and wrist were stuck onto her skin. Once again, she received hundreds of comments.

This time, however, the image wasnt a paparazzi snapshot but a deliberately produced photograph with a specific purpose. If there is a family that knows how to capitalize on every controversy, its the Kardashians  and it seems North West has learned from the best, because she didnt let the uproar go to waste. The photo she posted on Instagram was actually part of the rollout for her song Piercing on My Hand. And in the track, where she is credited as both songwriter and producer, she makes her intentions clear: I want more piercings and tats, she sings,

So far, the song has over 870,000 streams on Spotify, and North West has debuted new piercings, as she recently showed on TikTok. In a video just a few seconds long, she appears with what seem to be several (presumably fake) piercings decorating her face, partially hidden beneath her nowsignature blue hair.

Once the controversy around the finger piercings had been redirected toward her new song, North West shared an Instagram story on February 17 showing the marks left on her fingers after removing the piercings. One of the recurring comments when the young girl was first seen with these dermals (the type of jewelry in which part of the piercing is implanted under the skin) was how difficult they are to maintain over time. In fact, experts generally advise against them because of the complications they can cause.

Popular trend or extravagance?

In the United States, North Wests home country, these piercings are gaining popularity. Looking at Google searches in the U.S. over the past year, there was a major spike in August  precisely when West was photographed with her finger piercing. And since then, interest appears to have grown in recent months (with several search peaks) compared to early 2025.

In Spain, however, there are currently very few searches of this kind. Experts confirm that its not a piercing that is commonly requested. Pedro Santalla, who works at Chica Pantera Tattoo Piercing in Barcelona, says it is not a popular piercing for several reasons: Nowadays, after so many years and so much research, along with what we already know about the human body and the advances that have been made, its clear that some piercings simply dont work. They dont work because of their angle, their placement, and because the physics of the body itself means they wont heal, he explains.

Piercer and tattoo artist Maria Bellver agrees, noting that the finger piercing is placed in an area of the body that is very exposed and therefore suffers a lot of friction and pressure. Because the bone of the finger is so close, the body ends up rejecting it; it migrates easily [the piece shifts from where it was originally placed], it has a higher risk of infection, healing is very complicated, and it interferes with daily life, she says.

They also agree that, thanks to North West wearing them, they may now receive a few requests from their younger clients: As an anecdote, a colleague and I were told about this, we looked at each other and said, Oh boy, whats coming our way! Santalla comments.

Its not a piercing people ask for, although its true that now well probably get a wave of girls wanting it because theyve seen Kim Kardashians daughter wearing one, Bellver adds.

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that no voter was migrated into a new or different polling unit in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) before the Saturday area council elections.

The Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, stated this in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday.

Mr Oketola said that while the election was conducted successfully, the commission observed that some voters experienced difficulties locating their designated polling units on the election day.

He, however, said that contrary to claims in some quarters that voters were migrated to new or different polling units shortly before the election, no voter was migrated in 2026.

Mr Oketola recalled that under its expansion of voters access to PUs initiative, INEC, in 2022, created over 56,000 additional polling units nationwide, increasing the total number of polling units from 119,972 to over 176,000.

He said that in order to populate the newly-created polling units, many of which had zero registered voters at the time, 6.7 million voters were migrated from about 12,000 congested polling units to approximately 17,000 less congested polling units across the country.

In the FCT specifically, 411 polling units were decongested, with about 580,000 voters redistributed to 1,156 polling units.

The commission notes that no new voter migration was carried out in 2026. The split polling units referenced in recent discussions were created in February 2022 and not in 2026.

For clarity, split polling units are additional voting points and Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) devices deployed to ease voter accreditation and fast-track voting in large polling units with more than 1,250 registered voters.

The objective is to enhance orderliness, reduce overcrowding and improve the overall voting experience.

These split units are located only a few metres away from the original polling units and remain within the same premises, he said.

Mr Oketola said that to further assist voters, INEC provides an online Polling Unit Locator available at https://cvr.inecnigeria.org/pu.

This, according to him, enables voters to confirm their polling unit by selecting their state, local government area, Registration Area (Ward) and PU.

INEC further clarifies that the splitting of polling units did not alter voters registration status, but merely redistributed voters within the same location for administrative efficiency.

However, the commission observed during the mock election in the FCT that many voters who were migrated in 2022 were still experiencing difficulties locating their polling units, necessitating targeted interventions.

Accordingly, text messages and emails were sent to affected voters on Wednesday, Feb. 18, Thursday, Feb. 19, Friday, Feb. 20 and Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, indicating the locations of their polling units.

These notifications were intended solely as reminders to assist voters in identifying their designated voting points, he said.

Mr Oketola encouraged voters to verify their polling details ahead of elections and, where possible, to physically visit their polling locations before election day.

He reiterated INECs commitment to continuous improvement in electoral service delivery.

He also urged voters to take advantage of all verification platforms provided in order to avoid unnecessary inconvenience.

(NAN)
The Niger State Government has pledged to allocate 1,000 hectares of land to the Nigerian Army for a post-service housing development scheme for retired personnel.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, saying Governor Mohammed Bago made the commitment while receiving the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Army Post-Service Housing Development Limited, Ishaiah Allison, at the Niger State Liaison Office in Abuja.

The Niger State Government is to provide 1,000 hectares of land within the state to the Nigerian Army for its post-service housing development, Mr Ibrahim said.

According to the statement, Mr Bago commended the Armys housing initiative and said it aligns with his administrations plan to develop sustainable agricultural housing schemes for veterans.

It is unfortunate that people who have served this country for years are sometimes left without hope after retirement, the governor said.

This post-service housing development initiative will go a long way in giving military veterans a sense of belonging.

He added that the 1,000 hectares would accommodate both residential and agricultural activities to support retired officers and soldiers.

The land will be enough for housing and agricultural purposes for the veterans. Our team will work closely with the Nigerian Army to ensure the success of this initiative, Mr Bago said.

Speaking during the visit, Mr Allison said the Post-Service Housing Development scheme was designed to provide affordable homes for retired Army personnel as part of their welfare package.

The post-service housing development is an initiative aimed at providing affordable housing for our retired officers, he said.

We want to make the housing truly affordable, and that is why we are seeking the support of state governments, especially in the provision of land.

He commended the Niger State Government for its support and urged the governor to sustain the partnership to ensure that veterans benefit from the programme.

The proposed development is expected to form part of broader efforts to improve post-retirement welfare for military personnel, many of whom face housing and reintegration challenges after leaving active service.

Photo:
Residents of Kugbo Layout in the Federal Capital Territory have raised an alarm over recurring fire outbreaks, blaming the incidents on the proliferation of illegal furniture workshops operating on residential plots.

Community members, seeking intervention from Development Control authorities, said the latest fire destroyed property, displaced families, and heightened insecurity in the area.

The Chief of Igbos in Kugbo, Sunday Ekekanbo, told reporters on Wednesday that frequent fires were linked to furniture artisans operating on plots meant strictly for residential purposes.

Mr Ekekanbo explained that many undeveloped plots had been leased to furniture makers, who set up makeshift tents and workshops densely packed with wood, sawdust, and flammable materials, often handled without safety precautions.

He alleged that following the recent blaze, some individuals looted affected homes, worsening residents losses, and urged authorities to enforce land-use regulations and restore the layout to its intended residential purpose.

Mr Ekekanbo also called on the Abuja Environmental Protection Board to remove illegal structures, clear environmental nuisances, and ensure compliance with safety standards.

The womens leader of Kugbo, Marvellous Okezie, noted that while there was a fire station in the layout, its response during emergencies had been slow, prompting calls for community training to handle rescue operations promptly.

READ ALSO: Another fire outbreak in Kano market

Residents explained that the close proximity of furniture workshops to homes worsened fire damage, as materials such as wood, foam, and flammable adhesives accelerated its spread.

They said the community has witnessed three fire incidents in two months.

The Chairman of the Landlords Association, Williams Ayaruja, blamed poor enforcement of development control regulations and urged the government to ensure that plots were used according to the approved residential plan.

Another long-time resident, Okafor Izuchukwu, highlighted security risks posed by makeshift workshops, which often harboured criminals, emphasising that those structures increased both fire hazards and broader security concerns.

The community demanded the revocation of land allocations for vacant plots illegally converted to commercial use, demolition of unauthorised workshops, and improved infrastructure to ensure proper residential development and safety.

(NAN)
The Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed that an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by suspected bandits on Wednesday damaged a truck on the Gusau-Funtua highway.

The commands spokesperson, Yazeed Abubakar, told PREMIUM TIMES that no one was killed in the incident.

According to Mr Abubakar, the police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit was immediately dispatched to the scene to sweep the area and prevent further incidents.

The blast occurred just hours after a joint team of police and military operatives reopened the Kucheri-Danjibga-Keta road in the Tsafe Local Government Area.

The highway had been inaccessible for over a month due to the threat of landmines planted by suspected terrorists.

A resident, Bawa Alhaji, reported that security forces encountered stiff resistance during the clearance operation, leading to a gun battle that lasted several hours.

He suggested that the IED which struck the truck might have been part of explosives targeted at security personnel.

He described the blast as extremely loud, triggering panic among motorists. Many road users remained at a safe distance until the security agents secured the perimeter.

Many drivers stopped and watched from afar until the military and other security personnel arrived to secure and clear the road, Mr Alhaji said.

This incident follows a similar attack last Thursday, where a Nigerian Army Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) struck a landmine along the Keta-Danjibga road, also within the Tsafe local government area.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma, Bemgha Koughna, a major general, survived an ambush by suspected terrorists in neighbouring Kebbi State.

The general narrowly escaped a similar trap. While leading a specialised clearance operation aimed at flushing out bandits from their strongholds in the Northwest region, the GOCs convoy was reportedly targeted by IEDs and heavy gunfire.
Former presidential aide and lawyer, Okoi Obono-Obla, has narrated what he described as a humiliating and unlawful arrest by the police in Cross River State, days after police said he was detained over alleged forgery and false entry into the legal profession.

In a statement titled My Ordeal in Police Custody, posted on Facebook, Mr Obono-Obla said he was arrested on 19 February while walking to meet a relative in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River.

Suddenly, I saw five vehicles approaching. Three of them were painted in the colours of the Nigeria Police Force, while the other two were Hilux vehicles without police markings. More than ten police officers emerged and, in loud voices, ordered me to enter one of the vehicles, he said.

I told them I am a traditional ruler and that they should not treat me in such a shabby and horrible manner. Instead, they shoved me violently and bundled me into the vehicle.

He said he was handcuffed and taken away by armed operatives without being told the reason for his arrest.

I requested permission to ease myself as well, but they refused, saying I would have to wait until we reached Calabar. I was compelled to hold myself throughout the three-hour journey, he added.

Alleges rights violations

Mr Obono-Obla said he was never invited by the police before the arrest and described the operation as unlawful.

Most importantly, prior to 19 February 2026, the Nigeria Police Force had never invited mewhether verbally, by phone call, or by SMSto report concerning the matter for which they abducted me, he said.

Their actions were carried out in a Gestapo-like manner, reminiscent of Germany during the Third Reich or Nigeria under military rule.

He said he later learnt that a member of the Cross River State House of Assembly had submitted a petition against him over a matter pending in court.

According to him, a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory had earlier ordered that no similar charge be filed against him without leave of court, following an earlier case in which the police withdrew the charge and the court dismissed it.

Mr Obono-Obla said he was detained from about 11:30 a.m. on 19 February until about 5:00 p.m. the following day.

This experience was not only humiliating but also deeply troubling, as it disregarded both my traditional status and my fundamental rights, he said.

Police insist arrest lawful

Police authorities had earlier maintained that Mr Obono-Obla was lawfully arrested following a petition alleging forgery and fraudulent entry into the legal profession.

The command also dismissed claims circulating on social media that he was abducted, insisting the arrest followed due process and investigations were ongoing.

The conflicting accounts from the police and Mr Obono-Obla have added a fresh dimension to the controversy surrounding the former presidential aide, as the case continues to unfold.
Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the alleged unlawful persecution and harassment of a blind Nigerian man, Joseph Ottih, and his family over their traditional religious practices in Imo State.

Amnesty said in a statement on its X handle on Tuesday said Mr Ottihs wife, Obiageri, and son, Uchenna, were being detained for their religious beliefs at Tiger Base, a police anti-kidnapping unit in Imo.

Arrest and detention

Amnesty said police operatives from the unit raided Mr Ottihs residence in December and forcefully removed his deity following complaints and petitions from Christian relatives.

It said that as a traditional religious practitioner, Mr Ottih had traditional religious objects which his relatives alleged were spiritually disturbing the peace in the family and community.

The group said police operatives arrested Mr Ottihs wife, Obiageri, on 3 January and detained her over the matter.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered that she was consequently granted bail on 7 January 2026 after Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AFAW) intervened in the matter.

However, Mrs Ottihs wife was rearrested on 19 February when she reported at the police facility as part of the bail conditions.

Sources familiar with the development informed this newspaper that the police subsequently arrested the son, Uchenna, after he was lured to the police facility on the pretext of signing her mothers bail bond for her release.

In the absence of any legal basis, Tiger Base Police Unit has refused to charge the case to court; and instead kept them unlawfully detained and sustained serial extortion of the family.

This is a clear case of religious persecution and corruption, Amnesty said.

The group argued that Mr Ottihs family and other followers of traditional religions have the right to follow their beliefs, perform their religious rites and keep religious objects without harassment and intimidation by the community in connivance with the police.

It stressed that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and that Mr Ottih as well as his family members are being denied constitutionally guaranteed freedom of religion.

This is a clear case of religious persecution and corruption. This is unacceptable.

This pattern of harassment and intimidation of followers of traditional religion is unlawful and must end, it added.

Call Tigerbase police officers to order

In a statement obtained by PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday, Leo Igwe, the national coordinator of AFAW, asked Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State to call the Tigerbase police unit to order over the incident.

AfAW is an advocacy group campaigning for an end to the persecution of alleged witches in Africa.

Mr Igwe said the police rearrested Mr Ottihs wife after she was compelled to pay N150,000 to secure her bail, having spent five days in detention.

He accused the police unit of frequently inviting and extorting Mr Ottihs family over the matter, but declining to charge the case to court.

The police tried to arrest his daughter, Favour, without success. They are trying to arrest his other children for detention and extortion of money.

Joseph Ottih and his lawyer have been at the state police command and the Tigerbase station, urging them to charge the case to court or release the wife and son.

However, these appeals to the Officer in Charge, Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, and the investigative police officer, Chikadibia have fallen on deaf ears, he narrated.

Mr Igwe urged Governor Uzodimma to end the harassment and abuse of Mr Ottihs family.

At a time that Nigeria has been called out for state enablement of religious persecution, Governor Uzodimma must exercise wisdom and take measures to stop the harassment, violation, and persecution of Joseph Ottih and family, he said.

Extrajudicial killing, torture and human rights violations

The police spokesperson in Imo State, Henry Okoye, did not respond to multiple calls and a text message seeking his comments.

For years, operatives from the Tiger Base have been accused of engaging in torture of suspects, extortion, illegal detention, human rights violations and extrajudicial killings.

Calls for the disbandment of the police unit gained fresh momentum last year after demand for justice by the family of an entrepreneur, Levi Opara, who died under controversial circumstances while in custody at the unit.

Mr Opara, 46-year-old indigene of Owerri North Local Government Area in Imo State, was arrested on 15 October 2023 following a domestic misunderstanding between him and his wife.

The father of five was confirmed dead by the police unit three days after his arrest.

The police authorities initially claimed the man fell ill in detention and died on his way to a police clinic, but autopsy results later reportedly showed he was stabbed to death.

This, it was gathered, triggered a petition to the inspector-general of police by the family, which prompted the arrest and investigation of the operatives involved in the alleged murder.

But the family said that although the matter was transferred to Zone 9, Umuahia, Abia State, in 2024, the arraignment of the officers allegedly involved has been delayed.
A Lagos State coroners court at Yaba on Wednesday commenced an inquest into the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, the toddler son of Nigerian author Chimamanda Adichie.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that Nkanu died in January following complications during medical procedures at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos, sparking widespread grief and concern over pediatric medical care.

The family issued a legal notice to Euracare Hospital through the law firm of Kemi Pinheiro, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), alleging that Nkanus death was avoidable and resulted from medical negligence.

According to the notice, the toddler, sedated with propofol, suffered severe complications while being transferred within the hospital.

Mrs Adichie and her husband Ivara Esege, who is a medical doctor, cited inadequate monitoring, improper dosing, lack of supplemental oxygen, insufficient medical staff, and delays in responding to his deteriorating condition.

The notice also questioned whether informed consent was properly obtained and requested certified copies of all medical records and evidence relating to Nkanus care.

It warned that the destruction of evidence could have legal consequences.

But Euracare has denied wrongdoing, stating that Nkanu was critically ill on referral and that all care provided followed established clinical protocols.

The Lagos State Government intervened, tasking the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) to investigate alongside the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).

The agencies are reviewing hospital practices, professional conduct, and patient safety standards.

Court proceedings

During a preliminary court session on Wednesday, Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji said the court received an application from the Chief Coroner following a request by the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Lawal Pedro, to hold an inquest.

She noted that the Lagos State Government also considers itself bereaved.

The Lagos State Government is also bereaved; that is why the Attorney-General has taken this step. It is not just the family of the deceased that is affected, the magistrate said.

The court session was intended to determine whether a full inquest should proceed.

Ms Adetunji directed all parties to file witness statements ahead of the next hearing and stressed that an autopsy is the starting point of every inquest.

The lawyer representing the family, Mr Pinheiro, said the parents are seeking justice for their child and plan to present evidence alleging gross medical negligence, possible overdose, wrongful prescription, improper administration of propofol, and misdiagnosis.

The family intends to call five independent medical professionals, including an anesthesiologist, a pediatric anaesthesia specialist, a radiologist, an intensivist, and Mr Esege.

Mr Pinheiro requested that Euracare preserve all physical and electronic evidence from 6 January, including CCTV footage, monitoring data, pharmacy records, emergency equipment logs, internal communications, and morbidity and mortality reviews.

Ms Adetunji ruled that Euracare would present its case first, followed by the family, then Atlantis Hospital.

The court adjourned the matter until 14 April.
The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Wednesday inducted the Batch 005, comprising newly recruited officers, into the states Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, with a charge to the inductees to protect the state from criminal activities.

The induction of the 500 personnel comes against the backdrop of serial banditry and kidnapping attacks on the state in recent times.

The passing-out parade was held at the Arcade Complex in Akure, the state capital.

In his address, Mr Aiyedatiwa said the Batch 05 (BR05) was not merely an addition in numbers, but represented an upgrade in capacity, a reinforcement of doctrine, and a strengthening of the collective resolve to secure every inch of Ondo State from the forests to farms, highways and homes.

He said his administration remained steadfastly committed to enhancing the welfare, capacity, and operational support of Amotekun personnel through better logistics, improved equipment, strengthened intelligence coordination, and continuous training.

The governor charged the officers to defend peace, uphold justice and protect the state from criminal activities.

Our gallant officers and men of Amotekun Corps, Ondo State is counting on you. Our farmers are counting on you. Our traders, commuters, students, and families are counting on you. History will not only remember how long you served, but how well you served. Go forth, defend peace, uphold justice, and protect our homeland with honour.

Mr Aiyedatiwa noted that the decision to invest in the Amotekun Corps was not driven by sentiment, politics, or fleeting expediency but by clear-eyed realism and strategic foresight.

Security remains the fulcrum upon which development is built. No society can prosper where fear reigns. No economy can thrive where lives and property are unsafe. No government can legitimately claim success if it abdicates its primary responsibility of protecting its people, he said.

The Amotekun Corps was conceived and has continued to evolve as a community-rooted, intelligence-driven, law-guided, and constitutionally aligned security institution, designed to complement federal security agencies while responding swiftly and effectively to local realities without compromising iwa-omoluabi.

He urged the newly inducted officers to be mindful of the rule of law and to protect the rights of citizens in the discharge of their duties

The governor tasked them to be sound in judgment, disciplined in conduct, and restrained in the use of authority.

In his address, the Corps Commander, Adetunji Adeleye, appreciated the governor for taking the issue of security seriously in the state.

He also appreciated the support of the state House of Assembly for its legislative support for the agency and all security agencies in the state, including the Nigerian Army, Police, Civil Defence, DSS, NDLEA, for their working relationship with Amotekun Corps.

He said: Your excellency, the recruitment, training, and passing out of the newly trained batch BR05 is yet another testament to our administrations firm belief that security is the foundation upon which development, investment, and social harmony must rest, as encapsulated in our age agenda of this administration.

We also deeply appreciate the Industry and House of Assembly for continuously providing the backbone that sustains this institution, the State Judiciary for their unfathomable support, and the State Executive Council for consistent policy support, and their sister security agencies, notably the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Police, the Department of State Security Services, the Civil Defence, the NDLEA, and all others for the growing synergy that defines modern security operations in those states.

The governor approved the recruitment last year to address manpower gaps in the agency.
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Colossal's nationwide baking competition fuels sweet success and powerful impact in the fight against childhood cancer

PHOENIX, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The ovens have cooled, the votes have been counted, and the 2025 Greatest Baker Competition has officially named its champion. Carol Burrell earned the coveted baker's crown, along with a $10,000 cash prize and a feature in Bake from Scratch magazine, a publication known for sharing artisanal recipes and celebrating passionate home bakers across the country.

Carol Burrell Takes the Cake in Colossal's Greatest Baker Competition!

Through this year's competition, Colossal , the nation's leading professional fundraiser for purpose-driven competitions, raised $334,807 to support DTCare, which grants funds to The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation to help further its mission to provide financial and emotional support to families of children battling cancer. Since 2022, through the Greatest Baker campaign, Colossal has raised an impressive $5,258,524 toward this cause, helping support more than 4,100 families nationwide.

A nurse and mother of four boys, Burrell transformed her lifelong love of baking into a heartfelt family tradition inspired by recipes passed down from her mother and grandmother. Each summer, she handpicks wild blueberries for her pies, and her signature soft, chewy "Carol's Cookies" have become legendary among family and friends.

In addition, Bake from Scratch Editor-in-Chief Brian Hart Hoffman personally selected one standout competitor as "Brian's Pick." This year's honor goes to Jazmin Coleman, whose slow-fermented sourdough and artisan pastries showcase patience, precision, and passion. Her cloud-soft cinnamon rolls swirled with caramelized sugar and finished with Madagascar vanilla cream cheese glaze deliver an elevated take on comfort baking. Coleman will also be featured in the magazine.

The 2025 finalists represent an extraordinary community of talent and heart.

Carol Burrell

Mariia Marunchak

Carson Love

Avani Thakur

Taira Bagley

Madison-Min Barnaby

Sue Iannone

Elizabeth Zabehlicky

Hall of Fame: The competition continues to build a legacy of inspiring bakers.

2024 Champion: Alexandra Stanko

2023 Champion: Sara Husein

2022 Champion: Ginger Gaddi

2021 Champion: Malia Jusczyk

2020 Champion: Sandy Bradley

The 2025 Greatest Baker Competition once again demonstrated that when passion meets purpose, the results are extraordinary. Through the collective support of bakers, families, and voters nationwide, critical funds will continue to help families facing the unimaginable.

To learn more about the competition or the mission of The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, visit www.colossal.org/greatestbaker .

About Colossal

Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like the Greatest Baker, participants have the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact. Colossal competitions serve as fundraising campaigns for DTCare , a United States 501(c)(3) public charity organization, which then grants donation funds to specified charities at the completion of the competitions. Learn more at colossal.org . Who's Next?

Media Contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE Colossal
The company's multi-month initiative celebrates the people and projects that built 'the American Dream'

EIGHTY FOUR, Pa., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As the country prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence this July, 84 Lumber is launching its Building America250 campaign, a company-wide tribute honoring the past, present, and future of the industry that built America.

A play on the company's longtime mission of Delivering the American Dream, Building America250 will engage customers, vendor partners, and associates through a series of stories and initiatives throughout the year, commemorating America's 250th anniversary.

84 Lumber's Building America250 campaign logo.

"For 70 years, 84 Lumber has supplied the materials and expertise that have helped America build homes, businesses, and communities across this country," said Maggie Hardy, owner and CEO of 84 Lumber. "Building America250 is our way to highlight that legacy and say thank you to those whose hard work and commitment have helped shape the American dream."

As part of the campaign, 84 Lumber has created a commemorative Building America250 logo that will serve as a unifying symbol throughout 2026. The logo debuted at the company's booth at the International Builders' Show in Orlando and will be featured at its annual awards banquet in March, as well as prominently throughout May during the company's Operation Appreciation campaign, reinforcing the campaign's focus on recognizing the people and partnerships that continue to build America.

The Building America250 campaign will include a series of initiatives highlighting the depth and impact of the construction industry across the country. Throughout the year, 84 Lumber will showcase the commemorative logo on associate uniforms and through social media and video content, bringing the campaign to life across multiple touchpoints.

"We are proud to be an American company, built on the values represented by our red, white, and blue," said Hardy. "As part of our 70-year history leading into America's 250th birthday, we are excited to tell the stories of the people who continue to build this country year after year."

84 Lumber is the leading supplier of building materials, manufactured components, and industry-leading services for single- and multifamily residences and commercial buildings. The company currently operates 320 facilities in 34 states, including stores, component manufacturing plants, engineered wood product centers, and door shops.

To learn more, visit www.84Lumber.com or follow 84 Lumber on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn. For career opportunities, visit www.84Lumber.com/careers.

ABOUT 84 LUMBER

Founded in 1956 and headquartered in Eighty Four, Pennsylvania, 84 Lumber Co. is the nation's largest privately held supplier of building materials, manufactured components, and industry-leading services for single-family and multifamily home construction, as well as commercial buildings. The company operates 320 facilities in 34 states, including stores, component manufacturing plants, custom door shops, and engineered wood product centers. 84 Lumber also provides turnkey installation services for a wide range of products, including framing, insulation, siding, windows, roofing, decking, and drywall.

84 Lumber is a certified women's business enterprise owned by Maggie Hardy and has earned widespread recognition for its industry leadership and commitment to excellence. The company has been named one of Newsweek's Most Trustworthy Companies in America for 2024 and 2025 and was recognized as one of USA Today's Top Retailers in 2024. For three consecutive years, 84 Lumber has also been included among America's Best Large and Mid-Size Employers by Forbes and has appeared on the list of America's Top Private Companies from 2019 through 2025. In addition, the company has been recognized on the Inc. 5000 list of America's Fastest-Growing Companies. For more information, visit 84lumber.com or join us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn .

SOURCE 84 Lumber Company
PLANO, Texas, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Aduna, the global aggregator of standardized network API's, today announced a major milestone in its mission to simplify and scale access to network intelligence. With the backing of its equity partners AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, Aduna is now the only company to currently have agreements in place to provide comprehensive, CAMARA-compliant network API coverage across the entire U.S. market.

For the first time, enterprises and developers can reach subscribers of the three major carriers in the U.S.over 300 million connectionsvia Aduna's single and centralised platform simplifying agreements and integration. This unified access enables businesses to seamlessly leverage carrier-grade network capabilities for authentication, security, and real-time intelligence.

"Bringing all three major U.S. carriers together under one standardized API framework is a milestone not just for Aduna, but for the entire mobile ecosystem," said Anthony Bartolo, CEO at Aduna. "By reducing fragmentation, we're enabling enterprises to innovate faster, integrate more easily, and deploy trusted network intelligence at unprecedented scale."

Through Aduna's aggregation model, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon are each helping to reduce integration complexity and accelerate the rollout of high-value use cases that rely on secure, carrier-verified network data.

Among the first APIs that will be available are Number Verification and SIM Swap Detection, which empower enterprises to strengthen customer authentication and protect users from identity theft and mobile fraud. Number Verify allows developers to authenticate customers seamlessly without the need for SMS messages, eliminating risk of interception. SIM Swap identifies changes in a customer's SIM card determining if there is a risk of account takeover fraud.

Looking ahead, Aduna and its operator partners plan to expand their joint API portfolio to include additional capabilities that enhance fraud prevention, authentication, and digital trust across industries such as finance, e-commerce, and digital services.

This milestone cements Aduna's position as a leader in standardized network API aggregation, driving the next wave of innovation at the intersection of connectivity and security. Leveraging network APIs is a key part of an identity security approach especially as AI increases the threat against biometric and password-based authentication. Businesses interested in enabling APIs as part of their security frameworks are invited to contact Aduna for a conversation.

Quote- AT&T

"As businesses increasingly rely on software to differentiate and scale, the role of the network is evolving from infrastructure to enabler," said Shawn Hakl, SVP & head of product, AT&T Business. "Our collaboration with Aduna reimagines the network as a developer-centric platform that accelerates innovation and simplifies complexity. By empowering developers to build and deploy secure digital experiences faster, businesses gain a competitive edge. Through reduced time-to-market, enhanced customer trust, and greater operational efficiency, we're enabling enterprises to deliver differentiated services that meet the evolving demands of a connected economy."

Quote  T-Mobile

"Network APIs like SIM Swap Detection are transforming how businesses secure customer interactions at scale," said Dirk Mosa, SVP, Spectrum, Wholesale & Roaming at T-Mobile. "As bad actors seek other threat vectors, protecting identity with carrier-verified intelligence becomes essential. At T-Mobile, we are giving enterprises unified access to real-time, fraud-resistant signals. It's a smarter, scalable way to stop account takeovers before they happen  and enable trust in every digital experience."

Quote  Verizon

"Verizon is committed to enabling the next generation of secure, seamless digital experiences by leveraging our network capabilities," said Scott Lawrence, Chief Product Officer, Verizon Business. "Aduna's aggregation of standardized, CAMARA-compliant network APIs offers developers a single integration point for carrier-grade security features, accelerating the deployment of vital services like SIM Swap Detection and Number Verification. This is essential for protecting consumers and businesses from the growing threat of digital fraud and establishing a stronger foundation of trust."



About Aduna

Aduna is a landmark venture between some of the world's leading telecom operators and Ericsson, dedicated to enabling developers worldwide to accelerate innovation by leveraging networks to their full potential via common network Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). Its venture partners include AT&T, Bharti Airtel, Deutsche Telekom, KDDI, Orange, Reliance Jio, Singtel, Telefonica, Telstra, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Vodafone. Aduna's developer partner platforms include Google Cloud, Infobip, Sinch, and Vonage. By combining network APIs from multiple operators globally under a unified platform based on the CAMARA open-source project, driven by the GSMA and the Linux Foundation, Aduna provides a standardized platform to foster collaboration, enhance user experiences, and drive industry growth.

To find out more about network APIs and Aduna, visit adunaglobal.com.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2710073/5823580/Aduna_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Aduna AB
Network Sees Record Number of Births in 2025 Across All Labor & Delivery Units in Western PA

PITTSBURGH, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Allegheny Health Network (AHN) welcomed more than 8,700 babies into the world in 2025, a record-breaking year for the western-Pennsylvania based health system. Of all the little bundles of joy, the most popular name for baby boys  with 42 born at AHN facilities last year  was Henry, followed closely by Bennett (40).

For baby girls, the top name was once again Olivia, continuing its seemingly unbreakable four-year, chart-topping streak at AHN. Forty-three girls were named Olivia last year, followed by the nearly-as-popular Amelia (40), which has earned the No. 2 spot for three years running.

The following names were the top 5 names for baby boys and girls at AHN in 2025:

Baby Boys Henry Bennett Owen Theodore William Baby Girls Olivia Amelia Charlotte Sophia Violet



"We look forward to releasing this list annually as a celebration of all the beautiful babies born across Allegheny Health Network, and we also take this special moment to recognize and applaud the hundreds of L&D clinicians who deliver remarkable patient experiences daily," said Marcia Klein-Patel, MD, PhD, Chair of AHN Women's Institute. "We are also incredibly proud to announce a record-breaking year for our maternity units, especially as reports indicate that births have been decreasing nationally in recent years. These trends are a testament to this network's unwavering commitment to accessible, high-quality obstetric care in western Pennsylvania."

In 2025, AHN recorded 8,756 births, the highest number since the network was formed by Highmark Health in 2013.

"Over the last decade, this network has made a concerted effort to increase the number of obstetrics units in the region, adding not only AHN Jefferson's program but opening AHN Wexford hospital in 2021," continued Dr. Klein-Patel. "We have also made significant investments to strategically affiliate with leading, independent OB/GYN practices across our service area, all to preserve and steward exceptional obstetrics care for the families we have the privilege of serving."

Key Takeaways:

Big Numbers: In 2025, AHN saw a record-breaking year in terms of number of babies born  8,756 across AHN Forbes, AHN Jefferson, AHN Wexford, AHN West Penn and AHN Saint Vincent in Erie.





In 2025, AHN saw a record-breaking year in terms of number of babies born  8,756 across AHN Forbes, AHN Jefferson, AHN Wexford, AHN West Penn and AHN Saint Vincent in Erie. Olivia Has Staying Power: Since 2022, "Olivia" has remained the most popular name for baby girls at Allegheny Health Network facilities. It is also the top name nationally.





Since 2022, "Olivia" has remained the most popular name for baby girls at Allegheny Health Network facilities. It is also the top name nationally. Henry's Grand Entrance: "Henry" leaped to the top for boys, knocking last year's champ "Oliver" down to No. 13. Henry didn't even place in the top 5 the year prior, so it's quite the return!





"Henry" leaped to the top for boys, knocking last year's champ "Oliver" down to No. 13. Henry didn't even place in the top 5 the year prior, so it's quite the return! Unique names: More than 2,000 baby names were original for the network in 2025  used only one time.





More than 2,000 baby names were original for the network in 2025  used only one time. Trending: Across the country, AHN mirrors national trends with baby girl names Olivia and Amelia taking the No. 1 spot and No. 2 spot, respectively. For boys, the most popular names across the country continue to be Noah (No. 1) and Liam (No. 2), with Henry ranking just No. 13 in the U.S.



Across the country, AHN mirrors national trends with baby girl names Olivia and Amelia taking the No. 1 spot and No. 2 spot, respectively. For boys, the most popular names across the country continue to be Noah (No. 1) and Liam (No. 2), with Henry ranking just No. 13 in the U.S. Top 30: The top 30 baby names across the network, in order, were Olivia, Henry, Bennett, Amelia, Owen, Charlotte, Theodore, Sophia, William, Rowan, Benjamin, Roman, Oliver, Levi, Noah, Luca, Joseph, Lucas, Jack, Violet, Avery, Liam, Nora, Miles, Cecilia, Lainey, Wesley, Samuel, Aurora and Scarlett.

About AHN Women's Institute:

Throughout the region, clinicians across the AHN Women's Institute work with women from conception through the fourth trimester to provide comprehensive care that works to meet the family's health goals and provide the best possible outcomes for both mom and baby. The AHN Women's Institute also works closely with teams from behavioral health, social services, neonatology and pediatrics to design tailored care plans for areas of focus such as postpartum depression and anxiety, as well as specialized infant care.

AHN Forbes, Wexford and Jefferson offer level II neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) for non-critically ill infants, while AHN Saint Vincent and West Penn hospitals can care for critically ill babies in their advanced Level III NICUs.

All AHN L&D teams also work closely with pediatricians from the AHN Pediatric Institute to help ensure babies are best positioned to thrive from infancy and beyond. At the AHN postpartum suites, pediatricians consistently round on families to perform routine wellness visits which may include hearing screenings, blood sugar monitoring, lactation consultations, vaccination consultations, and safe sleep checks. Following discharge, a warm handoff is then performed by AHN OB/GYN physicians to the network's leading pediatric caregivers.

SOURCE Allegheny Health Network
American Greetings announces its 100 rating in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's assessment of LGBTQ+ workplace equality

CLEVELAND, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- American Greetings, a global leader in the large and enduring Celebrations marketplace, has once again received a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation's 2026 Corporate Equality Index, the nation's foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion. American Greetings joins the 534 U.S. businesses that will be honored with HRCF's Equality 100 Award as Leaders in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion.

Chief Merchandising Officer and Executive Sponsor of the Pride@AG Employee Resource Network Aaron Siegel said, "For the fourth consecutive year, American Greetings is proud to have earned this recognition as part of the 2026 Corporate Equality Index. Our creativity across the company is amplified through inclusivity, as we continue to encourage a collaborative environment that prioritizes people and the power of human connection. Just as we strive to help all consumers celebrate the moments that are important in their lives, it is important to us that we create space at work, so our associates have the opportunity to see themselves and their priorities reflected in our work culture, policies, benefits, and our corporate social responsibility efforts."

The results of the 2026 CEI showcase how U.S.-based companies are promoting LGBTQ+ friendly workplace policies in the U.S. and abroad, highlighting how many of the CEI-rated companies included sexual orientation and gender identity in their non-discrimination policies; provided equivalent family formation benefits for spouses and partners, including adoption, fertility and surrogacy; and provided comprehensive healthcare coverage for all employees, including transgender employees, for medically necessary care.

The CEI rates employers providing these crucial protections to more than 22 million U.S. workers. Here are the detailed evaluation criteria, which align under four central pillars:

Non-discrimination policies across business entities;

Equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ workers and their families;

Supporting an inclusive culture; and,

Outreach and engagement.

The full report is available online at www.hrc.org/cei.

About American Greetings

American Greetings is a global leader in the large and enduring Celebrations marketplace. The company helps people celebrate holidays, each other, and all of life's special moments, in-person and online, guided by a mission to "make the world a more thoughtful and caring place every single day." American Greetings offers products wherever and however people wish to purchase them  online, in-store, or curbside pickup. Celebrations happen throughout the year, driven by traditional holidays, key milestone moments such as weddings, baby showers and graduations, as well as recurring everyday events such as birthdays and anniversaries. The company's brands include American Greetings, Papyrus, Carlton Cards, and Recycled Paper Greetings. Its digital business unit, AG Interactive, is a leading provider of digital greetings and premium Celebrations content through proprietary technology platforms and apps. Its popular digital brands include American Greetings, Blue Mountain, Jacquie Lawson, SmashUps, and Creatacard. For more information, visit corporate.americangreetings.com and follow us @AmericanGreetings on Facebook and @amgreetings on Instagram.

About The Human Rights Campaign Foundation

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is the nation's largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people, with 3.6 million members and supporters. The HRC Foundation (a 501(c)(3)) works to ensure LGBTQ+ people are safe, seen and supported where it matters most: at school, at work and in every community across the country. From the courtroom to the classroom, from Congress to corporate America, HRC and the HRC Foundation build power through partnerships, storytelling, and actionworking to create a future rooted in equity, freedom and belonging for all LGBTQ+ people.

SOURCE American Greetings Corporation
Aircraft Maintenance Professionals Choose Independent Union with Proven Record of Delivering Results

CENTENNIAL, Colo., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Mediation Board (NMB) certified that a majority of aircraft maintenance professionals at Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have elected the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) as their collective bargaining representative following a representation election against the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). The ballot tally concluded on February 24 at the NMB office in Washington, DC, with 66% of the votes cast in favor of AMFA.

"We are proud to welcome Hawaiian Airlines technicians and related employees into the AMFA family to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our current members," said AMFA National President Bret Oestreich. "Unlike other unions, we limit our membership to aircraft maintenance professionals who are united in the best interests of their craft. We stay true to our core values of democratic representation and member-driven negotiations."

AMFA's focused approach has delivered results across multiple carriers. AMFA has negotiated industry-leading contracts at Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air, Southwest Airlines, WestJest Airlines, and Calm Air, with proven success protecting jobs during industry disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic and airline mergers.

"This election win represents confidence of maintenance professionals in AMFA's ability to deliver meaningful results," added AMFA Region I Director Earl Clark, a 35-year veteran of Alaska Airlines. "Our members know we don't make promises we can't keep. We don't stop pushing until necessary improvements are secured."

Next, AMFA members will address seniority integration and establish priorities for the group's first joint collective bargaining agreement (JCBA) with Alaska Airlines/Hawaiian Airlines. The Railway Labor Act provides that existing contracts at Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines remain in place until the new joint collective bargaining agreement has been ratified. AMFA looks forward to beginning the transition process and working directly with members to prepare for negotiations.

The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association is a craft-specific, independent aviation union representing Aircraft Maintenance Technicians/Engineers and skilled trade groups actively involved in the aviation industry. These employees work directly on aircraft and/or components, support equipment, and facilities. AMFA is committed to elevating the professional standing of and achieving progressive improvements in wages, benefits, and working conditions for the skilled professionals it represents. For more information about AMFA, visit www.amfanational.org.

SOURCE Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association
Public Sentiment Supports Freedom to Fix Coalition's Position

PHOENIX, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A new statewide survey conducted by Noble Predictive Insights finds overwhelming agreement among Arizona voters that the current permitting process is too slow and too difficult, along with strong majority support for a reform that maintains building standards while giving homeowners more options.

According to the poll, 75% of registered voters agree permitting needs to be faster and easier, including 43% who strongly agree. The intensity behind those numbers reflects real-world frustration that cuts across region, party, and demographic lines.

"Three in four voters are telling us the same thing: the system isn't working efficiently," said Mike Noble, Founder and CEO of Noble Predictive Insights. "When 43% strongly agree, that signals more than a policy preference, it reflects lived experience."

Support spans the state:

By Region

 Maricopa County: 74% agree

 Pima County: 76% agree

 Rural Arizona: 78% agree

By Party

 Republicans: 81% agree

 Democrats: 71% agree

 Independents/Other: 72% agree

The data show frustration with delays and bureaucratic bottlenecks is not partisan, it is a shared experience among Arizona voters.

When presented with a specific reform proposal allowing homeowners to choose among qualified private plan reviewers and inspectors  while maintaining existing building codes and municipal enforcement  60% of voters support the measure, compared to just 14% who oppose it.

The proposal, sponsored by Senator Shawnna Bolick through SB 1241, would modernize Arizona's permitting process by creating an optional pathway that reduces delays while ensuring projects continue to meet all safety and code requirements.

Senator Bolick says, "As Arizona continues to grow, voters are sending a clear message: protect public safety, keep standards intact, and eliminate unnecessary delays that drive up costs and stall home improvements."

SB 1241 has passed the Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency Committee with bipartisan support and now heads to the Senate floor.

Homeowners, tradesmen, small contractors, and community members are encouraged to contact their state senators and voice support.

Learn more at qrco.de/freedomtofix.

Methodology

This poll was conducted by Noble Predictive Insights from February 10-13, 2026, and surveyed Arizona registered voters via opt-in online panel. In total, we interviewed 1059 registered voters. The sample demographics were weighted to accurately reflect the registered voter population by gender, region, age, party affiliation, race/ethnicity, and education according to recent voter file data, the Arizona Secretary of State's Office, and recent Census data. The margin of error was +/- 3.01%. Totals may not sum to 100%, due to rounding.

SOURCE Freedom to Fix
NEW YORK, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sage has been recognised by Better Business Advice for its accounting software designed for UK sole traders, highlighting its role in helping individuals manage bookkeeping, meet HMRC requirements, and maintain accurate financial records in a changing regulatory environment.

Best Sole Trader Accounting Software

Sage - helps sole traders manage finances, maintain digital records, support Self Assessment, and meet Making Tax Digital requirements with simple tools designed for efficient, compliant accounting

Running a business as a sole trader requires consistent financial oversight. Unlike limited companies, sole traders are personally responsible for tax obligations and business debts. Accurate record keeping and timely submissions are essential to avoid penalties, interest charges, and administrative stress. In recent years, the shift toward digital tax reporting has increased the need for reliable accounting tools that simplify these processes.

Making Tax Digital continues to reshape how sole traders manage their finances. The initiative requires eligible individuals to maintain digital records and submit regular updates to HMRC. As these rules take effect, many sole traders are moving away from spreadsheets and manual bookkeeping in favour of software that can automate tasks and reduce the likelihood of errors.

Growing Need for Digital Accounting Tools

Sole traders often manage multiple responsibilities at once, from delivering services and managing clients to overseeing invoices and expenses. Financial administration can become time consuming, especially during tax season. Accounting software helps centralise financial data, automate repetitive tasks, and provide clear visibility of business performance.

Digital record keeping also supports compliance with HMRC expectations. Maintaining organised financial data allows for easier reporting and reduces the risk of missed deadlines. As tax reporting becomes increasingly digital, software that supports these processes is becoming a standard part of running a small business.

Sage's accounting software addresses these needs by providing a single platform where sole traders can record income, track expenses, and manage receipts digitally. By bringing these tasks together, the platform reduces reliance on manual spreadsheets and fragmented record systems.

Simplifying Day to Day Bookkeeping

Daily bookkeeping tasks can take significant time when handled manually. Sage provides tools that automate several of these activities, including categorising transactions and storing receipts digitally.

Users can record income and expenses directly in the platform. Transactions imported from connected UK bank accounts reduce manual data entry and help maintain accurate records. This automatic import process supports regular reconciliation and helps ensure that accounts remain up to date throughout the year.

Digital receipt storage is another key feature. Sole traders can upload and organise receipts within the software, helping maintain a complete audit trail. Keeping records in one place supports both compliance and efficiency, especially when preparing tax submissions or sharing information with an accountant.

Mobile access allows users to manage finances while away from their desk. Sole traders can capture receipts, check balances, and send invoices from a mobile device, helping maintain continuity in financial management regardless of location.

Supporting Self Assessment Preparation

Preparing Self Assessment tax returns is one of the most time intensive tasks for sole traders. The process requires accurate records of income, expenses, and allowable deductions. Errors can lead to additional queries or penalties.

Sage supports Self Assessment preparation by compiling financial data automatically. The platform generates summaries aligned with the SA103S form, helping users organise information needed for tax submission. Automatic calculation of deductions helps reduce the risk of mistakes and ensures that records remain consistent.

These tools also help streamline collaboration with accountants. Financial data can be shared securely, allowing accountants to review records and confirm accuracy before submission. This process can reduce back and forth communication and improve overall efficiency during tax season.

Meeting Making Tax Digital Requirements

Making Tax Digital represents a major change to UK tax reporting. Eligible sole traders must maintain digital records and provide quarterly updates to HMRC. Meeting these requirements manually can be challenging without dedicated software.

Sage includes tools designed to support MTD compliance and real time financial visibility.

Core MTD related features include:

Automatic categorisation of transactions using HMRC recognised categories

Quarterly updates based on real time financial data

Dashboards showing income, expenses, and estimated tax obligations

Secure collaboration with accountants before submission

These tools help maintain compliant records throughout the year.

Invoicing and Cashflow Visibility

Consistent invoicing and clear cashflow visibility are essential for maintaining financial stability. Sage provides invoicing tools that allow sole traders to create, customise, and send invoices digitally.

The free plan allows up to five invoices per month, which can suit new or low volume businesses. The paid plan includes unlimited invoicing, offering flexibility as businesses grow.

Cashflow dashboards provide insight into incoming and outgoing funds. These visual reports help sole traders understand spending patterns and plan for upcoming expenses. Improved cashflow visibility can support better decision making and reduce financial uncertainty.

Flexible Plans for Different Business Stages

Sage offers two plans designed for sole traders at different stages of business development.

The Individual Free plan supports non VAT registered sole traders and includes income and expense tracking, receipt storage, mobile access, SA103S summaries, and MTD compatible quarterly updates. This option provides a starting point for new or smaller businesses.

The Individual plan builds on these features by offering unlimited invoicing, advanced reporting tools, automated Self Assessment calculations, and enhanced cashflow insights. The subscription operates on a flexible monthly basis with no long term contract.

This tiered approach provides access to compliant accounting tools regardless of business size or transaction volume.

Industry Recognition for Sage

Sage continues to play an important role in helping sole traders adapt to digital tax requirements and maintain accurate records. Tools that reduce manual processes and support compliance help business owners manage financial responsibilities more efficiently.

The recognition published by Better Business Advice highlights the role of Sage in supporting sole traders with practical accounting tools that simplify record keeping and assist with compliance in the UK.

About Sage

Sage is a global provider of accounting, financial, HR, and payroll software for small and medium sized businesses. The company focuses on digitising business processes and connecting organisations with customers, suppliers, employees, banks, and governments through its digital network. Sage has supported businesses for more than 40 years and is listed on the London Stock Exchange. Millions of customers rely on its software to manage finances, people, and operations, and a quarter of the UK's employees are paid using Sage solutions.

About Better Business Advice: Better Business Advice covers the news and strategies driving modern business success. The information provided by Better Business Advice does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials are for general informational purposes only. As an affiliate, Better Business Advice may earn commissions from services mentioned in the links provided.

SOURCE BetterBusinessAdvice.com
CLEVELAND, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL), a leading independent investment bank and financial advisory firm, is pleased to announce the refinancing and financial restructuring of two Wyndham hotels totaling 245 keys in Avon, OH, and Noblesville, IN. BGL's Real Estate team served as the exclusive financial advisor to the ownership group in this transaction, with American Bank N.A. providing the bridge financing for the Wyndham Avon and Wyndham Noblesville hotels.

It was a pleasure working with the Ceres and BGL team on these assets to find a creative lending structure. Post this Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL), a leading independent investment bank and financial advisory firm, is pleased to announce the refinancing and financial restructuring of two Wyndham hotels totaling 245 keys in Avon, OH, and Noblesville, IN. BGL's Real Estate team served as the exclusive financial advisor to the ownership group in this transaction, with American Bank N.A. providing the bridge financing for the Wyndham Avon and Wyndham Noblesville hotels.

BGL's Real Estate team advised the owners on a tailored solution to navigate upcoming senior loan maturities by negotiating short-term forbearance, prepayment terms, and extension options for in-place bridge financing, while ultimately securing new multi-year term senior bridge financing. In addition, BGL raised preferred equity investment to recapitalize both hotels' balance sheets, which redeemed minority interests within the original ownership group and funded reserve accounts at each property.

The new American Bank bridge financing successfully retires maturing construction financing, along with the prepayment of a Small Business Administration 504 loan. With this execution, American Bank delivers an efficient financing structure to optimize hotel operations and reaffirm the long-term lending relationship with the Sponsor.

Zane Smith, Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer at American Bank: "We pride ourselves on finding bespoke solutions for our clients' credit needs. This is exactly what we had to do with this transaction. Over multiple months, we crafted a credit solution that worked for all parties, even accommodated a pivot, at the last minute, due to third-party issues. It was a pleasure working with the Ceres and BGL team on these assets to find a creative lending structure."

BGL previously closed on the brand conversion for a portfolio of hotels that included the Wyndham Avon and Wyndham Noblesville at Noblesville Innovation Mile.

David Crisafi, President of Ceres Enterprises: "As these hotels faced maturity walls in the current capital markets environment, BGL's advisory was pivotal to arrange a beneficial solution that would continue supporting the strong operational performance at both properties. BGL and American Bank quickly structured the new issuance and ran an efficient closing process to achieve key milestones and deadlines. We look forward to the continued partnership with American Bank as an institutional hotel lender."

Ceres Enterprises is a leading developer and operator of premier hotels in the Midwestern United States, whose portfolio includes Marriott, Hilton, and Wyndham hotels. The Orlean Company is a leading Ohio-based real estate developer with extensive ground-up commercial real estate experience, including senior and assisted living care housing, affordable and market-rate multifamily housing, and commercial retail and for-sale housing in Northeast Ohio.

About BGL's Real Estate Team

BGL's Real Estate Team offers comprehensive real estate investment banking services tailored to the middle market. It provides client-focused solutions with an emphasis on real estate advisory, debt, preferred and private equity placement, financial restructuring, recapitalizations, sale-leasebacks, structured finance, and asset acquisitions and dispositions across all asset classes. The team assists real estate owners and developers looking to form alliances and joint ventures with single-source capital providers to gain local and institutional access for all capital needs.

About Brown Gibbons Lang & Company

Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL) is a leading independent investment bank and financial advisory firm focused on the global middle market. The firm advises private and public corporations and private equity groups on mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, financial restructurings, business valuations and opinions, and other strategic matters. BGL has offices in Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Los Angeles, and New York. The firm is also a founding member of REACH Cross-Border Mergers & Acquisitions, enabling BGL to service clients in 30 countries around the world. Securities transactions are conducted through Brown, Gibbons, Lang & Company Securities, LLC, an affiliate of Brown Gibbons Lang & Company LLC and a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC. For more information, please visit www.bglco.com.

About American Bank

American Bank is a $700 million asset boutique bank that works to find bespoke solutions to its clients. Since 1974, American Bank has been a community-focused financial institution dedicated to helping individuals and businesses achieve their dreams. With headquarters in Grapevine and serving customers in the DFW area and nationwide, the bank combines personalized service with modern banking solutions. Guided by five core values: Innovation, Community, Trust, Service, and Excellence. American Bank delivers competitive rates and a high-touch customer experience. An FDIC-designated Minority Depository Institution, the bank lives by its tagline: "Bank Small. Dream Big.", offering inclusive and accessible banking for all.

SOURCE Brown Gibbons Lang & Company
Attorneys Kevin Thelen and Justin Powers join the San Francisco-based law firm.

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Bostwick & Associates , a San Francisco-based personal injury and medical malpractice law firm, announces the expansion of its legal team with the addition of two attorneys, Kevin Thelen and Justin Powers, along with paralegal Yesenia Lambarena. Working alongside founder James S. Bostwick, the new attorneys reflect the firm's commitment to providing high-level representation to individuals and families affected by serious injuries and medical negligence.

Bostwick & Associates

Kevin Thelen joins the firm as a Senior Trial Attorney with approximately 20 years of experience in complex medical malpractice and catastrophic injury litigation. He has devoted his legal career to cases involving life-altering harm and wrongful medical conduct. He has been the primary trial lawyer for more than a dozen medical malpractice jury trials in California and has handled matters that require detailed medical analysis, expert coordination, and comprehensive trial preparation. His approach emphasizes careful case development and clear communication, enabling injured clients and their families to navigate challenging legal and medical issues with confidence. Kevin is also a member of the invitation-only organization, American Board of Trial Advocates.

Justin Powers joins the firm as an Associate Attorney representing plaintiffs in medical malpractice and personal injury claims and lawsuits that reach litigation. For more than five years, he has focused on medical malpractice and severe personal injury claims and has extensive experience building fact-driven cases supported by medical and technical evidence. He is known for a disciplined and analytical litigation style and for working closely with experts to present complex information in a clear and precise manner.

The firm also welcomes Yesenia Lambarena as a new paralegal to the firm, bringing more than 20 years of experience as a certified paralegal and legal assistant. In this role, she assists with case management, client communication, and the day-to-day coordination necessary to move cases efficiently through the legal process.

"Kevin and Justin significantly strengthen the firm's ability to represent more individuals and families impacted by catastrophic injuries and negligence," said Jim Bostwick, founder of Bostwick & Associates. "Both attorneys bring a passion for justice, discipline, and trial readiness required to advocate effectively for clients who have faced life-altering harm."

Founded in San Francisco nearly 50 years ago by James Bostwick, Bostwick & Associates represents plaintiffs in personal injury, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury cases. One of California's most experienced and reputable firms, it has recovered over $1 billion for clients and achieved record-setting results across multiple states. The recent addition of two attorneys and a paralegal strengthens the firm as it continues serving clients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, California, and Hawaii.

For additional information about Bostwick & Associates or to request a free case consultation, visit bostwickfirm.com .

Media Contact

Allyson Wyles

[email protected]

SOURCE Bostwick & Associates
In his State of the Union speech, the president insists that large parts of Mexico have been controlled by murderous drug cartels

U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed credit for the death of Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, aka El Mencho, who was killed in an operation on Sunday in Mexico. Weve also taken down one of the most sinister cartel kingpins, Trump said during his State of the Union speech on Tuesday at the Capitol in Washington, without explicitly mentioning El Mencho.

The government of Claudia Sheinbaum, in a report on the operation led by the Mexican Army, acknowledged that the United States had provided strategic intelligence to pinpoint the exact location of the CJNG leader at a cabin complex in Tapalpa, Jalisco. But the Mexican president denied that the U.S. participated directly in the attack.

Trump made this statement after reiterating that large parts of Mexico have been controlled by murderous drug cartels. The Republican leader has made this claim before, while also pressuring his Mexican counterpart to accept more direct involvement of U.S. security forces in combating organized crime in Mexico, an offer Sheinbaum has repeatedly rejected. In his speech at the Capitol, Trump used the argument of alleged cartel control in Mexico as an example of threats to U.S. security and to the Western Hemisphere, one of his administrations geopolitical concerns.

Trump noted that his administration designated cartels in Mexico and other countries as terrorist organizations, and fentanyl, a drug that has killed tens of thousands of Americans, to be a weapon of mass destruction.

Regarding fentanyl, Trump underscored that shipments into the U.S. dropped by 56% during the first year of his term in office. This decline shows that cooperation between his administration and Sheinbaums has yielded results in the fight against drug trafficking. Sheinbaum herself has cited the drastic reduction in trafficking of synthetic drugs to the U.S. as an example of Mexicos efforts to meet Trumps demands, who has used the threat of tariffs to pressure his southern neighbor on security and migration issues.

Sheinbaum has previously said that many of the problems faced by both countries are shared, as are the efforts to resolve them, as in the case of drug trafficking. Trumps statement on Tuesday regarding the fall of El Mencho detracts from the merits of Mexico and specifically the Army. The head of Defense, Ricardo Trevilla, specified on Monday that the information provided by Washington was supplemented by specific monitoring previously carried out by the Mexican Armys own intelligence services. But Trevilla also thanked the U.S. for its cooperation in this case.

Sheinbaum emphasized that the planning and execution of the operation against El Mencho was carried out by the Mexican military, in coordination with other Mexican security agencies, and she denied the presence of U.S. agents on the ground.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
MIAMI, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- SPJ Florida invites journalists across the state to submit their best work for the 2026 Sunshine State Awards, Florida's largest and longest-running statewide journalism competition.

Now in its 32nd year, the competition recognizes outstanding journalism produced during the 2025 calendar year. The contest is open to professional print, broadcast, and online journalists in Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as out-of-state journalists who report on Florida. A student division recognizes work from budding journalists at Florida colleges, universities, and high schools.

Entry Deadlines

Standard Deadline: Monday, March 9

Monday, March 9 Late Deadline: Monday, March 23 (late fee applies)

The A-Mark Prize for Investigative Reporting, introduced in 2025, returns this year as the competition's top honor. Offering $15,000 in total prize money, the A-Mark Foundation continues its support of investigative journalists who promote transparency and hold the powerful to account.

The Sunshine State Awards competition accepts entries across seven divisions:

Print & Digital Writing

Photography & Design

Television & Video

Radio & Audio

Digital

Spanish Language

Students (College and High School)

About the Sunshine State Awards

SPJ Florida presents the Sunshine State Awards, and over the past decade has partnered with the South Florida chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) to offer a Spanish-language division. Since 1994, the program has celebrated excellence in the field, with all entries judged by working and retired journalists and journalism educators from outside the Florida market.

Net proceeds from the competition are reinvested into training, programming, and advocacy for Florida journalists.

For entry guidelines, category descriptions, and to submit your work, visit the Sunshine State Awards contest portal . More information, including links to last year's winners, is at SPJFlorida.com .

SOURCE SPJ Florida Pro Chapter
GUANGZHOU, China, Feb. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- From March 18 to 20, 2026, a working delegation from the Canton Fair will visit South Korea to conduct a series of promotion activities. This year's activities take on added significance as the visit is designed to strengthen engagement with South Korean buyers and enhance awareness of the Canton Fair's latest developments, exhibition structure, and service innovations.

The promotion conference will adopt a more targeted, industryfocused approach, reflecting evolving sourcing needs and consumption trends in the South Korean market. Building on established demand in Electronics & Appliances, Building & Furniture, and Health & Recreation products, the outreach will also spotlight special exhibition zones such as service robots and intelligent healthcare, aligning with broader industrial and lifestyle shifts.

The conference will follow a structured, multicity format. Centered in Seoul, the program will extend to key commercial hubs including Busan and Incheon, combining inperson conference with online engagement. This multilayered approach is intended to reach buyers with diverse profiles and sourcing objectives, while improving the efficiency and precision of participation planning.

Enhancing buyer experience will remain a central theme of the promotion. The delegation will introduce the Canton Fair's upgraded smart services, including digital booth-level navigation, intelligent trade matching, and tools supporting the full participation cyclefrom prefair preparation to onsite sourcing and postfair followup. These features aim to help international buyers engage more effectively with exhibitors and product categories.

In parallel, the delegation will seek to expand cooperation at multiple levels. Engagements with leading South Korean retail companies will be pursued, while partnerships with leading business organizations will help connect with high-quality small and medium-sized enterprises.

As part of its broader international outreach efforts, the campaign highlights the Canton Fair's sustained development as a global trade platform, focused on improving buyer access, advancing digital and smart services, as well as supporting longterm participation across successive sessions of the Fair.

For more information, please click

http://survey.cantonfair.org.cn/vm/hTmoYZR.aspx

SOURCE Canton Fair
New community expands Spartanburg-area offerings from online homebuying leader

SPARTANBURG, S.C., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Century Communities, Inc. (NYSE: CCS)a top national homebuilder, industry leader in online home sales, and featured on America's Most Trustworthy Companies and World's Most Trustworthy Companies by Newsweekrevealed that its Century Complete brand will soon be selling at the Company's newest Spartanburg community, Ellison Townhomes.

Avalon Floor Plan by Century Complete | New Construction Townhomes in Spartanburg, SC | Ellison Townhomes by Century Complete

In addition to quality and affordable new construction, this modern townhome community is designed for low-maintenance living. Future residents will also love amenities like community walking trails, a playground, a dog park, access to open space, and convenient proximity to the Daniel Morgan Trail System (known as "The Dan") and Downtown Spartanburg.

Join the Interest List for Grand Opening updates and more: www.CenturyCommunities.com/EllisonTownhomesSC

"Featuring quality, affordable, and low-maintenance townhomes in a prime Spartanburg location, this new community has a lot to offer," said Cliff Niederpruem, Regional President. "Sales will start soon and opportunities are limited, so it's an ideal time to join our interest list and ensure you're the first to know about available homes and special offers."

ELLISON TOWNHOMES | SPARTANBURG, SC

Coming soon from the low $200s

Low-maintenance modern townhomes

Contemporary design with open-concept layouts

3 bedrooms and 1,402 square feet

Attached 1-bay garages

Standard features include quartz countertops, Kohler water fixtures, LG stainless-steel appliances, and luxury vinyl-plank flooring

Easy commute to prime regional hubs like Greenville, along with area colleges and universities

Quick access to local attractions like Downtown Spartanburg, the Daniel Morgan Trail System, additional parks and recreational opportunitiessuch as fishing, biking and kayakingplus dining, shopping, farmers markets and more along E. Blackstock Road

Convenient location near I-85

Community Location

4010 Chessgrove Way

Spartanburg, SC 29307

864.509.9195

VISIT OUR SALES STUDIO

While our state-of-the-art online homebuying process allows you to buy on your terms24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a yearwe also offer in-person assistance from local experts at our Upstate Sales Studio.

Upstate Studio

1401 Woodruff Road, Suite B

Greenville, SC 29615

864.509.9195

THE FREEDOM OF ONLINE HOMEBUYING

Century Complete is proud to feature its industry-first online homebuying experience on all available homes in South Carolina, allowing homebuyers to easily find their best fit and purchase when they're readyall while continuing to work with their local real estate agent of choice. Homebuyers can further streamline the homebuying process by financing online with Century Complete's affiliate lender, Inspire Home Loans.

How it works:

Shop homes at CenturyCommunities.com Click "Buy Now" on any available home Fill out a quick Buy Online form Electronically submit an initial earnest money deposit Electronically sign a purchase contract via DocuSign

Learn more about the Buy Online experience at www.CenturyCommunities.com/online-homebuying.

About Century Communities

Century Communities, Inc. (NYSE: CCS) is one of the nation's largest homebuilders and a recognized industry leader in online home sales. Newsweek has named the Company one of America's Most Trustworthy Companies for three consecutive years. Century Communities has also been designated as one of U.S. News & World Report's Best Companies to Work For (20252026). Through its Century Communities and Century Complete brands, Century's mission is to build attractive, high-quality homes at affordable prices to provide its valued customers with A HOME FOR EVERY DREAM. Century is engaged in all aspects of homebuilding  including the acquisition, entitlement and development of land, along with the construction, innovative marketing and sale of quality homes designed to appeal to a wide range of homebuyers. The Company operates in 16 states and over 45 markets across the U.S., and also offers mortgage, title, insurance brokerage, and escrow services in select markets through its Inspire Home Loans, Parkway Title, IHL Home Insurance Agency, and IHL Escrow subsidiaries. To learn more about Century Communities, please visit www.centurycommunities.com.

SOURCE Century Communities, Inc.
AD HOC ANNOUNCEMENT pursuant to Art. 53 Listing Rules of SIX Swiss Exchange

Three new Board members to be proposed: Tobias Knechtle, Matthias Rebellius and Jacques Sanche

Longstanding members Kathleen Taylor and Didier Lamouche not standing for re-election to the Board

Jean-Christophe Deslarzes, Chair of the Board of Directors, standing for re-election for a final term

ZURICH, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Adecco Group (SIX: ADEN), the leading talent and technology consulting company, today announced that the Board of Directors will propose Tobias Knechtle, Matthias Rebellius and Jacques Sanche as new members for election at the Company's Annual General Meeting (AGM) on April 15, 2026. Longstanding members Kathleen Taylor and Didier Lamouche, who joined the Board in 2015 and 2011 respectively, are not standing for re-election.

Jean-Christophe Deslarzes, Chair of the Board of Directors, the Adecco Group, said: "I thank Katie Taylor and Didier Lamouche on behalf of the Company and the Board of Directors for their significant strategic guidance and support to the Group. They have been outstanding Board members and have substantially contributed to the constructive collaboration with management. I wish them all the best for their future endeavors.

"As part of our ongoing Board member succession planning, we are delighted to propose Tobias Knechtle, Matthias Rebellius and Jacques Sanche to our Board. Having served as CFO in several publicly listed companies, Tobias Knechtle will further enhance the Board's financial acumen. Matthias Rebellius and Jacques Sanche have significant CEO experience. All three bring deep technology and digital expertise, which strongly complements the Board's capabilities and will support the Group's pioneering AI agenda."

Tobias Knechtle has been CFO and member of the Executive Board of Geberit since 2022 and has had Board and audit committee chair experience at V-Zug since 2020. Prior to Geberit, Tobias served as CFO of the Valora Group as well as their ad interim CEO. Previously, he held senior finance roles at Kudelski Group and was Managing Director Germany for Cinven Private Equity. He started his career as internal auditor at Nestle and spent seven years as a consultant at the Boston Consulting Group in Switzerland and Brazil. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Bern, Switzerland, and is a Swiss citizen. The Adecco Group will be the only external board mandate for Tobias Knechtle.

Matthias Rebellius has been CEO Siemens Smart Infrastructure and a member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG, Chair of the Board of Siemens Switzerland and member of the Board of the publicly listed Siemens India Ltd since 2020. He has also been a member of the Supervisory Board of the publicly listed, independent Siemens Energy AG, since 2020. He joined Siemens in 1990 and has held roles of increasing seniority across the industrial automation, building technologies and smart infrastructure businesses in Germany, the US and Switzerland. He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from Trier University of Applied Sciences, Germany, and is a German and Swiss citizen. Matthias Rebellius has chosen to step down from his executive roles for Siemens AG at the end of September to concentrate on his non-executive career.

Jacques Sanche has been CEO at Bucher Industries AG since 2016. He has also been Chair of the Board of Directors of Burkhardt Compression since December 2025. Previously, he was CEO of Belimo Holding AG for eight years. He started his career as a consultant, amongst others at the Boston Consulting Group in Germany. He then had several general management roles with increasing profit and loss responsibility at WMH - Walter Meier Group in Switzerland and the US. He was a member of the Board and chair of the nomination and compensation committee of Schweiter Technologies for fifteen years. He holds a Master of Business Administration and a PhD in Information Technologies from the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland, and is a Canadian and Swiss citizen. Jacques Sanche has decided to step down from his executive role at the end of April to concentrate on his non-executive career.

Jean-Christophe Deslarzes, the Chair of the Board of Directors, will stand for re-election for a final term that will run until the 2027 AGM, when he plans to step down after twelve years as a board member, including seven as Chair.

The following Board members will also stand for re-election: Rachel Duan, Martine Ferland, Stefano Grassi, Sandhya Venugopal and Regula Wallimann.

For further information please contact:

Benita Barretto

Head External Communications & Investor Relations, The Adecco Group

[email protected] / [email protected]

Tel: +41 (0) 75 443 93 24

Jurg Schneider

Group External Communications, The Adecco Group

[email protected]

Tel: +41 (0) 79 876 09 21

About the Adecco Group

The Adecco Group is the world's leading talent and technology expertise company. Our purpose is making the future work for everyone. Through our three global business units - Adecco, Akkodis and LHH - across 60 countries, we enable sustainable and lifelong employability for individuals, deliver digital and engineering consulting solutions to power transformation and empower organisations to optimise their workforces. The Adecco Group leads by example and is committed to fostering sustainable employability and supporting resilient economies and communities. The Adecco Group AG is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland (ISIN: CH0012138605) and listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ADEN).

https://www.adeccogroup.com/

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2919475/The_Adecco_Group_Logo.jpg
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Chariot Defense, a defense technology company pioneering next-generation battlefield power systems, today announced it has raised $34 million in Series A funding, bringing total funding to $41 million. The round was led by new investor Andreessen Horowitz, and with new participation from DCVC, LMNT, Marlinspike, Overmatch, Shield Capital, Ensemble, and Trenches Capital. Existing investors General Catalyst and XYZ also participated.

Chariot Defense Announces $34M Series A led by Andreessen Horowitz to scale command of power on the battlefield Left: Amphora 24 supporting expeditionary UAS rapid charging with Black Jack Brigade onboard light vehicle at NTC rotation 26-02, Nov. 2, 2025. Source DVIDS: https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9389906/black-jack-brigade-conducts-ntc-rotation-26-02 Right: Amphora 400 supporting silent operations for command and control at same exercise. The rotation marked the first armored Transforming in Contact (TiC) 2.0 combat training center rotation.

Power is becoming the critical constraint across military operations. To solve this pressing challenge, Chariot Defense has built a deployable, software-defined power layer that senses, prioritizes, and routes power across mission-critical systems in real time, enabling warfighters to operate without interruption, detectable signature, or wasted capacity.

"We're on a mission to ensure power is never the limiting factor in modern warfare," said Adam Warmoth, Chariot Defense Founder and CEO. "Power on the battlefield is less about how much energy you carry; it is more about how intelligently you control and distribute it. Chariot's Amphora systems act as a combat multiplier in the field, enabling soldiers to operate with greater freedom. We enhance their ability to see, sense, strike, and survive in contested environments. The speed with which warfighters have adopted our systems is a testament to our technology and our incredible team. We're already turning this capital into capabilities as we scale to meet the growing demand."

The funding comes on the heels of new sales and contracts with the U.S. Army, DIU Project GI, and commercial customers.

"Incredible breakthroughs in power are happening in the commercial world, from advanced batteries, to next-generation microcontrollers and power electronics, while much of defense still relies on legacy systems," said Erin Price-Wright, General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz. "Chariot is bringing that innovation directly into national security and building the software-defined power backbone our modern military systems demand. The future of defense will be shaped by energy, speed, and adaptability, and Chariot is leading that shift."

Investing to Meet Urgent Demand

The raise will accelerate production of Chariot's agile power system products and support the development of an operating system for the command, control, and distribution of electric power on the battlefield. The funding will also enable Chariot to significantly expand its engineering team to meet surging demand. This news comes just six months after the company launched out of stealth in July 2025.

"We are excited to back Chariot again, as they have operationalized the Anduril-style playbook of defense problem solving and productization by driving systems to the field early and iterating essential features quickly to get them deployed." says Ross Fubini, Managing Partner at XYZ Venture Capital. "Demand for rapid fielding has never been stronger, and Chariot is a prime example of transformation in contact."

Leading with the Amphora Product

Modern operations are failing from lack of power. Chariot's universal and agile Amphora hybrid power systems enhance warfighter lethality and survivability by tightly integrating energy storage, conversion, and distribution capabilities to deliver power when, where, and how it is needed. These systems are already being adopted by units to extend operational independence and better adapt during distributed, expeditionary missions via ubiquitous, dependable power. Chariot has directly sold Amphora systems to customers following recent exercises, including to commercial customers who recognize the importance of power to accelerate their own innovation and to create resilience in their existing deployments.

Building for Scale

Warmoth concluded: "Chariot went from seed round to air-assaulting equipment into force-on-force exercises within six months and we generated revenue within twelve months. That kind of traction is exactly why we're rapidly expanding."

The company is actively recruiting mechanical, electrical, and software engineers with expertise in high-voltage energy storage, power electronics, and distributed systems to build the power infrastructure that will define modern military operations.

About Chariot Defense:

Chariot Defense is a defense technology company pioneering next-generation power distribution systems built for the demands of modern warfare. Its Amphora platform provides modular voltage and low-signature power at the tactical edgepowering everything from radios and drones to sensors and directed energy systems. Founded in 2024, Chariot is backed by leading national security investors and led by a team with deep experience across defense, technology, and government.

Learn more at https://www.chariotdefense.com/.

Media Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Chariot Defense
NEW YORK, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The following statement is being issued by Kroll Issuer Services (US) regarding Constellation Oil Services Holding S.A.

Constellation Oil Services Holding S.A. (the " Issuer ", " we ", " our " or " us "), a public limited liability company (societe anonyme) incorporated under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, having its registered office at 8-10, Avenue de la Gare, L-1610 Luxembourg and registered with the Luxembourg Trade and Companies' Register under number B163424, announces that it has commenced a solicitation of consents (the " Consent Solicitation ") with respect to its outstanding 9.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2029 (the " Notes "), issued pursuant to the indenture, dated as of November 7, 2024, as amended by a first supplemental indenture, dated as of December 12, 2024 (collectively, the " Indenture "), among the Issuer, the Subsidiary Guarantors named therein and GLAS Trust Company LLC (the " Trustee "). We are soliciting consents to amend (the " Proposed Amendment ") the Indenture in order to anticipate the payment of certain dividends. The Consent Solicitation is being conducted subject to the terms and conditions described in the Consent Solicitation Statement, dated as of February 25, 2026 (the " Statement "). Terms used and not defined in this press release have the meanings assigned in the Statement.

The Consent Solicitation will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on March 3, 2026, unless extended or earlier terminated by us in our sole discretion (such date and time, as the same may be extended, the " Expiration Date ").

If the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount outstanding of the Notes (the " Required Consents ") validly deliver Consents (in minimum denominations of US$1 and integral multiples of US$1 in excess thereof) at or prior to the Expiration Date and do not validly revoke such Consents prior to the Revocation Deadline, it is expected that the Issuer, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee will execute a second supplemental indenture to the Indenture (the " Second Supplemental Indenture ") effecting the Proposed Amendment (such time, the " Consent Effective Time ").

In the event that the Consent Effective Time has occurred, the Issuer will pay in cash, on the Settlement Date, US$5.00 per US$1,000 principal amount of Notes with respect to which Consents were validly delivered at or prior to the Expiration Date (and not validly revoked prior to the Revocation Deadline) (the " Consent Payment "). For the avoidance of doubt, the Consent Payment will be rounded to the nearest cent, rounding up at US$0.005.

The Second Supplemental Indenture will be effective immediately upon execution thereof as to all Holders at the Consent Effective Time, whether or not a Holder delivered a Consent. However, the Second Supplemental Indenture will only be operative following payment by the Issuer of the Consent Payment at the Settlement Date.

We reserve the right, subject to applicable law, in our sole discretion, to (i) extend, terminate or withdraw the Consent Solicitation at any time or (ii) otherwise amend the Consent Solicitation in any respect.

Clarksons Securities AS is acting as solicitation agent in the Consent Solicitation, and can be contacted at the following e-mail address: [email protected] with questions regarding the Consent Solicitation.

Requests for copies of the Statement may be directed to Kroll, the information agent and tabulation agent for the Consent Solicitation, at the following e-mail address: [email protected] and telephone numbers: U.S./Canada: (888) 325-8676 / International: (646) 825-3821.

This press release is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Under no circumstances shall this press release constitute a solicitation of Consents to the Proposed Amendment. The Consent Solicitation is not being made to, nor will the Issuer accept deliveries of Consents from, holders in any jurisdiction in which the Consent Solicitation would not be in compliance with the securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdiction.

Neither the Statement nor any documents related to the Consent Solicitation have been filed with, and have not been approved or reviewed by, any federal or state securities commission or regulatory authority of any country. No authority has passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the Statement or any documents related to the Consent Solicitation, and it is unlawful and may be a criminal offense to make any representation to the contrary.

Important Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are information of a non-historical nature or that relate to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties. No assurance can be given that the transactions described in this press release will be consummated or as to the ultimate terms of any such transactions. The Issuer does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or future events or for any other reason.

DISCLAIMER

This press release must be read in conjunction with the Statement. This press release and the Statement contain important information that must be read carefully before any decision is made with respect to the Consent Solicitation.

None of the Issuer, the Subsidiary Guarantors, the Solicitation Agent, the Information Agent, the Trustee or any of their respective affiliates makes (x) any recommendation as to whether Holders should deliver or refrain from delivering Consents in response to the Consent Solicitation or (y) any representations or warranties in connection with the Proposed Amendment. Each Holder must make its own decision (and consult its own legal, business, tax and other advisors) as to whether to deliver Consents.

SOURCE Kroll Issuer Services (US)
Boxer Eats Eye Mask Potentially Containing Toxic Ingredient

MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The cooling face mask Kate Vaughan purchased was supposed to help with headaches and maybe those puffy eyes. When her dog Maya decided to eat rather than wear the mask, however, it created a different kind of headache  one that ended in a trip to the pet emergency room.

"We have four dogs, and two are usually the troublemakers," explained Vaughan, who lives with her family in Florida. "When I found my face mask chewed up, I actually yelled at the wrong dog. When Maya started vomiting up the gel, however, I realized she was the real culprit."

"When I found my face mask chewed up, I actually yelled at the wrong dog." Post this The situation was anything but calm when Maya was rushed to the hospital after ingesting toxic ingredients in a face mask.

At first, Vaughan wasn't too concerned. She used to work at a dog training company, and has been around dogs her whole life, so she assumed Maya would simply vomit up the mask contents and be fine.

"My husband slept on the couch to be close to her, and she vomited throughout the night," Vaughan added. "The next morning, she started acting wobbly, so I decided I better call a veterinarian. They advised me to call the toxicology experts at Pet Poison Helpline."

"We are finding that some face masks have started to contain a chemical compound called acrylamide, which can be toxic to both pets and people if ingested in a large enough quantity," said Dr. Renee Schmid, a senior veterinary toxicologist and director of Veterinary Medicine at Pet Poison Helpline. "We have seen an increase in the number of suspected acrylamide poisoning calls we receive from seemingly harmless products. National Poison Prevention Month is coming up in March, so we thought it was timely and important to highlight this case for other pet lovers."

When Maya arrived at the Veterinary Emergency Clinic of Central Florida, she was panting and anxious but had stopped vomiting. Pet Poison Helpline advised the hospital medical team that the face mask may have contained acrylamide, which can cause gastrointestinal upset, central nervous system stimulation or depression, ataxia (poor muscle control), tremors, seizures and liver injury. Ingestion of acrylamide is fatal in many instances. They recommended Maya receive an anti-emetic, intravenous fluids and continued monitoring. Due to the risk of kidney and liver damage, bloodwork monitoring was also recommended. Specific medications for tremors, seizures and liver support were discussed to be given based on how Maya's symptoms progressed.

"Acrylamide can be found in a wide range of products, including cosmetics and packaging," Dr. Schmid added.

Pet Poison Helpline is warning pet lovers about the potential hidden dangers inside products and materials containing acrylamide. Typically, exposure to cold packs and wraps causes mild stomach upset. However, after ingestion of cooling migraine wraps, pets were developing severe neurologic signs including ataxia, body tremors, and seizures. In certain cases, liver and kidney failure were also occurring. These severe signs have been fatal in several cases.

"While there continues to be testing and research as to why this is happening, we have discovered a common link that may be causing the severe poisonings; acrylamide," Dr. Schmid confirmed. "Educating the public on the potential risks of these products if ingested by pets is critical in minimizing the number of animals being exposed to this potentially fatal material."

"Maya is 13 years old, so I'm astonished she came back so well," Vaughen added. "She's acting like a four-year-old again. We spent $4,700 on veterinary bills, but obviously it was 100% worth it."

About Pet Poison Helpline

Pet Poison Helpline, your trusted source for toxicology and pet health advice in times of potential emergency, is available 24 hours, seven days a week for pet owners and veterinary professionals who require assistance treating a potentially poisoned pet. Per incident and subscription service options are available. We are an independent, nationally recognized animal poison control center triple licensed by the Boards of Veterinary Medicine, Medicine and Pharmacy providing unmatched professional leadership and expertise. Our veterinarians and board-certified toxicologists provide treatment advice for all species, including dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, large animals and exotic species. As the most cost-effective option for animal poison control care, Pet Poison Helpline's fee of $89 per incident includes follow-up consultations for the duration of the case. The company also offers pethelpline(SM) and pethelplinePRO(SM) subscription services directly to pet lovers. Based in Minneapolis, Pet Poison Helpline is available in North America by calling 800-213-6680. Additional information, including a chat feature for pet owners, can be found online at www.petpoisonhelpline.com.

Contact: Curtis Steinhoff

Pet Poison Helpline

(602) 300-8466

[email protected]

SOURCE Pet Poison Helpline
In the news release, El Car Wash Enters Boca Raton Market with Prime Federal Highway Location, issued 25-Feb-2026 by El Car Wash over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that changes have been made. The complete, corrected release follows, with additional details at the end

El Car Wash Enters Boca Raton Market with Prime Federal Highway Location

Company enters the Boca Raton market through the acquisition of Miracle Car Wash, advancing disciplined growth across Florida

MIAMI, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- El Car Wash, Florida's leading express car wash operator, today announced its entrance into the Boca Raton market with the acquisition of Miracle Car Wash, marking the company's first location in Boca Raton. Situated on highly trafficked Federal Highway, the site represents premier real estate in one of South Florida's most desirable corridors and provides members with a convenient, high-visibility destination to enjoy their unlimited wash benefits. A second Boca Raton location is scheduled to open later this year.

The acquisition adds El Car Wash's 16th store in Palm Beach County and expands service to more than 75,000 members in the region. The Federal Highway location strengthens the company's footprint along a key commuter route, enhancing accessibility and everyday convenience for both existing and new members.

El Car Wash team members are currently operating the site, which will continue serving customers under the Miracle Car Wash name until a full rebrand is completed later this year.

"This marks an exciting milestone as we enter the Boca Raton community," said Billy Lyons, Area Director of Operations West Palm Beach. "Federal Highway is prime real estate, and this location allows us to serve members in a highly convenient, high-traffic corridor. As we continue to grow thoughtfully and sustainably, our focus remains on delivering a consistent, high-quality experience while investing in the team members who bring the El Car Wash experience to life every day."

The acquisition reflects El Car Wash's continued momentum following a record year in 2025. The company closed the year with 85 locations and more than 450,000 members, washing approximately 16 million vehicles across Florida and Michigan. El Car Wash is on track to surpass 100 locations in 2026.

Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Doral, Florida, El Car Wash has built its reputation by reimagining the express car wash industry through advanced technology, environmentally conscious operations, and a customer-first approach. The company continues to scale with a focus on operational consistency, team member investment, and community engagement, supporting more than 30 nonprofit partnerships and raising and donating more than $200,000 in 2025 alone.

About El Car Wash

El Car Wash began with a bold idea: that an everyday errand could be transformed into something exceptional. The company was founded on a shared belief that the car wash industry had been overlooked for too long  profitable but uninspired, necessary but transactional.

By blending business insight, operational discipline and an unwavering belief in better, El Car Wash reimagined what a car wash could be. From the start, the focus was on creating a premium experience that still felt personal  a place where technology, quality and genuine care come together to make people feel good about the way they start or end their day.

What began as a handful of locations in Miami quickly became a movement grounded in innovation, community engagement and people-first culture. El Car Wash continues to grow through the same spirit that inspired its beginnings: finding opportunity where others see ordinary and turning it into something extraordinary. Learn more at www.elcarwash.com.



Correction: An earlier version of this release required an update to the 4th paragraph.

SOURCE El Car Wash
ABOV and femtoAI to lead edge inference into the future with new 5 year deal

SAN BRUNO, Calif., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- femtoAI , the leading edge AI inference platform announced the expansion of a strategic partnership with ABOV Semiconductor, a leading supplier of microcontrollers (MCUs) for digital appliances, remote controls, and home automation systems for Tier 1 OEMs. Together, femtoAI and ABOV will deliver an end-to-end, ultra-efficient solution for brands deploying local AI in consumer devices.

femtoAI and ABOV executives at deal signing.

Following an initial collaboration in 2024, femtoAI and ABOV have agreed to a five year contract where femtoAI's proprietary chip, the Sparse Processing Unit 001 (SPU-001), will be packaged alongside ABOV's MCUs series with femtoAI's AI tools for customers who are adding AI applications on devices for human language interfaces and predictive diagnostics yet require low-cost, power-efficient solutions. Together, ABOV and femtoAI deliver an ultra-efficient solution that scales the prevalence of edge computing.

"There's a lot of questions about where AI adoption really is and really driving new revenue but what most people don't realize is that there's quite a bit of AI being deployed in their everyday tech products. Together with ABOV, we empower customers to add AI features that actually improve their products, economically and with good ROI for the brand," said Sam Fok, CEO and co-founder of femtoAI.

"We are excited to deepen our collaboration with femtoAI through the ADAM-100 and AI MCUs that enable true deep-learning based AI features across a wide range of consumer electronics." shared Won Choi, CEO of ABOV Semiconductor. "By combining FemtoAI's efficient SPU technology with ABOV's robust MCU and manufacturing expertise, we are accelerating the development of Edge AI MCUs with advanced on-device intelligence for power- and cost-sensitive home appliances and consumer applications."

Powering human AI interactions with brain-inspired design

The growth of its relationship with ABOV is one example of the strong response to femtoAI's uniquely full-stack platform. As a leader in edge computing, femtoAI has always understood its technology would be at the fingertips of end consumers. In order to create a more "human" engagement when someone is, for example, asking their smart home for outfit ideas based on the outdoor temperature, femtoAI's software and silicon enables on-device inference that is inspired by the most efficient processor we can point to: the human brain. This synthesis of engineering and neuroscience gives femtoAI's customers an unfair advantage in delivering AI into their devices. FemtoAI unlocks previously only-imagined features, puts more value into products, ultimately, and allows brands to deliver a better experience for their customers.

About ABOV Semiconductor

ABOV Semiconductor is a prominent South Koreabased fabless company with over 20 years of expertise. The company has delivered more than 8 billion MCUs to leading global brands, powering everyday electronics worldwide. By integrating advanced on-device AI capabilities with robust MCU R&D, ABOV empowers customers to bring sophisticated edge intelligence across Smart Home Appliances, Advanced Mobility, and Intelligent Industrial Systems, and continues to pursue its vision of becoming the 'Global Top Edge AI MCU Innovator.' For more information, please visit www.abovsemi.com .

About femtoAI

femtoAI is a Silicon Valley-based technology company dedicated to empowering AI on every device. Founded by researchers from the Brains in Silicon Lab at Stanford University, their technology takes inspiration from neuromorphic computing with principles such as sparsity and locality that enables developers and enterprises to deploy high-performance models in low-resource environments. From wearables and household appliances to robotics, femtoAI brings the joy of AI to every device. Learn more at www.femto.ai . Developers looking to get started today can join the femtoAI Developer Portal at developer.femto.ai .

SOURCE femtoAI
HOUSTON, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, which has jurisdiction over federal cases from Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi, will convene at the University of Houston Law Center in early March to hear seven cases. Proceedings will take place in the John M. O'Quinn Law Building and are open to students and the public.

The three-judge panel includes Chief Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod, Judge Patrick E. Higginbotham and Judge James E. Graves Jr. The court will hear four cases on Monday, March 2 and three on Tuesday, March 3.

University of Houston Law Center to host the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

"Judges and lawyers play a vital role in shaping our institutions, values and society," said UH Law Dean Leonard M. Baynes. "By hosting the court over these two days, our students and members of the public have the rare opportunity to witness the appellate process firsthand and gain invaluable insight into how the federal court system works."

The docket reflects the breadth of issues regularly handled by the 5th Circuit, including cases involving criminal law, constitutional claims, civil rights, insurance and employment disputes:

USA v. Shaquaila Lewis , Appellant, No. 25-30104  a federal criminal appeal challenging a sentence imposed for fraudulently obtaining over $1.1 million from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

 a federal criminal appeal challenging a sentence imposed for fraudulently obtaining over $1.1 million from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Lucid Group USA, Appellant v. Monique Johnson, Et. Al.; Texas Automobile Dealers , No. 25-50319  a commercial dispute involving automobile sales and dealership law, raising questions of federal and state regulatory authority.

 a commercial dispute involving automobile sales and dealership law, raising questions of federal and state regulatory authority. Mark Wightman, Et. Al. Appellants v. Ameritas Life Insurance Corp ., No. 24-30775  a civil appeal about life insurance coverage and contractual interpretation.

.,  a civil appeal about life insurance coverage and contractual interpretation. E'Mann Comichi, Appellant v. Ingrid Pethel, Et. Al., No. 25-10954  a civil rights action arising from alleged constitutional violations.

 a civil rights action arising from constitutional violations. Michael Molitor, Appellant v. City of Sulphur , No. 25-30432  a municipal liability case involving the City of Sulphur.

 a municipal liability case involving the City of Sulphur. Eric McCutchan, Et. Al. Appellants v. Mary Nicholson, Et. Al. v. Office of the Attorney General of Texas, No. 25-10890  a case involving state government authority and constitutional or statutory interpretation.

 a case involving state government authority and constitutional or statutory interpretation. Nestor Beltran, Appellant v. Lockheed Martin Corp, No. 25-10808  an employment dispute involving a major federal contractor.

No backpacks, recording devices and cameras will be allowed while the court is in session.

WHAT: 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals oral arguments in seven cases over two days.

WHERE: The John M. O'Quinn Law Building, 4170 Martin Luther King Blvd., Houston, TX 77204 and online.

WHEN: 9 a.m., March 2 and 3, 2026

For more information and to register, please visit: United States Court of Appeals - University of Houston Law Center

Media contacts:

Carrie Anna Criado, UH Law Center Assistant Dean of Communications and Marketing, 713-743-2184, [email protected]; Rashda Khan Director of Communications, 713-743-2184 [email protected]

About the University of Houston Law Center

The University of Houston Law Center (UHLC) is a dynamic, top-tier law school located in the nation's 4th largest city. It is ranked #9 among U.S. law schools for return on investment (ROI) by LawCrossing and in the ABA Journal. UHLC's Health Law, Intellectual Property and Information Law, Legal Writing Program, and Part-time programs rank in the U.S. News Top 15. It awards Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees, through its academic branch, the College of Law. The Law Center is more than just a law school. It is a powerful hub of intellectual activity with more than 12 centers and institutes that fuel its educational mission and national reputation. UHLC is fully accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools.

About the University of Houston

The University of Houston is a Carnegie-designated Tier One public research university recognized with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter for excellence in undergraduate education. UH serves the globally competitive Houston and Gulf Coast Region by providing world-class faculty, experiential learning and strategic industry partnerships. Located in the nation's fourth-largest city and one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse regions in the country, UH is a federally designated Hispanic- and Asian American-Serving institution with an enrollment of more than 47,000 students.

SOURCE University of Houston Law Center
FPA PlannerSearch to transform from a static directory into an interactive platform that connects consumers with qualified CFP professionals through behavioral and data-driven intelligence

DENVER, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Financial Planning Association (FPA), the leading membership organization and trade association for CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professionals, today announced a multi-year strategic partnership with Snappy Kraken to rebuild and relaunch FPA PlannerSearch as a measurable, high-trust new client lead engine. For over 20 years, FPA PlannerSearch has helped consumers connect with CFP professionals. With this new partnership, it evolves from a directory into a data-driven platform that matches consumers with financial planners based on their needs, expertise, and shared values.

"We are refining FPA PlannerSearch to increase visibility for planners and highlight what makes financial planning unique," said Dennis Moore , MBA, CFP, CEO of FPA. "By partnering with Snappy Kraken, we're giving planners clarity, resources, and measurable marketing tools. This updated platform will reflect FPA's commitment to supporting members and making financial planning more accessible."

The new platform will focus on five strategic shifts:

Clarify the Value of Holistic Financial Planning: Position FPA members as fiduciary, relationship-driven professionals, focused on the financial planning process.

Position FPA members as fiduciary, relationship-driven professionals, focused on the financial planning process. Dynamic Matching Over Static Listings: Use structured data, enriched profiles, and consumer input to match individuals with planners based on specialization and philosophy.

Use structured data, enriched profiles, and consumer input to match individuals with planners based on specialization and philosophy. Meet Consumers Where They Are: With more consumers using artificial intelligence (AI) to search, increase FPA PlannerSearch visibility in AI environments.

With more consumers using artificial intelligence (AI) to search, increase FPA PlannerSearch visibility in AI environments. Measurable Lead Flow: Turn search traffic into qualified introductions with trackable lead activity and actionable follow-up.

Turn search traffic into qualified introductions with trackable lead activity and actionable follow-up. Member Engagement: Encourage consistent profile management and data integrity for real-time accuracy and platform-wide engagement.

Snappy Kraken will power lead capture, scoring, routing, and automated nurturing, converting search activity into structured client acquisition workflows. It will also integrate new FPA PlannerSearch features into FPA member websites, including planner-published thought leadership and educational content designed to increase AI visibility in search and improve website lead-capture metrics.

"Consumers need clarity, trust, and a reason to act," said Robert Sofia , CEO of Snappy Kraken. "FPA PlannerSearch has earned the credibility, and now with the right data and engagement engine, it can become the highest-trust pathway for consumers to find a CFP professional and generate measurable growth for FPA members."

As part of this multi-year partnership, Snappy Kraken will serve as a Feature Partner of FPA and integrate into the Association's broader ecosystem, including national events and member programs, and will provide exclusive discounts and enhanced services to FPA members. Development is already underway, with a go-to-market launch planned for late summer, and all current FPA PlannerSearch members will transition automatically to the new platform once it goes live. Together, FPA and Snappy Kraken aim to redefine how consumers discover financial planners in an AI-driven world, anchoring the experience in trust, data integrity, and measurable results.

About the Financial Planning Association

The Financial Planning Association (FPA) is the leading membership organization and trade association for CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professionals and those engaged in the financial planning process. FPA is the CFP professional's partner in planning by helping them realize their vision of professional fulfillment through practice support, learning, advocacy, and networking. Learn more about FPA at financialplanningassociation.org .

About Snappy Kraken

Snappy Kraken is an award-winning marketing technology (martech) firm that provides original content, marketing automation, personalized website design and bold, unique marketing campaigns for the financial services industry. Each of these marketing campaigns is informed by rich data.

Snappy Kraken's innovative approach has earned the company widespread recognition. In 2024, Snappy Kraken received the Wealth Management Industry Award (Wealthie) for Digital Campaign of the Year and the ThinkAdvisor Luminaries award for Excellence in Marketing. The company was also awarded Financial Planning's 2024 Innovation Award for its AI-Powered Email Builder and, for four consecutive years, was named Best Overall Content Marketing Software by MarTech Breakthrough (2019-2023). In recent years, Snappy Kraken also ranked #8 and #3 on Financial Planning's Best Fintechs to Work For lists.

To learn more about Snappy Kraken's solutions for financial advisors, including white-labeled enterprise solutions and to use the new and enhanced tools recently announced, visit SnappyKraken.com .

SOURCE Financial Planning Association
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Gallbladder Cancer Foundation (GBCF), a non-profit dedicated to providing resources to patients & caregivers and funding research for one of the most aggressive forms of cancer, today announced a strategic partnership with Citizen Health to launch the AI Advocate for Gallbladder Cancer. This innovative platform is designed to relieve the "medical detective" burden on patients and families by centralizing health records and providing instant, AI-driven insights into complex medical histories.

A preview of the Gallbladder Cancer AI Advocate, a secure, personalized platform helping patients easily navigate their medical data, explore treatment options, and prepare for doctor visits.

Gallbladder cancer is a rare cancer often diagnosed at advanced stages, requiring patients to navigate a labyrinth of specialists, clinical trials, and insurance hurdles. The AI Advocate platform streamlines this journey by gathering medical records from every provider a patient has visited and making that data searchable via a specialized AI tool built for rare and complex diseases.

"When my mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 gallbladder cancer, I saw firsthand how challenging it is to manage treatment while fighting such an aggressive disease," said Sanjeev Kumar, Founder and CEO of the Gallbladder Cancer Foundation. "Our mission has always been to put patients first. By partnering with Citizen Health, we are giving our community a revolutionary tool that transforms thousands of pages of medical jargon into actionable answers, allowing patients to focus on what matters most: their health and their families. We are delighted to announce the launch of this initiative during Rare Disease Week."

Through the AI Advocate platform, GBCF members can now:

Centralize Care: Automatically gather and organize medical records, test results, and imaging from multiple health systems into one secure portal.

Automatically gather and organize medical records, test results, and imaging from multiple health systems into one secure portal. Get Instant Answers: Ask the AI specific questions such as, " How has my CA 19-9 tumor marker trended over the last six months? Please provide a summary of the dates and values ?" or " Based on my most recent scans and lab results, what are three specific questions I should ask my oncologist during my next visit? "

Ask the AI specific questions such as, or Decode Medical Jargon: Receive plain-language explanations of complex pathology reports and biomarker data to better understand treatment options.

Receive plain-language explanations of complex pathology reports and biomarker data to better understand treatment options. Simplify Advocacy: Use AI-generated summaries to prepare for specialist appointments, appeal insurance denials, and share organized data with clinical trial coordinators.

Use AI-generated summaries to prepare for specialist appointments, appeal insurance denials, and share organized data with clinical trial coordinators. Drive Community Insights: Participation provides immediate value to patients while supporting the broader gallbladder cancer community through shared insights and collective knowledge.

Participation provides immediate value to patients while supporting the broader gallbladder cancer community through shared insights and collective knowledge. Participation is free and it takes only a few minutes to sign up for you or your loved one. Citizen Health is also now available on mobile for iPhone users in the US.

"We are honored to support the Gallbladder Cancer Foundation in their mission to provide better resources for this underserved community," said Farid Vij, Co-founder and CEO at Citizen Health. "The AI Advocate was built by families who understand the stress of managing a rare condition. By putting the power of their own data back into the hands of gallbladder cancer patients, we are helping them move forward with confidence and clarity."

The AI Advocate for Gallbladder Cancer is available starting today. Patients and caregivers can sign up and begin centralizing their records by visiting: https://www.citizen.health/ai-advocate/gbcf.

About the Gallbladder Cancer Foundation: Founded in 2024 by Sanjeev Kumar, the Gallbladder Cancer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to finding cures and improving the quality of life for those affected by gallbladder cancer. The foundation provides vital resources and support to patients and caregivers while raising funds for research into more efficacious treatments for this rare and aggressive disease. For more information, visit gallbladdercancer.org .

About Citizen Health: Citizen Health is a patient-led technology company dedicated to

empowering individuals with rare and complex chronic conditions. By leveraging advanced AI and a patient-centric data platform, Citizen Health helps families manage their medical journeys, access personalized insights, and easily contribute to research. To learn more, visit

citizenhealth.com

Media Contact:

Sanjeev Kumar

Founder & CEO

Gallbladder Cancer Foundation

[email protected]

SOURCE Gallbladder Cancer Foundation
One-click deployment of NVIDIA's open-source inference framework across public, private, hybrid, and on-prem environments

LUXEMBOURG, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Gcore, the global infrastructure and software provider for AI, cloud, network, and security solutions, today announced the integration of NVIDIA Dynamo into its AI inference solutions. The integration delivers significant GPU efficiency gainsup to 6x higher throughput and 2x lower latencyas a fully managed, one-click deployment. Dynamo is available now on Gcore Everywhere Inference and Gcore Everywhere AI.

NVIDIA Dynamo is an open-source inference framework, specifically designed to accelerate and optimize large-scale generative AI and inference models. Dynamo addresses the core challenges that businesses experience when running inference at scale: GPU underutilization, static resource allocation, memory bottlenecks, and data transfer inefficiency.

Gcore is delivering Dynamo as a fully managed solution, pre-optimized for popular inference models. Customers can activate Dynamo with a single click within the Gcore Customer Portal, without managing routing, KV cache logic, or GPU scheduling. This builds on Gcore's commitment to simplifying AI deployment through its intuitive, easy-to-use platform. The Dynamo integration is supported across private cloud, hybrid, and on-premises inference environments on Gcore Everywhere AI and Everywhere Inference.

Seva Vayner, Product Director of Edge Cloud and AI at Gcore, comments: "Modern inference isn't just 'run a model'it's batching, routing, dynamic workloads, longer contexts, and tight SLOs. In that reality, small scheduling and utilization losses become big performance and cost penalties. By integrating Dynamo as a managed service in Gcore, we bring advanced GPU optimization directly into the runtime path so customers see higher effective throughput and steadier tail latency, without operating the complexity themselves."

Beyond performance gains, NVIDIA Dynamo delivers meaningful cost optimization by increasing GPU utilization and reducing wasted cycles during decode and cache recomputation. By disaggregating prefill and decode, applying KV cache-aware routing, and leveraging NIXL for efficient inter-node communication, Dynamo ensures more requests are processed on the same hardware. This lowers cost per token and improves overall ROI. Gcore makes it particularly easy to access these efficiencies at scale.

Dynamo-powered inference is available today on Gcore Inference and Everywhere AI. Visit Gcore at MWC (Barcelona, March 25) or at GTC (San Jose, March 1619) for an in-person demonstration of NVIDIA Dynamo on Gcore.

About Gcore

Gcore is a global infrastructure and software provider for AI, cloud, network, and security solutions. Headquartered in Luxembourg, Gcore operates its own sovereign infrastructure across six continents, delivering ultra-low latency and compliance-ready performance for mission-critical workloads. Its AI-native cloud stack combines software innovation with hyperscaler-grade functionality, enabling enterprises and service providers to build, train, and scale AI everywhereacross public, private, and hybrid environments. By integrating AI, compute, networking, and security into a single platform, Gcore accelerates digital transformation and empowers organizations to unlock the full potential of AI-driven services.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2527184/5820804/Gcore_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Gcore
NEW YORK, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Guild Garage Group ("Guild"), an alliance of residential garage door service companies focused on replacement, repair and installation, has announced the completion of its partnership with Elite Overhead Garage Doors ("Elite"), a leading family-owned and operated residential and commercial garage door service company based in Buford, Georgia, with additional locations in Savannah, Georgia, and Anderson, South Carolina. Elite has been offering homeowners dependable and high-quality customer service for over 20 years. Elite is Guild's 27th acquisition since launching in 2024, and its 3rd acquisition in 2026.

Guild Garage Group announces the completion of its partnership with Elite Overhead Garage Doors. Post this Guild Garage Group is a newly formed alliance of residential garage door service companies and is actively looking to partner with owners of industry-leading companies. Guild is guided by the vision of being the preferred partner to business owners through a "made for you" brand positioning and invests in companies with strong management teams and cultures to create unmatched growth opportunities for them. More information about Guild can be found at https://www.guildgaragegroup.com/. (PRNewsfoto/Guild Garage Group)

"Elite represents exactly the kind of company we strive to stand beside - one built on integrity and a deep commitment to its customers. What they've built in the Georgia and South Carolina markets is incredibly impressive, and even more inspiring is the caliber of people behind the business. We're truly grateful they've chosen to partner with us and are proud to support their continued growth," said Tim O'Reilly, CEO of Guild Garage Group.

"Over the years, we have been approached by several different parties, but the Guild Team stood apart," said Josh Brown, Owner of Elite. "From our very first conversations, they demonstrated a genuine appreciation for the legacy and values Elite was built upon. They weren't interested in reshaping our identity, they were committed to strengthening it. Their emphasis on people, culture, and sustainable growth made the decision an easy one. I'm incredibly optimistic about the future and honored to move forward alongside their team."

Guild is actively looking for leading garage door service businesses across the country. Founders and advisors interested in learning more should contact Jake Wold at [email protected].

About Guild Garage Group

Guild Garage Group is an alliance of residential garage door service companies and is actively looking to partner with owners of industry-leading companies. Guild is guided by the vision of being the preferred partner to business owners through a "made for you" brand positioning and invests in companies with strong management teams and cultures to create unmatched growth opportunities for them. Guild allows owners to take chips off the table but retain "unit level ownership" so they continue to benefit through annual distributions and an eventual full exit as their business grows. Guild retains the employees and management teams of the companies they partner with, and provides them with the resources and processes they need to better serve their customers, employees, and communities. More information about Guild can be found at https://www.guildgaragegroup.com/ .

About Elite Overhead Garage Doors

Founded in 2003, Elite Overhead Garage Doors ("Elite"), is a leading family-owned and operated residential and commercial garage door service company based in Buford, Georgia, with additional locations in Savannah, Georgia, and Anderson, South Carolina. The company boasts over 3,000 google reviews and a 4.9 Stars rating, making them a preferred choice for garage door replacement and repair in both Georgia and South Carolina. Elite offers a range of services related to garage doors, including repair options, garage door replacement, and installation. More information about Elite can be found at https://eliteoverheadgarage.com/.

SOURCE Guild Garage Group
New consulting partners, managing partner appointments, and European expansion position the firm for continued growth in 2026

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Highspring, a leading global professional services organization, today announced the expansion of its consulting leadership team, the appointment of new managing partners in Talent Solutions, and continued international growth with a new presence in Dublin, Ireland and Lisbon, Portugal. These investments strengthen Highspring's ability to deliver integrated Consulting, Managed Services, and Talent Solutions to clients navigating rapid technological and market change.

Four Consulting Partners Join Highspring to Deliver Greater Growth for Clients

Highspring announced the addition of four partners to its Consulting practice, deepening its capabilities across core industries such as Financial Services and Aerospace and Defense, as well as solutions including Finance Transformation, Transaction Advisory, Technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and Data Modernization.

Lauren Herder: Finance Transformation

Lauren Herder joined Highspring in Q4 2025 to deepen the firm's Business Transformation capabilities and support the firm's Atlanta expansion. She helps organizations modernize business and finance operations to improve decision-making, efficiency, and scalability. Lauren brings over 20 years of experience from multiple Big Four firms, having worked with both public and private companies.

Paul MacIntosh: Financial Services Leader

Paul MacIntosh joins Highspring as the firm's Financial Services Leader, driving its largest industry vertical, where he will set strategy and drive execution. Paul supports clients with complex transaction advisory, SEC and regulatory reporting, public company audit readiness, enterprise risk management implementation, and technology-enabled transformation initiatives. Paul brings deep industry experience, having worked for over 28 years in financial services globally in New York, San Francisco, London, Tokyo, and Australia. Prior to joining Highspring, his previous role was a Managing Partner serving as the Americas Assurance Advisory Leader for Financial Services at a Big Four firm.

Bryan Rhody: Technology Solutions Leader

Bryan Rhody joins Highspring as the Technology Solutions Practice Leader, where he will drive the firm's technology-enabled transformation capabilities to help clients accelerate growth and operational performance. Bryan is known for building and scaling integrated technology and consulting solutions that amplify business impact across organizations. He previously served as Managing Partner and Technology Solutions and AI Practice Co-Leader at a leading West Coast advisory firm, advising clients on modernization, digital transformation, and technology strategy.

Anthony Kim: Government Contract Advisory Services Leader

Anthony Kim joins as the leader of Highspring's Government Contract Advisory Services, advising aerospace and defense organizations on compliance, cost optimization, and growth in the federal marketplace. He brings over 25 years of experience as a consulting leader and industry expert, previously serving as Vice President, Government Compliance at a major national security and IT services company.

Vaco by Highspring Appoints Managing Partners to Lead Talent Solutions in San Diego and Cincinnati

Vaco by Highspring named Kevin Lyle as Managing Partner in its San Diego office, and Palmer Karsh in its Cincinnati office, strengthening leadership in the firm's Talent Solutions business.

Kevin Lyle: Managing Partner, San Diego

Kevin Lyle brings nearly 20 years of experience serving commercial and government clients. He will oversee operations and support clients with direct hire and contingent workforce solutions across the region.

Palmer Karsh: Managing Partner, Cincinnati

As a Managing Partner, she will now be handling sales metrics, team growth, accountability for a team of employees who are handling staffing both in the technology business as well as accounting & finance. Ms. Karsh's role at Vaco is focused entirely on other areas of Vaco's expansive business, outside of the types of roles she placed at Burtch Works, and will not involve any overlap in competitive "Business." More specifically, during the duration of her restrictive covenants, Ms. Karsh will not in any way assist with any placement of professionals in the fields of data science, data analytics and insights or market research. Furthermore, she will not participate in any strategy or meetings that discuss data science and analytics work and will provide no guidance or information.

Expanding Into Europe with New Presence in Ireland and Portugal

In 2025, Highspring formally launched its Dublin, Ireland office, followed by the opening of its Lisbon, Portugal office in February 2026marking a major milestone in the expansion of its Managed Services and global delivery capabilities. The Dublin and Lisbon locations represent the sixth and seventh countries in which Highspring has established a physical presence and support the firm's next phase of international growth.

Benefits of the Ireland Expansion Include:

Access to top-tier talent: Europe's ecosystem offers experienced specialists across engineering, operations, finance, and other critical disciplines.

Europe's ecosystem offers experienced specialists across engineering, operations, finance, and other critical disciplines. Enhanced European client support: Local presence enables closer collaboration and improved service delivery for multinational clients.

Local presence enables closer collaboration and improved service delivery for multinational clients. A stronger global delivery model: The new entities increase operational resilience and expand Highspring's multi-shore delivery capabilities.

"2025 was a transformational year for Highspring and our clients," said Brian Waller, CEO of Highspring. "We unified our brand, expanded globally, and strengthened our Consulting, Managed Services, and Talent Solutions capabilities. As we enter 2026, we're focused on helping clients operate with greater resilience, clarity, and speed."

About Highspring

Highspring is a leading global professional services organization with three integrated offeringsConsulting, Managed Services, and Talent Solutions. Vaco by Highspring specializes in delivering tailored Talent Solutions. Our expertise includes Accounting and Finance, Business and Digital Transformation, Risk and Compliance, Information Technology, and more. With more than 10,000 employees across 45+ offices worldwide, we give partners the agility to thrive, address challenges, and seize opportunities in a rapidly changing world. Get to know us at www.highspring.com.

Media Contact

Highspring PR Team

[email protected]

SOURCE Highspring
Award spotlights Sen. Morrison's efforts to expand trauma-informed care through Illinois' first IDPH-certified pediatric sexual assault clinic at Rosalind Franklin University

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Medical Association has named Illinois State Senator Julie Morrison a recipient of its 2026 Award for Outstanding Government Service, a prestigious national recognition celebrating exceptional leadership in advancing public health policy and advocacy.

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science nominated Sen. Morrison for the honor, citing her sustained commitment to improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations and her legislative leadership on preventive care, disability rights and children's health initiatives.

A cornerstone of Sen. Morrison's public health impact is her role in securing $1 million in state funding to establish the RFU Children's Advocacy Center Medical Clinic  an innovative partnership between RFU Health Clinics and the Lake County Children's Advocacy Center. The clinic provides specialized Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) services for survivors ages 1-18 in a child-centered, trauma-informed setting. Community providers estimate that between 300 and 500 children in Lake County require SANE services each year, underscoring the critical need for accessible, specialized pediatric care close to home.

Prior to the clinic's 2024 launch, most young survivors of sexual assault were referred to hospital emergency departments for mandated examinations, often far from home and marked by extended wait times and stressful environments that reduced follow-up care. In 2023, only 20 of 790 forensic interviews conducted at the advocacy center included SANE examinations. Sen. Morrison led the legislative effort to secure funding and accelerate development of the clinic, creating a pioneering model with potential for national replication. The initiative, she said, was "about standing up for survivors and giving them the care and respect they deserve."

"With Sen. Morrison's support, RFUCAC has launched as the first IDPH-certified outpatient pediatric sexual assault clinic in Illinois," said Jeff Espina, RFU Vice President for Clinical Services. "We are setting the state's standard of care for the outpatient setting."

Sen. Morrison has represented Illinois' 29th Senate District since 2012 and currently serves as Majority Whip for the Senate Democratic Caucus. As chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and vice chair of Health and Human Services Appropriations, she has advanced legislation expanding newborn screening, preventive cancer coverage, clinical trial diversity, end-of-life planning tools, and access to substance use treatment.

Demonstrating a strong commitment to cross-party collaboration, Sen. Morrison chairs the Illinois Senate Insurance Committee, co-chairs the Children's Health Caucus, and participates in the Cancer and Green Caucuses.

Established in 1989, the AMA Outstanding Government Service Awards recognize local, state, and federal officials whose work advances public health. Recipients are selected by the AMA upon recommendation of an independent panel of judges, making the award one of the nation's most respected honors for public service in health policy.

The award was presented at a gala reception and dinner on Feb. 24, 2026, in Washington D.C., with university leadership in attendance.

About RFU

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is committed to serving humanity through the interprofessional education of health and biomedical professionals and the discovery of knowledge dedicated to improving wellness. The university embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake, Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA. Recognized for its research in areas including neuroscience, brain-related diseases, inherited disorders, diabetes, obesity, and gait and balance, RFU encompasses the Chicago Medical School, College of Health Professions, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, and the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. Learn more at rosalindfranklin.edu.

Contact:

Office of Marketing and Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
SYDNEY, Feb. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The latest Titan Arena release for Voxie Tactics has officially expanded the battlefield, introducing a high-stakes Risk-to-Earn game mode. You can now boost rewards and climb the leaderboards faster by entering multiple game pools simultaneously. Enter pools with bids between 1-10,000 $VOXEL and win up to 18,000 $VOXEL per match!

To help you dominate, this update unlocks all 21 unique Voxie Titans now for a limited time. Each character comes with its own class-specific abilities, deep lore, and strategic synergies, offering endless tactical combinations. Whether mastering a single Titan or juggling multiple entries, this expansion is designed to maximize winning potential and bring a "Titan-sized" evolution to the entire Voxie Tactics ecosystem.

Unlocked Titan Rosters

Master Your Class: Each Titan represents a specific Class, from the stealthy to the arcane, and comes with equalized gear to ensure victory depends solely on your skill.

Deep Lore & Synergy: Every character holds their own backstory, relationships, and special abilities, allowing you to build the ultimate tactical trio.

Multiple Game Pools

Bid with entry fees ranging from 1-10,000 $VOXEL (100 to 1M Voxite) to automatically match across 10 layered pools, the system will assign you to the ideal pool based on your ELO.

AlwaysGeeky Games & Immutable: New Quests Boost Rewards

Voxie Tactics is officially scaling its reward economy with the launch of high-velocity Titan Arena Quests on the Immutable platform. Players can now stack even more Gems and Points through daily and weekly Titan rewards live on Immutable .

On-Chain Momentum: Increased quest volume drives $VOXEL ecosystem utility and player retention via the Immutable pipeline.

Snackable Gameplay: Quest structures are optimized for both hardcore PC sessions and rapid-fire mobile "on-the-go" matches.

Voxie Tactics Eyes 70% Growth & Positive $VOXEL Flow

"Hitting a 70% growth trajectory while moving toward a positive $VOXEL flow is the ultimate validation for our economic model," says the Voxie Tactics Head of Economy Hippolyte Babinet. "By optimizing transaction volumes through our new revenue lines, we are proving that a Web3 game can achieve a self-sustaining loop that rewards players while maintaining a healthy, growth-oriented tokenomic floor across PC and mobile."

Aggressive Scaling: Currently supporting 1,200 active users, Voxie Tactics projects a 70% MoM surge to 2,000+ players.

Currently supporting 1,200 active users, Voxie Tactics projects a 70% MoM surge to 2,000+ players. Economic Milestone: The new Titan Arena release introduces tested revenue lines designed to achieve a net-positive $VOXEL flow.

The new Titan Arena release introduces tested revenue lines designed to achieve a net-positive flow. Cross-Platform Dominance: Strategic distribution via Immutable bridges the gap between PC power users and mobile-first gamers.

About Immutable

Immutable is a global leader in gaming, on a mission to bring digital ownership to every player and empower developers to build great games that scale.

Immutable's full-stack product suite powers every stage of game creation and growth from infrastructure to player engagement. It includes:

Immutable Play, a comprehensive platform supporting developer growth and player engagement;

Immutable Audience, a rewards platform that builds and energizes game communities before launch through discovery tools, unified profiles, and gamified experiences.

Co-founded by James Ferguson, Robbie Ferguson and Alex Connolly in 2018, Immutable is headquartered in Sydney with a team of leading technologists, creators and innovators, and backed by top transformational tech investors like BITKRAFT Ventures, King River Capital, AirTree, Temasek, and more.

About AlwaysGeeky Games

AlwaysGeeky Games is a Montreal-based indie studio focused on designing games that combine strategic depth, memorable art, and genuine player ownership. With a team boasting experience from AAA development studios, AlwaysGeeky brings innovation to Web3 through its flagship projects, including the Voxies NFT ecosystem, the $VOXEL token, and its signature tactical title, Voxie Tactics.

About Voxie Tactics

Voxie Tactics is a free-to-play tactical RPG that offers players an immersive and thrilling adventure. Inspired by retro games, Voxie Tactics combines classic style with modern elements, providing a unique experience for fans of the genre. Take part in epic quests, engage in strategic battles against formidable enemies, and earn valuable $VOXEL tokens and in-game items in an environment that brings together legendary gaming with digital ownership.

To learn more about Voxie Tactics and its creators at AlwaysGeeky Games, visit Voxies.io

For latest developments and community updates, follow us on X , and join our Discord

SOURCE Immutable
GREAT FALLS, Mont., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- What should Montana producers know about protecting their property, equipment, and livestock from risk? That question is answered in depth through a HelloNation article featuring insights from Kyle Tschetter of the Tschetter Agency. The article breaks down how farm insurance and ranch insurance work, why each operation's needs differ, and how to keep coverage up to date as properties expand or conditions change.

Kyle Tschetter, Owner of Tschetter Agency Speed Speed

According to the HelloNation feature, owning a farm or ranch in Montana comes with both opportunity and uncertainty. Farm insurance and ranch insurance are essential tools for managing that balance. A standard policy usually covers homes, equipment, and livestock against common threats such as fire, theft, or storm damage. However, the Tschetter Agency reminds owners that these basic protections may not be enough for every operation.

The article explains that Montana's diverse landscapes and unpredictable weather make each farm coverage plan unique. Risks like wildfires, predator attacks, or extended periods of extreme cold may require specialized endorsements. These add-ons, often referred to as wildfire coverage or livestock insurance, extend a policy's reach beyond what standard packages include. Without them, significant losses might go unreimbursed.

Farm coverage, the article notes, should evolve as an operation grows. Adding new equipment, constructing outbuildings, or expanding livestock herds all increase potential exposure. If insurance isn't adjusted to reflect those changes, producers could find themselves underinsured at a critical time. The Tschetter Agency encourages regular policy reviews to ensure every investmentfrom tractors to fencingis fully accounted for.

Montana's weather also adds complexity to both farm insurance and ranch insurance planning. Heavy snow can damage barns, while high winds and ice can harm roofing and fencing. Rural producers may also face losses from wildlife or predators, which are more common in the state's open-range areas. The HelloNation article highlights how wildfire coverage and additional endorsements can fill these important protection gaps.

Beyond property protection, liability coverage forms another cornerstone of strong ranch protection. Accidents involving workers, visitors, or neighboring properties can lead to costly claims. Comprehensive farm insurance policies typically include liability coverage to safeguard against injuries or property damage that might occur during everyday operations. Kyle Tschetter emphasizes that reviewing this portion of a policy is just as important as protecting physical assets.

Livestock insurance receives particular attention in the HelloNation feature. In Montana, where herds represent both a major investment and a central part of family livelihoods, ensuring animals against disease, accidents, or predator loss is critical. Tschetter Agency agents explain that livestock insurance can be customized to match herd size, animal value, and exposure risks specific to each ranch. This flexibility helps families secure ranch protection that fits their exact situation.

The article also explores the financial consequences of being underinsured. Without regular policy reviews, small gaps can lead to major setbacks after a storm, equipment loss, or livestock event. Even a single uncovered incident can disrupt an entire season's income. Farm coverage that adapts to changes in property value and operating size can prevent such hardships.

One of the most practical recommendations from Kyle Tschetter and his team at the Tschetter Agency is scheduling annual insurance reviews. As equipment depreciates, buildings are added, or herds grow, these reviews ensure that the policy's value aligns with current conditions. For producers in Montana, this proactive approach is a key step toward long-term security.

Wildfire coverage has become increasingly important as weather patterns shift across the region. The article points out that even areas not historically affected by fires are now seeing more frequent events. Adding wildfire coverage helps protect structures, stored feed, and equipment that might otherwise be vulnerable. The Tschetter Agency advises clients to assess their exposure zones and discuss appropriate policy extensions.

Farm and ranch insurance also supports peace of mind. Knowing that every part of the operationfrom machinery to livestockis properly covered allows producers to focus on productivity instead of uncertainty. Montana's harsh winters and long growing seasons already demand constant attention, so having strong coverage in place reduces stress when the unexpected happens.

The HelloNation article emphasizes that ranch protection is not just about rebuilding after a loss but about ensuring resilience. By pairing farm coverage with specialized add-ons such as livestock insurance and wildfire coverage, owners can prepare for risks unique to their area. The Tschetter Agency helps producers evaluate those risks and match them with practical, affordable insurance solutions.

For anyone managing property in Montana, understanding the details behind farm insurance and ranch insurance is crucial. The Tschetter Agency provides expert guidance to help ensure that no part of a farm or ranch goes unprotected. Their local knowledge, combined with experience serving Montana's agricultural community, helps producers safeguard their land, equipment, and livestock year after year.

Understanding Farm and Ranch Coverage Across Montana features insights from Kyle Tschetter, Insurance Expert of Great Falls, Montana, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative "edvertising" approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

SOURCE HelloNation
NEW ORLEANS, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Michael Arnone's 33rd Crawfish Fest will bring the best of this new Season to the Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ May 2931st, 2026. This isn't just a festival  it's a full-on Louisiana cultural takeover.

Choose Your Perfect Festival Experience

Michael Arnone's Crawfish Fest 11 seconds Speed Speed Michael Arnone's 33rd Crawfish Fest in Augusta, NJ May 29-31, 2026

The best festivals let you create your own adventure and Crawfish Fest is no exception: Single-day passes (Saturday or Sunday); Weekend combos (Saturday & Sunday); RV sites with electricity and water hookups (that include admission and camper only sets on Friday and Saturday evenings, and free Jambalaya Friday evening) Tent camping or Glamping Tents (1- or 2-bed options with linens). Kids under 14 are free w/parent. Free Parking. Tickets Available on Eventbrite.

World-Class Music, Straight from the Source

Our Crawfish Fest has curated some of the best music and food to bring to New Jersey.

New Orleans R & B, Cajun, Zydeco, Delta Blues, Gospel, and Jazz will be presented by Grammy Winners, Grammy Nominees and legends in their own right.

Samantha Fish, Rebirth Brass Band, From Good Homes, Kenny Neal, Cowboy Mouth, Bonerama, Rocking Dopsie Jr & The Zydeco Twisters, The Rumble featuring Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr, John Papa Gros, Honey Island Swamp Band, Amanda Shaw, The Nth Power, Joe Krown Trio +1 Papa Mali, Johnny Sansone Band, The Soul Project Nola, Ocean Avenue Stompers, Yarn, and Anthony Morgan's Inspirational Choir of Harlem.

From blistering blues guitar to brass band second-line energy, this lineup brings the heart of New Orleans to New Jersey.

The Food? Legendary.

Crawfish Etouffee', Boiled Crawfish, Jambalaya, Shrimp & Grits, Grilled Oysters, Po-Boys, Red Beans & Rice, New Orleans Style Fried Chicken, Bread Pudding, Pecan Pie, soda, water and adult beverages will be available to purchase.

It's the kind of menu that transports you straight to the French Quarter  no plane ticket required.

And for those who want an early taste of the festival, Michael's Jambalaya Rice Mix is now available online. A Louisiana Certified Product. Based on his made from scratch recipe, blended and packaged in New Orleans.

Sponsors:

Explore Louisiana, Bud Light, Southeast Louisiana Gumbo Group, New Jersey Lottery, The Big Easy Cruise, Twisted Tea Hard Iced Tea, Sun Cruiser Vodka Iced,

Michael Arnone's Jambalaya Mix, Crystal Hot Sauce, 84RV.com, NUTRL, and Rockin' It DME.

Links:

Tickets Available on Eventbrite

Crawfish Fest Website

Low-Res Musicians Photos

Facebook

Instagram

Tik Tok

Stage Schedule

Jambalaya Rice Mix

Pre-fest Artist Interviews may be available on request.

Media Contact: Michele Collins, [email protected]

SOURCE Michael Arnone's Crawfish Fest
This record-breaking donation to the university aims to address talent shortages in the jewelry industry.

NEENAH, Wis., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Jewelers Mutual Group, the insurer and business solutions provider dedicated to the jewelry industry since 1913, announced a transformative $10 million, 10-year alliance with the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) to support bench jeweler education, reinforcing a shared commitment to developing the next generation of jewelry artisans and innovators. Jewelers Mutual's impact investment represents the most substantial financial contribution to date for the SCAD jewelry program, which is recognized as the largest and most comprehensive in North America.

The investment will fund scholarships, curriculum enhancements, advanced technology upgrades, and expanded industry connections to help address the ongoing bench jeweler talent shortage and build a stronger pipeline of skilled professionals.

Over the next decade, the funding will support several key initiatives in addressing a shortage of bench jeweler talent in the industry, including the Bench Education Endowment (B.E.E.) by Jewelers Mutual Endowed Scholarship fund, an annual scholarship program, enhancements to academic programming, upgrades to jewelry-making technology and equipment, and a naming gift to SCAD's jewelry building. Together, these efforts are designed to expand the pool of commercial-ready bench jeweler talent and make it easier for retailers, manufacturers, and designers to connect with students and graduates for internships, apprenticeships, and permanent positions.

Addressing an Industry Shortage

Bench jewelers are highly skilled craft professionals who fabricate, repair, and restore fine jewelry, working at the final and highest-risk point of the jewelry value chain. Today, the industry faces a critical replacement shortage, with retirements outpacing new talent and an estimated 4,000 jewelers needed annually just to maintain capacity. According to a recent workforce study, more than 70% of jewelers plan to hire bench jewelers and struggle to find qualified candidates.

This landmark industryacademic collaboration directly addresses the gap by aligning education with real-world techniques, tools, and training needed to prepare the next generation of bench jewelers.

"Supporting the future of the jewelry industry means investing in the people who will sustain it," said Scott Murphy, Chief Executive Officer at Jewelers Mutual. "We are committed to helping close the bench jeweler talent gap by supporting education that prepares students for real-world careers and strengthens the industry for generations to come."

Expanding Education, Access, and Industry Collaboration

Within the prestigious SCAD School of Fashion, the university's jewelry design program stands apart as the largest and most comprehensive STEM-designated jewelry degree program of its kind in North America. The curriculum fuses intricate techniques of masterful bench craftsmanship and modern digital design, providing students with an immersive, hands-on education in every facet of jewelry creation. SCAD's innovative jewelry design program prepares graduates at an elite level to lead, innovate, and shape the future of the industry, with alumni of the program holding senior design and leadership positions at many of the world's foremost jewelry and luxury brands including Tiffany & Co., David Yurman, LVMH, John Hardy, Swarovski, Kendra Scott, and more.

With goals to double SCAD's jewelry program enrollment by 2030, Jewelers Mutual's investment will support expanded facilities, modern equipment, and curriculum development to ensure graduates leave with the hands-on experience and commercial-ready skills employers need.

"The future of jewelry just got brighter, thanks to this historic partnership between SCAD and Jewelers Mutual, which promises to transform the lives of so many Beesand the entire jewelry profession, now growing four times faster than any other luxury sector," said SCAD President and Founder Paula Wallace. "The biggest and best jewelry design program on the planet is now even better: with more elite resources and scholarships and more SCAD brilliance in the talent pipeline. The jewelry industry is in very good hands!"

Building the Bench Jeweler Talent Pipeline

Key elements of Jewelers Mutual's relationship with SCAD include:

Expanding scholarship opportunities through the B.E.E. endowed scholarship, supported by both Jewelers Mutual's Impact Fund and industry donors, to attract and serve more students pursuing bench jeweler careers

Collaborating with industry organizations to enhance and complement existing jewelry program offerings

Creating ongoing dialogue between industry leaders and faculty to ensure training reflects current commercial techniques and technologies

Connecting students with retailers, manufacturers, and designers through internships, apprenticeships, mentorship, and hiring

The program encourages early industry engagement to boost interest, highlight career options, and ease the move from education to employment.

A Long-Term Commitment to Industry Strength

For more than 110 years, Jewelers Mutual has been a trusted leader in the jewelry industry with a deep legacy of giving back. The Jewelers Mutual Impact Fund was established to turn that commitment into action, supporting the jewelry industry and the communities where employees live and work through targeted initiatives and impact investments. By intentionally investing in education, innovation, and workforce development, Jewelers Mutual is helping ensure the industry remains vibrant, resilient, and prepared for the future.

For details about Jewelers Mutual's Impact Fund, visit JewelersMutual.com/givingback.

Learn more about ways to support bench jeweler education by visiting scad.edu/jewelry and scad.edu/bench-education-endowment.

Access visual assets here.

*The Bench Jeweler Study was conducted in October 2025. A sample of over 800 jewelry industry respondents were recruited via INSTORE Magazine and surveyed via online self-completion.

ABOUT JEWELERS MUTUAL GROUP

Jewelers Mutual was founded in 1913 by a group of Wisconsin jewelers to meet their unique insurance needs. Later, consumers began putting their trust in Jewelers Mutual to protect their jewelry and the special memories each piece holds. Today, Jewelers Mutual continues to support and move the industry forward by listening to jewelers and consumers and offering products and services to meet their evolving needs. Beyond insurance, Jewelers Mutual's powerful suite of innovative solutions and digital technology offerings help jewelers strengthen and grow their businesses, mitigate risk, and bring them closer to their customers. The Group insurers' strong financial position is reflected in their 39 consecutive "A+ Superior" ratings from AM Best Company, as of November 2025. Policyholders of the Group insurers are members of Jewelers Mutual Holding Company. Jewelers Mutual is headquartered in Neenah, Wisconsin, with other Group offices in Dallas, Texas, Miami, Florida and Raleigh, North Carolina. To learn more, visit JewelersMutual.com.

ABOUT SCAD: THE UNIVERSITY FOR CREATIVE CAREERS

SCAD is a private, nonprofit, accredited university, offering 100 graduate and undergraduate degree programs across locations in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia; Lacoste, France; and online via SCADnow. SCAD enrolls approximately 18,500 undergraduate and graduate students from more than 100 countries. The future-minded SCAD curriculum engages professional-level technology and myriad advanced learning resources, affording students opportunities for internships, professional certifications, and real-world assignments with corporate partners through SCADpro, the university's renowned research lab and prototype generator. SCAD has earned top rankings for degree programs in interior design, architecture, film, fashion, digital media, and more. Career success is woven into every fiber of the university, resulting in a superior alumni employment rate. A 2025 study found that 99% of recent SCAD graduates were employed, pursuing further education, or both within 12 months of graduation. SCAD provides students and alumni with ongoing career support through personal coaching, alumni programs, a professional presentation studio, and more. Visit scad.edu.

SOURCE Jewelers Mutual Group
People interact with a robotic dog dressed in a red lion dance costume during a Chinese New Year event at the China Cultural Center in Paris, France, on Feb. 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Baihui)

PARIS, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- As the Chinese New Year unfolds thousands of miles from home, its age-old rhythms are finding fresh expression in France. From robot sharing the spotlight on the Champs-Elysees to French youth taking center stage at the China Cultural Center in Paris, the festival has evolved into a vibrant cross-cultural event.

On Feb. 1, under a fine Parisian drizzle, tens of thousands lined the Champs-Elysees for the Chinese New Year celebrations. As drums rolled and cymbals clashed, a humanoid robot led a parade of around 800 performers, marching with mechanical precision, turning, pausing, and waving to spectators.

Developed by a Chinese company and supplied by French technology firm INNOV8 Group, the robot moved in sync with the music, drawing cheers and a sea of raised smartphones along the boulevard.

INNOV8 Group CEO Stephane Bohbot said the robot's participation carried strong symbolic meaning, demonstrating how new technologies could be integrated into traditional celebrations and improve people's lives.

On Feb. 14, at a Chinese New Year event at the China Cultural Center in Paris, artificial intelligence displays and projection mapping made their debut. A robotic dog dressed in a red lion dance costume quickly became a crowd favorite, leaping, bowing and even rolling on command.

From the daytime fair to evening festivities, the blend of modern innovation and tradition offered visitors a distinctive experience of China. Myriam, a visitor, described the spectacle as "incredible" and "impressive." "It felt as if we were no longer in Paris, but fully in China," she said.

If technology lent the festival a forward-looking touch, the younger generation brought renewed warmth.

In mid-February, multiple arrondissement town halls across Paris hosted Chinese New Year celebrations. At the 20th arrondissement town hall on Feb. 14, young members of the French choir Le Choeur des Polysons performed Chinese classics such as Jasmine Flower and The Moon Represents My Heart, before closing with Auld Lang Syne.

The choir has visited China several times. Lena, 13, said she had made friends there and remained in contact with them. Noting that the Chinese New Year is a time to send good wishes and share happiness, she wished her Chinese friends "a very good year."

The same day, in the 13th arrondissement, a Hanfu-themed gala featured a reenactment of a Ming Dynasty-style wedding performed by a Franco-Chinese couple. The event reflected growing interest among French youth in exploring Chinese culture in their own way.

Over the years, Chinese New Year celebrations in France have gradually expanded beyond Chinatown into mainstream public and cultural institutions.

On Feb. 6, La Poste Group issued two stamps marking the Year of the Horse, the 22nd consecutive year since 2005 that France's postal service has released zodiac-themed stamps for the occasion.

The equestrian culture also resonated with the Year of the Horse at the Chateau de Chantilly, where a Chinese-French New Year gala combined traditional French horsemanship with Chinese martial arts and Yingge dance.

Xavier Darcos, chancellor of the Institut de France, which owns the Chateau de Chantilly, said hosting the Chinese New Year celebration felt natural. China is "a considerable country with immense culture," and France has every interest in deepening emotional, intellectual, and cultural ties, he said.

As more French participants join parades, perform on concert stages and support celebrations through major institutions, the Chinese New Year in France is no longer simply a transplanted tradition. It has become a shared celebration, where ancient customs meet futuristic imagination, and cross-cultural bonds continue to grow year after year. 

A Hanfu-themed gala is held at the 13th arrondissement in Paris, France on Feb. 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Baihui)

Performers led by a humanoid robot take part in a parade celebrating the Chinese New Year on the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris, France, on Feb. 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Baihui)

Children perform during a concert at the 20th arrondissement town hall in Paris, France, on Feb. 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Baihui)
Auto Center Enterprises Takes Over Seven Jiffy Lube Locations in Metro Little Rock Market

HOUSTON, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Jiffy Lube, an industry leader in vehicle maintenance for more than 45 years, announces that a new franchisee with over 30 years of quick lube industry experience has joined the Jiffy Lube network. Rick Murphy, owner of Auto Center Enterprises, purchased seven Jiffy Lube locations in metro Little Rock, Arkansas. Auto Center Enterprises has been operating the service centers since late October 2025.

"We are fortunate and excited to have such an experienced, well-respected operator like Rick join our network," said Mauricio Quezada, President and CEO of Jiffy Lube International, Inc. "He has an impressive track record of running successful quick lube shops across Arkansas. We look forward to working with Rick and supporting his efforts to deliver an exceptional customer experience to metro Little Rock drivers."

A fourth-generation family farmer who grew up in Texarkana, Murphy went on to have a successful career as one of the largest insurance brokers in Arkansas. After selling that business, he started his career in automotive services in 1992 when he became a partner and general manager in a friend's full-service car wash business. Since then, he has opened, operated and then sold more than a dozen quick lube centers across the state, including the independent Star Lube brand.

"One of my key philosophies is that we treat every customer like they are a family member coming in for service," said Rick Murphy, owner of Auto Center Enterprises. "I love retail and helping customers care for their vehicles is extremely rewarding."

The Jiffy Lube service centers acquired by Auto Center Enterprises include:

805 Hogan Lane in Conway

618 Oak Street in Conway

1210 Dave Ward Drive in Conway

1717 E. Harding Street in Morrilton

5110 John F Kennedy Boulevard in North Little Rock

11323 N. Rodney Parham Road in Little Rock

1900 N. Reynolds Road in Bryant

Each Jiffy Lube service center offers a wide range of automotive services including brakes, tires and radiators, as well as the Jiffy Lube Signature Service Oil Change  which is more than a typical oil change. The Jiffy Lube Signature Service Oil Change includes inspection of key vehicle components, tire pressure checks and complimentary fluid top-offs. Hours vary, but all locations are open Monday through Saturday. No appointments are ever necessary.

When he is not working, Murphy enjoys being involved in the community. He has served on multiple hospital Boards, supports both the UAMS Medical Center and the Arkansas Children's Hospital, and contributes to local food banks. In addition, he regularly offers discounts to local churches, as well as first responders and military veterans.

About Jiffy Lube

Founded over 45 years ago, Jiffy Lube serves approximately 19 million customers each year at more than 2,000 franchised service centers across North America. Jiffy Lube pioneered the fast oil change industry in 1979 by establishing the first drive-through service bay, providing customers with fast, professional service for their vehicles. The company continues to lead the industry with the evolution of its business model, Jiffy Lube Multicare, which offers oil changes, brakes, batteries, and tires as well as other services consumers want and need. Headquartered in Houston, Jiffy Lube is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Shell USA, Inc. Visit www.JiffyLube.com to learn more about Jiffy Lube and vehicle care.

SOURCE Jiffy Lube International Inc.
New Statewide Poll Finds 76% Oppose Legalizing iGambling After Learning About Its Risks

RICHMOND, Va., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Virginia voters solidly oppose legalizing iGaming, also known as online casino gambling, with resistance growing as voters learned more about it, according to a new statewide poll conducted by Lake Research Partners on behalf of the National Association Against iGaming (NAAiG). Opposition was broad-based across all demographics and party lines.

As voters learn about addiction, youth access and economic harm, opposition reaches 76%, with nearly two-thirds (65%) strongly opposed. This deep opposition spans race, gender and party 81% of women, 69% of men, 78% of White voters, 68% of Black voters, 75% of Democrats, 76% of Independents, and 77% of Republicans.

"This survey shows Virginians across the political spectrum oppose online gambling," said NAAiG spokesman Oliver Barie. "iGaming would put high risk casino gambling in every pocket, every day. Putting casino-style betting on every phone and smart device 24/7 will increase the risks of addiction and financial harm for residents of the Commonwealth."

Key Findings from the Survey

The survey of 600 Virginia voters conducted February 19-22, 2026, reveals strong, cross-partisan resistance to legalizing iGaming:

Key findings include:

76% of voters are opposed to iGaming, including 65% strongly opposed, after learning about the economic and mental health risks seen in other states.

41% of Virginia voters said that they had never even heard of iGaming until it was defined for them.

62% of voters say they would be less likely to vote for a candidate for the Virginia General Assembly if they voted to legalize iGaming in Virginia, compared to 7% who say more likely, and 30% who say it would not make a difference. Virginia voters indicate they will center this issue in their voting decisions at the ballot box.

"Claims that legalization will somehow 'protect children,' that online operators are uniquely qualified as responsible gaming experts, or that the illegal online market will disappear are distractions," Barie said. "iGaming has been rejected repeatedly in states across the country. Legislators who have concerns aren't ignoring progress they're listening to their constituents. Voters intuitively know that iGaming is harmful to Virginians. Ignoring their concerns would be a mistake."

For more information about NAAiG or to access the organization's impact research in Virginia, visit www.naaig.org .

About NAAIG

The National Association Against iGaming ( NAAiG ) is a coalition of local businesses, industry veterans, community advocates and concerned citizens united to safeguard our communities from the harmful impacts of online gambling. Founded to address the growing threats posed by iGaming, we are dedicated to preserving local jobs, ensuring economic stability and promoting safe, responsible gaming practices. We support in-person, legal gaming because it is highly regulated and prioritizes the safety and well-being of communities. Unlike online gaming, in-person gaming provides effective safeguards to prevent underage gambling, limit excessive access, and address problem gambling through established support programs. Additionally, in-person gaming drives local economic growth by generating stable jobs and reinvesting revenues into schools, infrastructure, and public services. By promoting responsible, community-focused gaming, we help create a stronger, more resilient future for all.

SOURCE National Association Against iGaming
Turning real-time insights from Gen Z and Gen Alpha into actionable programs, Chartwells K12 is delivering the personalized, protein-packed, and globally inspired meals students and parents want

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In an era where students are more informed and adventurous with their food choices than ever before, Chartwells K12 is ensuring their voices are the primary ingredient in school menus. By aligning its national programs with Generational Insights, including feedback from Gen Z and Gen Alpha students and market research, Chartwells is moving beyond traditional school lunch to create a dining experience built specifically for the next generation.

CK12 Generational Insights 1 CK12 Generational Insights 2

"The intersection of student preference and nutritional integrity is where the real impact happens. We believe that empowering student voices is the key to creating lifelong positive habits," said Amy Shaffer, CEO of Chartwells K12. "By aligning our strategy with the authentic desires of students, we transform school dining into a collaborative experience that supports the physical, emotional, and social growth of the next generation."

Customizing Menus to Student Cravings

Gen Alpha and Gen Z love classic American breakfast foods, and Chartwells K12's Bloom into Breakfast limited-time offer serves just that. With 88% of Gen Alpha choosing French toast as a favorite breakfast item and 82% choosing breakfast burritos, students can look forward to menu items like Homemade French Toast Casserole and Chorizo Breakfast Burritos.

Chartwells is also proving that even the most beloved staples can be reimagined. While 98% of students list pizza as their favorite food, they are taking the category a step further with upcoming limited-time offers featuring calzones and pizza dippers, formats that offer the familiar flavors students love with a modern, dippable twist.

For the 86% of Gen Alpha and 85% of Gen Z students who prefer snacking throughout the day, Chartwells will expand its wrap and handheld offerings in the fall to provide nutritious, portable options for all.

Empowering the Next Generation of Chefs

Today's students are frequently inspired by food-related content on social media. About half of older Gen Alphas regularly watch food-related content and try recipes seen on social media, and 85% of Gen Z have tried at least one viral food trend.

Through programs like Student Choice and Discovery Kitchen, Chartwells gives students ownership of their dining experiences. From voting on new cafeteria concepts to participating in hands-on cooking demonstrations, students learn how to recreate the very dishes they see trending online, bridging the gap between social media inspiration and healthy, school-safe nutrition.

Global Flavors for Culinary Explorers

Today's students have palates that span the globe. Chartwells K12's research shows that 88% of Gen Alpha students prefer Italian cuisine, while 80% of Gen Z students rank Mexican as their top choice. Chartwells' Global Eats program directly addresses these cultural preferences, bringing authentic Italian and Mexican dishes, and many other international flavors, to the forefront of the menus, allowing students to explore the world through their lunch tray.

Partnering with Parents on Wellness

Chartwells is equally committed to being a resource for families. With 84% of Gen Alpha parents valuing the importance of building a taste for healthier foods, Mood Boost helps students understand the vital connection between what they eat and how they feel. The program assists kids in building healthy habits that last a lifetime.

Additionally, as 74% of Gen Alpha parents strive to increase protein intake for their children, programs like Power Up emphasize protein-rich meals to meet the needs of both parents and students. Menus are designed to keep students energized and focused from the first bell to the final whistle.

By putting the student experience at the heart of every menu decision, Chartwells K12 continues to set the standard for inclusive, innovative, and student-centered school dining. To learn more, visit https://www.chartwellsk12.com/ .

About Generational Insights

These trends and programs are powered by Chartwells AI: Appetite Intelligence, an insights initiative that combines data from E15, Compass Group's market research and analytics partner, and daily student feedback to shape what's served in cafeterias nationwide. By translating generational insights into action, Chartwells continues to create meals that meet kids where they are, and where they're going next.

About Chartwells K12

Chartwells K12's goal is to make sure students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 18,000 associates in 4,800 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small charter and private schools, Chartwells K12 is built on decades of food, education, and operational experience driven by top culinary, nutrition, wellness, and sustainability talent. For more information, visit www.ChartwellsK12.com .

Media Contact: Jonathan Squibb, Director of Communications, [email protected]

SOURCE Chartwells K12
Stockbridge and Wilson Meany near completion of former racetrack into vibrant, walkable, transit-oriented community in the Peninsula's San Mateo

Final construction will cap the 20 plus-year project

SAN MATEO, Calif., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Bay Meadows developers Stockbridge and Wilson Meany announced today they have leased the last two commercial parcels at the 83-acre site in San Mateo to a major technology tenant, capping a more-than 20-year development plan that turned a struggling thoroughbred horse track into one of the Bay Area's most vibrant communities of homes, office and retail.

"Bay Meadows has fulfilled the vision we had some 20-plus years ago,'' said Chris Meany, Managing Partner of Wilson Meany, the developer of the project. "This is a walkable, transit-oriented community with homes, parks, office space, restaurants and retail. We believe it is a model for smart, responsible redevelopment.''

With the final two parcels set for construction, Bay Meadows will now have more than 1 million square feet of office space, nearly 1,000 homes, 18 acres of parks, a private high school and more than 40,000 square feet of retail. The development is adjacent to the Caltrain rail line to the west and Highway 101 to the east.

Stockbridge Capital Group, alongside its development partner, Wilson Meany, originally acquired the Bay Meadows horse track in 1997. They created plans for a mixed-use community in the technology-heavy Peninsula that would allow workers direct access to a Caltrain stop to commute to the site, or to head north to San Francisco or south toward Palo Alto and San Jose.

"It's terrific to see the transformation of Bay Meadows over these past two decades,'' said Terry Fancher, Chief Executive Officer of Stockbridge, the real estate investment manager of Bay Meadows. "When we acquired the site, the horse-racing industry was in decline and we knew people and companies would be excited to live and work in a community with easy access to the surrounding Bay Area."

Bay Meadows is not the only foray by Stockbridge and Wilson Meany into redevelopment of a horse-racing track. In 2005, Stockbridge acquired the Hollywood Park racetrack in Inglewood in Southern California. Stockbridge and Wilson Meany spent 10 years planning and obtaining entitlements to build a 300-acre project that today includes SoFi Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, offices, residences, restaurants and retail stores, a park, a lake and the 6,000-seat YouTube Theater. Stockbridge sold most of its stake in the Inglewood project to Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke in 2014, who built SoFi Stadium on the property. The stadium opened in September 2020.

Stockbridge and Wilson Meany are also among the groups leading development of Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island in San Francisco. To date, approximately 1,000 new homes have been built there, with thousands more expected over the next decade.

"The success of Bay Meadows gives us tremendous excitement about the future of Treasure Island,'' Meany said. "We are seeking to replicate the same type of energetic, walkable neighborhood that now defines Bay Meadows.''

About Stockbridge

Stockbridge is a real estate investment management firm led by seasoned senior professionals averaging 25 years of real estate industry experience. The firm was founded in 2003 and manages real estate equity investments across the risk spectrum within a variety of investment structures on behalf of U.S. and foreign institutional investors, family offices and high net worth individuals. Stockbridge has approximately $37.4 billion of assets under management (as of December 31, 2025) spanning all major real estate property types, and certain specialty property types with an emphasis on residential and industrial space throughout the U.S. The firm has offices in San Francisco, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, and Phoenix. For more information, visit www.stockbridge.com.

About Wilson Meany

Wilson Meany is a boutique California-based developer of mixed-use, residential, retail, office and masterplan urban infill properties. From historic landmarks to master-planned communities, public squares to city towers, our projects reflect our passion for smart growth brought to life through technically innovative, meticulously conceived planning and design. Among Wilson Meany's signature projects are historic icons including the San Francisco Ferry Building as well as some of California's most notable masterplans involving complex entitlements and decades-long horizons including Treasure Island, Bay Meadows and Hollywood Park. https://wilsonmeany.com/

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SOURCE Stockbridge Capital Group; Wilson Meany
SINGAPORE, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Amid a global rebalancing of asset allocation strategies, where investors are increasingly prioritising quality, structural resilience, and governance standards, international diversified group Leo International Group today announced that its real estate sales platform, Taipei Teamwin International Enterprise Co. Ltd., has commenced structured market engagement and promotional planning in relation to the premium mixed-use development Armani Hallson KLCC in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

Armani Hallson KLCC (Photo Credit - Armani Group) (PRNewsfoto/Leo International Group) Armani Hallson KLCC (Photo Credit - Armani Group)_Garden View (PRNewsfoto/Leo International Group)

Under this initiative, Taipei Teamwin will lead market engagement and client advisory initiatives in Taiwan in relation to the project, as part of Leo International Group's broader real estate expansion strategy. The Group's engagement relates to structured market positioning and client facilitation within Taiwan.

This development reflects Leo International Group's continued expansion into Malaysia and further strengthens its real estate and hospitality footprint across the world in alignment with the Group's long-term strategic vision.

A Strategic Initiative Anchored in Long-Term Vision



In an era of heightened global market uncertainty, investors are placing greater emphasis on transparency, governance, and institutional credibility.

Mr Leo Wang, Chairman of Leo International Group, commented: "Our engagement with selected international developments is grounded in disciplined evaluation, governance standards and sustainable development principles. This initiative reflects our long-term commitment to quality-driven growth and structured regional expansion."

Armani Hallson KLCC is developed by Armani Group, a Malaysian Main Board-listed company with an established presence in the local property sector. The developer has built a reputation for innovation, sustainability, and quality execution through multiple projects over the years.

Prime Location and Urban Development Momentum

Armani Hallson KLCC is situated along Jalan Ampang, one of Kuala Lumpur's most prominent addresses, near the Petronas Twin Towers and the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX). The development is a modern super high-rise complex integrating SOHO and SOVO concepts. The project comprises three towers with a total of 2,215 units and features amenities including a sky infinity pool and sky gym. Completion is currently scheduled for 2029.

With ongoing regional economic recovery and evolving cross-border mobility trends, Kuala Lumpur's city-centre residential market continues to attract attention from regional buyers seeking access to prime urban living environments.

Real Estate and Hospitality Within Leo International Group's Long-Term Strategy

As Leo International Group advances its long-horizon strategy, real estate and hospitality form an integral part of the Group's broader ecosystem, supporting lifestyle infrastructure that connects mobility and premium living.

Within this framework, real estate serves as a platform that supports cross-border lifestyle planning and multi-location living, while hospitality enhances the ownership experience through curated service and operational excellence.

This initiative strengthens Leo International Group's Southeast Asia platform and reinforces its presence in one of the region's key capital cities as part of its ongoing international property market strategy.

Taipei Teamwin: Integrated Advisory and Lifestyle Platform

Following its strategic integration into Leo International Group, Taipei Teamwin serves as the Group's real estate advisory platform, facilitating access to premium developments while connecting clients with the Group's wider ecosystem of services.

Mr Wang added: "Real estate and hospitality represent the point where long-term planning translates into everyday living. Our objective is to develop an integrated platform that supports clients across asset planning and lifestyle needs through coordinated service and cross-border capabilities."

He further noted that the Armani Hallson KLCC initiative is strategically significant not only because of its location, but also because it supports the Group's broader vision of delivering integrated lifestyle and advisory solutions.

Expanding a Regional Platform for the Future

Leo International Group operates across real estate, financial and cross-border services, with a focus on building an integrated investment and lifestyle platform.

As Mr Wang concluded: "Sustainable value stems from rigorous governance and prudent planning. This project has now been incorporated into our global real estate investment portfolio for international sales. By integrating institutional standards with refined lifestyle design, we aim to continue supporting steady and long-term growth amid evolving market cycles."

About Leo International Group

Headquartered in Singapore with an international footprint, Leo International Group is guided by global perspectives, disciplined governance, capital-market rigor, and cultural stewardship.

For more information, please visit www.leointernationaltaiwan.com.

SOURCE Leo International Group
Central to this next phase of growth is the buildout of a best-in-class sales organization, assembled to support both new market entry and long-term retail partnerships.

mainelove's sales efforts are led by co-founder John Violette, a respected sales leader with a proven track record of scaling brands and building high-performing teams. Under his leadership, mainelove has recruited top-tier sales talent, including:

Lauren Ault, who brings extensive distributor and market expertise from Pine State Trading Company and Palm Bay International, and in her role at mainelove leads regional sales and brand expansion across Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, partnering closely with distributors, key accounts, and internal teams to ensure consistent execution and sustainable growth.

Konrad Kosztyla, who adds significant regional strength to the team, has a proven history of driving growth for iconic brands such as Saratoga, Poland Spring, Mountain Valley, and Pure Life through expanded distribution, strategic gap-closing, and increased brand visibility throughout New England.

Together, the team brings deep industry expertise, strong retailer relationships, and a shared focus on disciplined, sustainable growth.

"From day one, we knew that the team behind this brand was just as important as the quality of mainelove's water," said Jen Millard, CEO and co-founder. "Bringing on a sales team of this caliber  led by John - allows us to enter new markets with confidence while continuing to serve our retail partners at the highest level."

Already licensed in 21 states, mainelove scaled from a local Maine brand to being carried in over 500 retail doors across the state, a milestone that validated both the product and the brand's resonance with consumers. The expansion into Boston and Massachusetts builds on that momentum, while Florida is already positioned as a key Year Two market.

"Our success in Maine gave us a strong foundation," added John Violette. "Now we're focused on replicating that success in new regions  through thoughtful connection with each community, we are strategically entering each market with a talented team in place."

With experienced sales leadership, strong retail demand, and a clear expansion roadmap, mainelove enters its second year positioned for continued growth while staying true to its roots.

About mainelove:

mainelove is a Maine-born canned water company committed to sharing the state's unparalleled natural purity with the world. Sourced from the pristine Sebago Lake and sustainably packaged, mainelove delivers crisp, refreshing water that reflects the spirit, beauty, and simplicity of Maine. Founded by 12th-generation Mainers, mainelove brings together deep local roots, responsible stewardship, and a passion for elevating Maine's natural resources.

Press contact: [email protected]

SOURCE mainelove
Manhattan Review releases comprehensive vocabulary study resource to help students prepare for the SAT

NEW YORK, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Manhattan Review, a global leader in test preparation, today announced the launch of its free SAT vocabulary training tool. This brand-new study resource that encompasses a comprehensive 3,000 words to assist students as they prepare for the SAT is now available on the company's website.

Manhattan Review Launches Free SAT Vocabulary Training Tool Featuring 3,000 Words.

The vocabulary tool is designed to be used by students at all levels, evenly dividing the expansive word list into 500-word categories structured to become increasingly more difficult. Students move through the Essential, Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced categories, beginning with foundational vocabulary words and progressing to more complex terms as they steadily improve their skills. Two optional categories allow students to further expand their vocabulary with less frequently-appearing words.

This resource reflects Manhattan Review's commitment to making high-quality educational tools widely accessible. By offering it free of charge, the company aims to sidestep financial constraints and give every student the same opportunity to build their vocabulary in preparation for the SAT.

"A strong vocabulary is fundamental to achieving a high score on the SAT's Reading and Writing section," Manhattan Review founder Dr. Joern Meissner said. "We developed this tool to give students a powerful, user-friendly, and, most importantly, free resource to master the words they need to succeed. We believe this to be a valuable asset for students as they navigate the pressures of college admissions preparation."

Manhattan Review's SAT vocabulary training tool can be accessed now right from the company's website. Students, parents, and educators are encouraged to explore this new resource and make it a valuable part of their test preparation.

About Manhattan Review, Inc.

Manhattan Review is a global EdTech leader in test preparation and tutoring, merging advances in technology with pedagogical expertise to create individual learning experiences. Founded in New York City in 1999 by Prof. Dr. Joern Meissner, Manhattan Review has grown to become a leading firm in test prep, admissions consulting, and career training worldwide. With a focus on efficiency, quality, and personalized service, Manhattan Review continues to set the standard for academic excellence and professional success in the test prep industry. For more detailed information regarding our educational services please visit https://www.manhattanreview.com (Manhattan Review's official website).

Media Contact:

Karen L Miller

Manhattan Review, Inc.

2 Park Ave Ste 2010

New York, NY 10016

Phone: (212) 316-2000

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Manhattan Review, Inc.
Leading Swedish Ladder Handles 2,500 lbs. of Force During "Torture" Testing

MEQUON, Wis., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Trade professionals and emergency personnel require a safe, stable and durable ladder they can count on. To meet those needs, W.steps PRIME, COMBI and RESCUE Line telescopic ladders pair Swedish product design with premium materials to produce ladders that are Type 1A heavy duty ANSI certified and meet EN 1147 requirements.

W.steps telescopic ladders are made in Sweden from aircraft-grade, certified aluminum and feature a patented triangular tube design that produces a stronger, more rigid and safer ladder.

W.steps (pronounced "vee-steps") follows an exacting Scandinavian engineering and manufacturing approach. Its ladders are made from aircraft-grade, certified aluminum and feature a patented triangular tube design that produces a stronger, more rigid and safer ladder. In addition, the ladders have wider rungs with grooved channels that disperse dirt and moisture for a better shoe grip.

As part of its commitment to safety, W.steps PRIME ladders have gone through extensive, third-party "torture" testing that found the ladder strength far exceeds its weight classification. In one test, the stair treads of a W.steps PRIME 13.5 ladder were loaded with a hydraulic ram and withstood 2,500 lbs. of force.

In another strength test, bags of gravel were suspended across the length of a W.steps PRIME 9.5 ladder. In this horizontal load test, the W.steps ladder supported 975 lbs. In a final test, an isolated rail section of a 9.5 ladder was subjected to a three-point bending test and withstood a force of more than 2,300 lbs.

The W.steps line of telescopic ladders includes:

PRIME  Available in three ladder heights  9.5, 11.5 and 13.5. The telescopic design allows users to easily extend the ladder to the precise height they require and then quickly collapse it for convenient, compact transport or storage.

 Available in three ladder heights  9.5, 11.5 and 13.5. The telescopic design allows users to easily extend the ladder to the precise height they require and then quickly collapse it for convenient, compact transport or storage. COMBI  Available in 7.5 and 9.5 ladder heights. COMBI ladders can be used as a standalone, A-frame or leaning ladder. With advanced engineering, it takes just seconds to convert the ladder from one configuration to another. As a leaning ladder, its height can easily be adjusted. For situations that require more stability, the A-frame configuration is ideal.

 Available in 7.5 and 9.5 ladder heights. COMBI ladders can be used as a standalone, A-frame or leaning ladder. With advanced engineering, it takes just seconds to convert the ladder from one configuration to another. As a leaning ladder, its height can easily be adjusted. For situations that require more stability, the A-frame configuration is ideal. RESCUE  Available in 11.5 and 13.5 ladder heights. These ladders are designed specifically for emergency and military personnel who work in tough, unpredictable environments. The red ladders can handle up to 1,102 lbs., hold three people simultaneously and easily convert to a stretcher.

W.steps ladders are available through Hultafors Group North America dealers nationwide.

For more information, visit wsteps.us.

Background

W.steps is part of the Hultafors Group NA portfolio of premium professional brands. Hultafors Group NA is part of Hultafors Group, a global company based in Goteborg, Sweden, that offers superior brands designed and manufactured specifically for tradespeople.

In addition to W.steps, the Hultafors Group brands include Hults Bruk, SCANGRIP, Johnson Level, CLC Work Gear, Hultafors Tools, Martinez Tools, Snickers Workwear, Solid Gear Footwear and Hellberg Safety.

SOURCE W.steps
MONTEREY, Calif., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Monterey County Bank (MCB), a pillar of the local financial landscape since 1977, announced the launch of its new logo and brand identity today. The refresh comes under the guidance of new leadership and serves as a visual testament to the bank's mission: Strong Foundations, Personal Connections.

As the banking industry faces a wave of national mergers and consolidations, MCB positions itself as the stable, independent alternative for Monterey County residents and business owners.

"Our new look is much more than just a logo change; it represents the new Monterey County Bank, our commitment to all of Monterey County, and the energy our team has brought to serving our community," said Bill Wilson, President and CEO of Monterey County Bank. "MCB is on a growth trajectory while proudly continuing the personal touch that has defined us for nearly 50 years. We are here to provide the reliability our community deserves."

The Bank will introduce a refreshed digital presence and a new website built for speed and simplicity. These visual changes pave the way for a deeper technological transformation, including a reimagined mobile app designed to make financial management effortless. By implementing new digital channels, MCB is ensuring that local families and businesses enjoy the convenience of global banking standards without losing the personalized care of a community institution.

While these advancements offer a more streamlined experience, the Bank's dedication to its community remains the constant. Customers can expect the same dedicated Relationship Managers and personalized service they have trusted for decades, now backed by a modernized vision for community banking.

By marrying nearly five decades of experience with a forward-thinking strategy, Monterey County Bank is strengthening the foundations that will support our community for decades to come.

About Monterey County Bank

Established in 1977, Monterey County Bank (MCB) is the longest-standing independent bank headquartered in Monterey County, California. From the beginning, MCB has been dedicated to supporting the regional economy through tailored small business and commercial banking services.

Over the years, the Bank has grown steadily, maintaining a strong presence in Monterey, Carmel, Pacific Grove, Salinas, and greater Monterey County. In late 2024, MCB launched a comprehensive modernization initiativeintroducing new leadership and investing in advanced technology to enhance customer service and expand its capabilities. This transformation marks a new chapter in the Bank's history, building on decades of experience while embracing innovation to better serve the community.

MEDIA CONTACT

Bill Wilson, President & CEO

Monterey County Bank

[email protected]

SOURCE Monterey County Bank
TORONTO, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - In a significant legal victory for MyForexFunds (MFF) and its founder Murtuza Kazmi, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice has ordered the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) to pay $80,000 in legal costs, an amount more than five times higher than the previous record for such an award against the regulator (Court File No.: CV-23-00709536-00CL).

The decision follows a major ruling that ordered the return of the vast majority of business assets that had been frozen since August 2023.

In a rare and pointed critique of the regulator, Justice Kimmel stated in her reasons: "the court has not been overly impressed with the manner in which the Commission has been carrying out its public interest mandate in this case."

"This award is a clear signal that regulatory power must be exercised with accountability and transparency," said Murtuza Kazmi, CEO of MyForexFunds. "We have maintained from the beginning that the actions taken against our company were based on untrue allegations. This decision, following our total vindication in the United States, is another essential step in restoring our reputation."

The Ontario court's findings align with developments in the United States. In May 2025, a U.S. federal judge dismissed the Commodity Futures Trading Commission's (CFTC) case against MyForexFunds with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled. That court also sanctioned the CFTC (Case No. 23cv11808ESKEAP) and ordered it to pay MyForexFunds US$3.1 million in legal fees after finding that agency staff had acted in bad faith and made knowingly false statements to the court to justify an initial asset freeze.

Before the forced shutdown, MyForexFunds grew from an Ontario startup into the world's largest proprietary trading firm, serving traders in more than 80 countries. The company operated structured evaluation and simulated trading programs designed to assess discipline, consistency, and risk management, and discourage speculative trading behaviour.

MyForexFunds recently announced traders who had submitted payout requests prior to the forced shutdown in August 2023 will be eligible to receive their funds. The company is currently in the process of unwinding the remaining elements of the receivership and conducting a full financial and operational review. The company remains committed to its global community of traders and will provide further material updates as this review concludes.

About MyForexFunds

MyForexFunds, founded in 2020 and headquartered in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada, is a proprietary trading firm that provides skilled traders with access to simulated capital, which does not require them to risk their own trading funds. The company partners with traders in over 80 countries.

SOURCE MyForexFunds
Michael Jurua, conservation science manager at Jane Goodall Institute Uganda (JGI Uganda) and leader of the census team, presents the report during the launch of the Bwindi chimpanzee census results in Kampala, Uganda on Feb. 24, 2026. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua)

KAMPALA, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- A new scientific census estimates that around 426 chimpanzees live alongside endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a forest in southwestern Uganda dominated by gorilla habitat.

The findings, released Tuesday, come from a joint study by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and Jane Goodall Institute Uganda (JGI Uganda) in the UNESCO-listed World Heritage forest, which hosts more than half of the world's mountain gorilla population.

Michael Jurua, conservation science manager at JGI Uganda and leader of the census team, said researchers tracked and counted chimpanzee nests, a non-invasive method essential for estimating populations without disturbing the animals. The team navigated rugged forest terrain and used digital tools to improve accuracy and georeference data for easier analysis and mapping.

Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, Uganda's minister of state for tourism, wildlife and antiquities, said the census reshapes understanding of Bwindi by providing clear scientific evidence of chimpanzee presence, distribution and conservation importance.

He added that the data will strengthen efforts to manage Bwindi as a critical habitat for apes amid growing pressures on wildlife. "Evidence-based conservation is essential if we are to safeguard wildlife, while responding to emerging challenges such as climate change, habitat pressure, and increasing demand for land resources," he said.

James Byamukama, executive director of JGI Uganda, warned that high rates of deforestation continue to threaten wildlife habitats, including those of chimpanzees, and stressed the importance of inspiring communities to live in harmony with nature. He noted that the findings are vital for shaping chimpanzee conservation strategies in Uganda and across the region.

UWA Executive Director James Musinguzi said the results are strategically important, as they will guide protected area management decisions, inform conservation investments, and integrate chimpanzee conservation into long-term monitoring frameworks alongside other flagship species.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is globally renowned for its mountain gorilla population. Tourists from around the world trek through its dense jungle to observe the endangered species, making the park one of Uganda's premier tourist destinations and a key contributor to the country's tourism revenue. 

Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, Uganda's minister of state for tourism, wildlife and antiquities, signs on a board during the launch of the Bwindi chimpanzee census results in Kampala, Uganda on Feb. 24, 2026. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua)

Uganda Wildlife Authority Executive Director James Musinguzi speaks during the launch of the Bwindi chimpanzee census results in Kampala, Uganda on Feb. 24, 2026. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua)
Orange High School wins statewide contest to secure a self-designed, state-of-the-art computer gaming lab

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Brightspeed , the nation's third-largest fiber broadband builder, officially unveiled its cutting-edge Brightspeed Bright Future Tech Lab at Orange High School in Hillsborough. The tech lab is equipped with high-performance gaming PCs, advanced tools for Esports, and design and digital production tools to help ignite students' curiosity for STEM-focused careers!

In partnership with Stay Plugged In , a leading recruiting organization focused on providing educational and career opportunities to high school students, Brightspeed launched its second iteration of the statewide contest in fall 2025, giving high schools across North Carolina the chance to win a self-designed, state-of-the-art computer gaming (enrichment) lab. Although dozens of schools across the state each presented highly creative, AI-powered concepts, Orange High School impressed the judges with its forward-thinking vision, creative use of technology and emphasis on inclusion.

"This new, future-forward tech lab is going to open so many doors for our kids  a safe space where creativity, technology and teamwork all come together," says Brian Ewbank, teacher of engineering and project management at Orange High School. "Watching our students light up when they realize they can turn their ideas into real projects is what teaching is all about. We're so grateful to be part of a community that supports innovation and believes in giving students the tools to dream big."

The Brightspeed Bright Future Tech Lab Contest included high schools within Brightspeed's North Carolina service areas, where the company is focused on bridging the digital divide and connecting communities to the country's fastest internet service , as determined by HighSpeedInternet.com Annual Service Provider Review 2025. Brightspeed Fiber Internet is currently available to more than 780,000 families and businesses across North Carolina, with thousands more locations coming online every month.

"This Brightspeed Bright Future Tech Lab Contest represented a shared mission to empower the next group of leaders with access to the skills, tools and connectivity they need to thrive in today's digital world," says Steve Brewer, Government Affairs Director at Brightspeed. "Fast, reliable internet isn't just about convenience; it's about creating opportunities for future generations."

Today's ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together school leaders, dignitaries, students, and their families to help usher in a new age of technology for the Orange High School community.

"At Stay Plugged In, we are excited to take another leap forward in our partnership with Brightspeed by delivering our second state-of-the-art technology lab to reinforce our commitment to providing educational and career opportunities for students. Ultimately, Orange High School's submission stood out for its detailed plan to utilize the lab as a hub for STEM learning, esports competition, and digital creativity, inspiring students to explore new career pathways in gaming, broadcasting and technology," says Jeffrey Zajac, Chief Strategy Officer at Stay Plugged In.

This is the second Brightspeed Bright Future Tech Lab awarded to a North Carolina school  in spring 2025, Triton High School in Erwin earned the top spot and unveiled their brand-new, innovative STEM lab.

About Brightspeed

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C. and with assets and associated operations in 20 states, Brightspeed provides broadband and telecommunications services through a network platform capable of serving more than 7.3 million homes and businesses. Our 4,000 employees are committed to building a future where more communities benefit from a more connected life, deploying a state-of-the-art fiber network and a customer experience that makes being connected as simple as it should be. For more information, please visit www.brightspeed.com .

SOURCE Brightspeed
NEW YORK, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- OUTFRONT Media (NYSE: OUT), one of the largest and most-trusted IRL media companies in the U.S., today announced an exclusive multi-year partnership with AdQuick, Inc., a leading platform for out-of-home (OOH) advertising planning, buying, and measurement. The partnership provides that AdQuick will license its OOH sales cloud product to OUTFRONT for an initial three-year period, including an exclusivity period, and OUTFRONT will invest up to $20.0 million in AdQuick, at agreed milestones. The collaboration brings together OUTFRONT's premium national footprint and AdQuick's technology platform to accelerate innovation and performance across IRL media.

OUTFRONT Media and AdQuick Form Exclusive Commercial Partnership and Strategic Equity Investment to Accelerate How IRL Media Campaigns are Built, Measured, and Executed

The partnership will deliver a more streamlined, end-to-end workflow for planning, executing, and measuring campaigns. The integration will unify data-driven planning and inventory workflows across roadside, transit, and digital out-of-home, helping advertisers and agencies move from plan to launch faster while improving transparency and reporting.

What this partnership will enable:

Smarter planning : standardized audience and market insights to build and compare plans across formats



: standardized audience and market insights to build and compare plans across formats Faster execution: simplified packaging and workflow handoffs from planning into activation



simplified packaging and workflow handoffs from planning into activation Better measurement: unified reporting that connects plan inputs to delivery and measurement outputs, including support for OOH measurement alongside other channels

"We're excited to deepen our collaboration with one of the industry's most innovative and respected media companies," said Chris Gadek, CEO of AdQuick. "This partnership amplifies what AdQuick does best: giving advertisers a unified way to plan, buy, and measure OOH media across channels, while unlocking speed, precision, and performance."

AdQuick's platform will help OUTFRONT streamline sales operations, accelerate go-to-market efforts, and deliver integrated reporting that closes the loop from planning to execution to measurement. Importantly, the partnership will not alter AdQuick's core marketplace dynamics: AdQuick will continue to operate its marketplace on an open basis, maintaining consistent access and standard commercial terms for all participating media owners.

"By partnering with AdQuick, we can simplify how advertisers and agencies build plans around OUTFRONT's premium assets and get to measurable outcomes faster, with clearer reporting from planning through post-campaign analysis," said Premesh Purayil, Chief Technology Officer of OUTFRONT Media. "This partnership reflects our commitment to investing in innovation that helps advertisers drive stronger business outcomes and build lasting brand value."

Together, AdQuick and OUTFRONT are helping shape the future of OOH and IRL Media by unifying the tools needed for smarter planning, streamlined execution, and measurable results.

About AdQuick

AdQuick is the allinone AI-powered technology platform that makes outofhome advertising easy to plan, purchase, and measure. By connecting advertisers to an unrivaled marketplace of media owners and layering proprietary data and automation, AdQuick enables marketers to launch targeted, measurable OOH campaigns in minutesnot months. Headquartered in New York, AdQuick supports out-of-home advertisers, agencies, and publishers in more than 40 countries.

About OUTFRONT Media

OUTFRONT is one of the largest and most trusted out-of-home media companies in the U.S., helping brands connect with audiences in the moments and environments that matter most. As OUTFRONT evolves, it's defining a new era of in-real-life (IRL) marketing, turning public spaces into platforms for creativity, connection, and cultural relevance. With a nationwide footprint across billboards, digital displays, transit systems, and other out-of-home formats, OUTFRONT turns creative into powerful real-world experiences. Its in-house agency, OUTFRONT STUDIOS, and award-winning innovation team, XLabs, deliver standout storytelling, supported by advanced technology and data tools that can drive measurable impact.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

We have made statements in this document that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "will," or "can" or the negative of these words and phrases or similar words or phrases that are predictions of or indicate future events or trends and that do not relate solely to historical matters. You can also identify forward-looking statements by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions related to our capital resources, portfolio performance and results of operations. Forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and you should not rely on them as predictions of future events. Forward-looking statements depend on assumptions, data or methods that may be incorrect or imprecise and may not be able to be realized. We do not guarantee that the transactions and events described will happen as described (or that they will happen at all). The following factors, among others, could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those set forth or contemplated in the forward-looking statements: declines in advertising and general economic conditions; competition; government regulation; our ability to operate our digital display platform; losses and costs resulting from recalls and product liability, warranty and intellectual property claims; our ability to obtain and renew key municipal contracts on favorable terms; content-based restrictions on outdoor advertising; seasonal variations; acquisitions and other strategic transactions that we may pursue could have a negative effect on our results of operations; dependence on our management team and other key employees; experiencing a cybersecurity incident; changes in regulations and consumer concerns regarding privacy, information security and data, or any failure or perceived failure to comply with these regulations or our internal policies; our substantial indebtedness; restrictions in the agreements governing our indebtedness; our failure to remain qualified to be taxed as a real estate investment trust; and other factors described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including but not limited to the section entitled "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on February 28, 2025. All forward-looking statements in this document apply as of the date of this document or as of the date they were made and, except as required by applicable law, we disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect changes in underlying assumptions or factors, of new information, data or methods, future events or other changes.

CONTACTS

OUTFRONT

Public Relations:

Courtney Richards

OUTFRONT Media

646-876-9404

[email protected]

Matt Biscuiti

The Lippin Group for OUTFRONT Media

212-986-7080

[email protected]

Investor Relations:

Stephan Bisson

OUTFRONT Media

212-297-6573

[email protected]

AdQuick

Public Relations:

5WPR

[email protected]

SOURCE OUTFRONT Media Inc.
P4ML's Expertise in Genomic Patient Identification, Ties to Middle East Health Initiatives and Irish Biopharmaceutical Roots to be Utilized in Support of OTXL's Mission & Programs

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- P4ML, a Future100 company headquartered in the UAE, has been named a Founding Member of the Orphan Therapeutics Accelerator (OTXL), expanding OTXL's international capabilities in genomic patient identification, and enhancing the development of and access to advanced therapies in a region disproportionately affected by rare diseases.

The partnership positions P4ML at the center of the rapidly expanding $25B+ global Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMP) market, projected to surpass $100B by 2030, while aligning with OTXL's access-first global development and commercialization pathway for clinical-stage ultra-rare disease therapies. Through its integrated model, OTXL is rebuilding the pathway for therapies that science can develop but traditional systems cannot sustainably support, restoring viability and expanding and sustaining patient access to vital treatments.

This announcement comes at a pivotal regulatory moment. On 23rd February, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) signaled a renewed commitment to advancing ultra-rare disease therapies through updated guidance supporting development pathways anchored in scientifically plausible mechanisms of action, particularly in conditions where traditional large-scale clinical trials are infeasible.

The FDA's evolving framework reinforces the importance of early genomic diagnosis, validated biological rationale, and innovative development models central to OTXL's access-first platform and P4ML's integrated newborn screening-to-therapy strategy. By aligning scientific plausibility, ethical commercialization and real-world genomic identification, the P4MLOTXL partnership is positioned to help translate regulatory flexibility into accelerated, sustainable patient access.

New Founding Member, Funding Builds on Recent OTXL Milestones

OTXL has moved from concept to execution at exceptional speed, delivering major milestones including the launch of Orphan Therapies, its commercial access subsidiary, and a ground-breaking commercialization partnership with Fondazione Telethon to provide U.S. access to an FDA-approved gene therapy, WASKYRA, via an entirely non-profit-led pathway.

OTXL also formed a strategic joint venture in January 2026 with the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT) to launch CGTxchange, a jointly owned clearinghouse and marketplace for clinical-stage gene and cell therapies that have been deprioritized for financial or strategic reasons. By combining OTXL's AI-based platform with ASGCT's global scientific and clinical network, CGTxchange is designed to restore development momentum and expand sustainable pathways to patient access for promising treatments for rare conditions.

P4ML Partnership to Accelerate Gene & Cell Therapeutic Access for MENA Patients

P4ML is driving the delivery of advanced gene and cell therapies across the Middle East and North Africa, combining deep regional expertise with world-class scientific partnerships. As the first EMEAI partner of BeginNGS, the next-generation genomic newborn screening platform launched by the Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine (RCIGM), P4ML plays a pivotal role in transforming how rare diseases are identified and treated.

Operating within an NGO-aligned model, P4ML ensures infants and families are never monetized, while enabling the ethical development and acceleration of new therapies. BeginNGS is designed to reduce the diagnostic odyssey and advance health equity by identifying severe genetic conditions before symptoms appear. Peer-reviewed results published in The American Journal of Human Genetics demonstrate a 97% reduction in false positives and measurable benefit to 1 in 13 infants, creating a scalable pathway from early diagnosis to accelerated orphan therapy development.

Supported by a world-class consortium of leading biopharma companies, biotechnology innovators, patient advocacy groups, and globally recognized academic and clinical institutions, BeginNGS further strengthens P4ML's position as the MENA execution partner for advanced therapies.

Patrick J. Moloney, CEO of P4ML, said: "This partnership is about fixing the single biggest failure in global healthcare innovation -- the fact that thousands of children can now be diagnosed but not treated. P4ML has built its model in the UAE and across the MENA region to ensure that data, newborn screening and advanced therapeutics translate into real access. Becoming a Founding Member of Orphan Therapeutics Accelerator is a major step toward a new global standard: ethical commercialization that delivers cures, not margins."

Craig Martin, CEO of Orphan Therapeutics Accelerator (OTXL), added: "Orphan Therapeutics Accelerator was created to advance promising ultra-rare disease therapies that have been shelved because they can't be successfully developed and made available to global patient populations via traditional for-profit commercial models. P4ML's advanced omics capabilities, global health strategy, and deep MENA ties will bolster our ability to identify patients earlier and rapidly advance and expand development and access in a region where there is exceptionally high unmet need."

About P4ML

P4ML is a Future100 health innovation company headquartered in the UAE, founded from deep Irish biotech roots in the pharmaceutical industry. P4ML focuses on predictive, preventive, personalised and participatory healthcare, integrating omics, mass spectrometry, AI and federated data governance to accelerate advanced therapies from newborn screening through to orphan drug development.

About Orphan Therapeutics Accelerator (OTXL)

The Orphan Therapeutics Accelerator (OTXL) is a patient-centered non-profit biotech focused on obtaining and reinitiating development of promising "shelved" clinical-stage treatments for ultra-rare conditions and providing a scalable and sustainable commercialization path to get these treatments to patients. OTXL leverages its non-profit status, success-based agreements and incentives to obtain rights to shelved programs and complete development at deferred or lower cost via a network of affiliated CDMOs, CROs and other partners. When a program is approved and generates revenue, net proceeds are used to repay and reward contributing partners, companies, and institutions, with a portion returned to the Orphan Therapeutics Accelerator to fund additional programs. Our team is deeply familiar with challenges faced in developing and commercializing treatments for rare conditions and committed to overcoming them. For more information, please visit www.orphantxl.com.

Media Contact

FINN Partners for Orphan Therapeutics Accelerator

Nicole Grubner

[email protected]

SOURCE Orphan Therapeutics Accelerator
NEWARK, N.J., Feb. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic is pleased to introduce the new LUMIX DMW-DMS1, an all in-one microphone for any shooting scenario. The DMWDMS1 is designed for creators and professionals who want uncompromising audio quality without complexity. Whether you're filming a travel vlog in a busy city, recording an interview in a quiet studio, or capturing the excitement of a live event, this microphone adapts to your needs so you can focus on your story. As of February 2026, the DMW-DMS1 is compatible with LUMIX S1II, S1RII, S1IIE, S5II and S5IIX. *1 Compatibility with GH7 and G9II is planned in the future.

Panasonic LUMIX microphone

The DMW-DMS1 features a newly developed large-diameter 10mm microphone array that delivers crisp, focused audio even in challenging environments. For run-and-gun workflows, an internal floating shock-mount minimizes vibration noise from movement, while the included windscreen reduces wind interference. The new wind noise cancellation system leverages float-recording technology, suppressing wind without compressing the intended signal, maintaining an open, natural vocal tone even in adverse weather.

To accommodate a wide range of recording situations, the DMW-DMS1 offers six directional modes, reducing the need for additional accessories and setup. It supports 32-bit float recording*2 to capture audio without distortion at sound pressure levels up to approximately 120 dB, comparable to a front-row concert or close proximity to an emergency siren  conditions that can challenge conventional microphones.

To prevent any missed takes due to accidental setting errors, or to capture ambient sound, the device offers two backup recording modes*2. When recording in 4-channel mode, channels 3 and 4 can be used as backups to reliably capture important audio.

Lightweight at approximately 100g, the compact form factor draws power and transmits digital audio via the hot shoe, eliminating cable management. Physical switches are intuitive, and directional mode buttons feature adjustable brightness for low-light environments. A dedicated pouch provides convenient storage and transport with the windscreen attached.

Main Features

1. High Sound Quality

High-precision sound captured with large-diameter 10mm mic array

Minimizes vibration noise thanks to an internal shock-mount mechanism

Minimizes wind noise using a windscreen

2. Flexible Directionality and Professional Reliability

Six directional modes for any recording situation

(Forward Directionality Cardioid/ Stereo/Wide Stereo/ Forward Directionality Supercardioid/ Rearward Directionality Supercardioid/ Bidirectional Supercardioid)

(Forward Directionality Cardioid/ Stereo/Wide Stereo/ Forward Directionality Supercardioid/ Rearward Directionality Supercardioid/ Bidirectional Supercardioid) 32-bit float recording and backup recording mode*2

3. Easy-to-use Design

Cable-free hot shoe connection

Intuitive physical switches

Pocket-sized design (approx. 73.7 x 45 x 63.7mm, approx.100g)

*1 Firmware must be updated to the latest version which will be released on March 10th, 2026.

*2 Compatible cameras for this feature (as of February 2026): DC-S1M2, S1M2ES, and S1RM2. Firmware must be updated to the latest version.

Newark, NJ-based Panasonic Corporation of North America is a leading provider of Consumer Lifestyle technologies, as well as innovative Smart Mobility, Sustainable Energy, Immersive Experiences, and Integrated Supply Chain solutions. The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-based Panasonic Holdings Corporation. One of Interbrand's Top 100 Best Global Brands of 2024, Panasonic is a leading technology partner and integrator to businesses, government agencies, and consumers across the region. Learn more about Panasonic's ideas and innovations at na.panasonic.com/us

Follow Press Updates for Panasonic LUMIX:

SOURCE Panasonic Corporation of North America
International Maritime Organization's Cape Town Agreement will help save lives and fight illegal fishingprotecting the ocean and the people who depend on it

LONDON, Feb. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pew Charitable Trusts today welcomed the news that the Cape Town Agreement (CTA) has received sufficient support from major fishing nations across the globeincluding Argentina, which acceded to the treaty todayto begin to be enforced starting next year. This binding international treaty will improve fishing vessel standards to ensure crew and observer safety and is an important step forward for the fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The CTA will protect fishers' lives by establishing standards for industrial vessel construction and related seaworthiness, decking, heating, emergency procedures and other safety and life-saving measures. Before this landmark treaty, few global standards or international legal obligations protected fishers at sea. Research from the FISH Safety Foundation, commissioned by Pew, estimates that more than 100,000 people in the fishing sector are killed each year. The CTA's focus on safety could help prevent many deaths.

Importantly, increasing safety standards on fishing vessels will also help efforts to fight IUU fishing. In an effort to maximize profits, operators who fish illegally often cut corners with how they manage their vessels, further endangering workers in one of the world's most hazardous professions. More governance, and standardized control over vessel safety provisions, will increase opportunities to detect and prevent IUU fishing.

Adopted by the International Maritime Organization in 2012, the CTA, which applies primarily to new vessels 24 meters or longer, will enter into force next year now that 28 States (several more than the 22 required) have ratified it. To enter into force, the agreement also had to cover at least 3,600 vessels, and that benchmark has also been exceeded with the latest round of ratifications.

The CTA joins two longstanding international agreements that make it more difficult for unscrupulous operators to exploit gaps in fishing regulations. These include the Agreement on Port State Measures (PSMA) by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, which requires parties to strengthen and harmonize port controls, and the International Labor Organization's Work in Fishing Convention, which establishes binding safety and labor standards at sea.

Momentum for stronger ocean governance has accelerated. Since 2022, four major international agreements have been adopted or entered into force, including the Convention on Biological Diversity Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in 2022, the World Trade Organization Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies in 2025, the high seas treaty, or United Nations Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction, in January 2026, and now the CTA. Together, they mark a decisive shift towards efforts to secure the long-term health of marine ecosystems and people alike.

Peter Horn, who directs efforts to end illegal fishing at The Pew Charitable Trusts, issued the following statement:

"With activation of the Cape Town Agreement, governments have taken a momentous step towards improving fishers' safety at sea; strengthening efforts to end illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing; and increasing the sustainability of fisheries through better oversight and governance of fishing fleets.

"Until now, fishers lacked the same safety protections as other seafarers. And with more than 100,000 people killed each year in the global fishing sector, protective action was critical. When this treaty enters into force next year, it will dramatically improve the standards of life in the fishing industryand, in turn, reduce fishing-related deaths.

"The Cape Town Agreement comes on the heels of other important ocean treaties. But these ambitious plans for sustainable governance are only as good as their implementation. States must now do their part to turn words into action and deliver protections not only for global fisheries and fishers themselves, but for the entire ocean ecosystem."

Founded in 1948, The Pew Charitable Trusts uses data to make a difference. Pew addresses the challenges of a changing world by illuminating issues, creating common ground, and advancing ambitious projects that lead to tangible progress.

Media Contact: Leah Weiser, 202-591-6761, [email protected]
BEIJING, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The following article was published today by China Daily.

The fourth G7 leader to visit China since December, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit comes at a moment when the gravitational pull of geopolitics threatens to drag economics into rival camps. Yet the very composition of Merz's delegation, about 30 senior executives from companies forming Germany's industrial backbone, sends a different signal: that supply chains, innovation ecosystems and climate imperatives are not obedient to ideological fault lines.

President Xi Jinping put forward three suggestions for the further development of China-Germany relations in his meeting with Merz on Wednesday. Namely, the two countries should be reliable partners that support each other, be innovative partners featuring openness and mutual benefit, and be cultural partners built on mutual understanding and friendship.

The comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries has long been defined by actions and results. Fifty-three years after diplomatic ties were established, bilateral trade reached 251.8 billion euros ($297 billion) last year. China has been the largest trading partner of Germany since 2016 except 2024. This is what win-win cooperation looks like in practice  factories humming in Shanghai and Stuttgart, research labs exchanging talent and green technologies codeveloped across sectors.

Merz's itinerary tells a story of industrial evolution. Former German chancellor Angela Merkel's dozen visits to China from 2006 to 2019 often revolved around German auto plants and machinery ventures  symbols of China as the world's workshop. Her successor Olaf Scholz, visiting in 2022 and 2024, highlighted a new-energy joint venture, reflecting China's pivot to the green economy. Now Merz is traveling to Hangzhou to tour Unitree Robotics. In two decades, the arc of German chancellors' visits traces China's shift from assembly lines to algorithms  a transformation that presents Germany not with a threat, but with a partner in the new industrial revolution.

This evolution explains why any "decoupling" rhetoric rings hollow on factory floors. Cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, new energy and advanced manufacturing aligns with Germany's Industry 4.0 ambitions and China's innovation-driven development strategy during the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period. The two economies complement each other well  one strong in precision engineering and industrial systems, the other in scale, digital ecosystems and rapid commercialization.

To that end, it is hoped that Germany will provide a fairer and more equitable business environment for Chinese companies, ensuring that investment reviews, procurement policies and regulatory frameworks remain predictable and nondiscriminatory.

Differences do exist, but they need not become barriers to cooperation. The two countries' relationship is not defined by the absence of disagreements but by the ability to manage them. Dialogue and consultation remain the rational means for properly settling differences. It should be pointed out that China's support for an early peaceful resolution to the Ukraine crisis and the establishment of a lasting, balanced and pragmatic security framework for Europe is aligned with Germany's and Europe's interests.

China and Germany, as well as the European Union, share broad common interests in consolidating political mutual trust, enhancing the resilience of the bilateral relationship, and continuously gathering momentum for their cooperation. Experience has proved that partnership is the correct positioning for China-Germany and China-EU relations, and a stable, predictable policy environment is indispensable to safeguard the smooth advancement of such cooperation. As the EU's largest economy, Germany is uniquely positioned to encourage the EU to reciprocate China's efforts to steady ties.

Stable China-Germany and China-EU relations also accord with global expectations for stability and sustainable development. A rational, objective view of China is not only essential but imperative to that end. The EU should refrain from succumbing to the misleading rhetoric of those who seek to mislead it into framing China as a "systemic rival"  all to serve their own narrow interests.

Merz's journey to Beijing and Hangzhou can be conducive to relations developing on the right track. His visit should by no means be a makeshift tactic for Berlin to counter Washington's economic coercion, trade bullying and territorial intimidation; instead, it ought to serve as an overture to a sincere, level-headed policy recalibration  rooted in the clear recognition that upholding strategic autonomy is inherently in Germany's interests. In an age of fragmentation, characterized by a yearning for common development, the most pragmatic choice is cooperation  practical and mutually beneficial.

SOURCE China Daily
The brand expands its Protein Pop line with a carbonated, clear protein beverage delivering 30 grams of protein per can

SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Rise Wellness announced the expansion of its Protein Pop offering with the launch of Protein Pop Plus, a new carbonated, readytodrink clear protein beverage now available at all 607 Costco locations across the United States. Protein Pop Plus builds on the success of the brand's original Protein Pop line, offering consumers a bold new way to enjoy highprotein nutrition in a refreshing, carbonated format.

Protein Pop Plus is now available at all Costco locations in the United States Protein Pop Plus delivers 30 grams of protein and comes in three flavors - Citrus, Mango Peach, and Orange Cream.

Protein Pop Plus delivers 30 grams of protein in a 12ounce can, combining a blend of whey protein isolate plus bovine collagen into a clear, lightly carbonated beverage designed to drink more like a soda than a traditional protein shake. With zero sugar, no artificial sweeteners, and no caffeine, Protein Pop Plus is positioned as a satisfying alternative for consumers seeking functional nutrition without heaviness or compromise.

"Protein Pop Plus represents the next evolution of our Protein Pop brand," said Darin Perry, CEO of Rise Wellness. "It's the only clear protein drink in the market with 30 grams of protein, collagen and no artificial sweeteners. It's a great option for consumers looking for protein options throughout the day, not just postworkout morning routines."

From Expo West to Nationwide Retail Expansion

Protein Pop made its debut at Natural Products Expo West last year, where the brand debuted its original clear protein beverage to the natural and specialty retail community. Following strong interest and momentum from Expo West, Protein Pop with 22 grams of whey protein isolate launched nationwide in all Target stores in September, positioning the brand as a fastgrowing player in the functional beverage space.

The launch of Protein Pop Plus at Costco marks the next chapter in the brand's growth, expanding distribution to one of the country's most influential retailers while introducing a higher protein content in a carbonated format that further differentiates the Protein Pop lineup.

Unlike traditional creamy protein shakes, Protein Pop Plus offers a carbonated experience that sets it apart in the functional beverage category. The beverage is sweetened with a premium stevia leaf extract blend, contains no artificial sweeteners, and is gluten free, making it accessible to a wide range of lifestyles. As a clear protein drink, Protein Pop Plus can be enjoyed out of the can or over ice.

Protein Pop Plus is available in a 15-pack with three flavors  Citrus, Mango Peach, and Orange Cream, with more flavors to come later this fall. Each flavor is formulated to deliver a clean taste and a highly satiating experience in a convenient, readytodrink can.

Natural Products Expo West 2026

Protein Pop will return to Natural Products Expo West 2026, taking place March 36, 2026, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. Attendees are invited to visit the Protein Pop booth (BOOTH N1602) to sample both Protein Pop and the newly launched Protein Pop Plus.

About Protein Pop

Protein Pop is one of two brands owned by Rise Wellness, a wholly owned subsidiary of USANA Health Sciences, Inc. Protein Pop is a clear, readytodrink protein beverage brand delivering highquality protein in a light, refreshing format. Designed as an alternative to traditional creamy protein shakes, Protein Pop offers a clean, modern approach to functional beverages that fit seamlessly into everyday routines. For more information, visit www.proteinpop.com.

About USANA Health Sciences, Inc.

Founded in 1992, USANA Health Sciences, Inc. (NYSE: USNA) develops and manufactures premium nutritional supplements, functional foods, and personal care products for its Brand Partners and Preferred Customers across 25 global markets. Driven by its commitment to health and wellness, USANA empowers people around the world to live healthier, more vibrant lives.

Along with its core business, USANA owns a 78.8% controlling ownership stake in Hiya Health Products, a children's health and wellness company. USANA owns 100% interest in Rise Wellness, makers of Rise Bars, Protein Pop and Protein Pop Plus clear protein drinks. Hiya and Rise Wellness offer a variety of cleanlabel health products.

More information on USANA can be found at www.usana.com. More information on Hiya is available at www.hiyahealth.com.

Investor & Media Contacts

Media Contact:

Sam Hallman

(801) 707-9941

[email protected]

Investor Contact:

Andrew Masuda

Investor Relations

(801) 954-7201

[email protected]

SOURCE USANA
FULLERTON, Calif. and AYER, Mass., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Pulmuone, the largest tofu company globally and makers of America's leading tofu brands including Nasoya and Wildwood, will unveil its 2026 innovations at Natural Products Expo West, March 4-6 in Anaheim, California. The 2026 lineup spotlights globally inspired, protein-forward noodles and elevated wraps designed for convenient, plant-based meals at home.

Pulmuone Showcases Expanded Noodle Innovations and Plant-Based Favorites at Natural Products Expo West 2026

"Consumers continue to seek clean-label, plant-based foods that deliver both convenience and authentic flavor," said Suk W. Kim, Vice President of Marketing at Pulmuone. "Our newest innovations build on Pulmuone's heritage of fresh, high-quality ingredients, offering versatile refrigerated solutions that make it easy to create globally inspired meals in minutes."

New 2026 Innovations from Pulmuone

Throughout Expo West, attendees can sample and learn more about Pulmuone's newest innovations set to launch in retailers across the country later this year including:

Pulmuone Functional Noodles & Asian Noodles  Available in Soymilk, Yakisoba and Udon varieties, these refrigerated, fully cooked noodles are designed for quick, flavorful meals. The gluten-free Soymilk noodles are made in a convenient, heat-and-serve format. Simply drain and add to salads, cold noodle bowls or stir-fries. Yakisoba and Udon varieties can be quickly loosened in hot broth or water and paired with sauces, vegetables or proteins for soups, stir-fries or chilled dishes.





 Available in Soymilk, Yakisoba and Udon varieties, these refrigerated, fully cooked noodles are designed for quick, flavorful meals. The gluten-free Soymilk noodles are made in a convenient, heat-and-serve format. Simply drain and add to salads, cold noodle bowls or stir-fries. Yakisoba and Udon varieties can be quickly loosened in hot broth or water and paired with sauces, vegetables or proteins for soups, stir-fries or chilled dishes. Pulmuone Garlic & Herb Wraps  Expanding Pulmuone's existing lineup of eggroll and wonton wraps, these soft wraps are infused with savory garlic and aromatic herbs. Designed for versatility and ease, they offer a flavorful foundation for appetizers, snacks and plant-forward meals.

Fan Favorites Return in the Spotlight

Pulmuone will also showcase several consumer favorite products including:

Pulmuone Plantspired Garlic & Cilantro Potstickers  A 2026 NEXTY Award finalist, these plant-based potstickers feature a bold garlic and cilantro filling. They can be pan-fried, steamed or air-fried for a convenient appetizer or entree.





 A 2026 NEXTY Award finalist, these plant-based potstickers feature a bold garlic and cilantro filling. They can be pan-fried, steamed or air-fried for a convenient appetizer or entree. Nasoya Silken Tofu  A smooth, custard-like tofu that blends seamlessly into smoothies, sauces, dressings and dips for creamy results without dairy.

Chef Edward Lee Appearance and Book Signing

Chef Edward Lee, acclaimed chef and author of Buttermilk Graffiti, will appear at the Pulmuone booth on March 4 and 5 for meet-and-greets and a signing of his book. During Expo West, attendees can learn more about two exclusive recipes he developed featuring Pulmuone's Soymilk Noodles and Nasoya Silken Tofu.

Pulmuone at Expo West: Booth #983

Expo West attendees can visit Pulmuone in Hall A at Booth 983 to sample the brand's latest refrigerated noodle, tofu and globally inspired plant-based innovations.

About PULMUONE FOODS USA

Pulmuone Foods USA offers a variety of Asian-inspired products including dumplings, kimchi, noodles, ready meals and snacks. Pulmuone Foods USA is also home to a family of brands that offers a wide variety of delicious products that encourage a healthy and sustainable lifestyle including Nasoya, the country's #1 brand of tofu. Capturing the growing demand for plant-based foods, Pulmuone Foods USA is leading the US tofu market with nearly 70 percent market share. The Pulmuone Foods USA family of brands also includes Plantspired, Wildwood and Monterey Gourmet Foods. For more information, visit www.pulmuonefoodsusa.com.

About NASOYA

For over 40 years, Nasoya has been a leading provider of natural and organic foods. Part of the family of brands at Pulmuone, a company synonymous with authentic, wholesome products and the highest quality of ingredients, Nasoya believes in creating great-tasting, healthy, convenient tofu for every eating occasion. As the #1 leading tofu brand in the United States, Nasoya offers several varieties of tofu including Cubed, Silken, Extra Firm, Firm & more. Learn more at www.nasoya.com

SOURCE Pulmuone Foods USA
MILWAUKEE, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Regal Rexnord Corporation (NYSE: RRX) announced today that on March 3, 2026 management will be participating in a fireside chat discussion and hosting investor meetings at the Raymond James 47th Annual Institutional Investors Conference, which is being held in Orlando, FL. To listen to the live audio or a replay of the discussion, please visit Regal Rexnord's Investor website: https://investors.regalrexnord.com.

About Regal Rexnord

Regal Rexnord's 30,000 associates around the world help create a better tomorrow by providing sustainable solutions that power, transmit and control motion. The Company's electric motors and air moving subsystems provide the power to create motion. A portfolio of highly engineered power transmission components and subsystems efficiently transmits motion to power industrial applications. The Company's automation offering, comprised of controllers, drives, precision motors, and actuators, controls motion in applications ranging from factory automation to precision tools used in surgical applications.

The Company's end markets benefit from meaningful secular demand tailwinds, and include discrete automation, food & beverage, aerospace, medical, data center, energy, residential and commercial buildings, general industrial, and metals and mining.

Regal Rexnord is comprised of three operating segments: Automation & Motion Control, Industrial Powertrain Solutions, and Power Efficiency Solutions. Regal Rexnord is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and has manufacturing, sales and service facilities worldwide. For more information, including a copy of our Sustainability Report, visit RegalRexnord.com.

SOURCE Regal Rexnord Corporation
As wine gains momentum in modern mixology, the iconic brand partners with the trailblazing competition spotlighting top female bartenders nationwide

NEW YORK, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Riunite , the iconic Italian Lambrusco brand, is proud to announce its participating brand sponsorship of the 2026 Speed Rack high-speed bartending competition. As wine continues to claim a more prominent place in modern mixology, Riunite is deepening its commitment to the bartending community by championing innovative cocktail culture and expanding its footprint behind the bar. Through this partnership, Riunite brings its vibrant Lambrusco and zero-proof offerings into one of the industry's most dynamic competitive stages, reinforcing the growing role of wine as a versatile and creative cocktail ingredient.

Founded by industry veterans Lynnette Marrero and Ivy Mix, Speed Racknow in its 14th seasonspotlights top female-identifying bartenders nationwide while raising critical funds for breast cancer education, prevention, and research. Since its launch, the competition has raised more than $1.85 million, with a goal of surpassing $2 million during Season 14. Riunite's involvement underscores its investment in the evolving mixology landscape, where effervescent, fruit-forward wines like Lambrusco are increasingly embraced for their balance, complexity, and ability to elevate classic and contemporary cocktails alike.

During each competition event, attendees will be able to try Riunite Lambrusco, Riunite Zero and Maschio Prosecco as well as in a few signature cocktails such as the Paloma di Modena and Riunite Spritz.

"Riunite Lambrusco brings an irresistible effervescence and bright fruit flavors to spritzes, making it a bartender's secret weapon for instant refreshment. Its lively bubbles and subtle sweetness perfectly harmonize with bitters and citrus, creating a balanced sip that guests can't resist," said Jacques Bezuidenhout, Industry Specialist at Liquid Productions.

The high-energy, ticketed competition tests speed, precision, and cocktail mastery, as bartenders race to execute classic cocktails under pressurejudged on accuracy, taste, and presentation. Regional winners advance to the National Finals, held during Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans. Each event supports leading breast cancer organizations, including The Pink Agenda, Breast Cancer Research Foundation, METAvivor, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Season 14 Regional Competition Dates:

Denver, CO  February 9, 2026 | Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom

Chicago, IL  February 23, 2026 | Thalia Hall

New York City, NY  March 9, 2026 | Melrose Ballroom

Washington, D.C.  March 16, 2026 | Howard Theatre

Boston. MA  March 30, 2026 | Royale

Seattle, WA  April 19, 2026 | Pacific Place Mall (kicking off Seattle Cocktail Week)

FINALS  New Orleans, LA  July 19, 2026 | Republic NOLA

Tickets for each competition and more information can be purchased at www.speed-rack.com/buy-tickets-1 .

About Riunite: Riunite, established in 1950, is an Italian wine brand rooted in collaboration and excellence. Originating from a coalition of 9 co-op wineries in the Province of Reggio Emilia, Riunite has grown into a global leader in grape and wine production. With over 1,450 families of winegrowers, 8 cooperative winemaking centers, and 4,600 hectares of vineyards, Riunite processes 89,000 tons of grapes annually. Committed to sustainability and quality, Riunite portfolio represents a diverse range of varietals, including its renowned Lambrusco. Produced without added sugars, Riunite wines offer an approachable character and natural sweetness. In every bottle, Riunite invites you to savor the essence of Italian craftsmanship. For more information, visit www.riunite.com .

About Speed Rack: Speed Rack is an exclusively women- and femme- high-speed bartending competition designed to highlight up-and-coming talent in the cocktail industry and give back to those impacted by breast cancer. As always, the competition in Speed Rack promises to be fierce, but so does the fundraising. To date, Speed Rack has raised nearly $2,000,000 for charities supporting breast cancer research. For more information, visit www.speed-rack.com .

MEDIA CONTACT

Collin Smith

Colangelo & Partners

[email protected]

SOURCE Riunite
KABUL, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- Local media in Afghanistan reported on Tuesday that clashes broke out on Tuesday afternoon between Afghan and Pakistani forces in the border areas, and the fighting is still ongoing.

According to sources, the clashes occurred in eastern Afghanistan's Nangarhar Province, in areas bordering Pakistan.

Sources said that heavy weapons were used by both sides and that there were casualties. The Afghan and Pakistani governments have not yet issued any statement on the latest clashes.

Earlier, Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Afghan government, said that Afghanistan would respond to airstrikes carried out by Pakistan on Sunday.

The Afghan side said that the Pakistani military on Sunday carried out airstrikes on the bilateral border areas, killing 18 people and injuring five others.

Pakistan said Sunday that it had carried out intelligence-based, targeted strikes on seven militant camps and hideouts in the Pakistan-Afghanistan border area, following a series of suicide bombings, and killed over 80 terrorists. 
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- SparkLabs Saudi Arabia announced today the launch of SparkLabs KSU Fund I, a USD 20 million venture capital fund focused on backing high-potential local and global founders building and scaling from Saudi Arabia. The Fund received an anchor investment from Riyadh Valley Company (RVC), an investment arm of King Saud University.

The fund will invest across pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages, with a strategic focus on Saudi-founded startups and ventures emerging from the King Saud University ecosystem, while allocating up to 20% of capital to international founders committed to localizing and expanding their businesses in the Kingdom.

The fund is closely aligned with the King Saud University Entrepreneurship Center, which plays a central role in nurturing student and faculty-led startups through education, mentorship, and venture-building support.

The capital raised will be used to provide early-stage funding, strategic support, and access to SparkLabs' global platform, enabling founders to accelerate product development, market entry, and international expansion.

"This investment from Riyadh Valley Company reflects strong alignment around the importance of building a globally connected innovation ecosystem rooted in Saudi Arabia," said Ivan Grlic, Managing Partner at SparkLabs Saudi Arabia. "Through SparkLabs KSU Fund I, we aim to support exceptional founders with capital, hands-on expertise, and access to international markets."

We are now accepting applications from ambitious founders building from Saudi Arabia. Apply through the link below:

https://tally.so/r/3EVRAq

About SparkLabs Group

Founded in 2013, SparkLabs Group is a global network of startup accelerators and venture capital funds with operations across Asia, the Middle East, Australia, and the United States. To date, SparkLabs has invested in over 600 companies across six continents, with a combined post-money valuation exceeding USD 56 billion.

SparkLabs has backed and co-invested alongside leading global technology firms and investors, and its portfolio includes category-defining companies in AI, deep tech, enterprise software, and digital platforms. The organization is particularly active in Saudi Arabia, Korea, Taiwan, Australia, and the U.S., enabling portfolio companies to scale globally while maintaining strong local foundations.

Strengthening Saudi Arabia's Startup Ecosystem

SparkLabs KSU Fund I will operate alongside the SparkLabs - KSU accelerator program, which supports early-stage founders through mentorship, operational guidance, and access to local and international networks. The accelerator is also supported by the National Technology Development Program (NTDP) and builds on SparkLabs' global accelerator model, which has demonstrated a startup survival rate of over 86.7%.

The partnership with Riyadh Valley Company reinforces the shared objective of attracting global innovation, nurturing Saudi talent, and contributing to the Kingdom's long-term economic transformation.

SOURCE SparkLabs Group
NEW YORK, Feb. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ --

Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Nidec Corporation (OTC: NJDCY) resulting from allegations that Nidec Corporation may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.

So What: If you purchased Nidec Corporation securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses.

What to do next: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=47559 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

What is this about: On September 3, 2025, after market close, CNBC published an article entitled "Nidec shares plunge 22% as China unit probe finds accounting issues tied to management." The article further stated that shares of Nidec fell "after the company announced a probe into allegations of improper accounting in its group. This marks the largest one-day drop in the Japanese electronics components manufacturer's shares."

On this news, Nidec American Depositary Receipts' ("ADRs") fell 22.7% on September 4, 2025.

Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

[email protected]

www.rosenlegal.com

SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.
Located at the corner of 45th Street and Eighth Avenue, ROW NYC places guests in the center of New York City within easy walking distance of Broadway theaters, corporate headquarters, transportation hubs, and some of the city's most visited attractions. With its reopening, ROW NYC reclaims its role as one of Midtown's most accessible and scalable stays, serving first-time visitors, Broadway audiences, families, group travel, and international guests seeking a central address with built-in energy and ease.

Guest rooms have been redesigned with a more serene, considered approach, featuring clean-lined furnishings, custom millwork, softened color palettes, and layouts tailored for comfort after long days in the city. Large windows frame sweeping views of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline, keeping New York visually present while the interiors provide a quieter counterpoint to the energy outside.

Public spaces have been completely reimagined to support social gathering, guest engagement, and casual use throughout the day. The lobby now functions as a flexible, layered environment featuring tiered seating, informal work areas, and a variety of zones designed for meeting, working, or unwinding. The scale of the space allows it to feel active yet intuitive, welcoming families, groups, and independent travelers moving through the hotel at all hours.

Anchoring the lobby is Percy All Day, a new 90-seat day-to-night cafe and bar debuting alongside the hotel in May. Named for photographer Percy Claude Byron, whose early 20th-century images captured everyday life across New York City, the space draws subtle inspiration from the city's layered history while delivering a modern, approachable atmosphere rooted in the energy of Times Square.

Designed for hotel guests, locals, and anyone passing through, Percy All Day moves with the rhythm of the city. It's where mornings start with great coffee and warm pastries, afternoons run on easy classics and conversation, and evenings turn lively over cocktails and crowd-pleasing plates. As the day unfolds, the cafe offers comfort-forward dishes suited to working lunches and pre-theater meals before shifting to a more social setting with modern cocktails, locally sourced beer and wine, and a lively yet polished bar environment.

A mix of seating across the cafe, bar, dining room, and mezzanine creates flexibility, while built-in elements such as a projector, sound system, and dedicated retail space create the perfect backdrop for curated activations. More than a lobby amenity, Percy All Day serves as a dynamic gathering space that reflects the pace and energy of New York: adaptable, social, and constantly evolving. Additional details on menus, design elements, and operating hours will be announced closer to opening.

Extending the guest experience beyond the room, ROW NYC will introduce a series of thoughtful programming initiatives designed to connect guests more deeply to the city, including neighborhood-driven welcome experiences, wellness-forward amenities, and seasonal cultural activations timed to key citywide events. The hotel will also incorporate community-aligned initiatives that reflect its renewed role within Times Square and the broader New York landscape. Details around these offerings, as well as additional on-property programming, will be shared in the coming months.

With its May reopening, ROW NYC reenters the market not simply as a refreshed hotel, but as a dynamic Times Square address built to serve the full spectrum of New York travel, from first visits to repeat stays, from Broadway weekends to business overnights. By pairing scale with thoughtful design, curated amenities, and experiential programming, the hotel offers guests an easy way to stay at the center of the city while having space to reset at the end of the day.

ROW NYC will begin welcoming guests on May 1, 2026, with reservations now available. Nightly rates start at $279 and vary by season and room type. For more information, visit www.rownyc.com .

About ROW NYC:

ROW NYC is an inviting hotel located in the heart of Times Square, offering travelers an uncommonly understated stay at the center of the city. Designed for guests who want New York's energy on demand and a calm, comfortable reset when they're done with it, the hotel pairs a prime location with a sense of ease that carries throughout the experience. Reimagined guest rooms are inspired by Broadway's tradition of craftsmanship and tailored for rest after long days in the city. The lobby expands into an all-day cafe and bar, where guests can move easily from morning coffee to casual meals and evening drinks at their own pace. Wherever the day takes you, end it effortlessly at ROW NYC.

SOURCE ROW NYC
Surging European demand sees orders surpass 100,000 sights

OTTAWA, ON, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- RTX (NYSE: RTX), through its Raytheon ELCAN optical systems business, has been awarded a production contract to supply a highly customised variant of its Specter DR 1-4x weapon sight to the German Armed Forces, advancing Germany's wider soldier system modernization program.

Under the agreement, Raytheon ELCAN, in close coordination with Leonardo Germany, will deliver a bespoke configuration tailored specifically to German operational requirements. The enhanced solution integrates an Aimpoint reflex sight mounted above the primary optic to support rapid transitions between close-quarters and mid-range engagements.

"The German Armed Forces are undertaking a major enhancement of their soldier system capability, and we are providing a tailored optical solution that supports their evolving operational needs," said Chris Reimer, Raytheon ELCAN Business Development & Strategy Manager. "This award reflects continued confidence in the Specter DR platform and our ability to deliver rugged, mission-ready optics for Europe's frontline forces."

This award builds on accelerating demand for the Specter DR family across Europe. Since August 2024, Germany, Denmark, Lithuania, Spain, Italy, and Finland have collectively ordered more than 100,000 Specter DR sights, with a total value exceeding 193 million.

European soldier system programs increasingly feature advanced, customized enhancements, including multiband laser protection, custom reticles, specialized mounts, and nation-specific finishes. Many recent procurements also integrate a secondary reflex sight mounted on the Specter DR, enabling seamless transitions between close-quarters and mid-range engagements.

Recent European awards underscore the enduring relevance of the Specter DR family and Raytheon ELCAN's commitment to delivering high-performance, mission-ready optics tailored to allied land forces. With over two decades of operational service and widespread use across NATO and allied militaries, the Specter DR remains one of the most trusted dual-role weapon sights worldwide.

About Raytheon ELCAN

Raytheon ELCAN, a business of RTX, is a global leader in the design and manufacture of highprecision optical and electrooptical solutions for military and commercial customers. Raytheon ELCAN products support land, sea, and air platforms and are trusted by armed forces around the world.

About RTX

With more than 180,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. With industry-leading capabilities, we advance aviation, engineer integrated defense systems for operational success, and develop next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2025 sales of more than $88 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact [email protected].

SOURCE RTX
Election reflects a long-standing tradition of Senior Lifestyle executives advancing the senior care industry through service and advocacy

CHICAGO, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Senior Lifestyle, a leading owner, operator and developer of senior living communities nationwide, announced that Bob Gawronski, Vice President of Development and Acquisitions, has been elected President of the Board of Directors for the Affordable Assisted Living Coalition (AALC).

Gawronski's election reflects both his personal dedication to expanding access to quality, affordable senior living and Senior Lifestyle's decades-long commitment to leadership and advocacy across the senior care profession.

Bob Gawronski, Vice President of Development and Acquisitions at Senior Lifestyle, has been elected President of the Board of Directors for the Affordable Assisted Living Coalition (AALC).

Throughout its history, Senior Lifestyle executives have contributed time and expertise to organizations shaping senior care at the local and national level, including the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA), Meals on Wheels, the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC), and the Affordable Assisted Living Coalition. These leadership roles span decades and reflect a shared belief that progress in senior care is driven by collaboration and service.

"Bob's leadership is a natural extension of who we are as an organization," said Jon DeLuca, President and CEO of Senior Lifestyle. "Senior Lifestyle has always believed that strong communities are built through service  not only to residents and families, but to the broader senior living profession."

Since joining Senior Lifestyle in 1994, Gawronski has overseen the acquisition, financing and development of more than $1.5 billion in senior housing assets nationwide. He has played a central role in the development of 26 affordable senior living communities in Illinois, creating more than 2,300 apartments for older adults who might otherwise lack access to supportive housing and care.

As president, Gawronski will help guide AALC's advocacy efforts to protect and strengthen Illinois' Supportive Living model  a nationally recognized approach that provides high-quality assisted living services at a lower cost to taxpayers while supporting independence and quality of life for residents.

"The Affordable Assisted Living Coalition is excited to welcome Bob Gawronski as the new president of our organization," said Karin Zosel, Executive Director of the Affordable Assisted Living Coalition. "Together, we will advocate for the resources, funding, and reimbursement levels necessary to sustain the Supportive Living model, helping protect Illinois' most vulnerable populations while saving the state millions of dollars each year."

Gawronski's election continues a long tradition of Senior Lifestyle executives serving in meaningful leadership roles across prominent industry organizations, reinforcing the company's belief that collaboration, advocacy and shared expertise are essential to advancing senior care nationwide.

About Senior Lifestyle

Founded in 1985, Senior Lifestyle is a nationally recognized owner, operator and developer of senior living communities across the United States. Senior Lifestyle communities provide a range of personalized living options for seniors requiring varying levels of care, including independent living, assisted living, memory care and continuing care. Senior Lifestyle is widely recognized for innovative programs and hospitality-driven services across all levels of care and is committed to creating Great Places to Work and Great Places to Live. For more information, visit SeniorLifestyle.com.

About Affordable Assisted Living Coalition

The Affordable Assisted Living Coalition (AALC), through advocacy and education, works to advance the Illinois Supportive Living Program (SLP), which gives seniors and persons with physical disabilities an affordable, quality alternative to nursing home care. As a non-profit-membership organization representing more than 160 SLP communities and service-providers, AALC is the leading voice championing the affordable assisted living model across Illinois. To learn more, visit AALConline.org.

SOURCE Senior Lifestyle
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sheffield Financial, a division of Truist Bank, Member FDIC, and Triumph Motorcycles America Limited have extended their retail financing partnership through a new multiyear agreement.

The extension builds on a long-standing relationship that provides Triumph dealers and riders across the United States with competitive retail financing options.

Under the renewed agreement, Triumph dealers will continue to benefit from:

Dealer-first digital tools: Through Sheffield Financial' s dealer portal, Triumph dealers can offer digital financing tools that allow customers to begin the financing process online and complete it at a dealership.

Simplified financing experience: Competitive financing options and a streamlined loan contract provide customers with clear payment choices and help dealers complete transactions efficiently.

End-to-end dealer support: Sheffield Financial' s specialized powersports underwriting team is available seven days a week to support dealers and help keep transactions moving.

"Triumph is committed to delivering an exceptional customer experience, and we're pleased to support that commitment," said Susan Andersson, senior vice president and head of national accounts at Sheffield Financial. "This multiyear extension strengthens our collaboration and reinforces our focus on providing clear, competitive financing options for Triumph dealers and customers."

"Our partnership with Sheffield Financial has been instrumental in helping our dealers deliver a seamless buying experience," said Rod Lopusnak, general manager of Triumph Motorcycles America. "Extending this relationship ensures customers continue to have access to competitive financing options and dealer-focused tools that make owning a Triumph more accessible."

About Sheffield Financial

Sheffield Financial, a division of Truist Bank, Member FDIC, provides installment financing for the powersports, marine, compact tractor, outdoor power equipment and trailer industries. Founded 33 years ago, Sheffield Financial serves hundreds of brands and has financed millions of customers across the United States. Backed by Truist Bank, one of the nation's largest financial services companies, Sheffield Financial offers straightforward retail financing options and customer-focused service. Learn more at SheffieldFinancial.com.

About Truist

Truist Financial Corporation is a purpose-driven financial services company committed to inspiring and building better lives and communities. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Truist has leading market share in many of the high-growth markets in the U.S. and offers a wide range of products and services through wholesale and consumer businesses, including consumer and small business banking, commercial and corporate banking, investment banking and capital markets, wealth management, payments, and specialized lending businesses. Truist is a top-10 commercial bank with total assets of $548 billion as of December 31, 2025. Truist Bank, Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. Learn more at Truist.com.

About Triumph

Founded in 1902, Triumph Motorcycles is the largest British motorcycle manufacturer and a global producer of premium motorcycles. Based in Hinckley, England, Triumph designs and manufactures a range of modern classic, roadster, adventure and off-road motorcycles. The brand's lineup includes the Bonneville, Tiger, Rocket 3 and TF 250-X. Triumph also has a long history in motorsports, including Isle of Man TT victories and its role as the exclusive engine supplier for the FIM Moto2 World Championship.

SOURCE Sheffield Financial, Inc.
Snyder Diamond's new Trade Rewards Program offers licensed design professionals across Southern California predictable quarterly cash-back, with payouts issued four times per year.

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Snyder Diamond, Southern California's premier resource for kitchen, bath, hardware, and outdoor products, today announced the launch of the Snyder Diamond Trade Rewards Program. This new initiative provides a predictable, quarterly cash-back structure for licensed design professionals across Los Angeles and San Diego counties, and all of SoCal.

The program is designed to provide systematic financial rewards to the company's dedicated network of SoCal architects, interior designers, builders, and developers. By offering cash-back rewards based on sales volume, SD aims to further support the professional growth of its clients.

"We recognize that the success of the significant projects driven by our trade clients depends as much on their vision as it does on their trust in Snyder Diamond," said Russ Diamond, President and CEO of Snyder Diamond. "The SD Trade Rewards Program is our clearest, most substantial way of saying thank you. It moves beyond standard discounts to offer a true, systematic cash-back reward based on the integrity of the partnership."

Program Structure and Benefits

The Snyder Diamond Trade Rewards program operates on a simple, consistent schedule to ensure transparency for participating firms:

Quarterly Payouts: Rewards accrue based on qualifying sales volume within each calendar quarter and are issued four times per year.

Rewards accrue based on qualifying sales volume within each calendar quarter and are issued four times per year. Eligibility: Eligibility is exclusive to licensed and verified trade professionals, reinforcing Snyder Diamond's commitment to the industry's leading experts.

Eligibility is exclusive to licensed and verified trade professionals, reinforcing Snyder Diamond's commitment to the industry's leading experts. Transparent Tracking: Rewards are calculated based on delivered, closed, and fully paid sales orders where the trade professional or firm is listed as the "Bill To" party.

Rewarding Partnership and Loyalty

A Legacy of Trust

Born in L.A. in 1949, Snyder Diamond has operated as an independent, family-owned institution, working with the region's creative community to define Southern California design. Offering over 300 brands, SD remains dedicated to its philosophy of "always being first with what's next."

Trade Information

Learn about SD Trade Rewards and apply for membership: https://www.snyderdiamond.com/trade/program

and apply for membership: https://www.snyderdiamond.com/trade/program Learn about SD trade benefits : https://www.snyderdiamond.com/trade

SoCal's beloved SD showrooms and luxury retailer specializes in kitchen, bath, hardware, and outdoor living. With showrooms in Santa Monica, Van Nuys, Pasadena, and now Solana Beach near San Diego, SD continued to offer unmatched product and project expertise to support homeowners and trade professionals alike.

Get to know Snyder Diamond at https://www.snyderdiamond.com/aboutus

SOURCE Snyder Diamond
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Slippery Rock University is expanding access to one of the most meaningful and in-demand careers by introducing a four-year, pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, giving students a clear, affordable and hands-on pathway to a profession that changes lives.

Beginning in Fall 2026, students will be able to complete a 120-credit Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in four years entirely on campus at Slippery Rock University.

Designed for students who want to start and finish their nursing education at SRU, the new program offers early immersion in nursing coursework, extensive clinical experience and strong earning potential after graduation  all within a supportive campus environment known for student success.

Beginning in Fall 2026, students will be able to complete the 120-credit BSN program in four years and graduate fully prepared to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) exam and enter professional nursing practice.

BUILT ON 50 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

SRU has offered nursing degrees for more than 50 years and this new four-year, on-campus program builds on the current RN-to-BSN program that was one of the nation's first to go fully online, producing 763 graduates in the last decade. SRU also created a 1+2+1 nursing program in Fall 2025 where students earn their RN at a partner institution during their second and third years. Now students seeking a traditional, campus-based college experience can complete their BSN entirely at SRU with a direct-entry option for first-year students.

THE SRU ADVANTAGE

From the first semester, students in SRU's BSN program will engage in nursing coursework that builds clinical judgment, critical thinking and professional identity. By the third year, students will advance into laboratory, simulation and clinical experiences that prepare them to care for patients across the lifespan. To prepare for the new four-year, pre-licensure program, SRU will renovate existing space in the Advanced Technology and Science Hall on campus and newly enrolled students in the program will be among the first to use this state-of-the-art facility.

"With the launch of our four-year BSN program, Slippery Rock University is asserting itself as a leader in preparing the next generation of nurses," said Christine Karshin, dean of the College of Health Professions. "Our region urgently needs these highly skilled professionals, and our communities deserve the best care from people trained who are trained locally. This program represents a promise to our health care partners to enhance the workforce, to our students who are called to careers of purpose and service, and to families seeking an affordable, high-quality education that leads to meaningful, life-changing work. SRU is not just responding to the nursing shortagewe are helping to shape the future of health care in western Pennsylvania and beyond."

MEETING A CRITICAL WORKFORCE NEED

While the program opens doors for students, it also responds to an urgent workforce challenge. Pennsylvania and the nation face persistent nursing shortages driven by an aging population, increased chronic illness and expanding health care demand.

Within a 150-mile radius of SRU, there is a documented deficit of more than 1,200 BSN-prepared nurses, and statewide shortages exceed 2,500 nurses annually. National projections estimate the need for more than 193,000 new registered nurses each year through 2032 and a projected national shortage of nearly 338,000 nurses by 2035.

By training practice-ready nurses, SRU is helping strengthen the health care workforce, improve patient outcomes and support regional economic vitality. Each new health care professional in Pennsylvania contributes more than $200,000 in total economic output when including an employee's purchasing and other economic exchanges in a community.

LOW COST, HIGH VALUE

SRU continues to offer one of the most affordable pathways to a bachelor's degree in nursing in Pennsylvania. In-state tuition is $7,994 per year and total cost of attendance for Pennsylvania undergraduates is less than $26,000 annually.

Graduates with a BSN earn an average base salary of $96,000 annually, nearly $20,000 more than the average registered nurse without a bachelor's degree. Over the span of a career, that difference can add up to more than $500,000, making a BSN a smart long-term investment for students and families.

RIGOROUS STANDARDS FOR QUALITY

SRU's baccalaureate nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) through 2034, confirming that the program meets rigorous national standards for educational quality, continuous improvement and professional preparation.

The new four-year BSN program at SRU was approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing in January 2026 to ensure that requirements align with national standards, including Nurse of the Future competencies, NCLEXRN content areas and CCNE accreditation expectations.

LEARN MORE, APPLY TODAY

More information is available on the nursing program page on the SRU website. Space limited with a cap of 40 first-year students for the Fall 2026 semester. Current students and transfers are not eligible until Fall 2027. The University anticipates growing the program to more than 80 students by the program's fifth year.

SOURCE Slippery Rock University
Industry collaboration accelerates development of new quality management standard for AI-driven digital infrastructure

ARLINGTON, Va., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Telecommunications Industry Associationthe trusted industry association for the connected worldannounced continued industry momentum behind the Data Center Excellence (DCE 9000) initiative, a collaborative effort to establish the first quality management system standard specifically designed for modern data center physical infrastructure.

Driven by rapid growth in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and global digital infrastructure investment, DCE 9000 aims to improve supply chain resilience, operational reliability, and consistency across data center deployments worldwide.

Broad Industry Alignment Confirms Market Need

Recent industry engagement and survey feedback demonstrate strong consensus across hyperscalers, infrastructure providers, suppliers, and integrators on the need for a dedicated quality standard tailored to the complexity of modern data center environments. Survey found:

87.8% said that the speed of innovation in modern data centers is creating risks to quality and reliability.

78.1% of respondents indicated existing quality frameworks do not fully address the complexity and rapid innovation cycles of today's data center environments.

92.5% agreed that a certifiable standard would improve global consistency, predictability, and deployment outcomes across data center builds.

87.8% indicated that a data center infrastructure quality standard would provide value to suppliers

"The pace and complexity of data center infrastructure development require stronger alignment across the global value chain," said Gino Tozzi, Global Head of Data Center Quality at Google and Chair of the DCE 9000 Working Group. "DCE 9000 is focused on improving supplier maturity, increasing predictability, and enabling organizations to proactively address quality risks across the infrastructure lifecycle."

The DCE 9000 working group is led by a cross-industry leadership team including Chair Gino Tozzi, with Google; Vice Chair Chad Kymal, with Omnex; and Secretary Mike Regan, with TIA QuEST Forum.

Expanding Industry Participation

The initiative continues to gain momentum, attracting participation from leading organizations across the data center ecosystem. In addition to hyperscalers such as Google, data center operators actively contributing to the development effort include Oracle, Iron Mountain, and Verizon Wireless.

Engagement also extends across the broader supply chain through the QuEST Forum and the DCE 9000 Working Group, with participation from data center equipment and services providers, including ABB, Eaton, Ever Energy, Johnson Controls, Modine, MTU Solutions (RollsRoyce), Schneider Electric, Trane, Network Connex, Technavious (which also serves as a certification body), and TruNorthe.

This broad collaboration underscores the industry's shared commitment to developing globally applicable quality benchmarks that support reliable, predictable infrastructure delivery.

"Suppliers working with large data centers face a very specific set of challenges that may go well beyond normal enterprise customer relationships." said Jennifer Stepniowski, Global Customer Experience & Quality at Johnson Controls. "These companies operate at massive scale with exceptional reliability needs and highly mature governance modelscreating exciting opportunities for suppliers who continue to evolve and grow alongside them."

Initial Scope Focuses on Critical Infrastructure Systems

The initial scope of DCE 9000 focuses on mechanical, power, and cooling infrastructure systems that are essential to data center performance and availability. The standard will address lifecycle quality requirements spanning design, manufacturing, installation, testing, commissioning, and supply chain management.

DCE 9000 is designed as a quality management system certification framework that builds upon foundational standards while introducing data-center-specific requirements and performance metrics.

"DCE 9000 reflects the industry's commitment to strengthening the foundation of digital infrastructure through collaboration and standardization," said Mike Regan, VP of QuEST Forum at TIA. "By establishing common quality expectations and measurable performance metrics, this initiative will help reduce duplication, improve supply chain efficiency, and support reliable infrastructure deployment at scale."

Accelerated Development Timeline

The working group is progressing through a structured development process, with key milestones including draft standard development in 2026 and planned publication and certification framework launch in 2027.

TIA continues to expand stakeholder engagement across the data center value chain to ensure the standard reflects broad industry expertise and operational requirements.

Organizations interested in participating in the DCE 9000 initiative are encouraged to engage with TIA QuEST Forum at [email protected]

About TIA:

The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) - the trusted association for the connected world, represents more than 400 organizations that enable high-speed communication networks and accelerate next-generation technology innovation. As a member-driven organization, TIA advocates for our industry in the U.S. and internationally, develops critical standards, manages technology programs, and improves business performance, all to advance trusted global connectivity. TIA is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

SOURCE TIA
Truist Investment Services offering client access to two spot Bitcoin ETFs

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Truist Wealth, the private wealth business of Truist Financial Corporation (NYSE: TFC), announces that Truist Investment Services, Inc. (TIS) financial advisors will now be able to offer two SEC-registered spot bitcoin exchangetraded funds (ETFs) sponsored by Fidelity and BlackRock.

These ETFs offer regulated digital asset exposure through exchangetraded structures, giving investors a straightforward way to access this evolving asset class. TIS clients will have the opportunity to work in close partnership with their financial advisors, ensuring decisions are aligned with each client's goals, financial situation, and risk tolerance. These ETFs are also available through Truist Trade, our offering for clients interested in self-directed real-time trading.

"Clients are increasingly exploring digital assets as part of a diversified investment strategy, said Brian Dowhower, Head of Truist Wealth. "Our approach is to balance strong client interest with prudent safeguards, ensuring any expansion of digitalasset offerings occurs thoughtfully and in alignment with our purpose-driven wealth experience and commitments to deliver client care and fulfill regulatory expectations."

The addition of these spot bitcoin ETFs represents a measured expansion of Truist Wealth's holistic portfolio of solutions and reflects the firm's disciplined approach to evaluating emerging investment options on behalf of clients.

"Our integrated approach to portfolio management provides a wide range of options, from traditional to alternative investments to help meet the diverse needs of our clients," said Leah Wehinger, Head of Investment Advice and Solutions for Truist Wealth. "As we continue to grow our offerings, our clients and solutions are supported by credentialed analysts who provide deep sector knowledge."

Truist Wealth is part of the broader Truist Wholesale Banking segment, which provides comprehensive solutions to commercial, corporate, institutional and high-net-worth clients through a combination of regional coverage and industry-focused teams serving clients across the U.S.

About Truist

Truist Financial Corporation is a purpose-driven financial services company committed to inspiring and building better lives and communities. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Truist has leading market share in many of the high-growth markets in the U.S. and offers a wide range of products and services through wholesale and consumer businesses, including consumer and small business banking, commercial and corporate banking, investment banking and capital markets, wealth management, payments, and specialized lending businesses. Truist is a top 10 commercial bank with total assets of $548 billion as of Dec. 31, 2025. Truist Bank, Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. Learn more at Truist.com.

About Truist Wealth

Truist Wealth delivers holistic wealth management solutions to affluent, high, and ultra-high net worth individuals, families, and business owners across the U.S. and abroad. Truist Wealth provides distinct solutions for individuals and businesses through the following affiliates: Banking products and services, corporate trust, escrow, and institutional investment management services to public, private, and nonprofit organizations provided by Truist Bank, Member FDIC. Securities, brokerage accounts, and/or annuities offered by Truist Investment Services, Inc., member FINRA, SIPC, and a licensed insurance agency. Investment advisory services offered by Truist Advisory Services, Inc. and affiliated SEC registered investment advisers.

SOURCE Truist Financial Corporation
Hou Jianwen (C) and his local colleagues pose for a group photo after completing the surgery in Zanzibar, Tanzania, on Jan. 18, 2026. (The 35th Chinese medical team in Zanzibar/Handout via Xinhua)

DAR ES SALAAM, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- Three weeks ago, 31-year-old Ali Hamad Kombo believed his working life -- and his family's livelihood -- had come to an abrupt and painful end.

A commuter bus conductor in Chake Chake district on Tanzania's Zanzibar Pemba Island, Kombo, depends on daily wages to support his wife and three children. A road accident left him with a fractured right arm, forcing him to stop work and plunging his family into uncertainty.

"I thought everything was over," Kombo recalled in a recent interview with Xinhua. "Without my hand, I could not work. Without work, I could not take care of my children."

Today, Kombo's outlook has changed dramatically. Following a complex operation at Abdulla Mzee Hospital, he is recovering steadily and hopes to return to work in the coming weeks. His renewed optimism, he says, is thanks to the joint efforts of the 35th Chinese medical team in Zanzibar and local doctors.

"I have no proper words to thank the Chinese doctors," Kombo said, gently flexing his recovering arm. "They not only saved my hand after a very difficult surgery, but they also saved my family. I am looking forward to working again and earning an income."

A local doctor told Xinhua that Kombo's injury resulted from a traffic accident on Pemba Island, where narrow roads and a growing number of vehicles often lead to serious trauma cases, while medical resources remain limited.

After initial treatment, doctors confirmed that Kombo had suffered a severe fracture of the distal humerus near the elbow, an injury known for its complexity and high risk of long-term disability if not treated properly.

For Kombo, the diagnosis was devastating. "I could not even hold a cup," he said. "All I could think about was how my children would eat."

At Abdulla Mzee Hospital, local orthopedic surgeon Eveline Emmanuel Sikahanga reviewed Kombo's imaging and reached out to Hou Jianwen, deputy leader of the Chinese medical team in Zanzibar and chief orthopedic surgeon, stationed on Pemba Island as part of China's long-running medical aid program.

The imaging revealed a highly comminuted fracture, with the bone shattered into multiple fragments and the joint surface severely damaged. "This was not a simple fracture," Hou said. "It involved the joint, with many fragments that needed precise reconstruction."

Under the hospital's limited conditions, the challenge was immense, as there was no intraoperative C-arm fluoroscopy available for real-time X-ray guidance.

The first operation was scheduled for the evening of Jan. 17 and continued late into the night. Using an olecranon osteotomy approach to access the damaged joint, Hou worked closely with Sikahanga throughout the procedure.

Without fluoroscopy, every step relied on anatomical knowledge, tactile feedback and experience, what surgeons sometimes call a "blind operation." Each screw and wire placement was uncertain until postoperative X-rays confirmed the result.

"The fracture was even more complex than the images suggested," Hou said. "There were more than seven significant fragments, and one key piece was difficult to identify at first."

Together with Sikahanga, Hou carefully identified the anatomy, stabilized the bone fragments, and determined the correct angles for fixation.

As the surgery progressed, the need for additional assistance became clear. Hou called in Zhu Shuangjiu, head of general surgery with the Chinese medical team, to help maintain reduction and assist with fixation.

"With three people working together, everything became more efficient," Sikahanga said. The operation concluded around 1:00 a.m. local time the following day.

Hou's work did not end with the surgery. Unable to sleep, he sketched detailed diagrams of the fracture reduction and fixation technique, later sharing them with Sikahanga as a learning tool.

"This is how mentorship should be," Sikahanga said later. "Not just words, but standing with you during the hardest moments and helping you understand every decision."

Postoperative X-rays taken the next morning showed satisfactory reduction and fixation. Kombo's circulation and nerve sensation were intact, a crucial indicator of success.

For Kombo, the technical details matter less than the outcome. He can move his fingers. The pain is manageable. And for the first time since the accident, he can plan for the future.

"I will go back to work," he said with a smile.

For Hou and his colleagues, Kombo's recovery embodies the purpose of their mission. Chinese medical teams have worked in Zanzibar for decades, providing care, training and support in areas where resources are limited.

"True medical aid is not only about treating patients," Hou said. "It is about sharing knowledge, building confidence with local doctors, and taking responsibility together for every life." 
DENVER, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Virtual MLS Summit, an annual event that brings together thousands of real estate brokers and influential MLS leaders from across the country to drive innovation, cultivate new ideas and openly discuss the most pressing issues facing the industry, today announced it has officially formed as a limited liability company (LLC), effective January 2026. The transition to an LLC provides a formal legal and governance framework for the Summit, strengthening liability protections, creating financial transparency and positioning the organization for long-term sustainability.

This milestone underscores the continued growth of the Summit and reinforces the presenting organizations' long-term commitment to providing timely, relevant insights to their members and real estate professionals across the country at no cost. Originally launched in 2021 by New Mexico MLS, the Summit has grown into a multi-MLS partnership with Colorado Real Estate Network, Prime MLS, Hive MLS and IRES MLS.

This year marks the sixth annual Virtual MLS Summit, which had more than 1600 people registered. Participants heard fresh perspectives from industry leaders on navigating today's rapidly evolving real estate landscape.

"When I started the Summit in 2021, I never imagined it would become what it is today," said Megan McFarlane, Executive Director of New Mexico MLS. "I'm proud that New Mexico MLS, Colorado Real Estate Network, Prime MLS, Hive MLS and IRES MLS can partner in a non-competitive way to share knowledge and insights with agents across the country. Our goal has always been to distill the information gathered at major industry conferences and ensure it is accessible to agents and brokers everywhere  regardless of MLS affiliation, and always at no cost."

The Virtual MLS Summit is made possible by sponsors across the real estate industry. All educational content remains independently developed and is not influenced by sponsors. For more information about sponsorship opportunities contact [email protected].

About Virtual MLS Summit

Virtual MLS Summit's mission is to gather MLS members, influential MLS leaders and industry pioneers to drive innovation, cultivate ideas and openly discuss prevalent MLS and real estate subject matters. Virtual MLS Summit hosts annual online events that are open to all real estate professionals and free to attend. Learn more at https://www.virtualmlssummit.com/.

Media Contact

Claire Rudberg

[email protected]

SOURCE Virtual MLS Summit
New services help organizations migrate to Microsoft 365, optimize configuration and administration, harden security baselines, and support cloud and hybrid infrastructure

DALLAS, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- White Rock Cybersecurity today announced the launch of Microsoft Professional Services, a new set of customized Microsoft services designed to help organizations run smoothly, securely, and efficiently through expert migration, configuration, management, and security hardening.

Microsoft is core to how many organizations operate. When migrations, configuration, or security are misaligned, productivity and risk can suffer. White Rock delivers focused Microsoft services that keep environments secure, efficient, and easier to manage - so teams can operate with confidence and clarity.

White Rock's Microsoft Professional Services provide end-to-end support across Microsoft 365, Exchange Online, SharePoint, Teams, and hybrid infrastructure, combining practical implementation expertise with a security-first mindset and aligned with Microsoft best practices.

"Our customers count on White Rock as a trusted advisor as technology and cyber risk continue to evolve," said James Range, CEO of White Rock Cybersecurity. "Launching Microsoft Professional Services reflects our commitment to continuously developing new, practical offerings that help organizations succeed - whether that means modernizing core systems, strengthening security foundations, or getting more value from the Microsoft platforms they rely on every day."

The core service offerings include:

Email migrations to Microsoft 365 and Exchange Online from on-prem Exchange, Google Workspace, or legacy systems (using proven tools such as BitTitan).

Microsoft 365 setup, configuration, and ongoing administration for Exchange, SharePoint, and Teams.

File server migrations to SharePoint with structured access controls and reporting.

Security baseline implementation, environment hardening, and ongoing evaluations aligned to Microsoft recommended security baselines.

User onboarding, documentation, and responsive support options.

Cloud, hybrid, and virtual infrastructure services across Hyper-V and VMware.

"Microsoft environments can get complicated fast, because identity, permissions, email, collaboration, and security controls all intersect," said Ron Brown, CTO of White Rock Cybersecurity. "With our Microsoft Professional Services, we're bringing a security-first, practical approach to what customers need most: reliable migrations, clean configuration, and hardened baselines that are easier to manage. We focus on minimizing disruption, tightening controls, and leaving clients with an environment that's simpler to operate and better positioned to defend against modern threats."

For more information on White Rock Cybersecurity's Microsoft Professional Services, visit https://www.wrsecure.com/microsoft-professional-services

About White Rock Cybersecurity

Founded in 2013, White Rock Cybersecurity is a Dallas, Texas-based cyber solutions company and value-added reseller delivering innovative, scalable, and manageable information technology and network security solutions. White Rock takes a security-first approach to every engagement - collaborating with vetted, best-of-breed technology partners and leading manufacturers to help organizations build layered defenses against evolving cyber threats. The company supports customers nationwide with cybersecurity technologies, backup and recovery solutions, and software and licensing expertise, including Microsoft volume licensing. For more information, visit wrsecure.com or check us out on LinkedIn.

SOURCE White Rock Cybersecurity
In the news release, World Gym Corporation Will Participate in Fireside Chat with IPO Edge on February 27, 2026, issued 25-Feb-2026 by World Gym over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that the release should include the register link. The complete, corrected release follows:

World Gym Corporation Will Participate in Fireside Chat with IPO Edge on February 27, 2026

TAIPEI, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- World Gym Corporation (2762.TW) ("World Gym" or the "Company"), the owner of the iconic World Gym brand with over 280 locations worldwide, today announced that its President, John Caraccio, and Executive Committee Member, Mark Harms, will participate in a Fireside Chat with IPO Edge and The Palm Beach Hedge Fund Association on February 27 at 8:00 am Eastern Time.

During the event, Messrs. Caraccio and Harms will discuss the company's recent Q4 and full year 2025 financial performance as well as outlook for 2026. The Company is experiencing rapid acceleration of revenue and earnings growth due to its disciplined growth strategy, combined with stringent cost controls and has plans to add many new locations as well as offer innovative services. The live event will be moderated by IPO Edge Editor-in-Chief John Jannarone and Editor-at-Large Jarrett Banks in a video session lasting approximately 60 minutes including a Q&A with the audience.

"I look forward to participating in this event and offering more color about our financial results as well as diving into some of the exciting things we have on the horizon, such as our focus on AI and longevity and more," said John Caraccio, President of World Gym Corporation.

We cordially invite you to participate in this live event, please register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5PEh8sjhRMK1MUv3l96xaw#/registration

About World Gym Corporation

World Gym Corporation is Taiwan's largest fitness chain, operating 139 locations. In 2024, it acquired World Gym International, securing the iconic World Gym brand and global operating rights, establishing itself as a global fitness leader. With a franchise network spanning 10 countries and 284 locations, it serves 900,000 members. The company continues to empower individuals worldwide to achieve their fitness goals and live healthier lives through state-of-the-art facilities, innovative programs, and technology-driven solutions.

SOURCE World Gym
About this content 

About Jamie Ashcroft

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

About the publisher

Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

Use of technology

Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows.

Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation.
About this content 

About Oliver Haill

Oliver has been writing about companies and markets since the early 2000s, cutting his teeth as a financial journalist at Growth Company Investor with a focusing on AIM companies and small caps, before a few years later becoming a section editor and then head of research. He joined Proactive after a couple of years freelancing, where he worked for the Financial Times Group, ITV, Press Association, Reuters sports desk, the London Olympic News Service, Rugby World Cup News Service, Gracenote... Read more

About the publisher

Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

Use of technology

Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows.

Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation.
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.
PolarX Ltd (ASX:PXX, OTCQB:PXXXF) has delivered what may be its most significant exploration result to date, with first-pass drilling at the Ridgeline prospect within its Humboldt Range project in Nevada returning multiple wide, high-grade gold intercepts  including a standout bonanza hit of 1.5 metres at 37.29 g/t gold. A further 2.8km of the same anomaly is still to be drilled

The company has wasted no time flagging a major follow-up campaign.

Managing director Dr Jason Berton described the results as confirming the scope for a significant discovery, noting that the grades compare favourably with the successful nearby operations and that the company has only scratched the surface of a much larger target.

These are outstanding results from our first drilling program at Ridgeline and clearly highlight the scope for a significant discovery.

The grades are as good or better than those at the highly successful operating mines nearby. The widths are substantial, the mineralisation runs from surface and we have only drilled 800m of the 3.6-kilometre-long anomaly. And we are yet to get the silver assays from the same holes.

In light of these results, we are now making plans for a follow-up program to extend the known mineralisation at depth and along the rest of the anomaly.

The drill results

The initial 13-hole reverse circulation program totalled just over 2,000 metres and covered only 800 metres of the Ridgeline anomaly's 3.6-kilometre strike length. Despite that limited footprint, gold mineralisation was intercepted in 10 of the 13 holes, confirming multiple parallel mineralised trends from surface.

The standout hole was SP25-005, which delivered three separate mineralised zones: 16.8 metres at 0.55 g/t gold from 18 metres depth, then 9.1 metres at 6.38 g/t gold  including 1.5 metres at 37.29 g/t  from around 90 metres, and a further 22.9 metres at 1.16 g/t gold from 131 metres. That single hole alone demonstrates both the bulk-tonnage potential of the wider mineralised envelope and the presence of high-grade bonanza-style veining within it.

Ridgeline plan view summary of gold assay results. Multiple mineralised zones have been identified, trending NE to SW. The system remains open in both strike directions and at depth.

Other notable intercepts include SP25-011 returning 30.5 metres at 0.51 g/t gold from just under 20 metres, SP25-010 delivering 25.9 metres at 0.78 g/t gold, and SP25-009 hitting 9.1 metres at 1.24 g/t gold. Silver assays from the same holes are still pending  a further potential positive yet to be factored in.

Why this matters

The grades being returned at Ridgeline are, by the company's own assessment, on par with or better than those at operating mines in the immediate vicinity  a neighbourhood that includes Integra Resources' 5 million ounce Florida Canyon heap-leach gold mine less than 3 kilometres away, Coeur Mining's Rochester silver-gold mine 15 kilometres to the south, and Solidus Resources' 5-million-ounce Spring Valley gold project just nine kilometres from PolarX's Fourth of July claims.

Those neighbours are all large-tonnage, modest-grade, bulk-scale open-pit operations using heap-leach processing. Florida Canyon, for context, runs at a reserve grade of 0.35 g/t gold with a cut-off of just 0.13 g/t. The widths and grades PolarX is returning at Ridgeline already sit comfortably above that threshold, and with only a shallow depth of around 100 metres currently tested, the vein system remains open at depth  a point supported by IP and magnetic survey data.

Scale of the opportunity

The numbers underscore how early-stage this discovery remains. The Ridgeline anomaly extends over 3.6 kilometres in strike length and up to 1.3 kilometres in width, with coincident IP chargeability, gold and silver soil anomalies, and extensive quartz veining at surface. Only 800 metres of that anomaly has been drilled, meaning a further 2.8 kilometres remains completely untested by the drill bit.

Previous rock chip samples at Ridgeline had already graded up to 43.8 g/t gold and 86.1 g/t silver, foreshadowing the results now confirmed by drilling. And the Ridgeline program is just one component of a broader land package  PolarX holds 364 lode mining claims across two claim groups at Humboldt Range, with the Rochester Rhyolite host rock extending across the entire project area and additional high-grade historical veins awaiting permit approval to drill test.

What's next

PolarX is moving on two fronts. A return to Ridgeline for a major follow-up RC drilling program is planned for mid-April, weather permitting, with the aim of extending the known mineralisation along strike and at depth. Simultaneously, the company is applying for drill permits to test several historically mined high-grade veins in the Black Canyon valley  including the Lois, Indian Ike, JC and Midas veins, some of which have historical surface grades running into the hundreds of grams per tonne of gold.

On a cautionary note, the company flagged that significant laboratory delays in Reno held up the delivery of these results  a frustration shared with other explorers in the region. PolarX says it has severed ties with the laboratory in question, and silver assay results from the current program, along with pending Alaska Range results, will be reported on receipt.
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.
Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO)s once-dominant position in the booming obesity drug market is facing its sternest test yet.

The Danish pharmaceutical giant announced today that it will cut US list prices for its blockbuster GLP-1 therapies  including Wegovy and Ozempic  by up to 50%, a move that signals both political and competitive pressure on the sectors most dominant player. The decision comes as the company grapples with a bruising run of headlines: a disappointing late-stage trial for its next-generation obesity candidate CagriSema and renewed scrutiny of pricing across the US healthcare system.

Shares in the company fell about 3% on Tuesday, before the post-close announcement, and are down more than 22% over the past five trading sessions, reflecting investor unease about growth durability in what had been one of Europes most reliable pharma stories.

Pricing reset in the GLP-1 market

Novo said it would significantly reduce US list prices for its GLP-1 portfolio, including Wegovy, Ozempic and the oral semaglutide Rybelsus, to a flat US$675 per month for each drug, down from about $1,350 for Wegovy and from about $1,000 for Ozempic and Rybelsus. While net prices after rebates have long been lower than headline figures, published list prices have drawn sustained political scrutiny and fuelled debate over affordability; the reset aims to ease out-of-pocket costs for patients with high-deductible or coinsurance insurance designs.

By slashing sticker prices, Novo appears to be pre-empting further regulatory intervention while also positioning itself more aggressively against chief rival Eli Lilly and Co (NYSE:LLY), whose tirzepatide-based therapy Zepbound has taken over as GLP-1 market leader.

The pricing move may also reflect a shift in the supply-demand dynamic. After two years of constrained manufacturing capacity and persistent shortages, incremental capacity expansions across the industry are gradually easing bottlenecks. In a more balanced market, pricing power becomes harder to defend.

For investors, the key question is margin impact. GLP-1 drugs have delivered extraordinary revenue and profit growth for Novo, underpinning a re-rating that briefly made it Europes most valuable listed company. Lower list prices  even if partially offset by higher volumes  introduce uncertainty into medium-term earnings forecasts.

CagriSema disappointment compounds concerns

The pricing decision lands against the backdrop of recent clinical disappointment. Novos combination obesity candidate CagriSema failed to outperform Eli Lillys Zepbound in head-to-head comparisons, prompting several leading banks to downgrade the stock.

That trial setback raised doubts about Novos ability to maintain technological leadership in what is fast becoming a multi-trillion-dollar therapeutic category. The obesity market is moving beyond first-generation GLP-1s toward dual- and triple-agonist combinations designed to enhance weight loss and metabolic benefits.

While Novo continues to advance earlier-stage candidates, the CagriSema underperformance narrows its perceived edge  at least in the near term  and amplifies the significance of commercial levers such as pricing strategy.

Competitive and policy crosswinds

The broader environment for obesity drugs is shifting rapidly. Policymakers in the US have signalled increased scrutiny of pharmaceutical pricing, particularly for high-demand therapies that strain insurer budgets. At the same time, new entrants and next-generation molecules are reshaping competitive dynamics.

For Novo, lowering list prices could serve multiple objectives: diffusing political pressure, expanding patient access, and defending market share as insurers weigh reimbursement decisions between rival products.

But the optics are delicate. A sharp share price reaction suggests investors fear that what began as a high-margin growth story could evolve into a volume-driven, more competitive market with compressed profitability.

What it means for biotech

Novos shift is a reminder of how quickly sentiment can turn when clinical momentum falters or pricing power weakens. Premium valuations built on category dominance can unwind just as quickly.

The structural demand story, however, remains intact. Obesity rates continue to rise and payers are increasingly focused on the long-term costs of metabolic disease. Lower prices may broaden access and expand volumes, even if margins tighten.

For companies targeting metabolic and diabetes pathways, the bar is climbing. As the GLP-1 class matures and combination therapies crowd the pipeline, incremental improvements are unlikely to sustain premium pricing or investor enthusiasm.

Novo Nordisk remains a global heavyweight with unmatched scale. But the GLP-1 price reset  on top of the CagriSema trial setback  signals an obesity market that is becoming more competitive and less forgiving than the early growth narrative implied.
ISLAMABAD, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- At least four policemen were killed and three others injured in a suicide attack in Pakistan's eastern Punjab province, officials said on Tuesday.

The attack occurred when a suicide bomber blew himself up near a police check post in Bhakkar district of the province, killing four cops on the spot while injuring three passersby, Bhakkar District Police Officer Shahzad Rafiq told media.

Following the blast, police, rescue teams and additional contingents of security forces rushed to the site and shifted the injured people to a nearby hospital in the district.

Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation in the surroundings.

No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the attack yet. 
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has demanded unrestricted access to Claude for all military applications, putting Anthropic's safety-first positioning on a direct collision course with the US government

The confrontation between Anthropic and the Pentagon has reached a crisis point. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth summoned Anthropic chief executive Dario Amodei to a meeting at the Pentagon on Tuesday and delivered an ultimatum: remove the restrictions the company places on how its AI can be used by the military, or be cut from theDoD's supplier network entirely.

The deadline is Friday evening

According to a source who described the encounter, the atmosphere was civil. Amodei reportedly thanked Hegseth for his service. But beneath the pleasantries, both sides laid out positions that are difficult to reconcile.

Anthropic maintains that certain applications fall outside what its models can do reliably and responsibly. The Pentagon's stated position is that it should face no restrictions whatsoever on how it uses the technology it has contracted to deploy.

What Anthropic will and will not do

The company has identified two firm limits. The first concerns autonomous weapons: Anthropic will not allow its tools to make final targeting decisions in military operations without human intervention in the loop. The second concerns domestic surveillance at scale. Both represent what the company privately describes as red lines.

A Pentagon official who briefed the BBC was careful to say that the current dispute is not specifically about autonomous weapons or mass surveillance.

The precise nature of the disagreement has not been made public, which leaves the core question unanswered: what exactly does the Defense Department want to do with Claude that Anthropic is currently preventing?

The leverage the Pentagon holds

The threat Hegseth brought to the meeting is not merely contractual. A senior Defense official has intimated that if Anthropic does not comply by Friday, Hegseth intends to invoke the Defense Production Act, a wartime authority that could compel the company to grant unrestricted access on national security grounds.

Simultaneously, the Pentagon would designate Anthropic a supply chain risk, a label with serious consequences for a company whose business model depends on institutional trust.

Anthropic was among four AI companies awarded Pentagon contracts worth up to $200 million each last summer, alongside Google, OpenAI and Elon Musk's xAI. Defense official Emil Michael has previously stated the department's expectation that all four allow the Pentagon to deploy any of their models across all lawful use cases without restriction.

How the relationship deteriorated

Observers say the immediate trigger for the breakdown was the disclosure that Claude was used during the operation that led to the capture of former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro in January, apparently through Anthropic's partnership with Palantir, which holds its own Pentagon contracts.

Anthropic had not sanctioned that specific use, and the episode raised questions about whether the company's restrictions were enforceable in practice once its technology entered classified government networks through third parties.

Anthropic had been the first technology company cleared to operate inside the Pentagon's classified systems. That distinction, once a mark of the company's institutional standing, now sits awkwardly against the current confrontation.

Analysts framed the problem plainly

The two sides need to reach a resolution, she said, because the people the military asks to serve in the field deserve every available advantage.

The question is whether that resolution requires Anthropic to abandon the safety boundaries that define its public identity, or whether the Pentagon is willing to accept something short of unconditional access.

Friday will provide the answer.
Arizona Gold & Silver Inc (TSX-V:AZS, OTCQB:AZASF, FRA:A9J0) has reported assay results from two recent core holes at its Philadelphia project in Arizona, as the company continues to define mineralization within the Perry zone.

The holes, PC25-159 and PC25-160, were drilled on the northern and southern limits of the Perry zone. According to the company, both intersected low gold grades within previously unrecognized east-west fault structures that vertically offset mineralization hosted in the Arabian Fault.

Drilling is ongoing, with the rig currently testing the shallower portion of the Perry zone, up-dip of hole PC25-156.

Lex Lambeck, Arizona Gold & Silvers senior vice president of exploration, said the results help refine the structural understanding of the zone.

We did not expect to drill into bounding faults to constrain the strike length of the Perry zone, Lambeck said. Drilling continues however as the zone is not fully defined up dip and is completely open at depth. We expect to see good grades in both directions.

Hole PC25-159 returned 28.41 metres grading 0.68 grams per tonne (g/t) gold and 6.04 g/t silver from 318.61 metres downhole. This included 3.96 metres at 1.66 g/t gold and 7.6 g/t silver, 1.40 metres at 2.99 g/t gold and 8.2 g/t silver, and 2.34 metres at 1.74 g/t gold and 12.85 g/t silver.

Hole PC25-160 intersected 66.39 metres grading 0.293 g/t gold and 1.364 g/t silver from 327.66 metres downhole. Higher-grade intervals within that section included 1.07 metres at 1.46 g/t gold and 1.2 g/t silver, and 1.34 metres at 1.87 g/t gold and 9.8 g/t silver. The company estimates true thickness at approximately 60% of drilled thickness.

Arizona Gold & Silver said the Perry zone is now defined over approximately 165 metres of strike length and is truncated by sub east-west structural complexities. These structures appear to crosscut the Arabian Fault, which hosts known mineralization at the project.

The company said hole PC25-159 appears to have been drilled structurally above the main mineralizing system, with the depth to the pay zone still undetermined. A similarly down-dropped block is proposed to the south in hole PC25-160, which is also interpreted to have been drilled above part of the mineralizing system.

Hole PC25-159 is located 60 metres north of the thick stockwork zone identified in hole PC25-158 and 165 metres north of a previously reported high-grade intercept in hole PC25-156. The mineralizing horizon in PC25-159 is interpreted to have been offset by a sub-east-west fault structure observed in earlier drilling, with the ore shoot remaining open down dip.

Hole PC25-160, located 60 metres south of PC25-156, encountered a narrowed and tightened ore zone that the company said may have formed an aquitard to gold-bearing fluids. Both holes are interpreted to have been affected by sub-east-west faulting that crosscuts the Arabian Fault in what the company described as a piano key effect, with both upward and downward fault movement.

Lambeck added that deeper drilling is planned once permitting is complete. At depth we are awaiting a drill permit to move onto new drill pads to the east, he said. The permit is expected within months. These pads will provide cost effective setups for drilling the target zone to depth. Our model suggests grades will persist in that direction.

Drill hole PC25-161, drilled south of PC25-160, has yet to be assayed. The vein zone in that hole appears visually to be approximately twice the width observed in previous holes, though quartz veining is less developed. The company said the significance of the increased width will be determined once assays are received.

Another hole, PC25-162, is currently in progress. It is designed as a shallower test of the Perry zone approximately 60 metres north of PC25-136, targeting the interpreted up-dip continuation of mineralization identified in holes PC25-156 and PC25-158.

Commenting on the broader geology, Lambeck said, The Arabian fault is a major control for all Philadelphia mineralization. It continues along strike and is largely open at depth. Importantly, it dips below the conspicuous Red Hills hydrothermal alteration cap and similar alteration areas further east.

In addition to drilling, the company has commenced a Controlled Source Audio Magnetotelluric (CSAMT) geophysical survey to support geological mapping and surface sampling and to refine existing targets. Zonge International has been contracted to complete 10 survey lines covering the eastern and northeastern portions of the property, as well as the southern extension of the Arabian Fault.

The new geophysical data will be integrated with historical hyperspectral coverage and legacy geophysical datasets to generate a comprehensive 3D model of the property. Arizona Gold & Silver said the integrated interpretation is expected to enhance target definition and help prioritize potential future drill targets.
The name 1911 Gold is rooted in history.

In 1911, amid a surge of prospecting across Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario, new immigrants and prospectors worked alongside Indigenous communities to explore mineral potential. Using color-coded cloths to mark regions, prospectors collected rock samples across Manitoba. The discovery that anchored Rice Lake began with what is now known as the Gabriel shaft, still standing today. Duncan Twohearts, an indigenous trapper from the Sagkeeng First Nation, who identified an outcropping of vein quartz on the north shore of Rice Lake that year, marked the start of the districts modern gold story.

More than a century later, 1911 Gold Corp (TSX-V:AUMB, OTCQB:AUMBF, FRA:2KY) is advancing the historic True North mine, which produced intermittently from the 1930s to the 1960s. Now, a preliminary economic assessment outlines an 11-year underground operation with average steady-state gold production of 58,100 ounces annually. At a long-term gold price of US$3,000 per ounce, the project carries an after-tax net present value of C$391 million and an internal rate of return of 105%, with a 2.2-year payback period, generating $545 million in free cash flow. At US$4,800 gold, after-tax NPV rises to C$998 million, with payback compressed to roughly one year, and generates $1.3 billion in free cash flow.

With the PEA milestone achieved and economics in hand, the company is now turning its focus to financing, development and positioning for a targeted 2027 production restart. In this Q&A, CEO Shaun Heinrichs discusses how the PEA shapes the companys 2026 strategy, operational confidence and the path back to production at True North.

Proactive: Lets talk about True North. The preliminary economic assessment highlights a low-capital, high-return project with a good NPV. From your perspective, what makes this asset unique?

Shaun Heinrichs: True Norths operating history falls into two distinct phases. From the 1930s to the 1960s, mining was highly selective, following narrow veins typically 1.5 to 2.5 meters wide. This approach delivered exceptional average grades of more than nine grams per tonne, with the first 1.3 million ounces ranking among the highest-grade gold mined in Canada.

Between 2004 and 2015, the focus shifted to higher throughput. The mill was expanded to 2,200 tonnes per day and bulk-tonnage mining methods were adopted, with stopes often exceeding five meters in width. While production volumes increased, dilution rose significantly, cash costs climbed above $3,000 per ounce, and recoveries dropped to 6570% after the crushing circuit was upsized without expanding tank capacity. Annual output was limited to roughly 80,00085,000 ounces.

The current strategy departs from that model. After de-risking the resource in 2024 and completing the PEA with AMC, the company outlined a plan showing a 105% return and payback just over two years at long-term gold prices (base case). The revised mine design narrows certain stopes to 1.2 meters, targets 97% efficiency with 15% dilution, and aligns equipment size with geology to control costs and maximize returns.

The PEA uses a base case gold price of US$3,000 per ounce to arrive at the $391 million after-tax figure. But with gold now well above US$4,500, does that suggest significant upside?

Absolutely, it changes the dynamics a lot. On the cost side, we reported just under $1,900 per ounce all-in-sustaining, and thats likely to improve as well. Well benefit from higher gold prices and by focusing on higher-grade, higher-priority targets.

The PEA includes some lower-grade deposits to the east, but our new discoveries like San Antonio West (SAM W), San Antonio Southeast (SAM SE), and the Shore target, which is still developing, should return grades around five grams per tonne. That will lower our costs and increase margins. At todays $4,800$5,000 gold environment, were looking at a much bigger margin over the long term, which should drive NPV higher over the next 12 months.

You mentioned the nearby zones, like SAM SE, which you see as having significant upside. How quickly could these be integrated into production?

SAM SE has the best near-term potential to fold into the mine plan over the next 18 months. Its already been mined at the lower levels, so we can access it through existing workings. The grades and geology are very similar, so theres no reason it cant be added into the plan.

The zone spans roughly 1.11.2 kilometers of strike length, with a top 700 meters already at inferred-resource level and another 500 meters still open. This target has the potential to add +500,000 ounces of additional resource in the future. After that, well focus on the Shore target further to the southeast, which was lightly drilled last year and is still being evaluated, and then eventually move back to SAM W.

Now that youve achieved the PEA milestone and have those economics in hand, how does this shape your strategy for 2026, and how confident are you in a 2027 production restart?

Were very confident about the restart. Everything were doing right now is laying the foundation for that. From our perspective, we are on track and dont foresee any delays.

The main factor to manage is dewatering the Hinge mine, which falls within the first few months of production. It doesnt need to be 100% dewatered, but some lower-level areas we plan to mine require substantial access before we begin.

The True North mine itself has no access issues for the first two years of production. Were about to get onto level 26 once the loading pocket area is dewatered, which will allow us to start rehabilitation. Mining equipment from 20172018 is still on that level and in decent condition, and additional equipment is already on its way.

1911 Gold has secured a dominant land position in the district, but its an area that hasnt seen as much exploration as higher-profile districts in Ontario or even elsewhere in Manitoba. How does that form an advantage for 1911 Gold?

I was attracted to the opportunity because of the historical production and existing infrastructure more than the land position itself. My background is in finance, so I tend to focus on projects that have tangible reality rather than pure speculation. Rice Lake offers that. Several past producers exist elsewhere on the property, which validates the geological model. Our drilling, surface work, LiDAR, and aeromagnetic surveys indicate that these areas have significant potential, with multi-kilometer structures and host rock features similar to True North.

The challenge for a company like ours is funding the drilling required to bring these targets to a mineable stage. That takes hundreds of thousands of meters, not to make a discovery, but to develop it into production. The plan is to fund this growth organically from cash flow generated by existing operations. With the current gold price, well have plenty of capital to reinvest. Having a mill with expansion capacity is a huge advantage, and the southeastern portion alone could provide another 1520 years of life at similar or even higher grades than historically produced.

1911 Gold has had strong share price momentum over the past six months. How are you leveraging that attention to attract capital for your 2026 goals?

For a company of our size, its easier to engage credible lending institutions without relying heavily on royalties or streaming agreements, which can limit upside for investors. Our momentum puts us in a strong position to negotiate favorable terms. If we do need an equity raise, the higher share price, combined with premiums from flow-through investments, helps us minimize dilution. Intangibly, the attention from higher trading volumes also puts us on more peoples radar. When we trade $23 million of shares daily, it attracts a different class of institutional investor, which makes advancing our projects and strategy much easier.

After we closed the financing last year, we had approximately $26 million in our treasury, which covers the majority of our drill program for the year. It doesnt, however, provide all the initial capital needed for the mill startup, which is why were having additional discussions to fund the remainder.

We also plan to carry out a bulk sample this year, which will be a meaningful size. There are many options, and we need to select the areas that are both cost-effective and provide the most valuable information. The program will validate our mining method, confirm recoveries through the mill, and demonstrate that we know what were doing.

Before we wrap up, is there any message youd like to pass along to investors about the investment case here?

Heres the key point: whats in the PEA is not the full story. The PEA provides a baseline, but the real opportunity has significant size and scale potential far beyond what the PEA reflects.

The PEA does offer downside protectiontheres no scenario, other than gold dropping to around $1,500 an ounce, where we wouldnt be profitable once production starts. That self-generated cash gives us the flexibility to make smart investments at the mine site.

The upside potential is largely not captured in the PEA. This greenstone belt has been vastly underexplored, even around the mine lease area itself. Over the last 14 months, our drilling has demonstrated how much remains to be discovered: three new targets, two of which have been extended over 700 meters of strike length, and the third continues to develop. Drill results indicate were on the right track, and these are just our initial targets. Theres still substantial potential to grow the project into a 5 million-ounce-plus resource, which would significantly change the dynamics of the operation, and illustrates the district-scale opportunity.
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Washington, Feb 25 : US export enforcement officials have acknowledged that advanced American AI chips are being smuggled overseas, as lawmakers warned that China is aggressively seeking to bypass restrictions to power its military and artificial intelligence ambitions.

At a Congressional hearing on strengthening export control enforcement, Congressman Bill Huizenga said the panel was examining "the administration's plans for enforcing US export control laws" and legislative options "to strengthen the enforcement of US export controls and block adversary access to sensitive US and allied technology".

Framing the issue as an "AI arms race against the Chinese Communist Party", Huizenga cited recent reports of advanced chips reaching China despite restrictions. He also referred to testimony from the nominee to lead US Cyber Command and the National Security Agency, quoting Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd: "China is aggressively seeking to acquire advanced AI chips to accelerate its development of AI-enhanced weapons."

Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement David Peters told lawmakers that the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is "charged with the civil and criminal enforcement of the nation's dual-use export control laws" and stressed that "the stakes of this mission have never been higher".

When asked directly whether chip smuggling is occurring, Peters responded: "Simply put, yes, there is chip smuggling, it is going on." He added that stopping diversion "is the priority for us in export enforcement" and described preventing diversion as "our bread and butter task".

Peters pointed to recent enforcement actions, including "a $ 95 million settlement with Cadence Design Systems" and "a $ 252 million settlement with Applied Materials". He said BIS had collected "roughly $ 278 million" in criminal and administrative penalties, forfeitures, and restitution in fiscal year 2025, compared with funding of "approximately $ 191 million".

He warned companies: "Follow the law or face the consequences."

Several lawmakers pressed for stronger penalties. Congressman Keith Self argued that current fines may not deter misconduct. Peters agreed that "increased penalties are really key", suggesting that penalties could begin at "four times the value of the unlawful transaction If not dramatically higher," while cautioning against discouraging voluntary self-disclosure.

Democrats focused on enforcement capacity and policy consistency. Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove said BIS has been operating with "only 11 export control officers conducting end-use checks overseas" and warned that export controls are "only as effective as our ability to enforce them".

Peters acknowledged that more resources would improve oversight, saying new funding would enable "more agents, more analysts, more overseas export control officers" and better monitoring of licensed trade abroad.

Lawmakers also questioned how end-use checks are conducted in China and whether US authorities face delays. Peters said he had "not yet seen evidence" that requests were being blocked for extended periods, but agreed that year-long delays "don't" seem reasonable.

The hearing underscored bipartisan concern that advanced AI chips and related technologies are central to national security competition. US export controls in recent years have increasingly targeted cutting-edge semiconductor and AI capabilities, aiming to prevent their use in military and surveillance systems.
Chennai, Feb 25 : With Assembly elections scheduled in April and May across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, Assam and the Union Territory of Puducherry, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar is set to undertake a crucial two-day visit to Puducherry and Tamil Nadu to review poll preparedness.

Gyanesh Kumar will arrive in Puducherry on Wednesday afternoon around 2 p.m., where he is expected to hold detailed consultations with senior officials, including Chief Secretary Sharath Chauhan and Director General of Police Shalini Singh.

The discussions will focus primarily on security arrangements, logistical preparedness, and measures to ensure free and fair elections in the Union Territory.

Ahead of the CEC's visit, Puducherry Police on Tuesday convened a meeting with representatives of recognised political parties to discuss election-related security protocols and enforcement measures.

The meeting, held at the Puducherry Police Headquarters, was chaired by DIG Sathya Sundaram and attended by senior police officers.

Officials reviewed various aspects of election security, including law and order management, monitoring of sensitive booths, deployment planning, and adherence to the Model Code of Conduct once it comes into effect.

The CEC is also expected to interact with representatives of recognised political parties in Puducherry to gather feedback and address concerns related to electoral arrangements.

Following his Puducherry visit, he will travel to Tamil Nadu on Thursday and Friday.

He will be accompanied by seven Deputy Election Commissioners.

In Chennai on February 26, he will meet Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik and senior election officials to assess the state's readiness.

On Friday (February 27), the CEC will hold consultations with senior government officials and representatives of recognised political parties in Tamil Nadu.

The visit comes shortly after Deputy Election Commissioners completed preliminary inspections in the state last week.

The Chief Election Commissioner's review is seen as a key step before the formal announcement of election dates, which is expected soon.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
SUVA, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Fiji hosted the Development Partners Symposium in Suva under the theme "Casting Together for Impactful and Sustainable Fisheries" on Wednesday.

The event, convened by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Secretariat, brought together regional leaders, development partners and stakeholders to discuss strategic cooperation in offshore fisheries, particularly tuna management.

Fijian Minister for Fisheries and Forests Alitia Bainivalu said no single country or institution can achieve long-term prosperity in offshore fisheries alone, noting that success requires strong political will, sound management and strategic investments.

Fisheries, especially tuna, remain vital economic assets for many Pacific Island countries, contributing significantly to national incomes through access arrangements and related activities, she said.

The Minister highlighted that effective management, including stock assessments, monitoring and governance, forms the foundation for sustainable development.

Bainivalu stressed that the ultimate goal is to convert stability into tangible economic benefits such as investment, processing, employment and technological advancement, thereby strengthening economic resilience. 
Los Angeles, Feb 25 : Hollywood actor Chris Hemsworth is expressing regret over moving back to his native Australia after a series of deadly shark attacks near his home.

The Thor star, 42, grew up Down Under but lived in the US for many years before moving back to Australia in 2015 with his wife Elsa Pataky and their children, but Chris has now admitted he thought he'd made a huge mistake after two surfers were killed by sharks just minutes away from his home in Byron Bay, reports 'Female First UK'.

During an appearance on the SmartLess podcast, he explained, "When I first moved to Byron Bay, there was a string of shark attacks, two deaths, then one guy survived, in the space of two weeks. One out the front of my house and one 10 minutes south of me and (one) five minutes north. I was like, 'Where have I moved to? What have I done? This is crazy'. And so for the next. (I was only going out surfing) when there were other people in the water".

He further mentioned, "Your chances are a little better. There was a period when there would just be choppers (helicopters) going up and down the coastline shark spotting and then they have a siren on because for whatever reason there was this feeding frenzy. (They put the siren on) or they tell the police and the police would come down with a big speaker and tell you to get out of the water. And you'd all sit there and be like, 'Argh I'm not getting out of the water' and then each guys starts paddling in like, 'Fine, fine we'll go in'. Bull sharks and great whites are the most predominant".

As per 'Female First UK', however, Chris refuses to let the risk of shark attacks put him off the sport he loves.

He added, "I surf every day. I heard that more people die in America by shaking a vending machine to get chocolate out and it collapsing on them. I don't know if it's true".

The actor went on to reveal there are "heaps of snakes" around his house and his three children aren't bothered by them, but his Hollywood pal Matt Damon got a nasty surprise during his first visit Down Under.

The actor said, "(There are) heaps of snakes. We see a lot of snakes around our house and a lot of pythons, but the pythons are very territorial so they keep the bad ones away. We don't mind having the pythons around. My kids will go and grab them by the tail sometimes. Matt Damon, he was asking me all these questions before they came to Australia. I was like, 'Ah you're fine'. The first day, he drives down the street, gets out of a car and steps straight on a snake. I've been there 42 years and never stepped on a snake. Day one. He's a dummy".

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
United Nations, Feb 25 : The UN Security Council expressed deep concern over continued violence across Sudan, including in the Kordofan and Darfur states, calling on all parties to the conflict to immediately halt the fighting.

In a press statement on Tuesday, the members of the Security Council strongly condemned reports of repeated drone attacks on civilians, civilian infrastructure and humanitarian personnel as well as property and assets, including multiple attacks impacting the World Food Programme since the start of February 2026.

"Deliberate attacks against humanitarian personnel, their premises and assets may constitute war crimes," council members said, urging all parties to comply with international law and relevant UN resolutions.

They also condemned the Sudanese Rapid Support Forces' (RSF) assaults, violations against civilians, and reports of arbitrary detention and conflict-related sexual violence, calling for accountability.

The council expressed grave concern at conflict-induced famine and extreme food insecurity, and demanded safe and unhindered humanitarian access and civilian passage.

Council members welcomed the agreement on a humanitarian truce, which should lead to an immediate ceasefire, de-escalate the situation, mitigate regional impacts and support an inclusive, civilian-led transitional period to realise the aspirations of the Sudanese people for a peaceful, stable and prosperous future in accordance with the principles of national ownership, Xinhua news agency reported.

They urged all UN member states to refrain from external interference that seeks to foment conflict and instability, to support efforts for durable peace, to abide by their obligations under international law and to implement relevant Security Council resolutions.

Reaffirming their commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Sudan, they reaffirmed their rejection of the establishment of a parallel governing authority in areas controlled by the RSF.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Chennai, Feb 25 : Tension is mounting along Chennai's coastline as fishermen from 12 hamlets between Ayodhya Kuppam in Triplicane and Srinivasapuram in Santhome gear up for a large-scale human chain protest on the evening of March 2.

The agitation is aimed at urging the state government to drop plans to expand the Blue Flag beach project along the Marina and to halt the rope car project on the sands.

Leaders representing Ayodhya Kuppam, Mattankuppam, Nochikuppam and Srinivasapuram, according to fishermen leaders, deliberated on what they termed "serious livelihood threats" posed by recent coastal development initiatives.

Apart from the Blue Flag expansion, the fishing community is opposing the proposed removal of shops along the Marina Loop Road and beachfront areas. The protesters say that while they are not against development, any expansion of tourism infrastructure should not come at the cost of traditional fishing rights, vending spaces and access to the shore. They have demanded structured consultations with officials before further work proceeds.

Selvaraj, a fisherman from Ayodhya Kuppam, said the community had already made concessions for earlier phases of the project. "We gave up space and shifted our boats when the Blue Flag proposal first came. But when bamboo fences were erected in the little space we had left, we lost even that. After pressure from us, they removed it. We have 30 boats and 10 catamarans here. Fishing near the coast is already badly affected due to sewage and garbage. Now even our parking space for boats is shrinking," he said.

Residents fear that further expansion of the Blue Flag scheme will push fishing families out of the beach altogether.

According to community members, space traditionally used for docking boats and drying nets is gradually being restricted. Concerns are also mounting among vendors who depend on evening beach commerce. A woman vendor said that nearly 2,000 families rely on the eateries and small shops that operate along Marina and Loop Road.

"How can only 300 shops be allowed? What will happen to the rest? If the government provides alternative space or another means of livelihood, we can consider moving. Otherwise, this is a question of life and death for us," she said.

Community leader K. Bharathi questioned what he called "unequal enforcement". He alleged that while fishermen are prevented from putting up temporary thatches to mend nets, civic authorities are installing bamboo fences, cabanas, changing rooms, toilets, and even undertaking rope car construction on the sands.

The fishermen have urged the government to hold consultations before proceeding further, warning that development without livelihood safeguards will severely impact Chennai's traditional coastal communities.
February 25 : Germany/Lucknow: Under the visionary guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, a delegation from Uttar Pradesh has reached Germany and is engaging in dialogue with entrepreneurs there.

In this sequence, the state delegation led by Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya and the States IT & Electronics Minister Sunil Kumar Sharma held a meeting on Tuesday with leading German-Israeli company Quantum Systems GmbH. The company specializes in unmanned and drone-based technologies.

The company has been present in India for over a decade and specializes in advanced aerial surveillance, defence-grade reconnaissance, and high-altitude unmanned platforms with operational ranges up to 160 km. Its technologies are also in service with the armed forces of Germany and Spain.

Deputy Chief Minister and IT Minister stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a key driver of Indias rapidly growing economy. They invited Quantum Systems to establish a drone manufacturing and Research & Development (R&D) center in the state, enabling Uttar Pradesh to benefit from its progressive policies, strong industrial ecosystem and skilled talent pool.

Both sides discussed long-term collaboration in manufacturing, research and development, skill development and technology transfer to strengthen Indias aerospace and unmanned systems ecosystem.
Bengaluru, Feb 25 : Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra on Wednesday accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of misleading the public regarding the number of government posts filled during the Congress government's tenure in the state.

In a statement, Vijayendra alleged that the state government had presented contradictory information inside the Legislative Assembly and outside. He said official data provided by the government in the Assembly showed that only 8,157 government recruitments had been completed during the three years of the current administration.

However, Vijayendra claimed that the Chief Minister had publicly stated that 40,000 posts had been filled, which he described as false and misleading. Vijayendra questioned how long the government would continue to mislead the people and said such claims amounted to a betrayal of the unemployed youth of the state.

He further stated that as one of the longest-serving Chief Ministers, Siddaramaiah had a responsibility to present accurate information to the public. Misleading statements, he said, could worsen the frustration and anger among unemployed youth.

Vijayendra urged the Congress government to immediately complete the pending recruitment processes and address the concerns of job aspirants. He called on the government to stop spreading false claims and ensure justice to unemployed youth by filling vacant government posts without further delay.

Reacting to the protest by government job aspirants in Dharwad, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, on Tuesday, had urged students to focus on education and assured faster recruitment.

"When we assumed office, more than 2.64 lakh government posts were vacant. This massive backlog did not arise overnight; it was the result of prolonged inaction under the previous Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led state government, which failed to initiate timely recruitments or create a structured roadmap to fill vacancies."

CM Siddaramaiah further stated, "In the last 2.5 years alone, more than 40,000 job recruitments have been completed across departments. We are also conscious that many job aspirants have waited for years due to delays beyond their control. Recognising this hardship, the state government has relaxed the age criteria by more than five years for upcoming recruitments, ensuring that deserving candidates are not unfairly excluded because of systemic delays."

It can be recalled that thousands of students, BJP activists, members of the All Karnataka State Student Association (AKSSA), and unemployed youths staged a massive protest in Dharwad on Tuesday, demanding that the Karnataka government immediately fill vacant posts in various state departments.

Leader of Opposition, R. Ashoka, commenting on the protest while speaking to the media, alleged in Chitradurga that the state government has failed to address unemployment despite having clearance to fill thousands of vacant posts.

He said that more than 2.5 lakh government posts are currently vacant in Karnataka, and the finance department had cleared recruitment for 65,000 posts nearly six months ago. However, no interviews have been conducted so far.

-- Syndicated from IANS
February 25 : Singapore/Lucknow: On the second day of his Singapore visit, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath presented a detailed roadmap of the efforts being made to make Uttar Pradesh a 1 trillion-dollar economy during the Invest UP Mega Road Show. He described the states Triple S model (Safety, Stability, and Speed) as the biggest guarantee for investment.

He said that today Uttar Pradesh has not only become the land of possibilities but also the land of performance. In the past 9 years, we have not only created an atmosphere of security in Uttar Pradesh but also demonstrated how scale can be combined with skill and speed.

He added, Uttar Pradesh has today earned recognition not only for technology and trust but also as a state leading India into a new era of transformation.

Chief Minister expressed confidence that in the next three to four years, Uttar Pradesh will take a decisive leap towards becoming a 1 trillion-dollar economy. Inviting Singapores industrial sector, he said that investment in Uttar Pradesh is completely safe and filled with potential.

Chief Minister said, "The Uttar Pradesh government has presented a plan to develop a dedicated Singapore City near the Noida International Airport located at Jewar".

He said that if investors from Singapore wish to enter the NCR region, work is being done on the concept of a specially planned Singapore City for them. Land has been arranged around the Yamuna Expressway so that investors can take full advantage of airport connectivity, logistics, and world-class infrastructure.

Chief Minister invited investors to Uttar Pradesh, assuring them that their investments would remain completely safe and that they would find a favorable environment to advance their business potential rapidly.

Chief Minister added, during his Singapore visit, discussions were held on how Singapore and Uttar Pradesh can move forward together. In the past two days, he had the opportunity to meet the Chairmen and CEOs of major institutions including GIC, Temasek, SATS, GSS Greens, and Blackstone. Meaningful discussions took place with the Singapore business community during multi-phase meetings.

Chief Minister expressed happiness that every industry leader in Singapore today understands the role of Uttar Pradesh as a dream destination in India. He said that Uttar Pradesh has not only emerged as the growth engine of Indias economy but also as the safest and most potential-rich state for investment.

Chief Minister also informed, "The progress India has achieved in the last 10-11 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been effectively implemented in Uttar Pradesh. The state has successfully completed its journey from the Land of Potential to the Land of Performance. In the past nine years, the states GSDP has increased from 13 lakh crore to 36 lakh crore. The per capita income has nearly tripled, and Uttar Pradeshs contribution to Indias economy has reached approximately 9.5 percent. The state ranks first in deregulation, is a top achiever in ease of doing business, and has taken a major step toward de-criminalization by eliminating 99 percent of criminal provisions. For the past five years, Uttar Pradesh has remained a revenue-surplus state".

Chief Minister also informed, a 75,000-acre land bank is available around expressways, airports, and the dedicated freight corridor. Fifty-five percent of Indias total expressways are in Uttar Pradesh. A vast 16,000-kilometer railway network and metro operations in seven cities strengthen the states connectivity. The state has 16 operational airports, including four international airports, while the Noida International Airport will soon be dedicated to the nation.

Chief Minister mentioned, "Indias first national waterway from Varanasi to Haldia is operational, with multi-modal terminals developed along it. In the last nine years, the number of factories in the state has increased from 14,000 to more than 31,000. He said that while Uttar Pradesh has only 11 percent of Indias agricultural land, it produces over 21 percent of the countrys total food grains. Therefore, Uttar Pradesh is known as Indias Food Basket. There are vast investment opportunities in the food processing and value addition sectors".

Chief Minister also said, making large-scale investments in Uttar Pradesh is easier because the state has abundant trained and skilled manpower. With a population of 25 crore, over 56 percent of the states population is part of the working force, ready to contribute in industry, service, and other sectors. The state has made concrete efforts to connect skill with speed and employment, strengthened labor reforms, skill development, education, and the startup ecosystem. Additionally, 96 lakh MSME units are already operational, providing employment to more than 3 crore people.

Chief Minister added, investing in Uttar Pradesh has now become very easy. Through the Nivesh Mitra, Nivesh Sarathi, and Udyami Mitra portals, the state has implemented a single-window clearance system, time-bound approvals, and online DBT-based incentive distribution. More than 34 sectoral policies, special policies for FDI and Fortune 500 companies, and 27 industrial clusters are being developed along expressways.

On this occasion, Uttar Pradeshs Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna, Industrial Development Minister Nand Gopal Gupta Nandi, Indias High Commissioner to Singapore Shilpak Ambule, Vice Chairman of the Singapore Business Federation Prasoon Mukherjee, and other officials were present.

Chief Minister Exchanged MoUs with Various International Companies

During the program, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath formally exchanged Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) related to investments with international companies from different sectors.

In this sequence, an MoU was signed with Blue Planet for integrated waste management projects, while another MoU was signed with AC Aviation Pvt. Ltd. for MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhauling) and helicopter parts manufacturing.

Additionally, MoUs were exchanged with Gayatri Chain FnB & Associates for investment in the catering and hospitality sector, KLK Ventures for establishing a solar panel manufacturing unit, and Ishtara Jewellery & Maestro Productions for investment in the jewelry and creative/media production sectors.
New Delhi, Feb 25 : Delhi Police on Wednesday busted a digital arrest racket operating from Jaipur, Rajasthan, and arrested three on the charges of duping a senior citizen of Rs 16 lakh.

According to a statement issued by the South-West District, the operation was carried out by the staff of the Cyber Police Station, South-West District.

The accused have been identified as Rakesh Meena (25), Chotu Lal Meena (20), and Yogendra Gujjar (19). With their arrest, the police recovered Rs 1 lakh in cash, nine mobile phones, and 10 passbooks and chequebooks linked to mule bank accounts.

The case pertains to an e-FIR (No. 110/2025) registered on December 7, 2025, under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Cyber Police Station, South-West District. The complaint was filed by a 75-year-old woman, who reported that she had received a WhatsApp call from a person impersonating a CBI Inspector. The caller implicated her son in a fabricated criminal case and placed her under a so-called 'digital arrest' for two days.

During this period, the victim was kept under continuous video surveillance and subjected to psychological intimidation.

Acting under fear and coercion, she transferred Rs 16 lakh into bank accounts provided by the fraudsters.

Considering the gravity of the offence, a special team comprising Sub-Inspector Chetan Rana, Head Constable Manender, and Head Constable Vijaypal was constituted under the supervision of Inspector Pravesh Kaushik, SHO of PS Cyber, South-West District.

The overall supervision was carried out by ACP (Operations) Vijay Kumar of South-West District.

The team adopted a multi-pronged strategy, focusing on technical surveillance, digital footprint analysis, SIM card tracking, social media monitoring, and examination of the money trail. During the investigation, it was revealed that a syndicate operating from Jaipur was procuring mule bank accounts from Kotputli, Rajasthan, to park the cheated money.

Detailed financial analysis led to the identification of one agent, Yogendra Gujjar, operating from Kotputli. A raid was conducted in Kotputli, and Gujjar was apprehended.

During interrogation, he disclosed that he arranged mule bank accounts from uneducated locals and supplied them to co-accused Chotu Lal Meena. The accounts were then forwarded to the alleged mastermind, Rakesh Meena, who was operating from Jaipur.

The account details were shared through Instagram and other online platforms. The accounts were initially tested to ensure operability before being used to receive the funds.

Based on technical evidence and disclosures, another raid was conducted in Sanganer, Jaipur. Rakesh Meena and Chotu Lal Meena were traced and arrested from a rented accommodation in Pratap Nagar, Sanganer.

During the raid, police recovered Rs 1 lakh in cash, nine mobile phones allegedly used in the commission of the offence, and 10 passbooks and chequebooks linked to various mule accounts.

Further investigation revealed that the accused were supplying multiple mule accounts to fraudsters operating from Cambodia and coordinating with agents across Rajasthan to arrange such accounts. These accounts were allegedly used in digital arrest scams, investment frauds, and other cyber crimes targeting Indian citizens.

Police said the mastermind, Rakesh Meena, procured mule accounts through his associates and shared the details with international fraudsters via Telegram and other online platforms. The cheated amount was credited into mule accounts, withdrawn through ATMs or cheques, and subsequently layered into other accounts as directed by the international handlers to conceal the money trail.

Further investigation into the case is underway.
New York, Feb 25 : US President Donald Trump has called for a federal law against giving commercial driver's licences to those living illegally in the US, citing an accident involving an illegal migrant from India in which a child was injured.

"I'm calling on Congress to pass a law that we will call 'The Dalilah Law', barring any state from granting commercial driver's licenses to illegal aliens", he said during his State of the Union Address to Congress on Wednesday (India time).

The child, Dalilah Coleman, for whom he wants the law named, was in the public gallery.

She received a standing ovation when Trump called her up, and her father, Marcus Coleman, held her up.

Trump brought up Dalilah's case while speaking out against illegal migration, for which he blamed his predecessor, Joe Biden, and mentioned a string of cases involving illegal migrants.

He did not name the driver or the country he came from in Dalilah's case, only saying, "The driver was an illegal alien let in by Joe Biden and given a commercial driver's license by open borders politicians in California".

Partap Singh, who came from India and entered the US through Mexico in October 2022, was identified by the Homeland Security Department as the driver of the truck involved in the accident.

After the accident, "doctors said Delilah would never be able to walk or talk (or) have a good life, she wouldn't be able to eat again", Trump said.

He called her an "inspiration" and said that she recovered and "is now in the first grade, learning to walk".

"Most illegal aliens do not speak English and cannot read even the most basic road signs as to direction, speed, danger or location," Trump said.

The accident took place in California in June 2024 when the 18-wheeler truck, which Singh was driving, allegedly at a high speed and failed to stop in a construction zone, causing a multi-vehicle accident in which several people were also injured, according to the Homeland Security Department.

It said that Dalilah "was in a coma for three weeks and required six months of hospital treatment before her family could bring her home".

According to the department, at least three other illegal migrants from India have been involved in trucking crashes and are facing deportation.
Seoul, Feb 25 : South Korea and the United States will stage their annual joint springtime military exercise next month to strengthen their combined defense posture as they are preparing for the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) from Washington to Seoul, the allies' militaries said Wednesday.

The Freedom Shield (FS) exercise is scheduled to take place from March 9-19, involving the field training exercise dubbed "Warrior Shield," according to the South's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) and the US Forces Korea (USFK).

The allies' militaries said the upcoming drills will help further strengthen the alliance's readiness and capabilities through combined, joint, all-domain operations.

"This exercise will also serve as an opportunity to support ongoing preparations for a condition-based wartime operational transition, consistent with alliance agreement," they said in a joint statement.

South Korea is seeking to achieve the "conditions-based" handover of wartime command from the US within President Lee Jae Myung's five-year term that ends in 2030.

As part of efforts for the "swift" transfer, the allies have agreed to complete the verification of Seoul's Full Operational Capability (FOC), the second part of a three-stage program to assess its capabilities to lead the allies' combined forces, by the end of this year.

Meanwhile, the allies are likely to scale down some field training during the FS exercise from the previous year, according to sources.

Washington reportedly had expressed reservations over Seoul's proposal to minimise field training as the Lee government seeks to mend ties with North Korea.

South Korea is seeking to create conditions conducive to the resumption of possible dialogue between the US and North Korea ahead of US President Donald Trump's summit talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in April, Yonhap news agency reported.

North Korea has long denounced the Seoul-Washington combined military exercise as rehearsals for invasion though the allies said the drills are defensive in nature.

The South Korean and US militaries conduct major combined drills each year featuring computer simulation-based command post exercises, holding the FS exercise in March and the Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise in August.
Kottayam, Feb 25 : A day after the Kerala High Court came down heavily on the State government over alleged breach of privacy, senior Congress leader and CWC member Ramesh Chennithala escalated the attack, accusing Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of directly orchestrating a large-scale collection of personal data of government employees.

Addressing a press conference, Chennithala alleged that the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) had written to SPARK, the Service and Payroll Administrative Repository for Kerala seeking comprehensive personal details of employees across departments.

Terming it a "naked example of data theft", he released a copy of the letter that he claimed originated from the CMO.

According to Chennithala, Sambasiva Rao, Officer on Special Duty in the CMO, sent the communication directing that employee data be compiled department wise and converted into Excel sheets through the K-SMART platform.

The information was allegedly to be handed over to the Special Secretary of the Public Relations Department (PRD).

The data sought reportedly included names, phone numbers, job details and other personal particulars of all government employees.

"This could not have happened without the knowledge of the Chief Minister," Chennithala asserted, describing it as one of the "largest data breaches" in the State.

He alleged that the move was made on the Chief Ministeras direct instructions with an eye on the forthcoming Assembly elections, calling it a blatant violation of Supreme Court privacy safeguards.

The letter, he said, was sent last December, directing that the data be furnished before February 2026 and submitted to the PRD Director before the 12th of this month.

It allegedly mentioned that the information was being collected for "personal" purposes.

The allegations gained traction against the backdrop of sharp observations made by the High Court, which questioned the safeguards in place to protect personal information of government employees.

The court asked how such data was accessed and whether it was available to anyone, warning the government against sending further messages and seeking a detailed explanation.

The bench, headed by Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas, issued notice to the government, directing it to clarify the source of the data and respond promptly.

The petition, filed by leaders of Congress-affiliated organisations, alleges misuse of employee data provided to SPARK project management, a charge the court termed serious.

With the judiciary demanding answers and the Opposition pressing for accountability, the alleged data harvesting controversy has swiftly escalated into a politically charged confrontation.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
BEIJING, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- The international community should firmly reject reckless moves of Japanese neo-militarism, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Wednesday.

Mao made the remarks at a regular press briefing when responding to questions regarding the latest developments within Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party concerning the loosening of weapons export controls.

"We noted the report and have serious concern over the move. Due to Japan's history of aggression, its moves in military and security areas have been closely watched by its Asian neighbors and the international community," she said.

Mao noted that in recent years, Japan has been revamping its security and defense policies, its officials have clamored for the possession of nuclear weapons, and the country has sought to revise the Three Non-Nuclear Principles and lift restrictions on the export of weapons.

The latest move has once again laid bare the Japanese right-wing forces' ambitions to breach the postwar international order, break free from domestic laws and remilitarize Japan, Mao said.

"The international community needs to stay on high alert and jointly safeguard the outcomes of the victory in WWII and the postwar international order," the spokesperson said. 
Hyderabad, Feb 25 : Nearly 10 lakh students are appearing for the Intermediate Public Examinations that commenced across Telangana on Wednesday.

Intermediate first-year (Class 11) exams began at 9 a.m. at 1,495 examination centres across all 33 districts.

A total of 4,89,126 first-year students registered for the second language Paper-I exam

According to Telangana Board of Intermediate Education, 5,07,949 second-year intermediate students who registered for exams will be appearing for the second language Paper-II on Thursday.

The Board has made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the examinations. Authorities have taken necessary measures to ensure peaceful and smooth conduct of the exams.

Examination centres across the State were abuzz with activity as students were seen reaching their respective centres at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time. Like last year, a grace time of five minutes has been extended to students to enter the centres.

The Board of Intermediate Examination has deployed 28,500 invigilators, 1,495 each chief superintendents and departmental officers, 75 flying and 200 sitting squads.

Police made adequate security arrangements at the centres to ensure peaceful conduct of the exams.

Under section 163 of BNSS, the police imposed orders prohibiting any assembly of five or more persons around 200 meters radius at all the examination centres.

Police also ordered that photocopy and Internet centres shall be closed within the radius of 100 meters from the examination centres.

The police said that any person violating the orders shall be liable for prosecution under any relevant section of law.

Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) is operating additional bus services to enable students reach the examination centres on time.

Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar announced that students appearing for examinations will be allowed to alight at any point along RTC bus routes on showing their hall tickets. He directed officials to ensure that students face no inconvenience while commuting to examination centres.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy conveyed best wishes to all students appearing for the Intermediate examinations.

He expressed confidence that the hard work, perseverance, and dedication they have demonstrated throughout the year would lead them to success. He advised students to approach their examinations with a calm mind and a positive outlook, without giving in to fear or pressure.

The examinations will conclude on March 18.

Meanwhile, in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, Intermediate Public Examinations continued for third day on Wednesday.

A total of 10,57,312 students from both first and second year Intermediate are appearing for the examinations this year. In all, 1,537 examination centres had been set up across the State. The authorities are monitoring all examination halls through CCTV cameras.
New Delhi, Feb 25 : BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal on Wednesday urged the Centre to rename Delhi as 'Indraprastha,' stating that the current name reflects only a later phase of history, while Indraprastha represents the national Capital's original civilisational identity.

In a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Khandelwal, who represents Chandni Chowk in the Lok Sabha and also serves as the National General Secretary of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), requested the government to consider renaming the national Capital. He said such a move would restore the historical and cultural identity of India's capital city.

Khandelwal also suggested installing statues of the Pandavas at a suitable location in Delhi, possibly at Purana Qila, to revive and commemorate the city's ancient heritage.

In a separate letter addressed to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, he urged the state government to pass a resolution in the Delhi Assembly in support of renaming Delhi.

Highlighting India's rich civilisational legacy, Khandelwal said that India is home to one of the world's oldest surviving civilizations, and the name of its national Capital should reflect its deep historical and cultural roots.

He stated that historical literature, archaeological findings, and long-standing traditions establish that present-day Delhi is believed to be the site of ancient Indraprastha, the grand capital established by the Pandavas as described in the epic Mahabharata. According to him, the Mahabharata portrays Indraprastha as a prosperous and magnificent city situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, closely matching the geographical features of modern-day Delhi.

Khandelwal further pointed to excavations carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at Purana Qila, which have uncovered evidence of ancient settlements dating back to around 1000 BCE. These findings include remains of the Painted Grey Ware (PGW) culture, often associated with the Mahabharata period. He said these discoveries strengthen the belief that ancient Indraprastha was located at the same site as present-day Delhi.

He argued that the name Delhi came into use relatively late, during the medieval period, and is often linked to names such as Dhillika or Dehli. However, he said the origins of the name remain unclear and do not adequately represent the city's deeper civilizational identity.

"Indraprastha symbolises the capital's original civilizational identity, while Delhi reflects a later historical phase. Renaming the capital as Indraprastha will restore India's connection to its ancient heritage and reinforce cultural continuity," Khandelwal said.

He also noted that several Indian cities have had their historical names restored in recent years, citing examples such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Prayagraj. According to him, this reflects a broader effort to reclaim and preserve India's cultural heritage.

Khandelwal added that the name Indraprastha is already widely used in several prominent institutions and locations across Delhi, indicating its natural acceptance among the public.

He described the proposed renaming as a historic step towards reaffirming the civilisational identity of India's capital, strengthening national pride, and presenting the country's ancient heritage to the world more effectively.

Khandelwal urged Home Minister Amit Shah to initiate a formal process on the proposal in consultation with historians, archaeologists, and other experts.

He said that this step will not only address a historical anomaly but also strengthen our commitment to honour and preserve the heritage of India's great civilisation.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Dhaka, Feb 25 : Bangladesh's Awami League on Wednesday paid homage to those who lost their lives in the 2009 Pilkhana massacre and called for an end to "political exploitation" of the incident.

Slamming the previous interim regime, the party highlighted that the former Muhammad Yunus-led administration had acquitted 293 convicted individuals linked to the 2009 Pilkhana massacre that killed 74 people, including army officers and civilians.

Marking the anniversary of the incident on Wednesday, the Awami League remembered the lives lost in the February 25, 2009, Pilkhana tragedy, calling it the "mutiny within Bangladesh's border guard force".

Several hundred Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) men rose in an armed revolt at the Darbar Hall of the force's Pilkhana headquarters during the three-day "BDR Week" on February 25, 2009. They killed 57 army officers and 17 civilians.

The Awami League stated that soon after assuming office following a landslide electoral victory in December 2008, the Sheikh Hasina-led government faced the "planned and brutal attack", which it said was "designed to push the country toward civil conflict and destabilise the newly formed administration".

However, the party noted, under Hasina's "skilled and strategic" leadership, "the mutineers eventually surrendered their arms and released the hostages, bringing the rebellion to an end".

The investigation, prosecution and trial of this tragic massacre began promptly, through what the party described as a "transparent judicial process".

It mentioned that in 2013, the trial court sentenced 152 accused to death, 160 to life imprisonment, and 256 to varying prison terms. Later, in 2017, the High Court upheld death sentences for 139 individuals, life imprisonment for 185, and different terms for 228 others.

However, following the ouster of the Awami League government, the interim government authorised the release of hundreds of former BDR members involved in the massacre.

The Awami League described the actions of the former Yunus-led interim government to release 293 convicted individuals as "unjust", while alleging that the call for reinvestigation and the formation of a new inquiry committee were "politically motivated".

According to the party, the National Independent Commission, formed in December 2024 by the interim government to investigate the killings during the 2009 BDR mutiny, submitted a report last year, which has yet to be made public, while many convicted individuals have reportedly been released.

It called the move an attempt to "undermine the judicial process and shift responsibility for the tragedy onto the party".

Expressing sympathy for the families of the victims, the Awami League called for "trust in Bangladesh's criminal justice system" and urged an end to "political exploitation of the Pilkhana incident".
New Delhi, Feb 25 : The Union Cabinet has cleared the proposal to rename Kerala as 'Keralam', paving the way for a constitutional amendment in Parliament and triggering a fresh political debate. While the BJP welcomed the decision as recognition of the state's cultural and linguistic identity, the Congress alleged a "dual policy," questioning why a similar long-pending demand to rename West Bengal has not received the Centre's approval.

New Delhi, Feb 25 (IANS) The Union Cabinet has cleared the proposal to rename Kerala as 'Keralam', paving the way for a constitutional amendment in Parliament and triggering a fresh political debate. While the BJP welcomed the decision as recognition of the state's cultural and linguistic identity, the Congress alleged a "dual policy," questioning why a similar long-pending demand to rename West Bengal has not received the Centre's approval.

Reacting to the development, BJP National Spokesperson Syed Shahnawaz Hussain, on Wednesday, said, "The people of Kerala had a long-standing demand for the name to be changed to 'Keralam.' Now, the change has been made. Once it is approved by the Vidhan Sabha, the official name of Kerala will become 'Keralam'."

The Union Cabinet's approval came on Tuesday, just months ahead of the Assembly elections in Kerala. The state Assembly had earlier passed unanimous resolutions in August 2023 and again in June 2024, urging the Centre to amend the Constitution to reflect the name 'Keralam,' which is the Malayalam pronunciation of the state's name.

While Kerala's proposal has now moved forward, the issue has reignited debate over similar demands from West Bengal. In Uttar Pradesh, Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput criticised the Centre's decision, alleging inconsistency in its approach.

"This is part of the BJP's dual policy. The BJP should answer  for electoral reasons, you are ready to rename Kerala to 'Keralam' for political reasons, but you are not changing the name of West Bengal. On a serious note, Amit Shah and PM Modi should answer Mamata Banerjee's fair questions," Rajput told IANS.

West Bengal has sought a name change multiple times, dating back to the tenure of former Chief Minister Jyoti Basu and continuing under current Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Over the years, the state has proposed names such as "Pashchim Bongo," "Bongo," and most recently "Bangla." However, none of these proposals has received approval from the Centre. The latest proposal in 2018 to rename the state "Bangla" remains pending.

With the Union Cabinet clearing Kerala's proposal, the renaming process now moves to the next constitutional steps. The President of India will send a Bill to the Kerala Assembly to seek its views. After the Assembly formally expresses its opinion, the Centre will introduce a Bill in Parliament to amend the First Schedule of the Constitution, which lists the names of states.

The proposed legislation will require a simple majority in both Houses of Parliament. Once passed, it will be sent to the President for assent. Upon approval, the change will be notified in the Gazette of India, after which the name 'Keralam' will officially come into use.
Seoul, Feb 25 : South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday called on the government to step up coordinated efforts to improve regional tourism infrastructure and services for foreign visitors to foster the sector as a strategic industry.

Lee made the remarks at an expanded national tourism strategy meeting with relevant agencies, where officials discussed ways to boost the industry under a goal of attracting 30 million foreign visitors by 2030. About 18.9 million travellers visited South Korea last year, a record high, Yonhap News Agency reported.

To reach the 2030 target, Lee stressed that service quality must be significantly upgraded and that regional infrastructure and tourism content need to be strengthened.

"If we remain satisfied with the reality that Seoul draws 80 percent of foreign travellers, the tourism industry's expansion will inevitably face limits," he said. "The gains from the growth of the tourism industry should be shared by commercial districts and small business owners across the country."

Emphasising the global appeal of Korean culture, Lee said the country should better connect its cultural boom to the tourism sector and broader economy.

To support this shift, Lee urged the government to improve regional transportation infrastructure and the immigration process, and develop fresh tourism content that makes better use of unique regional assets to encourage visitors to travel beyond the capital.

He also stressed the need to tackle long-standing complaints from foreign visitors to improve the quality of services.

"We should root out unreasonably high pricing, poor service and excessive customer solicitation," he said.

Wednesday's session marked the first time in seven years that a sitting president has attended the national tourism strategy meeting, which is typically chaired by the prime minister.

The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, along with senior officials from the culture, justice, transport, oceans and finance ministries, presidential aides and outside experts. Lee Boo-jin, CEO of Hotel Shilla and chairperson of the Visit Korea Committee, joined the meeting.
Paris, Feb 25 : A leading international human rights organisation strongly condemned the recent "misconduct" by lawyers at the Court of the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate in Bangladesh's Barishal district over the granting of bail to several leaders of the Awami League.

Expressing concern over the incident, Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a Paris-based human rights organisation, alleged that lawyers aligned with the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) were engaged in extreme disorder, including pushing and shoving at the bench, forcibly entering the courtroom, and exhibiting intimidating and disrespectful behaviour towards the judge.

The rights body described the incident on Tuesday as a direct attack on democracy, the rule of law, and the independence of the judiciary.

The JMBF called for the immediate formation of a judicial inquiry commission, led by a Justice of the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, "to investigate the matter, identify those responsible, and ensure exemplary punishment through a transparent judicial process".

"The chaotic, aggressive, and unlawful situation that arose on Tuesday in the courtroom of Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate S. M. Shariat Ullah, centring on the granting of bail to several leaders of the Bangladesh Awami League in Barishal, is not merely an isolated and unfortunate incident. Rather, it represents a serious example that calls into question the independence, dignity, and security of the judiciary," read a statement issued by the rights body.

The JMBF stated that "illegal entry into the courtroom, physical aggression at the bench, pointing fingers and shouting at the judge, and obstructing judicial proceedings" clearly constitute "contempt of court" and are punishable offences that must be addressed accordingly.

"Despite the existence of clear constitutional and legal remedies against any judicial order, turning a courtroom into a battleground and attempting to intimidate or pressure a judge instead of seeking an appeal, revision, or cancellation before a higher court has no legal validity. Such actions constitute a direct attempt to influence the judicial process and must be stopped immediately," said Shahannur Islam, the Founder President of JMBF.

The JMBF urged all concerned parties to act responsibly to uphold the "reputation, neutrality, and independence" of Bangladesh's judiciary in the international arena.

The rights body asserted that disagreements must be resolved through lawful and institutional processes while keeping the judiciary free from any undue influence.

--IANS

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Quetta, Feb 25 : As violence against civilians intensifies across Balochistan, a leading human rights organisation on Wednesday brought to light the extrajudicial killings of two civilians and the enforced disappearance of five others across the province, allegedly at the hands of Pakistani forces.

Paank, the Baloch National Movement's Human Rights Department, mentioned that on Tuesday morning, personnel of Pakistan's Frontier Corps (FC), Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), and intelligence agencies, accompanied by a state- backed death squad, raided a house in Khudabadan region in Panjgur district.

During the operation, three brothers and their nephew were forcibly disappeared, and hours later, one of them was extrajudicially killed.

The victims were identified as Owais Ahmed, Bakhteyar, Irfan and Bilal.

Citing reports, Paank stated that Owais Ahmed, the nephew, was severely tortured on Tuesday during the raid and sustained serious injuries.

Later in the day, it said, his mutilated body was recovered, bearing visible signs of torture, while the whereabouts of the three brothers remain unknown.

The rights body stated that on the same day, the Pakistani forces and a death squad raided a house in the same region, forcibly disappearing 23-year-old Hassan Khalil, a student at the University of Panjgur.

Highlighting the atrocities against Baloch civilians, Paank stated that the mutilated body of 26-year-old Taimoor was found dumped in the Surab district of Balochistan on February 20, after being forcibly disappeared by the FC on February 9.

Paank further mentioned that Imdad Baloch, a resident of Turbat city in Kech district of the province, was forcibly disappeared from his home during a late-night raid carried out by the Pakistan Army and CTD on February 24. He worked at a bookshop located in the Shaheed Fida Chowk area in Turbat.

Meanwhile, the Human Rights Council of Balochistan (HRCB) expressed grave concern over the "ongoing harassment, racial profiling, discrimination, and threats" against Baloch students across Pakistan, including at Punjab University.

"Baloch students face identity-based targeting, enforced disappearances, and intensified profiling," the rights body stated.

It noted that on February 23, a senior student was harassed in his hostel room, filmed, and threatened by Pakistani intelligence agencies.

The HRCB called for an independent investigation, accountability, and full protection of Baloch students' rights and safety across Pakistan.
Jerusalem, Feb 25 : As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on his two-day State visit to Israel on Wednesday, President Isaac Herzog stated that the people of Israel look forward to welcoming him.

In a post on X, Herzog stated, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the State of Israel and the people of Israel look forward to welcoming you to Israel."

His statement came in response to PM Modi's departure statement on X, where he mentioned that he is looking forward to his engagements with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, aimed at further strengthening cooperation in various sectors and discussing regional and global issues.

This will be PM Modi's second trip to Israel after his 2017 visit, which opened new avenues in defence, agriculture, and water management.

In his departure statement, PM Modi stated, "India and Israel share a robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership that has witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years. I look forward to my discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu aimed at further strengthening our cooperation across various domains, including science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, defence and security, trade and investment, as well as people-to-people ties."

He said that he will also exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest with the Israeli PM.

During the visit, PM Modi will meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog and discuss the bilateral issues.

"I will also have the honour of becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament, Knesset, an occasion that would be a tribute to the strong parliamentary and democratic ties that bind our two nations," he said.

The Prime Minister said that he eagerly looks forward to interacting with the members of the Indian diaspora, "who have for long been nurturing the India-Israel special friendship".

"I am confident that my State Visit will further consolidate the enduring bonds between the two countries, set new goals for the Strategic Partnership, and advance our shared vision for a resilient, innovative and prosperous future," PM Modi added.

On Sunday, PM Modi warmly acknowledged 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 in the country as a historic moment, underscoring the strength of the India-Israel alliance.

He spoke of a vision to forge a broader "axis of nations" in the Middle East -- an alliance of like-minded countries united "against radical forces" and committed to stability, security, and technological advancement.

Highlighting his personal rapport with PM Modi, the Israeli PM noted their frequent exchanges and mutual visits, calling the Indian leader not just a partner but a "personal friend".

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, it's the present, and we want to be among the world's leading nations in this field".

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Mumbai, Feb 25 : Television actress Dipika Kakar was recently seen turning emotional when her three-year-old son Ruhaan noticed her in tears just before she left for the hospital for her tumour surgery.

The little one, unable to understand why his mother was crying, innocently asked her, "Aap Kyun Ro Rahe Ho Mumma?"

Dipika, holding back her emotions, told him that she was crying because she would miss him while being away for the surgery. Upon hearing this, Ruhaan was seen hugging and kissing her.

For the uninitiated, Dipika has been battling stage 2 liver cancer since early last year. In June 2025, she underwent surgery to remove a tumour as part of her treatment.

The actress, a few days ago, updated her fans that she had faced another health setback after developing a 13 mm cyst in her stomach, which required immediate hospitalisation and surgery.

Last week, her husband and actor Shoaib Ibrahim had revealed in his vlog that Dipika had been experiencing stomach pain for sometime, which worsened, prompting a hospital visit. A CT scan confirmed the presence of the cyst.

Sharing an update after the surgery, Shoaib wrote on his social media account, "Allah ke karam se aur aapki sabki duaon se Dippi ka procedure ho gaya hai. All went well. She is also doing fine, bas thode pain mein hai, but nothing to worry. Thank you once again for all your prayers."

He later informed fans that the surgery had been completed successfully and that Dipika was recovering under medical supervision.

Dipika had earlier revealed that the doctors removed 22 per cent of her liver during her cancer surgery.

Throughout the tough journey, the actress was seen remaining open about her health journey, documenting her chemotherapy sessions and recovery process on her YouTube channel.

For the uninitiated, Dipika and Shoaib, who married in 2018, welcomed Ruhaan in 2023. The couple marked their 8th wedding anniversary just recently and a few days before the surgery.

IANS

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Bengaluru, Feb 25 : Amid the leadership tussle within the Congress party, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara has stated that there was nothing wrong with his supporters demanding the Chief Minister's post for him. He claimed that he had proved beyond doubt that he is capable.

He made the statement while speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Wednesday. When asked about demands that he be given an opportunity in case of a leadership change, as he hails from the Dalit community and has served twice as State Congress President, Parameshwara said, "If there is anything wrong in it, convey it to me, and I will rectify it."

"I have repeatedly stated that this is not a matter to be discussed on the streets. Matters related to the selection or replacement of the Chief Minister will be discussed in closed-door meetings by the high command. Opinions have to be sought in the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting," he said.

"After weighing the pros and cons, the high command will take the final decision. This is the procedure at our party, and I have made statements in this regard many times. They may propose my name, but merely proposing my name or someone expressing their opinion will not change anything. However, no one can say that such a demand is wrong," he added.

The minister said he was a disciplined soldier of the party, and "I will abide by the decision of the high command. If I make a statement before the media saying that I should become Chief Minister, will it happen? That would only lead to public discussion. The matter will be decided by the high command."

Responding to claims by his supporters about his capability, Parameshwara said, "How many times do I need to prove my capability? I worked with the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) for eight years. Could I have functioned without the capability? I helped bring the party to power twice. Would that have been possible without capability?"

"I have also served as Deputy Chief Minister of the state. Can anyone function in that post without the capability? No one can question my capability. I have proved beyond doubt that I am capable. But decisions depend on circumstances and the party's leadership," he said.

He also stated that he had not met Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi or former Minister K.N. Rajanna and was unaware of their discussions.

Responding to Rajanna's reported remarks that Parameshwara deserved recognition for his hard work, he said, "That is why I asked what is wrong with such a demand."

Answering a question, Parameshwara said he would travel to Delhi when required. "Delhi is not new to me. I go whenever necessary. I do not need permission to visit Delhi. I run educational institutions and have worked with bodies such as the UGC and other authorities. If there is any official work related to the police department, I will make an official announcement and go," he said.

"If I feel there is a need to discuss political matters with the high command, I will definitely go. I have also served in the party's working committee and know the leaders there. If I want to meet Rahul Gandhi or Sonia Gandhi, I will go to Delhi depending on their availability. If I want to meet AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, I will meet him when he is in Bengaluru," he added.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
CAIRO, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Three Egyptian migrants were killed and 18 other Egyptians are still missing after a wooden boat carrying dozens of illegal migrants capsized in waters south of Greece's largest island Crete early Saturday, the Egyptian authorities confirmed Wednesday.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptian Expatriates said in a statement that it has intensified contact with the Greek authorities to follow up on efforts to recover the missing persons and return the bodies to Egypt.

It reiterated its call to citizens to exercise extreme caution and vigilance, to avoid being dragged into illegal immigration networks, and to completely refrain from traveling via illegal routes.

Greece, located at the southeastern edge of Europe, remains a major entry point for migrants and refugees attempting to reach the European Union by sea.

Just two months into 2026, at least 606 migrants have already been reported dead or missing along the Mediterranean route, according to the Missing Migrants Project of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This marks the deadliest start to a year in the Mediterranean since IOM began recording such data in 2014.

IOM has warned that trafficking and smuggling networks continue to exploit migrants along the Central Mediterranean route, stressing that 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. 
Chennai, Feb 25 : The Tamil Nadu unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday intensified its attack on the ruling DMK government, alleging that the State has witnessed a sharp rise in narcotics trafficking over the past four-and-a-half years and calling for the immediate formation of a Special Anti-Narcotics Task Force.

BJP State spokesperson A.N.S. Prasad claimed that Tamil Nadu was "sliding towards becoming India's drug capital", and accused the government led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin of failing to curb the spread of ganja and synthetic narcotics.

Citing data presented earlier by the Chief Minister in the Assembly, the BJP pointed out that the number of cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act during the DMK regime had significantly increased compared to the previous AIADMK government.

According to the figures quoted, over 63,000 NDPS cases were registered and more than 3.3 lakh kg of drugs seized in recent years.

The BJP argued that the spike in seizures, including a rise in confiscated narcotic tablets from around 39,000 in 2023 to over 1.4 lakh in 2024, reflected an expanding drug network rather than improved enforcement.

The party also referred to several recent incidents, including large ganja seizures in Avadi, Ramanathapuram and other districts, as well as cases in which police personnel were allegedly implicated in narcotics-related offences.

It alleged that isolated arrests of lower-level offenders were insufficient and demanded a high-level, independent task force to dismantle organised networks.

The BJP further expressed concern over reports of ganja being peddled near schools and railway stations, warning of the impact on students and youth.

It accused the government of failing to act decisively despite public complaints. Responding to similar allegations in the past, the DMK government has maintained that it has intensified enforcement, leading to record seizures and arrests.

Ministers have asserted that there is no large-scale cultivation of ganja within the State and that the police are taking strict action against traffickers.

The BJP, however, insisted that only a dedicated, war-footing operation led by a specialised anti-narcotics unit could effectively contain the menace and restore public confidence.
New Delhi, Feb 25 : The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has unveiled 'PRAHAAR' -- India's first national counterterrorism policy and strategy, outlining the nation's zero-tolerance towards acts of terrorism, from outside and inside.

New Delhi, Feb 25 (IANS) The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has unveiled 'PRAHAAR' -- Indiaas first national counterterrorism policy and strategy, outlining the nationas zero-tolerance towards acts of terrorism, from outside and inside.

The elaborate document lays out a framework for Indiaas firm approach to terrorism, steps already taken over the years, and articulates the strategy to be adopted in future.

For decades, the country has suffered multiple blows due to terrorism, sponsored from across the border and Jihadi outfits along with their frontal outfits fomenting terror in the Indian territory. For years, they continued to plan, coordinate, facilitate and execute terror attacks in India, with global terror groups like Al Qaeda and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) attempting to spread terror in the country through their sleeper cells.

And, all that India did during these years in response to the cross-border terrorism was to prepare dossiers, diplomatic protests, and make repeated appeals to the international community.

However, with PRAHAAR taking shape, this redefines the government's approach and strategy in taking the terror proxies and their masters head-on, reiterating Indiaas new zero-tolerance approach in dismantling terror networks and neutralisation of sleeper cells, backed by global outfits.

This strategic reset was visible in two recent anti-terror operations. In Jammu and Kashmiras Kishtwar, a top Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) commander was neutralised, while in Tamil Nadu, an ISI-backed sleeper cell was dismantled. They reflect a new, institutionalised counter-terrorism doctrine, as articulated in PRAHAAR.

In J&Kas Kishtwar, the security forces undertook a 36-hour-long operation Trashi-I in the dense, inhospitable forest of Chatroo, showcasing a masterclass in Indiaas evolved military capabilities. A top JeM commander named Saifullah was gunned down along with two foreign mercenaries.

The security forcesa calibrated response in neutralising these terrorists while making optimal use of intelligence gathering and drone surveillance marked a new strategic shift in anti-terror strategy. The security forces utilised real-time drone surveillance and specialised K9 units to flush out terrorists from the hideouts in the difficult terrains of Kishtwar.

This showed Indiaas firm determination that terror proxies will no longer get a sanctuary in the valley, and if pushed from across the border, the repercussions will be too high to bear.

In Tamil Naduas Tiruppur, eight operatives of ISIS, primarily Bangladeshi nationals, were nabbed, exposing the dangerous and wicked designs of ISIas hybrid war.

With the moduleas handler based in Bangladesh, it sought to infiltrate the labour-intensive industries across the country by forging identity documents and plotting IED attacks in crowded areas with high footfall.

The integration of the multi-agency centre (AMC) has proved instrumental in security agencies tracking down the sleeper cells and making them obsolete.

The eight-page policy, uploaded on the MHA portal, states that India faces terrorist threats on all three fronts, viz., water, land and air and adds that the capacities have been developed to protect critical sectors of the Indian economy, including power, railways, aviation, ports, defence, space and atomic energy from state/non-state actors.

It adds that the Indian border guarding forces (Defence, Central Armed Police Forces) as well as immigration authorities have been equipped with state-of-the-art tools and technologies to secure the borders.

PRAHAAR marks Indiaas first unified national counter-terrorism policy and strategy and marks a strategic transition from reactive, fragmented responses to a more structured and proactive approach, based on the following seven pillars:

Proactive prevention: Under the intelligence-guided approach, primacy is accorded to intelligence gathering and its dissemination to executive agencies for pre-emptive neutralisation of the threat.

Proportionate response: This means that Indiaas conventional military responses are not limited by the threat of escalation.

Aggregating capacity: Anti-terror mechanisms have now been standardised across all states, removing ajurisdictional gapsa that terror organisations exploited, previously.

Rule of law: Multiple levels of legal redressal are available to any accused through an elaborate justice system. The conviction rates now stand at a whopping 95 per cent.

Targeting the ecosystem: Aggressive measures have been taken against the financial sponsors and aover-ground workersa (OGWs), who serve as key support to terrorist operations.

Aligning and shaping international efforts: Strengthening multilateral cooperation through mutual legal assistance treaties (MLATs) and also calls for denying safe havens and restricting terror funding globally.

Recovery and resilience: This advocates for a public-private partnership in ensuring rapid recovery.

--IANS

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Guwahati, Feb 25 : Raijor Dal chief and Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Congress over seat-sharing talks for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections, asserting that he would not "surrender" before the party.

Addressing the media, Gogoi said the negotiations have exposed "serious differences" and a "lack of mutual respect".

"I cannot surrender to the Congress. I am not someone who bends his spine for power. If this is how seat-sharing is done, how can an alliance survive?" he asked.

The Raijor Dal leader said his party had initially demanded 15 seats, but was offered only 13 by the Congress.

"Out of the 13 seats given to us, we are comfortable contesting only four. The rest are not acceptable. Then how can this be called an alliance?" Gogoi said.

Highlighting his party's electoral strength in several constituencies, Gogoi claimed that Raijor Dal candidates were in a stronger position than the Congress in Dhing and Naoboicha Assembly seats.

"In Naoboicha, our position is very strong. The Congress does not have strong candidates in these constituencies," he asserted.

Gogoi further said that Raijor Dal has capable and popular candidates in at least 24 constituencies in the Upper Assam region.

"We have good candidates across Upper Assam, but the Congress is unwilling to recognise this ground reality," he alleged.

Raising concerns over minority representation, the Raijor Dal MLA said his party had sought five minority-dominated seats, but was offered only one.

"We asked for five minority seats, but were given just one. This clearly shows the Congress' approach towards allies," Gogoi said.

He warned that alliances cannot function on unilateral decisions and added that respect, transparency and political honesty are essential for any partnership.

"An alliance cannot be run through imposition. There has to be dignity and equality among partners," he said.

The sharp remarks come amid ongoing negotiations among opposition parties in Assam to form a united front against the BJP ahead of the Assembly polls.
Patna, Feb 25 : BJP National President Nitin Nabin on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the Congress party, alleging that the Nehru-Gandhi family has historically carried out "compromised missions" that prioritised their personal and political interests over those of the nation. Nabin referred to Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, as the "poster boy of negative politics" and accused the family for what he described as decades of compromising India's national interests.

Patna, Feb 25 (IANS) BJP National President Nitin Nabin on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the Congress party, alleging that the Nehru-Gandhi family has historically carried out "compromised missions" that prioritised their personal and political interests over those of the nation. Nabin referred to Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, as the "poster boy of negative politics" and accused the family for what he described as decades of compromising India's national interests.

Speaking at a press conference in Patna, Nabin said, "I am presenting before you the compromise story of the Nehru-Gandhi familyhow the family carried out a compromise missions, compromising the interests of the country's people while always protecting their own interests. There was a time when Jawaharlal Nehru himself said, '45 crore people of the nation are my liability'."

He added that such remarks, coming from a Prime Minister, were "a huge deception of the people," and questioned the Nehru family's historical relationships with foreign powers. "History shows how Nehru's secretariat functioned almost as an open book for the CIA and other foreign agencies. In 1954, India's rights in Tibet were handed over to China without any tangible reward," Nabin alleged.

Turning to Rajiv Gandhi, Nabin alleged misuse of defence services to protect personal financial interests. "In the Bofors scandal, efforts were made to obstruct the Swedish investigation to protect a friend. The Bhopal gas tragedy further revealed his compromise, when Warren Anderson, responsible for the deaths of thousands, was safely sent out of the country on a government plane," he said.

On Sonia Gandhi, Nabin claimed that she effectively acted as a "super Prime Minister" between 2004 and 2014, running a parallel government through the National Advisory Council and influencing Cabinet decisions. He also alleged that during this period, the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation received funding from the Chinese government and George Soros' network, raising questions about potential "secret agreements" with foreign powers.

Highlighting Rahul Gandhi's foreign engagements, Nabin said, "Rahul Gandhi undertook more than 247 foreign trips, but in most cases, security agencies were not informed. He met close associates of foreign powers, including Ilhan Omar and George Soros, and conducted political activities in line with their influence. Even in sensitive border areas of Ladakh, foreign national, Shakir Mohamed Nurali Merali, with links to Chinese and Pakistani agencies were reportedly present."

Nabin claimed that Congress' "compromised legacy" under Rahul Gandhi's leadership posed a threat to India's youth. "Mobilising young people with a positive mindset is crucial. If they are misled onto the wrong path under the compromise mission of Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, it becomes a matter of concern for everyone. The public has already understood their compromised missions and will ensure accountability in the future," he said.

The BJP leader concluded by asserting that while the Congress party may continue to strike deals against national interests, "the people of India will punish them when the time comes, and only then will they truly understand the consequences of their actions."
Bhopal, Feb 25 : Continuing his sharp criticism of Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi amid the controversy over the shirtless protest by Youth Congress workers during the recent AI Summit in New Delhi, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Wednesday said the Congress "never misses an opportunity to tarnish the country's image".

"While India rises as a global power under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, Rahul Gandhi and Congress never miss a chance to push their agenda internationally. Even at forums like the AI Summit, his followers were busy making it about themselves instead of celebrating India's achievements," Yadav wrote on X.

In a further attack on the Nehru-Gandhi family, Yadav alleged that it had repeatedly placed politics above national interest.

"The Nehru-Gandhi family has always put politics above India. In their hunger for power, have they ever thought about the nation's pride?" the MP CM asked.

Yadav's remarks came a day after Rahul Gandhi criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party government over the arrest of Congress workers, including Indian Youth Congress chief Uday Bhanu Chib, by the Delhi Police. Addressing a 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' in Bhopal on Tuesday, Gandhi encouraged party workers, calling them "Congress ke babarsher, lage raho."

On Tuesday, Delhi Police arrested Chib, describing him as a key conspirator behind the protest during which anti-national slogans were allegedly raised. He was produced before a Delhi district court and remanded to four days' police custody.

The police also arrested three Congress youth workers from Gwalior for their alleged role in the half-naked protest at the AI Summit venue. The trio, identified as Jitendra Yadav, Raj Gujjar, and Ajay Kumar, was detained late on the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday.

Last week, the Youth Congress staged a shirtless protest at Bharat Mandapam, criticising the AI Impact Summit and alleging that the PM was "compromised."

During the demonstration, workers removed their shirts as a mark of protest. The Youth Congress said the action was meant to oppose a "compromised Prime Minister who has traded the identity of the country at the AI Summit."

-- Syndicated from IANS
New Delhi, Feb 25 : As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a two-day visit to Israel, the BJP on Wednesday said that the visit would not only strengthen trade ties between India and Israel but also deepen cultural and civilisational bonds between the two nations.

Speaking to IANS, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal said, "India and Israel share a long-standing friendship and are natural allies. As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said, the entire nation of Israel is eagerly awaiting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit. I am confident that this visit will not only strengthen trade ties between India and Israel but also deepen cultural and civilisational bonds."

BJP National Spokesperson Syed Shahnawaz Hussain said, "This is the Prime Minister's visit to Israel. The relationship between Israel and India is very cordial. Since Narendra Modi became Prime Minister, this relationship has grown even stronger. His visit will send a very positive message to the entire world."

BJP MP Naresh Bansal said, "...The Prime Minister travels abroad from time to time, and foreign heads of state also visit our country. These interactions have proven effective in strengthening bilateral relations."

JD(U) Spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said, "Prime Minister's two-day visit will not only strengthen IndiaIsrael relations, but will also help India benefit from Israel's traditional expertise and advancements in the field of agriculture."

Earlier in the day, PM Modi departed for his two-day visit to Israel and said that he was looking forward to his engagements with his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, aimed at further strengthening cooperation across various domains and exchanging views on regional and global issues.

PM Modi is visiting Israel on Wednesday and Thursday. During this visit, both nations will establish new goals for their Strategic Partnership and further their shared vision for an innovative and prosperous future.

This will be PM Modi's second trip to Israel after his 2017 visit, which opened new avenues in defence, agriculture, and water management.

In his departure statement, PM Modi said, "India and Israel share a robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership that has witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years. I look forward to my discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu aimed at further strengthening our cooperation across various domains, including science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, defence and security, trade and investment, as well as people-to-people ties."

During the visit, PM Modi will meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog and discuss the bilateral issues.

"I will also have the honour of becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament, Knesset, an occasion that would be a tribute to the strong parliamentary and democratic ties that bind our two nations," he said.
New Delhi, Feb 25 : The Supreme Court on Wednesday granted interim relief to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren in a case related to alleged non-compliance of summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

A division bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi stayed the proceedings pending before the MP-MLA Special Court in Ranchi and issued a notice to the ED, seeking its response in the matter.

The case stems from a complaint filed by the ED on February 19, 2024, before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) court in Ranchi, alleging that Soren failed to comply with multiple summonses issued to him in connection with a money laundering probe linked to a purported land scam in Ranchias Bargain area.

According to the ED, Soren was first summoned on August 14, 2023. Subsequent summonses were issued on August 19, September 1, September 17, September 26, December 11, and December 29 in 2023, and on January 13, January 22, and January 27 in 2024 -- taking the total number to ten.

The agency claimed that he appeared only twice, alleging a violation of Section 63 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and Section 174 of the Indian Penal Code.

The CJM court took cognisance of the complaint on March 4, 2024, after which the case was transferred to the MP-MLA Special Court.

Soren challenged the order before the Jharkhand High Court, seeking the quashing of the proceedings. However, the High Court declined to interfere and directed that the trial would continue.

Subsequently, Soren approached the Supreme Court challenging the High Courtas order. During Wednesdayas hearing, his counsel, advocate Pragya Singh Baghel, argued that the Chief Minister had submitted written responses to the summonses he could not attend and had appeared before the ED on later occasions. The complaint, it was contended, was malicious in nature.

The matter will now be heard after the ED files its response before the top court.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 25 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to begin a three-day visit to Bihar on Wednesday, focussing on border security, administrative preparedness and ongoing development initiatives in the state's Seemanchal region, which shares proximity with Nepal and Bangladesh.

Reacting to the visit, Bihar Minister Ashok Chaudhary said, "He (Amit Shah) is coming to review our border areas with Nepal and Bangladesh because reports are coming that drug peddlers have become active from Nepal. Our resources are for our Muslims, not for Muslims of other countries."

During his visit, HM Shah is scheduled to review security arrangements in border districts and hold high-level meetings with officials regarding issues along the India-Nepal border.

He is set to reach Purnia around 4:00 P.M. before proceeding to Kishanganj, where he will chair a review meeting at the Collectorate.

JD(U) spokesperson, Neeraj Kumar emphasised the developmental aspect of the visit, stating, "Amit Shah is the country's Home Minister. The Seemanchal region includes the agriculture college named after A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the airport of Purnia, the development of Waqf properties, as well as other bordering areas."

LJP MLA, Raju Tiwari welcomed the visit, saying, "The Home Minister regularly visits the Seemanchal region, and his visits are always welcome. Especially in Seemanchal, it shows the responsibility the government has towards the people. His arrival, along with the Prime Minister's, is a good sign."

RLM MLA, Madhav Anand added, "Home Minister Amit Shah remains consistently concerned about the people of Bihar. All the central government schemes being implemented in Bihar are regularly reviewed personally by him and by the Prime Minister. His current visit is part of this engagement  a three-day tour."

On February 26, HM Shah will visit Araria and participate in a programme at the Letti border outpost, followed by further security assessments and a review of development initiatives under the Vibrant Villages Programme. The tour will conclude on February 27 after additional meetings in Purnia before his return to New Delhi.

Extensive security arrangements have been put in place ahead of the visit.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Patna, Feb 25 : Bihar Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary has made it clear that the prohibition law will remain in force, ruling out any possibility of rollback despite growing demands from some National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leaders for a review of its implementation.

Since the NDA's landslide victory in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, speculation had intensified over the future of Bihar's prohibition law, with sections within the ruling alliance raising concerns over its enforcement and economic impact.

However, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's close confidant Vijay Kumar Chaudhary said the government had implemented the law after fully factoring in potential revenue losses and remains committed to continuing with it.

Addressing concerns over financial losses, Vijay Chaudhary said that when prohibition was introduced in 2016, the government had already assessed the revenue implications.

"The law was implemented with full awareness that the government would suffer revenue losses. This is not just 'prohibition' -- it is the Bihar Excise Prohibition Act, which criminalises the consumption of alcohol. People should not drink alcohol, and unnecessarily questioning this defeats the purpose of the law," he said.

He further said that despite the revenue loss, the Nitish Kumar government has performed strongly on key development indicators, describing it as a defining feature of the present administration.

"It is a hallmark of the Nitish Kumar government that even after accepting revenue losses, Bihar has performed exceptionally well on all development parameters," Vijay Chaudhary said.

The statement assumes significance amid growing voices within the NDA itself seeking a review of the law's implementation.

During the ongoing Budget Session of the Bihar Assembly, Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) MLA Madhav Anand urged the Chief Minister to reconsider how prohibition is being enforced.

"Sir, the time has come to review prohibition. It should be implemented more effectively," Madhav Anand said in the House.

Similarly, Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) patron and senior NDA leader Jitan Ram Manjhi has repeatedly called for a review of the lawas implementation.

While supporting the spirit of prohibition, Manjhi has pointed out serious flaws in its enforcement.

He has maintained that the law itself is sound, but ineffective implementation has resulted in illegal liquor trade and caused hardship for economically weaker sections.

Despite these internal demands, Vijay Chaudhary's statement makes it clear that the Nitish Kumar government is not considering any move to reconsider or repeal the prohibition law, even as opposition parties continue to target the government over liquor smuggling and enforcement shortcomings.

With prohibition remaining a politically sensitive issue in Bihar, the remaining days of the Assembly session are expected to witness further debate, although the governmentas position, for now, appears firm.
Kannur : , Feb 25 (IANS) Kerala Health Minister Veena George was injured as opposition student activists, protesting against her, clashed with police at the Kannur railway station, forcing her to cancel her onward journey and seek medical treatment.

The minister had arrived at the Kannur railway station to board the Vande Bharat Express after attending official programmes in Kannur.

As she reached the premises, activists of the Kerala Students Union (KSU), the student wing of the Congress, along with members of the youth wing of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), staged a protest against her.

Police personnel attempted to disperse the demonstrators and clear the way for the Minister. The situation escalated quickly into a melee on the platform.

In the ensuing commotion, George reportedly came in between the protesters and the police. During the jostling that followed, she sustained injuries to her neck and hand.

Coincidentally, Assembly Speaker A. N. Shamseer had just entered the station, with the Minister arriving shortly behind him.

The situation escalated quickly into a melee on the platform.

George was seen speaking over the telephone and admitting that she experienced pain radiating from the right side of her neck.

Though the minister initially waited at the station hoping to continue her journey, she later said she was unable to travel due to increasing discomfort.

Her trip was subsequently cancelled, and she was shifted on a trolley from the railway station and taken in a vehicle to the Kannur District Hospital for medical examination and treatment.

Following news of the incident, local leaders of the CPI-M began arriving at the hospital.

Party workers gathered outside as doctors assessed the extent of her injuries.

Police are likely to examine the circumstances leading to the security breach and review arrangements at the station.

Reacting to the episode, Speaker Shamseer said protests were part of democracy, but physically manhandling a minister was unacceptable and dangerous to democratic norms.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condemned the incident, saying that the KSU's attack on the Health Minister Veena George was "a reflection of the Congress partyas deplorable political culture".

"The Health Minister was assaulted and injured at the Kannur railway station. What occurred there was not any form of protest demonstration, it was the rampage of a group of violent miscreants. The Minister was attacked while she was walking towards the platform."

Stressing that "Kerala has the best healthcare system in India" and that "this has been acknowledged by all official agencies", the Chief Minister said: "Yet, by exaggerating certain incidents and targeting a Minister who had no involvement whatsoever in them, the attack cannot be seen as politics, it can only be viewed as a perversion of politics."

"The Congress leadership should not assume that by unleashing their followers they can disrupt law and order or incite unrest in the state. The responsibility for this lies squarely with the leadership of the Congress party and the UDF alliance. The attack carried out by KSU activists is a manifestation of their style of sullying politics by raising completely baseless allegations. This is highly condemnable and deserves strong protest," he said.
ISTANBUL, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Turkish authorities said Wednesday that they have arrested 13 suspects linked to organized crime networks responsible for distributing and trading more than 10 tonnes of narcotics in Turkiye and abroad.

The Istanbul Police Department said in a statement that the simultaneous operation, led by Istanbul units, extended to 10 provinces across Turkiye. The raids targeted addresses identified through months of investigation in coordination with the Turkish authorities and Europol member countries.

During the operation, police confiscated 135 properties, 47 vehicles, and the shares of 42 companies linked to the suspects, believed to be proceeds of their criminal activities.

The arrested individuals were taken into custody for questioning as investigations continue. Officials said the operation reflects Turkiye's intensified efforts to dismantle organized drug networks operating both domestically and internationally.

Turkiye has long struggled with international drug trafficking, and its security forces regularly conduct operations to combat drug abuse and smuggling. 
Bengaluru, Feb 25 : BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra on Wednesday alleged large-scale irregularities in the procurement of medicines and held the state government responsible for shortages in government hospitals.a

Vijayendra claimed that the state government and concerned ministers were responsible for the shortage of medicines in government hospitals and medical colleges.a

He alleged that procurement irregularities were taking place under pressure from an influential individual and that contracts were being split to facilitate corruption. a

He further alleged that companies were reluctant to participate in tenders due to commission demands of 15-20 per cent, resulting in supply disruptions.

aVijayendra also accused a private individual from Mangaluru, Wahab Khan, of controlling the stateas medicine procurement system, claiming that his influence had led to its collapse and caused hardship for poor patients. a

He challenged Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao to explain why tenders were allegedly awarded to a single individual and why medicines were being procured at prices three times the market rate.a

He further alleged that 108 ambulance drivers and helpers had not been paid salaries for the past eight to nine months and urged the government to resolve the issue immediately.

Vijayendra claimed that ambulance staff and doctors had been forced to protest because the government had failed to address their concerns.a

Criticising the state governmentas handling of the health sector, he alleged that government hospitals were facing severe shortages of medicines and that poor patients were being forced to purchase medicines from private pharmacies. a

He also accused the government of attempting to shut down Jan Aushadhi centres on government hospital premises for political reasons linked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.a

He further alleged that the government had not cleared pending dues of Rs 143 crore to a private agency providing CT scan and MRI services, depriving poor patients of essential diagnostic facilities and causing difficulties for pregnant women.a

Accusing the state government of protecting middlemen, Vijayendra claimed the administration was ignoring the suffering of poor people while focusing on achievement conventions. a

He urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Deputy Chief Minister to stop what he termed as false claims and focus on resolving the stateas pressing issues.a

Vijayendra also alleged that the state government had failed to take responsibility for governance and continued to blame the previous BJP government and the Centre for ongoing problems. a

He said the Chief Minister, who has presented 16 budgets and surpassed the record of former Chief Minister Devaraj Urs, should use his experience to address the challenges facing the state.

a--IANS

mka/dan

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New Delhi, Feb 25 : Even as Nepal prepares for March 5 elections, security agencies have warned of several challenges, including political clashes, communal disturbances, jail escapees during last year's Gen Z protests, among others, according to reports from Kathmandu on Wednesday.

Some communist factions and groups advocating for restoration of monarchy are opposing the election, leading to security agencies keeping them under close surveillance, reported Kathmandu Post.

"Security agencies have identified a dozen security challenges, including clashes between supporters of various political parties, communal disturbances, religious tension, activities of the monarchist factions, prisoners who escaped from jails during the Gen Z protests in September, and activities of various political parties that have boycotted the election, among others," said the report.

In a separate report published on Wednesday, the newspaper pointed out doubts emerging on "whether the snap poll will take place as scheduled".

It added that controversial monarchist Durga Prasain and his supporters have been expressing opposition to holding the election.

Reporting on the security setup being tightened, the newspaper recalled former king Gyanendra, in a video message released on February 18, having stated that holding polls under current circumstances would not provide a solution for the country.

His remarks, said the report, added to the growing uncertainty over whether the election could be held as scheduled.

Incidentally, thousands of supporters had gathered at the Kathmandu airport on February 13 to welcome the former king when he returned from a trip to eastern Nepal.

Chanting "Bring back the king. We love our king more than our own selves. Restore constitutional monarchy", the crowd lined the route to Gyanendra's residence.

The show of support at the airport, ahead of the crucial March poll, had police officers in riot gear struggling to control the supporters.

Earlier in 2006, massive street protests forced Gyanendra to give up rule, and two years later Nepal's Parliament voted to abolish monarchy as the former king left the Royal Palace to live the life of a commoner.

However, even as doubts about the snap poll grow on social media, the Kathmandu Post report contended that both the government and political parties participating in the process have affirmed that the election will be held on the stipulated date.

"We have more or less zeroed in on the elements that can pose security challenges, but those who spread rumours on social media, whether inside or outside the country, remain the major source of challenge that needs to be tamed," a senior unnamed security official told the newspaper.

The report added that with election to the House of Representatives approaching, "the government has started expediting security updates at highest levels on a daily basis".

On Tuesday, interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki and Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal convened back-to-back security briefings and reviewed the security situation, focussing on the election, it added.

The Prime Minister was also briefed by chiefs of all security agencies regarding election preparations and the overall security situation, said a notice issued by Karki's private secretariat, according to the report.

Parliamentary election was scheduled under an interim government, which was constituted after the resignation of then Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, facing widespread Gen Z anti-corruption protests in September last year.
February 25 : Tokyo/Lucknow: Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath received an exceptionally warm and heartfelt welcome from members of the Indian community in Tokyo. The faces of the Indian diaspora lit up upon having the Chief Minister among them. With his arrival, the entire atmosphere at Tokyo Airport was filled with enthusiasm, warmth and a sense of pride.

The manner in which the diaspora welcomed him, with deep emotional connection and warmth, was not merely a formal event but a natural expression of their strong attachment to their country and home state. Even before the Chief Ministers arrival, a large number of people gathered at the reception area of the airport, dressed in traditional Indian attire.

Most women were seen wearing salwar suits or sarees, while men appeared in kurta pyjama. Several individuals wore saffron coloured outfits to express their cultural affinity. A young girl welcomed the Chief Minister in accordance with Indian tradition by applying tilak on his forehead.

The excitement was clearly visible on the faces of the Indian diaspora upon seeing CM Yogi among them. People appeared eager to catch a glimpse of the Chief Minister and to take photographs with him. One member of the diaspora presented him with a special poster depicting the spiritual ties between India and Japan, highlighting historical and cultural symbols of both countries. Another woman gifted the Chief Minister a handmade painting, which became a symbol of emotional respect and admiration.

Upon his arrival in Tokyo, Junichi Ishidara, Vice Governor of Yamanashi Prefecture, also welcomed Chief Minister. The welcome was not merely a courtesy call but also a reflection of the strengthening strategic and cultural relations between India and Japan.

CM Yogi Adityanaths Japan visit is part of an official tour of the two countries and marks his first official visit to Japan. For many members of the diaspora, the moment was especially significant as they witnessed the Chief Minister of their home state representing Uttar Pradesh on a global platform.

The diaspora community viewed this visit in connection with the prospects of development, investment, and industrial cooperation in Uttar Pradesh. There was a visible sense of confidence among them that the visit would elevate economic and cultural partnership between India and Japan to new heights.

The warm reception extended to CM Yogi in Tokyo stood as proof that regardless of geographical distance, there is never any distance between hearts.
New Delhi, Feb 25 : India has traversed a long distance from being a major importer of defence equipment to a manufacturer and exporter of platforms in all domains, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday.

In a meeting with trainee officers of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS)-2025 Batch at South Block here, the minister voiced the governmentas determination for expanding the capacity of indigenous defence industry for both local production and exports under aAatmanirbhar Bharata, and the crucial role played by Indian diplomats in realising the vision.

Rajnath Singh highlighted that the global comity of nations is closely following Indiaas growth story and looking up to its leadership role.

According to a Defence Ministry statement, the minister encouraged the officers to work with honesty and integrity to further Indiaas positive image.

Defence Minister told them that, while conducting their duties abroad, they should always remember that they represent the aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians.

He urged them to remain open to new ideas, people, and perspectives from every culture and carry with them the values of Indiaas civilisational wisdom. He also congratulated them for putting in hard work to join the coveted IFS.

The trainee officers were briefed on various defence diplomacy initiatives, defence budget, Tri-service integration and defence acquisition by officials from verticals of the Ministry of Defence.

Meanwhile, the government announced an allocation of Rs 7.8 lakh crore for the countryas defence sector in the Union Budget for 2026-27, representing a 15 per cent increase over the corresponding figure of Rs 6.81 lakh crore for the previous financial year.

The defence forces have been allocated Rs 2.19 lakh crore for the purchase of military hardware as part of the capital outlay in the Budget, which constitutes a 21.8 per cent increase compared with the Rs 1.80 lakh crore allocated in FY 2025-26.

The increased outlay comes against the backdrop of Operation Sindoor and the changing geopolitical landscape. The approach is also in line with the government's push for an 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', or self-reliant India, by encouraging indigenous research and manufacturing.
Thiruvananthapuram Feb 25 : A fresh political flashpoint erupted in Kerala's health sector on Wednesday after Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan demanded immediate action from Health Minister Veena George over her allegations of commissions being paid to ambulance drivers by private hospitals.

Satheesanas sharp response came after the minister claimed at a public function that private hospitals in Kochi pay ambulance drivers Rs 10,000 for every patient they bring in.

She said doctors had informed her about the practice.

The minister further alleged that some hospitals in Thiruvananthapuram pay up to Rs 5,000 per patient, adding that if an ambulance driver transports ten patients, he could earn Rs 50,000.

According to her, hospitals subsequently recover these amounts from patientsa bills.

In response to the claims, Satheesan said: "If the Health Minister believes there is an ambulance lobby, it is her responsibility to control it. Is it the Opposition that has to rein it in? What is needed is action, not speeches."

In a pointed remark, he added that if every daily inquiry report as asked by George each time an incident took place and the reply concerning the health sector were to be tabled, "a hall would have to be rented" to accommodate them, an apparent swipe at what he termed repeated disclosures without visible follow-up.

The minister had also raised concerns about large-scale investments by global pharmaceutical companies in Keralaas private healthcare sector.

She claimed that these firms hold 80 to 90 per cent equity in certain hospitals and that while the per-bed investment in other states stands at around Rs 1.5 crore, it is approximately Rs 2.5 crore in Kerala.

The exchange marks the latest round in a prolonged tit-for-tat between the two leaders over healthcare governance.

With the allegations now in the public domain, attention has shifted to whether the government will initiate a formal probe into the claims or move to tighten regulatory oversight of private hospitals.
Tel Aviv, Feb 25 : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday praised PM Narendra Modi's strong leadership as the Indian leader touched down in Tel Aviv on a two-day State Visit to the country. In a warm and special gesture, Netanyahu and First Lady Sara Netanyahu welcomed PM Modi at the Ben-Gurion airport during a memorable ceremony.

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Tel Aviv, Feb 25 (IANS) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday praised PM Narendra Modi's strong leadership as the Indian leader touched down in Tel Aviv on a two-day State Visit to the country. In a warm and special gesture, Netanyahu and First Lady Sara Netanyahu welcomed PM Modi at the Ben-Gurion airport during a memorable ceremony.

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"You are a great leader," said Netanyahu after the two leaders exchanged a warm hug at the tarmac.

The Israeli PM also engaged in an animated conversation with PM Modi, highlighting that the colour of PM Modi's pocket square matches Sara's saffron dress perfectly.

Prime Minister Modi later said that he is honoured to have been received by Israeli counterpart and his wife at the airport in Tel Aviv and is looking forward to holding talks and fruitful outcomes that strengthen the friendship between two nations.

"Landed in Israel. I am extremely honoured to be received by Prime Minister Netanyahu and Mrs Netanyahu at the airport. I look forward to engaging in bilateral discussions and fruitful outcomes that strengthen the India-Israel friendship," PM Modi posted on X.

This is PM Modi's first visit to the country since 2017. Both leaders met each other warmly on Wednesday, warmly displaying their trademark camaraderie and friendship which has taken the relationship between both countries to a new high over the last decade.

During his visit, PM Modi is scheduled to hold talks with Netanyahu, Israel President Isaac Herzog, address Israeli Parliament - Knesset - and take part in various other programmes.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated Israel is an important partner of India in strategic and technological domains, with deep cooperation in science and technology, innovation, defence and agriculture.

In a post on X, Jaiswal stated, "Shalom Israel! Prime Minister Narendra Modi has touched down in Israel. This is PM Modias second visit to Israel in nine years. In a special and heartwarming gesture PM Narendra Modi was received by Prime Minister Netanyahu and his wife, Mrs Sara Netanyahu at the airport and was accorded a special guard of honour."

"Israel is an important partner of India across strategic and technological domains, with deep cooperation in science and technology, innovation, defence and agriculture. The relationship is anchored in mutual trust, shared priorities and a growing convergence in futuristic technologies," he added.

PM Modi last visited Israel in 2017, a trip which opened new avenues in defence, agriculture, and water management cooperation between the two countries. Netanyahu had also welcomed PM Modi at the airport in 2017 also.

In his departure statement on Wednesday, PM Modi stated that he is looking forward to his engagements with Netanyahu, aimed at further strengthening cooperation in various sectors and discussing regional and global issues.

"India and Israel share a robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership that has witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years. I look forward to my discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu aimed at further strengthening our cooperation across various domains, including science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, defence and security, trade and investment, as well as people-to-people ties," he said.

During the visit, PM Modi will also meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog and hold talks with him on various bilateral issues.

"I will also have the honour of becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament, Knesset, an occasion that would be a tribute to the strong parliamentary and democratic ties that bind our two nations," he said.

The Prime Minister said that he eagerly looks forward to interacting with the members of the Indian diaspora, "who have for long been nurturing the India-Israel special friendship".

"I am confident that my State Visit will further consolidate the enduring bonds between the two countries, set new goals for the Strategic Partnership, and advance our shared vision for a resilient, innovative and prosperous future," PM Modi added.
Athens, Feb 25 : Ties between India and Greece are acquiring heightened strategic importance, especially in defence sector, amid shifting regional geopolitical alignments. The deepening India-Greece ties demonstrate not only bilateral interests but also a broader strategic convergence aimed at maintaining balance and stability across the Mediterranean and the Indo-Pacific, a report has highlighted.

"The broader region is marked by shifting alliances, regional rivalries, and emerging axes of influence, making select bilateral partnerships critical for stability and peace. Within this framework, Greece and India are significantly strengthening their strategic dialogue, with military relations entering a new phase," a report in 'Greek City Times' stated.

"The visit of Vice Admiral Eleftheriosa"Dimitrios Katara, Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff, also formed part of this broader framework of deepening ties. According to informed sources, the two countries 'perceive each other as strategic partners at the military level' in an ever-evolving international environment, particularly in the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific," it added.

Analysts have stressed that defence alignment between India and Greece should be seen in the broader context of trilateral cooperation involving Israel, a dimension reinforced during Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis's recent visit to New Delhi. Defence cooperation between the two nations is moving along a steady trajectory, which includes high-level official visits, the signing of structured Military Cooperation Programs (MCPs), joint operational activities across land, air, and sea.

The navies of India and Greece have set up substantial communication channels through joint exercises and coordinated training, considering the importance of maritime security, protection of sea lines of communication, freedom of navigation, Greek naval experience in the Mediterranean and Indiaas strategic presence in the Indian Ocean create a natural field of shared strategic interest.

"Greek naval experience in the Mediterranean and Indiaas strategic presence in the Indian Ocean create a natural field of shared strategic interest," the Greek City Times stated.

Operational cooperation between the armed forces of India and Greece continues at bilateral and multinational levels. Aircraft from air forces of both nations participated in major exercises like Tarang Shakti 24 in India and Exercise Iniochos 25 in Greece. Joint naval exercises between India and Greece have taken place in The Aegean Sea, The Eastern Mediterranean, The Arabian Sea and The Indian Ocean. Indian officers have attended training programmes in Greece.

"At the diplomatic level, Athens and New Delhi are closely monitoring the strategic convergence between Turkey and Pakistan. Regional developments suggest the formation of new geopolitical platforms. Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan are reportedly exploring trilateral coordination, described in some analyses as an 'Islamic NATO'," the report stated.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently indicated that Greece, Israel, Cyprus and potentially other regional actors could help form a strategic alliance framework in the Middle East, acting as a counterweight to Ankaraas ambitions.

"The deepening Greecea"India relationship reflects not only bilateral interests but also a broader strategic convergence aimed at maintaining balance and stability across the Mediterranean and the Indo-Pacific," the report concluded.
Hyderabad, Feb 25 : Telangana Revenue Minister P. Srinivas Reddy on Wednesday said the state government remains committed to modernising the revenue administration and delivering faster, citizen-friendly services across the state.

He said the government has decided to construct permanent buildings for Tahsildar and Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) offices across Telangana to ensure efficient, transparent, and accessible administration for the public.

The minister announced that in the first phase, permanent buildings with modern amenities will be constructed for 60 Tahsildar offices and five RDO offices currently functioning from rented premises.

In the second phase, 170 Tahsildar and RDO offices currently operating from dilapidated buildings will be reconstructed. He said all new buildings across the state will follow a uniform design to ensure accessibility, efficiency, and public convenience.

He added that the designs will be finalised after consultations with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, and the construction will be carried out in a cost-effective manner while ensuring high-quality public service delivery.

The minister conducted a review meeting with senior officials of the Revenue Department at the Secretariat, during which details were gathered on the number of Tahsildar and RDO offices operating from rented premises as well as those functioning from structurally weak or unsuitable buildings.

He said the decision aligns with the Chief Ministeras vision that government offices serving the public should function from dignified and permanent infrastructure rather than temporary or rented premises.

The minister observed that both before and after the formation of Telangana, several revenue offices continued to function without adequate infrastructure and largely from rented buildings, causing inconvenience to the public.

He also criticised the previous government for reorganising mandals without proper planning, which resulted in certain mandals falling under multiple district jurisdictions.

Due to inadequate infrastructure and staff shortages in several offices, citizens faced significant difficulties in accessing revenue services, he said.

The minister said that after assuming office, the present government sanctioned the required posts for newly created mandals and strengthened administrative systems to improve service delivery.

He also criticised the previous administration for constructing some Collectorate buildings in remote locations and failing to ensure their effective functioning.

Referring to the Stamps and Registration Department, the minister said construction of integrated office complexes with modern facilities has been initiated.

He said that within the Outer Ring Road limits, 39 Sub-Registrar offices across Hyderabad, Rangareddy, Medchal-Malkajgiri, and Sangareddy districts have been grouped into 12 clusters for the construction of integrated facilities.

Foundation stones have already been laid at Gachibowli, Medchal-Malkajgiri, and Patancheru.

Construction at the Gachibowli facility is in the final stage, and the complex is expected to become operational in the coming months, he added.
Guwahati, Feb 25 : A total of 1,05,540 water birds belonging to 107 species were recorded in the latest water bird survey conducted at Assam's Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR), officials said on Wednesday. a Guwahati, Feb 25 (IANS) A total of 1,05,540 water birds belonging to 107 species were recorded in the latest water bird survey conducted at Assam's Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR), officials said on Wednesday. 

KNPTR Director Sonali Ghosh said that the 7th Kaziranga Waterbird Count documented 1,05,540 water and wetland-dependent birds representing 107 species. She said that the synchronised survey, conducted from January 4 to 11, 2026, covered 166 wetlands across 10 ranges under the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, the Biswanath Wildlife Division, and the Nagaon Wildlife Division, recording a total of 105,540 individual water birds across 107 species. 

The birds recorded included ducks and geese, waders, herons and egrets, marsh birds and other wetland-dependent species, with Bar-headed Goose, Northern Pintail and Lesser Whistling Duck emerging as the most abundant species.

According to Ghosh, the survey report highlighted targeted conservation priorities, recording one critically endangered species, one endangered species, two vulnerable species and 14 near-threatened species under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List categories. 

The KNPTR Director said that the waterbird count was first initiated in 2018-19 by KNPTR management. For the past three years, government-owned Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) has extended Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) support to organise the exercise as a citizen science initiative involving a large number of ornithologists, college students and wildlife photographers. 

Assam's Forests, Environment and Climate Change Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, in a social media post, said: "Thrilled by the 7th Kaziranga Waterbird Count ! First-ever sighting of Smew steals the spotlight in a record-breaking census of 105,540 birds. This spectacular debut reaffirms Assam's wetlands as vital biodiversity hotspots." 

The senior Indian Forest Service (IFS) official Ghosh noted that over the years, Kaziranga's waterbird count exercise has evolved into an important management tool for wetland conservation in one of India's premier tiger reserves. 

She said that large perennial wetlands recorded high bird congregations, while seasonal wetlands enhanced species diversity, underscoring the need for holistic riverbeel conservation amid changing hydrological patterns. 

The survey reaffirmed Kaziranga's crucial role along the Central Asian Flyway, serving as an important habitat for migratory birds from Siberia and Central Asia, as well as for resident species, Ghosh added. 

India's seventh UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the fourth to be inscribed for its natural values, the KNPTR in central Assam has a conservation legacy of over 119 years. 

With its unique mix of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, it is considered one of the finest protected areas in the world. 

The Tiger Reserve is home to the 'Big Five' mammals and remains a favoured destination for birdwatchers, owing to its exceptionally high avian diversity of over 500 bird species. 

As per the latest official estimates, the park supports 2,613 greater one-horned rhinoceroses (2022 census), 104 Bengal tigers (2022), 1,228 Asian elephants (2024), 2,565 wild water buffaloes (2022), and 1,129 eastern swamp deer (2022). 

Spread across the districts of Golaghat, Nagaon, Sonitpur and Biswanath, the park generated revenue of over Rs 10.90 crore in 2024-25 and more than Rs 8.81 crore in 202324. The KNPTR comprises three forest divisions -- Eastern Assam Wildlife Division (Bokakhat), Biswanath Wildlife Division (Biswanath Chariali), and Nagaon Wildlife Division (Nagaon). 
Kannur, Feb 25 : Veteran Congress Lok Sabha member from Kannur, K. Sudhakaran, on Wednesday said that while Veena George may not be a good Health Minister, she has proven herself to be a good actress.

He alleged that the claims propagated by the CPI-M that Kerala's Health Minister was attacked inside Kannur railway station by KSU workers are completely baseless and amount to a political drama staged by the party.

She was to have boarded the Vande Bharat train from Kannur and had reached the railway station when the episode occurred.

"From all the visuals being shown in connection with the incident, it is clear that the allegations of an attack and of her having sustained injuries have no connection with the actual course of events," said Sudhakaran, whose running feud with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan spans more than five decades.

According to Sudhakaran, the KSU activists who were present at the spot carried out their protest in a democratic manner.

The students did not attack the Minister, nor did they engage in any act of violence, he asserted, adding that eyewitness accounts and available information clearly indicate this.

He further pointed out that almost all visual media outlets in Kerala were present at the scene.

"Is there any footage in any visual media showing KSU activists attacking the Minister? Even channels, including CPI-M-linked Kairali TV, were present at the spot. Not a single channel has aired visuals of KSU students attacking the Minister," he said.

Instead, he claimed, the available footage shows the Minister angrily confronting the protesters.

Sudhakaran maintained that the CPI-M's allegations are politically motivated and lack factual basis.

Meanwhile, the Minister is presently admitted to the ICU at Kannur district hospital, and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and several top leaders have reached the hospital.

As soon as the news spread, angry CPI-M workers and their feeder organisations took to the streets, and in the Minister's home district of Pathanamthitta, the protesters destroyed the flagposts of the KSU and posters of Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan.
KABUL, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Police in western Afghanistan's Nimroz province thwarted attempts to smuggle illegal drugs and arrested two smugglers on Tuesday, provincial police spokesman Mawlawi Gul Mohammad Qudrat said Wednesday.

The counter-narcotics police discovered 71 kg of illegal drug of opium poppy type and took into custody two individuals during the checking of vehicles on a road linking the provincial capital Zaranj to Dilaram district the other day, the official added.

Both the alleged drug traffickers would be handed over to the judiciary after preliminary investigation, the official further said.

Earlier, in similar operations, police discovered 41 kg of illegal drugs and arrested two individuals on charges of involvement in the illegal business in the northern Takhar province on Monday. 
New Delhi, Feb 25 : Credit card spending remained subdued at Rs 1,990 billion in January 2026, growing 8.1 per cent year-on-year, a report has said on Wednesday.

However, data compiled by Asit C. Mehta Investment Intermediates Limited showed that it has declined by 2.7 per cent compared to the previous month.

The report noted that the sequential decline in spending was largely driven by lower spends from the top four banks.

State Bank of India saw the biggest drop, with spending falling by Rs 18.7 billion or 4.7 per cent month-on-month.

ICICI Bankas spends declined by Rs 16.9 billion or 4.6 per cent, while HDFC Bank and Axis Bank reported declines of 1.3 per cent and 2.7 per cent respectively.

Despite the monthly moderation, the industry continued to see healthy year-on-year growth in transaction volumes.

Total transactions stood at 537 million in January, largely flat compared to December but up 24.9 per cent from a year ago.

However, the pace of growth was lower than historic trends, indicating some slowdown in momentum, the report stated.

The weakness in spending was broad-based, with both online and point-of-sale transactions declining during the month.

Online spends fell 2.5 per cent, while point-of-sale spends dropped 3.17 per cent compared to December.

In terms of market share, HDFC Bank managed to gain ground despite lower overall spending.

Its market share rose 43 basis points month-on-month to 28.4 per cent, helped by a relatively softer decline in spends compared to peers.

In contrast, SBI and ICICI Bank lost 39 basis points and 34 basis points respectively due to sharper spending declines.

Among mid-sized banks, Yes Bank and Federal Bank showed relatively better performance. Federal Bank, in particular, continued to expand its credit card base strongly, reporting 83 per cent year-on-year growth in cards outstanding.

The bank added around 0.12 million cards during the month, taking its total cards in force to 2.1 million.

IDFC First Bank also recorded steady growth, with its card portfolio rising 30 per cent year-on-year, as per the report.
Tokyo, Feb 25 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is on a visit to Japan. Addressing a gathering of Indian diaspora in Tokyo, he said that previous governments kept the state in "darkness" due to their inclination towards corruption and lawlessness, asserting that his government brought UP "into the light" by all-around improvement in law and order, infrastructure and power supply.

Tokyo, Feb 25 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is on a visit to Japan. Addressing a gathering of Indian diaspora in Tokyo, he said that previous governments kept the state in "darkness" due to their inclination towards corruption and lawlessness, asserting that his government brought UP "into the light" by all-around improvement in law and order, infrastructure and power supply.

The Chief Minister spoke about what he described as UP's transformation from "darkness to development."

"Earlier, there were no roads, no proper connectivity, and no electricity. People used to complain about constant power cuts. Those who work in darkness do not like light. When the tendency is towards robbery, everything is done in the dark," he said.

"If we want to free Uttar Pradesh from fear and corruption, we must bring it into the light. We are sons of the Sun; we need light like the Sun," he added, drawing a metaphorical contrast between past and present governance.

The CM said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is moving steadily towards becoming a Viksit Bharat, and Uttar Pradesh -- with a population of nearly 250 million -- is playing a key role in that journey.

"Earlier, news from UP revolved around curfews, riots and darkness. Today, it is about Diwali celebrations, the Maha Kumbh, and global investment," he said.

He highlighted improvements in law and order, road connectivity and electricity supply, claiming that the state has emerged as a major investment destination in sectors such as semiconductors, data centres, artificial intelligence, green hydrogen, logistics parks and international airports.

Referring to cultural and religious events, CM Yogi said that large-scale celebrations such as Deepotsav in Ayodhya, Dev Deepawali in Kashi, and Holi festivities in Mathura and Vrindavan symbolise a positive transformation in the state.

Extending Holi greetings to the Indian diaspora in Japan, he said that events such as the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj and the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya reflect India's cultural strength and civilisational heritage.

He also mentioned the redevelopment of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham as an example of blending modern infrastructure with tradition.

"India believes in leading the world through friendship and compassion, not dominance," he said, quoting the Sanskrit phrase 'Janani Janmabhoomi Swargadapi Gariyasi' (Mother and motherland are greater than heaven).

The Chief Minister noted that around 55,000 Indians reside in Japan and urged them to contribute to the development of both India and Japan.

"We are in Japan, the land of the rising sun. India is the land of the sons of the Sun. Our tradition connects faith with duty and values. Even while living abroad, you are preserving India's cultural heritage and contributing to development," he said.

The CM also spoke about the celebration of Uttar Pradesh Day on January 24, stating that the state has taken pride in promoting its heritage since 2017. He claimed that while only around 51,000 lamps were lit during the first Deepotsav in Ayodhya, the number has now grown to 2.5 to 3 million diyas simultaneously.

He further said that Uttar Pradesh has witnessed record tourist footfall, asserting that pride in cultural heritage drives social and economic progress.

The event began with a cultural programme featuring performances by young members of the Indian community. Praising their talent, the Chief Minister said their presentation of classical and devotional themes, including performances inspired by Ayodhya and Kashi traditions, was deeply impressive.

Later, at a photo session with the performers, the venue resonated with chants of "Yogi, Yogi".
Kochi, Feb 25 : The Kerala High Court on Wednesday expressed dissatisfaction with the Centre's stand on establishing an AIIMS in the state, rekindling a debate that resurfaces with clockwork regularity and renewed disappointment.

Kochi, Feb 25 (IANS) The Kerala High Court on Wednesday expressed dissatisfaction with the Centreas stand on establishing an AIIMS in the state, rekindling a debate that resurfaces with clockwork regularity and renewed disappointment.

Hearing a petition on the issue, the court questioned the delay in taking a decision and asked whether the Union government had, in principle, decided to set up an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Kerala.

The court had earlier directed the Centre to conduct a feasibility study at the site proposed by the state.

When the Union government sought four weeksa time to respond, the bench declined, granting two weeks instead.

It also directed a representative of the Union Health Ministry to appear online and clarify the status of the feasibility study.

For Kerala, the AIIMS promise has become a recurring pre-budget ritual.

Each year, ahead of the Union Budget, expectations build that this might finally be the year when the coveted institution is announced.

Each year, the anticipation proves short-lived.

Union Minister and actor turned politician Suresh Gopi has repeatedly asserted that an AIIMS will come to Kerala, keeping hopes alive among supporters.

The state government, however, maintains that it has fulfilled all prerequisites, including identifying and offering land, and has accused the Centre of dragging its feet.

The absence of the AIIMS in Kerala stands out, particularly when several other states have secured the premier healthcare and medical education institution over the past decade.

Health sector experts argue that an AIIMS would significantly boost tertiary care access and research capacity in the state.

With the High Court now seeking time-bound clarity, the spotlight has once again shifted to New Delhi.

For a state that prides itself on healthcare indicators, the prolonged wait for an AIIMS has become as much a political talking point as a test of Centre-State coordination.
Amaravati, Feb 25 : The Andhra Pradesh government on Wednesday suspended the Municipal Commissioner of Srikakulam following a diarrhoea outbreak in the town that has left one person dead and dozens hospitalised.

Municipal Commissioner Kurma Rao was suspended on charges of negligence in connection with the outbreak, officials said.

Principal Secretary, Municipal Administration, Suresh Kumar, issued orders suspending the Municipal Commissioner.

Cases of diarrhoea have been reported from various parts of Srikakulam town over the past few days.

According to Srikakulam District Collector Swapnil Dinkar Pundkar, 76 suspected cases have been identified so far.

Of these, 54 patients are currently undergoing treatment at various hospitals, while one death involving a patient with comorbidities has been reported.

Two patients are on ventilator support, and their condition is being closely monitored by medical teams.

Authorities have collected water samples from affected areas and sent them to laboratories in Srikakulam and Visakhapatnam for testing.

While initial tests conducted at the Srikakulam laboratory did not detect contamination, reports from the Visakhapatnam laboratory are still awaited.

The Health Department has set up medical camps in the affected areas, and the state government has announced that it will bear the treatment expenses of patients admitted to private hospitals.

Meanwhile, leaders of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), including former ministers Dharmana Krishna Das, Dharmana Prasada Rao, and Dr Seediri Appala Raju, blamed the state government for the outbreak.

After visiting the affected areas, they interacted with families and reviewed the situation on the ground.

The YSRCP leaders alleged that contaminated drinking water was the primary cause of the outbreak.

They also claimed that four people have died so far and several others are undergoing treatment in government and private hospitals.

The former ministers accused the government of attempting to attribute the deaths to pre-existing health conditions instead of accepting responsibility.

Dharmana Prasada Rao said that 61 diarrhoea incidents had been reported in the past 20 months, including cases in government schools and hostels, which he described as indicative of systemic administrative failure.

He demanded immediate relief and a25 lakh compensation for each bereaved family.

Dr Seediri Appala Raju alleged that early warnings from local media were ignored and claimed there were attempts to underreport fatalities.

The opposition leaders demanded a high-level inquiry, accountability of officials, and urgent measures to ensure safe drinking water supply.
Islamabad, Feb 25 : A growing number of people are being accused of blasphemy for digital crimes in Pakistan, with human rights group terming it as "blasphemy business" in which fabricated evidence, digitally doctored screenshots or false witness statements are used for filing police complaints.

A recent report has highlighted that, In December 2025, the Lahore High Court's Rawalpindi bench acquitted six people who had been sentenced to either life imprisonment or death in a digital blasphemy case.

"In its observations, the court also alluded to the growing rise of 'blasphemy businesses', noting the increasing use of fabricated or unverified digital content to implicate individuals in capital offences. The targetted individuals, predominantly from religious minority or low-income communities, are then pressured to pay intermediaries to avoid prosecution, quash cases, or negotiate with complainants and clerical authorities. This marks a shift from opportunistic blasphemy accusations to systematic entrapment operations run by organised crime networks that weaponise these provisions for extortion," Niala Mohammad, Director of Research for Afghanistan and Pakistan at the Centre for the Study of Organised Hate and Cecil Shane Chaudhry, South Asia Deputy Team Leader at Christian Solidarity Worldwide, jointly wrote in a report for Center for the Study of Organised Hate.

A young man in Rawalpindi who was trying to find a job was contacted on WhatsApp by someone posing as a female recruiter who built rapport before sending him a sexually explicit image overlaid with Islamic scripture. After he questioned her, she claimed that it was a mistake and stated that he share the picture with her again, according to the report. Reluctant but desperate to find a job, he sent the image to her. Days later, she asked him to meet for what she said was a job interview. He was beaten by four men waiting there, who seized his phone and handed him over to the authorities. The image shared with him under false pretences was enough for making a blasphemy charge against him.

The report in Centre for the Study of Organised Hate stated, "Pakistan's blasphemy laws, especially Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code, which mandates a death sentence for insulting the Prophet Muhammad, along with other perceived offences, have produced a high-risk environment where even an unsubstantiated allegation can result in arrest, mob violence, or extrajudicial killing. At least 104 people have been killed extrajudicially following blasphemy allegations between 1994 and 2024."

"In this climate, the business of blasphemy thrives, and the allegation itself holds such destructive power that it becomes a tool through which lives can be threatened, upended, or permanently altered. Rights organisations and victim advocates point to the involvement of actors with ties to religious groups and, in some cases, complicity from individual officials within the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). FIA officers have allegedly registered complaints without forensic verification, accepted screenshots at face value, or acted on anonymous digital tips," it added.

Private online vigilante groups which have connection with extremist organisations like the Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) are at the forefront for prosecuting online blasphemy cases, with Legal Commission on Blasphemy Pakistan (LCBP) being the most active group. LCBP is an organisation whose stated mission is to take "decisive action against blasphemy." According to the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), Pakistan's FIA Cyber Crime Wing charges hundreds of young and vulnerable people with blasphemy on the basis of social media content, often in coordination with groups that benefit from the business of accusations of blasphemy.

According to the report, religious minorities in Pakistan are particularly vulnerable, with Christians, Ahmadis, Hindus, Sikhs, and Shia Muslims facing legal discrimination and societal hostility, making them primary targets. The overlap between organised blasphemy networks and pre-existing sectarian enmity turns individual cases into community-wide threats. Lawmakers in Pakistan remain hesitant to challenge groups that use blasphemy as a mobilising tool. Probe into mob violence rarely lead to sustained accountability and charges against vigilantes are often dropped or weakened over time.
Seoul, Feb 25 : A special counsel team said Wednesday it has appealed a court's recent life sentence for former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol over his insurrection conviction.

The special counsel, led by Cho Eun-suk, said the appeal was filed due to "factual errors, legal misunderstandings and inappropriate sentencing."

Last week, a Seoul court sentenced Yoon to life in prison for leading an insurrection when he briefly imposed martial law on December 3, 2024, Yonhap News Agency reported.

The court said Yoon sought to paralyse the National Assembly by sending troops to the compound following the declaration, concluding that the act met the constitutional definition of insurrection.

However, it said Yoon decided to declare martial law on December 1, 2024, rejecting the special counsel's claim that he had prepared the operation for more than a year.

The special counsel also appealed the same court's rulings on other defendants who were sentenced alongside Yoon, including former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, former National Police Agency chief Cho Ji-ho and former Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency chief Kim Bong-sik.

The former defence minister was sentenced to 30 years in prison, while Cho was given 12 years and the former Seoul police chief 10 years for their roles in the martial law bid.

Meanwhile, Yoon Suk Yeol's appellate trial on obstruction of justice and other charges will begin next week, legal sources said Wednesday.

The first hearing has been scheduled for 2 pm next Wednesday at the Seoul High Court, with proceedings led by Criminal Division 1 -- one of two divisions recently designated to handle cases related to charges of insurrection, treason and rebellion.

Yoon was sentenced by a lower court last month to five years in prison on charges of obstructing investigators' attempt to detain him last year following his short-lived imposition of martial law in December 2024.

He was also found guilty of violating the rights of Cabinet members who were not called to a meeting to review his martial law plan, and drafting and later destroying a revised proclamation after the decree was lifted.

The former president is standing a total of eight trials in connection with the martial law attempt, his wife's alleged corruption and the 2023 death of a Marine.

In one of them, he was sentenced to life imprisonment last week for leading an insurrection through his declaration of martial law.
New Delhi, Feb 25 : India and Sweden have taken a step forward in strengthening cooperation in artificial intelligence and digital technologies, Ministry of Electronics & IT said on Wednesday.

On the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026, the IndiaAI Mission and Business Sweden signed a Statement of Intent to boost bilateral collaboration in AI and promote trade and investment between the two countries.

The agreement lays down a structured framework for working together on the development, application and deployment of AI solutions.

The focus will be on delivering real-world industrial and social outcomes. The partnership builds on the long-standing ties between India and Sweden and reflects their shared priority of using AI to drive innovation, economic growth and sustainable development, while also managing potential risks.

Kavita Bhatia, Chief Operating Officer of the IndiaAI Mission, said India and Sweden are not just partners in AI but co-architects of a value-based, sustainable and trusted AI future.

She said the collaboration highlights the complementary strengths and shared democratic values of both countries and positions them to shape the next phase of global technological change.

Sofia Hogman, Trade and Invest Commissioner of Sweden to India, said the Statement of Intent marks an important step in turning the shared strategic vision into concrete outcomes.

She added that through the proposed corridor initiative, both sides aim to connect their AI and digital technology ecosystems and create new business opportunities.

As part of the partnership, the two sides will jointly develop a dedicated programme called the Swedena"India Technology and Artificial Intelligence Corridor, or SITAC.

This corridor will act as a flagship platform to bring together government agencies, industry leaders, startups and academic institutions from both nations.

Under SITAC, the two countries plan to organise conferences, seminars and thematic workshops, facilitate exchanges between AI ecosystems, and conduct field visits to innovation hubs and centres of excellence.

The initiative will also encourage engagement among companies, investors, researchers and policymakers, identify opportunities for joint innovation platforms and investment corridors, and promote the deployment of AI solutions across priority sectors in both countries.
Mumbai, Feb 25 : NCP (SP) legislator Jayant Patil on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the state government during the discussion on the Governor's address in the Legislative Assembly, while questioning illusory" figures presented regarding investments and job creation. a

He said that the Governor mentioned MoUs worth Rs 30 lakh crore from 18 countries at Davos, promising 40 lakh jobs. Patil demanded actual data, noting that since 2022, the government has projected 53 lakh jobs without visible results. a

He highlighted the Governor's admission that Maharashtraas share in the national GDP has slipped from 14 per cent to 13.5 per cent. a

He revealed that Rs 77,500 crore in payments to state contractors remain stalled.a

Comparing the Governor's address to a scripted performance, Patil remarked, "The Governoras speech is essentially the Cabinetas speech. It reminds me of the famous dialogue from 3 Idiots: aThe words are ours, but he is the one speaking.a" a

Patil expressed surprise over the conspicuous absence of any mention of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in the address. a

Patil noted that while the speech invoked several great personalities, the government has failed to internalise their values.a

He specifically pointed out the demolition of the historic Mankarnika Ghat in Varanasi, built by Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar. He demanded that the Uttar Pradesh government provide compensation for the destruction of the site and urged the Chief Minister to follow up. a

While the government invokes Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Patil argued that there is no mention of concrete welfare schemes for the tribal community.a

Criticising the governmentas stance on the Maharashtra-Karnataka border issue, Patil said that mere expressions of commitment are not enough. a

aThe Chief Minister is a lawyer himself and shares good relations with many. He must ensure this case is brought to the forefront to provide relief to the people in the border areas," he said. a

He demanded a reservation of at least 30 seats in medical colleges for students from the disputed border regions.a

Focusing on Gadchiroli, Patil highlighted the plight of Mendha (Lekha), the first village in India to win community forest rights. a

With 25 proposed mines in the district, he alleged that the voices of local tribals are being suppressed by labelling protesters as Naxals. He questioned why mineral transport from the Surjagad mines is not done via railway despite the presence of the Samruddhi Highway.a

Patil raised alarms over the Rs 25,000 crore budget for the Kumbh Mela Authority, which is Rs 5,000 crore more than the budget for the Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh. a

He pointed out that CCTV work, which previously cost Rs 10 crore, has now ballooned to Rs 300 crore. He urged that contracts remain with Maharashtra-based firms rather than go to outsiders. a

Patil highlighted the plight of Nashik farmers, noting that while production costs are Rs 1,600, market rates have crashed to Rs 600-Rs 700. He demanded a minimum rate of Rs 2,000.a

Expressing solidarity with farmers in Sangli, Patil urged the government not to build the Shaktipeeth highway on fertile agricultural land. a

"We do not need 'Shakti' (power) at the cost of our farmers' livelihoods," he stated.

He criticised the government for neglecting the 'Umed' (MSRLM) women activists currently protesting at Azad Maidan, despite the program's success in creating 'Lakhpati Didis' during his tenure. a

Patil expressed grave concern over the state of infrastructure. Over 1,164 schools lack separate toilets for girls, and 3,328 schools are without electricity. Despite new mental health policies, student suicides are rising. He called for a revival of reading culture in schools to divert youth from excessive mobile use.

aPatil warned that the government seems more focused on "dreamy aspirations" than on solving fundamental issues. a

He urged the administration to fix the "troubled present" rather than just painting a bright picture of the future.
Hyderabad, Feb 25 : The Telangana police on Wednesday launched 'Operation Crackdown', a special operation to break the cybercrime network across the state.

Hyderabad, Feb 25 (IANS) The Telangana police on Wednesday launched aOperation Crackdowna, a special operation to break the cybercrime network across the state.

Conceived by Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB), aOperation Crackdowna will involve a series of operations over the next few months, wherein the TGCSB, in collaboration with districts and commissionerates, will target the crime-criminal networks and Cybercrime ecosystem in the state so as to dismantle them and control cybercrime in the state, Director General of Police (DGP) B. Shivadhar Reddy.

The first operation in this series was launched on Wednesday in 16 districts /units, specifically targeting mule bank accounts.

Data analysis by TGCSB revealed that during 2025, a total of 4,775 mule accounts were operated in the state.

According to the DGP, as part of todayas operation, 1,888 suspected mule accounts opened in 137 bank branches spread across 16 districts/units were checked. These accounts were found linked to 9,431 crime links across the country, including 782 in Telangana.

A total of 137 Police teams, compromising of 512 officers/personnel were involved in todayas coordinated drive. These teams have visited and inspected 137 bank branches and collected KYC details of suspicions mule account holders.

The checking and verification are presently underway. Initial verification has shown that many of these branches have multiple mule accounts, in some cases running into hundreds, giving rise to suspicion of collusion of bank staff as well as, an organised network of agents etc.

A single account operating from Sultan Bazar, Hyderabad, was found to be linked with 496 crime complaints across multiple jurisdictions and in Suryapet district, it was found that in four Bank branches there are 298 accounts linked across multiple jurisdictions. Cases are being registered wherever required.

The police chief said it was also observed that certain smaller banks which do not have the technical capacity to operate RTGS are using the RTGS of national banks for transfer of funds. There is no proper verification and validation of the persons opening accounts in these banks and this gap is being exploited by cyber criminals.

The aOperation Crackdowna will continue with intensified verification, analysis of financial trails, profiling the account holder details and strict legal action against those involved.
Mumbai, Feb 25 : A popular name in the television industry, Mahhi Vij, who recently announced her separation from TV actor Jay Bhanushali, received a sweet surprise from her 6-year-old daughter Tara.

Mahhi shared that her little one went to a birth party and came back with a temporary tattoo of her mother's name on her arm.

The 'Laagi Tujhse Lagan' actress dropped a couple of pictures of her daughter Tara flaunting her red heart-shaped tattoo on her official Insta handle and wrote, "Today my little girl went for a birthday partya and came back with the sweetest surprise. She chose to get my name tattooed on her tiny hand all by herself (sic)."

Calling herself lucky to be Tara's mother, Mahhi went on to add, "At just six years old, she already knows how to express love in the purest way and somehow always finds little ways to make my day brighter. Moments like these remind me how lucky I am to be her mother. I love you endlessly, Tara."

On January 4, Mahhi and Jay announced their separation via a social media post after almost 15 years of marriage.

Their joint post read, "Today, we choose to part ways on a journey called life, yet we continue to have each other's back. Peace, growth, kindness and humanity have always been our guiding values. For the sake of our children -Tara, Khushi, Ranjveer, we commit to being the best parents, the best friends, and whatever else it takes to do what is right for them."

Mahhi and Jay further shared that their decision to part ways does not come from a negative place.

"Though we walk separate paths, there is no villain in this story and no negativity attached to this decision. Before any conclusions are drawn, please know that we chose peace over drama and sanity above all else.

"We continue to respect one another, support one another, and remain friends, as we always have been. With mutual respect, we ask for your respect, love and kindness as we move forward", the post concluded.
HONG KONG, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong's operating account has returned to a surplus in the 2025-26 financial year as tax revenue increased on the back of a booming economy and capital market, said Paul Chan, financial secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, while delivering the 2026-27 budget on Wednesday.

With the reinforced fiscal consolidation program gradually bearing fruit, Hong Kong's public finances have improved sooner than expected, said Chan.

"We expect Hong Kong's economy to sustain good momentum this year," Chan said. 
Kabul, Feb 25 : Pakistan's exports to Afghanistan reduced sharply in the first seven months of the current fiscal amid trade disruptions and political tensions, local media reported on Wednesday.

According to the official data from the State Bank of Pakistan, exports to Afghanistan from Pakistan reduced by more than half compared to the same period last year. The value plunged from more than 550 million dollars to nearly 230 million dollars from July to January period, Afghanistan's leading news agency Khaama Press reported.

Border crossings between Pakistan and Afghanistan have remained shut since October last year, halting bilateral trade between two nations. The border closures came after clashes erupted between Pakistani forces and the Taliban that lasted for eight days. The border crossings have not reopened despite several rounds of talks held between officials of Afghanistan and Pakistan, aimed at easing tensions.

Taliban has urged traders and pharmaceutical importers to take up alternative trade routes and diversify supply sources to avert shortages in local markets, Khaama Press reported. Taliban officials stressed the need to reduce reliance on a single transit corridor and urged businesses to consider regional partnerships to continue stable supplies of essential goods.

Earlier in January, local media reported that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan witnessed a 53.02 per cent decline in revenue due to the continued closure and suspension of trade at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border since October last year, resulting in provincial government seeking intervention from the federal government, local media reported.

The Pakistan-Afghanistan border closure has caused revenue losses for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as the collection of Infrastructure Development Cess (IDC) reduced to Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 3.48 billion from PKR 7.42 billion during the first seven months of the current fiscal year over the corresponding period of 2025, Pakistan's leading daily Dawn reported.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister's financial adviser, Muzammil Aslam, wrote a letter to Pakistan's Commerce Minister Jam Kamal, requesting an urgent meeting of provincial and federal stakeholders. Aslam stated that prolonged border disruption was causing serious revenue, economic, and employment consequences for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He stated that initial disruption in cess collection was caused due to court stay order, which was resolved in November.

Recovery efforts were made, however, those efforts did not produce results as cross-border trade remained suspended. He said that exporters and traders were facing difficulty as their consignments and payments are stuck across the border and mentioned that many businesses were not able to meet their statutory cess obligations due to the trade suspension between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Patna, Feb 25 : In a significant ruling related to employee absorption following the takeover of educational institutions, the Patna High Court on Wednesday clarified that the services of employees working at the time of school takeover cannot be denied merely on the ground that their posts were not formally sanctioned or included in the approved list of positions.

The High Court directed the regularisation of service and payment of all pending dues to the petitioner, observing that eligible employees cannot be deprived of their lawful service benefits after long years of continuous employment.

A single bench of Justice Ajit Kumar, while allowing the writ petition filed by Sunil Kumar, held that the intent and legislative objective of the Bihar Non-Government Secondary Schools (Taking Over of Management and Control) Act, 1981, is clear and unambiguous, and that employees who were working on the date of takeover are deemed to have been absorbed into government service by operation of law.

Counsel for the petitioner, advocate Lalan Kumar, argued before the Court that Sunil Kumar was duly appointed as a clerk-cum-librarian in 1982 and had been continuously discharging his duties without interruption when the school was taken over by the State government on March 31, 1991.

He further submitted that an inspection report dated March 15, 1997, had officially confirmed the petitioneras service status, and that several similarly placed employees had already been granted regularisation and service benefits by the State authorities.

Denying the same benefit to the petitioner, the counsel argued, amounted to arbitrary discrimination and violated the constitutional guarantee of equality under Article 14 of the Constitution of India.

Appearing on behalf of the State government, Prabhakar Jha (GP-27) contended that the petitioneras post was not part of the formally approved list of sanctioned posts and further argued that the appointment had allegedly been made during a period when a government ban on such appointments was in force.

However, the Court rejected the Stateas argument, terming it a mere technical objection, and observed that after allowing an employee to serve continuously for decades, the State cannot deny legitimate service rights and benefits on technical or procedural grounds.

The High Court accordingly directed the State authorities to pay arrears of salary and retirement benefits to the petitioner up to October 29, 2012, and ordered that the entire exercise be completed within a period of three months from the date of receipt of the Courtas order.

In another important and separate judgment delivered on the same day, the Patna High Court made strong observations regarding the conduct and fairness of departmental inquiries and ordered the reinstatement of a dismissed government clerk.

A single bench of Justice Vivek Chaudhary passed the order while hearing Civil Writ Jurisdiction Case No. 1051 of 2025, filed by Pradeep Kumar Pandit, who was working as an additional clerk in the Goghri subdivision office in Khagaria district.

The petitioner had been dismissed from service in 2015 following departmental proceedings initiated in connection with an alleged bribery case registered as Vigilance Police Station Case No. 33/2014.

However, the petitioner was acquitted in the criminal case on September 4, 2025, after the competent court found insufficient evidence to sustain the charges against him.

Advocate Rajiv Nayan, appearing on behalf of the petitioner, argued that no witnesses were examined during the departmental inquiry proceedings and that the charges levelled against the petitioner were never established through legally admissible evidence.

He further submitted that the dismissal order was passed solely on the basis of registration of an FIR and the petitioneras arrest, which cannot be treated as proof of guilt under established principles of service law.

The High Court reiterated that although departmental proceedings operate on the principle of preponderance of probabilities rather than proof beyond reasonable doubt, such proceedings must still be supported by some minimum level of credible evidence and proper examination of witnesses.

Drawing conclusions without examining witnesses or producing supporting evidence, the Court observed, amounts to a violation of the principles of natural justice and cannot be sustained in law.

Accordingly, the High Court quashed the dismissal order passed against the petitioner and directed that if the petitioner has not yet attained the age of superannuation, he must be reinstated in service within a period of three months.

The Court further directed that the petitioner shall be entitled to full pay, continuity of service, and all consequential benefits arising from reinstatement in accordance with applicable service rules.
Guwahati, Feb 25 : Under Mission AIDS Suraksha, India aims to achieve HIV control by December 1, 2027, the Director General of the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), Rakesh Gupta, said here on Wednesday. a

Addressing the inaugural session of the three-day review meeting of the Northeastern states on the implementation of the National AIDS and STI Control Programme (National AIDS and STI Control Programme) in Guwahati, Gupta emphasised that the Northeastern region remains a priority in the national HIV response, with 60 of the countryas 219 high-priority districts located in the region, excluding Sikkim. a

He said that the Guwahati workshop marks the beginning of an intensive, region-focused review and action-planning exercise to accelerate progress in high-priority districts across the Northeast. a

Gupta, who is also the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), said the meeting aims to strengthen district-level planning and implementation strategies to fast-track achievement of national HIV control targets. a

The state of Meghalaya is actively participating in the review, with focused deliberations on accelerating progress in its identified high-priority districts - East Jaintia Hills, East Khasi Hills, Ri Bhoi and West Jaintia Hills. a

As part of intensified national efforts, eleven regional workshops titled aSuraksha Sankalp Karyashalaa are being organised across the country during February-March 2026, covering all 219 high-priority districts. a

The Guwahati workshop marks the first in the series and covers 60 identified high-priority districts across the seven Northeastern states: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. a

During the three-day meeting, district-level representatives are deliberating on customised strategies to enable their districts to achieve Surakshit Plus status by meeting the global 95-95-99 targets. a

These targets ensure that 95 per cent of all people living with HIV know their HIV status, 95 per cent of those diagnosed receive sustained antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 99 per cent of those on treatment achieve viral suppression. a

The meeting is undertaking a comprehensive review of NACP implementation across the Northeastern region, with a particular focus on strengthening district-level ownership, assessing micro-level performance indicators, identifying implementation gaps, and developing corrective action plans aligned with local epidemiological trends. a

Senior officials, including Project Directors of the State AIDS Control Societies and programme leaders from across the region, are participating in the review. The meeting is being conducted in three batches to facilitate focused, state-specific deliberations. a

The deliberations are expected to culminate in clear, actionable roadmaps tailored to each state's epidemiological profile, reinforcing the government of Indiaas sustained commitment to ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat and advancing the objectives of Mission AIDS Suraksha.

a--IANS

sc/dan
Tel Aviv, Feb 25 : Highlighting that India has also endured the pain of terrorism for a long time, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the country stands firmly with Israel with full conviction in the fight against the global menace.

"I also carry with me the deepest condolences of the people of India for every life lost and for every family whose world was shattered in the barbaric terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7. We feel your pain. We share your grief. India stands with Israel firmly, with full conviction in this moment and beyond. No cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism. India has also endured the pain of terrorism for a long time," PM Modi said

during his historic address at the Israeli Parliament, Knesset - the first-ever by an Indian PM.

In his landmark speech, which received a huge applause by the Israeli parliamentarians on a number of occasions, PM Modi said that the Gaza Peace Initiative endorsed by the UN Security Council offers a pathway.

"It is important to sustain hope. The Gaza Peace Initiative, which was endorsed by the UN Security Council, offers a pathway. India has expressed its firm support for the initiative. We believe that it holds the promise of a just and durable peace for all the people in the region, including by addressing the Palestine issue. Let all our efforts be guided by wisdom, courage, and humanity," he said.

Prime Minister Modi said that he was very happy to be in Israel again, returning to the land to which he has always felt drawn.

"I bring with me the greetings of 1.4 billion Indians and a message of friendship, respect and partnership," said PM Modi spotlighting that he was born on the same day that India formally recognised Israel a" September 17, 1950.

In his address at the Knesset, PM Modi also labelled the Holocaust as one of humanityas darkest chapters.

"Yet, even in those turbulent years, some acts of humanity stood out... The Maharaja of Nawanagar in Gujarat, also known as the Jam Saheb, offered refuge to Polish children, including Jewish children, who had nowhere else to turn," he stated.

In his address at the special plenary session of the Israeli Parliament, PM Modi also mentioned that Jewish communities have lived in India without fear of persecution or discrimination.

"They have preserved their faith and participated fully in society," he said.

Earlier, the Knesset gave a rousing welcome to PM Modi as the members stood clapping and the entire hall reverberated with chants of "Modi, Modi".

"Mr. Prime Minister, Jerusalem me aapka swagat hai, Knesset me aapka swagat hai (Welcome to Jerusalem, Welcome to the Knesset)," Speaker Amir Ohana said in Hindi while welcoming PM Modi to the Israeli Parliament.

He also called PM Modi as the "defining statesmen of our times".
Agartala, Feb 25 : Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Wednesday said that Tripura has witnessed a significant decline in the overall crime rate in 2025, with a reduction of 8.20 per cent compared to the previous year.

Addressing the Tripura Police Week function at Arundhuti Nagar on the outskirts of the city, the Chief Minister said the state government would increasingly use modern technology to strengthen law enforcement and intensify cannabis destruction drives.

Saha said Police Week is observed every year to recognise the service, dedication and sacrifices of police personnel, many of whom have laid down their lives in the line of duty.

"This service is a service of sacrifice. Because of your dedication, people feel secure. The law and order situation in Tripura has improved significantly due to the tireless efforts of the Tripura Police. I congratulate all of you on this achievement," he said.

Highlighting the legacy of the force, the Chief Minister said Tripura Police has completed 150 years of service and is among the oldest police forces in the country. He noted that the force received the President's Colour on January 12, 2012.

"Criminals are constantly changing their methods by using new technologies. We must also adapt and upgrade our skills. Files have already been initiated to provide advanced training to meet these emerging challenges, and the government will extend all necessary support," he added.

Saha, who also holds the Home portfolio, said 3,698 cases were registered in 2025 compared to 4,033 cases in 2024. Property-related offences declined by around 16 per cent, while crimes against the body fell by nearly 14.54 per cent. He said crimes against women declined by 8.1 per cent in 2025, adding that special emphasis is being laid on women's safety.

"A round-the-clock women's help desk has been set up in every police station, and all-women police stations are operational in every district, totalling nine across the state," he said. The Chief Minister also spoke about traffic safety measures, stating that a Zero Accident Programme has been launched.

"Sixteen black spots and 84 accident-prone zones have been identified. Interceptor vehicles have been deployed in all districts. Road accidents declined by 8.82 per cent in 2025, while fatalities dropped by 13 per cent," he said.

On the fight against drugs, Saha reiterated the government's zero-tolerance policy. NDPS cases increased in 2025 due to intensified enforcement, along with a sharp rise in seizures and destruction of narcotics.

"There has been a 94.71 per cent increase in cannabis plant destruction and a 92.70 per cent rise in seizure and destruction, with drugs worth Rs 1,641.89 crore eliminated. We are exploring greater use of technology to further boost these drives," he said.

Referring to border security, the Chief Minister said Tripura Police is acting as the second line of defence. "In 2025, 576 illegal infiltrators and 102 touts were arrested," he added.

Saha also announced that the cyber police station will be modernised to tackle cybercrime. He further informed that 953 constables have already been recruited, including 318 women.

"The recruitment process for 916 more constables will begin soon, and approval has been given for the recruitment of 218 Sub-Inspectors," he said.

Senior police and civil administration officials were present at the event.
Rajkot, Feb 25 : The Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) has removed 1,489 illegal encroachments in the Jangleshwar area, clearing 88,750 square metres of land along a town planning road and the Aji riverbank, officials said on Wednesday.

The demolition drive was carried out on February 23 and 24 under Town Planning Scheme No. 6, covering the 15-metre T.P. Road from Bapunagar to Nadodanagar and the Aji riverbed area.

Of the total land cleared, 33,750 sq m falls within the T.P. Road alignment and 55,000 sq m along the riverbank.

The estimated value of the land made encroachment-free is over Rs 350 crore. Municipal Commissioner Tushar Sumera said notices under Section 260(1) of the GPMC Act, 1949, were issued to all encroachers, and repeated personal communication was undertaken locally.

"As no action was taken by the occupants, orders under Section 260(2) were issued to demolish the illegal constructions," he said.

According to civic data, 497 encroachments were removed from the T.P. Road and 992 from the riverbank.

The drive involved 1,512 officers and staff from various RMC departments, supported by vigilance teams and city police to maintain law and order.

A total of 261 machines were deployed, accounting for 33,264 human work hours and 5,742 machine hours.

Debris removal at the site is underway. Sumera said the stretch had posed serious challenges during the monsoon because the Aji and Khokhadadi rivers converge there.

"The 15-metre T.P. Road, where even ambulances, fire and police vehicles could not pass, has now been cleared," he said.

He added that flood control would now be easier, and access for emergency services would be improved.

Referring to past flooding, he said that in 2024, more than 1,378 people were shifted to safer places, including 370 rescues, and that in earlier instances, even rescue officials had to be assisted by NDRF teams.

Providing a breakdown of structures removed, Sumera said 800 houses measuring between 50 and 100 square yards and 150 houses measuring more than 100 square yards were demolished.

Around 200 houses were found to be of similar elevation and modern type.

He said 750 houses were estimated to be worth more than Rs five lakh, and approximately 250 were valued between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 20 lakh.

He also noted that rooms had been constructed and rented out in the area.

On rehabilitation, Sumera said the corporation has so far allotted 36,561 houses across Rajkot, including 813 to residents from Jangleshwar.

"Houses similar to most of those in Jangleshwar are being provided by us at even Rs two lakh," he said, adding that 30,000 new houses would be built in the city over the next five years.

DCP Hetal Patel said police coordination with the civic body was in place from the outset.

"The target was to carry out demolition without confrontation, through public meetings, peace committees and mohalla committees," she said.

She added that a larger number of women police personnel were deployed and that flag marches were conducted as per the instructions of the Police Commissioner to prevent any untoward incident.

Patel said PGVCL employees had previously been unable to enter parts of the area.

"Our objective was also to ensure that no one's sentiments were hurt," she said.

She further stated that some rooms were occupied by anti-social elements and that a gang arrested by the Crime Branch had used Jangleshwar as a hideout.

"Rooms were rented out by the accused to run rackets. The entire chain of lending the rental income on interest will now be broken," she said, adding that the operation was conducted in a manner that avoided any religious or regional tension.
Kolkata, Feb 25 : : Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, on Wednesday approached the Calcutta High Court raising serious concerns regarding his personal security and alleging lack of adequate vigilance and protection by the state police authorities.

His counsel mentioned the matter before a division bench comprising Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen, drawing the courtas attention to the alleged failure of the state police to ensure proper security arrangements for the Leader of the Opposition despite prevailing threats and recent incidents.

Subsequently, the counsel formally filed a petition before the division bench seeking appropriate directions from the High Court regarding security arrangements and protection for Suvendu Adhikari.

The move from Adhikari came a day after he faced protests outside the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, in Kolkata, where a section of booth-level officers (BLOs), reportedly backed by the Trinamool Congress, staged demonstrations against him.

During the protest, shoes were allegedly thrown at Adhikari in the presence of police personnel, who, according to his counsel, failed to take effective steps to control the situation or prevent the incident.

It has also been alleged in the petition that the police did not initiate prompt action despite the Leader of the Opposition being subjected to protests and heckling in front of the CEOas office premises.

The division bench permitted the filing of the petition and agreed to consider the matter, which is likely to come up for hearing later this week.

On Tuesday, tension erupted outside the office of the Chief Electoral Officer in central Kolkata when protesting booth-level officers gathered at the location during Adhikarias visit to submit a deputation.

Following the incident, Adhikari made strong remarks criticising the protesting BLOs and expressed his displeasure over the conduct of those involved in the demonstration.

It may be recalled that a public interest litigation (PIL) concerning the security of the Leader of the Opposition is already pending before the bench of the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court.

The PIL has sought directions to ensure that political workers and supporters do not come close to the Leader of the Opposition during public programmes or official engagements in order to prevent security breaches.

In addition to the pending PIL, the fresh petition filed by Adhikari raises specific concerns regarding the recent protest incident and alleged lapses in security arrangements.

Earlier, Adhikari had also approached the Calcutta High Court after his convoy was allegedly attacked by miscreants in Chandrakona in West Midnapore district.

In that matter, Adhikari informed the Court that instead of taking action against the attackers, the police had registered a case against him.

Subsequently, Justice Suvra Ghosh had passed an interim order restraining the authorities from taking any coercive action against the Leader of the Opposition in connection with that case.
Sabarkantha, Feb 25 : A district-level nutrition initiative in Gujarat's Sabarkantha district has reported improvements in maternal health and birth weights after a year of targeted support for underweight pregnant women.

The "Lalan Palan" project was launched by the Sabarkantha District Panchayat in coordination with the Health Department as part of the Gujarat government's efforts to address malnutrition.

The scheme provides free nutritional kits every two weeks to pregnant women weighing less than 42 kg.

Health officials said assessments in the district found that a number of expectant mothers had haemoglobin levels below six and were deficient in iron and iodine.

Poor maternal nutrition was linked to low birth weight, malnourished infants, and, in some instances, maternal deaths during childbirth.

Under the project, eligible women receive a kit at their homes containing chickpeas, dates, protein powder, and iron syrup.

According to officials, more than 2,200 women have benefited since the scheme was introduced a year ago. The district has spent Rs 14 lakh on the initiative, and support from a private company has helped implement it.

Dr Harshad Vora, District Health Officer of Sabarkantha, said the project was designed to help reduce the maternal mortality rate.

"There are several expecting mothers in Sabarkantha district whose haemoglobin is less than six. With the help of the Health Department, we provide these women with multivitamins, coconut, iron syrup, jaggery, and peanuts," he said.

He added that babies born under the scheme over the past year have weighed more than 2.5 kg.

"Malnutrition does not mean lack of food, but improper eating habits. Many children do not consume enough nutritious food, which leads to malnutrition," he said.

Happyben Parmar, a health worker in the Chapariya area of Himmatnagar, said she supervises 70 to 80 antenatal cases, six of whom are covered under the scheme.

"Women below 42 kg receive a care kit which includes dates, chickpeas, iron syrup, and protein powder. They take two spoons of protein powder and 7.5 ml of iron syrup regularly. If they feel hungry, they eat dates and chickpeas," she said.

She added that beneficiaries had shown improvements in weight, strength, and haemoglobin levels.

Aartiben Makwana, a seven-month pregnant resident of Chapariya, said the assistance had helped improve her health.

"I received a kit with iron syrup, protein powder, chickpeas, and dates. My weight has increased from 42 kg to 55 kg," she said.

Officials said a related initiative aimed at addressing malnutrition among adolescent girls had been introduced earlier as a preventive measure.

They added that the results of the Lalan Palan project indicate that sustained nutritional support can improve maternal health and healthier birth outcomes.
Agartala, Feb 25 : Chief Minister Manik Saha on Wednesday said that his Haryana counterpart Nayab Singh Saini has assured him of ensuring justice in connection with the alleged brutal assault of a student from Tripura in Gurugram.

The victim, a 19-year-old student pursuing biotechnology in Gurugram, was allegedly subjected to severe physical torture by her live-in partner, triggering widespread outrage across Tripura and other Northeastern states.

The incident came to light last week when the victim made a distress call to her mother, alleging that her live-in partner, identified as Shivam, had been assaulting her continuously for three days after confining her in a room.

Chief Minister Saha said in a post on his X handle: "Today, I spoke with the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Haryana, Shri Nayab Singh Saini Ji, regarding the Gurgaon student victim. The Hon'ble Chief Minister assured me that he will look into the matter personally and take all necessary steps to ensure justice for the victim."

"I also spoke with the victim's mother and assured her of all possible support from the Tripura government. Further, I have directed the Chief Resident Commissioner, Tripura Bhawan, Delhi, to remain by the victim family's side and provide all necessary assistance," the Chief Minister said.

At his request, Tripura Social Welfare Minister Tinku Roy visited the hospital to assess the situation and extend support to the victim.

The Chief Minister also said that he has communicated with the office of the Union Health Minister to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the victim.

According to the victim's mother, the accused became acquainted with her daughter through online chatting a few months ago and promised to marry her. She alleged that before the incident, the accused confined her daughter in a room for three days and subjected her to inhuman torture, including forcing her to drink urine.

The accused, Shivam (19), a resident of Delhi's Narela area, was arrested on February 19 after an FIR was registered against him at the Badshahpur police station in Gurugram.

Recounting the ordeal, the victim's mother told the media and police that her daughter had called her in distress, saying: "I do not have time, I will be murdered Shivam has been beating me continuously and burning me for the last three days. He will kill me today."

The mother further alleged that the accused burned her daughter's private parts using sanitiser and stabbed her multiple times. She said that she immediately approached the Gurugram Police, who promptly rescued her daughter and admitted her to the hospital.

"My daughter is a very good student and has gone to Gurugram only for her studies. Shivam somehow lured her into a trap through online chatting. Her condition became critical due to the inhuman torture," the victim's mother said, demanding exemplary punishment for the accused.

Earlier, police said that the accused had allegedly established physical relations with the woman on the pretext of marriage. The Gurugram Police said they are closely monitoring the case. Charges of rape and assault have been added to the FIR, and the accused has been sent to judicial custody.

Further investigation is underway.

The victim was initially admitted to AIIMS-Delhi and is currently undergoing treatment at Safdarjung Hospital in the national capital, the police said.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Washington, Feb 25 : The US has imposed sanctions on more than 30 individuals, companies, and vessels linked to Iran's oil trade and weapons programmes.a Washington, Feb 25 (IANS) The US has imposed sanctions on more than 30 individuals, companies, and vessels linked to Iran's oil trade and weapons programmes.

The Treasury Department on Wednesday said the action targets Iran's so-called shadow fleet and networks supplying ballistic missile and advanced conventional weapons programmes.

"Iran exploits financial systems to sell illicit oil, launder the proceeds, procure components for its nuclear and conventional weapons programs, and support its terrorist proxies," Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent said.

"Under President Trump's strong leadership, Treasury will continue to put maximum pressure on Iran to target the regime's weapons capabilities and support for terrorism, which it has prioritized over the lives of the Iranian people," he added.

Treasury said 12 vessels and their owners or operators were sanctioned. The ships allegedly transported hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products.

Some vessels carried liquified petroleum gas to Bangladesh and Pakistan. Others shipped high-sulphur fuel oil, condensate, naphtha, and grey ammonia to East Asia and other regions.

The Panama-flagged HOOT transported Iranian LPG to Bangladesh in 2025. The Vanuatu-flagged LUMA carried LPG to end users in Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Other vessels named include OCEAN KOI, NORTH STAR, FELICITA, NIBA, REMIZ, DANUTA I, ALAA, and GAS FATE. Treasury said it moved millions of barrels of Iranian oil and related products over the past few years.

Several companies based in Panama, the Marshall Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Liberia, and Iran were also designated. Treasury said they operated in Iran's petroleum and petrochemical sectors.

Treasury said the action is part of its campaign of "maximum economic pressure" on Iran. In 2025, OFAC sanctioned more than 875 persons, vessels, and aircraft under this campaign.

The department also targeted nine individuals and entities in Iran, Turkiye, and the United Arab Emirates. They were accused of helping Iran procure chemicals and machinery for missile and UAV programmes.

Turkiye-based firms were said to have acted as financial intermediaries for an Iran-based company that produces engines for Shahed-131 and Shahed-136 drones.

Two companies were designated to support Marco Klinge. He was previously sanctioned for helping procure sodium perchlorate for Iran's Parchin Chemical Industries.

Four Iran-based individuals linked to Qods Aviation Industries were also designated. Treasury said the company designs and manufactures Mohajer-series UAVs.

All property of the designated persons in the United States is blocked. US persons are generally barred from dealing with them unless authorised to do so.

Treasury warned that foreign financial institutions could face secondary sanctions if they conduct significant transactions for the designated persons.

The United States has long used sanctions to pressure Iran over its oil exports, missile activities, and nuclear commitments. 

The latest action follows the reimposition of UN sanctions in September 2025 over Iran's failure to fulfill its nuclear obligations.
HARARE, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe's profile in global tourism governance is set to rise as the country is expected to host major United Nations (UN) tourism events this year, the country's Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Zhemu Soda has said.

Speaking at a post-cabinet media briefing on Tuesday in Harare, Soda said the events will include the 23rd Meeting of the UN Tourism Committee on Tourism and Sustainability, the second UN Tourism Regional Congress on Women Empowerment in Tourism in Africa, and a UN workshop on tourism capacity-building.

"Hosting these meetings represents a strategic milestone for Zimbabwe in the journey toward hosting UN Tourism's International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism in 2027, an honour that underscores the country's political and diplomatic profile within the global tourism governance space," said the minister.

The participation of global tourism leaders, policymakers, development partners, sustainability experts and academia will reinforce Zimbabwe's commitment to sustainable and resilient tourism development practices, he added.

Zimbabwe is home to world-renowned attractions, including the iconic Victoria Falls and the ancient ruins of Great Zimbabwe. The tourism industry serves as a key pillar of the country's economy. 
Jaipur, Feb 25 : Rajasthan-based non-governmental organisation (NGO) Sambhali Trust has urged the international community to move beyond symbolic commitments and ensure that human rights are fully integrated as a core and actionable principle in governance, policymaking, and development processes worldwide.

Addressing the Annual High-Level Panel Discussion on Human Rights Mainstreaming during the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Hansraj Singh, representing Sambhali Trust, emphasised that human rights must be transformed from theoretical commitments into practical and operational priorities across policies, institutions, and implementation frameworks at national and international levels.

"Human rights mainstreaming must not remain a theoretical commitment but should function as a cross-cutting principle integrated into policies, institutions, and implementation frameworks," Singh said while presenting the organisation's perspective at the global forum.

The 61st session of the UNHRC is currently being held in Geneva from February 23 to March 31, 2026, bringing together representatives from member states, civil society organisations, and international bodies to deliberate on pressing human rights issues.

During his intervention, Singh highlighted India's constitutional safeguards, progressive legislative framework, and various welfare schemes as important examples of efforts to integrate human rights principles into national governance and development initiatives.

Among the key initiatives cited were Mission Vatsalya, which focuses on child protection, care, and holistic development with emphasis on family-based care and support systems for vulnerable children.

He also referred to POSHAN Abhiyaan, India's flagship National Nutrition Mission, which aims to improve nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and adolescent girls across the country.

Singh further highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, a major housing initiative designed to provide affordable housing to economically weaker sections, thereby promoting dignity, security, and improved living conditions.

He also emphasised the importance of Digital India programmes aimed at bridging the digital divide and enhancing access to essential services.

These initiatives include PMGDISHA (Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan), which promotes digital literacy in rural households, BharatNet, which aims to expand high-speed broadband connectivity in rural areas, Aadhaar, the world's largest biometric digital identity system enabling access to government services, and DIKSHA, a national digital learning platform delivering educational resources across the country.

Singh noted that such programmes reflect deliberate and sustained efforts to integrate principles of dignity, equality, and justice into India's development agenda, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Sambhali Trust's participation in the UNHRC session reflects the growing contribution of civil society organisations from the Global South in shaping global human rights discourse and policy engagement.

By bringing grassroots perspectives and field-level experiences to the international platform, the organisation contributed meaningfully to discussions on making human rights a lived and actionable reality rather than an abstract or symbolic principle.

The 61st UNHRC session is currently deliberating on several key issues, including the protection of human rights defenders, economic, social, and cultural rights, strengthening international cooperation, and reinforcing the global human rights architecture.

Experts noted that inputs from grassroots organisations such as Sambhali Trust help enrich UNHRC discussions by demonstrating how local initiatives and community-level interventions can inform global human rights policy frameworks and implementation strategies.

Their intervention underscored the importance of translating human rights commitments into tangible action at community, national, and international levels.

The session will continue in Geneva with further deliberations, panel discussions, adoption of resolutions, and policy outcomes expected in the coming weeks.
This is Part II of understanding the modern Middle East. Part I can be found here.

Hamass inhuman October 7, 2023 attacks on Israeli civilians led to an Israeli recalibration and response. For the first time in its history, Israel positioned itself as the champion of the regions minorities and as the valued ally of the regions nationalists. It didnt take long for Druze, Kurds, and (more tentatively) Christians to rethink their own futures in light of the Israeli offeror the Somalilanders to seize it with gusto. Meanwhile, the UAE and Bahrainand further afield, Azerbaijan, Morrocco, Kazakhstan, and certain Sudanese factionssaw it as an opportunity to promote a deradicalized Sunni Islam, shorn of the need for empires and the bloodshed they always engender.

The new strategic reality that the October 7 attacks ushered into the region reverberated. Qatar, which had long ago recognized that a small, rich state cannot win a kinetic war against any of its neighbors, began to deploy its brilliant, innovative information-warfare doctrines and assets. Allied with the Muslim Brotherhoodthe preeminent organization founded in direct response to the abolition of the Caliphate, with the sole objective of its restorationand centered on Western universities, media, and Arab/Islamic institutions, Qatari-funded propagandists inverted the stories. A solid current of Western thoughtcutting across multiple political parties, movements, and alliancesnow sees the imperial drive as anti-imperialist and the various movements for minority self-determination as colonial.

Israels weakening of Hezbollah, and thus Irans power-projection capabilities, emboldened Turkeys Erdogan to push forward with his self-proclaimed Neo-Ottoman project. Again working with the Muslim Brotherhood and its more violent offshoots, Turkish allies toppled Syrias Assad, reclaiming that Sunni-majority country after five decades of minority Alawite rule. Since then, the new Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaaformerly known as the Islamist terror leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolanihas moved to consolidate power, often with brutal attacks against the countrys non-Sunni or non-Arab minorities.

Finally, the Israeli/American multi-front weakening of Iranand the possible imminent collapse of the Islamic Republicremoved the only movement seeking to restore imperial rule beneath a leadership other than the Sunnis. Its elimination as a power player has upended all prior calculations.

All of which brings us up to date with minimal reference to the significant American role in shaping these events. Though American boots on the ground have been minimized since the Obama Administrations withdrawal from Iraq, American influence has remained enormous. Unfortunately, given both the partisan swings from Obama to Trump I to Biden to Trump II and the competing ideological camps within each of those administrations, both Americas actual positioning and the messages it broadcasts have been unclear.

Dominant forces within the Obama and Biden administrations, and minority voices during both of Trumps, have favored imperial claimswhether emanating from Iran, Turkey, the Muslim Brotherhood, or other Arab sourcesas the best way to preserve the status quo and the existing regional order. Majority voices during both of Trumps terms, and a dwindling-but-still-present minority bloc inside and around the Obama and Biden Administrations, have favored preserving Israel, protecting minorities, weakening Iran, and elevating Arab states above imperial goals.

These internal American conflicts stem from both ideological and transactional sources. Large parts of the American left and small parts of the American rightfor different reasons and following different pathsresonate to the imperial claims of justice and ability to secure order. Most of the American right and center-left view minority rights far more favorably and see the regions minorities and nationalists as far more likely and reliable allies. Few Americans of any stripe, however, are yet comfortable championing the redrawing of national borders and the population movements necessary to make true minority protection and self-determination a reality.

The transactional calculus is even easier: The imperial players have much to offer in the short-termcash, investment, tactical cooperation, and reduced terrorism are all excellent inducements for politicians seeking re-election as well as those looking for a post-politics sinecure. That a resurgent Islamic empire would certainly become a long-term threat to American security may raise the price theyre willing to accept, but thats the nature of transactional politics.

The players within the region all hear the mixed signals. Long-term consequences could prove catastrophic. The best interests of the regions people require a full and final dismemberment of the Ottoman Empire. A strong and integrated Israel is the only way to safeguard the futures of independent (or at the very least autonomous) Druze, Kurdish, Christian, Somalilander, and perhaps other ethnic homelands. A surge of national identityfollowing the models of the UAE, Azerbaijan, and Morroccoare necessary to stabilize a post-imperial, deradicalized, Sunni world. The current threats to both regional flourishing and American interests are the remnants of Khomeinism, the Muslim Brotherhood, and its national champions in Qatar, Turkey, and (now) Syria.

By all indications, our lack of clarity is already working to the severe detriment of our long-term interests. Saudi Arabia, which had been veering towards deradicalization and national interests appears to have reconsidered. As the keeper of the Holy Cities and proud Sunni Arab leader, Mohammed bin Salman cannot let Erdogans Istanbulthe imperial capital and seat of the Caliphate for 450 yearsreclaim its leadership role. If imperialism is allowed to persist, and with Shiite imperialism all but vanquished, the Saudi royals must seek leadership of the newly empowered imperial movement. Meanwhile, the Free Palestine movement surges, maintaining its toehold in Gaza, Judea, and Samaria, while poisoning Western institutions and countries.

The final year of the first Trump Administration and the first year of the second Trump administration, combined with Iranian miscalculation and Israeli prowess, have created an opening for a truly new, truly positive Middle East. Dominant parts of our current foreign policy team deserve tremendous credit for forging historys most pro-American, pro-development, pro-human Middle East policy. Their work, however, is far from done. There are forces in our own countryand even within the Administrationseeking to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

For the sake of all decent people living in the Middle Eastas well as long-term American intereststhe Trump team must inject clarity. It must drop its insistence on preserving national boundaries, on keeping the Palestinian movement alive, and on opposing the consolidation of ethnic populations. Promote Zionism as the model that the regions other minorities should follow. Free the brave Iranian people from radical, totalitarian Khomeinism. Champion independence for Druze and Kurds. Consolidate Christian populations to strengthen Lebanon. Integrate Sunni Arab refugees within the Sunni Arab world. For the first time in over a century, all such options are on the tableand all can be achieved without a sizable American footprint.
The story of the MP5 is a wild tale of globe-trotting Nazi scientists, South American battle rifles, and the rapid rearming of Germany in the face of nuclear annihilation. But despite the complexities of its development and inception, the entire system hinges on an accidental discovery and an elementary ancient object: wheels.

How did the simple wheel lead to the development of the gold standard of submachine guns? Furthermore, what makes the MP5 so damn good, and can it actually compete with modern designs? Rest easy, my philomathic friend, by the end of this article, youll know all these things and be able to both annoy your wife and impress your friends with your seemingly endless knowledge of German gats.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ROLLER-DELAYED AND ROLLER-LOCKED

The mighty wheel was integral to the design of the most infamous machine gun of the Second World War: the MG-42. But interestingly, this wasnt a roller-delayed gun, but a roller-locked one. The academic difference between the two stems from the bearing surfaces that the small wheels or rollers on the bolts side use to either lock the action or delay its rearward travel.

If this seems like a purely semantic distinction, thats not totally wrong, but the mechanical differences do translate to practical advantages. On a roller-locked system, the rollers create a true mechanical lock between the bolt and barrel extension. Then, the barrel and bolt carrier move rearward together a short distance to unlock and then cycle the action. In other words, a locked-breech design that uses recoil energy.

Early MP5s came with straight mags like this one, which worked great when feeding ball ammo. When police departments started adopting the Teutonic subgun, they hit problems with hollow points, hence the curved mags seen since the 80s.

On the roller-delayed blowback system, the barrel is fixed, and the rollers essentially gear down the energy of the bolts inertial energy, which then allows internal pressures to drop sufficiently before extraction.

ROLLER-DELAYED ORIGINS

We mention this because roller-locked firearms directly lead to the development of roller-delayed ones. Mauser engineers in WWII were looking at ways to improve the G43 rifle when they realized its bolt would occasionally bounce during automatic fire, causing it to unlock the breech before it was fully locked. (Basically, slamming home in battery, but bouncing back just far enough to be just out of battery.)

Mauser-employed physicist Dr. Karl Maier realized that this roller-delayed (instead of locked) system could be employed in new guns without the weight complexity of the roller-locked gas system design. The first design out of Mauser to employ this new method of operation was the StG 45(M) developed by Ludwig Vorgrimler.

The StG 45(M) looks very similar to the famous long-stroke piston-driven Sturmgewehr or StG 44, but features a cylindrical handguard that houses the roller-delayed system. The gun would become the progenitor of the Heckler & Koch G3 family of firearms, but first, it needed to overcome some teething issues halfway around the globe.

Only a handful of these guns were actually built by wars end, and they needed vastly more prototyping and refining before being ready for combat use. Interestingly, this gun (and all of HKs military arms) might have died with the Third Reich if not for France.

French troops occupied Mauser-Werke in Oberndorf in April of 1945, and with the assistance of the French military intelligence agency, SDECE (Service de Documentation Exterieure et de Contre-Espionnage (External Documentation and Counter-espionage Service)), poached several engineers in a small-scale version of Operation Paperclip.

When it comes to shooting rather than looking cool, a fixed stock is the best stock.

Ludwig Vorgrimler, along with the majority of the STG 45(M) team, were relocated to the French state arsenal at Mulhouse to work at the Centre dEtudes et dArmement de Mulhouse (CEAM) to develop the roller-delayed concept further. The result was the CEAM Modele 1950 carbine chambered in .30 carbine (and later 7.65x35mm).

The French military decided to pass on the new gun, not realizing the potential of an intermediate caliber, select-fire weapon, and in 1950, due to both political and monetary reasons, closed the arsenal. But this was an important step in the development of the system that would one day become the MP5; it proved the validity and viability of the roller-delayed method of operation.

GERMAN-DESIGNED SPANISH CETME GOES BACK TO GERMANY

Around this time, Spain was seeking to modernize its military and small arms industry and had heard of Vorgrimlers designs. So when Vorgrimler found himself without a job, Spain swooped in two months later and recruited him (along with several of his associates) to head a new program to further develop his roller-delayed guns under the CETME or Centro de Estudios Tecnicos de Materiales Especiales program in Madrid.

Along with his colleagues, Vorgrimler developed the CETME Modelo 1958 chambered in 7.92x41mm CETME, though this would later be changed to 7.62x51mm to meet NATO standards, under West German pressure.

The many faces of the MP5. Theres a prize if you can name every accessory here 

The gun was a moderate success, with Spain adopting it in limited numbers, but it wasnt until West Germany held battle rifle trials in 1959 that the G3 rifle we all know and love would come to life. During these trials, the CETME was pitted against a number of 7.62x51mm self-loading rifles, each given a G-number designation. G1 was the FN FAL, G2 the SIG SG510, G4 was the Armalite AR-10, and the now-famous moniker, G3, was given to the modified CETME model 202. After multiple revisions and modifications, the CETME under the G3 name was adopted by West Germany as its new primary infantry rifle.

THE G3 GOES TO NAM!

During early testing of potential replacements for the M14, several designs were pitted against Stoners space-age Armalite chambered in .223 Rem. One of these competing guns was based off the West German G3 battle rifle. The Ordnance Department called it the T223, and instead of 7.62x51mm, the new gun was chambered in .223 Rem, but was mechanically very similar.

Whats really interesting is that Harrington and Richardson, a company that built M1 Garands in WWII and Korea, bought the rights to build the guns stateside for potential adoption by the U.S. Army. And while this never panned out, the Navy SEALs loved the guns. In fact, several saw action in Vietnam where its 40-round magazine, superior durability, and reliability made it a better choice for SEAL and SOG-style close, brutal combat with overwhelming firepower.

Roller delayed guns dont just come in 9mm. The 5.56 AP53 and MKE AP51 in 7.62 NATO were imported as pistols and converted to SBR configuration.

This gun was essentially an HK33, but it had a few unique aspects such as a bolt-release inside the trigger guard, along with a last-round-hold-open feature. If you want to see one, there are only two left in the world  one belongs to Reed Knight and the other resides in the Fort Sheridan Museum.

A 9MM G3 FOR COPS AND COUNTER-TERRORISTS

Around the same time as the HK33s development, H&K was adapting their roller-delayed system to pistol calibers, to produce a new SMG with the same manual of arms as the Bundeswehrs G3 battle rifle.

Originally called the HK54, which designates it as a select-fire carbine chambered in a pistol cartridge, the gun would be adopted by both the Bundesgrenzschutz West German Border Police and the German Bundeswehr special forces as the MP64, with it being redesignated the MP5 shortly thereafter. It was a resounding success, but the MP5 wouldnt enter the public zeitgeist until the 1980 Iranian Embassy Siege.

This was when British SAS operatives utilized MP5s and MP5ks to assault the embassy in Princes Gate, London, while rappelling down the building and breaching windows before neutralizing five terrorists and capturing the sixth.

This incident proved to be the best publicity H&K ever received, because shortly thereafter, multiple American SWAT teams began issuing their officers MP5s. Hollywood, too, was smitten with the new tactical sub-gun, with the MP5 appearing in 28 different American movies and television shows in the 1980s alone.

The prominence of the little German SMG in popular media had a profound effect on gun owners, too. Every kid we knew back in the 90s knew at least four guns by name: the M16, the AK-47, the M60, and the MP5. No one was immune to the propaganda, and we lusted after one for years. When I was finally an adult and could buy my own guns, I was disheartened to find out that semi-auto versions were no longer in production, and pre-ban models were worth the cost of eight WASRs AKs.

GOLDEN AGE OF MP5S

Today, thats not the case. No fewer than four companies either build or import semi-auto MP5 pistols and carbines at prices that are affordable to most shooters. What previously would have cost $2,000 to $3,000 can now be had for a little over a grand. Sure, these Turkish guns might not be quite as nice as the genuine article, but at a fraction of the cost of the old pre-bans, they will last tens of thousands of rounds with regular cleaning and minor maintenance.

WHAT MAKES THE MP5 SO GOOD?

On paper, a 60-year-old design shouldnt be able to hold its own against newer designs, but the MP5s combination of durability, accuracy, and low recoil makes it just as relevant today as ever.

Take a moment to consider the available pistol caliber carbines on the market today. The overwhelming majority of them share two major characteristics. Theyre based on the AR-15, and they function via direct blowback.

The AP53 is just a hair bigger than the MP5, but it sends a rifle bullet downrange. And a big fireball.

The former isnt a bad thing, since the AR-15 is the single most popular (and prolific) centerfire rifle in the United States today, using the form and ergonomics of them on a PCC makes a ton of sense. A shooter doesnt have to learn a new manual of arms.

But the latter, in my not-so-humble opinion, is a little lackluster. Direct blowback is a great method of operation for PCCs and SMGs alike, but it suffers from two major drawbacks. The first is weight. Since the action isnt mechanically locked or delayed, the gun relies on a heavy recoil spring and a heavy bolt (or BCG) to delay the opening of the action until internal pressures drop sufficiently. This translates into a gun that is heavier than it needs to be.

The same heavy bolt also causes the second issue with these guns: recoil. While the recoil of a 9mm blowback AR-15 isnt what anyone would call substantial, it is stouter than it needs to be. For casual plinking or fun at the range, this isnt a big deal. But if youre shooting under the clock, this makes for longer splits and slower recovery from each shots recoil impulse.

The MP5s steel construction makes the gun just as heavy as (if not heavier than) a 9mm AR, but its the roller-delayed operation that makes it shine. The MP5s bolt is lighter, and the recoil impulse less than that of a 9mm AR-15. It doesnt really become apparent until youre trying to either perform double taps on a steel target or running one very fast in full-auto (or with an FRT).

Under these circumstances, the ultra-mild recoil impulse of the MP5 makes it feel as smooth as a sewing machine. I can personally keep every round of a select-fire MP5 on a IPSC target at 40 yards, and Im no John Wick.

Also, the MP5s reliability is incredible. Ive personally seen a German example ran hard at a police training event where it didnt struggle at all. This, despite the gun dumping three, 30-round mags at a time throughout the day. All in all, the gun chugged through 7,500 rounds with no firearm-related malfunctions. (One polymer magazine failed, and we had a handful of bad primers.)

This kind of reliability combined with excellent accuracy, and soft recoil is what continues to make the roller-delayed gun so popular to this day. Its no wonder everyone who can import one is trying to.

But this does have one negative effect  there are dozens of choices for both guns and accessories. But fear not, dear reader, weve spent a ludicrous amount of time and money procuring a metric ton of these to help you separate the groupies from the rock stars. Also note, none of these guns were donated. They were bought with hard-earned cash to keep you from wasting yours. So, without further ado, lets jump into the best roller-delayed guns available today, along with the top upgrades.

BEST ROLLER-DELAYED GUNS OF 2026

Best Budget Battle Rifle Option: Century Arms CA-3

Affordable and roller-delayed seem like a combination only spoken sarcastically, but the new basic-tier G3-style guns imported by Century are a hell of a deal. Built from a combination of Portuguese parts kits and American components by PTR of South Carolina, these guns look like they were just picked up off the battlefield from some war-torn country in Africa.

But looks can be deceiving, and what these guns lack in fancy finish, they make up for in build quality and reliability. If you want a G3 and can spare less than a grand, look no further than the CA-3. Just keep in mind that they lack a recoil lug on the sight base, so youll have to buy a CA-3 specific mount like those from MFI.

Best Hipster MP5: POF SMG-5

Did you know Pakistan builds MP5s? Now you do. The Pakistani military bought the equipment, training, and rights to build G3 rifles back in 1965. They never bought those rights for the MP5 and instead modified the G3 design into their own version: the SMG-5. These guns are compatible with 99 percent of HK MP5-pattern parts but utilize a steel lower receiver like a G3 instead of a polymer one. (Although, you can replace it with a polymer one.)

Why would you want one of these? Two reasons: They look cool as hell, and their reverse-stretch gun is the most affordable way to get an MP5-K by a factor of two.

Best Overall MP5 Clone: MKE MP5

It was a toss-up between these and the new MAC guns, but the inclusion of a chrome-lined barrel and better welds pushed the MKE guns over the finish line. These guns are very similar (and 100 percent compatible) with MP5-pattern parts and accessories.

Both MKE and MAC are able to accept lots of MP5 accessories!

Personally, I have two of these guns each with over 10,000 rounds through them and they still run great. Yes, occasionally a shooter gets a lemon, and Century Arms will replace guns that are faulty. I like buying mine from Atlantic Firearms since they will personally handle any returns or issues a shooter might have normally within 48 hours.

Best MP5 SD Clone: HiTec Arms MP5SD

Unlike the pseudo-SD clones coming out of Turkey, HiTec builds their guns with 100-percent American components (unless you choose to have them modify your Turk gun) and even makes their own SD suppressor.

I paired mine with a McClane Defense FRT, and it has been 100-percent reliable (although a huge PITA to clean). Use 124-grain ammo with this setup to have Hollywood-quiet plinking or the ultimate spooky bugout gun.

Most Fun Gun: MKE AP51

I have shot a ton of short-barreled rifles in my life, but this one is on another level. Based on the FR Ordnance MC51 built for the SAS and SBS, this HK51 clone shoots fireballs like a cracked-out wizard having a Vietnam flashback.

But what would you expect with a .308 SBR sporting an 8.3-inch barrel? Many laud it as just a toy since the round loses so much energy, but keep in mind the muzzle energy of a .308 round from this barrel is still substantially greater than a carbine-length AKM or AR-15 in .300 BLK.

BEST MP5 OPTICS AND MOUNTS

This is going to be somewhat subjective, but Ive put a ton of rounds through these guns, and I own more optics and mounts than I care to admit. Below are my findings.

Best Mounts: Im not going to make a list of these, since there are only three companies that make MP5 optic mounts that I would trust with my life  B&T, HK Parts, and MFI. There are others, but these are rock-solid, and virtually idiot-proof. For Turkish guns, take the included mount and either sell it or toss it in a trash can.

Midwest Industries is another solid option

They dont hold zero, and if you overtorque the mounting screws, they destroy the mount. All three of the aforementioned companies make mounts that have, in my experience, held up to negligent levels of use and abuse. Buy once, cry once.

BEST OPTICS FOR ROLLER-DELAYED GUNS

Now that we have some rock-solid mounts, we need to put an optic on our guns. Since shooter preference and application are big influencing factors here, Ill list a few options and what theyre best used for.

Best Low-Profile Reflex Sight: Trijicon RMR HD

The RMR single-handedly made the concept of a handgun optic a reality for hundreds of thousands of shooters. It wasnt the first pistol optic, but it was the first to keep the overall size of the gun as compact as possible while being nearly as durable as iron sights. The latest iteration of the RMR, the RMR HD, keeps the best parts of the original RMRs design, while improving things like optical clarity, battery accessibility, and distortion.

The RMR HD runs for up to three years on a single CR2032 battery and makes a fantastic addition to smaller roller-delays guns like the MP5K with an elevated mount like the HK Parts Raised Universal Optic Mount.

Best NVG-Friendly Optic: EOTech XPS3

Yes, this a little niche, but once you go NODS, you never go back. The XPS3s large window and multiple night vision brightness settings combined with its relatively high mounting height make it ideal for use with NVGs like a helmet-mounted PVS-14. As a daytime optic, the oversized reticle makes for lightning-fast target acquisition and shooting.

Best .308 Optic: Elcan SpecterDR 1.5-6x

Its old, its heavy, and it can only show either 1.5x or 6x magnification. But the optical clarity of the Elcan is peerless when it comes to variable zoom optics. Ive had this one for roughly 10 years, and it has always held zero, and offered me absurd clarity even in low light. The only downside is the cost  roughly twice what a Turkish MP5 clone runs. But if you can afford it, you wont regret buying one if you need a variable optic built for war, not shooting sports.

Best 5.56mm BDC Optic: Trijicon ACOG 432 BAC

Twenty years after Trijicon unveiled its optics to the world, the ACOG is still the gold standard for optic clarity. The BAC models offer a BDC reticle with a chevron for fast target range-finding, which is incredibly useful for engaging targets at unknown distances. Like the Elcan, the ACOG isnt cheap, but it wasnt designed to be cheap; it was made to be tough and clear.

Are there other options available that would serve a shooter well? Certainly. But these are the ones that I have seen take use and abuse and keep running. Plus, why skimp on attachments when youre already buying a high-end machine? Its like putting store-brand tires on a race car  youll never maximize your performance.

MAGAZINE GUIDE

The single most important aspect of a modern auto-loading firearm is the magazine. You can have the best of the best for everything else, but if your magazines suck, the gun will quickly turn into an awkward bolt-action weapon whose only value is helping you practice malfunction clearing. So, with that in mind, below are the top picks for MP5 magazines.

Heckler & Koch Steel Magazines

These genuine German-made HK magazines are still the gold standard for a reason: They work. Sure, they arent cheap, but if you want to be absolutely sure your gun runs, look no further.

KCI Gen 2 Steel Magazines

Very close in quality and function to original HK mags, these Korean-made magazines are substantially more affordable. Theyre available in 10-, 20-, and 30-round capacities and cost roughly half of what German mags demand.

Mora Arms Steel Magazines

These magazines out of Taiwan are very similar in appearance to the Korean KCI mags and are similarly priced. I recently grabbed a few to test out, and thus far (1,000 rounds fired), they have been 100 percent reliable. Unlike the KCI magazines, theyre also available in a 15-round capacity if you want an affordable alternative to one of the most unobtainable mags out there.

Magpul D-50 MP

The engineers at Magpul have done it again, theyve made an affordable drum that actually works. The D-50 MP is a 50-round polymer drum magazine, which features a ratcheting load-assist arm. These drums are the ideal range toy magazine but also serve well as a home defense magazine or the perfect addition to an FRT or full-auto MP5.
RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from heavy rains in Brazil's southeastern state of Minas Gerais rose to 30, with 39 people missing, local authorities said Tuesday.

Heavy rain that began Monday afternoon triggered landslides, sent urban rivers over their banks and toppled trees, damaging buildings and leaving thousands of people homeless, the local fire department said.

The cities of Juiz de Fora and Uba were among the hardest hit, with Juiz de Fora declaring a state of public calamity early Tuesday.

Rescue operations are ongoing, said the state fire department. State Gov. Romeu Zema declared three days of official mourning across Minas Gerais.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed his condolences on social media to the families who have lost their homes and loved ones. The federal government has dispatched health workers and troops to the region to provide support. 
Global card networks Mastercard and Visa are introducing passkeys that will allow users to authenticate card payments with face scans or fingerprints, eliminating the need for one-time passwords (OTPs).

Kindly note that this illustration generated using ChatGPT has only been posted for representational purposes.

Buying online may soon become as simple as looking at your phone.

Global card networks Mastercard and Visa are introducing passkeys that will allow users to authenticate card payments with face scans or fingerprints, eliminating the need for one-time passwords (OTPs), according to multiple people in the know.

For the first time in India, an at-scale OTP-less authentication framework will enable customers to complete credit and debit card transactions using device biometrics at a time when card frauds remain a concern.

OTP-Less Card Payments Roll Out

Key Points Visa and Mastercard are rolling out passkeys enabling card payments using biometrics, eliminating OTP-based authentication for Indian users.

RBI guidelines allowing dynamic biometric authentication paved the way for large-scale deployment of OTP-less card payment systems.

Around 30 per cent users offered passkeys opted in, and they showed higher transaction frequency than OTP users.

Passkeys improve security and increase transaction success rates by eliminating SMS delays and OTP-related checkout failures.

"Of our consumers to whom we have shown an option to opt in for passkeys, 30 per cent of them are moving away from OTPs. These are people who also have a higher transacting frequency than those who have not opted in," said Ravi Datla, senior vice-president, customer solutions, Mastercard.

The rollout across networks is expected to be gradual, with customers having an option to opt in for passkeys or continue with OTPs for a while.

The rollouts also follow the Reserve Bank of India's guidelines issued last year that require at least one of the two factors of authentication be dynamically generated or proven, paving the way of biometric verification.

Biometric Passkeys Replace OTP Authentication

"We welcome the RBI's progressive move beyond OTP. Together with our partners, we are excited to roll out Visa Payment Passkey to bring faster, safer and more inclusive authentication for Indians using native device-based methods such as biometrics, PINs (personal identification numbers) and patterns," Ramakrishnan Gopalan, vice-president and head of products & solutions for India and South Asia at Visa, told Business Standard.

RBI Clears Path for Passkeys

Between FY22 and September 2025, credit card frauds totalled 244,000 cases involving about Rs 1,447.27 crore, while debit and ATM card frauds stood at 94,991 cases worth Rs 401.17 crore.

Industry executives said social-engineering frauds, where users are tricked into sharing OTPs or PINs, were a major contributor to frauds within the ecosystem.

"OTPs have also exposed the ecosystem to phishing attacks and social engineering where people are tricked into giving away their OTPs in spite of all the investment that the ecosystem made in the space," Datla from Mastercard added.

Card Fraud Drives Security Shift

Passkeys are expected to curb fraud arising from social engineering, while also improving transaction success rates by 2 to 3 per cent by removing SMS-based authentication friction.

Beyond frauds, the friction caused by SMSes also leads to delays in processing transactions, which is eliminated when biometrics are used to authorise a payment.

The technology is enabled through integration among card networks, issuers, payment aggregators, and merchants.

Biometrics Boost Transaction Success Rates

In a passkey-based payment flow, a user's biometric unlocks a private key stored securely on the device.

This signs a one-time challenge from the issuer, which the bank verifies using a corresponding public key before authorising a card payment.

"There are challenges with OTP delivery at some banks, which leads to a transaction failing during checkout.

"If that step is eliminated using data stored within the system used for authentication, transaction success rates improve," an industry source said.

Datla said banks do not require fresh integrations with networks like Mastercard but need to focus on changes in policy, function of new authentication mechanisms, and other rules.

"They don't need to integrate to any new APIs (Application Programming Interfaces).

"The bank needs to do a bit of policy changes, look at this new authentication mechanism and they need to figure out their rules. It's more process than tech," he added.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff
Money fights in marriage usually happen not because of money itself, but because partners think differently about spending, saving, debt, and financial control.

'Couples should talk about money often and not only when something goes wrong.'

Kindly note the image has only been published for representational purposes. Photograph: Kind courtesy Ketut Subiyanto/Pexels

Key Points Financial conflict often stems from different 'money scripts.'

Income gaps can create power imbalance and resentment.

Different risk appetites cause investment disagreements.

A hybrid finance model works best for many couples.

Why Couples Fight About Money

Mumbai-based professionals Adity and Manu Goel (names changed on request) have been married for three years.

Lately, differences have begun cropping up between them on financial matters.

Adity regards Manu as a careless spendthrift.

Manu, in turn, regards Adity as a miser who has no regard for the fact that certain standards must be maintained for appearances' sake.

Here is advice from financial experts that can help couples like them resolve their conflicts.

Different attitudes trigger acrimony

Experts say financial acrimony develops among couples because they have different attitudes towards spending, saving, and financial decision-making.

Vijay Kuppa, CEO, InCred Money, says couples often clash because they operate with different "money scripts".

Mohit Bagdi, head of investment research and founding member, Mira Money, concurs. "Couples clash when they come from different financial cultures, such as savings-first versus consumption-driven upbringings," he says.

Spending is one major cause of conflict. One partner may spend spontaneously, while the other may be more cautious.

"One may prioritise present comfort and social lifestyle while the other may give higher weight to future security," says Harsh Vira, chief financial planner and founder, FinPro Wealth.

Income mismatch can at times create a power imbalance that fuels conflict.

Lack of clarity on financial roles, including who manages expenses, discretionary spending, and obligations, can also create resentment. If one partner controls all the accounts or makes all the decisions, resentment builds up, says Kuppa.

Conflicts also arise because couples do not share financial information, such as income and expenses, transparently with each other.

"Secret investments, undisclosed guarantees (say, for other peoples loans), or tax issues erode trust," says Kuppa.

Vira adds that undisclosed loans or credit-card dues often create friction. Family responsibilities and support to parents can cause stress if both parties have not consented to it.

Differences in risk appetite while investing can also cause repeated disagreements.

Lack of joint financial goals tends to widen emotional gaps. When finances are handled individually without alignment, small decisions turn into trust and control issues.

"Without an agreed process for decisions, every large purchase, borrowing decision, or investment choice leads to a fresh debate," says Kuppa.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff

Myriad grounds for conflict

Despite being compatible in other areas, couples can vary dramatically in their attitudes towards various aspects of personal finance.

One partner may regard debt as normal for lifestyle spending, while the other may see non-productive debt as financially dangerous.

"One may view debt as a cause for worry while the other may see it as a way to accelerate milestones like buying a home," says Bagdi.

When it comes to investing, one partner may want higher exposure to equities and other risky assets because they have a higher risk tolerance, while the other may be much more risk-averse.

"One partner may view insurance as a source of protection while the other may regard the premiums as an unnecessary cost," says Bagdi.

Joint, separate, or hybrid finances

A hybrid model works best, especially early in marriage. "A hybrid model often balances shared goals and expenses while preserving individual autonomy better than fully merged or fully separate models," says Abhishek Kumar, Sebi-registered investment adviser and founder, SahajMoney.com.

Couples should set up joint accounts to fund shared goals and essential expenses such as rent and groceries.

"Major long-term goals like retirement or a down payment for a home can also be funded out of joint accounts," says Kumar.

"Instead of equal amounts, partners may contribute a fixed percentage of their income to the joint framework," says Hrishikesh Palve, director, Anand Rathi Wealth. Vira adds that such proportional contribution creates fairness and dignity.

Couples should also maintain personal accounts to preserve individual autonomy.

"Separate personal accounts for discretionary spending reduce friction over day-to-day decisions," says Palve.

Kumar adds that setting up a no-questions-asked spending threshold for small individual purchases helps build trust.

Near retirement, couples should fully disclose accounts, investments, insurance, liabilities, and nominations and create a consolidated inventory.

"They should then develop a coordinated joint retirement income strategy," says Palve.

How to avoid acrimony

As in other areas of a relationship, communication is key to avoiding conflicts, even in financial matters.

"Couples should talk about money often and not only when something goes wrong," says Bagdi.

Ideally, they should build a joint financial framework and avoid isolated decision-making.

Together, they should develop clear financial goals for the short, medium, and long term and work towards them.

Each month, the couple should discuss their budget and set limits for discretionary spending.

Large, upcoming expenses should be discussed to avoid surprises. Quarterly reviews of investments and goals can keep both partners aligned.

A joint emergency fund of at least six months of expenses and insurance should be treated as non-negotiable essentials.

Both partners should share financial data transparently. They should also develop a framework for taking major financial decisions and clarify which decisions are individual, joint, or require advisory input. For high-stakes decisions, couples should involve a neutral adviser.

If conflicts have begun

Couples should stop blaming each other and agree to stabilise their finances together.

Resolution can begin with full disclosure of all accounts. "Disclosing income, liabilities, investments, and insurance policies reduces secrecy and resets the foundation," says Palve.

If uncontrolled spending is causing the conflict, couples should set up a short-term budget that categorises expenses into essentials, commitments, and discretionary spending, and then adhere to it.

"Regular monthly financial reviews can institutionalise discipline and help prevent recurring conflicts," says Palve.

If debt has triggered conflicts, couples should first stabilise their finances. "They should then create a structured debt repayment plan," says Kumar.

If discussions repeatedly devolve into hostility, a neutral mediator, such as a registered financial planner, should be engaged to facilitate communication and develop a common plan.

As a matter of precaution, lawyers suggest drawing up a postnuptial agreement.

"It should outline asset division, debt responsibilities, and maintenance terms, and should be notarised with witnesses for evidentiary value in courts," says Alay Razvi, managing partner, Accord Juris.

While prenups or postnups are not fully binding, he adds they can guide fair divisions if they are voluntary and disclosed.

Approach family courts for mediation Family courts handle matrimonial disputes, including financial conflicts, through mediation, counselling, and settlement efforts before divorce proceedings.

They promote amicable outcomes, reducing costs and trauma.

Safeguard weaker parties by scrutinising affidavits and evidence.

Through mediation, negotiate for lump-sum settlements protecting the interests of both parties. Source: Accord Juris

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff
'...even though the investigation in the matter is ongoing, we have paid 100 per cent of the principal and interest to relevant departments of the Haryana government.'

Key Points IDFC First Bank has repaid Rs 583 crore to departments of the Haryana government.

The bank had earlier disclosed a Rs 590 crore fraud at its Chandigarh branch.

Employees involved have been suspended.

IDFC First Bank said on Tuesday that it has paid the entire principal and interest, amounting to Rs 583 crore, to relevant departments of the Haryana government.

And it is working with state authorities and law enforcement agencies to pursue action against the perpetrators of a fraud and recover the dues.

'...even though the investigation in the matter is ongoing, we have paid 100 per cent of the principal and interest to relevant departments of the Haryana government as claimed. This works out to a net amount of Rs 583 crore,' IDFC First Bank said in an exchange filing.

'We are building a world-class bank in India with strong governance and ethics and will emerge stronger from this incident,' IDFC First Bank added.

Over the weekend, the bank reported a Rs 590 crore fraud at a Chandigarh branch that handled Haryana government accounts.

The fraud was discovered after a government department sought to close its account with the bank and transfer the funds to another lender.

However, the amount mentioned by the department did not match the balance in the account.

IDFC First's management classified this as an 'isolated' incident arising from alleged collusion between its employees and external parties, with funds transferred to beneficiaries outside the bank.

The employees have been suspended and the bank has engaged KPMG to conduct a forensic audit.

KPMG is expected to submit its report in the next four-five weeks.

'Our bank always upholds the highest principles and standards. We call ourselves a customer-first bank in the way we define our product policies, disclosures, and no fine print banking. We give benefit of doubt to customers in the event of difference of opinion," the bank said in its disclosure to exchanges,' IDFC First Bank stated.

'Now was the occasion to stand up and deliver when it truly matters and put our customer-first principles in action. We are a principle-based bank, and we mean it. We did not hold up the payment on account of the matter being under investigation. This is the DNA of IDFC First Bank,' the lender said.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
'When it comes to enterprise context, there is a big lag between how fast technology is evolving and how it is getting deployed at the end of the day. That is where the challenge is going to be.'

Kindly note that this illustration generated using ChatGPT has only been posted for representational purposes.

Key Points HCLTech CEO C Vijayakumar said AI is causing painful transition, but Indian IT industry will reinvent, not become obsolete.

Vijayakumar said services firms hold long-term value due to enterprise context, workflows understanding, and operational expertise.

Reskilling employees is critical, as AI tools can improve individual productivity and efficiency up to four times.

Reskilling Key in AI Era

The information technology industry is going through a 'painful transition' due to artificial intelligence (AI) but writing its obituary is wrong, said C Vijayakumar, chief executive officer and managing director, HCLTech.

Indian-American venture capitalist Vinod Khosla last week said that AI could render traditional employment obsolete within decades and disrupt India's outsourcing industry.

His warning came as Anthropic accelerates the shift toward autonomous 'agentic' workflows, providing high-reasoning models that enable businesses to automate complex cognitive tasks previously managed by the IT and BPO sectors.

Vijayakumar refuted claims that the $300 billion Indian IT industry may become obsolete due to AI.

"I think the industry is going to reinvent itself.

"This time the inflexion is really making a lot of what we do or people do can be done a lot more efficiently and with significant speed.

"I think this transition is different from other transitions.

"It will be painful as it involves people but there is a promising road ahead," he said.

HCLTech CEO Rejects Obituary

Recounting how the industry capitalised on changes such as Y2K, Vijayakumar said it must reinvent itself and that investor concerns about IT stocks are 'overblown'.

"There are multiple stacks -- semiconductor and OEM players, hyperscalers, SaaS firms, the frontier companies and then the services players.

"I think the bigger value will get created in the long run from frontier model companies and services providers because service providers have the most enterprise context," he said while speaking in a fireside chat with Noshir Kaka, senior partner at McKinsey & Company, at the Nasscom Technology Leadership Forum.

He emphasised that services firms play a crucial role because they understand enterprise workflows, regulatory requirements and operational complexity.

Anthropic Agentic Workflow Disruption

However, Vijayakumar cautioned that a gap remains between the pace of technological evolution and its actual deployment within enterprises.

"When it comes to enterprise context, there is a big lag between how fast technology is evolving and how it is getting deployed at the end of the day. That is where the challenge is going to be," he said.

On the sidelines of the NTLF event, he told reporters that reskilling is vital to ensuring a single person can deliver up to four times the efficiency using AI tools.

About Anthropic's recent breakthroughs in streamlining COBOL code overnight, Vijayakumar suggested that while conversion is just one facet of modernising 50-yearold mainframes, hinting that there will be new opportunities.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff
The governments intention was not to stop imports but to ensure consumers got superior-quality products.

Photograph: Thomas White//Rediff

Key Points FDI from China is not banned, but it goes through an approval process.

India has doubled its trade with Australia and the UAE since the implementation of the FTA deals.

QCOs had largely been introduced to promote quality and safeguard consumer interests.

India may adopt a calibrated and a step-by-step approach to easing norms on investments originating from China, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Tuesday. He was in a conversation with A K Bhattacharya on Day 1 of Business Standards two-day annual event, Manthan 2026.

The minister said foreign direct investment (FDI) from China was certainly not banned, but it goes through an approval process.

The governments approach at the moment is to accelerate the approval process.

We will see what needs to be done in consultation with industry. It may be a calibrated response. It may be step-by-step.

"Our immediate effort is to make it easier for people to engage with technology and help expand our value-chain engagement, Goyal said.

Under the current FDI regulations, prior government approval is mandatory for investment proposals originating from countries sharing a land border with India  China, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Myanmar  and for cases where the investor is from one of these countries.

Known as the Press Note 3, Indias position was revised in April 2020 for curbing opportunistic takeovers/acquisitions of domestic firms, considering their financial stress due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The move, however, was mainly meant to restrict investments from China amid growing tensions at the border.

Ours is a listening government. We are always open to new ideas and to adapting with evolving times.

"We are in dialogue with industry to understand the difficulties it faces and how we can make things easier.

"Also, in cases where our relationships with neighbouring countries have improved, we are keeping an open mind about how we can attract better technology and more investments, from China too.

"We are in dialogue, and it will be an evolvingsituation. We are open to newer ideas, the minister said.

Free-trade agreements

While finalising the free-trade agreements (FTAs) under the current administration, the government has ensured that the interests of farmers, fishermen, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and startups are protected, the minister said. Since 2021, India has signed and finalised FTAs with Mauritius, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Australia, the European Free Trade Association (Efta), the United Kingdom (UK), Oman, New Zealand, the European Union (EU) and the United States (US).

I can assure you that there will be only win-win outcomes from all FTAs we have done. Every trade deal is in Indias interests and protects our defensive interests

"We ensure that we dont compromise at all on anything that is not good for India, and yet open up opportunities for our business, industry, youth, women entrepreneurs, startups, MSMEs, fishermen, and farmers, Goyal said.

India has doubled its trade with Australia and the UAE since the implementation of the deals.

Many of the FTAs are in the process of coming into effect. Efta became effective on October 1.

For the UK, we are expecting (the implementation) sometime in April.

"For Oman in April, and for New Zealand later this year.

"For the EU FTA, the processes will need to be completed by the end of this calendar year, so that it comes into effect in the first quarter of

next year, he said.

"The minister also said that it had been decided India and the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations would launch FTA negotiations with the aim of concluding it in about a year's time.

"The minister, who has also held talks with his Chilean counterpart, said, we will hopefully conclude an FTA soon with Chile, and the critical element is critical minerals.

Quality control orders

Goyal further said that over the last few years quality control orders (QCOs) had largely been introduced to promote quality and safeguard consumer interests.

He added that the governments intention was not to stop imports but to ensure consumers got superior-quality products.

Goyal added that the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) had been developing voluntary standards for many years.

The intent was that more people should move towards those standards and produce high-quality goods and services.

Sadly, thanks to some of the steps taken by the previous government in terms of reducing our import duties significantly in the 2007-08 to 2013-14 period, we were left with a huge influx of Chinese goods or substandard goods coming into India at very low prices.

"In fact, our trade deficit with China grew by over 2,500 per cent between 2004 and 2014, he said.

Once you get used to low-quality but low-price goods, it's very difficult to reel people away.

"We kept raising import duties, and they kept lowering prices and dumping those goods, the minister said.
The government already has a pipeline of seven BOT projects worth Rs 60,000 crore and expects sizeable private sector investment, Gadkari said. Under the BOT model, maintenance responsibility lies with both the investor and the contractor, leading to greater accountability.

Photograph: James Akena/Reuters

Key Points The government is also overhauling its highway contract bidding frameworks to streamline investments and reduce disputes

Second line.The focus, Gadkari said, would be on quality rather than speed.

Pilot projects across 10 national highways involve major automobile and energy companies

On the back of an aggressive asset monetisation push, the government will press the throttle on the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model  under which private developers fund highway construction  for future highway development, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said.

We are giving the highest priority to BOT. In the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) mode, our experience has not been good, the minister said during a fireside chat with Nivedita Mookerji of Business Standard at the Business Standard Manthan summit on Tuesday.

In EPC projects, he added, contractors are responsible for maintenance for only five years.

Our observation is that after this period, the quality of the road is not up to the mark, he said.

So we are now making roads only in modes where the contractor has a 1015-year responsibility, and we will invoke their bank guarantee if the quality is not good, the minister said.

Also read:

Gadkari: 'E20 Fuel Criticism Is Propaganda'

Govt keen to make India's auto sector No.1 globally: Gadkari

The government already has a pipeline of seven BOT projects worth Rs 60,000 crore and expects sizeable private sector investment, Gadkari said.

Under the BOT model, maintenance responsibility lies with both the investor and the contractor, leading to greater accountability.

Highway development is currently carried out through multiple modes  EPC and the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), which are fully government-funded, and BOT, which is funded by the private sector.

There is no issue in raising funds, the minister said.

In the asset monetisation pipeline for 2025-26 through 2029-30, highways, multimodal logistics parks, and ropeways have been assigned the highest target of Rs 4.42 trillion.

Asset monetisation includes both the creation of new assets through public-private partnerships and the induction of private capital into operational infrastructure.

Our budget is Rs 3.2 trillion, and I already have an asset base of highways worth Rs 1215 trillion ready to be monetised, the minister said.

The government is also overhauling its highway contract bidding frameworks to streamline investments and reduce disputes.

We have a new model concession agreement where the project may be in EPC or HAM, but the 15-year maintenance guarantee will be the contractors responsibility, he said.

The focus, Gadkari added, would be on quality rather than speed.

The challenge is to increase the pace of expenditure without compromising road quality, he said, observing that delays typically stem from land acquisition and inter-departmental approvals.

Indias automotive (auto) sector will become the worlds largest within five years, Gadkari said.

When I took charge, we were seventh globally. Now we are third, after surpassing Japan a few months ago, he said.

The US leads with an industry size of Rs 79 trillion, followed by China at Rs 49 trillion, while India stands at Rs 23 trillion.

My mission is to make India No. 1 within five years, he said.

Alternative fuels will drive the next phase of disruption in the auto sector, he said.

Lithium-ion battery costs have fallen from $150 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to $55 per kWh.

Within six months, I expect petrol, diesel, and electric vehicles (EVs) to reach cost parity, Gadkari said.

With economies of scale kicking in, EV prices will decline further, he added, saying that EVs would soon cost the same as internal combustion engine vehicles.

Port and logistics players such as JM Baxi have already begun moving trucks from Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority in Maharashtra to Sonepat in Haryana using the battery-swapping policy, he said.

Lower hydrogen costs will also be critical, Gadkari said.

My mission is to make hydrogen available at $1 per kilogram.

Pilot projects across 10 national highways involve major automobile and energy companies, and hydrogen buses and trucks are already under testing.

Hydrogen is the future. India is going to become a big, powerful source of energy, he said.

Where tech does the work

The minister outlined the ministrys push to induct new technology into highway development and governance.

Research, innovation, and technology serve society and national development because they are cost-effective and environmentally friendly, he said.

Over the past two years, the ministry has developed bio-bitumen from rice straw and implemented it on a 1-kilometre stretch of the NagpurJabalpur highway using 100 per cent bio-bitumen.

The ministry then asked the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research to open the technology to entrepreneurs.

Since then, 15 companies have purchased the patent, he said.

We are conducting road safety audits using artificial intelligence and LiDAR (light detection and ranging) systems.

"We are video-mapping all roads to identify problems in real time and locate accident-prone black spots, Gadkari said.

Detailed project reports, a long-standing weak link, are now being prepared using artificial intelligence (AI) to identify encroachments and design flaws, he added.

AI will also be deployed to prevent landslides in hill states.

We are evaluating technology that can predict landslide-prone zones and allow immediate intervention, he said, citing frequent landslides in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

AI-based systems will also be used to eliminate toll plaza congestion.

By the end of this year, there will be no queues anywhere in India, Gadkari said, adding that a Rs 3,000 annual pass for 200 toll crossings would simplify highway travel.

Safety, by design

Despite policy interventions, Gadkari said the government has not been able to reduce road accident fatalities  a crisis with deep economic consequences, as most victims are young.

India records nearly 500,000 road accidents and 180,000 deaths annually, largely in the 18-45 age group, he said.

Helmet non-use accounts for over 54,000 deaths, while overspeeding causes around 120,000 fatalities each year.

The government is working on awareness campaigns and educational interventions with the education ministry to encourage compliance with traffic rules, he added.
Shares of Waaree Energies and Premier Energies are in focus after the US imposed initial duties of 126% on Indian solar imports. Heres how the move impacts green energy stocks and market sentiment.

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: / Rediff.com

Key Points The US imposed preliminary countervailing duties of approximately 126% on solar panel and cell imports from India, impacting Waaree Energies and Premier Energies.

Waaree Energies and Premier Energies stocks experienced significant declines due to concerns about reduced export competitiveness and higher costs in the US market.

The US tariff decision aims to protect American solar manufacturers by offsetting perceived advantages from Indian government subsidies.

Despite short-term volatility, the long-term outlook for green energy stocks in India remains positive due to government support and growing domestic demand.

Companies with limited US exposure may experience less severe declines, while those with significant foreign sales face deeper sell-offs.

Shares of Waaree Energies and Premier Energies are in focus after the US imposed initial duties of 126% on Indian solar imports.

Heres how the move impacts green energy stocks and market sentiment

Why Waaree Energies and Premier Energies stocks are in focus today

Waaree Energies and Premier Energies saw their shares come under heavy selling pressure on 25 February 2026 after the United States commerce department imposed preliminary countervailing duties of about 126 percent on solar panel and cell imports from India.

This followed a trade probe that found Indian manufacturers allegedly received subsidies that made their products more competitive in the US market.

The news led to a broad sell-off in solar stocks, with Waaree Energies falling around 14 percent and Premier Energies also declining significantly at market open.

The steep duty makes the US market less accessible for Indian solar product exporters, particularly for companies that derive a meaningful portion of revenue from exports.

Waaree Energies, which has more substantial U.S. exposure, was hit harder, while Premier Energies drop partly reflected sector-wide sentiment. Analysts noted concerns that higher tariffs could erode export margins and growth prospects, triggering risk-off behavior among investors.

The tariff action has not only impacted these two stocks but has also weighed on other renewable energy names, indicating broader sector pressure, especially for firms with export orientation. This has made Waaree and Premier particularly relevant for investors tracking renewable sector volatility today.

Despite the market reaction, Waaree Energies has tried to reassure investors with statements that there will be no material adverse impact on its U.S. order book and that it may expand manufacturing within the U.S. to mitigate tariff effects. Premier Energies limited U.S. exposure means its business fundamentals are less directly affected, although sentiment still weighed on its shares due to the industry-wide sell-off.

US Tariff Decision: Key Details and Impact

The United States commerce department has announced preliminary countervailing duties of about 125.87 percent on solar cells and modules imported from India after finding that some manufacturers benefited from government subsidies that allegedly gave them an unfair pricing advantage in the US market.

These duties are part of an ongoing trade remedy investigation and apply alongside parallel probes into potential antidumping practices.

Similar preliminary duty rates were also set for Indonesia and Laos, significantly reshaping solar import tariffs into the United States.

The decision follows a complaint by the Alliance for American Solar Manufacturing and Trade, which represents domestic solar panel producers in the United States. The group argued that subsidised imports from countries including India undercut US production and harmed domestic manufacturers competitive position.

In response, US officials say the high duties aim to restore fair competition by offsetting those perceived advantages, thereby protecting American solar makers and encouraging investment in local capacity.

Market Reaction to the 126% Duty

The decision triggered sharp selloffs in Indian solar stocks as investors priced in the likely loss of export competitiveness and higher costs for companies reliant on the US market.

Shares of Waaree Energies dropped significantly, trading down more than 10 percent during the session, while Premier Energies also slipped, with both names hitting lower circuits at market open before some recovery.

Waaree Energies Ltd tumbled 10.18% to Rs 2717.25 at 14:45 IST. The stock was the biggest loser in the BSE's 'A' group. On the BSE, 8.37 lakh shares were traded on the counter so far as against the average daily volumes of 87566 shares in the past one month.

Premier Energies tanked 14.23 per cent, Vikram Solar dived 7.47 per cent and Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy dipped 1.41 per cent on the BSE at the time of filing this report.

Some market commentators noted that the reaction reflects nearterm concerns more than longterm fundamentals.

For instance, anecdotal market commentary suggested that emotional trading and panic selling played a role in the steep declines, and that stock movements might not align perfectly with each companys actual export exposure. Investors weighing these moves highlighted that steep tariff fears can drive volatility and sometimes overshooting reactions in share prices.

Companies with limited US exposure saw less severe declines, while those with significant foreign sales faced deeper selloffs.

Some firms have also publicly stated that they do not expect a major impact on current order books or that they are increasing USbased operations to mitigate tariff effects, which could support sentiment over time if confirmed.

Outlook for Green Energy Stocks in India

The outlook for green energy stocks in India remains positive in the long term due to strong government support, ambitious renewable energy targets, and growing domestic demand for solar and wind power.

However, in the short term, stocks may face volatility from external factors like export tariffs, supply chain issues, and policy uncertainty.

Investors generally see this as a sector with solid growth potential, but careful stock selection and timing are important to navigate short-term risks.
MOSCOW, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- Russia remains committed to resolving the ongoing Ukraine crisis through political and diplomatic efforts, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday.

"We continue efforts for peace. Our position is well known and consistent. Now everything depends on the actions of Kiev," Peskov said, adding that Russia's special military operation will continue until its goals are achieved.

Peskov also noted that the operation has effectively turned into a broader confrontation between Russia and Western countries following "the direct involvement by Western European states and the United States."

Also on Tuesday, Russian Foreign Ministry's Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik said that 433 Russian civilians were killed and 2,958 were injured in 2025 in drone attacks launched by Ukraine.

Miroshnik said 8,000 Russian civilians had been killed and at least 27,000 injured in attacks by Ukrainian forces over the past four years. 
'Women in crime can turn on and off emotions like a tap.'

'Something that comes in the way of their goals can be eliminated without a second thought.'

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff

Key Points 'It is not poverty alone that drove women like Sonu Panjaban or Saira Begum from G B Road to the flesh trade and kidnapping, but also their greed and lust for power. These women were heartless.'

'Saira Begum was singlehandedly responsible for kidnapping over 5,000 women from Nepal, Jharkhand and West Bengal into Delhi's GB Road.'

'While some women in crime are battle-scarred like Phoolan Devi, most women who come into crime are hardened people with no room for emotions in their repertoire.'

In the dark, labyrinthine world of India's underbelly, where ambition, betrayal and survival intersect, Mafia Queens of India stands as a chilling chronicle of women who defied stereotypes and carved their own criminal empires.

Co-authored by Velly Thevar and S Hussain Zaidi, the book Mafia Queens of India does more than narrate crime stories -- it dismantles the myth of the 'abla naari (helpless woman)'.

In this candid interview with Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff, Ms. Thevar offers fascinating insights into the psyche of women who rose from obscurity to notoriety.

A bad man can be tamed but a bad woman can't be tamed: This was a very intriguing sentence in your book in the chapter 'Cleopatra's Consent'.

The Cleopatra chapter has a lot of my (husband and) co-author Hussain Zaidi's perception on women. His women do not have grey shades and he never cuts them any slack.

I don't think there is a bad man or a bad woman when one talks of a criminal. A criminal is not gender-specific. A criminal is a criminal.

However, having said that, when Hussain met Cleopatra in Kerala, he felt very deeply about her. He felt that she carved a niche for herself despite having a mentor like don Vardarajan and she rose from the ashes of Dhanushkodi after she lost her home in a flood.

Personally, I found her transformation towards the fag end of her life, very motivating. From a woman who came up with the brilliant idea of an army of eunuchs to serenade Papamani, the liquor mafia queen from (south central Mumbai's) Antop Hill to chiselling Vardarajan Mudaliar to a don to reckon with is no small feat.

I liked the fact that she upgraded her skills post Vardarajan's demise. She became a voracious reader of religion and philosophy. She saved youngsters from the insidious grip of ISIS. It was like she was trying to absolve herself from an unsavoury past with a dangerous don.

Perhaps she was bogged down with the burden of guilt for being equally responsible for all the decisions on life and death that Vardarajan Mudaliar took. Vardarajan was, after all, not a real life Dayavan like his portrayal on celluloid.

If you take Jaya Chheda, she was incorrigible -- a picture perfect example of a criminal mastermind at work. Poisoning your husband without his knowledge with the sole intention of usurping his matka empire. Now that is not only devious, but machiavellian.

She had everything going for her but she wanted the world and the universe. Bumping off her husband en route to her climb to success came naturally to her.

What is the common link among the 12 mafia queens you have portrayed in the book?

There is no common link, but everyone mentioned in the book was looking for some lifeline to grab, like Sivakasi Jayalakshmi. She was good looking and when she or all the other women who got an opportunity (to move on from their regular lives) they jumped into it feet first.

They never thought about the repercussions of the path they were choosing. In doing so, all of them took decisions on impulse except for Jaya Chheda and Nowhera Shaikh. These two were plotting and planning (for crime).

Do these mafia queens feel joy in controlling other people's lives or did they do what they did because of poverty or some other reason? What drove them to do this?

In the case of Sonu Punjaban she liked to have control over all girls under her. Sonu Panjaban was a sadist. She was not merely a brothel madam but also someone who was involved in kidnapping of minor girls from Delhi. She ran her fiefdom in Delhi's Garstin Bastion Road like a combative queen.

Her comeuppance happened because of a persistent policewoman who kept chasing the case of a kidnapped and lost young woman.

It is not poverty alone that drove women like Sonu Panjaban or Saira Begum from G B Road to the flesh trade and kidnapping, but also their greed and lust for power. These women were heartless.

If you hear the police phone tapping transcripts of Sonu Panjaban which they used to nail her, you would be shocked by her callousness -- she punctuated every word she spoke with a barrage of expletives. Sonu Panjaban's arrest brought the curtains down on a sex racket that operated across several state lines.

While poverty drove women like Saira Begum into the business of prostitution, it was a case of victims becoming aggressors later on. This lady from Hyderabad was singlehandedly responsible for kidnapping over 5,000 women from Nepal, Jharkhand and West Bengal into Delhi's GB Road.

Saira was a sex worker herself before she emancipated herself by using Nepali women as a ladder for her success story.

In his writing career S Hussain Zaidi has published only one co-authored book and that was with Jane Borges for Mafia Queens of Mumbai. What made you join him in writing this book?

Early in his career in the mid-nineties and late nineties, when he met writer Vikram Chandra, he was also introduced to Tanuja Chandra, Vikram's sister. Tanuja, a filmmaker who was working with Mahesh Bhatt at the time, wondered if she could make a series for television on women in the mafia.

I was Hussain's go-to-person for such ideas and that is how I came up with a project on a bunch of mafia women and their stories for Tanuja. At that point I was working as a journalist and had covered news items about some of these women.

Later, I joined The Telegraph newspaper as a journalist and I was not able to follow up on the stories of the women I had zeroed it upon.

Hussain used this research to write Mafia Queens of Mumbai (part one) when he had some spare time while working as an editor in Asian Age and his co-writer Jane Borges was also working with the same newspaper as a copyem>'or at the time.

How did you shortlist these women?

Many of the names in Mafia Queens of India were the idea of my brother Krishna Kumar. Husain brought to the table another varied bunch of names and we weeded out some before shortlisting the ones who made the cut.

Your book mentions dacoit Kusuma Devi who killed more men than Phoolan Devi and lived longer too as Phoolan Devi's rival. Why do you think she didn't become as known as Phoolan Devi?

Phoolan Devi's shoes are too big to fill. She has become a legend. A director of the stature of Shekhar Kapur immortalised her in the movie Bandit Queen.

Furthermore, the trajectory of her life including her political stint and her transformation made her a household name.

Phoolan's story had a lot of symbolism in it. Lower caste girl raped by upper caste men and then her revenge against the same men who watched as mute bystanders without coming to her aid.

Kusuma did not receive similar publicity.

In fact, another female dacoit, Seema Parihar, also killed 70 people before surrendering, but again she is overshadowed by Phoolan Devi though television and social media gave her the spotlight.

Do you feel the lady behind Hira Gold had any business plan? Was she genuine or did she just want to swindle money?

Nowhera Sheikh was a fraud who used the tool of religion to woo Muslims into her Heera Gold ponzi schemes.

Imagine her audacity in claiming that she imported raw gold from Ghana which she processed in Dubai. Nobody checked the veracity of her claim but almost 70 percent of Muslims south of the Vindhyas put money in her schemes and lost it. She used the local maulanas who had an outreach with the community to get customers into joining her fraud schemes.

She started her operation in a very small way from Tirupati. She realised just like politicians use Muslim vote banks, she can use them as economic banks to fool them. She fooled everyone through religion by saying 'halal ki kamai'.

In other words, towards an interest free world because bank interest is forbidden in Islam.

If someone doubted her fraud financial scheme she would quickly tell them the concept of tawakkul. Tawakkul in Islam refers to complete trust and reliance on Allah in all matters of life while simultaneously putting in one's best effort.

She was very intelligent and always donned a burqa. She knew the language of money and how to take it out from others. One in 10 homes of Mumbai Muslims invested in Heera Gold and lost money.

It is my conservative estimate that this Heera Gold fraud is of Rs 5,000 crore (Rs 50 billion) plus. The scame went on (for more than 10 years) till everything blew up in her face.

Will the people who invested in Heera Gold get their money back?

The money is gone.

Sadly like in other countries where laws are stringent, we have no such State-backed-cushion-support.

Sivakasi Jayalakshmi dumped her husband and then her lovers. How come it was so easy for her to do? Didn't emotion matter to her?

Jayalakshmi's lower middle class background was a frustrating one. She was married to a man who was not ambitious and who did not like her ambition.

When she wanted to start her home food cooking business, he dissuaded her. Eventually the perpetual hand to mouth existence, trying to make-do with a meagre sum of Rs 6,000 to Rs 8,000 forced her hand to quit the relationship.

However, at some point she realised that she stood a cut above the rest when it came to her looks and her fair skin. She tapped into it.

Eventually she stumbled into the den of the P gang or Policemen of Tamil Nadu and they were so smitten with her that they did her bidding. They thought they were exploiting her but she ended up using them as tools to further her interests.

Does emotion not matter to her because she was cheating one man after another?

Women in crime can turn on and off emotions like a tap. Everything that matters most to them will carry some emotion while something that comes in the way of their goals can be eliminated without a second thought or feeling.

While some women in crime are battle-scarred like Phoolan Devi, most women who come into crime are hardened people with no room for emotions in their repertoire. Bringing emotions into play hampers their choices.

When Jayalakshmi realised she was amassing wealth by playing the girlfriend-of-the-cop card in jewelry stores, it was like Khulja sim sim of the Alladin's cave.

In fact, she used her proximity card with policemen as a facilitator to solve disputes too. I thought she was very intelligent because to fool an ordinary man is easy, but to fool a hardened policeman requires a lot of skill and smartness.

She was also tenacious. And it was not like there was just one cop eating out of her hands. There were a slew of uniformed men cutting across police hierarchy who were slave to her whims and fancies. This requires a lot of deftness.

An ordinary woman could not have pulled off something like this. Some of them even allowed her small indulgences like her earnest desire to don a police woman's uniform.

Men have been exploiting women for ages but here a woman turned the tables on the adage. She exploited men and she played them against each other, everyone vying for her attention. I think she did not revel in her power over so many men, as much as she did in the financial emancipation that it bought for her.

Jayalakshmi fooled so many men and that too so easily for long. What makes men trust such women?

IMAGE: Velly Thevar.

The men in Jayalakshmi's life did not trust her. But they were inexorably drawn to her like a moth to a flame. They just fell for her charms.

A couple of the policemen did try to box her in by keeping her as their exclusive 'woman', but she was not to be tamed. She wriggled out easily out of such relationships. In the back of their mind the policemen knew it was a trap, but then men are men.

A man is instinctively drawn to a woman who makes advances at him. It is in man's nature.

What would you advise men in such a situation as a woman author?

I think it is a misconception that women are the weaker sex. As illustrated in this book, women are far more wily and dangerous and have more cunning and cruelty in them than most men.

Women can outwit men and they can use and dump men the way men have been doing for ages. And men will be men, they cannot keep away from the wiles of a woman.

Even in Phoolan's case, her lover Vikram Mallah's bosses suspected that she was responsible for the rise of Vikram Mallah's independence and leadership role and when they came from jail, they murdered Vikram Mallah and gang raped her in Behmai.

Even dacoit Kusuma Devi in your book became her own boss.

Kusuma seemed to be harbouring a Phoolan Devi syndrome.

Unlike Phoolan Devi, Kusuma needed the anchor of a man. First it was Madho Mallah, her childhood sweetheart turned dacoit and after he was killed, she bungled and ended up killing a senior police officer on a weak pretext.

Then she went and aligned with a man called Fakkad Baba who sang the Ramcharitramanas at night and murdered during the day. She lived with this man, until they surrendered to the police.

Is it so? Why do we have these concepts of 'abla naari, bechari' type of mindset?

The abla naari (helpless women) concept is not outdated. Women can be their own worst enemies, captive to their thoughts. They weaken themselves with the need for validation by men.

Wanting a man and an anchor in your life to keep you grounded seems practical and even romantic, but women need to know when to walk out of corrosive relationships. When she silently suffers she is the abla-naari.

In the case of women in crime, there is no concept of abla-naari.

The wiring is complex for women who decide to cross a particular threshold. Though it was said at the time when the Jayalakshmi story got exposed that being a woman, the male reporters of Tamil Nadu had a field day classifying her as a seductress, et all.

That in the end Jayalakshmi came out stinking while the policemen were let off the hook.

The Jayalakshmi saga would have continued for many years if some of the duped jewellers had not reported the crime. She kept buying jewelry using policemen's names and it did come to bite eventually. The same happened with matka queen Jaya Chheda. Her utter greed made her a demon in a woman's garb.

What is your next book project?

I have finished a book on India's most infamous and dreaded terrorist, Yasin Bhatkal. It is scheduled for release by June. I am also co-authoring a book on gutka.
A fresh political debate over renaming places gained momentum after the Union Cabinet approved Kerala's proposal to change its name to Keralam, with leaders from different states pushing for similar moves.

Image used only for representational purposes. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking a formal process to rename Delhi as Indraprastha.

Khandelwal referred to excavations by the Archaeological Survey of India at Purana Qila to support the belief that ancient Indraprastha existed at present-day Delhi.

The VHP had earlier raised a similar demand.

Union Cabinet approved Kerala's proposal to rename the state as Keralam on Tuesday.

J-K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the Centre should also accept West Bengal's pending renaming proposal and give due consideration to similar future proposals from Jammu and Kashmir.

Bharatiya Janata Party MP Praveen Khandelwal on Wednesday urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to change the name of Delhi to Indraprastha, claiming that it reflects the city's true historical roots and cultural legacy.

In a letter to Shah, a day after the Union Cabinet gave its nod to rename Kerala to Keralam, the Lok Sabha MP from Delhi's Chandni Chowk constituency said that the Mahabharata describes Indraprastha as a magnificent city built on the banks of the Yamuna river, precisely matching the geographical setting of modern Delhi.

It is also supported by the Archaeological Survey of India's excavations at Purana Qila, Khandelwal claimed.

'Historical literature, archaeological findings and long-standing civilisational traditions establish that the present-day Delhi corresponds to the ancient city of Indraprastha, the grand capital established by the Pandavas as described in the epic Mahabharata,' he said in the letter to the Union home minister.

The epic describes Indraprastha as a magnificent city built on the banks of the Yamuna river, precisely matching the geographical setting of modern Delhi, he pointed out.

Excavations conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India at Purana Qila have revealed ancient settlement layers dating back to around 1,000 BC, along with Painted Grey Ware pottery associated with the Mahabharata era, Khandelwal claimed, adding that these findings strongly support the belief that the ancient city of Indraprastha once flourished at the site where Delhi stands today.

VHP raised similar demands last year

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) also raised the demand last year, arguing on the same lines.

The name Indraprastha is used by some academic institutions as well as a CNG supplier to the city -- IGL.

Khandelwal argued that the name Delhi emerged during a much later historical phase.

Scholars believe the name evolved from medieval references such as Dhillika or Dehli, associated with ruling dynasties of the early medieval period, he claimed.

"While these phases are part of the city's history, they do not represent its earliest identity or civilizational origin. As such, the name Delhi reflects a limited historical period rather than the deeper and more enduring legacy of the city," he argued in the letter.

"In view of the above, I respectfully urge the Ministry of Home Affairs to initiate a formal process to examine and implement the renaming of Delhi as Indraprastha, after consultation with historians, archaeologists, and other relevant stakeholders," said the MP.

Restoring the name Indraprastha would therefore reconnect the capital of modern India with its ancient civilizational foundation, he asserted. "It would symbolise that the seat of the world's largest democracy stands upon the legacy of one of humanity's oldest cultural traditions."

Omar backs Bengal govt demands for name change

Meanwhile, in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said the Centre should accept the West Bengal government's demand to rename the state, following the Union Cabinet's approval of a similar proposal for Kerala.

The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Kerala government's proposal to change the state's name to Keralam.

Following the approval, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed dissatisfaction that her state's renaming proposal has remained pending with the Centre for a long time despite the move for Kerala.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event here, Abdullah said, "Other states have also proposed name changes. If the West Bengal assembly is seeking to rename the state, the Centre should accept this demand."

"If a similar proposal was to be moved in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly in the future, the Centre should also give it due consideration," he added.

The chief minister also welcomed Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on his maiden visit to Kashmir.

The vice president will attend the 21st convocation of the Kashmir University on Thursday.

"He is arriving this evening to attend the convocation. Students are eagerly waiting to receive their degrees and medals from him. This is his first visit after assuming office and we welcome him," Abdullah added.
Troops of the Indian Army's Southern Command showcased their operational preparedness and integrated combat capabilities during Exercise Agni Varsha at the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan.

The large-scale military exercise, held in the desert sector, demonstrated the army's readiness for desert warfare operations. The drills highlighted the Indian Army's strategic strength and combat efficiency in one of India's most iconic military testing grounds.

Key Points The exercise showcased the Indian Army's high level of combat readiness and its ability to respond swiftly to operational challenges in desert terrain.

Troops demonstrated coordinated operations involving artillery, armoured units, and other combat elements, highlighting joint force effectiveness.

Conducted at the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan, the large-scale drill focused on enhancing the army's capability to operate efficiently in harsh desert conditions.

IMAGE: Troops of the Indian Army's Southern Command demonstrate their operational preparedness and integrated combat capabilities during Exercise Agni Varsha at the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges. Photograph: Indian Army/ANI Video Grab

Photograph: Indian Army/ANI Video Grab

Photograph: Indian Army/ANI Video Grab

Photograph: Indian Army/ANI Video Grab

Photograph: Indian Army/ANI Video Grab

Photograph: Indian Army/ANI Video Grab

Photograph: Indian Army/ANI Video Grab

Photograph: Indian Army/ANI Video Grab

Photographs curated and Feature Presentation by Manisha Kotian/Rediff
Bill Gates apologises to his foundation's staff for his association with Jeffrey Epstein and admits to past affairs, acknowledging the negative impact on the Gates Foundation's reputation.

IMAGE: Bill Gates appears with a woman, who's identity has been obscured, in this image from the Epstein estate released by House Oversight Committee Democrats in Washington, DC. Photograph: House Oversight Committee Democrats/Handout via Reuters

Key Points Gates admitted to having two affairs with Russian women, which Epstein later discovered.

Gates maintains he did nothing illicit and did not participate in Epstein's crimes.

Gates acknowledged that his ties to Epstein have cast a cloud over the Gates Foundation's reputation.

Gates met with Epstein from 2011 to 2014, even after his then-wife Melinda French Gates expressed concerns.

American tech entrepreneur Bill Gates has apologised to the staff at the Gates Foundation over his ties with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein but maintained that he did "nothing illicit," according to a media report.

The Microsoft co-founder also admitted that he had two affairs with Russian women and that he made mistakes that had cast a cloud over the philanthropic group while insisting he didn't participate in Epstein's crimes, The Wall Street Journal said in an exclusive report on Tuesday.

Gates was among the scores of celebrities, politicians, leaders and tech entrepreneurs shown having connections with the sex offender as was evident in the tens of thousands of documents, including emails, interview transcripts, photos, call logs etc with some names redacted, released online -- collectively termed Epstein files -- last month by the US Justice Department.

Gates Addresses Epstein Ties and Affairs

In a town hall on Tuesday, Gates acknowledged that he had two affairs with Russian women that Epstein later discovered, but that they didn't involve Epstein's victims. "I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit," Gates said, according to a recording reviewed by The Wall Street Journal.

Gates said images in the recently released Epstein files showing him with women whose faces are redacted were pictures that Epstein asked him to take with Epstein's assistants after their meetings. "To be clear, I never spent any time with victims, the women around him," Gates said.

"It was a huge mistake to spend time with Epstein" and bring Gates Foundation executives into meetings with the sex offender, Gates said.

"I apologise to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made," The Wall Street Journal quoted Gates as saying.

The philanthropist said he had met Epstein in 2011, three years after the sex offender had pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting a minor for prostitution.

Gates said he didn't "properly check" Epstein's background even when he was aware of some "18-month thing" that had limited Epstein's travel and added that he continued meeting with Epstein even after his then-wife Melinda French Gates expressed concerns in 2013.

Speaking of his ex-wife, he added: "To give her credit, she was always kind of skeptical about the Epstein thing."

The Wall Street Journal further said that Gates told staff on Tuesday that he continued meeting with Epstein through 2014, flew on a private jet with Epstein and spent time with him in Germany, France, New York and Washington. "I never stayed overnight," he said, or visited Epstein's island.

Gates admitted that his ties to Epstein and newly disclosed emails from the Justice Department files had cast a cloud over the Gates Foundation and its reputation, the newspaper said.

"It definitely is the opposite of the values of the Foundation and the goals of the Foundation," he said. "And our work is very reputational sensitive. I mean, people can choose to work with us or not work with us."

A Gates Foundation spokesperson said Gates holds town halls twice a year and he "spoke candidly, addressing several questions in detail, and took responsibility for his actions."

The Microsoft co-founder said Epstein "talked about the kind of intimate relationship he had with a lot of billionaires, particularly Wall Street billionaires," and that he could help raise money for causes like global health.

Gates said because Epstein had other prestigious people at these meetings, that "made it easier for me to feel like this was a normalized situation." He said he realizes that his association with Epstein also helped the sex offender to burnish his reputation.

In the town hall, Gates also said: "I did have affairs, one with a Russian bridge player who met me at bridge events, and one with a Russian nuclear physicist who I met through business activities."

Gates said that 2014 was the last year he met with Epstein.

Epstein, as per the US media reports, killed himself in a New York jail cell in August 2019, a month after he was indicted on federal sex trafficking charges.
Citing the 'Epstein Files,' the Congress party claims convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein influenced the shaping of India-Israel relations after 2014, raising questions about foreign policy decisions.

IMAGE: Congress Leader Pawan Khera speaks to the media. Photograph: ANI Video Grab

Key Points Congress alleges Jeffrey Epstein shaped India-Israel relations post-2014 based on 'Epstein Files' email exchanges.

Pawan Khera claims an 'America-Israel lobby' influenced India's foreign policy regarding Israel and Palestine.

Congress highlights meetings between Hardeep Singh Puri, Anil Ambani, and Ehud Barak facilitated by Epstein.

The party questions the government's involvement with individuals associated with Epstein and Mossad agents.

The Congress on Wednesday cited several email exchanges made public under the 'Epstein Files' in the US to allege that the foundation of the India-Israel relationship post-2014 was laid down and shaped by convicted American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Congress' media and publicity department head Pawan Khera said India's foreign policy regarding Israel and Palestine has always been based on the 'two-nation' theory but an 'America-Israel lobby' changed the state and direction of the decades-old foreign policy.

"Jeffrey Epstein is a notorious sex offender for the common people, but a hero for the Modi government's foreign policy. Even after death, Jeffrey Epstein lives on in the Modi government's decisions and policies," Khera alleged at a press conference, with a big movie-like parody poster, 'Jeffrey Ne Bana Di Jodi', behind him.

"Recently, I heard Narendra Modi say -- 'I built a robot in my childhood, for which I even received a medal'. The same thing is said by (US President Donald) Trump, (Israeli premier Benjamin) Netanyahu, and Epstein -- that we have built a robot named Narendra Modi, who is the prime minister of India," Khera said, taking a swipe at the prime minister.

The Congress made the allegations against the government while the prime minister is in Israel for a two-day visit.

Pawan Khera cites alleged email exchange between Epstein, Puri

Khera said on January 4, 2017, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Hardeep Singh Puri, emails Epstein stating that he needs to meet, and the meeting is fixed for January 6.

"Immediately after this, Epstein emails another person, Deepak Chopra, and inquires about Anil Ambani. Finally, Epstein and Anil Ambani meet on February 21, 2017. The question is -- on whose signal did Epstein set out to find Anil Ambani with someone else's help," he asked.

Khera cited several email exchanges between Epstein and Ambani.

He claimed that Epstein introduced Anil Ambani to former Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak via email on February 23, 2017.

Khera also cited email exchanges between Epstein and Barak related to India.

"India's Israel strategy's framework was decided like this. The foundation of India-Israel ties post-2014 was laid down by Jeffrey Epstein....Ehud Barak, Jeffery Epstein, Hardeep Puri...this is how our foreign policy was shaped," he alleged.

There was no immediate reaction from Ambani, Puri, the BJP or the government on the allegations made by Khera.

Between 2014 and 2017, when Hardeep Puri, now a Union minister, was meeting Epstein, Ehud Barak's close associate and a major Mossad agent, Yoni Koren, was living in the same apartment, Khera alleged.

"It's deeply alarming. In whose hands is our country's government playing? In this situation, India's biggest threat today comes from those who are seated in the government itself," he alleged.
Addressing the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, Modi offered his deepest condolences to the people of Israel for every life lost in the terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with members of the Israeli parliament, at the Knesset in Jerusalem on Wednesday. Photograph: DPR PMO/ANI Photo

Key Points Modi told the Knesset that India stands firmly with Israel and supports global efforts against terrorism.

He offered condolences for the October 7 Hamas attack and reiterated India's zero-tolerance policy on terror.

Modi noted he was born on September 17, 1950 -- the same day India formally recognised Israel.

Netanyahu praised Modi as a 'great friend' and highlighted the surge in India-Israel trade and cooperation.

Affirming India's close ties with Israel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday noted that he was born on the same day that India formally recognised Israel and said he is very happy to be returning to a land to which he has always felt drawn.

Addressing the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, Modi offered his deepest condolences to the people of Israel for every life lost in the terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023.

He said countering terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action because terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere.

"It is a privilege and honour for me to stand before this distinguished house. I do so as the Prime Minister of India and also as a representative of one ancient civilisation addressing another. I bring with me the greetings of 1.4 billion Indians and a message of friendship, respect and partnership," PM Modi said.

"Nine years ago, I had the good fortune to be the first PM of India to visit Israel, and I'm very happy to be here again, returning to a land to which I have always felt drawn. After all, I was born on the same day that India formally recognised Israel, September 17, 1950," he added.

Modi condemns Hamas attack

Modi said no cause can justify the murder of civilians and nothing can justify terrorism.

"I also carry with me the deepest condolences of the people of India for every life lost and for every family whose world was shattered in the barbaric terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7. We feel your pain, we share your grief. India stands with Israel firmly, with full conviction in this moment and beyond," Modi said.

"India has also endured the pain of terrorism for a long time. We remember the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the innocent lives lost, including Israeli citizens. Like you, we have a consistent and uncompromising policy of zero tolerance for terrorism with no double standards. Terrorism aims to destabilise societies, to block development and to erode trust. Countering terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action because terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere. That's why India supports all efforts that contribute to durable peace and regional stability," he added.

Netanyahu calls Modi 'great friend of Israel'

Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Modi ahead of his address to the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, and described him as 'a great friend of Israel, a great champion of the Indian-Israeli alliance, a great leader on the world stage'.

Netanyahu described Modi as a 'dear friend' and said he was deeply moved by the visit.

"I have to tell you, Narendra, my dear friend, I am deeply, deeply moved by your visit here today. I've never been more moved than by your visit here with us, a great friend of Israel, a great champion of the Indian-Israeli alliance, a great leader on the world stage. Welcome to Jerusalem, my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and your distinguished delegation," he said.

"I would almost venture to say, more than a friend, a brother. Now, when you were last here, the two of us were on the Mediterranean coast, and I said, why don't we take off our shoes and go into the water?... We didn't walk on water, but we did perform miracles since then. Because what we have done is we've doubled our trade, tripled our cooperation, quadrupled our understanding," he added.

'Modi, Modi' chants in Israeli Parliament

Amir Ohana, Speaker of the Knesset, said it was his privilege to welcome PM Modi.

"Today, it is my great privilege as Speaker of the Knesset to welcome him as the first Prime Minister of India to address the Knesset and to make history once again. Thank you, Prime Minister Modi," he said.

On his arrival at the Parliament, Modi was welcomed with 'Modi, Modi' chants and received a standing ovation. Netanyahu and his wife attended the official reception ceremony at the Knesset for Modi.

Modi earlier arrived in Tel Aviv on a two-day visit to Israel.
Marking the first-ever speech by an Indian prime minister to the Knesset, Modi showed India's strong resolve to combat terrorism with full force.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets the members of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, in Jerusalem on Wednesday. Photograph: DPR PMO/ANI Photo

Key Points Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday described the Gaza Peace Initiative as a path for 'just and durable peace'.

Modi asserted that terrorism anywhere threatens peace everywhere during his address at the Israeli Parliament.

Modi conveyed India's condolences for the victims of the Hamas terror attack on October 7, 2023.

Modi highlighted India's consistent and uncompromising policy against terrorism, drawing parallels with Israel's experience and the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

In a historic address to Knesset, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday described the Gaza Peace Initiative as a path for 'just and durable peace' in the entire region even as he delivered a powerful message of solidarity to Israel, asserting that 'terrorism anywhere threatens peace everywhere'.

Modi said like Israel, India has a 'consistent and uncompromising policy of zero tolerance for terrorism with no double standards' and called for sustained and coordinated global efforts to counter the menace.

The prime minister's address to the Knesset, Israel's house of representatives, came hours after he landed in the country to a rousing welcome with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu along with HIS wife Sara receiving him at the Ben Gurion airport.

"I also carry with me the deepest condolences of the people of India for every life lost and for every family whose world was shattered in the barbaric terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7 (2023)," Modi said.

"We feel your pain. We share your grief. India stands with Israel, firmly, with full conviction, in this moment, and beyond. No cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism," he said.

Marking the first-ever speech by an Indian prime minister to the Knesset, Modi showed India's strong resolve to combat terrorism with full force.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and several other senior leaders were among the parliamentarians who attended the event.

"India has also endured the pain of terrorism for a long time. We remember the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the innocent lives lost, including Israeli citizens. Like you, we have a consistent and uncompromising policy of zero tolerance for terrorism, with no double standards," he said.

"Terrorism aims to destabilise societies, to block development, and to erode trust. Countering terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action, because terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere."

"That is why India supports all efforts that contribute to durable peace and regional stability," he noted.

India admires Israel's 'resolve, courage, and achievements': Modi

The prime minister also delved into the evolving situation in the Middle East and referred to Israel signing the Abraham Accords with a number of countries a few years back.

"It was a moment of new hope for a long-troubled region. Since then, the situation has changed significantly. The path is even more challenging. Yet it is important to sustain that hope," he said.

In the current context, Modi explicitly backed the Gaza Peace Initiative, describing the United Nations Security Council-endorsed plan as the definitive path toward a 'just and durable peace' for the entire region.

"The Gaza Peace Initiative that was endorsed by the UN Security Council offers a pathway. India has expressed its firm support for the initiative," Modi said.

"We believe that it holds the promise of a just and durable peace for all the people of the region, including by addressing the Palestine issue," he said.

"Let all our efforts be guided by wisdom, courage, and humanity. The road to peace is not always easy. But India joins you and the world for dialogue, peace and stability in this region," he added.

The prime minister said that there is great admiration in India for Israel's 'resolve, courage, and achievements'.

"Long before we related to each other as modern states, we were linked by ties that go back more than two thousand years," he said.

Modi highlights India-Israel defence ties

Modi said India and Israel are 'democracies shaped by history and focused on the future'.

"Our partnership is grounded in shared experience and shared aspirations. Our strong partnership not only serves national interests but also contributes to global stability and prosperity," he said.

Highlighting robust ties between the two countries, Modi said, "In today's uncertain world, a strong defence partnership between trusted partners like India and Israel is of vital importance."

The prime minister also highlighted India's economic growth as well as Israel's technological prowess.

"For the last few years, India has been the fastest-growing major economy in the world. Soon, we will be among the top three economies globally," he said.

"At the same time, Israel is a powerhouse of innovation and technological leadership. This creates a natural foundation for a forward-looking partnership."

"We are committed to expanding trade, strengthening investment flows, and promoting joint infrastructure development," he added.

Modi said the bilateral investment treaty signed by the two sides last year will provide confidence and predictability to businesses.

"In the last few years, India has concluded a number of important trade agreements with other nations. To your West, the European Union, and the UK. To your East, the UAE and Oman," he said.

The prime minister said India-Israel bilateral goods trade has grown manifold in recent years.

At the same time, he noted that it does not reflect the 'full scope of opportunity'.

"That is why our teams are working hard to negotiate an ambitious Free Trade Agreement. It will unlock the vast untapped potential in our trade relationship," he said.

"Israel is often called the 'start-up nation'. In recent years, we have also been working to unlock the innovation and creativity of our youth," Modi said.

"I recall that in 2018, Prime Minister Netanyahu and I inaugurated the iCreate Technology Business Incubator in India. Since then, it has supported nearly 900 such start-ups," he said.

Modi said India and Israel will also work closely in different formats, such as the IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Corridor and the I2U2 framework between India, Israel, the United Arab Emirates and the United States.

"Defence and Security is another important pillar of our partnership. In November last year, we signed an MoU on Defence Cooperation. In today's uncertain world, a strong defence partnership between trusted partners like India and Israel is of vital importance," he said.
Netanyahu also expressed profound gratitude for the Indian government's steadfast support following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks in southern Israel. Addressing PM Modi, he stated, 'You stood next to Israel, you stood by Israel, you stood for Israel, you stood for the truth. Thank you, my friend.'

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu travel in the same car to the exhibition of technologies and innovations, in Jerusalem on Wednesday. Photograph: @narendramodi X/ANI Photo

Key Points Netanyahu praised the 'Modi hug' as a genuine and symbolic gesture reflecting the warmth of India-Israel ties.

He described the India-Israel alliance as an 'enormous multiplier' of both nations' strategic power and capabilities.

Netanyahu thanked PM Modi for India's support following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks.

Modi became the first Indian prime minister to address the Knesset and received a standing ovation during his visit.

Celebrating the exceptional personal chemistry and diplomatic synergy between the two nations, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed his Indian counterpart at the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, describing the relationship as a 'wondrous friendship, both personally between the two of us and between our two countries and our peoples'.

The leader shared a heartfelt reflection on the reception earlier in the day at the airport.

"Earlier today, my wife Sara and I greeted you at the airport. And just as you came down the steps, we embraced each other. Prime Minister Modi's personal embrace is something special. It's called the Modi hug. It's well known around the world. And when you hug someone closely, truly, you know it's not an act. It's a real thing. It's called the Modi hug," Netanyahu remarked while addressing the Knesset.

Emphasising that this gesture carries deep symbolic weight for the bilateral bond, he added, "So I want to return the hug here to every single one of the Knesset members, and it's not only an indication of the personal relations, of the personal friendship between us, but it really reflects the warmth of the tie between our two peoples."

Characterising the strategic power of the two democracies, the Premier noted, "India is a gigantic power of almost one and a half billion people. Israel is somewhat smaller, but Israel is gigantic too. I want to say that the alliance between us is an enormous multiplier of our individual powers, an enormous multiplier. It's a multiplier of the spirit and a multiplier of deeds and capabilities."

Netanyahu thanks Modi for support to Israel

Netanyahu also expressed profound gratitude for the Indian government's steadfast support following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks in southern Israel in which over 1,000 Israelis were killed.

Addressing PM Modi, he stated, "You stood next to Israel, you stood by Israel, you stood for Israel, you stood for the truth. Thank you, my friend."

Netanyahu, who described PM Narendra Modi as 'more than a friend, a brother', further noted that the two nations share 'common interests' and have witnessed a significant surge in trade and cooperation in recent years.

Welcoming his 'dear friend' to the parliament, he admitted he 'has never been more moved' by the visit of his Indian counterpart.

Netanyahu described PM Narendra Modi as 'a great friend of Israel, a great champion of the Israeli-Indian alliance, and a great leader on the world stage', adding, "Welcome to Jerusalem, my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and your distinguished delegation. Welcome to Jerusalem."

'Modi, Modi' chants in Israeli Parliament

Joining in the historic reception, Amir Ohana, Speaker of the Knesset, said it was his privilege to welcome the Indian leader.

"Today, it is my great privilege as Speaker of the Knesset to welcome him as the first Prime Minister of India to address the Knesset and to make history once again. Thank you, Prime Minister Modi," he said.

The significance of the moment was palpable upon his arrival at the Parliament, where Modi was welcomed with 'Modi, Modi' chants and received a standing ovation.

Earlier, Netanyahu, along with his wife, Sara, attended the official reception ceremony at the Knesset for Modi, following his arrival in Tel Aviv for a two-day state visit to Israel.
In Latur, Maharashtra, a 30-year-old man was swiftly apprehended after stealing his mother's gold jewelry, highlighting the effectiveness of local police investigation and quick action.

Key Points A 30-year-old man in Latur, Maharashtra, stole gold ornaments from his mother's house.

The stolen jewelry included a necklace, six rings, and two earrings.

Police investigation led to the suspect, Prashant Bhamre, within three hours.

The stolen gold ornaments were recovered from the suspect's house and returned to the mother.

A 30-year-old man stole his mother's gold ornaments from home in Latur district of Maharashtra and was held within hours of the crime, police said.

Complainant Sunita Dagdu Bhamre (50), a resident of Bhadgaon in Latur tehsil, reported that an unidentified person broke into her house on Monday and stole her gold ornaments, including a necklace, six rings and two earrings.

Swift Police Action and Arrest

Police launched a probe and through spot inspection, local intelligence inputs, verification of suspects, and technical analysis, the needle of suspicion pointed to a 30-year-old labourer Prashant Bhamre, an official said.

They nabbed him within three hours and on sustained questioning, he confessed to committing the theft.

Recovery of Stolen Gold

The police found that he stole the ornaments and hid them inside a cupboard in his own house. After his interrogation, they recovered the valuables and returned them to his mother.
An elderly Muslim man was allegedly assaulted and forced to chant religious slogans after offering namaz near a temple in Rudrapur, Uttarakhand, raising concerns about communal harmony and prompting a police investigation.

Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points The victim, Shahid, was reportedly forced to chant religious slogans by the attackers.

A video of the assault has circulated on social media, prompting widespread condemnation.

Community leaders are calling for a thorough investigation and strict action against the accused to maintain communal harmony.

Police have appealed for peace and are conducting a medical examination of the victim, promising further legal action.

An elderly Muslim man was allegedly assaulted by some people and forced to chant religious slogans after he offered namaz on a vacant land in front of a temple in Uttarakhand's Rudrapur, police said on Tuesday.

A video of the incident is doing the rounds on social media.

In the video, the accused are seen thrashing the man with sticks and hurling abuses at him.

Row over namaz near temple

The man, Shahid, a resident of the Resham Bari area, offered namaz during the ongoing month of Ramzan in front of the Atriya Temple in Jagatpura.

Shahid said he has been working near the temple for several days and claimed that the land where he offered namaz is quite far from the temple.

After learning about the incident, members of the Muslim community accompanied Shahid to the local police station and filed a complaint.

They claimed that one of the accused has been convicted in a murder case and currently out on parole.

Reactions to the Incident

Temple manager Arvind Sharma said activities associated with any other religion will not be tolerated on the temple land, even if a case is filed against him.

Police reached the spot and appealed to both communities to maintain peace.

Shahid is undergoing a medical examination. Further legal action will be taken based on the complaint, police said.

Municipal Councillor Parvez Qureshi termed the incident unacceptable.

"This matter is extremely serious. Assaulting a person is unacceptable. If anyone had any objection (to namaz being offered), the administration should have been informed. We demand an impartial investigation and strict action against the culprits to avoid a repeat of such incidents in the future," he said.

Congress leader Sofia Naz said the incident is detrimental to social harmony.

"Maintaining law and order in the state is the responsibility of the state government. Violence and forced chanting of slogans in the name of religion are against the spirit of the Constitution. The administration should take immediate action and provide justice to the victim," Naz said.
BEIJING, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Wednesday that cooperation between China and Germany is the only optimal solution to address risks, and development is the only option for both sides to ensure security.

Li made the remarks when attending a symposium of the China-Germany economic advisory committee in Beijing together with visiting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

"The more severe the situation is, the more China and Germany should strengthen cooperation," said Li. 
Controversial content regarding judicial corruption in an NCERT class 8 textbook may be removed following government and judicial scrutiny, sparking debate over curriculum content and judicial accountability.

Image used only for representational purposes. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points NCERT's Class 8 textbook faces potential removal of content related to judicial corruption following government concerns.

The NCERT has pulled the textbook from its website.

The CJI and senior advocates raised objections to the NCERT textbook's portrayal of corruption within the judiciary.

Government sources suggest the textbook should have addressed corruption across all branches of government, not just the judiciary.

The textbook cites statistics on pending court cases and quotes a former CJI on the negative impact of judicial corruption on public trust.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Wednesday strongly objected to a chapter on judicial corruption in the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)'s Class 8 social science curriculum, prompting the syllabus-setting body to withdraw the contentious textbook from its website.

A three-judge bench comprising the CJI and justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi took suo motu cognisance of the 'objectionable' statements about the judiciary in the new textbook after senior advocate Kapil Sibal, alongside Abhishek Singhvi, mentioned the matter for urgent consideration.

The NCERT social science textbook for Class 8 says corruption, a massive backlog of cases, and the lack of an adequate number of judges are among the challenges faced by the judicial system.

After stern words by the Supreme Court that it will not allow 'anyone on earth' to tarnish the judiciary's integrity, the NCERT pulled the textbook from its website, with sources saying the government was livid with the controversial references in the curriculum.

The council, responsible for school education curriculum, is also considering the removal of the controversial portions from the books already printed, sources said.

Several schools in the national capital, however, said they had no directive yet about whether or not to teach the portions in question.

The NCERT is said to have called an internal meeting to review the recommendations of the subject experts involved in the chapter and the officials who approved it.

NCERT Chairman Dinesh Prasad Saklani did not respond to calls and messages on the issue.

Another top official at the council refused to comment, saying the matter was sub judice.

'Irked' CJI says won't allow anyone to taint judiciary

The government sources said while the NCERT is an autonomous body, the officials responsible for adding chapters should have applied their minds.

If the issue of corruption was to be included in the textbook, it should have been about all three organs (the executive, the legislature and the judiciary), they said.

"We are very disturbed as members of this institution to find that children of Class 8 are being taught about corruption in the judiciary. It is part of the NCERT book. We have great stake in the institution it (the chapter) is entirely scandalous. We have the copies of the book," Sibal said in court.

"I can assure you all that I am fully aware of this," the CJI said, adding that he received various calls and messages and many high court judges were 'perturbed'.

When Sibal said he hoped the bench would take suo motu cognisance, the CJI said, "Wait for a day. This is definitely concerning the entire institution. The bar and the bench are perturbed. Every stakeholder in the system is really perturbed. I am receiving a lot of calls and messages. There are judges of the high courts who are perturbed."

The CJI told Sibal he had already passed an order taking suo motu cognisance of the issue.

"I will not allow anyone on earth to taint the integrity of the institution and defame the institution. At any cost, I will not permit it. Howsoever high it may be, the law will take its course. I know how to deal with it," a visibly irked CJI said.

Singhvi raised the issue of the NCERT adopting a selective approach and said it presumed that 'there was no corruption elsewhere. There was not a word about corruption in bureaucracy, politics, public life and other institutions'.

"It seems to be a very calculated and deep-rooted measure to... we don't want to say anything more... I am aware and I have done my duty," the CJI said and thanked the lawyers for raising the issue.

Justice Bagchi referred to the basic structure doctrine and said 'constitutional integrity to the basic structure is missing in the contents of the textbook'.

What the NCERT textbook said

The book pegs the approximate number of pending cases in the Supreme Court at 81,000, in high courts at 62.40 lakh, and in district and subordinate courts at 4.70 crore.

It highlights the judiciary's internal accountability mechanisms and refers to the established procedure for receiving complaints through the Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System.

According to the book, over 1,600 complaints were received through this mechanism between 2017 and 2021.

The textbook also quotes former Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, who in July 2025 said that instances of corruption and misconduct within the judiciary had a negative impact on public confidence.

'However, the path to rebuilding this trust lies in the swift, decisive and transparent action taken to address and resolve these issues... Transparency and accountability are democratic virtues,' he is quoted as saying in the book.

The government sources said that data on corruption in the judiciary was available in parliamentary records and the national judicial data grid, but the Union Law Ministry was not consulted for cross-verification of the fact.

The sources also said former CJI Gavai's quote on corruption in the judiciary was taken out of context, and he is learnt to be unhappy over it.

"If students are to be taught about corruption, the chapter should have ideally encouraged them to file a graft complaint, but not single out one institution.

"An in-house mechanism already exists in the Supreme Court and the 25 high courts to deal with complaints of corruption against judges. As per the drafters of the constitution, the judiciary is an independent institution which is capable of dealing with such cases," a government functionary said.

Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal told the Lok Sabha earlier this month that 8,639 complaints were received against sitting judges between 2016 and 2025.

The highest number of complaints (1,170) was received in 2024 by the office of the CJI against sitting judges.

Former law minister Ashwani Kumar hailed CJI Surya Kant for taking suo motu cognisance of the chapter and said the prompt action would help bury the propaganda against the judiciary.
The US President has previously made similar claims, stating that Sharif had credited him with saving millions of lives by helping end the conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

IMAGE: US President Donald J Trump delivers the first State of the Union address of his second term to a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber of the United States Capitol in Washington, DC, on February 24, 2026. Photograph: Kenny Holston /Pool via Reuters

Key Points Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for stopping the conflict between India and Pakista.

During State of the Union address, Trump said he had helped prevent what could have turned into a nuclear war between the two South Asian neighbours.

Trump said the US is restoring security at home and abroad.

United States President Donald Trump has said that Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told him that 35 million people would have died if it were not for his intervention in stopping the war between India and Pakistan.

In his over 100-minute-long State of the Union address on Tuesday, Trump repeated his claim that he had helped prevent what could have turned into a nuclear war between the two South Asian neighbours.

"In my first 10 months, I ended eight wars... including Pakistan and India, which would have been a nuclear war. Thirty-five million people, said the Prime Minister of Pakistan, would have died if it were not for my involvement," Trump said.

The US President has previously made similar claims, stating that Sharif had credited him with saving millions of lives by helping end the conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbours. On earlier occasions, Trump had cited lower figures, including 25 million and later 10 million lives.

Trump's repeating claims

Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for stopping the conflict between India and Pakistan, an assertion he has now made about 100 times since May 10 last year, when he announced on social media that India and Pakistan agreed to a "full and immediate" ceasefire after a "long night" of talks mediated by Washington.

India has consistently denied any third-party intervention.

In his address, Trump also listed several other conflicts that he claimed to have helped resolve, including Cambodia and Thailand, Kosovo and Serbia, Israel and Iran, Egypt and Ethiopia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, the Congo and Rwanda, and the war in Gaza, which he said was now proceeding "at a very low level".

Trump said the US is restoring security at home and abroad.

"We're proudly restoring safety for Americans at home and we are also restoring security for Americans abroad. Our country has never been stronger," the president said in his second State of the Union address of his second term in the White House.

At one point, some Democratic lawmakers interrupted Trump's speech, prompting him to respond, "Isn't it funny? Sick people."
The Supreme Court has initiated suo motu action regarding an NCERT class 8 textbook that references corruption in the judiciary, raising concerns about potential defamation and the integrity of the judicial system.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Chief Justice Surya Kant expressed serious concerns about the textbook's content, viewing it as a potential attempt to defame the judicial institution.

The court emphasized that the judiciary is governed by a strict code of conduct, both inside and outside the courtroom.

The NCERT textbook highlights challenges faced by the judicial system, including corruption, case backlogs, and a shortage of judges.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday took suo motu cognisance of the contents of the class 8 NCERT textbook referring to corruption in the judiciary and termed it a matter of "grave concern."

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi was urged by senior advocate Kapil Sibal that "children of class 8 are taught about corruption in the judiciary. This is a matter of grave concern."

The CJI said, "I will not allow anybody to defame the institution. Law will take its course."

He added, "As head of the institution, I have done my duty and have taken cognisance. This seems to be a calculated move. I won't say much."

Justice Bagchi said the book seemed to be against the basic structure of the Constitution.

The CJI said, "Please wait for a few days. Bar and Bench all are perturbed. All high court judges are perturbed. I will take up the matter suo motu. I will not allow anybody to defame the institution. Law will take its course."

Later, Justice Kant said that the top court has taken suo motu cognisance of the matter.

NCERT book lists challenges in judicial system

Corruption, massive backlog of cases, and lack of an adequate number of judges are among the "challenges" faced by the judicial system, according to the new social science NCERT textbook for class 8.

The section "corruption in the judiciary" in the new book states that judges are bound by a code of conduct that governs not only their behaviour in court, but also how they conduct themselves outside it.
A 57-year-old Sikh man, Avtar Singh, was tragically found dead in California after being kidnapped, prompting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death and the motive behind the crime.

Key Points Authorities believe Avtar Singh was not the intended target of the kidnapping, suggesting a case of mistaken identity or a different motive.

The San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office is investigating the case and assures the community there is no known ongoing threat.

Singh worked as a volunteer and head cook at a local Sikh temple, where he lived with his wife and triplets.

A 57-year-old Sikh man in the United States was found dead days after he was kidnapped, with authorities saying he was not the "intended target" of the crime.

Avtar Singh was reported missing on February 17 at approximately 8:52 pm in Tracy, California.

During the investigation, surveillance footage showed a white SUV and three unidentified individuals dressed in dark clothing with Singh at approximately 2:30 pm. The victim appeared to enter the vehicle against his will, the authorities said.

San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office said in a statement on Tuesday said that Singh was found dead on February 20 at approximately 3:20 pm near Lake Berryessa after the Napa County Sheriff's Office located a body matching the description of the missing person.

Authorities said detectives are working to investigate the case and identify those responsible for this terrible act.

"Based on the information known at this time, this appears to be an isolated incident, and there is no known ongoing threat to the community," the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office said.

Investigation Details

A report in news portal KCRA.com quoted San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow as saying that Singh was not the intended target in the kidnapping and homicide.

Withrow said the abductors were targeting another individual for a specific reason and "we're hoping that reason comes to the light".

He said that while investigators could not release any information related to the abductors or a possible motive, Singh was not their intended target.

Community Impact

Singh worked at a Sikh temple in the area as a volunteer where he also lived on the grounds with his wife and three young triplets, the KCRA report said.

"He was very sincere and hard working," community member Deep Singh was quoted as saying in the report. "For 23 years, his main role was the head cook at our gurudwara, at the temple, but he was not only a cook, he was a multi-tasking person.
A Sri Lankan national has been sentenced to jail and faces deportation after being convicted for illegally residing in India, highlighting the enforcement of immigration laws.

Key Points A Sri Lankan national has been sentenced to one year of rigorous imprisonment by a Thane court for illegally residing in India.

The court ordered the deportation of the accused, Arumahaddi Janith Madusangha D'silva, to Sri Lanka after he serves his sentence.

D'silva was arrested in January 2025 for staying in a hotel in Thane district without a valid passport or visa.

While convicted under the Foreigners Act, the court acquitted him of charges related to cheating and forgery due to lack of evidence.

The court directed the auction of the accused's mobile phone and the destruction of the fake Aadhaar and SIM card found in his possession.

A Thane court has sentenced a 36-year-old Sri Lankan national to one-year rigorous imprisonment for illegally staying in India.

After completion of the sentence, the accused, identified as Arumahaddi Janith Madusangha D'silva alias Podi Lessi, should be deported to Sri Lanka, Additional Sessions Judge Vasudha L Bhosale said in the order passed on February 20.

The court convicted the accused under relevant provisions of the Foreigners Act, but acquitted him of several other charges, including cheating and forgery, citing a lack of substantive evidence.

It sentenced the accused to rigorous imprisonment for one year, one month and six days - the exact period he has already spent in custody since his arrest in January 2025 - and also imposed a fine of Rs 1,000 on him.

The court further directed the Thane police commissioner to deport him to Sri Lanka.

It ordered that the mobile phone seized from the accused be auctioned and the proceeds forfeited to the government, while the bogus Aadhaar card and SIM card recovered from him be destroyed.

The prosecution's case was that D'silva was found residing at a hotel in Kashigaon, Mira Road, in Maharashtra's Thane district without a passport or visa on January 13, 2025.

During the trial, the accused claimed he was Indian and falsely implicated, but failed to provide any documentation to support his claim.

The court said the burden is on the accused to prove that he is not a foreigner. He has to prove that he is an Indian citizen by adducing cogent evidence. In this respect, no evidence is adduced by the accused, it noted.

Acquittal on Forgery and Cheating Charges

The judge, however, said the police failed to prove charges of forgery and cheating against the accused.

"The mere mention of penal provisions in the FIR is not substantive proof of their commission... No evidence has been led to show that the accused deceived any individual, induced any authority by false representation, or caused wrongful loss to any person," she said.

No forged passport, visa or fabricated document has been seized; no forensic or handwriting expert has been examined. The mere non-production or absence of a passport at the time of the raid cannot lead to a presumption of forgery or cheating, the judge observed.

The court also acquitted the accused under Section 14A of the Foreigners Act, noting the prosecution failed to prove the area where he was found was a "prohibited or restricted" zone as per government notifications.
During his State of the Union address, President Trump honored Dalilah Coleman, a young crash victim, and urged Congress to pass 'Dalilah Law' to prevent undocumented immigrants from obtaining commercial driver's licenses, sparking debate on immigration and road safety.

IMAGE: Dalilah Coleman is carried by her father, Marcus, during US President Donald Trump's State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the US Capitol in Washington, DC on February 24, 2026. Photograph: Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters

Key Points Donald Trump honored Dalilah Coleman, a young girl injured in a crash caused by an undocumented immigrant truck driver, during his State of the Union address.

Trump called on Congress to pass 'Dalilah Law' to prevent states from granting commercial driver's licenses to illegal aliens.

Partap Singh, an undocumented immigrant, was arrested for causing the multi-vehicle crash in California that critically injured Coleman.

Coleman suffered life-altering injuries, including brain trauma and broken bones, and has undergone extensive medical treatment and therapy.

The Department of Homeland Security stated that Singh had illegally crossed the border and was released into the country by the Biden administration.

President Donald Trump has honoured a young girl who suffered life-altering injuries in a multi-vehicle crash caused by an Indian truck driver living illegally in the country, during his address to a joint session of the US Congress.

In his State of the Union speech at the US Capitol on Tuesday, Trump said Dalilah Coleman was only five years old in June 2024 when an 18-wheel tractor-trailer travelling at 60 miles an hour rammed into her stationary car.

"The driver was an illegal alien let in by Joe Biden and given a commercial driver's license by open borders politicians in California," he said.

Indian truck driver arrested for multi-vehicle crash

Though Trump did not mention the identity of the driver, in August last year, Partap Singh, who had arrived in the US illegally, was arrested for causing the multi-vehicle crash while driving the 18-wheeler truck in California that had critically injured Coleman.

Trump noted that doctors had said that Coleman would never be able to walk or talk, or have a good life.

"She wouldn't even be able to eat again. But against all odds, she is now in the first grade, learning to walk, and she's here this evening with her dad... Dalilah... You are a great inspiration. Please stand up," he said.

Coleman, accompanied by her father, was seated in the gallery of the House chamber along with other special guests.

She received a standing ovation and thunderous applause from lawmakers, guests and attendees.

Trump said many "illegal aliens" do not speak English and cannot read even the most basic road signs about direction, speed, danger or location.

"That's why tonight I'm calling on Congress to pass what we will call the Dalilah Law barring any state from granting commercial driver's licenses to illegal aliens," he said, drawing applause.

Indian truck driver illegally crossed US border

Singh had illegally crossed the southern border in October 2022 and was "released" into the country by the Joe Biden administration, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had said in a statement.

The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) later arrested Singh, and he was in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings.

The agency said that in June 2024, Singh caused the multi-car pileup while driving a commercial 18-wheeler in California.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) Traffic Crash Report had stated that Singh drove at an unsafe speed and failed to stop for traffic and a construction zone.

Singh had been issued a commercial driver's license by California Governor Gavin Newsom's Department of Motor Vehicles.

The accident had left Coleman with critical, life-altering injuries. Her stepfather, Michael Krause, was also hospitalised, while the child had to be airlifted to a hospital. Several others were also treated for injuries.

According to Coleman's father, the crash resulted in her inability to walk, talk, eat orally, or attend kindergarten as planned. She was in a coma for three weeks and required six months of hospital treatment before her family could bring her home.

While in the hospital, she had a craniectomy and was without half of her skull for four months. She experienced a broken femur, skull fractures, and has since been diagnosed with diplegic cerebral palsy, global developmental delay, and will need lifelong therapy.

"Dalilah Coleman's life was forever changed when an illegal alien driving an 18-wheeler slammed into her and her family. This tragedy was entirely preventable," DHS Secretary Kristi Noem had said.
In London, a Chinese New Year parade drew large crowds as eye-catching floats and energetic dancers made their way from Trafalgar Square to Chinatown. #ChineseNewYear #SpringFestival #London
Volunteers and town employees of Brattleboro set up a polling station at the American Legion on Monday to get ready for Tuesday's town electio
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JAMAICA  Voters will be asked if Jamaica Village School should be closed for public education and uses by the local school district.

The vote is scheduled for Wednesday, April 8. An information session will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 30, at the Jamaica Town Office.

Earlier this month, the West River Education District Board voted to ask Jamaica to hold a vote on whether to close the building. Recounting a community meeting where challenges in education and the potential for school choice were discussed, WRED Board Chairman Drew Hazelton said the consensus seemed to be that Jamaica was willing to entertain the vote.

"The date they chose was April 8," Jamaica Select Board Chairwoman Jessica Pollack said at a Select Board meeting on Monday, where the vote was approved to be warned.

The approximately $15 million budget being proposed to voters in the school district on the same day includes nearly $300,000 in savings from not running the building. Currently, only pre-k is offered in the school.

Pollack described the developments as "painful."

"There's been a very high level of interest and demand, I mean that in the nicest way, for an information session to hear just about why we've been asked again to vote to close the school," she said.

Jamaica voters reject school closure JAMAICA  Residents rejected a proposal to close Jamaica Village School in an 85-56 vote Tuesday.

Last year, Jamaica voted to keep the school open. A now-scrapped consolidation plan from WRED involved offloading Jamaica Village School and eventually Townshend Elementary.

Due to staffing challenges, JVS was temporarily closed last year. Pre-k returned to the school after a years-long hiatus and community members hoped that would help reinvigorate the school.

With closure now on the horizon, Jamaica Select Board members and community members have walked through the school building. Pollack said the upcoming information session could cover potential future plans, "in a fairly meaningful way, so folks can imagine if we did close it, what could we do with that property?"

Another item to be on the ballot will ask if the town should buy the building from the district for $1.

Karen Ameden of Jamaica suggested surveying the public about its desire to have school choice for high school. If the community responds overwhelmingly in the affirmative, she said, that would send a message to the district and the state.

A subcommittee of Select Board and Planning Commission members and residents will help the Select Board in preparing for the information session. Pollack said the group will "in particular ... come up with understandably high level but informative options for the use of the property."

"There's a lot of options," Ameden said.

Ameden recommended including a local businessperson or two among the committee "because it certainly affects businesses."
BRATTLEBORO  Education, housing and infrastructure are agreed to be important ongoing priorities for legislators in the new session as they t
Documentary filmmaker and activist Mojgan Ilanlou says Iran is like a patient in the throes of death, warning that the countrys social and economic crises have spread beyond traditional fault lines.

Speaking to RFE/RLs Radio Farda from Tehran, where she is currently based, Ilanlou pointed to the eerie quiet of Tehrans Grand Bazaar and major shopping districts during the customary March rush ahead of Norouz, the Persian New Year, arguing that supermarkets and bakeries serve as a thermometer for the fever and agitation of society.

Since 2021, the crises of poverty, anxiety, and social collapse have surged into the upscale neighborhoods of the city, drowning the entire country, Ilanlou said, describing a nationwide deterioration that she says is most visible not in official statistics but on the streets where ordinary citizens live.

Ilanlou has been barred from working because of her activism, which includes documenting Iranian womens struggles.

She spoke to Radio Farda just ahead of a meeting of US and Iranian officials in Geneva aimed at heading off a possible military confrontation over Tehran's nuclear program.

As her compatriots express growing dread online over potential military escalations and a shrinking horizon for political change, Ilanlou said the national psyche has shifted toward what she calls dreaming -- a defensive habit in which people cling to hopes of a miraculous rescue.

Dreaming is the brain's defensive response to a dead end.... People imagine that, through some miracle, the dam will break; that a savior will arrive, or an event will occur, and everything will suddenly be fixed, she said.

Ilanlou cautioned that overcoming this paralysis will require confronting hard truths. We must accept that the issue is not simple. There are no easy fixes, no quick wins, and no low-cost paths forward, she said.

Despite her bleak diagnosis, Ilanlou identified sources of resilience beneath the surface.

She credited a cultural reserve built over 16 years by grassroots circles of thought following mass post-election demonstrations in 2009 meeting in private homes and bookstores, which she said have helped stave off moral decay and extremism.

To her, the Women, Life, Freedom movement that rocked the Islamic republic in 2022 after the death of Mahsa Amini while being detained for an alleged head scarf violation, was the culmination of that long-gestating intellectual maturity.

Ultimately, Ilanlou argued, progress depends on abandoning what she called the Superman complex -- the idea that a single leader or faction can erase others and unilaterally fix the nations problems.

No one should seek to erase another group or claim to be a Superman, she said. If we can reach that point of collective maturity, there is hope we can find our way out.

Written by Kian Sharifi based on an interview by Hannah Kaviani of RFE/RL's Radio Farda
BEIJING, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- China and Germany have been expanding trade ties continuously since their establishment of diplomatic relations more than five decades ago, with their bilateral trade growing faster than China's overall foreign trade in 2025, official data showed on Wednesday.

In 2025, trade of goods between China and Germany totaled 1.51 trillion yuan (about 217.83 billion U.S. dollars), which was up 5.2 percent from the year prior, with a growth rate 1.4 percentage points higher than China's overall foreign trade expansion for the year, according to the General Administration of Customs.

Germany remained China's largest trading partner in Europe last year. Meanwhile, China regained its position as Germany's top trading partner following a one-year lapse.

Machinery and electrical products took the lion's share of these trade flows. Imports and exports of such goods between the two countries totaled 1.07 trillion yuan in 2025, rising 5.8 percent year on year and accounting for more than 70 percent of bilateral trade.

As the world's second and third-largest economies, China and Germany are all-round strategic partners that benefit from each other.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Beijing on Wednesday, beginning an official visit to China that will continue through Thursday. He is accompanied by a business delegation comprising executives of approximately 30 major German firms covering industries such as automotive manufacturing, chemicals and pharmaceuticals. 
Iranian actor Amirali Danaei shot to fame for his starring role in a state-sponsored historical drama criticizing the monarchy that was toppled by the Islamic Revolution in 1979, which ushered in the country's current clerical rulers.

Now, Danaei has fled his homeland and abandoned his career in Iran. The breaking point for the 45-year-old was not the years of state pressure and harassment he said he endured but the deadliest state crackdown on protesters in Iran's modern history.

"I have no interest in returning [to Iran] as long as this [political] system is in place," Danaei told RFE/RL's Radio Farda in a telephone interview, describing the country as a dictatorship. "The issue of Iran is no longer about politics. It's about human lives, and human lives are not up for negotiation."

The authorities killed at least 7,000 people in January as they crushed mass protests calling for an end to clerical rule, according to human rights groups, although the real death toll is believed to be significantly higher.

The weekslong demonstrations erupted in late December 2025 over economic grievances but soon snowballed into the biggest threat to the Islamic republic in years.

'Political Literacy'

Danaei left Iran in January, during the peak of the brutal state crackdown. He requested that his current location not be revealed for security reasons.

In his interview with RFE/RL, he said he regretted his involvement in state-sponsored films. That includes his role as lead actor in Pahlavi Hat, a television series that criticized the first Pahlavi monarch, Reza Shah, and his secular policies. The series, which ran from 2012 to 2014, launched Danaei's career.

"I was a 24-year-old actor then, without the political literacy I have today," Danaei said of his role. "If I had my current insight, I would never have played in any project that was even slightly against [the monarchy]."

Danaei now praises the autocratic monarchy, under which many Iranians enjoyed greater social freedoms although they had few political rights. He said Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last shah of Iran, and his father, Reza Khan, were "150 to 200 years ahead of their time."

During the nationwide protests in January, some protesters chanted the name of exiled former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who is based in the United States.

'Militarization' Of Iranian Cinema

Actors and filmmakers working in Iran are often subjected to state pressure and strict censorship. They must follow tight rules that forbid showing unveiled women, physical contact between men and women, and criticism of Islamic principles. The strict restrictions limit the topics that can be discussed in movies.

Scores of cultural figures have been arrested in recent years for their political activism and their support for anti-government protests. Some have fled the country for fear of their lives.

Danaei criticized the "militarization" of Iranian cinema, specifically the rise of the Owj Arts and Media Organization, an entity widely recognized as the media arm of Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, which is blacklisted by both the United States and the European Union.

"Silence in the face of suffering caused by oppression is not neutrality," he said. "It's complicity."
Lindsay and Craig Foreman were arrested while traveling through Iran on an around-the-world motorcycle trip in 2025. After more than a year in detention, they were sentenced this month to 10 years in prison on espionage charges. Speaking to RFE/RL's Radio Farda, Lindsay Foreman's son, Joe Bennett, insisted that the couple are innocent as he called on the Iranian government to use the Islamic holy month of Ramadan to exercise mercy.
US and Iranian officials are set to hold a fresh round of nuclear talks in Geneva on February 26 for what is seen as a last-ditch attempt to avoid a major military conflict between the foes.

The third round of discussions come as President Donald Trump weighs options for US military action if no deal is secured to curb Irans nuclear program, with two American carrier groups deployed within striking distance of the Islamic republic.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi left Tehran for the Swiss city on February 25, and is expected to hold talks with White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. Omani representatives will act as mediators, as they have in previous rounds.

The sides held indirect talks earlier this month in Oman, the first since Israel and the United States bombed Iran's key nuclear sites during a brief conflict in June. A second round of talks was held in Geneva on February 17.

The two rounds of negotiations failed to yield a breakthrough, and key sticking points remain unsolved.

During the talks, the United States has demanded that Iran put a complete halt on enriching uranium and give up its stockpile of around 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium, steps that would prevent Tehran from building a nuclear weapon.

Tehran insists that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful, civilian purposes such as electricity generation.

"After their nuclear program was obliterated [by US and Israeli air strikes last year], they were told not to try to restart it...You can see them always trying to rebuild elements of it," US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on February 25.



"They're not enriching right now, but they're trying to get to the point where they ultimately can."



Rubio said that while the talks will focus on Iran's nuclear program, its missiles "have to be addressed in the negotiations" as Tehran possesses "thousands of short range ballistic missiles that can reach US bases located in region."



He added that Trump's comments on February 24 during his State of the Union address that Iran is "working to build missiles that will soon reach the United States of America didn't mean they currently possess such weapons, but that "clearly they are headed in the pathway to, one day, being able to develop weapons that could reach the continental US."

Iran has indicated it is prepared to make concessions in return for the lifting of US sanctions and recognition of its right to enrich uranium.

Kelsey Davenport, the director for nonproliferation policy at the US-based Arms Control Association, said there is still a chance for diplomacy even as the risks of miscalculation and the risks of a return to conflict are extremely high.

I think despite all of the threats, Trump wants a deal, Davenport told RFE/RLs Radio Farda.

He does not want to get the United States bogged down in another conflict in the region. And I think that Iran, too, to realize sanctions relief and to prevent a return to conflict, would also see value in an agreement.

Photo Gallery: A Military On The Move: US Hardware Spotted Amid Iran Tensions As US forces gather in the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran, photographers have captured images of naval and air units on the move -- from Crete to the Azores, from Britain to Bulgaria.









Ahead of the February 26 negotiations, Araqchi said the sides were close to an agreement that would avoid a military confrontation.

"We have a historic opportunity to strike an unprecedented agreement that addresses mutual concerns and achieves mutual interests," Araqchi said in a social media post, adding that a deal was "within reach, but only if diplomacy is given priority."

Araqchi also vowed that Iran will "under no circumstances ever develop a nuclear weapon," but insisted on the country's right to "harness dividends of peaceful nuclear technology."

In his February 24 address, Trump appeared to lay out his case for a possible attack on Iran, saying he would not allow the world's number one sponsor of terror to have a nuclear weapon.

Trump said Tehran wanted to rebuild its nuclear program and is "at this moment again pursuing their sinister nuclear ambitions."

In an apparent response to Trump's address, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei posted on social media on February 25 that the US administration was spreading "lies."

"Whatever they're alleging in regards to Iran's nuclear program, Iran's ballistic missiles, and the number of casualties during January's unrest is simply the repetition of 'big lies,'" he wrote.

The negotiations in Geneva come after repeated threats from Trump of military action against Tehran, first over Iran's brutal crackdown on mass protests in January, and then more recently over the country's nuclear program.



World powers struck a landmark nuclear deal with Tehran in 2015 to prevent an Iranian bomb.

Western economic sanctions were eased at the time, but Iran began reneging on commitments after Trump, in his first term as president, withdrew from the agreement in 2018 and reimposed sanctions.
WASHINGTON -- US President Donald Trump used the longest State of the Union address in US history to repeat the threat of military action against Iran if diplomacy fails -- and pledged to keep negotiating to end the war in Ukraine.

Speaking for nearly one hour and 50 minutes, Trump used the joint session of Congress to frame his administrations achievements as the dawn of a "golden age."

The speech was an opportunity to focus on domestic policy ahead of Novembers midterm elections, but Trump also restated key priorities on foreign affairs and global security.

Iran

Trump spent several minutes discussing Iran, which he presented as a direct and ongoing threat while also recalling US military strikes on the country in June last year.

After [operation] Midnight Hammer, they were warned to make no future attempts to rebuild their weapons program, in particular nuclear weapons. Yet they continue starting it all over again, he said.

My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy, Trump said. But one thing is certain: I will never allow the worlds number one sponsor of terror, which they are by far, to have a nuclear weapon. Cant let that happen.

His words came amid a massive US military buildup in the Middle East, and ahead of further US-Iran talks slated for February 26. The talks are focused primarily on Iran's nuclear program, which Tehran insists is intended for peaceful, civilian purposes such as electricity generation.

For decades, it had been the policy of the United States never to allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon. Many decades, Trump said.

Referring to Irans clerical leadership since the 1979 revolution, he said: Since they seized control of that proud nation 47 years ago, the regime and its murderous proxies have spread nothing but terrorism and death and hate.

Trump further stated that in recent domestic unrest Iranian authorities had killed at least, it looks like, 32,000 protesters in their own country.

Human rights groups have counted some 7,000 deaths, but it is widely believed the actual number is significantly higher.

Trump closed his comments on Iran with the warning: No nation should ever doubt Americas resolve. We have the most powerful military on Earth.

In an apparent response to Trump's address, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei posted on social media that the US administration was spreading lies.

"Whatever they're alleging in regards to Iran's nuclear program, Iran's ballistic missiles, and the number of casualties during January's unrest is simply the repetition of 'big lies,'" he wrote.

Ukraine

This section of his speech was preceded by brief remarks on Ukraine, where Russia's full-scale invasion has now entered its fifth year.

Trump said his administration is working very hard" to end the war, referring to several months of talks that continued last week with trilateral meetings in Geneva, Switzerland.

His chief envoy, Steve Witkoff, looked on. He said following the latest round of talks that "meaningful progress" was made, without giving details, and added that "both parties agreed tocontinue working toward a deal."

On February 25, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told reporters in Kyiv that a new round of US-brokered talks with Russia would be held in March.

Trump's remarks on Ukraine did not go into much detail, but he again returned to the terrible human cost of the conflict.

Twenty-five thousand soldiers are dying each and every month. Think of that, 25,000 soldiers are dying a month, he said.

Casualty figures are not publicly available and cannot be independently verified. But one recent report put the number of killed, wounded, and missing at 1.2 million Russians and 500,000-600,000 Ukrainians.

Repeating a familiar campaign claim, Trump added that the war would have never happened if I were president.

The remarks come as European leaders used the fourth anniversary of the conflict to reaffirm support for Kyiv and as questions linger over Washingtons long-term strategy.

Energy, Tariffs

Foreign policy was closely tied to Trumps domestic economic agenda.

He touted expanded oil and gas production under his drill, baby, drill policy, arguing that increased US output -- alongside what he described as a bright new beginning in Venezuela -- would help drive down global energy prices.

Calling Venezuela our new friend and partner, Trump said the US had secured 80 million barrels of oil following the ouster of longtime leader Nicolas Maduro.

On trade, Trump said tariffs paid by foreign countries would eventually replace the modern day system of income tax and ease the financial burden on Americans.

Throughout the speech, Trump returned repeatedly to a central theme: American resurgence.

While Trump's speech was greeted with cheers and standing ovations from Republicans, the Democrats sat in stony silence broken by occasional heckles.

Delivering the party's official response, Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger said Trump "continues to cede economic power and technological strength to Russia, bow down to China, bow down to a Russian dictator, and make plans for war with Iran."

Dozens of Democrats boycotted the event altogether, holding a separate event elsewhere in Washington where they criticized Trump on a range of issues.

I'm not at the State of the Union speech tonight because these are not normal times and Democrats have to stop behaving normally, said Democrat Senator Chris Murphy.
US President Donald Trump said that he will "never allow" Iran to gain a nuclear weapon during his State of the Union address on February 24. He spoke amid a US military buildup in the Middle East, raising fears of a conflict with Iran, which claims its nuclear program is for civilian purposes.
WASHINGTON -- US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke by phone on February 25, a high-stakes conversation confirmed by both the White House and Kyiv as diplomatic efforts intensify ahead of renewed negotiations in Geneva.

The call serves as a precursor to a pivotal February 26 meeting in Switzerland, where Ukraines National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov is slated to meet with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump adviser Jared Kushner.

The talks in Geneva are expected to center on a prosperity package designed for Ukraines economic recovery, while laying the groundwork for a potential trilateral summit with Russia, according to both Ukrainian and US officials.

In a social media post following the call, Zelenskyy noted that Trumps envoys participated in the discussion, which focused heavily on the agenda for the upcoming rounds of diplomacy.

We expect this meeting to create an opportunity to move talks to the leaders level, Zelenskyy wrote, adding that Trump supports this sequence of steps. He characterized a direct leaders' summit as the only way to resolve all the complex and sensitive issues and finally end the war.

Territory And Political Will

The diplomatic maneuvering comes amid a sobering assessment from Kyiv regarding the fundamental gaps between the warring parties.

Speaking earlier in the day alongside Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, Zelenskyy identified "political will" and "territorial integrity" as the primary friction points.

Ukrainians Skeptical About Peace Talks On Anniversary Of Russia's Invasion by RFE/RL No media source currently available 0:00 0:00:52 0:00

"The problem is with the political will to stop this war and the question of territories," Zelenskyy said. While acknowledging the Trump administrations desire for a swift conclusion to the conflict, he expressed skepticism that lower-level working groups could resolve the most contentious issues.

"Im not sure that we will have tomorrow exactly [a] result on the territories," he said, reflecting his stance that such breakthroughs "must go to the level of leaders."

'We're Poorer': Russians Reflect On 4 Years Of War by RFE/RL No media source currently available 0:00 0:00:49 0:00

While Kyiv has signaled a pragmatic willingness to consider a cessation of hostilities along current lines of control, officials emphasize that any cease-fire must be bolstered by "ironclad" security guarantees from Washington and European allies.

Moscow, however, continues to demand that Ukraine relinquish additional territory in the eastern Donetsk region -- a demand Kyiv has flatly rejected.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov recently cast doubt on the utility of a Putin-Zelenskyy summit, questioning whether Ukraines current negotiating position offers a viable "path forward."

The Language Of 'Pressure'

Against this backdrop of stalled diplomacy, Ukrainian officials and activists are warning that talk alone will not move the needle in the Kremlin.

In Washington, Ukrainian Ambassador Olha Stefanishyna told reporters on February 24 that diplomacy must be backed by "hard power."

"The language which is understood by Russians is not the dialogue or diplomatic effort -- its the pressure," Stefanishyna said, arguing that sanctions and battlefield resistance are the only effective tools to influence Moscows calculus.

That sentiment was echoed on the streets of the US capital over the weekend. Several hundred demonstrators gathered at the Lincoln Memorial before marching to the Russian ambassador's residence. The rally, organized by US Ukrainian Activists (USUA), served as a reminder of the domestic pressure on the White House to secure a "just peace."

"The Ukrainian diaspora continues to send a clear message to the US administration: Ukraine needs a just and lasting peace with strong security guarantees," said Nadiya Shaporynska, the groups president.

Speaking to RFE/RL on February 24, she cautioned against a return to the "failed model" of the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, which saw Ukraine trade its nuclear arsenal for security assurances that were ultimately ignored by Moscow.

In remarks to the press, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Trump administration has kept ramping up pressure on Moscow by imposing new sanctions on the Russian oil giant Rosneft, while continuing to sell weapons to Ukraine.

"The administration continues to sell weaponry to Ukraine. We don't sell weapons to Russia and we don't sanction Ukraine," he told reporters on February 25.

Rubio said only Washington can drive negotiations to end the Ukraine war, which he believes has no military solution.

"The United Nations isn't going to do it. France isn't going to do it. The EU isn't going to do it. The Russians won't even speak to them. So we don't want to walk away from -- we know that, at the end, that war in Ukraine does not have a military solution," he said.

"If we forfeit that role, no one else can do it," he added.

Republicans Renew Call For Tomahawks

The demand for increased pressure is also gaining traction on Capitol Hill, where influential Republican lawmakers are urging the Trump administration to expand military support as a means of gaining leverage at the bargaining table.

On February 24, Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina called for the provision of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine. Graham argued that the ability to strike drone and missile factories deep inside Russian territory is essential, asserting that "at this point, Putin is not serious about ending the war."

Photo Gallery: Here Is What Tomahawk Missiles Could Do For Ukraine US President Donald Trump told reporters on October 6 that he had "sort of made a decision" about allowing Ukraine access to Tomahawk cruise missiles. If Washington does supply the advanced weapon, here is how it could change the battlefield dynamic between Moscow and Kyiv.









This sentiment was mirrored on the Senate floor by Republican Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas, who described Russias invasion as a "strategic failure" defined by massive casualties. Moran joined the call for Tomahawks and tightened sanctions, insisting that Moscow must not be allowed to claim victory "either on the battlefield or at the negotiating table."

Representative Don Bacon (Republican-Nebraska), speaking at the American Foreign Policy Council on February 25, framed the support as a matter of global precedent.

He argued that providing long-range precision weapons and "crushing" sanctions is necessary to demonstrate that the United States will not tolerate the "violent conquest of territory."

Breakthrough Elusive

Despite multiple meetings between Ukrainian, Russian, and US officials this year, a definitive breakthrough remains elusive.

While senior US officials have privately signaled their desire to maintain diplomatic momentum, the gap between Kyivs demand for security and Moscows demand for land remains vast.

Zelenskyy has expressed a readiness to meet Putin on neutral ground, but the success of such an encounter likely hinges on the outcome of the Geneva talks and a proposed trilateral round in March.

As the war enters its fifth year, the dual tracks of diplomacy and high-intensity combat continue to run in parallel.

Whether the combined weight of international pressure and renewed negotiations can finally shift the trajectory of the conflict remains the defining question of the current diplomatic push.
BEIJING, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- The 2026 Zhongguancun Forum (ZGC Forum) is scheduled to be held in Beijing from March 25 to 29, according to its organizers.

With the annual theme of "Full Integration Between Technological and Industrial Innovation," this year's forum will feature five main components: forum conferences, achievement releases, technology trade fairs, frontier competitions and supporting events.

Main events will include the opening ceremony and plenary session, parallel forums, achievement releases, the ZGC International Technology Trade Fair, and the Grand Final of Zhongguancun International Advanced Technology Innovation Competition.

This year's forum is jointly organized by several Chinese government agencies, including the Ministry of Science and Technology, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

Founded in 2007 with the permanent theme of "Innovation and Development," the forum has evolved into a global, comprehensive, open, and high-level international event for enhancing global innovation in science and technology. 
The provision of an additional autism class at Ballyforan National School has been called for by an Independent councillor.

Councillor Emer Kelly has called on Roscommon County Council to write to the Minister for Education and the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to outline the urgent need for an additional autism class at the South Roscommon school.

There is huge demand for spaces in this area and they are not being resourced, Cllr Kelly told a recent meeting of the Athlone Municipal District.

She told the meeting that the issue has been on-going for the last couple of years and the school is not getting enough clarity on the situation.

They find themselves in a very unstable position in relation to the provision of special education and the need for an additional autism class, said Cllr Kelly.

The school, board of management and everyone in the community is calling for an additional special education class in the school. All the staff have the relevant qualifications and the special education team within the school all have their post grad in special education, and full support from all relevant parties.

She explained that for some years the principal of the school has been working very closely with the relevant people, investigating establishing the special class, not alone for South Roscommon but also in the parish community which crosses over to the Galway area.

The school had expressed an interest in setting up a class in September 2024 with a view to an additional class in 2025 and another in 2026, but due to the limited availability of space at the school, three classes werent going to be an option based on the site requirements, said Cllr Kelly. The management happily agreed to take two classes, one in 2024 and the other in 2025, and they had meetings with relevant parties who were supportive, but now there is a difficult situation. The current autism class is full and they cant fill the local demand that comes to them and there are pupils from outside the catchment area who want to enrol in the class. Some pupils are in the mainstream setting but cant get an assessment even though they are in urgent need of it, she said.

She said that the school will do whatever is needed to accommodate an additional class.

Its not fair that these children dont have access to education because a class is not sanctioned in a rural school, and in addition to that, the school requires some repair works, said Cllr Kelly.

Can we put that in a letter as well? The roof on the school is in need of repair but hasnt been granted funding, although they were granted funding for solar panels, but cant draw them down until the other repairs are done.

Cllr Laurence Fallon said he was delighted with the motion and the issue had been going on a long time. It seems we are going backward and there seems to be a slight change in policy, and it should be looked at, because people in rural Ireland are as entitled to the same services as anywhere else, said Cllr. Fallon. Lets hope we can get this as soon as possible.

Cllr Tony Ward said he supported the motion and was conscious of children in a catchment area, having facilities in that area, with their friends and neighbours there.

There is a need here and it has to be addressed, and I know that Deputy Martin Daly has arranged to meet with the school and try and address the issues there, said Fianna Fails Cllr. John Keogh.

He also commented about the roof repairs and the solar panel situation.

Hopefully my colleagues in Fine Gael will liaise with their Oireachtas members as well to try and resolve this issue, said Cllr Keogh.

Cllr Valerie Duffy said she was happy to support and follow up to get an update on policy on the provision of autism classes in rural Ireland to see if there has been a change in policy.

It is important to have everything as close to home as possible and I support Cllr Kelly and hope we get an answer, said the Fine Gael councillor, who seconded the Kelly proposal.

*Published under the Local Democracy Scheme
A litter prosecution was withdrawn by Roscommon County Council at a sitting of Roscommon District Court.

Marian Peci Jnr, aged 30, with a former address at Apt 1 Castle View, Castle Street, Roscommon Town and 1 Glenview, Roscommon, but now in custody, was being prosecuted by the council for an alleged hybrid littering offence in the county town. Solicitor for Roscommon County Council, Cian Nihill led council litter warden Danny McHugh in his evidence before Judge James Faughnan.

Mr McHugh said on July 28th, 2025, two prams, one childs car seat, and a bag of domestic waste were found outside the Hospice Shop on Castle Street, Roscommon Town. The court heard that evidence suggested that the accused was responsible. A fine was issued but not paid.

Judge Faughnan accepted jurisdiction, and the matter was let stand to confirm the identity of the accused. Once it was clarified that the accused, who was not present, was in custody serving a sentence, the prosecution was withdrawn.

*Published under the Courts Reporting Scheme
A man charged with two counts of driving off without paying for fuel is due before the courts again in April, pending disclosure of CCTV footage.

Victor Godfrey (24), with addresses at Marrowbone Lane, Dublin, and Slievebloom Park, Walkinstown, D12, appeared before Judge Bernadette Owens at Athlone District Court.

He faces four charges, including two for alleged theft of fuel and two for failing to appear in court.

The first of those theft charges relates to January 10th, 2025, at Inver Service Centre, Dublin Road, Rochfortbridge, when he allegedly drove off without paying for 40.93 worth of diesel.

Two weeks later, on January 24th, 2025, at Kennedys Fuel Station, Monksland, Athlone, County Roscommon, he is alleged to have driven off without paying for 34.39 worth of petrol.

The remaining two charges relate to failing to appear in court on July 23rd, 2025, and February 6th, 2026, having entered into bail bonds with the condition that he appear.

Directions were not yet available for the court and Mr Godfreys defence team requested disclosure, including CCTV footage.

The accused was remanded on continuing bail to April 8th, 2026.

*Published under the Courts Reporting Scheme
LILONGWE, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Malawian President Peter Mutharika has ordered an investigation into the military aircraft crash that killed the country's Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight others on June 10, 2024.

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Charles Mhango told parliament on Tuesday that earlier reports on the crash failed to address key questions, prompting the directive for a new inquiry.

The Dornier 228-202(K) aircraft went down in a forest in northern Malawi as Chilima and his aides were flying to attend the funeral of former Attorney General Ralph Kasambara. Among those on board was Patricia Shanil Dzimbiri, wife of former President Bakili Muluzi.

A final report released by the German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation in May 2025 attributed the crash to "marginal weather conditions with poor visibility," which led to a collision with rising terrain, leaving no chance of survival.

The report also said radio communications between the flight crew and air navigation service units in Lilongwe, as well as with the flight information service, were not recorded.

Separately, a commission of inquiry established by then-President Lazarus Chakwera concluded in December 2024 that there was no evidence of foul play, attributing the crash to a combination of human and environmental factors, including poor weather and decision-making under pressure.

After Mutharika assumed office following the Sept. 16, 2025 general elections, his government said the findings would be reviewed for possible further action.

Mhango said the new inquiry will be conducted by a commission comprising members of parliament and international experts.

Meanwhile, officials from the United Transformation Movement, the party founded by the late vice president, have welcomed the directive for a fresh probe into the crash. 
A 25-year-old disqualified driver was sent to prison for four months at a recent sitting of Roscommon District Court for driving without insurance.

Heino Trytsman, with an address at House 3, Old Convent, Ballyhaunis, pleaded guilty to driving without a licence or insurance before Judge James Faughnan. The incident happened on July 7th, 2025.

The court heard that gardai were carrying out a mobile patrol and the accused was stopped at Rathbrennan, Ballybride, County Roscommon. He was disqualified at the time of the detection.

The car was seized and the accused admitted that he was disqualified from driving.

Judge Faughnan was also told that this was the accuseds third no-insurance offence.

Solicitor Alan Gannon said his client was a mechanic who is originally from South Africa. On the day in question, he was buying a car for his mother, who has cancer, and took it out for a test drive.

Judge Faughnan imposed four months imprisonment and disqualified the accused from driving for four years.

*Published by the Courts Reporting Scheme
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.
The President said that evidence-based research, standardisation of medicines and strict quality control will boost the credibility and wider acceptance of AYUSH systems. File Photo.

She observed that Ayurveda, Yoga and other AYUSH disciplines encourage a balanced and healthy lifestyle.



National Arogya Fair 2026: President Murmu Pushes Evidence-Based Growth of AYUSH in Maharashtra

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President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the National Arogya Fair 2026 in Shegaon, Buldhana district of Maharashtra, on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. According to an official release, she also honoured six senior Vaidyas for their significant contributions to AYUSH healthcare during the event.

The President emphasised in her address that Indian tradition regards good health as the greatest form of happiness and that a healthy population is essential for contributing to a strong nation. She added that systems such as Yoga, Ayurveda and Siddha have long supported public health and continue to serve society.

The President pointed out that Indias farms, kitchens and forests are rich sources of medicinal plants and herbs. She stressed the need to conserve and promote these natural resources, as they provide essential raw materials for medicines and help maintain ecological balance. Cultivation of medicinal plants, she added, can improve farmers incomes while also supporting soil health and environmental protection.

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She observed that Ayurveda, Yoga and other AYUSH disciplines encourage a balanced and healthy lifestyle. With growing global interest in integrative medicine, people around the world are increasingly turning to yoga and Ayurvedic remedies for preventive care and overall wellbeing.

The President said that evidence-based research, standardisation of medicines and strict quality control will boost the credibility and wider acceptance of AYUSH systems. She appreciated the Ministry of AYUSH for aligning research and drug development with international standards. She noted that scientific studies are underway to position Ayurveda, Yoga and other AYUSH practices as dependable solutions to modern health issues, expressing confidence that innovation and global collaboration will help integrate them into mainstream healthcare.

The Ministry of AYUSH was established in November 2014 to promote and strengthen Indias traditional systems of medicine. The National Arogya Fair aims to spread awareness about these practices and present research-based products to the public.
Ahead of his journey, Prime Minister Modi described the visit as a key opportunity to deepen the partnership between India and Israel. File Photo.

Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, Prime Minister Modi was received with a Guard of Honour.



PM Modi Arrives in Israel for Second State Visit, Receives Guard of Honour

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tel Aviv on Wednesday for a two-day state visit to Israel, accepting an invitation from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This marks Prime Minister Modis second official visit to Israel, following his first visit in 2017. The visit is intended to further strengthen the already robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership between the two nations, which has grown significantly in recent years.

Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, Prime Minister Modi was received with a Guard of Honour, reflecting the ceremonial significance of the visit. Prime Minister Netanyahu, along with his wife Sara Netanyahu, personally welcomed Modi, emphasising the close personal rapport between the two leaders. The meeting included a warm exchange of greetings, highlighting the cordial relationship that underpins the bilateral ties.

Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, was also present during the reception, reinforcing the diplomatic importance of the event.

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Ahead of his journey, Prime Minister Modi described the visit as a key opportunity to deepen the partnership between India and Israel. In his statement, he noted that the countries share a strategic and growing relationship across multiple sectors.




Seeds of Chitta' & gangsterism were sown during Akali rule from 2007 to 2017: Baltej Pannu File Photo.

Baltej Pannu said, The AAP Government led by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann is honestly fighting a war against drugs and gangsters."



Seeds of Chitta & gangsterism were sown during Akali rule from 2007 to 2017: Baltej Pannu



CHANDIGARH, 25th February 2026: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjabs State Media In-charge Baltej Pannu on Wednesday responded strongly to the statement made by Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal that if his government comes to power, drug traffickers and gangsters would be declared terrorists in the first cabinet meeting.

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Addressing a press conference at the party office, Baltej Pannu said that Sukhbir Singh Badal appears to be under the illusion that the people of Punjab have forgotten the dark period from 2007 to 2017. The truth is that the seeds of drugs (chitta) and gangsterism in Punjab were sown during the Akali-BJP government, and it was under their patronage that they flourished. Before 2007, Punjab had never even heard the word gangster. It was during Sukhbir Singh Badals rule that criminals received political patronage, he added.

The AAP Punjab State Media Incharge recalled that in Amritsar, when an ASI was murdered while trying to protect his daughters honour, people associated with the Akali Dal openly celebrated with bhangra. Under whose tenure did the Nabha jail break take place? Who was responsible for the broad daylight abduction of a minor girl in Faridkot? These are all signs of the Akali Dals reign of hooliganism. Those criminals who roamed fearlessly in expensive vehicles fitted with hooters and speakers during that time later went on to become gangsters, Baltej Pannu said.

Baltej Pannu further said, Between 2007 and 2012, drug outlets opened across Punjab, and after the government was re-elected in 2012, chitta reached its peak. The sin of pushing an entire generation of Punjab into the swamp of drugs lies on Sukhbir Singh Badals head. Whenever the police arrested drug smugglers, within half an hour their photographs with Akali leaders would surface, and recommendations from ministers would reach to secure their release. Today, the same Sukhbir Singh Badal is talking about taking action in the first meeting, which is completely laughable.

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Highlighting the efforts of the AAP government, Baltej Pannu said, The AAP Government led by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann is honestly fighting a war against drugs and gangsters. Committees have been formed down to the village level, and the police are working with full alertness. At a time when the Bhagwant Mann government is eradicating these evils from the roots, Sukhbir Singh Badal is once again driven by hunger for power so that he can rebuild the same old drug empire.

Referring to past incidents, Baltej Pannu said, The people of Punjab can never forget that during their rule, incidents of sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji took place in Bargari and Burj Jawahar Singh Wala. When people were peacefully protesting, who ordered the firing on them? In the Kotkapura firing incident case, Sukhbir Singh Badal himself is currently out on bail. Not only that, prominent Sikh personalities and even the Head Granthi of Sri Darbar Sahib, Giani Raghbir Singh Ji, are raising questions against the Akali family, yet Sukhbir Singh Badal has maintained deep silence on the matter.

Baltej Pannu said, In his next rally, Sukhbir Singh Badal should tell the people of Punjab what he did during his 10 years in power. How did chitta enter Punjab between 2007 and 2017, and how did scooter repair mechanics become owners of billions? The people of Punjab do not have such weak memories that they would forget the blood of their loved ones and the youth who were destroyed. Sukhbir Singh Badal should stop dreaming because Punjab has now recognized their true face.
Mark Carney's visit to India is important for Punjabis File Photo.

According to media reports, Karni will arrive in Mumbai directly on February 26.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to India starting tomorrow (February 26) is being considered an important link in the process of improving bilateral relations. According to media reports, Carney will reach Mumbai directly on February 26. The next day, after meeting representatives of commerce and industry there, he will go to Delhi. From Delhi, he is scheduled to go to Australia for four days on March 2. From there, he will return to India and visit Japan on March 7. According to a press release from the Canadian Foreign Office, the purpose of Mr. Carney's visit to India is to take the partnership with India to a new level in the areas of trade, energy and artificial intelligence (AI).

The same release described India as 'Canada's best friend' in the Asia-Pacific region and said that Carney's talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would help boost bilateral security and prosperity. Given the abysmal state of India-Canada relations two years ago, the current diplomatic language reflects the fact that the two countries are making great efforts to bring their relationship back on track. Before Carney, Justin Trudeau, leader of his own Liberal Party, had made India-Canada relations hostage to the 'Khalistan issue' and brought the two countries to the brink of hostility.

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Diplomatic tensions reached such a level that Trudeau accused the Indian government in the Canadian Parliament of having orchestrated the assassination of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Although he did not present any evidence to support this accusation, the incident itself was so sensational that its shadow still lingers in some form or the other on India-Canada relations.

Carney, who is fundamentally a technocrat and economist, was entrusted with the command of the Liberal Party in place of Trudeau to bring the Canadian economy back on track. Despite not being a traditional politician, he first saved the Liberal Party's political reputation from further erosion and then, contrary to the predictions of political pundits, made it possible for this party to win the parliamentary elections and retain power. Like India, Canada is also having to deal with the threats and economic sanctions of US President Donald Trump. This reality also led the Canadian Prime Minister to change his government's approach towards India.

The positive results of this alternative approach are now clear. In 2024, India was Canadas seventh largest trading partner in terms of goods and services, with bilateral trade reaching 30.8 billion Canadian dollars. While figures for 2025 are yet to be officially released, government estimates put it at around 50 billion Canadian dollars. Diplomatic relations between the two countries have now returned to the level of posting high commissioners, and proposals to reopen consulates closed during the Trudeau era are under consideration by both countries.

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Canada-India relations are important not only economically but also socially and culturally, as the Indian community constitutes 5.1 percent of the total Canadian population. Punjabis, especially Sikhs, constitute 2.1 percent (7.72 lakh) of this figure. 'Khalistan' is no longer part of the Indian Punjabi mindset, but there are still a number of people in Canada who use it as an emotional issue and as an important tool for anti-India propaganda.

The activities of the leaders who used to support Khalistani elements under the guise of vote-bank politics during Trudeau's tenure have now reduced comparatively. Instead, issues like extortion, drug trafficking and involvement of Punjabis in gang wars have become more serious issues for the Punjabi community. Moreover, the restrictions on the entry of immigrants and the strictness in issuing permanent residence (PR) permits have made the dream of settling in Canada of the residents of Indian Punjab and Haryana a nightmare to a large extent. Mark Carney, as Prime Minister, has adopted a sensitive and balanced approach to all such matters and issues. He has narrowed the scope of activities of Khalistani elements without curtailing their civil rights. The same strategy has been adopted in the case of separatists associated with other countries.

By keeping his government focused on addressing the economic and political challenges created by Donald Trump, he has maintained efforts to strengthen the Canadian economy. By prioritizing Indian partnerships in these efforts, he has erased many of the bitterness that had plagued Indo-Canada relations during the Trudeau government. This is no small achievement in itself.
4 years of war in Ukraine  reactions from Romania

Romania will continue to support Ukraine, the Romanian authorities have assured, four years after the outbreak of the war on the border.

Cotroceni Palace (Photo: presidency ro)

Daniela Budu, 25.02.2026, 13:50

President Nicusor Dan and Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan appreciated, four years after Russia invaded Ukraine, the courage and resistance shown by the Ukrainian people and conveyed that Romania would continue to support the neighboring state, which is fighting for the whole of Europe and ensuring the security of the continent. We are with you to achieve a just and comprehensive peace and to establish security guarantees that should prevent the possibility of any new aggression from Russia. This remains essential for us, as the security of Romania and of the entire continent is closely linked to that of Ukraine, conveyed Nicusor Dan, after he participated in the meeting of the Coalition of the willing which includes Kyivs allies.

In turn, the Romanian Foreign Minister, Oana Toiu, wrote on a social media network that Romania chose in 2022 to be on the right side of history, supporting Ukraine, and also that it would continue on this path. A peace dictated by force is not peace, but only a pause in the face of an aggression that will not stop, Oana Toiu said. And the Minister of Defense, Radu Miruta, declared that 4 years ago, the world changed in one morning. A war in Europe, something that many of us thought was impossible, began right next to our border. We opened our homes. We helped. We showed solidarity. We were humane he added.

At an event marking four years of response and coordination in support of refugees from Ukraine, held in Bucharest, the Minister of Investments and European Projects, Dragos Pislaru, assured that Ukrainians are not alone, Romania is with them not only for temporary protection, but also to rebuild homes and reunite families. Events marking the period of four years since Russia invaded the neighboring state were organized in several cities in the country. And several emblematic buildings in Bucharest were illuminated on Tuesday in the colors of the Ukrainian flag, as a sign of solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

On the other hand, several Romanian officials were in Kyiv on Tuesday. Senator Cristian Niculescu Tagarlas said from the neighboring country that the war unleashed by the Russian Federation in Ukraine must be stopped before it spreads to other states, including NATO member states. He underlined that Romanias message is a very clear one of solidarity and support. Also present in Kyiv, MP Ionut Mosteanu, former defense minister, supported the need for a ceasefire, but declared himself convinced that this would not happen without solid guarantees granted to Ukraine. He said that Romania would continue to play an important role in security in the region and assured that the country would participate in the reconstruction of Ukraine.

It should also be noted that official data show that millions of Ukrainian refugees have transited Romania since the beginning of the Russian invasion, and most of them continued to travel to other countries in Europe. At the end of last year, there were almost 200,000 Ukrainian refugees in the country, according to official figures. (LS)
HARARE, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe on Wednesday suspended the export of raw minerals and lithium concentrates to enhance accountability, promote beneficiation, and maximize value retention in the country.

Mines and Mining Development Minister Polite Kambamura said in a statement that the measure has been taken in the national interest as the country seeks to promote transparency, in-country value addition and beneficiation, compliance, and accountability in the exploration of Zimbabwe's mineral resources.

"To this effect, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe, and regulators are advised to observe the suspension without exception," Kambamura said, adding that the ministry will engage the industry in the near future on new expectations and the way forward.

The minister said only mining companies with valid mining titles and approved beneficiation plants will be allowed to export all other minerals.

"The ministry will at any time test to verify the mineral composition of each consignment," the minister said, adding that continuation of an expired or already exhausted export permit is a serious offense that warrants withdrawal of the export permit and mining title.

Zimbabwe is endowed with abundant mineral resources, including gold, platinum group metals, lithium, and chrome, with the mining sector playing a significant role in the national economy. 
European stocks traded at record highs on Wednesday after Anthropic announced new partnerships, helping ease artificial-intelligence disruption concerns.

The AI startup launched new updates to Claude Cowork that allow companies to integrate the productivity tool into a host of enterprise apps.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 was up 0.4 percent at 631.93 after rising 0.2 percent on Tuesday.

The German DAX edged up by 0.2 percent, France's CAC 40 added 0.3 percent and the U.K.'s FTSE 100 surged 0.8 percent.

U.K. pharmaceutical company GSK was little changed after it agreed to buy 35Pharma Inc., a biotech with an early-stage high blood pressure drug.

Lender HSBC Holdings soared 5.1 percent after reporting better-than-estimated earnings for 2025.

Diageo plummeted 6.2 percent. The distiller lowered its annual sales forecast for the second time this fiscal year.

German healthcare group Fresenius tumbled 3 percent after its outlook for 2026 fell short of market expectations.

Wind turbine manufacturer Nordex surged 12 percent after reporting better-than-expected fourth-quarter results.

E.ON, Europe's largest operator of energy networks, dropped 1 percent after reporting 2025 earnings in line with analyst expectations.

Adecco Group shares gained 1 percent. The Swiss staffing firm said it was seeing "positive momentum" in hiring volumes at the start of the year.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Oil prices rose Wednesday to hover near seven-month highs as traders weighed the risk of possible military escalation in the Middle East ahead of nuclear talks between the United States and Iran this week.

Benchmark Brent crude futures rose half a percent to $70.92 a barrel, while WTI crude futures were up half a percent at $65.93.

Both contracts held close to their highest levels since early August ahead of a third round of bilateral talks taking place on Thursday in Geneva, Switzerland.

Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi has said that a deal with the United States to avert conflict is "within reach" and that the "historic opportunity to strike an unprecedented agreement" would depend on whether "diplomacy is given priority".

Delivering his State of the Union address in Washington, DC, U.S. President Donald Trump said that he preferred diplomacy.

"My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy. But one thing is certain, I will never allow the world's number one sponsor of terror, which they are, by far, to have a nuclear weapon. Can't let that happen," Trump said.

U.S. envoys, including special representative Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner, are due to meet Iranian counterparts on Thursday to compel Iran to negotiate an end to its nuclear program.

The U.S. has positioned military forces in the Middle East, suggesting that the risk of military action remains very real.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Market Analysis
NASA said that it plans to roll back the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft for Artemis II off the launch pad to the Vehicle Assembly Building at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at approximately 9 a.m. ET, Wednesday, to address the helium flow issue.

Teams will continue to monitor winds and temperatures in advance of the roll.

The approximately 4-mile trek is expected to take up to 12 hours, the U.S. space agency said in a press release. Once back in the VAB, teams will immediately begin work to install platforms to access the area of the helium flow issue. Teams also will also try to replace batteries in the flight termination system and retest it, and replace additional batteries in the upper stage.

Artemis II, a lunar spaceflight mission led by NASA, is the first crewed mission around the Moon, and beyond low Earth orbit, since Apollo 17 in 1972.

The 10-day mission will carry U.S. astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, on a free-return trajectory around the Moon and back to Earth.

The earliest launch window for Artemis II was set for early February, but it was postponed to March due to a liquid hydrogen leak that occurred during the countdown. After a successful wet dress rehearsal, a helium flow issue was observed on February 21, triggering a rollback to the Vehicle Assembly Building and delaying the mission to April.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman has stated that an actual launch date will only be confirmed after a successful wet dress rehearsal is complete and the results are analysed.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
JSW Motors has taken a bold step towards announcing its entry into Indias passenger vehicle space, placing a full front-page advertisement in The Economic Times. The teaser, which features a shadowy silhouette of an SUV along with the tagline The future is calling. Will you join the drive?, signals that the company is preparing for the launch of its first car under the standalone JSW Motors brand.

The advertisement also invites dealer partners to join the drive, suggesting that JSW is now actively building its retail network ahead of launch. Interested parties have been asked to scan a QR code and submit their interest by 11th March 2026. This indicates that the brand rollout is entering an operational phase.

Jetour T2 i-DM Likely To Be First Model

As reported earlier, JSW Motors is expected to debut with the Chery Jetour T2 i-DM, a 4.7-meter, 5-seater plug-in hybrid SUV. JSW has partnered with China-based Chery Automobile to kickstart its independent automotive journey, separate from its joint venture operations with SAIC-owned MG Motor India.

The Jetour T2 i-DM will be locally assembled at JSWs upcoming greenfield production facility in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra. Positioned as a premium SUV, it is expected to carry a starting price of around Rs 45 lakh, making it Indias most affordable PHEV in the mainstream segment.

Strategic Positioning  No Conflict With MG

JSWs decision to introduce a plug-in hybrid instead of a conventional petrol version is seen as a strategic move. With very limited PHEV offerings in India outside the luxury segment, the Jetour T2 i-DM will occupy a unique space. This also ensures minimal overlap with products currently sold under the JSW MG Motor umbrella.

The Jetour T2 i-DM measures 4,785 mm in length, 2,006 mm in width and 1,875 mm in height, with a 2,800 mm wheelbase. It uses a 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid powertrain paired with a 3-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT), delivering 156 PS and 220 Nm. A 26.7 kWh battery pack enables a pure electric range of up to 130 km (NEDC), with 3080% charging achievable in around 30 minutes using a fast charger.

Launch Timeline

Earlier reports suggested that the Jetour T2 i-DM could be launched close to the festive season in the third quarter of CY2026. However, JSWs rollout plans may face some near-term challenges. Recent reports indicate that the company is encountering delays in importing certain critical components from China due to Indias stringent quality control regulations introduced in 2020. If the regulatory approvals are not expedited, the launch timeline of JSWs first SUV could see some delays.

The front-page teaser now reinforces that JSW Motors is accelerating its preparations. With dealer network formation underway and manufacturing plans already in place, JSWs independent automotive brand appears set to officially enter the Indian market soon. More details are expected to follow in the coming weeks as the teaser campaign unfolds.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrives in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 25, 2026. Merz arrived here on Wednesday for an official visit to China through Thursday. (Xinhua/Dai Tianfang)

BEIJING, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for an official visit to China through Thursday.

This is Merz's first visit to China since he took office. During the visit, President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang will meet and have talks with him respectively for exchanges of views on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest. 

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrives in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 25, 2026. Merz arrived here on Wednesday for an official visit to China through Thursday. (Xinhua/Dai Tianfang)

The plane carrying German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrives in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 25, 2026. Merz arrived here on Wednesday for an official visit to China through Thursday. (Xinhua/Dai Tianfang)

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrives in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 25, 2026. Merz arrived here on Wednesday for an official visit to China through Thursday. (Xinhua/Dai Tianfang)
BEIJING, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- In a territory more than twice the size of the European Union and where per capita GDP varies up to fourfold across provincial-level regions, the challenge of modernizing China with the right solutions for diverse localities has become a test of governance wisdom.

When some regions rushed to chase projects in artificial intelligence, computing power or new energy vehicles amid the push for "new quality productive forces," a national strategy emphasizing innovation-driven growth, Chinese President Xi Jinping posed a profound question at the Central Urban Work Conference last summer: "Does it make sense for every single province to develop these same industries?"

This question revealed a core dialectic in China's development: pursuing modernization for a country of over 1.4 billion people while respecting distinct realities of each locality.

This philosophy has underpinned China's steady growth and is expected to deliver high-quality growth in the country's 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), a critical phase for advancing modernization, when strategic opportunities coexist with risks and challenges.

To make a good start in the first year of this period, the principle of "adapting measures to local conditions" was reiterated at the Central Economic Work Conference held in December 2025 by Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission.

At this meeting, Xi criticized some localities for blindly chasing trends irrespective of local conditions, either by jumping on the bandwagon of developing the chip industry or being eager to follow suit with the "new trio" projects -- electric vehicles, lithium batteries and photovoltaics.

To drive home his point, Xi offered a vivid analogy: Just as nature features biodiversity, regions differ in their conditions, and a community includes the elderly and the young, why should everyone end up doing exactly the same thing?

This rejection of homogeneous development is a practical method Xi has consistently applied throughout his years in office.

During his earlier tenure in Fujian Province in east China, Xi urged the province to make full use of its unique dual endowment of mountains and sea in its quest for development. While working in Zhejiang Province, also located in east China, Xi advocated helping villages find their own path to prosperity. After becoming the country's top leader, Xi has stressed targeted, tailor-made governance for a broad range of sectors, be it poverty alleviation, ecological conservation, industrial development or urban planning.

He called on all regions to "look for the right key for each lock" and not to prescribe the same solution for every problem. "All regions should act in light of local conditions, build on strengths and compensate for weaknesses, blazing a path of high-quality development suited to local realities."

Latest data from Heilongjiang Province, northeast China, offers a vivid illustration of this philosophy in action. This "northern granary" celebrated its 22nd straight bumper harvest last year, with total grain output hitting a record 82 million tonnes, ranking first nationally for 16 consecutive years.

"Continuing to serve as China's granary in the north is just as glorious and important as the Yangtze River Delta serving as the country's hub of cutting-edge technology," Xi said.

Elsewhere, the same logic takes different forms. China's southwestern Guizhou Province, capitalizing on abundant hydropower and a naturally cool climate that significantly reduces server cooling costs, has built a data infrastructure cluster attracting tech giants including Apple, Huawei and Tencent, who have opted to store data there.

Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in north China harnessed its abundant wind and solar resources to reach a new energy installed capacity of over 170 million kilowatts by the end of 2025, more than any other region in the country. Shanxi Province, also in north China, is revolutionizing its coal heritage: pursuing the efficient, clean utilization of coal reserves via upgrading technologies.

"Developing new quality productive forces does not mean neglecting or abandoning traditional industries," Xi warned, stressing the need to prevent blind expansion, bubbles or a one-size-fits-all approach.

His call serves as an alarm for those officials who are fixated on trophy projects to burnish their political records regardless of local realities.

"We must establish and practice a correct understanding of what it means to perform well, act on the basis of realities and in accordance with objective laws, and strive to deliver political achievements for the people through solid work," Xi told senior officials. 
TOKYO, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi drew criticism from opposition parties on Wednesday after admitting to distributing congratulatory gifts worth tens of thousands of yen to ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lawmakers who won seats in the recent House of Representatives election.

In a parliamentary session, Takaichi said her local chapter of the LDP used its political funds to send to each of her party's 315 lawmakers catalogs listing gifts that they could order, with a budget of around 30,000 yen (192 U.S. dollars) per person.

Takaichi made the admission while responding to a question from an opposition lawmaker after media reports had revealed the matter on Tuesday.

Opposition parties criticized Takaichi over the issue. "The mindset of handing out gifts and the sense for how to use money reflect the old culture of the LDP, which we cannot overlook," Kyodo News reported, citing Junya Ogawa, leader of the Centrist Reform Alliance.

Japan's Political Funds Control Law imposes strict regulations on donations related to the political activities of public office candidates. Whether Takaichi's actions may constitute a violation of the law has become a focal point of debate.

The latest revelation surfaced amid lingering public distrust over money and politics, particularly toward the LDP, after many of its lawmakers were implicated in a slush fund scandal that came to light in late 2023.

After taking office in October 2025, Takaichi appointed several scandal-tainted figures to key government posts. Takaichi herself was also accused in December last year of accepting a political donation that exceeded the legal maximum, fueling public anger. 
VIENTIANE, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Laos' Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, in partnership with the United Nations Development Program in Laos, is taking steps to promote disability rights in line with international standards.

According to the ministry's report on Wednesday, a conference on the National Action Plan to Implement the Recommendations of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was held on Monday in the Lao capital Vientiane.

Speaking at the meeting, Lao Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Welfare Keo Chanthavixay highlighted that the plan is a practical action framework reflecting the government's commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities.

The plan, covering 2026-2027, focuses on six key areas, including improving legislation to eliminate discrimination and strengthen monitoring mechanisms, providing support for poor and vulnerable persons under the law on persons with disabilities, and enhancing access to infrastructure, transportation, and information to make services more accessible.

The plan also promotes inclusive education and public health services, including rehabilitation in remote areas, supports career development through job creation and access to capital, and develops a modern disability statistics system to guide planning and policymaking. 
BEIJING, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Wednesday urged the United States to honor its commitment of suspending nuclear tests and stop seeking pretexts for resuming such tests.

Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a daily press briefing in response to recent U.S. allegation that China has conducted nuclear explosion tests.

Mao noted relevant framing and smear by the United States against other countries to shirk its international arms control obligations will only seriously dent its own credibility. 
The UN General Assembly (UNGA) on Tuesday adopted a resolution on the Ukraine crisis, calling for "an immediate and unconditional ceasefire" and "comprehensive, just and lasting peace." #XinhuaNews
KATHMANDU, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- The Nepali government has declared wild boars, excluding the smaller species, an "agriculture-damaging wild animal" for one year, allowing farmers to chase away, capture, or even kill them without obtaining prior permission from government authorities.

The Ministry of Forests and Environment said in a statement on Tuesday that the designation was made in view of the damage the animals have been causing to farmers' crops, exercising the authority granted under Rule 36 of the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Regulations, 1973.

Earlier, on Feb. 12, the ministry had placed the wild monkey (Macaca mulatta) on the same list, as farmers continue to suffer heavy crop losses caused by wildlife.

According to the statement, farmers are now allowed -- without prior permission -- to chase away, drive off, capture, or even kill wild boars (except the smaller species) that enter and damage their private fields or orchards. This decision will remain in effect for one year from the date of publication in the Nepal Gazette.

Nepal's decision comes at a time when wild animals such as wild boars and monkeys are increasingly encroaching on farmlands, causing severe crop losses and forcing many farmers to abandon cultivation.

Amid growing migration from rural to urban areas and the increasing abandonment of farmlands, forest cover has expanded, leading to greater human-wildlife interaction, with monkeys and wild boars entering agricultural land and damaging crops. In some cases, wild boars have attacked humans, causing occasional fatalities.

Farmers in the hill and Tarai regions have long complained that wild boars have been destroying their crops for years. The government's decision is expected to provide some relief to affected farmers. 
COLOMBO, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's Criminal Investigation Department on Wednesday arrested Suresh Sallay, former head of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), in connection with ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks, a senior police officer said.

Police Spokesman F.U. Wootler told the media that Sallay was arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, which grants police the power to detain and question him for 72 hours.

He said police made the arrest based on clear evidence obtained through the Easter Sunday attack investigations, and that the authorities will brief the public and the media on the future course of action in due course.

The Easter Sunday bombings in April 2019 caused more than 260 deaths and wounded more than 500. Sallay, who was promoted to SIS chief in 2019 after Gotabaya Rajapaksa became president, had been accused of involvement in these attacks. Salley was dismissed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in 2024. 
London stocks had hit fresh highs by midday on Wednesday, underpinned by solid results from the likes of HSBC , Hiscox and St Jamess Place , as investors looked ahead to earnings from US tech giant Nvidia .

The FTSE 100 was 1% higher at 10,782.80.

Matt Britzman, senior equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said "the apocalyptic AI narrative" was taking "a small step back".

"Theres plenty for investors to sink their teeth into, with well-covered results from HSBC, Diageo and Aston Martin setting the tone for the day. Against a steadier macro backdrop, stockspecific stories are back in the driving seat," he said.

After the close of US markets, Nvidia will report. Kathleen Brooks, research director at XTB, said investors are expecting "a monster set of results" as it continues to benefit from massive capex spend by the hypercalers.

"Nvidia has been relatively unscathed by the ferocious sell off across some tech sectors in recent months, and they are expected to deliver monster revenues to the tune of $65.9bn for last quarter," she said.

In UK equity markets, HSBC shot higher as it reported better-than-expected annual results despite a 7.4% fall in pre-tax profits due to the adverse impact from legal provisions, organisational simplification and the sale of its French-retained portfolio of loans.

Pre-tax profits at the lender came in at $29.9bn in 2025, beating estimates of $28.86bn. Revenue rose 4% to $68.27 versus company-compiled consensus forecasts of $67.36bn.

St Jamess Place rose as it posted record full-year funds under management, while Metlen Energy advanced after it signed a landmark agreement with Shell for cooperation in LNG supply and trading.

Hiscox gained as it hailed record full-year results and announced a new $300m share buyback, while International Personal Finance and Lion Finance were both higher after results.

Precious metals miner Fresnillo shone, along with miners Anglo American, Antofagasta, Rio and Glencore, as copper and gold prices rose.

On the downside, drinks giant Diageo tumbled as it posted a fall in interim sales and halved the dividend after weak trading in North America weighed heavily. Net sales fell 4% to $10.5bn in the six months to 31 December, or by 2.8% on an organic basis. Adjusted operating profits before one-off items were 2.8% lower, at $3.3bn.

The dividend was cut to 20 cents a share, from 40.5 cents. Diageo said the reduction would bolster the balance sheet and create more financial flexibility.

Haleon was weaker as its full-year organic revenue growth of 3% fell short of its guidance of 3.5%.

Aston Martin Lagonda reversed earlier gains after saying it was planning to cut 20% of its workforce as it reported a widening of its losses, citing weak demand and a hit from tariffs. The luxury car maker had already warned last week that the annual loss would be worse than expected.

Me Group tumbled as it delayed the publication of its full-year results but reaffirmed guidance, while Trainline tanked as it announced the departure of chief executive Jody Ford after more than six years at the company.

Market Movers

FTSE 100 (UKX) 10,782.80 0.96%

FTSE 250 (MCX) 23,633.00 0.56%

techMARK (TASX) 6,065.40 -0.05%

FTSE 100 - Risers

HSBC Holdings (HSBA) 1,366.80p 5.84%

Fresnillo (FRES) 4,266.00p 5.80%

St James's Place (STJ) 1,332.00p 5.76%

Metlen Energy & Metals (MTLN) 36.83p 5.36%

Anglo American (AAL) 3,837.00p 4.61%

Antofagasta (ANTO) 4,395.00p 4.32%

Hiscox Limited (DI) (HSX) 1,523.00p 4.17%

Relx plc (REL) 2,364.00p 4.00%

Rio Tinto (RIO) 7,459.00p 2.61%

Glencore (GLEN) 532.20p 2.48%

FTSE 100 - Fallers

Diageo (DGE) 1,731.00p -7.63%

Haleon (HLN) 388.50p -4.24%

Croda International (CRDA) 3,140.00p -2.24%

Convatec Group (CTEC) 245.80p -1.92%

Hikma Pharmaceuticals (HIK) 1,625.00p -1.69%

easyJet (EZJ) 464.20p -1.36%

Burberry Group (BRBY) 1,183.00p -1.25%

3i Group (III) 3,253.00p -1.06%

Severn Trent (SVT) 3,179.00p -0.72%

Diploma (DPLM) 5,600.00p -0.62%

FTSE 250 - Risers

International Personal Finance (IPF) 250.50p 6.82%

Harbour Energy (HBR) 243.20p 6.67%

Lion Finance Group (BGEO) 10,990.00p 6.60%

Hammerson (HMSO) 365.40p 4.70%

Ithaca Energy (ITH) 214.00p 4.65%

HGCapital Trust (HGT) 408.50p 4.61%

Ceres Power Holdings (CWR) 305.00p 4.60%

BlackRock World Mining Trust (BRWM) 1,054.00p 3.74%

Shaftesbury Capital (SHC) 152.10p 3.33%

Johnson Matthey (JMAT) 2,020.00p 3.11%

FTSE 250 - Fallers

Me Group International (MEGP) 131.20p -10.50%

Raspberry PI Holdings (RPI) 410.10p -7.72%

Trainline (TRN) 189.00p -6.99%

Pets at Home Group (PETS) 212.20p -3.02%

Pinewood Technologies Group (PINE) 294.50p -2.48%

Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings (AML) 55.60p -2.28%

Morgan Sindall Group (MGNS) 5,220.00p -2.06%

Oxford Biomedica (OXB) 669.00p -2.05%

Chemring Group (CHG) 521.00p -1.88%

Ashmore Group (ASHM) 241.20p -1.79%
London stocks rose in early trade on Wednesday following positive sessions in the US and Asia, as investors sifted through a raft of corporate news, including results from HSBC and Diageo , and looked ahead to earnings from US tech giant Nvidia .

At 0830 GMT, the FTSE 100 was up 0.8% at 10,760.27.

Matt Britzman, senior equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said "the apocalyptic AI narrative" was taking "a small step back".

"Theres plenty for investors to sink their teeth into, with well-covered results from HSBC, Diageo and Aston Martin setting the tone for the day," he said. "Against a steadier macro backdrop, stockspecific stories are back in the driving seat."

After the close of US markets, tech giant Nvidia will report. Kathleen Brooks, research director at XTB, said investors are expecting "a monster set of results" as it continues to benefit from massive capex spend by the hypercalers.

"Nvidia has been relatively unscathed by the ferocious sell off across some tech sectors in recent months, and they are expected to deliver monster revenues to the tune of $65.9bn for last quarter," she said.

In UK equity markets, HSBC shot higher as it reported better-than-expected annual results despite a 7.4% fall in pre-tax profits due to the adverse impact from legal provisions, organisational simplification and the sale of its French-retained portfolio of loans.

Pre-tax profits at the lender came in at $29.9bn in 2025, beating estimates of $28.86bn. Revenue rose 4% to $68.27 versus company-compiled consensus forecasts of $67.36bn.

St Jamess Place rose as it posted record full-year funds under management, while Hiscox gained as it hailed record full-year results and announced a new $300m share buyback.

International Personal Finance and Lion Finance were both higher after results.

Aston Martin Lagonda rallied despite saying it was planning to cut 20% of its workforce as it reported a widening of its losses, citing weak demand and a hit from tariffs. The luxury car maker had already warned last week that the annual loss would be worse than expected.

On the downside, drinks giant Diageo tumbled as it posted a fall in interim sales and halved the dividend after weak trading in North America weighed heavily.

Net sales fell 4% to $10.5bn in the six months to 31 December, or by 2.8% on an organic basis. Adjusted operating profits before one-off items were 2.8% lower, at $3.3bn. The dividend was cut to 20 cents a share, from 40.5 cents. Diageo said the reduction would bolster the balance sheet and create more financial flexibility.

Haleon was also in the red as its full-year organic revenue growth of 3% fell short of its guidance for 3.5%.

Me Group tumbled as it delayed the publication of its full-year results but reaffirmed guidance, while Trainline tanked as it announced the departure of chief executive Jody Ford after more than six years at the company.
London stocks were set to rise at the open on Wednesday as investors waded through a raft of corporate news, including results from HSBC and Diageo , and looked ahead to earnings from US tech giant Nvidia .

The FTSE 100 was called to open around 40 points higher.

Nvidia is due to report after the close. Ipek Ozkardeskaya, senior analyst at Swissquote, said fourth-quarter revenue is projected at around $65.6bn to $66.1bn, which would represent nearly 70% year-over-year growth compared with $39.3bn earned in Q4 last year.

"Note that before the AI boom, this companys quarterly revenue was around $67bn, and growth is expected to continue," she said.

"Now, all of this sounds great - but investors wont just cheer the headline. Last quarter was a good reminder. Nvidia delivered strong top-line numbers, yet the stock didnt fully ride the wave. Why? Because investors zoomed in on the details - specifically the widening gap between revenue booked and cash actually collected. And that matters in a world of rising leverage and massive AI capex. In this environment, investors dont just want contracts. They want cash in the door.

"So yes - Nvidia has built a track record of meeting and beating expectations in this AI cycle. But this time again, it wont just be about revenue growth or EPS beats. The devil will be in the details - cash flow, receivables, margins and forward guidance. Im afraid Nvidia alone may not be able to reverse the fears.

"Yes, AI spending remains strong, but investors are pulling back - not from Nvidia, but from its biggest clients. Given that hyperscalers make up almost 50% of Nvidias client book, the AI stress is likely not over just yet."

On the UK corporate front, HSBC reported better-than-expected annual results despite a 7.4% fall in pre-tax profits due to the adverse impact from legal provisions, organisational simplification and the sale of its French-retained portfolio of loans.

Pre-tax profits at the lender came in at $29.9bn in 2025, beating estimates of $28.86bn. Revenue rose 4% to $68.27 versus company-compiled consensus forecasts of $67.36bn.

Drinks giant Diageo posted a fall in interim sales and halved the dividend after weak trading in North America weighed heavily.

Net sales fell 4% to $10.5bn in the six months to 31 December, or by 2.8% on an organic basis. Adjusted operating profits before one-off items were 2.8% lower, at $3.3bn.

The dividend was cut to 20 cents a share, from 40.5 cents. Diageo said the reduction would bolster the balance sheet and create more financial flexibility.

Drugmaker GSK said it has agreed to acquire Canadian clinical-stage biopharmaceutical firm 35Pharma for $950m in cash.

GSK said the acquisition includes 35Pharma's HS235, a potential best-in-class investigational medicine that has completed phase I healthy volunteer clinical trials, with studies to start imminently in pulmonary arterial hypertension and pulmonary hypertension due to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
Aston Martin Lagonda said on Wednesday that it was planning more job cuts as it reported a widening of its losses, citing weak demand and a hit from tariffs.

In the year to the end of December 2025, operating losses widened to 259.2m from 99.5m, underlying operating losses widened to 189m from 83m and the pre-tax loss widened to 363.9m from 289.1m.

Revenue fell 21% to 1.3bn and total wholesale volumes were down 10% to 5,448. Net debt rose to 1.4bn from 1.2bn a year earlier.

The company had already warned last week that annual losses would be worse than expected, partly due to US tariffs.

Chief executive Adrian Hallmark said: "In 2025, we navigated a highly challenging trading environment whilst delivering on critical operational milestones. An unprecedented backdrop of geopolitical uncertainties and macroeconomic pressures, including heightened tariffs in the US and China, weighed on our performance and ability to execute our plans effectively."

The car maker also said on Wednesday that it was planning to cut another 20% of its workforce.

"Having undertaken, at the start of 2025, a process to make organisational adjustments to ensure the business was appropriately resourced for its future plans, we had to take the difficult decision at the end of 2025 to implement further changes," it said. "This latest programme will ultimately see the departure of up to 20% of our valued workforce."

The cuts will deliver annualised savings of 40m, it said.

At 1250 GMT, the shares were down 1.7% at 55.93p, reversing earlier gains.

Aarin Chiekrie, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: "Aston Martins full-year results follow closely in the slipstream of last weeks profit downgrade, so there was little in the way of major surprises.

"The poor performance is being blamed on external factors, such as US tariffs and macroeconomic uncertainty. But looking under the hood reveals some internal issues, making Aston Martins Road to redemption more difficult.

"Production delays hampered the groups performance, leading to multiple profit downgrades over the last year. In an attempt to stem the financial bleeding, the groups been selling a handful of assets to help shore up the balance sheet. Now measures have turned more drastic, and Aston Martin is set to sack up to 20% of its current workforce.

"But thats only part of the puzzle, as these initiatives can only be taken so far. Long-term success will rely on reversing the groups declining sales volumes and benefitting from the improved efficiencies that a greater output would bring. Cutting the workforce so drastically makes a significant ramp-up in volumes hard to achieve, and the road ahead remains a difficult one to navigate for Aston Martin."
Ingram Content Group is launching Covered, a website designed to enable publishers to share catalogues and digital review copies (DRCs) with booksellers, librarians, and influencers. The site will debut in Fall 2026.

Covered will offer free access to comprehensive title information--including marketing plans, events, comps, sales and inventory data, marketing assets, and more--alongside a galley program available in print, e-book, or audiobook format for bookstore and library buyers, Ingram noted.

"Covered represents a natural next step in our digital toolkit for the industry," said Margaret Harrison, v-p of digital services at ICG. "We are creating a unified, accessible space where every publisher--trade, independent, academic, and beyond--could showcase every new book to every bookseller and librarian. Ingram's mission is to reach more readers and Covered will do just that."

Plans call for Covered to expand to the broader industry in 2027, when Ingram introduces competitive pricing for publishers. For more information on Covered, click here. The Covered team is also at Winter Institute in Pittsburgh this week to share a first look at the website with booksellers and publishers.
LUSAKA, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- In the bustling central business district of Lusaka, 38-year-old hawker Charles Mutabi arranges Ngoni attire at his roadside stall, preparing for one of the busiest periods of the year.

For the past four years, Mutabi has earned a living selling traditional Ngoni attire, a trade that gathers momentum as Zambia's annual ceremony calendar approaches its peak.

Zambia is home to dozens of ethnic groups, each with major traditional ceremonies held across provinces at different times of the year, which continue to draw participants from both rural communities and urban centers.

One of the most prominent is the Ncwala ceremony of the Ngoni people in Eastern Province. Marking the Ngoni new year and first harvest, Ncwala is usually held on the last Saturday of February in Chipata District.

From the Ncwala ceremony to other traditional celebrations staged across the country, Zambians increasingly view these gatherings not only as cultural events but also as opportunities to affirm identity, reconnect with family roots and pass heritage to younger generations.

For vendors like Mutabi, such ceremonies translate into steady demand for items deemed appropriate and respectful for parades, dances and communal rituals.

With meticulous attention to detail, Mutabi crafts headbands, breastplates and shields using locally sourced animal skins. Buyers often request designs that align with what they have seen worn during ceremonies, and many prefer handmade pieces they regard as authentic, he said.

"I am proud to support my family through this business," Mutabi said, adding that demand for ceremonial attire continues to rise as more people seek items that express cultural belonging.

In Zambian society, traditional attire carries deep meaning. It serves as a symbol of identity, respect and community, and often signals one's readiness to take part in ritual performances rather than merely to observe.

Holding a headband she purchased for 50 Zambian kwacha (about 2.7 U.S. dollars), 29-year-old Nalini Phiri, a Lusaka resident, said: "It is required for taking part in the parade during the Ncwala ceremony. Wearing it connects me to my heritage and demonstrates respect for my culture."

Alfred Mbewe, a specialist in culture and traditional ceremonies, said the growing interest in traditional items reflects a broader shift in how Zambians engage with their heritage.

Noting that social media amplifies the visibility of ceremonies and encourages participation beyond one's home area, he said: "Zambians are reconnecting with their heritage, and these items are integral to that process." 
Tamil Nadu, often regarded as a progressive state in India, has consistently been at the forefront of policy innovation. Among its many achievements, its health insurance programs stand out as a beacon of hope and efficiency. The states approach to providing robust medical insurance plans to its citizens has not only improved health outcomes but has also set a benchmark for other states to emulate. Lets explore how Tamil Nadu's health insurance initiatives are reshaping the framework of healthcare in India and why they serve as a national model.

A Holistic Approach to Health Insurance

Health insurance, once considered a luxury, is now an essential tool for ensuring access to quality healthcare. Tamil Nadu's initiatives in this sector have been revolutionary, with a focus on inclusivity and efficiency. The states flagship schemes, like the Chief Ministers Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS), have provided millions with access to free or subsidised medical care.

CMCHIS, launched in 2009, caters to economically weaker sections, offering them medical insurance plans that covers critical illnesses, surgeries, and hospitalisation costs. By targeting the underprivileged, the program ensures that financial constraints dont hinder access to lifesaving treatments. The schemes broad coverage, including both public and private hospitals, reflects a forward-thinking approach that balances accessibility with quality care.

Leveraging Technology for Efficiency

One of the standout features of Tamil Nadus health insurance programs is their use of technology. The state has implemented digital solutions to streamline enrolment, claims processing, and monitoring. Beneficiaries can register and access their benefits using Aadhaar-linked health cards, reducing bureaucracy and increasing transparency.

Additionally, Tamil Nadu has adopted data analytics to track the utilisation of medical insurance plans. This data-driven approach helps policymakers identify gaps, assess the schemes effectiveness, and make informed decisions to enhance coverage. Its no surprise that industry experts, including executives from leading insurers like Niva Bupa, have lauded Tamil Nadus initiatives for their efficient use of technology in delivering health services.

Public-Private Partnerships: A Key to Success

Tamil Nadus success is also rooted in its strong partnerships with private insurers and healthcare providers. Unlike many government-led initiatives that focus solely on public hospitals, the state has strategically involved private hospitals to widen the reach of its health insurance policy. This public-private collaboration ensures that beneficiaries have access to a vast network of hospitals, reducing wait times and improving the quality of care.

Private players also contribute to the programs financial viability. Insurers compete to provide the best health insurance company services under government schemes, driving innovation and efficiency. For instance, the state negotiates with insurance providers to secure comprehensive coverage at competitive premiums, benefiting both the government and its citizens.

Addressing Challenges in Healthcare Accessibility

India, despite its economic growth, continues to face significant disparities in healthcare access. Tamil Nadus health insurance programs have tackled this challenge head-on by focusing on rural and underserved areas. Mobile health units, empanelled hospitals in remote regions, and community outreach programs ensure that even the most marginalised populations benefit from medical insurance plans.

Moreover, the state provides extensive support for health awareness and preventive care. By conducting regular health camps and promoting early diagnosis, Tamil Nadu reduces the burden on tertiary care facilities, making the entire system more sustainable.

Lessons for Other States

Tamil Nadus health insurance model offers valuable lessons for other Indian states aiming to improve their healthcare systems. Here are some key takeaways:

Comprehensive Coverage: Offering a health insurance policy that covers a wide range of treatments ensures no patient is left behind. Tamil Nadus schemes, for example, cover everything from basic consultations to complex surgeries.

Inclusivity: Targeting economically weaker sections while ensuring universal accessibility is crucial for the success of medical insurance plans. Tamil Nadus focus on the underserved has set a standard for inclusive healthcare.

Leveraging Technology: Digital solutions simplify processes and enhance transparency, making health insurance schemes more user-friendly and efficient. Other states can replicate Tamil Nadus tech-driven approach.

Public-Private Collaboration: Engaging with the best health insurance companies and private healthcare providers ensures better service delivery and financial sustainability.

Focus on Preventive Care: Prioritising preventive healthcare reduces the burden on hospitals and improves long-term health outcomes.

Role of Private Insurers in Supporting Government Initiatives

The success of Tamil Nadus health insurance programs has been amplified by the participation of private players. Companies like Niva Bupa, known for their innovative and customer-centric medical insurance plans, play a pivotal role in complementing government efforts. By offering additional benefits such as wellness programs, teleconsultations, and cashless hospitalisation, private insurers enhance the overall healthcare ecosystem.

Private insurers also contribute through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, such as organising health camps and supporting awareness drives. This synergy between the public and private sectors is a key factor in Tamil Nadus healthcare success story.

Challenges and the Way Forward

While Tamil Nadus health insurance programs are exemplary, they are not without challenges. Ensuring adequate funding, preventing fraud, and addressing the rising cost of healthcare are ongoing concerns. Additionally, expanding coverage to include outpatient care and alternative treatments could further strengthen the states healthcare system.

To maintain its position as a leader in healthcare, Tamil Nadu must continue to innovate and adapt. Investing in advanced medical infrastructure, training healthcare professionals, and fostering greater collaboration between stakeholders will be crucial in the years to come.

Conclusion

Tamil Nadus health insurance programs have set a gold standard for other states in India. By prioritising inclusivity, leveraging technology, and fostering public-private partnerships, the state has demonstrated how a well-structured health insurance policy can transform lives.

The success of Tamil Nadus initiatives underscores the importance of collaboration and innovation in achieving universal healthcare. As other states look to replicate this model, they must focus on tailoring medical insurance plans to their unique demographics and challenges. With the active participation of government bodies, private insurers like Niva Bupa, and healthcare providers, India can aspire to build a robust, equitable, and sustainable healthcare system for all.

In a nation where healthcare accessibility remains a pressing issue, Tamil Nadus achievements remind us of what is possible when vision meets action.
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Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears Aureka uncovers high-grade silver twist at Victorian gold play Brought to you by Bulls N Bears Doug Bright February 25, 2026  3:31pm 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

Aureka Limited has delivered fresh high-grade gold and a standout silver intercept from its 2025 diamond drilling at its Comstock project in St Arnaud, 200 kilometres northwest of Melbourne in central western Victoria. Key recent assays from a diamond drillhole included 0.3 metres assaying 650 grams per tonne (g/t) silver and 1.91g/t gold from 192m, the projects highest silver grade to date. A second hole hauled in 0.42m going 8.5g/t gold and 22g/t silver from 186.4m. Aureka Limiteds Comstock open-pit gold mine, viewed towards the southeast. The St Arnaud goldfield, originally named New Bendigo, was first discovered in 1855. It is a historic mining area, known for both alluvial and quartz reef mining and producing, in that time, over 11,970kg of gold at a handsome average grade of 15 grams per tonne, with added silver credits. The Comstock mine sits 2km north of the historic town of St Arnaud, within the greater St Arnaud goldfield. Last mined in 1995, it features a prominent open-cut mine along the Nelson line of reef, characterised by quartz-hosted gold in a shear zone.

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This growth is taking shape at a time when the Company is actively progressing commercialisation options for Comstock. Aureka Limited managing director James Gurry This silver-rich zone is hosted in a bedding-parallel quartz vein within massive sandstone, sitting in the footwall of a newly interpreted Comstock basal fault. The structure has never been drilled and can be traced towards surface, north of the open pit. A previous diamond hole, logged and reported late last year, intersected 0.3m at 31.5g/t gold  an impressive one ounce to the tonne - from 127.5m depth, associated with visible gold. That hit sits 140m west of the Comstock fault, suggesting the presence of a new sub-parallel mineralised structure beyond the companys current gold resource. The companys recent intercepts have built on its 2025 highlights, including a diamond drill hit of 1m grading a solid 65.37g/t gold, featuring a 0.3m sweetener at a whopping 109g/t, north of the pit.

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Another deeper diamond hole nailed 6.9m going 4.24g/t gold from 422m, including 0.75m at 18.6 g/t gold from 422.1m and 0.6m at 19.9g/t gold from 435.9m. Aureka Limited managing director James Gurry said: It is great to see the St Arnaud Comstock growing on multiple fronts, to the north as reported in November, to the west as reported in December and now growing in metal diversity with high grade silver intercepts. The company says geological updates have now confirmed the along-strike and down-dip continuity of the west-dipping Comstock Shear north of the pit, with the basal fault showing distinct alteration and veining. Footwall drill intercepts hint at depth potential for more high-grade shoots, with the gold lining up with the districts bedding-parallel quartz lodes, often linked to carbonaceous shales and a gold-silver-lead base metal signature. Encouragingly, all of the results fall outside Aurekas June 2025 maiden JORC-compliant inferred resource of 1.45 million tonnes at 1.21g/t gold for 56,500 ounces of gold.

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Moreover, the results lie within Aurekas defined Exploration Target of between 3.0 and 3.5 million tonnes grading between 1 and 1.2g/t gold for 112,000 to 116,000 ounces of gold, with silver credits. From a development perspective and with continuing strong gold prices, the timing of the latest results could hardly be better. Comstock is a past-producing open pit with established access and sits within trucking distance of several operating gold mills in Victoria. With an eye on getting its high-grade Comstock show up and running and generating revenue, Aureka has engaged small-scale Victorian gold production specialists Core Prospecting to de-risk a quick pathway to first production. The latest hits further reinforce Comstocks upside for resource growth close to existing infrastructure and near-term economic potential via new prospective structures. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au

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Nate Amos of This Is Lorelei and Water From Your Eyes: Nothing began to happen for either project until years after I had totally given up.

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Indie-rock is everywhere again: on Apple ads, Saturday Night Live, even the ARIA charts. But amid the generational boom in which genius status has been bestowed upon the likes of Cameron Winter and MJ Lenderman lies the connoisseurs choice: Nate Amos. As half of mischievous art-pop noise-makers Water From Your Eyes (with his ex-girlfriend Rachel Brown), and with his own solo project This Is Lorelei  not to mention My Idea, his short-lived-but-beloved project with Lily Konigsberg  the 35-year-old has become indie-rocks not-so-secret sauce. The acclaim around This Is Lorelei in particular  the projects named after a planet in Star Trek: The Animated Series, not the mum in Gilmore Girls  following 2024s Box for Buddy, Box for Star and last Decembers Holo Boy has expanded Amos profile exponentially. Hes suddenly found himself labelled a generational songwriting talent and your favourite songwriters favourite songwriter, after Lenderman turned a lilting cover of This Is Loreleis Dancing in the Club into an online hit. For an artist whos been recording under the moniker for a decade, its a surprising development. Its definitely a little unnerving, says Amos. But its also gratifying because thats the dream as a songwriter, for your songs to take on a life of their own that doesnt involve you. The thing thats difficult is then trying to write more good songs when thats the bar thats been set. More bizarre is that, until last year, This Is Lorelei was Amos bedroom project, a private place where hed indulge tendencies that didnt fit the oddball serialist experimentation of Water From Your Eyes. There are so many This Is Lorelei songs floating around Spotify and expired Bandcamp accounts that Amos has lost count. Its slightly nerve-racking because that project has always been a bit more personal to me, says Amos of the attention directed to what was essentially his musical sketchbook. With Water From Your Eyes theres more of a character, whereas the whole point of Lorelei is to accurately, and in as uncompromising a way as possible, capture the normality of whatever Im trying to do, so its been weird to have lots of eyes on Lorelei.

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Amos is speaking from his studio in Brooklyn, surrounded by countless guitars and tech doodads. Im hesitant to call it a studio, he says, as he alternates between vape hits and sips from a Gatorade bottle. Its the room where I make music and where the merch lives. Born in Denver, he split much of his early childhood between St Johnsbury in Vermont, a rural town in whats known as the NEK (the Northeast Kingdom) with a population of about 6000, and Winchester, Virginia, where his dad, a professional bluegrass musician, plied his trade. An hour-and-a-half away was Washington, DC, where his mother worked in early cybersecurity stuff. They both had degrees in geology, which I could never figure out, says Amos. If I ever have a question about rocks or volcanoes, they spring into action. Theres another timeline where theyre both just geology professors, but were in the bluegrass and cybersecurity timeline. His father and sister still perform bluegrass, both as a duo and with a full band. Do they view Nate as the black sheep who went off to make noise music? No, he says, laughing, were all interested in what the other ones are up to musically. On the deluxe reissue of Box for Buddy, Box for Star, they even pop up on a cover of Amos country-tinged Angels Eye. Amos with Rachel Brown, his bandmate in experimental duo Water From Your Eyes. Adam Powell After graduating high school in Vermont, Amos followed a friend out to Chicago. It was there, around 2016 while he was working as a studio producer, that he met Rachel Brown. Water From Your Eyes began partly by accident.

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I was on this tip where I was putting together different people from the music scene and doing one-off projects on Bandcamp, and Water From Your Eyes was one of those. But somebody found it on Bandcamp and wrote about it online, Amos recalls. It was the first time anyone had ever written about anything either of us had done, so we were like OK, we should probably stay on this. After five albums, the duo was signed by Matador Records  the famed label of Pavement, Liz Phair et al  and became instant critical darlings with 2023s Everyones Crushed and last Augusts joyously demented Its a Beautiful Place. With ambition barely in his vocabulary, the idea he now has dual successes tickles Amos. I never really thought of either as a viable option. I was recording and producing for other people, and that was very much where my focus lied. Nothing from a business sense began to happen for either project until years after I had totally given up on that being my life. So its a nice surprise, like getting a second run at it or something. Despite the equal prominence of both, Amos views This Is Lorelei and Water From Your Eyes as vastly different projects. Theyre kind of antithetical to each other. Water is very much about rejecting tradition, and Lorelei is about embracing it. Finding a middle ground between those two things would inherently compromise both ideas, so I might as well just have separate projects that can be unapologetically what they are. The reverence that greeted Box for Buddy, Box for Star is undeniable. Amos described it as a delayed recovery album, forged during early sobriety as an attempt to make music without getting high. Theres a stoic humour to its melancholy, and a simple sincerity to Amos writing that feels like wisdom. It moves through rain-soaked bedroom folk thats led to comparisons with Alex G and Elliott Smith, to witty indie-pop that sounds like Stephin Merritt-penned tunes for The Postal Service. Considering the playful wordplay in Dancing in the Club (I know its only cards/But love, I feel your heart in spades/While you were dancing in the club/I gave my diamonds all away) and the apocalyptic imagery in All F---ed Up (I watch my good God like a movie and I scream  I got a nosebleed and my blood tastes like God), its almost outlandish that Amos once treated lyrics as an afterthought.

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Every restaurant featured in the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2026 in the Central Coast, NSW. See all stories .

Launched in 1985, Saratoga has a long and illustrious history on the Central Coast, thanks to founders Rob and Bruce Kay. Tony Palmer bought the business in 2020, but keeping UK-born master-trained Jason Bowden on as head butcher has paid dividends in maintaining the consistency that Saratoga trades on.

The Kincumber shop is flush with grass-fed beef from the likes of Rangers Valley or Woodward, there are more than 65 flavours of sausage on rotation, and the likes of lamb kofta and chicken Kyiv ready to go.

Swing past Erina Heights, meanwhile, and the deli range expands to house-smoked chorizo, boudin noir, speck and more, before the site transforms into Carne & Cucina at night, where stuzzichini, mezze maniche alla vodka and a hulking Rangers Valley Black Market dry-aged rib-eye, heavy on marbling, are the star turns.

Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant cant pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.
Dramatic footage as police swoop homes, arrest alleged kidnappers

Police have shared footage of two men being arrested in north-west Sydney following the alleged kidnapping and death of 85-year-old grandfather Chris Baghsarian.
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NationalIslamic State Opinion If the ISIS women and children come home, Australia will be safer Jamal Rifi Doctor February 25, 2026  11:58am

February 25, 2026  11:58am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

I need to clarify why, as a doctor, I have been in Syria, helping with efforts to bring children and their mothers back to Australia. Thus far, given the sensitivities, and for the childrens sake, I have chosen not to enter the political debate that I have seen swirling at home. But now, while I am still in the Middle East, away from my beloved Australia, I must explain my role, dispel misinformation and respond to a particularly flawed policy proposal to make it a crime to assist in the repatriation of the 34 Australian citizens trapped in Syrias detention camps. This week, my place of work in Sydney has received bomb and death threats, and I am dismayed by the dog-whistling that I have seen from afar. Jamal Rifi has been involved with the innocent children trapped in the al-Roj and al-Hawl detention camps for more than a decade. Steven Siewert There have been numerous media reports  some accurate, some quite inaccurate  about my role. My involvement with the innocent children trapped in the al-Roj and al-Hawl detention camps stretches back more than a decade. In 2015, I said publicly that these children were the first victims of the terrible actions of their fathers. We know those mens victims would be numerous, given their involvement with such a despicable terrorist group as Islamic State. In the past nine days, however, there has been much misinformation. We have not, to our disappointment, received any help from the Albanese government to repatriate the families. Reports about my personal relationships with ministers, including Tony Burke, and MPs are irrelevant, and the insinuations attached to those stories are wholly inaccurate. Any efforts I undertake, including this repatriation attempt, are mine alone.

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We told no one in authority of our plans. We knew that one door, with its hinges in Canberra, had slammed shut. We felt we needed to explore another. I was particularly concerned on Monday to read of Opposition Leader Angus Taylors proposal that anyone supporting the return of the families should be subject to criminal charges. That, it seems, would include respected and world-leading charity organisations; it would include family and supporters of the trapped Australians; it would include me. An Australian child, part of the group which tried unsuccessfully to leave the al-Roj camp. It reminded me of how I was sentenced by a Lebanese military tribunal, in absentia and at the behest of Hezbollah, for my work as part of Rozana.org, which helps Palestinian health practitioners and builds bridges between like-minded medical leaders in Palestine and Israel. The similarities with the Coalition proposal are disturbingly similar. The current hardline position, on both sides of the political fence, was not always so cut and dried. While our past efforts to help these trapped Australians were not always successful  and were often met with scorn  the Morrison Liberal government and the Albanese Labor government, in its first term, did assist with the repatriation of some women and children. It was a matter of good policy and the simple fact that they were, and remain, Australian citizens.

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Since 2019, when I had dinner with then-prime minister Scott Morrison and his immigration minister, David Coleman, I have pleaded the case of the kids. I also had dinner with the then-home affairs minister, Peter Dutton, and he agreed to help repatriate eight children. I have acted as an informal medical consultant for the families stuck in the camps, in difficult conditions, to support their well-being. I have provided medical advice on panic and asthma attacks, sickness from the cold, tonsillitis, chilblains and other physical and psychological illnesses. As it has always been, it is my job and my duty as a doctor to support those in need. The plight these families face is disastrous and life-threatening, particularly for the youngest of the children and the mothers with health challenges. In 2022, after the Albanese government repatriated 13 children and four women from al-Roj, Australian organisations, fellow citizens and I feared for the children remaining in the camp. But such was the political blowback, we were aware that another repatriation was unlikely, at least not any time soon. As is the right of every Australian, citizens  whoever or wherever they are  can apply for and receive a renewed passport. This is a legal right, and that is what has happened with the 34 women and children still trapped in Syria. That does not, in my view, constitute government help in repatriating the families. We would have liked some help, but sadly, it has not come.

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Australia-based family members of those trapped have done incredible work trying to support their loved ones. At the heart of this situation are people and innocent young children, some of whom have known nothing but the barbed-wire enclosure of the camps. All of us involved were aware of the sensitivities following the horrific IS-inspired terrorist attack in Bondi on December 14. That atrocity tore at the very fabric of Australia. In its immediate aftermath, I paid my respects at Bondi Pavilion and at the funeral of Rabbi Eli Schlanger. Fifteen innocent lives taken. I wanted Jewish Australians, my fellow Australians, to know that their community would never be alone. Meanwhile, we became increasingly concerned that the situation in Syria would continue to deteriorate. If we failed to act, we feared, it would soon become too late to act at all. In the long run, Australia will be safer if the families can return in an orderly fashion to our shores, where the children may receive proper support and the mothers  where relevant and in accordance with existing legislation  would face any consequences for their ill-fated decision to travel to the Middle East. Children should not suffer the consequences of a parents evil deeds. Imagine if we extended across our great nation the view that children should bear the brunt of their parents actions, as we are collectively allowing to happen to the kids in the al-Roj camp. Ours would be a lesser nation. I dont believe Australia, my home, is so mean-spirited. Jamal Rifi is a Lebanese-born Australian general practitioner in Sydney. He is known for his community work, including efforts to prevent the radicalisation of young Muslims.
ISLAMABAD, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- At least one person was killed and five others injured in an explosion at a fireworks factory in Pakistan's eastern Punjab province on Wednesday, rescue officials said.

The blast occurred in Sharaqpur Sharif town in the Sheikhupura district after a fire broke out during the preparation of fireworks, causing the building's roof to collapse, state-run Rescue 1122 said.

Emergency teams shifted the injured to a nearby hospital, the rescue service said.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the incident. 
New deployment unit introduced to neutralise threats in NSW

The NSW government will stand up a new deployment unit to neutralise threats in the wake of the Bondi terrorist attack
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Exclusive NationalNSWMardi Gras From protest to party: Sydneys Mardi Gras route added to the national heritage register Megan Gorrey February 26, 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

Protesters who marched along Oxford Street in Sydneys first Mardi Gras parade in 1978 urged hundreds of spectators to join them with the rallying cry: Out of the bars and onto the streets. The route of those marchers, known as the 78ers, who sparked the long-running Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, is going from the streets into the history books in recognition of the parades immense historical and cultural significance to Australia. The Mardi Gras parade is typically littered with glitter and sparkle. But it originated in protest. Dion Georgopoulos More than 200,000 people flocked to Oxford Street to watch last years parade. Dion Georgopoulos On Thursday, the federal government will announce it has added the two-kilometre Mardi Gras route through inner Sydney to the National Heritage Register, alongside the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, days before more than 10,000 people march in the 48th annual parade on Saturday.

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The listing traces the approximate path of that first march, which was marred by police violence and arrests, as well as the contemporary Mardi Gras parade route from Hyde Park to Moore Park. Related Article Mardi Gras Mardi Gras calls off $2 million party as board tensions flare It also includes parts of Oxford Street, Flinders Street, William Street, Anzac Parade, Darlinghurst Road, and the old Darlinghurst Police Station, which is home to Qtopia Sydney, an LGBTQ museum. Federal Sydney MP Tanya Plibersek said it was fantastic to see the Mardi Gras route finally receive the national recognition it deserves. This listing acknowledges the pain, violence and discrimination the 78ers fought against, and the celebration of love and diversity at the heart of Mardi Gras every year, Plibersek said.

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Sydneys first Mardi Gras parade took place on June 24 in 1978. The event was organised by the Gay Solidarity Group to support gay rights and peacefully protest oppression and discrimination. But the march  which was planned to move from Taylor Square to Hyde Park, the reverse of the current route  turned into a violent clash with authorities as police arrested 53 LGBTQ protesters. Mardi Gras and Gay Solidarity Group protests in Sydney on June 24, 1978. Police again clashed with activists when the 53 protesters who were arrested appeared in court two days later. Fairfax Media It sparked a movement that gathered momentum over decades to become the world-famous parade along Oxford Street to celebrate diversity and protest ongoing discrimination against LGBTQ people.

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Activist and 78er Dianne Minnis remembers a light-hearted mood of celebration as crowds gathered at Taylor Square for the first march. The group had a permit, but police later started to move protesters on, eventually stopping the parades lead sound truck and seizing the keys. Then it got very, very fraught. Someone said, Lets go to the Cross. It was electric, Minnis said. The 78ers march along Oxford Street in last years Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Dion Georgopoulos She was among those who followed the vans transporting activists to Darlinghurst police station, where they sang and chanted outside as they listened to protesters getting bashed inside the cells. One of the songs we sang was We Shall Overcome, and I guess, to some extent, we did.

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Id like the parade route to be remembered as a time when our community came together to have fun, but then responded to police oppression and fought back, and ended up changing the laws, and the culture in Australia, Minnis said. Police formally apologised for their actions at the 1978 parade in 2016. Federal Environment and Water Minister Murray Watt said the listing was the nations highest heritage honours, and meant the routes values would be protected under national environment law. Since 1978, the parade has offered an opportunity for all Australians to come together and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and reflect on the past.

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A federal government spokeswoman said businesses along the route would not be impacted by the listing, and road maintenance works and changes to buildings on the Oxford Street strip were highly unlikely to have a significant impact on the heritage values. Asian Marching Boys and Friends were among more than 150 floats in last years parade. Dion Georgopoulos The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is one of the biggest LGBTQ celebrations in the world. Dion Georgopoulos The listing is largely intangible, focused on the association of the place with the historical events of 1978, and the 78ers, as well as the ongoing annual parade, the spokeswoman said. The route was designed to capture the history of the 1978 protest in highlighting inequality for LGBTQ people, and the parades role as an enduring cultural event in Australia, as well as its role at the epicentre of the marriage equality movement.

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A government statement said the route remains a place for cultural celebrations and political demonstrations, advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and influencing social change within Australia, and continues to be a beacon of tolerance, inclusion and social activism. Related Article Mardi Gras Surprises, shocks and sequins: Inside the fight for the future of Mardi Gras The NSW Heritage Council nominated the route for inclusion on the national heritage list in 2024. NSW Environment and Heritage Minister Penny Sharpe said members of the LGBTQ community had been treated as second-class citizens, and the 78ers had bravely refused to accept inequality. Today, Mardi Gras is a time to celebrate the progress we have made while committing to the ongoing fight for equality, but we must never forget the shoulders we stand on. 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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NationalNSWCrime The sweetest man: A beloved Sydney grandfathers gentle life and harrowing end Amber Schultz February 25, 2026  5:45pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Gentle, cheerful and kind, 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian deserved to live his golden years in peace, surrounded by his children, grandchildren and community in Sydneys north. Instead, police say, the widower was snatched from his home on February 13 in a suspected case of mistaken identity, tortured, murdered and his body dumped in grassland. His suspected remains were found on Tuesday, 11 days after his disappearance. The case has horrified the Armenian and wider community, with many fearful of the way Sydneys gangland wars have spilt into suburbia, their violence now enveloping the innocent and the vulnerable. Chris Baghsarian had two children with his wife, Sona. 10News+ Baghsarian was born in 1941 in Jerusalem, living alongside other Christians in the Armenian quarter of the old city.

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His cousin, Arthur Hagopian, said he would always remember Baghsarian as the gentle, amiable cousin I grew up with in the cobblestoned alleys. In the charmed and magical ambience of the Armenian quarter, everyone was related to someone else either closely or remotely, he said. They both attended a St James parish school and had friends in common. His family lived a brisk five-minute walk from us, and there was not a day we did not exchange visits. No phones. No messages. Just walk in and dont even bother to knock on the door or gate, he said. Chris Baghsarian had a passion for photography, his childhood friend said. 10News+

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Baghsarian was spoiled rotten by Hagopians family, fed fried potato chips, while Hagopian often had sleepovers, sharing a mattress with Baghsarians father. The pair survived the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, living through conflict and turmoil. [Combat engineers] had to deal with some unexploded ordnance, and the explosion traumatised a lot of the residents, among them little Chris, Hagopian said. His childhood friend, Michael Aprahamian, said the pair were like brothers, growing up in Jerusalem as one family. Speaking to 10News+ before the discovery of Baghsarians remains, Aprahamian said the pair were members of the Scouts as children, learning respect, decency and to help one another.

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We all come from that part of the world, even though we went through hell through wars, through so many catastrophes, and yet we always have a smile on our faces, Aprahamian said. Baghsarian, who also went by his Armenian name, Khatchig, moved to Australia in the late 1960s when he was in his 20s. His first job was as a painter, working alongside Hagopians brother, with whom he emigrated. He met his wife, Sona, and they settled in North Ryde, buying a three-bedroom brick home with a neat lawn and backyard pool. They had two children. One neighbour said that, after his wifes passing, he lived alone but frequently had visitors, including children and grandchildren, dropping by. Michael Aprahamian (left) said his childhood friend Chris Baghsarian was a sweet man. Baghsarian was allegedly kidnapped and murdered in a case of mistaken identity. Facebook: Armenian General Benevolent Union He was passionate about photography and an active member of the Armenian General Benevolent Union, a not-for-profit organisation that organises and funds educational and cultural programs.

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Aprahamian said the community was struggling to digest what happened. Related Article Crime Intended victims taunt bungling kidnappers of Sydney grandfather It hurts inside, as if a dagger hits your heart  He was such a peaceful man, he said. Were going to miss him a lot. Hell have a big funeral, the whole community. In a statement via NSW Police last week, Baghsarians family said they were living through a nightmare they never thought possible.

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Chris is a devoted father, brother, uncle and grandfather. He is deeply loved, gentle and the kindest person we know  someone who would never hurt a fly, the statement read. [It] feels surreal, and we are struggling to make sense of the fact that he has been taken and that our family has been caught up in something that has nothing to do with us. Police have repeatedly said Baghsarian and his family have no links to organised crime. Detectives believe the kidnappers were targeting Karo Stepanyan, 67, who lives a few doors down, and his family. On Wednesday, police arrested two men aged 29 and 24. The Baghsarian family said they welcomed the arrests and continued to request privacy.

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This is an extraordinarily distressing time, and we need space to support one another and focus on navigating what comes next, their statement read. Related Article Updated

Crime Men charged with kidnap and murder of Sydney grandfather Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks said on Wednesday the family was devastated over the 85-year-olds death. Its somebodys worst nightmare, he said. The fact that an innocent man was taken from his home is not acceptable. These people need to be held to account for that, and thats why we are bringing these people before the courts, and we hope that it doesnt happen again. 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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NationalQueenslandCrime Alleged murdered baby had so many injuries, police need more time: lawyer Rex Martinich February 25, 2026  12:23pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Police need more time to gather evidence in the alleged murder of a baby because the three-week-old boy had suffered myriad injuries, a magistrate has heard. Hank Shannon Sherriff, 25, was arrested and charged on February 2 with murdering his infant son. Investigators allege the baby was injured at a home in Greenbank in Logan, south of Brisbane, in July before relatives took him to hospital. Loading Sherriff, who has been in custody since his arrest, was not required to appear in person when his case was mentioned on Wednesday at Beenleigh Magistrates Court.

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His solicitor asked acting magistrate Sarah Thompson for an order for police to produce a full brief of evidence by a certain date. Police prosecutor Sergeant Duncan Erskine said he had been given a note by the arresting officer in Sherriffs case. Police said detectives woke Sherriff up when they arrived to arrest him. Internet The arresting officer has requested the indulgence of the court for the more-than-usual time to prepare the brief of evidence, Erskine said. Is there something complicated about it? Thompson said.

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There is going to be what I suspect to be extensive medical evidence based on the myriad of injuries that are listed in the [charge sheet and alleged facts] and the other agencies the officer seems to have been liaising with, Erskine said. The boy died in Queensland Childrens Hospital on July 22, 2024, from internal injuries, police said. Family members had taken him there in a serious condition but with no obvious injuries. Sadly and unfortunately, that three-week-old child passed away four days later, Detective Acting Inspector Glen Antonie told media earlier in February. The boys death triggered a lengthy police investigation named Operation Whiskey Nell.

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Detectives alleged the boy sustained internal injuries. On February 4, a 24-year-old Southport woman was charged with one count of cruelty to children under 16 years in relation to the boys death. She is due to appear at Beenleigh Magistrates Court on March 4. Thompson ordered a full brief of evidence to be disclosed to Sherriffs legal defence by April 7. Sherriff was remanded in custody for his case to be mentioned again in court on April 21. AAP

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The outspoken owner of Melbournes famed Cherry Bar has stepped down after complaining  without the knowledge of the bars partners  that protesters were harming the citys small businesses.

James Young on Sunday posted the anti-protest message on Cherry Bars social media channels and said regular weekend protests meant the bar had to stop hosting its Sunday afternoon blues performances.

James Young, pictured last year, has stepped away from Melbournes famed Cherry Bar. Wayne Taylor

The protests vary but the pain is consistent, he said. Enough is enough. I just cant understand why our council and our government favour the rights of illegal protesters (for a large number of varied causes) over the rights of long-term small business operators to open their doors and trade, trying desperately to reignite the ailing Melbourne hospitality industry and pay our bloody rent!

Please. Hear me out. Of course Cherry Bar has a heart and a real passion for freedom of speech, HOWEVER Melbourne, after two long years surely we can sit down and find a better way forward ...
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NationalVictoriaCrime No one you can call to complain: Prisoner shuffle raises rights fears Erin Pearson February 25, 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

Basic rights of Victorians on remand are at risk of being breached as those shuffled between police cells fall through accountability gaps, a watchdog has warned, and the problem is expected to worsen. The state ombudsmans office has highlighted the plight of the 300 inmates a night being decanted around the states police stations, saying there is no independent oversight of the practice. Major concerns are being raised about human rights in police cells. Josh Robenstone The Victorian ombudsman does not have jurisdiction over Victoria Police, Deputy Ombudsman Dan Nicholson said. This means we are not able to assist those who call us from police cells. We cannot make enquiries, try to resolve those complaints quickly, or investigate serious or systemic issues that arise, Nicholson said. There is literally no one that you can call to make a complaint and have it dealt with in a timely way.

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It shouldnt be necessary to go to the Supreme Court for an injunction to get a complaint about conditions in custody addressed. There are real risks associated with prolonged detention in police cells. Related Article Courts The decanting game: Inside Victorias cruel prisoner shuffle The ombudsman received more than 3000 complaints about Corrections Victoria during the last financial year  making it the second-largest area of complaint after local government  but the office has no control over the management of police cells. Nicholson said the practice of decanting  under which people being held on remand are shuffled between cells and police stations instead of being taken to prison, in order for police to reset the clock and avoid breaching holding regulations  was deeply concerning. On Monday, this masthead revealed as many as 300 Victorians were being moved between police cells each night to battle the states prison overcrowding crisis.

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Most Victorian police cells have a 14-day limit for holding people, but recently an Indigenous man was housed in various station cells, including in Sale, for 26 days  almost double the legal limit. The man said he was isolated from family support while he was held by police, and feared he would die. Experts are warning that the problem will worsen when further changes to the Bail Act come into effect from next month, including targeting repeat offenders for alleged crimes including burglary, affray, assault and car theft, and removing the principle of remand being a last resort for children. Last year, the state amended the Bail Act to prioritise community safety and make it tougher to be granted bail for some offences, such as violent crimes. Victoria Legal Aids criminal law executive director, Kate Bundrock, said the initial bail changes introduced last year had already led to significant increases in people on remand requiring help from a Legal Aid lawyer, with the situation expected to worsen when the further changes come into effect.

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Police cells are temporary and should not be used to hold people for long periods. There is limited access to fresh air in police cells, and its difficult for family to visit or even have a phone call, she said. It increases the risk people will be lost in the system. It disconnects people from their community, making it far more difficult for lawyers to locate and contact their clients, and removes people from their support structures, family and friends. Cells in the Melbourne Custody Centre, located under the Melbourne Magistrates Court, for example, have no access to fresh air or sunlight  a potential breach of human rights which is at the centre of a civil case involving convicted killer and drug baron George Marrogi. Long-term police cell use could also make it more challenging for people on remand to access rehabilitation and treatment  including medication and mental health support  and other vital services, Bundrock said. In the nine months since the bail amendments were passed last year, Victoria Legal Aid data shows, it has become harder for First Nations people and people experiencing or at risk of homelessness to be granted bail when compared with the previous year.

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Related Article Courts Magistrates furious as bail law changes fuel legal logjams The rate of bail being granted to First Nations people dropped from 70 per cent to 50 per cent, and for those experiencing or facing homelessness it dropped from 63 per cent to 44 per cent. The falls happened as more people experiencing homelessness (34 per cent) came to Legal Aid as remand clients  up 4 per cent. The data also showed that 54 per cent of adult remand clients and 33 per cent of children had a disability or mental health issues. We expect the situation will worsen when further changes to bail laws come into effect at the end of March. We know that First Nations people are disproportionately represented right across the justice system, including when it comes to bail, Bundrock said. It is important that key services are appropriately funded to help address these system pressures.

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NationalVictoriaVictoria Police Victoria Police backs down on using GPs to approve police recruits Chris Vedelago February 25, 2026  11:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Victoria Police has been forced to backtrack on its controversial policy of using GPs to sign off on the mental and physical suitability of recruits following intense opposition from the peak doctors group and concerns the policy was a risk to public safety. The move will push decision-making authority for assessing recruit health back onto Victoria Police medical officers, potentially causing massive delays in the midst of a staffing crisis for the force. Chief Commissioner Mike Bush The Age The backflip comes just eight months after Victoria Police radically changed its entry requirements to become a police recruit in a bid to boost flagging staff numbers, including dropping minimum educational standards, lowering English language proficiency, scrapping in-person psychological assessments and cutting the duration of training. Victoria Police also decided to assign responsibility to GPs to grant the final sign-off on whether someone is mentally and physically capable of serving as a police officer.

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Last week, the head of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Anita Munoz, met with Victoria Police Deputy Secretary Karl Kent to air a list of serious concerns about the polices decision to cancel its internal screening program in favour of reviews conducted by general practitioners. Related Article Victoria Police Police accused of putting public safety at risk with recruiting shift The meeting followed a letter from Munoz to Bush in late January warning that fast-tracking measures to boost police numbers must not come at the cost of lower standards that put your workforce and the Victorian public at risk. The RACGP had not been consulted about the change in July 2025 and has repeatedly expressed deep misgivings about the new procedure, including warning about recruits engaging in doctor shopping in an attempt to get approval. In an interview with The Age, Munoz said the force would now change its policy following the meeting last Wednesday.

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Ive been reassured that they dont want GPs to shoulder the responsibility of a final determination on a candidates suitability, she said. Dr Anita Munoz, a Melbourne GP and the Victorian chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. The role of the GP really is more one of screening for medical conditions of importance, and also helping candidates to recognise their degree of suitability. It would also be flagging to the VicPol medical team any candidates that will require more careful assessment before progressing on to training. Its a process of screening and not determination, not making the final decision. Munoz also confirmed GPs would not be responsible for psychometric testing.

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From my understanding, GPs will not be required or expected to make an assessment of psychometric testing. I think that has been recognised as not a feasible way to conduct the psychometric evaluation. A Victoria Police spokesperson said the force was strengthening its physical and mental health assessment process following feedback from RACGP. This includes providing general practitioners with documentation making it clear Victoria Police carries the onus in ultimately deciding whether an applicant is suitable for the job. We are also providing more comprehensive educative material to guide GPs on the scope of assessments, while applicants will be required to formally attest their medical history has been fully and accurately disclosed. RACGP and Victoria Police will also develop a special course for GPs that will educate them on the specific requirements for assessing police recruits. 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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WA police say the death of a man who was found with his throat cut on a property in Western Australias south last week is not suspicious.

This masthead understands the Homicide Squad was called in after a man, believed to be in his 30s, was found with a laceration-type wound to his throat just after 6am at a property in Beedelup on Thursday last week.

St John Ambulance crews were called to the scene on Etherington Road, but paramedics were stood down on arrival.

WA Police confirmed detectives were called and are investigating.
To the states north now, and cops have busted a number of bars and restaurants for allegedly selling alcohol to people who werent able to legally buy it and permitting indecent behaviour at their venues across the Kimberley.

The banned drinkers register is in place across the Kimberley and the Pilbara, which requires anyone who wants to buy takeaway liquor to hand over ID to be scanned by staff.

The staff then scan the list for anyone who has been placed on the banned drinkers register, and can refuse sale.

Police empty liquor seized during a crackdown in WAs north. WA Police

Police said more than 150 banned drinking orders were issued following the crackdown in January, including workers at different outlets and restaurants across the tourist town.

Officers said they issued two infringement notices to retail workers at a restaurant-licensed premises in Cable Beach who are alleged to have sold takeaway alcohol to a banned drinker.

On another occasion, another outlet allegedly sold alcohol to a customer who had an expired and unreadable drivers licence.

Police said theyd also issued infringements to a venue after a heavily intoxicated man was seen to behave indecently at their premises, and no one removed him.

Police also said they also ran operations targeting remote communities throughout January, and found significant quantities of alcohol was being moved between towns.

Recent enforcement activity has included seven barring notices, nine charges against patrons at licensed premises, eight charges for offences at liquorrestricted premises, and 158 Banned Drinkers Orders issued across Broome, Derby and Fitzroy Crossing, a WA Police spokesperson said.

Kimberley District Superintendent John Hutchison said getting alcohol off the street was an important step towards cracking down on violence in the region.

Sly grogging activity destroys families and fuels violence in vulnerable communities, he said.

Anyone who thinks they can profit from that harm should expect to be caught. We are watching, we are intercepting, and we are dismantling these supply chains.
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PoliticsFederalNational security Keyboard warriors and worse: Threat to politicians from the public is greater than ever Rob Harris Updated February 25, 2026  5:15pm ,first published 2:52pm 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 bomb threat that forced the evacuation of Anthony Albanese from The Lodge is the latest sign of a political climate growing steadily harsher, where threats are becoming more frequent, more visible and harder to dismiss as isolated incidents. The prime minister was on Tuesday night whisked away from his official residence on Canberras Adelaide Avenue, which was later declared safe after a three-hour search by the Australian Federal Police found nothing suspicious. But the episode has sharpened concern about the broader rise in politically motivated hostility across the country. The Lodge in Canberra, pictured in 2022. The Sydney Morning Herald According to The Epoch Times, an international news outlet with strong links to the Falun Gong religious movement, the threat appeared in an email sent in Mandarin to performers of a classical Chinese dance and music group banned by Beijing and currently touring Australia. It warned that large quantities of nitroglycerine had been planted around Albaneses official residence, vowing that blood will flow and the building would be blown into ruins unless scheduled performances by Shen Yun Performing Arts were scrapped.

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While the threats appear designed to sabotage the troupe, police have not yet publicly identified the source of the emails. Related Article Investigation

Extremism Far-right threats to kidnap Albanese, post bombs to mosques, secret chats reveal The AFP investigated 950 politically motivated threats in the 2024-25 financial year  a 63 per cent increase on the combined total of the previous four years  reinforcing intelligence warnings that the risk of political violence is likely to remain elevated. The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation has also warned that the threat environment is already flashing red and expected to stay volatile through the decade, as Australians lose the ability to converse with civility and debate with respect. The targeting is not limited to senior figures. During the 2025 federal election, threats against parliamentarians and candidates reportedly increased by 17 per cent, reflecting intelligence assessments that elections and other democratic events are flashpoints, with heightened visibility increasing vulnerability.

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AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett says that politicians  already subject to a polarised, combustible political climate  are increasingly vulnerable. Much of the concern centres on the role of social media in accelerating grievance and radicalisation. Barrett told Senate estimates earlier this month she receives a daily report every morning that captures the last 24 hours in terms of threats and offensive, vile communication to parliamentarians. You could imagine how long that report is some days, she said. AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett receives a daily report on dangerous threats. Alex Ellinghausen A 2023 University of Melbourne study found almost all Victorian state MPs using social media experienced online abuse, predominantly relating to their political positions or general defamatory commentary. Gendered abuse was particularly acute: 85 per cent of female MPs surveyed reported experiencing it.

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International analysis aligns with that finding. The Inter-Parliamentary Union has reported rising online gender-based violence against women in parliament globally, with 60 per cent of women surveyed affected by hate speech, disinformation, image-based abuse or doxing. Related Article Political leadership Horribly, sexually violent: How Australias women leaders deal with rising abuse In Australia, the hostility has been directed at electorate offices. Smashed windows, abusive graffiti and threatening messages have targeted Liberal and Labor representatives alike. An Independent Review of Resourcing in Parliamentarian Offices in August last year found 85 per cent of electorate offices experienced high levels of abusive or violent behaviour from constituents, with nearly half encountering such incidents multiple times per month. Common incidents included verbal threats, intimidation, spitting and objects thrown at staff. Seventy-two per cent of respondents reported an increase in security incidents. The review pointed to a need for reinforced infrastructure, upgraded surveillance systems and tighter access controls. Security agencies have responded by strengthening investigative capabilities. In 2025, the AFP created a national team focused on individuals causing high levels of social harm, including those targeting parliamentarians and minority communities. Twenty-one people have since been charged for, among other things, threats to kidnap, kill or maim.

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International events continue to influence Australian security thinking. The murders of British MPs Jo Cox and David Amess and assassination attempts on US President Donald Trump are frequently cited by authorities as reminders that political hostility can escalate into lethal violence. Related Article Investigation

Right-wing extremism A scary time: Nazi terror links revealed as disbanding sparks fears of violence I think its just a reminder to take every opportunity to tell people turn the heat down, for goodness sake, we cant take these things for granted, just turn it down, Albanese told an event in Melbourne. Some parliamentarians have reportedly been advised to reduce public appearances or screen constituent meetings, measures that may gradually weaken direct engagement between voters and their representatives. Researchers have also warned that sustained intimidation risks discouraging people  particularly women and minority Australians  from entering public office, potentially narrowing the diversity of representation.

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Barrett said the AFP has a fixated threat assessment team, which monitors the behaviour of those targeting MPs and senators and determines whether authorities need to intervene. That may not always be a police intervention, she said. It might be a mental health intervention or some other joint intervention by authorities. Related Article Updated

Crime West Australian man charged with threatening to kill Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier But technology is complicating enforcement. Anonymous communication channels and globalised social media networks allow threats to spread rapidly beyond traditional surveillance boundaries. The deeper risk is cultural. If hostility toward public officials becomes normalised, the political system itself may slowly change. Democracy depends not only on institutions and laws but on the shared expectation that disagreement will not be expressed through intimidation.

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Liberal deputy leader Jane Hume said a critical feature of Australian democracy was the ability for MPs to be among the community without fear of violence. This is a country that is built on civilised debate. Thats how we get to policy outcomes, not through violence and not through threats, Hume said. For now, the latest threat against the prime minister has passed. But it sits within a wider story  one in which Australias political stability remains intact, even as the social cohesion underpinning it grows more strained. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter.
Zhao Leji, chairman of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, presides over the first plenary meeting of the committee's 21st session at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

BEIJING, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislature started a regular session on Wednesday to review a raft of bills, including draft laws and reports.

Zhao Leji, chairman of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, presided over the first plenary meeting of the committee's 21st session.

Lawmakers reviewed a slew of documents, including a draft law on social assistance, a draft fire and rescue personnel law, and deliberated draft amendment to the law on certified public accountants.

They also reviewed a draft report on the NPC Standing Committee's work, a draft agenda for the fourth session of the 14th NPC, a draft list of people considered for the presidium and the secretary-general, and a draft list of non-voting delegates, among others.

Lawmakers heard a report on deputy qualifications and reviewed personnel-related bills. 
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PoliticsNSWPublic transport Opinion The 2026 high-speed train is slower than 1964. Will it be better by 2060? Alexandra Smith State Political Editor February 26, 2026  5:00am

February 26, 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

Super-fast rail in NSW has always been a wild fantasy. Plan after plan to link Sydney to my hometown of Newcastle with a European-inspired high-speed train have been bandied around for the entirety of my life. Not to age myself, but that is four long decades. Unsurprisingly, I have limited faith in this latest iteration materialising, despite hoping it will. As I have bemoaned in this space previously, the train linking the states two biggest cities is a national embarrassment. The new fleet, the long-delayed Mariyung, makes the trip more comfortable, but no faster. In 2026, it takes 2 hours and 11 minutes from Central to Broadmeadow. In 1964, a steam locomotive set a record for the journey, clocking in a time of 2 hours and 1 minute. The Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King (second from right) made an announcement on the next stage of high-speed rail on Wednesday. My kids recently took their first trip on the Eurostar from Paris to London. Will it be like the train to Grandmas? one asked with trepidation, having endured the Sydney to Newcastle journey several times. Isnt the innocence of youth delightful, I thought, while trying not to laugh (I dare not suggest we catch the Sydney to Canberra train service. That is even more shameful.) Maybe Ive watched too many episodes of Utopia, but I am not alone in my cynicism about high-speed rail eventuating. Premier Chris Minns is lukewarm on the chances too. Asked this week on his thoughts, he sounded more like an uninterested teen than a leader embracing an infrastructure behemoth in his state. Minns said the project would take a huge effort and a lot of money. But then added, almost as an afterthought: Id love to see investment in NSW. That kind of infrastructure investment is fantastic for our state.

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Just not out of NSWs pocket. There is some justification for his stance. NSW Labor is determined to be fiscally responsible, unlike its Victorian counterparts. Minns would be prepared to offer planning tweaks (essentially paperwork) but nothing that would put a further dent in his budget. We should not be surprised by this. He has poured cold water on building any more metros despite their overwhelming success. Minns is not an infrastructure premier, and he refuses to be typecast as a big-spending Labor leader. Related Article Letters A high-speed rail not a sure bet to provide a quick fix There have been many reasons that plans for high-speed rail have remained an elusive pipe dream, and the prohibitive cost has always been the main one. This latest version has the eye-watering pricetag of $90 billion, although no mega-project ever comes in on budget (Snowy Hydro 2.0 is a perfect example. Initial estimate $2 billion, current estimate $12 billion). Even the business case for Anthony Albaneses long-held dream, released this week, acknowledges that. A project of this scale and complexity carries inherent cost overrun risks, the 300-page document warns. A report from the Grattan Institute in 2020 made the similar, albeit more forceful, point. The east-coast bullet train advocated by the federal ALP, the reports summary says, would be an expensive folly. Australias small population and vast distances make it unviable. The global story is stark: good bullet trains are expensive, and bad bullet trains are very expensive. Its time we Australians put this idea to bed. Albanese, who rejoices in being referred to as the infrastructure prime minister, will never agree.

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The business case for the project Albanese has championed for years attempts to kill off the Grattan Institutes argument that NSW does not have the population to support high-speed rail. Related Article Public transport The $90 billion question: How many $31 tickets will the high-speed train line sell? The Newcastle to Sydney corridor has a population density of 624 people per kilometre, according to the business case. This is more than twice the density of the Spanish high-speed rail corridor between Barcelona and Zaragoza, which has a population density of 244 people per square kilometre. This, according to the document, means the Sydney to Newcastle corridor is primed to benefit from high-speed service. With this comes the attractive proposition that housing will be unlocked along the route, especially around the Central Coast and Lake Macquarie. The business case says it could deliver some 160,000 homes by 2061. This should pique the interest of Minns, who has staked his governments success on solving the housing crisis. The forecast economic benefits, which is expected to boost the nations economy by $250 billion over 50 years, as well as jobs creation in NSW, should also make Minns think twice about pooh-poohing the mega-project and refusing any financial input. Contributing, even on a far smaller scale than the more cashed-up federal government, would allow Minns to stake a claim in helping high-speed rail progress. NSW has much to gain from what Albanese describes as a transformational project.

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Despite the years of broken promises, plans for high-speed rail have never progressed as far as they have this time. No doubt this is because of Albaneses relentless passion for the project. The federal government has pumped in an extra $230 million for preparation work on the 194-kilometre line. Work is forecast to start in 2028. Perhaps, finally, we can dare to dream? Alexandra Smith is the NSW state political editor 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 PoliticsVictoriaLocal council Inner-city mega-council floated as mayors face financial cliff Rachael Dexter February 26, 2026  5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

A drastic proposal to merge inner-city municipalities into a single mega-council has been floated as a last resort option as mayors entertain redrawing boundaries to cope with crushing financial pressures. In a move that breaks a 30-year political taboo, Yarra Mayor Stephen Jolly has called for an adult conversation about amalgamation to prevent a bankruptcy-level crisis of shuttered services and mass sackings. City of Port Phillip Mayor Alex Makin and City of Yarra Mayor Stephen Jolly pose outside Melbourne Town Hall. Jason South Jolly told The Age that Yarra has identified close to $10.5 million a year in cost shifting  essential services like libraries and school crossings once co-funded by state and local government but now largely bankrolled by ratepayers. After a decade of state-mandated rate capping, Jolly said the business model was untenable. [Amalgamation] is not my number one. This is not what I want, he said. I want the government to cough up the money ... but we cant just keep patching things up. He added that as a trade unionist, he would rather see his own council merged than be forced to become the Maggie Thatcher of Victoria and sack staff.

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The mayors of Melbourne and Port Phillip have both signalled they were prepared to entertain the prospect of redrawing boundaries. Lord Mayor Nick Reece  while noting it wasnt the formal position of the council  called the pitch a bold idea and questioned if current inner-city lines were still fit for purpose. Reece pointed to a recent viral photograph of Victoria Parade, where one side is lush and mowed by the City of Melbourne while the Yarra side is overgrown. Im sure the residents of Fitzroy look over the road at East Melbourne and wish they could get services at the same level, Reece said. Thats not the City of Yarras fault. Its a product of a local government sector that is being starved of funds. The City of Melbourne is essentially bankrolled by its skyscrapers, with its $390.3 million rate base including more than $183 million in commercial rates. The City of Yarra relies more on households, with an entire rate base of $140 million. A hypothetical merger would have political implications, as Yarra has historically been a left-leaning council compared to the more conservative City of Melbourne, where businesses get two votes. Port Phillip Mayor Alex Makin noted that councils were again facing the financial pressures seen in the early 1990s before then Liberal premier Jeff Kennett slashed the number of Victorian councils from 210 to 79. Both Yarra and Port Phillip were products of those 1994 mergers.

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The borders between councils are ... arbitrary lines on a map, the group stated in a submission to a 2024 parliamentary inquiry into council finances, arguing a single council would enable more coherent delivery of things like bike lanes, which currently stop at municipal boundaries. However, Marcus Spiller, principal at SGS Economics and the author of a book on modernising local governments, offered a word of caution on simple mergers. While acknowledging that councils are being drained by rate capping, he warned that making them bigger wouldnt always make them better. You might save on overheads, but you might lose in terms of the accessibility ... and the relevance of local governments to local communities, Spiller said. He instead advocates for a metropolitan authority to sit above councils and below state  to handle the public transport network and strategic planning  much like the former Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works, in a model similar to London. Port Phillip Mayor Makin said the biggest issue was desperately needed clarity on which levels of government control what and how they are funded.

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Thats fundamentally the issue, he said. Whether we amalgamate or we dont, those fundamental problems still remain. The peak body for councils, the Municipal Association of Victoria, has proposed councils share back-end systems and staff to reduce duplication, but would not comment on the idea of mergers when approached by The Age. President Jennifer Anderson said only that councils were under unprecedented strain, asked to do more by other levels of government and communities, with less certainty and mounting financial pressure. To merge Yarra and Melbourne would require an act of state. A Victorian government spokesperson said they are not currently considering any amalgamations and highlighted that Victorias 79 councils generated a collective operating surplus of $1.75 billion last year. Opposition local government spokesperson Bev McArthur, a former councillor herself, said some councils were open to the idea of shared services but that she had received no feedback from the sector on council mergers. She said if the Coalition won the November election it would review and clarify the roles and responsibilities of each level of government, and ensure that where responsibilities are shared, funding is fair and sustainable. Our focus is on fixing the current funding model and enabling councils to focus on their core responsibilities. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
Renovating your home for sale can be a balancing act, say experts: skimp on upgrades, and the best sale price may elude you. But spend too much, and you may not recoup your investment.

To minimise outlay while still achieving a good result, Renovating For Profit founder Cherie Barber says sellers should prioritise certain rooms while doing the bare minimum  or nothing at all  in others.

Kitchens and bathrooms add the most value when renovating to sell, say experts. Credit: Getty Images

The rooms she thinks sellers can skip entirely? Definitely bedrooms two, three and four. They are the rooms that are least likely to make or break a sale.

Barber says sellers should ideally spruce up the master bedroom but they neednt go overboard.
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Updated WorldNorth AmericaWorld politics Cuba shoots four people dead on US-based speedboat Daniel Trotta Updated February 26, 2026  1:19pm ,first published February 26, 2026  9:23am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Havana: Cubas government has said the 10 passengers on a boat that opened fire on its soldiers were armed Cubans living in the United States who were trying to infiltrate the island and unleash terrorism. The announcement came hours after Cuba said its soldiers killed four people and wounded six others aboard a Florida-registered speed boat that had entered Cuban waters and opened fire on the soldiers first, injuring one Cuban officer. The incident comes at a time of heightened tensions between the US and Cuba. AP Cubas government said the majority of the 10 people on the boat have a known history of criminal and violent activity. It identified two of them as Amijail Sanchez Gonzalez and Leordan Enrique Cruz Gomez, who were wanted by Cuban authorities based on their involvement in the promotion, planning, organisation, financing, support or commission of actions carried out in the national territory or in other countries, in connection with acts of terrorism.

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Cuba said it had also arrested a man it identified as Duniel Hernandez Santos, who had been sent from the United States to guarantee the reception of the armed infiltration, who at this time has confessed to his actions. Related Article Opinion

Venezuela crisis To make sense of the Venezuela attack, look to the hotter heads around Trump Waleed Aly Columnist, author and academic The Associated Press was not immediately able to independently verify that information. In an earlier statement, Cubas Interior Ministry said a number of wounded people, including the Cuban patrol commander, had been evacuated and were receiving medical attention. The highly unusual incident took place amid tension between Cuba and the US, which has blocked almost all oil shipments to the island, increasing pressure on the Communist-run government.

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American forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas on January 3, removing a key Cuban ally from power. The speedboat came within 1.8 kilometres of a channel on Falcones Cay, on the island nations north coast and about 200 kilometres east of Havana, when it was approached by the Cuban border patrol unit with five crew onboard, Cubas Interior Ministry said. The speedboat then opened fire, wounding the Cuban commander, the statement said. Faced with the current challenges, Cuba reaffirms its commitment to protecting its territorial waters, based on the principle that national defence is a fundamental pillar for the Cuban state in safeguarding its sovereignty and stability in the region, the statement said.

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The New York Times cited a US official saying that no US Naval or Coast Guard boat was involved, and the speedboat was an American civilian vessel attempting to get relatives out of Cuba. The vessel is a seven-metre Pro-Line fishing boat built in 1981 with an outboard engine, according to Boat History Report. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is in the region visiting Saint Kitts and Nevis, said the incident was being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security and the US Coast Guard, who were working to determine if the victims were American citizens or permanent residents. Rubio addresses the media at the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) meeting in St Kitts. AP Suffice it to say, it is highly unusual to see shoot-outs in open sea like that. Its not something that happens every day, Rubio told reporters in Basseterre, Saint Kitts. The majority of the facts being publicly reported are those by the information provided by the Cubans. We will verify that independently as we gather more information, and well be prepared to respond accordingly, he said.

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US Vice President JD Vance said he had been briefed on the incident by Rubio and that the White House was monitoring the situation, but declined to provide further details. Hopefully its not as bad as we fear it could be, Vance said. Officials with the US Coast Guard did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Cuban ally Russias Foreign Ministry called the incident an aggressive provocation by the US aimed at escalating the situation and triggering a conflict, TASS news agency reported. James Uthmeier, Floridas attorney-general, said he had ordered prosecutors to work with federal, state and law enforcement partners to start an investigation.

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The Cuban government cannot be trusted, and we will do everything in our power to hold these communists accountable, he wrote on X. Cubans are gripped by an economic crisis after the Trump administration threatened to apply tariffs to any country selling oil to Cuba. AP Meanwhile, Florida congressman Carlos Gimenez decried the killings and accused the Cuban government of murder. This regime must be relegated to the dust bin of history! he wrote on X. The incident comes as tensions simmer between the US and Cuba following mounting pressure by the Trump administration. The two countries used to collaborate on drug smuggling and other criminal activity, but no longer do so.

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Its not unusual for skirmishes to erupt between Cubas Coast Guard and US-flagged speedboats in Cuban waters, but there have been no recent reports of passengers opening fire or being killed. In recent years, some of those US-flagged boats were laden with unidentified items headed towards the island, or they were going to pick up Cubans and smuggle them into the US. Speaking in Saint Kitts, Rubio said the status quo in Cuba was unsustainable and that the island needed to change dramatically. Reuters, AP, Bloomberg Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter.
~Female Employee Arrested in WIB Fraud Investigation~

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) has confirmed the arrest of a female employee today, February 24, 2026, as part of an ongoing fraud investigation linked to the Windward Islands Bank (WIB). Unconfirmed sources have identified the employee as Jeanette. This arrest follows the apprehension of another suspect, bringing the total number of individuals in custody to two.

Jeanette is alleged to have orchestrated a scheme to misappropriate thousands of dollars from customer accounts. Reports indicate that funds, including transfers of up to $15,000, were funneled to accomplices, one of whom is believed to be her boyfriend residing in Sint Eustatius. He was arrested in St. Maarten while driving a stolen vehicle.

Public Outrage Over WIBs Silence

The scandal has sparked widespread public outrage, with customers demanding accountability from WIB. The bank has yet to issue a statement addressing the allegations, further fueling concerns about its internal controls and security measures.

Adding to the unease, a recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) assessment found that banks in Sint Maarten, including WIB, lack insurance to protect customers from financial losses from fraud. This systemic vulnerability has left customers feeling exposed and distrustful of local financial institutions.

Police Investigation Ongoing

KPSM has assured the public of its commitment to uncovering the full extent of the fraudulent activities. Police Spokesman Joe Josepha stated that the investigation is broad and ongoing, with several accounts already frozen as part of the probe. However, specific details remain confidential to preserve the integrity of the investigation.

As the case unfolds, the community is closely watching for updates. WIBs silence is no longer an option, as customers demand transparency and measures to prevent future breaches of trust.
PHILIPSBURG:--- In a stunning display of evasion, Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling faced the press this Wednesday, attempting to spin a controversial new agreement with Suriname as a triumph of transparency. Yet, as the briefing unfolded, it became clear that the public was being offered little more than vague assurances and deflected questions.

The Minister confirmed what many have whispered about for weeks: foreign officers are coming to reinforce Pointe Blanche prison. Specifically, a one-year agreement will see a rotation of prison guards from Suriname deployed to Pointe Blanche starting March 1st. While Minister Tackling described this as a necessary "stabilization measure" to support an overworked staff, her refusal to disclose the price tag of this operation raises immediate red flags.

The Cost of Silence

During the Q&A session, SMN News pressed the Minister for answers regarding the cost of the deployment. How much is this initiative costing the taxpayers? What is the total financial impact of pausing payments to the Netherlands in order to fund this arrangement?

Tacklings response offered little in the way of clarity. While she acknowledged that the paused payments to the Netherlands total 1.2 million euros annually, she steadfastly refused to share the actual operational costs of the Suriname deployment.

"I won't give the number publicly," Tackling stated, offering no valid justification for hiding the figures from the very people paying the bill. She claimed the costs cover housing, insurance, and a "small allowance," but without the hard data, the public is left to wonder if we are getting a good deal or being taken for a ride. Transparency, it seems, only matters when it is convenient.

A Band-Aid on a Bullet Wound

The Minister painted a picture of a prison system in crisisplagued by "compounded sick leave" and "high workloads." Her solution? A temporary influx of foreign officers. For the next year, two groups of officers from Suriname will rotate through Pointe Blanche. Minister Tackling insists this measure will provide existing staff with much-needed relief, create time for training, and stabilize operations while longer-term solutions, such as local recruitment and updated operational procedures, are put into place.

However, this temporary fix ignores the rot at the core of the system. The Minister admitted that the current "function book" is outdated and that operational manuals are still being updated. We are bringing in outsiders to man a ship that we haven't even finished building the instructions for.

Furthermore, the Minister's promise of local recruitment rings hollow when weighed against ongoing challenges. She stated that there are 15 vacancies budgeted for 2026, but could not confirm how many current prison guards are actually on active duty versus those on sick leavea point she said would require follow-up with prison HR. This uncertainty raises questions about how effectively the Ministry can recruit and onboard new staff when the current workforce situation remains unclear.

"Locals First" or Just Lip Service?

Minister Tackling was quick to address concerns that this agreement might be taking jobs from St. Martiners. She emphasized that the Suriname officers gain no legal immigration rights and that this is strictly a temporary, stop-gap measure to support current operations. We dont want to be dependent on external support, she stated, reinforcing the intention to build local capacity in the long term.

Yet, actions speak louder than press releases. By prioritizing an agreement with Suriname over immediate and robust local reforms and recruitment efforts, the Ministry sends a discouraging message. While the Minister assures that local recruitment will begin in the coming months, the reality is that foreign officers will be arriving and starting their duties next week.

The Minister urges the public to "drive responsibly" and "celebrate responsibly" during the upcoming Regatta. It is high time the Ministry of Justice applied that same standard of responsibility to its own operations and financial accountability. Until Minister Tackling puts a price tag on this "assistance," the people of St. Maarten have every right to remain skeptical.
Pointe Blanche:--- Police are investigating the death of a 37-year-old Guyanese national who was found in the Pointe Blanche area on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

Authorities were dispatched to the location at approximately 11:26 AM following a report of an unresponsive male. Upon their arrival, officers discovered the body of an adult male in a hanging position.

According to the initial report, the body showed signs of decomposition at the time it was found. Investigators at the scene noted that there were no immediate visible signs of foul play. The identity of the deceased was known to authorities at the time of the discovery.

The Police Force of Sint Maarten has extended its condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased. They wish them strength as they navigate this difficult time.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz attend a symposium of the China-Germany economic advisory committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

BEIJING, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Wednesday that cooperation between China and Germany is the only optimal solution to address risks, and development is the only option for both sides to ensure security.

Li made the remarks when attending a symposium of the China-Germany economic advisory committee in Beijing together with visiting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

"The more severe the situation is, the more China and Germany should strengthen cooperation," said Li.

Amid mounting instability and uncertainty in the world economy, Li said that China and Germany have -- as two major economies and through close, continuous cooperation -- not only expanded the space for their own development but also created driving forces for the world economy.

Li noted that both the Chinese and German economies are showing positive recovery momentum, and that there will be broader space for economic and trade cooperation between the two countries during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, which began this year.

The basic China-Germany cooperation pattern featuring industry complementarity has not changed, and the areas in which the two countries can collaborate far exceed those in which the two sides are locked in competition, Li said, adding that promoting development hand-in-hand by shaping a sound relationship defined by both competition and cooperation is entirely possible.

Eyeing higher-level mutually beneficial results, Li urged coordinated efforts from China and Germany in three major areas.

First, Li called for the basic foundations of traditional cooperation to be strengthened, with enterprises from the two countries continuing to deepen cooperation in fields such as machinery, equipment and chemicals, and accelerating the localization of their business.

Second, on new opportunities for future development, Li said the two countries should support enterprises and scientific research institutions to promote the two-way flow of innovative resources, come together to explore third-party markets, and carry out joint, in-depth research on technology and platform construction to share cooperation outcomes.

Third, Li urged the creation of a favorable environment for investment and business. China will steadfastly expand its high-level opening-up and actively address the reasonable demands of enterprises funded by Germany and other countries, Li said, expressing China's hope that the German government will provide an open, fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises operating in the country.

China also hopes that Chinese and German entrepreneurs will play key roles in promoting economic and trade cooperation, in enhancing communication and understanding between the two sides, and in promoting the stability of bilateral relations, Li added.

Noting that Germany and China are important trading partners for each other, Merz said that these bilateral economic and trade relations -- characterized by vitality -- have sustained high-level development over the years, effectively promoting the economic growth of both countries.

He added that Germany is committed to mutual learning and the exchange of experience with China, and to enhancing mutually beneficial cooperation in such fields as automobiles, chemicals, machinery, renewable energy and the digital economy, with the aim of fostering common prosperity and supporting the stable, long-term development of Germany-China relations.

Germany supports German enterprises in deepening their investment in the Chinese market, is willing to improve its business environment continuously, and welcomes more Chinese companies to invest and operate in Germany, creating jobs and strengthening connectivity, he said. 
By Michelle Gamage

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

British Columbia is pausing construction on seven long-term care facilities as it searches for a way to reduce building costs.

The pause was announced as B.C. released its annual budget last week. During question period, Health Minister Josie Osborne said construction was being stopped while the province searched for ways to build the beds for less than $1.8 million each, which is what it currently costs.

Seven long-term care facilities in Abbotsford, Campbell River, Chilliwack, Delta, Fort St. John, Kelowna and Squamish have been put on hold indefinitely. Osborne said the projects are not cancelled.

$1.8 million a bed simply isnt sustainable. Its time to step back, look at that and come up with new approaches, Osborne said at a press conference Thursday morning.

The Ministry of Infrastructure is leading that review, she said.

B.C. is currently lagging behind in providing long-term care for seniors.

The province has a waitlist of 7,212 seniors, who are waiting an average of 290 days for a bed in a long-term care facility to open up, according to B.C.s Office of the Seniors Advocate.

The number of people on the waitlist for long-term care has more than tripled over the last decade.

In December, Osborne told The Tyee B.C. would stay focused on building new facilities and that the province was making up for a lack of investment [in long-term care] that we saw in years past.

After the province announced its construction pause, Osborne said B.C. would expand services for seniors throughout the entire continuum of care, so not just long-term care beds.

This will include innovative new approaches like small care homes and a program delivering care for seniors in need of that level of assistance right in their own home.

B.C. is increasing home-support services and senior day programs, which offer respite for families, Osborne said.

The province needs to build out a continuum of care, invest in innovative new approaches and at the same time be building long-term care facilities, B.C. Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt told The Tyee.

He said the province calculates it will need to build an additional 16,000 beds by 2036 to meet the demands of an aging demographic. Over the next decade an additional 400,000 people will turn 65, so were going to need more seniors care regardless of if its at home, in the community or in a care home, Levitt said.

B.C. is not even close to where it should be when it comes to available long-term care beds, he added.

Over the past five years B.C. has built about five per cent more long-term care beds, bringing its total to around 30,000 across the province. But at the same time there was a 19 per cent increase in seniors, he said.

Levitt said that today B.C. is short about 2,000 beds. Over the next five years that will grow to 7,000 beds short.

This is only going to get worse unless we build the infrastructure needed, he said.

Data shows that the ongoing lack of long-term care beds is having an outsized impact on seniors, their families and health-care facilities such as hospitals, which are often operating beyond 100 per cent capacity.

A hospital patient who is too unwell to be safely discharged home but is not sick enough to require hospital care is referred to as an alternate level of care, or ALC, patient.

Many ALC patients are seniors with cognitive decline whose family or spouse is no longer able to safely care for them.

For 2024-25, the ALC rate for all hospitals across B.C. was just under 16 per cent, which is equivalent to about 1,600 beds, the Health Ministry previously told The Tyee.

That number can be higher in some areas, especially in smaller communities. At the qathet General Hospital in Powell River, for example, 10 of the 42 acute care hospital beds are occupied by seniors waiting for a bed in a long-term care facility.

On Thursday, The Tyee asked Osborne how the province would ease the strain on hospitals if it was pausing building the long-term care beds needed to reduce that strain.

Osborne responded that B.C. will continue to build out the long-term care system, including assisted living, and programs like long-term care at home. The province will also do everything we can to prevent seniors from having to enter that type of care in the first place, she said.

Theres work thats being undertaken for different and more innovative approaches to delivering long-term care, she said. We see a growing population of seniors. We know that its coming and we know that we have to be ready, and thats why were taking the steps that we are.

B.C. could do a lot more to support seniors living at home longer, Levitt said.

Budget 2026 is not age-friendly, he said. This is not a seniors budget.

Levitt is worried that a combination of long-term care projects being deferred, property taxes being more expensive and the provincial sales tax being added to cable TV, landlines and yarn will have an outsized impact on seniors.

Many seniors live on a fixed or low income, he said, with a little under half of all seniors living on about $30,000 a year. When thats your income, paying $9,000 for a years worth of home care is unaffordable, he said.

Levitt credited the province for maintaining its Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters program and for building affordable housing.

According to the 2026 B.C. budget, the province has spent less than four per cent of what it will cost to complete the seven paused long-term care facility projects.

The province estimates it will cost a total of $1.4 billion to complete the seven projects. So far it has invested the most in the Abbotsford facility, spending 12 per cent of what the project is estimated to cost in total. It has spent eight per cent of the total estimated cost of the Delta facility.

The other five projects have had minimal investments, with less than three percent of the total estimated cost being spent so far.

The long-term care facility in Abbotsford has been in the works for over a decade.
PHNOM PENH, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia has so far deported more than 30,000 suspected foreign scammers, as over 210,000 others have voluntarily left the kingdom after operations against online scams have intensified since June last year, Interior Minister Sar Sokha said on Wednesday.

"In our anti-online scam campaign, until this hour, more than 210,000 foreigners have departed Cambodia voluntarily and more than 30,000 foreign suspects have been arrested and deported back to their birth countries," he said at an Anti-Human Trafficking event in Phnom Penh.

"I would like to call on the authorities at all levels not to loosen our crackdowns in order to achieve the government's target of eliminating all online scam centers in Cambodia," said Sokha, who is also a deputy prime minister.

The Southeast Asian country has launched an unprecedented nationwide crackdown on cyber scam networks in order to maintain social security, safety, and public order, and to restore the kingdom's image on the international stage.

Ministry of Interior Spokesperson Touch Sokhak said recently that the government has set a deadline to completely eradicate online scam networks in Cambodia by April 2026. 
Poland slow to counter Russia's 'existential threat': general



Warsaw, Feb 25 (AFP) Feb 25, 2026



Russia poses an "existential threat" to Poland and its military is lagging, the country's armed forces chief warned senior officials on Wednesday.

Poland, the largest country on NATO's eastern flank and a neighbour of Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine, is the western alliance's largest spender in relative terms.

This year, the country is allocating 4.8% of its GDP to defence, just shy of the alliance's five percent target to be met by 2035.

However, that record defence spending was not enough to "make up for nearly three decades of chronic underfunding of the armed forces," General Wieslaw Kukula, chief of the general staff, argued at the meeting, which included top officers, the defence minister and Poland's president.

The general highlighted a low "pace of technical modernisation", compared to increases in the army's size.

Kukula said the Polish army should reach 500,000 soldiers by 2039, compared with around 210,000 at present.

As a result of a lack of updates, some new Polish units "are not achieving combat readiness," due to insufficient equipment, rather than a personnel shortage, the general argued.

Meanwhile, he added, "the Russian Federation remains an existential threat to Poland".

Russia "is constantly reorganizing its forces, drawing on the lessons from its aggression in Ukraine, and building up the capacity for a conventional conflict with NATO countries," he stressed.

Poland is to receive 43.7 billion euros ($51,5 billion) in loans under the European Union's Security Action For Europe (SAFE) scheme, designed to strengthen Europe's defensive capabilities.

Warsaw plans to use these funds to boost domestic arms production.

The Polish government claims that Poland will be able to access SAFE finance even if President Karol Nawrocki -- backed by Poland's conservative-nationalist opposition -- vetos a law setting out domestic arrangements for its implementation.

Law and Justice (PiS) -- the main opposition party -- argues that SAFE could become a new tool for Brussels to place undue pressure on Poland, thanks to a planned mechanism for monitoring the funds, which they claim risks undermining Polish sovereignty.
German MPs approve military drones deal with start-ups Stark, Helsing



Berlin, Feb 25 (AFP) Feb 25, 2026



German lawmakers on Wednesday backed plans to outfit the military with attack drones for the first time, approving contracts with two German defence start-ups, AFP has learned.

The deals with the Munich-based Helsing and Berlin-based Stark Defence are worth a combined 536 million euros ($632 million) for an unspecified number of drones, with options to expand the purchases into the billions of euros.

The German parliament's budget committee approved the deal on Wednesday despite some criticism over the involvement of billionaire US investor Peter Thiel in Stark Defence.

The defence ministry said the attack drones are expected to be deployed by 2027 to Lithuania, where Germany is stationing a brigade to deter Russia and bolster NATO's defences.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, who last week called for clarity about Thiel's "influence" at Stark Defence, said on Wednesday that he was satisfied with details provided by the company.

Stark Defence has stated that Thiel's stake in the company is less than 10 percent, and that the controversial investor has no special access to technical details or insight into operational decisions.

"This has been confirmed to us in writing by the contractor, and there are absolutely no concerns," Pistorius told reporters after briefing lawmakers in Berlin.

Thiel, an outspoken right-wing libertarian and confidante of US President Donald Trump, has come under fire from some German politicians over comments expressing hostility to liberal democracy.

The order agreed Wednesday is just the beginning of a "multi-year programme totalling approximately 9 billion euros" to equip the German Armed Forces with attack drones, Andreas Schwarz, a member of the budget committee from the centre-left SPD, told AFP.

The committee capped the maximum order volume for each of the two companies involved at one billion euros each, the MP added.

Other industrial players will be able to participate in future drone orders, such as the German defence giant Rheinmetall.

Lethal unmanned drones were once highly controversial in Germany, with sharp political debates over whether the military should be allowed to acquire such weapons.

But the threat from Russia following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and the extensive use of drones in the fighting there, have largely pushed aside such concerns.

bur-bst/fz/phz
'You're right to worry about your bills and jobs,' Starmer tells UK as oil tops $110 a barrel in Trump war

You're right to worry about bills, says PM as oil at $110 in Trump war
Being able to kind of put a few weeks aside to go through all your folders of all your f****** events that you had, all those experiences youve had over a year Youre able to kind of finally comprehend them, break them down and have a creative outlet with it.
When youre seeking female-focused wellness, its good to know youre in a place that truly gets it; and it doesnt hurt if that happens to be in the sun-baked Peloponnese, either. Marina Efraimoglou, founder of Euphoria, understands what womens health entails and has a knack for balancing deep mental and emotional healing along with the physical. The Integrative Female Health Programme  which can be taken in seven, 10, 14 or 21-day packages  focuses on improving metabolic health at the cellular level in a way that will benefit mood, energy levels and sleep. As well as conversations with experts, nutritional guidance and advanced diagnostics, youll experience detoxification via gentle pressotherapy, profoundly restful massage and kinesiology  an all-encompassing treatment that can be especially effective at unblocking trapped emotions or trauma.
The court has the view that unless other parties object, those officers will give evidence remotely but the light will be set up in such a way that only the sheriff will see the face of the person, that will not appear on any other monitor in the court.
Susan Hall, the leader of City Halls Conservative group, had said at the police and crime committee: I particularly want to congratulate you on your female officer, who I think it was in Whitechapel, actually reminded people what the meaning of free speech is.
Someone has to come and help us survive it because I've got a mortgage, I need to buy food for my family, and my rent is short, he said. There should be counsellors to come and help in emergencies.
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UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- An aid convoy has reached Ain Al Arab in northern Syria to deliver supplies to the displaced people, UN humanitarians said Tuesday.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said a convoy of 27 trucks arrived Monday in Ain Al Arab, also known as Kobani, delivering food, medical supplies and fuel.

"While the situation in Ain Al Arab is gradually improving, including partial restoration of electricity, humanitarian needs remain significant," OCHA said. "The power supply continues to be unreliable, meeting only around 40 percent of requirements. Fuel shortages persist, with limited availability and rising prices."

The office said that local authorities reported the top priorities were to increase people's access to medical supplies and electricity. Displaced families emphasized the urgent need for mattresses, blankets, jerry cans, food and healthcare. Although markets are partially functioning and food is generally available, prices remain high due to supply constraints.

OCHA said that many displaced families have expressed their willingness to go back to their areas of origin, but security concerns and reports of property looting continue to hinder large-scale returns.

The office also said that on Monday, aid reached the Ak Burhan camp in the country's northwest, which hosts more than 1,000 families relocated from the Al Hol camp, the majority of whom are Syrians and Iraqis.

OCHA said that basic services, including regular electricity and water supply, are available at the Ak Burhan camp. Upon arrival, families received ready-to-eat rations, hot meals and bread provided by humanitarian partners. Hygiene and dignity kits were also distributed.

The office said that since early January, humanitarians have reached nearly 190,000 people across the Aleppo governorate and northeast governorates through 29 convoys, delivering more than 300 trucks of humanitarian assistance. 
Labour justice spokesperson Pauline McNeill said she fully supported the establishment of the new inquiry, but added: While this was the right decision, SNP ministers need to explain what has changed and why we lost months to their dither and delay.
To minimise the birdstrike risk to RAF Northolt, any new waterbodies should be kept within the Colne Valley and located south of the Great Western Main Line Railway and will need to be designed to be as unattractive to birds as possible.
In a statement outside Manchester Central Mosque on Wednesday evening, Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said: We know that this incident is a huge cause of concern for those, obviously, who were present at the mosque last night, for people living in this community who worship here, but, of course, to the Muslim community across Greater Manchester, particularly happening as it did in this holy time of Ramadan.
The Prince and Princess of Wales were said to have supported the Kings statement after the monarch insisted in the wake of Andrews arrest that the law must take its course as he expressed his deepest concern over the allegations surrounding his disgraced brother.
Przewalski's horses are seen at the Tierpark Berlin, Germany, Feb. 19, 2026. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu)

BERLIN/LANZHOU, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- As February draws to a close, early Spring approaching in Berlin, but winter is not yet ready to let go. The wind is still cold, and patches of snow refuse to melt.

In the Przewalski's horse area at the Tierpark Berlin, the ground is a sheet of white. In the center stands a haystack, and around it a dozen or so Przewalski's horses, a sandy-brown color against the snow, lower their heads to eat. They bury their noses deep in the hay, and the warm breath they exhale settles back onto their manes, turning into fine frost.

Przewalski's horse, the world's only remaining wild horse species, has an evolutionary history spanning over 60 million years. "They really like leaves," Martin Kraenzlin, curator of mammals at the park, told Xinhua. A keeper pushes a cart slowly across the snow, stops at the edge of the herd and adds bundle after bundle of hay, fresh branches, and even a Christmas tree.

Feeding Przewalski's horses is much simpler than feeding domesticated horses, Kraenzlin said. In winter, the animals are given hay and pelleted feed and in summer, fresh grass is added. Hay is available around the clock.

Meanwhile, order within the herd follows rules as old as the species itself. "In the wild, a typical group consists of one stallion and several mares," Kraenzlin explained. "But in Tierpark Berlin, where the herd is mare-dominated, the dominant animal is usually the oldest or strongest mare and that role can shift over the course of a year or when new individuals join."

It is hard to imagine that these calm, unhurried animals once nearly disappeared from the wild. Native to the Junggar Basin in China's Xinjiang and parts of Mongolia, the species is listed as a national first-class protected animal in China and remains endangered globally.

To bring the wild horse back has become a shared mission across borders. In 1985, China launched a program to reintroduce Przewalski's horses from overseas, and established breeding bases in Xinjiang and northwest China's Gansu Province.

In the late 1980s, the Endangered Animal Protection Center in Gansu introduced 18 founder animals from countries including Germany and the United States.

"From the beginning, we followed a phased approach aimed at rebuilding wild populations," said Wang Hongjun, a wildlife manager at the center. The population was divided into multiple smaller groups to build a solid breeding stock, laying the foundation for sustained population growth.

To strengthen that foundation, the center worked intensively on details. "By upgrading facilities, tightening day-to-day monitoring, and improving feed and nutrition across breeding seasons, while adjusting herd structure to maintain genetic diversity, we have strengthened our overall capacity for breeding and conservation," Wang explained.

Kraenzlin said China has done "outstanding work not only in breeding, but also in monitoring and winter feeding. That is especially important in the early stage of reintroduction, as cold winters and limited food mean a newly established population needs stable support."

One by one, the horses were brought back to their native range. They weathered winter after winter, and the population expanded steadily. In 2025, official data showed that the population of Przewalski's horses in China has surpassed 900, accounting for one-third of the global total.

"China's experience proves that large animals like Przewalski's horse can be successfully returned to the wild," Kraenzlin said.

Nevertheless, expanding the population remains a long-term task. "Today, wild populations are mainly found in China and Mongolia, but they are still relatively small," he said.

Alongside hunting and habitat loss, brutal winters have also historically been a key factor in the species' decline.

"Small populations are far less resilient to extreme winters than large ones," Kraenzlin said. "Countries therefore need to further cooperate in areas including introducing more individuals to bolster existing herds and promoting genetic exchange between them, to ensure continued population growth." 

Zoo keeper Norman Brozio prepares to feed Przewalski's horses at the Tierpark Berlin, Germany, Feb. 19, 2026. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu)

(260226) -- LANZHOU, Feb. 26, 2026 (Xinhua) -- A Przewalski's horse is pictured at the Dunhuang West Lake National Nature Reserve in Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu Province, on Sept. 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing)

Przewalski's horses are seen at the Tierpark Berlin, Germany, Feb. 19, 2026. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu)

Przewalski's horses are seen at the Tierpark Berlin, Germany, Feb. 19, 2026. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu)

(260226) -- LANZHOU, Feb. 26, 2026 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on Feb. 5, 2026 shows Przewalski's horses at the Dunhuang West Lake National Nature Reserve in Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu Province. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

(260226) -- LANZHOU, Feb. 26, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Staff member of the Yumenguan Conservation Station Wang Chenghai checks the infrared camera at the Dunhuang West Lake National Nature Reserve in Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu Province, Feb. 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

(260226) -- LANZHOU, Feb. 26, 2026 (Xinhua) -- An aerial drone photo taken on Feb. 5, 2026 shows a herd of Przewalski's horses running at the Dunhuang West Lake National Nature Reserve in Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu Province. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing)

Przewalski's horses are seen at the Tierpark Berlin, Germany, Feb. 19, 2026. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu)

(260226) -- LANZHOU, Feb. 26, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Przewalski's horses are seen at the Przewalski's horses breeding base of the Gansu Endangered Animal Protection Center in Wuwei City of northwest China's Gansu Province, Feb. 3, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

A Przewalski's horse is seen at the Tierpark Berlin, Germany, Feb. 19, 2026. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu)

Przewalski's horses are seen at the Tierpark Berlin, Germany, Feb. 19, 2026. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu)

(260226) -- LANZHOU, Feb. 26, 2026 (Xinhua) -- A staff member monitors Przewalski's horses at the Przewalski's horses breeding base of the Gansu Endangered Animal Protection Center in Wuwei City of northwest China's Gansu Province, Feb. 3, 2026. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing)

(260226) -- LANZHOU, Feb. 26, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Staff member of the Yumenguan Conservation Station Sun Hailong observes Przewalski's horses through binoculars at the Dunhuang West Lake National Nature Reserve in Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu Province, Feb. 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

(260226) -- LANZHOU, Feb. 26, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Przewalski's horses are seen at the Przewalski's horses breeding base of the Gansu Endangered Animal Protection Center in Wuwei City of northwest China's Gansu Province, Feb. 3, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

Przewalski's horses are seen at the Tierpark Berlin, Germany, Feb. 19, 2026. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu)

(260226) -- LANZHOU, Feb. 26, 2026 (Xinhua) -- A Przewalski's horse foal is pictured at the Dunhuang West Lake National Nature Reserve in Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu Province, on Sept. 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing)

(260226) -- LANZHOU, Feb. 26, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Przewalski's horses are pictured at the Dunhuang West Lake National Nature Reserve in Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu Province, on Sept. 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing)

(260226) -- LANZHOU, Feb. 26, 2026 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on Feb. 5, 2026 shows Przewalski's horses at the Dunhuang West Lake National Nature Reserve in Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu Province. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing)

(260226) -- LANZHOU, Feb. 26, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Przewalski's horses run at the Przewalski's horses breeding base of the Gansu Endangered Animal Protection Center in Wuwei City of northwest China's Gansu Province, Feb. 3, 2026. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing)

(260226) -- LANZHOU, Feb. 26, 2026 (Xinhua) -- An aerial drone photo shows Przewalski's horses at the Przewalski's horses breeding base of the Gansu Endangered Animal Protection Center in Wuwei City of northwest China's Gansu Province, Feb. 3, 2026. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing)

Zoo keeper Norman Brozio prepares to feed Przewalski's horses at the Tierpark Berlin, Germany, Feb. 19, 2026. (Xinhua/Du Zheyu)
A screengrab of Hybrida Farms website features an image of its main facility in Costa Rica. Courtesy Hybrida Farm

Costa Rican government officials have raided a cannabis farm at the center of a court case in Travis County.

The countrys Environmental Prosecutor Office raided Hybrida Farms to investigate allegations the medical-cannabis producer was damaging protected wetlands in the region. Vantage Point Global Corp., a company set up to farm and export the crop from the farm, has been embroiled in allegations over fraud, conspiracy and attempted murder since December.

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That month, Craig Aumann, a former Vantage Point Global consultant, sued the Spicewood-based company saying he had been pushed out of his job as CEO and deprived of his ownership in the venture. He accused Perrys Steakhouse scion Chris Perry, other employees of the restaurants corporate office and David Cree Crawford of the alleged misdeeds. Attorneys for Perry countersued, saying Aumann never had an ownership stake, was not an employee and misrepresented and defrauded Perry and Crawford  at times threatening physical violence.

Medical cannabis is a new, fast-growing, and potentially lucrative industry with quickly evolving and changing rules and regulations. Vantage Point Global has one of Costa Ricas first farms licensed for exporting it. The business was worth an estimated $100 million, according to Aumanns court complaint.

Costa Rican environmental officials said they acted after receiving complaints the company was filling protected wetlands near its operations. The farm is adjacent to the Cerros de la Carpintera Protected Zone, also known as the Coris Wetland, a vast swath thats been protected from development for decades due to its sensitivity and role in recharging aquifers.

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Apparently, the company carried out a series of works that affected the site, known as the Coris Wetland, as well as bodies of water located in that area, the Environmental Prosecutor said in a statement.

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It listed two men with the last names Obando Rojas and Calderon Chaves as defendants. Neither had been detained. Computers and cell phones were seized.

Medical cannabis is a new, fast-growing, and potentially lucrative industry with quickly evolving and changing rules and regulations. Jay Janner/American-Statesman

Jorge Calderon Chavez was described in a LinkedIn post in April as Hybrida Farms chief operating officer and a general director for Vantage Point Global.

The prosecutors office staff declined to provide more information about the case, saying only its investigation was at a confidential stage.

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Vantage Point Global described the raid as a regulatory visit and said it was focused on environmental stewardship.

For more than a year, we have been preparing certified independent scientific analysis to address these concerns through the proper channels. Once the certified evidence is formally reviewed, the facts will be clear, said Crawford, who is Vantage Point Globals president and CEO.

According to Vantage Points attorneys, the farm is fully functional. Perrys Steakhouse has asked to be removed from the case.

The dispute between Aumann and Perry returned to court Wednesday.

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Citing the Costa Rican raid, an attorney for Aumann asked for a temporary restraining order and that a compliance officer be named to ensure no unauthorized construction takes place.

Our major concern is that  the governments going to pull permitting for the entire operation, attorney Jonathon Kovar told the court.

Dylan Jones, an attorney representing Perry, disputed the characterization of the action as a raid. However, Costa Rican investigators called it that.

He also said that Austin may not be the proper venue for the case given that Vantage Point Global is incorporated in Costa Rica and Aumann has sued the U.S. company that holds equity in the company.

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It does not own the farm, it does not operate the farm, Jones said of Vantage Point Global.
Elon Musk listens as President Donald Trump speaks in May during a news conference in the Oval Office of the White House. Musks xAI is under increasing global fire for allowing users to create sexualized image of adults and children without their consent. Evan Vucci/Associated Press Jeffrey Epstein is seen in a 2013 sex offender mugshot provided by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Florida Department of Law Enforcement

Elon Musk had chummy correspondence with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, according to the latest investigative documents released by the Justice Department. But despite his emailed questions about it, the Texas billionaire is adamant that he never visited the convicted sex offenders private island.

If I had ever been there, Epstein would have bragged about it endlessly and used my visit as a means of getting others to go, like he did when Reid Hoffman went, Musk wrote on X, referring to the LinkedIn co-founder who worked at PayPal alongside Musk in the early 2000s. Hoffman visited Epsteins island in 2014.

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Musk, though, maintains he never went. Still, he and others in his circle had periodic communication with Epstein about festivities and business matters  including questions about the best time for an island visit.

What Musk said about visiting Jeffrey Epsteins private island

A November 2012 email indicated Musks interest in visiting the island for a party. The Tesla Inc. CEO asked Epstein, what day/night will be the wildest party on your island?

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Later that year, he continued to show interest in parties, telling Epstein I really want to hit the party scene in St Barts or elsewhere and let loose.

Musk's Austin-based EV maker was also a topic of discussion between Musk and Epstein. In a July 2013 email, Epstein told Musk the former Prime Minister of Israel Ehud Bask wanted to discuss bringing Tesla to his country.

Not a week passes without a request from someone important in Israel (and other countries) wanting to bring Tesla there, Musk wrote in an emailed response. What they dont appreciate is that Tesla is production constrained, not demand constrained. When production has increased to the point of addressing the major markets, then we will start shipping to tiny markets.

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Musk associate and communications consultant Juleanna Glover also chatted with Epstein.

Shortly after Musks infamous 2018 tweet that he was considering taking Tesla private at $420 a share and had secured funding  a move that resulted in a civil securities fraud charge  Glover emailed Epstein about funds.

If you are advising re: sovereign funds looking to help a prominent company go private, let me know if I can help w any approp additional information. Thanks, Glover wrote in an August 2018 email.

Epstein gave a one word reply of clever, after which Glover continued to boast about Tesla. She called Autopilot, Teslas driver-assistance system, the elephant in the room all see but dont comprehend and discussed the Model X and Ss enviable profit margins. Then, Glover went on to praise Musk.

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Interesting fact about leader is that those around him accomplish the impossible because they witness his ethics and drive  yes sometimes also too transparent and without artifice, but that is always as a reaction to a perceived injustice or malfeasance, she wrote.

All nice, but bottom line is at the core. That being said, I only say great things about your boy, Epstein wrote back.

The two had other correspondence, including an email Epstein sent to Glover on Sept. 17, 2018, while Musk was in hot water with the Securities and Exchange Commission over his illegal securities post. Epstein wrote, rough road ahead. Sorry.

Who else appears in the latest Epstein files release?

Other people in Musks orbit also appear in the Justice Department files. They include his brother Kimbal Musk, who also says he never visited the island, and investor and Musk confidant Jason Calacanis, who declined a coffee meet-up with Epstein.

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Joe Rogan, with whom Musk sat down for an interview, was also in the latest batch of documents. They show Epstein tried to be introduced to Rogan through physicist Lawrence Krauss after Krauss appeared on The Joe Rogan Experience in 2017. But Epstein didnt get the introduction hed hoped for and, Rogan recently said, I would have never went anyway.

Musks companies were referenced in other documents, too. A friend of Epsteins lamented on the wait for ordering a Model X.

By the way do you happen to know the people who make the Tesla electric car? I would like to order 3 of Tesla X model but the order Queue is so long, one email read. Philanthropist Barnaby Marsh said in a February 2018 email with a tesla in space subject line said musk publicity stunt is brilliant.

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Still, Musk has continued to distance himself from Epstein and has endorsed online chatter that he blocked email contact from Epstein.
An FAA notice shows the areas affected by military GPS interference testing at Fort Hood, which is set to run through Friday. Courtesy/FAA Pentagon weapons testing at eight U.S. bases, including Fort Hood, could disrupt satellite navigation signals across 800-mile swaths of Texas and other states. Cassandra Day/Hearst Connecticut Media The Army is conducting tests through Friday at Fort Hood that could disrupt GPS signals. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

Pentagon weapons testing at eight U.S. bases, including Fort Hood, could be disrupting satellite navigation signals across 800-mile swaths of Texas and other states.

The interference testing of Global Positioning Satellite signals began early this month at the Army base near Killeen and is scheduled to end Friday. Its also being done at bases in Alaska, Arizona, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana and New Mexico.

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Such testing has ramped up in recent years as GPS jamming has become more of a threat both on the battlefield and at home. The current tests appear to be the most widespread to date, but the Defense Department declined to comment about their purpose.

Fort Hood said its testing a system to help soldiers fight and move effectively in places where GPS signals are blocked but wouldnt provide more information.

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The secretive work comes after a recent Pentagon directive to strengthen base defenses against drones  and the El Paso drone fiasco in which Customs and Border Patrol agents used a Defense Department laser to shoot down a balloon without coordinating with the Federal Aviation Administration. The incident triggered a temporary airspace closure around El Paso amid a communication meltdown among federal agencies.

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Its unclear if the current exercises are related to counter-drone technologies but such electronic warfare testing is not unheard of at military bases. FAA records show dozens of such events at installations around the country since 2018.

The testing at Fort Hood generally occurs between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., according to Army Maj. Brian Harris, who said in a statement that it shouldnt affect most civilian GPS users.

However, its still possible that a small number of users  depending on location, terrain, equipment, and conditions  could experience brief or intermittent GPS issues during those windows, he said.

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He said the testing will affect only certain GPS signals, and the military has taken precautions to minimize disruptions.

The test setup is deliberately constrained to reduce the chance of unintended effects, he said. Power is dialed down, the equipment is aimed away from sensitive areas, and its oriented downward to limit reach beyond the test area on Fort Hood.

An FAA advisory warns pilots that the testing may result in unreliable or unavailable GPS signal in the affected area that rises like an invisible cone from Fort Hood. For instance, planes flying at or above 40,000 feet could experience disruptions as far as 400 miles from the Army base. At 50 feet above the ground, the effects could reach as far as 200 miles from the base.

Several FAA navigation systems dependent on GPS signals could be affected depending on the altitude. They include two systems that help with GPS accuracy and navigation around airports and the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast, which transmits real-time data about aircraft to help them keep a safe distance from one another.

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Similar testing is occurring at Fort Greely, Alaska; Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona; Fort. Irwin, California; Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia; Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; Fort Polk, Louisiana; and White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.

The nonprofit federal research lab MITRE has developed a technology to monitor GPS signal problems and their effects on the nations air network.

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Were seeing GPS jamming happening in combat zones, so the DoD is conducting exercises to prepare warfighters for these scenarios that may require rerouting air traffic around the testing locations, Rick Niles, chief engineer for MITREs National Airspace System, said in a 2024 company article.
North Hollywood, California - January 23, 2025: Public Storage, an American International Self Storage Company Walter Cicchetti/Getty Images

The nation's largest self-storage company is the latest to trade in California for Texas.

Public Storage is relocating its corporate headquarters to Frisco from Glendale, Calif.

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The company said the move is part of a larger corporate restructuring and major leadership overhaul. The company said in a statement this month that it hopes the depth of talent and innovation in North Texas will benefit the company through its transitions.

Public Storage will takeover a 119,000-square-foot facility at 2811 Internet Blvd. in Frisco's Hall Park., located less than a mile south of Dallas Cowboys' headquarters The Star.

The self-storage giant has been based in Southern California since its founding in 1972. It operates more than 3,500 self-storage facilities across 40 states and employs more than 5,000 people nationwide.

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The move to Texas comes amid a period of significant change for the company. The company's current Chief Financial and Investment Officer Tom Boyle is set to step in as CEO in March, succeeding Joe Russell.

The headquarters move also comes after a new California law that requires rent hike disclosures in the self-storage industry took effect last year.

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Public Storage is just the latest company to leave California for Texas in recent years.

Hair care company John Paul Mitchell Systems moved to Wilmer from Southern California and green energy company GAF moved to Georgetown from San Jose last year.

Realtor.com moved its headquarters to Austin in February 2025.

Energy company Chevron announced plans to move to Houston in 2024 after years of disputes with Sacramento politicians over climate and energy policies.

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That same year, Elon Musk announced he was moving all of his companies from 2024 after a public fight with California Gov. Gavin Newsom and policies over student gender identity changes. His automaker Tesla had moved three years prior to just outside of Austin, with aerospace company SpaceX, tunneling company The Boring Co. and social media site X making the transition to the Lone Star State.

Charles Schwab left the Bay Area for Westlake in 2019.

Along with the wave of companies, many billionaires are leaving California due to a proposed one-time 5% tax on state billionaires' wealth in the state. Cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence czar to The White House David Sacks announced he had moved to Austin from California at the end of last year, opening up a new location for its venture capital firm.

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North Texas has emerged as a top choice for new corporate headquarters in recent years. Several companies like Ruiz Foods, PGA of America, TIAA and Brightline Dealer Advisors have moved to Frisco in the past five years.
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

SAN MARCOS  Hays County is joining an increasing push for state lawmakers to give local governments more regulatory authority over industry.

The demand came after county commissioners on Tuesday postponed action on a proposal from County Judge Ruben Becerra for a 30-day moratorium on approvals of water-hungry developments including the data centers rapidly popping up across the state. They called on Gov. Greg Abbott to give them more authority.

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I have always been a pro-business county judge, but this is something that is not necessarily pro business, Becerra said. We are in a moment of crisis.

A moratorium, he said, would give county staff and commissioners time to better understand water scarcity in the area and how large developments affect the supply of both water and power. He had proposed a 30-day moratorium on developments requiring more than 20,000 gallons of water per day.

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Commissioners decided to delay his resolution over concerns that such a pause goes beyond the countys legal purview.

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We want to be able to say no (to data centers). My biggest thing is I hate telling people there is nothing I can do about it, Precinct 3 Commissioner

Morgan Hammer said. I want to go to the Legislature  Creating good policy with teeth, thats exactly what we need. And we need our state Legislature to step up and do that for us.

Hays joined Hood County and some state lawmakers in calling on the Legislature to give counties authority to regulate zoning, developments and utilities. Under state law, they have limited control over fire code, roadway access, re-platting, groundwater and septic issues. Counties do not have the ability to regulate zoning, development requests or to propose moratoriums.

During several hours of public comment and discussion, commissioners said the lack of legal authority was increasingly frustrating as Texas becomes a beacon for industrial projects requiring massive amounts of water.

Abbott, Legislature

After tabling the proposed moratorium, the commission said Abbott should call a special session on the issue. Commissioners also asked water utilities to enter a stage four drought emergency response, which would pause the issuance of industrial water permits.

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The things that are in the books today are not the way we can act today, Becerra said. I am looking for out-front, bold, creative ways to lean forward so that we can make a stance because we dont have time to wait until 2027 for the Legislature to meet. We dont have time.

Earlier this month, Hood County  where a 2,600-acre data center is planned for the Paluxy Valley near Dinosaur Valley State Park  also rejected a proposed moratorium on data center development. It cited a letter Sen. Paul Bettencourt, chair of the Senates Local Government Committee, sent to Texas Attorney Gen. Ken Paxton.

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

Bettencourt warned that counties cannot claim any powers unless it is expressly conferred by the Constitution or statute. The Houston Republican asked Paxton to investigate any county efforts to enact moratoriums on data center moratoriums.

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That was among the reasons Hays County stood down Tuesday.

I think we would be exposing ourselves to significant legal liability, said Chase Young, a Hays County assistant district attorney. I think if we close at 3 p.m., wed be sued by 4 p.m.

The vote came a week after hundreds of protesters swayed the San Marcos City Council to deny a $1.5 billion data center project in the county.

That development would have been located partially within city limits on a rural road marked by several family-owned farms and the Hays Energy Power Plant. The lead developer on the project, John Maberry, initially began the permitting process for a single-family neighborhood before pivoting to a data center development. He now must wait six months before restarting the process for a third time, but could try another avenue.

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Maberry could seek disannexation of the portion of the property located in San Marcos, putting the entire property under the purview of the county, which has no zoning authority. Both the city and county would have to approve the disannexation request, though.

Six data centers are already proposed or under construction in Hays County, four of which are along the same road as the one proposed by Maberry.

WHAT ARE DATA CENTERS? : Central Texas emerges as data center hotspot, raising rural concerns

Other counties

Calls for data center moratoriums have cropped up in other county commission meetings across the state, and in state legislative committee hearings.

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The Texas House Natural Resources Committee on Groundwater Management and Conservation laid out a plan to address the states growing water crisis in the 2027 legislative session. After listening to hours of testimony from the state Water Development Board and other water experts, committee members agreed that the state is reaching a critical moment that requires action.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the states main grid operator, has said data centers will cause statewide energy demand to surge 71% by 2031.

Torrie Martin, whose family farm is directly next door to the data center's proposed site, hugs another San Marcos resident after City Council denied measures for a new preferred scenario map. Martin sobbed as the vote was called out early Wednesday morning. Karoline Leonard/Austin American-Statesman

But water is a leading concern in the state, which is increasingly struggling to supply cities. An average 100-megawatt data center in the U.S. consumes about 2 million liters of water a day, according to an April report from the International Energy Agency  roughly the same as 6,500 households. The report projects global data center water use could reach 1.2 billion liters a year by 2030. Some facilities use even more. Large data centers can draw up to 5 million gallons a day, according to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute  about as much as a town of 50,000 people.

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A Waymo robotaxi drives across Congress Avenue on 8th Street in front of the Capitol Building as rain arrives in the Austin area on Jan. 23. A federal safety investigation found that a human remote assistance agent directed a Waymo robotaxi to illegally pass a stopped school bus in Austin. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman

Waymo driverless robotaxis have been a common sight on Austin roads since they launched nearly a year ago. They'll soon be spotted on area highways as well.

Waymo said Wednesday its self-driving cars started employee-only rides on highways across the country, including in Austin.

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The move comes as Tesla Cybercabs have also been spotted on Austin-area freeways. In January, a video of a Cybercab driving at night on Austin's MoPac Expressway, officially Texas State Highway Loop 1, began making the rounds online. The Austin-based automaker has begun ramping up production of its purpose-built ride-hailing vehicle.

With the highway rollout and additional city launches planned this month, Waymo appears to be solidifying its position as a leader in the robotaxi industry. The company operates in more U.S. cities than any competitor and expanded into San Antonio this week. In Austin, it has over 200 vehicles operating across more than 140 square miles.

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The testing on Austin highways will be fully driverless, but those routes are only available to Waymo employees, according to the company's announcement. During the testing period, Waymo employees will give feedback on the service and experience before the company opens the service to all riders via its partnership with Uber.

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The company already operates on highways in Phoenix, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

"Like other expansions to our operations, we're following the same processes outlined by our safety framework, informed by years of safe and proven experience operating fleets of rider-only vehicles on public roads across California and Arizona and millions of miles of experience," a Waymo spokesperson said Wednesday.

From SF and Phoenix to LA and beyond, weve driven 1M+ fully autonomous freeway miles. Now, were bringing that experience to more cities. 



Were beginning with employee trips to start as we get one step closer to opening the fast lane for all our riders. Stay tuned! pic.twitter.com/qh9iwCU7d8  Waymo (@Waymo) February 25, 2026

Waymo, owned by Google parent company Alphabet Inc., recently came under scrutiny after Austin ISD police released videos that appear to show its driverless vehicles illegally passing stopped school buses. The company issued a software recall to address the issue; however, Austin ISD officials say the vehicles continue to pass school buses as students board and exit.

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Katey Psencik is the breaking and trending editor at the Austin American-Statesman. Katey is a journalist and educator whose career spans print, TV, digital media, and nonprofits. Most recently, she led The Drag Audio Production House at the University of Texas, where she oversaw more than 40 student producers and executive produced award-winning podcasts. She also teaches podcasting and other journalism courses at UT. A Central Texas native and proud Texas Ex, her work has appeared in Texas Highways, Eater, Vox Media and more. She lives in South Austin with her two dogs, Oso and Mav.
TEHRAN, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Iran's security forces have killed three members of a "terrorist" network affiliated with extremist groups and foreign intelligence services and arrested eight others in an operation near the country's southeastern border, the semi-official Fars news agency reported Wednesday.

The operation was carried out by Iran's intelligence forces, members of the Ground Force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, and police in Sistan and Baluchestan province, Fars said.

The 11 "terrorists" were all foreign nationals recruited by the network, Fars said, adding that significant amounts of weapons, including anti-tank grenade launchers, rifles and pistols, were seized from the "terrorists" during inspections of their hideout.

The detained individuals explicitly confessed to having conducted a "terrorist" operation in the southeastern Kerman province in December last year, in which three policemen and a civilian were killed, Fars said.

Fars did not specify the date and exact location of the operation nor the identities of the "terrorists." 
The new largest Buc-ees travel center opens to the public in Luling, Texas on Monday, June 10, 2024. The new store is 75,000 square feet and will have 120 fueling positions. The store will replace the city's current Buc-ee's location. Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman

Buc-ee's, Texas' most treasured travel stop chain, is allegedly making changes to its truck policy.

The chain has historically forbidden semi-trucks from stopping and parking at its locations nationwide. But that rule may be expanding, as one Nevada man says all commercial trailers are now banned from the stores altogether.

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Darren Nichols posted on Facebook earlier this month about signs posted at the Buc-ee's location in Bastrop show not only semi-trucks are banned, but also all commercial trailers, including equipment trailers and work trucks.

Nichols said he learned of the rule after stopping at the location for gas and breakfast.

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After getting my breakfast, I was sitting in my truck eating when an attendant knocked on my window and told me I was not welcome and needed to leave due to this new policy, Nichols wrote. I went inside and asked to speak with a manager. He was very professional and polite, and explained that this policy change is being rolled out nationwide at Buc-ees locations.

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His post has since been shared nearly 800 times and has drawn more than 3,000 comments. Responses ranged from truckers frustrated by the rule to others who argued trucks should use separate service stations.

Jake Whitley responded, saying Buc-ees is not a truck stop. Its a gas station. Parking and taking up numerous spots is obviously an issue. The rules are expanded because people were skating around it with trailers yet it took up just as much space. If you want to park your truck/trailer, go to a truck stop.

Others questioned how truckers are expected to get gas and food while on long trips, or whether the policy extends to city staff pulling equipment trailers.

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That is a ridiculous policy that makes no sense, and is insulting to the people who keep the world turning, Wil Sakowski commented.
Travis County sheriffs office Austin American-Statesman

The Travis County Sheriffs Office on Monday identified a man who was fatally shot by an off-duty Austin police officer during a shooting at a barbershop near Pflugerville as Jefferson Josue Rodas of Pflugerville.

Authorities said they are not releasing additional details about the suspect or the ongoing investigation at this time.

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The shooting happened just after 6 p.m. Friday in the 1700 block of Crystal Bend Drive, according to the sheriffs office. Investigators said Rodas entered the business and opened fire on people inside. An employee was shot and fled to a nearby home before being taken to a hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Teacher Ella Kotecki-Dale looks on during a social-emotional regulation learning exercise at Rawson Saunders School, a campus that will accept private school vouchers next school year. Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman

Hundreds of private schools in Austin and across Texas will accept the states new school voucher program this fall, according to a database released in January.

These schools will be among the first in Texas to participate in the $1 billion Texas Education Freedom Accounts program, which will use public funds to pay for students' private education.

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In Austin, private schools accepting vouchers span the metro and include campuses from Llano to La Grange. The schools accepting vouchers include Montessori campuses, the AI-driven Alpha School, the dyslexia specialized Rawson Saunders School, the Spanish immersion Magellan International School and the elite St. Michaels Catholic Preparatory School. Schools offering prekindergarten are also on the list.

Parents can also apply the voucher to a handful of online-only schools.

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Approved by lawmakers in 2025, the program allows an approved school to accept funds from a familys voucher for a childs educational costs. A student can receive a voucher of up to about $10,500 toward private school tuition per year. Students receiving special education can get up to $30,000. Homeschooled students can receive up to $2,000 for tutoring, materials or other costs.

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The state comptroller, which oversees the program, is still approving schools on a rolling basis.

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Families could begin applying for a voucher Feb. 4. The application period closes March 17. The comptrollers office will notify families of their awards in April.

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U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon chats with Alpha School student Everest Nevraumont, 10, and school co-founder MacKenzie Price after a round table discussion to highlight the importance of national AI literacy in Austin, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

Everest Nevraumont, a student at Alpha School, was invited as an advocate for AI in education aafter using technology-driven study tools to excel in competitive history events. She earned a top finish for a girl her age at the National History Bee and went on to win a world title at the International History Olympiad in 2025.

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Nevraumont attends Alpha School, a private Austin campus that uses artificial intelligence to tailor instruction. During a visit to the school in September 2025, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon met Nevraumont and heard about her academic progress, which included advancing several grade levels in reading within a year.

Alpha School student Everest Nevraumont, 10, gives a demonstration to U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon during a round table discussion at the Alpha School to highlight the importance of national AI literacy in Austin, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

She has also spoken publicly about her experience using AI to support her education, delivering two TEDx talks and appearing on national television.

What is Alpha School?

Alpha Schools Austin campus is a private Pre K-8 program built around what it calls a mastery-based model, where students move ahead once theyve proven theyve learned the material. The school markets a schedule that compresses core academics into roughly two hours in the morning using adaptive, AI-driven learning software, then shifts the rest of the day toward hands-on workshops and life skills programming.

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In Austin, Alpha operates a lower-school campus near Barton Hills (1201 Spyglass Drive) and a middle-school location downtown (201 Colorado St.), with listed tuition of $40,000. The school says it is accredited by Cognia.

In her visit to Austin, McMahon toured Alpha School and joined a roundtable discussion with school leaders focused on AI and education innovation.

U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon, left, and Alpha School co-founder MacKenzie Price, participate in a round table discussion at the Alpha School to highlight the importance of national AI literacy in Austin, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

How to watch State of the Union

The state of the union will be available on multiple TV stations and streaming platforms. Here is when it takes place and how to watch it:

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Date: Tuesday, Feb. 24

Time: 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT

Location: U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

TV:

The speech will air live on major broadcast and cable networks, including ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CNN, MSNBC and PBS.

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Streaming:
Mary Thomas, a Manor ISD trustee, died Feb. 14. Provided by NeShaun Jones

Family, education and love of God: these were the pillars that defined Manor Independent School District Trustee Mary Thomas' life.

Thomas, 71, died Feb. 14 after decades of service to public school students as a teacher, principal, advocate, volunteer and school board trustee.

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Education  that was who she was, said NeShaun Jones, Thomas' daughter. She was a strong advocate for children.

Thomas taught in Commerce ISD, near Dallas, before she moved to Austin, where she also taught. She taught special education students, led gifted and talented programs, served as a middle school principal and was a grant program specialist. Thomas also spent decades volunteering in the schools.

She fell in love with education when she was in Commerce, Jones said. She just had a passion and a niche for education right there in Commerce. It just kind of became a thing.

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Thomas joined the Manor ISD board of trustees in 2022 and later served as the boards vice president. She lived in Manor for more than 20 years. Her term on the Manor school board was set to expire in November; trustees have not yet decided how to handle the vacancy.

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Thomas' death is a tremendous loss, Board President Ana Cortez said in a statement.

Dr. Thomas was a servant leader in every sense of the word, Cortez said. She believed deeply in the power of education to transform lives and worked tirelessly to ensure students had opportunities to succeed.

Manor Superintendent Robert Sormani called Thomas an amazing educator and leader and friend, in a Feb. 15 post on social media.

Its hard to overstate her impact on Austins public education, students and community, Sormani said.

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Thomas valued the power of education in all areas of her life. She held high expectations for her own two children, especially since Thomas herself was a first-generation college student, Jones said.

Her legacy and the torch that she leaves is going to carry on, Jones said.

Thomas graduated from Texas A&M University-Commerce in 1975 and later received a masters degree in special education and administration and a doctorate in education administration. She also spent time on boards like the Austin Area Alliance of Black School Educators and the Association of Compensatory Educators of Texas.

When she wasnt working in or around the classroom, Thomas loved traveling anywhere near water or watching court-related shows like Judge Judy or CSI.

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Jones thought it was fitting that her mother died on Valentines Day, a holiday honoring love, which Thomas embodied in all aspects of her life.

The family gathered in the Dallas area, where Jones lives, for a weekend get-together, and they surrounded Thomas when she died. Thomas had seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. The family is hosting a celebration of life 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28 at Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church.

This report was updated to correct Mary Thomas' name.
University of Texas Interim President Jim Davis at the announcement of a $100 million investment in the School of Civic Leadership on Thursday May 8, 2025. Davis has declined more than a dozen interview requests in his first year in office. Jay Janner/American-Statesman University of Texas President Jim Davis throws the horns while walking off stage at his investiture ceremony at Hogg Memorial Auditorium on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

University of Texas Regents handpicked President Jim Davis to lead its flagship university one year ago, bypassing a national search or a process that would have involved input from a committee of other UT presidents, faculty, alumni and students.

Davis is the first UT leader in more than 100 years who doesnt come from academia, and regents say they trust hell carry out their priorities and improve operational efficiency. Indeed, his first year brought sweeping changes  from investments in the School of Civic Leadership to an overhaul of university core courses and consolidation of UTs ethnic and gender studies departments.

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But no matter the scale of the change or how many students his decisions affected, he repeatedly declined all interview requests  more than a dozen in total  from the Austin American-Statesman. He has also declined interview requests from the Texas Tribune and KUT, the outlets confirmed. The Daily Texan, UTs student newspaper, also has not spoken with him.

The refusal to engage with the media contrasts Davis predecessors and contributes to a sharp decline in transparency at the Forty Acres, which also lost its faculty senate, a long-standing public forum that allowed faculty to question the president directly. The UT System ended faculty senates to comply with Senate Bill 37, a sweeping higher education reform law that handed greater power to governor-appointed regents.

Faculty, students and the public have had no way to question UT leaders' decisions publicly, going against public university leaders tradition of engaging with stakeholders and the public. Davis decisions impact the future of the top public university, which educates 55,000 students annually and employs 20,000 people. He is paid $1.25 million annually.

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People have different styles, different norms. But it is unusual for someone of that prominence to not engage with the media, said Sondra Barringer, a Southern Methodist University associate professor of higher education who studies the behavior of university leaders. Not engaging in that work is relatively unusual, and I don't think its ideal.

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UT spokesperson Mike Rosen declined to answer the Statesmans questions about the apparent change in practice or point to an interview Davis has done with a media outlet, but defended UTs media relations. Daviss second-in-command, Provost William Inboden, has spoken to The New York Times and the Chronicle of Higher Education, but denied all interviews with the Austin American-Statesman and The Daily Texan.

We interact with reporters every day, Rosen said in a statement. We answer their questions and keep them well informed of our leaderships strategy to move UT forward.

Davis has sat for one written interview with Jim Zook, who served as UT vice president of marketing and communications at the time. The interview appeared in The Alcalde, a magazine for UT alumni. The American-Statesman could not find any other interview with Davis after he was appointed president last February.

Kristen Shahverdian, campus director for PEN America, a nonprofit that advocates for academic and press freedom, said the lack of transparency reflects a shift in how institutions are interacting with the public, signaling a new norm where leaders avoid scrutiny or critical speech.

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Yes the president reports to the board (of regents), but he does to the public as well, Shahverdian said Not having leaders willing to either be accountable, to explain their positions or to engage with their communities is really problematic and can harm public trust.

Shahverdian said the lack of transparency puts public trust in UT and higher education at risk.

Losing that back and forth, that engagement with your community is a huge loss, she said. That will, in the end, harm higher education.

A new norm

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After Davis was unanimously appointed by regents to his new role, he declined an interview immediately. In the month after, the Statesman made repeated requests for a sit down. He declined them all.

Davis later said no to an interview after announcements on a new $100 million investment in the School of Civic Leadership and new safety measures. At press conferences, Davis did not take questions  a change in practice from Hartzell's administration.

He also declined to comment on the universitys ADA compliance, his goals for curriculum, his statement on academic integrity, an offer from the federal government, regents decision to officially name him president, his state of the university address, the establishment of a new computing school at UT, consolidation of ethnic and gender studies, back to school events and his reflections on leading UT for one year.

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Barringer, the SMU professor, said Daviss lack of engagement with the media comes as university decision-making processes shift in southern states. Typically, universities function similar to the U.S. government with faculty and regents acting as important checks and balances based on their expertise: faculty as a check on curriculum and regents to help oversee finances and strategic planning, she said.

This level of transparency and balance is considered best practice because it ensures there are no unintended consequences on other degree programs, courses or students. It also encourages buy-in from all parties, Barringer said. But with laws like SB 37, that is no longer the case.

That's one of the reasons these universities have survived for so long, she said. When faculty are not consulted, how do you know that you're doing what's best for the students, and what's best for the academic integrity of the institution?

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Its not just UT thats wrestling with how to best engage with stakeholders, she said. When faculty lose their voice in curriculum and forums to publicly question decisions, the university and its reputation can suffer, she said.

Its really important for leaders of these institutions to engage the faculty, staff and other administrators to understand the full context of their decisions and the consequences, Barringer said. That is very much a nationwide thing we are confronting right now.

Davis declined an interview with the American-Statesman for this piece.
FILE - Del Bigtree speaks against legislation to narrow exemptions to state-mandated vaccines during a rally at the state Capitol Tuesday, May 14, 2019, in Albany, N.Y. Hans Pennink/AP

Del Bigtree, an Austin-based anti-vaccine advocate and media personality with deep ties to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., said in a recent interview that he wants his children  and others  to contract vaccine-preventable diseases including measles and polio.

In an interview with The Atlantic, Bigtree said he is genuinely upset when children are vaccinated because it reduces the likelihood that his own children will catch viruses such as chickenpox and measles. He said he believes childrens health depends on them catching those live viruses.

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Bigtree referred to measles and polio by name and said he would like his teenage son to contract those illnesses. He indicated he had considered driving his unvaccinated family to South Carolina during a historic measles outbreak so they could be exposed. He said infection would give children the Ferrari of immunity.

Public health officials say vaccination is the safest and most effective way to prevent the spread of measles, polio and other infectious diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends routine childhood immunizations, including the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella.

BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 04: Anti-vaccine activist Del Bigtree speaks with journalists before entering an anti-vaccine symposium in Brooklyn, NY, on June 4, 2019. (Photo by Yana Paskova/For The Washington Post via Getty Images) The Washington Post/The Washington Post via Getty Im

Austin headquarters of national anti-vaccine group

Much of Bigtrees advocacy work is based in Austin, where he has lived since 2019.

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I ran from California. I didnt like the laws in California. I didnt like the forced vaccination laws, especially for my kids, Bigtree told the American-Statesman. So I came to Austin, where children are still free.

He founded the Informed Consent Action Network, or ICAN, one of the countrys most prominent anti-vaccine organizations. The nonprofit is headquartered on Lavaca Street in downtown Austin and has filed lawsuits across the country challenging vaccine mandates, including school requirements.

ICAN is tied to a political arm, ICAN Legislate, which focuses on legislative advocacy and is also based in Austin on Guadalupe Street.

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Ties to RFK Jr. and the Make America Healthy Again movement

Bigtree has been a close ally of Kennedy, who now serves as U.S. secretary of Health and Human Services.

He previously served as communications director during Kennedys 2024 presidential campaign and was the initial CEO of the nonprofit that promoted the Make America Healthy Again movement.

According to The Atlantic, Bigtrees views contributed to his exit from formal leadership within the MAHA movement. He said he stepped away after Kennedy stated that the most effective way to prevent measles is the MMR vaccine. Bigtree responded that it was also one of the most effective ways to cause autism.

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Extensive scientific research has found no link between vaccines and autism. The claim originated from a now-retracted 1998 study and has been repeatedly debunked by major medical organizations.

Despite tensions, The Atlantic reported that Kennedy and Bigtree had dinner together late last year, and Bigtree was a featured speaker at the Childrens Health Defense annual meeting last fall. Childrens Health Defense is the anti-vaccine nonprofit founded by Kennedy.

When asked how his views align with Kennedys, Bigtree told the magazine: He recognizes the same thing I do. ... We would be healthier if we were catching these illnesses.

Calls to reduce federal vaccine recommendations

Bigtree outlined several goals for the anti-vaccine movement, including reducing the CDCs list of recommended childhood vaccines, revisiting federal laws that limit pharmaceutical companies liability for vaccine injuries, and conducting a federal study comparing the health outcomes of vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.

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I believe this vaccine program is one of the most dangerous things that the government has ever done to children, and it is being forced on the American population, Bigtree told the Statesman.

He also disputed The Atlantics characterization of his position, saying his opposition to vaccine mandates is rooted in personal freedom.

I would never force-vaccinate everybody. Im never going to take your vaccines away. This is a free country, Bigtree said. If you believe in vaccines, go right ahead. In fact, if youre passionate about it, bring it over here, and Ill jam one and, you know, stick it into you myself. I will fight for your freedom and your right to vaccinate.

What I do not believe in is that your belief in vaccines can override my belief in national immunity. Youre not allowed to inject my kids because you believe in something. If I dont control my body, if the government can forcibly inject me with, at that point, a totally experimental product  then I am property of the United States of America, Bigtree added. You cannot call yourself a free citizen. "

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He likened forced vaccinations to giving people the same rights as farm animals.

Bigtree also described the pertussis vaccine, which protects against whooping cough, as a crime against children, arguing that vaccines that do not completely stop transmission undermine herd immunity.

Theres nothing worse for herd immunity than people [who] are sick and dont know it, he said, seemingly suggesting that vaccinated people could still get sick and infect others.

Distrustful of the COVID-19 vaccine, he traveled to Mexico in 2021 to receive a transfusion of unvaccinated blood while being treated for severe anemia.

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Bigtree does not have formal medical training. Public health experts warn that declining vaccination rates can lead to outbreaks of preventable diseases, including measles and whooping cough, particularly among children and immunocompromised people.
President Donald Trump shakes hands with Michael Dell as his wife Susan looks on, during an event on Trump Accounts for kids in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Evan Vucci/Associated Press

President Donald Trump spotlighted Texas billionaires Michael and Susan Dell over their donation to his Trump accounts during his record-breaking, nearly two-hour State of the Union address Tuesday night.

The Dells, partial owners of Dell Technologies Inc., pledged $250 per child to 25 million American children in support of Trumps program  roughly $6.25 billion  which automatically establishes an account with $1,000 for each child born between 2025 and 2028.

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Millions will be prefunded courtesy of the U.S. Treasury, and private individuals like Michael and Susan Dell  theyre great people, Trump said in his address to Congress, drawing cheers and a standing ovation from most lawmakers in attendance.

When I ask Michael Dell how do you make all that money, he said, 'Well, I just sat in my dorm in school and I made computers, and I sell them to people, and I just kept selling and selling and selling, Trump said.

Pretty amazing story thats called the American dream, the president added. He sold a lot of those computers, a lot of those laptops.

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Trumps remarks about the philanthropic billionaires came during the portion of his address in which he discussed the financial burdens Americans face and the future of the countrys economy.

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He referred to the Invest America accounts as Trump accounts, joking that he hadnt named them.

The president lauded the venture, saying the tax-free investment accounts are so special and have taken off and gone through the roof.

The program takes effect July 4.

The initiative allows any parent to open an account for their child and contribute up to $5,000 per year. Employers can pitch in $2,500 annually without affecting workers' taxable income. Donations like the Dells' or from governments dont count against the set limit.

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The Dells announced their investment in Trumps investment accounts in December 2025, with Michael, the founder and chief executive officer of Dell Technologies, saying, "To philanthropists, companies, community leaders, if you want to be part of something truly meaningful for our kids, communities, for our countries, join us.

$6.25 billion. 25 million children. $250 each.



Susan and I believe the smartest investment we can make is in children. Thats why were so excited to contribute $6.25 billion from our charitable funds to help 25 million children start building a strong financial foundation pic.twitter.com/4Bcv3RKp0q  Michael Dell  (@MichaelDell) December 2, 2025

At a roundtable last year, Trump credited Michael Dell with bringing the idea for the accounts to the president. At the same event, Dell said his company would match the governments $1,000 contribution for employees' children.

This is not the first time the Dells have made sizable donations, having committed more than $2.9 billion in philanthropic gifts, mostly to childrens organizations for scholarships and charter-school expansion and to Dell Childrens Medical Center in Austin.

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The couple also partners with the University of Texas at Austin, Austin Community College and a number of other Austin-based organizations.
Students gather for a protest last October at the University of Texas tower to oppose attacks on academic freedom. A new policy approved by the UT Board of Regents limits the discussion of "controversial" topics. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman

I am a proud advocate of democracy, both generally and in its specifics. I promote the components that make democracy real  free and fair elections, an expansive franchise, the rule of law and freedom of speech, to cite but a few.

Although I am an emeritus professor now, for years in my course on voter suppression I taught the benefits of democracy and the harm that autocracies wrought. We studied the rise and fall of voter suppression techniques across American history, their increasing use in recent years and how they have undermined vigorous multiracial democracy.

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Yet today the course would risk running afoul of the University of Texas Regents vague rules against teaching controversial material and advocating for particular points of view. Indeed, advocating for democracy now appears to be controversial, since the Board of Regents rules are themselves undemocratic because they violate the First Amendment. In any case, I would not be willing to provide an alternate defense of autocracies that seems to be required by the rules.

Perhaps the rules are intended to be more specific. What would be more controversial than teaching about institutional racism? American history since the Civil War provides numerous examples of states using institutions, especially government, to deny Blacks their constitutional right to vote. The trick was to suppress votes without explicit violation of the 15th Amendment.

One of those techniques was the White Primary, employed by Texas and most other Southern states during the Jim Crow era. Political parties, categorized by the states as private organizations, were empowered by law to limit primary elections to whites. But the Southern states were one-party bastions; the winner of the white-only Democratic primary won the election. The Supreme Court struck down this abomination as unconstitutional in 1944.

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Surely this is racism. Just as surely institutions  government and parties  did the dirty deed. Could I teach this example of institutional racism today, under the Regents rules? Yes or no, UT administration? If yes, then would I be empowered to teach the whole sordid history of Jim Crow denials of voting rights? That Texas was not a democracy during this period? That the voter suppression techniques developed in the 1890s are repeated today? Could we discuss whether this continues to be institutional racism?

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I was a freshman at the University of Alabama when Gov. George Wallace made his infamous stand in the schoolhouse door. Yet in that period of intense controversy over segregation, we learned from our professors that Alabama was not a democracy; that most of Southern politics revolved around the denial of Blacks the right to vote; and that the deep Southern states were governed by a cabal of conservative planters and industrialists. My professors showed how Southern state autocracies had fallen behind Northern state democracies and advocated two-party democracies as antidotes.

I recall no censorship on the level of what is happening at the University of Texas today. The University of Alabama at the time desperately wanted to be a recognized university, and censorship of courses could have led to decertification. Today, by prohibiting the teaching of arbitrarily determined controversies, the University of Texas signals that it lacks the will to be better.

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It is clear that the Regents objective is to smother free speech on campus. So I have one request of them. Please plaster over the biblical statement so prominently displayed on the tower: Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.

The plaster can be removed when this once-great university rediscovers its prime purpose, expressed in its seal: disciplina praesidium civitatis  The cultivated mind is the guardian genius of democracy.

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U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio, speaks to media at a detention area for migrants in Eagle Pass, Texas on December 20, 2023. Jessica Phelps

U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales on Tuesday declared he will not give in to mounting pressure from Republican colleagues to step down over his affair with a staffer who later died by suicide.

Im not gonna resign, Gonzales, a third-term Republican from San Antonio, told CNN in the halls of Congress Tuesday afternoon. I work every day for the people of Texas.

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Gonzales was set to meet with House Speaker Mike Johnson later in the afternoon. On Monday, Johnson, R-La., called the allegations about the staffer very serious but said he was waiting on the House Ethics Committee to investigate the matter.

On Tuesday, former California Rep. Kevin McCarthy, a Republican who served as House speaker before Johnson, told CBS News that Gonzales should step down.

"If this was in a business, he would've been fired," McCarthy said.

News  Tony Gonzales, facing scandal, told me: I will not resign.



I asked him if the texts are authentic and if he had carried on an affair with a staffer. He would not directly say.



What you have seen are not all the facts.



He plans to speak with Johnson today pic.twitter.com/C2S99zOQ8j  Manu Raju (@mkraju) February 24, 2026

Several hard-right GOP members of Congress publicly condemned Gonzales in recent days, after the San Antonio Express-News reported that Gonzales had repeatedly pressed an aide in 2024 to send him a sexy pic. She pushed back and told him he was going too far, boss in the text messages, which the Express-News obtained. Last week, the Express-News was first to publish a verified text message in which aide Regina Santos-Aviles told a coworker that she had an affair with our boss.

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U.S. Reps. Lauren Boebert of Colorado, Anna Paulina Luna of Florida and Nancy Mace of South Carolina on Monday called Gonzales behavior disgusting and disturbing. Two Texas Republicans  U.S. Rep. Brandon Gill of Flower Mound and Rep. Chip Roy of Austin  have urged Rep. Tony Gonzales to drop out of his competitive GOP primary race. Roy previously endorsed Gonzales opponent, YouTuber and gun manufacturer Brandon Herrera, in 2024.

But so far, all who have spoken out were already Gonzales critics. They belong to a wing of the party that has gone after Gonzales and others for voting to strengthen existing gun laws after the Robb Elementary School massacre in Uvalde; legalize same-sex marriage and authorize a commission to investigate the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol.

Republicans may also be reluctant to push Gonzales out as they fight to hold together a thin majority in the U.S. House. Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Richmond, said Tuesday that Gonzales shouldnt give up his vote regardless of behavior he called not a good look.

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We can't afford (for) him to resign, Nehls told Spectrum News ahead of Trumps State of the Union address. Should he pull out of the race? Well, that's up to Tony, but the voters are halfway through this. Let's just see if he wins his primary, but it's just not a good look.

On Tuesday, Gonzales did not address CNNs question about the authenticity of the text messages or answer whether he had an extramarital affair with a staffer, and has repeatedly refused to answer detailed questions from the Express-News.

However, the former Navy cryptologist told CNN on Tuesday, There will be an opportunity for all the details and facts to come out. What you've seen is not all the facts."

U.S. House ethics rules prohibit members from having sexual relationships with their employees. Gonzales has been under investigation by the Office of Congressional Conduct over his relationship with Santos-Aviles since at least November, according to a letter of inquiry the office sent to Santos-Aviles widower, Adrian Aviles, that month.

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Mace on Tuesday filed a resolution directing the House Ethics Committee to preserve and publicly release records pertaining to inquiries into sexual harassment and unwelcome sexual advances by members of Congress.

"This is an abuse of power, Mace posted on X. "Congressional staff serve their country. They should never have to endure predatory behavior from the people they work for.

Democrats have largely remained silent about the revelations, but at least three Reps. Norma Torres of California, Yassaman Ansari of Arizona and Maxwell Frost of Florida told left-leaning online publication MeidasTouch on Tuesday that Gonzales should resign.

Tony Gonzales should resign, Torres said. The fact that this young staffer died the way she did, and for him to deny what he had done to her, is just unconscionable.

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On Wednesday, another Texas Republican, Rep. Keith Self of McKinney, also joined calls for Gonzales to step down or exit his primary race, but said I suspect his constituents will make that decision for him on March 3.
A person holding a sign attends a rally in front of the Second Members' Office Building of the House of Representatives in Tokyo, Japan, Feb. 24, 2026. A large crowd of Japanese people gathered Tuesday evening in Tokyo to protest Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's dangerous push for policies including accelerating constitutional revision, expanding military capabilities and strengthening national intelligence functions, voicing concerns about the country's future direction. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)

TOKYO, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- A large crowd of Japanese people gathered Tuesday evening in Tokyo to protest Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's dangerous push for policies including accelerating constitutional revision, expanding military capabilities and strengthening national intelligence functions, voicing concerns about the country's future direction.

The rally, jointly organized by multiple civic groups, gathered in front of the Second Members' Office Building of the House of Representatives. Participants held signs reading "Oppose constitutional revision" and "Do not release fascism from its cage," while chanting slogans such as "No War."

Noriko Kashikawa, one of the demonstrators, told reporters she "100 percent opposes" Takaichi's policy agenda. She warned that Japan was being steered toward a posture of constant war readiness, arguing that if the country is continually driven toward conflict, "it will ultimately lead to self-destruction."

Kashikawa said Japan should overcome challenges through dialogue and diplomacy rather than enacting laws that hinder communication or fostering an outwardly hardline atmosphere.

Many young people were also seen among the crowd. A university student named Matsubara said she was troubled by the government's recent policy moves, adding that "these policies all appear to be preparations for launching a war." She expressed hope for a government that more accurately reflects the voices of the public.

On Feb. 20, Takaichi reiterated her strong commitment to constitutional revision during a policy speech in parliament, calling for a fundamental strengthening of Japan's defense capabilities, an expansion of exports of lethal weapons and enhanced national intelligence capacity. The remarks have sparked widespread concern and criticism across Japanese society. 

People attend a rally in front of the Second Members' Office Building of the House of Representatives in Tokyo, Japan, Feb. 24, 2026. A large crowd of Japanese people gathered Tuesday evening in Tokyo to protest Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's dangerous push for policies including accelerating constitutional revision, expanding military capabilities and strengthening national intelligence functions, voicing concerns about the country's future direction. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)

A person holding a sign attends a rally in front of the Second Members' Office Building of the House of Representatives in Tokyo, Japan, Feb. 24, 2026. A large crowd of Japanese people gathered Tuesday evening in Tokyo to protest Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's dangerous push for policies including accelerating constitutional revision, expanding military capabilities and strengthening national intelligence functions, voicing concerns about the country's future direction. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)

A woman holding a sign attends a rally in front of the Second Members' Office Building of the House of Representatives in Tokyo, Japan, Feb. 24, 2026. A large crowd of Japanese people gathered Tuesday evening in Tokyo to protest Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's dangerous push for policies including accelerating constitutional revision, expanding military capabilities and strengthening national intelligence functions, voicing concerns about the country's future direction. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)

A person holding a sign attends a rally in front of the Second Members' Office Building of the House of Representatives in Tokyo, Japan, Feb. 24, 2026. A large crowd of Japanese people gathered Tuesday evening in Tokyo to protest Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's dangerous push for policies including accelerating constitutional revision, expanding military capabilities and strengthening national intelligence functions, voicing concerns about the country's future direction. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)

People attend a rally in front of the Second Members' Office Building of the House of Representatives in Tokyo, Japan, Feb. 24, 2026. A large crowd of Japanese people gathered Tuesday evening in Tokyo to protest Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's dangerous push for policies including accelerating constitutional revision, expanding military capabilities and strengthening national intelligence functions, voicing concerns about the country's future direction. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)

People attend a rally in front of the Second Members' Office Building of the House of Representatives in Tokyo, Japan, Feb. 24, 2026. A large crowd of Japanese people gathered Tuesday evening in Tokyo to protest Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's dangerous push for policies including accelerating constitutional revision, expanding military capabilities and strengthening national intelligence functions, voicing concerns about the country's future direction. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)
Lake Travis water levels in June 2024, above, were running well below capacity. On Tuesday, the surface elevation at Lake Travis was about 666 feet or about a foot below the historical average for February. Jay Janner / American-Statesman

February has been a warm one across the Austin metro area. Weve already logged eight 80-degree days and could log one every day until the month ends Saturday.

We could tie February 2017, when 12 days reached 80 degrees. Austins late-February average afternoon high temperature is close to 70 degrees, and temperatures will run about 12 to 15 degrees above normal for the rest of the week, though they should remain below the daily records.

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Daily record highs for the week:

Wednesday: 92 degrees (set Feb. 25, 2008)

Thursday: 93 degrees (set Feb. 26, 1954)

Friday: 91 degrees (set Feb. 27, 2009)

Saturday: 89 degrees (set Feb. 28, 1932)

Wednesday in Austin will begin with temperatures in the lower to mid-50s under a partly cloudy sky at sunrise. Breezy south winds of 8 to 15 mph could include gusts topping 25 mph. Those southerly winds will draw atmospheric moisture from the Gulf Coast into Central Texas through the first half of the day.

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By the afternoon, a surface system of low atmospheric pressure moving into North Texas will push into Austin a dry-line frontal boundary separating dry and humid air masses. As it arrives, any lingering low clouds will shift east of the city, replaced by a hot, dry west wind flowing in from the Edwards Plateau and Hill Country into the capital. That shift will send temperatures soaring to well above normal.

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The afternoon is expected to reach the middle to upper 80s and could feature the warmest temperatures of the month, surpassing the 86-degree readings recorded on Feb. 9 and Feb. 19.

South and Central Texas temperatures will climb into the middle and upper 80s on Wednesday afternoon with breezy west to southwest winds. Pivotal

The wildfire threat will remain elevated in the moderate to high category across Central Texas, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.

Thursday will be just as warm, but southerly winds wont be quite as strong, staying below 20 mph for the most part. A dry cold front is expected to move through during the afternoon, with low relative humidity behind the front creating more wildfire weather concerns across the region.

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The air behind the front wont be particularly cold, as the coldest air remains well to our northeast, but we can expect a modest dip in temperatures through Friday.

Average late-February temperatures are about 48 and 69 degrees, But Austin daily temps will be well above that for the next seven days. Roberto Villalpando

If youre hoping for that rare, wet substance we call rain, youll need to wait about 10 days for a strong enough front to bring a meaningful chance of showers. In the meantime, southerly winds from Friday onward will continue funneling Gulf Coast atmospheric moisture into Central Texas, which might help ease the wildfire threat through early next week.

Drought update and lake levels

Central Texas continues to face drought conditions, according to data from the U.S. Drought Monitor, especially after several months of below-normal rainfall. While areas like West Texas and the Big Bend region have seen notable improvement over the past year, Central Texas has seen little change. In fact, the regions severe drought has expanded since this time last year.

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Last year, 43% of the state was experiencing drought, with almost 25% classified as severe or worse. This year, drought covers almost 75% of Texas, with about 42% of the state in severe drought or worse.

Drought conditions across Central Texas remain largely unchanged compared to last year, while areas such as West Texas have experienced significant improvement. U.S.Drought Monitor
JAKARTA, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- A total of 143.91 million people, or 50.60 percent of Indonesia's population, are projected to travel during the 2026 Lebaran transportation period, the Ministry of Transportation said in a press release on Wednesday.

The projection is based on a national survey conducted by the ministry's Transportation Policy Agency, according to the press release.

"We urge the public to use public transportation to enhance safety, reduce congestion, and minimize the risk of accidents due to the high mobility during Lebaran," Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi said.

The ministry estimates that the largest number of homebound travelers will originate from West Java, Jakarta and East Java, while the biggest flows are expected to head to Central Java, East Java and West Java.

Private cars are projected to be the most widely used mode of transportation, accounting for 76.24 million travelers, followed by motorcycles at 24.08 million and buses at 23.34 million.

To anticipate the surge in mobility, the government has prepared supporting transport facilities and infrastructure across land, sea, air and railway sectors, and coordinated traffic management measures with relevant authorities, the ministry said. 
TEHRAN, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday left Tehran for Geneva at the head of a political delegation to take part in the new round of indirect talks with the United States.

The third round of nuclear negotiations between delegations of Iran and the United States is scheduled to be held in the Swiss city on Thursday, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported.

The talks are expected to take place as tensions remain high between Iran and the United States in the wake of a U.S. military buildup in the West Asia region.

In a post on social media platform X on Tuesday, Araghchi said his country will resume talks with the United States on Thursday with a determination to achieve a "fair and equitable" deal in the shortest possible time.

He added the two sides have a "historic opportunity" to strike an unprecedented agreement capable of addressing mutual concerns and safeguarding common interests, stressing that a deal is within reach provided that diplomacy is given priority.

Meanwhile, Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Wednesday that all options are on the table vis-a-vis the United States, both "dignity-based diplomacy and regret-inducing defense," according to the official news agency IRNA.

On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump said he prefers to solve the Iran confrontation through diplomacy.

"But one thing is certain -- I will never allow ... Iran to have a nuclear weapon," Trump added.

The recent developments follow two rounds of indirect nuclear talks between the United States and Iran earlier this month, with the first in Muscat on Feb. 6 and the second in Geneva on Feb. 17. 
Sgt. Chad A. Jones, 35, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to sexually abusing three children, including a young family member he preyed upon for four years. (Joshua Magbanua/U.S. Air Force)



A Fort Bliss, Texas, soldier has been sentenced to 40 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to sexually abusing three children, including a young family member he preyed upon for four years.

Sgt. Chad A. Jones, 35, pleaded guilty to 50 counts of sexual abuse of a child, one count of sexual assault of a child and one count of indecent communication with a child during a court-martial last week. He initially faced 64 counts of sexual abuse, according to the Army court docket.

Jones will serve his time at the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. Upon release from prison, he must register as a sex offender.

Military judge Lt. Col. Rick Mathew also sentenced Jones to reduction in rank to E-1 and a dishonorable discharge from the Army, according to the Army Office of Special Trial Counsel, which prosecuted the case.

While the conviction and sentencing of Sgt. Jones cannot repair the damage caused by years of sexual abuse, abuse of power and betrayal, we hope that they are steps in the right direction and enable these victims to begin their individualized healing journeys, said Capt. Christopher Deisenroth, the lead prosecutor. In the end, justice was only possible in this case because of the unparalleled bravery of three young girls who stepped forward.

Jones abused the first victim, a family member who was under the age of 12 when it began in February 2021, and continued through February 2025, according to prosecutors. The abuse occurred while Jones was assigned to Fort Carson, Colo., and Fort Bliss. When he was away for training or deployed, Jones continued the abuse through messaging apps.

He found the other two children online in June 2024 and in November 2025, according to prosecutors. He gained the victims trust by initially acting as a role model or confidant, then requested sexual images or asked sexual questions.

The second victim reported Jones, and the Army Criminal Investigation Division began investigating. While investigators interviewed the first victim, she disclosed the incidents of sexual assault and sexual abuse.

In addition to interviewing all three victims, agents obtained evidence such as recordings, photos and messages extracted through phones belonging to Jones and the victims.

Capt. Fox Whitworth, a prosecutor, told the court during sentencing that Jones knew he was trespassing upon a childs innocence and that the accused not only defiled and perverted the family bond, he gloried in doing so.
The U.S. Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security partner agencies interdict a suspected maritime smuggling vessel during coordinated operations south of San Clemente Island Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. (U.S. Coast Guard/TNS)



SAN DIEGO (Tribune News Service)  Six vessels suspected of maritime smuggling and transporting a total of 82 migrants were intercepted in separate incidents over the weekend, U.S. Coast Guard officials said Tuesday.

Five vessels were intercepted within a 90-minute span south of San Clemente Island on Saturday, officials said. A sixth vessel was interdicted near Sunset Cliffs the next day.

The Coast Guard, along with partner agencies of the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Navy, coordinated the operations at sea and in the air.

The first reports were received around 12:30 p.m. Saturday regarding three suspected smuggling vessels that were traveling northbound from Mexican waters. The vessels were described as 20-to-25-foot cuddy cabin-style boats carrying fishing gear and fuel barrels onboard, according to a news release.

A Coast Guard crew was sent to investigate and found the first vessel about 26 miles south of San Clemente Island. Officials reported that there were 10 individuals, all of whom claimed to be Mexican nationals, inside.

A DHS partner agency aircraft located the second vessel. When a crew was sent to the location, a pursuit began. Warning shots were fired as the vessel initially failed to comply with commands to stop, officials said. Ten people claiming to be Mexican nationals were found on board.

Federal officials later stopped a third vessel and found nine people on board who claimed to be Mexican nationals.

Officials received reports of more suspected smuggling boats in the area. Later, crews from the U.S. Navy, the Coast Guard, and DHS agencies located the fourth and fifth vessels.

One of the boats was transporting 16 migrants, 14 of whom were Mexican nationals and two of whom were Colombian nationals. The second boat was transporting 17 people, 16 of whom claimed to be Mexican nationals and one of whom claimed to be a Guatemalan national.

A total of 62 people were detained Saturday, including one unaccompanied minor. They were all turned over to DHS for further processing.

On Sunday, the Coast Guard interdicted a panga-style boat approximately 8 miles west of Sunset Cliffs. Twenty migrants were found inside, 19 of whom claimed Mexican nationality and one said he was a Sudanese national.

Last year, the Coast Guard reinforced its operational presence near the U.S.-Mexico border to bolster border security.

According to Border Patrol data, there were 490 maritime smuggling events resulting in 1,526 apprehensions in fiscal 2025, which ended on Sept. 30. The previous fiscal year saw 589 such incidents and 1,375 apprehensions.

The Mexican Consulate in San Diego said on Tuesday that consular staff have interviewed 32 Mexican nationals in immigration detention centers who were aboard the vessels to offer assistance as needed. No injuries were reported.

The Mexican consulate posted a video on social media to warn people about the risks of crossing the border illegally by sea or other dangerous routes. 2026 The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Visit sandiegouniontribune.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(Terry Boyd/Stars and Stripes)



Nangalem, Afghanistan, Oct. 12, 2004: An MK-19 gunner rakes a hillside with 40-mm grenades during fighting in the mountains of eastern Afghanistan.

Special forces teams, not conventional units, do most of the fighting in remote areas. The teams fight by gaining intelligence through cultivating relationships with local leaders, then hunting down bad guys.

Learn more by reading the original article here.
Our guests are going to be able to see the hairs on an elephant, says Kristi Burtis, vice president of wildlife care for the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, of Elephant Valley, the newest experience at the Escondido park. It opens March 5. They can see their eyes. They can see the eyelashes. They can see how muscular their trunks are. Its really going to be a different experience. (Allen J. Schaben, Los Angeles Times/TNS)



SAN DIEGO  Before we see elephants at Elephant Valley in the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, we come face to face with destruction, only the wreckage is beautiful. A long, winding path takes guests around and under felled trees. Aged gray tree hunks form arches, for instance, over bridges that tower over clay-colored paths with hoof prints.

The design is meant to reorient us, to take us on a trail walked not by humans but traversed and carved by elephants, a creature still misunderstood, vilified and hunted for its cataclysmiclike ability to reshape land, and sometimes communities.

It starts, says Kristi Burtis, vice president of wildlife care for the Safari Park, by telling the story that elephants are ecosystem engineers.

Elephant Valley will open March 5 as the newest experience at the Escondido park, its aim to bring guests closer than ever to the zoos eight elephants, which range in age from 7 to 36, while more heavily focusing on conservation. The centerpiece of the 13-acre-plus parkland is a curved bridge overlooking a savanna, allowing elephants to walk under guests. But there are also nooks such as a cave that, while not previewed at a recent media event, will allow visitors to view elephants on their level.

The 13-acre-plus Elephant Valley aims to bring guests closer than ever to the zoos eight elephants, which range in age from 7 to 36, while more heavily focusing on conservation. (Allen J. Schaben, Los Angeles Times/TNS)

Water areas in Elephant Valley have been redesigned with ramps and steps to make it easier for the elephants to navigate. The hope is to inspire play. (Allen J. Schaben, Los Angeles Times/TNS)



In a shift from, say, the Safari Parks popular tram tour, there are no fences and visible enclosures. Captive elephants remain a sometimes controversial topic, and the zoos herd is a mix of rescues and births, but the goal was to create a space where humans are at once removed and dont impede on the relative free-roaming ability of the animals by keeping guests largely elevated. As an example of just how close people can get to the herd, there was a moment of levity at the event when one of the elephants began flinging what was believed to be a mixture of dirt and feces up onto the bridge.

Our guests are going to be able to see the hairs on an elephant, Burtis says. They can see their eyes. They can see the eyelashes. They can see how muscular their trunks are. Its really going to be a different experience.

Elephant Valley, complete with a multistory lodge with open-air restaurants and bars, boasts a natural design that isnt influenced by the elephants African home so much as it is in conversation with it. The goal isnt to displace us, but to import communal artistry  Kenyan wood and beadwork can be found in the pathways, resting spaces and more  as a show of admiration rather than imitation.

Were not going to pretend that were taking people to Africa, says Fri Forjindam, now a creative executive with Universals theme parks but previously a lead designer on Elephant Valley via her role as a chief development officer at Mycotoo, a Pasadena-based experiential design firm.

That is a slippery slope of theming that can go wrong really fast, she adds. How do we recognize where we are right now, which is near San Diego? How do we populate this plane with plants that are indigenous to the region? The story of coexistence is important. Were not extracting from Africa; were learning. Were not extracting from elephants; were sharing information.

But designing a space that is elephant-first yet also built for humans presented multiple challenges, especially when the collaborating teams were aiming to construct multiple narratives around the animals. Since meetings about Elephant Valley began around 2019, the staff worked to touch on themes related to migration and conservation. And there was also a desire to personalize the elephants.

Where can we also highlight each of the elephants by name, so they arent just this huge herd of random gray creatures? Forjindam says. You see that in the lodge.

That lodge, the Mkutano House  a phrase that means gathering in Swahili  should provide opportunities for guests to linger, although zoo representatives say reservations are recommended for those who wish to dine in the space (there will also be a walk-up, to-go window). Menus have yet to be released, but the ground floor of the structure, boasting hut-like roofing designed to blend into the environment, features close views of the elephant grazing pool as well as an indoor space with a centerpiece tree beneath constellationlike lighting to mimic sunrises and sunsets.

Elephant Valleys Mkutano House is a two-story dining destination in the new space at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. (Allen J. Schaben, Los Angeles Times/TNS)



Throughout there are animal wood carvings and beadwork, the latter often hung from sculptures made of tree branches. The ceiling, outfitted with colorful, cloth tapestries designed to move with the wind, aims to create less friction between indoor and outdoor environments.

There are, of course, research and educational goals of the space as well. The Safari Park works, for instance, with the Northern Rangelands Trust and Loisaba Conservancy in Kenya, with an emphasis on studying human-elephant conflict and finding no-kill resolutions. Nonprofits and conservation groups estimate that there are today around 415,000 elephants in Africa, and the African savanna elephant is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Studies of the zoos young elephants is shared with the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in the hopes of delivering care to elephant youth to prevent orphanage. Additionally, the Safari Park has done extensive examination into the endotheliotropic herpes virus.

The data that we collect from elephants here, you cant simply get from elephants in the wild, Burtis says.

One of the two entrances to Elephant Valley is outfitted with bee boxes; bees are known to be a natural elephant deterrent and can help in preventing the animals from disrupting crops or communities. To encourage more natural behavior, the plane is outfitted with timed feeders in an attempt to encourage movement throughout the acreage and establish a level of real-life unpredictability in hunting for resources. Water areas have been redesigned with ramps and steps to make it easier for the elephants to navigate.

With Elephant Valley, Forjindam says the goal was to allow visitors to observe safely in luxury  whatever that is  but not from a position of power, more as a cohabitor of the Earth, with as much natural elements as possible. Its not to impose dominance. Ultimately, it needed to feel natural. It couldnt feel like a human-made structure, which is an antiquated approach to any sort of safari experience where animals are the product, a prize. In this experience, this is the elephants home.

And the resulting feel of Elephant Valley is that we, the paying customers, are simply their house guests.
PHNOM PENH, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia cracked down on a total of 272 human trafficking and sexual exploitation cases in 2025, a year-on-year increase of 37 percent, officials said on Wednesday.

Interior Ministry's Secretary of State Chou Bun Eng, who is also permanent vice-chairwoman of the National Committee for Counter Trafficking, said the authorities arrested a total of 410 suspects, including 43 foreigners, last year.

A total of 994 victims had been rescued, she said at an Anti-Human Trafficking event in Phnom Penh, adding that 209 of them were minors under the age of 18.

Human trafficking cases were linked to crimes of fraud, labor disputes, illegal work, and illegal immigration, among others.

Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Sokha said the Southeast Asian country vowed to eliminate all types of human trafficking, sexual exploitation and online scams in order to enhance the respect for human rights, dignity and social justice.

"We are highly committed to protecting the security and safety of all Cambodian people and foreigners, especially tourists, who are staying in Cambodia," he said at the event. 
Internal security officers with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) stand guard as a convoy of Syrias Interior Ministry security forces arrives at Qamishli International Airport, eastern Syria, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, under an agreement aimed at stabilizing a ceasefire. (Baderkhan Ahmad/AP)



ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Alexander J. Langlois is a Contributing Fellow at Defense Priorities.

With new reporting that United States plans to fully withdraw troops from Syria, the long-running U.S. mission in the country may finally be nearing an end. Still, many questions remain, especially given the long history of mission creep in Washington. In this regard, U.S. officials would be wise to see through their strategy, completing a full military withdrawal from Syria in the first half of 2026.

Per the reports, anonymous U.S. officials have confirmed not only the planned withdrawal but the number of remaining troops in Syria. Noting roughly 1,000 American soldiers remained, the officials said that a conditions-based pullout was in the works, likely over the next two months. That effort entails closing or handing over the few remaining U.S. bases in Syria  already an ongoing effort in President Donald Trumps second term.

Troops have already left major bases like Al-Tanf in Syrias south and al-Shaddadi in the northeast in recent weeks. Those moves come as the central government in Damascus and the previously U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) began advancing a ceasefire and unification agreement reached after a month of fighting at the start of 2026. Washingtons thought process here is clear: With Damascus joining the anti-Islamic State mission in November 2025, U.S. officials have focused on government-controlled areas, transferring primary counterterrorism operations to the Syrian army and internal security forces.

For the Trump administration, the Syrian war is over, ending any pretense for troop deployments to fight a generally domestic terrorist insurgency that can and should be primarily handled by the new government. This thinking is logical considering the U.S.-led anti-ISIS coalition defeated the terror group and denied it a physical caliphate in 2019. While there are real concerns about the groups revival, the administration appears to be taking the necessary steps to ensure Damascus keeps ISIS at bay while continuing to provide support to the government that supplements its ground deployment.

Part of that process involves securing the prison camps holding ISIS fighters and their family members. To be sure, there are serious questions about this process, particularly ensuring basic due process and human rights for those held in these camps, largely without charge. Yet that issue does not negate the importance of ensuring an organized process for these individuals as opposed to risking major prison breaks that could bolster efforts to reconstitute ISIS. Both issues can and should be addressed in parallel.

The other aspect of that process necessitates coordination and intelligence sharing with Damascus. The U.S. has already conducted joint operations with the new authorities against ISIS, testing the central governments capacities. Washington can and should continue to provide this support from a distance in the ongoing fight to prevent an ISIS resurgence.

In this context, Washington will benefit from its new counterterrorism partner in the Middle East, saving substantial resources along the way. That says nothing of the importance of improved relations with Turkey, another partner in the region with a strong interest in preventing the reconstitution of ISIS. That relationship has long been strained due to the close U.S. relationship with the SDF, which holds strong connections to the Kurdistan Workers Party  Ankaras non-state archrival.

Equally important, especially amid potential war with Iran, is repositioning these troops from their exposed forward bases in Syrias northeast. For years, these locations served as easy targets for Iran and its so-called Axis of Resistance network of non-state armed groups. Their potential role as a trigger for conflict with Tehran, or as easy targets in any full-scale conflict with the Islamic Republic, offers more than enough grounds for Washington to shift course once and for all.

Given these benefits, Washington should continue and complete the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Syria. The Trump administration has wisely tried to resolve differences between Damascus and the countrys various minority groups, who fear a Sunni-dominated government that could opt to repress them in a fashion like that of the previous Assad regime. It can continue to do so at little cost and without troops on the ground. The United States under Trump values strong central states as direct partners to advance U.S. interests and should continue to do so with Syrias stability, unity and sound transition in mind  especially considering the potential external repercussions of any renewed, full-scale war in the country.

With the SDF question now largely sunsetting  albeit with plenty of space to falter  Washington is moving in the right direction so long as it centralizes these basic principles. Still, given the conditions-based nature of its pullout, a deployment situation akin to Iraq could possibly mark Syrias near-term future. In that context, a small contingent of U.S. troops remains in northern Iraqs Irbil. Time will tell just how much of a true and complete withdrawal occurs in Syria, but one fact is certain  it has been a long time coming.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, front center, attends the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) plenary session in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026. (Jonathan Ernst, Pool Photo via AP)



BASSETERRE, St. Kitts and Nevis  U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday defended the Trump administrations military operation to capture Venezuelas Nicolas Maduro, telling Caribbean leaders, many of whom objected to that move, that the country and the region were better off as a result.

Speaking to leaders from the 15-member Caribbean Community bloc at a summit in the country of St. Kitts and Nevis, Rubio brushed aside concerns about the legality of Maduros capture last month that have been raised among Venezuelas island-state neighbors and others.

Irrespective of how some of you may have individually felt about our operations and our policy toward Venezuela, I will tell you this, and I will tell you this without any apology or without any apprehension: Venezuela is better off today than it was eight weeks ago, Rubio told the leaders in a closed-door meeting, according to a transcript of his remarks later distributed by the U.S. State Department.

Rubio said that since Maduros ouster and the effective takeover of Venezuelas oil sector by the United States, the interim authorities in the South American country have made substantial progress in improving conditions by doing things that eight or nine weeks ago would have been unimaginable.

The Caribbean leaders have gathered to debate pressing issues in a region that President Donald Trump has targeted for a 21st-century incarnation of the Monroe Doctrine meant to ensure Washingtons dominance in the Western Hemisphere. The Republican administration has declared a focus closer to home even as Washington increasingly has been preoccupied by the possibility of a U.S. military attack on Iran.

His trip to the region came as Cubas government announced that its soldiers killed four people aboard a speedboat registered in Florida whose occupants it said opened fire on officers in Cuban waters.

Suffice it to say, it is highly unusual to see shootouts in open sea like that. Its not something that happens every day. Its something, frankly, that hasnt happened with Cuba in a very long time, Rubio told reporters. He said that the U.S. is gathering its own information and that well be prepared to respond accordingly.

Rubio downplays antagonism in US regional push

In his remarks to the group, Americas top diplomat tried to play down any antagonistic intent in what Trump has referred to as the Donroe Doctrine. Rubio said the administration wants to strengthen ties with the region following the Venezuela operation and ensure that issues such as crime and economic opportunities are jointly addressed.

I am very happy to be in an administration thats giving priority to the Western Hemisphere after largely being ignored for a very long time, Rubio said. We share common opportunities, and we share some common challenges. And thats what we hope to confront.

He said transnational criminal organizations pose the biggest threat to the Caribbean while recognizing that many are buying weapons from the United States, a problem he said authorities are tackling.

Rubio also said the U.S. and the Caribbean can work together on economic advancement and energy issues, especially because many leaders at the four-day summit have energy resources they seek to explore. We want to be your partner in that regard, he said.

Rubio said the U.S. recognizes the need for fair, democratic elections in Venezuela, which lies just miles away from Trinidad and Tobago at the closest point.

We do believe that a prosperous, free Venezuela whos governed by a legitimate government who has the interests of their people in mind could also be an extraordinary partner and asset to many of the countries represented here today, he said.

Trump plays up Maduros ouster

Trump, in his State of the Union address Tuesday night, called the operation that spirited Maduro out of Venezuela to face drug trafficking charges in New York an absolutely colossal victory for the security of the United States.

The U.S. had built up the largest military presence in the Caribbean Sea in generations before the Jan. 3 raid. That has now been exceeded by the surge of American warships and aircraft to the Middle East as the administration pressures Iran to make a deal over its nuclear program.

In the Caribbean, Trump has stepped up aggressive tactics to combat alleged drug smuggling with a series of strikes on boats that have killed over 150 people and he has tightened pressure on Cuba. Regional leaders have complained about administration demands for nations to accept third-country deportees and to chill relations with China.

One regional leader who has backed the U.S. escalation is Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, whom Rubio thanked for her public support, the State Department said.

Persad-Bissessar told reporters that her conversation with Rubio focused on Haiti; we talked about Cuba, of course; we talked about engagements with Venezuela and the way forward.

She was asked if she considered the latest U.S. military strikes in Caribbean waters as extrajudicial killings: I dont think they are, and if they are, we will find out, but our legal advice is they are not.

Rubio had other one-on-one meetings with heads of government, including those from St. Kitts and Nevis, Haiti, Jamaica and Guyana.

Caribbean leaders point to shifting global order

Terrance Drew, prime minister of St. Kitts and Nevis and chair of the Caribbean Community bloc, said the region stands at a decisive hour and that the global order is shifting.

Drew and other leaders said Cubas humanitarian situation must be addressed.

It must be clear that a prolonged crisis in Cuba will not remain confined to Cuba, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness warned. It will affect migration, security and economic stability across the Caribbean basin.

Rubio told reporters that he talked to Caribbean leaders about how the Cuba status quo is unacceptable. Cuba needs to change.

What the Cuban people should know is this, that if they are hungry and they are suffering, its not because were not prepared to help them. We are. Its that the people standing in the way of us helping them is the regime. Its their communist party, he said.

The U.S. Treasury Department on Wednesday slightly eased restrictions on the sale of Venezuelan oil to Cuba, which instituted austere fuel-saving measures in the weeks after the U.S. raid in Venezuela.

Coto reported from San Jose, Costa Rica. Associated Press reporter Anselm Gibbs in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, contributed to this report.
Japanese prosecutors indicted a civilian U.S. Navy employee on charges of smuggling psychedelic drugs into Japan by mail. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)



Japanese prosecutors indicted a civilian U.S. Navy employee Tuesday on charges of smuggling psychedelic drugs into Japan by mail.

David Adam Todd, 44, is accused of violating Japans Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act and Customs Law, a spokesman for the Yokohama District Public Prosecutors Office said by phone Tuesday.

A spokesman for the Kanagawa Prefectural Police identified Todd in January as a ship repairman.

Prosecutors allege Todd mailed capsules containing about 131 grams of powder with psilocybin and psilocin, along with about 146 grams of solid items containing psilocin, the prosecutors spokesman said. By comparison, a bar of soap or a medium-sized apple weighs about 130 grams.

The substances are naturally occurring psychoactive compounds found in psychedelic mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, and are classified as narcotics under Japanese law.

A person convicted of importing narcotics faces between one and 10 years in prison under the Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act.

Todd is accused of coordinating with an unknown accomplice to mail the drugs from a U.S. post office around July 22, the spokesman said. The package arrived at a Japanese airport between July 23 and 26.

Customs inspectors discovered the narcotics at a Yokohama post office, police said.

The drugs were sent through what police described as unofficial military mail, though it was not immediately clear whether that referred to the Military Postal Service Agency.

Todd was arrested Jan. 14 at his home in Hayama, about 5 miles west of Yokosuka Naval Base, police said.

Some Japanese government officials must speak to the media on condition of anonymity.

Randall Baucom, a spokesman for the U.S. Naval Ship Repair Facility and Japan Regional Maintenance Center, confirmed by email Jan. 15 that a civilian employee was under investigation for importing narcotics. He did not immediately respond Wednesday to a request for additional information.
U.S. Army Gen. Xavier Brunson, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, poses with South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, Jan. 6, 2026. (Daniela Lechuga/U.S. Army)



U.S. Forces Korea said Wednesday that it notified South Korea ahead of an Air Force exercise last week, but acknowledged that senior South Korean military leaders were apparently not briefed before the flights took place.

The statement follows unconfirmed South Korean media reports that U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcons briefly encountered Chinese aircraft during that training over the Yellow Sea on Feb. 18.

South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back lodged a complaint the following day with Army Gen. Xavier Brunson, commander of USFK, according to a Monday report by Yonhap News Agency, which cited unnamed military sources.

Yonhap reported that Ahn expressed concern that the U.S. command had not shared information about the exercise in advance.

USFK addressed the report in a statement to Stars and Stripes.

Gen. Xavier Brunson spoke directly with the Minister of National Defense to reiterate that notification had been provided to the [South Korean] side and expressed regret that [the minister] and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff were not briefed in time, said the statement texted Wednesday by USFK spokesman David Kim.

The statement did not specify when Brunson spoke with Ahn.

U.S. Forces Korea conducts regular training to maintain the highest level of readiness and ensure it can fulfill its mission, the statement said. We dont make apologies for maintaining readiness.

According to Yonhap, about 10 U.S. F-16s were training over the Yellow Sea when they entered an area between the air defense identification zones of South Korea and China. The U.S. contingent briefly encountered Chinese fighters, a rare occurrence.

The Chinese military responded very quickly to the U.S. fighters, demonstrating that the [army] stands ready at all times and the combat readiness string is pulled even tighter during holidays, Chinas state-run Global Times reported Friday. The outlet said the incident occurred during on the second day of the Lunar New Year holiday that began Feb. 17.

No U.S. command  from the Pentagon to the 51st Fighter Wing at Osan Air Base, South Korea  has publicly confirmed the reported aircraft encounter.

The allies are scheduled to hold one of their largest annual exercises, Freedom Shield, from March 9 to 19, officials said Wednesday at a press briefing in Seoul.

The exercise will include field training drills dubbed Warrior Shield, according to South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesman Col. Jang Do-young and USFK spokesman Col. Ryan Donald.

Freedom Shield and Warrior Shield will be a major defensive oriented exercise with tough, realistic, demanding training, Donald said.

Neither countrys military typically discloses which units are involved or where training will take place ahead of the exercise.

Freedom Shield will be an opportunity to further strengthen our readiness and capabilities through combined, joint, all-domain operations and to support ongoing preparations for a conditions-based wartime operational transition, consistent with alliance agreement, the spokesmen said.

The exercise will include scenarios aimed at deterring a North Korean nuclear threat, Jang said. He declined to provide further details, citing operational security.

Several United Nations countries will participate in the exercise, though the spokesmen did not name them.

The Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission will observe the exercise to ensure compliance with the armistice agreement that ended the 1950-53 Korean War, the officials said.
An Air Force CV-22B Osprey arrives at Yokota Air Base, Japan, April 5, 2018. (Stars and Stripes)



A U.S. Air Force CV-22 Osprey remained parked Wednesday at a civilian airport in northern Japan after making a precautionary landing earlier this week, Japanese defense officials said.

The tiltrotor aircraft, assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing at Kadena Air Base, landed at about 1:30 p.m. Monday at Iwate Hanamaki Airport in Hanamaki city, wing spokesman Capt. Cullen Drenkhahn said in an email Wednesday. No injuries or damage were reported, and commercial flights were not affected.

The landing was executed safely and in accordance with policies, he wrote. An assessment is ongoing to gather additional information.

The wings Ospreys are assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron at Yokota Air Base, a major airlift hub in western Tokyo.

The pilot made the precautionary landing in response to an inflight warning indicator, a spokesman for the Tohoku Defense Bureau said by phone Wednesday. The aircraft had been flying from Yokota to an unspecified destination, he said.

As of Wednesday morning, the Osprey remained parked on the apron and was undergoing inspections and maintenance, the spokesman said. It will depart once it is deemed safe to do so.

The bureau immediately dispatched personnel to the site and provided information to relevant local governments, he said.

Some Japanese government officials must speak to the press only on condition of anonymity.

An Osprey from the same squadron made a precautionary landing at that airport for the same reason on July 24 and departed the following day after inspections, a Tohoku Defense Bureau spokesman told Stars and Stripes at the time.

On Oct. 2, one of the squadrons tiltrotors touched down at Hamamatsu Air Base in Shizuoka prefecture, also due to a warning indicator light.

The Osprey, which can take off and land like a helicopter and cruise like a fixed-wing aircraft, has faced heightened scrutiny in Japan. The U.S. and Japanese militaries grounded their Osprey fleets for nearly three months after a Yokota-based CV-22B crashed off Yakushima Island in November 2023, killing eight airmen.

The crash was attributed to a catastrophic mechanical failure and what investigators described as a lack of urgency by the crew in addressing an engine issue.
A member of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit trains with an M27 infantry automatic rifle aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima in the Caribbean Sea, Feb. 4, 2026. (Emily Hazelbaker/U.S. Marine Corps)



The Marine Corps will keep the M27 automatic rifle as its standard service weapon rather than adopt the higher-caliber firearm being fielded by the Army, according to the amphibious force.

The Marine Corps will retain the M27 for our close combat formations as it best aligns with our unique service requirements, amphibious doctrinal employment of weapons, and distinct modernization priorities, the Corps said in a statement emailed Wednesday by spokesman Lt. Col. Eric Flanagan.

The M27 is a 5.56 mm rifle produced by Heckler & Koch that first saw combat use with Marines in Afghanistan in 2011. The Corps adopted it as the standard service rifle for all infantry battalions in 2018.

The Army, by contrast, is adopting the M7 rifle and M250 machine gun made by SIG Sauer to replace the M4 rifle and M249 machine gun.

The Army M7 production contract gave other customers  the Marine Corps included  an option to adopt the new rifle, Army Col. Scott Madore, project manager for soldier lethality, told reporters in April 2022.

The Marine Corps will monitor the Armys progress with the M7, according to Flanagans email.

The Armys new weapons fire a 6.8 mm round and are designed to provide increased lethality, longer range and advanced optics that service officials say will reshape small-unit tactics.

Soldiers with the 25th Infantry Division fire M7 rifles during marksmanship training at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Jan. 21, 2026. (Timothy Hamlin/U.S. Army)



On Jan. 30, the Army released photos showing members of a marksmanship unit training 25th Infantry Division soldiers in Hawaii on newly fielded M7 rifles.

Were not here to reinvent the wheel, Sgt. 1st Class Alexander Deal, a member of the marksmanship unit, said in a news release accompanying the photos. The fundamentals of marksmanship dont change, even when the weapon system does.

Australia-based defense researcher Allan Orr said the Marines decision represents a significant rebuke of the Armys approach.

The Marines most likely adversaries in a future conflict would be Chinese forces operating in dense urban and jungle terrain across Asia, he told Stars and Stripes in an email Wednesday.

In those environments, lessons from the Vietnam War still apply, Orr said, adding that fire-volume is more important than firepower.

Maintaining common ammunition with allied forces is also critical, particularly in Southeast Asia, where partners would be needed to offset Chinas numerical advantage, Orr wrote.

The issue of diverging cartridge sizes between U.S. services cant be overstated, he said.

This announcement (by the Marines) is a massive dis-endorsement of what Army is doing with its small-arms programs and a line drawn now in the Pacific sands, he said.
The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford docked at Souda naval base near the city of Chania, on the southern island of Crete, Greece, on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (Giannis Angelakis/AP)



CHANIA, Greece  Protesters gathered on the Greek island of Crete late Tuesday following the arrival of a U.S. aircraft carrier that is part of a major buildup of American forces in the Middle East.

The USS Gerald R. Ford, the worlds largest aircraft carrier, docked Monday at the American naval base at Souda Bay on Crete, amid warnings by U.S. President Donald Trump of possible military action against Iran.

The peaceful rally, backed by the Greek Communist Party, was held in the nearby port city of Chania. Protesters held up individual placards with letters spelling out Killers in English.

Regional tensions have spiked again, largely over the future of Irans nuclear program.
European military spending in 2025 rose 12.6% over the previous year, according to a report released Feb. 24, 2026, by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. The increase follows a pledge by NATO allies to boost defense investment, setting a new benchmark of 5% of gross domestic product for military spending, up from the previous 2% target. (Zachary Jakel/U.S. Air Force)



European defense spending increased at a record pace in 2025, outpacing Russian military outlays amid a broader slowdown in global expenditures on the armed forces, according to a new assessment.

Military spending worldwide reached $2.63 trillion in 2025, up from $2.48 trillion a year earlier, the International Institute for Strategic Studies said in a report released Tuesday.

That amounted to a year-on-year increase of 2.5%, marking a significant drop-off from the roughly 7.5% rate of recent years.

In Europe, however, spending continues to accelerate at a fast clip, with allocations adding up to $563 billion in 2025. That represented a 12.6% year-on-year increase, according to the institute.

The boost comes on the heels of a pledge by NATO allies to ramp up their investments, with 5% of gross domestic product as the new alliance benchmark for how much should be directed toward military spending. The previous NATO target was 2% of GDP.

Allies in 2025 agreed to a demand from President Donald Trump that 5% must serve as the alliances new formula, which should be reached by 2035.

Much of the recent increases in Europes defense spending can be credited to pressure from the US, the report said.

Trumps State of the Union address Tuesday included a reference to NATO countries boost in military expenditure.

Theyre our friends and theyre our allies, Trump said. Theyve just agreed, at my very strong request, to pay 5% of GDP for military defense rather than the 2%, which they werent paying. We were paying for almost all of NATO.

Current budget plans indicate that growth is expected to remain elevated in 2026, suggesting a sustained push to bolster European defense capabilities, the institute said.

Germany is the main driver, with spending up 18% in 2025. That comes on top of a 23% rise in 2024.

The situation marks a major turnaround for Europes economic powerhouse, which has a long history of being a spending defense laggard in NATO. That reversal has seen Germanys stature rise in the Trump administration.

While the country was frequently a target of Trump criticism during his first term, administration officials have praised Germany for stepping up its investments in defense.

Other European countries driving increases on the Continent are Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, which reached a combined total of $53.7 billion in 2025, more than double 2020 levels, the institute said.

(The) recent uplifts are the latest examples of a wider trend, where European defense spending has continually increased since 2014, when Russia invaded Crimea, according to the report.

Meanwhile, Russia in 2025 had an official defense budget of $161.2 billion, a 3% increase over 2024. Thats a sharp decline from 2024s 56.9% boost.

Growth was also muted in official Russian defense spending as Moscow realized efficiencies in its military-industrial complex, while also seeking to balance an already substantial defense burden with wider fiscal constraints, the report said.

Factors in the comparatively less steep global increase in military budgets were reduced U.S. military aid to Ukraine and restrictions on former President Joe Bidens final defense budget, the report said.

In Asia, combined defense spending reached $573 billion, a 5.7% boost from 2024. China and its estimated $251 billion baseline budget was the main driver of the increase, IISS said.

Consistent uplifts in China over the last decade have outpaced growth in the wider region in most years. As a result, Beijings share of regional defense spending has grown to almost 44% in 2025, up from 39% in 2017, the report said.

The U.S. has long said countering China in the Indo-Pacific is a top issue. However, security in the Western Hemisphere is now the top priority, according to the Pentagons new defense strategy.
A NATO E-3A Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft is shown in this undated photo. Multiple NATO AWACS planes have been deployed to Turkey amid ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, according to an alliance spokesman. (NATO)



NATO surveillance aircraft are keeping an eye on the alliances southern border amid ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran.

NATO Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft operations in Turkey have shifted their focus from Russia to Iran, Bloomberg reported Tuesday.

Col. Martin ODonnell, spokesman for Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, said Wednesday that multiple AWACS aircraft are deployed to Turkey.

Their job is to enhance the Alliances air and maritime picture as part of NATOs tailored assurance measures to its southern Ally, ODonnell said in a statement.

The aircraft are now addressing Ankaras concerns about the situation with Iran and possible influx of refugees on Turkeys eastern border, Bloomberg reported, citing unidentified officials.

Open source flight tracking data show an uptick in AWACS flights in that area. NATOs advanced E-3A AWACS radar aircraft are operating from the central Anatolian city of Konya, Bloomberg reported.

NATOs AWACS are constantly on the move and will soon join Arctic Sentry, a new effort focused on boosting security in the High North, ODonnell said.

Based in Geilenkirchen, Germany, the NATO fleet of AWACS planes can monitor events in Iran from Turkey given their ability to track activity some 250 miles away.

The Pentagon recently has been surging military aircraft, ships and other capabilities into the Middle East in preparation for a potential strike on Iran.

President Donald Trump said during his State of the Union address Tuesday that he is aiming for a diplomatic solution to avert a military confrontation with Iran over its nuclear program.

My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy, Trump said. But one thing is certain: I will never allow the number one state sponsor of terrorism, which they are by far, to have a nuclear weapon. Cant let that happen. And no nation should ever doubt Americas resolve.
A woman sits in front of a grave of her relative during a memorial service for fallen Ukrainian soldiers during a ceremony to mark the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in Bucha, Ukraine, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (Sergei Grits/AP)



KYIV, Ukraine  A Ukrainian delegation will meet with U.S. President Donald Trumps envoys in the run-up to another round of trilateral talks with Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Wednesday.

Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraines National Security and Defense Council, is due to hold talks with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on Thursday in Geneva, Zelenskyy told reporters.

A U.S. push for peace has already brought Russia and Ukraine to the table in Abu Dhabi and Geneva this year, but the talks have produced no breakthrough on key differences as Russias invasion of its neighbor enters its fifth year.

Thursdays meeting will address details of a possible postwar recovery plan for Ukraine and discuss preparations for an upcoming trilateral meeting with Moscow officials, Zelenskyy said, adding that he has also tasked Umerov with discussing a possible prisoner exchange.

Ukraine expects the U.S.-brokered talks with Russia to take place next week, Zelenskyy said.

Witkoff said Tuesday he would meet Umerov in Geneva for talks that could be followed by a trilateral meeting in Florida.

The Swiss city is also expected to host a round of nuclear talks on Thursday between the United States and Iran.

Previous talks with Russia and Ukraine have largely resolved the question of security guarantees, Witkoff said. Both sides are engaging with the peace efforts, with almost daily conversations taking place between officials, he said.

Washington is not pressuring Ukraine to concede on any point, and the Russians have shown some moderation, Witkoff told the Yalta European Strategy  an international annual leaders forum organized by the Victor Pinchuk Foundation in Kyiv.

On Tuesday, amid events marking the fourth anniversary of Russias invasion, Zelenskyy noted that Russia has not defeated Ukraine nor broken the Ukrainian spirit, despite Moscows bigger and better equipped army and heavy bombardment of civilian areas.

Ukrainian forces have in recent months pushed Russias army back at points along the roughly 750-mile front line in eastern areas of the country, according to the Institute for the Study of War.

The significant gains are the biggest since 2024, the Washington-based think tank said, though they are unlikely to grow into major offensives as Ukraine struggles with a troop shortage. Even so, they likely will disrupt Russian plans for a spring-summer offensive, it said.

Ukraine has also continued its almost nightly long-range drone barrage of military and allied infrastructure targets deep inside Russia.

The U.S. State Department has expressed its displeasure with Ukraines recent attacks on the Russian port of Novorossiysk on the Black Sea that have impacted U.S. oil interests in Kazakhstan, Kyivs chief envoy to Washington said Tuesday.

A Ukrainian drone attack on the Dorogobuzh fertilizer plant in western Russias Smolensk region killed seven workers, injured 10 people and caused a fire, Gov. Vasily Anokhin said.

Ukrainian authorities said Russia attacked with 115 drones overnight, including one strike on a village in the southern Zaporizhzhia district that killed four people and injured a child, the State Emergency Service said.
MAPUTO, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- The Mozambican government has approved a new package of maritime regulations aimed at aligning the country's legal framework with international standards, strengthening navigation safety, and enhancing the competitiveness of its ports in southern Africa.

The measures, approved at a meeting of the Council of Ministers on Tuesday, include a new regulation on maritime aids to navigation and another on the measurement of vessel tonnage.

According to government spokesperson Inocencio Impissa, the new navigation regulation establishes technical standards applicable to navigable waters along Mozambique's coastline and areas under national jurisdiction.

The move updates legislation dating back to 1960 and aligns the country with international conventions under the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation, Impissa said.

Authorities expect the reform to increase cargo volumes handled at national ports, improve logistical efficiency, and generate additional state revenue through service fees.

It is said that the updated rules will reinforce maritime safety, help prevent accidents, and improve passenger comfort by clearly defining vessel capacity limits.

Mozambique's strategic coastline and its ports, including Maputo, Beira, and Nacala, serve as key gateways for landlocked countries in the region, making maritime efficiency a critical component of regional trade integration. 
The failed procedural vote came as Democrats and the White House remained deadlocked over Democrat demands for new restrictions on immigration agents. The impasse appeared unlikely to resolve by Feb. 27, 2026, the next scheduled pay day for the Coast Guards 41,000 uniformed members. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)



WASHINGTON  The Senate on Tuesday again failed to advance to a vote on funding for the Department of Homeland Security, raising the prospect that Coast Guard personnel will miss paychecks on Friday.

The failed procedural vote came as Democrats and the White House remained deadlocked over Democrats demands for new restrictions on immigration agents. The impasse appeared unlikely to be resolved before the next scheduled payday for the Coast Guards 41,000 uniformed members.

Funding for the department, which oversees the Coast Guard in peacetime, lapsed on Feb. 14 for the second time in less than six months.

During last falls 43-day governmentwide shutdown, the Trump administration tapped into funds from a sprawling Republican spending bill passed last year to keep the Coast Guards active-duty personnel paid.

More than a dozen House Republicans representing districts with a significant Coast Guard presence asked President Donald Trump in a letter on Friday to take similar action to protect pay for service members again.

On behalf of the constituents we represent, many of whom serve in or directly support the Coast Guard, we respectfully urge you to once again use every authority at your disposal to ensure that these dedicated service members do not miss a paycheck, they wrote.

Vice Adm. Thomas Allan, the vice commandant of the Coast Guard, warned lawmakers this month that interruptions in pay harm service member morale and negatively impact readiness.

Missed pay erodes the trust our men and women have in the nation they serve and those who lead them, he said.

It also affects the Coast Guards ability to recruit and retain members, Allan said, at a time when the service is struggling with staffing shortfalls and workforce planning, according to the Government Accountability Office.

The Coast Guards most vital missions, including its search and rescue operations as well as national security work alongside Defense Department personnel such as drug interdictions, are continuing during the shutdown. But other activities have been halted.

Routine patrols, some enforcement of fisheries laws, commercial vessel safety inspections and other work that does not protect the safety of life or property from imminent danger stops during shutdowns.

Training for pilots, aircrews and boat crews is also paused, and maintenance is deferred for cutters, aircraft and boats.

This results in grounded aircraft, static cutters, and a multimillion-dollar parts backlog that can take time to fix, Allan said.

Coast Guard personnel last missed paychecks during a funding fight in December 2018, which shuttered the Department of Homeland Security for 35 days. That shutdown forced some families to rely on food banks and led to a law making federal employees eligible for back pay once a shutdown ends.
Service members salute during a ceremony at the Naval Consolidated Brig at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., on May 12, 2025. Army Pfc. J Quan Fields, 23, who worked as a corrections officer at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., was sentenced to 13 years at the California facility for a range of crimes including sexual assault and domestic violence. (Jackson Rush/U.S. Marine Corps)



A soldier who worked as a corrections officer at the militarys primary detention facility will spend more than a decade on the other side of prison bars for sexual offenses and domestic violence.

Pfc. J Quan Fields, 23, was sentenced by a military judge to 13 years at the Naval Consolidated Brig Miramar in California as part of a plea deal, according to an Army statement Tuesday.

In addition, Fields will be reduced to the rank of private and dishonorably discharged. He was a prison guard at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.

Fields had pleaded not guilty to one count each of rape and communicating a threat, but last week he was convicted on both charges by the judge in his general court-martial.

In addition, he pleaded guilty to one specification each of sexual assault, domestic violence, communicating a threat and violating a military protection order.

As part of the plea agreement, another domestic violence charge and one other charge of violating a military protection order were dismissed, the statement said.

An investigation into Fields was launched in 2024 after his pregnant wife, who was also a service member, reported that he had grabbed her by the neck during a fight at their home and had previously threatened to kill her, according to the statement.

Investigators also learned of a sexual assault accusation stemming from a dispute at a party he hosted at his home in October 2024. The woman in that case was a co-worker of Fields, the Army statement said.

Authorities also found a second woman who said Fields sexually assaulted her at her home in December 2024 after the two met at a local bar, according to the statement.

Fields was placed in pretrial confinement in April 2025 after repeatedly violating a military protection order issued for his wife by the Army Criminal Investigation Division.

Fields crimes represent a profound betrayal of the trust placed in him as a service member and a corrections specialist, Derek Tilton, an Army CID special agent, said in Tuesdays statement.

After completing his sentence, Fields will be required to register as a sex offender.
U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover receives a Medal of Honor during President Donald Trump's State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (Alex Brandon/AP)



WASHINGTON  A helicopter pilot wounded in the raid that captured then-Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro received the Medal of Honor during President Donald Trumps State of the Union address Tuesday evening.

Trump said Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover, who appeared using a walker, was the pilot of the lead CH-47 Chinook helicopter that descended on the heavily protected military fortress that held Maduro during a raid that, while successful, left seven U.S. service members with gunshot wounds and shrapnel-related injuries.

While preparing to land, enemy machine guns fired from every angle, and Eric was hit very badly in the leg and hip, one bullet after another, Trump said, adding that Slover absorbed four agonizing shots, shredding his leg into numerous pieces.

Months of covert planning led to the brazen operation that plunged the South American countrys capital into darkness as troops infiltrated Maduros home and whisked him to the United States to face drug trafficking charges.

Trumps description of Slovers actions that night offer a new, detailed glimpse into the military action that has been largely shrouded in secrecy since it was carried out in the early hours of Jan. 3.

As Slover prepared to land his helicopter, he was confronted with two machine gunners who escaped the wrath of the previous planes, according to Trump.

Eric maneuvered his helicopter with all of those lives and souls to face the enemy and let his gunners eliminate the threat, Trump said, saving the lives of his fellow warriors from what could have been a catastrophic crash deep in enemy territory.

The president said the success of the entire mission and the lives of his fellow warriors hinged on Erics ability to take searing pain.

Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga, commander of Joint Special Operations Command, presented Slover with the Medal of Honor in the gallery overlooking the House chamber.

Slover was in his dress uniform and used a walker to steady himself. Trump said the soldier was still recovering from his wounds.

Trump also said 10 other service members who took part in the operation will be receiving medals at a private ceremony soon to be held at the White House.
The USS Gerald R. Ford transits the Caribbean Sea on Jan. 19, 2026. The Ford, the worlds largest aircraft carrier, arrived in the Mediterranean Sea this month amid a rapid buildup of U.S. military assets near Iran. (Nathan Sears/U.S. Navy)



The United States is still leaning toward diplomacy with Iran even as it readies one of the largest military buildups in the Middle East in years, President Donald Trump said.

In his State of the Union address on Tuesday, Trump touted the power of the U.S. military but suggested that a negotiated solution could be reached.

Irans uranium enrichment program has been the subject of fitful talks for months, and Trump has made it clear that hes willing to use force if Iran doesnt give in to American demands for an end to its uranium enrichment efforts.

(Iranians) want to make a deal, but we havent heard those secret words: We will never have a nuclear weapon,  Trump said. My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy. But one thing is certain: I will never allow the worlds number one sponsor of terror  to have a nuclear weapon.

The U.S. has deployed a host of warships and fighter jets to the Middle East in recent weeks.

The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group arrived in the Mediterranean Sea on Friday, joining the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, which is in the Arabian Sea.

In all, the U.S. has deployed some 16 warships to the region and shifted more than 150 aircraft to bases in Europe and the Middle East, according to publicly available flight tracking data and satellite images reviewed by The Washington Post.

During his speech, the president touted previous military operations against Iran, including the assassination of Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani in early 2020 and last years Operation Midnight Hammer, which targeted Irans nuclear facilities.

Trump also emphasized the threat that a nuclear-armed Iran would pose. Iranian missiles already can reach Europe and U.S. bases in the Persian Gulf, and Tehran is working to build missiles that can reach the continental United States, Trump said.

After Midnight Hammer, they were warned to make no future attempts to rebuild their weapons program in a particular area: nuclear weapons, he said. Yet they continue starting it all over. We wiped it out and they want to start all over again and are at this moment again pursuing their sinister ambitions.

It is still unclear whether and to what extent Trump is willing to strike Iran. Leaders in Tehran have also indicated that they are interested in making a deal but said they will not hesitate to retaliate should the U.S. attack.

The next round of bilateral nuclear talks about Irans nuclear program is slated to start Thursday in Geneva.
From left, Sen. Ruben Gallego D-Ariz., Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., and Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill., join Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., for a news conference as they criticize President Donald Trump's policies and agenda ahead of his State of the Union speech, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)



WASHINGTON  Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is appealing a judges order that blocks him from punishing Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly, a former Navy pilot, for participating in a video that called on troops to resist unlawful orders, according to a court filing on Tuesday.

Justice Department officials filed a notice that they wil ask a panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to review the Feb. 12 ruling by U.S. District Judge Richard Leon.

Kelly, who represents Arizona, said in a social media post that the only reason for Hegseth to appeal is to keep trampling on the free speech rights of retired veterans and silence dissent.

These guys dont know when to quit, Kelly wrote on his X account.

Hegseth had vowed to immediately appeal Leons decision. Sedition is sedition, Captain, he posted on his X account, referring to Kelly by his rank at retirement.

In November, Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers appeared on a video in which they urged troops to uphold the Constitution and not to follow unlawful military directives from the Trump administration. Republican President Donald Trump accused the lawmakers of sedition punishable by DEATH in a social media post days later.

Earlier this month, a Washington grand jury declined to indict the lawmakers over the video.

Kelly sued in federal court to block his Jan. 5 censure from Hegseth. Leons order prohibits the Pentagon from implementing or enforcing Kellys punishment while his lawsuit is pending.

Leon ruled that Pentagon officials not only violated Kellys First Amendment free speech rights, but they also threatened the constitutional liberties of millions of military retirees. The judge invoked an old-fashioned rebuke -- Horsefeathers! -- in response to the governments claim that Kelly is trying to exempt himself from the rules of military justice.

To say the least, our retired veterans deserve more respect from their Government, and our Constitution demands they receive it! wrote Leon, who was nominated to the bench by Republican President George W. Bush.

The 90-second video was first posted on a social media account belonging to Slotkin. Reps. Jason Crow of Colorado, Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania, Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania also appeared in the video. All of the participants are veterans of the armed services or intelligence agencies.
Coleman Nee, the national commander of Disabled American Veterans, testifies during a joint House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committee hearing on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)



WASHINGTON  The Disabled American Veterans top leader delivered a dire message to lawmakers on Capitol Hill Tuesday, warning that a continued shift of resources from the Department of Veterans Affairs to the private sector risks hollowing out the only health care system in the country that is purpose-built for veterans.

Coleman Nee, the DAVs national commander, testified at a joint House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committee hearing to hear the policymaking priorities of veterans advocacy groups.

The presentation of legislative agendas to lawmakers is an annual bipartisan tradition that enables the nations major veterans groups to present their priorities for specific bills pending in Congress.

But Nee, who was joined at the witness table by a contingent of DAV officers, focused on what he described as a defining crossroad for VAs network of hospitals and clinics, as the agency embarks on a $1 trillion plan to expand private-sector health coverage over the next decade.

As resources, talent and expertise are siphoned away, the VAs ability to function deteriorates  creating a self-fulfilling prophecy in which weakened performance is used to justify further destruction of the department, said Nee, a Marine Corps veteran with service-connected disabilities.

Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H., said he appreciated DAVs focus on strengthening the VA.

I share your deep concerns about VA not being there for future generations and efforts to dismantle the workforce  and carry out reorganization  without significant feedback from veterans and other stakeholders, Pappas said.

Nee said the VA has struggled to adapt to the evolving needs of modern veterans, which include addressing coverage gaps in rural areas and meeting demands from the growing population of female veterans, who more frequently use community care.

Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., makes remarks during a joint House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committee hearing on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)



Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., acting chairwoman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, asked about DAV support for private health care in remote communities where veterans live a considerable distance from a VA clinic or hospital.

Mace was filling in for Rep. Mike Bost, R-Ill., the committee chairman, who was absent due to travel delays from snowstorms blanketing swaths of the nation.

Jon Retzer, DAVs national legislative director, said the organization supports an integrated community network of private providers that more closely aligns with the practices within the VA health care system.

The DAV, for example, favors competency standards for private providers authorized to receive reimbursements to care for veterans, Retzer said. The competency standards should be the same that VA doctors and nurses must meet, he said.

Nee also urged lawmakers to better fortify VA hospitals and clinics through targeted investments in an era of downsizing government services.

He pointed to the need to decrease wait times for appointments, update aging medical facilities and fill critical vacancies for medical staff.

On one path lies the dismantling, fragmentation and gradual erosion of a system built to serve veterans. On the other lies a principled effort to modernize and strengthen and safeguard the VA health care system, he said.

Retzer emphasized the importance of a digitized system for patient records that can be shared between the VA, Defense Department and authorized non-VA community providers.

Rep. Kimberlyn King-Hinds, a Republican representing the Northern Mariana Islands, asked what is the one thing that Congress can do over the next five years to ensure the long-term viability of the VA system.

We need mandatory funding to keep it strong and healthy, Retzer said.

Core VA medical care has historically been funded through annual congressional appropriations, which are discretionary, though the PACT Act mandates spending on benefits for toxic-exposed veterans.
GUIYANG, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese super projects served as major tourism draws during the Spring Festival holiday which ended earlier this week, showcasing the nation's engineering prowess while also boosting cultural and economic vitality.

The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in southwest China's Guizhou Province, recognized as the world's highest bridge, attracted over 300,000 visitors in just nine days from Feb. 15 to 23, with 75 percent being self-driving tourists and more than half of them from other provinces.

Integrated with tourism from its design phase, the bridge offers immersive experiences like VR bungee jumping and traditional folk activities, transforming it into a comprehensive travel destination.

This bridge-tourism model has spurred local development, creating nearly 1,000 jobs and increasing per capita annual income by more than 48,000 yuan (about 6,924 U.S. dollars) during its construction phase.

Such mega projects are not just feats of engineering but also catalysts for rural revitalization, as seen in Huajiang Village, where over 40 residents returned home to start businesses such as hostels and food stalls.

Similarly, the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST), dubbed "China Sky Eye," located in Guizhou's Pingtang County, has evolved into a popular astronomy-themed park, blending science education with ecological tourism during the 2026 holiday.

Interactive exhibits drew families to the site. Li Hong, a self-driving tourist from several hundred kilometers away, noted how the trip had planted "seeds of curiosity" in her child about space exploration.

Authorities are leveraging these sites to promote high-quality tourism products, aiming to build international hubs for science popularization and study tours.

This fusion of technology and tourism reflects a broader trend, with the 2026 Spring Festival having seen 596 million domestic trips nationwide, an increase of 95 million compared to the eight-day Spring Festival holiday in 2025, highlighting a surge in experiential travel.

"We are committed to creating an immersive new form of astronomical cultural tourism around the FAST that integrates sightseeing, experiences and popular science education, enabling visitors to feel the nation's scientific and technological development and the progress of the times through interaction," the scenic area operator said. 
SUR in English Malaga Wednesday, 25 February 2026, 17:08 Share

Europe has plenty of countries to decide to invest in, and making that choice should be based on certain reasons, or at least on a checklist that ticks most of the boxes. One of those countries could be Cyprus, if you are interested in a destination where the quality of life blends perfectly with the possibility of having your own business for a tranquil way of life. So, here are 5 reasons why Cyprus is worth investing in at this moment.

1. High quality of life

Since it was mentioned from the beginning, maybe it is a good idea to expand the quality of life reason to invest in Cyprus. Picture you want to move to a sunny country where you can start your own business and your family benefits from great education and healthcare. Cyprus can deliver on this point, and more importantly, it is also an English-speaking country, so almost close to no language barrier.

When it comes to doing business here, you will find it easy to start a business in Cyprus, especially if you already have an idea, or you can decide on the spot, especially since there are many sectors that work or that are expanding rapidly. From a legal perspective, we recommend working professionals such as BridgeWest Cyprus to ensure compliance with the company registration and licensing requirements. This way, you will understand why many entrepreneurs choose it as a business destination.

2. Many investment opportunities

Are you a professional and want to offer your services here or to clients in the European Union? Choose Cyprus, as it is an EU member state, so most of the directives are already integrated into the national legislation. Or maybe you want to start a small business in the IT sector. Once again, Cyprus is definitely a place to do business from. Of course, you can also direct your attention to other industries, such as tourism and shipping, if you want to launch a larger enterprise. The point is that Cyprus has the infrastructure to support any size of business.

3. Taxation, one of the most appealing reasons to invest in Cyprus

Taxation is perhaps the obvious reason to choose Cyprus over larger or similar European countries. With a corporate tax rate of 15%, it is one of the most attractive places to do business in the European Union. When it comes to the personal income tax, the system is a progressive one, with the first EUR 19,500 made in a year free of any charges.

4. The Cyprus Residency by Investment Scheme

Cyprus is one of the few European countries to still have a residency by investment scheme, and one of the means you can invest is real estate purchase. Now, if you want to mix investment with good time, you can buy a property here and rent it throughout the year and use it while on vacation. Moreover, you can purchase up to two properties, so generating income here is not difficult at all, given Cyprus reputation as a tourist destination.

5. Steady and growing economy

There is no better country to invest in than one with a stable economy. This is the case of Cyprus, which has registered remarkable economic results in the past few years despite the uncertainties in the region. These results were influenced by the fact that the Government understood that economic reforms and incentives for foreign investment play an important role in the development of the country and the well-being of the population.

These are only 5 of the advantages of investing in Cyprus, but if you search further, you will definitely find others. If at least 2 or 3 of them tick your checklist, you should definitely look into starting a business here or investing in another way that suits you best.
The slope stabilisation work in Alora is the key to the reopening of the high-speed line in Malaga province.

Chus Heredia Wednesday, 25 February 2026, 14:28 | Updated 17:10h. Share

There will be no direct trains between Malaga and Madrid (or, for that matter, Zaragoza, Barcelona and Cordoba) at least until 23 March.

SUR learnt about this after speaking to private operators Iryo and Outigo, which have started to cancel trains and refund tickets. According to them, state rail infrastructure company Adif has released an internal statement to inform them of the new delay.

This creates uncertainty as to whether the Easter travel campaing, which starts on Friday, 27 March, will run smoothly.

The high-speed line between Malaga and Madrid was initially cut after the Adamuz train crash on 18 January. That streth, however, is now open, but the collapse of a slope in Alora (5 February) hinders reopening the line in Malaga province.

According to Adif, the terrain in Alora, which soaked a lot of water during the recent storms, complicates the stabilisation process. This is what makes setting a deadline difficult.

As an alternative, state railway operator Renfe has established 14 daily services (seven in each direction), with a bus transfer from Malaga to Antequera, after which passengers can continue up north by train. The same process takes place in the opposite direction.

City council meeting

The state of the high-speed rail will be the central topic at the next city council meeting in Malaga on Thursday.

Mayor of Malaga Francisco de la Torre has expressed his concerns over the situation. According to him, there are serious maintenance and investment questions that must be resolved.

The suspension of the high-speed line has a serious effect on tourism in Malaga. According to the provincial authority, the financial loss due to the lack of high-speed trains amounts to almost 110 million euros, with lower hotel occupancy and tourist expenditure than a year ago.
Image of the weapons seized by the Guardia Civil.

Eugenio Cabezas Wednesday, 25 February 2026, 15:54 Share

Police have dismantled a sophisticated poaching gang accused of illegally hunting and decapitating protected mountain goats in the Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural Park.

TheGuardia Civil operation, launched following reports of animal carcasses found without heads, has led to multiple arrests in the Nerja and Almunecar areas. Investigators believe the group operated under the cover of darkness, using high-tech equipment to bypass environmental protections.

The perpetrators took advantage of the rutting season and the complex terrain to make raids at dusk

"The brutality of the finds - animals simply left to rot after being decapitated - suggests a group motivated by the prestige of the kill," a spokesperson for the Civil Guard stated.

During the raids, officers seized:

 Illegal firearms: Rifles modified with silencers to avoid detection by local residents and rangers.

 Specialised optics: Thermal and night-vision goggles used to track the goats in difficult terrain.

 Trophies: Several goat heads in various stages of preparation for mounting.

The Maro-Cerro Gordo Cliffs is a high-protection zone straddling the provinces of Malaga and Granada. Environmental groups have long warned that illegal hunting in these areas disturbs the delicate balance of the ecosystem and poses a danger to hikers and tourists.

The detainees now face charges of crimes against flora and fauna, illegal possession of weapons, and belonging to a criminal organisation. Under current Spanish law, these offences carry significant fines and potential prison sentences.

This latest strike against poaching is part of a broader regional effort to protect the Axarquias natural heritage. Authorities have increased drone surveillance and night patrols in the cliffs following a rise in reported sightings of suspicious activity.

Police have confirmed that the investigation remains open, as they believe the group may have connections to a wider network of illegal trophy collectors across the south of Spain.
Eugenio Cabezas Wednesday, 25 February 2026, 12:38 Share

The iconic umbrellas, first installed in July 2015, are set to be reinstated above Torrox's Plaza de la Constitucion. The eastern Costa del Sol town hall has begun installing a new structure that will support the colourful umbrellas, coinciding with the final stage of the comprehensive modernisation of the town's main square.

The umbrellas were taken down in 2024 when a major project got under way to modernise the square. Now approximately 600 parasols, which will be made from more modern and resistant materials, will provide shade for locals and visitors to the town.

Since their initial installation the umbrellas have served as a tourist attraction, bringing visitors to Torrox Pueblo - and have become an iconic part of its identity, becoming a powerful resource for promoting tourism on social and other media.

The work to modernise Plaza de la Constitucion has involved improving the visual connection between Plaza de Don Agustin Galvez and Nuestra Senora de la Encarnacion church. Measures have also been taken to improve accessibility and ensure greater safety conditions.

Mayor of Torrox, Oscar Medina, said that the town hall has sought to "guarantee the safety, functionality and tourist appeal" of one of the most representative areas of the municipality, "reinforcing its commitment to the historic centre as the cultural and economic engine of the town".

However, the spokesperson for the opposition socialist PSOE party in the town hall, Mari Nieves Ramirez, has strongly criticised the mayor's management of the work in Plaza de la Constitucion, describing it as "disastrous and negligent".

According to the councillor, after three terms in office and 300 million euros of investment, the mayor has been "unable to offer a definitive and dignified solution for the municipality's main public space".

Ramirez has questioned the lack of explanations about the actual cost of the work and items like the umbrellas, which she says, "represent a recurring expense". For the PSOE, the square "has become a symbol of a form of government based on improvisation and uncontrolled spending" and argued that the municipality "deserves a space in keeping with its history and identity".
Nuria Triguero Malaga Wednesday, 25 February 2026, 11:10 Share

The future IMEC nanoelectronics hub in Malaga city will mainly work with biology, healthcare and life sciences. The chips this centre will prototype will facilitate DNA sequencing to monitor neuronal activy in the brain or to analyse a person's fluids with minute samples.

On Tuesday, CEO of IMEC Spain Karen van Gils highlighted how "microchips and artificial intelligence" are shaping the medicine of today. IMEC's work is essential in this field of research.

"One of the things we have been working on over the last few years is with US company PacBio. We have reduced the space needed to sequence the human genome from over 20 cubic metres to a chip of one cubic centimetre. With this, we have reduced the price from five million to one thousand dollars, which has made it affordable for a lot of research. This is the path that will lead us to personalised medicine," Van Gils said.

Another IMEC product is 'neuropixel': state-of-the-art high-density electrodes that allow the simultaneous recording of the electrical activity of hundreds of individual neurons.

"It is a research tool, not yet a clinical tool, but it is already used by more than 1,500 laboratories in the world," IMEC Spain's CEO said. The hub in Malaga will develop an "extremely small" photonic chip capable of collecting a lot of information from a person's bodily fluids.

"Leuven and Malaga will work as one integrated operation, with Malaga focusing on tasks that will complement what we do in Leuven. There will be possibilities here in Malaga that we don't have in Belgium and vice versa," Van Gils said.

Photonics for quantum computing is another very important area of research that might find an application in Malaga.
Stefano Diaz and Jose Miguel Cisneros at the new Yuzu Pastry in Malaga.

Marina Martinez Wednesday, 25 February 2026, 14:27 Share

The lovers of Japanese desserts in Malaga will be happy to hear that famous Fuengirola-based Yuzu Pastry is opening in the Costa del Sol capital.

What's more, the first 100 people that go to the new premises on Calle Jovellanos 7 (the El Perchel area) on Thursday will get free mochis. Yuzu Pastry's official opening is at 5pm on 26 February.

After three years in Fuengirola, founders Stefano Diaz and Jose Miguel Cisneros were inspired to open in Malaga, given the high number of customers who go to the coastal town from the city just for the products of Yuzu Pastry.

The patisserie has made a name for itself in half of Spain as a reference for Japanese mochis, even distributing to different parts of the country. Yuzu Pastry offers a variety of flavours and toppings: from mango with white chocolate (one of the most popular) to matcha, pistachio and salted caramel.

Sherezade Nunez runs the bakery and prepares a variety of other desserts, including several types of tiramisu (classic, matcha and pistachio); origami cake, with a chocolate brownie base, a layer of Belgian milk chocolate mousse, a central core of pistachio praline and a Madagascar vanilla mousse topping; or the Stranger Things mochi with black icing, milk chocolate mousse filling and strawberry jam core.

Yuzu Pastry also prepares the hit spongy, 'cotton' cheesake. It is one of the first places to offer this dessert in the province, with a local touch of sultanas from Malaga.

They also make classic cheesecakes with different flavours (salted caramel, Belgian chocolate, pistachio and matcha with white chocolate). The drink options include coffee and matcha tea.

Zoom Display case with mochis, tiramisu and cheesecakes. Marilu Baez

Diaz and Cisneros have had their eyes on Malaga for a while. "We were looking forward to also having our presence in Malaga," Cisneros told SUR.

Zoom Variety of mochis available on the premises. Mairlu Baez

They chose the location by chance - Cisneros lives near the Maria Zambrano station and found out that the premises was vacant and ready for Yuzu Pastry.

Their idea for the design focused on minimalism: a display, a counter and the menu on the wall that lists the delicious treats, a "fusion of French and Japanese pastry techniques", as Diaz explained.

Yuzu Pastry will be open from Monday to Saturday, from 12pm to 8pm. The bakery also offers take-away and delivery options.

The founders say that this is only their first location in Malaga, with more to come in the future.
Tourism review finds continued growth in Mijas throughout 2025 The Costa del Sol town saw increases in accommodation, businesses and workers, which mayor Ana Mata described as very satisfactory

Tony Bryant Wednesday, 25 February 2026, 11:50 Share

The tourism sector in Mijas expanded throughout 2025, seeing a rise in accommodation capacity, active businesses, and employment.

These findings were presented this week by the mayor, Ana Mata, based on data from the Costa del Sol tourism and planning board.

The mayor described the figures as very satisfactory, noting specifically that the number of available beds increased by 9% compared with 2024.

Tourism councillor Francisco Jerez said, This reflects a diversified structure that allows us to adapt to different visitor profiles and new market demands.

The councillor pointed out that tourist rental properties lead these statistics, but the number of places has also increased in hotels, rural guesthouses, apartments, campsites and hostels.

This means that Mijas is growing as a tourist destination and is becoming increasingly prominent on the Costa del Sol because it is ever more in demand, he stated.

As far as hotel accommodation is concerned, virtually all places currently in service in the municipality (96 per cent) are four- and five-star.

However, the mayor pointed out the need to increase hotel capacity, for which, she said, the urban planning department will prioritise applications aimed at investment in the construction of new hotels or the upgrading of hotel categories.

The review showed that employment in tourism is also growing in Mijas, with more than 7,000 people registered with the social security system in this sector. This figure represents five per cent of all tourism workers in the province as a whole. The main increases have been recorded in travel agencies, tour operators and vehicle hire companies.

With regard to the number of businesses, the total is close to 800, an increase of 2.9 per cent compared with 2024, representing 5.5 per cent of the provincial total.

Tourism continues to be an essential pillar of our local economy, especially in catering, tourist transport and accommodation, which account for the bulk of activity and employment. We are talking about thousands of families in Mijas whose stability depends directly on the good health of the sector, Jerez said.

ITB Berlin travel fair

Mijas will step up its presence at the main international tourism forums this year. It will attend ITB Berlin next month, one of the worlds most important travel fairs, where the new promotional campaign will be launched as part of a strategy aimed at strengthening our positioning in key European markets and consolidating the image of Mijas as a quality destination all year round, Jerez added.

The provincial context has also been very positive. MalagaCosta del Sol Airport exceeded 13.2 million arrivals in 2025, with growth of 7.2 per cent. This reinforces our international connectivity and the strength of key markets such as the United Kingdom, Spain and Germany, which are fundamental for Mijas, he concluded.
Paediatricians in Malaga province are strongly urging parents to make sure that their children have both doses of the MMR vaccine that covers measles, mumps and rubella. In 2025, the province had the highest number of cases in Andalucia (52).

According to experts, only through full vaccination can the spread of the virus be curbed.

The president of the Malaga College of Doctors, paediatrician Pedro Navarro, strongly advises parents to complete the vaccination cycle of two doses to protect their children, as well as those that cannot be vaccinated yet and adults with a compromised immuse system.

According to Dr Navarro, the first dose of the vaccine has great coverage, but there is a drop in the second dose. "There is a year and a bit when children don't get vaccinated, so parents forget about it if the paediatrician does not remind them," he says.

As part of the 2026 vaccination calendar, the Andalusian regional ministry of health has tightened measures to curb a significant rise in measles cases, which jumped to 93 in 2025.

Health officials have moved the second dose of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine forward, with children now set to receive it at two years old instead of three.

While most cases remain mild, the virus resulted in a 28% hospitalisation rate across the region last year.

Vaccination coverage drops slightly in the second dose of MMR in Andalucia: from 97.7% to 95%.

Measles is one of the most contagious viruses. The infection starts with high fever, cough, conjunctivitis and runny nose and leads to the typical rash - the characteristic red patches on the skin.

Serious complications are rare but not impossible, especially if the individual lacks vaccination. More severe cases can lead to pneumonia and encephalitis.

So far this year, there have been no reported cases in Malaga. Only Huelva province has detected one case.

MMR vaccination rates in Andalucia are high: 97.7% for the first dose and 95% for the second dose, and 96.1% in Malaga province. Dr Navarro, however, warns that "there is a niche of unvaccinated children, many of whom have come from abroad".

In fact, most of the cases in Andalucia are either imported or related to imported cases. In a small number of cases, the source of infection is unknown.

Parents should check their children's immunisation records and consult their paediatrician if any doses are missing.
Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, presides over a meeting of the Council of Chairpersons of the NPC Standing Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

BEIJING, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- The Council of Chairpersons of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee convened a meeting on Wednesday during an ongoing session of China's top legislature.

The meeting was presided over by Zhao Leji, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee.

The senior lawmakers heard reports on a draft agenda for the fourth session of the 14th NPC, a draft list of people considered for the presidium and the secretary-general, and a draft list of non-voting delegates.

They also heard reports on deputy qualifications and deliberations over personnel-related bills, among others.

The meeting decided to submit these drafts to the NPC Standing Committee session for deliberation. 
Irene Quirante Wednesday, 25 February 2026, 12:11 Share

The provincial court of Malaga has sentenced a man to nine and a half years in prison for sexually assaulting his partner at knifepoint in front of their underage son.

The incident happened on 10 August 2023. The man returned home around 8.30pm and tried to coax his partner into having sex with him. When she refused, he violently threw her on the sofa in the living room.

The man then sat on top of her and pressed hard on her neck with his hands. He grabbed a knife and placed it on her neck, forcing her sexually while threatening to kill her.

The victim was unable to do anything due to fear and the feeling of suffocation.

The couple's child witnessed the scene and ran to the home of some relatives of his mother's, who lived nearby.

Once under arrest, the defendant admitted his guilt before the court, which led the court to take into account the mitigating circumstance of confession in his sentence. The court has also taken into account that he was under the influence of alcohol and drugs when he committed the sexual assault.

In addition to serving nine and a half years in prison, the man must compensate the victim 20,000 euros for moral damages and pay the legal costs.

The court has also banned him from getting close to his former partner for a period of 18 years, plus ten years of probation. The convict has also lost all parental rights over his son until the boy reaches the age of 18.

Last but not least, the man cannot perform any profession or trade, paid or unpaid, that involves regular and direct contact with minors for ten years.
Antonio M. Romero Malaga Wednesday, 25 February 2026, 19:37 | Updated 19:49h. Share

The former lieutenant colonel of the Guardia Civil, Antonio Tejero Molina, one of the most prominent figures of the coup of 23 February 1981, died on Wednesday 25 February at the age of 93, according to sources consulted. His death comes on the same day that Spain declassified confidential documents regarding the attempt to overthrow the government.

Tejero Molina died in Valencia, where one of his daughters lives, although he is closely linked to Malaga. He was born in 1932 in Alhaurin el Grande, where he served as a Guardia Civil officer. He returned to Malaga province in 1996, after his release from prison, and lived in Torre del Mar with his wife, Carmen Diez Pereira, who died in November 2022.

Antonio Tejero Molina was admitted to hospital last October when his state of health worsened and during those days he was accompanied by his family. According to sources, Antonio Tejero Molina died in the company of all his children, having received the last sacraments and the blessing of Pope Leo XIV.

The figure of Antonio Tejero Molina is inextricably linked to the country's recent history as one of the visible heads of the attempted coup of 23 February 1981 when he stormed, together with other Guardia Civil officers, the Spanish Congreso, where he held MPs and the government hostage until 10am the following day.

Pistol in hand and 'Everybody freeze'

Internationally known is the image of Tejero captured by television cameras and photographers, entering the chamber and going up to the speaker's gallery pistol in hand while the call for the vote for the investiture of Leopoldo Calvo Sotelo (UCD) as prime minister was being made.

Also famous is the phrase he uttered that Monday, "Quieto todo el mundo. Todos al suelo" ("Everybody freeze. Everybody get down"), as well as the shots he fired at the ceiling of the Congreso, the impacts of which still remain as a silent witness to an evening that brought Spain's worst nightmares to life in the incipient beginnings of democracy.

After the coup failed, Tejero Molina was sentenced in 1983 by a military court to 30 years in prison for military rebellion with the aggravating circumstance of reoffending - in 1978 he was involved in 'Operation Galaxia', a coup that was disabled and which aimed to take the Moncloa Palace in order to abort the nascent democracy.

The same sentence was imposed on another of the two ringleaders of the 23 February coup, Lieutenant General Jaime Milans del Bosch and General Alfonso Armada. Tejero spent time in various prisons until he was released in 1996. He was also expelled from the Guardia Civil.

Sentenced in 1983 to 30 years in prison for military rebellion with the aggravating circumstance of reoffending, he was released on parole in 1996

During his time in prison he studied Geography and History, learned languages, wrote his memoirs and developed his passion for painting.

After his release from prison, he hardly made any public statements or appearances, taking refuge in his family and his retirement in Malaga. He was present in 2019 in Mingorrubio (Madrid) after Franco's exhumation from the Valley of the Fallen, along with those who gathered there to protest against the transfer of the dictator's remains. That same year he was also the subject of a tribute in a Malaga restaurant where there were shouts of "Viva Franco".

University professor Roberto Munoz Bolanos, in an investigation into Tejero Molina, defines him as follows: "He represents the essence of a military model forged in Franco's regime, characterised by having assumed all the values that informed the uprising of 18 July 1936. These values were the superiority of the military over the civilian, contempt for democracy and liberalism, a centralist and Castilian concept of Spain and the consideration of the defeated in the civil conflict as 'enemies', lacking any legitimacy in their ideas. It was these values that led him first to rebel against the nascent democracy, and later to revolt against it, seeking its destruction."
Alfonso Torices Madrid Wednesday, 25 February 2026, 14:09 Share

Spains government is finalising a landmark regulation to ban the sale of energy drinks to minors under 16.

Backed by 90 per cent of the Spanish population, the law also restricts access for 16 and 17-year-olds when caffeine levels exceed 32mg per 100 millilitres).

After two years of debates, Minister of Consumer Affairs Pablo Bustinduy justifies the measure by pointing at studies which show the damage regular consumption of such drinks causes to young people.

According to the Spanish agency for food safety (Aesan), the excessive consumption of caffeine, sugar and other excitants can lead to sleep disturbance in moderate consumers, psychological damage (overwhelm, anxiety or depression) and behavioural disturbances, as well as cardiovascular disorders in daily drinkers.

Energy drinks also imply risks for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.

Regular consumption of these drinks causes sleep disturbances and psychological and cardiovascular problems

The measure has enormous public support: nine out of ten Spaniards. More than half of them would extend the ban to include all underage children. Support for the ban is also strong in the 18-35 age group (88 per cent).

The general ban on the purchase of energy drinks by under-16s will join the ban on the sale of energy drinks in schools throughout the country (both in cafeterias and in canteens or vending machines), which has been in place since last year.

Young people: the main consumers of energy drinks

In the past decade, the consumption of energy drinks has soared almost 40 per cent. One in four Spanish residents consumes energy drinks twice a week on average. Half of those who buy them drink at least one can a day and half of them regularly mix them with alcohol, which can exacerbate drunkenness as the excitants camouflage the effects of alcohol.

What is most worrying is the data on youth consumption, as official studies show that seven out of every ten cans sold in Spain are drunk by young people, with 43 per cent of adolescents aged 14 to 18 drinking them frequently (with higher rates among boys).

Within the same age group, 15 per cent mix energy drinks with alcohol. There is even significant consumption among children between the age of three and ten.

A similar ban is already in place in various European countries (Germany, Norway, Latvia, Poland, Hungary and Lithuania).

Ban on unhealthy food advertising

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs is also preparing a regulation that will restrict the advertising of unhealthy foods that targets children and adolescents.

According to studies, 80 per cent of Spanish children consume ultra-processed foods and foods with a high content of fats, sugar or salt and a high calorie intake. These products pose a risk to their health and increase the risk of obesity.

Estimates point out that each Spanish child receives more than 4,000 unhealthy food ads a year through television alone, which means that they see almost eleven a day. The number rises to 30 if we add ads that reach them through social media.
Nuria Triguero Malaga Wednesday, 25 February 2026, 11:34 Share

Spain's labour inspectorate has taken a step to study the reasons behind the excessive increase in dismissals employers carry out during workers' probation period. The strategic plan for the 2025-2027 period has included stronger monitoring to detect possible fraud and abusive practices.

On Tuesday, SUR reported that the number of probation period dismissals had increased by 80.7 per cent between 2021 and 2024.

This has generated suspicion that, since the approval of the labour reform in 2021, some employers might have been dismissing workers before the end of their probation period to avoid sanctions and emulate temporary contracts.

With the help of increased monitoring, the inspectorate will focus on companies that frequently use this type of dismissals. The state body will pay attention to "the irregular termination of indefinite due to failure to pass the probation period, whether through recurrent use of this possibility of terminating contracts, repeated use for the same position and the same worker, or by terminating contracts based on this cause once their maximum duration has expired".

Cristobal Garcia, partner in Garrigues' employment department in Malaga, highlights the "risks" companies that frequently resort to this type of dismissal run. He has warned employers that the inspectorate will be checking whether the dismissal can be justified.

Failure to provide a valid reason can result in a fine of 1,000 euros per contract for the company.
The President of the Government, Pedro Sanchez responds to the leader of the PP, Alberto Nunez Feijoo, during the government control session.

SPAINS government has today declassified 153 secret documents relating to the 1981 attempted military coup, triggering a parliamentary clash over modern-day transparency.

The publication of the files in the Official State Gazette (BOE) ends 45 years of state silence on the "23-F" uprising, when gunmen held the Spanish parliament at gunpoint.

At a glance: The 23-F document declassification  Historical release: The Spanish government has officially declassified 153 secret documents relating to the 23 February 1981 (23-F) coup attempt.  End of silence: The publication in the Official State Gazette (BOE) concludes 45 years of official secrecy regarding the military uprising.  Political clash: Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez hailed the move as a victory for democracy, while opposition leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo (PP) dismissed it as a "diversion."  Transparency demands: Feijoo has pledged to "declassify the present," demanding files on current government spending, the "Falcon" jet logs, and alleged public contract "kickbacks."

However, the historic milestone was overshadowed in the Congress of Deputies as opposition leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo accused Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of using historical transparency to mask current "corruption".

'Selective transparency'

Feijoo, leader of the Peoples Party (PP), challenged the Prime Minister to extend his "desire for transparency" to the present administrations record.

"I encourage you not to stop here and declassify the budgets," Mr Feijoo told the chamber.

The opposition leader dismissed the historical significance of the release, instead demanding answers on a string of contemporary controversies. These included alleged "kickbacks" in public contracts and the use of the "Falcon" presidential jet for trips to the Dominican Republic.

Feijoo also questioned the government over missing documentation regarding the Adamuz rail accident on 18 January and a major national power outage in April.

PM's rebuttal

Sanchez responded with a dismissive tone, accusing his rival of being unable to set aside partisan attacks during a moment of national importance.

The Prime Minister defended the release as a vital step for Spanish democracy, asking the opposition: "Why does transparency bother you?"

Government officials argued the move finally clarifies the roles of key actors during the hours Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Tejero held the young democracy in check.

The declassification is expected to provide new insights into the intelligence gathered by the authorities during the hours the parliament was occupied.
Samsung is reportedly developing a groundbreaking 200MP smartphone camera sensor, the ISOCELL HPC, which could set a new standard for mobile imaging. It was initially rumored to go to Motorola first, but plans didn't pan out for the tech giant.

Now rumored to feature a larger 1/1.3-inch optical format, this sensor improves upon the 1/1.4-inch ISOCELL HPB found in vivo's X300 and X300 Pro.

Larger Sensor Boosts Low-Light Performance

Sensor size is a key determinant of image quality, and the shift to a 1/1.3-inch module allows for increased light capture. More light translates to sharper details, better low-light performance, and improved depth rendering.

If these specs hold, the ISOCELL HPC could rank among the most advanced high-resolution sensors in the smartphone market, giving flagship devices a competitive edge in photography.

Ultra Fine Color Filter (UFCC) Enhances Color Accuracy

Samsung's ISOCELL HPC is also expected to debut Ultra Fine Color Filter (UFCC) technology, which optimizes the color filter layer to deliver richer tones and enhanced clarity while maintaining a slim module design.

By improving light transmission and color accuracy, UFCC enables smartphones to produce vibrant, natural-looking images without compromising device thickness, a critical factor in modern slim smartphone designs.

Ultra-High Dynamic Range for Professional Results

In addition to its resolution and sensor size, the ISOCELL HPC reportedly supports ultra-high dynamic range (HDR), allowing devices to capture more detail in bright highlights and deep shadows.

Moreover, this technology ensures balanced, professional-quality images straight out of the camera, thereby reducing the need for extensive post-processing.

Potential Flagship Adoption

According to GSM Arena, industry insiders suggest that Oppo may be among the first to integrate the ISOCELL HPC into an upcoming flagship, possibly the Find X10 series. If adopted, Samsung's latest 200MP innovation could redefine expectations for mobile photography, offering users unparalleled image quality and color fidelity in premium smartphones.

It's commendable to see Samsung combining massive resolution, advanced color filtering, and HDR capabilities in the ISOCELL HPC.

Releasing a high-end sensor was once reported in 2021. Five years later, it resurfaced with the hope that smartphone photographers could achieve even bigger heights with this news.
CAIRO, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Iran expressed optimism on Wednesday over the upcoming nuclear talks with the United States, as both sides signaled a willingness to pursue diplomacy amid heightened regional tensions.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi headed to Geneva on the same day to lead his country's delegation in the third round of indirect nuclear talks with the United States, scheduled for Thursday.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said Wednesday that his administration sees "good prospects" for the diplomatic effort and expressed hope that the process would be managed in a way to move the country beyond a "neither war nor peace" situation.

Pezeshkian added that his administration has made efforts to that end under the guidance of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

In a post on social media platform X on Tuesday, Araghchi said Iran is approaching the talks with a determination to achieve a "fair and equitable" deal in the shortest possible time.

He described the talks as a "historic opportunity" to strike an unprecedented agreement capable of addressing mutual concerns and safeguarding common interests, adding that a deal is within reach only if diplomacy is given priority.

However, domestic political figures struck a more cautious tone. Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Wednesday that Iran reserves all options in dealing with the United States, both "dignity-based diplomacy and regret-inducing defense," according to official news agency IRNA.

In Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the issue on Tuesday during his first State of the Union address of his second term to a joint session of Congress at the Capitol, stating a preference for a diplomatic resolution but reiterating a firm red line.

"My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy," he said. "But one thing is certain -- I will never allow ... Iran to have a nuclear weapon."

The president also accused Iran of advancing its missile program in ways that could eventually threaten the United States and its allies.

"They've already developed missiles that can threaten Europe and our bases overseas, and they're working to build missiles that will soon reach the United States of America," Trump said.

Iran has reaffirmed its missile program as a nonnegotiable "red line," ruled out any halt to uranium enrichment on its soil, citing domestic needs for energy and pharmaceuticals, and dismissed the possibility of negotiations on its missile capabilities.

Also on Wednesday, the Australian government announced that it had ordered the departure of all family members of its officials stationed in Israel, citing a deteriorating security situation in the Middle East.

The recent developments follow two rounds of indirect nuclear talks earlier this month, with the first in Muscat on Feb. 6 and the second in Geneva on Feb. 17, both yielding little visible progress.

Analysts suggest the upcoming one may represent a critical juncture, with some warning of potential military escalation should diplomacy fail.

Trump warned on Monday that while he prefers a deal with Iran, its absence could lead to "a very bad day" for Iran, referring to a potential U.S. strike. 
Hope fades in search for missing after Brazil rains kill 40



Juiz de Fora, Brazil, Feb 25 (AFP) Feb 25, 2026



Despair hung over two cities in southeastern Brazil on Wednesday as rescuers and residents searched for 27 people missing after torrential rains unleashed flooding and landslides that killed at least 40.

A violent downpour on Monday in the state of Minas Gerais turned streets into raging rivers and led to landslides that swept away houses and buried dozens of people.

The worst-hit city was Juiz da Fora, where 34 people were killed, while nearby Uba saw six deaths, according to the latest official tally from rescue services.

More heavy rain was forecast for Juiz de Fora this week, and firefighters told AFP it was unlikely any more victims would be found alive.

"Our family is desperate," said Josiane Aparecida, a 43-year-old cook in Juiz de Fora.

Her aunt died in a landslide and her cousin was found alive but died at a hospital.

Aparecida was still looking for her cousin's two children, ages six and nine, and boyfriend.

"We have hope, and yet we don't, because it's so difficult (to find them), and we've already lost two," she said.

A few blocks away, rescuers recovered the body of a man who, before he was killed, managed to pull his wife from their house which was engulfed by a landslide, firefighters told AFP.



- 'It was chaos' -



In the city of Uba, a two-hour drive away, residents were covered in mud as they cleared sludge from a river that had burst its banks.

Felippe Souza Lima, 30, owner of a hardware store now surrounded by muddy water and debris, told AFP the gravity of the situation sank in when he saw two people floating past on a canoe on Monday night.

"Our door was blown open, so it was chaos. We lost a lot of things, the water must have reached a meter and a half. But what matters is that everyone is okay, everyone is alive."

He said the flooding of the Uba River was unprecedented in his lifetime.

"We've seen other similar floods, and the vast majority of them stopped at the riverbank."

Elsewhere in the city, brand-new vehicles at a car dealership were stuck in mud as owner Mauro Pinto de Moraes Filho, 63, looked on in despair.

He told AFP he had suffered up to five million reais (almost $1 million) in losses from water that reached two meters high.

"Everything is ruined. I am going to close the branch temporarily. After this disaster, it's crazy to spend a huge amount of money to rebuild."

The tragedy is the latest in a series of extreme weather disasters in Brazil, from floods to fires and drought, many of which scientists have linked to the effects of global warming.

The mayor of Juiz de Fora, Margarida Salomao, said the municipality had experienced its wettest February on record.

In 2024, more than 200 people died and two million were impacted by unprecedented flooding in southern Brazil, one of the worst natural disasters in its history.

Two years earlier, a deluge in the city of Petropolis outside Rio de Janeiro left 241 people dead.
EU industry ministers call for reform of flagship carbon scheme



Berlin, Feb 25 (AFP) Feb 25, 2026



Industry ministers from 10 European Union countries including Germany and France on Wednesday called for a reform of the bloc's flagship carbon market scheme to enable a "more competitive Europe".

"Decarbonisation should not be achieved by deindustrialisation" and "emission reduction in industry should be achieved as cost-efficiently as possible", the ministers said in a joint statement shared by the German economy ministry.

Dating back to 2005, the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) is the European Union's flagship climate policy and the world's first large?scale carbon market.

It is designed to reduce greenhouse?gas emissions cost?effectively by putting a cap on total emissions and allowing companies to trade allowances within that cap.

The European Commission is due to present proposals for reforming the ETS in 2026.

The statement was signed by the industry ministers of Austria, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia and Spain.

The ministers said the current system exposes manufacturers to "the risk of high price levels, increased market volatility and limited liquidity".

They called for an ETS revision that "enhances EU competitiveness by ensuring an effective price signal, predictability, market stability and protection against excessive price volatility".

They also pressed for a "pragmatic approach to free allocation that fosters investments in climate-friendly technologies and provides robust safeguards against carbon leakage".

In early February, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the "clear benefits" of the European carbon market in response to complaints from industry and some governments about high carbon prices.

French President Emmanuel Macron also recently said Europeans "need to keep a carbon market" but admitted that it "does not work well for some countries", with high costs for those most dependent on fossil fuels.
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There are childrens books. And then theres The Jolly Postman. Janet and Allan Ahlbergs enchanting Eighties tale of a postman cheerily delivering letters to a village of fairytale characters  tiny letters that you, the reader, can pull from envelopes and actually read  is the Rolls-Royce of childrens books. They dont make them like that any more. (Postmen dont tend to pop in for a cuppa any more, either.)

Once upon a bicycle, so they say, a Jolly Postman came one day. So begins this childrens classic, and so begins our heros morning round, which sees him drinking industrially British quantities of tea, fixing a flat tyre on his bike, and then trying to ride it successfully after drinking champagne with some royals presumably quite early in the morning. And now, a new exhibition at the Postal Museum in London is marking 40 years of the best book of your childhood.

Running until early next year, it offers treats for little visitors and nostalgic adults alike: the Ahlbergs illustrations and notebooks are on display, many being shown for the first time, while the postmans journey is brought to life with interactive exhibits. Everyones here: the black cat doing the witchs washing up while she decides what to order from Hobgoblin Supplies Ltd; a repentant Goldilocks who feels bad about eating all the porij; the big bad wolf, grumpily reading a solicitors letter telling him to vacate the house of Miss Riding-Hoods grandma.

open image in gallery The original artwork for the witchs cottage, where the Jolly Postman avoids drinking a green cup of tea and a cat does the washing up ( Janet and Allan Ahlberg )

Published in 1986, The Jolly Postman was the most audacious project yet for the experimental Ahlbergs, who five years earlier had turned a babys game of peekaboo into the beloved classic Peepo!, with a circular hole for peeking through cut into each page. Although it would prove to be a highly commercial prospect  it would go on to sell 6 million copies and pay for the Ahlbergs house  The Jolly Postman feels driven by a mix of creative ambition and warm personal feeling.

The book was inspired by the couples two-year-old daughter Jessica, who loved to play with letters and take them out of envelopes while she was in her highchair. (Their 1982 book The Babys Catalogue, which depicted 24 hours in the life of five different babies and unfussily depicted a breastfeeding mother on page one, had been prompted by baby Jessicas love of the Mothercare catalogue.)

He put his life into them  they both did. Our real lives, says the now grown-up Jessica, who has two children of her own. They really enjoyed the way of working they had at home, of saying things to bounce off each other and make each other laugh, and then one would go away and do a bit of work on the project to show the other, and theyd knock it back and forth.

open image in gallery Janet Ahlbergs concept designs for The Jolly Postman, on display as part of the Postal Museums exhibition ( Janet and Allan Ahlberg )

But the Ahlbergs had a gift for mixing the mundane  a babys private game, a postmans round  with the majestic. One of the reasons that The Jolly Postman is so enduring is that it builds an entire world in which the reader is an active participant, gripped by the delayed gratification of opening a letter. As a child, I felt let in on an adult world, recognising the different kinds of letter that came through the post: the ones with SHOUTY CAPS on the envelopes (very grown-up), the junk mail, the handwritten cards (hopefully with a 5 note inside if, like Goldilocks, it was your birthday).

Just because a book is tiny and its readers are little doesnt mean it cant be perfect. On its own scale, it can be as good as Tolstoy or Jane Austen Allan Ahlberg

The Ahlbergs inhabited the story, too. They considered having Jessica write Goldilocks letter, to capture a real childs handwriting, but in the end it was Janet who mimicked a childish scrawl. Allan signed off the solicitors letter from H Meeney of Meeny, Miny, Mo & Co, informing Mr Wolf that all this huffing and puffing will get you nowhere. The couple loved the densely packed jokes on the flyer that the witch receives so much that Janet made Allan a papier-mache bowl painted with designs from it, which is on display in the exhibition.

open image in gallery Janet Ahlberg emulated a childs handwriting for Goldilocks letter of apology to the three bears ( Janet and Allan Ahlberg )

As a child, I knew on a subliminal level that the authors of my favourite book understood my life. Werent we all made to write contrite letters of apology to people we had wronged in the playground, just like Goldilocks, where wed float an (entirely sincere, of course) invitation to our birthday party as reparation? But decades on, I find even more jokes and references. A newlywed Cinderella is sent a copy of a book about her life for approval, published by The Peter Piper Press. But looking at the illustrations, I think: wait, isnt that Princess Diana? FAIRY-TALE PRINCESS the headlines proclaimed, which  on this occasion, it must be said  was really no exaggeration at all, reads the mini-books final lines. Im sure that must have been from papers at the time, around the royal wedding, Jessica says.

Crafted with the intricacy of a dolls house, The Jolly Postman is a precious item as well as a book, and the Ahlbergs were exacting about making it perfect from a mechanical point of view as much as a literary one. We drove our publishers nuts  wanting the right paper, the right print, Allan once said. I risk being pretentious, but just because a book is tiny and its readers are little doesnt mean it cant be perfect. On its own scale, it can be as good as Tolstoy or Jane Austen.

open image in gallery The papier mache bowl designed by Janet Ahlberg for Allan using designs from the witchs flyer ( Janet and Allan Ahlberg courtesy of The Postal Museum )

Her father, says Jessica, was driven by the artistry, down to the position and size of the books barcode and whether it got in the way of the picture. But that counted for the words, too. He loved to write in a way that didnt close all the gaps in understanding, she says. Some of that understanding came through the illustrations, some was for the reader to put together themselves.

After the books publication, the Ahlbergs would be inundated with letters from eager readers pleading for a sequel (which possibly made their own postman slightly less jolly). One day, an entire postbag arrived from a school in Colombia, lobbying for another book. My dad said that had set him off, Jessica says. And then he found the covering letter from these childrens letters later on, explaining they had been tasked to write a persuasive letter!

It worked. The Jolly Christmas Postman, which saw the postman delivering cards on Christmas Eve (and a jigsaw for Humpty Dumpty so he could put himself back together) was published in 1991. The subsequent Jolly Pocket Postman would be the most ambitious yet, packed with literary references and including a magnifying glass for every reader as the postman shrank down to Alice in Wonderland proportions. Published in 1995, it would be the final book that Janet worked on before her death from cancer at the age of 50. In total, the Ahlbergs created 37 books together, several of which remain essentials for every nursery, from Each Peach Pear Plum to Funnybones. Jessica would go on to make books with her dad, including intricate pop-up story The Goldilocks Variations.

open image in gallery Scenes from the The Jolly Postman are brought to life at the Postal Museums exhibition ( Louis Porter  The Postal Museum )

Is The Jolly Postman now a period piece? Were far more likely to upload our smug holiday pictures to Instagram than bother buying a stamp to send a postcard, as Jack does to the giant from his magical carpet tour. We live in an age of instant digital communication, and our streets are full of Evri delivery vans. These days, the witch would probably have ordered her non-stick cauldron set on Amazon, an irony given that Allan, who died last year at the age of 87, once declined a lifetime achievement award in protest at its sponsorship by the online retailer.

I suppose, in a way, it is a period piece from the heyday of letters in the 20th century, Jessica says. But for all the innovations in childrens publishing since  books that make noises, books with fluffy patches  none have matched this particular piece of wizardry, the perfect combination of craft and storytelling.

Ive always wanted justification for spending my life doing what Im doing, Janet once said in an interview. We know were not brain surgeons, or politicians. It is good to know that the struggle is worth it, that all the pestering and nit-picking we do is really for some good purpose. Creating the best book of our childhood? It was worth it.

The Jolly Postman is at the Postal Museum until January 2027
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Hilary Duff has cheekily admitted she intentionally crashed the Freaky Friday premiere of her childhood nemesis Lindsay Lohan in 2003.

The former child stars were involved in a well-documented feud in the early 2000s, stemming from a messy love triangle with the late Aaron Carter, whom they dated at the same time.

Appearing on the latest episode of the Call Her Daddy podcast, Duff, 38, was asked point-blank if she deliberately showed up at the Freaky Friday premiere to bother Lohan, the star of the movie.

I think absolutely yes. I was a teenager, the Lizzie McGuire actor replied. She noted that she was invited by their mutual co-star Chad Michael Murray.

I dont wanna start any more stuff, Duff said cautiously, But, like, he was like, You should come with me. And I was like, Mhmm. Probably I should.

open image in gallery Hilary Duff (left) confirmed that she and Lindsay Lohan (right) buried the hatchet years later at a club ( Getty )

open image in gallery Hilary Duff (left) famously dated Aaron Carter (right) in the early 2000s, at the same time he dated Lindsay Lohan ( Getty Images )

Asked whether she was surprised when Lohan returned the favor by attending the premiere of Duffs family comedy Cheaper by the Dozen months later, the Younger alum responded: No. I mean, that was, like, my childhood nemesis.

Laughing, she added: Im sure my publicist will be like, what the f*** are you doing? But now its so many years later. Like, who cares? It does not matter.

Duff revealed that she and Lohan have since made amends. Lindsay came up to me at a club once and was like, Are we good? and I was like, Were good. She was like, Lets take a shot, she recalled.

She further addressed the beginning of their feud, blaming the lack of social media at the time.

open image in gallery Duff discussed her life and love after 'Lizzie McGuire' on the 'Call Her Daddy' podcast ( Call Her Daddy/YouTube )

There was no social media to be like, who was dating who? Duff said. You just take peoples word for it and then people get mad at you. I mean if youre, like, Lindsay Lohan or me, he's, like, probably dating both of us, like, you know what I mean?

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Earlier this month, Duff, who rose to fame in 2001 for her lead role in Disney Channels Lizzie McGuire series and its subsequent spinoff film, released her first album in more than 10 years.

Titled luck... or something, the new record has sparked excitement among fans, who have been eagerly waiting for Duffs highly anticipated return to music.

She also announced she would be embarking on a world tour in support of the album. Duff will kick off her Lucky Me tour in West Palm Beach, Florida, this June before continuing on to other major U.S. cities, including New York City, Los Angeles and her hometown of Houston. She will then bring it to Europe, Australia, Canada and Mexico.
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Martin Short is considered one of Hollywoods most prolific comedians, but unbeknownst to many of his audiences, his decades in the spotlight have been touched by enormous loss and tragedy.

The death of Shorts 42-year-old daughter, Katherine Elizabeth Harley Short, was confirmed Tuesday with the family saying in a statement, It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short. The Short family is devastated by this loss, and asks for privacy at this time.

Katherine, the eldest of Shorts three children with his late wife Nancy Dolman, was found dead by suicide Monday inside her California home. Short, 75, has not spoken out about his daughters passing, but he postponed his comedy tour dates.

Her death marks the most recent loss for Short, who has endured a number of tragedies over the years, including the deaths of his wife, his brother, his parents and multiple friends.

Shorts wife, Nancy, died aged 58 in August 2010 after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The former couple had been married for 36 years and had three children together. Two years after her death, Martin remembered Dolman as the right person for him in an interview with The Guardian.

open image in gallery Martin Short, pictured here in 2015, has overcome the losses of several family members and friends throughout the years ( Getty Images )

open image in gallery Martin Shorts daughter, Katherine Short, died Tuesday at age 42 ( Getty )

Its been a tough two years for my children. This is the thing of life that we live in denial about, that it will ever happen to us or our loved ones, and when it does you gain a little and you suffer a little. Theres no big surprise, he told the outlet at the time.

The Saturday Night Live alum often mentioned his late wife in the years after her death and said he was committed to keeping her memory alive. He told AARP in 2019, Our marriage was a triumph. So its tough. She died in 2010, but I still communicate with her all the time. Its 'Hey, Nan,' you know? How would she react to this decision or that, especially regarding our three kids.

open image in gallery Martin Short's wife Nancy Dolman died aged 58 from cancer in 2010 ( Getty Images )

open image in gallery Martin Short shared three children with his late wife Nancy Dolman ( Getty )

During his adolescence, the Canadian actor faced the deaths of several immediate family members.

When he was 12, Shorts older brother David died in a car accident. He said later in his life that he used humor as a coping mechanism to deal with such loss at a young age.

I think the reason all that didnt throw me sideways was because I had such a solid foundation, Short told The Guardian. Those kinds of situations are horrible but I think that you are either empowered by them or you become a victim of them.

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Short went on to lose both of his parents before he turned 20. His mother, Olive Hayter, died of cancer when he was 17. His father, Charles Patrick Short, died from a stroke just two years later.

In the past year alone, Short has also been affected by the sudden deaths of his close friends and colleagues.

When filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, were killed in December, Short joined in issuing a joint statement honoring the Reiners legacy from the couples close-knit group of friends across the creative industry, which also included Billy Crystal, Larry David and Albert Brooks.

open image in gallery Martin Short paid tribute to his longtime friend Catherine O'Hara after her death last month at 71 ( Getty Images )

Short also remembered his fellow sketch comic Catherine OHara in an onstage tribute after her death.

Catherine OHara, I met when she was 18 years of age, and all these years later, she has been the greatest, most brilliant, kindest, sweetest angel that any of us worked with, Short said during his comedy show with Steve Martin. So God bless Catherine, he toasted.

Martin told the Hollywood Reporter in August 2024: At 20, I knew things about life and death and tragedy and loss that none of my friends knew about. I dont know why this didnt screw me up. The only thing I can think of is that these kind of life stresses either empower you or defeat you.

But I think that by surviving all that and continuing on, I developed muscles to handle the disappointments in life, he said. And I do think, in a weird way, it did make me braver as a performer, braver onstage. Id try something, and if some people didnt like it, I didnt care because I didnt know them. I was never doing this for the admiration of strangers. I was doing this to make my siblings and my friends laugh.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you
QUITO, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Four people were killed in an armed attack inside a house in the Alberto Maldonado neighborhood in Ecuador's coastal province of Guayas early Wednesday, police reported.

According to preliminary reports, several hooded gunmen arrived in a vehicle, parked outside the house where a family gathering was taking place. Three of the gunmen entered the house and opened fire.

The attack took place under a state of emergency in Guayas, declared by the government in January for 60 days in response to a surge in criminal violence.

Ecuador recorded 9,216 homicides in 2025, according to official figures.

Although the number of homicides fell by 6.6 percent year on year to 747 in January 2026, the month was still the second most violent start to a year in the country's history, according to the Ministry of the Interior. 
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The prestigious Sundance Film Festival is set to embark on a new chapter in Boulder, Colorado, from 21 to 31 January 2027, maintaining its traditional late January slot. Organisers have unveiled more than a dozen key venues for the event, including 11 theatres designated for premieres.

Among the confirmed locations are the Boulder High School auditorium, the Casey Middle School auditorium, the Cinemark Century Boulder, the Boulder Theater, and several University of Colorado Boulder sites such as the Macky Auditorium Concert Hall and the Roe Green Theatre.

Eugene Hernandez, Sundance Film Festival and public programming director, emphasised close collaboration with the local Colorado community.

"Nestled at the base of Colorados iconic Flatirons, venues across the city and CU Boulders campus provide an ideal setting for festivalgoers from across the world to come together, revel in art, spark conversation, and create unforgettable memories," Mr Hernandez stated.

The Boulder Theater marquee ( Copyright 2025. The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

The move follows the independent film festivals final edition in its long-standing home of Park City, Utah, last month. Sundance organisers initiated a search for a new location, citing that the festival had outgrown the ski town it helped popularise and had developed an an air of exclusivity that detracted from the cinematic focus. Boulder was selected after a year-long competitive process involving numerous US cities.

Robert Redford, who passed away in September at 89, founded the festival and its development programmes for filmmakers in the Utah mountains, envisioning it as a sanctuary for independent storytelling away from Hollywoods influence. Before his death, Redford, an alumnus of the University of Colorado Boulder, gave his approval for the festivals relocation.

His daughter, Amy Redford, a trustee on the Sundance Institutes board, expressed her enthusiasm for the transition last month, acknowledging the significant learning curve involved. The institutes lab programmes for emerging screenwriters and directors, which she noted were the most cherished part of her fathers legacy, will remain in Utah at the resort he established, approximately 34 miles (54 kilometres) south of Park City.
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The BBCs Executive Complaints Unit (ECU) has initiated a "fast-tracked investigation" into its Bafta coverage following the broadcast of a racial slur during Sunday night's ceremony.

The incident, which the corporation labelled a "serious mistake", involved Tourettes campaigner John Davidson being heard shouting as Sinners stars Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the award for special visual effects at Londons Royal Festival Hall.

A BBC spokesperson said: The BBC has been reviewing what happened at Bafta on Sunday evening.

This was a serious mistake and the director-general has instructed the Executive Complaints Unit (ECU) to complete a fast-tracked investigation and provide a full response to complainants.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said she shared the serious concerns raised by so many people following the broadcast and had spoken to outgoing BBC director-general Tim Davie about the matter.

She added: I welcome the launch of a full investigation by the BBC. Broadcasting a racial slur is completely unacceptable and harmful.

The BBC must ensure that this never happens again.

open image in gallery Tourette syndrome John Davidsons tics caused him to shout out during the show ( Getty Images )

It comes as the Culture, Media and Sport Committee (CMS) wrote to Davie seeking an explanation for how a racial slur ended up in the broadcast in spite of a two-hour time delay.

Referencing Glastonbury Festival coverage, chairwoman of the CMS Committee Dame Caroline Dinenage said the latest incident raises questions about the extent to which lessons have been learned and about the controls and systems you have in place to prevent such incidents.

Campaigner Davidson was at the Baftas representing the film I Swear, which tells the story of the Scottish campaigners life with the condition, which he developed when he was 12.

In an interview with Variety, he said the BBC should have worked harder to ensure his racial slur was not broadcast.

He told the publication: Bafta had made us all aware that any swearing would be edited out of the broadcast.

I have made four documentaries with the BBC in the past and feel that they should have been aware of what to expect from Tourettes, and worked harder to prevent anything that I said  which, after all, was some 40 rows back from the stage  from being included in the broadcast.

Film studio Warner Bros is also believed to have raised immediate concerns about the racial slur and requested it be removed from the BBC broadcast, the Press Association understands, but it could still be heard when it aired two hours later.

open image in gallery The incident has led to severe criticism of the BBC and Bafta ( Johnny Green/PA )

The BBC has apologised for not editing the racial slur out of the broadcast and subsequently removed it from the version on iPlayer.

Bafta also issued an apology in the aftermath in which they said they apologise unreservedly to the actors who were on stage as well as all those impacted.

They added: During the ceremony, John chose to leave the auditorium and watch the rest of the ceremony from a screen, and we would like to thank him for his dignity and consideration of others on what should have been a night of celebration for him.

We take full responsibility for putting our guests in a very difficult situation and we apologise to all. We will learn from this and keep inclusion at the core of all we do, maintaining our belief in film and storytelling as a critical conduit for compassion and empathy.

During the broadcast, the awards ceremonys presenter Alan Cumming also apologised for the language viewers may have heard.
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Martin Short has hit pause on his and Steve Martins ongoing comedy tour following the sudden death of his daughter, Katherine Short.

Katherines death at 42 was confirmed by Martins representatives on Tuesday.

Soon after, The Best of Steve Martin & Martin Short tour was postponed, with dates at Milwaukees Miller High Life Theatre on February 27 and two shows in Minneapolis on February 28 being pushed back.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Steve Martin & Martin Shorts show, originally scheduled for Friday, February 27th in Milwaukee, has been postponed, reads a notice on the venues website. Tickets will be honored for a future rescheduled date. We will be in contact with further news when it is available.

The next stop still listed on the schedule is Friday, March 13, at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C.

open image in gallery Martin Short has postponed the next three dates on his and Steve Martins comedy tour ( Getty )

open image in gallery Martins daughter, Katherine, was found dead on Monday. She was 42 ( Getty )

The two comedy veterans have been touring together since 2015, when they launched their first live show entitled A Very Stupid Conversation.

Friends for over three decades, the pair are best known to younger fans for co-leading Disneys Emmy-winning drama Only Murders in the Building alongside Selena Gomez.

According to TMZ, the Los Angeles Police Department responded to a call at Katherines home in the Hollywood Hills Monday evening, where she was found deceased.

It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short. The Short family is devastated by this loss, and asks for privacy at this time, Martins representative told The Independent in a statement.

Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.

Katherine is the oldest of Martin and his late wife Nancy Dolmans three adoptive children; the former couple is also parents to sons Oliver Patrick Short, 39, and Henry Hayter Short, 36. Dolman died in 2010 after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

In 2006, Katherine graduated with a bachelors degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies from New York University before moving on to receive her masters in social work from the University of Southern California in 2010.

Katherine spent four years at UCLAs Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital before joining the dual-diagnosis outpatient program at the Camden Center. She later moved into private practice as a licensed clinical social worker and also worked part-time at the clinic Amae Health.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
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Netflix has shared the first look at its TV adaptation of Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice, starring Emma Corrin in the lead role as Elizabeth Bennett.

The six-part series will be released this autumn and co-stars Jack Lowden as Mr Darcy, along with Olivia Colman, Rufus Sewell, Louis Partridge and Fiona Shaw.

The teaser shows Corrin as Austens beloved protagonist, played previously by Keira Knightley in the 2005 adaptation, sitting on top of a roof gazing out into the distance, while Darcy is glimpsed from a departing carriage, through a doorway and riding his horse.

To the sound of birdsong, there are also interspersing shots of Corrins hand holding a pebble, someone running along a path, and a shot of Elizabeth and Mr Darcy dancing together.

Corrin, who uses they/them pronouns, is best known for starring roles as Princess Diana in The Crown and in Netflixs film adaptation of Lady Chatterleys Lover, opposite Jack OConnell.

Scottish actor Lowden, meanwhile, has appeared in the BBCs 2016 adaptation of War and Peace, and more recently in a Golden Globe and Emmy-nominated performance in the Apple TV series Slow Horses.

Netflix says the series will join the yearn-aissance in the autumn to faithfully bring Jane Austens iconic story back to life for audiences that cherish it, while inspiring a new generation to fall in love with it for the first time.

This is the latest in a long line of adaptations of Austens 1813 novel, following on from the hit 1995 TV drama featuring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, and the 2005 film starring Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen.

Fans who have seen Emerald Fennells new adaptation of Wuthering Heights at the cinema will already have spotted the teaser for Netflixs Pride and Prejudice, which was shown before the main film at certain screenings.

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The series has been written and executive produced by Dolly Alderton, author of the bestselling book Everything I Know About Love.

She said in a statement: Once in a generation, a group of people get to retell this wonderful story and I feel very lucky that I get to be a part of it.

Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice is the blueprint for romantic comedy  it has been a joy to delve back into its pages to find both familiar and fresh ways of bringing this beloved book to life.

With Euros Lyn directing our stellar cast, Alderton added, I am so excited to reintroduce these hilarious and complicated characters to those who count Pride and Prejudice as their favourite book, and those who are yet to meet their Lizzie and Mr Darcy.

An exact release date for the series is yet to be announced.
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Nadiya Hussain, the acclaimed British-Bangladeshi chef and television personality, has spoken candidly about the challenges faced by Muslim women in the media industry, suggesting that longevity on screen is not afforded to everyone. The 41-year-old, who rose to fame after winning The Great British Bake Off in 2015, expressed a desire for a career trajectory akin to veteran chefs but believes her ethnicity presents a barrier.

"I would like to have seen myself where Mary Berry is at 90 years old, still cooking on television, I would have loved that for myself," Hussain said, "But thats a dream that I cant live up to because Im not white."

Her comments come after the BBC opted not to recommission her cooking shows last year, a decision she described as "shocking." Having spent a decade creating programmes for the broadcaster, Hussain highlighted the scarcity of other Muslim female chefs on television, leading her to feel like a "token."

"Because we dont have longevity. I cant even find another Muslim woman to equate myself to, or stand shoulder-to-shoulder with," she explained. "Its hard not to feel like a token, because its almost like were allowed a certain amount of space, until that space no longer exists for us  when the box has been ticked." She added, "Theres this kind of show of, Look, were inclusive, until were not."

open image in gallery ( Chris Terry/PA) )

The cancellation of her shows prompted a significant personal and professional re-evaluation for Hussain. She admitted that regularly publishing a cookbook followed by a TV series had become an "autopilot" routine. "Id gone into autopilot where I was like, Ive got a book, of course Im going to do a series, and when that was taken away from me, I didnt have a conversation with anyone, it was just taken away from me with no explanation."

This period of uncertainty, which she described as "scary," led her to shed her management and "start from scratch." Hussain reflected on a previous cookbook about Ramadan, where she "attached faith and food together" for the first time, noting that she had previously been a "digestible version of myself for the general public." She felt that after this, she had become "too much" for some.

"When the BBC cancelled the show, I thought to myself, Oh, I see whats happening," she recalled. "I cannot become this manufactured caricature version of myself that everybody thinks is sellable as a brand. I need to be the version of myself that allows me to sleep at night, because right now I cant sleep."

Hussain views this shift as a wake-up call, an opportunity to demonstrate integrity to her children. She contrasted her past compliance with her current stance, stating, "My daughters struggle will be different as a Muslim woman in this society... And what Im trying to teach her is that being compliant and submissive is not the way you speak your truth, you speak your mind, and it may make you less rich, but you will sleep at night."

open image in gallery ( Chris Terry/PA) )

Eleven years on from her emotional Bake Off victory speech about self-belief, Hussain feels she has undergone significant growth. "Ive changed so much, and this and every year, I feel like more myself than I ever have," she said, embracing her authentic self, even if it means admitting to deep-frying three times a week.

Her latest offering, Nadiyas Quick Comforts, her 11th cookbook, embodies this new era. It celebrates the fast-to-make, slow-to-enjoy food she prepares at home, particularly for her children who are soon to leave home. The book features dishes like deep-fried cheese strings, corn pakoras, shawarma fries, and a one-pan chicken roast dinner, alongside innovative takes such as savoury crumpets with onions, chilli, and egg.

Hussain encourages readers to step out of their culinary comfort zones, noting, "We are so bound by rules and habit, but if you step out of your comfort zone, you actually do really wonderful things with simple ingredients." The book also includes desserts like brown butter pecan coffee cake and croissant berry pudding slices.

Now in her 40s, Hussain feels a newfound comfort in her own skin. "I thought 30s was the decade. Its not, its 40," she mused. "I used to think 40 was really old, when I think back, but actually, I feel more alive now than I ever felt." She expressed excitement for what the future holds.

A BBC spokesperson commented on the decision: "After many wonderful series we made the difficult decision not to commission another cookery show with Nadiya Hussain for the time being. We remain open to working with her in the future."

open image in gallery The book jacket of Nadiya's Quick Comforts by Nadiya Hussain ( Penguin Michael Joseph/PA )

Nadiyas Quick Comforts by Nadiya Hussain is published in hardback by Penguin Michael Joseph, priced 28. Photography by Chris Terry. It is available now.
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New research has highlighted the significant financial burden obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) places on businesses, leading experts to recommend workplace screening for the condition. The findings, from a study conducted by specialists in the UK and the US, suggest that OSA could be costing companies billions annually in lost productivity.

The research examined the economic impact of OSA in both countries, utilising data from the 2021 census. Focusing on working-age adults aged 18 to 64, the team calculated losses by assessing absenteeism and reduced productivity at work. In the UK sample, approximately 7 per cent of working-age adults met the criteria for OSA, with estimated productivity losses reaching as much as 4.22 billion annually, equating to 1,840 per worker each year.

Obstructive sleep apnoea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, with loud snoring being a key symptom, according to the NHS. In light of these findings, sleep specialists who regularly treat patients with OSA have outlined crucial signs that might indicate snoring is a symptom of a more serious underlying problem.

Dr Ryan Chin Taw Cheong, a consultant ENT (ear, nose and throat) and sleep surgeon at Cleveland Clinic London Hospital and Cleveland Clinic Portland Place Outpatient Centre, explains that anatomy, lifestyle, and physiology are the three primary factors contributing to snoring. "If you have a structural narrowing of your nose or the back of your throat or the back of the tongue, that can actually increase the resistance of air flow when you breathe at night, which results in snoring sounds," he says.

open image in gallery Snoring can signify a bigger issue ( (Alamy/PA) )

He adds that lifestyle factors also play a role: "Also, if youre particularly overweight or you drink a lot of alcohol, the upper airway muscles can become more relaxed, and that can also increase the resistance of air flow, resulting in snoring." Dr Cheong further notes that the way muscles relax during sleep can be excessive, leading to obstruction. "In some patients, the way that the muscles of the tongue or the palate or the throat relaxes is excessive to the point of obstruction or narrowing, and that can also cause snoring," he explains.

Several red flags might suggest that snoring is indicative of sleep apnoea. Dr Cheong highlights choking episodes, gasping for air, or pauses in breath. "If you witness any choking episodes or gasping of breath or pause of breath by your bed partner, or if youve experienced it yourself, thats a potential red flag of sleep apnoea," he warns.

open image in gallery Persistent daytime sleepiness is a red flag ( (Alamy/PA) )

Another significant indicator is excessive daytime sleepiness. Dr David Garley, a GP and director of The Better Sleep Clinic, explains: "The issue with sleep apnoea is that it causes really fragmented, poor-quality sleep, so you cant get into these deep states of sleep that help you feel refreshed in the morning." He advises that if individuals wake up feeling unrefreshed, are sleepy throughout the day, and struggle with concentration, memory, and low mood, they should consider speaking to a professional about sleep apnoea.

Untreated sleep apnoea carries substantial health risks beyond immediate daytime sleepiness and disruption to a bed partner. Dr Cheong states: "Untreated sleep apnoea has been associated an increased risk of strokes and heart attacks, increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and theres also been evidence to suggest that it can increase the risk of neurocognitive decline."

Dr Garley adds that the consistent disruption of sleep can severely impact mental health. "If you think how bad you feel after one night of sleep, then you can see how years of bad sleep can have a really major impact on your health," he says, noting that "some evidence suggests that around 20% of patients with sleep apnoea have depression."

open image in gallery Snoring can have a negative impact on relationships ( Alamy/PA )

Diagnosis typically begins with a risk assessment, such as the STOP-Bang questionnaire, an 8-item screening tool. However, the definitive diagnosis is usually made through a home sleep test. Dr Garley describes this process: "This usually involves wearing a medical watch-like devices on your wrist which have a chest and a finger sensor, which takes really detailed measurements on how you sleep." These devices detect pauses in breathing, drops in oxygen levels, and the activation of the fight-or-flight nervous system triggered by breathing interruptions.

Treatment for sleep apnoea often starts with lifestyle modifications. Dr Cheong recommends: "Reducing your alcohol consumption is something lifestyle based that can be altered to reduce your risk of sleep apnoea. Making sure that your weight is within optimal range can also help."

open image in gallery Wearing a CPAP machine in bed can stop snoring ( Alamy/PA )

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is a common and effective treatment option. Dr Garley explains its mechanism: "Its a small box that sits on your bedside table that blows low pressure air through a tube that leads to a mask which sits either over your nose or over your mouth and nose." This gentle pressure keeps the airway open, allowing for free breathing and deeper sleep. For more severe cases, surgery or advanced technologies are available. Dr Cheong mentions hypoglossal nerve implants, such as the Genio Nyxoah device, which stimulate the hypoglossal nerve to move the tongue forward and open the airway. Operations on the palate at the back of the throat can also be performed to widen the airway.
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There is almost nothing worse than a post-social flashback; a sudden, salient, mental replay of waxing lyrical to your boss at the pub about the time your grandma fell over the rug drunk at Christmas  or some other nonsense they didnt need to know about. The shame of overfamiliarity can be cheek-reddening. We spend mornings-after ruminating over verbal incontinence, making firm self-promises to be much more mysterious in the future, or else.

Over sharers, generally, get quite a bad rap. Like when Prince Harry revealed in his 2023 tell-all memoir Spare that his penis was suffering from frost bite at William and Kates wedding (along with all the other private information he shared about the inner dynamics of the Royal family). Or when Norwegian Olympian Sturla Holm Laegreid recently confessed in a live TV interview to cheating on his girlfriend, moments after winning a bronze medal. Both were highly criticised for their decisions to veer off-script.

Yet, as Harvard professor and behavioural scientist Leslie John demonstrates in her new book Revealing: The Underrated Power of Oversharing, oversharing isnt all bad. Saying more than we feel comfortable with can actually benefit our friendships, love lives, careers, and our health  so long as we can summon the courage to be vulnerable.

We hold back for good reason: because its risky, explains John of our inclination to avoid meaningful conversation and stick to small talk. We get this thing called post reveal disclosure hangover because [sharing] feels like you poured gasoline on yourself and lit a match. Career suicide. Actually, when we get these disclosure hangovers, we dont see the benefits; that people are delighted by what we said. We ruminate on any weird looks. Really, [speaking openly] causes the recipient to trust you more, which is the spark of all human relationships.

This is true even at work, where disclosures about our personal lives are often assumed to be out of place. In fact, Johns studies found that 85 per cent of employees were more drawn to colleagues who kept painfully transparent diaries (complete with therapy appointments and colonoscopies) than those who stayed private. Additionally, leaders who admitted weaknesses (fear of public speaking or previous job rejections) were deemed more inspiring and trustworthy by their teams.

open image in gallery Steve Carells talkative workplace character Michael Scott in The Office' ( NBCUniversal )

In another experiment, inspired by the Sixties show The Dating Game where you could only choose who you went out with by reading their answers to a series of questions, John and her collaborators found that participants would repeatedly rather date the more candid of two potential suitors  even if they admitted to indiscretions like false insurance claims. No matter the outrageous admission, more than half or people always chose to spend their evening with the person who openly admitted wrongdoing than with the person who refused to answer at all.

Hesitancy to be vulnerable is hindering whole generations from finding love. In fact, Hinges 2025 dating report found that although 84 per cent of Gen Z users wanted to find new ways to build deeper connections with the people theyre dating, 14 to 29-year-olds are 36 per cent more hesitant than millennials to begin a deep conversation on the first date. So, nobody is getting what they want on their hunt for love online.

The number one thing we consider when sharing are the risks of revealing says John. When we say something embarrassing, we can see on someones face all of their feedback and we get hyper fixated on that. What we dont see are the missed opportunities when we decide not to reveal. Almost no one considers the cost of concealment. Thats a missed opportunity for intimacy. And potentially a promotion, best friend or life partner, too.

Even if youre already married, not sharing can come back to bite you. In long term relationships, you have to share your feelings, says John. It sounds cheesy but theres real science behind sharing. We need to think of feelings like data, information, or facts. Sometimes, a secure relationship will end not because someone did something horrible but because of something quieter. You wake up in 10 or 20 years with your spouse and feel like you dont know them or they dont know you. The reason that happens is because our confidence that we know the person outpaces our actual knowledge. The easy fix here? Share more.

open image in gallery Last straw: Adam Driver sharing with his wife in the wrong way in Marriage Story ( Netflix )

This is, of course, easier said than done  but John has four steps to make it easier, even for the most demure, private or anxious conversationalist. I would start by doing an audit of your daily life, she says. Go through and see where there are times and opportunities to share. A huge issue here is that sometimes we dont even realise were making disclosure decisions. Use this as an opportunity to bring that to light.

Next, consider the cost of not saying what popped into your mind. Maybe youll dwell on the feeling that your colleague didnt appreciate your contribution to a project, or perhaps youll resent your partner for not planning a date night in months. Emotions find a way of seeping out in passive aggression if you dont speak, explains John. So, you want to make a full, wholehearted decision about whether youre going to speak up. The answer isnt always to reveal but to be more thoughtful.

If you do decide to share, whether its with a new potential friend or someone youve known since you were a child, you can still start small; nobody wants to get stuck in a corner at a party with someone up on their soapbox with a tiny violin. Its not the goal to go full throttle overshare, John makes clear. Im not saying every conversation should be deep  no one wants that. Just try and share a little bit more than you ordinarily would. See what happens.

open image in gallery Legally Blondes Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) furthers her career with her warm personality ( Getty )

Weve been conditioned as humans to share more when the other person does, which means that generally speaking, openness is met with open arms. The other person will likely match you, or go a little bit deeper, John says. If your counterpart doesnt take the bait, ask a question, she suggests, which is a simple solution  but one we often forget.

We dont ask enough questions because we worry theyre too prying  but studies have shown that thats in our heads. Most of the time, we think the question is more intruding than it is, John explains. Actually, people on the receiving end perceive it as care or interest. People love talking about themselves.

In an age of eternal online oversharing, it seems almost unfathomable that we could be struggling as a society to talk to each other. We share everything with everyone on the internet, from photos of our newborns in our arms at the hospital to announcements our loved ones have died. Theres a complete paradox, says John. When we share things online, we dont have the person  the eyeballs  looking at us, which is ironic because posting online is one of the most permanent forms of sharing, with the biggest reach. Thanks to the internet, weve modulated our social norms. The rules are completely upended, John adds.

Ultimately, in-person over sharing is what can bring us success, intimacy, friendship and even love. So, its worth seeking out moments to be candid, even if it feels terrifying. The single most consistent thing about all of my research for the first 10 to 15 years was when I gave people a space and I made them feel safe, comfortable and happy they were very forthcoming, says John of her studies. But it was only when finally doing it myself, even as a psychologist who understands all of the theory behind it, that I really saw the benefits to my mental and physical health... Its really eye-popping, those results. Its very therapeutic.

Revealing: The Underrated Power of Oversharing by Leslie John is out on 26 February
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A 5-year-old Colorado boy with a passion for flying got a first-class tour of Southwest Airlines headquarters after spotting a small discrepancy in training materials used by the airline.

William Hines, a pre-kindergarten student at Campbell Early Learning Center in Arvada, developed his love of airplanes early on through regular visits to Rocky Mountain Metro Airport, where he would watch aircraft take off and land with wide-eyed excitement.

Williams enthusiasm soared after his mom, Amber, connected with a staff member at her daughters school whose spouse was a commercial pilot, leading to a meeting with Southwest pilot Josh. In uniform, Josh visited Williams home and spent two hours teaching him the basics of aviation, even gifting the youngster a company training manual. It was while looking over cockpit layouts in the document that the 5-year-old spotted a tiny discrepancy that caught the airlines attention.

I discovered that two terrain monitors did not match. They did not match at all, William told 9 News, explaining that one sides farther and one sides closer.

Amber Hines clarified that it wasnt an error, just that the childs eagle-eyed attention to detail caught two terrain gauges in the training manual that didnt match.

open image in gallery Williams enthusiasm soared after meeting Southwest pilot Josh, who spent two hours at the child's home teaching him aviation basics ( Southwest )

open image in gallery Williams sharp attention to detail and passion for aviation earned him and his family a trip to Dallas to tour Southwests training facility ( The Hines Family )

One was very, very zoomed out while the other one was zoomed in, Amber said. He was able to identify the fact that these should look the same, but they looked different because one was drastically zoomed out from the other one.

Amber shared the interaction on social media, where it reached a friend who works at Southwest Airlines. With Ambers permission, the friend passed it along to company leaders. The story, as well as other YouTube videos of William talking about aviation, ultimately landed at the desk of Southwest CEO Bob Jordan, who invited William and his family to Dallas for a VIP tour of the airlines training facility.

Bob especially loved his use of ailerons in a sentence, a Southwest spokesperson told The Independent about a November clip in which the child explains the hinged surfaces on airplane wings that control roll or banking.

During the visit, William met Southwest team members, including a flight simulator pilot, and even got to sit inside a flight simulator.

It was amazing, Amber told 9News. Everyone there was very, very welcoming, and we definitely had the tour of a lifetime.

For William, the experience only reinforced what hes always known: he loves flying and is determined to become a pilot one day.

Then, I can transport people to a place and not just myself, like 140 people to a place, he said about his future.

A Southwest spokesperson told The Independent that the airline supports Williams dreams.

We were happy to help inspire his love of aviation and hope he keeps us in mind once his feet can reach the pedals, the spokesperson said.

open image in gallery Everyone there was very, very welcoming, and we definitely had the tour of a lifetime, Williams mom said ( The Hines Family )

open image in gallery William has young dreams of becoming a pilot ( Southwest )

Amber said Williams curiosity about how things work began as a baby, watching wheels and axles during tummy time and taking his toys apart  a spark she believes naturally led to his love of aviation. She described him as a true details guy who notices everything, listens closely and absorbs information like few children his age.

She said Williams passion for planes is entirely his own, despite her interest in planes and his fathers past as a pilot, ultimately changing course after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

"We never pushed him, honestly," Amber said. "We never really mentioned it before. This is entirely on his own, and as soon as he started to take an interest, of course, we were supportive of that, but it's never been anything that we hoisted upon him. That is 100 percent his passion."
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The mineral water brand Topo Chico will be temporarily unavailable in the United States, and the shortage may last months.

Topo Chico, which is owned by Coca-Cola, revealed in a statement that both the production facility and the water source located in Mexico will be undergoing upgrades, leaving the bottled water more difficult to obtain in the meantime.

According to a letter Coca-Cola sent distributors, which was seen by CNN, it recently identified additional challenges in the source wells, including quality issues related to the sources geology, resulting in a pause in receiving any orders.

We are now making further investments at the source to improve source stability and quality and enable increased production, requiring us to temporarily stop production, the letter read.

A spokesperson for the company told CNN that they are planning for the mineral water to be back on shelves around July.

open image in gallery The water brand Topo Chico will be making its mineral water, temporarily unavailable, to upgrade the production facility and the water source ( Getty Images )

open image in gallery The shortage only applies to the brands mineral water, and none of its other beverages ( Coca-Cola )

Since the companys inception in 1895, Topo Chico mineral water has been sourced from wells in Monterrey, Mexico, where the bottles were first sold in the 1920s, according to Chron.com.

The company clarified in a statement to the website that while the upgrades will affect the brands mineral water, all other beverages produced by Topo Chico, such as its sparkling water and canned cocktails, will remain available in the United States.

This is not the first time there has been a Topo Chico shortage in the U.S., as there was previously one in 2022 due to high consumer demand and a shortage of raw materials.

Last year, the brands mineral water was also recalled due to the possible presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacteria that occurs naturally in water sources, including mineral water.

According to a letter sent to Costco customers in June 2025, the health risks of consuming mineral water with Pseudomonas are very low in healthy individuals and will only cause minor health consequences in people with weakened immune systems.

The recall specifically applied to bottles that were sold at select Costco warehouses in Texas and Louisiana from May 20 to May 29, 2025.

The water bottles were sold in 18-packs and have the lot number 13A2541 printed on both the cases packaging and the neck of the individual bottles.

Customers who have purchased the affected water bottles are urged to return them to their local Costco in exchange for a full refund. Any questions regarding the recall can be directed to Coca-Cola using the phone number 1-800-GET-COKE.
JERUSALEM, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Dutch flag carrier KLM announced on Wednesday evening that it will temporarily suspend its flights to Israel starting from March 1.

The airline explained in a statement that "operating flights to Tel Aviv is not commercially and operationally feasible" at this time.

It added that affected passengers would be notified individually and given options to reschedule or receive a refund.

"KLM will continue to monitor developments and will reassess the decision in accordance with the circumstances," the statement said.

On Jan. 23, the airline suspended its flights to several Middle Eastern countries, including Israel, "due to the geopolitical situation." It resumed flights to Saudi Arabia later in January, and then to Israel in early February. 
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A longtime weather reporter has confirmed her amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis in an on-air interview.

Jeriann Ritter, 49, announced her career-ending diagnosis in an interview that aired Tuesday after 20 years of working as a meteorologist at NBC affiliate station WHO 13 in Des Moines, Iowa.

After viewers noticed concerning changes in her speech in recent months, Ritter said doctors told her she has bulbar ALS. Doctors said there is no treatment or cure for the neurodegenerative disease.

I love talking about the weather. I dont love talking about ALS, Ritter told her colleague, Keith Murphy. Thats what the doctors believe is causing my speech problems.

Bulbar ALS begins by causing problems with speech, swallowing and breathing. Ritter said she had hoped that another condition was causing her symptoms, but that doctors are still trying to prove to her that their diagnosis is correct.

open image in gallery WHO 13 meteorologist Jeriann Ritter was diagnosed with ALS ( Facebook )

open image in gallery Jeriann Ritter has been a weather reporter at Des Moines station WHO 13 for over 20 years ( WHO13 )

If the doctors are right, Im probably done telling you about the weather, Ritter said. But I still have a lot to say.

The local celebrity fought back tears as she said, Maybe Im dealing with this to remind people to be thankful for their life... I can tell you, up until this point, I didnt forecast this storm hitting. And its raining right now and Im trying to find the sunshine and focus on the little things, and thats loving and living for the moment.

Ritter added, Im gonna do what Ive always been doing for almost 50 years of my life. Im gonna live, and Im gonna love.

The meteorologist said her symptoms started in October when she noticed weird stuff with my speech. She said that viewers began to notice a change in her speech during broadcasts and sent her messages about it online around November.

She went to her dentist and said that she thought her teeth were moving. She then went to several other doctors, who all told her to see a neurologist.

That was the day she looked at me and found something with my tongue that led her to believe I had bulbar ALS. I just wasnt prepared to hear that. I really thought it was something little, she said.

She addressed the issue in a social media video in January, thanking viewers for their concerns and saying: I know all of us have stuff going on, but when my greatest joy is talking and its becoming harder to do, its kind of a bummer right now. But I just want you to know I feel great and that I am getting medical attention for this, and hopefully Ill get answers sooner rather than later.

Ritter has been a staple at WHO 13 since joining the station in 2004. She was a meteorologist on the networks morning show before moving to the noon and 4 p.m. shows in 2022.
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A Los Angeles man has been jailed for 45 days after he fed liquor to a juvenile hawk in a viral video.

Cesar Gustavo Diaz, a 25-year-old from the Watts section of LA, filmed himself capturing the Coopers hawk in June 2025 in a suburban park.

He later uploaded the footage to YouTube, sparking concerns about the animals welfare, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

In the video, the 25-year-old is seen holding the brown-and-beige-feathered bird in his hands. At one point, he brandishes an alcoholic beverage in a green container, which he decants into the hawks mouth.

As the raptor gulped down the drink in the clip, the words hawk loves him some buz (sic) ball appeared on the screen.

In another part of the video, the bird stands next to the green drink and stares into the camera.

Meanwhile, words across the screen read, Hanging out with the homie.

open image in gallery Cesar Gustavo Diaz has been jailed after feeding alcohol to a Cooper's hawk in Los Angeles County ( California Department of Fish and Wildlife )

The CDFW says that it was alerted to the incident by members of the public, prompting the agency to launch an investigation overseen by the Special Operations Unit.

A total of five search warrants were executed during the investigation, with officials later identifying Diaz, who was already in custody on unrelated charges.

Diaz allegedly released the hawk before being interviewed, the CDFW says.

He was subsequently charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty and capturing/confining wildlife.

On February 19, 2026, he submitted a no-contest plea to the animal cruelty charge and was sentenced to 12 months of summary probation.

open image in gallery Cooper's hawks are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which makes the capture of them illegal ( California Department of Fish and Wildlife )

He was also ordered to carry out a 45-day stint in Los Angeles County Jail, with credit for time served; 20 days of community labor; a 24-session animal cruelty counselling program and a five-year prohibition on possessing animals.

Diaz was handed a ten-year firearm prohibition and was ordered to pay $220 in fines and fees.

There was a huge backlash to Diazs YouTube video, with several social media users questioning his motives.

Is the hawk okay? It was obviously in distress to allow a human to prod at it like that, one person raged.

Underneath the CDFWs statement about Diazs actions, another wrote, What the heck is wrong with people?

Coopers hawks are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. The legislation, which was amended in 1998, bans the hunting, capturing or killing of any migratory bird.

The hawks currently have a conservation status of least concern on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species.

Coopers hawks are described as crow-sized by AllAboutBirds, with females often dwarfing males in size.

Larger females can be up to 17.7 inches long, with a wingspan of up to 35.4 inches. Males, on the other hand, can reach 15.3 inches in length but also have wingspans of up to 35.4 inches.
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A Florida man allegedly killed his wife after an argument about a cruise and told police he would rather live in prison than deal with her.

William Simmons, 80, called police and confessed to killing his 83-year-old wife, Nancy, on February 21, according to an affidavit seen by The Independent.

Officers arrived at the residence after receiving a call from Simmons in which he told dispatch that his wife was down, and Im just sitting here and that she "was not able to talk to anybody anymore.

Deputies found Nancy unresponsive in the kitchen with a gunshot wound to her upper body next to a shotgun and an empty shell casing. She was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the affidavit.

Simmons confessed to her killing and said they had been arguing over going on a cruise when the incident had occurred. His wife had told him f*** you, you bastard, multiple times, which he told investigators had triggered him.

80-year-old William Simmons, of Florida, killed his wife after an argument about a cruise and told police he would rather live in prison than deal with her ( Orange County Sheriff's Office )

After retrieving the gun from his bedroom closet, he told his wife he had had enough and he could pull the trigger, the report stated. After she swore at him again, he allegedly shot her once.

Simmons later told police that his wife suffered from dementia and that he had dealt with it for too long, as well as stating that he loved the old Nancy and that he would rather live in prison than deal with her.

Simmons reportedly told officers that his wife had not tried to hurt him during the incident, that he was not under the influence and that it was not an act of self-defense. He was charged with first-degree murder.

The Independent has attempted to contact the Orange County Sheriffs Office for further information about the case.
NIAMEY, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Niger's Defense and Security Forces (FDS) announced on Tuesday that they had killed 17 terrorists and apprehended 33 others during several operations conducted nationwide between Feb. 15 and 22.

According to the army's weekly information bulletin broadcast on national television Tele Sahel, the operations also led to the seizure of 1,098 sticks of dynamite, 48 kg of cannabis, approximately 23,250 liters of smuggled fuel, and several hundred thousand harmful tablets.

During the operations, three improvised explosive devices were reported. Two were "neutralized" by specialized teams, while the third exploded without causing any casualties, resulting only in minor damage to a military vehicle, according to the bulletin.

The Nigerien army stressed that, through targeted offensive actions, reinforced control operations, and rapid interventions based on intelligence, the FDS have consolidated their presence in sensitive areas and inflicted significant blows on armed groups and criminal networks operating in the country. 
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BusinessCompaniesAviation Bigger is better in plans for expanded Melbourne Airport Chris Zappone February 25, 2026  4:11pm 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

The nations busiest 24-hour airport has announced plans to expand its international terminal through several projects aimed at supersizing its capacity to serve long-haul travel. Melbourne Airports $4.5 billion improvement plan will include expanding its international terminals check-in hall, adding bigger lounge facilities, and adding five new gates for wide-body planes, which it said would give airlines more flexibility to schedule flights. Those gates can also accommodate eight narrow-body planes. The key to the growth plan, according to Melbourne Airport, is the opening of new pick-up and drop-off zones in front of terminals T1, T2, and T3 in September 2026, which will make room for the international terminal to come forward into the existing forecourt.

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Melbourne Airport chief executive officer Lorie Argus said improvements in the terminal would complement the planned third runway, due to open in 2031. Increased capacity on our airfield and terminals will allow airlines to schedule more flights to more places, which will give consumers and exporters more choice, she said. An image suggests what the airports new gates would look like. Melbourne Airport The $4.5 billion expansion will be funded privately, with support from the airlines themselves, who have agreed in principle to the changes. Weve spent several months working collaboratively with the airlines to ensure these plans meet their needs, while also delivering an improved experience for our travellers in both arrivals and departures, Argus said.

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Melbourne Airport will face more competition for international travel following the opening of Western Sydney International Airport, scheduled to open this year. Avalon Airport in Victoria is also resuming international flights, with Jetstar flights to Bali being launched next month. Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs Julian Hill said that demand for domestic and international travel at Melbourne Airport is growing rapidly, and Victorians and visitors alike will welcome these improvements which cant come too soon. New seating planned for Melbourne Airports expansion. As for improvements with border security, which still relies on kiosks and paper declaration slips, Argus said Melbourne Airport was still keen to work with the federal government on upgrades to border processing technology and facilities to help further improve the arrivals experience for international travellers. Early works on the first stage of the international terminal expansion will start after the opening of Melbourne Airports new road network in September.

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Melbourne Airport, which opened in 1970, has four terminals: one international, two domestic and one for budget domestic flights. It has expanded steadily over the years, helped both by a booming demand for travel and Victorias robust population growth. An artists rendering of Melbourne Airports $4.5 billion expansion of the international terminal. Melbourne Airport January set a record for international travel, with more than 1.26 million international passengers passing through the airport in that month. Australian Airports Association CEO Simon Westaway said Melbourne Airports International Terminal expansion is an important investment in the countrys overall aviation network. The project demonstrates the effectiveness of the current regulations enabling timely, market-led investment, he said.

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However, the benefits of the new terminal could be held up by persistent problems with the border. Related Article Aviation Passenger opening for Sydneys new international airport revealed To fully realise these benefits, we now need greater federal government investment in border and biosecurity modernisation, such as digitising the incoming passenger arrivals card, to ensure a seamless and efficient travel experience. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
CONAKRY/FREETOWN, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Tensions have emerged along the border between Guinea and Sierra Leone following the detention of 16 Sierra Leonean security personnel by Guinean forces, according to official statements released on Tuesday by both nations.

The General Staff of the Guinean Armed Forces of Guinea on Tuesday confirmed the arrest of 16 Sierra Leonean soldiers at the border region with Sierra Leone.

The soldiers were apprehended on Sunday after entering Guinean territory in the district of Koudaya, Faranah Prefecture, the statement said, adding that they were about 1.4 km inside Guinean territory without prior authorization.

"They set up their tents and raised their national flag," said Ansoumane Toumany Camara, director of information and public relations of the Armed Forces and spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense. Guinean forces deployed to the site captured the 16 personnel and their equipment, handing them over to the judicial police for investigation.

Contrary to Guinea's statement, Sierra Leone's Ministry of Information and Civic Education said Tuesday that Guinean forces crossed into the Sierra Leonean border town of Kalieyereh in Falaba District on Monday.

The Sierra Leonean government said its personnel were making bricks for a new border post within recognized Sierra Leonean territory when they were apprehended. "The Sierra Leone national flag had been hoisted within territory recognized as belonging to Sierra Leone," the statement said.

Freetown confirmed that several members of a joint security team, including an officer, were transported into Guinea along with their arms, noting that it is engaging through diplomatic and security channels to secure the "safe and unconditional release" of its personnel and has dispatched a fact-finding mission to the area.

The border dispute between Sierra Leone and Guinea dates back to unclear boundaries drawn by Britain and France during the colonial period. After independence, the lack of precisely demarcated borders and the presence of shared communities along the frontier led to recurring tensions. The issue has persisted at a low level, with occasional incidents, although regional organizations such as the Economic Community of West African States have at times stepped in to mediate. 
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BusinessCompaniesAI Opinion WiseTechs AI jobs sledgehammer  a sign of things to come? Elizabeth Knight Business columnist February 25, 2026  4:00pm

February 25, 2026  4:00pm 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 single blog post this week wiped out hundreds of billions of dollars from Wall Street. But this wasnt a standard analysts report; rather it was a dystopian picture of the US economy in 2028, all thanks to the artificial intelligence boom. WiseTech executive chairman Richard White. US research firm Citrini described a grim picture: mass unemployment, a stockmarket plunge and a collapse in the human-centric consumer economy. While its a highly theoretical read that shouldnt be taken too seriously, ASX-listed tech giant WiseTech has now shown why we cant entirely dismiss those fears either. The logistics software maker smashed the ice on Wednesday, becoming the first Australian company to proudly call out artificial intelligence as the reason behind the axing of 2000 jobs, almost a third of its workforce.

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The companys founder and chair, Richard White, who is no stranger to creating headlines about his personal behaviour, hasnt massaged his companys AI message to avoid frightening the horses. Having announced a 35 per cent drop in half-year profit, WiseTech chief executive Zubin Appoo issued a harrowing warning as he heralded plans to cut the number of customer service staff and software engineers in half. I am prepared to say this clearly: the era of manually writing code as the core act of engineering is over, Appoo loudly proclaimed. WiseTech has its reasons for shocking its workers and investors. It is among the software-as-a-service providers whose core business is in the firing line as customers potentially use AI themselves and bypass the need for such services. The sharemarket valuations of thousands of these once-valuable companies, including homegrown tech giant Atlassian, which was founded by Australian rich-listers Mike Cannon-Brookes and Scott Farquhar, have been decimated over the past nine months.

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There is no shying away from the fact that the pace of AI deployment is set to accelerate, and it is nearly impossible to predict how this all ends. If WiseTechs strategy was to use staff cuts as a circuit breaker, it worked. By lunchtime on Wednesday, its shares were trading 10 per cent higher. But extrapolating the potential for AI-enabled job cuts across business more generally is a different beast. For many workers in the front line for AI displacement, this technology has become the bogeyman. Hysteria around potential AI job cuts is rising to a point where AI redundancies are masked or blurred by being lumped into the larger bucket of technology-enabled savings. Meanwhile, unions are trying to decode corporate job cut announcements to understand whether they are actually driven by artificial intelligence. In most respects, they are fighting a losing battle.

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Jobs Bring back the humans: CBAs embarrassing AI jobs bungle a salutary lesson Elizabeth Knight Business columnist It can be a fine distinction to make. Some job cuts are not directly the result of AI, but are enabled by AI. In response to questions about Commonwealth Banks 300 job cuts this week, a spokesperson explained that AI is changing how some tasks are performed, but it is not the driver of these role changes. Qantas also went to great pains to dispute that its recent 30 job cuts at its headquarters were about AI, even if technology played a role. Australian companies that have been sitting on the sidelines for a couple of years and assessing how AI can be used to improve productivity are now in the early throes of implementation.

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CBA dipped its toe in the water last year by using AI bots to replace some customer service roles, only to have the move backfire. It is now treading more lightly. CBA chief executive Matt Comyn is not shying away from a future in which AI will become more embedded, but insists it will also involve the upskilling of many of the banks staff rather than be a wholesale replacement for workers. Related Article Opinion

Sharemarket People doing dumb things: Wall Street boss Jamie Dimon warns of AI frenzy Stephen Bartholomeusz Senior business columnist But there is no shying away from the fact that the pace of AI deployment is set to accelerate, and it is nearly impossible to predict how this all ends. At the extreme end of the fear/disruption spectrum, the recent analysis by Citrini conjures a 2028 dystopian picture in which AI-generated unemployment runs at more than 10 per cent and Wall Streets S&P500 is in freefall. In this scenario, productivity is booming but the human-centric consumer economy has collapsed.

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AI capabilities improved, companies needed fewer workers, white-collar lay-offs increased, displaced workers spent less, margin pressure pushed firms to invest more in AI, AI capabilities improved, Citrini described in the scenario, which would be a negative feedback loop with no natural brake. While it is only one of many pieces of foreboding AI research published, the timing of its release during a moment of peak AI fear played into a sell-off on the US sharemarket this week. It is a fascinating read, but highly theoretical as it ignores the experience from other technological revolutions that new skills creates new jobs. But whichever way AI plays out at the salt mine, there will be disruption. Companies like WiseTech, that are already feeling heat, are the first movers. Others may be more gradual and with fewer casualties, but there will be significant change. Whether this is utopian or dystopian is anyones guess. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
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CultureArt & designArt Cancelled, then reinstated. Now this artist is set to make history at Venice Linda Morris February 26, 2026  5:50am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

In a 12-month rollercoaster, Khaled Sabsabi has gone from artist in exile scrambling to find a venue for his artwork, to a dual-represented artist on the worlds most prestigious art stage. Sabsabi, and curator partner Michael Dagostino, will be showcased not once, but twice, at the 61st Biennale of Venice, the worlds biggest art festival, it was announced overnight. Khaled Sabsabi will be represented twice at Venice. Marija Ercegovac They will become the first Australians to feature in the Venice Biennales Australia Pavilion while simultaneously exhibiting in the Biennales curated main exhibition, In Minor Keys. Only three other artists globally  most recently the legendary American photographer Nan Goldin  are thought to have received the same honour in 125 years of the Biennale. Federal Arts Minister Tony Burke lauded the invitation as a significant win for the pair and international recognition for the arts sector ahead of Venices May opening.

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It is a tribute to the artist and curator themselves, but also another example of the global recognition of Australian art, he said. The announcement, kept under wraps for months, comes a year after the pair were appointed, then abruptly terminated as Australias 2026 Biennale representatives. Their commission was rescinded the same day as the federal Coalition raised questions in parliament about the intent of two historical works by the Lebanese-born Sabsabi, who has taken strong positions on Gaza. The decision sparked a firestorm. High-profile figures such as Archie Moore  Australias first Golden Lion winner at Venice  condemned the move as censorship, while philanthropist Simon Mordant resigned his ambassadorship and withdrew financial support in protest. Burke denied he ever leaned on the board to axe the pair. In the midst of the upheaval and public scrutiny, Sabsabi travelled to Bangkok, supported by a grassroots crowdfunding campaign, to continue producing the work for a private show at Venice.

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We were cancelled on the Thursday, it was grief on Friday and Saturday, and Khaled started to make the work on Monday, Dagostino recalled. Michael Dagostino and Khaled Sabsabi at the State Library of NSW. Jessica Hromas Venices chief curator Koyo Kouoh reached out to Sabsabi before her sudden death in May 2025 to ensure the work was represented, bypassing the national debates that had derailed it. Weeks later, after a review by governance firm Blackhall & Pearl, which identified a massive lack of preparedness and poor crisis management, the board of Creative Australia issued a formal apology and reinstated the pair. The original work selected by the federal funding agency Creative Australia will now be housed in Venices Arsenale, while Sabsabi has created a second, interconnected work, conference of ones self, for the national pavilion exploring spirituality, migration, and the vastness of shared humanity.

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The presentation in the Australia Pavilion is funded by Creative Australia, which has confirmed it has also provided unquantified support toward the work in the main exhibition, whose title will be officially announced in May. Related Article Arts Arts boss Adrian Collette says Creative Australia is not about moral compass Sabsabis challenge will be to ensure his appearance in the main show doesnt overshadow the national work, for which he would be eligible for a Golden Lion award. Artistically, both works need to stand independently. Mordant, who has returned as ambassador, said the artists first work massively complements and enhances the second. Its an absolutely massive honour, especially given the circumstances, and for someone who has gone through what hes been through, he said. Standing by Khaled has been a real pleasure. Sabsabi describes the two works as one body with two limbs. Theyre both inspired by the soul of Tasawwuf (Sufism), looking at the inner and outer self  the zahir [actions of the individual] and the batin [intentions of the heart].

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Australias pavilion entry is inspired by the 12th-century poetic allegory The Conference of the Birds by Farid al-Din Attar, which recounts a pilgrimage resulting in the realisation that the divine exists within. The work promises to be a sensory experience utilising multimedia, sound, light, and technological firsts that will span the pavilions entire footprint. The installation was assembled and tested in a Sydney warehouse in December. Following the Biennale, a major solo exhibition of Sabsabis work will be presented in March 2027 at Adelaides Samstag Museum of Art, supported by a $100,000 grant from Creative Australia. Sufism speaks of seven layers of the soul; weve added an eighth level for people to walk into, Sabsabi said. The eighth level is about completeness and wholeness. You can be in the work for three minutes or four hours; it will keep giving you more. It will give you pause  moments of reflection. Despite the political drama, the artist says his intent has always been to unify, not divide. Ive always had the will and the intent to make this body of work, regardless of whats happening around me. Making work is part of my sanity. Be the first to know when major news happens. Sign up for breaking news alerts on email or turn on notifications in the app.
Bob Carr turned to writing to cope with enormity of his loss.

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Bob Carr strides into the Eastbank restaurant on Circular Quay with the kind of purposeful gait you expect from the former premier and foreign minister. He looks healthy, tall and (perhaps Im projecting) hungry. He is meeting me for lunch to discuss his grief memoir, Bring Back Yesterday, about the sudden death of his wife, Helena, in Vienna in October 2023. Mired in shock, Carr did a lot of striding around Sydney after the catastrophe of her death, but without the purpose he displays today. He just needed to move, to expel his grief, or at least exercise it somehow. He used to walk late at night, and enormous distances  from his Phillip Street office in the city to Leichhardt in the inner west. From Surry Hills to Randwick, then home to Maroubra. Often he wept openly as he walked, wondering what people would think if they saw him, the former premier and federal cabinet minister, sobbing and walking, trying to make sense of what he calls the obliteration of Helenas death. On the night of what would have been their 51st wedding anniversary, he tramped from their marital home in Maroubra in Sydneys coastal eastern suburbs to the Coogee beach esplanade, and up to a cliff top where there was a sign displaying the number for a suicide hotline. Bob and Helena Carr in 1987. Brendan Read/Fairfax Media

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But he never considered it  it would be a betrayal of Helena, he says. With me and I think with the vast majority of people, the instinct for life is too strong, he tells me during our lunch. Carr is very much in one piece today, which is a late summer Sydney day, so dreadfully hot and windy that we opt for an indoor table, removed from the view of a busy harbour, full of ferries and tourist traffic up to the Opera House. This is bushfire weather, he booms upon arrival, ever the former premier, and we settle in. Carr is dressed neatly but casually in a blue shirt, a patterned Hermes tie and chino trousers. His appearance is not an insignificant detail because Helena was the practical one in the marriage  she did all the laundry. Helena managed the running of their lives. Michael Mossop

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She also did her husbands packing for trips, the internet banking, the bill-paying, the driving and the cooking. Carr has had to teach himself all these skills, and more, since she died. I thought, Well, Ive done hard things in my life, he says. Ive led a party in opposition for seven years. I can learn to use a washing machine. Carrs voice is as deeply, sonorously senatorial as ever, exuding a natural authority as he orders his kangaroo fillet with beetroot risotto. He chose this restaurant because they serve kangaroo, which is both lean and environmentally friendly, appropriate for a health nut and former environment minister. The kangaroo fillet at Eastbank. Janie Barrett I begin by asking him why he wanted to write a grief memoir  a notable addition to a genre which includes works by greats like Joan Didion, Julian Barnes and Geraldine Brooks. One element in bereavement is the slight sense of panic that the memory is going to be lost, he answers. CS Lewis wrote about the memory of his wife as a photograph being covered by snow.

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Writing also became a system of self-governance (together with the weeping-walking) and a way of trying to process intellectually this enormous emotional event. Someone said to me that journalising is better than resorting to medication, he says. And maybe because Im somewhat bookish, I had a desire to read about bereavement. I remember standing on a corner in Vienna a day or two after [Helenas] collapse and with shock, absorbing that my universe had tilted  this radical change after 50 years. What is this thing? How have others navigated it? The tilt in his universe was nauseatingly sudden  the couple was on an opera-and-galleries tour of Europe, deep in the companionable comfort of nearly five decades of happy marriage, when Helena felt poorly one evening in their Vienna hotel room. She complained of a headache and pain in her back. Thirty minutes later she collapsed. Helena died unexpectedly on holiday in Vienna. Carr describes pleading with her like a character from one of his beloved operas: Dont leave me. Come back, little friend. She didnt come back. She was taken to hospital by ambulance and never regained consciousness. Carr flew home with her ashes in an urn. In the book he writes of his homecoming: No one ever told me about the silence that comes with grief ... nobody warns you that this is your new mode of living, this hush.

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Our meals arrive. I have ordered the grilled chicken salad  Carrs healthy choices have rubbed off on me. We share a side of steamed broccolini scattered with almond flakes. Soon after he lost Helena, Carr met Barry Humphries widow Lizzie Spender at a social function in Sydney. She advised him on what to do to get through: Whatever it takes. Grilled chicken and avocado salad. Janie Barrett This is the very same mantra Carrs late friend and comrade Graham Richardson, famous head-kicker of the NSW Right, applied to politics. Richardson makes a few cameos in Carrs book, which is a poignant account of the head-kicking quality of deep grief, besides being the story of a happy marriage, and a potted narrative of Helenas cosmopolitan background and successful business career. There are also diversions into Carrs political life, and his views on AUKUS (hes very anti). The book is full of the exquisite detail of loss  finding Helenas favourite teacup at home, with its special compartment for a lemon slice. The way she squeezed his hand during a rendition of Stephen Sondheims Being Alive at the theatre  a show-stopping number about the risk and the beauty of love. Or the time when Carr passes a man on the street with his arm around his wife, a casual display of love that is a red-hot poker into my guts. Lunch with Bob Carr at Eastbank in Circular Quay, Janie Barrett

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Eating outFood Gerties crowdfunding wont keep it in classic New Farm premises Its long-term owner is determined to reopen the bar in a new location  Paddington? Albion? West End?  hes just not sure where. Matt Shea February 25, 2026 Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Gerties might almost be gone, with the New Farm bar scheduled to serve its last punters this weekend. But owner Raul Chocop is determined it wont be forgotten, launching a crowdfunding campaign to help reopen the bar in a new location. For 32 years, Gerties [sic] Bar & Restaurant has been more than just a venue  it has been a home for live music, celebrations, first dates, birthdays, long conversations and unforgettable nights, Chocop wrote on popular crowdfunding website Gofundme. New Farm bar Gerties has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help it move to new premises. Rosanna Ryan After three decades in the same location, we are closing our doors  not by choice, but because we are no longer able to continue operating in our current premises.

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But this is not the end. Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up We are determined to reopen in a new location and continue what weve built for over 32 years: community, music, hospitality and a space where people feel welcome. Related Article La Bodega brings Insta-worthy birria tacos to a Spanish Mission space Chocops post says the money raised will go towards securing a new lease and permits, fit-out and staffing, and the purchase of equipment for a new venue. If Gerties has ever meant something to you  a memory, a friendship, a performance, a night youll never forget  we invite you to be part of its next chapter.

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This is not just about saving a bar. Its about preserving a legacy. At the time of writing, the campaign has raised $410 of an initial $1100 target. Speaking to this masthead on Wednesday morning, Chocop said the ultimate target is $10,000, the final amount potentially also to be used to fund a storage solution while he settles on premises for the business. People are asking where Im going. Is it Paddington? Or theyre telling me, You should come to West End, to Albion, to Hamilton. Raul Chocop I feel I have a good chance to come back, Chocop said. Ive been very busy with people supporting me and supporting Gerties. Its just that theres nothing like this space in New Farm with a similar character. People are asking where Im going. Is it Paddington? Or theyre telling me, You should come to West End, to Albion, to Hamilton.

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I just need to be located somewhere wheres theres foot traffic. We can be a destination but its better if were close to something. While others have come and gone over the past three decades, Gerties has been a constant presence on the intersection of Brunswick and Baker streets. Rosanna Ryan For 32 years, Gerties has sat watching over the intersection of Brunswick and Barker streets while others have come and gone  Alibi Room, Taj Mahal and so many more. Chocop made the decision to close the bar in November after he couldnt agree on terms for a new lease with his landlord. He scheduled Gerties last service for the end of February, and was initially undecided about whether to relocate it. Related Article One of Brisbanes most beloved bars set to close

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Chocop told this masthead at that time it was a difficult decision to close, given the bar was still trading strongly. But a proposed steep hike in rent and a litany of maintenance issues meant the decision was more or less made for him. Originally, the final service was scheduled for Thursday night, with a private function taking over the venue on Saturday. But Chocop says he will now open to the public that afternoon and evening also. Theres a lot of stress because you need to get things wrapped up, but I need to try and enjoy it, he said. Im talking to people and they have stories about first coming here 20 years ago. Its stories like that, that make me think Gerties has a future.

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For subscribers Matt Shea is Food and Culture Editor at Brisbane Times. He is a former editor and editor-at-large at Broadsheet Brisbane, and has written for Escape, Qantas Magazine, the Guardian, Jetstar Magazine and SilverKris, among many others.
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Every restaurant featured in the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide in the New England region of NSW. See all stories .

Camp Grounds is the cutest cafe in the country music capital. Theres cosy vintage furniture, 70s Australiana tea towels, and the piece de la resistance: a giant green canoe hanging from the ceiling.

Owners Matthew Bettesworth and Monique Hope opened the cafe after returning from Melbourne in 2019, and they brought specialty coffee with them (try the rotating origin batch brew). If youre still hungry (or just curious), the ham and cheese toastie (made with smoked ham, pickles, bourbon dill mustard, and local sourdough from Unfurl) is the go-to order.

Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant cant pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.
Chinese dance group at the centre of bomb threat at prime ministers lodge

The classical Chinese dance group Shen Yun is at the centre of a threat at the PMs lodge, following an email urging Anthony Albanese to cancel their upcoming performance.
Expert team seizes control of hospital following series of mental health breaches

An expert team has seized control of Cumberland Hospital after a series of mental health breaches led to the deaths of three people.
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NationalMiddle East tensions Families of Australian diplomats directed to leave Israel and Lebanon Kayla Olaya February 25, 2026  10:34pm 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

Dependents of Australian officials posted in Israel and Lebanon have been directed to leave by the federal government, as tensions in the Middle East heighten again. The updated advice for both countries on Smartraveller notes the direction has been made in response to the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East. Foreign nationals at an evacuation point in Tel Aviv where the Australian embassy evacuated citizens in June. Kate Geraghty The precautionary measure follows the re-escalation of regional tensions as the United States assembles its greatest military firepower in decades in the Middle East ahead of critical talks in Geneva over Tehrans nuclear program. Australian embassies in Tel Aviv and Beirut will remain open, with the general advice to travellers remaining at reconsider your need to travel due to the unpredictable situation in the Middle East, which could result in airspace closures, flight cancellations and travel disruptions.

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Iranians suffered through the bloodiest crackdown on dissent in the countrys modern history just over a month ago. Thousands of people were killed in the conflict, with estimates ranging from 7000 to 32,000 dead. As Iranians await the outcome of the Geneva negotiations, many fear the outbreak of a war that could surpass Irans bloody 1980s conflict with Iraq, and see it as a last chance for their ruling theocracy to strike a deal with US President Donald Trump. Anti-regime protesters rally in Geneva as talks over Irans nuclear program are held with US envoys. Getty The prospects of a war with the US have riven a population that includes hard-line supporters of the theocracy and those who feel Iran is splitting at the seams, especially after as it is still reeling from a devastating 12-day war with Israel in June and thousands of people killed and arrested during last months protests. Still, Iran heads into the Thursday talks with a determination to achieve a fair and equitable deal  in the shortest possible time, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X on Tuesday.

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NationalNSWPolice Heavily armed officers to patrol religious events in new police command Jessica McSweeney February 25, 2026  2:42pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

A dedicated NSW Police command to deploy heavily armed officers to patrol religious events such as Ramadan will require 250 officers, but the government remains tight-lipped on how much funding it will commit to the force. The new Armed Response Command effectively makes permanent Operation Shelter, the states police response to incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia since the October 7, 2023, terror attack and war in the Middle East. The command will patrol in the community, at religious and community events with potential risk of attacks, and be on standby to rapidly respond to threats at any time of day. Police with long-arm guns will permanently patrol places of worship and major events. Dominic Lorrimer The exact dollar figure of the significant investment from the state government will not be revealed until the next state budget, Premier Chris Minns said. Experienced officers will be sourced from commands around Sydney, and newly hired probationary constables will be prioritised for deployment to those stations with created vacancies.

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The work of this command will actually provide relief to the commands were tasking for the Operation Shelter. Were currently using offices from police area commands on overtime, on extended shifts, which is impacting on their employees at their current commands  we want to make sure we release that burden, NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon and Premier Chris Minns at parliament on Wednesday. Janie Barrett The announcement comes after senior NSW Police officers travelled to the United Kingdom and Germany in the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack to learn how to change policing efforts from reactionary to proactive in the face of terror threats. The sad reality is that the Bondi terror attack is only weeks old, but we need to be in a situation six months, two years, five years from that event, and still have the public be in a safe situation, Minns said. Police will also receive new vehicles and more multicultural liaison officers hired to keep police across what is happening on the ground in different communities around the state.

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Recruitment and reliance on police working overtime shifts is a challenge for the force, as is the heavy police presence needed to respond to frequent protests in the city. Related Article Analysis

Bondi shooting Police were young and outgunned: Where was the back-up at Bondi? Information released by the police under freedom of information laws shows that up to July last year, $11.2 million was spent on Operation Shelter alone. It is expected to take up to 18 months to get the new command fully operational. Opposition police spokesman Anthony Roberts welcomed the announcement but questioned how the force will be able to find enough resources to staff the new command. There are critical questions as to whether NSW Police have the resourcing they need to staff this new unit without diverting officers from critical frontline policing roles, particularly in Sydneys west, south-west and north-west, Roberts 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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NationalNSWCrime How Caitlins alleged abuser gained control of her body and her money after she died Amber Schultz February 26, 2026  5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

The control Caitlin Thorntons alleged abuser held over her did not end when she died. Instead, the man once charged with assaulting her had the power to hold her body hostage after death. Alex Passfield, who was facing serious assault charges against Thornton at the time of her passing, became her legal next of kin, granting him control over her bank accounts and her remains. The charges against Passfield were eventually dropped and nothing was proven against him. When Caitlin Thornton died, her allegedly abusive partner Alex Passfield became next of kin and had control over her remains. Her family said for five weeks, he refused to release her body, preventing them from holding a funeral. Thorntons mother, Kylie Bailey, is spearheading a campaign to change the law, named after her daughter. Her Change.org petition, which has garnered more than 45,000 signatures, calls for police, courts or the coroner to have the power to suspend next-of-kin rights in cases in which domestic violence is a factor.

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NSW Attorney-General Michael Daley has written to Bailey, confirming that the government is considering these changes. Thornton died on International Womens Day on March 8, 2023, in Passfields home in Maitland. Bailey said the pair had split as Thornton sought help through domestic violence agencies, and that she had returned to the property to collect her belongings. Kylie Baileys petition has garnered more than 45,000 signatures. Steven Siewert The Coroners Court heard that Passfields neighbour heard a dispute around midday, according to police records provided to the coroner, and saw Passfield on top of Thornton. A video taken on that day and described in police statements presented before the coroner showed Thornton slumped in a doorway while Passfield threw her items into the street. The Coroners Court heard police were called at least three times that day. The final time they arrived, Thorton was unconscious and rushed to the hospital, where she was later removed from life support.

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Alex Passfield is in prison for domestic violence assault charges relating to a different victim. The coroner has initially ruled her death a suicide and did not make any findings that suggested Passfield was responsible. Passfield was not charged in connection with her death. Police noted there was a significant domestic violence history between the pair throughout their three-year on-again, off-again relationship, perpetrated by both Passfield and Thornton. Thornton was convicted of three charges. In November 2022, Passfield was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault. Despite the charges, which were dismissed after Thorntons death, Passfield became the senior next of kin. Under current legislation, the hierarchy of rights prioritises a spouse or partner over children, parents and siblings.

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If a person doesnt have a will, its nearly impossible to fight [next of kin appointments], unless you go to the Supreme Court, Bailey said, adding she consulted a barrister who quoted her a $20,000 retainer. In the days after her death, Passfield sent Bailey a barrage of abusive text messages  seen by this masthead  as she attempted to collect Thorntons items and organise her funeral. Bailey said Passfield refused to release Thorntons body. About five weeks after she passed away, he agreed to release her, and we got to have a funeral, she said. Thorntons funeral was held on April 24, six weeks after her death. Bank records reviewed by this masthead showed that a week after Thornton died, her remaining funds were transferred from her account to an account linked to Passfield. Bailey alleged some of those funds included Thorntons family violence crisis payments, and that Passfield also took gift vouchers issued to her by a family violence centre.

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Domestic violence Young men need education to cope with rejection to keep women safe: DV experts He didnt inherit much monetary value  I think it was more about the control, she said. After Bailey provided the coroner with additional evidence, in December last year, the coroner directed that a police advocate make further enquiries into Thorntons death. Passfield is serving a two-year sentence for domestic violence assault and stalking relating to a separate former partner. Since Thorntons death, he has been convicted of more than a dozen domestic violence-related offences.

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A December 2023 review into the Coroners Act recommended that coroners be able to appoint a next of kin where they consider the statutory senior next of kin to not be appropriate. This is a distressing situation for Caitlins family, a spokesperson for Daley said. The attorney-general is considering [the recommendations] closely. Anyone needing support can contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028, Lifeline 13 11 14, and 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.
NAIROBI, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- The African Development Bank (AfDB) on Wednesday launched the Integrated Aviation Transform Program (IATP), an initiative aimed at strengthening the continent's aviation sector.

Speaking at the Airlines, Capital and Connectivity Forum held in Nairobi and online, Mike Salawou, director of the Infrastructure and Urban Development Department at the AfDB, said the program is a continent-wide platform that provides a roadmap to make African aviation more integrated, competitive and climate-aligned.

It will be implemented through partnerships with the government and the private sector, and seeks to provide airlines in Africa access to an affordable fleet that expands air connectivity on the continent, Salawou said.

According to Salawou, the IATP is built on three pillars, namely operationalizing the Single African Air Transport Market, strengthening safety oversight and promoting skills development in the aviation industry.

The two-day event brought together African aviation stakeholders, including senior government and development financial institutions officials and airline executives, to engage in a structured dialogue on airline sector priorities, investment needs and financing solutions. 
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NationalVictoriaLocal council Mayor defends himself after 30-day suspension for raging lunatic slur Angus Delaney and Alexander Darling February 25, 2026  7:52am 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 mayor of an outer-Melbourne council said he has been subjected to harassment in the workplace and a character assassination by his political rivals, after an independent arbiter found he engaged in misconduct when he called his predecessor a raging lunatic in a social media post. On Tuesday night, Wyndham City mayor Josh Gilligan was suspended for 30 days and made to apologise to former three-term mayor Kim McAliney after his Facebook post in September 2025 was found to have breached the Councillor Code of Conduct. Wyndham mayor Josh Gilligan has been suspended for 30 days. Lusi Enrique Ascui This raging lunatic recently proclaimed she wont pay her council rates  spouting anti-government propaganda you usually see from the sovereign citizen movement, he wrote at the time. Gilligan went on to say he would urge the council to release confidential minutes to reveal one of the suspected contributory factors linked to her resignation in 2020 and that she resigned because of the shame she brought upon herself.

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Related Article Local council Wyndham deputy mayor enables bullying allegations against her to be released Arbiter Simon Heath found these words breached Victorias Model Councillor Code of Conduct and that the raging lunatic comment towards McAliney was belittling, demeaning, abusive and insulting. No evidence was provided to indicate that Ms McAlineys resignation from council over five years ago was for inappropriate reasons, Heath wrote in his findings. Gilligan was also twice investigated for misconduct in 2022. Heath noted that in one of these incidents it was found he did not treat another councillor with respect. Gilligan was not sanctioned for that breach, but the arbiter for that 2022 finding wrote: If this behaviour continued  a sanction would be appropriate.

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In his mandated apology, the mayor said his comments fell short of the code of conduct and thus should not have been said. I take responsibility for my words and regret the offence and hurt they caused to Ms McAliney. I am sorry to her. But in a statement released on Wednesday, Gilligan said he wanted to provide context which isnt reflected in the [arbiters] decision, including that McAliney is a long-time political rival and Labor factional foe of his. Over the last five years, Ive been subjected to behaviours that are unacceptable in any modern workplace, including being physically confronted at a public venue, having colleagues and their allies actively work to remove me from elected office, and being obsessively questioned about my professional integrity. These are not behaviours that should be accepted as something that Councillors should tolerate as part of their role, Gilligan said in the statement. If the standards were applied consistently across all levels of government, many politicians would be clearing out their desks, he said.

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Gilligan said he would respect and abide by the decision and that he was not permitted to appeal the decision. His suspension starts on Wednesday, and his apology must remain on his Facebook page for 30 days. 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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Letters NationalVictoriaLetters Social media fuels explosion of hate February 25, 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

To submit a letter to The Age, email letters@theage.com.au. Please include your home address and telephone number below your letter. No attachments. See here for our rules and tips on getting your letter published. Megan Herbert Royal Commission Jenna Prices article (Why Mark Zuckerberg should be dragged in front of this royal commission, 25/2) looking at how we deal with hate speech rightly points the finger at how social media fuels these flames. The business model of these corporate giants relies on the fact that users have anonymity, and they provide an unregulated environment for anyone to be able to vent any idea without accountability.

Could we not introduce a system that encourages frank and free discussion but insist that users cannot hide behind that anonymity? If you wish to make a claim, then you should have the fortitude to own your statements. Just as protesting neo-Nazis wear masks to deflect scrutiny of their vileness, so too online trolls wear their own masks.

The internet has thrived because of its unregulated nature, but its biggest strength is also a weakness. Is it too much of an imposition to demand that people are accountable for their statements? The Age would not print this letter unless I provided my details, so why should the online world be any different?

We need some courage from lawmakers to be able to demand this fundamental change and demand that users are able to use these services to freely give opinion, but demand that they not hide behind the mask of anonymity.

Michael Flynn, Belgrave Antisemitism simmers below surface

Jenna Price concludes that royal commissioner Virginia Bell correctly points out that criticism of policies pursued by the government of Israel is not of itself antisemitic. God knows that many Israelis themselves criticise their own government, but when the continuous stream of anti-Zionism is conflated with ZioNazis, baby-killers, genocide, apartheid etc, it is only a very thin cover of antisemitism that needs to be teased out by the investigations of the Royal Commission.

Charles Freeman, Caulfield South

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Good luck with sorting inquirys challenges

I strongly believe in the basic principles of equality, freedom of speech and racial tolerance. Jenna Price (25/2), in her article on the royal commission on antisemitism and social cohesion, has clearly stated the difficulties the commission faces in providing solutions to the current challenges to these principles. Like Jenna, I wish the commissioner and her colleagues love and strength to complete their vital work.

Sandra Torpey, Hawthorn Facebook falls short

Hear, hear, Jenna Price (25/2). The part played by Mark Zuckerbergs Meta (Facebook) in the spread of antisemitism and many other negative things is well-documented in Sarah Wynn-Williams book Careless People: A Story Of Where I Used To Work (2025). Its a horrifying story of power, greed, madness and absolute irresponsibility by one the billionaire creators of social media. Do people realise just how vile a platform it has become?

Don Jordan, Mt Waverley Antisemitism is easily masked as anti-Zionism

Jenna Prices article suggests broadening the royal commission to include all kinds of racism, but doesnt that just defeat the purpose of the commission? The Bondi attack was targeted at Jews. Social cohesion doesnt occur by saying There are other social ills too lets not concentrate on anti-semitism.

Also, I think Price is being disingenuous when she says not to conflate Jews with Zionists. The vast majority of Jews are Zionists. That is why antisemitism is easily masked as anti-Zionism.

Its also a straw man argument to say that Zionist Jews dont criticise the actions of the Israeli government. In fact, the most popular sport in Israel is criticising the government!

Michael Fox, Bentleigh THE FORUM Rental inequities

There are serious issues if Australia wants to support our population in general if it allows the housing situation to continue. Some people property investors collect properties like some people collect shoes or fashion.

There are not enough rental properties available at the lower-middle end of the market near accessible public transport that single or coupled renters can actually afford.

I recently had to find a new residence quickly, and I am in my fifties. In some cases, there were 20 or more competing renter groups for the same property. I saw many run-down possibilities that I would have needed extra funds to fix to make liveable without proper heating and cooling to work from home.

There shouldnt be any ability in the system that allows for some people to own 20-30 properties just to offset the rest of the properties they own. There has to be a buck stops here approach once a certain ceiling is reached.

As a starting point, housing must be more equitable for those in the rental market. There will always be investors who can drive up the prices and competition, and it is their choice, its just not one of mine.

Nina Ash, Elsternwick

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Housing supply myth

Liberal and Labor parties are both suggesting that unaffordable housing can be solved by increasing supply. Australia has reached such a wealth divide that on its own, this wont work.

The wealthy will simply do what they are already doing and buy more property. The only way to prevent more housing going into the ownership of the already wealthy is to make owning multiple properties less financially attractive.

Apply solid capital gains tax on properties after the family home. Eliminate the various trust perks that enable wealthy parents to buy properties in their childrens names. Ensure that housing can only be owned by residents in Australia.

One of the reasons for Australias woeful productivity levels is that our laws encourage investment in property inflation rather than in business development.

Cutting back investment in multiple properties would benefit the rest of the economy by transferring investment to the production sector. But it wont happen.

Every politician and political candidate should be required by law to disclose their property ownership and this information needs to be known by all voters, especially young voters. It becomes apparent why we have the laws we do.

Michael Fewster, Adelaide, SA Keep a spare handy

It was good to read Electric cars put brakes on emissions (25/2). We have owned an electric car for five years and its been a pleasure to drive and easy to service  until the end of last year. We have been without the car since early December as it developed an issue with the main battery. This is being covered under warranty, but we are not being given any positive feedback that a new battery is on the way from overseas yet.

When buying an electric car, it would be advisable to ask the company you are buying from if it keeps spare batteries in Australia for moments such as this.

Ruth Hudnott, Canterbury Passport priorities

I am absolutely amazed at the silence from our Australian government in reaction to the British government devaluing the status of our Australia passport. British-born Australian citizens cannot now enter Britain without a valid British passport.

Their Australian passports are effectively null and void to enter Britain. The status of a passport, its level of universality, is part of the status of a country. Any attempt to reduce that, to devalue the acceptance of that passport is an outright insult to that country.

While Prime Minister Anthony Albanese rushes to issue a pointless declaration regarding the status of former Prince Andrew, not a single word of complaint about the damage to the value of our Australian passports. Is our honour as a country worth so little?

Martin Dix, Healesville UK tax grab

My husbands father born in Sheffield, England, who died 18 years ago has suddenly become responsible for his Australian-born 78-year-old son to now enter the UK.

Simply put, GBP worldwide revenue greed.

Claire Dodson, Heathmont PMs pre-emptive move

Opting for where theres smoke, theres fire over innocent until proven guilty, why did Anthony Albanese feel the need for Australia to be the first cab off the rank of commonwealth countries to call for the former prince to be removed from the line of succession to the throne? Seems a bit pre-emptive.

Claire Merry, Wantirna

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Republics not perfect

Amidst the publicity about the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the Australian Greens have called for Australia to become a republic. Prominent republican Craig Foster has too.

We should recall that President Donald Trump leads a republic. It is also the case that a recent president of the republic of France is in prison for breaking the law regarding election funding. A republic is not inherently superior to Australias constitutional monarchy.

Alun Breward, Malvern East Tawdry royals ruin magic

According to Walter Bagehot, the pre-eminent 19th century essayist and propagandist for all things royal, the monarchys mystery is its life, and we must not let in daylight upon magic.

The appeal of that institution to the public, he argued, was its appeal to the heart rather than the head. Until relatively recently, the late Queen Elizabeth II strove to embody something of the mystical monarchical ideal of her medieval predecessors consistent with Bagehots imperative.

Looking back a decade or so, though, it is arguable that the tawdry and self-aggrandising behaviour of the then young royals of the Prince Andrew and egregious Fergie ilk began to erode the fragile magic invoked by Bagehot.

In 2026, it must sadly be asked: what purpose does the British monarchy serve in modern Australia? As a once-revered role model for constitutional rectitude and humanity, it now fails the vital Aussie pub test in all ways.

Crucially, albeit sadly, republicanism has to be this nations default option as we move forward.

Jon McMillan, Mornington Singapore enforces law

Re: The inside story of how Australia became one of the most lucrative illicit tobacco markets in the world (19/2). The article mischaracterises Singapores approach to illicit tobacco transhipment.

Singapore takes the integrity of our ports and free trade zones (FTZ) seriously. Singapore Customs cooperates closely with international counterparts, including the Australian Border Force (ABF), to detect and act against illicit goods and transhipments, in accordance with our regulatory framework. Illicit tobacco is a complex, transnational issue that requires coordinated action across multiple jurisdictions.

In 2025 alone, intelligence from Singapore Customs led to 15 successful ABF seizures involving 58.9 million sticks of cigarettes; Singapore Customs also seized three million sticks of cigarettes in an FTZ that were allegedly bound for Australia. These outcomes underscore our commitment to combating illicit trade.

Singapore remains committed to sustained international cooperation and will continue to play our part in this collective responsibility.

Anil Nayar, Singapore High Commissioner to Australia, Canberra Margaret Tighes choice

Condolences to Margaret Tighes family on her recent death (Divisive pro-life leader never deviated, 25/2).

She was a staunch advocate regarding her personal views on many issues but like many who demand that we follow their views at the expense of our own wishes, she often forgot that choice and personal advocacy is often what most people desire.

The changes in legislation regarding abortion and voluntary assisted dying in particular show that having the opportunity to shape and manage our own lives is important. Its also worth remembering that it is about choice and not a mandatory position for everyone.

Denise Stevens, St Kilda Doctor communications

Communication between GP, patient and specialist is highly important. Lost pathology results create administrative problems and delays in treatment. Not a problem at all in France, where results are sent not just to the requesting doctor, but also directly to the person who paid for them  the patient, who can choose to open the envelope or take it with them when next seeing their family doctor.

Problem solved. It also avoids GPs and specialists blaming the lab for delayed reports.

Dr Tony Roberts, Merricks Beach

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Cafe culture

Alison Fonsecas article about cafe culture (My cafe is the best, but coffee has nothing to do with it, 25/2) reminds me of the history of our migrant population that opened those humble cafes to offer a sense of community when many of them felt deeply isolated coming to a new country.

My favourite cafe friend is not only staff but that lovely person who told me my lipstick stain was on my cheek and immediately offered to wipe it off with a napkin.

Its not just a transaction on coffee to me as a regular, where small talk can lead to civil discussions on global events with genuine warmth and not just robotic customer service.

Jenny Smith, East Melbourne AND ANOTHER THING Matt Golding Trump world

The towering Trump tower is to be built on the Gold Coast in the appropriately named Trickett St. The Australian partner in the venture has been declared bankrupt twice (Questions remain as Eric Trump shares new images of Gold Coast mega-tower, 25/2). What could possibly go wrong?

April Baragwanath, Geelong In the name of taste and aesthetics, please lets not proceed with Eric Trumps monstrosity, big is not necessarily better.

Greg Bardin, Altona North

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Its all very well for Australians to call for us to be a republic. However, if the model chosen gives the slightest possibility of our president becoming a Trump-like dictator, I wont vote for it.

Alan Williams, Port Melbourne Furthermore

Your correspondent (Letters, 25/2) pointed out that Bill Kelty once stated that our system shouldnt reward wealth more than it does work. Wealth is usually the product of hard work and without this incentive to get ahead, why would people choose to work hard?

John Guy, Elsternwick Dr. Jamal Rifi (Doctor working to bring home ISIS brides carrying extra passport for lost boy jailed in Iraq, 25/2) says of Minister Tony Burke: He does what he needs to do as a minister, and I do as I need to do as a human. Says it all really.

Vaughan Greenberg, Chewton I raise a glass (latte) to Alison Fonescas appreciation of the coffee makers (Comment, 25/2). My local cafe would score highly in her view. It makes my day as well as my coffee.

Betty Rudin, Wandin North Re Letters Stop blaming others, 25/2. I dont think an average wage gives a realistic picture of the ability to buy a house. It is skewed by a few billionaires. I would be more interested in our median wage, and whether a young couple could manage a HECS debt and raise a family while paying off a 30-year mortgage on a million-dollar house.

Joan Peverell, Malvern The opinion newsletter is a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up here.
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Exclusive PoliticsFederalIslamic State Sydney doctors campaign letter: re-electing Burke the only hope of bringing ISIS brides home Paul Sakkal and Michael Bachelard February 25, 2026  4:08pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

The Sydney doctor working to bring ISIS families home told western Sydney voters before the last election that re-electing Tony Burke was the only hope they had of seeing the 34 women and children back in Australia. In an open letter published in the Sydney-based Middle East Times newspaper in April last year, Jamal Rifi urged voters in Burkes electorate of Watson to reject a hardline pro-Palestinian independent campaign to unseat him. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Getty Images Rifi ran the Friends of Tony Burke campaign, arguing if the home affairs minister lost his seat it would pave the way for former Liberal leader Peter Dutton to win the election. This would have eliminated the chance of the ISIS-affiliated families coming home, Rifi said. These children dont know politics, he said in the letter, published on April 7, 2025, a few weeks before the May election. Their only hope is that if the Labor Party win government, they might one day return to safety and rebuild their lives.

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Facing scrutiny over the governments management of the return of families from Syria, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Burke have claimed the government had a consistent policy to oppose the return of fighters relatives since an earlier repatriation in 2022 caused a political backlash. Related Article Islamic State How PMs tough line on IS brides has left 34 women and children in no mans land Asked about the open letter, Rifi told this masthead it had been his hope at the time that Burke would help. The reality was I knew Peter Dutton would NEVER do it, he said via messages from his current location in the Middle East. I thought their chances are better with Labor  I do know now that I miscalculated. Opposition home affairs spokesman Jonno Duniam argued the open letter was an alarming signal that confirmed the widely held suspicions that Tony Burke had made it clear that Labor would try and pave the way for these people to come to Australia.

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Tony Burke is in charge of who comes and goes from our country. He is in charge of our national security and our intelligence agencies but this obvious conflict that Labor have tried to hide does draw into question whether he is appropriate to be doing this job, Duniam said. Its the first time the Coalitions home affairs spokesman has called into question Burkes fitness for the job. Burkes spokesman said: The governments message before and after the election has been exactly the same. It emerged last year that Burke met with Save the Children and another advocate for the ISIS relatives in August 2024, suggesting the advocates go quiet in public so that Albanese would not forced to publicly oppose any repatriation.

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Politics harder at this end of term, Burke allegedly said, according to notes of the meeting taken by a department official. Public pressure makes it harder. Related Article Exclusive

Islamic State Doctor working to bring home ISIS brides carrying extra passport for lost boy jailed in Iraq There is no clear evidence that Burke told the advocates the government would support a repatriation after the election. Yet some left the meeting with the impression, correct or otherwise, that Burke was open to a different approach if Labor was re-elected. Burke, Rifi and other advocates spoke about the families in June 2025, just after the election, at which point meeting notes show Burke telling the group: Government doesnt have a plan to get people out of the camps at this time. Recalling that meeting, Rifi told this masthead Burke told them it was the decision of the government that theyre not going to assist them or plan their repatriation ... they knew how to get there, they need to find their way back.

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The government has downplayed the significance of the talks between Burke and the family advocates. Some sources in the government claim the advocates should have known Burke was using political language to let them down softly. Until recent weeks, Albanese and his ministers had used neutral language when asked about their role in repatriating ISIS relatives, emphasising the government had no role and was providing no formal assistance except for issuing passports. Burke and Albanese in parliament in January. Alex Ellinghausen This month, Albanese started to proactively argue against any return, using firm language to say he had contempt for the parents who made their bed. Rifi, and the government in private, acknowledge that Albaneses rhetoric pushed Syrian authorities to block the cohort from leaving a camp to find a way back to Australia.

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We spoke in people in the [Syrian] government itself, in a very senior position, and they have told us, no uncertain terms ... they were not happy with the rhetoric of the prime minister in Australia, because those are Australian citizens, Rifi told this mastheads The Morning Edition podcast. [They said] It is his responsibility, and if he doesnt care about them, why should the Syrian Government care about them? Rifi is a prominent member of the Lebanese-Australian community who has often been held up by the Coalition as a crucial voice of moderation in the fight against extremism on the fringes of the Muslim community. Rifi says he met former Coalition prime minister Scott Morrison and Home Affairs minister Peter Dutton in 2019 and convinced them to bring back eight underage orphans from the Syrian camps after their IS-affiliated parents had been killed.

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He has found himself at the centre of a murky political brawl over the return of 34 women and children, some of whom were forced into travelling the caliphate and others who remain hardened Islamists. Another perspective Opinion

Islamic State If the ISIS women and children come home, Australia will be safer Jamal Rifi Doctor Angus Taylor has spoken nearly daily about the ISIS-supporting group since taking over as Liberal leader, using the debate to make his case to shut the door to migrants who hold anti-democratic views. In the letter, Rifi said a 95-year-old neighbour had expressed shock that some members of the Muslim community aligned with pro-Palestine group Muslim Votes Matter were trying to unseat Burke. What the hell is your community doing to Tony Burke? Rifi quoted the man as saying. Hes done more for Palestinians than anyone else!

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Rifi added: I keep asking myself the same question. 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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WorldEuropeCrime Louvre boss quits four months after $146m heist Lily Shanagher February 25, 2026  11:30am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

The director of the Louvre has resigned after being blamed for a jewel heist at the Paris museum. Laurence des Cars handed in her resignation to French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday (Paris time) after four months of mounting pressure over the 88 million ($146 million) raid. Louvre director Laurence des Cars (right) appears at a French Senate hearing three days after the theft in October. AP Des Cars has been blamed for security failings that allowed thieves to break in and steal Frances crown jewels in October last year. She offered to resign from her position immediately after the break-in, but Macron refused it.

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She claims she was told to stay in her post to steer the ship through the storm of a public inquiry, which this week criticised her for systematic failures. Related Article Crime Inside the heist that shocked the world Macrons office has now accepted her resignation, saying in a statement that her departure was an act of responsibility and the museum needed calm and a strong new impetus. Des Cars, hired as the Louvres first female director in September 2021, told Le Figaro after her resignation: I take my share of responsibility, of course. But the guilty parties, the masterminds, theyre still out there. On the morning of October 19, four thieves wielding power tools broke into the museum and made off with eight items of jewellery worth 88 million before escaping on scooters.

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They entered the Galerie dApollon via a balcony and cut through a window before threatening the guards, who evacuated the premises. Eight pieces were taken, including a tiara and brooch belonging to Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III; an emerald necklace and a pair of emerald earrings belonging to Empress Marie Louise; a tiara, necklace and single earring from a sapphire set, and a brooch. A crown of emeralds and diamonds belonging to Empress Eugenie was found damaged on the escape route, apparently having been dropped as the thieves made their getaway. Five suspects have been charged over the heist, but the jewels have still not been recovered. Empress Eugenies crown, which was stolen from the Louvres Apollo Gallery.

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Theft cruelly highlighted dilapidation Des Cars told Le Figaro the theft cruelly highlighted what I have been warning about since my arrival, adding: The buildings dilapidated state, the obsolescence of the technical installations, and the massive congestion problems, to name just a few. The damage to the reputation of the worlds most-visited museum was worsened by a series of staff strikes over low pay and poor maintenance, forcing its closure in December and January. It was further embarrassed after French police dismantled a large-scale ticket fraud network and arrested two museum employees last week. A witness recorded the robbery as it unfolded.

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And on Sunday, anti-billionaire activists managed to hang the photo of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Prince Andrew, taken after he left a police station following his arrest last week on the museums wall. Des Cars pointed out that museum staff were aware of its inadequate infrastructure and security long before Octobers theft. Related Video Video icon 0:33 Infamous photo of ex-Prince Andrew hung in Louvre She said: Ironically, the public contracts for security were about to be awarded at the very moment the jewels were stolen. Indeed, if we were able to implement dozens of emergency measures in just a few weeks, it was precisely because this master plan was ready. I am handing over the reins to my successor, who will be appointed. They will benefit from a clear framework and secure budgets.

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Critics, including the state auditors office, have questioned the museums low spending on security and infrastructure maintenance while it made lavish purchases of new artwork, only a quarter of which is on display. The heist exposed how only one camera was mounted on the wall where the thieves entered, pointing away from the balcony. Des Cars insisted she had wanted to double the number of security cameras in the museum. The inquirys complete findings are due in May. The Telegraph, London Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter.

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2026 Toyota 4Runner 4WD TRD Premium - Review by David Colman

The rambunctious will love the TRD's unbridled ferocity







There's a bestial quality to the latest TRD 4Runner that will please rugged individualists. Those who abhor gentrification will love this SUV for its in-your-face honesty of purpose. Everything about its design looks mil-spec. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is huge, with perforated thumb grip indentations. The oversize dials for the HVAC system and 4WD are knurled and designed for gloved operation. Even the volume control knob is twice the size you'll find in any other SUV. All interior surfaces are finely textured with ribbing strategically placed to keep stowed items from flopping free. The multi-layered door pockets are so well segmented they'd keep a filing clerk happy.

But don't make the mistake of thinking that the TRD is a grocery getter dressed up to look like a safari tool. Because it's not, and the proof of the pudding lies beneath that finely chiseled outer shell. That's where you'll find the TNGA-F chassis which Toyota introduced last year as the cornerstone of its brand new 6th generation 4Runner. That chassis, the first all-new one for this model in 12 years, still depends on the ruggedness of a body-on frame design. Toyota boxes the frame rails for added rigidity and enhances the suspension with adjustable FOX QS3 monotube shocks with internal bypass and rear piggyback reservoirs. They also give you a sway bar disconnect switch. Set this system up to your personal preference and you're good for a week climbing rocks at Moab.

These days, as you will notice in almost every shopping center parking lot, the bad boy look pioneered by 4Runner and TRD is very popular in SUV-land. You will see it slavishly repeated across the board in competitors' SUV showrooms. Although it's relatively easy to camouflage more prosaic SUVs with TRD-like bits and pieces, just one brief ride in the real 4Runner TRD will convince you that Toyota has cornered the market on the wilderness niche.

For starters, the cab stands tall enough off the ground that you'll have to use the grippy running board and handhold to hoist yourself into the driver's seat. Trimmed in SofTex, the bucket-shaped front seats are heated, ventilated, comfortable, and supportive. The second row seats fall short of row one on two counts: they're not very comfortable and they offer precious little leg room. If you don't need them, they are easily converted to flat storage via oversize release arms. Doing so also gets the 2 headrests out of your rear field of vision. And from the driver's seat, you'll need every extra slice of vision you can muster, because you can't see any of your 4Runner's 4Corners without craning your neck, checking all mirrors, and consulting the images displayed on the 14-inch infotainment screen. Parking this mega-truck will not be the high point of your day.

You also need to acclimatize yourself to the TRD's patented buckboard ride. On less sportive versions of the 4Runner, like the base model SR5, Drive Mode Select (DMS) offers you a choice of Eco, Normal, and Sport modes. On the upscale Limited model, DMS adds Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport S, Sport S+, and Custom Modes. The off-road oriented TRD model we tested eliminates the Comfort Mode altogether in favor of such specific terrain applications as snow, mud, and sand. As a result, there is nothing particularly comfortable about the pounding the TRD dishes out over paved road imperfections. Part of the buckboard ride is attributable to its ultra-stiff 265/70R18 Falken Wildpeak A/T radials (TW 500). Potholes act as butt launchers, while lane markers ping off your Falkens like buckshot. So make sure you're buckled up and cinched down for a bumpy ride.

Under the hood of this latest incarnation of 4Runner, you may be slightly dismayed to discover that a turbocharged 4 (278hp) has replaced the sturdy 3.5 liter V6 that has long been the hallmark of this truck's engine compartment. While the turbo 4 is no slouch (0-60mph in 7 seconds) it lacks the immediate torque punch of the departed V6. On several occasions, we were distressed to find the four-banger asleep at the switch when we nailed the throttle from a standing start. If you want to boost performance, Toyota now offers a hybrid 4Runner that jumps output by 48hp to 326hp.

Those of you who enjoy such rambunctious behavior will love the TRD's unbridled ferocity. You will yearn for the opportunity to unleash its off-road capabilities in a proper wilderness environment. You will gladly put up with its comfort drawbacks in exchange for its unmatched trail expertise. In TRD trim, the 2026 4Runner promises to free you from the mundane. Not many vehicles can do that.

2026 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 4WD TRD PREMIUM



ENGINE: 2.4 liter inline-4, turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve aluminum block and head, direct and port fuel injection

HORSEPOWER: 278hp@6000rpm

TORQUE: 317lb.-ft.@ 1700rpm

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 19MPG City/25MPG Highway

PRICE AS TESTED: $58,440

HYPES: Brutal but Handsome Restyling, Real Dials and Switches Everywhere

GRIPES: 34 inch tall Hatchback Loading Height

STAR RATING: 9 Stars out of 10

2026 David E Colman

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Patricia de Lille (back, 2nd L), South African Minister of Tourism, receives an interview in Johannesburg, South Africa, Feb. 24, 2026. Delegates attending Meetings Africa 2026, held in Johannesburg from Monday to Wednesday, called for optimized visa policies, improved infrastructure and targeted marketing to attract more Chinese tourists to the continent to boost economic growth and deepen people-to-people exchanges. (Xinhua/Chen Wei)

JOHANNESBURG, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Delegates attending Meetings Africa 2026, held in Johannesburg from Monday to Wednesday, called for optimized visa policies, improved infrastructure and targeted marketing to attract more Chinese tourists to the continent to boost economic growth and deepen people-to-people exchanges.

The event brought together representatives from 21 African countries. Participants, including tourism officials, diplomats and industry stakeholders, said that China, one of the world's largest sources of outbound tourists, remains a key strategic market for driving the continent's tourism growth.

"South Africa has piloted the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for Chinese travelers to streamline the application process," South African Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille told Xinhua, adding that the system is a "big enabler" in addressing previous bottlenecks that led to lengthy visa processing times.

Noting that South Africa is set to launch a campaign in China to promote the ETA system while engaging with airlines to increase flight frequencies, she said that following two years of close cooperation with Chinese tourism authorities, South Africa aims to attract "one percent of the Chinese population" as visitors.

Beyond policy adjustments, efforts are also underway to enhance tailored services. The South African government has introduced specialized Mandarin training for tourism practitioners to bridge communication gaps and improve service standards.

Deepening Africa-China cooperation in infrastructure and trade is also injecting new momentum into tourism.

Zambia's High Commissioner to South Africa Grace Mutembo said partnerships in the rail and transport sectors have facilitated both business and leisure travel.

She noted that Zambia has actively promoted its tourism products at expos in China and that major infrastructure projects, including a Chinese-built conference center, have emerged as new landmarks to attract international visitors and support professional exchanges.

Gabon is likewise seeking to enhance cooperation with China to expand tourism flows. Gabon's High Commissioner to South Africa Rod Rembendambya said his country has been stepping up diplomatic engagement and enhancing visa facilitation measures for Chinese nationals.

"Gabon is working with China in hospitality and infrastructure development and is keen to cement cultural exchange and boost the tourism sector by attracting more Chinese partners and investors," he added.

China holds huge potential due to its population and financial stability, said Marta Gomes, president of the International Congress and Convention Association, adding that "African countries need to showcase their unique culture and ensure more direct flights to China."

Currently, a growing number of African countries, including popular destinations such as Mauritius, Seychelles, Morocco, Tunisia, Madagascar and Egypt, have granted visa-free access or visa-on-arrival facilities to Chinese citizens. 

Photo taken on Feb. 24, 2026 shows the opening ceremony of the Meetings Africa 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Delegates attending Meetings Africa 2026, held in Johannesburg from Monday to Wednesday, called for optimized visa policies, improved infrastructure and targeted marketing to attract more Chinese tourists to the continent to boost economic growth and deepen people-to-people exchanges. (Xinhua/Chen Wei)

People visit the Meetings Africa 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa, Feb. 24, 2026. Delegates attending Meetings Africa 2026, held in Johannesburg from Monday to Wednesday, called for optimized visa policies, improved infrastructure and targeted marketing to attract more Chinese tourists to the continent to boost economic growth and deepen people-to-people exchanges. (Xinhua/Chen Wei)

People visit the Meetings Africa 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa, Feb. 24, 2026. Delegates attending Meetings Africa 2026, held in Johannesburg from Monday to Wednesday, called for optimized visa policies, improved infrastructure and targeted marketing to attract more Chinese tourists to the continent to boost economic growth and deepen people-to-people exchanges. (Xinhua/Chen Wei)

People visit the Meetings Africa 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa, Feb. 24, 2026. Delegates attending Meetings Africa 2026, held in Johannesburg from Monday to Wednesday, called for optimized visa policies, improved infrastructure and targeted marketing to attract more Chinese tourists to the continent to boost economic growth and deepen people-to-people exchanges. (Xinhua/Chen Wei)
West Bengal SIR, SC allows judicial officers from Jkhand, Odisha





NEW DELHI :

THE Supreme Court on Tuesday permitted the Calcutta High Court Chief Justice to deploy civil judges and also requisition judicial officers from neighbouring Jharkhand and Odisha to deal with 80 lakh claims and objections in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal. A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi took note of a letter by the Calcutta High Court Chief Justice that said 250 district judges deployed in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise will take around 80 days to deal with the claims and objections. Taking note of the grim situation and the time constraints, the bench permitted the deployment of civil judges to conduct the process. It asked the Calcutta High Court Chief Justice to request his Jharkhand and Odisha counterparts and requisition judicial officers of similar ranks to deal with the situation. It directed Election Commission to bear expenses for deploying judicial officers from Jharkhand and Odisha.

The top court also allowed the EC to publish the final electoral roll on February 28, and clarified that the poll panel can issue supplementary lists as verification process proceeds. It exercised plenary powers under Article 142 to enlist voters in the supplementary electoral rolls to be part of the February 28 final list published by the poll panel. The logical discrepancies in progeny linking with the 2002 voter list include instances of a mismatch in the parents name and the age difference between a voter and his/her parent being less than 15 years or more than 50 years. On February 20, dismayed over the ongoing tussle between the West Bengal Government and the EC, the top court issued an extraordinary direction to deploy serving and former district judges to assist the poll panel in the controversy-ridden SIR exercise in the State. Ruing the unfortunate blame game and the trust deficit between the EC and the democratically elected Trinamool Congress Government in Bengal, the bench passed a slew of fresh directions to ensure the completion of the SIR exercise.

The development evoked mixed reactions from different political parties in the State. The ruling Trinamool Congress had described the Supreme Courts order as a clear indication that the Election Commission of India has effectively lost control over the conduct of the SIR process in West Bengal. In an unprecedented move today, the Supreme Court was compelled to permit the deployment of judges from neighbouring states to address the massive bottleneck created by the Election Commissions sheer incompetence and administrative failure. This intervention itself speaks volumes, read a statement issued by Trinamool Congress immediately after the apex court order in the matter surfaced. Bharatiya Janata Partys West Bengal unit President and the partys Rajya Sabha member, Samik Bhattacharya, said that the Apex Courts order had once again proved that without the courts intervention at every stage, a smooth completion of the SIR exercise would never be possible in the State.

The parallel SIR exercise has been conducted in several other States and Union Territories. But West Bengal had been the only State where such constant controversies and disruptions of the exercise had surfaced. This is because neither the State Government nor the States ruling party wants the exercise to be smoothly concluded. This has become evident from the Apex Courts order once and again before, and today the same thing has been again established, Bhattacharya said.
African Safari FDCM orders probe for lapses in appointment of consultant





By Kaushik Bhattacharya :

FDCM received complaint against unlawfully awarding consultancy work worth over Rs 10 crore to Singapore-based company for architectural, landscaping work

Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra (FDCM) ordered an investigation against the procedural and financial lapses in the appointment of Singapore-based architectural and landscaping consultant for the upcoming African Safari project in Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoo.

Serious allegations against FDCM and FDCM Gorewada Zoo Limited (FGZ) have been made by a city-based Right To Information (RTI) activist for unlawfully awarding consultancy work worth over Rs 10 crore to Bernard Harrison and Friends, Singapore without issuing and tender notice, conducting a competitive bidding, or obtaining mandatory administrative sanction from the State Government. According to the complaint, the consulting company was appointed for the Gorewada project at a cost of Rs 10.05 crore and the appointment was made by Joint Venure partner Essel World Leisure Private Limited without following competitive tender process. In 2022, when the joint venture withdrew from the project, FDCM took over and formed FGZ.

Despite being aware about the lapses in appointment of the Singapore-based consultant, the FDCM Board of Directors allegedly approved continuation of Bernard Harrison and Friends services. As per the sources, the joint venture withdrew at the time of Mahavikas Aghadi Government and the then Forest Minister Sanjay Rathod was the Chairman of Board of Directors of FDCM. The Indian Safari in Gorewada Zoo took just two years to complete whereas after withdrawal of the joint venture with Essel World, the walking track is yet to be completed even after seven years, said a senior forest official to The Hitavada.

3,000 trees to be felled for construction of African Safari in Gorewada

The National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) India Limited, the implementing agency, got permission from Forest Department to fell around 3,000 trees in Gorewada zoo for construction of African Safari and walking track. NBCC has been selected to construct a 63-hectare African Safari at Gorewada International Zoo, with a budget of Rs 517.76 crore. Despite 2027 as the completion target, the project is yet to start due to various reasons. The tendering process is already completed and the work order will be released soon. Whereas the process of tree felling will be commenced soon. The cutting of trees will be held after implementation of compensatory plantation, said Pandurang Pakhale, Zoo Director, Gorewada Zoo. After issuing the work order, the construction will take around two years time and it likely to be open for tourist in the year 2027, claimed the Zoo Director.
CAG audit reveals systemic failures in MPMSU





Staff Reporter :

The Comptroller and Auditor Generals audit has uncovered systemic failures and formally validated long-standing allegations of corruption and administrative collapse at the Madhya Pradesh Medical Science University (MPMSU). The report, covering the period from 2020 to 2023, depicted a regulatory environment defined by financial opacity, infrastructural deficits and a major disregard for academic standards. The audit findings indicated a severe breakdown in the univarsitys mandate to oversee nursing and paramedical education. Despite the existence of 243 paramedical institutions catering to around 48,000 students, the MPMSU failed to maintain a transparent digital record of affiliations. This lack of public data prevented students from verifying the legitimacy of their chosen institutions. A physical inspection of 76 sampled institutions revealed that 32 failed to meet mandatory requirements. Contrary to established norms, the university granted affiliations to colleges lacking essential classrooms, laboratories and qualified faculty. These lapses have resulted in thousands of students being enrolled in paper colleges that do not meet basic academic criteria. The CAG highlighted significant fiscal irregularities, specifically regarding unauthorised distribution of maintenance funds and mishandling of endowment deposits. Under existing rules, maintenance funds can only be transferred to affiliated institutions.

However, Rs 39.69 crore were transferred to MGM Medical College, Indore and Rs 15.83 crore to Jabalpur Medical College, amounting to Rs 55.52 crore. The CAG rejected the universitys defense that these were council-approved, citing a direct violation of statutes and directed recovery of the funds. Simultaneously, the university collected Rs 98.60 crore in endowment funds from 551 institutions but failed to deposit or record these assets appropriately. Absence of annual accounts, leaving students financially vulnerable if colleges shut down. Administrative paralysis at MPMSU is largely attributed to a chronic staffing vacuum. As of 2023, 184 of the 275 sanctioned positions remained vacant. Notably, critical leadership roles including Rector, Administrative Officer, and Finance Officer have remained unoccupied since the universitys inception. In lieu of permanent hiring, the university expended Rs 84.19 lakh on private outsourcing agencies between 2021 and 2023. This reliance on temporary staff has been linked to significant delays in conducting examinations, processing affiliations, and issuing mark sheets.

The administrative backlog has caused a severe bottleneck in the state's healthcare training pipeline. In several districts including Agar-Malwa, Satna and Chhindwara, students reported studying first-year syllabi for nearly three years. In Government institutions too, delays persist. In nursing education, out of 28,560 sanctioned seats, only 17,735 registrations were recorded, with nearly 38 per cent seats vacant. Only 08 of 21 Government nursing colleges reportedly have recognition. While MBBS students complete their degrees on schedule, paramedical students in Madhya Pradesh are struggling to finish three-year courses even after five to seven years. Paramedical and nursing professionals form a critical backbone of the healthcare system. The CAG findings indicated that irregular affiliations, delayed recognition, administrative lapses and financial mismanagement have collectively disrupted the training pipeline. Despite making attempts, the Vice-chancellor, Dr Ashok Khandelwal could not be contact for comment.
IYC chief Chib arrested for AI Summit protest





DELHI :

Police on Tuesday arrested Indian Youth Congress president Uday Bhanu Chib as the main conspirator and mastermind of the shirtless protest at the AI Summit last week, and added charges of rioting against him and other seven IYC workers held earlier. While the Congress strongly slammed the Government, terming the arrest of its workers as murder of democracy in India, the BJP alleged that Rahul Gandhi was the mastermind and asserted that the long arm of the law will soon reach the rogue person who organised the anarchic incident to defame India from behind the scenes. In the evening, amid slogans of death of democracy, IYC workers staged a protest outside its office against the arrest of Chib. The protesters raised slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri during the demonstration. Earlier, police added sections 191(1) (rioting) and 192 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot- if rioting be committed; if not committed) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in the case. Addressing a press conference, Special Commissioner of Police (Crime and Police Management & Media Cell) Devesh Chandra Srivastva described the accused as aggressive elements and said that a premeditated attempt was made to breach the security cordon in the presence of dignitaries, delegates and visitors attending the international event.

On February 20, while the India AI Impact Summit was underway at Bharat Mandapam, a premeditated attempt was made to breach the security cordon in the presence of dignitaries, delegates and visitors attending the international event. The aggressive elements were immediately overpowered. During the process of restraining them, some police personnel deployed on duty sustained injuries, he said. Later in the day, a Delhi court sent Chib to four days of police custody, even as the investigating officer (IO) sought seven days of custodial interrogation. Police said that during the course of investigation, many individuals were seen in CCTV footage from the event venue and surrounding areas. The involvement of several other persons has also been detected, who were allegedly assisting the aggressive elements in various ways in carrying out the act, Special Commissioner of Police (Crime and Police Management & Media Cell) Devesh Chandra Srivastva told reporters at the press conference. He said to unearth the entire conspiracy, continuous coordination is being maintained with police authorities of other states and raids are being carried out. During investigation, Sections 191(1) and 192 of the BNS have also been added. Based on the investigation so far, it has emerged that the offence was committed as part of a deep-rooted conspiracy, and substantial evidence in this regard has been obtained, he said.

The Congress strongly condemned the arrest of Chib and other IYC workers, with Gandhi alleging that the action was reflective of dictatorial tendencies and cowardice. Gandhi said he is proud of his fellow members of the Youth Congress, who have fearlessly raised their voices in national interest against the compromised PM. We will make whatever sacrifices are necessary to protect democracy and the Constitution of our country. We will continue to fight and continue our struggle against those who have mortgaged our country, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge told reporters here. Hitting back, the BJP alleged that Gandhi was mastermind of anarchic incident at the AI Summit. Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters, the partys national spokesperson, Gaurav Bhatia, alleged that the Congress youth wing had staged the protest at the summit at the behest of Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi is the mastermind, rather a super mastermind, of such an anarchic incident. The naked protest held by Congress youth wing president and others at the behest of Rahul Gandhi tarnished the image of India, he said. There is not much difference between Rahul Gandhi and those who are lampat, goondey and mawaali (rogue, hooligans, ruffians), the BJP leader added. Srivastva said considering the multi-state ramifications of the case, the underlying financial and logistical networks among the accused, and the need for a comprehensive probe, further investigation has been transferred to the Inter-State Cell of the Crime Branch. According to police, additional sections under the BNS, including 196 (promoting enmity between different groups and acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony) and 197 (assertions prejudicial to national integration), have been invoked in the FIR. Both carry a jail term of up to three years.
QINGDAO, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- For Li Qiaoyang, a young travel enthusiast from east China's Shandong Province, a dream vacation isn't museum hopping in Europe or a beach break in Southeast Asia. Instead, he's dreaming of the wild African savannah.

"I have been to Egypt and Morocco in North Africa, and I want to travel to Tanzania this year to photograph animals," said Li, who was born in the 1990s.

Having explored the pyramids and the Luxor Temple in Egypt in 2016, and taken a road trip through Casablanca and the Sahara Desert in Morocco in 2020, Li is captivated by the African continent.

"Africa's unique natural landscapes and cultures are highly attractive. Many young Chinese are curious and drawn to it," he explained.

Li is among a growing wave of young Chinese globetrotters turning their gaze toward the African continent, which boasts spectacular savannahs, sprawling deserts, abundant wildlife, and rich natural and cultural heritage. This trend is further fueled by favorable entry policies, such as visa-free and visa-on-arrival access in several African nations.

Unlike older generations who often prefer rigidly scheduled tour groups, this new demographic, averaging in their 30s, craves independent exploration and unconventional itineraries. Africa, which is often deemed distant and mysterious, holds immense appeal for those seeking adventures off the beaten path.

This shift in travel philosophy is clearly visible online. On lifestyle app Rednote, searches for "Africa travel" yield posts that have easily drawn more than 100 comments. Netizens actively discuss pricing and routes, often demanding highly personalized experiences in Africa.

The tourism market has quickly felt the heat of this enthusiasm. Xie Ran, manager at a travel agency based in the coastal city of Qingdao in Shandong, noted a consistent rise in Africa-bound travelers over the past few years. The agency's clientele for African tours climbed from about 100 in 2023 to 180 in 2024, and reached around 240 in 2025.

GZL International Travel Service, a travel agency in Guangzhou in south China's Guangdong Province, said overall inquiries for African destinations rose by 50 to 60 percent in recent months, while bookings for routes involving South Africa and the "Vanilla Islands" jumped by nearly 40 percent.

Wu Liyun, a professor with the China Academy of Culture and Tourism at Beijing International Studies University, said that Africa's natural and cultural beauty possesses a unique charm that captivates Chinese visitors. Witnessing the spectacular Great Migration, in particular, has become a major draw for many.

"China's outbound tourism has been developing rapidly," Wu said. "For frequent travelers who have already explored neighboring countries, venturing to more distant destinations like Africa is a natural choice as they gain more travel experience." 
Jkhand air ambulance crash: All 7 on board killed





RANCHI :

ALL seven persons on board an air ambulance were killed after the aircraft crashed near Simaria in Jharkhands 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. 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 bodies have been handed over to family members after the autopsy, a health department official told PTI. The deceased have been identified as Captain Vikas Bhagat, Captain Savrajdeep Singh, Sanjay Kumar, Dr Vikas Kumar Gupta, Sachin Kumar Mishra, Archana Devi and Dhuru Kumar. As the bodies were handed over to family members, many turned inconsolable, expressing shock and disbelief. Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar and Chief Minister Hemant Soren expressed grief over the incident, and said the state government will provide all possible support to the affected families.

Since receiving the news last night of the heart-wrenching incident involving the air ambulance... The district administration, along with the state government, has been fully engaged in addressing it. In this tragic event, we have lost a total of seven of our own, including brave pilots, leaving me deeply anguished and stunned, Soren said in a post on X. I pray to Marang Buru (supreme tribal deity) that the departed souls find peace, and the bereaved families get the strength and patience to endure this unbearable sorrow. The state government stands in complete solidarity with all affected families and it will provide every possible assistance, he said. The Governor said the news of the air ambulance accident was extremely heartbreaking. My deepest condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in this tragedy. May god grant them the strength to bear this immense sorrow. Om Shanti, Gangwar said. Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari said the State Government will conduct a probe into how permission was given to the aircraft to fly during inclement weather.

He also said proper compensation would be given to the kin of the deceased. Terming the crash extremely unfortunate, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth said unpleasant weather could be one of the reasons, which will be determined by the probe. In a post on X, Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar condoled the deaths. The news of the air ambulance accident is extremely heartbreaking. My deepest condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in this tragedy. May god grant them the strength to bear this immense sorrow. Om Shanti, Gangwar said. 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.
Odisha World Skill Centre mulls to collaborate with Madhya Pradesh





BHUBANESWAR :

Brushing aside general perception that white-collar roles usually offer higher pay, blue-collar jobs offer only long working hours, high satisfaction and essential skills not handsome salary, new skill enhancement courses are now transforming ITI and Polytechnic pass out life. One such example is countrys premiere advance training institutes is planning to intensified its reach in other central Indian states. World Skill Development Centre in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, which has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Bihar, Uttarakhand to give training to skill development trainers of these states is also in talks with others states, including Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Highlighting existing tie ups and upcoming activities, Chief Operation Officer of the centre, Pinaki Patnaik told to The Hitavada that as we have achieved 100 per cent placement results in past three years and youth from our institute are also working overseas for instance a youth has got a package of Rs 26 lakh per annum in Singapore. Such a lucrative package was limited to highly professionals like information & technology or equivalent field but now it has been proved that if proper training programme is designed, it would have yield excellent results like this. The WSC caters primarily to induct the best talent from ITIs and Polytechnics and train them to become globally employable in emerging areas.

To facilitate overseas placement opportunities for skilled candidates, the WSC Bhubaneswar has signed strategic MoUs with Atreya Global Private Limited collaboration with Kawasaki Robotics India Private Limited to impart advance training in robotics, automation and advanced manufacturing. For further strengthening and enhancing inclusive and institutional capacity: Skill Development & Technical Education Department signed an MoU with UNICEF to enhance placement opportunities for girls through the YouthHub platform, DTET, Odisha partnered with Tata Technologies to upgrade 22 Government ITIs into Centres of Excellence. These collaborations mark a significant step towards building a globally competitive, industry-aligned, and inclusive skill ecosystem in Odisha. Thats why states of our countries have shown interest to be a part of our institute. It is learned that officials of this institute met Skill Development Minister of Madhya Pradesh and proposed to be a part their programmes. TOT, Amit talking to The Hitavada said that in last three years more than 3000 people were given training by him. The World Skill Centre (WSC) is established by the Government of Odisha through the Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA). Chief Minister of Odisha inaugurated the WSC on March 5, 2021. The project of establishing the WSC (Odisha Skill Development Project), is assisted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) with Institute of Technical Education Services (ITEES), Singapore as the knowledge partner.
Pink revolution in NMC BJP gives reins of 12 subject committees to women





All Smiles: Would be chairpersons of the NMCs subject committees are all smiles as they pose for group photo at Suresh Bhat auditorium with Mayor Neeta Thakre. Deputy Mayor Leela Hatibed and Ruling Party Leader Balya Borkar also are seen.

Staff Reporter :

Ahead of International Womens Day, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) witnessed a pink revolution of sorts as for the first time in its 75-year history, all the 10 subject committees would be headed by women at a time. Meanwhile, NMC got in the groove as the House, at its second sitting on Tuesday, finalised the nomination of members to all important Standing Panel plus other subject committees, including Transport and Water Works. Mayor Neeta Thakre presided over the meeting, held in Suresh Bhat auditorium.

The process involved nominations of members by the parties as per the respective strength. There are now three blocks, one of ruling Bharatiya Janata Party plus one member of Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar), second one of Maha Vikas Aghadi comprising Indian National Congress plus Shiv Sena (UBT) and third one Muslim Bahujan Vikas Aghadi formed by joining of hands by AIMIM and IUML. The formula of nominating the members was worked out in respect to respective bloc strength of the parties in the House, with ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) taking the lions share. Ruling Party Leader Narendra alias Balya Borkar, Leader of Opposition Sanjay Mahakalkar and AIMIMs Shakeel Patel, the Group Leader of Bahujan Aghadi, submitted names of their respective groups for nomination to various committees to Mayor who then announced the same in the House. Although the names of Chairperson of all the committees are yet to be formally named, the formality is completed during the first meeting of respective subject committee. But as per the convention, first name taken by Mayor while announcing nomination of members to respective Committee is assumed to be the next chairperson.

So for the all important Standing Committee, Shivani Wakhre is going to the next Chairperson. This is her first term as corporator and was zeroed in by party leadership to head the financial panel of the NMC. She has been elected to NMC House from Prabhag 36 in South West assembly segment represented by the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Shivani has worked in Chief Minsters office as Investment Advisor and was active with ABVP, the students wing, and later BJPs womens wing before taking formal role in BJP. As per party leaders, Shivani is being groomed for a bigger role and it is contended that she would head the Standing Committee for a period of two-and-a-half years. Other Committee Chairpersons would have a term of one year only.
Union Cabinet approves renaming of Kerala as Keralam











NEW DELHI :

THE Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved a proposal of Kerala Government to change the name of the State to Keralam, Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at its first meeting held at Seva Teerth, the new PMO complex. The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister approved the proposal for alterating the name of State of Kerala as Keralam, Vaishnaw said. After approval of Union Cabinet, the President of India will refer a Bill, namely the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 to the State Legislative Assembly of Kerala for expressing its views under proviso to Article 3 of the Constitution of India. After receipt of the views of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, the Government of India will obtain the recommendation of the President for introduction of the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 to alter the name of Kerala as Keralam in Parliament, an official release said.

The Legislative Assembly of Kerala passed a resolution on June 24, 2024 to alter the name of Kerala to Keralam. The name of our State is Keralam in Malayalam Language. States were formed on the basis of language on the 1st day of November, 1956. The Kerala Piravi Day is also on the 1st day of November. Since the time of National Independence Struggle, there has been a strong demand for the formation of United Kerala for the people speaking Malayalam language. But in the First Schedule to the Constitution the name of our State is recorded as Kerala. This Assembly unanimously appeals to the Central Government to take urgent steps as per Article 3 of the Constitution for modifying the name as Keralam, the Kerala Assembly resolution read. Thereafter, the Kerala Govt requested the Central Govt to take necessary steps to amend the First Schedule to the Constitution by altering the name of Kerala as Keralam according to Article 3 of the Constitution. The Article 3 of the Constitution provides for alteration of names of existing States. According to Article 3, Parliament may by law alter the name of any State.

Further proviso to Article 3 states that no Bill for the purpose shall be introduced in either House of Parliament except on the recommendation of the President and unless where the proposal contained in the Bill affects the area, boundaries or name of any of the states, the Bill has been referred by the president to the legislature of that State for expressing its views thereon within such period as may be specified in the reference or within such further period as the president may allow and the period so specified or allowed has expired. The matter regarding alteration of the name Kerala as Keralam was considered in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India and with the approval of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the draft note for the Cabinet for the alteration of name of Kerala as Keralam was circulated to the Department of Legal Affairs and Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and Justice for their comments. The Department of Legal Affairs and Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and Justice have concurred with the proposal for the alteration of name of Kerala as Keralam.
Will examine if cut-off reduction for NEET-PG affects quality of education: SC





NEW DELHI :

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 Governments 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.
HARARE, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe has terminated negotiations with the United States on a proposed health funding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), state-run newspaper The Herald reported Wednesday.

According to the report, the proposed agreement offered substantial health funding in exchange for comprehensive access to Zimbabwe's sensitive health data, including pathogen samples and epidemiological information from its citizens.

In a post on X on Wednesday, Zimbabwean government spokesperson Nick Mangwana said: "The problem was that Zimbabwe was being asked to share biological resources and data long term, with no guarantee of access to the resulting vaccines or treatments. The U.S. offered no reciprocal sharing of its epidemiological data with our health authorities."

"At its core, the arrangement was asymmetrical," the report said.

"We recognise the historical contributions of American health assistance, particularly through PEPFAR and other programs, which have played a significant role in our national health response over the years. However, a partnership, by its very definition, must be built on a foundation of mutual respect, transparency, and reciprocal benefit," the report noted.

The U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe on Wednesday issued a statement saying the United States regrets the Zimbabwean government's decision. 
CAIRO, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Egypt on Wednesday strongly condemned a recent attack by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on civilians in Sudan's North Darfur State, renewing its commitment to Sudan's unity and stability.

In a statement, Egypt's Foreign Ministry denounced the RSF attack on the town of Mustariha, which resulted in civilian casualties and destroyed the area's only health facility.

Egypt described the attack as "a flagrant violation" of international humanitarian law, emphasizing its "complete rejection of all forms of violence and violations against civilians and medical facilities."

The ministry called for "an urgent humanitarian truce" as a precursor to a sustainable ceasefire, and comprehensive political solutions that meet the aspirations of the Sudanese people.

"Egypt renews affirmation of the constants of its position regarding the crisis in Sudan, particularly the adherence to the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Sudanese state," said the ministry.

On Tuesday, at least 28 civilians were killed and 39 others injured in the RSF assault on Mustariha, according to the Sudan Doctors Network, a volunteer medical group.

Since 2023, Sudan has been mired in conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions both domestically and abroad. 
Count (ASX:CUP) outlined a strong first-half performance for FY2026, pointing to momentum across its three operating segmentswealth, equity partnerships and servicesand citing operating leverage, disciplined cost management and continued acquisition activity as key drivers.

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Financial highlights and dividend increase

Managing Director and CEO Hugh Humphrey said the first-half result represented the clearest and strongest validation of the companys strategy to date, describing progress against what he calls the Count flywheel, where growth in one segment is intended to reinforce growth in others.

At the group level, Count reported statutory revenue of, upon the prior corresponding period. The company posted, up, with the underlying EBITA margin lifting to. Underlying NPAT attributable roseto, while underlying NPATA roseto

Count declared an interim dividend of AUD 0.02 per share, fully franked, an increase of 14%. CFO Keith Leon said dividends continue to be funded from operating cash flows and reiterated the companys target payout policy of 60%90% of maintainable NPATA attributable to shareholders for the full year.

Wealth scale and recurring revenue emphasis

Management repeatedly emphasized wealth as the groups growth engine. Humphrey said Count is increasingly capturing wealth revenue across three parts of the value chainclient fee revenue, licensing revenue and investment solutions revenueto diversify participation in the market.

For the 12-month period referenced on the call, Count said:

Funds under advice increased to AUD 40.2 billion , up 11% .

increased to , up . Funds under management increased to AUD 5.3 billion , up 49% .

increased to , up . Care funds under management increased by AUD 853 million over the calendar year.

Humphrey said 157 firms are now using Count Investment Solutions, which he framed as both validation of the proposition and a contributor to advisor productivity and client engagement. He also said Count has nearly 80 financial planners across its equity partnerships and expects further M&A and advisor recruitment into its employed advice channel.

On mix shift, Humphrey said total wealth revenues (including financial advice and client fees from the equity partnership segment) now represent about 40% of group revenue and roughly 46% of group EBITDA, up from 32% in FY2023.

Segment performance: Wealth, Equity Partnerships, Services

Humphrey said all three segments delivered growth in the half, with wealth the standout. He said wealth FUM growth was supported by ongoing Care adoption and the successful transition of Count Portfolios in-house. He also noted that higher gross business earnings with advisors contributed to higher than expected licensee revenues, helping to appropriately reward the licensing risk carried in that business line.

In equity partnerships, Count reported revenue up 24% and EBITDA up 12%. Humphrey said financial advice fees now represent roughly AUD 0.25 in a dollar of segment revenue, with accounting at about AUD 0.75, and argued the mix highlights further opportunity to grow advice revenue inside the equity partnership network. He also acknowledged short-term margin compression at some firms, driven by system upgrades and transaction costs linked to acquisition activity, which he said should normalize as investments are absorbed.

Services was described as stable with modest growth, supported by increased outsourcing demand and cross-sell. Humphrey said services EBITDA margins remained around 30% despite integration costs associated with the McGing transaction. He also flagged that about AUD 1.1 million of intercompany services revenue is eliminated for accounting purposes.

Leon added that Count eliminated AUD 1.7 million of inter-entity revenues in 1H FY2026, including the AUD 1.1 million in services.

Cash flow, costs, and adjustments

Leon said operating cash flow increased materially versus the prior corresponding period, with EBITDA-to-operating-cash conversion around 90%. He said strong cash generation helped reduce debt and increase funding headroom, giving flexibility for targeted M&A while maintaining a healthy balance sheet. He also said proactive cash and capital management reduced interest costs.

On statutory versus underlying performance, Leon said statutory EBITDA rose 50% to AUD 18.7 million. He noted one-off adjustments, with the majority related to the WSC transaction due to the accounting treatment of a AUD 1.3 million gain on sale of WSC equity holdings and recognition of deferred consideration related to a Diverger subsidiary acquisition prior to Counts ownership. Leon also said this was the first set of results providing a clean 12-month comparison for the company following the Diverger acquisition.

Responding to an investor question on transaction expenses and normalization, Leon said Counts typical policy is to include BAU acquisition costs for tuck-ins within underlying figures, only calling out items where there has been a significant increase. He said McGing was unusual for the group, but not significant enough to be treated as a major one-off, and added the company expects to continue pursuing bolt-on acquisitions in equity partnerships and services.

Outlook priorities and strategic targets

Looking ahead, Humphrey said Counts priorities are to:

Add employed planners and scale financial advice revenue

Execute disciplined, accretive M&A

Accelerate uptake of investment solutions

Drive deeper uptake of services (including outsourcing, IT, and education) across the network

He said robotics and AI are embedded in the growth plan, with numerous live use cases improving productivity, client capacity and compliance, while also noting the company is monitoring AI-related disruption risks, including the need to evolve specialist tax services and training businesses such as Knowledge Shop and TaxBanter.

Humphrey also set a goal to grow funds under management to AUD 10 billion within five years, supported by continued adoption of managed accounts and related education and productivity benefits.

On M&A cadence, management said activity remains strong. Humphrey noted Count closed nine transactions during the halfabout one every three weekswhile Leon said the company has substantial inbound deal flow, with multiple non-binding term sheets in progress at any time. Management said it expects continued focus on financial planning tuck-in acquisitions and also highlighted strategic interest in expanding the employed financial planner channel.

In Q&A, Humphrey also provided an update on the class action involving Commonwealth Bank as a shareholder, noting the case had been dismissed with a win for the bank and the group, and that an appeal is scheduled to be heard by three judges toward the end of March. He said any decisions regarding the banks shareholding remain a matter for the bank.

About Count (ASX:CUP)

Count Limited, together with its subsidiaries, provides accounting, business advisory, and financial planning services in Australia. The company operates through Accounting, Financial Planning, Financial Services, and Other segments. It offers tax, assurance, audit, and corporate advisory services; financial planning; loans commission, and leasing commission services; and information technology, legal, conference, and insurance services. The company was formerly known as CountPlus Limited and changed its name to Count Limited in May 2023.

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Generation Development Group (ASX:GDG) detailed a strong first-half performance for FY26, citing broad-based growth across its Generation Life, Evidentia managed accounts, and Lonsec research businesses, alongside continued investment in staff, technology, and product development. Management also highlighted legislative and regulatory tailwinds, progress on its BlackRock alliance, and a measured rollout of artificial intelligence initiatives aimed at boosting productivity and operating leverage.

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Half-year headline results and segment performance

Management reported group revenue of AUD 88.4 million, up 35% year-on-year, with underlying NPAT of AUD 20.1 million, up 63%. Statutory NPAT was AUD 6.9 million, which management attributed to the crystallization of the Lonsec asset following GDGs purchase of the remaining half of Lonsec in June 2024.

Lonsec underlying EBIT up 29% to AUD 10.0 million

up to Generation Life underlying EBIT described as AUD 11.8 million on a like-for-like basis (management noted reporting impacts from consolidated tax treatment)

described as on a like-for-like basis (management noted reporting impacts from consolidated tax treatment) Evidentia managed accounts EBIT up 21% to AUD 10.1 million

On profitability by business line, management pointed to similar EBIT contributions across subsidiaries, highlighting:

Terrence (CFO) said operating leverage was evident at the group level, with revenue up 34% and expenses up 29% over the period. GDG kept its dividend flat at AUD 0.01 and emphasized a strong cash position and balance sheet flexibility to support growth initiatives, bolt-on acquisitions, and AI investment.

Funds growth: investment bonds, managed accounts, and research coverage

In Generation Life, GDG reported investment bond funds under management of AUD 5.2 billion, up 34% year-on-year. Management said annual net flows over the last 12 months increased by AUD 1.3 billion (up 57%) and described its investment bond inflow market share as a record 60%, up from roughly 50% historically. Management also emphasized the long duration of the funds on platform, stating that every dollar that comes on the platform sits for over 14 years.

For Evidentia managed accounts, GDG reported combined FUM of AUD 34.5 billion. Management attributed the scale to the February 2025 Evidentia acquisition combined with Lonsec Investment Solutions, plus organic growth, and said FUM rose AUD 9.1 billion in the 12 months to December 31, 2025 (a 36% increase). GDG cited 11.6% market share based on industry data through June 30, 2025.

GDG also highlighted growth in tailored managed account clients since the acquisition. Management said Evidentia had 41 tailored clients at acquisition completion (February 18, 2025), Lonsec Investment Solutions had 12, and the combined group expects to have close to over 70 clients by the end of the quarter and close to 80-plus clients by year end.

At Lonsec, management described the research business as more mature but growing, with product coverage rising to 1,880 products (up 5% over six months). CFO commentary emphasized that more than 90% of Lonsecs revenue is recurring, and management reported recurring revenue growth of 7.6% and EBIT growth of 29%.

Investment, integration work, and tax reporting changes

Executives described significant change over the last year, including a group restructure and integration initiatives following the Evidentia acquisition and internal segment reporting changes. Management said Lonsec was restructured to focus on research and ratings (including iRate), while Lonsec Investment Solutions and an RPI business were moved into Evidentia. The company also described IT separation and consolidation work that it said was completed without disrupting business as usual, as the subsidiaries continued to deliver record outcomes.

Within Generation Life, CFO commentary pointed to three primary investment areas driving expense growth:

Sales capability , including hiring a new head of sales and plans for additional hires

, including hiring a new head of sales and plans for additional hires IT investment , particularly in the registry system to support scaling without significant headcount increases

, particularly in the registry system to support scaling without significant headcount increases Cybersecurity and product development to support new offerings (including liquid and leveraged products)

Management also discussed a shift to consolidated tax reporting, noting that tax offsets that previously appeared at the life company level now flow through at the corporate entity level. The CFO described the net impact as neutral at the group level.

Strategic priorities: AI, BlackRock alliance, and new products

GDG reiterated priorities including platform integration, efficiency improvements, and the deployment of AI across the group. Management stressed a considered, measured approach, particularly for customer-facing AI tools, emphasizing accuracy, governance, and return on invested capital. Over a two-to-three-year horizon, management said the aim is increased productivity, improved operating leverage and scalability, and later a more transformational use of AI as capabilities evolve. The company described an AI spine at the GDG level that would be tailored to each subsidiary.

On product and partnership initiatives, management said it remains focused on leveraging the strategic alliance with BlackRock and developing new annuity-style products, subject to regulatory approvals. In Q&A, management said one product is expected to launch in the second half of FY26 and another productintended to address a gap in the marketis targeted for the first half of FY27, pending regulatory approval. Management also said it is engaged in RFP processes with super funds related to Retirement Income Covenant and longevity solutions, and that discussions are down to a couple of life insurers, though it did not provide specific counterparties due to NDAs.

Outlook and Q&A: mandates, flows, regulation, and tax reform tailwinds

Management said it expects a stronger second half of FY26 than the first half, supported by continued momentum in managed accounts and investment bonds. On mandates in Evidentia, management said a few hundred million mandate had already transitioned in Q3 and that a larger mandatedescribed later in Q&A as about AUD 1.8 billionis expected to transition next month, with zero reason cited for delay. Management also noted the possibility of another mandate transition in Q4.

On managed account flows, management addressed a question about GDGs previously discussed AUD 12 billion FY26 managed account flows number, stating that it includes mandates, net growth, and investment performance, and that the company still views it as realistic given mandate progress.

Executives also addressed regulatory scrutiny in managed accounts, suggesting GDG may be positioned to benefit due to its independence and lack of vertical integration, noting it does not own distribution or operate as a licensee with aligned practices. On pricing, management said the group does not compete on price, emphasizing service breadth and capabilities, and said it has not seen fee margin compression in managed accounts.

Finally, management discussed tax reform as a potential tailwind for investment bonds. On the public debate around changes to the capital gains tax discount, management argued that while investment bonds operate on revenue account (and therefore do not receive CGT discounts), the structure can provide advantages such as the ability to offset capital losses against income, contributing to an effective tax rate management said is typically in the 10%15% range across the current investment menu. Management said any reduction in CGT discount could increase the tax arbitrage benefit of the investment bond structure versus other ownership structures, depending on investor circumstances.

About Generation Development Group (ASX:GDG)

Generation Development Group Limited engages in the marketing and management of life insurance and life investment products and services in Australia. The company operates in two segments, Benefit Funds Management and Funds Administration, and Other Business. It also provides administration and management services to the Benefit Funds of Generation Life Limited, as well as administration services to institutional clients. The company was formerly known as Austock Group Limited and changed its name to Generation Development Group Limited in March 2018.

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Tableaux LLC acquired a new stake in iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IWR  Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 5,920 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $572,000.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Brighton Jones LLC lifted its position in shares of iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF by 4.2% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 104,524 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,240,000 after buying an additional 4,189 shares during the last quarter. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC purchased a new stake in iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF in the 4th quarter worth about $323,000. Strategic Blueprint LLC raised its stake in iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF by 15.8% in the 2nd quarter. Strategic Blueprint LLC now owns 2,917 shares of the companys stock valued at $268,000 after acquiring an additional 399 shares during the period. Rossby Financial LCC raised its stake in iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF by 137.6% in the 2nd quarter. Rossby Financial LCC now owns 872 shares of the companys stock valued at $80,000 after acquiring an additional 505 shares during the period. Finally, First National Trust Co lifted its holdings in iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF by 9.1% during the second quarter. First National Trust Co now owns 131,059 shares of the companys stock valued at $12,053,000 after purchasing an additional 10,930 shares during the last quarter. 80.16% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF Stock Up 1.1%

Shares of NYSEARCA:IWR opened at $102.38 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $48.96 billion, a PE ratio of 21.00 and a beta of 1.06. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $99.78 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $97.23. iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF has a twelve month low of $73.17 and a twelve month high of $103.38.

iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF Company Profile

iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares Russell Midcap Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Russell Midcap Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the mid-capitalization sector of the United States equity market. The Index is a float-adjusted, capitalization-weighted index of the 800 smallest issuers in the Russell 1000 Index. The Index includes equity securities issued by issuers, which range in size between approximately $1.7 billion and $12 billion, though these amounts may change from time to time.

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North Star Asset Management Inc. lowered its stake in shares of Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (NYSE:AMG  Free Report) by 16.4% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 85,334 shares of the asset managers stock after selling 16,747 shares during the quarter. North Star Asset Management Inc. owned 0.30% of Affiliated Managers Group worth $20,346,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the stock. LSV Asset Management grew its stake in Affiliated Managers Group by 0.7% during the 3rd quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 479,624 shares of the asset managers stock worth $114,357,000 after purchasing an additional 3,400 shares in the last quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH boosted its stake in shares of Affiliated Managers Group by 14.6% in the 3rd quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 393,161 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $93,741,000 after buying an additional 50,219 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Affiliated Managers Group during the second quarter worth about $71,779,000. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. raised its holdings in Affiliated Managers Group by 3,811.8% in the second quarter. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. now owns 311,383 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $61,271,000 after acquiring an additional 303,423 shares in the last quarter. Finally, First Trust Advisors LP lifted its stake in Affiliated Managers Group by 18.1% in the second quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 234,679 shares of the asset managers stock worth $46,178,000 after acquiring an additional 36,045 shares during the last quarter. 95.30% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of brokerages have commented on AMG. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of Affiliated Managers Group in a research report on Wednesday, January 21st. TD Cowen reiterated a buy rating on shares of Affiliated Managers Group in a research note on Wednesday, January 14th. Barrington Research raised their price target on Affiliated Managers Group from $285.00 to $295.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. Zacks Research downgraded Affiliated Managers Group from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, December 15th. Finally, UBS Group set a $295.00 price objective on Affiliated Managers Group in a report on Tuesday, November 4th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Affiliated Managers Group currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $350.14.

Affiliated Managers Group Stock Performance

Shares of AMG opened at $302.02 on Wednesday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $306.64 and its 200-day simple moving average is $266.11. The firm has a market cap of $8.06 billion, a PE ratio of 13.09, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.49 and a beta of 1.21. Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. has a 12-month low of $139.22 and a 12-month high of $334.78. The company has a current ratio of 1.34, a quick ratio of 1.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64.

Affiliated Managers Group (NYSE:AMG  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 12th. The asset manager reported $9.48 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $8.75 by $0.73. The firm had revenue of $556.60 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $578.54 million. Affiliated Managers Group had a net margin of 34.55% and a return on equity of 18.45%. Affiliated Managers Groups quarterly revenue was up 6.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $6.53 EPS. As a group, equities analysts predict that Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. will post 22.86 EPS for the current year.

Affiliated Managers Group Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 9th. Investors of record on Monday, February 23rd will be given a $0.01 dividend. This represents a $0.04 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.0%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, February 23rd. Affiliated Managers Groups payout ratio is 0.17%.

Affiliated Managers Group Company Profile

(Free Report)

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc (NYSE: AMG) is a global asset management holding company that partners with boutique investment firms. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, AMG invests in and collaborates with independent investment managers to foster growth while preserving their entrepreneurial culture. Through equity stakes and strategic support, the company aims to enhance its affiliates distribution capabilities, operational infrastructure and access to capital.

The companys core business activities include providing capital solutions, distribution services and operational support to affiliated investment firms.

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BNP Paribas SA (OTCMKTS:BNPQY  Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week high on Monday . The stock traded as high as $57.31 and last traded at $57.18, with a volume of 26638 shares. The stock had previously closed at $56.34.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several brokerages recently weighed in on BNPQY. Zacks Research raised shares of BNP Paribas from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 20th. Citigroup reiterated a buy rating on shares of BNP Paribas in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upgraded shares of BNP Paribas from a moderate sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, December 15th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a hold rating on shares of BNP Paribas in a research report on Tuesday, February 17th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of BNP Paribas in a report on Friday, February 6th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have given a Buy rating, four have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold.

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BNP Paribas Price Performance

The stock has a market capitalization of $123.42 billion, a PE ratio of 9.48, a P/E/G ratio of 0.67 and a beta of 0.72. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $51.40 and its 200 day simple moving average is $46.42. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.75, a current ratio of 0.80 and a quick ratio of 0.80.

BNP Paribas (OTCMKTS:BNPQY  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 5th. The financial services provider reported $1.46 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.34 by $0.12. The business had revenue of $15.27 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $15.27 billion. BNP Paribas had a net margin of 23.53% and a return on equity of 9.18%. As a group, equities analysts forecast that BNP Paribas SA will post 5.02 EPS for the current fiscal year.

About BNP Paribas

(Get Free Report)

BNP Paribas is a major international banking group headquartered in Paris, France, formed through the 2000 merger of Banque Nationale de Paris (BNP) and Paribas. The group provides a broad range of banking and financial services to retail, corporate and institutional clients, operating as one of the leading universal banks in Europe with a global footprint.

Its principal business activities encompass retail banking and services, corporate and institutional banking, and investment solutions.

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Graco Inc. (NYSE:GGG  Get Free Report) has been assigned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the seven ratings firms that are covering the company, MarketBeat.com reports. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and four have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year price objective among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $96.50.

GGG has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price objective on shares of Graco from $100.00 to $105.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. Weiss Ratings upgraded shares of Graco from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating in a research report on Thursday, February 5th. DA Davidson reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $85.00 price objective on shares of Graco in a report on Monday, February 2nd. Robert W. Baird set a $96.00 price objective on shares of Graco in a research note on Wednesday, January 28th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada upped their target price on Graco from $97.00 to $100.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 28th.

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Graco Price Performance

Shares of GGG stock opened at $93.38 on Friday. Graco has a 12-month low of $72.06 and a 12-month high of $95.69. The firm has a market capitalization of $15.44 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.22, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.92 and a beta of 1.08. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $87.69 and a 200 day simple moving average of $84.90.

Graco (NYSE:GGG  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, January 26th. The industrial products company reported $0.77 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $0.77. Graco had a return on equity of 19.49% and a net margin of 23.33%.The company had revenue of $593.16 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $591.99 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.64 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 8.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Graco will post 3.06 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Graco announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a stock buyback plan on Friday, December 5th that permits the company to repurchase 15,000,000 shares. This repurchase authorization permits the industrial products company to reacquire shares of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are usually an indication that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued.

Graco Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, May 6th. Stockholders of record on Monday, April 13th will be issued a $0.295 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, April 13th. This represents a $1.18 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.3%. Gracos dividend payout ratio is 38.19%.

Insider Transactions at Graco

In related news, EVP Kathryn L. Schoenrock sold 2,223 shares of Graco stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $88.06, for a total transaction of $195,757.38. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 7,846 shares of the companys stock, valued at $690,918.76. The trade was a 22.08% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director J Kevin Gilligan sold 12,870 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, February 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $89.07, for a total transaction of $1,146,330.90. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 19,394 shares of company stock worth $1,739,326. Corporate insiders own 2.19% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Graco

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Root Financial Partners LLC bought a new position in shares of Graco in the third quarter valued at $29,000. NewSquare Capital LLC grew its holdings in shares of Graco by 320.7% in the 2nd quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 345 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 263 shares during the last quarter. CX Institutional raised its position in shares of Graco by 316.7% during the third quarter. CX Institutional now owns 475 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $40,000 after purchasing an additional 361 shares during the period. Assetmark Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Graco by 42.6% during the third quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 465 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $40,000 after purchasing an additional 139 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Field & Main Bank acquired a new position in shares of Graco in the 4th quarter valued at $41,000. 93.88% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Graco Company Profile

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Graco Inc is a leading manufacturer of fluid handling systems and components, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Founded in 1926, the company has built a reputation for innovation in spray finishing, lubrication, and fluid management technologies. Gracos solutions are designed to address the needs of paint and coatings applicators, general industry, and process fluids in a variety of end markets.

The companys product portfolio includes airless and air-assisted spray equipment, pumps for oil and gas applications, industrial lubrication systems, and automated dispensing equipment.

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CAVA Group, Inc. (NYSE:CAVA  Get Free Report) shares gapped up prior to trading on Wednesday following a better than expected earnings announcement. The stock had previously closed at $67.80, but opened at $78.55. CAVA Group shares last traded at $81.9830, with a volume of 4,529,142 shares traded.

The company reported $0.04 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.03 by $0.01. CAVA Group had a return on equity of 8.88% and a net margin of 12.14%.The firm had revenue of $274.99 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $268.04 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.05 earnings per share. CAVA Groups revenue for the quarter was up 20.9% on a year-over-year basis.

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Trending Headlines about CAVA Group

Here are the key news stories impacting CAVA Group this week:

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research analysts recently issued reports on CAVA shares. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their target price on shares of CAVA Group from $80.00 to $90.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a neutral rating and set a $68.00 price objective on shares of CAVA Group in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of CAVA Group in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. Sanford C. Bernstein set a $70.00 target price on CAVA Group in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. Finally, Benchmark raised CAVA Group to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, February 5th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have issued a Buy rating and nine have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, CAVA Group has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $84.79.

Get Our Latest Research Report on CAVA

Insider Transactions at CAVA Group

In other news, insider Theodoros Xenohristos sold 1,039 shares of CAVA Group stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, January 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $62.14, for a total value of $64,563.46. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 332,205 shares of the companys stock, valued at $20,643,218.70. The trade was a 0.31% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, CAO Adam David Phillips sold 774 shares of CAVA Group stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $62.14, for a total transaction of $48,096.36. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer directly owned 10,435 shares in the company, valued at approximately $648,430.90. This trade represents a 6.91% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold 39,055 shares of company stock worth $2,572,303 in the last ninety days. Company insiders own 12.10% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On CAVA Group

A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in CAVA. Bison Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in shares of CAVA Group in the 4th quarter worth $208,000. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. raised its stake in CAVA Group by 14.3% during the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 606,780 shares of the companys stock worth $52,432,000 after purchasing an additional 75,828 shares during the period. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC raised its stake in CAVA Group by 17.3% during the first quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 236,622 shares of the companys stock worth $20,447,000 after purchasing an additional 34,860 shares during the period. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale acquired a new position in CAVA Group in the 2nd quarter valued at about $160,000. Finally, AlphaQuest LLC increased its holdings in shares of CAVA Group by 58.8% during the 2nd quarter. AlphaQuest LLC now owns 3,053 shares of the companys stock worth $257,000 after buying an additional 1,131 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 73.15% of the companys stock.

CAVA Group Trading Up 22.0%

The firm has a market cap of $9.59 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 71.21, a P/E/G ratio of 5.02 and a beta of 2.41. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $64.66 and its 200-day moving average price is $61.52.

CAVA Group Company Profile

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CAVA Group, Inc (NYSE: CAVA) is a leading fast-casual restaurant company specializing in Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Operating under the CAVA brand, the company offers customizable bowls, pitas and salads built around a variety of proteins, grains, fresh vegetables and house-made spreads. With a focus on high-quality ingredients and made-to-order preparation, CAVA aims to deliver a casual yet elevated dining experience for dine-in, takeout and catering customers.

Founded in 2011 in the Washington, DC metro area by Ike Grigoropoulos, Dimitri Katsanis and Brett Schulman, CAVA has pursued an aggressive growth strategy that included the 2018 acquisition of Zoes Kitchen.

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Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals (OTCMKTS:CLVLY  Get Free Report) is anticipated to release its results before the market opens on Thursday, February 26th. Analysts expect Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals to post earnings of $0.1977 per share and revenue of $25.6640 million for the quarter.

Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Stock Down 0.4%

Shares of Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals stock opened at $8.44 on Wednesday. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $8.21 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $7.85. Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals has a one year low of $6.00 and a one year high of $9.00.

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Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Company Profile

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Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited is an Australian biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Melbourne, specializing in the development and commercialisation of photoprotective and phototherapeutic solutions. The companys research centers on harnessing the skins natural photoprotective pathways by modulating the melanocortin system, with a view to addressing a range of skin disorders and conditions that are exacerbated by ultraviolet light exposure.

The companys flagship product, Scenesse (afamelanotide), is the first systemic photoprotective drug approved by both the European Medicines Agency and the U.S.

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CoastalSouth Bancshares (NYSE:COSO  Get Free Report) and Bar Harbor Bankshares (NYSE:BHB  Get Free Report) are both small-cap financial services companies, but which is the better stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, profitability, risk, dividends, earnings and valuation.

Dividends

CoastalSouth Bancshares pays an annual dividend of $0.20 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.8%. Bar Harbor Bankshares pays an annual dividend of $1.28 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.8%. CoastalSouth Bancshares pays out 11.8% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Bar Harbor Bankshares pays out 55.7% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Bar Harbor Bankshares has increased its dividend for 22 consecutive years. Bar Harbor Bankshares is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth.

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Valuation and Earnings

This table compares CoastalSouth Bancshares and Bar Harbor Banksharess revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio CoastalSouth Bancshares $135.78 million 2.24 $24.89 million $1.69 15.02 Bar Harbor Bankshares $168.93 million 3.29 $38.38 million $2.30 14.50

Bar Harbor Bankshares has higher revenue and earnings than CoastalSouth Bancshares. Bar Harbor Bankshares is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than CoastalSouth Bancshares, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of recent ratings and target prices for CoastalSouth Bancshares and Bar Harbor Bankshares, as reported by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score CoastalSouth Bancshares 0 1 2 0 2.67 Bar Harbor Bankshares 0 2 1 0 2.33

CoastalSouth Bancshares presently has a consensus target price of $29.00, suggesting a potential upside of 14.22%. Bar Harbor Bankshares has a consensus target price of $34.50, suggesting a potential upside of 3.45%. Given CoastalSouth Bancshares stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe CoastalSouth Bancshares is more favorable than Bar Harbor Bankshares.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

54.5% of Bar Harbor Bankshares shares are held by institutional investors. 2.6% of Bar Harbor Bankshares shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

Profitability

This table compares CoastalSouth Bancshares and Bar Harbor Bankshares net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets CoastalSouth Bancshares N/A N/A N/A Bar Harbor Bankshares N/A N/A N/A

Summary

Bar Harbor Bankshares beats CoastalSouth Bancshares on 8 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks.

About CoastalSouth Bancshares

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CoastalSouth Bancshares, Inc. is a bank holding company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Through our wholly owned subsidiary, Coastal States Bank, a South Carolina state-chartered commercial bank, we offer a full range of banking products and services designed for businesses, real estate professionals, and consumers looking for a deep and meaningful relationship with their bank. Today, we have a community banking presence in some of the fastest growing and most business-friendly markets in the U.S., namely the Lowcountry of South Carolina (Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and Beaufort), nearby Savannah, Georgia, and the Atlanta, Georgia market.  In addition to our traditional community banking operations, we operate four specialty lines of business that provide scalability and diversification:  Senior Housing Lending  focuses on lending to operators across the spectrum of senior care, with an emphasis on assisted living;  Marine Lending  focuses on consumer loans primarily to high-net-worth borrowers secured by yachts and high-end sport fishing vessels;  Government Guaranteed Lending  focuses on origination of small business and other loans guaranteed by the SBA and USDA; and  Mortgage Banker Finance  focuses on mortgage warehouse lending to mortgage originators. By combining the relationship-based focus of a community bank with our specialty lines of business, we believe we can capitalize on the substantial growth opportunities available in our markets, particularly given the scarcity of community banks between $1.5 billion and $5.0 billion in total assets. Our principal executive offices are located in Atlanta, Georgia.

About Bar Harbor Bankshares

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Bar Harbor Bankshares operates as the holding company for Bar Harbor Bank & Trust that provides commercial, lending, retail, and wealth management banking services. It accepts various deposit products, including interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing demand accounts, savings accounts, time deposits, and money market deposit accounts, as well as certificates of deposit. The company also provides commercial real estate loans, such as multi-family, commercial construction and land development, and other commercial real estate classes; commercial and industrial loans, including loans to commercial and agricultural businesses, and tax exempt entities; residential real estate loans consists of mortgages for 1-4 family housing; and consumer loans comprises home equity loans, lines of credit, auto, and other installment lending. In addition, it provides life insurance, annuity, and retirement products, as well as financial planning services; and third-party investment and insurance services. Further, the company offers trust and estate administration, wealth advisory, and investment management services to individuals, businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and municipalities; and 401K plan, financial, estate and charitable planning, investment management, family office, municipal, and tax services. It operates 53 locations across Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The company was founded in 1887 and is based in Bar Harbor, Maine.

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Corteva, Inc. (NYSE:CTVA  Get Free Report) insider Brian Titus sold 8,311 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, February 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $76.55, for a total transaction of $636,207.05. Following the transaction, the insider owned 8,090 shares in the company, valued at $619,289.50. This represents a 50.67% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website.

Corteva Stock Performance

Corteva stock traded up $1.44 on Tuesday, reaching $77.90. 3,064,159 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 4,069,610. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $70.93 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $68.60. Corteva, Inc. has a twelve month low of $53.40 and a twelve month high of $77.98. The stock has a market cap of $52.39 billion, a PE ratio of 49.31, a PEG ratio of 2.60 and a beta of 0.75. The company has a current ratio of 1.43, a quick ratio of 0.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07.

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Corteva (NYSE:CTVA  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, February 3rd. The company reported $0.22 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $0.22. The business had revenue of $3.91 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.23 billion. Corteva had a return on equity of 9.06% and a net margin of 6.29%.The firms revenue for the quarter was down 1.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business earned $0.32 earnings per share. Corteva has set its FY 2026 guidance at 3.450-3.700 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Corteva, Inc. will post 2.96 EPS for the current year.

Corteva Announces Dividend

Analyst Ratings Changes

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 16th. Investors of record on Monday, March 2nd will be issued a $0.18 dividend. This represents a $0.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, March 2nd. Cortevas payout ratio is currently 45.57%.

A number of analysts have commented on the stock. Bank of America lifted their target price on shares of Corteva from $80.00 to $82.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, January 8th. CICC Research increased their target price on Corteva from $70.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 11th. Zacks Research downgraded Corteva from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday. BNP Paribas Exane boosted their price objective on shares of Corteva from $70.00 to $72.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, November 17th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a buy rating and set a $88.00 target price on shares of Corteva in a report on Thursday, February 5th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have assigned a Buy rating and eight have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $82.30.

View Our Latest Research Report on Corteva

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Chilton Capital Management LLC increased its position in shares of Corteva by 18.1% during the third quarter. Chilton Capital Management LLC now owns 445,350 shares of the companys stock worth $30,119,000 after acquiring an additional 68,380 shares in the last quarter. TriaGen Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Corteva in the third quarter valued at approximately $4,284,000. Truist Financial Corp lifted its holdings in Corteva by 4.5% during the 3rd quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 321,913 shares of the companys stock worth $21,771,000 after purchasing an additional 13,910 shares in the last quarter. New York State Teachers Retirement System raised its position in shares of Corteva by 4.5% in the third quarter. New York State Teachers Retirement System now owns 551,389 shares of the companys stock worth $37,290,000 after buying an additional 23,548 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Nordea Investment Management AB grew its stake in Corteva by 27.4% in the 3rd quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB now owns 75,675 shares of the companys stock worth $5,103,000 after buying an additional 16,261 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 81.54% of the companys stock.

About Corteva

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Corteva, Inc (NYSE: CTVA) is an independent global agriculture company that was established as a publicly traded firm in mid2019 following the separation of the agriculture businesses from DowDuPont. The company focuses on delivering technologies and products that help farmers increase productivity and manage crop health. Cortevas operations combine seed genetics, crop protection chemistries, digital tools and biological solutions to address the full cycle of crop production.

Core business activities include research and development of seed genetics and trait technologies, formulation and sale of crop protection products (such as herbicides, insecticides and fungicides), and the development of seed treatments and biologicals.

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MALE, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- The Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) has started implementing community sentencing as an alternative to prison terms for people convicted of minor offenses, Maldives state media PSM News reported on Tuesday.

The proposed program will place eligible offenders in public benefit projects, including municipal maintenance, environmental cleanups and infrastructure support, with close supervision and regular performance reviews.

Officials said the policy will not apply to people convicted of serious or violent crimes or those serving long-term sentences.

MCS said the reform is part of broader efforts to improve prison conditions, strengthen human rights protection, and expand vocational and life-skills training in line with international restorative justice practices.

The Maldives established the legal basis for non-custodial sentencing under its Penal Code in 2014, but it is only now that MCS is taking steps to implement non-custodial punishments, PSM News said. 
Credit Agricole SA (OTCMKTS:CRARY  Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $11.1265 and last traded at $11.10, with a volume of 59886 shares. The stock had previously closed at $10.97.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Royal Bank Of Canada reissued a sector perform rating on shares of Credit Agricole in a research report on Wednesday, February 11th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft downgraded shares of Credit Agricole from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, February 17th. Oddo Bhf upgraded shares of Credit Agricole from a neutral rating to an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 27th. Finally, Zacks Research lowered Credit Agricole from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Credit Agricole has a consensus rating of Hold.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on CRARY

Credit Agricole Trading Up 3.2%

The firm has a market capitalization of $67.84 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.42 and a beta of 0.65. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $10.46 and a 200-day moving average price of $9.86.

Credit Agricole (OTCMKTS:CRARY  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, February 4th. The company reported $0.17 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.27 by ($0.10). Credit Agricole had a return on equity of 37.56% and a net margin of 24.65%.The firm had revenue of $8.11 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.98 billion.

Credit Agricole Company Profile

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Credit Agricole (OTCMKTS:CRARY) is a major French banking group that provides a broad range of financial services to retail, corporate and institutional clients. Headquartered in France, the group combines a large domestic retail banking franchise with international wholesale banking, asset management, insurance and specialized financial services. Its operations are organized through a network of regional cooperative banks together with a centrally managed listed entity that coordinates group strategy and capital markets activities.

The companys core businesses include retail and commercial banking products such as current accounts, savings, mortgages, consumer loans and payment services delivered through its regional bank network and retail subsidiaries.

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Delek Logistics Partners (NYSE:DKL  Get Free Report) is projected to post its Q4 2025 results before the market opens on Friday, February 27th. Analysts expect the company to announce earnings of $1.26 per share and revenue of $283.6440 million for the quarter. Investors are encouraged to explore the companys upcoming Q4 2025 earning overview page for the latest details on the call scheduled for Friday, February 27, 2026 at 12:30 PM ET.

Delek Logistics Partners Stock Performance

NYSE DKL opened at $53.59 on Wednesday. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $49.12 and a 200 day simple moving average of $46.21. Delek Logistics Partners has a 12-month low of $34.59 and a 12-month high of $55.89. The company has a current ratio of 1.03, a quick ratio of 0.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 130.97. The company has a market cap of $2.87 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.34, a PEG ratio of 0.48 and a beta of 0.51.

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Delek Logistics Partners Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 12th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, February 5th were paid a $1.125 dividend. This represents a $4.50 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 8.4%. This is a boost from Delek Logistics Partnerss previous quarterly dividend of $1.12. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, February 5th. Delek Logistics Partnerss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 145.63%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. raised its holdings in Delek Logistics Partners by 4.1% during the 3rd quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 1,584,902 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $72,176,000 after acquiring an additional 61,840 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its stake in shares of Delek Logistics Partners by 1.1% during the 4th quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 431,845 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $19,269,000 after purchasing an additional 4,879 shares during the period. Raymond James Financial Inc. lifted its holdings in Delek Logistics Partners by 11.2% during the 3rd quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 228,090 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $10,387,000 after purchasing an additional 23,054 shares in the last quarter. HRT Financial LP boosted its stake in Delek Logistics Partners by 278.3% in the 2nd quarter. HRT Financial LP now owns 74,704 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $3,208,000 after purchasing an additional 54,959 shares during the period. Finally, American Financial Group Inc. grew its holdings in Delek Logistics Partners by 3.0% during the 4th quarter. American Financial Group Inc. now owns 17,000 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $759,000 after buying an additional 500 shares in the last quarter. 11.75% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

A number of equities research analysts recently commented on the company. Zacks Research lowered Delek Logistics Partners from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. Weiss Ratings upgraded shares of Delek Logistics Partners from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 4th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $45.00.

Read Our Latest Research Report on DKL

Delek Logistics Partners Company Profile

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Delek Logistics Partners L.P. (NYSE: DKL) is a master limited partnership formed in 2011 through contributions of pipeline, terminal and crude oil gathering assets by its sponsor, Delek US Holdings, Inc Headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee, the partnership is managed by Delek Logistics GP, LLC, an affiliate of Delek US. Delek Logistics Partners owns and operates an integrated network of petroleum pipelines and terminals that support the movement, storage and throughput of crude oil and refined products.

The partnerships core operations include crude oil gathering and processing systems, long-haul pipeline transportation and storage terminal services.

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Deutsche Telekom (OTCMKTS:DTEGY  Get Free Report) is anticipated to announce its results before the market opens on Thursday, February 26th. Analysts expect Deutsche Telekom to post earnings of $0.4947 per share and revenue of $37.1189 billion for the quarter.

Deutsche Telekom Price Performance

Shares of Deutsche Telekom stock traded up $0.23 during trading on Wednesday, hitting $39.57. The stock had a trading volume of 402,354 shares, compared to its average volume of 429,450. The firm has a market cap of $194.10 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.66, a P/E/G ratio of 1.43 and a beta of 0.43. Deutsche Telekom has a 12 month low of $30.31 and a 12 month high of $39.81. The businesss 50-day moving average is $34.01 and its 200 day moving average is $33.83. The company has a current ratio of 1.00, a quick ratio of 0.93 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.04.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, Erste Group Bank raised Deutsche Telekom from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, February 18th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Deutsche Telekom currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy.

Deutsche Telekom Company Profile

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Deutsche Telekom AG is a leading European telecommunications company headquartered in Bonn, Germany. The firm provides a broad range of telecommunications and information technology services for consumer, business and wholesale customers. Its core activities include fixed-line and mobile voice services, broadband internet access, television services and a suite of enterprise IT and network solutions.

Deutsche Telekom offers consumer products under well-known retail brands in its home market and across Europe, and operates extensive mobile networks including 4G and 5G infrastructure.

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Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors LP lowered its stake in shares of Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD  Free Report) by 0.7% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 13,356,060 shares of the oil and gas producers stock after selling 92,580 shares during the period. Enterprise Products Partners accounts for about 9.2% of Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors LPs investment portfolio, making the stock its 2nd largest position. Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors LPs holdings in Enterprise Products Partners were worth $417,644,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Winnow Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in Enterprise Products Partners in the 2nd quarter worth about $28,000. Traub Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Enterprise Products Partners in the second quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Abich Financial Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Enterprise Products Partners in the third quarter worth approximately $32,000. Financial Consulate Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Enterprise Products Partners during the third quarter worth approximately $33,000. Finally, Davis Capital Management acquired a new position in Enterprise Products Partners in the 3rd quarter valued at $45,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 26.07% of the companys stock.

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Enterprise Products Partners Stock Down 0.2%

Shares of NYSE EPD opened at $36.29 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of $78.50 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.64, a P/E/G ratio of 2.58 and a beta of 0.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.04, a current ratio of 0.88 and a quick ratio of 0.60. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $33.53 and a 200-day simple moving average of $32.28. Enterprise Products Partners L.P. has a 1 year low of $27.77 and a 1 year high of $37.31.

Enterprise Products Partners Increases Dividend

Enterprise Products Partners ( NYSE:EPD Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 3rd. The oil and gas producer reported $0.75 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.69 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $13.79 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $12.44 billion. Enterprise Products Partners had a return on equity of 19.43% and a net margin of 11.05%.The firms quarterly revenue was down 2.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.74 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts predict that Enterprise Products Partners L.P. will post 2.9 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 13th. Investors of record on Friday, January 30th were given a dividend of $0.55 per share. This represents a $2.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, January 30th. This is a positive change from Enterprise Products Partnerss previous quarterly dividend of $0.55. Enterprise Products Partnerss dividend payout ratio is 82.71%.

Enterprise Products Partners declared that its Board of Directors has approved a stock repurchase program on Thursday, October 30th that authorizes the company to repurchase $5.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the oil and gas producer to repurchase up to 7.4% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase programs are often an indication that the companys board believes its stock is undervalued.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several brokerages have issued reports on EPD. Jefferies Financial Group reaffirmed a hold rating and set a $34.00 target price on shares of Enterprise Products Partners in a research note on Wednesday, February 4th. UBS Group restated a buy rating on shares of Enterprise Products Partners in a research report on Tuesday, December 16th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $35.00 price objective on shares of Enterprise Products Partners in a research note on Monday, December 1st. Royal Bank Of Canada reissued an outperform rating and issued a $40.00 target price on shares of Enterprise Products Partners in a research note on Wednesday, February 4th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Enterprise Products Partners in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have issued a Buy rating, six have given a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Enterprise Products Partners currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $36.00.

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Key Stories Impacting Enterprise Products Partners

Here are the key news stories impacting Enterprise Products Partners this week:

Positive Sentiment: Management flags growth tied to AI-driven gas demand and 2027 upside  Enterprise says new assets coming online in 2027 that could support doubledigit growth and payout power, reinforcing its midstream cash-flow and distribution track record. Read More.

Management flags growth tied to AI-driven gas demand and 2027 upside  Enterprise says new assets coming online in 2027 that could support doubledigit growth and payout power, reinforcing its midstream cash-flow and distribution track record. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Analyst/media praise EPD as a high-yield, reliable distributor  247WallStreet profiles EPD as a shadow dividend king, noting a ~6% yield (annualized $2.20/unit) and a record Q4 2025 according to coCEO comments, which supports incomeoriented demand. Read More.

Analyst/media praise EPD as a high-yield, reliable distributor  247WallStreet profiles EPD as a shadow dividend king, noting a ~6% yield (annualized $2.20/unit) and a record Q4 2025 according to coCEO comments, which supports incomeoriented demand. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Featured in dividend-buying lists  The Motley Fool includes EPD among top dividend stocks with long streaks of distribution increases (27 years), reinforcing its appeal to income investors. Such mentions can sustain longterm investor interest. Read More.

Featured in dividend-buying lists  The Motley Fool includes EPD among top dividend stocks with long streaks of distribution increases (27 years), reinforcing its appeal to income investors. Such mentions can sustain longterm investor interest. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Included in highyield energy recommendations  Media roundups continue to present EPD as an attractive income play with yield comfort, which can attract buyandhold retail flows. Read More.

Included in highyield energy recommendations  Media roundups continue to present EPD as an attractive income play with yield comfort, which can attract buyandhold retail flows. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Investor conference participation scheduled  EPD announced meetings at upcoming investor conferences, improving management access and visibility but not immediately affecting fundamentals. Read More.

Investor conference participation scheduled  EPD announced meetings at upcoming investor conferences, improving management access and visibility but not immediately affecting fundamentals. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Increased investor attention noted by Zacks  Elevated searches and coverage can boost shortterm liquidity/volatility; this reflects interest rather than new operational news. Read More.

Increased investor attention noted by Zacks  Elevated searches and coverage can boost shortterm liquidity/volatility; this reflects interest rather than new operational news. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Featured in retirement income strategies  EPD appears in model portfolios for retirees seeking yield, emphasizing distribution reliability but also highlighting investor tradeoffs (midstream risks). Read More.

Insider Activity

In related news, Director John R. Rutherford acquired 15,000 shares of Enterprise Products Partners stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 29th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $32.09 per share, for a total transaction of $481,350.00. Following the acquisition, the director owned 173,586 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,570,374.74. This represents a 9.46% increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Insiders own 32.60% of the companys stock.

About Enterprise Products Partners

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Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE: EPD) is a Houston-based master limited partnership that provides midstream energy services across North America. The company owns and operates an extensive network of pipelines, storage facilities, processing plants and export terminals that transport and handle natural gas, natural gas liquids (NGLs), crude oil and refined and petrochemical products. Its core activities include gathering and transportation, fractionation of NGLs, natural gas processing, crude oil and condensate pipelines, and marine and terminal services that enable domestic distribution and exports.

Enterprise serves a diverse set of customers including producers, refiners, petrochemical companies, marketers and end users.

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BNP Paribas SA (OTCMKTS:BNPQY  Free Report)  Erste Group Bank lifted their FY2026 EPS estimates for shares of BNP Paribas in a research note issued on Wednesday, February 18th. Erste Group Bank analyst S. Lingnau now forecasts that the financial services provider will post earnings of $6.92 per share for the year, up from their prior estimate of $6.80. The consensus estimate for BNP Paribas current full-year earnings is $5.02 per share. Erste Group Bank also issued estimates for BNP Paribas FY2027 earnings at $7.66 EPS.

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BNP Paribas (OTCMKTS:BNPQY  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 5th. The financial services provider reported $1.46 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.34 by $0.12. The firm had revenue of $15.27 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $15.27 billion. BNP Paribas had a return on equity of 9.18% and a net margin of 23.53%.

Other analysts have also recently issued research reports about the company. Zacks Research upgraded BNP Paribas from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 20th. DZ Bank cut BNP Paribas from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised shares of BNP Paribas from a moderate sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, December 15th. Citigroup restated a buy rating on shares of BNP Paribas in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating on shares of BNP Paribas in a research report on Friday, February 6th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have given a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold.

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BNP Paribas Stock Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS BNPQY opened at $56.02 on Monday. BNP Paribas has a 12-month low of $34.77 and a 12-month high of $57.31. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $51.40 and a 200 day moving average of $46.42. The company has a current ratio of 0.80, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.75. The firm has a market capitalization of $123.42 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.48, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.67 and a beta of 0.72.

About BNP Paribas

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BNP Paribas is a major international banking group headquartered in Paris, France, formed through the 2000 merger of Banque Nationale de Paris (BNP) and Paribas. The group provides a broad range of banking and financial services to retail, corporate and institutional clients, operating as one of the leading universal banks in Europe with a global footprint.

Its principal business activities encompass retail banking and services, corporate and institutional banking, and investment solutions.

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Fleetwood (ASX:FWD) used its FY26 first-half results call to highlight higher earnings, a capital management reset anchored by a fully franked interim dividend and a new buyback, and a sharply improved outlook for its Community Solutions business as occupancy at its Searipple accommodation village surged.

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Chairman John Klepec introduced new CEO Andrea Pidcock, who said she was in her fourth week in the role and had spent her early tenure meeting teams, visiting operations and customers, and assessing opportunities and challenges. CFO Cate Chandler provided the financial and segment detail.

First-half earnings improve as Searipple lifts, despite Building Solutions softness

For the half, Fleetwood reported revenue of. Chandler said lower revenue in Building Solutions and RV Solutions was offset by stronger occupancy in Community Solutions.

Net profit after tax rose to AUD 8.6 million, up AUD 3.9 million (an 84% increase) from the prior corresponding period. Underlying EBIT was AUD 18.5 million, up AUD 0.2 million year-over-year, with management noting that underlying EBIT excludes restructuring and impairment items related to the closure of RV Solutions manufacturing and site consolidation in Victoria. The company cited AUD 4.8 million of RV Solutions restructuring costs in the half.

Management said the earnings mix shifted meaningfully across divisions:

Community Solutions EBIT increased AUD 6.6 million , driven by Searipple occupancy rising to 95% from 71% in the prior period.

EBIT increased , driven by Searipple occupancy rising to from in the prior period. Building Solutions EBIT declined to AUD 8.7 million , attributed to materially softer revenue in New South Wales and delays to project commencements in Queensland.

EBIT declined to , attributed to materially softer revenue in New South Wales and delays to project commencements in Queensland. RV Solutions returned to underlying profitability, with EBIT improving AUD 1.4 million , which management linked to the closure of manufacturing operations and better aftermarket performance.

returned to underlying profitability, with EBIT improving , which management linked to the closure of manufacturing operations and better aftermarket performance. Corporate costs fell AUD 0.9 million due to higher income related to the closure of a historical share scheme and lower share-based payment expense.

Dividend reaffirmed and a new AUD 5 million buyback announced

The board reaffirmed Fleetwoods dividend policy to pay 100% of NPAT and declared a fully franked interim dividend of AUD 0.095 per share. Chandler noted the interim dividend was AUD 0.02 per share lower than the prior year, explaining that the previous interim dividend had ignored the non-cash impact of a AUD 6 million goodwill impairment on NPAT.

Fleetwood also announced an on-market share buyback of up to AUD 5 million over the next 12 months, which management said was supported by the companys balance sheet and outlook.

On cash flow, Chandler said free cash flow for the half was negative AUD 7.8 million, primarily due to working capital outflows. She said this is expected to unwind in the second half as Building Solutions project cycles and progress payments normalize. The company ended the half with AUD 30.7 million in cash.

Community Solutions: tight Pilbara accommodation market supports occupancy

Fleetwood emphasized Community Solutions as a standout performer. Searipples 95% first-half occupancy was driven by contracted room nights from three major customers: Rio Tinto, Woodside, and SCJV. Chandler noted that EBIT operating leverage was slightly impacted by higher physical occupancy and fewer vacant rooms, as accommodation options in the Karratha region tighten.

Capital expenditure during the half included AUD 3.1 million in net capex focused on Searipple upgrades, including Wi-Fi, laundries, and common facilities. Chandler said the upgrades strengthened the facilitys competitiveness in a tight market.

Management said contracted occupancy for FY26 is 96%, with some further room availability in June. Looking further out, Pidcock said FY27 already has 55% of room nights contracted, and the company expects additional opportunities given ongoing activity and limited supply.

During Q&A, management provided additional context on FY27 contracted occupancy. In response to questions, the team said the 55% figure includes an assumption that Rio Tinto leaves in May and June after its contract runs to April 2027, and they cited a contracted figure of about 64%65% for the first half of FY27. Klepec cautioned against assuming occupancy falls off a cliff at contract end, saying demand would need to go somewhere in the region and describing the rooms as ours to lose effectively.

Fleetwood also discussed competitive dynamics in Karratha, acknowledging awareness of other accommodation developments and saying it monitors demand drivers, including planned works and development approvals. Pidcock said the company has developed prototype rooms for major customers should they wish to underpin a longer-term contract.

At Osprey Village in Port Hedland, management said occupancy remains full with a waiting list of 40 to 50 tenants. Pidcock noted Fleetwood manages Osprey but does not own the site, and said broader affordable housing opportunities may align with Building Solutions capabilities, with discussions occurring with local councils.

Building Solutions: NSW weakness persists, but order book and tender pipeline build

Building Solutions faced a softer first half as New South Wales underperformed and Queensland project starts were delayed, though management said the timing issue in Queensland has since resolved. Chandler said all other states delivered double-digit revenue growth, reflecting Fleetwoods geographic and sector diversification.

While gross margins improved slightly, the lower revenue meant fixed costs were not offset, pressuring profitability. Chandler and Pidcock said they are focused on simplifying and standardizing operations, including exploring centralization of support services and making portions of the cost base more variable.

The divisions order book at the end of December was AUD 157 million, up from AUD 137 million a year earlier and AUD 100 million at June 2025. Management also cited AUD 200 million of tenders submitted. During Q&A, the company added it had been awarded an additional AUD 15 million (SP3) for a BHP Olympic Dam project in South Australia.

Pidcock said Fleetwood expects the second half to be stronger than the first half, while guiding that full-year revenue is expected to be down around 5%10% versus FY25.

RV Solutions: manufacturing closure completed, NRV sale to unlock capital

In RV Solutions, management said the closure of local manufacturing and site consolidation in Victoria has been completed, with no further restructuring costs expected. Chandler noted that manufacturing operations had been loss-making, and said losses in the first four months of FY26 alone were AUD 0.9 million.

Pidcock said Fleetwood completed the sale of the Northern RV Plumbing Services business in February for AUD 4.85 million. She said the sale will unlock around AUD 3.5 million in capital, and that the second half will record a residual profit on sale.

The company retained Camec as a distributor of parts and accessories, and management said the aftermarket performed profitably across all branches, supported by product innovation and an installed base of over 1 million RVs across Australia and New Zealand. Management also expects further decline in the local OEM market due to import pressure. In Q&A, Chandler said that with manufacturing closed and the plumbing business sold, Camec is now a pure-play distributor/retailer and that Fleetwood would consider an exit if there were a reasonable offer from a more natural owner.

Pidcock closed the call by thanking shareholders and saying she looked forward to meeting investors in coming weeks and months.

About Fleetwood (ASX:FWD)

Fleetwood Limited engages in the design, manufacture, and sale of modular accommodation units in Australia and New Zealand. It operates through three segments: RV Solutions, Building Solutions, and Community Solutions. The company also engages in the operation of accommodation villages; develops and commercialize keyless locks and energy management systems; and manufacture, installation, and distribution of recreational vehicle parts and accessories. It offers accommodation solutions for resources, education, affordable housing, mining, and corrections sectors; and provides caravan plumbing and electrical services, as well as supplies related parts.

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Flotek Industries, Inc. (NYSE:FTK  Get Free Report) has been assigned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the five analysts that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat reports. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and three have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average twelve-month price target among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $21.3333.

FTK has been the subject of several research reports. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Flotek Industries in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Lake Street Capital began coverage on shares of Flotek Industries in a research note on Thursday, January 29th. They issued a buy rating and a $25.00 price objective on the stock. Northland Securities reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $20.00 target price on shares of Flotek Industries in a research report on Wednesday, December 31st. Wall Street Zen downgraded Flotek Industries from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Sunday, November 16th. Finally, Zacks Research cut Flotek Industries from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 3rd.

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Flotek Industries Price Performance

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

FTK stock opened at $16.02 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $481.44 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.00 and a beta of 1.44. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36, a current ratio of 1.77 and a quick ratio of 1.54. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $17.31 and a 200 day simple moving average of $15.38. Flotek Industries has a 1 year low of $6.05 and a 1 year high of $20.09.

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Rhumbline Advisers increased its position in shares of Flotek Industries by 3.6% during the third quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 22,400 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $327,000 after buying an additional 770 shares during the period. First Trust Advisors LP grew its holdings in Flotek Industries by 3.2% during the 4th quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 43,495 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $749,000 after acquiring an additional 1,335 shares during the period. Barclays PLC raised its position in shares of Flotek Industries by 6.5% in the 4th quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 22,204 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $383,000 after acquiring an additional 1,351 shares in the last quarter. Informed Momentum Co LLC lifted its stake in shares of Flotek Industries by 2.2% in the 4th quarter. Informed Momentum Co LLC now owns 63,959 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,102,000 after purchasing an additional 1,366 shares during the period. Finally, Aristides Capital LLC lifted its stake in shares of Flotek Industries by 4.6% in the 4th quarter. Aristides Capital LLC now owns 31,390 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $541,000 after purchasing an additional 1,390 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 10.90% of the companys stock.

About Flotek Industries

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Flotek Industries, Inc (NYSE: FTK) is a Houston-based oilfield services provider specializing in innovative chemical technologies for the upstream energy sector. The company develops, manufactures and markets specialty drilling fluids, completion fluids and production chemicals that enhance drilling efficiency, optimize well performance and mitigate operational risks. Floteks solutions are designed to improve drilling rates of penetration, reduce nonproductive time and address challenging downhole environments, including high-pressure/high-temperature wells and sour service conditions.

Floteks operations are organized into three core business segments: Drilling & Completion Fluids, Production Chemicals & Process Management, and Water Solutions.

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Gildan Activewear (TSE:GIL  Get Free Report) (NYSE:GIL) had its target price boosted by equities research analysts at Desjardins from C$95.00 to C$108.00 in a report issued on Wednesday,BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage currently has a buy rating on the stock. Desjardins target price suggests a potential upside of 10.35% from the stocks previous close.

Separately, TD Securities lifted their price objective on Gildan Activewear from C$74.00 to C$77.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, January 27th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have given a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Gildan Activewear has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of C$85.00.

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Gildan Activewear Price Performance

Gildan Activewear Company Profile

Shares of GIL traded down C$0.75 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting C$97.87. The companys stock had a trading volume of 119,130 shares, compared to its average volume of 493,022. The company has a current ratio of 2.31, a quick ratio of 0.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 101.26. Gildan Activewear has a 1-year low of C$52.77 and a 1-year high of C$100.44. The firm has a market capitalization of C$18.12 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.47, a P/E/G ratio of 4.55 and a beta of 1.41. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of C$90.99 and a 200 day simple moving average of C$83.71.

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Gildan is a leading manufacturer of everyday basic apparel. The Companys product offering includes activewear, underwear, socks, and intimates sold to a broad range of customers, including wholesale distributors, screenprinters, embellishers, retailers or e-commerce platforms, as well as global lifestyle brand companies. Gildan markets its products in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America, under a diversified portfolio of Company-owned brands including Gildan, Hanes, Comfort Colors, American Apparel, ALLPRO, GOLDTOE, Peds, Bali, Playtex, Maidenform, Bonds, as well as Champion which is under an exclusive licensing agreement for the printwear channel in the U.S.

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Freeport-McMoRan, Newmont, First Majestic Silver, Agnico Eagle Mines, Barrick Mining, Hecla Mining, and Pan American Silver are the seven Gold stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Gold stocks are shares of companies whose primary business involves producing, exploring for, or holding gold (including miners, explorers, and royalty/streaming firms), and they provide investors with equity exposure to the price of gold. Their prices tend to move with the spot gold price but also reflect company-specific factors like production costs, reserve quality, operational risks, and broader stock-market sentiment. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Gold stocks within the last several days.

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Freeport-McMoRan (FCX)

Freeport-McMoRan Inc. engages in the mining of mineral properties in North America, South America, and Indonesia. It primarily explores for copper, gold, molybdenum, silver, and other metals. The company's assets include the Grasberg minerals district in Indonesia; Morenci, Bagdad, Safford, Sierrita, and Miami in Arizona; Chino and Tyrone in New Mexico; and Henderson and Climax in Colorado, North America, as well as Cerro Verde in Peru and El Abra in Chile.

Newmont (NEM)

Newmont Corporation engages in the production and exploration of gold. It also explores for copper, silver, zinc, and lead. The company has operations and/or assets in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Peru, Suriname, Argentina, Chile, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Ecuador, Fiji, and Ghana.

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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.

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Agnico Eagle Mines (AEM)

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, a gold mining company, exploration, development, and production of precious metals. It explores for gold. The company's mines are located in Canada, Australia, Finland and Mexico, with exploration and development activities in Canada, Australia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States.

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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.

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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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Pan American Silver (PAAS)

Pan American Silver Corp. engages in the exploration, mine development, extraction, processing, refining, and reclamation of silver, gold, zinc, lead, and copper mines in Canada, Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, and Brazil. The company was formerly known as Pan American Minerals Corp. and changed its name to Pan American Silver Corp.

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HCI Group (NYSE:HCI  Get Free Report) posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday. The insurance provider reported $7.25 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.87 by $2.38, FiscalAI reports. The firm had revenue of $246.24 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $232.36 million. HCI Group had a return on equity of 31.18% and a net margin of 24.97%.

HCI Group Stock Performance

Shares of HCI stock traded up $7.06 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $163.66. The stock had a trading volume of 126,133 shares, compared to its average volume of 148,557. HCI Group has a one year low of $119.57 and a one year high of $210.50. The firm has a market cap of $2.12 billion, a PE ratio of 10.45 and a beta of 1.21. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $171.35 and its 200 day simple moving average is $177.59. The company has a quick ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04.

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HCI Group Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 20th. Investors of record on Friday, February 20th will be paid a dividend of $0.40 per share. This represents a $1.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.0%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 20th. HCI Groups payout ratio is currently 10.22%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of HCI. Captrust Financial Advisors increased its holdings in HCI Group by 2.0% in the 4th quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 4,711 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $903,000 after buying an additional 91 shares during the period. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. lifted its stake in HCI Group by 2.0% during the third quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 4,794 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $920,000 after purchasing an additional 94 shares during the period. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV grew its stake in shares of HCI Group by 0.9% in the 4th quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV now owns 11,253 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $2,157,000 after purchasing an additional 98 shares during the period. Transamerica Financial Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of HCI Group by 519.2% in the 4th quarter. Transamerica Financial Advisors LLC now owns 161 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 135 shares in the last quarter. Finally, NewEdge Advisors LLC boosted its stake in HCI Group by 5.8% in the 2nd quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 2,750 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $419,000 after buying an additional 150 shares in the last quarter. 86.99% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

A number of brokerages have recently commented on HCI. Citizens Jmp lifted their target price on shares of HCI Group from $225.00 to $255.00 and gave the company a market outperform rating in a report on Monday, November 10th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of HCI Group from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Saturday, November 8th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of HCI Group in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Citigroup restated a market outperform rating on shares of HCI Group in a research note on Friday, January 16th. Finally, Zacks Research lowered HCI Group from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, January 12th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $231.67.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on HCI Group

About HCI Group

(Get Free Report)

HCI Group, Inc (NYSE: HCI) is a holding company whose principal business is the underwriting and issuance of property and casualty insurance through its insurance subsidiaries. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, the company focuses primarily on personal-line insurance products, writing homeowners, condominium, renters and mobile home policies. HCI Group also offers wind-only and flood coverage in coastal regions across the state, providing tailored solutions to both coastal and non-coastal communities.

The company distributes its insurance products through a network of independent agents and brokers, leveraging local market expertise to assess risk and deliver personalized service.

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TOKYO, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Japanese business leaders have voiced growing concerns that uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariff policy will heighten investment risks, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced an additional 15 percent tariff on goods from all countries and regions.

Yoshinobu Tsutsui, chairman of the Japan Business Federation, said on Tuesday that uncertainty over U.S. tariff policy has made the business environment difficult to predict, increasing risks for corporate investment decisions.

On the same day, Akio Yamaguchi, representative director of the Japan Association of Corporate Executives, told Kyodo News that companies "have no choice but to wait and see." He stressed the need for businesses to strengthen risk awareness and consider diversifying supply chains to mitigate potential disruptions.

Japanese media outlets reported that U.S. tariff policies have been shifting drastically, with corporate leaders struggling to respond to the rapid changes.

The Supreme Court of the United States on Feb. 20 ruled that Trump's sweeping tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act are unconstitutional. In response to the ruling, Trump announced a new 15 percent tariff on imported goods from all countries, adding to renewed uncertainty in global trade. 
Destination Maternity (OTCMKTS:DESTQ  Get Free Report) and Torrid (NYSE:CURV  Get Free Report) are both retail/wholesale companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their institutional ownership, earnings, valuation, dividends, profitability, risk and analyst recommendations.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

81.8% of Torrid shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.4% of Destination Maternity shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 9.8% of Torrid shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

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Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Destination Maternity and Torrids top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Destination Maternity N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Torrid $1.10 billion 0.09 $16.32 million ($0.01) -102.50

Torrid has higher revenue and earnings than Destination Maternity.

Profitability

This table compares Destination Maternity and Torrids net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Destination Maternity N/A N/A N/A Torrid -0.18% -1.69% -0.43%

Analyst Ratings

This is a breakdown of current ratings and price targets for Destination Maternity and Torrid, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Destination Maternity 0 0 0 0 0.00 Torrid 3 4 1 0 1.75

Torrid has a consensus target price of $1.44, suggesting a potential upside of 40.49%. Given Torrids stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Torrid is more favorable than Destination Maternity.

Summary

Torrid beats Destination Maternity on 6 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Destination Maternity

(Get Free Report)

Destination Maternity Corp. engages in the design, manufacture and sale of maternity apparel and related accessories. It operates stores under three brands: Motherhood Maternity, A Pea in the Pod, and Destination Maternity. The Motherhood Maternity brand serves maternity apparel business, which is used in special occasion, offering quality merchandise at affordable value. The A Pea in the Pod brand is a contemporary, fashion-forward assortment including a curated selection of exclusive designer labels at premium pricing, offering the mom2be fashionable maternity pieces that reflect her uncompromising sense of style in both casual and career apparel. The Destination Maternity brand relates to a selection of fashion offers all three brands, plus skincare, fitness, and nutritional products to pamper the pregnant woman. The company was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Moorestown, NJ.

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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Chiba Bank (OTCMKTS:CHBAY  Get Free Report) and NU (NYSE:NU  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 risk, profitability, earnings, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, dividends and valuation.

Dividends

Chiba Bank pays an annual dividend of $1.09 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.0%. NU pays an annual dividend of $1.67 per share and has a dividend yield of 10.0%. Chiba Bank pays out 26.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. NU pays out 327.5% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future.

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Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of current recommendations and price targets for Chiba Bank and NU, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Chiba Bank 0 0 0 0 0.00 NU 0 2 11 1 2.93

Earnings & Valuation

NU has a consensus price target of $18.34, indicating a potential upside of 10.34%. Given NUs stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe NU is more favorable than Chiba Bank.

This table compares Chiba Bank and NUs gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Chiba Bank $2.38 billion 3.73 $490.11 million $4.20 13.10 NU $9.60 billion 8.34 $1.97 billion $0.51 32.59

NU has higher revenue and earnings than Chiba Bank. Chiba Bank is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than NU, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

84.0% of NU shares are owned by institutional investors. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Profitability

This table compares Chiba Bank and NUs net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Chiba Bank 20.92% 7.53% 0.42% NU 17.97% 30.12% 4.66%

Volatility and Risk

Chiba Bank has a beta of 0.13, indicating that its share price is 87% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, NU has a beta of 1.08, indicating that its share price is 8% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Summary

NU beats Chiba Bank on 13 of the 16 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Chiba Bank

(Get Free Report)

The Chiba Bank, Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, provides banking products and services in Japan and internationally. The company offers various deposit products, including savings, time deposits, currency deposits, investment trusts, bonds, and pensions; loans, which include mortgages, renovation loans, photovoltaic, vehicle, education, and other loan products; and insurance products, such as annuity, life, medical, student, death, and travel insurance. It also offers debit and credit cards, as well as internet banking services. In addition, the company engages in securities, investment management and advisory, software development, commissioned computation tasks, research and investigation of IT and financial technologies, leasing, operation, and management of investment funds, mergers and acquisition advisory, credit guarantee businesses, management and collection of claims businesses. Further, it provides loan guarantees and fee collection services; accounting, general administration entrustment, and temporary staff services; and is involved in outsourcing of operational business. Additionally, it rents and maintains office buildings and welfare facilities; provides research, survey, and consulting services; purchases and sells supplies and consumer goods; and engages in renewable energy generation. The company serves individuals and corporations. The Chiba Bank, Ltd. was incorporated in 1943 and is headquartered in Chiba City, Japan.

About NU

(Get Free Report)

Nu Holdings Ltd. is a holding company, which engages in the provision of digital banking services. The company was founded by David Velez Osorno, Cristina Helena Zingaretti Junqueira, and Adam Edward Wible on February 26, 2016 and is headquartered in George Town, Cayman Islands.

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Hugo Boss (OTCMKTS:BOSSY  Get Free Report) saw a significant increase in short interest in the month of February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 4,191 shares, an increase of 859.0% from the January 29th total of 437 shares. Currently, 0.0% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 3,983 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.1 days. Based on an average daily volume of 3,983 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.1 days. Currently, 0.0% of the shares of the stock are sold short.

Hugo Boss Stock Performance

Hugo Boss stock remained flat at $8.47 during midday trading on Wednesday. The company had a trading volume of 43 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,192. The company has a market capitalization of $2.92 billion, a PE ratio of 11.76 and a beta of 0.63. Hugo Boss has a 1 year low of $6.92 and a 1 year high of $10.21. The businesss 50 day moving average is $8.54 and its two-hundred day moving average is $9.02.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canada cut shares of Hugo Boss from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating in a research note on Monday, January 26th. Kepler Capital Markets raised Hugo Boss to a hold rating in a report on Monday, December 8th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold.

Hugo Boss Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Hugo Boss AG is a German luxury fashion group that designs, produces and distributes a broad range of apparel, accessories and footwear under its two core brands, BOSS and HUGO. The companys product portfolio spans mens and womens business wear, casual collections and athleisure, as well as fragrances, eyewear and leather goods. Hugo Boss operates through a multi-channel network that includes directly operated retail stores, e-commerce platforms and wholesale partnerships with department stores and specialty retailers.

Founded in 1924 by Hugo Ferdinand Boss and headquartered in Metzingen, Germany, the company originally produced workwear and uniforms before pivoting to high-end fashion in the latter half of the 20th century.

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Ibstock plc (LON:IBST  Get Free Report) crossed below its fifty day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of GBX 134.77 and traded as low as GBX 130.20. Ibstock shares last traded at GBX 131.38, with a volume of 774,841 shares changing hands.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research firms have recently commented on IBST. Jefferies Financial Group dropped their price objective on Ibstock from GBX 165 to GBX 145 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, February 9th. Berenberg Bank dropped their price target on shares of Ibstock from GBX 150 to GBX 135 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, January 21st. 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, Ibstock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of GBX 160.

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View Our Latest Report on IBST

Ibstock Price Performance

About Ibstock

The company has a market capitalization of 513.90 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 43.40, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.47 and a beta of 1.34. The company has a quick ratio of 1.19, a current ratio of 1.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 46.91. The business has a 50-day moving average price of GBX 134.77 and a 200-day moving average price of GBX 134.82.

(Get Free Report)

Ibstock plc manufactures and sells clay and concrete building products and solutions to customers in the residential construction sector in the United Kingdom. The company offers bricks and masonry, which includes facing and engineering bricks, brick slips, special shaped bricks, walling stone, architectural masonry, prefabricated components, eco-habitats, and padstones and lintels, as well as facade systems; roofing products comprising roof tiles and accessories, and chimneys; and flooring and lintels, such as beam and block flooring, insulated flooring, hollowcore, and screed rails.

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iShares MSCI Spain ETF (NYSEARCA:EWP  Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $57.89 and last traded at $57.5410, with a volume of 42397 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $57.02.

iShares MSCI Spain ETF Stock Performance

The firm has a market capitalization of $1.93 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.89 and a beta of 0.86. The business has a 50 day moving average of $55.24 and a two-hundred day moving average of $51.67.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On iShares MSCI Spain ETF

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Royal Bank of Canada boosted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Spain ETF by 14.0% in the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 14,860 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $565,000 after purchasing an additional 1,830 shares in the last quarter. Stephens Inc. AR purchased a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Spain ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at about $203,000. Brookstone Capital Management bought a new stake in iShares MSCI Spain ETF in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $230,000. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC boosted its stake in iShares MSCI Spain ETF by 39.2% in the second quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC now owns 1,100 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $48,000 after buying an additional 310 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Envestnet Asset Management Inc. bought a new position in iShares MSCI Spain ETF during the second quarter valued at approximately $627,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 38.17% of the companys stock.

iShares MSCI Spain ETF Company Profile

iShares MSCI Spain Capped ETF, formerly iShares MSCI Spain Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of publicly traded securities in the Spanish market, as measured by the MSCI Spain Index (the Index). The Index seeks to measure the performance of the Spanish equity market. It is a capitalization-weighted index that aims to capture 85% of the (publicly available) total market capitalization.

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John Hancock High Yield ETF (NYSEARCA:JHHY  Get Free Report) announced a monthly dividend on Tuesday, February 24th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, February 25th will be given a dividend of 0.0944 per share on Friday, February 27th. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.4%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 25th.

John Hancock High Yield ETF Stock Down 0.3%

Shares of NYSEARCA:JHHY traded down $0.08 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $25.82. 827 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 9,184. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $25.95 and its 200-day simple moving average is $26.01. John Hancock High Yield ETF has a one year low of $24.36 and a one year high of $26.33.

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John Hancock High Yield ETF Company Profile

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The John Hancock High Yield ETF (JHHY) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in high yield fixed income. The fund is actively managed, investing in a diversified portfolio of US dollar-denominated high-yield corporate bonds. The fund aims to maximize income with capital growth as a secondary objective JHHY was launched on May 1, 2024 and is issued by John Hancock.

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Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors LP cut its holdings in shares of DT Midstream, Inc. (NYSE:DTM  Free Report) by 0.7% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 866,991 shares of the companys stock after selling 6,208 shares during the period. DT Midstream makes up 2.2% of Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors LPs holdings, making the stock its 13th biggest holding. Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors LPs holdings in DT Midstream were worth $98,022,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in DTM. Mather Group LLC. acquired a new position in DT Midstream during the 3rd quarter valued at about $30,000. Centerpoint Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of DT Midstream by 198.9% in the third quarter. Centerpoint Advisors LLC now owns 269 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 179 shares during the last quarter. First Horizon Corp bought a new position in shares of DT Midstream in the third quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Cary Street Partners Investment Advisory LLC purchased a new position in shares of DT Midstream during the second quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Finally, Root Financial Partners LLC bought a new stake in DT Midstream during the third quarter worth $33,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 81.53% of the companys stock.

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DT Midstream Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:DTM opened at $137.19 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of $13.95 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.83, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.45 and a beta of 0.77. The companys 50-day moving average is $124.06 and its 200 day moving average is $115.42. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68, a quick ratio of 1.07 and a current ratio of 1.07. DT Midstream, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $83.30 and a fifty-two week high of $138.31.

DT Midstream Increases Dividend

DT Midstream ( NYSE:DTM Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 19th. The company reported $1.08 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.11 by ($0.03). The company had revenue of $317.00 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $320.07 million. DT Midstream had a return on equity of 9.13% and a net margin of 35.48%.During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.94 EPS. On average, equities research analysts forecast that DT Midstream, Inc. will post 3.8 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, April 15th. Investors of record on Monday, March 16th will be issued a $0.88 dividend. This is a boost from DT Midstreams previous quarterly dividend of $0.82. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, March 16th. This represents a $3.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.6%. DT Midstreams payout ratio is presently 81.67%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities research analysts recently commented on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on DT Midstream from $118.00 to $126.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 2nd. Mizuho increased their target price on shares of DT Midstream from $108.00 to $129.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, February 17th. Bank of America raised their price target on shares of DT Midstream from $118.00 to $132.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. Barclays upped their price objective on shares of DT Midstream from $114.00 to $119.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 14th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group set a $148.00 price objective on shares of DT Midstream and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday. Six 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 companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, DT Midstream presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $136.18.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on DTM

DT Midstream Profile

(Free Report)

DT Midstream Inc (NYSE: DTM) is a midstream energy company that owns and operates infrastructure for gathering, processing and treating hydrocarbons and produced water. Its core business activities encompass natural gas gathering, cryogenic processing, natural gas liquids (NGL) fractionation, and produced-water handling services. These integrated operations enable the company to capture and transport multiple hydrocarbon streams from wellhead to market and to provide essential water management solutions.

The companys asset footprint is concentrated in the Delaware Basin in West Texas and southeastern New Mexico, where it serves a diverse range of exploration and production customers.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DTM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for DT Midstream, Inc. (NYSE:DTM  Free Report).

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Invitation Home (NYSE:INVH  Get Free Report) had its price target decreased by analysts at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods from $31.00 to $28.00 in a research note issued on Wednesday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a market perform rating on the stock. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods price target would suggest a potential upside of 9.24% from the stocks previous close.

Several other research firms have also issued reports on INVH. Royal Bank Of Canada decreased their target price on Invitation Home from $30.00 to $29.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, February 20th. Mizuho reissued a neutral rating and issued a $27.00 price objective (down from $30.00) on shares of Invitation Home in a research note on Thursday, January 8th. Morgan Stanley dropped their price objective on shares of Invitation Home from $35.00 to $34.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, November 13th. UBS Group set a $40.00 target price on shares of Invitation Home in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. Finally, Evercore set a $31.00 price target on shares of Invitation Home in a research note on Friday. Ten investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eight have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Invitation Home presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $33.79.

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Invitation Home Price Performance

Shares of INVH opened at $25.63 on Wednesday. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $26.92 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $28.18. The stock has a market cap of $15.62 billion, a PE ratio of 26.70, a P/E/G ratio of 2.81 and a beta of 0.83. Invitation Home has a 1-year low of $25.21 and a 1-year high of $35.80. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44, a current ratio of 0.03 and a quick ratio of 0.03.

Invitation Home (NYSE:INVH  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 18th. The company reported $0.27 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.48 by ($0.21). The company had revenue of $685.25 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $683.00 million. Invitation Home had a return on equity of 6.24% and a net margin of 21.53%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 4.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $0.47 EPS. Invitation Home has set its FY 2026 guidance at 1.900-1.980 EPS. As a group, analysts forecast that Invitation Home will post 1.83 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Trading of Invitation Home

A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in INVH. AQR Capital Management LLC grew its stake in Invitation Home by 67.4% during the 1st quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 74,426 shares of the companys stock worth $2,589,000 after buying an additional 29,962 shares during the last quarter. Empowered Funds LLC lifted its stake in Invitation Home by 10.7% in the first quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 13,324 shares of the companys stock valued at $464,000 after buying an additional 1,290 shares during the last quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Invitation Home in the second quarter valued at approximately $287,000. Focus Partners Advisor Solutions LLC purchased a new position in shares of Invitation Home during the second quarter worth approximately $377,000. Finally, Brighton Jones LLC purchased a new position in shares of Invitation Home during the second quarter worth approximately $348,000. 96.79% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Invitation Home

(Get Free Report)

Invitation Homes (NYSE: INVH) is a real estate investment trust that specializes in the ownership, operation and leasing of single-family rental homes across the United States. The company focuses on acquiring suburban and urban-adjacent single-family residences and managing them as rental properties for households seeking professionally managed, long-term housing alternatives to traditional homeownership or multifamily rentals.

Operationally, Invitation Homes is involved in the full lifecycle of the single-family rental business: sourcing and acquiring homes, performing renovations and ongoing maintenance, marketing and leasing properties, and providing property management and resident services.

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Lavras Gold Corp. (CVE:LGC  Get Free Report)s share price crossed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of C$2.79 and traded as high as C$3.16. Lavras Gold shares last traded at C$3.02, with a volume of 338,185 shares changing hands.

Lavras Gold Stock Performance

The firm has a market capitalization of C$185.00 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -43.07 and a beta of -3.36. The company has a current ratio of 4.11, a quick ratio of 11.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60. The stocks 50-day moving average is C$3.29 and its 200-day moving average is C$2.79.

Lavras Gold Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Lavras Gold Corp. engages in the exploration and development of mineral resource properties in Brazil. It holds interests in the Lavras do Sul, an advanced exploration gold project with 29 mineral rights covering approximately 22,000 hectares located in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The company was incorporated in 2021 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

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Legacy Financial Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria S.A. (NYSE:BBVA  Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 21,780 shares of the banks stock, valued at approximately $419,000.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in BBVA. Dynasty Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria during the 3rd quarter valued at about $876,000. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. bought a new stake in shares of Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria during the third quarter valued at approximately $2,478,000. Rathbones Group PLC raised its stake in shares of Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria by 4.6% during the second quarter. Rathbones Group PLC now owns 70,175 shares of the banks stock valued at $1,079,000 after acquiring an additional 3,066 shares in the last quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. grew its stake in Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria by 612.4% in the second quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 515,444 shares of the banks stock worth $7,922,000 after purchasing an additional 443,092 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Beck Bode LLC purchased a new position in Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria during the 2nd quarter worth $1,342,000. 2.96% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities research analysts have weighed in on BBVA shares. Wall Street Zen upgraded Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b+) rating on shares of Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada lowered shares of Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have given a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy.

Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria Stock Performance

BBVA stock opened at $23.51 on Wednesday. Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria S.A. has a one year low of $11.59 and a one year high of $26.20. The firm has a market cap of $135.51 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.94, a PEG ratio of 0.59 and a beta of 0.80. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $23.99 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $21.28.

Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria (NYSE:BBVA  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 5th. The bank reported $0.50 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $0.50. The firm had revenue of $11.49 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.74 billion. Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria had a net margin of 28.43% and a return on equity of 17.29%. As a group, equities analysts predict that Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria S.A. will post 1.59 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria Company Profile

(Free Report)

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (NYSE:BBVA) is a Spanish multinational financial services group headquartered in Bilbao, Spain. The bank traces its roots to several historic regional banks and was formed through a series of mergers that consolidated its position as one of Spains largest banking groups. BBVA operates as a universal bank offering a broad range of financial services to retail, corporate and institutional clients.

BBVAs core businesses include retail and commercial banking, corporate and investment banking, private banking and wealth management, asset management, and insurance.

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SYDNEY, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Around 250 heavily armed police officers will form a permanent unit to rapidly respond to hate-related offenses in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW), authorities announced on Wednesday.

Chris Minns, the premier of NSW, on Wednesday said that a temporary rapid response operation that was established in 2023 amid a rise in antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents across Sydney will become a permanent unit within the state's police force.

He said in a joint statement with Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism of NSW Yasmin Catley and Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper that the permanent unit will quickly respond to hate-related threats, protect places of worship and major events, and provide a visible police presence.

"This is about putting the right structure in place so police are always ready," Minns said.

The unit will be made up of around 250 dedicated police officers equipped with long-arm rifles as well as civilian staff and a fleet of specially modified rapid-response vehicles.

Heavily armed officers from the initial rapid response operation patrolled eastern Sydney following the antisemitic terror attack at Bondi Beach on Dec. 14, 2025.

Mal Lanyon, commissioner of the NSW Police Force, said that it is essential in the aftermath of the Bondi attack that officers with long-arm capability are able to provide an enhanced rapid response. 
Magellan Asset Management Ltd lessened its holdings in UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH  Free Report) by 1.4% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 811,526 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock after selling 11,341 shares during the period. UnitedHealth Group comprises 3.3% of Magellan Asset Management Ltds investment portfolio, making the stock its 8th biggest holding. Magellan Asset Management Ltds holdings in UnitedHealth Group were worth $280,220,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of UNH. Thoroughbred Financial Services LLC grew its holdings in UnitedHealth Group by 6.8% during the third quarter. Thoroughbred Financial Services LLC now owns 6,372 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $2,200,000 after buying an additional 404 shares in the last quarter. Palumbo Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group in the 3rd quarter worth $1,389,000. Monetta Financial Services Inc. bought a new position in shares of UnitedHealth Group during the third quarter valued at about $1,519,000. First American Trust FSB grew its position in UnitedHealth Group by 26.9% in the 3rd quarter. First American Trust FSB now owns 2,299 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $794,000 after purchasing an additional 488 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Inkwell Capital LLC lifted its position in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 63.9% during the 3rd quarter. Inkwell Capital LLC now owns 6,897 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $2,382,000 after buying an additional 2,688 shares in the last quarter. 87.86% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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UnitedHealth Group Stock Down 3.0%

UnitedHealth Group stock opened at $273.92 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $248.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.77, a P/E/G ratio of 1.30 and a beta of 0.41. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $314.46 and a 200 day simple moving average of $325.73. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a 1-year low of $234.60 and a 1-year high of $606.36. The company has a current ratio of 0.79, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72.

UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $2.11 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.09 by $0.02. UnitedHealth Group had a return on equity of 14.79% and a net margin of 2.69%.The company had revenue of $113.73 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $113.38 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $6.81 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 12.3% compared to the same quarter last year. UnitedHealth Group has set its FY 2026 guidance at 17.750- EPS. On average, analysts predict that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 29.54 earnings per share for the current year.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of brokerages recently commented on UNH. Oppenheimer dropped their price target on UnitedHealth Group from $415.00 to $385.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. Morgan Stanley cut their price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $411.00 to $409.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, January 23rd. Barclays lowered their price objective on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $391.00 to $327.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, January 30th. Truist Financial decreased their price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $410.00 to $370.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday, February 2nd. Finally, Evercore raised UnitedHealth Group to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have given a Buy rating, nine have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $372.13.

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About UnitedHealth Group

(Free Report)

UnitedHealth Group Inc is a diversified health care company headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, that operates two primary business platforms: UnitedHealthcare and Optum. Founded in 1977, the company provides a broad range of health benefits and health care services to individuals, employers, governmental entities and other organizations. Its operations span commercial employer-sponsored plans, individual and Medicare and Medicaid programs, and services for customers and health systems in the United States and selected international markets.

UnitedHealthcare is the companys benefits business, administering health plans and networks, managing provider relationships, and offering coverage products for employers, individuals, and government-sponsored programs.

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MAI Capital Management lifted its stake in Southern Company (The) (NYSE:SO  Free Report) by 6.1% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 252,791 shares of the utilities providers stock after purchasing an additional 14,498 shares during the quarter. MAI Capital Managements holdings in Southern were worth $23,957,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Norges Bank bought a new stake in Southern in the 2nd quarter worth about $1,179,715,000. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Southern by 9,099.6% during the 2nd quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 4,421,331 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $406,011,000 after acquiring an additional 4,373,271 shares during the last quarter. Soroban Capital Partners LP grew its stake in shares of Southern by 83.8% in the second quarter. Soroban Capital Partners LP now owns 4,097,422 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $376,266,000 after acquiring an additional 1,867,912 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Southern by 1.6% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 105,904,243 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $9,725,187,000 after acquiring an additional 1,694,066 shares during the period. Finally, Soundwatch Capital LLC bought a new position in Southern during the second quarter valued at approximately $103,342,000. 64.10% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities research analysts have commented on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group reaffirmed a hold rating and issued a $102.00 target price on shares of Southern in a research report on Monday. Mizuho set a $104.00 price objective on shares of Southern and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their target price on shares of Southern from $104.00 to $93.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Monday, December 15th. The Goldman Sachs Group downgraded shares of Southern from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $98.00 price target on the stock. in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Southern in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, twelve have given a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $97.64.

Southern Stock Up 0.7%

SO opened at $95.86 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of $105.55 billion, a PE ratio of 24.39, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.88 and a beta of 0.45. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $89.14 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $91.28. The company has a quick ratio of 0.47, a current ratio of 0.65 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.69. Southern Company has a 52 week low of $83.09 and a 52 week high of $100.83.

Southern (NYSE:SO  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, February 19th. The utilities provider reported $0.55 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.56 by ($0.01). Southern had a net margin of 14.69% and a return on equity of 12.52%. The firm had revenue of $6.98 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.41 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.50 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 10.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Southern has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 1.200-1.20 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 4.500-4.600 EPS. Analysts forecast that Southern Company will post 4.29 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Southern Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 6th. Investors of record on Tuesday, February 17th will be given a $0.74 dividend. This represents a $2.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 17th. Southerns dividend payout ratio is 75.32%.

About Southern

(Free Report)

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is an Atlanta-based energy holding company that provides electric and gas utility services and owns power generation assets across the United States. Founded in 1945, the company operates a portfolio of regulated electric utilities and affiliated businesses that generate, transmit and distribute electricity to residential, commercial and industrial customers.

Southerns principal regulated electric subsidiaries include Georgia Power, Alabama Power and Mississippi Power, which serve large portions of the southeastern United States.

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Waratah Capital Advisors Ltd. increased its holdings in shares of McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE:MKC  Free Report) by 147.4% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 313,439 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 186,733 shares during the period. Waratah Capital Advisors Ltd. owned approximately 0.12% of McCormick & Company, Incorporated worth $20,972,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Bank of Jackson Hole Trust purchased a new stake in shares of McCormick & Company, Incorporated during the 2nd quarter worth $25,000. Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of McCormick & Company, Incorporated in the second quarter valued at about $27,000. Anfield Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in McCormick & Company, Incorporated by 161.3% during the second quarter. Anfield Capital Management LLC now owns 392 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 242 shares in the last quarter. MTM Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in McCormick & Company, Incorporated during the second quarter worth about $30,000. Finally, Heartwood Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in McCormick & Company, Incorporated during the third quarter worth about $28,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.74% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling at McCormick & Company, Incorporated

In other McCormick & Company, Incorporated news, Director Michael D. Mangan sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $67.92, for a total transaction of $339,600.00. Following the sale, the director directly owned 43,029 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,922,529.68. This trade represents a 10.41% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, Director Jacques Tapiero sold 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $67.09, for a total transaction of $335,450.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 31,596 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,119,775.64. This represents a 13.66% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 115,000 shares of company stock worth $7,947,300. Corporate insiders own 23.80% of the companys stock.

McCormick & Company, Incorporated Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:MKC opened at $70.03 on Wednesday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $67.12 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $67.09. The stock has a market cap of $18.80 billion, a PE ratio of 23.90, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.88 and a beta of 0.61. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54, a quick ratio of 0.28 and a current ratio of 0.70. McCormick & Company, Incorporated has a one year low of $59.62 and a one year high of $86.24.

McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE:MKC  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 22nd. The company reported $0.86 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.87 by ($0.01). McCormick & Company, Incorporated had a return on equity of 14.27% and a net margin of 11.54%.The company had revenue of $1.85 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.84 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.80 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 2.9% compared to the same quarter last year. McCormick & Company, Incorporated has set its FY 2026 guidance at 3.050-3.130 EPS. On average, analysts forecast that McCormick & Company, Incorporated will post 3.07 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on MKC shares. Sanford C. Bernstein reiterated an outperform rating and set a $87.00 price target on shares of McCormick & Company, Incorporated in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. Stifel Nicolaus dropped their price objective on McCormick & Company, Incorporated from $71.00 to $65.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. TD Cowen decreased their target price on McCormick & Company, Incorporated from $82.00 to $75.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on McCormick & Company, Incorporated from $72.00 to $78.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 18th. Finally, UBS Group cut their price target on McCormick & Company, Incorporated from $70.00 to $67.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $73.90.

View Our Latest Analysis on McCormick & Company, Incorporated

McCormick & Company, Incorporated Profile

(Free Report)

McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE: MKC) is a global leader in spices, seasonings and flavor solutions. Headquartered in Hunt Valley, Maryland, the company traces its origins to the late 19th century and has grown into a major manufacturer and marketer of branded and privatelabel flavor products for consumer, industrial and foodservice markets.

McCormicks product portfolio includes pure spices and herbs, blended seasonings, marinades, rubs, sauces, extracts and specialty flavorings, along with ingredient systems and custom flavor development for manufacturers and foodservice operators.

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Shares of Mohawk Industries, Inc. (NYSE:MHK  Get Free Report) have been assigned a consensus recommendation of Hold from the fourteen research firms that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat.com reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating, four have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. The average 12-month price target among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is $137.6364.

MHK has been the topic of several research reports. UBS Group reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $140.00 price target on shares of Mohawk Industries in a research report on Monday, February 16th. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Mohawk Industries from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, December 20th. Robert W. Baird set a $156.00 target price on shares of Mohawk Industries in a research note on Tuesday, February 17th. Wolfe Research lowered shares of Mohawk Industries from an outperform rating to a peer perform rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c-) rating on shares of Mohawk Industries in a report on Wednesday, January 28th.

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Mohawk Industries Stock Performance

MHK opened at $125.97 on Friday. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $120.17 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $121.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21, a current ratio of 2.19 and a quick ratio of 1.21. The company has a market capitalization of $7.79 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.28, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.96 and a beta of 1.23. Mohawk Industries has a 1-year low of $96.24 and a 1-year high of $143.13.

Mohawk Industries (NYSE:MHK  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 12th. The company reported $2.00 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.98 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $2.70 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.68 billion. Mohawk Industries had a return on equity of 6.80% and a net margin of 3.43%.The firms revenue for the quarter was up 2.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.95 EPS. Mohawk Industries has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 1.750-1.850 EPS. Research analysts predict that Mohawk Industries will post 9.8 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity at Mohawk Industries

In related news, insider Suzanne L. Helen sold 2,700 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $109.00, for a total value of $294,300.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 67,893 shares in the company, valued at $7,400,337. This trade represents a 3.82% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Insiders sold 11,350 shares of company stock worth $1,257,106 over the last three months. Corporate insiders own 17.40% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Mohawk Industries

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Root Financial Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Mohawk Industries in the third quarter worth about $25,000. Bayforest Capital Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of Mohawk Industries in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $27,000. MTM Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in Mohawk Industries in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $28,000. Global Retirement Partners LLC grew its position in Mohawk Industries by 950.0% during the 4th quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 252 shares of the companys stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 228 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Transamerica Financial Advisors LLC grew its position in Mohawk Industries by 216.1% during the 4th quarter. Transamerica Financial Advisors LLC now owns 275 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 188 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.98% of the companys stock.

About Mohawk Industries

(Get Free Report)

Mohawk Industries, Inc is a global flooring manufacturer that designs, produces and distributes a broad range of floor covering products for both residential and commercial applications. Headquartered in Calhoun, Georgia, the company traces its roots to 1878 and has expanded through a series of strategic acquisitions and organic growth initiatives. Over the decades, Mohawk has built a vertically integrated platform encompassing yarn manufacturing, fiber production, wood and laminate finishing, and ceramic tile fabrication, enabling tight control over product quality and supply chain efficiency.

The companys product portfolio includes residential and commercial carpet, ceramic and porcelain tile, laminate, wood and natural stone flooring, luxury vinyl, and innovative surface solutions.

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North Star Asset Management Inc. reduced its holdings in shares of Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (NYSE:FIS  Free Report) by 5.5% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 194,270 shares of the information technology services providers stock after selling 11,321 shares during the quarter. North Star Asset Management Inc.s holdings in Fidelity National Information Services were worth $12,810,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Mufg Securities Americas Inc. increased its stake in Fidelity National Information Services by 21.0% in the third quarter. Mufg Securities Americas Inc. now owns 14,087 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $929,000 after purchasing an additional 2,443 shares during the last quarter. Equitable Trust Co. grew its position in shares of Fidelity National Information Services by 1.5% in the 3rd quarter. Equitable Trust Co. now owns 211,047 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $13,916,000 after buying an additional 3,072 shares during the last quarter. Marks Group Wealth Management Inc grew its position in shares of Fidelity National Information Services by 59.3% in the 3rd quarter. Marks Group Wealth Management Inc now owns 21,711 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $1,432,000 after buying an additional 8,078 shares during the last quarter. Michels Family Financial LLC lifted its position in Fidelity National Information Services by 2.9% in the third quarter. Michels Family Financial LLC now owns 6,905 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $455,000 after acquiring an additional 194 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Inspire Trust Co. N.A. boosted its stake in Fidelity National Information Services by 47.3% in the third quarter. Inspire Trust Co. N.A. now owns 81,000 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $5,341,000 after acquiring an additional 26,000 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 96.23% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of analysts have recently commented on FIS shares. Cantor Fitzgerald initiated coverage on Fidelity National Information Services in a research report on Tuesday, January 27th. They set an overweight rating and a $72.00 target price on the stock. Stephens dropped their price target on Fidelity National Information Services from $90.00 to $85.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, January 16th. Truist Financial reduced their price objective on Fidelity National Information Services from $72.00 to $70.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 19th. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d) rating on shares of Fidelity National Information Services in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a hold rating and set a $70.00 price target on shares of Fidelity National Information Services in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. Ten research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $76.94.

Fidelity National Information Services Trading Up 1.5%

NYSE:FIS opened at $48.19 on Wednesday. Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. has a 1 year low of $46.16 and a 1 year high of $82.74. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64, a quick ratio of 0.53 and a current ratio of 0.53. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $59.05 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $64.03. The stock has a market capitalization of $24.96 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 178.49, a PEG ratio of 0.71 and a beta of 0.90.

Fidelity National Information Services (NYSE:FIS  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, February 24th. The information technology services provider reported $1.68 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.69 by ($0.01). The company had revenue of $2.81 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.74 billion. Fidelity National Information Services had a net margin of 1.45% and a return on equity of 19.76%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 8.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.40 earnings per share. Fidelity National Information Services has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 1.260-1.300 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 6.220-6.320 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. will post 5.74 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Fidelity National Information Services Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 24th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, March 10th will be issued a dividend of $0.44 per share. This is a boost from Fidelity National Information Servicess previous quarterly dividend of $0.40. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 10th. This represents a $1.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.7%. Fidelity National Information Servicess payout ratio is currently 592.59%.

Key Stories Impacting Fidelity National Information Services

Here are the key news stories impacting Fidelity National Information Services this week:

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, Director Jeffrey A. Goldstein purchased 941 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, January 15th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $64.11 per share, with a total value of $60,327.51. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director directly owned 14,529 shares in the company, valued at $931,454.19. The trade was a 6.93% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Insiders own 0.21% of the companys stock.

Fidelity National Information Services Profile

(Free Report)

Fidelity National Information Services (NYSE: FIS) is a global provider of financial technology solutions and services for banks, capital markets firms, merchants and corporations. The company develops and delivers software, processing, and outsourcing services that support core banking, payments and merchant acquiring, wealth and retirement platforms, risk and compliance, and trading and capital markets operations. Its offerings include cloud-based and on-premises core banking systems, card processing and gateway services, e-commerce and point-of-sale payment solutions, and a range of back-office and advisory services designed to automate and modernize financial operations.

FIS serves a broad international client base across North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific region through a combination of direct clients and partner channels.

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One Media IP plc (LON:OMI  Get Free Report)s stock price shot up 11.3% during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as high as GBX 25.90 and last traded at GBX 25.60. 2,747,633 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 46% from the average session volume of 5,043,307 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 23.

One Media IP Price Performance

The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of GBX 27.71. The company has a market capitalization of 101.89 million and a PE ratio of 8.61.

About One Media IP

(Get Free Report)

Orosur Mining Inc (TSX: OMI; AIM: OMI) is a fully integrated gold producer, developer and explorer focused on identifying and advancing gold projects in South America. The Company operates the only producing gold mine in Uruguay (San Gregorio) and has assembled an exploration portfolio of high quality assets in Uruguay, Chile and Colombia.

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PropTech Group Limited (REV.AX) (ASX:REV  Get Free Report) declared a interim dividend on Wednesday, February 25th, MarketIndexAU Dividends reports. Stockholders of record on Monday, March 16th will be paid a dividend of 0.012 per share on Monday, March 16th. This represents a dividend yield of 60.0%. The ex-dividend date is Sunday, March 1st.

PropTech Group Limited (REV.AX) Price Performance

PropTech Group Limited (REV.AX) Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Real Estate Investar Group Limited provides investment property analysis, tracking, and transaction services to property investors in Australia and New Zealand. The company operates through Subscriptions, Transaction Services, and Property segments. The Subscriptions segment offers tools, resources, and news services to property investors to assist in the identification, analysis, acquisition, tracking, and accounting of residential investment property. The Transaction Services segment provides casual non-subscription services to members via a paid marketing referral model with accredited partners, including real estate transaction services, finance and mortgage brokerage, insurance brokerage, accounting and SMSF services, financial and estate planning, depreciation reports, and courses and education.

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Resolute Mining (LON:RSG) Chief Executive Officer Chris Eger told investors the Africa-focused gold producer believes it has all the makings to extend a 2025 operational turnaround into 2026 while advancing its next major growth project in Cote dIvoire. Speaking at a BMO-hosted event, Eger outlined production guidance, capital spending plans, and what he described as a pipeline that could take the company beyond its current longer-term goal of becoming a 500,000-ounce producer by 2028.

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2025 turnaround and outlook for cash generation

Eger said the company executed flawlessly on a turnaround plan established at the beginning of 2025 after a difficult 2024 for both Syama and Mali. He credited augmented skilled teams across the business, efforts to repair relationships with government stakeholders, and a strategic pivot that meaningfully diversifies the company into Cote dIvoire, which he said will become Resolutes flagship country where we operate.

Path to 500,000 ounces by 2028and potential for 750,000 by decade-end

He stated that Resolute operates in four countries, producing about 275,000 ounces of gold annually, with 2025 production cited at 277,000 ounces. Eger said EBITDA in 2025 was over $380 million and cash flows were $140 million. In the current gold price environment, he added, the company anticipates over $500 million of EBITDA and free cash flow of over $200 million, excluding capital expenditures required for Doropo.

Eger said Resolute expects similar production levels in 2026 and 2027 before output rises above 500,000 ounces once the Doropo project comes online from 2028. He reiterated that the company remains very much on track to reach 500,000 ounces by 2028, adding that, given the gold price environment, management is also starting to target 750,000 ounces by the end of the decade through expansion potential across its assets and additional projects in Cote dIvoire.

Doropo: construction ramp and phased expansion plans

Eger said Resolute acquired the Doropo project from AngloGold Ashanti in May of the prior year for $150 million in cash, structured as $25 million paid upfront, $50 million due in October, and $75 million due the following year. He said key 2025 milestones included hiring a project team led by Rob Cicchini and updating the definitive feasibility study (DFS) in December 2025.

According to Eger, the updated economics are incredibly robust, and he described Doropo as being worth well over $2.5 billion. He noted the company ran new pit shells at a $2,000 gold price, resulting in a reserve of 2.5 million ounces, and said that at $3,000 to $4,000 gold the reserve could increase to 3.5 million to 4 million ouncessuggesting a mine life longer than 13 years.

Eger said the initial production profile is expected to be around 200,000 ounces for the first four years and generate over $400 million of cash. He added that a phase two expansion is underway and is expected to be published toward the end of 2026.

On funding and near-term work, Eger said Resolute has completed FEED work, is preparing to award an EPC contractor, and expects to begin water storage construction shortly. He said 2026 capex is forecast at over $300 million due to the start of Doropo construction, with planned capex of about $200 million this year. He also said the company is pretty much fully funded, citing over $300 million of cash on hand and more than $200 million of cash generation, although he acknowledged a very slight funding gap.

Syama in Mali and Mako in Senegal: stabilization and transition

Addressing Mali, Eger said operational performance improved in the second half of 2025 after supply chain issuesparticularly explosivesconstrained mining throughput earlier in the year. He said the company is on track to produce over 200,000 ounces from Syama and characterized the deposit as a world-class asset with over 10 million ounces of resource, albeit in a difficult jurisdiction.

He said Resolute is completing a capital project to move to 100% sulfide processing on site, allowing mining to be simplified to two sources: the existing sublevel cave (about 2.5 grams per tonne material) and the Syama North open pit (about 1.9 grams per tonne material). While Eger said the company sees a case to expand Syama under the right conditionspotentially doubling the businesshe indicated Resolute will hold off on discretionary capital until there is more positivity and movement with the Mali government.

In Senegal, Eger said the Mako mine is in transition after the original pit reached end of mine life in 2025. The operation is now processing stockpiles through the end of 2027, and he said production has declined from about 100,000 ounces to around 60,000 ounces this year. Looking forward, he said Resolute plans to develop two satellite deposits to support operations for the next 10 years, targeting roughly 80,000 ounces per year at around a $1,500 cash cost.

Eger said the company has identified well over 600,000 ounces near the plant to feed operations. He said Resolute is preparing to file a mining application for Tombo and Koto in the next month, expects to receive a mining permit at the beginning of next year, and noted that village relocation and plant upgrades are requiredpushing anticipated production from Tombo and Koto to 2028. He added that Bantaco mining is expected to start toward the end of next year to blend stockpiles with fresh ore and bridge the gap until Tombo begins production.

Exploration in Cote dIvoire: potential fourth and fifth mines

Eger said exploration remains central to the companys strategy and highlighted two Cote dIvoire projects that could become additional mines. The ABC project, acquired as part of the Doropo transaction, currently hosts over 2.2 million ounces at 0.9 grams per tonne, centralized in the Kone permit across roughly 12 kilometers of strike. He said the company plans at least 20,000 meters of drilling in the Kone area and believes the resource could grow to 3 million to 4 million ounces. A scoping study is underway to outline economics.

He also discussed the Ladebo project in southern Cote dIvoire, described as a smaller resource of 640,000 ounces at 1.1 grams per tonne. Resolute is drilling over 10,000 meters there and completing a scoping study. Eger said the project could be our fifth mine, while noting that securing drill rigs has been challenging in the current environment.

In response to a question on Mali, Eger said the mood has improved significantly since 2024 and discussions are more productive and more professional, but he emphasized caution. He said Resolute has not been receiving VAT receivables back and is still looking to sign a mining convention, calling these key milestones before the company commits additional discretionary investment to expand Syama.

About Resolute Mining (LON:RSG)

Resolute is an African-focused gold miner with more than 30 years of experience as an explorer, developer and operator. Throughout its history the Company has produced more than 9 million ounces of gold from ten gold mines. The Company is now entering a growth phase through the development of the Doropo project in Cote dIvoire which will supplement the existing production from the Syama mine in Mali and Mako mine in Senegal. The Company trades on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE) under the ticker RSG.

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Triple Flag Precious Metals (NYSE:TFPM  Get Free Report) and Eldorado Gold (NYSE:EGO  Get Free Report) are both mid-cap basic materials companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, institutional ownership, dividends, valuation, analyst recommendations, profitability and risk.

Earnings and Valuation

This table compares Triple Flag Precious Metals and Eldorado Golds top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

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Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Triple Flag Precious Metals $388.70 million 21.44 $240.01 million $1.18 34.19 Eldorado Gold $1.82 billion 4.86 $507.26 million $2.48 17.96

Profitability

Eldorado Gold has higher revenue and earnings than Triple Flag Precious Metals. Eldorado Gold is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Triple Flag Precious Metals, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

This table compares Triple Flag Precious Metals and Eldorado Golds net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Triple Flag Precious Metals 61.74% 10.82% 10.53% Eldorado Gold 27.89% 8.63% 5.57%

Institutional and Insider Ownership

82.9% of Triple Flag Precious Metals shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 69.6% of Eldorado Gold shares are held by institutional investors. 0.6% of Eldorado Gold shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Volatility & Risk

Triple Flag Precious Metals has a beta of -0.21, suggesting that its share price is 121% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Eldorado Gold has a beta of 0.51, suggesting that its share price is 49% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of recent ratings and recommmendations for Triple Flag Precious Metals and Eldorado Gold, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Triple Flag Precious Metals 0 5 6 1 2.67 Eldorado Gold 1 5 3 0 2.22

Triple Flag Precious Metals presently has a consensus target price of $32.25, suggesting a potential downside of 20.05%. Eldorado Gold has a consensus target price of $40.14, suggesting a potential downside of 9.89%. Given Eldorado Golds higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Eldorado Gold is more favorable than Triple Flag Precious Metals.

Summary

Triple Flag Precious Metals beats Eldorado Gold on 9 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Triple Flag Precious Metals

(Get Free Report)

Triple Flag Precious Metals Corp., a precious-metals-focused streaming and royalty company, engages in acquiring and managing precious metals, streams, royalties and other mineral interests in Australia, Canada, Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Honduras, Mexico, Mongolia, Peru, South Africa, the United States, and internationally. The company has a portfolio of streams and royalties providing exposure to gold, silver, nickel, copper, zinc, and lead. It holds a royalty interest in the Beta Hunt mine located in Pert, Wester Australia; the Camino Rojo gold and silver mine located in Mexico; the El Mochito polymetallic mine located in north-western Honduras; and La Colorada polymetallic mine located in Mexico. Triple Flag Precious Metals Corp. was founded in 2016 and is based in Toronto, Canada.

About Eldorado Gold

(Get Free Report)

Eldorado Gold Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the mining, exploration, development, and sale of mineral products primarily in Turkey, Canada, Greece, and Romania. The company primarily produces gold, as well as silver, lead, and zinc. It holds a 100% interest in the Kisladag and Efemcukuru mines located in Turkey; Lamaque complex located in Canada; and Olympias, Stratoni, Skouries, Perama Hill, and Sapes gold mines located in Greece, as well as the 80.5% interest in Certej development projects located in Romania. The company was formerly known as Eldorado Corporation Ltd. and changed its name to Eldorado Gold Corporation in April 1996. Eldorado Gold Corporation was incorporated in 1996 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

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Rollins Financial Advisors LLC trimmed its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 27.6% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,328 shares of the companys stock after selling 505 shares during the period. Rollins Financial Advisors LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $1,014,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Prestige Wealth Management Group LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 1.2% during the 3rd quarter. Prestige Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 2,068 shares of the companys stock worth $1,578,000 after acquiring an additional 25 shares during the period. Tableaux LLC acquired a new position in Eli Lilly and Company during the third quarter valued at approximately $697,000. Cozad Asset Management Inc. lifted its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 3.5% during the third quarter. Cozad Asset Management Inc. now owns 22,457 shares of the companys stock worth $17,135,000 after purchasing an additional 762 shares during the last quarter. Colonial Trust Co SC boosted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 0.5% in the 3rd quarter. Colonial Trust Co SC now owns 17,604 shares of the companys stock valued at $13,432,000 after purchasing an additional 94 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Palumbo Wealth Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 4.2% in the 3rd quarter. Palumbo Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,035 shares of the companys stock valued at $790,000 after purchasing an additional 42 shares during the last quarter. 82.53% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Trending Headlines about Eli Lilly and Company

Here are the key news stories impacting Eli Lilly and Company this week:

Positive Sentiment: Headtohead trial news showing Novos nextgen obesity candidate underperformed Lillys tirzepatide has strengthened expectations that Lilly will retain market share in the high-growth weightloss category; that data triggered earlier upside in LLY. Trial Readout Lifts Lilly

Headtohead trial news showing Novos nextgen obesity candidate underperformed Lillys tirzepatide has strengthened expectations that Lilly will retain market share in the high-growth weightloss category; that data triggered earlier upside in LLY. Positive Sentiment: Lilly launched an FDAcleared multidose KwikPen for Zepbound (tirzepatide), giving patients a more convenient monthly device at the same selfpay price  a commercial move intended to improve adherence and retention. Zepbound KwikPen Launch

Lilly launched an FDAcleared multidose KwikPen for Zepbound (tirzepatide), giving patients a more convenient monthly device at the same selfpay price  a commercial move intended to improve adherence and retention. Positive Sentiment: Wall Street remains constructive on LLYs longerterm outlook (Goldman and other analysts keep Buy/Outperform calls and elevated price targets), supporting the stocks valuation against the sector noise. Analyst Support

Wall Street remains constructive on LLYs longerterm outlook (Goldman and other analysts keep Buy/Outperform calls and elevated price targets), supporting the stocks valuation against the sector noise. Neutral Sentiment: Early clinical work showing benefit of combining Zepbound with other therapies (e.g., Taltz) and investor commentary on retention strategies (multidose pen) add incremental optionality but are not immediate revenue drivers. Pipeline/Combo Data

Early clinical work showing benefit of combining Zepbound with other therapies (e.g., Taltz) and investor commentary on retention strategies (multidose pen) add incremental optionality but are not immediate revenue drivers. Negative Sentiment: Nuevo pricing shock  Novo Nordisk announced U.S. list price cuts of up to ~50% for Ozempic/Wegovy (to ~$675/month starting 2027). That move has rattled the sector, and LLY shares have slipped as investors reassess pricing dynamics and potential margin/marketshare impacts across GLP1s. Novo Price Cut Hits Stocks

Nuevo pricing shock  Novo Nordisk announced U.S. list price cuts of up to ~50% for Ozempic/Wegovy (to ~$675/month starting 2027). That move has rattled the sector, and LLY shares have slipped as investors reassess pricing dynamics and potential margin/marketshare impacts across GLP1s. Negative Sentiment: Broader competition and pricing pressure could compress realized prices or accelerate payer negotiations over time, a structural risk to growth if competitors follow price cuts or insurers demand steeper discounts. Price Competition Risk

Eli Lilly and Company Stock Down 1.5%

Shares of NYSE LLY opened at $1,042.68 on Wednesday. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $1,054.49 and a 200 day simple moving average of $923.72. The firm has a market cap of $983.62 billion, a PE ratio of 45.43, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.23 and a beta of 0.39. Eli Lilly and Company has a 1 year low of $623.78 and a 1 year high of $1,133.95. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.54, a current ratio of 1.58 and a quick ratio of 1.19.

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, February 4th. The company reported $7.54 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $7.48 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $19.29 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $17.85 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 31.66% and a return on equity of 102.94%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 42.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $5.32 EPS. Eli Lilly and Company has set its FY 2026 guidance at 33.500-35.000 EPS. On average, research analysts forecast that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 EPS for the current year.

Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 13th will be issued a dividend of $1.73 per share. This represents a $6.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 13th. This is a boost from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.50. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 30.15%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several analysts recently weighed in on LLY shares. Bank of America dropped their price objective on Eli Lilly and Company from $1,286.00 to $1,268.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, December 15th. Rothschild & Co Redburn increased their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $775.00 to $830.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday, January 26th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,200.00 to $1,280.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, February 5th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b-) rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Monday, December 22nd. Finally, 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 note on Thursday, February 5th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-three have assigned a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $1,229.33.

Get Our Latest Analysis on Eli Lilly and Company

Eli Lilly and Company Profile

(Free Report)

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) is a global pharmaceutical company founded in 1876 and headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. The company researches, develops, manufactures and commercializes a broad range of medicines and therapies for patients worldwide. Eli Lilly maintains operations and commercial presence across North America, Europe, Asia and other regions, serving both developed and emerging markets. The company has been led in recent years by President and Chief Executive Officer David A.

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KABUL, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Afghan authorities have registered more than 166,000 skilled and unskilled returning migrants and shared their details with relevant government organs for job placement, the deputy spokesperson for the Afghan government announced late Tuesday.

The registration is part of broader efforts to integrate returning Afghans into the workforce and address the economic challenges they face upon repatriation, Hamdullah Fitrat posted on his X account.

Across multiple provinces, collaboration between the Ministries of Refugees and Repatriation and Labor and Social Affairs has enabled 6,141 returning migrants to access technical and vocational training programs, equipping them with marketable skills for sustainable livelihoods, according to the official.

Additionally, the profiles of 2,000 migrants have been forwarded directly to various government institutions for immediate recruitment, streamlining their entry into public sector roles, he added.

Nearly 2.9 million Afghans returned to the country in 2025, close to half of them forcibly, with 1.9 million deported from Iran, 1 million from Pakistan, and 1,953 from Tajikistan, according to a recent UNHCR report. 
RWA Wealth Partners LLC lessened its position in shares of iShares New York Muni Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:NYF  Free Report) by 48.0% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 183,825 shares of the companys stock after selling 169,655 shares during the period. RWA Wealth Partners LLC owned 1.00% of iShares New York Muni Bond ETF worth $9,807,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Root Financial Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares New York Muni Bond ETF in the third quarter valued at approximately $41,000. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. raised its holdings in iShares New York Muni Bond ETF by 5,711.8% during the 2nd quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 1,976 shares of the companys stock valued at $103,000 after acquiring an additional 1,942 shares during the period. Centaurus Financial Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of iShares New York Muni Bond ETF during the second quarter worth $169,000. Middleton & Co. Inc. MA bought a new position in shares of iShares New York Muni Bond ETF in the third quarter worth $203,000. Finally, Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares New York Muni Bond ETF in the third quarter worth $225,000.

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iShares New York Muni Bond ETF Trading Up 0.1%

NYSEARCA:NYF opened at $54.38 on Wednesday. iShares New York Muni Bond ETF has a 52-week low of $50.04 and a 52-week high of $54.39. The businesss fifty day moving average is $53.82 and its 200 day moving average is $53.42.

About iShares New York Muni Bond ETF

iShares New York AMT-Free Muni Bond ETF, formerly iShares S&P New York AMT-Free Municipal Bond Fund (the Fund), is an exchange traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the S&P AMT-Free Municipal Series 2016 IndexTM (the Index). The Underlying Index measures the performance of investment-grade, noncallable United States municipal bonds maturing in 2016. The Index includes municipal bonds primarily from issuers that are state or local governments or agencies such that the interest on the bonds is exempt from United States federal income taxes and the federal alternative minimum tax (AMT).

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RWA Wealth Partners LLC grew its holdings in shares of Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER  Free Report) by 7.9% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 114,730 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock after acquiring an additional 8,427 shares during the period. RWA Wealth Partners LLCs holdings in Uber Technologies were worth $11,240,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of UBER. Norges Bank bought a new stake in Uber Technologies during the second quarter valued at about $2,348,319,000. Pacer Advisors Inc. lifted its position in shares of Uber Technologies by 1,905.3% during the 3rd quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 4,350,479 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $426,216,000 after buying an additional 4,133,532 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Uber Technologies by 1.6% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 189,551,519 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $17,685,157,000 after acquiring an additional 3,025,483 shares during the period. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA increased its holdings in Uber Technologies by 4,471.9% in the 3rd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 2,966,828 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock worth $290,660,000 after acquiring an additional 2,901,936 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. increased its holdings in Uber Technologies by 97.1% in the 3rd quarter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. now owns 5,422,035 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock worth $531,197,000 after acquiring an additional 2,671,539 shares in the last quarter. 80.24% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Uber Technologies News Roundup

Here are the key news stories impacting Uber Technologies this week:

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several brokerages have weighed in on UBER. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $125.00 price target on shares of Uber Technologies in a report on Wednesday, February 4th. Truist Financial set a $108.00 target price on shares of Uber Technologies in a research note on Monday, February 9th. Citigroup cut their price target on Uber Technologies from $120.00 to $110.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, February 6th. UBS Group set a $111.00 price objective on Uber Technologies in a research note on Monday, February 2nd. Finally, DA Davidson lowered their price target on Uber Technologies from $108.00 to $105.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirty-three have issued a Buy rating, six have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $104.53.

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Uber Technologies Stock Up 0.9%

NYSE UBER opened at $71.34 on Wednesday. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $79.37 and a 200-day moving average price of $88.22. Uber Technologies, Inc. has a one year low of $60.63 and a one year high of $101.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38, a quick ratio of 1.14 and a current ratio of 1.14. The company has a market capitalization of $146.83 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.15, a P/E/G ratio of 6.48 and a beta of 1.21.

Uber Technologies (NYSE:UBER  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 4th. The ride-sharing company reported $0.71 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.79 by ($0.08). Uber Technologies had a net margin of 19.33% and a return on equity of 43.63%. The business had revenue of $14.37 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $14.32 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $3.21 EPS. Uber Technologiess revenue for the quarter was up 20.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Uber Technologies has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 0.650-0.720 EPS. As a group, equities analysts predict that Uber Technologies, Inc. will post 2.54 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Transactions at Uber Technologies

In related news, CFO Balaji (A) Krishnamurthy bought 22,453 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, February 24th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $71.25 per share, for a total transaction of $1,599,776.25. Following the acquisition, the chief financial officer owned 28,742 shares in the company, valued at $2,047,867.50. This trade represents a 357.02% increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, insider Tony West sold 3,125 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $83.50, for a total value of $260,937.50. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 176,584 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $14,744,764. This represents a 1.74% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. 3.70% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Uber Technologies Profile

(Free Report)

Uber Technologies, Inc is a technology company that operates a global platform connecting riders, drivers, couriers, restaurants and shippers. Founded in 2009 by Garrett Camp and Travis Kalanick and headquartered in San Francisco, Uber developed one of the first large-scale ride-hailing marketplaces and has since expanded into a broader set of mobility and logistics services. The company completed its initial public offering in 2019 and continues to position its app-based network as a multi-modal transportation and delivery platform.

Ubers principal businesses include mobility services (ride-hailing and shared rides), delivery through Uber Eats, and freight logistics via Uber Freight.

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Service Stream (ASX:SSM) management said the company delivered a strong first-half performance for FY 2026, highlighting margin expansion, robust cash conversion, and record contract wins as it continues to execute its strategy focused on growth, diversification, and improving the quality of earnings.

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First-half highlights: margin lift, strong cash flow, higher dividend

Managing Director Leigh Mackender said the group achieved a significant step change in profitability, pointing to improved performance across utilities and transport operations and a lift in group margins. Group revenue for the half was AUD 1.194 billion, which the company said was slightly higher than the immediately prior period but lower than the prior corresponding period (PCP) due to the completion of a major telco upgrade and a one-off mobile program in the prior year.

Despite lower revenue versus PCP,. The company reported, equating to a. Service Stream ended the half with, which management said increased by AUD 14 million since June 2025.

On capital returns, the board declared a fully franked interim dividend of AUD 0.03 per share, a 20% increase on PCP, citing the groups balance sheet strength and outlook.

Segment performance: utilities margin step-up, telco transition, transport improvement

Chief Financial Officer Linda Kow said the first-half result showed positive momentum with improved earnings quality while continuing to reinvest in the business. Total revenue decreased 5.8% year over year to about AUD 1.2 billion, which she attributed to an abnormal first-half skew last year. The company expects FY 2026 to revert to a more traditional second-half skew.

On profitability, the groups EBITDA margin improved 50 basis points to 6.3%, with management citing operating leverage and productivity initiatives. Adjusted NPAT was AUD 36.6 million, which Kow said represented 4.6% underlying growth when excluding a one-off legacy tax refund benefit in the prior year. Statutory NPAT was AUD 26.8 million, with the company noting that SaaS cloud-based system transformation costs were written off as operating expense under accounting guidelines.

Utilities: Revenue was AUD 531 million , and EBITDA increased 31% (AUD 6.9 million) to AUD 29.3 million . EBITDA margin improved 130 basis points to 5.5% , which management said was ahead of targets and marked the seventh consecutive half-year of margin improvement. Kow said further improvements are targeted but are expected to be more gradual. Mackender emphasized the divisions ongoing efforts to renegotiate or exit lower-margin contracts, optimize operations, and secure more profitable long-term maintenance work. The company also highlighted the mobilization of a 10-year electrical and mechanical maintenance contract with Urban Utilities (field operations commencing in July).

Revenue was , and EBITDA increased to . EBITDA margin improved to , which management said was ahead of targets and marked the seventh consecutive half-year of margin improvement. Kow said further improvements are targeted but are expected to be more gradual. Mackender emphasized the divisions ongoing efforts to renegotiate or exit lower-margin contracts, optimize operations, and secure more profitable long-term maintenance work. The company also highlighted the mobilization of a (field operations commencing in July). Telecommunications: Revenue was AUD 538 million , down AUD 88 million from PCP, reflecting the completion of prior-year programs and a slower ramp-up of the next tranche of an NBN fiber upgrade program. EBITDA was AUD 45.6 million , with an 8.5% margin, which management said was in line with expectations as it transitions to a new long-term NBN field services agreement from July. During Q&A, Mackender said the softness was primarily volume-driven rather than pricing, and that the Optus HFC decommissioning agreement had not contributed in the first half and was being mobilized for delivery in the second half.

Revenue was , down from PCP, reflecting the completion of prior-year programs and a slower ramp-up of the next tranche of an NBN fiber upgrade program. EBITDA was , with an margin, which management said was in line with expectations as it transitions to a new long-term NBN field services agreement from July. During Q&A, Mackender said the softness was primarily volume-driven rather than pricing, and that the Optus HFC decommissioning agreement had not contributed in the first half and was being mobilized for delivery in the second half. Transport: Revenue rose 12.4% to AUD 124 million, driven by additional funding for pavement repairs in the ConnectSydney JV and benefits from the VicRoads maintenance contract mobilized last July. EBITDA increased 53% to AUD 9.2 million, with a 7.4% margin (up 190 basis points), which management attributed to improved VicRoads performance and phasing of ITS program work.

Record work wins and growing work-in-hand

Mackender said the first half was among the most successful in the companys history for contract awards, with a record AUD 2.2 billion of contracted works secured. He cited a 93% retention rate on agreements reaching renewal milestones, while stressing the companys increasing selectivity on renewals to avoid diluting margins.

Service Streams work in hand increased 55% to AUD 9.2 billion, which management said reflected initial contract terms only. The company also disclosed AUD 6.2 billion of extension options, taking total work in hand potential to AUD 15.5 billion. Mackender said the order book is higher quality than its ever been before, noting that 80% of work in hand is annuity-style operations and maintenance activity.

Defence contract mobilization and outlook for FY 2026

A key strategic development discussed on the call was the companys expansion into defence. Management referenced a multi-year contract awarded by the Department of Defence in September 2025 supporting base infrastructure across the Northern Territory and South Australia. Mackender said the contract went live on 1 February following mobilization activities that began in September, including the deployment of more than 600 resources and about AUD 25 million in plant and equipment. The company said mobilization costs have been deferred to the second half and are largely recoverable, with any residual impact not expected to be material.

Service Stream expects defence operations to ramp between February and July, reaching a steady run rate that management said should support approximately AUD 240 million of revenue in FY 2027. For FY 2026, management reiterated that it expects some revenue contribution but no earnings contribution due to ramp-up and mobilization.

Looking ahead, management reiterated confidence in earnings growth in FY 2026, supported by first-half performance, sustained utility margin improvements, and larger contributions from recently mobilized contracts across telecommunications and utilities, alongside continued operational optimization. Kow added that strong cash conversion in the first half included typical December timing benefits expected to unwind in the second half, while the company continues investing in fleet, equipment, and systems to support new contracts and transformation programs.

About Service Stream (ASX:SSM)

Service Stream Limited designs, constructs, operates and maintains infrastructure networks in Australia. It operates through Telecommunications, Utilities, and Transport segments. The Telecommunications segment provides various operations, maintenance, installation, design, and construction services to owners of fixed-line and wireless telecommunication networks, including customer connections; service and network assurance; site acquisition; and design, construction, engineering, and installation of broadband, wireless, and fixed-line project services, as well as projects for asset remediation, augmentation, and relocation.

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Standard Chartered (OTCMKTS:SCBFF  Get Free Report) posted its earnings results on Tuesday. The company reported $0.36 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.38 by ($0.02), Zacks reports. Standard Chartered had a net margin of 12.84% and a return on equity of 10.88%. The business had revenue of $4.89 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.82 billion.

Standard Chartered Trading Up 0.6%

SCBFF stock traded up $0.14 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $24.47. 586 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 5,644. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $24.63 and a 200 day simple moving average of $21.57. The company has a market capitalization of $55.62 billion, a PE ratio of 13.01 and a beta of 0.52. Standard Chartered has a twelve month low of $10.65 and a twelve month high of $26.45.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of brokerages have commented on SCBFF. Citigroup restated a neutral rating on shares of Standard Chartered in a research note on Wednesday. Zacks Research lowered Standard Chartered from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, January 12th. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded Standard Chartered from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Thursday, December 11th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating on shares of Standard Chartered in a research note on Wednesday, January 14th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy.

About Standard Chartered

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Standard Chartered plc is a British multinational banking and financial services company headquartered in London. The firm traces its modern form to the 1969 merger of the Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China (founded in 1853) and Standard Bank of British South Africa (founded in 1862), creating an international bank with deep historical roots in trade finance and cross-border banking. Standard Chartered maintains a global footprint and a long-standing focus on facilitating trade and capital flows between developed and emerging markets.

Standard Chartered provides a broad range of banking and financial services for corporate, institutional and individual clients.

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Tableaux LLC purchased a new position in International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM  Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm purchased 5,124 shares of the technology companys stock, valued at approximately $1,446,000.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Winnow Wealth LLC bought a new position in shares of International Business Machines during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Mountain Hill Investment Partners Corp. purchased a new position in International Business Machines during the third quarter worth $28,000. Trifecta Capital Advisors LLC increased its position in International Business Machines by 129.1% during the third quarter. Trifecta Capital Advisors LLC now owns 126 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $36,000 after acquiring an additional 71 shares during the last quarter. Legacy Wealth Managment LLC ID lifted its holdings 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 about $54,000. 58.96% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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International Business Machines Trading Up 2.7%

Shares of NYSE IBM opened at $229.34 on Wednesday. International Business Machines Corporation has a twelve month low of $214.50 and a twelve month high of $324.90. The firm has a market cap of $214.37 billion, a PE ratio of 20.57, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.24 and a beta of 0.69. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $290.87 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $284.17. The company has a quick ratio of 0.92, a current ratio of 0.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.67.

International Business Machines Dividend Announcement

International Business Machines ( NYSE:IBM Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 28th. The technology company reported $4.52 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.33 by $0.19. The firm had revenue of $19.69 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $19.23 billion. International Business Machines had a return on equity of 38.15% and a net margin of 15.69%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 12.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $3.92 earnings per share. Analysts expect that International Business Machines Corporation will post 10.78 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Investors of record on Tuesday, February 10th will be paid a $1.68 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 10th. This represents a $6.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.9%. International Business Machiness payout ratio is 60.27%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

IBM has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. UBS Group set a $317.00 price objective on shares of International Business Machines in a research report on Thursday, January 29th. Wedbush reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of International Business Machines in a research note on Tuesday. Evercore raised their price target on International Business Machines from $330.00 to $345.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, January 29th. Erste Group Bank downgraded International Business Machines from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 18th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets reiterated a market perform rating and issued a $350.00 target price on shares of International Business Machines in a research note on Thursday, January 29th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Buy rating, seven have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, International Business Machines currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $330.07.

View Our Latest Report on International Business Machines

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, Director David N. Farr bought 1,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, January 30th. The stock was bought at an average price of $304.00 per share, for a total transaction of $304,000.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director directly owned 9,258 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,814,432. This represents a 12.11% increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 0.18% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Trending Headlines about International Business Machines

Here are the key news stories impacting International Business Machines this week:

Positive Sentiment: Analysts say the sell-off was overdone and recommend buying the dip  Wedbush and Evercore ISI flagged the decline as an overreaction to Anthropic, arguing IBMs mainframe moat and enterprise relationships limit near-term disruption. Read More.

Analysts say the sell-off was overdone and recommend buying the dip  Wedbush and Evercore ISI flagged the decline as an overreaction to Anthropic, arguing IBMs mainframe moat and enterprise relationships limit near-term disruption. Read More. Positive Sentiment: IBM is expanding its AI footprint for governments  the company opened a GovTech AI Innovation Center to help public-sector clients adopt AI safely, reinforcing sales opportunities in regulated markets. Read More.

IBM is expanding its AI footprint for governments  the company opened a GovTech AI Innovation Center to help public-sector clients adopt AI safely, reinforcing sales opportunities in regulated markets. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Market recovery and analyst defense helped shares bounce  broader software/tech names rallied after the initial AI scare, and multiple analysts publicly defended IBMs fundamentals, supporting todays rebound. Read More.

Market recovery and analyst defense helped shares bounce  broader software/tech names rallied after the initial AI scare, and multiple analysts publicly defended IBMs fundamentals, supporting todays rebound. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Sector/macro context: some commentators view the pullback as a late-stage bull-market buying chance for oversold tech names, which could draw value-focused flows into beaten-up software names like IBM. Read More.

Sector/macro context: some commentators view the pullback as a late-stage bull-market buying chance for oversold tech names, which could draw value-focused flows into beaten-up software names like IBM. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Anthropics Claude Code announcement was the immediate catalyst for a severe sell-off  investors priced in a fast, large-scale threat to COBOL modernization work that supports IBMs mainframe/service revenues. That drove a one-day ~13% plunge and sector contagion. Read More.

Anthropics Claude Code announcement was the immediate catalyst for a severe sell-off  investors priced in a fast, large-scale threat to COBOL modernization work that supports IBMs mainframe/service revenues. That drove a one-day ~13% plunge and sector contagion. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Some analysts and commentators warn AI could erode parts of legacy consulting and modernization revenue; Seeking Alpha and others discuss potential rating pressure if disruption proves durable. Read More.

Some analysts and commentators warn AI could erode parts of legacy consulting and modernization revenue; Seeking Alpha and others discuss potential rating pressure if disruption proves durable. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Heightened volatility: trading volume spiked and technical measures show IBM was deeply oversold  investors should expect continued headline-driven swings while the market digests practical limits of AI-driven legacy modernization. Read More.

International Business Machines Company Profile

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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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Waratah Capital Advisors Ltd. boosted its stake in shares of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY  Free Report) by 789.7% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 82,596 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock after acquiring an additional 73,312 shares during the period. Teledyne Technologies comprises about 0.9% of Waratah Capital Advisors Ltd.s holdings, making the stock its 7th biggest holding. Waratah Capital Advisors Ltd. owned 0.18% of Teledyne Technologies worth $48,405,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Jones Financial Companies Lllp boosted its stake in Teledyne Technologies by 874.5% during the first quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 1,949 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock worth $970,000 after buying an additional 1,749 shares during the period. Empowered Funds LLC lifted its stake in Teledyne Technologies by 78.6% during the first quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 1,552 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock worth $772,000 after purchasing an additional 683 shares in the last quarter. Focus Partners Wealth boosted its position in shares of Teledyne Technologies by 48.4% during the first quarter. Focus Partners Wealth now owns 834 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock worth $416,000 after buying an additional 272 shares during the period. Wealthfront Advisers LLC boosted its position in shares of Teledyne Technologies by 23.5% during the second quarter. Wealthfront Advisers LLC now owns 2,515 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock worth $1,288,000 after buying an additional 479 shares during the period. Finally, Nisa Investment Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Teledyne Technologies by 1.6% in the second quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC now owns 11,545 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock valued at $5,915,000 after buying an additional 182 shares in the last quarter. 91.58% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Teledyne Technologies Price Performance

Shares of TDY opened at $684.54 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19, a current ratio of 1.64 and a quick ratio of 1.08. Teledyne Technologies Incorporated has a 1-year low of $419.00 and a 1-year high of $685.17. The stock has a market cap of $31.70 billion, a PE ratio of 36.20, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.33 and a beta of 1.01. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $587.62 and a 200 day moving average price of $555.48.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Teledyne Technologies ( NYSE:TDY Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, January 21st. The scientific and technical instruments company reported $6.30 EPS 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 analysts expectations of $1.57 billion. Teledyne Technologies had a return on equity of 10.08% and a net margin of 14.63%.The businesss revenue was up 7.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $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. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Teledyne Technologies Incorporated will post 21.55 EPS for the current year.

TDY has been the topic of several research reports. Stifel Nicolaus increased 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. Barclays increased their target price on shares of Teledyne Technologies from $579.00 to $599.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of Teledyne Technologies in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Morgan Stanley assumed coverage on Teledyne Technologies in a research report on Wednesday, January 21st. They set an equal weight rating and a $620.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group increased their price objective on Teledyne Technologies from $710.00 to $770.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $643.67.

View Our Latest Report on Teledyne Technologies

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, Director Michael T. Smith sold 2,469 shares of Teledyne Technologies stock in a transaction on Thursday, January 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $621.00, for a total value of $1,533,249.00. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 47,328 shares of the companys stock, valued at $29,390,688. The trade was a 4.96% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, Vice Chairman Jason Vanwees sold 5,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, February 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $630.92, for a total transaction of $3,154,600.00. Following the sale, the insider owned 51,025 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $32,192,693. This represents a 8.92% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 11,500 shares of company stock worth $7,214,750. Insiders own 1.50% of the companys stock.

Teledyne Technologies Profile

(Free Report)

Teledyne Technologies (NYSE: TDY), headquartered in Thousand Oaks, California, is a diversified industrial technology company that designs, manufactures and supports sophisticated electronic systems, instruments and imaging products. Founded in 1960 by Henry Singleton and George Kozmetsky, Teledyne has grown into a multinational provider of high-performance equipment and software for commercial, scientific and government customers. Its offerings are used in markets that include aerospace and defense, marine, industrial manufacturing, environmental monitoring and scientific research.

The company operates through businesses that develop precision instrumentation, digital imaging products, engineered systems and aerospace and defense electronics.

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The Bank of East Asia Ltd. (OTCMKTS:BKEAY  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant growth in short interest in February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 478 shares, a growth of 15,833.3% from the January 29th total of 3 shares. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 568 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.8 days. Based on an average daily volume of 568 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.8 days. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the company are sold short.

Bank of East Asia Price Performance

OTCMKTS:BKEAY remained flat at $1.99 on Wednesday. The companys stock had a trading volume of 2 shares, compared to its average volume of 195. The business has a fifty day moving average of $1.79 and a two-hundred day moving average of $1.68. Bank of East Asia has a 12 month low of $1.13 and a 12 month high of $1.99.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Separately, Zacks Research upgraded Bank of East Asia to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, February 18th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Reduce.

Bank of East Asia Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Bank of East Asia, Limited is a Hong Kongbased commercial bank established in 1918. As one of the territorys largest independently owned banks, it provides a comprehensive range of financial services to retail, corporate and institutional clients. The institution operates through a network of branches and digital channels designed to support both individual consumers and businesses of varying sizes.

The banks core offerings include personal banking services such as deposit accounts, consumer and mortgage lending, credit cards and wealth management solutions.

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Parkside Investments LLC lowered its holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS  Free Report) by 5.1% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 14,861 shares of the investment management companys stock after selling 803 shares during the quarter. The Goldman Sachs Group comprises 1.5% of Parkside Investments LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 17th biggest holding. Parkside Investments LLCs holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $11,834,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Gilliland Jeter Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group by 3.5% during the third quarter. Gilliland Jeter Wealth Management LLC now owns 388 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $309,000 after purchasing an additional 13 shares in the last quarter. EWA LLC grew its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 2.2% in the 3rd quarter. EWA LLC now owns 612 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $488,000 after buying an additional 13 shares during the last quarter. Carrera Capital Advisors raised its stake in The Goldman Sachs Group by 3.5% during the 3rd quarter. Carrera Capital Advisors now owns 385 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $306,000 after acquiring an additional 13 shares in the last quarter. Centerpoint Advisors LLC lifted its position in The Goldman Sachs Group by 1.5% in the third quarter. Centerpoint Advisors LLC now owns 863 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $687,000 after acquiring an additional 13 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cassaday & Co Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in The Goldman Sachs Group by 0.9% in the third quarter. Cassaday & Co Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,488 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $1,185,000 after acquiring an additional 13 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 71.21% of the companys stock.

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The Goldman Sachs Group News Roundup

Here are the key news stories impacting The Goldman Sachs Group this week:

Insiders Place Their Bets

Analysts Set New Price Targets

In other news, CFO Denis P. Coleman sold 11,623 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $941.57, for a total transaction of $10,943,868.11. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 29,342 shares in the company, valued at $27,627,546.94. The trade was a 28.37% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link . Also, Treasurer Carey Halio sold 2,846 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $927.17, for a total transaction of $2,638,725.82. Following the transaction, the treasurer directly owned 2,017 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,870,101.89. This represents a 58.52% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure . Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 117,283 shares of company stock valued at $112,016,033. Corporate insiders own 0.55% of the companys stock.

GS has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Zacks Research upgraded The Goldman Sachs Group from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, January 19th. Argus lifted their price target on The Goldman Sachs Group from $863.00 to $1,066.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, January 16th. UBS Group reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $990.00 price objective on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a research note on Wednesday, February 4th. BMO Capital Markets raised their target price on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $980.00 to $985.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 20th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lifted their target price on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $971.00 to $1,000.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Friday, January 16th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have issued a Buy rating and fourteen have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $916.86.

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The Goldman Sachs Group Trading Up 1.1%

Shares of GS stock opened at $902.33 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of $270.64 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.59, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.10 and a beta of 1.34. The company has a current ratio of 1.13, a quick ratio of 0.65 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.29. The businesss 50 day moving average is $922.91 and its two-hundred day moving average is $834.04. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a twelve month low of $439.38 and a twelve month high of $984.70.

The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 15th. The investment management company reported $13.55 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $11.52 by $2.03. The Goldman Sachs Group had a return on equity of 15.19% and a net margin of 13.73%.The firm had revenue of $15.71 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.30 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $11.95 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 3.0% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts forecast that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 47.12 EPS for the current year.

The Goldman Sachs Group Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 30th. Stockholders of record on Monday, March 2nd will be paid a $4.50 dividend. This is a boost from The Goldman Sachs Groups previous quarterly dividend of $4.00. The ex-dividend date is Monday, March 2nd. This represents a $18.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.0%. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 31.20%.

About The Goldman Sachs Group

(Free Report)

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc is a global investment banking and financial services firm headquartered in New York City. Founded in 1869 as a commercial paper business, the company has grown into a diversified financial institution that provides a broad range of services to corporations, financial institutions, governments and individuals. The firm is led by Chief Executive Officer David M. Solomon and operates across major financial centers worldwide.

Goldman Sachs core businesses include investment banking, global markets, asset and wealth management, and consumer banking.

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The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE:THG  Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Tuesday, February 24th. Investors of record on Friday, March 13th will be given a dividend of 0.95 per share by the insurance provider on Friday, March 27th. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a yield of 2.2%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 13th.

The Hanover Insurance Group has raised its dividend payment by an average of 0.1%annually over the last three years and has raised its dividend every year for the last 20 years. The Hanover Insurance Group has a dividend payout ratio of 23.6% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Equities research analysts expect The Hanover Insurance Group to earn $15.75 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $3.80 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 24.1%.

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The Hanover Insurance Group Stock Up 0.5%

Shares of NYSE:THG traded up $0.88 on Wednesday, hitting $174.44. 55,928 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 376,276. The Hanover Insurance Group has a 1-year low of $147.76 and a 1-year high of $188.18. The company has a market capitalization of $6.13 billion, a PE ratio of 9.60 and a beta of 0.32. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24, a quick ratio of 0.42 and a current ratio of 0.44. The firms 50-day moving average is $176.11 and its 200 day moving average is $177.02.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

The Hanover Insurance Group ( NYSE:THG Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, February 20th. The insurance provider reported $5.46 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The Hanover Insurance Group had a return on equity of 21.00% and a net margin of 10.05%.The firm had revenue of $1.67 billion during the quarter. Sell-side analysts predict that The Hanover Insurance Group will post 14.37 EPS for the current year.

Several equities analysts have issued reports on the stock. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of The Hanover Insurance Group in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Royal Bank Of Canada assumed coverage on The Hanover Insurance Group in a research report on Monday, November 24th. They issued a sector perform rating and a $200.00 target price for the company. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lifted their price target on The Hanover Insurance Group from $207.00 to $208.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, The Hanover Insurance Group currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $200.60.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on The Hanover Insurance Group

The Hanover Insurance Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc (NYSE: THG) is a property and casualty insurance company that provides a range of commercial and personal insurance products. Through its subsidiary companies, Hanover offers coverage for businesses of all sizes, including workers compensation, general liability, commercial auto, and professional liability. On the personal lines side, the company underwrites homeowners, personal auto, flood, and umbrella policies designed to meet the needs of individuals and families.

In addition to its core commercial and personal insurance offerings, Hanover maintains a specialty arm that focuses on niche markets through tailored product solutions.

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UPM-Kymmene Co. (OTCMKTS:UPMKY  Get Free Report)s stock price passed below its two hundred day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of $26.45 and traded as low as $26.29. UPM-Kymmene shares last traded at $26.4501, with a volume of 6,600 shares.

UPM-Kymmene Trading Up 3.3%

The stock has a market capitalization of $14.12 billion, a PE ratio of 9.98 and a beta of 1.23. The firms 50-day moving average price is $26.45 and its 200-day moving average price is $26.45.

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UPM-Kymmene Company Profile

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UPM-Kymmene Corporation is a Finnish forest industry company headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, that specializes in the production of renewable and sustainable wood-based products. The companys core activities encompass the manufacture of pulp, paper, plywood and sawn timber, with a strong emphasis on innovation in specialty papers and label materials.

In addition to traditional forest products, UPM-Kymmene has developed a range of advanced biorefinery solutions. These include renewable biofuels, industrial wood-based chemicals and specialty biomaterials designed to replace fossil-based alternatives.

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This aerial drone photo taken on Feb. 26, 2026 shows a scene after a residential fire at a slum area in Manila, the Philippines. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)

MANILA, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Firefighters on Wednesday placed under control a blaze that tore through a residential area in Manila City, Philippines, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of families and destroying dozens of houses.

The fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon and quickly spread across closely packed homes, affecting an estimated 600 families in the area, the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said.

The fire protection bureau said it was investigating the cause of the fire and assessing whether there were any casualties. 

This aerial drone photo taken on Feb. 26, 2026 shows a scene after a residential fire at a slum area in Manila, the Philippines. Firefighters on Wednesday placed under control a blaze that tore through a residential area in Manila City, Philippines, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of families and destroying dozens of houses.

The fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon and quickly spread across closely packed homes, affecting an estimated 600 families in the area, the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)

A resident collects reusable materials after a residential fire at a slum area in Manila, the Philippines, Feb. 26, 2026. Firefighters on Wednesday placed under control a blaze that tore through a residential area in Manila City, Philippines, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of families and destroying dozens of houses.

The fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon and quickly spread across closely packed homes, affecting an estimated 600 families in the area, the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)
Waratah Capital Advisors Ltd. increased its stake in Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE:MTN  Free Report) by 31.5% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 228,388 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 54,722 shares during the period. Vail Resorts makes up approximately 0.6% of Waratah Capital Advisors Ltd.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 13th biggest position. Waratah Capital Advisors Ltd. owned approximately 0.64% of Vail Resorts worth $34,160,000 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 MTN. World Investment Advisors purchased a new stake in Vail Resorts in the 3rd quarter worth about $1,118,000. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Vail Resorts by 376.3% during the 3rd quarter. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. now owns 16,584 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,553,000 after purchasing an additional 13,102 shares in the last quarter. Rice Hall James & Associates LLC boosted its holdings in Vail Resorts by 11.4% in the third quarter. Rice Hall James & Associates LLC now owns 115,724 shares of the companys stock worth $17,309,000 after purchasing an additional 11,809 shares in the last quarter. Blume Capital Management Inc. boosted its position in Vail Resorts by 317.0% during the third quarter. Blume Capital Management Inc. now owns 9,703 shares of the companys stock worth $1,451,000 after purchasing an additional 7,376 shares during the period. Finally, Confluence Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Vail Resorts in the third quarter valued at about $8,160,000. 94.90% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Vail Resorts Stock Performance

NYSE MTN opened at $142.11 on Wednesday. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $138.97 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $146.05. Vail Resorts, Inc. has a 12-month low of $126.15 and a 12-month high of $175.51. The company has a market capitalization of $5.08 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.84, a P/E/G ratio of 8.52 and a beta of 0.81. The company has a quick ratio of 0.46, a current ratio of 0.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.52.

Vail Resorts Dividend Announcement

Vail Resorts ( NYSE:MTN Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, December 10th. The company reported ($5.20) EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($5.23) by $0.03. The company had revenue of $271.03 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $273.35 million. Vail Resorts had a return on equity of 32.51% and a net margin of 8.94%.Vail Resortss revenue was up 4.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned ($4.61) EPS. Analysts anticipate that Vail Resorts, Inc. will post 7.62 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, January 12th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 30th were paid a $2.22 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, December 30th. This represents a $8.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.2%. Vail Resortss dividend payout ratio is presently 130.21%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research firms have recently issued reports on MTN. Barclays set a $140.00 price objective on shares of Vail Resorts in a report on Wednesday, February 4th. Wall Street Zen downgraded Vail Resorts from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Saturday, January 10th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a hold rating and set a $156.00 target price on shares of Vail Resorts in a research report on Wednesday, January 14th. Truist Financial cut their price target on Vail Resorts from $237.00 to $234.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Morgan Stanley set a $150.00 price objective on Vail Resorts in a report on Friday, January 16th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $173.27.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on Vail Resorts

Vail Resorts Profile

(Free Report)

Vail Resorts, Inc is a leading mountain resort company that owns and operates an integrated network of ski areas, hotels, restaurants and retail outlets. The companys signature Epic Pass program offers skiers and snowboarders seasonlong access to its portfolio of resorts, while ancillary services such as ski and snowboard schools, equipment rental and retail drive additional revenue.

Headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, Vail Resorts was formed in 1997, building on the legacy of Vail Associates, which opened the Vail ski area in 1962.

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Vanguard Group Inc. grew its holdings in Clearwater Analytics Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CWAN  Free Report) by 21.9% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 33,261,349 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 5,967,798 shares during the quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. owned about 11.37% of Clearwater Analytics worth $599,370,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other large investors have also made changes to their positions in CWAN. Wasatch Advisors LP grew its holdings in Clearwater Analytics by 3.0% in the 2nd quarter. Wasatch Advisors LP now owns 9,567,391 shares of the companys stock valued at $209,813,000 after buying an additional 274,664 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its position in shares of Clearwater Analytics by 18.7% in the third quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 6,853,859 shares of the companys stock valued at $123,507,000 after acquiring an additional 1,079,574 shares during the period. Conestoga Capital Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Clearwater Analytics by 0.3% in the third quarter. Conestoga Capital Advisors LLC now owns 6,710,904 shares of the companys stock worth $120,930,000 after acquiring an additional 20,257 shares during the last quarter. Bamco Inc. NY increased its position in Clearwater Analytics by 12.3% during the second quarter. Bamco Inc. NY now owns 6,094,715 shares of the companys stock worth $133,657,000 after acquiring an additional 665,823 shares during the period. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC raised its stake in Clearwater Analytics by 22.7% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 5,737,241 shares of the companys stock valued at $125,833,000 after purchasing an additional 1,060,435 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 50.10% of the companys stock.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Clearwater Analytics news, CFO James S. Cox sold 93,930 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $23.44, for a total transaction of $2,201,719.20. Following the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 474,114 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,113,232.16. This represents a 16.54% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CEO Sandeep Sahai sold 233,813 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $23.44, for a total transaction of $5,480,576.72. Following the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 1,357,138 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $31,811,314.72. The trade was a 14.70% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold 1,002,699 shares of company stock worth $23,692,518 in the last quarter. 3.31% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Clearwater Analytics Price Performance

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Shares of CWAN stock opened at $23.20 on Wednesday. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $23.78 and its 200 day simple moving average is $20.99. Clearwater Analytics Holdings, Inc. has a one year low of $15.73 and a one year high of $31.54. The firm has a market cap of $6.79 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -165.72, a P/E/G ratio of 3.16 and a beta of 0.66. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40, a current ratio of 1.83 and a quick ratio of 1.83.

Several analysts have issued reports on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price target on shares of Clearwater Analytics from $28.00 to $26.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. William Blair restated a market perform rating on shares of Clearwater Analytics in a research note on Monday, December 22nd. Morgan Stanley reissued an equal weight rating and set a $24.55 price objective (down from $27.00) on shares of Clearwater Analytics in a report on Tuesday, January 27th. Weiss Ratings lowered Clearwater Analytics from a hold (c) rating to a sell (d+) rating in a research note on Monday. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company downgraded shares of Clearwater Analytics from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and decreased their price target for the stock from $27.00 to $24.55 in a research note on Thursday, January 8th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $27.21.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on Clearwater Analytics

Clearwater Analytics Profile

(Free Report)

Clearwater Analytics LLC is a global provider of web-based investment portfolio accounting, reporting, and analytics solutions. The companys software-as-a-service platform automates complex processes involved in investment data aggregation, reconciliation, valuation, and regulatory reporting. Serving institutional investorsincluding insurers, asset managers, corporations, government entities, and asset ownersClearwater Analytics enables clients to optimize performance visibility, risk management, and operational efficiency.

Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Boise, Idaho, Clearwater Analytics has grown its global footprint with offices across North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region.

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Vawter Financial Ltd. bought a new position in shares of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ  Free Report) during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm bought 3,075 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $570,000.

A number of other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of JNJ. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 1.3% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 237,047,859 shares of the companys stock worth $36,209,060,000 after buying an additional 3,085,180 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 2.1% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 60,609,476 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,227,988,000 after acquiring an additional 1,225,676 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in Johnson & Johnson in the second quarter worth about $4,877,174,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp lifted its stake in Johnson & Johnson by 3.5% in the third quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 24,637,649 shares of the companys stock worth $4,568,313,000 after acquiring an additional 835,146 shares during the period. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. increased its position in Johnson & Johnson by 0.3% during the 2nd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 18,951,337 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,894,979,000 after purchasing an additional 52,074 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 69.55% of the companys stock.

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Johnson & Johnson News Roundup

Here are the key news stories impacting Johnson & Johnson this week:

Johnson & Johnson Stock Up 0.2%

Johnson & Johnson stock opened at $246.21 on Wednesday. Johnson & Johnson has a 1-year low of $141.50 and a 1-year high of $247.25. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $222.42 and a 200-day moving average price of $200.48. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48, a current ratio of 1.03 and a quick ratio of 0.77. The stock has a market capitalization of $593.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.28, a PEG ratio of 2.39 and a beta of 0.35.

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Saturday, January 31st. The company reported $2.46 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The company had revenue of $24.28 billion for the quarter. Johnson & Johnson had a return on equity of 33.04% and a net margin of 28.46%. Equities research analysts forecast that Johnson & Johnson will post 10.58 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Johnson & Johnson Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Investors of record on Tuesday, February 24th will be paid a $1.30 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 24th. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.1%. Johnson & Johnsons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 47.06%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Citigroup upped their price target on shares of Johnson & Johnson from $232.00 to $250.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. Daiwa Securities Group upped their target price on Johnson & Johnson from $203.00 to $237.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, January 29th. TD Cowen lifted their price target on Johnson & Johnson from $222.00 to $250.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Wall Street Zen cut Johnson & Johnson from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, February 14th. Finally, Loop Capital set a $220.00 target price on Johnson & Johnson in a research note on Tuesday, January 27th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have given a Buy rating and nine have assigned 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 $232.70.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on JNJ

Insider Activity at Johnson & Johnson

In other news, EVP Vanessa Broadhurst sold 6,197 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, February 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $243.39, for a total transaction of $1,508,287.83. Following the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 23,003 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,598,700.17. The trade was a 21.22% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Timothy Schmid sold 1,322 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, February 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $245.66, for a total value of $324,762.52. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 25,447 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,251,310.02. This trade represents a 4.94% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last three months, insiders have sold 30,142 shares of company stock worth $7,360,528. 0.16% of the stock is owned by insiders.

About Johnson & Johnson

(Free Report)

Johnson & Johnson is a multinational healthcare company headquartered in New Brunswick, New Jersey, that develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of products across pharmaceuticals, medical devices and previously consumer health. Founded in 1886 by the Johnson family, the company has grown into a global healthcare organization with operations and sales in many countries around the world.

The companys pharmaceuticals business, organized largely under its Janssen research and development organization, focuses on prescription medicines across therapeutic areas such as immunology, infectious disease, oncology and neuroscience.

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Vertiv Holdings Co. (NYSE:VRT  Get Free Report) shares rose 3.4% on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $264.86 and last traded at $261.8520. Approximately 6,474,862 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 9% from the average daily volume of 5,964,470 shares. The stock had previously closed at $253.15.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

VRT has been the topic of a number of research reports. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their price target on shares of Vertiv from $200.00 to $266.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, February 12th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating and set a $281.00 price objective on shares of Vertiv in a report on Thursday, February 12th. Roth Mkm reissued a buy rating and set a $275.00 price target on shares of Vertiv in a report on Thursday, February 12th. Barclays boosted their price target on Vertiv from $200.00 to $281.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, February 12th. Finally, Weiss Ratings raised Vertiv from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating in a report on Friday, February 13th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nineteen have issued a Buy rating, two have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $230.28.

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View Our Latest Analysis on Vertiv

Vertiv Stock Up 3.4%

The stock has a 50-day moving average of $188.82 and a 200-day moving average of $169.47. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73, a current ratio of 1.55 and a quick ratio of 1.22. The firm has a market cap of $100.18 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 76.79, a P/E/G ratio of 1.23 and a beta of 2.08.

Vertiv (NYSE:VRT  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 11th. The company reported $1.36 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.29 by $0.07. The firm had revenue of $2.88 billion during 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 companys quarterly revenue was up 22.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $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. Sell-side analysts predict that Vertiv Holdings Co. will post 3.59 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Vertiv

Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of VRT. Hohimer Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Vertiv by 0.8% during the 4th quarter. Hohimer Wealth Management LLC now owns 6,264 shares of the companys stock worth $1,015,000 after acquiring an additional 48 shares in the last quarter. Howard Capital Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of Vertiv by 3.0% in the 3rd 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 purchasing an additional 55 shares during the last quarter. Waterfront Wealth Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Vertiv by 2.5% during the 4th quarter. Waterfront Wealth Inc. now owns 2,253 shares of the companys stock worth $365,000 after buying an additional 56 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC lifted its position in shares of Vertiv by 58.3% during the 4th quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 152 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 56 shares during the last quarter. 89.92% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

About Vertiv

(Get 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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Walker River Resources Corp. (CVE:WRR  Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week high on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as C$0.62 and last traded at C$0.56, with a volume of 126923 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at C$0.60.

Walker River Resources Stock Performance

The company has a market capitalization of C$27.60 million, a P/E ratio of -53.00 and a beta of 1.75. The stock has a fifty day moving average of C$0.34 and a 200 day moving average of C$0.28.

About Walker River Resources

(Get Free Report)

Walker River Resources Corp., an exploration stage company, engages in the identification, acquisition, exploration, and evaluation of mineral properties in Canada. It holds 100% interests in the Lapon Canyon gold project with 147 claims, which covers an area of approximately 2940 acres located in Nevada. The company was formerly known as Rhino Exploration Inc and changed its name to Walker River Resources Corp. in March 2013. Walker River Resources Corp. was incorporated in 2010 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

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Waratah Capital Advisors Ltd. purchased a new stake in shares of Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT  Free Report) in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 25,584 shares of the industrial products companys stock, valued at approximately $12,207,000.

Other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Marquette Asset Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Caterpillar by 1,060.0% during the third quarter. Marquette Asset Management LLC now owns 58 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 53 shares during the period. Joseph Group Capital Management purchased a new position in Caterpillar during the 3rd quarter valued at about $32,000. Kilter Group LLC acquired a new position in Caterpillar in the 2nd quarter valued at about $27,000. Sellwood Investment Partners LLC purchased a new stake in Caterpillar during the third quarter worth about $35,000. Finally, RiverPark Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Caterpillar during the second quarter worth about $32,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 70.98% of the companys stock.

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Caterpillar Stock Up 1.5%

CAT stock opened at $768.20 on Wednesday. The stock has a market cap of $357.43 billion, a P/E ratio of 40.82, a PEG ratio of 1.79 and a beta of 1.58. The company has a current ratio of 1.44, a quick ratio of 0.94 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.44. Caterpillar Inc. has a twelve month low of $267.30 and a twelve month high of $789.81. The companys 50 day moving average is $656.64 and its two-hundred day moving average is $558.44.

Caterpillar Dividend Announcement

Caterpillar ( NYSE:CAT Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 29th. The industrial products company reported $5.16 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.67 by $0.49. The firm had revenue of $19.13 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $17.81 billion. Caterpillar had a net margin of 13.14% and a return on equity of 45.76%. Caterpillars revenue for the quarter was up 17.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business earned $5.14 EPS. Research analysts expect that Caterpillar Inc. will post 19.86 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 19th. Investors of record on Tuesday, January 20th were paid a dividend of $1.51 per share. This represents a $6.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.8%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, January 20th. Caterpillars dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 32.09%.

Insider Activity

In related news, insider Rodney Michael Shurman sold 2,278 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, February 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $759.61, for a total value of $1,730,391.58. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 1,443 shares in the company, valued at $1,096,117.23. This represents a 61.22% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Anthony D. Fassino sold 10,671 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, February 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $680.45, for a total transaction of $7,261,081.95. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 41,151 shares in the company, valued at $28,001,197.95. The trade was a 20.59% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold a total of 143,450 shares of company stock worth $98,245,065 over the last ninety days. 0.33% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Trending Headlines about Caterpillar

Here are the key news stories impacting Caterpillar this week:

Positive Sentiment: Analysts raised targets and reiterated buys after Caterpillars strong quarterly beat and outlook  banks including Citigroup, BofA and others have lifted price targets, supporting momentum. Read More.

Analysts raised targets and reiterated buys after Caterpillars strong quarterly beat and outlook  banks including Citigroup, BofA and others have lifted price targets, supporting momentum. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Caterpillar acquired Australian miningsoftware firm RPMGlobal, expanding its software and services exposure in mining  a move that can boost recurring revenue and highermargin aftermarket/services growth over time. Read More.

Caterpillar acquired Australian miningsoftware firm RPMGlobal, expanding its software and services exposure in mining  a move that can boost recurring revenue and highermargin aftermarket/services growth over time. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Caterpillar Venture Capital led a Series B firstclose for ElevenEs, signaling CAT is investing in adjacent tech and commoditytrading capabilities that could support longterm revenue diversification. Read More.

Caterpillar Venture Capital led a Series B firstclose for ElevenEs, signaling CAT is investing in adjacent tech and commoditytrading capabilities that could support longterm revenue diversification. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Industry research highlights expanding diesel generator demand (CAGR into 2033) and lists Caterpillar among top manufacturers  a positive structural backdrop but not an immediate catalyst. Read More.

Industry research highlights expanding diesel generator demand (CAGR into 2033) and lists Caterpillar among top manufacturers  a positive structural backdrop but not an immediate catalyst. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Analyst roundups and valuation pieces note CATs strong run and elevated P/E (premium multiple), reminding investors that the stock is sensitive to any slowdown in orders or margins. Read More.  Read More.

Analyst roundups and valuation pieces note CATs strong run and elevated P/E (premium multiple), reminding investors that the stock is sensitive to any slowdown in orders or margins. Read More.  Read More. Negative Sentiment: Insider selling: director Rodney Michael Shurman sold 2,278 shares at ~$759.61 on Feb. 23 (disclosed to the SEC), reducing his holding by ~61%  a notable sale that can be read as a shortterm negative signal even if not companywide. Read More.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on CAT shares. UBS Group reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $677.00 target price on shares of Caterpillar in a research note on Monday, February 2nd. CICC Research assumed coverage on Caterpillar in a report on Friday, February 6th. They issued an outperform rating for the company. DA Davidson increased their price target on Caterpillar from $569.00 to $650.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, February 2nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on Caterpillar from $740.00 to $765.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, January 30th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on shares of Caterpillar from $702.00 to $756.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, January 30th. Sixteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $702.95.

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Caterpillar Profile

(Free Report)

Caterpillar Inc is a global manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and locomotives. The companys product portfolio includes earthmoving machines such as excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders and offhighway trucks, as well as a range of power generation products including generator sets and power systems for industrial and commercial use. Caterpillar serves customers across heavy construction, mining, energy, transportation and related industries with both equipment and integrated technology solutions.

In addition to manufacturing, Caterpillar provides a broad range of aftermarket parts and support services, including maintenance, repair, remanufacturing and fleet management tools.

Further Reading

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Waratah Capital Advisors Ltd. reduced its stake in Cenovus Energy Inc (NYSE:CVE  Free Report) (TSE:CVE) by 66.4% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 1,678,336 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 3,321,664 shares during the period. Cenovus Energy accounts for 0.5% of Waratah Capital Advisors Ltd.s portfolio, making the stock its 19th largest position. Waratah Capital Advisors Ltd. owned approximately 0.10% of Cenovus Energy worth $28,515,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other large investors have also bought and sold shares of CVE. Harvest Portfolios Group Inc. purchased a new stake in Cenovus Energy in the second quarter worth $2,557,000. Intact Investment Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Cenovus Energy by 69.6% during the 3rd quarter. Intact Investment Management Inc. now owns 3,655,878 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $62,081,000 after buying an additional 1,500,590 shares in the last quarter. Boston Partners grew its position in shares of Cenovus Energy by 2.3% in the 2nd quarter. Boston Partners now owns 26,845,367 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $365,097,000 after buying an additional 606,042 shares during the period. Swiss National Bank increased its stake in shares of Cenovus Energy by 6.6% in the 2nd quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 4,156,435 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $56,341,000 after acquiring an additional 257,600 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Picton Mahoney Asset Management purchased a new position in Cenovus Energy during the 2nd quarter valued at about $74,895,000. 51.19% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Cenovus Energy Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE CVE opened at $22.35 on Wednesday. The firms 50-day moving average price is $18.86 and its 200-day moving average price is $17.70. Cenovus Energy Inc has a 52-week low of $10.23 and a 52-week high of $23.39. The company has a market cap of $42.02 billion, a PE ratio of 14.61 and a beta of 0.48. The company has a quick ratio of 1.04, a current ratio of 1.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35.

Cenovus Energy Dividend Announcement

Cenovus Energy ( NYSE:CVE Get Free Report ) (TSE:CVE) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, February 19th. The oil and gas company reported $0.36 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.28 by $0.08. Cenovus Energy had a net margin of 7.92% and a return on equity of 13.25%. The company had revenue of $9.44 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.89 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.07 earnings per share. As a group, analysts anticipate that Cenovus Energy Inc will post 1.49 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 31st. Investors of record on Friday, March 13th will be given a dividend of $0.20 per share. This represents a $0.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.6%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 13th. Cenovus Energys dividend payout ratio is 37.25%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of brokerages have recently commented on CVE. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Cenovus Energy in a research report on Tuesday, January 27th. Veritas downgraded Cenovus Energy from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Monday. BMO Capital Markets restated an outperform rating on shares of Cenovus Energy in a report on Friday. Scotiabank upgraded shares of Cenovus Energy from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, February 20th. Finally, TD Securities reissued a buy rating on shares of Cenovus Energy in a research report on Friday. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have given a Buy rating, two have given a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Cenovus Energy has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $27.33.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on CVE

Cenovus Energy Profile

(Free Report)

Cenovus Energy Inc is a Canadian integrated energy company engaged in the exploration, development and production of crude oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas, together with downstream refining and marketing activities. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Cenovus operates a mix of oil sands thermal and dilbit assets, conventional oil and gas properties, and owns refining and midstream assets designed to move and process hydrocarbons into finished petroleum products for commercial markets.

The company was originally formed as a spinoff from Encana Corporation in 2009 and has grown through organic development and strategic acquisitions.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CVE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Cenovus Energy Inc (NYSE:CVE  Free Report) (TSE:CVE).

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WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC) reported first-half FY26 results that management said were in line with internal expectations, alongside a significant expansion of its AI-led operating model, continued rollout of its transaction-based commercial model, and further progress integrating E2open.

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First-half results and dividend

CEO Zubin Appoo said reported revenue grew 76% year over year, with reported EBITDA margin of 38%. He emphasized four priorities for the half: disciplined execution, accelerating the companys AI transformation, implementing its new commercial model, and advancing the E2open integration.

Total revenue: AUD 672 million, up 76% reported; 7% organic growth

AUD 672 million, up 76% reported; 7% organic growth CargoWise revenue: AUD 372.4 million, up 12% reported; 9% organic, with recurring revenue at 99%

AUD 372.4 million, up 12% reported; 9% organic, with recurring revenue at 99% EBITDA: AUD 252.1 million, up 31%, with reported EBITDA margin of 38%

AUD 252.1 million, up 31%, with reported EBITDA margin of 38% Organic EBITDA margin: 51%, consistent with the prior period (as described)

51%, consistent with the prior period (as described) Underlying NPAT: AUD 114.5 million, up 2%

AUD 114.5 million, up 2% Free cash flow: AUD 153.6 million, up 24%

AUD 153.6 million, up 24% Interim dividend: AUD 0.068 per share, up 1%, with a 20% payout ratio of underlying NPAT

E2open contribution and integration updates

For 1H FY26, WiseTech reported:

CFO Caroline (last name not provided in the transcript) said the group now reports two operating segments following the August 4, 2025 completion of the E2open acquisition. She said E2open contributed AUD 249.4 million to revenue in the half.

Management said integration work is well progressed, including alignment of product teams and an integrated sales and marketing organization. The company also said it achieved its Horizon 1 FY27 cost synergy target of AUD 50 million in annualized run-rate savings in January, nearly a year and a half earlier than planned.

Caroline said group gross profit margin was 79% (down seven percentage points), which she attributed largely to E2opens higher mix of professional services revenue and related cost of revenues. Excluding E2open, gross profit margin was described as consistent with the prior period at 87%.

She added that E2open delivered EBITDA margins of 22% in the half, including AUD 30.6 million of restructuring and break costs. Excluding those items, she said E2opens EBITDA margin would be 34%, a 6 percentage point expansion versus FY25 pro forma figures previously provided.

CargoWise Value Packs and commercial model shift

A central theme of the call was WiseTechs transition away from seat-based pricing to a transaction-based model. Appoo said CargoWise Value Packs are now rolled out to approximately 95% of CargoWise customers. Under this model, the company removes seat/user fees and charges based on transactions, which management argued better aligns revenue to value delivered as AI improves customer productivity and reduces labor needs.

Appoo said the remaining customers not yet on Value Packs are primarily large customers on long-term commitment agreements, representing about 30% of CargoWise revenue. Management said expanded functionalityparticularly embedded AIcreates an incentive for these customers to transition before contract expiry.

In Q&A, management said it is proactively approaching customers even if expiries are many years into the future. Appoo also said some customers are using time-limited Trial Access Agreements (previously Early Access Agreements) for specific features, including AI functionality, as a carrot to drive earlier migration to Value Packs.

Management noted two large global freight forwarder rolloutsBlue Water Shipping and XPD Globalhave signed up on the Value Packs since the start of calendar 2026. Appoo also said CargoWise signed four new large global freight forwarder rollouts in FY26 to date, naming Sincham, CJ Logistics, Blue Water Shipping, and XPD Global, and added an additional organic global rollout of Neptune Pacific. He said WiseTech now has 59 large global freight forwarders, with 46 in production and 13 in contracted rollouts, including 11 in the top 25.

Executives also addressed transition pricing protection (TPP), describing it as a customer commitment to support the changeover. In response to questions, Appoo said TPP can either reduce or increase what a customer pays under Value Packs to match what they paid under prior agreements for a period of time, depending on the customer, and said the company would not comment on individual accounts.

AI transformation and planned headcount reductions

Appoo described AI as reshaping software development and said WiseTech has been embedding AI into workflows across design, build, testing, and deployment. He said AI is being used for code reviews, automated test generation, identifying edge cases, resolving defects via agentic workflows, and accelerating product delivery.

He said WiseTech has already made more than 500 role reductions during FY26 as part of an efficiency program. Looking ahead, he said that starting in 2H FY26 and continuing into FY27, the company expects to reduce headcount in product and development and customer service across the company, including E2open, by up to 50%. Appoo said the phased program will likely result in a reduction of approximately 2,000 roles in FY26 and into FY27.

Management said the impact is not expected to be material to FY26 outcomes, with execution costs likely offsetting any savings. Caroline said the financial effects will reflect cost savings, restructuring costs, and capitalized development, but the company did not quantify execution costs in the call.

Executives also argued that AI increases the value of trusted, deeply embedded systems of record in regulated workflows. Appoo described WiseTechs moat as extending beyond source code to its network, permissioned data, and embedded regulatory and compliance capabilities. He cited the companys scale metrics discussed on the call, including software supporting approximately 80% of manufactured trade flows, operations across 193 countries, connectivity with airlines and ocean carriers, and a global base of CargoWise certified professionals.

Container Transport Optimization and outlook

On product initiatives beyond Value Packs, Appoo said Container Transport Optimization (CTO) is in implementation with launch partner ACFS Port Logistics. In Q&A, management reiterated that CTO was expected to be a smaller contributor to FY26 growth and characterized the rollout as requiring significant change management in an industry with entrenched processes. Appoo said the company would look at other customers in Australia and the U.S. after implementation progress with ACFS.

On guidance, management said it is reaffirming FY26 guidance excluding the impacts of the restructuring plans announced on the call. Executives said second-half performance is expected to accelerate, subject to the timing and take-up of revenue initiatives, particularly Value Packs adoption and ongoing execution of strategic programs. Caroline also said the company continues to plan to return to EBITDA margins above 50% over time, noting WiseTechs history of margin recovery after acquisitions.

About WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC)

WiseTech Global Limited engages in the development and provision of software solutions to the logistics execution industry in the Americas, the Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. It develops, sells, and implements software solutions that enable and empower logistics service providers to facilitate the movement and storage of goods and information. The company offers CargoWise, a software platform for logistics service providers that enables execution of complex logistics transactions and manage operations on one global database across multiple users, functions, offices, corporations, currencies, countries, and languages.

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Zip Co Limited (ASX:ZIP  Get Free Report) insider Diane Smith-Gander purchased 28,850 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 23rd. The shares were purchased at an average price of A$1.75 per share, with a total value of A$50,343.25.

Diane Smith-Gander also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Friday, February 20th, Diane Smith-Gander acquired 26,041 shares of ZIP stock. The stock was purchased at an average price of A$1.89 per share, for a total transaction of A$49,217.49.

ZIP Stock Performance

The firm has a market capitalization of $2.94 billion, a PE ratio of 225.83 and a beta of 3.34. The company has a current ratio of 2.02, a quick ratio of 3.75 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 607.29.

ZIP Company Profile

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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UN General Assembly adopts resolution on Ukraine calling for immediate ceasefire

Xinhua) 09:00, February 25, 2026

Staff members of the State Service for Emergencies of Ukraine transfer a damaged vehicle at the site of an air strike in Kiev, Ukraine, on June 23, 2025. (Photo by Peter Druk/Xinhua)

UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- The UN General Assembly (UNGA) on Tuesday adopted a resolution on the Ukraine crisis, calling for "an immediate and unconditional ceasefire" and "comprehensive, just and lasting peace."

The draft resolution, prepared by Ukraine and a number of European countries, was adopted with 107 in favor, 12 against and 51 abstentions at the UNGA's 11th Emergency Special Session, on the 4th anniversary of the Ukraine crisis.

The United States was among the countries that abstained from voting, and Russia voted against the draft resolution.

The resolution, saying it was committed to "the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders," does not have a legally binding force.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Assyrian Delegation From Sweden Holds High-level Talks in Ankara on Property Rights

Ankara -- An Assyrian delegation from Sweden, headed by Assyrian Member of Swedish Parliament Yusuf Aydin, conducted a series of official meetings in the Turkish capital on 24 February to follow up on issues related to the rights of the Assyrian people, particularly property rights and the preservation of cultural heritage.

The delegation included coordinator and spokesperson lawyer Ilhan Aydin, along with representatives of the two Assyrian Orthodox dioceses in Sweden, Zeki Besso and Suleiman Kurt. The visit formed part of ongoing efforts to address longstanding legal and administrative challenges facing the Assyrian community in Turkey.

The delegation conducted its first official visit to Ankara in December 2024, during which it submitted a comprehensive file containing 22 demands, focusing especially on issues related to Tur Abdin. At that time, members met with the Speaker of the Turkish Parliament, the Vice President of the Republic, the Deputy Chairman of the Justice and Development Party (AKP), and five cabinet ministers.

Following those meetings, a broad and systematic study was initiated to examine property problems affecting Assyrian citizens in Turkey. A detailed 132-page report was prepared and officially submitted during the second visit on 24 February to the relevant authorities.

During a meeting with Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Murat Kurum, the two sides discussed Assyrian property issues from technical and legal perspectives. The report prepared after earlier consultations was presented to the ministry, which approved the formation of a review and evaluation committee to examine the file in a comprehensive and systematic manner.

The delegation also met with Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Culture and Tourism. Discussions addressed the classification of Assyrian villages as archaeological sites, the preservation of historic churches and monasteries, urban planning regulations, and the safeguarding of Assyrian cultural heritage, in addition to matters related to UNESCO. It was agreed to establish a specialized committee to conduct field visits and prepare a report for submission to the ministry.

In a related context, the delegation met with Zafer Sirakaya, AKP Deputy Chairman for Foreign Affairs and Istanbul MP, who played a key role in coordinating meetings with the relevant ministers and conveying the delegation's demands to the concerned authorities. The meetings were also attended by the Chairman of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce Ercan Ozboyaci, who is of Assyrian origin, as well as Mayor of Medyad (Midyat) Veysi Sahin.

The delegation also met with Charge d'Affaires Louise Morsing and members of the diplomatic mission at the Swedish Embassy in Ankara., including Administrative Affairs Officer Sidal Gonc. An expanded meeting at the embassy residence included detailed briefings on the delegation's work and discussions on the Assyrian community's role in strengthening relations between Turkey and Sweden.

The delegation affirmed that the 24 February meetings were conducted in a constructive and institutional atmosphere, noting that demands related to property rights, cultural heritage, and the legal status of Assyrian citizens received attention from official bodies. It described the formation of ministerial committees to follow up on Assyrian affairs as an unprecedented step and stressed its commitment to continuing the institutional process and working toward tangible progress on these issues.
MOSCOW, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- Russian forces have taken control of the village of Rizdvyanka in the Zaporizhzhia region, the Russian Ministry of Defense said Tuesday.

According to the ministry, over the past 24 hours, units of the Russian Armed Forces carried out strikes on 154 targets, including Ukraine's transport and energy infrastructure facilities, drone storage and launch preparation sites, as well as temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian troops and foreign mercenaries.

Russian air defense systems shot down six guided aerial bombs, six rockets of the U.S.-made HIMARS multiple launch rocket system and 380 fixed-wing drones, it added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a board meeting of the Federal Security Service that it is essential to fully utilize the agency's human and technical resources, as well as its operational and analytical capabilities, to neutralize potential threats, protect national interests and ensure Russia's stable development. 
Tatiana Valovaya (L), director-general of the United Nations Office at Geneva, Jia Guide (R), permanent representative and ambassador to the United Nations Office in Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, and President of Xinhua News Agency Fu Hua, attend a seminar on global governance and the launch ceremony of the English edition of the first volume of "China's Governance Under Xi Jinping's Leadership" at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Feb. 24, 2026. (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang)

GENEVA, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- A seminar on global governance and the launch of the English edition of the first volume of "China's Governance Under Xi Jinping's Leadership" were held on Tuesday at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

Director-General of the United Nations (UN) Office at Geneva Tatiana Valovaya said in her address that the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in September 2025 highlights the importance of dialogue, development and win-win cooperation.

China has made important contributions to strengthening multilateralism, she said, calling on countries to work together to build a fairer, more inclusive and more effective system for international cooperation.

She also noted that while the global landscape has changed profoundly since 1945, "the United Nations remains the only place where all the world's nations can gather together to address common problems and find shared solutions."

Jia Guide, permanent representative and ambassador of China to the UN Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, said in his address that unilateralism, protectionism and hegemonism are undermining the multilateral order, bringing global governance to a new crossroads.

Noting that China has proposed the GGI to safeguard the international order and improve global governance, Jia said that the initiative has received support and responses from more than 150 countries and international organizations. He added that China stands ready to strengthen communication and coordination with all parties to promote a more just and equitable global governance system.

President of Xinhua News Agency Fu Hua introduced the first volume of "China's Governance under Xi Jinping's Leadership" to the attendees. He said the book, with rich details, presents a panoramic view of the extraordinary practices and remarkable achievements in governance in the new era, allowing readers to gain a profound appreciation of Xi's deep commitments as well as his personal charisma.

Fu said Xinhua has long been committed to promoting important concepts such as the GGI, and will continue to make good use of multilateral dialogue and cooperation mechanisms among media and think tanks and strengthen exchanges and cooperation with international organizations, so as to better present on the international stage the vivid stories of China's efforts to advance the building and reform of the global governance system.

At the seminar, Xinhua also released a think tank report titled "Upholding International Justice and Jointly Addressing World Turbulence -- Focusing on China's Solution to Global Governance."

Tuesday's event was jointly hosted by Xinhua News Agency and the permanent mission of China to the UN office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland. Around 200 representatives from UN agencies, international organizations, diplomatic missions to the United Nations, think tanks, and the business community attended the event. 

Fu Hua, president of Xinhua News Agency, meets with Tatiana Valovaya, director-general of the United Nations Office at Geneva, in Geneva, Switzerland, Feb. 24, 2026. (Xinhua/Lian Yi)

This photo shows a scene of a seminar on global governance and the launch ceremony of the English edition of the first volume of "China's Governance Under Xi Jinping's Leadership" at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Feb. 24, 2026. (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang)

Tatiana Valovaya, director-general of the United Nations Office at Geneva, addresses a seminar on global governance and the launch ceremony of the English edition of the first volume of "China's Governance Under Xi Jinping's Leadership" at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Feb. 24, 2026. (Xinhua/Lian Yi)

This photo shows a scene of a seminar on global governance and the launch ceremony of the English edition of the first volume of "China's Governance Under Xi Jinping's Leadership" at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Feb. 24, 2026. (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang)
MOSCOW, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Seven people were killed and 10 others injured in an attack by Ukrainian armed forces on a fertilizer plant in Russia's Smolensk region on Wednesday, according to local authorities.

"The civilian facility of PJSC Dorogobuzh came under attack," regional governor Vasily Anokhin said on his social media channel. "All the wounded have been taken to a medical facility."

PJSC Dorogobuzh specializes in the production of nitrogen fertilizers and chemical products.

Anokhin said rescue teams are working at the scene and have contained the fires.

"The Smolensk regional government will provide all necessary assistance to the families of the injured and the deceased. Specialists will be deployed to assess the damage," he said.

Schools in the region have switched to online teaching. Kindergarten classes have been suspended. 
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Trump administration on Tuesday filed a lawsuit against the University of California (UC) for what it described as "engaging in a hostile work environment against Jewish and Israeli faculty and staff at its University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) campus."

The lawsuit, filed in the federal district court in Los Angeles, accused the university of having "turned a blind eye to - and at times facilitated - grossly antisemitic acts and systematically ignored cries for help from its own terrified Jewish and Israeli employees."

"Based on our investigation, UCLA administrators allegedly allowed virulent anti-Semitism to flourish on campus, harming students and staff alike," U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement.

In July 2025, the Trump administration suspended around 584 million U.S. dollars in federal research grants for UCLA, citing allegations of failed responses to antisemitism. In August, the Trump administration demanded UCLA pay a 1-billion-dollar settlement to resolve accusations of antisemitism.

A federal judge of the Northern District of California ordered the Trump administration to restore 500 million dollars in UCLA medical research grants in September.

In the spring of 2024, pro-Palestinian demonstrations swept across college campuses in the United States, including at several of UC's 10 campuses. Over 200 pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested on May 2, 2024 as police moved to dismantle an encampment at UCLA. 
Bridge City and West Orange had increases business at stores and restaurants in December as other cities and the county had decreases, according to sales tax payments released by the Texas Comptroller's Office.

All the cities in the county, along with the Orange County Emergency Services District 3 have 1.5 percent sales tax rates, or 1.5 cents per dollar. Orange County has a sales tax rate of 0.5 percent, or a half-cent per dollar.

Bridge City received a payment of $264,111 for December 2025 compared to $261,100 in 2024, an increase of 1.15 percent. For the first two months of February, the city has now received a total of $576,743, up 31.69 percent from $435,100 at the same time last year.

West Orange took in $208,928 for December, compared to $200,073 in 2024, an increase of 4.42 percent. So far in 2026, the city has received a total of $366,168 in sales taxes, up 1.29 percent from $361,473 for the same time last year.

The city of Orange was down 15 percent in December 2025 sales compared to December 2024. The city got a payment of $762,500 for the month and $897,417 for year before. For the first two months of 2026, the city has received $1.39 million, a decrease of 3.16 percent from the $1.44 million last year.

Pinehurst is also down in sales tax payments. The city collected $70,637 for December, a decrease of nearly 10 percent from $78,470 for December 2024. The city is down 8.9 percent for the first two months of this year, with a total of $125,181, compared to $138,100 last year.

Vidor was also down for the month and the year to date. The city received $402,027 for December, down 11.3 percent from the $453,328 in December 2024. The city has collected a total of $728,203 for the first two months of 2026, down 10.4 percent from $812,800 for the same time last year.

Orange County was down 13.7 percent for December with $817,743, compared to $950,537 the year before. The county now has $1.52 million for calendar year 2026, down 17.13 percent from $1.83 million last year.

Orange County Emergency Services District 3 is the Little Cypress Fire and Rescue Department and is the only ESD in the county with a sales tax. Voters in the other three emergency services districts have rejected sales taxes. Little Cypress Fire too in nearly $48,000 for December and is now at $73,600 for the first two months of this year.
County Commissioner Chris Sowell, a Republican, Tuesday during a meeting accused the Orange County Republican Party chair and others in the party for lying about the county making deals to get carbon dioxide storage wells in Orange County.

Other members of the all-Republican County Commissioners Court agreed. County Judge John Gothia said the court has not met in an open meeting or a closed executive session to talk about any carbon dioxide storage wells in the county.

Gothia said the county's economic development director had even talked to the chair about how the county has not worked with any company about building carbon dioxide collecting wells.

The comments were made during the opening of the OC Commissioners Court meeting Tuesday. After Sowell spoke, Precinct 3 Commissioner Kirk Roccaforte said "I'm not going to follow that," though he added he agrees with Sowell. Precinct 4 Commissioner Robert Viator said "ditto."

The Republican Party has sponsored an event to discuss carbon dioxide storage wells.

Republican Chair Cheryl Warren, who is in her first term as county chair, did not respond to emails or social media messaging concerning the accusations.

Information on the internet shows Jefferson County has two carbon dioxide capture wells being developed, including one offshore in the Gulf.

Three members of the five-member court are up for reelection this year and only Sowell has an opponent in the March 3 Republican primary, which has become heated as different factions work to control the party. The split became public three years ago after the local party censured Republican Texas Speaker of the House Dade Phelan, who represented Orange County.

Sowell is facing Colleen Owens in the primary and the Democrats have no local candidates, meaning the winners of the local Republican primaries will run unopposed in the November general election.

The split even led the OC Republican Party this weekend to order people to "cease and desist promoting this event in any way that would lead the public to believe this is an Orange County Republican Party sanctioned event."

A flyer distributed in the community invited people to a "get out the votes" event Tuesday evening with the words "Orange County Republican Crawfish Boil." The free gathering touts people attending will include Dr. Ray Callas, running unopposed for Phelan's District 21 state representative seat, and State Representative Trent Ashby, running for State Senate District 3 and facing Rhonda Ward.

The split in the local party has led to an unusual number of contested races for the chairs of the 34 individual neighborhood voting box precincts. Thirteen of those seats are being contested. Early voting will continue through Friday.

In other business before Commissioners Court, Emily McKee Mellon with Golden Triangle Polymers gave a quarterly report on local hiring and expenditures with the $8.5 billion petrochemical plant under construction. The county's tax abatement agreement with the company requires the regular reports.

Construction on the plant started in 2023 and is nearing completion. Through the end of December 2025, the local expenditures have totaled nearly $492 million, with $108 million spent in 2025. The grand total of local employment for the first three years of construction totals 3,393.

Plant Manager Chad Jennings also attended the court meeting and said the number of construction-related employees has decreased as the plant gets closer to being finished.

The plant is expected to provide 500 permanent jobs.

Also, County Tax Assessor-Collector Octavia Guzman gave her monthly collection report for January, the month property taxes were due. Her office collects property taxes not only for the county, but cities, school districts, and special districts in the county. Her office then disburses the shares to the entities.

In January, the county collected about $89.2 million, with the county's share as $2.52 million. So far, 52.72 percent of the property taxes have been collected. She said that percentage is about average for this time of the year, but a bit less than last year.

However, she pointed out that during January, her office had computer problems that were preventing people from making online tax payments. She said mail has also been slow and they are still receiving payments with January postmarks.
Joshua Kim, 44, flew in from Seoul, Korea two weeks ago, returning to Orange to visit with his mom and meet local filmmakers, while also scouting locations. Kim hopes to film his second feature in Orange next year.

Kim is a native of Orange. His mom still lives in the house he grew up in. He was raised in a one story house in the Lindenwood addition.

"My father worked for DuPont and so a lot of people with DuPont lives in the neighborhood," said Kim. He is the son of Chunghee and the late Tae Hoon Kim. His parents came from Korea in the late 60s. They knew each other in Korea, but came here separately, later reuniting and marrying in the states and settled in Orange.

More commonly known as Josh, Kim did not have filmmaking on his radar in his early years. He attended Community Christian School, Saint Mary School and went to high school at Monsignor Kelly. He attended Trinity University in San Antonio

"I spent 20 years of my life here," he said. After four years of college studying finance, he headed to the nation's capital.

"I had an internship in DC at National Public Radio," said Kim. "I didn't study film, but they taught all of us how to do radio stories, how to collect the sound, and how they added sound. I was really bad at English. I never really got 'A's. I was good in math, but I wasn't good at English. When I went in NPR, they said on day one, radio you cannot rewind so you have to write short declarative sentences." He gave these examples. "This is Josh. Josh is 44 years old. Josh the filmmaker."

"I was like Oh my God, this is so different from like high school, college English, where you need a thesaurus and figurative language."

Something clicked with him.

"I think I can do this," he said. He likened it to elementary reading. "This is Spot. See Spot go."

There were 40 interns in the program. They all had to pitch a story.

"I did a story on why people from different countries say ouch differently," said Kim. He then described the variations from Korea, France and China.

"I went to, I think, restaurants all around DC, like Ethiopian restaurants, French restaurants," he said. He recorded the different dialects. "I interviewed linguists."

He said at NPR, other interns had Master of Journalism degrees and were graduates from University of Columbia and University of Iowa.

"I hadn't even studied journalism. I was like in the research department. I was a finance major. At the end of the summer, they bring all the executives from all the shows. They choose one and they chose mine," he said. "It was like a fun piece and it's something that they wanted to put on the radio. It was the first time I realized I love storytelling. I can do this. So ever since then, I started to be interested in filmmaking."

At first, he thought he needed to go to film school like NYU or USC Columbia.

"You have to submit a portfolio. You don't just like apply," said Kim. "I don't even know how to make portfolio, like how do I even make a video?"

He thought he would spend a year or two at a smaller school to make a portfolio to get into one of the bigger film schools.

"I remember I came home on Christmas. My uncle is in Houston and I was complaining I wasn't really happy with the film program. I was in Hong Kong at the time."

His uncle asked him why he was in school and why he was trying to apply to the other schools.

"I want to be a film student," Kim said.

His uncle told him that was not the right answer.

"You wanna be filmmaker," his uncle replied.

"I was like OK. Does that make sense? I don't actually have to be a film student to be a filmmaker," said Kim. It was the light bulb he needed. "I started to reach out to meet people who went to film school and asked for their syllabus," he said. "UT has a really good film school, radio and film, TV." He also had a friend at NYU. When he gathered all the syllabuses he noticed there were three books that were contained in all of them.

"I just ordered those books. I read them myself. I went to the library, rented 2 DVD's a day and watched them. There's so much that you can learn from filmmaking by watching movies. You can see in a dinner scene where the cameras are... you feel emotion and rewind and think why? I would analyze why am I feeling this emotion now? Then you realize ohh they tracked in really slowly or the music is getting louder. You start to analyze. I learned so much by watching film."

He said the one thing he couldn't learn from watching film is what does the director say to the actor to get certain emotions and how do they work with actors. That is when he convinced his parents to give him the $5,000 they would have spent on tuition, to allow him to make his first short film instead. It wasn't easy, but he finally talked them into it.

He made his first short film in Hong Kong, shooting it on 16mm film. From there, he shot his next short film in Korea and made some documentaries.

"I finally was able to make my first feature in 2015 in Thailand."

"How to Win at Checkers (Every Time )" was an adaptation from a book and was chosen as Thailand's submission to the Oscars for Best Foreign Film.

Now, Kim is ready to do his next feature film, and he wants to do it in Orange... if he can raise the funds. He hopes to do it in April of 2027. So far he has raised about 10% of the $2.1 million proposed budget. This would be the biggest project in Orange County to date for a film.

The story mirrors his own in many ways, with a few differences. It's the story of two Korean American sisters that return home after their father dies. Sisters not brothers. Kim does have an older brother. Their father passed away a few years ago and Kim returns home more frequently to check on his mom who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

"I started to write something personal. As filmmakers you always try to write something that is relatable to you. I was still trying to figure out my life. I was living in Korea at that time and then suddenly I had to move back to Orange and I was having a really tough time. Do I sacrifice my career? I'm still trying to figure that out," said Kim. "Writing the screenplay was an exploration of me trying to [figure out] life."

"You do wanna write something personal but at the same time you try to keep as objective as possible so changing their gender helped me step away from the characters a bit so I can look at it from a third person, like a more effective point of view."

Kim said when he would show the script to others, he would hear their stories.

"You realize I'm not the only person in the world going through this. That's the hardest part, when you feel like I'm the only person who this is happening to."

His trip this time was not only to spend time with his mother, but to also start scouting local talent.

He took his mom to Orange Community Players production of "Rumors" for Valentine's Day. There he connected with director 'Rico Vasquez.

Thursday through Saturday of this past week Kim attended the Boomtown Film and Music Festival in Beaumont to connect with local filmmakers. He was especially interested in the Texas Film Belt Project block and the 48 Hour Films, because those two blocks have more local connections. Watching those films helped him identify people he would like to work with. He took several screen shots of credits from some of the films.

His favorite film in the block was "5:01" which was written and directed by Vidor writer/director Seth Sonnier.

"I got to talk to Seth at the festival and told him I really, really, really liked his film."

When he first decided to come back to Texas for this film, he knew Austin was the main film hub and started scouting there, but the landscape wasn't what he was looking for. There will be two or three days that will be shot in Austin because it requires a sound stage and other equipment not available locally.

"There's a lot of good infrastructure in Austin. We don't have to go to LA to do this," said Kim.

He tried Houston. It still wasn't it. He realized for authenticity, he needed to come home.

"I didn't know what Southeast Texas really was until I looked around Austin. In the summertime the grass is still like brown. It's hilly. It's not flat. I even went to Houston. I felt like if I really want to be authentic I really need to shoot right here in Orange. One of the great things about this film is being able to spend more time here. To discover the love that I have for our town growing up."

Kim has been excited to learn there is a larger filmmaking community in the area than he realized. It didn't exist here when he left over 20 years ago.

"I flew in to just start looking slowly to see what type of infrastructure there is. We need to slowly build a team. I'm working with crew from Austin and with who is already here. It's probably not gonna ramp up until early next year like January, February. The main characters are Korean American. We'll probably have to bring some sort of movie cast. We might have to even go as far as Korea to reach someone," he said.

Though he may have to import the Korean American cast members, he hopes to find most of the supporting cast locally.

"It's really exciting that there are people who have an interest in this. It was like a hidden world that has now been unveiled from behind the curtain for me," he said.

One of the producers of Kim's first feature was Chris Lee who was formerly the head of Columbia/TriStar. He will be one of the executive producers for this film. Among films he has produced include "Jerry McGuire," "As Good As It Gets," "Philadelphia," "Superman Returns" and "Valkyrie."

This would be huge for Orange and Orange County.

Kim flew to Los Angeles on Sunday for two days. Monday, he checked out a film with visual effects by someone he is considering working on the project. He will return to Korea and make another trip to Orange in late spring.

"I had a wonderful time," said Kim. "Growing up in Orange, I didn't think there was a large film community, but seeing so many people at the festival so passionate about film was really eye-opening."

He said more importantly, his mother had a good time. He brought her with him to the festival.

While here, he also attended shows at Port Arthur Little Theater and Beaumont Stages to scout talent.

Kim is currently seeking investors for "Camillia Girl."
WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he prefers to solve the Iran confrontation through diplomacy.

"We are in negotiations with them. They want to make a deal, but we haven't heard those secret words, 'We will never have a nuclear weapon,'" Trump said when delivering the first State of the Union address of his second term to a joint session of Congress at the Capitol in Washington, D.C.

"My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy," Trump said. "But one thing is certain -- I will never allow ... Iran to have a nuclear weapon."

Meanwhile, the president accused Iran of "again pursuing their sinister ambitions," saying Iran's missile program could threaten U.S. troops deployed in the region and eventually the United States.

"They've already developed missiles that can threaten Europe and our bases overseas, and they're working to build missiles that will soon reach the United States of America," Trump said.

Earlier on Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran would "under no circumstances ever develop a nuclear weapon," reiterating longstanding government positions, according to media reports reaching here.

Iran is determined to reach a "fair and equitable" deal with the United States as soon as possible, Araghchi said in a social media post.

The two sides have a "historic opportunity" to strike an unprecedented agreement that addresses mutual concerns and achieves common interests, Araghchi said, adding that a deal was "within reach, but only if diplomacy is given priority."

A new round of U.S.-Iran talks is now scheduled for Thursday in Geneva and expected to focus on Iran's nuclear program, including uranium enrichment levels and sanctions relief.

However, the previous two rounds of indirect talks made little visible progress. Many analysts say the upcoming one is likely the last diplomatic opportunity before a U.S.-Israeli large-scale joint military operation that could directly target Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

The U.S. administration has been deploying massive military forces in the Middle East. Trump warned on Monday that he would rather reach a deal with Iran, but if one is not reached, "it will be a very bad day" for the country, referring to a potential U.S. strike. 
Of Chinkies, Momos and Ching-Chong Chinaman At the centre of all the clashes

|

Ironic it is, for while people from the North East region continue to get hounded and subjected to racial discrimination, the people in the region, particularly Manipur, continue to be at loggerheads with each other. On February 20, three women from Arunachal Pradesh were subjected to racial slur, humiliation and intimidation by their neighbours at Delhi, followed quickly by the sexual harassment meted out to a woman from Nagaland at Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh in the evening of February 22. The racial slur, intimidation of the three Arunachali women went viral on the social media and even as the wound from the hurt and discrimination were yet to die down, news of yet another woman from the North East, this time a girl from Nagaland, being stalked and sexually molested emerged. Delhi police responded rather swiftly and even as this commentary is being penned down came the news that the people responsible for verbally assaulting the Arunachali women have been arrested. Not the first time that people from the North East have been subjected to such discrimination in other parts of the country, particularly in Delhi and the other metros and to many of the mainlanders the people from the North East are just Momos, Chinkies, Bahadurs, Ching-Chong Chinaman and more recently Corona and all the terms that one can associate with the physical Mongoloid features of the North Eastern people. The people of the North East are not hairy or smelly like many of the people in mainland India and this is obviously what sets them apart from the others, and it is from this difference that the racial discrimination arises. Recall Richard Loitam, Nido Tania, Reingamphi Awungshi and the list can go on and it is with a reason why Delhi Police has a special cell for the North East people. One wonders how effectively the recommendations of the Bezbaruah Committee report has been adopted by the Government of India and how effectively the adopted recommendations have been implemented and this question has been raised in the backdrop of the fact that even after the Bezbaruah Committee report, hate crimes and racial discrimination against the North East people continue unabated in different parts of the country, particularly in Delhi. The call to the BJP led Government at Delhi is, before the brags and pouring accolades on the North East region, start by giving a new meaning to the understanding of the Act East Policy. The Act East Policy should be much more than just geo-politics or looking beyond the border of the North East towards South East Asia, but entails looking at the reality in the North East and taking North East into the consciousness of the mainlanders. This is what would give more meaning and substance to the Act East Policy.

So even as the people from the North East, regardless from which State one comes from, regardless of which ethnicity, continue to face discrimination, harassment and even deaths just on the basis of how they look in other parts of the country, people of the same region continue to be at loggerheads, particularly in Manipur. Kuki, as a community is the common denominator that runs through all the ethnic clashes that one sees in Manipur and in the North East region. Even as Meitei-Kuki clash is fast approaching the three year mark, Kukis as a community was again in the thick of things in the recent clash at Litan and in neighbouring Nagaland with the Angamis. And it has been like this for decades. Go back to the 1990s and one can still recall the Naga-Kuki clash that started in 1992 and went on till 1997. The Kuki-Paite clash that stretched for over a year from 1997 to 1998, claiming hundreds of human lives, with hundreds displaced. Like during the Naga-Kuki clash from 1992 to 1997, Imphal was the refuge of the displaced Kukis during the clash with the Paites. Again in the early part of the 2000s, one can still recall the Kuki-Dimasa clash in 2004 that led to the deaths of over 45 people, the Kuki-Karbi clash in neighbouring Assam and the list continues if one goes back some decades. So if the people of North East continue to face racial profiling and discrimination in other parts of the country, there is one community which has been in a state of war with others in the North East region. The irony of the situation is not lost on anyone.
NEW YORK, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday urged the Trump administration to refund tariff payments estimated at 13.5 billion U.S. dollars to New Yorkers.

"These senseless and illegal tariffs were just a tax on New York consumers, small businesses and farmers -- and that's why I'm demanding a full refund," Hochul said.

Hochul's statement came after the Supreme Court ruled on Friday that Trump's sweeping tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act are unconstitutional. 
Saint-Laurent, QC (H4T1V6)

Today

Becoming partly cloudy after some morning rain. High 59F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

A few passing clouds. Low 38F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph.
Saint-Laurent, QC (H4T1V6)

Today

Showers early, then partly cloudy for the afternoon. High near 60F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

A few passing clouds. Low 39F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph.
NEW YORK, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) under the U.S. Department of the Treasury will allow the resale of Venezuelan origin oil to Cuba's non-governmental sectors, according to an update from the OFAC on Wednesday.

The office said it will implement a "favorable licensing policy" toward specific license applications seeking authorization for the resale of Venezuelan origin oil to Cuba.

This "favorable licensing policy" is directed toward transactions including exports for commercial and humanitarian use in Cuba and others in Cuba's private sector, according to the OFAC.

Transactions involving, or for the benefit of, any persons or entities associated with the Cuban military, intelligence services, or other government institutions, would not be covered by this favorable licensing policy, said the OFAC.

The United States has labeled Cuba "an unusual and extraordinary threat" to national security, saying it will stop Cuba from receiving Venezuelan oil after the January military operation that forcibly took Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. It has taken control of Venezuela's oil exports after the military raid.

On Jan. 29, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order threatening to impose tariffs on goods exported to the United States from countries supplying oil to Cuba. 
After Bajaj Auto MD and CEO Rajiv Bajaj recently hinted at the potential "failure" of Maharashtras EV policy, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray lashed out at the BJP government.

Thackeray, sharing Bajajs comments, stated that the EV policy 2021 was considered the best in India. "Unfortunately, with a change in government, the BJPs entire focus changed, and now we see that a policy that showed success in its initial years has been made to collapse by the BJP regime," he added.

The EV policy 2021 was active and dynamic giving a boost to the entire sector. Businesses, customers, everyone in the EV business considered our policy to be the best in India.



Unfortunately with a change in govt, the BJPs entire focus changed and now we see that a policy that https://t.co/iGk6k23Ni4  Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) February 24, 2026

Maharashtra has the biggest potential market for EVs, according to industry experts. It is the biggest two-wheeler market in India.

Recently, in a televised interview, the Bajaj Auto chief called out the Maharashtra government when asked if states were consistent in disbursing EV subsidies.

"In my 35 years, I have never witnessed anything that I could call a policy failure of government. But I think it is about to happen, with the Maharashtra government's EV policy," Bajaj highlighted.

In the interview, Bajaj did say that delays in EV subsidy disbursed were not uncommon and that dues were eventually cleared. But he alleged that EV subsidies disbursed until April 2023 had slumped dramatically and that most of the industry was bearing the brunt of these delays.
High-altitude sickness is reportedly suspected by the police as the cause of death after the grandson of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren died in Manali on Tuesday.

Nineteen-year-old Veer Soren had reportedly arrived in Manali with his friends on February 22, Sumday, and was staying at a homestay in Simsa. After exploring Solang Valley and Sethan villages on the Hamta Pass route on February 23, Veer Soren reportedly couldnt join his friends plans on February 24 and remained indoors. When the group returned around noon, the teenager was suffering from a severe headache, The Times of India (TOI) said in a report.

They gave Veer medicine and let him rest, but at around 2:30 pm, they found that he had fallen off the bed onto the floor. He was unconscious, with foam forming around his mouth, the daily said. Veer Soren was rushed to a government hospital in Manali, where doctors administered CPR but, after examination, declared him dead.

Although high-altitude sickness is suspected to have claimed his life, the cause of his death can only be confirmed after a post-mortem is completed, TOI added.

What is High-Altitude Sickness?

High-altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), occurs when the body cannot adjust to the lower levels of oxygen and decreased air pressure found at high altitudes. AMS typically occurs at heights above 2,400 metres (8,000 feet).

Headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, fatigue and poor sleep are among the common symptoms of AMS. Unlike infections, altitude sickness can progress rapidly and affect young, healthy people. In severe cases, fluid fills the lungs or the brain swells  and without quick descent and oxygen, it can become fatal.

Why it happens?

At higher altitudes, the air pressure drops, which means people consume less oxygen with each breath. When the human body does not get the oxygen it is used to, this can trigger illness. While the percentage of oxygen in the air remains the same (21%), the air molecules are less dense. This is why every breath a person takes at these great heights contains fewer oxygen molecules than at sea level, leading to a condition called hypoxia.

How it becomes fatal?

Lack of oxygen can cause the blood vessels in the brain to leak, leading to brain swelling. This rapid and severe condition means the brains intracranial pressure increases, which can lead to coma. Death often occurs within hours of the onset of severe symptoms if the person is not moved to a lower altitude.

To prevent high-altitude sickness, it is advisable to ascend slowly and allow the body acclimatisation days. A person should ideally spend two or three days at 2,500 metres before going higher. Staying hydrated may also help, while preventive medication can be taken if advised by a doctor. According to available information, immediate descent  meaning quickly coming down by around 5001,000 metres  can be life-saving.
Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, on Wednesday took sharp objection to references to corruption in the judiciary in a Class 8 NCERT textbook. This has opened up a deeper constitutional debate, not merely about school curricula, but about the balance between institutional legitimacy and the right to critique public institutions.

The issue arose after concerns were flagged before the top court regarding passages in a revised NCERT civics textbook that reportedly list corruption, case backlogs, and a shortage of judges as systemic challenges facing the judiciary.

The Chief Justice indicated that the court may examine the matter, stressing that the judiciary cannot be allowed to be defamed in educational material.

The matter arose when Senior Advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi mentioned before the CJI portions of the social science textbook that allegedly mention corruption in the judiciary while discussing governance and institutional functioning.

Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued that it appeared as though one institution was being singled out, with no mention of corruption among politicians, ministers, or bureaucrats.

Taking serious note, the Chief Justice said the court would not permit any attempt to defame the judiciary.

I will not allow anyone on earth to defame the judiciary, the CJI observed in open court, adding that the issue required examination at the institutional level.

The bench indicated that it would examine how such content found its way into a school textbook meant for young students.

Taking suo motu cognisance of the issue, the CJI said he had been receiving numerous calls and messages, including from High Court judges, expressing concern.

Terming it a new flashpoint between the government and the judiciary, the CJI asserted, "Howsoever high it may go, we will take action," adding that the court would not permit any attack on the judicial institution.

It also signalled that the court may seek an explanation from NCERT on the context in which the reference was made, the review process followed before publication, and whether the material was supported by verified information.
Boeing has been treading water for the past six months, recording a small return of 3.2% while holding steady at $234.04.

Is now the time to buy BA? Find out in our full research report, its free.

Why Does Boeing Spark Debate?

One of the companies that forms a duopoly in the commercial aircraft market, Boeing (NYSE:BA) develops, manufactures, and services commercial airplanes, defense products, and space systems.

More from Yahoo Scout What drives Boeing's elevated sales volumes? Is Boeing's current valuation attractive for investors? Why is Boeing's revenue growth considered lackluster? How has Boeing's EPS performance changed recently?

Two Things to Like:

1. Elevated Demand Drives Higher Sales Volumes

Revenue growth can be broken down into changes in price and volume (the number of units sold). While both are important, volume is the lifeblood of a successful Aerospace company because theres a ceiling to what customers will pay.

Boeings units sold punched in at 160 in the latest quarter, and over the last two years, averaged 84.6% year-on-year growth. This performance was fantastic and shows its offerings have a unique value proposition (and perhaps some degree of customer loyalty).

Boeing Units Sold

2. Outstanding Long-Term EPS Growth

We track the long-term change in earnings per share (EPS) because it highlights whether a companys growth is profitable.

Boeings full-year EPS flipped from negative to positive over the last five years. This is encouraging and shows its at a critical moment in its life.

Boeing Trailing 12-Month EPS (Non-GAAP)

One Reason to be Careful:

Lackluster Revenue Growth

We at StockStory place the most emphasis on long-term growth, but within industrials, a stretched historical view may miss cycles, industry trends, or a company capitalizing on catalysts such as a new contract win or a successful product line. Boeings recent performance shows its demand has slowed as its annualized revenue growth of 7.2% over the last two years was below its five-year trend. Were wary when companies in the sector see decelerations in revenue growth, as it could signal changing consumer tastes aided by low switching costs.

Boeing Year-On-Year Revenue Growth

Final Judgment

Boeings merits more than compensate for its flaws, but at $234.04 per share (or 764.6 forward P/E), is now the time to initiate a position? See for yourself in our full research report, its free.

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Delhi Police have arrested a man and a woman who were accused of racially abusing and criminal intimidation against three women from Arunachal Pradesh. The couple, Harsh Singh and Ruby Jain, was taken into custody, and an FIR was registered at Malviya Nagar police station.

Police said they involved the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in the FIR against the woman.

"The investigation has now been entrusted to an ACP-rank officer after the SC-ST Act was added and is being closely supervised by senior officials," the police said.

The video of the incident, which circulated on social media along with CCTV footage and witness statements are being examined as part of the probe.

Harsh Singh, the co-accused, said that he and his family were cooperating with the investigation. He also said they were ashamed and issued an apology to all the people of the north-east. He also asked people not to do a media trial.

"We are showing complete cooperation with Delhi Police, and we have complete faith that the police and Indian judiciary stand with us and will clear everything through an unbiased investigation. We are definitely ashamed. I am not such a person, but it was in the heat of the moment. We did not intend to do so. I want to ask the social media users to listen to both sides of the story. Our property was being attacked, and one of my men was about to be attacked. The situation escalated after the woman came.

Please do not do media trials. I have complete faith in the Indian judiciary. We will accept whatever punishment we get. I am being sent obscene, doctored images of my mother on social media; our family and profession should not be dragged into this. I personally apologise to all the Northeastern people, he continued.

#WATCH | Delhi | Accused Harsh Singh says, "We are showing complete cooperation with Delhi Police and we have complete faith that the police and Indian judiciary stand with us and will clear everything through unbiased investigation... We are definitely ashamed. I am not such a https://t.co/8uTN5Cgs3d pic.twitter.com/snug3ZFdBh  ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2026

On February 20, three women who were from Arunachal Pradesh were getting an AC installed in their flat when some of the debris fell onto the lower floor.

The couple who lived below soon began a verbal attack against the electrician. When the women stepped in to defend him, the couple, Harsh Singh and Ruby Jain, began verbally abusing the women and used racist language.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday arrested two more terror operatives suspected of involvement in a November 2025 bomb blast case in Delhi's Red Fort area.

The arrested duo, both of whom are from Jammu and Kashmir, have been identified as Zameer Ahmad Ahangar from Ganderbal and Tufail Ahmed Bhat from Srinagar. With this, the total number of arrests made in the terror case has risen to 11.

The probe agency has alleged that Ahangar and Bhat were active over-ground workers (OGWs) for the Ansar Ghazwat Ul Hind (AGH), a banned terror outfit, and were involved in moving arms that were to be used in the terror plot on Indian soil.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended two more terror operatives allegedly involved in the Delhi Red Fort area bomb blast conspiracy, taking the total number of arrests in the case to 11.



The duo, identified as Zameer Ahmad Ahangar of Ganderbal (J&K) and  ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2026

More specifically, the NIA has alleged that the duo had supplied weapons to Dr Umar Un Nabi, the prime accused in the Red Fort blast case.

The doctor from Pulwama, who had driven the car that exploded in the Red Fort area on November 10 last year, killed himself, in addition to 12 others. The blast had also injured 32 more people in the vicinity.

At the time, the probe agency had found that Muzammil Ganai, Shaheen Saeed, Mufti Irfan, and Adeel Ahmed Rather had co-conspired in the plot masterminded by Dr Nabi. The others arrested back were mainly those involved in sheltering the accused.

The NIA's crackdown on the terror conspiracy in the Red Fort blast case, which has so far caught the main conspirators in the blast caseas well as the few who sheltered themalso comes amid recent potential terrorist threats on temples and other religious sites in the national capital.

"Blast alert in front of the Red Fort in Delhi. Terrorists may target a temple in Chandni Chowk. Lashkar-e-Taiba is plotting an IED attack. They are planning a major terrorist attack in India to avenge the February 6 mosque blast in Islamabad, Pakistan. Major temples in the country can be targeted by Lashkar-e-Taiba," an ANI report said last week, quoting intelligence sources.

Pakistan had alleged that the blast at a Shia mosque during Friday prayers, in which at least 31 people lost their lives, had links to India. New Delhi has categorically dismissed the allegations.
A LOOK BACK: From historic visits to warm moments of friendship, Prime Minister Netanyahu and Prime Minister Modi have built a remarkable partnership.



 Looking forward to welcoming you back, @PMOIndia @narendramodi. pic.twitter.com/jpCjMR8B9M  Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) February 24, 2026

The principal opposition party, Congress, on Wednesday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his Israel visit, stating the BJP leader will be displaying "moral cowardice" when the entire world is critical of Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu.

Congress General Secretary in-charge (Communications) Jairam Ramesh said Prime Minister Modi is "brazenly embracing" his Israeli counterpart, who is criticised for the military high-handedness of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) in the Gaza Strip and for planning the expansion of illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.

On May 20 1960, Jawaharlal Nehru was in Gaza and met with the Indian contingent of the UN Emergency Force there.



On Nov 29 1981, India issued a commemorative postage stamp in solidarity with Palestine.



On Nov 18 1988, India formally recognised the state of Palestine.



That pic.twitter.com/J0RDHoEVEH  Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) February 25, 2026

On 20 May 1960, Jawaharlal Nehru was in Gaza and met with the Indian contingent of the UN Emergency Force there, Jairam Ramesh recalled. On 29 November 1981, India issued a commemorative postage stamp in solidarity with Palestine, and on 18 November 1988, India formally recognised the State of Palestine, he pointed out.

ALSO READ | Breaking protocol, Netanyahu and wife Sara to welcome PM at Ben Gurion airport

"That was a different era. Now the Indian Prime Minister is brazenly embracing the Prime Minister of Israel, who has reduced Gaza to rubble and dust and who is orchestrating the expansion of illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank," Ramesh said on X.

"When the entire world is critical of his 'dear friend' Mr Netanyahu, Mr Modi will be displaying moral cowardice," he alleged.

Earlier, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra hoped Prime Minister Modi would mention the genocide in Gaza while addressing the Israeli Parliament and demand justice for them.

In a post on X, Priyanka Gandhi said, "I hope that the Hon. Prime Minister @narendramodi ji mentions the genocide of thousands of innocent men, women and children in Gaza while addressing the Knesset on his upcoming trip to Israel and demands justice for them."

I hope that the Hon Prime Minister @narendramodi ji mentions the genocide of thousands of innocent men, women and children in Gaza while addressing the Knesset on his upcoming trip to Israel and demands justice for them. India has stood for what is right throughout our history as  Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) February 25, 2026

She asserted, "India has stood for what is right throughout our history as an independent nation; we must continue to show the light of truth, peace and justice to the world."

Modi's visit begins on Wednesday to shore up bilateral defence and trade cooperation between the two countries. It will be Modi's second visit to Israel in nine years.

The IndiaIsrael relationship was elevated to the level of a strategic partnership during Modi's first visit to that country in July 2017.

The Congress on Tuesday alleged that the government has abandoned the Palestinians and said the Prime Minister was going to Israel despite that country's attacks on civilians in Gaza continuing "mercilessly".
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, calling her the "female Ghajini of Indian politics," after she raised the issue of the Gaza genocide ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel.

The reference to Ghajini, a 2008 Bollywood film featuring a character with short-term memory loss, was used by the BJP to accuse Priyanka Gandhi of showing selective outrage on the matter.

"The Female Ghajini of Indian politics is back!" BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia wrote on X, sharing an old photo of Priyanka Gandhi carrying a bag with 'Palestine' written on it in Parliament.

"Carrying a 'Palestine' bag to Parliament is easy, but having the moral courage to condemn the Oct 7th massacre of 1,200-plus innocents, women being abducted and raped is clearly too hard for Priyanka Gandhi," Bhatia said. "You may carry the fake Gandhi surname, but you clearly lack the conviction and courage. #SelectiveOutrage."

The Female Ghajini of Indian politics is back! Carrying a 'Palestine' bag to Parliament is easy, but having the moral courage to condemn the Oct 7th massacre of 1,200+ innocents, women being abducted and raped is clearly too hard for @priyankagandhi. Takes a lot of moral courage https://t.co/SNbRdquPKG pic.twitter.com/I5hdHXXgwG  Gaurav Bhatia    (@gauravbhatiabjp) February 25, 2026

Earlier, Priyanka Gandhi had criticised Modi's visit to Israel, saying she hoped the Prime Minister would address the genocide in Gaza while speaking in the Israeli parliament. She also emphasised that India must continue to be a beacon of truth, peace, and justice for the world.

Modi departed for Israel on a two-day visit on Wednesday morning, as the two nations aim to strengthen cooperation in defence, security, technology, and trade. This marks Modis second visit to Israel as Prime Minister.

Earlier, Congress General Secretary for Communications, Jairam Ramesh, accused Modi of "moral cowardice" in light of global criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Ramesh criticised Modi for "brazenly embracing" Netanyahu, who has faced condemnation for the military actions of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) in Gaza and the expansion of illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.
The high-profile India AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam was disrupted on February 20 after a few members of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) staged a shirtless protest at the venue. Later, IYC national president Uday Bhanu Chib was arrested. While the move was seen by some as an attempt to draw international attention to the oppositions concerns, others described it as ill-conceived.

In the immediate aftermath, the Congress appeared to be on the political backfoot, with swift law enforcement action and sharp reactions from rival parties. For some observers, the episode reflected a glimpse of old-style street politics. For others, including sections within the broader opposition ecosystem, it risked harming the partys standing among nationalist-leaning audiences more than it generated support.

Congress may have been on the backfoot initially, but the top leadership has backed the incident and turned it into a more aggressive political plank, says political analyst Aditya Rathi. Rahul Gandhi has publicly supported them, and on social media the Congress appears to be ahead of the BJP in narrative-building.

Congress boss and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi hailed the detained IYC protesters as Babbar Sher comrades, saying they had fearlessly raised their voices in the nations interest against a compromised PM. He reiterated on X that peaceful protest is a democratic right and praised the youth wing for what he described as its courage.

Good or bad, the episode has brought the Congresss frontal organisation back into national focus. For Chib, it marks a moment of visibility for the IYC. Observers note that his predecessor, Srinivas, had kept the youth wing in the headlines through sustained activism.

The current Youth Congress leadership, after Rahul Gandhi's backing, may now seek to consolidate that space and build a stronger support base for the parent party, even if it means returning to a more visible pattern of street-level mobilisation. This comes particularly at a time when the party has not consistently displayed a visible pattern of sustained street-level mobilisation at the national level.
Maharashtra Ports Development Minister Nitesh Rane, on Wednesday, said he would request Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to shut down madrasas in the state, as, according to him, the Islamic schools are "breeding grounds for terrorists."

The minister, while talking to reporters, cited a viral video purportedly showing a Muslim clergy member beating a student.

"You have seen the maulavi's video of beating children. It is from Sawantwadi, my home district, and I am also the district guardian minister. You will also come to know about what strict action he is going to face soon," he said.

"I will give them such lessons that their hands will shiver next time before doing something like this to children," he said.

He sought to know why madrasas are needed in the state and said, "That is the basic point. These madrasas are epicentres of terrorism. They shape terrorists there."

Rane said he wanted to know whether any Islamic country allows schools for Hindus where only the Bhagavad Gita is taught.

"Why should we pamper such madrasas? If you want to teach the Quran, you have mosques for it. Sometimes weapons are found in these madrasas, and sometimes incidents like the beating up of children," he said, reported news agency PTI.

The minister said he will speak with CM Fadnavis and tell him to take steps to shut down all the madrasas, as these are breeding grounds for terrorists.

Reacting to the statement, Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi claimed that no terrorist activity happens in madrasas in India.

"If they want, they can install CCTV in the madrasas, they will give you a room and food, and you can stay there and check. I can say with certainty that you will not find any such activity."
The injuries sustained by Kerala health minister Veena George on Wednesday, amid protests by Kerala Students Union (KSU) at the Kannur Railway Station, has sparked a political blame game in the state.

Visuals from the scene show George nursing her neck after KSU protesters at the station suddenly rushed forward just before she could board a Vande Bharat train. She had come to Kannur for the inauguration ceremony of the International Ayurveda Research Institute, amonng other things.

#WATCH | Kannur: Kerala Health Minister Veena George sustained injuries to her neck and hand during a KSU (Kerala Students' Union) black flag protest at the Kannur Railway Station. The incident occurred near the ticket counter when the minister arrived to board the Vande Bharat pic.twitter.com/0hvacLlmLt  ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2026

"CM, my neck is in a lot of pain. There was a lot of pushing and shoving when I was coming in," the health minister told Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan from the district hospital, as per a Manorama Online report.

"The KSU attack on Health Minister Veena George in Kannur is an example of Congress's dirty politics ... The Congress leadership should not think that they can disrupt law and order or create riots in the country by leaving their followers in the lurch ... This is an attack on women," CM Vijayan wrote in a Facebook post.

However, KSU State Vice President P. Muhammed Shammas has dismissed the attack allegations, saying that her neck and hand injuries were all a performance.

"The award for Best Actress belongs to only Veena George," he wrote in a sarcastic Facebook post, criticising the health minister.

He also claimed that only four KSU workers had rushed forward towards George, while she had allegedly 50 policemen around her, questioning how she could have been injured.

The railway station protest is the latest in a series of black flag protests against the health minister in various parts of Kannur, demanding her resignation.

The incident took place at the Kannur Railway Station, from where Kerala health minister Veena George was to board a Vande Bharat train.



(kerala news, veena george ksu protest kannur railway station, youth congress league black flag resign)https://t.co/mMeMtkWuAW  THE WEEK (@TheWeekLive) February 25, 2026

The protests intensified after CPM workers allegedly attacked a Muslim Youth League workeridentified as its District General Secretary Shajeer Iqbalafter one such black flag protest in Peringome.

The protests demanding her resignation also come as she faces heavy flak over the 2021 medical negligence case involving the Alappuzha Government Medical College, which came to light earlier this week.

A pair of surgical forceps were found in the abdomen of 51-year-old Usha Joseph about five years after her surgery in 2021, which shocked the state and led to major backlash against George.

The death of a newborn baby at a hospital in Nedumangad earlier this week, due to alleged medical negligence and bribery, has also conttributed to the backlash.

However, the state government has maintained that these were only isolated incidents, and that Kerala still had "the best health sector in India", as per CM Vijayan's post.
Kerala health minister Veena George suffered neck and hand injuries after she was attacked during a Kerala Students Union (KSU) protest in Kannur.

The incident took place at the Kannur Railway Station, from where she was to board a Vande Bharat train after the inauguration ceremony of the International Ayurveda Research Institute.

How it happened

This comes after a Muslim Youth League workeridentified as its District General Secretary Shajeer Iqbalwas beaten after he waved a black flag at Veena George in Peringome, just after she had inaugurated a Taluk Hospital building there.

#WATCH | Kannur: Kerala Health Minister Veena George sustained injuries to her neck and hand during a KSU (Kerala Students' Union) black flag protest at the Kannur Railway Station. The incident occurred near the ticket counter when the minister arrived to board the Vande Bharat pic.twitter.com/0hvacLlmLt  ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2026

Although the police tried to intervene, they were allegedly unable to stop about ten CPM workers from attacking Iqbal. A while later, they finally managed to take an injured Iqbal to the hospital.

In protest against the assault on Iqbal, KSU workers launched an intense protest against George at the railway station, in addition to black flag protests in various parts of Kannur, such as Irikkur, Thalassery, Chalode, and Ayippuzha, by Youth Congress and Muslim Youth League workers.

"If the black flags are for the changes brought into the health sector, then I accept them as flower garlands. At least they are not throwing stones," George said, in response to the protests, as per a Manorama Online report.

However, it was at the railway station that the Youth Congress protests demanding her resignation really intensified. As she attempted to board her Vande Bharat train, a horde of protesting Youth Congress workers rushed at her. Speaker A.N. Shamseer, who was also reportedly present there at the time, confirmed the story to the media.

In the clash that ensued between the police and the workers, the health minister suffered neck and hand injuries before the police managed to push away the protesters. Many of them were later arrested by the police.
Speculation has been rife that the Telangana police may have located Muppala Lakshmana Rao, better known by his nom de guerre Ganapathy, in Nepal and possibly taken him into custody. He served as the first General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Maoist), formed after the merger of the Peoples War Group and the Maoist Communist Centre in 2004. He held the post until 2018 and reportedly stepped down due to ill-health.

When reporters asked Telangana Director General of Police B. Sivadhar Reddy about Ganapathys whereabouts, he stated that they were certain he was not in the forests and could be living in an urban shelter while undergoing medical treatment. I think he, too, wants to surrender now, the DGP remarked.

The media have taken sharply divergent positions. While the Telugu daily Andhra Jyothi reported that Ganapathy had been arrested, the Times of India stated that police were yet to confirm his location. The Telugu newspaper claimed that Telangana police had taken Ganapathy and his wife, Jode Rathnabhai alias Sujatha, into custody in Nepal and could produce them before the media within two days. With the police remaining tight-lipped, clarity may take time.

Ganapathy was born on June 16, 1949, in Birpur village of Karimnagar district in the erstwhile united Andhra Pradesh. He completed his BSc and later pursued a BEd degree. He worked as a science teacher in Karimnagar district before leaving his job to pursue higher education in Warangal, where he was drawn to the Peoples War Group. He rose through the ranks and played a key role in the unification of Maoist factions.

Known more as an ideologue and tactician than a field commander, Ganapathy oversaw a period during which the CPI (Maoist) expanded its influence across parts of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, at its peak operating in more than 15 states. He voluntarily stepped down in 2018, citing ill-health. If Telangana police secure his surrender, it could mark a decisive phase in the decline of the armed Maoist movement.

To secure the surrender of Devuji, considered the senior-most leader after Ganapathy, along with Malla Raji Reddy, Bade Chokka Rao, and Nune Narsimha Reddy, the Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB) of Telangana reportedly went the extra mile. B. Sumati, in charge of the SIB, is said to have conducted parallel negotiations with the four leaders to facilitate their surrender.

She initially reached out to their relatives and close associates to open communication channels, assuring them of safe passage, an honourable surrender and rehabilitation. However, the encounter of central committee member Madvi Hidma on November 18 last year slowed the process, with Devuji reportedly becoming apprehensive and halting engagement with the police.

Devuji is said to have sought meetings with senior leaders such as Mallojula Venugopal Rao alias Sonu and Asanna to discuss future strategy. Venugopal Rao later wrote an open letter about internal differences over continuing the armed struggle and surrendered before Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on November 15, 2025.

The SIB first established contact with Raji Reddy and then took his help to contact Devuji. Though initially wary of the Telangana police, Devuji reportedly came to trust the SIB. Convincing Bade Chokka Rao proved more challenging, but once he agreed, Nune Narsimha Reddy, who largely represented the party in Andhra Pradesh, followed.

Telangana police are now said to be working to bring back the remaining 11 Telanganites still active in the movement, with Ganapathy viewed as their principal target. The Telangana DGP has declared that the Maoist movement was born in Telangana and will end there. If Ganapathy surrenders, it could signal the closing chapter of its armed struggle phase.
Expelled AIADMK leader V.K. Sasikala has announced plans to launch a new political party, just two months ahead of Tamil Nadus upcoming assembly elections, sending ripples through the state's political landscape.

"We are going to witness a new political chapter," Sasikala declared on February 24, during an event marking the birth anniversary of the late former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa.

Addressing a crowd in Ramanathapuram, Sasikala revealed that her new party would focus on the common man, particularly the poor and marginalised, following the ideals of Dravidian icon C.N. Annadurai, AIADMK founder M.G. Ramachandran, and 'Amma' Jayalalithaa.

"I will soon announce the name of the new party, and there is no change in its vision. It will stand as a party that defeats both opponents and traitors," she said, unveiling the flag of the party. The flag features a tricolourblack on the top, white in the middle, and red at the bottomalong with images of Annadurai, MGR, and Jayalalithaa.

Ive been in politics for 39 years, and Ive waited for nine years. This moment belongs to everyonefrom grassroots members to the entire state. Thats why the flag bears the images of these three leaders. Its a symbol of hope for the poor," Sasikala said.

#WATCH | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Expelled AIADMK Leader VK Sasikala paid floral tribute to AIADMK Founder and former Chief Minister MG Ramachandran and former Tamil Nadu CM J Jayalalithaa. (23.02)



(Source: VK Sasikal's office) pic.twitter.com/adn0Rq6DBW  ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2026

With assembly elections scheduled for April-May, the entry of Sasikalas new party could turn the contest into a four-cornered battle. Actor Vijays earlier launch of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) had already made it a three-way contest, breaking the traditional dominance of the two Dravidian giantsthe DMK and AIADMK.

The DMK leads the Secular Progressive Alliance, which recently got a shot in the arm with the inclusion of the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) founded by the late actor Vijayakanth. Meanwhile, AIADMK is aligned with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), having formed a tie-up with the BJP.

Announcing her new party, Sasikala launched a scathing attack on both the DMK and AIADMK, signaling her refusal to align with either of their fronts. She described the DMK as an "evil force" and vowed to dislodge it from power.

Taking potshots at AIADMK chief Edappadi Palaniswami, Sasikala claimed that she had made him chief minister after Jayalalithaas death to ensure stability in the party. "The very same person got me eased out of the party just like flinging a piece of paper. I do not display my anger and I learnt it from Thalaivar (MGR)," she said.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu | Drone visuals from a public meeting held at Pasumpon in Ramanathapuram district under the leadership of expelled AIADMK leader VK Sasikala, to commemorate the birth anniversary of the late former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa.



She unveiled the flag of her pic.twitter.com/e24JJD5DBW  ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2026

An influential leader from the Thevar community, Sasikala was imprisoned in Bengaluru from 2017 to 2021 after being convicted in a disproportionate assets case and is currently barred from contesting elections until 2027. During her imprisonment, Palaniswami expelled her from the party after reconciling with O. Panneerselvam, who had led a rebellion following the demise of Jayalalithaa.

Neither the DMK nor the AIADMK has officially responded to Sasikala's plan to launch a new party. However, AIADMK Deputy Secretary for Propaganda, Gautami Tadimalla, warned that Sasikala's move could have political consequences for the upcoming elections.

"This decision might impact the election results, but it will depend on the steps she takes and how she moves forward. Regardless, the AIADMK-led NDA coalition will achieve a resounding victory in the upcoming elections," Tadimalla said.

#WATCH | Chennai | On expelled AIADMK leader VK Sasikala launching her new political party, AIADMK, Dep Secretary, Propaganda, Gautami Tadimalla says, "This decision might have an implication on the upcoming election. But it will depend entirely on what steps she takes, what her pic.twitter.com/NvKajKVAWv  ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2026

Another AIADMK leader, Abhishek, accused the DMK of backing Sasikalas new venture. "DMK is supporting Sasikala to launch a new party, just two months before the elections. I believe Sasikala, OPS, and others have been backstabbing Edappadi Palaniswami and AIADMK," he told ANI.
TAIPEI, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A news article from Mnews:

Imagine standing beneath a 21-meter tower of glowing light while drones paint the night sky above you, fireworks burst overhead, and the sounds of Irish tap dancers echo through the warm evening air. This is the 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival  and it's happening in Chiayi County from March 3 to 15, 2026.

Mazu of Peitian Temple

If you've been looking for a reason to visit Taiwan in early spring, this is it.

Taiwan Lantern Festival is one of Asia's most beloved annual celebrations, the Taiwan Lantern Festival marks the end of the Lunar New Year period with an explosion of light, color, and culture. Each year it rotates to a different city, and 2026 brings it to Chiayi County  a region nestled between the mountains of Alishan and the coastline of the Taiwan Strait, and one of the island's most underrated destinations.

This year's theme, "Glow with Taiwan, Light Up Chiayi," promises far more than pretty lanterns. Spread across 16 themed zones, the festival weaves together Chiayi's identity as a place of modern agriculture, environmental innovation, youth creativity, and deep cultural roots.

The festival has curated 12 official "must-see" attractions, and several of them are genuinely extraordinary. The centerpiece is "Glow of Alishan," a towering 21-meter main lantern synchronized to a full sound and light show  the kind of spectacle you'll be describing to friends back home for years. Each evening, massive drone light shows choreograph hundreds of illuminated aircraft into shifting patterns above the festival grounds, followed by celebratory fireworks displays.

For performing arts lovers, the international lineup is remarkable. Expect performances from France's Cavalcade of White Horses, high-energy Irish Tap Dancing, the beloved Taiwanese Paper Windmill Theatre, and the iconic Ming Hwa Yuan Arts & Cultural Group. Street carnivals and large-scale parades run throughout the event, meaning there's always something happening whether you wander in on opening night or the last day.

Technology fans will want to spend time in the Osaka Expo TECH WORLD Pavilion and the whimsical Super Mario Starry Carnival zone  a nod to Taiwan's embrace of global pop culture and digital innovation.

Chiayi is very accessible by high-speed rail. The Chiayi HSR Station connects you to Taipei in under 90 minutes, and free shuttle buses run directly from both the HSR station and the TRA Chiayi Station into the festival grounds. If you're driving, seven free parking lots offer over 10,000 spaces  though shuttles are genuinely the easier option given expected crowd sizes in the millions.
If Maharashtra Ports and Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane has his way, Mumbaikars could soon have access to a water metro service operated by battery-powered ferries. The service is likely to be introduced in Mumbai by December or January next year.

The project is learnt to be modelled on Kochi Water Metro -- first-of-its-kind integrated water transport system in Asia -- and is likely to cost Rs 1200 crores.

It is learnt that Nitesh Rane will get a detailed project report about the water metro by the end of February and he will then submit it to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. Fadnavis is likely to make the announcement in the budget that he will present on march 6th in the state legislature.

The state government is of the thinking that the water metro service can be deployed on 6-7 routes to ease the traffic congestion in the city. Rane and Fadnavis will hold a detailed discussion about the project and then finalise two routes on which the water taxi project will be implemented in the initial phases.

It is not clear yet as to who will supply these water taxis to the government.

Rane said that they have decided to begin with mumbai city and then gradually extend the services to cover entire Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

The route in Mumbai city is likely to be from Nariman Point to Versova via Bandra. Another route planned is Radio club to Navi Mumbai International Airport. Once the radio club jetty is ready this travel is likely to take just about 45 minutes to reach NMIA. The coastal locations like Worli, which have very high traffic density will be first connected through water taxi as a priority.

Fadnaivs had made announcement about this project during winter session of the state legislature in December last year in Nagpur.
Prime Minister Narendra Modis historic visit to Israel is being hailed in Tel Aviv as a significant political move that can alter the regions geopolitical equations. While both countries will enter into deals to deepen security cooperation, which includes joint development in the ballistic missile defence sector, the visit has assumed significance for another reason: it is a message to Turkey.

Modis visit to Israel and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus remarks about forming a hexagonal alliance in the Middle East, comprising India, Greece, Cyprus and various Arab, African and Asian countries, to counter both a radical Shia axis led by Iran and an emerging radical Sunni axis has triggered Turkey, which is keenly watching the visit. Turkish media terms the visit a strategic development that should be carefully monitored in terms of Turkey and the balance of power in the Middle East.

Israeli analysts believe Modi's visit is linked to interesting regional aspects, including high tension between India and Turkey, a close ally of Pakistan and now Bangladesh. For India, a close-knit alliance with Israel and joining an alliance of moderate countries will be helpful. The goal is to strengthen the moderate axis - against the axis of the Muslim Brotherhood led by Turkey, according to Ynet News.

"This also sends a message to Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan - that they should not consider joining the Turkish axis," Ynet quoted a former senior member of the National Security Council.

According to Dr Lauren Dagan Amos, an expert on India's foreign and security policy from Bar Ilan University, there is tension between India and Turkey. India has been intensifying measures against Turkey. Really hostile," she said. "India does not go to wars on its own initiative and does not enter into alliances, but it does see Turkey as an obstacle in West Asia. It understands that it needs to be countered. We were there even before Turkey, but if there is a possibility of annoying the Turks, then why not, according to Amos.

Dr. Avner Golov, a former senior official in the National Defense Ministry, points to the importance of Modi's visit in terms of the fading hopes of normalisation between Israel and Saudi Arabia. You see Saudi Arabia breaking the axis game in the region and getting closer to Turkey and Pakistan. Pakistan is a nuclear state, and Turkey leads a radical Sunni axis - the Muslim Brotherhood. From our perspective, this is a very bad thing because it strengthens Erdogan and hurts our standing with Washington. The Saudi and Turkish can influence Trump, and this hurts the legitimacy of normalising with Israel, he said.

Dr Golov added, An Indian official recently told me that when India has a conflict with Pakistan, it is not only fighting Pakistan, but also the Chinese and Turks. The Turks have become the second country that exports the most weapons to Bangladesh after China. They are starting to build supply lines to Bangladesh. For the Indians, it is similar to what happened before October 7; on their borders, they are building the next threat. The Greeks and Cypriots are also worried about Turkey, and if you connect the Emirates, you can create a regional axis here that connects India to Europe through Israel, reaching as far as Greece and Europe, he added.

Dr. Golov said that Israel and India are talking about much more than the energy corridor - also about security cooperation in the areas of air defense, food and water security, and conveying a message to the Saudis: "Don't go to the dangerous place you're going to, and also to convey a message to Egypt and Jordan that they should not think about joining the Turkish axis."

What Turkish analysts said

According to political assessments in Ankara, the deepening military cooperation between India and Israel will affect not only the two countries but also the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean.

It is stated that Israel's search for new partnerships, especially in the context of Eastern Mediterranean energy geopolitics, could diversify existing regional blocs. The military coordination mechanisms that could be established along the Indian Ocean-Eastern Mediterranean axis could create a new picture for Turkey in terms of maritime security and defence industry.

Analysts said India's increase in military capacity with Israeli technology could increase competition in the global defence market in areas where Turkey operates. The formation of a new military-technological axis in the Middle East could complicate the current search for diplomatic balance. The trajectory of Turkey's relations with both Israel and India may need to be re-evaluated in light of this new strategic rapprochement.
President Donald Trump is leaning towards ordering an initial, limited military strike on Iran if a last round of diplomacy collapses this week. According to officials familiar with internal discussions, potential targets under consideration include assets linked to Irans ballistic missile programme, key nuclear facilities and the headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

If those limited strikes fail to compel Tehrans immediate compliance, Trump has reportedly told advisers he would remain open to authorising a far larger military offensive later in the year. Such an operation, they suggest, could expand beyond infrastructure to directly threaten the authority of Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The decision hinges on what has been described as a last chance round of negotiations scheduled for Thursday in Geneva. The American delegation is being led by special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Trump has indicated that their assessment of Irans intentions will be decisive. If they conclude that Tehran is deliberately stalling, the path to military action could become difficult to avoid.

For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East

Publicly, Trump has issued a stark ultimatum. The world, he said, will know within probably, 10 days whether a deal is achieved or whether bad things happen. The positions of both sides appear deeply entrenched. Trump is demanding that Iran completely abandon its ballistic missile production, cease support for proxy militias across the region and accept absolute zero enrichment of nuclear material. For Tehran, however, enrichment has long been framed as a sovereign right tied to peaceful nuclear technology. Iranian officials insist they will not relinquish it under any circumstances.

A potential compromise has been explored through the International Atomic Energy Agency, the UNs nuclear watchdog. Under this proposal, Iran would be permitted to maintain a highly restricted enrichment programme limited strictly to medical research and cancer treatments, under rigorous international monitoring. Yet it remains uncertain whether Trump, who has publicly insisted on zero enrichment, or Iranian leaders who have invested billions in vast industrial-scale facilities, would accept such a formula.

Along with the diplomatic effort, Washington has assembled the largest concentration of American air and naval power in the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. It includes at least 16 US Navy ships and two carrier strike groups built around the USS Abraham Lincoln and the USS Gerald R. Ford, the latter the worlds largest warship, which recently transited the Strait of Gibraltar en route to the eastern Mediterranean.

The naval deployment is backed by B-2 stealth bombers, refuelling aircraft and hundreds of cargo flights. Advanced fighter jets including F-35s, F-15s and F-16s have been dispatched to forward bases. In a particularly unusual move, 12 F-22 stealth fighters were deployed directly to an Israeli Air Force base, a step widely interpreted as operational positioning rather than routine joint training.

With between 30,000 and 40,000 American troops already stationed across the Middle East, the Pentagon has also reinforced regional missile defences, rushing additional Patriot batteries and other interceptor systems into theatre. The State Department has evacuated non-essential personnel from its embassy in Lebanon amid rising tensions. Meanwhile, the CIA has published detailed instructions in Farsi advising Iranian dissidents on how to communicate securely with the agency, signalling preparations not only for military confrontation but also for intensified intelligence operations.

Despite the scale of the build-up, there is reported friction within the administration over the risks involved. General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has repeatedly warned the White House that a strike on Iran carries a severe risk of American casualties. He has also cautioned that sustained operations could rapidly deplete critical interceptor stockpiles, including Patriot and THAAD systems, at a time when global commitments remain high. Caine has stressed that attacking Iran would be significantly more complex than previous limited operations. Trump has publicly dismissed such assessments as fake news, insisting that American military superiority would prevail and claiming that Caine believes a war would be easily won.

The gravity of the situation was underscored when Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a rare classified briefing to the congressional gang of eight at the White House, outlining intelligence assessments and the potential for major military action. Key lawmakers from both parties in the House and Senate and the chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate intelligence committees attended the briefing.

Tehran, for its part, is preparing for retaliation on multiple fronts. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has conducted extensive exercises along Irans southern coastline, deploying amphibious units and firing missiles, mortars and drones at mock naval targets. Khamenei has warned that Iran possesses the capability to strike American and Israeli assets, even suggesting that an American warship could be sunk.

Western intelligence agencies also believe Iran is mobilising its wider axis of resistance for hybrid and asymmetric retaliation. Intercepts have reportedly revealed heightened coordination among proxy groups that could target less-defended US bases, embassies and commercial interests in Europe and the Middle East. Counter-terrorism analysts further warn of the risk that Iran could exploit the presence within its borders of Saif al-Adel, widely regarded as Al Qaedas de facto leader. In a worst-case scenario, operatives linked to Al Qaeda could be encouraged to carry out mass-casualty attacks to raise the costs of any American campaign.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin a two-day visit to Israel on Wednesday, as the two nations look to further strengthen cooperation in defence, security, technology, and trade. This marks Modis second visit to Israel as Prime Minister.

During the visit, Modi and his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, will review the progress achieved under the IndiaIsrael Strategic Partnership, according to a statement from the Prime Ministers Office. The leaders are also expected to explore ways to deepen collaboration in science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, and people-to-people exchanges.

This visit will reaffirm the deep and longstanding strategic partnership between the two countries and provide an opportunity to address shared challenges while advancing a common vision for a robust partnership between two resilient democracies, the PMO said.

According to a CNN-News18 report, Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara Netanyahu, will personally receive Modi at Ben Gurion Airport, departing from established protocol. The gesture underscores the close rapport between the two leaders and reflects Israels view of India as an indispensable global ally.

Aslo read Will India get Iron Dome tech from Israel? Envoy says his country ready cooperate with India on the system

As part of the visit, Modi will address the Israeli parliament and meet President Isaac Herzog. Netanyahu will host a private dinner in his honour on Wednesday evening. The two leaders are also expected to discuss the Gaza peace plan and broader regional tensions, including a potential US military action against Iran.

IndiaIsrael ties were elevated to a strategic partnership during Modis first visit to Israel in July 2017. Defence cooperation has since become a cornerstone of bilateral relations, with Israel supplying a wide range of military platforms and weapon systems to India.

Economic engagement has also grown steadily. The two countries further strengthened commercial ties last year by signing a Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA), underscoring their commitment to expanding trade and investment cooperation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday condemned the "barbaric terrorist attack" by Hamas on October 7, 2023, saying, "We feel your pain, we share your grief." He was speaking while addressing the Israeli parliament Knesset.

"No cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism," Modi said. "India has also endured the pain of terrorism for a long time. We remember the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the innocent lives lost, including Israeli civilians."

After his address, Modi was conferred with the Speaker of the Knesset Medial by Israel's parliament, becoming the first Indian PM to receive the legislature's highest honour.

Conveying the greetings of 1.4 billion Indians and a message of friendship, respect and partnership, he said it is an honour to speak as a representative of one ancient civilisation addressing another.

"India stands with Israel firmly with full conviction in this moment."

"Countering terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action, because terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere. The road to peace is not always easy, but India joins you and world for dialogue, peace and stability in this region," he added.

"When you signed the Abraham Accords, we applauded your courage and vision," adding that it is a moment of new hope for a long-troubled region.

Talking about trade, the PM said, "Our engagement has expanded in scale and scope, and we are committed to further consolidate this relationship across many sectors."

Before his speech, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana called PM Modi a staunch ally of Israel, pointing out that he was the first Indian leader to visit Israel when he arrived in the country in 2017. Now, Modi made history again by becoming the first Indian leader to address the Knesset.

It is a great honour for us to welcome the leader of the worlds largest democracy: the prime minister of the Republic of India, Narendra Modi. Namaste! For Prime Minister Modi, leadership is not just managing a country, but inspiring a nation, says Ohana.

For over two thousand years, India has given Jews a home, and in our darkest hours, a refuge. Indias ancient Jewish communities helped build this country and continue to enrich it with Indian culture, cuisine and warmth. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established early, but it was the two prime ministers, Modi and Netanyahu, who forged a true strategic partnership, he added.

The friendship between our two nations has stood the test of our shared fight against terrorism. After the October 7 massacre, Prime Minister Modi was one of the first leaders to condemn the atrocities of Hamas and stood in brotherhood with the citizens of Israel. Just as we stood by India in its difficult hours after the terrorist attacks in Mumbai in 2008 and in Pahalgam last year. Both our nations are forced to fight terrorism and both, God willing, will continue to prevail.
Hinting that a US attack on Iran is imminent, Israeli media reports say that over 12 American F-22 fighter jets landed at an air force base in southern Israel on Tuesday. The impressive deployment is part of a broad regional deployment by the US in the Middle East, amid growing tensions with Iran.

The F-22 Raptors are the most advanced stealth aircraft in the world, used exclusively by the US Air Force, and designed to neutralise defence systems and radars deep inside enemy territory. They would probably be the first fighter jets to cross into Iranian territory if a war breaks out.

Israeli media thinks the American choice to place its "strategic assets" specifically in the country is not accidental. It relies on the proven capabilities of Israeli air defence systems and the operational experience gained in recent campaigns. The presence of the aircraft sends a message of clear deterrence and readiness for any offensive or defensive scenario.

For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East

Meanwhile, NATO is on a high alert over the possibility of an impending war, shifting its air surveillance system from Russia to Iran. While NATO has regularly used advanced AWACS aircraft based in Turkey to monitor Russia and Iran, it has now increased the number of flights taking place from the city of Konya in the Central Anatolian region to monitor Iran.

Turkey, too, is preparing for the war and is anticipating a huge wave of refugees, especially Afghan and Pakistani citizens living in Iran, to the country. This would put additional pressure on its vulnerable economy. Turkey currently hosts about three million Syrian refugees.

Sources familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that Ankara has reviewed and updated its contingency plans for a scenario of mass displacement of civilians in the event of a major conflict. These scenarios include setting up camps in border areas and even entering Iranian territory to prevent refugees from crossing into Turkey.

As per reports, the US military has deployed over 150 aircraft to bases in Europe and the Middle East. The publicly available flight tracking data and satellite imagery reviewed by The Washington Post revealed that the deployment surpassed the military buildup seen before the June 2025 attack on Israel.

The report added that dozens of additional planes are aboard the warship USS Gerald R. Ford, which has been docked off the coast of the Greek island of Crete on Monday. Another US carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, is already in the Middle East and Fords arrival means that roughly a third of all active U.S. ships are now in the region.

Interestingly, half of the newly deployed U.S. aircraft are in European bases, and this denotes strategic placement of the planes out of range of most Iranian missiles .

There is still no clear idea about whether the combat aircraft, as the vast majority of the planes that appear in flight-tracking data are cargo and refuelling planes.
Sri Lanka's former intelligence chief was arrested on Wednesday in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings that killed 279 people, reports said. Retired Major-General Suresh Sallay was taken into custody at dawn in Colombo.

Sallay, who was promoted to State Intelligence Service (SIS) chief in 2019 after Gotabaya Rajapaksa became President, had been accused of involvement in the coordinated suicide bombings, a charge he has denied. British broadcaster Channel 4 reported in 2023 that Mr Sallay was linked to the Islamist bombers and had met them prior to the attack.

A whistleblower told the network that he had permitted the attack to proceed with the intention of influencing that year's presidential election in favour of Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

"He was arrested for conspiracy and aiding and abetting the Easter Sunday attacks," an investigating officer told news agency AFP.

More than 500 people were wounded in the bombings, which also killed 45 foreigners and crippled the island nation's lucrative tourism industry.

Two days after the bombings, Rajapaksa declared his candidacy and went on to win the November vote in a landslide after promising to stamp out Islamist extremism.

Sallay was promoted to head the SIS, Sri Lanka's main intelligence agency, following Rajapaksa's victory, but was dismissed after Anura Kumara Dissanayake won the presidency in 2024, the AFP report said. The Dissanayake regime had promised prosecutions of those behind the attack.

Officials blamed a local jihadist group for the suicide bombings on three churches and three hotels, but Sallay was also accused of orchestrating the attack.

Other investigations faulted the authorities for failing to act on warnings from an Indian intelligence agency that an attack was imminent.

The Supreme Court fined then-President Maithripala Sirisena and four senior officials more than $1.03 million in a civil case for their failure to prevent the attacks.

The UN has asked Sri Lanka to publish parts of previous inquiries into the bombings that were withheld from the public.
The US President reiterated his claim that he had prevented at least eight wars during the first year of his second term in office

US President Donald Trump reiterated his claim on Tuesday that he had prevented at least eight wars, including a potential military conflict between India and Pakistan, during the first year of his second term in office.

In his State of the Union address to the US Congress, Trump stated that Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had told him that around 35 million people would have died in the conflict had the US not intervened.

"In my first 10 months, I ended eight wars. Pakistan and India would have had a nuclear war," Trump said. "Thirty-five million people, as the Prime Minister of Pakistan said, would have died if it weren't for my involvement."

India launched Operation Sindoor, striking terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, on May 8, 2025 in retaliation to the Pahalgam massacre. Indias action sparked a military confrontation between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

However, a ceasefire was agreed upon by both sides on May 11 after Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) reached out to his Indian counterpart.

Trump who first announced the ceasefire deal on his social media platform, has since been claiming credit for ending the war though New Delhi has consistently rejected role of any third party.

On Russia-Ukraine and Iran

In his address, Trump reiterated another claim, stating that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine would not have occurred had he been the president.

Im working hard to end the ninth war, between Russia and Ukraine, a war that would never have happened if I had been president, he said.

The president also accused Iran of resuming its efforts to advance its nuclear and missile capabilities, asserting that Tehran is "again pursuing its sinister ambitions."

Trump left all options on the table regarding Iran, reaffirming that it has long been US policy to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
Budapest, Feb 25 (AP) Facing tough odds in an upcoming election, Hungary's pro-Russian prime minister is trying to convince voters that the greatest threat to the country is not economic stagnation  the focus of his top opponent  but neighbouring Ukraine.

Viktor Orban is running an aggressive media campaign replete with disinformation whose central message is that Hungarians should refuse to align with the rest of Europe in supporting Ukraine against Russia's invasion. That path, he argues, risks bankrupting the country and getting its youth killed on the front lines.

Billboards erected across the country show AI-generated images of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy flanked by European officials, holding out his hand as if demanding money. It's a not-so-subtle reference to the European Union's efforts to help Ukraine financially and bolster its defences as the war enters its fifth year.

Our message to Brussels: We won't pay! the publicly funded billboards read.

If there had been any doubt, it became clear on Monday why the outcome of Hungary's upcoming election will reverberate beyond its borders. Hungary blocked a new package of EU sanctions on Russia in response to interruptions in Russian oil supplies that pass through Ukraine, and vowed to veto any further pro-Ukraine policies until oil flows resume.

Orban is widely seen as the Kremlin's strongest ally in the EU. While almost all of the bloc's other 26 nations have distanced themselves from Russia since it launched the war on Feb. 24, 2022, Hungary has deepened cooperation.

The prime minister has cast his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin as pragmatic, stemming from Hungary's access to reliable supplies of Russian oil and gas. But Orban's anti-LGBTQ+ policies, crackdowns on the media and nongovernmental organisations, and his labelling of critics as foreign agents have led to accusations that he's reading from Putin's authoritarian playbook.



Campaign of fear

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Orban, who retook office in 2010, faces the strongest challenge to his power in an election set for April 12. The EU's longest-serving leader and his right-wing Fidesz party are trailing in most independent polls to an upstart centre-right challenger, Peter Magyar.

A 44-year-old lawyer and former Fidesz insider who broke with the party in 2024, Magyar has focused his campaign on stemming the rising costs of living, improving social services and reining in corruption. He also promises to restore Hungary's Western orientation and bolster democratic institutions, which have eroded during Orban's 16 years in power.

His rise was aided by political scandals that have damaged the credibility of Orban's party; a presidential pardon given to an accomplice in a child sexual abuse case led to a public outcry, prompting the president and justice minister to resign.

Losing ground to Magyar and his Tisza party, Orban and Fidesz have sought to change the conversation. They have blanketed the country with taxpayer-funded billboards, as well as advertisements on radio, television and social media. A petition mailed to every Hungarian of voting age claimed the EU's plans to help Ukraine financially would bring economic ruin.

Other ads, paid for by a shadowy pro-government organisation with Fidesz ties, depict Magyar as a puppet of Zelenskyy and the EU who would sell out the country to foreign interests and draw Hungary into the war.

Hungary's public media, along with many private news outlets loyal to Orban's government, faithfully mimic the claims. They say Ukraine wants to prolong the bloody conflict that has killed tens of thousands of its citizens  and is conspiring with the EU to do it.



Disinformation is fueled by artificial intelligence

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Orban has recently claimed that the EU  not Russia  poses the greatest threat to Hungary. He says rising defence spending across Europe  driven by Russia's war and pressure from the US to increase NATO contributions  is evidence that the EU is preparing for conflict with Moscow and plans to forcibly conscript Hungarians to fight.

In an AI-generated video Fidesz released on social media last week, a little girl asks her forlorn mother in Hungarian: Mommy, when is daddy coming home?

In the next frame, the fictional father  bound, blindfolded and kneeling on a muddy battlefield  is approached by a soldier and shot in the head. We won't allow others to decide on the fates of our families, a narrator says. Let's not take a risk. Fidesz is the safe choice.

Although some EU countries have proposed sending troops to Ukraine to monitor any future ceasefire, they are not intended to engage in combat, and participation would be voluntary, said Andras Racz, a Russia expert at the German Council on Foreign Relations.

Racz notes that, despite the false premise behind many of Orban's claims, Fidesz has won two previous elections after raising fears that its political opponent would drag the country into the war.

They are trying to max this out. They have nothing else, Racz said. Populists often try to define an enemy, often an imaginary one, and then offer protection to society from that enemy. Ukraine has been ideal from this perspective.



Escalating tensions

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For years, Orban has sought to stymie EU efforts to provide financial and military support to Ukraine, and he has vigorously opposed sanctions targeting Russian oil and officials.

Tensions with Ukraine grew recently after Russian oil shipments to Hungary were interrupted; Ukraine blamed the disruption on a Russian drone strike in late January that damaged a pipeline. Orban called it blackmail.

Last week, his government retaliated by halting diesel shipments to Ukraine and threatening to veto a 90-billion-euro (USD 106-billion) EU loan destined for Kyiv. On Monday, it blocked the 20th round of EU sanctions against Russia.

The anti-Ukraine campaign has resonated with many Hungarians loyal to Fidesz. Despite Tisza's advantage in the polls, its victory is far from assured.

Still, many Hungarians are dubious of Orban's anti-Ukraine messaging. On Sunday, hundreds of Hungarians and Ukrainians, many of them refugees, gathered in central Budapest to commemorate the four-year anniversary of Russia's invasion. Marching toward a demonstration outside the Russian embassy, participants held Ukrainian and Hungarian flags and chanted, Stop Putin, stop the war!

Budapest's liberal mayor, Gergely Karacsony, told The Associated Press that Orban's messaging and policies are a betrayal not only of Ukraine, but of Hungary's national interest.

I hope that this will go into history as a failed policy, but that history will also remember that there were some who stood up for what is right, he said.

One of the marchers was Ester Zhivatovska, a 19-year-old veterinary medicine student who came from the Ukrainian port city of Odesa to study in Budapest. She said the billboards depicting her country's president are laughable.

The main message of these billboards is that Ukraine will steal Hungarian money," she said. "But come on, you're using these AI images from the Hungarian budget to do what? To win elections. (AP) SKS

SKS
Good morning!

After weeks of heightened immigration enforcement activity in Minnesota, anxiety has spilled into the workplace. Employees at companies, including Google and Target, have pressed leadership for clarity and protection amid fears of potential Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids. The questions landing on HRs desk are no longer hypothetical: If federal agents show up at the office, whatlegally and practicallyshould leaders do?

The answer hinges on the paperwork in an ICE agents hand, says Corie Anderson, a Minneapolis-based attorney at Ogletree Deakins. She urges companies to prepare for that moment by understanding three key types of documents, each carrying very different legal implications for what employers must, and dont have to, allow.

1) Notice of inspection (I-9 audit): If agents request employment eligibility verification forms, known as I-9s, employers typically have three days to comply. That window is critical. HR leaders should avoid inadvertently waiving it in the rush of the moment, Anderson says, and use the time to coordinate with counsel and ensure records are in order.

2) Administrative warrant: This warrant authorizes an arrest or a seizure but not a blanket search of private workplace property. ICE agents cannot enter non-public spaces without employer consent.

Anderson recommends clearly designating private areas with signage, such as Authorized personnel only. Importantly, employers are not required to retrieve an employee from a private area and deliver them to ICE agents waiting in public areas, she says.

3) Judicial warrant: Typically signed by a judge, a judicial warrant permits entry to the workplace. Employers should not obstruct it, but they can manage the process. For example, they can escort the named employee to a conference room, potentially limiting disruption and preventing agents from moving unaccompanied through the building.

Worker protections get a bit murkier in privately-owned spaces that are open to the public for business purposes, such as big-box retailers like Home Depot or a Target store. With the proper warrants, ICE can make arrests in public areas.

Managers may ask agents to leave, but Anderson recommends a more comprehensive approach: Document the interaction, take notes on agents actions, and ensure employees understand their rights. Companies should also maintain updated emergency contact information in case a worker is detained.

Above all, Anderson advises that organizations have clear internal protocol before agents ever appear. Identify who must be notified, including legal counsel and senior leadership, and train front-desk staff and managers on how to respond, she says.
Calix (ASX:CXL) executives highlighted strong first-half FY2026 revenue growth, tighter cost control, and a series of commercialization milestones across its core business lines during the companys half-year results briefing. Management also reiterated its focus on social inclusion and sustainability, positioning decarbonization technology development alongside a growing magnesia products business.

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First-half financial performance: revenue growth and lower cash burn

CFO Darren described the first half as delivering strong revenue growth, focused business delivery, and significant commercial milestones. The company reported AUD 15.8 million of revenue in its magnesia business, up 48% from the prior corresponding period, and noted that sustainable processing contributed revenue for the first time. Darren said total products and services revenue was AUD 16.3 million, up 21% year over year.

Gross margin improved to 40% in the first half of FY2026 from 37% a year earlier. The company recorded AUD 6.7 million of gross profit, up 37%, with magnesia gross profit up 52% year over year.

Calix also emphasized reduced cash use and operating expenses. Net cash used in operating activities fell 65% to AUD 6.2 million (from close to AUD 18 million in the prior period). Operating expenditure declined 30% to AUD 15.6 million. Darren said savings were achieved across sales and marketing, research and development, and administrative expenses.

On capital spending, management characterized Calix as capital-light, stating that aside from consolidating its share of spending for the Mid-Stream project, the company spent about AUD 600,000 on CapEx in the half. Darren noted that while accounts recognized AUD 7.1 million of CapEx, AUD 6.5 million of that was Calixs share of spending at the Mid-Stream joint venture, and Calix did not actually tip any additional capital into the Mid-Stream Project in the first half of FY2026.

Darren also addressed a one-off non-cash impairment charge tied to the companys decision to sell its share of the Mid-Stream UJV to Pilbara Minerals (PLS). He said the impairment effectively reversed non-cash gains of just under AUD 30 million recorded over the last two and a half years, following the announcement that Calix would receive AUD 11.4 million in cash under the sale.

Magnesia: strong growth and a new U.S. contract ramping up

Management repeatedly pointed to the magnesia business as a key near-term growth driver, describing performance as incredibly strong. Darren said Calix secured a new contract worth up to AUD 10 million of additional annual revenue with a major U.S. agriculture customer, with a three-year term and a two-year extension option. He emphasized that the contract had zero impact on first-half FY2026 results, with deliveries only beginning in recent weeks.

In Q&A, management said the contract is expected to ramp over a couple of months and reach a full run-rate in the second quarter of the calendar year, but it would not contribute the full AUD 10 million in the second half of the fiscal year. Calix said it continues to pursue additional U.S. water-related and similar opportunities, noting long sales cycles for multi-year contracts but low customer churn once accounts are won.

In Australia and New Zealand, the company cited renewed and expanded contracts with the City of Gold Coast and Unitywater. Management also said it is completing a new manufacturing facility on the Sunshine Coast to service Unitywater, describing the related CapEx as relatively minimal.

Sustainable processing: iron and steel, alumina, and lithium milestones

CEO Phil and the team outlined progress across sustainable processing markets where Calixs kiln/furnace platform technology is being developed for industrial decarbonization.

Iron and steel (ZESTY): Calix reiterated ARENA support of AUD 44.9 million for the ZESTY opportunity, subject to match funding and milestones. Phil said a major milestone was Rio Tinto joining as a strategic partner, committing over AUD 35 million in cash and in-kind. Calix said it is seeking additional financing at the subsidiary level and targeting a final investment decision (FID) this year, while declining to provide a definitive timing. Management also said ZESTY could be flexible on reductants, including natural gas reforming as an interim option if green hydrogen supply is delayed.

Calix reiterated ARENA support of AUD 44.9 million for the ZESTY opportunity, subject to match funding and milestones. Phil said a major milestone was Rio Tinto joining as a strategic partner, committing over AUD 35 million in cash and in-kind. Calix said it is seeking additional financing at the subsidiary level and targeting a final investment decision (FID) this year, while declining to provide a definitive timing. Management also said ZESTY could be flexible on reductants, including natural gas reforming as an interim option if green hydrogen supply is delayed. Alumina (ZEAL): Calix announced a partnership with Norsk Hydro, described as operating the largest alumina refinery outside China. Phil said Calix expects over $1 million in paid materials testing and development work and that the work has commenced using materials from Hydros Alunorte refinery in Brazil.

Calix announced a partnership with Norsk Hydro, described as operating the largest alumina refinery outside China. Phil said Calix expects over $1 million in paid materials testing and development work and that the work has commenced using materials from Hydros Alunorte refinery in Brazil. Lithium and the Mid-Stream Project: Calix discussed the restructuring with Pilbara Minerals, which includes the planned sale of Calixs share of the Mid-Stream UJV in return for AUD 11.4 million cash (subject to final documentation). Phil said the company viewed the deal as strengthening its balance sheet and accelerating the path to commissioning and demonstrating its first electric calciner at scale. He said Calix retains upside via 20% of any royalties applied to third-party use, while Pilbara Minerals receives a royalty-free license for its own development. Phil also stated construction of the Mid-Stream project was complete and on budget, with commissioning decisions in Pilbara Minerals hands, and Calix will be paid market rates for engineering and testing work.

Leilac and carbon dioxide removal: progress and delays

Calix reported progress in its Leilac (Low Emissions Intensity Lime and Cement) portfolio alongside acknowledged delays in certain projects.

Phil said Calix completed a pre-FEED study for Project ZETA, a lime calciner project in South Australia supported by grant funding, and the company would like to progress it toward FID with project-level equity or financing. He also highlighted a new paid study with Frontierdescribed as a group of large U.S. corporations including Google, Stripe, Shopifywith a contract value of over $500,000. Phil said the work relates to using Calix technology to decarbonize lime and other carbonates for ocean alkalinity as a carbon dioxide removal pathway, with potential follow-on phases if initial work is successful.

On Leilac-2, management said the project continues to face permitting and financing issues and is now delayed with no clear line of sight to resolution. Phil described a complex, multi-level German permitting process requiring detailed redesign and resubmission cycles, and said the company is exploring an option to move Leilac-2 to another site with fewer permitting challenges.

Phil also said the company had not yet heard back from the U.S. Department of Energy regarding Leilac Full Scale and alumina-related matters that were previously under review, and that Calix is looking to convert parts of its pipeline elsewhere given U.S. delays. Management said the pipeline remains over 85 projects, while noting it is not actively seeking to add more projects.

Cash outlook and capital strategy

Looking ahead, Darren said Calix expected to be cash flow neutral in calendar year 2026, driven by continued revenue and gross profit growth, reduced operating costs, and lower CapEx requirements. He also flagged anticipated one-off receipts during calendar 2026, including government grants (including ARENA payments), a second cash payment from Rio Tinto subject to milestones, and R&D tax incentives from the U.K. government.

After the Mid-Stream UJV sale proceeds, management said the additional AUD 11.4 million would further strengthen liquidity. Executives also reiterated their approach of raising capital for major demonstration projects at the subsidiary levelrather than at the Calix head company levelwhile maintaining a capital-light model focused on licensing and royalties for scaling deployment.

About Calix (ASX:CXL)

Calix Limited, an environmental technology company, provides industrial solutions to address global sustainability challenges in Australia, Europe, the United States, and South East Asia. Its solutions include ACTI-Mag for biogas and wastewater; AQUA-Cal+, a water conditioner for shrimp farming and lake remediation; BOOSTER-Mag, an agricultural solution for increased yield, fertilizer usage, insect/pest management, and fungal control; and low emissions intensity lime and cement (LEILAC) for cement and lime companies to mitigate carbon dioxide emissions.

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Noumi (ASX:NOU) used its latest earnings call to emphasize what management described as a clear strategy focused on consistent execution, with the first half of FY2026 showing solid progress across both its Plant-based Milks and Dairy & Nutritionals segments. Chief Executive Officer Michael (surname not provided in the transcript) said the company is investing for growthparticularly behind its MILKLAB brandwhile its Dairy & Nutritionals business continues to deliver more consistent operating results following a multi-year turnaround.

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Record EBITDA growth and higher revenue

Management reported adjusted operating EBITDA of AUD 33.9 million, up 23% versus the first half of FY2025. Chief Financial Officer Pete (surname not provided) said group revenue increased by AUD 33 million, or 11.2%, compared with the prior period, describing the result as continued improvement on top of the full-year FY2025 EBITDA increase previously announced.

Plant-based Milks: record revenue, investment impacts EBITDA

The company reiterated that it usesas its preferred measure of operating performance, excluding one-offs such as restructuring, legacy litigation expenses, recapitalization costs, and fair value accounting adjustments related to convertible notes.

Noumis Plant-based Milks segment delivered record revenue of AUD 94.3 million, up 1.1%, and segment EBITDA of AUD 22.9 million. Pete said EBITDA in Plant-based Milks declined by AUD 2.4 million year over year, attributing the reduction entirely to a decision to increase sales and marketing investment by AUD 4.3 million versus the prior period.

Management highlighted MILKLAB performance across channels, with the company stating MILKLAB sales were up 11.1% across both Plant-based and Dairy Milks. The call also cited Plant-based channel growth, including:

MILKLAB plant sales up 8%

MILKLAB Oat up 22.5%

HORECA plant revenues up 2.5% , described as a return to growth

, described as a return to growth Export sales up 18.4% in Plant-based Milks, linked to targeted initiatives to extend MILKLABs geographic reach

Michael said the company is investing in new formats, flavors, and cold applications, and highlighted an improved soy formulation intended to round out the MILKLAB range for customers. In Q&A, management said the broader MILKLAB suitealmond, oat, soy, and lactose-freesupports opportunities with larger multi-store outlets in the HORECA channel that often prefer to range a single product format.

On market conditions, Pete said plant-based milks in grocery were growing in the mid-single digits over the last 12 months based on recent data, with branded revenues performing strongly. He noted that this dynamic contributed to some contraction in Noumis contract manufacturing volumes. While Noumi said data is less available for HORECA, management pointed to macroeconomic and cost-of-living pressures as potential factors and said it was pleased its revenues had returned to growth in a competitive channel.

Dairy & Nutritionals: turnaround continues, bulk cream a key driver

Dairy & Nutritionals posted EBITDA of AUD 12.4 million, up more than 167% and more than double the prior-year result of AUD 4.6 million. Management said the performance reflected a combination of improved long-life milk export volumes, strong lactose-free results, solid lactoferrin production, and improved contribution from commoditiesparticularly bulk cream.

Key items discussed on the call included:

Lactose-free revenue growth of 16.9%

Australias Own Lower Cholesterol up 28.7%

Lactoferrin volumes up 6.9% , with prices down following the expiry of a multi-year premium pricing contract

, with prices down following the expiry of a multi-year premium pricing contract Bulk cream revenue up AUD 8.3 million due to price and volume, contributing to improved segment results

Management said domestic long-life milk contract manufacturing sales were down slightly, with margins very competitive after a number of tenders over the last 12 to 18 months. Export long-life milk sales returned to growth after periods of contraction, driven by a trend toward smaller formats in export markets and volumes related to assisting Southeast Asian customers facing supply chain disruptions tied to border conflicts. In Q&A, management suggested the border conflict-related uplift was more of a one-off factor.

Looking ahead, executives cautioned that pricing pressure between farmgate milk prices and global commodity markets could impact the ongoing benefit from bulk cream more so in FY2027, while they expected conditions to remain favorable for the rest of FY2026. Michael also noted dairys exposure to both a competitive domestic market and global impacts on export markets and commodity prices.

Capital structure, convertible notes, and cash flow

Noumi discussed its convertible notes, with planning underway for their maturity in May 2027. The company reported a statutory net loss after tax of AUD 24.2 million, which included a AUD 42.2 million fair value adjustment on the convertible notes. Pete said fair value charges were higher than last year due to the approach of maturity and would continue until maturity in 2027.

Pete said the notes are carried at AUD 475 million on the balance sheet, which is distinct from the redemption amount. He stated the balance sheet value is a proxy for the net present value of a redemption value of at least AUD 610 million in May 2027. He also addressed the classification of the notes as a current liability, attributing it to accounting rule changes because the notes can be converted into shares at any time, adding that the classification has no impact on our liquidity position.

On leverage, Pete said total debtbased on the December 31, 2025 redemption value of the convertible note and including AUD 68 million of net senior debtwas AUD 662 million, which he said represented approximately 10.5x last 12 months EBITDA (post AASB 16 basis). He said the refinancing scale means the company and advisors are considering all options, but it is too early to determine the best outcome or how equity values might be impacted.

Cash flow from trading was AUD 23 million, down AUD 17 million from the prior-year half. Pete attributed the change to increased inventories of about AUD 6 million to align with target levels and an increase in receivables reflecting strong export sales late in the half, which he said would be collected in Q3. Capital expenditure was AUD 2.5 million for the period, with management describing its approach as disciplined.

During the call, management also noted it spent over AUD 19 million on sales and marketing activities in the first half, primarily in Plant-based Milks, with more spending expected in the second half. In Q&A, executives said marketing investment levels should moderate over time rather than continue increasing at the same pace, while emphasizing a mix of brand, activation, sales team, and international brand playbook investments.

In closing remarks, Michael reiterated a focus on service, quality, and innovation, and said the company expects its investmentsparticularly behind MILKLABto be rewarded in future periods. He also noted that CFO Pete is retiring, with Iain Short set to commence on April 1.

About Noumi (ASX:NOU)

Noumi Limited develops, sources, manufactures, markets, sells, and distributes plant-based and dairy beverages, and dairy and nutritional products to wholesale and consumer markets. It operates in Dairy and Nutritionals, and Plant Based Milks segments. The company offers a range of life dairy milk beverages, nutritional products, and performance and adult nutritional powders. It also provides various beverage products, including almond, oat, soy, coconut, macadamia, and other plant-based milks and liquid stocks.

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Restaurant Brands International Inc. (NYSE:QSR  Get Free Report) (TSE:QSR) insider Peter Perdue sold 3,882 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $67.51, for a total transaction of $262,073.82. Following the transaction, the insider owned 42,906 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,896,584.06. This represents a 8.30% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website.

Peter Perdue also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Wednesday, January 7th, Peter Perdue sold 396 shares of Restaurant Brands International stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $67.44, for a total value of $26,706.24.

On Monday, December 15th, Peter Perdue sold 907 shares of Restaurant Brands International stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $70.87, for a total transaction of $64,279.09.

On Monday, December 15th, Peter Perdue sold 907 shares of Restaurant Brands International stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $70.87, for a total transaction of $64,279.09.

Restaurant Brands International Price Performance

Shares of NYSE QSR traded up $1.28 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, hitting $68.81. 2,341,063 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,921,446. The company has a market cap of $23.84 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.16, a PEG ratio of 2.10 and a beta of 0.58. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.65, a quick ratio of 0.98 and a current ratio of 1.06. Restaurant Brands International Inc. has a twelve month low of $58.71 and a twelve month high of $73.70. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $68.64 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $67.43.

Restaurant Brands International Increases Dividend

Restaurant Brands International ( NYSE:QSR Get Free Report ) (TSE:QSR) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, February 12th. The restaurant operator reported $0.96 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.93 by $0.03. Restaurant Brands International had a return on equity of 32.73% and a net margin of 8.23%.The company had revenue of $2.47 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.41 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted $0.81 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 7.4% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts forecast that Restaurant Brands International Inc. will post 3.72 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 2nd. Investors of record on Thursday, March 19th will be issued a $0.65 dividend. This is an increase from Restaurant Brands Internationals previous quarterly dividend of $0.62. This represents a $2.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, March 19th. Restaurant Brands Internationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 110.17%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research analysts have commented on QSR shares. Argus upgraded Restaurant Brands International from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $85.00 price objective on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, December 2nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price target on Restaurant Brands International from $77.00 to $72.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday. Scotiabank lowered their price objective on Restaurant Brands International from $74.00 to $71.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, February 13th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c+) rating on shares of Restaurant Brands International in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Finally, BMO Capital Markets reduced their target price on shares of Restaurant Brands International from $83.00 to $81.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, February 13th. Twelve analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, ten have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $76.33.

Get Our Latest Research Report on Restaurant Brands International

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of QSR. Baupost Group LLC MA increased its stake in Restaurant Brands International by 103.8% in the third quarter. Baupost Group LLC MA now owns 8,252,862 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $529,337,000 after purchasing an additional 4,203,300 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of Restaurant Brands International during the second quarter worth $254,948,000. Capital World Investors grew its holdings in shares of Restaurant Brands International by 7.7% in the 4th quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 43,525,570 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $2,969,819,000 after buying an additional 3,095,167 shares during the period. State Street Corp increased its position in shares of Restaurant Brands International by 9,477.4% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 2,997,344 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $198,711,000 after buying an additional 2,966,048 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC increased its position in shares of Restaurant Brands International by 112.8% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 4,296,050 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $286,172,000 after buying an additional 2,277,694 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 82.29% of the companys stock.

More Restaurant Brands International News

Here are the key news stories impacting Restaurant Brands International this week:

Positive Sentiment: Dividend interest  QSR was named in a roundup of 3 Big Dividend Stocks that are raising payouts, which can attract income-oriented investors and support demand for the shares. 3 Big Dividend Stocks Just Raised PayoutsHeres Whos Leading in 2026 (QSR)

Dividend interest  QSR was named in a roundup of 3 Big Dividend Stocks that are raising payouts, which can attract income-oriented investors and support demand for the shares. Positive Sentiment: Investor event scheduled  RBI is hosting an investor event on Feb. 26, 2026 (management presentation/Q&A). Events like this often drive intraday buying as investors and analysts re-assess guidance, growth initiatives and capital allocation. Restaurant Brands International is Hosting an Investor Event on February 26, 2026

Investor event scheduled  RBI is hosting an investor event on Feb. 26, 2026 (management presentation/Q&A). Events like this often drive intraday buying as investors and analysts re-assess guidance, growth initiatives and capital allocation. Neutral Sentiment: Analyst view mixed  JPMorgan cut its price target from $77 to $72 but maintained an overweight rating, signaling continued analyst confidence in the business despite a smaller near-term upside. That keeps institutional support but slightly reduces upside expectations. Analyst Rating/Price Target Note

Analyst view mixed  JPMorgan cut its price target from $77 to $72 but maintained an overweight rating, signaling continued analyst confidence in the business despite a smaller near-term upside. That keeps institutional support but slightly reduces upside expectations. Negative Sentiment: Heavy insider selling  multiple executives (including Axel Schwan, CFO Sami Siddiqui and several other insiders) sold shares on Feb. 23, with individual sales ranging from ~3.8k to ~34.9k shares; one filing shows a 15%+ reduction for an insider and the CFO cut their stake by ~28.7%. Large, simultaneous insider disposals can be perceived negatively by investors even if theyre for diversification or tax-liability reasons. SEC Filing (example insider sale)

About Restaurant Brands International

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Restaurant Brands International Inc (NYSE: QSR) is a global quick-service restaurant company formed through the combination of established brands. The companys principal holdings include Burger King, Tim Hortons and Popeyes, each of which operates under its own brand identity and menu. Restaurant Brands Internationals business is centered on developing and expanding these franchised restaurant systems, supporting franchisees with brand management, supply chain coordination, and marketing programs.

RBIs restaurants offer a range of quick-service food and beverage products: Burger King is known for its flame-grilled hamburgers and sandwiches, Tim Hortons for coffee, baked goods and breakfast items, and Popeyes for Louisiana-style fried chicken and seafood.

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Employers Holdings Inc (NYSE:EIG  Get Free Report) EVP Michael Pedraja bought 2,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, February 24th. The shares were bought at an average price of $39.73 per share, with a total value of $79,460.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 19,830 shares in the company, valued at approximately $787,845.90. This trade represents a 11.22% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink.

Employers Price Performance

EIG stock traded up $0.93 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $40.14. The company had a trading volume of 513,652 shares, compared to its average volume of 283,279. Employers Holdings Inc has a 1-year low of $35.73 and a 1-year high of $52.28. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $43.56 and a 200-day moving average price of $42.00. The company has a market capitalization of $902.23 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 121.62 and a beta of 0.57.

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Employers (NYSE:EIG  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, February 19th. The financial services provider reported $0.66 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.41 by $0.25. The company had revenue of $170.50 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $217.35 million. Employers had a net margin of 1.26% and a return on equity of 2.10%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 21.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.15 EPS. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Employers Holdings Inc will post 3.63 earnings per share for the current year.

Employers Announces Dividend

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, March 18th. Investors of record on Wednesday, March 4th will be given a dividend of $0.32 per share. This represents a $1.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.2%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, March 4th. Employerss dividend payout ratio is currently 387.88%.

EIG has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Wall Street Zen raised Employers from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Employers in a report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Zacks Research raised Employers from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, December 30th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold.

Read Our Latest Analysis on EIG

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Employers

Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Employers by 126.2% in the 4th quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 329,479 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $14,224,000 after purchasing an additional 183,828 shares in the last quarter. Jacobs Levy Equity Management Inc. lifted its position in Employers by 69.9% in the 4th quarter. Jacobs Levy Equity Management Inc. now owns 388,769 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $16,783,000 after buying an additional 159,956 shares during the last quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd boosted its stake in Employers by 93.1% in the second quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd now owns 264,078 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $12,459,000 after buying an additional 127,330 shares in the last quarter. Bridgeway Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in Employers by 326.5% in the third quarter. Bridgeway Capital Management LLC now owns 141,611 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $6,016,000 after buying an additional 108,411 shares in the last quarter. Finally, UBS Group AG grew its position in Employers by 125.0% during the third quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 181,341 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $7,703,000 after acquiring an additional 100,751 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.49% of the companys stock.

About Employers

(Get Free Report)

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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Dominos Pizza Enterprises (ASX:DMP) executives used the companys November 2025 results call to frame first-half performance as a reset focused on rebuilding unit economics, reducing broad-based discounting, and strengthening the balance sheet, even as that strategy pressured sales in the near term.

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Leadership changes and reset priorities

Executive Chair Jack Cowin said a key step in positioning the business for the future was a revamped leadership team. The companys incoming Group CEO, Andrew Gregory, was described as a longtime McDonalds executive who will join later in 2025 after completing obligations to his current employer, with a transition expected no later than early August. Cowin also outlined several new leadership appointments across markets and functions, including new country heads and senior roles in procurement and technology, and noted Drew OMalley (formerly CEO of Collins Foods) had been appointed as a new director.

Financial results: EBIT up modestly, free cash flow improved

Group CFO George Saoud, who joined in July 2025, said the first half was about resetting the business and rebuilding the foundations in pricing, store economics, and capital discipline, with a deliberate approach of strengthening unit economics first and then rebuilding volume on a better base.

Cowin said first-half EBIT was AUD 101.5 million, up 1% versus the prior corresponding period (PCP), while NPAT was AUD 60.1 million, up 2.2%. Free cash flow was AUD 70.6 million.

Saoud attributed the result to a mix of factors, including network sales of AUD 2.04 billion and a same-store sales decline of 2.5%, which he said reflected a deliberate reduction in deep discounting in ANZ and Japan and the impact of fewer stores versus the PCP. He said strong sales in Europe helped offset softer performance in ANZ. Saoud also noted a higher effective tax rate due to a greater share of earnings in higher-tax jurisdictions.

Free cash flow improved by AUD 40.6 million versus the prior year, which Saoud said was driven largely by disciplined capital management and reduced spending on technology and digital investments and new store openings. He said operating cash flow improved by around AUD 5.8 million and net leasing payments improved by AUD 4.8 million due to store closures and a smaller store base.

The interim dividend was lifted to AUD 0.25 per share, described as unfranked and not underwritten, with the dividend reinvestment plan remaining in place.

Discounting pullback weighs on sales, but franchisee profits rise

A central theme of the call was the move away from broad discounting and toward more targeted, economics-led promotions. Cowin said sales year to date, including the first trading week of the second half, were down 3.6% versus the prior year. He pointed to a Western Australia trial that shifted from heavy discounts to everyday pricing, which resulted in the loss of price-driven heavy users and lower sales, but improved franchisee profitabilityan outcome management said it expected.

Management said it is now refining promotional activity to rebuild traffic on profitable terms, emphasizing it is not abandoning discounting but shifting to more disciplined offers. Saoud said the WA trial delivered improved ticket and margin per order while volumes moderated as expected, and he highlighted that voucher dependency has reduced materially by more than half.

On franchisee economics, Cowin said rolling 12-month EBITDA per store increased from AUD 98.6 thousand in FY25 to AUD 103 thousand in FY26, calling it the highest level in three years. Saoud said global average franchisee store EBITDA improved 4.5% to AUD 103 thousand, and noted that ANZ franchise profitability was more than 10% higher in January versus the prior year.

Regional performance: Europe offsets ANZ softness; Japan and France need work

Saoud said Europe produced same-store sales growth of 1.3%, offsetting an ANZ decline of 4.7%. He added that Germany and Benelux performed strongly, while ANZ, Japan, and France were softer. Group EBIT was up 1% overall, with ANZ impacted by a AUD 6.3 million decline due to lower orders; this was offset by Europe EBIT growth of AUD 7.6 million and Asia growth of AUD 1.4 million. Saoud said Asia benefited from overhead and cost control and improved margins on orders, noting the region includes many corporate stores.

In Q&A, Saoud said Japans store closures did not drive the level of sales recapture the company expected. He contrasted Japans pre-COVID performanceroughly AUD 5053 million profit on about AUD 600 million of sales in 2019with a more complex post-COVID operating environment that management is now working to simplify. For France, Saoud said the business was a small loss in the half and pointed to the need to simplify pricing tiers and marketing programs and improve franchisee alignment and execution.

Cost-out program, capex discipline, and de-leveraging

Management reiterated progress on its cost-out and simplification program. Cowin said the company remains focused on a AUD 100 million objective, while Saoud said the program is tracking to AUD 6070 million of annualized savings, with AUD 55 million actioned to date. Saoud said savings were driven largely by headcount reductions (particularly in IT), procurement and logistics savings, and other marketing and G&A expenses. He also said the company has begun a phase II initiative targeting indirect services and further food and packaging opportunities, with expected benefits of AUD 1525 million annually; in Q&A, management indicated the majority of those phase II benefits would flow to DPE.

On debt, Cowin said total debt was reduced by AUD 196.1 million from June to December, with net leverage reduced to 2.21x from 2.57x and average debt tenure of 4.5 years. Saoud said the company refinanced AUD 1.05 billion in new facilities with better pricing and staggered maturities, and noted an interest coverage ratio of 19.8x.

Looking ahead, Cowin said management expects FY26 full-year results to be in line with the guidance provided at the AGM and consistent with market expectations at that time; in Q&A, Saoud said the company was looking to beat the consensus referenced at the AGM. Cowin also outlined selective, returns-led expansion, stating the system expects between 20 and 40 new stores over the next 1218 months, and reiterated that restoring positive same-store sales remains a prioritywithout returning to what he called giving the shop away.

About Dominos Pizza Enterprises (ASX:DMP)

Domino's Pizza Enterprises Limited operates retail food outlets. The company holds franchise rights for the Domino's brand in Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Japan, Cambodia, Germany, Luxembourg, Denmark, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Singapore. It operates various stores. Domino's Pizza Enterprises Limited was founded in 1983 and is based in Brisbane, Australia.

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Elevra Lithium executives used the companys FY2026 half-year earnings call to outline production and financial performance at its North American Lithium (NAL) operation, discuss integration progress following the merger between Sayona Mining (ASX:SYA) and Piedmont Lithium, and provide an update on growth projects and market conditions.

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Half-year production and sales: stable operations, temporary mining challenges

Managing Director and CEO Lucas Dow said the company produced about 96,000 tons of spodumene concentrate in the first half of FY2026 and sold approximately 92,000 tons. CFO Christian Cortes specified NAL production of 96,156 dry metric tons for the half, down 7% versus the prior corresponding period, with sales volume of 91,991 dry metric tons across three customer parcels.

Dow attributed the production decline to ore availability issues in areas adjacent to historical underground workings at NAL. He said this required the company to supplement mill feed with a higher proportion of volcanic rock, which had lower lithium content and higher iron content than anticipated, reducing lithium recoveries during the December quarter. Management characterized the issue as temporary and not reflective of the NAL ore body, and said actions were being implemented in the pit and on stockpiles to reduce future impacts.

Despite lower output, Dow said NAL generated $5 million in operating cash flow during the half and recorded its best safety performance delivered to date.

Revenue rose on higher realized prices; EBITDA improved to positive

Elevra reported revenue of $86 million, an 8% increase, and ended December with $81 million in cash, according to Dow. Cortes said revenue rose despite lower sales volumes because the average realized selling price increased 34% to $937 per dry metric ton (FOB), which he linked to improved market conditions and lithium prices rising to multi-year highs.

On costs, Cortes said unit operating costs per ton sold were $814 per dry metric ton, down 6% year over year. However, excluding inventory movements, unit costs per ton produced were $831 per dry metric ton, up 14%, driven by lower production as well as increased stripping and processing costs.

At the group level, Elevra posted underlying EBITDA of $1 million, compared with a $25 million loss in the prior period. Cortes said NAL delivered $11 million of underlying EBITDA in the half, versus a $19 million loss previously, helped by the removal of a legacy offtake agreement after the merger, enabling market-aligned pricing and delivering $1 million of logistics cost synergies.

Corporate expenditure was $9 million in the half, including four months of legacy Piedmont costs, and Cortes said this was $4 million lower than the prior comparable period on a restated basis, reflecting overhead reductions after combining the legacy companies.

Merger integration: synergies, reporting changes, and balance sheet impacts

Management emphasized that the December 2025 half-year results reflected a partial-period combination: six months of legacy Sayona and four months of legacy Piedmont following merger completion at the end of August 2025. Cortes also noted Elevra changed its reporting currency from Australian dollars to U.S. dollars during the half, and prior periods were restated for comparability.

Dow said the company generated $5 million in synergies in the four months post-merger and remained on track to achieve more than $15 million in annual recurring savings. Cortes later described the annualized synergy target as $15 million to $20 million, with most expected from corporate cost reductions.

On cash flow, Cortes said the group used $28 million in operating activities during the period. This included $5 million of operating cash generated by NAL, offset by $24 million of cash outflows tied to combined merger transaction costs (including Piedmont-related costs accrued before completion and subsequently paid by Elevra), and $9 million of corporate-related outflows outside NAL. Cash increased to $81 million from $47 million at the start of the half year, supported by $44 million of equity placement proceeds and by cash contributed by Piedmont on completion.

Net assets rose to $565 million at the end of December from $311 million at the end of June. Cortes cited contributions from Piedmont ($58 million of net assets), the $44 million placement, and a $156 million impairment reversal at NAL, which he said reflected higher expected future sales prices following elimination of the legacy offtake agreement.

Asked about the impairment reversal, Cortes said the reversal excluded assets that had previously been impaired and included only operating assets, net of depreciation that would have been recorded if they had remained at their prior gross carrying value. He added that depreciation and amortization could change depending on useful-life reassessments, including if equipment is replaced sooner under expansion plans.

Resources, expansion plans, and project pipeline updates

Dow said Elevra increased mineral resources and ore reserves at NAL and Moblan during the half. At NAL, he said reserves increased 124%, supporting a brownfield expansion scoping study released in mid-September. At Moblan, after incorporating results from a 2024 drill program, Dow said the mineral resource estimate increased 30% to 120 million tons at a grade of 1.19%, with the majority in the indicated category.

The NAL expansion remained the companys near-term growth priority. Dow summarized the September 15 scoping study as targeting life-of-mine annual production of 315,000 tons of concentrate per year, a reduced C1 unit cost of $630 per ton, and estimated capital cost of $270 million. He said new permitting information received since the study was completed supported an accelerated approach using staged delivery, with an initial 15%20% production increase before reaching the 315,000-ton nameplate level. Management said additional details would be provided with an updated scoping study next quarter.

In Q&A, Dow said the first phase is intended to deliver the incremental 15%20% volume during calendar year 2027, with subsequent stages in 2028 and 2029. He said it was unlikely the expansion could be accelerated significantly further than the updated schedule already achieved.

Outside NAL, Dow said environmental baselining and study work at Moblan had commenced and that greenfield projects of that size historically require at least five years of permitting; he said the companys base plan assumed that timeframe. He also said the company expects to undertake an economic study on Moblan during the second half of the current calendar year based on the larger resource base.

On Ewoyaa, Dow said there was really nothing to report and referenced a recent Atlantic Lithium update indicating no additional news on the projects ratification process. Regarding Authier, Dow said the company viewed the project positively from a technical standpoint but described challenges under the existing JV structure that could make it difficult to justify capital, adding that discussions with Atlantic were ongoing. On the Carolina project, Dow said advancing it meaningfully would require a technical partner with downstream conversion expertise and an appropriate balance sheet; in the meantime, the company was progressing permitting and rezoning activities.

Market and offtake: price volatility and destination mix

Dow said spodumene prices rose sharply during the period after bottoming in mid-2025, and he linked the rebound to strong demand heading into calendar year 2027. He said the company expected lithium demand to double over the remainder of the decade, while also noting lithium remains an immature market prone to volatility. He said Elevras approach is to remain disciplined and continue producing through low-price periods to be positioned to benefit from stronger pricing.

On marketing and customer destinations, Cortes said that of the three shipments delivered during the half year, one went to the U.S. and the remaining shipments went to China. He said he expected a similar split for the remainder of the financial year. Cortes added that, while the company would prefer to support customers in the Americas, limited conversion capacity outside China means most conversion demand is still in China, though he said Elevra expects to be well placed to serve the region as capacity grows.

Asked about Rio Tintos recently announced plans for Becancour, Cortes said the companys understanding from Rios announcement was that first production is estimated in 2028, suggesting no near-term supply opportunity, though he said it could make sense to explore supplying feedstock if timelines change. He also referenced Mangroves ambition to build conversion capacity in the region, noting Elevra has a previously announced non-binding MOU.

Looking ahead, Dow said the company remained on track to deliver within the guidance ranges previously provided in its December quarterly results.

About Sayona Mining (ASX:SYA)

Sayona Mining Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in mineral identification, acquisition, exploration, and development in Australia and Canada. It explores for lithium, graphite, and gold deposits. Its flagship property the North American Lithium project comprises 19 contiguous claims covering an area of 582.31 and one mining lease covering approximately an area of 700 hectares located in Quebec, Canada. The company was formerly known as DiamonEx Limited and changed its name to Sayona Mining Limited in May 2013.

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Tri City Bankshares Co. (OTCMKTS:TRCY  Get Free Report)s share price were down 0.8% on Tuesday . The company traded as low as $19.50 and last traded at $19.74. Approximately 15,160 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 79% from the average daily volume of 8,476 shares. The stock had previously closed at $19.90.

Tri City Bankshares Stock Down 0.8%

The companys fifty day simple moving average is $20.69 and its 200 day simple moving average is $18.29.

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Tri City Bankshares Company Profile

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Tri City Bankshares, through its wholly owned subsidiary Tri City National Bank, operates as a community bank holding company serving the Inland Empire region of Southern California. Headquartered in Upland, California, the company provides personalized financial solutions to individuals and local businesses across San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

The companys core offerings include a range of deposit productssuch as checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts and certificates of depositalong with commercial banking services.

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iShares Currency Hedged MSCI South Korea ETF (NYSEARCA:HEWY  Get Free Report)s share price rose 0.1% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $23.68 and last traded at $23.68. Approximately 700 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 71% from the average daily volume of 2,434 shares. The stock had previously closed at $23.66.

iShares Currency Hedged MSCI South Korea ETF Trading Up 0.1%

The companys 50 day moving average price is $23.68 and its 200 day moving average price is $23.68.

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Pitney Bowes Inc. (NYSE:PBI  Free Report)  Stock analysts at Sidoti raised their Q3 2026 earnings per share estimates for Pitney Bowes in a report released on Thursday, February 19th. Sidoti analyst A. Lebiedzinski now forecasts that the technology company will earn $0.35 per share for the quarter, up from their previous estimate of $0.34. The consensus estimate for Pitney Bowes current full-year earnings is $1.21 per share. Sidoti also issued estimates for Pitney Bowes Q3 2027 earnings at $0.36 EPS.

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Pitney Bowes (NYSE:PBI  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 17th. The technology company reported $0.45 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.38 by $0.07. Pitney Bowes had a negative return on equity of 36.91% and a net margin of 7.65%.The business had revenue of $477.63 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $482.47 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.32 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 7.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Pitney Bowes has set its FY 2026 guidance at 1.400-1.600 EPS.

Other equities analysts have also recently issued research reports about the stock. Bank of America initiated coverage on shares of Pitney Bowes in a research note on Tuesday, February 17th. They set an underperform rating and a $9.00 target price on the stock. Citigroup assumed coverage on Pitney Bowes in a research note on Wednesday, December 3rd. They issued an outperform rating for the company. Truist Financial began coverage on shares of Pitney Bowes in a report on Friday, December 12th. They set a hold rating and a $11.00 price target on the stock. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Pitney Bowes in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on Pitney Bowes in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. They set a neutral rating and a $11.00 price target for the company. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $11.00.

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Pitney Bowes Trading Up 2.3%

Shares of NYSE:PBI opened at $10.62 on Monday. Pitney Bowes has a 52 week low of $7.39 and a 52 week high of $13.11. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.59 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.79, a PEG ratio of 0.72 and a beta of 1.41. The firms 50 day moving average is $10.47 and its two-hundred day moving average is $10.73.

Pitney Bowes Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 30th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 27th will be given a $0.09 dividend. This represents a $0.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.4%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 27th. Pitney Bowess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 43.37%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Pitney Bowes

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Trail Ridge Investment Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Pitney Bowes by 5.1% during the third quarter. Trail Ridge Investment Advisors LLC now owns 20,890 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $238,000 after purchasing an additional 1,008 shares during the period. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC increased its stake in Pitney Bowes by 41.3% in the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 3,472 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $38,000 after buying an additional 1,015 shares during the last quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Pitney Bowes by 2.4% in the 3rd quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC now owns 52,975 shares of the technology companys stock worth $604,000 after buying an additional 1,234 shares during the last quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. grew its holdings in Pitney Bowes by 12.5% during the second quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 13,164 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $144,000 after purchasing an additional 1,459 shares during the period. Finally, Amalgamated Bank raised its position in shares of Pitney Bowes by 3.4% in the third quarter. Amalgamated Bank now owns 46,680 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $533,000 after purchasing an additional 1,555 shares during the period. 67.88% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

About Pitney Bowes

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Pitney Bowes Inc (NYSE: PBI) is an American technology company that specializes in shipping, mailing, and e-commerce solutions. Founded in 1920 by Walter Bowes and Arthur Pitney, the company pioneered postage meter technology and has since evolved to offer a broad portfolio of hardware, software, and services designed to streamline physical and digital communications. Headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, Pitney Bowes leverages a century of expertise to serve enterprises, small businesses, and government agencies around the globe.

The companys core offerings span mailing and shipping equipment, including postage meters, folder inserters, and address verification systems, alongside integrated software platforms for customer information management, data analytics, and location intelligence.

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Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE:CWK  Get Free Report) was downgraded by stock analysts at Wall Street Zen from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Monday.

Other equities research analysts have also issued reports about the stock. Wolfe Research upgraded shares of Cushman & Wakefield from a peer perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $19.00 price objective for the company in a report on Monday, February 9th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Cushman & Wakefield in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Barclays restated a positive rating and set a $19.00 price target on shares of Cushman & Wakefield in a research report on Tuesday, January 13th. Morgan Stanley reissued an overweight rating and issued a $19.00 target price on shares of Cushman & Wakefield in a research note on Friday, January 16th. Finally, Citizens Jmp set a $19.00 price target on Cushman & Wakefield in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Cushman & Wakefield has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $18.56.

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Cushman & Wakefield Trading Up 5.0%

Shares of CWK stock opened at $13.58 on Monday. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $15.72 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $15.76. Cushman & Wakefield has a 12-month low of $7.64 and a 12-month high of $17.40. The company has a quick ratio of 1.10, a current ratio of 1.10 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.34. The firm has a market cap of $3.15 billion, a P/E ratio of 35.74 and a beta of 1.47.

Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE:CWK  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 19th. The company reported $0.54 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.53 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $2.91 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.83 billion. Cushman & Wakefield had a return on equity of 15.02% and a net margin of 0.86%.Cushman & Wakefields revenue for the quarter was up 10.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.48 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that Cushman & Wakefield will post 1.2 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC lifted its position in shares of Cushman & Wakefield by 5.5% in the 3rd quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 11,461 shares of the companys stock worth $174,000 after purchasing an additional 600 shares during the period. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Cushman & Wakefield by 12.1% in the third quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC now owns 6,201 shares of the companys stock worth $99,000 after buying an additional 667 shares during the period. Amalgamated Bank boosted its position in Cushman & Wakefield by 1.2% during the 3rd quarter. Amalgamated Bank now owns 66,655 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,061,000 after acquiring an additional 821 shares in the last quarter. Cerity Partners LLC grew its holdings in shares of Cushman & Wakefield by 7.4% during the 4th quarter. Cerity Partners LLC now owns 12,572 shares of the companys stock worth $204,000 after acquiring an additional 865 shares during the period. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC grew its holdings in shares of Cushman & Wakefield by 18.3% during the 3rd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 5,612 shares of the companys stock worth $89,000 after acquiring an additional 867 shares during the period. 95.56% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Cushman & Wakefield

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Cushman & Wakefield is a leading global commercial real estate services firm headquartered in Chicago. The company provides a wide range of services to occupiers and investors, specializing in transaction management, property management, facilities management and project management. Its clientele spans corporate occupiers, landlords, investors and government entities seeking solutions to optimize their real estate portfolios and operations.

The firms core offerings include leasing advisory for office, industrial, retail and multifamily properties, as well as capital markets advice on acquisitions, dispositions and debt and equity placements.

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Greek-Australian Author Discusses Release of Armenian, Greek, and Assyrian Genocide Book

Dr. Themistocles Kritikakos holds a PhD in History from the University of Melbourne. Melbourne -- The Greek-Australian author and historian Dr. Themistocles Kritikakos has discussed the release of his latest book with The National Herald, which explores the long-term effects of the Armenian, Greek and Assyrian Genocide and its recognition in 21st century Australia.

Dr. Kritikakos is a writer and historian born and raised in Melbourne. He holds a PhD in History from the University of Melbourne, where he has served in both academic and professional roles.

His Greek heritage stems from his mother, whose family comes from Kastellorizo, and his father, whose family is from Elos, a village near Sparta. His research focuses on memory, diaspora communities, and the politics of genocide recognition in Australia.

With a deep passion for history, he revealed in an interview with TNH how on January 30, he released a new book titled -- 'Armenian, Greek, and Assyrian Genocide Recognition in Twenty-First-Century Australia: Memory, Identity, and Cooperation'.

He explained that the book was developed from his PhD thesis and examines the ways in which Armenian, Greek, and Assyrian communities within Australia pursued recognition of the genocides which were experienced in the late Ottoman Empire between 1914 and 1923.

"The Australian context is unique because of the persistent tension between genocide recognition and national narratives of reconciliation with Turkey centered on the Gallipoli Campaign during the First World War, a story that has long shaped ideas about the birth of modern Australia and modern Turkey," Dr. Kritikakos told TNH.

"Australians witnessed and reported these atrocities and provided humanitarian assistance to survivors between 1915 and 1930, yet this history has been largely overlooked."

"Drawing on oral interviews with descendants and research in memory and genocide studies, the book explores the intergenerational effects of silence and how memories of violence and displacement are transmitted within families and diaspora communities."

Dr. Kritikakos also noted how his book examines how these three communities have increasingly developed shared narratives of the past, while also strengthening their collective pursuit of recognition.

When asked what inspired the Greek-Australian author and historian to write the book, he explained how dispite the Armenian Genocide receiving significant recognition across the world, the Greek and Assyrian experiences remain almost overlooked in comparison.

This is what led to Dr. Kritikakos wanting to examine the three communities closely.

"On a personal level, my mother inspired me to examine this topic from a young age by sharing whatever stories she had heard about my grandparents and their experiences in Asia Minor," he explained.

"Growing up, I encountered fragments of stories of migration, loss, and survival within my family and the wider community. These included accounts relating to my Asia Minor heritage on my mother's side and the horrors of the Second World War on my father's side. Much, however, remained unspoken because of the traumatic nature of these events."

He added how silence was the key to sparking his curiosity.

"As I learned more about the Armenian Genocide and the recognition efforts, I began to consider the Greek and Assyrian cases within the same framework and became interested in why they were less well known," Kritikakos continued.

"This question led me to explore the different historical trajectories and post Ottoman experiences that shaped how each community remembered and articulated its past."

"The Armenians, as the largest victim group, led the recognition efforts, and the genocide had a major impact on their identity. The Greeks and Assyrians had experienced other traumas that suppressed their memories of the late Ottoman period."

Although Dr. Kritikakos' book has now been released for almost three weeks, he expressed how the reality of his work being officially published, still hasn't sunk in.

He revealed how this book was a ten-year project that involved him studying for a master's degree, then completing a PhD thesis, which finally resulted in him putting together a book. He reflected on how this achievement felt for him.

"I am very proud of the work. It required a great deal of sacrifice and dedication, and I was fortunate to have strong support along the way," the Greek-Australian author said.

"I am deeply grateful to the interviewees who shared their stories. Bringing these overlooked experiences into public and academic conversation is deeply meaningful. For many descendants, family histories have remained private, fragmented, or shaped by silence."

"I am proud to have been able to present a more complete picture of the late Ottoman period and its long-term consequences for all three communities."

Addressing his hopes and goals for Armenian, Greek, and Assyrian Genocide Recognition in Twenty-First-Century Australia: Memory, Identity, and Cooperation, Dr. Kritikakos shared -- "I hope readers come to understand that the consequences of genocide persist."

"Descendants inherit not only stories, but also unresolved grief that can shape their identity in profound ways. Understanding how trauma is transmitted across generations and borders, sometimes even through silence, was one of the most important findings of my research," he stated.

"The book demonstrates that communities can work together without diminishing each other's traumatic pasts. Cooperation can strengthen advocacy and influence new ways of remembering."

In a final comment to TNH, Dr. Kritikakos revealed how the issues he presented in his book remain highly relevant today, and need to be discussed.

"We have recently witnessed the ethnic cleansing of Armenians from Artsakh, demonstrating that the attitudes and processes that drove the genocide of 1915 have not disappeared and continue to threaten vulnerable populations. Similarly, Assyrian communities faced genocidal violence in Iraq and Syria between 2014 and 2017," he added.

"Australia is yet to recognize the genocides at a national level. This is not solely due to geopolitical considerations, but also to shared narratives with Turkey surrounding Gallipoli, which have become tied to continued access to annual commemorations and Anzac graves in Turkey. Therefore, the question remains: which histories are remembered, and whose are marginalized?"

"As diaspora communities worldwide undergo significant change, yet are leading the efforts for recognition, an important question remains. How will these memories be passed on to future generations, and how will they be understood? Forgetting would erase the past, making this an issue with lasting consequences."
When it comes to personal finance and children, Trump Accounts have grabbed recent headlines. According to the administration of President Donald Trump, the program is designed to build long-term financial security of kids through tax-advantaged investment accounts.

For eligible children, $1,000 will be contributed to the account. But before you invest your own money, read the concerns an attorney and financial expert shared with GOBankingRates.

Also see three alternatives to a Trump Account that will yield more savings for your child.

1. Private Data

The $1,000 pilot contribution requires parents to submit their childs Social Security number through a government portal that recently launched, said Chad Cummings, an attorney and CPA at Cummings & Cummings Law, who previously worked in finance and tax with American Airlines, PwC and JPMorgan Chase. No audit of that portals data security has occurred. Parents hand over their childs identity data to a system with no track record.

Read More: Everything You Need To Know About Trump Accounts Launching in 2026

Find Out: How Middle-Class Earners Are Quietly Becoming Millionaires  and How You Can, Too

2. Lack of Control

According to Cummings, the account locks all contributions until the child turns 18. Parents cannot access the funds for emergencies.

Thats a key point, he added. At 18, the child gains control and can withdraw the balance, potentially triggering income tax on the entire amount. A parent who contributes $5,000 per year for 12 years surrenders control of $60,000 in principal plus growth to a teenager with zero obligation to use it for housing or retirement.

3. Some Unknowns

Further, per Cummings, in Florida and Texas, IRAs receive creditor protection under state creditor protection law, which is a major benefit, but the rules surrounding Trump Accounts remain unclear.

No court has yet ruled on whether these accounts qualify for state creditor protection, he noted. Your childs account may face exposure to judgment creditors and divorce proceedings with no shield. There are many unknowns here which need to be ironed out through case law.

4. Impacts on Federal Aid

The account counts as the childs asset for FAFSA purposes, Cummings added.

Thats another key point: The federal formula assesses student assets at 20 percent. A balance of $100,000 at age 18 reduces aid eligibility by $20,000, he said.

5. Lack of Tax Deductions

Cummings shared a final concern: No tax deduction exists for contributions.

Parents fund this account with post-tax dollars, receive no deduction and lose control of the money on a certain date, he said. These accounts grabbed a lot of headlines but have fizzled out upon arrival. They just dont compete, so to speak, with tax-advantaged alternatives.
Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of LG Display (NYSE:LPL  Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report issued on Sunday.

Other equities research analysts have also issued research reports about the stock. Zacks Research lowered shares of LG Display from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Thursday, January 29th. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d-) rating on shares of LG Display in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Reduce.

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LG Display Stock Up 5.0%

Shares of LG Display stock opened at $5.12 on Friday. LG Display has a 52-week low of $2.43 and a 52-week high of $5.67. The company has a quick ratio of 0.46, a current ratio of 0.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.14. The company has a market cap of $5.12 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.92, a PEG ratio of 0.68 and a beta of 1.54. The firms 50 day moving average price is $4.21 and its 200-day moving average price is $4.51.

LG Display (NYSE:LPL  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, January 28th. The electronics maker reported ($0.24) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.17 by ($0.41). The company had revenue of $5.06 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5 billion. LG Display had a return on equity of 3.26% and a net margin of 0.98%. On average, sell-side analysts predict that LG Display will post 0.59 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On LG Display

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Jane Street Group LLC grew its holdings in shares of LG Display by 52.9% during the first quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 58,648 shares of the electronics makers stock worth $182,000 after buying an additional 20,285 shares during the last quarter. Ethic Inc. raised its position in LG Display by 58.3% during the second quarter. Ethic Inc. now owns 259,673 shares of the electronics makers stock worth $904,000 after acquiring an additional 95,675 shares during the last quarter. Resonant Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of LG Display in the second quarter valued at approximately $47,000. Syverson Strege & Co acquired a new position in shares of LG Display in the second quarter worth $47,000. Finally, PNC Financial Services Group Inc. lifted its holdings in LG Display by 33.2% in the 2nd quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 142,139 shares of the electronics makers stock valued at $486,000 after purchasing an additional 35,444 shares in the last quarter.

About LG Display

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LG Display Co, Ltd., headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, is a global manufacturer of thin-film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) and organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panels. The company designs and produces display solutions for a wide range of applications, including televisions, desktop monitors, notebook computers, tablets, smartphones, signage and automotive screens. Its product offerings span large-screen television modules, ultra-high definition monitors, flexible and transparent OLED displays, and specialized industrial panels.

LG Display operates a network of production facilities and research centers across Asia, including major manufacturing sites in Paju and Gumi, South Korea, as well as Wuhan, China.

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EQB Inc. (OTCMKTS:EQGPF  Get Free Report) has been assigned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the seven brokerages that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company.

Several equities research analysts have recently commented on EQGPF shares. BMO Capital Markets raised shares of EQB from a market perform rating to an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, January 19th. National Bank Financial restated a sector perform rating on shares of EQB in a research report on Friday, December 5th. Desjardins reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of EQB in a report on Friday, December 5th. Scotiabank reiterated a sector perform rating on shares of EQB in a research note on Friday, January 9th. Finally, TD Securities raised shares of EQB from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 18th.

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EQB Trading Down 1.8%

EQB Company Profile

EQB stock opened at $84.32 on Wednesday. EQB has a one year low of $60.14 and a one year high of $89.47. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $78.91 and a 200 day moving average of $70.77.

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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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JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Brazil ETF (NYSEARCA:EWZ  Free Report) by 71.4% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 2,110,619 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 879,500 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. owned 1.09% of iShares MSCI Brazil ETF worth $65,429,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Global Retirement Partners LLC increased its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Brazil ETF by 11.0% during the 3rd quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 3,975 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $123,000 after buying an additional 395 shares during the last quarter. Retirement Planning Co of New England Inc. grew its position in iShares MSCI Brazil ETF by 5.4% during the third quarter. Retirement Planning Co of New England Inc. now owns 8,093 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $251,000 after acquiring an additional 413 shares during the period. Samalin Investment Counsel LLC increased its stake in iShares MSCI Brazil ETF by 5.1% during the third quarter. Samalin Investment Counsel LLC now owns 8,699 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $270,000 after acquiring an additional 425 shares during the last quarter. Private Trust Co. NA raised its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Brazil ETF by 114.4% in the 3rd quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 1,072 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 572 shares during the period. Finally, Cairn Investment Group Inc. raised its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Brazil ETF by 0.3% in the 3rd quarter. Cairn Investment Group Inc. now owns 285,470 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $8,850,000 after purchasing an additional 765 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 72.69% of the companys stock.

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iShares MSCI Brazil ETF Stock Performance

Shares of NYSEARCA:EWZ opened at $39.47 on Wednesday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $35.03 and a 200-day simple moving average of $32.29. The stock has a market capitalization of $9.32 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.58 and a beta of 0.87. iShares MSCI Brazil ETF has a 1 year low of $23.05 and a 1 year high of $39.65.

About iShares MSCI Brazil ETF

iShares MSCI Brazil Capped Index Fund (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI Brazil Index Fund, seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of publicly traded securities in the Brazilian market, as measured by the MSCI Brazil Index (the Index). The Index seeks to measure the performance of the Brazilian equity market. It is a capitalization-weighted index that aims to capture 85% of the (publicly available) total market capitalization.

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GSA Capital Partners LLP bought a new stake in shares of Alcoa (NYSE:AA  Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund bought 13,401 shares of the industrial products companys stock, valued at approximately $441,000.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. NewEdge Advisors LLC increased its position in Alcoa by 1,098.0% during the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 11,704 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $357,000 after purchasing an additional 10,727 shares during the period. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC boosted its stake in shares of Alcoa by 0.7% during the 1st quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 646,609 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $19,722,000 after purchasing an additional 4,624 shares in the last quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. increased its position in shares of Alcoa by 29.0% during the second quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 17,487 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $516,000 after buying an additional 3,926 shares during the period. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd raised its stake in Alcoa by 138.8% in the second quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd now owns 108,411 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $3,199,000 after buying an additional 63,010 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Hantz Financial Services Inc. raised its stake in Alcoa by 357.9% in the second quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 2,656 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $78,000 after buying an additional 2,076 shares in the last quarter.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research analysts have weighed in on the company. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating and set a $52.00 target price on shares of Alcoa in a report on Monday, December 15th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Alcoa in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Citigroup upped their target price on shares of Alcoa from $42.00 to $54.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, December 19th. Zacks Research lowered shares of Alcoa from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, February 13th. Finally, UBS Group boosted their price objective on shares of Alcoa from $42.00 to $48.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, December 12th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have given a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $48.25.

Alcoa Stock Performance

Shares of AA stock opened at $61.44 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of $15.91 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.90 and a beta of 1.91. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40, a quick ratio of 0.87 and a current ratio of 1.45. Alcoa has a one year low of $21.53 and a one year high of $66.95. The companys 50-day moving average is $58.90 and its 200 day moving average is $44.05.

Alcoa (NYSE:AA  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, January 22nd. The industrial products company reported $1.26 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.95 by $0.31. The firm had revenue of ($1,130.00) million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.28 billion. Alcoa had a net margin of 9.12% and a return on equity of 16.18%. The businesss revenue was down 1.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.04 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts expect that Alcoa will post 4.43 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Alcoa Company Profile

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Alcoa Corporation is a global industry leader in the production and management of aluminum, offering an integrated value chain that spans bauxite mining, alumina refining, primary aluminum smelting and the fabrication of value-added products. The companys operations are organized into segments that include raw material extraction, chemical processing and the manufacture of metal mill products and engineered solutions.

Alcoas product portfolio serves diverse end markets such as aerospace, automotive, packaging, construction, electrical and industrial applications.

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NewEdge Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in ASE Technology Holding Co., Ltd. (NYSE:ASX  Free Report) in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm acquired 37,087 shares of the semiconductor companys stock, valued at approximately $411,000.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the stock. Frank Rimerman Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of ASE Technology by 1.8% during the third quarter. Frank Rimerman Advisors LLC now owns 36,780 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $408,000 after purchasing an additional 650 shares during the period. Global Retirement Partners LLC raised its holdings in ASE Technology by 16.1% in the 3rd quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 5,921 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $66,000 after acquiring an additional 823 shares in the last quarter. CWM LLC lifted its position in shares of ASE Technology by 5.0% during the 3rd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 17,578 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $195,000 after acquiring an additional 838 shares during the period. MGO One Seven LLC grew its holdings in shares of ASE Technology by 8.7% during the 3rd quarter. MGO One Seven LLC now owns 10,906 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $121,000 after purchasing an additional 872 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB increased its position in shares of ASE Technology by 12.2% in the third quarter. Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB now owns 8,454 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $94,000 after purchasing an additional 917 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 6.80% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Zacks Research cut shares of ASE Technology from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Thursday, January 1st. Wall Street Zen raised shares of ASE Technology from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, February 7th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of ASE Technology in a research report on Wednesday, January 21st. Finally, Nomura upgraded shares of ASE Technology from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold.

ASE Technology Stock Performance

NYSE:ASX opened at $24.84 on Wednesday. The stocks 50-day moving average is $19.20 and its 200-day moving average is $14.94. ASE Technology Holding Co., Ltd. has a 1-year low of $6.94 and a 1-year high of $25.04. The company has a current ratio of 1.28, a quick ratio of 1.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57. The stock has a market cap of $55.09 billion, a P/E ratio of 42.82, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.97 and a beta of 1.48.

ASE Technology (NYSE:ASX  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 5th. The semiconductor company reported $0.11 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.20 by ($0.09). ASE Technology had a net margin of 6.31% and a return on equity of 12.00%. The company had revenue of $5.67 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.47 billion. Equities research analysts anticipate that ASE Technology Holding Co., Ltd. will post 0.76 earnings per share for the current year.

ASE Technology Profile

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ASE Technology Holding Co, Ltd. (NYSE: ASX), commonly referred to as ASE, is a Taiwan-based provider of semiconductor assembly and testing services. The company focuses on back-end semiconductor manufacturing and related services that prepare integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices for final use. Its core activities include advanced IC packaging, final testing, wafer probing, and related engineering and supply-chain support for semiconductor customers.

ASE offers a range of products and technical capabilities designed to meet increasingly complex packaging and system-in-package requirements.

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K3 Business Technology Group plc (LON:KBT  Get Free Report)s stock price passed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 40 and traded as low as GBX 37.55. K3 Business Technology Group shares last traded at GBX 40, with a volume of 1,167,285 shares changing hands.

K3 Business Technology Group Price Performance

The firm has a market capitalization of 17.87 million, a PE ratio of -7.23 and a beta of 0.83. The businesss 50-day moving average price is GBX 40 and its 200-day moving average price is GBX 40. The company has a quick ratio of 0.94, a current ratio of 0.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 8.64.

About K3 Business Technology Group

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K3 Business Technology Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides computer software and consultancy services in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Ireland, rest of Europe, the Middle East, Asia, the United States, and internationally. It operates through K3 Products and Third-Party Solutions segments. The company offers K3 fashion, a concept-to-consumer solution; K3 pebblestone for small brand owners and retailers; K3 imagine, a unified retail commerce system; K3 MStore, an sale system that manages ticketing, sales, membership, fundraising, event planning, and email marketing; K3 Business Planning, an integrated module that enables enterprises to define multiple budgets for various business areas; K3 ViJi; Microsoft Cloud for Retail solution; and Business Central, an end-to-end solution for managing various business processes, as well as NexSys.

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AMCON Distributing Company (NYSEAMERICAN:DIT  Get Free Report)s share price crossed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $113.44 and traded as low as $110.23. AMCON Distributing shares last traded at $110.99, with a volume of 1,032 shares trading hands.

AMCON Distributing Stock Down 0.8%

The companys fifty day simple moving average is $109.62 and its 200 day simple moving average is $113.44. The company has a current ratio of 2.64, a quick ratio of 0.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.32. The firm has a market capitalization of $72.14 million, a P/E ratio of 68.09 and a beta of 0.03.

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AMCON Distributing (NYSEAMERICAN:DIT  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, January 20th. The company reported $1.28 EPS for the quarter. AMCON Distributing had a return on equity of 0.90% and a net margin of 0.04%.The company had revenue of $730.06 million during the quarter.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

AMCON Distributing Company Profile

An institutional investor recently raised its position in AMCON Distributing stock. Empowered Funds LLC lifted its position in AMCON Distributing Company ( NYSEAMERICAN:DIT Free Report ) by 4.7% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 3,008 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 136 shares during the period. Empowered Funds LLC owned about 0.46% of AMCON Distributing worth $333,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 11.14% of the companys stock.

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AMCON Distributing, headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee, operates as a wholesale distributor of tobacco, vaping products and convenience store items. The companys core portfolio includes cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, e-liquids, snacks, beverages and general merchandise. Through its network of regional warehouses and dedicated delivery fleet, AMCON serves convenience stores, independent retailers, gas stations and small grocery outlets, offering daily restocking and inventory management solutions tailored to each customers needs.

Covering multiple states across the Southeastern and South Central United States, AMCON maintains distribution points in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi and portions of Florida and Texas.

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hipages Group (ASX:HPG) executives said the company delivered profitable growth in the first half ended Dec. 31, 2025, as it continued its shift from a marketplace-only model toward a software-led platform that combines lead generation with job management tools and a growing range of services.

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CEO and co-founder Roby Sharon-Zipser said the group achieved double-digit top-line growth, EBITDA margin expansion, and a significant uplift in free cash generation during the period. Chief Finance and Operating Officer Jaco Jonker added that New Zealand delivered exceptional growth in its first full year of post-migration optimization following a move to a full subscription model.

Financial performance: revenue growth and record EBITDA margin

Jonker reported monthly recurring revenue (MRR) closed at AUD 7.5 million, up 9% from the prior corresponding period (PCP), while total revenue increased 11% to AUD 44.9 million. The company posted a record EBITDA margin of 25%, up four percentage points, and net profit after tax of AUD 2.7 million, which management said was significantly ahead of the PCP.

Cash generation was a key theme of the presentation. Operating cash flow rose 37% to AUD 12.9 million, and free cash flow increased to AUD 4.3 million. hipages ended the half with AUD 31.1 million in cash and funds on deposit and no debt, according to Jonker.

Subscription businesses: up slightly to 35,000

up slightly to 35,000 ARPU: up 10% to AUD 2,497

up 10% to AUD 2,497 Marketplace connections: 1.4 million business-household connections, down 4% versus PCP

Management attributed the decline in connections partly to subdued consumer confidence in Australia.

Australia: stable subscribers, softer connections, continued ARPU growth

In Australia, Jonker said business-household connections softened and were down 5% versus the PCP. He cited a 2% dip in job volumes linked to subdued consumer confidence, along with a short-term impact from mid-period updates to the matching engine that were later recalibrated. Connection rates for households remained strong at 83% after accounting for typical first-half/second-half seasonality, he said.

On monetization, hipages said all Australian trade businesses have now migrated to its new platform pricing plans. Australian ARPU increased 9% on pricing optimization and planned sanctions, while subscriber numbers were broadly stable at 32,200. Jonker highlighted that the number of businesses served over the last 12 months reached 48,600, which management described as a reactivation and cross-sell opportunity for value-added services.

MRR retention was stable at 58%. Jonker said the company sees upside as adoption of job management tools deepens. Monthly active users of job management features are approaching 15% of the subscriber base; management estimated about 5,000 MAUs by month-end for February to date. The company said early data supports its thesis that greater job management usage improves retention outcomes.

New Zealand: subscription model drives 40%+ ARPU and revenue growth

In New Zealand, management said the first full year of post-migration optimization produced revenue and ARPU growth accelerating strongly, both up more than 40% year-over-year. Jonker said subscription business numbers rose 17% year-over-year, reflecting what the company called quality of demand, while total businesses served declined as a lag effect of the migration to full subscription.

Sharon-Zipser said New Zealand remains a smaller part of the group but argued the results validate hipages subscription model. He said the strategy there will mirror Australias, including introducing the platform solution and rolling out job management in New Zealand probably by the end of FY 2027, which he said would influence subscription pricing and packaging.

Strategy and product: job management upgrades and expanded AI push

Sharon-Zipser said hipages has evolved into a single platform that now layers job management and a vast growing range of services. He said the company plans to expand its total addressable market by adding new services for trade business customers through partnerships and bolt-on acquisitions, and to monetize households in the short term through perks and offers, and later through broader home management and improvement solutions.

Product updates discussed included Smart Quotes with AI-generated market rate guidance, scheduling that syncs to a users personal calendar, and an estimates function that sends semi-automated estimate SMS responses using templates to improve response speed and conversion.

AI was framed across search, product, and operations. Sharon-Zipser said hipages is optimizing its website content for discoverability in AI-driven channels (including Googles AI Overview and AI Mode, ChatGPT, and Perplexity) and is tracking visibility in those channels. He also said hipages has launched a custom hipages ChatGPT app that allows ChatGPT users to search the hipages directory and link through to directory profiles and job posting.

On operations, he said AI workflows are being embedded across sales, customer service, and engineering, including call summaries, next best action suggestions, automated QA, prototyping, bug triaging, and code review, with an expectation of improved efficiency and further margin benefits.

Outlook: revenue range lowered to reflect macro conditions, cash targets maintained

For FY 2026, hipages is targeting total revenue of AUD 90 million to AUD 91 million, which Sharon-Zipser said reflects macroeconomic conditions affecting marketplace activity. The company is targeting EBITDA margins of 24% to 26% and free cash flow of AUD 8 million to AUD 10 million.

In Q&A, management acknowledged the revenue guidance was lower than previously guided. Sharon-Zipser said the update reflects softness the company is sensing in the macro environment, with particular softness in Victoria. He also said a matching algorithm change contributed to weaker performance in the second quarter and had an impact on MRR on a go-forward basis, though he said activity returned to normal in January and February.

Pressed on how much of the guidance change was macro versus algorithm-related, Sharon-Zipser said he would probably put it at 50/50 at a high level. He said the company learned that reducing description length in the job posting flowintended to make posting easierhurt matching performance because detailed descriptions are critical to the algorithm. He said the company reverted to the prior flow and saw a very quick recovery.

Jonker said marketing costs are expected to be fairly consistent between the first and second halves, and that historically about 60% of marketing spend is attributed to the consumer (homeowner) side, with the remainder aimed at tradie acquisition.

On capital management, Sharon-Zipser said the board regularly discusses options such as a share buyback but has not approved one at this stage. He said the company is focused on funding organic growth and maintaining capacity for inorganic opportunities, adding that hipages is actively in market pursuing M&A that supports strategy or accelerates growth.

About hipages Group (ASX:HPG)

Hipages Group Holdings Limited, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an online tradie marketplace and software as a service (SaaS) provider in Australia and New Zealand. The company offers hipages, an online tradie marketplace that provides local tradies with job leads and grow their business; and Builderscrack, an online home repair and renovation marketplace that enables homeowners to connect with local tradies. It provides Tradiecore, a workflow management SaaS platform that eases the burden of everyday admin for trade businesses; and Proptech Labs, a property management productivity software.

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AUB Group (ASX:AUB) reported a strong first half of FY2026, pointing to organic profit growth, expanding margins, and an upgraded full-year profit outlook as the company continued to invest in acquisitions and technology initiatives, including a broad rollout of artificial intelligence tools across the group.

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First-half earnings and guidance upgrade

CEO and Managing Director Mike Emmett said the first-half result reinforces the durability of the model AUB has built, highlighting three themes: resilience, capital discipline, and positioning for the future. Underlying net profit after tax (UNPAT) rose 13.9% to AUD 90.4 million, with underlying margin expanding to 33.9%. Earnings per share increased in line with UNPAT to AUD 0.7754.

Revenue increasedfor the half and EBIT margins expanded, which management attributed to operating leverage and cost discipline across the portfolio rather than a favorable market backdrop. Emmett said AUB has delivered first-half EPS growth of 17.8% per annum compounded over the past four years, spanning multiple premium-rate and interest-rate environments.

Following the first-half performance and acquisitionsmost notably PrestigeAUB upgraded its FY2026 UNPAT guidance to AUD 220 million to AUD 230 million, representing growth of 9.9% to 14.9% over FY2025. The board declared an interim dividend of AUD 0.27 per share, up 8% on the prior corresponding period, which the company said reflected confidence in earnings and balance sheet strength.

Divisional performance: strength across most units, New Zealand decline

Emmett said the portfolio effect was evident across the half: International, BizCover, Australian Broking, and Agencies delivered good revenue, margin, and profit before tax growth, while New Zealand profits declined.

Australian Broking: Average income per client increased 7.8% , which management said was notable given premium rate increases have moderated to low single digits over the past year. Broking margins expanded to 37.7% despite lower interest income, which Emmett attributed partly to improved operating efficiency. He described the division as structurally strong and highly cash generative, with continued opportunities for equity stake increases in partners and selective consolidation.

Average income per client increased , which management said was notable given premium rate increases have moderated to low single digits over the past year. Broking margins expanded to despite lower interest income, which Emmett attributed partly to improved operating efficiency. He described the division as structurally strong and highly cash generative, with continued opportunities for equity stake increases in partners and selective consolidation. BizCover: Revenue grew 13.3% and EBIT increased 22.1% , with meaningful margin expansion. Management highlighted the Blaze technology rollout as improving onboarding efficiency and product integration and helping BizCover launch new capacity and products faster.

Revenue grew and EBIT increased , with meaningful margin expansion. Management highlighted the Blaze technology rollout as improving onboarding efficiency and product integration and helping BizCover launch new capacity and products faster. Agencies: Revenue increased 10.8% and margins expanded to 42.4% . Specialty lines performed strongly and Pacific Indemnity was said to have integrated well, while the Strata business remained challenging and weighed on results. Profit commissions rebounded strongly after a weaker prior corresponding period.

Revenue increased and margins expanded to . Specialty lines performed strongly and Pacific Indemnity was said to have integrated well, while the Strata business remained challenging and weighed on results. Profit commissions rebounded strongly after a weaker prior corresponding period. New Zealand: Profits fell 10.9% on a constant-currency basis. Emmett cited broader economic and operating challenges in New Zealand and the cost of a market share push that didnt deliver anticipated results, with impacts most evident in ICIB BrokerWeb and NZbrokers. The company said remediation initiatives are underway, alongside strategy reshaping, tighter cost control, and accelerated portfolio optimization, while acknowledging near-term performance is muted.

Profits fell on a constant-currency basis. Emmett cited broader economic and operating challenges in New Zealand and the cost of a market share push that didnt deliver anticipated results, with impacts most evident in ICIB BrokerWeb and NZbrokers. The company said remediation initiatives are underway, alongside strategy reshaping, tighter cost control, and accelerated portfolio optimization, while acknowledging near-term performance is muted. International: The company reported strong profit growth, driven by wholesale cost initiatives, retail startups gaining traction, and recent acquisitions contributing, despite foreign exchange headwinds. Emmett reiterated internationalparticularly UK retailas an important growth area over the next few years.

Prestige acquisition: accelerating UK retail strategy

Emmett described the Prestige acquisition as strategically significant, saying it meaningfully advances AUBs UK retail strategy in a large and fragmented market. He said AUB has been deliberately assembling a UK platform with retail broking, appointed representative networks, MGA capabilities, and wholesale expertise, rather than attempting to replicate the Australian model quickly.

According to management, Prestige brings a national retail presence, regional brands, insurer relationships, and experienced leadership, and is culturally aligned with AUB. Emmett emphasized that scale in retail broking improves leverage with insurers, operating efficiency, and competitive positioning, and enhances resilience through diversification. He also highlighted the role of owning or investing in MGA capability to improve margin mix and strategic flexibility, particularly when insurer appetite tightens.

On synergies, management said expected benefits were primarily cost-relatedsuch as middle and back-office scale, technology rationalization, procurement efficiencies, and removal of duplicated corporate costswhile taking a deliberately conservative approach by excluding revenue synergies.

Later in the call, Emmett said the company received FCA clearance for the investment late last week and expects the acquisition to settle on or before 1 May.

Capital position, leverage, and risk exposures

New CFO Nick (formally appointed ahead of the presentation) detailed the groups funding position and sensitivities. He said the leverage ratio rose from 1.97x to 2.49x at the end of calendar year 2025 following a AUD 239 million increase in total debt, used to fund acquisitions including an additional 30% interest in Pacific Indemnity and a further 6% interest in AUB 360, as well as the final earn-out payment related to Pacific Indemnity.

In January, AUB completed an AUD 400 million institutional equity raise and secured an additional AUD 200 million debt facility. These funds are intended to be applied primarily to the AUD 432 million Prestige acquisition, with surplus directed to repay existing debt. On a pro forma basis, after transaction and hedging costs, available cash and undrawn funding increases to AUD 300 million and leverage reduces to 2.41x.

Nick also noted AUD 500 million of existing syndicated facilities mature in January 2027, and the company intends to begin refinancing discussions in March. He said interest-earning assets are broadly aligned with look-through debt and are predominantly floating rate, but flagged mismatches in currency composition: 24% of interest-earning assets are denominated in US dollars while AUB has no US dollar-denominated debt, and Australian dollar debt exceeds Australian dollar interest-earning assets by about AUD 360 million at December 2025.

On FX exposure, Nick said the most material sensitivity relates to unhedged US dollar brokerage income from international operations, while GBP exposure is largely neutral after the US dollar to GBP hedging program. He said approximately $36 million of US dollar brokerage income remains unhedged in the second half of FY2026. A 1% move in the average realized AUD/USD exchange rate versus the outlook assumption would imply about a plus or minus 0.3% movement in the midpoint of second-half UNPAT guidance.

AI rollout: productivity tools and a pending BizCover ChatGPT app

Emmett said AUB has implemented or is in the process of implementing more than 35 AI solutions across BizCover, retail, agencies, and wholesale, aimed at improving service speed and quality. He positioned AI as a growth enabler and operational accelerator, intended to augmentnot replacebroker expertise by reducing administrative tasks and improving technical precision, including policy comparisons and identification of wording gaps.

One highlighted initiative was a BizCover ChatGPT app, which management said has been lodged for review and approval and is awaiting OpenAI approval for release. Emmett said the app would allow micro-SME clients to explore commercial insurance options through natural language interaction, compare quotes, and bind policies via a link to BizCover. He added that similar functionality will also be delivered through an AI voice agent planned for launch in coming months to extend call center capacity and operating hours, and that capabilities will be released to brokers as part of the rollout of a new Australian broking platform.

In Q&A, Emmett said the app does not provide advice, emphasizing regulatory accountability remains with the license holder and that the tool is intended to provide fact-based comparisons. He also said early AI initiatives were not at the scale yet to attribute directly to margin performance, but could help the company reach margin targets faster by enabling parallel automation where technology capacity had previously constrained deployment.

About AUB Group (ASX:AUB)

The Company is focused on insurance broking, underwriting agency and risk management businesses.

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Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO  Get Free Report) has earned a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the twenty brokerages that are covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. Ten investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating on the company. The average 12-month price objective among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $187.6667.

A number of brokerages recently weighed in on VLO. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Valero Energy from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, February 7th. Piper Sandler upped their price objective on Valero Energy from $217.00 to $220.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, January 30th. Erste Group Bank initiated coverage on Valero Energy in a research report on Monday, November 10th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Citigroup boosted their target price on Valero Energy from $190.00 to $212.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, February 9th. Finally, Argus raised Valero Energy to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, February 2nd.

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Read Our Latest Stock Report on VLO

Valero Energy Price Performance

NYSE VLO opened at $199.34 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36, a quick ratio of 1.09 and a current ratio of 1.60. The stock has a market cap of $60.80 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.09, a PEG ratio of 1.03 and a beta of 0.77. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $183.38 and a 200 day simple moving average of $170.76. Valero Energy has a 52-week low of $99.00 and a 52-week high of $206.77.

Valero Energy (NYSE:VLO  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 29th. The oil and gas company reported $3.82 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.27 by $0.55. Valero Energy had a net margin of 1.91% and a return on equity of 12.34%. The company had revenue of $30.37 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $28.20 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.64 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 1.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts anticipate that Valero Energy will post 7.92 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Valero Energy Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 9th. Investors of record on Thursday, February 5th will be given a $1.20 dividend. This represents a $4.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.4%. This is an increase from Valero Energys previous quarterly dividend of $1.13. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 5th. Valero Energys payout ratio is 62.83%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Valero Energy

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in VLO. Highline Wealth Partners LLC increased its position in shares of Valero Energy by 70.2% in the third quarter. Highline Wealth Partners LLC now owns 160 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $27,000 after acquiring an additional 66 shares during the last quarter. JPL Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in Valero Energy in the third quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Torren Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Valero Energy during the 4th quarter worth approximately $30,000. AXS Investments LLC acquired a new position in shares of Valero Energy during the 4th quarter worth approximately $32,000. Finally, Hantz Financial Services Inc. raised its stake in shares of Valero Energy by 1,277.8% during the 2nd quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 248 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 230 shares in the last quarter. 78.69% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Valero Energy Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Valero Energy Corporation is a San Antonio, Texasbased integrated downstream energy company that manufactures and markets transportation fuels, petrochemical feedstocks and other industrial products. The companys operations focus on refining crude oil into finished fuels such as gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, as well as producing asphalt and other refined product streams for commercial and industrial customers.

In addition to refining, Valero has significant operations in renewable fuels, including the production of ethanol and other biofuels, and it manages an extensive logistics network of pipelines, terminals, rail and marine assets to move feedstocks and finished products.

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Americans work an average of 1,805 hours a year, which is more than workers in most other developed countries. Interestingly, some states consistently put in longer hours and have higher employment rates than others.

WalletHub recently ranked all 50 states based on how hard their residents work. They looked at 10 different factors, like average workweek hours, employment rates, unused vacation days, and even volunteer hours. The data came from sources like the US Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Gallup, and AmeriCorps.

Here are the top 6 hardest-working states, along with the 6 that ranked the lowest. These differences go beyond just regional quirks; they highlight how states approach work-life balance, economic priorities, and community involvement.

1. North Dakota

Image Credit: Victoria Ditkovsky at Shutterstock.

North Dakota takes the crown as America's hardest-working state. Residents here clock an average of 39.6 hours per week, the fifth-highest in the nation. The state also boasts the third-highest employment rate in the country, with over 98% of residents employed.

But here's what really sets North Dakota apart: about one-third of workers don't use all their vacation time. Combined with a low rate of idle youth (people aged 18 to 24 who aren't in school or working), the state demonstrates a culture that values productivity across all age groups.

2. Alaska

Image Credit: Chollada.p at Shutterstock.

Alaska's workers average 41.6 hours per week, more than any other state in the country. That's nearly a full workday more than the national average when calculated across a year.

Around 27.5% of Alaskan workers also leave vacation days unused. When you factor in the state's challenging geography and weather conditions, which can make commuting and daily work more demanding, Alaska's second-place ranking becomes even more impressive.

3. South Dakota

Image Credit: refocusphoto at Deposit Photos.

South Dakota claims the highest employment rate in the nation at over 98%. More than 6% of workers hold multiple jobs, suggesting a strong drive to maximize earning potential.

The state also has the fifth-lowest share of idle youth nationwide. This means young adults in South Dakota are actively participating in the workforce or pursuing education at rates that far exceed most other states.

4. Texas

Image Credit: Little Vignettes Photo at Shutterstock.

Texas workers average some of the longest workweeks in America, second only to Alaska. The state ranked fifth overall in direct work factors, which measure employment rates, unused vacation time, and workforce engagement.

What makes Texas stand out is the combination of long hours and high workforce participation. The state's diverse economy, from tech hubs in Austin to oil fields in West Texas, creates opportunities that keep workers consistently engaged.
Restaurant Brands International Inc. (NYSE:QSR  Get Free Report) (TSE:QSR) insider Thiago Santelmo sold 5,686 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $67.51, for a total value of $383,861.86. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 74,067 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,000,263.17. The trade was a 7.13% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink.

Restaurant Brands International Stock Up 1.9%

QSR stock opened at $68.81 on Wednesday. Restaurant Brands International Inc. has a 1-year low of $58.71 and a 1-year high of $73.70. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $68.61 and its 200 day simple moving average is $67.46. The company has a current ratio of 0.98, a quick ratio of 0.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.62. The firm has a market capitalization of $23.84 billion, a PE ratio of 29.16, a PEG ratio of 2.06 and a beta of 0.58.

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Restaurant Brands International (NYSE:QSR  Get Free Report) (TSE:QSR) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 12th. The restaurant operator reported $0.96 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.93 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $2.47 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.41 billion. Restaurant Brands International had a net margin of 8.23% and a return on equity of 32.51%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 7.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.81 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Restaurant Brands International Inc. will post 3.72 EPS for the current year.

Restaurant Brands International Increases Dividend

Analysts Set New Price Targets

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 2nd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, March 19th will be given a dividend of $0.65 per share. This represents a $2.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.8%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 19th. This is a positive change from Restaurant Brands Internationals previous quarterly dividend of $0.62. Restaurant Brands Internationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 105.08%.

QSR has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. TD Cowen decreased their target price on shares of Restaurant Brands International from $74.00 to $72.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, February 12th. Royal Bank Of Canada reduced their price target on Restaurant Brands International from $82.00 to $80.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, February 13th. BMO Capital Markets reduced their target price on Restaurant Brands International from $83.00 to $81.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, February 13th. Scotiabank reduced their target price on Restaurant Brands International from $74.00 to $71.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, February 13th. Finally, Barclays dropped their price objective on shares of Restaurant Brands International from $86.00 to $82.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, February 13th. Twelve analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $76.65.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Restaurant Brands International

Trending Headlines about Restaurant Brands International

Here are the key news stories impacting Restaurant Brands International this week:

Positive Sentiment: Dividend interest  QSR was named in a roundup of 3 Big Dividend Stocks that are raising payouts, which can attract income-oriented investors and support demand for the shares. 3 Big Dividend Stocks Just Raised PayoutsHeres Whos Leading in 2026 (QSR)

Dividend interest  QSR was named in a roundup of 3 Big Dividend Stocks that are raising payouts, which can attract income-oriented investors and support demand for the shares. Positive Sentiment: Investor event scheduled  RBI is hosting an investor event on Feb. 26, 2026 (management presentation/Q&A). Events like this often drive intraday buying as investors and analysts re-assess guidance, growth initiatives and capital allocation. Restaurant Brands International is Hosting an Investor Event on February 26, 2026

Investor event scheduled  RBI is hosting an investor event on Feb. 26, 2026 (management presentation/Q&A). Events like this often drive intraday buying as investors and analysts re-assess guidance, growth initiatives and capital allocation. Neutral Sentiment: Analyst view mixed  JPMorgan cut its price target from $77 to $72 but maintained an overweight rating, signaling continued analyst confidence in the business despite a smaller near-term upside. That keeps institutional support but slightly reduces upside expectations. Analyst Rating/Price Target Note

Analyst view mixed  JPMorgan cut its price target from $77 to $72 but maintained an overweight rating, signaling continued analyst confidence in the business despite a smaller near-term upside. That keeps institutional support but slightly reduces upside expectations. Negative Sentiment: Heavy insider selling  multiple executives (including Axel Schwan, CFO Sami Siddiqui and several other insiders) sold shares on Feb. 23, with individual sales ranging from ~3.8k to ~34.9k shares; one filing shows a 15%+ reduction for an insider and the CFO cut their stake by ~28.7%. Large, simultaneous insider disposals can be perceived negatively by investors even if theyre for diversification or tax-liability reasons. SEC Filing (example insider sale)

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Restaurant Brands International

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Capital World Investors raised its stake in Restaurant Brands International by 7.7% during the 4th quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 43,525,570 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $2,969,819,000 after buying an additional 3,095,167 shares during the period. EdgePoint Investment Group Inc. lifted its stake in Restaurant Brands International by 11.7% during the 4th quarter. EdgePoint Investment Group Inc. now owns 16,645,003 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $1,135,844,000 after acquiring an additional 1,741,795 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its holdings in Restaurant Brands International by 2.2% during the 4th quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 15,983,585 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $1,090,684,000 after acquiring an additional 344,066 shares during the last quarter. Morgan Stanley boosted its holdings in Restaurant Brands International by 24.2% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 8,429,121 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $575,119,000 after acquiring an additional 1,641,870 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Baupost Group LLC MA grew its stake in shares of Restaurant Brands International by 103.8% in the 3rd quarter. Baupost Group LLC MA now owns 8,252,862 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $529,337,000 after acquiring an additional 4,203,300 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.29% of the companys stock.

Restaurant Brands International Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Restaurant Brands International Inc (NYSE: QSR) is a global quick-service restaurant company formed through the combination of established brands. The companys principal holdings include Burger King, Tim Hortons and Popeyes, each of which operates under its own brand identity and menu. Restaurant Brands Internationals business is centered on developing and expanding these franchised restaurant systems, supporting franchisees with brand management, supply chain coordination, and marketing programs.

RBIs restaurants offer a range of quick-service food and beverage products: Burger King is known for its flame-grilled hamburgers and sandwiches, Tim Hortons for coffee, baked goods and breakfast items, and Popeyes for Louisiana-style fried chicken and seafood.

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Clariant (OTCMKTS:CLZNF  Get Free Report) is anticipated to release its results before the market opens on Thursday, February 26th. Analysts expect Clariant to post earnings of $0.4541 per share and revenue of $1.3633 billion for the quarter.

Clariant Trading Up 12.8%

Shares of CLZNF stock opened at $10.21 on Wednesday. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $9.05 and a 200-day moving average price of $9.37. Clariant has a 52 week low of $8.53 and a 52 week high of $10.21.

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Clariant Company Profile

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Clariant is a Swiss specialty chemicals company headquartered in Muttenz, Switzerland, with roots tracing back to a 1995 spin-off from Sandoz. The company operates globally through a network of production sites, innovation centers and sales offices in more than 100 countries. Its focus on research and development has positioned Clariant as a key supplier of high-performance chemical solutions across diverse market segments.

The companys portfolio is organized into three core segments: Care Chemicals, Adsorbents & Additives and Catalysis.

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Bouygues (OTCMKTS:BOUYF  Get Free Report) will likely be issuing its results before the market opens on Thursday, February 26th. Analysts expect the company to announce earnings of $0.9980 per share and revenue of $15.0770 billion for the quarter.

Bouygues Price Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS BOUYF opened at $51.05 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72, a current ratio of 0.92 and a quick ratio of 0.83. The stock has a market capitalization of $96.73 billion, a PE ratio of 16.26 and a beta of 0.42. Bouygues has a one year low of $28.54 and a one year high of $51.05. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $49.62 and its 200-day moving average price is $46.20.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities research analysts have issued reports on the company. BNP Paribas Exane assumed coverage on Bouygues in a research report on Wednesday, February 11th. They set an outperform rating on the stock. Citigroup reiterated a neutral rating on shares of Bouygues in a research report on Tuesday, January 13th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold.

About Bouygues

(Get Free Report)

Bouygues is a diversified French industrial group founded in 1952 by Francis Bouygues and headquartered in Paris. Over decades the company has expanded from its origins in construction into a multi?sector conglomerate, maintaining a significant presence in construction and civil engineering, property development, telecommunications and media. Leadership has remained in the Bouygues family, with Martin Bouygues succeeding the founder and guiding the group through its diversification and international expansion.

The groups core business activities are organized around several principal subsidiaries and divisions.

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Kilroy Realty (NYSE:KRC  Get Free Report) was downgraded by equities research analysts at Mizuho from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report issued on Tuesday,Zacks.com reports.

Several other analysts also recently commented on the company. Barclays set a $39.00 price objective on Kilroy Realty in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. Evercore lowered their price target on Kilroy Realty from $47.00 to $46.00 and set an in-line rating for the company in a research report on Friday, November 14th. KeyCorp restated a sector weight rating on shares of Kilroy Realty in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Kilroy Realty in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets reiterated a market perform rating on shares of Kilroy Realty in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, twelve have issued a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Reduce and an average price target of $39.86.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Kilroy Realty

Kilroy Realty Stock Down 0.6%

Kilroy Realty stock opened at $31.03 on Tuesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.68 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.43 and a beta of 1.10. The firms fifty day moving average price is $35.91 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $39.50. Kilroy Realty has a 1-year low of $27.07 and a 1-year high of $45.03. The company has a current ratio of 2.13, a quick ratio of 2.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81.

Kilroy Realty (NYSE:KRC  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Monday, February 9th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.10 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.98 by ($0.88). Kilroy Realty had a return on equity of 4.91% and a net margin of 24.82%.The business had revenue of $272.19 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $270.21 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.20 EPS. The companys revenue was down 5.0% on a year-over-year basis. Kilroy Realty has set its FY 2026 guidance at 3.250-3.450 EPS. On average, equities research analysts predict that Kilroy Realty will post 4 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Kilroy Realty

Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. GAMMA Investing LLC raised its holdings in shares of Kilroy Realty by 16.6% in the 3rd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 1,991 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $84,000 after purchasing an additional 284 shares during the period. Quadrant Capital Group LLC increased its position in Kilroy Realty by 2.8% in the third quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 10,881 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $460,000 after buying an additional 295 shares during the last quarter. State of Michigan Retirement System raised its stake in shares of Kilroy Realty by 1.2% in the third quarter. State of Michigan Retirement System now owns 25,865 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,093,000 after buying an additional 300 shares during the period. Westside Investment Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of Kilroy Realty by 100.0% during the 3rd quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 618 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 309 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Parallel Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Kilroy Realty by 9.6% during the 4th quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 3,650 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $136,000 after buying an additional 320 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 94.22% of the companys stock.

Kilroy Realty Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Kilroy Realty Corporation (NYSE: KRC) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust focused on the development, acquisition and management of high?quality office and mixed?use properties along the U.S. West Coast. The companys portfolio encompasses major urban markets including Los Angeles, San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area and Seattle. Kilroy Realty targets properties in transit?oriented submarkets, blending workplace space with retail, residential and hospitality amenities to create vibrant, walkable neighborhoods.

Founded in the mid?20th century by members of the Kilroy family, the company evolved from a regional landlord into one of the leading West Coast office landlords.

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Magellan Asset Management Ltd reduced its position in shares of Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG  Free Report) by 4.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,637,768 shares of the companys stock after selling 72,625 shares during the period. Procter & Gamble comprises approximately 3.0% of Magellan Asset Management Ltds portfolio, making the stock its 10th largest position. Magellan Asset Management Ltd owned approximately 0.07% of Procter & Gamble worth $251,643,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. WP Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Procter & Gamble by 4.9% during the 2nd quarter. WP Advisors LLC now owns 1,405 shares of the companys stock worth $224,000 after acquiring an additional 66 shares in the last quarter. Emprise Bank increased its stake in Procter & Gamble by 2.5% in the third quarter. Emprise Bank now owns 2,766 shares of the companys stock valued at $425,000 after purchasing an additional 68 shares during the last quarter. Affiance Financial LLC raised its holdings in Procter & Gamble by 2.5% during the third quarter. Affiance Financial LLC now owns 2,803 shares of the companys stock worth $431,000 after purchasing an additional 69 shares in the last quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC lifted its position in shares of Procter & Gamble by 12.9% during the 2nd quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 621 shares of the companys stock worth $99,000 after buying an additional 71 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Dominguez Wealth Management Solutions Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Procter & Gamble by 0.3% in the 3rd quarter. Dominguez Wealth Management Solutions Inc. now owns 20,464 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,144,000 after buying an additional 71 shares in the last quarter. 65.77% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on PG shares. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Procter & Gamble in a research report on Monday, December 29th. BNP Paribas Exane reduced their target price on Procter & Gamble from $172.00 to $164.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, January 16th. Barclays set a $155.00 price target on Procter & Gamble in a research note on Friday, January 16th. TD Cowen cut Procter & Gamble from a buy rating to a hold rating and boosted their price objective for the company from $150.00 to $156.00 in a research note on Tuesday, January 27th. Finally, Piper Sandler initiated coverage on shares of Procter & Gamble in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. They set a neutral rating and a $150.00 target price on the stock. Fourteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $168.33.

Insider Buying and Selling at Procter & Gamble

In related 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 completion of the transaction, the chairman directly owned 319,385 shares of the companys stock, valued at $51,884,093.25. This represents a 33.68% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, insider Marc S. Pritchard sold 95,903 shares of Procter & Gamble stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $151.15, for a total value of $14,495,738.45. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 182,607 shares in the company, valued at $27,601,048.05. This represents a 34.43% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 343,069 shares of company stock valued at $54,545,448. Insiders own 0.20% of the companys stock.

More Procter & Gamble News

Here are the key news stories impacting Procter & Gamble this week:

Procter & Gamble Stock Up 0.2%

Procter & Gamble stock opened at $165.42 on Wednesday. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $149.82 and a two-hundred day moving average of $150.85. Procter & Gamble Company has a twelve month low of $137.62 and a twelve month high of $179.99. The stock has a market capitalization of $384.44 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.51, a PEG ratio of 5.52 and a beta of 0.38. The company has a current ratio of 0.72, a quick ratio of 0.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49.

Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 22nd. The company reported $1.88 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.86 by $0.02. Procter & Gamble had a return on equity of 32.21% and a net margin of 19.30%.The business had revenue of $22.21 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $22.36 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.88 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 1.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Procter & Gamble has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.830-7.090 EPS. As a group, research analysts expect that Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.91 earnings per share for the current 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 issued a $1.0568 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend 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%.

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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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG  Free Report).

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Magellan Asset Management Ltd boosted its position in shares of NiSource, Inc (NYSE:NI  Free Report) by 7.5% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 369,164 shares of the utilities providers stock after purchasing an additional 25,721 shares during the period. Magellan Asset Management Ltd owned approximately 0.08% of NiSource worth $15,985,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in NI. Verdence Capital Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of NiSource by 1.7% during the third quarter. Verdence Capital Advisors LLC now owns 14,319 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $626,000 after acquiring an additional 245 shares in the last quarter. Mark Sheptoff Financial Planning LLC boosted its holdings in NiSource by 4.5% in the second quarter. Mark Sheptoff Financial Planning LLC now owns 5,750 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $232,000 after purchasing an additional 250 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia boosted its holdings in NiSource by 0.5% in the second quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia now owns 49,220 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,986,000 after purchasing an additional 266 shares during the last quarter. Shepherd Financial Partners LLC grew its stake in NiSource by 3.9% during the 2nd quarter. Shepherd Financial Partners LLC now owns 7,656 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $309,000 after purchasing an additional 285 shares in the last quarter. Finally, 1834 Investment Advisors Co. increased its holdings in NiSource by 1.4% during the 3rd quarter. 1834 Investment Advisors Co. now owns 23,895 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,035,000 after purchasing an additional 330 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.64% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities analysts have issued reports on NI shares. Wall Street Zen lowered NiSource from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Saturday, January 3rd. UBS Group upped their price target on shares of NiSource from $45.00 to $48.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. Evercore increased their price objective on shares of NiSource from $46.00 to $47.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Jefferies Financial Group raised shares of NiSource from a hold rating to a buy rating and raised their price objective for the stock from $46.00 to $50.00 in a report on Friday, October 31st. Finally, BMO Capital Markets set a $50.00 target price on shares of NiSource in a research note on Thursday, February 12th. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $47.20.

NiSource Stock Performance

NiSource stock opened at $46.44 on Wednesday. The company has a market cap of $22.22 billion, a PE ratio of 23.81, a P/E/G ratio of 3.79 and a beta of 0.65. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $43.49 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $42.80. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.33, a current ratio of 0.69 and a quick ratio of 0.56. NiSource, Inc has a 12 month low of $35.64 and a 12 month high of $47.05.

NiSource (NYSE:NI  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, February 11th. The utilities provider reported $0.51 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.49 by $0.02. NiSource had a net margin of 13.99% and a return on equity of 8.07%. The company had revenue of $1.90 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.20 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.49 earnings per share. NiSource has set its FY 2026 guidance at 2.020-2.070 EPS. Research analysts expect that NiSource, Inc will post 1.91 earnings per share for the current year.

NiSource Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 20th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, February 3rd were paid a $0.30 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, February 3rd. This is an increase from NiSources previous quarterly dividend of $0.28. This represents a $1.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.6%. NiSources payout ratio is presently 61.54%.

NiSource Company Profile

(Free Report)

NiSource, Inc (NYSE: NI) is a publicly traded energy holding company headquartered in Merrillville, Indiana, that primarily owns and operates regulated local gas and electric utilities in the United States. Through its operating subsidiaries, the company delivers natural gas and electricity to residential, commercial and industrial customers and provides the associated distribution and transmission services that keep local energy systems functioning.

The companys core activities include natural gas distribution, electric transmission and distribution, system operations, maintenance and emergency response.

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Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors LP acquired a new position in Mach Natural Resources LP (NYSE:MNR  Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 19,187,581 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $252,892,000. Mach Natural Resources accounts for 5.6% of Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors LPs portfolio, making the stock its 9th largest holding. Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors LP owned approximately 11.41% of Mach Natural Resources at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Mach Natural Resources by 120.5% in the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 3,814,782 shares of the companys stock valued at $59,320,000 after purchasing an additional 2,084,511 shares during the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. increased its position in shares of Mach Natural Resources by 4.1% during the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 2,578,929 shares of the companys stock worth $37,240,000 after purchasing an additional 100,574 shares during the last quarter. ING Groep NV raised its holdings in Mach Natural Resources by 85.4% in the 3rd quarter. ING Groep NV now owns 827,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,900,000 after buying an additional 381,000 shares during the period. First Trust Advisors LP acquired a new position in Mach Natural Resources in the second quarter valued at about $7,630,000. Finally, Franklin Resources Inc. boosted its stake in Mach Natural Resources by 115.6% during the second quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 391,720 shares of the companys stock worth $5,656,000 after buying an additional 209,993 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.36% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

MNR has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Northland Securities set a $20.00 price objective on shares of Mach Natural Resources in a report on Monday, November 10th. Stifel Nicolaus cut their target price on Mach Natural Resources from $22.00 to $18.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. Zacks Research lowered Mach Natural Resources from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 13th. KeyCorp reiterated a sector weight rating on shares of Mach Natural Resources in a report on Friday, January 16th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d+) rating on shares of Mach Natural Resources in a report on Monday, December 29th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have assigned a Buy rating, one has issued a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $20.00.

Mach Natural Resources Stock Performance

Shares of MNR stock opened at $13.36 on Wednesday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $11.74 and a two-hundred day moving average of $12.43. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.25 billion, a PE ratio of 13.92 and a beta of -0.09. The company has a quick ratio of 0.87, a current ratio of 1.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.58. Mach Natural Resources LP has a 52 week low of $10.46 and a 52 week high of $16.09.

Mach Natural Resources Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 12th. Investors of record on Thursday, February 26th will be paid a dividend of $0.53 per share. This represents a $2.12 annualized dividend and a yield of 15.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 26th. This is a positive change from Mach Natural Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $0.27. Mach Natural Resourcess payout ratio is presently 112.50%.

Mach Natural Resources Company Profile

(Free Report)

Mach Natural Resources LP, an independent upstream oil and gas company, focuses on the acquisition, development, and production of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids reserves in the Anadarko Basin region of Western Oklahoma, Southern Kansas, and the panhandle of Texas. It also owns a portfolio of midstream assets, as well as owns plants and water infrastructure. The company was incorporated in 2023 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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Public Bank Berhad (OTCMKTS:PBLOF  Get Free Report) is projected to release its results before the market opens on Wednesday, March 4th. Analysts expect Public Bank Berhad to post earnings of $0.0235 per share and revenue of $938.7410 million for the quarter.

Public Bank Berhad Stock Performance

Public Bank Berhad stock opened at $0.95 on Wednesday. Public Bank Berhad has a one year low of $0.51 and a one year high of $0.95. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $0.95 and a 200 day moving average of $0.95.

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Public Bank Berhad Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Public Bank Berhad is one of Malaysias leading banking groups, founded in 1966 by Tan Sri Dato Seri Dr. Teh Hong Piow. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur and listed on Bursa Malaysia, the bank has grown into a full-service financial institution renowned for its conservative risk management and customer-centric approach. Its core markets encompass Malaysia as well as select regional hubs, positioning the group as a key player in Southeast Asias banking landscape.

The groups principal activities span retail and commercial banking, where it provides deposit accounts, personal and business loans, credit cards, and trade financing.

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Tableaux LLC reduced its holdings in shares of Deere & Company (NYSE:DE  Free Report) by 70.2% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 2,954 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 6,964 shares during the period. Tableaux LLCs holdings in Deere & Company were worth $1,351,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Deere & Company by 1.4% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 22,372,671 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $11,376,279,000 after acquiring an additional 309,081 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp raised its position in Deere & Company by 0.6% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 10,386,268 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $5,297,913,000 after purchasing an additional 64,262 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Deere & Company by 2.1% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 5,541,778 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $2,810,807,000 after purchasing an additional 111,627 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Deere & Company during the second quarter worth about $1,578,243,000. Finally, Fisher Asset Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Deere & Company by 10.1% in the second quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 2,580,228 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,312,020,000 after buying an additional 236,406 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.58% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity

In other news, insider Cory J. Reed sold 12,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $510.00, for a total value of $6,120,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 20,792 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $10,603,920. The trade was a 36.59% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CEO John C. May II sold 41,472 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, January 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $501.49, for a total transaction of $20,797,793.28. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 117,970 shares in the company, valued at approximately $59,160,775.30. This trade represents a 26.01% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. 0.29% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Deere & Company Price Performance

DE stock opened at $644.88 on Wednesday. The stocks 50 day moving average is $528.91 and its two-hundred day moving average is $492.95. Deere & Company has a 52-week low of $404.42 and a 52-week high of $674.19. The company has a market capitalization of $174.81 billion, a PE ratio of 36.35, a P/E/G ratio of 2.36 and a beta of 1.02. The company has a quick ratio of 1.96, a current ratio of 2.21 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59.

Deere & Company (NYSE:DE  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 19th. The industrial products company reported $2.42 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.90 by $0.52. The business had revenue of $9.61 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.50 billion. Deere & Company had a net margin of 10.29% and a return on equity of 18.93%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 17.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $3.19 earnings per share. Analysts predict that Deere & Company will post 19.32 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Deere & Company Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, February 9th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st were issued a dividend of $1.62 per share. This represents a $6.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, December 31st. Deere & Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 36.53%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

DE has been the topic of several analyst reports. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Deere & Company in a report on Monday, December 1st. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of Deere & Company in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Truist Financial lifted their price objective on shares of Deere & Company from $612.00 to $793.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, February 20th. Daiwa Securities Group reduced their target price on shares of Deere & Company from $530.00 to $520.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, December 2nd. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group downgraded shares of Deere & Company from a hold rating to an underperform rating and upped their target price for the company from $475.00 to $550.00 in a research note on Monday. Fifteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $637.70.

View Our Latest Research Report on Deere & Company

More Deere & Company News

Here are the key news stories impacting Deere & Company this week:

Positive Sentiment: Morgan Stanley raised its price target to $730 (from $560) and kept an Overweight rating, citing reasons Deere can continue to outperform near- and long-term despite agricultural headwinds. Read More.

Morgan Stanley raised its price target to $730 (from $560) and kept an Overweight rating, citing reasons Deere can continue to outperform near- and long-term despite agricultural headwinds. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Multiple firms have lifted targets into the $700s (some up to $793), signaling street sentiment that Deeres Q1 beat and guidance reset justify higher through-cycle value. Read More.

Multiple firms have lifted targets into the $700s (some up to $793), signaling street sentiment that Deeres Q1 beat and guidance reset justify higher through-cycle value. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Analysts and commentary note a narrative shift after Deeres strong Q1  earnings and raised guidance have pushed some fair-value estimates materially higher, supporting a bullish case on earnings power. Read More.

Analysts and commentary note a narrative shift after Deeres strong Q1  earnings and raised guidance have pushed some fair-value estimates materially higher, supporting a bullish case on earnings power. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Operational partnership: Bayer and John Deere expanded FieldView/Operations Center integration to simplify prescription-to-execution workflows for U.S. farmers, which can strengthen product stickiness and software/service revenue over time. Read More.

Operational partnership: Bayer and John Deere expanded FieldView/Operations Center integration to simplify prescription-to-execution workflows for U.S. farmers, which can strengthen product stickiness and software/service revenue over time. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Retail/investor attention is elevated (Zacks notes heavy search interest), which can increase short-term volatility but doesnt itself change fundamentals. Read More.

Retail/investor attention is elevated (Zacks notes heavy search interest), which can increase short-term volatility but doesnt itself change fundamentals. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Jefferies downgraded DE to Underperform / Sell, arguing current valuation already prices a full farm-cycle recovery while U.S. farmer incomes remain under pressure  a near-term catalyst for downside. Read More.

Jefferies downgraded DE to Underperform / Sell, arguing current valuation already prices a full farm-cycle recovery while U.S. farmer incomes remain under pressure  a near-term catalyst for downside. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Manufacturing Dive reports Deere, CNH and AGCO expect lower North American sales in 2026 and plan to underproduce to realign with weaker demand  a demand-cycle headwind that could weigh on deliveries and margins. Read More.

Manufacturing Dive reports Deere, CNH and AGCO expect lower North American sales in 2026 and plan to underproduce to realign with weaker demand  a demand-cycle headwind that could weigh on deliveries and margins. Read More. Negative Sentiment: TipRanks/other outlets highlighted sell/negative takes emphasizing overextended valuation during an agricultural downcycle  adding to short-term selling pressure. Read More.

Deere & Company Company Profile

(Free Report)

Deere & Company, commonly known by its brand John Deere, is a global manufacturer of agricultural, construction and forestry machinery, as well as turf care equipment and power systems. Founded in 1837 by blacksmith John Deerewho developed a polished steel plow to improve tillage in tough prairie soilsthe company is headquartered in Moline, Illinois, and has grown into one of the largest and most recognizable names in equipment manufacturing worldwide.

The companys principal businesses include a broad portfolio of agricultural equipment such as tractors, combines, planters, sprayers, harvesters and tillage implements, complemented by precision agriculture technologies and telematics that support farm management, yield optimization and equipment connectivity.

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American Axle & Manufacturing (NYSE:DCH  Get Free Report) and Garrett Motion (NYSE:GTX  Get Free Report) are both auto/tires/trucks companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their institutional ownership, earnings, risk, profitability, valuation, analyst recommendations and dividends.

Risk and Volatility

American Axle & Manufacturing has a beta of 1.6, meaning that its stock price is 60% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Garrett Motion has a beta of 0.33, meaning that its stock price is 67% less volatile than the S&P 500.

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Insider and Institutional Ownership

91.4% of American Axle & Manufacturing shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 86.3% of Garrett Motion shares are held by institutional investors. 3.7% of American Axle & Manufacturing shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 0.8% of Garrett Motion shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Analyst Recommendations

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score American Axle & Manufacturing 2 0 3 0 2.20 Garrett Motion 0 2 4 0 2.67

This is a breakdown of recent ratings for American Axle & Manufacturing and Garrett Motion, as provided by MarketBeat.

American Axle & Manufacturing currently has a consensus price target of $12.45, indicating a potential upside of 78.37%. Garrett Motion has a consensus price target of $18.80, indicating a potential downside of 7.25%. Given American Axle & Manufacturings higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe American Axle & Manufacturing is more favorable than Garrett Motion.

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares American Axle & Manufacturing and Garrett Motions top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio American Axle & Manufacturing $5.84 billion 0.28 -$19.70 million ($0.18) -38.78 Garrett Motion $3.54 billion 1.09 $261.00 million $1.52 13.34

Garrett Motion has lower revenue, but higher earnings than American Axle & Manufacturing. American Axle & Manufacturing is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Garrett Motion, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Profitability

This table compares American Axle & Manufacturing and Garrett Motions net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets American Axle & Manufacturing -0.34% 10.00% 1.17% Garrett Motion 8.12% -38.75% 12.39%

Summary

Garrett Motion beats American Axle & Manufacturing on 8 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks.

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.

About Garrett Motion

(Get Free Report)

Garrett Motion Inc., together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and sells turbocharging, air and fluid compression, and high-speed electric motor technologies for original equipment manufacturers and distributors worldwide. The company offers cutting-edge technology for the mobility and industrial space, including light vehicles, commercial vehicles, and industrial applications. In addition, it provides mechanical and electrical products for turbocharging and boosting internal combustion engines, as well as compressing air for fuel cell compressors, and compressing refrigerant for electric cooling compressors. The company offers its products in the aftermarket through distributors. Garrett Motion Inc. was incorporated in 2018 and is based in Rolle, Switzerland.

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This story was originally published on WardsAuto. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily WardsAuto newsletter.

Automakers and other industry stakeholders are keeping an eye on the potential spillover effects of last weeks Supreme Court ruling striking down many of President Donald Trumps tariffs.

In a 6-3 decision Friday, the court ruled against the imposition of open-ended reciprocal tariffs Trump installed under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The imposition of such broad tariffs, the Supreme Court ruling emphasized, are a power held only by Congress.

In response, Trump promised to enact a new temporary 10% global tariff under a different authority, Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, effective Feb. 24. He later said he would raise the new levy to 15%.

A few critical exceptions make the new tariffs tangential for many automotive imports  but mostly because they are already taxed under different regulations.



The new tariffs will not apply to imports already subject to so-called Section 232 tariffs, which include passenger vehicles, auto parts and steel and aluminum. Products compliant with the United States-Mexico Canada Agreement are also exempt from the new tariffs, according to a White House fact sheet.



In other words, automakers are still expected to pay a levy of 50% on steel and aluminum imports, and a levy of up to 25% on many imported vehicles and auto parts.

Although new vehicles might not be directly affected by Trumps new levy, there may be impacts for other types of components that werent covered under the previous tariffs, including some types of aftermarket or replacement parts.

WardsAuto emailed numerous automakers, trade associations and analysts on Friday and Monday to gauge their reaction to the news. Several did not reply or declined to comment, pointing to little change for the industry given the still-active Section 232 tariffs.

However, a few stakeholders took the opportunity to share how the Supreme Court ruling  and this moment in Trumps tariff policy  could affect the industry and path forward. Heres a look at excerpts from eight of those reactions below.

Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association

Vehicle suppliers are a foundational part of the U.S. mobility sector, supporting domestic manufacturing, innovation, and jobs in communities nationwide, said MEMA in an emailed statement. As the details and provisions of the Courts decision are implemented, it will be important to provide clarity and predictability for manufacturers of all sizes.
RWA Wealth Partners LLC increased its stake in McDonalds Corporation (NYSE:MCD  Free Report) by 24.6% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 138,402 shares of the fast-food giants stock after purchasing an additional 27,368 shares during the quarter. RWA Wealth Partners LLCs holdings in McDonalds were worth $42,059,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its holdings in McDonalds by 0.4% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 71,647,669 shares of the fast-food giants stock valued at $21,773,010,000 after buying an additional 316,638 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp grew its holdings in shares of McDonalds by 0.8% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 34,828,352 shares of the fast-food giants stock worth $10,175,800,000 after acquiring an additional 272,139 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in McDonalds by 1.7% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 16,828,420 shares of the fast-food giants stock worth $4,901,595,000 after purchasing an additional 276,065 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in McDonalds during the second quarter worth $2,780,712,000. Finally, Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC grew its holdings in McDonalds by 29,382.3% in the second quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 5,737,548 shares of the fast-food giants stock valued at $1,676,339,000 after purchasing an additional 5,718,087 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 70.29% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research firms have recently issued reports on MCD. BTIG Research lifted their price target on McDonalds from $360.00 to $370.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, February 12th. Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their target price on shares of McDonalds from $320.00 to $330.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Thursday, February 12th. Sanford C. Bernstein reiterated a market perform rating and issued a $340.00 price target on shares of McDonalds in a research report on Thursday, February 12th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of McDonalds in a research note on Wednesday, January 28th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group upped their target price on McDonalds from $360.00 to $375.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, February 12th. Sixteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, thirteen have issued a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $337.57.

McDonalds Price Performance

NYSE:MCD opened at $333.23 on Wednesday. The firm has a market cap of $237.31 billion, a PE ratio of 27.89, a P/E/G ratio of 2.97 and a beta of 0.52. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $315.34 and a 200-day simple moving average of $309.60. McDonalds Corporation has a 1-year low of $283.47 and a 1-year high of $336.00.

McDonalds (NYSE:MCD  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, February 11th. The fast-food giant reported $3.12 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.05 by $0.07. The firm had revenue of $7.01 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.81 billion. McDonalds had a net margin of 31.85% and a negative return on equity of 343.90%. McDonaldss revenue was up 9.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $2.83 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that McDonalds Corporation will post 12.25 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

McDonalds Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 17th. Investors of record on Tuesday, March 3rd will be paid a $1.86 dividend. This represents a $7.44 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.2%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 3rd. McDonaldss dividend payout ratio is presently 62.26%.

McDonalds News Roundup

Here are the key news stories impacting McDonalds this week:

Insider Activity

In other news, CEO Christopher J. Kempczinski sold 26,277 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $331.35, for a total transaction of $8,706,883.95. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 22,900 shares in the company, valued at $7,587,915. This represents a 53.43% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, CMO Edith Morgan Flatley sold 4,692 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $331.00, for a total transaction of $1,553,052.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief marketing officer owned 6,200 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,052,200. The trade was a 43.08% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders sold a total of 71,550 shares of company stock valued at $23,484,957 in the last three months. Company insiders own 0.25% of the companys stock.

About McDonalds

(Free Report)

McDonalds Corporation (NYSE: MCD) is a global quick-service restaurant company best known for its hamburgers, French fries and breakfast offerings. The company develops, operates and franchises a system of restaurants that sell a range of food and beverage items, including signature products such as the Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, Chicken McNuggets, McCafe coffee beverages and a variety of salads, desserts and seasonal menu items. McDonalds serves customers through company-operated restaurants and franchised locations, and it supports sales via dine-in, drive-thru, digital ordering platforms and third-party delivery partnerships.

Founded in 1940 by brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald as a single San Bernardino, California restaurant, the business was transformed into a franchising model after Ray Kroc joined in the mid-1950s and led the brands national and international expansion.

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Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP  Get Free Report) (TSE:CP)s share price reached a new 52-week high during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $86.34 and last traded at $86.3110, with a volume of 2803080 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $84.75.

Analyst Ratings Changes

CP has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a $124.00 target price (down from $127.00) on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City in a research note on Thursday, January 29th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday. Morgan Stanley upgraded shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a report on Monday, December 8th. Citigroup cut their target price on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $88.00 to $86.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, January 30th. Finally, National Bank Financial lowered shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, January 8th. Ten research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Canadian Pacific Kansas City presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $92.00.

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Canadian Pacific Kansas City Stock Up 1.8%

The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $76.21 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $74.85. The company has a market cap of $77.49 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.72, a P/E/G ratio of 1.81 and a beta of 1.10. The company has a quick ratio of 0.54, a current ratio of 0.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (NYSE:CP  Get Free Report) (TSE:CP) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 28th. The transportation company reported $0.95 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.99 by ($0.04). Canadian Pacific Kansas City had a return on equity of 8.88% and a net margin of 27.49%.The business had revenue of $2.85 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.85 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.29 earnings per share. Canadian Pacific Kansas Citys revenue was up 1.3% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited will post 3.42 EPS for the current year.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 27th. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 27th will be given a $0.228 dividend. This represents a $0.91 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.1%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 27th. Canadian Pacific Kansas Citys payout ratio is presently 20.43%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Canadian Pacific Kansas City

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Intech Investment Management LLC raised its holdings in Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 16.0% in the 1st quarter. Intech Investment Management LLC now owns 21,276 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $1,493,000 after acquiring an additional 2,940 shares in the last quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City in the first quarter worth $35,000. Sivia Capital Partners LLC acquired a new position in Canadian Pacific Kansas City in the second quarter valued at about $206,000. Transcend Capital Advisors LLC lifted its position in Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 2.9% during the second quarter. Transcend Capital Advisors LLC now owns 10,646 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $844,000 after purchasing an additional 300 shares during the period. Finally, Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd lifted its position in Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 76.0% during the second quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd now owns 47,095 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $3,733,000 after purchasing an additional 20,333 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 72.20% of the companys stock.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) is a North American Class I freight railroad formed through the combination of Canadian Pacific Railway and Kansas City Southern. The merged company operates an integrated rail network that spans Canada, the United States and Mexico, providing a single-line rail connection across all three countries. This transborder footprint is intended to streamline cross-border freight flows and provide shippers with direct rail access from Canadian and U.S. production centers to Mexican markets and ports.

CPKCs core business is freight transportation and related logistics services.

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Chatham Lodging Trust (NYSE:CLDT  Get Free Report) updated its FY 2026 earnings guidance on Wednesday. The company provided EPS guidance of 1.040-1.140 for the period, compared to the consensus EPS estimate of 0.320. The company issued revenue guidance of $284.0 million-$290.0 million, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $293.2 million.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

CLDT has been the subject of a number of research reports. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d) rating on shares of Chatham Lodging Trust in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Zacks Research raised shares of Chatham Lodging Trust from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, February 17th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Chatham Lodging Trust presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $9.50.

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Chatham Lodging Trust Stock Performance

Chatham Lodging Trust Dividend Announcement

Shares of NYSE CLDT opened at $7.27 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18, a current ratio of 0.81 and a quick ratio of 0.81. The firm has a market cap of $352.74 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 727.00 and a beta of 1.14. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $7.13 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $6.95. Chatham Lodging Trust has a one year low of $5.83 and a one year high of $8.47.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 15th. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 31st were given a dividend of $0.09 per share. This represents a $0.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, December 31st. Chatham Lodging Trusts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 3,600.00%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in CLDT. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC raised its position in shares of Chatham Lodging Trust by 195.0% in the second quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 5,836 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $41,000 after buying an additional 3,858 shares in the last quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC acquired a new stake in Chatham Lodging Trust during the third quarter worth approximately $52,000. Quarry LP increased its stake in Chatham Lodging Trust by 61.9% during the 3rd quarter. Quarry LP now owns 8,629 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $58,000 after acquiring an additional 3,300 shares during the period. Strs Ohio bought a new position in Chatham Lodging Trust during the 1st quarter worth $61,000. Finally, Acadian Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in Chatham Lodging Trust in the 1st quarter valued at $62,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 88.37% of the companys stock.

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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Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in Alamos Gold Inc. (NYSE:AGI  Free Report) (TSE:AGI) by 3.1% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 17,233,606 shares of the basic materials companys stock after purchasing an additional 524,263 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc.s holdings in Alamos Gold were worth $600,712,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Norges Bank bought a new position in Alamos Gold during the second quarter worth about $144,808,000. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its position in Alamos Gold by 639.2% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 3,380,859 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $91,379,000 after acquiring an additional 2,923,478 shares during the last quarter. CIBC Asset Management Inc boosted its stake in shares of Alamos Gold by 29.3% in the 2nd quarter. CIBC Asset Management Inc now owns 11,132,337 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $296,623,000 after purchasing an additional 2,521,347 shares in the last quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp grew its holdings in shares of Alamos Gold by 32.3% during the 2nd quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 8,979,615 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $238,990,000 after purchasing an additional 2,192,593 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Alamos Gold by 105.2% during the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 2,394,604 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $64,032,000 after purchasing an additional 1,227,695 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 64.33% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of brokerages have weighed in on AGI. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Alamos Gold from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Saturday. Zacks Research cut Alamos Gold from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (a) rating on shares of Alamos Gold in a report on Monday, December 29th. Desjardins started coverage on Alamos Gold in a research report on Friday, November 28th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Finally, Scotiabank increased their target price on Alamos Gold from $55.00 to $60.00 and gave the company a sector outperform rating in a research report on Friday, February 6th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have assigned a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $45.50.

Alamos Gold Stock Performance

Shares of AGI opened at $50.58 on Wednesday. Alamos Gold Inc. has a 12 month low of $22.03 and a 12 month high of $50.86. The company has a current ratio of 2.00, a quick ratio of 1.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $41.60 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $35.82. The stock has a market capitalization of $21.24 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.08, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.47 and a beta of 0.61.

Alamos Gold (NYSE:AGI  Get Free Report) (TSE:AGI) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 18th. The basic materials company reported $0.54 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.49 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $575.30 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $596.18 million. Alamos Gold had a return on equity of 14.83% and a net margin of 48.97%.The companys revenue was up 53.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.25 earnings per share. As a group, analysts predict that Alamos Gold Inc. will post 1.29 EPS for the current year.

Alamos Gold Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 26th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, March 12th will be issued a $0.04 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 12th. This is a positive change from Alamos Golds previous quarterly dividend of $0.03. This represents a $0.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.3%. Alamos Golds dividend payout ratio is 4.76%.

Alamos Gold Profile

(Free Report)

Alamos Gold Inc is a Canadian-based intermediate gold producer engaged in the exploration, development and operation of mining projects in North America. Its principal activities include the acquisition, exploration and development of gold-bearing properties, and the management of operating mines. The company focuses on sustainable production practices and maintains a portfolio that spans both producing assets and advanced-stage development projects.

Alamos Gold operates multiple open pit and underground mines, including the Young-Davidson and Island Gold mines in Ontario, Canada, and the Mulatos mine in Sonora, Mexico.

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Dakota Gold (NYSE:DC  Get Free Report) was upgraded by investment analysts at Scotiabank to a strong-buy rating in a note issued to investors on Monday,Zacks.com reports.

DC has been the topic of several other research reports. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Dakota Gold to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. HC Wainwright assumed coverage on shares of Dakota Gold in a research note on Monday, January 5th. They set a buy rating and a $9.75 target price on the stock. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have given a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $10.19.

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Dakota Gold Price Performance

Insider Buying and Selling at Dakota Gold

Shares of NYSE DC opened at $6.55 on Monday. The stock has a market capitalization of $760.84 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -15.98 and a beta of 1.08. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $6.08 and its 200-day simple moving average is $5.06. Dakota Gold has a 12 month low of $2.40 and a 12 month high of $7.25.

In related news, CEO Robert Quartermain sold 250,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $6.88, for a total transaction of $1,720,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 7,493,244 shares in the company, valued at $51,553,518.72. This represents a 3.23% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CFO Shawn Campbell sold 55,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $6.30, for a total transaction of $346,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 179,491 shares in the company, valued at $1,130,793.30. This represents a 23.46% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Company insiders own 26.02% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Dakota Gold

A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Fiscal Wisdom Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Dakota Gold in the third quarter worth approximately $3,659,000. Global Strategic Management Inc. purchased a new position in Dakota Gold in the 4th quarter valued at $3,094,000. Tudor Investment Corp ET AL acquired a new stake in Dakota Gold during the 3rd quarter worth $2,224,000. Invesco Ltd. boosted its stake in Dakota Gold by 890.0% during the 4th quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 542,712 shares of the companys stock worth $3,083,000 after purchasing an additional 487,891 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Amundi lifted its stake in shares of Dakota Gold by 46.3% in the third quarter. Amundi now owns 1,500,000 shares of the companys stock worth $6,900,000 after buying an additional 475,000 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 37.41% of the companys stock.

Dakota Gold Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Dakota Gold Corp (NYSE:DC) is a mineral exploration and development company focused on advancing gold projects within the United States. The companys primary asset is the historic Homestake District in South Dakotas Black Hills, where it seeks to redevelop gold-bearing tailings and low?grade ore volumes for open?pit heap leach processing. Dakota Gold pursues a staged approach, combining exploration, resource delineation and economic studies to unlock value from legacy mine materials.

The firms flagship property comprises sealed tailings impoundments and adjacent low?grade stockpiles left over from the Homestake Gold Mine, which operated from 1876 until 2002.

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North Star Asset Management Inc. grew its holdings in Salesforce Inc. (NYSE:CRM  Free Report) by 10.6% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 53,489 shares of the CRM providers stock after purchasing an additional 5,106 shares during the quarter. North Star Asset Management Inc.s holdings in Salesforce were worth $12,677,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the business. Evolution Wealth Management Inc. bought a new stake in Salesforce in the second quarter worth $27,000. Marquette Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Salesforce in the third quarter worth about $26,000. Spurstone Advisory Services LLC bought a new stake in shares of Salesforce during the 2nd quarter worth about $34,000. Quaker Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Salesforce by 208.6% during the 2nd quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 126 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $34,000 after acquiring an additional 242 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Country Trust Bank raised its stake in shares of Salesforce by 658.8% in the 2nd quarter. Country Trust Bank now owns 129 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $35,000 after acquiring an additional 112 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.43% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

CRM has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Wedbush reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $375.00 target price on shares of Salesforce in a research report on Tuesday. Wells Fargo & Company cut their target price on shares of Salesforce from $265.00 to $235.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, February 18th. Truist Financial lowered their price target on Salesforce from $400.00 to $380.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Canaccord Genuity Group reissued a buy rating and set a $300.00 price objective on shares of Salesforce in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Finally, Macquarie Infrastructure raised their target price on Salesforce from $250.00 to $265.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, December 4th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-seven have assigned a Buy rating, twelve have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $301.56.

Key Stories Impacting Salesforce

Here are the key news stories impacting Salesforce this week:

Insider Buying and Selling at Salesforce

In other news, Director Neelie Kroes sold 3,893 shares of Salesforce stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $238.70, for a total transaction of $929,259.10. Following the sale, the director directly owned 7,299 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,742,271.30. The trade was a 34.78% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, insider Parker Harris sold 134,662 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $234.70, for a total transaction of $31,605,171.40. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 139,767 shares of the companys stock, valued at $32,803,314.90. This trade represents a 49.07% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Company insiders own 3.00% of the companys stock.

Salesforce Trading Up 4.2%

Shares of CRM opened at $185.64 on Wednesday. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $227.77 and its 200 day moving average price is $239.19. 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 capitalization of $173.95 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.79, a P/E/G ratio of 1.22 and a beta of 1.27. Salesforce Inc. has a 12-month low of $174.57 and a 12-month high of $313.70.

Salesforce (NYSE:CRM  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, December 3rd. The CRM provider reported $3.25 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.86 by $0.39. The company had revenue of $10.26 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.27 billion. Salesforce had a return on equity of 14.41% and a net margin of 17.91%.Salesforces revenue for the quarter was up 9.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $2.41 EPS. Salesforce has set its Q4 2026 guidance at 3.020-3.040 EPS. As a group, research analysts predict that Salesforce Inc. will post 7.46 earnings per share for the current year.

Salesforce Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 8th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, December 18th were paid a $0.416 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, December 18th. This represents a $1.66 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.9%. Salesforces dividend payout ratio is currently 22.16%.

Salesforce 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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Waratah Capital Advisors Ltd. grew its position in Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (NYSE:CM  Free Report) (TSE:CM) by 347.2% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 111,809 shares of the banks stock after buying an additional 86,809 shares during the quarter. Waratah Capital Advisors Ltd.s holdings in Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce were worth $8,932,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the business. Sivia Capital Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce during the 2nd quarter valued at $262,000. L.M. Kohn & Company grew its holdings in shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce by 6.0% during the second quarter. L.M. Kohn & Company now owns 4,090 shares of the banks stock worth $290,000 after purchasing an additional 230 shares during the last quarter. Daymark Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in the second quarter valued at $392,000. Assetmark Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce by 14.9% in the second quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 274,467 shares of the banks stock valued at $19,440,000 after buying an additional 35,688 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Atria Investments Inc lifted its position in Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce by 2.5% during the 2nd quarter. Atria Investments Inc now owns 13,883 shares of the banks stock worth $983,000 after buying an additional 336 shares in the last quarter. 49.88% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Stock Performance

Shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce stock opened at $98.19 on Wednesday. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce has a 52 week low of $53.62 and a 52 week high of $100.39. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13, a quick ratio of 1.04 and a current ratio of 1.04. The stock has a market capitalization of $90.98 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.12, a PEG ratio of 1.29 and a beta of 1.02. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $93.63 and a two-hundred day moving average of $85.90.

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Increases Dividend

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce ( NYSE:CM Get Free Report ) (TSE:CM) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, December 4th. The bank reported $1.57 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.49 by $0.08. The business had revenue of $5.41 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.23 billion. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce had a return on equity of 14.93% and a net margin of 13.57%.The firms revenue was up 14.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.91 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce will post 5.5 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 28th. Investors of record on Monday, December 29th were given a $1.07 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 29th. This represents a $4.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.4%. This is an increase from Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerces previous quarterly dividend of $0.97. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerces dividend payout ratio is currently 50.25%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research firms have weighed in on CM. Zacks Research cut shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 3rd. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Barclays raised shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from an underweight rating to an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, February 19th. Raymond James Financial assumed coverage on Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. They set a market perform rating on the stock. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $107.50.

Read Our Latest Report on CM

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Company Profile

(Free Report)

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (NYSE: CM), commonly known as CIBC, is a major Canadian financial institution headquartered in Toronto. Formed in 1961 through the merger of the Canadian Bank of Commerce and the Imperial Bank of Canada, CIBC is one of Canadas largest banks and provides a broad range of banking and financial services to retail, small business, commercial and institutional clients.

CIBCs activities span personal and business banking, wealth management, capital markets and corporate banking.

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TD Asset Management Inc trimmed its position in shares of Deere & Company (NYSE:DE  Free Report) by 17.6% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 594,899 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 126,739 shares during the period. TD Asset Management Incs holdings in Deere & Company were worth $272,024,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company boosted its position in shares of Deere & Company by 30.6% during the second quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 364,103 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $185,143,000 after purchasing an additional 85,351 shares in the last quarter. Csenge Advisory Group lifted its position in Deere & Company by 84.9% during the third quarter. Csenge Advisory Group now owns 7,440 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $3,402,000 after buying an additional 3,416 shares during the period. Mesirow Financial Investment Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Deere & Company by 1.0% during the 2nd quarter. Mesirow Financial Investment Management Inc. now owns 4,678 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,379,000 after buying an additional 45 shares in the last quarter. MASTERINVEST Kapitalanlage GmbH purchased a new stake in shares of Deere & Company in the 2nd quarter worth about $3,615,000. Finally, WINTON GROUP Ltd bought a new position in shares of Deere & Company in the 2nd quarter worth about $4,550,000. 68.58% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on DE shares. Raymond James Financial restated an outperform rating and issued a $765.00 price objective on shares of Deere & Company in a report on Monday. Robert W. Baird raised their price objective on Deere & Company from $467.00 to $675.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c+) rating on shares of Deere & Company in a report on Monday, December 29th. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on Deere & Company from $560.00 to $730.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday. Finally, Citigroup increased their price objective on shares of Deere & Company from $515.00 to $675.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday. Fifteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $637.70.

Insider Activity at Deere & Company

In other news, insider Cory J. Reed sold 12,000 shares of Deere & Company stock in a transaction on Wednesday, January 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $510.00, for a total transaction of $6,120,000.00. Following the transaction, the insider owned 20,792 shares in the company, valued at $10,603,920. This trade represents a 36.59% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CEO John C. May II sold 41,472 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, January 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $501.49, for a total transaction of $20,797,793.28. Following the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 117,970 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $59,160,775.30. The trade was a 26.01% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. 0.29% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Deere & Company Stock Down 0.3%

Deere & Company stock opened at $644.88 on Wednesday. Deere & Company has a one year low of $404.42 and a one year high of $674.19. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $528.91 and a 200 day moving average of $492.95. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59, a quick ratio of 1.96 and a current ratio of 2.21. The stock has a market cap of $174.81 billion, a PE ratio of 36.35, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.36 and a beta of 1.02.

Deere & Company (NYSE:DE  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 19th. The industrial products company reported $2.42 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.90 by $0.52. Deere & Company had a return on equity of 18.93% and a net margin of 10.29%.The business had revenue of $9.61 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.50 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $3.19 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 17.5% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Deere & Company will post 19.32 EPS for the current year.

Deere & Company Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, February 9th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st were given a $1.62 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, December 31st. This represents a $6.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.0%. Deere & Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 36.53%.

Deere & Company Company Profile

(Free Report)

Deere & Company, commonly known by its brand John Deere, is a global manufacturer of agricultural, construction and forestry machinery, as well as turf care equipment and power systems. Founded in 1837 by blacksmith John Deerewho developed a polished steel plow to improve tillage in tough prairie soilsthe company is headquartered in Moline, Illinois, and has grown into one of the largest and most recognizable names in equipment manufacturing worldwide.

The companys principal businesses include a broad portfolio of agricultural equipment such as tractors, combines, planters, sprayers, harvesters and tillage implements, complemented by precision agriculture technologies and telematics that support farm management, yield optimization and equipment connectivity.

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Waratah Capital Advisors Ltd. bought a new stake in Toll Brothers Inc. (NYSE:TOL  Free Report) during the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund bought 8,195 shares of the construction companys stock, valued at approximately $1,132,000.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. AQR Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Toll Brothers by 83.1% in the 2nd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 2,607,993 shares of the construction companys stock worth $297,650,000 after purchasing an additional 1,183,304 shares during the period. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA raised its holdings in Toll Brothers by 4.0% in the second quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 2,011,618 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $229,586,000 after buying an additional 78,035 shares during the period. Norges Bank purchased a new position in Toll Brothers in the second quarter valued at approximately $154,782,000. Holocene Advisors LP lifted its position in Toll Brothers by 150.7% during the second quarter. Holocene Advisors LP now owns 1,249,722 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $142,631,000 after buying an additional 751,255 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bamco Inc. NY grew its stake in Toll Brothers by 116.9% during the second quarter. Bamco Inc. NY now owns 1,134,680 shares of the construction companys stock worth $129,501,000 after buying an additional 611,523 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 91.76% of the companys stock.

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Toll Brothers Price Performance

TOL stock opened at $159.48 on Wednesday. The stocks 50 day moving average is $147.10 and its two-hundred day moving average is $140.15. Toll Brothers Inc. has a 52-week low of $86.67 and a 52-week high of $168.36. The company has a market capitalization of $15.11 billion, a PE ratio of 11.39, a P/E/G ratio of 1.24 and a beta of 1.47. The company has a quick ratio of 0.62, a current ratio of 4.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32.

Toll Brothers Announces Dividend

Toll Brothers ( NYSE:TOL Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, February 17th. The construction company reported $2.19 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.05 by $0.14. The company had revenue of $2.15 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.86 billion. Toll Brothers had a return on equity of 16.83% and a net margin of 12.26%.The businesss revenue was up 15.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.75 EPS. Analysts predict that Toll Brothers Inc. will post 13.83 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 23rd. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 9th were given a $0.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, January 9th. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.6%. Toll Brotherss payout ratio is presently 7.14%.

Insider Activity

In other news, Director Paul E. Shapiro sold 3,965 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, January 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $146.68, for a total transaction of $581,586.20. Following the transaction, the director owned 118,680 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $17,407,982.40. This trade represents a 3.23% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 1.37% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities analysts have recently commented on the stock. BTIG Research assumed coverage on shares of Toll Brothers in a research note on Monday, December 1st. They issued a neutral rating on the stock. Zacks Research upgraded Toll Brothers from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, February 9th. Citizens Jmp reiterated a market outperform rating and issued a $175.00 target price on shares of Toll Brothers in a research note on Wednesday, February 18th. Citigroup began coverage on Toll Brothers in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. They set an outperform rating on the stock. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lowered their price objective on shares of Toll Brothers from $145.00 to $143.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $160.40.

View Our Latest Research Report on Toll Brothers

Toll Brothers Company Profile

(Free Report)

Toll Brothers, Inc is a publicly traded homebuilding company that focuses on designing and constructing luxury residential properties. The companys core business encompasses a broad range of housing products, including custom single-family homes, upscale condominium communities and rental apartment ventures. Toll Brothers emphasizes high-end finishes and architectural craftsmanship, positioning itself in the premium segment of the U.S. housing market.

In addition to traditional homebuilding, Toll Brothers operates specialized divisions to address evolving consumer preferences.

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Waratah Capital Advisors Ltd. acquired a new position in shares of Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY  Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor acquired 40,090 shares of the technology retailers stock, valued at approximately $3,032,000.

A number of other large investors have also bought and sold shares of the business. Woodline Partners LP boosted its stake in Best Buy by 40.1% in the first quarter. Woodline Partners LP now owns 16,436 shares of the technology retailers stock worth $1,210,000 after purchasing an additional 4,701 shares in the last quarter. Asset Management One Co. Ltd. lifted its position in Best Buy by 1.2% during the 2nd quarter. Asset Management One Co. Ltd. now owns 82,803 shares of the technology retailers stock worth $5,559,000 after buying an additional 968 shares in the last quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. grew its holdings in Best Buy by 6.0% during the 2nd quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. now owns 591,561 shares of the technology retailers stock worth $39,711,000 after acquiring an additional 33,385 shares during the last quarter. Brighton Jones LLC increased its position in Best Buy by 152.9% in the 2nd quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 11,348 shares of the technology retailers stock valued at $762,000 after acquiring an additional 6,861 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Wealthfront Advisers LLC grew its stake in shares of Best Buy by 3.8% during the second quarter. Wealthfront Advisers LLC now owns 117,423 shares of the technology retailers stock valued at $7,883,000 after purchasing an additional 4,281 shares during the last quarter. 80.96% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Best Buy Price Performance

Shares of BBY opened at $62.65 on Wednesday. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $67.65 and a 200 day simple moving average of $73.18. Best Buy Co., Inc. has a 52-week low of $54.99 and a 52-week high of $91.20. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44, a quick ratio of 0.26 and a current ratio of 1.05. The firm has a market capitalization of $13.13 billion, a PE ratio of 20.75, a P/E/G ratio of 1.49 and a beta of 1.44.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Best Buy ( NYSE:BBY Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 25th. The technology retailer reported $1.40 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.31 by $0.09. The firm had revenue of $9.67 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.57 billion. Best Buy had a net margin of 1.54% and a return on equity of 50.02%. The businesss revenue was up 2.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.26 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts predict that Best Buy Co., Inc. will post 6.18 EPS for the current fiscal year.

BBY has been the topic of several research reports. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Best Buy in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. UBS Group upped their price target on Best Buy from $93.00 to $96.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 26th. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Best Buy from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, January 10th. Jefferies Financial Group reduced their price target on Best Buy from $94.00 to $89.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, February 9th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price target on Best Buy from $75.00 to $70.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, February 18th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, fourteen have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Best Buy has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $79.79.

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About Best Buy

(Free Report)

Best Buy Co, Inc is a leading North American consumer electronics retailer that sells a broad range of products including computers, mobile phones, televisions and home theater systems, major appliances, smart-home devices, gaming hardware and software, wearables and related accessories. The company operates through a mix of large-format stores, smaller specialty locations and an e-commerce platform, offering national and private-brand merchandise from major consumer-technology manufacturers as well as third-party sellers.

Beyond product retailing, Best Buy provides a suite of services aimed at installation, repair and ongoing technical support.

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Construction is underway on a hybrid power station in Queensland, Australia that will support Arrow Energys Surat Gas Project (SGP) North. UK-headquartered Aggreko is leading the project, which is designed to show how natural gas and renewable energy can work together in a power generation installation. The hybrid facility, located near Miles in the Western Downs Region, includes a planned solar farm. Aggreko on February 24 said the facility will supply electricity to Arrows field compression station, where gas will be processed in readiness for market. As many as 90 jobs will be created during the construction phase of the power station, which also will include battery energy storage in addition to solar power and natural gas-fired generation. Arrow Energy CEO XinMiao Tong said the power station will provide electricity for Arrow's operations. The hybrid station is a power solution for the future and a strong demonstration of how gas and renewables can work together for cleaner, smarter energy, said Tong. By integrating solar generation and battery storage with gas-powered electricity, we will strengthen our operational resilience while improving our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions footprint as we produce essential energy for Queensland and beyond. Tong added, With natural gas expected to remain an important part of the energy mix for several decades to come, integrated solutions such as this are the shape of things to come. Arrow has significantly reduced its emission intensity across our gas operations over the past decade, and this hybrid power solution is the next step in supporting Australias net zero ambitions. The hybrid power station will include:

A 17 MWp solar farm (subject to final government approvals).

An 8.4-MVA/16-MWh battery energy storage system (BESS).

A 33.75-MVA gasfired thermal power station. MVA, or megavolt-ampere, in power generation represents apparent power, the total capacity of electrical equipment (generators, transformers, lines) to handle combined real (MW) and reactive (MVAR) power.

George Whyte, Aggreko APAC managing director, said the project highlights the role of hybrid energy solutions in supporting major regional developments. This project represents an important milestone for the region and for the future of hybrid energy in Australia, said Whyte. The combination of thermal generation, solar power and battery storage delivers a robust energy platform that supports Arrows operational reliability and contributes to Queenslands broader decarbonisation goals. Whyte added, Our long-term agreement with Arrow Energy underscores Aggrekos commitment to being a reliable partner in delivering innovative, lower emissions energy solutions. We look forward to supporting local job creation during construction and playing a role in the continued growth of the Surat Basin. Aggreko on Tuesday said the investment supports Arrows operational reliability, and is part of the company's long-term commitment to partnering with industry to reduce GHG emissions, improve efficiency, and enhance resilience across remote and energy-intensive operations. Aggreko said the company's environmental, social, and governance strategy is underpinned by two goals:
Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE:SPG  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high on Monday . The company traded as high as $203.60 and last traded at $201.1530, with a volume of 58348 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $201.70.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of analysts have recently commented on the company. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Simon Property Group in a research note on Friday, January 9th. Mizuho set a $192.00 price target on Simon Property Group in a report on Friday, January 9th. Scotiabank raised their price objective on shares of Simon Property Group from $186.00 to $189.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 14th. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their target price on shares of Simon Property Group from $184.00 to $185.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 3rd. Finally, Morgan Stanley set a $205.00 price target on shares of Simon Property Group in a report on Friday, January 16th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and nine have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Simon Property Group currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $197.93.

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View Our Latest Analysis on Simon Property Group

Simon Property Group Trading Down 0.3%

The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $189.49 and a 200 day simple moving average of $183.47. The company has a market capitalization of $65.15 billion, a PE ratio of 14.07, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 6.59 and a beta of 1.39. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.42, a quick ratio of 1.44 and a current ratio of 0.90.

Simon Property Group (NYSE:SPG  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Monday, February 2nd. The real estate investment trust reported $3.49 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.47 by $0.02. Simon Property Group had a return on equity of 124.12% and a net margin of 72.71%.The business had revenue of $1.79 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.50 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $3.68 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 13.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Simon Property Group has set its FY 2026 guidance at 13.000-13.250 EPS. Analysts anticipate that Simon Property Group, Inc. will post 12.54 earnings per share for the current year.

Simon Property Group Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 31st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, March 10th will be issued a dividend of $2.20 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 10th. This represents a $8.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.4%. Simon Property Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 62.06%.

Simon Property Group announced that its Board of Directors has approved a share buyback plan on Thursday, February 5th that allows the company to repurchase $2.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization allows the real estate investment trust to repurchase up to 3.1% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are typically a sign that the companys leadership believes its shares are undervalued.

Insider Transactions at Simon Property Group

In other Simon Property Group news, Director Larry C. Glasscock bought 363 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 31st. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $186.00 per share, with a total value of $67,518.00. Following the purchase, the director directly owned 43,899 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,165,214. This trade represents a 0.83% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director Daniel C. Smith bought 347 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 31st. The shares were bought at an average price of $186.00 per share, for a total transaction of $64,542.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director owned 32,680 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,078,480. The trade was a 1.07% increase in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this purchase is available in the SEC filing. In the last quarter, insiders bought 2,192 shares of company stock valued at $407,712. Company insiders own 8.60% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Simon Property Group

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in Simon Property Group in the 2nd quarter valued at $1,051,262,000. Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its position in shares of Simon Property Group by 634.5% during the 3rd quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 7,370,089 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,383,145,000 after acquiring an additional 6,366,711 shares during the last quarter. Capital World Investors boosted its position in shares of Simon Property Group by 45.0% during the 3rd quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 8,384,133 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,573,450,000 after acquiring an additional 2,600,508 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its holdings in shares of Simon Property Group by 34.2% in the second quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 6,512,383 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,046,943,000 after purchasing an additional 1,660,188 shares during the period. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in Simon Property Group by 1.8% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 46,683,502 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $8,761,093,000 after purchasing an additional 844,190 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 93.01% of the companys stock.

About Simon Property Group

(Get Free Report)

Simon Property Group, Inc (NYSE: SPG) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns, develops and manages retail real estate properties. Its core business activities include acquisition, development, leasing and property management of regional malls, outlet centers and mixed?use retail destinations. The company operates retail brands that include high?profile regional shopping centers and the Premium Outlets platform, and it provides services such as tenant leasing, marketing, property operations and capital projects to optimize asset performance.

Simons portfolio spans a broad mix of enclosed malls, open?air centers, outlet properties and mixed?use developments, and the company pursues redevelopment and repositioning to adapt properties to changing consumer and retail trends.

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TD Asset Management Inc lessened its stake in shares of Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA  Free Report) by 8.2% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 884,512 shares of the credit services providers stock after selling 79,132 shares during the quarter. TD Asset Management Incs holdings in Mastercard were worth $503,119,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of MA. Thoroughbred Financial Services LLC grew its position in shares of Mastercard by 2.0% in the 3rd quarter. Thoroughbred Financial Services LLC now owns 11,661 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $6,633,000 after buying an additional 233 shares during the last quarter. Colonial Trust Co SC lifted its stake in Mastercard by 3.3% in the third quarter. Colonial Trust Co SC now owns 1,345 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $765,000 after acquiring an additional 43 shares during the period. Parr Mcknight Wealth Management Group LLC lifted its stake in Mastercard by 2.0% in the third quarter. Parr Mcknight Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 4,975 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $2,830,000 after acquiring an additional 96 shares during the period. First Heartland Consultants Inc. boosted its holdings in Mastercard by 3.6% in the third quarter. First Heartland Consultants Inc. now owns 2,358 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $1,341,000 after acquiring an additional 81 shares in the last quarter. Finally, LGT Capital Partners LTD. purchased a new position in Mastercard during the 3rd quarter valued at $64,010,000. Institutional investors own 97.28% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research firms have recently commented on MA. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Mastercard from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, January 31st. Truist Financial set a $611.00 price objective on shares of Mastercard in a report on Tuesday, February 10th. Compass Point upgraded Mastercard from a neutral rating to a buy rating and upped their target price for the stock from $620.00 to $735.00 in a report on Tuesday, January 13th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $656.00 price target on shares of Mastercard in a research report on Friday, January 30th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on Mastercard from $660.00 to $668.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, January 29th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have issued a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $669.27.

Mastercard Stock Performance

Shares of MA opened at $498.14 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.03, a current ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.36. The stock has a market cap of $444.24 billion, a P/E ratio of 30.15, a P/E/G ratio of 1.60 and a beta of 0.83. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $548.26 and its 200-day moving average price is $560.64. Mastercard Incorporated has a 52 week low of $465.59 and a 52 week high of $601.77.

Mastercard (NYSE:MA  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, January 29th. The credit services provider reported $4.76 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.24 by $0.52. Mastercard had a return on equity of 203.92% and a net margin of 45.65%.The business had revenue of $8.81 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.80 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $3.82 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 17.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts anticipate that Mastercard Incorporated will post 15.91 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Mastercard Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, May 8th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, April 9th will be paid 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 currently 21.07%.

Mastercard News Summary

Here are the key news stories impacting Mastercard this week:

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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Vestmark Advisory Solutions Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP  Free Report) by 171.8% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 12,520 shares of the railroad operators stock after buying an additional 7,914 shares during the period. Vestmark Advisory Solutions Inc.s holdings in Union Pacific were worth $2,959,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Union Bancaire Privee UBP SA raised its stake in shares of Union Pacific by 9.8% during the 3rd quarter. Union Bancaire Privee UBP SA now owns 52,849 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $12,492,000 after purchasing an additional 4,707 shares in the last quarter. Midwest Trust Co increased its holdings in Union Pacific by 2.8% in the third quarter. Midwest Trust Co now owns 281,036 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $66,428,000 after buying an additional 7,759 shares during the last quarter. CX Institutional raised its position in Union Pacific by 39.8% during the third quarter. CX Institutional now owns 65,826 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $15,559,000 after acquiring an additional 18,742 shares in the last quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans raised its position in Union Pacific by 15.1% during the third quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 135,188 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $31,955,000 after acquiring an additional 17,696 shares in the last quarter. Finally, AustralianSuper Pty Ltd acquired a new position in shares of Union Pacific during the 3rd quarter worth $802,000. 80.38% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Union Pacific Stock Performance

UNP opened at $266.59 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.75, a current ratio of 0.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.64. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $240.29 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $230.69. The firm has a market capitalization of $158.19 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.27, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.88 and a beta of 0.98. Union Pacific Corporation has a 12-month low of $204.66 and a 12-month high of $267.81.

Union Pacific Dividend Announcement

Union Pacific ( NYSE:UNP Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 27th. The railroad operator reported $2.86 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.92 by ($0.06). The business had revenue of $6.09 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.15 billion. Union Pacific had a net margin of 29.12% and a return on equity of 40.89%. The firms revenue was down .6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $2.91 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts forecast that Union Pacific Corporation will post 11.99 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 31st. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 27th will be given a dividend of $1.38 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 27th. This represents a $5.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.1%. Union Pacifics dividend payout ratio is currently 46.12%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $280.00 price objective on shares of Union Pacific in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. Barclays reiterated an overweight rating and set a $285.00 price target (up from $270.00) on shares of Union Pacific in a research note on Tuesday, December 16th. The Goldman Sachs Group reissued a neutral rating and issued a $267.00 price objective on shares of Union Pacific in a research note on Tuesday, January 27th. Susquehanna reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Union Pacific in a research report on Monday, January 19th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets reissued a market perform rating and issued a $295.00 price target on shares of Union Pacific in a research report on Thursday, February 19th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have assigned a Buy rating and ten have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Union Pacific has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $260.14.

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Union Pacific Company Profile

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Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) is one of the largest freight railroad companies in the United States. Its principal operating subsidiary, Union Pacific Railroad, has roots that trace back to the Pacific Railway Act of 1862 and the construction of the first transcontinental rail link completed in 1869. The company is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, and operates as a holding company for rail transportation and related services.

Union Pacifics core business is the movement of freight by rail across an extensive rail network serving the western two?thirds of the United States.

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Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (NYSE:HII  Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, February 4th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 27th will be paid a dividend of 1.38 per share by the aerospace company on Friday, March 13th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.2%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 27th.

Huntington Ingalls Industries has raised its dividend payment by an average of 0.1%per year over the last three years and has increased its dividend annually for the last 13 consecutive years. Huntington Ingalls Industries has a payout ratio of 33.1% indicating that its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Analysts expect Huntington Ingalls Industries to earn $16.48 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $5.52 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 33.5%.

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Huntington Ingalls Industries Price Performance

NYSE:HII opened at $446.85 on Wednesday. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $393.83 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $327.53. Huntington Ingalls Industries has a 52 week low of $167.70 and a 52 week high of $449.03. The stock has a market cap of $17.53 billion, a PE ratio of 29.07, a P/E/G ratio of 1.79 and a beta of 0.34. The company has a quick ratio of 1.06, a current ratio of 1.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53.

Huntington Ingalls Industries Company Profile

Huntington Ingalls Industries ( NYSE:HII Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 5th. The aerospace company reported $4.04 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.72 by $0.32. The firm had revenue of $3.48 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.09 billion. Huntington Ingalls Industries had a return on equity of 12.28% and a net margin of 4.85%.The businesss quarterly revenue was up 15.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $3.15 earnings per share. As a group, analysts forecast that Huntington Ingalls Industries will post 13.99 EPS for the current fiscal year.

(Get Free Report)

Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE: HII) is Americas largest military shipbuilding company and a leading provider of professional services to the U.S. government. Headquartered in Newport News, Virginia, HII designs, constructs and maintains nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, submarines and other complex vessels for the U.S. Navy. The companys products include nuclear aircraft carriers, Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarines, as well as amphibious assault ships, destroyers and cutters.

Established in 2011 as a spin-off from Northrop Grummans shipbuilding operations, HII traces its heritage to two historic builders: Newport News Shipbuilding, founded in the 19th century, and Ingalls Shipbuilding, founded in 1938.

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Waddell & Associates LLC grew its holdings in shares of Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG  Free Report) by 43.8% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 13,428 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 4,090 shares during the period. Waddell & Associates LLCs holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $2,063,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Zhang Financial LLC boosted its stake in shares of Procter & Gamble by 6.8% during the third quarter. Zhang Financial LLC now owns 27,535 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,231,000 after purchasing an additional 1,749 shares during the period. Tableaux LLC bought a new position in Procter & Gamble in the 3rd quarter worth about $225,000. Parr Mcknight Wealth Management Group LLC grew its stake in Procter & Gamble by 0.5% in the third quarter. Parr Mcknight Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 44,364 shares of the companys stock worth $6,817,000 after purchasing an additional 214 shares in the last quarter. Palumbo Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in Procter & Gamble by 6.4% during the 3rd quarter. Palumbo Wealth Management LLC now owns 10,681 shares of the companys stock worth $1,494,000 after purchasing an additional 644 shares during the period. Finally, Patten Group Inc. raised its position in Procter & Gamble by 4.6% during the 3rd quarter. Patten Group Inc. now owns 12,761 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,961,000 after purchasing an additional 559 shares in the last quarter. 65.77% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Procter & Gamble Trading Up 0.2%

Shares of Procter & Gamble stock opened at $165.42 on Wednesday. Procter & Gamble Company has a 12-month low of $137.62 and a 12-month high of $179.99. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $149.82 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $150.85. 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 firm has a market capitalization of $384.44 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.51, a PEG ratio of 5.52 and a beta of 0.38.

Procter & Gamble Dividend Announcement

Procter & Gamble ( NYSE:PG Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, January 22nd. The company reported $1.88 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.86 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $22.21 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $22.36 billion. Procter & Gamble had a return on equity of 32.21% and a net margin of 19.30%.The firms quarterly revenue was up 1.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.88 EPS. Procter & Gamble has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.830-7.090 EPS. Analysts predict that Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.91 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, February 17th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 23rd were issued a $1.0568 dividend. This represents a $4.23 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, January 23rd. Procter & Gambles dividend payout ratio is 62.67%.

Insider Transactions at Procter & Gamble

In other Procter & Gamble news, Chairman Jon R. Moeller sold 162,232 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $162.45, for a total transaction of $26,354,588.40. Following the sale, the chairman directly owned 319,385 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $51,884,093.25. This trade represents a 33.68% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, insider Susan Street Whaley sold 1,809 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $159.46, for a total value of $288,463.14. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 30,215 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,818,083.90. This trade represents a 5.65% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 343,069 shares of company stock valued at $54,545,448. 0.20% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research firms have recently issued reports on PG. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Procter & Gamble in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Dbs Bank upgraded shares of Procter & Gamble from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, January 23rd. BNP Paribas Exane reduced their price target on shares of Procter & Gamble from $172.00 to $164.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, January 16th. Barclays set a $155.00 price objective on shares of Procter & Gamble in a research note on Friday, January 16th. Finally, Piper Sandler assumed coverage on Procter & Gamble in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. They set a neutral rating and a $150.00 target price on the stock. Fourteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $168.33.

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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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Shares of The Bank of Nova Scotia (TSE:BNS  Get Free Report) (NYSE:BNS) reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as C$106.39 and last traded at C$105.66, with a volume of 265649 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$105.75.

More Bank of Nova Scotia News

Here are the key news stories impacting Bank of Nova Scotia this week:

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

BNS has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Canaccord Genuity Group upped their price objective on Bank of Nova Scotia from C$106.00 to C$112.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, February 12th. Raymond James Financial increased their target price on Bank of Nova Scotia from C$109.00 to C$114.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 17th. Barclays upped their price objective on Bank of Nova Scotia from C$97.00 to C$106.00 in a research note on Thursday, February 19th. Desjardins raised their target price on shares of Bank of Nova Scotia from C$104.00 to C$106.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Monday, February 9th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group increased their price target on Bank of Nova Scotia from C$97.00 to C$104.00 in a research report on Wednesday, February 11th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Bank of Nova Scotia currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of C$101.17.

Bank of Nova Scotia Price Performance

The company has a fifty day moving average price of C$102.24 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$94.51. The firm has a market cap of C$127.74 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.22, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 1.33.

Bank of Nova Scotia (TSE:BNS  Get Free Report) (NYSE:BNS) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, December 2nd. The bank reported C$1.93 earnings per share for the quarter. The firm had revenue of C$9.77 billion for the quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia had a net margin of 17.68% and a return on equity of 9.64%. On average, research analysts expect that The Bank of Nova Scotia will post 7.1286267 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity at Bank of Nova Scotia

In related news, insider Julie Walsh sold 3,716 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$100.62, for a total value of C$373,903.92. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 1,430 shares in the company, valued at C$143,886.60. The trade was a 72.21% decrease in their position. Insiders own 0.03% of the companys stock.

Bank of Nova Scotia Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Bank of Nova Scotia is a global financial services provider. The bank has five business segments: Canadian banking, international banking, global wealth management, global banking and markets, and other. It offers a range of advice, products, and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. The banks international operations span numerous countries and are more concentrated in Central and South America.

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Outokumpu (OTCMKTS:OUTKY  Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high on Monday . The company traded as high as $3.0450 and last traded at $3.0450, with a volume of 300 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $2.95.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several brokerages have issued reports on OUTKY. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered Outokumpu from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded shares of Outokumpu from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, January 16th. Citigroup restated a neutral rating on shares of Outokumpu in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Finally, Zacks Research raised Outokumpu from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, January 1st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold.

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Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Outokumpu

Outokumpu Stock Performance

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 firm has a market capitalization of $2.94 billion, a P/E ratio of -19.44 and a beta of 0.59. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $2.71 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $2.37.

Outokumpu (OTCMKTS:OUTKY  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 12th. The company reported ($0.08) EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.13) by $0.05. The business had revenue of $1.35 billion for the quarter. Outokumpu had a negative net margin of 2.55% and a negative return on equity of 3.97%. Equities research analysts forecast that Outokumpu will post 0.07 earnings per share for the current year.

Outokumpu Company Profile

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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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Waddell & Associates LLC purchased a new position in shares of Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA  Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm purchased 1,210 shares of the credit services providers stock, valued at approximately $688,000.

Several other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of MA. Evolution Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new position in Mastercard in the 2nd quarter worth about $29,000. Robbins Farley grew its holdings in shares of Mastercard by 50.0% during the third quarter. Robbins Farley now owns 54 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 18 shares during the last quarter. Tacita Capital Inc increased its stake in shares of 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 buying an additional 19 shares during the period. True Wealth Design LLC increased its stake in shares of Mastercard by 45.2% in the second quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 61 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $34,000 after buying an additional 19 shares during the period. Finally, Sagard Holdings Management Inc. bought a new position in Mastercard in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $37,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 97.28% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

MA has been the subject of several recent research reports. Cantor Fitzgerald upgraded shares of Mastercard to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 27th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Mastercard from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, January 31st. Rothschild & Co Redburn set a $685.00 target price on Mastercard in a research report on Wednesday, January 28th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $656.00 price objective on shares of Mastercard in a research report on Friday, January 30th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a buy rating and issued a $739.00 target price on shares of Mastercard in a report on Thursday, January 29th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have issued a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $669.27.

Key Headlines Impacting Mastercard

Here are the key news stories impacting Mastercard this week:

Mastercard Trading Up 0.4%

NYSE MA opened at $498.14 on Wednesday. Mastercard Incorporated has a one year low of $465.59 and a one year high of $601.77. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.36, a current ratio of 1.03 and a quick ratio of 1.03. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $548.26 and a 200 day simple moving average of $560.64. The stock has a market capitalization of $444.24 billion, a P/E ratio of 30.15, a P/E/G ratio of 1.60 and a beta of 0.83.

Mastercard (NYSE:MA  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 29th. The credit services provider reported $4.76 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.24 by $0.52. The company had revenue of $8.81 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.80 billion. Mastercard had a net margin of 45.65% and a return on equity of 203.92%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 17.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $3.82 EPS. Research analysts expect that Mastercard Incorporated will post 15.91 earnings per share for the current year.

Mastercard Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared 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. This represents a $3.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, April 9th. Mastercards payout ratio is 21.07%.

Mastercard Profile

(Free Report)

Mastercard Incorporated is a global payments technology company that operates a network connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 200 countries and territories. The company facilitates electronic payments and transaction processing for credit, debit and prepaid card products carrying the Mastercard brand, while also providing a range of payment-related services to issuers, acquirers and merchants. Its technology and network enable authorization, clearing and settlement of payments and support a broad set of use cases including point-of-sale, e-commerce and mobile payments.

Beyond core transaction processing, Mastercard offers a suite of value-added services such as fraud and risk management, identity and authentication tools, tokenization and digital wallet support, cross-border and commercial payment solutions, and data analytics and consulting services for merchants and financial partners.

Further Reading

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Vaalco Energy Inc (NYSE:EGY  Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Tuesday, February 17th. Investors of record on Friday, February 27th will be given a dividend of 0.0625 per share by the energy company on Friday, March 27th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.9%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 27th.

Vaalco Energy has a payout ratio of 92.6% indicating that its dividend is currently covered by earnings, but may not be in the future if the companys earnings decline. Equities research analysts expect Vaalco Energy to earn $0.25 per share next year, which means the company may not be able to cover its $0.25 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 100.0%.

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Vaalco Energy Trading Down 2.6%

Vaalco Energy stock traded down $0.14 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $5.06. The companys stock had a trading volume of 93,044 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,224,967. The stocks fifty day moving average is $4.34 and its two-hundred day moving average is $4.00. The company has a current ratio of 1.05, a quick ratio of 0.99 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24. The firm has a market capitalization of $527.03 million, a PE ratio of 18.72 and a beta of 0.27. Vaalco Energy has a 1 year low of $3.00 and a 1 year high of $5.38.

Vaalco Energy Company Profile

Vaalco Energy, Inc is an independent energy company principally engaged in the exploration, development and production of crude oil and natural gas. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Vaalco concentrates on offshore assets in West Africa, with a strategic emphasis on maintaining and optimizing cash-flowgenerating properties. Founded in the mid-1980s, the company has built its reputation by focusing on high-impact drilling prospects and extending the productive life of its core fields through targeted infill wells and enhanced recovery techniques.

The companys primary producing asset is the Etame Marin block offshore Gabon, where Vaalco holds a majority interest and serves as operator.

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CAVA Group (NYSE:CAVA  Get Free Report) had its price target lifted by investment analysts at Piper Sandler from $71.00 to $85.00 in a note issued to investors on Wednesday, Marketbeat.com reports. The brokerage currently has an overweight rating on the stock. Piper Sandlers price objective would suggest a potential upside of 3.79% from the companys current price.

A number of other analysts also recently commented on CAVA. KeyCorp dropped their target price on shares of CAVA Group from $85.00 to $65.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Mizuho increased their price objective on CAVA Group from $52.00 to $64.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, January 9th. Barclays lifted their target price on CAVA Group from $52.00 to $70.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. Truist Financial boosted their target price on CAVA Group from $78.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group reissued a neutral rating and issued a $68.00 price target on shares of CAVA Group in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have given a Buy rating and nine have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, CAVA Group currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $84.79.

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Read Our Latest Stock Report on CAVA Group

CAVA Group Stock Up 20.8%

CAVA traded up $14.10 during trading on Wednesday, reaching $81.90. The stock had a trading volume of 4,529,142 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,501,341. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $64.66 and a two-hundred day moving average of $61.52. The firm has a market capitalization of $9.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 71.22, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.02 and a beta of 2.41. CAVA Group has a 1-year low of $43.41 and a 1-year high of $101.58.

CAVA Group (NYSE:CAVA  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 24th. The company reported $0.04 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.03 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $274.99 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $268.04 million. CAVA Group had a return on equity of 8.88% and a net margin of 12.14%.The companys quarterly revenue was up 20.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.05 EPS. On average, research analysts forecast that CAVA Group will post 0.5 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Transactions at CAVA Group

In other news, insider Kelly Costanza sold 1,707 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $62.14, for a total transaction of $106,072.98. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 119,139 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,403,297.46. This trade represents a 1.41% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, insider Kenneth Robert Bertram sold 1,074 shares of CAVA Group stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $67.41, for a total value of $72,398.34. Following the sale, the insider owned 50,116 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,378,319.56. This represents a 2.10% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last ninety days, insiders have sold 39,055 shares of company stock valued at $2,572,303. Corporate insiders own 12.10% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of CAVA Group

Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in CAVA. Quadcap Wealth Management LLC raised its position in CAVA Group by 1.4% in the second quarter. Quadcap Wealth Management LLC now owns 8,966 shares of the companys stock worth $755,000 after purchasing an additional 124 shares in the last quarter. McDonough Capital Management Inc grew its position in CAVA Group by 4.7% during the 2nd quarter. McDonough Capital Management Inc now owns 2,910 shares of the companys stock worth $245,000 after acquiring an additional 131 shares during the last quarter. Tsfg LLC grew its holdings in shares of CAVA Group by 19.1% during the second quarter. Tsfg LLC now owns 937 shares of the companys stock worth $79,000 after purchasing an additional 150 shares during the last quarter. Baltimore Washington Financial Advisors Inc. raised its stake in shares of CAVA Group by 5.6% in the second quarter. Baltimore Washington Financial Advisors Inc. now owns 2,810 shares of the companys stock worth $237,000 after acquiring an additional 150 shares during the last quarter. Finally, DMC Group LLC raised its position in CAVA Group by 3.7% in the 4th quarter. DMC Group LLC now owns 4,426 shares of the companys stock worth $260,000 after purchasing an additional 157 shares during the last quarter. 73.15% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

CAVA Group News Roundup

Here are the key news stories impacting CAVA Group this week:

About CAVA Group

(Get Free Report)

CAVA Group, Inc (NYSE: CAVA) is a leading fast-casual restaurant company specializing in Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Operating under the CAVA brand, the company offers customizable bowls, pitas and salads built around a variety of proteins, grains, fresh vegetables and house-made spreads. With a focus on high-quality ingredients and made-to-order preparation, CAVA aims to deliver a casual yet elevated dining experience for dine-in, takeout and catering customers.

Founded in 2011 in the Washington, DC metro area by Ike Grigoropoulos, Dimitri Katsanis and Brett Schulman, CAVA has pursued an aggressive growth strategy that included the 2018 acquisition of Zoes Kitchen.

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Amazon appears poised to take the top spot on the Fortune 500, edging out Walmart for the first time in more than a decade. Its a symbolic changing of the guard in corporate America, writes my colleague Phil Wahba in this must-read feature.

For years, the rivalry between Amazon and Walmart looked like a fight over retail: e-commerce versus stores, software versus logistics, disruption versus incumbency. But Amazons rise to the top of the Fortune 500 points to a deeper leadership lesson, one that goes well beyond who sells the most goods.

Amazon did not overtake Walmart by simply becoming a better retailer. It won by refusing to rely on retail economics alone. While competitors focused on squeezing more efficiency from their core business, Amazon gradually built additional engines with entirely different financial dynamics. Amazon Web Services, originally created to power internal operations, became a high-margin cloud giant that now generates a disproportionate share of the companys operating profit. That profitability gave Amazon something many large companies struggle to achieve: strategic freedom, the ability to invest aggressively, absorb failed experiments, and keep evolving.

The companies pulling ahead often grow through one business and earn through another. Case in point: Microsoft used cloud to reshape the economics of software. Apple used services to extend the value of hardware. Amazon used cloud profits to fund its retail reinvention.

For leaders, this is not just a story about customer obsession or innovation culture, ideas now familiar to every executive team. It is about how companies structure profit and growth. The companies that win are not merely optimizing their core businesses but are, instead, building adjacent profit engines that fund their future.

Scale alone no longer protects incumbents. Economic flexibility does.

Today, the real risk for leaders at large-scale companies is becoming trapped inside a business model that limits how boldly they can move. Perhaps the question every leader should ask themselves is: What business are we building today that will give us room to innovate for tomorrow?

Ruth Umoh

ruth.umoh@fortune.com

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Globe Life (NYSE:GL  Get Free Report) had its price target increased by research analysts at Wells Fargo & Company from $170.00 to $171.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Wednesday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has an overweight rating on the stock. Wells Fargo & Companys price target indicates a potential upside of 20.53% from the stocks previous close.

Several other research firms have also recently weighed in on GL. Truist Financial lifted their price target on Globe Life from $158.00 to $180.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, February 6th. Piper Sandler reiterated an overweight rating and set a $167.00 price objective on shares of Globe Life in a research report on Friday, November 21st. Evercore set a $157.00 target price on shares of Globe Life in a research report on Wednesday, February 18th. TD Cowen reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Globe Life in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $176.00 price objective on shares of Globe Life in a research note on Monday, December 15th. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Globe Life presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $171.33.

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Globe Life Stock Performance

Shares of GL traded down $0.41 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $141.88. The company had a trading volume of 44,831 shares, compared to its average volume of 502,317. The business has a fifty day moving average of $141.50 and a 200-day moving average of $138.60. The company has a quick ratio of 0.07, a current ratio of 0.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41. The firm has a market cap of $11.29 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.05 and a beta of 0.47. Globe Life has a 12 month low of $109.38 and a 12 month high of $152.71.

Globe Life (NYSE:GL  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 4th. The company reported $3.39 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.44 by ($0.05). The company had revenue of $1.52 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.53 billion. Globe Life had a net margin of 19.37% and a return on equity of 21.75%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 3.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $3.14 EPS. Globe Life has set its FY 2026 guidance at 14.950-15.650 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that Globe Life will post 13.87 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity at Globe Life

In other news, EVP Michael Clay Majors sold 30,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $146.89, for a total transaction of $4,406,700.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 47,066 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,913,524.74. This represents a 38.93% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CMO Jennifer Allison Haworth sold 10,000 shares of Globe Life stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $143.14, for a total transaction of $1,431,400.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief marketing officer directly owned 17,479 shares in the company, valued at $2,501,944.06. This trade represents a 36.39% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold 63,629 shares of company stock valued at $9,223,785 over the last quarter. 1.97% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Globe Life

Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in GL. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. lifted its holdings in Globe Life by 6.9% during the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 9,391 shares of the companys stock worth $1,237,000 after purchasing an additional 607 shares in the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Globe Life by 368.1% in the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 6,806 shares of the companys stock worth $897,000 after buying an additional 5,352 shares in the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Globe Life by 11.5% in the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 563,021 shares of the companys stock worth $74,161,000 after buying an additional 58,163 shares in the last quarter. Empowered Funds LLC bought a new position in shares of Globe Life in the first quarter valued at approximately $428,000. Finally, Focus Partners Wealth grew its stake in Globe Life by 8.3% during the first quarter. Focus Partners Wealth now owns 8,559 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,127,000 after acquiring an additional 656 shares in the last quarter. 81.61% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Globe Life

(Get Free Report)

Globe Life, traded on the NYSE under the symbol GL, is a U.S.-based insurance holding company that underwrites and distributes a range of life and supplemental health insurance products. Through its subsidiary brandsGlobe Life, American Income Life, Liberty National Life, United American Insurance Company and Family Heritage Lifeit offers term life, whole life, fixed annuities and supplemental health coverage designed to meet the needs of individuals and families across various socioeconomic segments.

The companys product suite includes low-cost, easy-to-understand life insurance policies, accidental death and dismemberment coverage, hospital indemnity plans and specified disease insurance.

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Fresenius SE & Co. (OTCMKTS:FSNUY  Get Free Report) announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday. The company reported $0.28 earnings per share for the quarter, Zacks reports. Fresenius SE & Co. had a net margin of 5.26% and a return on equity of 9.72%.

Fresenius SE & Co. Stock Performance

FSNUY stock traded up $0.21 during trading on Wednesday, reaching $15.21. The stock had a trading volume of 2,645 shares, compared to its average volume of 54,765. The firm has a market cap of $34.27 billion, a PE ratio of 27.65 and a beta of 0.75. The company has a current ratio of 1.26, a quick ratio of 0.99 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49. The stocks 50 day moving average is $14.53 and its two-hundred day moving average is $14.39. Fresenius SE & Co. has a 52 week low of $9.78 and a 52 week high of $33.93.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research firms have commented on FSNUY. Citigroup reissued a buy rating on shares of Fresenius SE & Co. in a report on Tuesday, February 3rd. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of Fresenius SE & Co. in a research report on Monday, December 15th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat.com, Fresenius SE & Co. has an average rating of Buy.

About Fresenius SE & Co.

(Get Free Report)

Fresenius SE & Co KGaA is a global healthcare group headquartered in Bad Homburg vor der Hohe, Germany. Founded in 1912 by Eduard Fresenius, the company has grown into one of the worlds leading providers of products and services for dialysis, hospitals and outpatient medical care. Trading on major European exchanges and available over the counter in the U.S. as FSNUY, Fresenius SE & Co brings together a portfolio of specialized healthcare businesses under one corporate umbrella.

The company operates through four main business segments.

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Boston Beer (NYSE:SAM  Get Free Report) had its price target decreased by analysts at Morgan Stanley from $245.00 to $235.00 in a note issued to investors on Wednesday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an equal weight rating on the stock. Morgan Stanleys price objective suggests a potential upside of 10.78% from the companys previous close.

SAM has been the topic of several other reports. Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed a sector perform rating and set a $245.00 price objective on shares of Boston Beer in a report on Friday. Citigroup decreased their target price on Boston Beer from $250.00 to $220.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. Piper Sandler dropped their price target on Boston Beer from $230.00 to $220.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Friday, November 21st. Weiss Ratings raised Boston Beer from a sell (d+) rating to a hold (c-) rating in a report on Friday, February 6th. Finally, UBS Group reaffirmed a neutral rating on shares of Boston Beer in a research note on Monday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, eleven have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Boston Beer presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $243.28.

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Boston Beer Stock Down 6.7%

SAM traded down $15.32 during trading on Wednesday, hitting $212.14. 89,143 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 163,203. Boston Beer has a one year low of $185.34 and a one year high of $260.00. The stocks fifty day moving average is $216.59 and its 200 day moving average is $213.88. The firm has a market cap of $2.26 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.06, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.63 and a beta of 1.03.

Boston Beer (NYSE:SAM  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, February 24th. The company reported ($2.12) earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($2.33) by $0.21. Boston Beer had a net margin of 4.38% and a return on equity of 12.29%. The firm had revenue of $385.68 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $381.75 million. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned ($1.68) earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was down 4.1% on a year-over-year basis. Boston Beer has set its FY 2026 guidance at 8.500-11.000 EPS. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Boston Beer will post 9.29 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Calamos Advisors LLC boosted its position in Boston Beer by 12.1% during the 3rd quarter. Calamos Advisors LLC now owns 65,364 shares of the companys stock valued at $13,819,000 after acquiring an additional 7,035 shares in the last quarter. Savoir Faire Capital Management L.P. grew its stake in Boston Beer by 28.4% in the third quarter. Savoir Faire Capital Management L.P. now owns 38,825 shares of the companys stock worth $8,208,000 after purchasing an additional 8,585 shares during the period. Acadian Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in Boston Beer during the second quarter valued at $12,795,000. Savant Capital LLC bought a new stake in shares of Boston Beer during the 3rd quarter valued at $2,030,000. Finally, SG Americas Securities LLC increased its stake in shares of Boston Beer by 835.1% in the 3rd quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 5,667 shares of the companys stock worth $1,198,000 after acquiring an additional 5,061 shares in the last quarter. 81.13% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Key Stories Impacting Boston Beer

Here are the key news stories impacting Boston Beer this week:

About Boston Beer

(Get Free Report)

The Boston Beer Company, Inc (NYSE: SAM) is a leading craft brewer headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. Since its founding in 1984 by Jim Koch, the company has focused on producing high-quality, distinctive beers and beverages for retail, on-premise, and distribution partners across the United States. Its operations include brewing, packaging, marketing and distribution, supported by a network of wholly owned brewing facilities and strategic partnerships with regional breweries.

Boston Beers flagship brand, Samuel Adams Boston Lager, helped establish the modern U.S.

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Nabors Industries (NYSE:NBR  Get Free Report) had its price target raised by stock analysts at Barclays from $50.00 to $65.00 in a note issued to investors on Wednesday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an underweight rating on the oil and gas companys stock. Barclayss target price points to a potential downside of 17.57% from the stocks previous close.

NBR has been the subject of a number of other research reports. UBS Group set a $70.00 price target on Nabors Industries in a report on Friday, February 13th. Susquehanna reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $70.00 target price (up from $64.00) on shares of Nabors Industries in a report on Friday, February 13th. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating and set a $77.00 price target (up from $70.00) on shares of Nabors Industries in a report on Friday, February 13th. Piper Sandler reaffirmed an overweight rating and set a $80.00 price objective (up from $65.00) on shares of Nabors Industries in a report on Tuesday, February 17th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c-) rating on shares of Nabors Industries in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Nabors Industries presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $69.00.

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Read Our Latest Research Report on Nabors Industries

Nabors Industries Price Performance

NYSE NBR traded up $1.09 on Wednesday, hitting $78.86. 108,494 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 398,664. Nabors Industries has a 1-year low of $23.27 and a 1-year high of $80.32. The company has a current ratio of 1.56, a quick ratio of 1.47 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.22. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $63.30 and a two-hundred day moving average of $50.74. The company has a market cap of $1.16 billion, a P/E ratio of 4.78 and a beta of 0.99.

Nabors Industries (NYSE:NBR  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, February 11th. The oil and gas company reported $0.17 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($2.93) by $3.10. Nabors Industries had a negative return on equity of 17.63% and a net margin of 8.92%.The company had revenue of $805.13 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $795.82 million. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned ($6.67) EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 9.0% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts predict that Nabors Industries will post -6.22 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Trading of Nabors Industries

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Nabors Industries by 2.0% during the 4th quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC now owns 8,634 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $469,000 after purchasing an additional 173 shares during the last quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio boosted its holdings in shares of Nabors Industries by 23.0% in the 3rd quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 1,545 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $63,000 after buying an additional 289 shares in the last quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Nabors Industries by 24.1% in the 4th quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 1,754 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $95,000 after buying an additional 341 shares in the last quarter. Nebula Research & Development LLC grew its position in shares of Nabors Industries by 2.5% in the 2nd quarter. Nebula Research & Development LLC now owns 17,697 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $496,000 after buying an additional 428 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Islay Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Nabors Industries during the 4th quarter worth approximately $26,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 81.92% of the companys stock.

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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Eldorado Gold (NYSE:EGO  Get Free Report) (TSE:ELD) had its target price lowered by investment analysts at Scotiabank from $59.00 to $58.00 in a report issued on Wednesday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has a sector outperform rating on the basic materials companys stock. Scotiabanks price target would suggest a potential upside of 30.00% from the stocks current price.

Other research analysts have also recently issued research reports about the stock. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce cut shares of Eldorado Gold from a sector outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $54.00 target price for the company. in a report on Friday, February 20th. Canaccord Genuity Group downgraded Eldorado Gold from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, February 20th. Royal Bank Of Canada lowered Eldorado Gold from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and set a $48.00 target price on the stock. in a report on Tuesday, February 17th. National Bank Financial reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Eldorado Gold in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. Finally, TD Securities lowered their target price on shares of Eldorado Gold from $47.00 to $45.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $43.71.

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Eldorado Gold Trading Up 2.9%

NYSE:EGO traded up $1.24 on Wednesday, reaching $44.61. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,180,514 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,729,454. Eldorado Gold has a 1-year low of $13.30 and a 1-year high of $51.16. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $41.07 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $32.30. The firm has a market cap of $8.86 billion, a PE ratio of 18.01, a PEG ratio of 0.19 and a beta of 0.51. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a quick ratio of 1.46 and a current ratio of 1.83.

Eldorado Gold (NYSE:EGO  Get Free Report) (TSE:ELD) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 19th. The basic materials company reported $0.63 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.64 by ($0.01). Eldorado Gold had a return on equity of 8.63% and a net margin of 27.89%.The company had revenue of $575.14 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $500.42 million. Equities research analysts anticipate that Eldorado Gold will post 1.5 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Headlands Technologies LLC acquired a new stake in Eldorado Gold during the second quarter worth approximately $32,000. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Eldorado Gold during the 4th quarter worth approximately $33,000. Aventura Private Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Eldorado Gold during the 4th quarter worth approximately $36,000. Flagship Harbor Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Eldorado Gold during the 4th quarter valued at $36,000. Finally, Wexford Capital LP acquired a new position in shares of Eldorado Gold during the 3rd quarter valued at $37,000. 69.58% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Eldorado Gold

(Get Free Report)

Eldorado Gold Corporation is a Canada?based gold producer engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and operation of mineral properties. The companys core focus is on gold, silver and select base metals, with an emphasis on advancing projects through feasibility and into production. Eldorado Gold maintains a diversified portfolio of both producing mines and advanced?stage development projects.

Operationally, Eldorado Gold manages multiple gold mining operations across Turkey, Canada and Greece.

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Pro Medicus Limited (ASX:PME  Get Free Report) insider Peter Kempen acquired 400 shares of Pro Medicus stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 23rd. The shares were purchased at an average price of A$116.43 per share, for a total transaction of A$46,572.00.

Peter Kempen also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Monday, December 29th, Peter Kempen purchased 600 shares of Pro Medicus stock. The shares were purchased at an average cost of A$224.00 per share, with a total value of A$134,400.00.

Pro Medicus Price Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.10, a current ratio of 5.98 and a quick ratio of 4.39. The company has a market capitalization of $29.16 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 351.99, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.87 and a beta of 0.56.

Pro Medicus Dividend Announcement

Pro Medicus Company Profile

The company also recently declared a Interim dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 19th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, March 19th will be paid a dividend of $0.32 per share. This represents a dividend yield of 27.0%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 25th. Pro Medicuss payout ratio is currently 56.41%.

(Get Free Report)

Pro Medicus Limited engages in the development and supply of healthcare imaging software and services to hospitals, diagnostic imaging groups, and other related health entities in Australia, North America, and Europe. The company offers Visage radiology information systems (RIS), a proprietary medical software for practice management, training, installation, professional services, and after-sale support and service products; and Promedicus.net, an e-health platform. It also provides healthcare imaging software that provides radiologists and clinicians with visualization capability for viewing 2-D, 3-D, and 4-D medical images, as well as picture archive and communication system (PACS)/digital imaging software; and integration products.

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Post (NYSE:POST  Get Free Report) and McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE:MKC  Get Free Report) are both consumer staples companies, but which is the superior stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, profitability, risk, earnings, dividends and valuation.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of recent ratings and target prices for Post and McCormick & Company, Incorporated, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Post 0 3 5 0 2.63 McCormick & Company, Incorporated 0 7 5 0 2.42

Post presently has a consensus target price of $129.67, indicating a potential upside of 25.20%. McCormick & Company, Incorporated has a consensus target price of $73.90, indicating a potential upside of 7.83%. Given Posts stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities analysts clearly believe Post is more favorable than McCormick & Company, Incorporated.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

Volatility and Risk

94.9% of Post shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 79.7% of McCormick & Company, Incorporated shares are owned by institutional investors. 14.1% of Post shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 23.8% of McCormick & Company, Incorporated shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Post has a beta of 0.44, indicating that its share price is 56% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, McCormick & Company, Incorporated has a beta of 0.61, indicating that its share price is 39% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Profitability

This table compares Post and McCormick & Company, Incorporateds net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Post 3.82% 12.37% 3.54% McCormick & Company, Incorporated 11.54% 14.27% 6.14%

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Post and McCormick & Company, Incorporateds top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Post $8.16 billion 0.61 $335.70 million $5.41 19.14 McCormick & Company, Incorporated $6.84 billion 2.69 $789.40 million $2.93 23.39

McCormick & Company, Incorporated has lower revenue, but higher earnings than Post. Post is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than McCormick & Company, Incorporated, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Summary

McCormick & Company, Incorporated beats Post on 8 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Post

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Post Holdings, Inc. operates as a consumer packaged goods holding company in the United States and internationally. It operates through four segments: Post Consumer Brands, Weetabix, Foodservice, and Refrigerated Retail. The Post Consumer Brands segment manufactures, markets, and sells branded and private label ready-to-eat (RTE) cereals under Honey Bunches of Oats, Pebbles, and Malt-O-Meal brand names; hot cereal; peanut butter under the Peter Pan brand; and branded and private label dog and cat food products under Rachael Ray Nutrish, Nature's Recipe, 9Lives, Kibbles 'n Bits and Gravy Train brand names. The Weetabix segment primarily manufactures, markets, and distributes branded and private label RTE cereal under Weetabix and Alpen brands; hot cereals and other cereal-based food products; breakfast drinks; protein-based shakes under the UFIT brand, and nutritional snacks, such as muesli. The Foodservice segment produces and distributes egg products primarily under Papetti's and Abbotsford Farms brands, as well as potato products in the foodservice and food ingredient channels. The segment also manufactures certain meat products. The Refrigerated Retail segment produces and distributes side dish, potato, sausage products under Bob Evans, Bob Evans Farms, and Simply Potatoes brands; eggs and egg products under Bob Evans Egg Whites and Egg Beaters brands; and cheese, and other dairy and refrigerated products under Crystal Farms brand. It serves grocery stores, mass merchandise customers, supercenters, club stores, natural/specialty stores, dollar stores, discounters, wholesalers, convenience stores, pet supply retailers, drug store customers, foodservice distributors, and national restaurant chains, as well as sells its products in the military, ecommerce, and foodservice channels. The company was founded in 1895 and is headquartered in Saint Louis, Missouri.

About McCormick & Company, Incorporated

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McCormick & Co., Inc. engages in the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of spices, seasoning mixes, condiments, and other flavorful products to retail outlets, food manufacturers, and foodservice businesses. It operates through the Consumer and Flavor Solutions segments. The Consumer segment sells spices, seasonings, condiments, and sauces. The Flavor Solutions segment includes seasoning blends, spices and herbs, condiments, coating systems, and compound flavors. The company was founded by Willoughby M. McCormick in 1889 and is headquartered in Baltimore, MD.

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Shares of Tele2 (OTCMKTS:TLTZY  Get Free Report) gapped down prior to trading on Wednesday . The stock had previously closed at $11.30, but opened at $10.46. Tele2 shares last traded at $10.46, with a volume of 2,237 shares trading hands.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities analysts have weighed in on TLTZY shares. New Street Research upgraded Tele2 to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a hold rating on shares of Tele2 in a research note on Tuesday, January 27th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have issued a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Buy.

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Tele2 Stock Performance

The company has a market capitalization of $14.41 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.97 and a beta of 0.45. The company has a current ratio of 0.57, a quick ratio of 0.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.90. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $9.12 and a 200-day simple moving average of $8.54.

Tele2 (OTCMKTS:TLTZY  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 28th. The company reported $0.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.11 by ($0.02). Tele2 had a return on equity of 21.68% and a net margin of 15.40%.The company had revenue of $854.77 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $866.14 million. On average, analysts anticipate that Tele2 will post 0.28 earnings per share for the current year.

About Tele2

(Get Free Report)

Tele2 AB is a European telecommunications company headquartered in Kista, Sweden. Since its founding in 1993, the firm has developed into a full-service provider of voice, data and multimedia solutions for both consumer and business markets. Its core offerings include mobile telephony, fixed and mobile broadband, voice over IP, digital television services and data network solutions, alongside emerging Internet of Things (IoT) and machine-to-machine connectivity products.

Tele2 operates primarily across the Nordic and Baltic regions, with key markets in Sweden, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

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JPMorgan Chase & Co., Citigroup, Bank of America, Wells Fargo & Company, NU, Charles Schwab, and HSBC are the seven Bank stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Bank stocks are shares of publicly traded banking institutions that give investors partial ownership in those banks and a claim on their profits. They are typically valued based on interest-rate margins, loan performance and credit cycles, and are sensitive to regulatory changes and economic conditionsoften offering dividend income but carrying risks from loan defaults, interest-rate swings, and systemic banking stress. 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.

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.

Read Our Latest Research Report on C

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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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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NU (NU)

Nu Holdings Ltd. is a holding company, which engages in the provision of digital banking services. The company was founded by David Velez Osorno, Cristina Helena Zingaretti Junqueira, and Adam Edward Wible on February 26, 2016 and is headquartered in George Town, Cayman Islands.

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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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HSBC (HSBC)

HSBC Holdings plc provides banking and financial services worldwide. The company operates through Wealth and Personal Banking, Commercial Banking, and Global Banking and Markets segments. The Wealth and Personal Banking segment offers retail banking and wealth products, including current and savings accounts, mortgages and personal loans, credit and debit cards, and local and international payment services; and wealth management services comprising insurance and investment products, global asset management services, investment management, and private wealth solutions.

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Featured Articles
Ero Copper (TSE:ERO  Get Free Report) had its price target lowered by equities research analysts at National Bank Financial from C$56.00 to C$53.50 in a report issued on Wednesday,BayStreet.CA reports. The firm currently has a sector perform rating on the stock. National Bank Financials price objective suggests a potential upside of 12.87% from the stocks current price.

ERO has been the subject of a number of other reports. TD Securities lifted their target price on shares of Ero Copper from C$33.00 to C$45.00 in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce upped their price objective on shares of Ero Copper from C$42.00 to C$52.00 in a report on Wednesday, February 4th. Ventum Financial raised Ero Copper to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Scotiabank raised their price objective on Ero Copper from C$36.00 to C$45.00 in a research report on Thursday, January 8th. Finally, Canaccord Genuity Group raised Ero Copper from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, January 14th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have issued a Buy rating and eight have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of C$44.54.

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Ero Copper Stock Performance

Insider Buying and Selling

Shares of TSE:ERO traded up C$1.50 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting C$47.40. The stock had a trading volume of 252,443 shares, compared to its average volume of 620,602. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 83.17, a quick ratio of 1.43 and a current ratio of 0.68. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is C$41.84 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$32.62. The firm has a market capitalization of C$4.92 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.64, a PEG ratio of -0.72 and a beta of 1.99. Ero Copper has a 1-year low of C$13.17 and a 1-year high of C$53.69.

In other Ero Copper news, Director John H. Wright sold 15,000 shares of Ero Copper stock in a transaction on Thursday, January 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$52.11, for a total value of C$781,650.00. Following the sale, the director directly owned 377,832 shares in the company, valued at approximately C$19,688,825.52. The trade was a 3.82% decrease in their position. Insiders own 10.37% of the companys stock.

Ero Copper Company Profile

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Nearly a quarter into the new year, Applebees has closed restaurants in multiple states, including Indiana, Missouri and New York, according to local reports and franchisees.

Four closures have been confirmed so far, including two locations in Evansville, Indiana, run by parent company Dine Brands; a franchised location in Columbia, Missouri; and another franchised location slated for closure in Glenville, New York.

There are currently more than 1,500 Applebees locations worldwide, per the companys website.

Two of the closures happened on Thursday, Feb. 19, in southwestern Indiana, according to the Evansville Courier & Press, part of the USA TODAY Network. Both restaurants had been open for several decades, but no longer appear on Applebee's website, the outlet reported.

"Thank you for being our neighbor for the last 30 years," a sign on the door read.

A security gate blocks the entrance to a closed Applebee's restaurant on Aug. 13, 2020 in San Francisco, California.

Applebees parent company, Dine Brands, which also owns IHOP and Fuzzy's Taco Shop, filed its annual report with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in March 2025. In the report, Applebees franchisees have recently struggled with rising fuel and food costs, as well as utility bills, reported the Evansville Courier & Press.

When USA TODAY asked Dine Brands for a list of closing restaurants on Feb. 25, the company declined and instead sent a statement from Applebees President John Peyton. In the statement, Peyton said restaurant closures are a normal part of running a mature national system, but they dont define our trajectory.

What matters is the momentum behind our growth, and were seeing real signs of an inflection point, Peyton continued. This year, were planning on opening more restaurants than we have in prior years.

Heres what we know about the closures so far.

Applebee's closures in New York and Missouri

In addition to the Evansville, Indiana, locations closing this month, a Columbia, Missouri location closed after more than 30 years on Feb. 18, reported KIMZ-TV and the Columbia Missourian.

Apple Central LLC, the franchisee that ran the Columbia location, confirmed the closure to both outlets.

We greatly appreciate our neighbors patronage for the past +30 years and look forward to continuing to serve them at our location at 2601 East Broadway in Columbia, Scott Fischer, director of marketing at Apple Central LLC, told the Columbia Missourian.

New Yorks Capital District location in Glenville is closing on April 12, reported WSTM-TV and WTEN-TV. All employees were offered positions at nearby locations, reported News10 ABC.

T.L. Cannon, Applebees franchisee running the Glenville, New York location, said in a statement to WTEN-TV that the restaurant had been open for 10 years.
Whitecap Resources (TSE:WCP  Get Free Report) had its price target increased by Desjardins from C$14.00 to C$15.00 in a report released on Wednesday,BayStreet.CA reports. The firm presently has a buy rating on the stock. Desjardins target price would suggest a potential upside of 11.86% from the companys previous close.

A number of other equities analysts have also issued reports on WCP. TD Securities raised their target price on Whitecap Resources from C$13.00 to C$15.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday. Scotiabank raised their price objective on Whitecap Resources from C$14.00 to C$15.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 20th. Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their target price on Whitecap Resources from C$14.00 to C$16.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday. National Bank Financial upped their target price on Whitecap Resources from C$15.00 to C$16.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 3rd. Finally, Raymond James Financial lowered shares of Whitecap Resources from a strong-buy rating to a moderate buy rating and raised their price target for the stock from C$15.00 to C$16.00 in a research report on Tuesday. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have assigned a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of C$15.15.

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Whitecap Resources Stock Down 1.3%

Key Stories Impacting Whitecap Resources

Shares of TSE WCP traded down C$0.18 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting C$13.41. 3,259,082 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 6,070,825. The company has a market cap of C$16.28 billion, a PE ratio of 11.87, a PEG ratio of -0.33 and a beta of 0.69. Whitecap Resources has a 12 month low of C$6.87 and a 12 month high of C$13.98. The company has a quick ratio of 0.67, a current ratio of 0.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 21.58. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of C$12.09 and a 200-day moving average price of C$11.24.

Here are the key news stories impacting Whitecap Resources this week:

About Whitecap Resources

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Whitecap Resources Inc is a leading Canadian energy company committed to delivering reliable returns to shareholders through the responsible development of oil and natural gas assets in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin. With a strong track record of profitable growth and a sustainable dividend, Whitecap delivers long-term value to investors, supported by investment-grade financial strength.

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Bank of Nova Scotia (TSE:BNS  Get Free Report) (NYSE:BNS) had its price objective hoisted by research analysts at Barclays from C$106.00 to C$108.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Wednesday,BayStreet.CA reports. The firm currently has an equal weight rating on the banks stock. Barclayss target price would indicate a potential upside of 4.58% from the companys current price.

Other equities research analysts also recently issued research reports about the stock. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce lifted their price target on shares of Bank of Nova Scotia from C$103.00 to C$108.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, February 13th. TD Securities upped their price target on Bank of Nova Scotia from C$104.00 to C$112.00 in a research note on Monday, February 9th. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their price objective on Bank of Nova Scotia from C$97.00 to C$106.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Wednesday. National Bank Financial cut their price target on shares of Bank of Nova Scotia from C$102.00 to C$100.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, Raymond James Financial lifted their target price on Bank of Nova Scotia from C$114.00 to C$117.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eight have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Bank of Nova Scotia has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of C$107.42.

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Bank of Nova Scotia Stock Down 0.0%

Shares of Bank of Nova Scotia stock traded down C$0.05 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting C$103.27. The stock had a trading volume of 1,867,298 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,335,239. The firm has a market cap of C$127.67 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.21, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 1.33. The firm has a 50-day moving average of C$102.24 and a two-hundred day moving average of C$94.51. Bank of Nova Scotia has a 12-month low of C$62.57 and a 12-month high of C$106.39.

Bank of Nova Scotia (TSE:BNS  Get Free Report) (NYSE:BNS) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, December 2nd. The bank reported C$1.93 EPS for the quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia had a net margin of 17.68% and a return on equity of 9.64%. The business had revenue of C$9.77 billion during the quarter. Sell-side analysts expect that Bank of Nova Scotia will post 7.1286267 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Activity

In other Bank of Nova Scotia news, insider Julie Walsh sold 3,716 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$100.62, for a total value of C$373,903.92. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 1,430 shares of the companys stock, valued at C$143,886.60. The trade was a 72.21% decrease in their position. Insiders own 0.03% of the companys stock.

Key Bank of Nova Scotia News

Here are the key news stories impacting Bank of Nova Scotia this week:

Bank of Nova Scotia Company Profile

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Bank of Nova Scotia is a global financial services provider. The bank has five business segments: Canadian banking, international banking, global wealth management, global banking and markets, and other. It offers a range of advice, products, and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. The banks international operations span numerous countries and are more concentrated in Central and South America.

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Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT  Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Tuesday, February 24th. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 13th will be given a dividend of 0.02 per share by the aerospace company on Wednesday, April 1st. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 13th.

Textron has a payout ratio of 1.2% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Equities analysts expect Textron to earn $6.68 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $0.08 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 1.2%.

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Textron Price Performance

Shares of Textron stock traded down $1.99 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $97.00. The company had a trading volume of 558,740 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,942,141. The company has a current ratio of 1.97, a quick ratio of 0.99 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $92.79 and a 200 day simple moving average of $85.90. Textron has a 1-year low of $57.70 and a 1-year high of $101.57. The company has a market capitalization of $16.89 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.99, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.49 and a beta of 0.99.

About Textron

Textron ( NYSE:TXT Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 28th. The aerospace company reported $1.73 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.74 by ($0.01). The firm had revenue of $4.18 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.11 billion. Textron had a net margin of 6.22% and a return on equity of 14.63%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 15.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.34 earnings per share. Textron has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.400-6.600 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Textron will post 6.12 earnings per share for the current year.

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Textron Inc is a global, multi-industry manufacturing company headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island. The company designs, manufactures and services a diverse range of products for the aerospace, defense and industrial markets. Textron operates through four primary business segmentsTextron Aviation, Bell, Textron Systems and Industrialeach of which serves customers around the world.

Textron Aviation is known for its Cessna and Beechcraft branded business jets and turboprop aircraft, offering models that range from light jets and turboprops to larger cabin aircraft designed for corporate and charter use.

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Humana (NYSE: HUM) recently received a number of ratings updates from brokerages and research firms:

2/25/2026  Humana had its neutral rating reaffirmed by UBS Group AG.

2/24/2026  Humana had its price target lowered by Barclays PLC from $245.00 to $176.00. They now have an equal weight rating on the stock.

2/18/2026  Humana had its price target lowered by Wells Fargo & Company from $290.00 to $206.00. They now have an equal weight rating on the stock.

2/17/2026  Humana had its price target lowered by Truist Financial Corporation from $285.00 to $200.00. They now have a hold rating on the stock.

2/13/2026  Humana was given a new $180.00 price target by Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft. They now have a hold rating on the stock.

2/13/2026  Humana had its price target lowered by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. from $215.00 to $158.00. They now have a sell rating on the stock.

2/13/2026  Humana had its price target lowered by Raymond James Financial, Inc. from $340.00 to $230.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock.

2/13/2026  Humana had its price target lowered by TD Cowen from $260.00 to $173.00. They now have a hold rating on the stock.

2/13/2026  Humana had its price target lowered by JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $274.00 to $180.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock.

2/12/2026  Humana had its price target lowered by UBS Group AG from $285.00 to $195.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock.

2/12/2026  Humana was given a new $201.00 price target by Raymond James Financial, Inc..

2/12/2026  Humana was given a new $250.00 price target by Oppenheimer Holdings, Inc..

2/12/2026  Humana was given a new $146.00 price target by Morgan Stanley.

2/12/2026  Humana had its price target lowered by Guggenheim from $312.00 to $252.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock.

2/12/2026  Humana was downgraded by Royal Bank Of Canada from outperform to sector perform. They now have a $189.00 price target on the stock, down from $322.00.

2/12/2026  Humana had its price target lowered by Jefferies Financial Group Inc. from $310.00 to $235.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock.

2/12/2026  Humana had its price target lowered by Leerink Partners from $267.00 to $185.00. They now have a market perform rating on the stock.

2/12/2026  Humana had its price target lowered by Cantor Fitzgerald from $290.00 to $201.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock.

2/12/2026  Humana had its price target lowered by Evercore Inc from $260.00 to $180.00.

1/26/2026  Humana had its price target lowered by Jefferies Financial Group Inc. from $313.00 to $310.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock.

1/22/2026  Humana had its sell (d+) rating reaffirmed by Weiss Ratings.

1/8/2026  Humana had its price target raised by Wolfe Research from $300.00 to $325.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock.

1/7/2026  Humana was downgraded by Wells Fargo & Company from overweight to cautious.

1/7/2026  Humana had its equal weight rating reaffirmed by Wells Fargo & Company. They now have a $290.00 price target on the stock.

1/6/2026  Humana had its outperform rating reaffirmed by Sanford C. Bernstein. They now have a $344.00 price target on the stock.

1/5/2026  Humana had its underperformer rating reaffirmed by Barclays PLC.

1/5/2026  Humana had its price target raised by Barclays PLC from $234.00 to $245.00. They now have an equal weight rating on the stock.

1/1/2026  Humana was downgraded by Zacks Research from hold to strong sell.

Humana Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, April 24th. Investors of record on Friday, March 27th will be paid a $0.885 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 27th. This represents a $3.54 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.0%. Humanas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 36.05%.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Humana news, insider Sanjay K. Shetty purchased 810 shares of Humana stock in a transaction on Monday, February 23rd. The stock was bought at an average cost of $185.21 per share, with a total value of $150,020.10. Following the transaction, the insider owned 11,657 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,158,992.97. This represents a 7.47% increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.37% of the companys stock.

Humana Inc (NYSE: HUM) is a health insurance company headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, that primarily serves individuals and groups across the United States. The company is best known for its Medicare business, offering Medicare Advantage plans and prescription drug (Part D) coverage, alongside a range of commercial and employer-sponsored group health plans. Humanas products are designed to cover medical, behavioral health and pharmacy needs for members, with particular emphasis on seniors and Medicare-eligible populations.

In addition to traditional insurance products, Humana provides care-management and wellness services intended to support chronic-condition management, preventive care and care coordination.

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Hennes & Mauritz AB (OTCMKTS:HNNMY  Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $4.24 and last traded at $4.24, with a volume of 40519 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $4.09.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research firms recently issued reports on HNNMY. Oddo Bhf upgraded shares of Hennes & Mauritz to a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, December 18th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a hold rating on shares of Hennes & Mauritz in a research report on Friday, January 30th. Citigroup restated a neutral rating on shares of Hennes & Mauritz in a research report on Wednesday. Dnb Carnegie cut shares of Hennes & Mauritz from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 17th. Finally, Barclays downgraded Hennes & Mauritz from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Friday, February 13th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold.

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Hennes & Mauritz Price Performance

The firm has a market cap of $29.79 billion, a PE ratio of 26.41 and a beta of 1.21. The company has a quick ratio of 0.60, a current ratio of 1.18 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.47. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $3.97 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $3.64.

Hennes & Mauritz (OTCMKTS:HNNMY  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 29th. The company reported $0.06 EPS for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.06. The business had revenue of $6.30 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.35 billion. Hennes & Mauritz had a net margin of 5.46% and a return on equity of 30.80%. As a group, research analysts expect that Hennes & Mauritz AB will post 0.15 EPS for the current year.

Hennes & Mauritz Company Profile

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Hennes & Mauritz AB, commonly known as H&M, is a Swedish multinational fashion retailer that designs, sources and sells ready-to-wear clothing, accessories and home textiles. The company traces its roots to 1947, when Erling Persson opened a womens clothing store called Hennes (hers) in Vasteras, Sweden; the business expanded into menswear after the acquisition of a Stockholm-based retailer, Mauritz Widforss, in the late 1960s, which led to the Hennes & Mauritz name. Today the company is headquartered in Stockholm and operates a global retail business built around multiple branded concepts.

H&Ms core activities include product design, sourcing and retailing of fashion for women, men, teenagers and children, as well as home goods under its H&M Home line.

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Pinewood Technologies Group PLC (LON:PINE  Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week low during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as low as GBX 284 and last traded at GBX 284, with a volume of 784767 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at GBX 302.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, Berenberg Bank upped their price objective on shares of Pinewood Technologies Group from GBX 700 to GBX 725 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, November 6th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of GBX 725.

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Pinewood Technologies Group Price Performance

Insider Buying and Selling at Pinewood Technologies Group

The company has a market cap of 325.12 million, a PE ratio of 4.55 and a beta of 0.56. The companys 50 day simple moving average is GBX 373.51 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is GBX 408.03.

In other news, insider Brian Small acquired 6,600 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, February 17th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of GBX 296 per share, with a total value of 19,536. Also, insider Oliver Mann acquired 25,045 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 16th. The stock was purchased at an average price of GBX 307 per share, for a total transaction of 76,888.15. Over the last 90 days, insiders bought 80,992 shares of company stock valued at $25,320,298. Corporate insiders own 47.43% of the companys stock.

Pinewood Technologies Group Company Profile

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1981  Origins

Pinewood was founded in 1981 after a Renault dealer in London grew frustrated with the lack of suitable systems to run his business. He assembled a small team of developers to build a better solution, marking the birth of Pinewood as a classic early-1980s tech startup.

1980s1990s  Early Innovation

The team created one of the UKs first Sales and Dealer Management Systems (DMS), soon partnering with brands like Saab, Lloyds Bowmaker, and a growing dealer group that became Pendragon PLC.

As Pendragon expanded, it acquired Pinewood to develop a multi-brand DMS capable of supporting large-scale dealership operations.

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Gerdau S.A. (NYSE:GGB  Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Tuesday, February 24th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, March 12th will be paid a dividend of 0.0194 per share by the basic materials company on Wednesday, March 25th. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a yield of 1.9%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 12th.

Gerdau has raised its dividend by an average of 0.0%annually over the last three years. Gerdau has a payout ratio of 50.0% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Equities research analysts expect Gerdau to earn $0.47 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $0.19 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 40.4%.

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Gerdau Stock Up 2.1%

Shares of Gerdau stock traded up $0.09 during trading on Wednesday, reaching $4.16. The company had a trading volume of 19,584,720 shares, compared to its average volume of 21,331,768. The firms fifty day moving average is $4.07 and its 200-day moving average is $3.57. Gerdau has a fifty-two week low of $2.27 and a fifty-two week high of $4.66. The company has a market cap of $8.30 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 34.63, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.18 and a beta of 1.46. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.30, a quick ratio of 1.47 and a current ratio of 2.70.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Gerdau ( NYSE:GGB Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, February 23rd. The basic materials company reported $0.07 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.11 by ($0.04). Gerdau had a return on equity of 6.18% and a net margin of 1.93%.The business had revenue of $3.08 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.12 billion. On average, analysts anticipate that Gerdau will post 0.46 EPS for the current year.

GGB has been the topic of several recent research reports. Zacks Research raised shares of Gerdau from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 18th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Gerdau in a report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, UBS Group restated a buy rating and issued a $4.60 target price (up from $4.00) on shares of Gerdau in a research note on Monday, December 15th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $4.60.

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Gerdau Company Profile

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Gerdau SA is a Brazilian-based steel producer engaged in the manufacture and distribution of long steel products for the construction, industrial and agricultural sectors. Established in 1901, the company operates an integrated network of electric-arc furnaces and rolling mills, producing reinforcement bars, wire rod, merchant bars and structural shapes. Gerdaus product portfolio also includes specialty long steel, high-yield reinforcement, rail, beams and steel coils, as well as value-added processing services such as cutting, bending and coating.

The company has expanded its footprint beyond Brazil, with significant operations in North America, South America and a presence in select European markets.

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Bank Of Montreal (NYSE:BMO  Get Free Report) (TSE:BMO) declared a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, February 25th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, April 29th will be given a dividend of 1.67 per share by the bank on Tuesday, May 26th. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.5%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, April 29th.

Bank Of Montreal has increased its dividend by an average of 0.1%annually over the last three years and has increased its dividend every year for the last 4 years. Bank Of Montreal has a payout ratio of 52.5% indicating that its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Research analysts expect Bank Of Montreal to earn $9.02 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $4.86 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 53.9%.

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Bank Of Montreal Price Performance

Shares of NYSE BMO traded up $5.71 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $148.01. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,309,279 shares, compared to its average volume of 850,459. The company has a market cap of $104.53 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.14, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.99 and a beta of 0.94. Bank Of Montreal has a one year low of $85.40 and a one year high of $149.01. The company has a current ratio of 1.00, a quick ratio of 1.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $136.39 and a 200 day moving average price of $128.75.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Bank Of Montreal ( NYSE:BMO Get Free Report ) (TSE:BMO) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, December 4th. The bank reported $2.36 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.16 by $0.20. The company had revenue of $6.67 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.51 billion. Bank Of Montreal had a return on equity of 11.76% and a net margin of 11.13%.The companys quarterly revenue was up 5.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.90 EPS. On average, equities research analysts expect that Bank Of Montreal will post 7.71 EPS for the current year.

BMO has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. TD Securities upgraded shares of Bank Of Montreal from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, January 27th. Jefferies Financial Group reissued a hold rating on shares of Bank Of Montreal in a research note on Wednesday. National Bank Financial reaffirmed a sector perform rating on shares of Bank Of Montreal in a research note on Wednesday. Raymond James Financial upgraded Bank Of Montreal from a market perform rating to an outperform rating in a report on Friday, February 13th. Finally, Zacks Research upgraded shares of Bank Of Montreal from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, February 19th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have issued a Buy rating and seven have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $163.00.

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Bank Of Montreal Company Profile

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Bank of Montreal (NYSE:BMO), commonly known as BMO Financial Group, is one of Canadas largest and longest-established banks. Founded in Montreal and headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, the bank provides a broad range of financial services to retail, commercial, corporate and institutional clients. BMO is publicly listed in both Canada and the United States and operates under a consolidated financial services model that integrates banking, capital markets, wealth management and asset management activities.

BMOs core businesses include personal and commercial bankingoffering checking and savings accounts, lending, mortgages, and small-business servicesalongside wealth management and private banking through its asset and investment management divisions.

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Travel + Leisure Co. (NYSE:TNL  Get Free Report) insider Michael Dean Brown sold 66,860 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $74.03, for a total transaction of $4,949,645.80. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 427,821 shares of the companys stock, valued at $31,671,588.63. The trade was a 13.52% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link.

Michael Dean Brown also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Tuesday, February 24th, Michael Dean Brown sold 25,938 shares of Travel + Leisure stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $74.85, for a total transaction of $1,941,459.30.

Travel + Leisure Trading Up 0.8%

Shares of TNL traded up $0.63 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $75.62. 435,978 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 627,202. Travel + Leisure Co. has a one year low of $37.77 and a one year high of $81.00. The business has a 50-day moving average of $72.37 and a 200 day moving average of $66.41. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.72 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.17, a PEG ratio of 0.63 and a beta of 1.38.

Institutional Trading of Travel + Leisure

Travel + Leisure ( NYSE:TNL Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 18th. The company reported $1.83 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $1.83. The firm had revenue of $1.03 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1 billion. Travel + Leisure had a net margin of 5.74% and a negative return on equity of 47.77%. Travel + Leisures revenue was up 5.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.72 EPS. As a group, analysts anticipate that Travel + Leisure Co. will post 6.46 earnings per share for the current year.

A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of TNL. Danske Bank A S acquired a new position in Travel + Leisure during the third quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Hillsdale Investment Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Travel + Leisure during the second quarter worth $27,000. CNB Bank bought a new position in shares of Travel + Leisure during the third quarter worth $32,000. N.E.W. Advisory Services LLC acquired a new position in shares of Travel + Leisure in the 4th quarter valued at $43,000. Finally, Parkside Financial Bank & Trust increased its position in shares of Travel + Leisure by 155.3% in the 2nd quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 628 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 382 shares in the last quarter. 87.54% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

TNL has been the subject of a number of research reports. Truist Financial lifted their price objective on Travel + Leisure from $70.00 to $71.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, November 14th. Oppenheimer reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $85.00 target price on shares of Travel + Leisure in a research note on Wednesday, February 18th. Citizens Jmp boosted their price target on shares of Travel + Leisure from $80.00 to $90.00 and gave the stock a market outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, February 19th. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price objective on shares of Travel + Leisure from $71.00 to $81.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, February 19th. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on shares of Travel + Leisure from $68.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, January 16th. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $84.45.

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Travel + Leisure Company Profile

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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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NewMarket Corporation (NYSE:NEU  Get Free Report) Director Ting Xu bought 400 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, February 24th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $619.21 per share, with a total value of $247,684.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 929 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $575,246.09. The trade was a 75.61% increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website.

NewMarket Trading Down 0.7%

Shares of NYSE:NEU traded down $4.28 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $615.51. 187,381 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 156,551. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $675.59 and its 200 day moving average price is $748.43. NewMarket Corporation has a 12 month low of $510.07 and a 12 month high of $875.97. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50, a quick ratio of 1.33 and a current ratio of 2.53. The stock has a market capitalization of $5.79 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.86 and a beta of 0.48.

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NewMarket (NYSE:NEU  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, February 11th. The specialty chemicals company reported $8.65 EPS for the quarter. NewMarket had a net margin of 15.37% and a return on equity of 25.38%. The business had revenue of $635.40 million for the quarter.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its position in shares of NewMarket by 7.3% during the 3rd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 220 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $182,000 after purchasing an additional 15 shares in the last quarter. OneDigital Investment Advisors LLC lifted its stake in NewMarket by 5.8% in the third quarter. OneDigital Investment Advisors LLC now owns 329 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $273,000 after buying an additional 18 shares during the period. Great Lakes Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of NewMarket by 5.5% during the 4th quarter. Great Lakes Advisors LLC now owns 366 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $252,000 after buying an additional 19 shares in the last quarter. MGO One Seven LLC grew its position in shares of NewMarket by 6.5% during the 3rd quarter. MGO One Seven LLC now owns 328 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $272,000 after buying an additional 20 shares during the period. Finally, Abel Hall LLC increased its stake in shares of NewMarket by 6.3% in the 4th quarter. Abel Hall LLC now owns 335 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $230,000 after acquiring an additional 20 shares in the last quarter. 61.09% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Separately, Weiss Ratings lowered NewMarket from a buy (b-) rating to a hold (c+) rating in a research report on Friday, February 13th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold.

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NewMarket Company Profile

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NewMarket Corporation is a specialty chemicals and lubricants company headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. Through its Valvoline business, the company markets a broad portfolio of automotive aftermarket products, including engine oils, transmission fluids, greases and vehicle care solutions. Valvoline products are distributed through retail and commercial channels as well as a network of quick-lube service centers that provide oil changes, preventive maintenance and related services.

In its chemical additives segment, NewMarket develops, manufactures and sells performance additives for fuels, lubricants and industrial fluids.

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Ardagh Glass Packaging-North America, part of Ardagh Group, has introduced two new 8oz ring neck glass bottles to its US-manufactured product line.

Intended for products such as dressings, sauces, and marinades, the clear glass bottles come with either a lug or continuous thread finish.

These containers are produced domestically and can be sourced directly from the company.

The company noted that the bottles are made from recyclable glass, which can be processed repeatedly without degradation in quality.

AGP-North America chief commercial officer Rashmi Markan said: Ardagh Glass Packaging is pleased to offer these new 8oz ring neck bottles that offer brands the clarity, durability and shelf appeal they expect for their products.

These versatile glass bottles also deliver the premium look in a trusted packaging material that consumers desire.

Last July, Ardagh Glass Packaging-Europe launched a 300g wine bottle designed for still wines.

The 75cl bottle is built for compatibility with high-speed filling lines and is intended to withstand the demands of distribution while maintaining the visual characteristics of glass packaging.

The company said that the design achieves a significant weight reduction.

Ardagh Metal Packaging, majority-owned by Ardagh Group at 76%, is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

Additionally, Ardagh Group holds a 42% stake in Trivium Packaging, which supplies metal packaging to the food, speciality, and personal care sectors.

The group operates 58 manufacturing sites across 16 countries and employs 19,000 people, according to its website.

Reported annual sales are approximately $9.1bn.

"Ardagh expands US glass bottle range with new 8oz designs" was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand.




Shares of SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF (NYSEARCA:NANR  Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $83.84 and last traded at $83.2010, with a volume of 4194 shares. The stock had previously closed at $82.53.

SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF Trading Down 0.4%

The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $75.16 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $67.73. The stock has a market cap of $935.20 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.42 and a beta of 0.75.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF

Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Kohmann Bosshard Financial Services LLC acquired a new stake in SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF in the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. CoreCap Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF by 62.8% in the third quarter. CoreCap Advisors LLC now owns 451 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 174 shares during the last quarter. Root Financial Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF during the third quarter worth $71,000. Triumph Capital Management purchased a new stake in shares of SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF during the third quarter valued at $204,000. Finally, Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp purchased a new stake in shares of SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF during the second quarter valued at $195,000.

About SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF

The SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF (NANR) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in stocks based on a particular theme. The fund tracks an index of US & Canadian firms involved in natural resources and commodities businesses. NANR was launched on Dec 15, 2015 and is managed by State Street.

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BE Semiconductor Industries NV (OTCMKTS:BESIY  Get Free Report) saw a significant growth in short interest during the month of February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 24,601 shares, a growth of 2,256.4% from the January 29th total of 1,044 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 12,487 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 2.0 days. Based on an average daily volume of 12,487 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 2.0 days.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

BESIY has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Sanford C. Bernstein restated an outperform rating on shares of BE Semiconductor Industries in a report on Sunday, January 4th. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating on shares of BE Semiconductor Industries in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. Kepler Capital Markets downgraded BE Semiconductor Industries from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, January 9th. Needham & Company LLC raised BE Semiconductor Industries to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. Finally, Citigroup reaffirmed a neutral rating on shares of BE Semiconductor Industries in a research report on Tuesday, January 20th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, BE Semiconductor Industries has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy.

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BE Semiconductor Industries Price Performance

BE Semiconductor Industries Company Profile

OTCMKTS:BESIY traded up $2.29 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $234.99. The companys stock had a trading volume of 6,733 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,243. BE Semiconductor Industries has a fifty-two week low of $88.02 and a fifty-two week high of $235.17. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.46, a current ratio of 5.75 and a quick ratio of 5.02. The firms 50 day moving average is $189.20 and its 200-day moving average is $164.77.

(Get Free Report)

BE Semiconductor Industries NV (OTCMKTS:BESIY), commonly known as BESI, is a global supplier of assembly equipment for the semiconductor industry. The company designs, develops and manufactures capital equipment used in the back-end production of semiconductor devices, including die attach, wire bonding and flip chip packaging systems. BESIs platforms support a wide range of applications from memory and logic chips to advanced power devices and radio-frequency modules, enabling high precision, throughput and yield in device assembly and test processes.

Founded in 1995 and headquartered in Duiven, the Netherlands, BESI went public on Euronext Amsterdam in 1999.

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Austevoll Seafood ASA (OTCMKTS:ASTVF  Get Free Report) was the target of a large increase in short interest in the month of February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 141,651 shares, an increase of 1,011.1% from the January 29th total of 12,749 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 0 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently ? days. Based on an average daily volume of 0 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently ? days.

Austevoll Seafood ASA Stock Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS:ASTVF remained flat at $9.75 during trading on Wednesday. The stocks 50-day moving average is $9.57 and its two-hundred day moving average is $9.30. Austevoll Seafood ASA has a 12 month low of $8.75 and a 12 month high of $9.75.

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About Austevoll Seafood ASA

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Austevoll Seafood ASA is a Norway?based integrated seafood company engaged in the harvesting, farming, processing and marketing of seafood products. Headquartered in Austevoll, the company operates across multiple segments, including pelagic fishing, whitefish capture, salmon farming and production of feed. Its portfolio spans fresh and frozen fish products, omega-3 oils, fishmeal, and value-added seafood items supplied to retail, foodservice and industrial customers.

In its pelagic division, Austevoll Seafood targets species such as herring, blue whiting and mackerel through a modern fleet of purse seiners and trawlers operating primarily in the Northeast Atlantic.

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Adyen N.V. Unsponsored ADR (OTCMKTS:ADYEY  Get Free Report) was the target of a significant increase in short interest during the month of February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 982,693 shares, an increase of 480.3% from the January 29th total of 169,351 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 3,181,811 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.3 days. Currently, 0.0% of the shares of the company are short sold. Currently, 0.0% of the shares of the company are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 3,181,811 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.3 days.

Adyen Price Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS ADYEY traded up $0.39 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $11.39. 3,965,476 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,751,524. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $14.93 and its 200-day simple moving average is $15.84. Adyen has a one year low of $10.57 and a one year high of $19.94.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

ADYEY has been the subject of a number of research reports. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating on shares of Adyen in a research report on Friday, January 9th. Jefferies Financial Group reissued a buy rating on shares of Adyen in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Wolfe Research upgraded shares of Adyen from a hold rating to an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, January 8th. KeyCorp raised shares of Adyen to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, January 23rd. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald assumed coverage on Adyen in a research note on Monday, January 26th. They set an overweight rating on the stock. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and seven have given a Buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Adyen currently has an average rating of Buy.

About Adyen

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Adyen is a global payments technology company that provides an end-to-end platform for accepting and processing electronic payments across online, mobile and point-of-sale channels. Its core services include payment gateway and acquiring capabilities, fraud prevention and risk management, settlement and reconciliation, and tools for recurring and marketplace payments. The platform is designed to consolidate multiple payment functions into a single integration, enabling merchants to accept a wide range of local and international payment methods and currencies.

Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Amsterdam, Adyen was established by Pieter van der Does and Arnout Schuijff to simplify cross-border payments for international merchants.

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Kyushu Electric Power Company, Incorporated (OTCMKTS:KYSEY  Get Free Report) was the target of a significant growth in short interest during the month of February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 143,365 shares, a growth of 27,104.0% from the January 29th total of 527 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 30,261 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 4.7 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 30,261 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 4.7 days.

Kyushu Electric Power Trading Down 6.5%

KYSEY stock traded down $0.90 on Wednesday, reaching $13.03. 3,127 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 17,602. Kyushu Electric Power has a 12 month low of $8.29 and a 12 month high of $14.06. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $11.69 and its 200 day moving average price is $10.37.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, Daiwa Securities Group downgraded shares of Kyushu Electric Power to a neutral rating in a report on Monday, December 29th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold.

About Kyushu Electric Power

(Get Free Report)

Kyushu Electric Power Company, Incorporated in June 1951, is one of Japans ten regional electric utilities. Headquartered in Fukuoka, the companys core business centers on the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity across the Kyushu region, which includes Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Saga, Miyazaki and Kagoshima prefectures.

On the generation side, Kyushu Electric Power maintains a diversified portfolio that includes thermal power stations fueled by coal, oil and natural gas, multiple hydroelectric facilities, and the Sendai Nuclear Power Plant in Kagoshima PrefectureJapans first nuclear plant to restart under post-Fukushima safety standards.

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CD Projekt S.A. (OTCMKTS:OTGLY  Get Free Report) was the target of a significant increase in short interest in February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 21,073 shares, an increase of 4,511.2% from the January 29th total of 457 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 34,269 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.6 days. Based on an average trading volume of 34,269 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.6 days.

CD Projekt Stock Performance

OTGLY stock traded up $0.64 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $17.45. The stock had a trading volume of 18,894 shares, compared to its average volume of 16,732. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $17.52 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $17.40. CD Projekt has a 52-week low of $10.83 and a 52-week high of $20.50.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a hold rating on shares of CD Projekt in a report on Friday, November 28th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Reduce.

CD Projekt Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

CD Projekt SA is a Poland-based video game developer, publisher and digital distribution company best known for its critically acclaimed Role-Playing Games (RPGs). Through its development arm CD Projekt Red, the company designs, develops and publishes blockbuster game franchises, including The Witcher series and Cyberpunk 2077. In addition to its core game development activities, CD Projekt operates GOG.com, a digital storefront offering a catalogue of DRM-free PC games, and provides related online services such as multiplayer support, game updates and community forums.

Founded in Warsaw in 1994 by Marcin Iwi?ski and Micha? Kici?ski, CD Projekt initially built its reputation by translating and distributing popular Western titles in Central Europe.

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BMO Europe High Dividend Covered Call Hedged to CAD ETF (TSE:ZWE  Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The company traded as high as C$22.16 and last traded at C$22.02, with a volume of 4441 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at C$22.06.

BMO Europe High Dividend Covered Call Hedged to CAD ETF Stock Performance

The stocks 50 day simple moving average is C$21.53 and its 200-day simple moving average is C$20.98.

BMO Europe High Dividend Covered Call Hedged to CAD ETF Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

The ETF seeks to provide exposure to the performance of a portfolio of dividend paying European companies to generate income and to provide long-term capital appreciation, while mitigating downside risk through the use of covered call options. The ETF will invest in or use derivative instruments to seek to hedge foreign currency exposure. Currently, the ETF primarily invests in BMO Europe High Dividend Covered Call ETF and uses derivative instruments to hedge back to the Canadian dollar. Securities will be selected using a rules based methodology that considers dividend growth, yield, and payout ratio.

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Total Return Securities, Inc. (NYSE:SWZ  Get Free Report) Director Phillip Goldstein purchased 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 23rd. The shares were bought at an average cost of $6.13 per share, with a total value of $30,650.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director owned 87,910 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $538,888.30. This trade represents a 6.03% increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website.

Total Return Securities Stock Performance

SWZ traded up $0.02 during trading on Wednesday, hitting $6.18. The stock had a trading volume of 93,800 shares, compared to its average volume of 135,989. Total Return Securities, Inc. has a twelve month low of $5.84 and a twelve month high of $9.43. The companys 50-day moving average price is $6.14 and its 200 day moving average price is $6.08.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On Total Return Securities

Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Bank of America Corp DE grew its holdings in shares of Total Return Securities by 375.2% in the 4th quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 13,672 shares of the closed-end funds stock worth $102,000 after acquiring an additional 10,795 shares during the period. Mccarter Private Wealth Services LLC purchased a new stake in Total Return Securities during the second quarter worth $92,000. Shaker Financial Services LLC grew its holdings in Total Return Securities by 63.0% in the second quarter. Shaker Financial Services LLC now owns 140,360 shares of the closed-end funds stock valued at $890,000 after purchasing an additional 54,272 shares during the last quarter. Private Management Group Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Total Return Securities in the second quarter valued at $67,000. Finally, Raymond James Financial Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Total Return Securities in the second quarter valued at $55,000. 41.12% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Total Return Securities

Total Return Securities (NYSE:SWZ) is a closed-end management investment company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The fund seeks to deliver a high total return for shareholders by combining capital appreciation with current income. It provides access to a diversified portfolio of equity and fixed-income securities spanning multiple industries and regions.

SWZs investment strategy typically blends dividend-paying common stocks, corporate bonds and other credit instruments. The fund may employ moderate leverage to enhance returns and pursues an active management approach, dynamically adjusting its allocations in response to evolving market conditions.

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A strategic review process has been initiated from a position of financial strength to ensure capital allocation and asset bases are optimized for long-term value creation.

The company is diversifying its addressable market by developing a Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) segment, leveraging EV-proven fire safety and thermal performance technology.

Management has structurally reduced fixed cash costs by approximately $75 million annually to operate effectively within a resetting EV market and lower production volumes.

Energy Industrial segment growth is expected to reach 20% in 2026, driven by a robust pipeline of subsea projects and a projected doubling of LNG project count and revenue.

The company is shifting strategic focus toward Europe, citing stronger structural drivers, steadier policy guidelines, and a more visible multiyear adoption trajectory compared to North America.

Management attributed the Q4 performance decline to a significant drop in U.S. EV sales and a corresponding production ramp-down by GM, leading to lower manufacturing absorption.

Q1 2026 is expected to be the lowest revenue quarter of the year, with sequential growth anticipated as GM production normalizes and European OEM programs ramp.

Management targets a significant reduction in the adjusted EBITDA breakeven level, moving from $330 million in 2024 to $270 million in 2025, approximately $200 million in 2026, and $175 million by 2027.

The European EV pipeline is projected to contribute $10 million to $15 million in 2026, with a massive expansion potential to over $450 million by 2028 based on customer volume projections.

Capital expenditures for 2026 are expected to remain minimal at approximately $10 million as the company transitions to a capital-light, flexible manufacturing model.
So . . . This is the reality that locals should probably understand . . .

NEW OWNERSHIP ISN'T GOING TO SAVE THE PLAZA, THEY'RE JUST WATCHING IT BURN & THAT SEEMS TO BE THE PLAN!!!

As we've noted previously . . .

The goal for the plaza urban "density" by way of corporate takeover, the goal is PUBLIC HOUSING . . . This is why Lockton bailed and this is why nearby residents seem to be leaving and that includes a former council lady for the district who gave up on her longtime residence.

Special thanks to BEST & BRIGHTEST READERS who sent this note our way when so many other local media outlets are downplaying what is the worst real estate news of the year so far . . .

"The InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza missed the maturity date for $62.1 million in unpaid loan principal, prompting a trustee to file for receivership in Jackson County Circuit Court."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Developing . . .
C'mon man . . . This one is a bit of a stretch . . . And not even a fun one . . . OUCH!!!

PrideFest was failing back in the Biden years when sponsorship, gossip, backbiting (ouch) and an overall lack of cooperation amongst the LGBT community set back the festival.

Remember that last year was the beginning of the KC PrideFest sponsorship implosion.

Now . . . Here's the newspaper helping to "direct" the blame against MAGA . . . Which is kind of interesting since so many Trump supporters have been noted to "engage" in LGBT festivities on the down low according to critics watching Grindr.

Nevertheless . . . Here's the cover story . . .

In a Facebook video, with no public meeting and no community comment period, the future of a 50-year institution was decided. KC PrideFest will be absorbed into LGBTQ-focused nonprofit Our Spot KC as a fundraiser. Thats how we in the Kansas City LGBTQ community found out.



This didnt happen in a vacuum. The Trump administration has defined sex as strictly binary by executive order. It has rolled back transgender protections across education, the military and federal employment, and directed agencies to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Missouri enacted a sweeping ban on gender-affirming care for minors, and Kansas is pushing for the same. Some cities suspended nondiscrimination ordinances entirely after the administration threatened to withhold federal funding.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

KC PrideFest consolidation another worrying sign of our anti-diversity times | Opinion As the Trump administration attacks LGBTQ rights and corporate sponsors pull back support, the Kansas City community feels shut out. | Opinion

Skip the paywall and read by way of Internet archive or public library card.
The most prominent product update was the late-year launch of Valhalla, Aston Martins first mid-engine plug-in hybrid. Hallmark said the company produced and wholesaled the first 152 units in 2025, with circa 500 units expected to be delivered in 2026. He added that the order bank extends to the fourth quarter of 2026, with only quite low numbers left to sell.

Despite those challenges, Hallmark said the company reached several milestones during 2025, including the start of Valhalla production and deliveries in the fourth quarter and the expansion of the core model lineup via high-performance S derivatives. He also pointed to actions to invest in quality, reduce operating costs, and find capital expenditure efficiencies, positioning those steps as supportive of improved delivery in future years.

Chief Executive Officer Adrian Hallmark said the luxury automotive market faced one of its most turbulent years in recent times, citing unprecedented geopolitical uncertainty and macroeconomic pressure. Management highlighted tariff impacts in both the U.S. and China, plus uncertainty created by the U.S. quota mechanism that allocates volumes quarterly, complicating planning and forecasting.

Aston Martin Lagonda Global (LON:AML) executives used the companys full-year 2025 results call to outline a year shaped by geopolitical and macroeconomic disruptionparticularly tariffs in the U.S. and Chinawhile emphasizing a product-led recovery plan centered on new derivatives and the ramp-up of the Valhalla plug-in hybrid supercar.

Balance-sheet moves include year-end liquidity of 250m , a 52.5m investment from Lawrence Strolls consortium and a proposed 50m naming-rights sale, while fiveyear CapEx was cut from ~2.0bn to ~1.7bn and management expects margins to materially improve towards breakeven and inventories to normalize by Q2 2026.

Valhalla deliveries began in Q4 with 152 units wholesaled and the company targets about 500 units in 2026, though management warns production is tightly constrained by vehicle complexity and supply limits.

Management called 2025 highly challenging as geopolitical tariffs and supply issues drove wholesale volumes down 10%, revenue down 21% to 1.26bn and an adjusted EBIT loss of 189m , with free cash flow outflow widening to 410m .

Story Continues

 Microsoft Is SlidingAn Insider Buy and Oversold Signals Are Changing the Setup

In Q&A, management said the 2026 Valhalla build and shipment rate is more related to production capacities given the complexity of the vehicle and constraints in the supply base. Hallmark said there is no major opportunity to do it quicker, describing output as roughly plus or minus a car a week.

The company also previewed near-term media activity, noting that more than 50 global journalists were scheduled to drive the first full production versions in Spain, with reviews expected by the end of March.

Full-year 2025 financials: lower volumes, fewer specials, and higher costs drove a wider loss

 3 Major Buybacks Just DroppedHeres the Signal Investors See

Chief Financial Officer Doug Lafferty said 2025 results reflected fewer specials deliveries and the companys disciplined approach to balancing production with demand. Wholesale volumes declined 10% year-over-year to 5,448 units, while retail volumes outpaced wholesales as Aston Martin managed channel inventory.

Revenue fell 21% to GBP 1.26 billion, which Lafferty attributed largely to lower core volumes and fewer specials versus 2024. Core average selling price (ASP) increased 5% to GBP 185,000, helped by an expanded range of derivatives, while total ASP was broadly flat due to the mix of specials. Personalization and bespoke options contributed 18% of core revenue, broadly in line with the prior year.

Adjusted EBIT fell to a loss of GBP 189 million. Management attributed the decline to lower specials volumes, dealer support to reduce aged stock, increased warranty costs and other investments in quality, and the impact of tariffs in the U.S. and China. Lafferty said these items amounted to an increase versus the prior year of around GBP 65 million. Q4 gross margin improved sequentially to 31% from 29% as volumes and specials increased, though warranty costs and dealer support continued to weigh.

Free cash flow outflow widened year-over-year by GBP 18 million to GBP 410 million, reflecting lower operating cash inflow and higher net cash interest paid of GBP 143 million, partly offset by a GBP 60 million reduction in capital expenditure. CapEx totaled GBP 341 million in 2025, below the prior year and consistent with revised guidance.

Liquidity and balance sheet actions; CapEx plan reduced by ~GBP 300 million over five years

Hallmark and Lafferty highlighted multiple balance sheet and liquidity actions during the year. Lafferty said year-end total liquidity was GBP 250 million, supported by improved cash collections in Q4, net proceeds of around GBP 106 million from the sale of shares in the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team investment, and a GBP 52.5 million investment from Lawrence Strolls Yew Tree Consortium.

Management also referenced a proposed sale of Aston Martin naming rights to AMR GP for GBP 50 million (expected in 2026). Net debt rose to GBP 1.38 billion, and adjusted net leverage increased to 12.8x, which the company expects to materially improve over the coming years as performance improves.

On investment plans, management said the company completed a review of its future product cycle plan, reducing the five-year CapEx plan from around GBP 2.0 billion to around GBP 1.7 billion. Hallmark described the approach as focusing first on extending existing core model lines before the next full refresh, using existing platform architecture as a capital-efficient strategy.

2026 outlook: improved cadence, margin recovery, and cash focus; inventory normalization targeted by Q2

Management guided to a material improvement in 2026 financial performance, driven by the enhanced product mix (including expected Valhalla deliveries), ongoing transformation initiatives, and a smoother production cadence from the second quarter onward. Lafferty said the company expects adjusted EBIT margin to materially improve towards breakeven and free cash outflow to improve, with the majority of the cash outflow occurring in Q1 2026 and cumulative year-on-year improvement from Q2.

On inventory, Hallmark told Barclays that the company continued destocking in Q1 2026 and expects most of the years destocking to be completed in the first quarter. He said the aged stock profile is radically improved, with the company targeting tens of units around the world by the end of Q1 (which he defined as more than six months from being passed to sales, including shipping time). He said total stock in major markets should be balanced by the end of March, with retail and wholesale expected to match from Q2, while China may take until around the end of April for total stock to fully normalize.

Hallmark also said dealer support used in Q4 2025 to accelerate the sale of older cars will not be recurring, with support returning to more normal levels after Q1 2026.

In additional strategic commentary, Hallmark said Aston Martin does not believe customers want full battery-electric technology right now, and indicated the company will shift gradually from pure combustion engines to incorporating electrical assistance, emphasizing hybrid technology alongside more efficient combustion engines. He said all-electric drivetrains are planned to be added incrementally in the following decade as demand and regulation evolve.

On longer-term volume expectations, Hallmark said the company does not see a near-term path back to 8,00010,000 units per year. Instead, he described core model sales of 5,5006,000 per year as conservative and achievable in the midterm, with specials varying by year, including Valhalla volumes and other specials planned over the next several years.

About Aston Martin Lagonda Global (LON:AML)

Aston Martin's vision is to be the world's most desirable, ultra-luxury British brand, creating the most exquisitely addictive performance cars. Founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford, Aston Martin is acknowledged as an iconic global brand synonymous with style, luxury, performance, and exclusivity. Aston Martin fuses the latest technology, time honoured craftsmanship and beautiful styling to produce a range of critically acclaimed luxury models including the Vantage, DB12, Vanquish, DBX and its first mid-engined plug-in hybrid, Valhalla.

The article "Aston Martin Lagonda Global Q4 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat.
Right now, future lawyer, celeb, amateur video enthusiast and Insta hottie Kim inspires our peek at pop culture, community reporting and top headlines.

Check TKC news gathering . . .

Mexican Connections Restored

Flights at MCI looking normal after days of nationwide delays Snow along the East Coast is once again impacting flights out of Kansas City, but the situation at KCI is noticeably calmer today after days of turbulence in the air travel system.

Home Team Tech Tease

Royals' television broadcasts could include drones in the future Royals fans could get some really cool shots when watching games in the future.

Turn & Cough From Both Directions

Flu cases continue to plague Kansas and Missouri. Here's what you need to know The flu is still very active across the nation, especially in the Kansas City area.

South Side Remodel

Local Foodie Diary Debuts

Dish & Drink KC: Two tasty weeks in a Food Editor's life Varsity Club // Photo by Sarah Sipple Varsity Club / Disco Burger Being "a regular" somewhere is special. I hope you're a regular somewhere. Maybe not a bar, but at least a coffee shop or neighborhood restaurant. It's not like every single staff person knows me, but I do feel like a regular at Varsity Club.

Diva Shares Skimpy Sneak Peek

Kim Kardashian poses in sexy black underwear for her brand SKIMS Kim Kardashian took to Instagram on Saturday to tantalize her 353 million followers as she posed in black lingerie. She plugged her SKIMS range as she modeled its Everyday Cotton collection.

MAGA Has Moves . . .

Trump can still do an end run around the Supreme Court on tariffs Supreme Court ruling on Trump's tariffs leaves room for him to use IEEPA powers to regulate imports and address trade deficits.

Progressive Protest

"You Have Killed Americans," "Black People Aren't Apes": Democrats Protest Trump's State of the Union President Donald Trump on Tuesday delivered the longest State of the Union address in modern history, speaking for nearly two hours as he claimed the United States is entering a "golden age" under his leadership. Trump spent much of his speech touting his economic policies and his administration's immigration crackdown.

Iran From Target Practice

Iran reacts to Trump's 2026 State of the Union, accusing him of "big lies" on nuclear program and protests Iran accuses Trump of lying in his State of the Union about the country's nuclear ambitions, as the next round of bilateral talks looms.

Euro War Cont'd

Ukraine marks four years since Russia's invasion | Fox News Video Fox News senior foreign affairs correspondent Greg Palkot joins 'America's Newsroom' reporting on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's call for peace and strength four years after Russia's invasion.

Talker Starts Late

Jimmy Kimmel Slams Donald Trump After State of The Union Address Jimmy Kimmel pulled no punches against Donald Trump following the State of the Union address ... blasting what he called an "angry" speech from the president.

Big Apple Bites Into Group Hugs

NY among top 5 most polyamorous states as 3 in 10 Americans now prefer open relationships - here's how they make it work Sister Wives, a polyamorous dating website, ranked Texas, California, Florida, Georgia and New York as the top five "most polyamorous states in the US," respectively, according to the Google search history and locations of their site subscribers.

East Side Serves Up Comeback

New chicken kitchen anchors Vine Street Brewing Vine Street Chicken Co. opens after a year-and-a-half restaurant vacancy.

Katie's Latest Forecast

Another warm day Wednesday Some may see rain this evening

Twenty One Pilots - Drag Path is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
For the most part, Manny seems to have won over progressive white ladies by way of leading a recent local fight against ICE . . . HOWEVER . . . Some court transcription delves into a few of the deets about a messy divorce WITHOUT noting some assault charges on the other side of it.

Reality check . . .

KCUR seems to be holding a grudge even as the local progressive narrative "evolves" and never really has much impact on low-turnout municipal elections . . . Check-it:

Prosecutors asked that Abarcas $1,500 own recognizance bond, which doesnt require any bail payment, be revoked. Instead, they wanted a $5,000 cash bond with the additional conditions of no contact with Garcia, and with any child exchange done with an agreed-upon third party.



After a brief hearing on Feb. 6, Magistrate Judge Curtis Sample denied the D.A.s motion. Hursts statement only said, The Court denied our request.



Abarcas lead lawyer, David Bell, would not comment.



The charges in Kansas City, Johnson County and Hutchinson are misdemeanors.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
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Subject: HARVEST TOURISM Sets New Benchmarks with Premium Dubai Tour Packages from Kochi



(TRAVPR.COM) INDIA - February 25th, 2026 -

Dubai now glimmers just a little brighter for travelers leaving from Kochi, thanks to HARVEST TOURISM steadily carving its space in global getaways. Not simply booking trips, it shapes them - where ease meets exploration through carefully built itineraries. From start to finish, every journey leans on precision, local insight, and attention that doesnt quit. What could be chaotic becomes smooth, even thoughtful. These are not checklists crossed off, but moments paced with purpose. Comfort settles in quietly. Adventure shows up without surprise chaos. Behind each plan, real people adjust details like quiet architects. Travel stays human here - never inflated, never oversold. Vacations? They begin feeling less like escapes, more like stories already forming.

HARVEST TOURISM stands out because of how completely it manages trips start to finish. Right from the initial question through to coming back home, nothing gets overlooked. People traveling from Kochi enjoy special Dubai plans built just for them - mixing famous spots with time to breathe. Instead of rigid formats, these options shift based on what travelers actually want: maybe downtown sights, high-end stores, heritage sites, or quiet getaways. Because everything fits a single persons taste, the trip flows naturally and leaves a real impression.

Every now and then, a name rises through Dubais busy travel scene - HARVEST TOURISM is one. Adventure finds its rhythm in their desert safaris, where sand meets story under open skies. Instead of just sightseeing, guests taste tradition, feel the wind, live moments that stick. Alongside these journeys, evening cruises on Dubai Marina glide quietly into memory, lit by city lights and soft waves. Boats called dhows carry more than people - they hold calm, beauty, detail. Service moves without noise but never misses a beat, placing care before schedule. Safety wraps around each experience like shade beneath heat. Comfort isnt added - it belongs from start to finish.

Start here: Harvest Tourism isnt just about picking fruit on sunny farms. Actually, they handle serious paperwork too - U.S. visas, renewals for UAE stays - all done right from their desk in Dubai. Clients like knowing one team manages both trips and documents without confusion. Because everything links smoothly, there is less waiting around. Their holiday bundles across the Emirates? Thought out carefully. The Dubai getaways cost fairly, nothing hidden. Quality jumps when details meet precision. One place does it all - no need to search elsewhere.

From Bangalore to Kochi, HARVEST TOURISM now brings Dubai trips within reach for more Indian travelers. Not just growth - a steady hand shapes every journey. Wherever you start, your plan gets careful attention, clear updates, no guesswork. Teams listen first: what matters most, how much time, what fits comfortably. Plans take form slowly, matching real life rhythms. Nothing rushed, nothing missed. The result? Trips that simply make sense.

At HARVEST TOURISM, our goal is to deliver travel experiences that feel effortless yet exceptional, said a company spokesperson. From Dubai desert safaris to visa services and customized tour packages from Kochi, we focus on trust, professionalism, and genuine care for every traveler.

Conclusion

Now shaping more Dubai tour packages from Kochi, HARVEST TOURISM builds trust through care, not promises. Smooth planning meets real support when you choose their way to explore. Not just bookings - actual guidance, every step. Each visit shaped quietly, without noise, yet remembered longer. Expert help waits behind every detail, never pushed forward. What matters most? A trip that fits, not one that impresses.

###
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 25. President of Montenegro Jakov Milatovic will pay a visit to Azerbaijan to take part in the XIII Global Baku Forum, a diplomatic source told Trend.

According to the source, Milatovic will participate in the forums upcoming session in the Azerbaijani capital, where global leaders and policymakers will discuss international security, sustainable development, and multilateral cooperation.

The XIII Global Baku Forum is scheduled for March 1214, 2026, in Baku under the theme "Bridging Divides in a World in Transition". Established in 2013 and organized by the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, the event serves as a platform for current and former government officials, international organizations, and academics to discuss regional and global policy. This 13th edition follows a period of increased diplomatic activity in the region and will focus on themes of geopolitical transition and international security.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 25. Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Zeljko Komsic will visit Azerbaijan to participate in the XIII Global Baku Forum, a diplomatic source told Trend.

According to the source, Komsic is expected to attend the upcoming session of the forum in Baku, which brings together heads of state and government, senior officials, and international experts to discuss key global and regional issues.

The XIII Global Baku Forum is scheduled for March 1214, 2026, in Baku under the theme "Bridging Divides in a World in Transition". Established in 2013 and organized by the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, the event serves as a platform for current and former government officials, international organizations, and academics to discuss regional and global policy. This 13th edition follows a period of increased diplomatic activity in the region and will focus on themes of geopolitical transition and international security.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 25. The new group of former internally displaced persons (IDPs) has arrived in Horovlu village in Azerbaijan's Jabrayil district, Trend reports.

At this stage, 30 families (115 people) have returned to the village.

The former IDPs who returned to the native land thanked President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva for their comprehensive care and expressed gratitude to the valiant Azerbaijani Army, which liberated the lands from occupation.

xxx

07:06

The next group of former internally displaced persons is returning to the Jabrayil district's Horovlu village, Trend reports.

At this stage, 30 families (115 people) are returning to Horovlu village.

The former IDPs returning to the native village thanked President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva for their comprehensive care and expressed gratitude to the valiant Azerbaijani Army, which liberated the lands from occupation.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Feb.25. Benign operating environment and strong government support keep the outlook for Azerbaijans banking system positive, Trend reports via Moodys.

We maintain a positive outlook on the Azerbaijani banking system, reflecting a continued benign operating environment and strengthening government support.

Favourable operating conditions will support asset quality and profitability over the next 12-18 months, and tightening regulatory requirements will support capital ratios and improve liquidity management. Asset quality will benefit particularly from rising income levels in Azerbaijan (Baa3 positive) and expansion of the non-oil economy, where banks do most of their business, which will also drive credit growth. The banks' robust capital buffers and continued solid profitability will help them maintain good loss-absorption capacity and ample liquidity. The government's ability and willingness to support the banking sector, in particular the largest banks, will remain strong," reads the latest report.

Moody's analysts note that the government's improving creditworthiness, as reflected in the positive sovereign outlook, means the largest banks' depositors will continue to benefit from government support.

"With total reserves accumulated by the sovereign wealth fund, state Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the central bank exceeding 108% of GDP as of December 2025, the government is well placed to support the economy and the highly dollarised banking system, which is small, with total assets at about 44% of GDP," the report says.
Production at Australia poultry group Hazeldenes has been disrupted by a cyberattack.

In an update on its website today (25 February), Hazeldenes said the business has started a phased approach to return to production which will ensure our operations are restored safely and securely.

Hazeldenes, which sold a majority stake to local private-equity firm BGH Capital in 2021, said it started to respond to what it called a cybersecurity incident last Thursday (19 February).

Hazeldenes immediately started taking steps to contain the incident, engaged external cyber-security experts, and notifying relevant authorities, the company said. The investigation into this matter is ongoing.

The business operates farms, hatcheries and processing facilities at more than 50 sites across Victoria and supplies branded and private-label chicken products to major supermarket chains and other retailers, according to BGH Capitals website.

BGH Capital said Hazeldenes processes around 900,000 birds a week and produces more than 85 million kilograms of chicken a year.

Australian broadcaster ABC reported pubs and butchers in Victoria have experienced a shortage of chicken linked to the incident, although Hazeldenes has not quantified the impact on customers.

We are working with partners to restore impacted operations and understand what has happened, the company said today.

We apologise for this disruption and any concern it may have caused. If any data has been impacted, we will notify impacted individuals as required.

The Hazeldene family, which retained a minority interest after the BGH Capital deal, set up the business in 1938. It is described as one of Australias largest fully integrated poultry producers.

Hazeldenes case marks a number of recent cyberattacks on food businesses around the globe, the most prominent of which has been Japanese group Asahi, which first reported an incident in September.

Disruptions were also reported at US-based grocery wholesaler and retailer United Natural Foods (UNFI) last summer, while a site in Germany operated by dairy giant Arla Foods was also hit.

South African poultry major Astral Foods went so far as to issue a profit warning last spring linked to a cybersecurity breach.

Over in Canada a few years back, meat processor Maple Leaf Foods rejected a ransom demand following a cyberattack in 2022.

"Australia chicken processor Hazeldenes hit by cyberattack" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand.




BAKU, Azerbaijan, Feb. 25. Profitability of Azerbaijani banks will remain stable, Trend reports via Moodys.

The latest report by Moodys reveals that the average net income to tangible assets ratio of the Azerbaijani banks we rate should remain solid at around 2%-3%, supported by robust net interest margins, solid fee and commission income, and contained loan-loss provisioning charges.

Margins have grown in recent years, reflecting an increasing share of higher yielding loans to retail borrowers and small and medium sized enterprises, with the economic recovery driving strong loan demand from these segments. However, there may be margin pressure, as declining Central Bank of Azerbaijan policy rates decrease the rates on banks' interest-bearing assets while rates on their funding remain fairly rigid because of fierce competition for customers. Increased obligatory reserve requirements will somewhat constrain still strong profitability, reads the report.

Moodys rates five out of 22 commercial banks operating in Azerbaijan, which together accounted for around 56% of total system assets as of 31 December 2025.

According to the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, total assets of banks operating in the country stood at 57.086 billion manat as of December 31, 2025, with total liabilities at 49.744 billion manat and equity at 7.343 billion manat.

Over the course of 2025, total assets increased by 7.7%, liabilities rose 7.2%, and equity grew 11%.

In the reporting month, the banking sectors loan portfolio expanded by 1.3% (377.5 million manat) to 30.063 billion manat. The portfolio breakdown was as follows:

Business loans: 53.6% (16.106 billion manat)

Consumer loans: 31.1% (9.354 billion manat)

Mortgage loans: 15.3% (4.603 billion manat)

For the full year, the loan portfolio grew 9.4% (2.585 billion manat), including increases of 1.319 billion manat for business loans, 909.3 million manat for consumer loans, and 357 million manat for mortgages.

Banks posted a net profit of 1.162 billion manat and an operating profit of 1.862 billion manat for 2025.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Feb. 25. Funding and liquidity of Azerbaijani banks will be stable, Trend reports via Moodys.

Moodys analysts note that Azerbaijani banks are mainly funded with customer deposits, which grew 1.4% annually as of December 2025 and accounted for about 77% of the banks' total liabilities.

The share of foreign-currency deposits in Azerbaijan was 37% as of December 2025, down from 48% as of year-end 2022 (over 70% in 2016). At the end of December 2025, around 41% of banking sector assets were liquid  comprising cash and cash equivalents, due from banks, and investments in sovereign and quasi-sovereign debt securities  providing a strong buffer against external shocks, says the report.

Moodys rates five out of 22 commercial banks operating in Azerbaijan, which together accounted for around 56% of total system assets as of 31 December 2025.

According to the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, total assets of banks operating in the country stood at 57.086 billion manat as of December 31, 2025, with total liabilities at 49.744 billion manat and equity at 7.343 billion manat.

Over the course of 2025, total assets increased by 7.7%, liabilities rose 7.2%, and equity grew 11%.

In the reporting month, the banking sectors loan portfolio expanded by 1.3% (377.5 million manat) to 30.063 billion manat. The portfolio breakdown was as follows:

Business loans: 53.6% (16.106 billion manat)

Consumer loans: 31.1% (9.354 billion manat)

Mortgage loans: 15.3% (4.603 billion manat)

For the full year, the loan portfolio grew 9.4% (2.585 billion manat), including increases of 1.319 billion manat for business loans, 909.3 million manat for consumer loans, and 357 million manat for mortgages.

Banks posted a net profit of 1.162 billion manat and an operating profit of 1.862 billion manat for 2025.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 25. The Congress of the Republic of Peru has adopted a statement marking the 34th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide and honoring the memory of its victims, Trend reports.

The commemorative event brought together members of the Peru-Azerbaijan interparliamentary friendship group, representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Peru, and local media outlets. The victims of the genocide were first honored with a minute of silence.

Member of the Peru-Azerbaijan interparliamentary friendship group, Rosangella Andrea Barbaran Reyes, extended condolences to the people of Azerbaijan for the innocent lives lost in Khojaly and noted that the tragedy has left a deep mark on the national memory of Azerbaijan.

Embassy representative Gulten Gafgazli-Novruzova provided detailed information about the Khojaly genocide and the history of Armenian aggression, emphasizing the importance of not forgetting the massacre and its painful consequences. She underlined the necessity of holding all perpetrators accountable to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The diplomat also stated that the Khojaly tragedy has received an appropriate legal assessment, noting that several national parliaments, including the Congress of Peru, have adopted documents recognizing the genocide. She expressed gratitude to the Peruvian side for demonstrating a fair position and solidarity on this issue.

The text of the statement adopted by the Peruvian Congress in connection with the anniversary was then read aloud. The document commemorates the victims of the Khojaly genocide and provides information about the bloody tragedy, which resulted in the brutal killing of a large number of people. It also recalls a document previously adopted in 2013 by the Peruvian Congress condemning the genocide.

In addition, the statement expresses support for international efforts aimed at strengthening peace and stability in the South Caucasus region, including a high-level meeting held at the White House.

The statement further notes that Azerbaijanis around the world are honoring the memory of the innocent people killed in Khojaly and conveys deep condolences to the Government and people of Azerbaijan on the occasion of the anniversary of the tragedy.

During the event, a documentary film about the Khojaly genocide was screened, and participants were provided with brochures and informational materials detailing the history of the massacre.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 25. On February 24, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, took part in the iftar organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for ambassadors of Muslim countries accredited in our country and spoke at the event, Trend reports, citing the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

Minister Jeyhun Bayramov congratulated everyone on the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan and wished peace and prosperity to our country and the entire planet.

It was emphasized that this holy month, which unites the Islamic world, instills high spiritual values.

The special place and role of Islam and the month of Ramadan in the national and spiritual values of Azerbaijani society was discussed, including the experience of peaceful coexistence between representatives of different communities.

It was noted that Azerbaijan, as a country located at the crossroads of civilizations and cultures, promotes multiculturalism and interreligious harmony as the main pillars of state policy at the international level.

At the same time, discrimination against Islam in a number of countries and Islamophobic tendencies, as well as instability caused by conflicts in the Muslim world, are a cause for concern. The importance of unity and solidarity in the Islamic world in combating such challenges was emphasized.

The speech also drew attention to the situation in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and noted the importance of a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Then the dean of the diplomatic corps accredited in Azerbaijan, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to our country, Adil Embarch, spoke and conveyed his congratulations on the occasion of the month of Ramadan.
Photo: Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaija

BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 25. The Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov expressed condolences to the Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Turkiye, Yasar Guler, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

The letter says: "I am deeply saddened by the news of the death of a serviceman as a result of the crash of F-16 fighter aircraft belonging to the Republic of Turkiye.

I pray to Almighty Allah for the repose of the soul of deceased serviceman and extend my deepest condolences to his family.

May Allah rest his soul in peace."
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 25. On February 24, Leyla Aliyeva visited the family of Hero of the Patriotic War, warrant officer of the State Border Service and martyr Shahin Allahyarov, Trend reports.

She first familiarized herself with the martyrs memorial corner.

She then spoke with the martyrs mother, Nargiz Allahyarova, listened to her memories of her son, looked at photographs reflecting various periods of his life, and watched a video he had sent to his family during the Patriotic War.

Nargiz Allahyarova expressed satisfaction with the attention and care shown to the families of martyrs, thanked the head of state and members of his family, and wished peace and prosperity to the country.

Leyla Aliyeva presented gifts to the martyrs family members and posed for photographs with them.

Shahin Allahyarov participated in the 44-day Patriotic War in 2020 and fought in the battles for the liberation of Fuzuli, Jabrayil, and Shusha. On November 1, he was martyred in the battles for Shusha. He was buried in the Guba district.

According to the Order of President Ilham Aliyev, Shahin Allahyarov was posthumously awarded the title Hero of the Patriotic War for the courage he displayed in the battles.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 25. The current status of the Azerbaijani-Armenian normalization process in the post-conflict period has been discussed in Geneva, Switzerland, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan told Trend.

The matter was addressed during the address of Azerbaijan's Deputy Foreign Minister, Elnur Mammadov, at the elevated segment of the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) during his visit to the city from February 23 through 25.

The deputy minister also briefed on the issues arising from the Washington Agreement between the two countries, including the contribution of the Zangezur Corridor to regional development.

At the same time, he informed about the "Great Return" program, which provides for the clarification of the fate of missing persons, combats the mine threat, and ensures the safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons as part of the measures taken by Azerbaijan to eliminate the humanitarian consequences of the past conflict.

Mammadov noted that large-scale mine contamination remains a serious obstacle to the full realization of human rights, and it is important to strengthen international cooperation in this area.

The official emphasized that the trial of Armenian citizens accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity was conducted in accordance with international law and national legislation and that Azerbaijan restored justice by the decisions.

He recalled that the opinion of the UN Human Rights Council Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, published on March 13, 2025, rejecting the claims of the Armenian side regarding the Ruben Vardanyan case, once again confirmed that the legal procedures carried out by Azerbaijan were in line with international standards.

Underscoring the growing role of Azerbaijan as an international dialogue platform, he pointed out that the COP29 event held in Azerbaijan has made a significant contribution to accelerating climate action and that the 82nd session of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, the 13th session of the UN World Urban Forum, and the 7th World Forum for Intercultural Dialogue will be held in Baku this year.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 25. On February 24, as part of her trip to the Guba district, Leyla Aliyeva visited the home of beekeeper Zafar Azizov, Trend reports.

During the meeting, Leyla Aliyeva held a warm conversation with the beekeeper's family and inquired about the daily operations of the farm. Zafar Azizov shared detailed insights into his experience in beekeeping and the family brand, Balli Petek. Azizov noted that he began beekeeping professionally in 1997 with just two bee colonies, a number that has now grown to over 200. Since 2010, the family farm has expanded its activities under the Balli Petek brand, supplying May, forest, and mountain honey to the market.

Zafar Azizov emphasized that to produce honey and other apicultural products, he moves the bee colonies across the Khachmaz, Shabran, Gusar, Guba, and other districts. With an annual production capacity of 23 tons, the farm produces highly beneficial products such as royal jelly, bee pollen, and propolis. Additionally, Mr. Azizov is involved in the breeding of pedigree queen bees.

Continuing the meeting in a friendly atmosphere, Leyla Aliyeva joined the hosts in crafting natural candles made from beeswax.

Beekeeper Zafar Azizov and his family expressed their gratitude to Leyla Aliyeva for her warm visit and attention, presenting her with a gift.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 25. As part of their visit to the Guba district, Leyla Aliyeva and Alena Aliyeva visited the Juma Mosque, one of the citys significant historical and architectural monuments, Trend reports.

During the visit, Seyran Farajzadeh, the mosques imam, and Ilgar Bayramov, Chairman of the mosques religious community, provided detailed information about the Juma Mosque.

As a unique architectural monument of the 19th century, the mosque holds an important place in the regions religious and cultural life. It was noted that Quran courses are also conducted at the mosque, and Leyla Aliyeva and Alena Aliyeva visited the classroom where these lessons are held.

At the end of the visit, they were presented with a copy of the Holy Quran as a gift.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 25. On February 24, Leyla Aliyeva attended an Iftar party in Guba together with the families of martyrs and members of the local community, Trend reports.

Initially, Leyla Aliyeva joined volunteers from the "Our Kitchen" project to help make the Iftar meals. During the ceremony, where the spiritual values of the holy month of Ramadan were discussed, the Iftar was observed alongside residents, followed by the reciting of prayers.

Residents expressed their sincere gratitude for the organized Iftar and the attention shown to them.
SunCoke Energy, Inc. (NYSE:SXC) is included among the 13 Most Promising Long-Term Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds.

B. Riley Trims SunCoke Energy (SXC) Price Outlook Following Earnings Miss

Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash

On February 18, B. Riley lowered its price recommendation on SunCoke Energy, Inc. (NYSE:SXC) to $9 from $10. The firm maintained a Neutral rating on the shares. In a research note, the analyst said SunCoke reported Q4 adjusted EBITDA of $56.7M, which came in below expectations. Industrial Services contributed $22.7M and helped offset weaker results in other areas. Logistics and Domestic Coke volumes were softer during the quarter, which weighed on overall performance.

During the companys Q4 2025 earnings call, CEO Katherine Gates announced a leadership transition. CFO Mark Marinko is retiring, and Shantanu Agrawal will step into the role. Gates said the change is intended to preserve continuity in financial discipline and operational priorities. She also highlighted the companys safety performance. SunCoke, excluding Phoenix, ended 2025 with a total recordable incident rate of 0.55. Gates described this as a notable achievement and pointed to it as a reflection of the companys focus on safety across its operations.

For the full year, consolidated adjusted EBITDA reached $219.2 million. Gates said the results were influenced in part by the addition of Phoenix Global, which contributed for part of the year. At the same time, volumes in the terminals segment were weaker.

The Domestic Coke segment also faced several challenges. Gates said performance was affected by changes in the mix between contract and spot coke sales. Profitability was also impacted by the Granite City contract extension and a contract breach by Algoma.

SunCoke Energy, Inc. (NYSE:SXC) supplies coke to customers in domestic and international markets. The company operates through three main segments: Domestic Coke, Brazil Coke, and Logistics.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 25. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to the Emir of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Trend reports.

"Your Highness,

On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I am pleased to convey to you and, through you, to your entire people my most sincere congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of the national holiday of the State of Kuwait.

The current level of Azerbaijan-Kuwait interstate relations, developing in a spirit of mutual respect and trust, is a source of satisfaction. The high-level mutual understanding and active dialogue create favorable conditions for expanding cooperation in various fields.

I am confident that the traditionally friendly ties between Azerbaijan and Kuwait, and our fruitful cooperation both bilaterally and within international organizations, will continue to expand and deepen through our joint efforts in the interests of our two peoples.

Taking this pleasant opportunity, I cordially congratulate you and your friendly people on the start of the holy month of Ramadan, and wish you robust health, happiness, and success in your endeavors, and to the State of Kuwait  continued peace and prosperity," the letter reads.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 25. On February 24, a carpet cutting ceremony was held at the Shabran branch of Azerkhalcha OJSC for carpets prepared for the Shusha Mosque, Trend reports.

The event was organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, PASHA Holding, and PMD Projects.

The ceremony took place with the participation of Leyla Aliyeva. She familiarized herself with the workshops activities, spoke with the weavers and, after tying the final knots, took part in the cutting ceremony for the carpets prepared for the mosque.

The carpets intended for the interior of the second floor of the Shusha Mosque were woven in accordance with national carpet-weaving traditions based on a special design. Each of the two carpets measures 12 meters in width and 19 meters in length, with a total combined length of 38 meters.

The weaving of the two carpets, designed for the womens prayer section of the mosque, began on January 21, 2025. Nearly 50 female weavers participated in their creation, tying approximately 50 million knots. The carpets reflect the high professionalism and rich artistic heritage of Azerbaijani carpet-weaving art.

For the complete weaving process, two special looms of a new and distinctive design were commissioned. These looms were prepared specifically for Azerkhalcha OJSC by a group of specialists invited from abroad.

Earlier this month, with the participation of Leyla Aliyeva, a cutting ceremony was also held for a unique circular handwoven carpet with a diameter of 22.17 meters prepared for the first floor of the Shusha Mosque  a piece unprecedented in the global history of carpet weaving. That rare work of art, created based on motifs from the Garabagh carpet group and Khatai ornaments, involved 150 female weavers and approximately 60 million knots during its production.
Photo: Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 25. Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov met with Fuat Oktay, Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye (GNAT), on February 25, the Cabinet of Ministers told Trend.

The meeting highlighted the significance of the 10th trilateral meeting of the foreign affairs committees of the parliaments of Azerbaijan, Turkiye, and Georgia, recently held in Baku.

The sides noted that relations of friendship and brotherhood between Azerbaijan and Turkiye are successfully developing across all areas, and highly appreciated the elevated level of interparliamentary cooperation.

The meeting also included discussions on further expanding Azerbaijan-Turkiye relations in various spheres.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 25. On February 25, 2026, Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov received the newly appointed Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia to Azerbaijan, Abdinur Dahir Fidow, and discussed prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani MFA.

The ambassador presented copies of his credentials to the minister. Bayramov congratulated him on his appointment and wished him success in his diplomatic mission, expressing confidence that Somalias first resident ambassador to Azerbaijan would spare no effort to further strengthen bilateral ties.

The meeting focused on the current state and prospects of bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Somalia. The sides welcomed the intensification of contacts in recent years and the growing number of reciprocal visits. They recalled with satisfaction the Somali Presidents visit to Azerbaijan last February, the subsequent visit of an Azerbaijani government delegation to Somalia, the first political consultations held between the foreign ministries within that framework, and the Somali foreign ministers visit to Azerbaijan in June.

The importance of utilizing the existing potential to deepen cooperation in political, economic, humanitarian, agricultural, energy, and other fields was emphasized.

In addition to bilateral relations, the sides underlined the significance of cooperation within multilateral international and regional platforms, particularly the United Nations (UN), the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). It was also noted that cooperation during Somalias non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council for 20252026 has been commendable.

Azerbaijan once again reaffirmed its full support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia within its internationally recognized borders. The meeting also included an in-depth exchange of views on other issues of mutual interest.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 25. On February 25, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, and their daughter Arzu Aliyeva visited Khojavend town to inspect the reconstruction progress, Trend reports.

The head of state, the First Lady, and their daughter met with residents of Khojavend town and Khojavend village and held a conversation with them.

President Ilham Aliyev: Welcome. Congratulations. You arrived a few days earlier than me. I sincerely congratulate you on your return to our native Garabagh land. I am confident that you will live here comfortably, happily, in peace and security. You deserve this.

You endured long years of suffering and hardship. Life as an internally displaced person is difficult  both morally and physically. Leaving your native land and going elsewhere, even within Azerbaijan, and living in hardship is a great trial. You emerged from this trial with honor. I am sure that the entire Azerbaijani people, including you, always believed that this day would come  that we would liberate these lands, restore justice, and drive the enemy out of our territories.

As you know, although a large part of the formerly occupied lands was liberated five years ago during the Patriotic War, Khojavend remained under occupation, and the people of Khojavend believed that the situation would change someday. I am confident there was faith in society that not even one inch of our land would remain under the enemys heel  and we achieved that as well. For more than two years now, we have exercised full control over the entire sovereign territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan. We destroyed the enemys last stronghold, expelled the separatists, brought them before the court, and fully restored justice.

Therefore, that difficult period is now behind us  it is in the past and will never return. Today, our state is strong, our army is strong, and our people have shown the whole world their greatness over these years. In the last 80 years, no other country has achieved such a complete and absolute victory as Azerbaijan.

Now is the time for construction. The state has already created conditions for you here. Some houses have been restored and rebuilt, and this process will continue. Tens of thousands of Azerbaijani citizens are already living in the liberated territories, and approximately 30,000 of them are former internally displaced persons. As you know, over the last four to five years, we have primarily allocated funds to infrastructure projects because the essential conditions for living must first be ensured  electricity, gas, water, roads, bridges, and tunnels. Now, more funds will be directed toward the construction and restoration of residential houses. Therefore, the Great Return process will accelerate even further.

Jobs are also being created here  through the state, public institutions, and, of course, the private sector. The majority of people living here were previously engaged in agriculture. You know well that this region has beautiful nature, fertile land, water, and springs  everything necessary is here. The main thing is that people now live here comfortably and remain fully confident that such tragedies will never again befall our people.

To ensure this, we must always remain strong and vigilant, never forget the past, and look to the future with confidence  just as we look with confidence and live today. I sincerely congratulate you once again and wish you good health.

x x x

Commemorative photos were taken.

x x x

The residents expressed their gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for the conditions created for them.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 25. Azerbaijani Ambassador to Malaysia Irfan Davudov met with Malaysias Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Johari Abdul Ghani, Trend reports, citing the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Malaysia.

During the meeting, the sides discussed the current state of economic relations between Azerbaijan and Malaysia and explored prospects for expanding cooperation, particularly in trade and investment.

Ambassador Davudov briefed the minister on the economic reforms being implemented in Azerbaijan and the development of the non-oil sector. He also invited Malaysian companies to invest in Azerbaijan, emphasizing the importance of organizing reciprocal visits between relevant government agencies and business representatives to further strengthen cooperation.

For his part, Johari Abdul Ghani expressed interest in enhancing economic cooperation between Malaysia and Azerbaijan and affirmed his readiness to contribute to the expansion of bilateral economic ties.

The parties also noted that Azerbaijan will host several major international events this year, including the World Urban Forum.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 25. Today marks the 34rd anniversary of the Khojaly Genocide, one of the most brutal atrocities committed during Armenias aggression against Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said, Trend reports.

"Today marks the 34th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide committed by the armed forces of Armenia.

The Khojaly genocide is one of the gravest crimes committed as part of Armenias policy of occupation and genocide against Azerbaijan.

On the night of 25-26 February 1992, Armenias armed forces attacked the town of Khojaly, which had been under siege since October 1991, with its road and energy communications cut off, and perpetrated mass atrocities against the Azerbaijani civilian population.

During the bloodshed carried out by Armenias armed forces with the assistance of the former USSRs 366th Motorized Rifle Regiment, 613 people, including 63 children, 106 women, and 70 elderly persons, were killed in Khojaly with particular cruelty. 487 persons were severely injured, 1,275 residents were taken hostage and subjected to torture. Eight families were completely annihilated, 130 children lost one of their parents, while 25 children lost both of their parents. The fate of many of those taken hostage remains unknown.

These atrocities were not merely acts of war, but part of ethnic hatred and discrimination policy. The targeted massacres carried out by Armenia against Azerbaijanis in other Azerbaijani settlements, such as Baghanis Ayrim, Jamilli, Karkijahan, Meshali, Malibeyli, Garadaghly, Tugh, Selaketin, etc., clearly demonstrate the systematic and planned nature of the Khojaly genocide.

The Khojaly genocide constitutes a gross violation of international law, including the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and other international humanitarian norms and standards. This tragedy must receive its due assessment in the global legal system as a crime against humanity.

The available facts regarding the purposeful character of the Khojaly genocide, including the confessions of one of the organizers of the genocide, Armenias then Defense Minister and ex-President Serzh Sargsyan confirm that this tragedy was part of a designed policy.

Like in other liberated territories, today life returns to Khojaly, which remains one of the incurable wounds of our people, and our state and our nation do not forget the victims of the genocide and keep their memories alive.

On the 34th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide, we once again honor the dear memory of the innocent victims of the tragedy.

May Allah rest their souls in peace!", the statement said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 25. Families arriving in Azerbaijan's Horovlu village with the latest resettlement convoy have been presented with the keys to their new homes, Trend reports.

After being welcomed in Horovlu village of the Jabrayil district, the families were provided with detailed information by employees of the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) about the dangers posed by mines and unexploded ordnance.

The key handover ceremony was attended by representatives of the Special Representation of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Jabrayil, Gubadli, and Zangilan districts, officials from the State Committee for Affairs of Refugees and IDPs of Azerbaijan, as well as other officials.

At this stage, 30 families comprising 115 people have been resettled to Horovlu village. These families had been temporarily accommodated in dormitories, sanatoriums, camps, unfinished buildings, and administrative facilities across various parts of the country.

XXX

14:03

The new group of former internally displaced persons (IDPs) has arrived in Horovlu village in Azerbaijan's Jabrayil district, Trend reports.

At this stage, 30 families (115 people) have returned to the village.

The former IDPs who returned to their native land thanked President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva for their comprehensive care and expressed gratitude to the valiant Azerbaijani army, which liberated the lands from occupation.

XXX

07:06

The next group of former internally displaced persons is returning to the Jabrayil district's Horovlu village, Trend reports.

At this stage, 30 families (115 people) are returning to Horovlu village.

The former IDPs returning to the native village thanked President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva for their comprehensive care and expressed gratitude to the valiant Azerbaijani army, which liberated the lands from occupation.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 25. An official public statement from the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) has been issued regarding the expulsion of Ramiz Mehdiyev from full membership in ANAS, who is currently the subject of an ongoing preliminary investigation by the State Security Service, and house arrest has been chosen as a preventative measure, the statement of ANAS says, Trend reports.

According to the statement, the academy leadership has once again issued a strong condemnation of Mehdiyev's actions against the state, declaring them to be unforgivable.

The statement emphasized that the expulsion matter will be addressed in accordance with the stipulations of the existing laws. Should a court verdict confirm his guilt regarding the charges, the matter will be addressed by the members of the ANAS General Assembly, leading to a decision being made accordingly.

"The academy once again emphasizes that its activities are guided by the rule of law, the principles of legality, and the transparency of legal procedures," the statement added.

Ramiz Mehdiyev is accused under Articles 278.1 (actions aimed at seizing state power), 274 (treason), and 193-1.3.2 (legalization of property obtained by criminal means) of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan.

As part of the criminal case, the chairman of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), Ali Karimli, his adviser Mammad Ibrahim, as well as the former head of the Secretariat of ANAS and former employee of the Presidential Administration, Eldar Amirov, have been arrested.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 25. The State Employment Agency under the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population of Azerbaijan has already engaged 1,137 residents relocated to the Khojaly district in employment programs, a source in the agency told Trend.

According to the source, 1,099 of them have found jobs (including the creation of small farms as part of a self-employment program for 198 residents resettled in the district), and 38 have been enrolled in vocational training.

"Efforts are actively being made to facilitate the employment of an additional group of residents. Their job prospects are currently under evaluation, and the specific employment program they will participate in is being determined," the source added.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan's Great Return program prioritizes ensuring employment for internally displaced persons (IDPs) until they resettle in the liberated territories. As part of this policy, implemented by the State Employment Agency, residents' professional skills are assessed, and job vacancies in the liberated territories are identified to ensure their economic stability after returning home. This initiative is an important component of the broader Great Return project aimed at restoring and resettling territories liberated after the 2020 Second Karabakh War.

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Billionaire fund manager Steven Cohen went all-in on tech, cannonballing in a space thats been under serious duress of late.

His hedge fund, Point72, disclosed a massive $2.8 billion in fresh positions across five AI giants, including $870 million in Taiwan Semiconductor(TSM),$510 million in Nvidia(NVDA), $492 million in Amazon (AMZN), $487 million in Equinix(EQIX), and $439 million in Broadcom (AVGO).

The pattern doesnt feel random, either.

The massive new bets are on the AI supply chain, and in whats been a relentless gold rush so far, Cohen just bought the roads, the trucks, the shovels, and the land underneath it.

In a string of recent 13F stories Ive covered, the pattern of building around Big Tech and AI has been pretty consistent.

Ken Griffins Citadel swung the hardest, loading up on Amazon stock to the tune of $2.52 billion while raising its stake in Nvidia worth roughly $4 billion.

Also, Ray Dalios Bridgewater leaned into the AI core, adding $253 million to Nvidia while building around other AI infrastructure names like Oracle and Micron.

David Teppers Appaloosa made memory giant Micron the headline with a $285 million buy, while Jim Simons Renaissance went even deeper at that memory cycle, adding nearly $520 million of Micron while trimming other mega-cap players.

Additionally, Howard Lutnicks Cantor Fitzgerald placed a hefty new $126 million bet on the more unexpected AI infrastructure plays in Iren Limited.

Taken together, Cohens bets underscore a deliberate move into the hardware, cloud, and data-center stack spearheading the AI boom.

Point72 disclosed $2.8 billion in major Big Tech additions.Photo by Newsday LLC on Getty Images  Photo by Newsday LLC on Getty Images

Point72s latest 13F activity

Market value: $89.4 billion (prior: $59.8 billion)

Inflows (outflows) as % of total market value: +26.4%

New purchases: 2,013 stocks

Added to: 1,279 stocks

Sold out of: 414 stocks

Reduced holdings in: 503 stocks

Top 10 holdings concentration: 14.01%

Turnover: 56.8%

Source: WhaleWisdom

Who is Steven Cohen?

Those lines encapsulate Steven Cohen in a nutshell. He has been relentlessly competitive while always hunting for an edge.

For the investing punditry, Cohen is a legendary hedge fund manager who has effectively cemented his reputation first at SAC Capital and now at Point72 Asset Management.

These modern, multi-strategy investing powerhouses have become magnets for capital, and, according to the latest reports, Point72 boasts a whopping $45.7 billion in assets under management.

More Fund Managers:
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 25. The delegation led by the Chief of Armaments - Deputy Commander-in-Chief for Armaments of the Aerospace Forces of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, Colonel General Yurii Grekhov, is paying a visit to Azerbaijan, the statement of the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense says, Trend reports.

During the visit to the Azerbaijan Air Force, the delegation met with the Deputy Minister of Defense  Commander of the Air Force, Lieutenant General Namig Islamzade.

The meeting discussed the current state of Azerbaijani-Russian military cooperation, as well as other issues of mutual interest.

As part of the visit, the delegation also took part in a seminar held with the participation of the command staff of the National Defense University and a group of attendees.

At the seminar, the sides exchanged views on innovations applied in the fields of military education and science.
Iran records modest growth in non-oil exports to Turkiye

Irans non-oil exports to Turkiye experienced a modest uptick in both value and volume during the first 10 months of the current Iranian year. The exports were a mixed bag, featuring a cornucopia of agricultural goods, food items, petrochemicals, and industrial products. All in all, the non-oil trade between Iran and Turkiye has seen a remarkable uptick in both value and volume.

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Photo: The official X account of the Minister of Trade of Turkiye

ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, February 25. Turkish companies have completed 1,098 projects worth $56 billion in Turkmenistan to date, Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat wrote on his X account, Trend reports.

Meanwhile, Bolat made the remarks following a comprehensive consultation meeting held at the Turkish Embassy in Ashgabat, hosted by Turkiyes Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Ahmet Demirok. The meeting brought together representatives of the Turkish business community operating in Turkmenistan.

Earlier, Omer Bolat stated that Turkiyes trade with Turkmenistan reached $2.2 billion in 2025, and emphasized that the main goal for bilateral trade is to reach $5 billion, a target set by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

Turkish companies are among the top economic partners in Turkmenistan, having implemented over 1,400 projects valued at more than $50 billion since 1991, with a strong focus on construction, energy, textiles, and transport. Major Turkish firms like Calk Holding and Polimeks are heavily involved in key infrastructure, industrial facilities, and the "smart city" of Arkadag.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, February 25. Tashkent will host the Uzbekistan-China Business Forum on March 3, 2026, Trend reports via the Investment Promotion Agency of Uzbekistan.

According to the information, the forum is expected to serve as a platform for direct dialogue between business representatives of the two countries, facilitating the exchange of practical experience, the discussion of current priorities, and the development of long-term, sustainable partnerships.

The event will showcase the economic and investment potential of both Uzbekistan and China, highlighting key industries and priority areas of cooperation. Participants will also explore concrete opportunities for implementing joint investment and manufacturing projects.

In addition, the forum will address prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation, mechanisms for interaction between businesses and government institutions, and practical steps aimed at advancing joint initiatives.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 25. A total of 4,500 tons of diesel fuel will be sent from Azerbaijan to Armenia as the next batch of fuel within the scope of fuel product supplies today, Trend reports.

The mentioned volume of diesel fuel will be shipped from Azerbaijan by rail today.

On October 21, 2025, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, in a joint press statement with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, said that Azerbaijan had lifted all restrictions on cargo transit to Armenia that had been in place since the occupation period. The first such transit shipment was the delivery of Kazakh grain to Armenia.

On December 18, 2025, the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) sent 1,220 tons of RON-95 gasoline to Armenia. Subsequently, on January 9, 2026, a total of 2,698 tons of fuel, including 1,742 tons of RON-95 gasoline and 956 tons of diesel, were dispatched in 48 railcars.

On January 11, a train of 18 railcars carrying 979 tons of RON-92 gasoline was also sent to Armenia.

Earlier, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that diesel fuel prices in Armenia have declined following the establishment of peace with Azerbaijan.

Today I learned that in the fuel market of the Republic of Armenia, diesel fuel has become cheaper by 20%, he said.

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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, February 25. Uzbek Overseas Geology Company has begun implementing a geological exploration project in Afghanistan, Trend reports via Uzbekistans Ministry of Mining and Geology.

According to the ministry, exploration activities are being carried out at the Muhammad-Jandagar, Shamar, and Ahmadobod blocks. The work is focused on identifying hydrocarbon resources as well as iron and copper deposits.

The official launch ceremony was held in the presence of Balkh Province Deputy Governor for Economic Affairs Mawlawi Nurul Hoda Abu Idris and the companys Director General Khayitboy Omonov. The company obtained the relevant exploration license following negotiations with the Afghan side.

The project is being implemented under a cooperation agreement previously signed between the Ministry of Mining and Geology of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further expanding cooperation in the geological and mining sectors.

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Photo: The official "X" account of Georgian PM

ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, February 25. Speaker of the Turkmen Parliament, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, met with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze to discuss strengthening Turkmen-Georgian cooperation in political-diplomatic, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian spheres, Trend reports via the Turkmen MFA.

During the meeting, particular attention was given to interparliamentary cooperation, regarded as a key driver for enhancing bilateral political dialogue and developing interstate relations.

The participants also underscored the importance of engagement and strengthened ties within international organizations.

Both sides noted that regular meetings play a crucial role in fostering cooperation, maintaining open dialogue, and building a solid foundation for the further development of mutually beneficial relations.

The talks concluded with a shared commitment to expanding cooperation based on trust and mutual respect.

Earlier, Turkmenistan and Georgia formalized an agreement on interparliamentary cooperation. The document followed a meeting between Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, Shalva Papuashvili, and Speaker of the Mejlis (Parliament) of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, during her official visit to Tbilisi.

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ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, February 25. President of Georgia, Mikheil Kavelashvili, received Speaker of the Turkmen Parliament, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, to discuss key areas of Turkmen-Georgian cooperation in political, economic, and humanitarian spheres, Trend reports via the Turkmen MFA.

Speaker Gulmanova is currently visiting Georgia on official business. The discussions centered on fostering engagement within international organizations, such as the UN, while emphasizing the importance of mutual support for positive global initiatives.



They highlighted the crucial importance of interparliamentary cooperation and official visits in enhancing bilateral relations and furthering the strategic partnership between the two nations.



The meeting wrapped up with a mutual pledge to foster ongoing constructive dialogue and launch collaborative initiatives that benefit the citizens of both nations.

Earlier, Turkmenistan and Georgia formalized an agreement on interparliamentary cooperation. The document followed a meeting between Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, Shalva Papuashvili, and Speaker of the Mejlis (Parliament) of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, during her official visit to Tbilisi.

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ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, February 25. Director of the Turkmenistan project office of the Regional Environmental Center of Central Asia (CAREC), Mergen Kepbanov, met with Director of the Amu Darya Basin Authority, Ashirmurat Mukhammedov, to discuss sustainable water management, climate adaptation, and intergovernmental coordination in the Amu Darya basin, Trend reports via CAREC.

The meeting was held as part of preparations for a new UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Green Climate Fund regional program on sustainable landscapes and climate-adapted livelihoods in Central Asia.

Participants examined the functions of the Amu Darya Basin Authority, focusing on water allocation, flow regulation, monitoring of water usage, seasonal forecasting, and coordination efforts during periods of low water availability. The conversation also covered potential project elements for Turkmenistan and mechanisms for regional collaboration.



The parties have expressed their commitment to advancing the development and implementation of the program together.

The Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) was established in 2001 by five Central Asian countriesKazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistantogether with the European Union and UNDP. It has country offices in all five Central Asian states and serves as a regional platform for cooperation on environmental management, water resources, and climate adaptation.

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BERLIN, Feb 25 (Reuters) - BMW and the European Commission are in talks about a possible minimum pricing model that could replace EU tariffs on the German carmaker's Chinese-made Mini electric vehicles, Germany's Handelsblatt business daily reported on Tuesday.

This follows an agreement struck between Brussels and Volkswagen earlier in February, under which the group's SEAT/Cupra brand secured a tariff exemption for its all-electric Tavascan SUV coupe following months of discussions.

More from Yahoo Scout What is BMW's minimum pricing model with EU? Why did EU impose tariffs on China-made EVs? What precedent did Volkswagen set with Brussels agreement? How do EU tariffs affect Chinese-made Mini vehicles?

Similar deals could follow, with Chinese carmakers also thought to be eyeing exemptions for their EU-bound EVs.

BMW and Brussels are negotiating a solution involving a minimum import price, Handelsblatt reported, citing two people familiar with the matter.

A BMW spokesperson declined to comment on the report.

The European Commission had no immediate comment.

BMW is separately challenging the EU tariffs in a legal case with other carmakers.

The EU imposed tariffs on China-made EVs at the end of October 2024 after an anti-subsidy investigation. The rate for BMW, which manufactures the electric Mini Cooper and electric Mini Aceman in China, is 20.7%.

(Additional reporting by Philip Blenkinsop in BrusselsReporting by Rachel More and Christina AmannEditing by Madeline Chambers)
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, February 25. Uzbekistan and Canada have discussed prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation, with a particular focus on strengthening collaboration in the mining and geology sectors, Trend reports via Uzbekistans Ministry of Mining and Geology.

The discussions took place during a meeting between Feruza Khamidova, First Deputy Minister of Mining and Geology of Uzbekistan, and Christopher Duggan, Canadas Ambassador to Uzbekistan.

During the talks, the Canadian delegation was provided with an in-depth overview of the key reforms currently being implemented within Uzbekistan's mining and geological sectors. Special attention was given to the revised Law on Subsoil, the establishment of transparent mechanisms for granting subsoil use rights, and the incorporation of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into the operations of industrial enterprises.

Earlier, Laziz Kudratov, Uzbekistans Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade, also held discussions with Ambassador Duggan to explore opportunities for initiating new joint projects in the fields of green and renewable energy. In addition, both parties reviewed potential avenues for cooperation in information technology, transport and logistics infrastructure, water management, agriculture, mining, and metallurgy.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 25. Mutual investment and the expansion of business engagement between Irans East Azerbaijan Province and Azerbaijan remain a key priority, Bahram Sarmast, the governor of Irans East Azerbaijan Province, told Trend.

Sarmast stated that efforts are underway to encourage reciprocal investment, broaden the scope of investors activities, and facilitate mutual visits by business representatives.

According to him, taking into account existing historical ties with Azerbaijan, as well as the policy of developing relations with Azerbaijan following the start of President Masoud Pezeshkians tenure, the Iranian side approaches cooperation with Azerbaijan as a priority.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, February 25. The Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has launched the fourth phase of their joint initiative, Partnering for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Acceleration, Trend reports via UNDP.

This phase continues the longstanding partnership aimed at advancing Turkmenistans national priorities, further reaffirming the country's commitment to the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which were formally adopted in September 2016.

The focus of this fourth phase is to bolster national capacity for the effective implementation and monitoring of the SDGs. It will support initiatives for development financing, prepare Turkmenistans third Voluntary National Review on SDG progress, and enhance the capacity of local executive authorities to integrate sustainable development principles at the regional level.

UNDP Resident Representative in Turkmenistan, Narine Sahakyan, emphasized, "The continuation of this strategic partnership will significantly strengthen national mechanisms for SDG implementation and foster conditions conducive to sustainable economic and social development across all regions of the country."

The project will provide a critical platform for coordinating the efforts of ministries, agencies, international partners, and civil society in advancing Turkmenistans pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals.

UNDP has operated in Turkmenistan since 1995. The organization has supported the country through projects in governance, public administration, health, economic development, water management, and climate adaptation. Since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda, UNDP has also assisted Turkmenistan in implementing and monitoring the Sustainable Development Goals.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 25. Azerbaijan and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) have engaged in discussions regarding the progress of key projects, which are set to be formalized and signed within the country, Trend reports via the country's Ministry of Finance.

The discussions took place during a meeting between Anar Karimov, First Deputy Minister of Finance of Azerbaijan, and a delegation headed by Nataly Mouravidze, the EBRD Resident Office Director in Azerbaijan.

The meeting also addressed critical priorities within the domains of water management and urban infrastructure.

Karimov highlighted that the EBRD stands as one of Azerbaijans key partners in fostering private sector development, strengthening urban infrastructure, promoting environmental sustainability, and enhancing public service delivery. He emphasized the strategic importance of the projects under implementation, which will proceed in phases, adhering to the principles of fiscal sustainability and effective financing mechanisms.

The First Deputy Minister further underscored that ongoing projects in the cities of Ganja and Sheki are not only pivotal for modernizing urban infrastructure and improving water supply to local populations but are also crucial for raising environmental standards and enhancing the efficiency of municipal services.

In turn, Mouravidze expressed satisfaction with the longstanding cooperation between Azerbaijan and the EBRD, noting that accelerating the implementation of water and urban infrastructure projects remains a primary focus for the bank. She emphasized the importance of structuring financing for the next project phases in a manner that is both efficient and goal-oriented. Moreover, she reaffirmed the banks commitment to further collaboration in green transition efforts, climate financing, and the expansion of technical support mechanisms.

The meeting also featured an extensive exchange of views on the ambitious water infrastructure program planned for the Baku-Absheron region, discussing its financing mechanisms, alongside other mutually beneficial areas of cooperation.

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ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, February 25. Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, met with Turkmenistans Ambassador to Pakistan, Atajan Movlamov, to discuss cooperation in energy, trade, investment, and regional connectivity, Trend reports via the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of Pakistan.

The meeting took place at the Parliament House in Islamabad on February 25.

Gilani highlighted the potential for cooperation in energy, including liquefied petroleum gas production, as well as in trade and investment. He underscored the importance of developing regional transport infrastructure, including railway links and the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project, and expanding economic ties through increased trade and investment opportunities.

The Senate chairman also briefed the ambassador on Pakistans Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which operates as a one-window platform to support foreign investors, and invited Turkmenistan to explore opportunities in information technology, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, and other priority sectors.

Emphasizing parliamentary diplomacy, Gilani referred to the first Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference held in Islamabad under the theme Peace, Security, and Development. He recalled his visit to Turkmenistan at the invitation of the speaker of the Turkmen Mejlis (parliament) and extended invitations to the president of Turkmenistan and the speaker of the Mejlis to visit Pakistan. He also invited participation in the upcoming Inter-Parliamentary Speakers' Conference (ISC) scheduled to be held in Cambodia in 2026.

Gilani noted that parliamentary friendship groups in both countries continue to serve as platforms for dialogue and legislative cooperation. Following Pakistans general elections in February 2024, new friendship groups with Turkmenistan were formed in both houses of parliament.

Ambassador Movlamov expressed readiness to expand cooperation in political, economic, cultural, and parliamentary spheres and voiced interest in strengthening collaboration in energy, railway connectivity, transit trade, and regional transport infrastructure, including through Gwadar Port.

The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to further developing bilateral relations.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 25. The next batch of diesel, as part of the fuel product supplies, has been sent from Azerbaijan to Armenia, Trend reports.

A total of 4,500 tons of diesel fuel was sent to Armenia.

The specified amount of diesel fuel was shipped today from the Guzdek station in Azerbaijan.

On October 21, 2025, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, in a joint press statement with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, said that Azerbaijan has lifted all restrictions on cargo transit to Armenia that had existed since the time of occupation. The first such transit shipment was the delivery of Kazakh grain to Armenia.

On December 18, 2025, the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) sent 1,220 tons of RON-95 gasoline to Armenia. Subsequently, on January 9, 2026, a total of 2,698 tons of fuel, including 1,742 tons of RON-95 gasoline and 956 tons of diesel, were dispatched in 48 railcars.

On January 11, a train of 18 railcars carrying 979 tons of RON-92 gasoline was also sent to Armenia.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, February 25. Uzbekneftegaz and Citibank of the United States discussed prospects for expanding cooperation, including geological exploration, drilling programs, and financing of investment projects, Trend reports via the Uzbek company.

In the course of the meeting, Uzbekneftegaz showcased its financial outcomes for 2025, underscored favorable trends in its credit ratings, and delineated strategic initiatives designed to bolster the companys financial resilience.



The parties reiterated their shared commitment to advancing strategic energy initiatives and enhancing financial collaboration.

Meanwhile, cooperation between Uzbekneftegaz and Citibank began in 2021 as part of the companys debut Eurobond issuance on international capital markets, where Citibank acted as one of the lead arranging banks.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 25. First Deputy Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan, Elnur Aliyev, during his visit to Saudi Arabia's Jeddah, met with President of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser to discuss the expansion of bilateral cooperation, Trend reports, citing the Ministry of Economy.

During the meeting, it was emphasized that the collaboration between Azerbaijan and the IsDB Group has been progressing effectively. Notably, with the support of the IsDB, Azerbaijans engagement with the Arab Coordination Group has deepened, particularly in the context of priority infrastructure projects.

The discussions also highlighted the significance of Azerbaijan hosting the IsDB Groups Annual Meeting this year, following a 16-year hiatus. This prestigious event is expected to provide a substantial boost to Azerbaijans partnerships with international financial institutions.

The importance of the partnership agreement signed with the IsDB for the "Construction of the Main Irrigation Canal from the Maiden Tower Reservoir" in the recently liberated territories was underscored, with particular emphasis on its role in fostering sustainable regional development and unlocking the agrarian potential of the area.

The parties also deliberated on potential projects and investment opportunities across key sectors, including energy, infrastructure, transport, agriculture, water resource management, and more.

Elnur Aliyev further met with IsDB Vice President Rami Ahmad, where the pivotal role of joint projects with the IsDB and other entities within the Arab Coordination Group in advancing Azerbaijans economic and infrastructure development was reiterated. The sides acknowledged the substantial potential for expanding their cooperation, particularly in light of the forthcoming IsDB Group Annual Meetings to be held in Baku.

As part of his visit, Elnur Aliyev also attended an exhibition organized by the IsDB Group in Jeddah, where various projects funded by the Group's institutions were showcased, alongside partnership opportunities. Information on climate financing, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and efforts to strengthen trade and investment ties among member countries was also presented.

As part of his visit, Elnur Aliyev also attended the official premiere of a documentary marking the fiftieth anniversary of the IsDB. The film chronicles the Banks history, highlights its core operational principles, and showcases its pivotal role in the socio-economic development of member states through the successful implementation of various projects.
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Dive Brief:

Genetic medicines maker BreezeBio said Wednesday it raised $60 million in a Series B round, backed by more than a dozen investors across Asia and the U.S.

Formerly known as GenEdit, the South San Francisco, California-based startup was built around an alternative method of delivering gene-based medicines that involves specialized nanoparticles. The company has changed its name to reflect a newfound push to develop its own treatments, with a focus on autoimmune diseases and oncology.

BreezeBios lead program, codenamed BRZ-101, is designed to coerce the body into stifling the damaging autoimmune response in Type 1 diabetes. The company is advancing that therapy this year into the final preclinical studies that come before human testing.

More from Yahoo Scout What partnerships has BreezeBio established with major companies? How does BRZ-101 work for Type 1 diabetes? What is BreezeBio's NanoGalaxy delivery technology platform? How will the $60 million funding support expansion?

Dive Insight:

BreezeBio has spent a decade sharpening a delivery technology it refers to as NanoGalaxy.

Founded by CEO Kunwoo Ryan Lee and other researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, the startup was one of many to emerge with plans to broaden the reach of genetic medicine. Its goal was to develop a new way to send genetic cargo into the body  one that could break beyond the limitations of modified viruses or tiny lipid spheres.

As GenEdit, the company made progress on that front. It developed specialized polymer nanoparticles  now known as NanoGalaxy  able to shepherd genetic instructions to a range of different tissues in the body. Notably, those particles can be designed to precisely target specific organs, and have the potential to be dosed multiple times. The approach caught the attention of Sarepta Therapeutics, Editas Medicine and Genentech, all of which signed collaboration deals with the company.

According to Lee, that work encouraged the startup to change course to develop its own therapies. The company raised funding to support that effort and has set its sights on autoimmune disease, an area its been focusing on with Genentech.

"The biggest impact everyone is looking for is delivering therapeutics that can change the patient's life," Lee said. "We have been doing it with our partners, but now with the additional capital, we are going to our own pipeline as well."

BRZ-101 effectively delivers into certain immune cells blueprints for antigens and other substances that promote immune tolerance. Those cells then train the body to oppress the destructive inflammation occurring in Type 1 diabetes, Lee said. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system mistakenly wipes out insulin-producing beta cells. No curative treatment currently exists.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 25. A memorandum of understanding was signed between the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and Samsung E&A Co. Ltd., the Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov wrote on his X page, Trend reports.

"During the meeting with Hong Namkoong, President and Chief Executive Officer of Samsung E&A Co., Ltd., we discussed the energy partnership and opportunities to expand cooperation. Within the framework of the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between SOCAR and Samsung E&A. The document envisages exploring prospects for cooperation to improve the efficiency of energy assets, localize production, establish a regional industrial center, develop human capital, and advance decarbonization.

Executing the agreement is crucial for incorporating local companies into global value chains," the minister added.

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DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, February 25. Tajikistan and Pakistan discussed developing cooperation in the energy sector, Trend reports via the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan.

The topic was addressed during a meeting between Minister of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan Daler Juma and Minister for Power of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari.

The co-chairs of the Joint Commission of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on Trade, Economic, and Scientific-Technical Cooperation discussed a wide range of bilateral issues.

The parties simultaneously shared insights on collaboration in the energy sector between the two nations, especially regarding the regional CASA-1000 electricity transmission initiative.



The discussion highlighted the crucial role of the Joint Commission in fostering bilateral cooperation between the two nations.

The parties conveyed their willingness to maintain a productive dialogue and deliberated on organizing the 8th session of the Joint Commission between the Republic of Tajikistan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, focusing on trade, economic, and scientific-technical cooperation, scheduled to occur in Tajikistan.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 25. Azerbaijan and Ukraine discussed cooperation in the energy sector, Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov wrote on his X page, Trend reports.

"During an online meeting with the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal, discussions were held on cooperation in the energy sector in a bilateral format and within the framework of the Intergovernmental Commission. Issues of humanitarian aid, including energy equipment sent on an ongoing basis, were considered," Shahbazov explained.

So far, Azerbaijan has dispatched several humanitarian aid shipments of electrical equipment to Ukraine. The most recent relief shipment, comprising 31 generators and two automatic backup systems, was dispatched on February 20.

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DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, February 25. Economic policies in Tajikistan should build on recent progress to address structural vulnerabilities and support domestic job creation, Trend reports via the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

According to the IMF, while the economy has benefited from large remittance inflows in recent years, the medium-term outlook remains sensitive to a less favorable external environment.

The Fund emphasized that broad-based governance and transparency reforms are key to improving the business climate, supporting more diversified, private sector-led growth, and expanding domestic employment opportunities, particularly for Tajikistans young and rapidly growing population.

Meanwhile, Tajik Prime Minister Kohir Rasulzoda announced at an extended government meeting that government revenues in 2025 reached 60.3 billion somoni ($6.4 billion). This is 7 billion somoni ($74.8 million) more than the planned target for the reporting period.
Photo: Office of the President of the Republic of Serbia

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, February 25. On February 26-27, 2026, President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic will make an official visit to Kazakhstan's capital, Astana, Trend reports via the Kazakh presidential press service.

During the visit, comprehensive, top-tier discussions will take place. The two leaders will discuss the current state and future prospects of Kazakhstan-Serbia relations, with a focus on strengthening political dialogue, expanding trade and economic ties, and enhancing cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev previously visited Belgrade on his first official visit on November 18-19, 2024. Serbia's presidents have visited Kazakhstan four times, three of which were official state visits.

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ASTANA, Kazakhstan, February 25. Uzbek airline Centrum Air will launch flights on the Tashkent-Astana-Tashkent route, Trend reports via Astana International Airport.

The new service is scheduled to begin on March 29, 2026, as part of the summer timetable. Flights will operate three times a week, on Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays, using Airbus A320 aircraft. Flight time is approximately two hours.

The launch of this route is aimed at enhancing transport connectivity between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, as well as expanding business, tourist, and family ties between the two countries, the airport said.

Centrum Air, founded in 2023, is privately owned and based in Tashkent. As of November 2025, the airline operated a fleet of 13 aircraft.

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ASTANA, Kazakhstan, February 25. A Su-30SM fighter jet crashed in the Karaganda region of Kazakhstan during a scheduled training flight, Trend reports via the Ministry of Defense of Kazakhstan.

The ministry confirmed that the aircrafts crew successfully ejected prior to impact. Both pilots are reported to be in stable condition, with no life-threatening injuries, and are currently receiving medical attention under professional supervision.

''The crash site has been secured, and authorities assure that there is no danger to the public or surrounding infrastructure. A special commission has been established by the ministry, led by the head of the flight safety department, to investigate the incident. The commission is comprised of aviation experts who will examine the causes and circumstances of the crash.

A legal evaluation will be conducted, and appropriate procedural decisions will be made based on the findings of the investigation,'' the ministry noted.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, February 25. Kazakhstan plans to complete the modernization of infrastructure at ports of Aktau and Kuryk in 2026, Trend reports via the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan.

The announcement was made during a board meeting of the ministry chaired by First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar. The modernization will include berth reconstruction and dredging works aimed at increasing throughput capacity and improving navigational safety.

In 2024, Kazakhstan adopted the 2024-2028 maritime infrastructure plan. By 2028, it is planned to increase the throughput capacity of Kuryk and Aktau ports by 50% (up to 32 million tons of cargo per year in total) and container cargo transportation three times (more than 200,000 TEUs per year).

The dredging operations at the port of Kuryk were successfully finalized in 2024, enhancing the channel depth from 5 meters to an impressive 78 meters.



The completion of a container hub at the Aktau port in 2025 has revolutionized cargo handling, significantly boosting the competitiveness of Kazakhstans logistics on the global stage.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Photo: Press Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, February 25. Kyrgyzstan and Switzerland engaged in discussions regarding the execution of the Cooperation Program for 20262029, along with their collaboration within international organizations, Trend reports.

This issue was discussed on February 23, 2026, in Geneva on the sidelines of the High-Level Segment of the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council during a meeting between Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan Jeenbek Kulubaev, and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis.

During the meeting, the parties also discussed current issues of KyrgyzSwiss cooperation, including political dialogue and trade and economic interaction.

The Kyrgyz foreign minister congratulated the Swiss side on its chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in 2026 and expressed readiness for close cooperation within the organization.

The sides noted the positive dynamics of bilateral relations and underscored the importance of intensifying high-level contacts.

Particular attention was paid to the development of trade and economic ties, attraction of investments, cooperation in the tourism sector, and the implementation of joint projects.

The parties also exchanged views on issues related to sustainable mountain development and the international agenda.

Following the talks, the sides confirmed their mutual interest in further strengthening the KyrgyzSwiss partnership and advancing constructive dialogue.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
A longtime retail operator-turned-tech CEO is betting that agentic AI can replace spreadsheet-heavy planning by turning market data into weekly, profit-linked merchandising decisions.

Built for retailers by retailers, touts CEO and co-founder Dr. Mark Chrystal, regarding agentic AI-powered retail decision intelligence platform Profitmind which has raised $9 million in a Series A financing round led by Accenture Ventures.

More from Sourcing Journal

The funding will be used to scale the platform to more retailers globally, expand its product capabilities and hire additional staff.

Prior to the round, 12 retailers across apparel, footwear, auto parts and home goods signed up to use the platform. But the company now has 100 merchants that have expressed interest in leveraging the technology, which assists retail teams in making decisions across price optimization, merchandising, assortment planning and marketing.

Profitmind is designed to replace manual retail planning and analysis cycles that can often include tedious Excel spreadsheets. According to Chrystal, the tech solution is helping drive merchandising decisions for retailers ranging from $20 million to $100 billion in annual revenue.

We need merchants who understand product, fabric, sourcing and the customer. They shouldnt have to be an Excel expert, Chrystal told Sourcing Journal. My mission with Profitmind is to get teams out of Excel, and get them out of this analysis and data wrangling. Expert merchant with expert AI equals a much better result for the business.

The solution is built to scour the Internet, including e-commerce websites, to analyze competitive product matches, market data, search patterns, assortment information and more. Upon collecting this data, Profitmind leverages agentic AI powered by large language models to identify, quantify and prioritize market opportunities.

To kick off every week, Profitmind takes this data and provides retail teams a ranked set of recommended actions, such as price changes, promotion adjustments, inventory moves or assortment shiftsall tied to expected impact on sales, profit and working capital.

Once decisions are made on Profitminds recommendations, they are exported into execution tools, where results are tracked and measured to help improve future recommendations.

The company launched its first AI agent with a Netherlands-based retailer in summer 2023, before officially debuting publicly in January 2024.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 25. The Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Turkmenistan hosted an iftar reception on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan at the Yldz Hotel in Ashgabat, Trend reports via the embassy.

During the reception, Ambassador Gismat Gozalov welcomed the guests and extended his congratulations on the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan. In his remarks, the Ambassador noted that this blessed month symbolizes spiritual purification, solidarity, and mutual support across the Islamic world. He emphasized that Ramadan contributes to strengthening friendship and mutual understanding among people. He also underlined that the high respect for religious values observed in both countries, as well as the organization of such events, holds particular significance for the sharing of cultural and spiritual values.

The Grand Mufti of Turkmenistan, Yalkab Hojagulyyev, along with ambassadors of Muslim countries accredited in Turkmenistan and representatives of diplomatic missions.

As part of the reception, guests were served a selection of traditional Azerbaijani dishes and desserts reflecting the rich culinary heritage of Azerbaijan.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 25. Iran, Russia, and Azerbaijan are stepping up efforts to operationalize the railway component of the NorthSouth International Transport Corridor (INSTC), Irans Minister of Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadegh said in an interview with Trend.

According to the minister, the missing rail segment within the framework of the INSTC is the Rasht-Astara railway in northern Iran.

She noted that the railway line is being implemented under agreements and memoranda of understanding reached with Russia. Currently, land acquisition along the route is underway.

Over the past 1.5 years, the land acquisition process has accelerated. By March 21, land along the full 160 kilometers of the railway route will be completely acquired. A 125-kilometer section of the route has already been handed over to the Russian side to carry out construction-related research and studies, she said.

The minister added that construction of the railway line and the purchase of rolling stock will be financed through a Russian loan.

According to the agreement, the Rasht-Astara railway is expected to be completed by 2030. Both sides are making efforts in this direction. Azerbaijan is also contributing to these efforts. Through the INSTC, cargo from India to Finland will be delivered faster compared to sea routes, she noted.

Furthermore, Farzaneh Sadegh also touched upon the strategically significant Chabahar-Zahedan railway line in Iran, stating that several steps have been taken in recent years regarding its construction.

She said that operational work on the Chabahar-Zahedan railway has accelerated over the past 1.5 years, and rail laying along the line will be completed within the next month.

In the spring, the railway line is expected to become operational. This is a highly complex railway line, as numerous tunnels and bridges had to be constructed.

The importance of this railway lies in connecting international waters via Chabahar port to the city of Zahedan and to Irans national railway network. This means that countries located in eastern Iran, Central Asia, as well as in southern and western Iran, will gain access to international waters through the Chabahar-Zahedan railway, as they are connected to Irans railway network, she said.

In addition, Sadegh emphasized that the construction of the ChabaharZahedan railway was carried out entirely by local specialists. Despite several challenges during construction, including 12-day military air attacks against Iran last year and other incidents, work on the railway has not halted over the past 2 years.

She added that once operational, goods transported via international waters will be able to reach countries in northern Iran and in the opposite direction through Irans railway network. The railway will also significantly reduce distances, creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesspeople to use Iran as a transit route.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 25. Iran sees clear prospects in indirect talks with the U.S. on Iran's nuclear program, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said at a meeting with businessmen and investors in the northern Mazandaran Province today, Trend reports.

According to him, Iran is trying to get out of the neither peace nor war process that continues in the region. If a result is achieved, the obstacles on the way to the goal can be easily overcome.

The Iranian president stated that the country's relations with neighboring countries have improved significantly, and it is striving to further improve these relations.

Meanwhile, the third round of talks between Iran and the U.S. will take place in Geneva on February 26.
Chevron CVX and Shell SHEL have both navigated a volatile oil price environment while continuing to reward their shareholders. With crude benchmarks under pressure and refining and chemicals margins uneven, investors are weighing balance sheet strength, project pipelines and valuation support.



Both oil and gas supermajors bring scale, global diversification and visible capital return programs. But differences in production momentum, financial flexibility and earnings trajectory shape the debate over which stock stands out today.

Chevrons Case: Production Momentum and Financial Strength

Chevron enters 2026 with strong operational momentum. In 2025, total production rose 12% to 3,723 thousand oil-equivalent barrels per day (MBOE/d), supported by growth in the Permian, Guyana and Kazakhstan. Management expects 7% to 10% production growth in 2026, excluding asset sales, driven by large-scale projects such as Tengiz and new Gulf developments.



The $53 billion Hess acquisition meaningfully expanded Chevrons footprint in Guyanas Stabroek Block and the Bakken, strengthening its low-cost growth pipeline. In the fourth quarter of 2025, U.S. volumes increased by 409 MBOE/d year over year, reflecting contributions from these assets. Offshore additions and higher-margin barrels are expected to reinforce earnings power if oil prices remain steady.



Financially, Chevron generated $20.2 billion in adjusted free cash flow in 2025 and $4.2 billion in the fourth quarter. With a debt-to-total capitalization of just 17.9% and more than $6 billion in cash, the balance sheet provides flexibility for dividends, buybacks and capital spending. The company currently offers a dividend yield of nearly 4%.



Still, Chevron faces some challenges. Fourth-quarter upstream earnings declined due to weaker price realizations, with U.S. liquids prices down 19% year over year. Operational disruptions at Tengiz and export constraints at the Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal underscore geopolitical and execution risks in key growth regions.

Shells Case: LNG Strength and Shareholder Returns

Shell relies on its integrated model and global LNG leadership to navigate commodity cycles. Its integrated gas platform remains a core pillar, with LNG sales volumes up 27.7% year over year in the fourth quarter and production available for sale rising 4.8%. Longer term, Shell expects projects to add more than 1 million barrels per day by 2030, supporting medium-term cash flow visibility.



Even in a softer macro environment, Shell delivered $26.1 billion in free cash flow in 2025 and $18.5 billion in adjusted earnings. As a matter of fact, the company has bought back some 25% of its shares over the last three years and recently increased its dividend by 4%, translating into a yield of nearly 4%. In 2025, Shell distributed more than half of its cash flow from operations to its shareholders.



However, earnings pressure is evident. Fourth-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $1.14 missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.21, while revenues edged down year over year. Integrated Gas segment income fell due to lower realized prices and higher costs, and Chemicals and Products earnings plunged 84% in 2025. Net debt climbed to $45.7 billion, and net debt to capitalization rose to 20.7%, reflecting weaker cash generation relative to its peers.



Exposure to renewables and hydrogen adds uncertainty, with the Renewables and Energy Solutions unit posting a loss in 2025. Reserve life compression to approximately 7.8 years also raises long-term supply questions.
Ukraine can gain the upper hand in the electronic warfare (EW) confrontation with Russian forces through the development of medium-range systems and better coordination between units.

The commander of an EW company of the 260th Territorial Defense Brigade Khortytsia, callsign Manki, said this in an comment to Ukrinform.

He noted that in the early years of the full-scale war, Ukraine paid insufficient attention to electronic warfare, while Russia systematically developed these capabilities over a long period.

Enemy EW is not just powerful  its many times stronger, and that must be taken into account. The adversary has been developing it for a long time. They have many long-range systems that can strike up to 45 kilometers and can jam communications over 6080 kilometers, the officer said.

At the same time, he believes that Ukraine can gain an advantage in the so-called EW battle by focusing on medium-range complexes. One example he cited is the Ukrainian Bukovel system.

These complexes are relatively inexpensive, about 400,000 hryvnias. Our task is to create interference so that the enemy operator cannot intercept frequencies and signals. The more EW systems we deploy, the more signals we can intercept, the commander explained.

He also emphasized that the effectiveness of EW operations depends on coordination between units, as it is necessary to assign which unit jams which frequency, considering that both enemy and Ukrainian drones operate simultaneously in the air.

Read also: Air defenses neutralize 95 out of 115 drones launched by Russia against Ukraine overnight

According to the officer, EW units need personnel trained to operate electronic warfare systems on the front lines, as well as developers.

Everyone is waiting for revolutionary solutions that could help in the battle of technology and drones, he added.

As Ukrinform previously reported, the military has accelerated the supply of EW systems.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is welcomed by Xi Jinping, President of China, at the State Guest House. Michael Kappeler/dpa

China intends to place a large order with Airbus, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Wednesday in Beijing.

"We have just received news that the Chinese leadership will be ordering a large number of additional aircraft from Airbus," Merz said after meeting President Xi Jinping. "There will be a total of up to 120 additional aircraft ordered from Airbus."

Merz did not provide any further details on the purchase price or when the deal is to be completed.

The chancellor touted the benefits from two of the world's three largest economies trading with each other.

On his first visit to China since taking office last May, Merz said the example of Airbus showed that it is worthwhile to undertake trips.

He arrived in the Chinese capital earlier on Wednesday for a two-day inaugural visit, being received with military honours at the Great Hall of the People before talks with Premier Li Qiang and Xi.

A number of other business proposals have not yet been finalized, Merz said. "We have further contracts in the pipeline that are set to be concluded."

Germany and China also signed five government agreements, including some with economic relevance, such as in the pork sector.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is welcomed by Xi Jinping, President of China, at the State Guest House. Michael Kappeler/dpa
Critica has begun an air core (AC) drilling programme at the Jupiter Rare Earth Project in Western Australias (WA) Yalgoo mining district as part of an ongoing scoping study.

The initiative aims to upgrade key areas of the existing inferred mineral resource to the indicated classification.

The projects scoping study began last month, marking a shift from technical validation to more structured project development.

The WA Governments Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS) is co-funding 50% of the drilling and mobilisation costs, helping to advance the broader project potential while reducing capital expenditure.

The Jupiter drilling programme involves drilling approximately 143 air core holes over a 7,00010,000m area on a 125m  125m grid across an optimised resource footprint.

This effort targets priority zones identified through previous optimisation studies, aiming to enhance drill density and improve resource classification.

Critica said that it has engaged SRK Consulting to update the mineral resource model of the Jupiter project with new data from this programme, supporting its integration into the scoping study.

Simultaneously, regional drilling is under way at the broader Brothers Project to assess potential resource growth beyond Jupiters current footprint.

Critica has also initiated exploration at two key sites, Juno and Aurora.

At Juno, the company plans to drill 30 air core holes along an approximately 2km  500m corridor, focusing on areas that show a higher proportion of magnet rare earth oxides.

At Aurora, located north-west of Jupiter, plans include 28 air core holes following prior positive indications of clay-hosted rare earth element (REE) mineralisation.

The regional drilling seeks to assess the continuity and scale of mineralisation beyond Jupiter's current footprint.

This combined resource and regional drilling strategy forms a critical component of Critica's efforts towards mine planning and resource optimisation at Jupiter.

Critica CEO Jacob Deysel said: Commencement of this drilling programme represents the next step in advancing Jupiter through the scoping study. The resource upgrade drilling targets priority areas to support upgrading portions of the current inferred resource to indicated classification, with SRK Consulting engaged to update the mineral resource model as new data is incorporated.

In parallel, regional drilling at Juno and Aurora is testing high-priority targets across the broader Brothers Project, with 50% of drilling and mobilisation costs supported under the WA Governments EIS co-funded programme.
A longtime University of Wyoming faculty member who led the IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) Program in Wyoming for many years has been honored nationally for his efforts.





Department of Zoology and Physiology Professor Scott Seville, a former senior associate dean of the College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources, received the prestigious 2026 W. Fred Taylor Ph.D. Award for outstanding contributions to the National Institutes of Healths (NIH) IDeA Program.





This annual award is given by the EPSCoR/IDeA Coalition and Foundation boards. It is intended to recognize an individual who has contributed significantly to enhancing the impact of the NIH Institutional Development Award (IDeA) Program either regionally or nationally. The program aims to expand opportunities for students, faculty and institutions in states and territories that have had historically low levels of NIH funding for biomedical research.





Wyoming INBRE is an NIH-funded, statewide program led by UW that partners with Wyoming community colleges to foster biomedical research and education. The network boosts research, provides student fellowships and supports faculty development across the state.





Dr. Seville is a testament to how UW impacts Wyoming across the state, says Parag Chitnis, UWs vice president for research and economic development. He spent endless hours on Wyoming highways to strengthen ties with the community colleges in Wyoming in biomedical research and learning through NIHs IDeA support.





Seville joined the faculty at UW-Casper in 1993. He has been the chair of the UW Department of Zoology and Physiology; director of Wyoming INBRE; and associate director of the NIH-funded IDeA Mountain West CTR-IN Pilot Grant Program.





He received a B.S. in zoology from San Diego State University in 1981, along with an M.S. in parasitology (1987), a B.S. in secondary science education (1989) and a Ph.D. in zoology and physiology (1992) from UW. His research interests include taxonomy and systematics of coccidian parasites of wildlife, disease ecology and parasite-host coevolution.





Ive known Scott for most of my 25 years at the University of Wyoming and, like many in my state, I initially got to know Scott because my research directly benefited from his service on the long-running Wyoming INBRE grant, says David Fay, a professor in UWs Department of Molecular Biology and current Wyoming INBRE director. In that sense, I can count myself among the hundreds of faculty members and thousands of student researchers who can say the same thing.





When it comes to a lifetime-achievement award focused on service to advance the mission of the NIH and IDeA principles, it would be hard to come up with anyone more deserving.





Seville currently serves as president of the National Association of IDeA Principal Investigators (NAIPI), a position to which he was elected, and was the NAIPI vice president from 2020-23. He also was the associate director of the IDeA Mountain West Clinical and Translational-Infrastructure Network from 2017-2023.





The W. Fred Taylor Ph.D. Award consists of a $5,000 honorarium and an engraved crystal item. Seville was recognized at the annual EPSCoR/IDeA Coalition and Foundation annual meeting Feb. 23.
CrowdStrike Holdings (CRWD) shares tanked another 12% on Feb. 23 as the launch of Anthropics latest Code Security solution triggered a massive industry-wide selloff.

This AI disruption-driven selloff pushed CRWDs relative strength index (14-day) well into the oversold territory, signaling bearish momentum may soon approach exhaustion.

More News from Barchart

Versus its year-to-date high, CrowdStrike stock is now down more than 25%.

www.barchart.com

Is It Worth Investing in CrowdStrike Stock Today?

Long-term investors should consider buying the dip in CRWD stock today as this whole narrative that artificial intelligence could render its business obsolete is vastly overblown.

If anything, the rise of sophisticated AI-powered attacks are, in fact, creating an urgent demand for CrowdStrikes Falcon platform.

By integrating agentic artificial intelligence to automate threat detection, CrowdStrike Holdings has effectively positioned itself as an essential supplier in the cybersecurity arms race.

The launch of Charlotte AI and more than a billion dollars spent on recent acquisitions (SGNL and Seraphic Security) have cemented CRWDs telemetry moat as a defensible barrier that generic AI tools simply cant replicate.

Where Options Data Suggests CRWD Shares Are Headed

CrowdStrikes chief executive George Kurtz also remains convinced that AI is unlikely to prove a threat for his companys business.

AI doesnt eliminate the need for security. It increases it. If you want to build AI, you need GPUs, if you want to deploy AI, you need security, he wrote in a LinkedIn post this past Sunday.

Simply put, the top executive believes artificial intelligence will expand the firms total addressable market (TAM) by creating advanced vulnerabilities that require a comprehensive platform to resolve

Options traders seem to agree with Kurtz bullish view as well. Upper price on contracts expiring mid-May sits at $405 currently, indicating CrowdStrike shares could rally some 17% in less than three months.

Whats the Consensus Rating on CrowdStrike Holdings?

Despite the recent AI-driven selloff, Wall Street analysts remain constructive as ever on Austin-headquartered CrowdStrike Holdings.

According to Barchart, the consensus rating on CRWD shares sits at Moderate Buy currently with the mean target of $555 indicating potential upside of more than 55% from here.
Digital asset investment products logged their fifth consecutive week of outflows, extending a selloff that has now erased $4 billion from the sector amid widespread investor disinterest and macro uncertainty.

Crypto funds saw $288 million in net outflows last week, bringing the five-week total to approximately $4 billion, according to a CoinShares report published Monday. Trading volumes plunged to $17 billionthe lowest level since July 2025underscoring waning interest even as prices stabilized following Bitcoin's recent drop below $65,000.

The sustained outflows test whether institutional appetite for crypto exposure is cooling structurally or simply pausing until macro signals turn decisively positivewith global investors divided on the answer.

A global divide

Regional divergence remains pronounced.

The U.S. accounted for $347 million in outflows, while Europe and Canada recorded $59 million in inflows, suggesting international investors view the recent price weakness as a buying opportunity. Switzerland, Canada, and Germany led the dip-buying with $19.5 million, $16.8 million, and $16.2 million in inflows, respectively.

This behavior among European investors is consistent with that of previous weeks, as noted in a previous Decrypt report.

Bitcoin drove the bulk of the negative sentiment, suffering $215 million in outflows last weeka trend that has persisted through previous weeks.

The selling reveals a strategic shift that can be seen in Bitcoin traders increasing leverage even as the leading crypto remains rangebound, and in Bitcoin accounting for more than 40% of the $500 million in total liquidations seen Monday.

Despite this, short-Bitcoin investment products saw renewed interest with $5.5 million in inflowsthe largest of any assetsignaling that some traders are positioning for further downside.

Crypto assets remain "firmly anchored at the far end of the risk curve," moving in lockstep with broader risk sentiment rather than acting as safe havens, Tim Sun, senior researcher at HashKey Group, previously told Decrypt.

Bitcoin's Dip Under $65K Pushes Crypto Liquidations to $500M

Ethereum saw the second-largest outflows at $36.5 million, while multi-asset products and Tron bled $32.5 million and $18.9 million, respectively. Select altcoins bucked the trend with minor inflowsXRP added $3.5 million, Solana $3.3 million, and Chainlink $1.2 millionbut not enough to offset the broader altcoin exodus.

The sustained outflows and tumbling trading volumes reflect growing investor apathy, with sidelined capital waiting for clearer catalysts. As Sun observed, "increased uncertainty has dampened the willingness of 'sidelined' capital to enter the market," adding that without sustained liquidity support, "any periodic bounces are more likely to be technical recoveries rather than trend reversals."
Living with Tom in New Mexico, Judy had not found the freedom, sexual or otherwise, that she had been after when she left John; to the contrary, she had quickly found herself in another bad marriage. Frustrated, she poured her liberatory aspirations into the book; despite her failure of nerve at the end, Sandy Pressman takes herself for a wilder ride than Judy ever had  flying away to a secret assignation with one lover, sleeping with her brother-in-law at a party (a pool party, where the women ended up drunk and topless), dating the husband of a friend in an open marriage.

I was wild, Judy said. My fantasies were wild. She remembered having dinner with her agent, Claire Smith, and Smiths husband in Brooklyn, after both the Smiths had read a draft of Wifey. Everyone was so scandalized by it. But [Claire] was not so scandalized so that she wouldnt sell it. A lot of people wanted me to change my name, warning me I would ruin my lovely career if I published this under my own name. Before publication, she sent a draft to John. I said, If there is anything in this book that you dont want, let me know. And he said to me, I dont care  Its okay with me. Judy wasnt sure that John ever read it  I dont think John ever read any of my books  but at least she had his blessing.

While she refused to publish under a pseudonym, she did make one concession to the dictates of decency. In an early draft, Judy had written a scene in which Sandy uses her dog to pleasure herself. The dog did a little licking of Sandy, and that was very satisfying, she said. A little oral sex. The scene was pure fiction  as an adult, Judy never even owned a dog  but it felt true to Sandys character. It seemed like a good thing to do, [for] somebody who was unfulfilled. Judy couldnt remember who asked her to remove the scene; it might have been Claire Smith, or her editor, Phyllis Grann, or Helen Honig Meyer, the publisher of Dell, which oversaw Laurel, Judys paperback publisher. Judy heard, second- or thirdhand, that when the book went to Meyer, she was absolutely scandalized  something to do with [how] her granddaughter liked my books. Whatever the case, the dog had to go.

When Wifey was published in September 1978, critics mostly agreed that it was not a good book. The Los Angeles Times critic liked Wifey, calling it a voyage into reality that is somehow funny in spite of its frustrations and disappointments. But that was a minority point of view. The Minneapolis Tribune critic said she didnt feel much of anything except that there was a lot to wade through on the way to the occasionally risque, while the Roanoke Times said the book meets no needs and offers little fun and is a collection of stereotypes performing redundant sexual activities amidst much melodrama and shallow perceptions.

Its hard to credit the assertion that the book offers little fun, for, if anything, the book offers too much fun, at the expense of characterization. Its easy to see how Sandy steps out on her marriage but much harder to make sense of her bizarre internal monologue (using a vinegar douche, Sandy imagines that she is concocting cunt vinaigrette), or her willingness to go to bed with any man who comes on to her, including her friends husband, whose foreplay involves calling her animal names (my mountain goat, my baby burro). The problem, for the novel, is not that Sandy is experimental, adventuresome, or even obscene, but rather that she seems to change from page to page. Judy would later stress her own instability during that period (I was wild); its hardly surprising that the character onto whom she projected her inner life, the character who conceivably would let a dog go down on her, did not entirely cohere on the page.

Yet the novel has its strengths, ignored by its critics and, presumably, by its millions of readers, who flocked to the sexy stuff, the inferior pastiche of Erica Jong, Jacqueline Susann, or Anne Roiphe. Sneaking around in the bushes, the old Judy Blume is still there. For one thing, she is still a funny writer, unparalleled at depicting a turtle-swallowing toddler or, it turns out, a predictable husband. Rules and Regulations for a Norman Pressman Fuck, one section begins. The room must be dark so they do not have to look at each other. There will be one kiss, with tongue, to get things going. His fingers will pass lightly over her breasts, travel down her belly to her cunt, and stop. He will attempt to find her clitoris. And so on, unsparingly.

Wifey also has, nestled in all the moist valleys between breasts and ass cheeks, insightful writing about racial injustice (there is a subplot about whether the Pressmans should sell their house to a Black family), class tensions (between the Pressmans and their friends, between Norman and his employees), and, as ever, the indignities of being young and female. There is a genuine pathos to the story of Sandys twin nieces, agreed by all to be unattractive, thanks to their weight and their noses. When its time for the twins joint nose jobs, long planned by their mother, Sandy drives her mother into New York City to visit the girls in the hospital. The scene offers a pitiless view of the sexism, and materialism, of the culture in which the girls were being raised.

Its a shame they got the Lefferts noses instead of ours, the twins grandmother Mona says to Sandy, their aunt. (Sandy feels the same way; earlier in the book, we read of her surprise that her sister had produced such unattractive children.) Mona has it on good authority that although a nose job typically costs $1,800, because they are twins and because of professional courtesy (their father, whom Sandy has slept with, is a gynecologist), theyre getting a break  two thousand dollars for both.

Whatever its merits  and it had some  Wifey was treated by readers and critics as less important than its author. Judy Blume had become one of those celebrities  like Barbra Streisand, say, or Elizabeth Taylor  who was bigger than her body of work. A magazine story about Judy, while occasioned by a new book, could ignore the book and focus on the personal life of the woman who had created it, because that was what readers really wanted to know about. Shortly after the publication of Wifey, two of the countrys most widely read magazines ran long stories about Judy. Neither one could have enhanced her reputation as a serious writer.

In October 1978, People ran a 2,000-word profile by John Neary, which, with its numerous photographs by his wife, Joan Neary, stretched over five pages. The spread opens with a full-page photograph of Judy looking straight at the camera, in a lacy teddy, leaning back against some sort of comforter or pillow. And its all downhill from there. The text of the article is a reasonable summation of her career, beginning with the present (Wifey is a smash, in its third printing, paperback rights sold for $350,000) and looking back at her beginnings (the NYU writing class, early rejection letters). But it is, alas, punctuated by the Blume-ian cliches about her weight (100 pounds, 103 on a fat day, Judy says) and her youthful appearance. Judy is always mistaken for a daughter when she answers the door of her sprawling, $140,000 adobe home, the article says, referring to the house in Santa Fe that she had bought after two years in Los Alamos (the article doesnt say so, but Kitchens did not contribute to the purchase of their houses). Discussing the impact of Margaret on her career, Judy makes herself sound uncharacteristically naive: That was the first time I felt, My God, I really can do this! These people are taking me seriously! This is not just pretend, not just something to keep me out of Saks! The quotation may have been Judys  a mordant allusion to John Blume, who had made the Saks joke about her writing  but the exclamation points, which drive home the false impression that she is a giddy child or a recovering shopaholic, were Peoples added touch.

Photo: Jane Tarbox/The Denver Post via Getty Images

Still, Judy colluded with this lightweight approach, this portrait of the artist as a sex kitten. According to Judy, photographer Joan Neary came up with the idea of posing her in a teddy, and Judy just went along with it. But Neary said that wasnt so. As a photographer I never posed anyone for a picture  just hung around long enough for people to relax and forget about me, Neary said. As for the teddy, Neary said it couldnt have been her idea: How would I have known she had that garment? On the second page of the article, Judy is shown fully dressed but with her arms around Toms neck and her legs wrapped around his waist; he is holding her in the air, as if he has just spun her around and they have come to a dizzy stop. The caption reads: In a playful moment, Judy tells husband Tom, I let you live out your fantasies. This is position No. 32.

On the final page of the article, the photograph at the top shows Judy lying barefoot on a bed, on her stomach, her head propped on one hand, while the other hand holds a pen, scribbling something on a pad of paper. Just as the opening photograph of the piece shows her in bed, wearing skimpy nightclothes, the final photograph implies that she scarcely leaves the bed, save for a change of clothes. Sex, writing  its all in the bedroom. The caption under the final photograph reads, I do not see myself as a great novelist, she says, but it brings people pleasure, and me pleasure. So why not?

Judy always regretted collaborating with the Nearys. They knew what People wanted, and they delivered. The article prompted a disappointed letter from novelist Norma Klein, a friend and frequent correspondent. When I saw that terrible photo of you in People, dressed in the nightgown with that shy, frightened smile on your face, I practically wanted to cry, Klein wrote. It was so pathetic and unnecessary. Dont play into that. If the People article manages to erase Judys career as a pioneering writer for children, painting her instead as a semi-talented dilettante of adult literature, holed up in the bedroom writing about the pleasure principle, with breaks to give Tom position No. 32, the New York Times Magazine article that ran two months later does her the disservice  or was it meant to be a favor?  of overlooking the adult novel altogether. The Times Magazine piece, which mentions Wifey only twice, is by Joyce Maynard, who at 25 was already a literary star herself. Maynard had become precociously famous with the 1972 publication, in the Times Magazine, of An 18-Year-Old Looks Back on Life, an essay that she expanded the next year into a full-length memoir. By the time she wrote the Blume profile, Maynard had dropped out of Yale, moved in with the writer J.D. Salinger (he had sent her a fan letter after reading her essay in the Times Magazine), left Salinger, gotten married, and had a baby. She brought the baby to her interview with Judy in Manhattan.

By assigning the profile to a 20-something memoirist celebrated for writing about her own adolescence, the Times Magazine was in effect overdetermining the piece that they would get: an appraisal of Judy the childrens writer. When Judy Blume visits bookstores to autograph copies of Wifey, it is the kids who besiege her, Maynard wrote. Every week more than 200 of them write her letters  requesting bust-development exercises and asking for more details on how you get a baby. How can I tell my mother that I know some things about sex? Or, simply, I am desperate. Maynard effectively sidesteps the occasion for the profile  Judys new, bestselling, sexy adult novel  to offer an evaluation of her outsize role in youth culture. Maynard is saying to adults, You may have heard about this sensation called Wifey, but are you aware of what the author means to your daughters?

Coming of Age with Judy Blume is a long piece  it was the longest profile of Judy to date  and, with her ample word limit, Maynard limns the basics of Judys life. She inserts in the middle, in the heart of the piece, a trip to Bath, Ohio, where she interviews girls and their mothers about the appeal of Judys work and explains the twisty road a Blume hardcover can travel: Then Beth Rice went on a shopping trip with Christiane Boustani and told Christianes mother it was O.K. to buy the book. Christiane got the book from Beth after Beth had read it. Heather Benson, age 13, borrowed Forever on a choir trip. Possibly it was Beth Rices copy, now covered in brown paper, since one belonging to another girl was confiscated by a teacher at the Bath Middle School. Heathers mother, Pat, found the copy Heather had, picked it up and was so shocked she couldnt put it down.

Maynards Times profile is the rare piece that quotes actual young people about what Judy means to them, and its one of the first to connect her popularity with the rising number of parents challenging her books, asking that the books be removed from schools or libraries  a good sign, its implied, since its the kind of thing that happens to authors only once they get popular. The accompanying photographs are of Judy talking to teenagers and of daughters and mothers quoted in the piece. In short, Maynard takes Judy  and her readership  seriously.

Nevertheless, certain cliches follow Judy from article to article. Her youthful mien, for example, remains irresistible to the journalist, even the shrewd Maynard: daughter Randy is often taken for Judys sister; Judy still has a girlish voice, and in figure she could be about 12 years old; she could fit right in as a guest at a seventh-grade slumber party. More interesting, Judy herself is far too self-deprecating; shes unwilling or unable to own her talent. I cant entirely explain why they [sell], myself, Judy tells Maynard about her books success. I know Im no great literary figure.
Americans pay taxes throughout their lives. They may think they're done once they die. Not so.

An estate tax can still be levied on things the deceased owned or had certain interests in when they die. The tax is paid by the person's estate and can cut into beneficiaries' inheritances. The federal government charges an estate tax, but the threshold is high, so most people don't have to worry about it. Some states, not all, also have estate taxes  you may have to worry about those.

States with estate taxes usually have thresholds that are much lower than the federal government's, which many people may reach. Certain states are also "cliff states" where estate taxes exceeding a specific, relatively low exemption threshold cause the entire estate  not just the excess amount  to become taxable. Sometimes, a single dollar can trigger hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxes, experts say.

Below is what you need to know about state estate taxes so you can plan for them and save your loved ones from getting a much smaller inheritance than you meant for them to have.

Who levies an estate tax?

The federal government levies an estate tax, but a dozen states and the District of Columbia do, too.

Federal tax rates range between 18% and 40%, depending on the amount above the $13.99 million threshold, or exemption amount, per person in 2025 or $15 million in 2026. For each tax tier, you pay a base tax charge and an additional marginal rate.

Most people probably wont have to pay these taxes because the thresholds are high. In 2023, for example, only 9,024 federal estate tax returns were filed, IRS data show. Of those, only about 40% were taxable, but the revenue garnered was $44.4 billion.

State estate taxes, though, may be a different story. Exemption levels and the top tax rates are usually much lower than the federal governments, so they're easier to hit, says Sam Tutko, vice president of Miser Wealth Partners.

For example, Oregons exemption is only $1 million. "A number of homes alone are probably worth about that," Tutko says. "So if you own a home and have $60,000 in checking and a 401(k), you're likely exposed to estate tax."

The dozen states plus the District of Columbia that have an estate tax are:

Sanii Stewart-McIver makes her way through three tax returns utilizing an instructional video and an IRS document for reference in order to fill out 1040 forms in a personal finance class at Winooski High School on February 21, 2023. Photo Feb 21 2023 8 33 47 Am

Where are the cliff states?

The two cliff states are Illinois and New York.
DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - McDonald's on West Eldorado in Decatur was named the top Round-Up fundraising store in 2025, raising $16,411 for families with children needing medical care.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois said the location raised the most money out of 100 stores across central Illinois.

The McDonald's Round-Up for RMHC program lets store guests round up their order to the nearest dollar, with the difference donated to families at the Ronald McDonald House.

Andy Birschbach also received recognition as the 2025 Round-Up Champ, given to the owner or operator with the highest store average.

"The West Eldorado team and Andy Birschbach exemplify whats possible when a store fully embraces the mission. Their efforts will directly support families who need to stay close to their hospitalized child," said RMHC of Central Illinois CEO Amber Kaylor in a statement.

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, Black women are three times as likely to die from pregnancy-related medical conditions as white women.

That's a statistic that Tatyana Gardner, the director of health initiatives at Springfield Urban League, took into account when creating the EMPOWER[HER] program.

"Our EMPOWER[HER] program is a program that we connect community mothers to African American doulas," Gardner said. "They get monthly services, we provide them with the very needed resources that they need. So we give them car seats, strollers, bassinets, we do breastfeeding education."

Gardner said these are critical services for many moms, but they struggle to access help. She's quick to provide information to moms, including Elnora Bellamy, whom she met at a restaurant.

"I ordered my food and sat down, and me and my husband was discussing [that] we got less than a week, and we need to get a car seat," Bellamy said. "Then Ms. Tatyana came over and said I have this program for you. I can help you get a car seat and so much more."

Gardner was able to put Bellamy in contact with one of the EMPOWER[HER] program doulas, Juanyai Moore. The two started talking about plans and Bellamy's due date, which was about a week and a half away. But none of the women expected Bellamy to go into labor just hours later.

Bellamy's husband had to stay home with their kids because of hospital visitor restrictions. But Moore was able to step in and support Bellamy.

"You don't want to be alone giving birth, no matter what situation you are in," Moore said. "And if I can change that for a woman, that's what I want to do."

Moore stayed by Bellamy's side throughout her entire labor process. She even got to cut the umbilical cord when baby Kingston entered the world.

Gardner came to the hospital with a car seat, bottles and other supplies. When Bellamy returned home, there were clothes and other items waiting for her as well.

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"That was the best thing to get home the next day and see I got diapers and wipes and baby clothes, and I got the whole bundle package," Bellamy said. "I didn't ask for all this, but that's what the EMPOWER[HER] Health Initiatives program gets you."

Now Kingston has an entire support system, as does his mom. Moore still checks in on them and Gardner has connected the family with other resources. Bellamy has been encouraging other mothers to check out the program and get support.

For more information on the EMPOWER[HER] program and other services by the Springfield Urban League, is online.

Top Stories:

Man dies in Decatur police custody, ISP investigation underway

Woman seriously injured in hit-and-run pedestrian crash

Many Illinois cities and towns dealing with extreme drought conditions

Crews called out for fire in decommissioned CWLP stack

Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND)  State lawmakers and education leaders are pushing for plans to protect community schools and afterschool programming following significant federal funding cuts.

The Trump administration terminated $18.5 million in grants for full services community schools in December, causing hundreds of staff to be laid off and canceling student support programs.

The ACT Now coalition hopes lawmakers provide $20 million in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget to support community schools. They are also calling for a permanent grant structure separate from federal appropriations.

"If Washington refuses to stand up for our families, we will stand up for ourselves," said Rep. Maura Hirschauer (D-Batavia). "We will fight for our schools. We will fight for our communities, and we will fight for every child and family's right to opportunity."

A separate plan would ensure the state fully funds afterschool programs with a $50 million investment.

Another bill could create a statewide out of school time advisory council to improve coordination, access and long-term sustainability.

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Top Stories:

OSHA fines Illinois grain silo operator over $276k after worker suffers serious injury

Arrest made after woman seriously hurt in Decatur hit and run

Man pleads guilty in crash that killed Coles County board member and wife

Takeaways from Trump's address: Sales mode on economy, heavy on patriotism, dark turn on Democrats

Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND)  State lawmakers could pass a bill this spring to allow local election authorities to opt into a voter center model rather than the traditional precinct model of voting.

The Illinois Association of County Clerks and Recorders said nearly 24 states permit some use of voter centers for elections.

Illinois voters choosing to vote early and in-person would already be familiar with the vote center model, as anyone is able to cast a ballot at the same building.

State lawmakers passed a proposal in 2020 requiring each county to have at least one vote center where all voters could vote on Election Day. House Bill 2770 would allow election authorities to have multiple voting centers open throughout early voting and election day.

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"This bill is modeled on the system used by Colorado for vote centers," said Kane County Clerk Brian Pollock. "So if an election authority chooses to go with the vote center model, the minimum number of vote centers is based on the number of registered voters in the county."

Vote centers would have the same authority and responsibilities as election precincts.

This legislation could be discussed again before the deadline to pass House bills out of committee on March 27.

Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved.
A 21 year old exchange student recounts a violent assault in one of the citys most iconic parks as police search for the suspect

A 21 year old British student studying at La Sapienza University was violently attacked Monday evening in Villa Borghese in what investigators are treating as an attempted rape. The suspect fled after a taxi driver intervened. He remains at large.

Anne, originally from London and currently enrolled in Literature and Philosophy, has not left her apartment since the assault. When she spoke to Italian daily Il Messaggero, she described feeling safe only inside her home.

My apartment is the only place where I feel safe after what I went through. It was horrific. I thought I was going to die there, she said.

The attack on Viale Washington

According to her account, the assault took place around 8:30 pm as she was walking home along Viale Washington, a road she regularly used without incident.

She noticed a man behind her. At first she did not feel alarmed. Then he got closer.

I turned around and saw this man practically right up against me, she said. She crossed the road and quickened her pace. He followed. Moments later, he grabbed her from behind.

She says he dragged her behind a hedge, punched her repeatedly, and attempted to remove her clothes. She screamed. He covered her mouth and pressed her head to the ground.

He was aggressive, like a fury I couldnt calm down, she told reporters. When he got to my trousers I thought it was over.

The assault was interrupted by the headlights of a taxi entering the area. The driver, hearing her screams, steered toward the sound. The attacker fled immediately.

If it hadnt been for him, I would have been yet another rape victim, Anne said. He stayed with me, turned away other fares, and called for help. He was an angel.

Emergency response and investigation

Carabinieri officers from the Roma Flaminia station arrived at around 9:30 pm. Anne was taken in red code to Policlinico Umberto I, where the Rosa Protocol, the dedicated medical procedure for victims of sexual violence, was activated.

Her clothing was seized for forensic examination. Investigators are now reviewing surveillance footage from cameras in and around the park.

She described the attacker as a man between 30 and 40 years old, of medium height and build, with Asian features and dark skin. It was dark and she could not see his face clearly. She told police he appeared sober and said almost nothing during the attack, except to murmur no, no while covering her mouth.

He did not attempt to steal her belongings. Her phone, keys, and money were in her coat pocket, untouched.

It was clear he didnt want to rob me. He only wanted to abuse me, she said.

Based on her description, investigators have created an identikit and are cross checking it with CCTV footage. No arrests have been made so far.

Safety concerns in Romes green spaces

The incident has reignited debate about safety in Villa Borghese, one of Romes most visited parks and a landmark destination for both residents and tourists. While generally considered safe during the day, parts of the park, particularly less illuminated areas, have been the site of sporadic assaults and petty crime over the years.

The section near Viale Washington where the attack occurred is reportedly among the least well lit areas of the park after dark.

For Anne, who arrived in Rome five months ago and says she had always felt secure in the city, the psychological impact has been profound.

I come from London and I always moved around freely there. I thought I could do the same in Rome, she said. Now I dont know if Ill recover.

Her parents are reportedly cutting short a trip abroad to be with her, while her flatmate remains at home to ensure she is not alone.

As the search for the suspect continues, the case has become a stark reminder that even in the heart of Rome, in one of its most iconic public spaces, safety cannot be taken for granted.

Ph: Tasou TV / Shutterstock.com
Management attributes consistent 2% to 3% core FFO per share growth to a repeatable strategy focused on high-credit government-adjacent tenancy and disciplined capital allocation.

The portfolio maintains high durability because assets are purpose-built for mission-critical functions like law enforcement and public health, which remain essential regardless of political or economic cycles.

Strategic diversification into state-level partnerships, such as the recent Virginia acquisition, is driven by credit quality comparable to federal tenants and the benefit of contractual rent escalations.

Management views the private sector's role as essential for modernizing government infrastructure, allowing agencies to focus on mission execution rather than the complexities of real estate ownership.

Operational performance remains strong with occupancy at 97% and weighted average lease terms of approximately 10 years, reinforcing the stability of the tenant base.
Forensic Report Challenges Suicide Theory in David Rossi Case

David Rossi was born in Siena on June 2, 1961, and for more than twenty years he was one of the most influential figures in the city. As head of communications at Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, the worlds oldest surviving bank, founded in 1472, he was widely regarded as the right-hand man of Giuseppe Mussari, then president of the MPS Foundation and a central figure in Sienas economic and political life.

Rossis role was far from marginal. He managed an annual budget of several million euros for sponsorships and oversaw relationships with media, political, and judicial figures. In essence, he was a man who knew almost everything that was happening inside and around the historic bank.

The Monte dei Paschi Crisis

To understand Rossis death, it is essential to examine the broader context. Between 2007 and 2008, under Mussari and then general director Antonio Vigni, MPS acquired Banca Antonveneta from Spains Santander group for more than 16 billion overall, despite a later expert valuation estimating the banks worth at just 2.8 billion. The deal, widely considered reckless and overpriced, devastated MPSs finances and forced it in January 2013 to seek a state bailout, effectively funded by Italian taxpayers.

Judicial investigations focused on this acquisition, as well as on opaque derivative transactions known as Alexandria and Santorini. On February 19, 2013, Italys Guardia di Finanza searched the offices and homes of Mussari and Vigni, and, crucially, also Rossis office and house. Rossi, however, was not under investigation.

The Night of 6 March 2013

On Wednesday, 6 March 2013, at around 8:45 pm, an emergency call was made from the banks headquarters in Rocca Salimbeni in Siena. David Rossi, 51, was found dead on the cobblestones of Vicolo Monte Pio, beneath the third-floor window of his office in the historic building.

The Siena prosecutors office immediately concluded that it was a suicide. The initial legal hypothesis was incitement to suicide against persons unknown.

That same evening, three Siena prosecutors, Giuseppe Grosso, Aldo Natalini, and Salvatore Nastasi, entered Rossis office before forensic police had photographed and documented the scene.

This access was neither recorded nor formally noted, an irregularity that would weigh heavily on the investigation. Years later, the Genoa prosecutors office ruled that the magistrates conduct did not constitute a crime.

From the very beginning, several elements appeared difficult to reconcile with the suicide theory.

Rossis body showed bruises and unusual lesions. In particular, injuries to his arms were described by the familys lawyers as inconsistent with self-inflicted wounds. The distribution and shape of the marks appeared reversed compared to what would be expected in self-inflicted cuts. No in-depth official investigation was ever conducted on these injuries.

Surveillance cameras recorded that Rossi did not die immediately after the fall but remained alive on the pavement for about twenty minutes. Approximately five to twenty minutes after the fall, his watch was thrown from the same office window. At the time of the fall, the watch was not on his wrist. This remains one of the most troubling details of the case. Who was in the office, and why throw the watch afterward?

Camera footage showed two individuals approaching Rossi while he was still alive, then leaving without providing assistance or calling emergency services.

A vehicle was parked in Vicolo Monte Pio, partially obstructing access and visibility in the alley.

Two days before his death, Rossi exchanged a series of emails with Fabrizio Viola, then CEO of MPS. The conversation, lasting from 9 am to 5 pm, concerned the ongoing judicial investigation. Rossi appeared visibly anxious, writing phrases such as, Can I speak to you about this mornings issue? Its urgent. Tomorrow might be too late.

At 10:13 am, an email appeared in which Rossi allegedly announced his intention to commit suicide. Viola later stated he did not recall that message. Moreover, the exchange continued normally afterward, as if nothing had happened.

According to some reconstructions, Rossi told his wife he was coming home, an unusual statement if one assumes a premeditated suicide.

Two Dismissals and a Parliamentary Commission

The Siena prosecutors investigations were dismissed twice, both times concluding that Rossi had taken his own life. The reasoning largely relied on a presumed state of depression and anguish, considered consistent with suicide.

Rossis family, his widow Antonella Tognazzi and his daughter Carolina Orlandi, who published a book in 2018 titled Se tu potessi vedermi ora, have always rejected this reconstruction. Over the years, investigative reports by television programs such as Le Iene, Non e lArena, and Sedici Storie reignited public debate, highlighting unresolved details.

On March 11, 2021, the Italian Chamber of Deputies established a parliamentary commission of inquiry into Rossis death, tasked with reconstructing the facts, causes, and possible third-party responsibilities. Among its members was Carlo Nordio, later appointed Minister of Justice.

New Expert Reports Exclude Suicide

In 2024 and 2025, the parliamentary commission heard forensic experts who conducted new analyses with striking conclusions.

According to these new reports, the injuries to Rossis face were not caused by the fall but by compression against the window frame itself. Experiments conducted with mannequins confirmed compatibility between the facial marks and violent contact with the window.

Specifically, Rossi appears to have suffered forceful compression against anti-bird wires and a metal bar on the window. Cuts on his lip and nose would have resulted from this pressure, while puncture wounds were attributed to the wire terminals. For the two experts, these injuries were clearly consistent with the dynamics of a struggle.

When asked whether the evidence was still compatible with suicide, expert Manghi described that possibility as almost impossible. For suicide to be plausible, Rossi would have had to voluntarily press his face against the metal elements of the window, a scenario deemed highly unlikely.

The Murder Hypothesis and Dark Leads

Over time, disturbing hypotheses have emerged. One of the most sensational, though never judicially confirmed, concerns alleged involvement of organized crime. Reports surfaced that Giandavide De Pau, former driver of Camorra boss Michele Senese and later accused of triple homicide, allegedly claimed responsibility for Rossis murder. His defense lawyer requested that two judicial police officers who spoke with De Pau in 2019 while he was detained be heard as witnesses.

Speculation has also touched on possible links to political networks and powerful circles connected to the bank. None of these claims has so far found confirmation in court.

At one point, a magistrate investigating the case received a death threat in the form of an unexploded 9mm bullet.

The Email Trial and Related Proceedings

The case also generated collateral legal proceedings. Rossis widow Antonella Tognazzi and journalist Davide Vecchi, author of Il caso David Rossi. Il suicidio imperfetto del manager Monte dei Paschi di Siena, were tried for publishing the emails Rossi had sent to the CEO. Years later, Sienas chief prosecutor apologized to the widow for bringing the case against her.

Journalists from Le Iene also faced legal tensions. Following complaints by Siena magistrates, the Genoa prosecutors office opened an investigation, searched the home of correspondent Antonino Monteleone, and charged him with aggravated defamation.

A Case Still Open

More than twelve years after his death, the David Rossi case remains one of the darkest unresolved mysteries in recent Italian history. Some have compared it to the deaths of Roberto Calvi and Raul Gardini, men who knew too much and died under opaque circumstances at moments when their silence was worth more than their words.

The new expert reports, which exclude suicide, demand renewed reflection on what happened at Rocca Salimbeni that March evening in 2013. The parliamentary commission continues its work. The truth, if it ever emerges, may concern not only the death of one man but also the deeper mechanisms of power that governed one of Italys oldest and most controversial financial institutions.

David Rossi had told his wife he was coming home. He never made it.

Ph: monteleone.substack
Palazzo Bonaparte in Rome will host a major exhibition dedicated to Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849), the revolutionary Japanese artist and printmaker of the Edo period.

The exhibition, from 27 March until 29 June, will feature more than 200 works that traverse the artists creative journey.

Visitors will have the opportunity to view iconic masterpieces such as the world-renowned Great Wave off Kanagawa and various selections from the Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji series.

In addition to these famous woodblock prints, the show includes the "Hokusai Manga" and a collection of rare treasures and landscape series that highlight his revolutionary impact on universal art history.

Hokusais visual power significantly influenced Western art, particularly the Impressionist movement.

Artists such as Monet and Van Gogh drew deep inspiration from his compositions and use of colour, a legacy that this exhibition aims to celebrate through its comprehensive display.

For more exhibition details, tickets and visiting information see official website.
If you look closely at combat photography from the Vietnam War, one unofficial insignia appears more than any other: the Ace of Spades. Tucked into the elastic M1 helmet bands of infantrymen or painted onto the noses of Huey helicopters, the card became a ubiquitous icon of the American experience in Southeast Asia.

While the image was forged in the jungles of the 1960s, it was immortalized by Hollywood. With the eerie calling card scenes in Apocalypse Now, cinema has cemented the Ace of Spades as the ultimate symbol of the infantrymen who faced the daily grind of ground combat. In the popular imagination, it is a psychological weapon that struck fear into the hearts of the enemy.

To the men on the ground, the meaning was simple: It was a message to the jungle that they were still there, still fighting, and still holding the high card.

The Origins: From the 101st Airborne to the Delta

The spade was not a Vietnam-era invention. During World War II, the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment (101st Airborne Division) painted spades on their helmets to identify themselves during the chaotic drops over Normandy.

However, by 1966, the spade had evolved from a unit marker into a psychological calling card. Soldiers in the field began requesting decks consisting entirely of Aces of Spades from the United States Playing Card Company. In an act of wartime support, the company shipped thousands of these special decks to troops for free, often labeled as Bicycle Secret Weapon crates.

PSYOP or Superstition? The Great Cultural Gap

The most enduring legend is that the Ace of Spades was used to terrify the Viet Cong (VC) and the North Vietnamese Army (NVA). American intelligence officers believed that the spade represented an omen of death in Vietnamese culture.

The Reality Check: Historians and cultural experts have since noted a major flaw in this strategy: The spade meant nothing to the Vietnamese. The French had introduced playing cards to Vietnam, but the traditional Vietnamese deck looked nothing like the Western 52-card set. To a VC guerrilla, an Ace of Spades was simply a strange piece of foreign paper.

Despite the lack of cultural impact on the enemy, the Death Card remained a powerful tool for American morale.

The Calling Card: Leaving a card on a cleared position or a fallen enemy soldier gave U.S. troops a sense of dominance in a war where the enemy was often invisible.

The Psychological Edge: If the soldiers believed the enemy feared the card, it increased their own confidence during patrols.

A Symbol of Individualism in a Fragmented War

Unlike World War II, where units stayed together for the duration, the Vietnam individual rotation system meant soldiers often felt like cogs in a machine. Informal symbolshelmet graffiti, peace signs, and the Ace of Spadesbecame a way to reclaim identity.

The card signaled that the wearer was a combat veteransomeone who had seen the elephant and survived. It was a mark of gallows humor, a grim acknowledgment of the high stakes of every jungle patrol.
Enel has announced plans to invest 53bn ($63bn) between 2026 and 2028, with a primary focus on expanding its activities in Europe and the US.

This new investment figure marks a 10bn increase from its previous three-year plan.

The Italian energy company will allocate half of this capital expenditure to power grid infrastructure, while around 38% will be directed towards renewable energy projects. The remainder of the funds will support other business operations.

The companys management expects this investment strategy to support an increase in earnings per share (EPS) from an anticipated 0.69 in 2025 to between 0.80 and 0.82 by 2028.

Enel plans to raise its dividend by an average of 6% per year through 2028.

Enel's board has also approved a share buyback programme worth up to 1bn, which is set for execution by July.

This move follows the earlier authorisation from shareholders allowing up to 3.5bn for such programmes.

The majority of new grid investments will take place in Italy, with further allocations planned for Iberia and Latin America.

Enel Group CEO Flavio Cattaneo said: Today Enel presents an ambitious and credible strategic plan with a sharp acceleration in growth thanks to an increase of greenfield and brownfield investments, which will lead to further improvement of the groups risk/return profile.

The managerial actions carried out in the last three years provide us with the financial flexibility to invest in the most dynamic markets in terms of electricity demand.

Thanks to the clear visibility on group results and the execution of our share buyback programme, we expect to further increase shareholder remuneration, with an EPS that will increase to between 0.80 and 0.82 in 2028 and that will support dividend growth, through returns from international subsidiaries.

"Enel announces $63bn investment plan focused on Europe and US" was originally created and published by Energy Monitor, a GlobalData owned brand.




By Claudia Savage, Press Association

All mainstream schools in Northern Ireland will be required to facilitate students with special educational needs (SEN), Stormonts education minister has said.

Paul Givan sent a letter to school principals saying suitable schools have a role to play in meeting the needs of children with SEN, which he described as one of the most pressing challenges facing educational systems.

On Monday, UK education secretary Bridget Phillipson set out major reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities (Send) system, saying the British government will take away that fight that so many parents often face in accessing legally-guaranteed support.

Just over 34,000 pupils in Northern Ireland had a statement of Send in September 2025 (PA)

In September 2025, 34,011 pupils in Northern Ireland had a statement of Send, an increase of 85 per cent in 10 years, according to the Education Authority (EA).

In his letter to principals, seen by the Press Association, Mr Givan acknowledged the need for all types of SEN provision has grown exponentially in recent years and is projected to continue to rise, even with a predicted decline in the overall school age population.

He added: All schools have a role to play in meeting the needs of this changing demographic.

To meet future demand and ensure that children do not have to travel unacceptably long distances to access appropriate placements, I am now requiring all mainstream schools which the EA considers suitable to facilitate specialist provision to engage constructively with them to put it in place.

The policy objective is to ensure children and young people with a statement of SEN have access to an appropriate specialist placement in their local community, where possible, and educated alongside their friends and peers.

Paul Givan said all schools have a role to play in meeting the needs of children with special educational needs (PA)

The NI education minister paid tribute to schools that have established specialist provision, but said he had hoped that more would have done so, adding: A more direct approach is now considered necessary.

The feedback I have received from those schools which have already set up specialist provision has been overwhelmingly positive, however I accept that schools need to be adequately supported through this process.

Mr Givan said the move did not stem from a desire to transfer responsibility for this issue to schools, but rather to ensure the system as a whole comes together in a more collegiate and effective way to meet the needs of some of the most vulnerable children in our society.

The minister pledged that an enhanced support package from the EA would be available to schools.
It is expected that capital supports from Government will be provided to Waterford Airport once passenger flights return.

Minister for Transport Darragh OBrien, has this morning announced the publication of a new regional airports programme, providing capital supports to regional airports across the country.

The Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030 will provide almost 45 million in capital investment to regional airports such Shannon, Kerry, Donegal and Ireland West (Knock).

In a statement to the press, The Department of Transport said it is also expected that Waterford Airport will become eligible for supports during the lifetime of the programme when scheduled passenger services return.

Reacting to the funding this morning, Minister John Cummins said, This is important clarity from the Department of Transport that Waterford airport is expected to become eligible for funding similar to other regional airports once fully operational.

Minister Cummins said the funding will be provided at the earliest possible opportunity and a part of Budget deliberations once schedule passenger services are confirmed for the airport.

The funding will provide additional supports towards airport safety, security and sustainability.

The government has previously shown hesitancy in financially supporting the reopening of the airport, and in recent years the Department of Transport have stalled on approving business cases to extend the airport's runway.

Years of government uncertainty over funding ultimately opened the door to a fully funded private investment from US businessman Kelcy Warren, who has pledged 30 million to reopening the airport.
Last week, Waterford City and County Council passed a motion in support of introducing the mandatory teaching of our national anthem in schools.

Currently, teaching Amhran na bhFiann in primary or secondary schools is not mandatory and is a matter for each individual school to decide.

Proposed by Sinn Fein councillor Donnchadh Mulcahy last week, the specifics of the motion were that "Waterford City & County Council notes the importance of Amhran na bhFiann, Irelands National Anthem, as a symbol of our national identity, shared history, and civic life, and that the Council further recognises the role that schools play in fostering civic awareness, cultural understanding, and respect for national traditions among young people."

Cllr Mulcahy asked that the Council write to the Minister for Education, calling on the Department of Education to examine the introduction of a mandatory requirement that all primary and post-primary school pupils are taught the words, meaning, and appropriate performance of the National Anthem, Amhran na bhFiann, as part of the school curriculum.

The motion was passed unanimously.

Cllr Kate O'Mahoney (SF) said the national anthem is not only "about being part of our national identity but also understanding our heritage and culture."

Cllr Joe Kelly (Ind) added that "nationalism in a broad sense is often being eliminated or watered down now and being able to understand and sing the national anthem is a very important thing. It shouldn't be diluted in any way.

Last year, we asked locals on the streets of Waterford city centre for their stance on the topic.

Click here to find out what they said.

(Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme)
Protesters gathered outside the Parnell Street office of Waterford Minister of State John Cummins on February 25, protesting recent controversies surrounding SNA allocation.

Following 584 reviews from the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), two-thirds of schools across Ireland were informed their SNA allocation for 2026 would stay steady or grow. 194 schools were due to have their allocation cut.

SNA reallocation can take place due to changes in school numbers or changes in care needs, according to the Department of Education.

Controversies arose as schools and SNAs struck issue with an alleged lack of communication. SNAs say they were left with scant detail over potential redeployments.

Political pressure led to Government freezing further reviews. On Monday, 23 February, Government provided an extra 19 million to prevent SNA cuts in any school across the country.

While the news has offered temporary respite, SNAs at the protest said they still fear for their job security when reviews are projected to resume in 2027.

Were run ragged

Mary Burke works as an SNA in Ballyduff National School, Kilmeaden. She said that the current structure of the SNA system and cycle of reviews lends itself to major instability.

At the end of November (2022), SENOs (Special Education Needs Organisers) contacted the school to say that hours were being cut from the Christmas holidays, she said.

They (SENOs) didn't come in and do a review. They didn't do nothing to let us know why they were cutting the hours, just that they were cutting the hours, and I lost my job.

Ms Burke said she was out of work for 11 months and had to claw back hours at the school on a part-time basis.

She works in a mainstream school, which are typically more vulnerable to job cuts- dedicated special classrooms will normally have a guarantee of two SNAs.

There are three SNAs amongst 240 students at Ballyduff National School. Ms Burke said each class would have at least one child who would require an SNA throughout the school day.

Disability activist Karl Cretzan spoke at the protest

We're run ragged, the three of usto think that they could come in and justify cutting hours from a mainstream school like that without really thinking about it, it doesn't make any sense.

I'm just running from one child to another, and you're trying to give them five, maybe ten minutes.

Sometimes you get caught with a child that might kick off. So you could be 25 minutes, or half an hour with that child, which means the other child you were to go to is now missing out on their break.

Ms Burke said the redeployment scheme means that she could be assigned to a different post at the other end of the county, potentially uprooting her life in the process.

Needs to be reinvestigated

Siobhan Spillane is an SNA at Piltown National School. Like many SNAs, she feels that the underpinning regulation and guidelines are out of step with the day-to-day demands her role requires.

A Department of Education circular document from 2014 says that SNAs are allocated on the basis of students primary care needs (assistance with feeding, toileting, mobility, etc).

Secondary care needs can include assisting teachers, aiding with planning, and maintaining a care monitoring plan for pupils.

Its not primary care, but there are so many other needs that children have in primary school and secondary school, so we have a lot of children with regulation needs, social and emotional needs, behavioural needs, a lot of regulation breaks, support in other ways besides primary care, said Ms Spillane.

It just needs to be reinvestigated and the freeze needs to be stopped.

No cuts, no taking childrens SNAs away from them, to move them to another school, taking them from mainstream children to put them into special classes. You know, the mainstream children have as many needs as children in special classes.

Got this wrong

Speaking to Claire Byrne on Newstalk radio about the SNA controversy, Tanaiste Simon Harris said the Government got this wrong.

The reality of the situation is when something goes wrong, youve got to put your hands up and youve got to fix it.

What I heard from parents across the country, what I heard from SNAs and what I heard from teachers was that the sequencing here matters.

Speaking at the protest, Forsa trade union Education spokesperson Gary Honer said attention should be put towards overhauling Circular 30.

This is a problem caused by a lack of resources and funding, a problem that politicians were able to solve overnight by finding an extra 19m.

They should have done that in the first place and saved schools, students and SNAs 3 weeks of worry and stress.

We now need to bring together all of the organisations that have come to the support of SNAs and build a massive campaign to force the Government and the NCSE to recognise the full role of the SNA including SNAs in mainstream classes.

In a statement issued to the Waterford News & Star before Government announced their intention to secure every SNA position across all schools, a spokesperson for Minister Cummins accused Sinn Fein of promoting misinformation around SNA provisions.

There are no cuts to SNA provision in Waterford. Indeed 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 have increased by 30% (374 to 487), the spokesperson said.

Nationally the number of SNAs in schools has increased by 45% since 2020 and an additional 1,700 SNAs will support children in the next academic year 2026/27.

In the last two academic years alone 28 additional special classes have been sanctioned across Waterford.

The overriding principle here must be ensuring those pupils with special educational needs are fully supported in their school setting.

Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme
Waterford City & County Council have passed a motion calling for Government to increase the education of Irish language to children.

The motion called upon Government to enact legislation to systematically, sustainably, and steadily increase the provision of Irish-medium education so that future generations of Irish children will have the opportunity to be educated through their national language, if they so desire.

Proposing the motion to the Council, councillor John Pratt (Lab), said, Weve all been through school and did Irish starting at a primary level. The unfortunate situation is we probably should all be fluent, but that isnt the case.

Cllr Thomas Phelan (Lab) added that the days of teaching fully through Irish seem to be long gone".

Were very fortunate locally to have a Gaeltacht on our doorstep, one of the few counties that have it. Waterford is very strong in that regard, so wed hopefully be building on a very strong base by getting behind this motion he said.

The motion was passed unanimously.

(Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme)
At a recent meeting of the Metropolitan District Council, Sinn Fein councillor Joeanne Bailey raised the issue of bus shelters.

She said: Something isnt sitting right with me from the last Plenary meeting. We found out that the contract is with the NTA and went out for national procurement. At the meeting we were told it would cost 30,000 per bus shelter. Can I request Mayor, that you write to the NTA and request an explanation as to why local authorities cant purchase their own bus shelters?

Did any companies from Waterford or the South-East put forward for the contract?

Im on the council four years now, and I think it was the first thing I asked for, was a bus shelter for Scoil Lorcan in St Johns Park, and now we are still waiting.

Active Travel Senior Engineer Michael Murphy informed the council that the 11 bus shelters planned for Waterford have all been allocated to the Tramore ring road.

Theres a lot of complaints in Tramore that were not putting in shelters; we are putting in shelters, we just havent got them yet. The NTA signed a new five-year contract on the first of April 2025. There still hasnt been a single bus shelter arrive into Ireland to date.

Theres 50 due in March and of those 50, Ive booked 11. But theyre already late."

Rural bus stops

Mr Murphy told the councillors of his plight of trying to improve public transport in Waterford.

Getting bus shelters is a major issue. We have to use the contractor that theyve appointed because theyre funding it. We dont have any choice.

Even if I could get bus shelters, which I cant at the moment, I wouldnt be putting them in rural areas," he said.

"Weve a lot of bus stops in West Waterford with no infrastructure; theres no pole, theres no stop. There are bus stops there, but theres nothing to tell you the bus stops there.

"Were doing a minimum standard before we do anything else."

The minimum standard is a hard-standing area for people waiting for the bus, a socket for a pole, a pole, a timetable and a road marking.

We have about ninety bus stops at the moment that dont have that," said Mr Murphy.

"Theres a number of requirements of where you put bus shelters; you need room, theres a minimum service required. There has to be a certain number of buses passing in each direction. There's also a regulation that they only put bus shelters in one direction - I believe the idea is you don't need one if you're on the way home. Thats not really valid in a lot of places, but that is the current procedure.

Its a very difficult thing getting bus shelters.

Funded by the local democracy scheme
By Grainne Ni Aodha and Bairbre Holmes, Press Association

Simon Harris has said he felt it was important to highlight the impact of online threats to his family and that such actions should not be consequence free.

Two people have been handed prison sentences recently for sending threatening messages in relation to Mr Harris and his family.

The Tanaiste and Finance Minister said over a period of months last year there was a sustained pattern of very elevated and violent commentary towards his family.

He said his concern was that such incidents inspire people to carry out acts against other people.

He said he had chosen to give a victim impact statement to court in relation to one of the cases about the effect of threats to his family as they should not be consequence free.

Its not an easy one to do when youre when youre a public figure, he said in an interview on Newstalk radio.

Quite frankly, its something the guards asked me, as theyd ask anybody to consider making a victim impact statement, you have a right to go to court and address the court.

All of us in public life, all of us in public view, can, from time to time, experience online nastiness and the likes.

What my family experienced was at a level like Id never experienced before.

Tanaiste Simon Harris and his wife Caoimhe Wade at Dublin Castle (Brian Lawless/PA)

And I just wanted to pose to the person  and I dont wish anybody any ill  but I wanted to pose to the person a few questions as to what actually goes through your mind when you sit at home behind a computer screen and threaten to do very significant harm to my children or to my family?

I did just think it needed to be called out, not just for me and not just for my children and my family, but more broadly, I think sometimes when we talk about online, we talk about it as though its some sort of separate world over there where anything goes.

The oxygen is sucked out of your home when youre sitting there on a Friday evening and you receive a credible threat to carry out very significant physical harm to your children, and these things cant be consequence free.

He said he has decided not to post obviously visible pictures of his son and daughter to social media, but that this was more to do with recent concerns raised about AI chatbot Grok.

He said he and his wife Caoimhe try to protect their children from it, but added that young people know when theres something up.

Children are very perceptive and if theres bomb threats to your home, as weve had, and theres Garda sniffer dogs wandering around your home, you know, theyre aware theres something up.

He said he had moved on from the threats affecting his future in politics.

Im more energised and more focused than Ive ever been. Ive a lot of work to do.

And you know, at the end of the day, I believe in public service. I passionately believe in public service.
By Jess Glass, Press Association Law Editor

A former BBC journalist whose communications data was unlawfully obtained should be awarded substantial damages, a specialist tribunal has been told.

MI5 previously admitted that it had unlawfully obtained Vincent Kearneys data amid proceedings at the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT).

In a September 2025 letter to the BBC and Mr Kearney  now the northern editor at RTE  MI5 said that though it acted in good faith and under any code of practice at the time, it breached the journalists rights when obtaining communications data in 2006 and 2009.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the Metropolitan Police have also made concessions.

At a hearing on Wednesday, Jude Bunting KC, for Kearney and the BBC, said there were seven separate police or MI5 operations where the intelligence services or forces unlawfully obtained the journalists or broadcasters confidential communications data between 2006 and 2018.

In written submissions, Bunting said they had been subjected to a long and consistent campaign of unlawful interference with their confidential journalistic material, with Kearney potentially targeted more than any other journalist in Northern Ireland.

The barrister said the concessions from MI5 and the forces reveal repeated and consistent illegality on the part of multiple public authorities over a period of many years.

He also said that the phone data obtained would have enabled the police to see who Mr Kearney was interacting with, where and when.

Bunting told the tribunal that this affected everyone in his life, adding: All of these people will have had their information looked at by the police for reasons that were unlawful.

The tribunal was also told the PSNI had made a detailed profile of the journalist, including his date of birth, addresses, car details, phone numbers and the names of his wife and mother-in-law, as well as an extensive review of his published work.

Bunting later said that Kearney should be awarded 10,000 from the PSNI in damages, with an additional award against MI5.

Cathryn McGahey KC, for the PSNI, said the force had made a number of clear and extensive concessions.

The barrister said in written submissions that the interferences in question were directed at the acquisition of communications data associated with an individual journalist, rather than at the BBCs editorial autonomy, premises, systems, or journalistic archives.

Ms McGahey continued that while the force did not object to the tribunal ruling that the PSNI breached Mr Kearney and the BBCs rights, it opposed the journalist being awarded damages as it would be unnecessary to award just satisfaction.

She later said that Mr Kearneys case was different from phone hacking cases brought at the High Court, adding: There was no exploitation, publication, or dissemination of journalistic material, nor any attempt to profit from the information obtained.

The unlawfulness conceded by the PSNI arises from the subsequent determination that the legal regime then in place did not afford sufficient safeguards for journalistic material, not from any deliberate or bad-faith intrusion.

Richard OBrien KC, representing bodies including MI5, said in written submissions that saying Mr Kearney and the BBC faced a long and consistent campaign was disputed and hyperbolic.

The barrister also said MI5 accepted that the tribunal should make a declaration but opposed damages being awarded.

He said: There has been public vindication of the wrong suffered by the claimants in the form of the concession, which has already been reproduced in a public judgment, and to which the tribunal will no doubt again refer in its substantive judgment following this hearing.

Ahead of the hearing, Kearney said that he had been treated as a suspect rather than a journalist and called for mechanisms to be put in place.

He continued: The concessions made reveal repeated and consistent illegality on the part of multiple public authorities over a period of many years. This was taking place on an almost annual basis between 2006 and 2014 while I worked as a correspondent for BBC Northern Ireland.

This has had a chilling effect on my ability to conduct public interest journalism with source relationships damaged and, in some cases, destroyed.

The unlawful activities of those charged with upholding the law have irrevocably damaged my ability to perform my lawful duties as a journalist.

A BBC spokesperson said: The extent and effect of unlawful interference in Vincent Kearneys work as a BBC journalist is a matter of serious concern.

It strikes at the heart of the protections that are in place for public interest journalism. What happened in this instance was wrong and must never be repeated.

The independence of what we do is hard won and its something that we will fight to protect  reflecting the vital role that public interest journalism plays in a free society.

Deirdre McCarthy, managing director, RTE News and Current Affairs, said: As an all island public service media organisation, RTE places ongoing importance on defending press freedom of journalists across Ireland.

The protection of journalist sources is the cornerstone of ensuring a free and independent media.

The scale of the covert surveillance and accessing of journalist Vincent Kearneys communications data by British security and policing agencies is deeply concerning.

McCarthy said that the evidence heard at the IPT is of deep concern for us as journalists and media working in the public interest.

The hearing before Lady Carmichael, Mr Justice Chamberlain and Stephen Shaw KC is due to conclude on Thursday.
Eva Osborne

Here are the stories making headlines this Wednesday.

The Irish Times leads with Ireland being set to buy hundreds of armoured vehicles and artillery pieces from France.

The planned deal, which is expected to be worth up to 600 million, will be the biggest investment in Army equipment in the history of the State.

In the wake of the investment in Army equipment, the Irish Defence Forces are to cooperate more with Britain and France, according to the Irish Examiner.

Two experts were commissioned by Cork County Counil in 2024 to come up with nature-based solutions to aid flood protection projects following the Midleton floods, The Echo reports.

However, nearly 18 months on, the report has still not been published, amid ongoing concerns about flooding.

The Irish Independent leads with households in Ireland paying almost twice as much for their electricity as data centres.

The Irish Daily Mirror reports on gardai questioning a man arrested in relation to the murder Michael Gaine.

It is the second time Michael Kelley has been arrested in connection with the probe.

Michael Kelley was living on Michael Gaine's land at the time that he disappeared, the Irish Daily Star reports.

More than 500,000 was wasted on an IT system for the Garda ombudsman, despite early warnings that the project would fail, according to the Irish Daily Mail.

The Herald leads with the shooter in a "meticulously planned" murder of a much-loved and vulnerable victim being sentenced to seven years in prison after pleading guilty to a conspiracy charge.
The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) is included among the 14 Best Low Volatility Dividend Stocks to Invest in.

Erste Group Upgrade Reflects Confidence in Procter & Gambles (PG) Financial Strength

On February 18, Erste Group analyst Stephan Lingnau upgraded The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) to Buy from Hold. The update came as the analyst showed growing confidence in the companys outlook. In his note, he said Procter & Gamble expects fiscal year sales to increase between 1% and 5%, with EPS projected to grow between 1% and 6%. The company also plans to return a substantial amount of capital to shareholders, targeting $14B to $15B in total. This includes roughly $10B in dividends and another $4B to $5B through share repurchases. The analyst added that the stock still appears attractively valued given its stability and cash return profile.

Still, Procter & Gamble is not entirely insulated from economic pressures. In its fiscal second quarter, sales were flat compared with the same period a year ago, excluding the effects of currency changes and portfolio adjustments. The quarter ended on December 31, 2025. This slower growth likely reflects a more cautious consumer environment, as shoppers continue adjusting to higher prices across many everyday goods.

Even with that backdrop, the company continues to focus on strengthening its product lineup. Procter & Gamble holds leading positions in many of its categories, which gives it room to introduce new products and improve existing ones. That strong market presence should help support steady growth over time. Cash flow remains a major strength. In the first half of the fiscal year, the company generated $8 billion in free cash flow, well above the $5.1 billion it paid in dividends. This gap shows that Procter & Gamble has plenty of room to support its dividend, even during slower periods.

Dividends have been a core part of the companys identity for generations. Procter & Gamble has paid dividends every year since 1890. Even more notable, it has increased its dividend annually for 69 consecutive years. That consistency highlights the durability of its business and its long-standing commitment to returning cash to shareholders.

The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) sells branded consumer products across global markets. Its business spans Beauty, Grooming, Health Care, Fabric and Home Care, and Baby, Feminine and Family Care. Its products are used by consumers in roughly 180 countries and territories.

While we acknowledge the potential of PG 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.
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MoneyInvestingActive investing Opinion Is Harvey Norman beating Amazon? The answer might surprise you

Chris Brycki February 25, 2026  2:01am 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

In early 2021, if you had told investors that Harvey Norman would outperform Amazon over the next five years, you would have been laughed out of the room. At the time, much of Australia was in lockdown. Offices were empty. Shopping centres were quiet. Everything had moved online. With COVID dominating headlines and people stuck inside, backing e-commerce felt like a safe bet, along with cloud computing. By early 2021, Amazon was trading on a valuation that assumed years of uninterrupted high growth. AP And if you picked the global leader in both, you probably bought Amazon. And yet since the start of 2021, Amazons share price has lagged old economy retailers such as Walmart and Costco in the US, and even Australias own Harvey Norman  albeit by only a small amount.

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Thats not because Amazon failed. It kept growing. It kept investing. It remained a dominant global business. The problem was not the narrative, the problem was expectations. By early 2021, Amazon was trading on a valuation that assumed years of uninterrupted high growth. Investors were not just paying for strong earnings, they were paying for perfection. Returns dont come from owning the best companies. They come from owning ones where the gap between perception and reality moves in your favour. Investing is not about predicting what will happen. Its about understanding what the market already expects to happen, and then asking whether reality will be better or worse than those expectations. In 2021, everyone believed e-commerce and cloud would dominate. That belief was not an edge, it was consensus and the price already reflected it. When perfection is priced in, even good results can disappoint. The lesson is uncomfortable for investors.

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Returns dont come from owning the best companies. They come from owning companies where the gap between perception and reality moves in your favour. If a company is universally loved, heavily owned and priced for perfection, the hurdle is high. It needs to deliver not just strong results, but results that exceed already lofty expectations. If a company is underestimated and priced conservatively, the hurdle is lower. It can surprise on the upside even with modest improvements. Thats why beating the market by picking shares is so hard. To outperform consistently, you need to understand what is already priced in. You must identify where expectations are too optimistic or too pessimistic, and you must be right when the crowd is wrong. Thats an extraordinarily high bar. Professional fund managers devote their careers to this task. They have research teams, models and access to company management. Yet decades of evidence indicate that most fail to outperform the market after fees over the long term.

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Its not because they lack intelligence, it is because markets are competitive. Every opinion has a buyer and a seller and prices adjust quickly. Obvious trends get priced in fast and by the time something feels certain, it usually is. Editor's pick Opinion

Active investing Novice to pro: How to go from $0 to $100K in investments Paridhi Jain Money contributor For everyday investors, trying to outguess the market often leads to concentrated portfolios and emotional decisions. Chasing what has worked. Selling what has disappointed. Paying high prices for popular stories. But there is a simpler approach. Instead of trying to predict which stock will exceed expectations, you can own the entire market. An indexed ETF doesnt rely on you being smarter than everyone else. It accepts that markets are broadly efficient most of the time. It gives you exposure to thousands of companies across different sectors and countries.

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You benefit from overall economic growth, and you capture the winners as they emerge. You avoid the risk of being heavily exposed to a single narrative that is already priced for perfection. Over time, broad diversification and low costs compound quietly. You dont need to be smarter than the market to build wealth. You simply need to participate in it consistently and at a low cost. Beating the market requires you to be both contrarian and correct, again and again. For most investors, recognising how hard it is to outguess the market may be the most valuable investment lesson of all. Chris Brycki is the founder and CEO of online investment adviser Stockspot. Advice given in this article is general in nature and is not intended to influence readers decisions about investing or financial products. They should always seek their own professional advice that takes into account their own personal circumstances before making any financial decisions. Expert tips on how to save, invest and make the most of your money delivered to your inbox every Sunday. Sign up for our Real Money newsletter.
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NationalNSWCrime Eastern suburbs man arrested as new police taskforce targets Coconut Cartel Daniel Lo Surdo Updated February 26, 2026  7:55am ,first published 6:09am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Two alleged members of a criminal syndicate at the heart of an escalating spate of gang violence have been charged under a newly established police strike force targeting the Coconut Cartel. Detectives charged Isaac Mar-Tuvunivono, 24, after storming a home in Daceyville last Thursday. He was led from the home in black track pants with a shirt thrown over his shoulders, as two detectives escorted him to a police vehicle. It came after the emerging Coconut Cartel claimed responsibility for the firebombing of a Toyota SUV in Guildford last month. Loading Nadan Moore, 19, was arrested in Silverwater on Wednesday and is expected to face a bail hearing on Thursday. The Coconut Cartel has been attempting to wrest control of Sydneys lucrative drug trade from the fractured Alameddine network since late last year, police sources say, as officers work to quell the gangland war.

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Footage circulating through Sydneys underworld of the Guildford firebombing showed a masked assailant pouring accelerant from a red jerry can, before setting fire to the vehicle from the drivers side door. A message circulated following the attack threatened those in business big or small with the Alameddines, signing it P.S Coconut Cartel. Loading The matter was referred to Strike Force Helston, established by the State Crime Commands criminal groups squad to investigate a series of alleged threats and incidents linked to the rival syndicate. Mar-Tuvunivono was charged with destroying property using fire, possessing an unauthorised pistol, acquiring the gun while subject to a firearm prohibition order, and participating in a criminal group. Police seized a registration plate, a jerry can, a replica pistol and 13 mobile phones in the raid of the Daceyville address.

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Crime Inside an alleged Alameddine attack on the Coconut Cartel He will also face charges over possessing a gun at a premise subject to a prohibition order and possessing suspected stolen goods. The 24-year-old appeared in Blacktown Local Court on Thursday, after he was formally refused bail on Friday. He made no application for bail on Thursday, and his matter will be next heard on March 19. Moore was charged with destroying property using fire and participating in a criminal group. It comes after police launched Strike Force Halesowen, a 100-strong operation comprised of specialist anti-gangs detectives and uniformed officers, last week after former NRL star Matt Utai was brutally shot outside his family home. It was an incident believed to be targeting his son Iziah, a former Alameddine gangster who is believed to have switched allegiance to the Coconut Cartel. The shooting set off a series of attacks less than 24 hours later, including the shooting and firebombing of properties linked to Iziah, in a dramatic escalation of the underworld conflict. A St Clair home was peppered with more than a dozen bullets 18 hours after Utai was shot, with the third attack on the Utai family coming at Iziahs Guildford West home, which was engulfed in flames by a masked arsonist.

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Police and paramedics at the scene where former NRL star Matt Utai was shot in Greenacre. Kate Geraghty Detectives believe Iziah is overseas and that the attacks were a retaliation against the 24-year-old. It came after a Merrylands barbershop registered to Iziah was torched twice in two nights in May, after registering the business in his own name in August 2024. The Coconut Cartel took responsibility for firebombing the Toongabbie home belonging to Bilal Alameddine in January, as they declared they were ready to chalk out the Alameddines. CCTV captured two hooded assailants pouring accelerant on the vehicle in front of the property before engulfing it in flames. They were heard shouting Coconut Cartel on top as they fled the fiery scene. An image shared later that evening by SCN Worldstar, a social media outlet posting underworld related content, enclosed a threat detailing how the Coconut Cartel was Ready 2 Chalk Out Every Alameddine. One man and five teenagers, including a 15-year-old, were arrested over the spate of violent incidents under Strike Force Halesowen. Police allege 25-year-old Eamon Sharp shot Utai in the driveway of his Greenacre family home, while a 15-year-old drove the pair in a getaway car.

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Iziah Utais Guildford West home is set alight. SCN Worldstar Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
A further 4bn ($4.72bn) a year in funding could come into Europe if targets to increase clinical trials in the region by 11% are met, research has found.

New analysis from Frontier Economics, published by European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), finds that this move could also see a further 35,000 Europeans benefit from access to groundbreaking medical treatments, create 18,000 new jobs and prevent three million sick days.

The 11% growth target was set by the European Commission (EC), European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Heads of Medicines Agencies (HMA). If Europe were able to meet this target, it would equate to around an extra 500 multinational trials over the next five years, increasing from 900 to 1000 per year.

The research further found that if Europe were able to regain its lost trials, which are studies that have moved out of the region since 2013, trial activity would increase by 25%. This could deliver 8.9bn in additional Gross Value Added (GVA) and 79,000 more clinical trial places.

If the region were to catch up with industry leaders, the US and China, which would require a 50% increase in activity, this could unlock up to 17.9bn for Europes economy and create 158,000 additional trial places.

Industry-sponsored clinical trials already generate an estimated 35.7bn in economic value each year across the European Economic Area (EEA), made up from 21.7bn from clinical trial activity itself, 3.6bn in R&D spillover benefits and 10.4bn from improved workforce productivity through the prevention of 26.9 million sick days.

There have been a number of recent initiatives by the EU, including the EU Biotech Act and the ACT EU initiative, as well as renewed national efforts, to create a more harmonised and agile clinical research ecosystem.

Nathalie Moll, director general of the EFPIA, said: There is no downside to hosting clinical trials in Europe, only health and economic gains for patients and society. Meeting the EU targets should be the absolute minimum to which we should aspire. A vibrant research and development ecosystem will lead to better health outcomes for Europeans, more sustainable and resilient healthcare systems, and significant economic growth. Other countries have recognised this and have acted; it is high time that Europe chooses to do the same.

According to GlobalDatas Strategic Intelligence: The State of the Biopharmaceutical Industry 2026 Edition, EU regulatory data protection (RDP) continues to be a major focal point for pharmaceutical legislation and could create a barrier for the region.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB)  The Kentucky Bourbon Trail made it easier for visitors to choose their own adventure.

It just launched its first-ever online trip builder with the goal of helping visitors customize and personalize their ideal bourbon adventure.

Leaders said the interactive tool will make planning fun and easy, putting all the planning essentials in one place so visitors can easily find distilleries, tasting rooms and other partner experiences.

"Millions of people from all over the world are making the pilgrimage to Kentucky each year to immerse themselves in the art, science and craft of America's only native spirit," Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers' Association, said in a news release Tuesday.

Guests can use the tool to curate their itineraries and share their trip with friends, family or travel companions.

There are Kentucky Bourbon Trail experiences in 35 of Kentucky's 120 counties.

To explore the trip builder, click here. You can also watch the video below, which walks you through the process.

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Copyright 2026 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
Performance was driven by higher average time charter equivalent rates of $30,268 per day in 2025, despite operating a slightly smaller average fleet size.

The company maintains high revenue visibility with 87% of 2026 and 71% of 2027 voyage days already fixed at rates exceeding $30,000 per day.

Management attributes current market resilience to ongoing trade disruptions and limited vessel availability, which have kept charter rates at historically elevated levels.

Strategic fleet renewal is underway with four 4,484 TEU intermediate vessels on order for 2027-2028 delivery, targeting segments with modest orderbooks and aging global tonnage.

The sale of the motor vessel Marcus V generated a $9.2 million gain, reflecting management's strategy to capitalize on firm secondhand asset prices.
The artificial intelligence boom has fueled grand promises: cures for cancer, self-driving metropolises, and even interplanetary travel. Its also powered a stock market surge thats padded plenty of retirement accounts. But beneath the optimism, entrepreneur and former presidential candidate Andrew Yang says a far more immediate disruption is underwayand the U.S. is not ready for it.

More from Yahoo Scout What economic ripple effects will AI job losses create? How will AI displace millions of white-collar workers? How is AI changing the value of college degrees? Why are tech leaders supporting universal basic income?

I believe that millions of white-collar workers are going to lose their jobs in the next 12 to 18 months due to AI, Yang said in an Instagram video thats garnered over 600,000 views.

AI is now able to do the work of a very, very smart human in minutes or even seconds. This is going to displace marketers, coders, designers, lawyers, accountants, call center workersyou name it.

Yang joins a chorus of business leadersfrom Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei to Ford CEO Jim Farleywarning about the nightmare that could be coming for white-collar workers. However, the economic fallout in reality could reach far beyond office workers.

When people lose their jobs, it affects dry cleaners, dog walkers, hairstylists, restaurantsall local businesses that see less people who are able to spend. Personal bankruptcies are going to surge, Yang added.

The end result, the 51-year-old said, will be a more extreme winner-take-all economy, where the path to social mobility and middle-class status is broken.

The AI job apocalypse is real, Yang said. Its underway right now.

Elon Musk and Sam Altman agree with Andrew Yangs universal income stance

Yang has been sounding alarms about automation for years. While running for president in the 2020 campaign cycle, he made universal basic income the centerpiece of his platform, proposing $1,000 a month for every American over 18 in order to mitigate impending job automation.

As generative AI has moved from research labs into the mainstream, he has only intensified that warning.

Millions of people could lose their job in America, Yang told Fortune in 2023, when asked about the negative risks of AI. We should reckon with what the human effects are. If we dont have meaningful countermeasures or ways to help people transition, then we should be diligent about safeguarding people during what could be a very rocky period.

But what once sounded fringe is continuing to get support among many top business leaders.

Responding to billionaire Michael Dells plan to fund investment accounts for newborns, Elon Musk wrote on X: There will be no poverty in the future and so no need to save money  There will be universal high income.
A man has appeared in court for stealing alcohol from a South Mayo shop.

Jaroslaw Pawlowski, aged 55, of 87 Frenchpark, Oranmore, Co Galway, pleaded guilty at Castlebar District Court to theft from McHughs Spar, Ballindine.

The court heard the defendant entered the shop on January 13, 2024, and concealed bottles of Hennessy and Smirnoff, valued at 69.98, before leaving without paying. The goods were not recovered.

Solicitor Gary Mulchrone said his client has about 70 previous convictions. The majority are for road traffic matters and public disorder, adding that the last conviction for theft appeared to be in 2017.

He told the court that Pawlowski had been living in Ireland since 2003 and had poor English. Alcohol abuse appeared to be an ongoing issue.

Mr Mulchrone said his client was divorced with three adult children. He worked as a plasterer when he first came to Ireland. He said there had been a long period of non-offending and that the accused had brought compensation to court for the shop.

Judge Sandra Murphy noted that the accused had a history of theft dating back to when he first arrived in Ireland in 2003. Pawlowski had previously received jail sentences, yet he was not staying out of difficulty.

Judge Murphy adjourned the case to May 6 for a probation report.
A teenager produced a pen knife during a row about a young woman, a court has heard.

Ali Erroubal, aged 19, with an address at the Welcome Centre, N5 Business Park, Castlebar, pleaded guilty to the offence when he appeared before Castlebar District Court.

The court heard Erroubal and the injured party had attended Youthreach together but there was a falling out over a girl.

On February, 26, 2025, the injured party was leaving Apache Pizza on Hopkins Road, Castlebar when he was approached by Erroubal. There was some pushing between the pair before Erroubal produced a pen knife. The injured party shouted that Erroubal had a knife which caused him to back off.

Erroubal has no previous convictions.

Solicitor Tom Walsh said his client was 18 at the time of the offence. He previously worked as a barber but is currently unemployed. Erroubal is originally from Morrocco but has been living in Ireland for three years.

Judge Deirdre Gearty said the teenager should not have had a knife in his possession.

The judge bound him to the peace for a period of two years.

The court does not want to see him again, Judge Gearty added.
"To the Great Farmers of the United States: Get ready to start making a lot of agricultural product to be sold INSIDE of the United States," Trump said in a March 3 post on Truth Social . "Tariffs will go on external product on April 2nd. Have fun!"

There are other factors farmers have to consider, he said, especially weather.

"We're kind of in a quandary right now," Levendofsky said. "That's got a lot of farmers kind of wondering, you know, is it worth even trying to plant soybeans in the spring? They're making those plans right now. I think time will tell as to whether we'll see a larger soybean crop planted this next year."

U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service data show a 76% drop in U.S. bulk soybean exports to China, from $12.6 billion in 2024 to $3.1 billion in 2025.

"Now, yes, they are purchasing some soybeans, but it's not enough. And there isn't another customer out there that consumes it the way China does."

"Soybeans are a major commodity grown here in Kansas, and China has tended to be our major buyer for soybeans," Levendofsky said. "But now they have options, they can go elsewhere  and they have. They've invested their resources in South America, primarily Brazil and Argentina, and they've moved on from us.

But the U.S. Constitution provides Congress with the power to impose taxes  including tariffs  and "did not vest any part of the taxing power in the Executive Branch," Roberts said. The court held "that IEEPA does not authorize the President to impose tariffs."

"The President asserts the independent power to impose tariffs on imports from any country, of any product, at any rate, for any amount of time," Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in the 6-3 opinion .

Levendofsky spoke with The Capital-Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network, days before the Supreme Court struc k down much of President Donald Trump's tariffs on Feb. 20 . The case specifically dealt with the use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs.

"The big thing that really sticks out for most of us in agriculture are the tariffs that are on our neighbors in Canada and Mexico, and then also with our largest trading partner, China," said Nick Levendofsky, executive director of the Kansas Farmers Union. "We have seen the damage, and we're living with the damage from that move  from those tariffs, the trade war."

Farmers, especially soybean producers, are "living with the damage" done by tariffs and the resulting trade war as they face decisions on what crops to plant this year.

Story Continues

For soybeans, that has not been the case.

In case you missed it: Are you owed a tariff refund? What consumers need to know.

"The real, honest truth about that is we are overproductive," Levendofsky said. "We are so good at what we do as farmers that we produce more than we can consume."

Soybeans aren't commonly used for human consumption.

"It is primarily livestock feed and biofuels, and we just don't have enough livestock and we don't have enough demand right here in this country alone on the biofuel side," Levendofsky said. "So demand is what really drives all of this. And when you lose that, it's basic economics. We have supply, the world needs to have the demand.

China has a lot of livestock that consume a lot of protein, he said, but they have largely turned to Brazil and Argentina for their soybeans.

"We're not the only ones playing this game anymore, and therefore, we have to think about alternatives. We've got to think about other places that we can go with it, other things we can do with soybeans and other possible markets for it," Levendofsky said.

President Donald Trump holds a chart of planned tariffs as he delivers remarks next to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick at the White House in Washington, DC, on April 2, 2025.

Argentina beef, Canada and Mexico tariffs

Agricultural groups have also criticized the Trump administration's deal to import beef from Argentina.

"We ship lean beef from other places all over the world because we don't grow a lot of lean beef in this country," Levendofsky said. "We tend to value the more marbled and fatty beef, that's just part of the demand that we have in this country. But they grow a lot leaner beef in other places, primarily in South America."

So while the United States was already importing lean beef, the "huge shipment of lean beef to help out the people of Argentina" has damaged American markets.

"Making announcements from Air Force One about it and then posting about it on Truth Social, that negatively affects the markets," he said. "Whether that's intended or not, it does, and so therefore farmers suffer those consequences."

Levendofsky also addressed the tariffs with Canada and Mexico.

"We get a lot of equipment out of Canada, a lot of equipment out of Mexico, so those steel and aluminum tariffs are hurting farmers," he said. "That's just an additional cost on top of what farmers are already paying for equipment.

"Farmers don't get to pass that cost on to their customers like a business owner would. Farmers don't get to raise their prices to make up for the costs that are involved and their inputs and those kinds of things."

The past year has not been easy, he said, especially since the "Liberation Day" tariffs were announced on April 2.

"I'm hopeful that we can move past all of this and start to rebuild some of these markets," Levendofsky said. "It's done a lot of damage to those relationships, and we need to build them back. We need to grow new relationships across the world. We need to look at ways that we can expand our trade with other partners across the globe and look at other crops that we might be able to start sending to other places."

'A Band-Aid on a bullet wound'

In December, the Trump administration announced $12 billion in one-time bridge payments "to American farmers in response to temporary trade market disruptions and increased production costs." Kansas farmers are projected to receive the third-highest payments of any state at $888 million, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Levendofsky said it was his understanding that the aid would start going out the week of Feb. 23.

"I don't look at it as a bailout," Levendofsky said. "I think it is more to just quiet people down and get them to not talk about it as much.

"Plus, it's not bailing anybody out, frankly. It's only a Band-Aid on a bullet wound. It's not going to cover all of the losses that farmers have seen since this trade war began."

North Dakota State University previously estimated farm losses in 2025 could reach $44 billion. Levendofsky said it may be closer to $50 billion now.

"The package that they released doesn't come anywhere near that," Levendofsky said. "It's going to be a temporary relief.

"It is going to help some farmers pay some of the bills that they have on their inputs and maybe help to relieve some of their debt, but it isn't going to put enough money in their pockets to live on. It's not going to put enough money in their pockets to turn around and go out and buy the seed that they need for spring planting.

"So it truly is not going to cover the losses that they've had. But in a way, it's going to keep them quiet. "

Jason Alatidd is a Statehouse reporter for The Topeka Capital-Journal. He can be reached by email at jalatidd@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X @Jason_Alatidd.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Soybean exports plunge as farmers absorb tariff damage
A Claremorris councillor has called on Mayo County Council to continue with the upgrade of the N60 from Kiltimagh junction to Mount St Michael Secondary School in the town, to include lighting, cycle lane, upgrade of footpaths, narrowing of road carriageway and pedestrian crossings.

In a notice of motion at the recent meeting of Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District, Cllr Richard Finn said 2m has already been spent and this extension will complete the loop around the town.

In a written reply, Acting Head of Roads Conrad Harley stated: This was an original Active Travel scheme and is still listed as 'N60 Claremoris Cycle scheme', but it has yet to progress.

"The next step in this scheme is the appointment of consultants to commence the design process. There is already two further Active Travel/Safe Routes to School schemes due to progress in Claremorris, one increasing the footpaths on either side of St Colman's College and a second scheme at the national school on Killcolman Road. Both are due to progress in 2026.
Since the awkward amalgamation of Galway and Clonfert dioceses in February 2022, a different strategy has been adopted by the Catholic Church - a merging rather than an amalgamation. The policy has progressed, albeit at caterpillar-pace - Achonry and Elphin, Killala and Tuam and soon Ossory and Ferns - with an ecclesiastical version of the sword of Damocles hanging sometimes alarmingly over a number of dioceses and their present occupants. While priests worry about having to add another parish or two or more to their ever-increasing responsibilities, for bishops adding another diocese (and soon possibly another) seems a fate beyond reason.

Nonetheless clerical rumours abound with the southern dioceses of Cork, Kerry, Cloyne, Cashel and Waterford already mentioned in dispatches and northern dioceses  Raphoe, Derry, Down & Connor and Raphoe  in the mix as well, but claiming (as northern Catholics usually do) special exemptions. With a working target of 200,000 Catholics as an ideal size for a diocese, the calculators are out in the Nunciature on the Navan Road and in the appropriate Vatican dicastery in Rome.

Its an unenviable task as the idiosyncratic diocesan boundaries drawn over 900 years ago make little sense now and are (I suspect) impervious to sensible merging as the spectre of synodality hangs accusingly on any process that fails to meet the new spirit level of satisfactory consultation.

A question that no one wants to answer is: when will the merging be completed? As with almost every Vatican policy, this carries an It depends warning which, effectively, means that specific timelines are never agreed so it could go on almost forever.

Indications so far, for example in Killala, are that, even with significantly less consultation than that envisaged along the future synodal pathway, how long a merging takes is equivalent to the proverbial piece of string. (Like WB Yeats sacrifice, too long a merging can make a stone of the heart.) Indeed it doesnt seem inconceivable that, as statistics go, at least half of the priests of Ireland will have gone to God before this particular file is closed.

Almost two years ago, Archbishop Francis Duffy of Tuam, after a brisk unsynodal consultation, was appointed Apostolic Administrator of Killala and plans were set in train for the next stage of the process of the Killala-Tuam merger - his installation as bishop of Killala.

A further stage will be the legal dissolution of the diocesan entities previously known as Killala and Tuam and their replacement with a completely new legal entity comprising one diocese, as yet unnamed. It seems that the installation stage will take place within the next few months but there is no specific timescale agreed on the completion of the final stage - part of the necessary delivery of which will involve the legal transfer of all properties of the former dioceses into the new diocese. (Yes, I know, shades of the new Childrens Hospital timescale. Or Dev promising to drain the Shannon.) Meanwhile, Killala diocese is preparing for the future with two important projects, the purpose of which is to hold, in the words of Archbishop Duffy, the past in precious memory and to honour the legacy of those who have walked this path before us.

The first project is a diocesan publication, appropriately entitled, For the Record, Killala Diocese, 1111 a.d. to 2026 a.d., which will trace nine centuries of history and tradition, mark the installation of Archbishop Duffy as bishop of Killala and anticipate the impending merger with Tuam.

In 260 A4-size pages, For the Record will include a chronology and a summary history of Killala Diocese, a foreword by Archbishop Francis Duffy, lists of Killala bishops, priests, religious brothers and sisters as well as an index of Killala diocesan history sources and recent church refurbishments. In full colour, For the Record will be available in all the parishes of Killala diocese at least a month in advance of the installation of Archbishop Duffy, and will be a limited edition.

The second project  becoming a synodal church  is already in hand. It involves a root and branch reform. Please indulge me if I explain! The Church of the past, as we know, was dominated and controlled by clerics. The image that model of church represented was a pyramid: the pope was on the top tier; bishops were on the second; priests were on the third; and lay Catholics were at the base of the pyramid. Authority moved from the top to the bottom of the pyramid.

At the Second Vatican Council (1962-65), the greatest teaching authority in the Church  the pope and the bishops of the world gathered in a General Council  decided to introduce a completely different model of Church  a very different way of being church.

Its based not, as heretofore, on a tiered authority from the top down but a church where clergy and laity together exercise co-responsibility for the Church. The Church as modelled by the teachings of Vatican Two is a church in which the clergy and the laity together listen to each other, together discuss with each other, together discern what God wants and together decide what to do. The new focus is on walking together and working together and sharing co-responsibility for the Church.

Pope Francis championed this new way of running the Church, what is called a synodal way. In simple terms, a synodal church comprises people and priests working together.

After the Second Vatican Council there was significant push-back against this co-responsible way of running the Church but with the pontificates of Pope Francis and now Pope Leo the clear intention is to become a synodal Church.

Flipping the pyramid - changing from a church dominated and controlled by clergy to a church where all the people (clergy and laity) work together - has already generated a mixed response.

Inevitably so, as the process of change is extensive and wide-ranging in its scope. It will take time as people, priests, bishops and cardinals agree to accept and implement a synodal way of being Church - at every level. And in the intervening period between a church of Then and a church of Now, tension is inevitable - especially while at the same time the merging of dioceses is continuing apace.

The more important project is synodality because while merging dioceses is important by way of tidying up outdated structures, synodality is about introducing wide-ranging, essential reforms for the future of the Catholic Church. It is essential that were clear that the second project is more important than the first.
An internal ICE memo claims facilities wont burden communities like Upper Bern and Tremont Townships, something local and state officials have raised concerns about.
"I have had students going, like, 'Yeah, if this was all sales, I would never have done this, because that's just not me,'" said Stephen Schiestel, director of the financial planning and wealth management minor and master's programs at Michigan State University.

For many students entering the field today, the "Wolf of Wall Street" archetype is not an inspiration  it's a deterrent.

Faculty say those efforts are already paying off. As the profession establishes clearer standards for what it means to be a financial advisor, the industry's rougher, sales-first image is starting to fade.

At the center of that effort is the CFP Board. Already a cornerstone of the profession with more than 100,000 certified financial planners, the organization is now shaping the next generation through more than 360 CFP Board-registered programs at colleges and universities nationwide. Since 2020, CFP Board-registered programs have grown 16% across certificate, undergraduate and graduate programs. "[The] CFP Board understands the importance of education in the advancement and growth of the financial planning profession," said Johel Brown-Grant, the board's director of education. "The goal of the partnership with academic programs is to expand opportunities for access to educational resources, support the efforts of academic institutions to prepare students for the CFP exam, strengthen the pipeline from the classroom to firms and promote research that will expand and grow the field."

Academic faculty are developing programs within their schools and building partnerships beyond them in an effort to formalize what has long been a patchwork of titles and certifications.

That era is beginning to fade. Today, a more structured, academic and "human-centric" generation is taking shape within the halls of universities and colleges across the United States. From undergraduate minors and certificate programs to pioneering doctoral research, financial planning education is reinforcing the industry's shift away from commission-driven models and building a framework for a more fiduciary-focused profession.

Few financial advisors today set out to work in wealth management. Many will say they simply "fell into" the industry, one that long operated as a Wild West of titles and credentials, blurring the line between fiduciary planners, commissioned stockbrokers and insurance salespeople.

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Schiestel, who joined MSU after more than 15 years as an advisor and portfolio manager, said that the university's programs have exploded from a handful of students to over 150 undergraduate and master's students in just a few years.

That shift in student motivation is a recurring theme across the country. Linda Lepe, program director of the financial planning major at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, said that the modern student is looking to make an impact rather than just make a paycheck.

"I went to college in the '80s, and it was more like, 'Greed is good. Get your skill set and get out [there],'" Lepe said. "I just think there's a little more awareness of impact with some of the younger people."

"And I think that's maybe one of the reasons why this profession, or at least our enrollment, has blossomed recently," she added. "This is a profession where you can make a good income, but then you can also help people."

READ MORE: Bill would shield restored Social Security benefits from tax

CFP Board curriculum shaping the next generation

While universities award the degrees and certificates, the CFP Board effectively shapes what students learn.

To become a board-registered program, a university must submit an application to the CFP Board, including " course and faculty details, principal knowledge topic coverage, course syllabi and selfevaluation ." The CFP Board has 70 knowledge topics in total, covering ethics, economic concepts and more.

Once registered, programs enter a three-year cycle, reporting enrollment and diversity data in the first two years before undergoing a full review in year three. Schools must also log every student who completes the coursework through the Board's education verification system, which determines eligibility to sit for the CFP exam. Most programs, with the exception of doctoral programs, also require a financial plan development capstone course.



The CFP Board periodically updates its knowledge topics based on practice analysis studies conducted every five years. Its 2021 review led to the addition of "psychology of financial planning" as a new core domain in 2022, prompting schools to update their curricula to match the revised standards.

Within that framework, academic faculty say they still maintain flexibility in course design.

"The CFP Board gives a lot of freedom about how you design [the program]," Schiestel said. "It's kind of like they lay the requirements out and then it's up to the programs to design how they want them to look."

Swarn Chatterjee, who oversees the University of Georgia's financial planning doctoral program, said the CFP Board has regularly consulted faculty nationwide, including during the development of its standards for behavioral finance knowledge.

"They reached out to faculty from around the country and said, 'We are incorporating this, but to build that body of knowledge, maybe we need a textbook that academic programs can follow.'" Chatterjee said. "So they reached out to a colleague at Kansas State  Sonya Lutter, and then Dave Yeske at Golden Gate University, and I, and we wrote that book. And so they've been good about collaborating with us."

With the CFP Board poised to conduct another practice analysis study in 2026, Brown-Grant said, "the input of financial planning educators will be vital to any decisions affecting the education requirement for the CFP certification."

READ MORE: What the SCOTUS Trump tariff decision means for portfolios

From spreadsheets to psychology

Like the broader industry, these programs are moving beyond fiscal optimization to focus more on the complexities of human behavior.

At the University of Kentucky, Director Will Gerken said many of the students enrolled in its certificate program are traditional finance majors looking to add a "human" layer to their technical skills.

"Students of this generation are more interested in work-life balance. They're more interested in careers that they perceive as helping people," Gerken said. "And I think financial planning has a lot of both aspects there."

It's a similar story at other programs across the country.

The undergraduate program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, which has amassed nearly 500 actively enrolled students, emphasizes a "human-centric approach" to financial planning, according to Program Director Linda Lepe.

"It's not just, 'Can you throw some numbers in a spreadsheet and do projections to see if they can retire?' It gets deeper  into the faultiness of the human brain.  Logic isn't always what people act upon," Lepe said. "And I think that attracts students."

Solving the succession crisis

For current firm owners, these programs represent a key solution to the industry's looming talent shortage. But for the faculty running them, bridging the gap between academia and industry can present challenges.

At the University of Kentucky, Gerken said the certificate program works closely with Fidelity, but building connections with smaller, local RIAs is more challenging.

"In Lexington, where UK is located, there are 120 RIAs," he said. "How do we get the students in front of these small RIAs?"

One approach the school has taken is what Gerken refers to as "micro internships." Instead of arranging season-long commitments, Gerken helps connect students with local firms where they can go and shadow an advisor for a day or a week to see what the "look and feel" of a small firm is like.

At Michigan State, Schiestel said he doubles as the de facto career services office for financial planning students. "The firms know to come to me because I have the students," he said.

For that pipeline to work, however, Schiestel said the effort needs to go both ways.

"I kind of steer from the standpoint that the profession is asking me  to provide the education to the young talent to find a gateway into the profession," he said. "Then I turn around and go, 'The industry better be here with jobs.' I make these pronouncements like, 'Guys, this is the greatest profession. You're helping people make life-changing decisions, and these people want you,' and then I'm like, 'Okay, they better come through now.'"

The Ph.D. factor

Perhaps the most significant sign of the profession's formalization is the growth of doctoral programs. At the University of Georgia, one of just a handful of schools offering a Ph.D. in financial planning, doctoral students are central to that push.

"We wanted trained experts who could train undergraduate students and other graduates to go out there and be ambassadors for the field," Chatterjee said. "And so with that in mind, we started the doctoral program with those three goals in mind  to be trained educators in the field, to lead the research in the area and to serve the community with their financial planning needs."

Most graduates go on to teach at other universities, but entering a profession still in its formative stages comes with unique hurdles. While many schools have established departments in finance, accounting or economics, financial planning departments are often new or exist only as programs. In preparation for that, UGA trains its doctoral students to not only teach but also to launch new programs, handle CFP Board registration and manage the practical aspects of running a department.

For Chatterjee, the goal is to move beyond the "organic growth" of the industry's past into a more formal system, similar in structure to the legal practice or accounting.

"It's a natural evolution that is happening," he said. "But I think there are more opportunities for graduates from the doctoral programs to shape that future for the industry, for the profession."

READ MORE: Nearly 3 in 4 advisors say their firms invest in career development

A developing profession

While the CFP Board and academic faculty help shape these programs, students themselves may also play a significant role in influencing the future of the industry.

Faculty across programs say that many students show greater interest in steady fee-based models than in the commission-heavy roles that defined much of the profession in past decades.

At UWM, Lepe said the RIA channel appeals to most students, though not universally.

"We have a lot of alums that have gone that route, and those alums help open doors for us," Lepe said. "But we do have students that go into the broker-dealer world, or go into a hybrid model, where they work for someone who can provide a fee side and then maybe the commission side."

Lepe suggested that such preferences among young talent have accelerated changes to the industry's once commission-heavy makeup.

"The broker-dealer world has become much more hybrid. It was starting that way in the '90s when I started in the industry, but now it's changed up quite a bit," she said. "So if I had to say what industry segment a lot of our students go toward, it's probably RIA, followed by those broker-dealers that have done a good job of pivoting away from the traditional broker-dealer model and providing more breadth of offerings."

Schiestel said MSU students share a similar preference, one based on the idea that they can make a good living while helping people as a financial advisor. And for all the talk of a talent shortage, Schiestel said that the growing number of students gravitating toward the profession because of that idea gives him hope.

"The profession is in great hands," Schiestel said. "We've got some rock stars coming down the pipe."
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Major food and beverage companies are lagging behind on efforts to prevent and address forced labor risks aggravated by climate change across their supply chains, according to a recent assessment backed by international nonprofit Business and Human Rights Centre.

Then benchmark evaluated 45 of the largest food and beverage companies across the globe and gave them an average score of just 15 out of 100 for efforts to prevent and address forced labor, a decline since the last assessment 3 years ago.

Nearly half of the companies scored below 10 out of 100, and only two  Australian supermarkets Coles and Woolworths  scored above 50. Unilever, Tesco and The Hershey Company trailed behind in rankings with scores in the 40s. All other companies assessed for the benchmark  including Smuckers, Mondelez International and Nestle  scored less than 40.

Dive Insight:

Nearly 1.3 billion people work in agrifood systems globally, and the food and beverage industry remains the largest worldwide, according to the United Nations. In 2024, the International Labour Organization calculated illicit global profits from forced labor of $236 billion, up $64 billion over a decade, with the worlds agricultural works generating about $5 billion.

The latest benchmark was published earlier this month by KnowTheChain, a project of the Business and Human Rights Centre which provides resources to help companies and investors identify and address forced labor risks within their global supply chains.

Coles, Hershey, Tesco, Unilever, Woolworths and Smuckers scored the highest on this years benchmark, similar to their rankings on the 2023 assessment. Seven companies, including Tesco, Smuckers, Nestle and Walmart, saw score drops of 10% or more since 2023. Supermarkets performed the best, with an average score of 24 out of 100, while packaged foods and meats performed the worst, with an average score of 12 out of 100.

Companies headquartered in jurisdictions with import bans and mandatory due diligence and disclosure requirements on forced labor scored higher than those that were not. The two Australian companies scored 56 on average, while Europe-based companies scored 19 on average and U.S. companies scored 15 on average. Meanwhile, companies based in Asia scored 7 on average, and companies in Latin America scored 4 on average.

Food and beverage companies scored the highest on the theme of Commitment and Governance, and 91% of companies said they have a supplier code of conduct prohibiting forced labor. However, only 40% of companies disclosed board oversight of forced labor policies, and they scored extremely poorly on the practices that matter most on the ground: companies scored an average of 3 out of 100 in responsible purchasing practices, 5 out of 100 in access to remediation, 6 out of 100 in freedom of association, and 7 out of 100 in monitoring conditions for supply chain workers. Just one-in-five companies disclosed engaging directly with rightsholders or their legitimate representatives in forced labor efforts. Additionally, only 7% of companies disclosed training in forced labor policies for lower-tier suppliers.
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Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE:FCX) has secured a long term extension of its Indonesian mining rights at the Grasberg copper and gold complex.

The new agreement includes increased community investment commitments in the surrounding region.

The deal also revises the mine's ownership structure and governance arrangements in coordination with the Indonesian government.

For investors watching NYSE:FCX, this agreement relates directly to the future of one of the companys key assets. The stock closed at $67.88, with returns of 11.1% over the past week, 30.7% year to date, and 87.2% over the past year. Returns over 3 and 5 years, at 72.7% and 106.7% respectively, highlight how the market has reflected the companys mining portfolio and country risk profile.

The Grasberg extension, together with higher community investment and an adjusted ownership structure, may influence how you think about the companys resource access, regulatory relationship, and project continuity in Indonesia. It also provides additional context if you are comparing NYSE:FCX with other large copper and gold producers that are more concentrated in different regions.

Stay updated on the most important news stories for Freeport-McMoRan by adding it to your watchlist or portfolio. Alternatively, explore our Community to discover new perspectives on Freeport-McMoRan.

NYSE:FCX Earnings & Revenue Growth as at Feb 2026

 Beyond the headline: 1 risk and 2 things going right for Freeport-McMoRan that every investor should see.

This Grasberg MOU is a core business-development event for Freeport-McMoRan because it speaks directly to long term access to one of its most important copper and gold districts. Extending operating rights on a life of resource basis, if the amended IUPK is granted, gives the company clearer visibility on future production from Indonesia while keeping it as a major shareholder in PT Freeport Indonesia through 2041 and beyond. In return, Freeport is accepting a gradual reduction in its ownership after 2041 and committing more capital to community projects, exploration and downstream processing. For you as an investor, that trade off is about exchanging some future equity in the asset for regulatory alignment, social licence and the ability to plan mine life and infrastructure with a longer time horizon. It also reinforces Indonesias push for domestic processing, which can affect where and how Freeport sells refined copper relative to peers such as Southern Copper, Rio Tinto and BHP.
Management is transitioning to a 'solutions-first' model, prioritizing SaaS adoption to create the workflow ownership necessary to drive organic transaction growth.

Performance in 2025 was characterized by 24% revenue growth, though solutions growth was softer than anticipated due to extended enterprise sales cycles and budget caution.

The company achieved its 24th consecutive quarter of record transactions, driven largely by increased utilization from existing carriers rather than just new logo acquisitions.

A leadership transition is underway to shift from a founder-led to a professional CEO-led organization, emphasizing operational discipline over early-stage experimentation.

Strategic focus is narrowing to high-return projects with clear product-market fit, specifically targeting the integration of air, ocean, and procurement into a single workflow.
Wits innovation moves from ideas to impact

A group of tech transfer officers from Africa visited Wits to learn more about how the Universty enables, manages and commercialises Intellectual Property.

Technology Transfer Officers (TTOs) play a critical role within universities by connecting research with external stakeholders and managing institutional innovations and Intellectual Property (IP). Wits University, as the top-ranked institution in the region for innovation performance, prides itself as a leader in this field.

A delegation of technology transfer officers from across Africa visited Wits on the 4th of February to learn about how the University enables, manages and commercialises its Intellectual Property. The event was facilitated by the Royal Academy of Engineering and the British High Commission to South Africa. They were hosted by a team from the Wits Innovation Centre (WIC), its Innovation Support team, the Research Office and Wits Commercial Enterprise.

Professor Brett Bowman, Senior Director for Research at Wits, noted that such engagements demonstrate the shared commitment of Wits and universities across the continent to strengthening innovation efforts that deliver realworld solutions. Technology transfer in this context is not simply about commercialisation in the narrow sense, but about building pathways from ideas to impact, he said.

Angus Baker, Principal Consultant for Commercialisation at the Royal Academy of Engineering, explains that this visit is part of the Academys larger programme to equip tech transfer professionals from around the Continent. As part of this, delegates have visited universities in the United Kingdom and across South Africa.

Wits seems to have a similar model as in the U.K., Baker says. Its impressive to see, and the team are doing very well, being ranked first for innovation performance. Its great to see that youve come a long way so quickly.

He highlights that the Wits Innovation Support team take steps towards sunsetting patents that aren't being taken up. This is something that universities don't necessarily think about, that patent costs quickly mount up, so this is a proactive approach, saving time and money."

For me, it's been mind-blowing, said Loice Alusala, the Science and Technology Network Officer at the British High Commission in Pretoria. It's been really nice to see how the process works at Wits with the structure of the different entities and how they intersect, and I think that's been very valuable for the team.

Andrew HopeJones, Chief Executive Officer of Wits Commercial Enterprise, highlighted the complex role technology transfer offices play in aligning diverse stakeholder interests. It's to look at the needs of industry, government, and funders to understand what they are trying to solve and to be a sort of matchmaker to find the experts within the university to provide solutions.

Hope-Jones explains that Wits supports this process from the beginning of an idea through to commercialisation and beyond, which includes facilitating the launch of successful spin-out companies.

Letlotlo Phohole, Director of the Wits Innovation Centre, explained that Wits takes a deliberately holistic approach to innovation. Innovation is often associated with only a few faculties, such as Engineering or Science, he said. At Wits, we wanted an approach that is broader and inclusive of the entire institution.

This approach is reflected in the Wits Strategic Plan for Innovation (20222026), which was developed through multidisciplinary engagement to establish a shared institutional vision and break down traditional silos. The Wits Innovation Pathway enables a connected innovation ecosystem that brings together multiple units, platforms, and incubators.



Another distinctive feature of Wits technology transfer approach is its Innovation Readiness Levels (IRLs). This framework assesses the readiness of innovations across five dimensions: technology, manufacturing and production, market readiness, investment readiness, and intellectual property.

Phohole explains that the IRLs allow for a shared understanding when it seems that academics and industry professionals are speaking different languages. We needed a structured way to gather metrics of readiness beyond publications and patents, he says. Tebogo Machethe, Head of Innovation Support at Wits, emphasised the importance of structured and intentional support for innovators across these dimensions.

In addition, the delegation undertook a site visit to the Wits Innovation Centres Innovation Systems Lab, led by Moses Mogotlane. During this visit, delegates were able to see, in practice, how early-stage ideas are translated into prototypes and products, using systems thinking and design thinking approaches to deliver valued, real-world solutions.



The delegation thereafter visited Professor Willie Cronje, a key figure in the development of PeCo Power, who emphasised that this success demonstrates the capability of African-developed solutions to compete on a global stage. PeCo Power aims to enable communities to bypass traditional infrastructure constraints, allowing access to safe, affordable, and reliable electricity. Dr Muhammed Aswat, Chief Technology Officer of the spin-out company, showcased the technical operations and manufacturing processes underpinning the technology.



The visit once again highlighted how Wits leverages its innovation ecosystem to prioritise effective technology transfer and intellectual property protection. We do not innovate for the sake of innovation alone, Phohole said. Our focus is not on collecting papers and patents, but on delivering real societal benefit. Impact is central to everything we do.
How much would you pay for peace of mind?

Thats the question many apparel brands are asking internally as geopolitical tension, trade disputes, pandemics and regional conflicts continuously chip away at their supply chains foundation.

More from Sourcing Journal

Many are considering friendshoring as a solution. While nearshoring primarily focuses on geographyreducing transit times, lowering transportation complexity, and placing production closer to the end marketfriendshoring is rooted in trust, alignment, and long-term resilience.

It is a strategic approach in which brands build supply chains within countries that share similar regulatory standards, values, and commitments to quality, compliance, sustainability, and ethical business practices. Rather than being driven by lower labor or production costs, friendshoring is designed to provide stability in an increasingly uncertain global environment.

Its about balance and diversification, said Sherin Hosni, Apparel Export Council of Egypt executive director.

Last week at Sourcing by Informa in Las Vegas, an expert panel explored how friendshoring can strengthen supply chain resilience and offered insights for brands looking to diversify their sourcing beyond their traditional manufacturing hubs.

Chris Walker, founder of Vietnam Factory Tours, compared friendshoring to not having all your eggs in one basket. Rather than concentrating production in a single country, brands are spreading their sourcing across multiple politically and economically aligned markets to reduce exposure to tariffs, trade disputes and other regulatory shifts.

He noted that interest in friendshoring accelerated during President Trumps first term, when escalating trade tensions prompted many companies to reassess their reliance on China. As brands worked to decentralize their sourcing footprint, Vietnam quickly emerged as one of the first alternative destinations, alongside countries such as Egypt and Madagascar.

Friendshoring requires brands to look beyond the borders of their typical sourcing map, and more importantly, learn about their infrastructure.

Adopting a friendshoring strategy requires decision-makers to take a disciplined, data-driven approachcarefully evaluating the advantages and trade-offs of each production country. Rather than reacting to short-term pressures, Pedro Macedo Leao, Portuguese Trade and Investment Agency director, trade and investment commissioner, said companies must conduct thorough research into factors such as political stability, regulatory alignment, infrastructure, labor capabilities, sustainability standards and long-term economic outlook.
By Andreas Rinke, Liz Lee and Colleen Howe

BEIJING, Feb 25 (Reuters) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for partnership and dialogue with China on a visit to Beijing aimed at resetting relations that have been clouded by a yawning trade deficit with the world's second-largest economy.

On his first visit to China as chancellor, Merz, who was accompanied by a large business delegation, told President Xi Jinping that he wanted to deepen what he called the "comprehensive strategic partnership" with China, Germany's largest trading partner last year.

Xi welcomed the comments from Merz, who faces a tough balancing act of redefining an economic relationship that has been increasingly unfavourable to Germany, but which remains central to its core industrial interests.

"The more turbulent and intertwined the world becomes, the more China and Germany need to strengthen strategic communication and enhance strategic mutual trust," he said.

The German chancellor's visit, following visits by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, came as European leaders have looked to shore up their relationships with China following the widening rift with the Trump administration in Washington.

It underlined the vital importance of China's huge consumer market and the technical sophistication of its all-conquering manufacturers for Germany's weakened economy, still emerging from two years of recession.

But it came against a background of gathering unease by German business, which has been increasingly concerned with "derisking" strategies aimed at reducing strategic dependence.

Merz, who is due to visit Washington next week, encouraged Chinese firms to step up investments in Germany but said both sides needed to remain clear-eyed.

"Today, we are closely connected. This opens up opportunities, but it also presents risks," he said. "We want to avoid these risks in the interests of both sides," he said, pointing to supply chain problems for German manufacturers laid bare last year when China tightened export controls on basic chips and vital rare earths.

The comments reflect longstanding German concerns about what Berlin sees as an undervalued yuan, market-distorting subsidies and overcapacity among Chinese exporters that have built massive trade surpluses with Europe's largest economy, amounting to 90 billion euros ($106 billion) last year.

Merz noted that the trade deficit had increased fourfold since 2020, and said this was largely due to overcapacity. "This dynamic is not healthy," he told reporters after the meetings.
The arrest of Peter Mandelson on suspicion of misconduct in public office in connection with the Epstein affair has left Keir Starmers Labour government reeling. It came just days after the detentionon the same groundsof Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew and brother of King Charles.

Mandelson, one of the principal architects of Tony Blairs right-wing New Labour project, was arrested by Metropolitan Police officers at his luxurious home in Londons Regents Park Monday afternoon. He was questioned for nine hours at a police station and then released on bail pending further investigation. The Met had already searched two properties associated with the former peer as part of its investigation.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer (right) walks with Peter Mandelson, UK Ambassador to the United States of America, at the British Embassy to the United States of America, February 26, 2025 [Photo by Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Street/OGL 3]

Mandelsons arrest comes on the eve of Thursdays Gorton and Denton by-election in Manchester; a seat Labour has held continuously since 1935 but is expected to lose amid a worsening cost-of living crisis to Reform UK or the Green Party. A loss is almost certain to prompt demands from Labour MPs and Starmers former backers in the right-wing media for him to stand down as a political liability. Having served less than two years of a scheduled five-year term, Starmer is the most unpopular prime minister of the modern era with his approval rating collapsed to a record -50 percent. Among those aged 18-24 only 13 percent have a favourable opinion of Starmer.

The arrest follows the release by the US Department of Justice (DoJ) of a further tranche of documents in January from the case of the child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. They revealed that Mandelsonthen business secretary in the government of Gordon Brownshared with Epstein information on a 500 billion Eurozone bailout package, a 20 billion UK government asset sale plan, and possible tax measures, including a levy on bankers bonuses. Further documents indicate financial transfers of tens of thousands of pounds from Epstein to Mandelson and to his partner.

According to a February 5 assessment by Politico, Mandelsons name appears in 6,000-odd Epstein files released by US authorities. This is based on the release of approximately 3.5 million pages so far by the US Department of Justice. Another 2.5 million Epstein file pages are still unreleased. With Mandelson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor already deeply implicated, there could yet be more damaging revelations involving others in ruling circlesincluding the Royal family and the Labour hierarchy.

Following the release of the January files, Mandelson resigned from the Labour Party and stood down from the House of Lords. Starmer appointed him as US ambassador in December 2024, fully aware of his intimate connections with Epstein. A previous batch of released documents forced the prime minister to sack Mandelson last September, less than a year after appointing him.

The government is desperately seeking to manage the fallout, working with the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) in Parliament to prevent the publication of whatever it can surrounding Mandelsons appointmentunder the guise of protecting national security.

However, hours after Mandelsons arrest, the government was forced to back an opposition Liberal Democrat motion demanding the release of all papers relating to the creation of the role of Special Representative for Trade and Investment and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsors appointment to that role. It also requests minutes of meetings and electronic communications regarding the due diligence and vetting. With reporting that Mandelsonin the early years of the Blair governmentpushed for Mountbatten-Windsors appointment as a trade envoy, the motion also demanded the publication of any correspondence from Mandelson relating to the appointment of the former prince in 2001.

The government said it would sanction the release of files on Mountbatten-Windsor, but Labour Trade Minister Chris Bryant told MPs that no files that could prejudice the ongoing police investigation into him will be considered for publication until it has concluded. No timescale was given for this.

According to the Financial Times, the first tranche of tens of thousands of UK documents relating to Mandelson and his appointment as US ambassador will be published in early March, with the government braced for major fallout.

What is contained in the Mountbatten-Windsor documents could well be even more politically explosive, given that the period covered is the last two-and-a-half decades. His appointment implicates the Blair and Brown administrations in elevating a senior royalnow under criminal investigationinto a role that facilitated direct engagement with the worlds corporate elites.

Mountbatten-Windsors tenure as trade envoy (2001-2011) spanned six years during the 19972007 Blair government and the entirety of the premiership of his successor as Labour prime minister, Gordon Brown (2007 to 2010). It was during 20092010 that Mandelson, as exposed in the Epstein files, allegedly transmitted to Epstein the confidential material, including Treasury-level sensitive information.

The files revealed that Epstein, as a representative of the billionaire oligarchy, did not back Brown after he took over from Blair in 2007 and wanted him replaced by someone on Labours openly Blairite wing. Mandelson and Epstein plotted such an outcome.

It is unknown to what extent Andrew Mountbatten-Windsors downfall will impact a Royal family facing a succession in the not-too-distant future. King Charles III is 78 and is battling cancer. He knew of his brothers activities and kept silent while his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, worked to protect him and then tried to shunt him into a comfortable retirement last year.

Prince Andrew, Duke of York, UK Special Representative for International Trade and Investment captured during the session "The Future of the Middle East" at the World Economic Forum on the Middle East 2008 held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. [Photo by World Economic Forum (www.weforum.org) / CC BY-SA 2.0

In an attempt to keep the situation from getting out of control, Parliament Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, a former Labour MP, introduced Tuesdays Liberal Democrat motion by warning MPs, Of course, any comments on the king or the heir apparent would not be in order.

The Times noted that Hoyle was recalling Erskine May, the manual of parliament first published in 1844, which states, Reflections must not be cast in debate upon the conduct of the sovereign, the heir to the throne, or other members of the royal family.

Mandelsons career epitomised the transformation of the Labour Party into a naked instrument of finance capital and architect of illegal wars of imperialist plunder, most infamously against Iraq in 2003. Having now resigned five times from various positions in his career, including being forced from office twice in the Blair years due to earlier scandals, he was welcomed back to the summit of political power by Starmer. Not only did Mandelson epitomise the New Labour agenda of serving every requirement of the banks and corporations, but his close relations with Epstein were seen at the time as an asset that would facilitate efforts to woo the Trump administration.

For the working class, the central issue is not holding Mandelson or Mountbatten-Windsor to account through parliamentary debates, humble addresses, or official inquiriesincluding the public inquiry into Mandelsons appointment as US ambassador advocated by Your Party leader Jeremy Corbyn.

The fundamental task is the building of a new, independent political party of the working class and making a decisive political break with the entire parliamentary set-up and all its rotten parties. It is the capitalist system they all defend that enabled the financial oligarchyand figures such as Mandelson and Mountbatten-Windsorto thrive.
Since early February, Greeces main private-sector trade union confederation, the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE), has stood at the centre of a multimillion-euro embezzlement scandal. The crisis resulted from a month-long investigation by the Authority for Combating Money Laundering from Criminal Activities (AKNEED).

At the centre of the investigation is GSEE president Yiannis Panagopoulos. The probe concerns government and European Union (EU) funding totalling 73 million, provided between 2020 and 2025 for professional education and training programmes. Of this amount, 2.1 million is currently under investigation.

Yannis Panagopoulos [Photo: GSEE]

At a February 12 press conference, Panagopoulos denied all charges and refused to step down. He declared his intention to seek re-election at GSEEs April conference. Although he remains head of PASKE, the trade union faction aligned with the social democratic PASOK, the party expelled him following the revelations.

Under scrutiny is Panagopoulos role in awarding contracts for educational programmes to six companies. Many appear to have been shell entities, with no significant business activity, infrastructure or staff capable of providing the services for which they were contracted.

The contracts were either directly assigned by Panagopoulos or awarded through sham tenders. Several were not even declared on the government transparency portal, Diavgeia.

Investigators identified at least 577,000 in dubious transactions linked to these companies. A further 1.5 million in cash withdrawals and unexplained bank transfers into personal accountsincluding Panagopouloswas also flagged.

On February 5, the head of AKNEED ordered the freezing of Panagopoulos bank accounts and those of six others. Four days later, a report was submitted to Greeces top financial prosecutor, Panagiotis Kapsimalis, who ordered an urgent preliminary investigation.

One of those whose accounts were frozen is journalist Giorgos Kakousis, who provided communication services to GSEE. Following the revelations, the state broadcaster ERTwhere Kakousis until recently presented a lunchtime current affairs programme and a radio showcancelled his contract.

The other individual publicly named is Cypriot businessman Andreas Georgiou, who supposedly provided digital and consulting services to GSEE. Speaking to To Vima (The Tribune), an AKNEED official stated, Georgiou was hired not for the [educational] programmes or other contracts, but to launder money. Georgious partner, former Consumer Ombudsman Anna Stratinaki, resigned following the revelations.

Investigations into Panagopoulos financial affairs began after an anonymous tip to AKNEED concerning his purchase of a 2,000-square-metre property for 140,000well below its assessed value of just under 210,000.

Around the same time, opponents of Panagopoulos within GSEE, publicised their own knowledge of irregularities. In September 2025, a video uploaded to YouTube by GSEEs former press secretary and long-time collaborator Dimitris Karageorgopoulos alluded to financial misconduct within the bureaucracy. He called on GSEE leaders to publish their financial records over the last 20 years, particularly during the period of capital controls and afterwards.

Karageorgopoulos reference to the last 20 years and the imposition of capital controls in 2015 by Syriza is revealing. Panagopoulos has led GSEE since 2006. His tenure spans the austerity packages imposed by successive governments across the political spectrumNew Democracy (ND), PASOK and Syrizaunder the dictates of the EU and International Monetary Fund following the 2008 financial crisis.

During this period, GSEE and its public-sector counterpart ADEDY called numerous toothless 24-hour general strikes. Their function was to allow workers to vent anger while austerity measures were pushed through unopposed.

GSEE offices in Athens [Photo: GSEE]

The ruling New Democracys trade union faction, DAKE, now presents itself as an untainted section of the bureaucracy. In a recent statement, it claimed thatunlike the governmentit did not maintain excellent and permanent good relations with Panagopoulos. DAKE asserted that it had informed others of abuses within GSEE and its Labour Institute and had attempted to change the situation through institutional means.

In other words, DAKEs leadership was aware of the irregularities but did not alert the rank-and-file. Instead, it sought to exploit the situation for factional purposes.

GSEEs general secretary, Nikos Fotopouloshead of the Syriza-aligned EMEIS/ARKI faction and responsible for the day-to-day running of the bureaucracyhas also attempted to distance himself from the scandal. Aware that he leads an already discredited organisation, Fotopoulos urged workers not to condemn the entire apparatus, stating that its not the trade unions that are at fault but the trade unionists who dont honour their title.

The Stalinist Communist Party of Greeces (KKE) trade union faction, PAME, has sought to advertise its supposed spotless credentials. On a February 10 morning news programme, Markos Bekrisa PAME bureaucrat and member of GSEEs governing councilstated that in 2019 PAME refused to sign off on GSEEs Audit Committee report because it discovered that there were amounts and expenses that had been processed without the corresponding authorisations.

But PAME did not attempt to expose its discovered irregularities, nor did it withdraw from the GSEE leadership.

The unity of the bureaucracy was made explicit by ND Labour Minister Niki Kerameus in a February 10 interview with Mega Channel. Responding to claims that Panagopoulos was overly close to the government, she declared: The GSEE has a governing council. All factions are represented thereall of them. Those aligned with New Democracy, PASOK, SYRIZA, the Left. Do you know how all these factions voted? All of them voted yes. All of them. The GSEEs decision to sign the National Social Agreement was unanimous.

The agreement, signed in November under the banner of restoring collective bargaining, formalises the low wages and harsh conditions imposed through years of brutal austerity. On top of this, a new labour law that came into force this year permits working days of up to 13 hours.

The deadly consequences of this regime were underscored at the start of February when five female workers were killed in an explosion at the Violanta biscuit factory in Trikala, following years of safety violations.

The immediate beneficiary of the embezzlement scandal has been PAME, which emerged as the largest faction in this months elections at the Athens Labour Centre (EKA). With nearly 300,000 members, EKA is GSEEs largest regional branch and a key indicator of the balance of forces within the confederation.

PAME received 34 percent of delegate votes, securing 11 seats on EKAs executive committee. It also won the largest number of delegates heading to the upcoming GSEE conference. Second were delegates from the Enotiko slate of PASKE bureaucrats who have broken with Panagopoulos, while the official PASKE slate secured only five delegates.

Commenting on the results, the satirical weekly To Pontiki predicted an end of an era in the Confederation, claiming that the trade union movement is entering a new uncharted era. It added that the decline of the factions associated with the austerity period and the emergence of new formations such as Enotiko create the conditions for a GSEE that may be compelled to return to the streets.

Workers in Greece should be warned that a GSEE under PAMEs leadership would be no less treacherous. PAME was the most vocal supporter of the repeated general strikes over the past decade and a half, including mobilising its substantial membership among important sections of the working class to participate. By posing as the militant wing of the bureaucracy, it has played a central role in keeping workers tied to the apparatus while concession after concession was negotiated and imposed by the entire union bureaucracy.

Ultimately the corruption within the GSEE is an expression of a wider objective process that goes beyond the avarice of this or that bureaucrat. As the process of globalisation over the past four decades has rendered the historic role of nationally-rooted trade unions across the world obsolete, the bureaucracy have increasingly integrated the trade union apparatus within the structures of corporate managementprotecting its own material interests and wealth and becoming ever more detached from rank-and-file members. Whereas in the past they were able to gain limited concessions for their members, now they collaborate with management to reverse them in a race to the bottom for wages and working conditions.

To take forward the fight against this assault on living standards, Greek workers must turn to building their own rank-and-file committees in every workplace, independent of the trade union bureaucracy and in alliance with their class brothers and sisters internationally. The International Committee of the Fourth International launched the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) in 2021 to enable workers to coordinate their struggles in different factories, industries and countries in opposition to the ruling class and the corporatist unions.
Multimillion-dollar military contracts have been awarded to Australian universities in 2025 and early 2026, taking the total to more than $200 million since late 2024. This underscores the further integration of higher education into the military-intelligence apparatus, above all US led preparations for war against China.

These announcements include an Australian Defence Departments Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) $70 million Emerging and Disruptive Technologies tranche in November 2024, a $135 million Defence Trailblazer R&D round in April 2025, and ASCAs $40 million Decision Advantage contracts in January 2026, totalling $245 million.

In the most recent contract round, ASCA last month unveiled $40 million for 14 decision advantage artificial intelligence and data projects, geared to providing the Australian Defence Force with an asymmetric advantage on the battlefield.

Lot Fourteen, on the University of Adelaide campus, is home to defence organisations that play a key role in civilian and defence space technology projects.

Recipients include the Australian National University, the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Curtin, Macquarie and Western Sydney universities, the University of Queensland and the University of Technology Sydney. Each received grants in the order of $1 million to $3 million.

In April 2025, the Albanese Labor governments Defence Trailblazer program announced 35 projects with 26 military contractors totalling $135 million to fast track research into deployable technologies across quantum, hypersonics, cyber, autonomous systems and space. The contractors included Lockheed Martin (US), Praetorian Aeronautics (Australia), Northrop Grumman (US), QuantX Labs (Australia) and CAE (Canada).

These contracts feed directly into the next phase of the AUKUS military pact between the US, UK and Australia, targeting China.

AUKUSs first phasePillar Iwas initiated in 2022 by the Albanese government. It committed Australia to acquiring nuclear powered attack submarinesUS Virginia-class boats in the 2030s followed by British designed SSN AUKUS vesselsat an estimated cost of up to $368 billion over three decades. That was tied to a permanent rotation of US and UK nuclear submarines on Australias west coast and full integration of the Australian navy into US war fighting plans.

Pillar II of AUKUS is a high technology spearhead: eight areas covering advanced cyber, AI and autonomy, quantum, undersea systems, hypersonics, electronic warfare, innovation ecosystems and information sharing. This is designed to weld together allied military research and development (R&D) systems, including universities.

The Australian Defence Magazine (ADM) hosted a one-day AUKUS Pillar II Summit on February 18 in the national capital Canberra. The event underlined how the ruling class intends to use the universities to deliver this agenda. Co-located with the 23rd ADM Congress, a defence financing forum, it brought together senior military officers, ministers, weapons executives and university managers to map a nationwide approach to AUKUS R&D.

A dedicated panelfeaturing UNSW Defence Research Institute director Chris Mills and the Australian Capital Territory governments Defence and Advance Technology Industry Advocate Karen Schillingcalled for intensified coordination between universities, defence and industry through regional innovation hubs aligned with Pillar II.

The Labor governments Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy used the ADM Congress to launch a new Advanced Capabilities Investment Fund (ACIF). The government is seeking private capital partners to manage a pool potentially worth $1 billion, seeded by up to $500 million in public funds, to back firms developing the advanced capabilities and exports of tomorrow such as cyber, artificial intelligence and autonomy, electronic warfare, quantum technologies, and undersea warfare.

Conroy boasted: This fund demonstrates that the Albanese government is prepared to think outside the square. The aim is to hardwire finance, industry and university laboratories into the development of a war economy.

Government funded think tanks such as the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) welcomed the proposal. ASPI insisted it be tightly anchored to Pillar II priorities to bridge venture capital and mission demand.

Conroy trumpeted autonomous weapons systems now entering productionthe Ghost Shark underwater drone and Ghost Bat collaborative combat aircraft. These are precisely the categories of systems being fed by ASCA, Trailblazer and AUKUS Pillar II university research contracts.

The same week, on February 15, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese travelled to Adelaide to unveil a $30 billion Nuclear Powered Submarine Construction Yard at Osborne, beginning with a $3.9 billion down payment by the federal government. Spread over 75 hectares, the facility will include vast fabrication and assembly halls and a $500 million Skills and Training Academy.

South Australiaalready home to the Adelaide-UNSW Defence Trailblazer, a planned $60 million Defence Technologies Academy, and dedicated AUKUS linked degree programshas become a central focus of the drive to militarise universities and vocational training.

South Australian Labor Premier Peter Malinauskas hailed AUKUS as a watershed moment for the states economy. The new academy will funnel students from schools and universities into nuclear submarine production, locking educators and young people into AUKUS workforce needs for decades.

To head off concerns over this militarisation, Albanese claimed that at least 4,000 workers would be employed in building the yard and around 5,500 employed on submarine production at its peak. This is essentially tying employment to preparations for war.

On February 22, the British Astute-class nuclear powered attack submarine HMS Anson arrived at HMAS Stirling near Perth, Western Australia, for the first-ever maintenance period on a UK nuclear submarine in Australia.

Around 100 personnel from the Royal Navy, UK Submarine Delivery Agency, Royal Australian Navy, ASC and the US Navys Pearl Harbor shipyard are involved, building the skills, systems and supply chains required for routine maintenance of nuclear powered submarines ahead of a permanent Submarine Rotational ForceWest from 2027.

During the visit, the three AUKUS partners are conducting a combined Pillar I/Pillar II activity, testing the interoperability of the Australian developed Speartooth Large Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle with HMS Anson and trialling Pillar II anti-submarine-warfare AI algorithms on RAAF P 8A Poseidon aircraft. This means that university-linked AI research is being drawn directly into live war-fighting experiments in the Indian Ocean.

Think tanks are pressing for far greater university involvement.

On February 2, the United States Studies Centre (USSC) at the University of Sydney released a briefing paper complaining that the sectors contribution has so far been exceptionally modest. The paper calls for the revival of the AUSMURI (Australian Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative) scheme, channelling Pentagon funds into Australian labs and for an expanded Australian Defence Science and Universities Network, alongside streamlined security clearances for academics and systemic engagement by Defence to ready universities for AUKUS work.

Co-author of the USSC paper and senior defence strategist Professor Peter Dean declared: There is no way Australia can realise the AUKUS Pillar II advanced capabilities without significant uplift in R&D and a coordinated and concerted effort by government to make universities essential partners.

In 2023, the Albanese government allocated $128 million for 4,001 additional STEM places explicitly earmarked for AUKUS submarine construction and sustainment, while leaving in place the previous Liberal-National Coalition governments Job-ready Graduates program that sought to herd students into such programs by imposing far higher fees for humanities and social science courses.

University managements are fully on board with this push to transform campuses into war laboratories. The Group of Eight coalition of Australias elite research-intensive universities, for example, has pledged to turbocharge Pillar II through redesigned curricula and defence institutes.

This is line with the Labor governments Universities Accord, which demands the restructuring of universities to satisfy the employment and research demands of the corporate elite and preparations for war. It ties funding to universities signing mission-based compacts with Labors new Australian Tertiary Education Commission, above all to serve national priorities such as defence and critical minerals.

Australian universities have been increasingly drawn into the US military orbit since the early 2010s, with Pentagon funding for their research rising from $1.7 million in 2007 to $60 million annually by 2022.

Conroys ADM Congress speech made the broader trajectory explicit. He boasted that defence spending had increased by $70 billion over the decade, with record spending of $35.2 billion on acquisition and sustainment in the past financial year alone, and that direct employment in the defence sector had grown by 14.5 percent in Labors first two years.

AUKUS Pillar II is an acceleration of subordinating universities to Australian imperialist interests and which are linked to Washingtons drive to assert its global hegemony, primarily through the escalating drive to war with China. The university restructuring forms part of Australian capitalisms support for US-led operations worldwide, including the supply of components for F-35 warplanes deployed in Israels genocide in Gaza.

The turn to militarism is inseparable from a mounting assault on democratic rights, particularly on campuses.

Freedom of Information requests by former senator Rex Patrick have revealed the creation of a secretive Australian Federal Police unitAUKUS Commandtasked with protecting AUKUS facilities and managing public order around protests.

The Albanese government is also rolling out an antisemitism report card for universities that will be used to police and potentially cut funding to institutions that fail to clamp down hard enough on protests, especially against Israels US-backed genocide in Gaza.
Downey Kaiser healthcare workers picketing in the fourth week of the Kaiser strike in Los Angeles, California on Monday, February 16, 2026.

On Monday afternoon, the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals abruptly shut down the month-long strike by 31,000 healthcare workers at Kaiser Permanente in California and Hawaii. There was no semblance of democratic discussion, no new contract and not even a tentative agreement. The UNAC/UHCP bureaucracy simply cited unexplained significant movement at the bargaining table and ordered workers back to work.

Once again a critical struggle of the working class has been sold out by the trade union bureaucracy.

Kaiser nurses and other healthcare workers were fighting against stagnant wages, chronically understaffed facilities and staffing ratios too low to provide adequate patient care. Kaiser Permanente, though formally designated a non-profit, is a healthcare giant that epitomizes the private, profit-driven character of American medicine. The corporation reported $9.3 billion in net income, while CEO Greg Adams received $13 million in compensation. Kaiser has recently settled with the Department of Justice for $556 million for Medicare fraud.

Kaiser also maintains extensive investments in contractors that profit from ICE detention. It recently entered into an agreement with Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to train military doctors in preparation for mass-casualty scenarios in future wars.

The shutdown of the strike was a deliberate act of sabotage, not only against Kaiser healthcare workers but against the broader movement emerging in the country. The strike was shut down the same day that 500 Kaiser operating engineers were to have joined the strike.

UNAC/UHCP ended the strike right when it was on the verge of gaining over 100,000 reinforcements from workers across California. Sixty-five thousand teachers and classified staff in the Los Angeles Unified School District have authorized strikes in the face of sweeping budget cuts. Forty thousand graduate and academic workers in the University of California system, members of the United Auto Workers, have voted to strike. A unified movement would have laid the basis for a powerful strike wave across the West Coast, encouraging similar action throughout the country.

The bureaucracy could not allow this because it would threaten their financial and social interests. Other similar betrayals have taken place over the last several days. Over the weekend, union officials in New York City shut down the final holdouts of a six-week strike by nurses at NewYork-Presbyterian, where nurses rejected an earlier deal the union put to a vote in violation of its own bylaws.

In California, union officials ended a four-day strike by 6,000 San Francisco teachers earlier this month. The city, awash in cash from the artificial intelligence boom, is pleading poverty for public schools. Layoffs were announced almost immediately after the strike ended, with the district citing declining enrollment.

These betrayals have been accompanied by the open intervention of Democratic Party politicians. In San Francisco, multi-millionaire Mayor Daniel Lurie and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who amassed immense wealth during her decades in Washington, played central roles in brokering the teachers deal. In New York City, democratic socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Julie Su, former US labor secretary and now deputy mayor for economic justice, worked behind the scenes to work out a settlement, as police arrested protesting nurses.

Similar patterns are evident elsewhere. The United Steelworkers pushed through a sellout agreement covering 30,000 refinery workers, setting the stage for an isolated strike at BP Whiting in Indiana, where management is demanding deeper concessions. As with the previous contract reached at the start of the Ukraine war, this is a war contract. Its purpose is to keep fuel flowing as the US military wages war against Iran.

Union officials in Minneapolis and across the country have directly opposed strike action against ICE raids. Teachers unions have instructed members not to encourage or participate in student walkouts protesting deportations. The UAW warns that the right to strike is at risk under the Trump administration, yet has proposed no action to defend it.

This conduct flows from the fundamental social and economic interests of the bureaucracy, not merely from a conservative outlook. Over the past four decades, even as strike activity was driven to historic lows, spending on union officials expanded dramatically. US unions spend hundreds of millions of dollars, drawn from workers dues and invested in the stock market, on six-figure salaries, luxury travel and a host of other privileges.

Their hostility to the working class is bound up with entrenched anticommunism, nationalism and deep connections to corporate politicians. Historically, the Democratic Party has been their principal vehicle. Increasingly, however, sections of the bureaucracy have aligned themselves with Trump, drawn by their support for America First policies and economic nationalism.

At Kaiser, UNAC/UHCP participates in the Labor-Management Partnership, funded by management with millions of dollars annually. The partnership was explicitly established in 1997 to prevent strikes and foster a culture of collaboration, according to the agreements own language. During the recent strike, Kaiser implicitly threatened this framework in a lawsuit, effectively threatening the union bureaucrats with a cutoff of funding if they failed to end the strike.

A clear rule has emerged: the more powerful the objective position of workers and the more a broader movement begins to develop, the more openly the union bureaucracy intervenes to sabotage it. No amount of pressure can alter the social interests of this layer any more than pressure can induce corporate management to abandon the capitalist profit motive.

Workers therefore must organize themselves to confront and override this sabotage. The task is not the reform of the apparatus but its removal from control over the struggle and the restoration of power to the shop floor. This is a necessary step toward establishing the political independence and freedom of initiative of the working class, linking immediate contract struggles with the fight against fascism, war and social inequality.

The International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) calls on workers to form rank-and-file committees, connected across workplaces and industries, to discuss strategy and prepare collective action regardless of the permission of union officials. Such organizations must be completely independent of corporate politics, including the Democratic Party, whose leaders fear an independent movement of the working class more than they oppose Trump.

A network of rank-and-file committees is indispensable to the preparation of a general strike, which emerges as the logical and necessary outcome of the developing opposition.

The IWA-RFC fights to build new forms of struggle corresponding to the conditions of the class struggle in the twenty-first century. Workers who agree with this perspective and wish to take up this fight should make contact and begin the process of organizing rank-and-file committees today.
The United States has reached a catastrophic milestone in the resurgence of preventable infectious diseases, exposing the devastating consequences of a systemic assault on public health infrastructure. According to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the nation has already confirmed 982 measles cases in 2026, while CNNs measles tracker reports an even higher toll of 1,030 infections.

The US did not breach the 1,000-case threshold last year until May, putting the country on a rapid trajectory to greatly surpass 2025s three-decade high of 2,281 infections. This is not merely an epidemiological failure, but a historic regression in which a highly contagious virus, officially eliminated more than a quarter-century ago, is being allowed to rampage through the population.

A sign outside of Seminole Hospital District offering measles testing, Feb. 21, 2025, in Seminole, Texas. [AP Photo/Julio Cortez]

The measles outbreak comes under conditions of deepening dysfunction in the federal public health system. The principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control, former Republican congressman and medical doctor Ralph Abraham, announced that he was stepping down to attend to unforeseen family obligations, effective immediately.

His departure follows that of Jim ONeill, the right-wing economist and protege of ultra-right billionaire Peter Thiel, who served as acting CDC director until he was removed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on February 14. ONeills appointment was only intended to be temporary, and he is now expected to be nominated to lead the National Science Foundation, another key scientific institution for which he is equally unqualified.

The CDC has all but been left rudderless in a storm of infectious disease and politics. This is not incompetence; the absence of leadership is not a failure of policy but the intended policy itselfto bury the CDC in the quagmire and make it impossible to fulfill its mission.

The agency is now helmed on an acting basis by NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya, a co-author of the notorious Great Barrington Declarationthe herd-immunity-through-mass-infection manifesto widely condemned by public health experts as a blueprint for mass deathwho has entirely failed to flag South Carolinas systematic underreporting or demand transparent hospitalization data, signaling a tacit federal endorsement of the states obfuscation.

The geography of this crisis highlights the social terrain where vaccine refusal has been deliberately cultivated. South Carolina has emerged as the undisputed epicenter, recording 973 cases in a massive outbreak centered in Spartanburg County. As the measles crisis explodes across the state, public health officials are engaged in dangerous obfuscation of the diseases true severity. South Carolina does not require its hospitals to report measles-related admissions to the state. Consequently, the state is reporting a staggeringly low hospitalization rate of just 2 percent, or a mere 20 admissions.

Infectious disease experts have condemned this figure as ludicrous and indicative of vast underreporting, noting that the CDC typically estimates a 20 percent hospitalization rate for the virus. By comparison, the recent outbreak in Texas saw a 13 percent hospitalization rate. As Dr. Paul Offit of Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia warned, the suppression of this critical data prevents the severity of the illness from being communicated, deliberately cultivating a false public impression that the highly contagious pathogen is mild and benign.

As ProPublica noted in their report, this statistical cover-up is driven by a profound and calculated indifference on the part of the South Carolina Department of Public Health, which has effectively abandoned its duty to protect the population.

South Carolina state epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell has openly admitted that the agency is not getting an accurate picture at all of how the virus is ravaging the community, yet she simultaneously declared that the state has not even considered adding measles hospitalizations to its mandatory reporting list. This bureaucratic negligence is compounded by intense political pressure from right-wing state legislators and corporate health systems that are collectively pandering to a vocal, vaccine-resistant minority. Doctors treating patients on the front lines are left entirely in the dark, forced to rely on Facebook posts and local rumors to learn about severe local complications like pneumonia, dehydration or life-threatening encephalitis.

Bar graph (left) shows measles cases in South Carolina by week; map (right) shows geographic location by county.

This complete lack of federal oversight aligns seamlessly with the broader Trump-Kennedy administration agenda of normalizing mass infection and downplaying the deadly realities of vaccine-preventable diseases. By allowing states like South Carolina to hide the true extent of this outbreak, the CDC further erodes whatever fragile public trust remains in its authority, proving once again that the health and safety of the population have been entirely subordinated to anti-science political expediency and vaccine disinformationand the results are now manifesting in communities across the country.

The explosive spread of measles is the direct and predictable outcome of plummeting childhood immunization rates. National kindergarten coverage for the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine has deteriorated to 92.5 percent, falling dangerously below the 95 percent threshold required to maintain herd immunity and prevent community transmission. Simultaneously, the share of kindergarteners claiming non-medical exemptions from required vaccines has surged to a record 3.6 percent. The virus flourishes under conditions of widening vulnerability. Fully 94 percent of measles patients in 2026 have been unvaccinated or have an unknown vaccine status.

More precisely, and according to the recently published Nature Health measles study by Zhou et al., mapping county-level MMR vaccine uptake reveals significant spatial clustering of low coverage among children under five, heavily concentrated in the South and Southwest. The model correctly flagged the dangerous immunity gaps in West Texas and southern New Mexico that fueled a 2025 outbreak of more than 760 cases, spreading rapidly through communities largely abandoned by targeted public health outreach.

The most explosive consequence is currently unfolding in South Carolinas Upstate region, where years of expanding non-medical exemptions have accumulated a massive pool of susceptible youth, igniting the largest single US measles outbreak in a generation. A parallel crisis is raging along the Arizona-Utah border, exploiting some of the lowest vaccination rates in the country. Florida, where state Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo has aggressively promoted anti-science health freedom rhetoric over community safety, has seen immunization compliance plummetsparking active clusters, including the outbreak at Ave Maria University in Collier County. These are not accidents of geography; they are the predictable result of a decade of engineered immunity erosion in predominantly poor or heavily religious working-class communities.

The explosion of these hotspots is not solely a product of localized vaccine refusal, but the direct consequence of a systematically gutted public health infrastructure. As highlighted in a review of the measles crisis published in Cureus in July 2025, states have actively dismantled their capacity to contain infectious diseases. In Texas, for instance, the contact tracing workforce was drastically reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, stripping the region of the basic epidemiological resources required to track and isolate highly contagious pathogens.

Deprived of the robust, community-level outreach programs that historically sustained high childhood immunization rates, these abandoned working-class regions are left entirely defenseless. In view of this engineered combination of plummeting vaccine uptake and the deliberate destruction of disease containment networks, epidemiological models now warn that the United States stands on the precipice of disaster, with measles projected to become a fully endemic disease once again if these catastrophic trends are not immediately reversed.

Maps show (top) measles risk by county; and (bottom) vaccine uptake by county.

The current public health crisis represents a tragic and deliberate reversal of one of the greatest scientific and social achievements of the 20th century. The combination of decades of sustained public health initiatives, comprehensive school immunization laws, and the removal of financial barriers through the Vaccines for Children program culminated in the historic elimination of endemic measles in the United States in 2000. These advances were not merely medical breakthroughs; they were monumental social gains won through collective effort, demonstrating that human progress and science could conquer ancient, deadly scourges.

Today, these hard-fought protections are being systematically dismantled by a ruling class and a social order in advanced decay. Having normalized mass death and debilitation during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to protect corporate profits, the political establishment now treats disease prevention as an unacceptable impediment to profit-making.

The resurgence of measles is the direct consequence of a coordinated anti-science agenda spearheaded by the Trump-Kennedy administration, which has purged scientific expertise from the CDC, gutted the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, and elevated right-wing ideology over population health. US public health officials now callously dismiss the impending loss of the nations measles elimination status. This signifies that these agencies no longer function to protect life and well-being; instead, they do precisely the opposite.

More importantly, the return of preventable plagues like measles confirms that the defense of public health is no longer merely a medical issue, but a fundamental class political question. The deliberate erosion of scientific authority and the gutting of epidemiological infrastructure constitute a direct assault on the working class, which relies on these social protections for survival. Securing a future free from the threat of infectious disease requires rejecting the capitalist subordination of human life to private profit. It demands the independent political mobilization of the working class, armed with a scientific program, to rebuild society and its public health institutions based on collective human need.
Communist Party Marxist-Kenya (CPM-K) Secretary General Booker Ngesa Omole in prison [Photo: CPM Marxist (Facebook)]

The Central Committee of the Communist Party Marxist-Kenya (CPM-K) has reported that its secretary general, Booker Ngesa Omole, was violently abducted on Monday in Isiolo town by the Kenya Police Service.

In a public statement February 24, the party wrote: This was not an arrest. This was not lawful detention. This was a kidnapping. Omole was beaten severely. Tortured. Brutalised to near death. His tooth was broken. His finger was cut with a pen knife. They state that after the assault he was dumped at Mlolongo Police Station, a facility associated with extrajudicial kidnappings and killings. His phone signal, they report, was traced there.

The party posted a photo of Omole in a Mlolongo Police Station cell February 25, explaining that he is being held unlawfully, and the police have refused all access to him. No lawyers. No comrades. No family.

The International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) denounces Omoles abduction and demands that the Kenyan regime release him immediately.

That Omole was singled out by the broad-based unity government of President William Rutouniting the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) founded by the late political fixer Raila Odingais clear from the repeated and escalating character of the attacks against him and other CPM-K members. A year ago, he was targeted for assassination as part of a broader campaign of intimidation and repression directed at the partys leadership.

The assassination attempt came days after the attempted abduction of CPM-K National Chairperson Mwaivu Kaluka in MombasaKenyas second-largest cityalong with two other party members, by plain-clothes police officers. While Kaluka was eventually released, the operation came just weeks after a crackdown on the CPM-K following its national congress in November. At that time, Kaluka and former National Chairperson Kinuthia Ndunguwho had been beaten repeatedly and arrested 10 timeswere detained at Central Police Station in Nairobi. No reason was given for their arrest.

The repression against the CPM-K is part of the escalating violence of the Ruto regime since he came to power in 2022. In 2023, Rutos first year in power, security forces killed at least 31 demonstrators. In June 2024, during the Gen Z protests against Rutos International Monetary Fund (IMF) Finance Bill that sought to impose savage tax hikes, police killed more than 60. In 2025, at least 50 were killed in protests and hundreds injured.

The abduction of Omole takes place amid an escalating campaign of repression against opposition figures in the run-up to next years elections. Weeks ago, police violently dispersed a rally in Kitengela organised by the former and expelled general secretary of ODM, Senator Edwin Sifuna, firing tear gas and live rounds at thousands of supporters. One of the victims, 28-year-old Vincent Ayomo, was shot in the eye as he crossed the road from work, and another 50 attendees were injured.

This deepening turn to repression unfolds against a backdrop of extreme social inequality and mounting economic hardship. Oxfam reports show that nearly half of Kenyas population lives in extreme poverty, surviving on meagre daily incomes, even as wealth accumulates at the very top. A minuscule layer of the super-rich has amassed obscene fortunes: the richest 125 individuals now control more wealth than 77 percent of the populationover 42 million people.

Meanwhile, average real wages have fallen by 11 percent since 2020, the cost of food has surged by 50 percent over the same period, and household expenses for transport and energy remain punishingly high. Public services are deteriorating under the impact of IMF-dictated austerity and debt servicing, exposing millions to collapsing health, education and social support systems.

The trade union bureaucracy is backing this assault on the working class and rural masses. Francis Atwoli, secretary-general of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU), recently declared that workers should support him [Ruto] and ignore the noise, hailing him as the only leader capable of transforming Kenya into a first-world industrialised economy. The only person who can take us to that level is none other than William Ruto, Atwoli insisted, presenting the regimes pro-capitalist agenda as the path to jobs and development.

Atwoli has openly backed Rutos violence on protesters after last years July 7, 2025 Saba Saba protest massacre, when security forces gunned down scores of protesters nationwide commemorating pro-democracy protests in the 1990s against the Western-backed Daniel Arap Moi regime. Speaking days after the bloodshed, Atwoli instructed young people to forget about demonstrations, remain home, silent, and promote peace, warning that protests were scaring investors away. He called on the government to take firm measures to curb the unrest.

By urging youth to stay off the streets while police deployed live ammunition, mass arrests and abductions, the trade union bureaucracy is providing political cover for state repression. It has made clear that it stands not with workers and youth facing austerity and bullets, but with the capitalist state and its demands for stability and investor confidence.

The attacks on the CPM-K, the abductions, arbitrary detentions and cross-border renditions to neighbouring Uganda under brutal dictator Yoweri Museveni, carried out by the Kenyan government, are political preparations for far broader assaults on the democratic rights of the population as a whole. What is being tested against one organisation today will be used tomorrow against striking workers, protesting youth and impoverished communities resisting austerity.

These events lay bare the grave dangers confronting the masses as social tensions intensify and the ruling elite closes ranks in defence of its wealth and power.

The turn to open repression in Kenya is being emboldened by the example set by would-be dictator Donald Trump in the United States. Thousands of armed ICE agents have been sent into major urban centres, while detention centres have been built across the country, with 66,000 people held in immigration custodythe highest level in US history. These crackdowns have left two American protesters killed.

In France, President Emmanuel Macron and the political establishment have exploited the death of fascist activist Quentin Deranquefollowing clashes around an event addressed by Rima Hassan of La France Insoumise (France Unbowed)to whip up a reactionary campaign against the left. Backed by the neo-fascist National Rally (RN) and the Socialist Party, a broad political front is seeking to criminalise opposition and prepare the ground for an authoritarian shift in advance of next years presidential elections. As with Charlie Kirk in the US, the death of a fascist is being weaponised to strengthen the repressive powers of the state and legitimise far-right forces.

In South Africa, the African National Congress (ANC) government is deploying the army into townships under the pretext of restoring order. It follows the mass killings of protesters in Tanzania in the aftermath of last years elections, where thousands were reported killed or disappeared amid a brutal post-election crackdown, and the ongoing suppression of opposition forces in Uganda under President Yoweri Museveni.

These developments are expressions of a global crisis of capitalism. From Washington to Paris, Pretoria to Nairobi, ruling elites confront deepening inequality, mass anger and political instability. Their common response is to fortify the police-state apparatus, promote far-right forces and normalise violence against social opposition.

Workers and youth must draw the necessary conclusions. The defence of democratic rights cannot be entrusted to the courts, the opposition factions of the bourgeoisie, or the trade union bureaucracy. Mass meetings, demonstrations and workplaces must establish their own defence committees to protect protesters from police violence and state-sanctioned gangs. Those targeted for repression must not be left isolated but defended collectively.

Above all, the working class must build its own independent political movement, rooted in factories, neighbourhoods and schools, and guided by an international socialist perspective. This means breaking from all parties and trade union apparatuses tied to the capitalist ruling class and uniting with workers across Africa and internationally in the struggle against imperialist domination, austerity and state repression. Only through the conscious mobilisation of the working class for socialist transformation can democratic rights be secured and defended.

The ICFI has well-documented and irreconcilable political differences with the CPM-K, which have been clearly presented in the World Socialist Web Site. But it unequivocally opposes this brutal attack on the organizations general secretary, demands Omoles immediate release, and calls for an end to all state threats and repressive acts against the CPM-K.
A surprise pregnancy has forced a 24-year-old college student in Oregon to confront adulthood faster than he expected.

With two years left on his business administration degree and almost no cash outside a tuition fund set aside for school, Thomas told "The Ramsey Show," he and his girlfriend are trying to steady themselves after learning she is five weeks pregnant.

To be honest, were both rather scared, Thomas said, confirming to hosts Jade Warshaw and George Kamel, he is the child's father. The news forced him to weigh school, work and whether to relocate as they prepare for a child.

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A Future Accelerated

Thomas said he does not carry any debt and does not believe his 21-year-old girlfriend does either. She is not working or in school and is living with roommates while relying on government assistance.

He said he had already been thinking about marrying her before they found out she was pregnant. The difference now is timing. With the baby due in a few months and three hours between them, they must decide where to live and who will move.

Well, thats scary, dude," Kamel said. "You have a right to be rightfully spooked by all this.

Warshaw encouraged them to focus first on practical steps, starting with making a plan to live in the same place and confirming what insurance coverage is in place before making any decisions about marriage.

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Pressing Pause On School

Thomas said he has never worked full-time, choosing to focus on school. He chose business administration for its flexibility, though he remains unsure about a specific career path. He has considered architecture and psychology but said family members discouraged those options.

Well, heres the truth," Kamel said. "You might need to put a pause on education and just get to work doing anything.

He added that immediate income may matter more than finishing the degree right now as the couple prepares for a child.

Youve got a nine-month runway here, Kamel said.

A Tuition Fund, Not A Safety Net

Thomas said a college fund set up by his family is in his name and holds between $50,000 and $90,000. However, he said he has little accessible cash beyond that account.
Protesters in Romulus, Michigan on February 23, 2026

Hundreds of workers, students and middle class residents in Detroits suburbs protested Monday evening against the Trump administrations plans to expand Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations across the metro area. The demonstrations in Romulus and Southfield are part of a growing wave of protests, student walkouts and public meetings erupting nationwide following the violent immigration raids and killings carried out by federal agents in Minneapolis last month.

In Romulus, an estimated 700 to 800 people gathered outside City Hall to oppose plans by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to convert a quarter-million square foot warehouse into a 500-bed ICE detention center. The proposed facility is located near the Detroit Metropolitan Airport, a placement widely understood to facilitate rapid and secretive deportation flights. If completed, the Romulus center would be one of 23 new mega-warehouse detention centers DHS plans to open across the country as part of a massive expansion of federal immigration enforcement infrastructure.

At the same time, 200 to 300 people packed a Southfield City Council meeting to protest the leasing of office space to ICE agents at the One Town Square building. City officials acknowledged last week that the U.S. General Services Administration had secured the space, claiming it would be used only to support ICE administrative and legal services. Few in attendance found this reassurance credible.

Protesters in Romulus, Michigan on February 23, 2026

Protesters at both locations carried signs denouncing ICE concentration camps, fascism and Nazism, and defending the rights of immigrant workers and youth. Many attempted to enter city council chambers en masse, but Democratic Party officials relied on local police to limit access. In Romulus, chants of let us in echoed outside the meeting as officers blocked entry.

Students played a prominent role in the demonstrations. A student from the Caesar Chavez Academy in Detroit explained why young people had walked out of school.

Basically, our whole school walked out because were trying to make a change. Everything that ICE is doing is not right. People are here to live their life in a good way. Everyones seeing what the cartel is doing in Mexico, and they wonder why people are trying to leave for a safe space.

Referring to widely circulated social media videos of the Quakertown, Pennsylvania police chief placing a young girl protesting ICE in a chokehold, she said, Thats not right. The students were speaking for people who cant speak for themselves.

Her mother, standing beside her, defended the walkout. Theyre exercising their First Amendment freedom of speech, and theyre using their voice and walking out of school for a reason. When my daughter did it, I was proud of her.

Allison Bader, speaking on behalf of an immigrant rights organization, stressed the urgency of sustained public action. Its exceptionally important to be in the streets as much as humanly possible to put pressure onto the Trump administration. We have families being absolutely torn apart, children held in concentration camps. My organization has been into the Baldwin camp seven times alone, helping people, she said, referring to the privately run North Lake ICE detention center in Baldwin, Michigan, which she called the second largest concentration camp in the United States right now.

Bader warned that locating the Romulus center near the airport would make it convenient to disappear human beings and continuing all the horrible stuff we know is true.  This is no longer a Trump thing, and its not just a Democrat or Republican. This is a human rights problem, and we have to stand up for each other.

Pointing to the immense wealth concentrated in the hands of corporate elites, she added, The billionaires have to go. They need to be taxed at an insane amount because nobody needs a billion dollars. They buy off both sides (Democrats and Republicans). Thats why they dont want the Epstein files to be released because the entire system will collapse because its all of them.

The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) intervened in both demonstrations and city council meetings to argue that the defense of immigrant workers requires the independent mobilization of the working class. SEP member Jerry White, who recently returned from Minneapolis, addressed protesters in Romulus about the lessons of the mass movement that erupted there.

He pointed to the January 23 march of more than 50,000 people in Minneapolis, held despite sub-zero temperatures, as a powerful expression of popular opposition. However, he warned that the following day the Trump administration responded with the cold-blooded murder of ICU nurse Alex Pretti. What unfolded in Minneapolis over the last month, he said, was only a dry run for repression, the deportation of children and the murder of anti-ICE protesters in Michigan and other states.

White emphasized that while chants against ICE expressed genuine anger, they were not sufficient to halt the repression. We have to mobilize the working classthe autoworkers, the Amazon workers, the truck drivers, the airline workersin the preparation of a general strike to demand the abolition of ICE, the ending of the witch-hunting of immigrants and the holding responsible those who violate constitutional rights from the local police to the Trump administration.

He issued two warnings: first, about the role of the trade union bureaucracy, which had blocked workers in Minneapolis from striking in solidarity with protesters; and second, about the Democratic Party. In Minnesota, Democratic Governor Tim Walz had reached an agreement with the Trump administration to deploy state troopers and Minneapolis police to arrest anti-ICE protesters and hand detained immigrants over to federal agents. This arrangement, White explained, allowed Trump to withdraw some federal agents from Minneapolis and redeploy them to other states, including Michigan.

A new stage of resistance was required, he said, involving the formation of rank-and-file committees in every factory, workplace, school and neighborhood to organize opposition independently of both corporate-controlled parties.

Several Democratic politicians appeared at the Romulus protest, including Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist and state legislators Darrin Camilleri and Dylan Wegela. They presented themselves as opponents of Trump while encouraging attendees to channel their anger into the upcoming mid-term elections.

The Romulus City Council adopted a nonbinding resolution declaring its opposition to the detention center, primarily citing concerns about local resources, potential strain on the police department, and the possibility that the facility would depress property values and deter business investment. One council member suggested ICE should instead utilize one of Michigans empty prisons. Another commented on the increased cost of policing mass demonstrations.

During public comment, one speaker noted that Romulus High School students had walked out the day after news of the detention center became public and criticized Democratic Mayor Robert McCraight for initially dismissing reports as unsubstantiated. Another worker asked bluntly, When did America become Nazi Germany where you have to show your papers?

At the Southfield City Council meeting, hundreds of residents packed the chamber. The council unanimously approved a carefully worded resolution affirming local control, community safety and the protection of civil rights, while pointedly declaring that the city cannot ignore federal law.

One of the first to speak from the floor was 15-year Charles ONeal. Im here because too many of you people wont speak up for yourselves, the teenager began, denouncing, ICE moving into Southfield, an election denier counting your ballots, and warning that the 2026 elections are being taken from us.

The teenager directed his comments to City Clerk Gabi Grossbard, an ultra-right Republican who peddled Trumps lie that the 2020 elections were stolen and sought to invalidate the votes of more than 1 million Michiganders. Grossbard also backed, and may have directly participated in, the January 6 coup attempt in Washington D.C.

After the teenager called Grossbard out, Council President Charles Hicks, a Democrat, interrupted and reiterated rules banning personal or impertinent attacks. Grossbard then demanded police remove the teenager, and several officers escorted ONeal out amid shouts from the audience that Hes saying facts!

Speaker after speaker rejected the characterization of the ICE office as merely administrative. Many warned that once ICE establishes a foothold in a city, it rarely withdraws.

Nadav Pais-Greenapple, whose grandfather fled Nazi-occupied Netherlands, referenced relatives murdered in the Sobibor and Treblinka death camps. The rise of fascism in our country makes it abundantly clear that we learn as much from history as a rabbit learns from an experiment performed upon it, he said. ICE, our modern-day Gestapo, or slave-catchers, are not only here at our doorstep in Southfield but have been handed the keys to the house.

He added that the facility would be used by ICE and DHS to produce the legal justification for their attack on our community, serving as a base from which to track, monitor and surveil us and our neighbors. Fascism is not only ushered in by masked men with guns in the streets, he warned, it is supported by the actions of bureaucrats who sign papers, request warrants, and sign legal memoranda.

Another resident said that if ICE entrenched itself in Southfield, the city would begin to resemble a sundown town, recalling her grandparents experience in Jim Crow Alabama and the injunction to carry your ID every day. Others described carrying passports to work out of fear of racial profiling.

In comments to a WSWS reporter, Alexis linked the repression to the economic system itself. Its all just about money, so the working class has the upper hand. A general strike would hit where theyre going to understand, where the money is. Crystal, a Mexican American Southfield resident, stated plainly, What ICE is doing is illegal, and its fascist.

Speaking on behalf of the SEP, Phyllis Steele, a Detroit educator, pointed to the recent ICE kidnapping of 23-year-old Detroit resident Alcides Caceres, the seizure of two Amazon Flex drivers outside a warehouse in Hazel Park and an ICE operation outside of GMs Factory Zero in the Detroit enclave of Hamtramck. Nearly 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, she said, the convicted criminal in the White House, acting on behalf of a corporate oligarchy, asserts that his power is unlimited.

The Democrats issue statements and posture while they fund the same repressive agencies. If this is to be stopped, it will be stopped by the mobilization of the working class, Steele said, concluding that Autoworkers, logistics workers, educators, healthcare workers: You have the power to shut down this machinery of repression.
It is now clear that the Albanese Labor government, urged on by Australias political and media establishment as a whole, is doing everything it can to prevent the return home of Australian citizenswomen and childrenwho have been incarcerated in primitive concentration camps in Syria since 2019.

Al Roj internment camp in northeastern Syria [AP Photo/Baderkhan Ahmad]

This constitutes a historic assault on the core democratic right of citizenship, without which no other political or civil rights can effectively be exercisedincluding the rights to vote, reside, politically communicate, travel, work and access health, education and welfare services. It takes away the basic right to challenge government decisions, including arbitrary detention without trial.

To strip a person of Australian citizenship constitutes punishment tantamount to civil death, according to the High Court, Australias supreme court, which ruled in 2022 that citizenship cannot be revoked by ministerial decree.

The most immediate targets are 11 women and 23 childrenall Australian citizens with valid passportswho were prevented from returning to Australia last week because of alleged various links to killed or imprisoned Islamic State (ISIS) fighters.

The 11 families had left the Al Roj internment camp in northeastern Syria with plans to travel to Beirut and then Australia, only to be turned around 50 kilometres into their journey. Many of the children were born in detention and have known no other life, deprived of essential care and education, resulting in illnesses and deaths.

This month, international observers described conditions in the Al Roj camp as grim, inhumane and life-threatening. Families were crammed in flimsy, dilapidated tents that offered little protection against freezing winter temperatures. Medical care was described as grossly inadequate, with families often unable to afford required medicines or transportation to facilities. Experts said the indefinite nature of this detention may meet the international legal standard for torture.

While the Labor government has denied media reports that it directly blocked the repatriation of the women and children by telling Syrian authorities they were unwanted terrorists, Albanese has doubled down on his declarations that the government will do nothing to assist them, even if it is unfortunate for the children.

Two days after the group was turned back, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke imposed a Temporary Exclusion Order (TEO) on one unidentified member of the group, overturning their democratic right, as a citizen, to return to Australia for at least two years, on advice from security agencies.

On Sunday, Albanese underscored the governments intent and sought to outdo the previous Morrison Liberal-National Coalition government by telling Sky News that Morrison had allowed 40 people from the Syrian camps into Australia.

This shows how far the Labor leaders will go in tearing up fundamental legal and democratic rights as they vie with their Coalition counterparts to outdo Senator Pauline Hansons far-right anti-immigrant One Nation party. They are all trying to make immigrants, particularly Muslims, scapegoats for the declining living and social conditions confronting working-class households.

Every day sees this assault taken to a new level. Yesterday, the opposition Coalition demanded that the government join hands with it to make it a criminal offence to help Australians linked to terrorist hotspots or terrorist organisations return home. This would even include charities such as Save the Children.

Far from ruling this out, Attorney-General Michelle Rowland said the government would need to check whether the oppositions plan was legally possible. She said any proposed laws would require consultation with security agencies, that is, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).

Last week, the Murdoch medias Australian published an editorial insisting that lack of legality should be no obstacle to indefinite imprisonment. If the government could find no legal basis to bar the re-entry of the families, a way (unspecified) must be found for them to be detained and evaluated for an extended period in a secure facility such as the one that already exists on Christmas Island. The editorial said the women and children must be effectively deradicalised before there is any chance they will be set loose on Australian soil.

Christmas Island, a remote Australian territory in the Indian Ocean, hosts one of the notorious offshore detention camps in which successive Coalition and Labor governments have indefinitely incarcerated asylum seekers in violation of international and domestic law. Now that black hole regime is being proposed for Australian citizens who are deemed by a government and ASIO to require deradicalisation.

This is a sweeping proposition, embracing some kind of brainwashing. It goes beyond those accused of sympathy for Islamic fundamentalism, without being convicted of any crime. It goes beyond Palestinians and anti-Gaza genocide demonstrators who have been falsely accused of antisemitism.

Such deradicalisation language, linked to references to threats to our way of life or Australian values, can be used to justify barring entry or incarcerating anyoneincluding Australian citizenswho is designated by a government to be a radical enemy of the existing capitalist economic and political order.

Historically, there has never been a constitutionally protected right to citizenship in Australia. In fact, there is no bill of rights guaranteeing any basic right, including the right to vote. Instead, the 1901 Constitution, a British colonial era document adopted by the emerging Australian capitalist class, treated residents as British subjects.

That designation continued until after World War II, when the Chifley Labor government introduced the 1948 Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948. Under this legislation, birthright (jus soli) citizenship made anyone born in Australia a citizen. That principle was overturned by the Hawke Labor governments legislation in 1986, which mandated that at least one parent be a citizen or permanent resident.

That marked a historic shift from basing citizenship on birth to requiring allegiance, or loyalty to Australia, and supposed shared values, together with a pledge of commitment from immigrants. Today that commitment, amended several times, requires new citizens to pledge their loyalty to Australia and its people, whose democratic beliefs I share, whose rights and liberties I respect and whose laws I will uphold and obey.

Yet these rights and liberties, as far as they ever existed, are being increasingly torn up.

The right of a citizen to a passport in order to travel, or return to Australia, has been explicitly overridden also. It was never guaranteed by law, instead regarded as matter derived from an ancient royal prerogative. The 1938 Passports Act embodied this doctrine in discretionary languageit said an official may issue a passport. In 1955, the High Court confirmed that the immigration minister had an unfettered discretion to refuse a passport on security grounds, and that citizens had no absolute legal right to one.

During the Cold War, this arbitrary power was notoriously used to deny passports to citizens like Australian-born journalist Wilfred Burchettwho had exposed the death toll from the US nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as well as US war crimes in Korea and Vietnamand others suspected of communist sympathies.

This political power was extended in 2005. The Australian Passports Act 2005 granted the foreign affairs minister the explicit power to refuse or cancel a passport if they merely suspect on reasonable grounds that a person would be likely to engage in conduct that might prejudice the security of Australia or a foreign country.

This legislation was introduced by the Howard Coalition government with Labors backing as part of an unprecedented barrage of laws overturning basic legal and democratic rights under the cover of the war on terrorism.

The right of citizens to return home was further eviscerated by the Temporary Exclusion Order (TEO) legislation, which was imposed in 2019 by the Morrison Coalition government, also with Labors support. The TEO Act effectively strips a person of citizenship rights to return home without any court order.

Under that law, the home affairs minister only has to declare a reasonable suspicion that an exclusion order would substantially assist the prevention of a possible terrorist-related act, or that ASIO had classified a citizen as likely to support politically motivated violence. That includes acts directed to assisting in the overthrow of a government, which could mean voicing anti-establishment or socialist views.

Far from being temporary, TEOs can be renewed repeatedly by ministerial fiat, allowing the indefinite barring of entry to citizens. The TEO legislation denies any right to procedural fairness, that is, the right to notice, a hearing and lack of bias. It also seeks to block judicial review, instead providing for oversight by a reviewing authority, usually a government-appointed judge or former judge.

Labor and the entire political and media establishment are lurching ever further to the right to divert unrest over deteriorating living and social conditions and widening inequality, echoing the anti-immigrant poison of One Nation and its counterparts internationally, such as the Trump administration in the US, Nigel Farages Reform UK, Marine Le Pens National Rally in France and the AfD in Germany.

The intensifying saga surrounding the women and children trapped in Syria shows that the most basic legal and democratic rights, even citizenship itself, are threatened in the hands of the ruling class and its political servants. The defence of all such rights depends on the development of a mass movement of the working class, guided by a socialist perspective for the total reorganisation of society on the basis of genuine democracy and equality, with full rights for all people, regardless of their country of birth.
Five teenagers arrested last Friday after police attacked an anti-ICE student rally in Quakertown, Pennsylvania are now facing felony aggravated assault charges, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Quakertown police grab a handcuffed student by the shirt before shoving him belly first into the back of a police SUV after attacking a student-led anti-ICE protest in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, February 20, 2026. [Photo: David Stubanas]

Notably, no charges have been filed against Quakertown Police Chief Scott McElree, who was captured on video in plain clothes grabbing students by their shirt collars and placing a teenage girl in a chokehold.

The Inquirer reported that the five teens face charges of aggravated assault and related crimes, citing two people with knowledge of the case who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the ongoing investigation.

More than four days after the police assault, the cops have refused to release the teens names, ages, or specific charges. Despite tracking the students after they left the campus on Friday, police have refused to provide a detailed timeline of events leading up to the attack. They have withheld body camera footage and offered only a brief statement claiming police intervened after students were throwing snowballs and blocking traffic.

The paper confirmed that only children were arrested during the incident, contradicting earlier reports that an adult had been taken into custody.

A 17-year-old girl who attended the protest but was not arrested told the Inquirer that students were speaking with a uniformed officer when Chief McElree barged onto the sidewalk and grabbed a teenage boy by the back of the neck.

The students did not know the man in plain clothes was the police chief. All the kids thought he was a counter protester. So everyone started to protect their friends.

She said she saw McElree throw one student to the ground and choke another. At least three students suffered significant injuries. One students nose was broken while a separate student suffered a chin injury that required stitches.

The teen recorded part of the encounter. It was really scary, because it was a group of kids versus this really angry man.

The students were held for over 72 hours before appearing before a judge Tuesday morning in a more than three-hour hearing that was closed to the public. Prosecutors declined to answer reporters questions after leaving the courtroom.

Attorney Ettore Angelo, representing one of the teenagers, told the Inquirer that his 15-year-old client was released to her parents and placed on house arrest. She faces aggravated assault, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison.

NBC10 Philadelphia reported that three teens were released Tuesday, while two remain in custody.

Public anger was evident Monday night at the Quakertown Borough Council work session. North Penn Now reported that nearly 70 residents packed the typically sparse meeting.

Once public comment began, the microphone became a relay baton, the paper reported with repeated demands for the immediate suspension or removal of Chief Scott McElree and the release of the five students.

Frank Bauer, an Air Force veteran and father of three daughters, said: The reason the eyes of the public are now on Quakertown is because of the response to those students. Public video and credible reporting have raised serious questions about deescalation and treatment of minors.

A student named Colin told the council: I do not feel very safe going back to school tomorrow I feel that everybody who was arrested at the scene should be released to their parents immediately. In addition to the chief, I believe that every police officer that was present on the scene that day should be investigated.

Another student connected the incident to prior protest experiences following the murder of George Floyd: We had to move out onto the road against the wishes of the borough to make sure our voices were heard Everything about this is disgusting.

The prosecution of the Quakertown 5 expresses the fascistic and class character of the US government and its so-called justice system. Students peacefully protesting Trumps mass deportation program, which serves as the spearhead of dictatorship, after being attacked by police, have already spent more days behind bars than Trump has for any of his numerous crimes. They have spent more time in detention than Trump did for the failed January 6 coup.

These teenagers now face the possibility of spending years in prison, a significant portion of their young lives, while the billionaire president and his criminal administration continue to cover up the murders of American citizens in Minnesota, prepare for illegal war against Iran, carry out deadly murders in the Caribbean and Pacific, and suppress evidence of their own criminal conduct exposed in the Epstein files.

Trump is able to carry out these attacks, from mass deportations to his return to the presidency after a failed coup, because of the Democratic Party. Following January 6, Biden and the Democratic leadership refused to pursue serious accountability in the name of unity with their Republican colleagues, prioritizing record military budgets and the expansion of US-NATO war against Russia in Ukraine, as well as unwavering support for the genocide in Gaza.

Days after the police assault in Quakertown, no leading Democrats have spoken in defense of the students or backed calls for McElree to resign or face prosecution. The Democrats defend the police no less than the Republicans. Since Trumps return to the White House, they have repeatedly backed funding measures that enable the escalation of the immigration police and the construction of a network of concentration camps, while supporting US imperialism abroad. The Democrats defend the same capitalist system that produced Trump and that is driving society toward fascism and war.

The defense of democratic rights, including the right of children to protest without the threat of police violence and years-long prison sentences, requires a break with the parties of capital and the building of an independent movement in the working class, grounded in socialist consciousness, that defends the rights of students and workers, regardless of where they live or their immigration status.
Turkish miners [Photo: Independent Mine Workers Union]

Will Lehman, a Mack Trucks worker in Pennsylvania and a candidate for president of the United Auto Workers (UAW), has issued a statement of solidarity with 1,243 coal miners who have launched a wildcat strike at Polyak Mining in Izmir, Turkey.

The miners, members of the Independent Mining Workers unionBagmsz Maden Ishave halted production to demand payment of unpaid wages, enforcement of promotion rights, retroactive contract benefits, guaranteed seniority and severance protections, and genuine health and safety measures. Their action follows a growing wave of militant struggles in Turkey carried out independently of the established union apparatus.

I send my warmest greetings and full solidarity to the 1,243 coal miners at Polyak Mining in the Knk district of Izmir who have taken the courageous step of halting production in a wildcat strike, Lehman wrote. He described the walkout as a powerful expression of working-class strength, stressing that by acting independently, the miners are defending not only themselves but the rights of workers everywhere.

The strike has erupted under conditions in which miners continue to face dangerous working environments and systematic violations of contractual rights. Lehman emphasized that miners know better than anyone that safety cannot be separated from wages and working conditions, pointing to the global pattern in which mining corporations reap immense profits while cutting corners on safety and delaying or denying basic rights.

The Polyak strike takes place only a short distance from the Eynez coal mine in the Soma district, site of the May 13, 2014 methane explosion that killed 301 miners in what remains the worst industrial disaster in Turkeys history. The tragedy at Eynez became a turning point in Turkish working-class consciousness.

At the time, tens of thousands of workers took to the streets demanding justice, only to face police repression. The disaster exposed the consequences of privatization, deregulation and the subordination of safety to profit under the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The events in Soma triggered widespread anger not only against the mining companies but also against pro-corporate union officials who were widely seen as puppets of the corporations and complicit in maintaining unsafe conditions.

Lehmans statement draws a direct connection between that history and the present struggle. Even as miners bodies were being pulled out, police fired tear gas and water cannons on tens of thousands of striking workers demanding justice, he noted. The Soma disaster led to a rebellion  against the pro-corporate unions and the Erdogan governments program of privatization, austerity and sacrifice of workers lives for profit.

The current strike also follows closely on the heels of a wildcat strike by Migros warehouse workers, led by the independent union DGD-Sen. That struggle won significant public support and forced concessions from management, demonstrating the potential power of collective action organized outside the established labor bureaucracy.

These back-to-back struggles demonstrate that workers do not need to wait for permission from pro-corporate union bureaucracies or government officials to defend their livelihoods, Lehman stated. When workers act collectively and independently, they become a powerful social force.

Lehman, who works at Mack Trucks in Macungie, Pennsylvania, is running for UAW president on a program centered on transferring power from the entrenched union apparatus to rank-and-file workers on the shop floor. His campaign calls for the abolition of the UAWs bureaucratic structure and the establishment of rank-and-file committees to place decision-making in the hands of workers themselves.

In his statement, Lehman underscored the international character of the issues confronting the Polyak miners. As a Mack Trucks worker in the United States  I know that the issues you are fightingunpaid wages, unsafe conditions, attacks on seniority, erosion of benefitsare the same issues facing workers in auto plants, warehouses and factories in the US and internationally.

He sharply criticized the economic nationalism promoted by the UAW leadership, which has supported the Trump administrations trade war measures and sought to pit American workers against their counterparts abroad. Such policies, Lehman argued, serve only to divide the working class while multinational corporations continue to operate on a global scale.

Corporations operate globally. Our response must also be global, Lehman wrote. This means building the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) to coordinate our struggles across national borders.

The call for international coordination reflects a broader process unfolding worldwide. From miners and warehouse workers in Turkey to autoworkers in North America and Europe, workers are increasingly confronting the same underlying dynamics: corporate restructuring, speedup, erosion of seniority rights, the slashing of benefits and the systematic undermining of safety standards.

The global mining industry, in particular, remains notorious for deadly conditions. Despite technological advances, profit-driven cost-cutting continues to place workers at risk. Disasters such as Soma stand alongside tragedies in China, Russia, South Africa and the Americas as stark reminders of the consequences of subordinating human life to shareholder returns.

Lehmans statement concludes with an appeal to workers across sectors and continents: I call on miners, autoworkers, logistics workers and all sections of the international working class to support the Polyak miners strike. No worker should stand alone.

He stressed that the development of rank-and-file committeesindependent of bureaucracies that collaborate with corporations and governmentsis essential for unifying struggles across borders. The fight in Izmir, he wrote, is part of a growing movement of workers worldwide who are saying: enough is enough.

The solidarity extended by an American autoworker candidate to Turkish coal miners underscores the objective interconnection of workers struggles under globalized capitalism. While governments and union bureaucracies promote nationalism and division, the conditions driving workers into strugglestagnant wages, dangerous workplaces, job insecurity and social inequalityare shared internationally.

For the Polyak miners, the immediate issues are concrete and urgent: unpaid wages, contractual rights and safe working conditions. But their fight resonates far beyond Izmir. As Lehmans statement makes clear, it forms part of an emerging movement seeking to place control over working conditions and industrial policy in the hands of workers themselves.

Your fight in Izmir is part of a growing movement of workers worldwide, Lehman wrote. An injury to one is an injury to all.

With these words, Lehman places the Turkish miners strike within a broader struggle for international working-class solidarityone that challenges not only individual employers, but the global system that subordinates human needs to profit.
Julius Baer, a Swiss private bank, has rolled out a suite of model portfolios tailored for UK financial advisers.

The new range will be overseen by Gareth Johnson, who previously spent 14 years running the Model Portfolio Service at Brewin Dolphin.

The offering consists of two types of portfolios: active and passive+, reported FT Adviser.

Both will cover risk profiles 3-8 as classified by Defaqto, Dynamic Planner and EV, the news publication said.

The management of these models will be handled by a UK-based team, with input from Julius Baer's network of 600 investment professionals globally.

The new team includes Joshua Dale, Thomas Watts, Jennifer Christian, Gemma Mitchell, Tim Coverdale, Steven Fox and Jenna Saeb, according to a LinkedIn post by Julius Baer International CEO David Durlacher.

This development forms part of the banks long-term strategic focus on the UK wealth management sector.

The company was quoted as saying by FT Adviser: Demand for outsourced investment solutions continues to rise, driven by evolving client expectations and increasing regulatory complexity - including new requirements under consumer duty.

At the same time, managing portfolios effectively requires deep resources, continuous monitoring, and access to global insights, all of which can be challenging for many IFA firms to maintain independently.

To support its expansion, Julius Baer has recruited specialists in investment management, sales support, business development and marketing specifically for this portfolio range.

The models will launch on several platforms at the outset: Fidelity, Morningstar, Aberdeen, Quilter, Transact and Aviva.

Commenting on his role, Gareth Johnson said: What initially drew me to Julius Baer was the not just the size and global scale of the business, but the resource and dedication to positive client outcomes. As a pure play wealth manager, all of our efforts are focussed on wealth management.

The opportunity to bring this to the clients of advisers, and to support the IFA market is really exciting and weve been able to attract talent that are as motivated and enthusiastic as I am. We are excited to partner, with platforms, risk profilers and other stakeholders in the IFA ecosystem.

This move by Julius Baer echoes similar action from another Swiss firm, Edmond De Rothschild, which confirmed in January its own entry into the UK model portfolio space.

"Julius Baer introduces model portfolios for UK advisers" was originally created and published by Private Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand.
Company Logo

The Kuwait AI Data Center Market presents strong opportunities in IoT and smart city projects, driven by substantial investments, and partnerships with local tech startups to spur innovation. Increased adoption of AI, digital transformation initiatives, and cloud infrastructure expansion further bolster growth prospects.

Dublin, Feb. 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Kuwait Ai Data Center Market Report: Size, Share, Growth Drivers, Trends, Opportunities & Forecast 2025-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The Kuwait AI Data Center Market is valued at USD 180 million

Growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for cloud computing, data storage, and processing capabilities, fueled by rapid digital transformation across financial services, government, and enterprise sectors. The rise in AI applications, adoption of smart city initiatives, and the need for advanced data analytics have further accelerated investments in data center infrastructure, with major expansions by Gulf Data Hub and Khazna Data Centers and the entrance of hyperscale providers such as Google Cloud and AWS supporting market momentum.



Kuwait City is the dominant hub in the Kuwait AI Data Center Market due to its strategic location, advanced telecommunications infrastructure, and government support for digital initiatives. The city serves as a central point for businesses looking to leverage AI technologies, making it an attractive destination for data center investments.

Additionally, the presence of major telecommunications companies - including Zain, Ooredoo, KEMS Zajil Telecom, and STC Kuwait - enhances connectivity and service delivery, while submarine cable systems such as FALCON and the upcoming 2Africa cable further improve data traffic capacity.



Kuwait AI Data Center Market Competitive Landscape



The Kuwait AI Data Center Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.



Kuwait AI Data Center Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

Increasing Demand for AI-Driven Applications:



The demand for AI-driven applications in Kuwait is projected to reach approximately 1.5 billion KWD in future, driven by sectors such as finance, healthcare, and retail. This surge is fueled by the need for enhanced data analytics and automation, with the AI market in the region expected to grow at a rate of 20 percent annually. The increasing reliance on AI technologies necessitates robust data center infrastructure to support these applications effectively.



Government Initiatives Promoting Digital Transformation:



The Kuwaiti government has allocated around 300 million KWD for digital transformation initiatives in future, aiming to enhance the country's technological landscape. This includes investments in AI and data center infrastructure, which are crucial for supporting e-government services and smart city projects. Such initiatives are expected to create a conducive environment for AI data centers, driving growth in the sector significantly.



Rising Investments in Cloud Computing Infrastructure:



In future, investments in cloud computing infrastructure in Kuwait are anticipated to exceed 200 million KWD, reflecting a growing trend towards cloud adoption among businesses. This shift is driven by the need for scalable and flexible IT solutions, enabling organizations to manage data more efficiently. As cloud services expand, the demand for AI data centers to support these services will also increase, further propelling market growth.



Market Challenges

High Initial Capital Investment:



Establishing AI data centers in Kuwait requires significant initial capital investment, estimated at around 1 million KWD per megawatt of capacity. This high cost can deter potential investors and limit the entry of new players into the market. Additionally, ongoing operational expenses further complicate financial viability, making it challenging for smaller companies to compete effectively in this capital-intensive industry.



Limited Skilled Workforce in AI and Data Management:



The shortage of skilled professionals in AI and data management poses a significant challenge for the Kuwait AI data center market. Currently, there are only about 5,000 qualified IT professionals specializing in AI technologies in the country. This gap in expertise can hinder the development and implementation of advanced AI solutions, impacting the overall growth and competitiveness of the market.



Kuwait AI Data Center Market Future Outlook



The future of the Kuwait AI data center market appears promising, driven by increasing digital transformation efforts and the growing adoption of AI technologies across various sectors. As the government continues to invest in infrastructure and promote innovation, the market is likely to witness significant advancements. Furthermore, the integration of edge computing and hybrid cloud solutions will enhance operational efficiency, while a focus on data security will address emerging concerns, ensuring sustainable growth in the sector.



Market Opportunities

Growth in IoT and Smart City Projects:



The rise of IoT and smart city initiatives in Kuwait presents a substantial opportunity for AI data centers. With an estimated investment of 500 million KWD in smart city projects in future, the demand for data processing and storage capabilities will increase, creating a favorable environment for AI data center expansion.



Potential for Partnerships with Tech Startups:



Collaborations with local tech startups can drive innovation in the AI data center market. With over 200 tech startups emerging in Kuwait, partnerships can facilitate the development of cutting-edge solutions, enhancing service offerings and market competitiveness, while also attracting additional investments into the sector.
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Key opportunities in the Kuwait Data Center Virtualization Market include the expansion of 5G networks, enhancing connectivity and enabling real-time data processing, and the increasing adoption of edge computing, driving demand for localized virtualization solutions. These trends support market growth by optimizing service delivery and reducing latency.

Dublin, Feb. 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Kuwait Data Center Virtualization Market Report: Size, Share, Growth Drivers, Trends, Opportunities & Forecast 2025-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The Kuwait Data Center Virtualization Market is valued at USD 177 million

This growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for efficient data management solutions, the rise of cloud computing, and the need for cost-effective IT infrastructure. Organizations are increasingly adopting virtualization technologies to enhance operational efficiency and reduce hardware costs.

The market's expansion is further supported by major facility investments, including new data centers by Gulf Data Hub and Khazna Data Centers, as well as the entry of global cloud providers such as Google Cloud, AWS, and Microsoft, which are boosting digital transformation and cloud adoption in Kuwait.



Kuwait City is the dominant hub for the Data Center Virtualization Market due to its strategic location, advanced telecommunications infrastructure, and the presence of major IT service providers. Other notable cities include Al Ahmadi and Hawalli, which contribute to the market's growth through their industrial and commercial activities, fostering a conducive environment for data center operations. The region also benefits from enhanced connectivity through submarine cable systems such as FALCON, FOG, and GBICS, with the upcoming 2Africa cable expected to further increase data traffic capacity.

Kuwait Data Center Virtualization Market Competitive Landscape



The Kuwait Data Center Virtualization Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.



Kuwait Data Center Virtualization Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

Increasing Demand for Cloud Services:



The demand for cloud services in Kuwait is projected to reach approximately 1.5 billion USD in future, driven by businesses seeking scalable solutions. The World Bank reports that Kuwait's digital economy is expected to grow by 20% annually, highlighting the shift towards cloud-based infrastructures. This trend is further supported by the government's initiatives to enhance digital services, making cloud adoption a key growth driver in the data center virtualization market.



Rising Need for Cost-Effective IT Solutions:



Kuwaiti enterprises are increasingly prioritizing cost-effective IT solutions, with IT budgets expected to rise by 18% in future. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) indicates that businesses are focusing on reducing operational costs amid economic fluctuations. Virtualization technologies enable organizations to optimize resource utilization, leading to significant savings. This financial incentive is a crucial driver for the adoption of data center virtualization in the region.



Enhanced Focus on Data Security and Compliance:



With the rise in cyber threats, Kuwaiti organizations are investing heavily in data security, with expenditures projected to exceed 400 million USD in future. The government has implemented stringent data protection laws, compelling businesses to adopt virtualization solutions that enhance security and compliance. This regulatory environment fosters a market for advanced data center virtualization technologies, ensuring data integrity and protection against breaches.



Market Challenges

High Initial Investment Costs:



The initial investment required for data center virtualization can be substantial, often exceeding 600,000 USD for mid-sized enterprises. This financial barrier poses a significant challenge, particularly for smaller businesses in Kuwait. The high costs associated with infrastructure upgrades and software licensing can deter organizations from adopting virtualization technologies, limiting market growth potential in the region.



Complexity of Integration with Existing Systems:



Many Kuwaiti organizations face challenges in integrating virtualization solutions with their legacy systems. Approximately 65% of businesses report difficulties in achieving seamless integration, which can lead to operational disruptions. This complexity not only increases implementation time but also raises the risk of data loss, making organizations hesitant to transition to virtualization, thereby hindering market expansion.



Kuwait Data Center Virtualization Market Future Outlook



The future of the Kuwait data center virtualization market appears promising, driven by technological advancements and increasing digitalization across sectors. As organizations continue to embrace hybrid cloud solutions, the demand for virtualization technologies is expected to rise. Additionally, the integration of AI and machine learning in data management will enhance operational efficiency. The focus on sustainability will also drive innovations in energy-efficient virtualization solutions, positioning Kuwait as a competitive player in the regional market landscape.



Market Opportunities

Expansion of 5G Networks:



The rollout of 5G networks in Kuwait is anticipated to create significant opportunities for data center virtualization. With speeds up to 20 Gbps, businesses can leverage enhanced connectivity to optimize their virtualization strategies, enabling real-time data processing and improved service delivery. This technological advancement is expected to attract investments in virtualization infrastructure, fostering market growth.



Increasing Adoption of Edge Computing:



The rise of edge computing presents a unique opportunity for data center virtualization in Kuwait. As organizations seek to process data closer to the source, the demand for localized virtualization solutions is expected to grow. This trend will drive investments in edge data centers, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing latency, ultimately benefiting the overall market landscape.
Candace Owens is facing fresh backlash after she revealed a new weapon in her arsenal for her battle against Charlie Kirks widow and Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk, who took over his role after his assassination last year: a multipart docuseries that looks to expose the former beauty queens past and motivations. The trailer for Bride of Charlie, released late on Monday, brought a swift reaction, with several right-wing conservatives calling the far-right pundit and podcaster evil.

Owens, who worked under founder Charlie Kirk at TPUSA as the political conservative nonprofit college organizations communications director until 2019, has been sharing her thoughts on Erika Kirk on the podcast she hosts, Candace, since shortly after he was gunned down last fall at a Utah Valley University speaking event. The 37-year-old widow, whose widespread approval among GOP lawmakers crystallized when she received a standing ovation at President Trumps State of the Union address in Washington on Tuesday night, was initially scrutinized for some of her behavior in the wake of her husbands death; the details of these moments and Erika Kirks compelling past appears to be the blood that Owens smelled in the water as she looks to discredit and expose the right-wing pundits widow.

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Well be back on Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/xCUfpQAmGG  Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) February 23, 2026

The trailer for Bride of Charlie, which appears to be a multi-episode docuseries, goes for the widows jugular. Opening with news reports of Charlie Kirks murder, Erika is seen sobbing for her husband in a few brief clips but beaming in the next, decked out in a glittering sequined pantsuit as she steps out onstage at Decembers TPUSA AmericaFest conference. Later, shes posing for photo ops with fans in a replica of her late husbands famous debate me booth and throwing out to the crowd some of the 50,000 Charlie Kirk memorial hats being sold at TPUSA events.

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Erika Kirks behavior in this period of grief was certainly questioned, and not just by Owens and other far-right commentators. The Washington Post ran a style piece leadline, Erika Kirk Is Walking a Fine Line in a Glittering Pantsuit, and her micd moment of mourning at her late husbands casket certainly raised eyebrows. The trailer allows Kirk to offer her own explanation: Everyone grieves differently, so if someones acting weird, dont read into that, the widow says in a Zoom interview.

While some raised questions about Erika Kirk, then moved on and forgot about them, Owens apparently saw a vast conspiracy  or maybe, an opportunity  and has spent months rattling off conspiracy theories involving Erika. The remainder of the trailer flicks at these while carrying on with her suggestion that Erika is up to no good. The conspiracy theories and potentially unflattering bedfellows are then rattled off  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a Romanian church accused in a child trafficking scandal. It concludes with footage of Erika, edited to look far more sinister as she took over the powerful conservative organization last year, displayed alongside multiple talking heads (not Owens, notably) who question her actions.

The backlash to the trailer has been loud and angry. Its also growing and is directed entirely at Owens, whom multiple pundits and commenters have called evil for producing the series, for sharing the trailer and for suggesting that a conspiracy to kill and replace Charlie Kirk happened at TPUSA.

Pure, unadulterated, fucking evil, Meghan McCain wrote on X. Who in Gods name would put a woman whose husband was brutally assassinated in front of the entire world through this? I am so upset by this, I am just so deeply sorry Erika and her family have to be put through this.

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Ben Shapiro posted a video to X to ensure all listeners know he believes Owens to be evil, too. Owens and the popular right-wing thought leader have been butting heads for a while now, with the death of Charlie Kirk a central topic. Their rift has been a central fault point in the division emerging on the far right amid President Trumps second term and the stakes seemed to climb on Shapiros most recent episode

Shes a conspiratorial evil, person, Shapiro told his audience. Apparently, she is calling Erica Kirk a lesbian pedophile grooming a 15-year-old. She has been suggesting for a while that TPUSA was complicit, if not in the murder of Charlie Kirk, then in the cover-up of the murder of Charlie Kirk. This is the stuff that Candace Owens has been doing, because Candace Owens is a true vampire.

Shapiro suggested that Erika Kirk sue the living hell out of Candace Owens for this sort of stuff. While there are no records of her filing any legal complaint on the matter, Owens is being sued by French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, over her claims that the latter is actually a man.

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Officials have confirmed how Katherine Hartley Short, Martin Short's eldest daughter, died at 42 years old.

Hartley Short was found dead at her home on Feb. 23. The next day, on Tuesday, Feb. 24, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's office confirmed the licensed clinical social worker's manner of death was determined to be suicide. The case remains open.

A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Fire Department previously told USA TODAY on Feb. 24 that around 6:41 p.m. on Feb. 23, personnel "responded to a reported shooting" at a Hollywood Hills address associated with Hartley Short and identified a deceased woman.

Martin Short's family is grieving after the actor's daughter, Katherine Hartley Short, died at age 42.

"The Short family is devastated by this loss, and asks for privacy at this time," Short's representative said in a statement to USA TODAY on Tuesday, Feb. 24. "Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world."

No further details surrounding Short's death were shared.



Scroll through for photos of the comedian with his family through the years, starting with his wife Nancy Dolan and kids, Katherine Elizabeth and Oliver Patrick in 1989 Los Angeles. Martin Short poses with daughter Katherine Elizabeth in 1989 in Los Angeles. Martin Short attends the premiere of "Get Over It" with his wife and children in Westwood, California, on Mar. 8, 2001. Martin Short and son Henry attend the premiere of the animated film "Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius" on Dec. 9, 2001 at Paramount Studios in Hollywood, California. Martin Short, his wife Nancy and daughter Katherine pose with actress Goldie Hawn at the afterparty for "The Producers" at the Hollywood Palladium on May 29, 2003, in Los Angeles. Martin Short and his son Henry hold a large albino boa snake at the afterparty for the premiere of Paramount Pictures' "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events" on Dec. 12, 2004, in Los Angeles. Martin Short and family attend the world premiere of "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events" at the Cinerama Dome in Hollywood, Los Angeles, on Dec. 12, 2004. From left: Katherine Short, Henry Short, Nancy Short, Martin Short and Oliver Short attend the after party for the opening night of "Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me" at Tavern on the Green on Aug. 17, 2006, in New York City. Martin Short and son Henry Short attend the Film Society of Lincoln Center 34th annual gala tribute to Diane Keaton on April 9, 2007, in New York City. Martin Short and daughter Katherine arrive at the 2011 Vanity Fair Oscar party in West Hollywood, California, on Feb. 27, 2011. Martin Short and son Henry Short attend the Broadway opening night of "Pippin" at The Music Box Theatre on April 25, 2013, in New York City. Martin Short and Henry Short attend the Centerpiece Gala Presentation and World Premiere of "Inherent Vice" during the 52nd New York Film Festival at Alice Tully Hall on Oct. 4, 2014, in New York City. From left: Gavin B. Keilly, Tara-Jane Flynn, Katherine Short and Martin Short attend the HempHera Kosmetikos pre-Emmy luxury lounge presented by GBK Brand Bar day one at Kimpton La Peer Hotel on Sept. 17, 2021, in West Hollywood, California. Martin Short and his daughter Katherine Elizabeth Short attend the premiere of "X-Files" at Mann Village in Westwood in 1998. Martin Short and his son Henry Short attend Cirque du Soleil's KOOZA red carpet premiere at the Santa Monica Pier on Oct. 24, 2024. Martin Short and Henry Short attend the "You Had to Be There" screening at the 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival on Feb. 6, 2026, in Santa Barbara, California. A look at Martin Short's family, including late daughter Katherine 1 of 16 Martin Short's family is grieving after the actor's daughter, Katherine Hartley Short, died at age 42.

"The Short family is devastated by this loss, and asks for privacy at this time," Short's representative said in a statement to USA TODAY on Tuesday, Feb. 24. "Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world."

No further details surrounding Short's death were shared.



Scroll through for photos of the comedian with his family through the years, starting with his wife Nancy Dolan and kids, Katherine Elizabeth and Oliver Patrick in 1989 Los Angeles.

A Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson confirmed to USA TODAY that officers responded to "a radio call of a possible suicide attempt" on Hartley Short's block around 6:43 p.m. on Feb. 23 and "found a deceased female at the location."

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Short's representative previously confirmed Hartley Short's death to USA TODAY in a Feb. 24 statement. "It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short," the statement read.

"The Short family is devastated by this loss, and asks for privacy at this time," the statement continued. "Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world."

Martin Short's family: What to know about his wife, children

Martin Short's therapist daughter Katherine's work

Katherine Short poses with her brothers Henry (second from left) and Oliver Short (right), and their parents Nancy Dolman Short (middle) and Martin Short in 2006.

Short's daughter graduated from New York University in 2006 and obtained her master's degree from the University of Southern California School of Social Work in 2010.

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She was a licensed clinical social worker operating a private practice in Los Angeles and specialized in adoption, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, grief and loss, suicidality, and relationship difficulties.

While studying for her Master of Social Work, Hartley Short led group and individual therapy sessions for veterans diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Afterward, she worked at UCLA's Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital for four years.

Her mother, Short's late wife Nancy Dolman, died in August 2010 following a battle with ovarian cancer.

Speaking on "Conan" in 2019, Short revealed none of his children wanted to go into show business though "I pushed them. I wanted them to go into show business."

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Short and Dolman also had two sons, Oliver Patrick and Henry Hayter. They welcomed all three of their children via adoption.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org. Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Martin Short's daughter Katherine's cause of death is released
Officials have confirmed a cause of death for comedy actor Martin Shorts daughter.

Katherine Short, 42, was found dead after the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a call at her Hollywood Hills home at 6:41 p.m. on Feb. 23, PEOPLE reported.

The following day, on Feb. 24, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiners office confirmed that Shorts cause of death was determined to be suicide. The case is still open as of Wednesday, Feb. 25.

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A representative from the Los Angeles Fire Department previously told PEOPLE that the call to Shorts house was regarding a possible suicide.

It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short, a rep for Martin Short told The Hollywood Reporter in a statement.

The Short family is devastated by this loss and asks for privacy at this time, the statement continued. Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.

Short was one of three children adopted by the two-time Emmy Award winner and his late wife, actress Nancy Dolman, who died of ovarian cancer in 2010. The couple, who first met in 1972 and wed in 1980, also share sons Oliver Patrick, 39, and Henry Hayter, 36.

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Born on Dec. 3, 1983, Short graduated from New York University in 2006 with a bachelors degree in psychology and gender sexuality studies.

She obtained a masters in social work from the University of Southern California in 2010. Short worked as a licensed clinical social worker and part-time at mental clinic Amae Health, PEOPLE reported.

While she mostly remained out of the public eye, Katherine attended a few events with her father over the years. She was present at an afterparty for The Producers in 2003 and the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in February 2011, according to PEOPLE.

Her survivors include her two younger brothers, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

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The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention says you should take the following steps if you or someone you know are experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts:

Learn the signs of someone who may be at risk for suicide. Often there are changes in behavior such as mood swings, angry outbursts or loss of interest in activities they enjoy

Reach out to someone who you think may be struggling. Trust your gut if you are concerned. Ask directly if they have thoughts of ending their life  research shows this is helpful and does not make them susceptible to the idea, the foundation reports

Connect those who are struggling to help. Share the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline as well as general and other resources for minority communities

People can also text TALK to 741741 if they are in a crisis.

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New details regarding sexual assault allegations against Rosie ODonnells daughter Chelsea ODonnell have revealed the reason behind her probation revocation.

TMZ obtained a report from the State of Wisconsin Department of Corrections on Tuesday, February 24, revealing that Chelsea allegedly touched a mans genitals without permission  forcing the court to cancel Chelseas probation.

In October 2025, Us Weekly broke the news that Chelseas probation was revoked as a result of the alleged incident, though no further details were given at that time.

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The report obtained by TMZ claims Chelsea was operating a car at the time of the alleged incident. The alleged victim was sitting in the backseat on the passenger side when Chelsea allegedly reached into the backseat and touched his inner thigh. According to TMZ, the man pushed Chelseas hand away before she allegedly touched his genitals. The report claimed that she got upset and allegedly started driving erratically.

Rosie ODonnell and Daughter Chelsea ODonnells Relationship Ups and Downs: Legal Troubles and More

TMZ reported that Chelsea denied the alleged incident took place when questioned by the police. She claimed that the alleged encounter was consensual and also admitted to having several other sexual relationships.

Us Weekly reached out to Rosies rep for comment regarding the new details of the alleged incident and probation revocation.

Marinette County Sheriff's Office

In October 2025, a Wisconsin judge sentenced Chelsea to jail time after determining she had violated the terms of her probation set forth after a series of run-ins with the law. (Chelsea was initially sentenced to six years probation in January 2025 after she reached a plea deal with prosecutors following three back-to-back arrests.)

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A court official noted that Chelsea had not shown significant progress in her drug treatment program prior to the apparent violation.

The facts surrounding this request have been staffed with the Marinette County Treatment Drug Court Team and have been deemed sufficient grounds to warrant termination from the Marinette County Treatment Drug Court Program, documents obtained by Us at the time read.

Us confirmed in December 2025 that Chelsea had checked-in to the Taycheedah Correctional Institution in November following the probation revocation.

I have compassion for those struggling with addiction  Chelsea was born into addiction and it has been a painful journey for her and her children, Rosie told Us in an October 2025 statement of her estranged daughters substance abuse and legal troubles. We continue to love and support her through these horrible times. Prayers welcomed. 

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Rosie ODonnells Daughter Chelsea Takes New Mugshot After Prison Check-In

She was taken into police custody in September 2024 on charges of drug possession and child neglect. The following month, she was arrested on a drug charge. Her third arrest, which came in December 2024, was also related to alleged drug use.

Chelseas deal stated she would plead guilty to some charges while others were dropped. She was sentenced to 18 months in prison, which was stayed, meaning she would only serve six-years probation as long as she stayed out of trouble.

Chelsea was ordered to have strict compliance with the treatment drug court and maintain absolute sobriety. The judge noted she would not be allowed to possess or consume alcohol, controlled substances or any substances.

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After violating the terms of her plea deal and probation, Chelsea restarted phase two of her treatment program in August 2025. The court noted that they saw progress but concerns.

Rosie spoke out about her daughters legal troubles with an Instagram statement in December 2024.

After being bailed out by her birth mother  Chelsea was arrested again  and is facing many charges related to her drug addiction, the former TV host wrote at the time. We all hope she is able to get the help she needs to turn her life around.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Air Transport Services Group, the worlds largest lessor of freighter aircraft and a contract cargo airline for customers such as Amazon and DHL Express, has dissolved its joint venture converting Airbus A321 passenger aircraft to all-cargo configuration because demand for A321 freighters has collapsed.

Beaverton, Oregon-based Erickson Group Ltd. announced on Tuesday that it had acquired full ownership of 321 Precision Conversions from ATSG through its subsidiary Precision Aircraft Solutions, an overhaul specialist that designs and markets conversion kits. Erickson is a diversified aerospace company best known for manufacturing and operating a heavylift helicopter.

The price paid for ATSGs 49% stake was not disclosed, but an industry source familiar with both companies said it was minimal. The source requested anonymity so as not to jeopardize ongoing business relationships.

The conversion process involves teardown of the passenger compartment and installation of new features, such as a wide cargo door, heavy-duty floor beams and a loading system.

Precision Aircraft Solutions through its history has focused on passenger-to-freighter conversions of the Boeing 757 aircraft. With a dwindling supply of age-appropriate 757s available for retrofit, Precision targeted the A321 as its next business opportunity. Many industry specialists have likened the A321 as a suitable replacement for the 757 in cargo operations because of its similar capacity and improved fuel efficiency.

Precision and ATSG, which exclusively leased Boeing 767 medium widebody converted freighters until 30 months ago, formed their joint venture in 2017. ATSGs strategy was to make money from aftermarket conversions for other companies and leasing of A321 freighters to all-cargo airlines.

The joint venture has completed more than 30 cargo reconfigurations, according to a Precision spokesperson. Current operators include Blue Dart in India and Miami-based Global Crossing Airlines. ATSG has separately leased at least two A321 freighters to Raya Airways in Malaysia.

Elbe Flugzeugwerke, a joint venture between Airbus and Singapore-based ST Engineering, is the only other company that carries out A321 cargo conversions.

But the A321 freighter market was slow to take off and has dried up in the past 18 months amid a slowdown in airfreight demand and a glut of narrowbody freighters. When direct-to-consumer online retail sales exploded during the pandemic, leasing companies and private equity companies invested heavily in acquiring passenger aircraft for conversion, with the expectation that express delivery companies would need more aircraft for growth and fleet replacement.
Janell Shirtcliff and Eric Dane gave glimpses of their romance before his death at age 53.

Us Weekly confirmed in February 2026 that Dane died after a battle with ALS. (The Greys Anatomy star went public with his diagnosis in 2025.)

"With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS, his family told Us in a statement. He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world. Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight.

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The message continued, 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.

He is survived by his two daughters, whom he shared with Rebecca Gayheart. Days later, Shirtcliff shared a series of photos  including one of the couple kissing  in honor of Dane.

Scroll down to learn more about Shirtcliff:

Janell Shirtcliff Is a Photographer

Janell Shirtcliff shared in a 2014 interview with Elle that she began her career modeling for brands like Levis and Urban Outfitters for a decade, according to People. She has since pivoted to a photography career, capturing images of stars including Dua Lipa, Post Malone, Kate Hudson and more.

Janell Shirtcliff Is a Director

Janell Shirtcliff has directed music videos and made her movie directorial debut in 2021 with the film Habit. She also directed the 2023 documentary Mother of the Dawn.

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Had the honor of spending time with the most magical people directing this piece. Thank you to my team for believing in me and letting me talk you into the craziest of things. See you soon @sxsw !!! Shirtcliff wrote via Instagram in 2023. It is only in the constant dedication of our lives, out of love, that we can manipulate energies and transform hatred, slander and envy in love and humility, in hearts that, sick with spirit, remain in error. How many are lost due to lack of knowledge and because they do not have their law. We have our Law, which is the love and the spirit of the truth!  Tia Neiva.

Janell Shirtcliff Is the Owner of a Vintage Store

Janell Shirtcliff owns her vintage store, Lonelydot. "Everywhere I went, I ended up collecting beautiful, ornate pieces, which meant I was hoarding all these vintage clothes. So I started a store," she told Elle in 2014, per People.

Janell Shirtcliff Is a Mother

Janell Shirtcliff is a mother to at least two children. Shirtcliff shared in a 2014 interview with Elle that she brought her then 7-year-old son, Bowie, to her modeling gigs. "He has so many stamps in his passport," she said at the time. "It's adorable."

Years later, Shirtcliff shared with Corpus Christi Caller Times that she had welcomed a second child before beginning to work on 2021s Habit.

Janell Shirtcliff Made Her Red Carpet Debut With Eric Dane in 2025

Janelll Shirtcliff and Eric Dane were all smiles at the Los Angeles premiere of his Prime Video thriller series Countdown in 2025. The pair then attended an afterparty with his fellow Countdown cast and crew, where they were seen getting cozy.

They were holding hands and at one point, rubbing each others backs, an eyewitness exclusively told Us at the time. Janell appeared to know some of Erics costars, but Eric was also introducing her to other guests. She appeared excited to support him on his big night and fit right in.
John Davidson is setting the record straight on the "offensive words" he said at the BAFTAs, which included a racial slur.

Davidson, who is 54 and has lived with the nervous system condition Tourette Syndrome for almost 40 years, felt "shame and embarrassment" when "my tics ramped up" during the Feb. 22 U.K. award ceremony, he said in an interview with Variety that was conducted over email and published Feb. 24. Davidson also called out the BBC for failing to prevent his verbal tics from ending up in the broadcast, which was aired on a two-hour delay.

"Tourettes can make my body or voice do things I don't mean, and sometimes those tics land on the worst possible words," Davidson wrote. "I want to be really clear that the intent behind them is zero. What you're hearing is a symptom  not my character, not my thought, not my belief."

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Describing his tics as an "involuntary neurological misfire," Davidson opened up about initially experiencing symptoms that manifested as "noises and movements," but "the more nervous I got, the more my tics ramped up."

John Davidson is setting the record straight on the "offensive words" he said at the BAFTAs, which included a racial slur that was heard while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting onstage.

He continued, "When my coprolalia tics came out, my stomach just dropped. As always, I felt a wave of shame and embarrassment hit me all at once."

Tourette's with Coprolalia, which involves involuntary outbursts of obscene words or socially inappropriate and derogatory remarks, according to the Tourette Association of America. The majority of people with Tourette syndrome do not have Coprolalia, with a prevalence of 10-33% of people, according to the National Library of Medicine.

John Davidson reached out to apologize to Michael B. Jordan, Delroy Lindo

"Sinners" actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo.

Davidson explained that "the most offensive word that I ticked at the ceremony," a racial slur that was heard during the BBC's broadcast as Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented onstage, "is a word I would never use and would completely condemn if I did not have Tourette's."

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Per Variety, Davidson has reached out to the studio behind "Sinners" to apologize to Jordan, Lindo and production designer Hannah Beachler, who said in a social media post that Davidson's use of the racial slur "was directed at myself on the way to dinner after the show."

'Unforgivable' BAFTA jury member quits over handling of racial slur incident

Lindo told Vanity Fair at a Warner Brothers post-ceremony afterparty that he and Jordan "did what we had to do" by continuing to present, but that he also wished "someone from BAFTA spoke to us afterwards."

Davidson was in attendance due to his executive producer role on the BAFTA-nominated film "I Swear," which is based on his life story. Robert Aramayo, who portrayed Davidson, won in an upset in the leading actor category.

John Davidson ticked '10 different offensive words' at the BAFTAs

Davidson clarified that there were several occasions where he'd ticked while he was seated in the audience at the Royal Festival Hall.

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"I would appreciate reports of the event explaining that I ticked perhaps 10 different offensive words on the night of the awards," Davidson wrote. He added that the racial slur "was one of these, and I completely understand its significance in history and in the modern world, but most articles are giving the impression I shouted one single slur on Sunday."

Oscar hopefuls including Emma Stone ("Bugonia") are stepping out on the red carpet at the 2026 British Academy Film Awards on Sunday, Feb. 22, where "Sinners" and "Once Battle After Another" are vying for best film honors. Emma Stone Timothee Chalamet Leonardo DiCaprio Michael B. Jordan Kate Hudson Teyana Taylor Jessie Buckley Benicio Del Toro Jesse Plemons and Kirsten Dunst Jesse Plemons and Kirsten Dunst Hannah Waddingham Cillian Murphy Carey Mulligan Kathryn Hahn Alicia Vikander Maggie Gyllenhaal See Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothee Chalamet walk 2026 BAFTAs red carpet 1 of 17 Oscar hopefuls including Emma Stone ("Bugonia") are stepping out on the red carpet at the 2026 British Academy Film Awards on Sunday, Feb. 22, where "Sinners" and "Once Battle After Another" are vying for best film honors.

He explained the symptoms of his Tourette's as he wrote, "I am often triggered by what I see and/or what I hear, and this part of the condition is called echolalia. For example, when the chair of BAFTA started speaking on Sunday, I shouted, 'Boring.'"

He also acknowledged "homophobic tics" that "led to a shout of 'pedophile'" during one of host Alan Cumming's jokes about Paddington Bear, who was one of the presenters. This "was likely triggered because Paddington Bear is a children's character," Davidson said.

What happened at the BAFTAs: How Alan Cumming addressed John Davidson's tics

Davidson expected BBC to edit his swearing out of BAFTAs broadcast

"I Swear" film distributor StudioCanal was working "closely with BAFTA," and the organization "made us all aware that any swearing would be edited out of the broadcast."

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As such, Davidson wrote, "I had an expectation that the BBC would physically control the sound at the awards on Sunday. I was so far from the stage. From the lack of response from the early presenters to my tics, and with no one turning around to look at me, I assumed, like everyone else, that I could not be heard on the stage.

Georgia Bayliff, Kirk Jones, Andrea Bisset, Shirley Henderson, John Davidson, Robert Aramayo, Dottie Achenbach, Maxine Peake, Peter Mullan, Scott Ellis Watson and Piers Tempest attend the London screening of "I Swear" at the Curzon Mayfair on Sept. 29, 2025, in London.

He added, "I have made four documentaries with the BBC in the past, and feel that they should have been aware of what to expect from Tourettes and worked harder to prevent anything that I said  which, after all, was some 40 rows back from the stage  from being included in the broadcast."

What happened during the BAFTAs was "just a heightened version of my everyday life," Davidson explained. Incidents like what happened at the ceremony "are the reason why, for many periods in my life, I have been fearful of leaving the house  because I am so anxious and nervous about what I might tic and what peoples reaction might be," he added.

BBC apologized to Michael B. Jordan, Delroy Lindo

In a statement issued Feb. 25, the BBC said it "has been reviewing what happened at BAFTA on Sunday evening.

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"This was a serious mistake and the Director-General has instructed the Executive Complaints Unit (ECU) to complete a fast-tracked investigation and provide a full response to complainants."

The BBC previously apologized for the move, saying that a shout was audible, but the word would have been difficult to make out.

"Sinners" producer Sev Ohanian, director Ryan Coogler and his producer wife Zinzi Coogler, and actors Wunmi Mosaku, Delroy Lindo and Miles Caton attend the 98th Oscars Nominees Luncheon at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on Feb. 10, 2026.

In an internal memo shared with USA TODAY on Feb. 25, BBC Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips wrote, "I'm so sorry that a racial slur was not edited out of our broadcast. We understand how distressing this was." She added that "The edit team removed another racial slur from the broadcast. This one was aired in error and we would never have knowingly allowed this to be broadcast.

"We take full responsibility for what happened. When I was made aware it was audible on iPlayer, I asked for it to be taken down."

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In a lengthy statement published by The Hollywood Reporter on Feb. 23, BAFTA leadership offered an apology for "putting our guests in a very difficult situation" and explained the events of the evening.

"Early in the ceremony a loud tic in the form of a profoundly offensive term was heard by many people in the room," the organization said in part, apologizing "unreservedly" to Jordan and Lindo, as well as "to all those impacted." They also thanked the actors "for their incredible dignity and professionalism."

(This story was updated to add more information.)

Contributing: Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: John Davidson breaks silence on racial slur he ticked at the BAFTAs
Kirsten Storms, who plays Maxie Jones on General Hospital, took to social media to ask for help as she faces a hacking crisis. She revealed that after moving to Tennessee, her internet router and cellphone were accessed by unknown individuals. Since local police are not equipped to handle the situation, she asked her followers if anyone could recommend a cybersecurity specialist to help resolve the issue.

General Hospital star Kirsten Storms goes public about being hacked

Storms shared multiple Instagram videos to update fans that her device had been hacked, and she urgently needed a cybersecurity specialist. In the first video, she acknowledged being less active on social media and posting less. She further revealed that she has been dealing with an important matter and needs her followers help. Storms asks whether any of the followers know someone from the cyber division who can investigate into hack devices.

She said, My cell phone and my internet router, when I moved to Tennessee, were both accessed by someone or several people who are not me or anyone I know. And my iCloud eventually got accessed. I had to get a new device. I have not gotten a new Apple account; I dont think I will. But I really need to find someone who can look into it for me.

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Further, Storms revealed that she did reach out to the police to file a report. However, she learnt that the local police didnt have a cyber division. Therefore, she went public with the issue, urging fans who know a cybersecurity specialist to connect them with her.

In a follow-up video, the 41-year-old revealed that shes back in Tennessee after completing her work for GH in L.A. And now, shes looking forward to tackling the internet issue, as shes finding it very concerning.

So if you know someone, I have like, a video of MAC addresses and a bunch of other stuff that came from my router box at my apartment in Franklin. And then a few other things. I know I never post stuff like this; I just dont know what to do because the police department doesnt have a cyber division, and I would have to submit it to the state people. And I would really like to get this figured out now. Its really freaking me out, she further added.

In the third video, the actress also revealed that she has been facing the issue since December.

Originally reported by Shazmeen Navrange on ComingSoon.

The post Kirsten Storms From General Hospital Got Hacked: Freaking Me Out appeared first on Mandatory.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announced they were headed to Jordan for a humanitarian trip focused on global aid.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have traveled to Jordan for a surprise humanitarian visit centered on global aid and mental health support, including a visit with medical evacuees from Gaza.

After touching down in Amman on Wednesday, Feb. 25, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, 41 and 44, joined a roundtable discussion at the World Health Organizations headquarters before heading to the Specialty Hospital in Amman to meet with evacuees receiving treatment, according to Vogue and People magazine.

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Per Vogue, Meghan arrived in a head-to-toe white look featuring a double-breasted tweed blazer and wide-leg slacks by Veronica Beard, a New York-based label she has worn since her pre-royal days.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex speak onstage at The Archewell Foundation Parents Summit: Mental Wellness in the Digital Age during Project Healthy Minds World Mental Health Day Festival 2023 at Hudson Yards on Oct. 10, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Project Healthy Minds)

The couple, who partnered with the World Health Organization and announced the trip earlier this week, are also using the visit to highlight Jordans leadership in responding to humanitarian crises across the Middle East. Through their Archewell Foundation, Meghan and Harry have supported relief efforts tied to multiple conflicts, including helping fund medical evacuations for children affected by the war in Gaza and providing assistance to children and families impacted by the Oct. 7 attack in Israel.

Before meeting with the Gaza evacuees, they visited the Zaatari Refugee Camp, one of the largest refugee camps in the world for displaced Syrians. For that engagement, Vogue reported Meghan changed into a khaki T-shirt and trousers layered with a white button-down shirt and paired with tan boat shoes from Vince.

Next, the couple plans to tour addiction rehabilitation and cancer treatment centers, and meet with female leaders at the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development.

Prince Harry and Meghan visit children at the Lights Academy in Abuja, Nigeria Friday. Prince Harry and his wife Meghan have arrived in Nigeria to champion the Invictus Games, which he founded to aid the rehabilitation of wounded and sick servicemembers and veterans. (Photo: Sunday Alamba/AP)

A visit to the Amman office for one of their longtime partners, Jose Andres World Central Kitchen, is also on the itinerary.

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The Jordan visit, conducted independently of the Royal Family but with them informed of their plans, marks Harry and the With Love, Meghan stars first official international trip since 2024, when they traveled to Colombia in August after a trip to Nigeria in May of that year, in which Meghan memorably embraced her own newly discovered Nigerian heritage.

Since stepping back from their roles as senior working members of the Royal Family in 2020, the couple have carried out philanthropic initiatives through Archewell and made selective public appearances in support of aligned causes, including Meghans rare appearance at the 15th Percent Pledges annual gala earlier this month, celebrating and raising funds for Black-owned brands and businesses.

A source told People magazine they are pro-family and pro-children, and their philanthropic work reflects this value and deep-rooted care for humanity.

They are expected to spend three days in Jordan before concluding the visit.

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NEED TO KNOW

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry visited with medical evacuees from Gaza and refugees from Syria during a surprise trip to Jordan this week

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO) on their trip

The aim of the two-day visit was to spotlight humanitarian efforts and mental health support in the region for vulnerable communities affected by conflict and displacement

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announced a surprise visit to Jordan this week, aimed at humanitarian efforts and mental health support for vulnerable communities affected by conflict and displacement.

On Wednesday, Feb. 25, after visiting the Zaatari Refugee Camp  the world's largest refugee camp for displaced Syrians  the Duke and Duchess of Sussex spent time with medical evacuees from Gaza at the Specialty Hospital in Amman.

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Harry and Meghan partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO) on their trip, with a goal of spotlighting how Jordan is leading the way in humanitarian response for victims and evacuees from multiple conflicts in the Middle East. The work is closely aligned with the couples long-standing focus, as their nonprofit, Archewell Philanthropies, has helped fund medical evacuations for children affected by the conflict in Gaza. They have also supported relief efforts for children and families affected by the Oct. 7 attack in Israel.

Meghan and Harry "are pro-family and pro-children, and their philanthropic work reflects this value and deep-rooted care for humanity," the source says.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry with a burn victim from Gaza

Credit: Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty

Harry, 41, and Meghan, 44, announced their trip to Jordan just a day before their arrival. PEOPLE understands that the humanitarian visit, focused on global aid and mental health support, is not on behalf of the U.K. government, but that the royal family had been informed of their plans.

The visit is, however, a reunion of sorts for Harry, Meghan and Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO. The trio previously teamed up in 2021 to author an open letter calling for leaders at the G20 Summit to expand vaccine access in low-income nations. That same year, they also co-hosted an event at the UN General Assembly aimed at promoting vaccine equity.

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On the second day of their visit Jordan, Harry and Meghan plan to join WHO delegations to visit hospitals treating medical evacuees, tour centers for the rehabilitation of addicts and cancer treatment and meet with female leaders at the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development.

Meghan Markle in Jordan

Credit: Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty

They will also continue their longstanding work with World Central Kitchen by visiting its office in Amman. World Central Kitchen was founded by chef Jose Andres and was the first philanthropic partner of the couples charitable organization, Archewell Philanthropies



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The Jordan visit marks Harry and Meghans first official international trip since 2024. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex last undertook similar visits to Nigeria in May 2024 and Colombia in August 2024, following their step back from royal duties in the U.K. in 2020.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in Jordan

Credit: Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty

The trip comes amid major turmoil within the royal family, following the Feb. 19 arrest of Prince Harry's uncle, the former Prince Andrew. The arrest, on suspicion of misconduct in public office, is the continued fallout from Andrew's relationship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

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The investigation centers around a claim that the disgraced former Duke of York shared confidential information with Epstein while serving as a trade envoy for the U.K. in the 2000s. He was held by police for around 11 hours before being released under investigation.

Following the arrest, an insider spoke PEOPLE about the comparisons some continue to make between Andrew  who was stripped of his royal duties, titles, and even his longtime Windsor home due to the fallout over newly-released Epstein evidence  and Harry, who stepped back from royal life in the U.K. in 2020 and moved with Meghan and his family to Montecito, Calif., where they have embarked on their own creative and philanthropic projects.

He was frustrated by the comparisons. It was never fair to lump them together, the insider said. Harry served his country, did the job well and never engaged in misconduct  yet lost security and housing, while Andrew was protected for years.

Harry's reaction to Andrew's arrest would be consistent with his long-held belief in "justice and accountability  thats very much in line with his character, the source continued, noting his multiple court cases in recent years against the U.K. tabloid press



Read the original article on People
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to travel to Jordan this week in a two-day trip to the Middle Eastern nation. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will join Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) to focus on humanitarian health response, mental health, and support for vulnerable communities affected by conflict and displacement, according to their office.

Town & Country understands that the purpose of Harry and Meghans visit to Jordan is primarily listening and learning, and amplifying effective humanitarian responses in the region. They are visiting now, in February 2026, because the Sussexes believe that health food insecurity impacts are intensifying in Gaza, while international attention risks waning. The Duke and Duchess, too, are focused on mental health, trauma recovery, and other long-term consequences of conflict on civilians.

The royal family was informed in advance of the trip, T&C can confirm, but the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are not, however, acting as representatives of the UK government. Rather, the visit is undertaken in partnership with the WHO and in support of other organizations they work with, including World Central Kitchen and Questscope.

Pool - Getty Images

In September, Prince Harry and Dr. Ghebreyesus carried out an engagement in London together, visiting Imperial College Londons Centre for Blast Injury Studies. At the time, the Sussexes announced a donation to organizations supporting injured children from Gaza and Ukraine, including to the WHO. No single organization can solve this alone, Harry said in a statement at a time. Gaza now has the highest density of child amputees in the world and in history. It takes partnerships across government, science, medicine, humanitarian response and advocacy to ensure children survive and can recover after blast injuries.

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During their trip to Jordan this week, the Sussexes will visit initiatives they have financially supported to help facilitate medical evacuations for children affected by the conflict in Gaza, according to their office. This past fall, Ghebreyesus praised Harrys involvement spotlighting the injured children of Gaza. Hes a known figure and his influence is big. So he can help in influencing and others could follow suit. But at the same time, to address the problem we see in Gaza, we need everybodys participation, the WHO Director-General said.

While the Sussexes are focusing on Gazan children and refugees during this visit, they do not intend to explicitly comment on the Israel-Palestine conflict. In October 2023, the couple weighed in on the October 7 terrorist attack, writing, We are supporting our partners and organizations on the frontlines in Israel to provide the urgent aid needed, and to help all innocent victims of this unconscionable level of human suffering. Harry and Meghan remain focused on non-partisan, non-politicized work, T&C understands, with an emphasis on pro-peace initiatives that help families and children.

Courtesy Netflix

While in Jordan, the Sussexes will also visit the World Central Kitchens regional headquarters in Amman and Questscope at the Zaatari Refugee Camp. World Central Kitchen (WCK) was the first philanthropic partnership that the Duke and Duchess set up through their Archewell Foundation, and they have a friendship with WKC founder Jose Andres. For me, it is a pleasure to call them friends, Andres said in 2022. All my life I have been trying to learn what exactly we are missing because why is there still hunger? What are we missing? We have to make the most of the opportunities of goodness, and I believe that with people like Meghan and Harry, we can make it happen.

Andres has focused on providing hot meals in Gaza. With the scale of suffering in Gaza and Israel, it can sometimes feel like there is little room for compassion in the middle of so much grief, he wrote last summer. But I heard time and again from Palestinians and Israelis who see the humanity in one another. At WCK, we believe that our shared humanity begins by sharing a plate of food. I know you believe that, too.

Ilya S. Savenok - Getty Images

During their two-day trip, the Sussexes will also be joined by Dr. Essam Daod, the founder of Humanity Crew. Daod, a Palestinian psychiatrist and psychotherapist, first connected with Prince Harry during his documentary on metal health The Me You Cant See, which follows Daods work helping Syrian refugee children in Lesbos. Archewell has supported Humanity Crew, and Daod appeared at Project Healthy Minds World Mental Health Day in New York City this past fall alongside the Sussexes.

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Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan have arrived in the Middle East for a two-day trip in Jordan.

The couple traveled from their new home in Southern California to the region to shed light on communities affected by war and displacement, the BBC reports. Harry and Meghan, who retreated from their roles as senior royals in 2020 after a public rift with the palace, arrived Wednesday at the invitation of Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization, the outlet reports.

In separate appearances Feb. 25, Duchess Meghan wore a simple, sleek uniform defined by neutrals. In a visit to a specialty hospital in Amman, she paired olive green cargo pants with a brown belt and a high-necked black blouse.

Britain's Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan at the Specialty Hospital in Amman, Jordan, Feb. 25, 2026.

In another look, worn for a WHO roundtable, Meghan donned a white-on-white ensemble. Her signature black locks falling in a soft curl, the duchess layered a white tweed blazer over a crisp pair of white slacks and a silk shirt to match.

Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan attend a World Health Organisation roundtable hosted by Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and regional WHO leadership, along with key donors and humanitarian partners, in Amman, Jordan, on Feb. 25, 2026.

Prince William not in a 'calm state' amid Andrew arrest, he says

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The pair, who have made public health a key component of their activism, also paid a visit to the Za'atari refugee camp in Jordan. Their visit arrives amid turmoil for Harry's estranged family.

British police arrested Harry's uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Prince Andrew, on Feb. 19 on suspicion of misconduct in public life.

For years, Mountbatten-Windsor, 66, has faced scrutiny over his past friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He has not been charged with a crime and has denied wrongdoing. King Charles III, Prince Harry's father, previously said in a statement that he learned of Andrew's arrest with "the deepest concern."

Since Harry and Meghan moved to California in 2020, they have been critical of their lives within the royal family and the institution in interviews, TV documentaries and Harry's autobiography, "Spare."

Contributing: Brendan Morrow, Edward Segarra, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Meghan Markle, Prince Harry travel to Jordan in surprise visit
Rodeo star Kelsie Domer and her husband, Ryan Domer, are honoring the life of their 3-year-old daughter, Oaklynn Domer, after a tragic accident.

The couple announced that Be The Light pink memorial caps featuring a subtle sparkle detail are available to buy in Oaklynn's memory, sharing the links to the Cowgirl Armor website via their respective Facebook pages on Monday, February 23.

The caps were created in honor of Oaklynn, who is described as a beautiful little cowgirl whose joyful spirit, radiant smile, and deep love for life touched hearts far beyond her years. They opted for the color pink, which has become a symbol of unity, love and remembrance.

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All proceeds from memorial cap sales will be donated to the Rope Like A Girl Foundation.

Celebrity Deaths of 2026: Lauren Chapin, Robert Carradine and More Stars We Lost This Year

Wearing this cap means choosing to be brave, to love boldly, to shine bright in hard seasons, to support young girls chasing dreams and to keep Oaklynn's legacy alive, per the site.

Breakaway ropers also notably wore pink in honor of Oaklynn during a February 20 event in San Antonio, Texas, following which Kelsie  a 10-time Womens Professional Rodeo Association champion  spoke out to share, I know my baby girl loved seeing all of that PINK.

Cowgirl Armor/Facebook

The memorial caps quickly sold out, but according to an update from the Cowgirl Armor social media page on Tuesday, February 24, they have officially restocked.

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Thank you for loving this family so loudly. Thank you for carrying her light, the message read.

Oaklynn tragically died on Thursday, February 19, after a freak wreck involving one of their horses, according to a post from Rodeo Life, which claimed the horse fell onto Kelsie and Oaklynn at their ranch in Texas. Though live-saving efforts were made, the child did not survive.

Fox San Antonios Ryan Wolf cited reports that Kelsie was allegedly leading two horses while holding Oaklynn when one of the horses suffered a sudden medical emergency and collapsed.

Oaklynn packed a lot in her short time with us, her Lanman Funeral Home obituary stated. Traveling the rodeo circuit all over the U.S., hitting the practice pen with mom and dad, and loving her family with all her heart. (The couple has been married since 2021 and welcomed their daughter on August 11, 2022.)

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According to her obituary, [Oaklynn] loved frogs, horses, everybody's puppies, going to yodeos, and hanging out with all her friends. She did not know a stranger and lit up the room the minute she made her grand entrance.

Rodeo Star Spencer Wright, Wife Kallie Are Preparing to Say Goodbye to Son Levi, 3, After Tragic Accident

The 3-year-old is survived by her parents, grandparents and great-grandparents in addition to several aunts, uncles and cousins.

There will be two funeral services for Oaklynn later this week, the first will be live-streamed on Thursday, February 26, in Dublin, Texas, followed by graveside services on Friday, February 27, in Cherokee, Oklahoma.

The family asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Rope Like A Girl for family expenses and scholarships in Oaklynns memory for rodeo athletes at Southwestern Oklahoma State University or Northwestern Oklahoma State University.
Brad Ledford, a contestant on Taylor Frankie Pauls upcoming season of The Bachelorette, was involved in a years-long legal battle after he crashed his car and left a politician paralyzed.

In April 2014, Ledford, 29, was reportedly driving when his car struck a concrete barrier and was instantly engulfed in flames, The U.S. Sun reported on Wednesday, February 25.

Madison Cawthorn, a former U.S. representative from North Carolina, then just a teenager, was in the passenger seat at the time of the crash.

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Cawthorn was left partially paralyzed and wheelchair bound as a result of the wreck.

According to The U.S. Sun, the friends were driving home from a spring break trip to Florida when Cawthorn claimed Ledford was negligently operating his 2007 BMW X3.

He was my brother, my best friend, Cawthorn said of Ledford during a 2017 speech given at Patrick Henry College, per Mother Jones. He runs to safety deep in the woods and just leaves me in a burning car as the flames start to lick my legs and curl up and burn my left side.

Instgram/madisoncawthorn

Ledford denied Cawthorns account, telling People in 2021 that he pulled his best friend out of the passenger-side window.

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Cawthorn sued Ledford twice over the injuries he sustained from the accident.

The first suit, which ended in 2016 and included Ledfords parents company as defendants, is sealed. However, two years later, Cawthorn sued Ledford again. The U.S. Sun reported that the case concluded in 2022 with a notice for voluntary dismissal with prejudice, meaning Cawthorn cannot sue Ledford again.

The Republican politician, who served in Congress from 2021 to 2023, is currently running for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives again, this time in Florida.
Performance was driven by a 13-quarter streak of student start growth, fueled by a societal shift toward skilled trades as the value of traditional four-year degrees is increasingly questioned.

Management attributes the 15.7% start growth to a combination of new greenfield campuses and program replications, alongside a robust 4% organic growth rate in core operations.

The Lincoln 10.0 hybrid teaching platform has improved instructional efficiency and organizational productivity by reducing the time students spend on-campus while maintaining hands-on training quality.

Strategic exits from low-ROI programs like culinary and cosmetology have optimized the portfolio, ensuring all remaining programs pass federal gainful employment thresholds.

Operational leverage is expanding as the company increases student-teacher ratios and campus density, with approximately 30% of incremental revenue now dropping to the bottom line.
NEED TO KNOW

PEOPLE has learned why Savannah Guthrie and her family have increased the reward for the recovery of her mother Nancy Guthrie to "up to $1 million"

The host announced the new number in a video on Tuesday, Feb. 24, in which she acknowledged that Nancy may no longer be alive but still had hope for her return

Authorities believe Nancy was kidnapped from her Arizona home in the early hours of Sunday, Feb. 1

PEOPLE has learned new details about the decision by Nancy Guthries family to increase the reward for information regarding her disappearance.

On Tuesday, Feb. 24, Savannah Guthrie announced that they are offering up to $1 million for the recovery of her 84-year-old mother, with hopes that the new number incentivizes those who have been reluctant to come forward to share what they know. The FBI also set a reward of $100,000.

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A source close to the family tells PEOPLE, "The family first raised this on the first day of the investigation and has been ready to do this ever since. They were advised by all involved in the investigation that doing so earlier might overwhelm the infrastructure set up to field leads, tens of thousands of which have been coming in organically."

PEOPLE further learned that Savannah, 54, used the language up to $1 million" because if there is more than one valid claim, the reward may be split. The reward isnt contingent on an arrest, and the family will continue to follow the guidance of the FBI in determining if a lead or tip warrants a payout.

In the Today hosts video, she spoke about her familys hope that Nancy will be returned after she was taken in the dark of night from her bed on Feb. 1, noting that they still believe in a miracle."

As my sister [Annie Guthrie] says, We are blowing on the embers of hope.

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Savannah said it's been "agony" since her mother went missing 24 days ago. The family has been fearing for her and aching for her and most of all just missing her.

We also know that she may be lost, she may already be gone, Savannah said. She may already have gone home to the Lord that she loves and is dancing in Heaven and if this is what is to be, then we will accept it. But we need to know where she is. We need her to come home."

In addition to the reward, the Guthrie family donated $500,000 to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

We also know that we are not alone in our loss. We know there are millions of families that have suffered from this uncertainty, the NBC co-anchor said. We hope that the attention that has been given to our mom and our family will extend to all the families like ours who are in need.

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Savannah's message concluded with another plea, urging those with any information to contact authorities: Please, if you hear this message; if youve been waiting and you havent been sure, let this be your sign to please come forward, tell what you know and help us bring our beloved mom home so that we can either celebrate a glorious, miraculous homecoming or we can celebrate the beautiful, brave and courageous and noble life that she has lived. Please be the light in the dark.

Nancy and Savannah Guthrie

Credit: savannahguthrie/Instagram

Savannah's last Instagram video was shared on Sunday, Feb. 15. In the clip, she called for "whoever has her or knows where she is" to come forward.

She also addressed Nancys kidnappers directly, saying: "I wanted to say to whoever has her or knows where she is that it's never too late. And you're not lost or alone. And it is never too late to do the right thing. And we are here. And we believe. And we believe in the essential goodness of every human being."

"It's never too late," she said, writing in the caption: "Bring her home. Its never too late to do the next right thing."

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 Pima County Sheriff's Department and FBI have said they believe Nancy was kidnapped by an armed man seen in surveillance footage. He appeared to tamper with Nancy's doorbell camera in the early hours of Sunday, Feb. 1. She was last seen by family the night before.

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The individual, who has not been identified, is described by the FBI as a "male, approximately 59 - 510 tall, with an average build." In the video they are wearing a "black, 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack," according to a post by the FBI on X.

On Thursday, Feb. 19, a spokesperson for the PCSD told PEOPLE that investigators are "not ruling out that that was the only person involved as Nancy's whereabouts remain unknown.

In the weeks since Nancys disappearance, local, state and federal authorities have flooded the area, combing the rugged desert terrain for any sign of her or clues that could lead investigators to answers.

Additionally, multiple alleged ransom notes have been sent to local media stations demanding the Guthrie family pay multi-million dollar sums by a set deadlines of Feb. 5 and Feb. 9, which have since passed. It remains unclear if the family has made a payment.

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The investigation has also been complicated by mixed DNA recovered from inside Nancys home. In an interview with NBC News published on Feb. 21, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said that the samples contain genetic material from more than one person, making it harder for authorities to process them through databases.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos; Nancy Guthrie

Credit: Jan Sonnenmair/Getty; Nathan Congleton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

On Feb. 23, Nanos told PEOPLE that there is "no evidence" that the masked man captured on doorbell camera footage at Nancy's Arizona home was also caught on camera there prior to her disappearance.

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.

Residents in Nancy's neighborhood were previously asked by the sheriffs department to submit surveillance footage dating back to Jan. 1, with particular focus on two windows of time between Jan. 11 at 9 p.m. and midnight, and Jan. 31 between 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Authorities specifically requested video showing cars, traffic, pedestrians or anything unusual.

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Nanos has shared in the past that it could take "years" to find Nancy.

Maybe its an hour from now, Nanos claimed, per The New York Times. Maybe its weeks or months or years from now. But we wont quit. Were going to find Nancy. Were going to find this guy.

The FBI is urging anyone with tips or leads to call 1-800-CALL-FBI in addition to the Pima County Sheriffs Office number, 520-351-4900.

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Credit: Jason Laciste/Prime Video

Prime Video has long been in the business of turning WWE champions into streaming stars. Before greenlighting John Cenas "Jackpot!" and "Ricky Stanicky," or Dwayne The Rock Johnsons "Red One," the streamer found a reliable leading man in Dave Bautista. Following his success in the "My Spy" franchise, the actor  now acclaimed for his range in "Glass Onion" and "Dune"  returns to Amazon for the high-octane action comedy, "The Wrecking Crew."

In this latest outing from "Blue Beetle" director Angel Manuel Soto, Bautista teams up with his "Dune" co-star Jason Momoa. The two play estranged half-brothers, a Navy SEAL and a suspended cop, who are reunited in Hawaii after their fathers mysterious death. As they dig into the islands criminal underbelly to uncover the truth, the duo must navigate a trail of conspiracy while trying not to destroy the scenery (or each other) in the process.

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The leads exude a brotherly chemistry that is equal parts crude and compassionate. While "The Wrecking Crew" doesn't necessarily reinvent the action-comedy wheel, Sotos eye for family drama and blow-it-up spectacle makes for a wild ride involving ninjas, cars and helicopters. If youre looking to keep the adrenaline pumping after the credits roll, here are five films like "The Wrecking Crew" to watch next.

'Rush Hour'

James and Jonny Hale start "The Wrecking Crew" as virtual strangers, but after narrowly escaping death together, they become inseparable. This mismatched partners-to-brothers-in-arms trajectory is the blueprint perfected by Chief Inspector Lee and Detective Carter in "Rush Hour." Starring Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker, this 1990s staple remains one of the definitive buddy-cop movies of all time.

The plot  saving a diplomats daughter from a crime lord  is secondary to the undeniable chemistry between the leads. Much like the magic found in the Bautista-Momoa pairing, the fun here comes from the banter and Chans legendary stunt work. Its a masterclass in the genre that eventually spawned a trilogy; with any luck, the Hales might follow in their footsteps.

Rent/buy on Prime Video or Apple TV

'Bad Boys'

Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista certainly carry a bad boy energy, but they are walking in the footsteps of Martin Lawrence and Will Smith. Michael Bays feature directorial debut, "Bad Boys," redefined the action-comedy genre in 1995. Following two Miami narcotics officers investigating a massive heroin heist, the film prioritized magnetic rapport and high-speed spectacle over a complex script.

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The films success relied heavily on the leads constant improvisation, which Bay encouraged to punch up the dialogue. While Bay later became known for spectacle over substance in the Transformers era, this original entry is a lean, mean, and hilarious example of the genre. "The Wrecking Crew" exists in this same high-octane vein, proving that the "Bad Boys" formula still works decades later.

Rent/buy on Prime Video or Apple TV

'Blue Beetle'

"The Wrecking Crew" boasts serious nerd culture credibility, featuring a cast that includes Drax the Destroyer, Aquaman and Boba Fett (Temuera Morrison). This ensemble is corralled by director Angel Manuel Soto, who previously brought Jaime Reyes to life in "Blue Beetle." While the future of the DCU remains in flux, Sotos superhero debut stands as a vibrant, culturally rich landmark for Latino representation in the genre.

Much like Sotos latest film, "Blue Beetle" is rooted in the power of family. Jaimes alien superpowers are impressive, but his connection to the Reyes clan gives the story its heart. Both films authentically capture relatable, high-stakes family dynamics that resonate far beyond the explosions and special effects.

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Watch on HBO Max

'Demolition Man'

In "The Wrecking Crew," Stephen Root plays the quintessential exasperated police chief dealing with the collateral damage left by the Hale brothers. If you enjoy that loose cannon dynamic, "Demolition Man" takes it to the extreme. The film stars Sylvester Stallone as John Spartan, a 1990s cop thawed out of a cryogenic freeze to hunt down his nemesis, Simon Phoenix (Wesley Snipes), in a "peaceful" future utopia.

Beyond the iconic fight choreography and '90s flair, the movie has endured due to its surprisingly sharp social commentary. Its a blast to watch Spartan navigate a world of "three seashells" and "Taco Bell wars," but the underlying message about government control and class struggle remains relevant. Its the perfect pick for fans who like their explosions served with a side of satire.

Watch free on YouTube

'Mele Murals'

Hawaii is often used as a glossy backdrop for Hollywood hits like "Lilo & Stitch" or "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," but few films explore the island beyond the resorts. To understand the "real" Hawaii featured in "The Wrecking Crew," one should look to the 2016 documentary "Mele Murals." This film highlights the rich Kanaka Maoli culture and the modern struggles to keep those traditions alive.

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Directed by Tadashi Nakamura, the documentary follows artists Estria and Prime as they use a marriage of graffiti and ancient tradition to reach local youth. Their work addresses the negative effects of modernization on the islands heritage. It is a powerful, insightful watch that may change the way you view the "paradise" depicted in big-budget action movies forever.

Watch free on Kanopy

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The director of the Berlinale could be replaced in an extraordinary meeting on Thursday called by Germany's minister of state for culture, Wolfram Weimer.

A spokesman for Weimer confirmed on Wednesday that the management committee of Berlin's cultural events organization, which runs the Berlin International Film Festival, has been convened.

The Bild tabloid has reported that the agenda will include the future of Berlinale director Tricia Tuttle, after Weimer slammed appearances by pro-Palestinian activists at the festival last week.

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Tuttle and Weimer reportedly agreed that she could no longer continue to lead the festival, which has faced accusations from critics of remaining silent on the war in Gaza.

At the same time, Weimer accused organizers of allowing the event to be used by pro-Palestinian activists.

Syrian-Palestinian director Abdallah Alkhatib won an award for best feature film debut for his "Chronicles from the Siege."

In his acceptance speech, he sharply criticized the German government's stance on the Gaza war.

After the award ceremony, Weimer said: "The Pali activist scene showed its ugly face at the Berlinale with hatred of Israel, aggression and coercion."

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Jury work and award ceremonies were misused for "political destruction," he argued.

A spokesman for Weimer said Thursday's meeting would include "a discussion about the direction of the Berlinale."

"We will not comment on further speculation," he added.
Long before he was the traumatized Vietnam vet we met in 1982s First Blood, John Rambo was a young Green Beret just starting his military career. Now, over 40 years after Sylvester Stallone first tied on that iconic red headband, we'll dsiscover the legendary character's origin story in a new prequel.

Noah Centineo will star as Rambo in the filmcurrently titled John Rambo. Directed by Jalmari Helander (Sisu) and executive produced by the Russo Brothers (Avengers: Endgame), the prequel has kicked off production in Thailand. And Centineo is joined by a powerhouse supporting castincluding Jefferson White (Yellowstone's Jimmy) and Sinners' Yao.

From the full cast to the plot, here's everything we know so far about John Rambo.

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What is 'John Rambo' about?

On January 29, 2026, John Rambo's directorJalmari Helandershared a passionate statement via the film's official X account. "As we begin production on the origin of John Rambo, we're going back to the beginning," he wrote. "This is Rambo stripped down, raw, and reala survival story about endurance, persistence, and lost innocence. It's an honor to shape this next chapter with deep respect for the character and the legacy, and to bring audiences the start of John Rambo's journey."

JOHN RAMBO  Now in Production. pic.twitter.com/UlnVY4kICe  John Rambo Film (@JohnRamboFilm) January 29, 2026

Is 'John Rambo' based on other material?

Yes! David Morrell created the character of John Rambo in his 1972 novel, First Blood. While the film franchisespanning from 1982 to 2019took the original character in an action-heavy direction, this prequel promises a return to his roots, presenting an origin stories that explores the formative years of Morrell's Rambo.

Related: 'Tulsa King' Will Return for Season 4: What to Expect

How many 'Rambo' movies are there?

There are five movies:

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First Blood (1982)

Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985)

Rambo III (1988)

Rambo (2008)

Rambo: Last Blood (2019)

Who's in the cast of 'John Rambo'?

Centineo will play a younger version of Rambo.Photo by Variety on Getty Images (Photo by Variety on Getty Images)

Noah Centineo as John Rambo

Centineo is best known for his roles in To All the Boys I've Loved Before and The Recruit. His other credits include Good Trouble, Warfar and The Perfect Date.

You may remember Jefferson White as Jimmy on Yellowstone.Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin on Getty Images (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin on Getty Images)

Jefferson White

White is best known for his role as Jimmy on Yellowstone. His other credits include Chicago P.D., The Bite and Blindspot.

Yao had a massive 2025 with his role as Bo Chow in Sinners.Photo by Arturo Holmes on Getty Images (Photo by Arturo Holmes on Getty Images)

Thomas Pang aka Yao

Yao is probably recognized most for his role as Bo Chow in Sinners. His other credits include Scrum Tigers, The Last Bout and Regina.

James Tobin and Centineo also co-star in Street Fighter.Photo by Lucy North - PA Images on Getty Images (Photo by Lucy North - PA Images on Getty Images)

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Jason Tobin

Tobin starred for three seasons as Young Jun on Warrior, a series based on an original concept and treatment by Bruce Lee. The Hong Kong-based actor has also starred in A Thousand Blows, Fistful of Vengeance, and F9: The Fast Saga.

Fun Fact: Centineo and Tobin are also co-stars in the upcoming Street Fighter movie.

Isaiah's portrayal of Magic Johnson garnered praise from critics.Photo by Robin L Marshall on Getty Images (Photo by Robin L Marshall on Getty Images)

Quincy Isaiah

Isaiah starred as Magic Johnson in Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty. His other credits include Grassland, A Black Lady Sketch Show and the upcoming Hotel Tehran.

This isn't Thapthimthong's first time filming in Thailand. Previously, he starred in Season 3 of The White Lotus.Photo by Steve Granitz on Getty Images (Photo by Steve Granitz on Getty Images)

Tayme Thapthimthong

Thapthimthong starred as Gaitok in the third season of The White Lotus. His other credits include Thai Cave Rescue, Alien: Earth and Backstrom.

Related: 90s Sitcom Star Joins The White Lotus for Season 4

Where is 'John Rambo' filming?

John Rambo is currently filming in Bangkok, Thailand and the surrounding areas.

When does production begin on 'John Rambo'?

John Rambo is currently in production.

What is the release date for 'John Rambo'?

A release date has not yet been announced for John Rambo. Check back here for updates!

Up Next: Rambo Is Back  but Not Quite the Way Fans Remember

This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the Movies section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
In his quest for a third Academy Award, Sean Penn may have just one-upped all his predecessors.

Less than 20 days before the two-time Oscar winner could receive his third golden statue, a bombshell article detailing the One Battle After Another actors decade-old heroic adventure just dropped.

Vying for his third Oscar, Sean Penn helped publish a lengthy feature story in New York Magazine about his heroic antics a decade ago. / Kevin Winter / Getty Images

It would take an actor of Penns caliber to feign any level of shock at the articles mysteriously perfect timing, just a few short weeks out from the Oscars.

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The lengthy article, published by New York Magazine, paints Penn, 65, as an unequivocal Hollywood hero. In 2013, after the actor learned that an American businessman had been held in a Bolivian prison for 18 months without being charged, he reportedly took action.

In 2013, Penn testified before Congress and met with Bolivia's president to help secure Ostreicher's release from wrongful imprisonment. / Paul Morigi / WireImage

Penn, who the article describes as an ambassadorial thrill seeker, leveraged his friendship with Bolivias president to secure Brooklyn native Jacob Ostreichers release.

Ostreicher was a free man in December 2013, so why publish the story now? The answer is simple: Oscar voters have just about one more week to cast their ballots.

For months, Penn has been locked in a supporting actor awards race that has spread the votes evenly. On Sunday, Penn won his first major award at the BAFTAs. Previously, rivals Stellan Skarsgard took home the Golden Globe award, and Jacob Elordi won the Critics Choice award.

Penn's Supporting Actor battle includes

If ever Penn wanted to win his third Oscar, the last of which he won in 2009 for Milk, now is his chance.

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The actors awards season strategy is brazen, but it is hardly the first time an Oscars race has inspired outlandish behavior from a nominee.

Leading up to perhaps the Oscars most controversial upsets in history, disgraced former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein enacted a no-holds-barred approach for Shakespeare in Love.

Disgraced former film producer Harvey Weinstein made history with his all-out Oscar campaigns, which included tapping the acting First Lady for the world premiere of the eventual Best Picture winner

Weinstein, 73, recruited First Lady Hillary Clinton to host the films 1998 New York premiere, ensured they (very publicly) ran more ads than their opponent Saving Private Ryan, hired consultants to lobby voters, and even began a smear campaign against Steven Spielbergs war film.

The result: the melodramatic romantic comedy beat out Spielbergs iconic film in one of the most surprising Best Picture upsets of all time.

Paltrow and Dench won two of the film's seven Oscars, which included an upset over

Four years later, Weinstein-led Miramax deployed a new tactic: ghostwriting a New York Times op-ed from the Academys former president in favor of Gangs of New York director Michael Scorsese. The industrys outrage at the tactic left the film empty-handed come Oscars night.

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In 2011, Best Supporting Actress nominee Melissa Leo believed her role in Frozen River was her only shot at the coveted golden statue. Fearing her ageat the time Leo was 50kept her from landing magazine covers like her competitors, Leo paid for her own photos to appear in trade magazines. The images, which depicted the actress in furs, were published with the quote consider... above them.

Melissa Leo's self-funded advertisements in trade magazines helped the actress take home her only acting Oscar. / Melissa Leo/Advertisement

On Oscar night, Leo took home the award in one of the ceremonys most genuine moments of shock, beating out younger rivals Amy Adams and Helena Bonham Carter.

In perhaps the only other example that rivals Penns, The Alamo actor Chill Willis desperate attempt to claim an Oscar ultimately tanked his chances.

The aggressive campaign for the 1960 John Wayne-directed film featured ads with the text We of the Alamo cast are praying harderthan the real Texans prayed for their lives in the Alamofor Chill Wills to win the Oscar as best supporting actor. Cousin Chills acting was great. Your Alamo cousins.

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Needless to say, the tasteless ploy was maligned by the film industryto the degree that Variety refused to publish itand Willis went home empty-handed.

Penn will have to wait until March 15 to see if his thinly veiled ploy paid off.

Obsessed with pop culture and entertainment? Follow us on Substack and YouTube for even more coverage.
The road to the 2026 Oscars is underway.

The 98th Academy Awards will celebrate the top films from the past year from "Hamnet" to "Marty Supreme," "Sinners" and more.

Ahead of Hollywood's biggest night, nominees convened at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on Feb. 10 for the annual Oscars luncheon to take their official class photo and to mingle with each other.

Richard Harbaugh / The Academy - PHOTO: Nominees for the 98th OscarsA were celebrated at the Nominee Luncheon held in the International Ballroom at the Beverly Hilton on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

The luncheon doubled as a reunion, bringing filmmakers and actors back together as nominees traded congratulations and soaked in the moment.

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With the Oscars now less than a month away, we're taking a look at everything you need to know.

When are the 2026 Oscars?

Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: An Oscar statue is pictured at the red carpet of the 97th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on February 28, 2025.

The 98th Oscars will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 15, 2026, starting at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

How to watch the 2026 Oscars?

You can watch the Oscars ceremony on ABC and streaming on Hulu.

Who is hosting?

Andrew Eccles/Disney - PHOTO: 97th Oscars hosted by Conan O'Brien.

Conan O'Brien is hosting this year's ceremony for the second year in a row.

In a January interview with "Good Morning America," the television host and comedian teased "a lot of possibilities" for the upcoming show.

Oscar nominations 2026: Full list of nominees

"Early on, you just generate possibilities for the show: 'What might we do?' You have to wait and see which movies are nominated, what's in the zeitgeist, so there'll be a lot of ideas that come in late. Sometimes those are the best ideas," he said.

Who is presenting?

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic - PHOTO: Adrien Brody, Mikey Madison, Zoe Saldana and Kieran Culkin.

Last year's Oscar winners Adrien Brody, Kieran Culkin, Mikey Madison and Zoe Saldana will return to the Oscars stage as presenters, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Feb. 19.

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Producers will announce more talent joining the show in the coming weeks.

Who is nominated?

Warner Bros. Pictures - PHOTO: A scene from 'Sinners,' starring Michael B. Jordan.

2026 Oscar nominations were revealed in January.

"Sinners" reigned supreme, breaking the record for the most Oscar nominations ever, a title previously held by "Titanic," "La La Land" and "All About Eve," with 14 nominations apiece.

Close behind in this year's nominees pool were "One Battle After Another" with 13 nominations and "Marty Supreme," "Frankenstein," and "Sentimental Value" with nine nominations each. "Hamnet" is also up for eight nominations.

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See the full list of nominees here.

Who was snubbed?

Dia Dipasupil/WireImage via Getty Images - PHOTO: Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande attend the "Wicked: For Good!" New York Premiere at David Geffen Hall on November 17, 2025 in New York City.

Following the Oscars nominations announcement on Jan. 22, ABC News' Chris Connelly and Kelley Carter broke down the biggest snubs and surprises.

Notable names they mentioned that were left off the list included Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande for their roles in "Wicked: For Good" and Adam Sandler for his role in "Jay Kelly" opposite George Clooney, who was also left off the nominations list.

Oscar nominations 2026: Snubs and surprises

Is there a new category?

This year, the Oscars will debut a new category: achievement in casting.

The new category was announced in 2024 and films from 2025 were eligible for the award.

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Casting directors who are nominated this year include Nina Gold for "Hamnet," Jennifer Venditti for "Marty Supreme," Cassandra Kulukundis for "One Battle After Another," Gabriel Domingues for "The Secret Agent" and Francine Maisler for "Sinners."

How to watch all the best picture nominated films

See our go-to guide for watching all the year's top projects here.

Who won last year?

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic - PHOTO: Mikey Madison, winner of the Best Actress in a Leading Role for "Anora" poses in the press room during the 97th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 02, 2025 in Hollywood, California.

At the 97th Academy Awards in 2025, "Anora" took home the coveted trophy for best picture. It won five awards, including best director for Sean Baker and best actress for Mikey Madison.

Relive all the top moments from the 97th Oscars here.

The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of ABC News, ABC and Hulu.
Mike Love of The Beach Boys performs during Riot Fest at Douglass Park on September 20, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Barry Brecheisen/Getty Images)

The Beach Boys have added some new dates to their 2026 schedule.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band, fronted by founding member Mike Love, has expanded their upcoming tour celebrating 60 years of their album Pet Sounds. Added dates include new stops in Atlantic City, New Jersey; Medford, Massachusetts; Quakertown, Pennsylvania; Temecula, California; Baltimore, Maryland; Thackerville, Oklahoma; Lancaster, Pennsylvania; and Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.

A ticket presale for the new dates begins Thursday at 10 a.m. local time. Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday at 10 a.m. local time.

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Released May 16, 1966, Pet Sounds, The Beach Boys' 11th studio album, was a critical hit and often considered one of the best albums of all time. It featured such classic Beach Boys songs as "Wouldnt It Be Nice," "God Only Knows," "Sloop John B" and more.

The album peaked at #10 on the Billboard Album chart and has been certified Platinum by the RIAA. In 2004 it was chosen by the Library of Congress for inclusion in the National Recording Registry.

The Beach Boys' 2026 tour kicks off March 22 in Orlando, Florida. A complete schedule can be found at TheBeachBoys.com.

Copyright  2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
From Brooklyn, New York-based indie rockers Momma and Thesaurus Rex to soulful Dallas hip-hop outfit Cure for Paranoia to Los Angeles pop-punk duo Evening Elephants, the 2026 Norman Music Festival is bringing a variety of national acts to central Oklahoma this spring.

Austin, Texas, punk-rock band Grocery Bag; prolific Nashville, Tennessee, composer and troubadour Crys Matthews; and Miami, Florida, post-punk/surf/garage rockers Camp Blu also are among the newly revealed headliners for the 18th edition of the Sooner State's biggest free music festival.

"To get to bring Momma and Evening Elephants and Cure for Paranoia, everybody's going to lose their minds. They're so wonderful. So, we're thrilled. We're real happy with this lineup," Norman Music Festival Executive Director Shari Jackson told The Oklahoman.

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"And there's no way we could invite (only) bands from outside Oklahoma to play when we have bands that absolutely fit the bill right here."

The free Norman Music Festival is set for April 23-25 in downtown Norman's historic Walker Arts District and will feature dozens of local, regional and national acts performing across four outdoor stages and at about a dozen partner venues.

The three-day independent music showcase will highlight a lengthy cross-genre roster of Oklahoma headliners, including NMF surf-pop mainstays Husbands, all-female orchestral dream punk band stepmom, emo rockers Ben Quad, hip-hop outfit Original Flow and the Wavvez, Norman rapper S. Reidy, Texas-bred fingerpicking guitarist and composer Hayden Pedigo, alt-rock/pop quartet Red Sun, hometown psychedelic rock group Helen Kelter Skelter, pop-punk outfit Honor Choir, Norman alternative band Baileyboy and self-taught artist and musician Kid Lennon.

Oklahoma City hip-hop artist Original Flow performs at the September 2021 Color of Art event at Scissortail Park. Flow is one of the founders and organizers of Color of Art, a free, family-friendly series of events that combine local music, dance and visual art in an immersive community experience. The 2022 series starts May 22 at Scissortail Park.

"It's always our goal to really spotlight Oklahoma artists, because I don't know that everybody really realizes how unbelievably talented Oklahoma musicians are. Ben Quad, they're going to come see us after they finish their first headlining tour. Hayden Pedigo, who just signed with Sub Pop, moved to Oklahoma City," Jackson said.

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"S. Reidy (recently) invited people to a house show, had 500 people want to show up and had to go find a venue. Red Sun is absolutely tearing it up. And Husbands we absolutely adore; I think they played their first-ever show as a band at NMF. ... We love being able to celebrate and jump up and down alongside all of this incredible Oklahoma talent."

Lindsey Cox, frontwoman of OKC orchestral dream punk band stepmom, performs during the opening of Factory Obscura's temporary art installation Profitopia" Oct. 31, 2024, in Oklahoma City.

When and where is Norman Music Festival 2026?

Founded in 2008, the Norman Music Festival started as a single-day event with just a few bands and has since grown into one of the country's largest free music festivals.

NMF annually attracts more than 55,000 attendees over an April weekend packed with 200-plus performances, spanning genres from rock and hip-hop to country and punk.

Past fests have spotlighted national acts like The Drums, Omar Apollo, Japanese Breakfast and Portugal. The Man, along with breakout Oklahoma artists including Jabee, Mad Honey and Cliffdiver.

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Produced by the nonprofit, volunteer-run Norman Music Alliance Inc., Norman Music Fest annually generates an estimated $2.6 million to $4 million in economic impact, largely benefiting the locally owned businesses and venues in downtown Norman.

NMF 2026 will feature live music on four outdoor stages  Main Street is annually shut down for the event  with local bars, restaurants and other businesses supplying a dozen or so indoor stages.

The festival remains free to attend thanks to support from local businesses, community organizations and cultural advocates. Jackson said organizers are seeking new sponsorships, volunteers and donations for the 2026 edition.

While general admission to NMF is free, VIP ticket options are available for $100, $200 and $300.

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Plus, festivalgoers are encouraged to download the free NMF app at https://normanmusicfestival.com/mobile-app.

For more information, go to https://normanmusicfestival.com.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Acts Husbands, stepmom and Ben Quad to play Norman Music Festival
Originally appeared on E! Online

A bright vocal talent has fallen silent far too soon.

Nicole Valeria Vargas Gomez, who competed on season four of Colombias The Voice Kids in 2019, died following a hit-and-run incident in the department of Quindio. She was 19.

The tragedywhich also took the life of 40-year-old William Andrew Paipaoccurred when a vehicle struck both victims as they crossed the road, throwing them both in the air, multiple outlets reported citing local police.

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A traffic accident occurred involving pedestrians being run over by an unidentified vehicle, affecting two individuals who were crossing the road in the restaurant area at El Solar, authorities said in a statement to Unilad published Feb. 24. At this time, the individuals can be identified as William Andres Paipa and Nicole Valeria Vargas Gomez.

Following the fatal crash, investigators continue to search for the vehicle involved in the encounter, the outlets reported.

During her time on the singing competition, Gomez detailed her first exposure to music as a baby when her late grandmother would sing to her. She eventually discovered her own musical chops in school, albeit accidentally.

Gomez explained that she fell in love with Colombian genres like pasillo and bambuco music while also becoming immersed in the world of hip-hop dance, adding, I go from one extreme to the other in music.

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After her stint on the reality series, Gomez went on to pursue studies in business administration at the University of Quindio, where she also participated in the schools vocal group.

More from E! Online

I got locked in a school bathroom and my teacher got worried because I hadnt turned up, she said via Spanish translation following her blind audition. She went looking for me, and instead of crying, I started singing, and she had to listen in every bathroom stall to see where I was.

The Voice Kids Colombia/YouTube

Gomez explained that she fell in love with Colombian genres like pasillo and bambuco music while also becoming immersed in the world of hip-hop dance, adding, I go from one extreme to the other in music.

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After her stint on the reality series, Gomez went on to pursue studies in business administration at the University of Quindio, where she also participated in the schools vocal group.

Instagram

Both in the classroom and on stage, she left her mark through her discipline, sensitivity and deep love for the arts, the university said in a statement on X Feb. 22 via Spanish translation. Today we bid farewell to an exemplary student, a passionate artist and a human being who illuminated every space she shared with her voice and presence.

For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
Al Showers was always determined to get the story.

For more than 30 years, the veteran TV journalist brought South Mississippi the news, most often from his beloved Hancock County.

Freelance journalist Stacey Cato, who worked alongside Showers for years and considered him her closest friend, remembers he once started to tromp into the woods for news video near the home of a suspected gunman on the loose. Cato insisted he not do it.

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Al was just a go-getter, Cato said. He was getting that story, no matter what.

Social media tributes are pouring in for Showers this week after people learned the 62-year-old died Friday in an Alabama hospital. He had been sick for a couple of years, but was fighting his way back from a muscle disease when he learned that he had advanced colon cancer.

This happened quickly, Cato said. Very quickly. None of us were prepared for it.

Newscaster Al Showers, who for many years covered Hancock County for WLOX-TV, stands on the property where he lost his Bay St. Louis home to Hurricane Katrina. Showers was able to rebuild and helped others do the same while covering the storms aftermath for South Mississippi viewers. (The Giving Circle/Courtesy of Stacey Cato)

Showers family settles in Alabama

Showers was the third of four siblings, named Alvin Joseph Showers III after his father. His family moved around for his fathers career in the Air Force. They settled in Mobile when Showers was in high school, said his brother, John Duby Showers.

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The children were raised with a strong work ethic and all eventually found work that they dedicated themselves to.

Showers loved journalism and started his career as a teen. His uncle, Mel Showers, worked for more than 50 years at WKRG-TV in Mobile, where he retired as longtime anchorman.

Showers spent most of his career at WLOX-TV in Gulfport before moving to WEAR-TV in Pensacola, where he worked as a photographer and multimedia journalist. Former colleagues at both stations shared their memories of Showers on social media, including Good Morning Americas Robin Roberts, who worked at WLOX early in her career.

Al Showers was incredibly special. Will cherish our time together at WLOX. Many wonderful memories. Sending my love and condolences to his family and the WEAR family.   Robin Roberts (@RobinRoberts) February 23, 2026

Cato said that he never stopped working, even when they were enjoying an evening out. He was very friendly, chatting up strangers and finding stories everywhere he went.

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It wasnt a job to him, she said. It was life to him. He would always do that digging.

Reporter Stacey Cato snapped a selfie with her dear friend Al Showers in 2020 during one of their many adventures. (Stacey Cato/Submitted)

TV journalist extended helping hand

BreAnna Hart met Showers when she was a child because he and her mother were friends. He always hunted Hart up when he was at one of her schools for a story.

He was such a great person, Hart said. She grew up taking dance lessons and taught her first class when she was 14. When she was around 22, she told Showers about the summer dance camp she wanted to start for low-income children. One night, they sat together in his home office, where he helped Hart write a detailed proposal for the camp.

Former South Mississippi producer and journalist All Showers works on his house after Hurricane Katrina. Showers, a broadcast journalist who for years lived and worked in Hancock County, recently passed away. (Courtesy of Stacey Cato)

A nonprofit, The Giving Circle, then helped raise the money for her camp. She said 54 children attended. The camp led to a childrens dance team, The Mississippi Sweethearts, who recently marched in several Mardi Gras parades.

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Al has been there, she said. He was like a father figure.

William Reynolds, publisher of WEAR-TV news partner northescambia.com, always enjoyed talking to Showers, even when Showers called for directions because he was lost in the woods.

Showers family is reading all the comments about him on social media and realizing how widely he was loved. His faith in God was deep, as was his love of family and friends.

Along lifes way, he tried to help everyone he could. When his brothers house needed to be painted, Showers came over in the evenings after work to help. If he saw that his brothers grass needed to be cut, he cut it without asking.

Duby Showers said, He had a heart and a half  close to two hearts.
BAFTA has launched a "comprehensive review" of its 2026 Film Awards ceremony.

Alan Cumming hosted this year's BAFTA Film Awards

The British Academy has sent a letter to its members responding to the controversy after Tourette's campaigner John Davidson shouted the N-word while Sinners co-stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage during Sunday's (22.02.26) ceremony, which was hosted by Alan Cumming.

In a letter to its members, BAFTA said: "We are in contact with the studios involved and conversations are ongoing.

"We want to assure all our members that a comprehensive review is underway. You may have also seen the BBC have issued their own apology for the broadcast.

"It was a very complex situation and we understand you will have many questions  please rest assured how seriously we are taking this."

Any members who want to contact the organisation are advised to email

[email protected].

The detail of the investigation wasn't included in the initial public statement released on Monday (23.02.26), in which the organisation took "full responsibility" for the incident.

During the ceremony, John - whose life is the inspiration for the film I Swear - shouted the N-word while Michael and Delroy were presenting an award.

BAFTA said: "We take full responsibility for putting our guests in a very difficult situation and we apologise to all.

"We will learn from this, and keep inclusion at the core of all we do, maintaining our belief in film and storytelling as a critical conduit for compassion and empathy."

They continued: "Early in the ceremony a loud tic in the form of a profoundly offensive term was heard by many people in the room.

"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.

"During the ceremony, John chose to leave the auditorium and watch the rest of the ceremony from a screen, and we would like to thank him for his dignity and consideration of others, on what should have been a night of celebration for him."

Meanwhile, John has released his own statement saying he is "deeply mortified", while he has given an interview questioning part of the production on the night.

He told Variety: "StudioCanal were working closely with BAFTA, and BAFTA had made us all aware that any swearing would be edited out of the broadcast.

"I have made four documentaries with the BBC in the past, and feel that they should have been aware of what to expect from Tourettes and worked harder to prevent anything that I said  which, after all, was some 40 rows back from the stage  from being included in the broadcast.

"As I reflect on the auditorium, I remember there was a microphone just in front of me, and with hindsight I have to question whether this was wise, so close to where I was seated, knowing I would tic."
Feb 25 (Reuters) - Louisiana utility regulators denied an environmental law group's request to investigate a $27 billion Meta Platforms data center deal, the law group Earthjustice said on Wednesday.

Earthjustice filed a motion last month with the Louisiana Public Service Commission asking it to probe project financing, which the group said could ultimately shift project costs unfairly onto utility customers.

The motion centered on Meta's proposed data center project in Richland Parish, Louisiana, for which three new gas-fired power plants would be built.

Earthjustice's motion said that at around the time the commission approved the gas plants, Meta signed off on a new financial arrangement for the data center. That new arrangement would give Meta the right to abandon the project in four years rather than 15 and free it from financially guaranteeing the project, the motion said.

In four years, the local utility will likely have not recouped the costs of constructing the power plants and they would then be borne by other utility customers like homes and businesses in the form of higher rates, Earthjustice said.

By dismissing this motion, the PSC is giving the green light to more tech companies to use this kind of financial maneuvering to maximize profits while evading public accountability, said Susan Stevens Miller, senior attorney at Earthjustice.

The utility regulator was not immediately available for comment.

(Reporting by Laila Kearney in New York; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
Something really huge is happening soon that will take your Netflix experience to an entirely new level. One of the streaming giant's biggest, most beloved shows is leaving the comfort of your living room and heading to theaters for a limited-time premiere event!

Premiering its first season in August 2023, this fan-favorite series took Netflix by storm. However, no one should've really been surprised. The show is based on one of the most iconic and long-running manga series of all time. If you've guessed One Piece, you'd be absolutely right! The popular live-action Netflix series will return with its highly anticipated second season in March, and now fans will have two ways to watch it.

Originally, One Piece season 2 was only going to be released on Netflix. While that's true to an extent, there's now an exciting twist for the global fanbase. The streaming giant has announced that the first two episodes of the second season will also be shown in theaters for a special premiere event. This unique theatrical experience gives fans the chance to step into the world of Netflix's One Piece like never before.

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In fact, this is only the second time a Netflix series has hit theaters. The first time was when the Stranger Things series finale was released in theaters on Dec. 31, 2025. So, yeah, this is pretty big!

Everything to know about the One Piece season 2 theatrical release

(L to R) Emily Rudd as Nami, Inaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy, Jacob Romero as Usopp in season 2 of One Piece | Netflix

For those who want to see One Piece season 2 on the big screen, we're about share all that you need to know about its theatrical release. First, we'll start with the dates and locations. The special theatrical screenings will take place on March 10, 2026, the same day the second season officially premieres on Netflix.

Fans in the United States, Canada, and Japan can attend, with more than 200 theaters participating. In the US and Canada, showings are scheduled for 6 p.m. local time, giving fans a prime evening slot to dive into the Grand Line alongside fellow enthusiasts.

Second, there's ticket information. Tickets go on sale for US and Canadian fans on Thursday, Feb. 26, at 8:00 a.m. PT/11:00 a.m. ET. Netflix has even set up a website where fans can find the full list of participating theaters, view showtimes in their area, and download tickets. Participating theaters in the U.S. include major chains like AMC, Regal, Cinemark, Alamo, and Cineplex, along with additional venues in Canada and Japan.

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With One Piece being such a popular show, tickets are expected to sell out quickly. That said, fans are encouraged to secure their seats as soon as they go on sale. You don't want to miss out on this rare opportunity to experience a Netflix series in theaters!

Now, what can we all expect from One Piece season 2? Fans are in for an even bigger, more thrilling adventure as the Straw Hat Pirates set sail for the legendary Grand Line. While still in search of the world's greatest treasure, the crew will encounter mysterious islands, face powerful new foes, and meet allies who will join them on their epic journey.

Iaki Godoy returns as the aspiring King of the Pirates, Monkey D. Luffy. Also returning for season 2 are Mackenyu as Roronoa Zoro, Emily Rudd as Nami, Jacob Romero as Usopp, and Taz Skylar as Sanji. And that's just a glimpse of the massive, star-studded cast that makes season 2 so exciting!

Check out the show's official trailer below for a sneak peek!

Don't forget to secure your tickets for the One Piece season 2 special premiere event!





This article was originally published on www.netflixlife.com as One of Netflix's biggest shows is heading to theaters for a special premiere event.
A new trailer dives deeper into Taylor Sheridans new Yellowstone spinoff.

Paramount released a two-minute trailer for The Madison on Tuesday, Feb. 24. The new series will premiere on the streaming service on March 14.

The Michelle Pfeiffer-led show is described as a heartfelt study of grief and human connection following a New York City family (the Clyburns) in the Madison River valley of central Montana.

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Check out the trailer below.

New trailer for The Madison

The trailer opens with Pfeiffer and Kurt Russells characters talking on the phone.

Flashes of life both in New York and Montana are seen as voiceover from Pfeiffer talks about how memories are like movies that people can play over in their head.

Just after the one-minute mark, Pfeiffer says her family is not designed to withstand tragedy.

Im 65 years old, I have a very small window to feed this, Pfeiffer says pointing to her heart.

More of the Clyburn family is seen throughout the trailer crying, laughing and living in Montana.

Its unclear what tragedy impacts the family, but Paramount says the show will be a deeply personal family drama about resilience and transformation.

Pictured (L-R): Kurt Russell as Preston Clyburn and Matthew Fox as Paul Clyburn, in season 1, episode 1 of the Paramount+ series The Madison.

The Madison connection to North Texas

While The Madison filmed primarily in Montana, the show also spent time in North Texas.

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The production repainted the Texas landscape to appear as The Big Apple. New York City Police Department-branded vehicles were spotted on the streets of Dallas, and extras were needed in Fort Worth for a scene at New York Citys Museum of Modern Art.

Its unclear if The Madison shot any Texas-set footage while in the area or if its solely NYC-based.

Pictured (L-R): Patrick J Adams as Russell McIntosh, Elle Chapman as Paige McIntosh in season 1, episode 1 of the Paramount+ series The Madison.

More on The Madison

Paramount is releasing the six-episode first season of The Madison in two parts.

Three episodes will release on March 14, and three more will premiere the following week on March 21. The Madison has already been renewed and filmed its second season, with Paramount saying the show will return for a second season at a soon to be announced date.

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When The Madison was first announced, it carried the designator of being of a Yellowstone spinoff. Since then, Paramount has kept mum on just how both shows connect to each other and if any Yellowstone characters will show up in The Madison.

In addition to Pfeiffer and Russell, The Madison stars Patrick J. Adams, Matthew Fox, Elle Chapman, Beau Garrett, Amiah Miller, Alaina Pollack, Ben Schnetzer, Rebecca Spence, Danielle Vasinova, Kevin Zegers and Will Arnett.
Being a parent in the U.S. can feeland often isan intensely scrutinized role. With just one scroll of any social media feed, parents are bombarded with infinite hot takeson topics from co-sleeping to breastfeeding to schoolingwhich can leave parents wondering whether theyre doing things the healthiest, most optimized, most productive way.

Parents easily get stressed out comparing themselves to other families, and questioning their own instincts. One helpful reality check is looking beyond our borders. Around the world, families approach everyday parenting decisions in ways that might surprise or intrigue American parents.

Every familys needs, culture, and traditions vary and the only best parenting method is the one that works for your family. But these global norms offer a fresh perspective on what raising kids can look like outside of our red, white, and blue bubbleand might even encourage parents to experiment with parenting styles that might be surprisingly effective.

Parental Leave Lasts Up to a Year

Many European countries offer paid maternity or combined parental leave for up to a year after a baby is born. And though the U.S. has gained some ground in this arenastates like New York and New Jersey offer paid time off programs to bond with a new babyit still lags behind other developed countries substantially.

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Countries like Japan, Iceland, and Chile offer government-paid family leave, giving people from varying economic backgrounds a chance to take time off from work after the birth of a child. Parents feel motivated and empowered to return to work when theyre ready, rather than forced to return to work for the survival of their families.

No Kids Menus

Western European countries like Germany, France, and Italy dont offer kids menus at restaurantsor at least they are tricky to find. Thats right: no chicken nuggets, no fries, no applesauce pouches for picky eaters. Instead, restaurants may have a version of an adult entree with smaller portions or simply assume parents will share their plates with their children.

Babies Nap Outside

You may have seen the Nordic parenting trend, in which parents park a stroller outside of a cafe and restaurant while baby naps, all bundled up in blankets and snow suit. A practice that many U.S. parents may find appalling and taboointentionally exposing kids to the cold intentionally, and worse yet, leaving them unattended in publicis a common one in countries like Denmark and Iceland. With low crime rates and a strong feeling of social responsibility for even the smallest citizens, parents feel comfortable allowing the baby to sleep outside. Parents in these countries also believe exposure to freezing temperatures helps kids sleep more soundly.

Homeschooling Is Rare or Illegal

In America, homeschooling isnt exactly common (it's still only 6% of U.S. households), but its not taboo either. In Europe, homeschooling is extremely rare, and, in Germany, it is illegal. According to German law, parents arent allowed to homeschool based on their religious or pedagogical convictions. However, it is allowedthough rarely permittedfor medical reasons. The German government believes that marriage and family are under the special protection of the state, reflecting the countrys strong emphasis on formal schooling.

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In some places, like Estonia, parents have to apply to become homeschoolers, while in other countries, like Norway, homeschooled children are assessed regularly to ensure their education is equal to what is being taught in traditional schools.

Kids Commute Independently

Again, the American attitude that kids need to be monitored at all times would balk at this cultural norm, but in Japan, kids get themselves to and from schooleither by walking or by public transitas young as the age of 5. Some sources say that around 82% of Japanese children are expected to make their way to school solo.

The practice is designed to teach children responsibility, confidence, and self-reliance. Communities may adopt a village mindset where everyone keeps watch of the children as they get to and from school. Some cities even have distinct, marked routes along sidewalks to guide kids to their destinations.

The practice is so common there is an entire reality show dedicated to watching Japanese toddlers navigate the worldincluding going to the grocery store and riding public transportationalone, called Old Enough.

Preschoolers Attend School Outside

In countries like Denmark, where the concept of Naturbrnehavens originated, and other parts of Scandinavia, outdoor forest kindergartens are a common early-childhood education option. Children spend most of the school day outside  even in cold weather and rain climbing, exploring, and playing in nature, with little more than a tent and raincoat for shelter. Champions of the approach say it builds resilience, independence, and a strong connection to nature.

Co-sleeping Is More Common

While the debate rages on in America about whether or not co-sleeping is safe, in many African countries, including Kenya and South Africa, as well as Latin America, co-sleepingwhether bed-sharing or room-sharingis an accepted practice.

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Rooted in the idea of responsive caregiving, families view shared sleep as supportive of bonding and nighttime breastfeeding. Multi-generational households are also much more common outside the United States, where family closeness and unity is generally more highly prioritized.

Contrast that to the U.S., however, where the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies sleep in the same room as caregivers but on a separate, firm sleep surface to reduce the risk of sleep-related deaths.

Bedtimes Are More Flexible

One of the most beautiful aspects of cultures in Latin America, Asia, and many, many other parts of the world is their multi-generational approach to life. For instance, milestone celebrationsweddings and birthdays, for instanceare often inclusive of all ages. American parents, who can sometimes, though certainly not always, adhere rigidly to strict sleep-training schedules may miss out on this more flexible style of family life.

Babies and young children attend events into the wee hours of the night, often falling asleep in someones arms or dozing across several chairs. In other places, like Spain, where dinner can be as late as 11 PM, kids go to sleep later and can be seen on outings with their families late into the night.

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Parents might be less concerned about their childs sleep schedule; they prioritize the engagement of their children in public life, and spending time altogether, as a family.

Kids Are Introduced to Strong Flavors Early

In many cultures, kids are offered spiced foods  with cumin, ginger, or coriander  as early as six months. For example, in India, a babys first meal may be kheer (a type of rice porridge made with cardamom), khichdi (a rice and lentil porridge with turmeric, cumin, and ginger), or daal (a dish made with lentils, peas, and beans and seasoned with cumin, turmeric, ginger, garlic, and chili).

In many other Asian countries, kids are introduced to strong flavors right away  like soy, garlic, fish sauce, and kimchi. While in some parts of the United States, a childs first food may be bland, or parents might hesitate to offer spicy food because they fear it's too harsh for their palate, particularly in Asia, meals are often seasoned and prepared the same (or a slightly watered down version) as their parents food.

Helpers Are All Around

Ive heard from numerous friends that in Costa Rica and other island countries, especially in the Caribbean, locals are incredibly supportive and helpful to parents with young children. One friend cited that workers sometimes even complete strangers would jump in to help her fasten one of her twin daughters in a high chair or put on her baby hiking pack.

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There is never an expectation for a favor in return, and there was never a side-eye glare as they walked away, as though they were judging you from not being able to manage on your own. In the United States, where the onus is almost always placed on individual parents for their mistakes or problems, that attitude might sound foreign. The act of helping parents with their young was just standard practice, perhaps because communities in this part of the world value hospitality, have strong supportive networks of extended family, and where taking of families and kids is considered a socialnot individualresponsibility.

Read the original article on Parents
Moving somewhere with affordable medical care can change the math of everyday life faster than people expect. A lower clinic bill does not automatically make a place easy to live in, but it can remove one of the biggest stress points, especially for families, freelancers, and retirees. The important catch is that nearly free usually means public care is heavily subsidized for legal residents, not that every service costs zero. WHO defines universal health coverage around access without financial hardship, and that is the lens that matters here.

Another reality check before we pack the imaginary suitcase: public systems still come with tradeoffs. Co-pays, prescription charges, dental gaps, waiting lists, and regional differences can all shape your experience, even in strong systems. Europe also faces workforce shortages, which affect speed and access in many places, so smart expectations beat romantic assumptions every time.

1. United Kingdom

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

The U.K. makes this list because the core promise is still unusually strong: NHS services are free of charge except in limited circumstances set by Parliament. That principle gives residents a level of predictability many Americans find startling the first time they use it. You are not standing at the reception desk trying to decode deductible logic while feeling sick, which is a genuinely beautiful design choice.

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Daily life varies widely between London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and smaller towns, but one shared feature is how normal it feels to have a GP as your first stop for most problems. Many newcomers supplement the public route with private appointments for faster specialist access when timing matters. The key practical note is to learn local registration steps early, because smooth access depends on being properly in the system before you need it.

2. Denmark

Image Credit: Valeria Venezia / Shutterstock.

Denmarks public model is funded mainly through general taxes, and most core services sit on a covered by the system baseline once you are legally resident and registered. Official guidance on Denmarks state healthcare is blunt about the headline point: most public care is free at the point of use for residents, with the health card functioning as the practical key that unlocks access.

Life there often feels designed to reduce friction. Commuting by bike, reliable public services, and compact urban planning cut daily stress, which quietly improves well-being long before anyone talks about medicine. Expect a practical culture, strong digital systems, and less daily drama than many people are used to. That said, some services, such as adult dental care or certain therapies, can still involve costs, so free is best read as broadly covered public care.

3. Norway

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Norway is a great example of a system that is not fully free at every visit, yet still protects people from spiraling bills. Helsenorge explains that you receive an exemption card (frikort) once you have paid over a certain amount in approved user fees, meaning you stop paying those fees for the rest of the calendar year. For 2026, the annual limit for approved user fees is NOK 3,278, a figure also confirmed in Helfos 2026 update.

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Outside the clinic, Norway can feel expensive in nearly every other category, especially food, dining out, and alcohol. The tradeoff is that many people accept higher everyday prices in exchange for strong public services, safety, and extraordinary access to nature. Paperwork still matters, so newcomers should sort residency and registration early instead of waiting until the first urgent visit.

4. Sweden

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Swedens system is another one that works through modest patient fees plus strong caps, rather than unlimited free visits. 1177 is a practical gem, a national guidance portal that helps people figure out where to seek care and how the system works. That kind of navigation support sounds small until you need help at night with a fever and no clue which door to use.

For the money side, Swedens regions set patient fees, but the country uses high-cost protection ceilings so recurring healthcare needs dont become a financial ambush. SKRs patient-fee overview lays out how caps work and also notes typical inpatient charges such as per-day hospital fees. In plain English, you may pay something, but the system is designed to stop repeat care from turning into the kind of open-ended billing spiral Americans fear.

5. Finland

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Finland deserves a spot because public care is generally far cheaper than private options, and official newcomer guidance makes that distinction clear. A Finnish government Welcome to Finland guide notes that private health services are considerably more expensive than using the public system, which is exactly why most residents lean public first.

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Another useful protection is the annual ceiling on client fees in public healthcare. Public providers explain that the 2026 healthcare client fee ceiling (maksukatto) is 815 euros, after which many public healthcare services become free for the rest of the calendar year (with some exceptions such as reduced fees for short-term institutional care). Day to day, Finnish life often feels calm, clean, and highly functional, with a rhythm that rewards planning. Winter darkness is real, saunas are basically civic infrastructure, and both facts should be taken seriously.

6. Spain

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Spain combines a strong public system with a lifestyle many people already dream about before they even check the visa rules. The OECD/European Observatory Spain country health profile describes a national system with virtually universal coverage that is financed mainly through taxes, which helps explain why residents can access care without the constant fear of giant invoices.

Daily life, of course, is where Spain wins hearts. Long lunches, walkable plazas, late social hours, and strong neighborhood culture can make ordinary routines feel richer than the brochure version of Mediterranean living. The public system is decentralized, so timing and service experience can vary by region, and prescription co-payments still apply for many people. A smart move is to learn the local health center process in your specific city instead of assuming Madrid and Malaga work the same way.

7. Iceland

Image credit: Shutterstock.

Iceland looks tiny on the map and huge on a medical bill spreadsheet once you understand the subsidy structure. Official Work in Iceland guidance says healthcare is subsidized, residents are automatically covered by Icelandic Health Insurance after six months of legal residence, and the system includes monthly maximum amounts for what people pay. That cap-based design is exactly why it belongs in a nearly free conversation rather than a cash only and good luck one.

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Life there can feel cinematic, sometimes in a peaceful way and sometimes in a the wind is trying to take my car door way. Reykjavik offers most services, while smaller communities bring quiet, space, and a different pace, so location choice matters a lot. The same official guidance also notes special rules for non-European newcomers during the first six months, plus exceptions and details for pregnancy care and dental coverage. Translation: Excellent system, but read the fine print before you treat Iceland like a postcard with pharmacies.

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I sat down with my neighbor Linda last spring and asked her a question I'd been curious about for months: "What do you miss most about being young?"

I expected her to say something about her appearance. Her skin. Her figure. The way she looked in photographs from the 70s.

She laughed. "You know what I miss? The feeling that I could still become anyone. That my life could go a thousand different directions and I hadn't chosen yet."

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That wasn't what I was expecting. So I kept asking. Over the next six months, I talked to 50 women between 60 and 78. Different backgrounds. Different lives. Different relationships with aging.

And not one of them mentioned beauty first. Not their face. Not their body. Not the way men used to look at them or the attention they used to get.

What they missed was so much more specific than that. So much more human. And it completely changed how I think about aging.

Here's what they told me they miss the most.

1. The feeling that time was infinite

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Margaret was 71 when I met her at a coffee shop she'd been going to for thirty years. She ordered the same thing she always ordered, sat in the same seat, and when I asked what she missed most, she didn't hesitate.

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"Time," she said. "Just time. When you're 25, you waste a Saturday and think nothing of it. You'll have a thousand more Saturdays. But at my age?" She stirred her coffee slowly. "I know exactly how many Saturdays I have left if I'm lucky. And it's not that many."

She told me about all the things she'd put off. The novel she'd meant to write. The trip to Ireland. The conversation with her sister she kept postponing because there would always be time later.

"Except there isn't," she said. "And nobody tells you that when you're young, you're living in an ocean of time. You think it'll always feel like that. And then one day you look up and you're rationing."

2. Being taken seriously in professional spaces

"I'm the same person I was at 45."

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"I have more experience now."

"I know more than I've ever known."

"But I've never been more invisible."

Four different women said almost exactly this. Same frustration. Same disbelief that competence could become irrelevant just because their hair went gray.

3. The possibility that everything could still change

When does the future stop feeling open?

I asked every woman this and got fifty different answers. Some said 50. Some said 60. One woman said she felt it at 42 when her last child left for college and she realized her life had taken its final shape.

But they all felt it. That moment when possibility hardens into reality. When "I could still" becomes "I didn't."

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One woman cried when she told me. Not because her life was bad. But because the other versions of her lifethe ones she used to imaginewere officially dead now. The writer. The traveler. The woman who left her marriage and started over. Those versions didn't happen. And at 68, they never would.

4. Being seen as someone with potential

"People used to say I was going places."

Diane told me this while we sat in her living room surrounded by evidence of the places she'd gone. Awards on the wall. Books she'd written. A career most people would be proud of.

"But nobody says that anymore," she continued. "Nobody looks at me and thinks, 'I wonder what she'll do next.' They look at me and think, 'I wonder what she did.' Past tense."

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She's 64. Still working. Still creating. Still ambitious.

But the world stopped seeing her as someone becoming and started seeing her as someone who'd already become. And there's a loneliness in that she wasn't prepared for.

5. Having the option to start over

Bad marriage? Leave and rebuild. Wrong career? Pivot. Made a mistake? Course-correct.

The women I talked to remembered feeling that freedom. That if something wasn't working, they could burn it down and start again. They had time. They had energy. The world made space for women reinventing themselves as long as those women were young.

But at 70?

"I'm stuck with choices I made in 1987," one woman told me flatly. "Not because I can't physically leave. But because I don't have another 30 years to build something new. This is it. This is what I chose. And I have to live in it until I die."

6. Being part of the cultural conversation

Research on media representation and aging shows that women over 60 represent less than 2% of speaking roles in film and television, and advertising directed at older women is almost exclusively focused on health concerns and financial planning rather than lifestyle, identity, or aspiration.

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But you don't need research to know this. You just need to ask.

"I used to be who everything was made for," one woman said. "Movies. Music. Fashion. All of it was aimed at me. I was the culture. And now I'm watching from the outside while it all moves on without me."

Another woman described going shopping and realizing nothing in the store was designed for someone her age. Not the clothes. Not the music playing. Not the advertising. "I felt like a ghost," she said. "Like I was haunting a space I used to belong in."

7. Feeling like their opinion still mattered to their adult children

Susan told me about calling her daughter for advice about refinancing her house. Her daughterwho works in financebarely listened before saying, "Mom, I think you should talk to someone who knows about this stuff."

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"I ran a business for 30 years," Susan said quietly. "I've refinanced three houses. But suddenly I'm not capable of understanding basic financial concepts because I'm 66?"

It wasn't just financial advice. It was everything. Technology. Parenting. Career decisions. Their adult children stopped treating them like people with relevant wisdom and started treating them like elderly relatives who needed to be managed.

"They're kind," one woman said. "But they don't actually think I understand the world anymore."

8. Being allowed to be complicated

At 25, you're a work in progress. Contradictory. Messy. People expect that. Make room for it.

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But at this age, you're supposed to be settled. Fixed. The person you're going to be for the rest of your life.

"I'm still changing," one woman told me, and I heard the defiance in it. "I'm having realizations about myself I never had before. I'm learning. Growing. But people look at me like I'm supposed to be done with all that. Like growth has an age limit."

She'd recently come out. At 63. After forty years of marriage to a man. And the response from most people wasn't celebrationit was confusion. Like she'd missed some deadline for self-discovery.

"I'm not allowed to still be figuring myself out," she said. "That permission expired somewhere around 50."

9. The intensity of falling in love for the first time

"Everything felt huge," one woman said, her eyes distant. "Every emotion was turned up to maximum volume. When I was happy, I was ecstatic. When I was heartbroken, I thought I'd die from it. And I remember hating it at the timefeeling so out of control."

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She paused. Smiled.

"But I kind of miss it now. The intensity. Even the heartbreak. Because at least I felt something that big."

The feelings are still there. Love. Joy. Even heartbreak. But they're quieter. More measured. Less likely to completely knock you sideways. And while that stability is a gift in some ways, there's also a loss in it. The loss of being so consumed by feeling that nothing else exists.

10. Not being defined by what they'd already done

I talked to two women about this on the same day. Both in their early 70s. Both successful in their fields. Both struggling with the same thing from opposite directions.

The first one said, "I spent my whole life building a career. And now that's all anyone sees. I'm 'the professor' or 'the surgeon' or whatever I was professionally. But I'm not that anymore. I'm retired. I'm other things now. But people can't see past what I used to be."

The second one said, "I raised four kids. That was my whole identity for thirty years. And now they're grown, and I'm just... who? I never built anything outside of motherhood. And now motherhood is over, and I don't know who I am. But everyone still only sees me as someone's mother."

Both women. Same problem. They'd been defined by what they'd done, and now they were trying to become something else. But the worldand sometimes they themselvescouldn't see past the label.

11. Being allowed to make mistakes without them being permanent

Forgot where you parked? Forgivable at 30. A sign of decline at 70.

Mixed up a name? Happens to everyone young. Evidence of dementia when you're old.

"I can't make a normal human mistake anymore," one woman said, frustrated. "Every time I forget something or mess something up, people look at each other with concern. Like every mistake is the beginning of the end."

She told me about forgetting her daughter's birthday last year. Her memory isn't failingshe just made a mistake. But her daughter's first response wasn't annoyance. It was worry. "Are you okay, Mom? Should we talk to your doctor?"

"I'm fine," she'd said. "I just forgot. Like I've forgotten things my entire life."

But she's not allowed that grace anymore. At 67, every lapse is weighted with implication.

12. Believing the best parts were still ahead

I saved this one for last because almost every woman came back to it in some form. The loss of forward-facing hope.

When you're young, you assume the peak is still coming. Your best relationship. Your most meaningful work. Your greatest adventure. It's all still out there, waiting for you to reach it.

But at 65, you know. You know which parts were the peak. You know the relationship that mattered most. The professional achievement you're proudest of. The moment you felt most alive.

And you're living in the after.

"It's not that my life is bad now," one woman told me, tears in her eyes. "But I know the biggest things have already happened. The love of my life was my second husband, who died eight years ago. My children are raised. It's done. The best parts are behind me."

She wiped her face. "And there's a grief in that I wasn't prepared for. Because I spent my whole life moving toward something. And now I'm just here. Living in what's left."

Not one woman mentioned her face. Her body. The male attention. The way she looked in old photographs.

Some of them brought it up later, as an afterthought. "I guess I miss being pretty," one woman said, almost dismissively. "But that's not what keeps me up at night."

Those losses are so much bigger than beauty. So much deeper. And nobody prepared them for it. Because we don't talk about what women lose when they age. We only talk about what they lose in the mirror.

But the mirror was never the part that mattered most.
Risk ratings are not moral judgments about people, culture, or history. They are planning tools built around conflict exposure, crime patterns, emergency care access, detention risk, transport reliability, and the odds that outside help can reach you quickly. For this slideshow, I used Risklines 2026 Risk Map graphic, which includes top ten lists for Least safe, Worst for health & medical care, and a category labeled Difficultly of Travel, with data marked as published in October 2025. I then cross-checked selections against the U.S. State Department advisory system and its country pages.

A second 2026 source adds context to why these warnings remain so serious. International SOS says its 2026 Risk Outlook research found fast-moving, converging threats, and it notes changes on its open-access Risk Map, including Myanmar moving from High to Extreme security risk. Conditions can shift quickly, sometimes by region rather than nationwide, so readers should always check fresh advisories before booking, not just once while daydreaming over routes. Think of this list as a caution-focused planning guide, not a dare list.

1. Afghanistan

Image Credit : Shutterstock.

Few destinations illustrate travel risk as clearly as Afghanistan. The current U.S. State Department advisory lists a Level 4 warning and cites civil unrest, crime, terrorism, wrongful detention risk, kidnapping, natural disasters, and limited health facilities. The same page also states that the U.S. Embassy in Kabul suspended operations and that routine or emergency consular services are not available there. That combination leaves travelers exposed on both the security side and the assistance side.

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Even highly experienced travelers can misread how little margin exists in a place with overlapping hazards. A delayed transfer, a damaged road, or a sudden checkpoint issue can become a major crisis when medical options are thin and consular support is absent. Adventure branding does not change that math. For a 2026 itinerary, this is a place to study from afar, not to test your luck.

2. Haiti

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Risklines 2026 Least safe list includes Haiti, and the U.S. State Department keeps a Level 4 advisory in place. The advisory cites kidnapping, crime, terrorist activity, civil unrest, and limited health care. The Haiti page also notes a state of emergency, widespread armed crime, and serious kidnapping concerns affecting U.S. citizens. That is a difficult stack of risks for any visitor to manage on the ground.

Port-au-Prince logistics can look manageable on a map and feel very different in real time. The advisory describes volatile demonstrations, roadblocks, and violent incidents near key movement areas, including concerns around the airport corridor. For trip planning, unpredictability is the real problem, because a routine transfer can turn into a trap when routes close suddenly. In practical terms, most travelers should wait for a far more stable moment.

3. Myanmar

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Myanmar is a good example of why one source alone is not enough. It appears on Risklines 2026 Least safe list, and International SOS also highlighted a security rating increase for Myanmar from High to Extreme on its 2026 map release. The U.S. State Department warns against travel due to armed conflict, civil unrest, and arbitrary enforcement of local laws, while also flagging weak health infrastructure, land mines, unexploded ordnance, and wrongful detention concerns. That mix is especially hard for visitors because it combines direct physical danger with legal uncertainty.

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The post-2021 coup environment remains central to the planning risk. Even a quiet-looking district can change quickly around anniversaries, demonstrations, or local crackdowns. Add road unpredictability and emergency care limits, and the margin for error shrinks sharply. For a slideshow audience, this is a classic case where a cheap flight should lose to a bad operating environment.

4. Somalia

Image Credit : Shutterstock.

Somalia appears in more than one Riskline danger bucket, showing up on both the 2026 Least safe list and the Difficultly of Travel top ten. U.S. State Department guidance warns against travel due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, piracy, and limited availability of routine consular services. It also notes that U.S. personnel movement is heavily restricted and that assistance capacity is extremely limited. Those details point to a place where backup plans can fail because the backup itself is constrained.

What makes Somalia especially difficult is how many systems can go wrong at once, from urban violence to maritime threats off Puntland. Even where activity levels differ by area, the advisory says attacks and explosive incidents can happen anywhere in the country. Medical capacity limits deepen the problem, since an injury that would be routine elsewhere may require a complicated evacuation chain. Travelers thinking I will just stay cautious should understand that caution cannot solve structural access gaps.

5. South Sudan

Image credit: shutterstock.

South Sudan combines severe security concerns with weak medical capacity, which is a brutal pairing for travel planning. Riskline lists it among the 2026 Least safe countries and also includes it in the Worst for health & medical care group. The U.S. State Department advisory places South Sudan at Level 4 and cites unrest, crime, kidnapping, land mines, and health threats. The page also says the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency consular services there.

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Another important clue appears in the advisory summary: official movement restrictions for U.S. personnel and security limits even in Juba. It also mentions ongoing armed conflict involving political and ethnic groups, plus widespread weapons access. In plain language, this is not a stick to the nice area situation. Route risk, sudden violence, and extraction difficulty can collide quickly.

6. Sudan

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Sudans risk profile remains severe, and the U.S. State Department warning stays at the highest advisory tier. Riskline places Sudan on its 2026 Least safe list, while the U.S. advisory cites unrest, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, land mines, and health threats. It also states that the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum suspended operations in April 2023 because of the armed conflict outbreak, leaving no routine or emergency consular services in the country. For travelers, that means exposure is high while official support is sharply reduced.

From a trip-design perspective, Sudan is difficult because the hazard picture is broad rather than narrow. A traveler is not only dealing with one issue, such as street theft, or one region under tension. The advisory framework points to overlapping security, medical, and mobility threats. That is exactly the kind of environment where plans break in several places at once.

7. Syria

Image Credit:Shutterstock.

On the health and support side, Syria stands out immediately. Riskline places Syria in its 2026 Worst for health & medical care list, and the U.S. State Department goes further by placing Syria at Level 4 and citing terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, hostage taking, crime, and armed conflict. It also notes that U.S. Embassy operations have been suspended since 2012 and that the U.S. government cannot provide routine or emergency consular services there because of safety risks. That combination makes standard tourism assumptions collapse very quickly.

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Even travelers focused on heritage sites or family visits can run into conditions that no guidebook can smooth out. Hostage-taking risk, shifting front lines, and reduced institutional support create a planning environment with very little control. Medical limitations can turn a non-dramatic incident into a major emergency. In practical 2026 terms, Syria remains a destination to postpone.

8. Ukraine

Image Credit : Shutterstock.

Ukraine requires more nuance than most entries on a danger list. It appears on Risklines 2026 Least safe list, and the U.S. State Department advisory continues to warn against travel due to Russias war against Ukraine. The advisory specifically highlights frontline regions and areas near the Belarus border because of active ground combat proximity, frequent shelling, missile and drone attacks on populated areas and civilian infrastructure, and limits on embassy assistance in those areas. It also notes that some western regions carry a lower advisory level than frontline zones.

That regional variation matters, but it does not erase the nationwide war reality. The U.S. advisory itself distinguishes lower-risk western areas from combat-exposed regions, which is an important planning detail. Still, war conditions can affect transport, power, timing, and air-attack risk far beyond the front. For mainstream leisure travel in 2026, most readers should choose a different destination and revisit the idea when conditions stabilize.

9. Yemen

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Yemen remains one of the strongest examples of why scenic does not mean safe. Riskline includes Yemen in its 2026 Worst for health & medical care list, while the U.S. State Department places Yemen at Level 4 and cites terrorism, unrest, crime, health risks, kidnapping, and land mines. The same advisory states that the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa has suspended operations and that the U.S. government cannot provide routine or emergency consular services there. For any traveler, poor care access plus conflict-related threats is a brutal combination.

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One unusually specific tourism warning makes this entry even more important for readers. The advisory says not to travel to Socotra or any part of Yemen, and warns that some companies outside Yemen have misrepresented safety and sold unofficial, invalid visas. That matters because scenic island marketing can make a place look detached from national conditions when it is not. If an operators pitch sounds like a loophole, treat that as a red flag, not a hidden gem.

10. Venezuela

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Venezuela stands out as an especially severe planning risk because it appears across multiple Riskline warning categories at once. It is listed on the 2026 Least safe board and also on the Worst for health & medical care and Difficultly of Travel boards, which is an alarming trio for trip planning. The U.S. State Department warns not to travel to or remain in Venezuela, citing high risk of wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary law enforcement, crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure. The page also says U.S. diplomatic personnel were withdrawn and consular services remain suspended, with no ability to provide emergency assistance inside the country.

The key risk here is not only street violence. The advisory emphasizes detention exposure and due process concerns, which creates danger even for people who think they can avoid obvious trouble spots. Add shortages and fragile infrastructure, and routine disruptions can snowball quickly. For 2026 travel readers, this is another strong case for postponement rather than improvisation.

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Clean-sheet business jets tend to be few and far between because of the costs of design, technology and certification. Most new models are iterations of previous generations, built around proven platforms, sometimes with new engines or avionics. More likely, the changes involve interior design, which can be more cosmetic than meaningful. Real game-changers are rare.

Embraers Praetor 600E super-midsized jet is unusual in that regard, built on the Praetor 600 platform introduced in 2018. But the new versions interior promises to establish a more ambitious benchmark when its delivered to its first customers in 2029. The company today revealed the 600E and its smaller midsized sibling, the 500E, announcing the two would be available for orders going forward.

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Last week, Robb Report became the first media outlet to take a flight aboard the 600E at Embraer Executive Jetss headquarters in Melbourne, Florida, following a presentation by officials regarding the aircrafts key features.

Embraer Praetor 600E

How do we unlock the greatest potential in the super-midsize category and go beyond? asked Alvadi Serpa Junior, vice president of market and product strategy for the Brazilian airframer. That kind of Powerpoint intro is usually filled with business jargon and empty superlatives, but Embraer introduced a host of features that promise to put enormous pressure on its competitors in the super-midsize categorya popular jet type thanks to its speed and range, interiors that seat and sleep multiple passengers, and, compared to larger-cabin jets, relatively inexpensive operational costs.

Features like the 600Es Smart Window, the all-electric, well-engineered seating, streamlined air vent system, exterior cameras connected to cabin monitors, lighting system, and voice-activated apps are typically found on large-cabin or even the ultra-long-range jets at business aviations pinnacle. These features actually lived up to the pre-flight hype during our hour in the air.

With a history of innovative solutions, the Embraer team is a scrappy group, led by Serpa Junior and Jay Beever, the divisions vice president of design, along with a design team in Melbourne and deep engineering support at Embraers Brazilian headquarters for its commercial aircraft. On board, we gathered around the Smart Window, a 42-inch monitor co-designed with Lufthansa Technik, on a center bulkhead, surrounded by seats and a divan across the aisle. The monitor can be controlled remotely by wall panels and is also touchscreen, curved to match the bulkhead, and connected to an exterior camera that gives a sense of transparency to the wall.

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The divan middle seat goes from the least preferred seat to the most popular, because its the one attached to the Smart Window, says Beever. Serpa Junior says the arrangement adds a third zone in what had been a two-zone aircraft, despite no increase in the cabins size. Both execs referred to the monitor a very large PEDpersonal electronic devicesince it can display movies, video games, video conferencing, or, like an oversized window, mirrors the landscape below via the exterior camera.

Embraer Praetor 600E

The 600Es other noteworthy feature is the seating, a leap forward from the previous generation. The seats and divan were designed and built in-house. That gave us control over the features while staying within budget, says Serpa Junior. The electrically controlled seats have no levers connected to internal mechanical pulleys, but instantly respond to buttons on both sides of the armrests. The individual seats also have dual lumbar supports, three levels of cushioning for comfort, and the ability to pivot multiple ways, tilt back and drop down into a berth. The forward-tracking headrest shows the thought that went into the design.

An hour didnt allow for a nap, but the seats swiveled easily in multiple directions and felt generally comfy with the footrest up. Embraer is offering multiple types of stitching, leather colors and even custom trim like carbon-fiber accents offered across three style collections.

Several other features may be minimized as gee-whiz details, but reflect Embraers intent to elevate the super-mid into a higher category. The pre-programmed RGB mood lighting can change the appearance of the cabin by voice activation or pressing buttons depending on time of day, activity, or even nationalitythey have a USA red, white and blue, or Brazilian green, yellow and blue options. The company says there are 16 million possible colors. Even more interesting were the redesigned air vents above each seat, which previously had gaspers (the bulbs you twist for air flow), but now push air through narrow slats controlled by your app or the panel on the armrest. It might seem like a minor detail, but it took a lot of engineering to achieve the streamlined panel and a more comfortable experience. It shows how Embraer is using design to address ergonomics in the very limited confines of a business jet, where every tenth of an inch and every ounce count.

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The redesigned galley includes a larger working space and streamlined appliances that Embraer designed to be more stylish and functional, and theres also a crew lavatory up front. At 4,018 nautical miles, the 600E already claims the longest range in the super-midsize category but this new aircraft will also have a higher payload for takeoff and landing.

The midsize Praetor 500E wont have the Smart Window because of the more compact size of its side bulkheads, but it does share the seating and most other design features of the larger 600E. Both aircraft will see single-percentage cost increases, with the new 500E having a baseline price of $21,645,000, and the Praetor 600E starting at $25,795,000.

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"Wonder Woman" star Gal Gadot is looking to make a superhero-sized profit on her picturesque Malibu, CA, home after listing the elegant property for $8.75 millionnearly $4 million more than she paid for the oceanfront pad just five years ago.

Gadot, 40, and her husband, Jaron Varsano, purchased the three-bedroom dwelling for $5 million in December 2020, completing the deal via a trust that is named for the actress's grandfather, property records show.

However, in the years since, they have carried out extensive renovations to the three-bedroom, three-bathroom dwelling, which is located on Pacific Coast Highway just a mile away from the Malibu neighborhood that was decimated by the California wildfires in January 2025.

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Images of the home taken before Gadot and Varsano bought the home reveal it had a very traditional aesthetic, complete with white walls, wooden accents, and simple, clean features in all of the rooms.

However, the main living space has since been transformed, with the actress and her spouse giving it a much more organic, moody feel achieved through the installation of dark wood floors, limewashed ceilings, and other natural materials that help to bring the outdoors into the home.

Meanwhile, the balcony was outfitted with a glass railing to ensure uninterrupted views of the ocean.

Perched directly on the beach, the property's jaw-dropping vistas can be enjoyed from the enormous balcony that spans the length of the building's rear or from inside the elegantly decorated living space, which features a wall of glass.

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"Seamless indoor-outdoor living defines the coastal experience," the listing description notes.

Steps down to the living room help to create some separation between the space and the open-plan kitchen, which boasts a sizable island capable of seating up to five people, as well as a dining space that has been accessorized with a stunning midcentury modern-inspired table.

Two L-shaped couches frame the living space, which also features its own fireplace to add another level of comfort and charm.

Outside, the property's balcony has ample room for sitting and dining areas, with the current configuration also set up to include a firepit for cozy evenings under the stars.

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"Every detail has been thoughtfully curated with exceptional finishes and a clean, modern aesthetic that embodies sophisticated Malibu living," the listing goes on.

In addition to the stunning scenery, the home's location also boasts impressive proximity to several popular Malibu hot spots, including high-end eatery Nobu, the Malibu Pier, Soho House's Little Beach House, and the Malibu Beach Inn at Carbon Beach.

Yet for all of that convenience, the home still affords its residents ultimate privacy, the listing notes, thanks to a very high-tech security system that includes a gated entryway and a secure parking area.

While Gadot has not revealed her reasons for selling the property, it's thought that the dwelling was only ever used as a weekend getaway by the actresswho shares four daughters with her husband: Alma, 14, Maya, 8, Daniella, 4, and Ori, 1.

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Four years before purchasing their Malibu hideaway, Gadot and Varsano purchased an enormous primary residence in the tony Beverly Crest community in Beverly Hills, records show.

The couple paid $5.55 million for the expansive estate, whichmuch like their oceanfront abodecomes complete with staggering views, courtesy of its hilltop perch.

That dwelling, which features five bedrooms, also offers far more space for the family, sprawling across 4,300 square feet, while their Malibu abode boasts less than 2,000 square feet of living space.

And what their primary residence is lacking in ocean access, it more than makes up for in impressive amenities and craftsmanship, with a previous listing revealing that it features a custom-built "knife-edge pool and spa," as well as an outdoor kitchen, firepit, and multiple terraces.

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The property is also located at the end of a cul-de-sac, ensuring ample privacy.

Gadot, who received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2025, has a busy year ahead, with multiple projects in the works, including her highly anticipated movie about Egyptian pharaoh Cleopatra, in which she will play the titular character.

In a 2023 Vogue interview about the project, the actress revealed that she had always had a fascination with Cleopatra, having heard so many stories about her as a child growing up in Israel.

"Israel borders Egypt, and I grew up with so many stories about Cleopatra, and shes like a household name," she told the Hong Kong version of the fashion publication.

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"You know, if Wonder Woman is the imaginary strong female leader, Cleopatras actually the real one. Thats a perfect example of a story that I wanted to tell because I started reading different books about Cleopatra, and I said, Wow, thats fascinating.

"All I ever saw in regards to Cleopatra from film was that she was this seductive woman who had an affair with Julius Caesar and Marc Anthony. But the truth is, theres so much more to her."
It looks like a hotel room, with a double bed and en-suite bathroom, but there is one crucial difference  it is aloft at 39,000ft.

Airbus has unveiled a new First Class Experience concept  a room with chairs that recline to form a double bed, its own lavatory and changing area, and even a small bar. It builds on the success of Airbuss new Allegris first-class suites adopted by Lufthansa and SWISS.

A first-class reprieve

The luxurious launch marks a U-turn in air travel. Even before Covid grounded jets, airlines were racing to dump first class. Companies that used to fly their top executives up-front had downgraded them to business class, and leisure travellers were limiting themselves to premium economy.

The Airbus First Class Experience has a double bed and en-suite bathroom

But revenge spending after the Covid lockdowns were lifted, coupled with a growing sense of YOLO (you only live once) and FOMO (fear of missing out), have pushed up demand for the big seats. Appetite for top tier-travel has exceeded our expectations, and travellers arent blinking at first-class fares, says Sir Tim Clark, the Briton who runs Emirates.

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Across the Atlantic, analysts at consultancy Morningstar note that premium revenue growth outpaced economy sales by seven percentage points in 2025 at American Airlines, and that the carrier must now reconfigure some of its jets to accommodate more premium seats. Ed Bastian, boss of AAs rival, Delta, is already doing so  some 80 per cent of new seats installed on his jets will be in premium cabins.

It is tempting for those of us more used to the cheap seats to disdain the race to pamper the lucky few. But fares which start (start!) at 10,000 return and rise to 20,000 are of greater significance to the rest of us than you might realise. Put simply, airlines typically make three-quarters of their profits in first and business class, and this subsidises low fares at the back of the bus.

A long-haul first-class passenger may generate 10 or more times the profit of that discount fare economy passenger. If long-haul premium cabins didnt exist, economy fares might be even more expensive  and the seats and onboard experience even more dismal, explains Henry Harteveldt of US-based Atmosphere Research Group.

The best seats in the sky

Lufthansa and SWISS are neck and neck. On their Airbus A350s, there are just three Allegris suites across the cabin, including the central double suite, which boasts the biggest double bed on a commercial jet  6ft-long and more than 4ft wide. This enables a family of four to book the entire cabin. Their closest rival, Air France, has four separate seats in its La Premiere cabin.

The Allegris central double suite on Lufthansa and SWISS Airbus A350s jets

Emirates, meanwhile, has refreshed the design of showers on its A380 double-decker superjumbo  and added a table to the bar so four people can dine together. Singapore Airlines has moved its Suites cabin  the name it gives to first class on its A380s  from the lower deck to the upper deck. There are now only six suites, and four can be converted into vast double suites with a double bed. An all-new first suite will be unveiled shortly for Singapores Airbus A350s.

Singapore Airlines has moved its Suites cabin from the lower deck to the upper deck - Singapore Airlines

Etihad, on the other hand, has configured its Airbus A380s with a single aisle, allowing it to install the First Apartments which run perpendicular to the walls of the jet. Each has a 30.3-inch wide seat  which faces forward next to the window  and a separate bed. The partition between suites can retract to create a partial double bed.

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But best of all is Etihads The Residence, a 125 sq ft, three-room suite in the sky on the upper deck  although this is not really first class, but rather an offering which sits in a category above. Its living room is big enough for two adults to sit on seats upholstered in Poltrona Frau leather. Theres a large dining table and a private chilled mini-bar with Ciprianis signature Bellini and Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2018 champagne. A corridor leads to a bathroom with a shower with Espa soaps, shampoo and fragrances. The 7ft by 5ft double bed sits in the jets nose cone.

Etihads Residence offers a double bed with a shower and a living room - Jamie MacFadyen

Closer to home, British Airways will next year launch its new first-class suites on its A380s. The new seat is 3ft wide, and the bed is 6ft 7in long. In the centre suite, BA has done away with the conventional retractable divider at waist height for customers travelling together. Instead, the entire dividing wall  from the floor to the top of the suite  retracts to create a shared lounge space that you can walk through from one side to the other, making you feel as if youre the only two people on the plane.

BA has done away with dividers in central First suites to make for a more intimate experience for couples travelling together

From 2027, the first cabin on the Qantas Airbus A350 (to be used on the airlines 21-hour non-stop services from London and New York to Oz) will feature six large enclosed suites, arranged in a 1-1-1 formation across the front of two rows of seats. Each will come with a 2ft-wide reclining seat, a separate 6ft 6in-long bed, a wardrobe, a 32-inch TV and a dining table that can comfortably seat three people. The colour palette is light with eggshell seat fabrics and sage green trim to create what designer David Caon calls an authentically Australian aesthetic. In your beach house you dont have dark and moody. You have lighter, fresher colours.

The Japanese carriers have pushed the envelope to bring more technological firsts to the air. ANAs The Suite introduced the first 4K personal television screen to a commercial flight. Japan Airlines new Airbus A350 first class marks the first time a commercial carrier has ditched headphones in favour of personal speakers at each seat, which by some miracle I cannot fathom, cannot be heard by others in.

All in the details

Food and wine are a key battleground in the race to the top. Emirates offers unlimited caviar and has sole rights to serve Dom Perignon Vintage 2013, Dom Perignon Vintage Rose 2008 and Dom Perignon Plenitude 2 2004. Clark deals directly with top vineyards. We buy en primeur and invest to lay down millions of bottles until they are at their best, he says. People are frequently surprised at the amazing vintages we uncork onboard. Some are so rare and desirable that top restaurants would charge the price of an air ticket for a bottle.

Emirates offers first-class passengers rare vintages and unlimited caviar - David Copeman

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The luxury war is being fought on the ground, too. At its Changi home, Singapore Airlines has a private terminal entrance where Suites passengers check in and clear security. An escalator leads directly up to the Private Room, the lounge reserved solely for top-tier customers. Total time from kerbside to bar-side is less than five minutes. At Paris Charles de Gaulle, Air Frances La Premiere customers are driven across the tarmac to the jet in a Porsche.

The first-class race will intensify when the much-delayed Boeing 777X long-haul jet finally takes to the skies next year. It will be the widest long-haul plane in the sky, enabling early adopters  Qatar Airways, Emirates, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific  to unveil even bigger new suites. Qatar Airways promises to combine the experience of flying commercial and in executive jets at the pointy end. Expect a private room with an onboard chef cooking meals to order and spa-like bathrooms (but no showers) with limited-edition Giorgio Armani amenities.

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Lora Pope manages three Airbnb properties in Puerto Vallarta.

She was away during the chaos in Puerto Vallarta, but her properties were fully booked.

Pope is worried that the recent violence will hurt tourism, but hopes it will pick back up soon.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Lora Pope, 36, a content creator and blogger, originally from Canada, who hosts three Airbnbs in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Pope was away during the violence in Jalisco, but was still in contact with her guests. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

Puerto Vallarta is my home base.

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I went there for the first time in 2021 while I was a full-time digital nomad. In 2023, I bought an apartment in Puerto Vallarta and obtained residency, but I still travel for about 6 months of the year.

I own a one-bedroom condo that I rent out when I'm traveling, but I also have some long-term properties that I rent and then sublease on Airbnb  it's called Airbnb arbitrage. You rent them, then sublease them with the owner's permission.

I manage the Airbnb accounts and handle all guest messaging; everything falls under my purview. I just pay rent to the landlord every month. I started that in May 2025.

Pope's condo in Puerto Vallarta. Courtesy of Lora Pope.

I was actually in Mexico City during the recent violence, so I wasn't there during the event. Still, all my places are booked out right now.

I tried my best to give my guests all the information I had

When I woke up Sunday morning, I had a ton of messages from my friends in Puerto Vallarta showing videos of the explosions. I wasn't too sure what was happening because there was a lot of information coming quite rapidly.

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I waited a few hours to gather more information about what was happening. I was already receiving some messages from guests.

One of them was obviously alarmed. I reached out to the other two just to make sure that they were OK.

At that point, there were a lot of rumors running around, and people were saying, "Don't go outside. They're threatening civilians." I don't even think that was an official thing, but just to be safe, I told my guests, "Please stay inside."

A lot of people were asking me, "What is your opinion? What do you think? What should we do?"

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I think the thing people were most concerned about was food, because, obviously, people are on vacation, and they hadn't stocked up the kitchen, knowing that was going to happen.

One of Pope's Airbnb properties in the Cinco de Diciembre neighborhood of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Courtesy of Lora Pope.

I have filtered water in all of my apartments, so I knew they had water, but I was mainly concerned about whether they had to stay inside for days, and if they could get by.

Luckily, all of them had enough food for that day. And by Monday, things had already calmed down a lot, and the grocery stores opened up, so they were able to get food.

I've thought more about natural disasters because we have had earthquakes or bad hurricanes in the past, but I've never thought about something like this because Puerto Vallarta has historically been one of the safest places in Mexico.

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I was sharing any official information I had from the municipality, trying to help my guests stay as calm as possible, and just letting them know I was there. And if they needed anything, I would do my best to get it. It was a pretty stressful situation.

Whenever I travel, I always have someone in Puerto Vallarta as my backup  like an emergency contact. And she offered to do what she could to help.

I've already had a few cancellations, but I'm hoping this doesn't crush the long-term tourism economy

My properties are very much in affected areas. As far as I know, I haven't had any reports of damage to my properties. Everything has been good. I've been in constant contact with my neighbors. I don't think the intention was to harm civilians.

The guests that I currently have have not talked about leaving early. The first day, I think there were a lot of flights being canceled, so it was quite difficult to leave early.

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Now, it seems like flights are resuming. My guest in Cinco actually reached out Monday, saying they were worried about their flight being canceled and asking if the apartment was available to stay longer if needed.

I have had a few cancellations for future bookings, though.

I had one guest, who was supposed to check in on Wednesday at the Zona Romantica apartment, reach out on Monday to ask me for my opinion on the situation and whether it was safe to travel there.

Another Airbnb property hosted by Pope. Courtesy of Lora Pope.

At the time, there was still a lot of uncertainty about whether it would get better. She ended up canceling on Tuesday. Airbnb has, because it's considered a major disruptive event, waived the cancellation policy. So even if my cancellation policy says you must cancel within five days, Airbnb will waive the cancellation for them, given the circumstances.

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So far, I've had three future cancellations  I would assume that those are due to the event.

I really hope this doesn't affect business down the line. I do think it's definitely going to have an immediate effect. I just know people can get really spooked, and there's already a lot of fearmongering that happens about Mexico. So I do think this is going to impact people's perceptions and maybe make them feel less safe coming here, which is really unfortunate.

From what I've heard, Puerto Vallarta is already returning to normal  not that I'm minimizing what happened on Monday. As I said, Puerto Vallarta has always been one of the safest places in Mexico to live or visit. But I am definitely concerned about the immediate impact on the rest of the high season.

Pope in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Courtesy of Lora Pope.

These properties are pretty important  they make up at least half my income. I am trying not to panic too much about the situation right now because it's so recent.

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I don't think it'll get to the point where I can't cover my rent, but it's definitely a scary thought, how much this is going to impact tourism.

For next year, I hope that, over the course of the year, as people see things are fine and visitors to Puerto Vallarta are having a good time, it'll fade from their memories, and we'll come back stronger.

It's always been a really popular tourist destination, so I think in the long term it'll be OK.

An Airbnb spokesperson told Business Insider in a statement, "We are monitoring this situation carefully and are focused on supporting guests and hosts in impacted areas. We have implemented our Major Disruptive Events Policy in the entirety of Jalisco, as well as other impacted regions, providing cancellation and refund support. We encourage any members of our community who need assistance to reach out to our 24/7 support team."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Both Lumen Technologies (NYSE: LUMN) and Nokia (NYSE: NOK) are telecommunications giants, but they're now focusing on servicing the hot artificial intelligence (AI) sector.

Based on its stock performance, it appears Wall Street approves of Lumen's pivot from consumer internet offerings to a fiber-optic network dedicated to AI's high-bandwidth needs. Lumen shares traded up about 80% over the past 12 months through the week ending Feb. 20. Nokia's AI focus also seems to have gained Wall Street's favor as its shares rose nearly 60% in that time.

Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue 

Between Lumen and Nokia, one looks like the superior stock choice to capitalize on the AI market. That company is Nokia, and here's why.

Image source: Getty Images.

Nokia's advantages

Nokia possesses several advantages over Lumen. For starters, its revenue is growing while Lumen's sales are in decline. In 2025, Nokia's revenue rose 3% to 19.9 billion euros. Lumen exited 2025 with $12.4 billion in sales, down from $13.1 billion in 2024, as it transitioned away from its consumer business.

Moreover, Nokia is profitable. Lumen is not. Nokia's 2025 operating profit was 885 million euros. Lumen posted an operating loss of $812 million last year.

Further underscoring Nokia's financial superiority is its 2025 free cash flow (FCF) of 1.5 billion euros, which allows it to pay a dividend, currently yielding a robust 2%. Lumen posted 2025 FCF of $371 million, and it eliminated its dividend in 2022.

Aside from Nokia's stronger financials, it is delivering tangible results in the AI arena. It partnered with Nvidia toward the end of last year to work on an AI-native wireless network.

In addition, on Feb. 19, Nokia announced the deployment of the world's first 5G core software-as-a-service (SaaS) network. This offers a cloud-based turnkey solution for organizations to quickly deploy 5G wireless without high upfront costs or time-consuming setup. Nokia uses AI to manage the SaaS network.

While Lumen has yet to prove its strategic shift can generate sustained business growth, Nokia is demonstrating progress on its AI vision, making it the preferred stock for investors seeking returns over the long run.

Should you buy stock in Nokia right now?

Before you buy stock in Nokia, consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Nokia wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Europe is full of famous places that dominate bucket lists, but many of its most unforgettable corners still sit far from the usual American travel circuit. While big cities absorb most of the attention, small villages tucked into cliffs, valleys, and mountain roads keep delivering the kind of beauty people imagine when they dream about Europe. These are places where the air feels quieter, the light lingers longer, and the scenery keeps pulling you off schedule. You arrive for a quick stop and end up staying for the atmosphere.

What makes these places special is not only the view, but the pace. Life moves differently in villages built around footpaths, fields, harbors, and church squares rather than traffic and timetables. Travelers who slow down usually get the best version of each destination, especially early in the morning or after day-trippers leave. That is when the setting stops looking like a postcard and starts feeling real. If your idea of a great trip includes texture, mood, and memorable walks rather than nonstop checklists, these villages can completely reshape your itinerary.

1. Albarracin, Spain: The Rose-Stone Ridge Town That Looks Painted by Hand

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Albarracin has the kind of silhouette that makes you pull over before you even reach the center. Terracotta roofs, fortified walls, and steep lanes cling to a ridge above a river bend, creating a view that looks almost theatrical from a distance. The warm-toned stone catches morning and late-afternoon light beautifully, and nearly every angle feels camera-ready without looking staged. It is one of those rare places that feels dramatic from afar and even better once you step into it.

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Once inside, the best move is simple: wander without trying to optimize every minute. The appeal lives in small turns, stairways, old wooden balconies, and sudden openings toward the valley. A quick visit can still be rewarding, but an overnight stay gives you the quieter version, when the streets breathe and the village feels less like a sight and more like a lived-in world. Albarracin rewards curiosity more than checklists, and it is one of those places where getting a little lost is usually the right plan.

2. Piodao, Portugal: A Mountainside Village That Seems to Rise Out of the Rock

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Piodao sits deep in the highlands of central Portugal, and its setting does a lot of the work before you even arrive. Schist houses climb the slope in tight layers, making the whole settlement look as if it grew out of the mountain itself. Blue-painted doors and window frames cut through the dark stone in a way that feels both practical and striking. Seen from a distance, the village can look almost unreal, especially when the light softens and the hillside begins to glow.

The road in is part of the experience, so timing matters. Arriving in daylight is the smart move, because the mountain curves are beautiful but demanding after dark, especially if you are not used to narrow roads. Once you settle in, the atmosphere is calm, remote, and deeply scenic, with a completely different mood from Portugals coastal favorites. Piodao is ideal for travelers who enjoy a detour that feels earned, and for people who do not need a packed attractions list to feel like they found something special.

3. Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy: The Cliff Village That Turns the Arrival Into Theater

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Civita di Bagnoregio does not wait until the first lane to impress you. The approach creates suspense on its own, with the village perched high on fragile terrain and reached by a long pedestrian bridge that makes every step feel cinematic. Wind, stone, and open sky do much of the storytelling before you even enter the gate. The setting feels exposed, dramatic, and unforgettable in a way that photographs only partly explain.

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This is a place to absorb slowly, not rush through for one hero shot. The real pleasure comes from lingering at viewpoints, drifting into side alleys, and watching the surrounding landscape shift as the light changes. Comfortable shoes matter, but patience matters more, because Civita reveals itself in layers. It can be seen quickly, yes, but it only begins to feel memorable when you stop treating the bridge as the main event and give the village time to settle around you.

4. Rastoke, Croatia: Where Waterfalls Run Straight Through the Village

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Rastoke changes the visual rhythm of this list in the best possible way. Instead of hilltop drama, you get flowing water, old mills, wooden bridges, and houses woven into a network of cascades and channels. The place feels alive from the first minute because sound is part of the scenery. You do not just see it, you hear it constantly in the background, which gives the village a different kind of presence than quieter stone settlements.

Many travelers treat Rastoke as a short stop on the way to bigger names, and that is a missed opportunity. A slower walk lets the village unfold through textures, mist, movement, and little details tucked beside the streams. Early hours are especially rewarding, when the paths are calmer and the place feels more intimate. Rastoke works best when you treat it as a destination with its own mood, not as a quick photo break before the main stop.

5. Holloko, Hungary: The Storybook Street That Still Feels Like a Real Community

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Holloko has the charm people hope for when they search for an old European village, but it does not feel like a set. Traditional homes, quiet lanes, and a strong sense of continuity give it warmth that goes beyond surface beauty. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it looks preserved, yet it is still inhabited, and that balance is exactly what makes it memorable. The appeal is not only architectural, but also the way the whole place holds together as a lived environment.

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The most satisfying visit happens when you stop trying to cover it and simply settle into the pace. Walk slowly, pay attention to textures, and let the surrounding landscape become part of the experience instead of focusing only on the central street. A day trip is possible, but extra time adds depth and makes the village feel less like a curiosity and more like a place with its own rhythm. Holloko tends to leave a stronger impression on travelers who show up with patience.

6. Cicmany, Slovakia: The Painted Wooden Village With a Personality All Its Own

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Cicmany makes an immediate first impression because the houses are unlike almost anything else in the region. White geometric patterns spread across dark wooden facades, turning simple homes into folk art you can walk past. The contrast is bold and distinctive, yet the village still feels grounded rather than theatrical. It is compact, easy to explore on foot, and full of visual personality from the first few minutes.

That small scale is part of the appeal, because it invites slower looking. You do not need a long checklist here, only enough time to walk, look closely, and notice craftsmanship in the details. Cicmany works especially well as part of a broader road trip through Slovakia, when you want a stop that feels genuinely different from castles, cities, and mountain viewpoints. It is the kind of place that proves a village can be memorable without being huge or crowded.

7. Reine, Norway: The Lofoten Village That Looks Impossible in Real Life

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Reine delivers pure northern drama from every direction. Jagged peaks rise straight from the water, red cabins punctuate the shoreline, and narrow roads curve across islands linked by bridges. The whole setting looks cinematic, especially as the light shifts hour by hour and weather rolls through quickly. Even seasoned travelers tend to stop and stare here, because the scale and contrast feel almost too precise to be accidental.

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For all that visual impact, Reine is still a working community, and visiting well matters. Small places feel pressure quickly when crowds arrive, so simple habits like proper parking, quiet behavior, and patience on narrow roads make a real difference. The best experience comes from combining awe with respect and giving the place room to function normally. Reine offers a huge payoff, but it asks for good manners in return, which is a fair trade in a village this striking.

8. Theth, Albania: A Wild Alpine Escape That Feels Far From Everything

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Theth has a raw, open beauty that lands differently after cities and coastlines. Set in the Albanian Alps, it brings together steep peaks, broad skies, and a village atmosphere shaped by isolation and mountain life. The scenery feels powerful rather than polished, and that is exactly why it stays with people. This is not the kind of place that tries to charm you immediately with neat facades and cafe corners. It wins you over with scale, air, and the feeling of being somewhere genuinely remote.

It also rewards flexibility more than strict scheduling. Weather, road conditions, and hiking plans can shift the pace of your stay, so traveling well here means leaving room for change. Give Theth a little breathing room and it returns the favor with a deeper experience, whether that means a slower walk, an extra night, or an unplanned quiet morning in the valley. Some places impress you on cue. Theth tends to reset your sense of distance and time.

9. Viscri, Romania: The Quiet Transylvanian Village That Wins You Over Slowly

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Viscri does not rely on instant spectacle, and that restraint is part of its charm. Broad lanes, old houses, pastoral surroundings, and a fortified church landscape recognized by UNESCO create a setting that feels steady, layered, and deeply rooted. The beauty builds gradually as you move through it, which makes the experience more lasting than places that deliver everything in the first two minutes. By the end, the atmosphere is usually what people remember most.

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The best approach here is a calm one. Walk slowly, keep your voice low, and let the village reveal itself without forcing a perfect photo hunt. Viscri rewards attention and patience more than speed, especially if you spend time noticing the details that make rural places feel alive rather than curated. It is subtle, and subtle places often become the ones you think about longest after the trip is over.

Final Note for Travelers

The real secret to enjoying villages like these is not only finding them, but knowing how to move through them. Start early, stay longer when possible, and leave room for detours and weather shifts. Small places give back the most when visitors arrive with curiosity, patience, and a little humility.

Europe still has corners that can feel like discoveries. These villages offer more than a photo, they offer mood, rhythm, and the kind of atmosphere that can reshape a trip.

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Exterior of 1055 Mount Tabor Road in Buchanan, a restored schoolhouse reimagined as a two-bedroom home, listed at $989,000. Exterior of 1055 Mount Tabor Road in Buchanan, a restored schoolhouse reimagined as a two-bedroom home, listed at $989,000. Exterior of 1055 Mount Tabor Road in Buchanan, a restored schoolhouse reimagined as a two-bedroom home, listed at $989,000. Interior of 1055 Mount Tabor Road in Buchanan, a restored schoolhouse reimagined as a two-bedroom home, listed at $989,000. Interior of 1055 Mount Tabor Road in Buchanan, a restored schoolhouse reimagined as a two-bedroom home, listed at $989,000. Interior of 1055 Mount Tabor Road in Buchanan, a restored schoolhouse reimagined as a two-bedroom home, listed at $989,000. Kitchen at 1055 Mount Tabor Road in Buchanan, a restored schoolhouse reimagined as a two-bedroom home, listed at $989,000. Interior of 1055 Mount Tabor Road in Buchanan, a restored schoolhouse reimagined as a two-bedroom home, listed at $989,000. Interior of 1055 Mount Tabor Road in Buchanan, a restored schoolhouse reimagined as a two-bedroom home, listed at $989,000. Interior of 1055 Mount Tabor Road in Buchanan, a restored schoolhouse reimagined as a two-bedroom home, listed at $989,000. Interior of 1055 Mount Tabor Road in Buchanan, a restored schoolhouse reimagined as a two-bedroom home, listed at $989,000. Bathroom at 1055 Mount Tabor Road in Buchanan, a restored schoolhouse reimagined as a two-bedroom home, listed at $989,000. Bathroom at 1055 Mount Tabor Road in Buchanan, a restored schoolhouse reimagined as a two-bedroom home, listed at $989,000. Bathroom at 1055 Mount Tabor Road in Buchanan, a restored schoolhouse reimagined as a two-bedroom home, listed at $989,000. Interior of 1055 Mount Tabor Road in Buchanan, a restored schoolhouse reimagined as a two-bedroom home, listed at $989,000. 1870s Michigan schoolhouse for sale at $989,000 1 of 15 Exterior of 1055 Mount Tabor Road in Buchanan, a restored schoolhouse reimagined as a two-bedroom home, listed at $989,000.

In a real estate market where cookie-cutter construction often dominates, a restored 1870s one-room schoolhouse in southwest Michigan stands apart and is on the market for $989,000.

The District 5 Schoolhouse, located at 1055 Mount Tabor Road in Buchanan, spans 2,325 square feet and has been reimagined as a two-bedroom, two-bath residence and income-producing short-term rental, blending 19th-century architecture with modern amenities.

Currently operating as a highly rated Airbnb, the property has earned more than 100 five-star reviews and maintained an occupancy rate of approximately 72% since launching rentals in August 2024, according to owner Jonathon Wolfer.

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Wolfer and his wife purchased the rural brick schoolhouse in 2023 with the intent of preserving a piece of local history. At the time, the building lacked occupancy permits, a kitchen and several code-compliant features.

It was very bare bones, Wolfer said. We worked closely with the county to bring everything up to code while keeping the character intact.

The renovation was extensive. Improvements included structural reinforcement, a new roof and water heater, installation of a full kitchen, updated electrical and plumbing systems, refinished flooring, reglazing of the original windows, and updated landscaping. The upstairs level was insulated and finished, and an egress window was added to create a legal sleeping area. A second bathroom also was added.

Interior of 1055 Mount Tabor Road in Buchanan, a restored schoolhouse reimagined as a two-bedroom home, listed at $989,000.

Historical maps reviewed by Wolfer suggest the schoolhouse dates to the 1870s, when it served children of nearby farmers, although the MLS lists the year built as 1900.

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More: Inside Detroit's Bishop Mansion after $800K sale to tech entrepreneur

While it is not listed on a historic registry, the structure remains one of the few surviving rural schoolhouses in the county.

Rather than use it as a primary residence, Wolfer and his wife pivoted to short-term rental operations after expanding their family.

Interior of 1055 Mount Tabor Road in Buchanan, a restored schoolhouse reimagined as a two-bedroom home, listed at $989,000.

Chicago-area guests have been a strong customer base, Wolfer said, drawn by the propertys approximate 90-minute drive from the city. The home is roughly three hours from Detroit.

Its location adds to its appeal. The schoolhouse sits about a mile from Tabor Hill Winery and within 5 miles of additional vineyards, placing it in the heart of Michigans wine country. Lake Michigan beaches are approximately 10 to 15 minutes away.

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Its quiet and peaceful, but youre still close to wineries, festivals and the water, Wolfer said.

The property is being sold fully furnished as a turnkey operation, making it attractive to investors seeking an established short-term rental. However, it can also serve as a primary residence for someone drawn to historic architecture and rural surroundings.

Bathroom at 1055 Mount Tabor Road in Buchanan, a restored schoolhouse reimagined as a two-bedroom home, listed at $989,000.

The sellers say they are listing the property as they shift their investment focus and hope a buyer can assume operations ahead of the busy summer tourism season.

The home is currently listed for sale by owner at district5schoolhouse.com.

Brendel Clark (previously published as Brendel Hightower) writes about real estate and other topics for the Detroit Free Press. Contact her at bclark@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Schoolhouse-turned home in Michigan wine country for sale for $989K
Restaurants and cafes across northern Vermont have the chance to show off their mapleinfused creations as the Vermont Maple Festival opens registration for the 5th annual Best Maple Menu Contest, according to a community announcement.

The festival is inviting new competitors to join the lineup by offering at least one mapleinfused menu item, whether its a longtime favorite or something crafted for the contest. Businesses that took part last year have already been contacted and registered, but newcomers can sign up by emailing kayethecook@yahoo.com by March 13.

More than 20 eateries across three counties are already expected to compete throughout April. Diners will cast ballots with numerical scores and comments, and a winner is expected to be revealed during the first week of May, according to the announcement.

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The winning business will receive a gallon of pure Vermont maple syrup, a wooden plaque and a blue ribbon rosette. The St. Albans Messenger will also feature the topscoring establishment. All participants will be listed on the Vermont Maple Festivals website and Facebook page, and business names will appear in the Messenger and the regional Chamber of Commerce newsletter.

During the festival weekend, promotional posters with business hours will be displayed at the Main St. information booth and in the exhibit hall. Participants will also be recognized from the Main St. stage during opening ceremonies and throughout the festivities.

Thank you for bringing The Sweet Taste of Spring to St. Albans and surrounding areas! the announcement said.

This story was co-authored by Dave DeMille, ddemille@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Vermont Maple Festival opens Best Maple Menu Contest: How to enter
Winter is still happening and it is glorious! Though it won't last too much longer, we're still talking highs in the 70s, low humidity and, hopefully, no more falling iguanas. Now get out and enjoy "The Best Stinkin' Party in South Florida" in Delray Beach, the Wahoo Music Festival at Abacoa in Jupiter, "Path of the Panther" documentary at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary and more.

In addition to the top five events listed there's always something great happening at places like The Norton Museum of Art or the Maltz Jupiter Theatre. On top of that you could always just enjoy a great meal with an equally great view at one of Palm Beach County's waterfront restaurants from Jupiter to Boca Raton. Plus, we've curated a list of the best things to do all year in the county, and here it is: your bucket list of 60 fun must-try things to do in Palm Beach County.

1. Garlic Fest, Old School Square

Held in Lake Worth Beach and Wellington in recent years, "The Best Stinkin' Party in South Florida" returns to its roots this year: downtown Delray Beach. This fragrant fiesta will feature anything and everything that goes with garlic, along with new twist The Clove and plenty of live music including the Spin Doctors, Fabulous Fleetwoods, If I'm Lucky, Given To Fly, The Trees of Life, Bryce Allyn Band and Spred The Dub.

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The event is 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28 and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, March 1. 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. Saturday tickets $15 until 6 p.m. then they go to $20; Sunday $15. Information: garlicfestfl.com

This year's Garlic Fest is returning to downtown Delray Beach and will be held Saturday, Feb. 28 and Sunday, March 1.

More: Best Palm Beach County festivals, including music, food, holiday lights and more in 2025-26

2. "Path of the Panther" Movie Night, Busch Wildlife Sanctuary

An outdoor screening of the award-winning documentary "Path of the Panther" will take place Saturday, Feb. 28 at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter.

Enjoy an outdoor screening of this award-winning documentary that tells the powerful story of Floridas iconic and endangered panther and the people working to protect the wild spaces it depends on. Light refreshments and snacks available for purchase (or BYO). Bring lawn chairs/blankets.

The event is 5:15 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28. 17855 Rocky Pines Road, Jupiter. $10, children 11 and younger free. Information: buschwildlife.org

3. Lantern Festival: Celebrating the Year of the Horse, West Palm Beach

Step into a world of light, art, and culture in downtown West Palm Beach and experience a vibrant celebration welcoming the Year of the Horse with dazzling displays, family-friendly fun, and community spirit. Gather beneath beautifully crafted lanterns; timeless symbols of renewal, unity, and hope. Shining a spotlight on Asian culture and artistry, enjoy traditional Asian music, a dynamic Lion Dance performance, cultural demonstrations, and a pop-up experience featuring Asian-inspired food.

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The event is noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28. 400 Datura St., West Palm Beach. Free. Information: downtownwpb.com/lanternfestivalwpb

4. Wahoo Music Festival, Jupiter

St. Paul & The Broken Bones will play Saturday, Feb. 28 at the Wahoo Music Festival at Abacoa Amphitheater.

This one-day event will be jam packed with music including sets by St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Josh Meloy, Zinadelphia, Nick Folwarczny, Brady Brazeal and Andrew Martinez. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Wahoos mission is to create an event that celebrates emerging artists, supports local businesses, and brings people together through shared experiences. The festival is in support of cancer research and $1 per ticket will be donated to cancer research. Local restaurant chain C.R. Chicks is a lead sponsor of the event and will be on site serving food.

The event is 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28. 1267 Main St., Jupiter. Tickets start at $53.79. Information: wahoofest.com

5. AltBev Expo After Party at The Peach, West Palm Beach

Hosted by ERA Club, this event will feature a live performance by Adam David, DJ sets by DJ GQ, a curated vendor village highlighting local artists and brands, alternative and infused beverage tastings, food from El Segundo and more.

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The event is 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27. 3950 Georgia Ave., West Palm Beach. $25. Complimentary for sponsors and all access passes. Information: eventeny.com/events/altbevexpoafterparty

Bonus: Family Night Hike, Riverbend Park

So imagine this trail at Riverbend Park, only it's getting dark and you're being led by a naturalist. Don't worry, there are no werewolves or chupacabras.

Enjoy an enchanting hike under the stars! This guided adventure is led by experienced naturalists and is perfect for families looking to explore the wonders of nature after dusk. Good walking shoes, water, a flashlight and bug spray are recommended.

The event is 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27. 9060 Indiantown Road, Jupiter. $5. Reservations required. Information: discover.pbc.gov/parks/Riverbend

Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at eritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Things to do in Jupiter, West Palm Beach, includes Delray Garlic Fest
Long stretches abroad feel very different when the entry rules are simple, the paperwork stays light, and the clock doesnt start screaming at you after two weeks. For this slideshow, I focused on destinations where U.S. passport holders can usually spend a notably longer stretch under standard visitor or tourist rules, rather than jumping straight into a difficult residency process.

I checked official government sources, using the U.S. State Departments country information pages as the backbone, then adding embassy, national tourism, or immigration pages where needed for current entry details. One important note before anyone starts shopping for apartments: easy entry does not automatically mean you can work locally, overstay safely, or ignore border stamps. Immigration officers still control final admission terms at the point of entry, and some countries explicitly say the number of days is decided on arrival. Rules also shift, so the safest habit is to recheck official pages right before booking and again before departure.

1. Albania

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Albania is the standout on this list because it gives Americans something rare in mainstream travel planning: real breathing room. Instead of counting down from a typical 90-day limit, travelers can actually settle in for a season, learn neighborhoods, and stop living out of a half-zipped suitcase. Tirana works well for a city rhythm, while the coast offers a very different pace once the summer crowds thin out.

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The U.S. State Departments Albania page says tourist visas are not required for Americans, and it also states that U.S. citizens may stay in Albania for up to one year without applying for a residency permit. That single rule is why Albania keeps showing up in long-stay conversations. If someone wants to remain beyond that period, the same guidance points to the residency permit process after entry.

2. Georgia

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For travelers who want a base that feels lively without drowning them in bureaucracy, Georgia keeps earning attention. Tbilisi offers cafe culture, hills, old streets, and strong everyday energy, while regional trips can flip the scenery fast. Its the kind of place where a long visit can feel practical instead of temporary.

The key point for U.S. travelers is spelled out on the State Departments Georgia page: a tourist visa is not required for stays of 365 days or less. Thats unusually generous, and it makes planning far simpler than destinations that require rolling extensions every month. The same page also notes that your passport must be valid at entry, which is simple but easy to overlook when booking late.

3. Armenia

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Armenia suits travelers who want a compact base with history, mountain access, and a capital thats easy to learn quickly. Yerevan can feel manageable for newcomers, which matters when youre staying long enough to build a routine instead of just collecting landmarks. Day trips and regional travel also help keep the experience fresh without major logistical friction.

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The State Departments Armenia page says no tourist visa is required for U.S. citizens staying less than 180 days per year, and it states that Americans can enter visa-free for up to 180 days annually. The same guidance adds that longer visits require a residency permit. Armenias Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa information is also a helpful cross-check on the general framework before you book anything long-term.

4. Panama

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Panama can be a very comfortable long-stay option for Americans who want modern convenience without giving up access to beaches, islands, and mountain towns. Panama City handles everyday needs with less friction than many first-time visitors expect, and weekend escapes are straightforward. That mix makes it attractive for a longer chapter, not only a short holiday.

The U.S. State Departments Panama page states that U.S. tourists can stay for 180 days without a visa, and it says this rule is strictly enforced. It also lists practical entry items such as a return plane ticket and proof of funds, so this is one of those places where showing up organized matters. Double-checking the entry stamp on arrival is a smart move because the same page specifically tells travelers to confirm it.

5. Costa Rica

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Costa Rica is a strong fit for travelers who want a long tropical reset with good tourism infrastructure and a wide range of lifestyles. Beach towns, mountain communities, and urban pockets each create a different version of daily life, so the country can suit very different personalities. People who stay longer often build a routine around weather patterns, transport timing, and a favorite local cafe instead of rushing from one highlight to the next.

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The practical detail here matters: the official Visit Costa Rica entry requirements page says the maximum legal stay is determined by the immigration agent upon entry. The State Departments Costa Rica page also says a visa is not required for stays under 180 days and notes the importance of onward or return travel proofone of those classic check-in counter headaches if you forget it.

6. Mexico

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Few countries remain as practical for long stays as Mexico, especially for Americans. Access can be fast, flights are plentiful, and daily life can be shaped around almost any budget or pace. One person may choose a dense urban routine in Mexico City, while another builds a quieter coastal season or a colonial-town base. That flexibility is a big reason it stays near the top of practical lists.

For entry rules, the U.S. State Departments Mexico travel advisory notes that Mexican immigration authorities determine how long youre authorized to stay upon arrival. Mexicos immigration authority, the Instituto Nacional de Migracion (INM), also publishes the FMM visitor form information thats commonly associated with stays of up to 180 days for tourism/non-remunerated travel. In plain language: a long trip is often possible, but the exact number of days is still a border-stamp decision, so check what youre granted before you leave the desk.

7. Colombia

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Colombia makes sense for long-stay travelers who want variety without constant cross-country flights. You can build a base in a cooler city, then shift to Caribbean heat, coffee-region hills, or a different urban rhythm on later trips. That range makes repeat visits easy because the experience changes so much by region.

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The State Departments Colombia page says U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less, and it notes the common 180-days-per-calendar-year planning ceiling. It also points travelers to Migracion Colombia for extensions and related rules. Another practical note many first-timers miss is the recommended Check-Mig form before flights.

8. Belize

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Belize is a strong fit for travelers who want English widely used in daily life while still getting a Caribbean and Central American feel. The country is small enough to learn quickly, which can lower stress during a longer visit. Islands, coast, and inland nature areas provide plenty of range without massive travel days.

The U.S. State Departments Belize page says tourists staying less than 30 days do not need a visa, and it adds that anyone planning to remain longer must get the passport re-stamped at a local immigration office and pay an extra fee for each added month. The same guidance says this monthly process can be done for a maximum of six months. For the most current details, it also directs travelers to the Embassy of Belize to the United States.

9. Uruguay

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Uruguay is often overlooked in U.S. travel planning, which is exactly why some long-stay travelers like it. Montevideo offers a grounded, livable atmosphere, and the coast gives easy seasonal escapes without turning every weekend into a major expedition. It can suit people who want a calmer rhythm and fewer moving parts.

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The State Departments Uruguay page says no tourist visa is required for stays under 90 days for holders of a tourist passport. If youre aiming to stay longer, Uruguays official government portal outlines the extension process through the countrys migration authority (see the prorroga (extension) procedure). As always, confirm what youre stamped for on arrival and keep your paperwork tidy if you plan to extend.

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Coastal Maine has a lot to offer - scenic beaches, stunning views, picturesque lighthouses, and lots of seafood. The town of Kennebunkport, less than 30 miles south of Portland, has legendary seafood from spots like Mabel's Lobster Claw, the Clam Shack, and Allison's Restaurant, three of the oldest seafood restaurants in town. It's a postcard-perfect setting in which to devour lobster at more than a dozen seafood restaurants. We recently stopped into Allison's Restaurant to sample its lobster roll, lobster bisque, and a somewhat unusual dish, lobster poutine (yes, we were on a lobster tear).

This last one incorporates the French Canadian must-try dish made with French fries, cheese curds, and gravy. Allison's version swaps out gravy for lobster bisque, and it's decadent to say the least. The lobster roll was one of the best we'd had, and priced on par with what you'd typically pay ($33.95). The bisque was also excellent. The restaurant has been around since 1973, and it's not even the oldest in town.

The Clam Shack has been around since 1968, and Mabel's Lobster Claw has been a mainstay since the 1950s. While lobster is, of course, a go-to choice, Kennebunkport has all kinds of seafood. From fried clams to steamed mussels to baked haddock to oysters on the half-shell, you'll find your favorites here.

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Read more: The Hands-Down Best Italian Subs In The US, According To Reviews

How Kennebunkport got its stellar seafood rep

Lobster boat on the ocean - Judd Brotman/Getty Images

Kennebunkport has a rich history tied to seafood. For generations, Native Americans, including the Pequots and Abenakis, lived there seasonally and fished the coastal waters. In the 16th century, it became one of the earliest European settlements in North America, again thanks to its abundant seafood. During the Colonial period, Kennebunkport thrived thanks to shipbuilding and fishing. By the mid-19th century, its lobsters were being shipped to Boston and New York, and the lobstering industry only grew in the following decades. When the town later became a summer destination for artists and the wealthy, seafood was on the menu.

With all that history entwined with Kennebunkport's bountiful waters, it's no wonder it remains a vibrant seafood spot. While the town may not have the world's largest lobster roll  you have to go to Woolwich, Maine, for that  the ones you'll find here are far more manageable and packed with flavor, much like the rest of the seafood on offer. Kennebunkport is definitely worth a visit, and not just for its classic Maine charm but for the incredible seafood that keeps visitors coming back. Just be sure to bring a big appetite when you go.

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Read the original article on Chowhound.
After a decade away, "The Best Stinkin' Party in South Florida" will officially return to the scene of its smelly beginnings in Delray Beach on Saturday, Feb. 28 and Sunday, Feb. 29.

Though the South Florida Garlic Festival left Delray Beach in 2016, it wasn't in a fume-filled huff. Nor were the interim venues in Lake Worth Beach and Wellington anything less than worthy or welcoming. Instead, a reunion with Delray Beach, which will be consummated this weekend, began as a sort of homecoming spurred on by one of the event's founders  more on that shortly.

The wonderfully fragrant fiesta, known for serving up everything and anything that goes with garlic, began in Delray Beach in 1999. Featuring food, national music acts and rides, it grew bigger every year. Success brought crowds and excitement, but also a problem: Garlic Fest was literally outgrowing its space.

Garlic Fest's stinkin' tour of Palm Beach County

The festival's size, combined with the city's wish to scale back the number of large events it was allowing downtown ultimately forced them to relocate in 2016 to John Prince Park in Lake Worth Beach, said Leanne Griffith, the corporate sponsor and activation specialist for Festival Management Group, the organization that puts on Garlic Fest.

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In John Prince Park, the fest rocked the shores of Lake Osborne for several years and seriously stunk up the joint, in a good way. Then that moment that sort of marks timelines everywhere struck ... COVID-19.

Organizers managed to get the 2020 festival off the ground before the wheels came off the world. The next year, however, with the Palm Beach County parks system closed, they were once again forced to relocate.

Welcomed to Wellington with open arms, they put on a slightly modified event that first year. To comply with COVID restrictions they created a system to help ensure social distancing, dropping the rides portion of the event and having everyone mask up. It was a huge success. They kept the pungent pressure on in Wellington for another three years after that.

Garlic Fest bittersweet homecoming to Delray Beach

Held at John Prince Park in Lake Worth Beach from 2016 to 2020 and in Wellington from 2021 to 2025, the South Florida Garlic Fest returns to its Delray Beach roots on Saturday, Feb. 28 and Sunday, March 1.

Following last year's event, however, former Fiesta Management Group manager Nancy Stewart, who actually created the festival in 1999, really wanted to bring it back to downtown Delray Beach.

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Reaching out to Delray Beach city officials and the Downtown Development Authority, they began hashing out the details and eventually made it happen.

Realizing that the rides were not the draw and creating a smaller event footprint, they were able to bring it back without having to close any streets. The management group's executive director Jennifer E. Costello jokingly said "They'll just hear us and smell us."

Though Stewart succumbed to cancer in April last year, she got the good news that her creation was coming back home before she died.

Both Griffith and Costello said that they are excited about bringing the event back to Delray Beach. They did add that leaving Wellington is bittersweet and praised the village for how easy they made it to hold the event and how accommodating they were.

Pat West, from Gilroy, CA, sells her garlic products during the South Florida Garlic Fest Saturday inside John Prince Park in Lake Worth Beach on February 8, 2020.

Describing the upcoming South Florida Garlic Festival, Griffith said it will be a "small footprint, big impact."

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This year will once again include incredible garlic infused foods and live music. New for this year, however, will be The Clove. This interactive celebration of all things garlic will take lovers of the beautiful bulb on an aromatic journey. This will include garlic-inspired cocktails like Garlic bloody marys and Pickled Garlic Martinis along with Garlic Bread Beer at The Clove Premium bar. It will also feature a garlic market with exotic varieties, products and kitchen accessories along with acclaimed chefs putting on garlic demonstrations.

This year's event is once-again packed with great live music, including a national headlining act.

The lineup on Saturday, Feb. 28 will include the Fabulous Fleetwoods, If I'm Lucky, Given To Fly-Pearl Jam Experience and event headliner The Spin Doctors. On Sunday, March 1, attendees will rock to The Trees of Life, Bryce Allen Band and closer Spred the Dub.

More: Best Palm Beach County food festivals from Italian, BBQ, bacon & bourbon to fine dining

South Florida Garlic Festival

Held at John Prince Park in Lake Worth Beach from 2016 to 2020 and in Wellington from 2021 to 2025, the South Florida Garlic Fest will return to its Delray Beach roots in 2026.

Where: Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach

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When: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28 and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, March 1

Cost: Saturday is $15 until 6 p.m. and then tickets go to $20, Sunday $15 all day.

Information: garlicfestfl.com

Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at eritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: South Florida Garlic Fest comes to Delray Beach in February 2026
One man is dead after an SUV and a school bus full of children crashed in western Oregon earlier this week.

The bus driver has since been issued a citation for allegedly making an unsafe turn, authorities said.

On Monday, Feb. 23, just before 10 a.m. local time, officials responded to reports of a two-vehicle collision on Highway 22, near the intersection of Highway 51, in Polk County, the Oregon State Police said in a statement. A preliminary investigation revealed that a school bus affiliated with Salem-Keizer Public Schools was traveling west when the driver, 33-year-old Chandra Jean Milkovich-Howard, attempted a left turn onto Highway 51.

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The school bus  which had 30 students and two adults on board, including the driver  then entered the path of a Honda Pilot going east, resulting in a head-on collision, authorities said.

North Salem High School in Salem, Ore.

Credit: Google Maps

The driver of the SUV, Luke Richard Brittan, a 68-year-old man from Independence, Ore., was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. The bus driver and one student suffered minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital, authorities added.

The section of the highway was impacted for four hours after the fatal crash as officials conducted an investigation. Milkovich-Howard was issued a citation for the unsafe left turn, police said. The investigation is ongoing, and once completed, it will be forwarded to the district attorney's office for consideration.

Later that day, Aaron Harada, a spokesperson for the school district, confirmed that the school bus had been taking students from North Salem High School, located in Salem, Ore., to Western Oregon University in Monmouth, Ore., for a field trip, according to the Salem Reporter.

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This is a terribly tragic event. Our hearts and thoughts go out to the family of the driver who lost their life, Harada said in a statement shared with the paper. We are fully cooperating with the investigation while we also supporting our staff and students who were on board at the time of the incident.

The Oregon State Police and Salem-Keizer Public Schools did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs requests for comment.

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 school bus was one of two buses on its way to the university. The other school vehicle was not involved in the crash, according to the outlet. Following the incident, the students on both buses were transported back to their high school, and counseling and emotional support services have been made available.

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"Incidents involving school transportation require coordinated communication, careful triage, and strong interagency teamwork," said the Salem Fire Department, which responded to the scene.

Read the original article on People
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Excavation of a 13,700-year-old mammoth ivory workstation at the Holzman site. . | Credit: B. Wygal

Ancient tools found in Alaska may shed light on how humans first arrived in the Americas, a new study finds.

The artifacts, which include items linked with crafting stone tools and ocher , a red mineral often used in ceremonies, are about 600 years older than similar artifacts from the Clovis people who lived farther south, in New Mexico and elsewhere.

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The similarities suggest that the people who used the Alaskan artifacts are the ancestors of the Clovis, which in turn hints that the ancestors of the Clovis may have marched across the land bridge that once connected Asia with the Americas, and not along a coastal route as recently argued.

Based on stone artifacts up to 13,400 years old , for most of the 20th century archaeologists suggested that ancestors of the prehistoric culture dubbed the Clovis were among the first to migrate from Asia to the Americas. Researchers have discovered Clovis artifacts  such as distinctive, pointy stone tools  across the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains. (But research over the past few decades has revealed that the Clovis were far from the first people to reach the Americas .)

It remains uncertain how the predecessors of the Clovis made their way to the New World. It was long thought that they reached North America via the Bering Land Bridge, which emerged as sea levels dropped during the last ice age (2.6 million to 11,700 years ago). These migrants could have wended their way across this expanse of land and then south through an ice-free corridor to give rise to the Clovis.

However, other work raises the question of whether the corridor through what is now Canada was actually ice-free when the ancestors of the Clovis might have been able to cross it. Therefore, a competing idea proposes that they migrated to the New World through other routes , such as in watercraft along the coast of Asia, the Bering Land Bridge and the Americas.

Alaska archaeology

To investigate this mystery, scientists analyzed findings from the Tanana Valley in central Alaska. For more than four decades, excavations there have uncovered artifacts from early Alaskan hunters of woolly mammoths and other "megafauna," or giant beasts.

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The researchers focused on recent discoveries from the Holzman site in the middle Tanana Valley, where they found evidence of stone and mammoth ivory tool manufacturing dating to about 14,000 years ago , such as a nearly complete mammoth tusk, which could have been raw material for ivory production, and a hammerstone for crafting stone tools. This makes this pre-Clovis area one of the earliest known human sites in the Americas .

A complete female mammoth tusk excavated from a 14,000-year-old area within the Holzman site. | Credit: B. Wygal

"What's exceptional [about this site] is its remarkable preservation," study co-author Kathryn Krasinski , an archaeologist at Adelphi University in New York, told Live Science. "The lower components tend to be frozen much of the year, so we have also recovered ancient plant DNA and even a strand of 13,600-year-old bison hair. This type of organic material preservation is quite rare."

The Tanana Valley was located between the Bering Land Bridge and the ice-free corridor, the scientists noted, and the ivory tools and the process of manufacturing them at the Holzman site are similar to those used for Clovis artifacts found farther south.

"People lived and thrived in interior Alaska around 1,000 years before the appearance of Clovis technology further south," study co-author Brian Wygal , an archaeologist at Adelphi University, told Live Science. "We argue that the growing evidence from interior Alaska confirms an inland route through an ice-free corridor as the most likely scenario for the initial arrival of people in midcontinental North America."

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In other words, the ancestors of the Clovis may have first wandered across the Bering Land Bridge from Asia to Alaska, and then migrated further south down an ice-free corridor to give rise to the Clovis.

The evidence from Holzman and other sites in that area of Alaska is consistent with "migration to the continental United States by an interior route," Todd Surovell , a professor of anthropology at the University of Wyoming who did not participate in the study, told Live Science. "The evidence for ivory working provides a nice cultural tie to the Clovis tradition further south."

Difficult to know

However, Jack Ives , a professor emeritus of anthropology at the University of Alberta who did not take part in this research, cautioned that the people of ancient northeast Asia where migrants to the Americas likely came from shared many features, such as symbolic use of ocher in burials, and similar stone artifacts. This raises the question of whether the ivory artifacts seen at Holzman and elsewhere are directly tied to the Clovis or whether "they were part of a broader suite of ideas for various populations entering the Western Hemisphere," Ives told Live Science.

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Ives also noted that scientists often pose the inland and coastal scenarios of migration into the Americas as competing ideas "with either one or the other telling the entire story." However, a better way to go about it, he said, "is to realize that if we would like to have a comprehensive picture of this early time frame, we need to understand what is going on in both the early period coastal and [ice-free] corridor worlds." Geneticists often suggest the peopling of the New World involved successive episodes of small founding lineages , so both the inland and coastal scenarios might have played a part, Ives added.

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Wygal and his colleagues aim to continue excavations in the Tanana Valley to learn more about how the first Alaskans interacted with woolly mammoths and other aspects of their environment, he said. Future research should also investigate "the ice-free corridor itself," Surovell said. "There has been considerable research on coastal areas, but the ice-free corridor by contrast has been largely neglected."

The scientists detailed their findings in the Feb. 15 issue of the journal Quaternary International .

Last ice age quiz: How much do you know about Earth's frosty past?
Feb. 25Approximately 150 female inmates were transferred from the Dayton Correctional Institution recently as the facility grapples with the lowest level of correctional officer staffing in Ohio.

The decision was "a matter of operational strategy and population management," according to JoEllen Smith, an Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections spokeswoman.

"With more than enough empty beds at the women's prisons in Marysville and Cleveland, it made operational sense to close a unit at DCI and shift the distribution of population to these other locations to take some of the demand off corrections officers (at) DCI," Smith told the Dayton Daily News.

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The Dayton Daily News obtained staffing records from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections as state legislators look to implement reforms to address staffing shortages in Ohio's prisons, saying they put correctional officers at risk.

Dayton Correctional Institution stands out as having the highest vacancy rate in the state, with 18.8% of its budgeted correctional officer positions unfilled at the end of 2025. DCI ended 2025 with 27 vacant C.O. positions.

Smith said the recent decision will help reduce mandated overtime "by lowering the vacancy rate to 9%."

She said recruitment of staff "has and continues to be" a priority for the agency.

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DCI has had a tumultuous few years in terms of correctional officer staffing, according to state data. In 2022, the facility ended the year with a vacancy rate of 6.3%. The rate shot up to 19.4% at the end of 2023, came back to earth in 2024 at 5.6% in 2024, and skyrocketed again in 2025.

Prison staffing was a major focus in November when lawmakers voted 82-3 to pass House Bill 338, a prison reform bill sparked by the death of Andy Lansing, a correctional officer at Ross Correctional Institution who was beat to death by an inmate on Christmas Day in 2024.

Rep. Mark Johnson, R-Chillicothe, whose district includes Ross Correctional and who championed the reform bill, told his peers on the House floor that Lansing's death was partially due to a lack of staffing, highlighting ODRC's dependency on using overtime to adequately staff Ohio's prisons.

At the root of the staffing issues, Johnson alleged, was a slate of problems that ultimately led to an unsafe working environment for correctional officers and other penal institution staff. He said "(Ohio's) prisons are the most dangerous places of employment, I believe, in the United States. I truly believe that."

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His bill, which now awaits action from the Ohio Senate, would enhance drug monitoring in prisons, restructure incentives like education programs, and enact a slew of mandatory minimums meant to disincentivize assaults on corrections officers, among other things.

The bill was jointly sponsored by Rep. Phil Plummer, R-Butler Twp., who told this outlet last week that he sees it as a primary tool to make staffing Ohio's prisons easier.

"We have a bill to address a lot of the problems in the prisons," Plummer told this outlet. "If you have a problem in prisons and the administration is not supporting employees, you're not going to have any employees (anymore)."

Plummer, who previously oversaw the Montgomery County Jail as county sheriff, said he views the problem as fixable.

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"We have some problems, but it's a work in progress. I think we can fix that," he said. "You create a culture where you have a safe working environment, the employees are valued, right, they're paid properly, they have benefits, they'll come to work. But if they don't feel valued or safe, they're out of there."

Asked if he had any idea why Dayton Correctional Institution would be particularly difficult to staff, Plummer said: "You're dealing with inmates on death row with nothing to lose. It's a very tough job."

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Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) is one of Goldman Sachss top growth stock picks. On February 12, Mastercard Incorporateds (NYSE:MA) open finance technology became the backbone of Truist Financials first-ever open banking platform. Truist will use Mastercards open finance API network to replace the risky practice of credential-sharing with tokenized, permissioned API connections. The technology acts as the secure bridge between Truists banking systems and third-party fintech applications, and gives consumers full control over who accesses their data and for how long.

Mastercard (MA) Strengthens Banking Ties, Maintains Dividends

Truist is Mastercards latest and most prominent US bank partner on this open finance push. Mastercards own research projects that global open banking usage will double by 2027. It also estimates that 100 million US consumers already connect their bank accounts to third-party financial apps, a market Mastercard is actively positioning itself to facilitate.

Bart Willaert, Mastercards EVP of Open Finance for the Americas, commented on the development and stated that secure, convenient financial experiences are a gamechanger  but trust is the critical ingredient to ensuring clients and businesses can tap into their full potential.

Meanwhile, Mastercards Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.87 per share on February 10. All stockholders of record as of April 9, 2026, will receive the payment on May 8, said Mastercard.

Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) operates a global payments network that facilitates electronic transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and governments. Its services include credit, debit, prepaid, and commercial card programs, as well as digital payment solutions and fraud prevention technologies.

While we acknowledge the potential of MA as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 11 Best Alternative Energy Stocks to Invest In According to Analysts and 13 Best Infrastructure Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Two people were killed in shooting in Roll Hill early Wednesday, according to the Cincinnati Police Department.

Officers responded to the 2500 block of Sunnyhill Drive after a receiving a ShotSpotter notification just before 2 a.m. Feb. 25, police said. They found two people with gunshot wounds. Emergency crews attempted life-saving measures but both victims died at the scene.

The names and ages of the shooting victims were not released.

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"At this time, there is no suspect information available, and it is unknown what led up to the shooting," police said in a news release.The Cincinnati Police Department's Homicide Unit is is conducting the investigation in the shooting.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: 2 killed in Cincinnati's Roll Hill. Police investigate shooting
More journalists and media workers were killed in 2025 than in over three decades, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported on Wednesday.

A total of 129 such deaths were recorded, the CPJ announced in New York. According to the information provided, most of the deaths can be attributed to Israel.

"Israel was responsible for two-thirds of all press killings in both 2025 and 2024," the report stated in its key findings. "More than 60% of the 86 members of the press killed by Israeli fire in 2025 were Palestinians reporting from Gaza."

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In second place overall, far behind, is Sudan with nine media personnel killed.

In the context of the Ukraine war, four deaths were recorded last year.

"Culture of impunity"

The organization also criticized "a persistent culture of impunity for attacks on the press."

The CPJ classifies 47 of the 129 cases as instances where journalists were killed because of their work. Israel is said to be responsible for 81% of these deaths.

"Very few transparent investigations have been conducted into the 47 cases of targeted killings ... documented by CPJ in 2025  the highest number of journalists deliberately killed for their work in the past decade  and no one has been held accountable in any of the cases," the CPJ complained.

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The Gaza Strip is currently considered the most dangerous location worldwide for journalists. Israel has repeatedly accused journalists in the Gaza Strip of being deployed for the Palestinian militant organization Hamas.

The CPJ says it has been documenting cases of killed press representatives since 1992.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  Transportation officials have released the latest edition of the Official State Bicycle Map for Kansas this week to help guide cyclists on their next adventure.

Philip Harris with the Kansas Department of Transportation announced in a press release on Feb. 24 that people can now grab a copy of the 2026-2028 bicycle maps. This new editions offers cyclists their choice of a variety of resources to help them plan out their next short or long bike riding excursion.

Rail-Trails and the U.S. Bicycle Route System maps are included in the publication and showcase historic and unique places to visit along these routes, said KDOTs Active Transportation Manager Jenny Kramer. We want residents and visitors alike to experience a few of the many venues and sights Kansas offers by bike while participating in active lifestyles.

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Harris said the maps are free with each copy featuring color-coded highways to help people distinguish traffic levels and varying route widths to show where shoulders are paved and wider than three feet. Cyclists who want to avoid highways can use county roads which are displayed using the same color coding for traffic ranges and denote whether they are paved or unpaved. Other features included in the new maps include:

Rest areas and bike shops

State parks and scenic byways

Hospitals with 24-hour emergency care

Past Biking Across Kansas routes

People can learn more about the maps and place an order for them by sending an email to KATE@ks.gov or by calling 785-296-5186. To request a copy online, click here.

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For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
FRANKFORT  Gov. Andy Beshear headlined the annual Fairness Rally in Frankfort Wednesday, praising LGBTQ+ advocates who fight for whats right.

Dont back down, not to a Republican supermajority here, not to a president elsewhere, the Democratic governor told a gathering of about 100 people that filled the Capitol Education Center.

Gov. Andy Beshear speaks at the 2026 Fairness Rally on Feb. 25, 2026. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Sarah Ladd)

Speakers urged the audience to vote against anti-LGBTQ+ candidates and criticized recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity.

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Chris Hartman, the executive director of the Fairness Campaign, led the audience in a chant of no ICE, nowhere and no ICE, not here.

ICE has no place in the commonwealth, he said. We love our immigrant community.

Beshear, who is regarded as a possible candidate for president in 2028, said, This is our moment in history. How we conduct ourselves, how we conduct our business, will determine how future Americans and future Kentuckians view us. Did we favor division or unity, discrimination or inclusion? I think those are pretty easy choices to navigate, and Ill continue to fight for the right thing every single time.

Silas House at the 2026 Fairness Rally on Feb. 25, 2026. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Sarah Ladd)

Author Silas House, who in 2023 became Kentuckys first openly gay poet laureate, asked people to not vote for Republican Andy Barr, who is running for retiring Sen. Mitch McConnells seat: Make sure that he does not become our next senator.

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He criticised politicians in general who try to restrict drag performances and trans health care and said to make sure anti-LGBTQ politicians do not get elected or reelected.

We are Kentuckians. We are not bootlickers, House said. We do not want bootlickers representing us.

People express so much despair for me these days. Most of us have been fighting for our rights our whole life, and it does get so old, but we keep holding on to our joy, and thats so important, House said. I will never stop fighting for my rights as a gay person, for the rights of my trans siblings, for the rights of anyone who is demeaned, belittled, ostracized, but it saddens me deeply to know that so many people still hate LGBTQ people just for existing. They do, and theres no denying that. But I also cannot deny the progress weve made over the last century, in my own lifetime and in the last couple decades.

Discrimination legislation and finding joy

This year, the Fairness Campaign rallied against Senate Bill 72, sponsored by Sen. Donald Douglas, R-Nicholasville, which would allow health care providers to refuse to provide services that violates his, her or its conscience.

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Hartman called this a discrimination bill. It passed the Senate on Feb. 13 but still needs a House committee hearing and floor vote. The American Civil Liberties Union says its tracking 444 bills this year that are anti LGBTQ, including six in Kentucky. SB 172 is among those.

Other rally speakers included Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Charles Booker, Senate Minority Leader Gerald Neal, Senate Minority Caucus Chair Reggie Thomas, Sen. Keturah Herron, D-Louisville, Radcliff transgender advocate Serenity Johnson and Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Rep. Pamela Stevenson, D-Louisville.

Chris Hartman, right, hugs Sen. Keturah Herron, D-Louisville, at the 2026 Fairness Rally on Feb. 25, 2026. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Sarah Ladd)

Herron, the first openly LGBTQ+ woman elected to the Kentucky state Senate, promoted broader joy and community.

I want you to know that you are valued. Your life matters. I love you. People in this room love you, Herron said. And even when the days get hard and tough, remember days like this that give you joy. Find the things that give you joy. But if you dont remember anything else, know and understand that theres one short, Black, queer, LGBTQ senator in the state of Kentucky.

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In his speech Booker said love is the greatest strength we have and hate will no longer determine our future.

Charles Booker, right, at the 2026 Fairness Rally on Feb. 25, 2026. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Sarah Ladd)

I thank you for the determination to shine your light right now, because it is so dark, the efforts to erase the humanity of our loved ones, of our lives, and to weaponize our identity, to use it to keep us fighting amongst ourselves so that we are still dealing with poverty generation after generation, Booker said. You being here is a testament that we are not taking the bait.

The rally is usually held in the Capitol rotunda, which is off limits thanks to the ongoing renovation of the Capitol.

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Editors Note: The spelling of Milly Cate McClymond and Scott Ruskan have been corrected. We regret the error.

AUSTIN (KXAN)  President Donald Trump held his first State of the Union address to Congress (SOTU) of his second term Tuesday, and in it, he spoke briefly about the July 4, 2025, floods in Central Texas.

Five takeaways from President Trumps State of the Union address

It was July 4th of last year when flood waters tore through a girls summer camp in Central Texas, one of the worst things Ive ever seen, he said.

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More than 100 people died during the flood, 28 of whom were at Camp Mystic in Kerr County, Texas. The president said that the response to the flood showed the spirit of 1776, a theme of his speech.

From 1776 to today, every generation of Americans has stepped forward to defend life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, Trump said.

As is typical for modern SOTU addresses, Trump invited guests to be called upon for certain moments in his speech. Present Tuesday night were Coast Guard Petty Officer Scott Ruskan, a rescue swimmer, and 11-year-old Milly Cate McClymond.

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick urges DSHS halt renewal of Camp Mystics license

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As the waters threatened to sweep her away, 11-year-old Milly Cate McClymond closed her eyes and prayed to God. She thought she was going to die, Trump said. Those prayers were answered when Coast Guard rescue swimmer Scott Ruskan descended from a helicopter above.

According to Trump, this was Ruskans first rescue mission. The president also credited Ruskan with 165 rescues during the floods.

Coast Guard Petty Officer Scott Ruskan is awarded the Legion of Merit as President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Tonight, Scott and Milly Kate are here together, reunited for the very first time. Petty Officer Ruskan, Im pleased to inform you that I am now awarding you the Legion of Merit for extraordinary heroism, which is what it was, extraordinary heroism. Thank you. And Id like to have the military aid to please come down and take care of the service, military aid.

Trump awarded these medals during his State of the Union address

Virginia Gov. calls out Texas Gov. Abbott

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger delivered the Democratic Partys response to the SOTU after the presidents address.

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It also touched on the nations 250th anniversary year, with Spanberger praising ordinary citizens for their actions in protest of the current administration.

But here is the special thing about America: on our 250th anniversary, we know better than any nation what is possible when ordinary citizens  like those who once dreamed right here in this room  reject the unacceptable and demand more of their government, she said.

Spanberger then cited recent student walkouts at multiple school districts in Texas as an example of that, and called out Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for directing state agencies to investigate the protests.

We see it in the determination of students organizing school walkouts all across the country, whose voices are becoming so powerful that the Governor of Texas seeks to silence them, she said.

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KXAN reached out to Abbotts office for his response to Spanbergers remark.

The Virginia governor also mentioned the Democratic partys success in flipping seats in Texas and other states, such as Taylor Rehmets win in a Texas state Senate district that Trump won by 17 points in 2024.

Other Texans mentioned, present at SOTU

Another shoutout in Trumps speech was Houston mom Rachel Wiggins, who lost bids on 20 homes to gigantic investment firms that bypassed inspection, paid all cash and turned those houses into rentals, stealing away her American dream.

Trump used her case as an example of why Congress should pass a law to ban investment firms from buying single-family residences.

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Corporations are doing just fine, Rachel, thank you very much. Good luck with your home. Youll get one soon, he said.

Democrat Al Green removed from House after interrupting, heckling Trump

Trump also mentioned the 2023 killing of Lizbeth Medina, 16, in Edna, Texas. Lizbeths mother, Jacqueline Medina, was present in the gallery during the speech.

Rafael Romero, 23, entered a plea agreement with Jackson County prosecutors in the case and is serving a life sentence for murder, aggravated robbery causing serious injury, and burglary. He had entered the U.S. in 2018, during Trumps first term, and overstayed his visa, per news outlets reporting at the time.

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The president highlighted the case to push his administrations border policy and to claim that his opponents would open up those borders to some of the worst criminals.

The only thing standing between Americans and a wide-open border right now is President Donald J. Trump and our great Republican patriots in Congress, Trump said.

Everest Nevraumonte, 10, of Austin, was also at the speech. Shes participating in AI-powered learning. Trump called on Nevraumonte while praising the work of his wife, Melania Trump, in the administrations AI efforts.

Texas congressional delegation and its invitees

Texas Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn attended the address, as did many of the states Republican representatives.

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More than half of Texas Democratic representatives, including Lizzie Fletcher, Sylvia Garcia, Christian Menefee, Vicente Gonzalez, Joaquin Castro, Jasmine Crockett and Veronica Escobar, skipped the address.

Crockett and Castro instead spoke at the Peoples State of the Union, a rally hosted by liberal activist groups MeidasTouch and MoveOn.

The delegations guests to Trumps address included Border Patrol Union President Paul Perez (invited by Cornyn), Dallas Rabbi David Stern (by Democratic Rep. Marc Veasey), Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (by Republican Rep. Troy Nehls), and Dr. Anita K. Patel (by Castro).

Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-TX, also didnt attend the address. Instead, he hosted a watch party in Georgetown.

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Hunt, Paxton and Cornyn are all running in the GOP primary for a Senate seat, a race in which Trump hasnt made an endorsement. Crockett is running in the Democratic primary against Texas Rep. James Talarico.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
DETROIT (AP)  China's government intervened and helped get charges dropped against three Chinese scientists at the University of Michigan who were accused of helping a colleague smuggle biological materials into the U.S., defense lawyers said.

The materials turned out to be mostly tiny, transparent worms  nothing dangerous  though U.S. officials last year hailed the arrests as a victory for national security. Attorney General Pam Bondi said the government must be vigilant when foreign nationals try to advance a malicious agenda.

Xu Bai and Fengfan Zhang were charged with conspiring to help another scientist who shipped packages to them from China before she arrived in 2025 for temporary lab research at the University of Michigan. A third man, Zhiyong Zhang, was charged with making false statements.

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Bai, Fengfan Zhang and Zhiyong Zhang were in jail for more than three months while the case was pending in federal court in Detroit. A judge suddenly dismissed the charges on Feb. 5 at the Justice Department's request and the three traveled home to China.

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Detroit said it would not comment on China's role or the government's retreat. An email seeking comment from the Chinese Consulate in Chicago was not immediately answered Wednesday.

The dismissal came as a pleasant surprise," defense lawyer John Minock said. We dont know the details. What we were told was there was some kind of intervention by the Chinese Consulate in Chicago."

Another attorney, Ray Cassar, said he was working toward a misdemeanor plea deal to resolve the case against Fengfan Zhang when prosecutors simply dropped it.

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We get this phone call saying China is negotiating with the U.S. over these three students. Serious talks, Cassar said. These were kids studying for their Ph.D.s. The last thing you want to do is destroy their careers. ... Was it the proper thing to do? Absolutely."

Defense attorney Mark Satawa said the Chinese Consulate getting involved moved the needle. He was planning to seek dismissal of the false statements charge, noting that Zhiyong Zhang, who spoke Mandarin, didn't have a translator when he was questioned by investigators.

Bai, Fengfan Zhang and Zhiyong Zhang were research scholars admitted to the U.S. to temporarily work at the University of Michigan.

Cassar said the worms had a limited lifespan. The packages, he added, were not properly labeled because Chengxuan Han, the woman who sent them, likely didn't want to have them held up by U.S. inspectors.

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There was no intention of doing anything nefarious, Cassar said. The worms have been consistently used for studying chemical reactions, light sensitivity.

In September, Han pleaded no contest to smuggling and making false statements and was deported to China after three months in jail.

In a separate case, Yunqing Jian, another temporary researcher at a campus lab, pleaded guilty to similar charges involving a common plant fungus. She was deported after five months in custody.

Roger Innes, an Indiana University expert who looked at the evidence for Jians attorneys, said there was no risk to anyone in the U.S.
A Hackensack, New Jersey man woke up to a terrible surprise when his neighbor told him that his car was hit, leaving the vehicle totaled.

After a long fight to get reimbursed, he turned to 7 On Your Side for help.

A neighbor banged on Dexter Howard's door with the bad news.

"I see a mess. I see my car smashed, pushed back," Howard said.

His parked 2011 Chevy Equinox was heavily damaged.

"All this was smashed in. And this side was smashed in, and the airbag," he said, describing the damage to his car.

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In July, a multi-car, dark-of-night car accident happened, right in front of Hackensack Hospital, across the street from Howard's home.

"She was speeding, she hit his car. And I guess she spun around and hit the pole," he said, pointing at a nearby car.

Police say the driver that caused the crash sent another car careening into Howard's. Both drivers were insured, but neither insurance company would cover the damage to the Equinox.

"Neither of their insurances were stepping up?" Nina Pineda asked.

"Neither one of them," Howard said.

A letter sent to him by Plymouth Rock included the words, "...we cannot pay your claim because the other party is majority at fault for the accident."

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And the other driver's insurance, State Farm, assessed the accident with only 20-30% negligence against its insured driver. In that letter, Howard was encouraged "...to reach out directly to his own insurance company," leaving him stuck with zero dollars to buy a new car.

"I can't afford another car," Howard said.

Piling on the issue, Howard's son is an amputee and often relies on his dad to drive him around.

"I go up to Newton, which is an hour away, take him to the laundromat, take him to the store, help him out with his needs, whatever he needs to do," Howard said.

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The Bergen County DPW worker had no choice but to borrow from his pension plan and buy another car.

"How much did you have to withdraw?" Pineda asked.

"$8,000," he said.

Howard's cousin, Shannon Gaddy, had a few choice words to say about Howard's situation.

"You shouldn't have to pay your hardworking money for someone else's mistakes. I was mad. I said, 'Cousin, I'm going to make this right for you," she said.

It was Gaddy who gave him some rock-solid advice.

"I said, 'You better call Nina Pineda,'" Gaddy said.

7 On Your Side contacted both of the other drivers' insurance companies and asked them to get on the same team for Howard, and it didn't take long for them to respond.

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"Less than two hours," Howard said.

"I love you! I love you," Gaddy told Nina Pineda.

In a statement to ABC 7 from their public relations department, State Farm said, "While we are unable to discuss specific claim details due to our customer privacy policy, we understand that situations like this can be stressful. There are multiple parties involved here, and we are working on our end towards an appropriate resolution.

As the individual you are speaking with is not insured with us, we encourage him to reach out directly to his own insurance company. They will be best equipped to review his coverage and help him explore his options. Please know we're here to support and assist our customers."

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As for Plymouth Rock, their statement said, "Following an independent review, we determined that our insured driver does not bear primary responsibility for the incident. Nonetheless, we worked to resolve the matter promptly for Mr. Howard by settling the total loss of his vehicle, arranging its removal from storage, and covering all related fees. As the other driver was determined to be primarily at fault, we will seek reimbursement through arbitration with that driver's insurer."

"Thank you 7 On Your Side. You do a wonderful job," Howard said.

Howard received the fair market value of his car, $4,408.

"Wow! God is good. Thank you so much!" Gaddy said.

Nina Pineda helped out the owner of a car after two cars smashed into his parked car, and insurance refused to cover it.

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Several South Carolina companies, some of which have operated for decades, are closing in the coming months.

The eight closures are expected to lay off 856 employees by the end of the year, according to the most recent report from the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce.

The report announced two new company closures that had not been previously reported this year.

Newest reported SC company closures

Of the two is the remaining International Paper plant in Georgetown, which is set to start closing in the beginning of May and will be permanently shut down by the end of the year.

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The plant is a smaller facility than the main paper mill that closed in 2024. The main mill was Georgetowns biggest employer and forced more than 700 workers to find new employment.

With the container plants closure, 126 workers will be impacted. The company said they will assist employees, as well as customers, through this transition, a spokesperson told WBTW News13.

The second new closure is the Koppers Inc. Florence facility plant. Koppers Inc is an operation with facilities in multiple countries that focuses on carbon compounds and treated wood products.

The Koppers Florence facility is a 210-acre site that handles wood treating for railroad products and services. It has been active since 1946, but in April, all 66 of their employees will be laid off.

Earlier reported SC company closures

The SC Dept. of Employment and Workforce reported hundreds of layoffs and several closures in early February  all of which are listed below.

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Miliken intends to close its Cedar Hill plant in Jonesville, laying off 126 people from April through the end of August.

Milliken makes broadwoven cotton fabric and broadwoven wool fabric at the mill.

James Hardie Building Products, a worldwide siding company, plans to close its Summerville location. In total, 78 employees will be laid off when the facility shuts down in March.

In Duncan, Saddle Creek Logistics Services will close its operations, laying off 130 people by March. The company owns distribution facilities across the nation and employs around 5,000 people.

JeniusBank will have a statewide layoff of three individuals. The company offers online banking services in 39 states.

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eREV Supply Chain and DLH Solutions, both located at the same address in Charleston, will lay off 327 people total by the end of February.

Since 1988, when Congress passed the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, companies must provide information on layoffs at least 60 days in advance to allow workers to have time to prepare for a layoff.

The U.S. Department of Labor has compliance assistance materials to help workers and employers understand their rights and responsibilities under the provisions of WARN.
8 from southern Wisconsin arrested in connection to shooting, nearly 600 grams of drugs seized

MOUNT PLEASANT, Wis. (WFRV)  A mid-January shooting in Wisconsin that left one person injured has resulted in eight arrests and numerous drug seizures.

Internet tip leads to ICAC arrest of 18-year-old Wisconsin man for possession of child porn

The Mount Pleasant Police Department reported that the shooting occurred around 2 a.m. on January 18 between separate groups in the 2100 block of Racine Street, which initially began as a confrontation but escalated into the shooting.

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One person was shot in the leg, but has since been released from the hospital, and eight people were identified by investigators for alleged involvement.

Wisconsin traffic stop yields 340g of marijuana, passenger admits to being dealer

Multiple local and federal agencies executed 10 separate arrest and search warrants, including the FBI, ATF and U.S. Marshals Service. All eight people identified were arrested with charges pending; however, on Wednesday, investigators recovered a large sum of drugs and guns:

23 firearms

26 grams of crack cocaine

245 grams of THC

310 grams of synthetic THC

The other involved local agencies were the Racine and Kenosha Police Departments as well as the Racine County Sheriffs Office.

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VAN ZANDT COUNTY, Texas (KETK)  A 20-year-old Van Zandt County man was arrested Feb. 19 after authorities say he fired a gun at a home following a dispute over a 12-pack of soda allegedly thrown at a baby.

According to an arrest affidavit, deputies responded about 6:05 p.m. to a report of a man shooting at a home and driving around while waving a gun. Deputies located the suspect on Highway 19 near County Road 3606 in Edgewood and conducted a traffic stop as he drove south toward Canton.

Mugshot of Lucas Charles Lewellyn, courtesy of Van Zandt County Detention Center

Authorities identified the suspect as 20-year-old Lucas Charles Lewellyn. He was taken into custody without incident.

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In statements to deputies, Lewellyn alleged that the victim had thrown a 12-pack of sodas at a 3-month-old child because he was angry. Lewellyn said he left his grandmother, girlfriend and daughter at a Chicken Express restaurant and went to the victims address to confront him.

Lewellyn told deputies that when he arrived, a verbal altercation occurred and the victim pointed a gun at him. He said he then retrieved a gun from his vehicle, pointed it at the top of the house, fired one round and fled the scene.

Lewellyn was booked into the Van Zandt County Detention Center on one charge of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and one charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. His total bond was set at $40,000. Jail records show he was released Feb. 20.

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One of Louisvilles tallest downtown office towers is poised to sell amid foreclosure proceedings for less than half its assessed value and 86% less than its previous sale price.

Indianapolis-based commercial real estate investment firm KennMar intends to buy the Meidinger Tower, 462 S. Fourth St., for $4.5 million, newly filed court records show.

Its current owners, Florida-based real estate investment and management firm In-Rel Properties, bought the 26-story, 344,000-square-foot office tower in 2017 for $32 million.

Brent Benge, KennMar president and CEO, told The Courier Journal he anticipates part of the Meidinger Tower will remain office space but that his team is exploring redevelopment ideas for a portion of the building.

Meidinger Tower as seen from Fourth Street in downtown Louisville. June 25, 2024

More development news: Germantown gets new-to-market laundromat as owner eyes second location

KennMar also owns the nearby Fifth Third Bank Building, 401 S. Fourth St., at the north end of Fourth Street Live.

Weve still got a lot of work to do, but the goal is to continue to revitalize downtown Louisville, and we think owning and controlling these two towers goes a long way toward doing that," he said.

The towers current owner defaulted on its loan in November 2023, owing about $30.3 million on a $28 million loan, according to the June 2024 lawsuit filed in Jefferson Circuit Court by national banking association Wilmington Trust National Association, as the trustee of a BBCMS mortgage trust.

A judge soon appointed a receiver who was tasked with limiting liability and losses as they worked to save the financially distressed asset, which could include signing new tenants as well as marketing and selling the building.

Attorneys for the lender and for the building receiver filed a motion Feb. 23 asking a judge to approve the sale.

Meidinger Tower in downtown Louisville.

The marketing of the building included marketing toward both office owners and developers that may seek to redevelop the Property or convert it to another use, reads the Feb. 23 joint motion. The Receiver believes that the sale is in the best interest of all creditors, and he has maximized value through his marketing efforts.

The motion is scheduled to be heard March 2 by Circuit Judge Annie OConnell.

Assuming there are no issues in court or during the ongoing due diligence phase, which includes building condition and environmental reports, Benge anticipates closing on the property within 45 to 60 days.

More development news: New $12M hotel to open in Louisville's NuLu district. What we know

As of August 2025, when the property hit the market, unpriced, the tower was 20% occupied, down from about 55% at the same time in 2023, Mark Wardlaw, senior vice president of NAI Fortis Group, previously told The Courier Journal. The Louisville-based commercial real estate firm manages and handles leasing for the tower.
Britains Left is turning monarchist. Most of the progressives silting up our universities would still heartily proclaim their republicanism, of course, but many are being converted to the merits of kingship. That new found fealty is however not owed to anything as mundane as the House of Windsor. No, this affection is for the African royal houses of Benin and the Asante.

Returning Benin bronzes and Asante gold from European public collections to their ancestral home is portrayed as an essential righting of colonial wrongs. The latest demand is that the Royal Artillery hand over an Asante golden rams head adorning the regiments mess at its headquarters in Larkhill, Wiltshire.

You might imagine that the idea is such artefacts would end up in some state collection held on behalf of the Ghanaian or Nigerian people. Not so. The intended destination of the Asante gold is the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, Ghana, the ancestral home of the Asante kings. The bronzes that are heading Africa-wards, meanwhile, are finding their way into the collection of the Oba, or Benins king. These monarchs will permit their forebears heritage to be viewed, but it will be done very much at their discretion.

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The Asante Empire, now part of the territory of Ghana, and the Kingdom of Benin, in modern day Nigeria, were late additions to the British Empire. Benin City and its royal compound fell to the British in 1897 and the Asante court a few years later. These territories were acquired in part by us in the name of our noble mission to eliminate slavery.

The treasures of their royal courts, alongside vast quantities of unworked ivory, were taken by the invaders with the justification of defraying the costs of Britains expeditions to take down these slaving states. Many of these artefacts found their way into public collections; works seized from Benin in 1897 are now in over 160 Western museums. Asante gold is owned by both the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert (V&A). Other exemplars, such as the Asante ram and a brass Benin cockerel until recently in the collection of Cambridges Jesus College (now back with the Oba), made for centrepieces in the dining halls of our great institutions.

Brass cock, believed to have been used to decorate a shrine at the court of the Queen Mother in Benin

Both these African kingdoms grew rich on the backs of the slaves they sold into the Atlantic trade. This is not in dispute. Dan Hicks, professor of archaeology at Oxford and curator at the Pitt Rivers Museum, is the principal ideologue of the restitution movement. His 2020 book The Brutish Museums makes the case for stripping our public collections  or rather, as he puts it, the physical dismantling of the white infrastructure of every anthropology and world culture museum.

Hickss book states: The Kingdom grew in power and scope during its involvement in European and transatlantic trade from the 16th century, at first with Portuguese traders, and later British and French  central among which was the slave trade. The very metal used to make the Benin bronzes, coming from horseshoe-shaped brass manillas manufactured in Europe, was obtained by the Kingdom in exchange for slaves.

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These West African kingdoms of blood, as the British categorised them in the 19th century, could not easily be confused with pacifist Quaker communities. Hicks acknowledges human sacrifice was a feature of these realms: it is continually left vague how many deaths represented human sacrifice and how many were casualties of the [1897] British attack. The good professor is surprisingly forgiving of royal peccadilloes. He asks, What then became  of the Obas harem, slaves and servants?

Works seized from Benin in 1897 are now in over 160 Western museums

Britain must pay reparations for profiting from slavery  that is the demand of bien pensant opinion. The Church of England is already setting aside 100m for this cause. Our stately homes and art galleries point out the slightest association their collections may have with slavery.

But these rules seemingly dont apply when the slavers were African. Instead, the very objects which were produced from the profits of slavery are being returned to the descendants of those who profited from slavery.

When the call for returns started, the expectation was that the objects would grace state museums in Ghana and Nigeria. But the campaigners then began to argue that those contemporary states are not the actual heirs of those who were looted and the royal courts would be more legitimate recipients. Whilst the Asante royal household has put many of its ancestral items lent to it by the V&A  there is little expectation they will ever be heading back to South Kensington  on public view, there is no guarantee of this.

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That the Left is turning monarchist is welcome. But perhaps this newfound affection could be directed to an institution closer to home. The Asante ram is likelier to be happier continuing to witness the Loyal Toast in Wiltshire rather than face an uncertain future in Kumasi.

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Washington  When President Trump heads to the Capitol to deliver his State of the Union address before a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night, he will be greeted by raucous applause from his fellow Republicans on a host of different policy matters.

But that reception will mask signs of discontent among some GOP lawmakers, who have become more willing to cross the president in recent months.

House Republicans have rebuked Mr. Trump in votes on tariffs, war powers and the Epstein files. And with members' own reelection hopes beginning to clash with some politically unpopular policies coming from the White House, the number of Republicans defectors could grow as the midterm elections approach.

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"He was bound to be a lame duck at some time," said Elaine Kamarck, a senior fellow in Governance Studies at Brookings. "Now, usually it happens after the midterms."

After the "sugar high"

The dynamic is a shift from a year ago, when Mr. Trump addressed a joint session of Congress on the heels of his return to the White House. Republicans from all factions of the conference touted a GOP mandate  and a deep sense of unity.

At the time, the GOP was "riding the wave" of the president's electoral victory and a slew of executive orders he ordered once back in office, said Todd Belt, the director of the political management program at George Washington University. He said there was a "sugar high" among the GOP conference in the early days of Mr. Trump's term.

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"It's different now because we've had a year in and you're seeing a break with some of the America-firsters in the MAGA movement, who have been frustrated with the fact that Donald Trump has been focusing a lot of his attention on other places than the United States," he said.

Belt noted that some of the president's supporters have been put off by aspects of the administration's economic and immigration agendas, and what they see as violation of "core precepts" of constitutional principles in both areas. That has prompted some members to "exert their voices in some of these votes."

The Free Press: The State of the Union Is Overstated

"Sometimes those votes won't make a difference, and it makes it easier to cast that vote as a little bit of a protest vote," Belt said. "But for some of them, they're seeing a weakened president in terms of his poll numbers, so it's easier for them to speak out against him."

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The latest House GOP rebuke of the president came when six Republicans joined Democrats in voting to rescind the president's tariffs against Canada. GOP leaders tried to prevent the vote from moving forward. Mr. Trump pledged that Republicans would "seriously suffer the consequences come Election time."

After the Supreme Court invalidated many of Mr. Trump's tariffs last week, Mr. Trump followed through on his threat. The president withdrew his support from one of the six GOP defectors, Rep. Jeff Hurd of Colorado, and endorsed his opponent. The president derided Hurd as "one of a small number of Legislators who have let me and our Country down."

Mr. Trump nearly suffered another vote of disapproval in January when two Republicans supported a Democrat-led resolution to block the president from putting troops in Venezuela after the U.S. captured former Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro. Lawmakers are expected to force another vote on a war powers resolution in the coming days, this time involving Iran.

But arguably the most embarrassing defeat for Mr. Trump came in the effort to force the Justice Department to release all the files related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a push that Mr. Trump strongly opposed until the last minute. Four Republicans helped force a floor vote on the issue, and all but one GOP lawmaker ultimately voted for the files' release. The episode was also at the center of a public falling out between the president and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, once one of the president's fiercest allies in Congress, who became a vocal detractor  and then the latest member to retire.

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Mike Ricci, a former aide to House speakers John Boehner and Paul Ryan, said it's "typical to have some restlessness" in the second year of a president's term.

"You've sprinted for a year, you've gotten as much done as you can, and you're staring down a midterm election where it's entirely a referendum on you and your policies. And obviously, in a time of economic anxiety, that's even more complicated," Ricci told CBS News.

Ricci added that members are "more and more peeking over the horizon into what may feel to them like a vast nothingness that is life beyond Trump."

"Some may want no part of that. Some may want to be on the front lines. But members are beginning to navigate this moment where that loyalty to him and that long-term positioning for themselves is starting to overlap," he said.

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Defying the "intimidation factor"

Though some of Mr. Trump's priorities have been widely unpopular even among the GOP, only a handful of Republicans in recent weeks have been willing to actively go against the president. Philip Wallach, who studies congressional dysfunction at the right-leaning American Enterprise Institute, attributed the loyalty of the majority of the conference to the "intimidation factor."

"I'd say most members still feel a pretty strong pressure to stay in line, especially until they get past their primary elections," Wallach told CBS News. "In recent times, there really has not been a president with a party that is organized so dominantly around obedience to the personal leadership of the president."

Those who have already distanced themselves from Mr. Trump on some issues "don't really have much to lose in their relationship with" him, Wallach said.

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Indeed, for some of the GOP defectors, the calculus is made much easier due to their decision not to seek reelection. Two of the Republicans who voted in favor of the tariff resolution, Reps. Dan Newhouse of Washington and Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska, are retiring. Rep. Kevin Kiley of California, whose seat was targeted in California's redistricting push, has yet to announce his plans.

When asked by CBS News whether Mr. Trump is losing his grip on House Republicans, Bacon said, "that's not how I look at it."

But Bacon has been unafraid to speak out when he disagrees with the president, saying the threats don't intimidate him.

"You got to stand for what's right despite where your party leadership is at," Bacon told CBS News. "If you threaten me, I tend to dig my heels in."

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In private, Bacon said his Republican colleagues have criticized Mr. Trump's tariffs and his handling of the war in Ukraine. Yet those colleagues have been hesitant to speak out or vote against the president.

"I find that in a few areas, he is asking us to do things that defy common sense or what is traditionally conservative," Bacon said of the instances he's broken with the president.

Bacon also recently cosponsored a constitutional amendment to limit the president's pardon authority, saying in a statement it's clear "the pardon authority has been abused."

Then there's GOP Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who's been a main instigator in the rebellion against Mr. Trump.

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Massie led the push with Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California to force a vote on the Epstein files, which became a huge thorn in the Trump administration's side in the last year. Then last week, Massie announced that he and Khanna were teaming up again to force a vote on a war powers resolution to require the president to get authorization from Congress before taking military action against Iran.

The Kentucky Republican's frequent defections from his party have drawn the president's repeated ire and prompted a primary challenge backed by Mr. Trump. And his inclination to oppose legislation means GOP leaders, and by extension Mr. Trump, can afford little other opposition.

A narrow House GOP majority approaches the midterms

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, is working with a one-vote margin, leaving him with little margin for error in keeping his conference united. A special election to replace Greene is set for next month, while a special election to replace Doug LaMalfa, a GOP member from California who died in January, will be held in August. Both should remain in GOP hands.

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But Democrats are likely to pick up another seat in April, when a special election will be held to fill the seat left vacant by New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherill, keeping the GOP margin on a knife's edge.

The larger focus for Republicans will be on maintaining control of the House after November's elections. Traditional political wisdom holds that the party controlling the White House typically loses seats in the lower chamber in the midterm elections.

For Mr. Trump and his party, Kamarck said, "at this point, it's a matter of sort of cutting his losses."



"Do the Democrats have a huge victory, like 30 seats, or do they get, you know, five or 10 seats?" Kamarck said. "It depends on really what the administration does. They made the right pull-back on immigration, but I don't see them making the right moves on the economy."

If Republicans lose control of the House, the president's legislative agenda would likely grind to a halt, and his final two years in office could be consumed by a flurry of investigations and subpoenas from a newly empowered Democratic majority.

The prospect of languishing in the minority means vulnerable GOP members may be more inclined to rebuke the president in the coming months. More defections could be possible after the GOP primaries, when members turn an eye toward the general election without the threat of a primary challenge.

There may be more room yet for pushback against the president after he addresses the joint session of Congress on Tuesday.

"You don't want to throw your president under the bus right before the State of the Union," Belt said. "Things will get a little stickier afterwards."

Breaking down New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's response to historic blizzard

Full speech: Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger gives Democratic counter to Trump's State of the Union

Trump closes longest State of the Union speech on record
That question was put directly to four major AI platforms as part of a methodological exercise on how AI models respond under pressure. The Jerusalem Post is not predicting military action.

One question keeps coming up in newsrooms, on social media, and in private conversations as tensions build - when will the United States strike Iran?

That question was put directly to four major AI platforms as part of a methodological exercise on how AI models respond under pressure. The Jerusalem Post is not predicting military action.

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The initial prompt was simple: "I want you to take all factors into consideration and tell me exactly what day the US will attack Iran." Then, each model was pushed to narrow down. What followed was a genuine stress test.

One model refused, then changed its mind. Another built a diplomatic trigger calendar, then became the most operationally precise of the four. Two gave dates quickly. Later versions added longer caveats while keeping date-level forecasts.

The backdrop is real and tense. US President Donald Trump said last week he was giving Tehran about 10 to 15 days to make a deal, while Washington continued a major military buildup in the region. The White House also said on Tuesday that diplomacy remained Trump's first option while confirming he was willing to use force if necessary, with talks set for Thursday in Geneva.

Artificial intelligence (illustrative) (credit: WIKIMEDIA)

Claude: Refusal, then scenarios, then a weekend call

Claude was the only model in the exercise's first round to refuse to name a date. It said no one could know the exact day of a future military action and warned that any specific date would be made up. Pressed again, it held that position. Even decision-makers don't know yet, it said, because the choices depend on real-time developments that haven't happened.

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Then it shifted. In a follow-up public artifact shared with us, Claude moved to a probability framework. Its most likely scenario, carrying roughly 40% to 45% odds, was a limited strike on Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure followed by a pause and renewed diplomatic pressure. It flagged early-to-mid March 2026 as the highest-risk window.

After another prompt, it narrowed further: Saturday, March 7 or Sunday, March 8, 2026.

Claude didn't claim inside information. It built a forecast from public timelines and force-readiness assumptions. The arc of the conversation is what stands out here. Refusal, then scenarios, then a specific date.

Gemini: Trigger calendar, then the most precise operational window

Gemini didn't give a clean date in the initial exchange. It treated the question as a contingency problem driven by diplomacy and mapped out a short sequence of triggers: the Iranian written response, diplomatic activity, and the end of Trump's public deadline window. Reuters reporting supports the general picture Gemini was drawing on, including Geneva talks, ongoing diplomacy, and public US pressure paired with military signaling.

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In a later deep-research run, it got considerably more specific: Gemini shifted from triggers to timing and said that after weighing tactical, diplomatic, historical, and logistical factors, the "exact window" for the start of a US attack would fall between the evening of March 4, 2026, and the evening of March 6, 2026.

It also added a military-timing assumption: The strike package would "almost certainly" begin at night to maximize the effectiveness of stealth platforms such as the B-2 Spirit and reduce visual detection of incoming Tomahawk cruise missiles by Iranian air defense operators.

It didn't name a single date. But no other model came close to that level of operational detail.

Grok: Same date twice, different confidence levels

Grok gave the clearest date in our original run. It predicted a limited US strike on February 28, 2026, tied to the outcome of the Geneva talks.

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A later check using Grok's 4.20 beta mode, described by the user as running four agents simultaneously, changed the tone but kept the same answer.

Grok opened this time by saying it couldn't predict the exact day with certainty, even with full access to public reporting and open-source intelligence. Then it offered what it called its most informed, evidence-based prediction and landed again on Saturday, February 28, 2026, if the Geneva talks fail to produce a meaningful breakthrough.

It also listed what could move that date: a diplomatic breakthrough, a stopgap deal, a proxy escalation pulling action forward, or political resistance in Washington pushing it into early March.

Reuters reporting does support the timeline markers Grok leaned on. But Reuters also reported that the possible timing of any attack was unclear and cited a senior US official saying it would be mid-March before all US forces were in place.

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That gap is exactly why this was a test and not a forecast service.

ChatGPT: March 1, then March 3

In the earlier run, ChatGPT worked through an extended reasoning process and landed on Sunday, March 1, 2026 (Israel time), with a danger window running through March 6.

After a much longer deep-research pass, it changed the date. Its updated answer was Tuesday, March 3, 2026 (US time), noting that in Israel time this could show up as late Tuesday night or early Wednesday, March 4.

The reasoning stayed anchored to the same public markers, but the emphasis shifted. ChatGPT pointed to Trump's public 10-to-15-day window from February 19 and to Secretary of State Marco Rubio's scheduled visit to Israel on February 28, while some US force positioning might only be fully in place by mid-March.

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It also pointed to Reuters reporting on elevated warning language and the pullout of non-essential US embassy personnel and families from Beirut as signs Washington was preparing seriously for escalation while keeping diplomacy alive.

Like the others, ChatGPT framed everything as a forecast built from public reporting.

What this experiment actually shows

The pattern that stands out is simple. The harder the AI modes were pushed, the more specific the answers got, even though nothing in the real world became clearer.

Open source reporting still points to the same underlying reality: active diplomacy, public threats, serious military positioning, and a timeline that can change at any moment.

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The internet asked the robots for a date. The robots answered.

Editor's note: This article examines how artificial intelligence models responded under pressure to a hypothetical question about US military action. The Jerusalem Post is not reporting or predicting that such action will occur on any specific date. All dates claimed were generated by AI systems and based on publicly available information.
NEED TO KNOW

SkyWest Airlines is accusing two former pilots of accessing confidential employee records without authorization

The lawsuit claims the pilots obtained addresses and personal phone numbers for thousands of coworkers

The defendants claim they were working to collect the data in an effort to unionize SkyWest pilots

A regional airline is suing two of its former pilots after they allegedly gained unauthorized access to thousands of confidential employee records.

SkyWest Airlines  one of the largest regional airlines in North America, operating flights on behalf of American, Delta, United and Alaska Airlines  filed a civil complaint against two of its former pilots on Jan. 30 in the U.S. District Court of Utah. In it, they accuse Minnesota resident Daniel Moussaron and Illinois resident Vikaas Krithivas of violating the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA), breach of contract and civil conspiracy.

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According to the complaint, SkyWest IT logs from Aug. 29, 2025, reportedly show that Moussaron initiated a series of unauthorized activities to obtain pilot employee data, including home address and personal phone numbers from the companys SkyWest Online (SWOL) portal. The suit claims he obtained the contact information for two separate pilots during his initial session.



The following day, Moussaron allegedly accessed data for 18 different pilots, starting with the first pilot on the seniority list and progressing down the list sequentially. Over the next three months, the employee returned to SWOL on at least eight more occasions to access and download data for a total of 365 pilots, per the complaint.

A SkyWest Airlines plane

Credit: Robert Alexander/Getty

Meanwhile, Krithivas was allegedly also pulling data from the SWOL directory and began on Sept. 3, 2025. That day, they claim Krithivas accessed and downloaded 4,970 pilots personnel records, including addresses and phone numbers. The complaint accuses the men of working together on the data scraping, handing off between themselves and resuming where the other left off without skipping any pilots.

In December 2025, the suit claims SkyWest pilots began receiving mass messages on their personal cell phones unrelated to legitimate SkyWest business operations. The company believes, per the complaint, that the defendants used the personal information they gathered to distribute those messages.

A month later, SkyWest allegedly received a complaint from a company pilot, who said he received an unsolicited call to his personal phone promoting an outside effort. The employee allegedly claimed we have some really smart people who found a backdoor to the company directory.

An IT expert

Credit: Getty

SkyWest alleges the employees violated their NDAs, which prohibited them from disclosing confidential information they may have had access to. They further allege the men violated the CFFA and committed civil conspiracy against the company.

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The company is demanding a trial by jury and is seeking damages in an amount to be determined at trial.

PEOPLE has reached out to SkyWest Airlines and its attorneys for comment.



In a motion filed by Moussaron, the former pilot claims he began organizing to form a labor union in April 2025. He claims he was a member of the organizing committee working with the Air Line Pilots Association to organize SkyWest pilots.

Moussaron claims that SWOL allows pilots to view limited information via the user interface, such as name, base, and supervisor, but not phone numbers or home addresses. However, Moussaron says by using standard browser developer tools, he was able to access additional information.



At no point did I bypass or circumvent any server-side access control, escalate privileges or access an administrator-only function, Moussaron says in his motion.

In Krithivas response, he claims he was contacted by Moussaron to help access the pilot directory, adding that I believed Daniel Moussarons sole intent was to collect pilot contact information to facilitate a drive to unionize SkyWest pilots.

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.

Moussarons attorneys filed a motion to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction on Feb. 20, arguing this matter is a labor dispute.

PEOPLE has reached out to Moussarons and Krithivas attorneys, as well as the Air Line Pilots Association for comment.

Read the original article on People
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)  An inmate at the Al Cannon Detention Center died three days after becoming unresponsive in the centers Processing Unit.

Charleston County EMS and the North Charleston Fire Department responded to the scene at the detention center, assisting a nurse who was administering CPR to the inmate.

They were able to restore the inmates pulse before taking the inmate to the Medical University of South Carolina for treatment. Three days after being released from custody and admitted to the hospital, the inmate passed away.

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The Charleston County Coroners Office has identified the deceased as Omar A. Grant, 46, of North Charleston.

The cause and manner of death are still unknown; CCCO is investigating.

An internal review is being conducted by the Charleston County Sheriffs Office in accordance with agency protocol.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division will be asked to review the situation.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
Alabama Sen. Katie Britt is among the Republicans criticizing President Donald Trumps Truth Social post that included a clip superimposing the Obamas faces on monkeys.

The clip showing the Obamas as apes was part of a Thursday night post to Trumps account on Truth Social that portrayed the president as the king of the jungle. It was deleted Friday.

This content was rightfully removed, should have never been posted to begin with, and is not who we are as a nation, Britt, a Republican, tweeted Friday afternoon.

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On Friday morning, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the post and accused Trumps critics of displaying fake outrage.

This is from an internet meme video depicting President Trump as the King of the Jungle and Democrats as characters from the Lion King, Leavitt told Politicos Ben Johansen.

Please stop the fake outrage and report on something today that actually matters to the American public.

Later, the president claimed that he did not see the clip and blamed the post on a staffer, according to Politicos Sophia Cai.

President Trump didnt see the video (legitimately didnt), a staffer posted it, a source familiar with the situation told Cai.

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Britt was not the only Republican condemning the clip.

Before Trump took the post down, Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., who is Black and a staunch supporter of the president, tweeted: :Praying it was fake because its the most racist thing Ive seen out of this White House. The President should remove it."

Rep. Shomari Figures, a Democrat from Mobile, called the post racist.

The Obamas graced the halls of the White House with more class, dignity, elegance, and professionalism than this President could ever dream of, Figures tweeted. I would hope that, regardless of who you voted for, you see this for what it is.

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This is further evidence that this President is attempting to resurrect the social acceptance of blatantly racist ideas and attitudes. He should do what any decent leader would do and issue a humble apology from the Oval Office. I wont hold my breath.

Read the original article on al.com. Add al.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Alaska House of Representatives advanced a nearly $500 million supplemental budget bill to address the states budget deficit  one of the largest budget shortfalls to date  amid debate and scrutiny from Republicans who opposed drawing from a state savings account to pay for it, leaving the bill unfunded for now.

Lawmakers passed House Bill 289, known as the supplemental budget, by a 24 to 16 vote on Monday, which is largely a routine process to address budget shortfalls and fund state government services and programs through the fiscal year that ends on June 30.

Top line items include an additional $40 million for disaster relief, following the devastation of the remnants of Typhoon Halong on Western Alaska; $55 million for last years million-acre wildfire season in the Interior of Alaska; $70 million in transportation funding to unlock $630 million in federal matching funds; $130 million for the Higher Education Investment Fund; $20 million for the Alaska Department of Corrections; and millions for public assistance including Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, housing vouchers and senior benefits.

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But members of the Republican-led House Minority caucus raised concerns and frustration at the fast tracked budget bill, as well as expansion of spending and high costs for this year. While some members said a few items may be mandatory like funding disaster relief efforts and transportation, other spending items need further vetting and review.

Voicing opposition, Republican members voted against immediately funding the roughly $490 million budget bill through the states principal savings account, the Constitutional Budget Reserve  which failed by a 24 to 16 vote on Monday.

Unlocking the savings requires three quarters of the 40-person House, or 30 votes. Amid higher than expected state costs, and declining oil prices and state revenues, the Legislature must draw from the savings account to fund the state government.

The budget bill is expected to advance to the Senate for further debate and possible amendments. But on Monday, Rep. Mia Costello, R-Anchorage, a member of the minority caucus, requested a re-vote, expected on Wednesday, which may change the final vote tally but is not expected to delay the bill.

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Historically, members of the minority have withheld support for the CBR vote until after the Senate approves the bill to maintain negotiating leverage.

Rep. DeLena Johnson, R-Palmer who serves as the House Minority Leader, raised objections to what she called a rushed process in the House.

A rush through the budget without adequate scrutiny, in my opinion, without transparency, thats not efficiency, thats just courting failure, thats just a rush to failure, Johnson said. And history has shown that rushed budgets often lead to unintended consequences.

Members of the multipartisan House Majority caucus called for lawmakers to support the budget bill, as requested by Dunleavy, and pay the states bills now.

Rep. Andy Josephson, D-Anchorage speaks on the supplemental budget bill on the House floor on Feb. 24, 2026. (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

These obligations must be paid, said Rep. Andy Josephson, D-Anchorage, who chairs the House Finance Committee, speaking on the House floor on Monday. Theres nothing unusual. The size is unusual, but the fact that they were requested and filed is not unusual. They are obligations of the state. They are effectively binding contracts that must be paid. And the question is, when.

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Dunleavy first introduced the supplemental budget in December, and requested additional items up to last week, including $35 million more for disaster relief if the state fails a federal appeal and is denied a request for the Federal Emergency Management Agency to fund 90% of costs for the first three months of the typhoon disaster in October.

Some items, like the $70 million federal transportation match, replace funds that Dunleavy vetoed last year  to the alarm of some lawmakers, union and construction industry groups because the money unlocks hundreds of millions of federal dollars. Lawmakers say it is time-sensitive to fund it in order to support the summer construction season.

I would say these are actually precise invoices, not a blank check, said Rep. Chuck Kopp, R-Anchorage. Theyre ones that were already on the books, and weve already taken the responsibility to pay.

Lawmakers also allocated nearly $130 million to repay the Higher Education Investment Fund, which in part funds student scholarships, in order to cover state expenses last year.

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Some Republicans questioned departments spending over what the Legislature appropriated last year, particularly the Alaska Department of Corrections, calling for more thorough oversight and transparency.

We have departments who have come with us, who actually spent like drunken sailors last year, said Rep. Jamie Allard, R-Eagle River. We need to make sure that theyre reined in.

Other lawmakers pushed back against critics for holding up the budget bill process.

I feel like Im in the Twilight Zone, said Rep. Andrew Gray, D-Anchorage, on the House floor on Monday, in response to Republicans criticisms of Dunleavys budget request and administration spending. And what Ill say is that sometimes we just have to put our differences behind us. We have to collaborate, cooperate, and do whats best for Alaska.

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Following the House votes on Monday, House Speaker Rep. Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham, pointed out that the governor has not been involved in supporting the budget his administration has requested. Its quite interesting if this is a governors bill and the governors not involved at all in terms of promoting his own bill, he said.

Rep. Jeremy Bynem, R-Ketchikan, a member of the minority, raised concerns on the House floor but ultimately voted to support the budget bill and the savings draw. It was a difficult, challenging vote for me, he said of voting against his caucus.

I absolutely did not love the process we went through to get to where we were today. There are items in that (bill) I still have questions on, he said. The reality is that many of these items are things that we will have to take up and pay for.

A spokesperson for Dunleavys office did not respond to a request for comment on the criticisms raised and lack of support from Republicans on the governors requested budget.

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The Alaska Constitution grants appropriation powers to the legislature, and that includes the CBR draw, said Jeff Turner, communications director for Dunleavy. The governors office is not part of any negotiations between the house caucuses.

Correction: This story previously misstated Anchorage Rep. Chuck Kopps political affiliation, he is a Republican not a Democrat.



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Ground crews discovered a possible bullet hole in the wing of an American Airlines jet after it flew from Miami to Medellin, Colombia, earlier this week.

Puncture damage consistent with a bullet strike was found in the right wing aileron of an American Boeing 737 MAX 8 on Monday. The aircraft had flown to Colombia the day before, as Flight 923.

It was not immediately clear when or where the damage occurred.

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The incident was first reported by aviation blogger JonNYC on X. A follow-up report from CBS News confirmed the damage is thought to be a bullet hole. The network cited unnamed sources familiar with the matter, as well as internal documents.

There were no reported injuries or flight-related issues during the service from Miami on Sunday, American said in a statement.

"Following a routine inspection, our teams identified a puncture to the exterior of one of our aircraft in Medellin, Colombia," the carrier said. "The aircraft was immediately removed from service for further inspection and repair. We will work closely with all relevant authorities to investigate this incident."

According to CBS News, the aircraft underwent repairs and flew as scheduled to Miami on Monday. It then flew to Dallas and has not been used since.

Civil aviation authorities in Colombia are investigating the incident.
In his interview with Saudi state network Al Liwan, Carlson hit out at the US government for going along with what he interpreted as Israels demands to overthrow the Islamic Regime in Iran.

Far-right American pundit Tucker Carlson appeared on Saudi state-owned TV network on Saturday to double down on a myriad of anti-Israel claims he previously made.

The interview aired days after his visit to Israel, during which he grilled US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee on prioritizing Israel over the US, civilian casualties during the war in Gaza, and convicted spy Jonathan Pollard, amongst other topics. However, he notably kept his responses lighter on Saudi state network Al Liwan and failed to mention cases of Saudi abuse of human rights, such as the murder of Jamal Khashoggi.

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During the interview, Carlson hit out at US political leaders, who he claimed were more loyal to Israel than to America.

What I really object to, what makes me mad, is when American leaders, whose job it is to represent Americans, are more loyal to a foreign country than they are to their own, he said.

They [US political leaders] have instead sent billions and billions and billions of dollars to a foreign country. And none of that has helped the United States. In fact, it's hurt the United States.

Tucker Carlson speaks during AmericaFest, the first Turning Point USA summit since the death of Charlie Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. December 18, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/CAITLIN O'HARA)

He then hit out at the US government for going along with what he interpreted as Israels demands to overthrow the Islamic Regime in Iran.

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How is it in America's interest to decapitate the government of Iran on behalf of Israel? Not to rebuild a new Iran, but just to kind of kill the people in charge and hope something better happens. To create chaos in Iran, as we have done at Israel's behest in so many countries in the region, as you well know since you live in the region, he said. This is bad for us, this is bad for the surrounding countries, it is bad for the world, I don't think it's good for Israel. Actually, I don't think Israel understands its own long-term interest very well, [but] that's my view.

Carlson accuses Israel of land grab in Gaza

He also characterized the war in Gaza as a land grab by Israel.

The idea that we had to pretend that the Gaza operation is like a response to October 7, and it's not an effort to expand the territory of Israel, that's insulting to me because that's a lie. That's what it is.

Carlson also doubled down on previous defamatory comments he made about Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

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During the interview, host Abdullah Al Mudaifer played a clip from a separate interview, in which Carlson claimed Netanyahu is completely evil and completely destructive.

He's not the only world leader who's evil and destructive, by the way, again, but he is. and he's hurting the United States, and he's destroying his own country, and I think he imperils the world, he said. I think that clearly they're going to try and blow up al-Aqsa mosque, I believe that, on the Temple Mount to build a third temple, and then you've got global war. So like he's a threat. There's no question he's a threat to the Trump administration. No question."

He affirmed that he believed every word of his older comments, and did not offer any apologies for them.

Carlson then began to hit out at US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, and further accused him

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I watched someone like Mike Huckabee, who's the US ambassador to Israel betray the United States again and again and again by promoting Jonathan Pollard, who was a spy against the United States, who betrayed the United States, and Mike Huckabee, who's our ambassador, is helping, truly, the most destructive spy in American history.

Carlson then claimed that the US politicians who helped Israel seemed to be under a kind of spell, a kind of hypnosis, a kind of haze that people are in, where they're doing things for reasons they don't understand.

Carlson has recently positioned himself as a leading critic of US policy toward Israel and of Christian Zionism, though his comments can veer in an anti-Israel and sometimes antisemitic direction. Notably, he has hosted Nazi sympathizer Nick Fuentes on his podcast, along with several other far-right commentators.

While his interview with Huckabee was clearly critical about the USs policy towards Israel as well as Jerusalems actions in the Middle East and alleged war crimes since the start of the war in Gaza, he notably did not comment in detail on Saudi Arabias reported state-ordered killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.

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Khashoggi was a Saudi dissident journalist who was assasinated by at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. He was reportedly strangled in the consulate by a Saudi assasination squad, and was then dismembered with a bone saw, according to international reports.

The Saudi government has since announced that he was ordered, but denied that it came at the orders of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salamans orders.

Notably, Carlson also claimed that he was detained and harassed at Ben-Gurion Airport during his visit to Israel last week.

"Men who identified themselves as airport security took our passports, hauled our executive producer into a side room, and then demanded to know what we discussed with Ambassador Huckabee," Carlson stated in his interview with The Daily Mail.

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A spokesperson for the US Embassy in Israel told The Daily Mail that Carlson's claims were inaccurate and clarified that he only received the same passport-control questions that many visitors to Israel encounter.

According to The Jerusalem Post, Carlson did not leave Ben-Gurion Airport during his visit and conducted the interview with Huckabee there. Leaked security camera footage showed Carlson hugging and taking pictures with airport staff, unaccompanied by the security guards he claimed to have with him.

He left Israel at around 3 p.m. that same day, concluding a trip that only lasted a few hours.
The trial of Colin Gray, father of suspected Apalachee High School shooter Colt Gray, began its eighth day in court with a deputy on the stand.

As previously reported, Colin Gray is charged with 29 crimes, including second-degree murder, second-degree cruelty to children, and involuntary manslaughter. Hes accused of giving Colt Gray the gun used in the shooting that claimed four lives and injured nine others.

Barrow County Sheriffs Office deputy Jason Smith testified about how he interviewed Colin and Colt Gray after the shooting.

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Channel 2 Action News will have updates from the Barrow County courthouse, LIVE on Channel 2 Action News at Noon.

Smith told the court that Colin Gray knew his son had shown violence and mental health issues, and still allowed him to have access to guns.

Ultimately, he admitted Colt was allowed to keep the gun in his room, leaned in the corner, Smith said in court.

Jurors were shown a video of Smiths interview of the Grays.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

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Students Christian Angulo and Mason Schermerhorn, both 14, and teachers Richard Aspinwall, 39, and 53-year-old Cristina Irimie were killed in the Sept. 4, 2024, shooting. Nine others were injured.

Colt Gray faces 55 charges, including malice and felony murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, and cruelty to children.

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"Im just about mid-career as a wildland firefighter. I made $132k last year and have pretty much been adding to that number every year since I started. Thats entirely based on my locality and 800 hours of overtime. Its long hours, even more time away from family, but there are tons of benefits, and when the fire season dies down, so does the opportunity to reset. Its tough on the body, dirty work, but you learn to love the lifestyle.

"I work in the automobile industry, have been here for four years, and have no student loans. I currently make a little over $72,000, overtime included, which could be more. I work 40 hours a week and have two days off. Vacation time is two weeks. Good benefits (not perfect)."

"I make $29/hr as a residential HVAC technician with 14 years of experience. Its better to work for yourself, depending on what a company is willing to pay you."

"Im a personal performance and accountability coach. No formal education. I have 227 clients who each pay me $1,000 per month for a gross annual income of $2,724,000. No fluctuation over the past three years. I cant scale to more clients without the quality of service suffering. I live in Condado, Puerto Rico, utilizing Act 60, so my effective tax rate is under 5%, and I am exempt from Federal taxes. I am responsible for all my expenses, insurance, and related costs. To maintain my tax status, I conduct all my coaching from PR to clients outside of PR, and dont get to leave the island often. I have to spend at least 183 days on the island just to qualify as my tax home, but I rarely leave, so all my work qualifies as an export. Seven more years, then Ill retire with about $25M and see the world. That is the plan anyway. Three years in and only a few bumps. Short-term sacrifice for long-term gain."

"I make about $20,000 a year as an Army Reservist and use their insurance and pay about $280 a month. I am a software engineer for a large company and make $130,000 a year with four weeks vacation, eight weeks paternity leave, and unlimited military leave."

"I work as a firefighter/paramedic. My base is $110k, but I make around $150-$175k with overtime. I get a 100% employer-paid pension when I retire."

A while back, we wrote about the various salaries men were earning from their work. Then, a TON of readers shared their own, and it was just as fascinating. Here are some of those responses from our male readers 40 and under:

Story Continues

Webtoaster / Getty Images

7. "I was a semi-pro athlete until last year, making $10k-$20k a year. Now I started to work landscaping, no experience at $25 an hour, overtime is anything over 40 paid at x1.5."

Anonymous, 34, male, Minneapolis, MN

8. "I own a small engineering firm and clear on average $500k. I typically average 50+ hours per week. Time off is rare, and even when on vacation, work still has to be done to keep things moving."

Anonymous, 40, male, South Carolina

Witthaya Prasongsin / Getty Images

Related: 26 Things Regular People Have Noticed About The Super Rich That Will Make You Feel Both Fascinated And Deeply Annoyed

9. "I am a municipal Parks and Recreation Director for a city. I have a master's degree and some professional certificates. I make $150k a year, eligible for an 80% pension at full retirement. I'm paid for 40 hours a week, but I work well beyond that. No overtime, no bonuses as a tax-based employee. Most rewarding career, worth every minute. Bonus is being able to call it a career."

Anonymous, male, 35

10. "I work as a cyber and network security engineer. I have over six years of experience. I have full benefits (health, dental, vision) and a 401 (k) with a match. Im 100% remote and have unlimited PTO (no set days; take when needed). I currently make $106k a year."

Anonymous, 31, male, Atlanta, Georgia

Maskot / Getty Images

11. "Im an EFL instructor for a U.S. defense contractor in the Middle East, making about $105k tax-free (with yearly increases). Ive taught on four continents since 2015. Primarily because I love living in different places, and this career is an easy way to fund it without the intellectual burnout of a traditional corporate career. I only work about six hours a day, and Im usually done by 1:30 p.m. at the latest, so I have plenty of time to focus on my own interests. My housing is on a company compound and is provided free, and the cost of living here is relatively low. Im able to save and invest $40k$60k+ a year. The work itself is uninspiring dog crap, and I don't pretend to enjoy it, but for a 30-hour work week, the ability to build wealth, and an opportunity to travel/experience the world, its a trade-off Im willing to make."

Anonymous, 37, male, (working in the Middle East, but I'm from New York)

12. "I make around $500k as a labor and employment attorney. Four years of college and three years of law school. My job gives me the flexibility to take 3-4 international vacations a year and to nap during the day."

Anonymous, 37, male, Sacramento

AnnaStills / Getty Images

Related: 19 Secrets From ER Nurses, Brazillian Waxers, And Other Professionals Who Look At People's Genitals For A Living

13. "I make $100k base plus $6k-$10k in bonuses depending on the year, after working in IT for almost 14 years. I was in helpdesk for 10 years total across four jobs, and now I am a system engineer for the last three and a half years."

Anonymous, 37, male, California

14. "Im a captain at a legacy airline. I usually work about 20 days a month. With profit sharing, I made about $550,000 in 2025. I could work significantly less if I want to, but also earn significantly less."

Anonymous, 39, male, New York

Gary John Norman / Getty Images

15. "I work as a caricature artist, drawing people at events like weddings, grad parties, corporate functions, and parties. I make between $100 $150 an hour."

Anonymous, 40, male, Maryland

16. "No college degree with seven years of aviation experience in a factory. Im an aircraft quality inspector making about $110,000 per year and have increased my wages by $15k-$20k each of the last four years. Started in aviation, making $28k a year in 2019."

Anonymous, 25, male, Kansas

Prasit Photo / Getty Images

17. "Im a maintenance planner in a pharmaceutical plant in Fremont, CA. My base pay is $91k, with OT available since I am hourly. I have about 10 years of industrial manufacturing experience, with five years spent in the maintenance department. I have previous college credits, and I plan to return to college to complete a 4-year degree. I live comfortably even though I earn below the median level for my location. I had multiple hardships in the past, so I can say Im blessed and grateful for all the opportunities I have been given. Integrity is the cheat code. "

Anonymous, 28, male, California

18. "I have a bachelor's degree in business. I got it later in life, changed careers, and now work for a large clothing and footwear company, and Ill bring home about $33k this year. Underpaid and waiting for the next job that pays a living wage."

Anonymous, 35, male, Oregon

Willie B. Thomas / Getty Images

Related: 20 People Who Dated The Ultra-Rich Are Revealing The Surprising Things They Discovered

19. "I make $160k as an electrical engineer."

Anonymous, 30, male, Oakland, CA

20. "I work as a medical assistant with 14 years of experience, currently working for a large hospital that primarily focuses on oncology. As of 2026, I am earning $31.50/hr, rarely work over 40 hours, contribute ~10% toward 403b with an annual 1-2% increase, and contribute $500/month to an external ROTH. There's potential to earn an annual 5% raise every three years (union), but the requirements needed to meet that 5% are very difficult; essentially, you need to be the perfect employee. The work is rewarding, unfortunately, living in Los Angeles and wanting to secure retirement, my pay makes it difficult to live comfortably."

Anonymous, 34, male, Los Angeles

Halfpoint Images / Getty Images

21. "I'm a business analyst with four years of experience focusing on software implementation for a mid-size tech company. Between my base + bonus + company stock, I made $285k gross in 2025 working fully remote."

Anonymous, 32, male, Kansas

22. "I make $200k base and $450k bonus as a software engineer in high-frequency trading."

Anonymous, 23, male, Illinois

PixeloneStocker / Getty Images

23. Lastly, "Im a professional firefighter/paramedic in the Northwest Arkansas Metro area (home to Wal-Mart world HQ). I make $60k."

Anonymous, 34, male, Arkansas

Responses have been edited for length/clarity.

What do you do for work? And how much do you get paid? Let us know (only if you're comfortable) in the comments. Or, if you prefer to remain anonymous, leave your submission in 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: 19 Hilarious Screenshots Of Workers Who Absolutely Did NOT Understand The Assignment

Also in Work & Money: People In "Dull" Jobs Are Spilling Their Industry's Juiciest Secrets, And I'm Absolutely Grabbing Some Popcorn

Read it on BuzzFeed.com
Special elections for the Legislature occurring simultaneously with the primaries have created a unique situation where some Arkansans may be voting on two ballots March 3.

A special election was called in Senate District 26 to fill the seat left vacant following the death of Branch Republican Sen. Gary Stubblefield last year. The district includes portions of Franklin, Logan, Johnson and Sebastian counties.

House District 70 voters are also selecting a candidate to replace North Little Rock Rep. Carlton Wing who resigned from the state Legislature last year to lead Arkansas PBS, which has since rebranded to Arkansas TV. The district includes parts of Pulaski County.

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Brad Simon, who won the Republican nomination for SD 26 earlier this month, will face Independent candidate Adam Watson in the districts special election. Franklin County Clerk Tammy Sisson said the special election for that seat will automatically appear on the last page of whichever primary ballot voters choose.

Arkansans may need to take a few extra steps in HD 70 where Tiffany Trotter, community outreach director for the Pulaski Circuit and County Clerks Office, is encouraging voters to tell poll workers they are registered to vote in that district to ensure they receive the correct ballots.

Heres what you need to know about the HD 70 elections:

What elections can HD 70 voters participate in?

Registered voters can cast ballots in the HD 70 special election. The winner will serve the remainder of Wings term, which ends in January. Alex Holladay won the Democratic nomination in January and will face Republican Bo Renshaw.

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Voters can also cast a ballot in the primary election. In Arkansas primaries, registered voters can choose to vote a Republican ballot, Democratic ballot or a ballot with only nonpartisan judicial races.

A new Republican rule bars registered Democrats from voting in the Republican primary. Nonpartisan judicial races are included in the Republican and Democratic ballots. Voters can also choose to only vote in the nonpartisan judicial races.

The Democratic ballot includes the Democratic primary race for HD 70. Holladay and Cordelia Smith-Johnson are vying for the HD 70 Democratic nomination and the winner will face Renshaw in Novembers general election.

The winner of the general election will serve a two-year term in the Arkansas House that begins in January.

How many ballots do I need?

HD 70 residents will have to check in twice and cast two separate ballots  one for the special election and one in the regular primary ballot of their choice.

What if I only received one ballot?

If HD 70 voters participated in early voting and only cast one ballot, they can return to the polls and cast a second ballot anytime before polls close at 7:30 p.m. on election day, March 3.

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During early voting, which ends on March 2, voters can cast a ballot at any of the 12 polling sites across Pulaski County. On election day, they must go to their designated polling location.

More information about voting in Pulaski County is available at https://votepulaskiar.gov.

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The Australian government has also offered voluntary departures to Australian diplomats' dependents in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Qatar.

The Australian government has told dependents of Australian diplomats in Israel and Lebanon to leave the two Middle East countries, citing a deteriorating security situation in the region, the foreign ministry said on Wednesday.

US President Donald Trump laid out his case for a possible attack on Iran in his State of the Union speech to Congress on Tuesday, saying he would not allow the world's biggest sponsor of terrorism to have a nuclear weapon.

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Iran and the United States resumed negotiations earlier this month as Washington builds up military capability in the Middle East. Iran has threatened to strike US bases in the region if it is attacked, but Tehran's top diplomat said on Tuesday that a deal with the US was "within reach" if diplomacy is prioritized.

Australians in UAE, Jordan, and Qatar also advised to depart Middle East

The Australian government has also offered voluntary departures to Australian diplomats' dependents in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Qatar, it said on an official ministry X account.

The government continues to advise citizens in Israel and Lebanon to consider leaving while commercial options are still available, the foreign ministry said.

The announcements were made in a series of posts on the foreign ministry's Smartraveller X account.
New Jerseys rougher than usual winter is forcing some school districts to make up for canceled days by cutting into spring break or making the school year longer.

Several dozen school districts remained closed for a second day Tuesday after a historic blizzard dropped up to 30 inches of snow in some locations.

While some school districts build several emergency closing days into their academic calendars each year, others opt to take back vacation days in exchange for snow days, if needed.

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In Edison in Middlesex County, the originally scheduled five-day spring break is being shortened by at least two days. After closing schools on Monday, district officials said students would have to come to school on March 31, on what would have been the second day of spring break.

Edison had already canceled the first day of spring break after closing schools on Jan. 25 for the last snowstorm.

Tenafly in Bergen County changed April 2 to a regular day after canceling classes for a second day Tuesday. Spring break will now begin on April 3. The district had already used up the three emergency closing days built into its calendar.

In Salem County, Alloway Township cut its four-day spring break in half but softened the impact by announcing that students will have early dismissals on the two days, April 2 and April 7.

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It is rare for an entire spring break to be canceled. The Vernon school district in Sussex County called off spring break in 2018 after losing 12 days due to snow and other reasons. The district had only built five emergency closing days into its calendar that year.

Other districts are making up for this years snow days by extending the school year in June.

In Metuchen in Middlesex County, which has lost three days due to snow this year, school officials pushed the last day of classes from June 18 to June 24.

New Jersey law requires at least 180 days of in-person instruction each school year. The law allows for remote learning when schools are closed for more than three consecutive school days due to a declared state of emergency or public health emergency.

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But neither scenario covers the short-term inconvenience of a snowstorm, so schools usually just declare a snow day and cancel classes.

School districts can make up days on Saturdays and even holidays.

However, there are some limits. Districts cannot require teachers to report for work on a legal holiday. They also cant extend the academic calendar beyond June 30, the day when most teaching contracts end, according to the New Jersey School Boards Association.

In Newark, the states largest school district, officials found a different way of dealing with the latest snow day.

Newark was closed for a second day Tuesday, but moved up a professional development day for teachers. So, students got a day off while teachers attended their professional development day remotely.

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Some districts have not had to make any changes to their calendars because they built snow days into their yearly plan.

The Morris school district in Morris County has yet to use up the four emergency closing days in its calendar. Unused emergency days will be deducted from the end of the school year, the school district posted on its website.

Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
As Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Dan Caine has been drafting military options for potentially striking Iran, a steady stream of top officials from the Army, Navy and Air Force have been quietly summoned directly to his office.

Typically, sensitive military operations are debated in the highly fortified conference room in the Pentagon known as the Tank. But in an administration that is focused on avoiding leaks, Caine  who is also known for his intensive secrecy  worried that assembling the top brass in the Defense Departments nerve center on very short notice would draw suspicion, according to several sources familiar with the matter.

In those meetings and others at the Pentagon, Caine has been vocal about the potential downsides of launching a major military operation targeting Iran, raising concerns about the scale, complexity and potential for US casualties of such a mission, according to sources familiar with his advice.

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Those concerns have not matched the rhetoric coming out of the White House, where President Donald Trump has been bullish on how easily the US military could achieve victory, though the exact dimensions of that success havent been defined.

But Caine is determined to avoid what he believes were the mistakes of one of his predecessors, Gen. Mark Milley, and maintain his influence with Trump, according to sources familiar with his thinking.

Milley often clashed directly with Trump during his first term on issues such as deploying the military domestically to quell protests, and sometimes undermined Trumps inflammatory rhetoric privately to reassure nervous allies and foes.

For Caine, avoiding the Milley approach has meant being more reserved around Trump, and avoiding weighing in too directly on decisions, including what to do in Iran. Its a tightrope that Caine has been attempting to walk during his year as Trumps top military adviser  avoid direct conflict with a notoriously mercurial president, while still providing professional military guidance.

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Some say Caine hasnt been assertive enough with Trump. Hes definitely pulling punches, a source familiar with Caines interactions with Trump said when comparing his White House conversations with his private discussions with military leaders.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine speaks during a press conference with President Donald Trump at the Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, on January 3. - Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Despite any concerns Caine has raised internally, over the last month he has also orchestrated assembling the largest collection of US military hardware assembled in the Middle East since the invasion of Iraq.

This account of Caines efforts to navigate his tenure as chairman is based on interviews with 10 current and former officials.

Joint staff spokesperson Joe Holstead told CNN in a statement that Caine never pulls punches when discussing military options which could send our troops into harms way.

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The role of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the approach of this Chairman is based on the Chairmans statutory role to provide military advice to the President, the Secretary of War, and the National Security Council, he said. This Chairman fulfills these responsibilities by providing these leaders with a full spectrum of military options, along with precise and thoughtful consideration of the secondary effects, implications and risks associated with each option. He does so confidentially.

Caine, a former F-16 fighter pilot who spent time as a military liaison to the CIA, rarely divulges his personal opinions on a policy, and his supporters say hes doing exactly what a chairman is supposed to do  give the president the best military advice that will facilitate his agenda, policies the countrys top general has no business dictating.

Trump has pushed Caine for weeks to develop a wide range of military plans, which now include everything from strikes on Iranian ballistic missile and nuclear facilities to wiping out Irans top leadership as a way to force regime change. Those options are being planned in parallel with diplomatic talks set for their next exchange on Thursday.

Two F/A-18E Super Hornets fly over Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea, on February 12. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Sonny Es/US Navy

But in a Situation Room meeting last week about plans for Iran that went three times longer than scheduled, Caine was unable to predict what the result of a regime change operation would be, sources said. Caine had seemed more confident several months ago about the success of such a mission in Venezuela, whose leader was captured by the US military in a swift and decisive operation in January.

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Its part of Caines delicate balancing act, telling people privately that he wants to restore trust in his position as the countrys top general and in the military more broadly even as Trump has politicized both.

In response to questions for this story, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly described Caine as a highly respected professional whose job requires providing unbiased information to the Commander in Chief, which he does perfectly.

Any suggestion that the Chairman is providing his personal or political opinion, one way or another, is completely false, Kelly said. On all issues, President Trump listens to feedback from all members of his national security team, and he is always the final decision maker.

Caine has worked hard in his time as chairman to make sure he has Trumps ear, at one point even trying to secure an office at the White House so he could brief the president more regularly and have a highly secure space to work from when hes there, according to people familiar with the matter.

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A soft-spoken and self-deprecating airman who spent much of his career in the secretive world of spies and special operators, Caine is a member of Trumps most-trusted inner circle, which includes Vice President JD Vance; Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff. He is even more trusted by Trump than Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, multiple people familiar with their relationship said, particularly when it comes to sensitive operational matters.

If Hegseth is frustrated with Caine, there is little he can do about it. Caine has a direct line to Trump, said one of the people familiar with the dynamic. He has to respect the chain of command, but hes the presidents guy. Hegseth cant just shove him in a corner.

As Pentagon concerns about the fallout of a potential major military operation in Iran began to make their way to the press, Trump took to social media Monday to reinforce his faith in Caine and to make it clear his weeks of threats of strikes havent been empty.

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 wrote. He only knows one thing, how to WIN and, if he is told to do so, he will be leading the pack.

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When asked about Caines deliberations on Iran, Holstead said Caine does not advocate for a single course of action, nor does he inject personal preference into operational deliberations.

A recently retired senior officer who previously worked with Caine told CNN that officers wondered why hed been chosen in the first place, when theres obviously some expectation of loyalty by Trump, and Caine is not the type to prioritize that over his loyalty to his oath as an officer.

Caine is a person of high emotional intelligence, the recently retired senior officer said, because he hasnt gotten sideways with anyone, and hes generally recognized as a team player.

One official whos worked with Caine put it simply: How has Caine made it this long? He is a genius at getting himself to be the person someone needs him to be in any setting.

Dont cheer, dont react

Last September, when Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth abruptly summoned hundreds of the most senior US military officers to Virginia to hear him and Trump give a speech, Caine knew the event had the potential to veer into deeply political territorysomething hed promised Congress during his confirmation hearings that he would guard against.

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So he privately gave the assembled generals and admirals advice he knew Hegseth and Trump might not like, according to people familiar with his remarks, including two military officials close to Caine: Dont cheer, dont react, and act as stoic as you would at the presidents annual State of the Union address, in keeping with the norms of a nonpartisan military.

President Donald Trump addresses senior military officers gathered at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Quantico, Virginia, on September 30, 2025. - Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images

He then introduced Hegseth and Trump, saying it was vital to hear from them. Trump seemed irked by the generals lack of reaction. Ive never walked into a room so silent before, he said. If you want to applaud, you applaud.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell disputed this account of Caines actions before Trumps speech.

There is no tension between these great leaders, he said. They are both in agreement and focused on executing President Trumps agenda to make our military the greatest fighting force in the world.

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Caines path to becoming the countrys top general and sharing a stage with Trump was highly unusual. He retired in December 2024 as a three-star lieutenant general but was recalled to active service by Trump despite never having led a combatant command or serving as a service chief. That is how most previous chairmen have received their fourth star, before being elevated to the role of the US most senior military officer. In the end, Caine was promoted ahead of 38 eligible active duty four-star generals and admirals.

In Trumps telling, Caine had shown he was committed to the president when they first met in 2018 while Caine was serving in Iraq, with Caine telling Trump that he loved him and would kill for you while wearing a MAGA hat.

Caine said during his confirmation hearing last year that the incident had never happened. He also said that defending against the politicization of the military starts with being a good example from the top and making sure that we are nonpartisan and apolitical and speaking the truth to power every day.

And yet, even as Trump has regularly pushed the legal limits of how the US military can be deployed  sending troops into American cities over the objections of governors, bombing suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean and Pacific, and attacking Iran and Venezuela without congressional authorization  Caine has dutifully given him options to execute these operations, sources told CNN.

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Milley always wanted to be seen as the adult in the room, protecting the world from our democratically elected president, said one Republican congressional aide. It struck me as wildly inappropriate.

President Donald Trump and Gen. Mark Milley, Chief of Staff of the United States Army, speak at the 119th Army-Navy football game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on December 8, 2018. - Jim Young/Reuters

Caine works closely with one of the most politically polarizing figures in the Trump administration, Trumps deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller, on how to best carry out the US militarys operations inside the US and around Latin America, the sources said. Miller often phones Caine directly, asking for ways to put a plan into action.

Caines careful planning to deliver options and not push decisions stands in contrast to the way Trump now views Milley, whose portrait was taken down from a wall in the Pentagon on day one of the administration and had his security detail revoked by Hegseth  on Trumps orders  days later.

Defense officials broadly see Caine as a useful counterbalance to Hegseth, whose inexperience and focus on culture war issues contrasts with Caines long military career and operational experience.

One example officials point to came in September, when Caine hand-delivered memos to Hegseth and the Pentagons policy chief Elbridge Colby outlining his disagreements over the new National Defense Strategy that Colbys office had drafted, one of the sources said. Among Caines concerns with the document, which prioritizes homeland defense and the western hemisphere, was that it underplayed the threat posed by China and the US militarys need to prepare for a potential future conflict in the Indo-Pacific, sources said.

A senior defense official declined to confirm that Caine had raised issues with the strategy, but said the instances as you described them would simply be those of a Chairman and the Joint Chiefs doing their jobs.

Caine also appeared skeptical early on of the effectiveness of the US militarys extremely expensive operation, championed by Hegseth, to counter the Iran-backed Houthi rebel group in Yemen last year. He ultimately recommended to Trump that the campaign be wound down, the sources said, and the president announced shortly thereafter that the US had reached a ceasefire deal with the Houthis.

Nonetheless, Caines reticence to strongly deliver his opinion on certain issues has left many military officials struggling to understand where he stands, especially considering the number of senior military officials who have been forced out for disagreeing with Trump and Hegseth.

Last fall, Hegseth summoned then-US Southern Command Commander Adm. Alvin Holsey to a meeting with him and Caine. The meeting was tense  Hegseth did not believe Holsey was moving quickly or aggressively enough to combat drug traffickers in the Caribbean, and he complained about not being given the information he needed about operations there, sources said. But SOUTHCOM was concerned about the operations not being lawful. Caine remained largely quiet during the meeting, sources said.

Gen. Dan Caine and Navy Admiral Alvin Holsey shake hands during the US Southern Command relinquishment of command ceremony at the SOUTHCOM headquarters in Doral, Florida, on December 12, 2025. - Marco Bello/Reuters

Ultimately, Hegseth ousted Holsey, who retired early and just one year into his tenure as commander. But underscoring the persistent balancing act hes played, Caine then presided over Holseys retirement ceremony and showered him with praise, in what some officials perceived as a subtle act of protest against Hegseths decision.

Its never been about you, its been about people, its been about others, Caine said of Holsey at his ceremony. Youve never said I in all the conversations weve had. Youve always said we.  The impact youve had will last for a long time.

The face of major operations

Unlike previous chairmen, Caine has avoided interacting with the press and has spoken publicly only from podiums. Late last year, some officials who work closely with Caine suggested he begin cultivating his own public persona, people familiar with the matter said.

Caine has resisted that, preferring to stay as invisible as possible. But Trump has undoubtedly pushed him to the limits of his comfort zone. The most obvious example of this came last June, when Trump demanded Caine and Hegseth give a press conference aimed largely at discrediting an early Defense Intelligence Agency assessment that had downplayed the long-term impact of the US strikes on Irans nuclear facilities.

Trump had touted the attack as a total obliteration of Irans nuclear program.

Gen. Dan Caine speaks during a press conference at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, on June 26, 2025. - Idrees Ali/Reuters

Hegseth spent most of the press conference attacking the press for reporting on the assessment. But Caine pivoted, instead choosing to give a technical explanation of the bombings  complete with graphics of the 30,000-pound GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators used to hit the facilities  and the pilots who dropped the munitions from B-2 bombers following an 18-hour flight from Missouri to Iran.

Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff said on Saturday, however, that Iran is now probably a week away from having industrial-grade bombmaking material.

Caine was also thrust front and center after the US military operation to capture former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro from his compound in Caracas in the early hours of January 3.

Caines summary of the operation during a press conference the next day read like a screenplay for an action movie, describing American helicopters and troops coming under fire both as they approached Maduros compound in the dead of night and as they extracted him out to an aircraft carrier in the Caribbean.

I want to thank General Raizin Caine, Trump said at the press conference. Hes a fantastic man. Ive worked with a lot of generals. I worked with some I didnt like, I worked with some I didnt respect, I worked with some that just werent good, but this guy is fantastic.

Apart from his appearances at press conferences and industry events, Caine has maintained a very low profile. Hegseth has made it clear that he does not want Caine interacting with reporters without his signoff, sources said. The Joint Staff is now required to get permission from the secretarys office before speaking to the media, and reporters no longer travel with the chairman, in a break with tradition.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth listens as Gen. Dan Caine testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee on June 18, 2025. - Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images

Caine obliges Hegseths requests, largely because he has spent months trying to repair the joint staffs relationship with the defense secretary. Prior to Caines confirmation in April, Hegseth harbored deep suspicions that the Joint Staff was leaking information to make him and his team look bad.

Still, some officials believe Caine has sometimes gone too far in his efforts to please Hegseth and point to one episode last October.

That month, Caine rushed to get recertified to fly the F-16 fighter jet  including making room in his schedule for frequent flight training at Joint Base Andrews, according to a person with knowledge of the situation  so that he could fly alongside Hegseth in the jets while visiting Naval Air Station Fallon in Nevada, where hed completed Air Force Weapons School decades earlier. The chairman moved forward with the event despite the government shutting down and all those required to support the trip having to go without pay, this person said.

The biggest source of tension between Caine and Hegseth has been over personnel, multiple sources said, and Caine has routinely lost those battles with the secretary. Caine tried to convince Hegseth not to push out several senior military officials last year, including the former director of the Joint Staff Lt. Gen. Doug Sims and the former director for Strategy, Plans, and Policy on the Joint Staff Lt. Gen. Joe McGee, who Hegseth accused of leaking against him and being insufficiently aligned with his agenda, sources said. Both were forced to retire early.

General Dan Caine arrives for a classified briefing for all senators, regarding the situation in Venezuela, on Capitol Hill, on December 16, 2025. - Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

Caine has tried to appeal to Hegseth, telling him the abrupt and seemingly retributive firings, the delayed promotions, and the forced retirements that have seen dozens of top generals and admirals pushed out have not been good for the secretarys standing with the force, the sources said.

The move to relieve senior military officers over their perceived alignment with a political agenda or other unspecified reasons has been challenging for Caine and other leaders in the services, the recently retired senior officer said. But ultimately it falls back on the constitutional principal of civilian control of the military, whether the military likes their decisions or not.

At the end of the day, guys like Caine and service leaders havent been happy about it . but [Caine] understands its fair and its just the way of things. To do anything else, its like, what else are you going to do? Its kind of a tough situation, the recently retired officer said. But I do think theres moral injury taking place with our senior leaders.

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One guest at the State of the Union was particularly surprising: President Donald Trump's son.

Barron Trump is the president's youngest of five kids, and the only child he had with first lady Melania Trump. At 19 years old, he is a bit of a mystery as he rarely appears in public with his highly visible parents.

At President Trump's address to joint sessions of Congress in March of 2025, Barron Trump was the only one of the family not to make an appearance. The last time he appeared at an official, public event was his father's swearing-in more than a year ago.

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Here is what to know about the first son:

5 key Florida takeaways: Trump's State of the Union

Who is Barron Trump?

Barron Trump is the youngest of President Donald Trump's children and the only child of the president and first lady Melania Trump.

The 19-year-old sticks out for his height whenever he does appear at his parents' sides, but he usually stays out of the public eye. His father has still given him credit for helping reach young voters through social media platforms and influencers like streamer Adin Ross.

"He's incredible young man, we are very proud of him," Melania Trump said on Jan. 29 on FOX Business Networks "Mornings With Maria." "This time it's very different because he's 19 years old and first time he was 10 years old. He understands politics, he gives advice to his father, we talk about it, so very different."

How tall is Barron Trump?

Barron Trump is at least 6-foot-7, though there are conflicting reports about his height.

Where does Barron Trump go to college?

Barron Trump is in his second year of New York University's Stern School of Business, the first lady told FOX Business Network, adding that he "loves it." It is unclear if he goes to the Manhattan campus, as reports state he did not go back to New York last fall and instead enrolled in a different NYU campus.

Barron Trump went to high school in Florida

Barron Trump was among the 116 seniors who received their diplomas in the Class of 2024 at the private prep school Oxbridge Academy, just west of West Palm Beach.

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Both Donald and Melania Trump attended the ceremony, which school officials said was private and by invitation only.

What is Barron Trump's age?

Barron Trump is 19 years old. He will turn 20 in March.

Contributing: Jennifer Sangalang, USA TODAY Network

Kinsey Crowley is the Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at KCrowley@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X (Twitter), Bluesky and TikTok.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Barron Trump was at the State of the Union address. See height, age
The broadcast of a racial slur at the Bafta Film Awards was "completely unacceptable and harmful", the culture secretary has said.

Lisa Nandy said she had spoken to outgoing BBC director general Tim Davie and welcomed its investigation into Sunday's incident, saying the "BBC must ensure that this never happens again".

Earlier the BBC described the slur made by Tourette's campaigner John Davidson, whose condition involves involuntary verbal tics, as a "serious mistake" and it would fast-track an investigation.

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Nandy said she shared the "serious concerns raised by so many people" after the slur was shouted while black actors Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage.

A BBC spokesman said: "The director-general has instructed the Executive Complaints Unit (ECU) to complete a fast-tracked investigation and provide a full response to complainants."

Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, Nandy said she was "pleased that there is now an investigation ongoing to ensure that this never happens again".

The ECU rules on whether BBC output has broken the corporation's editorial guidelines.

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Nandy continued: "We all want to make sure that the Baftas and all of our award ceremonies can be inclusive places where people with Tourette's who've been shut out of society for too long can be fully included."

She confirmed that her colleague and Minister for the Arts, Ian Murray, had this week "met with Bafta to talk about how we exercise a better duty of care to all concerned going forward".

'Raises questions'

On Wednesday, the head of a House of Commons committee wrote to Davie to ask how the incident happened.

The Commons culture committee's chairwoman, Conservative MP Dame Caroline Dinenage, said Sunday's broadcast "raises questions about the extent to which lessons have been learned" from previous scandals.

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She highlighted Bob Vylan's performance at Glastonbury last year, when the BBC streamed antisemitic remarks and other derogatory comments made on stage by the punk duo.

The committee asked why the slur was not edited out of Sunday's Bafta broadcast, what systems are in place to prevent such incidents, why lessons from Glastonbury were not applied at the Baftas, and what steps are being taken to prevent similar instances in the future.

Labour MP Dawn Butler also wrote to Davie earlier in the week to ask for an "urgent explanation" for what happened.

Nandy noted that she and the government had not been "satisfied" with the initial response from the BBC, demanding "swifter action".

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"I think we're all deeply concerned that there have been too many incidents of this kind."

The Bafta-winning I Swear was inspired by Davidson's life story, growing up with Tourette's in 1980s Scotland [Getty Images]

The Bafta Film Awards ceremony in London was broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer on a two-hour delay.

The racial slur was audible to those in attendance and for some viewers at home, although the sound quality was muffled.

Davidson has said the BBC should have "worked harder to prevent anything that I said" at the event from being broadcast, and questioned why he was seated near a microphone.

He told Variety: "There was a microphone just in front of me, and with hindsight I have to question whether this was wise, so close to where I was seated, knowing I would tic."

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BBC News understands the producers editing the ceremony for its delayed BBC broadcast were doing so from a TV truck and simply did not hear the slur shouted when Lindo and Jordan were on stage.

The BBC has apologised several times since Sunday's broadcast, and the ceremony remains unavailable to watch on iPlayer after the corporation removed it on Monday morning.

On Tuesday, the corporation's chief content officer Kate Phillips told staff the BBC took "full responsibility" for what happened, adding that another racial slur had been edited out of the broadcast.

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In contrast, the one shouted when Lindo and Jordan were on stage "was aired in error and we would never have knowingly allowed this to be broadcast", she said.

In a statement on Monday, Bafta said it acknowledged the "harm this has caused, address what happened and apologise to all".

In a letter to its members on Tuesday, the organisation said it wanted to "assure all our members that a comprehensive review is under way".

Davidson, from Galashiels in Scotland, said he "had as much right" to attend Sunday's ceremony as anyone. He is the subject and executive producer of the film I Swear, which tells the story of his struggles with Tourette's and was nominated for six awards.

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He said he shouted about 10 different offensive words during the show as a result of his tics, but the media coverage has given the impression the N-word was the only one.

After shouting the slur, Davidson said he chose to leave the auditorium "so as not to cause any more upset", adding that Bafta found him a private room with a monitor to watch the rest of the ceremony.

Variety reported that he has contacted Warner Bros in order to apologise directly to Jordan, Lindo and Sinners production designer Hannah Beachler, who also spoke about hearing racial slurs.

'Profoundly painful'

Davidson also said: "I want to be really clear that the intent behind them [the tics] is zero. What you're hearing is a symptom - not my character, not my thought, not my belief."

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He said he felt a "wave of shame an embarrassment" after shouting the racial slur.

"What you hear me shouting is literally the last thing in the world I believe; it is the opposite of what I believe," he explained.

"The most offensive word that I ticked at the ceremony, for example, is a word I would never use and would completely condemn if I did not have Tourette's."

Emma McNally, chief executive of the Tourette's Action charity, also released a statement on Wednesday calling for abuse against Davidson to stop.

"The hurt experienced and the impact felt by the black community is real and deeply valid - words like these carry historical and emotional weight that cannot be ignored," she said.

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"At the same time, the trolling, abuse, and hostility directed toward John and the Tourette's community in the aftermath have been profoundly painful. Nobody wins when communities are pitted against one another."
Tennessee Rep. Aftyn Behn, D-Nashville, is calling for a federal investigation into the Tennessee Department of Children's Services.

The move comes "after months of independent research, review of federal oversight records, and conversations with impacted families and whistleblowers," according to a Feb. 24 news release from Behn. Elected in 2023 to the Tennessee House, Behn most recently made a run for U.S. Congress in 2025. She lost to Republican Matt Van Epps in a tight race that garnered national attention.

In the release, Behn called for the U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division to investigate based on federal findings. She said the state Department of Children's Services failed to comply with key federal requirements and to create stability for children in its custody. Behn also pointed to issues of segregation that affect children with disabilities.

Tennessee State Representative Aftyn Behn speaks to members of the audience before the start of a Democratic Party forum for candidates running for the 7th Congressional District special election at the Fairview Recreation Center in Fairview on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025.

More: Behn will not try again in Tennessee's 7th District this year

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"These concerns are underscored by ongoing litigation against the Tennessee Department of Childrens Services alleging systemic failures, unsafe and unstable placements, prolonged custody, and harm to children with disabilities," Behn wrote. "The claims raise serious questions about negligence, overreliance on congregate care, and failure to achieve timely permanency."

Along with the call for an investigation, Behn is also asking affected families to sign a statewide petition and offer their testimonies for an ongoing review.

"Instead of protecting our most vulnerable children, DCS's pattern of negligence and systemic harm has failed the very families it was meant to serve," Behn said in the release.

A spokesperson for DCS did not immediately return a request for comment on Feb. 24. DCS Commissioner Margie Quin, who took on leadership of the troubled department in 2022, is expected to appear before the Tennessee House Finance, Ways and Means Committee on Feb. 25 for a hearing. More information on Behn's effort can be found at AftynBehn.com/ChildrenOverChecks.

Tennessee DCS under scrutiny

Earlier this year, records obtained by The Tennessean revealed that 445 children slept in DCS offices in 2025, marking a 400% increase from 2024.

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The spike is driven in part by an influx of youth with high-acuity needs in state care, DCS spokesperson Ashley Zarach told The Tennessean in January. She said the closure of several of the state's transitional homes, which provide temporary placements, since October 2024 also contributed to the issue. Other homes temporarily paused operations for remodeling or other reasons during that time.

The department unveiled plans on Jan. 20 to build six intake centers with bed space for short-term stays and three assessment centers that will provide clinical and behavioral health evaluations. As of January, Zarach said, the multi-million dollar initiative is still in the design phase. Groundbreaking on the first buildings is expected to start later this year.

A rendering shows the concept for a wellness center, which will serve children in custody of the Tennessee Department of Children's Services. DCS expects to break ground on the first buildings in a multi-million dollar real estate expansion in 2026.

"Continued expansion of state-operated placement facilities risks entrenching practices already under judicial scrutiny and may further expose the state to liability," Behn said in her release.

Children sleeping in offices is one of several issues that have drawn scrutiny of the embattled department in recent years. The department's transitional homes have also repeatedly come under fire.

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Most recently, unsafe conditions in the homes were described in a class action lawsuit filed against DCS in May. The suit, filed by 13 children in DCS custody, said the department committed "widespread and systematic" violations of children's rights, including unsafe placements in transitional homes or inadequate facilities like state offices and hotels for months on end. It also lambasted the state's reliance on privately owned facilities to place children as a foster family shortage continues.

DCS Commissioner Margie Quin speaks during a budget presentation at Cordell Hull State Office Building in Nashville , Tenn., Wednesday, March 1, 2023.Sen.

Safety issues in transitional homes were also revealed in a state audit of DCS released in December. The audit, which analyzed DCS operations from September 2022 through September 2025, also said the department failed to investigate child abuse and neglect allegations in a timely manner and relay critical data to the public, among other issues. While the audit report also illustrated progress in some of those areas, it said critical gaps remain that leave kids at risk, and pointed to several issues repeated from a 2022 audit.

In an emailed statement in December, DCS said five of the 13 total findings from the 2022 audit were fully resolved, while four were partially resolved and four were repeated in the latest audit. The department said it faces long-standing issues, some of which will take years to fix.

"While challenges remain, substantial progress has occurred," part of the statement read. "Turning a ship with more than 3,800 employees does not happen overnight. It takes time. It takes effort. It takes commitment."

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The statement also included feedback from Quin.

"While there is still work to be done, DCS remains fully committed to acting in the best interest of Tennessees children and families," she said.

This story has been updated to add more information.

Rachel Wegner covers education and children's issues for The Tennessean. Got a story you think she should hear? Reach her via email at RAwegner@tennessean.com. You can also find her on X or Bluesky under the handle RachelAnnWegner.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Behn calls for feds to investigate Tennessee DCS
Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said on Wednesday that she had shifted her base from Lithuania to Poland on security grounds.

"The reason for the move from Lithuania was security concerns," she told Poland's PAP news agency, adding that some of her staff had joined her in moving to Warsaw where they would continue their work.

Tsikhanouskaya said that the movement's office in Vilnius would continue to operate.

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At the end of last year, the Lithuanian government downgraded personal protection for Tsikhanouskaya, with Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene terming the move an "adaptation to the current threat level."

Whereas Tsikhanouskaya had previously been guarded round the clock by special forces, police took over responsibility for her security.

Tsikhanouskaya said that she personally and her office remained the target of the Belarusian intelligence services, who tried to insert their own agents.

"The Polish government is doing everything to ensure my security," she said.

Tsikhanouskaya stood against Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko in the 2020 presidential elections, in which many believe she emerged victorious. Mass protests erupted when Lukashenko declared that he had won with around 80% of the vote. The protests were savagely put down by the Minsk government.

Tsikhanouskaya and her children fled to Lithuania, where she formed a kind of government-in-exile. Poland and Lithuania are home to many Belarusians who are subject to political persecution at home.
DEARBORN, MI - One of the most popular kids attractions at one of Michigans biggest tourist spots is not happening in 2026.

The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation has announced that A Day Out With Thomas the Tank Engine will not be happening this year at Greenfield Village.

The announcement cites unforeseen mechanical complications.

A few more details have been provided in a statement from The Henry Ford posted on both its Facebook Page and website

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Greenfield Village is no longer able to host the train because it is not compatible with its operations, adding...

While A Day Out With Thomas does also operate under a different powered model at events across the country, that model is incompatible with the historic train operations in Greenfield Village.

The Henry Ford has been hosting A Day Out with Thomas for 25 years. Theres no word on whether it will eventually return to Greenfield Village.

We thank Mattel, Inc. for their incredible partnership. We also thank the thousands of members and guests who have experienced this event and joined us for a memorable Day Out With Thomas.

Read the original article on mlive.com. Add mlive.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
A federal judge appointed by former President Joe Biden on Wednesday blocked the Trump administration from deporting illegal immigrants to so-called "third countries" without first giving them notice and an opportunity to challenge their removal, in a high-stakes case that is likely headed to the Supreme Court.

The ruling from U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy comes months after lawyers filed a class-action lawsuit in Boston challenging the Department of Homeland Securitys process of deporting illegal immigrants in the U.S. to so-called "third countries"  countries that are not their home country and were not previously designated in their removal orders.

Murphy ultimately sided with the migrants Wednesday, ruling that DHS' third-country removal policy is unlawful and violates due process protections under the U.S. Constitution. "This case is about whether the government may, without notice, deport a person to the wrong country, or a country where he is likely to be persecuted, or tortured, thereby depriving that person of the opportunity to seek protections to which he would be undisputedly entitled," Murphy said.

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Neither DHS nor DOJ immediately responded to Fox News Digital's request for comment on the case or whether the administration plans to appeal the ruling.

Federal Judges In New York And Texas Block Trump Deportations After Scotus Ruling

President Donald Trump wrote a letter that will be sent to migrants who legally obtained citizenship.

DHS officials have previously claimed an "undisputed authority" to deport criminal illegal aliens to third countries that have agreed to accept them. "If these activist judges had their way, aliens who are so uniquely barbaric that their own countries wont take them back, including convicted murderers, child rapists and drug traffickers, would walk free on American streets," former Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in June, after the Supreme Court temporarily permitted the Trump administration to continue its deportation policy amid legal challenges.

Read On The Fox News App

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In her June statement, McLaughlin said the Biden administration created a "national security nightmare" through lax immigration enforcement, which "allowed millions of illegal aliens to flood our country." Her critique echoed longstanding Republican arguments that Bidens early decisions to halt border wall construction and reverse Trump-era removal policies fueled a crisis that saw encounters peak at a record 2.4 million in 2023. While Biden eventually enacted a restrictive 2024 executive order that brought crossings down to 2020 levels, Trump campaigned on a promise of mass deportations to clear the backlog. His "third country" policy represents the front line of that effort  aimed at deporting the "worst of the worst" to any nation willing to take them  though a Biden-appointed judge now says the practice crosses a constitutional red line.

The Department of Homeland Security "has adopted a policy whereby it may take people and drop them off in parts unknown  in so-called 'third countries,' and, as long as the Department doesnt already know that theres someone standing there waiting to shoot thats fine," Murphy said in his opinion Wednesday.

"It is not fine, nor is it legal."

Murphy also rejected the Trump administration's claim that certain migrants living in the U.S. illegally lacked due process, noting that the clause applies to all "persons" within the U.S., regardless of immigration status.

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"These are our laws, and it is with profound gratitude for the unbelievable luck of being born in the United States of America that this Court affirms these and our nations bedrock principle: that no person in this country may be 'deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law,'" Murphy said.

Murphy stayed the ruling from taking force for 15 days to allow the Trump administration time to appeal the case to the First Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, given what the judge acknowledged was the "importance" and "unusual history" of the case in question.

The ruling comes after Murphy presided for months over a class-action lawsuit filed by migrants challenging deportations to third countries, including South Sudan and El Salvador, as well as Costa Rica and Guatemala, which the administration has reportedly eyed in its ongoing wave of deportations.

'Woefully Insufficient': Us Judge Reams Trump Admin For Days-late Deportation Info

FBI headquarters building in Washington D.C., on July 3, 2023.

He has sparred with the Trump administration while overseeing the case, including in May, when he accused the administration of failing to comply with a court order requiring it to keep in U.S. custody six migrants who were deported to South Sudan without due process or notice.

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Murphy previously ordered that the migrants remain in U.S. custody at a military base in Djibouti until each of them could be given a "reasonable fear interview," or a chance to explain to U.S. officials any fear of persecution or torture, should they be released into South Sudanese custody.

The judge's order is the latest attempt by federal court judges to rein in the Trump administration as it continues to deport migrants to third countries.

Murphy previously acknowledged the criminal histories in question after Trump officials blasted the individuals removed as the "worst of the worst."

"The court recognizes that the class members at issue here have criminal histories," Murphy wrote in an order last year.

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"But that does not change due process," he wrote. "The court treats its obligation to these principles with the seriousness that anyone committed to the rule of law should understand."

White House officials, meanwhile, have blasted so-called "activist" judges as attempting to enact a political agenda, and have repeatedly rejected the notion that illegal immigrants are entitled to due process.

Lower court judges have repeatedly ruled that the Trump administration has violated due process by failing to notify migrants of their imminent removals, or afford them the opportunity to challenge their deportations in court  a view reiterated, albeit narrowly, by the Supreme Court four separate times since Trump took office.

The Trump administration, for its part, succeeded in a separate Supreme Court case last year that narrowed the ability of federal courts to issue so-called nationwide injunctions blocking executive orders from taking force.





Original article source: Biden-appointed federal judge rules Trump's 'third country' deportation policy is unconstitutional
TOKYO, Feb 25 (Reuters) - Japan's Fair Trade Commission raided Microsoft Japan's offices on Wednesday as part of an investigation into whether it improperly restricted customers of its Azure platform from using rival cloud services, a source with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

The person declined to be identified because the information is not public.

The FTC declined to comment.

A Microsoft Japan spokesperson said the company is "fully cooperating with the JFTC in their requests."

The source said Japan's antitrust authorities would also be seeking clarification from Microsoft's parent company in the United States.

Microsoft Japan is suspected of setting conditions that effectively shut out other services by limiting access to popular services on other cloud platforms, the source said.

Regulators in Britain, Europe and the U.S. have separately been examining Microsoft and others' practices in relation to cloud computing. Brazil's antitrust body last month opened an administrative investigation into the software giant's local unit related to its cloud computing services.

(Reporting by Mariko Katsumura, Kentaro Okasaka and Kiyoshi TakenakaWriting by Chang-Ran KimEditing by Louise Heavens and Jane Merriman)
(Photo by Jeff J Mitchell  Pool/Getty Images)

Bill Gates admitted to two affairs with Russian women during his marriage as he apologized to staff at the Gates Foundation for his association with Jeffrey Epstein, while insisting he didnt commit any crimes.

The billionaire Microsoft co-founder spoke to staffers during a town hall call on Tuesday, according to the Wall Street Journal, after appearing in Epstein emails released by the Justice Department in January.

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In one email, dated July 2013 and written by Epstein about Gates, the late pedophile alleges the billionaire sought to conceal from his wife Melinda French Gates a sexually transmitted disease he contracted after having sex with Russian girls.

The email claims Gates sought antibiotics to secretly give her. It is not clear whether the email was sent to Gates, but he denied the allegation as completely false via a spokesperson in late January.

In his call on Tuesday, however, Gates confirmed he had extramarital relationships during his 27-year marriage with two Russian women.

I did have affairs, one with a Russian bridge player who met me at bridge events, and one with a Russian nuclear physicist who I met through business activities, he said.

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During the call, Gates acknowledged flying on a private plane with Epstein and spending time with him in the U.S. and abroad  but insisted that he had not witnessed or participated in illegal activity.

I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit, Gates reportedly told staff. To be clear, I never spent any time with the victims, the women around him.

Gates said he first met Epstein in 2011, after the financiers Florida conviction for procuring a child for prostitution, and continued to socialize with him despite concerns raised by his then-wife.

To give her credit, she was always kind of skeptical about the Epstein thing, he said.

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Gates went on to apologize to staffers for the damage his relationship with Epstein caused to the foundation.

I apologize to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake I made, he said. It definitely is the opposite of the values of the Foundation and the goals of the Foundation.

The post Bill Gates Admits Affairs With Russian Women as He Apologizes to Foundation Staff Over Epstein Ties: Report first appeared on Mediaite.
This story was updated with the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet's position.

FRANKFORT, Ky.  A bill that would severely limit Kentucky's ability to establish state environmental protections is moving through the General Assembly, raising furor among advocacy groups who say it would endanger air quality, clean water and public health.

Senate Bill 178 would prohibit Kentucky from setting environmental regulations more strict than the bare minimums required by federal law. It would also require new environmental protections to be supported by the "best available science" on the subject, including a "direct causal link" between exposure and harm to the public.

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Opponents of the bill said this would restrain the state's ability to establish regulations on emerging contaminants, such as PFAS, and delay state protections until after harm to public health.

Sen. Greg Elkins, R-Winchester, is the sponsor. In a Feb. 25 committee hearing, he stressed to lawmakers the bill "promotes sound science and regulatory decision making, (and) also promotes stability for businesses." It "says to businesses in Kentucky, we are open for business," Elkins told the committee.

Rebecca Goodman, secretary of the Energy and Environment Cabinet  which enforces state environmental protections and was not consulted before the bill was drafted  said in a letter to lawmakers that the cabinet "cannot support this legislation." The bill's wording would prohibit the agency from issuing environmental regulations "even when scientific studies show that a causal link indicates that reduced exposure to a pollutant would reduce harm to citizens of the Commonwealth," she wrote.

Lawmakers approved the bill in committee, sending it to the full Senate, though several legislators on both sides of the aisle said they believed it needs additional work before potential approval. Sens. Robin Webb, R-Grayson, and Phillip Wheeler, R-Pikeville, both voted to pass it out of committee but want additional conversations about points those in opposition made.

State Sen. Greg Elkins presents Senate Bill 178 at a committee meeting. Feb. 25, 2026

Mark Behrens, appearing alongside Elkins in support of the bill on behalf of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Kentucky Chamber, said those groups "strongly support this legislation because it provides important predictability to businesses."

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"It's very difficult for businesses to try to operate in a patchwork system where  even after EPA has said 'Here's the rule that everyone needs to follow'  that we have 50 states all trying to do their own thing," he said. "Businesses just can't operate in that environment."

Lawmakers are weighing environmental deregulation in Kentucky, and state alignment with minimum federal standards, amid President Donald Trump's efforts to weaken a range of EPA regulations, including on air and water pollution. Earlier in February, the EPA's second-in-command was in Louisville to announce a rollback of rules on toxic air emissions from coal-fired power plants, including mercury.

Elkins' bill is similar to legislation heard in West Virginia, Tennessee and Alabama. Reporting from those states also indicated that the bill was pushed by Behrens and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Keep up with our coverage: Sign up for the On Kentucky Politics newsletter.

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In Kentucky, as in other states, environmental advocates told lawmakers the legislation puts businesses and economic development before human health.

Audrey Ernstberger, an attorney with Kentucky Resources Council, said in the committee hearing that the legislation would amount to "a sweeping restriction on Kentucky's authority to protect the environment and public health."

Some Kentucky-specific restrictions warrant additional regulations that federal policy doesn't account for, she said, such as naturally occurring radioactive material. In a previous statement, Ernstberger said the bill "would constrain nearly every major environmental program" in the state, ranging from protections for rivers and streams to regulations on mining, solid waste and lead poisoning.

The Energy and Environment Cabinet said the bill is duplicative of other restrictions on state environmental standards. Subjective language about "generally accepted" science, Goodman wrote, "opens the door for every disagreement on interpretation of external, peer-reviewed study to result in a finding of deficiency" on state regulations.

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By imposing strict requirements for the adoption of new environmental protections, the Kentucky Waterways Alliance said the bill "would make it significantly harder for the state to regulate emerging contaminants, respond to new pollution threats, or adopt proactive safeguards to protect drinking water and community health."

"It is a fundamental shift away from prevention and toward a system that requires damage to occur before it can be addressed," Michael Washburn, the group's executive director, said in a statement. "Kentuckians expect their state to protect their water and their health. SB 178 would make that far more difficult."

A barge travels up an icy Ohio River between Louisville, Kentucky and Jeffersonville, Indiana Sunday Feb, 1, 2026.

The legislation marks another sweeping effort by Kentucky legislators to erode the state's ability to set environmental standards. In 2025, the General Assembly passed Senate Bill 89, which removed key protections for groundwater and wetlands.

The state's Energy and Environment Cabinet warned that bill would threaten drinking water supplies for many Kentuckians, and Gov. Andy Beshear vetoed it. Despite intense pushback, it became law in March 2025.

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The cabinet is again opposing this year's attempt by the legislature to limit environmental standards.

"The bill as currently drafted would hinder the state's ability to protect Kentuckians, especially in circumstances when evidence overwhelmingly shows that exposure to certain pollutants increases risk of disease," Robin Hartman, a cabinet spokesperson, said in a statement. "State and local leaders know the needs of our communities best, and we should protect the ability to respond appropriately when needed."

Reach environmental reporter Connor Giffin at cgiffin@courier-journal.com. Reach chief politics reporter Lucas Aulbach at laulbach@courier-journal.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky bill limiting power to set environmental protections advances
FRANKFORT, Ky.  House Bill 1 is moving quickly.

The priority legislation that would enroll Kentucky in a federal tax credit program was filed Feb. 19, received its first reading the next day, then passed in the House Committee on Appropriations and Revenue on Feb. 24. An hour later, it was taken up on the House floor, where lawmakers approved it on a 79-17 vote and sent it to the Senate. Under the bill, the secretary of state would be in charge of opting Kentucky into the "school choice" program instead of the governor.

The federal tax credit was created through the "One Big Beautiful Bill" passed last summer with President Donald Trump's backing. That legislation allows donors to land a dollar-for-dollar federal credit for up to $1,700 by donating to a nonprofit scholarship-granting organization, which would distribute scholarships to families for educational services such as private school tuition, tutoring and transportation.

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Several states have opted into it  and sponsors such as state Rep. Kim Moser, R-Taylor Mill, and Rep. TJ Roberts, R-Burlington, argued each day Kentucky doesn't join them is another day kids in the state are missing out.

"While our Kentucky courts have misguidedly determined that state dollars cannot be used on anything other than 'common schools,' this is a federal tax credit program," Moser said, a reference to previous charter school state legislation struck down because it used state taxpayer money.

Get the latest: Sign up for The Courier Journal's On Kentucky Politics newsletter.

Most Democrats voted against the bill on the House floor, many of whom had passed on voting earlier in the day when it was up in committee. Several were critical of the fast-tracked process  "without giving our members here in the General Assembly or the public the opportunity to read and analyze this bill, it erodes public trust and the process. There's no need to rush this bill," Rep. Sarah Stalker, D-Louisville, said.

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House Speaker David Osborne, R-Prospect, defended the bill's quick movement through the House in comments to reporters after gaveling out Feb. 24. A similar bill was filed the first day of the session, he said, and "everybody in here knew what that bill did." Arguments that the process moved too fast are "political theater," he added.

The bill drew criticism from Democrats after it was introduced, including Kentucky Democratic Party Chair Colmon Elridge, who called the bill "not only an insult to Kentucky families getting priced out of health care and basic necessities  its further proof that the Republican Party would rather build exclusive private schools for the wealthiest families than work with Democrats to improve schools serving nearly all Kentucky children.

Republicans hold an 80-20 supermajority in the House. The bill will be taken up next in the Senate, where Republicans outnumber Democrats 32-6. Lawmakers have until mid-April to pass legislation in 2026.

Charter schools and school choice have long been controversial topics in Kentucky. Lawmakers legalized charter schools in 2017 but did not attach a funding mechanism to the bill. A separate bill with permanent funding for charter schools was narrowly approved in 2022, but that law was struck down in 2023. The state Supreme Court affirmed that decision in a ruling Feb. 19.

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Rep. Adrienne Camuel, D-Lexington, brought up Amendment 2 on the House floor, but her question was cut off as the bill is centered around a federal tax program and not charter schools that use state tax dollars.

Legislators put a proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot in 2024 that would have allowed the state to spend tax money on nonpublic education, but the amendment overwhelmingly failed.

What's in Kentucky's House Bill 1?

HB 1 would put the secretary of state's office in charge of opting the commonwealth into the federal elementary and secondary education scholarship tax credit program established in 2025 in the "One Big Beautiful Bill." Kentucky's secretary of state is Michael Adams, a Republican.

The bill takes the power to opt into the program out of Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear's hands  he previously called similar legislation "unconstitutional in both where education funds can go in Kentucky and in what powers the state auditor can exert."

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That comment was in reference to House Bill 88, which was introduced earlier in the session and mirrors HB 1 but would give the power to opt into the program to the auditor's office instead of secretary of state.

In a statement Feb. 24, Beshear spokesperson Scottie Ellis said the Amendment 2 referendum and the Supreme Court's recent decision speak volumes on how Kentucky citizens view the issue.

"Filing House Bill 1 hours after the ruling shows that Republican legislators refuse to listen to Kentuckians as they try to find a workaround to push their own agenda," she said.

As of January, 23 states had opted into the federal program.

Reach Lucas Aulbach at laulbach@courier-journal.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky lawmakers advance HB 1, federal school tax credit legislation
An Oregon bill aimed at increasing transparency around immigration enforcement at schools is now moving through the legislature.

House Bill 4079 would require all public schools and universities to notify students, families and staff if federal immigration agents are on campus.

Lawmakers have said word spreads quickly about immigration enforcement near schools, including in the case of a Beaverton father who was detained while dropping off his child at preschool in July. But some are pushing for a better system to ensure information about immigration activity near schools is accurate.

RELATED: Beaverton preschool staff join Trump lawsuit to keep immigration enforcement away from schools

"When there's immigration or rumors ... of immigration actions, even around schools, that they'll see absences increase for two or three days afterwards," said the bill's chief sponsor, Rep. Sarah Finger McDonald, D-Corvallis.

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McDonald said the bill's goal is to reduce fear and confusion, especially in immigrant communities, by requiring schools to send out alerts when there's confirmed ICE activity on or near school campuses, as well as to leave at least one school official trained to identify and verify judicial warrants on campus.

"We're not asking them to confront ICE," she said. "We're asking them to ask questions of people who are showing up on the school campus; they would do the same for anyone who shows up on school campus who is unexpected."

But not everyone agrees this bill is necessary or even safe. One opponent who submitted public testimony to the Senate Committee to Education wrote, "It is not now, nor ever has it been, a local school district's function to interfere with ... Any law enforcement official."

'WE ALL NEED TO PROTECT EACH OTHER': Thousands of Hillsboro high school students walk out to protest ICE



As for requiring schools to send out alerts, Oregon Republican Rep. Ed Diehl of East Salem argued the bill creates an unnecessary mandate, saying, "Local school districts already have the freedom and authority to establish policies that protect students."

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McDonald said schools could use their current communication systems, just like the system used by the West Linn-Woodville school district in October to inform parents and students that federal agents were spotted near Wood Middle School. At the time, federal agents claimed they were conducting surveillance of a neighborhood and that they thought they were on public property at the time; parents were still informed.

But McDonald said this bill ensures those alerts will be sent out.

"There's a lot of concern about how the fear  and very justified fear  in our communities is impacting the ability to show up at school and learn," she said.

McDonald said she expects the bill to

move out of committee and head to the full Senate for a vote before the end of the short session.
The conference was the Bithonistim's first public presentation of its broad national security strategy, which top experts have been working on for an extended period.

The Gaza story must end with an IDF decisive victory in Gaza, not with Indonesian peacekeepers or any other foreign forces disarming Hamas," Brig.-Gen. (res.) Danny Van Biran said at the Bithonistim (Security Experts) conference in Jerusalem.

Tuesday nights conference was the Bithonistims first public presentation of its broad national security strategy. Top experts  most with security backgrounds and some with expertise in other arenas relevant to national security  have been working on the strategy for an extended period.

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A significant part of the national security strategy presentation focused on identifying problems with Israels recent strategy and tactics.

Maj. (res.) Omri Cohen said the main traditional strategic doctrines of deterrence and decisiveness, coined by the founding prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, have become distorted and misunderstood.

Cohen said that according to Yigal Allon, one of the founders of the Palmah and an early top commander within the IDF, decisiveness was the basis for deterrence. Decisiveness was cumulative. But later, deterrence became its own purpose, and decisiveness was dropped.

IDF soldiers operating in the Gaza Strip, August 1, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

Another problem Cohen flagged was that the countrys national security concept had devolved into emphasizing lower-grade tactical considerations rather than higher-level strategic ones.

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In terms of tactical considerations, Cohen said the war between the wars campaign, in which the air force periodically bombed attempted weapons transfers to Syria and Lebanon, was at most a temporary, somewhat successful series of moves to reduce the volume of rocket and missile threats on Israels border in Syria and Lebanon.

However, he said, much of the defense establishment and the country fell into the trap of viewing the campaign as its core strategy rather than developing a strategy to address the buildup of threats on its northeastern borders in a permanent way.

Cohen said that, given that the defense establishment had no coherent idea about how to proactively make Israel safer and achieve its long-term interests, it chose to believe that trying to contain growing threats on all of its borders was sufficient, and it has become complacent in terms of readiness for any unexpected surprise attack.

Moreover, Cohen criticized how this readiness to accept growing threats along the borders and the failure to imagine a possible ground invasion had led the defense establishment to improperly shrink its ground forces, especially its tank units.

Former IDF intelligence chief emphasizes importance of understanding Hamas

Former IDF intelligence analysis chief Brig.-Gen. (res.) Yossi Kuperwasser said Israel must disarm Hamas, but asked, Once you do that, what do you do next?

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Kuperwasser, now the head of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security (JISS), spoke about the importance of deeply understanding the many distinct ideologically anti-Israel aspects of many Palestinians identities in a clear-eyed manner  in order to have a chance of successfully confronting them.

The former IDF intelligence analysis chief said that much of Israel had mistakenly believed that Hamas was deterred and merely wanted to improve its economic standing and quality of life.

Problematically, Kuperwasser said that much of the defense establishment was focused only on threats from Iran and Hezbollah, with Hamass threat in the West Bank being categorized as an afterthought, and Hamas in Gaza being viewed as non-threatening for the time being.

When Kuperwasser tried to present his strategy earlier in 2023, regarding the need for a deeper operation against Hamas in Gaza, in order not to merely act in response to repeated periodic conflicts initiated by Hamas, he said that the government had told him his ideas were not relevant, since Gaza was stable and no one wanted to risk such an escalation.

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Col. (res.) Ronen Itzik said that the defense establishment had forgotten that the reserve army is the countrys number one national security asset.

He said that much of the country and defense officials talk about the reservists being important in theory, but then much of the country forgets about them as soon as a given war ends, and time moves along.

The Bithonistim NGO is a right-leaning group mostly of former senior security officials.

It was formed in recent years, when various former senior defense officials were frustrated by the fact that the majority of former defense officials lean politically toward the Center or the Left, even as the government has been led by the political Right.
BLUEFIELD  The city of Bluefield is running low on salt at a difficult time.

Snowfall from the weekend noreaster continued to impact the region Tuesday morning, creating a difficult commute for some along roadways in the city.

During a brief meeting Tuesday of the Bluefield Board of Directors, it was confirmed that the city is running low on salt.

City Engineer Curtis French said officials are rationing the amount of salt applied to area roadways until the next shipment arrives.

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We are still waiting on salt, French told the city board members. We put in a request about five or six weeks ago now and we still have yet to receive the next shipment.

French said salt shipments are going to the West Virginia Division of Highways first.

The state has priority, and then it gets passed down to all of the municipalities, French said.

French said the city is still spreading salt, but added at the moment it is smarter to scrape roadways first.

If you get calls from residents or someone you know saying why arent you spreading salt  thats why, French said.

Its been a particularly difficult winter for Bluefield in terms of snowfall with the city exceeding average snowfall totals to date. The weekend noreaster dumped snow on Bluefield on Sunday, Monday and again early Tuesday.

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Although there is a chance for snow again this morning, temperatures are expected to slowly rise through the weekend, which could help with melting some of the most recent snowfall totals.

Bluefield City Manger Cecil Marson also announced Tuesday that the city had submitted the BUILD Act application Monday evening for the Reconnecting Communities project.

The $1.25 million federally-funded transportation plan seeks to reconnect and improve historically divided neighborhoods in Bluefield.

It focuses on an area of the city that begins near the entrance of Bluefield State University and from there extends through the northeast end of Bluefield past the Grant Street Bridge and toward Hotel Thelma, a local historic landmark.

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We did get some good support letters from Congresswoman (Carol) Miller and Senator (Shelley Moore) Capito with that, Marson said.

Marson also urged city residents to attend the ceremonial groundbreaking for Hotel Thelma, which will be held on Thursday, Feb. 26, at 3 p.m. on the grounds of Hotel Thelma, which is located at 1047 Wayne Street in Bluefields East End.

The Bluefield Arts and Revitalization Corporation and the Hotel Thelma Project Corporation are working to convert the structure into new apartments for senior citizens while also creating a space for a new restaurant.

Thursdays event will be largely ceremonial as work has already been ongoing both inside and outside of the historic structure.

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Its pretty amazing, Marson said of the Hotel Thelma project. So I welcome everyone in the community to make sure you go to that. It will be a great day for our city of Bluefield.

Contact Charles Owens at cowens@bdtonline.com
STEVENS POINT  Robert Brinkmann was named Feb. 25 to be the next and 16th chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents approved Brinkmanns appointment following a recommendation made by a selection committee that held public forums with the three finalists vying for the position last week, according to a Feb. 25 news release.

Robert Brinkmann, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Ill. and candidate to be the 16th chancellor of University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point.

Brinkmann will officially begin work in the leadership role on July 1, according to the release. He will succeed former chancellor Thomas Gibson, who was selected to be UW-Milwaukees chancellor in March 2025. Chancellor candidate Pratima Ghandi served as interim chancellor since April 2025.

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Im very excited to welcome Dr. Brinkmann to the University of WisconsinStevens Point, Amy B. Bogost, Board of Regents president, said in the release. Dr. Brinkmann brings a lifetime of leadership in higher education and specifically sustainability and natural sciences. We owe a debt of gratitude to the dedicated committee of Regents, campus members, and local partners who worked relentlessly to bring us a leader who so deeply cares about our campus and will ensure UW-Stevens Points environmental legacy isnt just honored but will have a resilient future for the university and community.

Brinkmann is a graduate of UW-Oshkosh and UW-Milwaukee and has served as Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Northern Illinois University since 2020. Previously, he was vice provost for research and dean of graduate studies/director of sustainability studies at Hofstra University, a private university on Long Island in New York City. Brinkmann also served in administrative roles at the University of South Florida, where he was also a faculty member, according to the release.

I am truly honored to return to Wisconsin to accept the chancellorship of UW-Stevens Point, Brinkmann said in the release. Im committed to advancing academic excellence, innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community engagement that empowers our students and strengthens our impact beyond the region.

Brinkmann earned his bachelors degree in geology from UW-Oshkosh, a masters in geology from UW-Milwaukee, and a Ph.D. in geography from UW-Milwaukee.

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Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman and the Special Regent Committee for the UW-Stevens Point Chancellor Search recommended Brinkmann to the full Board of Regents. The Committee included Regents Jack Salzwedel, chair; Haben Goitom; Noah Fritz; Linda Terwilliger; and Jill Underly.

UW System President Jay Rothman before discussing the 2025-27 budget request during an interview at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel newsroom in Milwaukee on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024.

I am pleased that Dean Brinkmann is returning to the Universities of Wisconsin, Rothman said in the release. He understands the student experience and the importance of the breadth that a liberal arts education at UW-Stevens Point can deliver.

A Search and Screen Committee for chancellor candidates included members of the Special Regent Committee along with Kristi Roth, School of Education professor and committee vice chair; Tom Bertram, Administrative Human Resources Coordinator; Michael Estanich, School of Performing Arts professor; Jennifer Hess, Continuing Education and Outreach associate director; Pete McPartland, Sentry Insurance chairman and CEO; and Caden Morschauser, Student Government Association president, according to the release.

Dr. Brinkmanns educational background in the natural sciences and sustainability is a perfect match for UW students at Stevens Point, Jack Salzwedel, Regent and chair of the Search and Screen Committee, said in the release. As the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Northern Illinois University, he understands the complex challenges and opportunities that face higher education today. We are thrilled to be able to name him as the next Chancellor at UW-Stevens Point.

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More UW-Stevens Point news: UW-Stevens Point adds school social work pathway to fill state shortage

More UW-Stevens Point news: UW-Stevens Point launches sport business program in fall 2026

Erik Pfantz covers local government and education in central Wisconsin for USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin and values his background as a rural Wisconsinite. Contact him at epfantz@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on Stevens Point Journal: Robert Brinkmann named as next UW-Stevens Point chancellor
A boil water advisory was issued for areas of southeast Michigan on Wednesday, Feb. 25, after a large water main break, according to a Wednesday release from the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA).

Officials say the 36-inch water transmission main on 24 Mile Road just west of Gratiot Avenue in Chesterfield Township leaked when a utility contractor working in the area struck the main.

"GLWA contractors have isolated the water main and begun excavating the area around the damage. It is anticipated that crews will begin cutting away the damaged section of main within the next 24 hours so that repairs can begin," a news release from the GLWA says.

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Due to a drop in water pressure, the Village of New Haven and a section of Lenox Township have issued boil water advisories.

Pressures have returned to the village, and the required two rounds of water quality testing are expected to begin on Wednesday.

For water pressure and water quality concerns, residents and businesses should contact their municipalitys Department of Public Works.

Additionally, the GLWAs water truck will be stationed at the Village New Haven City Hall, located at 57775 Main St., will provide one-gallon jugs of water to anyone whose water has been impacted by repairs.

Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Boil water advisory issued for parts of Macomb County: What we know
Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) Native Services held a ceremonial signing during National Days of Advocacy to mark the renewal of its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), part of the U.S. Department of the Interior. The event, held February 24, 2026, reaffirmed both organizations shared commitment to advancing academic achievement and expanding educational opportunities for American Indian and Alaska Native youth. Carla Knapp, National Vice President of Native Services at BGCA, led the ceremony and underscored the value of long-term partnership and community-driven strategies.

For more than three decades, BGCA has worked alongside Tribal Nations to create safe, culturally grounded spaces for Native youth, said Knapp. Todays ceremonial signing honors our collective responsibility to future generations. This refreshed agreement reflects our shared dedication to strengthening Native youth through programming that uplifts identity, well-being and academic success.

Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning.

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The renewed MOU strengthens collaboration between BGCA Native Services and BIE to grow and sustain Boys & Girls Clubs located in or near BIE-funded schools and residential campuses. Through this partnership, the organizations aim to broaden access to after-school and summer programming that supports academic success, cultural engagement, healthy lifestyles and positive identity development.

BIE serves approximately 48,000 American Indian and Alaska Native students across 184 schools. The Bureau of Indian Education is committed to providing an education that honors Native cultures, languages and sovereignty, said Tony Dearman, Director of BIE. This refreshed MOU strengthens our partnership with BGCA and ensures that more Native students can access culturally relevant programming, caring mentors, and opportunities that affirm who they are.

Under the agreement, BGCA Native Services will collaborate with BIE school staff, Tribal Nations and local communities to support the development of new Club sites. BIE will assist with local coordination to integrate Club programming into school settings and identify safe, dedicated spaces for youth.

Since 1992, BGCA Native Services has worked with Tribal communities to establish more than 250 Boys & Girls Clubs, serving approximately 90,000 Native youth across 29 states. The renewed MOU builds on this legacy while paving the way for continued expansion grounded in respect, sovereignty and the strengths of Native youth.

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About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at editor@nativenewsonline.net. "

Contact: news@nativenewsonline.net
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP)  A five-judge panel of Brazils Supreme Court on Wednesday unanimously voted to convict those accused of plotting the 2018 killing of Rio de Janeiro councilwoman Marielle Franco and her driver Anderson Gomes, a case that exposed deep-rooted ties between politics and organized crime.

The case has stirred emotions in the politically divided nation. Some see Franco as a martyr and symbol of left-wing resistance, while allies of former President Jair Bolsonaro have attacked her legacy and the tributes paid to her since her death.

The five men on trial for the killing of the 38-year-old human rights activist-turned-politician were former congressman Chiquinho Brazao; his brother who was a member of a Rio government watchdog, Domingos Brazao; his assistant Robson Calixto Fonseca; former police investigator Rivaldo Barbosa and former police officer Ronald Paulo Alves Pereira.

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The Brazao brothers were convicted of the murders of Franco and Gomes and the attempted murder of Fernanda Chaves, Francos press officer who was in the car and survived the drive-by shooting. They were sentenced to 76 years and three months in prison.

Pereira was also convicted of the murders and attempted murder and sentenced to 56 years. Barbosa was convicted of passive corruption and obstruction of justice and sentenced to 18 years. Fonseca was convicted of participation in a criminal organization and sentenced to nine years.

Militia modus operandi

Victims' families will also receive 7 million reais ($1.4 million) in compensation for moral damages.

The Brazao brothers were arrested in 2024 as alleged masterminds of the crime. Investigations have linked them to vigilante groups known as militias, which often antagonized Franco.

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As he voted in favor of convicting the accused, Justice Alexandre de Moraes said the driving force behind the crime stemmed from a need to maintain militia modus operandi, to preserve financial gains and to maintain political power in the area.

Justice Carmen Lucia expressed her empathy with the victims' families. Human justice is not capable of soothing this pain, she said.

The trial began Tuesday, with deputy Attorney-General Hindenburgo Chateaubriand arguing that all five suspects should be found guilty as charged and saying the Brazao brothers led a criminal organization whose primary target was Marcelo Freixo, a politician and current head of Brazils government tourism agency, because he interfered with their businesses. Franco worked with Freixo before she was elected councilwoman in 2016.

All the suspects had denied any connection with the councilwoman's killing.

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Prosecutors say many of the charges came from plea bargain deals signed with former police officers Ronnie Lessa and Elcio Queiroz, sentenced in October 2024 for the killings to 78 and 59 years in prison, respectively.

Tackling impunity

Amnesty International Brazil said the case revealed police corruption, obstruction of justice and the operation of organized crime within the state apparatus. There will be no real justice, nor guarantees of non-repetition, unless these problems are addressed, it said in a statement, adding that Brazil is one of the countries where human rights defenders are most killed.

The Marielle Franco Institute, set up after Franco's death, said in a statement the convictions mark a new Brazil. A country that affirms that the lives of Marielle and Anderson matter, that democracy does not tolerate the silence imposed by violence, and that justice is possible when the people stand tall.

Crime and violence frequently appear as Brazilians' top concern.

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On Tuesday, Brazilian lawmakers approved a bill that increases penalties for participation in criminal organizations and provides for the seizure of assets belonging to those under investigation in certain circumstances. It will now go to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva for sanctioning.

The bill's adoption, as well as the convictions in Franco's case, are important steps towards tackling widespread impunity for participation in organized crime in Brazil, said Luis Flavio Sapori, a sociologist and public safety expert at Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais.

But there is still much to be done, especially in creating more effective mechanisms for integration between the federal government and states to confront organized crime, he added.

___

Savarese reported from Sao Paulo.

___

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
By Mike Dolan

Feb 25 -

What matters in U.S. and global markets today

By Mike Dolan, Editor-At-Large, Finance and Markets

Tuesday saw software stocks stage something of a rally, weirdly driven by the thing that's beaten them down for the past month: a sweep of new plug-ins from AI lab Anthropic.

This time around, the market focused more on the partnerships between some of these companies and Anthropic, rather than the existential threat AI could pose.

Ill get into that and more below.

But first, check out my latest column on why AI isn't the only thing driving the global economy.

And listen to the latest episode of the Morning Bid daily podcast. Subscribe to hear Reuters journalists discuss the biggest news in markets and finance seven days a week.

ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER AI MOOD SWING

Even though many software stocks caught a break yesterday, others affected by Anthropic's new tools were less fortunate. HR software firm Workday fell 10% overnight, with a downbeat revenue forecast aggravated by the fact that HR tasks were listed among the targets of Anthropic's new gizmo.

While the broader rebound may not address what the viral scare stories suggest will be a wipeout of white collar workers, it does suggest that perhaps many of these companies may survive and thrive with AI after all.

At the very least, it suggests a rethink about the extent of the selloff in many sectors in recent months, and maybe nodded a little to today's big event - Nvidia's results.

The world's most valuable company reports after the bell, and for all the ifs and buts about AI, there's no doubt about the torrent of capex earmarked for chips, computing hardware, bricks-and-mortar data centers and the energy needed to drive it.

The chip giant is expected to forecast a 64% jump in first-quarter revenue to about $72 billion dollars. But, as ever, the bar to impress is rising all the time, and Nvidia is facing increasing competition from the likes of Alphabet and AMD.

Chinese demand may also be in focus given the recent ebb and flow of government restrictions on the sale of its top chips there.

Even though Nvidia shares are only up 2% for the year so far, options markets are braced for a post-earnings swing of plus/minus 5%. The scale of the firm these days means that's a swing of about $230 billion in market cap either way.

After the S&P 500's 0.77% jump on Tuesday, futures were up ahead of today's bell. Elsewhere, Asia's stocks motored higher on Wednesday amid a growing focus on what AI capex is doing for companies aiding the infrastructure buildout.
In nine years as a police officer in Kansas City, Missouri, Blayne Newton fatally shot three people and injured others, costing the city millions of dollars to settle lawsuits resulting from his actions. He has now agreed to resign from the city police department under a settlement agreement that will pay him $50,000. In June 2023, Newton fired 16 shots into a minivan, killing two people and wounding a third, even though he was not supposed to be on duty in that area at the time; the city later paid $3.5 million to settle a wrongful death lawsuit as a result of the incident.

The post Brickbat: Paid To Go Away appeared first on Reason.com.
Another round of snow is bringing more school disruptions in Bucks County on Feb. 25, less than two days after one of the worst snowstorms in recent memory dumped nearly 2 feet of snow in some areas.

Forecasts for Feb. 25 predicted between 1-3 inches of snow could start falling around the I-80 and I-78 corridors in the early morning hours, but accumulations of less than an inch are still expected between 3 a.m. and 9 a.m. at least as far as Bedminster, according to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, New Jersey.

"A quick moving system will bring snow to the area early Wednesday morning, primarily for areas near/north of the I-78 corridor," a Tuesday post on the NWS Facebook account said. "While accumulations will be on the lower side (generally 1-3", less south of I-78), the timing may lead to slick conditions during the morning commute."

A Jeep with a plow crosses from Morrisville to Trenton on the Calhoun Street Bridge on Monday Feb. 23, 2026.

School officials in and around Bucks County handle winter weather differently, but hazardous road conditions could cause delayed openings, switches to remote and asynchronous learning or close schools altogether.

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Here are all of the weather delays and closures in Bucks County and nearby as of 7:55 a.m. Wednesday.

Archbishop Wood Catholic High School

The district has not announced any closures or delays.

Bensalem

Bus routes may be running slower than usual this morning as our drivers navigate the roads. We appreciate your patience and understanding as our drivers work to safely transport students to school.

Bristol Borough

The district has not announced any closures or delays.

Bristol Township

The district has not announced any closures or delays.

Bucks County Community College

The district has not announced any closures or delays.

Bucks County Tech School

The district has not announced any closures or delays.

Central Bucks

The district has not announced any closures or delays.

Centennial

The district has not announced any closures or delays.

Conwell-Egan Catholic

The district has not announced any closures or delays.

Council Rock

Because of current weather conditions, the district is excusing tardiness for students and staff Wednesday.

Gwynedd Mercy Academy

The school has not announced any closures or delays.

Hatboro-Horsham

The district has not announced any closures or delays.

Lansdale Catholic

The school has not announced any closures or delays.

La Salle College High School

The school has not announced any closures or delays.

Lower Moreland

The district has not announced any closures or delays.

Middle Bucks Institute of Technology

The district has not announced any closures or delays.

Morrisville

The district has not announced any closures or delays.

Neshaminy

The district has not announced any closures or delays.

New Hope-Solebury

The district has a two-hour delay.

North Penn

The district has not announced any closures or delays.

Palisades

The district has not announced any closures or delays.

Pennridge

The district has not announced any closures or delays.

Pennsbury

The district has not announced any closures or delays.

Philadelphia Schools

Philadelphia Public schools and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia have not announced any closures or delays.

Quakertown

The district has not announced any closures or delays.

School Lane Charter School

School Lane has not announced any closures or delays.

Souderton Area

The district has not announced any closures or delays.

Upper Moreland

The district has not announced any closures or delays.

Villa Joseph Marie

The school has not announced any closures or delays.

Check back later as we update the list with snow day decisions.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Most Bucks County schools not changing course because of snow Feb. 25
After five years of planning, permits and construction, the African American Museum of Bucks County will open this spring.

The announcement that the museum, at the Boone farmstead on the edge of Core Creek Park in Middletown, is near completion was announced at the Bucks County Commissioners monthly meeting on Feb. 18.

Keys to the building on Bridgetown Pike were turned over to the museums board of directors this month, said Bernard Griggs, director of the countrys General Services Division, who updated the commissioners on construction.

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The museum will preserve, interpret and share history of Black Bucks Countians. The Boone farmhouse, a county property that had been empty for about 40 years, was chosen in part because it has documented connections to the Underground Railroad, he said.

The building was acquired by the museums board in late 2020 for a nominal yearly fee of $1, he said. There were 18 months of design and approvals before construction began.

The two-and-a-half story masonry farmhouse is more than 300 years old, among the oldest pre-Revolutionary buildings in the county.

From 2024 African American Museum of Bucks County shaping up. Fundraising, construction continues

The Boone Farm on Route 413 in Middletown will be the home of the African-American Museum of Bucks County. Officials hope to open it by spring 2026

It was tricky work, said Griggs, who worked in construction trade unions for years before taking his position with the county.

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Restoring a building of this age requires careful and methodical approach. Once construction began, we encountered unforeseen conditions, which is typical working with a structure thats more than 300 years old and that had been in significant need of repair, he told the commissioners.

Soon to be opened African American Museum of Bucks County shaping up. Fundraising, construction continues

The museum is on the site of the old Boone Farm in Middletown's Langhorne section.

The exterior of the building is done, and the interior is 85 percent complete, he said.

On a personal note, Griggs said, having lived in Chalfont here, right in the heart of beautiful Bucks County with my family for more than 21 years, I will tell you that it truly warms my heart that Bucks County will be home to an African American museum.

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The museum began in 2014 as a traveling exhibition, with no permanent home.

Enslaved people were held in Pennsylvania at its inception in 1681, according to a history published by Bucks County. In 1750, the commonwealth had more than 6,000 enslaved people within its borders.

In 1775, the Quakers of Germantown (Philadelphia today) formed the Pennsylvania Abolition Society. The state Assembly adopted the Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery, a first in the nation. Still, enslaved people had to wait until they turned 28 to be freed.

By 1782 Bucks County had 530 enslaved people, records show. In 1790 a census shows the countys population at 25,000, with 581 free Black Americans and 261 enslaved. The number of enslaved people in Bucks County dropped to 11 by 1820.

JD Mullane can be reached at jmullane@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks County African American Museum set to open in 2026
Burlington city councilors have pressed pause on accepting a statue donation from the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi after hearing concerns about the authenticity of Vermonts four state-recognized tribes.

City Council was set to vote on accepting the gift Feb. 17 but instead agreed unanimously to pass the question to the Racial Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee.

"When these types of issues come before the council, we're out of our depth a little, and we need folks like (committee director Kelli Perkins) and her great team of people there to help us sort through these very difficult conversations in a way that doesn't cause more harm," said Councilor Evan Litwin.

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"I certainly don't want us to accept art that would cause public harm," Litwin added. "And I also don't want to harm people through that decision, as well, without having some continued communal dialogue."

The state-recognized tribe offered the statue as a replacement for the wooden sculpture of renowned 18th century Abenaki Chief Greylock, which the city removed from Battery Park last summer due to safety concerns over its decades of wear and tear.

The new statue has been sitting in limbo for roughly a year despite receiving letters of support from Burlington City Arts and the city parks department.

The Canadian-based Abenaki First Nations of Odanak and Wolinak  which have long argued that their Vermont counterparts are primarily white Europeans and should not have state recognition  strongly oppose the artwork's installation.

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"To truly respect Greylock is to respect his people, those who continue to live, speak and create as Abenakis today," said Denise Watso, a member of the Odanak First Nation, during public comment at the Feb. 17 meeting. "The so-called Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi does not represent actual Abenaki people."

Watso pointed to a recent genealogical study commissioned by the Odanak and Wolinak tribes that concluded that five high-profile Vermont tribe members are at least 96.9% European and have no any Abenaki ancestry.

"This can be a moment of reconciliation, dialogue and truth," Watso said about the process to replace the Greylock sculpture, which she described as stereotypical and offensive. "But for it to be meaningful, it must be based on authentic collaborations with the legitimate representatives of the Abenaki people."

"We urge the City Council to have the courage to reject this statue," Watso said.

The Abenaki Nation of the Missisquoi is offering this sculpture, worth $20,000, to the city of Burlington to replace the former Chief Greylock statue in Battery Park. Canadian Abenaki leaders, who say their Vermont counterparts are illegitimate, strongly the artwork.

Vermont Rep. Troy Headrick, P/D-Burlington, and University of Vermont history professor David Massell also spoke in opposition to the statue.

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"My concern is not grounded in opposition to art but in principle and in process," Headrick said. "The process by which the state of Vermont recognized so-called Vermont Abenaki groups was procedurally flawed, incomplete and fundamentally inconsistent with the international standards for Indigenous rights."

Massell said Burlington's collaboration with "invented Indian tribes" on the artwork follows "a long history of cultural erasure of Native people and undermines Indigenous sovereignty."

"I would hope Burlington can do better," Massell said.

Missisquoi tribal councilor Robert Richard vehemently rejected the assertions from Headrick, Massell and Watso.

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Were recognized by the city and the state, Richard said in the meeting. And if you have people telling you different, theyre telling you that all your councils failed to recognize this. I dont think thats happened.

He added that the genealogical studies commissioned by Odinak and Wolinak used "unrecognized, untrained genealogists" and do not hold water.

The statue of Chief Grey Lock in Battery Park

I dont know what to tell you, but theyve been trying to commit modern-day genocide against the Vermont Abenaki for three years now, Richard said.

He made an argument many Vermont Abenaki leaders have made in the past: that Odanak and Wolinak's actions are financially motivated.

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Their goal is to get in this state, and its all about money, he said. They got $220 million recently for Canadian land claims. What do you think theyre going to do when they try to get in this state and get recognized?

Richard also questioned why "there was no Odanak in the park" when the city erected the Greylock statue decades ago. "They didn't care," he said.

The diversity and equity committee is set to talk about the statue April 28, Perkins said in an email.

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: Burlington council weighs VT Abenaki gift amid First Nations dispute
Julia Scott is disappointed.

Despite a judge granting her and other Gullah Geechee residents in St. Helena Island, South Carolina, access to the centuries-old Big House Cemetery, they must give the property owners  who put up a gate to block the entrance  written notice first.

Its a start, but I am not pleased with it, the 82-year-old said. Im happy that we can go down if somebody dies in a family, or if I should die Ill know where Ill be laid at.

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In 2023, one white landowner put up a gate on Everest Lane to prevent damage to her property. She initially allowed access, but later changed the locks. In 2024, a father and son installed a second gate on nearby Everest Road. Both blocked access to the cemetery, which is owned by a Black family. The landowners purchased property near the cemetery.

Circuit Court Judge Carmen T. Mullens temporary injunction orders the landowners to open the gates for funerals, burials, and cleanup efforts.

The Feb. 20 decision comes nearly a year after 10 residents  including Scott and the Big House Cemetery Committee  filed a lawsuit in the Beaufort County Circuit Court of Common Pleas. They alleged Theresa (Terri) Aigner, Rody Cody Harper, and his son Walter Robert Harper Jr. unlawfully denied them their cemetery rights, citing a violation of South Carolina law that protects the rights of descendants and the larger community to visit, care for, bury in and maintain cemeteries, graves, and other burial grounds for cemetery purpose.

Whats happening on St. Helena Island follows recent examples of other Gullah Geechee communities such as Tybee Island and James Island who have fought against projects that disturb burial grounds.

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Scott says this legal battle has taken a toll on her health. She also worries that Aigner may still keep the gates locked.

At my age, I dont need to be going through all of that, she said. My doctor told me I was dead 46 years ago, but Im still here. Thats why Im concerned because I dont know when my night or day might come.

She paused: Id like to be [buried] where my mom and my husband at, referencing Big House Cemetery.

While Scott is cautious to celebrate, others say the ruling on St. Helena Island is a sign that a full victory to permanent, unrestricted access is closer in sight.

In order for the judge to grant this temporary injunction, she had to decide that were likely to win on one of the claims, and that gives me hope, said Jessica Vosburgh, senior staff attorney at the Center for Constitutional Rights. Its not everything that we ask for. Its not everything were fighting for, but its a step in the right direction.

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Gregory Alford, attorney for Aigner and the Harpers, worked to previously dismiss the case and alleged the plaintiffs had not suffered any immediate or irreparable harm and had full access to the cemetery via Pope Estates Road, which is more suitable for vehicular traffic, according to a post-hearing brief in December.

He also alleges Harper Jr., who maintains the roads at his own personal expense, had significant damage to the roadway by oversized funeral vehicles. It resulted in erosion, standing water, and deterioration of the road.

He further attests that no cemetery representative or funeral homes offered to repair the damage, and that he incurred more than $6,000 in out-of-pocket expenses attempting temporary repairs, the brief said.

Capital B reached out to Alford and did not hear back.

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The judge also also ordered the plaintiffs to post a bond of $5,000 to cover roadway repairs, despite their ask to pay no more than $1,000.

The post S.C. Court Victory Grants Gullah Geechee Temporary Access to Blocked Cemetery appeared first on Capital B News.
A bill that would impose fines or jail time on homeless people living or and storing property on public property is on its way to a vote in the West Virginia House of Delegates.

The House Judiciary committee advanced House Bill 5319 during its meeting Wednesday morning.

The bill, as it left the Judiciary Committee, would impose fines of up to $500 or 30 days in jail for homeless people who camp or store personal property on any street, park, trail or any public property throughout the state.

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A person would be given a warning and referred to services on a first violation of the law, according to the bill.

Del. Geno Chiarelli, R-Monongalia

Speaking to the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, bill sponsor Del. Geno Chiarelli, R-Monongalia, said the camping ban intends to protect public health, safety and welfare by keeping streets, sidewalks, parks, trails and other public property accessible for their intended uses.

The House of Delegates passed a camping ban last year with a vote of 89 to 9, mostly along party lines. That bill  which Chiarelli also sponsored  was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee last year, but was pulled from the Senates active calendar when the legislation was in the amendment stage.

Chiarelli told West Virginia Watch last year his legislation was introduced in response to Morgantowns camping ban being challenged and possibly overturned.

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While advocates in Morgantown successfully petitioned to have the citys camping ban reconsidered, city voters ultimately upheld the law, and the law went into effect last year.

During a hearing on the bill during the Judiciary Committee meeting on Tuesday, Rusty Williams, advocacy director for the American Civil Liberties Union of West Virginia, testified about being homeless following a cancer diagnosis in 2012.

This was before the first tiers of the Affordable Care Act had been implemented, so they could still discriminate against folks for having pre-existing conditions, and thats exactly what they did, he said. I was told, basically, You need emergency surgery. Go figure out how to pay for it. I spent six weeks fighting bureaucrats when I should have been fighting cancer, and as a result, the cancer spread.

What was already a pretty bad situation got exponentially worse as a result of not having adequate health care coverage, he said.

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Williams survived cancer treatment, but ended up without a place to live, he said.

When I was on the street, had a law enforcement officer approached me, which happened frequently, and issued me a $250 citation and a misdemeanor, I would have killed myself without a seconds hesitation, Williams said. Thats where I was. I contemplated suicide more when I was sleeping outside than I ever could I couldnt even imagine being in a situation that bad again.

Del. Evan Hansen, D-Monongalia, told fellow lawmakers that policies that address homelessness should be decided at the local level. Morgantown is a great example, he said.

There are a lot of heated feelings on both sides of that issue, but thats democracy, Hansen said. Thats how its supposed to work with local problems, is to have local solutions. I support the decision of the people of Morgantown to implement the camping ban.

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And municipalities across the state can do the same thing without this committee and this Legislature telling them how to manage their own affairs, he said.

He added that solutions to homelessness should be based on empathy for people facing dire situations.

Every human life is precious, and the solution, to me, is not criminalizing people who are trying to sleep, Hansen said. I think the solution is access to services. And if this Legislature wanted to do something about that, they could, and I think it would start by recognizing that theres a reason why homeless people tend to congregate in urban areas.

They come to urban areas because thats where the services are, because they need services, and thats where they can get services, where they get food, where they can get shelter, Hansen said.

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Besides Morgantown, a handful of other West Virginia municipalities have joined cities around the country in implementing camping bans targeting homeless people. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld a similar ordinance in Grants Pass, Oregon in a June 2024 ruling.

The bill will next go to the Senate for consideration.

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While thousands of people have had their power restored following a historic blizzard on Monday, at least one Cape Cod town still remains entirely without power two days later.

Overall, 160,052 customers were without power as of 6 a.m. Wednesday. This included 100% of customers in Wellfleet, which accounts for 4,461 customers.

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But its not the only area with a high percentage of customers left in the dark.

In Brewster, 95%, or 8,512, of customers were still without power Wednesday. Eastham had 96% of customers without power. And 22,099 people in Barnstable were without power.

Officials warned it could take up to 5 days for some areas to get power back, especially in remote areas.

Our restoration philosophy is to do the largest circuits to pick up the largest customers as quickly as possible. But as we get into the neighborhoods and get into the backyards, its a little bit difficult for the crews to trudge through the snow, identify whats wrong and then make repairs, Doug Foley, president of electric operations for Eversource in Massachusetts, said.

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Contractors from Michigan, Ohio, other New England states  and even Canada  arrived in Yarmouth to help turn the lights back on for Massachusetts residents, Foley said.

Crews began working on Monday amid whipping winds and steady snowfall to clear downed wires, trees, telephone poles and other utility equipment in some of the hardest hit parts of the state.

Our ability to get out in blizzard-like conditions and do our job was nearly impossible, and we did what we could do safely, Foley said.

The total number has been declining since Monday afternoon when more than 285,000 customers were without power.

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On Tuesday, Provincetown was completely without power. But by Wednesday morning, it was down to 63% of customers still left in the dark.

Warming centers have opened for people in many of those areas. However, some roads remained blocked due to down trees and wires.

If you need help getting to a shelter, please call the Harwich Police and we will work to get you moved, Harwich Police wrote on Facebook.

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Caribbean leaders opened a four-day summit Tuesday in their smallest sovereign state amid mounting regional tensions and fragmentation, pressure from the United States and a changing global landscape.

At the heart of the gathering of the 15-member Caribbean Community, known as CARICOM, are questions about the relevance and value of the regions decades-old integration movement. The bloc is facing pressure from Washington to accept asylum seekers rejected by the U.S., sever ties with Cuba and align more closely with American foreign policy  demands that have exposed divisions among member states.

We respect the sovereign right of CARICOM members with respect to your choice for national security for your nation and respect your choice of foreign policy, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said during an address. We expect no less for ours.

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Persad-Bissessar has been at the center of a political storm within the bloc over her strong support for the Trump administrations military actions in the southern Caribbean, which culminated last month in the capture of Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro. When the administration targeted two Caribbean nations and placed them under a partial visa ban, citing concerns about their Citizenship by Investment programs, she became embroiled in a public dispute that many feared could further strain the regional alliance at a moment when unity was seen as essential.

She calmed speculation Tuesday that her oil-rich nation would break away from the bloc. But even as she reaffirmed her commitment to CARICOM and to cooperation with the U.S., Persad-Bissessar delivered a blistering rebuke of fellow leaders in a rambling speech that listed a series of grievances.

Among them, she cited what she described as an unanswered inquiry to the Guyana-based CARICOM secretariat after a Trinidadian citizen was kidnapped in 2022 by another member state. She also criticized what she called the regions silence when Trinidad and Tobago and neighboring Guyana were threatened by a narco-dictator who imprisoned and killed thousands of civilians and opposition members  a reference to Maduro.

Thanks to President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the U.S. military, Trinidad was able to stand firm against Maduro, Persad-Bissessar said. The U.S. is not undermining the CARICOM region. T and T will continue to cooperate with the U.S. in the best interest of our citizens to drive  destructive forces out of our country, out of region.

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The prime minister also accused unnamed Caribbean governments of deploying political actors to actively and openly campaign against candidates in other countries to assist allied parties and governments.

I dont think that is right, she said. That has led to what I say is unneeded factional divisions. Private conflicts between regional leaders and political parties... hinder the progress of the CARICOM.

Before concluding, Persad-Bissessar also raised contradictions in the blocs stance on Cuba, a country still run by a communist regime but enjoying the support of democratic governments in the Caribbean.

Every leader in this room was elected by a free and fair democratic election everyone, she said. The Cuban citizens have no rights to free and fair elections.

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This weeks meeting marks the 50th gathering of the regional bloc, which Prime Minister Andrew Holness of Jamaica said demands honest reflection at a time when the speed of global change is outpacing the speed of regional coordination.

Among the challenges facing the region, he said, are climate shocks, increasingly sophisticated criminal networks and other transnational threats.

The question before us therefore is not whether CARICOM can endure, for we have, and we will, but whether it can deliver for our people with urgency and relevance in a rapidly changing world, he said.

Holness, who until December served as chairman of the group, had largely stayed out of the fray as leaders engaged in the diplomatic dispute after the U.S. targeted the eastern Caribbean nations of Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica supposedly over their Citizenship By Investments programs.

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Now, he said, is not the time for divisions.

CARICOM is not, and has never claimed to be, a political union, he added. Our charter does not mandate a singular foreign policy for a supernational authority, and because we are sovereign states, each accountable to our own electorates, we will at times assess risks differently, sequence priorities differently or interpret geopolitical opportunities differently.

That, he stressed, is not a sign of weakness but the natural expression of sovereign democracies navigating an increasingly turbulent global environment.

Every member of CARICOM has the right to decide how best to defend its territory, he said.

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Leaders at the opening session acknowledged the fractures that have surfaced, but also called for more effective cooperation. The bloc is bracing for a visit from the Rubio, scheduled to arrive on Wednesday at CARICOMs invitation.

Veteran and newly elected leaders alike cited climate change and rising violence as among their greatest threats. They also pointed to crises in Haiti and Cuba as potentially destabilizing forces in the Caribbean.

Haiti is a CARICOM member, and its prime minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aime, is attending his first gathering. Cuba is not a member but has long maintained close ties with several Caribbean governments.

Terrance Drew, the host prime minister, acknowledged the recent disagreements but urged leaders to resist fragmentation.

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A world without CARICOM would be culturally poorer, intellectually diminished, and spiritually less vibrant, he said.

He reminded leaders of the regions global contributions  from Nobel laureates and world-class athletes to labor-rights pioneers and the revolutionaries of Haiti

Our contribution has been significant to the point where a founding father of the United States of America, his excellency the honorable, God Bless his soul, Alexander Hamilton was born in this Caribbean basin, Drew said. He was born on the island of Nevis. That is our significant contribution to the world..
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio began a day of talks with Caribbean leaders here telling them he wants to reinforce the long-term relationship between the United States and the region.

The statement, though brief, was encouraging, Caribbean leaders said as they prepared for longer closed-door discussions and bilateral meetings with the top official in the Trump administration.

At one point we were concerned, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne said. It is a very positive message in terms of helping to secure the future of Caribbean countries, working very closely with Caribbean countries. It is a very positive message in terms of helping to secure the future of Caribbean countries, working very closely with Caribbean countries, recognizing the fact we are all linked by geography, we are linked by our people.

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The Caribbean community has the largest diaspora in the United States, he noted.

"The statement he made, though brief, would have signaled a level of commitment to enhanced relationships between the United States and Caribbean Community, and that itself is very encouraging, Browne added.

The visit is Rubios second official trip to the Caribbean in less than a year. Unlike his previous visit, when only a handful of leaders were invited to meet with him, he is expected this time to engage with the full 15-member bloc in a joint CARICOM-U.S. closed door meeting here in the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Ahead of the extended deliberations, Rubio held a brief introductory session with the regional group. He entered a conference room at the Saint Kitts Marriott Resort at about 12:25 p.m. and remained for less than 15 minutes before departing to prepare for bilateral meetings with the prime ministers of Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and Haiti, followed by a broader discussion with the full organization. In his brief address in the conference room, leaders said, Rubio was direct but encouraging.

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The prime ministers of Haiti, Dominica and Trinidad, along with the foreign ministers of Saint Kitts and Nevis, echoed Brownes assessment and said they were eager to raise specifics with Rubio.

First of all, we appreciate his visit, Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said, adding that he was looking forward to the discussion continuing later in the afternoon. Its important that the dialogue can continue. There are a number of hot topic issues that well have to discuss and address and find mutual approaches to them.

Haiti Prime Minister Alix Dider Fils-Aime said the meeting was very good, and added Rubio delivered a few messages.

Ahead of Rubios arrival early Wednesday, Caribbean Community leaders said they were hoping for a reset in relations with Washington.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio shakes hands with Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar during meetings with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders, in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, on Feb. 25, 2026. (JONATHAN ERNST/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Trinidad Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who used an address at the opening ceremony on Tuesday night to issue a strong endorsement of the Trump administrations policies in the region, said Rubio was brisk and clear. It was clear, Persad-Bissessar said from Rubios opening exchange, which was delivered without notes, that hes very familiar with the issues in the region.

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The two discussed energy matters in her oil-rich nation, but also we talked about Haiti, we talked about Cuba, of course, we talked about engagements with Venezuela and the way forward.

Persad-Bissessar confirmed that she is among several Latin American leaders invited to attend the one-day Shield of the Americas summit that President Trump is scheduled to host at his resort in Doral on March 7.

Rubios much-anticipated visit comes amid mounting U.S. pressure on eastern Caribbean nations to reform their Citizenship by Investment program  which allows foreign nationals to get passports for as little as $100,000 investments  military strikes on boats in the southern Caribbean and intensifying scrutiny over the regions ties to Cuba and Venezuela.

The Trump administration, which has prioritized mass deportations, also wants countries to open their doors to rejected asylum seekers in the U.S. Caribbean governments have long maintained close ties with Cuba, which has invested heavily in the region through healthcare agreements and scholarships for Caribbean nationals. But with the U.S. blocking shipments of oil to the island, leaders say they fear a spillover effect from Cubas humanitarian crisis into the wider Caribbean.

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Douglas said he hoped the meeting would include an emphasis on continued cooperation between CARICOM countries, leaders and people, and the United States of America, government and people.

We are basically neighbors. As a result of that, what transpires in one country naturally affects us as neighbors. We want to make sure that the critical issues, particularly our views of Haiti, particularly views on other countries in the Caribbean, where there seems to be, at the moment, some uncertainty. We want to have clarity on those issues, he said.

That includes Cuba, Douglas added.

CARICOM wants to ensure that the humanitarian crisis, which may be escalating in Cuba, that it is seriously looked at and adjusted. We have our people who have studied there, who continue to be there, Douglas added. We believe in the Cuban people their rights to enjoy quality of life like other people, and we will do our best to emphasize those matters.

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Browne, the prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda, said after Wednesday he does hope there is a reset in the relations.

We hope that this will be a reset, one in which there will be strong relations, one in which the United States will understand the vulnerabilities of Caribbean countries, the needs of Caribbean countries, and one in which they will work with us to adjust those vulnerabilities while at the same time strengthening our common security interests and ensuring that this hemisphere remains a zone of peace, he said.

I know some people dont like to hear it, but that is what keeps us united, and that is what helps to fuel growth and development within the Caribbean region, Browne added. His eastern Caribbean nation is one of two, along with Dominica, recently placed on a partial visa ban by the Trump administration. Haitian nationals who do not have U.S. visas or whose travel documents expire are under a full ban. .
A casual night out with friends in Center City ended with a phone and credit cards being stolen and thousands of dollars in fraudulent charges.

Within five minutes of meeting friends at Garage Rittenhouse on the 1500 block of Spruce Street, the victim, who did not want to be identified, said her phone and credit cards were taken from her purse.

"I had my purse, my zipper was closed. I didn't even feel it, which is also really scary," she said.

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Over $8,000 worth of items were charged to one of her cards, the victim said.

"Definitely a little anxious, I'm still worried about the process getting my cards closed and those charges taken off of my card," she said.

Philadelphia police said two incidents have been reported at Garage Rittenhouse within the last month -- one last Friday and a similar incident in January.

According to a post in a Philadelphia Facebook group, the victim said thefts have also been reported at several other bars in the neighborhood.

The victim said her boyfriend tried to alert bar staff after realizing their belongings were missing.

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The couple attempted to track the phone using "Find My Friends," which showed it was down the street, but nothing was recovered. The victim said she went home to immediately start working on closing her cards.

"Which is the scary part, I didn't feel anybody touch me. There's so many people around, I think being in a bigger group made me more susceptible to it," she said.

The victim said more than $8,000 in charges were made on her card at Target, Walmart and T-Mobile in Philadelphia, which she is now trying to resolve.

Action News has not heard back from Garage Rittenhouse for comment.
The government has said there is "no pause" in its Chagos Islands deal despite a minister earlier telling MPs that the UK was "pausing" the process of passing the legislation to transfer control of the territory to Mauritius.

A government source said "there is no pause, we have never set a deadline and timings will be announced in the usual way".

Foreign Office Minister Hamish Falconer was answering questions from MPs when he said the UK was "pausing" the process while "discussions" happened with the United States.

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The move comes after US President Donald Trump urged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to scrap the deal last week, despite earlier expressing support for the treaty.

The Chagos Islands - officially known as the British Indian Ocean Territory - are located in the Indian Ocean and Britain has controlled them since the early 19th century.

The deal would see the UK cede sovereignty of the territory to Mauritius, and pay an average cost of 101m a year to lease back a joint UK-US military base on the largest island.

The UK is in the process of passing legislation to ratify the deal and on Wednesday, Falconer faced questions about that in the House of Commons.

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"There was support from the US administration for this treaty, which has not changed," Falconer said.

"There clearly has been a statement from the president of the United States more recently, which is very significant.

"And as I told the house [of Commons] we are now discussing those concerns with the United States directly. We have a process going through Parliament in relation to the treaty.

"We will bring that back to Parliament at the appropriate time. We are pausing for discussions with our American counterparts."

In earlier comments in the Commons, Falconer said the deal was going "through Parliament in the normal way".

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"We are pausing in discussions with the United States," Falconer said. "And those discussions continue."

Earlier, the prime minister's spokesperson told reporters the UK's position had not changed and the focus was on "discussions with the US on next steps".

Mauritius's Attorney General Gavin Glover said he was not surprised by the minister's comments.

"There has been no discussion on the legislative process for the last three weeks," Glover.

"I note that it says a pause from the legislative process and not a backing off.

"I am in close contact with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office."

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The deal has been thrown into doubt by President Trump, who last week posted on his Truth Social platform to urge Sir Keir to not "give away Diego Garcia", home to the UK-US military base.

Trump said "this land should not be taken away from the UK" and called the deal "a blight on our great ally".

The comments came despite the US Department of State giving its official backing to the UK government's plan a day earlier.

The US State Department said it had nothing to add, following Falconer's comments in the Commons.

Legislation delayed

The Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill is designed to enshrine the Chagos Islands agreement into UK law.

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It is in the final stages of its passage through Parliament and is currently in the House of Lords.

A debate on the bill was pulled in January after the Conservatives - who have long opposed the deal - tabled an amendment calling for a pause "in light of the changing geopolitical circumstances".

Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty defended the agreement and accused Conservative peers of using "parliamentary stunts" to try to "sabotage" the legislation.

The bill has not been on the order paper in the Lords since then and no date has been set for the next stage.

Last week, Politico reported that the legislation would be delayed but Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones said it would return to the Lords "as soon as parliamentary time allows".

Opposition pressure

Britain has controlled the Chagos Islands since 1814 and evicted its inhabitants in the 1960s to make way for the military base on Diego Garcia.

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The islands became formally established as an overseas territory in 1965, after the British government paid Mauritius a 3m grant to retain the archipelago.

Last year, the UK government agreed to hand over control of the islands to Mauritius, arguing the future of the military base had been threatened by recent international court decisions.

Under the deal, the UK has agreed to pay 101m annually for 99 years to keep control of the UK-US military base.

Many Chagossians see the deal as a betrayal and want to see the UK retain sovereignty over the islands so they can one day return to their homeland.

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The Conservatives and Reform UK are staunchly opposed to the deal as well.

MPs from those parties have been travelling to Washington to lobby American politicians, in a campaign aimed building opposition to the agreement in the US.

Speaking in the Commons on Wednesday, Reform UK MP Nigel Farage said there was "no basis, historically, culturally, in any way, for Mauritius to have a claim on those islands".

He said the region could "finish up with a turf war going on between India and China in the region".

Farage claimed the Maldives were about to issue a counter-claim to the International Court of Justice over the Chagos Islands in "just a few days".

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"If anybody has the right to the sovereignty of those islands, it is the Maldives and not Mauritius," Farage said. "And I would urge you to pause all of this."

Shadow foreign minister Wendy Morton said the Chagos deal would leave Britain "weaker, poorer and less safe".

"This is not a legal necessity," Morton said. "It's a political choice made by a floundering prime minister and it's British taxpayers who are left to pay the price."
A new Chick-fil-A will open in Lees Summit on Thursday, according to a company news release.

The new location, 1001 SW Jefferson St., will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and offer various dining options including drive-thru, carry-out, third-party delivery and a drive-thru lane for mobile orders, according to the release.

Chick-fil-A is a fast food franchise that has served chicken sandwiches, chicken nuggets, salads, fries, ice cream and drinks since it was founded in Atlanta in 1967. Since then, it has expanded to over 3,000 locations across 48 states, Canada and Puerto Rico, according to the Chick-fil-A website. This opening will be Kansas Citys 11th location.

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Lance Spencer, a Kansas City native, will be the local owner-operator of Chick-fil-A Oldham Village, according to the release. This will be his second restaurant in the area.

Opening a second restaurant in Lees Summit is a humbling milestone for me and my team, Spencer said in the release. This community has embraced us from the start, and were grateful for the opportunity to continue serving, mentoring and creating a positive impact, one meal and one relationship at a time.

Chick-fil-A will be celebrating the opening with a $25,000 donation to Feeding America to support local hunger relief efforts in Kansas City, according to the release, and will be participating in the companys Shared Table program, which directs surplus food to local nonprofits.
OZARK, Mo.  In Ozark, an otherwise somewhat empty corner at 2nd and Elm was filled with dozens of people waiting to hear from Christian County Sheriff Brad Cole.

With sheriffs from Webster, Douglas and Stone counties, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and even Governor Mike Kehoe, Cole gave his first remarks since Deputies Gabriel Ramirez and Deputy Michael Hislope were killed in the line of duty.

Today is a sad day for law enforcement in our community in southwest Missouri and across the state of Missouri, Cole said.

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Cole gave thanks to those providing support through this time, but provided a detailed outline of the events that horrifically altered Christian County this week.

Beginning with what was a routine traffic stop in southern Christian County, the stop turned deadly when Richard Dean Bird killed Deputy Ramirez.

Christian County Sheriff remembers fallen deputies Michael Hislope and Gabriel Ramirez

At 4:05 p.m., responding deputies arrived and found Deputy Gabriel Ramirez fatally shot, lying in the roadway, Cole said.

That then sparked a Code Blue and launched a nine-hour manhunt for Bird, who had previously bonded out of the Stone County Jail just days before.

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Cole could not specify why Bird was pulled over on Monday.

Authorities were able to find Bird late Monday night, near Reeds Spring in Stone County.

At 11:30 p.m. last night, the suspect was reported in a wooded area near the 2500 block of Highway 248. Multiple agencies responded to that area, Cole said. At 11:38 p.m., law enforcement started taking gunfire from the suspect in the wooded area.

It was in that response and ensuing gunfight that Deputy Michael Hislope was killed, and two other deputies, Josh Wahl from Christian County and Austin McCall from Webster County, were wounded.

Bird was killed in the exchange.

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Who was Richard Bird? Criminal History Details

Multiple law enforcement officers exchanged gunfire with the suspect and ultimately eliminated the threat, Cole said. There was attempted communication. There was no response from the suspect other than him shooting at us. That was his basic response.

Cole says authorities are still working on the investigation, even as the sheriffs office mourns the loss of Ramirez and Hislope.

Were trying to plan two funerals and support our injured deputies, Cole said. This is not something that goes away after that. This is a lifetime, and we will be honoring them for a lifetime.

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Cole adds that despite the dark day, the county will respond in a positive way.

Anytime that you lose to law enforcement officers in a 24-hour time period. Theres nothing that, that I can think of, thats good about that. It is, it is a dark day, but, as you can see from [the memorial], were going to build from that, Cole said.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.
Democratic lawmakers introduced legislation Wednesday to protect the Pride flag at national park sites, including New York City's Stonewall National Monument, after the Trump administration previously ordered the flag removed from the historic LGBTQ+ landmark.

Keep up with the latest in LGBTQ + news and politics. Sign up for The Advocate's email newsletter.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced last week that he was drafting a bill to codify federal protections for the flag. The move came after President Donald Trump prohibited its display on certain government properties, including national parks. The bill was introduced in the House and the Senate by Schumer, Sen. Kristen Gillibrand, and U.S. Rep. Dan Goldman, all Democrats from New York, on Wednesday.

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Trumps directive spurred the Pride flags removal from Stonewall , a historic site where riots against police raids in 1969 propelled the gay rights movement. Property just outside the Stonewall Inn was designated as a national monument under President Barack Obama in 2016 .

Stonewall is sacred ground, and Congress must act now to permanently protect the Pride flag, Schumer said in a statement. The very core of American identity is liberty and justice for all. And that is what this legislation would protect: each national parks ability to make their own decision about what flag can be flown.

Related: Chuck Schumer drafts bill to protect Pride flags at national park sites like Stonewall memorial

The bill would give the Pride flag congressionally authorized status, allowing its display on federal property. The bill also condemns the removal of the Pride flag at Stonewall, and urges its restoration.

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President Trumps removal of the Pride flag at Stonewall was just the latest in an endless series of gratuitous and cruel attacks on the LGBTQ+ community, Goldman said Wednesday. Were introducing legislation to make sure it cant be taken down again.

The flag in question had been displayed at Stonewall since 2022, and its removal met swift blowback from New York City residents, civil rights groups, and elected officials.

Local leaders raised a new Pride flag at the monument site on February 12, despite Trumps order. The New York City Council passed a resolution condemning the flags removal. And two federal lawsuits were filed challenging the federal governments authority to remove the flag outright.

Related: Hundreds fill the streets near Stonewall as NYC community members reraised Pride flag Trump ordered removed

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The banner at Stonewall was the first LGBTQ+ Pride flag to be permanently raised on federal land.

Stonewall is the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ movement, and removing the rainbow flag was a blatant attempt to erase our nations history, Gillibrand said Wednesday. We cant let this sort of hateful act happen ever again.

This article was written as part of the Future of Queer Media fellowship program at The Advocate, which is underwritten by a generous gift from Morrison Media Group . The program helps support the next generation of LGBTQ+ journalists.

This article originally appeared on Advocate: Chuck Schumer leads New York Democrats bill to protect Pride flags at Stonewall & national park sites

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A Cook County judge has ruled that the city of Chicago systematically overcharged residents for city stickers and other parking violations for more than a decade.

Thousands of Chicago drivers could be in line for refunds totaling more than $100 million.

This class action lawsuit involves more than 1 million tickets issued between 2012 and 2022, most of which involved city stickers. One of the two named plaintiffs says he was hit with four tickets within weeks in 2017 and 2018, totaling $1,600, debt he says cost him his job as a rideshare driver.

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"One day, I went on the app, and it was just said, you can't, you can't drive until this this fee is paid, or you've resolved your city, your debt with the city of Chicago," said plaintiff Kyle Garchar.

Kyle Garchar is one of thousands of Chicago drivers that a judge ruled were systematically overcharged for city stickers and other parking violations.

The lawsuit stems from an Illinois law that prohibits the city from assessing more than $250 in fines and penalties for standing, parking or compliance violations. According to the suit, the city assessed as much as $400 for city sticker violations.

"The problem with the city of Chicago is... it can't help itself when it comes to ticketing revenue," said Zolna Swetland Attorney Jacie Zolna.

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Zolna, the plaintiffs' attorney, says it has been an eight-year battle in court, and at no point, he says, did the city of Chicago try to settle or compromise on this lawsuit.

"The law department literally gambled with taxpayers' money, and they lost. And I, just as a taxpayer myself, I'm a Chicago resident, I just find that to be outrageous, that that they would be so careless in handling a financial liability like this for the city, so carelessly?" Zolna said.

Zolna pointed to a November 2022 City Council Finance Committee meeting when a city attorney appears to admit that its ticketing practices were found to be in violation of the state imposed $250 limit.

"It would be illegal for us to fine... to issue these fines under the court's ruling. So, if we did issue them, we would expose ourselves to litigation," said City Attorney Mark Siegel.

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Garchar says his fines and penalties racked up so quickly, he immediately questioned the legality of the city's practices. Years later, a judge ruled in his and the class' favor.

Garchar said, "$1,600 in tickets is... I think, insane, for anyone to experience, and you know, when looking at it, I think I just looked at myself and said, 'Well this is something worth fighting for.'"

The city of Chicago's Law Department says it's evaluating all legal options, including an appeal. However, as attorneys for the plaintiffs point out, an appeal would just go up to the appellate court that ruled against the city three years ago.
The scattered wreckage of the 1948 A-model Bonanza was identified by comparing photos, taken from a circling Cessna, with ones of the formerly pristine polished-aluminum airplane. It had fallen and slid more than a mile after flying, under control and at cruising speed, into the sheer cliff that formed one face of a 12,000-foot mountain.

There it remained. The terrain was too hazardous to permit recovery of the wreckage.

This Article First Appeared in FLYING Magazine

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The pilot, 78, had been a colorful figure in his hometown of Haines, Alaska. He was a "true aviator," according to a fellow pilot, "who possessed an innate' understanding of all aspects of flight from philosophical to mechanical," and there were "very few, really a small few" other pilots with his level of knowledge of the area. His logbook recorded more than 28,000 hours, but he had evidently become tired of detailing every flight. The last entry was for 243 hours, ostensibly representing flights between Haines and Juneau, a distance of 75 miles, in 2022 and '23.

The purpose of the accident flight was to take a man and woman from Juneau to Yakutat, where they operated a flying service. Whether the woman passenger was pilot rated is unclear from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report on the accident, but the man, 53, held, like the Bonanza pilot, an ATP license. Both pilots were therefore instrument rated, highly experienced, and thoroughly familiar with the area of southeast Alaska over which they were flying.

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That part of Alaska, colloquially called the Panhandle, is a mountainous coastline dotted with hundreds of islands and riddled with channels and fjords. Airplanes are the only means of reaching places, other than very slowly. Yakutat is 210 miles from Juneau. Between them lies Glacier Bay National Park and a mountain range misleadingly called Fairweather, whose ridges generally rise to 5,000 or 6,000 feet above sea level. A single pyramidal peak, Mount Crillon, towers above the rest of the range.

On the day of the flight, the METAR report called for clouds and mountain obscuration. ADS-B data showed the Bonanza, which left Juneau in midafternoon, initially tracking northwestward toward Yakutat. After flying in that direction for 72 miles, it turned to a slightly south of westerly heading for another 30 miles, then turned due westerly, cruising at 141 knots at 10,875 feet. Presumably these course changes were made to circumnavigate clouds. But at some point they must have flown into cloud, because otherwise the Bonanza's ADS-B track would not have abruptly ended at the east face of Mount Crillon.

Let us leave the demolished Bonanza for a moment and pan six months back and hundreds of miles to the southeast to Independence, Oregon, where a private pilot is returning from practicing instrument approaches in a 172 at McMinnville (KMMV), 25 miles distant. It's not yet 5 o'clock, but it's mid-December and the sun has set.

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On the ground at McMinnville, the pilot, 35, received a call from his instructor telling him that fog had moved into Independence, ground visibility was 500 feet, and that he should not try to return. The pilot replied that he had ample fuel, so he would fly down and have a look. If he couldn't land at Independence (7S5), he would use one of several nearby

alternates.

Approaching Independence from the north, the 172 flew a left downwind leg for Runway 34. A mile and a half past the threshold, it reversed course and then descended toward the runway. It crossed the extended centerline, passing 500 feet west of the threshold. Now flying parallel to the runway, it struck a power line tower at 69 feet agl, crashed inverted, and burned. All three occupants of the airplane died.

The men in the airplane were Afghan refugees, and all three had formerly been pilots in the Afghanistan air force. The pilot flying the 172 had logged 150 hours in the U.S., on top of 1,200 flying Cessna 208s in his native country. All three had instrument ratings, but, despite their considerable flying experience, they had to start again from scratch to earn American pilot certificates.

This accident and the one in Alaska were different in most ways, but the NTSB's findings of probable cause were nearly identical: "The pilot's decision to continue the visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted" in Alaska, in "controlled flight into terrain," and in Oregon, in "collision with an obstacle while landing."

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That the Alaska pilot flew into instrument conditions is unproven, but it's a safe assumption, because if he could have seen the mountain he certainly would not have flown into it. That there was fog at Independence was well established, but the quality of the problem it presented was different. The sky above was clear; the fog was on the ground. The pilot had triggered the landing lights, and so could probably see them and the nearby town lights quite clearly from above.

But ground fog is deceptive. From above it's transparent, because you're looking through a shallow layer. But when you descend into it, you're looking obliquely through it, and it's as opaque as any cloud. Most likely the pilot believed that he would be able to see the runway to land and only at the last moment lost forward visibility.

Apart from the obvious elements the NTSB identified, these accidents had something else in common. The pilots weren't alone. In Alaska, at least two pilots, both highly experienced and

intimately familiar with the environment, were in the airplane. In Oregon, there were three pilots.

Why did the multiplication of eyes and minds not prevent the accidents?

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The answer, I think, may have something to do with the absence of a formal crew structure. Members of a crew understand that one of their roles is to monitor and, if necessary, question the actions of their colleagues. In principle, at least, personal relations shouldn't matter.

Without a crew structure, the presence of several pilots creates a social situation that can undermine rather than reinforce safety. The PIC may feel that they have something to prove. Conversely, the pilot may feel doubts about how to proceed but interpret the silence of the others as approval and encouragement.

Pilot-passengers may hesitate to offend the PIC by questioning their judgment or may be reluctant to appear anxious or unsophisticated. Or they may find their own discomfort alleviated by the apparent confidence of the other.

Or, in the simplest and perhaps the commonest case, they may feel so confident in the pilot flying that they simply subside into passivity. To hold the controls of an airplane is easy. To snatch them from another pilot, literally or figuratively, is one of the hardest things a pilot might have to do.

This column first appeared in the February Issue 967 of the FLYING print edition.


Feb. 25 (UPI) -- Colombian President Gustavo Petro signed a formal request to begin convening a National Constituent Assembly, joining members of his Cabinet at a ceremony in Cartagena.

The initiative, the government said, responds to what it describes as an "institutional blockade" that has hindered approval of several social and economic reforms promoted by the executive branch.

The call for a constituent assembly, already authorized by the relevant electoral authority, requires support from more than 2 million citizens, equivalent to 5% of the national voter registry.

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A citizen-led committee has been formed to gather the required signatures within six months. The committee aims to collect 3 million signatures, although Petro had previously suggested a goal of 10 million, local newspaper El Espectador reported.

Petro has been the main advocate of the initiative to reform Colombia's Constitution. He first raised the possibility of a constituent assembly nearly two years ago and revived the proposal in recent months.

The president has framed the effort as a way to "deepen social reforms" that he argues are necessary for Colombians. He has said the proposals would be of "popular initiative" and that "any citizen will be able to submit proposals," although they would ultimately be subject to the decision of a citizen committee.

Opposition sectors have criticized the proposal because it would unfold during an active electoral calendar.

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Critics argue that the signature-gathering process could allow government-aligned figures, including public officials, to campaign in ways that benefit left-wing candidates in the March congressional elections and the May presidential vote, newspaper El Tiempo reported.

Petro has outlined nine thematic areas that would guide the constituent debate. These include changes to the pension system, healthcare, education, public utilities and the mining code, as well as initiatives related to data sovereignty and artificial intelligence.

He has also proposed deepening agrarian reform and strengthening Colombia's adaptation and mitigation efforts in response to climate change.

The proposal also calls for a new territorial framework for the country, a judicial reform and changes to the political and electoral system, including adjustments to campaign financing, mandatory voting and recall mechanisms.

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It further contemplates immediate legislative implementation of the 2016 peace accords with former guerrilla group FARC, policies addressing drug trafficking and measures aimed at comprehensive national security.

The possibility of holding a constituent assembly remains in its early stages.

If the required number of signatures is reached, the proposal must be debated in Congress. If lawmakers approve it, a national referendum would be called for voters to decide whether to convene the assembly, El Expreso reported. The process also would require review by Colombia's Constitutional Court.
A Columbus woman is facing criminal charges after the Ohio Attorney General's office says she purposefully drove up prices in online auctions to inflate prices.

The 36-year-old woman is facing four felony counts in connection with the scheme, according to Attorney General Dave Yost's office, which is prosecuting the case.

Court records say the woman used fake identities to bid on 760 auction items between July 2022 and March 2023. According to court records, these bids made it seem like the items were more in demand than they actually were in a process called "shill bidding."

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The woman's bids caused prices to be inflated by about $9,000 during that time frame, court records say. The woman did the bidding on items sold through her own business on the online auction platform Capital City Online Auctions.

The unusual bidding activity alerted the Ohio Department of Agriculture, which regulates auctions, and an investigation between that agency and the Attorney General's office began.

Court records say the woman created a bidder profile with personal information she had stolen from a 55-year-old man, with his profile often being the second-highest bidder on an item.

The woman is also accused of using her mother's bidding profile to place hundreds of bids to create an appearance of competition when the bids were being placed by accounts managed in the same place. Court records say the woman also accessed the bidding profile of a 69-year-old Reynoldsburg woman without that person's permission.

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The woman's first court appearance is scheduled for March 6.

Reporter Bethany Bruner can be reached at bbruner@dispatch.com.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Illegal online auction bids end in criminal charges for Columbus woman




While a morning winter clipper storm prompted many Connecticut school districts to close for the day or delay their opening, some did not, resulting in a few superintendents issuing apologies.

The morning snowfall was nothing compared to the record blizzard that hit the state earlier this week, but its timing created slippery roads and difficult driving conditions as students would need to be heading out to school.

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Some districts like Bridgeport, Wallingford, Southington and Danbury initially were going to operate on a delayed opening Wednesday, but as the snow began falling in the early morning, the superintendents decided to call for a snow day.

"Personally, for me, I never think about things like the end-of-year dates, vacations or even consecutive snow days. I think about the day and forecast right in front of me," Southington Superintendent Steven Madancy told CT Insider, referencing that under state law, Connecticut public school districts must provide a minimum of 180 school days each year for grades K to 12.

So if a superintendent chooses to call off school due to inclement weather and it puts a district under the 180-day threshold, school must be made up. According to the state Department of Education, pivoting to a virtual learning day does not count.

"In this instance, the timing of the storm left a chance that we could still get the day in," Madancy said.

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Many districts in lower Fairfield County did not call for a snow day or even a delayed opening, causing outrage on social media with people commenting about messy roads causing unsafe commutes for students and staff. Superintendents in Fairfied, Darien, Greenwich, Stamford and Norwalk issued apologies to their communities about their decision to hold school as normal Wednesday.

Darien Public Schools Superintendent Eric Byrne wrote in his note that he regretted his decision.

"The forecast shifted and more snow fell than originally anticipated. I assure you that I will do better next time," he wrote.

Greenwich Superintendent Toni Jones and Fairfield Superintendent Michael Testani both wrote in their respective notes that student tardiness was not going to be counted due to the road conditions and that if a student could not make it to school, parents should call their school to get the absence excused.

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Norwalk Public Schools' Superintendent Alexandra Estrella also wrote in her apology note that "no student or staff member will be penalized for arriving late, as your safety comes first."

"Every superintendent in most districts will tell you that one aspect we do not enjoy is making snow calls! Again, my apologies to those of you who found the travel treacherous this morning as I never want to put any of our staff, students, or families in challenging travel situations," Jones wrote.

Though in New Canaan, Superintendent Bryan Luizzi called for a two-hour delay for students in kindergarten through sixth grade due to the heavier-than-expected snowfall. He made the call before those students were picked up by their school buses. At that time, however, the middle school and high school students were already in class.

"Prioritizing safety, the decision to pivot to a 2-hour delay was the right one," he wrote in an email to CT Insider.

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Some districts outside of Fairfield County operated normally, including Cheshire, Enfield and Hartford. However, Cheshire district officials notified families that buses were running behind schedule because of slower travel due to road conditions.

Around 10 a.m., parents at Norton Elementary School received a message from Principal Jodie Roden, confirming that all students who ride the bus had arrived safely.

"Thank you for the care you took into helping our walkers and parent drop offs arrive safely as well," she said.

Cheshire Public Schools Superintendent Jeff Solan also wrote an apology note to parents about the decision to remain open, saying "the thinking at the time was that it was safe to start school on time rather than delay into accumulating snow."

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"I am sorry for the understandable anxiety that my decision caused everyone this morning," he wrote.

In Hartford, district leaders weigh several factors when making weather-related decisions, including forecasts, road conditions and building readiness. Facilities teams check that schools are operational, and that parking lots, entrances and sidewalks are cleared and treated. Previous closures were tied to the City of Hartford parking ban, school officials said.

The district also considers the impact on working parents, potential disruptions to meal services, and the safety of staff, according to the district's spokesperson.

As part of the state's Regional School Choice Office program, Hartford also accounts for decisions in surrounding districts, including those affecting Hartford students who attend suburban schools and suburban students who attend school in the city.

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Enfield operated on a three-hour delay on Tuesday and Superintendent Steven Moccio said each weather event is evaluated individually, with decisions based on communication with weather agencies, the local Department of Public Works and neighboring school districts.

"These are never simple decisions and while early notice to parents is preferred, it is often not possible," Moccio said. "A decision as to whether to open, close, delay, or early release is made with the safety of our students, staff, parents, and bus drivers in mind."

Moccio said the final decision must be made in the early morning hours, typically no later than 5:15 a.m.

Due to the number of snow days, some districts may have to tack on days at the end of the school year to get to the 180-day threshold.

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In New Haven, for example, two days were initially built into the calendar, but that dropped to one when the Board of Education decided to extend holiday break by one day to avoid having students return to the classroom on a Friday.

So far, the district has called off school for four days, including Wednesday, due to snow, meaning there are three days New Haven Public Schools must make up.

"Those days will have to be added to the end of the school year," wrote Justin Harmon, New Haven Public Schools' director of marketing and communications. "That said, we won't formalize a new end-of-school calendar until after we get through the snow season and know where we stand."

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

This article originally published at Connecticut superintendents apologize after keeping schools open during snowy commute.
As data center proposals pop up across the state, Michigan communities are pushing back, raising questions about their environmental and economic impacts and calling on lawmakers to institute protections against these resource intensive facilities.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2025 signed laws providing tax breaks for data center equipment, however, by the end of the year a bipartisan group of lawmakers had already proposed bills to repeal the tax breaks

On Wednesday, the Michigan House Oversight Subcommittee on Corporate Subsidies and State Investments welcomed Christy Gillenwater, a retired senior management consultant specializing in mergers and venture capital, to discuss investments into these facilities, the implications data centers hold for could surveillance technology and the likelihood of the stock market bubble fueled by the artificial intelligence market bursting.

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What we have here is too much financialization in the market, Gillenwater said, referring to a trend over the past 20 years where capital is invested simply to create more cash, rather than to produce anything valuable.

While breaking down the structure and the buildout of these projects, Gillenwater noted that data centers are often located in areas with abundant natural resources, energy grids with capacity and comparatively inexpensive rates, with tax exemptions also playing a role in generating profits on the financial side of this venture.

She explained that energy companies balance their economic interests in these hyperscale facilities on two factors: the likelihood that the company will fail to deliver on its financial obligations, and whether the costs to serve the facility can be spread across its customer base.

Utilities are insisting that it will not, but it has yet to happen where a hyperscaler did not increase energy rates, Gillenwater said.

Christy Gillenwater, a retired senior management consultant specializing in mergers and venture capital. Feb. 25, 2026 | Screenshot

Water use for these facilities is often minimized through careful wording, Gillenwater said, and backup power  like diesel generators  is generally not addressed in project proposals.

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Additionally, data center developers are not required to detail every aspect of their project to the public.

Communities are asked to approve, not comprehensive infrastructure systems, but a partial description that treats the most significant impacts as externalities, Gillenwater said, noting that hyperscale centers have come into communities only for residents to find that the facilities impacted their infrastructure more than promised, leaving community members on the hook for those improvements.

Additionally, Gillenwater said the data centers of today are not equipped to produce artificial general intelligence, or artificial intelligence on-par with human intelligence, which has yet to be invented. However, they can house surveillance tools, Gillenwater said, warning that the unchecked growth of companies like Palantir could eliminate privacy from surveillance.

While concluding her testimony, Gillenwater warned that there will be an AI bubble in the stock market, pointing to an uptick in Wall Street investments into credit swaps.

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A credit default swap is a short sell, and thats what you do if you think things are not going to do well in the future, she said.

As far as what could happen in that case, Gillenwater said data centers could claim financial distress, which would lead to a flurry of mergers. There could be stranded assets, she explained, ranging from builds that arent completed to builds that have been completed that are abandoned and everything in between.

She warned that maintaining the tax breaks for data centers in the state would only harm the people of Michigan, advocating for citizen control over major infrastructure projects and to keep the value of the states land, water, and the next generation in mind.
Feb 25 (Reuters) - Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos will attend meetings at the White House on Thursday to discuss the streaming giant's bid to acquire Warner Bros Discovery's assets and President Donald Trump's demand to remove board member Susan Rice, Politico reported on Wednesday.

In the heated takeover battle, Netflix has offered $27.75 per share or $82.7 billion for Warner Bros's studio and streaming assets, while rival Paramount escalated the fight on Monday with a higher $31 per share offer for the whole company.

Netflix did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Trump has demanded that Netflix fire its board member Rice after she said that corporations that "take a knee" to him could face consequences if Democrats regained power.

Trump said in a post on Truth Social that Netflix should fire "racist, Trump Deranged Susan Rice, IMMEDIATELY, or pay the consequences", hitching onto a post from right-wing activist Laura Loomer that he must kill the Netflix-Warner Bros deal.

However, Trump said earlier this month that he would stay out of the fight over Warner Bros and let the Justice Department handle it, reversing his position from late last year when he said he would be involved in reviewing the deal.

It was not immediately clear whether Sarandos would meet with Trump on Thursday, the Politico report said, citing two people familiar with the discussions.

The DOJ's antitrust division is reviewing the proposed Netflix transaction, along with the competing, hostile bid from Paramount.

The recent departure of the division's head has added uncertainty to enforcement as companies intensify lobbying around major merger cases.

Paramount's CEO is David Ellison, whose father, billionaire Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, has cultivated a close relationship with Trump.

(Reporting by Harshita Mary Varghese in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel and Shinjini Ganguli)
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas is firing back at allegations made by Tyler Technologies, a Texas-based company contracted to upgrade Cook County's property tax system.

Tyler Technologies claimed their team has faced bullying and threats from the Cook County treasurer. Maria Pappas says she is doing what she needs to make sure Cook County residents get their money back.

"These 80,000 people who are owed $181 million, I can't write a check," Pappas said.

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In a nine-page letter to Pappas, which she provided to ABC7, the company's CEO says Tyler Technologies will no longer work directly with Pappas, accusing her of repeated abuse and profane behavior.

SEE ALSO | South Barrington woman still waiting on $9K refund 1 year after proving home was wrongly assessed

"Seriously? What are they afraid of? Let me tell you what they're afraid of. They're afraid of me continually confronting them. I've written over 30 letters to Tyler asking for the cancellation of this contract. Ask the county board to do it, pointing out all of their defects, pointing out everything that they've done wrong, pointing out the fact that I can't get the bills out, pointing out the fact that I can't get the distributions out," Pappas said.

The letter cited multiple exchanges Pappas allegedly had with Tyler's leadership team, including a statement to attorney Abby Diaz where Pappas allegedly said, "You're a [expletive] idiot. Can you speak English? Learn to speak English. I'm going to ruin you."

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READ MORE | Millions of dollars in limbo at Cook County Treasurer's Office due to computer upgrade

Pappas recalled her exchange with Diaz.

"I call Abby [Diaz], and I say, 'Listen, I'm going over your head. I'm going to call the board of directors of Tyler and expose what's going on here. Because I've had it. I'm not going to wait a second longer to get these $181 million worth of checks out to 80,000 people. What are you thinking?'" Pappas said.

The ABC7 I-Team previously reported on Tyler Technologies and massive county-wide delays for people waiting on property tax refund checks. Pappas said she has demanded answers and accountability. But the tech company accuses Pappas of deliberately sabotaging their project.

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RELATED | Likely Cook County property tax bill delay spurs blame game between politicians, contractor

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said in a statement, in part, "The alleged language and conduct directed at Tyler Technologies by the Treasurer are troubling and unacceptable. Public officials are expected to lead with integrity, demonstrate respect, and uphold the highest ethical standards, fostering public confidence in government."

The statement continues to say that the matter was referred to the Department of Ethics and Humans Rights for review. Pappas says she is not afraid, and this isn't over until Tyler Technologies takes accountability and people can get their checks.
Republican Sen. John Cornyn on Monday said a Democrat taking his Texas seat would be the first crack in the red wall as he raises alarm about the states competitive GOP primary.

The incumbent said that either Democrat contender  James Talarico or Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas)  absolutely has a chance of winning in the red state, especially if they face the states attorney general, Ken Paxton, in the general election.

We havent elected a Democrat since 1994  but this would be the first crack in the red wall, and unfortunately, thats what is being put at risk as a result of the corruption and the baggage that Ken Paxton brings to this race, Cornyn told Fox News.

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Texas is among a handful of conservative-leaning states where Democrats are eyeing upsets in a bid to take control of the Senate, along with Iowa, Ohio and Alaska.

Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-Texas) are both challenging Cornyn in a tight race thats expected to spill from the March 3 primary into a May runoff.

As the primary nears, Cornyn has upped his warnings of a GOP massacre in the Lone Star State if Paxton wins the Republican nod, pointing to controversy swirling around his opponent.

Paxtons campaign has shrugged off the critiques, emphasizing the attorney generals double-digit wins in past elections, as well as Cornyns struggle to clinch a majority in recent polls.

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A polling average from Decision Desk HQ shows Paxton roughly 4 points ahead of Cornyn in the Republican primary, at roughly 32 percent support to 28 percent, respectively. Hunt brought in 19 percent.

Cornyn on Fox News drew parallels between Talarico, who gained steam in the Democratic primary after controversy around a CBS Late Show appearance that didnt air, and Democrat Beto ORourke, who came within a few points of toppling Sen. Ted Cruz (R) during 2018.

Hes pretty slick and  with media and obviously drawing crowds  hes offering change, Cornyn said, though he argued that Talaricos approach is not the sort of talk, as you know, thats going to attract mainstream Texans in November.

The last Democratic senator in Texas, which voted for Trump by double digits in 2024, was ousted more than two decades ago. A statewide win for the party has since been seen as a long shot, but Democrats have grown increasingly bullish about their chances with two formidable contenders for their party, plus a tough GOP primary.

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Scientists are philosophers, explorers, data collectors and number crunchers. They are also storytellers, placing data within a broader scientific and societal context. How they tell these stories matters.

In our work as ecologists, we find that the hero-villain narrative trope is a popular tool in ecology and conservation writing. For example, wild pigs  a hybrid of human-introduced wild boars and domesticated pigs  are often characterized in science articles as pest animals that devastate or destroy ecological communities by preying on vulnerable species. One study deemed them the real big bad wolf.

This framing does not reflect technical terms but storytelling decisions meant to help readers understand the data and results to come.

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But this way of storytelling has costs. In our recent paper, Beyond hero and villain narratives in ecology and conservation science, published in 2025 in the journal BioScience, we demonstrate that simplifying complex ecological stories into good guys and bad guys is limiting the way ecologist and conservation scientists understand and communicate science.

When villains dont fit the script

In our paper, we show that using the hero-villain trope in ecology and conservation writing has three problems.

First, by definition, a villain is not only doing bad but is morally bad. As a result, villains are judged and held accountable for their deeds. But plants, animals and ecosystems are not morally responsible for their actions because they do not operate within human-constructed moral frameworks. The hero-villain trope therefore invites an inappropriate moral interpretation of nature.

When species are reported as destructive or harmful without careful context, the audience can easily internalize the species as inherently bad or malicious, which informs how we treat them.

For example, human-introduced predators such as rats and stoats in New Zealand are often villainized in academic literature, described as disaster on four paws and pitted against the fragile populations of unique birds, lizards and insects.

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This framing then can convince people that excessively painful or violent eradication methods, such as slow-acting poison, are justified.

No clear-cut roles

Second, real ecosystems dont have clear-cut heroes or villains. Rather, species roles in ecosystems are complex. For example, white-tailed deer perform ecosystem functions such as helping disperse seeds throughout their habitat, yet their presence can also lead to biodiversity loss due to high levels of plant consumption.

Therefore, reducing a species to good or bad" can misrepresent the multidimensional roles of animals in ecosystems, which frequently shift.

A musk ox can affect ecosystems in very different ways, depending on its environment. imageBROKER/Martina Melzer via Getty images

For example, due to the complex interplay between animals and soil properties, in wet tundra environments musk ox can lead to an increase in ecosystem carbon storage, while in dry tundra environments they can lead to a decrease in ecosystem carbon storage.

Good or bad depends on human values

Finally, the herovillain framing embeds cultural and ethical assumptions without always acknowledging them. These assumptions often reflect culturally specific beliefs about which species and ecosystems are valued.

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For instance, many cultures value native species  typically meaning a species that has evolved in and occupied an ecosystem without human introduction. As a result, introduced animals are frequently deemed responsible for native species extinctions, even when evidence is lacking.

But whether a species is native is not automatically good or bad. Nonnative species can change ecosystems in ways that people value, such as restoring ecosystem diversity and functioning that was lost from human-driven extinctions. At the same time, nonnative species can also cause changes that people do not value, such as reducing abundance of native species.

The key point is that deciding which of these outcomes is good or bad depends on human values. When scientists describe species as villains without explaining these values, the framing can present values as objective scientific conclusions.

A different way to tell the story

Our paper highlights alternative narrative structures that scientists can use to engage readers without creating heroes and villains in academic writing and storytelling.

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For example, a place-based narrative structure focuses on the description of a place and the characters within  think Planet Earth, the BBCs landmark nature documentary series that immerses viewers in different ecosystems around the world.

This narrative structure guides the audience through a landscape and allows for the exploration of many characters in a nuanced, value-neutral and compelling way. A classic ecological example is Henry Chandler Cowles study of the Michigan sand dunes, which frames ecological dynamics through the instability of place itself. Perhaps no topographic form is more unstable than a dune, Cowles wrote, as plants must adapt within years rather than centuries, the penalty for lack of adaptation being certain death. The drama within the narrative comes from place  its constraints, its pressures, its opportunities.

Another powerful narrative tool we highlight that can be applied to academic storytelling is the Will they, or wont they? structure, the kind of tension you see in Pride and Prejudice or When Harry Met Sally. This structure can work surprisingly well in ecology.

In our paper, we highlight partial migration  whereby some animals in a population migrate while others dont  as an example of how someone could use this narrative tool.

Scientists are still figuring out why certain individuals make different choices. Is it driven by food availability, the presence of predators, or behaviors acquired by social learning?

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Framing research narratives around that central, unresolved question  will an individual animal migrate or wont they?  builds suspense and keeps readers engaged, without casting a hero or villain.

Theres no final battle scene in conservation. No singular villain to defeat, no final victory for the hero. Scientists know that understanding nature requires humility and a willingness to revise their stories as new information is gained.

By moving beyond heroes and villains, scientists can tell narratives that make space for nuance, recognize their own biases, and acknowledge conflict without caricature.

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: Adam Meyer, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Kristy Ferraro, University of Michigan

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Adam Meyer receives funding from the National Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

Kristy Ferraro receives funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.
The countries include Cyprus, Poland, Sweden, Serbia, Australia, Singapore, India, and the United States, with the advisories ranging from warnings to diplomatic evacuations.

Several countries have begun withdrawing dependents of diplomatic personnel and non-essential staff from some locations in the Middle East, or advising citizens to defer travel to Iran, amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran.

The Cypriot Foreign Ministry advised its citizens to avoid all travel to Iran and leave the country immediately on January 13, 2026.

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Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Polish citizens should leave Iran immediately.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk gives a press statement at the Munich Residence palace, prior to the traditional dinner on the occasion of the Munich Security Conference (MSC), on February 14, 2026 in Munich, southern Germany. (credit: Michaela STACHE / AFP via Getty Images)

The Swedish Foreign Ministry advised its citizens to avoid all travel to Iran and leave the country immediately on January 12, 2026, later saying in February that people who decided to stay should not expect the government to help them evacuate.

Serbia's Foreign Ministry has told its nationals in Iran to leave as soon as possible due to increased tensions and the risk of a deterioration of the security situation.

Non-European nations issue advisories

The Australian Foreign Ministry announced on X that dependents of Australian diplomats in Israel and Lebanon should leave the two countries, citing a deteriorating security situation in the region. It also offered voluntary departures to the dependents of Australian diplomats in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Qatar. It continues to advise citizens in Israel and Lebanon to consider leaving while commercial options remain available.

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The US State Department announced that it is withdrawing non-essential staff and eligible family members from its embassy in Lebanon amid tensions with Iran. The US's virtual embassy to Iran issued a travel warning in early February, reiterating a call urging all US citizens to "leave Iran now."

Singapore's Foreign Ministry advised citizens to continue to defer all travel to Iran.

The Indian embassy in Iran advised citizens currently in Iran to leave by available means of transport, including commercial flights.
The countries where you can still buy European residency, and what it actually costs in 2026

Three years ago, an investor with 500,000 euros and a desire for European residency had half a dozen options. In 2026, that list has shrunk considerably  and the programs that remain are more expensive, more complex, and more competitive than ever.

Spain closed its Golden Visa to new applications in April 2025, ending a 12-year-old program that had attracted thousands of real estate-based investors. Ireland shut its immigrant investor program in 2023. The United Kingdom ended its Tier 1 investor visa in 2022. Portugal eliminated real estate purchases as a qualifying route in October 2023, though it kept the program alive through alternative investment channels.

For non-EU citizens seeking European residency through investment, the remaining options are navigable  but they require careful comparison. Minimum investments range from 250,000 to 2 million euros, processing times vary from three months to over two years, and the paths to citizenship differ dramatically from one country to the next.

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Movingto.com highlights what every current European golden visa program costs, requires, and delivers in 2026  ranked from the lowest minimum investment to the highest.

Portugal  250,000 to 500,000 euros

Program: Golden Visa (Autorizacao de Residencia para Atividade de Investimento)

Launched: 2012

Status: Active, but reformed. Real estate route eliminated in October 2023.

Portugals Golden Visa is the most established residency-by-investment program in Europe and has attracted over 7.3 billion euros in total investment since launch, according to official statistics compiled by Movingto.com. Approximately 17,700 main applicants and 42,600 total beneficiaries have obtained residency through the program.

Since the 2023 reforms, the qualifying routes are:

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Cultural heritage donations: 250,000 euros (reduced to 200,000 euros in low-density areas)

Investment funds: 500,000 euros in CMVM-regulated venture capital or private equity funds

Scientific research: 500,000 euros supporting certified research institutions

Job creation: Establishing a business that creates at least 10 positions

According to Movingto.coms internal data from over 2,500 processed applications, 96% of current applicants choose the fund route, 3% opt for cultural heritage, and 2% choose scientific research.

Minimum stay: 7 days per year (averaged over two-year renewal periods)

Citizenship timeline: 5 years from application date  though pending legislation may extend this to 10 years

Processing time: 12 to 24 months through AIMA

Family inclusion: Spouse, children, and dependent parents

Portugal remains the benchmark for European golden visas. No other program matches the combination of a low minimum-stay requirement, a clear citizenship pathway, and over a decade of operational track record.

Hungary  250,000 euros

Program: Guest Investor Residence Permit

Launched: July 2024 (relaunch; original program ran 2013-2017)

Status: Active. Real estate route abolished January 2025.

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Hungarys reintroduced golden visa is the newest program on this list and one of the most affordable. The primary route is a 250,000 euro investment in real estate fund units registered with the Hungarian National Bank, with at least 40% of the funds assets allocated to Hungarian residential property. A second option  a 1 million euro donation to a public trust university  exists but is rarely used.

The programs standout feature is its permit duration: 10 years, renewable for an additional 10 years, making it the longest initial validity of any European golden visa.

Minimum stay: None required to maintain residency

Citizenship timeline: 8 years of continuous residence after obtaining permanent residency (available after 3 years)

Processing time: Approximately 3 to 6 months

Family inclusion: Spouse, minor children, and dependent parents

The main trade-off is program maturity. Hungarys golden visa has been operational for less than two years in its current form, and only two government-approved funds were available as of early 2026. By comparison, Portugals fund marketplace includes more than 30 regulated options.

Greece  250,000 to 800,000 euros

Program: Golden Visa

Launched: 2013

Status: Active. Significant threshold increases took effect in September 2024.

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Greece introduced a tiered pricing structure that took effect on Sept. 1, 2024, fundamentally changing its value proposition. The country that once offered a flat 250,000 euro entry point across all locations now operates a three-zone system.

Zone A (Athens/Attica, Thessaloniki, and islands with over 3,100 inhabitants  including Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, and over 30 others): 800,000 euro minimum, single property of at least 120 square meters

Zone B (all other regions): 400,000 euros minimum, single property of at least 120 square meters

Zone C (commercial conversions and heritage buildings): 250,000 euros, regardless of location

Nonproperty routes also exist: 500,000 euros in government bonds, 800,000 euros in shares or corporate bonds, or 350,000 euros in qualifying mutual funds  though these are rarely used compared to real estate.

Minimum stay: None required

Citizenship timeline: 7 years of continuous tax residence, plus language and culture exams Processing time: 4 to 9 months (though backlogs have caused longer waits)

Family inclusion: Spouse, children under 21, and parents of both applicant and spouse

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Greeces program remains real estate-centric, which is both its strength and its vulnerability. Investors get a tangible asset with rental income potential  but they also take on property management, maintenance, and the risk that Greece may follow Portugal and Spain in restricting or eliminating real estate as a qualifying route in the future. Short-term rentals (such as Airbnb) are now prohibited for Golden Visa properties, with violations carrying a 50,000 euro fine and potential permit cancellation.

Italy  250,000 to 2,000,000 euros

Program: Investor Visa (Visto per Investitori)

Launched: 2017

Status: Active.

Italys investor visa is often overlooked but offers one of the fastest processing times in Europe  typically three to four months. The qualifying routes span a wide range.

Innovative startups: 250,000 euros in a government-approved Italian startup

Italian companies: 500,000 euros in share capital of an established Italian limited company

Philanthropic donation: 1 million euros to a project of public interest

Government bonds: 2 million euros in Italian treasury securities

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The initial permit is valid for two years, with a three-year renewal  shorter than most competitors. Italys citizenship timeline is also the longest among active European programs at 10 years of continuous residence.

Minimum stay: No strict minimum, but applicants must demonstrate intent to reside Citizenship timeline: 10 years of legal residence

Processing time: 3 to 4 months

Family inclusion: Spouse and minor children

Italys main appeal lies in its flat-tax regime for new residents: qualifying investors can pay a lump sum of 300,000 euros per year on worldwide income (with an additional 50,000 euros per family member), valid for up to 15 years. For high-net-worth individuals with significant global income, this can represent substantial tax savings  though professional tax advice is essential.

Malta  about 99,000 euros or more (combined fees, plus property)

Program: Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)

Launched: 2021

Status: Active.

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Maltas program is structured differently from most golden visas. Rather than a single large investment, it combines several smaller financial commitments:

Government contribution: 37,000 euros

Administrative fee: 60,000 euros

Property: Purchase at 375,000 euros minimum, or rent at 14,000 euros or more per year for five years

Charitable donation: 2,000 euros to an approved NGO

The total outlay for a renting applicant starts at roughly 99,000 euros in fees and contributions, plus 70,000 euros in rent over five years. Buyers are looking at a minimum of approximately 475,000 euros all-in.

Maltas key differentiator is that the MPRP grants permanent residency from day one  not a temporary permit that requires renewal. It also offers a potential pathway to citizenship by merit (formerly citizenship by investment), though that route was restructured in 2025 and now requires a residency period plus demonstrated exceptional contribution to Malta.

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Minimum stay: None required to maintain permanent residency

Citizenship timeline: 12 to 36 months of residency before citizenship-by-merit eligibility (separate process and cost)

Processing time: 4 to 8 months

Family inclusion: Spouse, children under 29, parents, and grandparents

Malta is the only English-speaking EU country with a golden visa, which makes it particularly attractive to American and British investors.

Cyprus  300,000 euros

Program: Permanent Residence by Investment

Launched: 2021 (current version)

Status: Active.

Cyprus offers permanent residency for a 300,000 euro real estate investment, plus a 30,000 euro fixed-term bank deposit held for three years. The program is relatively straightforward and processes quickly  typically within two to four months.

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Minimum stay: One visit every two years

Citizenship timeline: 7 years of continuous residence (with at least 5 years of the final 7 spent in Cyprus)

Processing time: 2 to 4 months

Family inclusion: Spouse, children under 25, and parents of both applicant and spouse

Cyprus closed its citizenship-by-investment program in 2020 following corruption scandals, and the current residence program is more modest in scope. The islands appeal is its speed, low taxes (no wealth tax, inheritance tax, or gift tax), and geographic proximity to the Middle East  making it particularly popular with investors from the Gulf states and South Asia.

The Programs That No Longer Exist

Several prominent European golden visas have closed in recent years, narrowing the field considerably.

Spain (closed April 2025): Required 500,000 euros in real estate. Attracted thousands of investors and over 1 billion euros annually in foreign investment. Ended due to housing affordability concerns.

Ireland (closed February 2023): Required 1 million euros in approved investments. Closed amid political pressure and low utilization.

United Kingdom (closed February 2022): Required 2 million pounds minimum. Ended over concerns about money laundering and insufficient economic benefit.

Portugal real estate route (closed October 2023): The property-based pathway that drove the vast majority of the programs 7.3 billion euros in investment was eliminated, though the program continues through fund-based and other qualifying routes.

How the Remaining Programs Compare

Overview table indicating data on European residency and citizenship by investment programs. - Movingto.com



*Portugals 5-year citizenship pathway may extend to 10 years under pending legislation currently before Parliament.

What Investors Should Know Before Choosing

The right program depends entirely on an investors priorities. For those who want the fastest path to EU citizenship, Portugals current five-year timeline  if it holds  remains unmatched. For investors who want a tangible real estate asset, Greece still offers that option, though at a higher price than before. For speed of processing and tax efficiency, Italy and Malta each have distinct advantages. And for those seeking the longest permit duration at the lowest cost, Hungarys 10-year renewable permit at 250,000 euros is hard to beat on paper, though the programs limited track record is a consideration.

What is clear from the data is that the era of cheap, easy European residency through property purchases is ending. The programs that remain are increasingly structured around managed funds, business investment, and economic contribution  a shift that rewards careful planning over impulse purchases.

Methodology: This analysis draws on program regulations and official government sources current as of February 2026, including Portugals Lei n. 56/2023, Greeces Law No. 5162/2024, Hungarys Guest Investor Programme legislation, Italys Investor Visa regulations (Legislative Decree no. 147/2017), Maltas MPRP regulations (L.N. 121/2021), and Cypruss Permanent Residence by Investment scheme. Portugal-specific statistics are drawn from AIMA data as compiled by Movingto.com, with internal client data from over 2,500 processed applications. Investment minimums reflect the lowest qualifying entry point for each program; total costs including legal fees, government charges, and ancillary expenses will be higher.

This story was produced by Movingto.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has admitted it illegally obtained phone data from a Belfast journalist and created a profile on him, which included the names of his wife and mother-in-law.

In one operation against Vincent Kearney, it gleaned information relating to 1,580 calls or texts he made and received.

The PSNI also created a "profile" on him, which contained details about his vehicles and his family.

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Its actions were aimed at identifying his journalistic sources.

Details have emerged at the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) in London, in a case being brought by Kearney and the BBC, who was his employer at the time.

Last year, as part of the case, MI5 conceded it breached his source protection and privacy rights by accessing his communications data in 2006 and 2009.

Among the issues the tribunal is being asked to decide upon are damages, and whether the BBC was also a victim of unlawful interferences of journalistic material.

'Treated as a suspect'

Speaking outside court, Kearney said he had been "treated as a suspect rather than a journalist".

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He went on: "This case has established that I was the target of a systematic and years-long pattern of law enforcement agencies illegally accessing my journalistic sources and mapping my professional activity.

"This has had a chilling effect on my ability to conduct public interest journalism with source relationships damaged and, in some cases, destroyed."

Fresh details on communications surveillance emerged at the IPT hearing on Wednesday and in legal papers.

Kearney, who is seeking damages, worked for the BBC for 18 years until 2019, when he joined RTE, where he is currently its northern editor.

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The PSNI targeted him numerous times between 2009 and 2014.

It included investigations into the murder of PC Stephen Carroll in Craigavon in 2009 - Kearney received the Continuity IRA claim of responsibility - and other probes seeking to uncover sources for his policing and security stories.

The PSNI has said the relevant legal framework at the time was later held to be inadequate in cases involving journalistic material.

The Metropolitan Police has also admitted unlawfully obtaining Kearney's data twice in 2012.

'Must never be repeated'

Kearney's lawyer, Jude Bunting KC, told the IPT there were seven separate police or MI5 operations in which communications data was unlawfully acquired over a period of more than ten years.

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Information obtained included phone billing data and "subscriber names and address details" in respect of the numbers which had contacted Kearney.

The hearing is expected to last a number of days - some of it will be held in the absence of the media and public.

Adam Smyth, the Director of BBC Northern Ireland, said: "The independence of the BBC is hard won and we will stop at no lengths to defend our journalism.

"What happened to Vincent Kearney was completely wrong. He was treated as a suspect not as a journalist.

"His rights as a journalist were not respected."

He said the collection of source data is not just "deeply worrying" for the BBC and Kearney, but "they are important issues for all of journalism".

The first indications of action against Kearney emerged during another case brought by two other journalists, Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney [PA Media]

Speaking to BBC News NI outside the court on Wednesday, the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) general secretary, Laura Davison, said that "journalists have to be free to do their work in the public interest and we need to know what's happened here".

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"We need to know whether it's impacted other colleagues within the BBC. There has to be clear accountability and transparency in terms of what's taken place," Davison said.

"We're calling for there to be a full public inquiry surveillance into journalists in Northern Ireland, that has to be what comes out of this."

Speaking ahead of the hearing, Amnesty International's Northern Ireland director Patrick Corrigan said he expected it would reveal "more about the true scale" of surveillance journalists faced.

"What is ultimately required is full transparency, genuine legal accountability, and a decisive end to unlawful spying on the media," he added.

'Strikes at the heart of press freedom'

NI Director of Amnesty International UK Patrick Corrigan has called for a public inquiry into the unlawful surveillance of journalists.

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He said the findings "expose a pattern of unlawful surveillance that strikes at the heart of press freedom".

"No press can remain truly free while secretly monitored by the very power it is meant to hold accountable," Corrigan said.

"That is why we are asking the Secretary of State to set up a public inquiry.

"Only a full independent public inquiry with the power to compel evidence can restore trust, deliver accountability and safeguard press freedom in Northern Ireland."

He has also called on Hilary Benn to establish a commissioner for covert law enforcement in Northern Ireland to "ensure covert surveillance techniques are only used within the law".

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Deirdre McCarthy, Managing Director, RTE News & Current Affairs said the scale of the surveillance was "deeply concerning".

"We will protect public interest journalism, enabling those involved to do their work, reporting stories without fear and undermining. This is particularly significant in relation to security and legacy issues in Northern Ireland.

"Any deliberate circumventing of long established legal protections of journalists and their sources damages trust in media and ultimately our democracy," she added.

The first indications of action against Kearney emerged during an IPT case brought by two other journalists, Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney.

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They were spied upon illegally in an attempt to uncover their sources.

The PSNI was ordered to pay each 4,000 in damages in 2024 for unlawful intrusion.

Following their legal action, the PSNI asked a lawyer, Angus McCullough KC, to conduct an independent review of its surveillance of journalists and lawyers.

He reported it was not "widespread or systemic".
In yet another setback in a decades-long fight for justice, farmworkers poisoned by a toxic pesticide had a French appeals court reject their case, saying the damages awarded were too high, Deutsche Welle reported.

"We lost on the substantive public policy issue, with the court ruling that the damages were disproportionate, which we believe to be an error of assessment," said Raphael Kaminsky, a lawyer representing the farmworkers, per DW.

Kaminsky vowed to appeal the ruling.

What's happening?

Despite noted health risks, the pesticide known by the brand name Nemagon was widely used on banana plantations from the 1960s until as late as the 1980s. Though the United States banned its use in 1977, other countries, including Nicaragua, continued to allow it, according to DW.

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Nemagon "is considered a highly toxic and likely highly carcinogenic compound," per The Violence of Development website. It also is known to cause infertility and birth defects.

"The chemical can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact and persists for decades in the water and soil of contaminated areas, giving it a particularly dangerous legacy," the website states.

The U.S. banned the pesticide after it caused infertility among workers at an Occidental Chemical factory in California, yet its makers continued to sell Nemagon to Nicaragua, where Standard Fruit used it widely on banana plantations.

"I honestly think it's impossible to quantify the damage," said Grettel Navas, an assistant professor at the University of Chile who specializes in toxic pollution and public health, according to DW.

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For decades, farmworkers who have suffered serious health consequences from their exposure to Nemagon have sought justice. In 2006, the workers achieved a massive victory, with a Nicaraguan court ordering Shell, Dow Chemical, and Occidental Chemical to pay $805 million in damages, per DW.

However, despite the court order, two decades later, workers still have not been able to collect.

Why is it important?

The tragic tale of Nemagon exposure is just one example of the ways in which the widespread use of toxic chemicals can destroy lives, with impacts on health and the environment that linger for decades.

It also shows how giant corporations can make massive profits on substances known to be highly dangerous and then escape accountability later.

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Similar situations are raising alarm bells to this day. For example, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is moving toward re-approving the herbicide dicamba despite its links to serious ailments, including pediatric cancer.

The herbicide paraquat, which has been banned in approximately 70 countries because of its known health risks, remains legal in the U.S.

What's being done about it?

Though justice has evaded survivors of Nemagon exposure, dedicated attorneys and advocates continue to fight on their behalf. Similarly, environmental and public health champions are working to have dangerous chemicals banned from use.

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New York City was absolutely thumped by the winter blizzard, including the hardest-hit borough of Staten Island, which topped out at 29 inches of snow in some areas.

Families living on a street in New Brighton say they always have to fend for themselves.

"The past two snowstorms, nothing. On occasion with a snowstorm you get one plow, once," said New Brighton resident, Barbara Lindsay.

Darla Miles has more on the slow-moving snow removal process in parts of New York City, including on Staten Island.

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At the intersection of Cortelyou Place and Kirby Court, the only sign of any activity since the blizzard, were all of the footprints in the knee deep snow.

"This is one way. So, if you can't get in from Cortelyou, there's no place else for us to go. We're stuck here," said New Brighton resident, Shaun Winter.

Kirby Court is one of the many narrow, hilly streets on Staten Island that sanitation crews have difficulty accessing.

"So, as we went plowing yesterday morning, we were finding a lot of those challenges became more apparent, and that's when we immediately made adjustments to bring extra personnel and equipment to the island," said Department of Sanitation Acting Commissioner Javier Lojan.

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In West Brighton a plow was left behind in in the middle of the street after a truck got stuck Monday around 8 p.m.

"The plow was coming up and kind of slid over. So, no matter what they were doing, they couldn't move it backwards or forward," said West Brighton resident, Rob Mitchell.

The tow truck sent by the city got stuck. A second tow truck got stuck too.

"The initial driver got relieved by someone, who then got relieved by another man," said West Brighton resident Claire Mitchell.

After 17 hours of sanding and shoveling, the street was finally cleared around 1 p.m.

In Westerleigh, some tighter streets still weren't among the 99% that had gotten at least one plow pass, and if they had gotten one, residents said it's not enough.

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"Once is not enough for this amount of snow. I don't know what happened here, this time around," said a resident named Roseann.

It's enough to feel dangerous for the people who live on Willard Avenue.

"We're trapped. We need the street cleared. Everyone was out on Monday cleaningthe sidewalks," said resident, Liesl Marshall.

The aftermath of the blizzard also had an impact on the attendance rate at New York City Public Schools, including on Staten Island where some schools had attendance of around only 20%.

CeFaan Kim is outside Tottenville High School where students told Eyewitness News it wasn't a very productive day.

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"Yeah, there was like no point honestly," said one student. "We just come in, sit there, do some homework and just walk out."

"All we did was just sit around. They let us on our phones because they didn't really care because no one was there," said another student.

There wasn't exactly a stampede out the gate during dismissal at Tottenville High School.

Elected officials on Staten Island say only about 16% of students made it to class. On top of the absent students, 180 faculty members here also could not make it in.

Still, some parents say the city was simply not prepared.

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"It's not safe though, a lot of streets in Staten Island aren't plowed," said one parent. "Side streets, especially like this, don't look safe right now. Looks like there's downed trees, branches."

The borough president agreed with parents.

"Was just very, very unsafe, but unwise or ill advised and it's showing the parents of Staten Island exercise very good judgment in my opinion," said Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella.

The city on Tuesday admitted that sanitation crews faced challenges on narrow streets in the borough, and on Tuesday night said that it's added 100 more pieces of outside equipment to snow removal efforts in the borough, and hundreds more personnel.

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"A lot of those challenges became more apparent, and that's when we immediately made adjustments to bring extra personnel and equipment to theisland," said Department of Sanitation Acting Commissioner Javier Lojan.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani tried to justify the reasoning behind moving back to in-person learning on Tuesday.

"First, New York City public schools were not in a position to facilitate remote structure with students coming back from mid-winter break, it was not possible to ensure that enough students had the devices they needed to effectively participate in remote leaning," Mayor Mamdani said. "Second, our public schools go beyond providing a designated place for kids to learn. They are critical to the health and wellness of nearly 900,000 children across our city. Whether it's a warm meal, essential mental health support, or a source of child care for working parents."

"This was not a decision we agreed with, but we understood, I understood their point of view," said UFT President Michael Mulgrew. "You know there are a lot of families. This is their only access to daycare for childcare, but teachers get upset when they hear these things cause we're not a babysitting service. We're an educational institution."

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According to the Department of Education, 12,000 of the 78,000 teachers called out sick on Tuesday, with DOE only able to slot 5,000 substitute teachers to replace them.

The teachers' union points out that many teachers do not live in the district they work in. So many of them are parents too, with kids in closed school districts, forcing them to stay home with the same childcare needs.

To close or not to close city schools has always been a "lose lose" situation for mayors.

For many families with two working parents, skipping two days in a row of work is not easy or even possible.

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Alaskas only Indigenous-owned, small-ship cruise line known for its immersive expeditions through the state is shutting down operations.

Alaskan Dream Cruises is closing business operations and canceling future cruises, according to the company announcement on its website.

Since 2011, Alaskan Dream Cruises has had the privilege of sharing the wonders of Alaska and the richness of our Alaska Native heritage with incredible guests from across the globe, reads the statement. It has been an equal honor to work alongside extraordinary communities, partners, and crew.

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Effective immediately, Alaskan Dream Cruises has ceased business operations and will no longer be operating future sailings, the statement continues.

According to The Silicon Review, the cruise line faced insurmountable financial pressures from rising operational costs, competitive pressures, and a challenging post-pandemic recovery.

The outlet reported that Alaskan Dream Cruises has notified passengers and travel partners of the cancellations. Refunds are being organized, but the company notes that the timeline may be prolonged.

In a statement, Jamey Cagle, one of the owners said, This decision was intentional and necessary, according to The Independent. After careful evaluation of our long-term objectives, we determined that concluding cruise operations allows us to responsibly focus our resources where they will have the greatest impact.

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While Alaskan Dream Cruises ceases operations, its sister company Allen Marine Tours will continue sailing through Southeast Alaska, according to the Travel Market Report.

I think I can speak for everyone in the Alaska tourism industry, that Alaskan Dream Cruises closure is a huge loss, Ruth Rosewarne Kimerer, a director at the Alaska Travel Industry Association told Travel Market Report. As the only Indigenous-owned cruise line, they delivered a unique product to Alaska travelers.

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Cuba has accused 10 people aboard a US-registered speedboat it intercepted off its coast on Wednesday of planning "an infiltration with terrorist aims".

Border guards shot dead four people and injured the other six on the boat, the Cuban interior ministry said, alleging that those on the Florida-registered vessel had fired first.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was investigating the "highly unusual" incident.

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The deadly shooting comes at a time of increased tension between the two countries, less than two months after US forces seized Cuba's close ally, Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, and stopped his successor from supplying it with oil.

Cuba's interior ministry said in an online statement that the speedboat had entered Cuban territorial waters and was "one nautical mile off Cayo Falcones", on the country's northern coast, when it was intercepted.

It added that the commander of the Cuban boat was injured in the firefight that ensued.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said Cuba would "defend itself with determination and firmness against any terrorist and mercenary aggression against its sovereignty and national stability".

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Later, Cuba's deputy foreign minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio told reporters the US had shown a "willingness" to cooperate on "clarifying these regrettable events".

[BBC]

He named 10 individuals believed to be on board, confirming four of them had been killed. Cuban authorities said earlier all 10 were Cuban nationals residing in the US.

They also identified an 11th person they said had been arrested and had confessed to being part of the alleged plot.

Fernandez de Cossio said all information was still preliminary but more details would be provided in coming days.

The Cuban authorities added that most of them had "prior records involving criminal and violent activity".

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Handguns, assault rifles and improvised explosive devices were recovered from the speedboat, along with other tactical gear, according to the statement.

BBC Verify checked the speedboat's registration details provided by the Cuban embassy in US (FL7726SH, Florida registered) but they yielded no ownership details or tracking history on any of the platforms the BBC relies on.

Cuba's interior ministry has in the past denounced other incursions into its territorial waters by privately owned US boats it said were engaged in smuggling Cubans from the Caribbean island to the US.

The incident also comes almost 30 years to the day since Cuban defence forces shot down two small civilian planes belonging to Brothers to the Rescue, a US-based group that searched for rafts carrying migrants from Cuba to the US.

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Four people aboard were killed in the 1996 incident, triggering outrage in the US.

Before the Cuban government released some of the passengers' identities of Wednesday's incident, Rubio had said that the speedboat intercepted by the Cubans had not been carrying US government personnel.

The US secretary of state said Washington would not rely on information provided by the Cuban government, and would instead independently verify the facts of the case and what those on board were doing in the area.

He spoke from Saint Kitts and Nevis, where he had travelled to meet Caribbean leaders amid the Trump administration's push to ramp up pressure on Cuba's government, as well as other regional issues.

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Rubio, whose parents emigrated to the US from Cuba in the 1950s, has been a harsh critic of the Communist-run government in Havana.

He said on Wednesday that "Cuba's status quo is unacceptable" and "needs to change".

"They need to make dramatic reforms," he said, urging its Communist leadership to "open the space for both economic, and eventually political, freedom for the people of Cuba".

Last month, following the seizure of Venezuela's Maduro in a US military operation, Donald Trump told Cuba to "make a deal" or face unspecified consequences.

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The US president also said at the time that there would be "no more oil going to Cuba". His administration has blocked shipments from Venezuela and threatened tariffs on other nations delivering oil to the island.

The move has further exacerbated the already crippling oil and fuel shortages Cuba has been suffering for years.

On Wednesday, however, the US Treasury said it would ease some small private sector transactions, including oil sales, to "support the Cuban people, for commercial and humanitarian use".

The first Cuban interior ministry statement alluded to these tensions, saying that "in the face of current challenges, Cuba reaffirms its determination to protect its territorial waters" and safeguard its sovereignty.
Trade uncertainty is back on the table after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the bulk of President Donald Trumps tariffs. The president responded by imposing a global tariff of 10%, which he subsequently raised to 15%. There have been reactions globally, and the European Commission has called upon the U.S. to honor the deal previously negotiated, while India has delayed trade talks in light of the new developments.

Netflix's (NFLX) stock outperformed markets in the first half of 2025 as investors saw it as a bastion of safety amid the trade uncertainty. With trade uncertainty once again back on the table and artificial intelligence (AI) bubble fears haunting investors, could NFLXwhich is down over 41% from the record highs it hit in June 2025regain favor with markets? Lets explore.

More News from Barchart

www.barchart.com

Trade Uncertainty Is Back, But It Is Not As Severe

To begin with, the current trade uncertainty is not as severe as last year, and the 15% tariff would appear a lot more benign compared to the Liberation Day tariffs that Trump announced in April 2025. Moreover, markets have found a way to live with Trumps rhetoric on the assumption that the president would eventually mellow down the rhetoric. However, names like Netflix could outperform if the trade uncertainty were to increase any further.

Netflix Is Firing on All Cylinders

Netflix's business continues to do well, and the company added 23 million subscribers last year. While it is well below the 2024 and 2025 numbers, when it saw a bump in new members following the password sharing crackdown and launch of the ad-supported tier, it is still quite a healthy number. Streaming peers, particularly Disney (DIS), have been struggling to add new subscribers, and by continuing to grow its subscription base in high double digits, Netflix has yet again established itself as the undisputed king of streaming.

Netflixs ad business continues to grow well, and revenues rose over 2.5x to $1.5 billion last year. The company expects revenues to roughly double this year as it capitalizes on a growing subscription base on the ad-supported tier.

Netflixs operating margins expanded by 3 percentage points to 29.5% last year, and the company expects them to rise to 31.5% this year. Netflix expects its margins to keep expanding every year, which is not an unreasonable expectation, as it aims to keep content spending growth below the revenue growth.
The Cuban government said Wednesday that a speedboat from Florida that had entered Cuban waters was carrying weapons and that its occupants, Cuban nationals living in the U.S., allegedly planned to carry out terrorism on the island. Cuba's coast guard killed four people on the boat after the occupants opened fire, the interior ministry in Havana said.

The boat was one nautical mile northeast of the El Pino canal in Cayo Falcones, the ministry said, and had a Florida registration number. When five members of the Border Guard Troops approached the boat for identification, those aboard the speedboat allegedly began shooting. The commander of the Cuban boat was injured, the ministry said.

"As a result of the confrontation," four people aboard the speedboat were killed and six were injured, the ministry said. The injured parties "were evacuated and received medical assistance."

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Cuba's Interior Ministry said Wednesday night that the boat was carrying 10 people armed with assault rifles, handguns, Molotov cocktails, bulletproof vests, telescopic sights and camouflage uniforms, and the occupants of the boat were attempting to "carry out an infiltration for terrorist purposes." The ministry said all 10 people were Cubans living in the U.S., and alleged that most "have a known history of criminal and violent activity."

The ministry identified one of the four who were killed as Michel Ortega Casanova. Six others who were arrested were identified as Amijail Sanchez Gonzalez, Leordan Enrique Cruz Gomez, Conrado Galindo Sariol, Jose Manuel Rodriguez Castello, Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara and Roberto Azcorra Consuegra.

Those identities and the alleged motives have not been confirmed by the U.S.

The ministry also said a seventh person, Cuban national Duniel Hernandez Santos, was arrested on the island of Cuba and alleged he had been sent from the U.S. "to guarantee the reception of the armed infiltration." Santos "at this time has confessed to his actions," the ministry said.

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters earlier Wednesday that the U.S. government doesn't have other information besides what the Cuban authorities have said. He said that the Department of Homeland Security, the Coast Guard and others are looking into the incident.

"We have our embassy on the ground in Havana working this as we speak," Rubio said, adding the U.S. is working to determine if the occupants of the boat were U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.

"According to the Cuban regime, the boat was registered in Florida. We're tracking that down ... We're gonna find out exactly what happened here and we'll respond accordingly," he said.

In a separate news conference, Vice President JD Vance said the White House is monitoring the situation.

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"Hopefully it's not as bad as we fear it could be. But can't say more, because I just don't know more," Vance said.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said in a social media post that he had ordered state prosecutors to "work with our federal, state, and law enforcement partners to begin an investigation."

Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar of Florida said she was "closely monitoring reports" of the incident, calling it an "unfolding situation."

Rep. Carlos Gimenez, who was born in Cuba, called the incident a "massacre" and said the use of lethal force against individuals on a boat registered to the U.S. raises serious concerns.

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"I am calling for an immediate investigation into this massacre," Gimenez said in a statement. "United States authorities must determine whether any of the victims were U.S. citizens or legal residents and establish exactly what occurred. The regime in Cuba must be relegated to the dustbin of history for its countless crimes against humanity."

Rep. Adriano Espaillat of New York told reporters he was informed of the incident when he stepped out to take a call during a Congressional Hispanic Caucus news conference at the annual House Democratic retreat in Leesburg, Virginia. Espaillat, the chair of the caucus, told reporters: "We're going to be getting more detailed information."

The Cuban government said it remained committed to "protecting its territorial waters."

Tensions between the United States and Cuba have been escalating recently, with President Trump putting new sanctions and tariffs on the Caribbean country after the operation to capture former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

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Marco Rubio addresses Cuba's statement that it killed 4 on Florida-registered boat

Hillary Clinton posts opening statement for Epstein deposition

Hillary Clinton's Epstein deposition paused after Rep. Lauren Boebert sent photo to commentator
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier promised an investigation into the deadly shooting of four people aboard a Florida-registered boat in Cuban waters Feb. 25.

"Ive directed the Office of Statewide Prosecution to work with our federal, state, and law enforcement partners to begin an investigation," Uthmeier said in a statement. "The Cuban government cannot be trusted, and we will do everything in our power to hold these communists accountable."

According to a release from the Cuban Ministry of the Interior, the vessel was registered in Florida under registration number FL7726SH. Along with the four dead, the Cuban government said six others were injured.

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"When a surface unit of the Border Guard Troops of the Ministry of the Interior, carrying five service members, approached the vessel for identification, the crew of the violating speedboat opened fire on the Cuban personnel," according to a social media post by the Cuban Embassy in the U.S.

What officials are saying about the deadly shooting aboard a Florida-registered boat in Cuban waters

Vice President JD Vance told reporters he was briefed on the situation by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

"Marco briefed me about 15 minutes ago on it, but we don't know a whole lot of details, and so I'll defer to the White House to provide more updates as we get them. Certainly, you know, a situation that we're monitoring. Hopefully it's not as bad as we fear it could be, but I can't say more, because we just don't know more."

Florida Rep. Carlos A. Gimenez called the reports alarming and also demanded an urgent investigation.

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I am calling for an immediate investigation into this massacre, Gimenez said. United States authorities must determine whether any of the victims were U.S. citizens or legal residents and establish exactly what occurred. The regime in Cuba must be relegated to the dustbin of history for its countless crimes against humanity.

U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz released a statement saying she was deeply concerned about the incident and had asked the State Department for more information.

This occurred in spite of ongoing Trump Administration negotiations with the Cuban regime Wasserman Schultz wrote on X. It goes without saying: we cannot trust the Cuban regimes side of the story without scrutiny. We need an immediate investigation of this shooting and accountability for the Cuban regimes repeated use of lethal force against Americans at sea.

U.S. Sen. Rick Scott shared a statement on X saying he agreed with Gimenezs reaction.

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We need a full investigation into this deeply concerning situation and to determine what happened. Scott wrote. The Communist Cuban regime must be held accountable!

Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar issued a statement that said she is awaiting more details and closely monitoring the situation.

USA TODAY Network - Florida writer C.A. Bridges contributed to this report.

Michelle Spitzer is a journalist for The USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA. As the networks Rapid Response reporter, she covers Floridas breaking news. 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://floridatoday.com/newsletters.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Officials react to Florida boat involved in deadly Cuba shooting
Cubas Ministry of the Interior has announced that its border patrol forces engaged in a shootout with a speedboat from the United States, killing four people.

In a statement published on social media, the Cuban government described the boat as having a licence plate from the state of Florida, a peninsula roughly 145 kilometres, or 90 miles, from the island.

It also accused the speedboat of firing the first shot, precipitating an exchange of gunfire.

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The crew of the violating speedboat opened fire on the Cuban personnel, resulting in the injury of the commander of the Cuban vessel, the statement said.

As of the time of this report, four aggressors on the foreign vessel were killed, and six were injured.

The shooting took place on Wednesday morning, offshore from the barrier island Cayo Falcones in Cubas north-central Villa Clara province.

In a follow-up statement, the Interior Ministry identified one of the four deceased as Michel Ortega Casanova. It also revealed the names of the six suspects arrested on the boat, all of them Cuban residents of the United States.

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Their mission, according to the Interior Ministry, was to carry out an infiltration for terrorist purposes on Cuban soil. It accused the 10 men of transporting guns, Molotov cocktails, bulletproof vests and camouflage as part of their efforts.

A seventh arrest, the ministry added, was made within Cuba itself. That person, identified as Duniel Hernandez Santos, was described as a citizen sent from the United States to facilitate the reception of the armed infiltration.

Investigations ongoing

Wednesdays incident is not the first time that Cuban authorities have engaged in a gunfight after allegedly intercepting US boats entering its territory.

Still, the latest example could prove to be particularly contentious, given the heightened tensions over the last two months between the US and Cuba.

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Already, there has been a political backlash to the shooting in the US, particularly within the right-wing Republican Party.

Floridas attorney general, James Uthmeier, announced his state would open a probe into the incident, amid calls for accountability in the US Congress.

Ive directed the Office of Statewide Prosecution to work with our federal, state, and law enforcement partners to begin an investigation, Uthmeier wrote on social media.

The Cuban government cannot be trusted, and we will do everything in our power to hold these communists accountable.

An investigation led by Cuban officials remains ongoing. The islands Interior Ministry, however, framed the border patrols actions as part of its larger defence of Cubas national sovereignty.

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In the face of current challenges, Cuba reaffirms its determination to protect its territorial waters, based on the principle that national defense is a fundamental pillar of the Cuban State in safeguarding its sovereignty and ensuring stability in the region, the ministry wrote.

United States Vice President JD Vance, meanwhile, described the situation as one the US was monitoring. He acknowledged he had spoken with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the incident.

Hopefully, its not as bad as we fear it could be, but cant say more because I just dont know, Vance said.

Rubio himself addressed the shooting from the sidelines of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) conference in St Kitts.

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Suffice it to say, it is highly unusual to see shootouts in open sea like that, Rubio said.  Its not something that happens every day. Its something frankly that hasnt happened with Cuba in a very long time.

He denied that the speedboat was part of a US government operation.

Still, Russias foreign ministry spokeswoman said on Thursday that the incident was an aggressive provocation by the United States aimed at escalating the situation and triggering a conflict, according to the TASS news agency.

Tense relations with the US

The shootout comes at a delicate time for Cubas international relations, as it becomes increasingly isolated  and as the US threatens military action in Latin America.

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One of Cubas closest regional allies, for instance, has seen upheaval at the hands of US forces. On January 3, US President Donald Trump authorised an early-morning military operation to abduct then-President Nicolas Maduro, transporting him to the US for trial.

Shortly after the attack, Trump and officials like Rubio issued statements suggesting they would welcome the fall of Cubas communist government.

Look, if I lived in Havana and I was in the government, Id be concerned, Rubio, a longtime anti-Cuba hawk, told reporters.

Trump, meanwhile, was more blunt. Cuba looks like its ready to fall, he said in the immediate aftermath of the Venezuela attack.

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In the weeks since, the US announced it would cut off supplies of Venezuelan money and oil to Cuba, and on January 29, it imposed an oil blockade on the island, threatening Cubas trading partners with sanctions.

In an executive order, Trump accused Cuba of representing an unusual and extraordinary threat to the US, citing its ties with adversarial governments like those in Iran, China and Russia.

The Government of Cuba has taken extraordinary actions that harm and threaten the United States, Trump wrote in the order. The regime aligns itself with  and provides support for  numerous hostile countries, transnational terrorist groups, and malign actors adverse to the United States.

Cuba is one of several countries that have been subject to a maximum pressure campaign under Trump, who has sought to exert increasing influence over the Western Hemisphere.

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Relations with the US, however, have long been tense. As far back as 1958, Cuba came under a US arms embargo that was later expanded in the 1960s to a full trade embargo, spanning all products and services.

The embargo cut Cuba off from one of its closest trading partners at the time. Officials and rights experts have also argued that the historically long embargo worsened humanitarian conditions on the island, which has suffered from a weakened economy and supply shortages.

History of shootouts

The US government, however, has cited a history of human rights abuses on the island as a reason for maintaining economic sanctions against Cuba.

In 2021, during Trumps first term, Cubas Ministry of the Interior and its leader, Minister Lazaro Alvarez Casas, were both sanctioned as perpetrators of serious human rights abuse and corruption around the world.

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The Cuban government has faced decades of accusations that it restricts free speech and violently represses dissent.

It also has a history of engaging in violent shootouts with boats it accuses of violating its territorial sovereignty.

The political repression, combined with economic turmoil, has forced many Cubans to flee the country over the past six decades.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in the early 2020s, for instance, one of Cubas main industries, tourism, saw a stark drop in revenue.

That, in turn, caused dire shortages of basic supplies, prompting nearly two million people  more than 10 percent of the population  to leave the island.

But the Cuban government has, at times, responded with violence to irregular migration from the island.

In June 2022, for instance, Cuba reported two shootouts in quick succession involving speedboats accused of smuggling its citizens abroad. One, on June 18 of that year, resulted in an officer wounded. A second, on June 27, resulted in the death of a person on board the speedboat.

In such cases, the Cuban government has typically framed the violence as spurred by the actions of the speedboats in question. It has also cited the need to protect its territory and stability.

There are activist networks, particularly in the large Cuban American community in South Florida, that have worked for decades to help refugees escape from the island.

But they, too, have experienced losses. One of the most famous incidents came in 1996, when a small plane piloted by the activist group Brothers to the Rescue was shot down by the Cuban military.

In his comments to the media, Secretary of State Rubio acknowledged that such shootings have happened in the past. But he underscored there was no intelligence so far to indicate a parallel between those events and what happened on Wednesday.

Yes, there have been people in the past that have run into Cuba to bring people and so on. It is illegal. It is a violation of federal law, Rubio said.

Weve caught people doing that in the past. It doesnt normally lead to shootouts, to be honest with you.

Backlash in the US

Florida politicians were among the first to condemn Wednesdays shooting. Congress member Carlos Gimenez, a Republican who represents the Florida Keys and southern Miami, said that the incident raises serious concerns about the use of lethal force.

United States authorities must determine whether any of the victims were US citizens or legal residents and establish exactly what occurred, he wrote in a statement.

Gimenez, who was born in Havana and fled the Cuban Revolution, then called for an end to Cubas communist government.

The regime in Cuba must be relegated to the dustbin of history for its countless crimes against humanity, he said.

Senator Rick Scott of Florida reposted Gimenezs appeal for an investigation and added his own message of condemnation: The Communist Cuban regime must be held accountable!

Speaking from the CARICOM conference on Wednesday, Rubio explained that the US Coast Guard had been deployed to the area.

At the time of his comments, Rubio explained that the US government only had the information supplied by Cuba. But, he added, US diplomats and military members were seeking more details to verify independently what happened.

 We have our embassy on the ground in Havana, working this as we speak, asking for access to the people that were on those vessels, if they were American citizens or permanent residents, Rubio said.

Im not going to speculate. Im not going to opine on what I dont know. But were going to find out exactly what happened here, and then well respond accordingly.
Police say seven boys in total, ages four and five, were battered. The north suburban day care says both employees no longer work for them and were removed after the allegations came to light.

Jessica Murillo, 36, of Morton Grove and Izabella Thompson, 23 of Chicago, were allegedly captured on surveillance video battering multiple children in their care at A Mother's Touch Learning Academy in Des Plaines.

Some parents of children at that day care told ABC7 off camera that the allegations are troubling.

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Police say it occurred over a two-and-a-half-week period last November and came to light after a parent told the day care a child was sprayed in the face with water in a classroom. From there, a review of surveillance video revealed a string of alleged batteries.

While reviewing footage, the day care found that the women had battered at least seven boys, aged 4 to 5, over the span of two weeks.

The day care reviewed the footage and suspended Murillo and Thompson, police said. A Mother's Touch says it also notified police and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

On Nov. 24, the directors and some of the parents filed a formal police report. Nearly three months later, Murillo and Thompson were formally charged.

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Thompson faces misdemeanor counts, but Murillo has been charged with felony aggravated battery for allegedly hitting a child in the face with a notebook, dragging a boy across the floor by his foot, causing his head to hit the ground, and hitting a child in the face with an open hand.

In a statement, the day care said, "The safety and wellbeing of the children in our care is always our top priority. We take this matter very seriously. As soon as we became aware of conduct that did not align with our standards, we immediately removed the staff members involved and notified the appropriate authorities, including the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. We are fully cooperating with the ongoing review and will continue doing so until the investigation is complete. The staff members involved are no longer employed by our school."

Police say none of the children were seriously injured or needed medical attention.

Murillo is due in court on Wednesday, and Thompson is scheduled to appear on March 30.

Des Plaines police said the day care was cooperative throughout the investigation.
As the Trump administration continues with its massive military build-up in the Middle East, it is not just the long-suffering Iranian people who will be hoping that a change of regime in Tehran will radically improve their fortunes.

Although Donald Trump claimed, in his State of the Union address on Tuesday, that his preference was to resolve the stand-off with Tehran over its nuclear ambitions through diplomacy, the sheer size of the American force being assembled in the region  the biggest witnessed since the 2003 invasion of Iraq  suggests some form of military action is in the offing.

The prospects of the US launching a fresh round of attacks against Iran, moreover, will remain high so long as Iranian negotiators continue to insist on the countrys inalienable right to conduct uranium enrichment activities, which the Wests intelligence community believes is aimed at producing nuclear weapons.

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It is a condition that Trump is unlikely to accept given his State of the Union pledge: I will never allow the worlds No 1 sponsor of terror... to have a nuclear weapon.

Irans latest confrontation with the US comes at a time when the Islamic Republic finds itself at its lowest ebb since the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s, when the Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein  with Western support  came close to toppling the ayatollahs.

With the Iranian economy on life support, and the regime struggling to contain the wave of anti-government protests, there is every chance that carefully targeted military action by the US could bring the entire edifice of the ayatollahs theocratic dictatorship crashing down.

Indeed, the US has reportedly drawn up a target list of key regime stalwarts, such as the Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his son, to be eliminated as part of a decapitation strategy aimed at achieving regime change in Tehran.

The US has reportedly drawn up a target list that includes the Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei - AFP

If the ayatollahs removal will be welcomed by the vast majority of Iranians who have endured nearly five decades of despotic rule, the Islamic Republics demise would have repercussions that extend far beyond Irans borders.

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While the Middle East, which has borne the brunt of Tehrans malign activities, would be the most obvious beneficiary, a radical change of government would also have profound geopolitical implications elsewhere.

In particular, Russia and China, which have forged strategic trade and military partnerships with Iran in recent years, would see their global standing seriously diminished, an outcome that no doubt explains the recent flurry of reports suggesting Moscow and Beijing are willing to provide Tehran with sophisticated weaponry.

Russia would suffer the most from regime change, as Iran has proved to be a valuable ally in supporting Vladimir Putins war effort in Ukraine, providing the Russians with constant supplies of drones and ballistic missiles. Having already lost one key ally in Venezuela this year following the overthrow of the former president Nicolas Maduro, Putins efforts to establish an alternative power axis to rival the US would suddenly look threadbare.

China, too, would find itself under pressure if it were no longer able to rely on the ready inflow of cheap Iranian oil  90 per cent of Irans discounted oil exports go to Beijing  to sustain its economy. Beijings Communist rulers will also be mindful that any leadership change in Tehran could have a negative impact on its ambitious Belt and Road initiative, a key part of the partnership pact signed between the two countries in 2021.

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The most immediate benefits of regime change in Tehran, however, would be felt in the Middle East, where the elaborate network of terrorist groups the Islamic Republic has created in recent decades will have to survive without the military and financial support provided by their Iranian backers.

Without the ayatollahs, Hamas would struggle to withstand the Trump administrations demand that it fully disarms and dismantles its terrorist infrastructure in Gaza, one of the key requirements of Trumps 20-point plan for bringing peace to the enclave. In Lebanon, meanwhile, it is doubtful whether Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Shia Muslim terror group that has dominated the countrys political landscape for decades, would be able to survive in its current form without Tehrans support.

Iraq would surely benefit, too, given that Iran continues to support numerous Shia militias in the country, whose primary purpose is to challenge Washingtons involvement in the region. Yemen, where Iran is the primary military backer of the countrys Houthi rebels, would be another winner, as it would deny the Houthis  designated a terrorist organisation by the US  the ability to sustain their costly campaign of disrupting shipping lanes in the vital Red Sea trade artery.

Trump may still be deliberating about whether or not to launch military action against Iran. But as he weighs up his decision, the American leader needs to understand that removing the ayatollahs will not just benefit the Iranian people, but the entire world.

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.
DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH)  A Delaware man will spend a minimum of nearly four decades in prison for the 2023 shooting deaths of his parents.

Mohamed Lamin Kandeh was sentenced Monday to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 39 years.

Kandeh was convicted via bench trial in December of four counts of murder and one count of tampering with evidence; the murder charges all carried mandatory three-year firearm specifications. Watch previous coverage of the killings in the video player above.

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Report: Data centers air pollution associated with lung issues, death

According to a statement from the City of Delaware, officers were called to a house on Bristol Drive at around 3 p.m. on Sept. 3, 2023, after Mohamed Alusine Kandeh, 61, and Bintu Kandeh, 60, failed to meet their daughter for lunch. The couple was then found dead inside their home from gunshot wounds. Mohamed Kandeh, their son, was arrested the following morning.

The victims daughter Zainab Kandeh told police that her brother had previously threatened their parents, including an incident where he held a gun to his fathers head.

On the day her parents were to meet her for lunch, Zainab Kandeh said she went to her parents home with a kitchen knife and a boxcutter because she was afraid of her brother.

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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 NBC4 WCMH-TV.
EXCLUSIVE: Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger would never have been given airtime in the Democrats official response to President Donald Trumps State of the Union if it werent for her support of the commonwealths controversial redistricting and adherence to the party line, a top Republican said.

A new congressional map credited to Virginia Senate Leader L. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, would eliminate Virginias 65 Republican-to-Democrat congressional ratio and leave only southwestern Virginia Republican Rep. Morgan Griffith in a favorable seat if a constitutional amendment to redraw the maps passes in April.

Lucas and House Speaker Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, have spearheaded the redistricting plan, while also facing headwinds from a Tazewell County lawsuit supported by the Republican minority.

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Rep. Ben Cline, R-Va., whose district runs from the Roanoke suburbs along U.S. 11 and Interstate 81 to the West Virginia line near Berryville, would be one of the Republicans likely unseated by sheer math if Democrats have their way.

Victorious Virginia Democrats Morph From Pretend Moderates Into Liberal Extremists Over Night

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger, left; Rep. Ben Cline, right. (Getty Images)

Cline told Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview that Spanbergers support for redistricting belies her prior public comments lambasting the idea of gerrymandering or redistricting in a partisan way.

Read On The Fox News App

He added that it is Spanbergers current support that has made her a darling of her national party to the point they are showcasing her as the State of the Union respondent.

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"Governor Spanberger is trying to play the national Democrats to raise her profile and try and get on the national scene on the agenda by acquiescing to this partisan gerrymandering of the Virginia legislature," Cline said.

"She campaigned on not gerrymandering; on saying that gerrymandering was wrong, and that flips when push comes to shove and she gets a chance to reward those leaders in the national party like Barack Obama and Hakeem Jeffries."

Cline said hes not surprised by the news, adding that Spanberger also made "misstatements" about key issues during her campaign against former Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears last year.

Cline said he recalls working with then-Rep. Spanberger in Congress  and that the two of them were often united in support of key Virginia industries like agriculture  but that he no longer recognizes the governor in that light.

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"Abigail Spanberger was on the House Agriculture Committee and loved to talk about her connection to Virginia agriculture. But my district is currently the most agriculture-based district in Virginia and she has chopped it into five different districts and parceled it out to Northern Virginia Democrats to use to make their numbers work," he said.

Cline said the move is offensive to Virginia farmers, as the new map strips them of a collective voice in Washington and instead forces them to lobby whichever liberal-suburb-sourced district their community falls into.

Spanberger Signals Left Bent After Centrist Campaign; Gop Leader Warns Of Fairfaxing The Rest Of Va'

"She should be ashamed of herself," Cline said, adding that if Spanberger had kept to her pre-governorship position that gerrymandering is wrong, "the Democrats wouldnt have given her a second look, because she wouldn't have been playing along with a plan that they have for actually seizing the House majority through this gerrymandering effort."

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Instead, shes being "rewarded" for pivoting to the party line, he said.

People in his district are also sounding the alarm about Spanberger beyond the gerrymandering plans, citing affordability commentary and other promises as well.

Democrats Say Trump Redistricting Push Backfiring As Virginia Advances New House Maps

"They're very upset with the way she's flipped from her campaign pledges to the way she's actually governing. And I don't think they're going to respond well on April 21. I think they are going to vote down this effort to gerrymander Virginia."

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Concerns also arose over the legislature-approved language of the amendment  set to go before voters April 21  which asks if they want to "restore fairness," a phrase Cline and other opponents, including Del. Wren Williams, R-Stuart, have said is misleading and essentially benefits partisan Democratic politicians.

Cline said the redistricting is the marquee of Spanberger and Richmond Democrats efforts to radically change election laws, economic policy, taxation, cooperation agreements with federal immigration authorities and more.

"What Governor Spanberger did by withdrawing from our 287-G agreement with the state police is unacceptable. It makes us a sanctuary state for violent, illegal immigrants who are trying to escape being held accountable for their crimes. They come to Virginia, and Governor Spanberger refuses to allow state police to work with ICE," he said.

"And so this type of reckless behavior, not only by Governor Spanberger but also the state assembly, is definitely having an impact out here in the western part of Virginia," he said.

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Under the new map, Cline's current 6th district would be divided between the new 10th, 11th, 7th, 6th and 9th district, with the 9th being Griffith's.

Instead of one southwest to northeast oval following the general path of the Colonial-era "Valley Pike" -- Cline, who lives in Botetourt County, would find himself in the 6th or 9th.

The 10th, near Winchester, would be connected to liberal Washington suburbs like Reston, the 11th would serpentine from Luray to Washington, leaving room for the "scorpion" 7th jutting in two "pincers" toward Mount Sidney in the west and Powhatan in the east, and the 6th connecting blue cities in the rural interior like Charlottesville, Harrisonburg and Roanoke.

Heavily-populated, liberal Fairfax County will have a piece of five different districts extending into less-populated, conservative areas.

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The new 2nd District, currently comprising Cape Charles, Accomac and Virginia Beach, will shift just westward enough to slice off dense, Democrat-friendly parts of the city of Chesapeake.

Critics have also compared it to the former Maryland 3rd  a district one federal judge denounced as a "pterodactyl" shape that relied upon the Patapsco River and Chesapeake Bay rather than land to connect its several disjointed sections between Annapolis and Baltimore.

A new, slightly more streamlined district is currently represented by Rep. Sarah Elfreth, an Elkridge Democrat.

Fox News Digital reached out to Spanberger for comment.





Original article source: New Dem star's quick hard-left turn after 'moderate' campaign won her coveted response to Trump: lawmaker
A special election Tuesday for a seat in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives went to the Democratic candidate, helping to preserve the partys razor-thin majority in the chamber ahead of midterms in November.

Democrat Ana Tiburcio defeated Republican Robert E. Smith Jr. in the election for the 22nd House District seat representing parts of Allentown and three wards in Salisbury Township, according to unofficial election results from Lehigh County.

The results showed Tiburcio carrying more than 67% of the vote with all precincts reporting.

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The seat opened in November when former state Rep. Joshua Siegel, also a Democrat, resigned after being elected county executive.

A majority of registered voters in the district are Democrats, although lehighvalleylive.com media partner Armchair Lehigh Valley reports the partys stronghold has withered in recent years, with registration dropping 17 percentage points since standing at 70% in 2022.

Smith, a former Allentown School Board member, has run for the seat three times and previously lost to Siegel.

This marked Tiburcios first campaign for the 22nd. She is a current member of the Allentown School Board. Armchair Lehigh Valley reports she was a last-minute pick by her party after its first choice, Julian Guridy, bowed out when he learned he did not meet the states four-year state residency requirement.

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She previously identified affordability and fair education as priorities.

The special election is for a partial term through this years legislative session in Harrisburg. The seat will be up for grabs again in Novembers general election, with the primaries in May determining if both candidates get back on the ballot.

Tuesdays unofficial election results out of Lehigh County give the Democrats a boost toward preserving a 100-98 majority in the state House.

Another special election on Tuesday in western Pennsylvania also aided the Democrats as their candidate prevailed in a race for the vacant 42nd House District serving parts of Allegheny County.

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Jennifer Mazzocco beat Republican Joseph Leckenby and will take the seat representing the suburban Pittsburgh district. The Associated Press called the race at 8:45 p.m.

more lehigh valley election news

Read the original article on lehighvalleylive.com. Add lehighvalleylive.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Another day, another message conveyed via whisper or discreet note. Did you know that Kansas GOP lawmakers really dont like what leadership is making them do? Have you heard that they resent being pushed to vote for harmful bills?

Another day, another stroll through the hallways of the Statehouse, where Kansas Reflector staff members nod to and exchange friendly words with legislators of both parties. Without betraying any confidences, they share similar reactions directly.

Another day, another attempt at explaining why Kansans elected lawmakers so blithely barrel through bad votes.

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If more people in that building had backbones, we wouldnt be in this mess. You know the spine, of course: Its the arrangement of vertebrae protecting a column of nerves while supporting the upper body. We need a backbone to live, to stand or sit upright when the moment demands it. Instead, your average Kansas lawmaker flops around the floor of the Statehouse like a deboned yet sentient fish.

Kansas Reflector has repeatedly documented how GOP leadership abuses its own rules, rides roughshod over those in the minority and bullies everyone to achieve its goals. All it would take was a handful of Republican legislators to find their backbones  those columns of bones and nerves  and reform the institution.

Bills vetoed by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly wouldnt be automatically overridden. Debate in the House could continue after attempts to shut it off. Bills would actually be debated in a thoughtful, comprehensive manner.

Republican senators and representatives simply have to stand up and say: We dont like the way youre doing things now. We want things done differently.

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And it would be done.

Instead, as Rep. Brooklynne Mosley, D- Lawrence, told the House as it shoved a law targeting transgender people into law on Feb. 18, lawmakers have chosen a spineless path.

Most of you know that this is wrong, Mosely said. I feel like one of my favorite quotes is: A hero dies once. A coward dies a thousand deaths. I watch you guys die every day.

Having followed Kansas legislators over the past decade, the number of legislators able to sit upright has precipitously declined. Once upon a time, they stood for something. Now they just follow orders, one closed caucus meeting at a time.

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Apparently the only spine in the GOP when it comes to trans issues belongs to Rep. Mark Schreiber, R-Emporia. None of his fellow Republican legislators have asked to share it. Somehow, he still manages to win elections and serve his constituents. Amazing how he can stand up proudly for his beliefs while everyone else writhes around on the floor.

We all hear this. We all see this. The stories filter through the rumor mill at the Statehouse. Occasionally, one legislator or another (often a Democrat, like Mosley) breaks the code of silence.

Late last year, we saw what could happen when a smattering of lawmakers spontaneously grew spines. A small number of Republicans  fewer than a dozen  refused to call a special session to redraw Kansas congressional maps. Hawkins fretted and fumed, and exacted petty revenge via committee assignments, but he still lost.

Lawmakers still havent redrawn maps. From the look of things in January and February, theyre not going to, either.

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So why not keep going, my fellow Kansans? Hawkins will be gone next year, either serving as insurance commissioner or exploring opportunities in the private sector. Whatever the case, he has no durable power. Republicans understood this in October and November. Why do they they fear stepping out of line now?

The thing about having a spine is that it can encourage others to regrow their backbones. One or two voices of opposition can lead to more people feeling comfortable in joining them. Three or four spines could lead to six or seven. Six or seven spines could lead to a dozen.

All of a sudden, representative democracy looks a lot more democratic.

Im not saying that Republicans have to vote like Democrats. Im not saying the conservatives have to turn into liberals. What I am saying is that lawmakers from across the political spectrum have admitted they yearn for a new approach. If they can stop squabbling with one another long enough to encourage a simultaneous growing of vertebrae, who knows what might happen.

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Kansas has a lot of Republicans. But the Sunflower State has always been distinguished by the thoughtful nature of those Republicans and their moderate ideology.

I bet that a lot of Republicans in the Kansas Statehouse want to follow in the honorable, deliberative tradition of Bob Dole, Nancy Kassebaum and Bill Graves. Heck, I bet theres a bunch who would like to follow in Kellys footsteps. But unless they insert that backbone, that desire isnt going to do them and good.

Poke around on the ground floor of the Statehouse, and you might end up in an alcove with a fossil. The Tylosaurus, a member of the mosasaur family, has been named the official Kansas marine fossil. As you can see from the photo above this column, it has spine to spare.

Perhaps some fearful GOP legislators might borrow some. Just for a day or two, to see how it feels to stand up straight for once.

Clay Wirestone is Kansas Reflector opinion editor. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here.
Leaked body camera footage from a suspended Detroit police sergeant captures a previously unreleased controversial downtown traffic stop of a Venezuelan man, revealing repeated references to a supervisor's directive that she contact U.S. Customs and Border Patrol to identify him  and the sergeant's remark that such checks are worthwhile because someone could turn out to be "Pablo Escobar, Jr."

The footage was posted to YouTube on Tuesday, Feb. 24. Detroit Police and the sergeant's attorney confirmed its authenticity to the Detroit Free Press. It shows a Feb. 9 stop involving since-suspended Sergeant Denise Wallet, who the department alleges violated policy by coordinating with federal immigration authorities. She's the second Detroit police officer to be suspended for coordinating with Border Patrol in recent months.

The Feb. 9 traffic stop at Woodward Avenue and Witherell Street involved a Venezuelan man who could not speak English pulled over for parking in a lane designated for the QLine street car lane, the officers say in the video.

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During the video, Wallet repeatedly says she contacted Border Patrol because a lieutenant instructed her to do so after officers were unable to verify the mans identity. The federal agency arrived, determined the man was not a U.S. citizen, and detained him.

Department policy limits coordination with federal immigration authorities, including for translation services.

Wallet, a 27-year veteran of the Detroit police, was last week suspended without pay for 30 days.

She has sued the city, alleging her actions did not violate any policies. Her attorney, Solomon Radner, says the approximately hour-long body camera video supports that.

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"Its very clear if you watch entire video that shes doing everything she can not to violate policy and that the phone call with her supervisor is her trying not to violate policy," Radner said Wednesday. Theyre trying to figure out who they can call to identify this man  for purposes of identification. It is explicitly clear they brought another DPD officer on scene for purposes of translation."

The department did not immediately reply to a request for comment Wednesday.

At several points in the leaked footage, Wallet expresses frustration about how long it was taking for Border Patrol to arrive, saying she wanted to go to the gym that day and needed to bake something.

The footage also captures Wallet speaking with another officer in her vehicle about the need to identify the man.

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That interaction went like this, per the video:

The male officer in the vehicle with her says, "thoroughly identifying someone is, you never know, it could be like, on like the FBIs most wanted list, or whatever.

Yep," Wallet responds, "and I dont want to be the reason that, you know, somebody who shouldnt be getting away, gets away.

Yep, exactly," the male officer agrees. "And then you find out, you find out later, theyre like, You ran this guy, like, a hundred times, and it turned out he was '

Wallet finishes his sentence: He was Pablo Escobar, Jr."

And in another exchange, Wallet states to a different officer: I got somebody that would identify him, but theyre not going to want me to call them."

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That other officer responds: I was thinking ICE, yeah, but hell be gone.

Separately, another officer says that the man "better start" speaking English because he's "going to jail, buddy."

Regarding whether the lieutenant that Wallet refers to is also facing discipline and the statements that were made in the video, the department said:

"The members command is doing a comprehensive investigation on the whole matter and all involved, including the lieutenant and all the statements in the video," a department statement said, while also emphasizing its policy against discriminatory policing.

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And regarding Wallet's comment about potentially dealing with a Pablo Escobar, Radner said, You could be. You have no idea who he is. Its important to ID who people are and thats true for people who are Black, white, South American, Asian.

"Is that an appropriate comment? Maybe, maybe not. If she had said Ted Kaczynski would that be better? I dont know. But her point was, we need to know who this is, maybe he is the FBIs ten most wanted.

Sergeant sues city to block termination

Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison backtracked Friday on an initial promise to terminate Wallet and another officer involved in Dec. 16 coordination with Border Patrol, saying he was satisfied with the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners' unanimous decision to suspend them without pay for 30 days.

More: Oakland judge says 'pervasive' errors risked citizens' freedom

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More: Search for NMU student begins third day. Where Marquette police are looking

I will not be pursuing termination of these two officers, Bettison said in a statement applauding the board's decision.

The reversal came after Immigration and Customs Enforcment and the Department of Homeland Security tweeted their disapproval of the city's response, and after Wallet sued the city to block further discipline, including termination.

In her lawsuit, Wallet argued that department policies restricting contact with federal immigration authorities violate Section 1373 of Title 8 of the U.S. Code, which prohibits state or local governments from limiting communication with federal immigration officials.

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Bettison previously said that Wallet called Border Patrol after an officer requested translation services during a traffic stop of a person who did not speak English. But in the lawsuit, Wallet argues she contacted Border Patrol at a supervising lieutenant's direction after a traffic stop involving a person who presented a fraudulent electronic Michigan drivers license. She involved Border Patrol solely to verify the person's identity because she'd been unable to do so with a department-issued fingerprint scanner.

The leaked footage shows Wallet having difficultly with the scanner and repeated attempts to fingerprint the Venezuelan man.

Andrea Sahouri covers criminal justice for the Detroit Free Press. Contact her at asahouri@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit cop suspended in stop of immigrant invoked Pablo Escobar
Chris Hemsworth thinks relocating to Australia has been a "great decision" for his family.

Chris Hemsworth doesn't regret relocating

The 42-year-old actor has India, 13, and 11-year-old twin sons Sasha and Tristan with his wife Elsa Pataky, and Chris has revealed that they're loving life in Australia.

During an appearance on the Smartless podcast, Chris shared: "It was right around the time my boys were born and we kind of were set up in L.A. and not enjoying it, you know? Like, nothing was shooting there. We were filming kind of everywhere else."

Chris believes his family life has become more peaceful since they made the move to Australia.

The actor - who was born in Melbourne, Australia - explained: "You know when you come back from work, you wanna go on a holiday? Like, coming home for me, it feels like a holiday. We have a big farm and horses and motorbikes and surf."

Chris admitted that his own upbringing inspired his decision to return to Australia.

He said: "We lived about 20 minutes from the main sort of suburban areas in Melbourne up in the hills. And the nearest neighbour was a kilometre or two away."

Meanwhile, Chris recently confessed that his definition of success has evolved over time.

The actor has enjoyed huge success in Hollywood, starring in movies such as Star Trek, Snow White and the Huntsman, and the Thor franchise - but Chris admits that his attitude changed through the course of his career.

Speaking to the Guardian newspaper, Chris explained: "I used to think maybe if I was nominated for something Id feel good about myself. Or maybe if I had the biggest film of all time, or launched another franchise, then Id feel fulfilled. Its absurd.

"My self-worth doesnt rest upon all of those exterior things any more  though I still have to remind myself."

Chris was actually far more "uncomfortable and goofy" than he was willing to admit when he was first cast as Thor.

Reflecting on his physical transformation for the role, Chris explained: "I felt like, OK, cool, no one can f*** with me. Playing a god became a safety net. It fooled people into thinking I was that confident, that certain."
Key Takeaways

President Trump called out a Netflix board member by name over the weekend, suggesting it fire director Susan Rice.

Investors took note, with shares of Netflix sliding Monday amid concerns that Trump might serve up stiff opposition to its planned merger with Warner Bros. Discovery.

The President didn't exactly weigh in on the Netflix-Warner Bros. Discovery deal over the weekend. But it looked enough like he did that he's moving markets today.

Shares of Netflix (NFLX) were recently dropping following a statement on Truth Social that said the streaming video giant "should fire" Susan Rice, a member of its board of directors who also served the past three Democratic presidents. President Donald Trump's Saturday post did not specifically mention Netflix's planned acquisition of Warner Bros. (WBD), but it responded to another person's post, which advocated against it.

Why This Matters to Investors

Investors interested in the possibility of a Netflix-Warner Bros. Discover deal have long wondered whether it might face regulatory opposition, which could lead Warner Bros. to a tie-up with Paramount Skydance. Weekend statements from President Trump didn't end that thinking.

That seemed to inflame investor concern that the Netflix-Warner Bros. deal, its future already uncertain after negotiations with competing Warner suitor Paramount Skydance (PSKY) were reopened last weekmight face challenging regulatory obstacles.

The White House did not provide an additional statement to Investopedia in time for publication, and Netflix didn't respond to a request for comment. Rice could not be reached in time for publication. An updated bid from Paramount Skydance is expected sometime today.

Shares of Netflix were recently down more than 3%, extending their year-to-date decline to nearly 20%. Warner Bros.' shares were little changed, while those of Paramount were off 2%. (Read our full coverage of today's trading here.)

Some market watchers have already begun to look past the dealfrom Netflix's perspective, at least. Analysts at Wedbush last week suggested that the company will be just fine without the tie-up, citing an "entirely healthy" business.

Read the original article on Investopedia
Many seats on the Democrat's side were notably empty during Trump's State of the Union address on Feb. 24, as more than 80 Democrats were expected to boycott the speech, including over a dozen from New England.

But while many Democrats chose to protest the event, they weren't united in their approach.

At least 30 representatives and senators, including Sens. Ed Markey, D-Massachusetts, and Chris Murphy, D-Connecticut, skipped the address to attend the "Peoples State of the Union" hosted by MeidasTouch, MoveOn Civic Action and other community organizing groups. Others, like Reps. Katherine Clark, D-Massachusetts, and Gabe Amo, D-Rhode Island, said they would be listening to their constituents.

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Some of the New England Democrats who attended the speech protested in other ways. Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Massachusetts, spoke at an event called the State of the Swamp before the speech, while Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, provided rebuttals on social media.

All members of New Englands congressional delegation are Democrats except for Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins.

Heres how New England lawmakers responded to Trump's State of the Union.

Who attended the Peoples State of the Union?

Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Arizona, speaks during the "People's State of the Union" rally at the National Mall on Feb. 24, 2026 in Washington, D.C.

Several New England Democrats, including Markey, Murphy, Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Massachusetts, Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, Rep. John Larson, D-Connecticut, and Rep. Jim Himes, D-Connecticut, boycotted the State of the Union in favor of the Peoples State of the Union.

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At the event, Markey said that he chose to attend the alternative event because the State of the Union should be a moment of truth.

If he was Pinocchio, his nose would stretch across the entire length of the floor of Congress, Markey said of Trump.

Who attended the State of the Swamp?

A poster for the "State of the Swamp," an event featuring celebrities and politicians which aims to serve as a rebuttal to President Donald Trump's State of the Union.

Actors, cultural figures and actors also gathered in another counter-address to the State of the Union called the State of the Swamp.

Moulton spoke near the beginning of the event, laying out his vision for the country.

Let's make tonight about our vision, not his, a vision rooted in something stronger than a laundry list of grievances from the fifth grade, Moulton said. Imagine waking up as an immigrant excited to check in with immigration authorities to tell them all the great things you're doing for our country because you're on a pathway to citizenship. That's called having immigration agents who follow the law rather than terrorize blue cities.

Which New England Democrats were at the State of the Union?

Some New England Democrats, like Warren and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire, chose to attend Trumps State of the Union instead of one of the counter programming events.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, has concerns about a move to open 401(k) retirement plans to private equity.

They posted on social media throughout the event, rebutting Trumps remarks.

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Nobody is interested in the lies Donald Trump is telling about his tariffs, Warren said in one post. Americans just want their money back.

Rather than trust @POTUS's claims on health care, look at his track record: $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts, sky high insurance premiums and shrinking access to coverageall to improve the bottom line of Americas wealthiest, wrote Shaheen in another.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: People's State of the Union: New England lawmakers respond to Trump speech
Donald Trump made light of the idea of receiving the nations highest military decoration himself, drawing attention after referencing the Medal of Honor in separate speeches.

Donald Trump jokes about wanting Medal of Honor

President Donald Trump joked about awarding himself the Medal of Honor while speaking at separate events, according to CNBC and The Hill. The Medal of Honor is the highest U.S. military honor. Ive always wanted the Congressional Medal of Honor, but I was informed Im not allowed to give it to myself, Trump said, according to ABC News. And I wouldnt know why I would be taking it. If they ever open up that law, I will be with you someday.

Trump presented retired Navy Capt. E. Royce Williams and Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover with the Medal of Honor during his speech. Trump did not serve in the military. During a rally in Rome, Georgia, he referenced a 2018 visit to Iraq during his first term in office.

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I decided to go to Iraq. I was extremely brave. So brave in fact that I wanted to give myself the Congressional Medal of Honor, Trump said, according to The Hill. I said to my people, am I allowed to give myself the Congressional Medal of Honor? And you know, Ive given out so many to guys that are seriously brave. I mean, they come in and their arms are missing, their legs are missing. Their stories are so unbelievable. And I said thats a little stretch if I gave myself one.

President Trump and first lady Melania Trump made a surprise visit to U.S. troops at Al Asad Air Force Base on Dec. 26, 2018, during his first term. Nearly a year later, he visited U.S. troops in Afghanistan. He joined former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush in visiting Iraq and Afghanistan during their presidencies.

Someday Im going to try. Im going to test the law, he said, according to The Hill. Maybe Ill win in court after everyone sues me.

Originally reported by Vritti Johar on Mandatory.com.

The post Donald Trump Jokes He Wants Medal of Honor for Himself appeared first on Reality Tea.
Donald Trump made light of the idea of receiving the nations highest military decoration himself, drawing attention after referencing the Medal of Honor in separate speeches.

Donald Trump jokes about wanting Medal of Honor

President Donald Trump joked about awarding himself the Medal of Honor while speaking at separate events, according to CNBC and The Hill. The Medal of Honor is the highest U.S. military honor. Ive always wanted the Congressional Medal of Honor, but I was informed Im not allowed to give it to myself, Trump said, according to ABC News. And I wouldnt know why I would be taking it. If they ever open up that law, I will be with you someday.

Trump presented retired Navy Capt. E. Royce Williams and Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover with the Medal of Honor during his speech. Trump did not serve in the military. During a rally in Rome, Georgia, he referenced a 2018 visit to Iraq during his first term in office.

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I decided to go to Iraq. I was extremely brave. So brave in fact that I wanted to give myself the Congressional Medal of Honor, Trump said, according to The Hill. I said to my people, am I allowed to give myself the Congressional Medal of Honor? And you know, Ive given out so many to guys that are seriously brave. I mean, they come in and their arms are missing, their legs are missing. Their stories are so unbelievable. And I said thats a little stretch if I gave myself one.

President Trump and first lady Melania Trump made a surprise visit to U.S. troops at Al Asad Air Force Base on Dec. 26, 2018, during his first term. Nearly a year later, he visited U.S. troops in Afghanistan. He joined former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush in visiting Iraq and Afghanistan during their presidencies.

Someday Im going to try. Im going to test the law, he said, according to The Hill. Maybe Ill win in court after everyone sues me.

The post Donald Trump Jokingly Wants Medal of Honor for Himself appeared first on Mandatory.




WOLCOTT  When Pamela Mangan and her husband Keith Adams tried to leave their Wolcott apartment Monday morning, they quickly realized the blizzard had dumped about 16 inches snow in front of the building's door and blocked them in.

"We were unable to leave the front door," said Mangan, 72. "By pushing and pushing and pushing, we were able to get the door open enough We both went out and started to do a little shoveling as best we could... When I looked around where we were, we noticed all the other apartment doors were snowed in."

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Mangan and her husband are among the residents of Countryside Apartments on Wolf Hill Road who were trapped in their homes for more than 24 hours after the blizzard due to delays in snow cleanup. Residents said a crew arrived around 10 a.m. Tuesday to remove the snow.

The complex has 17 buildings with roughly eight apartments in each building, a laundry area and a community room where the complex's property manager works. The apartment complex is owned by SH Management, a Michigan-based property management company, Mangan said.

SH Management declined to comment.

"I really kind of feel that sometimes we don't matter, like it didn't matter that they didn't clean out our place," Mangan said.

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Mayor Thomas Dunn said he heard about comments on social media for residents trapped in their homes and received calls from residents and their family members asking for help. He said he visited the apartment complex on Tuesday where he found snow up against the apartment doors and residents unable to leave their homes, adding residents and their family members were "up in arms."

"It was unacceptable to have people trapped in their homes," Dunn said.

Mangan, who lives in building 13 at Countryside Apartments, said she saw family members and caregivers on Monday who were unable to get into the apartments due to the heavy snow.

"People couldn't get out of their apartments to clean their cars or remove them, so everything kind of hinged on the fact that the apartments were all blocked," she said. "They were very upset  they didn't know who to call, and when they did call, they got no response."

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Mangan said some residents had called the Wolcott police, who came to the complex on Monday. Dunn confirmed there were a couple of calls placed to the police "to get it on the record."

Mangan said the apartment complex's landscapers arrived Tuesday morning with snow blowers and plows as well as some young people who shoveled. She said it "took quite some time" to clean up the snow.

She said the landscapers were expected to return to the complex on Wednesday to clean out the apartments' back doors and the laundry area.

As the apartment complex is private property, Dunn said it's "very difficult" for the town to do anything unless it's an emergency. He said the town is hoping to sit down with the property owner to have a conversation about the snow removal.

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Once the residents were able to leave their homes, Mangan said they were all "chattering about how we couldn't get out and what would have happened," as well as their concerns for their safety and the safety of their caregivers.

"It seemed like we were kind of forgotten," Mangan said, "and my concern was definitely the safety for not only my husband and I but the safety of our other residents. I do understand that it was a bad storm, but with the population of residents, we would have expected a little more care and empathy for the needs of the caregivers or medical support."

This article originally published at We don't matter': Residents of a Wolcott apartment complex say blizzard trapped them for 24 hours.
BANGKOK, Thailand  More than 70 tigers have died at two popular tourist attractions in Thailand, with investigators saying the big cats likely were infected by a virus.

The deaths of 72 tigers occurred in less than two weeks, between Feb. 8 and Feb. 18, at the parks in Mae Taeng and Mae Rim districts in Chiang Mai. The parks are operated by by Tiger Kingdom, according to The Telegraph.

According to scmp.com, investigators believe canine distemper caused the deaths. Its a virus usually carried by dogs but it can be fatal to big cats. The virus attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems.

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Contaminated food also might have played a role, scmp.com reports. More than 240 tigers live in the two camps.

No humans have been infected, according to the BBC. The tourist attractions reportedly allow visitors to touch the big cats.

If we detect any sick persons, we will prepare for a nationwide monitoring measure, said Monthien Khanasawat, director-general of the Public Health Ministrys Disease Control Department. This will include contact tracing and treatment as necessary.

Dr. Jan Schmidt-Burback, the director of wildlife research and veterinary expertise at World Animal Protection, told The Telegraph he has visited the tiger parks in the past. He said they held only 33 tigers in 2009.

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This case is a tragic reminder that tigers do not belong in captivity, Schmidt-Burback said. The smallest issue can quickly endanger many animals, and the poor welfare conditions they face exacerbate disease outbreaks.

(The Associated Press contributed to this story.)

Read the original article on cleveland.com. Add cleveland.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Alexandra Wilson is a Republican primary challenger to state Sen. Greg Goode. So is Brenda Wilson, whom President Donald Trump endorsed last month because of Goodes vote against the Indiana congressional redistricting plan.

The dual Wilson candidacies has a top political ally of Indiana Gov. Mike Braun calling it a trick by local Republicans to help Goode survive the May primary by taking votes away from Brenda Wilson, who is a Vigo County Council member.

Prominent conservative attorney Jim Bopp said a court challenge to Alexandra Wilsons candidacy is being considered after the Indiana Election Commission on Wednesday deadlocked over whether to remove her name from the ballot because of a 2010 criminal conviction.

Attorney Jim Bopp listens during a legislative committee meeting on Feb. 17, 2025. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Bopp said Vigo County Republican Party Chair Randy Gentry was behind getting Alexandra Wilson on the ballot to confuse voters  pointing out that Gentry had to certify her as a Republican since she had not voted in two consecutive GOP primaries as otherwise required by state law.

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I recognize tricks that have been played over the years, and this is one of them, Bopp told the Indiana Capital Chronicle.

Gentry denied Bopps accusation of ballot manipulation, saying that Alexandra Wilson was brought to him by other Republicans as an opponent of a contentious Terre Haute school construction project supported by both Goode and Brenda Wilson.

I am a huge supporter of the president, and Ive had four phone calls with the White House, Gentry said in an interview. I explained to them what the local flavor is.  The key is theres nothing crazy about whats going on here.

Ballot challenge fails in tie vote

Bopp, whose law practice is based in Terre Haute, said he is supporting Brenda Wilson as she much better represents the party than Goode.

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Bopp argued during Wednesdays Election Commission meeting that Alexandra Wilson was ineligible for the primary ballot because of a state law prohibiting someone convicted of a felony crime from holding elected office.

Samantha Dewester, an attorney representing Alexandra Wilson, acknowledged that she pleaded guilty in 2010 to resisting law enforcement at the age of 19 when she had no criminal history.

Dewester maintained that while the original charge was a low-level Class D felony, the Vermillion County judge accepted the plea agreement of a Class A misdemeanor with a year of probation.

Shes not a felon, Dewester said. She is an upstanding citizen that just wanted to get involved and run for office, and nothing in her record showed that she has a felony conviction, whatsoever.

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The four-member Election Commission split 2-2 on the challenge to Alexandra Wilsons candidacy. The two Democratic members  Suzannah Wilson Overholt and Karen Celestino-Horseman  voted to allow her name to remain on the ballot and the two Republicans  Beth Boyce and John Westercamp  voted to remove her.

The tie means that Alexandra Wilson stays on the ballot as a majority vote is needed for removal.

New chapter in Republican rift

The strife over the dueling Wilson candidacies is another example of the Republican infighting prompted by Trumps demand that Indiana join other GOP-controlled states in congressional redistricting.

Trump and Braun both vowed political revenge against Republican senators who in December joined with Democrats in the 31-19 vote defeating the redistricting plan aimed at giving GOP candidates all nine of Indianas U.S. House seats.

Sen. Greg Goode, R-Terre Haute, speaks during the Senate redistricting debate on Dec. 11, 2025.(Photo by Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Goode was among the 21 of 40 Republican senators who opposed redistricting  and Brenda Wilson is among five candidates endorsed by Trump in primary challenges to those senators (with one challenger having already ended his campaign).

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Alexandra Wilson did not immediately comment Wednesday to the Capital Chronicle about her campaign.

Goode, who is Republican U.S. Sen. Todd Youngs state director, did not address whether he had any involvement with Alexandra Wilsons candidacy when asked by the Capital Chronicle.

I was the first Republican to file for this legislative seat, Goode said in a text message. I am not running against any person or people. I am standing for my constituents. That is my focus for the remainder of the (legislative) session and during this 26 campaign.

Goode filed for reelection on Jan. 9 (the second day of the candidate filing period), followed by Brenda Wilson on Jan. 21, six days before Trumps endorsement. Alexandra Wilson joined the race Feb. 5, the day before the candidate filing deadline.

Vigo County chair denies conspiracy

Bopp is the secretary and treasurer of Hoosiers for Opportunity, Prosperity and Enterprise  a nonprofit group supporting Brauns agenda  and was a vice chair of Brauns transition team after he won the 2024 gubernatorial election.

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If Alexandra Wilson remains on the ballot, her name would appear just before Brenda Wilson as candidates are listed alphabetically.

Bopp said without question that is why Alexandra Wilson is running.

The confusing fact that there is the same last name and that the person they recruited is in front of her also makes the confusion and negative effect on Brenda even greater, Bopp said.

Gentry said Goode was not involved in Alexandra Wilson entering the race and called the controversy nonsense.

I wish Alexandras last name was Smith or Jones or, you name it, Gentry said. Its not, and thats created all kinds of conspiracy theories and so forth.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WJW)  A new Ohio Senate bill would authorize natural organic reduction for humans after death  also called human composting or terramation  a process through which human remains are naturally converted into soil.

Ohio Senate Bill 323, introduced in November by state Sen. Louis Blessing (R-Colerain Township) would regulate the reduction process like cremation, permitting it whenever cremation is allowed.

Unexplained: Ohio fishermens strange encounter

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Currently, Ohio only allows disposition of human remains by either burial or cremation, said Blessing in his testimony earlier this month before the Senates Ways and Means Committee.

With state regulations not keeping up with the modern forms of funeral practices, this leaves bereaved families, local officials and funeral services providers not able to meet the needs of Ohioans locally and they are forced to turn elsewhere, he wrote.

Natural organic reduction is already available and regulated in 14 other states. Washington was the first to legalize it in 2019, reported the Associated Press. New Jersey became the latest in September.

What is human composting?

In natural organic reduction, human or animal remains are converted into soil in a special chamber, into which natural or organic material is added to accelerate decomposition.

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Tom Harries, CEO of the Washington-based Earth Funeral, who testified before the Senate committee last week, said the company uses wood chips, mulch and wildflowers which over the course of approximately one month, transform a body into nutrient-rich soil.

Earth Funeral then tests the soil for safety before releasing to the family, Harries wrote. It can also be returned to the funeral home for conservation. The company works with local ecologists and land trusts to use the soil for reforestation and ecosystem restoration.

  The interest here in Ohio is significant. We have already heard from more than 2,000 Ohioans who want this option available to them, Harries wrote.

Without this legislation, Ohio families will continue to be forced to transport their loved ones across state lines to fulfill their final wishes. I firmly believe this should not be the case. End of life decisions are some of the most important and personal decisions we make.

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Its important to have a space for somebody to outwardly express their grief, said Hunter Triplett, CEO and owner of Evergreen Funeral, Cremation & Reception in Columbus. Were one of the first in Ohio to carry out a natural burial.

Rock Hall unveils list of 17 nominees

Who would regulate it?

Reduction facilities and their operators would be required to be licensed and permitted by the Ohio Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors, which includes fees in the hundreds of dollars.

The facilities would be required to be located in funeral homes, cemeteries, crematoriums or embalming facilities. Facilities that process human remains would not be used to process animal remains, or vice versa, and reduction facilities for animals would have to be clearly labeled.

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The bill also requires the embalmers board the adopt new operating and licensing rules for reduction facilities.

Blessing in his testimony said composting would not be mandated for citizens to use them or for municipalities to host them  rather, the bill is a regulatory framework for municipalities with cemeteries and crematories.

No future committee hearings have been set on the bill.

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.
Typical household energy bills will fall by 7% in April, regulator Ofgem has announced, following a shake-up in charges by the government.

Nearly everyone in England, Wales and Scotland will benefit from a cut irrespective of their tariff, although the amounts will vary between households.

For millions of households on variable tariffs governed by the price cap, the drop will be about 10 a month for those using a typical amount of gas and electricity.

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However, prices are still about a third higher than before the war in Ukraine, debts have ballooned, and billpayers are being urged to shop around for further savings.

The 7% fall in the price cap is the biggest drop since last summer. While the government promised a 150 a year reduction in April, the cost of running the energy network is up, leading to a lesser saving of 117 for a household using a typical amount of energy.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves told the BBC "we're beginning to turn a corner," saying the government was "putting more money in people's pockets," and improving public services.

But Conservative shadow energy secretary Claire Coutinho said Labour was "pulling the wool over people's eyes by moving some costs off of your energy bill and putting them straight onto your tax bill".

How bills work

Domestic gas and electricity bills are a complicated mix of charges for energy policy, costs to run the network, and the price of gas and electricity to run a home.

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In November's Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced changes to policy costs.

She said the typical annual household energy bill would fall by 150, by scrapping the Energy Company Obligation (Eco) scheme introduced by the Conservatives, and moving some charges onto general taxation.

However, the cost of maintaining and strengthening energy networks - including power lines, cables and gas pipes - is rising by about 6 a month for a typical household, diluting the saving.

For a household governed by Ofgem's price cap, using a typical amount of energy, the annual bill will fall by 117 to 1,641. Without the government intervention, the price cap would have risen in April.

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The cap is based on a "typical household" using 11,500 kWh of gas and 2,700 kWh of electricity a year with a single bill for gas and electricity, settled by direct debit.

[BBC]

Savings will vary

Crucially, the discount on each household's individual energy bill will depend on the size and type of household and how much energy it uses.

It will be primarily applied through a lower price per unit of electricity used. This means high electricity users, which may include vulnerable households with medical equipment, are likely to see the biggest benefit. Those who use little electricity and a lot of gas will benefit the least.

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However, the changes to policy costs will also mean a reduction in bills for those on fixed deals. They will be contacted by their supplier in the coming weeks about the specific change to their tariff.

About 40% of homes are on fixed deals. Ofgem said it had enforcement powers if suppliers failed to pass on savings to these customers.

Reeves said it was "absolutely essential" savings were passed on to customers, who should "push back very firmly" if suppliers failed to do so.

Tim Jarvis, director general of markets at Ofgem, described the drop as "welcome news for many households".

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"We're also seeing encouraging signs of greater engagement and competition, with switching increasing by almost 20% year on year," he said.

The wholesale cost of gas, which spiked after Russia's invasion of Ukraine four years ago and led to soaring household bills, remains relatively volatile and difficult to predict.

This makes it tricky to say what will happen to domestic energy bills later in the year, but energy consultancy Cornwall Insight is forecasting relatively little further change as the year goes on.

"This reduction in the cap will bring real relief to households after a prolonged period of pressure on their energy bills. However, our early view for July suggests that this is where the big falls stop," said its principal consultant Dr Craig Lowrey.

Eileen Jordan has been trying to keep costs down [BBC]

Experts have urged people to continue to monitor their energy use to keep costs down.

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Eileen Jordan, from Ripon in North Yorkshire, said she and her husband had worked hard to keep on top of things.

Having contacted the BBC's Your Voice, she explained that they do not heat two bedrooms in their home, but said their finances were in good shape.

"How some people manage is beyond my comprehension," she said. "We are fortunate but only because we have been frugal."

[BBC]

While energy bills will fall in April, other bills will increase - meaning most people will continue to face a squeeze in the cost of living.

Water bills will rise sharply in some areas, council tax will go up, and various other household costs will increase. Some larger families will receive more in universal credit when the two-child benefit cap is scrapped.

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Households struggling to make ends meet have fallen behind on energy payments, leading to a collective debt to suppliers of well over 4bn.

Dhara Vyas, chief executive of Energy UK, which represents suppliers, said companies can help.

"They are giving them different tariffs, extra help and support, offer white goods such as efficient fridges, but they can only do this if they know who is in your household and what your circumstances are," she said.

For those on the price cap, in specific terms in April:

Gas prices will be capped at 5.74p per kilowatt hour (kWh), and electricity at 24.67p per kWh. A typical household uses 2,700 kWh of electricity a year, and 11,500 kWh of gas

The electricity unit rate is down by nearly 11% owing primarily to the policy cost changes, and the gas unit rate down by 3%

Households on prepayment meters will pay slightly less than those on direct debit, with a typical bill of 1,597

Those who pay their bills every three months by cash or cheque will pay more, with a typical bill of 1,772

Standing charges - a fixed daily charge covering the costs of connecting to a supply - will go up to 57.21p a day for electricity and down to 29.09p a day for gas, although they vary by region

The 17% reduction in the gas standing charge is the result of some costs moving onto the unit rate charge instead. The electricity standing charge is up 4.5%

[BBC]

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Days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proposed forging a network of allied nations, including in the Middle East and Africa, to stand against what he called radical adversaries, the countrys president is on an official visit to key ally, Ethiopia.

It is not yet known which Arab and African countries will form part of Netanyahus hypothetical hexagon of alliances, which he said on Sunday will include Israel, India, Greece, Cyprus and others to stand against their enemies in the Middle East. Chief among those enemies is presumably Iran and its network of resistance groups from Hezbollah in Lebanon to the Houthis of Yemen.

Analysts doubt Israel could secure enough influence over nation-states to form a formal security pact.

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However, the country is deepening its ongoing charm offensive in Africa, which it began during the genocide in Gaza, as its reputation suffered a decline on the continent, with the African Union (AU) releasing multiple statements condemning Israeli attacks on Palestinian civilians.

In a rare visit, Israeli President Isaac Herzog arrived in Ethiopia on Tuesday. The last presidential trip to the East African country took place in 2018.

The relationship between our peoples is woven deep into the pages of history and human tradition, Herzog said in a statement upon his arrival. At the heart of the story of both our nations lies a clear common thread  the ability to join hands, unite resources of spirit and substance, to innovate, develop, and grow for the benefit of all.

Herzog, on Wednesday, met with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed who said the two leaders talked about ways to improve collaboration in areas of mutual interest, without revealing further details.

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But beneath the surface, observers say the visit also represents a battle for influence over Addis Ababa, which has received similar high-level delegations from Turkiye and Saudi Arabia in recent days.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu inspecting a guard of honour at the National Palace during his State visit to Ethiopia in 2016 [File: Tiksa Negeri/Reuters]

Shared ties and shared anger

Ethiopia and Israel are bound by several links, from shared histories of their people to shared scrutiny over recent political moves in the Horn of Africa that have angered several of the regions influential nations.

Both countries maintain friendly ties largely due to the Beta Israel community, or Ethiopian Jews, who hail from northern Tigray and Amhara. Historically, Ethiopian Jews suffered religious persecution, and after Israels formation, it sought their emigration under its Law of Return policy. Between the late 1970s and mid-1990s, tens of thousands of Ethiopian Jews were covertly transported to Israel  during a time when several African countries, including Ethiopia, had cut off ties with Israel over the 1973 Yom Kippur War and its invasion of Egypt. On the cusp of a civil war in Ethiopia in 1991, Mossad, Israels spy agency, launched a daring operation that airlifted 14,000 Ethiopians over the course of just two days.

About 160,000 Ethiopian Jews now live in Israel. Many within the community have struggled to integrate and have complained of discrimination and racism. In 2019, tens of thousands of Ethiopian Jews flooded the streets in protest across Israeli cities after a 19-year-old of Ethiopian origin was shot dead by the police.

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Ethiopia-Israel state relations have, meanwhile, remained steady. In 2016, when Netanyahu visited the country in his first prime ministerial visit  Addis Ababa became one of the first African countries to voice support for Israels long-sought observer status at the AU. Fierce opposition from South Africa, Algeria and other countries supporting Palestine delayed the process until 2021. Later, in 2023, the AU confirmed it had withdrawn the status.

Mashav, Israels aid agency, has, in the past decade, provided aid to Ethiopia in the form of agriculture and water cooperation projects, although Addis Ababa receives much more significant funding from wealthier partners like China. When Israel sponsored several African journalists on media trips to the country last year, Ethiopia was among the countries it invited journalists from.

More recently, both countries are bound by their support for Somaliland, which Somalia claims as part of its territory and which Israel sees as critical to its own national security, Hargeisa-based analyst Moustafa Ahmad told Al Jazeera.

In December, Israel recognised Somalilands statehood, becoming the first country to do so. Months before, there were unconfirmed talks about plans to move displaced Palestinians to Somaliland or to South Sudan, another key Israeli ally in the region. Analysts speculate that countries like South Sudan and the United Arab Emirates, another close friend of Israel, may also recognise Somaliland.

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Israels focus on the Horn of Africa intensified after a late 2024 report from a United Nations expert panel, which found that the Somalia-based armed group, al-Shabab, was actively collaborating with Yemens Houthis. Where the Houthis were providing weapons and drone training, al-Shabab was, in return, granting access to a smuggling corridor stretching along the Somali coast and connecting to the Gulf of Aden, where Iranian weapons could be smuggled into Yemen.

The move to recognise Somaliland was therefore meant to disrupt that cooperation by stationing an Israeli naval base in the region, analysts note.

Its part of their calculations even if they havent said it publicly, Ahmad said.

Several countries, as well as the AU, have pushed back on Israels recognition of Somaliland, calling it a violation of Somalias sovereignty. In Somaliland, however, many have celebrated the move, and on Wednesday this week, Hargeisa announced its first-ever ambassador to Israel.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan holds hands with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, left, following a media conference in Ankara, on December 11, 2024 [File: Murat Kula/Presidential Press Office/Handout via Reuters]

Addis Ababa under pressure

While neither Israel nor Ethiopia has provided details of topics on the agenda during Herzogs visit, Somaliland is likely at the top of the list.

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Addis Ababa had in 2024 enraged its neighbours after it signed a controversial port deal with Hargeisa that would allow it access to the sea, reportedly in exchange for a future recognition of Somaliland. Although massive and rapidly industrialising, Ethiopia is landlocked, having lost its sea access after Eritrea seceded in 1993. Prime Minister Abiy has often said sea access is critical for his country.

The fall-out between Ethiopia and Somalia was so severe that analysts sounded the alarm over possible armed conflict between the two neighbours until Turkiye, a key development partner for Mogadishu, stepped in to smooth things over by pressuring Addis Ababa to coordinate with Mogadishu instead.

It is likely, analysts say, that Israel is now hoping to push Ethiopia further towards recognising Somaliland, which boasts a 850km (528-mile) coastline. In Hargeisa, many are disappointed after more countries failed to follow Israels steps, Ahmad said.

Addis Ababa, though, might not appreciate further pressure at the moment as it faces increasing regional isolation on several fronts.

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One key reason is the controversial Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which Egypt and Sudan say is blocking the water supply they need for irrigation.

A source of national pride for Ethiopians, the dam was funded almost entirely through citizens donations and government funds. Israeli engineers participated in the project, and Israel reportedly sold weapons to Ethiopia to protect the dam amid tensions with its neighbours, although the Israeli government denies this.

At the same time, Addis Ababa is also facing tensions with Eritrea, which has moved closer to Somalia and Egypt. Both countries have historically feuded, and recently, tensions have again risen over the 2020 Tigray War and Abiys repeated statements about his country needing access to the sea.

Addis Ababa is cautious of making a decision that will cement its regional isolation at this time [because] it is clearly hedging among various actors seeking to influence the Horn of Africa and Red Sea region, Ahmad said.

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Pressure is also mounting on Addis Ababa from countries eager to keep the status quo.

On Sunday, Turkiyes President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Ethiopia and said in his speech: I would like to emphasise that Israels recognition of Somaliland does not benefit Somaliland or the Horn of Africa.

His statement drew a backlash from Hargeisa, which called it unacceptable interference aimed at wrecking relations between Somaliland and its partners.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, which is embroiled in an ongoing rift with the United Arab Emirates over how to deal with the conflict in Yemen, also intervened in the fray in February. Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji was in Addis Ababa this week to discuss regional peace, just two weeks after Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud arrived in the city for talks with Abiy.

So far, it is unclear if Riyadh has recorded any success in influencing Addis Ababa.

How Israel will fare in that regard is also still unclear.




The European Commission rejected claims of an emerging energy crisis in a row over suspended Russian oil deliveries through Ukraine, which led to a veto against major new aid measures for Kiev.

"There is no immediate risk to the EU's security of supply, both Hungary and Slovakia hold oil stocks in reserve," said a European Commission spokeswoman after consultations with EU countries on Wednesday.

Budapest is accusing Kiev of seeking to trigger an energy supply crisis in Hungary by halting Russian oil deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline through Ukraine. However, Ukrainian officials say disruptions since late January were caused by Russian bombardment.

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Hungary and Slovakia  both of which still rely on significant amounts of Russian pipeline oil  are blocking the European Unions 20th sanctions package against Moscow. Hungary has also vetoed a 90 billion ($105 billion) financial assistance plan for Ukraine.

Hungary and Slovakia informed the commission that they have started to release emergency oil stocks, which are designed to cover roughly two months of consumption, the spokeswoman said, but that an alternative supply route is being set up.

Non-Russian crude is being transported to Hungary via Croatia through the Adria pipeline, with additional shipments en route to Croatias Omisalj oil terminal, the spokeswoman said.

The Adria pipeline has sufficient capacity to fully cover Hungary's and Slovakia's needs, and Croatia is assessing whether it can lawfully accept Russian crude oil at its port under existing EU and US sanctions, the spokeswoman said.
Once again, the energy markets are in a high-stakes standoff, which means traders have to decide whether to stand down or get involved.

For the second time in the past 12 months, geopolitical friction involving Iran is creating a "fear premium" in crude oil (QAK26) prices. For investors, this volatility presents a tactical opportunity, but the choice of vehicle used can lead to vastly different outcomes. The traditional choices line up this way: Do you own the physical commodity or the companies that extract that oil from the ground (in the form of energy stocks)?

More News from Barchart

The Iran Factor

The primary narrative driving the energy sector this week is the risk of supply disruption in the Middle East. Tensions surrounding Iran always bring the Strait of Hormuz into focus, a vital throughway that allows roughly 20% of the worlds oil consumption to pass through.

If you are of my generation of investors, you cant help but think to yourself, Were still dealing with this? Just as in 1990 and since? Yes, we are.

Traders are weighing the possibility of stricter enforcement of oil sanctions, which could remove significant barrels from the global market, potentially pushing prices toward the $90 range. As we see, thats a long way up from here.

barchart.com/futures/quotes/QA*0/futures-prices

Offsetting this risk is the record-high production from non-OPEC countries, led by the United States. That supply prevented a full-scale price breakout earlier this month.

The Great Debate: Oil ETFs vs. Energy Stock ETFs

If you believe energy prices are headed higher, you have to decide if you want to own the stuff or the stocks. If oil is the commodity that you are after, the biggest of the exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in that space is the U.S. Oil Fund (USO). It has been around for nearly 20 years.

www.barchart.com

This is the most direct way to play a sudden spike in crude prices driven by a geopolitical event. If oil jumps $10 overnight, USO will reflect that move immediately.

Funds like USO use futures contracts, which can be a trap for long-term holders. When the market is in "contango" (future prices are higher than current prices), the fund loses value every month when it "rolls" its contracts, even if the price of oil stays flat. While this may be well-understood by longtime Barchart subscribers, given the commodity focus here for many years, ETF investors might not think to consider contango situations in assessing return and risk potential.
The EU is looking for a way out of the Hungarian blockade of a 90 billion loan for Ukraine but concerns have been raised that putting pressure on Prime Minister Viktor Orban during the election campaign "might not be the smartest move".

Source: Politico, a Brussels-based politics and policy news organisation, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Budapest is trying to turn the loan for Ukraine and broader confrontation with the EU into a political trap for the Hungarian opposition ahead of parliamentary elections on 12 April. Orban is acting obstructively in Europe "with the elections in mind", one EU official told Politico on condition of anonymity.

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Talks on the loan are continuing both in the European Commission and between capitals and will pick up again today Wednesday 25 February with another meeting of EU ambassadors. The path ahead is uncertain.

"There is the pipeline, the elections in Hungary and Ukraine's urgent need for the loan  it's difficult to see at this stage where this is going," one EU diplomat told Politico. Hungary "has become even more unpredictable than usual", said another diplomat.

EU diplomats and officials note that, regardless of his public stance, Orban rarely backs out of a final deal once it is made. In a letter to European Council President Antonio Costa earlier this week, he even described himself as "one of the most disciplined and consistent members of the European Council". Many in Brussels acknowledge there is some truth to this, although it is not yet known whether Orban will stick to the same rules as the elections approach and the threat to his political survival grows.

The EU executive and Costa, tasked with persuading Orban, have limited room for out-of-the-box thinking. "Pushing him while he's campaigning might not be the smartest move," an unnamed diplomat said.

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The EU can always apply Article 7, which enables the suspension of voting rights of a member state and bypass Hungary's opposition on Ukraine. But this could play into Orban's pre-election rhetoric.

Another option could be suspending EU funding or infringement procedures. However, this will take time that Ukraine does not have.

Background:

On 24 February, the Council of the EU adopted two documents for a 90 billion loan for Ukraine but Hungary is blocking the third one.

Hungary is threatening to block the 90 billion loan for Ukraine until Kyiv restores transit of Russian oil to Europe through the Druzhba pipeline.

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The Druzhba oil pipeline's shutdown does not pose a threat to the European Union's energy security at this stage, the EU's Oil Coordination Group has concluded after a video conference with the participation of Hungary, Slovakia and Croatia on Wednesday 25 February.

Source: European Commission energy spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The EU experts also concluded that the suspension of Russian oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia via the Druzhba pipeline currently does not threaten the energy security of these countries.

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Quote: "The Oil Coordination Group met this morning, and they discussed the state of play of security supply and any short-term risks, including those related to the damaged southern Druzhba pipeline At this stage, there is no immediate risk to the EU's security of supply, both Hungary and Slovakia hold oil stocks in reserve."

Details: Itkonen said that Hungary and Slovakia had confirmed that they had begun using their emergency oil stocks from strategic reserves.

It should be noted that all EU member states maintain oil reserves sufficient for at least three months, specifically to manage situations of this kind.

The group also reviewed alternative routes to ensure uninterrupted oil supplies to the countries concerned.

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"There is an alternative supply route that can be used by Hungary and Slovakia, and this is the Adriatic pipeline from Croatia. Croatia confirmed at the meeting that non-Russian crude oil is being transported through the Adriatic pipeline to Hungary and Slovakia," Itkonen said.

She added that additional shipments of non-Russian oil contracted by the MOL Group were on their way to Croatia's oil terminal and would help maintain supply security for Hungary and Slovakia.

Quote: "We continue to monitor the security supply situation. We keep a close contact with all relevant member states, as well as Ukraine. Contacts happen at the highest level in the Commission During her visit to Kyiv yesterday, [Commission] President von der Leyen thanked Croatian Prime Minister Plenkovic for helping to secure and increase oil transport to Hungary and Slovakia through the Adriatic pipeline. The president also asked for repairs to the Druzhba to be accelerated."

Details: Itkonen pointed out that the European Commission was taking all possible measures at all levels to ensure the security of supplies to Hungary and Slovakia.

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"We condemn, in the strongest terms, Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure", she concluded.

Background:

Hungary has blocked the European Union's allocation of 90 billion for Ukraine as well as the approval of the EU's 20th sanctions package against Russia, and is threatening to maintain its veto until Kyiv restores the transit of Russian oil to Europe via the Druzhba pipeline, which was damaged as a result of a Russian air strike.

On 23 February, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico instructed that emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine be halted and said Slovakia could reconsider its position on Ukraine's EU membership; Hungary has made similar threats.

Slovakia says that Ukraine is allegedly not allowing Slovak specialists to visit the site of the strike on the Druzhba pipeline to assess the situation.

On 24 February in Kyiv, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to speed up repairs to the Druzhba pipeline.

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The European Commission said on Wednesday it has indications the United States intends to honour its tariff deal with the European Union despite recent changes in Washingtons trade policy.

"The US has given indications that it will honour the current deals and their specificities," a European Commission spokesman said.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and US President Donald Trump agreed last summer to cap tariffs on most EU imports to the US at 15%.

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The US Supreme Court last week dealt a setback to Trumps trade policy, after which Trump imposed new worldwide import tariffs of 10%.

The commission spokesman said the new US tariffs, which took effect on Tuesday, largely comply with the July agreement.

Under the new rules, an additional 10% tariff is added to existing US standard tariff rates, the so-called most-favoured-nation (MFN) tariffs, which vary by product group.

"A majority of our exports, when you take the new 10% and add the MFN duty, fall below the 15%-ceiling that we had agreed with the US," the spokesman said.

"There are however a limited number of products for which the MFN is above 5%," he said, bringing the total tariff rate to above 15%.

The EU is still awaiting clarification on how the 15% tariff ceiling will be applied to those product groups, he added.
Key Points

Researchers found that bananas, cassava, and cocoa grown near the 2015 Fundao dam collapse site contain elevated levels of toxic metals, including cadmium and lead.

The study found that consuming bananas from the Doce River estuary area could pose health risks to children, and that cassava and cocoa also had concerning metal concentrations.

Although most U.S. bananas come from Central America, the findings underscore how industrial pollution can contaminate crops and threaten food safety long after an environmental disaster.

In 2015, the Fundao tailings dam, an embankment built to store byproducts of iron mining, collapsed in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The collapse caused what many call the "worst environmental disaster" in the nation's history. And today, that's very bad news for people who love to snack on Brazilian bananas.

At the time of the incident, the collapse triggered a mud wave that washed over and buried the nearby town, killing 19 people, displacing hundreds, and eventually reaching the coast, where it damaged coral reefs, mangroves, and beaches, and soon after, farmland as well. Now, researchers in soil science, environmental engineering, and public health from the University of Sao Paulo, the Federal University of Espirito Santo in Brazil, and the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain are uncovering the long-term consequences.

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In late 2025, the team published the findings of their study on whether crops grown near the site, specifically at the Doce River estuary, are safe for consumption, in the journal Environmental Geochemistry and Health.

Related: A Banana That Wont Brown So Fast? Scientists Just Made It Happen

Specifically, the team stated that they focused on bananas, cassava, and cocoa pulp grown in soil affected by the disaster. To determine whether the produce had been negatively affected, they examined levels of cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, and lead, metals linked to iron oxides, which they explained, "are the primary components of the tailings." And, as they found, eating a banana from the region may indeed pose health risks, especially to children.

"Our group has been studying the impacts of the dam collapse for years. We obtained the first samples seven days after the accident and immediately understood that there was an imminent risk of contamination of plants, soil, water, and fish," Tiago Osorio, an agronomist and professor in the Department of Soil Science at the Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture at the University of Sao Paulo, said. "But the question remained: Does this contamination pose a risk to human health?"

In their work, the team explained how the plants absorb these "potentially toxic elements," known as PTEs, from mining waste and eventually store them in their edible tissues, which end up on grocery store shelves.

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"The iron oxide content in the soil, which is the main constituent of the tailings, correlates with its content in the plant," PhD researcher Amanda Duim Ferreira explained. "We studied the passage of constituents from the tailings in the soil to the water, and then from the water to the plant, including its leaves and fruits."

A decade ago, a mining dam collapse in Minas Gerais sent iron-rich tailings rushing through communities and across farmland. Over time, that waste settled into the soil near the Doce River estuary  an area where crops are still planted and harvested today.

Credit: Christophe Simon / AFP via Getty Images

To measure the exact contamination levels, the team collected soil and plant samples and subjected them to a washing and weighing cycle. They then separated the edible portion from the rest of the plant and dried it into a powder.

Related: Meet Yelloway One, Chiquita's New Disease-Resistant Banana

"We dissolved the 'plant powder,' transforming it into a solution using various acids, and determined the concentration in the solution," Duim Ferreira said. "We converted the calculation of the concentration of material in the solution and compared it with the weight of the diluted material, thus obtaining the PTE concentration in milligrams per kilogram of dry biomass."

As the researchers found, in both bananas and cassava, nearly all PTEs except chromium were present at higher concentrations in the roots and tubers. Cocoa, however, showed a different pattern, with higher levels in its stems, leaves, and fruits. They added, "In cocoa pulp, copper and lead concentrations exceeded limits set by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)."

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"These elements exist naturally in the environment," Tamires Cherubin, a health sciences Ph.D. and co-author of the study, said. "We're exposed to them in lower concentrations. But in the case of a disaster like the one in Mariana, when exposure is expected to increase, we need to exercise extra caution." That's because at higher levels they can lead to a host of health issues, including kidney and heart problems, gastrointestinal discomfort, and, if inhaled, lung damage, too.

Related: A New Study Says Up to 17% of the World's Cropland Could Be Contaminated With Toxic Metals

With this "extra" caution, the team also calculated the risk quotient (RQ), risk index (RI), and total risk index (TRI) for people consuming bananas, cassava rhizomes, and cocoa pulp. They also evaluated the risk for children under six and adults separately. After factoring in how much locally grown food residents consume and considering long-term exposure, as well as differences in weight between children and adults, the team found that, for most metals, the TRI was below 1, indicating no significant risk to adults. However, the TRI for bananas exceeded 1 for children, specifically for cadmium, "signaling possible health concerns."



"Over time, considering the life expectancy of around 75 years, there may be a carcinogenic risk since there's a possibility of direct and indirect DNA damage," Cherubin said. The researchers added that this damage could increase the risk of certain cancers affecting the central nervous system, digestive tract, and blood-forming tissues. However, "It all depends on the human body's ability to absorb and metabolize these elements that are available in the environment."

Should you be worried?

For most American shoppers, this study is unlikely to affect whats in your fruit bowl. The researchers examined crops grown near Brazils Doce River estuary  a region directly affected by the 2015 dam collapse  rather than the countrys entire agricultural output.

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It also does not suggest widespread contamination of Brazilian banana exports. Beyond that, most bananas sold in the United States are imported from Guatemala, Ecuador, and Costa Rica, not Brazil.

The elevated risk identified in the study was tied primarily to young children consuming locally grown bananas over long periods of time. For adults, overall risk levels remained below thresholds considered significant.

The bigger takeaway: Environmental contamination can persist in soil for years, with the greatest impact felt by communities living closest to the source.

For U.S.-based consumers, there is slightly less concern. According to data from the American Farm Bureau, while most bananas consumed in the United States are grown in Central and South America, they typically come from Guatemala, which supplies 40% of our banana imports, followed by Ecuador and Costa Rica, each contributing 16%. However, Brazil is among the top 10 banana-producing nations in the world, meaning you're likely to encounter one of its bananas if you travel often.

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Furthermore, this study is the latest to demonstrate that fruits and vegetables can become contaminated by soil pollutants. In October, Food & Wine reported on another study showing how microplastics can bypass plants natural root barriers and accumulate in edible vegetables, such as radishes, further highlighting the importance of taking care of our soil so it can take care of us.

Read the original article on Food & Wine
The Brief

Former LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley sued the city on Friday, alleging her termination was an act of illegal retaliation by Mayor Karen Bass.

Crowley claims the deadly Palisades Fire was exacerbated by an $17.6 million budget cut and the Mayors absence during a diplomatic trip to Ghana.

The Mayors office has not yet issued a formal response to the specific allegations of lying and document manipulation detailed in the lawsuit.

LOS ANGELES - Former Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley has filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging that Mayor Karen Bass orchestrated a retaliatory campaign to deflect blame for the catastrophic January 2025 Palisades Fire.

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The suit claims the Mayors office ignored repeated warnings about budget cuts and equipment failures before firing Crowley to "avoid accountability."

What we know

In her Los Angeles Superior Court filing, Kristin Crowley alleges violations of the Labor Code and the state Constitution.

The lawsuit centers on the aftermath of the Palisades Fire, which killed 12 people and destroyed thousands of structures.

Crowley was removed from her post on Feb. 21, 2025, following accusations from Mayor Bass regarding leadership failures and a refusal to prepare an after-action report.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

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Crowleys legal team contends that the Fire Department was intentionally hindered by the Bass administration, which reportedly cut the 2024-2025 operating budget by $17.6 million.

"Bass reversed course. She sought to avoid accountability by shifting blame and lying... claims contradicted by public records and Bass' own prior statements," the lawsuit claims.

The suit also highlights that Mayor Bass was out of the country in Ghana when the fire erupted, despite widely publicized National Weather Service warnings about extreme Santa Ana winds.

The other side

Bass previously accused Crowley of failing to deploy 1,000 available firefighters and failing to inform her of the fire danger presented by forecasted winds.

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"Acting in the best interests of Los Angeles public safety, and for the operations of the Los Angeles Fire Department, I have removed Kristin Crowley as Fire Chief," Bass said in a statement at the time.

"We know that 1,000 firefighters that could have been on duty on the morning the fires broke out were instead sent home on Chief Crowleys watch. Furthermore, a necessary step to an investigation was the President of the Fire Commission telling Chief Crowley to do an after-action report on the fires. The Chief refused. These require her removal. The heroism of our firefighters  during the Palisades fire and every single day  is without question. Bringing new leadership to the fire department is what our city needs."

Following word of Crowley's lawsuit, Bass' office issued the following statement, "There is nothing new here. Ms. Crowley was removed from her post for her failure to pre-deploy and her decision to send 1,000 firefighters home instead of keeping them on duty on the morning the fires broke out. This lawsuit has no merit."

Timeline

July 2024: Bass administration reportedly cuts LAFD operating budget by $17.6 million for the fiscal year.

January 2025: High-wind event triggers the Palisades Fire; Mayor Bass is on a diplomatic trip to Ghana.

February 21, 2025: Mayor Bass officially removes Crowley as LAFD Chief.

Late 2025: LA City Council votes 13-2 to reject Crowleys appeal of her termination.

Friday (Current): Crowley files a formal lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court seeking unspecified damages.

What's next

The city must now file a formal response to the lawsuit in Superior Court.

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While Crowley remains with the LAFD as an assistant chief in the Valley Bureau, the legal discovery process is expected to force the release of internal communications regarding the 2024 budget decisions and the Mayor's travel logs during the emergency.

The Source

This report is based on legal filings submitted to the Los Angeles Superior Court on Friday, February 20, 2026. The details regarding the Palisades Fire and previous administrative actions were drawn from public records, including Los Angeles City Council vote logs and past official statements issued by the Mayors office and the LAFD. City News Service contributed.
A court has heard recordings of a former Nigerian oil minister allegedly confronting two oil tycoons from whom she is accused of accepting bribes, after their relationships had broken down.

Prosecutors allege that Diezani Alison-Madueke was provided with "a life of luxury" in the UK, which they say was paid for by those who sought lucrative oil contracts from the Nigerian government.

In one conversation recorded on her phone, Alison-Madueke, 65, could be heard saying: "I will be happy to escort all of you to jail along with myself."

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She denies five counts of accepting bribes and a charge of conspiracy to commit bribery.

Southwark Crown Court heard how a Samsung phone belonging to the former minister was seized by UK investigators during her arrest in London in 2015.

On it were recordings from the previous year of two conversations Alison-Madueke had had, first with Olajide Omokore and then with Kolawole Aluko.

The two oil moguls are not on trial, but prosecutors allege they paid bribes to Alison-Madueke during her time as Nigeria's petroleum resources minister, between 2010 and 2015.

The conversations were said to have taken place when Alison-Madueke allegedly believed both Omokore's wife and Aluko were telling people they knew of information that could "take her down".

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In the first recording, from April 2014, Alison-Madueke could be heard telling Omokore: "We who are managing the thing have kept quiet. We've kept quiet while people like your wife are busy singing all over the place."

Raising her voice, the former minister said: "I do not react well to being blackmailed."

The court also heard a second conversation, recorded one month later, between Alison-Madueke and Aluko, who could be heard being searched before the meeting began.

On the recording, Alison-Madueke expressed concern that Aluko's "lavish, lascivious lifestyle" had attracted attention on the internet.

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"As far as everybody's concerned, you're a playboy," she told him, accusing him of "parading" his relationships with people including British supermodel Naomi Campbell.

"Naomi Campbell, these are not the people for you to be parading Other men do these things, but they don't parade them. They do them quietly because the time for parading these things was not now."

The former minister told Aluko she had already spoken about his "general behaviour, acquisition of assets, etc, asking you to be careful because intelligencer will start following you".

Alison-Madueke said she was "really annoyed" to hear "this take her down, and information that you have on me".

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"I will be happy to escort all of you to jail along with myself," she added. "You will be shocked what I will do because when it comes to that, I will come out and tell the Nigerian people this is what happened.

"Oh yes, I will blame myself but I will come out openly and say it so they can judge me openly. And then all of us go and sit on the gate. Let us see who survived, me or you."

On the recording, Aluko could be heard saying: "I never ever mentioned your name or any other name." He told Alison-Madueke he had placed some material in a safety deposit box, including "whatever I thought could save me, what could save me from jail".

He described himself as having "a million flaws" but being "loyal like a dog".

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Previously, the defence lawyer for Alison-Madueke told the court his client had not requested or received any financial advantage from the men and that they have not been charged or extradited.

Also on trial is oil industry executive Olatimbo Ayinde, 54, who denies one count of bribery relating to Alison-Madueke and a count of bribery of a foreign public official.

Alison-Madueke's brother, former bishop Doye Agama, 69, denies conspiracy to commit bribery.

The trial continues.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo.  A Springfield-area doctor is being sued by his ex-wife and her boyfriend, who say he repeatedly looked up their medical records through CoxHealth systems without a valid reason and later used private information to allegedly embarrass them and cause financial harm.

Jessica Scott and Jeffrey Harper filed the lawsuit Tuesday, Feb. 24, in Greene County Circuit Court.

The suit names Grant R. Scott, a vascular surgeon, as the defendant. The petition alleges he was fired from Cox in June 2025.

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The petition says Jessica Scott and Grant Scott were married in 2006. The petition also says Jessica Scott and Harper have been dating since about 2020.

According to the petition, the doctor accessed Jessica Scotts CoxHealth records at least 19 times between August 2020 and May 2025. It also alleges he accessed Harpers CoxHealth record in August 2024.

The lawsuit points to letters the plaintiffs say they received from CoxHealth in 2025.

One letter, dated July 18, 2025, told Jessica Scott that an employee accessed your medical records multiple times from June 2023 to June 2025 without direct job-related duty, the petition says.

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A second letter, dated July 30, 2025, told Harper that a breach occurred when an employee accessed his medical record without a direct job-related duty, the petition says.

We can confirm that the physician is not employed with CoxHealth, and we were unaware of this private, civil dispute, a spokesman for Cox told Ozarks First.

The lawsuit also links the alleged record access to problems that surfaced around the same time. It says that in June 2025, someone began using Jessica Scotts personal information for credit-related inquiries and posted Craigslist ads using her information.

The petition says she filed a police report.

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Additionally, the petition says the plaintiffs also filed complaints with agencies including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights and Missouris Board of Registration for the Healing Arts.

A court date has not been set yet.

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.
Did Kash Patel, Sen. John Kennedy, Pete Buttigieg, Vince Gill and others demand that former President Barack Obama return millions he earned through ownership related to "Obamacare"? No, that's not true: Nearly identical stories that swap-in those and other names are part of an international network of websites and Facebook pages that publish fake news stories about famous people to generate traffic. The claim that Obama earns royalties on Obamacare originated with a satire web publisher who baits conservatives into re-posting fake stories.

Image source: Lead Stories screenshot of post on American Roots Facebook page.

The American Roots Facebook page did not provide customary Transparency Tab information about the country of origin of its team. But the story promoted by the post appears on the HopeNote website, whose Terms of Service declarations list Vietnam as the home country of the site.

Additionally, the URL for the page on which the Patel story appears ends with a Vietnamese word : "phuongchi". Google Translate translates that word to English (archived here) as "method."

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The Vietnam connection is significant, since fact-checkers, including Lead Stories, have identified a major source of AI-generated false stories coming from a single operation based in that Southeast Asian country. You can see recent reporting and fact checks mentioning that country here.

Given Obama's prominence and the fame of the multiple persons said to be demanding the return of fictional royalties, such claims would be newsworthy if the head of the FBI, a U.S. senator or the other famous persons listed were actually making them.

Lead Stories searched Google News for news articles mentioning "Obama", "payments" "ownership" and "Obamacare" and "Patel". The index of the contents of thousands of news sites did not locate any stories (archived here) mentioning those key words from the fake news posts.

The KASH PATEL DEMANDS OBAMA RETURN $120 MILLION story on HopeNote (archived here) included following passage:

The news of the $120 million demand has ignited a massive and polarized debate on the internet, with the hashtag #ReturnTheMoney trending alongside #DefendObama.

Lead Stories searched Facebook for instances of a #DefendObama hashtag, finding (archived here) zero examples of that hashtag in use. Similarly, no sign of a massive internet debate about Obama was turned up by a search on Facebook for the hashtag: #ReturnTheMoney (archived here).

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A search on Facebook for the story's phrase: "He allocated money under his own laws using taxpayer-generated prestige" (archived here) brought up multiple results with almost exactly the same story but about different political and media figures, some not even from the U.S.

Lead Stories found posts involving:

Jeanine Pirro

Madonna

Sen. John Kennedy

Teresa Giudice

Stephen Miller

Peta Credlin

Pete Buttigieg

Vince Gill

Kash Patel

Jesse Watters

Image source: Lead Stories animation of Facebook search results for the phrase "He allocated money under his own laws using taxpayer-generated prestige".

Lead Stories has published a primer -- or a prebunk -- on how to identify these kinds of fake posts exported from Vietnam. It's titled "Prebunk: Beware Of Fake Fan Pages Spreading False Stories About Your Favorite Celebrities -- How To Spot 'Viet Spam'"
President Donald Trump said during his State of the Union address that a man accused of killing a Ukrainian refugee in Charlotte had come in through open borders.

That is not true.

DeCarlos Brown, 34, of Charlotte is accused in the fatal stabbing of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee who was living in Charlotte when she was killed in August on a light rail train.

Zarutskas mother was an unannounced guest of Trumps in the audience at the U.S. Capitol Tuesday night.

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We are honored to be joined tonight by a woman who has been through hell, Trump said.

He described her daughter as a beautiful young woman.

Last summer, 23-year-old Iryna was riding home on the train when a deranged monster, who had been arrested over a dozen times and was released through no cash bail, stood up and viciously slashed a knife through her neck and body.

Erika Kirk, left, widow of the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, looks on as Anna Zarutska, the mother of Iryna Zarutska, is recognized by US President Donald Trump during the State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on February 24, 2026.

On Aug. 22, Zarutska boarded the Lynx Blue Line at the Scaleybark station and sat down in front of 34-year-old DeCarlos Brown, who almost immediately stabbed her. When video of her death became public, it became a national story and one Republicans have seized on to attack North Carolina Democrats for being soft on crime.

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At the time, Brown was out of jail without bail on charges of misusing the 911 system.

U.S. President Donald Trump delivers his State of the Union address during a Joint Session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, in Washington, D.C. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images/TNS) (Andrew Harnik/TNS)

But Tuesday night, Trump got a key fact wrong about Brown.

She had escaped a brutal war only to be slain by a hardened criminal set free to be killed in America, Trump said, adding, Came in through open borders.

The Charlotte Observer previously reported that Brown was born in Charlotte, according to his Facebook page.

His mother told The Charlotte Observer he graduated from West Mecklenburg High School. He worked at a local Subway.

She also told the newspaper that her son suffered from schizophrenia and said the system failed him. She and her husband tried to get their son mental health treatment but repeatedly were turned away.

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Trump vowed to get justice for Zarutska.
The Brief

Scott Botcher now faces an upgraded felony count of hit-and-run resulting in death for a June 2025 crash that killed a motorcyclist on I-94.

Investigators linked Botcher to the scene after a BMW part was found at the crash site and records showed an abandoned 911 call placed from his phone minutes after the collision.

During a traffic stop the following day, Botcher reportedly admitted to seeing the "guy flip" and suspected he hit the motorcycle before driving home without reporting it.

WAUKESHA, Wis. - A 63-year-old Delafield man now faces an amended criminal count of hit-and-run resulting in death, a felony, in connection with a crash that happened in June 2025. The accused is Scott Botcher.

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FOX6 News confirmed Botcher was employed at the time of the crash as Fox Points Village Manager.

Crash involving motorcyclist

What we know

According to the criminal complaint, Waukesha County dispatch reported on the evening of June 25, 2025, a crash with serious injuries involving a motorcycle on westbound I-94 near Elmhurst Road in the Town of Delafield. A Wisconsin State Patrol trooper responded to the crash scene and assisted with a full interstate closure.

Scene in Waukesha County

The trooper reviewed Wisconsin Department of Transportation traffic footage. The complaint says on the video a white SUV was traveling in lane one. A motorcycle was behind the SUV when the SUV slowed due to heavy traffic. The video showed the motorcycle braking, but the operator was not able to stop in time. "The motorcyclist then rear-ended the white SUV and the motorcyclist was ejected off the motorcycle," the complaint says. The trooper then saw on the video a "black passenger vehicle slow down and steer to the right slightly but still end up striking the fallen motorcycle rider. The black passenger car slowed, continued to drive westbound away from the scene," the complaint says.

Scene in Waukesha County

Fire and emergency personnel got to the scene and performed life-saving measures. However, the motorcyclist was pronounced deceased at the scene.

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Family later identified the motorcyclist as 29-year-old Colton Jose of Pewaukee. A GoFundMe was established to help defray funeral expenses for Jose.

Evidence on the scene

Dig deeper

While investigators were not able to make out the license plate on the black passenger vehicle, a black vehicle part was located at the scene where the motorcyclist was struck. That part "showed the BMW symbol and a part ID number. This number was able to determine basic vehicle information such as manufacturer, make, model, and approximate year of the vehicle the part belongs to," the complaint says. Based on the information from this part, investigators determined the striking vehicle "could be a 3 or series BMW ranging between 2013 and 2017 manufacture years," the complaint says.

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The next morning, on June 26, 2025, another state trooper located the suspect vehicle and the driver who was involved in the hit-and-run crash. The trooper did this by reviewing the 911 call log. One call in particular was associated with defendant Botcher; it came in minutes after the original crash. The trooper confirmed "this call came in as a 911 abandoned call, which means it dialed but hung up fast enough it did not get answered by dispatch. However, the call still dialed long enough to plot and connect the cell towers and route to 911," the complaint says. When investigators entered the defendant's information into a Department of Motor Vehicle inquiry, they found a list of the defendant's vehicles registered to his name. The first vehicle was a 2017 black BMW sedan series 320, the complaint says.

On the evening, of June 26, a trooper spotted the defendant's black BMW sedan leaving his driveway. The trooper followed the car, and "noticed part of the vehicle's undercarriage was flapping up and down while it was traveling down the road," the complaint says. The court filing says the defendant pulled into a gas station parking lot and went into the building. The trooper followed, and "noticed the (car's) hood, specifically near the emblem, was pushed in and appeared to be damaged," the complaint says.

Traffic stop, interview

What they're saying

After the BMW left the gas station, the trooper made a traffic stop on the defendant's vehicle. When the trooper asked the defendant what happened to the front of his vehicle, the defendant replied, "I was driving home last night, and there was a motorcycle accident in front of me, and I saw the guy flip, and I think I hit the motorcycle," the complaint says. The trooper asked the defendant if he told anyone about the incident. The defendant replied, "No."

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At one point, the defendant questioned the length of time the traffic stop was taking. The trooper informed the defendant they were further investigating the crash he was involved in with the motorcycle. The complaint says the defendant said, "Well, not, not, the guy wasn't on the motorcycle." The trooper replied, "But you hit a motorcycle." The defendant replied, "Well, I think I did, I don't know what I hit. That's the honest answer," the complaint says. But then the defendant also mentioned he just drove home.

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As part of the final investigation, a reconstruction specialist with the Wisconsin State Patrol conducted a collision analysis of the crash. The data showed "the collision with the defendant's vehicle was 46 miles per hour, +/- 10%. The collision between the defendant's vehicle and (the victim) was of sufficient force that it was unlikely to be a survivable event," the complaint says.

Botcher in court

What's next

Botcher was initially charged last June with hit-and-run, attended vehicle  a misdemeanor. The charge was amended to hit-and-run involving death, a felony, on Feb. 23.

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Botcher appeared for a hearing in Waukesha County court on Feb. 23  and he is due back in court for a preliminary hearing on March 18.

The Source

Information in this post was provided by Wisconsin Circuit Court Access, the criminal complaint associated with this case, and previous FOX6 News coverage.
Americans love to eat chicken, and there are plenty of fast-food options for those looking for their fix.

Popeyes, Chick-fil-A, KFC, Raising Canes, Churchs  again, its not hard to find chicken. But one restaurant you just dont hear mentioned in that discussion much anymore is Boston Market.

That might have something to do with the old, Out of sight, out of mind, saying because it is not easy to find a Boston Market these days. The restaurant, which began as Boston Chicken in 1985, and is headquartered in Newtown Township, Pennsylvania, had more than 1,200 restaurants at one point in the 1990s, according to The Street.

But the bottom fell out over the next couple of decades.

Boston Market was down to 300 stores heading into 2023, and The Street said that it shrank to fewer than 30 locations by the start of 2024. The Boston Market Wikipedia page says it currently has 22 stores left, but The Street said the actual number could be less than 20.

The outlet cited a report from Nations Restaurant News in 2023 that claimed that Boston Market owner Jay Pandya faced hundreds of lawsuits from vendors, franchisors, and employees regarding unpaid bills when he filed for bankruptcy on Dec. 8, 2023.

At the time, per the report, he cited $10-$50 million in liabilities.

But, The Street reported, that filing by Pandya and another attempt were each rejected by the courts.

So, what happened to Boston Market and its delicious rotisserie chickens to call such a fall off?

Restaurant analyst Aaron Allen told FCNews that the chain hurt itself by holding its costs down  a move that ultimately led to a reduction in quality, which only undercut it further.

Also, a big issue for Boston Market, per The Streets report, was the fact that grocery stores began offering rotisserie chickens.

The chain eventually saw the likes of Costco serve up the same things far cheaper, retail and restaurant expert Steve Feldman reportedly said.

And, because of that, it might be hard for Boston Market to pull itself back off life support.

Read the original article on pennlive.com. Add pennlive.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
A 30-year-old Lebanon father has been sentenced on child endangerment charges connected to the death of a 1-year-old child in a Brandywine Street house fire in September 2024.

Brian Navarre was sentenced Feb. 25 by Lebanon County Court of Common Pleas Judge President Judge John Tylwalk to serve a minimum sentence of one year minus a day in the Lebanon County Correctional Facility. He pleaded guilty to the charges Sept. 11.

Court officials noted that Navarre has served more than a year and three months in the Lebanon County Correctional Facility before his sentencing hearing, and was paroled for already serving his minimum sentence. Tylwalk said that the guideline ranges for Navarre's charges are 12 months to 18 months.

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"I know there is nothing I could have done today to make the circumstances of this case right," Tylwalk said to Navarre. "I'm sure you are going to bear a burden of guilt throughout your life. There are those who would say that you should bear that guilt."

Navarre did not speak during the Feb. 25 sentencing hearing beyond answering some generic questions.

More than a year after a fire on the 1300 block of Brandywine Street, personal messages to baby Noah can still be seen around the exterior of the condemned building. The 1-year-old child was killed in a house fire Sept. 13, 2024.

Navarre's 1-year-old child was killed in a house fire on Sept. 13, 2024, at his Brandywine Street residence. Law enforcement officials have claimed that the conditions of the residence were what contributed to the child's death, along with causing injuries to three other children.

Jessica Miller, 27, the child's mother, was sentenced Jan. 7 by Judge Donna Long Brightbill to serve 20 months in a state correctional institution. She pleaded guilty on Nov. 26.

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On Feb. 4, Tylwalk sentenced the child's grandmother, Barbara Miller, 60, to serve three years of probation on felony child endangerment charges. The first eight months of her probation are to be served on house arrest with electronic monitoring. Miller pleaded guilty to the charges on Sept. 10.

Brandywine Fire: Lebanon County grandmother, mother sentenced in child fire death

Tylwalk remarked during the sentencing hearing Feb. 25 that Navarre's sentencing is the last of the three individuals involved with the circumstances that led to the death of the child, and that there has been a different approach to each of those cases.

"I'm aware of the fact that based on all of the circumstances related to me at the time I sentenced grandma (Barbara Miller) that mom was the most culpable person in terms of that tragic situation occurring," he said.

Brandywine Street fire

On Sept. 13, 2024, the Lebanon Fire Department was dispatched to the 1300 block of Brandywine Street for a multiple-dwelling fire. As they began arriving on the scene, additional information was provided that a baby was trapped on the second floor.

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At the time of the fire, officials said Brian Navarre resided in the home with Barbara Miller and three children.

Fire and emergency crews had a hard time accessing the home because the front door had been barricaded, according to court documents.

"The residence was found to be in deplorable condition, heavily cluttered and dirty," police said in court records. "The front door to the residence was found to be barricaded with a cabinet, as this was a common occurrence to prevent the juvenile victims from escaping the residence."

A 1-year-old boy, later identified as Noah, was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials said he was not able to be removed from his crib in the back bedroom, and they listed his cause of death as smoke inhalation.

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Two girls, ages 5 and 2, and a 4-year-old boy, were taken to other hospitals. Officials said they suffered minor injuries as a result of the fire. Barbara Miller was airlifted to Lehigh Valley Burn Center with second-degree burns.

The fire originated in the second-floor front bedroom, according to court documents. Lebanon City Police conducted forensic interviews with the children after the incident, where one child disclosed that another one was playing with a lighter, which caused the fire.

Police said that after interviewing the parents and the grandmother, it was determine that the children were left alone and unsupervised on a daily basis over the previous several months. According to court documents, Miller told police she was not "physically capable of traversing the stairs to the second floor" where the children were located.

"It was determined either Jessica Miller or Brian Navarre would bring the (one-year-old) downstairs, where Barbara Miller's room was located before leaving the residence," according to court records. "If either parent failed to do so, (the child) would have to remain upstairs, unsupervised by an adult, in his crib; until either Brian Navarre or Jessica Miller returned to the residence."

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According to the Lebanon County District Attorney's Office, Navarre worked overnight shifts and the children required care. Jessica Miller was supposed to arrive at Navarres home and provide care. She allegedly failed to arrive and failed to make childcare arrangements.

Police also said that they determined that there were no dental records for the children in the house. Court documents stated that one child suffered from decayed teeth and infection, resulting in the need for oral surgery to remove the infected teeth.

Lebanon City Police discovered later that the same family, while living at a different residence in 2022, had involvement with a local social service agency regarding the lack of medical care for their 2-year-old child.

The Department of Human Services operates a 24/7 hotline about the welfare of a child and to report suspected child abuse. ChildLine can be reached at 800-932-0313.

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Matthew Toth is a reporter for the Lebanon Daily News. Reach him at mtoth@ldnews.com or on X at @DAMattToth.

This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: Father of child killed in Brandywine St. fire sentenced, paroled
The day of his teenage sons deadly rampage at a Georgia high school, Colin Gray asked his daughter to cover for him if investigators questioned her about what he knew leading up to the shooting, the girl testified Tuesday at her fathers murder trial.

Jenni Gray, who was 13 at the time, testified her father specifically asked her to avoid mentioning his knowledge of images and articles of Nikolas Cruz, the imprisoned Florida school shooter, her brother had posted in his bedroom.

Throughout her testimony, Jenni appeared to avoid eye contact with her father, who seemed to lean forward in his chair, listening intently as she calmly took the stand for much of the afternoon.

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She recalled her father suggesting what she should tell investigators during an interview after the shooting.

He told me if they ask me anything about if he knew that Colt had problems, and his problems would lead up to this, that I should basically try to cover for him, and specifically about the pictures on the walls he told me not to tell them that he knew what they were, the teen recalled her father instructing her.

Do you mean the pictures of Nikolas Cruz? prosecutor Alix Daniel asked.

Yes, maam.

Jurors earlier heard a recording of an interview with police in which Colin Gray said he asked Colt about a person in an image hanging on the wall.

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He goes, You really dont know who that was? Im like, Im asking who it is. He goes, Oh, thats one of the guys that did that last school shooting,  Colin Gray is heard telling police in the recording, recalling an exchange with Colt days before the rampage.

At one point, a defense lawyer asked the court to disallow Jennis testimony but the judge allowed it to continue, noting she will remain under a subpoena in case she needs to be recalled to the stand.

Jenni testified she now lives with a foster family and has broken all contact with her biological family. She uses a different last name.

You certainly dont want to go through life known as the sister of the school shooter, defense attorney Brian Hobbs asked during cross examination.

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Yes, sir.

The sisters testimony and the recording played earlier Tuesday provided key insights about Colin Grays actions and knowledge before Colt Gray, then 14, brought an AR-15-style rifle to Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, and opened fire on September 4, 2024. Four people were killed and nine were injured, before the teen surrendered to police.

Colin Gray has pleaded not guilty to nearly 30 charges, including two counts each of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter.

Prosecutors allege he allowed Colt Gray access to the firearm despite previous warnings that his son was a danger to others, actions that constitute criminally reckless conduct.

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His defense attorney said in opening statements Colin Gray was unaware his son was planning the shooting and had taken steps to try to get him help.

Father says Santa Claus bought son a rifle

Earlier Tuesday, jurors heard Colin Grays comments during a 1.5-hour interview with Georgia Bureau of Investigation special agent Kelsey Ward shortly after the shooting.

The eldest Gray explained to police why he bought the boy an AR-15-style rifle, despite his sons increasingly aggressive behavior and need for mental health counseling.

Colin Gray said he wanted to get his son Colt into deer hunting as a hobby to help him cope with his tumultuous family life. He said Colt shot a deer in their first outing, leading Colin Gray to believe he had turned a corner with his son.

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In my mind, I swear to God, I thought he was gonna be perfect from then on, he said.

But the rifle Colt was using jammed, so Colin said, We keep doing good, youre doing good, maybe Santa Claus will bring you one.

He then bought his son a rifle as his big Christmas present and gave him the whole speech and everything about gun safety, he said.

Its not clear if he will testify in his own defense, so the recording could fill in that gap. While the recording offered key evidence for the prosecution, it also illuminated Colin Grays efforts to help his son and keep together a struggling family.

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Im trying to be the glue that holds this whole family together, he said.

Colin Grays trial is part of a broader push to hold more people accountable for a school shooting, including the shooters parents and responding law enforcement officers. This case bears close similarities to the trials of James and Jennifer Crumbley, whose then-15-year-old son killed four students in 2021 at his high school in Oxford, Michigan.

The trial began last week and has featured emotional testimony from students and teachers who survived the shooting, police interviews with Colin Gray, Colt Grays spotty school attendance, photos showing unsecured firearms and ammo in the home and testimony from the teens mother and grandmother about their unsettled family life.

Colt Gray has admitted to the shooting, according to authorities. Now 16, he has pleaded not guilty to 55 felony counts, including four counts of malice murder. A trial date has not been set.

Father says son had become more aggressive recently

In his interview with police, Colin Gray said his sons behavior had escalated and become more aggressive in the last five to seven months.

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He said he and Colt had gotten into physical altercations when Colt bull-rushed him, and Colin tried to hold him down until he became calm. Colt Gray had also not been attending school and was dealing with bullying, the father said.

He told the GBI interviewer he had been trying to get Colt into counseling to deal with his issues.

We need to get him to go somewhere, thats what weve been trying to do here for the last week or so, he said in the recording.

I know he needs somebody  not to this level, clearly  like, I know hes like a normal kid and hes dealing with a bunch of crap, he added. I swear to God this is the last thing (I expected)  This was not on my damn radar.

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Colin Gray told police he had given his son a pep talk the morning of the shooting to encourage him to go to school, saying he was super proud of him, according to the recording.

Theres nothing we cant overcome that you already have not overcome. Youve been through a lot and youve done the hard part, he said.

Colin Gray also proudly told police about his sons musical talents and ability to take apart and rebuild computers.

He laid out his immediate reaction on the morning of the shooting. He said he received texts from Colt saying Im sorry and Its not your fault, causing him to become concerned.

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I can tell something is wrong, Colin Gray told police in the interview, saying he initially thought his son had gotten into a fight.

When he heard that there had been a shooting at Apalachee High School, he went home to look for the AR-15-style rifle, which he said Colt Gray had been keeping in his room, he told police. The gun wasnt there, he said.

Im upset and sad but Im really pissed, he said to police. That kid, man. This is just so wrong.

You sound like a great dad, investigator says

For the defense, the recording humanized Colin Gray as a working father trying to care for his three children while helping his wife recover from drug and alcohol addiction. He said he did not believe in old-school belt-beatings and had created a safe bubble for his kids to tell him about their problems without fear.

Toward the end of the recording, Colin Gray appeared to be crying and breathing heavily. Ward, the special agent interviewing him, offered words of personal praise.

This is not your fault, she said in the recording. You sound like a great dad.

Apparently not, Colin Gray said in the recording. I just know something bad has happened, and I want to apologize to somebody, but I dont know who.

As that part of the recording played in court, Colin Gray shook his head and covered his face with his hand.

Ward testified her goal in making that comment was to get him to remain cooperative and maintain a rapport with him. Indeed, after the interview, he agreed to give her access to his phone history, she testified.

This story has been updated with additional information.

CNNs Chris Youd and Maxime Tamsett contributed to this report.

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An attorney for a nationally-known South Carolina law firm created two companies and used them to unlawfully divert approximately $1.5 million under the firms control to himself, according to federal prosecutors.

The lawyer, William Christopher Swett, 42, of Johns Island, has agreed to plead guilty to four counts of wire fraud and four counts of money laundering, according to a plea agreement. A hearing date for the guilty plea has not been set.

The law firms name was not mentioned in an information  a federal charging document  filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in South Carolina.

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But Swett worked for a Mt. Pleasant plaintiffs law firm, according to the information.

Motley Rice is known as a plaintiffs law firm, and it is located in Mt. Pleasant.

Motley Rice spokesperson Alicia Ward commented briefly, saying in an email, We await the next steps in this criminal prosecution regarding this former employee.

Swett, who apparently left the law firm in the spring of 2024, worked on cases involving injuries and deaths from asbestos and mesothelioma, according to the information  and Motley Rice handles those kinds of cases. Successful settlements in those kinds of cases can be sizable.

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Authorities did not say how his thefts were discovered.

Swetts wife, who was not identified by name in the information, was a paralegal who began working on his cases in 2015, according to the information.

The couple married in 2021, but ... Swett and his wife withheld their romantic relationship from the law firm for years, the information said.

Swett insisted they withhold their marriage until 2022. If the law firm was aware that ... Swett was married to his paralegal, they would have reassigned his wife to another lawyer, and she would not have been able to work on his cases or submit reimbursement requests on his behalf, the information said.

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The information did not charge Swetts wife with any illegal acts.

Swetts unlawful scheme to siphon money from the law firm ran from at least 2018 to March 2024, the information said.

It worked this way, the court documents show:

Swett created two companies, MedBill and LegalAssets, to appear as legitimate legal service companies and used them to charge the law firm for services not performed, the information said.

He created fake billing invoices and reimbursement expenses for airplane flights, meals, hotels, depositions as well as client and expert meetings.

He directed his wife to submit fraudulent reimbursement requests, and he submitted sham reimbursement requests for fictitious clients.

He siphoned and directed settlement funds intended for clients and sent them to his own bank accounts or bank accounts he controlled.

He submitted false assertions his clients suffered from severe loss and/or death from asbestos-related claims.

He falsified medical records and related documents to support fraudulent personal injury claims.

He created fake email accounts and created with himself on his law firm account to generate false and fraudulent documentation and to further deceive his law firm and conceal his criminal conduct.

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While a case is going on, it was customary for Motley Rice to assume costs and expenses associated with the litigation, the information said.

Lawyers and other employees at the law firm, including ... Swett submitted expense reports to the law firm, seeking reimbursement for case-related expenses paid by the lawyer, the information said.

By submitting expense reports for reimbursement, law firm employees acknowledged and attested that the expense report contained legitimate expenses incurred for the law firm and/or the clients benefit, it said.

Lawyers in Motley Rice firm are nationally known for their work on landmark tobacco litigation and have been involved in recent years in asbestos and mesothelioma litigation.

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The firms internet site says, Since 1979, our attorneys have had a strong record of taking landmark actions for consumers and workers, we began with asbestos and tobacco cases and today represent hurt people and entities in a wide variety of cases.

The firms description of itself on the internet ironically could apply to the firms being made Swetts victim: Our lives and those of the people we love can change in an instant. Whether you were blindsided by an unexpected diagnosis or are finding your way following a devastating accident or financial loss, were here to support you.

Swett is exposed to a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the offenses, according to his plea agreement and has also agreed to pay full restitution in an amount to be determined at a later date. However, white collar criminals rarely serve anywhere near the maximum penalty.

In May 2024, Swett was placed on interim suspension and his law license was suspended by the S.C. Supreme Court. No reason was given for the sanction.

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According to avvo.com, an online legal marketplace, Swett is a graduate of the Citadel and went to the University of South Carolina Law School. His practice areas included wrongful death as well as defective and dangerous products.

Swetts attorney, Nathan Williams of Charleston and a former federal prosecutor, said in a text his client for a long time ... was struggling with personal challenges and, in that time, made some poor and regretful decisions. Since then, he has made significant changes in his life, and the plea agreement filed today reflects part of his efforts to take accountability for his past decisions and actions.

We look forward to future hearings where we can more fully explain all of this in greater detail, Williams said.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Limehouse is the federal prosecutor handling the case, which was investigated by the FBIs Columbia field office.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
SPRINGFIELD  Even though Gabriel Lebrons attorney argued that hes been plagued by untreated mental health struggles for some time, a federal judge saw fit Tuesday to sentence him to eight years in prison.

Lebron, 35, of Northampton, had been on supervised release only for a short time after a federal gun conviction in Vermont, when a witness in the lobby of a Howard Johnsons hotel in Hadley spotted him on April 9, waving a gun around while on a FaceTime call.

Im going to come to your house with this, Lebron said to the recipient of the call, according to the witness.

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Police came to arrest him, and Lebron remained in the lobby but had pocketed the pistol. Nonetheless, he soon admitted to police that he was carrying the weapon without a license.

Lebron later informed an officer he was serving a three-year probationary sentence from his prior conviction.

Investigators recovered the loaded .25-caliber pistol, plus 10 vials of crack cocaine and bundles of heroin.

Defense lawyer Marissa Elkins argued that her client has been his own biggest liability.

The person he threatened to hurt the most was himself, Elkins told U.S. District Judge Mark G. Mastroianni. His criminal history was littered with these difficult circumstances.

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Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow asked the judge to sentence Lebron to 87 months, while Elkins advocated for a six-year sentence.

Mastroianni opted to sentence Lebron to seven years on the drug and gun charges, plus an additional year for violating his probation.

The judge noted his previous convictions in state court, which yielded relatively light penalties.

These were not heavy-handed sentences, Mastroianni said. Waving a gun around while FaceTiming in a hotel lobby ... could have turned out much worse.

Lebron had pleaded guilty to the charges on Sept. 8. His earlier conviction in Vermont was for possessing a loaded ghost gun with a laser sight and multiple rounds of ammunition.

In that case in 2023, he was sentenced to 27 months in prison and three years of supervised release.

Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman (D) condemned the yelling and screaming from some Democratic legislators during President Trumps State of the Union address Tuesday.

I dont care if its a Republican or Democrat, its a president. Just dont do that, Fetterman told Fox Newss Bill Hemmer early Wednesday.

Some Democrats heckled the president during his remarks, and Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) was removed from the House chamber for the second year in a row for protesting Trump.

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Additionally, Democrats received flak from the White House for remaining seated and refusing to applaud through most of Trumps speech before Congress.

Trump criticized Democratic lawmakers during his speech for not rising to applaud his declaration that the first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens.

You should be ashamed of yourself, not standing up, Trump said, directing his comments to the Democratic side of the chamber.

Fetterman, who has sided with Republicans on several hot-button issues, shook the presidents hand as he entered the floor Tuesday evening. The senator told Fox he believes he was the only Democrat to do so.

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Yes, I shook his hand, of course, Fetterman said. He walked in, and Im always going to do that, for sure.

The Democratic senator previously warned members of his party against disrupting the presidents speech, telling Fox Newss Jesse Watters last week there is just no dignity in these actions.

Fetterman also expressed his disapproval on Wednesday for counterprogramming events during the presidents remarks, including the Peoples State of the Union on the National Mall and State of the Swamp at the National Press Club.

Its disappointing, honestly, Fetterman said. I mean, I think thats sad that half of my colleagues didnt show up.

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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.
NATCHITOCHES, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  Several agencies responded to a grass fire on Louisiana Highway 480 near Natchitoches.

Severe drought leads to burn ban in Arklatex

Crews were dispatched to a reported grass fire near the Natchitoches-Red River Parish line in Natchitoches Parish on Tuesday, February 24, shortly after midnight. Responding agencies included the Natchitoches Parish Sheriffs Office, Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District, and Red River Fire Protection.

According to the sheriffs office, units arrived on the scene and discovered that the fire had spread to the Kansas City Southern railroad tracks in that area.

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La. Hwy 480 was closed for a short time while firefighters contained the blaze, but the roadway has since reopened.

Authorities want to remind the public that an elevated fire danger has been issued for the area and advise everyone not to burn anything until conditions improve.









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 KTALnews.com.
When it comes to working hard, Florida residents just aren't into it. Or at least it seems that way.

WalletHub ranked America's hardest-working cities and no Florida city made the top 10.

Or the top 20.

The top-ranked Florida city, Tampa, came in at No. 28.

In 2024, Americans worked an average of 1,796 hours annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The hardest-working country was Colombia, where workers logged an average of 2,252 hours a year, according to Investopedia.

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Here's a peek at WalletHub's findings.

What are 'hardest-working cities' in US?

Hardest-Working Cities in America

Source: WalletHub

Top 10 hardest-working cities on WalletHub's list were:

Cheyenne, Wyoming Anchorage, Alaska Washington, D.C. Sioux Falls, South Dakota Irving, Texas Nashville, Tennessee Dallas, Texas San Francisco, California Denver, Colorado Austin, Texas

How did Florida rank in hardest-working cities list?

In the 116 cities in the U.S. ranked by WalletHub, here's where Florida cities ranked:

No. 28: Tampa

No. 35: St. Petersburg

No. 36: Orlando

No. 41: Miami

No. 58: Jacksonville

No. 76: Hialeah

How long do Americans work?

"The typical American puts in 1,796 hours per year," WalletHub said.

"In addition, between 40% and 64% of Americans leave at least some of their allotted vacation time on the table."

Why do we work 5 days a week?

At the turn of the 20th century, it was not uncommon for most Americans to work 60 or more hours a week, according to Joseph McCartin, a labor historian at Georgetown University, in an article posted by history.com.

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"As early as 1922, the Ford Motor Company took steps toward the creation of a 40-hour workweek  five 8-hour days and a two-day weekend. Every man, said Edsel Ford, the founders son, needs more than one day a week for rest and recreation.

Then the Fair Labor Standards Act was made the law of the land in 1938. The 40-hour, 5-day workweek has been the standard in America ever since, according to history.com.

4-day work week gaining popularity

After the COVID-19 pandemic changed so much when it came to working conditions earlier this decade  working remotely and more flexible hours  a four-day work week is gaining popularity.

"To be clear, not all four-day workweeks are created equal," the American Psychological Association said. "Some models compress 40 hours into four days, while others reduce weekly hours while providing full pay and benefits.

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"Perhaps unsurprisingly, employees are largely enthusiastic about both types of four-day workweeks, with about 80% of Work in America survey respondents saying they believe they would be happier and just as effective with 4 days at work."

Methodology used by WalletHub to rank America's hardest-working cities

"To identify which cities work the hardest, WalletHub analyzed the 116 largest cities using 11 key metrics," including the employment rate, average weekly work hours and share of workers with multiple jobs.

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://floridatoday.com/newsletters.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Florida cities rank low for hardest-working. Tampa No. 1
Travel is gradually returning to normal after a powerful blizzard slammed much of the northeast United States, bringing up to 2 feet of snow in some areas and bringing travel to a near-standstill. Some hard-hit areas have instituted local travel bans to keep people off the treacherous roads.

Nearly 10,000 flights were canceled within, into, or out of the U.S. in the first few days of the week, but as of 8 a.m. this morning, Feb. 25, fewer than 200 have been canceled, according to live tracking site FlightAware. The bulk of the disruptions hit airports in and around New York, Boston and Philadelphia.

Florida airports saw thousands of delays and cancellations as well but the Sunshine State wasn't hit as hard as other areas of the country. This morning there have been more than 130 delays but only around 36 cancelations at Florida airports, mostly in Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Tampa.

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Airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Southwest and United Airlines have waived change fees and fare differences for anyone traveling to or from stormstruck destinations on certain dates who needs to change their plans.

Here's what to know.

How many delays, cancellations reported at Florida airports?

Here's the breakdown by airport as of around 8 a.m. Feb. 25. Click the airport names for detailed flight info and updated numbers throughout the day.

Delays: 5

Cancellations: 1

Delays: 0

Cancellations: 0

Delays: 18

Cancellations: 11

Delays: 0

Cancellations: 0

Delays: 5

Cancellations: 3

Delays: 0

Cancellations: 0

Delays: 0

Cancellations: 0

Delays: 33

Cancellations: 2

Northwest Florida Beaches International (ECP) cancellations, delays

Delays: 2

Cancellations: 0

Delays: 46

Cancellations: 12

Delays: 2

Cancellations: 0

Delays: 7

Cancellations: 3

Delays: 2

Cancellations: 3

Delays: 0

Cancellations: 0

Delays: 1

Cancellations: 0

Delays: 3

Cancellations: 2

Delays: 0

Cancellations: 0

Delays: 0

Cancellations: 0

Delays: 11

Cancellations: 2

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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C. A. Bridges is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida's service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Floridas best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida flights canceled delayed after US storm? Check status
The Florida House passed legislation dubbed Missys Law in honor of a 5-year-old Tallahassee girl whose abuse-related death happened last year while one of her alleged murderers was out of jail on bond.

House members on Feb. 25 voted 93-20 in favor of the bill (HB 445), sending it on to the Florida Senate, where its version (SB 928) cleared earlier committees with unanimous support.

The legislation would require judges to remand defendants to custody immediately after their conviction of certain dangerous crimes rather than allow them to remain free pending sentencing, which happened in the case of Melissa Missy Mogle.

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Missy died May 19 after she lost consciousness at her Southwood home and was taken to the hospital with injuries all over her body, from burns and bruises to cuts and ligature marks.

Melissa "Missy" Mogle, 5, died May 19, 2025, shortly after she was found not breathing and unresponsive at her home in SouthWood. Her mother, Chloe Spencer, and stepfather, Daniel Spencer, were arrested on aggravated child battery and other child abuse charges.

Her stepfather, Daniel Spencer, 35, and her mother, Chloe Spencer, 24, have been indicted on a number of charges, including first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse. At the time of her death, Daniel Spencer was free on bond following his conviction in an unrelated underage sex sting.

The legislation  first proposed by Attorney General James Uthmeier weeks after Missy died  was sponsored by Rep. Sam Greco, R-St. Augustine, and Sen. Jonathan Martin, R-Fort Myers.

Id ask for your support on this bill, Greco said on the House floor, so that we can make sure that there doesnt have to be another tragedy in the state of Florida like what happened to Missy Mogle, so that we can make sure that were protecting our communities and protecting Florida families from individuals who may do them harm.

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The House vote came a day after 2nd Judicial Circuit State Attorney Jack Campbell and Pepper Mogle, Missy's grandmother, pushed for passage of the bill during a meeting of the Senate Committee on Rules.

A month before the girl died, her stepfather was convicted in a sex sting and allowed by a judge to remain free on bond while he awaited sentencing. He was arrested in February 2024 after chatting with an undercover officer posing as a 15-year-old girl and driving to meet her at a local gas station.

Rep. Sam Greco, R-St. Augustine, speaks with Pepper and Andy Mogle about Missy's Law before a House Criminal Justice Subcommittee meeting on Jan. 20, 2026. The Mogles are the grandparents of Missy Mogle, whose mother and stepfather were charged with murder after her abuse-related death in 2024.

"We're the ones who asked for the remand of the stepfather after he tried to have sex with a child about a half mile of where you're sitting right now," Campbell said. "He was released on bond, and he went home and beat his child to death. We have that on a nanny cam and are proceeding to trial on that case."

Pepper Mogle, who raised Missy the first years of her life, has told lawmakers through tears that Missy lost her chance for happiness and that she didn't want to see other children get hurt.

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"If anything touches your heart today, let this case touch your heart and let this law pass for the justice of my baby," she said. "She did not deserve anything that happened to her."

One House member, Davie Democrat and criminal defense attorney Mike Gottlieb, who has continuously opposed the bill, said he "recognized the horrors that brought this bill" to creation.

"But we're presuming all offenders who are out on bond and who are pleading guilty are going to commit another crime," he said in a previous committee hearing, adding that the bill strips too much discretion from judges.

Missy Mogle, 5, died May 19, 2025, after she was abused by her mother and stepfather, according to Tallahassee police and the Florida Department of Children and Families. Her mother, Chloe Spencer, and her stepfather, Daniel Spencer, were charged May 27 with murder in her death.

Leon Circuit Judge Tiffany Baker-Carper, who presided over Daniel Spencer's sex sting trial, explained in court that she wasn't going to remand him because he had been out of jail for a year without violations and had no violent criminal history.

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There's no indication from the record that Baker-Carper was aware that the Tallahassee Police Department, in consultation with the State Attorney's Office, and the Department of Children and Families had investigated an allegation that Daniel Spencer molested Missy less than a year before her death but didn't pursue charges because of a lack of probable cause.

During the Senate Rules Committee meeting, Aaron Wayt, president-elect of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, noted that the Tallahassee Democrat, which has extensively chronicled the case, posted video showing the judge asking the state to "enlighten" her if she missed something.

"So we believe the North Star on this bill shouldn't be as the attorney general wants, which is to vilify the judicial, but rather it should be to correct the mistake of the executive not investigating fully, not prosecuting fully and not telling the judge," he said. "Because the fix from the attorney general is too broad and not practical for our current judicial system."

Campbell maintained during the Senate hearing that Missy would be alive had the judge had followed the prosecutor's advice.

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"My prosecutors asked for the remand of that defendant, and it didn't happen," he said. "And a child gave her life for it."

(This story was updated to add new information.)

Contact Jeff Burlew at jburlew@tallahassee.com or 850-599-2180.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida House passes 'Missy's Law' after Tallahassee girl's murder
The Brief

An 88-year-old womans property is being destroyed by wild hogs, ruining the work she puts in towards its appearance and leaving holes in which she could trip.

The hogs come in from neighboring property which the City of Sanford owns.

A professional hunter says he asked the city to remove the hogs from their property to protect the elderly woman, but the city declined.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. - An 88-year-old woman in Seminole County says wild hogs are tearing up her four-acre property, leaving deep holes and widespread damage she fears could cause her to fall.

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Mary Pressley, who has lived on the property since 1967, said the problem is worse this year than ever before.

The homeowner

What they're saying

Mary Pressley's husband passed away six years ago. Ever since, its been up to her to maintain her four-acre property in Seminole County. However, these days, shes got a nemesis: wild hogs. She says this year, theyve done more damage than ever before.

"They started doing all that tearing up and destroying everything," said Pressley. "It breaks your heart when you work so hard for it."

The hogs

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) says wild hogs can have 26 piglets per sow annually. Those can grow to be six feet long and up to 200 pounds. And they can use their sharp tusks to attack when threatened.

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The hogs root into the ground, leaving gigantic holes, and she is worried she might trip in them. Pressley does have barbed wire fencing, but it isnt stopping the feral pigs.

The hunt

Pressleys friend, Daniel Levesque, is a professional hunter. He runs a company called Rare Breed Fishing Charters.

"I'm not gonna eradicate these things," Levesque said. "But we could definitely thin them out and keep them out of her yard."

Hes gone out with his compound bow. Another friend set up a couple traps.

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Pressley says after that, she thought they could breathe a little easier.

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"But then they came back worse than ever," she says.

The hiccup

The FWC says they do not provide removal services for wild hogs, but they can be trapped and hunted year-round with no hunting license required, as long as you have permission from the landowner.

Trail cameras show the hogs coming in from the woods, which is land the City of Sanford owns. Hed need their permission to hunt there.

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Levesque says he went to the City of Sanford last September, asking for permission to go on their land to hunt down the hog population. They turned him away. That means he has to just wait until they get to Pressleys property and start destroying it before he can take action.

What's next

Levesque says the offer to step in and help the City still stands.

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"If there's something in particular they need out of me, I'm certain I can provide it," he said. "Whether it be a hold-harm or some level of insurance, and even for that matter, some form of a lease agreement."

Pressley says she doesnt care how it gets done:

"I want the rest of those pigs taken care of."

City response

FOX 35 News Reporter Marie Edinger reached out to the City of Sanford about this. They said theyre looking into it. Edinger did see one of their trucks go back to the property while talking with Pressley.

The Source

FOX 35's Marie Edinger interviewed Mary Pressley, says wild hogs are tearing up her four-acre property, the City of Sanford, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and Daniel Levesque, owner of Rare Breed Fishing Charters.
Achieved a step change in earnings power with 2025 adjusted EBITDA rising 18% to $8,020,000,000, marking twelve consecutive years of growth.

Realized approximately $250,000,000 in synergies during 2025 alone, bringing total synergies since the Magellan acquisition to nearly $500,000,000, significantly exceeding original targets.

Transitioned to a high-quality earnings mix where approximately 90% of earnings are fee-based, providing valuation durability and limiting direct commodity exposure.

Established an integrated platform advantage by embedding the Magellan, Easton, EnLink, and Medallion acquisitions to drive scale and commercial optionality across NGLs, refined products, and crude.

Attributed 2025 performance variance to lower-than-anticipated Bakken volume growth of 100,000,000 cubic feet per day and delays in third-party NGL plant completions.
Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes still has lingering questions and concerns after a call with the Federal Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday in which the agency invited election officials from across the country to discuss the upcoming midterm elections.

The meeting included election officials from across the country, who were joined by representatives from the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Election Assistance Commission. The Arizona Mirror reviewed a copy of the email sent to election officials.

The invitation for the meeting was sent a week before DHS Secretary Kristi Noem visited Arizona and after President Donald Trump had made comments calling for Republicans to nationalize elections.

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In a phone interview with the Mirror after the call, Fontes said that DHS officials were adamant that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents would not be at polling locations.

The bright line was that the Department of Homeland Security was very clear that any suggestion that ICE would be present at polling places was not true, Fontes said

Still, the Democratic secretary of state said he wasnt totally reassured.

Im not relieved at all, because the guarantee that there would be no ICE at polling places came from Heather Honey, so Im not sure we can depend on that, Fontes said.

Honey is an election denier who was appointed to a senior role in DHS overseeing the nations election infrastructure. Her mentor is Cleta Mitchell, who has been involved in a number of failed court cases attempting to overturn Trumps election losses.

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The White House has said it has no formal plans for ICE at polling locations this year, but the Trump administration notably has not ruled out doing so.

I want them to walk the talk, Fontes said. I want my serious questions that have been lingering for almost a year answered.

Fontes, along with secretaries of state in nine other states have asked DOJ and DHS for clarity on how voter data has been used. The Justice Department initially said the data would be used to evaluate state compliance with federal voter laws but later acknowledged that it shared the data with DHS to search for noncitizens on voter rolls.

Arizona is one of more than 20 states that the Trump administration is suing for fully unredacted voter roll data. Fontes has continued to push back against it citing the Privacy Act of 1974 which was also cited in court cases challenging the Department of Government Efficiency. The Privacy Act of 1974 came out of the Watergate and COINTELPRO scandals.

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Fontes also wrote to Trump a year ago after federal cybersecurity officials that work with Arizona election officials were put on administrative leave.

He said that when DHS was directly asked if the U.S. Constitution says that states are in charge of their elections, the agency did not respond.

The federal government is positioning themselves in an unconstitutional way, and that bothers me, Fontes said.

Despite the concerns, Fontes said that, come November, Arizonans should know that local election officials will be ready and prepared to run an efficient election.

Arizonans should know that Arizona is going to run a good election, despite attempts by the federal government to take elections over, Fontes said, adding that all the counties have been working together. As long as Im the secretary of state, we are going to work together.

Despite claims by Trump and his allies, there has been no evidence of widespread voter fraud or malfeasance in the elections.

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Former Republican New Mexico Congressman Steve Pearce faced multiple rounds of questions about his public lands record Wednesday during his first U.S. Senate committee confirmation hearing for director of the federal Bureau of Land Management.

If the Senate confirms him, Pearce, who represented the states 2nd Congressional District from 2011 to 2019, would oversee 245 million acres of public lands, including for recreation, cattle grazing and extraction of oil and natural gas.

President Donald Trump nominated Pearce for the post in November, drawing swift condemnation from environmental groups that pointed to his record in Congress, including his co-sponsoring of bills undermining the Antiquities Act, which allows the president to designate national monuments, and opening national forests to industry.

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Senators on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, where U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) is the ranking member, held a roughly two-hour hearing Wednesday to question three of Trumps nominees. Most of their attention centered on Pearce, who founded an oilfield services company in Hobbs before getting into politics and serving as the states Republican party chair until late 2024.

The other nominees who faced questions Wednesday are Kyle Haustveit, seeking to become the Energy Department undersecretary, and David LaCerte, seeking reappointment to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

The committee wont vote on the nominees for at least a week. After that, Pearce will face a confirmation hearing before the full Senate.

In his opening statement, Pearce drew on his experience as a Vietnam veteran and time in Congress, and recounted fighting for constituents who sought federal approval or dollars to graze their cattle nearby or clear sediment from the Blue Hole recreational spring in Santa Rosa.

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If confirmed, I fully intend to uphold these same principles as BLM Director and ensure local input is a key factor in my decision-making, he said.

Multiple Democratic senators, including Heinrich and U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), asked Pearce whether he disavowed previous statements about selling off public lands. Wyden pointed to a letter Pearce co-wrote in Congress in 2012 urging for the disposal of some of the federal governments vast land holdings to prevent tax hikes.

Pearce noted that while hes not sure his position has changed, he wrote the letter out of sheer frustration. He added that a wholesale selloff of public land is currently illegal under federal law.

Heinrich told Pearce hed received concerned letters from local elected officials in Southern New Mexico about Pearces previous opposition to the 2014 designation of Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument and subsequent efforts to shrink the monuments footprint.

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Pearce said he does not plan to revisit the hotly contested issue if confirmed as BLM director.

I very rarely look in the rear view mirror, and especially looking at this job and the amount of work ahead of us, I dont anticipate going back and reviewing that at the end of the day, he said.

Pearce would take over at the BLM amid Trumps push to increase domestic energy production, boost domestic oil and gas extraction and roll back the Public Land Rule, which sought to ensure conservation of public lands received due consideration along with mining, timber, grazing, recreation or other uses.

In late December, he committed to the Interior Departments Ethic Office that he would divest within 90 days of being confirmed from several oil and gas leases he held in the Permian Basin, as well as interests in companies like gas company Chevron and chip-maker NVIDIA.

Committee Chair U.S. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), who introduced legislation last June that would have mandated the disposal of up to .75% of public lands, said at the end of the hearing that hed received 18 letters of support for Pearces nomination.

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He identified supporters as the Navajo Nation and the New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts. The National Cattlemens Beef Association also previously expressed support for Pearces confirmation.

Environmentalist groups have continued to pressure the Senate to vote against Pearce, including in a statement following the hearing Wednesday. Mike Carroll, a campaign director for the Wilderness Society, told Source NM on Tuesday that unless he disavows his previous views on public lands, Pearce is unfit to be director.

Its really hard to look past that history, even if he does actually disavow being in support of selling off federal public lands, Carroll said.
FORREST COUNTY, Miss. (WHLT)  Firefighters with the Macedonia Volunteer Fire Department responded to a house fire in Forrest County.

Crews were dispatched just before 6:00 p.m. on February 24, 2026, to a home on Shady Oak Lane off of Morristown Road after a caller reported a structure fire. The caller said a vehicle was parked outside, raising concerns someone might still be inside.

Rescued spider monkeys find new home at Hattiesburg Zoo

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Firefighters arrived within five minutes to find the home fully engulfed in flames, with part of the structure already collapsing.

Crews were dispatched just before 6:00 p.m. on February 24, 2026, to a home on Shady Oak Lane off of Morristown Road. (Courtesy: Macedonia Volunteer Fire Dept.) Crews were dispatched just before 6:00 p.m. on February 24, 2026, to a home on Shady Oak Lane off of Morristown Road. (Courtesy: Macedonia Volunteer Fire Dept.) Crews were dispatched just before 6:00 p.m. on February 24, 2026, to a home on Shady Oak Lane off of Morristown Road. (Courtesy: Macedonia Volunteer Fire Dept.) Crews were dispatched just before 6:00 p.m. on February 24, 2026, to a home on Shady Oak Lane off of Morristown Road. (Courtesy: Macedonia Volunteer Fire Dept.) Crews were dispatched just before 6:00 p.m. on February 24, 2026, to a home on Shady Oak Lane off of Morristown Road. (Courtesy: Macedonia Volunteer Fire Dept.) Crews were dispatched just before 6:00 p.m. on February 24, 2026, to a home on Shady Oak Lane off of Morristown Road. (Courtesy: Macedonia Volunteer Fire Dept.) Crews were dispatched just before 6:00 p.m. on February 24, 2026, to a home on Shady Oak Lane off of Morristown Road. (Courtesy: Macedonia Volunteer Fire Dept.)

Shortly after arriving, firefighters made contact with both residents and confirmed no one was inside at the time of the fire. Crews remained on scene for about two and a half hours, extinguishing hot spots and conducting overhaul operations. No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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Four people died and six others were wounded Wednesday morning following a gunfire exchange between a Florida-registered speedboat and Cuban Border Guard Troops in territorial waters.

Cuban officials reported that the vessel was spotted about one nautical mile northeast of the El Pino channel. The incident occurred in the Corralillo municipio when border guards tried to identify the vessel.

The vessel, a speedboat with Florida registration, was identified, and a Border Guard surface unit with five personnel intercepted it as it entered the area.

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Cuban authorities report that the speedboat crew fired at Cuban personnel during identification, injuring the vessels commander in the initial exchange.

The confrontation resulted in four individuals on the foreign vessel losing their lives. Additionally, six crew members were injured and later evacuated for medical treatment.

The Cuban government issued a statement after the incident, reaffirming its dedication to safeguarding its maritime borders.

Note from the Ministry of the Interior:



On the morning of February 25, 2026, a violating speedboat was detected within Cuban territorial waters. The vessel, registered in Florida, United States, with registration number FL7726SH, approached up to 1 nautical mile northeast of the pic.twitter.com/AEmwtAZ4lO  Cuban Embassy in US (@EmbaCubaUS) February 25, 2026

Authorities are ongoing in their investigations to thoroughly understand the circumstances of the shooting. No additional information has been disclosed about the identities of the individuals on the speedboat.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
France's record streak of 40 consecutive days of rain ended on Monday, but flooding is not over despite some areas showing signs of improvement, the country's national meteorological service Meteo-France announced on Tuesday.

The previous record for uninterrupted rain days was set in 2023, when it rained for 32 days straight.

This year, the streak lasted from January 14 to February 22, and is the longest streak of rain recorded in the countrysince measurements began in 1959, according to the agency.

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Meteo-France defines a "rainy day" as any 24-hour period in which the average total rainfall in a specific area, or across the country, is equal to or greater than 1 millimeter. On Monday, the total fell to 0.7 mm, thus ending the streak.

This accumulation of rainfall is linked to a series of disturbances and recent storms, such as Goretti, Ingrid, Nils and Pedro, along the Atlantic, framed by two anticyclones centred over Africa and northern Europe. Climate change also tends to intensify rainfall.

"A warmer atmosphere contains more water vapour, which increases the potential for intense rainfall, while also altering its timing," explains Meteo-France.

"Since 1 January, the equivalent of an entire winter's worth of rainfall, or even more, has fallen on the tip of Brittany, a large part of southwestern France, and the Mediterranean coast, with 44 days of rain, compared to 48 for a typical winter."

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February has already recorded its wettest average across the country since 1959. And the winter of 2025-2026, which is not yet over, will rank among the 10 winters with the highest rainfall since the establishment of the agency.

While the skies appear more favourable over several regions at the start of this week, the ground remains deeply saturated.

Vigicrues, the national agency responsible for flood monitoring, has warned that the water level will recede "very slowly" even if the weather improves in the coming days and weeks.

Two French departments, Charente Maritime and Maine, are still under red alert for flooding, according to the bulletin issued at 10:00 AM on Tuesday by Meteo-France.

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The Ministry for Ecological Transition also indicated in a press release that 58 waterways were under alert across 45 departments. Those included two rivers, the Maine-et-Loire in the Angers area and the Charente in the Saintes area, which are still under red alert, indicating "significant flooding."

Authorities reminded the public that even areas with a yellow alert, which is lower in threat, and as of Tuesday morning, 51 rivers were classified as such, the river could still burst its bank in some areas, and thus, advised exercising caution.

Despite this, water levels in the western part of the country, which have been experiencing exceptional flooding for over a week, began to slowly recede over the weekend.

"The downward trend is underway, even if it is not happening at the same rate everywhere," noted the ministry.

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Meteo-France forecasts generally dry weather until Thursday evening, with temperatures "remarkably mild for this time of year".

Temperatures are expected to climb to between 15 and 20C across much of the country, but warned that the respite may be short-lived as more rain is expected to arrive between Thursday evening and Friday morning.
By Gianluca Lo Nostro and Elissa Darwish

PARIS, Feb 25 (Reuters) - France on Wednesday appointed Christophe Leribault as the new head of the Louvre, bringing in the director of the Palace of Versailles to turn around the world's most-visited museum after a humiliating jewellery heist and staff strikes.

He will succeed Laurence des Cars, who resigned on Tuesday, government spokesperson Maud Bregeon said. Des Cars has faced intense criticism since burglars made off in October with jewels worth an estimated $102 million that are still missing, exposing glaring security gaps at the museum.

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"Leribault's priority will be to strengthen the safety and security of the building, the collections, and people, to restore a climate of trust, and to carry forward, together with all the teams, the necessary transformations for the museum," the Culture Ministry said in a statement about President Emmanuel Macron's pick for the job.

Leribault, 62, is an 18thcentury art historian who previously led Paris' Musee dOrsay and the Orangerie before taking over at Versailles in 2024. He will leave the Versailles job to take up the Louvre role.

He was deputy director of the Louvre's department of graphic arts from 2006 to 2012, the ministry said.

SECURITY LAPSES HIGHLIGHT FUNDING NEEDS

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As well as the heist, strikes over pay and work conditions have repeatedly shut the Louvre since midDecember, while water leaks and a ticketfraud probe that prosecutors say siphoned more than 10 million euros over a decade have also cast a shadow over one of Paris' top tourist attractions.

A state auditors' report last year urged management at the Louvre, home to Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, to redirect spending from acquisitions to overdue security and infrastructure upgrades.

During Leribault's first year at Versailles, which hosted the Olympics equestrian events, the institution secured nearly 8 million euros ($9 million) in philanthropic contributions, according to an annual government report.

The Louvre's new chief told a parliamentary inquiry on museum security last Thursday that Versailles had "stepped up vigilance" under him, leaning on cutting-edge technology while flagging new risks from drone overflights and cybersecurity.

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Unions welcomed the appointment, citing Leribault's willingness to work collaboratively with staff.

Alexis Fritche, general secretary of the CFDT-Culture union, told Reuters that the new director must listen to the museum's 2,200 employees and secure funding for renovations and security improvements.

"Fundamentally, what was lacking with the previous leadership is that we didn't know where we were going," Fritche said. "We expect a lot from him."

($1 = 0.8493 euros)

(Reporting by Gianluca Lo Nostro and Elissa Darwish; Editing by Benoit Van Overstraeten, Gabriel Stargardter and Alison Williams)
YUKON TRAINING AREA, Alaska  Temperatures at 30 degrees below zero. Punishing winds. Relentless snow. And only a few hours of sunlight.

Those are the conditions facing the U.S. troops known as the Arctic Angels, who are stationed in a region that is fast becoming a strategic battleground for global powers. President Donald Trump has made the Arctic a focus as he has threatened a U.S. takeover of Greenland, a semiautonomous Danish territory, saying its necessary for Americas national security. But since long before then, the U.S., Russia and China have been quietly battling for dominance on one of the worlds only remaining underdeveloped fronts.

NBC News joined troops with the Armys 11th Airborne Division as they trained to guard against possible threats and potential warfare in a remote part of Alaska, where the battle is often one of logistics.

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Everythings harder in the Arctic, said Maj. Gen. John Cogbill, commanding general of the 11th Airborne Division.

Weapons freeze, batteries die faster, and moving around takes much longer. Just surviving up here is a challenge in and of itself, Cogbill said.

Soldiers of the 11th Airborne Division inspect a cold-weather all-terrain vehicle. (Mosheh Gains / NBC News) (Mosheh Gains)

Its a dramatically different environment from that of the deserts where most of the U.S. military has spent decades.

The troops with the 11th Airborne undergo cold-weather training before they are deployed to make sure they can survive the climate. They need to eat at least 5,000 calories a day to survive and are motivated by the prospect of their next hot meal or when they can warm up. Medics regularly check their fingers and toes for frostbite, which can quickly set in just by grabbing a cold weapon with a bare hand.

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They get around in a cold-weather all-terrain vehicle, called the CATV [pronounced cat-v]. No matter the weather, the vehicle is able to blast through snow and ice, and even go through water, to take troops to the most remote locations.

Training for battle in such elements can entail using the environment as a weapon of sorts, said Col. Christopher Brawley, who commands the 11th Airbornes 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team. As soon as you cut their ability to fuel themselves or resupply themselves with food, water, ammunition, the environment just takes over, and you let the environment kill the enemy off, he said.

NBC News' Courtney Kube interviews Maj. Gen. John Cogbill, commanding general of the Army's 11th Airborne Division, in Yukon Training Area, Alaska. (Mosheh Gains / NBC News) (Mosheh Gains)

While still frigid, the temperatures in the Arctic are getting warmer, which has allowed potential U.S. adversaries like Russia and China to send more ships and aircraft through the Arctic and hold joint military exercises, at times encroaching into airspace over waters off Alaska.

The world has changed. The threat environment has changed, and the environment itself has changed, which has allowed for threats to progress, said Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska. We need to step up our game.

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Murkowski and her Senate colleague from Alaska, Republican Dan Sullivan, have expressed concern over Trumps approach to Greenland, which has included threats of taking the territory militarily, though those have subsided and the U.S. is in negotiations with Denmark and Greenland over a deal to establish more American military outposts.

But they also said the U.S. needs to be ready for any developments in the Arctic.

After the Cold War, the Pentagon got amnesia about the strategic importance of Alaska, Sullivan said. But our adversaries havent. So theyre here.

NBC News cameraman Jim Long captures soldiers during an exercise at Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center Rotation 26-02 in Yukon Training Area. (Mosheh Gains / NBC News) (Mosheh Gains)

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
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The fugu, or batakari, has a deeply entrenched place in Ghanaian culture. | Credit: Nipah Dennis / AFP / Getty Images

A colourful, traditional Ghanaian smock, once dismissed as outdated, is becoming a symbol of national pride again. The fugu, a distinctive, structured, poncho-style garment, also known as batakari, is being worn proudly by Ghanaians, many of them incensed by the online ridiculing of their president for wearing one on a state visit to Zambia, said the BBC.

Patriotic symbolism

The fugu has been made for centuries on traditional looms, and is a powerful symbol of Ghanaian cultural tradition. Its vibrant, striped patterns are woven and stitched together by skilled craftsmen from the Dagomba and Mamprusi tribes, said the Ghana News Agency. Yet, despite its rich history, it had, in recent years, become seen as too heavy to wear, and unfashionable for modern life, better left as a relic of the past.

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What changed was not the design but the narrative. When President John Dramani Mahama wore a flared, striped fugu on a state visit earlier this month, it drew mockery from non-Ghanaians on social media, said Agence France-Presse, with some saying his outfit was inappropriate for a head of state.

Since then, many Ghanaians have chosen to rally around the fugu for its patriotic symbolism. Weavers have reported a spike in demand. People are coming specifically for it now, Accra textile trader William Nene told AFP.

Weaving the future

The fugu is more than a fashion choice, said Gilbert Attipoe in Ghanas Graphic Online. Its vibrant colours, intricate geometric patterns and occasionally protective amulets tell the story of its history as warrior attire and as ceremonial dress for important social occasions. Its revival is a reclaiming of self-determination and dignity, and a reminder to all African nations  who each have their own cultural attire  of the common struggles and bright shared future that Africans can build together.

The resurgence of interest in the fugu could have far-reaching social and economic benefits for local weavers and traders, said Ghanas Tourism Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie. But a lack of locally grown cotton means weavers must rely upon imported yarn and, without increased government investments, they could struggle to meet the growing demand, said The Associated Press. Using our hands slows the process and limits our ability to be productive. We need industrial machines, Abigail Naki Gabor of Ghanas smock weavers and sellers association, told the news agency.

Pressures on the weavers are only likely to increase: the government has now declared every Wednesday is Fugu Day.
Protesters caused almost 6,800 worth of damage to a factory over its alleged links to Israel and the Gaza conflict, a court has heard.

Two women scaled a roof at Pearson Engineering in Newcastle and staged an eight-hour stand off in February 2025 while a third tried to chain themselves to a truck, the city's crown court was told.

Hollie Mildenhall, 25, and Georgia Coote, 28, both from Newcastle, and Summer Oxlade, 29, from Houghton-le-Spring, each deny criminal damage.

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David Guthrie, head of security at the site, said the factory made military equipment and the company was owned by an Israeli defence firm but had not supplied anything to the Israeli state.

The Armstrong Works site on Scotswood Road had been the target of multiple protests since 2023, the court heard.

At about 05:20 GMT on 18 February 2025, Mildenhall and Coote climbed on to the roof of the factory's gatehouse while Oxlade dumped rubble from a flatbed truck in the entrance before trying to chain herself to the vehicle, the court has heard.

The women on the roof sprayed red paint from fire extinguishers, cut through razor wire and smashed two illuminated panels of the firm's large sign, the court heard.

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Two men dressed all in black also sprayed red paint at the building before fleeing, jurors have been told.

'Strictly controlled supply'

The women were cheered on by a group of supporters who had gathered near the site and it took eight hours for police to remove them from the roof, the court heard.

Cleaning away the red paint cost 700, repairing the damaged sign was 1,576 and the wire was 3,560, Guthrie said.

Some 72 staff hours also had to be used in the clean-up, costing a further 936.72, the court heard.

Guthrie said he understood the women, who were dressed in red overalls, were targeting the site to protest Israel's actions in Gaza.

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He said the factory made military equipment, the supply of which was strictly controlled through export licences by the UK government.

Company records dating back to 2014 showed no equipment or machinery had been supplied to Israel.

The British authorities introduced a policy in 2024 which stated no UK firm should sell anything to Israel which could be perceived as being used in Gaza, Guthrie said.

In 2022 Pearson Engineering was bought by Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, an Israeli defence company, although Guthrie was unsure of its connections to the Israeli government or state, the court heard.

'Human rights sanctions'

In cross-examination on behalf of Oxlade, Mira Hammad showed the court Pearson Engineering's profile on Companies House.

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The online document declared the firm was "wholly owned" by Government State Authorities, State of Israel, under the country's ministry of finance, with a correspondence address in Jerusalem, she said.

She asked if Guthrie was "aware" Israel's minister of finance had been "sanctioned by the UK government for inciting crimes against humanity and severe human rights abuses against Palestinian people".

Guthrie replied he was not.

Hammad said the engineering company had a 79m turnover in 2024 and made about 39m in profit, which would go to the shareholders, namely the Israeli government.

'Didn't have capability'

Guthrie said he had been told by the firm's finance director no profits had gone to Israel and the firm had invested 32m in increasing its workforce, factory space and manufacturing equipment.

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When pressed by Hammad on what happened to profits, Guthrie said he was not the correct person to comment.

Hammad said an international arrest warrant had been issued for Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu "because of reasonable suspicions of war crimes and crimes against humanity".

She asked Guthrie if any discussions had been had within Pearson Engineering about its position in terms of "giving money" to a government whose head had a warrant out for them.

"Not to my knowledge," Guthrie replied.

Hammad said Pearson Engineering was Rafael's only manufacturing site in the UK, which Guthrie confirmed, and its brochure showed it made systems for tanks deployed on Israel's borders.

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Guthrie said Pearson Engineering did not have the"clean high-tech" capability to make such systems so even though the brochure suggested the products were made in the UK, they had not been constructed at the Armstrong Works factory.

He also said he did not know if Rafael's UK branch had export licences with Israel.

'Normal soapy water'

Rosalind Bergin, for Coote, queried the clean-up costs.

She said the invoice for the 3,560 razor wire replacement showed 57m (180ft) of wire had been installed, but the area on the gatehouse where the women were was a fraction of that.

Guthrie said the work was to "make good" what had been damaged but also add more wire to bolster the site's security.

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Bergin asked if any attempt had been made to use "normal soapy water" to clean the paint before 500 was spent on specialist materials and 200 on external cleaners.

Guthrie said a contractor was brought in to clean the paint and they said what was required for the job.

He also said the factory had lost one day of production as a result of the women's actions.

The trial continues.

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The MQ-9 family of medium altitude, long endurance uncrewed air vehicles, which includes the new SkyGuradian and SeaGuardian variants, are getting the ability to reach out and hit targets at extreme ranges. In essence, the addition of long-range cruise missiles to their quivers  basically turning the drones into standoff missile trucks  will give these aircraft another new mission that is also relevant in high-end conflicts.

MQ-9s long-range and extreme loitering time would offer a level of flexibility not really available in a tactical aircraft-sized package. As it sits now, Lockheed Martins stealthy AGM-158 JASSM and its anti-ship variant, LRASM, as well as Kongsberg-Raytheons Joint Strike Missile are being looked at as weapons options.

General Atomics writes in a release: Hypothetically, a mission profile might look like this: MQ-9Bs could launch from a number of friendly bases in the Western or Southern Pacific, fly to a hold point and loiter there outside a hostile powers weapons engagement zone. If the order came to release the weapons, the aircraft could launch them in coordination with other U.S. or allied operations.

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The goal is to start flying with at least one of the missiles this year.

Our Jamie hunter was on the show floor in Denver Colorado at the Air Force Associations Warfare Symposium to discuss this new addition to the MQ-9s repertoire directly with with Scott Gilloon, Sector Vice President for Strategic Programs at GA-ASI. Check out the video at the top of this story to hear what he had to say about the new standoff weapons offering for the MQ-9.
Ongwe Minerals has expanded its Omatjete project area in Namibia by 42% with the acquisition of additional licences.

The Canada-based gold exploration company secured a 90% stake in the adjacent EPL7400 licence, covering 36,600 hectares (ha), and has applied for the EPL11268 licence, which spans 8,200ha.

Ongwe Minerals, through its Namibian subsidiary Belmont Mineral Exploration, has taken a 90% equity interest in Fallout Investments, which holds full ownership of EPL7400.

The application for EPL11268 is pending approval from Namibia's Ministry of Industries Mines and Energy.

The additional licences will allow Ongwe Minerals to control 50km of strike along the Okondeka Fault Zone, which includes the Kokoseb deposit and the newly identified Manga Gold Prospect.

Recent structural analysis of the Omatjete area has revealed new transfer structures and a parallel fault zone known as the Okakongo Fault System. These geological features may serve as conduits for hydrothermal gold-bearing fluids.

The Okakongo Fault System is located within the Swakop Sedimentary Group, known for hosting Namibian gold deposits.

According to Ongwe Minerals, multiple granitic intrusions within the fault system add to its structural complexity and enhance its prospectivity. The setting draws geological parallels with other significant local gold discoveries such as the Kokoseb deposit, which contains an estimated 2.9 million ounces of gold.

Ongwe Minerals CEO David Underwood said: Since the initial discovery of the Manga Gold Prospect, we have been working hard behind the scenes to expand the licence package and cover the full extent of the highly prospective Okondeka Fault Zone.

We are happy to report that this has now been achieved, and we look forward to continued exploration of this fundamental, long-lived structure further to the east.

Initial surface exploration conducted by Ongwe Minerals has resulted in identification of the Manga Gold Prospect, characterised by a footprint measuring 4.5km  1km with gold presence in soil samples.

Preliminary drilling has indicated the existence of gold within the bedrock.

The area holds considerable potential for expansion and efforts are under way to further delineate the extent of Manga's strike along the Okondeka Fault Zone.

In addition to Omatjete, Ongwe Minerals is developing two other main projects in Namibia. The company is said to hold a significant land position in the promising Northwest Damara Belt.

The first is the Khorixas Project, encompassing 154,000ha and featuring the Belmont Prospect. Belmont is an orogenic gold system with a 12km  6km surface area and high-grade visible gold rock chips at the surface.
Panama has canceled a long-running China-linked port concession and handed interim control of two Panama Canal terminals to global shipping giants Maersk and MSC.

Panama formally annulled key port contracts held by a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings on Monday, transferring temporary operations of the Balboa and Cristobal terminals near the Panama Canal to units of A.P. Moller-Maersk and Mediterranean Shipping Company.

The move, published in Panamas official gazette, formalized a January Supreme Court ruling that found the concessions held by Panama Ports Company, a CK Hutchison subsidiary, unconstitutional, according to reports by CNBC. The concessions had been in place for more than two decades.

Under the interim arrangement, APM Terminals, a Maersk unit, will operate the Balboa port on the Pacific side of the canal, while MSCs Terminal Investment arm will manage the Cristobal terminal on the Atlantic side.

Panamas government said the temporary concessions would last up to 18 months while a new, competitive framework for the ports is developed.

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Panamanian authorities took possession of the facilities, including equipment and systems, by executive decree to ensure uninterrupted operations, officials said, according to Reuters.

President Jose Raul Mulino said in a televised address that the measure does not imply an expropriation but rather ensures continued operation while the state determines next steps.

CK Hutchison reportedly described the ruling and takeover as unlawful in a filing to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and said it is consulting legal advisers regarding potential national and international action.

The company also alleged that Panamanian authorities threatened its employees with criminal prosecution if they refused to leave the terminals, per Reuters.

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The dispute has become a geopolitical flashpoint between Washington and Beijing.

The courts ruling was viewed as a significant victory for the United States, which has sought to curb Chinese influence over the strategic waterway, CNBC reported.

In March 2025, President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to prepare contingency plans to reclaim the Panama Canal if necessary, including by using force, according to prior reporting by The Dallas Express.

At the time, U.S. officials told NBC News that options ranged from expanding security partnerships with Panama to deploying U.S. troops to secure the canal.

The canal handles roughly 5% of global maritime trade, according to Reuters.
A Georgia police officer who was born in the Miami Valley was killed in the line of duty last week.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Hahira Police Department Officer Caleb Abney died in a three-car crash along Interstate 75 on Feb. 19, our sister station WSB-TV reported.

TRENDING STORIES:

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Georgia State Patrol confirmed to WSB-TV that Abney pulled over a Nissan driver on Interstate 75 when a driver in a Camaro crashed into his patrol car. Abney, who was inside his patrol car with emergency lights on, died at the scene. The Camaro driver later died at the hospital.

An obituary for Abney shows that he was born at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) in 1999.

His mother was a U.S. Air Force nurse, so Abney grew up at WPAFB, Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi, and Moody Air Force Base in Georgia.

Abneys family settled down in Lowndes County, Georgia. After he graduated, Abney worked for Lowndes County Fire and Rescue before joining the Hahira Police Department.

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Abney is survived by his parents and siblings along with his fiance, Jordan Hicks. The couple got engaged a year ago and had set their wedding date for April 18, 2026.

Family and friends created a GoFundMe for Abneys family and fiance. You can click here if you wish to donate.

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During his first official visit to Beijing, Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that a yawning trade imbalance between his country and China is "not healthy".

Imports into Germany from China were more than double the value of those exported back last year, according to federal statistics.

Merz said he wanted to find ways "to reduce this trade deficit" which had "quadrupled" in five years.

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Merz said he'd also asked Beijing to use its influence with Moscow to help end the war in Ukraine.

However, the huge trade gap loomed large over the talks with the Chancellor, who was followed by a big business delegation.

China once again took the top spot as Germany's biggest trade partner in 2025, supplanting the US.

Behind that headline is a stark and worrying imbalance for Germany, the EU's largest economy.

In 2025, goods worth 170.6 billion (148.8bn; $200.9bn) came from China into Germany - an 8.8% annual increase - while German exports to China fell by 9.7% to 81.3 billion.

The situation "is eroding the core of German industry, especially in the car, machinery and chemicals sectors," warns Jurgen Matthes at the German Economic Institute (IW).

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Matthes, the IW's head of International Economic Policy, believes distortions are chiefly down to "massive" Chinese subsidies and currency under-valuation.

Chinese price advantages "cannot just come from more innovation and efficiency," he told the BBC.

Beijing has previously said its subsidy policies are transparent and fully consistent with international trade rules.

In response to past allegations of unfairly controlling its currency's value, China said it is committed to implementing a floating exchange rate regime, based on market supply and demand, but managed where necessary.

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The bloating trade deficit, that's hitting the EU as a whole, is being dubbed the latest "China shock".

The trend was partly caused by the pandemic and Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine which led to rising production costs in Europe, according to Brussels-based economic think tank Bruegel.

"During the same period, China entered a prolonged deflationary phase, stemming from over-investment in manufacturing, creating the overcapacity we see today."

It has left leaders weighing how best to offset the impact of cheap Chinese goods.

That is as the continent has already been rocked by the turbulence of US President Donald Trump's tariff policies.

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"No one in Europe wants a two front trade war with the world's two superpowers," says Noah Barkin, a visiting senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund.

Europe does have leverage, says Barkin, who's also a senior adviser at the Rhodium Group: "China needs somewhere to sell its goods. It has a real problem with over-capacity."

But the arrival of these goods is sparking acute angst in Germany  the traditional engine of Europe but one that's been stuttering, economically, for years.

Notably, its once mighty car industry is shedding jobs in what's become a bumpy transition to electric vehicles - a field China dominates.

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Business groups in Germany urged Merz to send a clear signal during his inaugural trip to China as chancellor.

He must address problems including "distortions" in competition and export controls on critical rare earths  according to the Federation of German Industries.

While the German Engineering Federation says Europe should act to "restore fair competitive conditions" if necessary.

According to the Chancellor, China will buy up to 120 aircraft from European aviation giant Airbus.

But Merz's instincts, as a free-trade trans-Atlanticist, have sat uneasily alongside current global realities.

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"France is behind a protect agenda while Germany is more sceptical," says the GMF's Barkin.

The EU has launched numerous anti-dumping cases against China while there are proposals to boost domestic production and curb foreign dependencies.

"I think where the Commission struggles is classic trade defence tools like tariffs," says Barkin. "Unlike the US, which can use tariffs much more flexibly."

For Berlin, the headache spells yet another strategic defeat for its past approach of "change through trade" with countries like China and Russia.

Former long-serving Chancellor Angel Merkel faced frequent accusations of brushing aside human rights concerns in favour of deepening economic ties with Beijing.

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Such deep ties - and dependencies - are now not easily discarded.

Speaking to reporters, Merz said the relationship opens up opportunities, "but also entails risks."

"We want to further strengthen our partnership... However, we will of course also protect our interests," he said, after earlier stating that trying to decouple from China would be a mistake.
The German parliament on Wednesday passed a motion expressing support for Ukraine to mark the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion, with the government coalition supporting and opposition parties opposing.

Ukraine was defending freedom, democracy and the rules-based world order, the motion said. Acceptance of a land grab and violence in Europe would provide an excuse for other countries to pursue territorial expansion, it said.

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called for Ukraine to be supplied with munitions and for increased sanctions on Russia, in particular in relation to its oil exports.

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The hard-left Die Linke and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) opposed the motion, accusing the government of playing the military card, while the Greens criticized it for not going far enough.
German police on Wednesday conducted raids, searched premises and trawled through mobile phone data in a countrywide operation to counter Nazi ideology and other extremism on the internet.

The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) in Wiesbaden said the target was mainly social media posts, based on 140 investigations into politically motivated criminal acts across all 16 states.

Suspects were ordered to report to police stations, and officers paid visits to homes to secure material on phones.

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A little more than half the investigations targeted the extreme right wing in the country, while left wing and religious ideologies were also investigated.

The BKA, which coordinated the operation, said it had found evidence relating to incitement, the use of symbols linked to banned and terrorist organizations, to the approval of crimes and to insults.

The use of Nazi symbols, such as the swastika and the Hitler salute, are banned in Germany, as is repetition of Nazi slogans.

The BKA called on the public to notify the authorities of criminal internet content, as its dissemination could "provide a breeding ground for radicalization and provoke acts of violence."
Germany will permit closer cooperation between the federal police and the federal customs office in its fight against organized crime, with a view to seizing illegal profits and combining resources, Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said on Wednesday.

Speaking after the weekly cabinet meeting in Berlin, Klingbeil said that investigators would be authorized to access the databases of partner agencies, conduct analyses of large quantities of data and make biometric comparisons on the internet.

The authorities were sharpening their tools to combat economic crime, he said. "We will ensure that the investigating agencies hit criminals in their most sensitive spot: the money," Klingbeil said.

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Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the federal police (BKA) would be provided with additional personnel and greater implementation powers.

Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig said that organized crime gangs were undermining confidence in the rule of law. "Criminals must be investigated quickly, brought before the courts and vigorously punished," she said.

The three ministries have drawn up a plan of action with a precise legal formulation to follow. The plan includes improved exchange of information between the BKA and customs officers, with direct access to each other's databases.

Investigators will gain new powers for automated data analysis, biometric comparisons on the internet and to test and train IT products.

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New rules will be drawn up to confiscate illegal profits, including "a reversal of the burden of proof, in particular in the event of noticeable discrepancies between assets and income."

A new joint competency centre combining the BKA and the customs office will be set up to probe money laundering.

And the two bodies will establish a joint narcotics analysis and evaluation centre, along with a joint investigating group.
The owner of new laundromat in the Germantown neighborhood is hoping it adds a convenient amenity and social space for locals.

We take a lot of pride in what we do and we want to give the community and the people a good, clean, respectable place to wash their clothes, WaveMAX Laundry owner Michael Bauer told the Courier Journal.

The 3,000-square-foot laundromat, which opened earlier this year at 1056 E. Oak St., offers self-service laundry access as well as drop-off service.

A new laundromat, WaveMAX Laundry, has opened in the Germantown neighborhood at 1056 E. Oak St.

Bauer had long wanted to be a small business owner and was weighing getting into the vending machine business. But after speaking with a police officer friend who recalled a situation which centered on a childs reluctance to go to school because of not having clean clothing, Bauer started looking into laundromats.

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It broke my heart hearing it, he said. I was thinking I've used laundromats all my life. But most of them aren't as affordable as you want them to be, and they're not, generally, clean, respectable places.

More development news: New $12M hotel to open in Louisville's NuLu district. What we know

That search led him to become a local franchisee of Florida-based WaveMAX Laundry, which was founded in 2012 and has over 65 locations across more than 20 states.

The Louisville WaveMAX Laundry has 26 washers, ranging from 20-pound up to 80-pound washers (or about eight to nine loads).

Pricing varies based on different factors, including cycle type and load size. Smaller washers start at $3.25 for a wash while the largest washers are $10 for a base wash. Customers can use their own soaps or select from WaveMAXs regular or allergy-free detergent.

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The laundromat also has 26 dryers, cycles for which cost 29 cents for 11 minutes on the small models and 65 cents for 11 minutes on the large ones.

Loads can be washed and dried, on average, in 45 minutes.

The staffed laundromat doesn't accept coins, and rather, accepts card payments or customers can load a card with funds. It also offers a mobile app that can handle payments and also let customers know about machine availability and load status.

More development news: Here's what to know about the Kentucky Expo Center $180M expansion

Drop off service, in which the clothing is washed, dried and folded or hung, generally takes 24-48 hours. Pricing starts at $1.25 per pound. The business also offers commercial laundry service.

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The bright-blue laundromat building was formerly home to Oak Convenience Foot Mart and, more recently, a short-lived restaurant. As he finds his footing in Germantown, Bauer is also exploring a second location, possibly in the Portland neighborhood.

I would love to be able to go up there and open one of these up there for them as well, he said.

WaveMAX is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Reach growth and development reporter Matthew Glowicki at mglowicki@courier-journal.com or 502-582-4000.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: New-to-market WaveMAX laundromat opens in Germantown
Germany and Belgium on Wednesday sharply condemned the stance on Ukraine taken by the Hungarian government and called for Budapest's block on new EU sanctions on Russia to be lifted.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said in Berlin it was shocking how Hungary was ignoring its own historical heritage, while his Belgian counterpart Maxime Prevot said it was unacceptable that Budapest was treating the Ukrainian population as hostages during a time of war for electoral purposes.

Hungary has justified its block on new sanctions for Russia on the grounds that it would no longer receive Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline that leads through Ukraine following a Russian attack, as Kiev would no longer repair it.

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Hungary has also vetoed a new EU loan to Ukraine amounting to 90 billion ($106 billion) of which 60 billion is destined for Ukraine's military.

Wadephul rejected the link made by Budapest with the pipeline, saying that it would have to be repaired in any case. He expressed shock at the Hungarian attitude. "It betrays its own freedom struggle," he said.

The German foreign minister rejected linking the issue to a fresh discussion over the use of Russian assets frozen in Europe, many of which are held by Belgian banks. "That issue has been conclusively cleared up," he said.
THE GIST

Germany is tired of bringing a notebook to a drone fight. The Bundestag is about to greenlight two initial 270 million contracts for attack drones from Munich-based Helsing and Berlin-based Stark Defence [thats really an actual company name really]. It is a 540 million down payment on a long-term strategy to prove Berlin is actually serious about defense this time.

WHAT HAPPENED

The budget committee is finalizing the purchase of medium-range loitering munitions, better known as kamikaze drones. These are headed straight to Germanys new armored brigade in Lithuania to act as a NATO-sized "Do Not Trespass" sign on the eastern flank.

While 540 million is a modest start for high-end weaponry, the fine print is where the real money lives. These framework agreements are built to scale. Helsings deal has the ceiling to hit 1.5 billion, and Starks could balloon to 2.9 billion.

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Berlin is finally reading the room after four years of industrial-scale drone warfare in Ukraine. This brigade in Lithuania is Germanys most significant forward deployment since the Cold War. It is a permanent, symbolic, and expensive commitment to NATO deterrence against Russia.

WHY IT MATTERS

For decades, the Bundeswehr was the "fixer-upper" of European militaries. Germany relied on the U.S. for protection while chronic equipment shortages turned their readiness into a long-running punchline. That changed in 2022 when Russias invasion of Ukraine forced Berlin to stop screaming into a pillow and start spending.

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Berlin loosened the constitutional purse strings to build what they hope will be Europes strongest conventional army. These drone orders show a shift in flavor. Germany is moving away from just buying heavy, 20th-century steel like tanks and prioritizing software-driven systems.

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Loitering munitions are the ultimate "wait for it" weapon. They hover over a battlefield until an operator or an AI identifies a target. Ukraine proved these are the low-cost way to delete expensive armored vehicles. Berlin wants these systems in Lithuania by October. Theyve realized that winning a modern war requires electronic warfare resilience and rapid targeting, not just a bigger tank.

There is also the "Trump Factor." With constant questions about NATO burden-sharing, Berlin needs to show receipts. Buying drones is a high-speed way to boost combat power while fighter jet programs are still stuck in decade-long committee meetings.

WHATS NEXT

The Bundeswehr isn't just buying weapons; its playing venture capitalist. By snubbing the usual suspects for startups like Helsing and Stark, Germany is trying to build a domestic defense-tech scene that doesn't just rely on legacy players.

Watch for Rheinmetall to enter the chat later this year. The old-guard defense giant is expected to secure its own contract as Germany continues its expensive transformation from a pacifist powerhouse into a drone-heavy deterrent.





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Germany's Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) reported a sharp rise in Islamist content flagged online in 2025, sending around 23,000 takedown requests to service providers, according to a government response seen by dpa on Wednesday.

In the previous five years, annual requests ranged between 7,240 and 13,903. The notices alert platforms to breaches of their own terms and conditions and ask them to remove the material.

The removal rate improved markedly. The government said 96% of flagged Islamist posts were taken down in 2025, up from around 90% in 2024 and roughly 80% in 2023.

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Separate from such notices are formal removal orders issued under an EU regulation when terrorist content is identified. In those cases, providers must delete the material within one hour or block access across the European Union.

Authorities issued 215 such orders in 2025, all of which were implemented, the government said. In 2024, 462 removal orders were sent to providers operating within the EU, with around 96% carried out.

Germany's Joint Internet Centre (GIZ), set up in 2007, coordinates efforts to detect extremist content online and assess potential threats. Participants include the BKA and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution.

The removal of illegal content falls within the responsibility of Germany's federal states, while the federal government can provide support. The BKA has its own mandate in cases involving terrorist material.

The surge in removal requests is said to be driven by an increased focus on individual users in Germany, as well as on so-called nasheeds. While these are traditionally religious hymns, nasheeds can also contain Islamist propaganda or terrorist incitements to violence.
MOSCOW/LONDON, Feb 24 (Reuters) - OPEC+ will likely consider raising its oil output by 137,000 barrels per day for April to end a three-month pause in production increases, three sources with knowledge of OPEC+ thinking said, as the group prepares for peak summer demand and tensions between the U.S. and OPEC member Iran boost prices.

The resumption would allow OPEC leader Saudi Arabia and fellow members, such as the UAE, to regain market share at a time other OPEC+ members, such as Russia and Iran, contend with Western sanctions and Kazakh output is recovering from a series of setbacks.

Eight OPEC+ producers - Saudi Arabia, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Iraq, Algeria and Oman - meet on March 1.

In a separate development, top OPEC+ producer Saudi Arabia has activated a plan for a short-term oil output and export surge in case a U.S. strike on Iran disrupts oil flows from the Middle East, two sources familiar with the Saudi plan said.

OPEC and authorities in Russia and Saudi Arabia did not reply immediately to requests for comment.

(Reporting by Olesya Astakhova in Moscow and Alex Lawler and Dmitry Zhdannikov in LondonWriting by Alex LawlerEditing by Louise Heavens)
Chancellor Friedrich Merz concludes his two-day trip to China on Thursday with a visit to the Forbidden City in Beijing and company visits in the southern Chinese high-tech metropolis of Hangzhou.

The Forbidden City, which served as the imperial palace for more than 500 years, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China's most important attractions.

Companies like Alibaba and China's leading artificial intelligence (AI) company DeepSeek are based in Hangzhou. The city, with about 12.6 million inhabitants, has become a hub for high-tech companies.

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One of these is Unitree Robotics. The company, founded in 2016 by Wang Xingxing, has made a name for itself in China with its four-legged robots. Their humanoid robots caused a great stir when they performed a folk dance on stage at the TV gala for the Chinese New Year Festival in 2025.

Additionally, Merz plans to visit Hangzhou Siemens Energy, which has been represented in Hangzhou since 1995 with a site for high-voltage switchgear.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Wednesday called for government consultations with Chinese officials to resume, as he visited China for talks with President Xi Jinping.

"I know that my predecessors visited China on a regular basis," Merz said during a meeting with Xi. He wanted to continue this tradition.

"We should also resume the German-Chinese government consultations, which were interrupted by the change of government in Berlin and the pandemic."

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Xi said he noted that Merz attaches great importance to relations with China.

Under Merz's leadership, the German government is pursuing a fact-based China policy, Xi added.

Merz also met with Premier Li Qiang in the Great Hall of the People on Wednesday after landing in the Chinese capital in the morning.

The last Chinese-German government consultations took place in Berlin in 2023. The format has been held since 2011 and is intended to deepen cooperation between the two sides.




Pentagon weapons testing at eight U.S. bases, including Fort Hood, could disrupt satellite navigation signals across 800-mile swaths of Texas and other states.

The "interference testing" of Global Positioning Satellite signals began early this month at the Army base near Killeen and is scheduled to end Friday. It's also ongoing at bases in Alaska, Arizona, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana and New Mexico.

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Such testing has ramped up over recent years as GPS jamming has become more of a threat both on the battlefield and at home. The current tests appear to be the most widespread to date, but the Defense Department declined to comment about their purpose.

Fort Hood said it's testing a "system" to help soldiers "fight and move effectively" in places where GPS signals are blocked but wouldn't provide more information about the system.

READ NEXT: El Paso drone' fiasco comes amid Pentagon push to beef up drone defenses

The secretive work follows a recent Pentagon directive to strengthen base defenses against drones and the El Paso "drone" fiasco where Customs and Border Patrol agents used a Defense Department laser to shoot down a balloon without coordinating with the Federal Aviation Administration. The incident triggered a temporary airspace closure around El Paso and a communication meltdown among federal agencies.

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It's unclear if the current exercises are related to counter-drone technologies, but such electronic warfare testing is not unheard of at military bases. FAA records show dozens of such events at installations around the country since 2018.

The testing at Fort Hood generally occurs between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., according to Army Maj. Brian Harris, who said in a statement that it shouldn't affect most civilian GPS users.

"However, it's still possible that a small number of users - depending on location, terrain, equipment, and conditions - could experience brief or intermittent GPS issues during those windows," he said.

AIR FORCE ONE: Trump's Qatari dream jet adds a stop in its tour of Texas airfields.

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He said the testing will affect only certain GPS signals, and the military has taken precautions to minimize disruptions.

"The test setup is deliberately constrained to reduce the chance of unintended effects," he said. "Power is dialed down, the equipment is aimed away from sensitive areas, and it's oriented downward to limit reach beyond the test area on Fort Hood."

An FAA advisory warns pilots that the testing "may result in unreliable or unavailable GPS signal" in the affected area that rises like an invisible cone from Fort Hood. For instance, planes flying at or above 40,000 feet could experience disruptions as far as 400 miles from the Army base. At 50 feet above the ground, the effects could reach as far as 200 miles from the base.

Several FAA navigation systems dependent on GPS signals could be affected depending on the altitude. They include two systems that help with GPS accuracy and navigation around airports and the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast, which transmits real-time data about aircraft to help them keep a safe distance from one another.

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READ ALSO: FAA approves new Starship flight paths for SpaceX.

Similar testing is occurring at Fort Greely, Alaska; Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona; Fort. Irwin, California; Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia; Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; Fort Polk, Louisiana; and White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.

The nonprofit federal research lab MITRE has developed a technology to monitor GPS signal problems and their effects on the nation's air network.

"We're seeing GPS jamming happening in combat zones, so the DoD is conducting exercises to prepare warfighters for these scenarios that may require rerouting air traffic around the testing locations," Rick Niles, chief engineer for MITRE's National Airspace System, said in a 2024 company article.

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MITRE's system helps the FAA coordinate with the Defense Department on its GPS interference testing.

This article originally published at GPS not working? It could be because of Pentagon testing..
This story has been updated to reflect the correct transportation service. A Caddo Parish Grand Jury has indicted three Shreveport men in connection with a double killing on Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway late last year that has become known as the Lyft murders.

The indictments, returned during a session that ended Tuesday, charge Joshua Darnyell Thomas, Travelia Tramell Loston and Denis Demon Scott all 18, with two counts each of second-degree murder. They are also charged with attempted second-degree murder.

The charges stem from a Nov. 19, 2025, shooting.

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Authorities said Frederick Kiprono, 43, a Lyft driver, was transporting passengers Tatum Ashley, 18, and Isaiah Marshall when they were shot while traveling north on the parkway just past East Preston Avenue.

Kiprono and Ashley were pronounced dead at the scene. Marshall survived the shooting.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: 3 indicted in Shreveport 'Uber murders' case
Latinos Unidos Siempre, a Salem youth-led advocacy group, is asking Salem-Keizer students to walk out of class Feb. 27 to attend a rally at the Oregon State Capitol.

The event is in support of the Oregon Legislatures immigrant justice package, a series of 13 bills Democrats have introduced to increase protections against federal immigration enforcement.

A key bill would require public school districts and colleges to alert students and parents if federal agents are on school property.

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Others would strengthen sanctuary laws, allow lawsuits against federal agents, enhance data privacy and create guidelines for hospitals to follow if federal agents are on the property.

Latinos Unidos Siempre joins PCUN and Oregon for All for a Day Without an Immigrant at the Oregon State Capitol on Feb. 16.

Two of the bills have died in committee. Most of the rest were scheduled for committee action Feb. 26.

Alondra Sanchez, a recent North Salem High School graduate, is helping organize the walkout for LUS.

Our immigrant communities have been under attack. We are experiencing violent ICE arrests that have also put many children at risk, Sanchez said. A 15-year old should not go to school and think about their future in fear.

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Salem-Keizer Public Schools spokesman Aaron Harada said the district is aware of the walkout.

Although students are allowed to exercise their freedom of speech rights, the event is not a school-sanctioned or endorsed event, he said.

Students who participate wont be penalized, but those who leave campus or do not return to class will receive unexcused absences.

LUS is asking students to walk out at 11:30 a.m. The rally begins at 12:30 p.m. at the Capitol, at 900 Court St. NE in Salem.

Tracy Loew covers the environment and education at the Statesman Journal. Send comments, questions and tips: tloew@statesmanjournal.com or 503-399-6779. Follow her on X at @Tracy_Loew

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Group plans student walkout in Salem for immigrant justice bills
PIERRE  Republican state Sen. John Carley of Piedmont said his unexplained absence from the entire Senate floor session during one of the busiest days of South Dakotas annual legislative session  which led his colleagues to launch a search for him  was because of a medical appointment.

I had an eye doctor visit, Carley told South Dakota Searchlight in a text message Wednesday morning, after his Tuesday afternoon absence.

When asked follow-up questions, Carley said he had an unexpected health issue come up.

The Senate Journal for Tuesday lists Carley as missing 24 votes that afternoon. That included votes on two data center-related measures that were narrowly defeated  one to alter a sales tax rebate program to include data centers, and another to exempt backup generators, such as those used by data centers, from needing a state permit.

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Data centers are buildings housing servers to process data for artificial intelligence and other technologies. South Dakota lacks the kind of massive data centers that have proliferated elsewhere, and there have been competing proposals this legislative session to incentivize them with tax exemptions and rebates, or more strictly regulate their power usage, water use for cooling, noise and other impacts.

Carleys absence was especially significant because the Senate has effectively been reduced from 35 to 34 members this session due to the ongoing health-related absence of Sen. Arch Beal, R-Sioux Falls. That creates the chance of tie votes.

Bills need a majority of the members-elect  18 votes  to pass in the Senate.

Data center bill drama

Supporters of the two data center bills had been hoping for at least a 17-17 split that Republican Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen, presiding over the Senate as its president, could break in favor of passage. In fact, both bills were up for reconsideration Tuesday after one of them had suffered a tie vote the previous day, and the other one had previously failed 17-16 with a different senator absent. Carley voted against both bills Monday.

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With Carley gone Tuesday, a tie was impossible, as was the potential for the lieutenant governor to break a tie in favor of passage, and both bills failed on the last day for bills to pass their chamber of origin. Thats called Crossover Day, which is one of the most active days of the session.

In addition to saying he had an eye appointment, Carley added in his response to South Dakota Searchlight that I also find it ironic that being absent worried some that the executive branch might not be able to break a tie, and by default it was actually me representing the request of my constituents because an absence now is more powerful than a no vote.

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The data center bills could still come back as amendments to other bills during the final few weeks of the legislative session.

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Senators did not appear to know that Carley would be gone Tuesday, or where he was. Sen. Mike Rohl, R-Aberdeen, invoked a call of the house to compel Carley to the floor, and Venhuizen dispatched the Senates sergeant-at-arms on a search.

After a break of about 40 minutes, while the rest of the senators waited, the sergeant-at-arms returned with a report stating that Carley was not answering his phone  not even for the governor, who had been enlisted to make a call  and could not be found. The search included reviewing footage from Capitol security cameras that showed Carley in the building earlier in the day, as well as an unsuccessful search for Carleys vehicle in the parking lot.

Reaction ranges from criticism to comedy

Senate President Pro Tempore Chris Karr, R-Sioux Falls, and Senate Majority Leader Jim Mehlhaff, R-Pierre, declined to comment Wednesday on whether Carley should face any disciplinary action.

Senate Minority Leader Liz Larson, D-Sioux Falls, said she didnt have enough information to say whether Carley should be disciplined.

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But as a general rule, you should be in your seat, Larson said. Or let people know youll be gone.

The South Dakota Supreme Court recently confirmed the lieutenant governors ability to break tie votes in the Senate. That came about after Karr challenged that authority, and the governor requested the courts opinion on the matter.

Sen. Mykala Voita, R-Bonesteel, said the Supreme Courts advisory opinion has warped Senate incentives in a way that rewards gamesmanship. She said with one member excused and the chamber effectively reduced to an even number, a 17-17 tie hands the deciding power to the executive branch via the lieutenant governor, rather than requiring a true majority of elected senators.

In that environment, Voita said, your absence matters more than your no vote, because walking away can prevent a tie and block approval.

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Karr said the Supreme Court decision, requested by the executive branch, incentivized the behavior. He worries that a precedent has been set for the remainder of the session through next month, and that future absences could result in more call of the house motions attempting to compel the attendance of senators.

Two other branches interfered and have now created an incentive for gamesmanship, Karr said.

The Senate approved a bill Tuesday that would ask voters to remove the lieutenant governors role as president of the Senate. That bill awaits action by the House.

Sen. Casey Cratree, R-Madison, sponsored the two data center bills that were defeated on Tuesday. On Wednesday, he introduced the Senate to his wife, Ashley, an optometrist who was visiting and watching from the gallery.

And we know how important those eye doctors are, Crabtree said. So, I thought Id have her come in here and make sure nobody needed to go anywhere else.
A New Hampshire man accused of shooting at a Border Patrol agent over the weekend has been charged with attempted murder of a federal officer, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan said Tuesday.

Blu Zeke Daly, a/k/a Cullan Zeke Daly, 26, of Manchester, was charged by complaint with one count of attempted murder of a federal officer and one count of assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon, Creegan said.

Daly is currently obtaining medical treatment at a New Hampshire hospital and is under guard.

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According to the complaint, on Saturday night, a Border Patrol agent encountered Daly driving alone in Stewartstown, New Hampshire, near the Canadian border.

The agent asked whether Daly had used any other names, at which point Daly drove away. The Border Patrol agent followed at a distance.

Shortly after midnight on Sunday, Daly arrived at the Pittsburg, New Hampshire, Port of Entry, which is on the border between the United States and Canada.

The crossing was closed and the gate was locked. Prosecutors said the Border Patrol agent activated his emergency lights and exited his vehicle, at which point Daly started to turn.

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Daly then fired a handgun at the Border Patrol agent, prosecutors said. The agent returned fire with his own service weapon and shot Daly.

For the charge of attempted murder of a federal officer, Daly faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

For the charge of assault of a federal officer with a deadly weapon, Daly faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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New Jersey parents with school-aged kids may soon be second guessing their spring plans. As the state recovers from the blizzard that dropped more than a foot  and in some places more than two feet  of snow earlier this week, school districts are doing what they can to clear snow and make sure its safe for students to return but that might not be enough.

Do snow days impact school vacations in NJ?

New Jersey state law dictates that schools have to be open for at least 180 days, for at least four hours on those days.

And while it might feel for kids that the school year lasts forever, most districts add a few extra days to account for variables like snow but they dont typically add a ton.

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That means if a district is at their limit, they unfortunately have to start reclaiming scheduled days off, like spring break, or consider extending the school year.

Why NJ schools must provide 180 days of instruction

A car drives through massive piles of snow in the parking lot of a shopping center the day after a record-breaking blizzard on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, in Lyndhurst. According to the National Weather Service, Lyndhurst received 30.7 inches of snow. A shoveler clears his driveway the day after a record-breaking blizzard on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, in Lyndhurst. According to the National Weather Service, Lyndhurst received 30.7 inches of snow. Snow remains on cars next to massive piles of snow the day after a record-breaking blizzard on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, in Lyndhurst. According to the National Weather Service, Lyndhurst received 30.7 inches of snow. A playground is covered in snow next to the train station the day after a record-breaking blizzard on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, in Lyndhurst. According to the National Weather Service, Lyndhurst received 30.7 inches of snow. Bob Knoll, a superintendent of an apartment building, pours salt on ice the day after a record-breaking blizzard on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, in Lyndhurst. According to the National Weather Service, Lyndhurst received 30.7 inches of snow. Snow cover a playground the day after a record-breaking blizzard on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, in Lyndhurst. According to the National Weather Service, Lyndhurst received 30.7 inches of snow. A worker clears off a vehicle at an auto body shop the day after a record-breaking blizzard on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, in Lyndhurst. According to the National Weather Service, Lyndhurst received 30.7 inches of snow. Snow covers the property of Lyndhurst High School the day after a record-breaking blizzard on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, in Lyndhurst. According to the National Weather Service, Lyndhurst received 30.7 inches of snow. Snow covers a fire hydrant the day after a record-breaking blizzard on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, in Lyndhurst. According to the National Weather Service, Lyndhurst received 30.7 inches of snow. Snow remains on vehicles at an auto body shop the day after a record-breaking blizzard on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, in Lyndhurst. According to the National Weather Service, Lyndhurst received 30.7 inches of snow. Bob Knoll, a superintendent of an apartment building, breaks up ice the day after a record-breaking blizzard on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, in Lyndhurst. According to the National Weather Service, Lyndhurst received 30.7 inches of snow. Piles of snow stack up near the Lyndhurst train station the day after a record-breaking blizzard on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, in Lyndhurst. According to the National Weather Service, Lyndhurst received 30.7 inches of snow. A worker from HomeGoods takes a photo of massive piles of snow in a parking lot the day after a record-breaking blizzard on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, in Lyndhurst. According to the National Weather Service, Lyndhurst received 30.7 inches of snow. A person walks past massive piles of snow in a shopping center the day after a record-breaking blizzard on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, in Lyndhurst. According to the National Weather Service, Lyndhurst received 30.7 inches of snow. A car drives through massive piles of snow in the parking lot of a shopping center the day after a record-breaking blizzard on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, in Lyndhurst. According to the National Weather Service, Lyndhurst received 30.7 inches of snow. See this NJ town's record-breaking amount of snow 1 of 15 A car drives through massive piles of snow in the parking lot of a shopping center the day after a record-breaking blizzard on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, in Lyndhurst. According to the National Weather Service, Lyndhurst received 30.7 inches of snow.

Michael Yaple, a spokesperson for the states Department of Education noted that the 180 day minimum is required for a school district to receive state aid.

A school districts chief school administrator and its board of education establish the school calendars, including any snow days, he said before explaining that the districts can then use snow days or adjust the calendar by doing things like adding days onto the end of the year, as appropriate.

Yaple did note that there are limited circumstances when a districts board of education can allow for virtual instruction.

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Those conditions are in the case of a school closures lasting more than three consecutive school days due to a declared state of emergency, a declared public health emergency or a directive by the appropriate health agency or officer to institute a public health-related closure.

So families looking to travel during spring break or jet away as soon as the final bell rings in June may want to confirm their trips are refundable.

More: NJ snow totals and inch counts by town as blizzard leaves region

Most of New Jersey school districts have already had at least two days off for snow. That might prove to be it, but with weeks of winter left, there are no guarantees.

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Snow isnt the only reason a school could be forced to close either. Other extenuating circumstances like power outages and water main breaks have led to closures in recent years.

Katie Sobko covers the New Jersey Statehouse. Email: sobko@northjersey.com

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Can NJ schools run out of snow days? What happens?
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will begin a two-day visit to Jordan to highlight efforts to support vulnerable communities affected by conflict and displacement.

Harry and Meghan will also visit initiatives they have helped fund to medically evacuate children from the war in Gaza to the Middle East nation.

The couple, who stepped down as working royals in 2020 for personal and financial freedom, are travelling to Jordan at the invitation of Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

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Their visit comes at time of crisis for the royal family following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

The Duke of Sussex on a recent visit to the UK Credit: Aaron Chown/PA

Harry has not spoken publicly about the turmoil that has engulfed his relatives following the former Duke of York's arrest.

In his memoir Spare he wrote how despite his uncle Andrew facing allegations of sexual assault in connection with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, there was no suggestion he lose his taxpayer-funded security.

Andrew reached an out-of-court settlement with prominent Epstein-accuser Virginia Giuffre in 2022, which stopped the civil legal proceedings in the US, and was made without any admission of liability on the part of Andrew.

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In May last year, Harry lost a Court of Appeal challenge over his security arrangements while in the UK.

But in a major U-turn, the Home Office is said to have now ordered a full threat assessment for the first time since 2020, amid reports Harrys taxpayer-funded armed protection will be reinstated for visits to the UK.

Since moving to California in 2020 for a new life the Sussexes have carried out a number of foreign visits that have taken the form of official trips they made when still part of The Firm as the royal family is colloquially known.

Subscribe free to our weekly newsletter for exclusive and original coverage from ITV News. Direct to your inbox every Friday morning.

During their two-day visit the Sussexes will meet Jordanian leaders and senior health officials, engage with WHO teams, visit frontline health and mental health programmes and meet World Central Kitchen staff co-ordinating food relief for Gaza from Amman.

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They will also visit the social development organisation Questscopes youth centre to hear from young people participating in creative and wellbeing programmes.

The couple first partnered with the WHO on a global campaign to encourage vaccine equity and co-hosted a high-level event at the UN General Assembly in 2021, and their charitable body has also worked with the organisation on its global initiative to help end violence against children.

This is the Talking Royals - our weekly podcast about the Royal Family, with ITV News Royal Editor Chris Ship and Producer Lizzie Robinson
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Concerns about executive overreach during emergencies are sparking action at the State Capitol.

Lawmakers are pushing new legislation aimed at reigning in emergency powers and adding more oversight.

What to know about the Supreme Court ruling on tariffs

The legislation would limit emergency powers for the governor and mayor amid worries about overreach. The bills clarify State and local authority during emergencies and also give the Legislature power to terminate a state of emergency with a two-thirds vote  City Councils would get the same power for local emergencies.

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We see the kind of concerns people have about emergency overreach by the executive, both at the federal level and state level. So this is really kind of a reaction to that, said Rep. Della Au Belatti.

Sen. Karl Rhoads introduced a bill in the State Senate and highlighted how emergency proclamations can suspend laws.

Basically, in an emergency, you can suspend or ignore just about any law to deal with that emergency, Sen. Rhoads said.

Rep. Belatti said these suspensions can include waiving transparency rules around hearings or obtaining records.

You can also throw out rules governing labor standards, and so we really want to make sure that when the governor exercises his emergency powers, Hes doing it with the appropriate guardrails, Rep. Belatti said.

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The Governors Office declined to comment since the emergency powers legislation is still moving through the Legislature, and added they would weigh in when it is appropriate.

Gov. Green issues Emergency Proclamation ahead of anticipated heavy storm

This bill would actually reduce the executives power, not just the governor, but the mayors as well, Sen. Rhoads said.

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency administrator has reservations and said an emergency proclamation is not made by the governor without others weighing in.

It shouldnt be easy to override a state of emergency because its not the governor in a vacuum by himself. Its with the cabinet, with input from across the departments, said HIEMA administrator James Barros.

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Click here for more information about the House bill.

Click here for more information about the Senate bill.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
With a market cap of $406 billion, Oracle Corporation (ORCL) is a global provider of enterprise information technology solutions, offering a broad portfolio of cloud software, cloud infrastructure, on-premise licenses, hardware, and related support and consulting services. Its cloud offerings span key business functions such as ERP, EPM, SCM, HCM, sales, service, marketing, healthcare, and industry-specific solutions, along with infrastructure technologies including databases, middleware, AI, and cloud computing.

Companies valued over $200 billion are generally described as mega-cap stocks, and Oracle fits right into that category. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Oracle serves businesses, governments, and educational institutions worldwide through direct and indirect channels and maintains strategic alliances, including one with Metron, Inc.

More News from Barchart

Shares of Oracle have dipped 58.6% from its 52-week high of $345.72. Over the past three months, ORCL stock has decreased 29.6%, lagging behind the State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF's (XLK) marginal drop during the same period.

www.barchart.com

In the longer term, ORCL stock has fallen 17% over the past 52 weeks, underperforming XLKs 20.6% gain over the same time frame. Moreover, shares of the software maker have declined 27.6% on a YTD basis, compared to XLKs 3% dip.

The stock has been trading below its 50-day moving average since late October 2025.

www.barchart.com

Oracle reported strong fiscal Q2 2026 results on Dec. 10, including adjusted EPS up 54% to $2.26, total revenue increasing 14% to $16.1 billion, and cloud revenue up 34% to $8 billion. The company reported a $2.7 billion pre-tax gain from the sale of its stake in Ampere and highlighted robust growth in its Multicloud database business, which surged 817% in Q2. However, the stock tumbled 10.8% the next day.

In comparison, rival Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) has shown a less pronounced decline than ORCL stock. However, MSFT stock has declined 20.3% on a YTD basis and 4.6% over the past 52 weeks.

Despite the stocks weak performance over the past year, analysts are moderately optimistic about its prospects. ORCL stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the 42 analysts covering the stock, and the mean price target of $286.63 is a premium of 98.7% to current levels.

On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
Health guru Peter Attia, who was brought to CBS News under the new leadership of editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, has resigned after correspondence between him and the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was released, according to reports.

Attia, a doctor known for his social media content on longevity, told CBS News he would resign effective immediately, The Hollywood Reporter and NBC News reported Monday.

Days after Attia was announced as a new CBS News contributor last month, crude emails between he and Epstein, who died by suicide in jail in 2019 while facing federal sex trafficking charges, were released by the Department of Justice. The emails were part of millions of documents the DOJ was compelled to release by the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

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CBS News staff were told of Attias decision to step down as a contributor by the news divisions booking department Monday, according to reports.

Health guru Peter Attia, who was brought to CBS News under the new leadership of editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, has resigned after correspondence between him and the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was released, according to reports (David Dee Delgado/Getty Images for The New York Ti)

Attias "contributor role was newly established and had not yet meaningfully begun, the doctors spokesman told NBC News. 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."

The Independent has reached out to CBS News and Attia for comment.

Attia had kept in contact with Epstein years after the disgraced financier pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor in Florida in 2008.

Attia apologized for the correspondence and said he was ashamed of his behavior, but made clear he was not involved in any criminal activity (New York State Division of Criminal Justice)

In one email from February 2016, Attia told Epstein, P**** is, indeed, low carb. Still awaiting results on gluten content, though.

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Following the emails' release, Attia apologized and said he was ashamed of his behavior, but made clear he was not involved in any criminal activity.

I apologize 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, Attia said in a message shared on X earlier this month.

Attia was announced as one of 19 new CBS News contributors by Weiss during a company meeting on January 27, the outlet reported at the time (Noam Galai/Getty Images for The Free Press)

Attia was announced as one of 19 new CBS News contributors by Weiss during a company meeting on January 27, the outlet reported at the time.

Weiss has faced scrutiny since becoming editor-in-chief, particularly over her decision to pull a 60 Minutes segment about Venezuelan migrants sent from the U.S. to CECOT, an El Salvadoran prison accused of having inhumane conditions. The segment aired nearly one month later.
In the 1950s, the U.S. Army built a missile ring through New Jersey.

Fourteen Nike batteries, along with radar stations, a regional command post and a maintenance hub, were positioned from Sandy Hook to Salem County, according to U.S. Army Air Defense Command records. Their purpose was direct: Intercept any and all Soviet bombers headed for New York and Philadelphia.

Vincent Casale holds his son, Vincent Jr., as they look over the Regulus missile on display at Borg Park in Hackensack, N.J., on February 13, 1978. Jim Berthold adjusts at antenna inside one of the abandoned radio towers at the former Nike missile site in Franklin Lakes, N.J., during a Bergen Amateur Radio Association Field Day event on June 25, 1977. Vandalism and the passage of time have contributed to the decay of the buildings at the former Nike missile base in Franklin Lakes, N.J., seen here on October 24, 1972. The U.S. government is closing 23 Nike-Hercules area defense firing stations, including this headquarters of the 5th Battalion located on Western Highway in Tappan, N.Y.. The entrance is seen here on August 16, 1968. Documenting the vandalism, a videotape of the destruction at the former Nike missile base in Franklin Lakes, N.J., is being made by Oakland students David Scheuerman, kneeling; George Skeens, with camera; and Matthew Krzysik, on November 16, 1972. This building, abandoned for several years, was used as part of the Nike missile site in Mahwah, N.J., seen here on August 28, 1983. Developer Harry Grant submitted the highest bid for the site, but the Board of Chosen Freeholders hopes to prevent the sale from becoming final. Vandalism and the passage of time have contributed to the decay of the buildings at the former Nike missile base in Franklin Lakes, N.J., seen here on October 24, 1972. This former radar tower at the abandoned Nike missile site in Franklin Lakes, N.J., seen here on November 5, 1972, will become an observation tower under the Bergen County Park Commission's now plans. Steve Coulter rides Sugar Magnolia past the former Nike missile base at Campgaw Mountain in Franklin Lakes, N.J., on August 14, 1974. The area is now part of Bergen County's newest riding trail, which will be formally dedicated on October 5. Tenafly mayor-elect Paul V. Bollerman, left, and Mayor Robert F. Schull get a briefing from the brass in Tenafly, N.J., on December 13, 1967, on the ABM missile base being proposed for the town's East Hill. The brass: (seated) Col. H.H. Northington of the Sentinel system command in charge of installation and site activation, and Lt. Col. W.S. Hamilton of ARAD command element. Members of the Town Park committee survey an abandoned section of the Nike missile base on Clausland Mountain in Orangetown, N.Y., on November 11, 1968. The buildings could be converted into recreation or meeting rooms of the town purchases the property. After 17 years, a victim of new technology, the Nike Hercules missile base in Franklin Lakes, N.J., has been abandoned.Here, soldiers peer into a missile bay on May 27, 1971, before leaving. Poised to fly, four Nike guided missiles are brought above ground and sit in their launching racks at the missile base in Mahwah, N.J., on July 5, 1956. The Mahwah launching ste has three of these platforms, on which 12 of the giant missiles can be brought to the surface at one time. Traveling at supersonic speed, the Nike is first hurled into the air by the black booster portion of its body. This then falls away. and the white warhead is guided electronically into any attacking airplane. M/Sgt. James Wilson describes one of the missile displays to local officials during an inspection of the Nike missile base in Mahwah, N.J., on May 24, 1958. Vandalism and the passage of time have contributed to the decay of the buildings at the former Nike missile base in Franklin Lakes, N.J., seen here on October 24, 1972. Sleek and white, this Nike missile is in its launching position at the U.S. Army's anti-aircraft base off Campgaw Road in Franklin Lakes and Mahwah, N.J., seen on May 20, 1959. Ready for launching, this cluster of guided missiles have just come above ground from their cement-walled storage space at the Nike missile base in Mahwah, N.J., on May 20, 1959. There are three of these launching platforms at the base. Vandalism and the passage of time have contributed to the decay of the buildings at the former Nike missile base in Franklin Lakes, N.J., seen here on October 24, 1972. Nike-Hercules missile-launching crewmen check their euipment at the base in Franklin Lakes, N.J., on April 23, 1966. These men of the Fifth Missile Battalion of the Seventh Artillery are always on what amounts to combat alert. Routine work is a part of the every day life of the men of Battery A at the Nike missile control site in Franklin Lakes, N.J., on July 5, 1956. Here, three men build a storage place for the battery small-arms ammunition at the site. In the background (left) is a cinder block building that will eventually house the electronic equipment now stored in the vans. Vandalism and the passage of time have contributed to the decay of the buildings at the former Nike missile base in Franklin Lakes, N.J., seen here on October 24, 1972. This 40-foot tower, one of three at the site, may be retained as an observation tower. A Record map illustration showing the antiballistic missile site area being proposed for the East Hill section of Tenafly, N.J., on January 29, 1968. The U.S. Army has earmarked about 300 acres of undeveloped land in that section as one of three sites being considered for the base. It owned by Norman E. Blankman. Vandalism and the passage of time have contributed to the decay of the buildings at the former Nike missile base in Franklin Lakes, N.J., seen here on October 24, 1972. Two children survey the display Hound Dog missile which was damaged by vandals in Ridgewood, N.J., on July 1, 1970. Underground, the Nike, deadly anti-aircraft guided missile of the army, waits for the day it may be called to defend our major cities on July 5, 1956. This missile, shown on its elevator platform, waits at one of the launching platforms at the launching site of the Nike base in Mahwah, N.J., just off Campgaw Road. It is one of many such missiles kept in readiness there by the men of Battery A, 483 AAA Missile Battalion. A Nike guided missile and one of the U.S. Army section crews are photographed by Robbie Richards of Saddle River, while his parents Mr. and Mrs. R.W. Richards, look on, at the missile base in Mahwah, N.J., on December 16, 1956. The Richards family took advantage of the Nike base's open house that afternoon when, for the first time, the public was allowed to photograph the defense installation in Mahwah and Franklin Lakes. A sign of achievement is this aerial drone, bagged in firing practice by the men of Battery A. It stands outside the mess hall at the Franklin Lakes, N.J., control site on July 5, 1956, as a memento of what the deadly Nike missiles can do. At left is the battery first sergeant Casimir Adamczyk. Captain Herbert L. Anthony, 32-year-old Battery commander is at right. Should an attack occur, the responsibility for the battery's firing would rest solely on Capt. Anthony's shoulders. Local officials and Rep. William B. Widnall are told about the Ajax missile by M/Sgt. James Wilson during an inspection of the Nike missile base in Mahwah, N.J., on May 24, 1958. At right, with Rep. Widnall, are Mahwah Mayor Morris E. Ruddick (back to camera), Committeeman Vincent F. Blefary and Committeewoman Janet Herlihy. Atop Campgaw Mountain in Franklin Lakes, N.J., stand three abandoned radar towers that were once in the middle of a 37-acre Army missile base, seen here on July 17, 1975. The Bergen County Parks Commission has turned the base into a riding stable with bridle paths, but the towers remain. Vandalism and the passage of time have contributed to the decay of the buildings at the former Nike missile base in Franklin Lakes, N.J., seen here on October 24, 1972. Vandalism and the passage of time have contributed to the decay of the buildings at the former Nike missile base in Franklin Lakes, N.J., seen here on October 24, 1972. Tenafly mayor-elect Paul V. Bollerman, left, and Mayor Robert F. Schull get a briefing from the brass in Tenafly, N.J., on December 13, 1967, on the ABM missile base being proposed for the town's East Hill. The brass: (seated) Col. H.H. Northington of the Sentinel system command in charge of installation and site activation, and Lt. Col. W.S. Hamilton of ARAD command element. Aerial view of the former Nike missile base on Clausland Mountain in Orangetown, N.Y., on December 13, 1967. Len Carriero of Bergenfield, and Harrison Lodge of New Milford, set up a tent alongside one of the abandoned radio towers at the former Nike missile site in Franklin Lakes, N.J., during a Bergen Amateur Radio Association Field Day event on June 25, 1977. Atop Campgaw Mountain in Franklin Lakes, N.J., one of five remaining abandoned buildings that were once in the middle of a 37-acre Army missile base, are seen here on July 17, 1975. The Bergen County Parks Commission has turned the base into a riding stable with bridle paths, but the towers remain. The U.S. government is closing 23 Nike-Hercules area defense firing stations, including this headquarters of the 5th Battalion located on Western Highway in Tappan, N.Y.. The entrance is seen here on August 16, 1968. There are no grounds for alarm. Parked at the Teaneck Armory for a friendly visit, in Teaneck, N.J., on November 8, 1962, is an anti-missile missile, Nike Zeus model. The unit is headed for an Army display the following week at the Bergen Mall in Paramus, N.J. Pfc. Ernest L. Wade of McMinnville, Oregon, and others in the hot crew - men on 15-minute alert - leave the ready room in a hurry as the alert sounds for a practice drill at the Nike missile base in Franklin Lakes, N.J., on April 16, 1962. The base is manned by 110 soldiers. Constant training - and waiting for the day they hope will never come - that's the life of a Nikeman. First Lieutenant William Leaver, arm extended, shows a group of Bergen County Guardsmen the electrical circuits of a missile launcher at the Nike missile base in Wayne, N.J., on August 26, 1962. From left are Mel Mariani of Lodi, Guardsman of the Year Russell Granata of East Paterson, Carmine Scaglione of Saddle Brook, Raymond Reduce of Fort Lee, and Frank Caporicci of Fairview. Jim Berthold adjusts at antenna inside one of the abandoned radio towers at the former Nike missile site in Franklin Lakes, N.J., during a Bergen Amateur Radio Association Field Day event on June 25, 1977. A general view of the Nike guided missile base installation being built in Holmdel, N.J., on September 2, 1954. One of two pits and other constructions is underway. Members of the Town Park committee survey an abandoned section of the Nike missile base on Clausland Mountain in Orangetown, N.Y., on November 11, 1968. The buildings could be converted into recreation or meeting rooms of the town purchases the property. Nike-Hercules missile-launching crewmen check their euipment at the base in Franklin Lakes, N.J., on April 23, 1966. These men of the Fifth Missile Battalion of the Seventh Artillery are always on what amounts to combat alert. A missile stands in its upright firing position at the Nike base in Wayne, N.J., on August 26, 1962. A general view of the Nike guided missile base installation being built in Holmdel, N.J., on September 2, 1954. One of two pits and other constructions is underway. The radar van crew operates controls in the nerve center inside the Nike base in Wayne, N.J., on August 26, 1962. A view of an abandoned building at the former Nike missile base in Franklin Lakes, N.J., seen on May 29, 1983. Aerial view of the former Nike missile base on Clausland Mountain in Orangetown, N.Y., on March 23, 1964. A general view of the Nike guided missile base installation being built in Holmdel, N.J., on September 2, 1954. One of two pits and other constructions is underway. There are no grounds for alarm. Parked at the Teaneck Armory for a friendly visit, in Teaneck, N.J., on November 8, 1962, is an anti-missile missile, Nike Zeus model. The unit is headed for an Army display the following week at the Bergen Mall in Paramus, N.J. Military technicians check the assembly of a Nike-Ajax missile at the Nike base in Wayne, N.J., on August 26, 1962. Bergen County Guardsman Carmine Scaglione, of Saddle Brook, raises a missile in its elevator at the Nike base in Wayne, N.J., on August 26, 1962. Vandalism and the passage of time have contributed to the decay of the buildings at the former Nike missile base in Franklin Lakes, N.J., seen here on October 24, 1972. Aerial view of the former Nike missile base on Clausland Mountain in Orangetown, N.Y., on September 16, 1964. A general view of the Nike guided missile base installation being built in Holmdel, N.J., on September 2, 1954. One of two pits and other constructions is underway. Army technical experts and a special board of inquiry started an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion in Middletown Township, N.J., on May 22, 1958, which killed 10 men at the Nike guided missile base there. Here, Brig. Gen. Charles B. Duff, commanding general of the 52nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Brigade, in charge of the Nike installation, describes the disaster to press interviewers as one that "couldn't happen but did." He said the Nike missiles were being fitted with the latest armament triggers which usually work only when the missile is in the air on its mission to destroy enemy aircraft. Then-Mahwah Mayor David Dwork surveys the vandalism damage to one of the 24 ranch-style houses on the former Nike missile base in Mahwah, N.J., on June 28, 1996. Army technical experts and a special board of inquiry started an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion in Middletown Township, N.J., on May 22, 1958, which killed 10 men at the Nike guided missile base there. Here, Benny Roach, Catherine St., Red bank, holds up a shattered casement window he was helping install at Pasadena Homes, a Belford development about a mile from the Nike base. He saw flaming pieces of the missile land about 360 feet from where he was working. Army technical experts and a special board of inquiry started an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion in Middletown Township, N.J., on May 22, 1958, which killed 10 men at the Nike guided missile base there. Here, Frank F. Blaisdell, Middletown Township mayor, tells Asbury Park press reporter Charles D. Brower he's "very much disturbed" and "concerned now whether it will happen again." He said the Township Committee will ask the Army for a complete report. Mahwah Mayor David Dwork surveys the vandalism damage to one of the 24 ranch-style houses on the former Nike missile base in Mahwah, N.J., on June 28, 1996. Neglected lawns and wild underbrush surround the unoccupied ranch-style houses on the former Nike missile base in Mahwah, N.J., on June 28, 1996. Army officials and news men converge around the twisted wreckage of the launching pad platforms where eight non-atomic Nike missiles exploded in Middletown Township, N.J., on May 22, 1958. The large cylinder in the center is the only booster that did not leave the launching platform. Army technical experts and a special board of inquiry started an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion in Middletown Township, N.J., on May 22, 1958, which killed 10 men at the Nike guided missile base there. Debris like the fragment shown here was scattered over a wide area of homes adjoining the base. No casualties off the base were reported, however. Army technical experts and a special board of inquiry started an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion in Middletown Township, N.J., on May 22, 1958, which killed 10 men at the Nike guided missile base there. Here, Mrs. John Fisher, 577 East Rd. in Belford, N.J., called her children in to lunch minutes before this booster, part of one of the missiles, came streaking over the hill in a mass of flames. Army technical experts and a special board of inquiry started an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion in Middletown Township, N.J., on May 22, 1958, which killed 10 men at the Nike guided missile base there. Here, Chief Warrant Officer Francis Manning, stationed with the 526th Missile Battalion which operates the Nike installation, looks over one of the booster sections which did not leave the launching platform. The tremendous heat wave of the blast bent the cradle in front of it like a stick of gum and warped half-inch metal at the edge of the elevator platform. Army technical experts and a special board of inquiry started an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion in Middletown Township, N.J., on May 22, 1958, which killed 10 men at the Nike guided missile base there. This twisted, empty shell is all that remains of a Nike booster which was sheared in half by the fury of the explosion. The searing heat and tremendous force of the blast made junk out of the two pickup trucks in a few split seconds. New Jersey's former Nike missile sites during Cold War 1 of 66 Vincent Casale holds his son, Vincent Jr., as they look over the Regulus missile on display at Borg Park in Hackensack, N.J., on February 13, 1978.

At the programs peak, roughly 250 Nike sites were active across the continental United States. In New Jersey, the batteries formed overlapping arcs around ports, refineries, rail corridors and dense suburbs. Air Force interceptor jets were expected to thin out incoming formations. Any aircraft that broke through that outer layer would face surface-to-air missiles on the ground.

Vandalism and the passage of time have contributed to the decay of the buildings at the former Nike missile base in Franklin Lakes, N.J., seen here on October 24, 1972.

The first-generation Nike Ajax missiles could strike targets about 25 miles away. By the late 1950s, many batteries were upgraded to the longer-range Nike Hercules. They were capable of traveling roughly 90 miles and, in some cases, carrying a nuclear warhead intended to destroy entire bomber formations, Army historical summaries show. Each battery could guide only one missile at a time, however, supported by multiple radar units to detect incoming aircraft, track both the target and the missile and compute the point of interception.

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Launch areas and radar control areas were deliberately separated, typically by 1 to 3 miles, a configuration documented in Army site engineering records. The distance reduced electronic interference and accounted for the rocket booster that detached shortly after liftoff and fell into a designated drop zone. Crews worked 24-hour shifts. Missiles sat in underground magazines and were raised to the surface by elevator when placed on alert.

Jersey Shore missiles

The coastal anchor of the system was Sandy Hook, known as NY-56, a dual Hercules site at Fort Hancock that operated from 1954 to 1974, National Park Service records show. The installation included separate launch and integrated fire control areas connected by Hartshorne Drive. Each battery contained underground magazines and radar vans positioned to track aircraft approaching New York Harbor.

During periods of heightened tension, including the November 1965 Northeast blackout, the June 1967 Six-Day War and the October 1973 Yom Kippur War, the base was placed on full alert and missiles were raised from storage, according to park historical summaries and Army documentation. Soldiers assigned to the site lived in ready barracks nearby and rotated through continuous-duty shifts. Today, Sandy Hook is the only Nike installation in the country preserved in its original configuration.

A general view of the Nike guided missile base installation being built in Holmdel, N.J., on September 2, 1954. One of two pits and other constructions is underway.

Just inland, Highlands, NY-55DC, functioned as a radar and direction center and served as the parent station for the offshore Texas Tower 4, Army Air Defense Command records show. Most of the complex was later demolished, though an AN/FPS-26 height finder radar tower remained a prominent landmark for years within what is now part of Hartshorne Woods.

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Middletown and Leonardo, NY-53, near Naval Weapons Station Earle, were occupied from 1957 to 1963. On May 22, 1958, an accidental explosion killed 10 men, six of them soldiers and four civilian contractors, the Asbury Park Press reported at the time. Debris was propelled nearly three-quarters of a mile from the site and landed just short of nearby homes. Monmouth County park records show that the control area later became part of Hartshorne Woods Park. Much of the launch area was cleared for residential development.

Farther north, Holmdel and Hazlet, NY-54, represented one of the regions rare hardened sites, constructed with reinforced radar buildings and heavy blast doors, as seen in Army engineering records. The former integrated fire control area is now Phillips Park, and the adjacent property became part of Holmdel County Park. Housing built for military families remains in the surrounding neighborhood.

Vincent Casale holds his son, Vincent Jr., as they look over the Regulus missile on display at Borg Park in Hackensack, N.J., on February 13, 1978.

North Jersey missiles

In Bergen County, Mahwah and Franklin Lakes, NY-93/94, formed a double battery constructed in 1954 and 1955, according to Army site histories. The control area sat atop Campgaw Mountain, and the launcher area lay roughly a mile north in Mahwah. The site included six underground magazines and was partially upgraded to operate Nike Hercules missiles before closing in 1971. Bergen County property records show that the launcher area was later redeveloped into housing. The former control area now functions as a county riding facility.

Waynes Mountain View installation, NY-88, occupied elevated terrain once lined with radar arrays. After deactivation, the hilltop control area fell into disuse, Passaic County planning documents show. The launcher area along Route 23 was repurposed for municipal offices and school bus parking, with vehicles now positioned over former magazine locations.

This building, abandoned for several years, was used as part of the Nike missile site in Mahwah, N.J., seen here on August 28, 1983. Developer Harry Grant submitted the highest bid for the site, but the Board of Chosen Freeholders hopes to prevent the sale from becoming final.

Livingston and East Hanover, NY-80, illustrate another form of reuse. The radar buildings in the former control area now house studios at Riker Hill Art Park in Livingston. Planning records show that the launch area in East Hanover retains remnants of its military past, including a paint shed and the earthen mound that once covered missile elevators, even as surrounding parcels have been considered for residential development.

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Summit and Watchung, NY-73, were absorbed into what is now the Watchung Reservation. Union County records show that the launcher area was converted into the Watchung Stables in 1985. Little remains of the former radar infrastructure once behind the nearby high school.

Sleek and white, this Nike missile is in its launching position at the U.S. Army's anti-aircraft base off Campgaw Road in Franklin Lakes and Mahwah, N.J., seen on May 20, 1959.

What happened to NJ missile sites?

Between the two metropolitan regions that flank New Jersey, Nike sites were positioned to protect industrial corridors and transportation routes.

Old Bridge and South Amboy, NY-58/60, were later repurposed by local authorities. The launch area is used for school bus maintenance. Former assembly buildings were adapted for office use, and underground missile pits were filled and sealed in 1994. Environmental monitoring continues for trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene associated with past military operations, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection records show.

South Plainfield, NY-65, was removed entirely. The site was cleared to make way for Interstate 287 and the Hadley Center retail complex, Army Corps of Engineers disposal records show.

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Camp Kilmer in Edison did not host missiles. Instead, it served as a direct support shop, providing maintenance and specialized repairs for Nike systems across the region, according to Army logistical summaries.

Then-Mahwah Mayor David Dwork surveys the vandalism damage to one of the 24 ranch-style houses on the former Nike missile base in Mahwah, N.J., on June 28, 1996.

South Jersey missiles protected Philadelphia

In South Jersey, batteries formed a defensive ring around the Philadelphia industrial corridor. Lumberton, PH-23/25, another dual site, now houses the township municipal complex. Township records and Army disposal documents confirm that although barracks were removed, five missile pits, three originally configured for Ajax and two later adapted for Hercules, remain on the property.

Pitman, PH-49, was divided after closure. Gloucester County property records show that the control area became the Gloucester County Christian School, and the launch area is owned and used by the private Kraemer Construction Company.

Swedesboro, PH-58, retains portions of its original layout. Department of Environmental Protection remediation files document fuel tank removal and soil cleanup before reuse. Historical site surveys note that only two of the sites three pits were upgraded to Hercules before deactivation.

The radar van crew operates controls in the nerve center inside the Nike base in Wayne, N.J., on August 26, 1962.

In Marlton and Evesham, PH-32, municipal planning records show, the control area was redeveloped into the Briarwood housing development. Environmental remediation documents from the 1980s refer to water contamination concerns that stalled redevelopment of the missile launch area, which remains wooded.

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Berlin, Clementon and Gloucester Township, PH-41/43, sometimes called the Bing site, revealed hand-painted murals inside underground magazines during decommissioning, according to documented site surveys conducted during federal property disposal. The properties remain largely vacant and have been marketed for redevelopment.

Pedricktown, PH-64DC, served as the Missile Master Army Air Defense Command Post for the Philadelphia sector. Army Air Defense Command documentation identifies it as the regional coordination center responsible for radar data integration and missile alert status across South Jersey and into Pennsylvania.

Pfc. Ernest L. Wade of McMinnville, Oregon, and others in the hot crew - men on 15-minute alert - leave the ready room in a hurry as the alert sounds for a practice drill at the Nike missile base in Franklin Lakes, N.J., on April 16, 1962. The base is manned by 110 soldiers.

Missiles deactivated, replaced

The New Jersey Nike batteries were deactivated by 1974 under federal drawdown programs documented in Army Corps of Engineers disposal records. By then, U.S. strategy had shifted. Intercontinental ballistic missiles replaced long-range bombers, and fixed missile rings like Nike were phased out as air defense shifted to satellite surveillance, long-range radar and interceptor aircraft.

Today, air defense over the northeastern United States falls under the North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, a joint U.S.-Canadian command responsible for aerospace warning and control. The Air National Guard also has units capable of responding to unauthorized or unidentified aircraft approaching major metropolitan areas, including New York City.

Visiting former Nike Missile sites

Several former Nike locations in New Jersey remain accessible to the public. At Sandy Hook in Fort Hancock, the National Park Service conducts guided tours of the preserved missile launch and radar areas on select weekends from April through November. Tour schedules and program details are available through the parks official program guide.

One of two radar systems used to acquire and track targets for the Nike system at Sandy Hook's Fort Hancock. A group of Army veterans are running a recently opened museum dedicated to the Nike missile program and restoring a Nike Ajax missile for it. All the veterans worked on the restoration of the area as volunteers.

In addition, other than the Nike locations listed above as having been converted to public uses, many were demolished, filled in or converted to residential, municipal or commercial use. Some former sites are on private property, and access is restricted.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Hidden Nike Missiles once guarded NJ skies during Cold War
Thousands in the Northeast remained without power amid freezing temperatures Tuesday as people from that region and the mid-Atlantic dug out from extreme snowfall  including more than 2 feet in several states  from the previous two days and faced continuing travel disruptions including hundreds of canceled flights.

Temperatures in much of the Northeast are not expected to climb above freezing Tuesday, so snow melting may be limited.

The storm , which began Sunday night, hit bomb cyclone status in the early hours of Monday as it strengthened extremely quickly, ramping winds to hurricane-force gusts, intensifying snow bands and knocking out power to hundreds of thousands. Local officials echoed state of emergency declarations and issued travel bans while the tens of millions of people under blizzard warnings hunkered down.

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Of the more than 225,000 customers still without power in the region Tuesday night, more than 190,000 were in Massachusetts, the vast majority of whom were customers of the Eversource utility company in southeastern Massachusetts, including Cape Cod, according to PowerOutage.us.

It will take days to turn on the lights for every Massachusetts customer, an Eversource official said.

It is a multiday restoration, Doug Foley, Eversources president of electric operations in Massachusetts, said at a news conference Tuesday. The last couple customers, unfortunately, will be a couple days out.

Luis Javier Rodriguez clears snow from a sidewalk on Tuesday in Weekhawken, New Jersey. - Seth Wenig/AP

Those who do dig out of the snow may have trouble going anywhere despite easing travel bans, with public transit delays, icy road conditions and flight cancellations across the region.

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As of 8 p.m. ET, just over 2,200 US flights had been canceled Tuesday, according to FlightAware. The vast majority of those flights had been scheduled to arrive at or depart from the four major northeastern airports  Newark; Boston; and LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy in New York  which were still recovering Tuesday from the storm.

Among those hoping to fly out Tuesday was Alyssa Myers, whose flight from Philadelphia to Albuquerque on Sunday afternoon was canceled. She rebooked and canceled several times.

If you dont have to go, cancel the trip, get the refund, wait for warmer weather, Myers told CNNs Danny Freeman at Philadelphia International Airport.

The historic storm yielded numerous impacts as schools across the region closed, both the US House and Senate postponed this weeks first vote series, major train routes were adjusted, public transit was paused and even the popular food delivery service DoorDash suspended its operations in the countrys biggest city.

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Though the storm dwindled by Monday evening, a forecast for more looms. Heres what you need to know:

Stunning snow totals: From the Mid-Atlantic to New England, 1 to 3 feet of snow buried communities during the historic blizzard. As of 7 p.m. ET Monday, Providence, Rhode Island, saw the most snowfall with 37.9 inches. The highest totals in other states include Whitman, Massachusetts, with 33.7 inches; Central Islip, New York, with 31 inches; North Stonington, Connecticut, with 30.8 inches; and Lyndhurst, New Jersey, with 30.7 inches. Follow more snow totals across the Northeast here.

Records broken across the region: The bomb cyclone delivered historic impacts to cities across the Northeast, becoming the biggest snowstorm on record for Providence. When just over 27 inches had fallen on Newark around 1 p.m., the snowstorm officially ranked as the citys second-heaviest based on records dating back to 1931. The storm also marked the Big Apples snowiest winter since the 2020-2021 season. In Philadelphia, snowfall totals marked the most from a single storm since January 2016.

Space savers -- objects like buckets and chairs -- rested in some curbside parking spaces in south Boston on Tuesday, placed by people who intended to return their vehicles to spaces they dug out. - CNN

Potential for more snow: Another chance for snow will materialize for the Northeast not long after this brutal storm. Fortunately, it looks to be quick-hitting without massive snow potential. The new storm will bring some snow to the Great Lakes on Tuesday and reach the Northeast overnight into Wednesday. Most places in the region will see less than two inches, though higher elevations in Pennsylvania, New York and New England might get a few more.

A woman walks past through the snow in Central Park on February 23, 2026 in New York City. - Ryan Murphy/Getty Images

Dizzying flight cancellations: The monstrous bomb cyclone also wreaked havoc on air travel, with more than 10,000 US flights canceled from Sunday to Tuesday. That includes more than 2,200 cancellations for Tuesday, with the majority concentrated at Boston Logan International Airport, with high levels of disruption also spread across the New York Cityarea airports, according to FlightAware.

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Widespread power outages persist: Power outages soared through Monday, caused by extreme winds and heavy snow, with more close to 400,000 customers without power by 6:30 a.m. ET that day, and 650,000 five hours later. Outages across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions appeared to stabilize by 1 p.m. Monday. But some power restoration efforts were delayed because of the very weather that caused them. By Tuesday night, more than 225,000 customers were still impacted.

Snow covers the ground as a power pole is suspended after lines were pulled down by a fallen tree during a winter storm in Edgartown, Massachusetts, on Monday. - Robert MacMillan/Reuters

CNNs August Phillips, Aaron Cooper, Holly Yan, Alaa Elassar, Zoe Sottile, Hanna Park and meteorologists Mary Gilbert, Briana Waxman and Chris Dolce contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com




HOOSICK FALLS - A village justice has recused himself from a case involving former Police Chief Robert Ashe after a special prosecutor identified a potential conflict of interest stemming from a party where police confiscated illegal fireworks, and the justice allegedly told partygoers not to talk to the police.

The Columbia County District Attorney's Office, which in 2022 filed charges related to allegations that Ashe modified payroll records and took confiscated fireworks for personal use, stated in a Feb. 17 motion that the village justice, Thomas Restino, witnessed actions leading up to the fireworks case against Ashe.

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Despite that, Restino presided over Ashe's case when he pleaded guilty to official misconduct in 2022 and granted the former chief, who has since denied any wrongdoing, a six-month adjournment in contemplation of dismissal (ACOD) last November. The dismissal is scheduled to take effect May 12.

Special prosecutor Nicholas Rohlfing motioned last week for the case to be put back on the court calendar with a different judge. While denying any impropriety, Restino noted in a memo that he would step aside from the case to avoid the appearance of a conflict.

"While I unequivocally deny the allegations of misconduct and the factual assertions set forth in the moving papers, I note for the record that, at the outset of these proceedings, Brian Premo, Esq. (Ashe's attorney), and then-District Attorney Paul Czajka (who is now deceased) expressly approved of and acknowledged my initial handling of this matter," Restino wrote.

Restino shared the memo with the Times Union, but declined to comment further because the case is still pending.

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Rohlfing claims Restino was present at a Fairbanks Road party on June 5, 2021, where numerous illegal fireworks were set off - one of which severely injured a person - and saw police at the scene. Some of those fireworks ended up in the confiscated cache that Ashe was later accused of taking for personal use.

"As such, it was against the interest of justice that (Restino) should have presided over any aspect of the case at any time," Rohlfing wrote in his recently filed motion. "Justice Restino's deep and undisclosed conflict in this action calls into question the integrity of every decision made herein."

The motion also alleges that Ashe and Restino spoke by phone four times that night between 6:57 and 11:52 p.m., and four more times between June 6 and June 9. Furthermore, based on a recording - obtained by the special prosecutor from an unspecified date - between an unnamed trooper and a Hoosick Falls police officer, an allegedly intoxicated Restino allegedly told partygoers not to talk to the police. ("Don't talk to the cops and say nothing," was the police officer's characterization of Restino's alleged comments, according to the court filing.)

In addition to allegations over Restino's knowledge about the incident, Rohlfing stated that the motion was necessary because a recording related to Ashe seeking to withdraw his guilty plea in 2024 was "accidentally erased."

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"In large part because the recording of the plea was destroyed, our office felt constrained to consent to this course of action," Rohlfing wrote. "Our office has discovered new information in the case that compels the filing of this motion."

Ashe deferred comment to his current attorney, Arthur Frost of the firm Frost & Kavanaugh, who told the Times Union that Rohlfing's motion has "no merit."

The North Greenbush-based lawyer said he believes concerns about the 2024 recording amount to a baseless attack against Restino. He has questioned whether the other undated recording of dialogue between the trooper and the Hoosick Falls police officer is genuine and why individuals aren't named; how Restino's presence at the party is relevant to allegations about Ashe's taking some of the confiscated fireworks at a later time; and why phone records collected years ago have only recently been scrutinized.

"To believe that, you would have to believe that State Police investigated Bob four years ago, had this blockbuster evidence, didn't give it to Paul Czajka, didn't give it to his successor, sat on this for years and then finally turned it over not at the time that the ACOD was reported, but three months later," Frost said in a recent interview. "I find that suspect."

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Frost responded to Rohlfing's motion on Monday in a 17-page document that makes various arguments attempting to poke holes in the special prosecutor's argument; he asserted that Ashe is willing to go to trial if the adjournment in contemplation of dismissal is dissolved and the case restarts.

Ashe was originally charged with felony counts of grand larceny and filing a false instrument.

In 2022, the former chief pleaded guilty to official misconduct, a misdemeanor. At the time, Ashe said he was busy dealing with prostate cancer; he has been in remission since 2023.

Frost has been pushing to reopen the case, arguing that the testimony of former village police officer-in-charge John C. Hudson Jr., a key witness, is in question after prosecutors previously flagged him as a witness with credibility issues. Hudson, who was fired last spring, was also accused in November of stealing more than $1,000 from the Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad, where he previously served as chief.

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Frost and the special prosecutor are due in Hoosick Falls Village Court on Thursday. It's not clear who will preside over the appearance, given Restino's recusal.

Other than asking for "the case to be put on the calendar" and requesting Restino's recusal, the district attorney's office spokesperson, Ann Pazera, said she doesn't know what the special prosecutor's ultimate goal is with the Ashe case.

This article originally published at Hoosick Falls justice recuses himself from case involving former police chief.
Supporters of a Maryland bill that would prohibit police from wearing face coverings while on duty said they are confident the measure can survive legal challenges like the one that struck down a similar law in California.

The comments came during House Judiciary Committee testimony Tuesday on House Bill 155, Del. Nicole Williams (D-Prince Georges) bill that was introduced after a year of televised images of masked immigration officers, often in tactical gear but no identifiable police uniform, rounding people up in raids across the country.

This bill is about improving transparency, accountability and public safety, Williams said in testimony on her bill. Community policing is really the foundation of a strong relationship between law enforcement and the broader community, and so in order for this relationship to continue to thrive, there has to be a clear way that we can identify law enforcement officers.

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Williams, who sits on Judiciary, said shes willing to conform her bill to Senate Bill 1, which largely mirrors her bill. SB 1, sponsored by Sen. Malcolm Augustine (D-Prince Georges), passed the full Senate exactly three weeks ago on a 31-13 vote.

Del. Nicole Williams (D-Prince Georges) testifies to the House Judiciary Committee. With here is Shana Khader, left, deputy legal director of We Are CASA. (Photo by William J. Ford/Maryland Matters)

Both versions define face coverings that would be banned for officers on duty to include balaclavas, ski masks or neck gaiters. Exceptions would be made for officers actively engaged in an undercover operation, someone wearing a motorcycle helmet, a garment worn for religious purposes or for health-related reasons.

But the Senate version allows face coverings to be worn during inclement weather. It also would also require all law enforcement agencies in the state to adopt a uniform policy developed by the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission. Officers who violated the law would be guilty of a civil offense, not a criminal one, and face a fine of up to $1,500 and possible two years imprisonment.

But committee Republicans expressed concerns about the bills legality and application.

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Del. Nino Mangione (R-Baltimore County) asked how the state could regulate federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who are constitutionally allowed to operate throughout the U.S.

Naureen Shaw, director of immigration policy at the American Civil Liberties Union national office, said it is possible for the state to keep ICE agents from wearing a mask because a mask is not necessary to doing federal law enforcement work, which is clear from the fact that, of course, they never wore masks routinely before this time.

Shaw also said the California masking law that was struck down by a federal judge earlier this month failed because if applied to federal agents, but not to members of the state highway patrol. U.S. District Judge Christina Snyder said that discriminated against the federal government.

Because the Maryland bill applies to law enforcement agencies across the board, Shaw said, it would be constitutional.

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Del. Lauren Arikan (R-Harford) said lawmakers cannot legislate the perception of fear. Thats not what were here for. She asked how someone would determine whether a person in a mask was a police officer or not. Make that make sense, she said.

But Williams said the measure isnt just about an officer wearing a uniform, but for people to know who they are engaging with and who they are interacting with. If you can see the officers face, that also gives the person a greater sense of comfort in interacting with that officer.

Other witnesses testifying in support of the bill included Montgomery Council Councilmember Will Jawando (D-At-Large), who suggested that the bill be amended to take effect immediately. Currently, the House and Senate versions of the bill, if approved, would take effect Oct. 1.

Jawando said the majority of his council colleagues support the House measure, spurring Arikan to ask who didnt support the bill.

After Jawando said he can provide that information, Arikan replied, Id be interested. Maybe Ill write them a check one day.

All 11 members on Montgomery County Council are Democrats.
House Democrats on Wednesday demanded a briefing from the justice department on the removal of Gail Slater, who was forced to resign as head of the antitrust division this month under a cloud of controversy and fraught tensions with her bosses inside the Trump administration.

The request from Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the House judiciary committee, and Jerry Nadler, a Democratic New York congressman, marked the first step in what is almost certain to become a much larger investigation should Democrats reclaim the House majority in the midterm elections and gain subpoena power.

In a letter to the attorney general, Pam Bondi, Raskin sought a briefing on the role of Trump-connected lobbyists in Slaters removal, after she tried to block a $14bn merger between Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Juniper Networks, a cloud-computing and software company.

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With the departure of AAG Slater, it appears there are no longer any principled antitrust experts left to guard the antitrust division from this cascade of corruption, the letter said. The leadership vacuum is occurring just as the antitrust division is handling historic cases.

Slater was pushed out after her relationship with Bondi and JD Vance  once her most powerful ally until he grew weary of her invoking his name at the justice department steadily deteriorated off the back of the Hewlett Packard Enterprise case, the Guardian has previously reported.

Among other things, Slater had told Bondi that the US intelligence community never raised national security concerns about stopping the deal. But her claim was contradicted by John Ratcliffe, the CIA director who questioned why he had not been consulted.

An exasperated Bondi later told associates she felt Slater had lied to her to continue with the suit, which the justice department dropped in June 2025 in favor of negotiating a settlement. Slater in turn complained the department had been captured by lobbyists for Hewlett Packard Enterprise.

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A spokesperson for the justice department referred queries about its response to the letter to Bondis previous statement thanking Slater for her service.

Still, the departments lack of response to an earlier request by Raskin in August about the tumult inside the antitrust division appears to have galvanized Democrats to double down on an investigation.

The letter also raised questions of a merger between American Express Global Business Travel and CWT Holdings; a merger between Live Nation and Ticketmaster; bids by Netflix and Paramount to acquire Warner Bros Discovery; an appeal against a US district court ruling that Google has a monopoly over online searches.

With respect to the American Express deal, the letter said: It appears the dismissal may have also prevented the disclosure of contacts between DOJ officials and Ballard Partners, a lobbying firm with close ties to President Trump where you were a partner until January 2025.

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Roger Alford, the former principal deputy to Slater, suggested in freewheeling remarks at a Tech Policy Institute event shortly after he too was pushed out from the antitrust division last year that he expected political lobbying to shape the outcome of the Live Nation matter.

Regarding Live Nation, the letter said, Mr Alford has warned that these firms have paid a bevy of cozy MAGA friends to roam the halls of [DoJs] Fifth Floor [which houses the senior leadership offices] in defense of their monopoly abuses.

An investigation into the circumstances of Slaters removal could be bruising for Trump allies, who are seen to have played a role in the saga but are not part of the administration and therefore not protected by an assertion of executive privilege by Donald Trump to block their testimony.

The people who fit that category are likely to include Mike Davis, a firebrand Republican litigator who was retained by Hewlett Packard Enterprise to advise on the merger and took credit for Slaters removal in posts on X.

Davis declined to comment when reached by phone on Wednesday, but he has previously posted to X: Dear Trump Appointees: If Senate Democrats would be upset if you got fired, you should just resign now. Youre in the wrong administration.
Falling birth rates have become a global flashpoint. Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has warned that civilization could weaken if people stop having children, arguing that shrinking populations threaten long-term economic strength.

But inside a Reddit thread claiming the planet is already overcrowded, one reply cut through the noise.

"52 year old white male born and raised in Texas  and I agree with you. There are WAY too many humans now," he commented.

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He didn't cite demographic models. He pointed to what he said he's watched disappear.

"Since I was a kid I have seen species disappear. Fireflies, Horned Lizards, Bumblebees, etc."

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Fast Company Calls It a Groundbreaking Step for the Creator Economy'  Investors Can Still Get In at $0.85/Share

Its no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $250 million in art  this alternative asset has outpaced the S&P 500 since 1995, delivering an average annual return of 11.4%. Heres how everyday investors are getting started.

Then the line that reframed the debate:

"I have told all my children to apologize for us in 30 or 40 years when I am gone."

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He ended bluntly: "The Human race is screwed. Hopefully the plants and animals will survive but I doubt it."

The Fireflies Aren't Just Nostalgia

His examples aren't imaginary.

According to Yale Environment 360, firefly populations are in steep decline due to habitat loss, pesticide use, light pollution and climate change. The International Union for Conservation of Nature Firefly Specialist Group has found that roughly one in three assessed North American firefly species faces extinction risk.

Texas horned lizards have also disappeared from much of their historic range. Urbanization, agriculture and invasive fire ants have sharply reduced their habitat, leading to conservation protections dating back decades.

Trending: Explore the Fire-Safe Energy Storage Company With $185M in Contracted Revenue

Bumblebees tell a similar story. According to Environment America, American bumblebee populations have dropped by 90% over the past two decades.

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Scientists broadly describe current biodiversity loss as part of a sixth mass extinction, with extinction rates estimated at 100 to 1,000 times higher than historical background levels.

The Reddit commenter offered memory. The research shows measurable trend lines.

Population, Growth and the Economic Model

The global population has doubled in roughly 50 years, rising from about 4 billion in the 1970s to more than 8 billion today. United Nations projections suggest it could approach 10 billion by mid-century.

More people means more land converted to housing and agriculture, more water use, more energy demand. According to recent global carbon data from the International Energy Agency, high-income countries account for roughly 56% of cumulative historic CO emissions from fossil fuels and industry since 1850, while housing only about 16% of the world's population.

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Meanwhile, modern economies are structured around expansion. The original Reddit post argued corporations "need infinite growth for their profits to keep increasing" and declared, "INFINITE GROWTH IS NOT POSSIBLE ON A FINITE PLANET."

That tension is visible in newer industries too. Large data centers supporting artificial intelligence can consume millions of gallons of water per day for cooling, according to industry and utility reports, particularly in drought-prone states like Texas and Arizona.

See Also: This Under-$1 Pre-IPO AI Company Is Still Open to Retail Investors  Learn More

That surge in computing power doesn't just strain water supplies. It adds to a broader electrification wave already reshaping infrastructure. Even if population growth slows, energy demand tied to artificial intelligence, electric vehicles and digital economies continues climbing. The pressure isn't only about how many people live on the planet. It's about how much power each system consumes.

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That reality is pushing capital toward grid resilience and energy storage technologies designed to reduce fire risk and improve efficiency. Companies such as Paladin Power, which is developing non-lithium, solid-state battery systems as an alternative to traditional storage, are part of a growing effort to rethink how electricity is stored and deployed as demand expands. The debate over population may dominate headlines, but beneath it sits a quieter question: can infrastructure evolve fast enough to offset the environmental strain tied to modern growth?

The divide is sharp.

Musk sees demographic decline as a threat to economic vitality.

The Texas man sees population growth as a threat to ecological survival.

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One argument focuses on labor shortages and economic stability. The other focuses on disappearing insects, shrinking habitats and what future generations inherit.

Whether the larger risk is too few people or too many may depend less on raw headcount and more on how societies balance growth with limits. For now, the debate is no longer abstract. It's playing out in comments sections, boardrooms and backyards  and in the quiet absence of fireflies on a summer night.

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This article 'The Human Race Is Screwed,' Says Man, 52, After Watching Fireflies And Horned Lizards Disappear  Told Kids, 'Apologize For Us' In 30 Years originally appeared on Benzinga.com

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Hungary will deploy soldiers and equipment to protect key energy infrastructure amid what Prime Minister Viktor Orban described as a potential Ukrainian threat, he said on Feb. 25, escalating tensions tied to disrupted Russian oil transit.

The move follows weeks of strain between Kyiv and Budapest after flows through the Druzhba pipeline  a critical route delivering Russian crude to Hungary and Slovakia  halted in late January following Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

"A defense council meeting I convened due to the Ukrainian oil blockade has just concluded," Orban said. "Since Jan. 27, no oil has been arriving in Hungary via the Druzhba pipeline."

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"I see that Ukraine is preparing further actions aimed at disrupting the operation of Hungary's energy system. I have ordered the strengthening of protection for critical energy infrastructure."

Hungary plans to deploy troops and equipment near key sites, while police will step up patrols around power plants, distribution stations, and control centers, according to the prime minister.

The dispute over the pipeline has become a central flashpoint between Ukraine and two EU member states still reliant on Russian oil. Hungary and Slovakia accuse Kyiv of withholding transit for political reasons, while Ukraine says disruptions stem from Russian attacks.

The standoff has already triggered retaliatory steps.

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Budapest and Bratislava halted diesel exports to Ukraine on Feb. 18, while Hungary has blocked new EU sanctions against Russia and a planned 90 billion euro ($107 billion) loan for Kyiv.

Efforts to de-escalate have so far failed. EU ministers were unable to persuade Hungary and Slovakia to drop threats against Ukraine during a recent Foreign Affairs Council meeting.

Kyiv has signaled its readiness to resolve the dispute. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Ukraine had proposed several "doable solutions," but that no response has yet come from Orban.

President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested on Feb. 24 that Orban should engage directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin on preventing further attacks on energy infrastructure.

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"Russia has destroyed this oil pipeline several times already  and not only this one. So Orban should talk to Putin, perhaps about an energy ceasefire or something similar," Zelensky said.

Orban, often viewed as the Kremlin's closest ally within the EU, has repeatedly criticized Ukraine and opposed its bid for EU membership. His latest remarks come ahead of Hungary's elections in April, where he faces a challenge from opposition leader Peter Magyar.

His latest remarks are widely seen in Kyiv as part of his election campaign, aimed at portraying Ukraine as an alleged adversary of Hungary in order to rally domestic support.

Read also: As Russia rained missiles on Ukrainian cities last fall, US issued warning to Kyiv over Black Sea drone strike, ambassador says

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Read also: Russia claims potential Black Sea gas pipeline sabotage could threaten peace talks

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
New details have emerged about what really led Corey Lewandowski to sack a pilot during a meltdown on a U.S. Coast Guard plane, revealing it wasnt really a blanket at all.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and her alleged lover and de facto chief of staff, Lewandowski, are both married with children, however, their alleged relationship has been described as the worst-kept secret in D.C.

Lewandowski reportedly entered the cockpit of a government jet in May last year, hunting down what was said to be a beloved heated blanket belonging to Noem that had been left behind after the pair switched aircraft when their original plane broke down.

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The plane had reached 10,000 feet, and the seatbelt sign was still on when Lewandowski reportedly addressed the pilot.

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem boards her plane to travel back to the U.S., after touring Ulpiano Paez Air Base, on Nov. 6, 2025, in Salinas, Ecuador. / Pool / Getty Images

He threatened to fire the Coast Guard flight crew and then attempted to fire the pilot for refusing to return to the other plane to retrieve Noems possessions, sources cited by NBC said. He only relented after the pilot noted someone else would have to be found to fly the plane if he were dismissed from duty, according to the report.

However, new reporting by The Daily Mail quotes three DHS insiders saying it wasnt a blanket left behind at all; it was a mystery bag.

This was never about a blanket, an insider with knowledge of the incident told the Mail. The blanket was a cover story for what really happened. The whole thing was really about the bag that was left.

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Lewandowski had discovered that at least two people were aware of the contents of Noems bag, which could be embarrassing, the Mail reported, citing sources.

Corey Lewandowski's close relationship with Kristi Noem has drawn scrutiny. / Andrew Harnik / Getty Images

The fired pilot, Keith Thomas, a commanding officer for the Coast Guard in Washington, was later promoted to a DHS senior adviser, the publication also noted.

Thomas declined to comment on the plane incident, telling the Mail, As a military officer, I do not comment on past or current missions.

Noems aide on the infamous flight last May, Kamryn Jones, was awarded a Legion of Merit medal by her boss last September.

I am so proud of the patriots who serve our country and the DHS mission, including Lieutenant Commander Kamryn Jones of the U.S. Coast Guard, Noem posted on Instagram. I was honored to present her with the Legion of Merit for her extraordinary dedication as a military aide.

Kristi Noem's Instagram post in September. / screen grab

Lewandowski told Reuters, There was never a conversation in the cockpit when the flight was taking off, but did not respond to questions about whether he entered the cockpit.

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Lewandowski directed the Daily Beast to a statement from the Coast Guard saying that no Coast Guard pilot was fired or received derogatory administrative action from any air station in connection with the incident described.

The Daily Beast has contacted the DHS for comment.

This week Noems husband Bryon made a rare public appearance as rumors about her affair with Lewandowski continue to swirl.

South Dakota Republican Governor Kristi Noem takes part in a sound check as political commentator Corey Lewandowski looks on ahead of the 2024 Republican National Convention on July 14, 2024, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. / ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP via Getty Images

In a video posted to Noems X account recorded at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, the 54-year-old secretary can be seen standing in front of security. In the video, she tells viewers, Im just dropping off my husband, whos headed back to South Dakota, as she waves to him; Bryon waves back as he walks through security.

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Lewandowskis role is classified as a special government employee. He has been serving as Noems de facto chief of staff despite his position only allowing him to work 130 days a year.

In August, White House officials reportedly investigated whether Lewandowski had already exceeded those hours and was potentially fudging the numbers in order to remain by Noems side.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noems federal agents have been accused of threatening migrant children with a dog and a stun gun to force them to give up their legal right to stay in the U.S., a court filing reviewed by the Daily Beast shows.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) thugs have been systematically deploying threats of violence, misinformation, and fear to pressure unaccompanied kids from foreign countries into signing voluntary return paperwork, according to the legal motion, which was filed Tuesday.

The filing alleges a series of deeply troubling encounters.

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In one case, an indigenous Guatemalan boy was allegedly told he could sign voluntary return paperwork or face indefinite detention, as agents shouted, cursed, and threatened [him] with a dog and a stun gun, according to a sworn declaration filed with the motion. They are said to have refused to let him speak with his family before he signed.

A Honduran girl injured in a van crash was allegedly denied medical care while still bleeding, screamed at by agents, and given a stark choicethat she agree to immediate removal to Honduras, where she had no parent to care for her, or wait in detention until her 18th birthday and face deportation then.

A pregnant teenager was told that if she refused to sign, her undocumented parents living in the United States would be arrested.

A woman and child walk past Federal agents as they patrol the halls of immigration court at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in New York City. / Spencer Platt / Spencer Platt/Getty Images

ProBar, a legal services organization representing roughly 200 class members, has since identified at least 13 children from Guatemala, Honduras, Ecuador, and Nicaragua who signed under what lawyers describe as duress, each requiring emergency intervention to prevent removal.

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Central to the contempt motion is a government form called the UAC Processing Pathway Advisal, which lawyers say fundamentally misrepresents childrens legal rights.

The document tells children that signing voluntary return carries no administrative consequence and that they can apply for a visa, through legal means, in the futureclaims the motion says are false.

Children who decline are warned of prolonged detention, the arrest and deportation of family members living in the U.S., and a permanent bar on future visa applications.

This, the suit states, is in apparent violation of a court injunction the government itself declined to appeal.

Migrants who illegally crossed into the U.S. from Mexico are arrested by U.S. Border Patrol agents. / VCG / Qian Weizhong/VCG via Getty Images

Under the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act, unaccompanied children from non-contiguous countries must be transferred to the Office of Refugee Resettlement within 72 hours and given access to counsel. But the motion alleges CBP has been racing to deport them before that window closes.

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The stun-gun and dog incident occurred on or around October 14, 2025nearly a month after the injunction took effect. The boy was later transferred to an Office of Refugee Resettlement shelter only because agents couldnt secure a deportation flight in time. Once there, he told lawyers that he believes his prayers were answered.

The contempt motion has been brought by Georgetown Universitys Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection alongside the National Immigration Law Center and the National Center for Youth Law, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, before Trump appointee Timothy J. Kelly.

Noem's love for dolling up for the cameras on ICE raids has earned her the nickname ICE Barbie. / Homeland Security/Handout/Getty Images

It comes as Noem, 54, faces mounting judicial pushback over the Department of Homeland Securitys (DHS) treatment of detained migrants elsewhere.

Trump appointee Eric Tostrud this week found the administration in civil contempt for transferring Fernando Gutierrez Torres from Minnesota to Texas in late January and releasing him without his belongingsordering the government to repay the $568 cost of his flight home, according to the Star Tribune.

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Days earlier, U.S. District Judge Laura Provinzino held special assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Isiharaan Army lawyer detailed to the Department of Justicein contempt and ordered $500-per-day fines until Rigoberto Soto Jimenezs IDs were returned. Biden appointee Provinzino lifted the order after the documents were produced and said no fines would be issued.

The confiscation of documents has become a pattern across the Minneapolis crackdown, reports Mother Jones. Maria Miller, chair of the Minnesota and Dakotas chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, estimates roughly 35 of her clients left ICE detention without their work permits, Social Security cards, and other identity documents.

Judge Laura Provinzino, pictured at her United States Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on July 10, 2024, has fought back against federalagents witholding possessions from released migrants. / United States Senate Judiciary Committee

I cant think of a client Ive had detained that did not have their documents taken, she said. Minneapolis attorney Graham Ojala-Barbour was more blunt: As far as I can tell, its the practice of ICE to throw everybodys documents into a black box and then lose it.

Among those caught up in the document confiscation is a 41-year-old Honduran single mother-of-two, identified by Mother Jones only as Isabel, who was detained last month after attending what she believed was a standard immigration appointment in Bloomington, Minnesota.

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Despite a federal judge ordering her releasewith all her propertyafter she cycled through three facilities over four days, an agent at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building returned only a portion of her belongings.

Missing from the bag were her work permit, state ID, two uncashed checks, and her daughters U.S. passport. The checks came back, but the identity documents have not. She told Mother Jones she is now terrified to leave home for work.

The government not returning these documents to folks is essentially forcing them to walk around without this document that the government itself says these folks are supposed to carry with them, Julia Decker, policy director of the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, told the outlet.

The Daily Beast has contacted DHS for comment.
Paramount previously offered $30 per share in its bid for Warner Bros - Mike Blake/Reuters

Warner Bros has confirmed it has received an increased takeover bid from Larry Ellisons Paramount, but suggested it was still in favour of a rival $83bn deal with Netflix.

The Hollywood studio said it was reviewing a revised offer from Paramount on Monday and would update shareholders once the review is complete.

But the company added: The Netflix merger agreement remains in effect, and the board continues to recommend in favour of the Netflix transaction.

Warner Bros did not confirm the details of the new Paramount offer. The Los Angeles-headquartered company had previously offered $30 per share, valuing Warner Bros at $108.4bn (80.3bn).

The improved bid represents a late effort by Paramount to derail an $83bn takeover agreed between Warner Bros and Netflix last year.

The board of Warner Bros has repeatedly rebuffed Paramounts advances, insisting that the Netflix deal offers superior value. A shareholder vote on the deal is scheduled for March 20.

But the company, which is behind major film franchises including the Harry Potter series, had agreed to give Paramount a week to submit its best offer or walk away.

Heated bidding war

Under the terms of its takeover deal, Netflix has the right to match any improved rival offer, raising the prospect of a heated bidding war.

Netflix has agreed to pay $27.75 per share for Warner Bross studio business and the HBO Max streaming service. By contrast, Paramounts offer also includes the groups traditional cable channels, including the CNN news network.

Paramount has previously sweetened its bid by offering to pay a so-called ticking fee of $0.25 per share to investors every quarter should its deal fail to close by the end of the year.

It also agreed to cover the $2.8bn termination fee Warner Bros would have to pay Netflix if it abandons their agreed deal, as well as $1.5bn in fees linked to Warner Bros debt refinancing.

The rival suitors have been locked in an escalating war of words, with Paramount seeking to highlight the regulatory uncertainty surrounding the Netflix takeover.

The US department of justice (DOJ) has launched a review into the deal amid concerns that combining two major streaming services  Netflix and HBO Max  would hand the company too much power.

Netflix has shrugged off concerns, saying the deal would lead to lower overall streaming costs for consumers. However, it has acknowledged that the regulatory process could take up to 18 months.

Paramount, which would also face regulatory scrutiny, last week said it had cleared a key hurdle with the DOJ.

Netflix has also faced criticism from the cinema industry amid fears the streaming giant could release fewer films on the big screen. James Cameron, the director of Avatar and Titanic, branded the deal disastrous in a letter this month.
TISHOMINGO, Miss. - An unprecedented January ice storm has complicated the efforts of a start-up short line railroad looking to restore freight service in rural northern Mississippi.

Jeremy Funderburk, president of the North Mississippi & Alabama Railroad, and his work crew and equipment, have been putting in 10-hour workdays to chew through thousands of downed trees after much of the area experienced more than one inch of ice in late January.

The 42-mile short line spans from Corinth, Miss., south to Red Bay, Ala. While the railroad doesn't have active freight service today, the start-up, which assumed operations in January 2025, has spent the past year clearing vegetation and installing about 2,000 crossties in preparation of bringing freight back.

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Now those efforts have been challenged. The brunt of the damage is from near the railroad's midpoint at Paden, Miss., north toward Corinth, making about 20 miles of track impassable still weeks later. The rural nature of the railroad and limited grade crossings has also made access difficult, with the team relying on drones to survey track conditions.

Funderburk says what started out as a downed tree every 40 feet has deteriorated to complete inaccessibility.

"When you get toward Corinth, you literally can't take a step," he says.

The right-of-way of the North Mississippi & Alabama is almost completely obscured by downed trees. NM&A

The railroad is optimistic that a recent disaster area declaration by the federal government will allow it to tap into federal resources for debris removal with the support of the right-of-way owner, the Mississippi-Alabama Railroad Authority, which purchased the railroad from Norfolk Southern in 1995.

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Funderburk says this assistance is crucial to getting the railroad open. Since assuming operations in 2025, the railroad has poured a significant amount of its own dollars into repairs, as well as receiving funds from the State of Mississippi. Other grant applications submitted before the disaster are also in progress.

The railroad has garnered strong support from area businesses who would like to ship by rail again. This includes Sunshine Mills, a feed company which briefly provided service when the line was between operators, as well as new shippers, transload opportunities, and car repair and storage. The railroad, which has seen several operators since being sold by NS, hasn't moved freight since poor track conditions resulted in a 2022 freight embargo.

"The good thing this rail line has going for it is big rail. It has a 115 [-pound] mainline rail," says Funderburk, who also says underneath the downed trees is a good roadbed.

Funderburk, who has spent his career in shortline railroading and railroad contract work, says failure is not an option, pointing to the resiliency of smaller railroads.

"I'm going to keep going," he says. "It doesn't matter, I'm in too deep."

- To report news or errors, contact trainsnewswire@firecrown.com.
Idahos warm winter weather has brought on one of the most severe snow droughts in state history.

Record-high winter temperatures have been paired with significant precipitation, according to David Hoekema, a hydrologist with the Idaho Department of Water Resources,.

So far this season, the Gem State has seen unexpectedly large amounts of rain and unseasonably low snowfall, Hoekema told the Idaho Statesman.

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Thats prompted experts to declare a snow drought, which happens when the levels of snow water equivalent  the amount of liquid water contained in snow  in a region are at or below 20% of historical data averages.

Heres what that means for Idaho residents:

Cattle at Percy Ranch spend time on state land in the hills north of Mountain Home. (Sarah A. Miller/smiller@idahostatesman.com)

How does 2026 compare to worst droughts in Idaho history?

According to one expert, Idaho weather conditions in 2026 are comparable to those during two significant drought years: 1977 and 2015.

In 1977, drought conditions across the West caused wells to run dry as early as April and reservoir water levels to reach record lows, the Idaho Statesman reported at the time.

The significant economic losses and human suffering caused President Jimmy Carter to sign the Emergency Drought Act into law.

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In 2015, low snowpack and early runoff put all of Idaho in a state of drought.

The conditions this year are significantly different than 2015 in that we have had significant precipitation and have a strong high-elevation snowpack, Hoekema told the Statesman. This year is a combo of 2015, which was hot and dry, and 1977, which was a year with what was likely the lowest snowpack in our lifetimes.

Idaho also saw extreme drought conditions in 2021 and 2022.

A map created by the U.S. Drought Monitor indicates which areas of Idaho were under drought conditions as of Feb. 17, 2026. (U.S. Drought Monitor)

How bad are drought conditions in Idaho?

About 95% of Idaho was abnormally dry or worse as of Feb. 17, according to the most recent data available from the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Nearly 62% of the state was experiencing severe drought conditions, while about 9% of severe areas were under an extreme drought, the drought monitor said, adding that drought conditions can lead to low crop yields, water shortages and elevated risks for wildfires.

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A total of 836,524 people in Idaho were living under drought conditions, the drought monitor said.

Part of the Gem State has been affected by some level of drought since December 2019, according to U.S. Drought Monitor data.

Clouds and fog settle into the valleys below the headwaters of Upper Dry Creek off Bogus Basin Road on Jan. 20. (Sarah A. Miller/smiller@idahostatesman.com)

Snowpack in Pacific Northwest is well below normal

Historically, Jan. 10 through Feb. 14 is the period of greatest snowpack growth in the Pacific Northwest, including Idaho.

During that time in 2026, the Pacific Northwest has experienced its warmest period on record, particularly at higher elevations, according to Larry ONeill, Oregon climatologist with the National Integrated Drought Information System.

January 2026 featured an intense and long-lasting ridge of high pressure which diverted storms away from the Pacific Northwest and caused strong inversions, ONeill said at a National Integrated Drought Information System conference on Monday. The mountain snowpack in nearly every basin of the Pacific Northwest is well below normal.

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However, the snowpack is still strong in some of Idahos higher-elevation mountain ranges.

The Upper Snake (River) is following climatology over the last week and the Big Lost (River) is nearly to a full annual snowpack, Hoekema told the Statesman in an email.

Clouds and light rain cover downtown Boise in January 2025. (Sarah A. Miller/smiller@idahostatesman.com)

Could spring rains reduce effects of drought?

A wet spring season can only reduce the lasting effects of the snow drought, not end them, according to Hoekema.

With enough precipitation over the coming months, the Upper Snake River may receive enough water to reduce drought impacts to minimal on the Boise and Payette rivers, Hoekema said.

Drought is anticipated to be extreme across the southern border of Idaho, even with heavy precipitation in the spring.

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The Bruneau, Owyhee and Weiser river basins are not going to recover from drought this year, Hoekema said, nor are the Goose Creek and Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir basins in south central Idaho.

The hydrologist added that the Payette and Boise river basins have only a 10% chance of recovery.

A wet spring or cool summer could greatly reduce shortages, Hoekema said. A hot and dry spring and summer could produce significant shortages.

Map of Idaho displaying the percent amount of current snowpack as of Feb. 16, 2026 in comparison to historical average (National Resource Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Idaho Department of Water Resources)

Could drought impact crops? Wildfires?

At this point we are mostly concerned about the severity of water shortages, Hoekema said.

Drought can have significant impacts on irrigation, which in turn affects Idaho agriculture and residents. In past drought years, irrigation districts have shut off water early or urged water users to implement a watering schedule to limit their consumption.

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Idaho Water Users Association officials have told the Statesman in the past that farmers will plant fewer crops during drought years in anticipation of water shortages or perhaps choose less lucrative crops that are less water intensive.

Drought conditions also impact wildfire conditions, as dry vegetation can become prime fuel to feed fast-moving blazes.

Its too early for fire officials to forecast how current drought conditions may impact the coming fire season, according to Sharla Arledge, spokesperson for the Idaho Department of Lands. The agency handles fire suppression on state endowment lands.

A vegetation fire retardant burns east of Blacks Creek Road south of Interstate 84 in 2023. (Sarah A. Miller/smiller@idahostatesman.com)

The Boise-based National Interagency Fire Center, which coordinates wildfire response across multiple federal agencies, has significant wildfire potential maps with predictions through May.

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While the National Interagency Fire Centers maps show significant fire potential in other drought-stricken areas such as Florida and Texas, Idaho is not flagged for significant wildfire potential through May.

Idahos snowmelt usually peaks around the same time that fire season begins.

Snowmelt typically begins slowly in March, ramps up in April and then peaks in May or June depending on the elevation of the basin and the springtime temperature, Hoekema said.

This year, Idaho may experience a change in the timing of the states typical snowmelt patterns.

We might see a slower increase in runoff since the low elevation snow is mostly missing, the hydrologist said. Timing will depend on springtime temperatures.

Sunflowers blow in the high winds during a storm over the Boise area in August 2023. (Sarah A. Miller/smiller@idahostatesman.com)

Is the drought a regional issue?

According to the National Integrated Drought Information System, Idaho isnt the only state experiencing a snow drought.

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Jason Gerlich, regional drought information coordinator for the National Integrated Drought Information System, said in a Feb. 10 conference that the Pacific Northwest region, including Idaho, Oregon and Washington state, is in a severe snow drought.

Critical water supply basins like the Willamette, Deschutes, Yakima, Boise, and Spokane are also all experiencing severe snow drought, Gerlich said.

An irrigation pivot waters a crop. (Darin Oswald/Idaho Statesman file)

Can we expect droughts to continue in the future?

We are seeing a warming trend, Hoekema said.

Due to increased temperatures, Hoekema told the Statesman that droughts will increase as long as the climate continues to warm.

Warm winters reduce snowpack and warm summers increase demand, Hoekema said.
The IDF operation included an attack on two apartments in the camp where terrorists were hiding.

Jerusalem Border Police and IDF troops detained terrorists in the Aqabat Jaber refugee camp in the West Bank in a joint operation on Wednesday, an Israel Police spokesperson said in a statement.

The operation included a simultaneous attack on two hideout apartments in the camp where the terrorists were hiding.

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"The detainees were transferred to the General Security Service for further investigation," the statement reads.

Police detain 30 undocumented immigrants in Tel Aviv

In a different operation, the Yarkon Police Station in Tel Aviv arrested 30 undocumented immigrants along with six people suspected of illegally employing them.

According to the police report, the operation involved volunteers alongside officers to locate illegal residents, with checks conducted at construction sites, various businesses in the city, restaurants and cafes, and transportation vehicles.

Israel Police detains 30 illegal immigrants. (Credit: Israel Police Spokesperson)

This was the second major police crackdown on undocumented immigrants in 2026, with another raid targeting seven businesses employing more than 50 people illegally in Israel on January 2.

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The closure represented the end of a week-long operation directed by Northern District Commander Meir Eliyahu, where hundreds of illegal immigrants were captured, along with those suspected of employing, harboring, or aiding them.

Tzvi Jasper contributed to this report.
IDF, Israel Police, and Border Police were sent to Khirbet al-Nawaja after reports of deliberate burnings of Palestinian property, according to an IDF statement.

Israeli forces responded to arson attempts allegedly conducted by extremist settlers in the West Bank on Tuesday, the IDF said.

According to Palestinian media sources, settlers were seen setting fires in the southern West Bank village of Susya. Unverified videos circulating on social media appear to show masked settlers setting fire to a group of buildings. Other photos and videos show multiple blazes, including on vehicles and residential buildings.

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IDF soldiers,Israel Police forces, and Israel Border Police soldiers were dispatched to the area of Khirbet al-Nawaja following a report received regarding deliberate burnings of Palestinian property in the area, the IDF stated.

The military further said the fire had been extinguished and that no injuries were reported.

It also distanced the security forces from the alleged attackers, stressing that the Israeli security forces decisively condemn such incidents and will continue to operate to ensure law enforcement and order in the area.

IDF troops in northern West Bank operation. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON UNIT)

Susya reportedly previously targeted by extremists

Other incidents perpetrated by extremist settlers targeting Susya have been reported in the past. In June 2025, a similar arson attack was reported in the village. Over recent years, the area has seen repeated settler attacks, including vandalism, physical assaults, and other incidents.

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According to data from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, settlers carried out more than 1,600 attacks in 2025, and human rights NGO BTselem documented 10 Palestinian civilians killed as a result.

Although the IDF says it works to prevent such attacks, Palestinians often accuse Israeli forces of passivity or even complicity, arguing that perpetrators rarely face consequences for their actions.
Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) disrupted Donald Trumps State of the Union address Tuesday evening, shouting that he killed Americans as he disparaged Minnesotas Somali community and tried to goad Democrats on immigration.

During his address to Congress, Trump called out Democrats in the House chamber for not standing up when he asserted that the first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens.

Isnt that a shame? You should be ashamed of yourself for not standing up, Trump noted, scolding his political opposition.

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Its typical at the State of the Union for the presidents own party to stand and cheer throughout, as Republicans did on Tuesday night, whereas the opposition party tends to sit.

Trump continued, That is why Im also asking you to end deadly sanctuary cities that protect the criminals and enact serious penalties for public officials who block the removal of criminal aliens, in many cases drug lords, murderers all over our country.

He also spoke about how members of the Somali community have pillaged what belongs to taxpayers, and referred to them as pirates who ransacked the the state.

Omar rejected Trump remarks, shouting over his address: You have killed Americans! You should be ashamed! Watch the heated exchange below.

Trump: You should be ashamed of yourself!



Omar: You have killed Americans! You should be ashamed! pic.twitter.com/PhnSCLSOCn  Acyn (@Acyn) February 25, 2026

Omar has long been a vocal critic of Trump and has only ramped up her condemnation of the president after federal agents killed Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota.

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She doubled down on her statements on X Tuesday evening, writing, Donald Trump killed two of my constituents. He is a liar and should be ashamed of himself.

Earlier on Tuesday, Omar announced that she was bringing four Minnesota constituents, who she said were drastically harmed by ICEs activity in their home state, as her guests to Trumps State of the Union address.

We wont let the nation forget the terror Donald Trump unleashed on Minnesota.



Heres my 4 guests for tonights State of the Union. pic.twitter.com/z7rMg964fm  Rep. Ilhan Omar (@Ilhan) February 25, 2026

We wont let the nation forget the terror Donald Trump unleashed on Minnesota, the congresswoman wrote on X alongside a video introducing her guests.

ICE began winding down Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota earlier this month following massive protests and repeated criticism of the agencys actions. Border Czar Tom Homan said at the time of the decision, I have proposed and President Trump has concurred that this surge operation conclude.

The post Ilhan Omar Disrupts Trumps State of the Union With Searing Message: You Have Killed Americans | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
Rep. Ilhan Omar told The Independent Wednesday that she shouted at President Donald Trump during his State of the Union speech wbecause she could not let his lie about Somali-Americans or people killed by immigration authorities go unchallenged.

During Trumps address to Congress, Omar and fellow congressional Squad member Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) heckled the president for killing Americans when he spoke about keeping the country safe.

While many progressive Democrats boycotted the address, Omar was one of a handful of left-wing congress members who decided to attend the presidents address.

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It was important for me and the Minnesota Democratic delegation to go, because we believed it was important to continue to highlight what the occupation that we have been living through really meant for Minnesotans, to understand the weaponization of the federal law enforcement against Minnesotans and the terror that we've experienced, Omar said.

During his address, Trump touted Operation Metro Surge, his dispatching of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as well as Customs and Border Protection agents to Minnesota. During that time an ICE agent shot and killed Renee Good and CBP officers shot and killed Alex Pretti.

Rep. Ilhan Omar (at right) shouts out as President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address Tuesday night. (AFP/Getty)

But during the address, Trump said the first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens and called for the end to sanctuary cities. In response, Omar said you have killed Americans.

We've obviously had people that have been harmed, and we've had people that have been killed, and so it was really important for us to physically be there and to bring guests that could speak to that, Omar told The Independent.

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And when he talked about protecting Americans and that being our number one job, I felt at that moment it was very important for me to remind him that he did actually kill two Americans that are my constituents, that are our neighbors.

In addition to speaking out, Omar invited Aliya Rahman, an autistic woman with a traumatic brain injury whom ICE dragged out of her car and detained in Minneapolis, as her guest for the State of the Union.

But Omar also called out Trump during his speech when he spoke about fraud in Minnesotas social services. Trump claimed members of the Somali community have pillaged an estimated $19 billion from the American taxpayer.

That number is largely inflated. Even the Republican-led House Oversight Committee said in January 2026 that the fraud , while significant, hit about $9 billion. In December, then-first assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson said in a press conference that half or more of $18 billion was spent on 14 programs deemed fraudulent since 2018.

Omar invited Aliya Rahman, a disabled woman whom ICE detained in Minneapolis, as her guest for the State of the Union. (AP)

But Thompson would quit his job after the Department of Justices lack of investigation into the killing of Good.

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Omar said she could not take Trumps words lying down.

He went into this disgusting rant about Somali Minnesotans, and he mentioned the fact that there was $19 billion in fraud, she said.

Well, that is just factually a lie, and we as Somali Americans do not deserve to have the president of the United States continue use us as a distraction, as a scapegoat, and to say the disgusting things that he says about us and us not to respond to it, she added. And I had the opportunity to actually be in a room with him, and you know damn well I was going to respond to that.

Omar and Tlaib were some of only a handful of progressive Democrats who chose to go to the State of the Union as many Democrats opted out of attending.
A congresswoman shouted "murderer" at President Donald Trump, as he addressed Congress and challenged lawmakers to stand up if they agreed American citizens should come before immigrants.

"The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens," Trump said during his Feb. 24 State of the Union address to Congress.

His comment was met with cheers from Republicans and jeers from Democrats, who didn't stand.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) R) and Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MI) shout during U.S. President Donald Trump's State of the Union address during a Joint Session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on February 24, 2026, in Washington, DC. Trump delivered his address days after the Supreme Court struck down the administration's tariff strategy and amid a U.S. military buildup in the Persian Gulf threatening Iran. (L/R) US Representatives Ilhan Omar, Democrat from Minnesota, and Rashida Tlaib, Democrat from Michigan, shout as President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on February 24, 2026. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) shouts during U.S. President Donald Trump's State of the Union address during a Joint Session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on February 24, 2026, in Washington, DC. Trump delivered his address days after the Supreme Court struck down the administration's tariff strategy and amid a U.S. military buildup in the Persian Gulf threatening Iran. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) (R) and Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MI) shout during U.S. President Donald Trump's State of the Union address during a Joint Session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on February 24, 2026, in Washington, DC. Trump delivered his address days after the Supreme Court struck down the administration's tariff strategy and amid a U.S. military buildup in the Persian Gulf threatening Iran. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) (C) and Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MI) shout during U.S. President Donald Trump's State of the Union address during a Joint Session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on February 24, 2026, in Washington, DC. Trump delivered his address days after the Supreme Court struck down the administration's tariff strategy and amid a U.S. military buildup in the Persian Gulf threatening Iran. US Representative Ilhan Omar, Democrat from Minnesota, reacts as US President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on February 24, 2026. (L/R) US Representatives Ilhan Omar, Democrat from Minnesota, and Rashida Tlaib, Democrat from Michigan, look on as President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on February 24, 2026. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP via Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776440544 ORIG FILE ID: 2262892660 US Representative Ilhan Omar (C), Democrat from Minnesota, listens as US President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on February 24, 2026. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP via Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776440544 ORIG FILE ID: 2262892840 Ilhan Omar yells 'you're a liar' at Trump during State of the Union 1 of 8 Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) R) and Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MI) shout during U.S. President Donald Trump's State of the Union address during a Joint Session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on February 24, 2026, in Washington, DC. Trump delivered his address days after the Supreme Court struck down the administration's tariff strategy and amid a U.S. military buildup in the Persian Gulf threatening Iran.

U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minnesota, could be heard shouting, "You have killed Americans! You are the murderer!"

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Two Americans were killed in her Minneapolis district in January during a major immigration operation.

Trump continued his criticism of immigrants in his State of the Union address, saying without citing evidence that "millions" of migrants came to the United States from foreign mental institutions and that corruption is endemic in Somali and other immigrant communities in the United States.

"The Somali pirates who ransacked Minnesota remind us that there are large parts of the world where bribery, corruption and lawlessness are the norm, not the exception," Trump said. "Importing these cultures through unrestricted immigration and open borders brings these problems right here to the USA and it's the American people who pay the price."

Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) R) and Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MI) shout during U.S. President Donald Trump's State of the Union address during a Joint Session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on February 24, 2026, in Washington, DC. Trump delivered his address days after the Supreme Court struck down the administration's tariff strategy and amid a U.S. military buildup in the Persian Gulf threatening Iran.

He announced Vice President JD Vance will lead an effort to identify government fraud, following an investigation into alleged fraud committed by members of the Somali community in Minneapolis. Many of the people charged with fraud in Minnesota were of Somali heritage, but prosecutors accused a White American citizen, Aimee Bock, of being the "mastermind."

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Minnesota is the state with the largest population of people with Somali ancestry, according to the Census Bureau, estimated to be between 60,000 and 80,000. Many Somalis arrived under the United States' now sharply curtailed refugee program during Somalia's civil war and famine in the early 1990s and are now citizens.

The fraud investigation was the reason the Trump administration cited for its controversial deployment of some 3,000 federal immigration agents and officers to Minneapolis  an operation that met with significant resistance from residents and resulted in the deaths of two Americans.

The killings by federal agents of Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, and Renee Nicole Good, a poet and mother of three, turned a majority of Americans against ICE and the administration's aggressive immigration enforcement tactics, recent polling shows.

In his address, Trump also shared dramatic, gory details of crimes committed by people in the country illegally, including the murder of 16-year-old Lizbeth Medina by a Mexico-born man. He is serving two life sentences for his crime; Trump suggested he should be deported.

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Over the past year, the Trump administration has consistently highlighted its arrests of immigrants with violent criminal records.

However, the administration has been increasingly detaining immigrants with no criminal record. The share of immigrants in detention with no criminal history swelled, from 6% of the detained population in January 2025 to 43% in February, according to ICE data compiled by the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University.

Contributed: Sarah D. Wire

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump interrupted by Ilhan Omar during State of the Union address
SPRINGFIELD, Ill (WMBD)  The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs will commemorate the 35th anniversary of the ceasefire that ended Operation Desert Storm on Feb. 28.

This is the 35th anniversary of the ceasefire that liberated Kuwait from the control of Iraq, said

Veterans Affairs Director Terry Prince. We remember and recognize those who served and sacrificed from around the globe to defend the freedoms of a vulnerable nation.

The remembrance ceremony is Saturday at 11 a.m. the Illinois State Military Museum on North MacArthur Boulevard in Springfield.

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Desert Storm is considered the combat phase of the Gulf War that included Operation Shield which started in August 1990. President George H.W. Bush declared a cease-fire on Feb. 28, 1991 reportedly 100 hours after the ground campaign began.

Desert Storm began In 1991 after then Iraqi President Saddam Hussein ordered the invasion and occupation of Kuwait and refused commands by the United Nations Security Council to withdraw.

A coalition of forces from countries including Britain, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, the Soviet Union, and the United States fought for 42 days. The coalition forces amounted to 750,000 service members.

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 CIProud.com.
This comes in the aftermath of the 2023-2025 Middle East war, in which Israeli air-defense systems proved their worth as never before, and of the May 2025 India-Pakistan conflict.

The estimates of defense deals that Israel and India are expected to sign as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Jerusalem are eye-popping, with some reaching $8 billion-$10b., according to Indian media reports.

This comes in the aftermath of the 2023-2025 Middle East war, in which Israeli air-defense systems proved their worth as never before, and of the May 2025 India-Pakistan conflict, which highlighted New Delhis vulnerabilities in the areas of drones, missiles, and cyberwarfare.

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Potential deals are expected for all four major elements of Israels multilayered missile defense: the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) Arrow missile-defense system, Rafaels Davids Sling and Iron Dome, and Rafael and Elbits Iron Beam.

This would provide India with air-defense solutions against long-range ballistic missiles, medium-range rockets and cruise missiles, and short-range rockets.

Deals are also expected in offensive and defensive drone warfare. Various Israeli companies are competing at high levels and with varied solutions in that arena. A large deal is expected for Elbits Hermes 900 drone.

INDIAN PRIME Minister Narendra Modi at the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem during Modis official visit to Israel on February 25, 2026. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)

In the offensive arena, agreements are expected to be struck  and in some cases, were already struck  for Rafaels SPICE 1000 guidance kits, Elbits Rampage air-to-ground missiles, Ice Breaker naval cruise missiles, and IAIs supersonic Air LORA missiles.

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Indian media outlets are reporting that Modi wants to nail down the capability of firing missiles from a far distance out of range of an enemys air defenses, such as the IAF used in June 2025 against Iran.

India purchases 34% of Israeli arms, Peace Research Institute says

India has been Israels largest defense purchaser for years, including 34% of total sales from 2020-2024, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

Likewise, the Defense Ministrys International Defense Cooperation Directorate (SIBAT) has said total arms sales to India during this period were worth about $20.5b.

According to Israeli officials, from 2012-2017, defense sales between the countries exponentially multiplied, reaching $3.4b. when Jerusalem sold New Delhi the Barak anti-aerial threats system for naval vessels.

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From 2017-2023, the market remained strong, but it cooled somewhat as the countries adjusted to Modis new Made in India policy.

By 2024, however, Israel had started investing more directly in India, with many defense companies establishing subsidiaries there.

With those shifts to a mix of purchases and joint industrial long-term partnerships in defense production, along with the conflicts in Israel and India, the spike in defense deals returned and is expected to crush the old records in 2026.

A variety of cyber, artificial intelligence, and even quantum joint ventures are also expected to be launched as part of Modis visit.
Narendra Modis arrival in Israel and his planned address to the Knesset underscore how shared history, security challenges, and geopolitics have turned India and Israel into natural allies.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Israel for a historic visit and addressed the Knesset on Wednesday, a symbolic gesture that underscores the close relationship between the two countries.

This relationship has grown in leaps and bounds over the past few decades. This is due to several reasons, and foremost among them is that Israel and India share many things in common. Both are democracies, and they share a common ancient history in their respective regions.

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The importance of India-Israel ties is widely recognized.

Prime Minister Narendra Modis decision to visit Israel, for the first time since 2017, and to address the Knesset for the first time ever, is a significant milestone, former deputy national security adviser Col. (res.) Eran Lerman wrote in the Jerusalem Strategic Tribune this month.

Modi and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have built a personal relationship, and India-Israel ties have grown over the years, he said.

What truly cemented the relationship was Israels willingness and ability to respond with remarkable alacrity to Indias military needs during the Kargil crisis in 1999, Lerman wrote. Soon enough, Israeli weapon systems worth billions of dollars were pouring in, with arrangements to Make in India some of their key components. Military cooperation was complemented by intelligence sharing, as both countries found common ground in facing Islamist terrorism and radicalism.

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India and Israel are natural allies for a variety of reasons, including their rich histories. India is the worlds largest Hindu country, and Israel is the worlds only Jewish state.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embraces PM Benjamin Netanyahu at Ben-Gurion Airport, February 25, 2026. (credit: SCREENSHOT/GPO)

The independence movements in both countries formed in part during British rule. The British ruled India directly since 1858 and had a role in South Asia since the 17th century.

In the Middle East, the British also had long ties to the region and came to control Mandate Palestine after World War I.

While British rule was shorter in the land that became Israel, it adopted similar methods to those in India. They included an attempt to balance the demands of the various communities.

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In India, this resulted in a partition plan that led to the creation of Pakistan and India. In Israel, the partition plan led to an invasion of the country by Arab states.

Israel-India's shared independence stories

This shared challenge of coming into independence in 1947-1948 amid war unites India and Israel, but in different ways.

Israels independence was largely rejected in the region, and Arab states refused to recognize the country. Israel had to reach out to states on the periphery, working with Turkey, Iran, and countries in Africa in the 1950s through the 70s.

India faced a different path forward. The British partition plan for India was similar in its complexity to the one it came up with for Palestine.

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In South Asia, the goal was to create a Pakistan that encompassed both eastern and western portions. What is now Bangladesh was part of Pakistan until 1971. This pitted India against a largely Muslim country.

The British partition plan for Palestine didnt exactly turn out as planned. It envisioned an Arab state comprising several cantons, including the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, parts of the Galilee, and Jaffa, with an international zone in Jerusalem.

Its not widely recognized that the British partition plans essentially saddled these states with endless war. This may not have been the British goal, but it was the result.

Anyone looking at a map would conclude that the Arab state the British envisioned in the 1947 plan for Palestine was destined to be a non-contiguous disaster that would essentially lead to civil strife. The Jewish leadership in 1947 accepted the plan but prepared for it to fail. And fail, it did.

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With the invasion of the country by Arab militias and communal violence, it became clear that the Jewish underground armies, the Hagana and the Irgun, would have to take the country by force against tremendous odds. They succeeded, and by the end of 1948, they had vanquished Arab irregular militias and the Egyptians.

Hundreds of thousands of Arabs fled the area that became Israel. They had also fought the Jordanians to a standstill. This set up decades of continued war that only began to end with the Egyptian peace treaty in 1979.

Indias path to independence was also bloody. Some 14 million people were displaced and became refugees, with Muslims fleeing to Pakistan and Hindus to India.

As many as one million people may have been killed, according to a Red Cross report. This also set up decades of war with Pakistan.

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Some of that conflict occurred in Kashmir, the disputed region on the border of India and Pakistan. India has faced decades of terrorist threats as well, with Islamist extremists targeting the country.

The terrorist attacks against India, often linked to Pakistan, have also targeted Jews in India. For instance, the 2008 attack in Mumbai targeted the local Chabad House.

During the Cold War, India was a leader of the nonaligned movement. As such, it often sided with the Arab states in critique of Israel.

This began to change when the Congress Party in India began losing elections, and the right-leaning BJP, more rooted in Hindu politics, rose to power.

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Israeli politics underwent a similar transformation from left-leaning Labor Zionism to the more right-wing politics of today. One could argue that these are natural developments as people embrace religion and nationalism more today.

India and Israel are also linked increasingly by geopolitics. Both countries sit on the flanks as bookends of a region.

For instance, South Asia shares a border with the mostly Islamic Middle East, which stretches from Pakistan to Turkey. Israel is on the other flank, sitting on the Mediterranean.

History tells us that this region of the Levant has historically been controlled by similar powers.

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That means there is a natural geopolitical path that links Turkey to Pakistan. This is the road that Alexander the Great used when he conquered the Persian Empire and even tried to invade India.

The Ottoman, Persian, Roman, Parthian, Babylonian, and Assyrian Empires have all anchored themselves along this geopolitical road, with bookends in India and Israel.

Today, this natural connection is linked via the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Other variations of this have been proposed, such as the I2U2 group of India, Israel, the US, and the UAE.

Today, Israels leadership increasingly sees this link between Israel and India as important. It also believes Israel faces rising challenges from Turkey and other countries as Iran declines in its power.

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Indias strategy may be different. It is not confrontational with other countries and is pursuing peaceful relations that balance East and West. Israels political leadership is more confrontational.

This is also anchored in the historical challenges faced by Israel and India. India was a leader in the nonaligned movement and sees itself as hedging between East and West.

Israel, a close ally of the US, tends to view itself as more isolated. Nevertheless, both countries are natural allies today and will be in the future.
Key insights : PayPal suffered a breach due to a faulty code in its small-business lending group.

What's at stake : The breach comes as PayPal attempts to recover from an earnings slump.

Forward look: PayPal has refunded the stolen funds and offered two years of free credit monitoring.

PayPal has spent the past few weeks cleaning up after a data breach caused some customers to lose funds to hackers.

PayPal's Feb. 10 breach disclosure letter said that on Dec. 12, the company discovered a coding error in its PayPal Working Capital system, resulting in the exposure of personally identifiable information of some customers between July 1 and Dec. 13. This information included some combination of names, email addresses, phone numbers, businesses addresses, Social Security numbers and dates of birth.

"Sadly, these types of breaches are not unique, and it seems in recent times that lenders and lending platforms are increasingly targeted, perhaps for the treasure-trove of sensitive data loan applications contain," Tracy Goldberg, director of cybersecurity at Javelin Strategy & Research, told American Banker.

PayPal's letter said "a few" customers experienced unauthorized transactions on their account, adding the company has issued refunds to those customers and offered two free years of credit monitoring through Experian. It also implemented "advanced" security controls and reset the passwords of the affected customers. These customers will be required to change their passwords upon their next login.

The breach was tied to PayPal Working Capital , a business-facing unit that offers credit to mostly small businesses. PayPal Working Capital plays a role in how PayPal competes with banks, with a particular focus on businesses where banks are reducing their presence. More than half of Working Capital and PayPal Business loans go to small businesses in ZIP codes where more than 10 bank branches closed during the early 2020s, according to PayPal. PayPal and rivals such as Square offer loans to businesses based on a percentage of future payment flows, which the fintechs contend enables them to make loans to small businesses faster than banks.

"PayPal's response of resetting passwords and offering two years of credit monitoring is a standard industry practice, but affected customers should remain vigilant well beyond that window. Identity fraud stemming from this type of breach can surface years after the initial exposure," Jim Mortensen, strategic advisor for the Fraud & AML Practice Group at Datos Insights, told American Banker. "The broader takeaway is that companies handling loan application data, which captures a concentration of highly sensitive personal and financial information, bear a heightened responsibility for continuous security auditing and rapid breach detection. A six-month gap between introduction of the bug and discovery is concerning."
For decades, the ACT and the SAT have been the gatekeepers of college admissions, purporting to measure a student's aptitude in core subjects and producing a score that can mold a person's future.

Now, Indiana is close to offering a third option: the Classical Learning Test, a classics-based examination first embraced by religious colleges that is quickly gaining traction in Republican states.

Senate Bill 88 instructs high schools to prepare students to take the CLT in addition to the ACT and SAT and requires state educational institutions to accept the CLT as they would any other college admissions exam. It would also require schools to teach waiting until marriage to have kids as part of its good citizenship instruction, one of three steps in a 2000s anti-poverty theory called the "Success Sequence"

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The House passed the bill Feb. 24 in a 65-29 vote, but the Senate still needs to vote to give it final approval.

While proponents of the CLT describe it as merely an alternative to current standardized testing, its emphasis on early Christian thought, as well as its fast-track in red states, has provoked skepticism from teachers' unions and some academics. The exam has also been boosted by Indiana's own U.S. Sen. Jim Banks, a Republican who authored a bill in the U.S. Senate to promote the CLT late last year.

Created by a former English teacher with a mission to "reconnect knowledge and virtue by providing meaningful assessments and connections to seekers of truth, goodness, and beauty," the CLT contains passages from religious thinkers like St. Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, John Calvin and Pope John Paul II. But it also pulls from the Communist Manifesto author Karl Marx and Charles Darwin, who contributed to the theory of evolution.

Those are some of "the most important texts that have driven society and culture," founder Jeremy Tate told The Guardian in 2023, believing them to be key to reversing a trend of moral decline in public education. The for-profit company's expansive Board of Academic Advisors include right-wing figures like Kevin Roberts of the Heritage Foundation and PragerU CEO Marissa Streit, though Tate claims that the test is not partisan.

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At least nine Indiana colleges currently accept the CLT, including Anderson University, Grace College and Depauw, according to the bill's author, Sen. Gary Byrne, R-Byrneville. If Byrne's bill passes, Indiana would join a handful of states, including Florida, who are embracing the test.

But critics of the CLT said it could disadvantage students who are less acquainted with western classics.

"It has baked-in prejudices that would make students who come from less diverse backgrounds appear to have done better than students from more diverse backgrounds," Joel Hand, a lobbyist for the American Federation of Teachers for Indiana, said during Senate committee testimony in January.

The bill was lauded by several representatives of classical schools, who said their students would be best assessed by the CLT.

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"A one-size-fits-all testing mandate, it really risks narrowing curriculum and unintentionally undermining the very excellence that it seeks to ensure," said Rachel Oren, head of the Classical Academy in Indianapolis.

Contact breaking politics reporter Marissa Meador at mmeador@gannett.com or find her on X at @marissa_meador.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana House boosts conservative-linked college admissions test
[Source]

Indonesia has formally prohibited elephant riding across the country, issuing one of the most sweeping bans of its kind in Southeast Asia.

A win for animal rights: In an order issued late 2025, the countrys Ministry of Forestry directed conservation and tourist facilities to replace elephant rides with observation-based, ethical encounters. Venues that fail to comply risk having their operating permits revoked. The directive came after years of campaigning and undercover probing, including from PETA Asia whose investigators found elephants with open wounds and permanent scars, staff wielding bullhooks to force them into giving rides and at least one infant locked in a dark, off-limits enclosure.

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Compliance in Bali was notably swift. Bali Zoo ended its elephant ride program on Jan. 1, 2026, and Mason Elephant Park, which houses 27 critically endangered Sumatran elephants, ended rides on Jan. 25 after receiving official warnings.

Why this matters: Unlike voluntary industry commitments, the ban is backed by genuine enforcement power. It also proves financially sustainable in Southeast Asia, where some venues have moved to observation-based programs years ago. Beyond economics, the decision carries particular symbolic weight as Indonesia is home to the critically endangered Sumatran elephant, making strong welfare protections especially consequential. More broadly, millions of international tourists pass through Bali each year, a scale that gives any policy shift the potential to reshape traveler expectations across the wider region.

Trending on NextShark: Indonesia bans elephant riding in landmark moment for animal welfare

Despite the progress, PETA cautions that some facilities continue to disguise exploitative practices behind labels like sanctuary or conservation, and that the broader work of reform is far from over.

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This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter  a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices.

Trending on NextShark: Former South Korean president sentenced to life in prison for insurrection

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For just over an hour, RaShall Brackney sat before the Jackson City Council answering questions about gangs, officer morale, overtime costs and internal promotions.

But the most charged moment came at the end.

After steady, policy-driven questioning from council members across multiple wards, the tone shifted when the conversation turned from crime strategy to compensation, setting off a brief but pointed exchange over how much Jackson should pay its next police chief.

When the pay took center stage

In closing remarks, Jackson Mayor John Horhn strongly defended a $150,000 salary for the position  a figure above the citys current pay cap  catching some council members off guard as they appeared visibly confused and unaware that the compensation had been set at that level.

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Horhn cited comparable cities, including Chattanooga, Little Rock and Ann Arbor, where police chiefs earn similar or higher compensation. He argued Jackson must offer competitive pay "to attract and retain top talent"

According to a city employee list obtained by the Clarion Ledger through a public records request, former Chief Joseph Wade was paid $115,252.80. This means Brackneys salary represents an increase of more than $34,000 for the departments top position.

RaShall Brackney speaks during a special city council meeting to confirm the mayors choice for police chief at Jackson City Hall in Jackson, Miss., on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. City Council members Ashby Foote, Tina Clay, Brian Grizzell, Vernon Hartley, Lashia Brown-Thomas and Kevin Parkinson, left to right, participate in a confirmation vote during a special city council meeting to confirm the mayors choice for police chief at Jackson City Hall in Jackson, Miss., on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. Foote was the only council member to vote no. Council Member Kenneth Stokes voted remotely. Jackson Mayor John Horhn, left, shakes hands with RaShall Brackney, right, during a press conference after a special city council meeting to confirm the mayors choice for police chief at Jackson City Hall in Jackson, Miss., on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. Jackson Mayor John Horhn speaks as Ward 1 City Council Member Ashby Foote looks on during a special city council meeting to confirm the mayors choice for police chief at Jackson City Hall in Jackson, Miss., on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. RaShall Brackney, left, speaks as Jackson Mayor John Horhn, right, looks on during a press conference after a special city council meeting to confirm the mayors choice for police chief at Jackson City Hall in Jackson, Miss., on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. Ward 2 City Council Member Tina Clay, left, leans back to listen to Ward 5 City Council Member Vernon Hartley, right, during a special city council meeting to confirm the mayors choice for police chief at Jackson City Hall in Jackson, Miss., on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. Ward 4 City Council Member Brian Grizzell holds up a list of questions for RaShall Brackney during a special city council meeting to confirm the mayors choice for police chief at Jackson City Hall in Jackson, Miss., on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. RaShall Brackney speaks during a special city council meeting to confirm the mayors choice for police chief at Jackson City Hall in Jackson, Miss., on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. A Jackson police officer stands next to media displaying their seal on a uniform during a special city council meeting to confirm the mayors choice for police chief at Jackson City Hall in Jackson, Miss., on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. Jackson Mayor John Horhn claps while talking about RaShall Brackney, right, during a press conference after a special city council meeting to confirm the mayors choice for police chief at Jackson City Hall in Jackson, Miss., on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. Ward 4 City Council Member Brian Grizzell leans over to talk with another council member after Jackson Mayor announced the proposed salary for RaShall Brackney during a special city council meeting to confirm the mayors choice for police chief at Jackson City Hall in Jackson, Miss., on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. RaShall Brackney speaks during a special city council meeting to confirm the mayors choice for police chief at Jackson City Hall in Jackson, Miss., on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. Ward 5 City Council Member Vernon Hartley looks across the council desk during a special city council meeting to confirm the mayors choice for police chief at Jackson City Hall in Jackson, Miss., on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. RaShall Brackney speaks during a special city council meeting to confirm the mayors choice for police chief at Jackson City Hall in Jackson, Miss., on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. Ward 6 City Council Member Lashia Brown-Thomas, left, leans over to listen to Ward 7 City Council Member Kevin Parkinson during a special city council meeting to confirm the mayors choice for police chief at Jackson City Hall in Jackson, Miss., on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. Capitol Police Chief Bo Luckey speaks during a press conference after a special city council meeting to confirm the mayors choice for police chief at Jackson City Hall in Jackson, Miss., on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. People make their way into the council chambers before a special city council meeting to confirm the mayors choice for police chief at Jackson City Hall in Jackson, Miss., on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. Ward 1 City Council Member Ashby Foote, left, talks with Ward 7 City Council Member Kevin Parkinson, right, after a special city council meeting to confirm the mayors choice for police chief at Jackson City Hall in Jackson, Miss., on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. Hinds County Sheriff and interim Jackson Police Chief Tyree Jones speaks as Jackson Mayor John Horn, middle, and RaShall Brackney, right, look on during a press conference after a special city council meeting to confirm the mayors choice for police chief at Jackson City Hall in Jackson, Miss., on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. Ward 4 City Council Member Brian Grizzell smiles while talking with a colleague before a special city council meeting to confirm the mayors choice for police chief at Jackson City Hall in Jackson, Miss., on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. A Jackson police officer carries a gun with a police decal on the bottom of the clip during a press conference after a special city council meeting to confirm the mayors choice for police chief at Jackson City Hall in Jackson, Miss., on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. See photo as Jackson City Council confirms RaShall Brackney for police chief 1 of 21 RaShall Brackney speaks during a special city council meeting to confirm the mayors choice for police chief at Jackson City Hall in Jackson, Miss., on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026.

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The discussion comes as Jackson has faced ongoing budget strain in recent years, with city leaders previously warning of revenue uncertainty and potential shortfalls in the general fund.

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But several council members signaled they had concerns about process, not the amount itself.

"We're not against $150,000. Let it be clear, okay?" said Ward 2 Councilwoman Tina Clay. "What we are against is that the cap on the position is a different amount."

It was enough of a confusing moment that Ward 5 Councilman and Council Vice President Vernon Hartley called City Attorney Drew Martin to the podium to clarify the situation.Martin told the council that confirming Brackney did not automatically approve the $150,000 salary and that members would need to take a separate vote to raise the cap. Under Jacksons form of government, the mayor appoints department heads, but the City Council controls the citys budget  including setting and amending salary caps for positions.

Horhn later said it was a mistake not to include Brackney's updated salary in the councils confirmation order and that it was not his intention to cause confusion or withhold information from council members.

City Council members Ashby Foote, Tina Clay, Brian Grizzell, Vernon Hartley, Lashia Brown-Thomas and Kevin Parkinson, left to right, participate in a confirmation vote during a special city council meeting to confirm the mayors choice for police chief at Jackson City Hall in Jackson, Miss., on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. Foote was the only council member to vote no. Council Member Kenneth Stokes voted remotely.

Brackney's opening message

Before council members began questioning, Brackney asked to deliver an opening statement where she described Jackson as "a city of possibility.

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But, she acknowledged the weight of the job ahead, saying "crime and the fear of crime touch families, small businesses, faith communities, neighborhoods and campuses."

Brackney pledged to focus not only on violent crime but also on quality-of-life issues such as disorder, property crime and blight, which she said quietly erode neighborhoods.

And if confirmed, I will bring these proven approaches to Jackson, Brackney said. Together, we can reduce violent crime. We can restore confidence in public spaces and support our neighborhoods so families, students and business owners can thrive without fear.

She closed by committing to turn experience into results and to build a department that earns public trust daily.

Ward 1: Gangs and fear

Ward 1 Councilman Ashby Foote opened questioning by pressing Brackney on gang activity, saying he has heard there may be more than 20 gangs operating across Jackson and asking how she planned to run them out of town.

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Brackney said the city faces both formal gangs and loosely connected group affiliations.

We not only have gangs, you have these informal group affiliations that often are more predatory than the formalized gangs, she said.

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Brackney said her approach would focus on gathering intelligence and targeting key actors strategically and surgically, potentially including racketeering charges.

Foote later shifted to fear, describing abandoned buildings and downtown workers who feel unsafe.

Reduction in crime stats do not often translate to reduction in fear, Brackney replied, saying restoring confidence requires visible engagement with businesses and neighborhoods.

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Foote ended up voting against Brackney's confirmation. He was the lone dissenting vote.

Ward 2: Budget and residency

Ward 2 Councilwoman Tina Clay initially declined to ask questions, simply telling Brackney, Welcome to Jackson.

But she later returned to the microphone.

Clay first asked whether Brackney had reviewed the JPDs budget and whether she saw any shortcomings. Brackney said she had reviewed publicly available budget documents and pointed to overtime spending  between $800,000 and nearly $1 million  as an area of concern.

The department currently has 239 sworn officers but is budgeted for 275, she noted, adding that other positions are also underfunded.

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When Clay asked about salaries more broadly, Brackney said she did not have access to individual pay data but acknowledged starting salaries in Jackson are low compared to other markets. She said departments must periodically compare pay locally and nationally, especially if the goal is for officers to live in the communities they police.

Clay also asked whether Brackney planned to live in Jackson.

Yes, I plan on living in the City of Jackson, Brackney said, adding that she had already been touring apartments.

Ward 3: No questions

Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes did not ask any questions during the hearing.

Ward 4: Reform and morale

Council President Brian Grizzell had 35 questions for Brackney. He didn't ask all of them, but his exchange became the longest of the confirmation.

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Grizzell began with her time leading the Charlottesville Police Department following the 2017 Unite the Right rally, asking what reforms she implemented and what measurable results they produced.

Brackney said her focus there was rebuilding legitimacy through transparency. She created oversight measures that publicly posted summaries of field stops, use-of-force incidents and internal affairs complaints  without naming officers  so the community could track how cases were handled.

She said those efforts were meant to show residents that complaints were not disappearing into a black hole, but were being investigated and addressed.

Grizzell then pressed her on discipline and accountability.

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Brackney said when misconduct reaches the point of termination, something has already failed internally. But she made clear she would act decisively when necessary. During her tenure in Charlottesville, she said, she fired 10 officers for serious violations, including excessive force, domestic violence, theft and racist or discriminatory behavior.

Corruption at any level will not exist in this organization, she said.

The discussion later turned to department culture and morale. Brackney said officers often disengage when they do not see clear pathways for growth. She proposed structured mentorship, clearer career tracks and expanded professional development to retain talent.

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She also said she plans to review internal affairs files and conduct an organizational assessment in her first months to evaluate whether current systems in JPD are functioning as intended.

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Ward 5: Data and doing more with less

Ward 5 Councilman and Council Vice President Vernon Hartley asked Brackney how her academic background would translate into results for Jackson. Before accepting the job in Jackson, Brackney was a professor at George Mason University, focusing on procedural justice, police reform and community trust.

Brackney said she relies heavily on data analysis, technology and partnerships with universities to identify crime patterns and deploy resources more effectively. She described using logic models to set measurable outcomes and said tools like real-time crime centers, body-worn cameras and predictive data analysis can help departments work smarter.

Hartley also pressed her on budget constraints, noting the city faces staffing shortages and limited resources.

Brackney acknowledged those realities and said creativity and collaboration would be key.

We did nothing but do more with less, she said, referencing her upbringing. One, you use technology. Two, you use collaboration.

She said she also uses asset mapping to identify community organizations and partners that can support public safety efforts before relying solely on government resources.

RaShall Brackney speaks during a special city council meeting to confirm the mayors choice for police chief at Jackson City Hall in Jackson, Miss., on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026.

Ward 6: Trust and promotions

Ward 6 Councilwoman Lashia Brown-Thomas, a former Jackson police officer, asked how Brackney would balance the relationship between the department and the community.

Brackney said trust and legitimacy go hand in hand, arguing that transparency and accountability are often what residents feel is missing.

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One of the first ways that you do it is to be in the community, she said, describing what she calls relational policing  direct engagement with neighborhoods and addressing smaller quality-of-life issues before they escalate.

Brown-Thomas also asked about Brackneys top priorities in her first year.

Brackney pointed to training, technology and internal structure. She said officers need better equipment and national-level training opportunities and acknowledged the department is behind in technology.

We are woefully behind in the technology era, she said.

Finally, Brown-Thomas raised concerns about morale and long-standing complaints from officers who believe promotions have not always been handled fairly.

Brackney said morale problems are often tied less to pay and equipment and more to whether officers feel they are treated fairly. She said promotions should follow clear, transparent standards and be reviewed by outside evaluators to prevent favoritism.

Officers who meet the qualifications, she said, should have an equal opportunity to advance.

Ward 7: Goals and collaboration

Ward 7 Councilman Kevin Parkinson began by asking Brackney about her goals for the department.

Brackney said her first goal is internal  building a department where officers feel supported, professional and equipped to do their jobs. She emphasized officer wellness, mental health support and professional development, saying officers who are treated well are more likely to build healthy relationships in the community.

She also said she plans to conduct a full review of the departments budget, equipment and resources to ensure funding aligns with actual needs.

Parkinson then asked how she would work with the council.

Brackney said communication would be key and that council members should have a clear path to raise concerns from their constituents. Residents who reach out to elected officials or police should not face additional barriers to getting help.

Parkinson stressed the importance of enforcing city ordinances and offered to review or adjust laws if needed. Brackney responded that ordinances must be paired with resources to be effective.

If we have laws on the books and our officers do not have the ability to enforce them, fix it, she said.

The two also discussed collaboration with Capitol Police and Hinds County. Brackney said she had already met with Capitol Police Chief Bo Luckey and emphasized the need to avoid turf battles.

We all have the same goals, she said, adding that public safety agencies must work together.

Parkinson also briefly raised animal control, which falls under the police department in Jackson. Brackney said it is part of maintaining quality of life in neighborhoods and said she would be open to partnerships and best practices.

Parkinson closed by voicing support for her confirmation.

Charlie Drape is the Jackson beat reporter. Contact him at cdrape@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Inside the vote that made RaShall Brackney as new Jackson MS police chief
An Iranian local told KAN Reshet Bet that anti-regime activists would prefer an Israeli strike for its precision, as they await a US attack on the regime amid ongoing protests and brutal crackdowns.

Iranians, while "waiting every minute and second" for a US strike against the Islamic Regime, would prefer an Israeli strike due to the precise nature of the Air Force's strikes in June, while there is a perception that US strikes would "bring terrible destruction, like in Iraq and Afghanistan," a local, identified as Ali told KAN Reshet Bet on Sunday.

Ali added that the Israeli strikes in June focused on targeted hits against "the mercenaries of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps" and the Iranian regime's leadership, and did not cause harm to "ordinary citizens" or any economic infrastructure.

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Additionally, he told KAN that the regime has "brutally murdered and dismembered" over 40,000 people, and injured hundreds of thousands more during the anti-regime protests over the past two months.

Ali, discussing the resumed university student protests, said that the regime has used brutal and savage force, murdering and kidnapping students to "choke the protests in their infancy."

A mosque that was burned during Iran's protests, in Tehran, Iran, January 21, 2026. (credit: MAJID ASGARIPOUR/WANA (WEST ASIA NEWS AGENCY) VIA REUTERS)

Israel's public broadcaster also asked Ali if he was afraid to be interviewed by Israeli radio. In response, he quoted a Persian proverb, including that if the regime kidnaps and kills him, then "at least I will rest, at least I won't feel hungry."

Iranians adopt nickname for PM Netanyahu

Further, he added that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has grown in popularity in Iran, with everyone calling him "Bibi-Gol [Bibi the flower]," while telling Ben-Ami that he has been learning Hebrew and that the regime has kept Hebrew-learning platforms open.

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The regime has intended these platforms to be used to further its hopes that it will conquer Israel, wanting citizens to know the language, possibly aiding in espionage. "This will help you," the regime tells citizens, according to Ali.

Basij tried to intimidate us, but we shouted louder, student protesters tell N12

Later on Sunday, two university students active in the weekend's protests in Tehran spoke to N12 News about the weekend's events and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps paramilitary Basij force's attempt to suppress protest activity.

One of the students, attending Sharif University, told the Israeli news channel that the regime believed it could "extinguish the fire that burns within us students for protest and revolution" by keeping campuses closed, but they failed to do so.

Saturday was the first day campuses reopened following a closure last month amid the height of anti-regime protests, they noted.

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"The moment we entered campus, we looked each other in the eyes... as if to say to each other: we haven't stopped in the middle, we don't leave work half-done. We all had suppressed anger," they added.

Describing the atmosphere upon return to campus, they said that "Everyone was looking for our friends who were killed - the absence of many has been felt. This sadness turned into shared anger that pulled us to the center of the campus."

"Basij forces positioned themselves in front of us, threatened, and intimidated us," they continued.

The paramilitary members, along with "pro-regime students entered, positioned themselves in front of us, and began to threaten and intimidate us, but we shouted louder," they said.

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"Our friends shouted 'Long live the Shah' and Basij shouted 'Haider' [a nickname for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei], the same slogan that is used as a signal for Shia to kill and slaughter us," they recalled.

"We shouted at them: 'We are the owners of the land - get out of here, Khamenei,' which led Basij members to attack, confront, and try to suppress us. This time we stood up to them," they continued.

Another student, at Amir Kabir University in Tehran, told N12 that "We had planned about 10 days in advance to hold a sit-in strike within the campus."

"Security, Basij, and pro-regime students were spread around the area. Most of the chants were: 'Death to the dictator,' 'Long live the Shah,' 'Death to corruption,' 'Freedom, freedom,' and 'This is the year of blood - Ali [Khamenei] will fall," they stated.
DUBLIN, Feb 25 (Reuters) - Ireland plans to boost radar and subsea surveillance capabilities and increase cooperation with NATO members amid growing hybrid threats in the North Atlantic, the country said in its first maritime security strategy on Wednesday.

Ireland, which is neutral and has the EU's lowest level of defence spending, has been criticised for its lack of capability to monitor and defend territorial waters that the strategy says cover a "nexus of major transatlantic data cables and critical energy interconnectors".

The publication comes amid growing concerns about the threats posed by Russia's "shadow fleet" of vessels that may be being used also for espionage and sabotage, the document said. Russia has denied such accusations.

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The Department of Defence strategy calls for closer cooperation with NATO members Britain and France and says Ireland should look to participate in activities with the Joint Expeditionary Force grouping of 10 North Atlantic NATO member states.

It described such moves as "vitally important".

Cooperation with NATO or the European Union's military powers is highly sensitive in Ireland due to broad support for the country's military neutrality, but the government has said it has no choice but to act.

"If anything happened to gas connectors with Britain, we wouldn't have an economy in 10 days," Prime Minister Micheal Martin said in parliament when challenged by the opposition on the plans to cooperate with NATO member states.

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The strategy says Ireland will look to deal with "critical gaps" in the country's monitoring ability with the development of new radar, towed sonar and sonobuoy capability over the next two years. It will look at space-based technologies and look to cooperate more closely with EU data-sharing programmes.

It also calls for the increased use of new technologies such as uncrewed vessels and maritime drones.

Ireland spent around 0.2% of its gross domestic product on defence in 2023, the lowest level in the European Union, and far below the average that year of 1.3%, according to the last comparison published by the EU's statistics service.

While the government says its 1.5 billion euro budget for 2026 is one-third higher than four years ago, it has not announced plans to bring spending significantly closer to the EU average.

(Writing by Conor Humphries;Editing by Alison Williams)
Irans IRGC said it killed or arrested at least 100 MEK fighters during clashes near Supreme Leader Ali Khameneis Tehran headquarters, with MEK confirming the incident and reporting heavy losses.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) killed or arrested at least 100 fighters from Mojahedin-e-Khalq (MEK) in clashes on Monday as the Shia-Marxist group attempted to carry out operations near Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's Tehran headquarters, MEK confirmed.

The clashes and fatality count were also corroborated by the IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News Agency and the Hezbollah-affiliated Al Akhbar.

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Over 150 other MEK insurgents "safely returned to their bases" by Monday night, the group stated, adding that they will provide the names of the killed and injured fighters to international human rights organizations.

The Motahari Complex, which hosts Khamenei's headquarters, the Guardian Council, the Assembly of Experts, the Intelligence Minister's office, the Judiciary central office, the Supreme National Security Council, the Expediency Council, and the office and residence of Khamenei's son Mojtaba, was the focal point of the clashes between the two groups.

According to MEK, 17 surveillance cameras were operational, some of which were disabled at dawn on Monday.

Protesters raise flags during a demonstration against the Iranian government called by the People's Mujahedin of Iran (MEK), in Munich, southern Germany, on the sidelines of the 62nd Munich Security Conference (MSC) on February 13, 2026; illustrative. (credit: Michaela Stache/AFP via Getty Images)

MEK claims that pro-regime casualties were "heavy, but no precise figures are available," adding that they noticed heavy ambulance traffic into the compound throughout Monday, following the clashes.

'Dangerous and complex operation'

Al-Akhbar corroborated the clashes, calling it "one of the most dangerous and complex operations carried out by MEK in Iran, with direct support from foreign intelligence agencies."

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The plan involved MEK infiltrating the complex, but it was "foiled in its early stages before it could be implemented," Al-Akhbar's report asserted.

"The hypocrites' group [MEK] has not taken into account that [US President Donald] Trump is trying to milk other countries," Tasnim's report accused, while linking the group to anti-regime "separatist" protests in Berlin and "royalist" ones in Munich.

MEK was designated as a terror group during the waning years of the Pahlavi dynasty and has maintained a terror designation throughout the entire period of the Islamic regime.

The group sided with Saddam Hussein's Iraq in the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, and has also historically been designated as a terror group by Western countries, including the US, EU, UK, and Canada, but these Western designations were delisted.
Israel has a long history with Ethiopia, dating back to the time of Queen Makeda, the Queen of Sheba, who, according to legend, visited King Solomon in Jerusalem, and had a son Menelik with him.

Israels peripatetic PresidentIsaac Herzog is on the move again. Barely two weeks after his return from Australia, Herzog began a two-day state visit to Ethiopia on Tuesday.

Israel has a long history with Ethiopia, dating back to the time of Queen Makeda, the Queen of Sheba, who, according to legend, visited King Solomon in Jerusalem, and had a son with him named Menelik.

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In more recent times, Emperor Haile Selassie visited pre-state Israel and had a house in Jerusalem to which he fled in May 1936, following the Italian invasion of his country. Selassie was reinstated in May 1941.

There is an Ethiopia Street in Jerusalem.

Israeli military assistance to Ethiopia

Over the years, Israeli military personnel gave much assistance to Ethiopia, even before the official establishment of diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Israel.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog meets with Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz at the President residence in Jerusalem, December 6, 2025 (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)

In March 1963, both Shimon Peres and Yitzhak Rabin spent a week in Ethiopia as the guests of Selassie.

In the 1960,s there was a large Israeli military presence in Ethiopia training Ethiopian forces.

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After the Yom Kippur War, ties between the countries were severed, although there were security relations beneath the radar.

Full diplomatic ties were established in 1992, with embassies in both countries.

Israel has long placed a high priority on relations with Ethiopia, more so now, as Ethiopia recently hosted an African summit meeting in Addis Ababa, and several African states are anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian.

Herzogs schedule in Ethiopia includes meetings with President Taye Atske Selassie, Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Abiy Ahmed Ali, and leaders of the local Jewish community.

In all probability, the latter will want to know how much more time needs to elapse before people who have been waiting for years to be reunited with family members in Israel can board a plane bound for Ben Gurion International Airport.
Israel killed at least 84 media workers and journalists in 2025  far more than any other country in what was the deadliest year on record for the news media.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) released the findings on Wednesday in its annual report and pointed to a persistent culture of impunity for attacks on the press by Israels military.

A total of 129 media workers were killed in 2025, the highest figure since the watchdog group began keeping records in 1992. Israel was responsible for more than two-thirds of the death toll.

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Most of the media workers Israel killed were Palestinian, but Israeli air strikes also killed 31 staff in Yemeni newspaper offices, the CPJ said.

Israel was overwhelmingly responsible for targeted killings, which the CPJ classifies as murder, carrying out 38 of 47 deadly incidents recorded globally by the organisation.

Israel has now killed more journalists than any other government since CPJ began collecting records in 1992, it said in a statement.

It cautioned that the true number of journalists targeted and killed by Israel could be much higher because some of the killings could be potentially concealed by press restrictions and humanitarian difficulties that complicate conducting investigations during Israels genocidal war on Gaza.

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With much contemporaneous evidence now destroyed, the true number of Palestinian journalists in Gaza who were deliberately targeted by Israel may never be known, the CPJ said.





Deadly smears

The rights group listed five Al Jazeera journalists as having been murdered in Israeli attacks, including Anas al-Sharif and three others killed by an Israeli strike on a journalist tent in Gaza City. It also named slain Al Jazeera Mubasher correspondent Hossam Shabat as among those targeted.

In total since the start of the war, Israel has killed nearly 300 journalists and media workers, according to Shireen.ps, a monitoring website named after veteran Al Jazeera correspondent Shireen Abu Akleh, who was killed by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank in 2022.

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Israel has acknowledged killing some journalists while accusing them of having ties to armed groups  claims rejected by their employers and criticised by the CPJ as deadly smears.

Outside Gaza and Yemen, the most attacks that killed journalists in 2025 occurred in Sudan, which is in the throes of a civil war, and Mexico, which has been swept by violence linked to organised crime.

Nine journalists were killed in Sudan and six in Mexico. Four Ukrainian journalists were also killed by Russian military attacks, the CPJ report said.
Action News Jaxs Ben Becker has learned that Jacksonville City Council President Kevin Carrico has been served a subpoena by the State Attorneys Office.

Becker was the first to break the story that led to the investigation.

Were told investigators want more communications. The questions from prosecutors come after Becker first reported on a Carrico text message last week which said he was trying to replace a JEA board member as a big favor for a friend.

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Carrico sent the text to current JEA board member Arthur Adams on February 5.

Carrico was aiming to replace Adams with Paul Martinez, Carricos boss at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida.

RELATED: Carrico text suggests big favor driving push to replace JEA board member with boss

The text read, What up bro ... hey I owed a big favor to a friend and opted to put him on the JEA board as your term is expiring ... Not sure if you wanted to stay but I needed to do this for my guy.

Martinez dropped out from consideration, soon after we brought that text exchange to light, and Adams is still on the board for now.

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Following the revelation of that text, Carrico accused JEA CEO Vickie Cavey of racism and creating a toxic culture at the utility.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

Mayor Donna Deegans office called it a smear campaign.

The board on Tuesday gave Cavey a vote of confidence and did not discuss the Carrico text controversy, nor did the City Council at its Tuesday meeting.

In fact, we asked all 18 other City Council members about the Carrico texts the day after we first reported on it, but only four responded to our questions and all four were critical of or troubled by the words Carrico used.

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Councilman Jimmy Peluso called the texts corruption.

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Becker reached out to Carrico multiple times and he sent the following statement.

Our office fully complies with and respects all records requests. We are cooperating and will respond to any additional requests as needed.

The Boys & Girls Clubs said Martinez is traveling and they are working to provide a statement. The Mayors Office declined comment.

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.
Japan will deploy missiles to its westernmost island near Taiwan within the next five years because of heightened tensions with China.

During a press conference on Tuesday, Shinjiro Koizumi, the Japanese defence minister, said the plan was to station the surface-to-air missiles on the island by March 2031 while the country looked to increase its defence capabilities, especially in the south.

The island of Yonaguni, which is less than 70 miles off Taiwans eastern coast, is far closer to Taipei than to Tokyo and has long been seen as a possible front line in a conflict between China and Taiwan.

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Tokyo has discussed bolstering defence on the island, including carrying out a missile deployment, since 2022, but this is the first time that a timeline has been set.

The Chu-SAM medium-range missiles have a range of 50km and 360-degree capability, which would allow Japan to shoot down aircraft and ballistic missiles.

Mr Koizumi said: Currently, we are proceeding with necessary tasks, such as basic studies concerning facility improvements for the deployment of troops to the eastern side of the garrison.

It is one of the first major defence announcements to come out of Tokyo since Sanae Takaichi, the prime minister of Japan, won a resounding re-election on Feb 8.

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Boosting Japans defence capabilities has been a key item on her agenda, especially as Japan faces increasing military aggression from China.

Yonaguni is a Japanese island that is fewer than 70 miles off Taiwans eastern coast - Carl Court/Getty Images

Tensions between the two countries have reached a peak since November, when Ms Takaichi suggested that Japan could become involved in a conflict between Taiwan and China.

Beijing responded by cancelling flights and movie premieres, encouraging its citizens to avoid travel to Japan and insisting that Japan would be crushed if the country were to intervene.

One Chinese diplomat in Japan even suggested that Ms Takaichi should be beheaded.

Weeks after the crisis erupted, Mr Koizumi travelled to Yonaguni to affirm the deployment of missiles.

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Beijing claimed that Japan was moving to create regional tension and provoke military confrontation and sent drones near the island days later.

The tit-for-tat has continued into the new year. A day before Mr Koizumi confirmed a timeline for the deployment, China announced that it would be blacklisting 20 Japanese companies for participating in enhancing Japans military capabilities. Another 20 companies were added to a watchlist.

Since 2016, Tokyo has been bolstering its defence capabilities on Yonaguni, establishing a base for its Self-Defense Forces, setting up radar sites as well as units for PAC-3 missile interceptors.

However, Mr Koizumi warned that the islands limited infrastructure could delay the deployment of the missiles.

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Mr Koizumi said on Tuesday that the deployment could depend on the progress of preparing facilities but the plan was to move forward by 2030 at the earliest.

Yonagunis 1,500 or so residents are torn over the islands militarisation.

When The Telegraph visited the island in December 2025, residents were in the midst of discussions about whether to install an electronic warfare system.

Some believe that the growing presence of soldiers and weapons systems will make them a greater threat in Beijings eyes, while others maintain that the technology is a critical deterrent against China.

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.
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG) is included among the 13 Most Promising Long-Term Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds.

Piper Sandler Lowers Arthur J. Gallagher (AJG) Valuation as Insurance Sector Faces Pressure

On February 23, Piper Sandler lowered its price recommendation on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG) to $226 from $249. The firm maintained a Neutral rating on the shares. The analyst said the update reflects a broader revision in price targets across insurance brokers, following the recent market selloff. The firm noted it remains relatively cautious on the sector in the near term.

Earlier, on February 17, Gallagher announced it had acquired B&W Insurance Agency, Inc., based in Washington, Pennsylvania. The companies did not disclose the financial terms of the deal. B&W Insurance Agency provides personal and commercial insurance brokerage services to clients in southwest Pennsylvania. Paul Barzd III, Jim Cote, and their team will continue working from their current office. They will operate under the leadership of Jen Tadin, who oversees Gallagher Select, the companys U.S. property and casualty business focused on small businesses and personal insurance.

Chairman and CEO J. Patrick Gallagher, Jr. commented on the acquisition. He said, B&W Insurance Agency has a strong local reputation and deepens our brokerage capabilities for small businesses. He added, I am very pleased to welcome Paul, Jim and their associates to Gallagher.

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG) operates as a global insurance brokerage, risk management, and consulting firm. The company is headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. It serves clients in about 130 countries through its owned operations and a global network of brokers and consultants.

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READ NEXT: 13 Best Strong Buy Dividend Stocks to Invest In and Goldman Sachs Dividend Stocks: Top 14 Stock Picks

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
Japans plans to deploy missiles on its westernmost island, close to Taiwan, within five years will further add to the growing tensions with China, analysts say.

Japanese defence minister Shinjiro Koizumi said the surface-to-air systems  designed to intercept aircraft and ballistic missiles  will be deployed to Yonaguni island, located about 110km (68 miles) east of Taiwan, which is claimed by China as its sovereign territory, by March 2031.

It depends on the progress of preparing facilities, but we are planning for fiscal 2030, Koizumi told reporters on Tuesday, providing the clearest timetable so far.

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Analysts say the move signals a deliberate hardening of Japans posture.

Japans decision represents a calculated escalation that will increase regional tensions, said Einar Tangen, senior fellow on geopolitics at the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI).

These actions are not occurring in a vacuum, Tangen told Al Jazeera. [The] actions are timed to strengthen Prime Minister Sanae Takaichis hand ahead of a visit to Washington, scheduled for March 19, 2026.

Why Yonaguni matters

Yonaguni sits at the southwestern edge of Japans territory, close enough to Taiwan to see its coastline on a clear day.

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The island forms part of the Ryukyu chain, a string of more than 55 islands stretching towards Japans main islands. Over recent years, Tokyo has expanded military infrastructure across the archipelago, installing radar systems, ammunition depots and missile batteries.

While Japan first announced plans in 2022 to enhance Yonagunis defences, this marks the first time officials have committed to a specific deployment deadline.

Where does Taiwan fit into this?

Relations between Tokyo and Beijing have remained strained since Takaichi publicly raised the possibility of military involvement in a Taiwan contingency during parliamentary remarks last November.

Her comments marked a noticeable departure from Japans longstanding ambiguity over Taiwan. They also came shortly after the 80th anniversary of the end of Japans colonial rule over Taiwan, adding historical sensitivity for Beijing.

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Beijing, which considers Taiwan part of its territory, condemned the remarks as provocative.

Japan must fully repent for its war crimes, immediately stop its wrong and provocative statements and moves that interfere in Chinas internal affairs, and stop playing with fire on the Taiwan question, Chinas Foreign Ministry said in response.

China subsequently discouraged travel to Japan. Chinese visitors contribute roughly $11bn annually to Japans economy.

Beijing has also increased military and economic pressure, dispatching naval vessels near Japanese waters, tightening controls on rare earth exports and scaling back cultural exchanges, including withdrawing giant pandas from Tokyos Ueno Zoo, a symbol for China of friendship between the two sides. China dominates the production of rare earths used in the manufacturing of electric cars, phones and other high-tech devices.

Panda lovers wave goodbye to a truck believed to be carrying the twin pandas upon their departure from Ueno Zoo in Tokyo on January 27, 2026, heading towards their return to China [Kazuhiro Nogi/AFP]

Whats different now?

Some analysts view the missile deployment as part of a longer trajectory.

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This is the continuation of a process under way since at least [late Japanese Prime Minister] Shinzo Abes 2014 reinterpretation of collective self-defence, said Arnaud Bertrand, a geopolitical analyst specialising in China.

Abes government controversially reinterpreted Japans pacifist constitution to allow limited collective self-defence, expanding the role of the Self-Defense Forces.

Each step was presented as modest and defensive: coastal surveillance on Yonaguni in 2016, missiles on Ishigaki in 2023, electronic warfare units, and now this, Bertrand said.

However, he argued that Takaichi has gone further by explicitly linking Japans military preparations to a possible Taiwan conflict.

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Thats what makes this moment significant: the political declaration that Japan sees itself as a party to any potential Taiwan conflict, which from Chinas standpoint  and in terms of international law  is very provocative, given that Taiwan is Chinas sovereign territory that used to be colonised by Japan.

Japans defence priorities have also shifted. Whereas Tokyo once focused heavily on threats from Russia in the north, it now concentrates on countering Chinese military activity in the East China Sea.





Why is Japan doing this now?

Beijing has not yet formally responded to Koizumis latest statement. When the minister visited Yonaguni in November, Chinese officials accused Japan of attempting to create regional tension and provoke military confrontation.

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Shortly afterwards, Chinese drones approached the area, prompting Japan to scramble fighter jets.

As for the timing, Japan is making this announcement now because the window for military build-up without major consequences is perceived to be closing  Chinas capabilities are growing rapidly, and theres certainly a sense in Tokyo that if it doesnt establish these forward positions now, it may not be able to later, Bertrand said.

The United States has also pushed allies to increase defence spending and assume a greater share of regional security responsibilities, particularly under President Donald Trumps administration.

Domestically, Takaichi strengthened her position after her party secured a commanding majority in Februarys parliamentary elections.

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The missile deployment and tough stance on China will resonate with her right-wing base and reinforce an aggressive defence posture, while moving the country away from its post-war pacifist constitution and principles, Tangen said.

From Chinas perspective, the sequence of events is clear: Japan, under a newly emboldened Prime Minister Takaichi, is aggressively militarising and interfering in the Taiwan question to curry favour with the United States, he added.





How is China likely to react?

China has already taken economic steps. It recently restricted exports to 40 Japanese entities that it said contribute to Japans remilitarisation. The Commerce Ministry placed 20 firms on an export control list and added another 20 to a watchlist.

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Japans Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Sato Kei described the move as deplorable and said it would not be tolerated.

If further provocations occur, China will extend sanctions to the civilian side, which could literally stop Japanese automobile production. Possibly one of the reasons for the 2031 deployment date, Tangen said.

Bertrand stressed the depth of Chinas focus on Taiwan.

Taiwan isnt just important to China  it is what Chinese officials call the core of core interests.

Its the one issue on which there is genuine consensus across Chinese society, government and military, he said.

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Economic interdependence also complicates matters.

China has been Japans largest trading partner since 2005. Bilateral trade reached $322bn in 2024, and China accounts for roughly one-fifth of Japans total exports and imports. Japan runs a substantial trade deficit with China, importing about $43bn more annually than it exports.

Japan cannot simultaneously militarise against China and maintain the economic relationship that its prosperity depends on. At some point, Tokyo will have to choose, and Beijing is trying to make that choice become as obvious as possible, Bertrand said.




Donald Trump officially made the longest State of the Union address in history on Tuesday night, with broad claims about the successes achieved during the first year of his second term.

But the speech that stretched across more than an hour and 41 minutes was filled with strong statements, many of them inflated, misleading or simply untrue.

Here are some of the claims made by the president during his address:

Factcheck: economy, jobs and investments

Trump repeatedly touted his economy, boasting we are the hottest country anywhere in the world and claiming we have more jobs, more people working today than ever before in the history of our country.

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But data shows job gains under Trump slowed in 2025, and were far smaller than any other non-pandemic year.

Related: Democrats refuse to stand for Trump as Al Green ejected over apes protest sign

According to revised data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics earlier this month, the US gained just 181,000 jobs in 2025.

That number, PolitiFact notes, is well below the 1.5 million to 2.5 million typical under both Trump during his first term and former President Joe Biden.

Trump also said the US had, under his leadership, secured $18tn in investments pouring in from all over the globe. But a review from CNN last year found that the White House was counting pledges  vague amounts promised  rather than actual investments. The White House website on investments lists total US and foreign investments at $9.7tn.

Factcheck: killer of Iryna Zarutska was not an immigrant

When Trump introduced the mother of Iryna Zarutska, the Ukrainian woman killed on a train in Charlotte, North Carolina, last year, he falsely claimed the man who stabbed Zarutska was a hardened criminal set free to kill in America came in through open borders.

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However, DeCarlos Brown Jr, the man arrested and charged with killing Zarutska, is not an immigrant. Trump has long insisted that non-citizens are responsible for violent crime throughout the US. Data shows that relative to undocumented immigrants, US-born citizens are more than twice as likely to be arrested for violent crimes, and 2.5 times more likely to be arrested for drug crimes.

Factcheck: US energy prices

Trump suggested that energy prices are decreasing. When they see energy going down to numbers like that, they cannot believe it, he said.

But the average household energy bill went up by 6.7% from 2024 to 2025 in the US. Thats despite Trumps oft-repeated promise to cut electricity costs in half within his first year back in office.

Since Trump retook the White House, utility companies have raised or sought to raise rates on American families by at least $92bn, raising bills for 112 million electric customers and 52 million gas customers, according to an analysis from the liberal thinktank the Center for American Progress. The presidents attacks on clean energy expansion are also expected to increase electricity rates by up to 18% by 2035, data from the power research group Energy Innovation shows.

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The Trump administration has also gutted energy assistance for US families. Last year, the administration eliminated tax credits for cost-cutting home energy-efficiency upgrades. It also attempted to eliminate the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps 6 million low-income Americans with their energy bills each year. The program survived, but has been significantly hindered after the administration laid off the programs entire staff. The cuts and a government shutdown caused unprecedented delays in the disbursement of aid.

Factcheck: gas prices

Trump touted low gas prices during his State of the Union speech, saying they are now below $2.30 a gallon in most states and in some places, $1.99 a gallon. But a major environmental rollback his administration enacted two weeks ago could push gas prices up.

The repeal of the endangerment finding  the legal underpinning for all greenhouse gas regulations in the US  is expected to create a rise in gas prices, as the Guardian explained in an analysis last week. Thats according to the administrations own data. Check it out here.

Gas prices are also higher than the president claimed. According to AAA, which logs prices across the country, Oklahoma is the only state offering gas at $2.30 a gallon  or $2.374, to be precise. Prices in some states exceed $4.60.

Factcheck: war and peace

The president claimed he ended eight wars in his first 10 months, a bold exaggeration. The US has been party to six peace agreements and several of them do not credit Trump specifically. Others were not considered wars to begin with.

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While he was involved in efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza, Israel has continued to kill Palestinian civilians and carry out airstrikes since last Octobers truce was announced.

The century-long border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia is one of the conflicts Trump claims to have resolved. Trump presided over the signing of a ceasefire deal between the two sides in October, calling it a monumental step.

He had pressured leaders from both countries to make a deal by warning trade talks with the US would otherwise be put on hold. However, the underlying causes of the conflict, which is rooted in longstanding disagreements over colonial-era maps, has never been resolved. The ceasefire broke down just weeks later in November, and fighting erupted again in December, forcing half a million people to flee their homes.
Washington  A federal judge ruled Wednesday that a Department of Homeland Security policy that allows immigration authorities to deport migrants to "third countries" that are not their own, without first giving them notice or the opportunity to object, is unlawful.

U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy in Massachusetts sided with a group of noncitizens who filed a class-action lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security last year. He ruled that the Trump administration's policy regarding third-country removals must be set aside.

Murphy paused his ruling for 15 days to give the Trump administration time to appeal.

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"The Supreme Court previously issued two separate emergency stays against Judge Brian Murphy in this case, and we are confident we will be vindicated again," the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement, adding that the Trump administration "has the constitutional authority to remove these criminal illegal aliens and clean up this national security nightmare."

"DHS must be allowed to execute its lawful authority and remove illegal aliens to a country willing to accept them," the department said.

The White House condemned the decision by Murphy.

"The entire Trump Administration is working to lawfully deliver on President Trump's mandate to enforce federal immigration law and carry out the largest mass deportation campaign of criminal illegal aliens in history," Abigail Jackson, a White House spokeswoman, said. "This unlawful ruling, by a lower court Biden judge, will not stand."

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Under the policy issued last March and reaffirmed last July, immigration officers did not need to give notice or an opportunity for migrants to contest their removal to third countries, so long as the government had received word from that country that deportees would not be persecuted or tortured. Third countries are those other than the ones designated on an immigrant's order of removal.

As part of President Trump's immigration agenda and mass deportation campaign, his administration had approached nations like Costa Rica, Panama and Rwanda about accepting migrants who are not their citizens. It also entered into an arrangement with the government of El Salvador to detain Venezuelan migrants at its notorious mega-prison known as CECOT.

The policy allowed for migrants to challenge their removal, but only in cases where they "affirmatively" state a fear. Immigration officers, the policy said, "will not affirmatively ask whether the alien is afraid of being removed to that country." If the government determined that the migrant would "more likely than not" be persecuted or tortured in the country of removal, the government could then designate another country for deportation or refer the case to immigration court.

But Murphy ruled that the Trump administration's third-country removal policy violates federal immigration law and migrants' right to due process.

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"This new policy  which purports to stand in for the protections Congress has mandated  fails to satisfy due process for a raft of reasons, not least of which is that nobody really knows anything about these purported 'assurances.' Whom do they cover? What do they cover? Why has the Government deemed them credible? How can anyone even know for certain that they exist?" Murphy wrote. "These are basic questions that the Constitution permits a person to ask before the Government takes away their last and only lifeline."

The judge, appointed by President Joe Biden, said that under the Department of Homeland Security's policy, migrants can be arrested and dropped off "in parts unknown" as long as the government does not know they would face violence upon their arrival in the third country.

"It is not fine, nor is it legal," Murphy wrote. Citing federal immigration laws and protections from persecution or torture, he continued: "These are our laws, and it is with profound gratitude for the unbelievable luck of being born in the United States of America that this Court affirms these and our nation's bedrock principle: that no 'person' in this country may be 'deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.'"

The judge accused the Trump administration of giving him false information about the removal of one of the plaintiffs, a Guatemalan national identified as O.C.G., and said the Trump administration "repeatedly violated, or attempted to violate, this Court's orders" during earlier stages of the legal proceedings.

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Murphy said O.C.G., who has no known criminal history, was granted a legal status that prevented him from being deported to his home country of Guatemala.

"In response to his being granted that protection, Defendants threw him on a bus to Mexico, where he had just been raped, and where he was quickly sent back to Guatemala, the place an immigration judge had just found he would likely be persecuted," he wrote. "And then Defendants lied about it."

Murphy also accused the Department of Homeland Security of putting an "incendiary gloss" on its policy that ignored migrants who had been granted protection from being sent to their country of origin. This subset of people, he said, were targeted by the administration's third-country removal policy and have personal characteristics that put them at risk of persecution and oppression around the world.

The case before Murphy arose last March when four noncitizens filed a class-action lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's policy. The dispute wound through the courts after Murphy issued a preliminary injunction in April. The injunction required federal immigration authorities to provide class members with written notice of the third country they may be deported to and a "meaningful opportunity" to raise fears of torture, persecution or death in that country.

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The judge had also found that the Trump administration violated several of his orders starting last March, when the Defense Department deported at least six migrants to El Salvador and Mexico without providing them the required process.

Then, in May, Murphy ruled that the White House had violated his preliminary injunction after the Trump administration attempted to remove a group of men with criminal histories to war-torn South Sudan with less than 24 hours' notice and no chance for them to raise fear-based claims.

The men, who were from Cuba, Laos, Mexico, Myanmar, South Sudan and Vietnam, were then held at a U.S. naval base in the small African country of Djibouti after Murphy ruled that the Trump administration's attempt to send the men to South Sudan "unquestionably" violated his order. A U.S. immigration official revealed in a court filing that the migrants were being held in a conference room in a converted shipping container and detailed deplorable and dangerous conditions faced by personnel who were guarding the men.

The Trump administration filed emergency appeals all the way up to the Supreme Court seeking to lift Murphy's order, and the high court said last June that immigration authorities could resume deportations to third countries while legal proceedings continued in the lower courts.

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Several days later, the Supreme Court cleared the way for the Trump administration to deport the migrants held at the naval base in Djibouti to South Sudan.

Watch: Trump's full 2026 State of the Union address

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A jury has reached a $5.7 million verdict Wednesday in a case of alleged excessive force against children in a 2018 Back of the Yards Chicago police raid.

This is a breaking news update. The following is from a previous report.

Three weeks after it began, this case is now in the hands of a jury, which will have to decide whether the SWAT officers involved in executing a search warrant nearly eight years ago did, as alleged, use excessive force against the Tate children and whether the city of Chicago fostered this type of behavior within the police department by failing to hold officers accountable for their actions.

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It has been a long journey for the jury hearing this case. It was Feb. 3 when the trial officially got under way. Since then, jurors have heard from nearly everyone who was inside this Back of the Yards apartment on August 9, 2018. That's the day CPD's SWAT team executed a warrant on the Tate family home, looking for a suspect that neither lived there nor was known to the family.

"This case is about young children in their own home with their family, doing nothing wrong, with guns pointed at them in a military operation by police in their own city," said Al Hofeld, the Tates' attorney, during closing arguments on Tuesday morning.

Hofeld hammered home the message he has been trying to make for three weeks now: That nine officers broke into the Tate home, without notice, unnecessarily pointing guns at four young children, traumatizing them, their mother and grandmother. He insisted that this was just one more example of what the U.S. Justice Department in 2017 found was CPD's "pattern or practice of using force, including deadly force, that is unreasonable, in violation of the Fourth Amendment," attributing the practice to the city of Chicago failing to provide proper training to their officers and failing to hold them accountable.

SEE ALSO | SWAT officers pointed assault rifles at kids during raid at wrong South Side home, family testifies

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But while the Justice Department's findings are not in dispute, this particular case is not clear-cut. There is no footage from body-worn cameras, as they were not required at the time. Counsel for the officers and the city dispute most of what the Tate family alleges, from the way in which SWAT team members entered the home to the officers' behavior during the execution of the warrant.

"Not a single one of them pointed a rifle at any of the plaintiffs... Not a single of them unlawfully detained the plaintiffs," said Lawrence Kowalczyk, the officers' attorney, adding the officers had years of training in use of force and that, "Those men are the best of the best."

That is something, the officers' attorney said, was on full display during what was the execution of what was a dual warrant: One for the Tate's apartment and one next door, which is ultimately where SWAT team members located their target.

The jury is expected to deliberate until 5 p.m. Tuesday and return Wednesday, when it is expected they will return a verdict.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A multi-million dollar improvement project at Swope Park is moving forward.

Tuesday evening, an open house was held for people to share feedback about the project and renovations they would like to see at the park.

Woman arrested, 2 teens cited after fight at student-led protest in Olathe

During the open house, people filled out a survey about the project.

I thought it was really important for us to come out to see whats happening around the city. Swope Park is an integral part of everybody who lives or works in Kansas City, Missouri, said Gwendolyn Washington, a KCMO resident who attended the open house.

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The Swope Park improvements project aims to enhance recreation, safety and accessibility for a portion of the park.

It includes plans to build a new 10,000 square foot playground, improve trails, implement traffic calming measures, renovate five shelters and add additional safety features for cyclists and pedestrians.

When we start a big project like this, its really important to find out what does the public want, said Lisa Treese, Kansas City Parks & Recreation Planning Manager.

People had the opportunity to answer that question during the open house on Tuesday evening.

They also learned more about the project and ranked some design concepts, including three potential playground options.

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I think what Id like to see is more stability for walking and biking. I like the fact that they included that. I did make a recommendation about some lighting, Washington said. But everything that theyre doing, especially the childrens playground, is extremely, extremely important. I think thats going to be fabulous for families with children.

Survey information will help the design team move forward with preliminary plans.

More than 200 workers laid off after sale of Kansas manufacturing plant falls through

We have over 220 parks, and Swope Park is the biggest one, and its one of the oldest parks. Its not the oldest park in our system, but its one of the oldest ones, Treese explained. So it has a special place in Kansas Citys heart. So keeping it vibrant, improving it whenever we can get the resources and the funding to do special projects like this, its really exciting.

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If you werent able to attend the open house, you can fill out the Swope Park improvements project online survey through March 13. Click here to take the survey.

The project is made possible by a $4.25 million National Park Service Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership grant (ORLP). The City of Kansas City, Mo. matched the grant funds, bringing the total funding to $8.5 million.

Treese says the goal is to complete the Swope Park improvements project by the fall of 2027.

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.
A Texas kindergarten teacher accused of attacking and injuring a 5-year-old, allegedly for breaking a pencil, has been fired over the violent incident, school officials confirmed to Us Weekly.

Pamela Mitchell, 64, was arrested on Thursday, February 19, in connection with the assault that a teachers aide had reported to the Department of Family and Protective Services, according to an arrest affidavit viewed by KWTX-TV.

The affidavit says the attack occurred in class at J.H. Hines Elementary School in Waco on January 8, after the aide said that she told Mitchell a 5-year-old boy had broken a pencil while Mitchell was briefly out of the classroom, according to the TV station.

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In response, Mitchell went over to the boy and grabbed his arm twisting it behind his back and forced him out of a chair, the affidavit written by Waco Independent School District police states, the TV station reported.

Then Mitchell allegedly physically forced the student into a corner of the classroom, where she shoved her knee into the boys back to push him into the corner, the filing says, according to KWTX-TV.

Texas Elementary School Workers Arrested for Restraining and Injuring a Special Needs Student

In a statement shared to Us by Waco Independent School District spokesperson Jill Anderson on Tuesday, February 24, the district said that Mitchell has been charged with injury to a child.

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It was not currently clear whether Mitchell has retained legal counsel or entered a plea.

Anderson confirmed that Mitchell was hired in October 2025 as a J.H. Hines Elementary kindergarten teacher.

She has since been fired as a result of the alleged assault, Anderson said.

Waco ISD is committed to the safety and well-being of every student, the school district said in its statement. We take every incident that risks the safety of our students seriously and investigate every report thoroughly to ensure our schools remain safe, supportive environments.

Recently, the district addressed a serious personnel matter involving allegations of a student being harmed by a teacher in a classroom at J.H. Hines Elementary, the school district added. We maintain the highest expectations for employee conduct; at no point is it acceptable for an employee to correct student behavior in a way that causes pain or harm.

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The child told the schools principal that Mitchells actions caused him pain, according to the affidavit viewed by KWTX-TV.

1st Grade Teacher in Tennessee Arrested and Charged With Abusing Her Own Kids

The school district said that the student has since recovered and is free from injury.

We recognize the gravity of this situation and remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the students in our care, the district added.

Mitchell was detained in the McLennan County Jail on Friday, February 20, where she was being held on a $3,000 bond, KWTX-TV reported.

School officials are cooperating with law enforcement in connection with the alleged assault, the district said.

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The Waco Independent School District Police Department did not immediately respond to an inquiry from Us on February 24.

Waco is about a 95-mile drive southwest from Dallas.

If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
Los Angeles Unified School District Supt. Alberto Carvalho came to Los Angeles with much fanfare in 2022, hailed as a national education leader who could help pull city schools out of a COVID funk and raise student achievement.

On Wednesday, the FBI served search warrants at Carvalho's San Pedro home and at LAUSD headquarters.

Officials did not provide information about the investigation, but a source with knowledge of the case told The Times it appears to be tied to a now-defunct AI company that LAUSD at one time did business with. Carvalho has not offered any comment so far.

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But the morning activities rocked the school district.

Here is what we know about Carvalho from the pages of the Los Angeles Times.

A national leader in Miami-Dade

In Florida, he led Miami-Dade County Public Schools from 2008 to 2021. Carvalho is credited in the Miami-Dade district with providing stable leadership and improved academic performance and creating special programs that offer more schooling choices for parents.

Carvalho took a public stance rebuking Gov. Ron DeSantis ban on a mask mandate in schools. DeSantis prohibited districts from enacting a mandate in schools and allowed parents to choose whether to send their children in masks. Carvalho, citing guidance from medical leaders, defied the governors order and issued a mask mandate for students.

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In Los Angeles, he immediately confronted a school district in which many students had long struggled to achieve and were further set back, academically and emotionally, by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read more:

Read more: Alberto Carvalho: Bold post-COVID-lockdown school leader

Read more: Alberto Carvalho, head of Miami-Dade schools, is pick for L.A. superintendent

Read more: L.A.s new schools chief Alberto Carvalho impressed many in Miami. Can he transform L.A.?

Arriving in L.A. at crucial moment

He took over the nation's second-largest school district at a pivotal time as it struggled to recover from the pandemic, which closed schools.

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A big social media user, he made early posts about L.A. lifestyle experiences  riding a horse past the Hollywood sign and skydiving while signing I heart LAUSD  prompting more eye-rolls than high-fives. These days his social media posts are all business.

Hes also aggressively pushing to improve attendance, after surging chronic absenteeism, and dealing with other issues ranging from labor to crime on campuses.

After years of post-pandemic academic help, Los Angeles students achieved a new high watermark, as math and English scores rose last year across all tested grades for the second straight year, surpassing results from before the 2020 campus closures, Carvalho announced in July. The gains are generally considered solid evidence that instruction is moving in the right direction.

Read more: LAUSD shows its best to new Supt. Alberto Carvalho, who pledges to deliver more of it

Standing up for immigrants

He garnered national attention for his activism against the immigration raids that affected students last summer. He efforts garnered praise across the city and, he emerged as a foe of the Trump administration crackdown.

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Carvalho  who was a teenage immigrant from Portugal  has said he would put his job at stake if necessary to protect and defend immigrant families, saying that standing by them is being on the right side of history.

Last year, the LAUSD Board of Education unanimous backed him for another four-year contract. Backers cited his efforts to improve academic achievement.

Last week, the Justice Department said it was seeking to join a federal lawsuit accusing the Los Angeles school district of discriminating against white students. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in January by 1776 Project Foundation, targets a decades-old effort to combat the harms of segregation without requiring families to attend integrated schools.

Read more: As immigration fears surge, LAUSD compassion fund to support families amid return to school

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Read more: 'I don't feel safe anywhere.' California moves to aid undocumented students as fears surge

Read more: Trump administration looks to join suit alleging LAUSD discriminates against white students

Challenges with AI

Carvalho backed an artificial-intelligence chatbot for LAUSD students, families and teachers that quietly was disconnected three months after its release in 2024. It was supposed to respond to questions from students and parents in an accurate, helpful and private manner. Carvalho touted "Ed" as an AI-enhanced student advisor that was to be a component of a unique Individual Acceleration Plan, or IAP, for every student.

But it immediate faced challenges.

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In 2024, federal prosecutors accused the head of the firm that provided the AI tool, Joanna Smith-Griffin, of defrauding investors and charged her with securities fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

Smith-Griffin, 33, is the founder and former chief executive of AllHere, the Boston-based company that created Ed.

The indictment and collapse of AllHere was an embarrassment for Carvalho and the school system but did not appear to represent a major financial exposure. The school system had spent about $300,000 with the company. By way of comparison, the district's budget this year is $18.8 billion.

According to the indictment, from about November 2020 to around June 2024, Smith-Griffin misrepresented AllHeres revenue, customer base and cash to investors.

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In the spring of 2021, she allegedly told potential investors that AllHere generated about $3.7 million in revenue in 2020, had around $2.5 million in cash on hand and had major school district customers such as the New York City Department of Education and Atlanta Public Schools.

In reality, AllHere had generated about $11,000 in revenue in 2020, had about $494,000 in cash and did not have contracts with many of the customers it claimed, including the New York and Atlanta school systems, the indictment stated.

These misrepresentations allegedly continued through AllHeres collapse; as the company was sinking, Smith-Griffin was able to obtain nearly $10 million from investors and sought an additional $35 million from a private equity investor, who ultimately decided to not invest.

At the time Carvalho addressed the allegations: The indictment and the allegations represent, if true, a disturbing and disappointing house of cards that deceived and victimized many across the country. We will continue to assert and protect our rights.

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Read more: Carvalho, who unplugged school AI chatbot, wants task force to tell him what went wrong

Read more: Founder of company that created LAUSD chatbot charged with fraud

Read more: LAUSD shelves its hyped AI chatbot to help students after collapse of firm that made it

Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Kentucky Republican Secretary of State Michael Adams said a Wednesday call between state election officials and federal agencies, including the FBI, was much like previous meetings.

The meeting made national headlines earlier this month amid calls by Republican President Donald Trump to nationalize elections and for Congress to require proof of citizenship when registering to vote. Some election officials said such a call was unusual. Adams previously said the planned call was perfectly normal.

A letter sent to state election officials from the FBI said representatives from the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, United States Postal Inspection Service and Election Assistance Commission would also be on the call to prepare for upcoming midterm elections.

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Todays virtual meeting with our federal partners resembled previous ones the Secretaries of State have had with them, during both the Trump and Biden administrations, Adams said in a statement to the Lantern Wednesday afternoon. FBI, DOJ, DHS and other national agencies reminded us of the resources they make available to help us election officials do our job. They reaffirmed state officials primary role in the election process, and noted that they take domestic threats, including threats to election officials, just as seriously as they take cyber threats from foreign nations.

Adams also shared on X that DHS told secretaries of state that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents would not be at voting locations this year.

Steve Bannon, former White House strategist, said on his podcast earlier this month that the Trump administration should send ICE agents to voting locations to prevent noncitizens from voting, which is prohibited. The White House previously said the president had not discussed formal plans to deploy ICE agents at polling sites.
A Kentucky State Police trooper was sentenced Monday to five years in prison for beating a man with his baton during a 2023 traffic stop.

Hayden Kilbourne, 28, pleaded guilty in January to second-degree assault and third-degree terroristic threatening. In addition to beating the man, Attorney General Russell Coleman said he threatened to kill him.

Coleman said he used his police baton to injure a man and threatened to kill him during a 2023 traffic stop.

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On July 28, 2023, Kilbourne and another trooper joined a police chase for a stolen vehicle, according to a complaint filed by Kilbourne in Franklin Circuit Court. The vehicle eventually stopped on Interstate 71 in Carroll County, and Kilbourne and the other trooper chased the suspect through the woods and arrested him.

During the arrest, Kilbourne used force to take the suspect into custody, the complaint said. The suspect, who later filed a lawsuit against Kilbourne in Eastern Kentucky District Federal Court, claimed Kilbourne unnecessarily used a Taser on him and beat him with a baton while he was on the ground and defenseless.

The assault left the suspect with seven stitches in his upper lip, bruising across his face and body, and broken teeth, according to his lawsuit.

Kilbourne was placed on administrative leave the next day, and he was notified Aug. 2 that police planned to fire him, according to court records.

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Coleman said he wont seek probation or shock probation as part of Kilbournes guilty plea agreement. Kilbourne must also give up his law enforcement credentials and is not allowed to work as a police officer again.

Backing the Blue, means giving our colleagues in law enforcement the benefit of the doubt, Coleman said in a news release. However, when someone charged with enforcing the law breaks it, its our responsibility to hold them fully accountable.

What happened in the lawsuit filed by the suspect?

Robert Kidd, who was 20 at the time of the July 2023 incident, was charged with first-degree fleeing or evading police, first-degree wanton endangerment, speeding, resisting arrest, receiving stolen property, possession of marijuana and buying or possessing marijuana. He later pleaded guilty to receiving stolen property, first-degree criminal mischief, first-degree fleeing or evading police and first-degree wanton endangerment, and was sentenced to three years in prison, according to court records.

Kidd is incarcerated at the Oldham County Detention Center and is scheduled to be released August 2026, according to the Kentucky Department of Corrections.

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In October 2023, Kidd sued in Eastern Kentucky District Federal Court, claiming the July 2023 assault was malicious, sadistic, and without justification, according to court documents. He said he stopped and put his hands in the air during the foot pursuit, but Kilbourne shot him in the back with a Taser and beat him with a baton while he stood over Kidd, who was defenseless on the ground.

Kidd is seeking unspecified punitive damages and any additional relief the court would consider, court documents say. The lawsuit is ongoing.

Kilbournes lawsuit

After learning that state police intended to fire Kilbourne, he requested a hearing in front of a trial board. The complaint said he asked for the hearing to take place at the conclusion of his Carroll Circuit Court criminal case, but state police denied the request.

The hearing was initially scheduled for Feb. 1, 2024.

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Kilbourne also asked for the hearing to be conducted privately so he wasnt faced with the possibility of incriminating himself while the criminal case was ongoing, the complaint says. That request was also denied, and Kilbourne filed a lawsuit against state police and Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. Jan. 18, 2024, in hopes of a judge granting a private hearing.

One week later, Franklin Circuit Judge Thomas Wingate sided with Kilbourne and ordered the hearing to be conducted in closed session, according to court documents.

The Court agrees that the trial board hearing should be conducted in closed session, Wingate wrote in his order. However, at the January 24, 2024, hearing, all parties acknowledged that holding the trial board hearing in closed session does not mean the content of the hearing is forever sealed.

The lawsuit is ongoing in Franklin Circuit Court, and there is no scheduled hearing, according to court records.
Former US treasury secretary and onetime Harvard president Larry Summers is retiring from his roles at the university after its review into his ties with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Summers will resign as co-director of the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government and retire from his other academic and faculty posts, Harvard said.

It comes a day after Nobel Prize-winner Richard Axel quit as head of Columbia University's neuroscience lab over his links to Epstein.

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The justice department has released millions of documents from its investigation into the convicted paedophile, who died in a New York jail in 2019.

Neither Summers nor Axel has been accused by any Epstein survivor of misconduct, and there is no publicly available evidence indicating they were involved in any of the sex offender's crimes.

Harvard said in a statement on Wednesday that Summers' exit was "in connection with the ongoing review by the University of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein".

Summers wrote in a statement to the BBC that his decision had been "difficult".

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"Free of formal responsibility, as President Emeritus and a retired professor," he added, "I look forward in time to engaging in research, analysis, and commentary on a range of global economic issues."

Summers said last November that he was taking leave while the college investigated his Epstein links.

He also expressed "regret" over the controversy while addressing students in a Harvard class.

The Epstein files indicated that Summers corresponded with Epstein until the day before the financier's 2019 arrest for alleged sex trafficking of children.

A decade earlier, Epstein had pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution from an underage girl.

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Summers messaged Epstein in November 2018 seemingly asking for romantic advice related to his interest in someone he said viewed him as an "economics mentor".

"Think for now I'm going nowhere with her except economics mentor," Summers wrote in one exchange where Epstein referred to himself as Summers' "wing man".

"Am I thanking her or being sorry re my being married. I think the former," he wrote in another email.

The emails also indicated that Summers and Epstein dined together frequently, with Epstein often trying to connect Summers to prominent global figures.

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After those emails were made public, Summers quit the board of OpenAI.

Summers held senior posts under two US presidents: treasury secretary under Bill Clinton and director of the National Economic Council under Barack Obama. He led Harvard from 2001-06.

Richard Axel, the Nobel laureate, said in his own statement on Tuesday quitting his leadership role at Columbia University's neuroscience lab: "My past association with Jeffrey Epstein was a serious error in judgment, which I deeply regret."

The university confirmed Axel was leaving his leadership role at the Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, but said he would keep his professorship and continue his research at the New York City campus.

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The Epstein files indicate Axel was invited to Epstein's private island in December 2011.

Emails also indicate the neuroscientist tried to help Alice de Rothschild - the daughter of a billionaire European banker - gain admission to Columbia, at Epstein's behest.

"I have spoken with columbia admissions and she is good but not strongest candidate," Axel wrote to Epstein in November 2016. "I am pushing."

She reportedly enrolled at New York University to study biology instead.

The Rothschild family said in a statement this month to the New York Times: "Alice de Rothschild's university admissions in the United States, as well as her rejections, are entirely due to her grades."
Donald Faison admits JD and Turk's bromance on Scrubs is "way stronger" than his and Zach Braff's.

Zach Braff and Donald Faison are friends away from Scrubs

The two actors are close friends after playing best friends JD Dorian and Christopher Turk on the beloved hospital sitcom from 2001 to 2009, and while the bond is still there, the 51-year-old star admitted real life has its own set of challenges.

He told Extra: "I think J.D. and Turk's bromance is way stronger than Zach and my bromance.

"Turk and JD live in a fantasy world, their fights it could be the biggest fight ever, and they figure it out in 30 minutes, whereas it takes a little bit more time for Zach and I."

The beloved show, which was created by Bill Lawrence, is returning this week with a new season after 15 years, and Zach, 50, admitted it's something the cast always hoped could happen.

He added: "We daydreamed about doing something, whether it was like a TV movie or, you know, a limited series.

"I certainly never expected to be back on primetime ABC with Hulu the next day. That's not something that was ever a daydream.

Zach and Donald are back alongside Sarah Chalke as Elliot, with Judy Reyes and John C. McGinley also returning for the revival as Carla and Dr. Cox respectively.

Meanwhile, creator Bill recently opened up on what Zach wanted from the revival.

He told The Hollywood Reporter: "Were rebooting Scrubs, and I dont get to work on it a ton because Im at Warner Brothers and its a Disney show, but a lot of the original writers and cast got to help out on the pilot.

"One of the first things Zach Braff said was, 'I cannot be a 50-year-old doing the same things. I have to be older, I have to be more mature'.

"I remember once during like the eighth season of the original show, a journalist asking Zach, how do you think your character has changed since the first year?

"He goes, 'I think I have a beard now.' Television cant do that anymore."

Bill will still return to Scrubs - which originally ran for 182 episodes - as executive producer.

He previously said in a statement: "Scrubs means so very much to me. So excited for the chance to get the band back together."
Oneok (NYSE: OKE) is coming off a strong year. The pipeline company delivered double-digit earnings growth in 2026, fueled by higher volumes and its ability to continue capturing synergies from several acquisitions completed in recent years. It has now grown its earnings at a double-digit compound annual rate for the past several years.

While Oneok expects to continue growing in 2026, its growth rate will slow considerably. However, that doesn't mean the high-yielding pipeline stock has run out of fuel.

Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue 

Image source: Getty Images.

High octane earnings growth in 2026

Oneok generated more than $8 billion in adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) last year, an 18% increase from 2024. That marked the company's 12th consecutive year of growing its adjusted EBITDA, which has expanded at a 17% compound annual rate during that time frame. Oneok also grew its earnings per share by 11% and has grown it at a 13% compound annual rate since 2017.

The company benefited from higher volumes, fueled in part by the acquisitions of EnLink and Medallion in 2024. It also captured another $250 million of synergies from those deals and its purchase of Magellan Midstream. These positives more than offset the impact of lower commodity prices and some other headwinds.

A slowdown before a reacceleration

Oneok expects to generate between $7.9 billion and $8.3 billion of adjusted EBITDA this year, up slightly from last year at the midpoint. The company anticipates capturing an additional $150 million of cost savings, benefiting from higher volumes across its legacy operations, and completing its Denver refined products system expansion project. However, headwinds from higher corporate costs and lower commodity pricing in certain regions will offset much of that growth.

While Oneok's growth will slow to a crawl this year, it has more growth coming down the pipeline. The company expects to complete the rebuild of its Medford NGL Fractionator in two phases (fourth-quarter 2026 and first-quarter 2027 expected completion dates) and start-up its Bighorn Processing Plant by the middle of next year. Meanwhile, 2028 will be a big year for completing expansion projects. Oneok is investing $1 billion in a joint venture (JV) to build the Texas City Logistics export terminal and the related MBTC Pipeline. Both projects should enter commercial service in early 2028. The company is also part of a JV building the Eiger Express Pipeline, which should enter commercial service in mid-2028. The JV recently increased that project's capacity from 2.5 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) to 3.7 Bcf/d.
Former Harvard President and Treasury Secretary Larry Summers announced he plans to resign from his position at the university amid growing scrutiny over his ties to convicted sex-offender Jeffrey Epstein. Summers said he would retire from his professorship at the end of the academic year.

"I will always be grateful to the thousands of students and colleagues I have been privileged to teach and work with since coming to Harvard as a graduate student 50 years ago," he said in a statement to the Harvard Crimson.

Summers also resigned from his position as co-director of the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government at the Harvard Kennedy School. He's held the position since 2011.

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"Free of formal responsibility, as President Emeritus and a retired professor, I look forward in time to engaging in research, analysis, and commentary on a range of global economic issues," Summers said.

He has been on leave from his teaching position since November, as the university investigates links between staff members and Epstein.

Connection to Epstein

Summers' connection to Epstein has been long documented. However, new documents released by the U.S. Justice Department last year show the two men were closer than the public realized.

He's since been accused of participating in Epstein's alleged criminal enterprise, and documents show the two communicated as recently as 2019, one day before Epstein was arrested and charged with sex trafficking minors.

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In a previous statement, Summers expressed shame over his actions.

"I am deeply ashamed of my actions and recognize the pain they have caused," he said. "I take full responsibility for my misguided decision to continue communicating with Mr. Epstein."

Accountability

Summers is just one of numerous Americans who have stepped down or been forced out of positions due to connections to Epstein.

None of those individuals, however, are facing criminal charges. That response differs from Europe, where numerous individuals have been arrested and charged.

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TUPELO  Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr., the last living eyewitness to the events surrounding the 1955 kidnapping of Emmett Till, will be the guest speaker at the Black History Gala in Tupelo on March 7.

The event will be held at the Cadence Bank Arena North Hall at 6 p.m.

I cant begin to express how excited we are to welcome Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr. to Tupelo. He was part of a moment tied to Emmett Till that helped change the course of this country," said event chair Wesley Wells. "To have him here to share what happened that night  and to speak about the life hes lived since  is truly an honor. Its an incredible opportunity for our community to hear history firsthand.

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A group of former and current community leaders whose impact has shaped the region will be recognized that night. They include:

* Vera Dukes

* Minnie Leeper

* J.D. Townsend

* Robert Hereford

* Jimmie Young Jr.

* Susie Owens

* Mr. and Mrs. Henry Cobb

* Charles Richardson

* James Ford

* Dr. Walter Zuber

* Sam Bell

* Dr. Norris Crump

* Tupelo Police Department Deputy Chief Anthony Hill

* Lillie Bell Johnson

* Walter Stanfield

As meaningful as it is to host Rev. Parker, this night is also deeply personal for our community, Wells said. The local honorees were recognizing helped shape Tupelo and Lee County through quiet strength, leadership, and sacrifice. Many of them didnt seek recognition  they simply served and led. Honoring them is our way of saying thank you and making sure their stories are never forgotten.

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Parker is pastor of Argo Temple Church of God in Christ, the church that Emmett Tills grandmother, Alma Spearmon, started in her home. Till was Parker's cousin and best friend.

He took part in the 2004 FBI investigation of Tills murder and the 2017 re-opening of the case. Along with the late activist Alvin Sykes, he took part in the development of congressional legislation that established a cold case unit at the Department of Justice that allows the organization to reopen unsolved Civil Rights-era murders. This legislation was named the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act and was signed into law by President George W. Bush and reauthorized in perpetuity by President Obama.

In March 2022, President Biden signed into law the Emmett Till anti-lynching law. On July 25, 2023, Parker introduced President Joe Biden at the ceremony of the signing of the proclamation that established the Emmett Till and Mamie Till Mobley National Monument, with sites in Chicago and Mississippi.

As a public lecturer, Parker has presented in a variety of forums, including elementary, middle, high schools and universities in the United States and Belize. He has led historical tours for social activists throughout the Mississippi Delta in connection with the Mississippi Center for Justice, and Delta State University.

Our hope is that everyone who walks into that room leaves with a deeper appreciation for the past, a stronger sense of unity in the present, and a renewed commitment to building a better future for our region and the next generation," Wells said.
NEED TO KNOW

At least 30 people have died in a "massive landslide" in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais

The disaster was caused by "record" levels of rain in the region and a river bursting its banks, wiping out numerous homes in the hillside neighborhood of Juiz de Fora, and leaving approximately 440 people homeless

U.K. newspaper The Guardian reports that 39 people remain missing, with Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva confirming on X that a "state of calamity" had been declared

30 people have been killed after a landslide in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, authorities have confirmed.

The majority of the deaths were reported in the hillside neighborhood of Juiz de Fora, in the state of Minas Gerais, where 18 people were killed, while another seven lost their lives in nearby Uba, the BBC reported on Friday, Feb. 25.

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U.K. newspaper The Guardian added that 39 people remain missing from the disaster, which occurred when a river burst its banks on Tuesday, Feb. 24, due to "record" levels of rain. The outlet added that 200 people had already been rescued.

Rescue teams in Juiz de Fora, Brazil

Credit: Pablo PORCIUNCULA / AFP via Getty

Firefighter Maj Demetrius Goulart told news agency AFP Brazil that twelve houses in Juiz de Fora had been swept away in the massive landslide, as cited by The Guardian.

In a statement on X, Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva sent his "deepest condolences" to the families of the victims and those who lost their homes.

He also said that the government had declared a "state of calamity" in Juiz de Fora, adding that the National Health System (SUS) and the National Civil Defense were working on high alert to assist with rescue efforts.

Rescue teams in Juiz de Fora, Brazil, on February 24

Credit: Pablo PORCIUNCULA / AFP via Getty

In the coming hours and days, we will remain on standby to act with the speed and force that the moment demands," his post continued. "Our focus is to guarantee humanitarian assistance, the restoration of basic services, aid to displaced people, and support for reconstruction.

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In addition, Minister of Health, Adriano Massuda, confirmed in a statement on Feb. 24 that specialized, mobile care would be provided, adding that it was "fundamental" during this time. He added, "The affected population here in Juiz de Fora and in the other affected cities can be assured that there will be no shortage of financial, physical, professional, and technical resources to support the recovery and reconstruction of the damaged health areas."

The BBC reported that around 440 people have been left homeless by the disaster, with local government providing temporary shelter and asking for donations of water, food, clothing, and hygiene supplies.

According to the outlet, Mayor Margarida Salomao said the incident was the "saddest" moment in her five years in local government and declared three days of official mourning in Juiz de Fora.

Appearing on local network, TV Globo, Valtencir Coutinho de Miranda said he was trying to find his 5-year-old daughter among the debris. "We are here to find her, with God giving us strength and comforting our hearts, so that we may find her alive," he said, per the BBC.

Landslide in Juiz de Fora, Brazil, on February 24

Credit: Pablo PORCIUNCULA / AFP via Getty

Another man, searching for his nephew, tearfully told the network, In that moment, you don't choose who you help, you just do your best to help.

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PEOPLE has reached out to the National Civil Defense, as well as the local fire service, but didnt immediately receive responses.

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.

As reported by The Guardian, Brazil has suffered numerous tragedies in recent years due to extreme weather events linked to climate change.

In 2024, more than 200 people died due to unprecedented flooding in southern Brazil, while two years earlier, a deluge in the city of Petropolis outside Rio de Janeiro left 241 people dead.

Read the original article on People
Feb. 17

Craig J. Burris, 40, of Columbus Grove, pleaded guilty to operating a motor vehicle without a valid license. Sentence: 30 days jail, 30 suspended.

Corey Dunn, 56, of Lima, pleaded guilty to persistent disorderly conduct. Sentence: 30 days jail, 26 suspended, 4 credited.

Johnie L. Johnson, 66, of Lima, pleaded guilty to persistent disorderly conduct. Sentence: 30 days jail, 12 suspended, 18 credited.

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Jacob J. Nolte, 28, of Cridersville, pleaded guilty to physical control while under the influence. Setnence: 3 days jail, suspended with program completion.

Leslie A. Schuh, 61, of Elida, pleaded guilty to theft without consent. Sentence: 60 days jail, 55 suspended.

Reid M. Vandever, 32, of Lima, pleaded guilty to use, possession or sale of drug paraphernalia. Sentence: 20 days jail, 7 credited.

Jaden R. Wallen, 19, of Delphos, pleaded guilty to assault. Setnence: 90 days jail, 80 suspended.

Damien M. Wehrly, 24, of Lima, pleaded guilty to theft. Sentence: 180 days jail, 90 suspended. Pleaded guilty to theft. Sentence: 180 days jail, 90 suspended, concurrent.

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Feb. 18

Darvin D. Hawkins, 57, of Lima, pleaded guilty to obstructing official business. Sentence: 60 days, 59 suspended, 1 credited.

Jerry J. Jacobs, 42, of Lima, pleaded guilty to operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Sentence: 180 days jail, 150 suspended.

Alexis S. Manley, 33, of Lima, pleaded guilty to operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Sentence: 60 days jail, 51 suspended.

Rafael C. Mendoza, 20, of Lima, pleaded guilty to operating a vehicle while intoxicated, breath greater than 0.17 grams. Sentence: 6 days jail.

Kameron F. Plapp, 27, of Lima, found guilty of possession of drug abuse instruments. Sentence: 90 days jail, 70 suspended.

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Kandace N. Sims, 34, of Lima, pleaded guilty to operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Sentence: 3 days jail, suspended with program completion.

Carlos F. Solis Cedeno, 37, of Lima, pleaded guilty to operating a vehicle while intoxicated, breath greater than 0.17 grams. Sentence: 6 days jail.

Feb. 19

Dennis A. Christen, 71, of Lima, found guilty of physical control of vehicle while under the influence. Sentence: 180 days jail, 150 suspended.

Feb. 20

Martin L. Bledsoe, 31, of Lima, pleaded guilty to operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Sentence: 5 days jail, suspended with program completion.

Sean A. Cook, 28, of Lima, pleaded guilty to reckless operation, one prior. Sentence: 3 days jail, suspended with program completion.

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Steel D. Dameron, 28, of Lima, pleaded guilty to driving under suspension. Sentence: 180 days jail, 177 suspended.

Melissa K. Garrett, 48, of Bluffton, pleaded no contest and found guilty of operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Sentence: 30 days jail, 20 suspended.

Zaiya M. Grant, 23, of Lima, pleaded guilty to operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Sentence: 5 days jail.

Heather L. Keller, 41, of Lima, pleaded guilty to use, possession or sale of drug paraphernalia. Sentence: 10 days, 10 suspended.

Dylan M. McGue, 30, of Harrod, pleaded guilty to operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Sentence: 180 days jail, 170 suspended.

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Deborah K. Smith, 38, of Lima, pleaded guilty to driving under a suspension-operating a vehicle while intoxicated suspension. Sentence: 10 days jail.

Justin J. Stanovich, 43, of Spencerville, pleaded guilty to physical control of vehicle while under the influence. Sentence: 60 days jail, 57 suspended.

Cathy L. Watt, 76, of Lafayette, pleaded guilty unauthorized use of property. Sentence: 10 days jail, 10 suspended.




A former Connecticut woman accused of strangling her three young children in 2023 before leaping from the window of her Duxbury home, appeared in person in court for the first time since their deaths last week, in a wheelchair.

Lindsay Clancy, who was raised in Wallingford, is charged with murder in the deaths of her three children: Cora Clancy, 5, Dawson Clancy, 3, and 8-month-old Callan. Police said she strangled each of the children with exercise bands.

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Clancy was left paralyzed after she leapt from her home's window in an attempt to take her own life after she killed the children, officials said. Prior to Friday, Clancy had appeared by video from the hospital where she is being held.

Her parents, Paula and Mike Musgrove of Wallingford, attended the court appearance, saying Clancy is loved and supported by her family. "She's a loving mother, she always will be," Paula Musgrove said outside the courtroom.

"We love our daughter very much and we're here to support her in any way we can," her father said.

After being wheeled into the courtroom, Clancy pushed herself next to her attorney Kevin Reddington and listened to the proceedings intently with a somber expression.

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During the roughly 20-minute court appearance, Reddington and prosecutors discussed whether Clancy's psychiatric evaluation, to be done by a doctor chosen by the state, would be recorded. The evaluation is scheduled for April 10.

Reddington said his client isn't doing well dealing with her life as it has become, but he would agree to have most of the evaluation recorded.

He later said outside the courthouse that he wanted Clancy to get acclimated to appearing in court in time for the trial, which is slated for July.

Reddington is seeking to break the trial into two parts: the first part would focus on the allegations and the second would focus on her criminal liability, he said outside the courtroom Friday. Any motions filed in the case will be discussed next month, according to WCVB, Channel 5 Boston.

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Clancy and her husband, Patrick, have filed separate lawsuits against health care providers they claim didn't properly treat her postpartum depression leading up to the murders, according to WCVB.

Reddington has said in recent months that the trial would be a "logistical nightmare" if the court didn't prepare adequately for his client's medical condition.

"We have a person who is paralyzed, and will be paralyzed for the rest of her life," he said during a previous court date, noting Clancy has no motor control or sensation below her sternum.

At that time, a representative from the Plymouth County Sheriff's Department said the agency could transport Clancy to the trial using a van that is able to take people in a wheelchair. But the department does not have a means to transport her on a gurney, the representative added. If that were to be required, she would need to be transported by ambulance, which would come with additional hurdles, the sheriff's department representative indicated.

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Clancy remains hospitalized at Tewksbury State Hospital, court records indicate. Reddington has said in court papers that he intends to pursue an insanity defense.

Reddington said Clancy's condition raised issues with her "competence" to stand trial. He said Clancy is on 24/7 observation and is a danger to herself.

"This woman kills herself during this trial, which there is a very real probability that could happen, it's on somebody, and it's not on me," Reddington said.

But a state prosecutor, citing a letter from the hospital, said Clancy is able to transfer herself out of her wheelchair.

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Reddington has said Clancy was on multiple medications for postpartum depression and possibly was suffering from postpartum psychosis when police say she killed her children. Her husband was not present in the home at the time.

In an extensive interview with the The New Yorker, Patrick Clancy described his wife as "someone who got sick."

He told the magazine he wanted to testify at his wife's trial and that she had been struggling with mental illness and was heavily medicated in the months leading up to the children's deaths.

Prosecutors later subpoenaed the writer of The New Yorker article and Conde Nast, the magazine's publisher, according to the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker.

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Staff Writer Peter Yankowski contributed to this story.

This article originally published at Lindsay Clancy's mom says she's a 'loving mother' as CT native faces trial for deaths of her kids.
The Springfield Fire Rescue Division has been named the 2026 Ohio Fire Department of the Year.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The selection follows a year of high demand for the department.

In 2024, the division said it responded to more than 19,000 calls for service across six stations.

The department currently operates with approximately 130 personnel and has focused on expanding emergency medical services and community outreach programs.

TRENDING STORIES:

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During the nomination period, the division focused on strengthening its training culture, emphasizing consistency and competency.

Firefighters and paramedics expanded programs to ensure they can perform complex tasks safely under real-world conditions.

Community risk reduction efforts were a significant factor in the selection for the statewide award.

The division conducted approximately 50 community engagement initiatives. These programs reached more than 3,500 children through fire prevention education and an additional 6,100 parents and family members with safety information designed to reduce risks at home.

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The city recently opened the new Fire Station 6, which was designed with direct input from firefighters.

Fire Chief Jacob King attributed the achievement to the collective effort of the departments staff.

This recognition is a testament to the professionalism, teamwork, and exceptional commitment of every member of our Fire Rescue Division, King said. He noted that the honor reflects the dedication of personnel who serve the Springfield community.

A formal award ceremony is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. The event will be held at COSI in Columbus.

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Randrianirina has stepped on to the diplomatic stage with a brisk series of high-level visits  arriving in France just days after talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

The trip to Paris signals a delicate balancing act as the Indian Ocean nation seeks to broaden its international partnerships, while navigating intensifying geopolitical interest.

Randrianirina  who took power after former president Andry Rajoelina fled amid demonstrations in October  is piloting a transitional government at a time when several former French colonies in Africa have experienced military takeovers.

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Since 2020, coups in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have reshaped alliances in the Sahel, with those governments drawing closer to Russia  a trend that has not gone unnoticed by Western diplomats.

In Madagascar, concerns have been raised about what one Western diplomatic source described as the speed with which Russia has moved to build ties with the new leadership.

Moscow has already supplied military equipment and dispatched instructors to train Malagasy forces, including in the use of drones.

Yet officials on both sides insist that Antaninarivo's outreach is broader than any single partnership. Speaking before his departure for Paris, Randrianirina stressed that his visits to Russia and France were unrelated, framing them instead as part of a pragmatic foreign policy aimed at securing tangible benefits for the Malagasy people.

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Madagascar military leader Colonel Michael Randrianirina sworn in as president

France seeks to renew ties

In Paris, Macron welcomed the interim leader with a clear message  France intends to remain a key partner.

In a joint statement, the two sides outlined a renewed, balanced and resolutely forward-looking partnership grounded in mutual respect and focused on delivering concrete results.

They approved a set of guidelines for cooperation over the next two years  aligning with Madagascars transition timeline  covering political relations, economic development and ongoing security and defence collaboration.

Macron also reiterated Frances support for a return to constitutional order, emphasising the importance of holding free and transparent elections within the agreed timeframe.

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Madagascars strategic location in the Indian Ocean  and its reserves of valuable minerals such as nickel and cobalt  make it an increasingly important partner. With China, India and Russia all stepping up their presence, maintaining influence on the island has become a priority for French diplomacy.

How Madagascar's new leader Randrianirina rose from prison to presidency

A legacy of links with Moscow

Madagascars warming relations with Russia are not without precedent. According to Samuel Sanchez, a professor at the Sorbonne University, ties between Madagascar and the Soviet bloc date back to the 1970s, when significant diplomatic and military cooperation took shape.

Many Malagasy officers trained in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe during that period, a legacy that resonates today. Recent developments suggest a revival of those connections, with Russian instructors visiting the island and senior intelligence figure Andrei Averyanov accompanying Randrianirina during his Moscow talks.

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The Kremlin has shown particular eagerness to deepen the partnership. During his visit, Randrianirina told Putin that Madagascar was ready to move relations to a new level, signalling openness to expanded cooperation.

At the same time, the interim leader has cast his diplomatic net widely. Russia was the third country he has visited since taking power, following trips to the United Arab Emirates and South Africa  a sign that Antananarivo is seeking multiple avenues for investment and support.

(with newswires)
This story was originally published on MyNorthwest.com.

The supplemental transportation budgets have dropped with less than three weeks left in the legislative session. They are far smaller than what Governor Ferguson proposed.

Governor Ferguson wanted to add up to $3 billion to the transportation budget passed last year. Both the House and Senate are looking to add less than half of that. The supplemental House budget would add $1.25 billion. The Senate plan would add about $1.5 billion.

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The focus of all three budgets is maintenance and preservation, and its no wonder why. The Fairfax Bridge had to be closed last year after decades of under-funding its maintenance. The 1st Avenue S. Bridge is now down to two lanes because of potential corrosion in the steel bridge deck.

We are focused both on preservation and maintenance of our state highways and our state bridges, Senate Transportation Committee Chair Marko Liias said. We are also focused on preservation and maintenance of our state ferries, and then were also focused on dealing with the unprecedented damage caused by the flood event last fall, both at the state and local level.

To do that, the Senate transportation budget will be funded by issuing new bonds, using the gas tax revenue as collateral.

How do we pay for it? Senator Liias posed. No new taxes this year, but we are leveraging the increases we passed last year with a bond proposal of $1.1 billion to unlock the preservation investments we would like to make across the next six years.

Plan includes full WSP funding, mobile drivers license program launching in 2028

Included in the Senate budget is full funding for the Washington State Patrol, something ranking member Curtis King is happy with.

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Ive been here 18 years, and the State Patrol has never been anywhere close to the level they need to be at, and we can see the results of that on our highway and the safety of our highways, he said. I think this is something that we really have to put an emphasis on and make sure that we achieve that goal.

The budget also throws a lifeline to the communities around the closed Fairfax Bridge.

We have funded, over three biennia, the Fairfax Bridge, as well as providing them some money for their alternate routes and for their emergency support, Senator King said.

The budget also fully funds the first three electric-hybrid ferries and a plan to create a new mobile drivers license program.

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So that in 2028, Washingtonians on their iPhone or on their other smartphone, Samsung, Google, could opt into a secure, encrypted mobile drivers license that they could use at the airport or other destinations that theyre headed to, Senator Liias said.

While the House and Senate have similar budget proposals, the House does not pay for its increases by bonding against the gas tax. It uses existing bonding authority.

We dont need to authorize more bonds to invest more in preservation and maintenance; at least, not now, said House Transportation Committee chair Representative Jake Fey, in a press release. By using existing bond capacity and smoothing funds across biennia, we are able to add $335M to preservation and maintenance this biennium, and $435M in 2027-29.

Bonding can help deliver major infrastructure projects, but it must be used carefully, Fey continued. We need to look at funding decisions across the entire biennium and ensure were not over-committing future budgets.

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The Governors supplemental transportation budget also relies on new bonding authority.

The disagreement in how to fund these budgets will now be debated in the final weeks of the session.

Chris Sullivan is a traffic reporter for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of his stories here. Follow KIRO Newsradio traffic on X.
A Charlotte man was arrested by Matthews police Monday for allegedly assaulting a woman with a baton in a road rage incident.

James Frederick Washer, 61, is now facing a felony assault charge.

It happened Saturday as a road rage confrontation, police said. Matthews officers responded to Chesney Glen Drive around 7 p.m., where the victim reported that a man had followed her for several miles before attacking her.

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ALSO READ >> Man arrested after baseball bat assault at Concord mall

The victim told responding officers that the man used a long, hard object to break one of her car windows after she parked. She described the weapon as similar to a baton carried by police officers. The man then used the object to strike the woman in the head, neck and arm before fleeing the scene, police said.

When officers took Washer into custody, they also searched his car where they found a collapsible baton that matched the description provided by the victim.

Washer is facing charges of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and injury to personal property.

VIDEO: Man charged in deadly east Charlotte road rage shooting
MARQUETTE COUNTY, MI - Law enforcement officers with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources were able to nab a suspect they say admitted to ongoing harassment of hunters in an area of the Upper Peninsula.

Late last year, DNR Conservation Officer John Kamps and Sgt. Mark Leadman responded to a report of a man repeatedly interfering with a hunter in Marquette County, according to the most recent batch of the agencys enforcement reports.

They arrived at the scene and shortly after observed a subject drive his vehicle up to another persons deer blind and park right behind their bait, the report stated. Then Kamps and Leadman talked to the suspect, trying to find out what he was doing.

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The suspect confessed that he was out there to be a pain and interfere with the complainants hunt, the report says.

The DNR said they had evidence of not only hunter harassment, but also of the malicious destruction of a hunting blind that had occurred earlier during deer season. The case was being referred to the county prosecutor for criminal charges.

It was not the suspects first run-in with the DNR. The suspect had received a citation earlier in the year from COs Kamps and Jackson Kelly for hunting without a license and for having a loaded gun in a motor vehicle.

You can follow Northern Michigan news on MLive.

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Eger said Resolute expects similar production levels in 2026 and 2027 before output rises above 500,000 ounces once the Doropo project comes online from 2028. He reiterated that the company remains very much on track to reach 500,000 ounces by 2028, adding that, given the gold price environment, management is also starting to target 750,000 ounces by the end of the decade through expansion potential across its assets and additional projects in Cote dIvoire.

He stated that Resolute operates in four countries, producing about 275,000 ounces of gold annually, with 2025 production cited at 277,000 ounces. Eger said EBITDA in 2025 was over $380 million and cash flows were $140 million. In the current gold price environment, he added, the company anticipates over $500 million of EBITDA and free cash flow of over $200 million, excluding capital expenditures required for Doropo.

Eger said the company executed flawlessly on a turnaround plan established at the beginning of 2025 after a difficult 2024 for both Syama and Mali. He credited augmented skilled teams across the business, efforts to repair relationships with government stakeholders, and a strategic pivot that meaningfully diversifies the company into Cote dIvoire, which he said will become Resolutes flagship country where we operate.

Resolute Mining (LON:RSG) Chief Executive Officer Chris Eger told investors the Africa-focused gold producer believes it has all the makings to extend a 2025 operational turnaround into 2026 while advancing its next major growth project in Cote dIvoire. Speaking at a BMO-hosted event, Eger outlined production guidance, capital spending plans, and what he described as a pipeline that could take the company beyond its current longer-term goal of becoming a 500,000-ounce producer by 2028.

Resolute remains on track to reach 500,000 oz by 2028 (and is targeting 750,000 oz by decade-end) through Doropo and expansions, while Syama is stabilizing (>200,000 oz expected) and Mako will be supported by satellite deposits and nearby projects (ABC/Kone and Ladebo) that could become additional mines.

Doropo project is advancing fast after Resolute bought it for $150m; an updated DFS shows robust economics (company values Doropo at "well over $2.5 billion"), initial production ~200,000 oz/year for the first four years, reserves of 2.54.0 million oz depending on gold price, and 2026 capex is expected to rise as construction starts.

2025 turnaround executed "flawlessly" with ~277,000 oz produced, EBITDA >$380m and cash flow $140m, and management says the operational recovery can extend into 2026 while cash generation could exceed $200m (excluding Doropo capex) at current gold prices.

Story Continues

Doropo: construction ramp and phased expansion plans

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Eger said Resolute acquired the Doropo project from AngloGold Ashanti in May of the prior year for $150 million in cash, structured as $25 million paid upfront, $50 million due in October, and $75 million due the following year. He said key 2025 milestones included hiring a project team led by Rob Cicchini and updating the definitive feasibility study (DFS) in December 2025.

According to Eger, the updated economics are incredibly robust, and he described Doropo as being worth well over $2.5 billion. He noted the company ran new pit shells at a $2,000 gold price, resulting in a reserve of 2.5 million ounces, and said that at $3,000 to $4,000 gold the reserve could increase to 3.5 million to 4 million ouncessuggesting a mine life longer than 13 years.

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Eger said the initial production profile is expected to be around 200,000 ounces for the first four years and generate over $400 million of cash. He added that a phase two expansion is underway and is expected to be published toward the end of 2026.

On funding and near-term work, Eger said Resolute has completed FEED work, is preparing to award an EPC contractor, and expects to begin water storage construction shortly. He said 2026 capex is forecast at over $300 million due to the start of Doropo construction, with planned capex of about $200 million this year. He also said the company is pretty much fully funded, citing over $300 million of cash on hand and more than $200 million of cash generation, although he acknowledged a very slight funding gap.

Syama in Mali and Mako in Senegal: stabilization and transition

Addressing Mali, Eger said operational performance improved in the second half of 2025 after supply chain issuesparticularly explosivesconstrained mining throughput earlier in the year. He said the company is on track to produce over 200,000 ounces from Syama and characterized the deposit as a world-class asset with over 10 million ounces of resource, albeit in a difficult jurisdiction.

He said Resolute is completing a capital project to move to 100% sulfide processing on site, allowing mining to be simplified to two sources: the existing sublevel cave (about 2.5 grams per tonne material) and the Syama North open pit (about 1.9 grams per tonne material). While Eger said the company sees a case to expand Syama under the right conditionspotentially doubling the businesshe indicated Resolute will hold off on discretionary capital until there is more positivity and movement with the Mali government.

In Senegal, Eger said the Mako mine is in transition after the original pit reached end of mine life in 2025. The operation is now processing stockpiles through the end of 2027, and he said production has declined from about 100,000 ounces to around 60,000 ounces this year. Looking forward, he said Resolute plans to develop two satellite deposits to support operations for the next 10 years, targeting roughly 80,000 ounces per year at around a $1,500 cash cost.

Eger said the company has identified well over 600,000 ounces near the plant to feed operations. He said Resolute is preparing to file a mining application for Tombo and Koto in the next month, expects to receive a mining permit at the beginning of next year, and noted that village relocation and plant upgrades are requiredpushing anticipated production from Tombo and Koto to 2028. He added that Bantaco mining is expected to start toward the end of next year to blend stockpiles with fresh ore and bridge the gap until Tombo begins production.

Exploration in Cote dIvoire: potential fourth and fifth mines

Eger said exploration remains central to the companys strategy and highlighted two Cote dIvoire projects that could become additional mines. The ABC project, acquired as part of the Doropo transaction, currently hosts over 2.2 million ounces at 0.9 grams per tonne, centralized in the Kone permit across roughly 12 kilometers of strike. He said the company plans at least 20,000 meters of drilling in the Kone area and believes the resource could grow to 3 million to 4 million ounces. A scoping study is underway to outline economics.

He also discussed the Ladebo project in southern Cote dIvoire, described as a smaller resource of 640,000 ounces at 1.1 grams per tonne. Resolute is drilling over 10,000 meters there and completing a scoping study. Eger said the project could be our fifth mine, while noting that securing drill rigs has been challenging in the current environment.

In response to a question on Mali, Eger said the mood has improved significantly since 2024 and discussions are more productive and more professional, but he emphasized caution. He said Resolute has not been receiving VAT receivables back and is still looking to sign a mining convention, calling these key milestones before the company commits additional discretionary investment to expand Syama.

About Resolute Mining (LON:RSG)

Resolute is an African-focused gold miner with more than 30 years of experience as an explorer, developer and operator. Throughout its history the Company has produced more than 9 million ounces of gold from ten gold mines. The Company is now entering a growth phase through the development of the Doropo project in Cote d'Ivoire which will supplement the existing production from the Syama mine in Mali and Mako mine in Senegal. The Company trades on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE) under the ticker RSG.

The article "Resolute Mining Conference: CEO says 2025 turnaround can extend into 2026 as Doropo build nears" was originally published by MarketBeat.
STARKE, Fla. (AP)  A man convicted of killing a 70-year-old grocery store owner was put to death Tuesday in Florida, becoming the second person executed by the state this year after a record 19 executions in 2025.

Melvin Trotter, 65, was pronounced dead at 6:15 p.m. following a three-drug injection at Florida State Prison near Starke for the 1986 stabbing death of Virgie Langford.

The curtain to the execution chamber went up at the scheduled 6 p.m. execution time. Trotter declined to give a last statement and the drugs began flowing about two minutes later. Trotter began to breath heavily and twitch about a minute afterward. Then his movements slowed about two minutes later.

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The prison warden checked Trotter's face and shouted his name, but there was no reaction. A medic was then called in at 6:14 p.m. to check the inmate's vital signs and Trotter was declared dead a minute later.

The execution and another earlier this month in Florida follow the unprecedented 19 executions carried out by the state last year. In 2025, Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis oversaw more executions in a single year than any other Florida governor since the death penalty's reinstatement in 1976. The previous Florida record was eight executions in 2014.

According to court records, Trotter stabbed and strangled Langford on June 16, 1986, at her store in Palmetto near the southern edge of Tampa Bay. Afterward, a truck driver found Langford bleeding but alive on the back floor of the store, and she provided key details about her attacker before dying at a hospital.

Besides recalling Trotters physical appearance, Langford said he had a Tropicana employee badge with the name Melvin on it. According to court records, police later found a T-shirt with Langfords blood type at Trotters home and the mans handprint on a meat cooler at the store.

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In 1987, Trotter was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. Then, after the state Supreme Court found the trial court erred in handling aggravating factors in his case, he again drew the death penalty at resentencing in 1993.

The Florida Supreme Court recently denied appeals to block the execution. Trotter's attorneys argued officials had mismanaged his death penalty protocols. They also said Trotter's advanced age of 65 merited exempting him from execution.

The U.S. Supreme Court denied Trotters final appeal Tuesday afternoon.

Separately, Justice Sonia Sotomayor raised questions about the states administration of lethal drugs. Trotters attorneys argued that Florida could maladminister the states protocol in a way that heightens the risk for a mangled execution in violation of the Eighth Amendment's prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment.

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Sotomayor wrote that, going forward, she hopes the state will recognize the paramount importance of ensuring that it conducts executions consistently with the proper protocols.

A total of 47 people were executed in the U.S. in 2025. Florida led the way with a flurry of death warrants signed by DeSantis. Alabama, South Carolina and Texas tied for second with five executions each last year.

Besides the two Florida executions this year, Texas and Oklahoma have conducted one execution each so far in 2026.

On Feb. 10, a man convicted of killing a traveling salesperson became the first person executed in Florida this year. Ronald Palmer Heath, 64, received a lethal injection for the 1989 killing of Michael Sheridan.

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Two more Florida executions are scheduled next month starting with Billy Leon Kearse on March 3 and then Michael Lee King on March 17.

All Florida executions are carried out by injecting a sedative, a paralytic and a drug that stops the heart, according to the Department of Corrections.

Hours before Tuesday's execution, Florida Corrections officials said, Trotter awoke at 3:20 a.m. and had one visitor during the day but did not meet with a spiritual adviser. He requested a meal that included fish, cornbread, cake and soda.
A resident of Pawan Wada in Goa, India, braved threats and even separation from his family to expose the illegal sand mining activities happening on Querim Beach.

Despite being banned by the Bombay High Court in 2019, sand mining, or the illegal removal of sand from the natural environment, has persisted for years at Pawan Wada, according to the Herald Group. It's often done to support construction efforts.

Canoes hauling unlawful operators and illegally removed sand infiltrate "all the rivers in Goa," Viraj Bakre, environmental activist and lawyer, described in an email directed to key Indian and Goan authorities, per the Herald Group.

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These activities have run in the early hours of the day, operating from 2 a.m. to dusk. Mahadev Shirodkar, a local resident, finally had enough. This prompted him to lodge a formal complaint with the secretary of the Querim Village Panchayat and later with the Deputy Collector and Sub-Divisional Officer regarding the illegal mining activity at the beach.

What followed these protests, however, would scare most people into dropping the case and disregarding the illegal activity.

According to the Herald Group, 35 people showed up at Shirodkar's residence, intimidating his wife, Madhuri Shirodkar.

"They threatened the family and left us in shock," Madhuri explained, per the Herald Group. The incident left her fearful for her family's safety. It got so bad that she suggested leaving with their son to remain safe amid the uproar.

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The police responded to the emergency three hours later, which further reinforced the message that whistleblowers are neither safe nor protected against acts of retaliation.

Sand mining, which usually happens on riverbeds, coastlines, and other aquatic environments, can damage these natural habitats and cause coastal erosion, leaving nearby communities at risk of storm surges. This is an increasing concern as rising global temperatures exacerbate sea level rise, increasing the likelihood of flooding.

Despite the bullying and harassment, Shirodkar has stood tall and unwavering against these mining criminals. Residents support his efforts, although they are also scared of the repercussions of whistleblowing.

"We have endured this illegality out of fear," said one local villager, per the Herald Group. "We are glad someone finally stood up, but we are scared of what could happen."

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Enforcement has stepped up to try to stop the activity, although at least one elected official denied knowledge of illegal sand mining in the area.

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The Seattle Police Department (SPD) says a 31-year-old man was arrested for assault, burglary, and criminal impersonation for posing as a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) worker on Tuesday afternoon.

At around 2:15 p.m., officers responded to a report of an assault near North 74th Street and Greenwood Avenue North.

Police learned that a 31-year-old man wearing a USPS uniform and a branded bag rang the doorbell of a home in Phinney Ridge.

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A 52-year-old man answered the door and the suspect handed him a piece of mail and demanded he open it, SPD said.

The victim opened the letter, which demanded cryptocurrency, then the impersonator allegedly forced his way inside the home and assaulted the man and his 50-year-old wife, according to Seattle Police.

Officers arrived and arrested the man.

Inside his bag, they found electronic equipment, tape, plastic bags, large zip ties, tasers, tourniquet, cellphone, lint roller, an electronic signal blocking pouch, black beanie, face mask, dark sunglasses, and a box of plastic gloves, SPD said in a blotter post.

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He did not have any ID that showed he worked for the postal service.

He was booked into the King County Jail, facing charges of burglary, assault, and criminal impersonation.

The victim was brought to a local hospital citing chest pain.
Northeastern University has once again hit an application record this year, its seventh consecutive increase.

The institution received 106,907 applications this year, up from 105,283 the prior year, the university said.

The largest number of international applicants came from China, India, South Korea, Canada and Brazil. Domestically, applicants from New York, Massachusetts, California, New Jersey and Texas topped the list.

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The application increase comes at a time when Northeastern has continued to expand, purchasing campuses in New York and building new dormitories in Boston.

Total enrollment at Northeastern in 2024 was 43,904 students, according to a recent city report.

The upward trajectory of the institution comes amid challenges facing higher education, including a decline in enrollment from a demographic cliff, a drop in traditionally college-aged students in the United States. This is partly due to fewer people having children beginning around the Great Recession of 2008.

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The Trump administration has also targeted higher education institutions, including cutting federal funding for certain colleges such as Harvard University.

At the same time, prospective students and their families are questioning the value of the college experience as tuition at some Massachusetts institutions surges toward six digits.

How is Northeastern bucking higher ed headwinds?

At a time when there is a push toward trade schools or entering the workforce directly after high school, Northeastern is attracting students to its bachelors degree offerings because of its co-op program and focus on experiential learning, the institution said.

The university works with 4,661 employers across 151 countries to provide students with the opportunity to work full-time for months in a professional work experience.

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Students graduate with up to 18 months of professional experience, the university said.

As a result, more than half of graduating students receive job offers from one of their co-op employers. And 96% of graduates are employed or in graduate school within nine months of graduating from Northeastern. Of the graduates who are employed within nine months, 93% are working in fields related to their major, according to the university.

Its research opportunities and global campuses also stand out for students, the university said.

It has 14 campuses, with undergraduate students able to study in Boston, Oakland, New York and London.

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Northeasterns message has been very clear in the marketplace  the value derived from our focus on a personalized experiential education through global experiences, coupled with outstanding academics and research, is unparalleled in higher education, Satyajit Dattagupta, Northeasterns head of global expansion and chief enrollment management officer, told Northeastern Global News. This is why we remain a top choice of students and from all over the world.

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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Wednesday called on the Chinese government to use its influence in Moscow to end Russia's war in Ukraine.

Signals from China are taken very seriously in Moscow, Merz said in Beijing after talks with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.

"This applies to words as well as deeds," Merz said. "I would like to expressly welcome China's commitment to peace in the region, which I heard today."

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According to the Chinese government, Xi spoke out in favour of negotiations to reach a solution during his meeting with Merz.

However, he again refrained from directly blaming Russia, saying that all parties must be involved on an equal footing and their legitimate concerns taken into account.

Germany has long criticized Beijing for maintaining an outwardly neutral stance on Russia's war in Ukraine.

"If Xi Jinping were to tell Putin tomorrow to stop, then he would have to stop the day after tomorrow," the German leader said on Monday before setting off for China.

Beijing is considered Russia's most important backer since most Western nations cut ties with Moscow following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine four years ago.

Merz arrived in the Chinese capital earlier on Wednesday for a two-day inaugural visit, being received with military honours at the Great Hall of the People.
Mexico has passed a bill to incrementally lower the standard workweek from 48 to 40 hours, though critics fear the reduction will be offset by increases to the overtime hours allowed.

The bill cleared Mexicos Chamber of Deputies late on Tuesday with a broad base of support.

Out of 500 deputies, 469 voted in favour of the broad outline of the bill, and none opposed it. Its specific terms were then approved with 411 votes in support.

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Still, the votes came after nearly 10 hours of debate, as critics raised opposition to some of the bills terms.

Set to begin next year, the reform offers a trade-off. While the total hours in a workweek are slated to decrease, the law permits employers to raise the amount of weekly overtime.

It also fails to change the minimum number of rest days required. In Mexico, the law currently mandates one rest day for every six days worked.

There will also be a delay in when the shorter workweek takes effect. The workweek will be trimmed by two hours per year until 2030.

President Claudia Sheinbaum introduced the proposal in December. It is slated to benefit nearly 13.4 million workers in Mexico.

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The ruling Morena party hailed its approval, which follows years of back-and-forth with business owners.

Productivity is not measured by exhaustion. It is built with dignity, said Pedro Haces, a Morena representative and the secretary general of the Autonomous Confederation of Workers and Employees of Mexico, a labour organisation.

Mexico has Latin Americas second-largest economy, with a gross domestic product of about $1.86 trillion, according to the World Bank.

But critics argue that it has the worst work-life balance of any country in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Its workers average more than 2,226 work hours per person annually.

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Despite these long hours, the nation struggles with the lowest labour productivity and the lowest wages of the organisations 38 member states. Roughly 55 percent of its workforce also remains in the informal sector, meaning they lack the legal protections other workers enjoy.

Some members of Mexicos opposition argued that this weeks bill fails to go far enough.

The idea of the reform is not bad, but it is incomplete and was done in a rush, said Alex Dominguez, a lawmaker from the opposition PRI party.

The bill now needs to be approved by two-thirds of Mexicos state legislatures to go into effect.

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While Mexico moves towards a shorter 40-hour workweek, Latin Americas third-biggest economy, Argentina, is taking the opposite approach.

Faced with labour shortages and economic stagnation, Argentinas President Javier Milei has championed a controversial bill that would extend the workday from eight to 12 hours and restrict overtime pay.

Last week, Argentinas lower house of Congress narrowly approved the controversial labour reform. It is expected to get a final approval from the Senate in the coming days.
The Michigan House Judiciary Committee heard testimony on a set of bills from Rep. Matthew Bierlein (R-Vassar) that would expand the Michigans Sex Offenders Registration Act (SORA) by including an employment ban for any business that primarily provides services to individuals under the age of 18.

While we have strong protections in place within our schools, similar safeguards do not exist in other settings where children spend significant amounts of time, Bierlein said. He added that the bill would close this dangerous gap by prohibiting individuals required to register under SORA from being employed by businesses primarily serving the age of 18, particularly where unsupervised access may occur.

The bill specifically lists locations like martial arts studios, dance studios, summer camps, tutoring services and bowling alleys as businesses that would fall under the purview of this legislation, but does not specifically limit or define what would qualify as primarily serving minors.

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That was one issue raised by Miriam Aukerman, a senior staff attorney at the ACLU of Michigan, who noted that Michigans current Sex Offenders Registration Act has been deemed at least partially unconstitutional a number of times.

HB 5425 is unconstitutionally vague. How can you know whether a business primarily provides services to individuals under the age of 18? Aukerman asked the committee. For example, is it a crime for a registrant to work as an after hours cleaner for a hairdresser, if a prosecutor can prove that half of the people getting haircuts are under 18? What counts as a business that allows for unsupervised access to individuals less than 18 years of age? Does that include stores where teenagers shop? It is impossible to know what employment is and isnt prohibited by this bill, which is another reason why it is unconstitutional.

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Jessica Zimbelman, deputy director at the State Appellate Defender Office, also spoke out in opposition to the bill, specifically citing that the current sex offender list is bloated.

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I am a parent. I have seven year old twin daughters. I would do anything to protect them.

This bill doesnt do that, though, and let me tell you why, she said, adding that the list includes people who did not commit offenses against children. Theres about 45,000 people on the registry right now, and that would prohibit every single one of them, regardless of their risk of re-offending or what their offense actually involved, from working at these listed places or even volunteering to give back to their community.

But for those testifying in favor of the legislation, the emphasis on parental concern was strong.

Logan Christian, a parent from Bierleins district, told the committee, On the eve of my young sons first martial arts tournament, I was notified by another parent that the studios owner, instructor, and at the time, my childs mentor, is a registered child sex offender.

Christian added that, while he knows that the sex offender list is public and he would be able to search it, I also assert that having to consult said registry before engaging in what should be normal, healthy, everyday activities is an undue burden upon my family in a morally just society, child sex offenders and children should be kept separate.

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Jeremy Teddy, school resource officer in Frankenmuth, asked the committee in his testimony, How is it legal for a sex offender to work at a business which is primarily geared towards children?

Bierlein emphasized that this law is structured in order to put the burden of avoiding such employment on the person on the sex offender list, as opposed to implementing new regulations on businesses for permitting or background checks.

In this case, this is the third or fourth time people have found out about this person opening the karate school. People find out, they share the news around town, he explained. They leave town, they go five towns over, and they do it again, right? This puts the onus on them. If you do this, youre breaking the law. It doesnt put new requirements on businesses. It doesnt put new requirements on any other organization. This is on you, the offender.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) dutifully stood and applauded as President Donald Trump hyped his new mechanism for unilaterally levying tariffs, for which he claimed, Congressional action will not be necessary.

Trump slammed the Supreme Court for striking down his unconstitutional global tariffs last week, but promised they will remain in place and foreign countries will continue to negotiate with him.

Other nations will continue to work along the same successful path that we had negotiated before the Supreme Courts unfortunate involvement. So despite the disappointing ruling, these powerful country-saving  its saving our country, the kind of money were taking in  peace-protecting  many of the wars Ive settled was because of the threat of tariffs, Trump said, adding:

I wouldnt have been able to settle them without it. Will remain in place under fully approved and tested alternative legal statutes. And they have been tested for a long time. Theyre a little more complex, but theyre actually probably better, leading to a solution that will be even stronger than before. Congressional action will not be necessary. Its already time-tested and approved. And as time goes by, I believe the tariffs paid for by foreign countries will, like in the past, substantially replace the modern-day system of income tax, taking a great financial burden off the people that I love. Moving forward, factories, jobs, investment, and trillions and trillions of dollars will continue pouring into the United States of America because we finally have a president who puts America first. I put America first. I love America.

Johnson rose along with Vice President JD Vance and the rest of the Republicans in the chamber to applaud the line, despite the fact that Congress will have to vote to continue Trumps latest round of tariffs.

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Trump used Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to levy an additional 15% global tariff on the U.S.s trading partners following the Supreme Courts ruling. Section 122 requires Congress to vote on keeping the levies in place after 150 days and is all but certain to be challenged in court as the Constitution solely empowers Congress to levy tariffs.

Watch the clip above via MS NOW.

The post Mike Johnson Stands and Applauds After Trump Says Congressional Action Wont Be Necessary on New Tariffs first appeared on Mediaite.
Legislation creating a military police force of Indiana National Guard members  to be deployed around the state at the governors behest  overwhelmingly passed the Senate on Tuesday despite bipartisan opposition.

The Senate also approved more than three-dozen other bills  dealing with housing deregulation, commercial truck driving, health care and more  ahead of a key third-reading deadline on Tuesday.

House Bill 1343 would allow the guards leader, the adjutant general, to establish a military police unit of members with police powers: arrests, searches, seizures and more.

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Members would have to complete army or air military police training and Indiana-specific law enforcement instruction. Theyd also need security clearances and clean records.

Gov. Mike Braun could authorize the force to exercise those policing powers throughout the state after providing reasonable notice to local law enforcement. Hed coordinate with them as circumstances permit.

Sen. Vaneta Becker, R-Evansville, said she and a caucus colleague held a third house this month. A handful of constituents supported the bill and about 100 opposed it.

I think, you know, they were probably colored by what happened in Minnesota, and that concerns me as well in this bill, she said, referencing an ongoing, lethal federal immigration enforcement operation in that state. I know its not the intent, but it happened. Two people were killed that shouldnt have been.

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Becker said she turned to her sheriff. Evansville is the seat of Vanderburgh County, where Noah Robinson serves as sheriff.

This is his quote, she told senators. Theres a reason you separate military and the police. One fights the enemies of the state; the other serves and protects the people. When the military becomes both, then the enemies of the state tend to become the people.  I intend to vote no.'

Sen. Scott Baldwin, House Bill 1343s sponsor in the Senate, emphasized that the military police idea predates Operation Metro Surge, and that those fatalities happened in a different under a completely different set of circumstances.

In his view, the bill adds safeguards via the training and other requirements.

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The governor can already deploy the state police or the National Guard nearly broadly for almost anything right now, Baldwin said.  This is professionalization and an increased level of training for a force that can already be mobilized.

On Indianas worst day, the National Guard is going to be there  alongside the state police and local law enforcement, he concluded. This legislation is nothing other than preparing Indiana for its worst day.

The bill passed on a vote of 38-10.

All the bills referenced here were amended in the Senate, meaning that the House must consent to the edits, or delegates from both chambers must work out a compromise, before the bills go to Gov. Mike Brauns desk. The session ends Friday.

Deregulating housing, education

Senators advanced three House Republican priority bills tackling regulations and state boards in the span of four minutes on Tuesday morning  with no discussion beyond brief summaries provided by the proposals Senate sponsors.

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A bill to boost the states housing supply by curtailing what its supporters have derided as costly, unnecessary local regulations moved out of the Senate on a 35-13 vote.

House Bill 1001 has come under fire from members of both parties concerned about a one-size-fits-all approach that could overstep into local decision-making.

Another proposal aimed at cutting the number of state boards and commissions advanced 47-1, although it is less ambitious than first proposed this legislative session.

Thick stacks of documents sit on senators desks on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, as the 2026 legislative session nears its end. (Photo by Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

A previous version of House Bill 1003 targeted 63 boards, commissions, committees and councils for elimination at the end of this year. Senate amendments dialed that number back to 41 and delayed the eliminations until July 2027 to allow for possible changes during next years session.

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The Senate version retains the states Natural Resources Commission, which the House-backed bill wouldve scrapped.

Another contentious action remains in the bill, however: elimination of the Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission, with its building code responsibilities shifting to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.

Also approved was a measure continuing a multi-year effort to strip unused or outdated language from Indianas education code. Senators approved House Bill 1004 in a vote of 28-20.

CDL limits, public records and carbon sequestration

A Bureau of Motor Vehicles bill commandeered Tuesday for driver English-language and immigration checks exited the Senate one day later on a unanimous, 48-0 vote.

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New language folded into House Bill 1200 would require commercial drivers licensees to pass a skills exam in English to operate a commercial truck in Indiana. Drivers could also lose their CDLs if they lack legal immigration status.

An anti-bot overhaul of the states public records law additionally garnered unanimous support in a 48-0 vote. House Bill 1360 would allow state and local public agencies to set up online portals distinguishing bots from humans and Hoosiers from out-of-staters.

Sen. Liz Brown, the Senate sponsor, offered her colleagues a poem: There once was a bot named Chat whose need for info was bad; if you want the data, you will now use CAPTCHA, or else the county can say nah.

Senators flip through thick stacks of yellow documents while listening to debate on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, as the 2026 legislative session nears its end. (Photo by Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Despite sustained local opposition to all things carbon dioxide storage, the Senate approved legislation requiring the Department of Natural Resources to pursue primacy over the well permits for those projects. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency currently reviews them.

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House Bill 1368, which also outlines a state-level regulatory scheme, moved on a 29-19 vote.

Care for young and old Hoosiers

Another measure would require the states Department of Child Services to publicly release more information about child abuse fatalities through a beefed-up annual report and to news media. House Bill 1257 passed out of the Senate on a unanimous, 48-0 vote.

House Bill 1277, pitched as a fix for Indianas troubled Pathways for Aging Medicaid program, passed the Senate in a unanimous, 47-0 vote. Pathways is a managed care model for long-term services and supports.

Tuesday was the deadline for bills to receive votes in the opposite chamber from which they originated. Lawmakers have through Friday  the planned end of the legislative session  to finalize their proposals.

Deputy Editor Tom Davies contributed.

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Mandelson is being investigated under suspicion of criminal misconduct in public office. He denies any wrongdoing. | Credit: Justin Tallis / AFP / Getty Images

The arrests of Peter Mandelson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor have shone a spotlight on the centuries-old common-law offence of misconduct in public office. Neither man has yet been charged, and both deny wrongdoing, but should police investigations proceed to prosecution, this vague and complex offence could be challenging for lawyers to prove.

Securing a conviction for misconduct in public office is a notoriously difficult task, said The Telegraph. There are fewer than 50 convictions a year and none of those have involved high-profile individuals.

What is it?

The offence of misconduct in public office has been dated back to 1599. Its a common-law offence, which means it was established by judicial precedent, rather than a specific Act of Parliament. It had fallen into disuse but was revived in recent times to catch corrupt police officers whose misconduct didnt fall easily into other well-established offences. It carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

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The offence has four main elements, all of which must be proved:

 The individual is a public officer acting as such.

 The individual wilfully neglects to perform his or her duty and/or wilfully misconducts himself or herself.

 The conduct is to such a degree that it amounts to an abuse of the publics trust in the office holder.

 The conduct is without reasonable excuse or justification.

The widely acknowledged problem with these elements is their vagueness. What constitutes a public duty is not defined and the meaning of public trust is fairly elastic, said The New Statesman. Few would say its a satisfactory area of law.

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The Law Commission has proposed that the offence be abolished, and the government has included some replacement offences in the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, also known as the Hillsborough Law. But that bill is currently stalled in Parliament and is not yet law (and may never be).

Who has been convicted for it?

The offence is clearly intended for charging those in trusted public office who have betrayed that trust. It was described by legal scholar Sir William Blackstone, way back in 1765, as a crime of deep malignity. In its modern incarnation, it has mainly been used to punish misconduct by junior and mid-ranking public officials, with police and prison officers accounting for 92% of convictions between 2014 and 2024, according to the Institute For Government.

In 2009, former MP Damian Green was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office but he was not charged. In 2016, former MEP Nikki Sinclaire was charged and tried but acquitted. Last year, independent MP Dan Norris was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, as well as sexual assault and rape, and investigations are still ongoing.

In 2019, former prime minister Boris Johnson was summoned to face a private prosecution for misconduct in a public office  over allegations that he has misled the British public about the cost of European Union membership in the run-up to Brexit. The High Court dismissed the case and the summons was overturned.

What could happen now?

As the law around the offence that both Mandelson and Mountbatten-Windsor are being investigated for is famously vague, it complicates the task, said Robert Hazell, a professor of politics and government at University College London, on The Conversation. If any charges are brought, lawyers will have to devote more time and effort to understanding the elements of the offence, and then ensuring that they can prove each element.

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There are allegations that both men shared confidential government information with Jeffrey Epstein. Under this law, if sensitive government material was shared without proper authority, the question would be whether that amounted to a deliberate breach of official duty, said Simarjot Singh Judge, a managing partner at Judge Law. Prosecutors would need to establish intent, seriousness, and whether the conduct crossed the threshold into criminal wrongdoing.

Given the seriousness of this offence, convictions typically result in an immediate custodial sentence, said law firm K&L Gates in a briefing paper. Although the maximum sentence is life imprisonment, sentences imposed to date have generally been lower.
Norwegian renewable energy solutions provider Scatec has achieved financial closure and commenced construction on the 130MW Barzalosa solar power facility in Colombia.

BTG Pactual Comercializadora de Energia, a subsidiary of Banco BTG Pactual in Brazil, previously signed a 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA) for the project.

This PPA will cover approximately 85% of the projected output, with the remaining portion marketed within the Colombian electricity sector.

The development involves Scatec holding a 65% equity stake, with Norfund supplementing the remaining share.

Total capital expenditure for the project is estimated at $121m. Funding will be secured from a combination of non-recourse debt and equity, maintaining a leverage ratio of approximately 70%.

Bancolombia and Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional are providing senior loans for the project.

As the main developer, Scatec will also serve as the engineering, procurement and construction provider.

In addition, Scatec will deliver operations and maintenance (O&M) and asset management services for the facility.

The solar plant is on course to achieve its commercial operation date (COD) in the first half of 2027 (H1 2027).

Scatec CEO Terje Pilskog said: Financial close marks a key step in advancing the Barzalosa project in Colombia.

With a robust financing structure and a long-term PPA in place with a strong offtaker, the project is well positioned for construction and delivery. We are pleased to support Colombias transition towards clean energy.

Last month, the company signed a PPA with the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company for 1.95GW of solar power and 3.9 gigawatt-hours of battery energy storage systems in Egypt.

Under the agreement, Scatec will construct an integrated hybrid facility combining solar power and battery storage to provide consistent, 24/7 renewable baseload electricity.

"Scatec begins construction on 130MW solar plant in Colombia" was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




A bill that would prohibit state funds from going towards low-earning university degrees was discussed in the Missouri Senate Education Committee on Tuesday.

The legislation would cut state funds for student financial aid and operational costs for students in programs where graduates do not earn more in their field than someone with only a high school diploma in that same field.

The bills sponsor, Republican state Sen. Rick Brattin of Harrisonville, said the bill falls in line with new federal regulations and a federal earnings test, which evaluates what is considered low-earning.

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Its a good way of weights and measures to ensure that whatever were subsidizing and investing money in, is one thats going to actually pay off dividends for these students, Brattin said.

Under the bills provisions, if a degree program, on average, does not generate earnings for its recipients greater than those of non-degree holders for two out of three years, those programs would be considered low-earning.

Grace Desjardins, the legislative director of the Associated Students of the University of Missouri, testified against the bill. She cited concerns over the short timeline that the bill provides students.

Many fields like education and research, the fields that I intend to do in the state, do not show their economic value four years after completion, Desjardins said.

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Desjardins said that graduates earnings are only measured for up to four years after graduation. She argued that this could spell trouble for programs that require further training or experience before seeing full earnings, adding, Nursing programs often require additional licensure and experience before wages rise.

Desjardins said that while she believes the bill has good intentions, it would only complicate students academic journeys due to fluctuating funding statuses.

A program could be more fundable one year and less the next, Desjardins said. That uncertainty makes it harder for students in Missouri to plan.

Brattin said he also brought the bill due to his concerns about the growing student debt problem nationwide, and added that his bill is not prohibiting any degree program from being offered.

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According to the fiscal note included with the bill, if implemented, it could save the state over $25 million. Brattin equates this to 645 students in the first two years, that would potentially be saved from this riddled debt.

This is just ensuring that if youre going to take these, you know, going eyes wide open into what youre getting into, Brattin said.

This story originally appeared in the Columbia Missourian. It can be republished in print or online.
A North Carolina mom of three who vanished while Christmas shopping 24 years ago left behind her family because of ongoing domestic issues, she told authorities.

Michele Lyn Hundley Smith, then 38, left her home in Eden, just south of the Virginia border, to go Christmas shopping in December 2001, but never returned. However, authorities on Friday announced that Smith, now 62, had been found alive and well.

She was in good health, Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page told People Magazine.

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Let me just say there were no allegations of foul play regarding to her leaving, Page said. But according to Ms. Smith, she said she left due to ongoing domestic issues at the time.

He noted that she did not elaborate on that, and said the sheriffs office had no record of her reporting a domestic issue before her disappearance.

Michele Lyn Hundley Smith was reported missing after going Christmas shopping in December 2001 and never returned home. However, authorities located the missing woman in an undisclosed location on Friday (FBI)

Page lauded detectives for a job well done, noting most missing persons cases dont see this type of resolution.

They went and found this young lady that [has] been missing for many years, 20-plus years. And we dont see a lot of the missing persons cases like that, Page said. But now at least the family has closure and they know shes okay.

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Smiths disappearance rattled local authorities over two decades ago, prompting a years-long search that involved multiple agencies, including the FBI. At the time of her disappearance, authorities described her as an endangered adult and said she would not leave her kids by choice.

The Rockingham County Sheriffs Office on Friday said it found Smith after detectives received new information about the circumstances surrounding her disappearance nearly 25 years ago.

Investigators made contact with Smith at an undisclosed location in North Carolina after receiving the tip. Her current whereabouts have not been shared, but her family has been notified of her situation, authorities said.

After the missing woman was located, detectives referred the case to the local district attorneys office.

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Of course the question was, she had three children when she left, they were with the dad, Page told the outlet. Our detectives have been in contact with the district attorneys office, if theres any consideration for any charges along the lines of abandonment or anything like that.

No charges had been filed as of Wednesday.

A missing person posted from when Smith disappeared described her as an endangered adult who would not leave her kids by choice (Rockingham County Sheriff's Office)

On Sunday, one of Smith's shocked children wrote that the discovery had brought on a whirlwind of emotions in a post shared to a Facebook page dedicated to locating Smith.

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! they wrote.

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Will I have a relationship once more with my mom? Honestly I cant answer that because I dont even know.

The post continued: My initial reaction would be yes, absolutely, but then I think of all the hurtBut even then, my mom is only human, just as we all are.

While Smiths child acknowledged 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.

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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."
NEED TO KNOW

A woman alleges she and her 3-year-old were held hostage by a man she was meeting for a first date

She told police Saady Mijail Castellanos Triminio offered to buy tickets for them to visit him on his birthday for their first date

She alleges Castellanos Triminio grew angry when she refused to kiss him

A Florida man is under arrest on kidnapping charges after a woman accused him of holding her and her child against their will in his home.

Officers responded to a report of false imprisonment at a Miami, Fla., residence around 2:45 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by PEOPLE.

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Police found the woman and her 3-year-old and rescued them.

Saady Mijail Castellanos Triminio, 34, was arrested on a slew of charges, including kidnapping.

Investigators learned the woman, who lives in Orlando, had met Castellanos Triminio on the Facebook Dating app about two weeks prior to the incident, per the arrest affidavit reviewed by PEOPLE.

After several video calls, the two discussed meeting, she told police, and Castellanos Triminio allegedly offered to buy her a ticket to Miami for them to meet and celebrate his birthday.

The woman and her daughter traveled to Miami on Friday for what she believed was their first date at a restaurant. But Castellanos Triminio picked them up, ordered pizza and took them to his home, according to the affidavit.

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Once at his residence, the woman told police, she began feeling uneasy.

The suspect allegedly asked to kiss her, which she declined. She said she wanted to go home and began collecting her things.

The suspect allegedly threatened her by saying that leaving was "too dangerous" before blocking her exit, she told police.

After she tried to text a friend, Castellanos Triminio allegedly took her phone briefly, she said. When she began screaming, he allegedly covered her mouth until she told him she could't breathe, she said, per the affidavit.

The woman was able to escape to a room with her child, and called her friend, who then called 911.

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.

One of the two responding officers was still on the phone with the woman's friend when they arrived at Castellanos Triminio's residence. The officer asked the friend to tell the woman to make some noise so they could locate her.

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The woman began screaming for help when Castellanos Triminio opened the door to police, who then detained him.

He has been charged with kidnapping, robbery, child neglect and battery by strangulation, according to the affidavit.

Online court records show Castellanos Triminio pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Read the original article on People
KYIV, Feb 25 (Reuters) - More than 1,700 Africans are fighting for Russia in its war in Ukraine, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on Wednesday, adding that Moscow was using deception to trick them into fighting.

Speaking alongside his counterpart from Ghana, Sybiha said that discussions were taking place with governments across Africa to prevent their citizens from being drawn into such schemes. Ghana will chair the African Union regional bloc next year.

"We clearly see that Russia is trying to drag African citizens into a deadly war," Sybiha told a news conference. "According to our data, there are currently over 1,780 citizens from the African continent fighting in the Russian army."

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The African fighters came from 36 different countries spread across the continent, he added.

Russian authorities have denied illegally recruiting African citizens to fight in the armed forces.

However, reports of African men being lured into Russia with promises of jobs and ending up on Ukraine's front line have become more frequent in recent months, creating tensions between Moscow and some of the countries involved.

Ghana's Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said that many of the Africans fighting for Russia were victims of deception, lured on the dark web with the promise of ordinary jobs.

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"They have no security background. They have no military background. They have not been trained," Ablakwa said. "They were just lured and deceived, and then put on the frontlines."

Ablakwa expressed solidarity with Ukraine and called for a ceasefire to end the war, which marked its fourth anniversary on Tuesday. He said that he would ask Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to release two Ghanaian prisoners of war, who were captured fighting for Russia.

Ghana would promote schemes to raise public awareness about trafficking networks deceptively recruiting for Russian forces during its presidency of the African Union, Ablakwa said.

(Reporting by Anna Plucinska and Daniel Flynn; Editing by Alison Williams)
CHARLESTON  Patrick Morrisey updated residents Tuesday about the states budget and efforts to lower income taxes and pass legislation benefiting the entire state.

Speaking during a conference streamed live from Charleston, Morrisey said he was urging the Legislature to adopt a state budget that fully funds school choice, protects health care and public safety, delivers meaningful tax relief and strengthens West Virginias long-term competitiveness.

Every dollar we allocate reflects a choice about who and what we stand for, Morrisey said. This budget puts West Virginia families first, protects our core responsibilities, and puts our state on a path to long-term growth.

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Morrisey said the proposed budget fully funds the Hope Scholarship, ensuring thousands of West Virginians can continue to access educational opportunities that best fit their childrens needs.

The proposed budget also fully funds a 5% income tax cut while maintaining core services. The governor said he is asking lawmakers to collaborate with him to find an additional 5%, noting that surrounding states have lowered their income taxes.

I really believe we need to have an across the board income tax cut, and Ive said that because Im very worried about the affordability challenges that were facing, Morrisey said. And I also know that we have to stay more competitive with other states that we touch. If we dont do that, were going to lose out in a lot of the competition that were having. When you have Pennsylvania at 3.07%, you have Ohio moving down to 2.75 (%) and Kentucky going to 3.5 (%) and West Virginia at the highest rate of 4.82 (%), one of those does not look like the others. We have to get more competitive.

Morrisey said his administration has made budget requests that are fiscally responsible.

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And were really excited about that because we think thats a model that can be pretty beneficial as the House and the Senate have to come together, he said. We are looking to be a good partner with them to make sure we can accommodate the concerns that our citizens have. But lets step back a minute because a lot of people talk about well, can you afford to do a tax cut? Well, I think we have to do a tax cut, an across the board tax cut.

The governor said West Virginia now has the financial standing that would allow a state income tax reduction.

We made tough budget decisions and tightened spending over the last year, cutting red tape and eliminating waste so state government works more efficiently, Morrisey said. That strong fiscal discipline has put us in a position to deliver meaningful tax relief without sacrificing essential services and returning money to the people who earned it.

The governor also called on lawmakers to advance legislation authorizing funding for the Rural Health Transformation Program, which would allow for the deployment of nearly $200 million in secured federal funding to expand telehealth, recruit providers, strengthen behavioral health services, stabilize rural hospitals and improve patient transportation.

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Morrisey said Tuesday that the Legislature has 18 days left to act and that he was ready to work with any member of the House and Senate to get to a good result.

Im very encouraged by a lot of things that I see in this legislative session, and Im eager to partner with them because we win and we rise and fall as a team, he said. If were all working together, thats how were going to realize a lot of these big economic development wins. Over the next 30 days were going to have some really, really big announcements and its exciting. And its things that people are going to be able to point to and say Wow, look at the team effort that led to these incredible results.

Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com
Donald Trumps State of the Union address was the longest ever given. But to understand its core purpose  arguably, the core purpose of his presidency  you need only to hear one line.

It came during a discussion of the SAVE Act, a Republican bill designed to combat the fictitious scourge of noncitizen voting. Democrats, Trump claimed, only opposed the bill because they want to cheat. And then he took it much further.

Their policy is so bad that the only way they can get elected is to cheat, Trump said on Tuesday night. Were going to stop it. We have to stop it.

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Think about that for a second. This is the president of the United States, speaking to the country in a ritualized national address, claiming that the opposition party is not only wrong on policy but fundamentally illegitimate, so much so that if they win an election it must be because they cheated.

Taken literally, that is the president announcing that the stated policy of his administration is preventing the opposition from winning any future election.

Were all so used to wading through Trumps sea of hyperbole that its easy to push past a bald-faced declaration of authoritarian intent. And to be clear, I dont think the SAVE Act  or anything else Trump has proposed so far  could actually lock Democrats out of power. There is a real gap between what he is saying and what he is capable of doing.

Still, we have very good reason to think that Trump really does believe that Democrats cannot win without cheating.

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When he last lost an election, in 2020, he claimed  and has continued to falsely insist  that the contest was stolen. His supporters took this so seriously that, after a fiery Trump speech at the White House on January 6, they marched on the Capitol building and ransacked the very chamber in which he spoke tonight.

He even referenced these grievances in the State of the Union, saying this should be my third term, but strange things happen.

Not rivals, but enemies

Trumps vitriol is different from the normal partisanship of pre-Trump State of the Unions. Prior presidents might attack, or even mock, the other partys policy ideas. But they would treat their opponents as political rivals: as people they disagreed with who were nevertheless partners in the shared project of democracy.

In many ways, thats the conceit of the entire State of the Union tradition: that the president, in speaking before Congress, is giving an accounting of his actions to the nation as a whole, divided in opinion but united in purpose.

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But Trump doesnt see Democrats as opponents. He sees them as enemies.

I mean enemies here in the specific sense used by interwar German legal theorist Carl Schmitt. In his view, the liberal idea of politics  a community of political equals engaged in a shared project of collective governance  was a fantasy. For Schmitt, politics always comes down to a division between friends (those in your group) and enemies (those outside it, who may be legitimately excluded from political life or even killed).

Schmitts thinking has enjoyed a revival among MAGA intellectuals, a reflection in part of the movements increasingly Manichean view of American politics. Democrats, in this telling, are not just wrong; they are evil, an internal scourge bent on the destruction of America as we know it.

And indeed, this was how Trump talked about Democrats in the State of the Union.

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These people are crazy. Im telling you, theyre crazy. Boy, were lucky we have a country with people like this, he said. Democrats are destroying our country, but weve stopped it, just in the nick of time.

At many times during the rambling speech, Trump sounded optimistic, even sunny. But make no mistake: It is this dark Schmittian vision that dwells at the heart of his politics.
Four of the five members of New Mexicos all-Democratic congressional delegation boycotted President Donald Trumps State of the Union address Tuesday. Instead, several members hosted competing events hammering Trumps handling of the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.

U.S. Reps. Teresa Leger Fernandez and Melanie Stansbury, who represent New Mexicos 3rd and 1st congressional districts respectively, invited survivors of convicted sex offender Epstein to speak at a Democratic Womens Caucus news conference ahead of Trumps joint address.

Stansbury, a member of the House Oversight Committee, lambasted federal officials over reporting from NPR Tuesday that the U.S. Department of Justice withheld documents alleging Trump sexually abused a minor from the trove of federal documents related to the human trafficking investigation.

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We refuse to let the powerful hide behind money, power, and influence, and we refuse to remain silent about Donald Trumps hiding about the truth of his own individual investigation, Stansbury said.

State Rep. Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe), chair of the New Mexico Legislatures Houses new bipartisan Epstein truth commission and Stansburys guest, vowed to: If merited, turn these files into trials.

Our commission will pull together the full story of what happened in our state, she said, noting that the New Mexico Department of Justice reopened the criminal investigation into activities at Epsteins Zorro Ranch in Santa Fe County.

Leger Fernandez, who chairs the caucus, touted the recently introduced federal legislation that would eliminate statutes of limitation in civil cases for victims of sexual abuse and trafficking.

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Elizabeth (Liz) Stein, a survivor advocate and human trafficking specialist, and a guest of Leger Fernandez said: The crimes of Jeffrey Epstein were not committed in isolation. They were enabled by social, financial, political systems that looked the other way.

Trump made no mention of the Epstein investigation in the State of the Union speech.

Romero, who watched from the gallery, said in a Zoom call after the speech she was disappointed.

He did not mention the survivors who have been fighting for justice all of this time, that was striking to me considering how many were in the room, waiting for this moment to be heard, she said.

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Leger Fernandez, Stansbury and U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Lujan all boycotted the State of the Union address Tuesday night.

President Trumps State of the Union summed up his first year back in office: chaos, corruption, and higher costs for the American people, fueled by division and hateful rhetoric instead of a real plan to make life more affordable, Lujan said in a statement following the speech. Rather than acknowledging the pain families are facing, the President pointed fingers while patting himself on the back.

Only Rep. Gabe Vasquez, who represents the states 2nd congressional district, attended.

Vasquez brought Aaron Vega, a primary care physician from Carlsbad, and noted in a statement that despite Trumps speech, the truth is our health care system is struggling and working families cant make ends meet. Serving a rural New Mexican community, my guest sees the impact of Congressional Republicans health care cuts every single day, from clinics budget cuts and staffing challenges to patients struggling to access their medications.




Elon Musk had chummy correspondence with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, according to the latest investigative documents released by the Justice Department. But despite his emailed questions about it, the Texas billionaire is adamant that he never visited the convicted sex offenders private island.

If I had ever been there, Epstein would have bragged about it endlessly and used my visit as a means of getting others to go, like he did when Reid Hoffman went, Musk wrote on X, referring to the LinkedIn co-founder who worked at PayPal alongside Musk in the early 2000s. Hoffman visited Epsteins island in 2014.

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Musk, though, maintains he never went. Still, he and others in his circle had periodic communication with Epstein about festivities and business matters  including questions about the best time for an island visit.

RELATED: Elon Musk and Jeffrey Epstein had closer ties than disclosed, newly released files show

What Musk said about visiting Jeffrey Epsteins private island

A November 2012 email indicated Musks interest in visiting the island for a party. The Tesla Inc. CEO asked Epstein, what day/night will be the wildest party on your island?

Later that year, he continued to show interest in parties, telling Epstein I really want to hit the party scene in St Barts or elsewhere and let loose.

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Musk's Austin-based EV maker was also a topic of discussion between Musk and Epstein. In a July 2013 email, Epstein told Musk the former Prime Minister of Israel Ehud Bask wanted to discuss bringing Tesla to his country.

Not a week passes without a request from someone important in Israel (and other countries) wanting to bring Tesla there, Musk wrote in an emailed response. What they dont appreciate is that Tesla is production constrained, not demand constrained. When production has increased to the point of addressing the major markets, then we will start shipping to tiny markets.

Musk associate and communications consultant Juleanna Glover also chatted with Epstein.

Shortly after Musks infamous 2018 tweet that he was considering taking Tesla private at $420 a share and had secured funding  a move that resulted in a civil securities fraud charge  Glover emailed Epstein about funds.

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If you are advising re: sovereign funds looking to help a prominent company go private, let me know if I can help w any approp additional information. Thanks, Glover wrote in an August 2018 email.

Epstein gave a one word reply of clever, after which Glover continued to boast about Tesla. She called Autopilot, Teslas driver-assistance system, the elephant in the room all see but dont comprehend and discussed the Model X and Ss enviable profit margins. Then, Glover went on to praise Musk.

Interesting fact about leader is that those around him accomplish the impossible because they witness his ethics and drive  yes sometimes also too transparent and without artifice, but that is always as a reaction to a perceived injustice or malfeasance, she wrote.

All nice, but bottom line is at the core. That being said, I only say great things about your boy, Epstein wrote back.

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The two had other correspondence, including an email Epstein sent to Glover on Sept. 17, 2018, while Musk was in hot water with the Securities and Exchange Commission over his illegal securities post. Epstein wrote, rough road ahead. Sorry.

Who else appears in the latest Epstein files release?

Other people in Musks orbit also appear in the Justice Department files. They include his brother Kimbal Musk, who also says he never visited the island, and investor and Musk confidant Jason Calacanis, who declined a coffee meet-up with Epstein.

Joe Rogan, with whom Musk sat down for an interview, was also in the latest batch of documents. They show Epstein tried to be introduced to Rogan through physicist Lawrence Krauss after Krauss appeared on The Joe Rogan Experience in 2017. But Epstein didnt get the introduction hed hoped for and, Rogan recently said, I would have never went anyway.

Musks companies were referenced in other documents, too. A friend of Epsteins lamented on the wait for ordering a Model X.

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By the way do you happen to know the people who make the Tesla electric car? I would like to order 3 of Tesla X model but the order Queue is so long, one email read. Philanthropist Barnaby Marsh said in a February 2018 email with a tesla in space subject line said musk publicity stunt is brilliant.

Still, Musk has continued to distance himself from Epstein and has endorsed online chatter that he blocked email contact from Epstein.

That really made him upset. After I ghosted him, Epstein went on a massive campaign to short Tesla and got Gates to short 1% of Tesla stock when the market cap was $40B, Musk wrote on X, adding that someone should ask how thats working out.
Nancy Guthrie Case Update: An experienced Mexican volunteer search group traveled to Arizona to use their expertise to help find Savannah Guthrie's mother. However, the Pima County Sheriff's Department has denied them access to the main search sites. The group that has helped in other complex disappearance cases still hopes to support law enforcement efforts to find Nancy Guthrie.

Who Is the Mexican Search Group That Wants To Help Find Nancy Guthrie?

Lidia Hernandez and Rachel Navarro, who are part of the Madres Buscadoras De Sonora (Searching Mothers of Sonora), pray at a memorial set up next to the driveway of Nancy Guthrie's home. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Photo by Joe Raedle on Getty Images (Photo by Joe Raedle on Getty Images)

CNN has reported that members of a group of experts who volunteer to help searches for missing people traveled to Arizona to help look for Nancy Guthrie. Known as Madres Buscadoras de Sonora (Searching Mothers of Sonora), the group that has a documented history of success is comprised of Mexican volunteers, mothers, and wives.

In January 2024, the group told Aztec Reports that they found the remains of 50 people in 30 hidden graves in Mexicos Sonoran Desert over a period of just three days. Later in July 2025, the Mexico Daily Post reported on the group announcing they'd found three graves with human remains and more than 200 items of clothing in Hermosillo, Sonora. The leader, Cecilia Flores, founded the first chapter in 2019 after she had two sons go missing. Since then, she has revealed that she has gotten threats from criminal groups trying to stop her efforts.

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An AOL report on Madres Buscadoras de Sonora detailed how the volunteers have achieved its successes in other searches. "They probe soil with metal rods to detect disturbances or decomposition smells, target disturbed earth, and conduct 'life searches' by approaching homeless individuals with flyers, food, and conversations."

While the group has uncovered evidence that others missed, it is important to note that they don't always succeed. Their results vary on a case-by-case basis.

Why Officials Turned Them Away

Rachel Navarro, who is part of the Madres Buscadoras De Sonora (Searching Mothers of Sonora), looks in a culvert as she searches for any possible sign of Nancy Guthrie near her. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

CNN's report about Madres Buscadoras de Sonora attempting to join the search for Nancy Guthrie stated that they'd hoped to begin their efforts on February 24. However, they were denied the permit needed to gain access to search the key areas of the Arizona desert over fears they'd disturb the investigation. Still, they carried out limited searches in permitted places, distributed flyers featuring Guthrie's picture, and plan to continue their efforts in the Mexican border town of Nogales.

The Pima County Sheriff's Department announced on February 21, 2026, that they had blocked volunteers from joining the search in some cases. While the Department's post on X revealing that fact didn't mention Madres Buscadoras de Sonora, it aligns with the decision to deny their requested permit.

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"Private Search Parties: Volunteer search groups have inquired about being in the area. Per the Sheriff, they were asked to please give investigators the space they need to do their work. We appreciate their concern, and we all want to find Nancy, but this work is best left to professionals. PCSD has volunteer opportunities if they wish to get involved with the department. Private property laws apply and it is up to each individual property owner to grant permission for someone to search their property."

Private Search Parties: Volunteer search groups have inquired about being in the area. Per the Sheriff, they were asked to please give investigators the space they need to do their work. 1/3  Pima County Sheriff's Department (@PimaSheriff) February 21, 2026

A 2024 Dutch study on volunteers helping in missing person cases detailed why law enforcement officials often view citizen search efforts with reluctance. They cite concerns about safety, losing control of search areas, and evidence destruction as the primary motivations for discouraging those kinds of efforts.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Feb 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the apparent kidnapping of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie. As the investigation continues, some new evidence has emerged, and one expert seems to think that the kidnapper should be "extremely worried."

Over the weekend, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos opened up a bit about some challenges investigators were facing regarding a DNA sample that was collected. However, despite those challenges, one expert seems to be optimistic about using DNA to ultimately find the kidnapper.

'Mixed' DNA Poses Challenges

In an episode on NBC Nightly News that aired Saturday, Nanos said that the DNA samples that were obtained from the house are mixed, meaning they contain DNA from more than one individual.

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Our lab tells us that there are challenges with it, Nanos said. 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.

CeCe Moore, the chief genetic genealogist at Parabon Nanolabs, told People that this makes it more difficult to identify a potential match.

A complex mixture is much more difficult to work with, says Moore, who has helped law enforcement solve more than 300 cold cases using DNA and genetic genealogy. The more people you get in that DNA (sample), particularly unknown people's DNA, the harder it is to just isolate one person's out of that.

Kidnapper Should be 'Extremely Worried'

Even though the mixed DNA sample makes things a little more difficult, Moore sounds optimistic that it could be used to ultimately track down the kidnapper. In fact, she thinks that the kidnapper should be "extremely worried" about the fact that a DNA sample was obtained.

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If I was the kidnapper, I would be extremely worried right now, particularly if I knew there was some kind of altercation, or I knew I touched things in there, Moore told People.

While the assailant seemed to attempt to avoid leaving DNA evidence behind while wearing gloves and a mask, Moore thinks that he still could have left some DNA traces behind.

It looked like he may have had a bite flashlight in his mouth, she explains. When you see him bending over toward the camera, I think it's very possible saliva could have been left because of that."

Moore said that the assailant could have transferred his saliva onto those gloves and then onto anything he touched, like a doorknob or another surface. No matter how careful he was, Moore said it's likely he left DNA behind.

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"And so he should be very concerned," Moore said. "I think it would be extremely difficult to be in a location for approximately 40 minutes and not leave your DNA behind, even with the way he was dressed."

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Feb 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Shell and METLEN have formalised a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in the US capital of Washington, DC to cooperate on the supply and trading of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

The MoU covers joint activities for the annual supply and trading of between 500 million and one billion cubic metres (bcm) of LNG during the period 202731.

Deliveries are scheduled for Greeces LNG regasification facilities at Revithoussa and Alexandroupolis. Additional plans include utilising the Vertical Gas Corridor to access further European markets beyond south-east Europe.

The Revithoussa terminal is situated on an islet west of Athens and currently represents the only Greek facility for receiving temporary storage, regasification and onward supply of LNG to the national transmission system.

The Alexandroupolis floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) became operational in 2024. It has a regasification capacity of up to 5.5bcm per year.

METLEN executive chairman Evangelos Mytilineos said: This MoU with Shell marks an important step in strengthening METLENs role in the European natural gas markets. Our cooperation confirms our shared commitment to enhancing Europes energy resilience, while supporting Greeces evolution into a key energy hub in the region.

Representatives signing the MoU included METLEN international energy supply and trading chief executive director Panagiotis Kanellopoulos and Shell LNG executive vice-president Tom Summers.

The event took place in the presence of Greece's Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros, N Papastavrou; US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright; US Secretary of the Interior and National Energy Dominance Council chairman Doug Burgum; US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle; and Shell US president Colette Hirstius.

The MoU sets out a framework for collaboration in line with the Vertical Gas Corridor initiative.

The Vertical Gas Corridor is designed to increase connectivity between Greece and countries such as Bulgaria, Hungary, Moldova, Romania, Slovakia and Ukraine using existing infrastructure, including the newly operational Alexandroupolis FSRU and the Trans-Balkan Pipeline.

This corridor offers an alternative route for gas supply into Europe and connects to substantial underground storage in Ukraine.

Shell continues to be a major purchaser of US LNG with significant shipping capacity and a large market portfolio.

According to Shells LNG outlook released in late 2025, global demand for the commodity could rise by around 60% by 2040. The demand will be driven by factors including economic growth in Asia and efforts to reduce emissions in heavy industry and transport, alongside impacts from AI.
NASA revealed that astronaut Mike Fincke was the crew member who suffered a medical incident at the International Space Station in January, which prompted the agency to carry out the first evacuation due to a medical issue in the space stations 25-year history.

The rare decision to cut a mission short and bring Fincke and three other crew members home early made for a dramatic week in space early this year.

In a statement released by NASA at the request of Fincke, the veteran astronaut said he experienced a medical event on Jan. 7 that required immediate attention from his space station crew members.

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Thanks to their quick response and the guidance of our NASA flight surgeons, my status quickly stabilized, Fincke, 58, said in the statement.

The medical incident forced NASA to cancel a spacewalk that had been planned for Jan. 8. That same day, the agency said it was considering an early return for the four-person Crew-11 mission, which included Fincke and fellow NASA astronaut Zena Cardman, Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov.

At the time, NASA said the situation was stable but did not provide additional details about the incident or the affected crew member due to medical privacy concerns.

Fincke is helped out of the SpaceX Dragon Endeavour spacecraft onboard the SpaceX recovery ship Shannon after he, NASA astronaut Zena Cardman, Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov landed in the Pacific Ocean off San Diego on Jan. 15. (Bill Ingalls / NASA) (Bill Ingalls)

Fincke, Cardman, Yui and Platonov had been living and working aboard the International Space Station since early August and were originally expected to stay at the orbiting outpost until late February.

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Instead, top NASA officials and the agencys chief health and medical officer opted to bring the astronauts back to Earth a week after the incident occurred.

After further evaluation, NASA determined the safest course was an early return for Crew-11  not an emergency, but a carefully coordinated plan to be able to take advantage of advanced medical imaging not available on the space station, Fincke said in the statement.

The four Crew-11 astronauts departed the space station on Jan. 14, undocking from the ISS in the same SpaceX Dragon capsule that flew them to the space station. After a nearly 11-hour journey, the capsule splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of San Diego, in the early morning hours of Jan. 15.

In a post-landing news briefing, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said it was a serious situation in orbit but added that the crew member in question had been safe and stable ever since.

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In his statement, Fincke thanked his Crew-11 colleagues, along with NASA astronaut Chris Williams and Russian cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev, who were also aboard the space station at the time and are still in space. Fincke also thanked the teams at NASA, SpaceX and the medical professionals at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla.

Their professionalism and dedication ensured a positive outcome, he said.

Fincke ended his statement by saying he is doing very well and still actively involved with standard post-flight reconditioning at NASAs Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Spaceflight is an incredible privilege, and sometimes it reminds us just how human we are, he said. Thank you for all your support.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Six pilots and crew from a New York National Guard helicopter unit made a pair of flights into an active firefight in 2023 to rescue a team of French special forces soldiers who had been ambushed by Islamic State fighters. The mission received almost no public attention in the U.S until last weekend, when all six received valor awards from the French army.

The six guardsmen received the French National Defense Gold Medal, an award roughly equivalent to the U.S. militarys Bronze Star Medal with a V device for valor. Deployed to Erbil, Iraq, as a CH-47 Chinook unit, the crews flew through a full night, once nearly running out of fuel, as they first inserted French special forces troops into the fight to reinforce the ambushed team, then made a return flight to collect the full force.

Two of the soldiers on the mission, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jared Twigg, a pilot, and Sgt. Samuel Sacco, a crew chief, spoke to Task & Purpose about the mission.

Theres a light!

Soldiers from B Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th General Support Aviation Battalion, which includes elements from five state guards, deployed to the Middle East in January 2023. The units five crews flew on a rotating schedule: two flew routine daily cargo missions on what they called a ring route to outposts in Syria and the Tower 22 outpost in Jordan. Two other crews would sit as the alert ships for middle-of-the-night missions, while a fifth crew would get some days off. Many of the soldiers were veterans of Afghanistan, but they hadnt seen combat on the deployment, Twigg said.

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It was close to 10 p.m., Aug. 28, when the call came in. Within minutes, Twigg realized the mission would be serious.

As crews rushed to prep the aircraft and the pilots gathered intel, American infantrymen boarded the Chinooks and buckled up, ready to go. But minutes later, under orders the aircrew never heard, the American soldiers stood and filed off as French special forces soldiers took their place.

So there was a bit of a wake-up call for me when I realized French commandos were coming out and something was really going on, Twigg said.

Five of six New York Army National Guard soldiers awarded the French National Defense Gold Medal with Bronze Star on Feb. 22, 2026. From left, Staff Sgt. Jedediah Estrada, Staff Sgt. Samuel Sacco, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jared Twigg, Retired Chief Warrant Officer 3 Aaron Taylor, and Chief Warrant Officer 4 Christopher Scott. Not pictured is Sgt. Zachary Albright. Army photo by Sgt. Jean Sanon.

There was more: during the firefight, one of the French commandos in the field had become separated and was missing.

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The TOC radioed to us that [a surveillance aircraft] had located a signature in a ditch they believed to be their MIA soldier, Twigg said. So we relayed those coordinates to the French that were on the aircraft, and then we launched.

Above the village of Hawija, two Apache helicopters, an AC-130 gunship, and a F-16 fighter jet were providing aerial support for the French. But as the Chinooks flew in, Sacco said, they couldnt see the combat in the darkness. The two Chinooks were giant targets, as he put it, but they didnt take fire.

As they drew close, there was no sign of life. Then an infrared strobe started flashing.

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Theres a light! Theres a light! Sacco recalled shouting.

The two helicopters landed just feet from a soldier holding the strobe and the French commandos ran down the helicopters rear ramp towards the ambushed unit.

The two Chinooks flew the 70 miles to Baghdad to refuel. As the crews sat in their helicopters for five hours, sirens sounded. The airfield was under attack, but the crews could not leave their running helicopters to seek shelter.

We were just sitting there hoping it wasnt our day, Twigg said.

CH-47 Chinooks from B Company, 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment during the units 2023 deployment to Iraq. The Army National Guard unit includes soldiers from Massachusetts, New York, Maryland, Vermont, and Connecticut. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Shane Hamann.

And while they were waiting on the airfield, they were burning fuel they would later need.

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Finally, the signal came. The crew flew back to Hawija, where the French had recovered the body of their missing soldier. As they took off, an F-16 dropped a JDAM bomb onto the site.

We didnt know exactly when, but we knew they were preparing to drop it, Sacco, who was looking backwards from the Chinooks rear. And then my goggles washed out for one to two seconds.

Flying home with one fuel light

There was one last snag. Rather than return to Erbil, the Chinooks were told to drop half of the French force near Balad, beyond at the edge of their fuels range.

As we dropped off those guys, we lost a considerable amount of weight, Twigg said. We got back to Erbil with maybe only one fuel light on.

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According to French media, the five-hour firefight killed one French commando, Sgt. Nicolas Mazier, of Air Parachute Commando No. 10, and wounded several more French and Iraqi soldiers. French authorities said more than 30 Islamic State fighters had been killed. Frances Then-Chief of National Defense Staff, Gen. Thierry Burkhard, authorized the medals for the six National Guard soldiers in March 2024  though the guardsmen heard nothing about it.

I found out about the award when a certificate showed up in my [personnel] file, Twigg said.
NATO is falling behind in the race to build icebreakers, a top Norwegian military official said.

The official identified icebreakers as a capability gap between NATO and Russia and China.

These ships would be critical in a war in the Arctic, where tensions are rising.

NATO forces are falling behind Russia and China in the race to build icebreakers, ships that would be crucial in an Arctic war, a top Norwegian military official told Business Insider.

In an interview, Vice Adm. Rune Andersen, chief of the Norwegian Joint Headquarters, identified icebreakers as one of the key capability gaps that exist between NATO and its rivals in the Arctic.

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Russia and China are the only two countries that are building icebreakers at scale. The West has been "falling behind" in its ability to operate fully in the Arctic compared to Moscow and Beijing, Andersen said last week.

Russia has dozens of icebreakers  roughly 40 by some estimates, far more than any other country  while China, which has increased its Arctic activity in recent years, fields around five. Moscow and Beijing plan to work together to expand that fleet.

The US, by contrast, fields just one heavy polar icebreaker along with a number of smaller vessels. The Trump administration said last year that the US Coast Guard's fleet of Arctic-capable vessels is "insufficient to meet current operations demands and presents a national security risk." The president also called for a dramatic boost to the overall size of the fleet.

Arctic security has become a growing focal point for NATO in recent years as Russian and Chinese activity expands. Increased competition has spotlighted the icebreaker gap.

Chinese polar research icebreakers set sail from Shanghai. Fang Zhe/Xinhua via Getty Images

These ships, which are purpose-built to crush ice blocking waterways, are critical in this region because they enable better movement across frozen yet strategic terrain, unlocking access to trade routes and natural resources. In a fight, they allow access to the battlespace, as well as enable logistics and support missions.

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Canada, Finland, and other NATO allies add dozens of icebreakers to the Western alliance's ice-breaking arsenal, bringing it closer to parity with Russia, but Arctic experts believe nearly a third of them are past their design life. Russia's fleet is heavier and more specialized, built for heavy-ice operations in ways that many alliance vessels aren't.

A NATO official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss military capabilities, told Business Insider that while Russia may have more of certain maritime platforms than the West, the country still faces readiness challenges that affect its ability to put ships to sea.

This creates "strategic dilemmas with their force projection," the official said.

Andersen said NATO countries have acknowledged the numerical deficit in icebreakers and are making strides to close the gap.

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The Trump administration, for instance, said in October that it plans to order four Arctic Security Cutters, medium icebreaking ships, from Finland and build another seven in American shipyards using Finnish expertise.

The Trump administration has made it a priority to acquire more icebreakers. US Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Briana Carter

The Coast Guard assesses that it needs at least nine of those ships "to serve our national security needs year-round in the Arctic," the White House said at the time.

Finland is the world leader in icebreaker production. Its companies have designed 80% of the world's icebreakers, and its local shipyards have built 60% of them. Other leading countries include Canada, Russia, and China.

Cmdr. Arlo Abrahamson, a spokesperson for NATO's Allied Maritime Command, told Business Insider that member states "are making tangible investments in icebreakers."

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"Our collective capabilities provide allied navies and coast guards the ability to operate in Arctic conditions," he added.

Beyond the icebreakers, NATO allies are investing in other technologies and systems to improve their Arctic foothold, including additional surveillance capabilities, drones, satellites, and vehicles that can withstand cold temperatures.

Western forces have also increased the scale of their Arctic exercises to familiarize soldiers with the harsh terrain and launched new deterrence operations to strengthen their posture across the region.

Read the original article on Business Insider
In a departure from past practices, state officials with active elections oversight are openly supporting candidates this year.

Elections director Sam Hayes attended a Feb. 6 campaign fundraiser for U.S. Rep. Tim Moore (R-N.C.).

State Auditor Dave Boliek, who now oversees the N.C. Board of Elections, campaigned for Senate Leader Phil Berger at an early voting site Tuesday morning. Tuesday afternoon, Boliek led a meeting of a new elections management system commission he created.

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In past years, officials with responsibility for elections have avoided the appearance of favoring political parties or candidates. However, both Hayes and Boliek told NC Newsline Tuesday theyre doing nothing wrong.

I dont have any control over how people vote, Boliek said, before objecting to questions about campaigning for Berger (R-Rockingham). Bergers competitive primary against Rockingham County sheriff Sam Page has drawn national attention.

Gov. Cooper, by the way, had control of the election system and campaigned regularly for other candidates, Boliek said. Did you ever question Gov. Cooper? I think the answer is no, he said before turning away.

Cooper appointed members of the state board, as Boliek does, but did not run election-related meetings or make public forays into elections administration, as Boliek has.

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Hayes worked for Moore in the legislature when Moore was the speaker of the state house.

Both Hayes and Boliek appear in a video that Moore recently posted to social media touting the controversial SAVE Act, which would require a passport, birth certificate, or other proof of citizenship to register to vote.

On Tuesday, Hayes said he doesnt make campaign donations, but attends Moore events as a friend of many years.

When hes in town and he invites me to these things, I attend them, because he is a dear friend, Hayes told Newsline.

Legal guardrails

The state Board of Elections wields a great deal of power. It sets policies for the county boards to follow, and also conducts investigations into campaign finance and voting irregularities.

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State law places some guardrails around the political activities of elections board members and elections employees. They arent allowed to make public statements supporting or opposing candidates, openly support passage of referendums, or fundraise for a candidate or political committee.

However, individual expressions of opinion, support, or opposition not intended for general public distribution are allowed.

Still, Sailor Jones, head of Common Cause NC, said the state elections director should not show candidates favoritism.

At a moment when North Carolinians are navigating new voting rules and confusing hurdles, it should be deeply concerning to anyone who cares about fair elections that North Carolinas elections director is spending the midterms campaigning for certain candidates on the ballot rather than making it easier for all voters casting them, he said in a statement.

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Its hard to imagine a more glaring conflict of interest for someone in a nonpartisan role nor a better justification for a hard look at who is running our states elections, Jones added.

However, Board of Elections Chairman Francis De Luca said there was nothing wrong with Hayes going to Moores fundraiser. If there is ever a need for an investigation where Hayes had a conflict, he could recuse himself, De Luca said.

We still have freedom of association in this country, he said.

Blurred lines

Boliek, the only state auditor in the country with any responsibility for elections, has Republican legislative leaders to thank for that.

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After Democrat Josh Stein won the 2024 election for governor, Republicans in the legislature pushed through a law that took election board appointment powers away from the governor and gave them instead to the newly-elected Republican auditor. Boliek then used his appointments to flip the state election board majority from Democrat to Republican, and appointed Republican chairs to the county boards.

Berger in particular has championed the expansion of the auditors powers under Boliek, backing proposals to add dozens more employees and political hires to his department than previous auditors were allowed.

The 2024 law transferring elections board appointment power to Boliek put the state Board of Elections partly in and partly out of his office. While budgeting is to be done under Bolieks direction and supervision, the law says the board is to continue to exercise its powers over policy and operations independently, as it previously did under the governors oversight.

However, Boliek has blurred those lines. He appointed former Republican political operative Dallas Woodhouse to a job as his eyes and ears on the ground, with duties including shaping early voting plans, election policy and election integrity.

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In January, Boliek posted a letter to social media, asking the board to investigate voter registrations with non-residential addresses. College students most often have mailing addresses that differ from their dormitory addresses. Boliek also told the board to evaluate the need for updated residential address formats for students.

De Luca told Boliek they would do it.

Thank you for your leadership on the issue of election integrity, De Luca wrote. The State Board of Elections looks forward to working with you to continue improving elections administration for the people of North Carolina.

When the board announced a new hire this week, it was a joint announcement between Boliek and Hayes, and both were pictured with the new employee.

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State Sen. Terence Everitt (D-Wake), executive director of the North Carolina Voter Protection Alliance, denounced Hayes and Bolieks political activities. The North Carolina Voter Protection Alliance is a new nonprofit that does not have to disclose its donors.

Election administrators are supposed to be the referees, Everetts statement said. When referees show up in campaign spaces, especially during active voting, it blurs lines that should be clear.

This is not about party. It is about standards, the statement continued. There should be clear and enforceable ethical guardrails separating election administration from campaign politics. North Carolinians deserve to know those lines exist and that they are respected.

If the State Auditor intends to involve his office more directly in election oversight, that office must hold itself to the highest standard of independence, Everitt concluded. Oversight authority and visible partisan alignment cannot sit comfortably together.
North Carolina is home to a place so desirable, it was crowned a winner two separate times, new rankings show.

Wake Forest, north of Raleigh, was named the nations No. 1 hottest suburb. It also topped a separate list of the most attractive U.S. cities overall, according to results last updated in mid-February.

The lists come from moveBuddha, an online resource for moving and storage. To determine the top places people have considered calling home, the website said it studied housing costs on Zillow for destinations across the country. It also focused on searches potential movers made on its platform over the following time spans:

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Best suburbs: Feb. 1, 2025, to Jan. 31, 2026

Best cities: July 1, 2025, to Jan. 31, 2026

Rob James and his daughter Cecelia James have a blast dancing to the music as the town of Wake Forest holds Friday Night on White, an outdoor concert series. (Chris Seward/cseward@newsobserver.com)

While not every search turns into a move, search behavior offers an early signal of where interest is building, the website wrote in its report. We wont know for sure where todays movers really go until the 2026 Census data estimates are released in 2027, but their interest can tell us a lot about their dreams and plans for the coming year before they even move.

Wake Forest is drawing new residents

Wake Forest, home to roughly 56,000 people, was found to have an average home price just over $508,000. The town reigned supreme after data showed more people were interested in settling there compared to those who wanted to move away.

Wake Forest, NC ranks as the most in-demand suburb in the country, with nearly 5 people searching to move in for every one leaving (4.65 ratio), moveBuddha wrote in a news release.

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Similarly, Wake Forest boasted an in-to-out ratio of 4.77 on the top cities list, results show.

Wake Forest ranks as the No. 1 most appealing suburb in the United States.

Its not the first time the Triangle-area town has made its mark on a national scale. In 2024, it landed on a similar list of the nations top booming suburbs for job growth and desirability, The News & Observer previously reported.

And it seems that potential movers are taking the plunge. In 2025, moveBuddha named Wake Forest one of the nations most popular

places to move to as it highlighted the towns growing population.

This recognition confirms what we have always known  Wake Forest is a wonderful place to live, work, play, and raise a family, then-mayor Vivian Jones told The Charlotte Observer in August.

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Our ranking also reflects what our residents say they love about Wake Forest  our charming people, safe neighborhoods, strong sense of community, and exceptional quality of life, Jones said at the time.

The News & Observer reached out to moveBuddha for more information about how it distinguishes suburbs and cities. A spokesperson didnt immediately share additional information on Tuesday, Feb. 24.

Ask the North Carolina Service Journalism Team

Questions about life in North Carolina? Or have a tip or story idea youd like to share? The service journalism teams at The News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer want to hear from you.

You can submit your question by filling out this form.

Item recalled at NC Trader Joes stores. What to know + how to get a refund

This beach has the clearest water and whitest sand in NC, Southern Living says
Frozen blueberries sold in four American states and Canada have been recalled due to listeria contamination concerns.

Oregon Potato Company LLC issued a voluntary recall on 55,689 pounds of individually quick-frozen blueberries earlier this month due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a disease-causing bacterium.

The recall was updated Tuesday and declared a Class I, meaning its a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death, according to the FDA.

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The affected blueberries were packaged in 30-pound cases with polyethylene liners and 1,400-pound totes and were not sold directly to consumers from retail stores, according to the FDAs enforcement report.

The blueberry cases can be identified by their lot codes, 2055 B2, 2065 B1 and 2065 B3, with expiration dates on July 23 and July 24, 2027. T totes have the lot codes 3305 A1 and 3305 B1 with an expiration date of November 25, 2027.

Oregon Potato Company LLCs voluntary recall on its frozen blueberries was recently elevated to Class I by the FDA (Getty Images)

The affected blueberries were distributed in Michigan, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin in addition to Canada (Getty Images)

The blueberries were distributed in Michigan, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin and Canada, according to the report.

There have currently been no reported illnesses.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Listeria are bacteria that can contaminate many foods and can infect those who consume those foods. Although symptoms can vary, a listeria infection can cause invasive illness and intestinal illness.

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Short-term symptoms among healthy individuals with a Listeria infection can include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, and abdominal pain.

Listeria infection is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States, killing roughly 172 people per year.

Many food products in the U.S. have been recently recalled due to a risk of listeria. In November 2025, the Ambriola Company recalled select cheese products, including some under the Boars Head brand, after routine testing confirmed the presence of Listeria. The recall was elevated to Class I in January.

The recalled products were distributed in 20 states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.
Overseas Nepali workers bankroll their families and buttress the economy, making them a key constituency in elections next week -- but they cannot vote themselves.

The Himalayan republic votes on March 5 in the first parliamentary elections since deadly youth-led protests toppled the government in September, fuelled by anger at a woeful economy and lack of opportunities.

Unable to find jobs at home, some 2.5 million Nepalis -- 7.5 percent of the population -- work abroad to support their families, according to government figures.

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Political parties court migrants for the powerful influence they wield over voters back home.

"As they are the main breadwinner of their families, they have a lot of influence," said Ganesh Gurung, chief of Nepal's Policy Research Institute.

"Migrant workers are very active on social media," he added, noting that online commentary has long shown "a lot of frustration" with successive governments.

Nearly 90 percent of overseas workers have a "strong interest" in voting, according to a survey published in a report by Nepali migrant rights groups after last year's uprising.

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"Indirect participation -- such as recommending family voting choices or supporting campaigns online -- is common," read the report by migrant rights groups Shramik Sanjal and the Law and Policy Forum for Social Justice (LAPSOJ).

The money they send back, from the Gulf and Saudi Arabia, or India and Malaysia, is equivalent to more than a third of GDP, according to the World Bank.

"I have never exercised my voting rights because I was abroad when I turned 18," Pradip Bagale, 43, a hotel worker in Qatar with two sons in Nepal, told AFP.

"After the Gen Z movement, I thought the government would finally allow us to vote... but it did nothing."

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- Stalled efforts -

But legal efforts to challenge a 2017 election have made little progress. There is no system for them to cast ballots at embassies, by mail or electronically.

The interim government -- which took over after the September uprising -- said it backed overseas voting, but reforms did not come in time.

"The procedure couldn't be changed without a legal basis and proper training," said Prakash Nyaupanem, an Election Commission spokesman, adding that polls were "organised in a very short time".

In 2018, the Supreme Court ordered the government to "take measures", but there has been no "significant development" since then, said human rights lawyer Barun Ghimire.

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Lawmakers drafted a new act in 2023, but budget constraints and security concerns about electronic voting meant "it never materialised", a former member of the Electoral Commission said on condition of anonymity.

In 2022 elections, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) made it a key issue -- and shocked traditional parties by becoming the fourth-largest force in parliament.

The same year, Balendra Shah, 35, drew on the support of migrants to be elected Kathmandu's mayor.

Shah is the RSP's prime ministerial candidate next week.

"He was elected mayor because of the pressure from Nepali nationals living abroad," said Nilambar Badal, from the National Network for Safe Migration. "They influenced people in Kathmandu to vote for him."

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- 'Inevitable' change -

Shah told AFP that migrants "should get voting rights", saying he would tackle the issue "if we reach government".

Other countries allow citizens based overseas to vote.

"If both the government and the Election Commission had the willingness, they could have extended the election timeline and included Nepalis living abroad," said Neil Kantha Uprety, a former chief election commissioner.

Lawyer Ghimire said he believed such a change was "inevitable", adding that the mere fact the issue was being debated made him "optimistic".

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Once expatriates were included, their voice would aid democracy, he said.

"Imagine a million people voting for a single political party," he said. "That changes the entire political landscape. They could hold those elected accountable."

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California's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, a potential 2028 presidential candidate, published his memoir Tuesday in a step experts said was necessary before rolling out any future campaign.

Such books offer "a sort of summary" of a potential candidate's view of the country and allow a politician to "sort of control" publicity outside of the normal news cycle, said Brian Arbour, a political science professor at the City University of New York.

Travis Ridout, a political science professor at Washington State University, said book tours "give potential candidates a way to campaign without really admitting that they are campaigning."

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Through a book, he said, politicians can "establish an official version of their background and experiences" and "make them seem credible" before a campaign.

But Newsom insists that "Young Man in a Hurry," published a year late due to the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, is not "one of those political books that I wrote just to get it ahead of some cycle in the calendar year."

"It's not about the politician. It's about what shaped me -- the events, the travails, the setbacks, self-imposed and otherwise, the insecurities, the anxieties, the regrets," he said at a promotional event in New York on Tuesday.

At 58 years old, the former mayor of San Francisco who built his career in winemaking and hospitality, reflects in the book on his dyslexia and his upbringing between a mother working multiple jobs and a father who was a judge close to some of California's wealthiest people.

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Another potential presidential candidate, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, released his own book at the end of January, while New Jersey Senator Cory Booker and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear will do the same later this year.

- 'Fighting fire with fire' -

Speaking to several hundred New Yorkers at the event, Newsom said his book was not a "10-point plan for America's renewal."

He said Democrats were not taking enough action to win the argument against Republicans on various issues.

"Sometimes we sit back, we're on our heels. We're not leaning in," he said.

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"We just think the facts are going to bear up. We can win the argument. We can moralize this... That doesn't work anymore with Donald Trump, we have to fight fire with fire."

Samantha Reilly, a 58-year-old accountant from Long Island who attended the event, said she saw Newsom as a strong presidential candidate.

"He's vying for it. And yes, I think he would be a good prospect, actually. I love the way he took on Trump," she said.

The stops on Newsom's book tour also raised eyebrows among the experts who spoke to AFP. New York is a typical location, but Georgia, South Carolina and New Hampshire are less so.

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Those states will be key in the primaries that decide who is the Democratic presidential nominee.

"Newsom might also want to show some appeal in the South, a region of the country in which a Californian might not seem a natural fit," said Ridout.

Arbour believes it's an attempt to appeal to African-American Democratic voters.

"The reason it's important on the Democratic side is that usually slightly over half of the electorate in the South Carolina Democratic primary is African American," he said.

"It plays a very important role, because obviously African Americans are an essential part of the Democratic base."

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Newsom's team, meanwhile, told Politico the book tour was planned to show "support" for Democratic candidates in Republican strongholds and "up and down the ballot."

The governor of California since 2019 insists he has not decided whether he will run for president in 2028.

He told CNN on Sunday that he will make any future decision with his wife and four children.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  A Niagara University student who was killed in a car crash early Tuesday has been identified.

Originally from Alaska, sophomore Bradly Burden was a management major at the school and was a part of the mens club hockey team. Another sophomore involved in the crash was treated and released from the hospital.

Bradly brought energy, commitment, and a strong spirit of friendship to our campus, said Niagara University President James Maher. His loss is deeply felt by his teammates, classmates, and professors. We hold Bradlys family in our prayers as they face this unimaginable loss.

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This heartbreaking news weighs heavily on the entire campus community, the university previously said in a statement.

Niagara Falls Police said that the crash occurred at the intersection of Main Street and Cleveland Avenue around 1 a.m. on Feb. 24. A 2015 BMW was traveling north when it spun out of control and struck a light pole and fencing, officials said. Officials said the male driver was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.

Support and counseling services will be made available at the school for those affected.

Latest Local News

***

Mark Ludwiczak joined the News 4 team in 2024. He is a veteran journalist with two decades of experience in Buffalo. You can follow him online at @marklud12.

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Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
To understand the magnitude of Modis words, it is necessary to revisit where India once stood, and understand why for decades it has kept Israel diplomatically distant.

To some ears, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi ending his landmark speech to the Knesset on Wednesday with the words Am Yisrael Chai might have sounded unspectacular.

A foreign leader seeking to win the good graces of his hosts by repeating, in their native tongue, a phrase laden with meaning for the locals.

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But those ears would have missed the larger historical resonance.

Indias founding father, Mahatma Gandhi  who leaned firmly against Zionism  would likely have squirmed; his successor, Jawaharlal Nehru, whose government kept Israel at arms length for decades, might well have winced.

Yet there stood the leader of the worlds most populous country, breaking with the instincts of his nations founders and declaring that the people of Israel live.

To understand the magnitude of Modis words, it is necessary to briefly revisit where India once stood.

INDIAN PRIME Minister Narendra Modi at the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem during Modis official visit to Israel on February 25, 2026. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)

In the early decades of the 20th century, the Indian National Congresss position on Israel was largely shaped by domestic politics.

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Gandhis opposition to Zionism and sympathy for the Arab cause were largely influenced by his desire to maintain unity with Indias Muslim leaders in the struggle against British rule. Nehru carried that legacy into Indias early foreign policy, opposing the 1947 UN partition plan and keeping Israel diplomatically distant to avoid alienating Arab states and to remain sensitive to Muslim sentiment at home.

That posture defined Indias approach for decades. India recognized Israel in 1950  Modi told the Knesset this happened on the day he was born  but full diplomatic ties were deferred until 1992. Sympathy for the Palestinian cause became a central tenet of Indian foreign policy.

What unfolded in the Knesset on Wednesday marked something altogether different.

Modi invoked the Indus Valley and the Jordan Valley. He spoke of tikkun olam, the Hebrew term for repairing the world, and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, an ancient Sanskrit phrase meaning, The World is One Family. He placed Hanukkah and Purim alongside the Hindu festivals of Diwali and Holi.

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This was not about commerce and cooperation alone; it was the alignment of two ancient civilizations. But the most consequential part of his address came not in the civilizational references, but in the moral clarity.

I carry with me the deepest condolences of the people of India, he said, for every life lost, and for every family whose world was shattered in the barbaric terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7.

With a heavy heart, we share your grief.

India stands with Israel  firmly, with full conviction  in this moment and beyond.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shakes hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the latters visit to the Knesset on February 25, 2026. (credit: Mark Israel Salem)

Modi refuses to equivocate on Hamas terrorism

And then came the line that distinguished his speech from the post-October 7 massacre refrain  voiced in some European capitals and stated explicitly by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres  that the attacks did not happen in a vacuum. He said: No cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism.

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No equivocation. No contextualization. No on the one hand. No reference to root causes. No balancing intended to dilute the condemnation.

Indias policy of zero tolerance for terrorism is with no double standards, he said, emphasizing the point further. He was perfectly clear: Murder of civilians is unjustifiable  period.

This has been Modis  and Indias  position since the very beginning, and it did not go unnoticed in Jerusalem.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in his welcoming remarks, made this position the centerpiece of his own speech.

Immediately after the terrible massacre of October 7  immediately after that murderous attack  you stood clearly, morally, firmly with Israel, he said. You did not flinch. You did not waver. You did not give excuses. You stood next to Israel. You stood by Israel. You stood for Israel. You stood for the truth.

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Many governments offered sympathy immediately after the attack. Some recalibrated within weeks. Others grew more critical as the war unfolded. Modi, Netanyahu made clear, remained steady.

And that steadiness reflects where the relationship between the two countries now stands.

During Modis first visit to Israel in 2017  a visit that itself shattered precedent, as he was the first Indian prime minister to visit the country  he delivered five public speeches. Not once did he mention the Palestinians. That was deliberate, as he was decoupling Indias relations with Israel from its relations with the Palestinians.

He did mention the Palestinians in his speech to the Knesset on Wednesday, but only in the context of supporting the Gaza peace framework brokered by the US.

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He did not, however, adopt the vocabulary of accusation, as the leader of Indias main opposition party wanted him to.

Ahead of his visit, Congress Party leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra publicly urged him to mention what she called the genocide in Gaza and to demand justice. Modi did nothing of the kind.

Instead, he spoke of partnership, shared values, shared grief, and a shared struggle against terrorism. His speech represented a strategic and moral choice to align openly with Israel as a partner in confronting radical violence.

Opposition members walk out on Knesset Speaker

Even the chaotic opening moments in the Knesset did not throw him off-kilter.

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In a bizarre scene, the opposition walked out during Knesset Speaker Amir Ohanas opening remarks, protesting his decision not to invite Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit to this special Knesset session. Former MKs were ushered in to prevent the chamber from appearing half-empty.

As the opposition MKs left, those MKs who remained  in an apparent effort to dilute the embarrassment of the moment  stood and chanted, Modi, Modi.

After Ohana and Netanyahu spoke, before Modi gave his address, the opposition returned to their seats to complete this episode of musical chairs.

Yet Modi navigated it with grace. He acknowledged opposition leader Yair Lapid respectfully, even though Lapid had been central to the protest. He treated the Knesset as a whole  coalition and opposition alike  as the representative body of a fellow democracy.

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For Gandhi and Nehru, Zionism was a complication in the anti-colonial struggle and the postcolonial balancing act. For Modi, Israel is a sister democracy in a challenging region and a partner in shaping the 21st century  technologically, economically, and morally.

When he concluded his speech with Am Yisrael Chai, followed by the Hindi salutation Jai Hind (Long live India), he was not merely borrowing a slogan; he was placing Israels endurance within a shared narrative with his own country.

It was not a slogan for applause, but a significant sign of how far this relationship has travelled  especially since he became prime minister 12 years ago.
The price of silver has been highly volatile this year. After a historic rally in 2025 that sent the price of the white metal from about $31 an ounce in January 2025 to $115 an ounce in January of this year, the price of silver plummeted over the first few weeks of February to under $74 an ounce. That's a drop of more than a third from its recent high.

Analysts attributed the sell-off to a drop in demand for silver at the higher price level, as well as investor nervousness about the AI boom, which had helped drive silver's price higher for a year. But the price of silver is climbing again. It's back near $88 an ounce as of Monday, Feb. 23.

Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now, when you join Stock Advisor. See the stocks 

Why is it climbing again? And should you invest now?

Fundamentals for higher silver prices remain in place

Despite the recent dip, the fundamentals that drove silver dramatically higher over the past year remain largely in place: tight supply and strong demand.

As an excellent conductor (like copper), silver remains essential to the massive AI data center buildout. Whatever you might think of AI as an investment, there's no doubt that the spending on data centers will continue through 2025. So-called hyperscalers plan to spend at least $625 billion this year on AI infrastructure.

There's also other industrial demand for silver, including for solar technologies, electric vehicles, and electronics. Yet supply remains constrained. Silver mining output has not been able to keep up with demand in recent years.

Of course, the price of silver will remain volatile. It tends to be more volatile than gold because the market for it is smaller, so changing attitudes toward it can swing prices wildly.

I advised investors to buy silver when the price was at $80, and I still think it's a good investment at the current price -- certainly, a good hedge should stocks and other asset prices experience a pullback or correction.

If you do plan to invest in silver, the iShares Silver Trust (NYSEMKT: SLV) is a good way to go about it. The fund represents holdings of physical silver stored in vaults by JPMorgan Chase in New York and London. It currently has net assets of about $51 billion.

Image source: Getty Images.

Now, SLV has also rebounded. It touched a recent bottom around $67 in mid-February, and it's since climbed back to $79. JPMorgan forecasts the average price for silver to be $81 a share over the course of 2026 , but I see it rising higher due to the imbalance between supply and demand. The current price seems like a good entry point.
Some new non-stop flights will be coming to two of the areas busiest airports.

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Breeze Airways announced that it will add several nonstop flights from several airports across the country.

Those new flights will come from the Cincinnati and Columbus airports, according to an airline spokesperson.

TRENDING STORIES:

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Starting July 3, two flights will come from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG).

Season nonstop flights from Cincinnati to Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina, on Mondays and Fridays.

They will also offer flights to Portland, Maine, on Mondays and Fridays, the spokesperson said.

Starting in July, two new flights will come from John Glenn International Airport in Columbus.

Breeze Airways will offer nonstop flights to Savannah, Georgia, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, starting on July 1.

They will also offer flights to Tampa, Florida, on Mondays and Fridays, starting on July 3.

The airline will expand an existing route to Portland, Maine, to four times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, starting on July 1.

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The addition of these new cities and routes will give even more travelers the opportunity to save precious hours that would otherwise be spent flying through hubs or driving, said David Neeleman, Breeze Airways founder and CEO.

The airline also added Birmingham, Alabama, and Tallahassee, Florida, to its network along with over dozen new nonstop flights.

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An Ohio mayor has resigned after criminal charges were filed against him related to accusations that he was allegedly caught on camera smelling a teenagers underwear.

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In a note, Wesley Dingus, the mayor of the Village of Butler in Richland County, resigned from his position, not under stress but under duress, WOIO, a CBS affiliate in Cleveland, reported.

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As previously reported, Dingus was recently charged with two counts of voyeurism.

TRENDING STORIES:

The Richland County Sheriffs Office reached out to Richland County Childrens Services after they were sent a video showing an adult male going through [a childs] bedroom, picking up her underwear and smelling it on Jan. 13, according to a report obtained by WOIO.

Authorities and a childrens services representative went to the victims high school to speak with her about the reported incident the following day.

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The report indicates that she told officials that she was worried that Dingus might go into her room, so she set up a small video camera.

The victim left for school around 7 a.m. on Jan. 13. About 15 minutes later, she got a notification that there was motion detected in her room.

The footage allegedly showed Dingus go into the teenagers room and start smelling her underwear, according to the records.

A similar situation occurred the following morning.

Deputies prepared summonses for the voyeurism charges on Feb. 12, and they were issued on Feb. 13.

WOIO reported that he was arraigned on the charges and posted bond. Hes been ordered not to contact the victim.

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Ohio State University police officers are temporarily patrolling the academic building where a professor tackled a filmmaker attempting to question E. Gordon Gee, the university confirmed.

Officers have been present at Smith Lab since last week for a late Monday afternoon class, Profiles in American Leadership, which was co-taught by Luke Perez.

Perez, an assistant professor affiliated with Ohio State's Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture and Society, was placed on leave Feb. 10 and was charged with assault after tackling Columbus filmmaker Mike Newman after his class had ended. Newman had tried to ask Gee, the two-time former Ohio State president and current Chase Center consultant, a question on camera. The incident was captured on video by a bystander and quickly went viral.

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Ohio State spokesperson Ben Johnson said the police presence is "due to the class's upcoming speakers."

Luke M. Perez, an assistant professor affiliated with Ohio State's Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture and Society, was placed on administrative leave after tackling independent cameraman Mike Newman to the ground during a Feb. 9 incident

According to the Chase Center's website, Profiles in American Leadership explores the question, "What does it mean to lead with purpose in a complex world?" through a series of guest speakers. Confirmed speakers for the class include Bishop Earl Fernandes, Rabbi Lewis Kamrass, former Republican U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, State Rep. Beryl Brown Piccolantonio (D-Gahanna) and Ohio Supreme Court Justice Melody Stewart, according to the class description.

"This is a temporary measure," Johnson said. "OSUPD will help determine the most appropriate public safety approach, as they would with any campus unit."

The police presence, however, does not mean Perez is back in the building. Johnson said Perez remains on administrative leave, and the university investigation is ongoing.

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Both Perez and Newman were in Franklin County Municipal Court earlier this week for Perez' arraignment on one count of assault, a first-degree misdemeanor. First-degree misdemeanors in Ohio are punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Perez pleaded not guilty and was released on the condition he has no contact with the victim. The judge also granted Newman a temporary protection order against Perez.

Ohio State University professor Luke Perez, left, appeared in court for his arraignment on Feb. 23 after he was charged with assaulting Mike Newman, right, a filmmaker and independent journalist on the OSU campus on Feb. 9.

According to the affidavit, Perez harmed Newman by "slapping Newman's hand, with an open palm strike, causing his phone to fall to the ground. Perez then grabs Newman's right shoulder, and slapped the left side of Newman's face with an open palm, while pushing him to the ground."

Though the judge granted the protection order, Perez is allowed to be on the Ohio State University campus, and the order will not require Perez to leave if Newman is on campus filming.

Higher education reporter Sheridan Hendrix can be reached at shendrix@dispatch.com and on Signal at @sheridan.120. You can follow her on Instagram at @sheridanwrites.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State University Police add patrols after Luke Perez tackled a filmmaker
"One time I went to a children's day fair and found myself sitting next to another politician. He was holding a stack of 100 baht notes to hand out to the children, while I had come empty-handed. How could I compete with that?"

Chutiphong Pipoppinyo was part of the "orange wave" of idealistic young candidates who stunned Thailand in the 2023 election by winning more seats for the progressive Move Forward party than any other party.

This year though, he lost his seat in his home province of Rayong to a rival from an old established family which has traditionally occupied positions of power there.

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"In 2023 we were like a storm that swept through and the other parties weren't ready to fight back. They thought I was just a no-name candidate. The wave of support for Move Forward in the final stretch of that election really encouraged voters to try something new."

Now renamed the People's Party, their hopes that they would improve on their 2023 performance were dashed on the rocks of the old-style patronage networks which have dominated provincial politics in Thailand throughout its modern history.

The results are not yet official, and a number of election irregularities are being investigated, but that won't change the overall outcome: a steep drop of more than 20% in the number of seats won by the People's Party, and a remarkable surge by the conservative Bhumjaithai party, increasing its share of seats from 71 in 2023 to an estimated 193 in the 500-seat parliament this year.

People's Party prime ministerial candidate Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut poses with fellow party members at a campaign rally [Getty Images]

'They never spoke to me again'

After winning his seat in 2023, Chutiphong threw himself into his new job, travelling around his constituency hoping to help solve the problems faced by his neighbours. But he quickly encountered resistance from those working for the established power-brokers. Worse still, he found he was expected to donate generously, from funds he simply did not have.

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"I was invited to a women empowerment event - a regular activity for the locals to join and enjoy themselves. But they told me if I wanted to come, I had to give 25,000 baht. I told them I didn't have that money. They were very unhappy about that and said I was cold-hearted. I asked them if there was something else I could do to help out. But they never spoke to me again."

What he had run up against was a deep-rooted system of patronage controlled by a single family.

Rayong is best known as part of the Eastern Economic Corridor, Thailand's largest industrial zone, hosting many of the factories which drive its export-dependent economy. This has brought in migrant workers from other regions, and also created an urban middle class which is more responsive to the reformist ideas of the progressive movement.

In 2023 Move Forward won all five constituencies there.

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But a lot of Rayong is still rural, home to farmers and fruit growers. This is particularly the case in District 4, where Chutipong won his seat. He is a local man, but spent several years living in California. The province has for decades been dominated by a single powerful clan, the Pitutecha family. This is what is known in Thailand as "Baan Yai"  big house  politics, and across the country it is the way local power has always been managed.

Pitutechas run much of the local government.

Piya 'Chang' Pitutecha, the current patriarch, is the elected head of the Provincial Administration Organisation, a hugely influential position as the PAO manages most government spending in Rayong.

Until 2023 Pitutechas had always been among the MPs elected to parliament, with one the deputy health minister in Bangkok.

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Like other "Baan Yai" they have no particular allegiance  over time they have represented five different political parties. They are also prominent in the local business community, and, unlike Chutipong, have plenty of funds to distribute. It was almost impossible for the first-time MP to compete.

The "Baan Yai" rely on extensive networks of canvassers - local people who know their neighbourhoods, and who mobilise voters to support their candidate. And although it is officially not allowed, they also hand out money during and after elections. They have always been critical to the success of local politicians, and as a new, largely urban organisation, the People's Party had no access to them.

"So I adjusted my strategy," says Chutipong. "I announced that I would try to fix any complaints right away. If your water doesn't run, your electricity isn't on, your road has potholes, I would be there.

"But the villagers who called me in then faced pressure from the network. Some got criticised in the village's chat group or through the PA system in the village. They were accused of bringing me - an outsider they said - into the area.

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"When I tried to inspect factories after receiving some complaints about pollution, I faced a backlash from local communities because they had been receiving envelopes from these factories."

By the time of the 2026 campaign, the Pitutechas had learned from their setback in the previous election.

In Districts 3 and 4, they ran younger members of the family, better educated and with less of a godfather image than the older generation. In District 3 they ran under the Democrat party, traditionally their preferred political partner, but in District 4, 34-year-old Chatchai Pitutecha ran under Prime Minister Anutin Charvirakul's Bhumjaithai party, known for its deep pockets and its skill in winning "Baan Yai" over to his side.

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Chutipong was outgunned.

The Pitutechas won both seats back from the People's Party, although the progressives retained three seats in Rayong.

"They would have welcomed me if I had given them money, but I could not do that forever given my limited resources. I had to decide whether I would be the representative they wanted, or I whether would keep my principles and see if the villagers would buy the idea. The election results have shown that they didn't buy it."

The BBC has asked Chatchai Pitutecha for his own views on why he won the seat, but he declined to comment.

"'Baan Yai' politics has recovered in eastern Thailand," says Olarn Thinbangtieo, a political scientist from Burapha University in Chonburi.

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"Villagers still have expectations of their MPs because under our centralised government system they can't access resources fairly. They have to rely on the patronage network for their families' security."

The young MPs of the People's Party lacked social capital, he says. Their faces might be familiar on social media, but they lacked the recognition and trust enjoyed by established power brokers in the villagers.

They were also unable to connect with voters as effectively as they had in 2023, when they presented themselves as a fresh and youthful alternative to the military men who had by then led the country for nine years, instilling a broad yearning for change.

But the ease with which the courts and other conservative institutions blocked Move Forward from forming a government after their win in 2023 left many Thais cynical about the possibilities for change, and more focussed on more immediate economic challenges.

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It is a different story in the big cities.

In the capital Bangkok, the People's Party cleaned up this year, taking every seat  an improvement on their 2023 performance. They also dominated in the second largest city Chiang Mai. But this only highlights how much their appeal is limited mainly to urban areas.

They still eclipsed all their rivals in their share of the nationwide vote, for party list MPs. But they only make up one fifth of the members of parliament. The remaining 80% are allocated on a constituency basis, and there the progressives clearly lost this time to the entrenched power of the traditional big families in the provinces.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Wednesday ordered strengthened military and police protection for the country's energy infrastructure, accusing Ukraine of planning to disrupt energy supplies to his country.

Orban announced the move in a video message on Facebook following a meeting of the Hungarian Defence Council, which includes military and intelligence service representatives.

In addition, a ban on drone flights near the shared border with Ukraine in SzabolcsSzatmarBereg County was imposed.

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"I see that Ukraine is preparing further actions to disrupt the operations of Hungary's energy system. For that reason, I have instructed that the defence of critical energy infrastructure is enhanced," Orban said.

More soldiers and police officers would ensure protection against attacks, he said without providing numbers.

Hungary accuses Ukraine of blocking transport of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline and is refusing to back EU decisions in support of Ukraine until operations are resumed. This includes further EU sanctions on Russia.

Flow through the Druzhba pipeline, which provides Russian oil to Slovakia and Hungary, was interrupted at the end of last month as a result of Russian attacks.

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Orban insisted that there were no technical reasons for the interruption. His government has stated repeatedly that the pipeline is intact and that Kiev is blocking the flow to put pressure on Hungary.

The Hungarian prime minister maintains good relations with Moscow and has since the start of the all-out Russian invasion of Ukraine four years ago sought to put a brake on EU policies aimed at supporting Ukraine.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has claimed there is a "Ukrainian threat" to Hungary's energy system and announced the deployment of troops to protect the energy infrastructure.

Source: Hungarian newspaper HVG, as reported by European Pravda

Details: On 26 February, following a meeting of Hungary's Defence Council, Orban alleged that Ukraine is "planning new actions" to harm Hungary's energy system, in addition to supposedly halting the transit of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline, and that he would take measures in response.

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Quote: "I have ordered the strengthening of protection for energy infrastructure facilities We will deploy troops near energy facilities and the necessary means to prevent attacks. Police will patrol around designated power plants, distribution stations and dispatch centres."

Details: Orban also stated that he had ordered a ban on drone flights in the region bordering Ukraine.

Background:

Earlier, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto claimed that the Druzhba oil pipeline had not been damaged by a Russian missile and that Ukraine had halted Russian oil supplies to Hungary for purely political reasons in order to support the Hungarian opposition in elections.

Szijjarto confirmed that for this reason Hungary would continue to block both the 20th EU sanctions package against Russia and the provision of a 90 billion EU loan to Ukraine.

Szijjarto again accused Ukraine of pursuing an "anti-Hungarian policy" and harbouring "hatred" towards his country.

Parliamentary elections in Hungary are scheduled for April 2026. Opinion polls show a significant lead for the opposition Tisza party.

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BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP)  Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Wednesday ordered extra security at critical energy infrastructure sites after claiming Ukraine was attempting to disrupt Hungarys energy system.

Budapest has recently accused Kyiv of deliberately holding back Russian oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline, which crosses Ukraines territory. Ukrainian officials have denied the allegations, saying the pipeline, which feeds refineries in Hungary and Slovakia, was hit in a Russian drone attack.

Orban has in recent weeks launched an aggressive anti-Ukraine campaign ahead of elections in April which will likely be the toughest he's faced in his 16 years in power. He has cast the neighboring country as a grave threat to Hungary's security, and himself as the only guarantor of its safety.

An oil blockade

In a video posted to social media, Orban, who maintains the closest relationship with the Kremlin of any European Union leader, said the Ukrainian government was using an oil blockade to exert pressure on Hungary and that Hungarian national security services showed Ukraine was preparing further actions to disrupt the operation of Hungarys energy system. He didnt provide details or evidence for his claims.

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We will deploy soldiers and the necessary equipment to repel attacks near key energy facilities, Orban said. The police will patrol with increased forces around designated power plants, distribution stations and control centers.

Nearly every country in Europe has significantly reduced or entirely ceased Russian energy imports since Moscow launched its war in Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. Yet Hungary and Slovakia, both EU and NATO members, have maintained and even increased supplies of Russian oil and gas, and received a temporary exemption from an EU policy prohibiting imports of Russian oil.

On Sunday, Hungary threatened to block a major, 90-billion euro ($106 billion) EU loan for Kyiv, and vetoed a new round of EU sanctions against Russia on Monday. Orban has vowed to block any other EU measures to assist Ukraine until oil shipments resume.

Druzhba has been out of commission since Jan. 27. Repairs are hazardous and the pipeline can only operate reliably if Russia stops targeting energy infrastructure, according to Ukrainian officials.

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Orban also ordered Wednesday a ban on drone operations in Szabolcs-Szatmar-Bereg County, which borders Ukraine.

A crucial election

Orban has repeatedly accused Ukraine of blackmail" to force him to give up his anti-Ukrainian positions, and of seeking to drive up energy prices in Hungary just weeks before a pivotal election.

Orban, who retook office in 2010, faces the strongest challenge to his power in an election set for April 12. The EUs longest-serving leader and his right-wing Fidesz party are trailing in most independent polls to an upstart center-right challenger, Peter Magyar.

His party has pushed the message that if it loses the election, the Tisza party will drag the country into the war in Ukraine, bankrupting Hungary and getting its youth killed on the front lines.

___

Associated Press writer Samya Kullab in Kyiv, Ukraine contributed to this report.
The Oregon House on Wednesday moved to strengthen some of the nations strictest state-level firearm safety provisions narrowly enacted by Oregon voters in 2022, after a tense dispute during a committee hearing over the bill brought the chamber to a standstill on Monday.

Along with banning magazines with more than 10 rounds of ammunition, Measure 114 required completed background checks, permits and firearm safety training before purchasing guns. But the law still hasnt taken effect because it promptly drew legal challenges in both state and federal courts.

House Bill 4145 would serve as a roadmap for rolling that measure out. It would give authorities 60 instead of the current 30 days required to either issue a permit or provide a written denial, and it would exempt background checks and permit application information from public records requests. The bill would also increase maximum permit renewal fees the state is allowed to collect from $50 to $110, while pushing back implementation of the permit requirement until 2028.

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The bill passed in a 33-19 vote along mostly party lines after an emotional debate among lawmakers, who shared dueling stories of defending themselves with firearms and losing loved ones to gun violence. One dissenting Democrat, Rep. Paul Evans, a Monmouth Democrat and veteran, objected to establishing a permitting process for the constitutionally-established right to bear arms. Another Democrat in opposition, Rep. Farrah Chaichi, D-Beaverton, has previously raised concerns about the increased fees impact on low-income and rural Oregonians, as well as the bills exemption of law enforcement from the high-capacity magazine ban.

Rep. Dacia Grayber, a Portland Democrat and chief sponsor of the legislation, told lawmakers that she would fight for legislation that makes a difference for one family listening today. She appeared to hold back tears as she spoke about the suicide of her adult stepdaughter last year.

She wasnt a criminal, she was a law-abiding citizen, she said. She was in counseling, and she was able, legally, to go to a gun range, and that day purchase a firearm and end her life.

The proposed legislation requires officers conducting permit background checks to check fingerprints of applicants through state databases and then submit a request for review through the FBI. The bill directs Oregon law enforcement to request that the FBI return fingerprint cards after it completes its background checks.

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Republicans on Wednesday were unable to gather enough votes to send the bill back to the House Judiciary Committee for further consideration. Their pushback, however, marked a rare instance of the minority party in Salem raising concerns about the federal governments handling of sensitive information while they are opposing Democrats legislation seeking to safeguard protections for Oregonians without permanent legal immigration status.

Im a Republican. I dont even join you guys in most of the anti-federal government legislation thats coming out because its politically expedient. But on this one, I agree, Rep. Alek Skarlatos, R-Winston, told his colleagues. We shouldnt be just handing over the records of thousands of Oregonians to the federal government for no reason.

Democrats have characterized the bill as a slew of technical fixes to implement Measure 114 and carry out the will of voters, pointing to studies showing a correlation between permit-to-purchase laws in other states and fewer instances of gun violence.

It does not replace the will of the voters, Rep. Sarah Finger McDonald, D-Corvallis, said. It operationalizes it, it clarifies it and it ensures that when Measure 114 is implemented, it will function in a way that is workable, constitutional and fair.

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Rep. Bobby Levy, R-Echo, said the bill creates barriers for lawful firearm owners while raising concerns about affordability for increased permit fees. She doubted that criminals with guns would follow the bills provisions, adding that requiring legal challenges against the bill to commence in Marion County Circuit Court would harm rural Oregonians like her eastern Oregon constituents. Supporters of Measure 114 have criticized opponents for filing their state lawsuit in conservative Harney County, a move they derided as judge shopping.

When you more than double the cost of the permit, you do not stop crime, Levy told her colleagues. You simply create a wider gap for those who can afford to comply and those who cannot.

Wounds linger from committee dispute over feds

Opponents on Wednesday framed the bill as an unconstitutional effort to usurp the 2nd Amendment being rammed through by the majority party after a tense exchange between Rep. Rep. Thuy Tran, D-Portland, and House Judiciary Committee Chair Rep. Jason Kropf, D-Bend.

Democrats on Monday had sought to distance Kropf, a sponsor of the bill and a vocal gun control advocate who kicked into action legislating on the issue after a 2022 mass shooting in Bend, from the legislation. Tran and a gun rights advocate had previously accused Kropf of fomenting a hostile environment during committee deliberations over the bill last week, and he was no longer listed alongside Grayber as a chief sponsor of the legislation as of Monday.

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Tran, a gun owner and lieutenant colonel in the Oregon National Guard, had raised concerns about how the federal government would handle diverse gun owners information and voted against an amendment to the bill. Kropf immediately sighed and called the meeting to a pause, averting a potential tie that would have prevented an amendment from passing. The lawmakers returned to the hearing after speaking outside the committee room, and Tran went on to change her position to a yes.

She said she had been informed of federal regulations that ensure the FBI destroys information from background checks within 24 hours. The rule applies to cases in which an applicant is successfully cleared with no disqualifying information.

But the pairs exchange outside the committee room prompted gun rights advocate Derek LeBlanc, who observed their interactions, to file a legislative conduct complaint alleging Kropf, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, verbally abused and intimidated Tran. LeBlanc told the Salem Statesman Journal that the Legislative Equity Office dismissed his complaint. The office has declined to provide further information on its investigation, citing an exemption from public records requests during the legislative session.

Tran later told reporters that Kropf created a hostile environment, alleging that his management of events did create confusion, suspicion and distrust in the Democratic process. Kropf has maintained that he respects Tran and that its common for tensions to be running high, particularly for issues such as gun safety.

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Lawmakers agreed Monday to accept Kropfs resignation from his chairmanship on the House Conduct Committee, which could review his dispute with Tran. House Republicans had walked out of the chamber on Monday ahead of a vote on the legislation, accusing Democrats of sweeping Trans concerns under the rug. They have not staged another walkout since, though Rep. Greg Smith, R-Heppner, skipped Wednesdays gun debate and vote to protest the bill.

Under the bill, the Oregon State Police would also be allowed to retain criminal history information from a background check for up to five years. Oregon is already among 15 states where state law enforcement act as an intermediary between gun sellers and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for background checks. The bill would require permit applicants to go through local law enforcement agencies and require them to take a training course for gun safety.

Tran, a gun owner and lieutenant colonel in the Oregon National Guard, acknowledged on Wednesday the concerns she had which prompted her conflict with Kropf, pointing to a very different relationship with the federal government today. But she voted in favor of the bill, referencing an airman at an Air National Guard Base in Portland who died by suicide using a firearm.

Ive spoken to you before about the risk of suicide for veterans, and I will continue to fight for support for them, she told her colleagues. If this bill saves even one life, it will be worth it.

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Under the proposed legislation, gun leaders and manufacturers who are licensed to operate in the state would have 180 days to dispose of their large capacity magazines if the Oregon Supreme Court upholds the gun law. The ban on high-capacity magazines would not apply to law enforcement officers, regardless of whether they acquired the firearm on or off the job.

The bills passage follows increased action in Salem taking on gun violence in the past year. In the 2025 legislative session, Democrats passed a law banning rapid-fire devices like bump stocks and empowering local governments to stop concealed carrying in public buildings. That measure, however, pushed back implementation of Measure 114 to March 2026, when lawmakers hoped there would be more clarity over the ballot measures viability.

That hasnt happened yet. While a federal judge ruled in 2023 that the law is allowed under the U.S. Constitution, an Eastern Oregon Circuit Court judge blocked it from taking effect in late 2022 and determined it was unconstitutional in November 2023. The Oregon Court of Appeals disagreed with that Harney County judges ruling, and the state Supreme Court will determine whether the circuit judge or appeals court came to the right conclusion. Justices heard arguments in November over the ballot measure, though they have yet to issue a ruling.

And on the federal level, a legal challenge to Californias law banning high-capacity magazines has sat for months on the U.S. Supreme Courts docket for potential consideration, spelling uncertainty for the similar ban in Measure 114.

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Federal agents in Oregon have detained and shot immigrants in hospital parking lots, accessed confidential emergency medical service logs from behind nurses desks and interfered with nurses while they care for patients  some with shackled ankles as agents stood guard in exam rooms.

Thats according to news reports and hundreds of testimonies from health care workers across Oregon who are supporting a bill the Senate passed in a 18-9 party line vote late Tuesday to create protections for immigrants and health care workers responding to federal agents at health care facility premises.

Democratic lawmakers and the Oregon Nurses Association proposed Senate Bill 1570, which aims to help hospital staff respond when federal law enforcement arrives on site and protect sensitive information. Bill sponsors call it the Health Care Without Fear Act.

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The House Rules Committee scheduled a public hearing and vote on the bill for 8 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 26. Oregonians who want to submit written testimony or sign up to speak in person or remotely can go here.

The bill would require hospitals to designate which areas are closed to the public and prohibit hospitals from disclosing a persons immigration status unless required by a court order or to ensure continued care. It would also prohibit hospitals from retaliating against employees for sharing informational materials on immigration rights and legal services and require hospitals to treat a persons citizenship or immigration status in the same way as protected health information.

The bill is a part of the immigrant justice package, or a range of bills Democrats are proposing to add on to existing protections for immigrants living in Oregon as the Trump administration ramps up immigration enforcement.

This bill does not shield criminal conduct, it upholds due process, bill sponsor Sen. Wlnsvey Campos, D-Aloha, said. It does not prevent compliance of local court orders. It ensures that such orders exist before private information is handed over. When people delay care out of fear, public health suffers.

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No lawmakers debated the bill on the Senate floor, though previously the Office of the Legislative Counsel expressed that there are potential legal issues with the bill. In an opinion, Senior Deputy Legislative Counsel Christopher Allnatt said the bill may violate the part of the U.S. Constitution that prohibits states from interfering with operations of the federal government.

We put a lot of work into the bill, Campos told the Capital Chronicle following the vote. We had several amendments, and so I think that probably got us to a space where there were folks that were ready to send it over.

It must pass the Oregon House of Representatives next before it can head to the governors desk.

More social work and less medicine under Trump, doctors testify

Among the hundreds of doctors who testified in favor of the bill, many described it as a way to assure their patients that hospitals are safe places.

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The bill received more than 200 letters of testimony in support, including letters from advocacy and health care groups such as the Oregon Psychological Association, Oregon Sexual Assault Task Force, the Oregon Justice Resource Center and Linn Benton Lincoln Health Equity Alliance.

Only six people submitted written testimony opposing the bill in the Senate.

Rory Gravelle, a registered nurse at a Portland hospital, told lawmakers that he has extensive experience working with local police and county corrections as a former nurse for psychiatric patients, but working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement is dramatically different, he said.

I have seen ICE agents interfere with care, refuse to be identified, refuse to allow basic care to take place and I have seen administrators at these hospitals claim that policy is being followed while it is not being followed, Gravelle said.

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Other health care workers said fewer immigrant patients are coming in because they fear encountering federal agents, and that means less patients are getting check ups, picking up medication refills and more are missing chronic disease management.

I find myself doing more and more social work and less medicine  helping patients find rides to the clinic when theyre afraid to take public transportation, educating them on legal resources and trying to reassure them that our clinic is still a place of safety, physician Elizabeth Uno wrote.

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Courtney Gaulrapp of the Oregon School District 220 has been named the Northwest Regional Teacher of the Year by the Illinois State Board of Education, according to a community announcement.

The award is part of the Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year program and is considered the highest regional honor for educators in Illinois.

Gaulrapp will be honored at the statewide banquet later this spring.

The Illinois State Board of Education honored OCUSD 220s Courtney Gaulrapp as 2026 Northwest Teacher of the Year, alongside six district award winners.

More Oregon School District 220 members honored

In addition to Gaulrapp, five other OCUSD 220 team members and partners were recognized through the Those Who Excel awards.

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Erin Moloney received the Award of Excellence for Student Support Personnel.

Angela Wicklund received the Award of Meritorious Service for Educational Service Personnel.

Kip Crandall received the Award of Special Recognition for School Administrator.

Mckenzie Dusing received the Award of Special Recognition for Early Career Educator.

Derrek Rufer received the Award of Special Recognition for Community Volunteer.

The Those Who Excel program recognizes educators, administrators, support staff and community partners across Illinois who demonstrate excellence, leadership, service and a meaningful impact on students and school communities. Honorees are selected through a competitive statewide nomination and review process.

Excellence is not accidental

Superintendent PJ Caposey expressed pride in the districts achievements.

Excellence is not accidental. It is the result of talented people who care deeply, hold high standards, and show up consistently for kids, Caposey said in the announcement. From classroom leadership to student support, from early career impact to community partnership, this group reflects the depth of commitment across OCUSD. I could not be more proud.

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These recognitions highlight the strength of OCUSD 220s staff and the collaborative effort that drives student success across the district, according to the announcement.

The district congratulated the honorees and thanked them for their dedication to serving students and strengthening the Oregon community.

This story was created by reporter Nida Tazeen, NTazeen@usatodayco.com , with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.

This article originally appeared on Journal Standard: What this 2026 regional teacher honor means for Oregon schools
By Jaspreet Singh

Feb 25 (Reuters) - Snowflake forecast fiscal 2027 product revenue above Wall Street estimates on Wednesday, as booming enterprise demand for artificial intelligence tools drives clients to the company's cloud-based data analytics platform.

Enterprise clients are increasingly shifting their workloads to the cloud while making investments to develop AI applications, boosting demand for companies like Snowflake.

Shares dropped about 2% in extended trading after Snowflake's results and forecasts failed to impress investors amid market fears that the growing use of AI tools would erode demand for traditional software.

"Investors are skeptical about all software companies right now ... As Snowflake continues to accelerate throughout the rest of the year, we would expect investors to realize Snowflake is benefiting significantly from the growth of AI," said D.A. Davidson analyst Gil Luria.

Snowflake offers a platform where clients store and integrate their data in one place to generate business insights, build AI tools and solve crucial operational problems.

The company made its Snowflake Intelligence agentic platform available in November. It is now adopted by more than 2,500 customers, CEO Sridhar Ramaswamy told Reuters.

"We also signed the largest deal in our history of over $400 million," Ramaswamy said, without disclosing the client name.

Snowflake expects product revenue of $5.66 billion for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2027, above analysts' average estimate of $5.50 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.

First-quarter product revenue forecast of $1.26 billion to $1.27 billion came in above estimates of $1.23 billion at its midpoint.

It expects fiscal 2027 product gross margin of 75%, while it reported fiscal 2026 product gross margin of 75.8%.

The company, which competes with AI startup Databricks, has struck two separate multi-year $200 million deals with both OpenAI and Anthropic to integrate their advanced models into its platform for boosting enterprise AI adoption.

Snowflake bought app-monitoring platform Observe for $600 million in a cash-and-stock deal, seeking to enhance its ability to troubleshoot software, system and data performance issues.

The company, which has more than 13,000 clients, including names such as Figma and BlackRock, said its fourth-quarter product revenue rose about 30% to $1.23 billion, beating estimates of $1.18 billion.

Adjusted earnings per share of 32 cents beat estimates of 27 cents.

(Reporting by Jaspreet Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona and Tasim Zahid)
Firefighters from across Central Florida are participating in structural live fire training at Orlando International Airport.

The safety drills are designed to help crews better protect people and buildings at the airport.

The training involves live fire exercises that allow emergency crews to practice response techniques in a controlled environment. These drills are intended to enhance the overall safety and readiness of first responders at the airport.

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Travelers and residents near the airport may observe smoke during the training exercises. Officials noted the smoke is a planned part of the drills and does not indicate an emergency at the facility.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) bashed President Trumps immigration policies and accused the administration of seeking to interfere in the next election in the Democrats Spanish-language rebuttal to the State of the Union address.

The speech from Californias first Latino senator was just as focused on threats facing democracy as the immigrant story in shaping America, ending with a direct plea to register and vote.

We just heard Donald Trump do what he does best: lie. He lies about the economy. He lies about his violent and out-of-control enforcement of immigration laws. And hes trying to deceive us about his plans to interfere with the elections this November. The truth is that the State of our Union does not feel strong for everyone, Padilla said during his address.

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Not when the costs of rent, food and electricity keep rising. Not when Republicans raise our medical costs to fund tax cuts for billionaires. And definitely not when federal agents  armed and masked  terrorize our communities by targeting people because of the color of their skin or for speaking Spanish  including immigrants with legal status and citizens.

Padilla last year was forcibly removed from a press conference with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem as he sought to question her about a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid in Los Angeles. It was an episode that he used to critique broader Trump immigration policies and the importance of fighting back.

They may have knocked me down for a moment, but I got right back up.This country has always been shaped by people who were told they did not belong  but who persevered and kept moving forward, he said.

During Trumps speech he made numerous disparaging remarks about immigrants, including Somalis, and also falsely claimed that noncitizens have been widely voting in U.S. elections.

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Padilla repeatedly attacked Trumps immigration policies and noted that since the president took office last year, 40 people have died in ICE custody.

They have even taken the lives of two American citizens in broad daylight, simply for exercising their freedom of speech. These operations began last year in Los Angeles, in my hometown, and have spread to communities in every corner of the country. And thats not the only threat. Trump wants to manipulate the next election, he said.

He has signed executive orders intended to prevent millions of eligible voters from exercising their right to vote. And he has suggested using ICE agents at polling places to intimidate voters. These are tactics we have seen in other countries governed by corrupt dictators.

Much of Padillas speech was a defense of the role immigrants have played over American history, comments that come as polls have shown declining support for Trumps immigration policies.

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Donald Trump will not be president forever. More importantly, the Dream that has inspired generations of Americans and immigrants will remain long after Trump is gone, Padilla said, listing a number of immigrant groups that faced a history of discrimination in the U.S.

My message tonight is simple: Only the people save the people. Our democracy shines brightest when we stand up and defend one another, he said, before nodding to the recent Super Bowl performance given by Bad Bunny.

As Bad Bunny reminded us a few weeks ago: Together, we are America.

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.
Panamanian authorities have taken control of two ports on the Panama Canal from CK Hutchison after the Hong Kong-based conglomerate's concession was annulled amid a row between the United States and China.

CK Hutchison objected Tuesday to the takeover, which it called "unlawful" and said raises "serious risks to the operations, health and safety" at terminals."

In January, the country's supreme court declared as "unconstitutional" the contract which had allowed Hutchison's subsidiary Panama Ports Company (PPC) to manage the ports of Balboa on the Pacific and Cristobal on the Atlantic since 1997.

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"The Panama Maritime Authority has taken possession of its ports and guarantees the continuity of operations," an official said Monday after the Panamanian Supreme Court annulled Hutchison's contracts to operate the ports.

The court ruling was the latest legal move to ripple through the interoceanic waterway, which handles about 40 percent of US container traffic and five percent of world trade.

The Central American country has been swept up in broader tensions between Washington and Beijing, with US President Donald Trump claiming, without providing evidence, last year that China effectively runs the canal.

Panama has always denied Chinese control over the 80-kilometer (50-mile) waterway, which is used mainly by the United States and China.

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Hutchison had asked the Panamanian government to enter into negotiations to allow it to continue operating the two terminals -- to no avail.

Publication of the court ruling in the official gazette Monday effectively ended the legal process.

"This does not imply the expropriation of those assets, but rather their use to guarantee the operation of the ports until their real value is determined for the corresponding actions," said Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino.

Ports director Max Florez said an 18-month transition period now begins, with the ports being operated by two other companies before contracts are awarded under a new international tender.

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PPC denounced the move as an "illegal takeover without transparency or coordination" and said Panama's actions were "confiscatory."

In its statement Tuesday, CK Hutchison said: "None of the actions by the Panama State were advised to or co-ordinated with PPC."

It will continue to consult with legal advisors regarding the ruling and "all available recourse including... legal proceedings against the Republic of Panama and its agents and third parties colluding with them", CK Hutchison added.

Hong Kong's government lodged a "stern protest" on Tuesday, saying in a statement that the "heavy-handed action" had "seriously infringed upon the lawful rights and interests of Hong Kong enterprises."

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- 'No layoffs' -

China's Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office had previously warned that Panama would pay a "heavy price, both politically and economically" for stripping Hutchison of its tender.

Panama said APM Terminals, a subsidiary of the Danish Maersk group, will operate the port of Balboa, and Terminal Investment Limited, owned by the logistics giant MSC, will operate the port of Cristobal.

Labor Minister Jackeline Munoz assured there would be "no layoffs" at the two terminals, which employ around 1,200 people.

Following the court's January ruling, the Panama Maritime Authority had said a division of Maersk Group would temporarily take over operation of the facilities.

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Last week, Hutchison warned of possible legal action against Maersk and others over the annulment of its contract.

The Hong Kong company has said it will challenge Panama's decision before the International Chamber of Commerce.

US Ambassador to Panama Kevin Cabrera defended Panamanian authorities, saying they have the right "to have their judicial system make its own decisions" and that the Supreme Court ruling was "very good" for the people of Panama.

The Panama Canal was built by the United States, which operated it for a century before ceding control to Panama in 1999.

On his first day back in the White House last year, Trump threatened to seize the canal.

He cooled his threats after Panamanian authorities decided that the concession ran counter to Panama's interests.

jjr/nn/msp/dhw/fox
A man shot dead by a fellow panhandler in a clash over holding the door at a Hells Kitchen 7-Eleven was a father of three who had only recently fallen on hard times, his heartbroken family says.

Mark Jackson was known to regularly hold open the door for change at the 7-Eleven at Eighth Ave. and W. 39th St., according to locals. When a fight over turf broke out between Jackson, 43, and a rival panhandler about 10:25 a.m. Feb. 12, his rival pulled a gun and fatally shot him in the neck inside the store.

He was trying to rebuild his life. Sometimes that in and of itself can be a struggle, the victims 44-year-old brother said. Hes just a guy who fell on hard times. A relationship didnt work out and he was trying to find his way.

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Jackson had been homeless off and on for only about a year before being slain, his family says. After Jackson and his girlfriend split up, he moved out of their Bronx apartment and began sleeping in city shelters and on friends couches.

His brother suspected the heartbreak weighed heavily on Jackson.

Because of things he had been through in previous relationships, he probably wouldnt have told me that he cared that much about that woman but I think he did, he said. I think he wasnt expecting that situation not to work out.

Jackson held a number of jobs through the years in construction and in warehouses. His last gig was delivering groceries for Whole Foods, the brother said.

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He took a job that didnt work out, took another job that didnt work out, the brother said. All of the sudden he finds himself by himself.

That apparently led Jackson to resort to holding the door at the 7-Eleven for spare change. But that was a coveted position and panhandlers warred over control of the spot, customers told the Daily News.

One regular shopper stumbled upon the scene of the shooting.

I opened the door and stepped in and inside of two seconds I heard an argument, the customer, who wished not to be named, told the Daily News. I heard Psy! Psy! and then a bang and I turned on my heels and walked out.

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Jackson died at the scene. His killer has not been caught.

The brother said he encouraged Jackson to leave New York and even offered to let the victim come stay with him in Pennsylvania but Jackson was adamant about staying in the city, having been born and raised in the Bronx.

We tried to do what we could but he really could be a little stubborn. You can make suggestions but hes going to do what he wants to do, said the brother.

I just wanted to make sure that he was safe. I told him, Be careful of the people youre around. Not everybody is your friend, and some people, they dont have your best interest at heart. You got to be careful. You really have to be careful.

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The victims brother called the gunman, who remains on the lam, a coward.

He didnt need to kill Mark, he said. Whatever level of conflict they thought they had or he thought that he couldnt resolve, it didnt need to escalate to where it did. Mark wasnt going to harm him, not in the way that he harmed my brother.

Jackson leaves behind two sons, a daughter, two brothers and a sister. His brother described Jackson as a little mischievous and silly and funny.

We grew up together. He was super likable. Everybody liked Mark, the brother added. This is a blow to our family. No one was expecting anything like this to happen to him. We all thought  at least I thought  I had more time.

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The loss has been particularly hard on the victims 24-year-old daughter, who calls Jackson her hero and the greatest dad a girl can ask for.

My dad was a wonderful person and he helped me with so much, the daughter told The News. He made me feel like I can do anything and gave me strength when he didnt have it. He treated everyone with respect and he didnt deserve what happened to him. I need justice!

Despite his hardships, Jackson never gave up and put on a brave face, his daughter said.

He always kept an upbeat attitude and got along with most everyone he crossed paths with, his brother added.

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He didnt have any enemies, that I knew of anyway, he said.

In his spare time Jackson enjoyed rooting for the Knicks, working out and writing hip hop music.

Police last week released clear surveillance footage of the suspect and asked the publics help identifying him and tracking him down.

The brother said he has faith that someone somewhere will recognize him.

Theres too much gun violence in New York. Its absolutely ridiculous. This shouldnt have happened, the sibling said. [The suspect] knew to run, so he knows right from wrong. And he still chose to do what he did.

Anyone with information on the suspect is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.
No injuries were reported after a roof partially collapsed at an ice rink in Westfield, New Jersey on Wednesday.

First responders were dispatched to the Westfield Rink at Gumbert Park on South Chestnut Street around 3:45 p.m. for reports of a partial roof collapse.

When they arrived, they determined the facility was closed, and nobody was on site other the rink's owner/operator, who was one of the people who called 911. They were not injured during the collapse.

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Police say the Union County Hazardous Materials Response Team was requested to respond due to the presence of propylene glycol on-site, which is a heat transfer fluid that circulates through pipes under the rink to maintain ice temperature. It was determined there is no public health threat.

Officials say the rink's utilities have been secured, and the rink will remain closed. It was due to close for the season on March 8.

The Westfield Police Department will remain on site to ensure public safety until the rink's owner/operator is able to have the structure disassembled.

The cause of the collapse is under investigation, although recent heavy snowfall was likely a factor, according to police.

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A Pennsylvania man was arrested and federally charged after authorities say he groomed a 13-year-old girl online and traveled to California to engage in sexual conduct with her.

Matthew Edward Pysher, 18, of Bangor, was taken into custody in Castaic, Calif., Friday following a rescue operation at a motel, the DOJ says.

Law enforcement rescued the victim, who had recently turned 13, after her mother reported concerns that her daughter was being encouraged to perform self-harm by a person she met on the social media platform Discord.

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The facts charged in this case are chilling, said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli. If your children have access to use the internet, sadistic predators may have access to your kids. Law enforcement will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who seek to harm children. We advise parents to keep their kids offline.

According to a federal affidavit, the Pysher and the victim met in December 2025 on a server intended for individuals suffering from mental illness. Over several months, Pysher allegedly encouraged the girl to send him sexually explicit material of herself and images of self-harm.

On Friday, authorities say, Pysher traveled from Philadelphia to Los Angeles to meet the victim. He allegedly met the girl near her home and took her to a motel in Castaic.

When law enforcement arrived at the motel room, they reportedly found Pysher and the victim along with a knife, razor blades, bloody tissues, condoms and lubricant. Investigators also recovered a boarding pass and an electronic signal-blocking bag near Pyshers cellphone.

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Evidence from Pyshers online activities led investigators to believe he is associated with nihilistic violent extremist (NVE) ideology. This includes a group known as 764, which the FBI describes as a collective that seeks to bring about the collapse of society by sowing chaos and destruction.

NVE group members frequently target minors through social media to share gore or child pornography and coerce victims into self-harm or violence.

The subject arrested this weekend is one of a growing number of alleged nihilistic violent extremists who prey on children and talk them into compromising sex acts and self-mutilation, said Akil Davis, the assistant director in charge of the FBIs Los Angeles Field Office. The FBI and our law enforcement partners are committed to finding and holding accountable these sadistic predators and ensuring they face serious consequences for their vile acts.

Pysher is charged with traveling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, a federal felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison. His first court appearance was set for Monday.

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The weather outside was indeed frightful in the final week of February. Across the East Coast, from Boston to the Jersey Shore, homeowners woke up to mountains of snow piled against their front doors.

Literally.

Social media quickly filled with photos showing just how much snow had accumulated outside entryways after many cities were buried under 2 to 3 feet of snowfall.

Some residents grabbed shovels and dug their way out. Others shut their doors and waited for nature to take its course. Either way, the images tell the story of the historic Blizzard of 2026.

Snowed in by Winter Storm Hernando

Rhode Island and Massachusetts were hit hardest by Winter Storm Hernando on Monday.

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The highest snow total reported was 37.9 inches in Kent County,RI, according to National Weather Service data as of Tuesday morning. Providence, RI, recorded 37 inches, while Bristol, MA, and Plymouth,MA, each saw exactly 3 feet of snow.

Users on Instagram across the East Coast shared photos like this. (Instagram)

High Street in Boston, with people shoveling after the blizzard in 2026 (John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

A man shovels out his front steps after nearly 3 feet of snow hit his Massachusetts community. (Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

In the New York tri-state area, the largest accumulations were reported on Long Island and in parts of New Jersey, where many towns received 30 inches or more. The storm ranked as the ninth-largest snowfall on record in Central Park, which recorded 19.7 inches, while Manhattan averaged 22.8 inches.

Philadelphia picked up 16 inches during the blizzard. But Boston topped major metros, recording 31.8 inches.

The task of shoveling out

With snow falling fast and piling up even faster, many homeowners opened their front doors to find drifts pressed directly against them.

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Viral videos captured the slow, painstaking process of tunneling through snowbanks from inside foyers and entryways, turning doorways into icy escape routes.

Whether shoveling the walk or out of your home, experts agree that you need to pace yourself.

Shoveling snow is tougher on the body than most people realize, Gene Caballero, co-founder of GreenPal in St. Petersburg, FL, explained to Realtor.com recently.

Cold air can also trigger bronchospasm, leading to asthma-like breathing difficulties. Beyond cardiovascular strain, slips and falls are also a major concern.

That said, moving the snow away from the entryways of your home is important before the snow starts melting, to avoid any potential flooding into your home.

Power is still out

The power crisis across the Northeast is entering day three, with outages impacting nearly 200,000 customers, according to data from PowerOutage.com. Massachusetts remains the hardest hit with over 163,000 outages still reported.

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I always advise homeowners to take proactive steps to make their homes more resilient to power outages, Kyle Bazylo, real estate expert at Selling South Winnipeg explained to Realtor.com recently. With unpredictable weather events and aging power grids, its essential to be prepared.

Apart from flashlights, candles, and a fresh supply of batteries, a portable power station is an excellent item to have on hand if you are concerned about power outages. While these can be pricey (anywhere from around $700 to several thousand dollars), they are reliable and dont use gas the same way most generators do.
NASA astronaut and Pittsburgh native Mike Fincke revealed that he was the crew member aboard the International Space Station whose medical event required an evacuation and early return to Earth last month.

The 58-year old commander of the International Space Station did not provide details about his current health status or the medical incident that prompted the need to cancel a spacewalk that was planned for Jan. 8 and bring Fincke and three other Crew-11 members back home early.

The four astronauts departed the space station on Jan. 14 in the same SpaceX Dragon capsule that they originally flew in and landed the next day after an 11-hour journey.

In a statement from Fincke and released by NASA, the veteran astronaut said he experienced a medical event on Jan. 7 that required immediate attention from his space station crew members, "Thanks to their quick response and the guidance of our NASA flight surgeons, my status quickly stabilized."

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"After further evaluation, NASA determined the safest course was an early return for Crew-11not an emergency, but a carefully coordinated plan to be able to take advantage of advanced medical imaging not available on the space station." Said Fincke in the statement.

Fincke thanked his Expedition 74 membersZena Cardman, Kimiya Yui, Oleg Platonov, Chris Williams, Sergey Kud-Sverchkov, and Sergei Mikayevas well as the entire NASA team, SpaceX, and the medical professionals at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla near San Diego.

The astronaut said he was doing well and continuing standard post-flight reconditioning at NASAs Johnson Space Center in Houston, adding "Spaceflight is an incredible privilege, and sometimes it reminds us just how human we are."

Who is Michael "Mike" Fincke?

Mike Fincke of Emsworth, Pennsylvania was born in Pittsburgh and graduated from Sewickley Academy in Sewickley, PA in 1985, before moving on to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on an Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) scholarship and graduated in 1989 with a bachelor of science degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics, according to his official NASA biography.

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Fincke attended the Moscow Aviation Institute in the former Soviet Unions, where he studied cosmonautics, according to NASA. He went on to Stanford University, entered the United States Air Force and has logged more than 2,000 flight hours in over 30 different aircraft types.

Finke started his career with NASA in 1996 and served in multiple roles, including crew roles, backup crew member, flight engineer and helping to develop the SpaceX Crew Dragon Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft.

The Pittsburgh native has 549 days in space and participated in nine spacewalks totaling over 48 hours. He has made four trips to space including the final flight of Space Shuttle Endeavour.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Who is Mike Fincke? Astronaut from Pittsburgh had space station issue
Officials have released the names of two men killed in a Roll Hill shooting early Wednesday.

Cincinnati police said D'Ariz Bray, 19, and Micah Willis, 22, were fatally shot around 2 a.m. on Feb. 25, according to department release.

Police were dispatched to the 2500 block of Sunnyhill Drive after a ShotSpotter activation.

The Cincinnati Fire Department attempted life-saving measures but both men died at the scene.

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"At this time, there is no suspect information available, and it is unknown what led up to the shooting," police said in an earlier news release.

Police are investigating. Anyone with information is asked to contact 513-352-3542.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati police identify two men killed in Roll Hill shooting
Video above: Also on WKRG  Interviews with Jimmy Patronis and Shomari Figures

MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG)  A Navy veteran with connections to Foley and Pensacola was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor Tuesday night as President Donald Trump delivered the State of the Union address.

Fort Walton Beach business destroyed, others damaged in shopping center fire

First lady Melania Trump presents the Congressional Medal of Honor to World War II Navy pilot Capt. Royce Williams as President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Royce Williams, 100, received the honor for his bravery during a dogfight in the Korean War.

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Williams engaged with seven enemy fighters on his own and shot down at least four of them.

First Lady Melania Trump presented the Congressional Medal of Honor to Williams as Trump delivered the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Navy fighter pilot Royce Williams served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, flying more than 220 missions in the skies over Korea, President Trump said.

In 1952, Royce was in the dogfight of a lifetime. Legendary dogfight. Flying through blizzard conditions, his squadron was ambushed by seven Soviet fighter planes. It was his first aerial combat of the war, and despite being massively outnumbered and outgunned, Royce led the takedown of four enemy jets and almost destroyed the others, vanquishing his adversaries while taking 263 bullets to his own plane and being seriously hurt.

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His story was secret for over 50 years. He didnt even want to tell his wife, but the legend grew and grew. But tonight, at 100 years old, his brave Navy captain is finally getting the recognition he deserves.

Pensacola Walmart location to close temporarily for remodeling project

Williams received his flight training in Pensacola in 1945 and flew in a restored biplane in Foley last year.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
Soybeans are trading with gains of 3 to 4 cents across most contracts on Monday. The cmdtyView national average Cash Bean price is up 3 cents at $10.75 1/4. Soymeal futures are up 20 to 80 cents in the front months, with. Soy Oil futures up 65 to 75 points.

USDAs FGIS tallied soybean export shipments at 669,865 MT (24.61 mbu) during the week ending on February 19. That was 44.9% below the week prior and 23.8% shy of than the same week last year. China was the top destination of 344,885 MT, with 98,686 MT headed to Mexico and 52,839 MT to Egypt. Marketing year exports for 2025/26 are 25.033 MMT (919.8 mbu) since September 1, which is now 32.2% below the same period last year.

More News from Barchart

On Friday, the US Supreme Court ruled the President cannot use the IEEPA for tariff purposes. President Trump later responded by indicating he will issue a 10% blanket tariff under sections 122 of the 1974 Trade Act, which would expire after 150 days, before raising that to 15% over the weekend.

CFTC data showed a total of 40,463 contracts added to the managed money net long position in the week of 2/17. That took the net position to 163,611 contracts.

AgRural estimates the Brazilian soybean crop at 30% harvested, still lagging the 39% paced from the same period last year.

Mar 26 Soybeans are at $11.40 1/2, up 3 cents,

Nearby Cash is at $10.75 1/4, up 3 cents,

May 26 Soybeans are at $11.56 3/4, up 3 1/2 cents,

Jul 26 Soybeans are at $11.69 1/2, up 3 1/2 cents,

On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
This story originally appeared in the Ohio Capital Journal.

Former Ohio Democratic U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown is criticizing his presumed opponent in this November's special election, incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, over Husted's support for sweeping tariffs that the U.S. Supreme Court last week declared to be illegal.

On Monday, Brown added that now they've been declared illegal, the administration should refund $1,336 to every Ohio household.

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In a 6-3 decision, the court said that President Donald Trump didn't have emergency authority to impose tariffs. That's a power reserved for Congress, the ruling said.

Trump had imposed double-digit taxes on imports from every country in the world, save Russia. The president said the tariffs are in retaliation against trade partners whom he said treated the United States unfairly, and also said they would create jobs here.

But there's a consensus among many economists that they raised consumer costs, and acted as a drag on the economy. The U.S. Supreme Court ruling now leaves policymakers with some difficult questions.

Some small business owners say they were especially harmed by the tariffs. Most didn't have the heft to renegotiate terms with foreign suppliers while also being reluctant to raise prices on their customers. For many, that meant decreased profitability.

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Now huge numbers of these business owners want their money back.

We Pay the Tariffs is a coalition of more than 800 small businesses that opposed Trump's import taxes. In a statement following the court's decision, Executive Director Dan Anthony said the government should provide relief to small businesses  quickly.

"They've taken out loans just to keep their doors open," he said. "They've frozen hiring, canceled expansion plans, and watched their life savings drain away to pay tariff bills that weren't in any budget or business plan. Today, the Supreme Court has validated what we've been saying all along: these tariffs were unlawful from the start."

Anthony added, "The administration's only responsible course of action now is to establish a fast, efficient, and automatic refund process that returns tariff money to the businesses that paid it."

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For his part, Trump doubled down, vowing to use other vehicles to impose tariffs. But some experts say their applications are more limited, which is why Trump didn't use them in the first place.

One Ohio small business owner said Trump will only cause more chaos if he forges ahead.

Akron-based EarthQuaker Devices makes effects pedals. They're the things guitarists stomp on to get fuzz or reverb or distortion or other audio effects that sound so cool on a record or during a music show.

"The majority [of tariffs] that we have paid have been via a U.S. based wholesaler who passed along the expense to us," EarthQuaker CEO Julie Robbins said in a written statement. "It seems like it will be difficult to calculate, as the rates have changed many times. I do believe the administration will continue to add tariffs through other means, although they are extremely unpopular. The uncertainty is awful, it makes planning so difficult."

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Thousands of companies are now seeking refunds of the import taxes they paid. But some fiscal hawks are saying the loss of that revenue is going to make already-huge budget deficits even worse.

The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget said loss of the tariffs could add $2.4 trillion to the federal debt by 2036. The group had already estimated that tax cuts tilted toward the wealthy in Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act would add $4.1 trillion to the debt by 2034.

Husted is a Republican whom Gov. Mike DeWine appointed to the U.S. Senate to fill the seat vacated by JD Vance when he became vice president. In November, Husted will more than likely face Brown, a Democrat who lost his Senate seat in 2024 to Bernie Moreno.

Husted voted for the Trump spending bill that slashed programs for the poor, cut taxes for the wealthy, and added to the debt. The senator's office frequently fails to respond when asked to comment on election issues. His office also didn't respond when asked if he would support refunding tariff revenue that the Supreme Court said was illegally collected.

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But in a social media post last week, Husted seemed to say the tariffs were good for consumers and so-called "job creators."

Tariffs are an important tool for protecting American workers and confronting unfair trade practices.



Today, the Supreme Court has spoken. In America, we respect the rule of law even when we disagree with it.



I look forward to working with the President, his administration, and  Senator Jon Husted (@SenJonHusted) February 20, 2026

Brown countered by claiming his opponent was helping the uber-rich by supporting Trump's tariffs.

I'm calling for a $1,336 refund for every Ohio household.



The reckless tariffs ruled illegal by the Supreme Court cost Ohioans $6.5 billion, but Jon Husted supported them at every turn.



Ohioans are being crushed by soaring prices and they deserve their money back.  Sherrod Brown (@SherrodBrown) February 23, 2026

Read more from the Ohio Capital Journal.
The Brief

The body of Avtar Singh, 57, was found in Napa County's Lake Berryessa.

Video from his Sikh temple in Tracy shows him getting abducted on Feb. 17.

The San Joaquin County sheriff said Singh was not the intended target of the kidnap or homicide.

Sheriff's officials confirmed Monday that a body found near Lake Berryessa over the weekend was a father of triplets who was abducted last week 100 miles away in Tracy and who was a well-known volunteer at his Sikh temple  and that he wasn't the target.

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"It is with profound sadness that we confirm the kidnapping victim, Avtar Singh, has been located deceased," the San Joaquin Sheriff's Office said Monday on social media. "Our detectives are working tirelessly to investigate this case and identify those responsible for this terrible act."

Avtar Singh reported missing

What we know

San Joaquin County Sheriff releases photo of white SUV used to abduct Avtar Singh on Feb. 17, 2026

The 57-year-old man was reported missing on Feb. 17 from the Gurdwara Guru Nanak Parkash complex in the 16000 block of West Grant Line Road in Tracy. A gurdwara is a Sikh temple.

His wife reported him missing shortly before 9 p.m. that night because he hadn't come home, and their three 6-month-old babies were found home alone. The family lives on temple grounds.

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Surveillance footage showed a white SUV and three people dressed in dark clothing apparently forcing Singh into the vehicle at about 2:30 p.m. against his will, according to the San Joaquin Sheriff's Office.

Singh's body found, 2 hours away

Crews find body in Napa County's Lake Berryessa. Feb. 20, 2026

Three days later, the Napa County Sheriff's Office located Singh's body near Lake Berryessa in Napa County, about a two-hour drive north of Tracy.

San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow told KCRA3 that Singh was not the intended target of the kidnapping and homicide.

What we don't know

How Singh got there and why he was killed have not been explained. Withrow told KCRA3 that he couldn't release any information about the abductors' possible motive.

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"This was not a random act," Withrow told the station. "They were targeted after another individual for a specific reason and we're hoping that reason comes to light."

What you can do

A GoFundMe fundraiser to help Singh's family said he was a longtime sevadaar, or volunteer, at the gurdwara and is survived by his wife and their triplets. He was the temple cook, but could also be relied on to step in and fix anything around the property, his friends said.

He was known for his "humility, quiet dedication, and loving nature that made everyone feel like family," according to a post written by Rasleen Kaur. "His seva, sincerity, and unwavering faith touched countless lives, and his absence leaves a profound void in our community."

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office.




Credit: Exilenova+

Russia has banned the recruitment of foreign mercenaries from dozens of countries after African nations expressed outrage that their citizens were being duped into fighting the war against Ukraine.

Authorities have issued a stop-list to military recruiters, banning citizens from as many as 43 countries from enlisting.

The list included several of Moscows major allies including China, India, Brazil, Turkey, Cuba, Iran and Venezuela, as well as many African nations, Russian media outlet iStories said.

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Russia is thought to have recruited thousands of men from Asia, Africa and the Middle East to try to plug gaps in its ranks left by horrifying front-line casualty rates.

Hundreds of foreigners have been killed and survivors have frequently complained they were lured to Russia on false pretences, after being offered safe non-combat jobs, or study opportunities.

Videos have also appeared to show some Africans at the front being mistreated.

Credit: CNN

One video published last month allegedly showed a group of new African mercenaries in a snow-covered forest singing songs in their own language.

The Russian soldier filming said: Look how many disposables there are.

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Laughing at the upbeat troops, he added that they will be singing differently once they were deployed to the front.

Another video purportedly showed troops strapping a landmine to an African mercenarys chest and ordering him to run through no mans land as a human bomb to target Ukrainian fortifications.

As the scale of the recruitment has become clear in recent months, African governments have become increasingly critical of the hiring.

Moscow has long courted African nations, portraying itself as an alternative to the West, and offering security, industrial and mining investment and expertise.

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The approach has recently been particularly successful in former French colonies across the Sahel region.

However, analysts have said the recruitment was likely to dent Russias carefully cultivated image as an anti-imperialist friend of the continent.

Deaths from fellow members of the Brics bloc, especially if the dead were hired under false pretences, could also cause strains.

Earlier this month, Kenya estimated as many as 1,000 of its citizens had been recruited, and Musalia Mudavadi, the countrys foreign minister, said that the hiring was unacceptable and clandestine.

Evans Kibet, centre, a Kenyan citizen, eats his lunch at a detention centre for prisoners of war after being captured by Ukraine - Genya Savilov/AFP via Getty Images

Kenya and Russia have had long relations since independence, literally. So this, in my view, becomes a very unfortunate episode of otherwise very positive and cordial relations between our two countries, said Mr Mudavadi.

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Nepal, India and Sri Lanka are also reported to have asked Moscow to stop recruiting their citizens.

African countries have called for the repatriation of surviving nationals, who are either still in the Russian forces, or who are Ukrainian prisoners of war after being captured.

South Africa this week secured the release of 15 men allegedly lured to fight alongside Russian soldiers with a fake offer of bodyguard training.

Heartfelt gratitude

The men were members of former president Jacob Zumas MK political party and were told they would work as guards on their return.

Instead they were sent to occupied Ukraine to fight. The party was apparently unable to secure their release despite warm relations with Moscow.

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Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africas president, has not criticised Russia, and expressed heartfelt gratitude to Vladimir Putin for the release.

But their ordeal and their allegations that they had been lied to and mistreated have received significant coverage in the media.

During a visit to Ukraine, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghanas foreign minister, called for the release of two Ghanaians captured while fighting for Russia - Tetiana Dzhafarova/AFP via Getty Images

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghanas foreign minister, used a visit this week to Ukraine to urge Volodymyr Zelensky to release two Ghanaians captured fighting for Russia.

He called for the Ukrainian president to be magnanimous and compassionate.

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.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  The newly unsealed court filings in the case of a man who was detained in Knoxville and deported against a judges order are revealing new allegations in the case, including an allegation that an immigration officer denied the man his right to counsel and claimed that they did not have time for bulls and all that crap.

On December 23, 2025, 6 News reported that Diego Hernandez Garcia, 24, was deported to El Salvador against a judges order after he was detained in Knoxville. Garcias attorney told 6 News a short time later that Garcia had been put on a plane and was headed back to Louisiana.

Flipped our family life upside down Friend of man detained in Knoxville speaks out

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The writ of habeas corpus filed on December 11 states that Garcia, a native citizen of El Salvador, had entered the U.S. as a minor 10 years earlier. The filing explains that in 2016, when he was 14 years old, Garcias application for asylum and withholding of removal was denied, and he was ordered to be removed from the country. However, in 2019, an I-360 form that sought special juvenile classification for Garcia was approved, and that approval was amended in 2022 to give Garcia deferred action for four years.

Because of the deferred status, Garcia was eligible for employment authorization, the filing says, but on December 11, 2025, Garcia was detained along with other workers indiscriminately. The writ stated that the officer who apprehended Garcia claimed he had an order to be removed from the country, which was not accurate. The document continues to allege that when Garcia invoked his right to legal counsel, the officer responded that they did not have time for bulls and all that crap.'

Garcias counsel was only minutes away during that encounter, the writ explained.

After seeing a post about the encounter on social media, Garcias sister-in-law went to the construction site. She then contacted Garcias attorney and informed her that Garcia had been taken to the Knoxville Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office, the writ stated.

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Corrections officer killed in Morgan County, TDOC investigating

When Garcias attorney spoke with an officer at the Knoxville ICE office, she explained that Garcia had been mistakenly apprehended and gave the officer a copy of his amended approval notice for his sought special juvenile classification. The writ explained that the officer went inside the ICE office, but later returned and said Garcia would not be released.

The document alleged that the officer said he spoke with the Office of Principal Legal Advisor, who advised that Garcia had a prior order of removal. However, when the attorney referred the officer to Garcias special immigrant juvenile classification and that he had been granted deferred action, the officer said that deferred action was granted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and not the Executive Office for Immigration Review, ICE, or immigration judges. The officer then allegedly said he follows whatever the immigration judges order.

According to the writ, the attorney then noted that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Executive Office for Immigration Review and ICE are all under the Department of Homeland Security, to which the officer responded that the two agencies were at odds against each other.

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Counsel asked whether ICE would respect any deferred action granted by USCIS. Officer Barnes responded that it would be a case-by-case basis, the writ continued.

Lawyer breaks down Joey Aguilars failed bid for another season, future legal questions for NCAA

Although the attorney brought up that Garcias removal order was issued when he was 14, that he graduated from Maryville High School, had no criminal record, and was trying to do everything the right way, the officer told her that Garcia would be going to Louisiana for his case to be resolved there.

Roughly a month after Garcia was returned to the U.S. following his deportation to El Salvador, a U.S. District Court Judge overseeing Garcias case ordered the case records to be made public, citing considerable public interest and the strong presumption in favor of openness to judicial records.

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Feb. 25A stretch of road through Thompson Pass in Sanders County is tentatively scheduled to undergo repair work this spring, weather permitting, according to state transportation officials. The area near a bridge that stretches across Prospect Creek, between mile markers 16 and 22 on Montana Secondary 471, was damaged in the floods that swept through parts of Northwest Montana in early December. The route, also known as the Thompson Pass road, is open seasonally and is currently closed. Work is planned for the roadway pavement and guardrails near the bridge, said Natalee Stout, a spokesperson for the transportation department, in an email to the Inter Lake. State transportation officials hope to have Thompson Pass open to traffic by the end of this summer. A second project will mitigate potential for future flooding, but no other details are currently available. A STATE-OWNED span, Farm to Market Bridge in Lincoln County, was wiped out during the floods. State officials decided to replace the bridge, and design work is underway, Stout said. Nine bridges were reportedly wiped out during the catastrophic floods. Lincoln County officials began the permit process to reconstruct Lower Granite Creek Bridge and Lake Creek Bridge last month, since the damage to these structures had the biggest impact on residents, according to County Emergency Management Director Boyd White. Lake Creek bridge, which spanned Keeler Creek, was built in 1974 and constructed out of corrugated steel, according to state documents. It had a stringer/multi-beam or girder structure, and averaged 100 daily trips. Lower Granite Creek bridge, which stretched across Big Cherry Creek, was made of prestressed concrete and had a tee beam structure. The bridge was built in 1977 and saw 334 average daily trips. A community meeting will be held in Libby, in the Ponderosa Room at City Hall, 952 E. Spruce St., at 6 p.m. on Thursday. Representatives from Lincoln County Disaster and Emergency Services, Montana Department of Emergency Services and federal partners will answer questions from the public regarding recovery assistance and resources. The meeting will also be livestreamed, and registration is available at tinyurl.com/storm-public-meeting. For more information, call 406-293-6295. Reporter Hannah Shields can be reached at 758-4439 or [email protected].
In order to protect Maines reproductive health care system, which has lost millions in federal funding over the last year, lawmakers are considering legislation to provide additional state support to protect against future changes.

The bill, LD 335, sponsored by Rep. Amy Kuhn (D-Falmouth), would provide an annual $5 million allocation. Maine Family Planning and Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, which have been fighting against the cuts in court, said they provide crucial health services across Maine but have been targeted because they also offer abortions.

In states where abortion remains legal, they are attacking our health care providers and attempting to shut their doors, including by cutting and withholding federal funding, Kuhn told Maine Morning Star. LD 335 is intended to respond to these attacks, protect Maine patients, and preserve their access to essential health care into the future.

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Kuhn and reproductive care providers are holding a press conference in Augusta on Wednesday ahead of a public hearing on the proposal.

Maines reproductive health care networks operate throughout rural areas and treat patients regardless of their ability to pay, often making them the only health care providers some patients see all year. The services they provide include cancer screenings, birth control and STI testing. No reproductive health provider can use federal funds for abortions, but Maine Family Planning and Planned Parenthood say their funding has been threatened by the Trump administration to provide what they described as a backdoor abortion ban.

One major contributor to the funding loss is a provision in Trumps budget reconciliation law that passed last summer that banned certain nonprofit health care providers that offer abortions from receiving Medicaid reimbursements. Maine Family Planning and Planned Parenthood have asked the courts to restore the funds, but in the meantime have kept their commitment to continue serving Medicaid patients. Those slashed reimbursements made up between a quarter and half of their total funding, which they said has jeopardized their long-term viability.

Between over a decade of underfunding, increasingly unstable Title X funds and the lack of Medicaid reimbursements, we are in a very difficult financial situation, said Olivia Pennington from Maine Family Planning, the states largest family planning health provider, which operates 18 clinics statewide. Title X is the countrys only federally funded program that supports family planning services.

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Maine Family Planning estimated last summer that the loss of Medicaid reimbursements could amount to roughly $1.9 million a year. The provider had to close its primary care practice in three rural clinics last October due to that deficit.

While the four Planned Parenthood health centers in Maine remain open, 22 others across the country have closed due to the impact of the reconciliation law. For Planned Parenthoods Maine division, being unable to accept Medicaid reimbursements means a loss of $1 million.. Both organizations cant exactly say how much they have lost, since Medicaid reimbursements vary based on the type of service provided. However, reproductive health providers were already facing rising health care costs and insufficient insurance reimbursements, Margulies said, which is why providers asked the state last year for $6 million in funding even before the federal cuts took effect.

Weve fought to remain open and continue to serve patients whether or not theyre insured, and that is a commitment that we are proud to keep, said Lisa Margulies, vice president of public affairs for Planned Parenthoods Maine division. At this moment, weve refused to pass the harm to our patients, but its not sustainable in the long term.

The state has already tried to help alleviate the financial hit. Last session, the Legislature backed an annual allocation of $6 million for family planning services, and Gov. Janet Mills proposed an additional $2.25 million in one-time funding as part of her supplemental budget this year.

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During her State of the State address to the Legislature, Mills said Trump and Republicans have cruelly targeted reproductive health care providers in Maine by slashing funding for vital services that have nothing to do with abortion.

Title X funding

Both Margulies and Pennington said that even before the current Trump administration, Title X funding has been unreliable for the past decade, due to repeated policy changes.

During Trumps first term in office, his administration implemented the domestic gag rule, a set of provisions that prohibited clinics receiving Title X funds from providing counsel or referring patients for abortion. That rule led roughly a quarter of the 4,000 Title X-funded clinics nationwide to withdraw from the program, including Maine Family Planning and Planned Parenthood. The rule was rescinded under President Joe Biden, prompting Maines reproductive health providers to return to the program.

In April 2025, the Trump administration announced a funding freeze, with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services saying it would review dozens of providers for possible violations of federal law and executive orders.

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As a result, Title X funding was withheld for a few months last year even though it had already been appropriated by Congress. When it was restored in August, Maine saw a 7% cut, meaning a reduction of $144,000.

The volatility of the Title X program further illustrates why its important for the state to plan for future changes and have funding available for providers on an ongoing basis, Margulies said.

We remain quite concerned that there will be further attacks on this funding stream, either through an outright elimination of the Title X program, or that our participation in it will in some way be impacted, Margulies said. What theyre really attacking are the services people rely on that are not abortion, but all the range of preventative care that really keeps people in our state healthy.
The lights are back on for 99% of the 50,000 Rhode Island Energy customers who lost power when a historic blizzard descended upon the state Sunday night through Monday.

Less than 300 customers were still without power as of 2 p.m. Wednesday, according to a live outage map on Rhode Island Energys website. But the number fluctuated during the afternoon, reaching over 900 as of 5:30 p.m.

The state utility provider said in a statement it will continue to work around the clock until power is restored for all customers, expected by Thursday.

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Kathy Castro, vice president of electric operations for Rhode Island Energy, highlighted the dedication of the 1,400 company workers who braved the storm to assess damage, clean up debris and restore power to affected customers.

Even with nearly 3 feet of heavy snow, hurricaneforce wind gusts, and widespread damage, our teams restored power to over 99% of affected customers in less than two days and expect to have the remaining customers back by tomorrow, Castro said in a statement. We appreciate our customers understanding and our crews exceptional work under extremely challenging conditions.

She also credited the companys investments in electric infrastructure, which showed remarkable resilience during the storm.

The online outage map provides restoration time estimates for customers still without power.

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Over three feet of snow fell across many parts of Rhode Island, with 37.9 inches of snow recorded at Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport, according to the National Weather Service. Sustained winds of at least 35 mph and gusts of up to 75 mph were reported.

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Roanoke County Public Schools releases names of new administrators

ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR)  Roanoke County Public Schools (RCPS) has announced its new administrator hires for the 2026-27 school year.

Dr. Leanna Rippey, current assistant principal at Northside High School (NHS), will step into the principal position there. She replaces Jill Green, the new assistant superintendent of administration RCPS.

Rippey has both a bachelors and masters degree from Radford University, a masters degree in administration and supervision from the University of Virginia and a doctorate degree in educational leadership and policy studies from Virginia Tech.

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Dr. Chris Benson, current principal at Hidden Valley Middle School since 2021, will move to the same position at Northside Middle School to replace the retiring Dr. Paul Lineburg.

I am very pleased that Dr. Benson will continue his leadership with Roanoke County Public Schools, now at Northside Middle School, said Dr. Jamie Soltis, incoming RCPS superintendent. Dr. Benson will bring a great deal of expertise to this new role.

Dr. Andrea Johnson is the assistant principal at Salem High School and will take the principal position at Hidden Valley Middle School. She has more than 12 years of teaching and administrative experience, largely within Salem City Schools.

Her education includes a bachelors degree from the University of Virginia, a masters degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, an educational leadership endorsement from Longwood University and a doctorate in education from Walden University.

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Kristyn Schmidt, assistant principal at Oak Grove Elementary, will step into the principal role at Burlington Elementary. She replaces Beth Grim-Jennings, who will retire at the end of the school year.

Schmidt was the principal at G.W. Carver Elementary School in Salem from 2014 to 2023 and became assistant principal at Oak Grove Elementary School in 2024 to join RCPS. She holds a bachelors and masters degree in special education from Radford University and an educational specialist certificate in leadership and policy studies from Virginia Tech.

Im equally pleased that Dr. Rippey, Dr. Johnson and Ms. Schmidt are taking on key leadership roles with Roanoke County Public Schools, Soltis said. Im confident that Northside High, Hidden Valley Middle and Burlington Elementary will continue to excel in our mission to prepare our students to be Opportunity Ready.

All positions will begin July 1, 2026.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A drug bust on Interstate 40 in Haywood County, Tennessee, led to the seizure of nearly two dozen weapons, marijuana, and a large amount of edibles at home in Ohio, drug agents say.

According to the West Tennessee Drug Task Force, members of its criminal interdiction team discovered two bricks of cocaine during a routine traffic stop on Feb. 18, headed to a buyer in Mansfield, Ohio, and were able to meet up with the buyer and take them into custody.

The West Tennessee Drug Task Force says agents were patrolling I-40 in Haywood County when an agent observed a vehicle with an improper registration display.

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2 arrested, mom and kids injured after Hickory Hill carjacking

Johnnie Carter, Director of the West Tennessee Violent Crime and Task Force, said agents conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and quickly developed reasonable suspicion to deploy Canine Athena.

Canine Athena alerted to the presence of a narcotic-containing odor about the vehicle, and agents conducted a probable cause search, authorities said.

During the search, agents allegedly located the wrapped bricks that field-tested positive for cocaine and weighed nearly six pounds.

6 pounds of cocaine and two weapons seized by the West TN Drug Task Force on I-40 in Haywood County

Agents said the drugs were located concealed in a suitcase on the back seat of the vehicle in a plastic grocery bag.

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Officers said they also found two magnetic, pelican-style cases concealed in the vehicles engine compartment, and each case held a weapon wrapped in a blanket.

Authorities raid Memphis trap house for second time

During their investigation, Carter said they learned the duo in the vehicle was taking the items to a buyer in the parking lot of a big-box store in Mansfield, over 500 miles away.

Working with the DEA in Memphis and Cleveland, agents said they delivered the narcotics to the big box store in Ohio, where they were able to arrest the buyer without incident.



Weapons seized in Ohio. Courtesy: West TN Drug Task Force

Agents said they also secured a search warrant for a residence there and recovered an additional 21 weapons, 10 pounds of marijuana, and a large amount of THC wax and edibles in addition to the original cocaine that was delivered.

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The task force said any state charges will be prosecuted by the Office of the District Attorney General for the 28th Judicial District, Frederick Agee. The U.S. Attorneys Office will handle all federal prosecutions.



Weapons seized in Ohio. Courtesy: West TN Drug Task Force

This is outstanding police work by our West Tennessee Violent Crime and Drug Task Force Interstate Interdiction Agents and our DEA Task Force Officer. We have a great team that is dedicated to disrupting organized crime and following cases wherever it may lead them, said Frederick H. Agee, District Attorney General.

Director Carter commended all involved agents on a job well done in getting the cocaine and weapons off the streets of Tennessee and Ohio.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said there is no limit to what can be accomplished if you dont care who gets the credit, and this case personifies that quote as we lay the credit amongst all of the agencies working together to make West Tennessee and Ohio safer places to live, work, and raise a family, said Carter.

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The two men who were stopped on I-40 in Haywood County were also taken into federal custody.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Rep. Tom Kean Jr., already considered one of the most vulnerable congressional Republicans in the coming midterm elections, is drawing bipartisan backlash for his failure to stop federal authorities from buying a massive warehouse in Roxbury intended for a new migrant detention center.

Monday, Kean responded to critics complaints by introducing legislation intended to offset the burdensome costs that can strangle municipalities when federal detention facilities come to town.

But the bill only gave critics more fodder for their fury.

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Michael Roth, one of the Democrats running to unseat Kean in November, accused him of trying to save face with a bullsh-t bill. Brian Varela, another Democrat in the race, called the legislation theatrics and smokescreen by a Republican afraid to stand up to President Donald Trump.

This is not what the constituents are asking for. What theyre asking for is to not have this facility. They also asked for him to be involved much earlier in the conversation. He cant come in, after the fact, and put together a piece of legislation that we dont even know is going to get passed, Varela said. Hes trying to walk a very fine line, and hes not doing a good job at it. This is going to hurt him on all sides and just emboldens the outrage that people are feeling towards his lack of representation.

Protestors gather on Route 46 to oppose plans for an ICE detention center in Roxbury on Feb. 16, 2026. (Photo by Sophie Nieto-Munoz/New Jersey Monitor)

Roxburys all-Republican council and mayor have fought the detention center for two months.

They did not respond to the New Jersey Monitors requests to comment for this story. But they groused in a Friday statement about both Kean and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, saying they communicated their concerns to every level of government that a migrant jail would overwhelm local infrastructure and cost the township millions in property taxes.

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Despite repeated outreach, our federal representative, Congressman Tom Kean Jr., did not engage to the level we had hoped to provide the advocacy our residents deserved. It is also inconceivable and frankly stunning that all of our communications to DHS on issues related to this selection as a detention center were never answered. This community is the most impacted by this facility, yet we received absolutely no feedback from DHS, the mayor and six council members said in the joint statement.

Kean declined to comment for this story through spokeswoman Noelle Berriet. But Saturday, he denied criticism and vowed he would find a workable solution.

We worked closely with officials in Roxbury and engaged directly with the highest levels of DHS on their behalf. I understand the frustration and emotion this situation has created, he wrote on X.

The bill he introduced Monday, dubbed the Local Taxpayer Protection Act, addresses many of Roxbury officials concerns, Berriet said. Under the bill, municipalities where immigration jails operate could apply for federal grants to make up for the resulting loss of property taxes and ballooning demands on utilities, public safety, and other local infrastructure.

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The idea of storing human beings in a warehouse is simply unconscionable.

 House candidate Michael Roth

Roth said the legislation completely misses the point.

The issue here is, first and foremost, a moral issue. The idea of storing human beings in a warehouse is simply unconscionable. Adding some more money for the sewage system is not going to change that, Roth said.

Trumps immigration crackdown has become unpopular even among his supporters, including farmers and small business owners whose workers have quit rather than risk being snatched from their workplaces by immigration agents, he added.

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Many voters already had soured on Kean for failing to stand up to Trump, hold town halls, or otherwise be accessible, Varela said. Keans belated response to the Roxbury migrant jail wont save him at the ballot box in November, Varela predicted.

In a district thats swinging anywhere from one to two points, year after year, this could be the nail in the coffin for Kean and his campaign, Varela said. Hes given voters more than enough reasons to not support him. This is just simply adding to the very long dossier of reasons that people are fed up with Tom Kean Jr.

Two of Keans other Democrat rivals piled on.

He is trying to do a Hail Mary, whatever he can get away with to keep his job without really doing anything significant, Megan ORourke said. This legislation is too little, too late.

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Rebecca Bennett, the fundraising frontrunner among Keans challengers, declined to comment for this story but issued a statement Sunday that said Kean owes the people of Roxbury an explanation for his silence, his lack of urgency, and his failure to publicly oppose this facility.

Federal officials have not released a timeline or other details of their plans for the Roxbury jail, a lack of information that fueled community concerns and protests.

Township officials provided some answers Friday when they confirmed that the feds bought the 470,000-square-foot warehouse on Route 46 from Dalfen Industrial and a Goldman Sachs asset management fund, even though Roxbury offered $20 million in tax abatements to redevelop the warehouse site for uses besides immigrant detention.

It remains unclear, though, if a migrant jail in Roxbury will definitely open.

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Department of Homeland Security officials have backpedaled elsewhere amid growing public backlash, with New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte, a Republican, announcing Tuesday that the feds abandoned plans to open a migrant jail in her state.

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Supermarket chain SPAR International has extended its preferred supplier agreement with South Korean retail technology provider SOLUM.

The extension reaffirms the companys role as a global supplier of electronic shelf labels (ESL) and digital signage to SPAR-licensed organisations worldwide.

According to the company, the preferred supplier programme is designed to support Spar licensees in assessing and adopting retail technology solutions more effectively.

Spar International operations head Tom Rose said: This selection is intended to support Spar licensed organisations in more easily assessing and adopting proven digital solutions.

By working with partners that can provide consistent quality and support, we aim to help strengthen digital capabilities across different market environments.

Under the renewed agreement, Solum will continue supplying Spar stores with ESL, e-paper displays and digital signage.

Founded in 2015 as a Samsung Electro-Mechanics spin-off, Solum will provide its Newton Core+ and 32in Newton e-Paper series to Spar organisations.

The company will also supply digital signage formats such as bar-type, dual-type and standard displays.

These systems can be adapted and scaled for different store layouts and operational requirements.

In addition to displaying pricing and in-store information, ESL and digital signage platforms can function as digital communication channels connected to retail media initiatives.

Solum Europe CEO Daniel Lee added: Being chosen as a Preferred Supplier by SPAR International reflects trust in Solum's ability to reliably supply and support ESL and digital signage solutions across diverse retail environments - not just individual products.

Separately, Spar International last week entered a partnership with Veesion to make AI-based loss-prevention technology available to Spar-licensed operators worldwide.

Under that agreement, Spar retailers can deploy Veesions video detection system to help reduce theft-related losses in stores.

In a separate development, Solum and Finnish retail infrastructure company EWQ recently expanded their strategic partnership to accelerate the rollout of integrated in-store digital communication systems.

The companies said the broadened arrangement will deepen technical integration and commercial cooperation by linking EWQs ScanToPair software with Solums Newton ESL and digital signage hardware portfolio.

"SPAR International extends SOLUM ESL and signage partnership" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand.
The United States on Wednesday eased an oil embargo on Cuba but Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for the island to change "dramatically," saying the communist government had only itself to blame for a historic economic crisis.

Rubio, a Cuban-American and lifelong critic of Havana's government, heard concerns that the island's tumult could destabilize the whole region as he attended a Caribbean Community summit.

Attending the talks on the tiny island nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Rubio staunchly defended the January 3 US attack that deposed Venezuela's leftist leader Nicolas Maduro.

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The United States swiftly then blocked Venezuela from exporting oil to Cuba, which had relied on its ally for nearly half its needs, triggering fuel shortages and rolling blackouts on the island.

The Treasury Department announced Wednesday that the United States would allow Venezuelan oil exports to Cuba if sent to the private sector -- a small presence in the communist nation.

Rubio warned that the sanctions would be snapped back if the oil winds up going to the government or military.

"But Cuba needs to change. It needs to change dramatically because it is the only chance that it has to improve the quality of life for its people," Rubio told reporters.

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It is "a system that's in collapse, and they need to make dramatic reforms," he said.

"If they want to make those dramatic reforms that open the space for both economic and eventually political freedom for the people of Cuba, obviously the United States would love to see that," he said.

Rubio blamed economic mismanagement and the lack of a vibrant private sector for the dire situation in Cuba, under communist rule since Fidel Castro's 1959 revolution.

"This is the worst economic climate Cuba has faced. And it is the authorities there, and that government who are responsible for that," Rubio said.

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- Warnings of instability -

Rubio spoke as Cuba announced that it had killed four people on a speedboat registered in Florida.

Cuba said that the gunmen had intended to infiltrate from the United States.

Rubio said that the United States was still studying the "unusual" incident and would respond but said little information was verified.

Caribbean leaders warned that any further deterioration in Cuba would impact the region and trigger migration -- President Donald Trump's top political concern.

"Humanitarian suffering serves no one," Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said. "A prolonged crisis in Cuba will not remain confined to Cuba."

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Canada, which has long broken with its southern neighbor by maintaining warm relations with Havana, announced Can$8 million ($5.8 million) in aid for Cuba.

The Caribbean summit's host, Saint Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew, studied in Cuba to be a doctor and said friends have told him of food scarcity and garbage strewn in the streets.

"A destabilized Cuba will destabilize all of us," Drew said.

- 'Without apology' on Venezuela -

Addressing the summit, Rubio staunchly defended the deadly operation that seized Maduro, saying that Venezuela has made "substantial" progress since then.

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"I will tell you this without any apology or without any apprehension: Venezuela is better off today than it was eight weeks ago," Rubio said.

Rubio said he believed Venezuela had moved to a new phase and that there was a need for "fair, democratic elections," although he did not lay out a timetable.

The United States once championed Venezuela's democratic opposition but since removing Maduro it has worked with interim president Delcy Rodriguez, who was Maduro's deputy.

Trump has voiced satisfaction with Rodriguez, including her welcome to US oil companies, and has threatened her with violence if she does not do his bidding.

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Rubio also met at the summit with beleaguered Haiti's prime minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aime.

Rubio said he was upbeat about progress in setting up a new UN-blessed force to suppress Haiti's powerful gangs and voiced hope that the country will finally hold elections this year for the first time in a decade.

Rubio is the highest-ranking sitting US official ever to visit Saint Kitts and Nevis, a tiny former British colony reliant on beach tourism that was the birthplace of a US founding father, Alexander Hamilton.

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Russia is sending migrants through underground tunnels from Belarus into Europe as part of its hybrid war on the West.

Belarus, a Russian puppet state led by dictator Alexander Lukashenko, has used specialists from the Middle East with a high level of expertise to design the tunnels, Polish officials have told The Telegraph.

The Great Escape-style tactic marks a new escalation in the Kremlins hybrid war on Europe, in which Minsk has tried to send tens of thousands of migrants across Polands eastern frontier.

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Polish officials said the specialists who designed and dug the tunnels had a high level of expertise.

And while experts say it is hard to be sure which groups were involved, they have suggested Kurdish fighters, Islamic State and Iranian-backed proxies as potential culprits.

Poland has also suggested that Belarus resorted to hiring the mysterious Middle Eastern specialists because it was seeking new and more inventive methods of sneaking migrants across the border.

Officers of the Podlaskie Border Guard Unit have uncovered a total of four tunnels under the border with Belarus, all in 2025, Lt Col Katarzyna Zdanowicz, from the Polish border force, told The Telegraph.

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Physical and electronic security measures at the border, such as thermal imaging cameras and detection systems, allow us to immediately respond to any attempted violations of the state border, even underground ones, he added.

Polish authorities discovered one of the largest tunnels, near the village of Narewka in eastern Poland, in mid-December.

1902 Migrant tunnels of Belarus

It was used by a total of 180 migrants, mainly from Afghanistan and Pakistan, with the majority of them arrested after they emerged on the other side.

According to Poland, the tunnel was 1.5m high with the entrance on the Belarusian side hidden in a forest. The tunnel ran for around 50 metres on the Belarusian side of the border and for 10 metres on the Polish side.

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Polish police also released images of some of the 130 migrants who were arrested after emerging from the tunnels.

Migrants are lined up in the forest after being arrested on their exit from the tunnel into Poland

Video footage of the tunnel itself shows a narrow crawlspace-like structure, with concrete struts fixed to the sides to prevent it from collapsing.

Military experts say the only Middle Eastern groups known to be capable of such tunnels are Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Hezbollah in Lebanon, certain factions in Kurdistan, and possibly Islamic State.

Dr Lynette Nusbacher, an American military historian and strategist, said it was plausible that Iranian-backed groups such as Hezbollah might be the culprits.

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One of the things we immediately saw after the 2006 Lebanon war was parades of cement mixers queuing up in southern Lebanon...we were seeing loads and loads of Iranian tunnel construction, she said.

We also have ample evidence of Hamas doing the same thing in Gaza. So if you want that deep tunnelling expertise, then the answer to your question is going to be with Middle Easterners.

Credit: @XXSTRAZGRANICZNAXX/ YouTube

Major Rob Campbell, a fortifications expert and former British Army sapper, also said Hamas was a possible culprit after reviewing footage of the tunnels in Poland.

If I had to speculate, experts from the Middle East would be Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad, he said, referring to another Palestinian faction in the Gaza Strip.

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Sarit Zehavi, a former Israeli intelligence colonel, said Iranian-backed proxies were just one of several possible explanations.

Does Hezbollah or any Iranian proxies have this capability? Yes. Are they the only ones? No. Probably others also have the knowledge, from Kurdish militias in Syria to Isis, she said.

Marcin Kierwinski, a Polish official, has previously said that some of the tunnellers came from Kurdistan, but added that Poland ultimately holds the Belarusian regime responsible.

Last month, Al-Jazeera, the Qatari broadcaster, reported the discovery of a vast network of tunnels below the Syrian city of Raqqa, which had been dug by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

Punishing the West

Under Lukashenko, who has ruled for more than 30 years, Belarus has played an active role in Putins attempts to destabilise the West via waves of migration.

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Even prior to the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Belarus was used as a staging area to send thousands of migrants across the Polish border, prompting Warsaw to build a 200km fence with 300 cameras.

Since the full-scale Ukraine invasion, Russia has also launched dozens of drone incursions and firebomb attacks on European airports, as well as a string of sabotage attacks on factories and railways supplying aid to Ukraine.

The ultimate goal is to punish the West over its military support for Ukraine and try to turn the public against Volodymyr Zelenskys government in Kyiv.

As a wider part of that strategy, Belarus has been sending waves of balloons carrying contraband into neighbouring Nato countries to create air traffic chaos and probe for air defence weaknesses.

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The tactic initially targeted Lithuania, but Polish officials say Belarusian balloons  usually loaded with bootleg cigarettes  are increasingly being sent in their direction.

When it comes to dealing with the tunnels, Poland says it is more than capable of tracking down the entrances and blowing them up.

But there are concerns that, each time Warsaw closes off one access point to Europe for migrants, another one springs up elsewhere.

One minister has even suggested that the appearance of Middle Eastern-designed tunnels under Poland is a sign that their border force is too good at its job.

Digging these tunnels means that our effectiveness in stopping migration is so high that it was decided to bring in specialists from the Middle East to dig them, said Czesaw Mroczek, the deputy interior minister, in a recent interview on Polish radio.

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Russia's state-owned oil pipeline monopoly Transneft has cut crude intake by 250,000 barrels per day after a Ukrainian drone strike damaged a critical pumping station, Reuters reported on Feb. 24, citing two sources familiar with the matter.

Ukraine's State Security Service (SBU) launched a drone attack on the Kaleykino oil pumping station  a key oil transportation hub  in Russia's Tatarstan overnight on Feb. 23, an agency source told the Kyiv Independent. The station serves the Druzhba pipeline, one of the world's largest crude oil networks, carrying nearly two million barrels per day from Russia through Belarus and Ukraine to Central Europe.

The facility is also a major hub for deliveries to oil refineries in Russia.

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Damage from the attack forced Transneft to cut crude oil intake by 250,000 barrels per day and could cause further problems for Russian oil exports, affecting volumes and quality of oil shipped, industry sources told Reuters.

Two 50,000-metric-ton storage tanks caught fire due to the attack, one source said. The full extent of the damage has not yet been determined.

The tanks at the Kaleykino pumping station store and balance oil flows before pumping them further along the pipeline, which supplies refineries in countries including Hungary and Slovakia, the only EU countries still importing Russian crude through the system.

The recent attack comes amid heightened tensions among Ukraine, Slovakia, and Hungary over halted oil flow via the Druzhba pipeline.

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The pipeline has been offline since late January following a Russian strike, according to Ukrainian authorities. Hungary and Slovakia have accused Ukraine of delaying repairs and retaliated against Kyiv by blocking the EU's latest round of sanctions against Russia. Budapest also blocked a planned 90 billion euro ($107 billion) EU loan for Kyiv over the pipeline dispute.

Ukraine said it has proposed several "doable solutions" to resolve the conflict with Hungary regarding Russian oil transit.

Kyiv routinely launches drone strikes against oil facilities in Russia, arguing that these sites are legitimate military targets because they finance and fuel Moscow's war against Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky has described drone strikes on Russian energy assets as "the sanctions that work the fastest."

Transneft warned producers in September 2025 that they may have to cut output following a series of Ukrainian drone strikes. The pipeline monopoly handles more than 80% of Russia's crude oil output.

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Read also: UK exempts Druzhba pipeline as it unveils its biggest Russia sanctions package, document shows

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Nextdoor, a hyperlocal social networking service for neighborhoods, has released its 2026 rankings of the friendliest neighborhoods in San Diego. Can you guess which area landed on the top of the list?

The annual rankings analyze how residents interact on Nextdoor, the neighborhood-based social network used by more than 100 million neighborhoods worldwide. The companys data highlights communities where neighbors are most supportive, welcoming and actively engaged in helping one another, according to a press release detailing the rankings.

Pacific Highlands Ranch earned the No. 1 spot based on neighbor-to-neighbor engagement on the platform. Trailing this community, Kensington landed on the No. 2 spot, Westwood was ranked No. 3, followed by Rolando at No. 4 and Seven Oaks at No. 5.

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San Diego Chaldean bishop accused of embezzlement, brothel visits

The areas were ranked using Nextdoors Friendliness Score, which ranks neighborhoods based on positive interactions, the company explained. The scores were calculated using multiple indicators of positive community engagement, including:

Posts with positive or negative tone

Fulfilled neighbor requests for help or recommendations

Posts expressing neighborhood pride or dissatisfaction

The number of free items shared in the For Sale & Free section

Welcome posts that receive responses

Neighbors promoting or recommending local businesses

The full list of San Diegos friendliest neighborhoods can be found here.

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According to the platform, the rankings are designed to offer prospective residents, real estate professionals and current San Diego residents a data driven perspective on where community connection is strongest across the city.

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.
COLUMBIA  Police could arrest anyone who, after being ordered to stay back, comes within 25 feet of on-duty law enforcement or medical personnel under a proposal advancing in the South Carolina House.

Similar laws passed in other states have yet to survive a legal challenge on First Amendment grounds. That didnt dissuade the House Judiciary Committee from sending the legislation Tuesday to the House floor on a 15-4 vote. Six legislators didnt vote. All four no votes came from Democrats.

This bill isnt a want or a need. Its a must for law enforcement, said JJ Jones, the executive director of the states police chiefs association.

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The so-called HALO bill  Helping Alleviate Lawful Obstruction  would make it a misdemeanor, punishable by a $500 fine and up to 60 days in jail, to knowingly violate first responders orders and interfere, harass or distract them from their work.

It says nothing about videotaping, and a person can still exercise their rights to film or observe. But they must do so from 25 feet away following the officers warning.

Setting boundaries

JJ Jones, the executive director of the states police chiefs association, testifies Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, in favor of legislation creating a 25-foot buffer for first responders actively trying to perform their duties. Anyone who violates an order to step back could be arrested on misdemeanor charges. (Photo by Jessica Holdman/SC Daily Gazette)

Jones told members about his own experience two decades ago while on patrol: He was making a traffic stop on the side of the road near Pelion when a man with a camcorder approached him.

He was taping me, and he was goading me on and trying to get me upset, he said. He went so far as putting the camera in my face. I could actually see my breath in the lens.

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The bills lead sponsor, Rep. Melissa Oremus, said she doesnt want first responders to fear for their life where theyre trying to save another.

Our first responders are there to do a job, the Aiken Republican said. Its not to punish anyone, but its to set those boundaries.

Groups representing sheriffs, police officers, hospitals, emergency medical responders and firefighters echoed those sentiments in their own testimony.

State Attorney General Alan Wilson also offered his support.

Every South Carolinian has the right to peacefully assemble and express their views, he said in an emailed statement. But, as weve seen across the country, protestors are becoming increasingly violent and preventing law enforcement from doing their jobs.

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The legislature can send a clear message today: If you choose to engage in unlawful conduct by harassing a law enforcement officer or first responder, you will go to jail, said the states top prosecutor, who is also running for governor.

But based on legal cases made to date, the proposal may not pass First Amendment muster.

Seth Stoughton, a former police officer turned University of South Carolina law professor, expressed sympathy for the difficulties first responders face when someone is yelling and cursing them, invading their space while theyre trying to do their job.

Is it fair? No, its not, he told the SC Daily Gazette. But our government is not structured to protect police from annoyance and harassment. Its designed to protect the citizenry from government overreach.

First Amendment issues

A federal judge threw out a 2022 Arizona law, shortly after its enactment, that prohibited people from video recording within 8 feet of police enforcement.

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Another federal judge also blocked a 2023 Indiana law enacting a 25-foot buffer surrounding an ongoing police investigative scene, finding it unconstitutionally vague.

Even after legislators went back to the drawing board last year in an attempt to clarify its position, it still wasnt enough to pass judicial muster.

And a lawsuit by multiple news outlets blocked a 2024 Louisiana law that, following a verbal warning, bars someone from coming within 25 feet of police officers performing their duties. That case continues under appeal.

A case in Tennessee also is ongoing.

And a Florida law nearly identical to the South Carolina proposal is facing a legal challenge following the arrest of two Jacksonville women outside a charter school. Police say the two women were too close to an officer while he was trying to handcuff another woman.

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Our law enforcement officers should be safe. No one doubts that, said Courtney Thomas, with South Carolinas chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. But this bill could violate the First Amendment because it could curb and chill free speech.

There are already laws on the books to address obstruction of justice, the law enforcement leaders who testified on the bill acknowledged. But those address behavior after the fact rather than the upfront deterrent a HALO law provides, Jones said.

Thats also probably why judges keep finding these new laws unconstitutional, said Stoughton, the USC professor.

When it comes to protected free speech, the judicial system is extremely skeptical of whats known as prior restraint  anything that may stop someone from speaking out of fear of legal repercussions. Any law that may impede speech must be narrow in scope and so far judges have ruled these proposals apply too broadly, Stoughton said.

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Specifying a distance becomes problematic, he said: What if the person doing the yelling or filming is a passenger in the car during a traffic stop or a neighbor standing in their own yard that is less than 25 feet away?

Continuing to pass such laws after theyve been repeatedly struck down isnt likely to make a difference for the challenges first responders face, Stoughton added.

Its not meaningfully helping policing; its just confusing the issue, he said.

He contends the law could instead set up officers for failure and cities and departments for legal liability.

Chaos in our world today

Rep. Melissa Oremus, R-Aiken, is the lead sponsor of a bill creating a 25-foot buffer for on-duty first responders in South Carolina, a measure she told fellow House members on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, is about safety. (Photo by Jessica Holdman/SC Daily Gazette)

Oremus said her goal is to keep everyone safe, not impede anyones rights.

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While the bill is meant to apply just to state and local officials, Oremus pointed to clashes between federal immigration agents in Minnesota and those protesting against mass deportation efforts.

Weve seen such chaos in our world today, she said.

What were seeing on social media and the news tends to show us the worst case scenarios in every situation, Oremus later told the SC Daily Gazette. And what the world is witnessing now is our law enforcement being impeded. And you can clearly see it.

She said people are increasingly using their cellphones to capture whatever can get them social media clicks.

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People are more willing to whip out their cameras than they are to actually assist in whatever the emergency is, she said. They want to be the first to say I got this captured.

But bystander recordings have sometimes shown a story different from officers accounts and played a major role in recent years in holding law enforcement accountable, according to the ACLU.

When police can kill, so often the only recourse for the public is to witness and watch and record, Thomas said. This law, while it does not outlaw that, would make it harder.

If this bill were law in 2015, she said, we might have never known about the true circumstances of the death of Walter Scott, an unarmed Black man in North Charleston who a police officer shot eight times as he ran away.

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Two months after Scotts death, the Legislature passed a law encouraging all law enforcement agencies to wear body cameras and creating a state grant program to fund them.

Im not saying cameras are a bad thing, Oremus told the Daily Gazette. Its just added to the hype, created a hysteria.

We need to get back to a law and order society, she added. Law enforcement, the ones who are protecting us, protecting our communities, are crying out saying we need help.

Rep. Justin Bamberg, an attorney from rural Bamberg, said the bill could force people to prove in court they had a legitimate reason for breaking the buffer: Maybe they were worried about the persons safety and wanted to film but needed to get closer because their old cellphone cant zoom in well.

I get that these are all real problems weve seen in the law enforcement arena, where folks want to go and they want to film the cops and it can amp a situation up sometimes, said the son of the Bamberg County sheriff.

These are just some real-life things to think about, he added. He was among Democrats voting no.

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Expanding to hospitals

Unlike other states laws, Oremus bill would also extend protections within the states hospitals.

We have a problem in South Carolina thats continuing to grow in our hospitals, and that is that gang bangers are following the injured parties into emergency rooms, said the committee chairman, Rep. Weston Newton.

Our hospitals all dont have metal detectors at the door, the Bluffton Republican said. They dont have armed guards at every door. They dont want them. They dont want to have to fortify every hospital.

Rep. Kathy Landing, R-Mount Pleasant, pointed to the second annual workplace violence survey put out by the states hospital association.

The report said at least seven workplace violence incidents occur in South Carolina hospitals every day, largely against nurses. However, according to the data, 77% of that violence came from the patients the employees were trying to help, 11% were fellow employees, and 9% were family members of patients.

I am sick and tired of hearing us constantly talk about how we cant do a law to protect our citizens, Landing said before voting yes to advance the bill. You can stay out of the polices face. You can stay out of the healthcare workers face when theyre trying to do their job.

Stoughton said the bills protections would be unnecessary in Newtons example, since threatening a victim is already illegal.

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Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet said on Wednesday that scam centres were destroying his country's economy and giving the nation a bad name -- pushing back on allegations of government connivance.

The nation has emerged as a hotspot for crime syndicates running a multibillion-dollar fraud industry that sees scammers lure internet users globally into fake romantic relationships and cryptocurrency investments.

"The scam network, what we call the black economy, is destroying our honest economy. It has put a bad reputation on Cambodia," Hun Manet told AFP in a rare interview with international media, saying this was harming tourism and investment.

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"This is the reason why we need to clean this out."

A clampdown has resulted in thousands of arrests, according to government officials, and the recent extradition to China of a former adviser to Cambodia's leaders.

But some industry experts have questioned the authenticity of such efforts, pointing to alleged links between Cambodian officials and cyberscam networks.

Hun Manet, who took over as prime minister from his father Hun Sen in 2023, conceded the crime had indirectly boosted some business activities and provided jobs in the country, but denied Cambodia had profited from it.

"Yes, the scam centre may produce some direct result to real estate, to some investment, the building, the buying, how to make the centres," he said.

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"But most of the proceeds do not go into the government of Cambodia," the prime minister said.

Cambodia hosts dozens of the scam centres with an estimated 100,000 people -- many victims of human trafficking -- perpetrating online scams, experts say.

A 2024 report by the United States Institute of Peace estimated the return on cyberscamming in Cambodia to exceed $12.5 billion annually -- half the country's formal GDP -- but Hun Manet denied the country was dependent on scams.

"A lot of people were saying that the GDP of Cambodia relies on the scam. No. We rely on pure economies such as tourism, manufacturing, and others," he said.

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Operating from various Southeast Asian countries, those conducting the scams are sometimes willing volunteers, sometimes trafficked foreign nationals who have been trapped and forced to work under threat of torture.

Initially largely targeting Chinese speakers -- from whom they have extracted billions, prompting rising public anger -- the scammers have expanded their operations into multiple languages to steal vast sums from victims around the world.

- 'Kingpin' -

Last year, a series of crackdowns largely driven by Beijing -- which wields significant economic and diplomatic influence in the region -- saw thousands of scam workers released from centres in Myanmar and Cambodia and repatriated to their home countries, many of them to China.

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The push netted its biggest player so far in January, with the arrest and extradition of Chinese-born tycoon Chen Zhi from Cambodia.

Chen, who had been indicted in October by US authorities, served as an adviser to both Hun Manet and his father.

"We did not know that he was the kingpin," Hun Manet told AFP in Brussels, where he stopped as part of an international trip to shore up diplomatic support over a border conflict with Thailand.

A background check did not raise red flags, he added, noting that Chen's Prince Group conglomerate, which US authorities say was a cover for a "sprawling cyber-fraud empire", had a presence in many countries including Britain.

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Since around 2015, Prince Group has operated across more than 30 countries under the guise of legitimate real estate, financial services and consumer businesses, US prosecutors said.

Before allegations against him were brought forward, to Phnom Penh he was "just a businessman, contributing to the economy".

"Whatever the activities, we (did) not know," Hun Manet said, adding the authorities took action when they learnt about the alleged wrongdoing.

Chen directed operations of forced labour compounds across Cambodia, where trafficked workers were held in prison-like facilities surrounded by high walls and barbed wire, according to US prosecutors.

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Prince Group has denied the allegations.

Hun Manet said his former advisor was extradited to China rather than the US due to his citizenship.

Chen was stripped of his Cambodian nationality after it emerged he used a fake document to obtain it, the prime minister said.

That left him with "only Chinese nationality" -- compelling Cambodian authorities to extradite him to his home country, he added.

ub/ec/cc
Summer vacation is ending early for Worcester County students, as the upcoming school year is now scheduled to begin in August.

The Worcester County Board of Education revealed its 2026-2027 school system calendar on Feb. 17, 2026.

The following key dates are addressed in the calendar:

First Day of School is Aug. 31, 2026 Schools will be closed Sept. 4 and 7 in observance of Labor Day Thanksgiving Break is from Nov. 25-27, 2026 Winter Break is from Dec. 21, 2026 through Jan. 1, 2027 Spring Break is from March 26-29, 2027 Tentative Last Day of School is June 11, 2027

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LATEST BUSINESS NEWS: Chick-fil-A, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Rise Up all coming soon to Salisbury

GET TO KNOW OWNER OF NEW CHICK-FIL-A: Meet owner of Salisbury's new Chick-fil-A, local who grew up in business

The full 2026-2027 school system calendar can be viewed here.

Somerset and Wicomico counties have not yet released their 2026-27 school calendars.

Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@delmarvanow.com.

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Worcester County calendar has school starting before Labor Day in 2026
Under Antarctica's miles-thick ice sheet, scientists have identified 207 possible volcanoes that may be speeding up ice melt and raising global sea levels, according to a recent study published in Earth-Science Reviews.

What's happening?

Researchers created the first continent-wide inventory of these hidden volcanoes, called "ANT-SGV-25." By mapping the volcanoes' size, shape, and location, scientists hope to better understand how heat from beneath the Antarctic ice sheet threatens its stability.

Researchers from several universities compiled data from radar surveys, satellite imagery, and earlier volcanic records to document 207 subglacial volcanic structures. Many are clustered in West Antarctica.

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Lead author Cui Xiangbin told Xinhua: "Recent research increasingly shows that subglacial volcanoes hidden beneath the massive ice sheet can alter subglacial topography, promote basal ice melting, regulate subglacial hydrological activity, and ultimately affect ice flow dynamics and the stability of the ice sheet."

Why is Antarctic ice melt significant?

As Antarctica's ice melts, global sea levels rise. When volcanoes heat the ice from below, meltwater forms and acts as a lubricant, which allows glaciers to slide faster toward the ocean.

Higher seas threaten coastal homes, roads, and drinking water supplies with flooding and saltwater contamination. According to Yale Environment 360, with 6 feet of sea-level rise, about 1.9 million U.S. homes (worth $882 billion) could be underwater by 2100.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency states that coastal flooding hazards such as storm surge, waves, and erosion "can cause extensive damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure."

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Previous eruptions have changed the topography and posed a risk to communities. A 1996 eruption in Iceland triggered a sudden glacial flood, which, per a Smithsonian report, was preceded by "an unusual sequence" of earthquakes.

The report notes that extreme events like these have released gases that caused acid haze, which perturbed the weather in Western Eurasia, the North Atlantic, and the Arctic. Some of the impacts of this haze included "crop failures, livestock and fish deaths, and various illnesses, including fluorine poisoning."

What's being done about Antarctic ice melt?

By building this detailed volcano inventory, scientists can improve ice-sheet models and better predict sea-level rise. Continued satellite monitoring and international polar research help track changes in real time.

The World Economic Forum has previously stated that, while some melting is now inevitable, humans "can still avoid the worst impacts by urgently cutting greenhouse gas emissions."

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.
Dont toss that scratched-up, questionably stained, borderline EPA Superfund site, 12-year-old cutting board just yet! Your vintage fermentation lab with knife marks might not be so dangerous after all.

Scientists have warned for years that microplastics are found in everything: from the food and drinks we consume to the clothes we wear and cleaning supplies we use. These microplastics are building up in our bodies and pose a new risk to our healthor so weve been told.

But some scientists are now scrubbing that idea, with one researcher even calling studies sounding the alarms as a joke.

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Recent high-profile reports claiming micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) have infiltrated the human brain, arteries, and testes are facing a major scientific backlash. Experts are warning that many of these widely publicized findings may be the result of methodological errors, contamination, and false positives rather than actual plastic ingestion.

The brain microplastic paper is a joke, wrote Dusan Materic, head of research at Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research (UFZ). Materic is one of several scientists proclaiming that previous studies regarding the damage microplastics cause the human body are exaggerated.

Chemist Roger Kuhlman said the evidence presented in previous studies had more holes than your cutting board, amounting to a bombshell, he told the Guardian.

This is really forcing us to reevaluate everything we think we know about microplastics in the body, Kuhlman, a former chemist at the Dow Chemical Company, told the publication. Which, it turns out, is really not very much. Many researchers are making extraordinary claims, but not providing even ordinary evidence.

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The controversy centers on a surge of research that has captured global headlines, including a study suggesting the average human brain might contain the equivalent weight of a plastic spoon in MNPs. By November, however, a team of scientists formally challenged this study in a Matters arising letter, citing limited contamination controls and a lack of validation steps.

The technical heart of the dispute lies in Py-GC-MS, a process in which samples are vaporized to identify molecules by weight. Environmental chemist Cassandra Rauert noted that this technique is currently unsuitable for identifying polyethylene or PVC in human tissue because molecules from human fat can mimic the signal of these plastics. Her research listed 18 studies that failed to account for these false positives. Furthermore, Rauert argued it is biologically implausible that the mass of plastic reported could end up in internal organs, as particles between three and 30 micrometers are unlikely to cross biological barriers.

Instead, the scientists suggested that rising obesity levels might explain health problems better than an increase in plastic accumulation.

Adding to the skepticism, Fazel Monikh, an expert in nanomaterials at the University of Padua, noted that particulate materials undergo biotransformation once they enter a living organism. He explained that even in the highly unlikely scenario that an intact particle reached a protected organ like the brain, it would not retain the appearance shown in most of the reported data. Consequently, many experts find the results and interpretations of these studies to be scientifically unconvincing.

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Experts like Frederic Been describe the study of microplastics in humans as a super-immature field where the race to publish has led to shortcuts and the overlooking of routine scientific checks.

These methodological shortcomings have real-world consequences, including scaremongering and the rise of expensive, unscientific treatments claiming to clean blood of plastics for fees as high as 10,000 (about $13,500). While the presence of plastics in the body remains a safe assumption for most researchers, they emphasize the need for robust, standardized techniques to accurately inform public health policy. In the meantime, experts recommend precautionary measures, such as using charcoal water filters and avoiding heating food in plastic containers.

For this story, Fortune journalists used generative AI as a research tool. An editor verified the accuracy of the information before publishing.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
MSPs have approved the Scottish government's budget for the coming year following a Holyrood vote.

The SNP's 68bn spending plans for 2026-27 include changes to income tax thresholds and a levy on homes valued at over 1m.

Finance secretary Shona Robison struck a deal with the Scottish Liberal Democrats to ensure the budget would pass.

Scottish Labour and the Scottish Greens abstained and the Scottish Conservatives voted against the plans, describing them as "dreadful". The final vote was 66 votes for, 29 against with 24 abstentions,

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The budget, which was announced last month, comes just months before voters head to the polls for the Holyrood elections.

Measures include an increase to the Scottish Child Payment, which will rise to 40 per week for families with a baby under the age of one from 2027-28.

There was also a targeted 15% relief for non-domestic rates for retail, hospitality and leisure premises, helping business which were facing a sharp increase in bills because of revaluations of rateable value.

Income tax thresholds rose in the basic and intermediate bands, which means workers in the lower tax bands will pay up to 40 a year less than those earning the same amount in other parts of the UK.

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However, those earning over 50,000, will pay almost 1,500 more than people on the same salary elsewhere in the UK, according to forecasts from the Scottish Fiscal Commission.

Robison said SNP ministers had "continued to protect the core elements of the social contract that the people of Scotland rely on every day".

"We've kept prescriptions free, we've maintained free tuition, we have continued to expand free school meals, we have protected free bus travel for under-22s and over-60s, and we have provided free baby boxes to give every child the best start in life," she said.

The Scottish Liberal Democrats voted in favour of the Budget [PA Media]

The Scottish Liberal Democrats agreed to support the budget after discussions which they said had secured 300m of Holyrood money to fund the party's priority issues.

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Party leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has said that would result in a 10% increase in payments to colleges, as well as more money for hospices, autism services and ADHD assessments.

Scottish Conservative finance spokesman, Craig Hoy, said Scotland was trapped in a "doom loop of higher taxes" due to the SNP's benefits commitments.

He added: "Shona Robison has delivered more pain by dragging more and more people into paying a higher tax rate.

"By the end of this decade the SNP's financial mismanagement means a staggering 30% of Scots will be paying the higher rate or more.

"The nationalists' high tax and high welfare spending approach is simply unsustainable and means more tax rises or swingeing cuts to public services  or a lethal combination of them both  are on the way."

Scottish Conservative finance spokesman Craig Hoy described the Budget as "dreadful" [Getty Images]

Scottish Labour had said last month it would not oppose the budget although it was critical of the spending plans.

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The party's finance spokesman Michael Marra said: "Scottish Labour will not stand in the way of police officers, nurses and local services continuing to be funded at the start of the new financial year.

"But we all know that this budget will not last the year  independent experts from the IFS and Fraser of Allander Institute have said so.

"The truth is that the SNP has decimated Scotland's public finances and taken treasured public services like our NHS to the brink."
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP)  Financing for electric vehicle transport is ramping up in Africa as confidence rises in the potential for battery swapping, fast charging and other technologies.

Spiro, Africas largest electric mobility operator, has secured $50 million in debt financing from African Export-Import Bank, or Afreximbank, U.S.-based climate fintech platform Nithio and the Africa Go Green Fund to expand its battery-swapping network.

The announcement came days after Arc Ride, another e-mobility firm, received a $5 million equity commitment from the International Finance Corp., or IFC, signaling growing institutional confidence in Africas clean transport sector. Gogo Electric, a Ugandan e-bike startup also raised $1 million last week from ElectriFi, the European Union-funded electrification financing funded by the EDFI management firm.

Spiro said that it would use the capital to extend its battery-swapping stations to existing and new markets, while advancing technology including automated battery swaps, fast charging and renewable energy integration.

This new funding reinforces our vision of building a robust, scalable energy network tailored for Africa by Africans, said Kaushik Burman, CEO of Spiro.

The e-mobility company operates in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Nigeria, Benin and Togo, with trials in Cameroon and Tanzania. It has deployed more than 80,000 electric motorcycles, circulated more than 300,000 batteries, completed 30 million battery swaps, and established more than 2,500 swap stations. Riders have logged more than 1 billion carbon-free kilometers.

We will use it to deploy energy infrastructure that will contribute meaningfully to a greener future in Africa, said its founder, Gagan Gupta.

Development financiers see electric mobility as both a climate solution and an industrialization opportunity in Africa.

Spiro is one of the largest and fastest-growing players in the Pan-African e-mobility market. We see e-mobility as a critical pillar of Africas clean energy transition, said Raghav Sachdeva, chief investment officer at Nithio.

Laurene Aigrain, managing director of Africa Go Green Fund said that the transaction reflects the funds commitment to backing commercially robust businesses that combine innovation with measurable environmental and social impact.

Afreximbank officials framed their backing as central to Africas sustainable industrialization.

Driving Africas transition to electric mobility is central to how we view sustainable economic development across the continent, said Oluranti Doherty, managing director for export development.
The Seattle Police Department (SPD) says two teen boys were arrested after a shooting on Wednesday afternoon in the Mount Baker neighborhood.

Now, police are looking for two more possible suspects.

SPD says the shooting happened at around 1 p.m. near South Byron Street and Westmore Avenue South.

Officers arrived, found multiple shell casings at the scene, and witnesses reported seeing two teens running from the area, SPD said.

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Police arrested the two boys, aged 16 and 17, and found a modified handgun with an extended magazine and a switch which allows the gun to fire in full auto.

The teens were convicted felons prohibited from having guns, SPD said. They were booked into juvenile detention at the Judge Patricia H. Clark Children & Family Justice Center.

Nearby Franklin High School was placed on a lockdown, and John Muir Elementary School issued a shelter-in-place after the shooting.

SPD learned the boys were involved in the shooting with two others who have not been found.

No injuries were reported.
Proposals to ban the importation of second hand petrol and diesel cars from 2030 have been scrapped by the Environment Minister.

Speaking in the States, Steve Luce said feedback showed "the inclusion of used vehicles in this policy is clearly not widely supported". He said "affordability" for drivers was part of the equation.

Politicians had previously agreed to phase out all petrol and diesel vehicles, as part of Jersey's Carbon Neutral Roadmap, and in line with the UK. Luce said the decision was not just public sentiment, but also informed by a preliminary economic impact assessment he had been given.

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He gave no clarification whether a similar policy for new cars would follow.

'Affordability'

In a ministerial statement, Luce said there had been more than 200 responses from individuals and businesses to a consultation on the plan for vehicles.

He said that while he was still working his way through submissions, it was clear there was "overwhelming support to modify the approach envisaged in the Carbon Neutral Roadmap".

The original plan had been to begin the phase out and stop the importation of petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030.

However Luce said the plan was "clearly not widely supported", and the policy for used vehicles would be changed.

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"We will not be looking to universally restrict the importation and registration of used vehicles," he said.

Steve Luce said he had not yet decided if the plan would also be scrapped for new cars [BBC]

"Retaining the flow of used petrol and diesel vehicles into the island will help enable a more just transition for islanders, ensuring the burden of change does not unnecessarily impact on those worst off".

"We must take steps to ensure affordability both at the point of purchase and for vehicle servicing and repairs.

"This is critical to preserving customer choice and ensuring that islanders can manage the costs associated with day to day motoring," he said.

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The minister said there would need to be "careful consideration of the impact on emissions".

Luce said he was "reserving judgement" whether there would be a similar policy for new cars until all responses to the consultation had been reviewed.

But he added: "New cars may be a challenge as well" as there were concerns UK car manufacturers were reluctant to export electric cars for sale to the Channel Islands.

Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.

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BATON ROUGE  Secretary of State Nancy Landry said this week that $25 million more is needed to cover the $100 million cost of replacing Louisianas 35-year-old ballot machines.

The system would consist of new touchscreen voting machines that print paper ballots and have climate-controlled facilities for storage. Additional expenses would maintain cybersecurity protections and allow for risk-limiting audits, which are considered the top standard for voter integrity.

Louisiana voters have consistently indicated that they want a system that combines the speed of modern technology with the security of a voter-verifiable paper ballot, as required by state law, Landry told the Senate Finance Committee on Monday.

Secretary of State Nancy Landry said new voting machines will cost $100 million.

The paper ballots will allow voters to verify their choices before casting.

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Landry also told the committee that her agencys investigators had identified 403 non-citizens who were registered to vote in Louisiana. Eighty-three of them had voted in at least one election, she said.

President Donald Trump and other Republican leaders have claimed that large numbers of unauthorized immigrants are voting in American elections. The Louisiana Legislature passed a bill in 2024 requiring proof of citizenship in registering to vote.

But the 403 non-citizens, who have all been removed from voter rolls, amounted to a miniscule percentage of the 2.9 million registered voters in the state.

The new voting system will slowly phase out the older machines before completely taking over.

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Six certified vendors are being considered for new machinery. No vendor has been selected, but the secretary of states hope is to have one before the end of the year.

She said manufacturers no longer make replacement parts for the current machines. Parts are often cannibalized from other machines.

Simply put, the system has reached the end of its life cycle, she said.

Even with old machines, Louisiana ranks fourth in the nation for voter integrity only behind Arkansas and Tennessee, which are tied for first, and Alabama, according to The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank in Washington, D.C.

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When I took office, I pledged to make Louisiana #1 in election integrity, Nancy Landry said. At that time, Louisiana was ranked ninth.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: New Louisiana voting machines will cost $100 million, state official says
Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn posted on X Tuesday that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement will not move forward with plans to build an immigrant detention mega center holding up to 16,000 detainees in Wilson County.

An ICE spokesperson confirmed the plans have been scrapped. We have no plans to move forward with a detention centers (sic) in Lebanon, Tennessee, an email from the spokesperson said.

Blackburns post marks the fourth public reversal in a little more than a week of on-again, off-again plans to locate a detention center in Lebanon, a suburban Wilson County community of about 51,000 located 30 miles east of Nashville.

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It also marks the latest successful pushback from within Republican-led states to the federal governments plans to establish immigrant detention centers in their own backyards.

ICE on Tuesday announced it had scrapped plans to build a detention center in New Hampshire after Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte intervened. A project in Mississippi was similarly killed after intervention by Republican Congressional leaders.

In other states, community pushback, including pressure on property owners to cancel sales to ICE, have also led to detention center project cancellations.

A screenshot from Tennessee U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn on X, in which she said Immigration and Customs Enforcement will not site a detention center in Wilson County.

Project Saltbox, which tracks ICE purchases of property for detention centers, reported 12 cancelled property sales thus far. In Democratic-led Maryland, Attorney General Anthony Brown on Monday filed a lawsuit seeking to stop a detention center.

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Blackburn, in her post, complimented Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.

I appreciate (Noems) commitment to finding the best possible location for a new detention center to continue ICEs great work to apprehend, detain, and deport illegal, she wrote.

In Wilson County, the plans drew nearly-universal opposition from local Republican leaders, including Wilson County Mayor Randall Hutto, Lebanon Mayor Rick Bell, Wilson County Sheriff Robert Bryan, State Sen. Mark Pody and State Rep. Clark Boyd.

The officials were all caught off guard by news of a detention center, first reported by the Tennessee Lookout  a pattern mirrored in other states where local, state and federal elected officials learned of plans only through media reports.

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A Wilson County Commission meeting last week drew hundreds of residents who, for more than two hours, lined up to speak in opposition to the plan.

On Tuesday, before Blackburns post, 24 of 25 members of the Wilson County Commission  an all-Republican body  signed a resolution to oppose a facility in Lebanon.

Neither ICE nor the Department of Homeland Security responded to a request Tuesday seeking confirmation the Lebanon plans had been scrapped.

Hutto, the Wilson County Mayor, posted to Facebook that he had been informed that a formal announcement is expected from the agency tomorrow morning.

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At a community meeting late Tuesday, called earlier in the week to organize opposition to the proposed detention center, local advocates instead claimed a cautious victory.

What I feel like, in this moment, is just a massive sigh of relief, organizer Sierra Barnett said.

I think anybody thats been trying to keep up has felt this tug of war and this push and pull for truth and information. she said. And what I can say about Wilson County is we have not stopped seeking information. We have not stopped organizing. We have not stopped researching. Weve not stopped demanding answers, and its because of that, that we have the answer that we have today.

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House Minority Whip Rep. Katherine Clark, D-Mass., the number two Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives, said on Feb. 24 that she will be skipping President Donald Trumps State of the Union address.

Rather than listen to Donald Trump lie to the American people, I will be hearing from the people of my district about their personal experiences with skyrocketing costs, new barriers to health care, dismantled Social Security services, and brutal cuts to medical research, Clark said in a statement.

She joins a growing number of prominent Democrats, including many from New England, who have said they wont attend Trumps first State of the Union address of his second term.

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Some, like Sens. Ed Markey, D-Mass. and Chris Murphy, D-Conn., will be instead attending what they are calling the "People's State of the Union," while others, like Clark and Rep. Gabe Amo, D-R.I., said they will be listening to their constituents.

House Minority Whip Representative Katherine Clark (D-MA) attended an immigration forum at West Palm Beach City Hall in downtown West Palm Beach, Fla., on January 30, 2026.

The number of Democrats boycotting the eventat least 30marks a departure from tradition. Though they've protested President Trump in high-profile ways during his past addresses to Congress  former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi once ripped up a copy of his speech  most lawmakers on both sides of the aisle typically attend States of the Union.

But this year is different, according to Murphy.

"These arent normal times and showing up for this speech puts a veneer of legitimacy on the corruption and lawlessness that has defined his second term," Murphy said in a statement.

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All members of New Englands congressional delegation are Democrats except for Maine Sen. Susan Collins. Heres who isnt attending Trumps State of the Union.

Who is skipping Trumps State of the Union?

Heres who from New England is not attending Trumps State of the Union and where they will be instead. This list may be updated.

Massachusetts

Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass.: Attending the Peoples State of the Union

Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass.: Attending the Peoples State of the Union

Rep. Katherine Clark, D-Mass.: Hearing from the people of my district

Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass: McGovern said in a video on social media that he would rather stick needles in my eyes than listen to his manifesto of mistruths, adding that he will be there to call out his (expletive) on social media.

Rhode Island

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I.: A press release from Whitehouses office said that he will not attend the State of the Union, just as he did not attend the Presidents address to a joint session of Congress last year or his inauguration.

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Rep. Gabe Amo, D-R.I.: Sharing the stories of Rhode Islanders who have been hurt by Trump

Rep. Seth Magaziner, D-R.I.: Magaziner said in a video on social media that he is most needed here in Rhode Island after the historic snowstorm. He said he will watch the speech on TV and probably yell at the TV because our president is a lunatic.

Maine

Sen. Angus King, I-Maine: Told the Maine Morning Star in a statement that he will not attend because it would require him to pay Trump a measure of respect which he has not earned.

Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine: Attending the Peoples State of the Union

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Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine: Watching speech from home, according to the Maine Morning Star

Connecticut

Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn.: Attending the Peoples State of the Union

Rep. John Larson, D-Conn.: Attending the Peoples State of the Union

Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn.: Attending the People's State of the Union

Rep. Jahana Hayes, D-Conn.: Multiple outlets reported Hayes would not be attending the State of the Union, but it's unclear what she will be doing instead.

New Hampshire

Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H.: Hassan had planned to be at the State of the Union but is now unable to attend due to a family health emergency, a spokesperson confirmed.

Vermont

Rep. Becca Balint, D-Vt.: Attending the Peoples State of the Union

Contributing: Zachary Schermele

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: At least 12 New England Democrats to skip Trump State of the Union
Senegal's Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has introduced legislation that could double the maximum penalty for same-sex relations, making them punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

The proposal was sent to parliament on Tuesday after cabinet approval last week, after a wave of arrests over alleged same-sex relationships, already banned under Senegal law.

Addressing lawmakers, Sonko said the bill would punish what it describes as "acts against nature" with prison sentences ranging from five to 10 years, compared with the current one- to five-year terms.

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"If an act is committed with a minor, it will attract the maximum penalty," he said. The bill has been criticised by rights advocates.

Debate over LGBT rights has long generated tension in Senegal, a conservative country where some groups portray pro-LGBT activism as foreign interference.

Religious organisations have held demonstrations in recent years calling for harsher punishments.

Earlier this month, police detained 12 men, among them two public figures and a prominent journalist, under anti-LGBT laws. Local media outlets say around 30 people have been arrested in total this month.

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Sonko explained that the draft law defines any sexual conduct between two people of the same sex as an "act against nature".

The bill proposes prison terms of three to seven years for anyone found to be promoting or advocating same-sex relations.

It also prescribes separate punishment for those who accuse others of homosexuality "without proof".

Those found guilty of crimes in the bill could also face fines up to 10 million CFA francs (about $18,000; 13,000), Sonko added.

Sonko said the revised law would keep the offence at its current misdemeanour level.

"We can achieve the intended objectives without going so far as to elevate the acts to the level of more serious crimes," he added.

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A date has yet to be set for parliament to vote on the bill, in a chamber controlled by Sonko's Pastef party.

Sonko, a former firebrand opposition leader appointed prime minister in 2024, had pledged to criminalise same-sex relations in the Muslim-majority country.

Human Rights Watch said the recent anti-LGBT crackdown violated "multiple internationally protected rights," including equality and nondiscrimination.

Several African countries have also introduced similar sanctions against the LGBT community in recent years. In September last year, Burkina Faso's transitional parliament approved a bill banning homosexual acts, following its neighbour Mali in 2024.

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In 2023, Uganda voted in some of the world's harshest anti-homosexual legislation meaning that anybody engaging in certain same-sex acts can be sentenced to death.

Additional reporting by Wycliffe Muia

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A fertiliser plant in western Russia has come under attack by Ukrainian drones, killing seven people and injuring at least ten.

Russia's Investigative Committee said 30 drones had struck the plant in the region of Smolensk, around 290km (180 miles) from the border with Ukraine.

Regional governor Vasily Anokhin said on social media "the enemy struck... a civilian plant", in what he called a "barbaric terrorist attack by the Ukrainian Armed Forces."

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The factory - which is located in the city of Dorogobuzh - produces ammonium nitrate and nitric acid which are used to produce fertiliser, but can also be used to make explosives.

Rescuers were working at the scene of the incident and had managed to contain the fire, Anokhin said.

He did not specify whether there was a risk of toxic pollution as a result of the attack on the chemical plant but said authorities were considering evacuating residents of a nearby settlement to "minimise the risks to the population".

Schools in the city of Dorogobuzh switched to remote learning and kindergarten classes have been cancelled, the governor added.

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Kyiv has not commented on the attack.

Earlier this week, a Ukrainian drone strike hit the Kaleykino oil pumping station in the Republic of Tatarstan - more than 1200km (750 miles) from the Ukrainian border.

The pumping station feeds into the Druzhba pipeline network which supplies Russian crude oil through Ukraine into Hungary and Slovakia.

According to Reuters, the attack has forced Russia's oil pipeline operator Transneft to reduce the amount of crude oil it takes into its system by about 250,000 barrels a day.

The war in Ukraine, launched by Russia's full-scale invasion of the country in February 2022, has now entered its fifth year.

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As the war on the battlefield grinds on, it appears increasingly unlikely that either side will manage to turn the military tide.

Instead, Ukraine is intensifying its long-range drone strikes on Russian oil refineries. Last autumn Moscow was forced to ban petrol exports until the end of 2025 after drone attacks disabled facilities across the country.

Peace negotiations appear to have reached a stalemate over the issue of the Ukrainian region of the Donbas, which Moscow demands Kyiv hands over.

Another round of US-brokered trilateral talks will take place at the start of March, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday, adding he had instructed his chief negotiator to work towards a prisoner exchange.
The Tennessee Department of Correction said it is investigating after a correctional officer was killed at the Morgan County Correctional Complex on Tuesday.

According to TDOC, the inmate responsible for the killing has been identified and the facility has been placed on lockdown. District Attorney General Russell Johnson said the inmate "fatally stabbed" the officer and has been transported to another facility.

The Morgan County Sheriff's Office identified the officer as Dustin Pedigo.

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"Officer Pedigo made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the State of Tennessee," MCSO wrote on social media. "He was not only a dedicated correctional officer, but a husband and father whose life and service mattered deeply."

Johnson said TDOC's investigative division is handling the investigation and it will take some time to put the case file together for his office to review. The next Morgan County grand jury meeting will be May 26.

"This is a heartbreaking moment for our department and for the entire TDOC family," TDOC said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the officers family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time."

Rep. Ed Butler (R-Rickman) and Sen. Ken Yager (R-Kingston) issued a joint statement in response to the incident:

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We are deeply saddened and outraged by the tragic stabbing death of a dedicated Tennessee correctional officer at the Morgan County Correctional Complex. Our prayers are with the officers family, loved ones, and coworkers during this incredibly difficult time. We stand with the officers family and every law enforcement professional who reports to work each day, knowing the risks they endure to keep our communities safe. The safety of correctional staff remains a top priority. This act of violence will be thoroughly investigated to ensure the individual responsible for this heinous act will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

According to TDOC, the investigation is ongoing and additional information will be provided when it becomes available.
CLINTON, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY)  Oneida County Sheriffs have arrested six people for their parts in an altercation in the village of Clinton in November.

Sheriffs were called to the Wynn Hospital in Utica on Sunday, November 23 to speak with a victim of an assault on College Street in the village. Further investigation found that two men were at an establishment at approximately 1:30 am that day when an altercation occurred involving them and six other men:

22-year-old Richard Delahunt of Marcy,

23-year-old Stephan Dorozynski of Whitesboro,

22-year-old Benjamin Pawlowski of Marcy,

23-year-old Edmund Lewandrowski of Marcy,

19-year-old Jordan Blum of Marcy, and

24-year-old Jason Millan Jr. of Whitesboro.

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As the altercation escalated, the two men alleged that they were punched and kicked by all six men, while neither of the two victims struck back. Sheriffs say that the victim that was admitted to the Wynn Hospital sustained serious injuries and was in the hospital for several days. The other victim suffered facial injuries and did not seek medical help immediately after the assault.

24-year-old Jason Millan of Whitesboro. (Photo provided by the Oneida County Sheriffs Office) 19-year-old Jordan Blum of Marcy. (Photo provided by the Oneida County Sheriffs Office) 23-year-old Edmund Lewandrowski III of Marcy. (Photo provided by the Oneida County Sheriffs Office) 22-year-old Benjamin Pawlowski of Marcy. (Photo provided by the Oneida County Sheriffs Office) 23-year-old Stephan Dorozynski of Whitesboro. (Photo provided by the Oneida County Sheriffs Office) 22-year-old Richard Delahunt of Marcy. (Photo provided by the Oneida County Sheriffs Office)

A three-month investigation resulted in arrests of all six men, which were announced on Wednesday, February 25. The charges are as follows:

Dorozynski, Pawlowski, Lewandrowski, and Blum have all been charged with second-degree Gang Assault, a Class C Felony,

Delahunt, Lewandrowski, Blum, and Millan have all been charged with third-degree Assault, a Class A Misdemeanor and second-degree Harassment, a violation.

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Delahunt and Millan were processed and released on appearance tickets. Dorozynski, Pawlowski, Lewandrowski, and Blum were processed, arraigned in Oneida County CAP Court, and released on bail.

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 WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com.
JOHANNESBURG (AP)  A group of South African nationals who were allegedly lured into fighting for Russia in its war against Ukraine arrived at Durban airport on Wednesday.

The 11 men arrived at the King Shaka International Airport and were ushered into the police station to be questioned about how they ended up on the front lines of the war in Ukraine.

One of the men was taken off the aircraft in a wheelchair, while others carried their luggage in what appeared to be military-style bags.

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It brings to 15 the number of South Africans who have now returned to the country, with two others still in Russia.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Tuesday that one of the men was still in hospital in Russia while another would travel once his travel documentation has been finalized.

Police spokesperson Col. Katlego Mogale said last week that an investigation has been opened in connection with South African laws which prohibit any citizen from taking part in foreign conflicts without the authorization of the government.

At least five people are being investigated in connection with the mens recruitment to Russia, including Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma.

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She has denied any wrongdoing but resigned as a lawmaker in South Africas parliament following the claims.

Some of the men are said to be members of the Zuma family who were directly recruited by Zuma-Sambudla.

Five people were arrested in December and now facing charges related to the men's recruitment and are due to appear in court in April.
Strategy disclosed its smallest Bitcoin purchase of the year on Monday, betting modestly on the digital asset before hosting a two-day conference in Las Vegas.

The Tysons Corner, Virginia-based firm spent $40 million on 591 Bitcoin last week, lifting its total holdings to 717,722 Bitcoin, according to a press release. With Bitcoin recently changing hands around $65,500, the firms stockpile was worth $47 billion, CoinGecko data showed.

The event in Las Vegas is billed as a networking event for those shaping the future of enterprise success. Its set to kick off with a keynote address from Strategy co-founder and Executive Chairman Michael Saylor on the companys shift toward digital credit.

The backdrop surrounding Bitcoin-buying firms was far different when the company hosted Strategy World for the first time last May, not least because the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin has seen its holdings swing to a massive loss on paper since.

After spending more than $54 billion on Bitcoin, Strategy faces a $6.8 billion unrealized loss. However, its average purchase price ticked down to $76,020 with its latest purchase, which marked the 100th addition to its stockpile since it was formed in 2020.

Strategys stock price fell 2.5% on Monday to $127, according to Yahoo Finance. That was above a low of around $123 weeks ago, yet 64% lower over the past six months.

Bitcoin Sell Pressure Is Easing, But Whales Keep Dumping on Exchanges: CryptoQuant

The companys latest acquisition was funded with proceeds from issuing common shares. Purchases had accelerated in prior weeks as the company leaned on its variable rate preferred stock (STRC), which currently offers 11.25% in monthly dividends.

The product is core to Saylors vision for stockpiling Bitcoin amid what some fear will be a prolonged period of weakness in the crypto market. Still, STRC has saddled Strategy with additional monthly costs, leading it to shore up cash to effectively pre-pay dividends.

Traders on Myriad, a prediction market owned by Decrypts parent company Dastan, penciled in a 17% chance on Monday that Strategy sells Bitcoin this year. That marked a decrease from 33% earlier this month, when Strategy disclosed a $12.4 billion fourth-quarter loss.

Bitcoin Treasuries Added $3.5 Billion in JanuaryAlmost All By Strategy

The shift has come as Strategys enterprise value has fallen relative to its stock price, making it more difficult for the company to increase the Bitcoin it owns per share as it normally would. The metric known as mNAV, or multiple-to-net asset value, has declined broadly for similar firms.
Voters would get to decide if South Dakotas lieutenant governor retains the right to preside over the state Senate under the terms of a resolution passed Tuesday at the Capitol in Pierre.

The state Senate voted 19-14 to pass Senate Joint Resolution 508. The resolution now moves to a House of Representatives committee for consideration.

The resolution is an outgrowth of an issue thats emerged during the 2026 legislative session in the long-term, health-related absence of Sen. Arch Beal, R-Sioux Falls.

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In order for a bill to pass the Senate, the state constitution requires a yes vote from the majority of elected senators  18 of the 35  not a majority of the senators in the chamber when a vote takes place.

The constitution also says the lieutenant governor, as presiding officer of the Senate, only gets a vote when members are equally divided.

When 35 members are present and vote, however, no tie is possible.

Earlier this year, when Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen resolved a 17-17 tie with a vote to pass a bill about energy transmission line permitting, Sioux Falls Republican Sen. Chris Karr challenged Venhuizens authority to break ties.

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Karr is the Senate president pro tempore, who presides if the lieutenant governor is absent. The position of president pro tempore would be elevated to Senate president if voters take that responsibility away from the lieutenant governor.

The constitution requires a bill to have the support of a majority of senators, Karr said, and the lieutenant governor isnt one. The Senate supported Karr.

Gov. Larry Rhoden asked the state Supreme Court to decide if the lieutenant governor can indeed break a tie. The answer, issued in an opinion released last week, was yes.

On Tuesday, Karr argued that the decision stripped the constitutions requirement for a majority vote from all senators of any meaning.

The majority vote provision, Karr said, is meant to ensure no bill becomes law without the support of enough lawmakers to collectively represent a majority of South Dakota citizens.

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When a member is absent, the lieutenant governors not merely breaking a tie, theyre essentially exercising a proxy vote for that absent members constituents, Karr said.

Unlike senators, Karr said, the lieutenant governor isnt obligated to vote on bills. In the event of a tie, they can choose which ties to break, and Karr said any lieutenant governor will likely vote in line with the position of the governor.

Should an executive officer, potentially at political odds with a specific district, be the one to decide a districts will on the Senate floor? Karr said. That is the current reality of the Senate.

Asking voters to change the constitution is too rash a response to the oddity of 2026s functionally 34-member Senate, though, Mitchell Republican Sen. Paul Miskimins said.

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He praised Venhuizens work as the chambers presiding officer and questioned the wisdom of putting questions on Senate operations in the hands of the electorate.

Just reading my emails over the last few days, I really question the judgment of our public at this moment, Miskimins said. I think our founders and our constitution put a lot of thought into this process.

But Sen. Kevin Jensen, R-Canton, returned to the issue of representation. Until a change that passed the Legislature in 2023, the lieutenant governor was chosen by parties at the state convention. Now, candidates for governor choose their running mate.

Yes, they will have to be on the ballot with the governor, Jensen said. But in most cases, people dont vote for the lieutenant governor. They vote for the governor. So in essence, the lieutenant governor is appointed or hand picked, and the people really have no say.

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Neither of South Dakotas current chief executives were elected to their respective posts.

Rhoden was lieutenant governor to former Gov. Kristi Noem, who left her post in 2025 to serve in the Cabinet of President Donald Trump. Venhuizen was serving in the state House of Representatives when Rhoden selected him for the lieutenants post.

Rhoden is one of four men seeking the Republican nomination for governor in 2026.

Sen. Steve Kolbeck, R-Brandon, was the lead sponsor of the resolution. The resolution is not an indictment of Venhuizen, he said, but rather a matter of addressing the constitutional issue.

With at least four candidates, he said, its unclear who might preside over the Senate during the next legislative session in the absence of a constitutional change.

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Kolbeck also pointed out that he is not running for reelection. If voters opt to change the constitution through his resolution, he said, a new Senate, one I will not be a part of, will get to choose who they want the president to be.

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Sunrise will occur at 6:49 a.m. Friday, Feb. 27, at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Will a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch before, during or after that photogenic event?

Stay tuned. Sunrise will land smack dab in the middle of SpaceX's four-hour morning launch window, which will extend from 4:52 a.m. to 8:52 a.m.

The Falcon 9 will track to the southeast from Launch Complex 40, then propel 29 Starlink satellites up into low-Earth orbit. Live FLORIDA TODAY Space Team coverage will kick off about 90 minutes before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space.

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Of note, this Starlink 6-108 mission will mark the 30th flight of the rocket's first-stage booster. Following stage separation, the first stage will target landing aboard the SpaceX drone ship A Shortfall of Gravitas in the Atlantic Ocean  so no Central Florida sonic booms should occur.

Cape Canaveral: Is there a launch today? Upcoming NASA, SpaceX, ULA launch schedule in Florida

The SpaceX liftoff will enter the books as the 14th orbital rocket launch of 2026 from the Space Force installation and NASA's Kennedy Space Center. An all-time record of 109 launches was set last year.

The most recent launch from Florida's Space Coast occurred at 6:04 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, with another Starlink mission.

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Looking ahead on the Eastern Range calendar, another SpaceX Starlink mission is coming up Sunday, March 1:

Mission: A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch 29 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit.

Launch window : 7:07 p.m. to 11:07 p.m.

Trajectory: Northeast.

Location: Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Sonic booms: No.

Live FLORIDA TODAY Space Team coverage: Starts 90 minutes before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space.

For the latest news from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit floridatoday.com/space. Another easy way: Click here to sign up for our weekly 321 Launch space newsletter.

Rick Neale is a Space Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY, where he has covered news since 2004. Contact Neale at Rneale@floridatoday.com. Twitter/X: @RickNeale1

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Space is important to us and that's why we're working to bring you top coverage of the industry and Florida launches. Journalism like this takes time and resources. Please support it with a subscription here.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: SpaceX Falcon 9 launch: Will a Florida sunrise launch happen Friday?
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger, a rising star in the Democratic Party who captured the governor's office last year by a large margin, delivered the Democrats' response Tuesday night to President Donald Trumps State of the Union address,

In her roughly 12-minute speech, delivered live in front of a crowd in colonial Williamsburg, Spanberger focused on affordability and made pointed remarks about Trump's hardline immigration policies.

"Let me ask you, the American people watching at home, three questions," Spanberger said. "Is the president working to make life more affordable for you and your family? Is the president working to keep Americans safe both at home and abroad? Is the president working for you?"

ABC News - PHOTO: Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger delivers Democratic response to the 2026 State of the Union address by President Donald Trump, Feb. 24, 2026.

Spanberger, who was inaugurated in January after serving three terms in the House of Representatives, hit on key issues of affordability, including lowering the persistently high costs of housing, health care, energy and groceries despite the Trump administration's insistence that some of these costs have come down.

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"Democrats across the country are laser focused on affordability in our nation's capital and in state capitols and communities across America," Spanberger said.

The daughter of a law enforcement officer and a nurse, Spanberger focused relentlessly on affordability throughout her 2025 gubernatorial campaign. Despite the economy being the top issue Trump ran on in the 2024 election, its been one of the issues hes struggled with the most during his second term, as Americans still havent felt the Trump boom they were promised.

ABC News - PHOTO: Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger delivers Democratic response to the 2026 State of the Union address by President Donald Trump, Feb. 24, 2026.

Who is Abigail Spanberger? Virginia governor to deliver Democratic response to Trump's State of the Union address

In an ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll, 57% of Americans disapprove of how Trumps handling the economy, and 64% disapproved of how hes handling tariffs on imported goods.

Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images - PHOTO: Abigail Spanberger, governor of Virginia, during an inauguration ceremony at Capitol Square in Richmond, Va., Jan. 17, 2026.

Spanberger, a former CIA officer, also criticized the Trump for his role on the world stage, saying he is contributing to greater worldwide uncertainty, saying, "Our president has endangered the long and storied history of the United States of America, being a force for good."

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A former federal law enforcement officer who worked on narcotics and money-laundering cases for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Spanberger also addressed what critics call the chaos caused by the Trump administration, which continues its immigration enforcement efforts that Americans are seeing in their communities.

Trump State of the Union updates

"Our president has sent poorly trained federal agents into our cities where they have arrested and detained American citizens and people who aspire to be Americans," Spanberger said in her speech. She referred to mothers being taken away from their babies and children -- including "a little boy in a blue bunny hat" --being sent to "far-off detention centers."

She added: "Our broken immigration system is something to be fixed not an excuse for unaccountable agents to terrorize our communities."

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The governor gave her speech live from Colonial Williamsburg, the restored 18th century capital where Virginian representatives voted for its delegation to Congress to propose independence for all 13 colonies from Great Britain, and later adopted the Virginia Declaration of Rights -- which influenced the Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights.

"In his speech tonight, the president did what he always does," Spanberger said. He "lied, he scapegoated, and he distracted. And he offered no real solutions to our nation's pressing challenges, so many of which he is actively making worse."

State of the Union: Dozens of Democrats plan to skip in protest, several invite Epstein survivors

Spanberger has been able to appeal to both Democratic and Republican voters. She won the governor election in November by more than 15% -- the largest margin for a Democrat in the state since 1961 -- winning counties that voted for Trump in 2016, 2020, and 2024.

Alex Brandon/AP - PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks during the 'Angel Families Remembrance Ceremony' at the White House in Washington, February 23, 2026.

There were at least two major counter events that several Democrats planned to attend, including MoveOns Peoples State of the Union, which is promoting the participation of more than 20 members of Congress; and the State of the Swamp event by Defiance.org that features a handful of celebrities appearing by video or in person, such as Robert De Niro.

Spanberger prepared for her remarks by watching speeches other Democrats have delivered in response to Trump's previous addresses to Congress.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) ripped President Trump over issues around affordability and immigration as she delivered the Democratic response to the presidents State of the Union address on Tuesday night.

Spanberger, a former CIA officer and House lawmaker elected governor of Old Dominion in November, criticized the president for the administrations use of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), saying he sent poorly trained federal agents into our cities, where they have arrested and detained American citizens and people who aspire to be Americans  and they have done it without a warrant.

They have ripped nursing mothers away from their babies, they have sent children  a little boy in a blue bunny hat  children  to far-off detention centers, and they have killed American citizens on our streets, she added, referring to the ICEs prior detainment of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos. And they have done it all with their faces masked from accountability.

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She also attacked Trump over his tariff policies, arguing they were hurting the countrys economy and everyday Americans. She referenced a report issued by Democrats on the Joint Economic Committee, which has suggested that costs associated with Trumps tariffs have imparted more than $1,700 in costs per family.

Small businesses have suffered. Farmers have suffered  some losing entire markets. Everyday Americans are paying the price, she said. And even though the Supreme Court struck these tariffs down four days ago, the damage to us, the American people, has already been done.

The court delivered a blow to Trump last week, saying the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not authorize the President to impose tariffs in its majority ruling.

Spanbergers focus on immigration and affordability, among other issues, wasnt necessarily surprising, given Democrats have leaned into both issues ahead of the November midterm elections.

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The issue of immigration has struck a nerve following two ICE-involved shootings and the detainment of the 5-year-old, all in Minnesota.

Liam Conejo Ramos and his father were detained by ICE officials last month before they were moved to a detention facility in Texas. The Trump administration has said ICE was conducting an operation to detain the boys father, who is from Ecuador, and was not targeting the child. Marc Prokosch, who represents the family, said the two applied for asylum in 2024.

A federal judge eventually ordered both released.

Delivering the State of the Union rebuttal can be one of the more difficult tasks for politicians in either party, as they can be fodder for memorable gaffes.

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One of the most memorable was when then-Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) delivered the Republican rebuttal to former President Obamas 2013 State of the Union address, at one point stopping in the middle of his remarks to drink some water.

At the same time, being asked to deliver the rebuttal is often reserved for rising stars within the party. Spanberger notably used her remarks to tout some of her own accomplishments and personal biography, too.

In November, I won my election by 15 points, and we won 13 new seats in our state legislature. Because voters decided they wanted something different, she said. Our campaign earned votes from Democrats, Republicans, Independents and everyone in between; because they knew as citizens, they could demand more.

In a statement responding to Spanbergers rebuttal, Republican Governors Association spokesman Kollin Crompton suggested the Virginia Democrat was being hypocritical on the issue of affordability.

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Life is harder now under Spanberger than it was under Republican leadership in Virginia, and it should serve as a warning sign to every voter in the midterms, he said.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Sri Lankas criminal investigators have arrested the countrys former intelligence chief in connection with the wave of 2019 Easter Sunday bombings that killed 279 people and upended the nations tourism economic lifeline, police said.

Retired Major-General Suresh Sallay was taken into custody at dawn in a suburb of the capital, police said on Wednesday.

He was arrested for conspiracy and aiding and abetting the Easter Sunday attacks, an investigating officer told the AFP news agency.

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Sallay, who was promoted to State Intelligence Service (SIS) chief in 2019 after Gotabaya Rajapaksa became president, had been accused of involvement in the coordinated suicide bombings, a charge he has denied.





Six almost simultaneous suicide bomb attacks struck Easter congregations at three churches and guests at three luxury hotels during breakfast.

The bombings injured more than 500 people, also killed 45 foreign nationals, and dealt a severe blow to the islands vital tourism sector.

In the aftermath, officials blamed a local armed group for the suicide bombings, but Sallay was also accused of orchestrating the attack.

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British broadcaster Channel 4 reported in 2023 that Sallay was linked to the bombers and had met them before the attack.

A whistleblower told the network that he had permitted the attack to proceed with the intention of influencing that years presidential election in favour of Rajapaksa.

Two days after the bombings, Rajapaksa declared his candidacy and went on to win the November vote in a landslide after promising to stamp out violence.

Sallay was promoted to head the SIS, Sri Lankas main intelligence agency, following Rajapaksas victory, but was dismissed after Anura Kumara Dissanayake won the presidency in 2024, promising prosecutions of those behind the attack.

Questions remain

Other investigations faulted the authorities for failing to act on warnings from an Indian intelligence agency that an attack was imminent.

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In 2023, Sri Lankas Supreme Court said former President Maithripala Sirisena and four other senior officials failed to avert the bombings.

It ordered Sirisena to personally pay 100 million rupees ($273,300) in compensation to relatives of victims who filed the civil case. The then police chief, two senior intelligence officers and the Ministry of Defence secretary were jointly ordered to pay a further 210 million rupees ($574,000).

The United Nations has asked Sri Lanka to publish parts of previous inquiries into the bombings that were withheld from the public.
There is a comforting story many of us tell about progress. We imagine rights arrive because the world improves, knowledge spreads, time passes, and people naturally become kinder. We picture history as a staircase that society slowly climbs together.

Anyone paying attention now understands that is not how this works. Rights survive only when someone decides to hold them in place.

In tonights State of the Union address, the president introduced a Virginia teenager and her family, framed their experience as evidence that states are ripping children from their parents arms, and concluded with a call to ban gender-affirming care for minors immediately. A complex and deeply personal situation was compressed into a simple morality tale designed to generate applause. Within moments, a single familys experience became the basis for sweeping national prohibition.

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Political speeches often elevate individual stories to humanize public policy, but this was something different. Here the young persons life was enlisted as proof of a broader cultural crisis. Family dynamics, medical realities, and ongoing legal proceedings were flattened into a narrative of urgency and threat. The audience was invited to feel alarm rather than curiosity and certainty rather than compassion. Anecdote became mandate in a matter of seconds, and a childs vulnerability was transformed into justification for federal intervention.

When a president uses a childs experience to argue that the nation must ban care outright, the signal sent to transgender youth watching at home is unmistakable. Your existence is controversial enough to serve as national theater. Your life can be distilled into a line designed to win a room.

That move may be politically efficient, but it is morally thin. It converts vulnerability into spectacle and substitutes emotional reaction for responsible governance.

I have seen what a different response looks like. During my time leading communications at Girl Scouts of the USA, our organization faced national scrutiny over a transgender girls participation. We did not elevate her as a symbol or reduce her to a talking point. We protected her privacy, consulted experts in child development and medicine, engaged directly with families and local councils, and centered her well-being rather than the noise surrounding her. We understood that once a child becomes a proxy for cultural anxiety, the adults have already failed. The temperature never reached a boil because the people with authority refused to let it. Nothing about that response required theatrical bravery. It required adulthood.

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That distinction matters now because the institutions that once absorbed pressure are increasingly stepping back from it. Courts narrow protections, politicians hedge, and leaders who once spoke fluently about inclusion retreat into careful half-sentences or silence. When institutions release pressure, it does not disappear. Responsibility moves downward.

Which means this moment no longer belongs primarily to institutions. It belongs to communities, and especially to those inside the LGBTQ+ community who have reached a measure of safety.

Every civil rights movement contains the same uncomfortable truth. The people who benefit first are rarely the people most at risk. Stability arrives unevenly. Some become legible to society earlier than others and are granted familiarity and distance from controversy. Once that distance exists, the temptation is to treat it as permanence. But social acceptance is not an individual achievement. It is a collective loan.

For decades, lesbians, trans people, gender-nonconforming people, and queer youth absorbed the cultural impact that allowed a broader public to become accustomed to our existence at all. Visibility did not begin with the most comfortable among us. It began with the most vulnerable.

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I remember being openly gay in the early 1990s during the AIDS crisis and the era of "Dont ask, dont tell," when public life felt saturated with arguments about whether people like me should have rights, equality, or even the space to exist openly. I watched television as adults debated my legitimacy in rooms I would never enter, and the defining feature of that experience was not only hostility but isolation. The conversation was everywhere, and the people being discussed were rarely in the room.

The atmosphere surrounding transgender people now feels painfully familiar. Their lives are discussed constantly while their presence is minimized, and policies governing their existence are argued by people who do not have to live inside the consequences. When no one interrupts that pattern, the silence around them becomes part of the message.

Now the pressure has narrowed again, specifically and deliberately, onto transgender people and especially transgender kids.

History repeats a familiar bargain. When a minority becomes broadly tolerated, society redraws the boundary around a smaller group and asks the newly accepted majority to demonstrate reasonableness by distancing itself. Respectability is offered in exchange for restraint, and many people accept it while convincing themselves they are simply being pragmatic. You can hear it in the disclaimers, the softened language, and the sudden confidence about which members of a community are now considered to be complicating things.

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This is the moment a movement discovers what it actually believes about itself, because the question is no longer whether the public understands transgender people but whether those who were once defended understand their obligation to defend.

The Girl Scouts example matters not because institutions are inherently benevolent, but because adults refused to push responsibility onto someone smaller than themselves. They did not wait for public opinion to stabilize. They stabilized it.

Right now, many LGBTQ+ adults are waiting for political cover that is unlikely to arrive soon. They are waiting for courts to settle the issue or for controversy to exhaust itself, and some hope that distance will preserve the acceptance they have already gained. History suggests the opposite. Rights that are not defended together are eventually renegotiated individually.

Children do not live in historical timelines. They live in the present tense, which means every generation inherits a moment when the assumption that someone else will handle this disappears. For this generation of LGBTQ+ adults, that moment is here: in school boards, family conversations, workplaces, and everyday speech.

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Solidarity matters most when association feels inconvenient or socially risky. The measure of a community is not whether it celebrates itself at its safest point but whether it recognizes itself in the member currently being singled out and refuses to look away.

We already know what responsible behavior looks like because we have seen it done calmly, successfully, and without social collapse. The question now is not whether the template exists but whether we are willing to use it without being instructed.

Progress does not move forward on its own. It is carried by people deciding they are the adults in the room even when no one appointed them.

This is one of those moments.

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Josh Ackley is a political strategist and the frontman of the queerpunk band The Dead Betties. @momdarkness @thedeadbetties

Voices is dedicated to featuring a wide range of inspiring personal stories and impactful opinions from the LGBTQ + community and its allies. Visit out.com/submit to learn more about submission guidelines. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on any of our stories. Email us at voices@equalpride.com. Views expressed in Voices stories are those of the guest writers, columnists, and editors, and do not directly represent the views of Out or our parent company, equalpride.

This article originally appeared on Advocate: Stand up to Trump's SOTU attack on trans kids

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Sir Keir Starmers deal to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius has been plunged into fresh chaos after a minister suggested his plan to cede sovereignty of the British territory had been paused after Donald Trump urged him to scrap it.

In what appeared to be another humiliating U-turn for Labour, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) minister Hamish Falconer said on Wednesday that the government was pausing for discussions with the US before bringing the bill to ratify the deal back to parliament.

The Foreign Office later claimed that Mr Falconer misspoke and rapidly issued a clarification saying that there is no pause.

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However, the FCDO finally conceded that the plan to give the islands to Mauritius, along with 35bn to lease back the crucial UK/US military base on the island of Diego Garcia, is now dependent on Donald Trumps administration agreeing to it.

Misley Mandarin, left, and Adam Holloway in their new settlement on the Chagos Islands (Supplied)

Last week, the US president dramatically withdrew his support for the deal, telling Sir Keir he would be making a big mistake.

It comes as a group of Chagossians, led by their first minister in exile, Misley Mandarin, told The Independent in an exclusive interview that their return to one of the islands last week is not a publicity stunt, adding: We are here for the long term. We are resettling the islands.

The islanders spoke to The Independent via satellite link from one of the islands, which was a coconut plantation until a previous Labour government forced the Chagossians to leave in the 1960s.

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As events heat up over the fate of the crucial Indian Ocean islands, the government is set to go to court on Thursday to overturn an injunction barring it from evicting the islanders who oppose the Mauritius deal and want to return, creating a British protectorate and guaranteeing the future of the base.

The UK has agreed to pay Mauritius at least 120m annually during the 99-year agreement to lease back the military site (PA)

The latest confusion over whether the deal will go ahead comes after Mr Falconer said the UK was pausing the deal for further talks with the US after Mr Trumps very significant intervention.

He told MPs: We have a process going through parliament in relation to the treaty. We will bring that back to parliament at the appropriate time. We are pausing for discussions with our American counterparts.

The admission by the minister follows a long campaign and lobbying of the White House to kill off the deal involving the Tories, Reform, Chagossians and their supporters.

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A Foreign Office spokesperson later insisted there is no pause. It added that the government had never set a deadline for the proposed legislation to be brought back to parliament.

We are continuing discussions with the US, and we have been clear we will not proceed without their support, they said.

Last year, Sir Keir agreed a controversial deal to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while retaining control of the UK-US military base on Diego Garcia.

The UK has agreed to pay Mauritius at least 120m annually during the 99-year agreement to lease back the site, a total cost in cash terms of 35bn.

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Earlier this month, Mr Trump hit out at Sir Keir in his second U-turn on support for the deal. In a post on Truth Social, the US president branded the move a big mistake because of concerns over the joint military base.

His withdrawal of support came after he appeared to indicate his support for the deal last year, before criticising it in January and again in February.

Meanwhile, former MP and army officer Adam Holloway and Mr Mandarin spoke to The Independent from the settlement they have erected on one of the islands.

They are being backed by wealthy donors, including Singapore-based crypto investor Christopher Harborne, who recently handed 9m to Nigel Farages Reform UK.

Donald Trump has criticised Keir Starmers Chagos Islands deal (PA)

Mr Holloway described how their biggest issue is finding water supplies after he had discovered four of the old wells on the island. A boatload of supplies is due to arrive with them on Thursday; they are in the process of erecting makeshift accommodation and using solar-powered units.

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Mr Mandarin, whose father has returned with him to the island after being evicted as a teenager, defiantly said: I have given up my job in London and my flat. We are here to resettle the islands; this is not a publicity stunt. We are here to stay long term.

He pointed out that their arrival changes the facts and discredits claims by the UK government that nobody lives on the islands.

Mr Holloway added: The only way they are leaving here is if they are made to leave by force.

The government has an unofficial deadline for having the deal ratified by May, or it will have to restart the entire process, so a potential pause could be the end of a contentious policy and another U-turn for Sir Keirs government in its first 20 months.

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Mr Falconer suggested the pause might take place when answering questions on Wednesday from MPs, including Mr Farage, who attempted to visit the Chagossian settlement over the weekend.

The Reform UK leader claimed the Maldives is poised to lodge a counterclaim regarding the Chagos Islands with the International Court of Justice in just a few days.

Mr Farage said: I wish to inform the government that we are just a few days away, in my opinion, from the Maldives issuing a counterclaim to the International Court of Justice to say, if anybody has the right to the sovereignty of those islands, it is the Maldives and not Mauritius.

And I would urge you to pause all of this.

Mr Falconer branded this a flagrant incident of ignoring travel advice, while former defence secretary Ben Wallace hit out, saying that no MP can visit the archipelago without pre-clearance and accusing him of performing Trump-style stunts.
The New Hampshire Attorney Generals Office plans to ask the state Supreme Court to overturn its two landmark Claremont school funding rulings from the 1990s, arguing they are an improper reading of the state constitution.

In a filing to the court Tuesday, the Department of Justice appears to be setting the groundwork to argue that the amount the state funds its public schools is a political question for the Legislature and not one determined by the judicial branch or dictated by the constitution.

Those arguments, if successful, could end decades of court precedent and diminish the states financial obligations to public schools. They came Tuesday as part of the states appeal of a 2024 Rockingham Superior Court ruling that found that New Hampshires school funding formula is unfair to local taxpayers and unconstitutional.

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Reacting to the filing, Zack Sheehan, executive director of the New Hampshire School Funding Fairness Project, said the arguments underscored the importance of the case.

For years, some lawmakers and state leaders have said they were not trying to overturn Claremont, Sheehan said in a statement Wednesday. In this filing, the state is formally asking the Supreme Court to do exactly that.

The Claremont decisions, issued in 1993 and 1997, established that the New Hampshire Legislature has a constitutional obligation to provide an adequate public education by funding its schools. The Supreme Court majority drew that conclusion from Part II, Article 83 of the state constitution, which describes the duty of legislators to cherish the interest of literature and the sciences, and all seminaries and public schools.

The rulings forced major changes in the states school funding formula and created a standard that underpins the system today. But not all have been satisfied with the response. In 2019 and 2022, school districts and local taxpayers filed two separate lawsuits arguing lawmakers have not gone far enough to meet those funding obligations.

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Last July, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of school districts in the first of those lawsuits, Contoocook Valley School District v. State of New Hampshire, finding that the states base payments to public schools  currently $4,266 per student per year  are insufficient to provide an adequate education and directing the Legislature to raise those amounts.

But the high court has not yet decided the second lawsuit, Rand v. State of New Hampshire. In that case, New Hampshire property taxpayers argue the current school funding model relies too heavily on local taxes, creating unfair tax rate disparities between wealthy and poor towns.

Ruling in that case last August, Rockingham County Superior Court Judge David Ruoff sided with the taxpayers and found that the states low funding levels effectively converts local property taxes into an unconstitutionally disproportionate state tax.

In the notice of appeal Tuesday, New Hampshire Solicitor General Anthony Galdieri indicated that the state disagrees with Ruoffs decision and laid out 13 legal questions the state would like the Supreme Court to consider on appeal.

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Among those questions is whether the court should find that Part II, Article 83 does not actually mandate the state meet a qualitative standard of education or meet a specific financial benchmark, a ruling that would overturn the Claremont decisions.

The state is also asking the court to consider whether how the state funds an adequate education is a non-justiciable political question. Doing so could pre-empt future lawsuits over the states funding models.

In its other questions for appeal, the department indicated it will seek to reverse Ruoffs ruling by challenging his determination of how much adequate education actually costs per pupil, his reliance on plaintiffs expert testimony to determine that number, and his finding that municipal property taxes should be treated as state taxes when assessing their proportionality.

The states push to overturn Claremont dovetails with efforts by Republican lawmakers this year to undermine the rulings. House Bill 1815 would change state statute to declare the responsibility to provide an adequate education to be shared between local school districts and the state, which could cause courts to find that New Hampshire schools are already sufficiently funded.

The sponsor of that bill, Rep. Bob Lynn, a Windham Republican and former Supreme Court chief justice, has argued the Claremont decisions were wrongly decided.
According to the indictment, events unfolded after security forces dismantled the outpost Tzur Misgavi, prompting dozens of individuals - including Harpaz - to gather in a planned act of revenge.

State prosecutors on Wednesday filed an indictment at Jerusalem District Court against Israel Harpaz, 19, of Maalot-Tarshiha, accusing him of taking part in an organized, racially motivated riot that included assaults, arson, and widespread property damage in the Palestinian village of Jaba, allegedly carried out in retaliation after the evacuation of an illegal outpost last November.

According to the indictment, the events unfolded after security forces dismantled the outpost Tzur Misgavi, prompting dozens of individuals, including Harpaz, to gather  in what investigators describe as a planned act of revenge.

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Prosecutors allege that Harpaz participated in a briefing during which those present were instructed to turn off their mobile phones, conceal their identities by wearing face coverings, and travel in a convoy of vehicles to the village of Jaba, with the intent of harming Palestinians and damaging property.

The indictment states that Harpaz subsequently powered down his phone, masked himself, and drove masked individuals in his vehicle as part of the convoy toward the village, where rioters allegedly exited the cars and began carrying out acts of violence.

During the riot, stones were thrown at homes and vehicles, windows were smashed, and cars and other property were set ablaze, the indictment says. In one instance, a Molotov cocktail was allegedly thrown at a residence while members of a family were inside. Additional acts included the spraying of racist graffiti throughout the village and damage to surveillance cameras and structures.

PALESTINIANS INSPECT a vehicle set on fire during an attack by extremist settlers in the village of Jaba, West Bank, November 18, 2025. (credit: WISAM HASHLAMOUN/FLASH90)

Prosecutors say that several civilians were injured in the violence and that extensive damage was caused to private property, including the burning of vehicles, storage facilities, and other equipment.

Teenager charged with racist motives for violent actions

The indictment charges Harpaz with offenses that include rioting resulting in damage motivated by racism, malicious damage to property committed jointly by two or more people and motivated by racism, aggravated assault committed jointly and motivated by racism, and arson committed jointly.

Alongside the filing of the indictment, prosecutors requested that Harpazs existing restrictive conditions be extended as proceedings move forward.
Stockton's Office of Violence Prevention will receive $2 million in state funding to expand youth intervention and gun violence prevention efforts as part of a broader $107 million investment announced by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The award comes through the California Violence Intervention and Prevention (CalVIP) Grant Program, which is distributing funds to 42 communities across the state to support strategies aimed at reducing shootings, homicides and retaliatory violence.

A roadside memorial is seen here on Dec. 4, 2025 in front of the banquet hall where a mass shooting killed 4 and injured 13 others at a banquet hall at 1955 Lucile Avenue Stockton on Nov. 29.

The Office of Violence Prevention has expanded its nationally recognized Operation Ceasefire model to youth ages 12 to 17 using CalVIP support, according to the governor's office. The Office of Violence Prevention has also used prior CalVIP funding to strengthen focused deterrence efforts, credible messenger street outreach and trauma-informed wraparound services, the governor's office said.

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Stockton has directly served 568 high-risk youth and adults through its violence prevention programs, according to the governors office. City officials said the new grant will allow the Office of Violence Prevention to increase its reach, including expanding school-based violence prevention programs.

Violent crime in Stockton declined 10% in 2025 from the previous year, according to data from the Stockton Police Department. Homicides fell from 54 in 2024 to 36 in 2025, a 33% decrease. Robberies dropped from 1,075 to 864, a 19.6% decline, while aggravated assaults fell from 2,492 to 2,329, down 6.5%. Total violent crime ended the year at a 15-year low, with nonfatal shootings at a 13-year low and homicides at a six-year low. Robberies and violent crime involving juvenile victims were each at five-year lows, police said.

"CalVIP funding is vital to sustaining and advancing Stocktons locally driven violence-prevention and gang-reduction efforts," Office of Violence Prevention Director Lora Larson said. "With Cohort 5, we will build on this progress by increasing our reach and expanding school-based violence prevention, embedding violence prevention staff and support services directly on campuses to identify and intervene early with youth at elevated risk of victimization or involvement in violence."

Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom, whose district includes Stockton, said the $2 million award follows conversations with the governor's office, CalVIP administrators and local leaders.

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Stockton is a vibrant community with so much potential," Ransom said. "As it overcomes the weight of unthinkable tragedy, todays announcement is a meaningful step forward. I appreciate Governor Newsom and CalVIP for engaging with my office and local leaders to ensure our community was heard. We have more work ahead, and the resources and partnerships must continue to keep our community safe and build a brighter future for Stockton."

State officials said CalVIP has received more than $350 million in funding since 2019. According to data reported by grantees, the program has helped interrupt more than 30,000 incidents of violence and supported nearly 18,679 participants who completed intervention programs.

The fifth round of funding is largely supported by the Gun Violence Prevention and School Safety Act, which uses fees collected from firearm and ammunition retail sales  up to the first $75 million annually  to fund prevention efforts in communities disproportionately affected by gun violence.

The grants are administered by the California Board of State and Community Corrections.

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Stockton mass shooting: Newsom says CHP crime suppression teams redeployed

Newsom's office cited recent data from the Major Cities Chiefs Association showing violent crime declined 12% in California's major cities in 2025 from the previous year, including double-digit decreases in homicide and robbery.

State officials said the CalVIP program reflects California's public health approach to violence prevention, focusing on addressing trauma, economic instability and cycles of retaliation before they escalate into further harm.

Record reporter Hannah Workman covers news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at hworkman@recordnet.com or on Twitter @byhannahworkman. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.

This article originally appeared on The Record: Stockton awarded $2M for violence prevention as crime declines
John Davidson has "questioned" why the BAFTA production team's decision to seat him near a microphone.

John Davidson has opened up on the BAFTAs controversy

The Tourette's campaigner, whose life inspired the film I Swear, was in attendance at the 79th British Academy Film Awards on Sunday (22.02.26) when he shouted a racial slur as Sinners stars Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting a prize on stage, and he has opened up about the evening and his condition.

He told Variety: "StudioCanal were working closely with BAFTA, and BAFTA had made us all aware that any swearing would be edited out of the broadcast.

"I have made four documentaries with the BBC in the past, and feel that they should have been aware of what to expect from Tourettes and worked harder to prevent anything that I said  which, after all, was some 40 rows back from the stage  from being included in the broadcast.

"As I reflect on the auditorium, I remember there was a microphone just in front of me, and with hindsight I have to question whether this was wise, so close to where I was seated, knowing I would tic."

John admitted he "felt a wave of shame and embarrassment" as a result of his tics, which are involuntary and don't represent his personal views.

He added: "When my coprolalia tics came out, my stomach just dropped. As always, I felt a wave of shame and embarrassment hit me all at once.

"You want the floor to swallow you up. I wanted to disappear. I wanted to hide  just get away from all the eyes."

John pointed out that there were other moments in the night besides the N-word where his tics took over.

He added: "For example, when the chair of BAFTA started speaking on Sunday, I shouted, 'Boring.'

"On Sunday, Alan Cumming joked about his own sexuality and, when referencing Paddington Bear, said, 'Maybe you would like to come home with me, Paddington. It wouldnt be the first time I have taken a hairy Peruvian bear home with me.'

"This resulted in homophobic tics from me and led to a shout of 'paedophile' that was likely triggered because Paddington Bear is a childrens character."

He noted he "ticked perhaps 10 different offensive words on the night of the awards", rather than "one single slur".

He said: "Tourettes can make my body or voice do things I dont mean, and sometimes those tics land on the worst possible words.

"I want to be really clear that the intent behind them is zero. What youre hearing is a symptom  not my character, not my thought, not my belief."

The BAFTAs took "full responsibility" in a statement after the ceremony, and apologised to everyone involved for "a very difficult situation".

They added: "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.

"During the ceremony, John chose to leave the auditorium and watch the rest of the ceremony from a screen, and we would like to thank him for his dignity and consideration of others, on what should have been a night of celebration for him."

The BBC also apologised for the incident being broadcast, and later removed the ceremony from iPlayer.

Meanwhile, a source told the Metro newspaper that Michael, was "repulsed by the outburst", and Delroy told Vanity Fair that the pair "did what we had to do" on stage, but he wishes "someone from BAFTA spoke to us afterward".
May soft red winter (SRW) wheat (ZWK26) futures on Friday rose 13 1/2 cents to $5.80 1/4, hit a 6.5-month high, and for the week were up 38 1/4 cents. May hard red winter (HRW) (KEK26) wheat futures rose 8 1/2 cents to $5.85 1/4, hit a seven-month high, and on the week were up 31 1/2 cents. The winter wheat futures markets saw technically bullish weekly high closes Friday that suggest some follow-through, chart-based buying early this week.

However, these two markets are now short-term overbought, technically, and due for routine and arguably healthy corrective price pullbacks very soon.

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New U.S. Tariffs May Throw Monkeywrench into Grain Rallies

Wheat, corn (ZCK26), and soybean (ZSK26) markets have rallied recently due in part to the improving trade relations between the U.S. and its global counterparts, including the U.S. making trade deals recently that highlight more purchases of U.S. ag products.

However, Fridays Supreme Court decision striking down President Donald Trumps administrations tariff regime is throwing near-term uncertainty into all the grain markets. Why? Trading partners might start to reject finalized trading agreements due to the new U.S. levies announced by Trump this past weekend. How the Supreme Court ruling against the Trump administrations tariff regime plays out in the coming months, and Trumps reactions to it, will be closely monitored by grain traders. Will previously agreed-upon U.S. trade deals with other nations hold up? Will the Trump administration find legal workarounds to continue the tariffs? Nobody knows right now. However, the uncertainty of this important matter will not be a bullish element for the grain markets in the coming months.

Corn Will Look to the Wheat Markets for Daily Price Direction

May corn futures on Friday rose 3 1/2 cents to $4.39 3/4 but for the week were down 2 1/4 cents. May corn on Friday did see a technically bullish weekly high close, suggesting some follow-through price strength early this week. Corn traders will continue to look to the wheat market for daily price direction.

www.barchart.com

South American Corn Crop Closely Monitored

Brazils second-crop (safrinha) corn plantings continue to trail levels seen one year ago and are below the five-year average as the ideal planting window is passing. Better moisture will be crucial for the crop to achieve full production potential. Some rainfall is in the forecast for the coming days for key growing regions in South America, with no region being deemed in serious drought conditions.
Researchers in Uganda have discovered a complex network of animals feeding on bats infected with Marburg virus, capturing startling footage of potential spillover risks for the first time.

The observations, caught on camera traps placed outside the entrance to Python Cave in Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda, are the first confirmation of a dynamic, multispecies exposure network at a known Marburg virus site, the researchers say.

In a preprint of their findings, they write that the discovery of so many animals feeding on the bats may represent a Rosetta Stone for interpreting the real-time mechanics of zoonotic spillover.

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Over a five month period between February and June last year, the researchers recorded at least 14 different vertebrate species visiting the cave to feed on the bats, including leopards, several species of primate, birds of prey and monitor lizards.

In one clip, an adult leopard can be seen approaching the entrance to the cave, swiping at the bats as they fly out in huge numbers before leaving with one in its mouth.

Other footage captured at the site in the Maramagambo Forest showed a troop of monkeys feeding on the bats, along with civet cats and genets, another small mammalian predator.

Bosco Atukwatse, a field coordinator at the Kyambura Lion Project, first installed the camera at the cave entrance - Kyambura Lion Project

The cave is home to an estimated 56,000 Egyptian fruit bats and is situated in an area that has long been important to the study of Marburg, a close cousin of Ebola. The virus can have a fatality rate as high as 90 per cent and, while there are several vaccines in development, none have yet been approved.

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In 2008, a Dutch tourist who visited Python Cave caught and died from Marburg. An American tourist also fell ill with the disease after visiting the cave but survived.

And in 2009, scientists from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) isolated Marburg virus for the first time from fruit bats found in a nearby cave.

The camera traps were originally placed at the cave as part of a project to gather data on lions and hyenas living in the Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Orin Cornille, a field coordinator at the Kyambura Lion Project, said it was a surprise to capture so many different species feasting on the bats, about seven per cent of which are known to carry Marburg.

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What surprised me is we were seeing blue monkeys, baboons, vervet monkeys, going in there and snatching bats. From a virological standpoint, I think thats the crazy part.

The leopard is really cool, and all the genet cats and the civets  and all the different avian species are really cool to watch. But I think from a virus point of view, its probably the monkeys which are the scariest thing.

The researchers were keen to stress that they had seen no evidence of actual spillover.

This could be something thats been taking place for millennia  the Rift Valley and the Albertine Rift, these are ancient systems, said Alexander Braczkowski, scientific director at Kyambura Lion Project.

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We are seeing a lot of the same species, and, in fact, some of the same individuals going to this cave and feeding, you know, for months and months and months on end.

One particular leopard which visited the cave repeatedly over the five-month period was caught on camera eating numerous bats. It was given the nickname Akahaya, a word in a local language meaning untouchable.

The researchers hope that their findings can be the starting point for further investigation into spillover risks.

For one of the first times in nature, theres essentially a site where you have the ability to repeatedly see animal interactions between the filovirus reservoir and then these predators, clearly mixing body fluids  eating each other, said Mr Braczkowski.

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Were going to be working with some collaborators in future to potentially try and map out more of this whole interface, and figure out if animals are getting infected, he said.

Bosco Atukwatse, another field coordinator at the Kyambura Lion Project, first had the idea to install cameras by the cave.

He told The Telegraph that features of the cave made it uniquely suited to predators hoping to score an easy meal.

The entrance to the cave is partially sunken and low to the ground, while piles of guano  bat droppings  that have accumulated over years, means even smaller animals can get to the bats.

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A monkey can just stand on two legs and grab a handful of bats and run away with it, he said, adding that it was not always clear where the dead bats ended up.

While bats are thought to be the main reservoir for the virus in the wild, and can carry Marburg without falling sick, there is evidence to suggest that other animals, including some primates, can spread the virus after interacting with bats.

The researchers described the cave as a spillover crucible, noting that many of the species they observed preying on the bats are themselves eaten by humans as bushmeat.

There are very many pathways through which a disease of international concern can actually spread to a population unnoticed, Mr Atukwatse said.

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The camera traps also recorded an estimated 400 humans visiting the cave including school groups, tourists, and local trainees  the majority with no personal protective equipment.

Mr Braczkowski, the scientific director and one of the papers authors, said the Ugandan authorities were well aware of the risk posed by the site, and had put in place signs warning of the danger and installed a viewing platform about 40 metres from the cave.

The researchers findings add to a growing body of evidence documenting previously unseen interactions between animal species that are shining light on zoonotic risks.

Last year, researchers in Germany documented rats preying on bats for the first time, raising concern about pandemic risks.

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In their report, however, the researchers who focused on Python Cave note that much of what we think we know about zoonotic spillover is still largely theoretical  the documentation of complex interactions between multiple species at known zoonotic reservoirs remains exceptionally rare.

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Camerons view

As African leaders gathered at the annual African Union summit in Addis Ababa last week under the seemingly non-urgent theme of water sustainability, there was only passing acknowledgement that silencing the guns on our continent remains a challenge.

Yet the cadence of conflict  and the threat of new war  hung low over the horizon. It never felt proximate enough, however, to darken the mood of the festivities.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was keen to show off his clean and modern metropolis, financed and looking like a mini-me version of his Emirati backers in Dubai. As host of the three-day summit, Abiys heads of state guests showed deference by making no mention of his increasingly bellicose calls for sea access  and the indirect threat to Eritrea, its neighbor. Nor was there talk of Asmaras response: The mobilization of troops on the border and expanding external support to Tigrayan, Amhara, and Oromo dissident groups.

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There are also reports of a massive Ethiopian troop mobilization, the emerging exodus of civilian populations from the border region, and the muzzling of international media trying to shine a light on the steady march to war: An unspoken and uncomfortable calm before the storm.

A map of Eritrea, Ethiopia and Sudan.

As the AU summit concluded, I took a two-hour flight to neighboring Khartoum. There, I asked Sudans military leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, what he made of the instability surging to the countrys east. I also asked about reports that the UAE had commandeered an Ethiopian military base near Sudans border to supply the Rapid Support Forces militia, with whom he has been locked in a nearly four-year war.

Might Sudan get drawn into an Ethiopia-Eritrea conflict or them into Sudans?

We want nothing to do with Ethiopias war and we dont want them involved in ours, he told me. When I asked about the reports of weapons coming to the RSF from Ethiopia, he said: I have requested many times to visit Addis to discuss this with the Prime Minister, but he has not yet responded.

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Such a visit could be the ticket to turning down the temperature in a rapidly accelerating sub-regional showdown whose costs will be borne by the sub-regions approximately 200 million people.

Burhan understands the price of war. As he is fighting to drive the RSF from central Sudan back into the western Darfur region, he is also trying to rebuild his capital that is a smoldering pile of ruin.

The International Organization for Migration reports that more than 1.3 million Khartoumites have returned in recent months but are struggling to access public services or earn incomes.

Until a ceasefire is signed and the US succeeds in brokering a deal among the Gulf states who back Sudans opposing forces, Sudan is likely to be locked out of any reconstruction funds that will be essential for stabilizing the country and restoring livelihoods.

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After three days of driving through the capital, it was clear that Khartoums development has been set back decades. The symbols of its rich history: the British colonial-era palace, the national archives, and state museum have been all but erased.

With the war increasingly breaking down along the countrys predominant Arab and African ethnic groups, Sudan faces the task of rebuilding a national identity along with all the other trappings of a state. Meanwhile, Ethiopia is at risk of losing those same things as its history and identity appear on a collision course.

The AU would have been the ideal organization to draw a line between these two neighbors and use its voice to help one find peace and the other avoid war.

Instead, the elephant in the room at last weeks summit went unremarked, increasing the odds that the sub-region takes another lap on the cycle of violence and insecurity it seems trapped in.

Notable
State Appeals Court Judge Chris Taylor, the liberal candidate in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, is leading her conservative opponent, State Appeals Court Judge Maria Lazar, by about 5 percentage points  but the vast majority of voters haven't decided whom they are going to vote for in April, according to a new Marquette University Law School poll.

The poll, which was released on Feb. 25, found Taylor had 17% of the vote compared to Lazar with 12% among registered voters, while 66% said they were undecided. The margin of error was about 4 percentage points with 818 Wisconsinites surveyed between Feb. 11 and Feb. 19.

Wisconsin Supreme Court justice candidates Chris Taylor, left, and Maria Lazar, right.

Among likely voters who say they are certain to vote in the election, Taylor led Lazar by about 7 percentage points, 22% to 15% with 62% saying they were undecided.

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Charles Franklin, the poll's director, said it's clear people haven't "tuned in" to the races for Supreme Court or Wisconsin governor.

The April 7 election is six weeks away.

Lazar campaign spokesman Nathan Conrad said the poll shows that despite the "millions of dollars" Taylor has raised, "this race is still undecided."

"And we're going to fight tooth and nail for every vote," Conrad said.

Ashley Franz, Taylor campaign manager, said, "Wisconsinites know that Judge Chris Taylor is the only candidate who will protect their rights and freedoms on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. We're proud of the support we've earned, but we aren't taking anything for granted."

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Only about 6% said they had heard a lot about the Supreme Court race, while some 55% said they had heard a little and 38% said they had heard nothing, according to the poll. That's compared to the 2025 Supreme Court race, when by February last year 39% said they had heard a lot, 42% said they had heard a little, and 19% said they had heard nothing.

The 2025 race, which went on to become the most expensive in United States history, determined the partisan makeup of the court. Justice Susan Crawford, the liberal candidate in the race, defeated conservative candidate Brad Schimel.

Liberals now hold a 4-3 majority on the court. A Taylor victory in April would extend that majority to 5-2, and a Lazar win would maintain the current split.

Taylor and Lazar are scheduled to participate in a televised debate on March 25.

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Taylor, who got in the race last May, was appointed by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers to the Dane County Circuit Court bench in 2020. She previously served for about 10 years in the state Legislature and was known as one of the most liberal members.

Before joining the state Assembly in 2011, Taylor served as public policy director for Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin. She's been a judge on the Madison-based District IV Court of Appeals since 2023.

Lazar has been on the Waukesha-based District 2 Court of Appeals since 2022. She previously served as a Waukesha County judge, an assistant attorney general under Republican Attorneys General J.B. Van Hollen and Brad Schimel, and as an attorney in private practice.

Earlier this month, Taylor's campaign reported that it had raised about $3.4 million so far, shortly before it announced it was launching a six-figure TV ad buy starting in Madison, Milwaukee and Green Bay.

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Lazar, who got in the race in October, nearly doubled her fundraising totals in the race by the end of January, but was still trailing Taylor by a wide margin when it came to fundraising.

A majority of people polled said they hadn't heard enough about Taylor or Lazar to have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of them. Taylor's net favorable rating is slightly positive, while Lazar's is slightly negative.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: In the Supreme Court race between Taylor and Lazar, 'undecided' leads
The U.S. Supreme Court in a 5-4 decision on Tuesday ruled that the U.S. Postal Service cant be held liable for intentional failure to deliver mail.

Justice Clarence Thomas, writing for the majority, said that a law protecting the Postal Service from lawsuits over lost or mishandled mail prohibits lawsuits over mail that was intentionally misdelivered.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor argued in a dissenting opinion that the decision provided the USPS much greater protection from lawsuits than Congress originally intended.

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Parcel industry observers on social media expressed concern the ruling shields the Postal Service from accountability even when workers deliberately withhold, return or interfere with deliveries.

The case began when Lebane Konan, a Black landlord in Euless, Texas, sued the Postal Service under the Federal Tort Claims Act, alleging that mail carriers intentionally refused to deliver mail to her properties, causing tenants to move out and costing her up to $50,000 in rental income, plus emotional distress and extra time and money to use FedEx.

The Postal Service argued that it held mail because Konan had not met identification requirements for all addresses.

Konan leased two rental residences and retrieved business and tenant mail from a central mailbox. In May 2020, U.S. Postal Service employee Jason Rojas changed the lock on the mailbox at one of Konans properties without her approval, halted mail delivery and demanded ownership verification. Even after the USPSs inspector general confirmed Konans ownership, Rojas and a coworker allegedly continued marking mail addressed to Konan and her tenants as undeliverable. Konan claims the refusal of service was racially motivated.

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The Federal Tort Claims Act generally allows individuals to sue the United States for torts  wrongful acts that are neither crimes nor breaches of contract that can be subject to damages  committed by its employees, but a postal exception protects the USPS from liability for claims arising from the loss, miscarriage or negligent transmission of mail. That means someone cant sue the Postal Service under the FTCA for mail that is lost, delivered incorrectly or damaged during transit. But legal experts have said the exception isnt absolute.

A Texas district court dismissed Konans claims, but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit reversed the decision, holding that the exception doesnt apply to intentional nondelivery. The judges said loss implies unintentional destruction or misplacement, and miscarriage requires some attempt to deliver the mail.

In written arguments, the U.S. Postal Service argued that the 5th Circuits decision creates a loophole allowing plaintiffs to bypass the exception by alleging intent, which could encourage a significant number of lawsuits that could disrupt its functioning.

Justice Thomas said an intentional failure to deliver mail is covered by the FTCAs postal exception. A miscarriage of mail includes failure of the mail to arrive at its intended destination, regardless of the carriers intent or where the mail goes instead, he wrote.

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Click here for more FreightWaves/American Shipper stories by Eric Kulisch.

Write to Eric Kulisch at ekulisch@freightwaves.com.

RELATED STORIES:

USPS quarterly parcel volumes fall 13% as e-commerce plan implemented

The post Supreme Court says USPS legally immune for intentionally misdelivered mail appeared first on FreightWaves.
WASHINGTON  The Supreme Court seemed sympathetic  but only up to a point  for homeowners whose properties are sold by the government to pay a tax bill thats dwarfed by the homes value.

During nearly two hours of debate on Feb. 25, the justices considered how much the government must compensate a homeowner after back taxes are paid.

While there was no dispute that sales must be fairly conducted, justices across the ideological spectrum resisted the idea that compensation should be based on the homes fair market value.

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"Even with a very fair auction system, just the fact that a property is being offered for sale in those circumstances means theres going to be a depressed price," Justice Elena Kagan told the lawyer representing the Michigan family that brought the appeal. "This court has recognized that in the past."

Sold for a song

In the case from Michigans Isabella County, Michael Pungs family lost their ranch-style home to cover $2,242 in disputed and unpaid taxes.

The county government sold the place for $76,008 at a public auction  before the buyer flipped it for $195,000.

A 2023 Supreme Court ruling meant Isabella County had to give the family what was left after selling the house and settling the tax bill, but his attorneys argue thats not enough. They say compensation should be based on the seized home's fair market value, noting it had been appraised at nearly $200,000.

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"This court has repeatedly confirmed that when the government takes property, the constitutional calculus begins with its fair market value," Philip Ellison, the familys attorney, told the court.

The constitutional issues involved include the takings clause in the Fifth Amendment, which bars the government from taking private property "without just compensation." The Pungs also argue that property sold for a fraction of its value to cover a tax bill is an excessive fine under the Eighth Amendment.

A 'striking set of facts'

Justice Neil Gorsuch questioned why the county government didnt take steps to avoid escalating the situation to the point that the home was sold for much less than its value over a relatively small tax bill.

"Its a striking set of facts. How did it happen?" he asked. "Nobody can say, 'Hey, there was a mistake?'"

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Others put more of the onus on the Pungs.

"I see a very clear opportunity for the taxpayer  who, by the way, is the original problem because he hasnt paid the tax  to solve the problem," said Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.

If the government must bear all the burden, she said, "That seems like real unfairness the other way, to the rest of the American people."

What some states do

The AARP, one of the powerful interest groups that had weighed in with filings supporting the family, noted that Oregon, Maine and Massachusetts require seized homes to first be marketed by a real-estate broker at fair market value.

Justice Samuel Alito bought that up, saying those rules may make the process fairer. But Alito said hes concerned about the court getting too far into the details about how sales must be conducted to be constitutional.

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"We share that concern," said Frederick Liu, a Justice Department attorney who was given a chance to weigh in because of the cases implications for federal foreclosures.

Liu said there are basic steps governments must take to ensure sales are fair, such as sufficient public notice and a competitive bidding process.

"Above that floor, states have leeway to adopt other procedures that, in their view may or may not close the gap between the for sale price and the fair market value," Liu said. "But its up to them to adopt those."

A decision in Pung v. Isabella County is expected by the end of June or early July.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Supreme Court debates what homeowners are owed after foreclosure
DUBAI, Feb 25 (Reuters) - Ali Shamkhani, who taunted Israel after being pulled alive from the rubble of his Tehran home following a strike in June 2025, has survived at the centre of Iranian policy-making during its most testing military confrontations and diplomatic endeavours.

The 70-year-old former Revolutionary Guard commander is a trusted adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a high-stakes standoff with the U.S. that could determine whether the Islamic Republic, born from revolution in 1979, survives to half a century.

Bastards, I am alive, Shamkhani told Iranian filmmaker Javad Mogouei in an interview published in October, referring to his narrow escape from the Israeli strike that destroyed his home and evoking the 1973 Hollywood prison escape film Papillon.

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This year, Khamenei confirmed Shamkhani as secretary of Irans newly established Defence Council, created after last year's 12-day war in which Israel and the U.S. launched military strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities and military sites.

His appointment returns him to the core of Irans decision-making apparatus. The Council is tasked with coordinating Iran's wartime actions at a time when the U.S. is threatening new air strikes from nearby warships if negotiations do not produce a new deal curtailing Tehran's nuclear programme.

U.S. President Donald Trump briefly laid out his case for a possible attack on Iran in his State of the Union speech to Congress on Tuesday, saying he would not allow the world's biggest sponsor of terrorism to have a nuclear weapon.

Iran denies being a sponsor of terrorism and has long said it has no intention of building nuclear weapons, although Western nations and Israel believe that is the goal of what Tehran calls its peaceful nuclear programme.

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"A 'limited strike' is an illusion. Any military action by U.S. - from any origin and any level - will be considered the start of war, and its response will be immediate, all out, and unprecedented, targeting heart of Tel Aviv and all those supporting the aggressor," Shamkhani said on X in January 2026.

A veteran of the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war when the newly created Islamic Republic battled for survival, Shamkhani has served as a political adviser to Khamenei since his 2023 departure from the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC).

He led that council for a decade, including during Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers and Washington's 2018 U.S. withdrawal from the agreement, an episode that reinforced his scepticism of the accord.

The SNSC is the overarching body setting security and defence policies, and Shamkhani acted as Khameneis representative there during his tenure.

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As tensions with Washington rise and speculation grows about Irans fate in the event of war, Shamkhani looks poised to wield influence among a politically astute cohort of former elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders.

FORGED IN WAR

Born in 1955 to an ethnic Arab family in oil-rich Khuzestan province, Shamkhani rose through IRGC ranks in the Iran-Iraq war, first commanding its forces in his home province which was the main battlefront against Saddam Hussein's forces.

By 1982, he was deputy to IRGC commander-in-chief Mohsen Rezaei, another Khuzestan native with whom he had participated in anti-shah activism in the 1970s. By the wars end he had commanded the Guards ground forces while holding a cabinet post.

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In 1989, the newly appointed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei transferred him to the regular navy, which had been heavily damaged in clashes with U.S. forces. Within a year, he was given simultaneous command of both the regular and IRGC navies, overseeing a shift toward asymmetric maritime tactics designed to counter conventionally superior adversaries.

SECURITY OPERATOR AND DIPLOMATIC CHANNEL

Shamkhani has also been deployed in diplomatic roles.

As defence minister under reformist President Mohammad Khatami from 1997 to 2005, he made a landmark visit to Saudi Arabia - the first by an Iranian defence official since the 1979 revolution - contributing to a cautious easing of tensions between the regional rivals.

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More than two decades later he led talks, with Chinese mediation, that secured an agreement in 2023 restoring diplomatic ties with Riyadh, eight years after Iranian protesters stormed the Saudi embassy in Tehran.

His appointments have often coincided with moments when Tehran sought to engage adversaries without appearing to concede ground.

That balancing act was visible during last decades nuclear negotiations. While serving under President Hassan Rouhani, Shamkhani was involved in implementing the 2015 nuclear agreement and navigating its aftermath after the U.S. withdrew.

Rouhani later came to regret his appointment, believing Shamkhani had supported parliamentary measures that hardened Irans negotiating position by mandating higher uranium enrichment.

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In the October 2025 interview, Shamkhani went further, saying that in hindsight Iran should have considered building nuclear weapons in the 1990s, remarks that underscored his emphasis on deterrence after Iran sustained major air strikes from both Israel and the U.S. during the 12-day war.

SANCTIONS ECONOMY AND SCRUTINY

Shamkhani has over the years faced allegations and sanctions over his familys own dealings. In 2020, he was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury, which also targeted his son Mohammad Hossein in 2025 for operating a network of vessels transporting sanctioned oil from Iran and Russia to international buyers.

According to the treasury, the Shamkhani familys shipping empire allowed it to accrue massive wealth and become a key actor facilitating Irans circumvention of U.S. sanctions.

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Shamkhani has not publicly commented on allegations of corruption.

His daughter Fatemeh faced a backlash in 2025 over a widely shared video of her in a revealing gown at her opulent wedding, fuelling accusations of elite privilege and highlighting tensions between the ruling establishments conservative ethos and the lifestyles of those close to power.

(Reporting by Dubai Newsroom; Editing by Michael Georgy, William Maclean)
Suspect in local kidnapping and assault incident caught in Kansas

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  A man was recently arrested in Kansas for allegedly kidnapping and assaulting a woman in Grand Junction back in December of last year.

According to a press release from the Grand Junction Police Department (GJPD), the incident first occurred on Dec. 31, 2025, when officers responded to a verbal dispute report in the area of North 12th Street and Village Center Way at around 10:30 p.m.

The initial report was described as a woman screaming followed by a man laughing; however, upon arrival, officers could not locate any parties, but did find female clothing in the street.

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The Grand Junction Regional Communication Center received a report shortly after of a suspicious incident in the 600 block of Horizon Drive. The caller had reported that a female had run into the business stating a male known to her had a gun and was trying to kill her, according to the press release.

Officers then were able to contact the female victim, who reportedly had visible injuries. She told law enforcement that the male suspect, identified as 35-year-old Bryan Groehler, had picked her up in his vehicle, struck her in the face, pointed a gun at her, and refused to let her leave the vehicle.

GJPD issued an arrest warrant for Groehlers arrest on Jan. 1 of this year.

On Saturday, Groehler was located and arrested by a deputy with the Washington County Kansas Sheriffs Office, where he currently remains. GJPD is working with the Mesa County District Attorneys Office and law enforcement in Washington County, Kansas, to extradite Groehler to Mesa County.

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Groehler faces the following charges:

Second-degree kidnapping

First-degree assault

Felony menacing

Possession of a weapon by a previous offender

Prohibited use of a firearm

Domestic violence

The Grand Junction Police Department is grateful for the incredible teamwork and support from the Washington County, Kansas Sheriffs Office, Mesa County Sheriffs Office, and other law enforcement partners. Their dedication and collaboration were key in locating and apprehending the suspect, as well as in the thorough investigation that led to this arrest, stated GJPD in a press release.

The incident is believed to be isolated with no ongoing threat to the public and it remains under investigation. No further information about the incident is currently available.

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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 WesternSlopeNow.com.
NEED TO KNOW

Nearly two years after he slammed a teen to the ground at a Colorado In-N-Out who accidentally splashed water on a woman  Lucas Kalisher has been sentenced

According to the Loveland Reporter-Herald, citing court records, Kalisher pled guilty to felony second degree attempted assault  strangulation as part of a plea deal

The incident happened at an In-N-Out restaurant on Aug. 4, 2024

Nearly two years after a teen was slammed to the ground at a Colorado In-N-Out after he accidentally splashed water on a woman, his attacker has been sentenced.

Lucas Kalisher pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted assault  strangulation, a class five felony as part of a plea deal on Monday, Feb. 23, according to the Loveland Reporter-Herald, citing court records from the 8th Judicial District Court in Fort Collins.

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The 57-year-old was previously charged with Assault in the Second Degree-Strangulation and Child Abuse, but both charges were dismissed as part of the plea deal, the Loveland Reporter-Herald reported.

In addition to 30 months of probation, Kalisher, who was previously the CEO of a private equity firm, must complete an anger management evaluation and any recommended treatment, submit an apology letter to the victim, complete 120 hours of community service, and pay restitution to the victim, the Loveland Reporter-Herald and FOX 31 reported.

The sentencing comes nearly two years after Loveland Police Officers were dispatched to the In-N-Out restaurant to investigate the assault on Aug. 4, 2024.

Exterior photo of an In-N-Out fast in Los Angeles, California

Credit: George Rose/Getty

According to a press release from the Loveland Police Department at the time, they met with a 15-year-old male who said he and two friends were inside the restaurant "engaging in horseplay by splashing water on one another."

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The teenager said that during the interaction, an adult female was accidentally splashed with water, prompting him to approach her table to apologize.

According to a press release issued following the incident, an adult male accompanying the woman then "placed both hands around the front and back of [the teen's] neck, pulled him down to the table and threw him backward onto the floor."

The adult male and female departed the restaurant prior to the officers arrival.

After officers spent the following day interviewing witnesses and reviewing videos depicting different views of the incident, witnesses were able to come forward and identify Kalisher as the assailant.

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.

Read the original article on People
A Milwaukee judge ruled the criminal case against a teenager accused of unintentionally shooting his best friend in January will remain in in juvenile court.

The 17-year-old Milwaukee boy is charged with second-degree reckless homicide in the Jan. 12 shooting of 16-year-old Kemonney Tallies, which authorities said happened after the boy believed he was pulling the trigger of an unloaded gun aimed at his friend. The Feb. 24 ruling comes following a hearing where two testified that the teenager should remain in juvenile court.

"This was an unintentional act. Extremely reckless, extremely negligent. Foolish  but unintentional," Circuit Court Judge Ronnie V. Murray II said during the hearing. "I think that matters."

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The identity of the charged teenager, who was 16 at the time of the crime, is redacted in the juvenile court records. The Journal Sentinel typically does not name minors accused of crimes because of state laws governing confidential information in the juvenile court system.

Murray and the attorneys arguing over the case each described it as tragic. The boys were close friends, and each believed no intent existed to kill his friend.

Kemonney's grandma, Yolanda Tallies, previously told the Journal Sentinel her grandson was respectful and well-liked. He spent most of his time playing video games with his friends.

"He was a good kid. It was just that things happen and he was at the wrong place at the wrong time," Tallies said in early February.

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According to the court filing against the teenager, the shooting happened after the boy pulled the magazine out of a gun, believing that would remove the bullet in the gun's chamber.

Assistant District Attorney Anthony Moore described it as the two were "playing with the gun."

Court records say the teenager then pointed the gun at Tallies and pulled the trigger. After police arrived, the teenager approached an officer while crying, according to the court record.

"There was a lot of poor judgment, but without a doubt, [he] did not mean to have his friend die," said Joe Schubert, the teenager's attorney.

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The wait for Murray's decision to keep the teenager in juvenile court  and avoid the stricter penalties given in adult court  racked the teenager's mother with tension as she awaited it. She told the Journal Sentinel that God was looking out for the family and acknowledged her son had made a mistake.

A psychologist and a county case worker both opined her son should remain in juvenile court. That's because he displayed intense remorse and scored highly in evaluations that suggested he would be receptive to treatment. He never had been charged in juvenile court in the past, either, they said.

Moore did not attempt to dispute those testimonies when questioning each person. He argued the severity of the crime justified moving the 17-year-old to adult court and that the juvenile system was not sufficient.

"As a result, everyone involved has suffered significant trauma, but one young man has lost his life," he said.

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The 17-year-old also faces two other charges, one for possession of a fully automatic gun and another for possession of a gun while under 18.

Juvenile homicides made up about 15% of all homicides reported to police last year, or 22 of 142 homicides. Firearms were responsible for the majority of juvenile deaths  19, according to Milwaukee police data.

The teenager in this case purchased the firearm after he was robbed near his high school previously, said Lela Porter, a Milwaukee County's Children, Youth and Family Services worker who testified at the hearing.

Court records also showed the semiautomatic gun had what's called a "switch" on it, meaning it had been modified to shoot fully automatic. Police officials have previously those devices have become popular among Milwaukee youth as a status symbol.

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David Clarey is a public safety reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He can be reached at dclarey@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee teenager to remain in juvenile court for shooting of friend
A correctional officer with the Tennessee Department of Correction has been killed on the job, allegedly stabbed to death by an inmate.

In an 8:24 a.m. post on Facebook Feb. 25, the department said the correctional officer died at the Morgan County Correctional Complex one day earlier.

The complex is about two and a half hours east of Nashville and an hour west of Knoxville in Wartburg.

TDOC identified the correctional officer in a news release before 2 p.m. as 35-year-old Dustin Pedigo. He'd worked for TDOC since April 2025, the department said.

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The department also identified the suspect in Pedigo's death as 34-year-old inmate Reginald Steed.

Reginald Steed, convicted of attempted voluntary manslaughter, assault and robbery, is now accused of stabbing and killing 35-year-old correctional officer Dustin Pedigo, the Tennessee Department of Correction said Feb. 25, 2026.

Russell Johnson, district attorney for the 9th Judicial District, said Steed has been transferred to another facility.

"TDOC investigative division is handling the investigation, and it will take some time to put the case file together for our office to review," Johnson said.

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TDOC said in its morning news release that the facility was on lockdown and visitation has been canceled for the weekend.

"This is a heartbreaking moment for our department and for the entire TDOC family," the department said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the officers family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time."

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State Rep. Ed Butler and Sen. Ken Yager issued a joint statement noting their anger and sadness about the stabbing.

Our prayers are with the officers family, loved ones, and coworkers during this incredibly difficult time. We stand with the officers family and every law enforcement professional who reports to work each day, knowing the risks they endure to keep our communities safe," the statement said. "The safety of correctional staff remains a top priority. This act of violence will be thoroughly investigated to ensure the individual responsible for this heinous act will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

The facility is listed as maximum security with an operating capacity of 2,128 male inmates, the department's website said. It's one of Morgan Countys largest employers with about 800 staff.

Steed has been in prison since 2017, records show.

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A Davidson County grand jury indicted Steed in April 2015 on charges of attempted first-degree murder, especially aggravated robbery, carjacking, aggravated assault and using a gun during the commission of a felony.

An order from the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals denying Steed post-conviction relief in 2019 detailed what happened at his May 2017 trial.

Steed met a person in the parking lot of a Nashville Firehouse Subs restaurant so he could repay a $500 loan to the victim in the case. After Steed got into the car with the victim, he pointed a gun at the man and told him to remove his pants, according to testimony at trial.

The victim told Steed he could have his money, shoes and car. Then the man grabbed at the gun Steed held, according to trial testimony. The two struggled for the gun, spilling out into the parking lot.

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When the victim was unable to get the gun, he fled back to his car and tried to start it. Steed fired at least three shots into the car.

The victim fled from the car into a nearby grocery store, where he called 911 for help, according to trial testimony. As he ran away, the victim heard four more gunshots.

In total, the victim suffered three gunshot wounds  one in the right wrist, and two in his right leg.

Steed fled the scene in the victims car, which was later found in a police impound lot in Jackson, Tennessee where Steed lived.

Steed testified during the trial that hed met with the victim to buy a pound of marijuana and when the two men had an argument over the drugs, it was the victim who pointed a gun. Steed said when they fell into the parking lot, he was able to wrestle the gun away from the victim.

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When the victim went back to the car, Steed testified, he thought the man was going for a second gun, so he fired at him. He then took the car because he panicked, he testified.

The jury ultimately convicted Steed of attempted voluntary manslaughter, a lesser included offense to the attempted murder charge, aggravated robbery and aggravated assault. They acquitted Steed of carjacking and employment of a firearm.

Steed was sentenced to 27 years in prison.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee correctional officer, inmate ID'd in prison death case
Since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down many of President Donald Trumps import tariffs in a Feb. 20 ruling, talk of refunds has echoed across the country.

Those tariffs equated to a tax increase of roughly $1,000 per American household in 2025, according to a Feb. 23 report from the nonpartisan Tax Foundation.

Now, can consumers expect to get most of that money back?

We asked several tariff experts, and the answer was a resounding No.

Heres the problem: However much those tariffs cost American households, consumers didnt pay the taxes themselves. Importers paid them. Many parties ultimately absorbed their cost, including exporters, importers, wholesalers, retailers and, yes, consumers.

Consumers have no legal claim to a refund, because they werent the importers, said Stephen Kates, financial analyst at Bankrate. They just bought the products.

But American retailers may still find ways to return some of the massive tariff refund to their customers, if and when it arrives.

Companies are lining up for tariff refunds

Americans are talking about tariff refunds because American companies are lining up to collect them. On Feb. 23, the delivery giant FedEx filed a lawsuit seeking a refund of the tariffs it paid under policies struck down by the high court.

That suit followed the Supreme Court ruling. In the months before the decision, thousands of other companies sued to recoup their share of the estimated $175 billion in import taxes the federal government has collected.

Government officials responded in court filings that they would proceed with refunds if the tariffs were struck down.

Now, observers expect a deluge of new lawsuits in response to the Supreme Court ruling. The refund process "is likely to be a 'mess,'" Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote in a dissent.

It doesnt appear that the Trump administration is going to expedite that process, said Alex Jacquez, chief of policy and advocacy at the progressive Groundwork Collaborative. The mechanics of getting that money back to consumers is even more complicated.

But for the companies that paid the tariffs, at least, there is a paper trail.

Refunds for overpayments will go to the persons or the entities that legally made the payment, just like any other tax refund, said Erica York, vice president of federal tax policy at the Tax Foundation. The government has these records.

Tariff experts predict consumers are unlikely to receive refund checks to cover their costs from President Donald Trump's overturned import tariffs.

Tariff refunds to consumers? An 'infinitesimal' chance.

Congress could also send tariff refund checks to consumers, who paid the taxes indirectly when they purchased higher-priced products. But that process would be far messier, tariff experts said.

There is an infinitesimal chance that that could happen, said Kates of Bankrate.

You think of a company like Costco, he said. How many millions of people have bought these products over the last year? Theres no way to logistically imagine such an operation to return five bucks, 10 bucks, to 10 million families. Impossible.

Trump administration officials seem to agree.

In remarks at the Economic Club of Dallas shortly after the Supreme Court ruling, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent predicted any tariff refunds arent likely to reach consumers: I got a feeling the American people wont see it, he said.

American companies will be lining up for tariff refunds, after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down many of President Donald Trump's import taxes.

Retailers could offer voluntary tariff rebates

There might be another way.

Some tariff observers predict retailers will launch a voluntary movement to return tariff costs to their customers.

Companies announced tariff increases to consumers, said Scott Lincicome, an economist at the libertarian Cato Institute. There were thousands and thousands of these emails sent out last year. Lots of small businesses, but larger businesses as well.

If tariff refunds go out to corporate America, Lincicome said, it isnt hard to imagine companies would return some of the funds to their customers, whether through tariff rebate sales, retail credits or even a check in the mail for the price increase that they imposed, he said.

Retailers might offer tariff refunds under pressure, Lincicome said, from customers armed with old emails about tariff-driven price increases or tariff surcharges on sales receipts.

I think some companies are going to have really upset customers who are going to basically demand it: You charged me an extra 50 bucks. Wheres my money? Lincicome said.

Leading Democrats, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, have called for the Trump administration to issue tariff refunds to American households in response to the court ruling. Pritzker demanded $1,700 for every family in his state.

And what of those $2,000 tariff dividend checks?

Those demands play on the much-touted $2,000 tariff dividend checks that Trump repeatedly pledged to American families in 2025.

The idea behind tariff rebates was to pass along some of the revenue from Trumps import taxes to low- and middle-income Americans.

Independent analyses cast doubt that there was ever enough tariff revenue to cover $2,000 dividend checks. In light of the Supreme Court ruling, tariff experts say any tariff payout to American consumers, refund or rebate, is unlikely.

Tariff rebate checks werent going to happen and are still not going to happen, said York of the Tax Foundation.

Tariff rebates would require an act of Congress, much like the fiscal stimulus payments Congress authorized during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Congressional approval for tariff dividend checks was never very likely, said Kates of Bankrate. After the Supreme Court ruling, he said whatever miniscule chance that this could go through Congress is effectively gone.

Contributing: Bart Jansen, Reuters

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Here are the new odds of tariff refund or dividend checks
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  The Tennessee Hospital Association says the state could face a shortage of thousands of physicians by 2035. In Knoxville, South College is working to close that gap.

South College Assistant Dean Don Yager told 6 News that the demand for physician assistants is rising as Tennessee faces a shortage of physicians. Yager shared South Colleges Physician Assistant program is doing what it can to help meet that growing need.

As far as physician assistants are concerned, we continue to accelerate as a profession nationwide and theres several reasons for that. One is because of physician shortages, said Yager.

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The Tennessee Hospital Association projects that the state could face a shortage of nearly 4,000 physicians by 2035, with family medicine, pediatrics, and psychiatry hit especially hard.

One of the biggest needs that I see, especially for the state of Tennessee but also nationally, is rural health care. Theres such a huge shortage of professionals, our physician assistants, physicians to practice, and people dont have that access and so that is very worrisome. If they dont have access to that care, then theyre going to end up in the ER. Theyre going to end up being admitted to the hospital, said Yager.

As Tennessees population continues to age, the demand for physician assistants is rising quickly. PAs are licensed to practice medicine and work in a wide range of specialties. With years of training, they handle many of the same responsibilities as doctors, outside of major surgery.

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We can write prescriptions. We can do consultations, things that physician assistants cant do necessarily is admit a patient. So, procedurally, we may be restricted as far as surgery, but we can do minor things like suturing. We can do casting, added Yager.

To help meet the growing need for physicians, South College is preparing more physician assistant professionals to enter the workforce. The program includes hands-on experience and required service hours, giving students the opportunity to work directly with patients and serve communities in need.

Seeing these individuals who need that care, that have absolutely no access, is really important that those students get that opportunity to help them and to realize that there are this subset of individual who really need that care, explained Yager.

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Yager added that The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 28% growth for physician assistants, South Colleges physician assistant program is 27 months long with around 80 graduates each December.

For more information on how South College is preparing PAs to go into the workforce as well as how to get involved in the program, go to www.south.edu/physician-assistant.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
Tennessee legislators advanced a bill Feb. 24 that would create a new governing board with sweeping authority over underground transit projects, including The Boring Companys Music City Loop in Nashville.

The Subterranean Transportation Infrastructure Coordination Authority board would be empowered to override local government decisions to avoid bottlenecks, effectively centralizing control of tunnel projects at the state level.

The change is notable as some Nashville Metro Council members have expressed opposition to Musk's underground Tesla tunnel, most recently in a Feb. 19 public meeting. But state officials said the purpose is to streamline numerous permits moving through various departments

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Announced in July 2025 at the Nashville International Airport's Hilton Hotel, the Music City Loop would initially consist of two one-directional tunnels transporting passengers in Tesla sedans from Nashville International airport to downtown.

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy speaks during a press conference announcing the Music City Loop tunnel project at the Hilton BNA Hotel in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, July 28, 2025. Elon Musk's The Boring Company plans to build the high-speed tunnel from Nashville International Airport to downtown.

The Boring Company is also exploring a statewide expansion of the tunnel system, with potential routes to Murfreesboro, Memphis, Chattanooga and Knoxville, according to CEO Steve Davis. Locally, Davis has discussed possible stops at the new Nissan Stadium, the Music City Center and the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.

The Boring Company is also exploring a statewide expansion of the tunnel system, with potential routes to Murfreesboro, Memphis, Chattanooga and Knoxville, according to CEO Steve Davis. In Nashville, Davis has discussed possible stops at the new Nissan Stadium, the Music City Center and the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.

"That is what I want to happen," Davis said. "It's a system that you can expand without affecting the existing system and with zero taxpayer dollars."

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While the project itself would not receive state funding, the proposed board is expected to cost up to $5.4 million annually, paid from the states general fund to cover staff salaries and various expenses.

Senate Bill 2205, dubbed The Subterranean Transportation Infrastructure Coordination Act, would create a 11-member authority board to take absolute control of all future state dealings with "subterranean transit projects," including the Music City Loop.

Tennessee Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, R-Franklin, sponsored the bill, which passed the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee in a 8-0 vote Feb. 24.

Johnson said the authority would "provide certainty to private partners who are willing to invest private sector dollars to help improve our infrastructure system."

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If signed into law, the board would be in place by July 31.

Here's what to know about the bill.

What power would Tennessee's new board have over Musk's Nashville tunnel?

If passed, the bill would establish an 11-person Subterranean Transportation Infrastructure Coordination Authority. The governor, lieutenant governor and speaker of the House of Representatives would each appoint three board members. The board would also include the state commissioners of transportation, environment and conservation, commerce and insurance, and the state fire marshal.

The board would be granted absolute authority to carry out every task relating to underground transit projects.

The Boring Company has plans for over 100 stations across a 68-mile tunnel system in Las Vegas, Nevada. Currently, there are eight operable stations across less than five miles of tunnel.

After a list of 17 specific powers, the bill gives the board authority to do "and perform "each and every act and thing" and "exercise each and every power" that the board "deems necessary, convenient, or appropriate, to accomplish the purposes of this chapter."

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Among the specific powers listed, the board would be empowered to:

Execute contracts and leases

Hire employees including a CEO and legal counsel to transact business

Retain third-party contractors and agents

Enforce compliance with codes policies and land use regulations

Own, acquire, purchase, convey, donate, lease, and maintain property without need for approval from state or local governments

Develop, maintain, and operate transit projects

Lease transit projects to operators and have sole discretion over charging, waiver and collection of rent for the projects

Sell or lease transit projects to the transit operator for an amount determined by the board

Develop and maintain grounds around the transit project, including signage, trash removal, and landscaping

Accept and distribute federal grants

Regulate land use, utilities and utility systems

Enter into agreements with local and state government entities

Contract utility services for construction, operation and maintenance of the transit project.

What power would Nashville, cities have over underground transit?

Johnson said during the Commerce Committee hearing that all powers that would be vested in the new board already exist at the state level but exist in "a hodgepodge of different authorities"  whether environmental, fire safety, or structural safety.

Local governments currently have no input on any subterranean transit projects, Johnson said.

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"The state has the authority now to grant that permit underneath state owned property, because they own the rights of subterranean for that," Johnson said. He added that the bill would offer a new appeals process for surface permit denials which "hopefully would never be needed."

Sen. Jack Johnson R- Franklin and House Speaker Cameron Sexton laugh with Lt. Gov. Randy McNally during his speech along with Gov. Bill Lee and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at the Tennessee State Capitol building during a stop for the "Take Back Your Health Tour" in Nashville on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026.

"If there is an adverse decision from the local government, there is an appeal back to this authority, simply to make sure that if there's a local government that wishes to inhibit the development of this project, the permit applicant is getting a fair hearing," Johnson said.

Local governments and private property owners retain all building and land use standards for surface-level construction, Johnson said.

"Nothing in the bill would authorize construction beneath locally owned property without the locality's consent, or privately owned property without the property owners' consent," Johnson said. "Those standards, however, would not be allowed to prohibit or effectively prohibit a qualifying project."

Nashville airport could lose oversight of Tesla tunnel

The bill specifies that it applies to The Music City Loop. It also delineates its intent to usurp control from the Metro Nashville Airport Authority.

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On Feb 18, following eight months of negotiations, MNAA commissioners unanimously approved a $34 million, 40-year deal with The Boring Co., making way for Music City Loop construction on airport property. The deal also established potential for over $300 million in additional airport revenue from operating costs that The Boring Co. will pay MNAA once the tunnel is up and running.

Established in 1970 by state legislators and appointed by the Nashville mayor, the MNAA governs the Nashville airport. In recent years, the state has attempted to take some appointing power back from city leadership, but courts have repeatedly ruled the bids unconstitutional.

As approved by the Commerce Committee, Johnson's bill would require MNAA to transfer its agreement over to the Subterranean Transportation Infrastructure Coordination Authority.

However, Johnson's office said that is not the intent of the bill, and another amendment is coming to clarify that airport leaders retain oversight on their property.

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"This legislation will effectively result in the Authority taking the place of the MNAA in such agreement with the TBC, no later than October 1, 2026," the bill states.

Airport officials said they were not aware of the legislation prior to its introduction.

"MNAA needs time to evaluate the impact this legislation may have on the Letter of Intent we signed with The Boring Company on February 18, 2026, and the subsequent license agreement, which we are currently working to finalize," an airport spokesperson said.

A spokesperson from Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell's office said the mayor's team is also reviewing potential impacts of the legislation.

How much would the state board members, CEO make?

About $2.6 million of the $5.4 million budget would go toward staff salaries for the new board, according to the Tennessee General Assembly's Fiscal Review Committee. That would include a CEO, 11 board members and eight additional staffers.

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Heres the breakdown of the top positions approved salaries:

CEO: $200,000

Executive administrative assistant: $87,912

General counsel and deputy general counsel: $213,336

Attorney: $134,244

Appointed board members would not receive a salary but will be paid $2,000 per month for the first three years of the authoritys existence. They will also be reimbursed for any travel expenses.

The Metro Nashville Airport Authority met on Feb. 18 to discuss its deal with Elon Musk's The Boring Company to build Music City Loop.

The bill's advancement comes in the wake of Metro Nashville Council members' critique of The Boring Co. during a special committee meeting on Feb. 19. District 6 Council member Clay Capp said actions around the project have consistently lacked transparency.

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Meanwhile, Gov. Bill Lee is touting the project's existence as a success.

"Tennessee continues to lead the nation in finding innovative solutions to accommodate growth," Lee said in a Feb. 25 social media statement. "In partnership with (The Boring Co.), were exploring possibilities we couldnt achieve on our own  at no cost to taxpayers."

Hadley Hitson covers business news for The Tennessean. She can be reached at hhitson@tennessean.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: TN lawmakers move to override local control of Musk's tunnel




The 15th Court of Appeals rejected Attorney General Ken Paxton's attempt to shut down Harris County's legal aid program for undocumented immigrants, saying he had not provided any proof that the program harmed residents.

Paxton sued Harris County in November for allocating taxpayer dollars to nonprofits that provide legal assistance to people navigating immigration proceedings. He claimed it was an improper gift of public funds to a private entity, arguing the program was unconstitutional and "wicked." He filed a similar lawsuit against Bexar County earlier this month.

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Both lawsuits were rejected by district judges. Paxton appealed the Harris County ruling to the all-Republican 15th Court, which was created in 2023 to hear appeals of cases involving state government.

"Texas has long recognized that procuring counsel' for indigent persons in civil cases is the performance of a needed public service,'" the judges wrote, citing previous rulings. "The State has not explained why providing counsel to indigents facing federal deportation is unconnected to these programs and concerns."

The background: Harris County started the Immigrant Legal Services Fund in 2020, initially allocating $2.5 million to helping people navigate immigration proceedings. Bexar County followed suit in May 2024, giving $1 million to two nonprofits that help people facing deportations get lawyers.

"When you have a family at a deportation hearing and they don't have an attorney, they're deported at a much higher rate, like 90 percent of the time, compared to like 5 percent of the time when they do have an attorney," Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said at the time, according to the Houston Chronicle.

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Harris County's program sends county dollars to five organizations: BakerRipley, the Galveston-Houston Immigrant Representation Project, Justice for All Immigrants, KIND, Inc. and the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Service.

It has helped 373 people over the last five years. Most closed cases have been resolved through removal or voluntary departure from the U.S., the court found.

The Harris County Jail leads the nation in ICE detainers - a request from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to hold a person for deportation - as federal and state immigration enforcement has kicked into high gear under President Donald Trump.

Home to San Antonio, Bexar County allocated more than $566,000 to its Immigration Legal Services program in mid-December. Paxton sued the county on Feb. 4 in a bid to shutter what he called a "criminal-loving agenda," but District Judge Mary Lou Alvarez ruled that no attorneys with Paxton's office could try the case, and that the suit would be dismissed in a week unless authorized counsel took their place.

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The county's immigration services program's end is scheduled for Feb. 28, a day after the court's deadline to Paxton's office.

Why Texas is suing: Paxton argued in both lawsuits that these programs "serve no public purpose and instead constitute unconstitutional grants of public funds to private entities to subsidize individual deportation defenses."

He has asked the court to stop officials in Harris and Bexar counties from disbursing funds to these organizations immediately, and bar them from doing so in the future.

But the appeals court found no evidence that these grants, which are provided in exchange for specific legal services, qualify as an unconstitutional gift. The judges note that Harris County has strict requirements on who can utilize these services and require the entities that receive the grants to document the services they provide. The county can stop providing these grants if a service provider doesn't comply, which they've done twice, the court notes.

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While many programs are "favored by one faction or political party but not another," the judiciary should not second-guess those policy choices unless they can show that a program is clearly unconstitutional, the judges wrote.

Paxton has filed similar lawsuits against the cities of Austin and San Antonio over their support of nonprofit organizations that help Texans access abortions. In June, the 15th Court of Appeals ruled in his favor, blocking San Antonio from using the funds the city had allocated to potentially help people who needed to travel out of the state for abortions.

What local officials say: Harris County Attorney Jonathan Fombonne said the ruling made it clear that Paxton's "claims don't match the facts."

"This program has operated responsibly for years and continues to serve a legitimate public purpose," Fombonne said in a statement. "We clearly have the authority to serve residents in this manner, and my office will continue to defend this program."

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Harris County commissioner Adrian Garcia said in a statement that this program had operated responsibly and without issue for years.

"That is, until Ken Paxton decided to run for higher office," he said. Paxton is challenging Sen. John Cornyn in a contentious GOP primary.

In Tuesday's ruling, the appeals court echoed Garcia, saying the program "has been operating since 2021 without apparent objection or controversy."

"The State has yet to produce proof that despite several years in operation, the program has resulted in any actual harm to residents of Harris County or the state," the judges wrote.

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Ayden Runnels contributed to this story.

This article first appeared on The Texas Tribune.

This article originally published at Harris County immigrant legal services program can continue, appeals court rules.
A grand jury on Wednesday rejected indictments over the fatal shooting last year of a U.S. citizen by a federal immigration agent during a traffic encounter in Texas, prosecutors said.

The shooting of Ruben Ray Martinez on March 15, 2025, by a Homeland Security Investigations agent wasn't publicly disclosed by the Department of Homeland Security until The Associated Press and other media outlets reported it last week. HSI is an investigative unit which falls under U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The Cameron County District Attorney's Office said in a statement that a grand jury declined to hand up indictments after being presented the case. The office did not provide additional details.

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In a previous statement DHS alleged that the 23-year-old intentionally ran over" an HSI special agent, causing another agent to fire defensive shots to protect himself, his fellow agents, and the general public.

The shooting would mark the earliest of at least six deadly shootings by federal officers since a nationwide immigration crackdown was launched in President Donald Trumps second term.

Attorneys for Martinez's family, who are skeptical of DHS' account of the shooting, said in a statement Wednesday that because grand jury proceedings are private they don't know what witness statements or video evidence were presented to the jurors.

They are calling on the Texas Department of Public Safety to disclose the findings of its investigation so Martinez's family can determine for themselves whether ICE's story is accurate and why Ruben was killed that night.

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The attorneys cited a draft affidavit from the passenger, Joshua Orta, in the car with Martinez when he was shot. In the draft testimony, Orta reportedly said that Martinez did not hit an officer with his vehicle, that their car was just crawling and that a federal agent fired into the drivers side window without giving any warning, commands, or opportunity to comply."

Orta, a key witness to the encounter, died in a car crash last weekend.

Martinezs family are proud Americans, strong supporters of law enforcement, and Trump voters. They believe there are honest and decent officers out there, the statement read.

They just want to be treated honestly and decently.

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Martinez, who lived in San Antonio, Texas, and Orta were on a Spring Break trip to South Padre Island when he was shot. His death was reported by local media outlets at the time, but authorities did not disclose that the shooting involved a team from HSI.

An incident report from ICE described the officers' account of what happened while they were assisting local police redirect traffic around a car accident.

A four-door Ford with a driver and passenger approached officers, who ordered the driver to stop, the report said.

Initially, the driver didn't respond to commands but eventually came to a stop, and agents surrounded the vehicle, telling those inside to get out, according to the report.

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The driver then accelerated forward and struck an HSI special agent who wound up on the hood of the vehicle, prompting a HSI supervisory special agent nearby to fire his weapon multiple times through the open driver's side window, the report said.

The draft affidavit disputes those details.

In it, Orta reportedly said that he and Martinez were first approached by a police officer who told them to leave. As they tried turning, another officer approached, slapped the hood and seemed to be trying to get in front of the car, it added.

Officers surrounded the vehicle yelling at them to stop and drawing their guns, the draft affidavit said, adding that Martinez was only crawling," and never hit an officer or the gas.

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An officer near the driver side window then pulled his weapon and fired without warning, the draft affidavit said, and Orta recounted hearing Martinez say I'm sorry as he slumped backward unconscious.

Reyes, Martinezs mother, told AP last week her son was shot three times.
A grand jury did not find probable cause to issue an indictment in the fatal shooting of a man last year on South Padre Island by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer.

Cameron County District Attorney Luis V. Saenz said his office presented the case on Wednesday and the jury issued a no bill. Prosecutors can pursue a criminal case after a no bill but rarely do so.

Agents assigned to a Department of Homeland Security subagency fatally shot 23-year-old Ruben Ray Martinez of San Antonio multiple times in the early hours of March 15 as they helped local police direct traffic at the scene of an auto accident, records released by American Oversight, a nonprofit government watchdog, show.

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Martinez was at Padre Island that weekend celebrating his birthday with friends, said Will Miller, a spokesperson for Rachel Reyes, Martinezs mother and their lawyers.

Rubens family is devastated, according to a statement from a group of attorneys with Thompson Stam and Hayes Law representing Reyes. They are proud Americans, strong supporters of law enforcement, and Trump voters. They believe there are honest and decent officers out there. They just want to be treated honestly and decently.

In a statement Friday, DHS confirmed the shooting and accused Martinez of intentionally running over an agent, who was taken to a hospital for a knee injury and later released, according to records of the incident. Local media reported on the shooting, but it was not clear until last week that federal immigration officers were involved.

Since Rubens death a year ago, all we have wanted is justice for him and we have struggled with the silence surrounding his killing, his mother, Rachel Reyes, said in a statement. Now, the country is in crisis  and, terribly, heartbreakingly, other families are enduring what we have. Its my hope that attention being raised now into Rubens death will help bring the justice we want for him and the answers we havent had.

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On Saturday, Joshua Orta, the only passenger in the vehicle during Martinezs shooting, died in an auto accident in San Antonio, according to the Associated Press. Police said the vehicle Orta was driving left the road and struck a utility pole at a high rate of speed. His passengers survived the fiery crash.

According to a draft of Ortas affidavit obtained by the AP, Orta said Martinez did not hit anyone with his vehicle.

Its unclear whether the jury was shown Ortas affidavit, according to Martinezs attorneys.

And we do not know if they were shown video of an ICE agent dragging Ruben onto the ground and handcuffing him immediately after shooting him three times, they said.

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We believe that it is essential now that the Texas Department of Public Safety publicly disclose the full findings of their investigation, so that Rubens family and the public can determine for themselves whether ICEs story is accurate and why Ruben was killed that night, their statement also said.

At least half a dozen other people have died during the nations immigration crackdown under the Trump administration, including two U.S. citizens  Alex Pretti and Renee Good  who were fatally shot by ICE and Border Patrol agents in Minnesota earlier this year, sparking nationwide protests.
A Burlington Northern Santa Fe train was halted in the Texas Panhandle on Tuesday after reports of a possibly armed person on board, prompting a multi-agency search that found no suspects.

The Randall County Sheriffs Office received a call from BNSF around 9:20 a.m. about the sighting, leading to the train being stopped just east of Dawn along U.S. Highway 60, about 35 miles southwest of Amarillo.

The offices SWAT team, along with the Texas Rangers and the Texas Department of Public Safetys Criminal Investigation Division, searched the train and the surrounding area. DPS also deployed a helicopter and drone for the operation. No armed individual was located during the search.

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After further investigation, the original reported suspects  described only as two males, with one possibly armed  had been seen on the train west of Hereford. Authorities said they had no indication anyone left the train in Randall County.

Rumors linked the incident to suspects from Fort Sumner, New Mexico, who were wanted for shooting at an officer, but the sheriffs office stated it never received any information indicating those individuals were on the train.

BNSFs resource protection team stopped train traffic due to police activity in the area, railway officials said in a written statement, according to Fox 4 KDFW. BNSF fully cooperated with local authorities on site as they responded to the incident.

The train was cleared to proceed just before 1:30 p.m., according to BNSF.

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During the search, the Texas Department of Transportation diverted traffic away from Highway 60. The highway reopened just before 1 p.m.

Authorities urged anyone observing suspicious activity to call 911.
The man convicted in the suitcase murder in Indonesia is being deported and is expected in court in Cook County Thursday.

Tommy Schaefer will face charges stemming from the notorious killing of his former girlfriend's mother in Bali back in 2014.

Police said he and Heather Mack killed Mack's mother so Heather could get money from a trust fund.

Mack spent time in an Indonesian prison and is already serving time here.

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Schaefer was sentenced to 18 years in prison. He was deported back to the United States from Bali International Airport on Tuesday evening, after serving his sentence and receiving a number of remissions for good behavior, said Felucia Sengky Ratna, head of the Bali Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration, in a statement.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
They were friends for more than 30 years. They did everything together.

Now one is dead, and the other faces murder charges in his death.

Channel 2s Tom Jones was in a Clayton County courtroom for opening statements in the trial of 75-year-old Joe Link.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Assistant District Attorney Brianna Jordan described to the jury how Link and 68-year-old Cowbern Jones had a close relationship.

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The victim, Cowbern Jones, and the defendant Joe Link were long-time friends, Jordan said.

She described them as best friends. They did everything together.

Playing pool. Cards. Dominoes, Links attorney, Erin King, told the jury.

However, that friendship came to an end in October 2023 when prosecutors say Link shot and killed Jones near a cemetery in Jonesboro.

TRENDING STORIES:

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Prosecutors say Link confronted Jones at an Exxon gas station with a pipe before that. Then followed him to the cemetery where he shot him.

Youre gonna hear the defendant state they tussled over the gun, and it went off, Jordan said. She said there was no tussle.

However, Links attorney says none of that is true.

This was in fact an accident, King told the jury.

King said there was no confrontation with a pipe at the gas station, and said this was all over a borrowed gun.

Joe let him borrow the gun, and he did give him $30.

The defense says Link went near the cemetery to get the gun and his $30 back. They said there was a tussle over the gun...and then Jones pointed the gun at Link.

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Joe grabs the gun and tries to pull it away from both of them. Trying to move it up. Mr. Jones grabs it and tries to move it back down. Mr. Jones grabs it and tries to move it back down. Gun goes off. Everybody stumbles back.

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Prosecutors say it didnt happen that way, and the evidence will show it.

And that it was not an accident, Jordan said.

The defense says police did a poor job investigating this case. Prosecutors say a lot of what happened was captured on video surveillance, except for the three minutes where the shooting happened.

Link faces felony murder, malice murder and aggravated assault. Testimony picks back up on Wednesday.
A handful of GOP candidates hope to unseat fellow state Senate Republicans in the upcoming Indiana primary election. Their sole reason for running seems to be fueled by President Trumps promise to retaliate against incumbent senators who derailed his mid-decade redistricting scheme.

Trumps campaign for vengeance includes opponent endorsements, which had the challengers salivating for a taste of the presidents support.

Those endorsements, however, may not carry the weight they hope for.

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Last month, 21 state Senate Republicans said no to Trumps push to force a mid-decade redistricting of several GOP-dominated states, including Indiana. His hope was to gain two more U.S. House seats later this year in the midterm elections by manipulating district maps in a way that gave his party great opportunities to eliminate the only two of Indianas nine congressional seats held by Democrats.

The months-long campaign was ugly, rancorous and included harassment, intimidation and threats of political violence. Still, it was ultimately unsuccessful.

The stunning rebuke of Trumps efforts by Indiana Republicans provoked a tantrum by the president. He launched into name-calling tirades on his social media platform, calling those in his party who rejected his gerrymandering plot pathetic RINOs (Republicans in name only) and America last politicians.

Throughout, Trumps main avenue of revenge, however, was threatening to recruit and endorse primary candidates to challenge the objects of his scorn.

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As CNHI state reporter Carson Gerber recently reported, 10 of the 21 Indiana Senate seats with Republican officeholders who rebuffed Trumps efforts are on the ballot this year. Eight of those incumbents are seeking re-election while two others opted not to run again.

Five of those incumbents seeking re-election have GOP primary opponents who have already been endorsed by Trump. The candidates are mostly unknown entities outside their local areas. Although one is a sitting member of the Indiana House, the others who have previous government experience have served on city or county councils.

The challengers have a steep hill to climb, and Trumps endorsement may prove to be a burden rather than a boost. National public opinion polling shows plummeting presidential approval numbers, with some at less than 40%.

It also wont help that targeted incumbents in Indiana can demonstrate strong conservative voting records and are well known in their districts.

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More importantly, each of those senators explained that their votes against redistricting clearly reflected the will of their constituents, most of which voted for Trump in previous elections. One of the incumbents in Trumps crosshairs, District 38 Sen. Greg Goode of Terre Haute, conducted a public listening session about the proposed redistricting in which constituents voiced nearly unanimous opposition.

Hoosiers made themselves clear throughout the redistricting debate. Trumps self-serving efforts had gone too far, and they didnt appreciate the threats and bullying that he and his allies, including Indiana Gov. Mike Braun, were heaping on their elected representatives.

Now, with the primary looming in May and Trump attempting to exact revenge on his perceived Republican Party enemies, those voters who opposed the gerrymandering attempt will have the opportunity to reinforce their voices with an emphatic statement at the polls.

Senate incumbents such as Goode who listened to their constituents and acted accordingly will face their partys voters in contested elections. And they will do so with the leader of their party campaigning against them.

Those voters will have the final word. When they go to the ballot box, they should remember that their elected senators listened to them and courageously acted on their behalf.
By Lawrence Delevingne

BOSTON, Feb 23 (Reuters) - The Trump family-backed crypto stablecoin, USD1, briefly dipped below its $1 benchmark price on Monday, to around $0.994, but quickly recovered.

A spokesman for World Liberty Financial, for which USD1 is a signature product, said in a statement to Reuters its engineering and security teams had successfully repelled a coordinated attack.

World Liberty, which was co-founded in 2024 by President Donald Trump, his three sons and a group of partners, added in a post on X.com that the X accounts of its co-founders were accessed without authorization. It did not name which ones. There was no hack of the digital contracts and wallets behind WLFI or USD1, the post added.

Zero smart contracts were affected. All USD1 funds remain completely safe, secure, and fully backed. Our infrastructure and team operated exactly as designed, the post said.

Like other stablecoins, USD1 is backed by reserves of U.S. dollars and cash-like securities so that its market price stays close to the benchmark of $1. Some deviation is normal, but more abrupt declines, even if small, are closely watched.

USD1 was last trading at $0.9994, within its historical range. It is the fifth largest stablecoin by market cap, according to crypto industry tracker CoinGecko.com.

(Reporting by Lawrence Delevingne in Boston, Editing by Tom Lasseter and Stephen Coates)
In his State of the Union address to Congress on Tuesday, President Donald Trump announced a new economic proposal that would significantly expand financial planning and saving for American workers who dont currently have a retirement plan or work for an employer with a match program.

My administration will give these forgotten American workers, great people, people that built our country, access to the same type of retirement plan offered to every federal worker, Trump said during his address on Tuesday. We will match your contribution with up to $1,000 each year.

Trump delivered his second SOTU address on Tuesday just days after he lashed out at a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated the cornerstone of his economic agenda: the tariff regime. Members of the court (although not all justices were in attendance) sat directly in front of Trump during his address, as is customary, and listened emotionlessly as he criticized the court ruling. He also called on lawmakers to better police themselves and formally prohibit trading on material nonpublic information, which is subject to enforcement by financial and criminal regulators.

The insider trading situation

The pending Stop Insider Trading Act would sharply restrict trading in individual stocks by members of Congress, their spouses, and children, specify exemptions, and increase penalties for late or noncompliant reporting of equities holdings and transactions.

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As we ensure that all Americans can profit from a rising stock market, lets also ensure that members of Congress cannot corruptly profit from using insider information, Trump said. He pivoted to the issue after causing a ripple in the crowd by asking out loud whether Nancy Pelosi, the former Speaker of the House, was in attendance.

Pelosi faced years of scrutiny regarding her husband, Paul Pelosis significant stock trading, but she has not been charged with any crime and has denied wrongdoing. Similar questions, even concerns, about stock trading by members of Congress (and members of their families) have extended to members of both political parties, and even to Federal Reserve governors, with the Fed inspector general finding no wrongdoing in several governors investment decisions and Chair Jerome Powell himself coming under investigation and also being cleared. In 2022 Powell said the central bank would tighten its rules.

Trumps SOTU call came after House Republicans introduced legislation that would see violations of the act penalized with thousands in fines or a percentage of the trade. Certain cases could also be referred to the Department of Justice under the proposal.

Polls cited by reform advocates show that roughly 70% to 90% of Americans, across parties, support banning members of Congress from trading individual stocks, one of the few ethics measures to command overwhelming bipartisan backing in recent years. Watchdog groups argue that every hearing where a lawmaker questions an executive whose company they partially own, and every vote cast while holding shares in affected industries, deepens public cynicism about a system they see as tilted toward insiders.

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Democrats in Congress are pressing regulators to investigate whether Trumps own tariff flipflops helped wellconnected insiders profit from market swings, and whether executive branch officials tipped off investors before policy shifts. A ProPublica review of trading data found that government officials and congressional aides executed welltimed stock sales ahead of tariff moves that rattled markets, trades that ethics experts say may be legal under current rules but nonetheless undermine public trust.

Layered on top of that are Trumps own clemency decisions. Since returning to the White House in 2025, he has issued a wave of pardons and commutations for allies convicted of financial crimes, including figures tied to fraud, tax evasion, and deceptive political fundraising schemes. And in his first term, he pardoned a longtime Republican congressman who was convicted of insider trading: Chris Collins of upstate New York.

Are Americans saving enough?

As for retirement savings, Trump pointed out a painful gap among retirees; he claimed roughly half of all working Americans dont have access to a retirement plan, nor do they have access to employer matching contribution programs. Under traditional 401(k) plans, employees contribute a portion of their earnings, tax-free, to individual accounts. (Contributions are taxed at a later date, usually when the individual is in a lower tax bracket.) Employers match the contributions up to a certain percentage to encourage savings on the part of employees.

BlackRocks billionaire CEO, Larry Fink, warned investors last year that most hadnt saved nearly enough to sustain them through retirement. The average amount necessary was roughly $2.1 million, according to Fink. Almost no one is close, he said.

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The 401(k) plan has largely replaced pension plans as a major prong to cover living expenses during retirement. Trump has always been acutely focused on this issue, often invoking 401(k) plan savings in tandem with his references to the stock market when it outperforms. He linked the expansion in retirement savings tied to the stock market to the need for more policing of Congresss use of the stock market in his remarks.

As we ensure that all Americans can profit from a rising stock market, lets also ensure that members of Congress cannot corruptly profit from using insider information, he said.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Nearly two months after the capture of authoritarian Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, US President Donald Trump has described the South American country as an ally and promised the nation a "bright new beginning."

"This was an absolutely colossal victory for the security of the United States and it also opens up a bright new beginning for the people of Venezuela," Trump told Congress during his State of the Union address on Tuesday.

The president said that he is working closely with Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, to achieve economic benefits for both countries.

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"We've just received from our new friend and partner Venezuela, more than 80 million barrels of oil," Trump said.

Until recently, relations between the United States and Venezuela had been tense. On January 3, US forces captured Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in Caracas and took them to New York where they have been charged with drug offences.

Since then, Venezuela has been in a phase of political upheaval.

Rodriguez, who served as vice president under Maduro, took over at the helm of the oil-rich country following the US intervention.

She is now seen as a key contact for the US government, particularly in negotiations over the country's vast oil reserves. Trump intends to leverage these resources for the benefit of the US, including exerting control over Venezuela's crude oil sales.
Psst  A Special Offer for MM Readers

Morning Memo aficionados are an important part of the TPM community so ahead of our annual membership drive next week, were offering you a special discount. You can get 40% off an annual TPM membership now, before the membership drive begins. Thats $42 to support TPM for a year. I do about 230 Morning Memos a year, so that works out to about 18 cents per Morning Memo. I hope youll take advantage of this special offer and help us get the annual drive off to a roaring start. Thanks for all your support!

SOTU-Free Zone

The State of the Union address has been bled of any civic utility, but if youre desperate for a recap, we have you covered here.

Coercion, Threats, and Fear

Attorneys who succeeded in blocking a middle-of-the-night effort to deport unaccompanied Guatemalan minors over the Labor Day weekend are now seeking a civil contempt of court ruling against the Trump administration for allegedly circumventing a judges order that continues to bar their deportation.

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In the new filing in federal court in D.C., the lawyers alleged that Customs and Border Protection is using misinformation, coercion, threats, and fear to convince Guatemalan minors who arrive at the border to relinquish their rights and to self-deport before they enter the system designed to give special protections to minors.

In one of the declarations filed in support of the contempt request, the legal director of the South Texas Pro Bono Asylum Representation Project recounted several alleged examples of children being coerced to self-deport, including this one:

An indigenous Guatemalan boy at Compass Connections Harlingen told me his father is disabled and his parents cannot protect and support him. CBP agents detained him around October 14, 2025. According to the child, CBP agents shouted, cursed, and threatened the child with a dog and a stun gun. A CBP agent told him he could accept a voluntary return or he could remain detained for an extended period of time. The child asked if he could speak with his family before he decided, but the officer refused. The child signed the paperwork. However, an officer then told him he was being sent to a shelter. The child believes his prayers were answered.

The original injunction blocking the Labor Day deportations was issued by U.S. District Judge Sparkle Sooknanan, the emergency duty judge on call over the holiday, who raced to respond to reports that children were already being loaded aboard planes in Texas, in an echo of the swift and secretive Alien Enemies Act flights from last March.

The injunction was later extended by U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly, a Trump appointee who found that the administrations claims about the deportations fell apart on closer examination. Kelly is now being asked to find the administration in civil contempt over the new policy, word of which began to emerge in November in a separate lawsuit and was spotted by former TPMer Matt Shuham, whose report on the policy is cited in the request for a contempt finding.

Preview: Abrego Garcia Hearing

A quick word ahead of tomorrows evidentiary hearing in Nashville on Kilmar Abrego Garcias vindictive prosecution claim, which Ill be attending in person:

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With the James Comey and Letitia James cases dismissed for now, the Abrego Garcia case has become the preeminent vindictive prosecution claim pending anywhere in the country. As you know by now, vindictive prosecution claims are notoriously hard to win. Defense attorneys throw those claims against the wall and hope they stick. They rarely do.

But U.S. District Judge Waverly D. Crenshaw, Jr., has found that Abrego Garcia has already cleared the initial hurdle in a vindictive prosecution claim: showing that there is a realistic likelihood of vindictiveness. That opened the door to discovery and to tomorrows evidentiary hearing, where the burden will be on the Trump DOJ to, in the judges words, produce objective, on-the-record explanations for Abregos prosecution that rebuts the presumption of vindictiveness.

If the Trump DOJ fails tomorrow to rebut the presumption now in Abrego Garcias favor, it loses, and Crenshaw could dismiss the indictment. The stakes are high. See you tomorrow from Nashville.

Mass Deportation Watch

The Trump DOJ sued to overturn New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrills executive order barring ICE from enforcing immigration laws on state property absent a judicial warrant or court order, claiming it violates the Constitutions Supremacy Clause.

A group of Catholic bishops, mostly from dioceses along the southern border, called for the humane enforcement of U.S. immigration laws.

The top vote-getter in Chicagos name a snowplow contest: Abolish ICE

Trumps Law and Order Facade

The capacity of the wrecked Trump DOJ is so reduced that it is now unable to prosecute some run-of-the-mill criminal cases.

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A felon-in-possession case in Minnesota was dismissed by U.S. District Judge Paul A. Magnuson this week over a speedy trial violation, astonishing even the defendants lawyer, the NYT reports: Ive been practicing law for 30 years, a lot in federal court, and Ive never had an indictment dismissed by an order of a judge, attorney Kevin DeVore said.

In his order dismissing the indictment, the judge additionally noted that the Trump DOJ failed to comply with the ordered briefing deadline on the motion to dismiss. The especially beleaguered Minnesota U.S. Attorneys Office attributed the missed filing deadline to counsels unexpectedly early parental leave for a medical emergency and other issues relating to staffing turnover at the United States Attorneys Office.

The judge considered the governments late response anyway and still ruled against it.

Thread of the Day

A closer look at the Trump administrations new lawsuit against University of California system for UCLAs handling of protests over Israels war against Hamas:

Judge Will Search Reporters Devices

Rebuffing the Trump DOJ, U.S. Magistrate Judge William Porter of the Eastern District of Virgina rescinded the portion of the search warrant he signed that allowed it to open, access,

review, or otherwise examine the electronic devices seized from WaPo reporter Hannah Natanson last month.

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Porter had approved the highly controversial search warrant in a government leak case without being briefed by prosecutors on a federal law that limits seizures of reporters materials. In his ruling, Porter took responsibility for that gap in its own analysis but was still mad about the governments failure to brief him on it: This omission has seriously undermined the Courts confidence in the governments disclosures in this proceeding.

Given that and the other circumstances of the case, Porter decided to screen Natansons device himself for relevant information rather than allow a DOJ filter team to do it, which he called the equivalent of leaving the governments fox in charge of the Washington Posts henhouse.

Jeffrey Epstein Watch

Following up on reporting by Roger Sollenberger and NPR, CNN has its own version of the story of documents allegedly missing from the tranche of Epstein files released by the Trump DOJ that relate to a woman who accused Donald Trump of sexually assaulting her.

Hot tips? Juicy scuttlebutt? Keen insights? Let me know. For sensitive information, use the encrypted methods here.
President Donald Trump on Tuesday used his State of the Union address to criticize a Maryland juvenile court case involving a Virginia teenager, Sage Blair, who had been trafficked and became the subject of custody proceedings.

Trump described Blairs situation, saying school officials in Virginia attempted to socially transition the then-14-year-old to a new gender without informing her parents. He claimed a left-wing judge in Maryland refused to return Blair to her parents because they did not immediately recognize their child as a boy, resulting in her placement in an all-boys state home.

Before long, a confused Sage ran away from home. After she was found in a horrific situation in Maryland, a left-wing judge refused to return Sage to her parents because they did not immediately state that their daughter was their son, Trump said. He praised Blair and her mother, Michele, who were present in the gallery, saying Blair is now a proud and wonderful young woman with a full ride scholarship to Liberty University.

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Trump framed the issue as part of a broader national debate over parental rights and gender-transition policies for minors, calling for an immediate ban on such practices without parental consent.

Details of the case

The Maryland case, filed for Michele Blair by attorney Mary E. McAlister, alleged that public defender Aneesa Khan and retired Baltimore Judge Robert Kershaw mishandled custody proceedings, keeping Sage in Maryland and exposing her to further abuse. The complaint alleged a series of kidnappings, sexual assaults, and misrepresentations made to the court.

According to court documents obtained by The Baltimore Sun, Sage was adopted at age 2 after her father died and her mother was unable to care for her, and had spent many months in the foster care system and suffered trauma before being adopted by Michele Blair and her husband. Michelle is Sages parental grandmother.

The complaint said that as a teenager, Sage was hospitalized for a depressive disorder and self-harm, undergoing a psychiatric evaluation at CMG Piedmont Psychiatric Center in 2021. Later that year, she started at Appomattox County High School as a freshman, where she was bullied because of gender dysphoria and other issues.

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The complaint said Sage ran away because of continuing harassment and assaults at school and threats from schoolmates, and was found by an adult male who kidnapped and violently raped her, drove her to Washington, D.C., left her with two men who raped and drugged her again, and those men drove her to Maryland and left her with a registered sex offender, where she was locked in a room and trafficked to other men.

Maryland law enforcement rescued Sage, and public defender Aneesa Khan was assigned to represent her.

Transferred to Juvenile Services

Sage was then placed in the temporary custody of the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services, which the complaint alleges, at Khans insistence, placed her in facilities with adolescent males where she was again sexually assaulted, exposed to drugs, and denied medical and mental health care.

On Sept. 3, 2021, Sage appeared before Judge Robert Kershaw in the Circuit Court for the City of Baltimore, juvenile division. Kershaw retired in 2022. The Sun reached out to the court, but was told those records were unavailable without a Public Information Act request.

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According to the complaint, Khan told the judge Sage identified as a transgender male and did not want to return home to Virginia because she reported being the victim of emotional and physical abuse from her parents, reported that her parents did not support her when she said she was transgender, and that she was unsafe at home. The complaint said those claims were blatantly false.

Kershaw ordered that Sage remain in Maryland under the temporary custody of the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services. Hearings continued through November, when Kershaw granted a requisition request to transport Sage to a residential therapeutic facility in Northern Virginia.

Khan then filed a motion Nov. 12, 2021, seeking an injunction to stay the order, arguing Sage endured emotional abuse and neglect by parents due to their failure to recognize his gender identity.

The complaint said Sage ran away from the juvenile facility later that day and was taken by an adult male to Texas, where further sexual and drug abuse occurred.

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In a memorandum opinion issued April 29, 2024, U.S. District Judge Norman K. Moon granted motions to dismiss the case, noting that he had previously granted Khans motion to dismiss based on lack of personal jurisdiction.

An appeal was filed with the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.

On Aug. 7, 2025, a three-judge panel largely upheld the district courts rulings, affirming all but one claim, which was sent back for further proceedings.

Have a news tip? Contact Josh Davis at jdavis@baltsun.com or on X as @JoshDavis4Shore.
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday defended his hardline immigration policies in his State of the Union address amid loud protests from Democrats.

"The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens," the Republican president told both houses of the US Congress.

The 79-year-old berated the Democrats, saying: "You should be ashamed of yourself for not standing up." This in turn led to heckling from the Democratic camp.

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Trump's brutal crackdown on immigrants carried out by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has provoked massive protests against raids in many cities, including Minneapolis in Minnesota, where two US citizens were killed in January.

Democratic representative Ilhan Omar from Minnesota yelled "You're killing Americans" and "You have killed Americans," in response to Trump's comments.

The president also called on Democrats to approve a bill introduced by Republicans to reform the electoral system. Among other things, the draft bill stipulates that citizens must prove their US citizenship when registering to vote.

Unlike in Germany, there are no nationwide rules in the United States on how voters are identified when casting their ballots. Voting rights are primarily a matter for the states.
President Donald Trumps former Ukraine envoy on Tuesday criticized the United States for abstaining from a United Nations vote calling for a lasting peace in Ukraine, questioning whether four years of war and civilian suffering were not "enough."

"A UN vote on a lasting peace in Ukraine and we abstained. Go figure," Keith Kellogg wrote on X. "The Russian Federation was against the proclamation. Is not four years of war enough? Is not missing children, shelling of cities and the killing of innocents enough? It is not a business deal  it is war."

Kellogg, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant general, left his role in the White House at the end of last year.

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The U.N. General Assembly adopted the resolution titled, "Support for lasting peace in Ukraine," that demands an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.

No Ukraine Peace Deal After Lengthy Five-hour Putin-witkoff-kushner Meeting

Keith Kellogg speaks during the Warsaw Security Forum 2025 on Sept. 30, 2025, in Warsaw, Poland. (Getty Images)

The measure passed 107-12, with 51 countries abstaining, including the United States, while Russia, Belarus and Iran voted against it.

Read On The Fox News App

The resolution also calls for an exchange of prisoners of war and the return of civilians, including children, who were forcibly transferred or deported.

The White House on Wednesday referred Fox News Digital to a statement from the U.S. Mission to the United Nations following the vote.

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Trump Touts 'Tremendous Progress' But Says He'll Meet Putin And Zelenskyy 'Only When' Peace Deal Is Final

Delegates attend a United Nations Security Council meeting on Feb. 24, 2026, in New York City. (Getty Images)

Ambassador Tammy Bruce, U.S. deputy representative to the United Nations, defended the abstention, saying Washington supports ending the war but objected to certain language in the resolution.

"The United States welcomes, of course, the call for an immediate ceasefire. As weve said, this resolution also includes language that is likely to distract from ongoing negotiations, rather than support discussion of the full range of diplomatic avenues that may pave the way to that durable peace," Bruce said. "For this reason, the United States called for a vote on the two paragraphs and ultimately chose to abstain on the resolution."

"What is needed now to end the war is political will. We believe we are closer to a deal than at any point since this war began. Let this be the last anniversary of an ongoing war that has continued for far too long and at far too great a cost," she added. "Lets end it now."

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Tuesday marked the fourth anniversary of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Tammy Bruce, U.S. representative to the U.N., listens as delegates speak at a United Nations Security Council meeting on Feb. 24, 2026, in New York City.

Click Here To Download The Fox News App

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff said during an event hosted by the Victor Pinchuk Foundation and Yalta European Strategy that Rustem Umerov, the head of Ukraines National Security and Defense Council, was expected to travel to Geneva on Thursday for talks with him and Jared Kushner.

The discussions are part of ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching a negotiated settlement to end the war between Moscow and Kyiv.





Original article source: Trumps former Ukraine envoy criticizes US abstention on UN peace vote
Reuters

The Ayatollah will not have missed it.

As Donald Trump thundered towards the 90-minute mark of his State of the Union address, he railed against Iran and taunted Ali Khamenei, Tehrans supreme leader, who has refused to curb the countrys nuclear weapons programme.

Speculation was rampant in the hours before Mr Trump spoke that he would use what was a record-breaking one-hour and 50-minute address to announce fresh strikes ahead of a third round of negotiations on Thursday.

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Yet the surprise was not the aggression, but the delivery.

Buoyed by a standing ovation from both sides of the aisle, Mr Trump delivered a case for a potential strike on Iran. A third of the US Navy now sits within reach of Tehran.

My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy. But one thing is certain, I will never allow the worlds number one sponsor of terror, which they are by far, to have a nuclear weapon, he said to a rapturous applause.

Mr Trump said Iran spreads terrorism, death and hate - Kenny Holston/Getty Images

After months of unpredictability, the US president appeared to build the legal and political predicate for action before congressmen and senators, many of whom have been reluctant to risk another foreign war.

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Laying out his case, Mr Trump accused Iran of slaying at least ... 32,000 protesters in their own country as part of its crackdown on anti-regime demonstrations.

We are in negotiations with them. They want to make a deal, but we havent heard those secret words: We will never have a nuclear weapon, he said.

He also claimed Tehran had already developed missiles that can threaten Europe and our bases overseas, and theyre working to build missiles that will soon reach the United States of America.

Referring to strikes the US carried out on Irans nuclear facilities in June, Mr Trump said Iran wanted to start all over again with its enrichment programme and was at this moment again pursuing their sinister nuclear ambitions.

Donald Trump laid out the case for strikes against Iran before politicians and military leaders - Kenny Holston/Getty Images

The language, unlike the sporadic weaves we are sometimes accustomed to with the president, was firm and clear. And it sounded oddly familiar.

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In his 2002 State of the Union address, George W Bush too laid out his case for possible intervention in the Middle East.

The United States of America will not permit the worlds most dangerous regimes to threaten us with the worlds most destructive weapons.

Mr Bush launched the invasion of Iraq, called Operation Iraqi Freedom on March 20, 2003.

Iran was quick to dismiss Mr Trumps claims about its missile programme and violent response to protesters as big lies on Wednesday.

Tehrans foreign ministry said: Whatever theyre alleging in regards to Irans nuclear programme, Irans ballistic missiles and the number of casualties during Januarys unrest, is simply the repetition of big lies.

Iran dismissed Donald Trumps claims about its nuclear missile programme and crackdown on protestors as big lies - Vahid Salemi/The Associated Press

The stakes could not have been higher for the president ahead of Tuesday nights speech, whose approval ratings are at their lowest since he retook office.

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Polls show that Americans disapprove of what were once his winning issues: the economy and immigration. With the midterm elections looming, Republicans are now in danger of losing the House.

Yet, Mr Trump used his speech as a victory lap, touting his economic turnaround for America  the likes of which has never been seen  and clearly giving Iran one last chance to play ball after weeks of threats.

And so, with control hanging in the balance, a defiant message against a foreign aggressor is what Mr Trump hopes will allow the Republicans to cling to power.

As the US amasses its largest concentration of sea and air power in the Middle East since the second Gulf War, the Ayatollah will no longer doubt Mr Trumps willingness to use it.

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A bombshell report regarding the Epstein files is threatening to spoil President Donald Trumps big day.

An NPR investigation, published the morning of the presidents State of the Union address, alleges that the DOJ withheld dozens of documents from its Epstein release that may pertain to a woman who accused Trump and Jeffrey Epstein of sexually abusing her when she was a minor.

The FBI took the allegations against the president so seriously that it reportedly sent agents to interview his accuser a total of four times in 2019. However, only documents regarding the first interview have been released, independent journalist Roger Sollenberger revealed this month.

Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein in New York City, on April 9, 1997. / Getty Images

NPR now reports that the missing documents from the next three interviews include what appears to be more than 50 pages of documents detailing FBI sit-downs with the accuser, who said she was around 13 when she was abused by the men in the early 1980s.

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The outlet writes that it reviewed serial numbers and found that dozens of pages are catalogued by the Justice Department but not shared publicly.

NPRs report says only the FBIs first interview with the Trump accuser, in which she makes no allegations of wrongdoing against the president, was part of the DOJs massive records release made public late last month. It is unknown what was said in the next three alleged interviews.

The White House did not respond to an email seeking comment. Reached for comment, Justice Department spokeswoman Natalie Baldassarre claimed that NPR wrongly stated the DOJ declined to respond to questions about what it described as missing files.

We have not deleted anything, and as we have always said, all documents responsive were produced, Baldassarre said in an email to the Daily Beast. She said that documents not included on the DOJ site fall within one of the following categories: duplicates, privileged, [or] part of an ongoing federal investigation.

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NPRs eye-popping investigation comes a week after Sollenberger, who used to work for the Daily Beast, reported that files associated with the interviews of the Trump accuser appeared to be missing from the DOJs public Epstein databasecontradicting Attorney General Pam Bondis claim that her release of more than three million pages of the Epstein files was everything the Justice Department had on the matter.

In total, NPR reported finding what appears to be 53 pages of interview documents and notes missing from the public database.

An internal FBI slideshow noted prominent individuals linked to Jeffrey Epstein, including the president, as well as the accusations made against them. / Department of Justice

Trumps accuser claims that he pushed her head down and pressured her to perform oral sex on him after being introduced by Epsteinan allegation listed in an internal FBI slideshow that was made public in the DOJs Epstein files dump.

The woman told investigators that she retaliated against Trump by biting his penis, according to the internal FBI document. She said that Trump then punched her in the head and kicked her out of the rooman allegation laid bare in a slide that detailed allegations against other prominent names in the federal probes of Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

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NPRs investigation also alleged that the DOJ removed some documents from its public database without explanation.

Specifically, NPR reports that the DOJ released some files related to the prosecution of Maxwell on January 30 and later took them down. It reported that some files have since been reuploaded, but not all.

The FBI internally circulated Epstein-related allegations against Trump last summer but deemed most of them to be unverifiable or not credible, NPR reported. However, the quartet of interviews with the presidents accuserthe first of which was conducted on July 24, 2019suggests that the FBI deemed her claims credible enough to probe.

In her first interview with investigators, documents show that the woman asked agents if she could show them a cropped photo of Epsteinwhich omitted Trumpto identify the disgraced financier as one of the men who abused her.

This was the image that the woman showed to agents. / Department of Justice

The woman told investigators she cropped the photo to exclude Trump because she was concerned about implicating additional individuals, and specifically any that were well known, due to fear of retaliation. Trump was president at the time of the interview. Epstein died in his prison cell the following month, on Aug. 10, 2019. Officials ruled his death a suicide.

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NPR reports that the womans biographical details match those of an accuser who filed a lawsuit against the Epstein estate in December 2019. The suit does not mention Trump, and the woman voluntarily dismissed her claims against the estate after securing a settlement in 2021.

An FBI document from last summer noted the accusation against Trump, but added that his accuser ultimately refused to cooperate.
Following an alleged attack by a knife-wielding man in Belgium, an Alabama woman said she has been in contact with federal officials regarding the incident.

In a Facebook post Saturday, Amanda Hardy said she received a call from the U.S. Ambassador to Belgium, Bill White, who apologized to her on behalf of President Donald Trump.

[White] listened, apologized on behalf of the Embassy and on behalf of the President, and he took immediate action to change policies at the Belgium Embassy so that no other American family is left in that position, Hardy said.

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We could not have asked for more. Unfortunately, I did learn that, although the assailant was detained while we were there, he was almost immediately released by Belgium authorities.

Hardy previously told WSFA that she, her friend Courtney Sucher and their two daughters were attacked on Feb. 1 on a train in brussels.

In a video shared on social media, one can hear a male voice in accented English say, Which country are you from?...America...United States...New York...Do you like ICE?

Hardy said that that he then drew an 18-inch knife wrapped in a blue scarf.

The group proceeded to flee the train whole yelling for help as the man can be heard on video continuing to threaten them.

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Hardy said it took them about three minutes to exit the train.

She also stated she was in correspondence with U.S. Sen. Tommy Tubervilles, R-Ala, office.

I also spoke with Tommy Tubervilles office today - his staff is wonderful, Hardy said.

His office took actions to demand accountability so that our concerns were not dismissed or overlooked.

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WASHINGTON  In his State of the Union speech, President Donald Trump demanded passage of country saving legislation that he says will protect the 2026 midterm elections from fraud and illegal voting.

The cheating is rampant in our elections, Trump said in his Feb. 24 address. And the reason they dont want to do it, Trump said of Democrats opposing the SAVE America Act bill, is because they want to cheat. Theres only one reason.

Congress should unite and enact this commonsense, country-saving legislation right now, Trump said, in calling on Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune, of South Dakota, to pass it as quickly as possible.

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Its very simple, Trump added. All voters must show voter ID. All voters must show proof of citizenship in order to vote. And no more crooked mail-in ballots except for illness, disability, military or travel. None.

Democrats are also afraid the November elections will skewed by interference, but they say it is the SAVE America Act itself that would give Republicans unfair advantage by potentially disenfranchising huge swaths of eligible Democratic voters, especially minorities and women.

(L/R) US Representatives Ilhan Omar, Democrat from Minnesota, and Rashida Tlaib, Democrat from Michigan, shout as President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on February 24, 2026. Aliya Rahman, a guest of Rep. Ilan Omar (D-MN) and a Minneapolis resident who was detained by DHS agents, is escorted from the chamber as Trump delivers his State of the Union address during a Joint Session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on February 24, 2026, in Washington, DC. Trump delivered his address days after the Supreme Court struck down the administration's tariff strategy and amid a U.S. military buildup in the Persian Gulf threatening Iran. US Representative Jill Tokuda, Democrat of Hawaii, looks on before US President Donald Trump delivers the first State of the Union address of his second term to a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber of the United States Capitol in Washington, DC, on February 24, 2026. US Representative Jill Tokuda, Democrat of Hawaii, looks on before US President Donald Trump delivers the first State of the Union address of his second term to a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber of the United States Capitol in Washington, DC, on February 24, 2026. U.S. Rep. Al Green (D-TX) protests as President Donald Trump arrives to deliver the State of the Union address during a joint session of Congress at the Capitol on February 24, 2026 in Washington, DC. Trump delivered his address days after the Supreme Court struck down the administration's tariff strategy, and amid a U.S. military buildup in the Persian Gulf threatening Iran. Representative Troy Nehls, Republican of Texas, arguing with Representative Al Green, Democrat of Texas, before President Donald J. Trump delivers the first State of the Union address of his second term to a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. Rep. Norma Torres (D- CA) holds up a photo of Minnesota shooting victim Alex Pretti who was killed during an immigration enforcement operation duringU.S. President Donald Trump's State of the Union address during a Joint Session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on February 24, 2026, in Washington, DC. Trump delivered his address days after the Supreme Court struck down the administration's tariff strategy and amid a U.S. military buildup in the Persian Gulf threatening Iran. Rep. Norma Torres (D- CA) holds up a photo of Minnesota shooting victim Renee Good who was killed during an immigration enforcement operation during U.S. President Donald Trump's State of the Union address during a Joint Session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on February 24, 2026, in Washington, DC. Trump delivered his address days after the Supreme Court struck down the administration's tariff strategy and amid a U.S. military buildup in the Persian Gulf threatening Iran. See Democrats protest at Trump's State of the Union 1 of 7 (L/R) US Representatives Ilhan Omar, Democrat from Minnesota, and Rashida Tlaib, Democrat from Michigan, shout as President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on February 24, 2026.

Stakeholders from across the political spectrum agree that the bill  already moving through Congress  would represent one of the most sweeping federal interventions in election administration in many years.

But thats about the only thing on which they agree.

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Heres what we know:

What would the bill do?

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, or SAVE America Act, passed the GOP-led House of Representatives on Feb. 11 but faces a shaky future in the Senate. Previous versions failed to gain traction in both chambers last year. This latest iteration, which builds on the 2024 version by adding a voter ID provision, must get 60 votes to pass.

Supporters, including Trump and Republican lawmakers, say the bill would ensure that only U.S. citizens register to vote, that photo voter IDs are required in federal elections, and that states clean noncitizens from their voter rolls.

Feb 24, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Senator John Thune, Republican of South Dakota, before President Donald J. Trump delivers the first State of the Union address of his second term to a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber of the United States Capitol in Washington on Tuesday. Mandatory Credit: Kenny Holston-Pool Photo via Imagn Images

Why do Democrats and voting rights groups oppose it?

The bill has raised alarm among Democrats, voting rights groups and election law experts, who said it would disenfranchise potentially millions of Americans by making it harder to register to vote and cast ballots.

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The bill would place new rules on mail-in voting that opponents say would largely favor Republicans, who are less likely to vote by mail, including requiring people to provide proof of citizenship when registering  and voting  in federal elections.

Another concern is a fear that married people who changed their surnames might have trouble proving they're eligible to vote because names on their proof of citizenship  a birth certificate, for example  may not match the name on their photo ID, such as a driver's license.

Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-California, who chairs the House Democratic Caucus, said Democrats also oppose the draconian bill because it would require that all state voter rolls be turned over to the Department of Homeland Security, where they could potentially be misused.

More: 'Roaring economy' and 'sick' Dems. Takeaways from Trump's SOTU address

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The last thing Americans want, Aguilar said Feb. 11, is their voter information going over to DHS.

Fact-checking Trumps claims, including that 89% support by Democrats

Trump has long argued that Democrats want to evade strict voter ID safeguards because they want undocumented immigrants to be able to vote for them. Democrats strongly deny that.

Research shows U.S. elections have only a minute amount of fraud and that illegal voting that does not change outcomes. A study by the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University found only 3 votes out of every 1 million cast were fraudulent.

Trump also said such requirements are polling at 89%, including Democrats!

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The White House didnt respond to a USA TODAY request for comment about what poll Trump was citing.

But in a statement, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said, President Trump is committed to ensuring that Americans have full confidence in the administration of elections, and that includes totally accurate and up-to-date voter rolls free of errors and unlawfully registered non-citizen voters. The Trump Administration has already successfully been working with states to clean rolls and protect election integrity and vast majority (sic) of Americans support President Trumps commonsense election integrity agenda."

Trump has in the past referred to an August Pew Research Center survey that found that 83% of American adults support requiring voters to show government-issued photo ID to vote, including 71% of Democrats and 95% of Republicans.

Aug 21, 2024; Chicago, IL, USA; Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., speaks during the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasper Colt-USA TODAY

Surveys for years have shown broad support for voter ID, according to Amy Sherman of the Poynter Institutes nonpartisan Politifact fact-checking research center.

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But surveys typically dont capture nuance, often presenting voter ID as a yes or no choice, she said.

For example, Sherman said in a Politifact analysis of Trumps speech, the Pew survey asked if people supported requiring all voters to show government-issued photo identification to vote.

It did not ask if they supported requiring mail-ballot voters to submit a copy of their ID along with the mail ballot, a provision in the SAVE America Act, Sherman said. She said the survey also didnt ask about the documentary proof of citizenship requirements in the legislation.

Most states already have some form of voter ID requirement. The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, an independent, bipartisan agency established by Congress in 1957, found in a September 2018 report that states across the country have enacted voting procedures "that wrongly prevent some citizens from voting ... and have a disparate impact on voters of color and poor citizens."

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People of color and lower-income Americans are less likely to have a driver's license with their current address. This disparity has a partisan effect: A 2024 study from the Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement found 23% of Democrats, compared with 16% of Republicans, do not have a license with their current name or address.

More: Trump touts bill that could make voting harder for married women

Heres whats next

On Feb. 23, 80 prominent conservative organizations signed on to the SAVE America Act Coalition and called on Thune to bring it immediately to the floor for consideration by the full Senate.

In their letter, conservative groups like Citizens United and the Election Integrity Network said Thune should enforce a talking filibuster, a maneuver that would force Democrats to debate the measure on the Senate floor and tell the American people why they oppose these key election integrity measures.

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Thune told Fox News anchor Aishah Hasnie on Feb. 25 that he supports the bill and wants to see it come to a vote.

We are right now in the middle of a government shutdown, so we've got to try and get the government opened up first, Thune said. But in due time, we will get that up on the floor. We will have a vote on it.

Thune portrayed the bill, and broader election integrity issues, as a stark contrast between Republicans and Democrats about how they want to handle elections in this country.  It's an issue if I were running as a Democrat in the midterm elections in November, I wouldn't want to have to defend.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump pushes 'SAVE America' voting overhaul. Why Dems oppose it
The data, however, paint a more nuanced picture of which sectors are booming. Of the 33,000 construction job gains in January, more than 25,000 were in nonresidential specialty trades, the category that includes electrical and mechanical work tied to data centers and power infrastructure. Nonresidential building construction added 3,600 jobs. While both factories and data centers rely on a mix of building and specialty contractors, economists say the recent strength in specialty trades reflects the systems-heavy nature of data centers and power infrastructure projects.

As thousands of new businesses are forming and factories, plants and laboratories are being built, we have added 70,000 new construction jobs in just a very short period of time, he said. Its getting bigger and bigger and stronger. Nobody can believe what theyre watching.

That hasnt stopped Trump from repeatedly using construction jobs numbers to tout economic revitalization, as he did during Tuesdays State of the Union address.

Not one in the last year has started under this administration where weve procured the first man hour of work. There's been a lot of announcements of new manufacturing projects during the Trump administration, but they haven't started yet, said Sean McGarvey, president of the North Americas Building Trades Unions, which did not support Trump in the 2024 presidential election but noted in its statement congratulating him on his victory that many of its members did. As far as actual shovels in the ground, that hasnt happened.

Inflation remains elevated and housing construction has softened, but the administration has pointed to rising construction employment as one of the clearest signs that Trumps trade and industrial policies are bearing fruit. In reality, many new manufacturing investments that Trump has helped secure are in early planning stages, meaning that the factory jobs that could reshape communities are likely years away.

Its a distinction that lands at a sensitive moment for the White House as the president and his Cabinet hit the road to sell the administrations economic agenda ahead of the midterm elections.

Industry data show that much of the recent surge in construction jobs is tied to data centers and the power infrastructure that supports them, not a wave of new factories backed by fresh investment pledges Trump has secured. That matters because factories tend to employ far more people than data centers, one of the main reasons communities have been more receptive to the former setting up shop in their towns.

President Donald Trump is seizing on a spike in construction jobs as proof that his push to lure factories back to the U.S. is working  and that an economic boom is on the horizon.

Story Continues

And many economists believe those jobs were just a blip in the data, driven largely by unseasonably warm weather during the period when government statisticians were collecting data.

That disconnect could complicate Republicans argument to working-class voters looking for signs of a Trump-fueled factory comeback. Construction crews erecting data centers may signal investment but do not necessarily translate into the robust payrolls that anchor communities and reshape local economies in the way factories do, and polling shows that Americans are unsure whether data centers will be beneficial to their communities.

Whether it's warehouses, data centers, manufacturing or a Buc-ees or whatever, what is ultimately going to bring stable, high-paying jobs into the community? From that perspective, manufacturing is the winner, said Scott Paul, president of the Alliance for American Manufacturing. At a data center, there are fewer jobs. There will be a few high-skilled jobs, but not a lot of them.

I think thats a very fair question of, whats going to get you more bang for the buck, employment wise? Paul added.

Whats more, the unceasing demand for new data centers is crowding out other projects in Americas heartland  meaning it might take even longer for those manufacturing jobs to come to fruition. Electricians, HVAC technicians and other skilled workers are in short supply nationwide. Data center developers  backed by tech giants with deep access to credit markets  have been willing to pay premiums to secure crews and keep projects on schedule, industry economists say.

In regions experiencing heavy data center buildouts, that dynamic can delay or raise the cost of other industrial projects competing for the same labor pool.

Nobody can hire an HVAC person because data centers are absorbing all the people [and] farmland, Austan Goolsbee, a former economic adviser to President Barack Obama whos now the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, told reporters on Monday  describing a recent trip to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Massive demand of AI data centers is kind of overheating and overloading the scarce resources that are available for other projects.

White House aides, however, argue that data centers and manufacturing arent mutually exclusive. The new manufacturing facilities being built, they add, are higher tech than those of the past, meaning the jump in specialty trade workers likely reflects more manufacturing construction growth than they might otherwise suggest.

Multiple things can happen at once, and that includes data centers, that includes factories and such, said one White House official, granted anonymity to discuss the administrations thinking. Construction jobs are coming in. The presidents said this in one shape or the other, but the leading indicators are all very solid, and the lagging indicator would be the manufacturing job growth.

Still, manufacturing construction, which surged during the semiconductor and EV battery buildout of the past several years, has cooled from its peak , even as data center projects accelerate .

Much of the factory construction underway was seeded by incentives enacted before Trump returned to office, while many of the administrations newly announced investments remain in early stages. Manufacturing construction spending reached a record high in mid-2024 and has since slipped by about 10 percent, according to Census Bureau data.

White House aides acknowledge that some of the new construction projects online were already in the works when Trump came into office, but say that the president has created a much more friendly regulatory environment and lowered cost burdens that have allowed them to move forward. They also attribute the decline in manufacturing spending to shutdowns in electric vehicle factories as a result of Republicans decision to end billions of dollars in Green New Deal subsidies.

The stuff were looking at is things people were always buying like pharmaceuticals or semiconductors or things like that, the White House official added.

Economists say the White Houses promised manufacturing boom from new investments may still materialize  just that it hasnt yet shown up in the hard construction data.

In the last year plus, we've observed a bit of a softening in construction manufacturing, but that could turn around, said Anirban Basu, chief economist at Associated Builders and Contractors. The Trump administration, of course, often highlights how many investors from abroad have decided to invest in America, and is it conceivable that more of that foreign direct investment will show up in the form of new manufacturing facilities or standard manufacturing facilities? That's possible. I don't see that yet in the data.

Basu and other construction industry officials argue the presidents manufacturing renaissance is also being undercut by shifting tariff policies and his aggressive deportation agenda. Contractors report having projects under contract that owners are postponing for months at a time as they wait for clarity on trade rules and financing costs, with 1 in 4 contractors reporting delays or pauses because of policy uncertainty, according to a recent ABC survey .

Data center industry officials, however, argue that their boom is complementary to the manufacturing push  not at odds with it. They argue that the sectors are mutually reinforcing, with artificial intelligence infrastructure driving demand for domestic energy, equipment and advanced manufacturing.

We are competing for workforce, I would say, to a certain degree, said Cy McNeill, director of federal affairs for the Data Center Coalition. But I think we all share the same goal of making sure that the U.S. workforce is ready for this growth in U.S. manufacturing and U.S. data center construction.

Even the broader construction surge may prove more fragile than it appears, some economists caution. Housing construction has softened in recent months, and residential projects are expected to remain weak  potentially offsetting gains elsewhere.

You're going to get some construction jobs because of data centers and build out of power capacity and maybe chip plants  that kind of thing, said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moodys Analytics. But that's going to be offset by job loss in the housing sector. Multifamily, single family completions are weak and are going to continue to fall. And they're much more worker intensive than the data centers.
President Donald Trump said that Iran's nuclear program was "obliterated" last summer, but he's now threatening to bomb Iran again over its nuclear ambitions.

As American forces mass in the region, he and his administration have offered varying assessments of Iran's military capabilities and intentions. In the latest turn after many zigzags, on Tuesday night Trump spelled out what he called the Islamic Republics sinister nuclear ambitions.

These and other threats to the U.S. were quickly dismissed by Tehran as a series of big lies.

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Trump's remarks in this State of the Union address followed weeks of mixed messages from Washington on the reasons for the U.S. military buildup in the region and the urgency of Irans nuclear threat. The Trump administration is simultaneously pursuing the diplomacy channel, which will see the two sides meet for a new round of talks on Thursday.

Iran denies seeking to develop a nuclear weapon, claiming its nuclear program is peaceful and intended for energy production, and has warned of significant retaliation to even a limited attack by the U.S. or Israel.

People walk past an anti-U.S. mural during a pro-government rally in Tehran on Feb. 4. (Morteza Nikoubazl / NurPhoto via Getty Images) (Morteza Nikoubazl)

What Trump said

Trump initially threatened to intervene over the deadly crackdown on nationwide unrest in Iran last month, but in recent weeks his public threats have focused on the country's nuclear program.

U.S. officials have recently suggested that despite last summer's attack, Iran is in fact very close to having the ability to make nuclear weapons.

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The Operation Midnight Hammer was successful, Trump said toward the end of his speech, but he added that despite being "warned to make no future attempts to rebuild" its nuclear weapons program, Tehran had been "starting it all over."

An initial U.S. assessment after the June operation found that only one nuclear enrichment site had been mostly destroyed, while the other two targeted were likely degraded, setting progress back several months.

Trump also said in his speech Tuesday that while Iran had expressed a desire to make a deal during negotiations, we havent heard those secret words, 'We will never have a nuclear weapon.'

He said his preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy, but vowed to never allow the worlds number one sponsor of terror, which they are by far, to have a nuclear weapon.

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He also outlined why this may be so pressing.

Theyve already developed missiles that can threaten Europe and our bases overseas, and theyre working to build missiles that will soon reach the United States of America, Trump said.

Satellite imagery shows Iran's Natanz Nuclear Complex with visible airstrike damage on Dec. 3, above, and with new construction on Dec. 31, below. (Planet Labs) (Planet Labs)

Iran condemned Trump's remarks as "lies," with foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei invoking a comparison to Nazi propaganda.

Repeat a lie often enough and it becomes the truth is a law of propaganda coined by Nazi Joseph Goebbels," Baghaei said, referring to the infamous Nazi propaganda chief. "This is now systematically used by the U.S. administration and the war profiteers encircling it."

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Iran is developing launch vehicles that would allow intercontinental ballistic missiles to hit the U.S., according to a recent report by the Department of Defense's Defense Intelligence Agency.

Iran could have 60 ICBMs capable to reach every part of the U.S. homeland by 2035, the DIA said, though it added that this would only be the case should Tehran decide to pursue the capability.

It was not clear if Trump's comments Tuesday reflected the U.S. government acknowledging that Iran had in fact decided to pursue that capability, or if they could now do so more quickly than previously assessed.

The CIA declined to comment on the matter.

President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address in the House Chamber at the Capitol on Tuesday. (Kenny Holston / Pool via Getty Images) (Kenny Holston)

Irans nuclear capability

Iran has consistently maintained that it does not have nuclear weapons ambitions.

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Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated that stance Tuesday, saying that Iran would "under no circumstances ever develop a nuclear weapon." At the same time, he said the country would not forgo its "right to harness the dividends of peaceful nuclear technology for our people."

Trump pulled the U.S. out of a landmark Obama-era nuclear deal with Iran in 2018 during his first term in office, three years after Tehran had agreed to stop pursuing a nuclear weapons arsenal and allow international checks on its facilities in exchange for the U.S. and other nations rolling back sanctions.

Fishermen sailing along a beach near the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant south of Tehran in 2024. (Morteza Nikoubazl / NurPhoto via Getty Images) (Morteza Nikoubazl)

Before the U.S. and Israel attacked last year, Iran had developed a stockpile of uranium enriched to nearly the level of purity needed to build a bomb, already well beyond the level needed for civilian energy production.

Rafael Grossi, the head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, warned in 2024 that Tehran was dramatically accelerating its enrichment of uranium up to 60% purity, inching closer to the around 90% level that constitutes weapons grade.

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Grossi has indicated that the program was severely damaged by the U.S. and Israeli strikes, but that much of the regime's highly enriched uranium was likely moved before the attacks.

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff asserted on Saturday that Iran could be as close as a week away from having industrial-grade bomb-making material, saying its enrichment level was up to 60%.

Tehran said it considered the claims a verbal mistake.

The Fordo nuclear site before the U.S. attack in June, above, and after, below. (Satellite image 2025 Maxar Technologies) (Satellite image 2025 Maxar Technologies)

Having highly enriched uranium does not mean having a weapon, said Darya Dolzikova, a senior research fellow with the Proliferation and Nuclear Policy program at the Royal United Services Institute, or RUSI, a London-based think tank.

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It's just one step in a complex chain, she said in a phone interview Tuesday. "Just enriching to 90% isn't enough. You need to actually build the nuclear warhead. You need to put it on the delivery system," she added.

Even if Iran were a week away from having industrial-grade bomb-making material, Dolzikova noted that military action and "counterproliferation strikes" are not always decisive responses, pointing to the strikes in June.

Kelsey Davenport, the director for nonproliferation policy at the Washington-based Arms Control Association, said there appeared to be "little indication, if any" of testing and development in Iran of a missile capable of targeting the U.S. "If Iran does intend to do that, I think it's years away," she added.

That speaks to questions about U.S. goals in the standoff.

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Is Trump using the threat of military action to force Iran into more incremental concessions on its nuclear program? His State of the Union speech hinted at a broader desire to constrain Iran's offensive capabilities, as Israel has pushed. But the downfall of the regime and the removal of the country's leaders could represent an even more maximalist  and unpredictable  aim.

The brinkmanship comes at a time when Iran is weakened, with its domestic legitimacy, economy in shambles and air defenses shattered from both U.S. and Israeli strikes last year, said Burcu Ozcelik, a senior research fellow for Middle East security at the Royal United Services Institute.

Theres clearly a sense in Washington and also, I think, reinforced by Jerusalem, that Iran is at its weakest point that it has been in decades, said Ross Harrison, a nonresident scholar at the Middle East Institute and author of "Decoding Irans Foreign Policy."

And therefore, this is the time to push it over the edge towards some kind of regime collapse or erosion.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
President Trump returned to one of his favorite old chestnuts during Tuesday nights State of the Union: transgender youth and their families.



He told the story of Sage Blair  a Virginia teen who sat in the audience with her mother  who sued her school board after teachers and others at school sought to socially transition her to a boy at school without her parents knowledge, leading to a horrific situation.



Its going on all over, numerous states, without even telling the parents, Trump claimed. Surely, we can all agree, no state should be allowed to rip children from their parents arms and transition them to a new gender against the parents will. We must ban it and we must ban it immediately.

What he appeared to be referring to was the practice of young person opting to go through a social transition. That means trying on for size, essentially, the idea of living in line with their gender identity, rather than the gender assumed by their sex at birth, a process that typically involves changing a childs pronouns, first name, hairstyle, and clothing, according to a study of the practice in Pediatrics, which found that most (94%) still identified as trans at the end of a five-year period.



There were plenty of critics of Trumps claims today, with an Advocate op-ed noting, Anecdote became mandate in a matter of seconds, and a childs vulnerability was transformed into justification for federal intervention.



Trump was weaponizing the familys story to push for a nationwide ban of transgender youth, LGBTQ Advocacy group Equality Virginia said in a statement.



Human Rights Campaign national press secretary Brandon Wolf called the move just the latest attempt from Trump and his fellow MAGA politicians to wrestle away medical freedom from American families and distract from their complete failure to solve this countrys pressing issues.



Others called Trumps claims lies, horrific, cruel, and deeply wrong, and anti-democratic, anti-equality, and anti-freedom.

More from SheKnows

Heres what was at the root of Trumps comments.

The Shift Toward Banning Trans-Affirming Medical Care for Minors

While a relatively small population of U.S. teens identify as transgender  just over 3%, according to the most recent data  it can be hard to keep track of the constant flow of laws attacking them. Thats been especially true since 2021, when a record 150 such bills were introduced in nearly 40 states.



As a result, more than half, or 56%, of transgender youth between the ages of 13 and 17  translating to about 382,800 young people  live in states that restrict their access to gender-affirming care, as well as bathrooms, sports, or using gender-affirming pronouns in schools.



In January of 2025, Trump issued an executive order aimed at prohibiting recognition of students gender identity at school, with possible legal actions against teachers and school staff who are supportive.



A total of 27 states have banned medical care for transgender youth, with the enforcement of some in flux due to a range of legal challenges. But in June of 2025, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in United States vs. Skrmetti that states that had passed such bans were legally permitted to do so, clearing a path for similar bills.

Why it Matters

Gender-affirming care refers to a range of services that can affirm gender or treat gender dysphoria, which is the psychological term for distress resulting from an incongruence between ones sex and ones gender identity. The services can include one or a mix of mental health counseling; hormone replacement therapy (HRT); puberty blockers for minors (banned in the U.K.); and gender-affirming surgeries (exceedingly rare for minors), which can range from facial feminization surgery and voice surgery to feminizing vaginoplasty or masculinizing chest or top surgery (a double mastectomy).



While such care is controversial, its long been considered a medically necessary, evidence-based system of care supported by major U.S. medical associations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics  although recently, both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Medical Association advised holding off on such surgeries until adulthood.



After Trumps 2025 executive order targeting transgender students, a Williams Institute study found that, based on past data, the order would lead to poor mental health outcomes and higher risk of suicidality for trans youth.

The Shift Toward Forced Outings of Transgender Youth

Along with bills restricting the gender pronouns and bathroom/sports access of transgender minors, theres been a growing number of laws explicitly require school staff to out transgender youth to their families, often without regard for whether doing so might put the child at risk of harm.



According to the Movement Advancement Project, which tracks such laws, 15 states now have forced outing requirements. Some apply to youth who have made a disclosure to school staff, others require the forced outing only if parents request such information, and others force the outing before a teen can begin to use a new name or pronoun.

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California, meanwhile, has an opposite law  one that bans the forced outing of LGBTQ students at school.

Why It Matters

Forced outing bills are not about parents rights: they are designed to harm trans students, notes an American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) commentary.



A 2024 study out of Connecticut University, in fact, found that LGBTQ respondents who were outed (about 30%) to parents were more likely to experience elevated depressive symptoms and lower family support than those who were not outed.The findings, researchers noted, underscored the importance of youth to have greater control over when they disclose their identities.



Because both children and adults have a constitutional right not to have intimate facts about their lives disclosed without their consent, notes the ACLU piece. That includes their sexual orientation, HIV status, or whether they are transgender. Children do not give up their constitutional rights by enrolling in public school. Students also have rights under federal law to keep certain information private, and not to have that information revealed without their consent.

But forced outing bills, the story explains, are designed to do exactly that: reveal private information about trans students, regardless of whether the student consents or whether they may suffer negative or harmful consequences at school or at home from that disclosure.

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By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON, Feb 25 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said Wednesday that two Muslim Democratic U.S. Representatives, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, should be "institutionalized" and sent back to "where they came from," a day after they had a heated exchange with him during his State of the Union address.

During Trump's speech on Tuesday, Tlaib, a Palestinian American, and Omar, a Somali American, criticized Trump as he touted his administration's hard-line immigration crackdown and its immigration enforcement actions.

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Both Omar and Tlaib shouted "you're killing Americans" at Trump during his speech, with Omar also calling him a "liar."

In a Truth Social post on Wednesday, Trump said the two lawmakers "had the bulging, bloodshot eyes of crazy people, LUNATICS, mentally deranged and sick who, frankly, look like they should be institutionalized."

"We should send them back from where they came  as fast as possible," Trump added. Both Omar and Tlaib are U.S. citizens.

House of Representatives Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries cast Trump's rhetoric against Tlaib and Omar as "xenophobic" and "disgraceful." Tlaib said on X that Trump's comments showed "he is crashing out."

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Muslim advocacy group Council on American-Islamic Relations also said Trump's comments were racist.

"It's racist and bigoted to say two Muslim U.S. lawmakers should be sent to the country they were born in or where their ancestors came from based on their criticism of the gunning down of Americans by ICE," CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell said.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said last week that members of the media have "smeared" the president as a racist.

Trump's immigration enforcement actions were criticized following two separate January fatal shootings of U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minnesota. At least eight people have died in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centers since the start of 2026, following at least 31 deaths last year.

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During his Tuesday speech, Trump reiterated his accusation that Somali communities in the U.S. have engaged in fraud and claimed that "Somali pirates" had ransacked Minnesota. His administration had used fraud allegations to deploy armed federal immigration agents in Minnesota.

Trump has cast his actions as aiming to tackle fraud and improve domestic security.

Rights groups say the crackdown has created a fearful environment and that Trump has used isolated fraud cases as an excuse to target immigrants. They also dismiss Trump's ability to tackle fraud, citing pardons from him to those who have faced fraud convictions in the past.

Trump also recently faced criticism after his social media account posted a video that contained a racist depiction of former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Edited by Kat Stafford and Aurora Ellis)
President Donald Trump has said the United States has received more than 80 million barrels of oil from Venezuela, hours after the Pentagon said US forces had captured a third sanctioned oil tanker in the Indian Ocean.

We just received from our new friend and partner, Venezuela, more than 80 million barrels of oil, Trump announced during his State of the Union address in Washington, DC, on Tuesday night.

American oil production is up by more than 600,000 barrels a day, said Trump, who reiterated his promise to drill, baby, drill for oil as president.

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Trumps lauding of growth in the US oil sector comes after he sent special forces to conduct a bloody raid on Caracas in January and abduct Venezuelas President Nicolas Maduro, who had warned that Washingtons animosity towards his government was a pretext for the US to seize Venezuelan oil reserves.

The Trump administration has since promised to open up Venezuelas oil industry to US oil companies, including Chevron, Exxon Mobil and ConocoPhillips, which were among several oil companies Trump hosted at the White House for a meeting about the South American countrys oil on January 9, just days after Maduro was abducted to the US.

Activists stage a large-scale projection opposing Trumps oil-driven intervention in Venezuela and the use of US taxpayer dollars to subsidise Big Oil, on January 8, 2026, in Washington, DC [Handout/Fossil Free Media via AP]

Trumps comments followed after the Pentagon said earlier on Tuesday that US forces had boarded another oil tanker in the Indian Ocean linked to Venezuela.

Three boats ran and now all three have been captured, the US Department of Defense wrote in a post on social media, which also included a video showing weapons directed towards a ship as it was boarded by troops descending from two helicopters.

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The post did not specify which country the vessel, known as Bertha, had come from, but said US forces had tracked the tanker from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean.

Samir Madani, a cofounder of oil tanker monitoring site TankerTrackers.com, said Bertha was one of the 16 oil tankers to have fled the Venezuelan coast after US forces abducted Maduro on January 3, according to The Associated Press news agency.

Madani told AP on Tuesday that the Bertha was laden with 1.9 million barrels of Merey 16 crude, which is a grade of Venezuelan oil.

The Bertha was flagged to the Cook Islands when it was placed under US sanctions related to Iran, according to the website of the Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control.

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However, the vessel was more recently listed under a false flag of the Caribbean island of Curacao and managed by a company in China, according to Equasis, a shipping information system.

The latest developments come as the Trump administration continues to expand oil extraction in the US and abroad, including in Alaskas Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Trumps doubling down on fossil fuels comes as many island countries in the Caribbean region have been calling for a transition to renewable energy as they struggle to respond to increasingly severe tropical storms made worse by climate change.




(NewsNation)  During his State of the Union address, President Trump acknowledged the U.S. has received more than 80 million barrels of oil from new friend and partner Venezuela.

American oil production is up by more than 600,000 barrels a day, Trump said. American natural gas production is at an all-time high because I kept my promise to drill, baby, drill.

The presidents remarks follow last months ouster of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. U.S. military troops arrested Maduro and his wife after conducting a large-scale strike on Caracas.

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Rep. Al Green removed from chamber during State of the Union address

Trump had pressured Maduro for months to surrender, which led to his administration targeting oil tankers connected to Venezuela in early December. Others were seized in the Caribbean or the North Atlantic. The seizing of the tankers was part of the administrations broader efforts to take control of Venezuelas oil.

Venezuela had faced U.S. sanctions on its oil for several years and relied on a shadow fleet of falsely flagged tankers to smuggle crude into global supply chains.

Maduro is facing four counts of narcoterrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices.

Gas prices dropping significantly: Trump

Trump pointed out that gas prices have significantly dropped in several states, calling it a major rebound from what they were under the Biden administration.

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Gasoline, which reached a peak of over $6 in some states under my predecessor, was quite honestly a disaster, said Trump.

The price for gas in most states now is under $2.30 a gallon, according to Trump.

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.
The tensions over immigration were on full display during the State of the Union.

President Donald Trump continued his attack on immigrants in the United States while touting his border security during his lengthy State of the Union address to Congress. He declared a victory on the border while attacking Democrats for the arrival of hundreds of thousands of immigrants under former President Joe Biden.

Trump repeatedly evoked language of an "invasion" of people who were from "prisons" and "mental institutions."

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But the American public has soured on Trump's immigration enforcement efforts and tactics, according to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll.

Here is what you need to know:

More: He witnessed a migrant death at an ICE detention center, then was deported

What did Trump say about border security?

Trump began his speech declaring that "today the border is secure" and saying that there were zero "illegal" immigrants being released into the United States in the last nine months.

He was referring to the practice of migrants being paroled into the U.S. after arriving at the border. During the Biden administration, thousands of migrants were paroled after legally requesting asylum at the border.

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The number of Border Patrol encounters at the border has fallen steadily under the Trump administration following the president's deployment of military forces to the border. CBP reported 9,726 encounters across the southern border in January 2026, down from the 96,033 encounters in January 2025.

A U.S. military vehicle stands guard along the U.S.Mexico border on Feb. 11, 2026, after the Pentagon announced that U.S. forces had intercepted what officials described as suspected Mexican drug cartel drones.

More: Annunciation House commemorates migrant killed by Border Patrol in 2003

The number of migrant encounters at the border was falling in 2024 because of policy shifts in the United States and Mexico that limited asylum appointments and through the implementation of the CBP One app.

But immigration continues today, but in lower numbers as desperate people find new ways of crossing the border.

Can undocumented immigrants get drivers licenses?

Trump targeted and villainized undocumented immigrants during his speech, suggesting they are disproportionately responsible for violent crime in the United States. He took the time to call for a law that would bar states from issuing driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants.

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"Many, if not most, illegal aliens, do not speak English and cannot read even the most basic road signs as to direction, speed, danger, or location," That's why tonight I'm calling on Congress to pass what we will call the Dalilah Law, barring any state from granting commercial driver's licenses to illegal aliens."

More: Texas state Reps. and US Rep. Escobar demand Camp East Montana investigations

The law is named after a young girl who was injured in a multi-vehicle crash. She and her father were in attendance.

At least 19 states allow undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver's license. There is no evidence that they are disproportionately responsible for accidents.

Trump's 'war on fraud'

Trump announced that Vice President J.D. Vance would lead a "War on Fraud" following allegations of fraud in Minnesota's social welfare program. He blamed the Somali refugee community for the corruption.

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"This is the kind of corruption that shreds the fabric of a nation," he said.

U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minnesota, responded to the comment by yelling, "That's a lie and you're a liar."

Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) (L) and Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) shout at U.S. President Donald Trump as he delivers his State of the Union address during a Joint Session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on February 24, 2026, in Washington, DC. Trump delivered his address days after the Supreme Court struck down the administration's tariff strategy and amid a U.S. military buildup in the Persian Gulf threatening Iran.

More: Socorro moves to block new ICE detention center amid community outcry

Omar is of Somali descent.

The focus on the Somali immigrant community came as the Trump administration sent 3,000 immigration agents into Minnesota, leading to significant resistance from residents. Tensions flared after immigration enforcement agents killed Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good.

Jeff Abbott covers the border for the El Paso Times and can be reached at:jdabbott@usatodayco.com; @palabrasdeabajo on Twitter or @palabrasdeabajo.bsky.social on Bluesky.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Trump SOTU: President celebrates border security, attacks immigrants
Donald Trump spent much of last summer patting himself on the back for destroying Irans nuclear program with a preemptive military attack. We destroyed the nuclear, the president boasted in remarks delivered in the Netherlands in June. I said, Iran will not have nuclear. Well, we blew it up. Its blown up to kingdom come.

It was not an offhand comment. The White House and its allies invested an enormous amount of time and energy telling Americans to believe that the operation had obliterated Iranian nuclear capabilities. When intelligence emerged that suggested otherwise, the White House quite literally referred to the evidence as fake news.

In early July, the president said Irans nuclear program had been set back permanently. Days earlier, he said of possible Iranian nuclear sites, The last thing theyre thinking about right now is nuclear.  No, Im not worried about it at all.

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Roughly eight months later, its fair to say hes now worried about it anew. Indeed, Trump has pushed the U.S. close to a new war in the Middle East, with a military buildup in the region unseen since the invasion of Iraq more than two decades ago.

What the president has not done is explain why exactly were on the brink of war in the first place.

Two weeks ago, a reporter asked Trump what the U.S. would even target if Irans nuclear program had already been obliterated, as the president has claimed. Trump replied, You could get whatever the dust is down there. Five days later, a reporter asked White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt why a military strike in Iran would be necessary. She replied that there are many reasons and arguments that one could make, though she proceeded to offer exactly zero reasons or arguments.

This week, ahead of the State of the Union address, many observers here and abroad wondered if Trump would take the opportunity to discuss his policy and his plans. That didnt happen. As The New York Times summarized:

It took President Trump about 90 minutes in his State of the Union speech on Tuesday to get to Iran, the topic that much of the world was most eager to hear about. When he did, Mr. Trump only spent three minutes talking about the country, largely repeating his vague talking points from recent days. By the time his most high-profile speech of the year was over, the president had done little to explain why he had amassed the largest amount of U.S. military firepower in the Middle East since the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Toward the end of his address, Trump assured his audience, The United States military obliterated Irans nuclear weapons program. He added, We wiped it out, and they want to start over again, and are at this moment again pursuing their sinister ambitions. We are in negotiations with them; they want to make a deal, but we havent heard those secret words: We will never have a nuclear weapon.

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The first part of the remarks reflected a breakdown in logic: The U.S. is on the brink of war because Iran is pursuing a nuclear program that has already been obliterated and wiped out?

The second part was, by some measures, worse: Trump appeared to defend the confrontation with Iran by saying he wants Iranian officials to say they do not want and will not have a nuclear weapon. Whether the American president understands this or not, Iranian officials have already said this many times, over many years. In fact, Irans foreign minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, said it again just hours before the State of the Union address.

So, offered a chance to explain why hes pushed the nation closer to war, Trump still had nothing new or even coherent to say on the subject.

Nevertheless, the likelihood of violence appears to be increasing, as evidenced by the administration briefing Congress Gang of Eight on the prospect of potential military action.

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Members presumably left the classified, closed-door briefing with a better understanding of the White Houses plan. As for the rest of us, Trump has made effectively no meaningful effort to sell the public on the merits of his confrontational policy. Watch this space.

The post Trump still hasnt explained why hes moving the U.S. closer to war with Iran appeared first on MS NOW.

This article was originally published on ms.now
Data centers didn't escape the conversation at the State of the Union on Tuesday night. President Donald Trump addressed the influx of AI data centers being built across the U.S.

"Many Americans are also concerned that energy demand from AI data centers could unfairly drive up their electric utility bills," Trump said in the speech.

Currently, there are more than 4,000 data centers throughout the country with Virginia and Texas leading the way with at least 570 and 408 data centers, respectively.

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The president said he has negotiated a new ratepayer protection pledge.

"You know what that is? Were telling the major tech companies that they have the obligation to provide for their own power needs," Trump said. "They can build their own power plants as part of their factory, so that no ones prices will go up and in many cases, prices of electricity will go down for the community, and very substantially then."

Trump went on to explain that this "strategy" has never been used in the U.S.

"We have an old grid. It could never handle the kind of numbers, the amount of electricity thats needed," Trump explained. "So Im telling them they can build their own plant, theyre going to produce their own electricity. It will ensure the companys ability to get electricity, while at the same time lowering prices of electricity for you and could be very substantial. For all of these cities and towns, youre going to see some good things happen over the next number of years."

Big Tech in action

Amazon said it's already ensuring that taxpayers aren't footing the bill for a new data center coming to Louisiana.

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The tech giant will be building a $12 billion data center campus in the Shreveport area. The multisite investment will be across Caddo and Bossier parishes and is expected to create 540 jobs. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in an additional 1,700 indirect job opportunities in that Northwest region.

As part of this growth, Amazon said it's working with the local utility, Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO), to make sure the tech company pays 100% of the costs associated with the new data center campus in Louisiana.

This includes covering all expenses for new energy infrastructure and upgrades required to serve the data centers, moves that are expected to strengthen overall grid reliability for all SWEPCO customers.

Microsoft has also pledged to put the community first anywhere it plans to build a data center. The company has a "5-point plan" that is part of its Community-First AI Infrastructure initiative. The main promise Microsoft is making is to "pay our way to ensure our data centers don't increase your electricity prices."

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Microsoft said it would do this by asking utilities and public commissions to set their rates "high enough to cover the electricity costs" for their data centers. This includes the costs of adding and using the electricity infrastructure needed for the data centers they're building and operating.

Data center debate

The U.S. Department of Energy recognizes the rising electricity demand driven by AI data center expansions. It cited the Electric Power Research Institute's research that found that data centers could grow to consume up to 9% of U.S. electricity generation annually by 2030that's up 4% of total load from 2023.

These data centers can impact regional grids, placing a monetary burden on taxpayers in the area. The president's plan aims to take that burden off of Americans, but the other side of the aisle is not on board.

"A handshake agreement with Big Tech over data center costs isn't good enough," Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) posted on X. "Americans need a guarantee that energy prices won't soar and communities have a say."

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Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) wrote on X: "So, his plan is to just trust Big Tech to do the right thing? If he's serious, he should work with us to pass my Power for the People Act to make these protections LAW."

Rep. Mike Levin (D-CA) posted on X: "Trump's data center energy 'deal' isn't a deal at all. It's a pledge. We don't need words, we need law. That's why I introduced the SHIELD Act to protect the American people from having to foot the power bill for data centers."

The SHIELD Act, which Levin and Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL) introduced in January, is aimed at protecting families and small businesses from rising electricity bills driven by the growth of data centers.

The lawmakers say under the SHIELD Act federal utility policy would be updated to make sure that massive electricity users, rather than everyday ratepayers, bear the costs of the grid infrastructure they require.

Right now, some individual states have their own SHIELD Act in place, but none at the federal level.
Former Ohio Democratic U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown is criticizing his opponent, Ohio Republican U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, over Husteds support for sweeping tariffs that the U.S. Supreme Court last week declared to be illegal.

On Monday, Brown added that now theyve been declared illegal, the administration should refund $1,336 to every Ohio household.

In a 6-3 decision, the court said that President Donald Trump didnt have emergency authority to impose tariffs. Thats a power reserved for Congress, the ruling said.

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Trump had imposed double-digit taxes on imports from every country in the world save Russia.

Trump said the tariffs are in retaliation against trade partners whom he said treated the United States unfairly. He also said they would create jobs here.

But theres a consensus among many economists that they raised consumer costs, and acted as a drag on the economy.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruling now leaves policymakers with some difficult questions.

Some small business owners say they were especially harmed by the tariffs.

Most didnt have the heft to renegotiate terms with foreign suppliers while also being reluctant to raise prices on their customers. For many, that meant decreased profitability.

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Now huge numbers of these business owners want their money back.

We Pay the Tariffs is a coalition of more than 800 small businesses that opposed Trumps import taxes.

In a statement following the courts decision, Executive Director Dan Anthony said the government should provide relief to small businesses  quickly.

Theyve taken out loans just to keep their doors open, he said. Theyve frozen hiring, canceled expansion plans, and watched their life savings drain away to pay tariff bills that werent in any budget or business plan. Today, the Supreme Court has validated what weve been saying all along: these tariffs were unlawful from the start.

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Anthony added, The administrations only responsible course of action now is to establish a fast, efficient, and automatic refund process that returns tariff money to the businesses that paid it.

For his part, Trump doubled down, vowing to use other vehicles to impose tariffs. But some experts say their applications are more limited, which is why Trump didnt use them in the first place.

One Ohio small business owner said Trump will only cause more chaos if he forges ahead.

Akron-based EarthQuaker Devices makes effects pedals. Theyre the things guitarists stomp on to get fuzz or reverb or distortion or other audio effects that sound so cool on a record or during a music show.

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The majority [of tariffs] that we have paid have been via a U.S. based wholesaler who passed along the expense to us, EarthQuaker CEO Julie Robbins said in a written statement.

It seems like it will be difficult to calculate, as the rates have changed many times. I do believe the administration will continue to add tariffs through other means, although they are extremely unpopular. The uncertainty is awful, it makes planning so difficult.

Thousands of companies are now seeking refunds of the import taxes they paid. But some fiscal hawks are saying the loss of that revenue is going to make already-huge budget deficits even worse.

The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget said loss of the tariffs could add $2.4 trillion to the federal debt by 2036.

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The group had already estimated that tax cuts tilted toward the wealthy in Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act would add $4.1 trillion to the debt by 2034.

Husted is a Republican whom Gov. Mike DeWine appointed to the U.S. Senate to fill the seat vacated by JD Vance when he became vice president. In November, Husted will face Brown, a Democrat who lost his Senate seat in 2024.

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Husted voted for the Trump spending bill that slashed programs for the poor, cut taxes for the wealthy, and added to the debt.

Husteds office frequently fails to respond when asked to comment on election issues. His office also didnt respond when asked if he would support refunding tariff revenue that the Supreme Court said was illegally collected.

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But in a social media post last week, Husted seemed to say the tariffs were good for consumers and so-called job creators.

Tariffs are an important tool for protecting American workers and confronting unfair trade practices, Husted said. Today, the Supreme Court has spoken. In America, we respect the rule of law even when we disagree with it.

He added, I look forward to working with the President, his administration, and my colleagues in the Senate to continue supporting America-First trade policies, prioritizing American consumers and job creators, and pushing back on adversaries like China.

Brown said that by supporting Trumps tariffs, his opponent was helping the uber-rich.

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Im calling for a $1,336 refund for every Ohio household, Brown wrote on X.

The reckless tariffs ruled illegal by the Supreme Court cost Ohioans $6.5 billion, but (Republican Ohio Senator) Jon Husted supported them at every turn. Ohioans are being crushed by soaring prices and they deserve their money back.

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President Donald Trump, during his long State of the Union address, spent about a minute talking about gasoline prices, as some suspected he would.

Trump railed against former President Joe Biden, blaming him for high prices, and seemed to claim credit for bringing them down, selectively citing numbers that could give you the impression prices are near or below $2 a gallon.

However, to clarify, one petroleum analyst, Patrick De Haan, released a statement titled, The Real State of Fuel Prices, before  and after  Trumps address, which pointed out that the average price nationally for gas is closer to $3 a gallon.

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The national average, De Haan said, is $2.95 a gallon, down about 16 cents from a year ago. In Michigan, the statewide average is higher, $2.98 a gallon. An average means some stations are selling gas at a lower price, and at some places, higher.

At the same time, skepticism about Trumps claims also seems to be on the rise as his approval rating falls. Earlier this month, a Free Press reader emailed, asking whether the president's below-$2-a-gallon claims were true, adding: "I dont believe him."

In his Tuesday address, Trump said gas "reached a peak of over $6 a gallon in some states under my predecessor," calling it "a disaster," and added "it is now below $2.30 a gallon in most states. And in some places, $1.99 a gallon."

A few weeks ago in Iowa, he claimed he even "saw $1.85 a gallon for gasoline."

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More: Michigan gas prices hover at $3 a gallon, likely to gradually rise

Gas prices, GasBuddy analyst De Hann said, are lower on average than they were a year ago, but sub-$2 gas is "extremely rare." Moreover, he pointed out that a president  whether to blame or credit  has limited control over the price of gasoline.

Gas did, De Haan said, reach $1.85 a gallon in early January in Iowa, but prices there "have since risen" and "at this moment, only 8 out of roughly 150,000 gas stations nationwide are selling gasoline below $2 a gallon."

Of those, four stations are in Texas, one is in Oklahoma and three are in Kansas.

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De Haan also said that the lowest statewide average is $2.33 a gallon in Oklahoma, and that for about a month, prices at certain stations in Colorado "fell well below $2 per gallon, with some dropping into the $1.60s."

But they were "highly localized competitive events."

Mostly, De Haan pointed out, gas prices are determined by the global oil market, and partly by weather. Lower oil prices now, in contrast to when Biden was in office, means lower gas prices.

In addition, a surge of oil production by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, a cartel of oil-producing countries, has put downward pressure on prices. The freezing weather this winter has, too.

Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Trump touts $1.85 a gallon gasoline. The real average is closer to $3.
President Trump's State of the Union address reaffirmed affordability as a central issue for the coming midterm elections.

But the speech also demonstrated the limited options the president has (or at least is willing to deploy) as Americans continue to express deep strain on their pocketbooks.

Tuesday night's speech saw the president largely reiterating existing policies and doubling down on unpopular tariffs, while offering two new proposals aimed at affordability.

Trump pledged what he called new retirement account access for Americans without a 401(k).

The accounts, modeled on federal employees' retirement plans, were already enacted into law in previous legislation signed by former President Joe Biden. A White House official told Yahoo Finance Wednesday morning that what is new are plans around "setting up a new structure using the powers passed by Congress [to encourage] greater savings stickiness."

In the speech, Trump also announced a new "ratepayer protection pledge" negotiated with the Big Tech companies to lower Americans' utility prices.

The president vowed that AI hyperscalers may soon "build their own power plants," but Big Tech company promises in this arena so far have fallen far short of Trump's suggestion.

President Donald Trump gestures as he delivers the State of the Union address on February 24. (ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP via Getty Images)  ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS via Getty Images

What was clear from the speech is that affordability remains a vexing issue for the president.

"It was obviously a very effective word choice and a message platform that the Democrats seized on back in November," noted Henrietta Treyz of Veda Partners Wednesday morning in an appearance on Yahoo Finance, saying the affordability buzzword has "seeped into the popular culture."

It's a rare turnabout for Trump, she noted, who has often been able to define the debate on his own terms.

As for the broader concerns, the president downplayed affordability worries and once again tried to push those worries onto Democrats, telling his opponents, "You caused that problem."

The president also highlighted a series of previously announced affordability efforts and touted things like lower gas prices. He claimed that prescription drug prices had fallen dramatically  though evidence of major price changes is limited  while also asking lawmakers to pass a healthcare plan that has divided Republicans.

As Tobin Marcus of Wolfe Research put it in a note on Wednesday morning, the speech "gave little indication that there will be some big pivot or an avalanche of new policy."

Doubling down on tariffs

The president doubled down on tariffs that have proven unpopular with Americans.
The White Houses next immigration target: a pair of Democratic lawmakers and famed actor Robert De Niro.

The Academy Awardwinning performer headlined Defiance.orgs State of the Swamp counter-address Tuesday evening, speaking to America at the same time that the president appealed to both chambers of Congress. But De Niros message of love, unity, and kicking Donald Trump out of office did not sit well with the president.

In a post on Truth Social Wednesday, Trump said that De Niro should be shipped out of the country, alongside Representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, who protested Trumps State of the Union address in person the night before.

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They should actually get on a boat with Trump Deranged Robert De Niro, another sick and demented person with, I believe, an extremely Low IQ, who has absolutely no idea what he is doing or sayingsome of which is seriously CRIMINAL! Trump wrote.

When I watched him break down in tears last night, much like a child would do, Trump continued, referring to a moment in which De Niro was visibly choked up as he spoke about the amount of hate and distrust that Trump has planted in American communities, I realized that he may be even sicker than Crazy Rosie ODonnell, who is right now in Ireland trying to figure out how to come back into our beautiful United States.

The bombastic alumna of The View moved to Ireland last March to avoid Trumps glaring attention (the two have shared a vicious public history, in which the president has repeatedly referred to ODonnell as a loser, a wacko, a mentally deranged person, and a big, fat pig). Earlier this month, ODonnell revealed that she had made a secret sojourn to the U.S. to visit her family, and to see how difficult it would be to navigate in and out of the country, though she noted to SiriusXMs Chris Cuomo that she did not regret leaving America at all.

The energy that I felt while in the United States  it was scary, ODonnell told Cuomo. Theres a feeling that something is really wrong, and no one is doing anything about it.

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Last week, the Federal Communications Commission revealed that it was investigating The View over whether it had violated the broadcast regulators equal time rule after James Talarico, a Democratic candidate for the Senate in Texas, appeared on the show.

Trump also took swings at Omar and Tlaib in the same post, condemning their State of the Union protest while describing the progressive duo as having the bulging, bloodshot eyes of crazy people.

LUNATICS, mentally deranged and sick who, frankly, look like they should be institutionalized, Trump wrote, adding that anyone who behaves like Omar and Tlaib should be sent back from where they cameas fast as possible.
The drone strike in Novorossiysk | Credit: Telegram / @exilenova_plus

The Trump administration has ordered Ukraine to rein in its long-range attacks on Russian infrastructure after strikes affected US investments.

Kyivs ambassador in Washington claimed to have received a reprimand from the US state department after her countrys forces struck the Black Sea port city of Novorossiysk.

In an unusual intervention, Olga Stefanishyna said Washington warned the attacks made late last year had affected both US and Kazakh investments.

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We have been hearing that Ukrainian attacks on Novorossiysk affected some of the American investments which are being performed through Kazakhstan. And we have heard from the department of state that we should refrain from, you know, attacking American interests, the senior diplomat said.

Ms Stefanishyna called the warning a demarche  a type of formal diplomatic communique often used to convey a protest.

On Wednesday, Donald Trump also held a telephone call with Volodymyr Zelensky, in which the pair discussed plans to hold a joint meeting with Vladimir Putin after the next March negotiations.

Mr Zelensky said on X: President Trump supports this sequence of steps. This is the only way to resolve all the complex and sensitive issues and finally end the war.

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Last November, Ukraine struck infrastructure used by the Caspian Pipeline Consortium at the port of Novorossiysk.

Ukraines attack on Novorossiysk reportedly caused concern in Washington

The firm is owned by Russian and Kazakh energy companies, but has three American shareholders: Mobil, Chevron and Shell.

It is the main export route for landlocked Kazakhstans oil sales.

Two months later, Ukraine was reported to have struck two oil tankers near the firms loading terminals as they were waiting to take crude on board.

Ukraines long-range attacks on Russian energy infrastructure have become a key tactic in recent years to limit Moscows ability to fund the long-running war.

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The campaign has triggered fuel shortages and at times reduced Russias output to 1.2 million barrels a day.

It has been reported that the US has played a major role in planning the strikes by providing intelligence and strategies.

However, it is not clear whether American military officials assisted the attacks on Novorossiysk.

Donald Trump has reportedly encouraged Volodymyr Zelensky, his Ukrainian counterpart, to continue the strike campaign to maintain pressure on Russias economy during diplomatic negotiations over a ceasefire.

The reprimand following the Novorossiysk attacks appears to follow a trend from the US president to protect American interests and limit direct involvement in the war.

The Trump administration has ordered Ukraine to rein in its long-range attacks on Russian infrastructure after strikes affected US investments - Pool via REUTERS TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

After retaking his seat in the White House, Mr Trump took the decision to stop donating weapons to Kyiv, instead opting to spearhead peace talks to end the conflict.

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On Tuesday, the US abstained from a United Nations vote calling for a lasting peace in Ukraine to mark the fourth anniversary of Vladimir Putins full-scale invasion.

Ms Stefanishyna did not suggest the warning amounted to an order to halt long-range attacks on all Russian military and energy targets.

Meanwhile, an alleged Russian spy has been arrested in Brussels after a long-running investigation.

Local prosecutors confirmed that Viktor Labin, a suspected member of Russias notorious GRU military intelligence unit, was detained for allegedly being part of a network shipping sanctioned goods to Russia.

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He will remain in custody until his trial next week, officials said.

Two others were charged for being part of the organisation, including Mr Labins son, who currently resides in Russia, and an unnamed man, born in 1984, who was released on bail.

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The Department of Justice sued the University of California on Tuesday, alleging it allowed antisemitism to go unchecked at UCLA during protests over Israel's war against Hamas.

The civil rights lawsuit, filed in the Central District of California, stems from allegations by Jewish students and faculty that university officials did not take steps to rein in pro-Palestinian protesters who harassed them during weeks of campus unrest that followed Hamas' attack on Israel in October 2023 and Israel's subsequent invasion of Gaza.

The lawsuit, which cites federal law prohibiting employers from discriminating on the basis of religion and national origin, seeks changes to the university systems policies in order to improve training among staff and investigations into complaints. It would also seek unspecified damages for aggrieved Jewish and Israeli UCLA employees.

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In a statement, Attorney General Pam Bondi alleged that UCLA officials allowed virulent anti-semitism to flourish on campus, harming students and staff alike.

Mary Osako, UCLA's vice chancellor for strategic communications, said in a statement that "antisemitism is abhorrent and has no place at UCLA or anywhere." Osako pointed to steps the university has taken under Chancellor Julio Frenk's leadership includingan initiativeto combat antisemitism, adding a senior level position to oversee campus safety and strengthening its rules around campus protests.

"These ongoing and long-standing institutional efforts, including clear expectations and a commitment to enforcement, are working," Osako said. "We stand firmly by the decisive actions we have taken to combat antisemitism in all its forms."

The lawsuit is the latest attempt by the Trump administration to target UCLA over how it responded to alleged antisemitism by students and faculty during protests that erupted on campus after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack and the war Israel waged in response.

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Last year, the administration slashed over $580 million in research grants from UCLA and then demanded $1 billion and a host of campus reforms to restore it.

Multiple lawsuits led by faculty have temporarily restored the funding. A federal judge last year restricted how the administration can use the threat of funding cuts as a way to coerce the University of California into making changes to admissions practices and other campus policies, and the administration earlier this month dropped an appeal of the court order.

No court hearing has been set yet in the case.
A Tucson couple was indicted by a federal grand jury after a multi-year scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of War of millions of dollars to fund a luxurious lifestyle was discovered during an investigation.

Air Force Sgt. Richard Stefon Ramroop, 35, and his spouse 32-year-old Manuel George Madrid were charged with conspiracy to commit theft of government property, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and money laundering, the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Arizona said in a news release.

The defendants allegedly stole millions in taxpayer dollars from the U.S. Department of War to bankroll a lavish lifestyle, diverting critical resources away from their intended purpose, U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine said.

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From January 2022 through December 2025, Ramroop used his rank and position at the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base pharmacy to purchase thousands of medical devices using taxpayer funds, the indictment said.

Ramroop and Madrid then resold those devices for their own personal gain, according to the indictment.

From 2022 through 2025, $11 million in fraud proceeds was deposited into bank accounts controlled by the couple through wire transfers, deposits and other credits from companies related to the reselling of the medical devices, court records said.

Those orders cost the Department of War over $3 million in taxpayer money, the Attorney's Office said.

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Ramroop and Madrid purchased a $1 million home in Tucson and luxury vehicles, according to the indictment. Those purchases were made through the couple's personal bank accounts, "the same bank accounts that had received fraud proceeds from the medical device sales," the Attorney's Office said.

The vehicles and other items were seized by law enforcement Jan. 15, as officers executed a search warrant, according to the indictment.

Military servicemembers hold a unique position in our society, where they are entrusted with large amounts of taxpayer dollars to ensure the defense of our nation, said IRS-CI Phoenix Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Jarom Gregory. When a servicemember abuses their position for personal gain, it erodes trust in the tax system and harms the very citizens they have sworn an oath to protect."

Theft of government property amounts to up to 5 years imprisonment while each conviction for wire fraud carries a maximum of 20 years, the Attorney's Office said. Money laundering carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison, according to the Attorney's Office.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona airman, spouse tied to medical device fraud scheme
An F-16 crash in western Turkey led to the temporary closure of the Istanbul-Izmir highway as officials probed the cause of the incident.

A Turkish F-16 fighter jet crashed during an accident as part of a flight mission on Wednesday morning, Balikesir Governor Ismail Ustaoglu confirmed. The pilot was killed in the incident.

The jet belonged to the Balikesir 9th Main Jet Base Command, and the accident occured at around 12:50 a.m., Turkish state broadcaster TRT announced.

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The aircraft went down shortly after takeoff, Ustaoglu said, with the cause of the accident under investigation by the Turkish Defense Ministry, TRT noted.

Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek announced that the Balikesir prosecutor's office is also launching an investigation into the incident.

Fighter jet crash closes major highway in western Turkey

The incident caused a section of the major highway between Istanbul and Izmir to be temporarily closed due to damage and debris from the crash in the Naipli area of Karesi province, approximately halfway between the two major cities, TRT reported.

The Defense Ministry identified the pilot as Major Ibrahim Bolat.
Massachusetts is slowly recovering, but the road back to normal is far from over.

Two days after the powerful storm tore through the region, more than 158,000 customers remain without power, according to the MEMA outage map.

At the height of the outages, that number climbed to nearly 300,000.

Eversource says crews are working around the clock and are hoping to have power fully restored by Friday.

On Cape Cod, the damage is especially severe. The utility has deployed more than 2,000 line crews, supported by hundreds of tree workers, to tackle the massive number of downed lines and blocked roads.

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Most of the Cape remains in the dark. 63.4% of Barnstable County is still without electricityone of the highest outage rates in the state.

National Grid reports it has more than 560 field crews working to repair damage and restore service across its coverage areas.

Eversource is set to have a press conference at 11 a.m.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Tim Hortons will hold a grand opening for two new freestanding restaurants in Wilson County this weekend, which will include an offer a month of free coffee for the first 500 guests at each restaurant.

The restaurants are at 10576 Lebanon Road, Mt. Juliet and 1459 W. Main St., Lebanon as franchise owner Naren Patel continues the brand's expansion into Middle Tennessee.

The free coffee offer to the first 500 guests at the restaurants on Feb. 28 can be accessed through the Tim Hortons app. It includes a free coffee every day for a month, according to a company announcement.

A freestanding Tim Hortons building in Lebanon.

The freestanding Mt. Juliet Tim Hortons restaurant opened in January on property where a Golden Bear Shell station is also located. The Lebanon restaurant on West Main had its soft opening on Feb. 24, Patel said.

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The business owner introduced the Canadian-based coffee and bakery to the region in February 2025 with a space inside the Golden Bear Shell at Jackson Hills market on Golden Bear Gateway in Mt. Juliet.

Patel opened the region's first freestanding Tim Hortons at 2527 Lebanon Pike in Donelson last summer.

Patel has also opened a Tim Hortons at 1500 Franklin Road, just off South Hartmann Drive, in Lebanon. That Tim Hortons and a BP gas station have separate entrances, Patel said.

Disclaimer: This story was created by reporter Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of information gathering, review, editing and publishing.

Learn more.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tim Hortons plans grand openings for Mt. Juliet, Lebanon. Free coffee
Uganda has some of the strictest anti-homosexual laws in the world [Getty Images Europe]

Ugandan police have arrested two women, both in their 20s, after neighbours reported seeing them kiss outside, an act criminalised under the country's Anti-Homosexuality Act.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the police said the pair had been taken into custody on Wednesday 18 February in Arua, a city in north-western Uganda.

Authorities said neighbours had photographed them before alerting police. The women remain in custody without access to legal representation, according to the AFP news agency.

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The country's law imposes severe penalties, including life imprisonment, for same-sex relations and the death sentence for what are described as "aggravated" cases.

The police were alerted by neighbours who said the pair had engaged in same-sex behaviour, AFP reports.

"Neighbours contacted police complaining the two were practising homosexuality and were seen kissing each other in public," local police spokesperson Josephine Angucia told AFP, adding that the neighbours supplied photos they claimed showed the two kissing openly.

Angucia added that residents also reported seeing groups of women visiting the pair's one-bedroom home and staying overnight, which they believed pointed to same-sex gatherings. She said the case has been passed on to prosecutors for review and possible court proceedings.

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The police accuse the pair, a 22-year-old entertainer and a 21-year-old unemployed woman of engaging in conduct they characterise as sexual in nature and say they have lived together since last year.

Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Act is among the strictest such laws in the world.

People found guilty face life imprisonment for consensual same-sex relations, while those convicted of "aggravated" cases, including repeat offences or acts involving minors or vulnerable people face the death penalty.

The legislation has attracted condemnation from Western governments and human rights groups.

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Human rights campaigner Frank Mugisha criticised the arrests in comments posted on X, saying they highlight the dangerous environment LGBTQ+ Ugandans face. He warned that the law had led to blackmail and extortion, with victims often too fearful of prosecution to seek help.

Uganda is a largely conservative and predominantly Christian nation.

It has faced intense international scrutiny since the law came into force in May 2023.

The United Nations and a number of foreign governments have condemned the legislation.

The World Bank temporarily halted lending to Uganda before restoring it in 2025.

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[Getty Images/BBC]

Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.

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The presiding judge in the case against Tyler Robinson, accused of assassinating conservative icon Charlie Kirk last September, ruled that county prosecutors can remain on the case after a challenge by defense attorneys.

Judge Tony Graf said the court was "unpersuaded" that there was an "appearance of bias."

Robinson's defense team had argued that the state has a conflict of interest since one of the prosecutors' children was present at the Sept. 10 event at Utah Valley University where Kirk was killed.

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"Because defendant has not established a factual basis for a finding of conflict of interest or an objective appearance of impropriety, rising to a constitutional concern, his motion is respectfully denied," Graf said.

Charlie Kirk's Widow Erika Kirk Demands Speedy Trial, Alleging 'Undue Delay' From Tyler Robinson Defense

Tyler Robinson, accused of the murder of Charlie Kirk, appears during a hearing in Fourth District Court in Provo, Utah, on December 11, 2025. (Fox News)

There have been two prior hearings on the matter.

Read On The Fox News App

On Feb. 3, defense attorney Richard Novak questioned Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray in order to pinpoint when the prosecution determined it would pursue the death penalty against Robinson, which was publicly announced shortly after his arrest.

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The court then heard testimony from an unnamed senior prosecutor, identified only as "Prosecutor A," who described the offices internal handling of the case and the decision to disclose the childs presence to the defense.

The prosecutor testified there was no recollection of a specific conversation with Gray about how to proceed because of the childs presence, but acknowledged it was routine for Gray to consult senior prosecutors in death penalty cases.

Charlie Kirk speaks before he is assassinated during Turning Point's visit to Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on September 10, 2025.

A Prosecutors Child Witnessed Charlie Kirks Assassination  Can He Take Part In The Case?

The prosecutor testified Gray expressed early on that he intended to seek the death penalty and wanted that decision announced at the same time charges were filed  earlier than is typical, when such notices often come after a preliminary hearing.

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The state's position remained that there was no conflict of interest with the prosecutor whose child witnessed the shooting, but even if there was, it wouldn't affect the entire prosecutorial team. The state argued in previous filings that thousands of other people witnessed the shooting and that the child in question did not have a direct line of sight to the shooter.

During Tuesday's hearing, Graf said that defense attorneys did not prove that the issue is limiting Robinson's due process.

Attendees hold up posters of Charlie Kirk during a Turning Point USA event at Northrop Auditorium on the University of Minnesota campus on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minn.

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"In sum, the defendant has not shown that there is a significant risk that Mr. Gray's loyalty to his daughter has or will materially limit representation of the state. Nor has defendant demonstrated that his due process rights are compromised by the continued prosecution of this case by the Utah County Attorney's Office," he said.

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President Trump's guest at the State of the Union will be Erika Kirk, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on Tuesday.

The next hearing is scheduled for March 13.

Fox News' Stepheny Price, Adriana James-Rodl, Adam Sabes, Julia Bonavita and Michael Ruiz contributed to this report.





Original article source: Judge dismisses defense push to remove prosecutors from Charlie Kirk murder case
The U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center in Cumberland County commemorated the 35th anniversary of an air assault into Iraq during Operation Desert Storm.

Retired U.S. Army Col. Frank Hancock, Battalion Commander of 1-327, 101st Airborne Division, spoke at Tuesday's event about what was the largest air assault in U.S. History.

Hancock said that two of the men he led that day, Capt. Jose Delgado and Sgt. Jesus Gonzalez, discovered a hidden enemy bunker just 48 hours before the operation.

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The new intelligence sparked a tense debate about moving the landing zone just before the attack into Iraq, but they ultimately made a critical decision that saved numerous lives.

"They were the heroes that made this happen," Hancock said. "At that location, you probably read there were 344 Iraqi soldiers with 8 tons of ammunition. We would have had a very, very hard day if we had landed there because we were supposed to land in the dark, which would have made it more disastrous."

Hancock gives his account of the day in a book entitled "Operation Desert Storm," which was released in November 2025.
President Donald Trump has given Iran 15 days to cut a deal or face consequences, but is reportedly also considering limited strikes before the deadline.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei was unambiguous on Monday: there is no such thing as a 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.

On Face the Nation Sunday, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told host Margaret Brennan that if the US attacks, Iran would target American bases across the region.

We have to hit the Americans base in the region, he said, adding that Washingtons military buildup cannot pressurize us.

Don't Miss:

When Trumps envoy Steve Witkoff said over the weekend that Trump was puzzled why Iran hadnt capitulated, Baghaeis response was blunt: Iranians had never capitulated at any point in their history.

$373 Million Says Its Coming

Polymarkets US Strikes Iran By? market has become one of the platforms biggest geopolitical bets, with more than $373 million wagered on the outcome.

Traders are pricing a 19% chance of a strike before the end of the month.

Zoom out and the picture gets starker: 59% by March 31, 73% by December 31.

A separate Polymarket market on How Many Countries Will The US Strike In 2026? puts the most likely answer at six (31%) or seven (23%), with over $210,000 traded. Iran would be a new addition to the 2026 tally.

Trending: Own the Characters, Not Just the Content: Inside a Fast-Growing Pre-IPO IP Company

Deal or No Deal

At the heart of the standoff is Irans nuclear program.

Vice President JD Vance said Iran has yet to acknowledge Trumps core conditions; chief among them, zero uranium enrichment on Iranian soil.

Washington also wants Tehrans ballistic missile program on the table. Iran has called both non-negotiable.

A third round of talks is scheduled for Thursday in Geneva.

Baghaei dismissed reports of a deal already being reached: The speculation raised about an interim agreement has no basis.

The Trade

If this escalates, defense wins first. Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ:PLTR), whose Pentagon analytics contracts put it at the center of any Gulf buildup, has historically caught a bid on escalation.

RTX Corp (NYSE:RTX), maker of the Tomahawk and Patriot missiles likely deployed in any strike, is the more direct hardware play.
TOPEKA  Five of the six members of the Kansas congressional delegation voted for bipartisan aviation safety legislation inspired by the death of 67 people in the mid-air collision of a passenger jet that flew out of Wichita and a U.S. Army helicopter in congested airspace over Washington, D.C.

On Tuesday, the delegations holdout on the ROTOR Act was Republican U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann, who serves the 1st District stretching from the Colorado border to Lawrence in the east. His office didnt respond to a request for comment on his vote against the bill incorporating safety recommendations emerging from the National Transportation Safety Boards investigation of the accident.

The bill was unanimously passed by the U.S. Senate in December, but fell one vote short in the House of the required two-thirds majority for passage.

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It is imperative we in Congress work to ensure tragedies like this never happen again and that our skies are the safest in the world, said U.S. Rep. Ron Estes, a Republican from Wichita. This tragedy has left our community shocked and I am heartbroken that several Kansans were among the victims. No family should ever have to endure such heartbreak.

Estes said he was grateful for work of the NTSB and Senate on the bill, which featured a mandate aircraft be equipped with tracking technology that federal investigators said could have helped avoid the collision. Dozens of recommendations in NTSBs final report should be considered as quickly as possible by Congress, he said.

On Jan. 29, 2025, American Airlines Flight 5342 left Wichita for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia. It collided at an altitude of 300 feet with a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter about one-half mile from the runway.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids of the 3rd District in the Kansas City area said she was discouraged with failure to approve the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform, or ROTOR, bill. The House vote was 264-133 with 132 Republicans voting against the bill. The legislations momentum was undercut by the U.S. Department of Defenses eleventh-hour withdrawal of support.

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This bill was an important first step in meaningful reforms for both the flying public and the victims and families of last years tragic collision, Davids said. We must take action to ensure that this kind of tragedy never happens again and to honor the memory of the lives lost because the victims and families deserve nothing less.

Davids, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said she would continue to strive for safety reform. Last week, she introduced the ALERT Act to build on provisions of the ROTOR legislation.

The Senate-drafted ROTOR bill was supported by U.S. Rep. Derek Schmidt, the 2nd District Republican, as well as U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall and U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, both Kansas Republicans.

Moran said result of the House vote was a disheartening setback in terms of delivering a federal response to the tragedy.

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My thoughts are with the families of the victims who turned their grief into advocacy by championing this legislation, Moran said. I remain committed to working to pass the ROTOR Act and making certain it is signed into law.

The stalled legislation would require the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct reviews of flight routes at midsize and large airports. It would compel nearly all aircraft to install location tracking technology by the end of 2031 to improve ability of pilots to follow other aircraft in crowded airspace. In addition, it would restrict what location-identification equipment could be turned off by military pilots.
A University of Georgia professor has been removed from campus after a video that may have landed him in trouble with law enforcement.

Street Sweeperz TV confronted the professor and accused him of chatting inappropriately with someone he believed was a teenage boy.

Channel 2s Michael Doudna learned the independent group started operating six months ago and tries to catch potential predators before they ever get to kids.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Last week, they say they got a tip that led them to a UGA classroom.

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Members of Street Sweeperz interrupted class and confronted the professor with the messages he allegedly sent to someone he thought was a 14-year-old boy.

He had texted one of our decoy accounts on a sex dating app, Angelus Pereira with Street Sweeperz said.

I made a mistake. I made a mistake, he can be heard saying in the video.

Pereira says the conversations started last week, and shortly after, they turned sexual.

They got very inappropriate, very graphic, he said. He sent a video of himself and pictures.

TRENDING STORIES:

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He says the professor tried meeting up with the teenager in Athens.

Students told Doudna that if the allegations are true, then the professor should be fired and held accountable.

If it really is him, I think he should be kicked out of the university for sure, and then let the legal stuff happen on its own, UGA student Jack Hinton said.

That person probably shouldnt be around young kids, kids in college, said UGA student Sam Toubin.

Doudna spoke with three lawyers who say that as long as Street Sweeperz followed proper procedures, criminal charges are still possible.

As of now, the professor has not been criminally charged, so Channel 2 Action News is not identifying him.

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The university issued a statement, saying in part:

The allegations that have been made against the instructor are deeply troubling, and we want you to know that the University takes them very seriously. An investigation has already been launched, and the instructor was promptly removed from campus while that investigation is pending. The UGA PD has been in communication with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and is working with the social media influencers to collect all relevant evidence. The Franklin College of Arts and Sciences will arrange for another instructor to teach the class for the rest of the semester.

We are writing to share information about a situation that occurred yesterday and what we are doing in response. Shortly before noon Tuesday, the UGA Police Department was made aware that social media influencers had confronted an instructor in class with accusations of  UGA (@universityofga) February 25, 2026

Anyone with information was encouraged to contact UGA PD at 706-542-2200.

People can also submit it 24/7 to the CyberTipline or by calling 1-800-843-5678.

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LONDON - Freight service through the Channel Tunnel, which ended in 2024, is set to resume after the British government announced it would take control of the only intermodal facility in the United Kingdom able to handle freight cars with European dimensions.

The government announced today (Wednesday, Feb. 25) that national rail infrastructure company Network Rail and its property development company, Platform4, will take long-term control over the site in the east London borough of Barking. The facility is currently owned by the firm Legal & General and managed by DB Cargo. Network Rail plans about 15 million ($20.26 million) in upgrades to convert the Barking Eurohub into an international logistics hub, including lengthening tracks to handle trains of up to 700 meters (about 2,300 feet).

"This deal is a huge opportunity to reinvigorate rail freight by paving the way for the return of regular services through the Channel Tunnel," Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said in a press release. "It will boost British businesses by opening new trade links to Europe by delivering a faster and more sustainable way to transport goods to the continent and back."

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The Financial Times reports the rail traffic could replace the equivalent of about 140,000 trucks per year, according to Network Rail. The newspaper says government ministers hope the investment in the Barking Eurohub intermodal terminal will also encourage more freight rail companies to enter the UK market, which would help meet targets that are part of the nationalization of the rail network.

"Freight is fundamental to the future of our railway and this landmark agreement highlights the central role it will play as we transition to Great British Railways," Network Rail CEO Jeremy Westlake said in the government press release. "By securing Barking Eurohub and unlocking more than 15 million of private investment, we're putting in place the infrastructure needed to restore regular cross-Channel intermodal freight services - supporting British businesses and trade, while also helping to protect our environment."

Currently, the only freight moving through the Channel Tunnel is a small amount handled on shuttle trains that carry vehicles between England and France. The restoration of freight trains will allow direct import and export by rail to destinations including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.

- To report news or errors, contact trainsnewswire@firecrown.com.
Ukraine has accused Russia of using deception to recruit more than 1,700 Africans to join its war effort as the conflict drags into a fifth year.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha made the allegation on Wednesday during a news conference in Kyiv with his visiting Ghanaian counterpart, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. He accused Moscow of using fraudulent schemes to lure the foreign fighters.

We clearly see that Russia is trying to drag African citizens into a deadly war, Sybiha said. According to our data, there are currently over 1,780 citizens from the African continent fighting in the Russian army.

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The African soldiers hail from 36 countries and are part of a trend that Sybiha said is crucial to counter Ukraines military on the front lines.

Russia has denied illegally recruiting African citizens to fight in its armed forces.

However, reports of men from Africa  including South Africa, Kenya and Zimbabwe  being lured into Russia with promises of jobs and ending up on Ukrainian battlefields have become more frequent in recent months, creating tensions between Moscow and some countries involved.

I met with Ghanas Foreign Minister @S_OkudzetoAblak and thanked him for this visit, the first in our countries history. We discussed specific areas where we can advance our partnership: agriculture, defense cooperation, and expanding programs for Ghanaian students to study at pic.twitter.com/IXNbQdYnDz  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) February 25, 2026

Lured and deceived

Ablakwa said many of the Africans fighting for Russia are victims of deception, lured on the dark web with the promises of employment.

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They have no security background. They have no military background. They have not been trained, Ablakwa said. They were just lured and deceived and then put on the front lines.

Ablakwa expressed solidarity with Ukraine and called for a ceasefire to end the war, which marked its fourth anniversary on Tuesday.

He also appealed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to release two Ghanaian prisoners of war captured fighting for Russia.

Ghana will seek to raise public awareness about trafficking networks using deception to recruit for the Russian forces during its upcoming presidency of the African Union next year, Ablakwa said.

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Zelenskyy confirmed on X he had detailed discussions with the Ghanaian minister on how Russia is recruiting citizens of Ghana and other African countries to take part in the war against Ukraine, and on how we can counter this.

A day earlier, South Africas Presidency announced it had secured the return home of 11 of its nationals who were lured into fighting for Russia in Ukraine after having already repatriated four others.

Russia previously acknowledged enlisting soldiers from North Korea to fight in Ukraine, thousands of whom are estimated to have been killed or wounded in battle.

After Ukrainian forces in 2024 took control of parts of Kursk, a Russian region on the border with Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed North Korean soldiers who participated in the campaign to retake the territory as heroic.




By Andrea Shalal

WASHINGTON, Feb 24 (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department told the Ukrainian government to refrain from hitting U.S. interests following a Ukrainian attack on the Russian port of Novorossiysk on the Black Sea, Kyiv's ambassador to Washington said on Tuesday.

Ambassador Olha Stefanishyna described the message as a demarche, a formal, official message, but declined to elaborate on how it was received and whether she was summoned by the State Department. She said Ukraine had taken note of the communication.

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The State Department declined to comment.

Stefanishyna, speaking on the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, said the State Department reached out after Ukraine's attack on Novorossiysk "because it affected American (and) Kazakh economic interest."

Most of Kazakhstan's oil is sent to Novorossiysk for export. The port halted its November oil exports briefly on Friday after a Ukrainian drone attack.

Stefanishyna said the message focused on strikes affecting U.S. interests, not halting attacks on Russian infrastructure.

"This reach-out was not related to encouraging Ukraine from refraining to attack Russian military and energy infrastructure. It was related to the very fact that American economic interest was affected there," she said.

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She said the incident made clear that Ukraine had failed to establish similarly close economic ties with the U.S. in the decades since its independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union, and she was determined to change that.

Her job as ambassador was focused on working with the U.S. to achieve a peace deal, as well as ensuring that Kyiv built sustainable and long-lasting American economic interests in Ukraine, she said, adding this would provide her country with one of the most powerful security guarantees.

Two days of peace talks in Geneva between Ukraine and Russia last week have failed to produce a breakthrough.

NOT FEELING ABANDONED

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Stefanishyna, who later attended President Donald Trump's State of the Union address in Congress, said her country was grateful for Trump's personal engagement on ending the war and does not feel abandoned by Washington, despite the failure to reach a ceasefire and his decision to scale back military support.

The ambassador, who served as Ukraine's deputy prime minister for European and Euro-Atlantic integration before going to Washington, urged Congress to pass a comprehensive sanctions bill that would lay the groundwork for further sanctions against Russia, after last year's moves to designate Russia's two largest oil companies, Lukoil and Rosneft.

She said Ukraine was working closely with U.S. lawmakers on the legislation, predicting that it would have overwhelming bipartisan support once introduced, and that she expected Trump to sign it once it passed.

"So it should be either passed now, or we will just have to recognize that there's no will to do it," she said.

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Ukraine was also working with the U.S. government on new ways to deprive Russia of revenue to fund the war, but declined to give details.

"There's a number of engagements which are ongoing," she said. "What I can say is that we have not been abandoned by the U.S. government."

Stefanishyna said she expected Trump's address to Congress to touch on foreign affairs and ending Russia's war in Ukraine.

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal, writing by Bhargav Acharya; Editing by Caitlin Webber, Susan Heavey, Rod Nickel and Saad Sayeed)
Vladimir Putin has not broken Ukraine, its leader Volodymyr Zelensky said Tuesday, as the Kremlin marked the start of the fifth year of its invasion by vowing to keep fighting Europe's bloodiest conflict since World War II until it achieves its goals.

Moscow had hoped to take Kyiv in days when it launched its invasion on February 24, 2022.

Four years later -- with hundreds of thousands dead, millions forced to flee, much of eastern Ukraine destroyed and US-led peace talks still deadlocked over territory -- it conceded that it has not achieved all it wants in the country.

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"The goals haven't been fully achieved yet, which is why the military operation continues," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in response to an AFP question.

Ukraine, meanwhile, was ready to do "everything" it could to secure peace, Zelensky said in a video address that featured images of Ukrainians carrying out acts of resistance against Russian soldiers in the opening days of the conflict.

But any settlement must not "betray" the price paid by Ukrainians throughout the conflict, he said.

"Putin has not achieved his goals. He did not break the Ukrainians. He did not win this war. We have preserved Ukraine, and we will do everything to achieve peace -- and to ensure there is justice," Zelensky said.

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"We want peace. Strong, dignified, and lasting peace," he said, but any deal must be "accepted by Ukrainians".

"Everything Ukraine has gone through. It must not be surrendered, forgotten, or betrayed," he added.

Several European leaders including Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson visited Kyiv on Tuesday to mark the anniversary.

In an address to the EU parliament and speaking alongside visiting EU chiefs Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa, Zelensky urged Brussels to accelerate Kyiv's admission to the bloc, or face "decades" of Russian attempts to disrupt the process.

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Speaking in Moscow to agents of his FSB security service, Putin said Ukraine has "not managed to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia on the battlefield" and was upping its behind-the-lines sabotage attacks.

- 'Sirens and shrapnel' -

In the suburb of Irpin -- where the bodies of hundreds of civilians were discovered in 2022 after it and the neighbouring suburb of Bucha were occupied by Russian forces -- locals told AFP how the war had completely changed their lives, and the country.

"We have become accustomed to sleeping under sirens and shrapnel," said Yevgenia Antoniuk, 43.

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Recalling a moment in 2022 when she gave some bread to a hungry old man after the Russians abandoned Irpin, she said: "He burst into tears and began kissing my hands. At that moment, I hated Russians so deeply and strongly that I realised that neither I, nor my children, nor my grandchildren would ever forget or forgive them."

As in many places across the country, locals there had gathered for a ceremony to mark the four-year anniversary.

Ukrainians are filled with a mix of fatigue at the relentless bombardments and mounting battlefield losses, and determination to resist.

Whatever the outcome on the battlefield or at the negotiating table, "there will be no victory for us in this war," said Valentyn Oleksiyenko, a 29-year-old wounded veteran.

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"The price we are paying for it is too high. Too many of our people have been killed," he added.

Hundreds of thousands have been killed since Moscow invaded.

The UN has verified around 15,000 Ukrainian civilians killed, but says the true number is likely considerably higher.

Others said the fact Ukraine had not fallen to the Russians was a victory in itself.

"We have shown that no matter who the enemy is that comes to our land, we can repel them," said Isakiy Zinkevich, a 38-year-old priest in Bucha, a Kyiv commuter town that became synonymous with atrocities committed by Russian troops.

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- Territory -

The United States has been pushing to end the conflict, mediating talks this year in Geneva and Abu Dhabi between the two sides, but they remain at odds over the issue of territory.

Russia, which occupies around 20 percent of Ukraine, is fighting to gain full control of Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region as part of any deal.

Ukraine has rejected the demand and said it would not sign a deal without security guarantees from allies -- including the US -- to deter Russia from invading again.

The grinding four-year war has devastated the country, with the cost of post-war reconstruction estimated at around $588 billion over the next decade, according to a joint World Bank, EU and UN report with Kyiv, published on Monday.

bur-jc/mmp/rmb
Responsibility for the suspension of Russian oil transit to Europe via the Druzhba pipeline lies with Russia, whose attacks damaged it, and ultimatums and political pressure on Ukraine from some EU member states over the issue are unacceptable.

Source: a letter titled Position of Ukraine Regarding the Situation with the Druzhba Oil Pipeline, sent ahead of a meeting of the EU Coordination Group for oil and petroleum products on 25 February, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Ukraine said it does not accept political pressure from certain EU states regarding the Druzhba pipeline, stressing that Russia is to blame for its shutdown.

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"Full responsibility for the suspension of oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline lies solely with the Russian Federation as a consequence of its terrorist attack against Ukraine's critical infrastructure," the letter says.

Ukraine pointed out in the letter that as a result of targeted Russian attacks on 27 January, key facilities of the main oil pumping station near the town of Brody in Lviv Oblast were significantly damaged, including technological and auxiliary equipment of the Druzhba pipeline.

Quote: "We draw attention to the unacceptability of ultimatums and political pressure by certain member states, including threats to suspend diesel fuel and electricity supplies or to block EU assistance and sanctions against the Russian Federation."

Details: Ukraine believes that such actions play into the hands of the aggressor state and contradict the principles of EU energy solidarity, non-discrimination and sincere cooperation.

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It is emphasised that "the Ukrainian side is interested in restoring transit as soon as possible within the available legal framework".

Background:

The EU Oil Coordination Group, with the participation of representatives from Hungary, Slovakia and Croatia, discussed the situation around the Druzhba pipeline on 25 February, and concluded that at this stage its suspension does not pose a threat to the EU's energy security.

Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said he would deploy troops to guard energy facilities against an alleged "Ukrainian threat".

Earlier, Hungary blocked a 90 billion EU loan for Ukraine as well as the adoption of the 20th EU sanctions package against Russia, and has threatened to maintain its veto until Kyiv restores Russian oil transit to Europe via the Druzhba pipeline, which was damaged in a Russian air attack.

On 23 February, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico ordered the suspension of emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine and said he could review Slovakia's position on Ukraine's accession to the EU; Hungary has threatened a similar move.

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Kyiv, Ukraine  President Volodymyr Zelenskyy marked the start of the fifth year of the Ukraine war by saying Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin has failed to achieve his war goals. And the Kremlin agreed.



In a video address that showed Ukrainians carrying out acts of resistance against Russian soldiers in the opening days of the conflict, Zelenskyy added that Ukraine was ready to do "everything" it could to secure a strong, lasting peace.



Hundreds of thousands have died on both sides since Russia invaded its neighbor on Feb. 24, 2022, unleashing the deadliest war on European soil since World War II.



Talks between the two sides, relaunched last year by the United States, have so far failed to halt the fighting that has devastated the country and left it facing a mammoth reconstruction task.



"We have defended our independence, we have not lost our statehood; Putin has not achieved his goals. He has not broken Ukrainians; he has not won this war. We have preserved Ukraine, and we will do everything to secure peace and justice. Glory to Ukraine!" Zelenskyy said in his address, which he posted on social media.



"We want peace. Strong, dignified, and lasting peace," Zelenskyy said, adding that any agreement "must not simply be signed, it must be accepted by Ukrainians."

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday Russia hasn't yet achieved all its war aims in Ukraine and will fight on until it does.



"The goals haven't been fully achieved yet, which is why the military operation continues," Peskov told reporters.

Zelenskyy told AFP last week that Ukraine wasn't losing the war, and he urged European countries to deploy troops to the front line in the case of any ceasefire to protect against Russia attacking again.



The leaders of Ukraine allies, including Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, were in the country on Tuesday to mark the anniversary.



European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen was also there, saying she wanted to reaffirm that Europe stood "unwaveringly with Ukraine, financially, militarily, and through this harsh winter."



"And to send a clear message to the Ukrainian people and to the aggressor alike: we will not relent until peace is restored. Peace on Ukraine's terms," she said in a video posted to social media.



She is expected to attend a "commemoration ceremony" and visit a Ukrainian energy facility damaged by Russian strikes before meeting Zelenskyy and taking part in a videoconference with Kyiv's allies, including Britain, France and Germany.

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Ukrainian soldier perserveres

CBS News correspondent Holly Williams, who's covered the war since it began, caught up last week with a Ukrainian soldier she first met on the front lines three days before Russia invaded.

At the time, Williams says, she assumed Valeriy Kashkarov and his comrades had been killed when Russia moved in.

But when CBS News tracked him down, he laughed when Williams said she was surprised he's still alive.

"Me too," Kashkarov remarked.

He said he was shot by a Russian sniper. Though he survived, many of his fellow soldiers didn't make it.

"I get upset," Kashkarov told Williams.

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"It's a lot of pain," Williams observed..

"Yeah," Kashkarov responded, "Especially ... young brothers in arms (fellow soldiers) dead, and a lot of them. On a daily basis.

"It's like - ah - what the hell," he reflected.

Territorial gains in dispute

The United States has been pushing for an end to conflict, which has destroyed much of eastern and southern Ukraine, but Moscow and Kyiv remain at odds over territory.



Russia, which occupies around 20 percent of Ukraine, is pushing for full control of Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region as part of any deal and has threatened to take it by force if Kyiv doesn't cave at the negotiating table.



Ukraine has rejected the demand and said it wouldn't sign a deal without security guarantees from allies, including the U.S., to deter Russia from invading again.



Moscow has in recent months escalated its attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, cutting heating and power to millions of Ukrainians during this harsh winter.



Kyiv's allies have slapped heavy sanctions on Moscow, forcing it to redirect its key oil exports toward new markets, particularly in Asia.



Despite heavy losses, Russian troops have in recent months advanced slowly on the front line, particularly in the eastern Donbas region, which Moscow wants to annex.



Russia has rejected Ukrainian proposals for the deployment of European troops in Ukraine after any ceasefire deal. Putin has repeatedly warned that he will pursue his objectives by force if diplomacy fails.

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Reconstruction will be huge

The grinding four-year war has devastated Ukraine, which even before the fighting was one of the poorest countries in Europe.



The cost of post-war reconstruction is estimated at around $588 billion over the next decade, according to a joint World Bank, EU and UN report with Kyiv published on Monday.



Russia cast its decision to send troops into Ukraine as a defensive move to halt Ukraine's ambition of joining NATO.



On Monday, during a medal ceremony to mark "Defenders of the Fatherland Day," Putin said his soldiers were defending Russia's "borders" to ensure "strategic parity" between powers and fight for the country's "future."

Iranian foreign minister says they "have every right" to "nuclear energy, including enrichment"

Breaking down New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's response to historic blizzard

Investigating Trump's claims that White South African farmers are victims of genocide
Key developments on Feb. 25:

Claiming Ukraine threat, Orban deploys troops to 'protect energy infrastructure'

Corruption exposed in aircraft shelter project, Ukrainian military officials detained

Zelensky, Trump hold phone call ahead of Ukraine-US talks in Geneva

Ukrainian defense companies sign European partnership deals worth $950 million

Hungary will deploy soldiers and equipment to protect key energy infrastructure amid what Prime Minister Viktor Orban described as a potential Ukrainian threat, he said on Feb. 25, escalating tensions tied to disrupted Russian oil transit.

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The move follows weeks of strain between Kyiv and Budapest after flows through the Druzhba pipeline  a critical route delivering Russian crude to Hungary and Slovakia  halted in late January following Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

"A defense council meeting I convened due to the Ukrainian oil blockade has just concluded," Orban said. "Since Jan. 27, no oil has been arriving in Hungary via the Druzhba pipeline."

"I see that Ukraine is preparing further actions aimed at disrupting the operation of Hungary's energy system. I have ordered the strengthening of protection for critical energy infrastructure."

Hungary plans to deploy troops and equipment near key sites, while police will step up patrols around power plants, distribution stations, and control centers, according to the prime minister.

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Read also: At least 5 killed, 18 injured in Russian attacks against Ukraine over the past day

Corruption exposed in aircraft shelter project, Air Force logistics commander, SBU official detained

The Air Force's Logistics Commander and the head of a regional Directorate of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) were detained for embezzling from the budget allocated to the construction of aircraft shelters, Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko reported on Feb. 25.

The suspects in the embezzlement scheme were caught "red-handed" while trying to illegally transfer the money, and $320,000 was seized from them, according to Kravchenko.

While Kravchenko refrained from identifying the officers, Ukrainian news outlet Ukrainska Pravda reported, citing its sources, that Andrii Ukrainets, the Air Force's Logistics Commander, and Volodymyr Kompanichenko, the head of the SBU directorate in Zhytomyr Oblast, were detained.

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Kravchenko said the state allocated over $32 million for the construction of prefabricated arch structures in a May 2025 decision to protect aviation, but the SBU's Military Counterintelligence Department found "significant violations" during inspections.

The violations include designs that do not meet safety requirements, structures that inadequately provide aviation protection, and inflated costs of works, according to Kravchenko.

"Despite this, advance payments under the concluded contracts began to be transferred," Kravchenko said in a Facebook post.

The Air Force said it "categorically condemns" the alleged criminal offenses, expressing its readiness to cooperate with the investigating authorities and to provide all necessary information and documentation.

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Read also: Suspect in murder of top Ukrainian ex-official arrested in Germany

Zelensky, Trump hold phone call ahead of Ukraine-US talks in Geneva

President Volodymyr Zelensky held a phone call on Feb. 25 with his American counterpart Donald Trump ahead of planned talks between senior officials from both countries in Geneva.

Zelensky confirmed the call in a social media post, saying Trump's representatives, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner, also participated.

"I just spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump. President Trump's representatives, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, were also on the call," Zelensky wrote. "Our teams are working hard right now, and I thanked them for all their efforts and such involvement in the negotiations, in the work to end the war."

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The conversation came a day before Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov is scheduled to meet with Witkoff and Kushner in Geneva on Feb. 26.

Zelensky said the leaders discussed the agenda for the upcoming bilateral meeting and preparations for a broader round of talks in early March involving full negotiating teams in a trilateral format. He said the goal of the upcoming meetings is to pave the way for negotiations at the leadership level.

"President Trump supports this sequence of steps. Only in this way can all the complex and sensitive issues be resolved and the war finally ended," Zelensky wrote.

Read also: Kremlin dampens Witkoffs hopes for early Putin-Zelensky meeting

Ukrainian defense companies sign partnership deals with European allies valued at nearly $950 million

Four Ukrainian defense companies have signed partnership agreements with companies from Denmark, Finland, and Latvia under the Build with Ukraine joint production initiatives, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Feb. 25.

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"We are expanding joint production of drones to defend against Russian attacks today and to defend and deter in the future," Zelensky wrote in a social media post.

The total value of the agreement documents signed between Ukrainian defense manufacturers and their European partners is about 800 million euros (about $950 million), according to a press release from the Ukrainian Council of Defence Industry.

The council, a platform supporting Ukraine's leading private defense manufacturers, said the agreements include cooperation in the production of aerial and ground drones, as well as preparations to scale up products on the European market.

"These Build With Ukraine joint production initiatives help lay the foundation for a truly self-reliant European defense industrial base that will strengthen our shared security in the future," Zelensky said.

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The announcement comes as more Ukrainian defense manufacturers, especially those producing drones, bolster partnerships with Western allies to secure financial support in exchange for knowledge and battlefield expertise.

Read also: 1st Ukrainian drone factory starts production in UK, Zaluzhnyi says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
By Olena Harmash

KYIV, Feb 25 (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Wednesday that he and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed that the next session of trilateral talks in March on a war settlement should lead to a meeting of the countries' leaders.

Zelenskiy, speaking after a phone conversation with Trump, said the three-sided talks with Russia and the United States would take place early next month. U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner also took part in the phone call.

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"We expect this meeting to create an opportunity to move talks to the leaders' level. President Trump supports this sequence of steps," Zelenskiy wrote on X.

"This is the only way to resolve all the complex and sensitive issues and finally end the war."

The telephone call took place on the eve of another meeting, between just Ukrainian and U.S. negotiators, to discuss post-war reconstruction.

Zelenskiy said the two leaders discussed both meetings. He thanked the United States for its "active involvement" in the peace process and for missiles for air defense systems that were helping Ukraine endure winter-time attacks.

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Addressing a news conference in Kyiv earlier alongside Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere, Zelenskiy said Thursday's meeting would include discussion of a "prosperity package".

Zelenskiy said the U.S. wanted to find a way to end as soon as possible Europes biggest conflict since World War Two. But Moscow and Kyiv remain far apart in their positions.

"In my opinion, the difficulties are not at the military level right now. The problem lies in the political will to end this war and in the issue of territories," Zelenskiy said.

"I think that trilateral talks will be held in early March. Tomorrow, economic documents will be prepared at a bilateral meeting between Ukraine and the United States."

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Zelenskiy also said that Russian claims on Tuesday that Kyiv was trying to obtain nuclear weapons were an attempt to exert political pressure on Ukraine during the talks.

He reiterated that Ukraine had no nuclear weapons and called on the U.S. to react to what he described as dangerous Russian rhetoric.

MORE TALKS IN GENEVA

Rustem Umerov, the secretary of the National Security and Defence Council and head of Ukraine's negotiating team will meet in Geneva on Thursday with special envoy Witkoff and Kushner, Trump's son-in-law.

Russia's TASS news agency, quoting a diplomatic source, said President Vladimir Putin's envoy Kirill Dmitriev would be flying to Geneva on Thursday to meet U.S. negotiators, but gave no further details. There was no official Russian comment.

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Proceeding with the reconstruction of Ukraine after the destruction wrought by Russian aerial strikes and frontline combat has become a major element in broader talks on how to end the war, which entered its fifth year this week.

Kyiv hopes to attract about $800 billion of public and private funds over the next 10 years to rebuild the country.

The latest assessment from the World Bank released on Monday showed that rebuilding Ukraine's economy will cost an estimated $588 billion. The assessment is based on data from February 24, 2022, through December 31, 2025.

Ukrainian officials are pitching Ukraine as a future European Union member and a lucrative investment destination but funds depend on a ceasefire and a peace deal.

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Zelenskiy said Ukrainian and U.S. negotiators would also discuss on Thursday the details of prisoner-of-war exchanges between Ukraine and Russia.

Ukrainian and Russian negotiators met last week in Geneva for their third U.S.-mediated meeting so far this year, but reached no breakthroughs on points including territory.

Russia says Ukraine must cede the final 20% of the industrialised and heavily fortified eastern region of Donetsk that it still controls. Ukraine says it will not relinquish territory that thousands have died to defend.

(Additional reporting by Janis Laizans and Anna Pruchnicka; Editing by Daniel Flynn, Alison Williams, Gareth Jones, Ron Popeski and Nick Zieminski)
The UK Government has imposed sanctions on Maritime Mutual, a marine insurer based in New Zealand, for its alleged involvement in supporting Russias energy sector.

The action follows a Reuters report that detailed the insurers coverage of vessels engaged in the transport of sanctioned oil from Russia, Iran and Venezuela.

Authorities said that Maritime Mutual is or has been involved in obtaining a benefit from or supporting the Government of Russia by carrying on business in a sector of strategic significance to the Government of Russia, namely the Russian energy sector.

Investigations revealed that Maritime Mutual had provided insurance at some point to 'shadow fleet' vessels that skirt international restrictions by masking their movements and cargo origins.

A spokesperson for Maritime Mutual said the company strongly disagrees with the decision and is reviewing its options.

In a statement to Life Insurance International, the spokesperson said: The Government is incorrect in its assertion that MMIA is involved in obtaining a benefit from or supporting the Government of Russia by carrying on business in a sector of strategic significance to the Government of Russia, namely the Russian energy sector.

Therefore, the impact of the FCDOs [Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office] designation will be on fully compliant employees and stakeholders that have nothing to do with the nexus of Russian sanctioned activity."

According to the statement, Maritime Mutual and its related businesses do not insure any ships that are part of shadow or 'dark' fleets, nor do they cover vessels transporting oil or related products from Russia.

Additionally, under company policy updated in October 2025, insurance is cancelled for any vessel that is subsequently identified as falling into these categories, it added.

The British Governments sanctions target the Maritime Mutual Insurance Association (MMIA), based in Auckland, as well as its Gibraltar affiliate, Maritime Mutual Association.

The sanctions include freezing company assets and disqualifying directors.

The UK Treasury has allowed a temporary licence so existing insurance policies can be wound down until 9 April, Reuters noted.

"UK sanctions New Zealand insurer over Russian oil links" was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand.




The UN Security Council has announced new sanctions on four leaders of Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces over atrocities committed in the western Sudanese city of el-Fasher.

The deputy commander, Abdul Rahim Hamdan Dagalo and Brigadier General Al-Fateh Abdullah Idris, more commonly called Abu Lulu, who became known as the "Butcher of el-Fasher", are among those proscribed.

The others are RSF deputy commander Gedo Hamdan Ahmed and field commander Tijani Ibrahim.

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A spokesman for Tasis, a coalition of civilian and armed groups led by the RSF, told the BBC the sanctions were "unfair", saying they were based on what he described as "partial" and "unneutral" reports.

The RSF's capture of the city in October was one of the most brutal chapters of Sudan's nearly three-year civil war.

Last week a UN fact-finding mission concluded that the violent takeover bore the hallmarks of a genocide.

The RSF has admitted that "violations" were committed in el-Fasher and says it is investigating them, but insists the scale of the atrocities has been exaggerated by its enemies.

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In a response to the BBC, Tasis termed the accusations of killing civilians and preventing them from leaving el-Fasher "misleading". It said its forces had evacuated more than 800,000 civilians from el-Fasher during the military operations there, and "provided them with food and medicine".

"All these facts showed that the sanctions imposed by UNSC are unjust," it added.

The UN said Dagalo, brother of RSF chief Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, known as "Hemedti", had overseen operations on the day the RSF captured el-Fasher, citing atrocities carried out by his forces including mass killings and ethnically targeted executions.

This is the fourth time Dagalo has been sanctioned  following earlier designations by the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union.

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The Sentry group, an investigative American non-profit organization which seeks to disable networks that benefit from violent conflicts - has said it is encouraging to see alignment in targeting officials, but far more is needed to impose real financial consequences on the RSF and the networks that sustain it.

Sudan has been engulfed in conflict since April 2023, as fighting between the RSF and the army has escalated into what the UN describes as a "war of atrocities", leaving tens of thousands dead and triggering the world's worst hunger and displacement crisis.

For 18 months, the RSF besieged el-Fasher - the capital of North Darfur and the last major city they did not control in the western region of Darfur - before taking the city on 26 October.

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The UN fact-finding mission described the campaign as "three days of horror", marked by summary executions, systematic sexual violence and mass detention, primarily targeting the city's ethnic Zaghawa population.

Abu Lulu became known as "the Butcher of el-Fasher" for graphic videos he himself posted of the takeover.

He appears in footage "giving orders to his men to kill innocent people'', the UN said. It added that video footage shows him executing civilians and boasting about killing over 2,000 people.

Tasis said Abu Lulu had already been imprisoned by its forces. The group said this demonstrated that they did not tolerate abuses against civilians, adding that what had occurred were "individual incidents", not official doctrine.

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The US imposed sanctions on Dagalo in September 2023 and on the three other commanders last week, over their roles in the "ethnic killings, torture, starvation and sexual violence" committed in el-Fasher.

Britain sanctioned all four in December.

The UN did not specify what its designations involved but it has the powers to order measures such as an assets freeze and a travel ban.

More than 70,000 people have fled el-Fasher since it was captured, with civilians remaining trapped or missing, or being held by the RSF inside the city, according to the UN's refugee agency.

More about the Sudan war from the BBC:

[Getty Images/BBC]

Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.

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LIMA  The University of Northwestern Ohio has been granted reaffirmation of its accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission. This accreditation will last until the next reaffirmation visit, scheduled for the 2035-2036 school year.

The accreditation reflects the institution meeting standards of academic quality, student achievement and operational proficiency.

This reaffirmation represents the collective commitment of our faculty, staff, and administration to our students and to our mission, UNOH President Jeffrey Jarvis said in a statement. I take great pride in being part of an institution focused on educating people to become productively employed in their chosen career paths, while providing a campus environment that encourages involvement, academic success, and lifelong friendships.
First Congressional District Democratic candidate Christian Urrutia of Moultonborough said if elected, hed vote to impeach President Donald Trump and at least three other top Cabinet officials for corruption and abuse of power.

Attorney General Pam Bondi, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick have all been guilty of transgressions that warrant their impeachment along with Trump, said Urrutia, a former Pentagon official in the Obama administration.

The President and his administration are using public power to enrich themselves, monetarily reward allies, punish enemies through the use of government authority, or place themselves above the law, Urrutia said. That is not politics. It is corruption, abuse of power, and a perversion of the public trust. Congress must use its impeachment powers to hold this administration accountable.

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Many Democratic candidates in this wide-open primary have been harshly critical of Noems leadership.

Stefany Shaheen of Portsmouth recently said Noems actions in leading Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have been reckless and that she is disqualified and needs to go.

This violence must end. This is NOT making our communities safer. ICE needs to leave Minnesota and Maine immediately and Kristi Noem needs to be impeached, Shaheen said after a second Minnesota protestor was shot to death by ICE agents.

Maura Sullivan of Portsmouth came out in strong opposition to the proposed Merrimack ICE facility and has sharply criticized ICE crackdowns in Minnesota, Maine and other states.

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Growing group of House Dems seek Noems impeachment

State Rep. Heath Howard, D-Strafford, Sarah Chadzynski of Goffstown and Urrutia have all said they would vote to disband ICE and Carleigh Beriont of Hampton said she wouldnt vote for funding for any agency, ICE or otherwise, that violates the rights of the people.

Late last month, 140 U.S. House Democrats signed a resolution supporting Noems impeachment.

Urrutia became the first candidate in this race to articulate a case for instituting removal proceedings for Trump and multiple members of his team.

Urrutia said Trump should be impeached for abuse of presidential power and self-enrichment, weaponizing the Department of Justice and abusing civil liberties.

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Noems work turning ICE into a quasi-military force that denied innocent people due process is what calls for her removal, he said.

Bondi and Lutnick have both violated the Constitution regarding statements about the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the AG for failing for months to fully release the Epstein files and Lutnick for not being truthful about meetings he had with Epstein after his 2008 conviction and that the two later had business dealings, Urrutia said.

I will fight for investigations with real teeth to fully expose what is already apparent, the Trump Administration has purposefully engaged in systematic lawlessness, corruption, and abuse of power, Urrutia said.

History teaches us that free nations rarely fall all at once. They erode when corruption is excused, when power goes unexamined, and when the law is bent to serve the powerful. We are facing that moment, Congress must act.

The Republican State Committee did not respond to a request for comment.

klandrigan@unionleader.com
Feb. 25 (UPI) -- Uruguay declared an agricultural emergency due to water shortages in productive areas. It also activated a health emergency over H5 avian influenza after the virus was found in wildlife. The dual crisis is pressuring a key export sector.

The Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries declared the agricultural emergency for 90 days after technical indicators of water availability worsened for livestock, dairy, agriculture and horticulture in roughly one-third of the country.

"One rainfall does not determine or correct what has been accumulating for months," Livestock Minister Alfredo Fratti warned, explaining that the decision responds to confirmation of a persistent water deficit that is depleting reserves and affecting agricultural production.

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A new evaluation will be made next week, and Fratti did not rule out incorporating additional areas into the agricultural emergency zone.

Meanwhile, the ministry declared a nationwide health emergency after detecting the H5 avian influenza virus in wild birds in the departments of Maldonado, Rocha and Canelones. Authorities imposed restrictions on the movement of backyard birds and suspended fairs, auctions and exhibitions linked to the sector as a preventive measure.

The official resolution calls for epidemiological surveillance and biosecurity measures.

Uruguay was one of the South American countries that reached a record high in exports in 2025, with $13.49 billion, driven by a recovery in the agro-export sector, including products such as beef, soybeans and dairy.

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Beef consolidated its position as the main export product with sales of $2.68 billion, accounting for nearly 20% of the total. The United States is among the main markets.

China remained the main destination for Uruguay's overall exports, accounting for approximately 26% of the total, followed by Brazil, the European Union and the United States, according to the 2025 Annual Foreign Trade Report by Uruguay XXI.

Uruguay previously faced one of its most severe droughts in decades between late 2022 and 2023, when more than 60% of the country experienced extreme or severe drought conditions, prompting the government to declare a national agricultural emergency in October 2022.
By Marianna Parraga and Bhargav Acharya

WASHINGTON, Feb 25 (Reuters) - The U.S. Treasury Department said on Wednesday it would authorize companies seeking licenses to resell Venezuelan oil to Cuba, according to guidance posted on the department's website, a move that could help ease the island's acute fuel scarcity.

Since Washington took control of Venezuela's oil exports in early January in the aftermath of the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, the South American country's supply to Cuba has ceased, worsening an energy crisis in the communist-run country that is hitting power generation and fuel for vehicles, houses and aviation.

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Venezuela had been for more than 25 years the main supplier of crude and fuel to its political ally Cuba through a bilateral pact mostly based on barter of products and services. Mexico, which had emerged as an alternate supplier, also has halted shipments to the Caribbean island since a fuel cargo arrived in Havana in January, according to shipping data.

Large trading houses including Vitol and Trafigura handle the lion's share of Venezuela's oil exports, with millions of barrels exported to the U.S., Europe and India, and millions of additional barrels stored at Caribbean terminals for resale.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said Venezuela's allies that were taking its oil as part of swaps, debt repayments and other agreements must now pay fair market prices for cargoes. These allies include China and Cuba.

On Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in the Caribbean to begin talks with leaders who have warned that Cuba's growing humanitarian crisis could destabilize the region.

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Even with the new policy, it is not clear whether Cuba can afford oil purchases without favorable terms. With Cuba struggling to pay for fuel imports on the spot market in recent years, any potential purchase from traders is expected to demand regular commercial terms such as bank guarantees and cash payments.

The U.S. Treasury's guidance also makes clear that potential transactions must "support the Cuban people, including the private sector," including exports for commercial and humanitarian use in Cuba, while transactions involving or benefiting the Cuban military or other government institutions would not be covered.

The U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security had previously released guidance saying that exports and re-exports of U.S. gas and petroleum products to eligible Cuban private sector entities would be authorized.

Cuba's government controls motor fuel distribution and power supply through state companies, but fuel consumers also include private airlines and other companies.

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The Treasury Department said applicants do not necessarily need an established U.S. entity, and limitations in a license granted in January to broadly export Venezuelan oil would not apply to Cuba.

UNDELIVERED FUEL CARGOES

The U.S. pressure on Venezuela and Cuba has left several fuel cargoes undelivered since December, contributing to the island's inability to keep the lights on and cars circulating.

A Cuba-related vessel that loaded Venezuelan gasoline in early February at a port operated by state-run company PDVSA remained this week anchored in Venezuelan waters waiting for authorization to set sail. The ship had previously loaded Venezuelan jet fuel, but returned its cargo, a company document showed.

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No oil cargoes have departed from Venezuela since January without authorization from Washington, which now controls the country's exports and sale proceeds as part of an agreement with the government of interim President Delcy Rodriguez.

On Wednesday, the Hong Kong-flagged tanker Sea Horse, carrying fuel likely bound for Cuba, halted navigation in the Atlantic Ocean, ship tracking data showed. It could have arrived in Cuba as early as this week.

The tanker loaded through a ship-to-ship transfer in the Mediterranean, monitoring service TankerTrackers.com said.

Hongkong Hangda Shipping LTD, the firm listed at maritime databases as the Sea Horse's owner and manager, and PDVSA did not immediately reply to requests for comment.

(Reporting by Bhargav Acharya in Toronto, Marianna Parraga in Houston and Daphne Psaledakis in Washington; Editing by Costas Pitas, Matthew Lewis and Paul Simao)
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A new investigative report from The New York Times reveals that, in July 2023, senior US intelligence officials privately briefed some of the tech industry's most powerful executives on classified assessments regarding China and Taiwan. Among those in attendance were reportedly Apple CEO Tim Cook, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, AMD CEO Lisa Su, and Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon.

Go deeper with TH Premium: Chipmaking

tsmc

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According to the report, CIA Director William J. Burns and Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines told executives that China's military buildup suggested Beijing could be prepared to move on Taiwan by 2027. US defense officials have publicly referenced that timeline before, but this briefing appears to have conveyed the most current classified intelligence directly to corporate leadership. For companies whose business models depend on predictable access to advanced silicon, the timeline matters. In 2021, "by 2027" sounded like a talking point from congressional testimony.

The expectation that China may be ready to invade or blockade Taiwan within the decade is not new in policy circles. What is news is the degree to which the US government explicitly framed that risk for the companies most exposed to it. Taiwan produces roughly 90 percent of the world's most advanced semiconductors, primarily through Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, or TSMC. A blockade or invasion would immediately disrupt global chip supply chains, with cascading effects across consumer electronics, AI infrastructure, automotive manufacturing, and defense systems.

The backdrop to these briefings was the Biden administration's push to reshore semiconductor manufacturing through the CHIPS Act, followed by the Trump administration's more aggressive use of tariffs (or attempted use, anyway) to force procurement shifts. Intelligence warnings were part of a broader effort to convince companies that geopolitical risk was no longer theoretical.

AMD's Lisa Su was also reportedly briefed by US intelligence officials. | Credit: Getty Images

The investigation highlights internal government frustration that market incentives alone have not been enough to significantly reduce reliance on Taiwan. Building leading-edge capacity in the US has proven expensive and slow. Even where new fabrication plants are coming online in Arizona and Texas, advanced packaging capabilities remain concentrated in Taiwan, meaning some US-made chips still require critical finishing steps overseas.

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The report states that after the July 2023 briefing, Cook told officials he sleeps "with one eye open." Despite that sentiment, Apple and other major US tech firms did not substantially accelerate new domestic chip purchase commitments in the immediate aftermath, according to people familiar with the matter. In fact, both Intel and Samsung lost out on CHIPS grants because they were unable to secure customers for domestic chip fabrication.

For the tech sector, the core issue is simple but stark. If Beijing moves on Taiwan and successfully interrupts semiconductor exports, the immediate economic impact would likely dwarf the 2008 financial crisis. A 2022 industry-commissioned study cited in the report projected an 11 percent drop in US GDP under a severe Taiwan disruption scenario. That number will have only gone up in the interim, as mostly imaginary AI spending has propped up the US GDP considerably in the last four years.

The broader geopolitical tension has been well understood for years; what this reporting adds is confirmation that US intelligence agencies have privately communicated a concrete planning window to the executives who run the companies most exposed to that risk. Despite this, the gap between awareness and structural supply chain change remains significant, and the seemingly cavalier attitude of US tech firms to the risk could have major consequences in the tragic event of war in the Taiwan Strait.

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A US federal judge ruled on Wednesday that the Trump administration policy of deporting undocumented migrants to countries that are not their own is unlawful.

District Judge Brian Murphy put his ruling on so-called "third-country deportations" on hold for 15 days to allow the government to file an appeal.

"This case is about whether the Government may, without notice, deport a person to the wrong country, or a country where he is likely to be persecuted, or tortured," Murphy wrote.

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The Department of Homeland Security has said it is "fine" to deport a migrant to a third country so long as DHS knows they will not be shot on arrival, Murphy said.

"It is not fine, nor is it legal," he said.

The judge noted that Congress has made it US policy not to deport people to countries where their lives would be in danger or they could be subject to torture.

Under the DHS policy, however, "immigration officers need not give notice or any opportunity to object before removing someone to an unfamiliar and potentially dangerous country," Murphy said.

A person may be deported if the government has received "'assurances' that no persecution or torture will happen there," he said.

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"This new policy -- which purports to stand in for the protections Congress has mandated -- fails to satisfy due process for a raft of reasons, not least of which is that nobody really knows anything about these purported 'assurances,'" Murphy said.

"Whom do they cover? What do they cover? Why has the Government deemed them credible? How can anyone even know for certain that they exist?" he asked.

Murphy, an appointee of Democratic president Joe Biden, previously sought to block the deportation of a group of migrants to war-torn South Sudan but was overruled by the conservative-dominated Supreme Court.

According to the US authorities, the eight men -- two from Myanmar, two from Cuba, and one each from Vietnam, Laos, Mexico and South Sudan -- were convicted violent criminals.

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The Trump administration has defended third-country deportations as necessary since the home nations of some of those who are targeted for removal sometimes refuse to accept them.

Donald Trump campaigned for president promising to expel millions of undocumented migrants from the United States, and he has taken a number of actions aimed at speeding up deportations since returning to the White House.

cl/msp
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  The U.S. and South Korean militaries said on Wednesday they will conduct their annual springtime exercises next month to bolster their countries combined defense capabilities against a backdrop of a deepening diplomatic freeze with nuclear-armed North Korea.

The Freedom Shield drills is set for March 9-19, according to the announcement.

North Korea has long described the allies  joint exercises as invasion rehearsals and used them as a pretext to dial up its own military demonstrations and weapons testing activity. The allies say the drills are defensive in nature.

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The announcement came as North Korea is holding a major political conference where authoritarian leader Kim Jong Un is expected to outline his key domestic, foreign policy and military goals for the next five years. North Korean state media have not so far reported any direct comments by Kim on relations with Washington and Seoul at the ruling Workers Party congress, which began last week.

Based on recent public comments, experts say Kim could use the congress to further entrench his hard-line stance toward South Korea, reiterate calls for Washington to drop its demand for denuclearization as a precondition for renewed talks, and announce steps to simultaneously strengthen and integrate his nuclear and conventional forces.

Freedom Shield is one of two command post exercises that the allies conduct each year; the other is Ulchi Freedom Shield, held in August. The drills are largely computer-simulated and designed to test the allies joint operational capabilities while incorporating evolving war scenarios and security challenges.

As usual, the March drill will be accompanied by a field training program called Warrior Shield to enhance training realism and combat readiness, Col. Ryan Donald, public affairs director of U.S. Forces Korea, told a news conference.

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South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said about 18,000 South Korean troops will participate in Freedom Shield while the U.S. military did not disclose how many American troops will be involved.

There has been speculation that the allies are seeking to tone down the drills to create conditions for dialogue with North Korea.

Liberal South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has expressed a desire for inter-Korean engagement, and some of his top officials have voiced hope that President Donald Trumps expected visit to China in late March or April could open the door to renewed talks between Washington and Pyongyang.

Col. Jang Do-young, public affairs director of South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the March exercises will not involve scenarios of a possible response to a North Korean nuclear attack but will include training aimed at deterring nuclear threats. He said the allies were still discussing the specifics of the field training program.

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The rapid expansion in recent years of Kims nuclear weapons program  now featuring systems capable of threatening U.S. allies in Asia, as well as long-range missiles that could potentially reach the American homeland  has heightened South Koreas security concerns while its diplomacy with Pyongyang remains stalled.

South Korea is also grappling with intensifying U.S.-China competition in the region, which has prompted Washington to press its ally to assume a greater share of the defense burden against North Korea as it focuses more on China.

North Korea has repeatedly rejected Washington and Seouls calls to resume diplomacy aimed at winding down its nuclear program, which derailed in 2019 following the collapse of Kims second summit with Trump during the American presidents first term.

Kim has now made Russia the priority of his foreign policy, sending thousands of troops and large amounts of military equipment to support Moscows war in Ukraine, possibly in exchange for aid and military technology.

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In a separate development, South Koreas Defense Ministry said a pilot safely evacuated from a South Korean F-16 fighter jet that crashed on Wednesday evening into a mountain in the southeastern city of Yeongju during training.

The ministry said there were no immediate reports of casualties or civilian property damages and that the air force was investigating the crash.
Lawsuits against the state of Utah are beginning to grow as a direct result of the Legislatures constitutional court bill, signed into law less than two weeks ago.

Petitioners in cases challenging the states ongoing redistricting battle and the alleged mismanagement of the Great Salt Lake have requested temporary restraining orders, accusing the Legislature of unconstitutional actions in their court filings, specifically referencing the recently passed HB392 and SJR5.

HB392, the District Court Amendments law, establishes a three-judge court that will focus solely on lawsuits challenging state laws as unconstitutional. If a lawsuit is filed in district court against the state attorney general, governor, or legislature, or if they are a party in a case, they can submit a notice requesting the case be heard by the constitutional court panel instead of a single judge. That notice, under the bill, cannot be challenged and is not subject to review.

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SJR5 implements the laws in HB392 by rewriting Utahs court rules so the legislature, governor or attorney general can force certain cases into a three-judge district panel and freeze the original judge out of the case.

Pointing the finger at each other

The petitioners recent actions in the redistricting and the Great Salt Lake case stem from a motion filed last Sunday by Utah Attorney General Derek Brown and the Utah Legislature, as defendants, formally invoking the new laws and forcing the civil actions to be transferred from a single district judge to a three-judge district panel.

Senate President Stuart Adams said Monday that the AGs office has taken such actions in four lawsuits against the state:

Planned Parenthood Association of Utah v. State of Utah, et al.

The League of Women Voters of Utah, Mormon Women for Ethical Government, et al. v. Utah State Legislature, et al.

Utah Physicians For a Healthy Environment, et al. v. Utah Dept. of Natural Resources, et al.

Natalie R. v. State of Utah.

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In their motion for a temporary restraining order, plaintiffs in the Great Salt Lake case accused the newly enacted laws of being unilateral and arbitrary power granted only to the state, further delaying litigation and creating further irreparable harm to millions of birds and other imperiled species, and the health of millions of Utahns."

Furthermore, the proposed restraining order filed by the plaintiffs in the redistricting case said forcing plaintiffs to proceed before a three-judge panel that may later be deemed unconstitutional delays the ultimate resolution of this matter. As a matter of judicial efficiency, transferring the case and burdening three judges, when HB392 may be declared unconstitutional, does not promote the orderly administration of justice.

But the Legislatures stance is that the cases are constitutional issues with potential statewide effects, and that their transfer to the new court is appropriate and necessary. Sen. Mike McKell, R-Spanish Fork, stated that the plaintiffs in these cases are guilty of the same practice they are criticizing the Legislature for: forum shopping.

Make no mistake, they are forum shopping, and the three-judge panel does the opposite of that, McKell said Monday. It creates a scenario where forum shopping cant happen. And its interesting to me that these same groups that are attacking the Legislature, that want the public to get involved  and the public voice to be heard  are doing everything to quash the public voice."

Despite confidence in the states judicial laws, Adams said he would consider reevaluating them and, potentially, changing them before the end of the legislative session, which concludes on March 6.
In President Donald Trumps record-long State of the Union address on Tuesday evening, Utahns got not just one but two shoutouts during the prime-time speech.

About halfway through the address, the president called on Congress to pass the SAVE America Act, Utah Sen. Mike Lees signature election integrity bill that would implement stricter guardrails for voting in federal elections. The measure passed the House earlier this month but faces a more complicated road in the Senate due to filibuster rules.

Perhaps most importantly, Im asking you to approve the SAVE America Act to stop illegal aliens and others who are unpermitted persons from voting in our sacred American elections, Trump said in his speech, prompting a standing ovation on the Republican side of the chamber.

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Lee was seen with a wide smile on his face inside the room, and immediately took to social media to call for a vote in the Senate.

He did it!



President Trump just encouraged Congress to pass the SAVE America Act



He said it should be our TOP legislative priority!



Hes right



Whos on board?  Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) February 25, 2026

President Trump is right  Americans demand the SAVE America Act to protect their elections from illegal voters, Lee said in a statement. If Senate Democrats want to get in the way, we can make them stand up, filibuster, and fail. Republicans should pass the SAVE America Act to secure our elections and deliver on our promises to the American people!

Another Utah Republican got a shoutout earlier in Trumps address  although it was a bit more subtle.

While the president introduced some of his guests sitting in the chamber, he lauded the creation of what is known as Trump accounts, a pilot program created last year to equip all U.S. children with savings accounts that accumulate interest until they are adults.

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For children born between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028, a one-time credit of $1,000 from the federal government will be deposited. Parents, friends and private organizations can then contribute up to $5,000 a year until the child turns 18.

The concept of the accounts was heavily influenced by Rep. Blake Moore, whom Trump gave credit for naming the program.

He may know me by my height more than by my name, but at least @POTUS knows Im proud to have worked with him to enact historic investment accounts for every American child. Sign up at https://t.co/2Dz2Htu0ga! pic.twitter.com/Mmr0ZRYewt  Congressman Blake Moore (@RepBlakeMoore) February 25, 2026

I did not name that, nobody believes I did not name that, Trump said. It was named by a very tall man standing right there in the third row. Nice man, a good man.

Moore later responded in a social media post with a photo of him standing next to Trump, a few inches taller than the 6-foot-3-inch president.

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He may know me by my height more than by my name, but at least (the president) knows Im proud to have worked with him to enact historic investment accounts for every American child, Moore wrote in a post on X.

In all, Trumps address lasted about one hour and 47 minutes, making it the longest State of the Union address in presidential history. It was even longer than his one-hour-and-39-minute joint address to Congress last March, then marking the longest presidential address to lawmakers in recent history.
US-based Vaalco Energy has secured a 60% operational stake in the offshore Kossipo field in Cote d'Ivoire, with PetroCI retaining the remaining 40% interest.

The Kossipo field, discovered in 2002 and appraised in 2019, is situated on the CI-40 block.

Vaalco expects to finalise a field development plan (FDP) in the latter half of this year (H2 2026).

Recent advancements include utilising new ocean bottom node seismic data to refine development strategies and assess the field's resources.

The Kossipo field's estimated gross 2C resources are around 102 million barrels of oil equivalent (mboe), with approximately 293 million barrels of oil in place south-west of the Baobab field.

Testing in 2019 showed more than 7,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) from the Kossipo-2A well.

The Baobab Ivorien floating production storage and offloading vessel is currently positioned off the east coast of Africa and is set to return to offshore Cote d'Ivoire by late March 2026.

In conjunction with its operations in Cote d'Ivoire, Vaalco has also reported developments from its activities in Gabon.

The company has drilled, completed and brought into production the Etame 15H-ST development well in the 1V block of the Etame field.

The well features a lateral section with 250m of net pay within Gamba sands near the top of the reservoir. It has achieved a stabilised flow rate of roughly 2,000bopd, with a 38% water cut, using a 42/64 choke and an electric submersible pump operating at 54Hz.

This performance aligns with projections from the ET-15P pilot well results.

Additionally, the spudding of an exploration well on the West Etame prospect occurred in mid-February, with expectations to reach target zones by mid-March.

Results from this exploration could significantly enhance production and reserves by the end of 2026.

Vaalco CEO George Maxwell said: We have begun 2026 with some very meaningful events that are positioning Vaalco to deliver expected 225% organic production growth by 2030. We have been confirmed as the operator with a 60% working interest in the Kossipo field, a discovery with an estimated 293mboe in place located south-west from our highly productive Baobab field on the CI-40 Block.

We are actively working with our partner PetroCI to submit an FDP in the second half of 2026 that we believe will help Vaalco grow its production in Cote dIvoire. We are also pleased with the encouraging start of the Gabon drilling campaign, the ET-15H-ST, which stabilised at approximately 2,000bopd.

In March 2025, Vaalco secured a 70% stake in the CI-705 block within the Tano basin offshore Cote dIvoire.
VERMONT (ABC22/FOX44)  Across Vermont, multiple fire agencies are training to keep prepared, with trainings taking place in everything from ice rescues on Lake Champlain to rope and ladder training to better reach victims in an emergency.

The Burlington Fire Department were among agencies practicing ice rescues. With Lake Champlain fully frozen over, far more people than usual are out on the ice  though areas of unstable ice and even small gaps of open water may remain, according to the National Weather SErvice.

Lake Champlain fully iced over for the first time in 7 years

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South Burlington Fire wrote Tuesday that they too had been training out on the lake earlier this month.

Ice incidents are low-frequency, high-risk events. We train deliberately to ensure a coordinated, disciplined response that protects both our members and the people we serve.

(Courtesy: South Burlington Fire  IAFF Local 3671) (Courtesy: South Burlington Fire  IAFF Local 3671) (Courtesy: South Burlington Fire  IAFF Local 3671) (Courtesy: Burlington Fire Department) (Courtesy: Burlington Fire Department) (Courtesy: West Weathersfield Fire Department) (Courtesy: Vergennes Fire Department) (Courtesy: Vergennes Fire Department)

Meanwhile, Vergennes and Middlebury firefighters practiced all-season skills on Monday evening. Vergennes Fire wrote that the departments had focused on rope rescues, including how to tie secure knots, because of how often those skills are needed.

Worker seriously injured after 20-foot fall, rope rescue in Hanover

These are perishable skills that require constant practice to ensure precision, safety, and efficiency during real-world technical rescue operations, wrote the department.

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Down in Southern Vermont, West Weathersfield Fire and Proctorsville Volunteer Fire have been training this week and last using ladders and window rescues.

Vermont sends plows, 32 employees to help Massachusetts clear snow

You can see photos from several of the trainings in the slideshow above.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44.
BURLINGTON, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44)  The recent historic blizzard that blanketed much of New England in snow mostly spared Vermont, where only a few inches fell in southern parts of the state, but that doesnt mean the states plows are taking a day off.

Vermonts Agency of Transportation reportedly sent a convoy down to Massachusetts Tuesday morning to provide aid. Theyre expected to continue to help through at least March 3.

32 VTrans employees reportedly made the journey, and were escorted by DMV enforcement.

(Courtesy: Vermont AOT) (Courtesy: Vermont AOT) (Courtesy: Vermont AOT) (Courtesy: Vermont AOT)

ABC22/FOX44 spoke with Gregory Smith with the Agency of Transportation, who said that sending help was just part of being a good neighbor. Theres been times in the past where states have come and helped us out, so I think of Irene and events like that but its not unheard of for us to go help other places out, he said.

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Appreciate @GovPhilScott and the great state of Vermont sending extra equipment to help us dig out, wrote Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey on X Tuesday.

New York is also planning to send aid, with 78 people and dozens of vehicles heading over to the Bay State. Governor Kathy Hochul said that the state had been asked for assistance and says New York is well-positioned as snow removal efforts continue to lend a helping hand.

Plows from Vermont also arrived in Rhode Island Wednesday morning. Governor Dan McKee wrote on X that New Englanders always have each others backs.

Thank you @GovPhilScott for sending extra resources to help our local communities continue their cleanup efforts.

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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 ABC22 & FOX44.
When US and Iranian negotiators meet on Thursday in Geneva, Iran's top security chief Ali Larijani will be Tehran's key player behind the scenes.

Adept at balancing ideological loyalty with pragmatic statecraft, Larijani will not attend the talks, but is central to Tehran's nuclear policy and strategic diplomacy.

At the end of January, Larijani was Tehran's choice to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, and this month he has met with Gulf officials trying to mediate in the stand-off with the United States.

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Bespectacled and known for his measured tone, the 68-year-old is believed to enjoy the confidence of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, after a long career in the Islamic republic's military, media and legislature.

Weeks after the Iran-Israel war in 2025, he was appointed as head of Iran's top security body, the Supreme National Security Council -- a position he had held nearly two decades earlier -- coordinating defence strategies and overseeing nuclear policy.

He has since become increasingly visible in the diplomatic arena, travelling to Gulf states such as Oman and Qatar as Tehran cautiously restarted nuclear negotiations with Washington against the backdrop of massive US military deployments in the region.

- 'Canny operator' -

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"He is now playing a more prominent role than most of his predecessors," said Ali Vaez, the International Crisis Group's project director for Iran.

"Larijani is a true insider, a canny operator, familiar with how the system operates and familiar with the supreme leader's inclinations."

Born in Najaf, Iraq in 1957 to a prominent Shiite cleric who was close to the Islamic Republic's founder Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Larijani's family has been influential within Iran's political system for decades.

Some of his relatives have been the targets of corruption allegations over the years, which they denied.

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He holds a PhD in Western Philosophy from the University of Tehran.

A veteran of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps during the Iran-Iraq war, Larijani later headed state broadcasting IRIB for a decade from 1994 before serving as parliamentary speaker from 2008 to 2020.

In 1996, he was appointed as Khamenei's representative to the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC). He later became secretary of the SNSC and chief nuclear negotiator, leading talks with Britain, France, Germany and Russia between 2005 and 2007.

He ran in the 2005 presidential elections, losing to populist candidate Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, with whom he later had disagreements over nuclear diplomacy.

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Larijani was then disqualified from running for president in both 2021 and 2024.

Observers have viewed his return as the head of the SNSC as signalling a pragmatic turn in security management, reflecting his reputation as a conservative capable of combining ideological commitment with pragmatism.

A proponent of nuclear negotiations, Larijani supported the landmark 2015 nuclear deal with world powers which unravelled three years later after Trump withdrew the US from the accord.

In March 2025, ahead of five rounds of Iran-US nuclear talks which ended with the 12-day war with Israel, he warned that sustained external pressure could alter Iran's nuclear posture.

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"We are not moving towards (nuclear) weapons, but if you do something wrong in the Iranian nuclear issue, you will force Iran to move towards that because it has to defend itself," he told state television.

After the conflict with Israel, he described Western concerns over Iran's nuclear programme as a "pretext" for broader confrontation, arguing that subsequent calls to address Iran's missile programme and regional role reflected shifting political demands.

He has repeatedly insisted negotiations with Washington should remain confined to the nuclear file and defended uranium enrichment as Iran's sovereign right.

"We want a speedy resolution to this issue," he said in a recent interview with Al Jazeera, referring to the talks with the US.

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- 'Violent repression' -

He said a war between Iran and the United States was unlikely, as Washington would realise it had little to gain and much to lose from a conflict.

Larijani was among officials sanctioned by the US in January over what Washington described as "violently repressing the Iranian people", following nationwide protests which erupted weeks earlier due to the rising cost of living.

He recently acknowledged that economic pressures had "led to the protests", but blamed the violence which ensued on foreign involvement by the United States and Israel.

Vaez believes that Larijani's political calculus is shaped by long-term ambitions.

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"He is an ambitious man who has eyes for higher office. Larijani certainly wants to become president," Vaez said.

"That creates two incentives, one is to preserve the system and second is to also not burn his cards."

mz/dc/dl/abs
A South Jersey man charged after a fight on the Atlantic City Boardwalk involving two off-duty police officers last summer now faces a three-count indictment, according to state court records.

Grand jurors indicted Xontae Glass, 27, of Marmora, on Feb. 19, about six months after he allegedly fought with an Atlantic City police officer.

Glass is accused of aggravated assault and weapons offenses, according to the indictment reviewed by NJ.com.

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A judge granted Glasss release during a detention hearing in August after his arrest, records show.

The altercation occurred during the Seedorf/McMeekin Memorial 5K Run, where the two Atlantic County police officers  James Herbert of Atlantic City and Scott Pollak of Northfield  were participating. A bystander filmed the encounter and the video later spread widely on social media.

The viral confrontation began after Herbert spotted Glass and his wife fighting on the beach. Glass allegedly held her in a headlock and appeared to be dragging her underneath the boardwalk, Atlantic City police previously said.

The police chiefs in both Northfield and Atlantic City praised the officers for aiding the woman.

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However, the woman criticized the officers in an interview with 6ABC Philadelphia, saying they did not identify themselves as police.

Seeing the woman in danger, Herbert stepped in, prompting Glass to start fighting the off-duty officer, police said. During the struggle, Glass threatened Herbert with a pocketknife, according to police.

Moments later, Pollak saw the fight, retrieved his service gun, approached Glass and ordered him to drop the knife, police said.

The video shows the two men fighting in front of several storefronts on the boardwalk. It appears to show Herbert punching Glass, causing him to fall to the ground briefly. The woman is seen trying to separate them.

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After the fight ended, Glass fled the boardwalk but was arrested with help from witnesses who directed officers to him. Glass became combative while being brought to jail, injuring an Atlantic City officer, police said.

Future court appearances have not been scheduled in the case, and court records do not indicate that Glass has an attorney.

Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
MONTPELIER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44)  On the four-year anniversary of Russia invading Ukraine, a group of Vermonters gave yet another show of solidarity for Ukraine, signifying unwavering hope despite the continued violence and tragedy.

Tuesday afternoon, at least a dozen Vermonters stood up for Ukraine at the Vermont State House, sharing letters from loved ones who live in the war-torn country, and stories of what theyve seen during visits themselves. They all stated the war has been going on for far too long, and said it has to end this year.

At this crucial hour, we cannot abandon Ukraine. Ukraine needs us, said Ethan Park, a supporter of Ukraine who lives in Montpelier. Who wouldve thought that four years later, we still need to bear witness to the ordeal that the Ukrainians are going through?

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Dear Barbara, I must tell you that nobody is safe here, said Barbara Felitti, a Vermonter who used to work and live in Ukraine, reading a letter from one of her friends who lives in the countrys capital city of Kyiv. Our daily reality is the sound of air raid sirens several times a day and through the night, the explosion of drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles arriving from a neighboring country and destroying the lives of my fellow citizens.

I experienced what it was like to be woken up at three oclock in the morning by an air raid siren, and a frantic text message from my friend across town saying, You have to go to the bomb shelter, this ones real, there are incoming ballistic missiles,' Recalled State Senator Tanya Vyhovsky, a Progressive of Ukrainian descent from Chittenden County, who visited her familys home country last August. I heard the missiles fall, finding out the next morning that two people died and eleven people were injured.

The speakers ultimate message was that the U.S. and the rest of the world needs to keep standing with Ukraine. They argue its of great importance, because they believe if Russia wins the war, it wouldnt just mean the end of Ukraine. They say it could also mean additional, larger wars breaking out between Russia and other countries in the future.

After a Ukrainian defeat, Russia would be emboldened to attack other countries such as Moldova, the Baltic countries, Park said.

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If we allow Ukraine to be defeated, that fight is coming to our backyards, to Polands backyards. We are fighting that fight too, State Senator Vyhovsky said.

Lieutenant Governor John Rodgers, a Republican, also spoke at the anniversary event, saying he wishes the U.S. and British governments would step up and do more. He added he would like to see all countries give up nuclear weapons, knowing the tensions going on in the world right now.

There were also other actions taken across the U.S. Tuesday night, as the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America asked everyone to stop using electricity for ten minutes to simulate the conditions Ukrainians have to live through every day in war zones. Thousands of Americans were expected to participate, as the plan gained significant traction across social media.

According to the Associated Press, the Trump Administration has been in peace talks with both Russia and Ukraine, but the conversations have stalled out for the time being due to some key differences.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44.
Founded in February 1996, the nonprofit Childrens Reading Foundation (CRF) marks 30 years dedicated to ensuring children learn to read early and well, specifically at grade level by the end of third grade. This milestone is a significant predictor of academic success and personal fulfillment.

Over the years, CRF has developed a suite of evidence-based programs, shaped national conversations about early learning, and inspired local literacy efforts from the Pacific Northwest to communities throughout America, proudly serving children in over 30 states.

Headquartered in Washington State, CRF began as a high school dropout-prevention effort. While that remains an important outcome, the organization emphasizes prevention over remediation. It empowers families to prepare their children to start school ready to learn and thrive.

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Children who enter kindergarten with below age-level skills struggle through the grades. And those who leave third grade reading below grade level form the largest cohort of dropouts. The CRF promotes activities that build reading skills from birth to age eight, energize a love of learning and nurture caring relationships.

The CRF believes families, schools, and communities all play essential roles in a childs ability to read and succeed. Guided by its enduring motto  read together 20 minutes every day  CRF has invested three decades in turning research into action. It has developed nationally recognized programs, including READY! for Kindergarten, an award-winning training for parents and caregivers to support joyful learning from birth through age five. The Resource Hub at readingfoundation.org offers engaging free materials to make learning at home fun and memorable.

Through robust partnerships, regional chapters, and national collaborations, CRF has served hundreds of diverse communities, including those in rural, urban, and high-poverty areas. From inner-city Chicago to the hollers of Appalachia, from coastal Georgia to the farms of eastern Washington, CRFs materials and activities have boosted literacy levels.

Local leaders choose programs that fit their communitys needs, such as Read Up: Stop the Summer Slide and Team Read Tutoring. During the COVID-19 pandemic, CRF quickly adapted by launching online bilingual workshops to ensure families could access resources when they needed them most.

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Independent evaluations show that children whose families and schools participate in CRF programs are on track to read well by third grade. In 2024, the Panhandle Alliance for Education in Idaho reported that 97% of students whose parents attended READY! tested at or above proficiency in the Idaho Reading Indicator (IRI). CRF programs have been shown to work for children regardless of their parents socioeconomic status, education level, or language. Most gratifying are the numerous testimonials of lives improved and uplifted by CRFs mission, highlighting its real-world impact.

As The Childrens Reading Foundation celebrates 30 years of service, it continues to motivate communities to narrow school readiness and achievement gaps through early literacy and family engagement. It supports volunteers, educators, and civic leaders in their vital roles. And its slogan encourages families to Read with your child  its the most important 20 minutes of your day.

Over the next 30 years, making early literacy a shared community effort will inspire a sense of collective responsibility among stakeholders and supporters. As we do, reading well by third grade can become the norm rather than the exception, giving children the opportunity to succeed in school and in life. Reading is a prerequisite for most adult employment, for personal fulfillment, and for a continued democracy. Lets make reading a civil right! Lets ensure every child has a strong reading foundation!

The CRFs message remains clear and urgent: reading well by third grade transforms lives, and it all begins at home. Have you read with a child today?

Nancy Kerr is is chair and co-founder of the Childrens Reading Foundation.
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Amid slumping approval ratings and a partial government shutdown, President Donald Trump will deliver his first official State of the Union address of his second term to a joint session of Congress.

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The speech is slated to begin at 9 p.m. ET. on Tuesday and will air on major networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, and PBS. Cable channels like CNN, MS NOW, and Fox News will also carry the speech and offer analysis.

At a Glance: How to Watch the State of the Union

If you dont have cable, you can stream the speech and the various networks coverage with a free trial to a live streaming service like DirecTV, Fubo, or Hulu + Live TV. DirecTV offers a five-day free trial that you can use to livestream President Trumps State of the Union address online for free. The speech will also be available to stream online on YouTube.

GET: DIRECTV STREAM 5-DAY FREE TRIAL

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The State of the Union is typically delivered in January or February, and often serves as an opportunity for the president to promote their accomplishments in office. Trumps rambling speech last year was not an official State of the Union, but rather a joint address to Congress. Presidents dont always deliver joint addresses in their first year in office, instead using the inaugural address to set their agenda.

Notably, Trump will be face-to-face with the Supreme Court, whom he lashed out against after they struck down his signature tariff agenda. Trump appointees Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch joined Chief Justice Roberts and the courts liberal wing in voting against the tariffs, with the court noting that the power to impose tariffs lies with Congress. The speech also comes as tensions rise with Iran, a subject hes expected to discuss in his address.

Some Democrats will boycott the speech, including California Senator Adam Schiff, Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey, Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy, and Minnesota Senator Tina Smith, who will all instead appear at an event dubbed the Peoples State of the Union at the National Mall.

Meanwhile, Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger will give the official Democratic response following the speech.

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Watch President Trumps 2026 State of the Union address online free with DirecTV here.

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Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), the chair of the powerful House Judiciary Committee, refused to call for Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) to resign, but made clear during a CNN interview on Tuesday that he is happy if Gonzaless primary opponent wins.

Jordan was asked about Gonzales by Manu Raju, noting the Texas Republican is under fire over an alleged affair with a former staffer who later killed herself by self-immolation. Gonzales, a married father of six, was revealed to have pressed his former aide to send him sexy photos in recently revealed text messages that also showed the staffer trying to rebuff his advances.

Raju began, Theres another controversy  theres always controversies in the Capitol  one involving your fellow Republican Congressman Tony Gonzalez. There are some really serious accusations right now that he had an affair, allegedly with a former staffer. She later killed herself, and now there are text messages that have been revealed that suggest he was acting very improper. Now, he has denied some of this, but hes also not really addressed it as well. Some of your fellow Republicans want him to resign over this. Should he resign?

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Jordan replied, Should he resign? I leave that up to the voters in San Antonio and South Texas and Mr. Gonzalezs district. Thats a call for the voters. Ive always sort of taken that position. In the end, its we the people who decide who represents us. Theres an election in seven days.

Are you supporting him for reelection? Raju pushed.

Jordan replied, We were, but theres also the guy who  now some of our colleagues are supporting  Mr. Herrera. If Mr. Herrera wins, thats fine. Are you going to support Herrera instead of the voters? No. I mean, look, were for the voters deciding.

So youre neutral? Raju asked.

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Well, no. Ive done events for Tony in the past, certainly to help maintain our majority. And if Tony wins, again, that is a call for the voters. Next week were going to know  in seven days, Jordan concluded.

Watch above via CNN.

The post We Were: Jim Jordan Pressed Hard On CNN If Hes Still Supporting Tony Gonzales first appeared on Mediaite.
The remarks made by Texas voter Sonya Bernhardt highlight the ongoing discussion about Jasmine Crocketts electability, which some say is rooted in racial and gender bias.

A Texas voters tearful admission that she didnt vote for Jasmine Crockett in the upcoming Texas U.S. Senate primary election because she didnt think the fiery U.S. congresswoman could win in the general election against the Republican nominee has gone viral.

We need a fighter. And I was so ready to vote for Jasmine Crockett, because I love her, but I voted for Talarico because we need somebody who can win, said Sonya Bernhardt, a Houston voter who cast her early ballot ahead of the March 3 primary contest between Crockett and Texas State Rep. James Talarico.

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Bernhardt explained that she loved Crocketts fiery style as a politician and her ability to go toe-to-toe with Republicans, particularly in committee hearings on Capitol Hill. She told CNN, That was one of the most difficult votes Ive ever voted in my entire life.

Bernhardts admission enraged Crocketts supporters online, who called out what they saw as a continued issue of white women voting against their own interests and the prevailing bias against female candidates and candidates of color.

The question that shes posing that weve seen throughout the course of this primary is the question around electability, and how electability is being framed, potentially through a racial lens, but also through a political lens, said Jamarr Brown, a Democratic strategist and former executive director of the Texas Democratic Party. I think that some of them are looking at race of the candidate, gender of the candidate, and then also maybe some of her records.

He told theGrio that Crocketts reputation for fighting Republicans in Congress is likely causing some Texas voters to think Crockett may not be able to appeal to more moderate or disgruntled Republicans who are suffering at the hands of the Trump administration.

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However, Brown noted that, contrary to some beliefs, a Democrat pulling out a win in a traditionally Republican state like Texas doesnt have to rely solely on conservative voters, or even white Democratic voters like Sonya.

White Democrats vote the lowest among any constituency in the party, he told theGrio. You have to look at Independents and whether they will cross over for either Democratic candidate? And I think they will, but it depends on who it is.

Ultimately, Brown said the pathway to victory for any Democrat in the general election will rely on the partys base, which includes Black, Hispanic AAPI voters and young voters.

In a state with the highest population of Black Americans in the country, the Texas operative explained, I think that weve got to bank on working in a Democratic Party that is deepening their base and deepening their bench with a strong coordinated campaign.

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In an interview with theGrio, Jasmine Crockett expressed frustration with critics who question her electability simply because she is a Black woman.

We know that the most loyal voting bloc, when it comes to Democrats, no matter what part of the country you look at, is actually Black women. And it is all good for us to laborwe allow this party continue to say, yes, yes, yes, we need Black women, go ahead and pull up [but] were not even going to focus on spending our dollars to you, because we know yall are gonna hold it down, said Crockett. No one is looking at the credentials. Like, holler at me and say that you have an issue as relates to my credentials.

More must-reads:
After facing scrutiny from the Trump administration, the University of Utah is among 31 colleges and universities severing ties with a nonprofit dedicated to increasing racial diversity in doctoral-level business school programs.

Last March, the U.S. Department of Educations Office of Civil Rights announced it was investigating 45 American universities  including the University of Utah  for allegedly using racial preferences and stereotypes in education programs and activities.

At the time, the Department of Education said the investigation was prompted by allegations that Utahs flagship higher education institution and 44 other schools have violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act (1964) by partnering with 'The Ph.D. Project'  an organization that purports to provide doctoral students with insights into obtaining a Ph.D. and networking opportunities, but limits eligibility based on the race of participants, according to a DOE release.

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The Ph.D. Project is a nonprofit that helps students from underrepresented groups get degrees in business with the goal of diversifying the business world, according to The Associated Press.

DOE officials said that the group limits eligibility based on race and that colleges that partner with it are engaging in race-exclusionary practices in their graduate programs.

Last week, the DOEs Office for Civil Rights announced 31 universities had either already terminated their relationship with The Ph.D. Project  or have agreed via resolution agreements to end their memberships or partnerships.

Each institution, added the DOE release, also agreed to conduct a review of their partnerships with external organizations to identify any that violate Title VI by restricting participation based on race.

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This is the Trump effect in action: institutions of higher education are agreeing to cut ties with discriminatory organizations, recommitting themselves to abiding by federal law, and restoring equality of opportunity on campuses across the nation, said Secretary of Education Linda McMahon in the DOE release.

We are hopeful that other institutions with similarly discriminatory practices will follow suit, paving the way for a future where we reject judging individuals by the color of their skin and once again embrace the principles of merit, excellence, and opportunity.

University of Utah settles with DOE Civil Rights office

In a University of Utah statement, the school reported settling with the DOEs Office of Civil Rights last year.

The university had tabled at The Ph.D. Projects Annual Conference University Fair during the 2024-2025 academic year  and also in 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. The annual fee was $5,000.

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University of Utah officials notified The Ph.D. Project that the membership/partnership was terminated on Oct. 22, 2025.

That statement also noted that over the past 14 years, 170 Ph.D. students were admitted to its David Eccles School of Business. The university is aware of just two students involved through The Ph.D. Project.

When the DOEs investigation of the 45 schools was announced last March, the University of Utah reported it had transformed the way it engages with students and the community last year in response to a new Utah law ending diversity, equity and inclusion efforts on Utah campuses.

These changes included closing identity-based cultural centers, reassigning staff and changing the way student services are delivered, so they are available to all students, regardless of their personal identity characteristics(as defined in state law).

DOE investigation includes elite universities

Several of the nations most elite colleges and universities who were included in the DOE investigation have reportedly signed resolution agreements to cease partnerships with The Ph.D. Project  including Carnegie Mellon University, Duke University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of California-Berkeley, Notre Dame, University of Chicago and Yale University.

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Negotiations are reportedly continuing with 14 additional schools.

Many of the schools promptly cut ties with The Ph.D. Project after the investigation was opened in order to avoid entanglements with the administration, the Associated Press reported.

The DOE had undertaken the inquiries after warning schools they could lose federal money over race-based preferences.

The Trump administration has targeted a wide range of practices that it has labeled as diversity, equity and inclusion.

Last year, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed the countrys five service academies to offer admission to applicants based exclusively on merit.

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Nixing all elements of affirmative action, wrote Hegseth in a memo to senior military leadership, ensures only the most qualified candidates are admitted, trained and commissioned to lead the finest fighting force in history.

Selecting anyone but the best erodes lethality, our warfighting readiness, and undercuts the culture of excellence in our Armed Forces.
Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) is one of Goldman Sachss top growth stock picks. On February 10, Truist Securities analyst Matthew Coad cut the firms price target on Visa, Inc. (NYSE:V) to $372 from $374, while keeping a Buy rating on the stock. The target adjustment was part of a broader research update in which Truist revised its financial models across a group of payment companies following their most recent quarterly earnings releases.

Visa (V) Balances Innovation with Market Expectations

Photo by Van Tay Media on Unsplash

In explaining the small reduction to the price target, Coad cited several factors that partially offset each other. On the positive side, Truist revised upward its assumptions for Visas Other Revenue category. This action, the firm said, was supported by elevated marketing services tied to Olympic-related activity, as well as a modestly more favorable foreign exchange outlook. On the other side, those positive revisions were outweighed by Truists higher-than-previously-expected operating expense projections for Visa. These pulled the net target slightly lower.

Independent of the analyst action, on February 5, Visa unveiled Visa & Main, a US-focused platform meant to help small businesses access funding, reach customers, and adopt modern tools.

Visa said the platform is structured around three pillars: Business Capital, Business Connect, and Business Essentials. The company framed the launch around common small-business pain points and said the goal is to meet small business owners where they are, including through local, community-based activations.

Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) operates a global payments network. It enables digital transactions across credit, debit, and prepaid cards, as well as mobile and online payment platforms.

While we acknowledge the potential of V as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 11 Best Alternative Energy Stocks to Invest In According to Analysts and 13 Best Infrastructure Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Islamabad, Pakistan  When Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stepped off the plane in Tel Aviv on Wednesday for his second visit to Israel, and the first by any Indian premier since his own landmark trip in 2017, the symbolism was unmistakable.

He was given a red-carpet welcome by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a head of government who is facing an International Criminal Court arrest warrant and prosecuting a war in Gaza that much of the world has condemned as genocide.

Yet Modis visit signalled not hesitation, but a wholehearted endorsement to expand Indias strategic embrace of Israel.

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Days before his arrival, Netanyahu announced at a cabinet meeting what he described as a hexagon of alliances, a proposed regional framework placing India at its centre alongside Greece, Cyprus and unnamed Arab, African and Asian states.

Its declared purpose was to counter what he called radical axes, both the radical Shia axis, which we have struck very hard, and the emerging radical Sunni axis.

In a region where Turkiyes President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been among Israels most outspoken critics, and where Saudi Arabia and Pakistan formalised a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement in September 2025  all three Sunni-majority nations  the outline of what Tel Aviv may view as this axis is not difficult to discern.

Against that backdrop, Indias deepening alignment with Israel directly impacts  and could reshape  Islamabads strategic calculus in an already volatile region, say analysts.

Expanding defence and technology ties

The India-Israel relationship has accelerated sharply since Modis 2017 visit. India is now Israels largest arms customer, and the agenda this week spans defence, artificial intelligence, quantum computing and cybersecurity.

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A new classified framework is expected to open exports from Israel of previously restricted military hardware to India. Among the systems reportedly under discussion is Israels Iron Beam, a 100kW-class high-energy laser weapon inducted into the Israeli army in December 2025. Cooperation on Iron Dome missile defence technology transfer for local manufacturing is also under consideration.

For Masood Khan, Pakistans former ambassador to both the United States and the United Nations, the visit marks a decisive moment.

News coming out suggests they are going to sign a special strategic agreement, one that could be seen as a counterpart to the agreement signed by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia last year, he said. Israel already has such special agreements with countries like the US and Germany.

Masood Khalid, a former Pakistani ambassador to China, pointed to this military dimension.

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We saw how Israeli drones worked in the India-Pakistan conflict against us last year, he said, referring to Indias use of Israeli-origin platforms during the May 2025 strikes against Pakistan, when the South Asian neighbours waged an intense four-day aerial war. Public statements from both sides speak of strengthening strategic cooperation  particularly in defence, counterterrorism, cybersecurity and AI.

Indias defence ties with Israel are no one-way street any more. During Israels war on Gaza in 2024, Indian arms firms supplied rockets and explosives to Tel Aviv, an Al Jazeera investigation confirmed.

Umer Karim, an associate fellow at the Riyadh-based King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, sees the partnership as part of a wider recalibration.

It is clear that India has entered into a strategic partnership with Israel, and at a time when both governments have been criticised for their actions, this bilateral relationship has become increasingly important for both, he told Al Jazeera.

Netanyahus hexagon and Pakistan

Netanyahus hexagon proposal remains undefined. He has promised an organised presentation at a later date.

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While Israel believes it has weakened what the Israeli PM described as the Shia axis through its 2024-2025 campaign against Iran-aligned groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas, the emerging radical Sunni axis is less clearly articulated.

Analysts suggest it could refer to states and movements aligned with strands of political Islam and sharply critical of Israeli policy, including Turkiye and countries that have strengthened security ties with Riyadh and Ankara, as Pakistan has. Pakistan is also the only Muslim nation with nuclear weapons  something that has long worried Israel: In the 1980s, Israel tried to recruit India for a joint military operation against a nuclear facility in Pakistan, but backed off the plan after New Delhi abstained.

Karim was convinced about Pakistans place in Netanyahus crosshairs.

Absolutely, Pakistan is part of this so-called radical Sunni axis, he said, arguing that Pakistans strategic agreement with Riyadh and its close ties with Turkiye directly affect Israels calculations. In order to counter this, Israel will increase its defence cooperation and intel sharing with Delhi.

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Khalid pointed to longstanding intelligence links.

Intelligence sharing between Indian RAW and Israeli Mossad dates back to the sixties. So their strengthened interaction in this domain should be of serious concern for us, he said, referring to the external intelligence agencies of India and Israel.

Others urge caution. Gokhan Ereli, an Ankara-based independent Gulf researcher, argued that Pakistan is unlikely to be an explicit target within Israels framing.

In this context, Pakistan is more plausibly affected indirectly, through the alignment of Israeli, Indian and Western threat narratives, than being singled out as a destabilising actor in its own right, he told Al Jazeera.

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Khan, the former ambassador, agreed.

I dont perceive a direct threat, but the latent animosity is there. And when Modi is in Tel Aviv, he will try to poison Netanyahu and other leaders there to think about Pakistan in a hostile way, he said.

Muhammad Shoaib, assistant professor of international relations at Quaid-i-Azam University, echoed that assessment.

Indias close relations with Israel are likely to negatively impact Tel Avivs perception and statements on Pakistan, he said.

The Gulf balancing act

Perhaps the most complex arena for Pakistan is the Gulf. For decades, it has relied on Gulf partners for financial support, including rolled-over loans and remittances that form a crucial pillar of its economy.

Pakistan signed a mutual defence agreement with Saudi Arabia in September last year [File: Press Information Department via AP Photo]

After signing the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia last September, discussions have intensified about Turkiye joining a similar framework. Yet the United Arab Emirates, one of Pakistans closest Gulf partners, signed a strategic agreement with India in January 2026.

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Khalid called for deeper economic integration to underpin these ties.

Pakistan is doing well to strengthen its bilateral ties with key Middle East countries, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Kuwait, he said, but apart from GCC, Pakistan also needs to promote regional cooperation, particularly with countries of Central Asia, Turkiye, Iran and Russia. Geoeconomics through greater trade and connectivity should be the basis of this regional cooperation. The Gulf Cooperation Council consists of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Complicating matters further is Irans central role in current regional tensions. With Washington threatening potential military action against Iran, and Israel pressing for regime change in Tehran, Pakistan has quietly sought to ease tensions by arguing for diplomacy.

But there are two main parties  Iran and the US  and then, most importantly, Israel, which doesnt just limit its demands to a nuclear deal, Khan, the former diplomat said. It wants to expand to Irans missile defence capabilities and regional alliances, and that may well be a sticking point. Pakistans aspiration is to contribute to efforts to find a diplomatic solution.

Strategic contest

Ultimately, Pakistans policymakers must assess whether ties with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye are strong enough to offset the expanding India-Israel partnership.

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Modi and Netanyahu frame their security doctrines around countering what they describe as Islamic radicalism. New Delhi has repeatedly accused Pakistan of fomenting violence against India.

Yet Khan argued that Islamabad is not without leverage.

We have built a firewall around us by pushing back Indian aggression in May 2025, and by strengthening our ties with the US over the last year, he said.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  The USDA reported that Kansas lost hundreds of farms in the last year.

A new Farms and Land in Farms report from the USDA, which was released this month for 2025 data found that the number of farms in the United States had lost 15,000 farms. It is reported that currently, the country has 1,865,000 farms.

Kansas is estimated to have lost 700 farms in the last year, despite there being an increase in the average size of farms. The average farm size in Kansas increased by seven acres, according to the report. Smaller to mid-size farms all saw a decrease in the number of farms except for larger farms that sell over $250,000.

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According to the USDA, the average farm size in 2025 was 469 acres, up from 466 acres in 2024.

Professor of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Director of undergraduate programs at Kansas State University Elizabeth Yeager spoke with 27 News that one of the reasons why farm numbers across the country have seen dips is due to farm consolidation, as the numbers point to.

The larger farms are purchasing or buying out some of the other farm operations, there may be land that has come up for sale in their area, Yeager said. We are in a period right now where margins remain tight for our crop and livestock operations, and so producers are having to be strategic in their management decisions,

Home sales fall in January across northeast Kansas

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Yeager also emphasized that the numbers in the most recent report are consistent with gradual decline in farm numbers but an increase in farm sizes in the last few decades. In 2000, the USDA reported that Kansas had 65,000 farms in 1999, and in 2010 it was reported that the state had 65,500.

The reported numbers means Kansas lost nearly 10,700 farms in the last two decades, but average farm sizes went up 382 acres from 1999.

We are experiencing a decrease but certainly it is in line with other states in the US  I dont think its anything we need to be excessively concerned about, Yeager said. Agricultural output is continuing to increase and we are continuing to see more efficiencies across the agriculture sector.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
The state's top emergency management official is warning Oklahomans to remain vigilant after wildfires spread across more than 310,000 acres, forced people to evacuate and scorched homes and ranches.

"We are just at the beginning of fire season," said Annie Vest, who directs the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management.

Vest, Gov. Kevin Stitt and other state officials outlined how state agencies are working to combat wildfires at a news conference Tuesday, Feb. 24.

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Firefighters are still working to combat the Rattlesnake fire in the northeast part of the state, but they have contained all the other fires that started earlier in February, Vest said. The Bureau of Indian Affairs reported firefighters have contained 70% of the Rattlesnake fire.

As of mid-day on Tuesday, Feb. 24, firefighters were also working to squelch a newly sparked fire in Pittsburg County, in the southeast part of the state.

Public Safety Secretary Tricia Everest said "changing weather patterns, evolving land use and expanding development in high-risk areas" have greatened the risk of wildfires to Oklahomans.

"Wildfire in Oklahoma is no longer a seasonal threat," Everest said. "It's a year-long reality."

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Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur said people have been responsible for 95% of the fires that have erupted across the state.

The response to the latest round of wildfires comes after state officials faced scrutiny in responding to a series of devastating blazes in March 2025. Wildfires spread to 44 counties in the state last year, in both urban and rural areas.

Because of the seriousness of last year's wildfire season, 20 agencies came together to develop a combat to wildfires.

Agency officials studied wildfire response in other states for months to determine what might work in Oklahoma. They plan to release a report outlining a 15-point strategy to combat wildfires. Some of those included modernizing the burn ban authority, deploying technology that detects wildfires and encouraging the construction of wildfire safe buildings.

State officials came together on Tuesday, Feb. 24, to address how they are responding to wildfires across Oklahoma. They plan to release a 15-point plan to combat wildfires, a year after facing scrutiny for the way the state addressed a series of blazes in March 2025.

The fallout from the 2025 fires prompted Stitt, whose property near Luther was burned, to criticize the state's forestry division and oust its leader.

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Despite a nationwide search, the position has remained vacant for nearly a year. At the news conference on Tuesday, Feb. 24, Stitt questioned the need for a forestry services director.

"I'd argue maybe we don't need one," Stitt said. "They've done a great job this whole year, and we've saved the taxpayer whatever the person's salary was."

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma wildfires only the 'beginning' of fire season, officials say
A powerful winter storm that blanketed Arkansas with snow, sleet and sub-freezing temperatures in late January caused tens of millions of dollars in agricultural losses statewide, according to a new report from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

The Jan. 2327 storm delivered up to 12 inches of snow and 2 inches of sleet across much of the state, bringing extreme cold and widespread ice that disrupted livestock operations, damaged infrastructure, and reduced crop production. Collapsing structures, particularly poultry houses, were reported in several areas.

Cattle losses top $32 million

Survey data collected by Cooperative Extension agents indicate Arkansas cattle producers suffered an estimated $24.8 million in cow and calf mortality. The report cites average calf mortality of 2.74% and cow mortality of 1.65%.

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In addition, producers spent an estimated $7.52 million more than usual on hay and supplemental feed during January because of the storm.

James Mitchell, an extension economist and one of the reports authors, said historically high cattle prices amplified the financial impact.

Cattle prices are historically high, so losses reflect higher values, Mitchell said, adding that the figures do not represent unusually large numbers of cattle deaths.

Mitchell encouraged producers to contact their local Farm Service Agency office regarding the Livestock Indemnity Program.

Sheep and goats

The states small ruminant population includes an estimated 34,100 goats and kids and about 32,485 sheep and lambs. Survey responses indicated a 2% mortality rate for lambs and kids born during the storm and a 1.3% mortality rate among sheep and goats during the week of the storm.

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The estimated market value of sheep and goats lost ranges from $151,200 to $170,100. Producers also reported feeding roughly twice as much hay as they would during a typical winter week.

Mitchell noted that estimates for sheep and goats are less precise because small ruminant inventory reporting is not detailed enough to generate highly specific figures.

Specialty crops, aquaculture

Producers of five major specialty crops, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, strawberries, and grapes, including muscadines, reported yield losses between 4% and 8%. Combined with baseline crop values, the estimated total loss across those crops is $1.17 million.

In aquaculture, the Arkansas catfish industry experienced an estimated 1.17% inventory loss, translating to approximately $270,300 in sales. The baitfish industry lost less than 1% of its inventory, with estimated economic losses of about $219,000.

Poultry hardest hit

While final poultry loss figures are not yet available, the report states the industry experienced the greatest losses among all livestock and crop sectors, citing structural damage and flock mortality.

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About 70 poultry houses collapsed in Yell County alone during the storm.

Researchers said quantifying poultry losses is challenging because of wide variability among operations, including the age and condition of poultry houses, whether flocks were present at the time, repair versus replacement costs, lost grower income, and disruptions in the delivery of birds, feed, and propane.

A separate, detailed report on poultry losses is expected.

Other damages

Additional storm-related losses included damage to farm equipment, vehicles, buildings, greenhouses, timber stands and forages. Because those impacts vary widely by farm, the report did not assign dollar amounts.

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The winter storm damage report was produced by the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness and the Fryar Price Risk Management Center of Excellence within the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Extension officials encourage producers seeking assistance or information about programs to contact their local Cooperative Extension Service office.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Snow, ice leave $30M+ in farm losses across Arkansas
Wisconsin registered voters as a whole, and Democratic and Independent voters in particular, do not approve of how U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are enforcing immigration laws, according to the latest Marquette University Law School poll.

Approval of ICE's enforcement actions hit 87% among Republicans while 13% disapproved. Those numbers are completely reversed, and then some, among Democrats: 97% disapproved and just 3% approved. Independents hewed more closely to the Democratic view with 76% disapproving and 24% approving.

The poll, which was released Wednesday, Feb. 25, was taken following the fatal shootings of Nicole Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota and largely completed prior to the end of Operation Metro Surge, which resulted in a mass withdrawal of immigration agents from that state, said poll director Charles Franklin.

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The partisan divide held fast among other immigration-related questions in the poll.

Nearly three out of four Republican voters, or 72%, thought the Pretti shooting was justified while 98% of Democrats said it was not. A broad majority of Wisconsin registered voters overall, 61%, said the shooting was not justified.

Those numbers shift considerably when registered voters were asked whether they approved of deporting immigrants living in the U.S. illegally, with 65% approving of the deportations and 35% disapproving. When the deportation question included even if [immigrants living illegally in the U.S.] have lived here for a number of years, have jobs, and no criminal record," 60% disapproved of deporting them.

However, perceptions about who ICE is deporting varied widely among Republicans and Democrats, Franklin said.

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Eighty-three percent of Republicans believed ICE is mostly deporting immigrants with criminal records, while 89% of Democrats said ICE is mostly deporting immigrants with no criminal records.

The pollsters were in the field between Feb. 11 and Feb. 18. They surveyed 818 registered voters with a margin of error of +/- 4.3 percentage points.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Partisan gap in approval of ICE is enormous in Wisconsin, poll finds
Witkoff told a private gathering of AIPAC donors in Washington that the Trump administration aims to sign a deal without a "sunset clause."

The Trump administration is demanding that Iran agree to a nuclear deal that would remain in effect indefinitely, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff told a recent private meeting of donors, according to a Wednesday Axios report.

Witkoff reportedly told a private gathering of AIPAC donors on Tuesday that the administration aims to avoid a "sunset clause" to ensure there is no limit on the deal's duration, two sources familiar with his remarks told Axios.

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"We start with the Iranians with the premise that there is no sunset provision. Whether we get a deal or not, our premise is: you have to behave for the rest of your lives," the report quoted Witkoff as saying.

This type of clause was present in the 2015 nuclear agreement signed by the Obama administration, and was heavily criticized by US President Donald Trump.

In that instance, most of the limitations imposed in the Islamic Republic were scrapped after 25 years in exchange for Iran pledging never to pursue the development of nuclear weapons.

People ride on a motorcycle as a view shows the aftermath of an Israeli strike on Evin Prison that took place on June 23, after the ceasefire between Israel and Iran, in Tehran, Iran, June 29, 2025. (credit: MAJID ASGARIPOUR/WANA (WEST ASIA NEWS AGENCY) VIA REUTERS)

According to the report, which also cited a US official and two other sources with knowledge of Witkoff's remarks, Trump aims to use the absence of a "sunset clause" to sell the deal domestically.

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Trump on Tuesday stated that he will never allow Iran to possess a nuclear weapon during his annual State of the Union address delivered to the US Congress.

"We wiped [Iran's nuclear program] out, and they want to start all over again, and at this moment are pursuing their sinister ambitions," Trump said. "We are in negotiations, and they want to make a deal, but we haven't heard those secret words: 'we will never have a nuclear weapon.' My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy, but one thing is certain, I will never allow the world's number one sponsor of terror, which they are by far, to have a nuclear weapon - can't let that happen."

"As president, I will make peace wherever I can, but I will never hesitate to confront threats to America where I must," he affirmed, adding that the "Iranian regime and its murderous proxies have spread nothing but terrorism, death, and hate" for the past 47 years.

Trump administration, Iran claim to seek lasting nuclear deal

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also said during a weekend interview with CBS that the regime seeks to reach a deal that would make sure the Iranian nuclear program "remains peaceful forever."

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Witkoff, alongside Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, is set to meet Araghchi in Geneva on Thursday to continue the nuclear talks.

Killing Khamenei would not trigger collapse of regime, Araghchi says

Araghchi said on Wednesday that assassinating the Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei would not trigger a regime collapse as "there is a system in place to replace him."

"I've seen suggestions in US media about assassinating the Supreme Leader, but this is a system. It is a well-established mechanism that exists within the system itself, so nothing would collapse. Everyone would be replaced through established procedures," Araghchi said in an interview with India Today.

"Our system does not depend on individuals. It is supported by the people. So, I am not worried at all. Even in the middle of war, nothing collapsed, and we were able to continue our self-defense," he said.

Goldie Katz and James Genn contributed to this report.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Democrat Rep. Kadyn Wittman said she immediately shifted into planning mode after her bill to reimburse schools for students on reduced meal plans passed the House of Representatives.

Bill seeks a state law for service dog fraud

House Bill 1082 passed 46-20 on the House floor Tuesday, marking the farthest a version of the proposal has gone since Wittman began drafting school lunch bills four years ago. The bill now heads to the Senate.

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It feels wonderful knowing that weve made it farther than weve ever made it before, Wittman told KELOLAND News in an interview Wednesday. However, I immediately shifted into How do we get through the Senate? mode. Were only about halfway on the route to the governors desk, so we still have a ways to go.

The bill would require the Department of Education to reimburse school districts for students on reduced lunch meal plans, which is 30 cents for breakfast and 40 cents for lunch.

The fiscal note for the bill came in at $592,000. Wittman said she believes the state could easily accommodate the cost even if more families qualify, pointing to South Dakotas history of year-end budget surpluses.

Republican Sen. Brandon Wipf, who will sponsor the bill in the Senate, said he reached out to Wittman shortly after his appointment because he saw a clear need and viewed the cost as reasonable.

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Theyve talked about it for many years up here in Pierre, but I really think now is the time that we can make this change, Wipf said in a Wednesday interview with KELOLAND News. Itll benefit our students in a pretty broad way across the state.

Wipf said he has also heard from constituents and residents statewide who support the effort.

People that are taxpayers are reaching out to me and saying this is how I want my tax dollars spent, he added. Its not often that you get that as a legislator.

Both lawmakers emphasized that the proposal has drawn bipartisan support. Wittman said 24 lawmakers have signed on as co-sponsors, most of them Republicans.

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I know I cant get anything across the finish line without my Republican colleagues, she said. I have gratitude for my colleagues who have been willing to step up and not only vote in support of this, but speak in support of it in their communities.

Wittman said she has also heard from supporters across the state. Representatives from the American Heart Association, South Dakota State Medical Association, South Dakota Education Association, Hungry Hearts and the Economic Development Professionals Association testified for the bill.

Students from the Tea Area High School and Harrisburg High School submitted letters in support as well.

Government can be very close to the people that it represents and seeing that same spark and that same interest in young people in our communities around this initiative has been really special for me, Wittman noted.

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Gov. Larry Rhoden said in a Wednesday interview that he would consider the bill if it reaches his desk.

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 KELOLAND.com.
ZANESVILLE  The person taken into custody during a Putnam Avenue drug raid on Feb. 24 has been identified and charged, according to the Zanesville Police Department.

Jodi Lynn Bottomley, 52, is facing one count of methamphetamine trafficking, a second-degree felony.

She awaits her Feb. 26 arraignment in the Zanesville City Jail, according to an announcement from the ZPD. Her case will be presented to a grand jury at a later date.

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Bottomley became the subject of the drug raid in the 1000 block of Putnam after numerous citizens voiced concerns about reported drug activity coming from one residence.

The ZPD and Muskingum County Sheriff's Office's special response teams executed a search warrant Feb. 24, took Bottomley into custody, and seized multiple types of suspected narcotics and one firearm, ZPD previously announced.

The operation and its connected drug-trafficking investigation were a joint effort among the Muskingum County and Zanesville's Joint Drug Task Force, the Central Ohio Drug Enforcement (CODE) Task Force, and the Ohio Counter Drug Program.

This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Zanesville woman charged after Putnam Avenue drug raid
A suburban woman accused of carjacking and killing delivery driver Daniel Figueroa appeared in court Wednesday.

Investigators said the suspect ran over the man with his own minivan as she and two others stole his vehicle.

Montoya Perry, 33 of Maywood smiled widely in a police mugshot despite being charged with the violent crime.

She's facing felony murder and vehicular hijacking charges for the early Monday morning attack.

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Perry has eight prior felony convictions dating back to 2010. She was out on pre-trial release for another incident that happened two weeks ago, when the crime earlier this week occurred.

She has a history of aggravated robberies, carjackings, fleeing from police and lying to police.

A judge ordered Perry, who entered the hearing on crutches, detained Wednesday, pending trial.

"It was important to be here because Daniel didn't deserve this. You know, even though they have one person in custody, you know, we still need justice to be served," girlfriend Sandra Guerrero said.

The victim's family was very emotional in court Wednesday.

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"I'm pretty numb still. I can be angry. I can be hurt, but that's not gonna bring my son back. I'm gonna let justice take its place," mother Eleanor Rivera said. "I'm happy in my heart she's being detained and the case is moving forward. There's no doubt in my mind she did it, and she did it with intent to hurt and left my son there to die."

At one point, a fight broke out between members of Figueroa's family and members of Perry's family.

"Things were said in the court room by the other family and they reacted; that's all I'm gonna be able to say," Rivera said.

Two members of the victim's family were briefly detained before it appears they were let go.

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Figueroa's longtime girlfriend Guerrero said he had just gotten off work from Amazon and planned to work extra hours for Uber Eats when the unthinkable happened.

She said the 28-year-old had just dropped off his final food order of the night at Loretto Hospital when three people allegedly tried to steal his minivan.

Investigators said Perry was behind the wheel when Figueroa tried to stop her from driving off. He ended up being dragged for half a block before being run over with his own vehicle.

Chicago police said the Downers Grove native died after being found around 2 a.m. that same morning lying unresponsive on West Flournoy Street on the city's West Side.

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Prosecutors say a doctor at the hospital was supposed to receive the food, but became suspicious after not getting any updates.

They say he then made his way outside, where Figueroa was found lying in a pool of blood. He died shortly after.

Investigators said they've recovered Figueroa's minivan. His family said he cared deeply about people and loved to fish as a hobby.

Meanwhile, investigators are still looking for the suspect's two accomplices.

Funeral services are now being planned for this weekend, while a GoFundMe has already raised more than $12,000 to help Figueora's girlfriend and her young son, Dariel.

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"I just pray with the help of the justice system and everyone involved that Daniel gets justice. My son deserves to live with his smile and continue to smile upon us all," Rivera said. "I love you Daniel wherever you're at."

Perry is due back on court March 18.

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An Idaho woman was arrested after prosecutors said she stole an ambulance and crashed it into a building that houses U.S. Department of Homeland Security offices, later pouring gasoline inside the property.

Sarah Elizabeth George, 43, is accused of stealing a Canyon County Paramedics ambulance from St. Lukes Hospital Emergency Center in Meridian, a suburb of Boise, Idaho, on Wednesday, Feb. 18, according to police. George then allegedly drove into a nearby office building and poured gasoline in and around the vehicle before fleeing on foot.

Investigators believe that George intentionally crashed into the building and attempted to "ignite the ambulance and potentially the building," the Meridian Police Department said in a statement on Feb. 24. No injuries were reported in the incident.

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During a news conference, Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea said George was arrested on Monday, Feb. 23, after a five-day investigation. The Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted in the investigation.

'ICE academy is deficient, defective': ICE teaches cadets to 'violate the Constitution,' ex-DHS attorney testifies

"It was good old-fashioned police work that got us to where we are at tonight," Basterrechea said on Feb. 23. "These investigators literally went door-to-door, looking for possible camera footage, possible witnesses and other information and evidence."

George has been charged with attempted destruction of federal property by fire and malicious destruction of property used or affecting interstate or foreign commerce, according to police. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison.

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Police noted that the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges may be filed in the case.

President Donald Trump stands with U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Representative Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Representative Zach Nunn (R-IA), Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) and Representative Ashley Hinson (R-IA), upon arrival at Joint Base Andrews following a visit to Iowa, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, July 4, 2025. Chair of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee Gene Sykes, former Olympic gymnast Nastia Liukin, Chief of Protocol of the United States Monica Crowley, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi stand as U.S. President Donald Trump (not pictured) delivers remarks before signing an executive order to create a White House Olympics task force to handle security and other issues related to the LA 2028 summer Olympic in the South Court Auditorium on the White House campus in Washington, D.C., August 5, 2025. President Donald Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, and U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem are pictured visiting a temporary migrant detention center in Ochopee, Florida, dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz." Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security, testifies in front of the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security in Washington, D.C., on May 6, 2025. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks during a cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on April 30, 2025. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks during the Border Security Expo at the Phoenix Convention Center on April 8, 2025, in Phoenix. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem speaks during a tour of the Terrorist Confinement Center (CECOT) as prisoners stand, looking out from a cell, in Tecoluca, El Salvador, on March 26, 2025. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem (R), participates in a firefighting drill with a training helicopter during a tour of US Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak, March 17, 2025, in Kodiak, Alaska. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem looks out during an aerial tour on a HC-130J aircraft from US Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak on March 17, 2025, in Kodiak Station, Alaska. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem (R) pilots a US Coast Guard Response Boat-Small (RBS) with the Maritime Security Response Team in San Diego, California, on March 16, 2025. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem (R) participates in a ship assault demonstration on board the US Coast Guard Cutter Elm with the Maritime Security Response Team on March 16, 2025, in San Diego, California. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem rides a four-wheeler during a tour along the Nogales border wall at the Mariposa Port of Entry in Nogales, Arizona, March 15, 2025. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks during a TV interview with Fox News outside of the White House on March 10, 2025 in Washington, DC. N Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks during the Super Bowl LIX Public Safety Press Conference at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on Feb. 3, 2025 in New Orleans. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem delivers remarks to staff at the Department of Homeland Security headquarters on Jan. 28, 2025 in Washington, DC. Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security nominee Kristi Noem arrives for the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Jan. 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks with moderator and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem during a town hall at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center and Fairgrounds in Oaks, Pa., on Oct. 14, 2024. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem speaks during the first day of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on July 15, 2024. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, President-elect Donald Trumps pick to lead the Department of Homeland Security speaks during a confirmation hearing on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 in Washington. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem appears at the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC 2024 on Feb. 23, 2024, in National Harbor, MD South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem speaks ahead of former President Donald Trump during a campaign event outside Wright Bros. Aero Inc. at the Dayton International Airport for U.S. Senate candidate Bernie Moreno on Saturday, March 16, 2024 in Dayton, Ohio. Gov. Kristi Noem speaks to legislators during the State of the State address on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024 at South Dakota State Captiol in Pierre. Gov. Kristi Noem takes pictures with attendees during a caucus event in support of Donald Trump on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024 at County Celebrations Center in Sioux City, Iowa. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, with her family behind her, speaks after winning reelection on Tuesday evening, November 8, 2022, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Sioux Falls. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem helps Renee Simonsen check out customers' groceries at Sunshine Foods before meeting with members of the press on Wednesday, Oc. 12, 2022, in Sioux Falls. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem answers questions during a press conference at the State Capitol on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022. Governor Kristi Noem of South Dakota greets guests at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip campground after riding in the Legends Ride for charity on Aug. 9, 2021 near Sturgis, S.D. Gov. Kristi Noem is hugged by her husband, Bryon Noem, at her inauguration ceremony in Pierre, S.D., Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019. Noem is the first woman to hold the position of governor in South Dakota. President Donald Trump and U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem speak Friday, Sept. 7, 2018, at South Dakota Air National Guard in Sioux Falls. Kristi Noem makes her way through supporters before the gubernatorial debate with Billie Sutton Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2017 at KELO TV in Sioux Falls. U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem (R-SD) (R) and U.S. Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) (C) join fellow Republicans for a media availability in the Speaker's offices in the U.S. Capitol March 29, 2011 in Washington, DC. New House of Representative member Kristi Noem poses with her husband, Bryon, on the House steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington on November 19, 2010. Trump fires Kristi Noem as DHS Secretary. See her political career. 1 of 32 President Donald Trump stands with U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Representative Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Representative Zach Nunn (R-IA), Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) and Representative Ashley Hinson (R-IA), upon arrival at Joint Base Andrews following a visit to Iowa, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, July 4, 2025.

Court records: Suspect's social media contained 'adverse political positions against ICE/DHS'

A person, later identified as George, allegedly stole a parked Canyon County Paramedics ambulance outside the St. Lukes Hospital Emergency Center in Meridian at around 11 p.m. local time on Feb. 18, according to court documents obtained by USA TODAY.

Shortly after, surveillance footage showed George had briefly stopped at a nearby parking lot and loaded the ambulance with at least two gas jugs and a plastic bag, court documents state. George then drove the ambulance through the south entrance doors of an office building and began pouring gasoline around the lobby floor.

When officers from the Meridian Police Department arrived at the scene, George fled from the building on foot, according to court documents.

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'Watched ICE dismantle' program: ICE teaches cadets to 'violate the Constitution,' ex-DHS attorney testifies

Investigators later learned that the U.S. General Services Administration had leased offices in the building for the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to court documents. The Idaho Capital Sun reported that the building is owned by St. Lukes Health System, the largest health system in Idaho, and the space was being used as an administrative office for Homeland Security.

Surveillance footage also showed George purchasing gasoline at a local gas station, and investigators were able to identify George after reviewing the footage and receipts from stores in the area, according to court documents.

"Additionally, law enforcement found what appears to be Georges Facebook page," court documents state. "It apparently contains adverse political positions against ICE/DHS."

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Georges Facebook page included a post that states, "If it can be destroyed by the truth then it should be destroyed; it was built in lies anyways, according to court documents. The post also included an image depicting the White House in flames and smoke.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Idaho woman rammed ambulance into building housing DHS: Prosecutors
This story was originally published on Supply Chain Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Supply Chain Dive newsletter.

Walgreens plans to close a distribution center in Houston, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification notice viewed by Supply Chain Dive.

Following the closure, the company plans to streamline service and deliveries from a single source  a distribution center in Waxahachie, Texas  to better serve customers while reducing workload for store employees, a spokesperson told Supply Chain Dive in an email.

The closure will impact 159 employees, with permanent layoffs slated to start June 1, per the notice which was filed Feb. 12. Affected employees will remain employed and receive full compensation for a 60-day period or until they resign  whichever comes first. Employees will also have access to on-site career fairs and outplacement services.

The Texas closure comes as the company plans layoffs elsewhere within its operations.

Elsewhere in its supply chain, Walgreens has opted to expand the use of micro-fulfillment centers, which use technology to handle and ship prescriptions to retail locations.

Walgreens has been using micro-fulfillment centers since 2021, the spokesperson said. The network currently supports roughly 5,100 stores and fills more than 16 million prescriptions per month. As of now, Walgreens operates 14 micro-fulfillment centers, according to its website.

The drugstore chain opened a new micro-fulfillment center in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, in May 2025, which was expected to process about 13 million prescriptions annually and service nearly 200 stores in the Midwest.

In December 2025, Walgreens opened a 27,000-square-foot center in West Jordan, Utah, the spokesperson said. The new facility supports 96 retail stores across the region and will process about 4.2 million prescriptions each year.

Micro-fulfillment centers allow our in-store pharmacy team members to focus more of their time on patient-centric services such as vaccinations and preventive care, patient outreach and medication adherence, the spokesperson said.

This story was first published in our Operations Weekly newsletter. Sign up here.

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A coalition of casino workers asked the New Jersey Supreme Court to weigh constitutional questions underpinning their challenge to a legal exemption that allows smoking on Atlantic City casino floors.

The filing from the United Auto Workers union argues that lower courts erred in finding the states constitution does not grant a right to safety and that the casinos exemption in the 2006 Smoke-Free Air Act is not unconstitutional special legislation.

Im really hoping that they take this seriously and quickly because every single day is dangerous for my clients, said Nancy Erika Smith, an attorney representing the workers.

The filing also challenges lower courts deference to a casino-backed report that claims barring smoking inside gaming houses would cost them revenue. The workers say those findings are contrary to those of other industry groups.

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UAW and Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects, an advocacy group more often called CEASE, have for years attempted to end the carveout that allows smoking on casino floors, arguing workers there are forced to bear the health impacts of secondhand smoke.

In their Supreme Court appeal, the groups argue a trial court judge who ruled there is no right to safety in New Jerseys constitution got it wrong, noting the document begins by saying all people have certain natural and unalienable rights among which are those  of pursuing and obtaining safety and happiness.

An appeals court that in January ordered the judge to rehear the case declined to take up workers claims on the right to safety, saying that matter is best left to the states court of last resort.

I want the court to say, Yes, the statement in the first sentence of the New Jersey constitution isnt meaningless, that no words in the constitution are meaningless, that there is a right to safety, Smith said.

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If the high court finds the right exists, it would weigh against economic arguments casinos have made to keep the carveout in law. Gaming houses and unions representing other casino workers have said barring smoking inside casinos would push gamblers to institutions in neighboring states where indoor smoking is permitted.

An attorney for the Casino Association of New Jersey declined to comment.

Casino workers and labor activists gathered outside the Mercer County Civil Courthouse on April 5, 2024, after labor leaders announced a lawsuit they filed against the state that asks a judge to ban smoking in casinos, after years of legislative inaction. (Photo by Dana DiFilippo/New Jersey Monitor)

The workers also want the carveout to be declared unconstitutional special legislation  law that improperly favors one person or group over others similarly situated.

The trial court judge declined to impose that classification because portions of the states constitution specifically refer to Atlantic City and grant it the ability to host casinos and gambling.

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The UAW also asked the Supreme Court to find lower courts erred in their equal protection analysis by excluding the safety of workers.

If the Supreme Court takes up the appeal  it must take up appeals it agrees pose unsettled constitutional questions  a ruling in the UAWs favor could immediately end the carveout or leave the fate of the carveout to the state Superior Court.

Parties in the lower court case are now jockeying over discovery ahead of a July evidentiary hearing that will test the two sides economic claims. The trial court ruled on the parties competing economic arguments without a hearing before the appellate panel kicked the case back down.

The fight over casino smoking has worn on for years.

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Early in the pandemic, workers attempted to lobby the Legislature to end the exemption, but those efforts were unsuccessful despite the bill winning sponsorships from a majority of lawmakers in both chambers (some lawmakers later withdrew their sponsorships).

In 2024, they sued, alleging the carveout violates their constitutional rights. Smith said she always expected the workers constitutional claims would be answered by the states Supreme Court.

I think its the endgame here. I really do, Smith said. I feel very optimistic that we are going to stop poisoning these workers as a result of this case.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
After more than two hours of debate, the House of Delegates passed its budget bill on Wednesday afternoon, notably leaving out Gov. Patrick Morriseys requested personal income tax cut.

The budget bill debate showcased little to no love between House Finance Chairman Vernon Criss, R-Wood, and the Republican governor.

Weve never had a conversation with the governor. He has never darkened the door of the vice chairman or myself other than coming to sit on the bench to listen to Hope Scholarship, Criss said on the House floor, referring to earlier this week when Morrisey surprisingly appeared in the House Finance Committee when he thought members were going to discuss possible changes to the states education voucher program.

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Last week, Morrisey posted on his X social media account, Tax cuts and school choice used to be page one of the Republican platform  guess House Finance Chair Vernon Criss hasnt gotten that far.

The Senate passed their budget last week, which differed from the governors budget proposal, but included Morriseys requested 10% personal income tax cut. The reduction to the personal income tax is expected to cost $250 million.

The House Finance Committee took the Senates budget bill, Senate Bill 250, and amended it with their own proposed changes, including axing the tax cut idea.

Del. Kayla Young, D-Kanawha

During bill debate, Del. Kayla Young, D-Kanawha, asked Criss how hed describe this years budget.

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His response: Responsible.

Young replied, I would say so, too.

The Houses budget with amendments passed with a vote of 83-14; Republican members were the no votes. The proposed budget includes a 3% pay raise for state employees, funding Medicaid with revenue dollars  instead of surplus dollars as the governor proposed  and $211 million in funding for the Hope Scholarship. It also, for the first time, would put money into the states flood prevention fund.

The Houses proposed $5.46 billion budget is $30 million less than the governors proposed spending for Fiscal Year 2027.



After weve done our due diligence on the governors budget, his budget was actually unconstitutional because he actually spent more money than he had revenue for, Criss said.

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The House could still approve a tax cut since theyll take up a bill passed by the Senate to implement a 10% personal income tax cut.

West Virginia has a trigger system in place to accelerate tax cuts, and that formula didnt trigger a tax cut this year because the state didnt meet the revenue goal in this past fiscal year.



Marty Gearheart, R  Mercer

Weve offered considerable tax relief over time. I believe that the governors revenue estimate this year does, in fact, account for a 5% tax increase, and Im hopeful that well be able to offer some continued relief and put more money back in West Virginias pockets so that West Virginians can make their own determinations what are best for them, said Del. Marty Gearheart, R-Mercer.



On Tuesday, Morrisey held a press conference at the state Capitol, calling on the Legislature  specifically House members  to pass his 10% tax cut.

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I really believe that we need to have an across the board income tax cut, and Ive said that because Im very worried about the affordability challenges that were facing, and I also know that we have to stay more competitive with other states that we touch, the governor said.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey held a press conference Feb. 24, 2026, at the state Capitol in Charleston, West Virginia, urging lawmakers to approve his requested 10% cut to the personal income tax. (Photo courtesy of the West Virginia Office of Gov. Patrick Morrisey)

Hope Scholarship funding included, public school aid formula adjustments to be determined

While the House Finance Committee has considered new restrictions on the broad Hope Scholarship voucher program to reduce the overall price tag, the budget passed Tuesday would fully fund the program for the coming year.

The Hope Scholarship, which gives students roughly $5,200 to use for private school tuition, homeschooling and more, opens up to all West Virginia students for the first time next school year. There is some uncertainty about how many students will use the program, so the Legislature is prefunding the program to accommodate a possible big increase in the number of students using it.

Criss said that between state funds, surplus funds and leftover money in the Hope Scholarship program, it would be a total appropriation to around $230 million, which is what the governor requested.

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The House Finance Committee is expected to take up its bill to make potential changes to the Hope Scholarship this week.

The budget at this time doesnt include any adjustments to the school aid formula  about $214 million in funding, according to a House bill thats moving  that could help counties struggling with student population loss and school closures. There wasnt any additional funding to help schools serving the states growing number of special education students.

House members approved an amendment from House Minority Leader Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, to put $25 million in the West Virginia Flood Resiliency Office Trust Fund. (Photo by Perry Bennett/West Virginia Legislative Photography)

House adds flood prevention money, says no to more child care funding

House members approved several amendments to the budget bill, including a Democrat-sponsored amendment that would put $25 million toward flood relief.

The money would be put in the West Virginia Flood Resiliency Office Trust Fund  a fund created by the Legislature in 2023 but never funded.

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The people of West Virginia have not had adequate relief, said House Minority Leader Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, who sponsored the amendment. We have the power as a body to do something very profound today.

Del. Bill Flanigan, R-Ohio

Del. Bill Flanigan, R-Ohio, recalled the devastating flooding in Wheeling last year, when nine people died.

I woke up this year to a tremendous flood, and we have lost a lot of lives. We lost a lot of damaged property. Im going to rise in support of this amendment. Just anything we can do to help prevent this, if weve got to put more money into it, I think weve got to do it, Flanigan said.

House members also approved an amendment from Del. Michael Hite, R-Berkeley, that said any money given to the Department of Human Services cannot be used in any other line item than what it is designated for, including money for services with people with disabilities. The Department of Human Services previously spent money earmarked for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities on things like COVID tests and contract nurses salaries.

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The House had included this language in their budget bill last year, but Morrisey vetoed it.

The GOP-super majority in the House rejected some amendments put forth by Democratic members, including an amendment that would have increased money for child care by $5.2 million.

The money would have gone to creating scholarships for 800 child care workers to use for their own child care, according to amendment sponsor Young. Theres a separate bill with bipartisan support that would establish the scholarship program.

More than 26,000 children currently lack access to child care because providers dont have enough available slots, according to state estimates.

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Young said her amendment would have created 10,000 new child care slots by helping workers afford child care.

Its not a demand problem, its a staffing problem, she said, adding,   when parents cant find child care, they cant go to work.

The budget includes $5 million in additional funding to child care for the states tri-share program, operated by Wonderschool, which divides the cost of child care among the employer, the employee and the state. It is currently operating in eight counties.

Human Services could use millions of dollars in its own funds on other child care initiatives if they choose to, said Del. Matt Rohrbach, R-Cabell, who spoke against Youngs amendment.

The bill now goes to the Senate to consider the Houses changes.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
During his State of the Union address on Tuesday, President Donald Trump awarded the Purple Heart to two members of the West Virginia National Guard who were shot in a targeted attack while patrolling in Washington, D.C. in November.

U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was awarded the medal posthumously after dying on Nov. 27, 2025 from injuries sustained during the attack. U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe has been in rehabilitation and recovery after receiving severe injuries during the ambush.

Wolfe, his family and Beckstroms parents were in attendance for Trumps speech. Throughout his nearly two hour address  where he doubled down on his administrations hardline immigration stances  the president spent about five minutes sharing Beckstrom and Wolfes stories.

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West Virginia Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Jim Seward awarded the medals to Wolfe and Beckstroms family while the president spoke.

Trump praised Melody Wolfe, Andrew Wolfes mother, for her determination about her sons recovery in the wake of the shooting. He said she was the most positive person hes ever met.

With Gods help, Andrew has battled back from the edge of death, and were talking about the edge of death, Trump said. (He is) on his way to a miraculous recovery. Hes got a little work to do, but hes doing great!

Beckstrom, a Webster County native, was remembered by her community last year for her quiet strength and commitment to service. On Tuesday, Trump said she was a great person.

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Sarah Beckstrom died in order to defend our capital and we are honored to be joined by her wonderful parents, Trump said. Your daughter was a true American patriot and she will be greatly missed.

Wolfe entered service on Feb. 5, 2019 while Beckstrom enlisted on June 26, 2023. The pair were two of hundreds of West Virginia National Guard members who were deployed to D.C. last August through Trumps Operation D.C. Safe and Beautiful.

On Nov. 25, Beckstrom and Wolfe were patrolling blocks from the White House when they were ambushed by gunfire.

Police later arrested Rahmanullah Lakanwal for the attack. Lakanwal allegedly drove from Washington state to the nations capitol to commit the attack against servicemembers. Lakanwal came to the United States in 2021 after working with the CIA for more than a decade in his home country of Afghanistan.

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According to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia, Lakanwal faces nine charges related to the ambush, including a charge of first-degree murder for Beckstroms death. Earlier this month, Lakanwal pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

Earlier this month, the Justice Department said that it plans to seek the death penalty for Lakanwal. His next hearing in the case will be in May.

On Tuesday, Trump called Lakanwal a terrorist monster who was sick and deranged. He criticized former President Joe Bidens Administration for what he said were laxer immigration policies that allowed Lakanwal to come to the U.S.

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey issued a formal request in December for both Beckstrom and Wolfe to receive the Purple Heart. On Tuesday, Morrisey said it was meaningful to see Wolfe and Beckstroms family receive the medals.

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It was a solemn and unforgettable moment, one that ensured their courage and sacrifice were honored not only by West Virginia but also before the entire nation, Morrisey said in a statement Tuesday. West Virginia will never forget their service, their bravery, or their sacrifice.

In social media posts, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., called the pinning an incredible tribute to Beckstrom and Wolfe. Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.Va., said seeing Beckstroms parents was deeply moving. He called Wolfe an absolute fighter who epitomized true resilience in the face of insurmountable odds.

In a statement Wednesday, West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin said that while Trumps speech left much to be desired for West Virginians  the president, he said, did not address important issues like rising costs of living, government corruption and ongoing job losses  he was glad to see Beckstrom and Wolfe honored in front of the country on Tuesday night.

Their courage and sacrifice are a solemn reminder of the dedication, commitment to service and love of country that West Virginians carry with them whenever they put on the uniform, Pushkin said.

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In an update to our exclusive in-depth feature on Shield AIs hugely ambitious X-BAT vertical takeoff and landing drone fighter, the firm tells us that they will begin flight testing near Newton, Kansas, this year.

Armor Harris, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the companys growing aircraft division, who is also the father of X-BAT, told us on the floor of AFAs Warfare Symposium in Denver today that the aircrafts central differentiator, its ability to launch and recover vertically, will be a central focus of early flight testing.

The stakes are incredibly high for Shield AI when it comes to X-BAT. They are trying to do something nobody else is offering in the high-performance air combat drone sector. X-BAT could drastically change the flexibility and survivability of advanced uncrewed tactical airpower, but achieving stealth, a large combat radius, a relevant payload, and doing it all at a cost that doesnt send the DoW running is no easy task, especially for a young airframer like Shield AI. Now doing all that and launching and recovering it vertically from basically anywhere, thats a whole other level.

With such a lofty goal comes doubters who think Shield AI is reaching outside their capabilities with the X-BAT concept. Surely these include competitors who would have a hard time arguing for their air combat solutions if X-BAT were to exist in operational form and capable of the things Shield AI claims.

We will keep you up to date as X-Bat progresses toward flight test.

Contact the author: Tyler@twz.com
Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
A proposed federal rule could leave some families in Seattle  shown in a June 7 photo  and families across the country without housing. If enacted, the rule would bar people with mixed immigration statuses from living in units covered by a federal rental subsidy. (Ellen M. Banner / The Seattle Times)
Katherine Shorts fatal gunshot wound appears to have been self-inflicted, 911 audio has revealed.

Katherine Shorts fatal gunshot wound appears to have been self-inflicted, 911 audio has revealed

Comic and actor Martin Shorts 42-year-old daughter died on Monday (23.02.26) at her home in Hollywood Hills, California, from an apparent suicide and emergency call audio published by the Daily Mail shows a dispatcher confirming the circumstances of her passing.

In the 911 audio, a male dispatcher can be heard confirming with first responders that Katherines wound appeared to be self-inflicted.

The voice added the person who reported the incident was with the patient and unable to enter the bedroom of the social workers home.

A representative for the Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed to Page Six first responders attended Katherines address at 6.41pm.

Its spokesperson said: Death was reported of a female.

A representative for Martin, 75, later confirmed with profound grief the passing of his daughter.

They said: The Short family is devastated by this loss, and asks for privacy at this time. Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.

Katherine was the adopted daughter of Martin and his late wife, Nancy Dolman, who died from cancer in 2010.

The couple also adopted two sons  Oliver Patrick, 39, and Henry Hayter, 36.

It is unclear what mental health difficulties Katherine had experienced.

Martin is known for his role in the television series Only Murders in the Building.

The Canadian-American comedian and actors career has also spanned stage, television and film for more than four decades.

Martin first came to prominence in the late 1970s as a cast member on SCTV, where his eccentric characters  including Ed Grimley  became cult favourites.

He went on to join Saturday Night Live in the 198485 season, further cementing his reputation for elastic physical comedy and sharp improvisation.

In cinema, Martin is widely known for roles in Three Amigos, Innerspace and as flamboyant wedding planner Franck Eggelhoffer in Father of the Bride and its sequel.

On stage, he has appeared in Broadway productions and toured in conversation and comedy shows.

In recent years, Martin has reached new audiences through the hit Hulu series Only Murders in the Building, starring alongside his long-time friend Steve Martin and actress Selena Gomez.
Welltower Inc. (NYSE:WELL) is one of the Best Stocks to Buy and Hold For the Next 3 Years. Wall Street is bullish on Welltower Inc. (NYSE:WELL) after the company topped estimates during its fiscal Q4 2025 earnings, released on February 10. Recently, on February 24, Austin Wurschmidt from KeyBanc reiterated a Buy rating on the stock with a $240 price target. Earlier on February 23, Michael Carroll from RBC Capital also reiterated a Buy rating on the stock and raised the price target from $207 to $230.

During the quarter, Welltower Inc. (NYSE:WELL) grew its revenue by 41.33% year-over-year to $3.18 billion and topped estimates by $189.99 million. The quarterly normalized funds from operations (or FFO) were $1.45, surpassing the consensus FFO estimate of $1.44, Management noted that they grew the total portfolio year-over-year same store by 15%, driven by growth in its Seniors Housing Operating, which improved 20.4% during the same time.

Wall Street Bullish on Welltower Inc. (WELL) Here's Why

23 Cheapest Housing Markets in Canada

The analysts at KeyBanc like the companys ability to capitalize on rising demand in the private-pay senior housing segment, driven by aging demographics and scarce new supply. Moreover, the firm also appraised managements data-driven approach for operations and investments, which creates shareholder value.

Analyst Austin from KeyBanc noted:

Following Its North Star with Another Year of Double-Digit Earnings Growth; We continue to view WELLs platform and execution as among the best positioned to capitalize on secular demand trends within the private pay SHOP segment.

Welltower Inc. (NYSE:WELL) owns and operates a portfolio of over 2,000 seniors housing and wellness communities in the US, UK, and Canada, blending housing, healthcare, and hospitality for aging adults.

While we acknowledge the potential of WELL 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. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
UK-based autonomous driving startup Wayve has secured $1.2bn in Series D funding at post-money valuation of $8.6bn.

Including further milestone-based capital commitments from Uber, Wayve said the total funds raised in this round would be $1.5bn.

The round was led by venture firms Eclipse, Balderton and SoftBank Vision Fund 2.

Existing backers Microsoft, NVIDIA and Uber also participated, along with automotive partners Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Stellantis.

Additional investors include Ontario Teachers Pension Plan, Baillie Gifford, British Business Bank, Icehouse Ventures and Schroders Capital.

Wayve said the funding will support its shift from research-focused development towards scaled commercial rollout of its autonomous driving technology with global automotive and mobility partners.

Uber and Wayve aim to introduce their first commercial robotaxi offering in London in 2026, followed by expansion into more than ten markets.

Under the partnership, Wayve will provide its AI Driver software for Level 4-capable vehicles supplied by automaker partners, while Uber will manage fleet ownership and operations.

Wayve said it plans to begin rolling out supervised autonomy software in consumer vehicles from 2027, initially delivering Level 2+ hands-off functionality.

The company licenses its AI Driver directly to manufacturers, enabling vehicle-specific adaptation without dependence on high-definition maps or location-specific engineering, and designed to operate using onboard compute and sensors.

Wayve co-founder and CEO Alex Kendall said: With $1.5bn secured, we are building for a total addressable market that spans every vehicle that moves. Autonomy will not scale through city-by-city robotaxi deployments alone.

This investment accelerates our path to widespread commercial deployment and positions us to build the autonomy layer that will power any vehicle everywhere.

According to the company, its system has run zero-shot - without city-specific fine-tuning - across more than 500 cities in Europe, North America and Japan over the past year.

This deployment has been supported by training data collected across over 70 countries and multiple vehicle platforms.

"Wayve raises $1.2bn Series D to scale robotaxi plans" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand.




The wheat complex is falling back on Monday. Chicago SRW futures are fown 3 to 4 cents so far on the day. KC HRW futures are 7 to 8 cents higher on Friday. MPLS spring wheat is trading with contracts 2 to 3 cents lower.

Export Inspections data showed wheat shipments at 535,113 MT (19.66 mbu) shipped in the week that ended on February 19. That was up 41.57% from the week prior, and 37.37% above the same week last year. The Philippines was the top destination of 89,227 MT, with 67,932 MT to Nigeria and 62,144 MT to Bangladesh. Marketing year shipments have totaled 18.24 MMT (670.33 mbu), which is up 19.41% yr/yr.

More News from Barchart

Commitment of Traders data indicated spec funds slashing 17,618 contracts from their net short position in Chicago wheat in the week of 2/17, taking the total position to 68,037 contracts. In KC wheat, they trimmed 8,887 contracts from their net short to 10,609 contracts.

Mar 26 CBOT Wheat is at $5.72 3/4, down 3/4 cent,

May 26 CBOT Wheat is at $5.77, down 3 1/4 cents,

Mar 26 KCBT Wheat is at $5.65 1/4, down 7 cents,

May 26 KCBT Wheat is at $5.77 1/4, down 8 cents,

Mar 26 MIAX Wheat is at $5.84 1/4, down 3 cents,

May 26 MIAX Wheat is at $5.98, down 2 cents,

On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
A gentle spring breeze sweeps along the banks of the Liuxi River, unveiling a breathtaking sea of gold across the fields of Pujin Village in Aotou Town, Conghua District. At the dawn of the 2026 Chinese New Year, this sunflower field is now in full bloom. Covering nearly 100 mu, it is jointly cultivated by Pujin Village, South China Agricultural University, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, and Yueshun Agriculture. Bathed in cascading sunlight, waves of blossoms ripple in the wind, painting the countryside in radiant huesmaking it Conghuas most dazzling springtime spectacle.

2026










Wheels Up Experience Inc. (NYSE:UP) is one of the best penny stocks under $1 to buy right now. On February 19, Wheels Up Experience reported earnings for Q4 2025, achieving its first-ever positive Adjusted EBITDAR of $37 million and a 67% year-over-year improvement in net loss. While total revenue remained flat sequentially at $184 million, the company benefited from a stronger mix of profitable membership flying and the early results of a $70 million cost-reduction initiative.

The quarter was further supported by a sale-leaseback transaction involving ten aircraft, which generated $30 million in net cash proceeds to support future fleet acquisitions. Operational performance reached record levels during the period, with a 99% completion rate and 91% on-time performance. The company is also accelerating its fleet transformation, with premium Phenom and Challenger jets now making up 40% of its controlled fleet.

Wheels Up (UP) Reports First-Ever Positive Adjusted EBITDAR and Narrowed Net Loss in Q4 2025

Hitman Sharon/Shutterstock.com

To enhance the passenger experience, Wheels Up Experience Inc. (NYSE:UP) has begun installing high-speed satellite Wi-Fi across these aircraft, with nearly full fleet coverage expected by the end of 2026. Commercial momentum is being driven by the new Signature Membership program and a deepening partnership with Delta Air Lines, which contributed to a 35% year-over-year growth in corporate membership sales.

Wheels Up Experience Inc. (NYSE:UP) provides private aviation services in the US and internationally. The company offers the Wheels Up Membership program that consists of two primary membership categories, and UP for Business membership for small and medium enterprises.

While we acknowledge the potential of UP 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. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
By Jarrett Renshaw and Laila Kearney

Feb 25 (Reuters) - The White House said on Wednesday it will host leading data center and artificial intelligence companies next week, with attendees expected to include Microsoft, Amazon, Anthropic and Meta Platforms to formalize a deal to shield consumers from rising power costs.

The meeting, scheduled for March 4 and first reported by Reuters, is expected to advance an initiative President Donald Trump unveiled during his State of the Union address on Tuesday. Trump said he had told major technology firms they must build their own power plants to run the rapidly expanding fleet of data centers and other artificial intelligence infrastructure.

The pledge under discussion is expected to resemble commitments offered earlier this year by Microsoft to invest in new electricity generation and efficiency measures.

"Major tech companies will join President Trump at the White House next week to formally sign the Rate Payer Protection Pledge that he announced during his historic State of the Union address," said Taylor Rogers, a White House spokeswoman.

HIGH POWER PRICES MAY BE A VULNERABILITY

The Trump administration supports efforts to advance artificial intelligence in competition with China, but the impact of the proliferation of AI data centers on power prices has become a potential vulnerability for Republicans ahead of the November midterm elections.

Microsoft did not say whether it would attend next week or sign any new pledge. "We appreciate the Administrations work to ensure that data centers dont contribute to higher electricity prices for consumers," said Brad Smith, Microsoft's vice chair and president.

An Amazon spokesperson said the company planned to attend the meeting and participate in the effort.

A spokesperson for Meta declined to comment.

"American families shouldn't pick up the tab for AI," Anthropic spokesperson Sarah Heck wrote on X. "In support of the (White House) rate payer protection pledge, Anthropic has committed to covering 100% of electricity price increases that consumers face from our data centers."

AI RACE A FOCUS FOR TRUMP

Trump has made the global AI race, and securing the vast amounts of electricity needed to power it, a primary focus of his second term. That agenda, however, has become politically precarious ahead of the midterms as energy demand growth from data centers inflates power bills across much of the country.

The proliferation of giant data center projects has met with increasing local and state protests over concerns of rising bills and pollution. Some data center plans, or related power projects, have been cancelled or postponed following local opposition.
Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) caught fresh attention from Wall Street last week after Citi maintained its Buy rating on the stock. The analyst pointed to accelerating momentum in the company's artificial intelligence products and continued strength in its cloud business as key reasons to stay bullish.

With a market cap of $2.9 trillion, MSFT stock has returned 681% to shareholders over the past decade. Despite these outsized returns, Microsoft is down 30% from all-time highs, allowing you to buy the dip.

More News from Barchart

www.barchart.com

Microsoft's AI and Cloud Businesses Are Key Drivers

In the December quarter, Microsoft reported revenue of $81.3 billion, up 17% year-over-year (YoY). Compared with the prior year, net income grew almost 60% to $38.5 billion.

Microsoft's cloud business surpassed $50 billion in quarterly revenue for the first time, growing 26% YoY. Azure, Microsoft's cloud computing platform, grew 39% in the quarter. Microsoft 365 Copilotits AI assistant for workplace softwareadded seats at a record pace, up more than 160% YoY. The tech giant now has 15 million paid Copilot seats.

Citi analyst Tyler Radke maintained his Buy rating after conversations with Microsoft's investor relations team, focusing on three main topics: competitive positioning in AI, how the company is managing limited cloud capacity, and its capital spending priorities.

On Copilot, Radke noted the product is now a genuine growth engine for Microsoft's commercial software division. Adoption is accelerating fast enough that it could surpass previous growth benchmarks for the segment.

Azure is a slightly more complicated story. Demand is outpacing available supply right now. But Microsoft has outlined a clear plan to manage that gapand its own silicon chips, called Maia, are expected to help.

During the earnings call, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said Maia 200 delivers more than 30% improved cost efficiency compared to the latest generation hardware in the company's fleet.

That matters because lower infrastructure costs support better profit margins over time, which is what Radke flagged as a reason for longer-term confidence.

Microsoft's AI Position is Hard to Replicate

AI is embedded deeply across Microsoft's product lines. Over 80% of Fortune 500 companies have active AI agents built using Microsoft's tools.
WiseTech Global Ltd. Chief Executive Officer Zubin Appoo said artificial intelligence-fueled savings will ultimately cut through the entire company, hours after the freight-software provider announced plans to ax almost 30% of staff within two years.

We will look at all functions of the business, Appoo said in an interview Wednesday. I have a strong view that AI and large language models will drive productivity across all of those functions. I cant tell you whether thats 50% or 70% or 30%.

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Some projects that once took six or seven months can already be completed in a day, Appoo said. Rolling out global customs capability in a new country, which previously took as long as two years, can be done six or seven times faster thanks to AI, he said.

Appoos plans to eliminate 2,000 roles  from a total workforce of around 7,000  under the AI-driven revamp represent the largest cuts of their kind in Australia. While tech titans including Amazon.com Inc. and Meta Platforms Inc. are spending hundreds of billions of dollars to embrace AI, few are slashing as early, or as deep, as Sydney-based WiseTech.

In a candid and full-blooded embrace of AI, Appoo laid out what he said were unprecedented benefits for WiseTech. This marks one of the most important inflection points in our 30-plus year history, he said earlier on a post-earnings call.

AI means greater productivity, in less time, from fewer people, he said. The companys cost base will be stripped bare and the economics of software development reshaped. In some parts of the workforce such as customer service, one in two workers will disappear, Appoo added.

I am prepared to say this clearly: the era of manually writing code as the core act of engineering is over, Appoo said. AI is unlocking levels of efficiency gains across WiseTech that were previously out of reach.

WiseTech shares jumped as much as 11% in Sydney trading on Wednesday. Before todays rebound, the stock had slumped 37% this year, hammered by concerns that artificial intelligence will make the companys freight-software redundant.

The mass job cuts come just days after a little known firm called Citrini Research reignited the AI scare trade by mapping out a hypothetical future scenario that included large-scale AI-led corporate disruption, mass unemployment, software-backed loan defaults and economic contraction.
This story was originally published on Payments Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Payments Dive newsletter.

The state of New York has released a proposal for its new buy now, pay later rules, calling it a new nation-leading template for ensuring consumer protections.

The proposed regulations would codify a bill passed last year by the states legislature and signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul. The governor touted the proposal in a press release Monday and the New York Department of Financial Services posted the rules for BNPL lenders online Monday.

The industry objects to the rules, considering them overly burdensome, while consumer advocates see New Yorks BNPL regulations as a possible inspiration for regulatory changes in other states.

The buy now, pay later bill, which Hochul signed on May 9, provided a regulatory framework for the oversight, but left implementation largely to the Department of Financial Services.

The rules would  among other things  establish a licensing regime for providers of short-term installment loans, prohibit excessive fees, compel companies to tell consumers if their loans will be reported to credit bureaus and require BNPL firms to establish timely rules for consumer disputes.

The proposal also seeks to tamp down on certain consumer costs, such as convenience fees, and requires companies to protect consumer privacy.

BNPL providers would also be forced to prominently display the methods by which consumers can contact customer service, and customer service lines would have to be open at least 10 hours a day.

The proposal is subject to a 10-day, pre-proposal comment period that started Monday and is more limited in terms of procedural weight, before they are formally proposed in the New York state register. After they are proposed, a 60-day public comment period ensues. The regulations would take effect 180 days after they are adopted, with a transition period for BNPL lenders already offering BNPL services in the state.

A spokesperson for the National Consumer Law Center declined to comment on the proposal, but referred to a Feb. 12 statement the group released touting New York's law as a template for other state legislatures.

State protections and oversight for BNPL loans are especially important now that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has been gutted and federal protections are in question," the group's director of federal advocacy, Lauren Saunders, said in the statement, referring to the Trump administration's steep budget cuts at the regulatory agency.
For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL  February 24, 2026  Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: NVIDIA Corp. NVDA, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. TSM, or TSMC, Micron Technology, Inc. MU and Super Micro Computer, Inc. SMCI.

Here are highlights from Mondays Analyst Blog:

3 AI Stocks Outperforming NVIDIA in 2026

NVIDIA Corp.has consistently posted strong quarter-over-quarter earnings, and its fiscal 2026 fourth quarter looks no different. Relentless demand for its Blackwell chips, expanding artificial intelligence (AI)-driven partnerships, and an increase in data center investment all signal continued long-term growth.

However, NVIDIA's shares have risen just 1.8% year to date, a muted performance that has left Wall Street unimpressed. On the other hand, other AI heavyweights, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd., or TSMC, Micron Technology, Inc. and Super Micro Computer, Inc., have significantly outperformed, climbing 21.9%, 50%, and 10.8%, respectively. Let's thus see what's driving their gains, and why further upside may be ahead.

Rising Data Center Demand Fuels TSMC's Momentum

With AI hyperscalers ramping up data center construction, the demand for TSMC's chips that power these facilities is expected to rise, supporting stronger revenue and earnings growth, while potentially pushing the stock price higher.

TSMC's leading-edge process technologies are currently experiencing strong demand, as they have in the past. As a result, the company expects first-quarter 2026 revenues between $34.6 billion and $35.8 billion, which would surpass fourth-quarter 2025's $33.73 billion, indicating a 25.5% year-over-year increase and a 1.9% quarter-over-quarter rise, according to investor.tsmc.com.

TSMC also expects its profit margins to strengthen, projecting a first-quarter 2026 gross margin between 63% and 65%, higher than the fourth quarter 2025's 62.3%. Consequently, TSMC is expected to see an earnings growth rate of 53.8% for the current quarter and 32.8% for the full year.

Micron Set for Solid Growth as AI Demand Fuels Chip Shortage

As data center operators and AI hyperscalers continue to increase their investments in infrastructure, demand for Micron's high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips is all set to rise. Ongoing supply constraints in HBM chips have created a demand-supply imbalance, which is likely to strengthen Micron's pricing power, improve profit margins and support higher stock prices.
Renewable energy company Zelestra has initiated construction at the Babilonia solar facility, a 242MW-direct current (MWdc) project in Arequipa, Peru.

This development is part of the larger La Joya solar complex, which is projected to reach nearly 700MWdc of total capacity.

The construction of Babilonia is supported by a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with Celepsa, a Grupo UNACEM company within Peru's electricity sector.

This agreement aims to deliver consistent and sustainable energy to regulated, mining and industrial clients across Peru.

Celepsa CEO Eduardo Rivas said: Celepsas participation in this project is part of our strategy to ensure a reliable and competitive energy supply for our customers, supporting the development of the countrys energy sector.

The La Joya complex already hosts the San Martin solar project, which has been operational since 2025 and is claimed to be Peru's largest solar installation, with a capacity of 300MW. An additional 125MW project is also under way within the complex.

A total of 394,000 bifacial solar panels will be installed, and the facility is expected to begin commercial operations in the first half of 2027.

Construction of the project is expected to create more than 500 jobs, largely sourced from the local workforce.

Once completed, the facility will generate renewable energy to power around 350,000 homes across Peru.

This initiative will contribute to reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing the security of the national electricity grid.

Zelestra Latin America CEO Jose Luis Garcia Perez said: Peru is a key market for Zelestra in the region.

Babilonia reflects our long-term commitment to developing large-scale, reliable and high-performance projects that generate value for our customers, drive the energy transition and contribute to the economic and social development of the communities where we operate.

Earlier this month, Zelestra and Meta signed a new PPA for the Skull Creek Solar Plant in Texas, US, expanding their clean energy partnership.

"Zelestra initiates construction of 242MWdc solar plant in Peru" was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




Rural e-commerce accelerates in China

People's Daily Online) 09:47, February 25, 2026

Just after 7 a.m., at a bus station in Jungar Banner, Ordos, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, driver Hou Leng of a local bus company efficiently loaded 102 express parcels into the luggage compartment of a bus before welcoming passengers aboard for the 60-kilometer journey to Buertaohai township.

Jungar Banner's vast territory encompasses 10 sparsely distributed towns and townships. Since 2024, it has pioneered an integrated passenger-cargo-postal model. Coordinated by the local transport bureau, China Post's Jungar branch has brought together seven private courier companies to handle deliveries to remote villages, sharing responsibilities between the bus company and postal stations across those towns and townships.

A bus driver unloads parcels in a village in China. (Photo/Wang Mingguo)

"The postal company builds shared distribution centers to store, sort and forward parcels bound for villages  deliveries that courier companies struggle to handle  while charging service fees accordingly. The bus company has signed a cooperation agreement with the postal company, collecting delivery fees based on parcel volume and distance, with a portion going to drivers as incentives," said Liu Huan, deputy director of Jungar Banner's transport bureau.

Zhang Qiaohuan, 60, lives with her husband while their children work elsewhere. "In the past, picking up parcels meant traveling 40 kilometers to the township. Now it's wonderful  parcels come straight to the village. I even dare to order fresh fruit online, and it arrives fresh," Zhang said.

By the end of 2025, Jungar Banner had rolled out integrated passenger, cargo and postal services across 94 villages in seven towns and townships, handling an average of 4,000 parcels daily.

At 9:05 a.m., a bus arrived punctually at a store in Wangjia village, Xinxing town, Dawa district, Panjin, in northeast China's Liaoning Province. The driver unloaded more than a dozen parcels from various courier companies into the store. He also brought Chinese New Year goods the supermarket had ordered: rice gift boxes, salted duck eggs, pastries, frozen pears, strawberries and paper-cut window decorations.

Villagers collect parcels from a store in China. (Photo/Huang Haixin)

Zhou Ying, 53, has run this rural store for nine years. Since 2021, it has also functioned as a village-level courier station, part of a broader transport-postal cooperation scheme. Through Panjin's integrated urban-rural bus network, the "last kilometer" gap between town and village has been fully bridged.

"In the past, sending or receiving parcels meant going to the town 7 or 8 kilometers away," said 73-year-old villager Wang Yanqiu. "Now I've learned to shop online myself."

Since Zhou's store became a courier station, Zhou has noticed a clear increase in elderly villagers shopping online, like Wang Yanqiu.

Smooth logistics not only facilitate consumption but also open up sales channels.

Around midday, villager Zhao Rongjie delivered his rice for Zhou to package and ship. "During peak season, I send out more than a dozen parcels daily from the courier station," said Zhao. "Promoting through WeChat Moments brings customers from across the country. Prices are double what I'd get selling directly to merchants in town."

To support rural product distribution, Panjin Passenger Transport and Public Transport Group established an online platform showcasing and selling local specialty agricultural products, while regularly hosting livestream sessions at farms.

Zhou's store features a dedicated display shelf for local agricultural products, including rice from her own village and crown pears from the neighboring one. "Buses deliver parcels daily, greatly reducing inventory pressure," Zhou said.

The steady flow of villagers sending and receiving parcels has brought more customers through the door, and Zhou's store has thrived as a result. Adding courier station services alongside her product sales has grown overall revenue by 30 percent, she said.

At noon, at a farm in Qicun village, Beijing township, Linyi county, Yuncheng, in north China's Shanxi Province, manager Guo Liying enthusiastically promoted locally grown apples to her livestream audience. Behind her, more than a dozen workers busily packed bright red apples into boxes labeled with delivery addresses from across the country. In just half a day, the livestream generated over 30,000 yuan (about $4,300) in sales.

"We insist on livestreaming from the source, showing the entire process from picking to packaging transparently. We have many repeat customers," Guo said. Her annual sales cycle runs from late October through June of the following year.

A livestreamer promotes apples at an orchard in Qicun village, Beijing township, Linyi county, Yuncheng, north China's Shanxi Province. (Photo/Yang Hongwen)

The livestream e-commerce boom has directly benefited surrounding fruit farmers. Wang Guijie, a Qicun village resident in his 60s, tends 20 mu (about 1.33 hectares) of apple trees. In 2025, his orchard yielded more than 100,000 kilograms, most of which were sold nationwide through Guo's livestream sessions.

Linyi is a major fruit-producing county in Shanxi, with annual output of apples, winter jujubes, grapes and other fruits exceeding 5 billion kilograms. Seventy percent of the county's population is involved in fruit production, and the industry accounts for 70 percent of local farmers' income. To reach wider markets, Linyi began embracing e-commerce in 2015 and now has more than 1,000 e-commerce enterprises, employing over 60,000 people.

"From platform e-commerce to livestream sales, Linyi's e-commerce models continue to upgrade, attracting many young people to return home and start businesses," said Wei Rongping, president of the e-commerce chamber of commerce in Linyi county.

Guo represents one such success story. Over four years of entrepreneurship, her annual sales have grown from several million yuan to more than 20 million yuan.

"In 2025, the county's agricultural e-commerce sales reached 2.5 billion yuan, with livestream e-commerce accounting for a quarter," Wei said. Looking ahead, Linyi plans to leverage cross-border e-commerce platforms and China-Europe Railway Express routes to explore emerging markets in ASEAN and Central Asia.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun)
Jared Harris is set to star in Martin Scorsese's new movie What Happens at Night.

Jared Harris will star in What Happens at Night

The 64-year-old actor will feature alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence in the new Apple Original Films picture.

Adapted from the novel of the same name by Peter Cameron, What Happens at Night tells the dream-like story of a married American couple who travel to a small, snowy European town to adopt a baby.

Their hotel is largely deserted but they encounter a string of characters including a faith healer, a depraved businessman and a flamboyant chanteuse, but nothing is quite as it seems. As the pair struggle to claim their baby, the less they seem to know about themselves and their lives together.

Scorsese will direct and produce for Sikelia Productions while the script is being written by Patrick Marber.

Patricia Clarkson and Mads Mikkelsen will also feature in the cast.

The film will mark the latest collaboration between Scorsese and DiCaprio, who most recently worked together on the 2023 crime epic Killers of the Flower Moon.

DiCaprio, 51, previously explained how his work with top directors such as Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino and Paul Thomas Anderson has come about because he tells filmmakers that he is "ready and game".

Asked about landing his jobs, the One Battle After Another star told The Hollywood Reporter: "Luck. Luck, and I guess the perseverance of just letting them know that you want to work with them, some day, when the time is right.

"Thats what Ive been doing; thats how I met Marty [Scorsese] when I was young, I just let him know that if hes ready, Im ready.

"I really love film as an art form; I love watching old movies, Im a cinephile, and its like those rare films rise to the top.

"There are certain filmmakers that have a multitude of those films  Paul is one of them, Quentin [Tarantino] is one of them, Martys one of them.

"So I just let them know Im ready and Im game if they are."

Meanwhile, Harris explained last year that he has "no clue" about what's happening with the third Sherlock Holmes movie.

He played criminal mastermind Professor James Moriarty in the original 2009 flick and the 2011 sequel Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows and revealed that he keeps taking down the IMDb page that claims he is set to star in the next movie.

The Chernobyl actor told The Direct: "Yeah. I mean, I keep taking that down [on IMDb] and someone keeps putting it back up. I have no idea.

"No one's talking to me about it. And I really wish people would stop asking me ... It should be on there. I mean, no one's talking to me about it. I have no clue."
Zurich Financial Services Australia has reached an agreement to acquire ClearView Wealth for approximately A$415m ($295m).

Under the proposed terms, ClearView investors would receive A$0.65 in cash per share.

ClearViews directors have unanimously recommended the proposed transaction.

Completion is anticipated in the third quarter of 2026 (Q3 2026), subject to regulatory, shareholder and court approvals.

Zurich Australia & New Zealand CEO Justin Delaney said: The proposed transaction brings together Zurichs strong capital foundation with ClearViews established in-market product and advice relationships and represents a clear opportunity to develop the customer experience and competitive offering in the Australian life insurance market.

ClearView is the holding company of ClearView Life Assurance, an Australian life insurer that works with financial advisers.

As of 30 June 2025, the group reported A$413m in in-force premiums.

ClearView chairman Geoff Black added: We believe Zurich and ClearView are highly complementary brands in life insurance and that, if the scheme is implemented, Zurich will be a great custodian to continue delivering ClearViews ClearChoice product that protects what is most important to Australians.

The ClearView deal follows another planned acquisition by Zurich Insurance Group.

Earlier this month, the insurer agreed in principle with Beazley on key financial terms for a takeover valued at $10.8bn.

The proposal envisages a cash offer by Zurich for all Beazley shares, at up to 1,335p (13.35) per share, comprising 1,310p in cash and a dividend of up to 25p per share linked to Beazleys 2025 financial year.

Zurichs latest financial results showed higher earnings in 2025, supported by growth across all divisions.

Net income attributable to shareholders rose to $6.8bn (SFr5.26bn) from $5.8bn in 2024, while business operating profit increased 14% to a record $8.9bn.

"Zurich Australia to acquire ClearView Wealth for $295m" was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand.




Gold ( GC=F ) futures opened at $5,201.90 per ounce on Friday, up 0.1% from Thursdays closing price of $5,194.20. The gold price has remained above $5,100 per ounce since Monday, Feb. 23.

The potential for U.S. military action against Iran has fueled safe-haven demand for gold this week. On Thursday, the two countries completed a third round of negotiations about Irans uranium-enrichment activities. No agreement has been reached. Omans foreign minister, who is mediating the talks, said progress had been made. The two sides are slated to continue the negotiations within a week.

Continued negotiations could delay or prevent a U.S. strike. President Trump has already sent military assets to the Middle East. A targeted Iran strike could escalate into a larger regional war, which would likely be a tailwind for gold demand and pricing.

Current price of gold

The opening price of April gold futures on Friday was 0.1% higher than Thursdays close. Heres a look at how the gold price has changed versus last week, month, and year:

One week ago: +3.2%

One month ago: +2.4%

One year ago: +78.2%

On Jan. 29, golds one-year gain was 95.6%.

24/7 gold price tracking: Don't forget you can monitor the current price of gold on Yahoo Finance 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Want to learn more about the current top-performing companies in the gold industry? Explore a list of the top-performing companies in the gold industry using the Yahoo Finance Screener. You can create your own screeners with over 150 different screening criteria.

How much gold should you own?

A gold investment can add stability and inflation protection to your portfolio. But it can also dilute your gains when stock prices are rising quickly. Finding the right balance between golds diversification benefits and profiting from growth potential in other assets can be challenging.

Even the experts are divided on how to achieve the correct balance. Below, five experts explain their recommended gold allocations, which range from 0% to 20%.

Learn more: How to invest in gold in 4 steps

No gold: Trade-off is too high

Robert R. Johnson, professor at Creighton Universitys Heider College of Business, does not advocate gold investing. In his words, while having a small position in precious metals may dampen portfolio volatility in the short-run, the tradeoff between slightly dampened volatility and the lost long-term return is certainly not a prudent one, particularly for Gen Z/millennials with long investing time horizons.

2% to 5% allocation, depending on the situation

Brett Elliott, director of content and SEO at American Precious Metals Exchange (APMEX), recommends setting an allocation that aligns with your investing goals.

Growth-oriented investors may be comfortable with an allocation of 10% or 15%, according to Elliott. But income investors will prefer a smaller position, because gold provides no yield. A 2% to 5% gold allocation can provide some resiliency without an excessive drag on income potential.

Learn more: Who decides what gold is worth? How gold prices are determined .

5% to 8% gold allocation

Blake McLaughlin, executive vice president at Axcap Ventures, said historical data support a gold allocation of 5% to 8%. Gold may not offer the outsized return potential of private investments, but the metal holds a set of attributes that are increasingly hard to ignore, according to McLaughlin. Those attributes include the metals resilience amid economic uncertainty and geopolitical unrest.

5% to 15% gold allocation

Thomas Winmill, portfolio manager at Midas Funds, believes most investors will benefit from a long-term gold allocation of 5% to 15%. Winmill specifically advocates investing in gold mining companies through a mutual fund.

Your risk tolerance and current mix of financial versus hard assets can guide you to an appropriate allocation, according to Winmill.

Risk tolerance: Keep your allocation percentage low if you tend to panic in volatile cycles. Financial vs. hard assets: Financial assets are stocks and bonds. Hard assets include tangible items like real estate, gold, collectibles, classic cars, and equipment. If you have no home equity and your wealth is primarily in financial assets, you can set your gold allocation higher. Or, if your home is paid for and more valuable than your stock portfolio, gold investing may not be necessary.

Learn more: Thinking of buying gold? Here's what investors should watch for.

20% gold allocation

Vince Stanzione, CEO and founder at First Information, recommends a 20% gold allocation, specifically in physical gold or a gold ETF. Stanzione argues for a higher exposure to gold as a wealth protection strategy. As he says, gold keeps with inflation and gold retains its purchasing power, while paper currencies are devaluing around the world.

Learn more: Gold IRA: Benefits, risks, and how it differs from a traditional IRA

Price-of-gold chart

Whether youre tracking the price of gold since last month or last year, the price-of-gold chart below shows the precious metals steady upward climb in value.

Learn more: Gold alternatives? How to invest in silver, platinum, and palladium.
Nvidias first quarterly earnings report of 2026 is taking place in a different environment than the one it faced just three months ago. The stock market is churning in an AI-fueled angst. As a leading provider of AI infrastructure, Nvidia (NVDA) faces scrutiny like few other stocks.

As aggressive capital expenditures continue, investors are focused on CEO Jensen Huangs update on the highly anticipated Rubin platform, sales to China, and data center revenue.

If you're thinking about buying Nvidia, a portfolio manager says consider also buying dozens of other stocks just like it.

Here's why.

If you buy Nvidia, consider buying many more just like it

Investing has become a mainstream American effort to build financial security, even among low- and moderate-income households. More than half (54%) of such households surveyed said they invest in the capital markets, according to a recent survey by BlackRock Foundation and Commonwealth.

However, the survey also highlighted the top challenge of newer investors: not knowing what to invest in and concerns about risk.

David Krakauer, vice president of portfolio management at Mercer Advisors, suggests investors should search for a great stock like Nvidia  and multiply it.

"I think you first need to define what it is you believe drives long-term returns in equities," Krakauer said in a Yahoo Finance interview. "If you believe it's profitability or value, like book-to-value, momentum, whatever those characteristics are that you look for in stocks and you believe are helping to define the outlook, then why pigeonhole yourself into just a few stocks?"

He believes investors can mitigate risk by screening multiple stocks that mirror the fundamentals, matching their investment philosophy.

"We could debate all day long on what fundamentals to look at, but let's just assume investors know what they're doing," he added. "Why just one? Why not buy 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 100 stocks that look good according to momentum or look good according to profitability?"

Read more: Create a stock investing strategy in 3 steps

Elon Musk wakes up and 'makes a wild decision'

"Is it riskier to have a portfolio of, say, seven stocks than it is to have something a little more broad? So if we're defining risk simply as standard deviation, the volatility of your portfolio, then absolutely," Krakauer said.

"The fewer stocks you have, the more volatile and greater the swings are in the value of your portfolio. So that's one measure of risk," Krakauer added. "Systematic risk is the risk of the equity market in general. And you usually get paid for systematic risk. You want exposure to the equity market."

What you don't get paid for, Krakauer believes, is non-systematic or idiosyncratic risk. That's the risk of holding a small number of equities. He uses Tesla (TSLA) as an example.

"Idiosyncratic risk would be the idea that Elon Musk is going to wake up tomorrow and make a wild decision. Maybe it's an announcement about something that is a risk because of Elon Musk. So that's a risk you're taking with Tesla. If you're concentrated in Tesla, that doesn't pay you."

ETFs are a diversifying option

Krakauer believes that the average investor should focus primarily on financial planning above all else. Their investment portfolio needs to be constructed to increase the probability of success in meeting those financial goals, such as retirement.

Low-cost, passive, and highly diversified exposure to markets with exchange-traded funds is the right approach for most investors, he added.

"You could do the best research in the world on a stock. All the fundamentals may line up with your investment philosophy; the technicals look attractive. But no one knows what any individual stock is going to do over the next month, over the next six months, over the next year. So that is why it is essential to have diversification across many stocks," he said.

Read more: 5 best questions to ask your financial advisor in the new year

Consider the impact of taxes

One of the biggest challenges of running an individual stock portfolio is taxes, and ETFs can also help minimize the tax burden, Krakauer said, because investors should consider portfolio performance net of taxes.

ETFs rarely make capital gains distributions, unlike mutual funds. Another benefit of ETFs: avoiding the wash sale rule. That's when an investor wants to claim a loss on a stock to offset the gain on another for tax purposes. If they buy a "substantially identical" security within 30 days, the tax break is disallowed.

However, investors can sell one ETF fund and replace it with another that tracks a different but similar index, allowing them to take the tax loss.

"So using ETFs that allocate and can reconstitute the portfolio for you under the hood without a taxable event is absolutely key to this," Krakauer said.

Read more: Taxes on stocks: Here are the rules and rates
As a homeowner, you know the financial hurdles aren't just about the mortgage payment. Owning a home also comes with nearly $16,000 in annual housing costs, on average, including homeowners' insurance, taxes, and maintenance.

That equates to an additional $1,325 a month in homeownership costs  on top of the mortgage payment  according to a Zillow and Thumbtack analysis. Maintenance was the highest annual cost:

Maintenance: $10,946

Property tax: $3,030

Homeowners insurance: $2,003

Of course, these housing costs are even higher in expensive cities, such as New York ($24,000 annually) and San Francisco ($22,000), according to the study.

The good news is that there are steps you can take as a homeowner to lower these expenses and help homeownership fit into your budget. Read on for expert-backed tips.

How to lower your monthly utility bills

Ryann Brier, a real estate agent in Grand Rapids, Mich., said that preparing your home for seasonal changes can help you save on energy bills.

"Seal the leaks in the home. Drafts in your home will make you throw money out the window. Get some caulk and a simple weatherproofing checklist to get prepared," she added. "Changing your HVAC filters regularly saves money."

Restricted airflow makes your furnace or air conditioning work harder, which increases your utility bill and the risk of damage, Brier noted.

Naeem Turner-Bandele, an energy solutions consultant in Indiana, recommends that homeowners looking to identify electricity bill savings buy a basic watt meter or an energy-monitoring smart plug for about $20 from Amazon, Walmart, or other retailers.

"You can plug your appliances into these meters to see the exact monthly dollar cost of running specific household appliances and devices  from your washing machine to your TV  based on your actual electricity rate," he added. That might allow you to adjust usage by modifying your habits, putting a timer on a device, or replacing an inefficient appliance to save money.

Kortney Paul of Ideal Partners in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, recommends a smart thermostat to monitor your HVAC system.

"A basic smart thermostat can be found for under $150," Paul said. "Many even have intuitive features that learn your habits and preferences, automatically adjusting to improve both comfort and system efficiency."

Rebates for energy-saving upgrades

For low- to moderate-income families, federal rebates are available for significant energy-saving home upgrades.

Two new programs are rolling out nationally: the Home Energy Performance-Based Whole-House Rebates Program (HOMES) and the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR).

HOMES can help homeowners cover up to 100% of the cost of energy-saving improvements, depending on household income. "This can help families upgrade heating and cooling systems, water heating systems, lighting, insulation, and more," Turner-Bandele said.

HEAR provides low- to moderate-income families with up to $14,000 to install electric appliances and make other electrical upgrades. "By leveraging these rebates, homeowners can ease major financial burdens and make improvements that can reduce monthly utility bills for years to come," he added.

State energy offices can provide details.

If you can't pay your utility bill

If you are having difficulty paying your monthly utility bills, especially during high-demand winter heating and summer cooling months, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) may be of assistance. The program is federally funded but available through state and local community action agencies.

The process can take 30 to 45 days to complete, so you may want to plan ahead if you've had financial challenges in the past, Turner-Bandele noted.

How to lower home insurance costs

The cost of homeowners' insurance has soared 48% in the past five years, according to the Zillow/Thumbtack report. The best way to reduce your home insurance costs is to regularly compare your current rate with other insurance companies.

Some insurance savings tips:

Raise your deductible . The Insurance Information Institute says increasing your deductible from $500 to $1,000 could save you 25% on your premium payments.

Ask for discounts . The Texas Department of Insurance says some companies will offer rate discounts if you have other policies with the company (such as home and car), haven't filed a claim for the past few years, or have smoke alarms or a security system.

Improve your credit score. The TDI says that if your credit score improves, you may qualify for a better rate.

What can you do to lower property taxes?

A small number of states are considering the elimination of property taxes, according to Realtor.com. But don't hold your breath; the Tax Foundation says that proposals abolishing property taxes would "create more problems than they solve."

"Property taxes are the primary tool for financing local governments and the single largest source of state and local revenue in the U.S., helping fund schools, roads, police, and other services," the nonprofit said in an analysis.

Still, there are ways to ensure you aren't paying more than your fair share. Brier advises homeowners to carefully review their property tax assessments each year.

"If you need help, ask a professional, but you can do these three things yourself," Brier said, noting these tips:

Fight for an appeal if you feel the assessment is incorrect.

Verify the data from each year.

Look for any discrepancies between years.

Other ways to reduce your monthly housing costs

Brier reminds homeowners that emergency repairs are much more expensive than preventative maintenance. Being proactive can help you avoid costly surprise expenses. She suggests:

Regularly cleaning out gutters and downspouts.

Inspecting the roof and the attic space on occasion.

Routinely checking under all the sinks. You dont want any leaks to go unnoticed and cause long-term damage.

The EPA also recommends comparing your current water bill to the same month of the previous year. If the latest bill is significantly higher, you may have a hidden water leak in your home.

The National Association of Home Builders offers a printable checklist of routine home maintenance to help you organize a home care plan.

Additionally, consider these four potentially significant ways to lower your monthly housing costs:
Chili lobster (Photo courtesy of LeoPalace Resort Guam)



Yona, Guam, February 25, 2026 - LeoPalace Resort Guam announces the official closing of Tenku Yuzen on Saturday, February 28, making way for an exciting new culinary chapter. Beginning Sunday, March 1, at 5:00 PM, the resort proudly unveils OKIBI, a bold new Asian dining concept inspired by the glow of open embers and the vibrant energy of street cuisine across Asia.

OKIBI serves up Asian street-food inspired dishes alongside elevated yakiniku, premium meat selections, and fresh seafood entrees - all designed to be shared and savored. The concept blends the lively spirit of street markets with a refined resort atmosphere.

The kitchen is led by newly promoted Sous Chef Thomas Diaz, who helped launch the concept and will continue guiding the culinary team through this new chapter. Over the past decade, Chef Thomas has built experience across more than 10 restaurants, including Maria Maria, Carlos Santanas celebrated restaurant, and Indigo Grill in San Diego, later stepping into leadership roles at Table 35 and Capitol Kitchen.

Tom Diaz (Photo courtesy of LeoPalace Resort Guam)



OKIBI was created to introduce a dining concept that feels both dynamic and welcoming for our Guam community, said Lisa Diaz, Director of Food & Beverage at LeoPalace Resort Guam. Weve blended the bold, shared experience of Asian streetfood culture with the comfort of a resort setting, creating something fresh and exciting for our guests.

The restaurant officially opens to the public with a Grand Opening celebration on Sunday, March 1, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Guests are invited to gather their friends, step into the vibrant new space, and experience the fire-inspired flavors that define OKIBI.

For more information, follow LeoPalace Resort Guam on social media or visit the resort homepage at www.leopalaceresortguam.com
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have arrived at the World Health Organisations country office in Amman.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have arrived at the World Health Organisations country office in Amman

Prince Harry, 41, and his wife Meghan Markle, 44, travelled to Jordan on Wednesday (25.02.26) for the start of a two-day visit to the country intended to highlight support for vulnerable communities affected by conflict and displacement.

The pair travelled at the invitation of Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization. Their programme includes meetings with Jordanian leaders and senior health officials, engagement with WHO teams, and visits to frontline health and mental health programmes.

They are also due to meet staff from World Central Kitchen co-ordinating food relief for Gaza from Amman, and to visit the social development organisation Questscopes youth centre to hear from young people participating in creative and wellbeing programmes.

Harry and Meghan will visit initiatives they have helped fund to medically evacuate children from the war in Gaza to Jordan.

Their visit comes six years after the couple stepped down as working royals, citing personal freedom and privacy as the driving forces behind the move, which saw them settle in Montecito, California, where they have been raising their two children Archie, six, and Lilibet, four.

Their visit comes at a time of crisis for the royal family following the arrest of the former Prince Andrew, 65, on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

In May last year, Harry lost a Court of Appeal challenge over his security arrangements while in the UK.

But the Home Office is said to have ordered a full threat assessment for the first time since 2020, amid reports that Harrys taxpayer-funded armed protection will be reinstated for visits to Britain.

Since relocating to California, the Sussexes have undertaken a number of foreign visits resembling the official tours they carried out as members of The Firm, the colloquial name for the royal family.

In 2021, they partnered with the World Health Organization on a global campaign to encourage vaccine equity and co-hosted a high-level event at the UN General Assembly.

Their charitable body has also worked with the organisation on its global initiative to help end violence against children.
Cloudflare, Inc. (NYSE: NET), the leading connectivity cloud company, today announced it has achieved a major milestone by delivering the worlds first complete Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) to support modern post-quantum (PQ) encryption standards. By integrating advanced post-quantum encryption across all its major network configurations, the Cloudflare One SASE platform now provides the most secure bridge between corporate environments and its global networkwhich is one of the largest in the world. This allows any organisation to protect its most sensitive data against the next generation of cyber threats, ensuring a seamless transition to new cryptographic standards.

As the possibility of quantum computing nears, the encryption that protects our most sensitive healthcare, banking, personal data, and more, faces a reckoning that could render current security measures obsolete. To preempt this, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has issued a clear warning: upgrade cryptographic algorithms by 2030, or fall victim to the powerful quantum computers that will be able to break traditional cryptography. While that deadline may seem distant, upgrading global infrastructure is a massive undertaking. Threat actors are already exploiting this lag time through harvest now, decrypt later attackscollecting encrypted state secrets, financial records, and health data that they can unlock in the future, once quantum computers mature. As the gap between legacy encryption and the power of quantum computing fades, organisations must implement immediate protection, or risk leaving their most valuable assets exposed.

In 2025, Cloudflare launched the industrys first cloud-native post-quantum Secure Web Gateway (SWG) and Zero Trust solution, a major step towards securing enterprise network traffic sent from end user devices to public and private networks. Todays announcement completes the SASE equation by adding PQ support for wide-area networking (WAN) use cases with Cloudflare IPsec and the Cloudflare One Appliance. This ensures that every component of the Cloudflare One ecosystemincluding Zero Trust access and WAN-as-a-Serviceis now protected by the latest cryptographic standards. Leveraging our experience with post-quantum TLS protocols and applying it to IPsec, Cloudflare One has become a SASE solution that outperforms legacy setups in both speed and stability, while also future-proofing network traffic with post-quantum encryption.

"Securing the Internet against future threats shouldn't be a complex burden, or a reason to fragment the web. Since 2017, weve been doing the heavy lifting to bake post-quantum standards directly into the fabric of our network," said Matthew Prince, CEO and co-founder of Cloudflare. "By bringing this protection to our entire SASE platform, were making post-quantum security the defaultno hardware upgrades, no complex configurations, and no added cost. Were ensuring that the secure connections our customers rely on today stay secure for the long haul."

Now, Cloudflares IPsec enables:

High-Availability Routing: By leveraging Cloudflares massive global network, Cloudflare IPsec traffic is quickly and automatically rerouted to the healthiest data center if another data center becomes unavailable.

Protection Against "Harvest Now, Decrypt Later" Attacks: To combat threat actors who intercept encrypted data today to crack with future quantum computers, Cloudflare now secures network flows with post-quantum encryption, ensuring that todays data remains protected even against tomorrow's threats.

Industry-Wide Interoperability: Holistic security requires collaboration. Cloudflares IPsec implementation adheres to the latest Internet standards, and supports cross-vendor collaboration and security at scale.

Cloudflares quantum-safe SASE platform is available today. To learn more, please check out the resources below:

Blog: Cloudflare One is the first SASE offering modern post-quantum encryption
Munro Footwear Group (MFG) has gone live with Fluent Order Management, providing the retailer with advanced inventory management and fulfillment to support over 240 of its stores, digital commerce, and distribution centres.

Implemented in partnership with Amblique, Fluent Order Management will deliver new efficiencies, including a universal view of inventory across all channels and enhanced ship-from-store capability.

MFG is the custodian of some of Australias most trusted footwear brands, including household retail brands Williams, Midas, Mathers, and Mountfords and wholesale brands Diana Ferrari, Colorado, Ziera, Bobux, to name a few. Built on a culture of seizing opportunities, MFG is continuously working to deliver unrivalled product ranges and leading omnichannel experiences.

MFG has implemented Fluent Commerces Distributed Order Management System as part of the companys ongoing investment in technology and innovation. This includes the rollout of a new national Point of Sale solution in 2023 and the creation of a state-of-the-art distribution centre in 2022.

MFG will use Fluent Order Management to transform its shipping and inventory management across all brands and channels  enabling online (including marketplace), and endless aisle orders to be fulfilled from a warehouse or any of its stores. Using configurable sourcing rules, MFG can now control order sourcing, enabling them to prioritise fulfillment locations based on metrics such as oldest stock, lowest sell-through rate, or nearest location, maximising efficiency across its supply chain, reducing delivery costs, increasing operational efficiency, and maximising margins. Fluent Order Management will also be used to enhance Click & Collect and offer customer-focused features like stock availability by store, order revisions, and multichannel refunds.

Munro Footwear CEO, Jay Munro, said: Our investment in this platform is part of our ambitious transformation agenda, which seeks to find efficiencies and enhance the customer experience by drawing on the most innovative technology in the market.

Fluent Commerce and Amblique have an excellent reputation for delivering real value to retailers, and we look forward to seeing the benefits this Distributed Order Management System brings, Munro added.

Amblique CEO, Stephanie Byrne said: "Achieving this go-live with Munro Footwear Group (MFG) marks an exciting milestone in our journey together. Partnering with MFG and Fluent Commerce, we have delivered a robust, innovative solution that enables MFG to provide seamless, customer-focused solutions across all their channels. We are honoured to be part of MFG's transformation journey alongside Fluent Commerce and look forward to supporting MFG as they continue to set new standards in the retail industry."

MFG required a sophisticated platform to support its large network of brands. We believe our Distributed Order Management System will help them to unlock new efficiencies across its entire supply chain and look forward to seeing its impact, said Graham Jackson, CEO, Fluent Commerce.

Fluent Order Management processes inventory data at an unprecedented scale to provide complete inventory visibility and accuracy. It then helps multi-brand, multi-channel retailers ensure each order is fulfilled in the most profitable way for the business and the most convenient way for the customer. So they can make accurate delivery and pickup promises, and keep them.
The scrappy challenger brand from regional Victoria just upgraded its ambitions to $2 billion in revenue. Here's why you should be paying attention.

Aussie Broadband (ASX: ABB) dropped its half-year results this morning, and buried beneath the usual procession of acronyms and percentage points is a story that deserves a closer look: a company that has gone from niche NBN reseller to a genuine third force in Australian telecommunications in barely five years.

The headline numbers are strong. Group revenue hit $637.8 million for the six months to 31 December 2025, an 8.4% jump on the prior corresponding period. Underlying EBITDA climbed 13.5% to $74.7 million. Underlying net profit after tax (adjusted for amortisation) surged 24.5% to $31.3 million. On a like-for-like basis - stripping out the now-expired Origin contract - the picture is even more compelling: revenue growth of 13.5% and EBITDA growth of 27%.

But the real story isn't in the financials. It's in the strategic chess game Aussie Broadband has been playing over the past six months - one that could fundamentally reshape the competitive dynamics of the Australian broadband market.

Image generated by Gemini Nano Banana Pro 3 based on this article.

Three Deals That Change Everything

In the space of half a year, Aussie Broadband has executed three transactions that collectively rewrite its growth trajectory.

First came the six-year wholesale services agreement with More (formerly Kogan Mobile parent) and Tangerine Telecom, announced in August 2025. That deal alone will see roughly 290,000 connections migrate onto Aussie Broadband's Nitrogen wholesale platform during the second half of FY26. Pilot sales commenced today.

Then, on 11 February 2026, the company announced the acquisition of AGL Telco - an estimated 350,000 broadband services, mobile connections, and 46,000 voice services.

The deal comes bundled with a long-term exclusive partnership making Aussie Broadband the sole telco provider to AGL's energy customer base, a channel-to-market play that could prove transformative. Management expects the acquisition to deliver approximately $235 million in revenue and $21 million in EBITDA within 12 months of migration, with a five-year target of reaching 500,000 connections.

And today, alongside the half-year results, Aussie Broadband confirmed the acquisition of Nexgen, an SME-focused telco that bolsters its business capabilities. Nexgen is expected to deliver $8.1 million in EBITDA for FY26, with $2.7 million contributing to Aussie Broadband's bottom line this financial year, plus $24 million in annual synergies over the next two years.

"Over the last six months we have signed three material agreements... which will see us surpass many of the ambitions well ahead of time. 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."

 Brian Maher, Group CEO, Aussie Broadband

That "third largest" claim deserves emphasis. If Aussie Broadband successfully integrates the More/Tangerine, AGL Telco, and organic connections, it will leapfrog several established players to sit behind only Telstra and TPG/Optus in NBN market share. For a company that IPO'd in 2020 at a market cap under $200 million, that is a remarkable ascent.

The Speed Tier Revolution

The other major catalyst in this result is one that benefits the entire industry but that Aussie Broadband appears uniquely positioned to exploit: NBN's Accelerate Great program.

Launched in September 2025, Accelerate Great introduced new speed tiers - including 500Mbps and 2000Mbps plans - and Aussie Broadband moved aggressively, upgrading all eligible customers on day one. The results have been dramatic. Nearly 70% of Aussie Broadband's customer base is now on plans of 100Mbps or faster, up from 56% in FY25. Some 44% of connections are on the new 500Mbps-and-above tiers.

Perhaps most telling: Aussie Broadband claims a 43% share of the nascent 2000Mbps market, with 2,700 active connections on the fastest available tier. That kind of early dominance in ultra-high-speed plans suggests a customer base that is disproportionately enthusiast, tech-savvy, and willing to pay for premium service - exactly the cohort an ISP wants.

"Today, nearly 70% 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."

 Brian Maher

The high-speed mix shift does put some pressure on margins - higher-speed plans carry higher NBN access costs - but Aussie Broadband has managed this carefully. Residential gross margin actually improved 0.3 percentage points year-on-year to 31.5%, though it eased slightly from the second half of FY25. The company's pricing strategy ahead of Accelerate Great appears to have been well-calibrated.

Segment by Segment: Where the Growth Is

Residential remains the engine room. Revenue grew 14.7% on the prior corresponding period, driven by 9.8% growth in broadband connections (to 682,551) and strong mobile momentum through bundled offers. The residential base added 60,705 connections year-on-year.

Business, Enterprise & Government (BE&G) is where the margin story gets interesting. The segment - consolidated from the start of FY26 - delivered double-digit revenue growth with high gross margins.

Broadband connections grew 14.9% to 86,577. Average enterprise contract values jumped 38% compared to the prior year, and the company signed its largest-ever enterprise deal with Bakers Delight. October 2025 was a record month for new business connections.

Wholesale is the quiet powerhouse. Like-for-like revenue grew 12.5%, with broadband connections surging 90.5% year-on-year to 58,555 - though roughly 17,000 of that increase relates to the migration of Symbio connections from a third-party platform. The wholesale segment carries a healthy 41.9% gross margin, and the upcoming More/Tangerine migration will dramatically expand its scale.

Image generated by Gemini Nano Banana Pro 3 based on this article.

The Balance Sheet and Capital Allocation Shift

Aussie Broadband sits at a net leverage ratio of 0.9x (pre-Nexgen), which is conservative by telco standards and gives it clear headroom for the acquisitions ahead. The company recently refinanced on improved terms, a sign that lenders are gaining confidence in the business model.

Two capital allocation moves signal a maturing strategy.

First, the divestment of Digital Sense Hosting - a cloud business being sold to 11:11 Systems for up to $18 million - aligns with management's stated focus on core telco.

It's a small deal financially (roughly $2 million EBITDA impact in FY26), but it sends a clear message about strategic discipline.

Second, the company is pulling back on speculative fibre investment, reducing capex to focus on utilising the existing Aussie Fibre network and limiting new builds to on-net buildings only.

The freed-up capital will be redirected toward re-platforming core systems - the kind of unsexy-but-essential infrastructure work that reduces cost to serve over time.

Capital expenditure guidance remains at $5560 million for FY26, while the interim dividend was lifted 50% to 2.4 cents per share, fully franked.

Upgraded Ambitions: The Path to $2 Billion

Perhaps the most significant element of today's announcement is the upgrade to Aussie Broadband's "Look-to-28" strategic ambitions - the three-year targets the company set in April 2025.

The revenue ambition has jumped from $1.6 billion to $2.0 billion - a 25% uplift in the target itself, representing roughly 68% growth from FY25.

The NBN market share target has gone from 11% to 17%, implying approximately 1.5 million connections. And the EPS growth target has been lifted from a 20% CAGR to greater than 30%.

These are not guidance numbers - management is careful to note they carry risks and uncertainties - but they paint a picture of a company that believes its recent M&A activity has materially shifted its earnings trajectory.

What to Watch

Migration execution is the critical risk. Aussie Broadband needs to migrate roughly 290,000 More/Tangerine connections in H2 FY26, followed by the much larger AGL Telco base.

The company's Nitrogen platform is purpose-built for this, but large-scale migrations are operationally complex. Any stumbles could impact both financials and customer experience.

Margin resilience will be tested.

As the mix shifts toward higher-speed plans (with higher wholesale access costs) and lower-margin wholesale connections, maintaining - let alone expanding - EBITDA margins will require continued operational efficiency gains.

The competitive response matters. Telstra and TPG won't sit idle as a challenger brand climbs toward 17% market share.

Expect heightened promotional activity, particularly in the high-speed tiers where Aussie Broadband is overindexing.

The AGL partnership is a wildcard. Bundling broadband with energy is a strategy that has had mixed results globally, but AGL's customer base is enormous.

If the cross-sell works, it represents an entirely new customer acquisition channel at potentially very low cost.

The Bottom Line

Aussie Broadband's H1 FY26 result confirms a company that has graduated from scrappy challenger to serious contender.

The organic growth engine continues to hum - 12,000 net adds quarter-to-date through 20 February 2026 - while the M&A pipeline provides a clear pathway to scale.

The upgraded EBITDA guidance of $162167 million (up from a prior floor of $157 million) reflects management confidence, while the Look-to-28 upgrade to $2 billion in revenue and 17% NBN market share is a statement of intent that the rest of the industry will need to take seriously.

In a market long dominated by two-and-a-half players, Australia may finally be getting a genuine third force in broadband.

The question is no longer whether Aussie Broadband can compete - it's how far it can go.

The PDF of the investor presentation can be read here.
Fire Walking Festival (Photo courtesy of Takaosan Yakuo-in)



Head to Takao Mountains in western Tokyo for a yearly rite of passage youve got to see to believe.

On the second Sunday of March every year, the temple hosts Hiwatarisai, a fire-walking festival, to wish for peace and the safe and happy life of all people. This year, the event will take place on March 8 and will be limited to 1,000 ticketed participants. Tickets are available on a first come-first serve basis.

During Hiwatarisai, cypress branches piled in a long brazier are ignited and the mountaineering ascetics in white traditional wear and small skullcaps walk barefoot while chanting and blowing on conch horns.

After the fire has subsided, visitors are invited to walk barefoot on the warm ground. The ritual and those who walk along the embers are thought to be totally purified and will have their wishes granted.

After participating in the unique event, take the opportunity to hike up to the top of Takaosan or, if you want a break, take the cable car or chairlift.

Takaosan is a three-star Michelin star-rated tourist destination and about a short 45-minute drive from Yokota Air Base. Here not only will you find a great hike with a great view at the top, but multiple shrines, temples and even hot springs close by.

The mountain itself is considered as strong power spot and is home to a 1300-year-old Yakuo-in Buddhist temple on the mountain where hermits or mountaineering ascetics live.

Takaosan offers great views of Tokyo and the surrounding nature, so a visit there is great any time. But, dont miss the Hiwatarisai Festival, as this one is only once a year and definitely one-of-a-kind.

(Photo courtesy of Takaosan Yakuo-in)

(Photo courtesy of Takaosan Yakuo-in)



Mt. Takao Hiwatarisai (fire-walking festival)
Rob Beckett is the new host of Tempting Fortune.

Rob Beckett is the new host of Tempting Fortune

The 40-year-old comedian has replaced Paddy McGuinness, who announced his exit from the Channel 4 game show due to other commitments in December 2025.

Speaking about the new job, Rob told The Sun newspaper: "Put people in the jungle, take away everything nice, then tempt them with hot showers and burgers. Its hilarious.

"Everyone thinks they can resist temptation  until theyre hot and filthy, and suddenly morals go out the window.

"Im very happy to be hosting this show, especially from the comfort of a lovely crew hotel."

Tempting Fortune sees 12 strangers embark on a mammoth 18-day trek through the remote wilderness, including South Africas Eastern Cape and Langkawi, Malaysia.

Participants are given basic survival gear and must resist numerous luxury temptations presented along the journey. Each indulgence reduces the shared 300,000 prize fund awaiting them at the finish line.

And the third series - which will be set in Malaysia, and filming is due to start early this year - promises "more extreme conditions, more enticing temptations, and some dramatic new twists that will put even greater pressure on the shared cash pot".

In December 2025, Paddy - who fronted the first two series of Tempting Fortune - announced he had stepped down as host.

The 52-year-old star told The Sun: "I am happy to be passing the baton on and the new host is in for a real treat because its a great show. I will be sad to leave it, but with other commitments and enjoying more family time, Ive had to make some difficult choices.

A Channel 4 spokeswoman said: "Paddy has been a brilliant host of Tempting Fortune, bringing his trademark humour to both series.

"Were grateful for everything hes brought to the show, and we totally understand that the filming commitment overseas is a big one, and he is unable to join us for the next series."
Red Brick Warehouse (Photo by Luis Samayoa/Stripes Japan)



On a recent day trip to Yokohama, the intention was to visit the Cup Noodles Museum dedicated to the history of the staple quick, inexpensive ramen cups. Unfortunately, my wife and I planned our visit the day before the museum would reopen after an extended closure for renovations. Bummer!

We didnt let the small hiccup ruin our day and still managed to have a great time at the nearby iconic Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse.

Originally a storage and logistics compound used by U.S. Forces after WWII, the warehouse was returned to Japan in 1952 and is now a tourist attraction with eateries, shops and art galleries. The grounds also serve as a venue for events like Oktoberfest, Christmas Market and more.

From the outside, the multi-level red-brick buildings show their age, but on the inside, the lively atmosphere makes this a great spot for a date night or family outing.

On the first floor, there are many souvenir and snack shops selling a variety of items and sweets. On the upper floors, youll find a variety of nice restaurants. We had already enjoyed a great meal in Chinatown earlier, so we skipped. But, if youre looking to wine and dine, there are many options worthy of making a reservation for.

Souvenirs and more souvenirs!

Granny Smith (Photo by Luis Samayoa/Stripes Japan)

(Photo by Luis Samayoa/Stripes Japan)



We saw a lot of things for sale. Although nothing much out of the ordinary from your average tourist location, here are a couple of items worth mentioning:

Sake - I usually grab a bottle when I visit a place I enjoy. I found the bottles at the Japan Department Store on the first floor of Building 2 to be very affordable. Although I dont drink alcohol, the bottle is a good memory (and bragging rights) to say I got it from my travels in Japan!

Honey - On the first floor of Building 1, in the Department 9 section, honey retailer chain SUGI Bee Honey has a branch. The store sells many flavored honey-based syrups and the samples we tried were out of this world. I narrowly escaped buying bottles of the Citrus and Muscat Grape Honey syrups.

Sugi Bee Garden (Photo by Luis Samayoa/Stripes Japan)



I wish we had come more prepared for a visit to the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, but it was a great last-minute place to visit. Although we did not get to explore noodles this time, we had a fun time walking through this piece of local history.

Things to know
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BUCHA, Ukraine  From her wooden schoolroom seat, Katya, 15, carefully eyes the assault rifles laid across the desks up front.

Her mind flashes to the Russian checkpoint four years ago.

She is crammed in the back of a neighbor's car clutching her aunt's cat as fear rises to her throat. Russian soldiers are pressed up against the car window, seething with anger, fingers on the triggers of their black guns.

The teacher's voice snaps her back to the present.

"G od willing, none of you will ever need the knowledge you gain here, not even once. But if, God forbid, it happens that you do need it - that you cross paths with these situations - it's better that you know what needs to be done at any given moment," he says. "Understood?"

Katya nods. She looks again at the training guns. She isn't scared anymore. Scared is for 11-year-old Katya in the back seat of that car. Scared is for the little girl trembling in the basement, whose mother covered her with her body while Russian war planes circled overhead.

If Russian troops ever return to Bucha, Katya doesn't want to be scared. She intends to be ready.

The teacher asks for volunteers to try loading a rifle. Katya's hand shoots up.

As Russia's full-scale invasion enters its fifth year Tuesday, Ukrainians are yearning for peace but also readying a new generation of defenders - a somber recognition that the Kremlin is still bombing civilians every night and pushing maximalist demands at the negotiating table. The war could go on for years, and even if a ceasefire is achieved, the Russian threat will live next door.

Katya and her classmates have come of age during wartime.

In 2022, as tweens, they survived Russian occupation, made harrowing escapes from the front lines and returned to find the bloodstained suburb of Bucha forever changed by the Russian massacre that unfolded on its streets in the first weeks of the war.

Now 15 and 16, they are still too young to enlist to fight but old enough to understand they soon may be called upon to join their parents and older siblings in protecting their country from a nuclear-armed neighbor intent on denying them an independent future.

While the United States escalates pressure on Kiev to agree to a negotiated settlement, Ukraine is insisting on ironclad security guarantees - while preparing society to defend itself long term. That includes intensifying efforts to train its children on wartime readiness.

In classrooms across Ukraine, more than 385,000 teenagers are enrolled in a revamped, mandatory course on handling weapons, battlefield tactics, emergency medicine, mine safety, radio communication and how to respond to attacks on energy infrastructure.

The course, called Protecting Ukraine, replaced a decades-old program that taught high-schoolers some basic weapons awareness but was largely a relic of the Soviet era that also involved dry lectures on military hierarchy and learning to march.

That curriculum was developed long before school hallways were adorned with photos of students and teachers killed by Russia, before air alerts sent children scrambling into basements, before sandbags lined school windows to protect them from blasts or classes were held in subways.

Ukraine's Education Ministry invested $2.3 million in training teachers on the Protecting Ukraine program last year. "Our task was to form a defense mentality," Education Minister Oksen Lisovyi said. "The need appeared, first of all of course, because of the military confrontation, terrorist threats and because Russia systematically terrorizes the civilian population."

Students learn "how to protect one's self, how to protect those who are close to you, how the Ukrainian army works, which role you could find for yourself if you'd choose to take that path," Lisovyi said. "But first of all, of course, it's about the preparation of the civilian population."

 Rifles, tourniquets and CPR Most students in Katya's classroom were in or near Bucha when Russian forces rampaged the Kiev region in 2022, executing civilians before retreating from their failed campaign to seize the capital.

When the instructor tells the students just how quickly a green, or safe, zone can turn red, they know exactly what he means.

Katya shivered in a basement, replaying the happiest moments of her life as explosions shook her neighborhood.

Zhenya walked miles along the railway tracks to reach Ukrainian-controlled territory as Russian warplanes circled overhead.

A shell struck the eighth floor of Kyrylo's apartment building but didn't explode.

Vasylisa remembers fleeing her hometown in the eastern Donetsk region as a toddler, only to resettle outside Kiev and watch the sky turn red as streets burned in 2022.

The instructor runs through the basics of trauma medicine: different kinds of tourniquets, how to put pressure on a major wound. He describes types of land mines, explains why radios are still used in an age of phones. He asks for volunteers for a CPR lesson. Katya and Vasylisa step to the front of the room. They giggle as Vasylisa lies down and Katya tips her chin back, opens her mouth, checking for obstruction.

The students tie tourniquets to one another's arms and practice twisting until they're so tight they hurt. They remind each other to write down the time. They know that a tourniquet left on too long can lead to amputation.

When they go to load rifles, Katya is confident. She shows the other girls how it's done while a group of boys plays with their phones in the back. Other students race to see who can load bullets into a magazine fastest.

"I'm going to be dreaming about this already," Katya says. Her friend Ria chimes in: "Like this, Katya: You wake up and we're assembling a rifle on your bed!" The girls laugh. Their friend Varvara Koval takes a turn. Katya corrects her approach, takes the magazine and attaches it herself.

The girls know that in schools in Russia, children their age are learning the same techniques. They know those kids are being taught that Ukraine is the aggressor, that Russia is liberating their territory by destroying it. They know that boys just a few years older than their classmates are being fitted for uniforms, crossing the border, killing Ukrainians and dying on Ukrainian land.

"While they are being taught how to properly plant mines, we are being taught how not to step on them," Katya says of how she pictures Russian students. In a better world, she acknowledged, it would not be normal to load an assault rifle at school or tie a tourniquet on your friend's arm.

"If no one were attacking our territory, or if Russia followed all the rules and conventions of conducting war, maybe we wouldn't be learning this," she adds. "But since they are striking civilian children just like us, we have to know all of this."

 Lost childhood Katya grew up in this school. Her mom is a teacher here. She knows Bucha like the back of her hand. Vasylisa was never supposed to be here. Born in the eastern Donetsk region, she always dreamed of graduating from the same school as her father. War pushed her family out in 2014. They moved again and again, eventually settling in Irpin, just outside Kiev.

On Feb. 23, 2022, as Russian forces massed on Ukraine's borders, Vasylisa's dad told her and her younger sister, Stasia, to prepare for the worst. Stasia, who was 9, burst out laughing.

The next morning, Russia invaded. Little information trickled in through their unstable internet connection, and what did was terrible: Executions. Whole families shot as they tried to flee. Just across the field from them, they could hear a Ukrainian machine gun picking off Russian troops.

In early March, they fled, packing their dog, guinea pig and several neighbors into their car. The girls thought they were taking a so-called "green corridor" - a safe path toward Kiev. Their parents knew no such route existed. The trip was a dangerous leap of faith.

Everything seemed to be on fire. They passed the mayor of Irpin hanging out of a car, a rifle in his hands. They eventually made it west, where their dad was quickly drafted to the military. The girls and their mom were stunned.

Back then, Vasylisa thought of the military almost as an extracurricular activity - something to do after school or work. "And now he was taken away, and there was a war," she said. "I was afraid that  well, I was afraid for Dad. I was crying, talking to him, and he was trying to calm me down, but that only made me cry more."

Eventually, the family settled into a new rhythm. They returned to the Kiev region and moved to Bucha, where their dad is now based. Not everything Vasylisa is learning about war in school is new. Her dad taught her and Stasia some field medicine and asked them to always carry tourniquets when they go out. Last summer, they attended a camp where they practiced shooting.

Stasia, at 12, can already assemble and disassemble an AK M-479 in less than a minute.

"I get really upset when I realize that my teenage years are just slipping away like this and passing," Vasylisa said through tears. "I'm now looking at my sister, who is 12 - the age I was then. And when I realize that she already feels kind of grown up, it makes me sad that I lost some years."

Their dad has seen Russia's war come to his family home twice. His daughters, he said, might still be children. But in an emergency, they should be ready to act as adults.

 Sounds of war At school, the military lesson ends in the early afternoon. The class disperses, and the students zip up their backpacks, push past the younger kids through the hallways. Vasylisa goes to an English class. The other girls gather on the steps outside.

The first stop after school is the grocery store for cookies, candies and tea. Varvara's mom isn't home from work yet, but she agreed the girls can hang out at their apartment so long as Varvara runs upstairs first to clean.

They kick their shoes off at the door and rush for the kitchen. They boil water. They crowd around the table. They hear an air raid siren and ignore it. They move to Varvara's room, sit on her bed and floor. They don't talk about guns or drones or soldiers or war. They talk about boys and girls and crushes and relationships.

They laugh at Varvara's cat, Masha. Eventually, Ria picks up Varvara's blue acoustic guitar and starts to strum. The girls quiet down. She begins to sing. They all join in.

When the song ends, they cheer and rush to hug her.

The air alert has stopped. For this moment, safe in Varvara's room, they are just teenagers. They are young and happy and free. They could almost be anywhere.

But later that night, the sirens blare again. Russian missiles and drones soar overhead and crash into apartments and houses and a hospital and energy infrastructure. Four people are killed. Several children are wounded. Varvara moves from her bed to sleep on a bean bag in the hall.

The girls all hope to survive another night, and meet in school again tomorrow.

(COMMENT, BELOW)




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In the end, the conflict between federal immigration authorities and protesters in Minneapolis boiled down to one fundamental policy question: Should sanctuary cities be allowed to exist? Should cities, counties, and states be allowed to prohibit their police from cooperating with the enforcement of federal immigration law, even as those local agencies cooperate with all other law enforcement?

In the wake of Minneapolis, some hardcore Democratic leaders are doubling down on sanctuary policies.

A Bloomberg piece summarizes what's going on. Abigail Spanberger, the new Democratic governor of Virginia, has ordered state authorities to cancel any agreements with the federal government allowing cooperation with immigration enforcement.

In New York, Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul is pushing a bill to do the same thing. In New Jersey, new Democratic Gov. Mikie Sherrill has signed an order that, in many situations, will bar federal immigration authorities from state property. And in Maryland, Democratic Gov. Wes Moore is hoping to bar local jails from cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.

Similar things are happening in blue cities, which already had sanctuary policies. In New York, new Democratic Socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani wants to ban ICE agents from almost any city property unless the agents get a judicial warrant. And in Los Angeles, Democratic Mayor Karen Bass has just signed a law with new restrictions on ICE.

No surprises there. Anything to resist the hated Trump. What is striking, though, is at the same moment all that is happening, there is growing cooperation with federal immigration law enforcement elsewhere in the country.

NBC News reports that "agreements between Immigration and Customs Enforcement and local law enforcement that allow officers to make federal immigration arrests have increased by 950 percent in the first year of President Donald Trump's second term." The NBC report continues: "As of Jan. 26, there were 1,168 agencies with officers trained to help ICE, up from 135 during the Biden administration and 150 at the end of Trump's first term."

The Trump administration has restarted an old program under which local police officers essentially act as ICE deputies, with the authority to arrest people suspected of being in the country illegally. ICE is encouraging local agencies by offering grants for assistance. NBC reports that the states that have the most agencies enrolled in the program are Florida, Texas, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, and Alabama. They're the anti-sanctuary jurisdictions.

Public opinion seems to be on their side. A Harvard CAPS Harris poll from late January asked, "Do you think that local officials should hand over to immigration authorities criminals in jail who are here illegally, or should state and local officials not turn over criminals for deportation?" Sixty-seven percent of respondents said officials should hand over the criminals, while just 33% said they should not.

The poll also asked, "Do you think that state and local authorities should cooperate or refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities on the deportations of criminals?" The answers came out exactly the same  67% said authorities should cooperate, while 33% said they should not.

There are several bills in Congress, all proposed by Republicans, that would outlaw or sharply limit sanctuary non-cooperation policies. Even if one or more of them make it through Congress  and despite public opinion, it is likely Democrats will fight them tooth and nail  they will surely face court challenges.

Still, it could be that the real momentum after Minneapolis is against sanctuary jurisdictions.
Season one of Waterloo Road is returning to screens in honour of the show's 20th anniversary.

Waterloo Road season one is returning to TV

The school drama was first broadcast on 9 March 2006, and to celebrate the milestone, the BBC will air two installments from the first run of episodes every week on BBC Three from 7pm.

The full series has been available as a box set on BBC iPlayer since 2019, but this give viewers the chance to watch the show on terrestrial TV and sync watch with iPlayer.

Waterloo Road was first broadcast on the BBC between 2006 and 2015, and was revived in 2023, with original cast members Denise Welch, Jason Merrells, Adam Thomas, Angela Griffin, Lauren Drummond, Katie Griffiths and Chelsee Healey making their returns.

It helped to launch the career of the likes of Jenna Coleman, Jodie Comer, Holiday Grainger, Lucien Laviscount, Rege-Jean Page and Tom Payne.

Denise Welch confirmed last October that she was thrilled to be returning to Waterloo Road after a 15-year break from playing teacher Steph Haydock.

She said in a statement at the time: "I'm thrilled to see the return of Steph to Waterloo Road. 15 years older, but certainly not wiser.

"Shell soon show that time has certainly not dulled her shine! Still unmarried but eternally hopeful, Steph is back as a supply teacher.

"What she is supplying remains to be seen, but I am having a great time stepping back into the shoes of a character I love."

Denise is delighted to be reuniting with her former Waterloo Road co-star Jason Merrells, who plays Jack Rimmer in the programme.

She added: "Its also been great to reunite with some of my old castmates, like Jason Merrells. Steph and Jack go back a long way, but will they move forward?! You'll have to wait and see."

Waterloo Road bosses are also pleased to have "iconic" teacher Steph back in the building, and admitted Neil Fitzmaurice's history teacher character Neil Guthrie has "met his match".

Cameron Roach, founder of Rope Ladder Fiction and exec producer for Waterloo Road, said: "Steph Haydock is a Waterloo Road icon, so we knew we had to find the right story if we were to see her back in our world.

"We were thrilled that Denise enjoyed our pitch and that the fans will get to see Steph once more - her one liners are just as sharp, her lip stick is fiercely drawn, and the staff room atmosphere is changed for good.

"Neil Guthrie has met his match. We can't wait for the fans to see her episodes."
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Physician, author, and health care reform advocate David K. Cundiff discusses his article Accountable care cooperatives: a 2026 vision for U.S. health care. David analyzes the severe funding crisis affecting American families where premiums have skyrocketed and millions lack access to primary care providers. He shares personal experiences with the medical system regarding back pain and criticizes the pharmaceutical industry for prioritizing profit over patient safety in drug development. The conversation outlines a bold structural solution involving member-owned cooperatives that integrate social determinants of health like nutrition and housing while freezing federal spending. David argues that shifting to a nonprofit model can drastically reduce administrative waste and improve metabolic health outcomes. Discover how a community-governed approach can stabilize the national deficit and restore affordable access for everyone.

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Transcript

Kevin Pho: Hi, and welcome to the show. Subscribe at KevinMD.com/podcast. Today we welcome back David K. Cundiff, physician, author, and health care reform advocate. Todays KevinMD article is Accountable care cooperatives: a 2026 vision for U.S. health care. David, welcome back to the show.

David K. Cundiff: Thank you very much, Kevin.

Kevin Pho: So last conversation, we talked about accountable care cooperatives. Just to recap, give us a brief definition of what that is, and then we will talk about the KevinMD article today.

David K. Cundiff: OK. I introduced accountable care cooperatives in my book Grand Bargains: Fixing Health Care and the Economy in 2015. Now is the time that we have a crisis in health care and health care spending. So it is the time to look at this option because other options are just not workable. Accountable care cooperatives are what I have defined as private and non-governmental, although they are funded by the government. They compete, but they are self-regulating. They also take care of social services such as nutrition, housing, and employment for patients that are in the accountable care cooperatives.

Kevin Pho: All right, so tell us about your most recent KevinMD article extending that conversation. What is this one about?

David K. Cundiff: As of January 1, 2026, we are in a health care crisis in the United States like never before. My book, Money Driven Medicine: Tests and Treatments That Dont Work, reported back in 2006 that 40 to 50 percent of the costs of medical interventions were unnecessary or harmful, wasting about a trillion dollars in 2007. From 2007 to 2025, we have spent roughly 35 trillion dollars on ineffective or harmful treatments. This is more than the entire United States gross domestic product in 2025. We are literally bankrupting the country to pay for medical tests and treatments that dont work.

This huge waste accounts for polls showing that the medical system earns a D+ grade for affordability among the public. Out of roughly 18 million health care workers, only about 9 million treat a patient. The rest are administrators. Back in the 1970s when I was in training, one out of 40 health care workers was an administrator. Now it is one to one, and medical bureaucrats that dont see patients average about 108,000 dollars a year.

Frontline workers in health care that see patients get 87,000 dollars on average. This may account for why 55 percent of our clinicians are considering or planning to quit.

Kevin Pho: So what are the options going forward? Before talking about the solutions, how did we get to this point? You said that, just to quote one of your statistics, we have gone from one administrator for every 40 clinicians to a one-to-one ratio now. How did we get to that point where now we have so many more administrators?

David K. Cundiff: Well, it is very complicated. That is a good question. I cant say that I really know the answer other than there has been a continuous increase in the cost of health care. The government has just tried to throw strategies to reduce that increase. They do it by just throwing administrators in there. So they are checking everything that is ordered from Medicare. It is having Washington, DC, or other government employees just try to do things that reduce the cost of health care. It is obviously not working because the cost of health care continues to balloon.

Kevin Pho: And you are saying it is not just the government, but of course health insurers also have this administrative bloat. A lot of it is just because of the way our health care system is structured. A lot of the rules and payment structures that we have require a lot of administrators to execute them.

David K. Cundiff: Exactly. Exactly. Yeah. And what are the options going forward? Well, there is a Republican one big, beautiful act. What would it do? Well, it would increase health care costs. It is now 6.3 trillion dollars in 2026, and it will be 9.6 trillion dollars by 2035. That will increase the federal deficit by 3.4 trillion dollars by 2035. And that is favored by just 41 percent of voters.

Now, the Democratic public option has an effect on the federal deficit that is neutral. It wont reduce the deficit or increase it significantly. Only 31 percent of adults favor that. The Democratic single-payer Medicare for All, which I remember back in 1990, I dont know if it has ever been favored by more than 50 percent. It would supposedly reduce the deficit by two to five trillion dollars by 2035, but only 35 percent of adults favor it. So all of these options, Republican and Democrat, are just non-starters. We need a different system. My book, Grand Bargains: Fixing Health Care and the Economy, came out in 2015 and it introduced the accountable care cooperatives that we are talking about.

Kevin Pho: So I am looking at some of the suggestions that you make. Number one is to flip the ratio. You want to transition 5.5 million workers from administration back to the bedside. Another idea you have is to cap the panels. You want to move from the 2,000 to 3,000 patient panels primary care physicians have down to 600 to 800. Let me ask a question about that specifically. How do you propose flipping the ratio? A lot of these administrators dont necessarily have bedside training. How can we flip some of them and transition them to bedside care?

David K. Cundiff: We wouldnt necessarily make an administrator without medical training train to be a health care provider. But our system now has Medicare pay for interns and residents to go through their training. The money that they are using is very constricted because they have other things that they are doing with Medicare money. So we are just not training enough health care providers. Since I started in medical school, about a quarter of our physicians in the United States have immigrated from other countries, including a lot of developing countries and developed countries. Why should we be drawing in physicians? I mean, they are great physicians and health care providers, but why do we need to draw them in rather than produce our own providers and finance that training? Accountable care cooperatives would do that.

Kevin Pho: So let me ask a second issue about capping the panels. Wouldnt capping the panels from say 2,000 to 3,000 to 600 to 800 worsen the primary care shortage when we already have difficulty finding primary care physicians for all the patients?

David K. Cundiff: No. I think we could well already, probably most primary care providers are nurse practitioners or physician assistants. We could increase those numbers pretty rapidly. It would take some time, but we have a lot of very bright young people in the United States that are interested in health care careers that arent going to burn you out like the current system. So we could do it.

Kevin Pho: What would be the first steps that you would implement? You did mention that both the Republican and the Democratic solutions are non-starters. If you were the health care czar and in charge of running health care in our country, tell us the first steps that you would do to implement your vision.

David K. Cundiff: Well, the first step would be to get rid of all public and private insurance schemes. This includes Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs, Obamacare, childrens care, and Indian care, all with their own administrative bureaucracies. Those people count as health care providers. We do not need that incredible amount of bureaucracy or bureaucrats. We need more health care providers. Yeah, it will take some time, but if we start now in 2026 with a bill through Congress signed by the president, it could happen as an emergency. When the Second World War was declared an emergency, things happened very immediately. This is as much an emergency right now in the United States as any of the other emergencies going on.

Kevin Pho: Probably now short of a World War, right? Realistically, what you are describing probably isnt going to happen politically, of course. Right. So is there anything that administrations could do currently? Of course, we have a Republican administration, and even if we had a Democratic administration, what do you think are some realistic things that could happen given the constraints of our political system?

David K. Cundiff: Well, I dont know if I agree that we are looking at our politicians in this regard regarding health care. I would rather go directly to patients and influencers like yourself about accountable care cooperatives. The politicians will listen to patients and influencers. If this gets into the conversation, I am confident that the politicians may be the last to hear about it, but they will hear about it if it gets into the conversation in the newspapers and media.

Kevin Pho: Another suggestion that you have in your notes was freezing the budget. Locking in health care spending at 6.3 trillion dollars for 2026. Again, politically, how feasible is that?

David K. Cundiff: I think it is more than feasible, but it has to be done by getting rid of all public and private insurance. That is so much of the cost of health care. So, it would all come out of that and there would be plenty left over because the United States health care system costs twice what the next most expensive health care system per capita in the world is.

So there is a lot of room there to save on the cost of health care while we are giving much more health care, long-term care, and most importantly, preventive medicine. Then these accountable care cooperatives will be competing with each other. They wont be competing on who can gain Medicare or other insurance companies, but they will be competing with each other on who can be the most innovative in their preventive medicine and treatments to satisfy their patients and also keep the costs within control.

Kevin Pho: Now with any significant change like the one that you are proposing, there are going to be winners and losers. If we are talking about dismantling entire industries like the private health insurance industry, there is going to be a lot of resistance. People are going to lose jobs, and companies may go out of business. Right? So how do you overcome some of that status quo?

David K. Cundiff: Yeah, with any meaningful change for sure. There are people that are making great money. The insurance company and the pharmaceutical industry and other industries that are connected with health care are cleaning up. They wont necessarily like it, but I dont know if they all wont like it. I think they have health care problems too. They have children and grandchildren and see that the system is not working. So, I think that if people see this option and see how bad the system is now, this will win in polls. The politicians will hear people that have read about accountable care cooperatives.

Kevin Pho: We are talking to David Cundiff, physician, author, and health care reform advocate. Todays KevinMD article is Accountable care cooperatives: a 2026 vision for U.S. health care. David, lets end with some takeaway messages that you want to leave with the KevinMD audience.

David K. Cundiff: It is up to Americans to look at this once-in-a-multiple-generation opportunity to do what I think maybe it was Truman who tried to do: change the health care system. Then Obama and several in between tried and failed. It doesnt mean that this one will fail. Because of all the previous failures, this one is the most consequential. So I ask you to look at the KevinMD articles I have written on this and the references they lead you to, and contact your politicians and friends.

Kevin Pho: David, thank you so much for sharing your perspective and insight. Thanks again for coming back on the show.

David K. Cundiff: Thank you so much.
(Photo courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)



The city of Busan has signed a two-year agreement with Daesun Distilling Co., Ltd. to promote and expand Busan Ollang, the nations first AI-powered multilingual menu platform.

The partnership aims to accelerate on-the-ground adoption of the QR code-based foreign-language menu system across Busans restaurant industry, responding to the steady rise in international visitors.

Launched in June 2025, Busan Ollang allows restaurant owners to either directly input menu items or upload photos of existing menus.

The system uses optical character recognition and artificial intelligence to automatically translate content into multiple languages, including English, simplified and traditional Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Arabic, and Russian.

As of December 2025, the city had supported 2,511 establishments with QR-based multilingual menus, marking the largest implementation of its kind nationwide.

Under the agreement, Busan will oversee platform operations, system stabilization, administrative and technical support, and performance monitoring.

Daesun Distilling will mobilize its sales and promotional staff to introduce the platform directly to restaurants and encourage participation, creating a public-private cooperation model focused on field-level expansion.

Following the agreement, the city plans phased expansion measures, including system training for Daesuns sales staff in February and March, platform training sessions for district officials, surveys of foreigner-friendly restaurants using the system, and the designation and support of outstanding foreigner-friendly restaurants in May.

Further system upgrades and operational maintenance are scheduled for June.
(File photo)



For K-Drama fans, watching your favorite show is only half the fun. Imagine being able to go to the same cafe where a heartwarming scene happened or taking a selfie at a filming location that looks just like the drama. Just like gamers enjoy engaging with online Peryagame, exploring actual pop culture locations in Korea offers a similarly enjoyable and immersive experience. There are a lot of places in Korea, especially Seoul and Busan, that make the screen come to life and are great for taking pictures and remembering the past. This is the ultimate guide to renowned K-Drama filming sites and cafes that are perfect for Instagram.

1. Ihwa Mural Village, SeoulThe Heirs & More

(File photo)



Up high where central Seoul rolls into gentle slopes lies Ihwa Mural Village, drawing many who love K-dramas. Bright wall paintings twist through narrow lanes, while steps climb quietly between homesscenes that lit up shows like The Heirs. Pictures come alive here under sunlight, frozen moments echoing what viewers once saw on screens. A quiet hum lingers where footsteps meet stone, memories built not from words but from color and shadow.

Tip: Bright hours bring fewer peopleshow up at first light for wider spaces behind the lens. Rooftop seating appears at several village cafes, ideal when you need a slow breath between shots.

2. Cafe de One Piece, Seoul  W: Two Worlds

Step inside if you love W: Two Worldsthe Cafe de One Piece waits. Whimsy lives here, tucked into snug nooks and hand-painted walls. Decor pulls straight from the shows lively spirit, only quieter and slower. Coffee arrives carefully made, steam curling above cups like unspoken secrets. Being here doesnt just mean drinking something warmit means slipping sideways into another world for a moment.

Tip: Try the cafes signature latte artits almost too pretty to drink, making it perfect for your feed.

3. Haeundae Beach, Busan  Haeundae Lovers

(File photo)



Waves crash where TV love stories often unfold, across wide stretches of warm sand at Haeundae. Picture long talks by the sea, filmed under soft light, feet brushing the wet shoreline. This spot pulls fans who want to stand exactly where actors paused mid-conversation. Not every beach fits a scripted moment so naturallyhere, even quiet pauses feel familiar.

Tip: Try arriving near sunset. The light turns soft, almost dreamlike, perfect for photos. Fewer people linger by then. Scenes feel like theyre pulled from a well-shot scene on screen.

4. Cafe Onion, Anguk, Seoul  Goblin

A corner of Seoul that hums with new life, Cafe Onion draws visitors who love Goblins magic. Inside, raw ceilings meet soft light while the backyard opens into green calmcity edge meets quiet tradition. Baked goods here speak just as loud as the mood, pulling drama travelers and pastry seekers alike. Not every spot wears two hats so well.

Tip: The bakery items are perfect for social media shotsstack those buttery croissants next to the dramatic brick walls, and youre set for likes.

5. Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan  Because This Is My First Life

(File photo)



Perched on slopes like a patchwork dream, Gamcheon Culture Village bursts with hues that climb steep paths. Twisting lanes unfold without warning, revealing homes drenched in paint, each more vivid than the last. A backdrop in Because This Is My First Life, the spot pulls visitors who love stories woven into real places. Snapshots come easily heremurals lean against doorframes, while tiny cafes peek from tight passages. Light bounces off walls in ways that feel unplanned, almost accidental.

Tip: Explore side streets and small cafes for unique shots and less crowded experiences.

6. Stylenanda Pink Hotel Cafe, Myeongdong, Seoul  True Beauty

Step inside; the Stylenenda Pink Hotel Cafe pops with color at every turn. Those who love True Beauty might already know this hotspot by heart. Walls drenched in pink meet odd little chairs and bold decorationslike a scene pulled straight from a show. Snap your look here, grab a quiet moment, and frame a selfie. The whole place hums with flair, making it easy to get lost in.

Tip: The cafe is busiest on weekends, so weekday visits are ideal for both photos and a more relaxed experience.

Final Thoughts

Stepping into places where K-Dramas were filmed isnt only about snapping pictures. Picture this: walking paths lined with murals in Ihwa, where walls tell silent stories. Instead of rushing through sights, some pause at Cafe de One Piece, sipping drinks beneath soft light. Haeundae Beach unfolds differently when youve seen it on screenwaves feel familiar. Moments like these blur fiction and real life without making a show of it. Culture slips in quietly, carried by flavors, textures, and quiet corners. Each visit holds space for personal echoes, not replicas of scenes. You leave carrying something intangiblea mood, a shade of feeling.
The European Union is entering what officials call a "transitional period" in trade ties with the United States after President Donald Trump imposed a new import surcharge that could weaken last year's trade agreement between the two sides.

European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic told lawmakers Tuesday that the new U.S. tariff move creates months of uncertainty. The surcharge, set at 10% for now, may rise to 15% and could stay in place for up to 150 days under U.S. trade law. That timeline gives both sides until July 24 to find a solution, per Reuters.

"Of course, what is now ahead of us, this is the transitional period where they are figuring out how to deal with this really landmark court ruling and we are talking every day," Sefcovic told the European Parliament's trade committee.

He added that U.S. officials believe the issue could be resolved sooner, possibly within "three, four months."

Trump Tariffs and the 150-Day Trade Window

The new surcharge followed a ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States that struck down much of Trump's earlier global tariff policy. In response, the administration turned to a different trade law that allows tariffs of up to 15% for 150 days.

Although Trump said the rate would rise to 15%, U.S. Customs confirmed it began at 10% and applies to nearly all countries unless exempt. A White House official said the administration is preparing a separate order to increase the rate but did not give a timeline.

If the new surcharge overrides the existing trade deal, some zero-tariff exemptions could disappear. The surcharge may also be added on top of normal U.S. duties, known as "most-favoured-nation" tariffs.

An example used by Bloomberg is certain cheeses that already face duties could see total tariffs climb to about 25% once the 10% surcharge is added. Agriculture products, plastics, and other goods may also be affected, according to assessments from the European Commission.

The situation has raised concerns in Brussels that the agreement reached last summer could unravel before it is fully approved.

European Parliament Vote and Deal Uncertainty

The trade deal set a 15% U.S. tariff ceiling for most European goods. In return, the bloc agreed to remove import duties on many American products. The arrangement was seen as a way to prevent a broader trade war and keep economic stability between the two allies.

However, ratification has stalled. Lawmakers recently froze work on approving the agreement after the U.S. court ruling and Trump's new tariff announcement created confusion.

Trade partners around the world are watching closely as Washington considers more sector-specific investigations that could lead to additional tariffs.

For businesses on both sides of the Atlantic, the next few months will be critical. Companies need clear rules to plan shipments, prices, and supply chains. Without clarity, exporters face higher costs and delayed decisions.

In simple terms, the agreement that was meant to bring stability is now under pressure. Whether both sides can protect it during this 150-day window may decide the future of one of the world's largest trade relationships.

Originally published on vcpost.com
Whole Foods Market will now face a lawsuit in Texas over baby food products after the US Supreme Court unanimously upheld a lower court ruling, returning the case to state court.

The decision comes from a 9-0 opinion written by Justice Sonia Sotomayor on Tuesday, affirming the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals' judgment.

The lawsuit was filed by Texas parents Sarah and Grant Palmquist, who allege that their child, then just over 2 years old, developed physical and mental conditions linked to heavy-metal exposure from baby food sold at Whole Foods and produced by Hain Celestial Group.

A 2021 US House of Representatives staff report found elevated levels of toxic metals in certain baby foods, including Hain's, prompting the Palmquists to take legal action.

The parents originally filed claims against both Hain and Whole Foods in Texas state court.

According to FoxBusiness, Hain, a company based in Delaware and New York, attempted to move the case to federal court, arguing that Whole Foods should be removed because federal courts handle cases between parties from different states.

However, both Whole Foods and the Palmquists are Texas residents, making federal jurisdiction inappropriate.

"Federal courts may exercise diversity jurisdiction only when no adverse party is from the same state, but Whole Foods and the Palmquists are all Texas citizens," the Supreme Court explained in its opinion.

Supreme Court unanimously rebukes lower court's handling of Whole Foods baby food case https://t.co/kHw1KwJuRK  FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) February 24, 2026

Court Rejects Bid to Remove Whole Foods From Suit

Hain's efforts to exclude Whole Foods initially succeeded in a district court, but the Palmquists appealed.

The 5th Circuit rejected the lower court's ruling, stating that Whole Foods was properly joined in the lawsuit and that the case should remain in state court.

The Supreme Court's ruling on Tuesday affirmed this decision, allowing the parents to continue pursuing their claims against both defendants.

Justice Sotomayor emphasized the Palmquists' right to choose a state court forum.

"The Palmquists exercised their right to choose a state forum by purposefully and properly joining a nondiverse defendant against whom they could not proceed in federal court," she wrote, Yahoo reported.

Justice Clarence Thomas filed a concurring opinion, noting that federal courts have historically been limited to cases with "complete diversity" of citizenship and that improper-joinder doctrines should not allow dismissal of state-resident defendants.

Originally published on vcpost.com
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The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) is the criminal organization with the highest number of accounts on the social media platform TikTok, according to an analysis by El Colegio de Mexico (Colmex). Of all accounts that reference organized crime on the platform, 54.3% are linked to this group, and their content is strongly oriented toward recruitment, experts warn.

The percentage of accounts referencing another criminal network, the Sinaloa Cartel, stands at 5.4%, where content focuses on propaganda and the display of internal rivalries, according to the study.

According to the study New Frontiers in Digital Recruitment by El Colegio de Mexico, this presence relies on specific tactics designed to build identity and attract new members.

Accounts associated with the CJNG are particularly active in posting false job offers that promise attractive salaries, housing, training, and tactical equipment to those who decide to join the four letters. The research indicates that within the analyzed sample, 47% of these accounts had explicit recruitment as their main function.

Alondra Reyna Rivera, researcher at the Seminar on Violence and Peace at Colmex, said in an interview with La Silla Rota that material circulating on social media or in video games is not always fully explicit, but instead conveys messages through videos that reflect admiration for criminal group dynamics.

Te podria interesar Narcopolitica local Cae cupula policial de Ecuandureo por presuntos nexos con el CJNG

It is the most aspirational content seen in music, even in series. We are not saying all of this ends in recruitment, but it all contributes to building certain narratives and a degree of normalization, she explained.

She added that this dynamic means recruitment no longer depends solely on the geographic areas where youth and children live, but can now occur across different locations.

We have found evidence that perhaps a young person in the State of Mexico, through social media, ends up connecting or approaching criminal groups in Sinaloa or even outside Mexico, Reyna Rivera said.

READ ALSO: Countries that are banning social media for minors

Reyna Rivera stressed that in these cases, guardians play an important role, and ongoing communication should exist regarding what minors watch, do, or listen to on these platforms.

Bring these issues to the table, talk about consequences, and discuss what is happening, she advised.

A central pillar of this strategy is the use of a distinct digital language. The CJNG uses hashtags such as #4letras, #mencho, #ElSenorDeLosGallos, #nuevageneracion, and #trabajoparalamana, which allow the group to position its content and become easily searchable for users browsing the platform.

Musical connections

The research indicates that music plays a crucial role in building this identity. Videos shared by these accounts often feature narcocorridos and corridos tumbados by artists popular among young audiences, including Los Alegres del Barranco, Fuerza Regida, and Peso Pluma.

The study notes that this musical selection is not random, as it includes songs that directly reference the cartel or its leader, functioning as a soundtrack that normalizes and glorifies belonging to the group.

The specialist added that banning or restricting social media use may not succeed, and reaffirmed that guidance and supervision are more necessary in these situations.

She noted that this issue is not unique to Mexico. Around the world, cases have emerged in which terrorist groups in Europe or the Middle East seek to recruit young people to join their ranks.

Reyna Rivera stressed the importance of not revictimizing youth and children who become linked to criminal groups, since multiple factors may influence their involvement.

We must recognize different types of recruitment; it may be coercive or not we need to ask what is happening among young people that makes linking up with a criminal group seem like a viable alternative, she emphasized.

She listed possible causes such as school dropout, job insecurity, search for identity or belonging, normalization of violence, poverty, or deteriorated family environments.

How to identify recruitment on social media?

It is increasingly common to encounter this type of content on social media, and it is a risk we used to think was very hidden, she stated.

Criminalizing recruitment

Given the reality that criminal groups recruit through social media, the Colmex researcher said it is necessary to legally define the crime of recruitment and regulate social media platforms.

The government needs to criminalize it, needs to regulate big tech companies, and tech companies also need to assume responsibility, she said.

READ ALSO: Emojis and hashtags: How do cartels recruit and promote themselves on social media?

The research highlights that other platforms such as Roblox, Facebook, and Instagram are also used. Researchers raise the possibility that this environment has become a channel to reach even younger audiences.

Mexicos Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC) has identified a total of 39 accounts dedicated to recruitment across different platforms and social media networks.

VGB
China restricted yesterday exports to 40 Japanese entities it says are contributing to Japans remilitarization, in the latest escalation of tensions with Tokyo.

Beijing has shown continued displeasure with Tokyo since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in November implied Japan could intervene if China used military force against Taiwan.

The Chinese Commerce Ministry put 20 Japanecontrol list and 20 others on a separate watchlist.

Companies on the export control list will not be able to import from China dual-use goods, which can be used for civilian and military purposes. They include multiple business subsidiaries of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries involved in shipbuilding and the production of aircraft engines and maritime machinery, as well as some of Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Fujitsu, among others.

Foreign organizations or individuals are also banned from providing dual-use items originating in China to the 20 entities, the ministry said.

All ongoing related activities must cease immediately, its statement read.

The separate watchlist has 20 Japanese companies for which Chinese exporters are required to submit individual export license applications, along with risk assessment reports and written pledges that the dual-use items will not be used by Japans military. It includes Subaru Corporation, Mitsubishi Materials Corporation and the Institute of Science Tokyo, among others.

The Chinese Commerce Ministry said the measures, aiming to curb Japans remilitarization and nuclear ambitions, are entirely legitimate, reasonable, and legal.

The restrictions are only aimed at a small number of Japanese entities, and the relevant measures only target dual-use items, it added. They will not affect normal economic and trade exchanges between China and Japan, and honest and law-abiding Japanese entities have absolutely nothing to worry about.

Japan condemns restrictions

Tokyo issued a formal protest of the measures to Chinas Deputy Chief of Mission to Japan Shi Yong, according to a statement by the Japanese Foreign Ministry.

The restrictions, solely targeting Japan, largely differ from international practices and are absolutely unacceptable, said Masaaki Kanai, head of the ministrys Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau.

The measures announced today will never be tolerated. This is deplorable indeed. We strongly protest to China and urge them to lift them (the controls), Kei Sato, Japans deputy chief Cabinet secretary, said during a routine briefing on Tuesday.

Sato said the contents of Chinas measures would need to be examined.

We will take actions accordingly, he added.

Some aspects are unclear, including whether they include rare earths trading, he added.

Most affected companies contacted by The Associated Press who responded said they had no immediate comment.

Representatives of industrial equipment supplier Yashima Denki Co. and chemical manufacturer NOF Corp, both on the watchlist, said they believed their companies would be hardly affected by the measures as they had limited trade with China.

Beijing has repeatedly criticized Tokyo over Takaichis November comments as well as what it describes as Japans ambitions to remilitarize.

Takaichis party secured a landslide victory in parliamentary elections earlier this month, which will allow her to double down on a significant conservative shift in Japans security, immigration and other policies. SIMINA MISTREANU, BANGKOK, MDT/AP

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Lawmakers and tourism industry representatives are urging stronger enforcement against illegal accommodation advertisements circulating on social media platforms, amid concerns that the supply of affordable legal lodging in Macau remains limited.

Lawmaker Song Pek Kei has called for authorities to target online posts offering illegal lodging services in private residential units, suggesting that accounts promoting such listings should be banned.

The lawmaker, who focuses on community issues related to the Fujian community, also proposed that the government establish coordination mechanisms with social media platforms, including mainland Chinas Douyin, to remove posts advertising rooms in illegal guesthouses.

She noted that the resurgence of illegal lodging activities followed the recovery of tourism after the pandemic. As visitor numbers increased and arrivals reached record levels, advertisements for unofficial accommodation also began appearing more frequently online, particularly in the period leading up to the Lunar New Year holidays.

As cited in a report from Hoje Macau, in some social media posts observed at the end of January, listings offering short-term room rentals in Macau were priced between RMB100 and RMB150 per night.

Authorities have stepped up inspections targeting suspected illegal lodging operations. In the first 20 days of the year, 25 apartments suspected of providing unauthorized accommodation were inspected, and 17 of them were sealed.

Song argued that illegal guesthouse activity is driven by two main factors: the limited availability of affordable hotel rooms and the presence of individuals who have overstayed their permitted period of stay in Macau. She said that around 6,000 people are currently believed to be staying in the city beyond their legal authorization.

Tourism sector representatives echoed concerns over the shortage of low-cost lodging options. Andy Wu, chairman of the Travel Industry Council of Macau, said that despite regulatory changes allowing the development of capsule-style hotels, affordable accommodation supply remains insufficient.

Wu added that the price difference between economy hotels and luxury five-star hotels is often narrow during weekdays. He also noted that room rates in nearby Zhuhai remain much lower, with some accommodation priced between RMB100 and RMB200, creating competitive pressure on the hospitality market.

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The Unitary Police Service (SPU) held the first working meeting of the year for the citys civil protection structure.

The meeting aimed to improve civil protection operations and enhance efficiency in responding to sudden public incidents.

The session was held at the Civil Protection Operations Center (COPC) and was chaired by Secretary for Security and Civil Protection Commander Chan Tsz King.

The meeting reviewed civil protection work carried out in 2025 and discussed prevention and planning priorities for the new year.

During the meeting, Chan noted that Macau experienced severe extreme weather in 2025, with 14 tropical storms affecting the region  the highest number since records began in 1968.

The civil protection structure launched four response operations during the year, including the issuance of a red (highest-level) storm surge warning during Super Typhoon Ragasa. During that event, the government fully activated its contingency mechanism, following the principles of prevention, timely intervention, and post-incident recovery to safeguard the lives and property of residents and visitors.

The official also said that public services must remain vigilant, strictly adhere to the principle of preparing for adversity, and continue optimizing Macaus public security strategic planning while promoting regional emergency cooperation mechanisms.

He added that emergency response capabilities should be strengthened to fulfill civil protection responsibilities, ensure regular oversight, and raise public awareness through education to help build a stronger public security defense system.

During the meeting, representatives of 29 civil protection entities presented and discussed their 2026 work plans, the preparation of the Crystal Fish 2026 drill, reviews of contingency plans, and community awareness strategies to support effective civil protection operations in the coming year.

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The Chinese New Year (CNY) holiday period closed yesterday with a final tally of 1,701,600 visitor arrivals and 6,695,682 border crossings, according to the Public Security Police Force (PSP).

Contributing to these numbers was Mondays final result, which recorded 157,278 visitor arrivals.

According to the final release, the market share ratios remained at 76% for mainland visitors, 16% for Hong Kong visitors, and 6% for international visitors. The remaining 2% were visitors from Taiwan.

Also noted was that local residents entering and reentering Macau accounted for over 2.2 million border movements, with a total of 1,127,857 arrivals recorded between February 14 and February 23. In the same period, 1,133,228 departures were recorded by local residents. In both cases, about half of these border movements occurred at the Border Gate, which also remained the busiest border checkpoint in Macau during this period.

In total, the Border Gate alone accounted for almost 3 million border crossings (2,979,836), representing 44.5% of the total.

The second busiest border checkpoint was the Macau Port Area at Hengqin Port, which recorded 1,039,221 passengers during this period, slightly more than the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau (HKZM) Bridge, which recorded 1,030,006.

Also close behind the second- and third-busiest ports was Qingmao, which recorded over 1 million border crossings (1,016,973). However, it would still need to surpass the movement at the Border Gate, which continues to be the most preferred border crossing point for both visitors and locals, according to statistics.

The top five busiest entry and exit ports in Macau were rounded out by the airport, although there was a wide gap compared to the others. In total, 255,742 passengers arrived and departed Macau via the international airport.

Meanwhile, data from the Macao Government Tourism Office shows that average hotel occupancy reached 95.6% during the Spring Festival Golden Week, according to industry operators. Occupancy peaked at 99.2% on the fourth day of the Chinese New Year (February 20).

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The Permanent Council for Social Dialogue approved its 2026 work plan yesterday, which includes reviews of severance pay caps, maternity and vacation leave rules, and workplace injury compensation limits.

The council, chaired by Secretary for Economy and Finance Anton Tai, met in a closed-door session at Lotus Hall of the government-appointed Social Affairs Coordination Standing Committee at the World Trade Centre yesterday afternoon.

Council secretary-general and Labour Affairs Bureau director (DSAL) Chan Un Tong told reporters afterward that the agenda features six items.

Those items include reviewing the maximum monthly base remuneration for severance pay calculations under the Labor Relations Law; amending vacation and maternity leave provisions in the same law; ensuring compliance with International Labour Organization Convention No. 144; recognizing new associations and renewing existing ones; and other matters deemed necessary by the administration.

The plan also targets limits on compensation for workplace accidents and occupational diseases under Decree-Law No. 40/95/M, as well as revisions to maternity leave and annual leave regulations.

Addressing reporters questions on timelines and impacts, Chan stated, The first item concerns No. 40/95/M, which requires an annual review according to legal regulations, he said. This is also part of this years review, and we will definitely have a result this year.

On severance pay caps under the Labor Relations Law, Chan noted that the law mandates reviews every two years, making 2026 timely. Chan added, This is also part of this years social work plan and will definitely be completed this year.

To decide on adjustments, the council stated that the government will first integrate data from insurance companies, opinions from the Monetary Authority of Macao (AMCM), and labor market information from the past two years. Chan emphasized that these two reviews will run concurrently. No public consultations are planned, but professional sector views will be sought.

Responding to concerns about small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Vong Kok Seng, vice president of the Macao Chamber of Commerce board of directors, said: Of course, we are very concerned about SMEs [] we are concerned that the increase in the maximum compensation amount and the original maternity leave salary will put pressure on SMEs business operations, so we will offer our opinions on this matter.

Chan also clarified that compensation interpretations under Decree 40/95/M do not directly tie to Labor Relations Law changes. He remarked, If time is limited, we will prioritize addressing the issues of maternity leave and base salary in the bill, which are of concern to the public.

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The Judiciary Police (PJ) have issued a public alert following a series of fraud cases in neighboring regions involving jewelry disguised as solid gold but actually made of silver with a gold-plated surface.

The police explained that so-called gold-wrapped silver jewelry appears similar to genuine gold accessories but is sold at significantly lower prices. Fraudsters have reportedly used these items to deceive buyers, particularly in gold resale and pawn transactions.

Authorities advised merchants not to rely solely on visual inspection, experience, or past transaction trust when assessing gold items.

The police also reminded consumers to exercise caution when purchasing gold jewelry. Residents were advised to buy from reputable merchants with established physical stores and to be wary of strangers offering gold items at prices significantly below market value.

As international gold and silver prices surge, cases of gold and silver smuggling have recently shown an increasing trend.

During the ongoing Judiciary Police (PJ) Winter Prevention Operation, Macau Customs recently intercepted three cases involving the suspected illegal transportation of silver pellets at the Border Gate checkpoint.

On February 13, 14 and 19, customs officers at the departure passenger inspection area of the Border Gate checkpoint noticed two mainland Chinese residents and one Macau resident behaving nervously.

Upon inspection, officials found that the three individuals had concealed a total of approximately 5.2 kilograms of suspected silver pellets, valued at around MOP93,000, within their clothing and personal belongings in an attempt to smuggle them out.

Meanwhile, silver bar smuggling was uncovered recently, and three individuals were charged under the Foreign Trade Law. If the cases are prosecuted and convictions secured, they will face a maximum fine of MOP100,000, and the seized goods will be confiscated.

These incidents follow another recent case in which the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Customs, under the guidance of Gongbei Customs, uncovered a Guangdong-Hong Kong dual-plate passenger vehicle attempting to smuggle five silver bricks weighing a total of 148.7 kilograms.

The General Administration of Customs of the Peoples Republic of China (GACC) recently released a statement saying that customs officers, while monitoring the inbound passenger vehicle channel at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Zhuhai Port, noticed an anomaly in the X-ray image of a Guangdong-Hong Kong dual-plate passenger vehicle.

Upon further inspection, officers discovered five pieces of metal suspected to be silver bricks hidden in a compartment beneath the soundproofing material located between the second-row seats and the trunk.

Subsequent professional assessment confirmed the metal to be pure silver, with a content of 99.9%. The driver confessed to concealing the items for smuggling and admitted he planned to resell them within the mainland for profit.

The sustained rise in the prices of precious metals, particularly gold and silver, on the international market has led to robust demand from residents for trading these goods, creating an economic incentive that stimulates smuggling activities.

Vast profits drive criminal syndicates to utilize ant-moving tactics involving parallel traders or dual-plate vehicles to smuggle goods, evading regulations and taxes.

The recent successive uncovering of multiple silver smuggling cases by customs authorities on both sides reflects the increasing intensity of such activities.

Law enforcement authorities on both sides should enhance intelligence sharing and cooperation to curb increasingly rampant silver smuggling at its source, authorities said. Ricaela Diputado

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Colgate-Palmolive is standing firm on its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) criteria for board appointments, rejecting a proposal from a conservative shareholder group that sought to remove such guidelines.

The company said it will ask investors to vote against the measure at its upcoming annual meeting, according to a letter viewed by Reuters.

The proposal comes from the National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC), which opposes DEI policies and argues that race, gender, and sexual orientation should not influence board selection.

Conservative activists and former President Donald Trump have also been pressuring companies to scale back or eliminate DEI programs, claiming they discriminate against White men.

In its response, Colgate emphasized that board diversity is key to its global strategy. About two-thirds of the company's net sales come from markets outside the US, the company noted, making a broad range of skills, experiences, and perspectives crucial for understanding consumer trends and driving innovation.

"It is important that our directors bring a broad range of skills, experiences, perspectives and backgrounds to the Board," the company said in its letter to the NLPC.

Colgate-Palmolive informed the National Legal and Policy Center that it will ask investors to vote against the NLPC's proposal to remove DEI-related criteria in the company's board member selection process.



More Here  https://t.co/CZpI7saJlj pic.twitter.com/T3Hts6H6d3  PiQ Newswire (@PiQNewswire) February 24, 2026

DEI at Colgate Contrasts With Other Corporations

Colgate further stated that considering "race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and cultural background" in selecting future board members is "both legally appropriate and important to fulfilling the Company's strategy."

The toothpaste maker highlighted that three of its director nominees in its 2025 proxy statement were "members of underrepresented communities," though the NLPC criticized the lack of a clear definition of "underrepresented."

Colgate's stance contrasts with several major US companies that have reduced or removed DEI language from their board selection criteria, including Goldman Sachs, American Express, and others.

According to Bloomberg, recent surveys show that the share of S&P 500 companies explicitly considering race or gender in director selection fell from roughly 50% in 2024 to under 14% in 2026.

"Colgate is doubling down on DEI when top US corporations realize the problems it presented," said Paul Chesser, director of the Corporate Integrity Project at NLPC.

"Corporate employment and business policy flows from leadership, so keeping DEI at the board level signals to everyone at the company that discrimination is still acceptable."

The company noted that the NLPC proposal "unduly interferes with the judgment" of its nominating committee, which is tasked with assembling a board that reflects diverse experiences and perspectives.

Originally published on vcpost.com
An 89-year-old resident was reported to have contracted Legionnaires disease during a trip to Zhongshan, according to the Health Bureau (SSM).

The SSM said that it was notified on Monday (Feb. 23) by Kiang Wu Hospital of a Legionella infection case, the first recorded in Macau this year.

According to the SSM, the patient is an 89-year-old Macau resident with a history of chronic diseases, smoking, and a chronic cough.

The SSM said that the man traveled to Zhongshan earlier this month and that on Feb. 13, he developed a worsening cough and hoarseness but no fever.

After returning to Macau on Feb. 20, and due to the persistence of symptoms, he visited Kiang Wu Hospital, where a chest X-ray revealed a lung infection. The following day, a urine test was positive for Legionella pneumophila antigen.

The patient is currently hospitalized at Kiang Wu Hospital for treatment and requires oxygen therapy through bilateral nasal cannula.

Legionella is a bacterium that lives in natural aquatic environments, such as the surfaces of lakes, rivers, and hot springs, as well as in soil and potting mix. It can proliferate rapidly in warm water and more humid, warmer places, especially when temperatures range from 20 to 45 degrees Celsius.

It can also be found in artificial aquatic systems, such as central air-conditioning cooling towers, hot tubs, fountains, and home medical devices, particularly in the presence of biofilm and sediment.

A person can become infected by inhaling contaminated mist released from artificial aquatic systems. The incubation period is two to 10 days.

Symptoms of Legionnaires disease include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The disease can be treated with antibiotic therapy.

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* Property Momentum

 Housing transactions surge as prices soften

* Tourism | CNY holiday ends with over 1.7 million visitors

* Transport | Lawmaker Ella Lei calls for midterm review of smart transport plan

* PJ issues public alert after fraud cases in neighboring regions involving jewelry sold as solid gold but actually silver with gold plating

* Calls grow to crack down on illegal accommodation ads on social media

* China restricts exports to 40 Japanese entities, citing concerns over Japans remilitarization, in latest escalation of tensions with Tokyo

DOWNLOAD PDF

Wednesday, February 25, 2026  edition no. 4898

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A 60-year-old mainland Chinese woman was referred to prosecutors after allegedly grabbing the steering wheel of a moving bus in protest over a route inquiry, police said. The incident occurred around 7 p.m. on the second day of Lunar New Year when the suspect was riding a Route 3X bus heading toward the Border Gate. Police said the woman was dissatisfied after the driver did not respond to her route-related question. She then reached for the steering wheel while the bus was in motion, causing the vehicle to shake. The driver immediately stopped the bus, and no passengers were injured in the incident.

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The Judiciary Police (PJ) arrested two mainland Chinese women during inspections around casino zones in Cotai and the NAPE district on 23 February, seizing over HKD70,000 in cash and gaming chips. In one case, a 27-year-old suspect allegedly exchanged RMB47,000 for HKD50,000 in chips. Police said she had been conducting illegal exchange activities in Macau since October 2025, earning about HKD200 for every RMB10,000 exchanged, with total illicit gains reaching around HKD60,000. In another case, a 56-year-old woman was suspected of conducting two exchanges totaling HKD60,000.

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On 12 February, Indias main trade union confederations, including AITUC, CITU, INTUC and HMS, in addition to sectoral federations (such as the All-India Bank Employees Association) and farmer organisations, jointly held a national general strike. The labour leaders claim that 300 million participated. But what is the balance sheet of the strike? And where do we go from here?

This action was directed against the Modi governments efforts to dilute Indias labour laws, its recent trade deals with the US and EU  which represent massive concessions to foreign capital  and other policies that will add to the impoverishment of workers and farmers.

The all-India strike was supported by most major workers organisations in India, as well as bodies representing farmers, like Samyukta Kisan Morcha and All-India Kisan Sabha. Only the BMS (Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh)  the largest trade union in India, which is ideologically aligned with the ruling RSS-BJP clique  did not support this strike.

In fact, it explicitly opposed the action, which it described as politically motivated. BMS is a strike-breaking union, whose reactionary nationalist ideology is summed up in its slogan: Nation First, Labour Next, Self Last. But it still represents a lot of workers, and its opposition did have an impact, reducing the presence of workers in BJP-ruled states where BMS has a stronger influence.

Nevertheless, there is a huge groundswell of anger in society as a result of Modis continuous offensive against working people and the poor. There was every possibility for this strike to have had a major impact.

Was the all-India strike a success?

It is quite difficult to accurately assess the scale of the mobilisation. Certainly, there was widespread participation from both the formal (banks, transport, mining) and informal sectors (construction, rural labour). The 300 million figure circulated widely because that's what union leaders projected based on past national strikes. Naturally, the Modi-supported media played down the turnout.

Independent coverage did not provide an official figure, but many reports noted that the strike did not shut down the entire country as would be expected from a mobilisation on this scale  if the 300 million figure was correct, it would be the single largest strike in recorded history. Instead, the evidence points to strong participation in pockets of the country, but limited impact nationwide.

In Kerala, a near-total shutdown was observed. Shops and government offices were largely closed. Public transport was severely disrupted. In cities like Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode, state and private buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws were either off the roads or stopped by activists, making travel extremely difficult for commuters.

Teachers and professionals attempting to work despite the bharat bandh (total stoppage) were stopped or confronted by the strike activists. Doctors from the government medical college in Kerala, despite not being part of bharat bandh, were on an indefinite boycott of outpatient services and surgical duties, adding to the overall disruption of public services.

The states of Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Telangana were only moderately impacted. In Tamil Nadu, a large group of protesters attempted to block railway tracks around Trichy Junction, leading to scuffles with police and the detention of many demonstrators. But despite such attempts, public transportation largely continued without a major shutdown. There were instances of workers being threatened by their bosses not to join the protests, on pain of suspension.

In Jharkhand, there were street demonstrations outside major coal companies and Public Sector Undertakings. In the state of Odisha, trade unions held peaceful rallies and demonstrations, with slogans chanted against the Labour Code and privatisations. There were some instances of picketing and roadblocks, but no large-scale movement. In other cities, strike turnout was very limited. In Delhi, for example, there were no major disruptions. Railways, transportation and other institutions went on normally.

What we can say is that the strike failed to translate the undercurrent of discontent in Indian society into organised mass action. Certainly, it was far weaker than the previous bharat bandhs in 2020 and 2022, which both brought over 200 million people onto the streets. It also failed in its express goal of forcing Modi to repeal the Labour Code. Despite this, the trade union leaders called the strike hugely successful. How can we make sense of this gap between the leaders words and the facts?

Anger of Indian workers

The first thing we should say is that there is no objective reason that the strike underperformed, given the level of anger amongst the Indian masses.

Modis Hindu nationalist government has increasingly revealed that it is firmly aligned with powerful corporate interests at home and imperialist forces abroad / Image: Trump White House, Flickr

Modis Hindu nationalist government has increasingly revealed that it is firmly aligned with powerful corporate interests at home and imperialist forces abroad. Its policies have deepened inequality, weakened labour protections, and intensified agrarian distress, all while consolidating wealth and power among a tiny elite. The government has crushed workers, farmers, and the struggling middle class.

Modis treacherous, unequal India-US and India-EU trade deals  which prostrate the country to foreign markets and risk decimating the agricultural and textile sectors  coupled with the new Labour Code, continue the BJPs campaign to reduce the Indian masses to cheap raw material for exploitation.

A mood of discontent against the political and economic establishment persists among broad sections of the population. The recent, rapid rise in the membership of the trade unions shows the Indian masses moving towards their traditional organisation as a means of self-defence, although the unionised workforce still only comprises 10 percent of the total.

But the main limiting factor is the conservatism of the bureaucratic trade union leaders, who restrain the working class to symbolic gestures that fail to galvanise the fury in society into a serious challenge to Modi and the Indian ruling class.

There was no plan to escalate the strike beyond a single day of action. There was no serious fight prepared to reverse the Labour Code or achieve any of the workers other demands. It was basically used as a release valve for the tension in society. This is exactly the same routine action the working class has seen before, which helps to explain why the turnout was lower this time. The workers know these single days of action do not get results, so millions of them simply shrugged their shoulders.

The blame lies with the trade union bureaucracies, who have squandered the fighting potential of the working class with these bankrupt methods. This process of the betrayal and demoralisation of the ranks did not start on 12 February.

Failures of leadership after independence

Since independence, India has witnessed numerous general strikes. While many have achieved partial gains, most have remained largely symbolic in their overall impact. In contrast, the recent nationwide farmers protest demonstrated the power of sustained and organised mass mobilisation. After prolonged agitation, the movement achieved a significant victory, culminating in the repeal of Modis three farm laws. Why have the labour organisations failed to replicate this success?

The situation did not emerge overnight. It is the result of a decades-long process. From the early 1940s to the 1970s, India witnessed a militant phase of labour action. Trade unions expanded across industries, and workers increasingly organised themselves around questions of wages, conditions, and workplace rights.

However, the trade union bureaucracies and the Stalinist parties to which many were affiliated always prevented a decisive struggle with Indian capitalism, meaning that these struggles always had a defensive character.

When Indian capitalism entered into crisis in the 80s and early 90s, culminating in the collapse of the Chandra Shekhar government and the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, the bourgeoisie was forced to move decisively against the workers.

Economic liberalisation followed, which was a major setback for the unions and the working class. The Congress government of P. V. Narasimha Rao carried out a series of reforms that opened India to foreign markets, accelerated privatisation and weakened organised labour. The 2000s saw a rapid rise in contract labour and informal employment, further undermining union power.

Today, nearly 90 percent of Indias workforce is employed in the informal sector, often without job security, written contracts, or social protections. This shift has fundamentally altered class relations, dispersing workers across fragmented workplaces and making collective organisation far more difficult than in earlier decades.

It was this process, based on the hyperexploitation of Indian workers, that facilitated the countrys remarkable economic growth, and stuffed the pockets of the countrys billionaires, while leaving hundreds of millions to languish in poverty.

No serious struggle was mounted against this by the Indian trade union leaders. Meanwhile, the corruption and class collaborationism of the so-called communist parties, which previously had a mass base, created space for Modis brand of Hindutva chauvinism to divert peoples anger towards religious minorities and oppressed castes.

Let it never be said the Indian working class lacks the will and means to fight back / Image: CITU, Facebook

Today, the left parties all collaborate with the Congress Party, which spearheaded the destruction of workers rights after 1991. The lefts justify this betrayal with the excuse of fighting Modis fascism and protecting Indias constitutional democracy. We also saw, during the brief war with Pakistan a year ago, how the unions and communist parties all called a class truce and rallied around Modi in order to defend the nation.

All of this has had a cumulative demoralising and demobilising effect. In the absence of any political alternative, and given the exasperation towards ineffectual, symbolic gestures, the muted response to this latest bharat bandh is hardly surprising.

A new direction is needed

Let it never be said the Indian working class lacks the will and means to fight back. It is home to one of the largest working classes on earth, with militant traditions. For all their limitations, the strikes of the last few years have still been the biggest labour mobilisations in history, and the farmers demonstrated in 2021 what can be achieved when the peoples rage is harnessed with an uncompromising plan of action.

The time has come for CITU and other major trade unions to move beyond symbolic protests. If the government refuses to address workers and farmers demands, an indefinite general strike should be seriously prepared. The unions must put forward their own comprehensive labour policies not merely to defend past gains, but to advance a clear alternative.

An indefinite general strike would not only confront the current right-wing capitalist government but also challenge the structural foundations of corporate power in India. Moreover, it should be a political general strike aimed at dragging Modis reactionary Hindutva mob out of power.

The recurring attacks on labour rights, agricultural protections, and public welfare are not isolated policies  they reflect deeper contradictions within Indian capitalism itself, which is incapable of carrying society forward.

A democratically planned socialist economy offers the only alternative path. By placing key industries, banks, and essential services under public control, it would prioritise social needs over private profit. Workers and farmers could gain access to universal healthcare, quality education, social security, and relief from crushing debt burdens. The struggle is not only against individual policies, but against a system that subordinates human welfare to capital accumulation.

If we want to change the world, we first need to understand it. The only way we can confront the situation facing us would be to develop a party which stands for the workers, farmers and toiling masses, based on the traditions and methods of Marxism. Help us to grow this force. If you are a real class fighter, then join us!
This January, two days after Trump bombed Venezuela and kidnapped its president, Nicolas Maduro, Saudi Arabia bombed southern Yemen and kidnapped the leadership of the countrys Southern Transitional Council (STC). This kicked off a chain of events, and now a fault line has erupted all along the Red Sea, spreading westward as far as Morocco and east as far as the Indian subcontinent. Two hostile camps are facing each other  both comprising US allies!

The Saudi kidnappings in Yemen werent called kidnappings as such. Rather, the Saudis dubbed them peace talks. The president of the STC, Aidarus al-Zoubaidi, had been invited to these talks, but in the end chose not to entrust himself bodily to the murderers of Jamal Khashoggi. A wise decision if ever there was one! Instead, he skipped his scheduled flight to Riyadh and fled to the UAE.

The other 50 leaders of the STC, however, did go to Saudi Arabia. There they were received by an armed escort. Subsequently, all we know is that their phones were turned off and they were held incommunicado for several days, before they reemerged and announced they were going to dissolve the STC. There was hardly any choice on their part if they wanted to come out of the negotiations alive!

Hijacking, theft, piracy, kidnapping and gunpoint negotiations  these are the tools of international diplomacy in 2026, and the US is setting the tone!

Compared to the events in Venezuela, what happened in Yemen barely registered in the newspaper headlines however, it kicked off a broader chain of events that has snowballed, and is continuing to snowball.

Battlelines drawn all along the Red Sea

The previously mentioned STC had been a proxy of the United Arab Emirates in Yemen. And in Yemen, they had been formally allied with the Saudi proxy in fighting the Iranian-backed Houthis, although there had been clashes between them over the years. At the end of 2025, however, the STC expanded the territory it controlled right up to the Saudi border using Emirati guns.

The Saudis were not about to tolerate this. They directly bombed Emirati hardware, forcing the latter to surrender and withdraw, and then invited the defenceless leaders of the STC to the aforementioned negotiations.

Since then, Saudi-Emirati relations have been in freefall.

The leaders of both Saudi Arabia and the UAE had been bosom buddies for years. Known in the media as MBS (Mohammed bin Salman) and MBZ (Mohammed bin Zayed), they were the Tweedledee and Tweedledum of the Arabian Gulf. Now they are at each others throats.

The Saudis are refusing to recognise Emirati visas. Both sent emissaries to Washington to garner support. While there, the Emiratis took the time to lobby Jewish American groups to denounce the Saudis as antisemites.

But since then, a deeper process has begun unfolding.

The leaders of both Saudi Arabia and the UAE had been bosom buddies for years / Image: public domain

The whole region is criss-crossed by a series of barbaric proxy conflicts, civil wars and cross-border disputes  gaping wounds that the imperialists have inflicted on the region and have allowed to fester for years.

Now these conflicts are lining up and coalescing. Two hostile camps are forming over an enormous area of North and East Africa, through the Middle East and onward into Asia.

On one side: Israel, the UAE, Ethiopia, India and their allies. On the other: the Saudis, Turkey, Pakistan and their allies.

Somalia vs. Somaliland

The Red Sea is at the heart of the polarisation now taking place. A key artery connecting Europe to the Indian Ocean and therefore to Asia, it has an enormous strategic significance for world trade, and especially for the world energy market.

Facing Yemen, on the other side of the Gulf of Aden at the southern end of the Red Sea, lies the Somali breakaway region of Somaliland.

In December, Israel took the initiative of becoming the first country to recognise the breakaway region, and expressed an interest in building a military base there. In line with Israels step, the UAE ceased to recognise Somali passports and announced it would only recognise Somaliland passports from now on.

The UAE in particular has important investments in the region. The Emirati company DP World has a 51 percent stake in Somalilands port of Berbera. The other 49 percent is controlled by landlocked Ethiopia  a country that lost its Red Sea access when Eritrea broke away in the 1990s. Its investments in that port are based on a prior agreement that it too would recognise the breakaway region.

Soon after Israels recognition of Somaliland, Turkey and Saudi Arabia denounced the move.

Turkish ally Qatar then signed a military pact with Somalia in January, and Saudi Arabia signed a pact in February. The Egyptians, meanwhile, invited the Somali president to observe a high-profile review of its troops which it intends to deploy to Somalia in what one outlet called a deterrent message aimed at Israel and the UAE.

Most recently, in the past few days, Somalia  one of the poorest countries in the world  announced it would buy 24 JF-17 fighter jets from Pakistan for a cool $1 billion.

We ask the reader to bear with us. This is just the start of the crack that has opened up.

Battlelines across East Africa

Simultaneously, there are developments next door in Ethiopia.

Firstly, there has been a flurry of diplomacy. A week ago, Turkish President Erdogan was in Addis Ababa to pressure Ethiopia not to recognise Somaliland. Next week, Israeli President Herzog is going there precisely to apply the pressure in the other direction. Ethiopia is being dragged into this.

As we mentioned, Red Sea access is a key part of a long-running dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Now, Ethiopia is accusing Eritrea of invading its territory in the past few weeks in alliance with Tigrayan fighters. The Eritreans deny the accusation. Things are heating up.

In this conflict too, battlelines are being drawn, and the same parties are on either side. In the last month, Israel and the UAE have begun firming up ties with Ethiopia. Egypt has its own conflict with Ethiopia over water supplies. Ethiopia is presently constructing the biggest dam in Africa at the source of the Blue Nile. Now Egypt is taking measures to broker military ties between Saudi Arabia and Eritrea.

Then there is Sudan, another Red Sea nation and one rich in gold and other resources.

Since the defeat of the 2019 revolution, Sudan has been plunged into the most horrific civil war between rival factions of the state. Now, the previously mentioned regional gangs of predators are pouring petrol onto the flames of this horrific conflict  a conflict in which the masses have no stake.

The UAE has long been an open backer of the cutthroat mercenaries of the RSF forces. But just this month, Reuters revealed satellite evidence that proves for the first time that Ethiopia is decisively joining this war on the side of the RSF, by building training camps on its own territory.

On the other side, Saudi Arabia has been backing the official Sudanese Army for a while. Now, Pakistan, which signed a mutual defence pact with the Saudis in September, has dived into the fray, having signed a $1.5 billion deal with the Sudanese Army to supply jets and drones.

Again, another conflict, the same lines: on one side, Israel, the UAE, Ethiopia  on the other, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan.

Libya

The lines of the existing proxy conflicts that form an uninterrupted string across the region do not exactly line up along this two-way axis. We see this in Libya. Whereas the Turks back the forces based in Tripoli, the Saudis, Egyptians and the Emiratis back the eastern, Tobruk-based forces.

This, however, is now becoming untenable. The general trend towards the formation of two hostile camps is rushing ahead and causing realignments. A realignment may be overdue in Libya, as the eastern government attempts to serve two masters at once.

In fact, in January, Saddam Haftar, the son of the dictator in the east, was  in the words of an Egyptian military source  literally summoned to Egypt, not invited for a courtesy visit.

While there, he was told in no uncertain terms that he was to relay a message to his father, the dictator. The Saudis and Egyptians are aware that the Tobruk-based government had assisted the Emiratis in transporting fuel and weapons south through Libya to RSF fighters in Sudan.

The message was clear, explained the Egyptian military source: continued support for the RSF would force Egypt to reconsider its entire relationship with eastern Libya.

Everyone is being forced to choose sides.

Much broader fault lines

While events have rapidly been developing in the Red Sea region, these cracks are aligning with cracks that extend much further afield.

While events have rapidly been developing in the Red Sea region, these cracks are aligning with cracks that extend much further afield / Image: Stuart Rankin, Flickr

We have analysed elsewhere how Turkey and Israel are now facing each other as hostile powers across the body of Syria. Both Turkey and Saudi Arabia back the new Jolani regime in Damascus. Against them, both Israel and the UAE are attempting to manipulate oppressed minority groups to undermine the central government.

Further afield, at the western end of the Mediterranean, tensions are hotting up between Morocco and Algeria. The two have been at loggerheads for years over the status of Western Sahara. Israel and the UAE back the Moroccan claim over the region. The Saudis, meanwhile, back Algeria's stance, supporting Sahrawi independence.

In the wake of the Saudi-Emirati break in relations, Algeria has cancelled its air agreements with the UAE.

All over the region, the fate of small nations and oppressed peoples are entering into the mix as bargaining chips that are being cynically used in a bloody and reactionary game. Yemen is the second poorest country in the world; Eritrea the 9th poorest; Somalia the 10th and Ethiopia the 18th.

Why are the Saudis and Turkey  two reactionary, regional predatory gangs which compete with each other to exploit and rob the peoples of the region  suddenly joining into a single axis? There is no honour among thieves, and there is certainly no mutual loyalty. Yet everywhere it is a fact.

Simply put, it comes down to this: all of the regional powers sense the weakening of US imperialism. The Saudis and Turks have seen how the US backed Israel to the hilt in its campaigns in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and elsewhere. Israel has clear ambitions of dominating the whole region.

And right now, Trump has built an armada that threatens to destroy whatever equilibrium there was in the region. He is banging the war drums, threatening to take down Iran. This has driven the ruling cliques in Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan into a panic.

The collapse of Iran, the destabilisation of the regional order, the potential spread of instability from Iran to its neighbours, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan  who would gain? Israel!

But there is another force which is driving this polarisation  a more powerful tide in world affairs.

As the US has weakened, the Saudis and Turkey have hedged their bets by leaning towards China and Russia. So too has Pakistan. The Red Sea is a key artery for Chinas New Silk Road. The danger that China might control Red Sea traffic is, in turn, a source of anxiety for India, which is eager to establish its own trade route that would give it independence from Chinas New Silk Road. India is also drawing closer to Israel and the UAE as its regional rival, Pakistan, draws closer to Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

And so, while both sides of this fault formally comprise US allies, overshadowing this crystallising polarisation there is the question of the global conflict that defines our era: the struggle between the US and China.

A place of partnership, friendship, and investment

We repeat: imperialism, and above all US imperialism, is responsible for all this. It has left a series of bloody, festering wounds all over this tormented region from its many interventions. Now these bloody conflicts, in Syria, Yemen, Libya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, and Western Sahara, threaten to coalesce.

Why? Because the US is no longer the world-dominating hegemon that it once was and it cannot control the situation. It cannot dominate the whole world all at once  a fact that was explicitly recognised in the Trump Administrations National Security Strategy document, which it published in November.

The document notes, quite correctly, that the Middle East no longer has the strategic importance it once had for the US. The US is energy independent these days and doesnt need to import oil. Forever wars have, at great expense, tied the US down in the region, and have prevented it from focusing elsewhere.

There are splits in the Trump Administration. One wing  which represents the traditional position of the US ruling class  wishes to ignore reality and continue to dominate the Middle East.

But another wing argues, with a certain logic, that the US is overstretched and must instead focus elsewhere, on regions of utmost strategic importance. Namely: the western hemisphere and the Pacific region. However, if the Middle East descends into chaos, that would be catastrophic for the world economy, for energy prices, and ultimately for the interests of US imperialism itself. This is the view expressed in Trumps National Security Strategy document.

And that document arrives at the most glowing and optimistic assessment of the situation in the Middle East! It describes the region in the following terms:

[It] is no longer the constant irritant, and potential source of imminent catastrophe, that it once was. It is rather emerging as a place of partnership, friendship, and investmenta trend that should be welcomed and encouraged.

It is tempting to think that this passage owes something to a sick sense of humour on the part of the author! However, I would suggest that this wasnt meant to be a sick joke, or any joke at all. Rather, what we have here is a case of very wishful, even magical thinking.

A long time ago, before animal rights laws, it was possible to go to the circus and watch bears, lions and tigers sit, stand, jump through hoops and cooperate in all sorts of acrobatics as if they were the best of friends.

Of course, there was nothing natural about the friendships that the circus fostered between natural-born killers. The spectacle was only possible because these predators all had a wary eye on their ringmaster, who would reward them with red meat for acrobatics well executed, and held a whip for if they stepped out of line.

Now imagine the ringmaster convinced himself that hed really fostered true friendship between the bears, the lions and the tigers marching obediently under his whip, that the circus was no longer a potential source of imminent catastrophe. He then comes up with the ingenious idea of leaving the joint management of the circus to his trained killers. He then attempts to withdraw from the circus to focus on more important business.

What would happen? A mauling or two at the very least.

What we have just described, in other words, is a strategy of one wing of the Trump Administration.

Trump clearly hoped that the Saudis and eventually the Turks would come on board and his vision would be fulfilled / Image: public domain

The document notes that Iran is weakened. Meanwhile, all the other dominant powers in the Middle East are US allies: Israel, Turkey, the Saudis, the UAE. Formally speaking, all true. If just these powers could be brought together in friendship, then between them they could sew up the region and jointly enforce a new, peaceful order.

That principally means normalising relations with Israel  and that has precisely been the thrust of Trumps Middle East policy since his first term as president, when he came out with the Abraham Accords.

Those Accords normalised relations between the UAE, Morocco and Sudan in 2020. Trump clearly hoped that the Saudis and eventually the Turks would come on board and his vision would be fulfilled: lions, tigers and bears patrolling the circus in a civil manner: a place of partnership, friendship, and investment.

Then the US could safely withdraw without risking an explosion.

The fly in the ointment

Leaving aside the question of whether bears, lions and tigers can become friends, there were just two little flies in the ointment when it comes to the Trump Administrations plans.

The first is this: the Trump Administration has fatally overestimated the degree to which Iran has been weakened. If Trump thought a simple clean-up operation was in order, that a big enough armada in the Persian Gulf would cause the Iranian regime to tumble, then he woefully miscalculated. The Administration is now faced with a choice: military action that could end in catastrophe and potential defeat, or withdrawal, retreat and an unprecedented loss of prestige for US imperialism.

The second fly in the ointment of this plan was this: the Abraham Accords meant the Arab states openly betraying the Palestinian cause. The rotten ruling classes of the reactionary Arab states were undoubtedly all prepared to make this step had events not intervened.

But events did intervene. Stopping the Abraham Accords in their tracks was no small part of Hamas calculation in launching Operation Al-Aqsa Flood on 7 October 2023. Subsequently, the reactionary Arab regimes looked on with alarm as Israels reckless actions inflamed revolutionary anger against Zionism, imperialism and complicit Arab regimes.

It made further rapprochement politically impossible, and it divided the Arab countries into two blocs. On the one hand, there are countries like the UAE which went ahead with normalisation. Today, a massive bilateral trade has developed between Israel and the UAE. On the other hand, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and its allies remain outside the Abraham Accords.

We dont wish to exaggerate the role of the Abraham Accords, which are not the cause of the present hostilities. There are deeper processes driving this: the decline of US imperialism, the rise of China, and the scramble by smaller regional predators to fill the vacuum.

However, it is a historical irony that precisely the alliance which was meant to sew up the region, and guarantee peace in the interests of US imperialism, has become the fault line along which all US imperialisms allies are dividing into two hostile camps, and are preparing for the potential of a violent, region-wide redivision.

It is an ironic comment on the utopianism of all wings of US imperialism. That wing which wants to dominate the whole world simultaneously, finds that it cannot even keep its existing allies in order, as they violently pull apart.

As for the idea of withdrawing from the Middle East and retrenching, the US is trapped in the web of contradictions it has itself woven over decades. The minute it attempts to withdraw, or even shows weakness, the regional predators begin sharpening their claws for a vicious scramble in the vacuum left behind. The US will inevitably find itself pulled back into the fray, with everything that means in terms of draining the political credit and economic resources of the ruling class and its parties in the US.

What we see here are the outlines of barbarism on a terrible scale. Western imperialism and above all US imperialism are responsible! The workers and youth of the world must put an end to imperialism and must bury world capitalism before it buries us!
South Sudans President Salva Kiir has dismissed Finance Minister Dr. Bak Barnaba Chol just over three months after his appointment, marking the ninth reshuffle at the Finance Ministry since 2020.

State broadcaster South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation reported late Monday that he has been replaced by Salvatore Garang Mabiordit, who previously held the portfolio from March 2018 to September 2020, and again from March to August 2023. No official reason was provided for the latest dismissal.

The move forms part of a broader series of presidential decrees. The president also removed Monica Achol Abdel Aguek from her role as Presidential Envoy for Middle East Affairs, a position she had occupied since November 2025.

In addition, William Anyuon Kuol, Commissioner General of the South Sudan Revenue Authority, and his deputy, Moses Rou Ayii, were relieved of their duties and replaced by Ambassador Muon Deng Ajuet and Solomon Ariik Manyok respectively.

Policy analyst Boboya James Edimond told Radio Tamazuj that the repeated changes highlight entrenched weaknesses in economic governance. He argued that replacing individuals without structural reform would not resolve the countrys fiscal crisis, noting concerns over revenue mobilisation and the governments inability to meet key obligations, including salary payments.

According to Edimond, corruption, weak accountability mechanisms and ineffective public financial management continue to undermine economic stability, despite significant oil and non-oil revenues.

The reshuffle comes amid renewed calls for female leadership at the Finance Ministry. In November, civil society activist Angelina Adhel Malual urged the president to appoint a woman to the post, criticising what she described as years of male-dominated mismanagement since independence in 2011.

She cited prolonged salary arrears, cash shortages in banks and the sharp depreciation of the South Sudanese pound as evidence of deepening hardship for ordinary citizens.
Consumer protection teams from the Ministry of Commerce and Tourism carried out a sweeping inspection and regulatory operation across markets and retail outlets in the three provinces of Nouakchott on Monday, February 23.

The exercise formed part of a broader strategy to stabilise prices, curb speculative practices and dismantle monopolistic tendencies within the distribution chain.

In a statement, the ministry indicated that the operation was aimed at ensuring traders comply with price ceilings previously agreed with the Federation of Commerce. Authorities also underscored their determination to clamp down on any unjustified increases in the cost of essential commodities.

The ministry further stated that officials would receive and investigate public complaints, summon offending traders and apply sanctions, including fines, in line with prevailing legislation.

It added that field inspections would continue in the coming days as part of sustained efforts to safeguard consumers and maintain stability in the marketplace.
Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko on Tuesday assured lawmakers in Dakar that security would be reinforced at Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD), following violent protests that resulted in the death of a student on Feb. 9.

The unrest stemmed from clashes between students and security forces over delayed scholarship payments and deteriorating study conditions. The violence, which spread across the campus and nearby roads in the capital, led to the closure of UCADs student housing facilities on Feb. 10.

Addressing Parliament, Sonko said he had directed the interior minister to assess the feasibility of establishing a police station on the universitys residential campus. He described the campus as a neighbourhood like any other that requires structured security oversight.

Beyond immediate security measures, the Prime Minister signalled broader reforms. He indicated that the government would explore relocating the university, or decentralising part of its operations, citing overcrowding concerns on a campus designed to host fewer than the more than 25,000 students currently enrolled.

Sonko also pledged structural improvements to enhance learning conditions, including subsidised student meals and the prompt payment of scholarships, as part of efforts to restore calm and confidence within the academic community.
Netizens have been talking about the love life of Korean actor Moon Sangmining him with Hong Eunchae of LE SSERAFIM on social media. Fans on forums have been talking about posts, accessories, and interactions, which has led to a lot of discussion.

Fans saw something on Panchoa that started rumors. One person asked,"So if not Moon Sangmin, does she have something with Jisung?" This question brought attention to Moon Sangmin in an indirect way.

People on Pann Nate talked about the rumors about his connection. Someone commented, "Do you think that Moon Sangmin is crazy enough to be dating her?...,"showing doubt about the idea.

Other posts talked about how fans reacted. One user on Pann Nate said, "LE-roaches really don't know their place. They were grabbing Karina by the hair, No but, please LE-roaches-ah.... Your rival isn't Karina, Why do you guys always draft A-tier female idols If you're gonna nitpick about someone, please at least pick someone of your own level...! It's hilarious how you guys are always going after Karina and Winter Do you guys seriously think that she's of the same level to be rivals with Karina and Winter...?"

Read more: WOODZ and Jung Hoe Ryn Draw Attention for Striking Resemblance at Slide Strum Mute Press Event

While the comment mainly addressed idol rivalries, it indirectly highlighted the intensity of scrutiny surrounding Moon Sangmin's rumored involvement.

Fans also noticed that the fandom reacted differently to the rumors about Hong Eunchae. "If it had been another female idol wearing a Cartier ring on her ring finger, there would've been dating rumors everywhere, but today she survived because she's from LE SSERAFIM"one post said.

Although Moon Sangmin has not directly responded to the rumors regarding his personal life, many people remain curious about it as evidenced by how quickly fans search for evidence of a relationship through online discussions, exchanges, and posts by Moon on social media.

In addition to Pann Nate and Panchoa's discussion of Moon Sangmin, many individuals are following what is happening with other celebrity actors from Korea, and as time goes by, there is a growing public interest in Moon's connections (both personal and professional) from other people (including those not in any direct contact with him).
Angolas Vera Daves on Tuesday reaffirmed the executives ongoing commitment to strengthening the countrys business environment, underscoring continued efforts to create a more conducive climate for investment and economic activity.

Addressing stakeholders, she emphasised that the Governments priorities include enhancing regulatory frameworks, promoting transparency and fostering a competitive environment that attracts both domestic and foreign investors.

The minister reiterated that these measures are part of broader reforms aimed at boosting investor confidence, simplifying business procedures and supporting private-sector growth.

The remarks reflect sustained focus by the Angolan authorities on economic diversification, macroeconomic stability and institutional reforms designed to improve the ease of doing business and stimulate sustainable development.

Observers note that these initiatives align with ongoing efforts under national development plans to modernise the economy and expand opportunities for inclusive growth.
The Nigerian government has denied claims that it paid ransom to secure the release of about 230 children and staff abducted from a Catholic school in Niger State in November 2025.

The students were reportedly seized by militants linked to Boko Haram in north-central Nigeria. Their release was announced earlier, prompting reports by AFP alleging that authorities paid a huge ransom running into millions of dollars.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Nigerias Information Minister, Mohammed Idris, dismissed the claims as completely false and baseless. He maintained that the rescue of the children and staff was achieved through professional intelligence and operational precision by the countrys security forces.

The Federal Government states that these allegations are completely false and baseless, and constitute a disservice to the professionalism and integrity of Nigerias security forces and the sacrifices they make daily, Idris said.

The abduction, which occurred in November 2025 in Niger State, had heightened concerns over insecurity in parts of the country, where armed groups continue to target schools and rural communities. Authorities insist no ransom was paid and have credited coordinated military and intelligence efforts for the safe recovery of the victims.
Botswanas President Duma Boko and his Zambian counterpart Hakainde Hichilema on Tuesday officially launched the Kazungula Bridge Authority at the border post in northern Botswana, marking a significant step towards strengthening cross-border trade and infrastructure management.

The newly established authority will oversee operations of the Kazungula Bridge and its one-stop border post. Both leaders described the move as pivotal to unlocking the bridges full economic potential and advancing opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

They called for deeper joint investments to accelerate trade and development between their countries.

Addressing the ceremony, Boko said the authority would solidify bilateral relations by facilitating the seamless movement of goods and people. He underscored the obligation placed on African leaders by AfCFTA to increase intra-African trade volumes and re-engineer infrastructure to enable smoother continental commerce.

He further announced plans to transition the border facility from a one-stop border post into a nonstop border system, introducing 24-hour operations aimed at easing congestion, shortening waiting times and reducing transportation costs along the North-South Corridor.

The North-South Corridor is a major regional transport network linking the port of Durban in South Africa to the Copperbelt region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia, and extending to the port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania through interconnected routes, facilitating trade across Southern and East Africa.

Hichilema emphasised the need to anchor AfCFTA and Southern African Development Community (SADC) trade frameworks through strategic initiatives such as the Kazungula Bridge.

On Monday, the two governments signed an addendum agreement in Kasane, Botswanas North West District, formalising the establishment of the authority. It will be hosted on Botswanas side, with Zambia assuming the executive director position to ensure balanced oversight.

A Council of Ministers comprising infrastructure, finance and trade ministers from both nations will govern the authority, supported by an inaugural Board of Directors drawn from both countries.

Officially inaugurated in May 2021, the Kazungula Bridge has emerged as a strategic trade artery within the SADC region, benefiting countries including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and South Africa.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday welcomed the return of nationals who were reportedly lured into the Russia-Ukraine war, following diplomatic engagement between Pretoria and Moscow.

According to the public broadcaster SABC, Ramaphosa expressed heartfelt gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for supporting their repatriation after pledging assistance during a telephone conversation on 10 February.

Last Wednesday, four South African men who had been fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine returned home. The men were reportedly enticed to travel to Russia for employment opportunities in July last year but later found themselves deployed in the conflict.

A presidential statement indicated that the repatriation followed distress calls from 17 South African men aged between 20 and 39. Eleven are currently en route to South Africa, while two remain in Russia  one hospitalised in Moscow and another awaiting travel arrangements.

The South African Embassy in Moscow will continue to monitor the hospitalised individual until his full recovery. Authorities have also launched an investigation into the recruitment process that led the men into alleged mercenary activities.
Two months after the plasma fiasco at the blood bank in Dr RN Cooper Hospital, the inquiry report is still not in the public domain, even as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is considering handing over four more municipal blood banks to the same private operator at the centre of the controversy.



If this proceeds, the beneficiary will be Navjeevan Medical Relief and Research Foundation. A proposal before the BMCs Standing Committee seeks to grant the foundation operational rights for 30 years at Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Centenary Hospital, Rajawadi Hospital, Bhagwati Hospital and Bhabha Hospital.



Civic officials have not clarified whether the ongoing enquiry has influenced the tender process. Under the Civic Health Collaboration scheme, private operators pay rent for space inside municipal hospitals while taking over day-to-day operations  including staffing, blood collection, testing, storage and distribution. While the BMC retains ownership, operational control largely shifts to the private partner.



Sources said the Cooper blood bank is formally registered under Shashikant Jagdale, while operational responsibilities are reportedly handled by Jeevan Sagre, associated with Navjeevan Medical Relief and Research Foundation. Day-to-day management is overseen by associate Bharat Chaudhari. A senior civic official confirmed that five blood banks currently function under similar partnership arrangements  four under a consolidated agreement and one separately linked.



Sagre confirmed his association during a recorded conversation with a Mumbai Mirror reporter posing as a patients relative seeking urgent blood supply. During the interaction, he spoke about the foundations work and indicated involvement in facilitating blood access for Cooper Hospital patients.



Regulatory records reviewed by this newspaper point to past compliance issues. Documents and State Blood Transfusion Council data indicate that patients at the Navjeevan facility in Thane were allegedly billed for a Chemiluminescence screening test during a period when the blood bank was neither authorised nor equipped to conduct it.



When the facilitys licence expired, a Food and Drug Administration inspection flagged multiple lapses and recommended permanent cancellation.



We had conducted an inspection where lapses were found, because of which the licence renewal was withheld. However, a ministerial stay allowed the facility to continue operating. Renewal came only after the inspecting officer retired, said a regulatory official, requesting anonymity. The facility allegedly functioned without a valid licence for nearly four years.



Public health advocates have questioned the 30-year tenure, saying it stretches beyond typical administrative cycles. Health activist and advocate Rajesh Chavan said the BMC should first place the Cooper enquiry findings in the public domain before considering expansion. He also asked whether clear penalty clauses exist if violations are established later.



The possibility of a single operator managing several civic blood banks has also drawn attention within the corporation. Some corporators have indicated they will seek detailed briefings on compliance history and risk assessment before taking a final view.



For now, the BMC has not explained allowing the tender process to move forward while the Cooper enquiry remains unresolved. Calls and messages from Mumbai Mirror to Additional Municipal Commissioner Vipin Sharma and Deputy Municipal Commissioner Sharad Ughade went unanswered.



Officials maintain the proposal is proceeding through routine approval channels, with the Standing Committee expected to take a final decision.




The BMC has intensified its drive to clear unauthorised hawkers from roads and footpaths across Mumbai, civic officials said.



Teams have begun dismantling illegal stalls and temporary structures from public spaces, though the action has sparked concern among street vendors over livelihood security and rehabilitation.



We are implementing the campaign to make Mumbais roads and pavements free of unauthorised hawkers and are acting against illegal constructions and encroachments in accordance with court orders, a BMC official told Mumbai Mirror. The anti-encroachment drive is not merely punitive; it is aimed at maintaining civic order, ensuring smooth traffic flow and safeguarding pedestrians rights.



As part of the stepped-up effort, Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani carried out surprise inspections in F South, F North and G North wards, including a detailed review in Dadar to assess anti-hawker operations and the demolition of unlawful structures.



During Mondays visit, Gagrani interacted with traders, shopkeepers and residents, noting their concerns and suggestions. Several citizens said the removal of encroachments had improved traffic movement and restored a sense of order.



The commissioner urged residents to cooperate with the civic administration and reiterated that court directives on illegal structures would be enforced strictly. He added that action against encroachments would be further intensified.



HC order fixed accountability



The renewed enforcement push follows an October 2025 order of the Bombay High Court in a petition filed by The Maneesha Co-Operative Housing Society Ltd against the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai.



The society had complained that fisherfolk were selling fish from makeshift stalls near its compound wall. Even after eviction, vendors allegedly shifted to the opposite footpath about 75100 feet away, prompting fears of their return once officials withdrew.



While disposing of the plea, the court established a clear accountability mechanism:



Vijay Pawar, head inspector of the special vigilance squad, was designated to receive complaints directly from the society by phone or email. On receiving information, Pawar must immediately coordinate with the senior inspector of Navghar Police Station. Police are required to provide adequate bandobast, including women constables, to ensure smooth eviction. The corporation was authorised to seize handcarts, stalls and materials used for illegal vending. Santoshkumar R Pal, senior inspector (Encroachment Removal), T Ward, was specifically assigned confiscation duties. The court warned that failure by designated officers to act could amount to disobedience of its order, potentially inviting action not only against them but also against the municipal commissioner.



In effect, the ruling ensured that housing societies could alert named officials directly, that action must follow without delay, and that inaction could trigger contempt proceedings.



The crackdown gathered further momentum after a violent assault on three BJP workers near Kurla West station on January 18, two days after the BMC election results.



What began as a dispute over parking allegedly escalated into a brutal attack, leaving the trio critically injured. The incident, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, heightened tensions in the area. Police registered a case of rioting and attempted murder against six accused.



Within 24 hours, the civic body conducted eviction drives on New Mill Road, Vinobha Bhave Nagar and Bail Bazar, demolishing 71 unauthorised structures and announcing the start of a sustained campaign against encroachments.



Mixed responses



Residents across the city, however, say enforcement remains uneven.



Matunga resident Nikhil Desai said, Near Matunga Central station on Lakhamshi Napoo Road, the rules are being enforced strictly. But elsewhere in Matunga, it doesnt seem as if the authorities are equally serious or willing to act.



In one instance, a ward officer in F North took action, but public representatives and legislators intervened and the officer was transferred. If the BMC was committed, it would have supported officers working sincerely. The second income culture is so deep-rooted  why would anyone want hawkers removed?



Desai added that even in Dadar West, enforcement follows a predictable cycle. When the enforcement vehicle arrives, hawkers vanish; once it leaves, they return. Why has the BMC failed to finalise hawking and non-hawking zones? I am part of the Zone 2 Town Vending Committee and there hasnt been a single meeting in five years. The delay is so long that a second survey is now being demanded.



Bandra West is a classic example. Every second person is an activist and there are active ALMs, yet pavements remain heavily encroached. If this continues, citizens may start reclaiming walking space themselves. We call Mumbai a financial hub and global city, but there is barely any room to walk.



New enthusiasm but for how long?



Harish Pandey, a Dahisar resident and secretary of the New Link Road Residents Association, echoed the cautious optimism.



Yes, there is a major eviction drive underway. But with newly elected corporators comes renewed enthusiasm; it remains to be seen how long this lasts. Dahisars Ganpat Patil Nagar is a prime example  there is hardly any space for pedestrians and the roads are narrowing. On Station Road in Borivali and in Andheri, both walkers and motorists face constant risk. These encroachments have created severe bottlenecks.



This nexus has grown over the years with little oversight. Timely intervention could have prevented it. For now, the BMC appears serious, but its true intent will become clear in the coming days.



He added, After the election results, the Dahisar subway was cleared and widely appreciated. Yet the hawkers have returned. How do they always know when the BMC vehicle is on its way, clear out in advance and reappear once the team leaves? Its a cycle. Lets wait and watch.




Forest loss surges across tropical regions in 2026, with deforestation rates climbing sharply due to agriculture, fires, and mining. These trends amplify environmental damage, stripping away carbon sinks and wildlife habitats while disrupting global weather patterns.

Amazon Basin Grapples with Intense Hotspots

The Brazilian Amazon stands out as a primary hotspot, where highways like BR-163 carve through dense canopy, opening lands for soy plantations and cattle pastures. Soy expansion alone has claimed millions of hectares, turning lush forests into vast monoculture fields. Local fires, often escaped from agricultural burns, scorch additional areas, pushing annual forest loss past critical thresholds.

Bolivia's Amazon flank matches this intensity, logging over 476,000 hectares of primary forest in recent yearsa record driven by gold mining and crop shifts. Miners clear trees to access riverbeds, leaving scarred landscapes prone to erosion. These activities not only accelerate deforestation rates but also contaminate waterways, harming fish stocks and indigenous communities downstream.

Environmental damage here ripples outward. Biodiversity hotspots vanish, with species like jaguars and river dolphins facing steeper declines. Carbon emissions from felled trees contribute heavily to atmospheric warming, as decaying wood releases stored gases over years.

Protected areas suffer too. In Colombia's northwest "arc of deforestation," an 82% rise in forest loss since 2023 encroaches on Chiribiquete National Park, a UNESCO site rich in ancient rock art and endemic plants. Gold mining in Ecuador's northern Amazon mirrors this, with illegal operations dodging oversight to raze old-growth stands.

Emerging Threats in Guyana and Congo Basin

Guyana reports a four-fold spike in primary forest loss, with 60% linked to wildfires amid drier conditions. Illegal gold mining fills the gaps, using heavy machinery to bulldoze riverine forests. These combined pressures test the country's vast intact woodlands, long seen as a global carbon reserve.

Across the Atlantic, the Republic of the Congo sees forest loss jump 150%, fires taking 45% of the toll under hotter, prolonged dry spells. Logging roads penetrate deeper, easing access for poachers and farmers. Savannah encroachments nibble at edges, while urban demand for charcoal fuels small-scale clearing.

Deforestation rates in these zones outpace reforestation gains. Soil degradation follows, as exposed earth loses fertility and triggers landslides during rare rains. Indigenous groups lose traditional foraging grounds, heightening food insecurity.

Southeast Asia adds to the picture, though less dominant in 2026 data. Indonesia's peatlands smolder from past burns, releasing methane that worsens climate feedbacks. Palm oil estates expand quietly, fragmenting orangutan habitats.

Key Drivers Fueling Forest Loss Worldwide

Agriculture leads as the top force behind rising deforestation rates, accounting for about a third of global tree cover loss. Cattle ranching in Brazil devours pastures, while soy and palm oil plantations stretch across Latin America and Asia. These permanent conversions leave little room for regrowth.

Fires rank close behind, surpassing agriculture in some 2024-2026 trends due to drought and El Nino effects. Escaped burns from farms ignite vast tracts, especially in the Amazon and Congo, where hotter weather dries fuels faster.

Mining disrupts 15-20% of losses, particularly gold and rare earths in Bolivia, Ecuador, and Guyana. Roads built for access linger as invasion corridors, inviting settlers long after operations end.

Other factors compound the strain:

Commercial logging targets high-value hardwoods, creating gaps that invite opportunists.

Infrastructure like dams and highways fragments forests, blocking animal migrations.

Urban sprawl near edges clears buffer zones, exposing interiors to wind and pests.

From MAAP reports and World Resources Institute data, these drivers interactfires follow logging, mining sparks firescreating feedback loops that hasten environmental damage. Biodiversity plummets, with 30% of species at risk in hotspots. Water cycles falter, leading to drier rains and megadroughts downstream.

Soil erosion strips top layers, reducing farm yields ironically in agricultural frontiers. Floods surge where roots once stabilized banks, displacing millions yearly.

Paths Forward Amid Accelerating Trends

Satellite monitoring tracks changes in near real-time, aiding enforcement against illegal cuts. Indigenous land rights strengthen when governments demarcate territories, as seen in pilot successes reducing Brazilian rates.

Supply chain reforms push zero-deforestation commitments for soy, beef, and palm oil. Certified products gain traction, pressuring traders to source responsibly.

Fire management evolves with early warning systems and community brigades trained to contain blazes. Reforestation mixes native species with agroforestry, restoring soil while providing income.

Policy shifts matter too. Carbon markets reward standing forests, funneling funds to guardians. International pacts target hotspots, blending aid with trade incentives.

From FAO insights and Global Forest Watch analyses, tropical primary forest loss rose 14% into 2026, with permanent shifts claiming 34% of cover. Brazil leads rates, followed by Bolivia, yet targeted actions show promise.

Current Deforestation Rates Signal Urgent Shifts

Deforestation rates expose vulnerabilities in 2026, with hotspots demanding focused intervention to curb forest loss and heal environmental damage. Brazil, Bolivia, Guyana, and Congo lead the surge, their patterns offering blueprints for global response. Swift, layered strategies can stabilize these ecosystems before tipping points lock in lasting harm.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are othe top deforestation hotspots in 2026?

Brazilian Amazon, Bolivia's lowlands, Guyana's interior, and Republic of the Congo rank highest. Soy expansion, mining, and fires drive rapid forest loss in these areas.

2. Why are deforestation rates rising this year?

Drier conditions spark more wildfires, while agriculture and gold mining clear land faster. Trends from 2024-2025 carry forward, outpacing global slowdowns elsewhere.

3. How does forest loss cause environmental damage?

It releases stored carbon, erodes soil, and wipes out habitats for thousands of species. Disrupted water cycles lead to droughts and floods far beyond the cleared zones.

4. Which country has the highest deforestation rates?

Brazil leads, especially in the Amazon, followed by Bolivia. Their rates dwarf others due to agricultural frontiers and escaped fires.

5. Can deforestation be stopped in these hotspots?

Satellite monitoring, indigenous protections, and supply chain rules show results. Zero-deforestation pledges for soy and beef help slow the pace where enforced.

6. What role do fires play in current forest loss?

Fires now claim up to 45-60% in places like Guyana and Congo, fueled by drought. They often start from farm burns and spread unchecked.

7. How much primary forest disappeared recently?

Tropical primary forest loss hit record levels, up 14% into 2026, with over 476,000 hectares gone in Bolivia alone.
Gullible Indian jobseekers are allegedly being sold into Myanmars cyber fraud racket for as little Rs 70,000 or less. And once they get caught in this slavery trap, there is no way out  unless they pay lakhs as ransom to get a ticket back home.



These explosive details have emerged from the interrogation of 54-year-old Dawood Mazhar Bashir Ahmed  a Dubai-based Indian who is accused of working as a recruiter to lure Indians to the scam call centres in Myanmars infamous KK Park with promises of plum jobs. Ahmed was detained once he landed at Trivandrum Airport from Abu Dhabi on February 15 and was brought to Mumbai on transit remand on February 19. With Maharashtra Cyber Nodal Cell probing the case, he has been remanded in police custody till February 27. Job aspirants turn trafficking victims When the cops grilled Ahmed, he admitted that agents received incentives ranging between $700-800 (Rs 63,000-73,000) for every recruit brought into the network, effectively turning job aspirants into commodities within an organised human trafficking and cybercrime chain that ran online scam and sextortion operations. Investigators suspect he was the key person coordinating the movement of recruits to Southeast Asian countries. Ahmeds arrest is the result of a months-long investigation that goes back to October 2025, when 27-year-old Bhandup resident Vikram Parmar lodged a police complaint following his three-month ordeal at KK Park, where he was forced to work as a cyber slave on scam operations. He managed to get out only after paying Rs 2 lakh as ransom  after an initial demand of Rs 4.5 lakh. According to the police, Parmar was promised a job in Thailand and allegedly paid around Rs 70,000 for travel and processing expenses. However, after reaching Thailand, he was moved to Myanmars KK Park, where he was allegedly forced to work as part of a cyberfraud ring. He finally paid the ransom and managed to leave after nearly three months in 2025, said officers. 500 Indians trapped, says nabbed kingpin Ahmeds arrest is only the latest step in a much-longer investigation. A couple of months back, cyber cops had nabbed Neel alias Nilesh Purohit, a kingpin who may be connected to the trafficking of more than 200 individuals from India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and many other countries in Southeast Asia and Africa. Purohit is reported to have stayed in KK Park for nearly a year and is believed to have told the police that there were at least 500 Indians trapped there. Investigators said many victims realised they had been trafficked only after their passports and documents were taken away and their movements restricted. Victims were reportedly lured through social media advertisements promising high-paying overseas data-entry jobs. Officials said Purohit distributed payments to sub-agents like Dawood working under him. Financial transactions were allegedly routed through mule bank accounts and multiple cryptocurrency wallets to avoid detection. Investigators further said Purohit recruited youths from Mumbai, Gujarat and West Bengal, while Dawood coordinated international travel and logistics. Rings tentacles spreads across continents Investigators believe Purohit headed a global syndicate with more than 126 sub-agents and had links with recruiters in Pakistan as well as connections with over 100 companies across multiple countries that supplied manpower to cyber-fraud centres operating in Southeast Asia. Investigators said the accused transported victims across borders into Myanmar through routes near KK Park and Myawaddy Township, where they were allegedly forced to carry out illegal online activities including phishing, cryptocurrency fraud, Ponzi schemes and dating-app scams. KK Park, a notorious scamming hotspot close to the international borders of Myanmar, Thailand and Cambodia borders, saw raids in November 2025 that saw the military demolishing 180 buildings suspected of being cybercrime hubs. Earlier this year, Cambodian authorities cracked down on 200 call centres in 190 locations. In both KK Park and Cambodia, victims from India were promised high paying jobs and were forced to commit cyber slavery, a member of the cyber police team said.




Canada declares Lawrence Bishnoi gang as terrorist entity

Cyber fraud operators allegedly based in Jharkhands JamtaraWasseypur belt have been threatening jewellers across Mumbai while posing as members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, police said.Investigations by Mumbai Police have found that the recent extortion threats were not linked to the Bishnoi gang but to a cyber fraud module that invoked its name to instil fear and extract money. Officers said the fraudsters relied on the gangs notoriety to pressure traders into paying large sums.Police sources said at least half a dozen jewellers across the city  including victims in DN Nagar and Borivali  received threats from international numbers. The callers allegedly followed a near-identical script: an initial demand running into lakhs, accompanied by death threats, followed by negotiations that reduced the amount to a so-called settlement.The pattern emerged during the probe into the Vile Parle jeweller extortion case, in which five accused have been arrested. Following those arrests, Borivali Police registered another extortion case based on a fresh complaint, indicating that multiple traders may have been targeted using the same model.Vile Parle arrests reveal Jharkhand handlerIn the Vile Parle case, police laid a trap near Lokmanya Tilak Terminus in Kurla and arrested four men  Deepak Narendra Dangol (19), Majid Sajid Khan (21), Faizan Firoz Khan (27) and Sahil Iliyas Sheikh (20). They were allegedly caught while collecting Rs 5 lakh in cash from the complainant.The fifth accused, Imtiyaz Alam Ansari (30), was later arrested and identified as the alleged Jharkhand-based handler coordinating the operation. All five have been remanded to judicial custody.According to police, the complainant, Vile Parle-based jeweller Ajit Jain, received threatening WhatsApp messages and voice calls from international numbers demanding Rs 20 lakh. The caller allegedly claimed links to a Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Canada faction and threatened to kill Jain and his family. During negotiations, the demand was reduced to Rs 5 lakh, after which police set a trap and arrested the four accused when they arrived to collect the money.During interrogation, Dangol and Khan allegedly told investigators that they had been sent to Mumbai by Imtiyaz and the alleged main conspirator, Bashir, after being promised Rs 5,000 each. Police said Imtiyaz remained in constant contact over the mobile phone and guided them through the collection process.Investigators believe the larger conspiracy leads back to Bashir, suspected to be a cyber fraud operator from the DhanbadJamtara region. Officers suspect similar calls were made to other jewellers across Mumbai using the gangs name to create panic and coerce payments.Similar pattern in Borivali and DN NagarSenior officers said jewellers in DN Nagar and Borivali reported threats following the same pattern. In one Borivali case, jeweller Kiran Suryavanshi received repeated WhatsApp calls and messages from an international number beginning with the UK country code +44.According to the complaint, the caller demanded Rs 30 lakh in the name of the Lawrence Bishnoi Gang and threatened to kill the victim like the murder of Baba Siddique if the money was not arranged within 24 hours.Continued threatsPolice said the threats continued with warnings that no one would be able to protect the victim. The complainant initially dismissed the calls as a prank, but the tone later shifted to bargaining. The demand was allegedly reduced to Rs 10 lakh and then to Rs 4 lakh, with instructions to transfer Rs 1 lakh via Google Pay as an advance. The complainant declined, citing account restrictions.Officials said other jewellers described identical language, audio tone and negotiation tactics  a steep opening demand followed by a reduced figure. Police are examining how the accused accessed traders contact details, including the possible use of online listings and business databases.Cyber teams are analysing the numbers, many bearing UK country codes, to determine whether virtual private networks or internet-based calling services were used to mask identities. Efforts to trace and arrest the alleged main accused Bashir, are ongoing as investigators probe the full extent of the racket.
Maharashtra State Boards Class X Marathi (First Language) examination held on February 23 has triggered a debate over falling academic standards, with educationists and language advocates questioning whether parts of the paper, particularly the grammar section, were far too simple for a board examination.



This criticism comes days after the February 17 CBSE Class X Mathematics (Standard) exam sparked nationwide complaints for being excessively difficult and lengthy, highlighting what observers view as two extremes in board assessment standards.



This drop in rigour in the Marathi exam has renewed calls for education boards to ensure that question papers strike the right balance between accessibility and academic rigour.



Following the SSC Marathi paper, teachers and academic observers who reviewed the question set said the grammar section did not reflect the expected difficulty level for students who have studied Marathi as a first language up to Class X. Instead, they argued, several questions resembled exercises typically seen in lower primary classes, prompting comparisons with a Class IV-V unit test.



In the grammar portion, students were asked to write synonyms, antonyms and change the number of simple words. Examples included basic words such as ghar (house) and nadi (river) for synonyms, ratra (night) and hajar (present) for antonyms, and pustak (book) and zhade (trees) for changing verbs (singular and plural).



Teachers said such elementary linguistic tasks fall short of assessing the vocabulary depth, comprehension and language maturity expected at the secondary board level.



Teachers, educationists and parents have criticised the approach, warning that simplifying board papers merely to improve pass percentages risks undermining both academic standards and language development.



Compromising students academic future



It is the Education Departments responsibility to maintain academic quality and equip students with a mature vocabulary, they said, adding that overly simple question papers lead to compromising the academic future of students as well as the richness of the Marathi language.



Mahendra Ganpule, former vice-president of the Maharashtra School Principals Association, said, The policy of automatically promoting students up to Class VIII has already affected academic preparedness, and if the grammar level in the Class X examination is reduced further, it raises serious doubts about the real purpose and credibility of board exams.



Sushil Shejule of the Marathi Abhyas Kendra noted that while students from diverse academic backgrounds appear for the exam after progressing through the early classes, the difficulty level must still be carefully calibrated to reflect board standards. He observed that this years grammar questions did appear easy and the status and quality of Marathi language assessment across boards also needs a broader review.



Prasad Gokhale, parent and convenor of Marathi Shala Aapan Tikavlya Pahijet (We Must Save Marathi Schools), said exam papers across boards must strike the right balance in difficulty.



The difficulty level must match the academic standard of the class. If a Class X first-language papers grammar section can be easily solved by a Class IV or V student, it certainly calls for a rethink. However, the review should not be limited to the State Board alone. Authorities must also examine the difficulty levels of national and non-state boards. We often see students from non-state boards scoring above 95, while far fewer State Board students reach those marks. This creates a gap during junior college admissions. In my view, there needs to be a broader review of examination standards across all boards to ensure fairness, said Gokhale.




Sonora, CA  The Board of Supervisors in Tuolumne County will hold a special meeting on Thursday at 9 am.

It will open with a presentation on recent storm damage, including the Tuolumne Main Canal, and a related vote to ratify a local State of Emergency Declaration. County staff is scheduled to be on hand to provide information, along with officials from PG&E and the Tuolumne Utilities District.

The only other item on the open session portion of the agenda is to vote on projects for submittal to the California Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery Allocation for Tuolumne County.

In addition, there are two closed session items related to anticipated litigation.
In November, California voters may have to referee a multimillion-dollar battle among Uber, attorneys and doctors. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for anybody who uses the states roads and highways.

Uber last fall filed a proposed ballot measure that would cap personal injury lawyers contingency fees and limit medical damages for all vehicle crashes in California, even those not involving an Uber. The company paints its effort as a way to rein in attorneys who take advantage of those who get hurt in a crash. Crash survivors often hire attorneys on a contingency basis, meaning the lawyers only get paid if they win the case.

That got attorney groups fired up: They responded by proposing three ballot initiatives that would expand the ride-hailing giants liability for passenger injuries; increase its liability for sexual misconduct against riders or drivers; and ban new state laws that interfere with peoples ability to retain lawyers.

Doctors and other medical providers also got organized and formed a political action committee, Providers for Patient Care, last October to oppose Ubers initiative.

Despite the substantial opposition, legal experts acknowledge Ubers proposed ballot initiative could appeal to Californians.

This measure could backfire for Uber, but its certainly possible that California voters will approve (the companys) initiative because it has a bumper sticker quality to it, said Stanford University law professor Nora Engstrom, a litigation expert. She said she has no formal role in the opposition to Ubers initiative, but she has researched contingency fees effects on competition and has written an op-ed opposing the measure.

Engstrom told CalMatters the measure might look good because it seems unthreatening; who would oppose crash survivors keeping more of their settlements? But capping contingency fees is equivalent to a price control, and economists generally agree that price controls hurt consumers, she said. She and other lawyers say the initiative could discourage attorneys from taking on cases and helping crash survivors secure compensation for any losses or injuries.

A very expensive battle

Uber has put about $32.5 million into its effort since last fall, according to campaign finance records. The opposition has committed about $55 million to fight Uber as well as to promote its own competing initiatives. Consumer Attorneys of California, whose members are lawyers who represent consumers, has led the way with $30 million so far, while more than 400 other attorneys and law firms have spent a combined $20 million to fight the Uber initiative and promote their three measures. The medical providers have raised about $5 million so far and are aiming to raise a total of $10 million, said Pamela Lopez, a campaign representative.

As each side collects signatures to try to get their initiatives on the ballot, they have also spent that money on two different TV commercials that aired during the Super Bowl.

The last time Uber spent tens of millions of dollars on a California ballot measure was on Proposition 22 in 2020, when the states voters approved a law written by Uber and other gig companies, which allowed them to create a carveout from labor law and continue to treat their drivers and delivery workers as independent contractors instead of employees. Top spender Uber  along with its Postmates subsidiary  funded more than $70 million out of the total $205 million the winning campaign.

Veena Dubal, a law professor at UC Irvine who focuses on labor and opposed Ubers Prop. 22 five years ago, said: Uber is trying once again to misuse the democratic process and to disclaim legal responsibility  this time, not just towards their drivers but also towards consumers.

The nonpartisan Legislative Analysts Office wrote that if Ubers ballot measure passes, the state could be on the hook for tens of millions of dollars of increased Medi-Cal costs, such as for health care that the state wouldnt be able to recover. On the other hand, the state could save tens of millions of dollars a year in court costs because there could be fewer auto accident cases, the LAO wrote.

Ubers expansive measure

Ubers proposed initiative calls for victims of vehicle crashes to retain 75% of any settlement they receive. In addition, it limits how much can be awarded for medical expenses and raises the burden of proof for recovering them. For liens and future medical expenses, the limit would be 125% of the Medicare reimbursement rate for a service, and 170% of the Medi-Cal reimbursement rate. The measure would also ban law firms from referring clients to a health care provider in which they have a financial interest.

The company says its necessary to stop lawyers from inflating crash victims medical costs then pocketing a big chunk of a settlement. Uber has sued lawyers and medical practices in California, New York and Florida over such allegations.

Californians deserve a system that prioritizes victims over ambulance lawyers, and thats exactly what this measure does, said Nathan Click, a spokesperson for Ubers campaign, in a statement.

Opponents of the measure said that if it qualifies for the November ballot and voters approve it, accident victims may not be able to sue for the compensation they deserve because lawyers will not have enough incentive to take on their cases if they know they will get only 25% of the settlement  or less  as opposed to the average 33% or more.

Uber wrote it to be expansive, to keep victims from finding attorneys, said Doug Saeltzer, president of the Consumer Attorneys of California, which is spearheading the opposition to Ubers initiative and proposed the competing ballot measures.

Lawyers and Uber are also battling over legalese about who would be responsible for paying medical bills after a crash. The lawyers say Ubers initiative would require medical expenses to get paid from the attorneys share of the settlement. Uber says the medical bills are likely to get paid by the client.

The way Saeltzer and other opponents of the measure read it is that medical expenses from a vehicle accident must come out of an attorneys 25% share of a settlement. Jamie Court, president of consumer advocacy group Consumer Watchdog, said its because of the language that a victim must retain 75% of the total amount recovered, and this part: Medical expenses, including liens incurred by the automobile accident victim are not deductible disbursements or costs.

Uber spokesperson John Finley told CalMatters in an email that the company strongly disputes the lawyers interpretation. He said medical bills are likely to be paid by the client, which is why the client needs a guarantee that theyll have enough to pay those bills instead of being left with little to no portion of their recovery.

Engstrom, the Stanford law professor, said: No doubt, the language is pretty convoluted If Uber wanted to create a clear medical bill carveout, it surely could have. They have lots of smart lawyers. You have to wonder why they didnt.

Changing medical-cost recovery

Mary-Beth Moylan is a University of the Pacific law professor and an expert on California initiatives. When she read that Ubers measure also proposes limits for medical costs for crash survivors, she said: I mean, what?

Moylan said the many details in Ubers initiative could have unintended consequences. This is the danger of this particularized policy-making by initiative, she said.

Lopez, the Providers for Patient Care representative, said uninsured or underinsured survivors of vehicle crashes may not get the medical care they need because the limits mean providers may decline to treat some patients out of fear they will not be reimbursed for most of the costs.

This is an attempt by Uber to get out of paying for patient care, Lopez said, adding that such care could be needed long term and that limiting what a responsible party would pay would affect those without health insurance. That could help drive up medical costs for everyone else, she said.

This will affect you, me, anyone whos ever injured in an auto accident in California, Lopez said.

Uber based its proposed limits on a state law that caps payments to out-of-network providers at 125% of Medicare reimbursement rates, said Uber spokesperson Zahid Arab in an email.

The current system creates incentives to overbill and overtreat auto accident victims, which increases legal costs and raises premiums statewide, Arab said.

Because it would be a constitutional amendment, Ubers measure requires a higher threshold to qualify for the ballot: more than 874,000 signatures by June 8. By the first week of February, it had collected at least 25% of that number, according to the California Secretary of State.

Lawyers initiatives

Two of the attorney groups proposed measures would treat Uber and other ride-hailing providers like other common transportation carriers such as taxis, buses and trains.

One initiative would expand Uber and other ride-hailing companies liability for sexual misconduct against riders or drivers. It would require additional background checks for drivers; monthly reports of sexual assaults and misconduct; disclosure of a driver safety-risk assessment score based on the drivers history of sexual misconduct to customers; and more. As an initiative statute, it needs to collect 546,651 signatures by July 1 to get on the ballot and reached the 25% threshold a couple of weeks ago.

Another measure would have expanded the ride-hailing giants liability for passenger and public injuries, but campaign backers told CalMatters they stopped gathering signatures in late February.

The third measure would prohibit new laws that interfere with people hiring lawyers of their choice. It would be a constitutional amendment, and would void Ubers initiative if both that one and this one are approved by voters.

Uber by the numbers

Ubers top executives have told investors during their most recent earnings calls that they expect the companys lower insurance costs to help drive higher revenue growth. The San Francisco-based company brought in more than $14 billion in revenue last year. The executives have mentioned legal abuse and their legislative efforts in different states to drive Ubers legal and insurance costs down.

The company has tried to enact measures similar to the one its pushing in California elsewhere. Last year, the Nevada Supreme Court found that Ubers description of the effects of a measure that would have capped attorneys contingency fees in civil cases to 20% was misleading and confusing. The company and lawyers in that state later reached a deal on a bill related to insurance liability.

In California, Uber recently won a bid to reduce its costs by going not to the voters but through the Legislature. Last year, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill that reduced how much insurance ride-hailing companies are supposed to carry for crashes involving uninsured and underinsured motorists, from $1 million to $60,000 per person and $300,000 per incident. State Sen. Chris Cabaldon, the Napa Democrat who authored the law, said he wanted to help lower fares for rides.

Fares for Uber rides in California have generally risen in the past several years. From 2019 to 2025, the average Uber fare in the state rose from $14.11 to $27.15, according to Gridwise, which makes an app that allows gig workers to track their earnings and expenses. Gridwise says its data encompasses more than 800 million trips and more than $8.5 billion in tracked driver earnings.

That aligns with the trajectory of the data from Obi, an app maker that allows users to compare ride-hailing and taxi fares, which shows that from 2021 to 2025, the average Uber fare in California rose from $26.96 to $29.93. Obis data is based on information it collects from its 1 million users.

___

This story was originally published by CalMatters and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.

By LEVI SUMAGAYSAY/CalMatters

CalMatters
A prominent American investor has moved to court, alleging he lost Sh225 million in a failed off-plan property deal involving the luxurious 88 Nairobi tower. The development, marketed as Africas tallest residential skyscraper, now finds itself at the center of a multimillion-shilling legal dispute at the Milimani Environment and Land Court.

The investor, identified in court filings as KYH, claims he fell victim to a calculated scheme that left him out of pocket by more than Sh161 million. The dispute involves his commitment to purchase ten premium apartments in the luxury Upper Hill project.

A Financial Trap in Upper Hill

Developed by Eighty-Eight Nairobi Limited, the tower was pitched to global investors as a symbol of world-class living and a high-return investment opportunity. KYH states he signed the purchase agreement in March 2024, drawn in by the promise of luxury finishes and the buildings landmark status.

By October 2024, the investor had transferred approximately $1.25 million, covering over 70 percent of the total Sh225 million price tag for seven units. However, the relationship soured when the developer reportedly issued a final notice demanding an additional $250,000 within just three days. The notice warned that failure to pay would trigger an immediate cancellation of the agreement.

In his sworn affidavit, KYH describes the aggressive timeline as unreasonable for an overseas investor.

What was presented as Nairobis iconic address has turned into a financial trap, he stated, accusing the developer of denying him a fair opportunity to settle the alleged arrears.

Check Out  STUNNING PHOTOS of Africas Tallest Residential Luxury Tower in Nairobi

Allegations of Technical Default

The lawsuit highlights a breakdown in communication that KYH suggests was intentional. Despite instructions to route all formal notices through his Kenyan legal team, the investor alleges the developer sent critical correspondence directly to him while he was traveling. He contends this move aimed to create a technical default to justify seizing his investment.

The suit also names Jonathan Jackson of the Lordship Group, who heavily promoted the tower to the Kenyan diaspora as a prime capital appreciation opportunity. Other respondents include Bank of Baroda, the Nairobi Lands Registrar, and the Attorney General.

The Sh113 Million Forfeiture Clause

A central point of contention is a contractual liquidated damages clause. This provision allows the developer to retain up to 50 percent of the purchase price, roughly Sh113 million in this case, if a buyer defaults. KYH labels this clause as punitive, disproportionate, and a clear instance of unjust enrichment.

Furthermore, the investor alleges the developer used his $1.25 million to fund ongoing construction while simultaneously refusing to transfer titles or issue a refund. Under the current agreement, any potential refund would only trigger after the units are resold to a third party, and notably, without accruing any interest.

A Potential Class Action?

This case could have wider implications for the Kenyan real estate market. KYH has asked the court to allow other buyers in similar situations within the 88 Nairobi project to join the suit. If granted, this could transform the individual dispute into a significant legal challenge against off-plan property sales practices in the country.

As of the date of publication, the respondents have not yet filed their defense. The case currently awaits further directions at the Milimani Court.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is currently navigating one of its most turbulent internal crises in recent history. At the center of the storm is Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who remains defiant despite a fierce push from rival factions to strip him of his role as secretary-general.

The friction reached a boiling point after the partys National Executive Committee (NEC) moved to remove Sifuna from his leadership position. However, that effort hit a legal roadblock when the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) issued a temporary stay, keeping the senator in office, at least for now.

Sifuna Demands Evidence Amid Allegations

Breaking his silence during a television interview on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, Sifuna took a firm stand against his detractors. He argued that the campaign against him lacks both formal substance and documented proof.

No one has formally told me my mistakes. I need to be shown the accusations. For instance, when they say that your public utterances are contrary to a resolution of the party. You have to demonstrate to me that this is the resolution of the party, and this is the public utterances that go against it, Sifuna said.

The senator suggested that the accusations are part of a broader attempt to bypass party due process. He specifically pointed to disputed negotiations between ODM and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), claiming that high-level talks occurred behind closed doors without proper consultation with the partys rank and file.

Gesturing to the lack of transparency regarding these deals, Sifuna noted, I have been asking this gentleman to show me this document. This is the first time Im seeing it.

A House Divided: Linda Mwananchi vs. Linda Ground

The internal rift has effectively split the party into two distinct ideological camps: Linda Mwananchi, led by Sifuna, which positions itself as the defender of the partys grassroots integrity.

On the other hand, Linda Ground, led by party leader Oburu Odinga, claims to command the loyalty of the majority of ODMs elected leadership.

Sifuna dismissed the idea that leadership headcounts determine the soul of the party. He argued that the Linda Mwananchi faction focuses on winning the hearts of the Kenyan electorate rather than simply tallying the number of politicians on their side.

We have a responsibility to fight for the ODM Party, and I will not evade responsibility, since the party is a part of the people, and it is our responsibility to safeguard it, Sifuna stated.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has firmly rejected allegations that former President Uhuru Kenyatta is the silent force behind his recent political maneuvers. Speaking during a candid interview on NTV Kenya on Tuesday morning, the ODM secretary general dismissed claims of a secret alliance, labeling the online rumors as entirely baseless.

Sifuna clarified that he has held zero political discussions with the former Head of State. He pointed out that many people wrongly assume his high-ranking role in ODM automatically puts him in the inner circle of the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition leadership.

No, I have not had a conversation with him (Uhuru Kenyatta). People expected that because Sifuna is the SG of ODM, he is automatically a member of the council of Azimio. So I do not have information on what is happening in Azimio. You can only ask me questions about what is happening in ODM and Linda Mwananchi, Sifuna said.

The Senator noted that his current energy belongs exclusively to ODM and the Linda Mwananchi movement, a grassroots-driven initiative.

Funding the Movement: Mwananchi Power

Addressing whispers that Uhuru Kenyattas political network bankrolls the Linda Mwananchi tours, Sifuna maintained that the movement thrives on public goodwill rather than deep-pocketed sponsors.

We will give you a breakdown of our expenses in our past campaigns, and before that, we can tell you that we have been largely relying on goodwill and support from the common mwananchi, which we are very happy about, he explained.

A Data-Driven Strategy to Topple the Ruto Administration

Sifunas vision for the opposition is far-reaching. He believes the Linda Mwananchi caucus must evolve into a structured force capable of unseating President William Ruto. However, he insists that choosing a flagbearer must be a calculated, data-driven move rather than a personality contest.

The issue of settling on the leader and who will lead us against Ruto must be a structured process. We will look at how many votes we can command from our followers. We have a duty of a lifetime to rescue our country, and this should therefore not be about Sifuna, he noted.

Strength in Numbers

The Senator argued against the traditional lone kingpin model of Kenyan politics. He suggested that the opposition should nurture multiple leaders to ensure the movement survives even if individual candidates face hurdles.

I want us to grow this movement to a point that there are like 10 viable candidates for the presidency so that if they somehow go for one, nine others can be able to vie for the presidency, Sifuna said.

To truly signal a national rejection of the current government, Sifuna believes the opposition needs a landslide victory.

We must beat William Ruto by at least 5 million votes to make it clear that we are tired of his administration. We must be one force against William Ruto, he declared.

Despite calls for broader unity, Sifuna downplayed the urgency of joining forces with other United Opposition formations, advocating for a strategic, measured approach over a rushed alliance.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a stern directive to roadside traders along the Thika Superhighway, ordering them to vacate their premises within seven days. This move aims to clear the path for critical infrastructure improvements designed to transform one of Kenyas busiest transport corridors.

In a formal notice, the roads agency specifically identified traders operating at Kihunguro (both bounds), Allsops (both bounds), and the Delview sections. KeNHA instructed these business owners to remove all merchandise and structures from the road reserve within a week of the notice date.

KeNHA Director General Luka Kimeli explained that the agency requires this space to construct designated roadside stations. This project serves a broader strategy to streamline transport operations and address the high rate of accidents on the highway.

The project is part of the Authoritys ongoing road safety improvement initiatives that seek to reduce accidents, enhance order within the road reserve, and ensure the unobstructed flow of traffic along the highway, Kimeli stated.

The reclaimed land will undergo a total transformation. Beyond the roadside stations, the Authority plans to build modern bus bays and install advanced safety features for both motorists and pedestrians. By moving public service vehicles into dedicated bays, KeNHA hopes to eliminate the dangerous weaving in and out of traffic that currently plagues the superhighway.

However, the agency paired this vision with a firm warning: anyone who fails to comply with the seven-day deadline will face enforcement actions under the laws governing road reserves.

This latest order arrives during a period of significant friction between the government and local communities. On February 18, traffic on Thika Road ground to a halt as residents clashed with police over ongoing demolitions. Protesters near the Githurai overpass set tires ablaze, creating massive gridlocks that lasted for hours.

While traders expressed anger over the loss of their livelihoods, authorities maintained that the clearing of illegally occupied road and railway land remains non-negotiable. KeNHA insists these demolitions are essential to restore public order and ensure that planned multi-million shilling infrastructure projects stay on schedule.
Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - The UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women has expressed concern about child marriage that persists in Lesotho
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has finalized all preparations for the mini-polls scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 2026. In a progress update, the commission confirmed that the electoral process remains strictly on schedule across several key regions.

Voters will head to the polls to fill vacancies in both the National Assembly and various County Assemblies. The high-profile contest features the race for Isiolo South Constituency in Isiolo County, alongside Member of the County Assembly (MCA) seats for West Kabras Ward (Kakamega County), as well as Muminji and Evurore Wards in Embu County.

Why the Seats Are Vacant

The upcoming by-elections stem from a mix of transitions and tragic losses:

Isiolo South: The parliamentary seat became vacant following the death of Mohamed Tubi Bidu on November 12, 2025, while he was receiving treatment in Nairobi.

West Kabras: The ward seat fell vacant after David Ndakwa successfully contested and won the Malava Constituency parliamentary seat.

Embu County: In Muminji and Evurore, MCAs Newton Kariuki and Duncan Mbui resigned to run for the Mbeere North parliamentary seat. Embu County Assembly Speaker Josiah Thiriku officially declared these seats vacant in December 2025.

Readiness and Technology

In a press release issued Tuesday, February 24, 2026, the IEBC highlighted several logistical milestones. The commission has already procured all essential materials and gazetted the list of candidates, polling stations, and tallying centers.

To ensure a smooth digital experience, officials have serviced and configured the Kenya Integrated Election Management System (KIEMS) kits. These kits will identify every eligible voter at the polling stations.

The commission has packaged and dispatched all materials, including ballot papers, to the respective electoral areas, the IEBC confirmed.

The commission also finalized training for its staff, focusing on integrity, professionalism, and the technical procedures for managing results.

Polling Day Rules and Restrictions

Campaigns officially concluded on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. The IEBC maintains a zero-tolerance policy for any campaigning beyond this deadline. On polling day, stations will open promptly at 6:00 a.m. and close at 5:00 p.m., though anyone still in the queue by closing time will be permitted to vote.

The commission issued a stern warning regarding the use of technology inside the booths:

The secrecy of the ballot is a constitutional right. Photographing or recording a marked ballot paper undermines the integrity of the process and constitutes an electoral offense, the statement read.

To protect this secrecy, the IEBC will enforce administrative controls to prevent the use of mobile phones within polling stations.

Transparency and Security

To safeguard the results, the IEBC has coordinated with the National Police Service to deploy two uniformed officers to every polling station. Additional security will secure the tallying centers to prevent intimidation or interference.

Once the polls close, presiding officers will count the ballots in full view of observers, the media, and party agents. Returning Officers will then verify and declare the final results at the constituency tallying centers before issuing certificates to the winners.
Tension ran high among residents of Kasimori village in Kombewa following a human-wildlife conflict where a man killed a four-meter python that had strangled his pregnant goat.

The incident, which occurred on the evening of February 23 in Kisumu County, sparked panic among residents of the quiet village as they rushed to see the commotion.

According to police, the goat owner had tethered his pregnant goat in a nearby field earlier that day. He felt something was a miss when he heard the goat bleating in distress. Alarmed, he ran to the scene, only to find a large python tightly coiled around the helpless animal.

Acting quickly, the man dashed back to his house, grabbed a spear, and returned to confront the snake. He struck and killed the reptile, but the goat had already succumbed to the suffocating grip.

In a scene that stunned locals, the man loaded both the dead goat and the python into a large cement bag and carried them to the local police station to file an official report.

Officers at the station documented the incident before summoning officials from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).

KWS officers arrived promptly and took custody of the snake and the goat for safe disposal. During their visit, the officials assured the distressed farmer that the government would compensate him for the loss of his livestock under Kenyas human-wildlife conflict compensation framework.

The incident has once again drawn attention to rising cases of human-wildlife conflict, where snakes and other wild animals occasionally stray into villages in search of food.

The incident, which unfolded on the evening of February 23 in Kisumu County, sparked panic in the quiet village as neighbors rushed to witness the aftermath.

According to police, the goat owner had tethered his pregnant animal in a nearby field earlier that day. He sensed trouble when he heard the goat bleating frantically. Alarmed, he ran to the scene, only to find a large python tightly coiled around the helpless animal.

Acting quickly, the man dashed back to his house, grabbed a spear, and returned to confront the snake. He struck and killed the reptile, but the goat had already succumbed to the suffocating grip.

In a scene that stunned locals and authorities alike, the man loaded both the dead goat and the python into a large cement bag and carried them to the local police station to file an official report.

Officers at the station documented the incident before summoning officials from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).

KWS officers arrived promptly and took custody of the snake and the goat for safe disposal. During their visit, the officials assured the distressed farmer that the government would compensate him for the loss of his livestock under Kenyas human-wildlife conflict compensation framework.

The incident has once again drawn attention to rising cases of human-wildlife conflict, where snakes and other wild animals occasionally stray into villages in search of food.

Similar Python Killing Reported in Ugunja

The Kombewa case comes barely a month after a similar incident in Ugunja, Siaya County.

In that case, 52-year-old Charles Osore from Luoka village in Madungu sub-location killed a massive python inside his homestead after it attacked and killed his dog. Osore later carried the snakes carcass to a nearby police station to report the matter.

Following the incident, a KWS team led by Grace Kariuki, the senior warden for Kisumu and Siaya counties, visited Osores home. The officials began the formal compensation process and assessed the broader impact of human-wildlife conflict in the area.
In a case that has sent shockwaves through Othaya Town, a local cleric appeared in court on Monday to face allegations of systematic sexual abuse involving 12 minors. Sheikh Ustadh Eid Ali stood before the magistrate as investigators detailed a disturbing pattern of exploitation carried out under the guise of religious instruction.

Accusations of Psychological Manipulation

The prosecution revealed that the cleric allegedly abused both boys and girls through acts including sodomy, defilement, and other sex-related crimes. A report from the Othaya Sub-County Childrens Office paints a grim picture of how the suspect allegedly coerced his victims.

According to the report, the cleric manipulated the children by distorting religious doctrines to ensure their silence.

The sheikh was misdirecting the children psychologically by twisting the doctrinesthat whoever discloses his deeds would go to hell and whoever keeps his secret will go to heaven, the document reads.

The investigation further revealed that one teenage boy had reportedly suffered abuse for four years. The report noted that the minor was just 13 when the ordeal began and believed the clerics actions were motivated by the fact that he (the sheikh) did not have a wife.

Children who dared to resist his advances reportedly faced brutal physical punishment, including being beaten with pipes.

Arrest and Court Proceedings

The alleged crimes took place at the Sheikhs residence within the mosque compound during madrassa sessions between 2022 and 2025. After parents reported the matter to the Othaya Police Station, the suspect fled but was eventually tracked down and arrested on February 20, 2026, in Kajiado County.

In court, the accused attempted to defend himself against the timeline of the crimes rather than the custodial request.

The document presented to me by the DCI shows that I committed the crimes last year, some even in November, but if there are any crimes after September, I do not know about them. I am not guilty of such, Ali claimed.

The magistrate quickly intervened, reminding the suspect that the session focused solely on the detectives request to hold him during the ongoing investigation.

As an officer of the court, I am asking you to stop because I only need you to respond to the detectives request that he continue holding you as they investigate. Any other issues will be discussed in the course of the suit.

Investigating officer Hanafi Hamza argued against the clerics release, citing his status as a person of authority and a significant flight risk. Hamza noted that the suspect previously worked in Tanzania and Malindi before arriving in Nyeri in 2022.

I am apprehensive that the respondent might interfere with the victims because he is a person of authority. He is also a flight risk, Hamza told the court. Police are currently gathering medical reports, birth certificates, and additional statements from parents and victims.

The court granted the 10-day detention request to ensure a thorough investigation and to protect the security of the cleric himself. He remains in custody until his scheduled plea-taking on March 3, 2026.
Cultural & Historical Significance

The name Madel carries significant cultural weight in Hebrew tradition, where it derives from the concept of 'the tower' - symbolizing strength, protection, and elevated perspective. Throughout Jewish history, towers served as both literal fortifications and metaphorical representations of spiritual ascent and divine connection. The name reflects a cultural appreciation for resilience and strategic thinking, qualities highly valued in communities that have historically faced adversity.



In modern Jewish culture, Madel represents a bridge between traditional values and contemporary identity, maintaining its Hebrew roots while adapting to global naming practices. The name's tower symbolism connects to biblical references of watchtowers and strongholds, embodying the idea of being both grounded and visionary - able to see beyond immediate circumstances while remaining firmly established in one's heritage and values. This cultural significance extends to the name's representation of feminine strength that is both protective and nurturing, reflecting the evolving understanding of women's roles within traditional and modern Jewish communities.
China's online transactions rise during Spring Festival holiday

Xinhua) 10:20, February 25, 2026

BEIJING, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- China's online transactions saw a remarkable increase in both volume and value during the just-concluded Spring Festival holiday, data from the People's Bank of China (PBOC) showed on Tuesday.

From Feb. 15 to 23, Chinese online payment-clearing house NetsUnion Clearing Corporation and card payment giant China UnionPay processed approximately 39.3 billion online transactions totaling 13.12 trillion yuan (about 1.9 trillion U.S. dollars), according to the PBOC.

Compared to last year's Spring Festival holiday period, the average daily number of transactions rose by 37.45 percent and the average daily value of transactions by 19.26 percent.

The PBOC data also showed that in the same comparison period, the average daily value of transactions that inbound travelers made using the two platforms increased 78.1 percent in volume and 44.33 percent in value.

The Spring Festival, which is also known as Chinese New Year, fell on Feb. 17 this year. It is usually a period of vibrant consumption activities as people return home for family reunions or travel to tourist destinations to celebrate the holiday.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
DALLAS, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- 4WEB Medical, an orthopedic implant company focused on developing innovative implants that utilize its proprietary TRUSS Implant Technology, announced that it has received 510(k) clearance to market its SI Joint Truss System.

4WEB SI Joint Truss System

4WEB's SI Joint Truss System is indicated for fusion of the sacroiliac joint for sacroiliac joint dysfunction including sacroiliac joint disruption and degenerative sacroiliitis. The newest addition to 4WEB's product portfolio consists of two initial designs: one, a fully threaded SI fusion device and a second design incorporating a lag feature. Each configuration will be provided in three diameters with varying lengths to accommodate the patient's anatomy.

"Receiving regulatory clearance of the SI Joint Truss System provides 4WEB the opportunity to expand our portfolio into a high-growth market. Our goal will be to improve SI joint procedural outcomes by utilizing 4WEB's proprietary Truss Implant Technology. We expect this to be our fastest growing product line to date," said Gregg Albano, Senior Vice President of Sales, 4WEB's Spine Division.

Companies across the industry invested significant time and resources educating and training surgeons on SI Joint pain and treatment options, which laid the groundwork for this continually growing market. The number of end users already capable of performing SI joint fusion procedures provides 4WEB a very low barrier to entry. The company believes the market is ripe for it to take significant share by improving the SI joint clinical solution with a new, best-in-class fusion technology, and that surgeons, who are already familiar with the surgical technique, will shift their focus to implants with Advanced Structural Designs.

Jessee Hunt, Founder and CEO of 4WEB commented, "With years of research and development around Truss Implant Technology, our most recent study out of UPENN McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory demonstrates that the truss architecture converts physiologic load into therapeutic strain at the surgical site, amplifying osteogenic activity. This therapeutic effect provides ongoing support while biologic fusion takes place."

Mr. Hunt continued, "It should be obvious that when a surgeon is provided a choice between a legacy implant with static features or a new technology - a therapeutic implant that supports the fusion process, they will choose the therapeutic option for their patients. 4WEB's Truss Implant Technology is that therapeutic option."

About 4WEB Medical

4WEB Medical, founded in 2008 in Dallas, Texas, is an orthopedic implant company focused on developing innovative implants that utilize its proprietary TRUSS Implant Technology. 4WEB Medical was the first company to receive 510(k) clearance for an implant manufactured with 3D printing technology. The company's platform technology consists of truss-based implants that are designed to convert physiologic load into therapeutic strain at the surgical site, which amplifies osteogenic activity in local osteo-biologic material providing ongoing support while biologic fusion takes place. The company's proprietary designs have been used to produce a complete offering of interbody implants for the cervical and lumbar spine. The company also provides custom implant design and manufacturing services that address patient specific needs related to critical size defects attributed to tumor, trauma and revision procedures.

SOURCE 4WEB Medical
By ZHAO YIMENG in Baoding

Group members from Cornell University pose for a group photo during a visit in January to a citrus industry base in Qingshen county, Sichuan province. YU KUN/FOR CHINA DAILY

When Cornell University student Abbie Jobe sat down for breakfast with her host family in Hebei province in January, she discovered that the peanuts and sweet potatoes on the table were grown by the family and shared with guests as part of everyday life.

"They gave us a lot of insight into how they practice subsistence farming and financially keep themselves stable," said Jobe, a senior majoring in agricultural sciences at Cornell in New York City.

Born and raised in New York, with family roots in Gambia in Africa, Jobe said the experience offered a perspective to classroom learning.

For Jobe and about a dozen fellow students and faculty members from Cornell, a two-week study trip across Beijing, Hebei and Sichuan provinces offered an immersive window into China's agricultural development and rural vitalization.

In Sanggang village, located in a mountainous area of Hebei's Yixian county, the students lived with local families, shared meals, observed farm work, and interviewed residents. Though only for three days, many said the experience revealed a side of China rarely seen in textbooks and news headlines.

Jobe's host family operates a small store near their home, and the father also works as a contract tiler. He returns to the community to share his skills with others who want to build their own houses.

To Jobe, this mutual support defines rural life in China. "The real essence of a rural livelihood is taking what you know and helping your neighbors grow," she said, contrasting it with what she described as a more "individualistic" approach in the US. "Here, people think about their neighbors. If they live a better life, you do too," she said.

That collective approach was highlighted in lectures by Ye Jingzhong, a professor at China Agricultural University, who has led research and fieldwork in Yixian for more than three decades. His team's work began in the late 1990s, when it supported basic infrastructure projects such as water supply and road construction.

After 2010, the team introduced the concept of "nested markets", reconnecting urban consumers directly with smallholder farmers. The program helped increase farmers' incomes while preserving small-scale agriculture and later drew national attention as an early form of consumption-based poverty alleviation.

Dallas Selle, a master's student in global development at Cornell, said the lecture and observations helped her better understand China's rural policies. "Land reform was the foundation," she said.

Giving rural villagers land was essential for sustaining their livelihoods. Then infrastructure created the basis for everything else, including culture, nested markets, and long-term development, she said.

China's approach differs from the US. "There's a stronger focus here on lifting entire communities together, starting from lower-income villages," she said.

When interviewing local residents, Gio Rodriguez, a senior studying global development, focused on the movement of rural labor. Rodriguez said he was struck by the outward migration pattern from the village and the gender dynamics that accompanied it. In the household he visited, the male of the family traveled to Beijing for months at a time for work, leaving his wife to manage affairs on her own.

Coming from a Mexican background, he said such an arrangement would often raise safety concerns, as women living alone for extended periods can be more vulnerable in Mexico. Observing how the family in the village navigated these dynamics offered him a different angle on how rural households adapt and maintain stability amid labor migration.

"This kind of rural-to-urban flow exists in both China and Latin America, though the cultural contexts differ," he said, adding that solutions like the Sanggang's nested market could offer insights beyond China.

Nor Anisa, a master's student in global development at Cornell University, said she would like to apply the participatory approaches she learned in Sanggang village when she returned to her hometown in Indonesia.

Students from Cornell University visit an agricultural governance museum under construction in Sanggang village, Yixian county, Hebei province, in January. YU KUN/FOR CHINA DAILY

Personal connection

For Ariela Asllani, a public policy major who grew up on a farm in Albania before immigrating to the US, the trip was both eye-opening and personal.

"Farmers serve as the backbone of any nation," she said. "I wanted to see how China connects farms across provinces to urban cities."

After underestimating the winter cold in northern China, she fell ill during her homestay in the village. Volunteers from CAU helped arrange transport to a hospital in the neighboring county at midnight, where she received immediate treatment.

"It was unfortunate that I got sick, but it was incredibly warming to see how hospitable everyone was. I felt genuinely cared for and very safe," she said.

The study trip also took the group to Sichuan, where they explored bamboo-based industries in Qingshen county. At a bamboo industrial park, students learned how bamboo is processed into paper products and other materials through low-carbon and circular production methods. Staff explained how enterprises work with local farmers to raise incomes while promoting sustainable bamboo cultivation.

Elisa Benham, a master's student from the United Kingdom, said the visit challenged her assumptions.

"Before coming here, I expected to see environmental problems, thinking that growing agricultural production and supporting development would lead to more pollution," she said.

But instead, many sustainable practices have already been implemented in rural China, she said. "Farmers are protecting and even enhancing the environment, reusing materials, and practicing resource conservation," Benham said.

She observed smallholder farmers using drip irrigation and minimizing chemical inputs while selling directly to urban consumers seeking organic produce. Similar practices were evident on agroecological farms near Dujiangyan in Sichuan, where farmers used no fertilizers or pesticides.

Group members learn about the production and storage process of broad bean chili paste in Pidu district, Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, in January. LIU JUAN/FOR CHINA DAILY

Embracing innovation

The study trip was jointly organized by Cornell University and CAU, two of the world's leading agricultural institutions. The exchange program began online in 2021, with weekly virtual classes linking students from the two universities in real time. Faculty members from both institutions co-taught courses on food system innovation, while mixed student teams worked on practical projects.

Terry Tucker, a professor of agricultural development at Cornell and one of the initiators, said the goal was not necessarily innovation itself, but the process of learning to work transnationally across cultures and systems. Building on that foundation, Cornell launched a course on agrarian change in China last autumn, with the recent field trip forming a key part of the curriculum.

The experience has been enriching for both students and faculty members, said Tucker, who is also a part-time farmer in Pennsylvania. "While we often focus on differences, we share many common interests  especially around sustainability and climate change," he said, adding that the trip deepened his understanding of how agriculture intersects with culture and history.

"What impressed me most is how people here honor tradition while embracing innovation. Even small farmers skillfully use digital tools and apps to connect with markets and improve their practices," he said.

As China and the US are two major players in agriculture, food systems, and climate change, both sides need to figure out how to work collaboratively and sustain joint research, he added.

Liu Juan, an associate professor from CAU's College of Humanities and Development Studies and the main designer and coordinator of the study trip, said she aimed to show China's depth and diversity, especially the contrasts between north and south, cities and villages, tradition and modernity. In Beijing, students visited the Nongguangli market, and later headquarters of the delivery and lifestyle services company Meituan, seeing firsthand how fresh produce moves from rural areas to urban consumers through digital platforms. They also went deep into villages in Hebei and Sichuan, exploring the real and living China, she said.

One of the most unexpected highlights, Liu recalled, was the visit to a neighborhood wet market in the capital. "I thought it would be routine. But the US students were incredibly excited. What they wanted to see most was how Chinese people buy vegetables and live their daily lives," Liu said.

On the subway, students asked Liu to switch her Alipay app to English. "I showed them transportation, utility payments, government services, finance, even charity functions. They were stunned by how integrated everything was," she said.

Bharath Chandran, a master's student from India, said he was impressed by the integration of technology. "Our homestay farmer had been using mobile payments for years," he said. "It shows how digital tools can positively shape rural life."

In Sichuan's Qingshen county, the group visited a township government service center, where dozens of administrative tasks could be handled through online-offline integrated terminals. "That was another moment of real surprise for them," Liu said, adding that it showed how digital governance reaches even the grassroots level.

Hu Rong, a 2025 master's student at CAU majoring in sociology and development, accompanied the travel group as a volunteer. Hu said she was surprised to find that the students from the US were fascinated by ordinary things such as how the Chinese shop, cook, or order food deliveries.

"I saw how much these young Americans appreciated village life. They were willing to dig into it and saw its value," Hu said, adding that it's important to build bridges of communication to foster mutual understanding.

Professor Ye said that unlike cultural experiences in Shanghai or Zhejiang province, places like Sanggang village made a deeper impression on the foreign students. "In one village, you can see national issues. That's the value of going deep," Ye said.

What surprised the visiting students most was China's comprehensive policy framework for agriculture, rural areas, and farmers.

"They were amazed by things like the annual No 1 central document and the scale of infrastructure investment," he said, adding that China's experience offered them a different development path to consider.

Students pick strawberries on Jan 10 at a family farm in Yixian county in Hebei. ZHAO YIMENG/CHINA DAILY

Building bridges

The field study not only deepened academic exchanges between Chinese and US universities in agriculture and rural development, but also provided international students with valuable on-the-ground experience. The program is a response to President Xi Jinping's 2023 initiative to invite 50,000 young US citizens to China for exchanges and study over the next five years. It is partly supported by the Young Envoys Scholarship program of the China Education Association for International Exchange.

Hu said observing how US students asked questions revealed different ways of thinking. "We might frame development in terms of rural vitalization, while they often bring in global climate change and sustainability perspectives," Hu said. That exchange helped both sides better understand the shared world they inhabit, she added.

Liu said such trips are powerful because they focus on reality rather than narratives. "For students from developed countries, this isn't about comparison alone, but seeing another development path to solve shared challenges," she said.

As the Cornell students returned home, many carried with them not just notes and photos, but deeper questions about China's agriculture and rural affairs.

Asllani said she is considering returning to China for a master's program through a fellowship, noting that perspectives from the West about China are complicated.

"I was nervous and didn't know what to expect when I first came here," she said.

"As I engaged with people and saw everyday life, I realized there were far more similarities than differences."

She added that the trip gave her a deep appreciation for the country, and also left her with a bittersweet feeling.

"As younger generations, through initiatives like Cornell coming to China, we can help build that relationship by sharing our real experiences when we return home and showing what life here is actually like," she said.

Wang Nasi contributed to this story.

China Daily Feb. 25, 2026




A total lunar eclipse viewing is set for March 3 at SIU Carbondale. This photo is from a total lunar eclipse in November 2021, taken at the SIU farms. It shows moments before totality as a sliver of direct sunlight shines on the moon while sunlight refracted through the Earth's atmosphere casts an orange hue on the rest of the lunar surface. (Photo by Bob Baer)

SIU to host viewing party for March 3 total lunar eclipse

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill.  Can't sleep? Up early? You'll be ready for the total lunar eclipse observation at Southern Illinois University Carbondale at 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 3.

The live view is at the SIU University Farms Astronomy Observation Area, 2 miles west of the main campus. Can't make it? The SIU Astrophotography Team will livestream the celestial event.

The livestream will utilize three telescopes at the site and include views from SolarSTEAM and DEB Initiative telescope teams in Colorado and Mexico, said Bob Baer, associate scientist in the School of Physics and Applied Physics.

This is the last total lunar eclipse visible in the continental United States until Dec. 31, 2028. Provided we have good weather, this will be a great eclipse to watch in person if people can, Baer said.

The lunar eclipse will be visible in North and South America as well as Asia and Australia. Moon watchers will be able to see the beginning of the eclipse at 3:50 a.m., all of totality, and the last partial phase prior to sunrise at 6:29 a.m.

The lunar eclipse will also be archived on SIUs NASASolarSTEAM YouTube channel for later viewing.

Baer encourages those who come out to the site to dress warm, bring their own flashlights (preferably with a redlight mode), telescopes, binoculars and lawn chairs. Volunteers from SIU and the Astronomical Association of Southern Illinois will have telescopes available for the public to look through. Some of the telescopes have cellphone adapters, so visitors can take their own photos, he said.

Baer said this event and others help fulfill SIUs community service and education missions. This is part of NASA-funded research and engagement being done at SIU through the STEM Education Research Center, the School of Media Arts and the School of Physics and Applied Physics.
SIU Simon Institutes spring events focus on public service, politics, philanthropy

CARBONDALE, Ill.  The spring program of speakers at Southern Illinois University Carbondales Paul Simon Public Policy Institute will focus on themes of public service, politics and philanthropy.

Our spring schedule reflects the institute's commitment to bring interesting and diverse voices to Carbondale, said John Shaw, institute director. Our guests are focused on different approaches to public service and the honorable practice of politics. We are also eager to host a compelling event in Chicago with the president of a major foundation that will highlight the importance of philanthropy to Illinois and the nation.

The spring schedule includes:

March 26, 6 p.m., SIU Student Center, Ballroom B. Theresa Claiborne , the first Black woman pilot to serve in the United States Air Force. A reception begins at 5 p.m. at the Student Centers John W. Corker Lounge. The lecture is sponsored by the William and Molly Norwood Lecture Series Endowment.

, the first Black woman pilot to serve in the United States Air Force. A reception begins at 5 p.m. at the Student Centers John W. Corker Lounge. The lecture is sponsored by the William and Molly Norwood Lecture Series Endowment. March 31, 6 p.m., The Varsity Center, 418 S. Illinois Ave. Melissa Connelly , CEO of OneGoal, a national postsecondary access and success organization, will participate in a fireside conversation with Shaw about her work A reception is set for 5 p.m. in The Varsity Center lobby.

, CEO of OneGoal, a national postsecondary access and success organization, will participate in a fireside conversation with Shaw about her work A reception is set for 5 p.m. in The Varsity Center lobby. April 3, 6 p.m., SIU Student Center, Ballroom B. Robert Pape , a professor of political science at the University of Chicago, will deliver the spring Morton-Kenney Lecture. A reception starts at 5 p.m. in Corker Lounge.

, a professor of political science at the University of Chicago, will deliver the spring Morton-Kenney Lecture. A reception starts at 5 p.m. in Corker Lounge. April 16, 12:30 p.m., Institute lobby, 1231 Lincoln Drive, Carbondale. Russell Coleman , attorney general of Kentucky, will visit for a Pizza & Politics discussion focusing on his career in politics and role as attorney general.

, attorney general of Kentucky, will visit for a Pizza & Politics discussion focusing on his career in politics and role as attorney general. April 30, 6 p.m., Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago. Timothy Knight, president of the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, will join Shaw for a fireside conversation about philanthropy. A reception begins at 5 p.m. in the French Room.

In addition, Illinois State Rep. Ryan Spain, R-Peoria, will also visit the institute this spring at a date yet unannounced.

Visit paulsimoninstitute.org/events to register for any of the institutes events. The institute will also continue to host monthly Zoom events as part of its Understanding Our New World discussion series.

More information, including a list of the institutes upcoming events and past speakers and events, is available online.
Financing will accelerate the development of proprietary portable diagnostic platform, CoagCare, to enhance patient care for bleeding disorders & critical care medicine

MENLO PARK, Calif., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Abram Scientific, a medical device company focused on advancing next-generation coagulation diagnostics, today announced the closing of a $11.75 million Series A financing round. The round was led by global pharmaceutical leader Octapharma AG, with additional participation from existing and new investors affiliated with University of Colorado Anschutz.

This funding will accelerate the development of Abram Scientific's proprietary portable platform, CoagCare, for aiding the evaluation of blood clotting disorders and to assist in determining appropriate transfusions and therapy for patients undergoing trauma and surgical procedures. The capital will also support advancement of the CoagCare system towards achieving clinical milestones and securing U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance.

Abram's CoagCare System is a novel diagnostic platform for diagnosis and characterization of coagulation-related disorders, delivering rapid hemostasis information to improve clinical outcomes. The CoagCare system is designed as a point-of-care (POC) meter employing a single-use diagnostic test card. The platform utilizes proprietary technology for fast and highly accurate measurement of blood viscoelasticity and density, characterizing the entire blood coagulation cascade from blood clot formation to fibrinolysis in under 10 minutes, enabling the detection of blood clotting or bleeding disorders and guiding the use of therapy for optimal coagulation management.1

The CoagCare System offers significant advancement over current global coagulation diagnostic platforms, such as thromboelastography (TEG) and thromboelastometry (ROTEM), that typically require 30 to 60 minutes for a complete measurement including fibrinolysis.2, 3, 4, 5 In sharp contrast, the CoagCare system provides a complete and rapid assessment of the blood coagulation process, delivering results in under 10 minutes from a single drop of blood. Designed as a portable, vibration-insensitive solution, CoagCare holds promise for applications in remote or pre-hospital settings such as MEDEVAC helicopters and ambulances where stable, laboratory-grade conditions aren't always available and the speed of adjudicating and delivering the right transfusion becomes a matter of life or death.

"Our mission is to enable CoagCare to help adjudicate life-saving therapies and transfusions, so that the right therapy is provided to the patient at the right time and at the right dosage," said Abhishek Ramkumar, CEO, Founder, Abram Scientific. "Our collaboration with Octapharma and the University of Colorado provides both funding and strategic expertise, enabling us to move faster and smarter, and positioning CoagCare to revolutionize the current clinical paradigm."

Octapharma ensures timely access to the leading critical care therapies with a product portfolio focused on improving patient outcomes. Octapharma has made significant contributions to improving standards of critical care and developing new treatments for coagulation management. The Octapharma investment signifies its interest in emerging platforms that address unmet clinical needs in the hematology and critical care space, and represents its first major investment in the diagnostics sector. This new direction is poised to broaden the Octapharma products' applications across the entire continuum of care for the patients it serves.

"We are excited to partner with Abram Scientific in this phase of next-generation technology development," said Flemming Nielsen, President, Octapharma USA, Inc. "Abram has a unique approach with real potential to reshape patient outcomes, and we are proud to accelerate their next stage of development. Abram's CoagCare can empower clinicians to deliver goal-oriented therapy with greater accuracy, ensuring the right intervention, at the right time, in the right amount. This represents an important step forward in patient care and can help shape clinical guidelines nationally and globally."

"Uncontrolled hemorrhage remains one of the leadingand most preventablecauses of early trauma death," said Dr. Vik Bebarta, Endowed Chair in Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz and Founding Director of The Center for COMBAT Research. "We are excited to partner with Abram Scientific to develop CoagCare to give surgeons and emergency physicians the critical information they need sooner to guide life-saving therapy decisions."

About Abram Scientific

Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Abram Scientific was founded by Dr. Abhishek Ramkumar, CEO, and inventor of the CoagCare platform technology. The technology is protected by 17 U.S. and internationally granted patents with multiple patent applications currently under prosecution. Abram's CoagCare System is not yet cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for marketing in the United States.

About Octapharma

Octapharma is one of the world's largest human protein manufacturers, developing and producing therapies from human plasma and human cell lines. Headquartered in Lachen, Switzerland, Octapharma has over 11,000 employees and serves patients in 120 countries across Immunotherapy, Hematology, and Critical Care.

With seven R&D sites, five manufacturing facilities in Europe, and more than 195 plasma donation centers in the U.S. and Europe, Octapharma has delivered trusted therapies for over 40 years. The company is committed to improving lives through innovation, quality, and a deep focus on patient care and clinical partnership. To learn more please visit www.octapharma.com.

About University of Colorado Anschutz

The University of Colorado Anschutz is a world-class academic medical campus at the forefront of transformative science, medicine, education and patient care. The campus encompasses the University of Colorado health professional schools, more than 60 centers and institutes and two nationally ranked independent hospitals  UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and Children's Hospital Colorado  which see more than two million adult and pediatric patient visits yearly. Innovative, interconnected and highly collaborative, CU Anschutz delivers life-changing treatments, patient care and professional training and conducts world-renowned research fueled by $910 million in annual research funding, including $757 million in sponsored awards and $153 million in philanthropic gifts. It is also home to the CU Center of COMBAT Research, a primary collaborator with Abram Scientific and a national leader in military medical and trauma research.

REFERENCES

Ramkumar A, et al. A novel, point-of-care (POC) portable meter & disposable card, viscoelastic coagulation diagnostic platform for hemostasis management with complete results including fibrinolysis in under 10 minutes. Res Pract Thromb Haemost. 2024;8(Suppl 2):PB0094. https://www.rpthjournal.org/article/S2475-0379(24)00199-7/fulltext . Hemostasis Management, Haemonetics Corporation website: https://hospital.haemonetics.com/hemostasis-management Optimal Patient Blood Management and efficiency, Werfen website: https://www.werfen.com/na/en/coagulation-testing-rotem-delta Fully automated viscoelastic testing at the POC, Werfen website: https://www.werfen.com/na/en/coagulation-testing-rotem-sigma Hartmann J, Hermelin D, Levy JH. Viscoelastic testing: an illustrated review of technology and clinical applications. Res Pract Thromb Haemost. 2023;7(1):100031. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rpth.2022.100031

SOURCE Abram Scientific
Amnesty International South Asia has expressed deep concern over reports of civilian casualties following Pakistan airstrikes in Afghanistan''s Nangarhar province on February 21 and 22, calling for a "thorough, independent, and impartial investigation" into the alleged harm. In a post on X by Amnesty International South Asia, the organisation said it was "deeply concerned by the reports of civilian casualties caused by Pakistan''s airstrike in Nangarhar province of Afghanistan on 21 and 22 February." https://x.com/amnestysasia/status/2026188280556028241 "These reports of harm to civilians must be subjected to a thorough, independent, and impartial investigation," Amnesty said. The organisation noted, "This is not the first time civilians have borne the brunt of the use of force. Previously, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan attributed 70 civilians killed and 478 others wounded to the Pakistan military forces between October and December 2025, when border tensions and clashes intensified between the Afghanistan Taliban forces and the Pakistan Military." According to UNAMA, the casualties occurred as border tensions and confrontations increased between Afghanistan''s Taliban forces and the Pakistan military. Amnesty International reiterated its appeal to all parties involved in the hostilities to take necessary steps to prevent civilian harm, stressing their obligations under international law. 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 on Monday, 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. (ANI)
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has raised serious concerns over reports of civilian casualties resulting from overnight airstrikes conducted by Pakistani military forces inside Afghan territory. In a press statement issued on Monday, the mission confirmed it has received "credible reports of civilian casualties as a result of overnight airstrikes carried out by Pakistan inside Afghanistan late on 21 February and into the early hours of 22 February." According to the mission, the strikes targeted multiple locations across the Nangarhar and Paktika provinces. Providing specific details on the Nangarhar incident, UNAMA stated, "On 21 February, at approximately 23:45 to 00:15 on 22 February, Pakistani military forces conducted airstrikes in Behsud and Khogyani districts in Nangarhar province." The statement further noted that "preliminary civilian casualty figures indicate at least 13 civilians were killed and seven others injured, including women and children." The military action also extended to Paktika province, where educational and religious structures were reportedly affected. "Pakistani military forces also conducted airstrikes in Barmal and Urgun districts in Paktika province. In the first reported incident, on 21 February, at approximately 23:15, in Barmal district, Marghai area, an airstrike impacted a madrassa, and partially damaged a nearby mosque," the statement read. In the second reported incident, "at approximately 23:30 in Urgun district, Dahna area, an airstrike impacted and partially destroyed a vacant private residential house. No civilian casualties have been reported so far." Reacting to these developments, Amnesty International South Asia expressed deep concern, calling for a "thorough, independent, and impartial investigation" into the alleged harm. In a post on X, the organisation noted that "this is not the first time civilians have borne the brunt of the use of force," citing previous UNAMA data which attributed 70 civilian deaths to Pakistani forces between October and December 2025 during intensified border clashes. On the other hand, reports from Geo News, citing Islamabad''s security sources, indicated that more than 80 people were killed across seven locations in Nangarhar, Paktika, and Khost provinces. These sources identified targets including "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." Pakistan''s State Minister for Interior, Talal Chaudhry, stated that nearly 70 militants had been "neutralised" in what the government described as "precise and accurate" retaliatory strikes against camps belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij, a term used for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Daesh-Khorasan. Islamabad maintained the operation was a response to recent suicide bombings in Islamabad, Bajaur, and Bannu orchestrated by handlers based in Afghanistan. Chaudhry alleged that Afghanistan has become a source of cross-border militancy and claimed the Afghan Taliban had failed to honour the 2020 Doha Agreement pledge to prevent Afghan soil from being used for terrorism. He highlighted that Pakistan is taking necessary measures to safeguard its citizens, including thousands of domestic intelligence-based operations. Amidst this escalation, the UN mission urged an immediate end to hostilities to protect civilians. "UNAMA calls on all parties to bring a lasting end to hostilities to protect civilians and prevent further loss of life and injury," the mission stated. The mission reminded all parties of their obligations under international law to comply with the principles of "distinction, proportionality and precaution to prevent civilian casualties." (ANI)
The Baloch National Movement (BNM) has strongly condemned Pakistan''s airstrikes on Afghanistan, alleging that Pakistani forces targeted populated civilian areas on the night of February 21 and 22. According to a post shared by the Baloch National Movement (BNM) on X, the strikes resulted in the deaths of entire families, including children. The BNM expressed solidarity with the affected families and extended full support to Afghanistan''s sovereignty and its right to self-defence. The BNM spokesperson stated that the alleged attacks amount to a direct assault on Afghanistan''s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and freedom, accusing Pakistan of deliberately targeting unarmed civilians. He asserted that the situation on the ground contradicts Pakistan''s official narrative and maintained that, similar to previous airstrikes, innocent civilians were intentionally hit. According to the statement shared on X, the BNM further argued that instability in the region over the past 79 years has stemmed primarily from the policies of the State of Pakistan, which it described as being shaped by overt and covert expansionist ambitions. The spokesperson alleged that soon after its creation, Pakistan occupied Balochistan, depriving its nations of sovereignty and freedoms and placing them under what he termed a dominant Punjabi regime. The group also claimed that various nations within present-day Pakistan are struggling for national survival. It stated that the country has become politically and socially fragmented and that these internal conditions have evolved into a broader crisis for the state itself. The spokesperson said that despite sustained military repression and state action against political forces, Pakistan has failed to resolve its internal challenges. Instead, he alleged, the country attempts to shift responsibility for its shortcomings onto neighbouring states, thereby escalating instability and fostering a war-like atmosphere in the region. The BNM warned that Pakistan''s military capabilities pose a threat not only to the immediate region but beyond. It emphasised that addressing the situation requires unity and the creation of a joint front among the nations of the region, as highlighted in the group''s post on X. (ANI)
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has disclosed the names and backgrounds of seven of its members whom it claims were killed in incidents connected to its recently declared military campaign, "Operation Herof (Phase 2)," according to a report by The Balochistan Post (TBP). In separate statements issued by the organisation and its media outlet, Hakkal, the BLA stated that the deceased included operatives from its Majeed Brigade and other units active in Turbat, Noshki, and Gwadar. Among them was Majid Baloch, also known as Commando Badal, son of Amjad Baloch and a resident of Sand Bazaar, Hoshap. The BLA said he joined the organisation in December 2023 and became a member of the Majeed Brigade in 2024. According to the group, he was killed on January 29 in Turbat during an exchange of fire with Pakistani forces while en route to take part in Operation Herof, TBP reported. Another individual identified by the BLA was Salim Baloch, also known as Molum, son of Abdul Sattar and a resident of Absar, Turbat. The group stated that he had completed a master''s degree in history from the University of the Punjab and joined the organisation''s "mountain front" in September 2023 after previously facing detention. The BLA claimed he was killed in Turbat on January 29 in a clash with security forces as preparations for Operation Herof were ongoing. The organisation also named two brothers from Noshki, Allah Noor Jamaldini, also known as Rokin, and Asif Jamaldini, also known as Zubair, sons of Pir Bakhsh Jamaldini and residents of Qaziabad. According to the BLA, Allah Noor became involved in the Baloch nationalist movement in March 2023 and later joined the BLA in July 2024, subsequently becoming part of the Majeed Brigade in August 2024. Asif Jamaldini reportedly joined the movement in October 2024, entered the BLA in 2025, and later became affiliated with its Fateh Squad. The group stated that both brothers were killed during Operation Herof in Noshki. As per the BLA''s account cited by TBP, Allah Noor Jamaldini participated in an attack on a Frontier Corps (FC) headquarters in Noshki, while Asif Jamaldini was assigned to a team responsible for breaching defensive positions. The BLA described the deceased as members of its armed wing who lost their lives during the operation and subsequent confrontations. Operation Herof was earlier announced by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) as a coordinated offensive targeting Pakistani security facilities across several locations in Balochistan, including Noshki, Turbat, and Gwadar. Pakistani authorities have not issued comprehensive official casualty figures related to the incidents, the TBP report noted. (ANI)
TAIPEI, Feb. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Advantech (TWSE: 2395), a global leader in AIoT and Edge Computing, is strengthening its commitment to the rapidly expanding robotics market by enabling seamless, scalable vision integration across Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), humanoid robots, robotic arms, and nextgeneration edge AI systems.

Advantechs GMSL Camera Enablement for Robotics

In all modern robotic platforms, vision is the foundation for perception, safety, and autonomybut also one of the most challenging subsystems to integrate. GMSL2/3 cameras have become the industry standard for highbandwidth, lowlatency perception, yet the bringup processespecially with advanced SoCsfrequently requires weeks of kernellevel optimization and vendorspecific driver tuning.

Breaking the Bottleneck: Pre-Validated GMSL Cameras

Whether enabling SLAM navigation in AMRs, stereo depth perception for humanoid locomotion, or highspeed industrial inspection for robotic arms, developers face the same barriers:

Desired cameras are often not supported on the preferred edge computing platforms

Reference designs published by CPU vendors are not applicable

High cost of camera enablement

Camera drivers are not upgraded with the latest edge computer BSP and OS

Advantech closes this gap through deep collaborations with NVIDIA, Qualcomm, Intel, and Rockchip. By mastering the driver and kernel requirements of each ecosystem, Advantech provides productionready, pre-validated GMSL drivers in association with top-notch camera vendors.

Expansive Camera Ecosystem and Joint Design-in Service

Advantech AFE/ASR series support a broad portfolio of validated GMSL2/3 cameras, covering the full breadth of perception needs across different robot types. Developers can choose from 2D, Stereo, and 3D cameras made by the following partners:

APPRO

Basler

D3 Embedded

e-con

FRAMOS

innodisk

Leopard Imaging

Orbbec

oToBrite

RealSense

SENSING

StereoLabs

Advantech and the camera partners jointly provide design-in service that accelerates robotics vision development by supporting new cameraSoC enablement, optimal sensor selection, image quality tuning, and customized driver development. This collaboration streamlines integration, shortens development cycles while ensuring reliable and scalable deployment across diverse robotic platforms and applications.

OneClick Installation and Long-Term BSP Support

At the center of Advantech's vision strategy is the OneClick Installation Package, which transforms camera integration from a complex engineering task into a simple, streamlined experience.

GMSL camera drivers are included and maintained in the board support packages (BSPs) of Advantech's robotics controllers, particularly the AFE and ASR series. In addition, the drivers are provided as ROS Nodes within the Robotic Suitea complementary software package consisting of open-source toolkits like ROS2 and Autoware, optimized AI inferencing SDKs, and sample codes for robotic applications.

MultiArchitecture Robotics Controller Series

Designed for realtime responsiveness and highperformance edge AI processing, the AFE/ASR series deliver reliable perception, motion control, and multisensor integration within a unified software environment. Turnkey GMSL enablement, continuous driver maintenance, and streamlined sensor integration significantly accelerate deployment across diverse robotic applications.

The AFE/ASR series are available as commercial offtheshelf carrier boards and systemlevel products built on leading processor platforms, including NVIDIA Jetson Thor, Jetson AGX Orin, Jetson Orin NX, Qualcomm Robotics platforms such as the IQ9 series, Intel Core Ultra processors, and Rockchip RK3588based solutions. This broad platform coverage enables design flexibility, modular scalability, and longlifecycle availability, providing robotics developers with a stable foundation for building nextgeneration autonomous systems.

Learn more about Advantech's Robotics Solutions: here

About Advantech

Advantech is a global leader in IoT intelligent systems and embedded platforms, with the corporate vision of "Enabling an Intelligent Planet." To embrace the trends of edge computing and artificial intelligence, Advantech fully deploys its sector-driven strategy and focus on Edge Computing and Edge AI. In the meantime, Advantech is enhancing its global presence and core competitiveness by integrating its Edge Computing hardware platform, the WISE-IoT software platform, and sector-specific Edge AI solutions with domain expertise.

Contact

[email protected]

SOURCE Advantech Co., Ltd.
PNN New Delhi [India], February 25: The Faculty of Technology at CEPT University is inviting applications for its M.Tech admissions 2026 across specialised programs in Construction Engineering and Management, Building Energy Performance and Structural Engineering Design. ~ Among the few engineering programs in India following a studio-based pedagogy to expose students to real-world challenges ~ Registrations Open till March 31, 2026 ~ Pre-admission scholarships available for meritorious students With a strong focus on mentoring, practice-oriented learning and emerging technologies, CEPT University offers a rigorous pathway for students seeking careers in the rapidly evolving built environment and urban infrastructure sector. At the core of CEPT University's studio-based engineering education is an intensive studio model where small cohorts of 12-15 students work closely with faculty. This ensures individualised attention, hands-on learning and deep engagement with real-world problem statements. The studio experience is complemented by rigorous coursework, interdisciplinary exposure and opportunities for global learning through travel studios and seasonal schools. Prof. Aanal Shah, Dean, Faculty of Technology at CEPT University, said, "With India's construction sector entering a phase of rapid expansion, the need for adaptive, technology-enabled engineers has never been greater. At CEPT University, we are preparing future-ready professionals to respond to emerging industry and environmental challenges." M.Tech Programs at CEPT Master's in Construction Engineering and Management (MCEM)program builds advanced digital, planning and project management capabilities required for today's construction industry. Graduates are equipped to manage complex construction environments and pursue roles in leading firms, consulting organisations and research. Master's in Building Energy Performance (MBEP) program focuses on energy-efficient building design and climate-responsive architecture through rigorous simulation, experimentation and systems understanding. The only program in India focused on the built environment, MBEP develops graduates who can look at careers in consulting, research, professional practice and policy addressing climate and building performance challenges. Master's in Structural Engineering Design (MSED) program develops advanced expertise across conventional and complex infrastructure systems, including bridges, heavy duty industries , tall buildings and structuralretrofitting, preparing graduates for contemporary structural engineering challenges in today's urban infrastructure sector. Scholarships and Financial Support To support deserving students, CEPT University offers means-based and merit-based engineering scholarships , including pre-admission and post-admission support. Three additional scholarships for meritorious girl students have been instituted by CEPT alumni. Students can also benefit from CEPT's 'Earn While You Learn' initiative, enabling practical work experience alongside academics. For scholarship details, visit: https://cept.ac.in/21/700/student-services/student-financial-aid For more information on courses, eligibility criteria and important dates, visit: https://cept.ac.in/ft About CEPT University CEPT University is a recognized leader in education and research in the areas of architecture, planning, design, technology and urban management. Its teaching programs aim to build thoughtful professionals, and its research programs deepen understanding in its areas of expertise. CEPT University also undertakes advisory projects to supportthe national,state andcitygovernmentsand large sections of private industry. Through its education, research and advisory activities, the University strives to contribute to enriching the lives of people in India's villages, towns and cities. The University comprises five faculties: viz. the Faculty of Architecture, the Faculty of Planning, the Faculty of Technology, the Faculty of Design, and the Faculty of Management. In December 2023, CEPT University was recognized by the Government of India as a Centre of Excellence in Urban Planning and Design. This comes with an endowment of Rs. 250 Crore to be used towards the research and training on India specific knowledge in Urban Planning and Design over the next 25 years. CEPT University was established by the CEPT University Act of 2005 enacted by the government of Gujarat. It was originally started in 1962 as the School of Architecture supported by the Ahmedabad Education Society. The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) of the Government of India recognizes the University as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO). CEPT University is recognized as a Centre of Excellence by the Government of Gujarat. CEPT University has over 30 ongoing collaborations and exchange programs with top-ranked universities across the world. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.)
NewsVoir Pune (Maharashtra) [India], February 25: Receiving a sudden windfall--be it a year-end bonus, family inheritance, or proceeds from selling an asset--may nudge an investor to review their financial strategy. By investing this surplus money, one can potentially enhance their corpus and earn higher potential returns. This article walks you through ways in which you may plan your investments after receiving a lumpsum and how a lumpsum calculator may aid this process. Assess the surplus Before diving into investments, pause to evaluate the funds at hand. Calculate your net amount after taxes and essentials: bonuses may attract TDS, inheritances may involve probate fees or estate duties, and asset sales may trigger capital gains tax. Investors may use part of the windfall to build an emergency fund covering 6-12 months' expenses through an overnight or liquid mutual fund to have convenient access to their money. They may also use some money to pay off high-interest debts such as credit cards. After this, the remaining sum could then be allocated strategically to align with their long-term financial objectives. Lumpsum vs SIP: Core strategies Deploying a windfall may demand choosing between lumpsum investing and SIP investment routes, each suiting different risk profiles and market views. A lumpsum calculator may be of help here--it simulates growth potential by inputting your bonus amount, expected rate of annual return, and time horizon of the investment. Investors may use free lumpsum calculators to assess various scenarios. SIP investment, conversely, involves dividing the sum into monthly/quarterly instalments, mitigating timing risk via rupee-cost averaging. Investors could also adopt a hybrid approach by investing 50% of the surplus as lumpsum and the rest in an SIP. Use a lumpsum calculator for precision A lumpsum calculator helps demystify one-shot investing by projecting the potential projecting future using the compound interest formula:A = P X (1+r)^n Where: * A = Final value of investment* P = Initial investment amount (Principal)* r = Annualized rate of return (in decimal, e.g., 10% = 0.10)* n = Number of years For example, if you invest Rs. 1,00,000 in a fund for five years and expected returns of 12% per annum. A = 1,00,000 x (1+0.12)^5A = 1,00,000 X 1.76A = Rs. 1.76 lakh Example for illustrative purposes only. These figures are illustrative, not guaranteed, as markets fluctuate. However, the tool may help investors take data-driven and more informed decisions. The calculator is an aid, not a prediction tool. It may provide only an indicative picture. Practical steps Here are steps you may follow when investing an extra inflow of money. 1. Define goals: Retirement? Children's education? You may list timelines and required corpus via goal-based calculators.2. Run simulations: You may use lumpsum and SIP calculators to review various scenarios.3. Invest: You may choose funds and an allocation strategy that aligns with your investment objectives and risk appetite.4. Review annually: It is advised to review and rebalance investments regularly to maintain a suitable asset mix.5. Seek advice: You may consult professional advisers for personalised plans and further guidance. Conclusion Receiving a windfall through a bonus, inheritance, or asset sale may mark a moment of investment reassessment in an investor's journey. Thoughtful deployment of these extra funds may help you enhance your potential corpus. Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.)
Sharing his experience on the social media platform X, Adani said, "We welcomed 24 exceptional students (and their parents) from our nation's leading business schools. They are the newest scholarship awardees of the Adani Accelerated Leadership Program (AALP)."

"They questioned deeply. They challenged thoughtfully. They engaged not as spectators, but as future builders. Yet, what stayed with me long after the day ended was something quieter. The pride in their parents' eyes! Behind every confident voice stood years of sacrifice, faith and unwavering encouragement," he said.

"Bharat is in very good hands," the Adani Group Chairman added.

As per a statement released by the Adani Group, "The scholars, drawn from the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) in Bangalore, Calcutta and Lucknow, and the Indian School of Business (ISB), were formally felicitated at the Group's headquarters in Ahmedabad by Karan Adani, Managing Director (MD), Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), and Director, Adani Cement."

The AALP Scholarship is designed to ensure that high-potential management students are not constrained by financial circumstances. Selection is based on a rigorous evaluation framework that combines academic excellence with demonstrated financial need, enabling merit to prevail irrespective of background, it said.

Beyond financial support, AALP provides structured industry immersion, mentorship and exposure to large-scale infrastructure and enterprise platforms, linking classroom learning with operational realities.

As India accelerates its growth ambitions, sustained collaboration between academia and industry will be critical to building leadership capacity. Through AALP, the Adani Group aims to create a pipeline of leaders grounded in excellence, access and responsibility, the statement read. (ANI)
The warmth of ties was evident as the two leaders hugged each other.

A small yet striking detail drew attention as the leaders interacted with each other. PM Netanyahu pointed to the matching colour of the pocket square of Prime Minister Modi and the outfit of Sara Netanyahu. "That's saffron," PM Modi said with a smile.

PM Modi was seen wearing a traditional Indian attire consisting of a cream-coloured kurta with white churidar. He layered a neatly tailored grey, patterned half-jacket along with the saffron pocket square.

Sara Netanyahu chose a saffron pantsuit.

During their interaction with PM Modi, speaking about India, Sara Netanyahu said, "wonderful country." PM Netanyahu joined in and said, "He (PM Modi) is a wonderful leader".

The warm bond between the two leaders was evident at the welcome for PM Modi at the airport.

In his departure statement, PM Modi described the visit as an opportunity to further deepen the robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

"India and Israel share a robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership that has witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years," he said.

During his two-day visit, the PM is scheduled to meet President Isaac Herzog and address the Knesset. He will be the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament. (ANI)
The programme will provide regular support instead of one-time help. It is meant for workers who work behind the scenes in the film industry and often face financial challenges.

According to a press release, under the Saathi Program 2026, registered film workers and their families will receive help in key areas. This includes monthly household support to improve food security, healthcare assistance for medicines and medical tests, and education aid for children's school and college needs. The programme will also provide support for annual travel to hometowns.

The foundation has placed special emphasis on retired film workers aged 60 and above and persons with disabilities, acknowledging that these groups often face higher medical expenses and limited income sources.

To be eligible, workers must be registered with recognised film unions. The programme is aimed at low-income households, families with children studying in school or college, and older workers managing ongoing health issues.

The 2026 edition of the programme introduces increased yearly support per beneficiary and offers more flexible benefit options. Healthcare assistance has been expanded to provide better access to medical tests and treatments, while simplified digital systems have been implemented to streamline the application process and make it easier for beneficiaries to access support. (ANI)
VMPL New Delhi [India], February 24: The landscape of orthopedic trauma surgery in Eastern India has undergone a radical transformation over the last decade. Historically, complex fractures of the pelvic ring and acetabulum (the socket of the hip joint) were often managed conservatively with prolonged bed rest, frequently leading to lifelong disability, chronic pain, and malunion. Today, the region is a burgeoning hub for advanced pelvic-acetabular reconstruction, thanks to specialized surgical techniques and dedicated practitioners. Pelvic and acetabular surgeries are widely considered the "Mount Everest" of orthopedic trauma. The anatomy is deep, surrounded by major blood vessels and nerves, requiring a high degree of precision. 1. From Conservative to Operative In the past, the lack of specialized infrastructure in states like Odisha, West Bengal, and Bihar meant patients were often referred to major metros in the North or South. The progress in Eastern India is marked by: - Advanced Imaging: The shift from 2D X-rays to 3D CT reconstructions allows surgeons to map fracture lines with millimeter precision. - Specialized Approaches: The adoption of the Stoppa approach and other minimally invasive techniques has reduced blood loss and recovery time. - Dedicated Trauma Units: The establishment of Level-1 trauma centers equipped with radiolucent tables and high-end C-arm intensifiers. The Role of Dr. Dibya Singha Das A pivotal figure in this regional advancement is Dr. Dibya Singha Das. His contribution has been instrumental in bridging the gap between global surgical standards and local accessibility in Eastern India. Clinical Excellence Dr. Das has been at the forefront of managing "high-velocity" trauma--cases typically resulting from industrial accidents or highway collisions. His work focuses on: - Anatomical Reduction: Achieving a perfect "fit" for the hip ball and socket to prevent early-onset arthritis. - Complex Reconstructions: Handling neglected fractures or failed previous surgeries that require expert revision. Academic and Skill Transfer Beyond the operating theater, Dr. Das has played a crucial role in demystifying pelvic surgery for the next generation of surgeons. Through workshops and live surgical demonstrations, he has helped build a community of orthopedic surgeons in the East who are no longer intimidated by the complex anatomy of the pelvis. Current Challenges and the Road Ahead While the progress is undeniable, the region still faces specific hurdles: - The Golden Hour: Getting patients to specialized centers within the critical window remains a logistical challenge. - Affordability: The cost of specialized implants and prolonged ICU stays can be prohibitive. - Rehabilitation: Post-operative care requires specialized physiotherapy, which is still catching up to the pace of surgical advancements. For more information- https://drdibya.com/ (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.)
The Kerala Cabinet on Tuesday approved a series of major policy decisions, including raising the upper age limit for PSC applicants and granting in-principle approval for a comprehensive group insurance scheme aimed at protecting households from recurring natural disasters. The Cabinet decided to increase the maximum age limit for applying to the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) by four years. The general category limit has been raised from 36 to 40 years, with proportional relaxation extended to all other eligible categories. To ensure financial protection for households affected by natural calamities, the government approved a state-level group insurance mechanism to be implemented through the State Insurance Department. The decision follows recommendations of a committee led by Planning Board member Ravi Raman, which studied suitable climate risk-transfer options for Kerala. The Cabinet accepted proposals for a hybrid model comprising- Parametric Insurance- Compensation to the state will be triggered automatically when predefined thresholds of rainfall, floods, or windspeed are exceeded. No individual house damage assessment required. Funds will first reach the government and be disbursed as per an SOP for relief and rehabilitation. Coverage: Based on the average disaster relief expenditure of the last decade. Duration: 5 years. Premium: 3%-8% of total coverage (e.g., Rs15-40 crore annually for Rs 500 crore coverage). Indemnity Insurance for BPL Families- Compensation will be provided directly to BPL households for actual losses to houses, household items, and temporary rental support. Local bodies will collect structural and household data; random verification by insurers permitted. Coverage per house: Up to Rs 10 lakh. Premium: Rs 250 per house; for 32.3 lakh BPL families, total annual premium is Rs 80.75 crore. Future provision: Mandatory coverage for non-BPL households may be considered by linking it to building permits or property registration. Annual Financial Commitment- Parametric model: Rs15-40 crore, Indemnity model: Rs80.75 crore; Total estimated annual outlay: Rs 120.75 crore. The amount will be shared equally between the State Consolidated Fund and the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund. Departments including Finance, Revenue, Disaster Management, and Rebuild Kerala Initiative will finalise the detailed framework. The Cabinet also approved in principle the JB Koshy Commission report and decided to publish it officially. Apart from previously accepted recommendations, 32 additional decisions were taken on Tuesday. Notably, the government ruled that the year 1947 should no longer be considered the benchmark for issuing Latin Catholic community certificates. Instead, certificates issued by the respective bishops may be used as supportive documents, with the final verification carried out through local inquiries by village officers. (ANI)
The relatives of patient Sanjay Kumar, who lost his life in the Air Ambulance crash in Jharkhand, shared their ordeal, saying that his condition continued to worsen during the treatment, and the doctor advised taking him by air. The ill-fated Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd Beechcraft C90 aircraft, registered VT-AJV, was operating a medical evacuation flight from Ranchi to Delhi when it went down in Kasariya Panchayat under Simaria block on Monday evening at around 7:30 pm. All seven onboard, including two crew members, lost their lives. Vijay Kumar, a relative of the patient Sanjay Kumar and his wife Archana Devi, stated that a fire broke out at his hotel, causing burn injuries while trying to escape. Upon consultation, the doctor advised the family to avoid road travel to transfer him to Delhi as he could collapse midway. The total cost for the Air Ambulance was around Rs. 8 lakh. "A fire broke out in the hotel. He went inside to check and tried to put out the fire. When he realised that he was not able to put out the fire, he tried to run back out and fell. He got burned during that... During his treatment, his condition continued to worsen. We consulted the doctor about whether we should take him to Delhi by road. But the doctor told us that if we took him by road, he could collapse midway. So we considered saving him and not the money. We somehow managed to arrange the expenses by borrowing. The air ambulance arrived here from Delhi. We were there till the it had taken flight around 7 pm. When we got back home, we heard this news. The plane ride cost us around Rs 8 lakh. We were Rs 3 lakh short. It took us a while to arrange for that..." he said. Sujit Kumar, another relative of the deceased, demanded justice and compensation for the children and family of the deceased. He also noted that Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd only cared about money, stating that the company said that the patient would not be transferred if the whole amount was not paid. "Sanjay Kumar and Archana Devi used to run a 'dhaba'. A fire broke out there due to a short circuit and gas leakage. His legs and arms got burned. He was taken to Ranchi for treatment. He was referred to Delhi... What happened to him was unjust. His children and family should be compensated... He had borrowed money from relatives and friends... our brother should be given justice... The company told us that if we didn't give them the whole amount, they wouldn't take him to Delhi. They only cared about the money. They didn't pay attention to the weather..." he said. Meanwhile, the investigation into the crash was underway. A team from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reached the site on Tuesday to examine the wreckage. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) collected key documents and evidence and said it would continue the probe. Sub-Divisional Police Officer Shubham Khandelwal said locals had reported seeing the aircraft lose balance moments before the crash. He said locals saw the aircraft losing balance and that it crashed 2-3 seconds later, adding that the bodies had been handed over and postmortems had been conducted. Eyewitness Pawan Yadav told officials that the aircraft had appeared unstable before a loud explosion was heard amid light rain and poor weather conditions. The aircraft had taken off from Ranchi and had lost radar and communication contact at a distance of 100 nautical miles south-east of Varanasi before crashing. (ANI)
A total of 541 tourist vehicles carrying approximately 2,736 tourists were stranded owing to heavy snowfall and road blockages, as per the latest reports.

Immediate rescue and evacuation operations were undertaken in the presence of the SHO, Check Post officials, Tourism Permit Cell officials, Presidents and members of ASTHA, GREF/BRO personnel, JN Road Drivers Association, travel agencies, and other local stakeholders. Through coordinated and prompt efforts, all stranded vehicles and tourists were successfully evacuated.

With the active support of the Sikkim Police, GREF/BRO, driver associations, and concerned stakeholders, all vehicles and tourists were evacuated safely and systematically, the release stated.

The entire evacuation operation was carried out under the supervision of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Government of Sikkim, ensuring the safety and well-being of all tourists.

The Department expresses its sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Sikkim Police, GREF/BRO, Check Post officials, Tourism Permit Cell officials, ASTHA President and members, JN Road Drivers Association, travel agencies, and all local stakeholders for their prompt response, coordination, and tireless efforts. Their collective support ensured that the situation was managed efficiently and without any casualties.

The Tourism and Civil Aviation Department further advises all tourists and tour operators to strictly adhere to weather advisories and to ensure that vehicles are properly equipped, including mandatory snow chains, during snowfall conditions. (ANI)
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday criticised the Union Government over the renaming of Kerala to 'Keralam', stating that it has not given an All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), development projects or any new institutions to Kerala, but rather has focused on the renaming of the state. He highlighted that Kerala already translates to 'Keralam' in Malayalam, raising questions on the need to rename the state. "It has already been 'Keralam' in Malayalam. So now, a Malayalam word is coming into English. I don't know what difference it makes. The Govt has not given us an AIIMS, has not given us any new institutions...they have given us no projects in the Union Budget. But when it comes to a name change, they are willing to authorise it. That is what is happening between our Govt at the Centre and Govt in the State..." he said. Earlier on Tuesday, the Union Cabinet gave its approval to the proposal to change the name of Kerala to Keralam. Briefing reporters after a meeting of the Union Cabinet, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the Kerala Alteration of Name Bill will be sent to the state assembly for its approval. The decision comes ahead of the assembly polls in the state, slated for the first half of this year. "After approval of the Union Cabinet, the President of India will refer a Bill, namely the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, to the State Legislative Assembly of Kerala for expressing its views under the proviso to Article 3 of the Constitution of India," Vaishnaw said. After receipt of the views of the State Legislative Assembly of Kerala, the Centre will take further action, and the recommendation of the President will be obtained for the introduction of the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, for the alteration of the name of the state of 'Kerala' as 'Keralam' in Parliament. The Legislative Assembly of Kerala passed a resolution in June 2024 to alter the name of the state of "Kerala" to "Keralam". (ANI)
PITTSBURGH, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- AlarMax, a leading national distributor of security, fire, access control, surveillance, and AV solutions, today announced the appointment of Steve Teitelbaum as its fractional chief technology officer (CTO), effective January 2026. The move signals a major investment in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and scalable infrastructure as the company enters its next phase of growth.

Steve Teitelbaum, new CTO of AlarMax Speed Speed Steve Teitelbaum

For Teitelbaum, the role represents both a professional milestone and a personal homecoming. The son of AlarMax Chairman Bill Teitelbaum, he grew up immersed in the security industry and witnessed firsthand the company's evolution through market shifts, technological change, and industry consolidation.

"AlarMax helped shape my understanding of what it means to build something that lasts," said Teitelbaum. "From an early age, I saw the importance of relationships, trust, and integrity in this business. Returning now, at a moment when technology can truly amplify those values, is incredibly meaningful to me. I'm excited to work alongside Scott and the entire team to build systems that empower our people and serve our customers better than ever."

Teitelbaum brings more than 18 years of experience in cloud computing, AI and machine learning, enterprise architecture, and large-scale digital transformation. His leadership background includes senior roles at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Iron Mountain, Avnet, and multiple high-growth technology ventures.

In his role as fractional CTO, Teitelbaum will oversee AlarMax's enterprise technology strategy, including:

AI-powered operational systems and automation





Expansion and optimization of the company's e-commerce platform





Enterprise data protection and infrastructure modernization





Internal systems accessibility and information integrity





Development and execution of a long-term AI roadmap

He will report directly to President Scott Shelander and work closely with executive leadership to align technology investments with business strategy.

"Steve is a rare leader who combines deep technical mastery with a genuine understanding of our industry and our culture," said Scott Shelander, President of AlarMax. "He understands where we've been, where we're going, and how to build the systems that get us there. His vision for AI, data integrity, and scalable platforms will be critical as we continue to grow nationwide."

"I've watched Steve grow into an exceptional leader and innovator," said Bill Teitelbaum. "Seeing him join forces with Scott to help guide the next era of this company is one of the proudest moments of my life. AlarMax has always been built on relationships and integrity, and Steve brings both  along with world-class technical expertise  to everything he does."

With 27 branch locations nationwide and relationships with more than 400 manufacturers, AlarMax continues to expand its reach and capabilities while maintaining its people-first approach.

Teitelbaum's appointment reflects AlarMax's broader commitment to building a technology-driven organization that enhancesnot replacesthe company's culture and customer relationships.

"Technology should remove friction, unlock insight, and create opportunity," Teitelbaum added. "Our goal is to use AI and modern infrastructure to help our teams work smarter, respond faster, and deliver even greater value to our customers."

About AlarMax

AlarMax is a leading national distributor of low-voltage solutions for security, surveillance, access control, fire alarm, AV, and networking needs. With 27 branch locations across the U.S., AlarMax combines local support with national reachoffering expert guidance, same-day pickup, next-day delivery, and access to thousands of trusted products. AlarMax is committed to delivering industry expertise, seamless service, and strong partnerships that help integrators and professionals succeed in a rapidly evolving market.

For more information about AlarMax and its leadership team, visit www.alarmax.com.

CONTACT:

MEG A. WATT, VP of Marketing

412-921-8330

917-765-1990

[email protected]

SOURCE AlarMax Distributors, Inc.
A tense situation erupted in Shivarampalli after 'Gow Rakshak' members stopped a truck carrying cows, the Attapur Police said. According to the officials, the members blocked the truck, leading to slogans being raised by opposing groups. The Attapur police arrived at the scene, shifted the cows, and took custody of the truck. The police are currently investigating the matter. According to a police official, "This incident occurred on Tuesday evening. We have shifted the cows and the truck to the police station and are investigating the matter." In a separate incident in Rajasthan's Baran, a 'complete shutdown' was observed on February 9 after an incident involving the death of a calf was reported in the district, prompting people to come out on the streets and demanding arrest of any alleged culprits responsible for the death. The incident pertains to certain groups claiming that an unknown person slaughtered a calf in Baran's Mahadev colony, causing controversy in the city, and prompting people to demand the arrest of the supposed culprits. The group started protests on February 7 and demanded an investigation into the incident. The people have also said that the government did not reply to their demands. In view of the incident, the Baran police have deployed additional security in the area amid the complete shutdown and have called on the people to maintain law and order. Police have been deployed in 'sensitive areas' and patrolling to maintain order. Police officials have also said that, according to a preliminary investigation, the owner of the calf has claimed it died of natural causes. It was found that the calf had been eaten by animals after its body was found on the highway. Police have not found any suspicious elements in the case till now, but the investigation into the case is continuing. "We got information about a dead calf from the Gau Sevak Samithi. A complete shutdown has been observed in Baran following the death of a calf. Security forces have been deployed in sensitive areas, and police parties are patrolling to maintain order. We have requested those who called for the shutdown to cooperate and ensure that law and order are maintained," said Assistant Superintendent of Police Rajesh Chaudhary. However, no FIR or report on the incident has been filed by the local police. (ANI)
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the Gaza conflict when he addresses the Knesset in his upcoming visit to Israel, calling for justice for innocent victims and emphasising India's historic commitment to truth and peace on the global stage. In a post on X, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra wrote," I hope that the Prime Minister Narendramodi mentions the genocide of thousands of innocent men, women and children in Gaza while addressing the Knesset on his upcoming trip to Israel and demands justice for them. India has stood for what is right throughout our history as an independent nation. We must continue to show the light of truth, peace and justice to the world." Her remarks came as Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a State visit to Israel on February 25-26. The visit comes at the invitation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and marks the Prime Minister's second visit to Israel, following his 2017 trip when he became the first-ever Indian Prime Minister to visit the country. During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The two leaders will review the significant progress made in the India-Israel Strategic Partnership and discuss further opportunities in various areas of cooperation, including science and technology, innovation, defence and security, agriculture, water management, trade and economy, and people-to-people exchanges. According to the MEA, the leaders are also expected to exchange perspectives on regional and global issues of mutual interest. The Prime Minister will also call on Isaac Herzog, the President of Israel. This visit will reaffirm the deep and long-standing strategic partnership between the two countries and present an opportunity to review common challenges, as well as realign efforts towards achieving their shared vision for a robust partnership between two resilient democracies. Reflecting the significance of the diplomatic engagement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday termed the upcoming visit "historic", stating that the partnership continues to scale new heights. (ANI)
In a major development, Counter Intelligence (CI) Jalandhar has arrested two key members of a Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) module involved in an extortion and firing case. According to the release, the police recovered a .32 bore pistol, a magazine, and eight live cartridges from the accused. The arrested accused have been identified as Sukhwinder Singh alias Sunny and Rawal, both residents of Kulam village, SBS Nagar. Providing details of the case, DGP Gaurav Yadav stated that preliminary investigations had revealed that the arrested accused were acting on the instructions of Gopi Navanshaharia, Jassi Kulam, and Sushant Chopra, foreign handlers associated with the BKI. He said that according to the investigation, the accused had fired two shots at the house of a travel agent in the Garhshankar area for extortion. The DGP stated that, acting on intelligence, teams from the Central Intelligence Agency (CI), Jalandhar, arrested both BKI-affiliated accused along with weapons near the Lidran underbridge in Suransi, Jalandhar, on the Jalandhar-Amritsar highway. The DGP stated that investigations are ongoing to unravel the module's nexus and identify other members. He stated that more arrests and recoveries are expected in the coming days. In this regard, FIR has been registered against the accused at the State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), Amritsar, under sections 111 and 61(2) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and sections 25 and 25(1-B) (a) of the Arms Act. Earlier, on January 23, Hoshiarpur Police, in a joint operation with Counter Intelligence, Jalandhar, busted a terror module of the banned outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and arrested four of its operatives from the Garhshankar area of the district Police recovered a large cache of arms and explosives from the accused, including 2.5 kilograms of RDX in the form of an improvised explosive device (IED), two pistols, and live cartridges. Preliminary investigations suggested that the recovered IED was meant for a targeted terror attack in view of the January 26 celebrations. The arrested accused have been identified as Diljot Singh Saini, Harman alias Harry, Ajay alias Mehra, and Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Kandola, all apprehended within the jurisdiction of Garhshankar police station. According to a post on X (formerly Twitter) by DGP Punjab Police, the terror module was being operated by handlers based in the United States and had alleged links to Pakistan's ISI-backed networks. Following the arrests, an FIR has been registered at Garhshankar police station under relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Explosive Substances Act. Further investigations are underway to trace the wider network, funding channels, and possible local collaborators. (ANI)
Biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak, in collaboration with Namdapha National Park & Tiger Reserve Authority and with support from Arcus Foundation, organised a Hoolock Gibbon conservation training programme at the headquarters of Namsai Forest Division, Namsai in Arunachal Pradesh. The training aimed to familiarise forest personnel with the Western Hoolock Gibbon, India''s only ape, and to strengthen their motivation and capacity for its conservation. The Western Hoolock Gibbon is an endangered primate species found in seven northeastern states of India (except Sikkim). Its distribution is largely restricted to the south bank of the Brahmaputra River and areas east of the Dibang River system. The Namsai Forest Division is considered a potential habitat for this endangered species. The workshop held on February 23 was the first of its kind in both the Namsai Forest Division and Namsai district. The programme was inaugurated by Tabang Jamoh, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Namsai Forest Division, and coordinated by Nandita Medhi, Consultant, Primate Research and Conservation Division, Aaranyak. In his inaugural address, Jamoh welcomed the participants and expressed his appreciation to Aaranyak for initiating the training in the interest of Western Hoolock Gibbon conservation in Namsai. He urged participants to actively engage in the sessions and apply their learnings in the field. Highlighting that the Hoolock Gibbon is the state animal of Arunachal Pradesh, he emphasised the collective responsibility of the people of the state to safeguard the species. He also encouraged the forest staff to develop practical skills in the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) tools for gibbon conservation and broader biodiversity management. Dilip Chetry, Senior Primatologist, Director and Head of the Primate Research and Conservation Division, Aaranyak, and Vice Chair of the IUCN Primate Specialist Group, South Asia, served as the resource person for the first session. He discussed the current conservation status of the Western Hoolock Gibbon, the threats it faces, and its conservation priorities. Chetry also elaborated on various methods of population estimation and urged the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department to consider the species as a flagship for regional biodiversity conservation. Alok Kumar, Range Officer of Tengapani Range, initiated and coordinated an interactive session on Hoolock Gibbon conservation. The second session was led by Arup Kumar Das, Assistant Director and Head of the Geo-Spatial Technology and Application Division, Aaranyak, who highlighted the application of GPS in wildlife research and monitoring. A hands-on GPS training session was conducted by Das, along with Simanta Medhi and Akshay Kumar Upadhyaya, covering practical components such as recording waypoints, tracking routes, and assessing proximity. Twenty participants attended the training, including forest staff from six ranges under the Namsai Forest Division: Namsai, Manabhum, Tengapani, Chowkham, Medo, and Wakro Forest Ranges. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, followed by the distribution of soft-copy study materials and posters on Hoolock Gibbon conservation. (ANI)
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday strongly criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of his scheduled visit to Israel, stating that PM Modi will be displaying "moral cowardice" at a time when the whole world is critical of his "dead friend", referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a post on X, Ramesh highlighted steps taken by earlier Indian governments in support of Palestine. The Congerss leader pointed out that on May 20, 1960, Jawaharlal Nehru was in Gaza and met with the Indian contingent of the UN Emergency Force there, adding that India issued a commemorative postage stamp in solidarity with Palestine on November 29, 1981 and formally recognised the state of Palestine on November 18, 1988. "That was a different era. Now the Indian Prime Minister is brazenly embracing the Prime Minister of Israel, who has reduced Gaza to rubble and dust and who is orchestrating the expansion of illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. When the entire world is critical of his 'dear friend' Mr. Netanyahu, Mr. Modi will be displaying moral cowardice," Jairam Ramesh wrote on 'X'. https://x.com/Jairam_Ramesh/status/2026497896745484502?s=20 Earlier in the day, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the Gaza conflict when he addresses the Knesset in his upcoming visit to Israel, calling for justice for innocent victims and emphasising India's historic commitment to truth and peace on the global stage. In a post on X, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra wrote," I hope that the Prime Minister Narendramodi mentions the genocide of thousands of innocent men, women and children in Gaza while addressing the Knesset on his upcoming trip to Israel and demands justice for them. India has stood for what is right throughout our history as an independent nation. We must continue to show the light of truth, peace and justice to the world." Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a State visit to Israel on February 25-26. The visit comes at the invitation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and marks the Prime Minister's second visit to Israel, following his 2017 trip when he became the first-ever Indian Prime Minister to visit the country. During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The two leaders will review the significant progress made in the India-Israel Strategic Partnership and discuss further opportunities in various areas of cooperation, including science and technology, innovation, defence and security, agriculture, water management, trade and economy, and people-to-people exchanges. According to the MEA, the leaders are also expected to exchange perspectives on regional and global issues of mutual interest. The Prime Minister will also call on Isaac Herzog, the President of Israel. This visit will reaffirm the deep and long-standing strategic partnership between the two countries and present an opportunity to review common challenges, as well as realign efforts towards achieving their shared vision for a robust partnership between two resilient democracies. Reflecting the significance of the diplomatic engagement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday termed the upcoming visit "historic", stating that the partnership continues to scale new heights. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attended the Uttar Pradesh Investment Roadshow in Tokyo on Wednesday, where he presented Uttar Pradesh as a global hub for skilled labour and a massive consumption market with a population of 250 million. The Minister noted that consistent policy reforms over the last nine years have turned the state into a premier global investment hub. The minister also asserted that Uttar Pradesh is the food basket of India and a state with the largest water resources. UP CM Yogi Adityanath, while addressing the gathering in Tokyo, said, "Uttar Pradesh is known as the food basket of India...Uttar Pradesh is also the state with the largest water resources in India...Keeping the needs of Uttar Pradesh in mind, we have identified a population of 250 million within Uttar Pradesh. Fifty-six per cent of this 250 million population is youth, a working force. Skilled manpower is always available to you in any field. Affordable and quality manpower for every sector is available in Uttar Pradesh today." He added, "Today, Uttar Pradesh alone accounts for ninety-five per cent of India's expressways. Uttar Pradesh boasts India's largest rail network...I would like to invite Japanese business leaders to visit Uttar Pradesh to contribute to advancing the private industrial park program. I am pleased to report the significant success Uttar Pradesh has achieved in air connectivity. In the last nine years, we have operationalised sixteen domestic and four international airports within Uttar Pradesh, and India's largest international airport, Noida International Airport, is soon to be operational." CM Yogi Adityanath futher said "There are many opportunities in Uttar Pradesh, and the results of the government's various policies over the past nine years are evident. Uttar Pradesh has established itself as one of the fastest-growing states economically in the nation." "Uttar Pradesh is the birthplace of Lord Ram, King of the Suryavansh and the holy land of Lord Buddha...Uttar Pradesh is central to Buddhism, holding various sacred sites in Lord Buddha's life," Uttar Pradesh CM added. Meanwhile, today Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath arrived in Tokyo for an official visit aimed at strengthening the state's investment opportunities and industrial growth. During the visit from February 25-26 in Japan, he is expected to participate in key meetings and interactions during his visit aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and exploring investment opportunities for the state. (ANI)
In a major crackdown on illegal immigration, Mumbai's Versova police arrested 25 Bangladeshi nationals, including 21 transgender individuals, officials said on Wednesday. According to the police, the detainees, who were suspected during a routine patrol at Shakulshaha Dargah in Versova, were later found to be Bangladeshi nationals based on interrogation and electronic evidence. Authorities indicated that more arrests could follow as investigations continue. Senior Versova Police Officer Deepshikha Ware said that these individuals reportedly enter India through routes via Kolkata and Mizoram. Many of them have been residing in India for six to eight years, with settlements not only in Mumbai but also in Gujarat and Delhi. Addressing the unique situation of the transgender detainees, the police noted that in Bangladesh, transgender individuals often face a lack of security and respect. "They seek alternative routes to India as they understand that everyone has the right to equality here," officials said. The operation marks the largest action against illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators in Mumbai this year. Earlier, Pune City Police detected two suspected Bangladeshi women during a massive combing operation conducted in the Budhwar Peth red-light area, as part of a drive against illegal activities and unlawful practices, officials said. The operation was carried out on the directions of Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar and involved an extensive deployment of police personnel across the area. During the exercise, police checked 41 buildings, verified 426 women and 290 men, and conducted nakabandis at five locations where 459 persons and 32 vehicles were examined. Police said the two suspected Bangladeshi women, along with some minor girls, were taken into custody for safety and further verification at Faraskhana Police Station, and necessary legal procedures are being initiated. During the same operation, police also arrested a 31-year-old man and seized 7 grams of charas and three injection vials from his possession. A case under the NDPS Act has been registered against the accused at Faraskhana Police Station.(ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President Nitin Nabin on Wednesday accused the Nehru-Gandhi family of pursuing a "compromise mission" that prioritized personal and foreign interests over national welfare, describing Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi as a "puppet of foreign powers". Speaking to the media, Nabin unleashed a string of accusations against the Nehru-Gandhi family, alleging a legacy of betrayal, ranging from Tibet to Rahul Gandhi's meetings with anti-India elements abroad. "I'm sharing with you information about how the Gandhi family's compromise mission continued. How the entire Nehru-Gandhi family has always protected its interests by compromising with the people of the country. There was a time when Nehru himself said that 45 crore people are a liability for me... We all know his relationship with the foreign powers... You have also seen Rahul Gandhi, how he acts as a puppet of foreign powers... We all know how Nehru, in 1954, handed over India's rights in Tibet to China," claimed Nabin. "We all know how Nehru, in 1954, handed over India's rights in Tibet to China... We all remember that the US Ambassador admitted that the CIA funded Congress's election campaign... If you look at Rajiv Gandhi's compromise mission, you can see how he used his defence service deals to strengthen his personal bank accounts," he added. Nabin further accused the party of running a "parallel government" during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) era and compromising national interests for foreign funding. Nabin alleged that between 2004 and 2014, Congress Parliamentary Chairperson Sonia Gandhi wielded unconstitutional power as a "Super PM" through the National Advisory Council (NAC). He claimed this structure was designed to bypass the official cabinet, effectively fulfilling a "compromise mission" that undermined the authority of the then-Prime Minister. "Sonia Gandhi, who became the Super PM between 2004-14 through the National Advisory Council and ran a parallel government and cabinet. At the same time, funding for the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation from the Chinese government was provided under the Compromise Mission," he claimed. Shifting his focus to Rahul Gandhi, Nabin claimed, "Rahul Gandhi goes abroad and meets anti-India people and does cheap politics in India at their behest." (ANI)
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday informed that he will be visiting New Delhi to meet Congress high command in the coming days. Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar said that he would be meeting LoP Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and CPP chairperson Sonia Gandhi in the national capital. He further added that Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge would also be visiting Bengaluru in the future. "I will be going to Delhi. Is there anything new about that? I do not need to take anyone's permission. I run several educational institutions. I am going to Delhi in connection with those matters. I will also meet the high command leaders. I will meet Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. Mallikarjun Kharge will be here in Bengaluru, and I will meet him here," said Shivakumar. This comes after 31 Congress MLAs wrote a letter addressed to the party's top leadership, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and his deputy DK Shivakumar, requesting that the first-time MLAs be inducted into the cabinet. "The people of Karnataka have elected 38 members to legislative assembly from the Indian national congress for the first time and thereby sent out a clear message that they want to see new young faces in the Legislature and that also is the aspiration of the people of Karnataka. That being the case, it is justified that the first time M.L.A s are also accommodated in the cabinet," the letter signed by 31 MLAs read. "The mix of young and the experienced, is always a right balance to strive and we are sure that your good self with the visionary leadership, make sure this is done in Karnataka. We therefore request you to ensure that at least five first time MLA s are accommodated as ministers in Karnataka, during the reshuffle," it further read. Congress leader Mantar Gowda on Monday affirmed that several MLAs from the party have written to the high command, requesting that at least five first-time MLAs be given a chance to be inducted into the Karnataka cabinet. "Yes, quite a few of us have sent. Some of us (first-time MLAs) should get an opportunity, especially in the district of Kodagu. In our district, at least one of us should get (the opportunity), whoever the high command decides, if and when there is a cabinet reshuffle. I understand that there are seniors. However, it is a request. It is not a hard and fast rule. If there is a consideration, consider one of us also," Gowda, who is the Congress MLA from Madikeri Assembly constituency in Kodagu district, told ANI. (ANI)
The Chandigarh Police has issued a public notice prohibiting protests and gatherings at places other than the designated venue, as the Haryana Congress announced a demonstration over the issue of MGNREGA on Wednesday. According to the notice issued by the Station House Officer, Police Station North, Chandigarh, Rally Ground in Sector-25 has been designated as the only approved venue for processions, rallies, dharnas and public gatherings in the city. The order, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, by the District Magistrate, states that assembly of five or more persons for the purpose of protest, rally, strike or public speeches is prohibited at all places in the Union Territory except the designated ground. The notice has been posted outside the Haryana Congress office in Chandigarh. The party has announced that it will stage a protest over MGNREGA and march from the Congress headquarters towards the Haryana Vidhan Sabha at 12 noon on Wednesday, and lay siege to the Assembly. The administration remains on alert in view of the proposed protest. Meanwhile, the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday (yesterday) consigned to the record room a suo motu case arising out of a traffic jam near the High Court roundabout. The matter was closed after Chandigarh Director General of Police Dr Sagar Preet Singh Hooda assured the bench that necessary steps would be taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. https://x.com/INCHaryana/status/2026313283859513386 The Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee will stage a "Vidhan Sabha Gherao" under the banner of MNREGA Bachao Sangharsh at 11 AM today, aimed at protesting against unemployment, worsening law and order, and alleged anti-people policies of the state government. Organisers have called on party workers, supporters and the public to join the demonstration to raise their democratic voice against issues including the recent changes to the rural employment guarantee scheme and other governance concerns. In the X post, it said, "This grand gathering of people's resolve will pave the way for change Come, let us raise our democratic voice against injustice, unemployment and anti-people policies through MNREGA Bachao Sangharsh by joining the Haryana Vidhansabha Siege." -- @raonarenderinc" (ANI)
Financing will support expanded capacity and category-leading growth

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Archer Meat Snacks, one of the fastest-growing meat snack brands in the U.S., today announced that it has secured a roughly $100 million aggregate credit facility from JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM). The financing will provide additional capacity to support Archer's rapid growth and expanding national footprint.

"This credit facility from J.P. Morgan is an important milestone for our business as we enter our next stage of growth," said Eugene Kang, CEO and Founder of Archer Meat Snacks. "The increased flexibility allows us to invest in capacity, speed, and execution as we meet surging demand and continue attracting new-to-category consumers."

Archer's focus on clean-label, high-protein, and culinary-inspired flavors is transforming the category. The brand grew 35.9% year-over-year, far outpacing the category's 8.8% growthi. Sales of Archer meat sticks rose 57.7%, securing the No. 5 spotii in the category and helping drive overall meat stick growth of 15.6%. Archer is on track to reach more than $500 million in sales in 2026.

To meet the surging demand amid consumer trends towards clean label, protein, convenience and snacking, Archer opened its second manufacturing facility in Los Angeles in November. This manufacturing scale enables speed and quality control, producing more than 36 million pounds of meat sticks per year, or over 1 billion Archer mini meat sticks  doubling Archer's overall manufacturing capacity. The plant represents both the strength of the Archer business today and the company's commitment to building for tomorrow.

Founded in 2011 and available in over 30,000 retail locations nationwide, today Archer is the #1 premium, better-for-you jerky brand in MULOiii. Amid accelerating growth and rising brand visibility, over the past 12 months, Archer completed a major rebrand, launched a national marketing campaign, and secured a multi-year sponsorship of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"We are proud to support Archer at such an exciting moment in its growth trajectory," said Rick Nogueira, Region Manager for Orange County & Inland Empire Markets, Commercial Banking at J.P. Morgan. "We look forward to continuing to provide services and expertise to help Archer grow and scale."

For more information about Archer, visit www.archerjerky.com.

About Archer

Archer is one of America's leading clean-ingredient meat snack brands, crafting premium products using only grass-fed and grass-finished beef and all-natural proteins  never any fillers, shortcuts, or ingredients you can't pronounce. The brand's "Stick to Real" philosophy positions Archer as the trusted go-to for consumers who seek food made from real ingredients and refuse to compromise on taste or quality.

Archer offers grass-fed beef jerky, all-natural turkey jerky, and a variety of meat sticks  including fan-favorite Mini Sticks  in savory and culinary-inspired flavors. Sold at more than 30,000 stores nationwide, including Costco, Whole Foods Market, Walmart, Starbucks, Target, and 7-Eleven. Archer is also the official meat snack partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. To learn more, visit archerjerky.com or follow @ArcherJerky on social media including Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn (@ArcherMeatSnacks).

i SPINS, Total US, SS Jerky and Meat Snacks, 24-Weeks Ending 11/30/25

ii SPINS, MULO + Natural, SS Jerky and Meat Snacks, 24-Weeks Ending 11/30/25

iii L12W ending 6/15/2025 in MULO

SOURCE Archer
Speaking to ANI, Kumar said visiting Israel has become a hobby for PM Modi.

"It is like Gujarat; Israel is a second Gujarat for him. Israel is a country that acts against all genuine interests of humankind, targeting Gaza, killing innocent people. So, it is the Prime Minister's hobby, you know, it is like visiting Gujarat," said Sandosh Kumar.

Also, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday strongly criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of his scheduled visit to Israel, stating that PM Modi will be displaying "moral cowardice" at a time when the whole world is critical of his "dear friend", referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a State visit to Israel on February 25-26.

The visit comes at the invitation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and marks the Prime Minister's second visit to Israel, following his 2017 trip when he became the first-ever Indian Prime Minister to visit the country.

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The two leaders will review the significant progress made in the India-Israel Strategic Partnership and discuss further opportunities in various areas of cooperation, including science and technology, innovation, defence and security, agriculture, water management, trade and economy, and people-to-people exchanges.

According to the MEA, the leaders are also expected to exchange perspectives on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

The Prime Minister will also call on Isaac Herzog, the President of Israel. (ANI)
Former President of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union (JNUSU) Dhananjay has filed a complaint with the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) against JNU Vice Chancellor Santishree D. Pandit over allegedly hateful remarks made on a public platform. The complaint alleges that the Vice Chancellor's statements promoted feelings of enmity, hatred, and ill will against the Dalit community. The complaint, submitted by Dhananjay, former President of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union (2023-24), claims that the Vice Chancellor's remarks contravene the provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, was enacted to prevent atrocities and hate crimes against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. It criminalises acts that insult, humiliate, or create social hostility against members of these communities and provides mechanisms for immediate investigation and legal action to ensure protection of their rights and dignity. The petition seeks immediate intervention from the NCSC, requesting cognizance of the complaint, registration of a case under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, investigation by an independent committee, and disciplinary as well as legal action against the Vice Chancellor, including her removal from office. The complainant emphasised that no apology has been issued by the Vice Chancellor, reinforcing the perception that the remarks were deliberate and intended to foster discrimination. On Sunday, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Vice Chancellor Santishree D Pandit defended her recent remarks regarding Dalits and Blacks, saying her comments were taken out of context and misrepresented for "political purposes" by certain groups. Her clarification comes amid protests by student organisations, including the JNU Students' Union (JNUSU), which have demanded her resignation over the remarks made in a podcast published on February 16. 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. The controversy stems from Pandit's remarks in the podcast while discussing the UGC's proposed 2026 Equity (Anti-Discrimination) Regulations aimed at addressing caste-based discrimination in higher educational institutions. In a clip circulating online, she was heard saying that Dalits and Blacks "cannot progress by being permanently a victim or playing the victim card," triggering sharp reactions from student groups. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens across the nation to embrace indigenous products by adopting the mantra of 'Vocal for Local', reinforcing the vision of building an Atmanirbhar Bharat. Under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the Government of Gujarat has undertaken several new initiatives to support rural and urban artisans, handicraft workers and small industries. Programs such as 'Gujarat Atmanirbhar Yatra', 'G-Maitri Yojana' and 'Mahila Udyog Sahay Yojana' are giving new momentum to indigenous products in the state. In addition, under the Urban Development and Urban Housing Department, statewide Swadeshi Mela (Shopping Festivals) are being organised through the Gujarat Urban Livelihood Mission, providing a strong platform for local artisans, Self-Help Groups and small traders. Notably, during the previous Dussehra to Diwali period, Plastic-Free "Swadeshi Festivals" were successfully organised in 16 cities across the state. More than 40.50 lakh people visited these fairs, and sales exceeding 10 crore were recorded. Building upon this success, Swadeshi Mela (Shopping Festivals) are now being organised in all municipalities of the state, offering Self-Help Groups (SHGs), local artisans, artists and small traders an excellent opportunity to showcase and sell their indigenous products. Swadeshi Mela will be conducted across all 152 municipalities of the state by 15 March 2026. Under this initiative, more than 1500 stalls have been allotted to Self-Help Groups, while over 1400 stalls have been allocated to street vendors. Around 1200 food stalls are being prepared, and more than 1650 stalls have been allotted to other artisans to sell their indigenous products. So far, Swadeshi Mela has commenced in 38 municipalities across the state, including various municipalities in the zones of Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar, Gandhinagar, Rajkot, Surat and Vadodara. During this period, more than 1 lakh people have visited the Swadeshi Mela, and sales exceeding 83 lakh have been recorded. This success demonstrates that citizens are enthusiastically associating with the Vocal for Local initiative. These Swadeshi Mela are not merely a platform for trade, but a significant effort toward strengthening the local economy. The Prime Minister believes that promoting Swadeshi and building an Atmanirbhar Bharat are essential for achieving a Viksit Bharat. Inspired by this vision, the Government of Gujarat is continuously working to ensure that every citizen embraces the mantra of Swadeshi and actively supports 'Vocal for Local'. (ANI)
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday supported West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's recent statement about renaming West Bengal as 'Bangla', stating that if the state assembly makes such a proposal, the Centre should consider it. Speaking to the media, Abdullah cited the Union Cabinet's recent approval of the resolution to rename Kerala as 'Keralam', questioning the difference with West Bengal. "If she (Mamata Banerjee) has demanded it, then the Central government should accept it. If the name of Kerala can be changed, then why not the name of West Bengal?" he said. "If tomorrow, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly decides to put forward a proposal about renaming the state, then the centre should also focus on that," he added. This comes after Banerjee on Tuesday reminded the Central government that the state of West Bengal also has its own proposal for changing its name to 'Bangla' while she congratulated Kerala for its new name 'Keralam'. According to an X post by TMC, the West Bengal CM said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) "Bangla birodhi" (Opponents of Bangla), claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Amit Shah have no respect for the state's heritage and language. TMC wrote, "Mamata Banerjee warmly congratulated the people of Kerala on the Union Cabinet's approval to rename their state 'Keralam'. At the same time, she reminded the Centre that a similar proposal to rename West Bengal as 'Bangla' has been lying buried for years. Mamata Banerjee said that West Bengal's "legitimate demand" should not be denied just because the state "refused to bow before the BJP". "Every election season, PM Narendra Modi and Amit Shah descend on Bengal, shedding crocodile tears and pretending to love our soil, our culture, our people. Spare us the drama. These Bangla-Birodhis have no respect for our heritage, no regard for our language, no honour for our icons, and zero concern for our dignity. We rejoice when any state asserts its identity, but Bengal will not accept this vindictive discrimination. Bengal's legitimate demand cannot be denied purely because we refuse to bow before the BJP high command," the TMC added on X. The TMC government had passed a resolution to rename the state to Bangla, and has kept the demand before the Centre on several occasions. (ANI)
Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued notice to Delhi police on a plea moved by former MLA Alka Lamba seeking quashing of FIR against her. This case pertains to a protest in favour of women's reservation in 2024. The Rouse Avenue court had issued a summons to Alka Lamba after taking cognisance of the charge sheet. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma on Wednesday issued notice on the plea and sought a response from the Delhi police. She is an accused in a case of alleged violation of the prohibitory order, deterring public servants from doing their duty, etc. Her revision against the framing of charges was rejected by the Rouse Avenue court on February 6. Special Judge (MP-MLA) Dig Vinay Singh had dismissed the revision moved by Alka Lamba, terming the order of charges as appropriate. " As there is no patent illegality, perversity or jurisdictional error in the impugned order, the present Revision Petition fails and is dismissed," Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh said on February 6. While dismissing the revision, the court had observed, " In the considered opinion of this Court, the Trial Court has exercised its judicial mind to sift through the statements of eyewitnesses and the electronicevidence and has concluded that a prima facie case exists." The standard for framing charges is not proof beyond a reasonable doubt but "sufficient ground for proceeding," the court said. The court has also opined that the arguments regarding the lack of independent witnesses, the absence of injuries, and the nature of dissent are defences to be established during the trial and cannot be prejudged. On January 14, the Rouse Avenue court formally framed charges against Alka Lamba. An FIR was registered against her in Parliament Street Police Station in 2024. Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Ashwani Panwar had formally framed charges against Alka Lamba. She denied the charges and claimed a trial. Earlier, on December 19, the court had directed that the charges, and said, " This court is of the considered opinion that there exists a prima facie case against the accused, namely, Alka Lamba, for the commission of offences punishable under Sections 132/221/223(a)/285 BNS." "Accordingly, the charge is directed to be framed against the accused under the above-mentioned provisions," the court had ordered. (ANI)
The Government of Gujarat is set to host the third edition of the Gujarat Semiconnect Conference 2026 on March 1, at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, a release said. The event was convened by the Department of Science & Technology and Gujarat State Electronics Mission (GSEM). This global conference is inspired by the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose call for technological self-reliance has placed semiconductors at the heart of India's growth agenda. The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendrabhai Patel, will inaugurate the event alongside Union Minister for Electronics & IT, Railways and Information & Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and Minister for Science & Technology Arjun Modhwadia. The conference theme, "Gujarat: India's Gateway to Silicon," reflects the state's ambition to position itself as the anchor of India's semiconductor ecosystem. With Gujarat's robust infrastructure, industrial corridors, and investor-friendly policies, the state is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing India's semiconductor manufacturing and research capabilities. The event will bring together global semiconductor CEOs, policymakers, and industry leaders to deliberate on strategies that will strengthen India's position in the global value chain. Over two days, the conference will feature keynote addresses, thematic panels, and international roundtables. Day one will open with sessions on next-generation semiconductor research and manufacturing, logistics and export readiness for hubs like Dholera and Sanand, financing through GIFT International Financial Services Centre, and workforce development for future skills. The release stated that discussions will also focus on strengthening India's electronics foundation, from printed circuit boards to resilient component ecosystems. Parallel sessions will include a Micron Suppliers' Roundtable, country-specific roundtables with Japan and Taiwan, and a seminar on education and outreach titled 'From Silicon to Students: Building India's Semiconductor Future.' Day two will feature a guided tour to Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR), facilitated by GSEM, DICDL, and Tata Electronics, offering delegates an opportunity to witness Gujarat's ambitious infrastructure projects firsthand. The conference will host an impressive lineup of keynote speakers, including Randhir Thakur, CEO & MD of TEPL; Sanjay Mehrotra, CEO of Micron Technology; GC Chaturvedi, Chairman of CG Semi; Ramesh Kunhikannan, Executive Vice Chairman of Kaynes Technology; Ajit Manocha, CEO of SEMI; and Rao Tummala, Emeritus Professor at Georgia Tech. Their participation underscores the global confidence in Gujarat's semiconductor vision and the Prime Minister's call for India to emerge as a leader in advanced technologies. Anchor Semiconductor Project Proponents such as Micron, Tata Electronics, and Kaynes Semicon, along with knowledge partners including JETRO (Japan), KOTRA (Korea), Invest India, India Semiconductor Mission, SEMI, IESA, ELCINA, ICEA, and MEDEPC, have extended their support to this initiative. Their involvement highlights the international collaboration and national momentum that Gujarat is fostering under the Prime Minister's guidance and the Chief Minister's leadership. The Gujarat Semiconnect Conference 2026 is expected to be a landmark event, setting the stage for India's semiconductor growth. The synergy of the Prime Minister's vision for technological self-reliance, together with the Chief Minister's commitment to make Gujarat a hub of innovation and investment, will showcase India's readiness to lead in the global semiconductor industry. As the theme suggests, Gujarat welcomes global chipmakers and domestic industries, entrepreneurs, and students to contribute towards this transformative journey. (ANI)
Karnataka BJP state president BY Vijayendra on Wednesday backed the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) members for "protesting" at Azim Premji University in Bengaluru over alleged "anti-national" elements. However, the University has maintained that it did not permit any such event on the campus, and no "anti-national" event took place eventually. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Vijayendra said, "When people carried out anti-India slogans and Pakistan zindabad in Vidhan Soudha, they were let free. Any university, for that matter, should not give scope for Anti-national elements. Yesterday, when such things were carried out its right on ABVP's part to protest. State government should take action against the organisations that are doing this." The ABVP protestors were produced before an Anekal court and were released on conditional bail thereafter. Karnataka Police on Tuesday detained 19 ABVP activists and filed an FIR against more than 20 ABVP workers at Sarjapur police station. The Azim Premji University said that a group of 20 people forced their way into its campus in Bengaluru, adding that the group "shouted slogans, vandalised some of the property, and assaulted a few of the security guards and students". The University strongly condemned "the ruckus and violence" by the "external group of people." Meanwhile, BJP leader BY Vijayendra alleged 2.86 lakh vacancies in government jobs despite the state government completing its 2.5 years of tenure. "Yesterday, there was a protest as the government was unable to fill the government job vacancies. 2,86,000 vacancies have not filled. Rahul Gandhi himself said during the assembly elections that they would fill the 2.5 lakh job vacancies. Now it's been 2.5 years, and they haven't taken any effort to fill the vacancies," the BJP leader said. On Tuesday, the Karnataka BJP held a protest in Dharwad, demanding that the state government provide jobs to unemployed youth. "Due to the inefficiency and negligence of the Congress government, people are suffering today in Karnataka. In the health sector, there are severe problems that Congress is not able to address. Salaries are not being paid for ambulance drivers. Doctors are going to the streets in the next couple of days as their demands are not being met. Because of the inefficiency of the health minister, Dinesh Gundu Rao, poor people are not getting medicines, and they are forced to purchase from private hospitals. This is the same people who stopped Jan Aushadhi Kendra," Vijayendra added. (ANI)
Uttarakhand has been sanctioned an incentive amount of Rs 350 crore under Part IX of the Special Assistance Scheme for Capital Investment (SASCI), titled "Incentives to States for Efficiency in Financial Management." According to an official statement, on this significant achievement, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Government of India. The Chief Minister said, "This approval reflects the state government's strong financial management practices, transparency, and fiscal discipline." As per the statement, CM Dhami noted that Uttarakhand has made notable progress in increasing tax collection, controlling expenditure, strengthening digital payment systems, and improving budget management. He also highlighted that the state had earlier received incentive funds from the central government for implementing transparent policies in the mining sector, introducing e-tendering and online monitoring systems, and carrying out reforms in the transport department. This demonstrates that Uttarakhand is consistently adopting a reform-based governance model and building a strong national identity. The Chief Minister stated that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttarakhand is setting new benchmarks in good governance, transparency, and development. He added that such timely support from the central government serves as a source of motivation for the state and will accelerate its development projects. Expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister and the Government of India, he said that the state government remains committed to establishing Uttarakhand among the country's leading states with the resolve of "Development along with Heritage." Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand government has initiated a comprehensive overhaul of its building bylaws to align with updated earthquake safety standards, in view of the increasing seismic vulnerability of the state. The state government, in a release, said that the move follows the Indian Standard ISO 1893-2025, which classifies the entire state under a high seismic zone. It said the government will amend existing construction regulations to make them more scientific, disaster-resilient and in tune with modern engineering practices. Currently, Uttarakhand's building by-laws are based on the older Bureau of Indian Standards framework ISO 1893-2002. On the directions of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan has constituted a 14-member high-level committee to review and revise the existing by-laws. The committee will be chaired by R Pradeep Kumar, Director of CSIR-CBRI Roorkee, with Shantanu Sarkar, Director of ULMMC Dehradun, serving as convenor. The panel comprises representatives from CBRI Roorkee, the Bureau of Indian Standards, IIT Roorkee, BRIDCUL, the Public Works Department, the Irrigation Department, the Town and Country Planning Department, development authorities and geological experts. Architects and engineers will also be consulted during the review process. Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan said that given Uttarakhand's fragile Himalayan terrain and growing seismic sensitivity, revising construction rules has become essential. He stated that the government aims to make building by-laws more effective, practical and capable of reducing disaster risk across both urban and rural areas. (ANI)
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday accused Congress of "dilution of opportunities" over border negotiations with India's neighbours, raising doubts over the past government's decisions on Tibet and Kashmir. In an X post, Gadkari alleged "opaque political funding" of Congress, and "blurred lines between power and privilege." "Across decades, the Congress record raises serious questions. Time and again, strategic opportunities were diluted, whether on global positioning, border negotiations, or post-war leverage. Issues like Tibet, Kashmir, Berubari, and later concessions at negotiation tables cannot simply be brushed aside as isolated decisions. Add to that recurring procurement controversies, opaque political funding concerns, and blurred lines between power and privilege. When national red lines become negotiable, institutions weaken, and public trust erodes. History deserves honest reflection, not selective memory," he wrote. This came in the backdrop of the BJP leaders alleging a "compromised Congress," in response to Rahul Gandhi's attack against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where the Congress MP had alleged that the "PM is compromised" over the India-US Interim Trade Agreement. Earlier today, Union Minister Piyush Goyal alleged that the Gandhi family "is a completely compromised political family" and Congress is "a compromised political party". Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters, Goyal also slammed former Prime Ministers Rajiv Gandhi, Indira Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru over some of their decisions. Goyal accused Congress of "corruption" and said "Rahul Gandhi means compromise". With the BJP and Congress locking horns over the "shirtless protest" of the Indian Youth Congress during the AI Summit, Goyal alleged that "Rahul Gandhi has become the poster boy of negative politics". "The Gandhi family is a completely compromised political family. Rahul Gandhi and his Congress party are a compromised family, a compromised political party. Rahul Gandhi means compromise. Look at the Congress party's history or its present, whether it's the various tales of corruption, how they compromise public interest and national interest under the influence of foreign powers, there are countless examples before the country and the public of how they completely compromise the country and its bright future, the bright future of its citizens. Rahul Gandhi has become the poster boy of negative politics," he said. Goyal also alleged that Rahul Gandhi is "a puppet of foreign powers, anti-India forces, anti-India organisations and anti-India governments". "Rahul Gandhi has, in a way, demonstrated a high-handed approach to politics before the nation and the world. He is nothing but a puppet of foreign powers, anti-India forces, anti-India organisations, and anti-India governments. This is the compromise Rahul Gandhi and the Gandhi family are making today: whether in Parliament, whether outside, whether in a press conference. We have seen his behaviour with the press," Goyal said. Last week, Indian Youth Congress members staged a "shirtless protest" at Bharat Mandapam during the AI Impact Summit. IYC chief Uday Bhanu Chib was arrested on Tuesday in connection with an ongoing investigation into the protest. Later, a Delhi court granted four days' police custody of Chib in connection with the case. (ANI)
In a shocking incident reported from Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district, a minor girl studying in Class 10 delivered a baby boy during her board examination at an exam centre in Pithampur, a police officer said. The incident occurred on Tuesday, February 24, at a private school falling under the jurisdiction of Sector 1 police station in Pithampur, located around 50 kilometres from the district headquarters of Dhar. According to police officials, the girl was appearing for her board examination when she complained of severe stomach pain during the exam. She subsequently went to the washroom of the school premises, where she delivered the baby. Upon being alerted, the school authorities informed the police and the health department. An ambulance was immediately called and both the minor and the newborn were shifted to a government hospital in Pithampur for medical care. Taking cognisance of the issue, Parul Belapurkar, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), Dhar, said that the police have registered a case under relevant sections, including POCSO ( Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) and began a probe into the matter. "A case of a minor girl delivering a baby during board exams under Sector 1 police station in Pithampur came to light on Tuesday. On getting the information, the police and health department team rushed to the spot and the minor and her baby were sent to the hospital. As the matter is concerned with a minor girl, a zero FIR has been registered under the POCSO Act and under relevant sections into the matter and sent to Betma police station for further investigation," ASP Parul Belapurkar said. Sub-Inspector Chandni Singhar of Sector 1 police station stated that during preliminary questioning, the victim informed police that she had been in a relationship with a person for the past two years and had engaged in repeated physical relations, which led to her pregnancy. "We received information from a private school that the victim came to take her exam, but she suffered sudden stomach pain and gave birth to a baby boy. After which, she was admitted to a government hospital in Pithampur. Upon interrogation, we learned that she had a relationship with a person for the last two years and had repeated physical relations over the past year, resulting in pregnancy," SI Singhar said. The victim reportedly told police that she had not informed any member of her family about her pregnancy. After the incident came to light, she narrated the matter to her parents, the officer added. Police officials stated that the incident falls under the jurisdiction of the Betma police station. "The incident falls under the jurisdiction of the Betma police station. We have registered a case in the matter and are transferring it to the Betma police station. The victim and newborn are healthy and undergoing treatment," SI Singhar further added. Medical Officer at the Community Health Centre in Pithampur said, "A minor girl was brought here via 108 ambulance and we were informed that her delivery occurred in the school itself. She had gone to take her board exams. Both the minor and the newborn are healthy and are under observation." Further investigation into the matter is underway, police further said. (ANI)
FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX) (the " Company " or " BD "), a leading global medical technology company, today announced the consideration payable in connection with its previously announced Tender Offers (as defined below) to purchase for cash up to $2,000,000,000 aggregate purchase price, excluding the applicable Accrued Interest (as defined below) (which, subject to applicable law, may be increased or decreased in the Company's sole discretion, the " Aggregate Offer Cap ") of its (i) 6.700% Senior Notes due 2026, (ii) 7.000% Senior Debentures due 2027, (iii) 6.700% Senior Debentures due 2028, (iv) 6.000% Senior Notes due 2039, (v) 4.875% Senior Notes due 2044, (vi) 4.669% Senior Notes due 2047, (vii) 5.000% Senior Notes due 2040, (viii) 4.685% Senior Notes due 2044 (the " 4.685% Senior Notes "), (ix) 5.081% Senior Notes due 2029, (x) 3.794% Senior Notes due 2050, (xi) 4.874% Senior Notes due 2029, (xii) 4.693% Senior Notes due 2028, (xiii) 3.700% Senior Notes due 2027, (xiv) 5.110% Senior Notes due 2034, and (xv) 4.298% Senior Notes due 2032 (collectively, the " Securities " and each a " series "), in the order of priority set forth in the table below (each, an " Acceptance Priority Level "), subject to an aggregate principal amount of each series of Securities that does not exceed the applicable Offer SubCap, if any, set forth in the table below (each, an " Offer SubCap ") (collectively, the " Tender Offers "); provided that the Company will only accept for purchase up to an aggregate purchase price, excluding the applicable Accrued Interest, of all series of Securities that does not exceed the Aggregate Offer Cap.

The table below sets forth the Total Consideration and aggregate principal amount accepted for purchase for each series of Securities.

Title of

Security CUSIP Number Principal

Amount

Outstanding Offer SubCap Acceptance

Priority

Level(1) U.S.

Treasury Reference

Security Bloomberg

Reference

Page Fixed Spread Early Tender

Payment (2)(3) Total Consideration (2)(3) Aggregate

Principal

Amount Accepted for

Purchase 6.700%

Senior Notes

due 2026 Registered: 075887CE7 144A:

075887CD9 Reg S:

U0740RAE2 $137,032,000 N/A 1 4.250%

U.S. Treasury

Notes due

11/30/2026 FIT3 +30 bps $30 $1,020.51 $36,474,000 7.000%

Senior Debentures

due 2027 075887AN9 $116,054,000 N/A 2 3.500%

U.S. Treasury

Notes due

1/31/2028 FIT1 +20 bps $30 $1,045.64 $32,822,000 6.700%

Senior Debentures

due 2028 075887AQ2 $112,361,000 N/A 3 3.500% U.S. Treasury Notes due

1/31/2028 FIT1 +35 bps $30 $1,065.75 $27,313,000 6.000%

Senior Notes

due 2039 075887AV1 $122,856,000 N/A 4 4.000% U.S. Treasury Notes due 11/15/2035 FIT1 +95 bps $30 $1,095.99 $61,942,000 4.875%

Senior Notes

due 2044 075887BM0 $224,877,000 N/A 5 4.625% U.S. Treasury Notes due

11/15/2045 FIT1 +80 bps $30 $934.25 $91,153,000 4.669% Senior Notes due 2047 075887BX6 $1,500,000,000 $1,000,000,000 6 4.625%

U.S. Treasury

Notes due

11/15/2045 FIT1 +70 bps $30 $914.27 $656,047,000 5.000%

Senior Notes

due 2040 075887AX7 $90,878,000 N/A 7 4.000%

U.S. Treasury

Notes due

11/15/2035 FIT1 +100 bps $30 $994.98 $36,846,000 4.685% Senior Notes

due 2044 075887BG3 $982,883,000 $472,349,000 8 4.625%

U.S. Treasury

Notes due 11/15/2045 FIT1 +60 bps $30 $933.16 $472,349,000 5.081%

Senior Notes

due 2029 075887CU1 $600,000,000 N/A 9 3.500%

U.S. Treasury

Notes due

1/15/2029 FIT1 +30 bps $30 $1,038.38 $444,588,000 3.794%

Senior Notes

due 2050 075887CK3 $560,000,000 N/A 10 4.625% U.S. Treasury Notes due 11/15/2055 FIT1 +65 bps $30 $789.44 $262,727,000 4.874%

Senior Notes

due 2029 075887CR8 $625,000,000 N/A 11 3.500% U.S. Treasury Notes due

1/15/2029 FIT1 +30 bps $30 $1,029.08 $0 4.693%

Senior Notes

due 2028 075887CQ0 $800,000,000 N/A 12 3.500% U.S. Treasury Notes due 1/31/2028 FIT1 +20 bps $30 $1,018.12 $0 3.700% Senior Notes

due 2027 075887BW8 $1,725,018,000 N/A 13 3.500% U.S. Treasury

Notes due

1/31/2028 FIT1 +30 bps $30 $998.90 $0 5.110%

Senior Notes

due 2034 075887CS6 $550,000,000 N/A 14 4.000% U.S. Treasury Notes due

11/15/2035 FIT1 +45 bps $30 $1,039.47 $0 4.298% Senior Notes

due 2032 075887CP2 $500,000,000 N/A 15 3.750%

U.S. Treasury Notes due

1/31/2031 FIT1 +65 bps $30 $1,001.23 $0

(1) Subject to the Aggregate Offer Cap, Offer SubCap, if any, and proration if applicable, the principal amount of each series of Securities that is purchased in the Tender Offers has been determined in accordance with the applicable Acceptance Priority Level (in numerical priority order) specified in this column. (2) Per $1,000 principal amount of Securities validly tendered prior to or at the Early Tender Date (as defined below) and accepted for purchase. (3) The Total Consideration (as defined below) for each series of Securities validly tendered prior to or at the Early Tender Date and accepted for purchase is calculated using the applicable Fixed Spread and is inclusive of the applicable Early Tender Payment. The Total Consideration for each series of Securities does not include the applicable Accrued Interest, which will be payable in addition to the applicable Total Consideration.

The Tender Offers are being made pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the offer to purchase, dated February 10, 2026, as amended and supplemented by the Company's press release on February 25, 2026 (as so amended, the " Offer to Purchase ") announcing the upsizing of the Offer SubCap with respect to the 4.685% Senior Notes and the Aggregate Offer Cap. The Company refers investors to the Offer to Purchase for the complete terms and conditions of the Tender Offers.

The " Total Consideration " listed in the table above per $1,000 principal amount of each series of Securities was determined at 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on February 25, 2026. Only holders of Securities who validly tendered and did not validly withdraw their Securities at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on February 24, 2026 (the " Early Tender Date ") are eligible to receive the Total Consideration for Securities accepted for purchase. As previously announced, the Company has elected to exercise its right to make payment for the Securities that were validly tendered prior to or at the Early Tender Date and that are accepted for purchase on February 27, 2026 (the " Early Settlement Date "). Holders will also receive accrued and unpaid interest on Securities validly tendered and accepted for purchase from the applicable last interest payment date up to, but not including, the Early Settlement Date (" Accrued Interest ").

As previously disclosed in the Offer to Purchase, because the aggregate purchase price, excluding the applicable Accrued Interest, of Securities validly tendered and not validly withdrawn prior to or at the Early Tender Date exceeds the Aggregate Offer Cap, the Company will accept for purchase the 3.794% Senior Notes due 2050 on a prorated basis as set forth in the table above. As described further in the Offer to Purchase, Securities tendered and not accepted for purchase will be promptly credited to the tendering holder's account. Since the Tender Offers are fully subscribed at the Early Tender Date, the Company does not expect to accept for purchase any Securities tendered after the Early Tender Date on a subsequent settlement date.

Information Relating to the Tender Offers

Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC are the lead dealer managers for the Tender Offers. Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., MUFG Securities Americas Inc. and U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc. are co-dealer managers for the Tender Offers. Investors with questions regarding the Tender Offers may contact Citigroup Global Markets Inc. at (800) 558-3745 (toll-free) or (212) 723-6106 (collect) or by email at [email protected] or Wells Fargo Securities, LLC at (866) 309-6316 (toll-free) or (704) 410-4759 (collect) or by email at [email protected]. Global Bondholder Services Corporation is the tender and information agent for the Tender Offers and can be contacted at (855) 654-2015 (toll-free) or (212) 430-3774 (collect).

None of the Company or its affiliates, their respective boards of directors, their respective officers, the dealer managers, the tender and information agent or the trustee with respect to any series of Securities is making any recommendation as to whether holders should tender any Securities in response to any of the Tender Offers, and neither the Company nor any such other person has authorized any person to make any such recommendation. Holders must make their own decisions as to whether to tender any of their Securities, and, if so, the principal amount of Securities to tender.

The full details of the Tender Offers, including complete instructions on how to tender Securities, are included in the Offer to Purchase. Holders are strongly encouraged to read carefully the Offer to Purchase, including materials incorporated by reference therein, because they contain important information. The Offer to Purchase may be downloaded from Global Bondholder Services Corporation's website at www.gbsc-usa.com/BectonDickinson or obtained from Global Bondholder Services Corporation, free of charge, by calling toll-free at (855) 654-2015 (bankers and brokers can call collect at (212) 430-3774).

This press release is for informational purposes only and is not an offer to buy, or the solicitation of an offer to sell, any of the Securities and the Tender Offers do not constitute an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell Securities in any jurisdiction or in any circumstances in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful.

About BD

BD is one of the world's largest pure-play medical technology companies with a Purpose of advancing the world of health by driving innovation across medical essentials, connected care, biopharma systems and interventional. The company supports those on the frontlines of healthcare by developing transformative technologies, services and solutions that optimize clinical operations and improve care for patients. Operating across the globe, with more than 60,000 employees, BD delivers billions of products annually that have a positive impact on global healthcare. By working in close collaboration with customers, BD can help enhance outcomes, lower costs, increase clinical efficiency, improve safety and expand access to healthcare.

Contacts:

Media Investors Matt Marcus

VP, Public Relations

[email protected] Shawn Bevec SVP, Investor Relations [email protected]

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain estimates and other forward-looking statements (as defined under federal securities laws) regarding BD's performance, including in relation to the consummation of the Tender Offers. All such statements are based upon current expectations of BD and involve a number of business risks and uncertainties. Actual results could vary materially from anticipated results described, implied or projected in any forward-looking statement. With respect to forward-looking statements contained herein, a number of factors could cause actual results to vary materially. These factors include, but are not limited to, the factors discussed in BD's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. BD does not intend to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, except as required by applicable laws or regulations.

SOURCE BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday paid an emotional tribute to veteran Communist Party of India (CPI) leader R Nallakannu, calling him an "indomitable comrade" and a "political volcano" whose life would remain a guiding light for generations to come. Nallakannu, one of the senior-most leaders of the Communist movement in Tamil Nadu, passed away at the age of 101 on Wednesday afternoon at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai. In a heartfelt message shared on X, Stalin recalled Nallakannu's unwavering spirit despite physical challenges, quoting the late leader's own words: "Even though I lack proper vision in one eye, there is another eye in my heart. That is the good eye." https://x.com/mkstalin/status/2026590609386197387 He described Nallakannu as "an uncompromising fighter" and a tireless champion of the working class who endured imprisonment, torture, and immense personal hardship without ever compromising his principles. In his tribute, Stalin highlighted Nallakannu's close association with former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, fondly remembered as "Muttamil Arignar Kalaignar." He noted that Nallakannu had stood shoulder to shoulder with Karunanidhi in protests against laws such as POTA, ESA and TESA, and strongly believed that Communist ideology and the Dravidian movement should work together as a "twin-barreled rifle for social change." Stalin also recalled that Karunanidhi had conferred the Ambedkar Award on Nallakannu during his tenure, and that he himself had the "great fortune" of presenting him with the Thagaisal Thamizhar Award under the present Dravidian Model government. "He (Nallakannu) was always one who held me in affection and love. He wholeheartedly welcomed the schemes we created after establishing Dravidian model governance. I made it a habit to meet Ayya on each of his birthdays and receive his blessings," he further wrote. Calling him a leader who "lived not as an individual separate from the movement, but as the movement itself," Stalin said Nallakannu had donated every award and its accompanying prize money back to the party and for public welfare. "My deepest condolences and solace to his grieving family, relatives, and all comrades of the Indian Communist Movement," Stalin said, adding that the state would bid farewell to the veteran leader with full state honours. Describing Nallakannu as a man who lived solely for the working people, Stalin said Nallakannu's life itself was the message he had left behind -- one that would continue to inspire the struggle for social justice and equality. According to an official statement issued by Madras Medical College and the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Nallakannu had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on February 1 due to health complications. Over 24 days of treatment, his condition fluctuated despite continuous advanced monitoring and intensive care by a multidisciplinary medical team. However, from the early hours of Wednesday, his response to medication gradually declined, and his condition turned critical. Despite being placed on advanced life support, all his vital organs eventually failed. He was declared dead at around 1:55 pm. The hospital administration expressed deep condolences to his family and thanked the medical teams involved in his care, along with the Government of Tamil Nadu, for its support. (ANI)
The National Council of Educational Research and Training's new Class 8 Social Science textbook, which had a section on "corruption in the judiciary", has been pulled out of sale, sources in the NCERT told ANI on Wednesday. The Supreme Court on Wednesday initiated suo moto proceedings regarding the inclusion of a section on "corruption in the judiciary" within the new NCERT class 8 (Eighth) Social Science textbook, with Chief Justice of India Surya Kant asserting that the institution will not be allowed to be defamed. "I'm fully aware of it. We will wait for a day. This definitely concerns the entire institution. Both bar and bench. I am getting a lot of calls, lots of messages. I'm taking suo moto cognisance of the issue. I will not let anybody, no matter how high up they are, defame the institution," the Chief Justice said. Senior lawyers Kapil Sibal and Abhishek M Singhvi mentioned the issue before the CJI-led bench and stated that children are being taught the subject of corruption in the judiciary as if it doesn't exist anywhere else in any other institution. "They have left out bureaucracy, politics, etc. Not a word on other sectors. They are teaching as if it only exists in this institution", the lawyers said. The CJI, in response, acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and said that "it's a calculated and deep-rooted thing. We will not say anything more than that. As head of the institution, I'm aware, I'm already doing something about it." Earlier, it was reported that the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced a section on "corruption in the judiciary" in its new Class 8 Social Science textbook, marking a significant shift from earlier editions that largely focused on the structure and role of courts. The revised chapter, titled "The Role of the Judiciary in Our Society," goes beyond explaining the hierarchy of courts and access to justice, and addresses challenges faced by the judicial system, including corruption and case backlogs. "NCERT's Class 8 book includes a section on corruption in the judiciary! What about the massive corruption of politicians, including ministers, public servants, investigation agencies, and why governments? Brush them under the carpet," Kapil Sibal had earlier stated in his post on X. President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, Senior Advocate Vikas Singh had also questioned the NCERT decision. "This is completely shocking," he told ANI. "Do they have a sub-chapter with regard to the 40 % MLAs and MPs who have a serious criminal background? ... This kind of a message, if they want to give, they should give it about these MLAs and MPs... Corruption in the judiciary is far less than what it is in the executive and in politics...," Singh said. (ANI)
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh launched an attack on the India-US trade deal yet again on Wednesday, calling it "distinctly one-sided" and asserting that the deal should be put "on hold." Calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi "a good friend" of US President Donald Trump, he questioned the heavy import duty on solar modules from India, asking how it opens doors for Indian exports to the US. In a post on X, Ramesh questioned the deal's benefits, stating, "It is quite extraordinary that the US has just imposed 125.87% duty on imports of solar modules from India. What does this say of President Trump's commitment in letter and spirit to the India-US trade deal so much praised and applauded by his good friend in New Delhi as opening doors for India's exports to the US?" He argued that the deal favours the US, allowing India's imports from the US to be freed up, while exports to the US would be subject to the US President's whims. "Actually, the deal is distinctly one-sided. India's imports from the US will be freed up but exports to the US will be subject to the whims and fancies of the US President," Ramesh said. He urged the government to put the deal on hold, warning it would be "singularly disastrous" for lakhs of farmers across the country. "There is only way forward. India must be bold and put the deal on hold. The deal as it stands will be singularly disastrous for lakhs and lakhs of farmers across the country." Ramesh stated https://x.com/Jairam_Ramesh/status/2026591402323489203 Earlier on Sunday, Jairam Ramesh questioned the Centre over not waiting for the United States Supreme Court's ruling on Trump tariffs before agreeing to a trade deal framework with Washington. The US court ruled 6-3 that the administration exceeded its authority by using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977 to impose broad-based import tariffs, affirming that the power to levy taxes resides primarily with Congress. However, US President Donald Trump later raised worldwide tariffs to the "fully allowed, and legally tested, 15 per cent level," effective immediately. The Congress leader suggested that the Union Government could have waited for the recent developments instead of agreeing to the framework of the deal to "distract media." He argued that India could have been in a better position to negotiate after the US Supreme Court verdict. Ramesh wrote on X, "This is the calendar of the US Supreme Court - decided and released months in advance. It clearly marks out February 20 as a non-argument day - i.e., a day when arguments will not be heard and a judgment could be released. The Court had already heard arguments relating to tariffs on November 5, 2025, and it was well known that the Justices were not expected to be favourably inclined to President Trump's tariffs. Why then did India not wait until February 20 to sign the trade deal? What was the desperation to do so on February 2, 2026?" Further, criticising the trade deal, he alleged that the framework of the agreement compromised the interests of Indian farmers. (ANI)
Following the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) protest at Azim Premji University over alleged "anti-national" activities in the campus, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara stated on Wednesday that police are investigating the incident, noting the demonstration pertained to an issue related to Kashmir. Speaking to reporters, Parameshwara declared that any individual who takes the law into their own hands will definitely be handled. "The police are already looking into the incident and if somebody tries to take the law into their own hands, we will definitely handle them. They were discussing an issue related to Kashmir. We will definitely handle it," said Parameshwara. Earlier, Karnataka BJP state president BY Vijayendra backed the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) members for "protesting" at Azim Premji University in Bengaluru over alleged "anti-national" elements. However, the University has maintained that it did not permit any such event on the campus, and no "anti-national" event took place eventually. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Vijayendra said, "When people carried out anti-India slogans and Pakistan zindabad in Vidhan Soudha, they were let free. Any university, for that matter, should not give scope for Anti-national elements. Yesterday, when such things were carried out its right on ABVP's part to protest. State government should take action against the organisations that are doing this."The ABVP protestors were produced before an Anekal court and were released on conditional bail thereafter. Karnataka Police on Tuesday detained 19 ABVP activists and filed an FIR against more than 20 ABVP workers at Sarjapur police station. The Azim Premji University said that a group of 20 people forced their way into its campus in Bengaluru, adding that the group "shouted slogans, vandalised some of the property, and assaulted a few of the security guards and students".The University strongly condemned "the ruckus and violence" by the "external group of people." Meanwhile, BJP leader BY Vijayendra alleged 2.86 lakh vacancies in government jobs despite the state government completing its 2.5 years of tenure."Yesterday, there was a protest as the government was unable to fill the government job vacancies. 2,86,000 vacancies have not filled. Rahul Gandhi himself said during the assembly elections that they would fill the 2.5 lakh job vacancies. Now it's been 2.5 years, and they haven't taken any effort to fill the vacancies," the BJP leader said. On Tuesday, the Karnataka BJP held a protest in Dharwad, demanding that the state government provide jobs to unemployed youth. "Due to the inefficiency and negligence of the Congress government, people are suffering today in Karnataka. In the health sector, there are severe problems that Congress is not able to address. Salaries are not being paid for ambulance drivers. Doctors are going to the streets in the next couple of days as their demands are not being met. Because of the inefficiency of the health minister, Dinesh Gundu Rao, poor people are not getting medicines, and they are forced to purchase from private hospitals. This is the same people who stopped Jan Aushadhi Kendra," Vijayendra added. (ANI)
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued notice to the Central Government, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), and the Delhi Government on a plea challenging the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022 and the associated Rules, which the petitioners allege allow excessive collection of personal data and violate fundamental rights. A Bench led by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia issued notice on the plea, which claims the law allows excessive collection of personal data and violates fundamental rights. The 2022 law allows police and prison authorities to collect and store various types of personal data, including fingerprints, photographs, iris and retina scans, biological samples and behavioural details such as signatures and handwriting. These provisions apply not only to convicted persons but also to individuals who are arrested, detained, or asked to furnish security for good behaviour. The Act replaced the Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920 and greatly widened the scope of data collection. The petition has been filed by two university students who were detained last year after taking part in a peaceful protest. They allege that police officials forced them to provide biometric details, including photographs and fingerprints, and made them sign search slips without giving them copies. The plea also states that no similar FIR was registered against one of the petitioners, yet their biometric data was collected. Senior Advocate Diya Kapur, appearing for the students, argued that even people accused of minor offences could have their measurements stored in national databases maintained by the NCRB. She said this raises serious privacy concerns and questioned whether such data collection is justified for minor allegations. She relied on the Supreme Court's privacy ruling in K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India to argue that the right to privacy must be protected. According to the petition, the law gives authorities very broad powers to collect sensitive personal information from almost anyone who comes into contact with the criminal justice system. It argues that the inclusion of undefined "behavioural attributes" makes the law highly intrusive and allows excessive data collection from convicts, undertrials and even detainees. The plea further claims the law is disproportionate and lacks proper safeguards. It points out that the data can be stored for up to 75 years and that there is no clear legal procedure for destroying the records. The petition also raises concerns about provisions allowing the NCRB to share such data with other law enforcement agencies, which could lead to profiling or misuse. While acknowledging that preventing and investigating crime is a legitimate aim, the petition argues that the law goes too far and violates constitutional protections under Articles 14, 19(3), 20(3) and 21. The petitioners have prayed the court to declare the law unconstitutional, quash the actions taken against them and order the deletion and destruction of their biometric data. (ANI)
Jammu Congress members on Wednesday held a protest in Jammu over the arrest of Indian Youth Congress National President Uday Bhanu Chib following the 'shirtless' protest at AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. Holding the posters of 'PM Is Compromised', the Congress criticised Chib's arrest, accusing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of dictatorship and divisive politics. This comes after the Delhi Police Crime Branch on Tuesday said eight persons, including IYC president Uday Bhanu Chib, have been arrested in connection with the protest last week. Speaking with ANI, Neeraj Kundan, Jammu Rural Congress President, expressed anger over the arrest memo of Chib, which Kundan said recognised the IYC President as "mastermind" for the protest in the national capital and accused the BJP government of failing to arrest the culprits behind the terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. "The way IYC members have been arrested. The arrest memo given to Chib says that he has been arrested for creating the 'PM is compromised' T-shirts and recognising him as the mastermind. I want to ask, where are the masterminds of the Pahalgam attack, the Pulwama attack? They brought kgs of RDX and the governemnt couldn't catch them, but rather arrested someone who made T-shirts," he said. Referring to the Galgotias University Robodog controversy at the India AI Impact Summit, Kundan said, "Wasn't the country humiliated and insulted when an Indian University called a Chinese product as their curation at the AI Summit? But the ones protesting against the BJP and PM are called anti-national." He further emphasised Congress's commitment to questioning the government's unjust rule, calling them the "Babbar sher" of Lok Sabh LoP Rahul Gandhi. "We are protesting against that, and I want to tell Amit Shah and PM Modi every member of the Congress is fearless and is the 'babbr sher' of Rahul Gandhi. You can put us in jail however much you want, but we will not get terrified of the BJP's tyranny," he said. Earlier on Tuesday, speaking at a press briefing, Delhi Police Special CP Crime Branch, Devesh Chandra Srivastava, said that they have found concrete evidence that the incident was done "under a deep conspiracy." "On the basis of the investigation so far, we have found concrete evidence that this was done under a deep conspiracy. Further investigation into this case has been transferred to the Interstate Cell of Crime Branch. Detailed investigation is being done," he said. "The arrested people include Indian Youth Congress office bearers. All arrested people were questioned after being taken into police remand," he added. Meanwhile, the Patiala House court has allowed the application seeking the FIR lodged in the case. The court has directed the Delhi Police to supply a copy of the FIR. Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) passed the order after considering the application moved on behalf of Chib and Ajay Kumar Vimal and the reply filed by the Delhi police. On February 20, the members of the Indian Youth Congress staged a "shirtless protest" at the Bharat Mandapam venue of the Al Impact India Summit in the national capital by removing their shirts with slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (ANI)
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Border Range, Sandeep Goyal, on Wednesday visited a private hospital in Gurdaspur to check on Inspector Gurmeet Singh, who sustained injuries during an encounter with terrorist Dilawar Singh. Speaking to the media, the DIG stated that Gurmeet Singh supported his team with great bravery throughout the entire operation, and while encountering Dilawar Singh during this mission, he himself got injured. He praised the contribution made by the Inspector and shared that Gurmeet Singh is now doing well. He expressed pride in having a brave police officer like Gurmeet Singh in his team and noted that his condition is now much better than before. Earlier in December, DIG Sandeep Goyal said the Punjab Police, with support from central and state agencies, had busted an international ISI-backed terror module involved in a grenade attack in Gurdaspur and planning more strikes. Speaking to ANI, the DIG said, "Punjab Police, with the help of central agencies, Delhi Police, Haryana Police, state's own intelligence agencies, has busted an international ISI-backed terror module... The one who was leading it was terrorist Shahzad Bhatti, Zeeshan Akhtar, who is a resident of Jalandhar Rural and Amandeep Singh Aman Pannu, who was a resident of Gurdaspur." He said the terrorists had aimed to spark communal tensions. "They had planned a hand grenade attack to spread chaos and disharmony between communities. They had carried out a hand grenade attack on a police station in Gurdaspur," he added. According to the DIG, the network had multiple layers. "They had created two modules of their own and the second module was to carry out another such incident after 4-5 days, which we foiled yesterday... We have arrested Naveen and Kush. Two pistols and a P86 Chinese-made hand grenade were also recovered from them," he said. He further said that questioning had led them to additional suspects. "Gurjeet Singh and Pradeep Singh were arrested yesterday. We identified both modules through questioning. During the raids and arrests, we discovered that the first module members, Hargun and Vijay Prajapati, both residents of Gwalior, had been arrested by the Delhi Police. We have identified the third individual and will apprehend him." The DIG added that follow-up action was underway. "The second module has also been identified, in which Naveen and Kush have been arrested. There is a third module within that as well. The third character has been identified. He will also be arrested soon..." he said. (ANI)
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condemned the attack on Health Minister Veena George, terming it "organised hooliganism" and a threat to the state's peace. The Health Minister had sustained injuries to her neck and hand amid a black flag protest by members of the Kerala Students Union (KSU) near the ticket counter while she was arriving to board the Vande Bharat train earlier today. She was later admitted to Kannur District Hospital, and her travel was cancelled. Protests against her had been reported in several parts of Kannur in recent days. In an official statement from the Chief Minister's Office, the Chief Minister reacted to the incident, stating, "Our Health Minister attacked physically in Kannur Railway Station, resulting in a severe neck injury and hospitalisation. Those leading these actions are trying to turn Kerala into a land of riots. Ministers are not individuals who emerged overnight; they have grown with the support of this land. When those who love and respect them naturally intervene, problems will arise." CM Vijayan alleged that certain elements were deliberately unleashing goons to create unrest. "These goons desire such problems. This is not a form of political protest but deliberate, organised hooliganism. Goons are being unleashed for this purpose," he said, adding that the attack on a woman minister was "highly deplorable". While accusing those behind the protest of repeatedly engaging in such acts, Vijayan urged restraint among LDF workers. "It cannot be expected that those leading this will refrain from such acts, as these things are happening continuously. However, there is one general request: what they desire should not happen in our land. Our land must live in peace and should not turn into a land of conflict. This resolve must be shared by all LDF workers. Therefore, one must not fall into the trap of these goons and create provocations in the same manner. It is the people who must give the right verdict in such matters. To bring these issues to the people, strong democratic protests must arise," he said. Earlier, CPM State Secretary M.V. Govindan called the attack a pre-planned, deliberate assault. "Attack on Health Minister Veena George was a brutal and deliberate assault. Never before has such an attack been carried out against a woman minister in Kerala. This was an organised, pre-planned attack, carried out with the full knowledge of the Congress leadership. Their intention was nothing short of harming, even killing the Minister," he said. Reacting to the information, Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty told the media, "The Health Minister of Kerala was brutally attacked by activists of KSU and Youth Congress. She is currently in the hospital in a very serious condition. This is the first time in Kerala's political history that such an incident has taken place. Youth Congress and KSU workers would not have carried out such an attack on their own." Sivankutty further alleged that the protest and attack on the Health Minister would have happened at the direction of the Kerala leader of the Opposition, VD Satheesan. "It may have happened based on the advice or direction of the Leader of the Opposition. The Minister has suffered injuries to her neck, arm and shoulder and has been admitted to the hospital...The Left's secular movements have never acted in such a manner," he said. He further condemned the attack, stating, "We will not think of revenge, but this incident is utterly condemnable. A woman minister was attacked. If something like this had happened to Sonia Gandhi, how would the Congress have reacted? The Congress leadership must answer that. We strongly condemn this barbaric, crude and disgraceful political act." (ANI)
The couple accused of racial abuse and criminal intimidation towards three women from Arunachal Pradesh in New Delhi's Malviya Nagar have been sent into a 14-day judicial custody, their advocate said on Wednesday. The Delhi Police today said that the alleged accused and her husband have been arrested in connection with the case. Advocate Gaurav told ANI that they will apply for bail. "We are exploring all our legal options. Let's see. They have been sent to 14-day judicial custody. They were presented before the Additional Sessions Judge's Court. We will apply for bail at the earliest. I last spoke to them yesterday," Advocate Gaurav. The incident occurred on the afternoon of February 20, when three women, residing as tenants in an apartment complex in Malviya Nagar, alleged mental harassment and humiliation, though no physical injuries were reported. An incident of minor grievance turned into a volatile confrontation. According to the police, the investigation is now being conducted by an officer of the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), and the probe is being closely supervised by senior officials. The Delhi Police further informed that during the course of the investigation, relevant provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act have been invoked based on the material available on record. Earlier, police filed an FIR at PS Malviya Nagar has been registered under BNS Section 79 (Word, gesture, or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman), Section 351(2) (Punishment for criminal intimidation), Section 196 (Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, etc) and Section 3(5) (Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention). Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia, today asserted that such incidents will not be tolerated at all. Scindia added that strict action has been initiated in the matter, and all relevant legal provisions have been invoked. (ANI)
Three Youth Congress workers detained by Delhi Police from Rohru in Shimla district early Wednesday were brought back to Himachal Pradesh after intervention by the state police, officials said. According to Himachal Pradesh Police, the Delhi Police team was intercepted at Dharampur in Solan district, where the action was termed illegal, and the workers were released from custody. "Himachal Police intervened after receiving information about the detention. Shimla Police has brought back the three youths, who were taken into illegal detention by Delhi Police. They are being produced before a local court as per legal procedure," police said. Officials said the trio was picked up from Rohru in connection with protests held in the national capital involving members of the Youth Congress, NSUI and Congress workers over an AI-related submission issue. The protest had drawn participation from party youth wings and student leaders, leading to detentions by Delhi Police during demonstrations. Sources said the three workers had allegedly travelled to Delhi earlier to join the protest and were later traced and detained by Delhi Police from Himachal without prior intimation to local authorities, triggering objections from the state police. After being stopped at Dharampur, the Himachal Police team secured their release and escorted them back to the Shimla district. "Further legal action will be taken in accordance with the law, and the matter is being examined," police added. Congress leaders criticised the detention, alleging misuse of police action against youth activists, while police maintained that due process would be followed and the exact circumstances of the detention were under verification. Meanwhile, a Congress delegation led by Member of Parliament and AICC Treasurer Ajay Maken, and Delhi Congress President Devendra Yadav, on Tuesday met Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, presenting a memorandum regarding the arrest of Indian Youth Congress chief Uday Bhanu Chib and others over the AI summit protest. According to a statement by the Lok Niwas, the Lt Governor said that the act of the Youth Congress volunteers was aimed, prima facie, at "derogating the nation". (ANI) Delhi Lok Niwas said in statement on X, "A delegation of Congress Party comprising Ajay Maken, MP and Treasurer, AICC, Devendra Yadav, President, DPCC and other leaders, today called on the Lt. Governor and presented a memorandum to him with regards to the recent police action on Youth Congress volunteers, owing to their conduct and behaviour at the recently concluded AI Summit." Lt Governor Saxena maintained that the protest was "ill-conceived and malicious." "Lt. Governor, while receiving the memorandum, told the delegation categorically that, without prejudice to the legal merits of the case, the act of the Youth Congress volunteers was prima facie aimed at derogating the nation, on an occasion where an extremely important and topical international event was underway. The LG also underlined that the AI Summit was not being hosted by any individual or a political party, but India as a nation. The undignified protest at the venue of the Summit was ill-conceived, malicious and amounted to jeopardising our national image on the international fora," the X post read. (ANI)
Chocolate Chip Instant Oatmeal and Chocolate Hazelnut Overnight Protein Oats debut alongside an immersive, neighborhood-inspired booth experience bringing the brand's Moregetherness movement to life

PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Bob's Red Mill, a leader in the homemade food movement for more than 40 years, is expanding its line of high-quality oat offerings with two new innovations: Chocolate Chip Instant Oatmeal Packets and Chocolate Hazelnut Overnight Protein Oats. The new products build on the brand's lineup of convenient breakfast solutions made with simple, recognizable ingredients and will debut at Natural Products Expo West 2026, March 3-6, in Anaheim, California (Booth #805). Bob's Red Mill will also be bringing its Moregethernessmore + togethernessmovement to life through an immersive community-centric booth experience, encouraging attendees to build connections through food.

Bob's Red Mill Chocolate Chip Instant Oatmeal and Chocolate Hazelnut Overnight Protein Oats

Indulgent Flavor Varieties Join Oat Offerings

On display at Natural Products Expo West, Bob's Red Mill will be previewing two new oat innovations that expand its convenient, high-quality breakfast offerings:

Scratch-quality oatmeal ready in just three minutes: Chocolate Chip Instant Oatmeal Packets join the brand's line of gluten free and Non-GMO Project Verified Instant Oatmeal Packets. Made with their signature four-oat blend, the new chocolate chip variety features homemade taste and texture and is a good source of fiber.

join the brand's line of gluten free and Non-GMO Project Verified Instant Oatmeal Packets. Made with their signature four-oat blend, the new chocolate chip variety features homemade taste and texture and is a good source of fiber. Rich chocolate flavor and crunchy hazelnuts: Chocolate Hazelnut Overnight Protein Oats are made with Bob's Red Mill's innovative Protein Oats and are an easy way to wake up to 10g of protein  without any added protein powders. Simply add your milk of choice and chill overnight for a convenient, satisfying breakfast.

"Our goal is to continually evolve with how people are eating today," said Daniel Barba, Vice President of Marketing at Bob's Red Mill. "These new oat offerings pair rich, craveable flavors with the nourishment of whole grains, making it easier to enjoy a breakfast that's convenient, thoughtfully made and unmistakably Bob's Red Mill."

Bringing Moregetherness to Natural Products Expo West: Booth #805

As part of the brand's Moregetherness movement, Bob's Red Mill's Natural Products Expo West booth will be transformed into an immersive neighborhood-inspired gathering place, designed to spark connection and community through food. Attendees will have an opportunity to take "Acts of Moregetherness" pledges, committing to simple acts of kindness while sampling brownies and blondies from the brand's Signature Blends Baking Mixes.

Bob's Red Mill will also be featuring neighborhood-inspired programming throughout the show including:

"Welcome, Neighbor" Gathering (March 4, 3-5pm):) : Bob's Red Mill will be partnering with creator and cookbook author Ben Siman Tov (@bengingi) to host a "Welcome, Neighbor!" event, inviting attendees to come together over tea and cookies. The event will feature cookie demonstrations, product sampling and a limited signing of Ben's book, "Eat Small Plates."





: Bob's Red Mill will be partnering with creator and cookbook author to host a "Welcome, Neighbor!" event, inviting attendees to come together over tea and cookies. The event will feature cookie demonstrations, product sampling and a limited signing of Ben's book, "Eat Small Plates." Neighborhood Passport and Block Party (March 5, 3-5pm): Bob's Red Mill will also be hosting a "Neighborhood Passport" program, where attendees visit and collect stamps from the booths of six participating brand partners across the show floor to earn a prize. To celebrate, Bob's Red Mill will be transforming its booth into a Neighborhood Block Party, featuring dishes that showcase products from each partner brand. The activation allows attendees to experience the spirit of Moregetherness and connect over delicious recipes from brands including Applegate Naturals, Runamok, Watkins, California Olive Ranch, St. Dalfour and Nancy's Probiotic Foods.

Visit Bob's Red Mill at Booth #805 in Hall A to learn more about its Moregetherness mission and new product innovations.

About Bob's Red Mill

Bob's Red Mill started with good ingredients in 1978, and they've brought people together with delicious homemade food ever since. Inspired by the passion and artisanal expertise of founder Bob Moore, the company is now 100% employee owned, with more than 700 employee owners dedicated to making the best whole grain oats, baking flours and on-the-go snacks. Bob's Red Mill is located in Milwaukie, Oregon, just outside of Portland. Visit BobsRedMill.com for more information.

Media contact:

Anabel Maldonado

[email protected]

SOURCE Bob's Red Mill
The MILAN 2026 naval exercise was recently concluded in Visakhapatnam. According to an official release, the key highlights of the event included strategic training, unique integration, evolution of scale, phases & assets and india's naval might. MILAN is organised to foster mutual cooperation and strengthen ties among countries in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). These exercises provide a platform for participating nations to learn and practice joint maritime combat strategies and interoperability. The exercise consisted of both 'Harbour' and 'Sea' phases. This multilateral exercise featured an impressive lineup of 42 warships and approximately 32 aircraft and helicopters. The Indian Navy is recognised as one of the most powerful naval forces in the world. Demonstrating rapid growth, a new warship is commissioned into the Indian Navy approximately every 50 days. Earlier on Thursday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the 13th edition of Exercise MILAN-2026 at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, marking the start of the premier multilateral naval exercise. During the inauguration, the Defence Minister extended a warm welcome to distinguished guests representing 74 countries. He asserted that MILAN 2026 stands as the largest and most inclusive edition to date. This edition reflects the global maritime community's confidence in India as a trusted and responsible maritime partner, he said. "This year, with the participation of 74 nations, MILAN 2026 stands as the largest and most inclusive edition to date, a reflection of the confidence the global maritime community places in India as a trusted and responsible maritime partner," said Singh.The Defence Minister further highlighted that this premier multilateral platform seeks to enhance interoperability among partner nations. By sharing professional experiences and best practices, the exercise aims to improve competence while deepening friendships between participating navies through the evolution of bonds rooted in mutual advantage, he said. "MILAN 2026 seeks to enhance interoperability among navies of partner countries, improve professional competence by sharing professional experiences and practices, and deepen friendships among participating navies by evolving bonds of mutual advantage," highlighted Singh. Addressing the gathering, the Defence Minister noted that MILAN has grown steadily in both scope and stature. He emphasised that, through the concerted efforts of all partners, the event has evolved from a regional interaction into one of the world's most prominent multinational naval exercises. He firmly asserted that no single navy, regardless of its capability, can deal with these challenges alone. Hence, in today's interconnected world, cooperation among navies is now more important than ever. (ANI)
Union Minister L Murugan on Wednesday announced that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) alliance in Tamil Nadu is gearing up for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to the state. Speaking to ANI, Murugan said that the NDA alliance is getting ready for PM Modi's visit to Madurai on March 1, where he will address a public meeting, adding that the event is expected to draw huge participation from across southern Tamil Nadu, similar to the massive public meeting held on January 23 in Kerala. "Our NDA alliance is getting ready. On January 23rd, we had an all-NDA public meeting in Kerala, and a huge rally was held there. And coming 1st of March, our respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji is coming to Madurai, and he is addressing the public meeting," Murugan told ANI. Murugan highlighted that all NDA alliance partners will share the stage during the event, including AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami, PMK's Anbumani Ramadoss, Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam's TTV Dhinakaran, and GK Vasan, among others. He further emphasised the significance of Madurai, noting it as a historic and politically important city in Tamil Nadu. "Madurai is always a very important place for Tamil Nadu politics, Tamil Nadu history. So in Tamil Nadu, we are all ready to welcome our honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji," Murugan added. PM Modi will undertake a significant visit to southern India beginning with his arrival in Chennai on the night of February 28. According to top Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) sources, the Prime Minister will stay overnight at the Governor's residence in Chennai. Elaborate security and administrative arrangements have been put in place across the city ahead of his arrival. On the morning of March 1, the Prime Minister will depart for Puducherry, where he is scheduled to participate in a public programme and address a large gathering. The visit is expected to highlight key developmental initiatives and government welfare schemes, and draw participation from local leaders, officials, and party workers. After concluding his engagements in Puducherry, the Prime Minister will proceed to Madurai, often referred to as the "city that never sleeps" and one of Tamil Nadu's most culturally significant centres. During his Madurai visit, the Prime Minister will offer prayers and have darshan at the historic Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple, one of the six sacred abodes (Arupadai Veedu) of Lord Murugan and an important pilgrimage site. Notably, this is the same temple that was recently in the spotlight following the Karthigai Deepam-related issue, which had drawn public and administrative attention. Following the temple visit, he will attend and address a grand public meeting in Madurai. The rally is expected to witness a large turnout from across southern districts, with leaders and supporters gathering to hear the Prime Minister's address. The Prime Minister's tour is expected to reinforce outreach efforts in the region while highlighting cultural heritage, infrastructure growth, and public welfare initiatives. Notably, 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-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) won 159 seats, with 133 seats in the 2021 Assembly polls. Congress won 18, PMK won five, VCK won four, and others, including independents, 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)
Three Youth Congress workers detained by Delhi Police from Rohru were produced before the court in Shimla on Wednesday. Earlier in the day, they were brought back to Himachal Pradesh after intervention by the state police, officials said. According to Himachal Pradesh Police, the Delhi Police team was intercepted at Dharampur in Solan district, where the action was termed illegal, and the workers were released from custody. "Himachal Police intervened after receiving information about the detention. Shimla Police has brought back the three youths, who were taken into illegal detention by Delhi Police. They are being produced before a local court as per legal procedure," police said. Officials said the trio was picked up from Rohru in connection with protests held in the national capital involving members of the Youth Congress, NSUI and Congress workers over an AI-related submission issue. The protest had drawn participation from party youth wings and student leaders, leading to detentions by Delhi Police during demonstrations. Sources said the three workers had allegedly travelled to Delhi earlier to join the protest and were later traced and detained by Delhi Police from Himachal without prior intimation to local authorities, triggering objections from the state police. After being stopped at Dharampur, the Himachal Police team secured their release and escorted them back to the Shimla district. "Further legal action will be taken in accordance with the law, and the matter is being examined," police added. Congress leaders criticised the detention, alleging misuse of police action against youth activists, while police maintained that due process would be followed and the exact circumstances of the detention were under verification. Earlier, the Patiala House Court on Wednesday extended the police custody of five accused associated with the Indian Youth Congress for an additional four days in connection with the AI Summit protest case. The accused are scheduled to be produced in court on March 1. They were presented before the court following their police custody. (ANI)
The arms cache included one big Improvised Explosive Device (IED) weighing 4.5 kilograms, one small IED of 800 grams, two Chinese grenades, one 9 mm pistol, two 9 mm rounds, and twenty-two 7.62 mm rounds concealed beneath a natural cave.

Sharing a post on X, White Knight Corps wrote, "Based on synergised intelligence inputs from own sources and @JmuKmrPolice, a Joint Operation was launched by the troops of #WhiteKnightCorps and #SOG Poonch in the Gani Forest area of #Poonch."

https://x.com/Whiteknight_IA/status/2026586277366346079

"Displaying precision in coordination, the detailed search led to the recovery of a terrorist cache concealed beneath a natural cave. One big IED (4.5kg), one small IED of 800 grams, two Chinese grenades, one 9 mm pistol, two 9 mm rounds, and twenty-two 7.62 mm rounds were recovered from the site. The IEDs and grenades were destroyed in situ by the Bomb Disposal Team, ensuring the safety of civilians and troops," the post read.

The Bomb Disposal Team destroyed the explosives and grenades in situ, ensuring the safety of both civilians and troops.

White Knight Corps further said that the hunt is still underway.

The Indian Army and SOG Poonch have been conducting regular anti-terror operations in the border district to neutralise terrorist threats and prevent infiltration attempts.

Poonch district, located along the Line of Control, has been a sensitive area with security forces maintaining high alert to counter terrorism and infiltration attempts from across the border.

Earlier on February 22, the Indian Army said that six terrorists were eliminated in the last 20 days in counter-terror operations across the Jammu region, dealing a significant blow to the terror infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. (ANI)
India's leading domestic carrier IndiGo on Wednesday announced the launch of 14 weekly direct flights connecting Bhavnagar in Gujarat with Navi Mumbai, effective March 29, 2026. According to an official release, with this addition, Bhavnagar becomes IndiGo's 97th domestic destination and 142nd overall station. The airline emphasised that this expansion further strengthens its domestic network and enhances regional connectivity across western India. The airline further mentioned that Bhavnagar is a significant centre for trade in Gujarat's Saurashtra region and maintains a strong presence in sectors such as manufacturing, ship breaking, salt production, and diamonds. It highlighted that improved air connectivity has the potential to support the faster movement of people and goods, facilitate trade and investment, and offer travellers seamless access to India's financial capital and other places. The Head of Global Sales at IndiGo, Vinay Malhotra, mentioned that with the addition of Bhavnagar to the airline's growing domestic network, IndiGo now operates flights to and from five airports in Gujarat. These include Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Rajkot, and now also Bhavnagar. "With the addition of Bhavnagar to our growing domestic network, IndiGo now flies to and from five airports in Gujarat, namely Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Rajkot, and now also Bhavnagar. The new service to Navi Mumbai will connect this industriallyimportant city to IndiGo's extensive domestic as well as international network, giving a boost to trade and economic growth across the region. As we continue to expand our network, such routes play an important role in making air travel more accessible," said Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales, IndiGo. According to IndiGo, the launch of flights to Bhavnagar reflects the airline's continued focus on improving regional air connectivity. With twice-daily frequencies, this new route is designed to support everyday travel needs while offering affordable fares. According to the official flight schedule effective March 29, 2026, IndiGo will operate daily direct flights between Bhavnagar and Navi Mumbai. The morning service from Bhavnagar (Flight 6E 7022) departs at 08:35 and arrives at 09:35, while the evening flight (Flight 6E 7082) departs at 20:50 and arrives at 21:55. For the return sector from Navi Mumbai to Bhavnagar, the daily morning flight (6E 7021) is scheduled to depart at 07:10 and arrive at 08:15, with the daily evening service (6E 7081) departing at 19:25 and arriving at 20:30. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday chaired a review meeting of the Land Port Authority of India (LPAI) in Bihar and assessed the functioning and progress of land ports in the country, particularly those in the state. The meeting, held on the first day of Shah's three-day visit to Bihar, was attended by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, Bihar Home Minister Samrat Choudhary, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and other senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the LPAI. In a post on X, the Ministry of Home Affairs wrote, "UHM Shri @AmitShah chaired a review meeting of the Land Port Authority of India (LPAI) along with the MoS Shri @nityanandraibjp, Home Minister of Bihar Shri @samrat4bjp, Union Home Secretary, and senior officials on the first day of his visit to Bihar today." https://x.com/HMOIndia/status/2026661823014158539 Earlier in the day, the Union Home Minister arrived in Purnea, where he was received at the airport by Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and other leaders. The Land Port Authority of India functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs and is responsible for developing and managing land ports along India's international borders. These ports facilitate trade and transit with neighbouring countries and are considered crucial for regional economic integration and border management. During his visit from February 25 to 27, Amit Shah is expected to focus on issues related to "demographic changes, infiltration and illegal religious constructions." In what is being described as a first-of-its-kind high-level review in Bihar, the Home Minister will give direct oversight to a comprehensive meeting with District Magistrates (DMs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) from seven Seemanchal districts--Kishanganj, Araria, Purnia, Katihar, Madhepura, Saharsa, and Supaul. These districts, located along or near the India-Nepal and India-Bangladesh borders, have long been considered sensitive from the standpoint of cross-border movement and internal security dynamics. Sources, privy to the development, told ANI that the meeting will review "ground-level inputs on demographic changes, instances of illegal infiltration, and the status of religious structures allegedly constructed without due authorisation." The deliberations are expected to include presentations from district administrations and police authorities, along with intelligence assessments. The Home Minister is likely to emphasise coordinated action between civil administration and law enforcement agencies to address any security vulnerabilities. As per sources, Shah will give clear directions on strengthening coordination between district administrations and law enforcement agencies to address infiltration and unauthorised religious constructions. It is learnt to be the first time that the Union Home Minister will directly chair such a comprehensive review meeting in Bihar, focusing specifically on demographic and infiltration-related concerns at the district level. The initiative signals the Centre's heightened attention to the Seemanchal region, which has featured prominently in political and security discussions in recent years due to its proximity to international borders and its complex socio-economic profile. The Seemanchal region, owing to its proximity to international borders, has remained under administrative watch for security and socio-political reasons. In addition to the Seemanchal district review, Shah will chair multiple meetings concerning the broader security scenario and internal security framework in Bihar. These meetings are expected to cover issues such as border management, intelligence coordination, policing strategies, and preparedness against organised crime and extremist elements. During the visit, the Home Minister will also give time to reviewing Bihar's overall internal security preparedness. Senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs will accompany him, including Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka, who will give inputs based on intelligence assessments and field reports. Their presence underscores the importance being attached to the review process and the likelihood of follow-up measures based on the findings of the meetings. Shah is also scheduled to hold a dedicated meeting with the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), the central armed police force responsible for guarding the India-Nepal border. The discussion is expected to centre on border security challenges, including surveillance, intelligence-sharing, and measures to curb illegal cross-border activities. Given Bihar's long and porous border with Nepal, strengthening coordination between state police and central forces remains a key priority. The Seemanchal region has historically faced developmental challenges, including high population density, migration pressures, and limited infrastructure. Over the years, concerns have periodically been raised regarding demographic shifts and alleged cross-border infiltration, prompting both political debate and administrative scrutiny. The upcoming meetings are expected to assess these issues through a governance and security lens, with an emphasis on data-driven evaluation and lawful enforcement. Officials said the outcome of the deliberations may lead to strengthened monitoring mechanisms, enhanced inter-agency coordination, and targeted administrative measures in sensitive districts. The visit is likely to conclude with a review of action points and timelines for implementation. Shah's three-day tour thus marks a significant intervention by the Union government in Bihar's internal security landscape, particularly in the strategically important Seemanchal belt. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed grief over the passing of veteran Communist Party of India (CPI) leader Ramasamy Nallakannu, remembering him for his grassroots connect and lifelong efforts to give voice to the underprivileged, workers and farmers. The Prime Minister said that Nallakannu was widely respected across sections of society and was known for his simplicity and commitment to public life. Sharing an X post, PM Modi wrote, "Thiru R Nallakannu will be remembered for his grassroots connect and efforts to give voice to the underprivileged, workers and farmers. He was widely respected by people from every section of society. Equally noteworthy was his simplicity. My thoughts are with his family and admirers." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2026664356742926487 Ramasamy Nallakannu, one of the senior-most leaders of the Communist movement in Tamil Nadu, passed away at the age of 101 on Wednesday afternoon at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai. According to an official statement issued by Madras Medical College and the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Nallakannu had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on February 1 due to health complications. Over 24 days of treatment, his condition fluctuated despite continuous advanced monitoring and intensive care by a multidisciplinary medical team. However, from the early hours of Wednesday, his response to medication gradually declined, and his condition turned critical. Despite being placed on advanced life support, all his vital organs eventually failed. He was declared dead at around 1:55 pm. The hospital administration expressed deep condolences to his family and thanked the medical teams involved in his care, along with the Government of Tamil Nadu, for its support. (ANI)
Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, along with Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta, on Wednesday graced the 33rd annual edition of the South Asia Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE), a premier travel and tourism exposition of India at Yashobhoomi at Delhi's Dwarka. The distinguished delegates, industry leaders, and tour and travel operators from across India and abroad also graced the annual edition of the South Asia Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE). As per the release, on the occasion, prominent personalities from tourism industries comprising Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India; Anita Mendiratta, General of UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO); Suman Billa, Additional Secretary & Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; Subhash Goyal, Chairman, STIC Travel Group; Dr Upasana Arora, Managing Director, Yashoda Super Specialty Hospitals; Pasang Dorjee Sona, Minister of Tourism, (Arunachal Pradesh), and others shared the dais. Speaking on the occasion, the Union Tourism Minister said that tourism, which had remained on the margins of national policymaking for decades, has now moved to the centre of India's development agenda under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He maintained that tourism is not merely about travel, but a powerful engine for livelihood generation, entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth. Emphasising that the future belongs to nations that successfully blend culture with commerce, he noted that today's global travellers seek authentic experiences, wellness, heritage and meaningful human connections. The Union Tourism Minister added that the government is transforming the sector through a comprehensive national approach focused on heritage conservation, environmental sustainability and community empowerment, with the vision of establishing India as an experience-led destination and a global leader in responsible tourism. Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta highlighted the unprecedented development witnessed in the Union Territory of Ladakh under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He highlighted that world-class road infrastructure has strengthened connectivity from Leh to remote border areas, enhancing accessibility and boosting tourism potential. The Lieutenant Governor also referred to the rapid progress of the Zoji La Tunnel, which will ensure all-weather connectivity to Ladakh and further accelerate tourism growth. Kavinder Gupta said that Ladakh is home to several world-renowned tourist destinations known for their natural beauty, adventure, and spiritual heritage. Prominent attractions include Pangong Lake, famous for its changing blue hues; Nubra Valley, known for sand dunes and double-humped camels; Leh, the historic capital; and Khardung La, one of the highest motorable passes in the world. Other major attractions include Magnetic Hill, Tso Moriri, Hemis Monastery, Shanti Stupa, Zanskar Valley, Lamayuru Monastery, Drass, Aryan Valley, and Hanle, which also hosts the Indian Astronomical Observatory with the MACE Telescope, he added. Describing Ladakh as a fast-emerging global tourism destination, he pointed to its pristine landscapes, spiritual heritage and adventure tourism appeal. He said the administration has taken several initiatives to promote year-round tourism, including fixing dates for UT-level festivals, participation in national and international travel marts, the launch of a new tourism logo, and the organisation of FAM tours. He added that steps are being taken to simplify registration processes for hotels and travel operators through an online portal, while environmental sustainability is being prioritised through support for sewage treatment infrastructure. Inviting tour and travel operators to include Ladakh prominently in their packages, he assured full support from the administration to ensure that every visitor leaves with a safe, memorable and enriching experience. The Lt Governor said that the administration will extend every possible support, coordination and facilitation to strengthen the tourism sector and ensure that visitors receive the best possible experience in Ladakh. He urged stakeholders to work collectively to ensure that every tourist returns with a safe, pleasant and unforgettable journey. Kavidner Gupta invoked the popular line associated with Amitabh Bachchan, "Kuch Din Toh Guzariye Gujarat Mein" and, in the same spirit, invited travellers to explore Ladakh, saying, "Kuch Din Toh Aaiyein Ladakh Mein," encouraging all to experience the region's breathtaking beauty, rich culture and warm hospitality. Around 2000 exhibitors from both India and abroad are participating in the 33rd edition of SATTE 2026, which has started in the Yashobhoomi International Exhibition Centre. There are representatives from 60 countries who will participate in the B2B meetings. (ANI)
The Panchkula District Court on Wednesday sent all four people to a seven-day police remand in connection with a massive financial fraud involving IDFC First Bank accounts belonging to the Haryana government. During the proceedings, the police argued in court that remand was necessary to interrogate the accused face-to-face and collect relevant documents. The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) specifically sought this custody to determine the exact accounts and locations where the funds were transferred, as a detailed investigation remains underway to ensure the complete recovery of the misappropriated amount. The investigating agency is also examining the potential involvement of other bank officials or employees in the case. Over the coming days, the investigation will focus on whether further names emerge and if additional individuals will be presented before the court. The defence, however, raised an objection regarding the lack of prior notice before the arrests were made. Following the seven-day remand period, the accused are scheduled to be presented in court again on March 4. Earlier, the Haryana Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau arrested four individuals, including a former branch head, in connection with the high-profile 590 crore alleged fraud at the Chandigarh branch of IDFC First Bank. During a press conference at the ACB headquarters in Panchkula, Director General Arshinder Singh Chawla stated that government funds were allegedly misappropriated through the involvement and collusion of bank employees. The arrested accused have been identified as former bank manager Ribhav Rishi, the alleged mastermind of the conspiracy; Abhay, a former relationship manager and key associate; Swati Singla, who is Abhay's wife and a director of a private company; and her brother, Abhishek, who allegedly assisted in the conspiracy. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini confirmed that the Rs 578 crore lost in a fraud at IDFC First Bank, including funds of state departments and boards, was fully recovered within 24 hours, with Rs 556 crore deposited and Rs 22 crore interest returned. He added that a high-level committee will investigate and recommend measures to prevent future incidents. Speaking at the Assembly, CM Saini said, "I want to clarify before this House that the entire amount lost in yesterday's incident, including the funds of some Haryana government departments, boards and corporations, has been deposited back into our accounts within just 24 hours. Speaker, approximately Rs 556 crore was deposited by the bank, of which we also received interest of approximately Rs 22 crore. The interest has also been returned. We have deposited that amount and recovered all of that money within just 24 hours...Four or five middle and lower-level employees of a bank branch in Chandigarh colluded to carry out this operation." He further stated that strict action will be taken against any government official or employee found to be involved in the matter. CM Saini added, "Strict action will be taken against any government official or employee involved in it... We would form a high-level committee that would not only hold the officers and employees involved in this matter accountable but would also make suggestions to prevent future situations like the one that has arisen today." (ANI)
Communist Party of India (Marxist) State Secretary MV Govindan on Wednesday condemned the recent attack on Kerala Health Minister Veena George, saying that it was a pre-planned, deliberate attempt to assault carried out under the leadership of Congress. "Attack on Health Minister Veena George was a brutal and deliberate assault. Never before has such an attack been carried out against a woman minister in Kerala. This was an organised, pre-planned attack, carried out with the full knowledge of the Congress leadership..." he said. Further, the CPI(M) State Secretary alleged that the protest was intended to harm and even kill the state Health Minister. He said that the violence was calculated and was conducted with complete awareness. "Their intention was nothing short of harming, even killing the Minister. The people of Kerala will stand united against this. We are calling for statewide protests. The Congress is acting purely based on the Kanakagolu theory, everything they do is calculated and intentional. The protest and the violence were conducted with complete awareness and planning by the Congress leadership," he added. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condemned the attack on Health Minister Veena George, terming it "organised hooliganism" and a threat to the state's peace. In an official statement from the Chief Minister's Office, the Chief Minister reacted to the incident, stating, "Our Health Minister was attacked physically in Kannur Railway Station, resulting in a severe neck injury and hospitalisation. Those leading these actions are trying to turn Kerala into a land of riots. Ministers are not individuals who emerged overnight; they have grown with the support of this land. When those who love and respect them naturally intervene, problems will arise." CM Vijayan alleged that certain elements were deliberately unleashing goons to create unrest. "These goons desire such problems. This is not a form of political protest but deliberate, organised hooliganism. Goons are being unleashed for this purpose," he said, adding that the attack on a woman minister was "highly deplorable". George had sustained injuries during a black flag protest staged by members of the Kerala Students Union (KSU) at the Kannur Railway Station. The incident occurred near the ticket counter when the minister arrived to board the Vande Bharat Express. Amid the protest and ensuing commotion, the health minister reportedly suffered injuries to her neck and hand. She was immediately taken to the Kannur District Hospital for treatment. Following the incident, her scheduled travel was cancelled. Protests against the health minister have intensified across Kannur in recent days. (ANI)
UHN's Toronto Western Hospital and Princess Margaret Cancer Centre were also recognized in the annual ranking of the World's Top 250. Princess Margaret continued to rank as Canada's leading oncology hospital and among the top 10 globally in Newsweek's World's Best Specialized Hospitals ranking.

The ranking marks a defining moment for Canada on the global stage, demonstrating what is possible when excellence, innovation and universal access move together at scale.

The distinction reflects the collective efforts of TeamUHN and the strength of UHN's integrated academic health sciences system, where research, specialized clinical care and education are united to drive impact. From complex cardiac care, transplantation and surgical innovation at Toronto General Hospital, to cancer research and care at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, breakthroughs in neurosciences and musculoskeletal health at Toronto Western Hospital, and Canada's largest rehabilitation and complex continuing care network through Toronto Rehab and West Park Healthcare Centre, discovery is embedded across every part of care. Completing this continuum, the Michener Institute of Education, Canada's only dedicated applied health sciences university, prepares the next generation of health professionals. Anchored by Canada's largest and most research-intensive hospital system, this model enables UHN to care for the most complex patients while shaping the future of medicine.

The achievement is made possible through the ongoing support of the Ontario and federal governments, the UHN Foundation, the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, and the generosity of donors whose investments help advance care, discovery and education for patients in Canada and around the world.

Newsweek's World's Best Hospitals ranking assesses thousands of hospitals across 32 countries. It is based on an international survey of both medical experts and patients, and key quality metrics.

Quotes

"Being ranked the second-best hospital in the world is a powerful validation of the strength of our integrated academic health system. It reflects the collective impact of TeamUHN and affirms that excellence can thrive within a universal health system. This moment brings pride and a responsibility to continue advancing what health care can achieve for patients in Canada and globally." - Mr. Dean Connor, Chair, Board of Directors, University Health Network

"This global recognition affirms UHN's legacy of discovery and our pursuit of excellence where care, research, and education move together in service of patients. It belongs to TeamUHN: clinicians, researchers, educators, learners, and staff whose collective work is delivering exceptional care, advancing discovery, and preparing the next generation of health professionals. This is a moment of pride for Ontario and Canada, but not a victory lap. It is a call to lead with ambition, to advance health research at scale, and to ensure Canada continues to shape what's next in health care and science." - Dr. Kevin Smith, President & CEO, University Health Network

"This incredible achievement reflects the true strength of Ontario's world-class health care system. To the entire team at UHN from the doctors to nurses, our health care workers and staff, thank you for your unwavering commitment to patient care and leading the world when it comes to innovation and research." - The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario

"Ontario is home to world-class hospitals that are leading the way in health care, research, and education. Congratulations to UHN's Toronto General Hospital on achieving this significant milestone, demonstrating your team's dedication to providing innovative, patient-centred care to Ontario families." - The Honourable Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier of Ontario, Minister of Health

"This achievement shows what's really possible when world-class clinicians and researchers work at the leading edge of technology, turning innovation into better outcomes for patients. UHN is not only advancing health care for Canadians, it's helping shape the future of medicine globally. It's showing the world what Canada can do. It's showing the world what public health care can do." - The Honourable Evan Solomon, Federal Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, Member of Parliament, Toronto Centre

"Being recognized by Newsweek as the number two hospital in the world is an honour and a responsibility, and a true reflection of the dedication of our people and the unwavering support of our community. Philanthropy is a driving force behind this achievement, fueling the breakthroughs, discoveries, and innovation that enable UHN to continually push the boundaries of what is possible in health care in Canada and around the world." - Ms. Julie Quenneville, CEO, UHN Foundation

"The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation is deeply grateful to the thousands of TeamUHN members who provide exemplary, compassionate care every day to cancer patients and their loved ones across UHN. Whether they are conducting world-leading research, performing complex surgery, delivering innovative care, or training the next generation of international oncology experts, TeamUHN constantly sets new standards in cancer. Driven by our collective vision to create a healthier world, free from the fear of cancer, this global recognition also reflects the steadfast passion, commitment, and determination of our tremendous community of supporters." - Dr. Miyo Yamashita, President & CEO, The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation

About University Health Network

UHN is Canada's Hospital  ranked #2 in the world, #1 in Canada. With 10 sites and more than 44,000 TeamUHN members, UHN consists of Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, The Michener Institute of Education and West Park Healthcare Centre. As Canada's top research hospital, the scope of biomedical research and complexity of cases at UHN have made it a national and international source for discovery, education and patient care. UHN has the largest hospital-based research program in Canada, with major research in neurosciences, cardiology, transplantation, oncology, surgical innovation, infectious diseases, genomic medicine and rehabilitation medicine. UHN is a research hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto. www.uhn.ca

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CPI(M) MP John Brittas on Wednesday condemned the assault on Kerala Health Minister Veena George by KSU workers, alleging it was carried out at the behest of the Congress leadership. He termed it an attempt by the UDF to malign Kerala's health sector and urged Congress to prevent such incidents against public representatives. "I strongly condemn the assault on the health minister of Kerala, by the KSU followers at the behest of the Congress leadership. They have unleashed this violence against a woman minister for no reason or rhyme. And there is an orchestrated attempt on the part of the UDF, the opposition, to tarnish and malign the health sector of Kerala, which is a role model for the entire world. So I strongly condemn and request the Congress leadership to make sure that such hooligans are not unleashed against public figures like ministers," he said. Meanwhile, tensions flared in Kannur on Wednesday as activists of the Students' Federation of India (SFI) marched to the District Congress Committee (DCC) office in protest against the alleged attack on Kerala Health Minister Veena George, leading to clashes and stone-pelting in the area. SFI workers raised slogans and staged a demonstration outside the Congress office, condemning the incident in which the minister sustained injuries during a protest earlier in the day. The situation soon turned volatile, with reports of stone-pelting at the Kannur DCC office as Congress workers and SFI activists confronted each other. Police personnel were deployed to bring the situation under control. The unrest followed an incident at Kannur Railway Station, where Veena George was injured during a black flag protest organised by the Kerala Students' Union (KSU). The minister sustained injuries to her neck and hand near the ticket counter when she arrived to board the Vande Bharat train. She was later shifted to Kannur District Hospital for treatment, and her scheduled travel was cancelled. Protests against the minister have been taking place at several locations in Kannur in recent days. A medical bulletin issued by authorities stated that a team of specialist doctors deputed by the Superintendent of Kannur District Hospital examined the minister and conducted necessary tests. Based on the Medical Board's assessment of the neck injury, further expert evaluation was advised. Specialists from Pariyaram Medical College also examined her and recommended additional investigations, including an MRI scan. Earlier, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan visited the Kannur Government Hospital to inquire about the minister's health condition. Reacting to the incident, State Minister A K Saseendran termed the incident a "planned attack" and alleged that the protest was "brutal, undemocratic and unparliamentary." He claimed the minister was deliberately targeted. "This was a planned attack. They deliberately attacked the minister. This kind of protest is brutal, undemocratic and unparliamentary. It was a planned act," Saseendran said. (ANI)
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday extended heartfelt greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on being conferred with the 'Speaker of the Knesset Medal', the highest honour of the Knesset, Israel, saying that it is a moment of great pride for India. In a post on X, he wrote, "Heartfelt congratulations to Prime Minister @narendramodi on being conferred with the 'Speaker of the Knesset Medal', the highest honour of the Knesset, Israel. This rare distinction reflects his personal leadership in deepening strategic ties between our two nations." https://x.com/nitin_gadkari/status/2026704228589408732?s=20 He further stated that the honour is a proud moment for the nation and a testament of shared goodwill between Indian and Israel. "It is a moment of pride for India and a testament to the enduring goodwill shared between India and Israel. May this honour further advance our partnership and open new avenues for meaningful cooperation in the years ahead," he added. On Wednesday, the Israeli Parliament conferred the "Speaker of the Knesset Medal" on PM Modi. The award was conferred in recognition of PM Modi's "exceptional contribution through his personal leadership" to strengthen strategic relations between India and Israel. The medal was conferred after PM Modi's speech in the Israeli Parliament. During the speech, he said that at the heart of the India-Israel partnership are the ties between our peoples. "When I first visited Israel in 2006, there were a handful of Yoga centres in Israel. Today, Yoga seems to be practiced in almost every neighbourhood. I am told that interest in Ayurveda is also growing in Israel. I invite more and more young Israelis to travel to India. They will witness the dynamism of our society, and experience what holistic wellness can do for the body and the mind," he said. PM Modi received a standing ovation during his speech, which was also marked by rapturous applause. (ANI)
India on Tuesday abstained from voting on a United Nations General Assembly draft resolution that called for an immediate, complete, and unconditional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. The resolution, titled 'Support for Lasting Peace in Ukraine,' was adopted on the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It received 107 votes in favour, 12 against, and 51 abstentions from the 193-member assembly. India was one of the 51 countries that abstained from the resolution, which was introduced by Kyiv. Other abstaining nations included Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the 107 nations that supported Ukraine's resolution at the UN General Assembly, calling for a full ceasefire and the return of Ukrainian citizens. He highlighted that the resolution, which aims for lasting peace, was a crucial step, and pledged to continue working with global partners to achieve peace. In a post on X, the Ukrainian President wrote, "I am grateful to each of the 107 countries that stood with Ukraine today in defense of life at the @UN. The General Assembly adopted our resolution in support of a lasting peace, with clear calls for a full ceasefire and the return of our people." https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/2026359124095594688?s=20 "These are the right and necessary steps. And we will keep working actively to achieve peace, together with our partners," the post read. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, United Nations General Secretary Antonio Guterres marked the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, describing the war as a violation of international law and a threat to global peace. In a post on X, Guterres said, "24 February marks four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, in violation of the @UNCharter & international law. This devastating war is a stain on our collective consciousness & remains a threat to regional & international peace & security. The longer the war continues, the deadlier it becomes. Civilians bear the brunt of this conflict, with 2025 witnessing the largest number of civilians killed in Ukraine." https://x.com/antonioguterres/status/2026289757840347641?s=20 He called for an immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire as a first step toward achieving a just and lasting peace. "This is simply unacceptable. I reiterate my call for an immediate, full & unconditional ceasefire as a first step towards a just, lasting & comprehensive peace. For peace to be just, it must be in line with international law, respecting Ukraine's independence, sovereignty & territorial integrity," the post read. (ANI)
Ahead of PM Modi's visit to Israel, Former Israeli Ambassador to India Daniel Carmon on Tuesday (local time) emphasised that the bond between the nations extends beyond leadership, with shared values and interests. Carmon highlighted how the ties, initially discreet, became more visible in 2014, particularly in defence, and have since expanded across multiple sectors. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a State visit to Israel on February 25-26, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Tuesday. In an interview with ANI, Carmon said, "First, it was under the radar and it was discreet, then it became visible in 2014, much in the defence sector, but also in other sectors that benefit the governments and the peoples of both countries... The content of the relationship has deepened and enlarged by far and in an unprecedented way." "No one can deny the fact that the two leaders speak the same language. But others also do. I prefer to look at the relationship, and the process that started even before we had diplomatic relations is an issue of between governments and peoples and not between specific leaders, without ignoring the fact that they speak the same language and have similar points of view and interests," he said. Carmon noted that while the visit would celebrate the solid bilateral ties, it could also pave the way for new regional alliances in the evolving global order. He mentioned initiatives like IMEC and I2U2 as examples of collaborative frameworks that could bring India and Israel closer to other like-minded nations. "The two countries have built very sound and strong bases for the bilateral. This is what will be celebrated during the visit. But there might be a look beyond in a world which is so shaken and in a new world order. Local ad hoc regional alliances will be more than welcome today and in the future. It could be a reality, and it might be in the conversation tomorrow and the day after tomorrow, that the two leaders and the two governments will speak about the possibility of joining hands together with other parties," Carmon said. "We have the IMEC, which is important to India. We have the I2U2 and maybe other architecture relationships that would put the good guys on one hand and the bad guys on the other. And India and Israel are definitely on the right side of the good guys," he said. PM Modi's visit comes at the invitation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and marks the Prime Minister's second visit to Israel, following his 2017 trip when he became the first-ever Indian Prime Minister to visit the country. Earlier, the Office of the Prime Minister of Israel shared a video showcasing the historic visits and moments of friendship between Israeli PM Netanyahu and PM Modi. https://x.com/IsraeliPM/status/2026326254979313696?s=20 In a post on X, the Office of the Prime Minister of Israel shared a video and wrote, "A LOOK BACK: From historic visits to warm moments of friendship, Prime Minister Netanyahu and Prime Minister Modi have built a remarkable partnership. Looking forward to welcoming you back, @PMOIndia @narendramodi." (ANI)
The ROC Armed Forces monitored the situation and responded, while no PLA aircraft were observed in the area during this period.

In a post on X, MND stated, "5 PLAN vessel operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded."

https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/2026462154984128765?s=20

"Illustration of flight path is not provided due to no PLA aircraft operating around Taiwan were detected during this timeframe," the post read.

A day earlier, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence said it detected the presence of five Chinese vessels operating around its territorial waters as of 6 am (local time).

According to the X post, the Taiwanese MND also detected two PRC balloons during the timeframe.

"5 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 2 PRC balloons were detected during this timeframe," the MND stated in a post on X.

The MND further said, "#ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded."

Earlier, on Monday, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence said it detected the presence of five Chinese naval vessels operating around its territorial waters as of 6 am (local time).

According to a post on X, the Taiwanese MND detected no Chinese military aircraft during the timeframe, as there was an absence of PLA aircraft operating around the territory.

"5 PLAN vessel operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded. Illustration of flight path is not provided due to no PLA aircraft operating around Taiwan were detected during this timeframe," the MND stated in a post on X. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday left New Delhi for Israel where he will embark on a two day visit. During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will meet Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu. The two leaders will review the significant progress made in India - Israel Strategic Partnership, and discuss further opportunities in various areas of cooperation, including science and technology, innovation, defence and security, agriculture, water management, trade and economy, and people to people exchanges. The leaders are also expected to exchange perspectives on regional and global issues of mutual interest. The Prime Minister will also call on Isaac Herzog, the President of Israel. This visit will reaffirm the deep and long-standing strategic partnership between the two countries and will present an opportunity to review the common challenges as well as realign efforts towards achieving their shared vision for a robust partnership between two resilient democracies. Reflecting the significance of the diplomatic engagement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu termed the upcoming visit "historic", stating that the partnership continues to scale new heights. Netanyahu described Prime Minister 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 said. Calling the relationship a "powerful alliance between two global leaders", Netanyahu noted that Israel and India are partners in innovation, security, and a shared strategic vision. "Together, we are building an axis of nations committed to stability and progress," he added, specifically referring to cooperation in emerging technologies and broader geopolitical coordination. Providing further details on the itinerary, Netanyahu confirmed that the Prime Minister will arrive on Wednesday and deliver a speech at the Knesset (Israeli Parliament).The visit will also include an innovation event in Jerusalem and a joint visit to Yad Vashem (Israel's official memorial institution to the victims of the Holocaust). Highlighting their personal bond, Netanyahu recalled, "We are personal friends; we speak frequently on the phone and visit one another. We waded together in the waters of the Mediterranean, and much water has flowed since then." The Israeli Prime Minister emphasised that the fabric of the relationship will be tightened further through decisions related to economic, diplomatic, and security cooperation. Regarding the diplomatic aspect, Netanyahu detailed a vision to create a "hexagon" of alliances, including India, Arab nations, African nations, and Mediterranean nations, to counter radical axes. He further specified that the visit will promote cooperation in high-tech, AI, and quantum computing to ensure both nations remain among the world's leaders in these fields. (ANI)
Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) has expressed grave concern over what it describes as a false accusation of blasphemy against Sarwar Masih, a Christian resident of Gujranwala, allegedly used as a tool to facilitate unlawful land grabbing. HRFP is urgently calling on authorities to ensure the protection of Sarwar Masih and his family and to conduct an impartial investigation into the matter and bring the culprits to justice. HRFP's fact-finding team rushed to the incident place on February 24 and met with Sarwar Masih and the affected family, ensuring possible assistance to them. The HRFP team also met with neighbours, police officials, and other relevant stakeholders, collected evidence and facts, which indicate that the blasphemy threats are a serious matter, appears to have been used to justify the illegal possession of the Christian family's property. Following the alleged unlawful possession of the home, the perpetrators displayed religious banners, Qur'anic verses, and images of the 'Madina" (Muslims holy site), at the property, apparently to frame the dispute as a religious matter. Sarwar Masih, his wife and brother shared with the HRFP team that they are directly under threat of blasphemy accusations if they attempt to reclaim their property. They also expressed fear that any effort to remove the religious banners could escalate tensions and endanger not only their family but the wider Christian community in the area Witnesses, including 50-year-old neighbour Muslim Muhammad Shahid, told the HRFP team that they have known the family since childhood and confirmed that the property belongs to them. However, the occupants have issued threats stating that if anyone attempts to remove the religious banners, they will be falsely accused of blasphemy and the whole area will be burnt. Furthermore, the perpetrators wrote a warning on February 23, that if anyone tries to open the door it will be accused of desecrating the Islamic contents. HRFP's investigation further revealed that the Sarwar Masih family has resided on the same property for over 70 years, with no prior legal disputes or court cases ever related to ownership. The family described the blasphemy accusation as a significant barrier to seeking justice, citing previous incidents in which Christian homes were attacked and burned following similar allegations. Naveed Walter, President of Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP), stated that this case reflects a disturbing pattern, "This is not the first time land grabbers have allegedly used threats of blasphemy accusations to silence Christian families and force them to abandon their homes. In many cases, victims are attacked or left isolated, fearful, and compelled to relocate rather than pursue justice". Naveed Walter, President of HRFP, cited similar cases in which blasphemy threats escalated into false accusations and attacks stemming from personal disputes, property conflicts, and workplace tensions, including incidents such as the Faisalabad two nurses' case and the Jaranwala violence. He further stated that during the illegal possession of Sarwar Masih's property, police officials failed to intervene and did not even register a First Information Report (FIR) against the perpetrators. "The prevailing climate of fear surrounding blasphemy allegations often discourages timely action by authorities and community members," Naveed Walter added. HRFP highlighted that Pakistan's blasphemy laws, particularly Sections 295-A, 295-B, and 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code, have long been criticised by human rights advocates for their misuse and for disproportionately affecting religious minorities. The organisation called for comprehensive state-level reforms, including safeguards against false accusations, immediate protection mechanisms for vulnerable communities, and procedural reforms to prevent abuse of the law. HRFP urges immediate protection for Sarwar Masih and his family, a transparent and impartial investigation into the alleged land grabbing and threats, legal accountability for those misusing religious sentiments to settle personal or property disputes and broader legal and institutional reforms to prevent the exploitation of blasphemy laws in Sarwar Masih's matters and others. Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights of marginalised communities and called upon civil society, media, and state authorities to ensure justice and protection for all citizens, regardless of belief and religion, as per the founder of Pakistan, Jinnah's vision. (ANI)
Amid heightened tensions with Iran and ahead of the next round of talks between Iran and the United States over Tehran's nuclear program, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (local time) said that US strikes "obliterated Iran's nuclear weapons programme" This comes amidst a military build up of the US in West Asia. Delivering his annual State of the Union Address to Congress, Trump reiterated that he will prefer to resolve the conflict through a diplomatic deal but said Tehran had not committed to not developing nuclear weapons. Stating that Iran's has already developed missiles that can threaten Europe and US bases overseas Trump claimed Tehran was working to "build missiles that will soon reach the United States of America." He spoke of the "Operation Midnight Hammer," the US airstrikes last year against Iran's nuclear strikes during a 12-day war between Israel and Iran. "After Midnight Hammer, they were warned to make no future attempts to rebuild their weapons program--yet they continue, and are at this moment again pursuing their sinister nuclear ambitions," Trump said. The US President said, Iran wants to make a deal to avoid further US strikes, but has yet to commit to never making a nuclear weapon. "We haven't heard those secret words: We will never have a nuclear weapon," Trump said adding that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. "Can't let that happen," Trump said. "My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy - but one thing is certain. I will never allow the world's number one sponsor of terror, which they are by far, to have a nuclear weapon," the US President said. Iranian officials have repeatedly denied it sought to develop nuclear weapons, saying its nuclear programme was only for civilian use. Iran froreign minister Abbas Araghchi, in a post on X hours before Trump's speech, said that "Iran will under no circumstances develop a nuclear weapon". Araghchi told CBS' "Face the Nation" on Sunday that he was still working on the proposal and political leadership in Tehran has yet to sign off on it. He said the proposal would consist of elements that accommodate both sides' "concerns and interests." The Iranain top diplomat added that the proposal will be discussed in Geneva and both sides will work on a text to try and reach "a fast deal." Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a post on X on Sunday after the second round of talks between Iran and Us that the negotiations had "yielded encouraging signals" but warned that Iran was prepared for "any potential scenario." Meanwhile, 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 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.ded for civilian nuclear purposes. Meanwhile, Trump in his SOTU adress to Congress on Tuesday (local time) said his tough view on Iran is part of his "peace through strength" strategy. He formally introduced what he called a renewed "Peace Through Strength" doctrine during his State of the Union address. Framing it as the guiding principle of his foreign policy, Trump said the United States would deter adversaries by maintaining unmatched military power while pushing for negotiated outcomes from a position of leverage. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a State Visit to Israel from February 25-26 at the invitation of his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, describing the visit as an opportunity to further deepen the two nations' "robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership." "At the invitation of my dear friend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, I will be undertaking a State Visit to Israel from 25-26 February 2026," the Prime Minister said in his departure statement. Highlighting the trajectory of bilateral ties, the Prime Minister noted, "India and Israel share a robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership that has witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years." He added that he looked forward to discussions with Netanyahu aimed at expanding cooperation across various sectors. "I look forward to my discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu aimed at further strengthening our cooperation across various domains, including science and technology, innovation, agriculture, water management, technology, defence and security, trade and investment, as well as people-to-people ties. We will also exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest." During his visit, PM is scheduled to visit Issac Herzog, President of Israel. The Prime Minister also announced that he would address the Knesset, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. "I will also have the honour of becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament, Knesset, an occasion that would be a tribute to the strong parliamentary and democratic ties that bind our two nations," he said. The Prime Minister said he also looked forward to engaging with the Indian diaspora in Israel, whom he credited with strengthening bilateral goodwill. "I also eagerly look forward to interacting with the members of the Indian diaspora who have for long been nurturing the India-Israel special friendship." Expressing confidence in the outcomes of the visit, the Prime Minister stated, "I am confident that my State Visit will further consolidate the enduring bonds between the two countries, set new goals for the Strategic Partnership, and advance our shared vision for a resilient, innovative and prosperous future." (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi features today on the front page of the Israeli newspaper Jerusalem Post ahead of his Israel visit. The newspaper's Editor-in-Chief Zvika Klein posted the front page of today's edition showing a photo of the PM waving his hands along with feature stories based on his visit to the Israel and India-Israel ties. One headline read "Welcome, Modi," while another one read "New Delhi's burgeoning partnership with Jerusalem". https://x.com/ZvikaKlein/status/2026399442442555747?s=20 The paper also features an interview with the Indian envoy to Israel JP Singh. Singh told the Jerusalem Post about the significance of PM Modi's planned Knesset address, which he described as a first for an Indian Prime Minister. "One of the most important elements will be that he will be the first prime minister from India to address the Knesset," Singh was quoted as saying by the Jerusalem Post. Singh further told the Post that the aim is to broaden and deepen the relationship between the two countries. This he said meant moving beyond a limited number of sectors to build a more comprehensive framework that includes financial cooperation, trade, and cross-border payments. He specifically pointed to the possibility of future work on financial systems, including money transfer mechanisms and cross-border payment infrastructure. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit comes at the invitation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and marks the Prime Minister's second visit to Israel, following his 2017 trip when he became the first-ever Indian Prime Minister to visit the country. During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The two leaders will review the significant progress made in the India-Israel Strategic Partnership and discuss further opportunities in various areas of cooperation, including science and technology, innovation, defence and security, agriculture, water management, trade and economy, and people-to-people exchanges. The Prime Minister will also call on Isaac Herzog, the President of Israel. This visit will reaffirm the deep and long-standing strategic partnership between the two countries and present an opportunity to review common challenges, as well as realign efforts towards achieving their shared vision for a robust partnership between two resilient democracies. Reflecting the significance of the diplomatic engagement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu termed the upcoming visit "historic", stating that the partnership continues to scale new heights. Netanyahu described Prime Minister 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 said. Calling the relationship a "powerful alliance between two global leaders", Netanyahu noted that Israel and India are partners in innovation, security, and a shared strategic vision. "Together, we are building an axis of nations committed to stability and progress," he added, specifically referring to cooperation in emerging technologies and broader geopolitical coordination. Providing further details on the itinerary, Netanyahu confirmed that the Prime Minister will arrive on Wednesday and deliver a speech at the Knesset (Israeli Parliament). (ANI)
Company to Showcase at PMWC 2026 and Lab of the Future USA Congress

HOUSTON, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- DataJoint today announced the launch of DataJoint Agentic AI, a governed execution layer for scientific workflows that enables semi-autonomous AI operation on rigorously structured, provenance-rich data.

As pharmaceutical and academic institutions accelerate investment in generative and agentic AI to further innovation, many are confronting a critical constraint: AI systems trained on fragmented, under-described scientific data cannot reliably reproduce, audit, or defend their outputs. In regulated research environments, this lack of context creates material scientific and operational risk.

DataJoint addresses this challenge at its source.

The platform captures multi-modal scientific data in precisely defined, interconnected frameworks  embedding rich metadata and full computational provenance at the point of every experimental result. By grounding AI agents in this context-rich foundation, DataJoint enables automated workflow execution while preserving reproducibility, traceability, and decision accountability.

"Scientific AI will only be as trustworthy as the data foundation beneath it," said Jim Olson, CEO of DataJoint. "We built DataJoint to ensure that every AI-driven insight is grounded in structured provenance and computational context  so that scientific decisions are not just faster, but defensible and reliable."

DataJoint's agentic AI enables semi-autonomous execution of complex, multi-step scientific pipelines across imaging, electrophysiology, genomics, behavioral data, and more  within a governed, reproducible framework built for regulated and research environments. For pharma and biotech, this means faster hypothesis validation and AI-ready datasets that support regulatory confidence. For academic and medical centers, it means scaling sophisticated research without sacrificing rigor. And all for the purpose of accelerating discoveries and speeding innovation.

For example, an AI agent operating within DataJoint can validate experimental inputs, trigger downstream processing, detect data and structure inconsistencies, and ensure computational reproducibility  all while maintaining a complete, queryable record of decisions and transformations.

DataJoint's structured scientific data infrastructure is already deployed in leading academic medical centers and industry research environments, supporting reproducible multi-modal pipelines at scale.

Industry Showcases

DataJoint will demonstrate its Agentic AI capabilities at:

PMWC 2026 (Precision Medicine World Conference)

March 46, 2026 | San Jose, CA

Lab of the Future USA Congress

March 23, 2026 | Boston, MA

These events convene leaders in precision medicine, biopharma R&D, and digital laboratory transformation.

About DataJoint

DataJoint Inc. is a scientific data infrastructure company that provides the structured foundation required for reproducible, AI-ready research. By enforcing explicit data structures, embedding computational provenance, and orchestrating multi-modal pipelines, DataJoint enables research organizations to reduce scientific risk while accelerating trusted AI adoption.

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, DataJoint supports academic medical centers and industry R&D organizations seeking durable, defensible scientific AI.

For more information, visit www.datajoint.com.

Media Contact:

Doug Welsh, CRO

DataJoint

[email protected]

SOURCE DataJoint
Nepal's Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki has called on voters to exercise their rights, claiming the government hasn't left any stone unturned for the smooth conduct of the election slated for next week. After rounds of meetings with security agencies on Tuesday, the Interim leader of the Himalayan Nation took to Facebook to assure the voters about security arrangements. "A detailed discussion and review of the election preparations and overall security situation was held with the heads of all security agencies in Baluwatar on Tuesday (local time)." "There is no room for doubt in the security arrangements. All mechanisms are operational with necessary vigilance, strict monitoring and effective coordination, keeping in mind the potential challenges and risks," Karki announced. "The government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the elections are held in a clean, fair, fearless and peaceful manner. I urge all citizens to exercise their right to vote with confidence and fearlessness," the interim leader further added. With about a week left for the elections and violence in the southern plains of the nation, the government has been expediting security updates at the highest levels on a daily basis. Interim leader Karki, on late Tuesday evening, also received a briefing from the chiefs of all security agencies regarding election preparations and the overall security situation. In the briefing, Karki was briefed that security agencies have identified a dozen security challenges, including clashes between supporters of various political parties, communal disturbances, religious tension, activities of the monarchist factions, prisoners who escaped from jails during the Gen Z protests in September, and activities of various political parties that have boycotted the election, among others. As per the video from the Prime Minister's Secretariat, Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal, Chief Secretary Suman Raj Aryal, Chief of Army Staff Ashok Raj Sigdel, Home Secretary Rajkumar Shrestha, Head of the Peace and Security Division of the Home Ministry Anand Kafle, Inspector General of Nepal Police Dan Bahadur Karki, Inspector General of Armed Police Force Raju Aryal, and Chief of the National Investigation Department Tekendra Karki were present in the briefing. The polls, which come six months after the September Gen-Z uprising is being observed with caution. With hundreds of inmates on the loose and a higher number of polling stations deemed sensitive in comparison to the previous elections, security has been revamped all across the nation. Earlier this month, the Nepal Army was deployed for security as the Himalayan nation heads for the parliamentary election, which is scheduled for March 5. The Nepal Army alone has deployed a total of 79,727 personnel across the nation as support for the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and election police in holding the polls peacefully. The deployment comes in line with the Integrated Election Security Plan and an earlier Cabinet decision. As per the Integrated Election Security Plan endorsed by the president in November, the army will replace police forces in airports, prisons, and other sensitive areas. Apart from guarding those sensitive areas, the army will provide security in the third layer while also patrolling as and when needed. As many as 338,000 security personnel, including the election police, are being deployed in the election period. The authorities have classified 3,680 of the country's 10,967 polling stations as "highly sensitive." According to the Nepal Police, among those polling stations, 2,845 have been placed in the "normal" category based on the level of security risk, while 4,442 have been designated as "sensitive" and 3,680 as "highly sensitive". There are more highly sensitive stations than in the 2022 election, according to Nepal Police data. In the previous election, 3,412 polling stations were classified as highly sensitive. This time, the number has risen to 3,680. In total, 268 more polling stations, compared to the last election, have been classified as highly sensitive stations. In the previous election, there were a total of 10,892 polling stations. This time, the number has increased to 10,967. (ANI)
Foreign policy expert Mahesh Sachdev on Wednesday said that US President Donald Trump appears "desperate" to succeed in the foreign policies laid down by his administration, noting that declining popularity and mounting domestic and international challenges have caused such desperation by the US President. Speaking to ANI on the US President's State of the Union address in the Congress, Sachdev stated that Trump reiterating claims of having stopped the India-Pakistan conflict, which arose in the aftermath of the Pahalgam Terror attacks last year, comes at a time when President Trump's popularity appears to be declining sharply as the midterm elections approach in the US. During his address, Trump repeated his claim that he had "stopped eight wars" and took credit for halting the potential conflict between India and Pakistan in May last year. However, India has repeatedly denied any third-party involvement in the agreement to cease hostilities with Pakistan, maintaining that the request to end military operations had come from Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations. "I think the context is pretty clear through this assertion as well as the denials. But the fact that this reiteration takes place against the falling popularity of President Trump, which seems to have declined precipitously as the midterm election looms, makes the President a bit more desperate to claim foreign policy successes, which have been rare and few in between despite his claims to the contrary," the expert stated. According to Sachdev, Trump's efforts to end the Ukraine-Russia war, not yielding any breakthrough, slowed progress towards a lasting peace settlement in Gaza, and stalled negotiations with Iran, have added to the US President's troubles. "All that put together makes him more desperate for a foreign policy success," Sachdev said. The expert noted that Trump's address comes at a time when it carries heightened political weight, as the US President does not participate in day-to-day Congressional deliberations. He noted that the context of the US President's address comes during a very "turbulent" time, pointing to the recent US Supreme Court verdict invalidating Trump's tariff strategy, rising geopolitical tensions and the looming midterm elections in November. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Israel on Wednesday comes at a "very important context" marked by regional flux and evolving geopolitical equations, foreign affairs expert Mahesh Sachdev said. Speaking to ANI, Sachdev said, "Prime Minister's visit to Israel takes place against a very important context. There is no doubt that India-Israel relations have acquired strategic connotations, and they have grown with both sides being enthusiastic about their promotion." He highlighted that, ahead of the visit, India and Israel have already held an anti-terrorism dialogue and the first round of negotiations on a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA), underscoring the expanding strategic and economic engagement between the two countries. According to Sachdev, the timing of the visit is significant both regionally and globally. "The visit is important contextually in regional and global ways as well. Regionally, it takes place when the Gaza war is under a ceasefire, and only last week, the first session of the Board for Peace under President Trump took place in Washington," he said, referring to diplomatic efforts under US President Donald Trump. He also pointed to rising tensions between Iran and the United States, with Israel being an interested stakeholder. "This may, according to some observers, lead to hostilities between the United States and Iran, which may envelop Israel and the regional powers as well," Sachdev cautioned. "Against this backdrop, the Prime Minister's visit to Israel acquires a new sense of urgency and meaning," he added. Sachdev underlined that India has consistently supported a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine issue and has advocated peace and diplomacy between Iran and the US."So, the motives of India's visit are not in doubt," he said. He further observed that both countries are keen to move their bilateral ties into a more stable and forward-looking phase. "India and Israel need each other and chart each other's progress for future bilateralism in a more stable context, away from the two-year-old Gaza war and the Iran-U.S. crisis," he stated. Among the key pending issues are the proposed IMEC (India-Middle-East-Europe Economic Corridor), the FTA negotiations, and enhanced anti-terror cooperation. Economic ties, including the diamond trade and technology transfers in sectors such as energy and irrigation, are also central to the relationship, the foreign expert said. Sachdev described Israel as a "startup nation" and noted India's growing innovation ecosystem. "Israel is also called a startup nation, and India has a very vigorous startup tradition that has picked up during the past eleven years. We are the third-largest startup country, and over a hundred Indian startups have become unicorns, he said, suggesting that these complementarities provide fresh impetus for deeper commercial engagement. At the same time, he said the Prime Minister would have to strike a delicate balance in his public messaging. "There would also be a careful balance to be struck by the Prime Minister during his pronouncements concerning Israel-Palestine and other regional issues, where Israel would expect the Prime Minister to make some conciliatory remarks, although India is a principled player in these matters and our policy is not prone to sudden jerkiness and shifts. This would need to be carefully meandered through a minefield," Sachdev said. (ANI)
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on two day Israel visit on Wednesday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Wednesday expressed his eagerness, saying that the country and its people look forward to welcoming him. In a post on X, Herzog, sharing PM Modi's departure statement ahead of his visit, extended a warm message to the Prime Minister, underlining the close ties between the two nations. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the State of Israel and the people of Israel look forward to welcoming you to Israel," Herzog stated in his post. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed from the national capital as he set out to undertake his state visit to Israel from February 25 to February 26 at the invitation of his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu. Ahead of his departure, PM Modi, in a statement, described the visit as an opportunity to further deepen the two nations' "robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership." "At the invitation of my dear friend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, I will be undertaking a State Visit to Israel from 25-26 February 2026," the statement read. "India and Israel share a robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership that has witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years," the statement read, highlighting the trajectory of bilateral ties between the two nations. The Prime Minister stated that he is looking forward to discussions with his Israeli counterpart aimed at expanding cooperation across various sectors. During his visit, the PM is scheduled to meet President Isaac Herzog and would also address the Knesset, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. "I will also have the honour of becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament, Knesset, an occasion that would be a tribute to the strong parliamentary and democratic ties that bind our two nations," he said. The Prime Minister said he also looks forward in engaging with the Indian diaspora there, whom he credited with strengthening bilateral goodwill. Expressing confidence in the outcomes of the visit, the Prime Minister stated, "I am confident that my State Visit will further consolidate the enduring bonds between the two countries, set new goals for the Strategic Partnership, and advance our shared vision for a resilient, innovative and prosperous future." (ANI)
The streets of Jerusalem on Wednesday carry a familiar buzz with tricolours tucked into shopfronts, community leaders coordinating welcome gatherings, and conversations in Hindi echoing through neighbourhoods where the Indian community forms a visible presence ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's arrival for his two-day state visit to Israel. With moments to go before the Prime Minister arrives in Israel for his second visit, members of the Indian diaspora says the moment feels both historic and deeply personal. For many, the visit is more than a diplomatic engagement and is a reminder of how far India-Israel ties have come since 2017, when PM Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to set foot in the country. "We are very happy. A warm welcome to our Narendra Modiji," says Laxmi Narayana, who moved from Hyderabad to Israel for work. "When he came in 2017, it was the first time. Now this is the second time. It feels special." He speaks with visible pride about the camaraderie between Prime Minister Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "When we hear our Prime Minister's name mentioned with Bibi Netanyahu, we are very happy. We expect more friendship and a stronger relationship between Israel and India," he added. Across construction sites, agricultural fields and hospitality hubs, thousands of Indian workers have built new lives in Israel in recent years. For them, the growing partnership between the two nations has translated into tangible opportunities. Banala Gangadhar, President of the Israel Telangana Association, describes the anticipation as long-awaited. "We have been waiting for Modi ji's visit for a long time. After his first visit, the friendship between India and Israel became strong. It will become even stronger in the future," he said. He notes that increasing numbers of Indians are arriving in Israel for employment in sectors ranging from construction to agriculture. "Since Modi ji's visit, many people have come here to Israel in various sectors like construction, agriculture, and hospitality. In the future as well, our relations will be good, and many more people will come here. It will be beneficial for everyone - for India, for Israel, and for the whole world," he said. Srinivas, who has lived in Israel for five years, calls the day "auspicious". "What he promised after the first visit has now been proven. Thousands of people from India are coming here to work in every sector," he said, adding that "The Israeli people consider us like brothers, like family." For Prakash, also from Hyderabad, the symbolism of the visit stands out. "Narendra Modi ji was the first Prime Minister to come to Israel. The bond between India and Israel should grow even stronger," he says, describing the day as "great" for the community. Paska Sudhakar echoes the same sentiment, noting that "Israeli people respect Indian people a lot." "We are very happy that Modi garu is coming," he says, expressing hope that the visit will further cement ties between the two nations. Beyond policy and protocol, the visit carries emotional weight for the diaspora -- a sense of recognition and connection to their homeland. As India and Israel continue to deepen cooperation in defence, technology, agriculture and innovation, for these expatriates, the relationship is also about identity, belonging and shared futures. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, earlier today, embarked on a two-day state visit to Israel from February 25 to February 26 at the invitation of his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu. During his visit, the Prime Minister will hold discussions with Netanyahu aimed at expanding cooperation across various sectors. He will also meet with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and will also address the Knesset, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. The Prime Minister will also engage with the Indian diaspora there. (ANI)
In an X post, CM Yogi said, "Met the delegation of Minda Corporation (Spark Minda Group) and its Japanese joint venture partners in Tokyo today, including Mr. Aakash Minda, Executive Director, Minda Corporation, and Mr. Hiroaki Omori, Managing Director and CFO, Spark Minda Toyo Denso Pvt. Ltd. A MoU was signed to further strengthen Uttar Pradesh's advanced auto component manufacturing ecosystem. Assured the delegation of full support from the Government of Uttar Pradesh for seamless facilitation, land allocation and infrastructure assistance, reinforcing our commitment to industrial growth, technology partnerships and employment generation."

On Wednesday, CM Yogi arrived in Japan on a two-day official visit.

During the visit from February 25-26 in Japan, the CM is expected to participate in key meetings and interactions during his visit aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and exploring investment opportunities for the state.

Earlier, CM Yogi Adityanath also invited Mitsui & Co. to explore transformative investment opportunities in Uttar Pradesh.

"Had a productive and forward-looking meeting with Mr. Kazuki Shimizu, Managing Officer, Chief Operating Officer of Infrastructure Projects Business Unit, Mitsui & Co., along with senior members of his team, in Tokyo today. Invited Mitsui & Co. to explore transformative investment opportunities in Uttar Pradesh across Renewable Energy, ICT, Semiconductors and Data Centers, aligned with the state's rapid industrial expansion. Also discussed collaboration in infrastructure projects, logistics networks and industrial investments to strengthen Uttar Pradesh's growth corridors and global supply chain integration," CM Yogi said on X on Wednesday.

A day earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said that the state has received investment proposals worth up to Rs 1 lakh crore during engagements in Singapore, with Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 60,000 crore already finalised, terming it a significant step towards transforming the state into a 1 trillion dollar economy. (ANI)
In a cross-party motion, Members of the Parliament of the United Kingdom have voiced serious concern regarding the enforced disappearance of three retired government officials and relatives of the chairman of the Baloch National Movement (BNM) in Balochistan, according to a report by Zrumbesh News. Mohammad Bakhsh Sajidi, Naeem Sajidi, and Rafeeq Baloch were allegedly taken from their residence in Sky Blue, Hub Chowki, at around 3:30 am (local time) on 2 February 2026 by personnel identified as belonging to Pakistan's Counter Terrorism Department and the Army. The motion, a formal proposal submitted by MPs for debate in the House, states that Mohammad Bakhsh Sajidi is the father, while Naeem Sajidi and Rafeeq Baloch are the uncles of Dr Naseem Baloch, Chairman of the BNM. It further records that the three men were detained without a warrant, formal charges, or due legal procedure, and that their present whereabouts remain unknown, as reported by Zrumbesh News. Lawmakers expressed particular alarm over public remarks attributed to the Chief Minister of Balochistan, indicating that relatives of individuals accused of militancy could also face consequences. The motion cautions that such statements raise significant concerns about collective punishment, which, along with enforced disappearances, amounts to a breach of international human rights law. The proposal urges the Government of Pakistan to promptly reveal the location of the missing individuals, ensure their protection, grant them access to legal representation and family members, and secure their release. It also calls on Pakistan to reaffirm its opposition to enforced disappearances and collective punishment, according to Zrumbesh News. Additionally, the UK Government has been requested to address the matter urgently with Pakistani authorities. The first six MPs backing the motion include cross-party sponsors: Labour MP for Hayes and Harlington John McDonnell, Conservative MP for Harrow East; Bob Blackman, Labour MP for Alloa and Grangemouth; Brian Leishman, Democratic Unionist Party MP for Strangford; Jim Shannon, Labour MP for Poplar and Limehouse; Apsana Begum, and Green Party MP for Brighton Pavilion Sian Berry, as reported by Zrumbesh News. They are further joined by Adrian Ramsay, Green Party MP for Waveney Valley, and Carla Denyer, Green Party MP for Bristol Central, in expressing cross-party concern over the developments. The motion has spotlighted continuing human rights issues in Balochistan, underlining the importance of international accountability and safeguarding civilians against unlawful detention, Zrumbesh News noted. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday arrived in Tel Aviv, Israel, for his two-day state visit at the invitation of his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, aimed at further deepening the "robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership" between the two countries. PM Modi, earlier today, embarked on his state visit to Israel from February 25 to February 26 at the invitation of Netanyahu. Netanyahu, accompanied by his wife Sara Netanyahu, personally received Prime Minister Modi at the Ben Gurion Airport, reflecting the close personal rapport shared by the two leaders. The two Prime Ministers exchanged a warm hug upon arrival. Ahead of his departure, PM Modi, in a statement, described the visit as an opportunity to further deepen the two nations' "robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership." "At the invitation of my dear friend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, I will be undertaking a State Visit to Israel from 25-26 February 2026," the statement read. "India and Israel share a robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership that has witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years," the statement added, highlighting the trajectory of bilateral ties between the two nations. The Prime Minister stated that he is looking forward to discussions with his Israeli counterpart aimed at expanding cooperation across various sectors. The streets of Jerusalem carried a familiar buzz with tricolours tucked into shopfronts, community leaders coordinating welcome gatherings, and conversations in Hindi echoing through neighbourhoods where the Indian community forms a visible presence ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's arrival. At a newspaper kiosk, an Israeli resident was seen reading this morning's The Jerusalem Post. The Israeli Newspaper's front page shows a photo of the Prime Minister waving his hands, along with feature stories based on his visit to Israel and India-Israel ties. One headline read "Welcome, Modi," while another one read "New Delhi's burgeoning partnership with Jerusalem". During his visit, the PM is scheduled to meet President Isaac Herzog and would also address the Knesset, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. Ahead of his address at the Israeli Parliament - Knesset, PM Modi will hold a brief meeting with Netanyahu today. "I will also have the honour of becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament, Knesset, an occasion that would be a tribute to the strong parliamentary and democratic ties that bind our two nations," he said. The Prime Minister said he also looks forward to engaging with the Indian diaspora there, whom he credited with strengthening bilateral goodwill. Ahead of his visit, Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed his eagerness, saying that the country and its people look forward to welcoming him. In a post on X, Herzog, sharing PM Modi's departure statement ahead of his visit, extended a warm message to the Prime Minister, underlining the close ties between the two nations. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the State of Israel and the people of Israel look forward to welcoming you to Israel," Herzog stated in his post. (ANI)
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) has approached the Supreme Court seeking immediate medical intervention for its incarcerated founder Imran Khan, requesting that he be shifted to a private medical facility and allowed access to his personal medical team, Dawn reported on Wednesday. The application, filed by legal counsel Sardar Latif Khosa, highlighted concerns regarding the health of the 73-year-old former Prime Minister, who is currently battling a serious eye condition while in judicial custody. According to Dawn, the plea urged the apex court to ensure that the former premier be "immediately shifted to Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad for proper treatment of his eyes from [a] retina specialist". The petition stated that although a state-selected hospital in Rawalpindi was used for recent medical checks, the family's preferred facility in Islamabad houses the necessary specialists. The legal team also sought the involvement of Khan's personal physicians, Faisal Sultan and Aasim Yusuf, "who may be associated with all the procedures of examination and treatment". As per the Dawn report, the application raised reservations about Khan's "advancing age and declining health", describing the matter as one of grave concern for both his family and the people of Pakistan. Khosa argued that the exclusion of independent doctors and family members during recent medical visits had created apprehensions regarding transparency. Referring to the February 24 hospital visit, the petition stated that "the conduct of a medical examination in secrecy, without notice to the family or independent doctors, has given rise to serious apprehensions". Dawn reported that the PTI counsel described the lack of information about the outcome of procedures at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) as "mindboggling and not acceptable on any hypothesis". The lawyer also challenged government claims that family members had voluntarily stayed away, asserting that Khan's sisters were denied access. The application further requested that the legal team be kept informed through official channels, seeking that the lawyer be "granted reasonable access to his client for updated instruction for his effective representation before this Honourable court". According to Dawn, the petition maintained that reliance on a state-run hospital that reportedly lacks a retina specialist, along with the "continued exclusion of the Petitioner's family and personal medical practitioners from information concerning his health, has created unavoidable doubts". The medical issue concerns right central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), first reported in late January. Dawn cited recent medical reports stating that Khan's vision in the right eye was measured at 6/24 partial without aid. While the government has maintained that the PTI founder is "clinically stable," the opposition has continued to allege a lack of transparency and denial of appropriate care, leading to the legal move. (ANI)
Brazil's Chamber of Deputies approved, in the early hours of Wednesday, a bill creating the Special Tax Regime for Data Centre Services (Redata), a measure designed to attract large-scale digital infrastructure investments with an estimated tax waiver of R$ 7 billion over three years. The proposal now moves to the Federal Senate, which must vote on it before midnight when the provisional measure underpinning the policy expires. The regime aims to encourage companies to install or expand data centres in Brazil by suspending federal taxes on the acquisition and import of equipment destined for fixed assets. The benefits include exemptions from PIS/Pasep, Cofins and IPI taxes for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment, significantly lowering implementation costs amid intense global competition for data infrastructure, as reported by Brasil 247. Rapporteur Aguinaldo Ribeiro argued that Brazil must act swiftly to secure its position in what he described as a global race for critical infrastructure. He emphasised the country's comparative advantages, particularly in renewable energy capacity and a highly connected population. Access to the incentives, however, will be conditional. Companies must allocate part of their installed capacity to the domestic market, use 100% renewable energy, meet strict water efficiency standards and invest a minimum percentage in research, development and innovation. A mandatory share of R&D funding must be directed toward Brazil's North, Northeast and Central-West regions, aligning the initiative with goals of digital sovereignty, sustainability and regional development. The estimated fiscal impact stands at R$ 5.2 billion in 2026, R$ 1 billion in 2027 and R$ 1.05 billion in 2028, with declining revenue losses linked to the country's ongoing tax reform transition. If approved by the Senate within the deadline, Redata could become a cornerstone of Brazil's industrial strategy for digital and artificial intelligence infrastructure, reinforcing its ambition to compete globally in the data-driven economy. (ANI)
TAMPA BAY, Fla., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Award-winning craft distillery Dunamis Premium Spirits announced record fourth-quarter performance and accelerating retail velocity as the brand enters 2026 with strong national momentum, driven by award recognition, experiential growth, and mission-driven partnerships.

According to the company's 2025 Q4 Media Report, Dunamis delivered:

The Full Line of Award Winning Dunamis Premium Spirits, from Zephyrhills, Fl. Founder/CEO Victor Young of Dunamis Premium Spirits

309 million press impressions

885 national media pickups (including AP, Reuters, USA Today, CBS News)

(including AP, Reuters, USA Today, CBS News) 11 major experiential events

5,700+ tastings executed

11,500+ in-person consumer engagements

90,521 total social media followers

220,000+ Q4 digital views

The quarter was further strengthened by Double Gold awards at the San Diego Spirits Competition for Aero Squadron Vodka and Zulu Hotel Airman's Gin, adding to the brand's growing portfolio of more than 20 industry recognitions.

Growth Through Purpose-Driven Partnerships

As part of its ongoing national expansion, Dunamis Premium Spirits continues to strengthen its partnership with Folds of Honor, supporting educational scholarships for the families of fallen and disabled Military and First Responders. Through this initiative, Aero Squadron Vodka serves as the brand's mission-driven expression, with a portion of proceeds from every case sold contributing to the organization's nationwide impact.

Dunamis is a proud partner of the 2026 Folds of Honor Culinary Combat on Treasure Coast event, on Saturday February 28th, where Aero Squadron Vodka will be featured as the Official American-Made Vodka. The event reflects the ongoing dedication of Alison and Tom Beckmeyer, whose commitment to advancing Folds of Honor spans 12 years, helping establish the initiative as a premier platform uniting culinary excellence, community engagement, and support for military and first responder families.

Dunamis attributes its accelerated brand velocity to three strategic pillars:

Award-Winning Credibility - Over 20 industry awards supporting premium positioning

- Over 20 industry awards supporting premium positioning High-Conversion Experiential Marketing - Targeted tastings and major culinary festivals generating trial and retail pull-through

- Targeted tastings and major culinary festivals generating trial and retail pull-through Strategic Distribution Expansion - Growth through airport, hospitality, military and priority state retail markets

"2026 is about converting awareness into sustained distribution growth," said Victor Young, Founder and CEO. "Our focus is disciplined execution, leveraging awards, data, experiential activations, and purpose-driven partnerships to increase velocity at the shelf."

Currently distributed in Florida, Texas, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Washington DC. Dunamis Premium Spirits continues expanding its national footprint across retail and on-premise accounts.

About Dunamis Premium Spirits

Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Zephyrhills, Florida, Dunamis Premium Spirits, one of the few black-owned distilleries in the country and Florida, is an award-winning craft distillery producing Interstellar Bourbon, Bianca Supreme Rum, Zulu Hotel Airman's Gin, and Aero Squadron Vodka. The brand combines premium craftsmanship, aviation-inspired heritage, and mission-driven impact through its national partnership with Folds of Honor, delivering purpose, quality, and innovation in every pour.

SOURCE Dunamis Premium Spirits
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) on Wednesday detected overall 28 sorties of PLA aircraft in various types (including J-10, J-16, KJ-500, etc). Of the 28, 22 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the northern, central and southwestern ADIZ. In a post on X, the MND said, "Overall 28 sorties of PLA aircraft in various types (including J-10, J-16, KJ-500, etc.) were detected from 12:36 hr today. 22 out of 28 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the northern, central and southwestern ADIZ in conducting air-sea joint training along with other PLAN vessels. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/2026611423649153240?s=20 Earlier in the day, the MND detected 5 Chinese naval vessels around its territorial waters. In a post on X, the MND said, "5 PLAN vessel operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded. Illustration of flight path is not provided due to no PLA aircraft operating around Taiwan were detected during this timeframe." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/2026462154984128765?s=20 Meanwhile, Japan has strongly protested China's move to restrict the export of "dual-use" items to 20 Japanese business entities that Beijing says could be used for military purposes, in the latest twist in a months-long diplomatic row between the two countries, as per Al Jazeera. Japanese Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Sato Kei said at a news conference that the move by China's Ministry of Commerce on Tuesday was "deplorable" and would "not be tolerated" by Tokyo. Tokyo and Beijing have a historically acrimonious relationship, but diplomatic ties took a turn for the worse in November, when Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told legislators that a Chinese attack on Taiwan would constitute a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan, which could necessitate military action, Al Jazeera reported. (ANI)
Israeli Prime Minister's Office on Wednesday stated that PM Benjamin Netanyahu and PM Narendra Modi's deep personal relationship influences the steady relations between both nations. This marks PM Modi's second visit to Israel following his 2017 trip, and Netanyahu's reciprocal visit to India. "At the invitation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is arriving today for another historic visit to Israel, following his previous visit to the country in 2017 and Prime Minister Netanyahu's reciprocal visit to India," a statement by Netanyahu's Office in a post on X said. https://x.com/IsraeliPM_heb/status/2026607622095348081?s=20 The statement highlighted the close personal relationship between the two leaders, noting that their long-standing friendship "powerfully influences the relations between the countries." "Prime Minister Netanyahu and Prime Minister Modi maintain a close personal relationship, and the deep and long-standing friendship between them powerfully influences the relations between the countries. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara Netanyahu will welcome the Prime Minister of India at a ceremonial event at Ben Gurion Airport, after which a personal meeting between the leaders will take place," the post added. https://x.com/IsraeliPM_heb/status/2026603221196640624?s=20 From the airport, Prime Minister Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, will proceed to the Knesset for the official welcoming ceremony of PM Modi. Following speeches in the Knesset plenum, both leaders will attend an innovation event at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Jerusalem. "From there, the Prime Minister and his spouse will proceed to the Knesset for the official welcoming ceremony for the Prime Minister of India, as per the statement. Following the speeches in the Knesset plenum, the Prime Minister and the Prime Minister of India will visit together an innovation event at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Jerusalem," the post further stated. The day will conclude with a joint dinner hosted by Netanyahu and his spouse for the Indian Prime Minister. On the second day of the visit, the leaders will visit Yad Vashem together, followed by an expanded bilateral meeting. "At the conclusion of the event, the Prime Minister and his spouse will host the Prime Minister of India for a joint dinner. Tomorrow, the Prime Minister and the Prime Minister of India will visit Yad Vashem together, and afterwards, they will hold an expanded meeting," as per the statement. The two leaders will sign a series of agreements between Israel and India in the economic, security, and diplomatic fields that will boost cooperation between the countries. At the conclusion of the signing ceremony, the Prime Minister and the Prime Minister of India will make joint statements to the press. As per a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs, PM Modi will also call on Isaac Herzog, the President of Israel. (ANI)
Highlighting India's rising global stature and economic resilience, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed the Indian diaspora in Tokyo, urging them to contribute to their home country's progress while supporting the nation they currently inhabit. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister referred to the state of international markets and the resilience needed to navigate them. "The global economy is in turmoil. This turmoil won't last long. But the whole world is watching this with patience. In these circumstances, we must also support the country we live in. We must stand with them, but we must also think about our own country. We must participate in its progress," CM Adityanath stated. He further emphasised the growing international confidence in India's growth story, noting enthusiasm among global investors. "Every delegation seems very positive and eager to invest in India. The thinking is: If we do good, the country and the world will do well," he added. Underscoring the government's commitment to its people, the Chief Minister stressed that India remains a steadfast guardian of its citizens, regardless of where they are in the world. "India never allows any breach in the interests or security of its citizens. It always stands with them, and we should also have the same feeling," he stated. CM Adityanath concluded by reinforcing the vision of shared prosperity and India's traditional values of global humanitarianism. "Our development will be for the progress of the country, for their prosperity, and our prosperity will be for the welfare of the people, with a spirit of friendship and compassion for humanity across the world." Building on this vision of industrial growth, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday held high-level discussions with the leadership of Suzuki Motor Corporation and Minda Corporation in Japan to explore large-scale investment opportunities in the state's automobile sector. The Chief Minister held a meeting with the delegation of Minda Corporation, including Executive Director Aakash Minda, along with its Japanese joint venture partners. The CM also held a meeting with Toshihiro Suzuki, President and Representative Director of Suzuki Motor Corporation. In an X post, CM Yogi said, "Met the delegation of Minda Corporation (Spark Minda Group) and its Japanese joint venture partners in Tokyo today, including Mr. Aakash Minda, Executive Director, Minda Corporation, and Mr. Hiroaki Omori, Managing Director and CFO, Spark Minda Toyo Denso Pvt. Ltd. A MoU was signed to further strengthen Uttar Pradesh's advanced auto component manufacturing ecosystem. Assured the delegation of full support from the Government of Uttar Pradesh for seamless facilitation, land allocation and infrastructure assistance, reinforcing our commitment to industrial growth, technology partnerships and employment generation." Expanding the scope of industrial cooperation, the UP CM also met Shigeki Tanabe, Senior Managing Executive Officer and Executive General Manager of Konoike Transport Co., Ltd., along with his team in Tokyo. They discussed expanding Konoike's presence in Uttar Pradesh across logistics parks, warehousing and multimodal transport infrastructure. The UP CM invited the company to explore opportunities in medical devices manufacturing, leveraging the Dedicated Freight Corridor network and the Medical Devices Park in YEIDA. Earlier, CM Adityanath also invited Mitsui & Co. to explore transformative investment opportunities in Uttar Pradesh, focusing on the state's rapid industrial expansion. "Had a productive and forward-looking meeting with Mr Kazuki Shimizu, Managing Officer, Chief Operating Officer of Infrastructure Projects Business Unit, Mitsui & Co., along with senior members of his team, in Tokyo today. Invited Mitsui & Co. to explore transformative investment opportunities in Uttar Pradesh across Renewable Energy, ICT, Semiconductors and Data Centres," CM Yogi said on X on Wednesday. The discussions also touched upon collaboration in infrastructure projects and logistics networks to strengthen global supply chain integration. CM Yogi arrived in Japan on Wednesday for a two-day official visit. During the visit from February 25-26, the CM is expected to participate in key meetings and interactions aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and exploring investment opportunities for the state. (ANI)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday expressed his gratitude to G7 leaders for reiterating their "unequivocal support" for Ukraine as the war with Russia enters its fifth year. In a post on X, the Ukrainian President expressed his appreciation while calling for a dignified and lasting peace for Ukraine, which, according to him, is achievable if allies work together to guarantee the country's security and recovery. He also stressed that coordinated efforts between the US, Europe, the G7 countries, and Ukraine are essential to ensure reliable security guarantees and a strong, united recovery plan for the war-torn nation. "I am grateful to the G7 leaders for their unequivocal support of Ukraine. A dignified and lasting peace is possible if the United States, Europe, the G7 countries, and Ukraine work together to ensure reliable security guarantees for our people and a strong, united recovery plan. Ukraine remains committed to keeping the peace process constructive," the post read. Zelenskyy's remark comes a day after the G7 leaders, in a joint statement, reaffirmed their "unwavering support" for Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and right to exist as an independent state on the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of the country in 2022. In the statement on Tuesday, the G7 leaders said they remain committed to backing Ukraine in defending its freedom and sovereignty amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. "On the fourth anniversary of the Russian further invasion of Ukraine in 2022, we, the leaders of the G7, reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its territorial integrity and right to exist, and its freedom, sovereignty and independence," the statement read. The grouping also expressed support for efforts by US President Donald Trump to initiate a peace process aimed at bringing both sides to direct negotiations. "We express our continued support for President Trump's efforts to achieve these objectives by initiating a peace process and bringing the parties to direct discussions. Europe has a leading role to play in this process, joined by other partners," the statement added. The G7 further endorsed commitments under the so-called "Coalition of the Willing" to provide robust and reliable security guarantees to Ukraine, aimed at ensuring long-term stability and deterrence against future aggression. Zelenskyy, at the same time, underscored the importance of continued military and energy assistance from allied nations, particularly in strengthening air defence capabilities. "At the same time, we deeply appreciate the energy and defense support provided by your countries. Every package of air defense missiles helps preserve normal life for Ukrainians amid Russia's brutal attacks on critical infrastructure," the post added. Zelensky's remarks come as Ukraine continues to push for stronger security assurances and long-term reconstruction support, even as fighting persists in several regions of the country. (ANI)
In a warm gesture reflecting the strengthening of ties between the two nations, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended a heartfelt welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he arrived in Tel Aviv on Wednesday for his two-day state visit. Taking to the social media platform X, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu shared a video of PM Modi's arrival, stating, "Welcome to Israel my dear friend @narendramodi". https://x.com/netanyahu/status/2026616915171426761?s=20 The post, which featured the Indian and Israeli flags alongside a "Namaste" emoji, underscored the personal rapport between the two leaders as the visit commenced at Netanyahu's invitation to further strengthen the "robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership" between the two nations. Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, Prime Minister Modi received a Guard of Honour. Reflecting the close personal bond shared by the two leaders, Netanyahu, accompanied by his wife Sara Netanyahu, personally welcomed the Prime Minister, with the two leaders exchanging a warm hug. Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar was also among the high-level officials present to receive Prime Minister Modi. Ahead of his departure, Prime Minister Modi described the visit as an opportunity to further deepen bilateral ties. "India and Israel share a robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership that has witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years," his statement noted, highlighting the trajectory of the relationship. The Prime Minister stated that he is looking forward to discussions with his Israeli counterpart aimed at expanding cooperation across various sectors. Earlier, the anticipation of the visit was visible on the ground, as the streets of Jerusalem carried a familiar buzz. Tricolours were tucked into shopfronts, community leaders coordinated welcome gatherings, and conversations in Hindi echoed through neighbourhoods where the Indian community forms a visible presence. During the high-profile visit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to meet President Isaac Herzog and will also address the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. Ahead of this historic address at the Israeli Parliament, Prime Minister Modi will hold a brief meeting with Netanyahu today. This sentiment of mutual respect was echoed by Israeli President Herzog, who had previously expressed his eagerness for PM Modi's visit, stating that the country and its people look forward to welcoming him. In a post on X, Herzog shared Prime Minister Modi's departure statement, extending a warm message that underlined the close ties. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the State of Israel and the people of Israel look forward to welcoming you to Israel." (ANI)
Azar welcomed PM Modi at the airport.

In a post on X, he said, "Welcome to Israel Shri Narendra Modi Prime Minister of India!"

https://x.com/ReuvenAzar/status/2026625472142966972?s=20

Spokesperson of Israeli Embassy in India, Guy Nir, pointed at the bonhomie between Prime Minister Modi and Netanyahu.

"What a real friendship looks like," Nir said in a post on X.

https://x.com/GuyNirIL/status/2026628320813822063?s=20

PM Narendra Modi received a warm welcome upon his arrival in Israel for two days. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with his wife Sara Netanyahu, welcomed him at the airport.

Israeli PM Netanyahu pointed out the matching colour of the pocket square of PM Modi and the outfit of Sara Netanyahu. PM Modi says, "Saffron."

During their interaction with PM Modi, speaking about India, Sara Netanyahu said, "Wonderful country." PM Netanyahu joins in, saying, "He is a wonderful leader" as he speaks about PM Modi.

In a post on X, PM Modi expressed optimism about his visit and said he looked forward to engaging in bilateral discussions and fruitful outcomes that strengthen the India-Israel friendship.

"Landed in Israel. I am extremely honoured to be received by Prime Minister Netanyahu and Mrs. Netanyahu at the airport. I look forward to engaging in bilateral discussions and fruitful outcomes that strengthen the India-Israel friendship," he wrote.

https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2026620911361925448?s=20

On PM's arrival, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X that this is PM Modi's second visit to Israel in nine years, and he was accorded a special guard of honour.

https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/2026622284031766686?s=20

"Israel is an important partner of India across strategic and technological domains, with deep cooperation in science and technology, innovation, defence and agriculture. The relationship is anchored in mutual trust, shared priorities and a growing convergence in futuristic technologies", the post further added. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday held a productive meeting with Japan Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. In a post on X, the embassy stated that the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between Uttar Pradesh and Japan in various fields. The embassy highlighted that the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership provides a strong foundation for enhancing bilateral ties and advancing the Next Generation State-Prefecture Partnership. In a post on X, the Indian embassy in Tokyo said, "Hon'ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, held a productive meeting with Japan Foreign Minister H.E. Mr. Toshimitsu Motegi. They discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between UP and Japan in various fields. India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership provides the strong foundation for enhancing bilateral ties on all fronts and advancing the Next Generation State-Prefecture Partnership." https://x.com/IndianEmbTokyo/status/2026589790112542848?s=20 Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on the meeting, stated that they exchanged views on further strengthening Uttar Pradesh-Japan collaboration across trade, investment, technology and strategic engagement. In a post on X, CM Yogi said, "Met with Mr. Motegi Toshimitsu, Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, in Tokyo today. Exchanged views on further strengthening Uttar Pradesh-Japan collaboration across trade, investment, technology and strategic engagement." The Japanese minister expressed appreciation for the partnership between Yamanashi Prefecture and Uttar Pradesh, and stated that he would encourage Japanese companies to invest in the state. "The Hon. Minister stated that he would encourage Japanese companies to invest in Uttar Pradesh and expressed his deep appreciation for the partnership between Yamanashi Prefecture and Uttar Pradesh," CM Yogi said. Reaffirming the state's commitment to deepen ties with Japan, CM Yogi said, "Reaffirmed our commitment to deepening this partnership in line with the visionary leadership of Hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji." He expressed confidence that stronger Uttar Pradesh-Japan collaboration would unlock new avenues of growth, innovation, and shared prosperity. "I am confident that stronger Uttar Pradesh-Japan collaboration will unlock new avenues of growth, innovation and shared prosperity," CM Yogi stated https://x.com/myogiadityanath/status/2026605352867823998?s=20 CM Yogi also met the senior leadership of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. in Tokyo today, seeking to boost the company's presence in the state. In a post on X, CM Yogi said he discussed strengthening the long-standing partnership between Honda and Uttar Pradesh with Noriya Kaihara, Director and Executive Vice President of Honda. Kaihara reaffirmed Honda's commitment to India, highlighting the company's focus on electric, hybrid, and clean mobility solutions. The two sides also explored setting up an R&D facility in Uttar Pradesh for next-generation mobility. CM Yogi invited Honda to restart its Greater Noida plant, particularly for EV and hybrid technologies, assuring full support from the state government. In a post on X, he said, "Met the senior leadership of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. in Tokyo today to further strengthen our long-standing partnership with Uttar Pradesh. Mr. Noriya Kaihara, Director, Executive Vice President and Representative Executive Officer, reaffirmed Honda's strong presence in the state and shared the company's growing footprint in India, along with its global commitment to electric, hybrid and clean mobility solutions. The possibility of establishing an R&D facility in Uttar Pradesh for next-generation mobility was also discussed. Invited Honda to re-examine restarting its Greater Noida plant, particularly for EV and hybrid technologies, and assured full support from the Government of Uttar Pradesh for seamless facilitation and expansion." https://x.com/myogiadityanath/status/2026603360384921716?s=20 CM Yogi also met the senior leadership of Suzuki Motor Corporation and Maruti Suzuki India Limited in Tokyo, including Toshihiro Suzuki, President, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Kenichi Ayukawa, Koichi Suzuki, Takeuchi and Rahul Bharti, to further deepen industrial collaboration with Uttar Pradesh. In a post on X, he said, "Discussed Suzuki's plans to enter the renewable energy sector through a proposed Compressed Bio-Gas plant in the state, along with expansion of its supplier ecosystem to strengthen the automotive value chain and generate employment. Also spoke of the vision to double Maruti Suzuki's production capacity in India from 20 lakh to 40 lakh vehicles annually. Offered land at competitive rates in Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority for renewable energy projects and suitable land parcels across Uttar Pradesh for development of auto clusters, reinforcing our shared vision of sustainable industrial growth and green mobility." https://x.com/myogiadityanath/status/2026601896484680099?s=20 Furthermore, CM Yogi also interacted with the Indian community in Japan, emphasising the need for collective support and participation in the country's growth He said, "The global economy is in turmoil. This turmoil won't last long. But the whole world is watching this with patience. In these circumstances, we must also support the country we live in. We must stand with them, but we must also think about our own country. We must participate in its progress... Every delegation seems very positive and eager to invest in India. The thinking is: If we do good, the country and the world will do well." https://x.com/myogiadityanath/status/2026593255975170232?s=20 CM Yogi highlighted that India always stands with Indians and acts in their interest, emphasised India's commitment to protecting its citizens' interests and security, saying the country will always stand with them. He said, "India never allows any breach in the interests or security of its citizens. It always stands with them, and we should also have the same feeling. Our development will be for the progress of the country, for their prosperity, and our prosperity will be for the welfare of the people, with a spirit of friendship and compassion for humanity across the world." Additionally, UP CM Yogi met Komori Takuo, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, and held a productive discussion to enhance trade and investment. In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Japan stated, "Hon'ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, met with H.E. Mr KOMORI Takuo, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. Productive discussions were held on enhancing trade and investments from Japan to Uttar Pradesh." https://x.com/IndianEmbTokyo/status/2026597439940211122?s=20 CM Yogi held a meeting with Yasutoshi Nishimura, Former Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. He also held talks with Noriya Kaihara, Director, Executive Vice President, and Representative Executive Officer of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. CM Yogi visited Singapore from February 23- 24 and will be in Japan from February 25-26. (ANI)
The Government of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday issued helpline numbers for residents of the state returning from Iran. An advisory stated, "In view of the advisory issued by the Embassy of India in Tehran on February 23, 2026, the following helpline numbers are hereby notified for the information and assistance of residents of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir returning from Iran. The helplines shall remain operational 24x7 to provide necessary support and coordination." Earlier on Tuesday, the Jammu and Kashmir unit of the All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA) has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking his intervention to ensure the safety and academic future of Indian students currently in Iran. Speaking to ANI, Mohammad Momin Khan, President of the Jammu and Kashmir unit of AIMSA, highlighted the concerns following a recent travel advisory from the Indian High Commission in Tehran, which has asked citizens to return. "The Indian High Commission in Tehran issued an advisory, in which they have asked their citizens to return. However, we have received information from students that their exams are scheduled for the 5th March. Some students have already arrived in India, so it is not possible for them to return. The current situation is very tense, and their parents are also very worried," Khan said. This push for government intervention comes as concerns continue to mount over the evolving situation in Iran, leaving several Indian students, particularly those from Jammu and Kashmir, in a dilemma where they desire to return home but remain grounded by their upcoming examinations scheduled for March. On 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. https://x.com/India_in_Iran/status/2025823016672710921?s=20 "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. (ANI)
Israel's Special Envoy for Trade and Innovation Fleur Hassan-Nahoum on Wednesday expressed optimism over the proposed India-Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA), saying its early conclusion could pave the way for a new era of shared economic growth and prosperity between the two nations. Speaking to ANI as Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Israel for his two-day state visit, Hassan-Nahoum said both countries stand to benefit significantly from a comprehensive and fair trade pact. Highlighting the strength of the two nations in innovation, she said Indian and Israeli companies play a major role in global technology ecosystems, particularly in the US, adding that both countries share a similar work ethic and innovation-driven mindset, contributing positively to the global economy. "Hopefully, if we get this free trade agreement signed quickly, then we can really look forward to an incredible future of prosperity," she said. "Indians are now almost controlling a lot of innovation in the United States. So are Israeli companies. And so everything that we do, both our countries do, is positive. It contributes to the world. We have a similar mindset. We work hard, and that is exactly what the world needs right now," the envoy added. She noted that India is one of the largest buyers of Israeli defence technology and emphasised that trade flows in both directions could expand further under a formal agreement. According to her, several goods are already being imported from India, and a structured FTA would enable both sides to move forward more effectively as strategic partners and allies. "We're thrilled that a free trade agreement is being negotiated. It's about time. India is one of the biggest--the country that actually buys Israel's most defence technology, and there are many things that we can also import from India that we do import from India. It's about time that we got a good and fair trade agreement for everyone so that we can move forward as allies and partners," she added. Earlier on Tuesday, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, met a delegation from Israel in India for the first round of India-Israel FTA negotiations and said these mark an important step towards enhancing bilateral trade and economic cooperation. In a post on X, Goyal said that FTA negotiations aim at creating greater opportunities for businesses and people on both sides. "Met a delegation from Israel today, visiting India for the first round of India-Israel Free Trade Agreement negotiations (23rd-26th February 2026). The FTA negotiations mark an important step towards enhancing India-Israel bilateral trade & economic cooperation, aimed at creating greater opportunities for businesses and people on both sides," he said. The first round of negotiations for the India-Israel FTA commenced in New Delhi on Monday and is scheduled to take place until February 26. During this round, technical experts from both sides will engage in sessions covering various aspects of FTA, such as trade in goods, trade in services, rules of origin, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, customs procedure and trade facilitation, intellectual property rights, among others, the Commerce and Industry Ministry said in a release. During Piyush Goyal's visit in November 2025, the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the launch of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between India and Israel were signed. During the visit of the Finance Minister 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 the foundation for deeper ties and potential FTA discussions. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday had an "excellent meeting" with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and discussed a wide range of subjects aimed at boosting bilateral ties. PM Modi said he was "Deeply touched by the warm welcome extended by my friend, PM Netanyahu", upon his arrival. "May the India-Israel friendship continue to soar higher!", PM Modi said in a post on X. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2026650789792592131?s=20 He further said, "Had an excellent meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Expressed gratitude to him for the warm welcome earlier in the day. It is a delight to be back in Israel after 9 years. We discussed a wide range of subjects aimed at boosting bilateral ties. Sectors such as technology, water management, agriculture, talent partnership and more offer immense scope for close collaboration. We also discussed key developments in the region." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2026646032013226033?s=20 Earlier, in a warm gesture reflecting the strengthening of ties between the two nations, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu extended a heartfelt welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he arrived in Tel Aviv on Wednesday for his two-day state visit. Taking to the social media platform X, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu shared a video of PM Modi's arrival, stating, "Welcome to Israel my dear friend @narendramodi". https://x.com/netanyahu/status/2026616915171426761?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet Netanyahu hailed the visit of his good friend, calling it historic. "My wife Sara and I welcomed today our good friend, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, who has arrived for another historic visit to Israel. Prime Minister Modi previously visited Israel in 2017, and I later paid a reciprocal visit to India that was truly exceptional. We share a close personal relationship, speak often, and I believe that the deep friendship between us powerfully reflects on the ties between our two countries," Netanyahu said in a post on X. https://x.com/netanyahu/status/2026640139355607334?s=20 He added, "We will attend a festive reception at the Knesset, visit an innovation event in Jerusalem, and host Prime Minister Modi for a joint dinner. Tomorrow we will visit Yad Vashem, and afterwards hold another meeting together with our teams, during which we will sign a series of agreements in the economic, security, and diplomatic spheres that will further advance cooperation between Israel and India." Netanyahu further said that it was an honour to welcome PM Modi. "It's a great honor to welcome you to Israel, Prime Minister Modi." https://x.com/netanyahu/status/2026623550157672854?s=20 PM Modi is on a state visit to Israel from February 25-26. (ANI)
Zambian expert urges Africa to boost output under China's zero-tariff policy

Xinhua) 10:28, February 25, 2026

LUSAKA, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- African countries should scale up production to fully benefit from China's zero-tariff policy and better access the vast Chinese market, an expert said on Monday.

Kelvin Chisanga, a Zambian social economist, said Africa's abundant raw materials and agricultural potential could translate into stronger exports to China under the tariff-free arrangement, creating new momentum for industrial expansion on the continent.

During the 39th African Union (AU) Summit held earlier this month in Ethiopia, China announced that it will fully implement zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries with diplomatic relations with China starting from May 1, 2026.

"With this tariff relief, Africa is better positioned to participate more fully in the global market. That will serve as a gateway for scaling up production," he told Xinhua in an interview.

Sectors such as agriculture, mining and manufacturing could see increased exports if African countries strengthen supply capacity and improve value addition, Chisanga said, adding that China's large industrial base has strong demand for raw materials, which Africa can supply.

While acknowledging China's longstanding role as a major exporter to Africa, Chisanga said the zero-tariff policy offers an opportunity for a more balanced and mutually beneficial trade relationship, with Africa significantly increasing its exports to the Chinese market.

African countries will need support to build production capacity, develop skills, facilitate technology transfer, and improve product standards to meet Chinese market requirements, he said.

Chisanga said China's decision underscores South-South cooperation and could deepen diplomatic ties while delivering greater benefits to the continent.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
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In a post on X, Gor said, "Enjoyed hosting Arvind Krishna at the U.S. Embassy today. IBM continues to lead the world in technology advancement, a great bridge between the US and India."

https://x.com/USAmbIndia/status/2026644319680020908?s=20

Meanwhile, Gor visited the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.Sharing a photo of himself at the Taj Mahal, Sergio Gor said, "Few places on earth match the beauty of the Taj Mahal. Almost 15 years ago, I visited the same spot with my parents, wonderful to be back!"

Earlier, Gor hosted a dinner at the Chief of Mission's Residence in New Delhi.

The gathering was attended by several global leaders and industry heads, including Raj Subramanian, CEO of FedEx; Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI; Andrej Plenkovic, Prime Minister of Croatia; Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan; Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal; and Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman, Bharti Airtel Limited, among other Heads of State and CEOs of multinational corporations.

Telangana CM A Revanth Reddy also attended the dinner, where he interacted with the dignitaries and business leaders, highlighting Telangana's progressive industrial policy, world-class infrastructure, and investor-friendly ecosystem. He elaborated on the State Government's proactive approach towards facilitating investments, particularly in emerging sectors such as technology, artificial intelligence, logistics, advanced manufacturing, and green energy.

Gor had underlined the importance that US President Donald Trump attaches to India, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited him to visit the country. Addressing a joint press conference with US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg and US President's Science and Technology Advisor Michael Kratsios, Gor said there was no formal announcement yet on the visit, but recalled that President Trump greatly enjoyed his earlier trip to India. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday held talks with Nishimura Yasutoshi, Former Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) in Tokyo. Yogi Adityanath's and Nishimura's talks focused on strengthening Uttar Pradesh-Japan cooperation within the broader framework of India-Japan relations. In a post on X, CM Yogi said, "Met Mr. NISHIMURA Yasutoshi, Former Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) in Tokyo, today. Held meaningful discussions on strengthening Uttar Pradesh-Japan cooperation within the broader framework of India-Japan relations, with focus on institutional engagement, economic collaboration and greater people to people exchanges." https://x.com/myogiadityanath/status/2026653575989080140?s=20 "Held meaningful discussions on strengthening Uttar Pradesh-Japan cooperation within the broader framework of India-Japan relations, with focus on institutional engagement, economic collaboration and greater people to people exchanges. Highlighted Uttar Pradesh's rapid economic growth, progressive industrial policies and commitment to providing a conducive ecosystem for global investors, and emphasised Japan's important role in our development journey. Mr. NISHIMURA appreciated the transformation underway in Uttar Pradesh and expressed his commitment to further advancing UP-Japan ties." Nishimura said that UP and Yamanashi Prefecture are collaborating on green hydrogen. In a post on X, he said, "Uttar Pradesh (UP), India's most populous state, had its Chief Minister Yogi visit Japan, where he held discussions as the chairman of the parliamentary league. UP State and Yamanashi Prefecture are collaborating on green hydrogen, and with Governor Koji Nagasaki of Yamanashi Prefecture also in attendance, they agreed to work together to further develop Japan-India relations, with this regional exchange and collaboration serving as a model." https://x.com/nishy03/status/2026643623908094130?s=20 Earlier in the day, Yogi Adityanath held a productive meeting with Japan Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. In a post on X, the embassy stated that the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between Uttar Pradesh and Japan in various fields. The embassy highlighted that the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership provides a strong foundation for enhancing bilateral ties and advancing the Next Generation State-Prefecture Partnership. https://x.com/IndianEmbTokyo/status/2026589790112542848?s=20 In a post on X, the Indian embassy in Tokyo said, "Hon'ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, held a productive meeting with Japan Foreign Minister H.E. Mr. Toshimitsu Motegi. They discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between UP and Japan in various fields. India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership provides the strong foundation for enhancing bilateral ties on all fronts and advancing the Next Generation State-Prefecture Partnership." CM Yogi visited Singapore from February 23- 24 and will be in Japan from February 25-26. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday signed the official guestbook at the Knesset in Chagall Hall during his ongoing two-day state visit to Israel. The Prime Minister also laid a wreath and paid floral tributes during his visit to the Israeli Parliament. Along with PM Netanyahu, he greeted a group of enthusiastic children waving Israeli and Indian flags. He also interacted with young children, where the excited youth took selfies with him. PM Modi is on a two-day state visit to Israel. Upon arrival in the Knesset, he was received with a resounding applause of chants of "Modi! Modi!" Shortly upon his arrival in the country, PM Modi said that he had an "excellent meeting" with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and discussed a wide range of subjects aimed at boosting bilateral ties. He said he was "Deeply touched by the warm welcome extended by my friend, PM Netanyahu", upon his arrival. "May the India-Israel friendship continue to soar higher!", PM Modi said in a post on X. He further said, "Had an excellent meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Expressed gratitude to him for the warm welcome earlier in the day. It is a delight to be back in Israel after 9 years. We discussed a wide range of subjects aimed at boosting bilateral ties. Sectors such as technology, water management, agriculture, talent partnership and more offer immense scope for close collaboration. We also discussed key developments in the region." Netanyahu hailed the visit of his good friend, calling it historic. "My wife Sara and I welcomed today our good friend, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, who has arrived for another historic visit to Israel. Prime Minister Modi previously visited Israel in 2017, and I later paid a reciprocal visit to India that was truly exceptional. We share a close personal relationship, speak often, and I believe that the deep friendship between us powerfully reflects on the ties between our two countries," Netanyahu said in a post on X. received a warm and vibrant welcome as he arrived in Israel for a two-day state visit, marked by colourful Indian cultural performances and an enthusiastic reception from the Indian diaspora. Cultural showcases featuring music and dance from different parts of India were staged to commemorate PM Modi's arrival, highlighting the rich diversity of Indian heritage. During his two-day visit, PM Modi is scheduled to meet President Isaac Herzog and will address the Knesset, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. The visit underscores the "robust and multifaceted Strategic Partnership" shared by India and Israel, reflecting growing cooperation across diplomatic, technological and cultural domains. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the Knesset, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara Netanyahu attended an official reception ceremony on Wednesday. With 'Modi, Modi' chants, PM Narendra Modi receives a standing ovation at the Knesset, Israeli parliament, upon his arrival In a post on X, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office said, "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara Netanyahu attend official reception ceremony at the Knesset for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi." https://x.com/IsraeliPM/status/2026668710551761285?s=20 PM Modi will shortly address the Israeli parliament. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Israel today on a State Visit. In a special gesture, on arrival at the airport in Tel Aviv, he was received by the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu and his spouse, Sara Netanyahu and accorded a ceremonial welcome. Following the arrival ceremony, the two Prime Ministers held a brief one-on-one meeting. At the hotel, the Prime Minister was accorded a warm and enthusiastic welcome by the members of the Indian community and the representatives of the Jewish Indian diaspora. The reception was marked by vibrant cultural performances by Indian and Israeli artistes, symbolising the enduring friendship between the two nations. Taking to the social media platform X, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu shared a video of PM Modi's arrival, stating, "Welcome to Israel, my dear friend Narendra Modi". https://x.com/netanyahu/status/2026616915171426761?s=20 Netanyahu hailed the visit of his good friend, calling it historic. "My wife Sara and I welcomed today our good friend, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, who has arrived for another historic visit to Israel. Prime Minister Modi previously visited Israel in 2017, and I later paid a reciprocal visit to India that was truly exceptional. We share a close personal relationship, speak often, and I believe that the deep friendship between us powerfully reflects on the ties between our two countries," Netanyahu said in a post on X. https://x.com/netanyahu/status/2026640139355607334?s=20 Earlier in the day, Netanyahu and his wife welcomed Prime Minister Modi at the airport. PM Modi's pocket handkerchief and Sara Netanyahu's outfit synced in saffron. With the red carpet rolled out, PM Modi and Netanyahu's hug spoke a thousand words about their endearing friendship. PM Modi began a two-day official visit to Israel by meeting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv. In a warm gesture, Israeli PM Netanyahu and his wife personally welcomed him at the airport and honoured him with a special guard of honour. (ANI)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of his address to the Israeli Parliament, Knesset, and described him as "a great friend of Israel, a great champion of the Indian-Israeli alliance, a great leader on the world stage." PM Netanyahu described PM Modi as "dear friend" and said he was deeply moved by the visit. "I have to tell you, Narendra, my dear friend, I am deeply, deeply moved by your visit here today. I've never been more moved than by your visit here with us, a great friend of Israel, a great champion of the Indian-Israeli alliance, a great leader on the world stage. Welcome to Jerusalem, my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and your distinguished delegation," he said. "I would almost venture to say, more than a friend, a brother. Now, when you were last here, we, the two of us, were on the Mediterranean coast, and I said, why don't we take off our shoes and go into the water?... We didn't walk on water, but we did perform miracles since then. Because what we have done is we've doubled our trade, tripled our cooperation, quadrupled our understanding," he added. Amir Ohana, Speaker of the Knesset, said it his privilege to welcome PM Modi. "Today, it is my great privilege as Speaker of the Knesset to welcome him as the first Prime Minister of India to address the Knesset and to make history once again. Thank you, Prime Minister Modi," he said. On his arrival in the Parliament, PM Modi was welcomed with "Modi, Modi" chants and received a standing ovation. PM Modi and his wife Sara Netanyahu attend official reception ceremony at the Knesset for PM Modi. PM Modi earlier arrived in Tel Aviv on two-day visit to Israel. (ANI)
Singapore's High Commissioner to India, Simon Wong, on Wednesday said that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's visit to Singapore concluded successfully, resulting in record-breaking investment commitments for the state. In a post on X, Wong said, "Singapore is pleased to see that Honble CM #YogiAdityanath visit has concluded successfully with record-breaking investments into #UP. Our team is looking forward to implementing the commitments made. HC Wong" https://x.com/SGinIndia/status/2026636217853555161?s=20 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who was on an official visit to Singapore from February 22 to 24, said the state received investment proposals worth up to Rs 1 lakh crore during his engagements, with Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 60,000 crore already finalised, terming it a significant step towards transforming the state into a $1 trillion economy. Sharing a post on X, the Chief Minister's official handle stated, "To boost investment in Uttar Pradesh, we have received investment proposals worth up to 1 lakh crore in Singapore, along with MoUs worth 60,000 crore that have been finalised. All of these will prove to be milestones in the direction of making Uttar Pradesh a $1 trillion economy." Earlier in Singapore, CM Yogi pitched his state as a secure and fast-growing destination for global investment. Assuring business leaders of a good environment in the state, the Chief Minister said, "I can assure you that every investment coming into Uttar Pradesh is secured. We not only gave a safe environment, but also showed how to connect scale with skill and speed." He added that the state has established a new identity focused on transformation and growth. Highlighting India's broader economic progress, the Chief Minister said the country has advanced significantly over the past decade under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and is on track to become the world's third-largest economy. Adityanath noted that Uttar Pradesh's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has increased from Rs 13 lakh crore to Rs 36 lakh crore in the past nine years, contributing 9.5 per cent to India's GDP. He described the state as a "dream destination" for investment and a top achiever in Ease of Doing Business and deregulation rankings. Emphasising infrastructure readiness, he cited the availability of a large land bank, skilled manpower, and connectivity through projects such as the dedicated freight corridor.CM Yogi Adityanath said, "We have infrastructure and land bank in Uttar Pradesh. Investing in UP is easy because of the availability of trained and skilled manpower, a large land bank, and a dedicated freight corridor." Inviting global investors to partner in the state's growth story, Adityanath said Uttar Pradesh offers safety, stability, and speed across sectors, positioning itself as a key engine of India's economic growth. CM Yogi Adityanath was 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. (ANI)
India and Israel's collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI), along with their combined expertise, is expected to drive innovation and shape the future of technology, said Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, Israel's Special Envoy for Trade and Innovation. Speaking to ANI, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Israel for his two-day state visit, Hassan-Nahoum highlighted the complementary strengths of both nations in AI. "Israel's got the highest concentration of AI talent in the world. We have leading AI technologies. We know India also; in your Bangalore Silicon Valley region, you are also very advanced with AI innovation. AI is the future. And if India and Israel can actually ally, we can reshape or shape the future in the best possible way," she said. The envoy emphasised that the shared values and vision underpin the partnership, noting that it would be a "good thing" if the future of AI is left to India and Israel. "We share values. We understand the values of family. We understand the values of our faiths. I think that to leave the future of AI in the hands of India and Israel is a good thing," Hassan-Nahoum added. PM Modi is currently on a state visit to Israel at the invitation of his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu. His visit comes just days after India hosted the AI Impact Summit 2026, the first international AI Summit to be hosted in the Global South. The Summit, anchored in three foundational pillars, or 'Sutras': People, Planet and Progress, witnessed unprecedented participation, with over 20 Heads of State, 60 Ministers, and 500 global AI leaders. Bringing together policymakers, technology companies, innovators, academia, and industry leaders, the Summit sought to translate global AI deliberations into actionable development outcomes under the IndiaAI Mission and the Digital India initiative. The envoy also pointed to broader regional and multilateral collaborations that could benefit from strengthened India-Israel ties. "We were talking for a while about the India-Middle East corridor, which is a way of connecting the East through Israel to Europe. That's a very important subject. I was also very involved with I2U2 -- India, Israel, the UAE, and the United States. I hope that comes back to the table. India and the UAE, with the US and Israel, can do wonderful things together," she said. Hassan-Nahoum noted that cooperation could extend beyond AI into sectors such as agriculture and water technologies. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed condolences of the people of India for the lives lost in the terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023 and said, like Israel, India has a consistent and uncompromising policy of zero tolerance against terrorism with no double standards. Addressing the Israeli Parliament, Knesset, PM Modi said countering terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action, because terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere. "I carry with me the deepest condolences of the people of India for every life lost and for every family whose world was shattered in the barbaric terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7th. We feel your pain, we share your grief. India stands with Israel firmly, with full conviction in this moment and beyond," he said, receiving a standing ovation. "No cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism. India has also endured the pain of terrorism for a long time. We remember the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the innocent lives lost, including Israeli citizens. Like you, we have a consistent and uncompromising policy of zero tolerance for terrorism with no double standards," he added. PM Modi said terrorism aims to destabilise societies, to block development and to erode trust. "Countering terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action because terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere. That's why India supports all efforts that contribute to durable peace and regional stability," he said. The Prime Minister said last month, the world marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day. "The Holocaust stands as one of humanity's darkest chapters. Yet, even in those turbulent years, some acts of humanity stood out. The Maharaja of Nawanagar in Gujarat, also known as the Jam Saheb, offered refuge to Polish children, including Jewish children, who had nowhere else to turn," he said. He noted that there is great admiration in India for Israel's resolve, courage and achievements. PM Modi also noted that he was born on the same day that India formally recognised Israel and said he is very happy returning to a land to which he has always felt drawn. "It is a privilege and honour for me to stand before this dfistinguished house. I do so as the Prime Minister of India and also as a representative of one ancient civilisation addressing another. I bring with me the geetings of 1.4 billion Indians and a message of friendship, respect and partnership," PM Modi said. "Nine years ago, I had the good fortune to be the first PM of India to visit Israel, and I'm very happy to be here again, returning to a land to which I always felt drawn. After all, I was on the same day that India formally recognised Israel, September 17, 1950," he added. Earlier, PM Modi signed the Knesset's official guest book in the Chagall Hall. PM Modi arrived in Israel earlier in the day on a two-day state visit. He is accompanied by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. (ANI)
Celebrating the exceptional personal chemistry and diplomatic synergy between the two nations, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed his Indian counterpart at the Israeli Parliament, Knesset, describing the relationship as a "wondrous friendship, both personally between the two of us and between our two countries and our peoples." The leader shared a heartfelt reflection on the reception earlier in the day at the airport. "Earlier today, my wife Sara and I greeted you at the airport. And just as you came down the steps, we embraced each other. Prime Minister Modi's personal embrace is something special. It's called the Modi hug. It's well known around the world. And when you hug someone, closely, truly, you know it's not an act. It's a real thing. It's called the Modi hug," Netanyahu remarked while addressing the Knesset. Emphasising that this gesture carries deep symbolic weight for the bilateral bond, he added, "So I want to return the hug here to every single one of the Knesset members, and it's not only an indication of the personal relations, of the personal friendship between us, but it really reflects the warmth of the tie between our two peoples." Characterising the strategic power of the two democracies, the Premier noted, "India is a gigantic power of almost one and a half billion people. Israel is somewhat smaller, but Israel is gigantic too. I want to say that the alliance between us is an enormous multiplier of our individual powers, an enormous multiplier. It's a multiplier of the spirit and a multiplier of deeds and capabilities." Netanyahu also expressed profound gratitude for the Indian government's steadfast support following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks in southern Israel in which over 1000 Israelis were killed. Addressing PM Narendra Modi, he stated, "You stood next to Israel, you stood by Israel, you stood for Israel, you stood for the truth. Thank you, my friend." Netanyahu, who described PM Narendra Modi as "more than a friend, a brother," further noted that the two nations share "common interests" and have witnessed a significant surge in trade and cooperation in recent years. Welcoming his "dear friend" to the parliament, he admitted he "has never been more moved" by the visit of his Indian counterpart. Netanyahu described PM Narendra Modi as "a great friend of Israel, a great champion of the Israeli-Indian alliance, and a great leader on the world stage," adding, "Welcome to Jerusalem, my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and your distinguished delegation. Welcome to Jerusalem." Joining in the historic reception, Amir Ohana, Speaker of the Knesset, said it was his privilege to welcome the Indian leader. "Today, it is my great privilege as Speaker of the Knesset to welcome him as the first Prime Minister of India to address the Knesset and to make history once again. Thank you, Prime Minister Modi," he said. The significance of the moment was palpable upon his arrival in the Parliament, where PM Narendra Modi was welcomed with "Modi, Modi" chants and received a standing ovation. Earlier, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with his wife, Sara Netanyahu, attended the official reception ceremony at the Knesset for PM Modi, following his arrival in Tel Aviv for a two-day state visit to Israel. (ANI)
The Israeli Parliament on Wednesday conferred "Speaker of the Knesset Medal" upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This is the highest honour of the Knesset. The award was conferred in recognition of PM Modi's "exceptional contribution through his personal leadership" to strengthen strategic relations between India and Israel. The medal was conferred after PM Modi's speech in the Israeli Parliament. After his speech, PM Modi interacted with members of the Israeli parliament, the Knesset. The MPs took selfies and photographs with PM Modi. PM Modi received a standing ovation during his speech, which was also marked by rapturous applause. In his speech, PM Modi said there is great admiration for Israel's resolve, courage, and achievements in India. "Long before we related to each other as modern States, we were linked by ties that go back more than two thousand years. The Book of Esther refers to India as Hodu. The Talmud records trade with India in ancient times," he said. "Jewish merchants travelled across sea routes that connected the Mediterranean with the Indian Ocean. They came seeking opportunity and dignity. And, in India, they became one of us. Jewish communities have lived in India without fear of persecution or discrimination. They have preserved their faith and participated fully in society. That record is a source of pride for us," he added. PM Modi said that at the heart of the India-Israel partnership are the ties between our peoples. "When I first visited Israel in 2006, there were a handful of Yoga centres in Israel. Today, Yoga seems to be practiced in almost every neighbourhood. I am told that interest in Ayurveda is also growing in Israel. I invite more and more young Israelis to travel to India. They will witness the dynamism of our society, and experience what holistic wellness can do for the body and the mind," he said. He said the Indian Parliament has set up a Parliamentary Friendship Group for Israel. "I invite you all to visit India and look forward to having more exchanges between our Members of Parliament," he said (ANI)
MIAMI, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ERMProtect, a leading cybersecurity and forensics firm based in Miami, has launched a new brand identity in celebration of its 28-year anniversary this month. The rollout marks a strategic new chapter for the company and reflects its evolution from a boutique consultancy into a globally recognized cybersecurity partner serving more than 450 clients across 40+ industries.

Founded on Feb. 16, 1998, ERMProtect has spent nearly three decades helping organizations safeguard sensitive data, investigate cyber incidents, and navigate shifting regulatory landscapes. This rebrand reflects the company's enhanced capabilities, offering clients a robust platform of aligned cyber risk management services under one committed partner.

In recent years, the company has expanded its offerings from IT audits to a full suite of advisory, technical and compliance services. With a renewed focus on AI and digital forensics, the company now offers a broad range of capabilities to fully meet client needs, from assessment to protection to incident response.

"Our clients now have a go-to consulting partner who can help them tackle today's diverse array of cybersecurity challenges," said company founder and president Silka Gonzalez. "Whether they need assistance rolling out AI, hardening security, ensuring compliance, staffing up for a special project, or dealing with a security breach, they have one company they can turn to for help."

This unique breadth of offerings, paired with experience in more than 40 industries across the globe, ensures that ERMProtect clients receive the guidance they need to operate confidently in today's growing threat environment.

"By streamlining consulting services under ERMProtect's top-in-field consultants, clients gain a committed partner in the fight against cybersecurity threats, while also benefiting from our expertise and boutique pricing," she said.

Gonzalez, a cybersecurity leader with Big Four and Fortune 500 experience, said the company's evolution is a natural extension of her founding vision 28 years ago. Gonzalez, who founded ERMProtect at a time when cyber risk was only beginning to emerge as a corporate priority, recognized then that organizations would need to rely on informed security consulting partners to stay ahead of emerging threats.

"The threat landscape is only going to grow, challenging organizations to continually step up their cybersecurity game," Gonzalez said. "Our job is to help them meet the moment by ensuring digital trust, resilience, and continuity."

About ERMProtect

ERMProtect is a leading cybersecurity firm headquartered in Miami, with over 28 years of experience helping organizations secure their environments, protect their data, and ensure compliance. Serving clients across 40+ industries and 450+ organizations worldwide, ERMProtect offers a full suite of cybersecurity services including compliance and IT security audits, penetration testing, PCI compliance, incident response, digital forensics, AI implementation, outsourcing, and on-demand security consulting. The company's training division offers a 100+ module library of Security Awareness Training and in-person, PhD-led sessions that teach organizations how to protect data and incorporate better security.

Learn more at https://www.ermprotect.com.

SOURCE ERMProtect
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday, in his virtual address at the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council, highlighted Indian advocacy for advancing human rights through dialogue, capacity-building and genuine partnerships. Jaishankar advocated non-politicisation, selectivity or double standards of advocating human rights selectivity or double standards. In a post on X, he said, "Addressed the 61st Session of UN Human Rights Council virtually. As an elected member, India's mandate reflects the trust and expectations of the international community, especially of the Global South. Highlighted: Our advocacy for advancing human rights through dialogue, capacity-building and genuine partnerships, and not by politicisation, selectivity or double standards. The successful use of DPI and technology in advancing inclusion and access. India stands ready to share its learning and experiences with our partners. Zero tolerance and no justification for terrorism, the most egregious violator of Human Rights." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/2026697721080664523?s=20 Jaishankar said, "As the world's largest democracy, India remains firmly committed to working with all members and observers to promote and protect all human rights for all people based on equality, openness and respect. For us, human rights are not abstract ideals, but an integral part of our civilizational ethos." Jaishankar noted that the marginalisation of any group eventually undermines the rights of all. "We have consistently underlined dialogue over confrontation, consensus over division and human-centric development over narrow interests. Our vision is rooted in the understanding that the insecurity of any region or the marginalisation of any group eventually undermines the rights and well-being of all," he said. Jaishankar also reflected upon India's zero-tolerance policy for terrorism. "We remain firm and uncompromising, Mr President, in our opposition to terrorism in all forms and manifestations as well. Terrorism is among the most egregious violations of human rights, and there can be no justification, especially when innocent lives are targeted. Confronting terrorism requires collective resolve, and we look at this concern and to the United Nations at large to advocate zero tolerance for terrorist acts," he said. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed his gratitude after receiving the "Speaker of the Knesset Medal", calling it a tribute to the enduring friendship between India and Israel rather than to an individual. In a post on X, PM Modi said, "I am deeply honoured to receive the Medal of the Knesset. I accept it with humility and gratitude." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2026708230672626156?s=20 "This honour is not a tribute to an individual, but to the enduring friendship between India and Israel. It reflects the shared values that guide our two nations," the post read. The Israeli Parliament on Wednesday conferred the "Speaker of the Knesset Medal" on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This is the highest honour of the Knesset. The award was conferred in recognition of PM Modi's "exceptional contribution through his personal leadership" to strengthen strategic relations between India and Israel. The medal was conferred after PM Modi's speech in the Israeli Parliament. After his speech, PM Modi interacted with members of the Israeli parliament, the Knesset. The MPs took selfies and photographs with PM Modi. PM Modi received a standing ovation during his speech, which was also marked by rapturous applause. In his speech, PM Modi said there is great admiration for Israel's resolve, courage, and achievements in India. "Long before we related to each other as modern States, we were linked by ties that go back more than two thousand years. The Book of Esther refers to India as Hodu. The Talmud records trade with India in ancient times," he said. "Jewish merchants travelled across sea routes that connected the Mediterranean with the Indian Ocean. They came seeking opportunity and dignity. And, in India, they became one of us. Jewish communities have lived in India without fear of persecution or discrimination. They have preserved their faith and participated fully in society. That record is a source of pride for us," he added. PM Modi said that at the heart of the India-Israel partnership are the ties between our peoples. "When I first visited Israel in 2006, there were a handful of Yoga centres in Israel. Today, Yoga seems to be practiced in almost every neighbourhood. I am told that interest in Ayurveda is also growing in Israel. I invite more and more young Israelis to travel to India. They will witness the dynamism of our society, and experience what holistic wellness can do for the body and the mind," he said. He said the Indian Parliament has set up a Parliamentary Friendship Group for Israel. (ANI)
India and Germany reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening adaptation and resilience at a high-level climate talk hosted at the German Embassy in New Delhi on Wednesday evening. The dialogue titled "From Risk to Resilience: Advancing Adaptation Policy Pathways," brought together policymakers, climate experts, think tanks and development partners to discuss governance frameworks, policy priorities and practical pathways to advance resilience. As per an official statement, it was noted that a key focus of the evening was India's forthcoming National Adaptation Plan (NAP), currently being finalised under the leadership of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Germany and India are deepening cooperation to support the implementation of the NAP, particularly in strengthening climate resilience in forests, ecosystems and biodiversity. Under the International Climate Initiative (IKI), Germany has launched a new Large Grant project for India with a funding volume up to EUR 20 million. The project aims to enhance resilience in high-risk ecosystems across priority regions, including the Himalayas, island regions, the Western Ghats, the North-East and the Lower Gangetic floodplains, the statement noted. It added that the initiative will support ecosystem-based approaches (EbA) such as forest restoration, biodiversity corridor connectivity, flood and erosion control, groundwater recharge and community-led natural resource management. It will also strengthen monitoring, evaluation and learning frameworks linked to the NAP and explore innovative financing mechanisms, including blended finance, biodiversity credits and insurance schemes "Ecosystem-based approaches create multiple wins," Flasbarth noted. "They not only reduce climate risks but strengthen livelihoods, enhance biodiversity and are often more cost-effective than purely technical solutions." As per an official statement, the discussion featured Jochen Flasbarth, State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN), in conversation with Ulka Kelkar, Executive Director (Climate, Economics & Finance) at WRI India. The event was opened by Philipp Ackermann, Ambassador of Germany to India and Bhutan. In his remark, State Secretary Flasbarth underlined that adaptation is now a central pillar of climate policy globally. "We no longer have the privilege of choosing between mitigation and adaptation. The less we reduce emissions, the more we must invest in adaptation, and ultimately someone will pay the cost, either today through planned action or tomorrow through climate impacts". Highlighting the importance of international partnerships, Flasbarth emphasized that adaptation must be rooted in mutual learning. "Germany and India already share a strong foundation of cooperation on climate and environment. The next step is translating adaptation strategies into practical solutions that strengthen resilience on the ground". Speaking at the dialogue, Ulka Kelkar, Executive Director (Climate, Economics & Finance), WRI India, emphasised that adaptation must now move from strategy documents to budget lines and implementation frameworks. "Adaptation cannot be assumed to happen automatically through development. Climate-resilient growth requires deliberate upfront investment, otherwise societies end up paying far higher costs later through climate impacts," she said, adding, "The climate risks scientists warned about decades ago are now unfolding in real time. This makes precautionary adaptation planning essential for countries like India as growth and climate resilience must advance together," as per the statement. The statement further observed how Germany continues to prioritise adaptation finance globally and mentioned that in 2024, Germany's international climate finance contribution amounted to EUR 11.8 billion, of which nearly half of public budget resources supported adaptation measures. This reflects Germany's commitment to scaling up adaptation finance while mobilising private sector investment. The conversation also highlighted the need to integrate mitigation and adaptation. While adaptation is critical, reducing emissions remains the most fundamental step to avoid reaching hard adaptation limits. India's progress in renewable energy expansion was acknowledged as an important mitigation achievement, the statement highlighted. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the Free Trade Agreement being negotiated between India and Israel will unlock the vast untapped potential in bilateral trade relationship. The Prime Minister, who addressed Special Plenary of the Knesset on Wednesday, also spoke about the defence cooperation between the two countries and said "a strong defence partnership between trusted partners like India and Israel is of vital importance" in an uncertain world. PM Modi said India has been the fastest-growing major economy in the world for the last few years and will be among the top three economies globally. He said Israel is a powerhouse of innovation and technological leadership and this creates a natural foundation for a forward-looking partnership. "We are committed to expanding trade, strengthening investment flows, and promoting joint infrastructure development. The Bilateral Investment Treaty signed last year will provide confidence and predictability to our businesses," he said. The Prime Minister said India has concluded a number of important trade agreements with other nations. "To your West, the European Union, and the UK. To your East, the UAE and Oman. Our bilateral goods trade has grown manifold in recent years. But, it does not reflect the full scope of opportunity. That is why our teams are working hard to negotiate an ambitious Free Trade Agreement. It will unlock the vast untapped potential in our trade relationship," he said. "We will also work closely in different formats such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and the I2U2 framework between India, Israel, UAE and the US. Defence and Security is another important pillar of our partnership. In November last year, we signed an MOU on Defence Cooperation. In today's uncertain world, a strong defence partnership between trusted partners like India and Israel is of vital importance," he added. Noting that Israel is often called the "start-up nation", PM Modi said that in recent years, India has also been working to unlock the innovation and creativity of its youth. "I recall that in 2018, Prime Minister Netanyahu and I inaugurated the iCreate Technology Business Incubator in India. Since then, it has supported nearly 900 such start-ups." He said India hosted the world's largest and most democratised AI Impact Summit last week, with representatives from over 100 countries. "Our aspirational spirit aligns naturally with Israel's innovation ecosystem. I see a lot of synergies in areas such as quantum technologies, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence. We are also working with Israel on creating cross-border financial linkages using our Digital Public Infrastructure," he said. "Israeli expertise in precision irrigation and water management has already transformed agricultural practices in India. Together, we have established 43 Centres of Excellence across India that have provided training to more than half a million farmers. We should now set an ambitious goal of expanding to 100 Centres to benefit millions of farmers and fishermen," he added. The Prime Minister said that at the heart of the India-Israel partnership are the ties between our peoples. "When I first visited Israel in 2006, there were a handful of Yoga centres in Israel. Today, Yoga seems to be practiced in almost every neighbourhood! I am told that interest in Ayurveda is also growing in Israel. I invite more and more young Israelis to travel to India. They will witness the dynamism of our society, and experience what holistic wellness can do for the body and the mind." He said the Indian Parliament has set-up a Parliamentary Friendship Group for Israel and invited Israel parliamentarians to visit India. The Prime Minister said that Indian caregivers and skilled workers in Israel contribute immensely to families and communities. "They have displayed remarkable courage and dedication in times of crisis, including on October 7. We are proud of them." "As the Jewish teaching reminds us, 'Whoever saves one life, saves the entire world.' Their service reflects the strength of the human bonds behind our cooperation. We will continue to facilitate the movement of workers and professionals across sectors that benefit both of our nations," he added. Noting that India and Israel are ancient civilizations, PM Modi said it is perhaps no surprise that our civilisational traditions also reveal philosophical parallels. "In Israel, the principle of Tikkun Olam speaks of healing the world. In India, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam affirms that the world is one family. Both ideas extend responsibility beyond immediate boundaries. They ask societies to act with compassion and moral courage. "Judaism emphasises Halakha, guiding everyday conduct through law and practice. Hindu philosophy speaks of Dharma, the moral order that shapes duty and right action. In both traditions, ethical life is lived through action, and faith is expressed through conduct," he said. "There is an endearing similarity in our festivals as well. You celebrate Hanukkah with the warm glow of candles. Around the same time, we celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, with the gentle radiance of lamps. Soon, India will celebrate the festival of Holi, filled with happiness and colour. And around the same time, Israel will also celebrate Purim with enthusiasm and joy," he added. PM Modi said that shared ideals are the deep foundations that give strength to modern partnership between the two countries. "We are democracies shaped by history and focused on the future. Our partnership is grounded in shared experience and shared aspirations. Our strong partnership not only serves national interests but also contributes to global stability and prosperity. Let us ensure that the friendship between India and Israel remains a source of strength in an uncertain world," he said. The Prime Minister said that after India's independence, many Indian leaders felt a kinship with the people of Israel. "India's parliamentary debates of the 1950s are witness to their admiration for Israel's efforts to develop agriculture in the desert. The Kibbutz movement of Israel inspired our leaders like Acharya Vinoba Bhave and Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan. First in my home state Gujarat, and now across India, I have seen the approach of 'Per Drop, More Crop' work wonders in agriculture," he said. Noting that the two countries elevated relationship to "Strategic Partnership" during his visit to Israel in 2017, he said the engagement has expanded in scale and scope. "And we are committed to further consolidate this relationship across many sectors," the Prime Minister said. (ANI)
Grimco and ND Graphics Recognized for Incredible Supplier Relationship

CARROLLTON, Texas, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- FASTSIGNS , the leader in the custom signs and visual solutions industry, presented the U.S. Vendor of the Year Award to Grimco and the Canadian Vendor of the Year Award to Grimco and ND Graphics at the 2026 FASTSIGNS International Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The FASTSIGNS Vendor of the Year is selected by FASTSIGNS franchisees and is based on the integrity of business practices, product quality, and having a long-term commitment to the FASTSIGNS network.

"The Vendor of the Year title is reserved for those who demonstrate a relentless commitment to the franchisee experience, who go beyond the transaction to become a vital part of our franchisees' daily operations," said Jim Howe, president of FASTSIGNS International, Inc. "We are honoring Grimco and ND Graphics because they have distinguished themselves by delivering not just quality products, but the kind of proactive service that allows our centers to thrive."

For more than 20 years, Grimco has partnered with FASTSIGNS centers, providing quality wholesale sign supply products including wide format digital media and equipment, substrates, electrical components, screen printing supplies, traffic signs and sign blanks.

"Receiving the FASTSIGNS Vendor of the Year award for both the United States and Canada for 2025 is a tremendous honor for Grimco," shared Director of National Accounts  Franchises, Allyson Dworak. "Our partnership with FASTSIGNS franchisees and corporate is built on a shared commitment to grow together. This award reflects the hard work of our entire company to help each FASTSIGNS location thrive. Thank you for your partnership and this recognition."

ND Graphics has been privileged to support FASTSIGNS centers since 2017 by providing a full range of sign and visual graphics materials, equipment and product solutions. Their offerings include everything from essential signmaking supplies to advanced digital media and electrical components.

"ND Graphics is very honoured to be recognized as FASTSIGNS' Canadian Vendor of the Year," said ND Graphics Strategic Account Manager, Rick Lewicki. "We remain committed to working closely with FASTSIGNS to deliver the products and solutions they require to help grow their businesses. Our 10 Canadian branches take great pride in supporting all FASTSIGNS locations across Canada with quality materials and services to ensure the continued success of our partnership. We value our longstanding relationship with FASTSIGNS Canada and look forward to building our partnership in the years ahead."

About FASTSIGNS:

FASTSIGNS is the leader in the custom signs and visual solutions industry. With over 40 years of experience, FASTSIGNS helps customers bring their vision to life and achieve more than they ever thought possible. As the largest service-oriented business within the Propelled Brands family, FASTSIGNS spans over 790 independently owned and operated centers across the United States, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, the United Kingdom, Canada, Chile, Grand Cayman, Malta, and Australia (where centers operate as SIGNWAVE).

FASTSIGNS is frequently recognized for franchisee satisfaction and with awards that include being ranked #1 in its category on ENTREPRENEUR's highly competitive Franchise 500 List in 2026 for the tenth consecutive year, and continuous recognition from Franchise Business Review in categories such as Top Franchises for Culture, Women, Veterans and more.

For more information or to learn about opportunities, visit fastsigns.com or contact Mark Jameson ([email protected] or call 214.346.5679).

SOURCE FASTSIGNS International, Inc.
University of Kordofan has reported extensive damage to its central campus in El-Obeid after drones it attributed to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) struck the facility on Monday, February 23.

In a statement, the Universitys media office said the attack targeted several buildings within the main Campus complex in El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state, resulting in significant destruction to infrastructure. No immediate details were provided regarding casualties.

The Emergency Lawyers Association condemned the strike, holding the RSF responsible and describing the incident as part of a growing pattern of assaults on civilian installations. The group stressed that targeting educational institutions constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law, warning that such attacks erode the right to education and jeopardise the future of students caught in the conflict.

Sudan has been engulfed in a protracted war between the national army and the RSF since April 2023. According to United Nations estimates, the conflict has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced approximately 13 million, and fuelled one of the worlds gravest humanitarian crises.
Libyas National Institution for Human Rights has strongly criticised the arrest of prominent poet Fayez Al-Arfi by members of the Internal Security Agency aligned with the countrys parallel Government.

According to the institution, Al-Arfi was detained from his home in the eastern city of Al-Marj after reciting a poem in which he lamented worsening living conditions and the countrys deepening economic crisis.

Video footage circulated on social media also showed the poet openly criticizing the performance of security Agencies in eastern Libya, remarks which are believed to have precipitated his arrest.

The human rights body described the detention as a grave violation of fundamental rights, the rule of law and the principles of justice. It further characterised the move as a clear breach of existing legislation and legal protections.

In its statement, the institution expressed strong condemnation of what it termed irresponsible conduct and an assault on freedom of opinion and expression, as well as artistic and cultural liberties. The incident has renewed concerns among civil society groups over shrinking civic space and the protection of free speech in Libyas increasingly polarised political environment.
The European Union on Tuesday reiterated its solidarity with Ukraine during a diplomatic event in Nouakchott marking the fourth anniversary of the start of the Russo-Ukrainian War.

In a statement, the EU said ambassadors from the European Group, alongside representatives of the United States, the United Kingdom and Japan, expressed their continued support for Ukraine and its people.

The ceremony was attended by Ukraines charge daffaires accredited to Mauritania, underscoring sustained diplomatic backing amid the protracted conflict.

Separately, the German Embassy in Nouakchott reaffirmed Berlins commitment to Ukraines independence and the restoration of its sovereignty and territorial integrity within internationally recognised borders.

Germanys Ambassador to Mauritania, Florian Reindl, participated in the event hosted at the EU mission in Nouakchott, signalling continued European engagement on the issue.
Libyas National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) has held talks on February 24 with the International Organization for Migration (IOM)  Libya Office to strengthen support for the countrys National Tuberculosis Control Programme amid rising infection rates.

The discussions, backed by the Global Fund, focused on the growing burden of tuberculosis (TB), particularly in areas with high concentrations of migrants and transit populations.

Officials noted that the surge in cases is placing additional strain on national health facilities and carries direct implications for Libyas broader health security system.

Both sides underscored the need for more coordinated interventions targeting vulnerable groups, with emphasis on enhancing disease surveillance, bolstering epidemic response mechanisms and ensuring uninterrupted access to diagnostic and treatment services.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to develop a joint action plan anchored on clearly defined priorities and measurable performance indicators to guarantee effective implementation and monitoring.

The partnership will prioritise high migrant-density areas, improve the quality of healthcare delivery in line with shifting epidemiological trends, and strengthen technical and logistical support to ease pressure on public health facilities.

The collaboration is also expected to deepen institutional integration among relevant stakeholders, reinforcing Libyas overall health response framework and improving public health outcomes nationwide.
At least 28 civilians have been killed and 39 others injured, including 10 women, following an attack by Sudans paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in North Darfur, a medical group reported on Tuesday.

The Sudan Doctors Network said the casualties resulted from a rocket strike on the town of Mustariha in western Sudan. The assault reportedly destroyed the areas only health Centre.

According to the group, medical personnel were also targeted during the attack. One healthcare worker was detained and remains missing. The strike has triggered fresh displacement, with residents fleeing to nearby villages and settlements amid already severe humanitarian conditions.

The Sudan Doctors Network described the attack as a fully fledged crime and a blatant violation of international humanitarian law prohibiting assaults on civilians.

It called on the international community to urgently protect displaced civilians, facilitate the delivery of humanitarian and medical assistance, and ensure accountability for those responsible.

The RSF currently controls four of Darfurs five states in western Sudan, while parts of North Darfur remain under the authority of the Sudanese army. The military retains control over most other regions, including the capital, Khartoum. Darfur accounts for roughly one-fifth of Sudans territory, which spans more than 1.8 million square kilometres. The majority of the countrys estimated 50 million people live in areas held by the army.

Fighting between the RSF and the Sudanese armed forces erupted in April 2023 over plans to integrate the paramilitary group into the national military. The conflict has since fuelled famine conditions in what is widely regarded as one of the worlds gravest humanitarian crises, leaving tens of thousands dead and millions displaced.
Denver Restaurant Fined for Child Labor Violations

Federal investigators found that Mt. Fuji Hibachi in Aurora allowed minors to perform hazardous tasks and work illegal hours.

A federal investigation into a Denver-area restaurant has resulted in significant penalties after authorities discovered multiple violations of child labor laws, including the use of minors for hazardous tasks.

The U.S. DOLs Wage and Hour Division determined that Mt. Fuji Hibachi Inc., operating as Mt. Fuji Sushi & Hibachi, violated the Fair Labor Standards Act by employing a 17-year-old to operate a trash compactor. Under federal law, loading or operating power-driven trash compactors is classified as a hazardous occupation and is strictly prohibited for workers under the age of 18.

Investigators also identified 14 employees, ages 14 and 15, who were scheduled for shifts that exceeded legal limits. Federal protections restrict these age groups from working past 7 p.m. during the school year and prohibit them from working more than eight hours on non-school days.

The Wage and Hour Division is committed to protecting minors and ensuring employers meet their obligations under the Fair Labor Standards Act, said David Skinner, Wage and Hour Division district director.

As a result of the findings, the restaurant has paid $22,249 in civil money penalties specifically for the child labor violations.

The DOL continues to promote its YouthRules initiative to educate employers and parents on maintaining safe work environments for young employees. The agency also provides resources such as child labor best practices to help businesses remain in compliance with federal safety and hour regulations.
Federal Investigators Cite Three Companies After Gas Exposure Kills Six Workers

OSHA proposed more than $246,000 in penalties following a fatal hydrogen sulfide release at a Colorado dairy.

Federal safety investigators have cited three companies after six workers died from hazardous gas exposure at a Weld County dairy farm last summer.

OSHA launched an investigation into Prospect Ranch LLC following an Aug. 20, 2025, incident involving a manure management system. According to investigators, a pipe in the system disconnected, releasing manure water and toxic hydrogen sulfide gas.

The investigation found that a Prospect Ranch employee and a worker from contractor Fiske Inc. initially attempted to stop the flow but were overcome by the gas. Four additional workersthree from Fiske Inc. and one from Prospect Ranchentered the pump room in an attempt to assist and were also killed. Employees from a second contractor, HD Builders LLC, were on-site during the incident but were not injured.

OSHA cited Prospect Ranch LLC for serious violations, including failure to protect employees from atmospheric hazards and lack of a written hazard communication program. The agency also noted the company failed to train workers on methods to detect hazardous gases. OSHA proposed $132,406 in penalties for the dairy.

Fiske Inc. faces $99,306 in proposed penalties for serious violations related to hazardous atmosphere protection and a failure to provide hydrogen sulfide detection training. HD Builders LLC was cited for failing to maintain a written hazard communication program and failing to provide gas detection training, resulting in $14,897 in proposed fines.

The companies have 15 business days from the receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHAs area director, or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Illinois Grain Company Faces Over $276K in OSHA Penalties

Federal investigators found Alliance Grain Co. violated safety standards after a worker suffered a serious foot injury in a grain silo.

A central Illinois grain company faces $276,407 in proposed federal penalties after a seasonal laborer suffered a serious foot injury, according to OSHA.

The injury occurred when a worker stepped through an unguarded sump hole and onto a moving paddle-style unloading conveyor. Following an inspection, OSHA issued two willful, one serious, and three other-than-serious citations to Alliance Grain Co.

Investigators determined the company failed to protect workers from stepping into sump holes and neglected to provide required grain handling training. The agency also found the employer failed to implement lockout/tagout procedures for dangerous machinery during grain bin entry.

Additional violations included failing to issue permits before bin entry, failing to utilize an observer outside the bin, and failing to test the atmosphere inside the bin before workers entered.

Alliance Grain Co. has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHAs area director, or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Soaring demand for power generation, the U.S. goal of quadrupling nuclear electricity generation by 2050, and a looming ban on Russian nuclear fuel imports could create a bottleneck in the nuclear fuel supply chain, according to U.S. enrichment company Centrus Energy.

The American supplier of the key nuclear fuel is expanding domestic enrichment capacities, and so are other major Western firms. But until the new plants come online early next decade, the U.S. could face a supply gap in the fuel, Amir Vexler, chief executive at Centrus Energy, says.

Supply Crunch?

It is my strong belief that there is a gap between supply and demand for the existing market  just the operating reactors that we have now, Vexler told the Financial Times.

I feel the market is strained and will continue to be strained until large amounts of new capacity are going to come online and that will be in the next decade, the executive added.

If a shortage of enriched uranium fuel materializes, it could stymie the Trump Administrations ambitious plan to unleash Americas next nuclear renaissance by quadrupling U.S. nuclear energy capacity from about 100 gigawatts (GW) now to as much as 400 GW by 2050.

Not that Centrus Energy and other major Western nuclear fuel suppliers arent trying. They are expanding their enrichment capacities, especially in the U.S., to take advantage of the American bet on nuclear energy to provide reliable power supply amid surging demand led by AI computing centers.

New U.S. Enrichment Capacity Coming

Centrus Energy has approved a multi-billion-dollar expansion of its uranium enrichment capacity in Piketon, Ohio. The project includes large-scale production of Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU) to address its substantial commercial LEU enrichment contingent backlog of $2.3 billion and growing demand from existing reactors. Centrus Energy has also recently announced a plan to build 12 metric tons of High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) annual capacity for next-generation reactors.

Related: Canadas Oil Patch Swept Up in Record $38B Consolidation Wave

In December 2025, Centrus launched centrifuge manufacturing to support this expansion, and in early January 2026, the Department of Energy selected Centrus for a $900 million HALEU task order.

The DOE nuclear fuel HALEU awards also included $900 million each to American Centrifuge Operating and Orano Federal Services, the U.S. unit of French firm Orano, one of the biggest Western suppliers of nuclear fuel.

Orano plans to deploy an enrichment plant at Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

The project will allow the needs of operators of nuclear reactors in the USA to be secured in accordance with US regulations prohibiting the import of Russian uranium as of 2028, Orano said last month.

The new plant will also meet the growing needs of US energy utilities in the context of demand driven by artificial intelligence and data centers, which require a stable, low-cost and low-carbon source of electricity, the company added.

Following the $900-million DOE funding, Orano will move to the next steps of the project, estimated to cost a total of $5 billion, including the filing of a license application with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission in the first half of 2026.

Currently, only Centrus and Urencoa consortium created in 1970 by the governments of Germany, the Netherlands, and the UKare licensed to enrich uranium on U.S. soil.

Last year, Urenco USA started producing low enriched uranium with its second new cascade of gas centrifuges at its uranium enrichment facility in New Mexico.

At the facility, Urenco USA will add 700,000 separative work units (SWU) of new capacity at the site by 2027, which will increase the plants capacity by 15%.

The company says that it currently has the capacity to meet about one-third of the enrichment needs of U.S. commercial nuclear power plants and noted that its expanded capacity would support a transition away from reliance on Russian supply.

But How Fast?

Despite all these plans and the strong support from the U.S. Administration, a supply gap could occur later this decade until new domestic enrichment capacity comes online in the early 2030s, analysts and executives at key suppliers say.

The U.S. goal of quadrupling nuclear electricity generation capacity to 400 GW by 2050 would imply hiking uranium enrichment twelvefold if all the fuel is sourced domestically, Jean-Luc Palayer, chief executive of Orano USA, told the Wall Street Journal earlier this month.

Theres no time to lose. The U.S. needs more domestic and more diversified enrichment capacity, the executive noted.

Fuel enrichment capacity needs to scale up tremendously if nuclear energy is to meet the soaring U.S. power demand in the medium to long term.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) expects U.S. electricity use to grow by 1% this year and 3% in 2027. This increase would mark the first time since 2007 that power demand has risen for four years in a row and the strongest four-year growth period since 2000, driven by soaring demand from large computing centers.

Nuclear could play a larger role in meeting power demand if nuclear fuel supply soars in lockstep with the growing electricity needs.

Canadian uranium miner NexGen Energy expects Big Tech to increasingly consider supporting new uranium mining projects as companies need additional reliable power capacity for their huge data center expansion.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
The high cost of manufacturing batteries outside of Chinaa US or European battery can cost 50 percent moreand China's early dominance in alternatives like sodium-ion technology make next-generation innovation the primary hope for diversifying supply chains.

China controls an estimated 72 percent of the global lithium-ion market and manufactured over 80 percent of all battery cells in 2024, raising key concerns about geopolitical risk and market resilience.

Global demand for batteries is surging due to the clean energy transition and the energy needs of data centers and artificial intelligence, making them a foundational component of modern economies.

Global battery markets are going gangbusters as demand for new and better battery technologies explodes, driven by the clean energy transition and the proliferation of data centers and artificial intelligence. Batteries provide a critical backup energy source at a time when energy security is under strain at a global level, thanks to the runaway energy demands of the energy and tech sectors.

As applications diversify and costs continue to fall, batteries are evolving into a foundational component of modern economies, states the International Energy Agency. The global market for lithium-ion batteries ballooned to over $150 billion in 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of more than 20 percent, and shows no sign of slowing in 2026.

On the heels of this fresh demand boom, investment in the research and development of advanced and next-gen battery technologies has taken off. Battery and energy storage breakthroughs dominated energy tech innovation in 2025, underscoring how energy security has overtaken affordability and decarbonization as the main priority of energy developers. But, ironically, this race to shore up energy security could also lead to critical risks and insecurities in global battery supply chains.

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A new report from the International Energy Agency warns that as the global economy becomes increasingly reliant on lithium-ion batteries, it is also becoming increasingly reliant on a very small pool of lithium suppliers. China, in particular, dominates supply chains. Beijing controls an estimated 72 percent of the global lithium-ion market. Even more striking, in 2024, more than 8 out of every 10 battery cells on the planet were made in China. These figures raise key questions and concerns around geopolitical risk and market resilience.

China has been slowly but steadily building up and consolidating lithium supplies and value addition for years now. After decades of quiet growth, firms such as CATL, BYD, Gotion High-Tech, and Envision are now primary suppliers for the worlds EVs and energy grids, a recent Wired report stated about Chinas leading battery manufacturers. For the most part, other nations attempts to compete with China are simply too little, too late. While many countries around the world are trying to build up their own battery production capabilities, they still rely on China for primary materials.

Meeting immediate-term energy security goals without also giving ever-increasing leverage to China is a massive and critical political challenge. The scale of energy demand projections driven by the AI boom is rewriting global priorities and placing world leaders squarely between a rock and a hard place, as long-term energy security strategy becomes overshadowed by immediate energy security threats.

This structural imbalance is unlikely to change in the near term, states the International Energy Agency, referring to Chinas massive economic and industrial edge in batterymaking. Addressing it would require a substantial increase in investment and stronger international co-operation across the battery value chain.

The problem is that making batteries in China is just so cheap that producing these products anywhere else seems folly. Even with policy instruments to incentivise and subsidize domestic lithium-ion supply chains, a battery made in the United States or Europe still costs 50 percent more than one produced in China.

So if the world cant out-compete China when it comes to lithium, can we simply go without the so-called white gold in clean energy tech? A large part of the current battery tech innovation boom is focused on just this imperative. But it wont be easy, as lithium is a very practical, affordable, and energy-dense material. But it has its downsides, too. In addition to its supply chain shortfalls, lithium mining and extraction also poses major risks to human and environmental health and wellbeing, and puts considerable strain on finite water resources.

Many alternative battery prototypes are currently in various stages of research and development, each with their own set of benefits and trade-offs. The range of designs is massive, with models as futuristic as quantum batteries and as humble as dirt batteries. One promising alternative is sodium-ion batteries, which could potentially diversify the market and create a more geographically balanced playing field. Sodium is cheap, abundant, and less water-intensive than lithium. Its also available pretty much everywhere. Theres just one problem  China already has that market cornered as well.

By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
Line-up includes the expanded DOMINO family, a mobile workbench Systainer solution for fast fixes and a new cordless combo set for unlimited power

LEBANON, Ind., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Festool, a leader in innovative, precision-engineered and durable power tool solutions, today announced a line-up of new products designed to offer professionals more precision, stability and versatility on the job. The Cordless DOMINO Joiner DFC 500 and DOMINO Joiner DF 500 R, Systainer SYS3 MFT and KSC 60 + Energy Cordless Combo Set support mobility and on-site workflows.

"At Festool, we're dedicated to continually improving the tools professionals already know, trust and rely on every day. That's why we enhanced the fan-favorite DOMINO and expanded the line-up with a new cordless version," said Philip Strnad, Director of Brand & Product Marketing at Festool. "The enhanced and cordless DOMINOs, along with the mobile workbench Systainer and cordless miter saw combo set, equip professionals for success on any job, at any job site. Each product is designed to support efficient work through easy set-ups and faster, more streamlined workflows."

The DOMINO Family is Growing

The DOMINO is engineered to deliver precise alignment, serious holding power, and flexibility across materials and applicationseven for outdoor builds. Its unique cutting motion creates twist-proof mortises that perfectly fit DOMINO Tenons, producing strong, long-lasting wood joints. From the first cut to final assembly, DOMINO helps professionals connect with confidence with stronger joints and a simpler process:

Strong, Rotation Proof Joints: With a rock-solid hold, DOMINO Tenons feature expanding glue pockets and side grooves that lock in tight with no twist and no hassle. From the first tenon, the joint is locked against rotation, so there's no need to align the workpieces.

With a rock-solid hold, DOMINO Tenons feature expanding glue pockets and side grooves that lock in tight with no twist and no hassle. From the first tenon, the joint is locked against rotation, so there's no need to align the workpieces. Fast, Accurate Setup: The new built-in indexing pins make alignment quick and easy. Whether joining trim or framing large pieces, the DOMINO system helps you work fastwith consistent, pro-grade results every time.

The new built-in indexing pins make alignment quick and easy. Whether joining trim or framing large pieces, the DOMINO system helps you work fastwith consistent, pro-grade results every time. Repeatable Workflow: The four built-in index pins allow users to position from a reference edge or an existing mortise. Grouping tenons together gives it added strength. Choose from preset routing depths to match your tenon size and panel thickness for consistency throughout a job.

The four built-in index pins allow users to position from a reference edge or an existing mortise. Grouping tenons together gives it added strength. Choose from preset routing depths to match your tenon size and panel thickness for consistency throughout a job. Virtually Dust-Free Perfect Joints: DOMINO creates chips fast, so hook up a mobile dust extractor for dust-free mortising. Keeping dust away will help to ensure clean and precise cuts.

The expanded DOMINO family includes:

Cordless DOMINO Joiner DFC 500: Built for precision, engineered for stability, powered by cordless freedom. Cordless Freedom: Strong joints, no cords and built for the job site, the DOMINO DFC 500 is part of Festool's 18V battery system so users have full mobility on the job site without the need for a power outlet. Pair it with a cordless dust extractor and it becomes a completely cordless setup. App Capability: Smart Features with the Festool App so users can track a tool's location, find accessories, get tips, update software, or request service right from their phone.

Built for precision, engineered for stability, powered by cordless freedom. DOMINO Joiner DF 500 R: Precision. Stability. Versatility. The power behind every joint.

Systainer SYS3 MFT M 112: Fast fixes anywhere.

For on site sawing, drilling or sanding, set the Systainer MFT down, clamp your piece, and get to workno setup needed. It's easy to carry, connect and move. Features include:

Portable Workbench: Gives professionals a solid work surface wherever they are. The top features holes and grooves to clamp down small parts and get to work right away.

Gives professionals a solid work surface wherever they are. The top features holes and grooves to clamp down small parts and get to work right away. Handles All Kinds of Job: Holds all kinds of materialseven round rods and tubes up to 2" widewith built-in V-groove and foam strip to help hold pieces steady, even without clamps.

Holds all kinds of materialseven round rods and tubes up to 2" widewith built-in V-groove and foam strip to help hold pieces steady, even without clamps. Built in Storage: Store and carry accessories insideeverything stays organized and ready. Need more space? Stack another Systainer of the same height to support longer pieces.

KSC 60 Cordless Compound Miter Saw + Energy Set Combo: Unbeatable precision, unlimited power, anywhere it's needed.

The Cordless Combo Set features:

Delivers flawless crosscuts with twin-column guide for rock-solid accuracy. Exceptional flexibility with a wide range of applications and powered by dual-battery systems for all-day performancewithout the cord.

with twin-column guide for rock-solid accuracy. Exceptional flexibility with a wide range of applications and powered by dual-battery systems for all-day performancewithout the cord. Paired with the Energy set, professionals will have maximum runtime and fast recharge stored in a compact Systainer for easy transport. This is precision, portability, and powerengineered for demanding job sites.

Pricing & Availability

Starting March 25, the DOMINO Joiner DF 500 R (578544) will be available at $1,889. The Systainer SYS3 MFT M 112 (578496) will be available at $109. The KSC 60 + Energy Set Combo (579356) will be available at $1,799. Starting Summer 2026, the Cordless DOMINO Joiner DFC 500 (578121) will be available at $1,779.

For more information, please visit: https://www.festoolusa.com/builtbetter.

About Festool

Festool has been developing innovative, precision-engineered and durable power tool solutions for more than a century. Founded in Germany in 1925, Festool is a leading manufacturer known for its systems-based approach to power tools that are designed for efficiency and high performance. Festool's mission, "Built Better to Build Better," focuses on creating products that empower professional tradespeople to elevate their skills and deliver outstanding work by helping them build cleaner, faster, smarter...better.

Festool USA is based in Lebanon, Indiana. For more information, visit www.festoolusa.com.

SOURCE Festool USA
The surge in electricity demand in the worlds AI hotspots has prompted a comparable surge in the demand for reliable supply. That surge was not expected. There are not enough gas turbines to secure that supply. This means the AI revolution would either have to slow down, or the grid would have to increase its reliance on coal.

Natural gas has in recent years been marketed as a so-called bridge fuel between coal and oil, on the one hand, and wind and solar, on the other. When it became clear that bridge is in fact its own country of low-emission baseload generation, natural gas became the object of vilification from activists, to the point that some claimed it was even more harmful for the atmosphere than coal. Then came the AI race.

As Big Tech majors rush to expand their artificial intelligence capabilities and applications, demand for electricity is going through the roof. That jump, however, comes after decades of modest to no growth, reflected in gas turbine makers flat production. Now, they are having to boost this really fast, really high. In the meantime, those with the insatiable electricity demand are having to make do with alternativesincluding repurposed jet fuel engines.

Siemens Energy, one of the worlds top three gas turbine makers, earlier this month reported that its gas services business had seen a record quarter in orders, with a total of 102 new turbines in the backlog. As much as 40% of these new orders came from the United States, and another 35% came from Europe. The report came after Siemens announced plans to invest $1 billion in grid equipment production.

GE Vernova, another turbine major, will be spending $600 million on turbine manufacturing capacity expansion, with an annual target of up to 80 heavy-duty turbines, equal to some 20 GW in generation capacity. The company announced those plans a year ago, saying, These strategic investments and the jobs they create aim to both help our customers meet the doubling of demand and accelerate American innovation and technology development to boost the countrys energy security and global competitiveness.

Mitsubishi, the third Big Turbine manufacturer, said last year it would double its turbine production capacity in response to soaring demand. The companys chief executive noted that We were working towards boosting production capacity by 30%, but thats not enough to meet growing demand. Fulfilling those orders is our top priority.

Yet all these plans take time to materialize, and industrial electricity consumers need it now, so they are converting jet engines to gas turbines. The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this month that the conversion of jet engine turbines to power generation turbines was a growing business enjoying a lot of investor interest. One such converting company, FTAI Aviation, had seen its shares gain 42% since it announced this new business, which takes just 30-45 days to convert a Boeing 737 jet engine into a power generation gas turbine.

Time is of the essence for the AI racers. The waiting lists for the big turbine makers are years long. But they need the electricity now because if momentum lets up, investors will flock out, or such appears to be the general perception in the AI space. Still, the turbine supply constraints may affect that momentum, according to some analysts.

In the five-year period to 2030 that will supposedly be critical for the development of advanced AI, gas-fired plants will make a significant contribution to meeting increased US power demand, Wood Mackenzies Vice Chair for the Americas, Ed Crooks, wrote in a recent opinion piece. But the availability of equipment, particularly heavy-duty gas turbines, is likely to remain a constraint on electricity supply growth, despite the new capacity being added by manufacturers, Crooks also said.

He noted that the current wait time for new gas turbines was five years. This is definitely not fast enough for AI data center operators. Aircraft jet engines converted into gas turbines cannot be a complete substitute due to their much smaller capacity. And this means that either Big Tech loses momentum in AI, or it gets electricity right now, from somewhere else.

That somewhere else could be solar, for instance, at least according to pro-transition analysts. Yet even those analysts admit that this choice would also involve major investment in batteriesand backup generation capacity. To cut out the middle man, so to speak, tech companies may simply opt for the most readily available baseload capacity besides natural gas: coal. And this means that plans for the retirement of coal power plants are likely to be revised, according to Wood Mac.

Even with all that baseload generation, the AI racers may have to revise their own growth plans because there will not be enough electricity to go around, simply because of the physical laws of the world we all inhabit. And this, in turn, means that the races momentum will inevitably slow at some point.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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US President Donald Trump used the longest State of the Union address in US history to repeat the threat of military action against Iran if diplomacy fails -- and pledged to keep negotiating to end the war in Ukraine.

Speaking for nearly one hour and 50 minutes, Trump used the joint session of Congress to frame his administrations achievements as the dawn of a "golden age."

The speech was an opportunity to focus on domestic policy ahead of Novembers midterm elections, but Trump also restated key priorities on foreign affairs and global security.

Iran

Trump spent several minutes discussing Iran, which he presented as a direct and ongoing threat while also recalling US military strikes on the country in June last year.

After [operation] Midnight Hammer, they were warned to make no future attempts to rebuild their weapons program, in particular nuclear weapons. Yet they continue starting it all over again, he said.

My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy, Trump said. But one thing is certain: I will never allow the worlds number one sponsor of terror, which they are by far, to have a nuclear weapon. Cant let that happen.

His words came amid a massive US military buildup in the Middle East, and ahead of further US-Iran talks slated for February 26. The talks are focused primarily on Iran's nuclear program, which Tehran insists is intended for peaceful, civilian purposes such as electricity generation.

For decades, it had been the policy of the United States never to allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon. Many decades, Trump said.

Referring to Irans clerical leadership since the 1979 revolution, he said: Since they seized control of that proud nation 47 years ago, the regime and its murderous proxies have spread nothing but terrorism and death and hate.

Trump further stated that in recent domestic unrest Iranian authorities had killed at least, it looks like, 32,000 protesters in their own country.

Human rights groups have counted some 7,000 deaths, but it is widely believed the real number is significantly higher.

Trump closed his comments on Iran with the warning: No nation should ever doubt Americas resolve. We have the most powerful military on Earth.

In an apparent response to Trump's address, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei posted on social media that the US administration was spreading lies.

"Whatever they're alleging in regards to Iran's nuclear orogram, Iran's ballistic missiles, and the number of casualties during January's unrest is simply the repetition of 'big lies,'" he wrote.

Ukraine

This section of his speech was preceded by brief remarks on Ukraine, where Russia's full-scale invasion has now entered its fifth year.

Trump said his administration is working very hard" to end the war, referring to several months of talks that continued last week with trilateral meetings in Geneva, Switzerland.

His chief envoy, Steve Witkoff, looked on. He said following the latest round of talks that "meaningful progress" was made, without giving details, and added that "both parties agreed tocontinue working toward a deal."

Trump's remarks did not go into much detail, but he again returned to the terrible human cost of the conflict.

Twenty-five thousand soldiers are dying each and every month. Think of that, 25,000 soldiers are dying a month, he said.

Casualty figures are not publicly available and cannot be independently verified. But one recent report put the number of killed, wounded, and missing at 1.2 million Russians and 500,000-600,000 Ukrainians.

Repeating a familiar campaign claim, Trump added that the war would have never happened if I were president.

The remarks come as European leaders used the fourth anniversary of the conflict to reaffirm support for Kyiv and as questions linger over Washingtons long-term strategy.

Energy, Tariffs

Foreign policy was closely tied to Trumps domestic economic agenda.

He touted expanded oil and gas production under his drill, baby, drill policy, arguing that increased US output -- alongside what he described as a bright new beginning in Venezuela -- would help drive down global energy prices.

Calling Venezuela our new friend and partner, Trump said the US had secured 80 million barrels of oil following the ouster of longtime leader Nicolas Maduro.

On trade, Trump said tariffs paid by foreign countries would eventually replace the modern day system of income tax and ease the financial burden on Americans.

Throughout the speech, Trump returned repeatedly to a central theme: American resurgence.

While Trump's speech was greeted with cheers and standing ovations from Republicans, the Democrats sat in stony silence. Dozens of them boycotted the event altogether, holding a separate event elsewhere in Washington where they criticized Trump on a range of issues.

I'm not at the State of the Union speech tonight because these are not normal times and Democrats have to stop behaving normally, said Democrat Senator Chris Murphy.

By RFE/RL

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Reliance Industries has bought its first cargo of Venezuelan crude since 2023 from Chevron, Reuters has reported, citing shipping data, amid growing appetite from Indian refiners for non-Russian oil supply.

That appetite was prompted by U.S. pressure on the Indian government to reduce its imports of Russian crudeor face higher tariffs. Reliance Industries, Indias largest refiner, received a license to buy and sell Venezuelan crude from the United States federal government earlier this month. Reliance was the biggest single buyer of Russian crude oi in India before the latest U.S. sanctions, which specifically targeted its biggest supplier, Rosneft.

According to the data, Reliance bought a cargo of Boscan crude, currently en route to its destination on the Ottoman Sincerity Suezmax tanker. This is the first cargo of Boscan to be sold in six years as well, the report noted. Reliance had also snapped another cargo of 2 million barrels of Venezuelan crude from Vitol, to be delivered next month. The Indian company was also looking for direct deals with Venezuelas PDVSA, unnamed sources told Reuters.

At least three Very Large Crude Carriers are scheduled to load at Venezuelas Jose port next month, the Reuters sources said. The tankers were chartered by Vitol and Trafigura - the commodity majors that were granted a license to deal in Venezuelan oil.

Earlier this month, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said that oil sales from Venezuela, under the control of the United States for over a month now, are set to bring $5 billion over the next few months.

Sales today are over a billion dollars, and in fact, we have sort of short-term agreements over the next few months that will bring in another $5 billion, Secretary Wright said in the interview during a historic visit to Venezuela to meet with the interim President Delcy Rodriguez.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Discounts for Russian and Iranian crude have widened in recent weeks as Chinas independent refiners have remained the only buyers not shunning sanctioned supply, which is amassing in floating storage at sea.

Indias pivot away from Russian crude oil has been a major hit to Russias already limited export markets. Now China remains the only safe market for Moscow to rely on.

But Chinese independent refiners in the Shandong province, the so-called teapots, continue to buy sanctioned Iranian supply, too, now that Venezuelas crude is over the board and being sold by major traders picked by the U.S. Administration.

In this situation of limited export outlets for both Russian and Iranian crude, discounts have deepened for supply to China.

The Russian flagship Urals grade is currently being offered at about $12 per barrel below ICE Brent, up from a discount of $10 a barrel in January, anonymous trades with knowledge of the deals told Bloomberg.

Iran, for its part, is offering Iranian Light at $11 a barrel below Brent, up from a discount of $8-9 per barrel seen in December, according to Bloombergs sources.

The two sanctioned producers are essentially competing for the Chinese private refiners market as Chinas state majors have generally shunned Iranian and sanctioned Russian crude and India has retreated from the spot market for Russian barrels.

So far this year it looks like Russia is winning the contest. Up to February 18, deliveries of Russia-origin cargoes at Chinese ports averaged 2.09 million barrels per day (bpd) for the montha record high, and up from an average of 1.72 million bpd in the full month of January.

Meanwhile, Iranian sales to China have slumped by 12% so far into 2026 from a year earlier, per Kpler data cited by Bloomberg.

The struggles of Russian and Iran to sell their crude have resulted in a massive piling of oil in floating storage.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Bahri, the national shipping carrier of the worlds top crude exporter, Saudi Arabia, has provisionally chartered at least five supertankers to ship oil to Asia amid soaring tanker rates not seen in six years.

Bahri has hired at least five very large crude carriers (VLCCs), the supertankers capable of shipping 2 million barrels of crude each, as daily rates on the key Middle East-to-China route surged above $200,000 for the first time since 2020, Bloomberg reports.

The freshly chartered supertankers are expected to ship Saudi crude to Asia in the coming weeks, according to fixtures and schedules Bloomberg has seen.

Additional hiring from the Saudi national shipping company suggests that the Kingdom is boosting supply to Asia and potentially looking to lock in daily rates ahead of further freight rate increases.

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Near-term demand for Saudi Arabias oil in China is soaring after the Kingdom early this month slashed its official selling prices (OSPs) for Asia to the lowest level versus regional benchmarks in more than five years.

As a result, oil loadings from Saudi Arabia to China in March are estimated at about 56-57 million barrels, up from 48 million barrels loading in February, anonymous traders with knowledge of the orders told Bloomberg earlier this month.

Moreover, supertanker rates are going through the roof, hitting a six-year high, as Middle Eastern supply to India soars and traders rush shipments to precede a potential U.S. military campaign in Iran.

The heightened geopolitical tensions could also boost the war premiums that shippers and insurers will ask, according to analysts.

The rally in the VLCC freight rates began at the end of 2025 on the back of growing oil supply, longer voyages, and disruptions due to sanctions and altered shipping lanes.

Following a brief respite in January, the tanker rates have rebounded this month to the highest since 2020 as the market became aware of a major vessel buying spree from South Koreas Sinokor shipping group, which is now estimated to control about a fourth of all available non-sanctioned tankers.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Shell and Greek energy and metals firm Metlen have signed a cooperation deal for LNG supply and trading, which would boost deliveries to Greek import terminals and supply to southern and central Europe.

Metlen and the UK-based supermajor, which is the worlds top LNG trader, will supply and trade 0.5 to 1.0 billion cubic meters of LNG per year over the five-year period 20272031, the Greek company said on Wednesday.

Deliveries will be made to the Greek LNG regasification facilities in Revithoussa and Alexandroupolis. The agreement also envisages the use of the Vertical Gas Corridor, enabling access to additional European markets beyond Southeast Europe.

Greece aims to become a gas hub for non-Russian gas entering Europe, while Shell is the biggest buyer of LNG from the United States, positioning the supermajor to support growing natural gas supply needs through its global portfolio, Metlen said.

The Greek company says that the deal is further strengthening its position as a key natural gas player in the region, enhancing market liquidity while contributing to regional energy security and reinforcing Greeces role as a strategic regional energy hub.

The memorandum of understanding, signed in Washington, D.C., in the presence of U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, reflects the intention of both parties to pursue joint development across a number of European countries, in alignment with the Vertical Gas Corridor initiative.

As the European Union moves to ditch Russian gas  both pipeline and LNG  by 2027, Europe is increasingly relying on LNG from the United States.

Before the Russian invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, Asia received the most volumes of U.S. LNG exports, averaging 46% from 2017 through 2021, according to EIA data. Following Russias invasion of Ukraine, exports to Europe surged, and in 2022, Europe received 69% of all LNG exports from the United States, up from 34% in 2021. From January through November 2025, Europe received 68% of U.S.-origin volumes.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Senate Democrats Reject Proposal Requiring Cooperation with Federal Authorities to Remove Illegal Immigrants with Felony Convictions

By Oregon Senate Republican Office,

SALEM, Ore.  A commonsense proposal that would have required state law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration authorities when illegal immigrants are convicted of felony crimes was rejected today by every Senate Democrat. The vote runs contrary to the clear will of Oregonians and Americans across party lines, who overwhelmingly support the removal of illegal immigrants convicted of violent or serious crimes across multiple reputable polls.

Oregons sanctuary state laws have significantly limited coordination between state and federal immigration authorities for decades. In 2021, under House Bill 3265, Democrats prohibited the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) from recognizing ICE detainers and from tracking related information based on immigration status. As a result, state policy has been interpreted to prevent coordination with federal immigration authorities even when dealing with individuals convicted of serious felony crimes.

The last publicly available data before HB 3265 took effect showed that hundreds of convicted felons in Oregon prisons had ICE detainers lodged against them. Their convictions included rape, sexual abuse, homicide, sodomy, assault, kidnapping, robbery, arson, and other serious felony offenses.

The Republican proposal blocked by Senate Democrats would have simply allowed DOC to resume tracking immigration information and coordinate with federal immigration authorities so federal officials could determine whether to assume custody after sentences are served, rather than individuals being released back into Oregon communities without federal notification.

This is as common sense as common sense gets, said Senate Republican Leader Bruce Starr (R-Dundee). Do we want violent felons who have no legal right to be present in Oregon to remain here, or should there at least be an opportunity for federal authorities to take custody? When Democrats block even that, they are choosing ideology over public safety.

The effect of voting no today is to affirm that a person who is here illegally and commits a felony in Oregon should remain here as the felon is released from prison. This proposal was about violent criminalsmurderers, rapists, sex abusersand whether Oregon will at least allow DOC to notify federal authorities before they are released back into our communities, said Senator Mike McLane (R-Powell Butte), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee who carried the Minority Report on the Senate floor. I cannot for the life of me understand why anyone would reject this.
" " The ruins of ancient Greece are oddly symbolic of the remains of direct democracy itself. Christopher Moswitzer / Shutterstock

Athenian democracy was one of the earliest experiments in direct democracy, and it reshaped political thought in the ancient world.

In ancient Athens, adult male citizens gathered to debate and decide public affairs themselves rather than relying on elected representatives. That hands-on political system still influences modern democracies today.

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Unlike representative democracy, where citizens vote for elected officials to act on their behalf, ancient democracy in this Greek city state required direct participation. To understand present-day democracy, we need to see how democracy developed in classical Athens.
PEACHTREE CORNERS, Ga., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Alogent (@AlogentCorp), a global software leader in the banking and financial services market, today announced that Florence Bank has selected Unify to modernize its commercial deposit operations and deliver a more efficient, userfriendly experience for business customers.

Founded in 1873, Florence Bank is a $2 billion, 12-branch mutual savings bank headquartered in Florence, Massachusetts. Erin Prickett, First Vice President, Director of Compliance and Digital Banking, explained why the Bank chose to partner with Alogent.

"We selected Unify for its modern, intuitive user interface and Alogent's continued investment in a cloudnative architecture," said Prickett. "The platform's flexibility around deposit limits and transaction volumes allows us to support a wide range of commercial clients while easily scaling as volumes grow, providing the technology foundation to serve our customers today and position the bank for future growth."

Unify is a webbased platform that centralizes deposit capture, integrates builtin fraud mitigation, supports both Windows and Mac environments, and interfaces with IPaddressable scannersenabling corporate account holders to securely deposit checks from storefronts, offices, or merchant locations.

"We're proud to welcome Florence Bank to the Alogent family," said Ashish Bhatia, VP Product Management, Alogent. "Their selection of Unify reflects the industry's shift toward flexible, digitalfirst deposit solutions that meet evolving client expectations and support sustainable growth."

Commercial deposit capabilities are native to Alogent's Unify platform, which consolidates item processing into a single, scalable solution that streamlines front and backoffice operations, strengthens check fraud prevention, and supports long-term digital transformation.

About Alogent

Alogent provides proven, end-to-end check payment processing, and enterprise content, information, and loan management platforms, to financial institutions of all sizes, including credit unions, community banks, and some of the largest national and international institutions. Our unique approach spans the entire transaction ecosystem  capturing and digitizing transaction data, exception tracking, and automating entire transaction and loan management workflows so that information is available across the enterprise. Alogent's solution suites leverage the latest in machine learning and predictive analytics, including enterprise-wide data intelligence and reporting solutions that enable financial institutions to deliver products and services that boost engagement through personalization and data-backed decisions. Learn more about Alogent at www.alogent.com .

About Florence Bank

Florence Bank is a mutual savings bank chartered in 1873. Currently, the bank has 12 full-service branch locations in Florence, Northampton, Easthampton, Williamsburg, Amherst, Hadley, Belchertown, Granby, Chicopee, West Springfield and Springfield, Massachusetts. A Holyoke, Massachusetts branch will open in the spring of 2026. Additionally, Florence Bank offers 23 ATMs and a wide range of financial services, including investment management through Florence Financial Group to consumers and businesses.

SOURCE Alogent
Kathmandu, Nepal, February 25, 2026: In a strategic move to redefine its global tourism footprint, the Government of Nepal has officially launched a revolutionary visa-free entry policy for 2026. Canada joins an elite group of nationsincluding Australia, France, Ireland, Hungary, and Polandthat will now benefit from significantly streamlined entry procedures.

This groundbreaking initiative replaces traditional, paper-based visa requirements with a high-efficiency Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system. The shift is designed to make it easier for international visitors to experience Nepals unique intersection of high-altitude adventure, spiritual tourism, and deep cultural heritage without the friction of legacy paperwork.

The implementation of the eTA marks a pivotal digital transformation for Nepal's tourism sector. Travelers from eligible nations can now secure their travel authorization through a swift online process, often receiving approval in just minutes. Valid for up to six months, the eTA covers a wide range of activities including leisure tourism, business engagements, and short-term cultural exchanges. By removing the need for physical visa stickers and embassy visits, the Nepalese government aims to drive a significant new wave of visitors, particularly from key markets like Canada, where interest in Himalayan trekking and wellness retreats continues to surge.

This policy shift was a central theme at the recent "Nepal Evening" event held in Toronto on February 19, 2026. Organized by the Nepal Tourism Board and the Embassy of Nepal in Ottawa, the gala served as a platform for Ambassador Bharat Raj Paudyal to emphasize that Nepal is now more accessible than ever. With air connectivity improving through major global hubs and the new digital entry system in place, the event successfully fostered new collaborations between Canadian tour operators and Nepali travel entrepreneurs. These partnerships are expected to result in bespoke travel packages tailored specifically to the North American market, focusing on iconic landmarks like Mount Everest, the Annapurna Circuit, and the spiritual birthplace of Buddha in Lumbini.

Looking ahead, the 2026 visa-free initiative is poised to be a cornerstone of Nepals economic development. Tourism remains a vital contributor to the national GDP, supporting thousands of jobs across the hospitality, transportation, and guiding sectors. By integrating modern technology with its "open-door" philosophy, Nepal is positioning itself as a forward-thinking leader in the global travel industry. The move not only facilitates easier travel for millions but also serves as a clear signal of Nepals commitment to enhancing international mobility and fostering stronger bilateral ties with its global partners.
Kathmandu, Nepal, February 25, 2026: The Supreme Court of Nepal has established a landmark legal precedent by ruling that a perpetrators status as a minor does not exempt them from the obligation to pay financial compensation to their victims. A joint bench of Justices Sapna Pradhan Malla and Balkrishna Dhakal delivered the verdict, emphasizing that in the criminal justice system, the victims right to relief and justice must take precedence over the age of the offender. The court clarified that while the law provides leniency in sentencing for minors to encourage reform, this "criminal immunity" does not extend to "civil liability," meaning the offender or the state must ensure the victim is financially compensated for the trauma endured.

The case dates back to June 2017 in Kapilvastu, where a 13-year-old boy was found guilty of sexually assaulting a 7-year-old girl. While the District Court and the High Court of Tulsipur had sentenced the boy to six months in a juvenile correction home, both courts had refused to grant compensation. They argued that because the defendant was a minor without an independent income, he could not bear the financial burden of compensation. The Supreme Court, however, labeled this a "misinterpretation of the law," stating that punishment is a penalty for the crime, whereas compensation is a restorative right for the victim, and the two must be treated as separate legal entities.

In its detailed 40-page judgment, the Supreme Court argued that denying relief to a child survivor simply because her attacker was also a child would constitute "added injustice" and violate the constitutional guarantee of equality. The court warned that such exemptions could lead to a culture of impunity and social distortion. Invoking the international legal principle of Parens Patriaewhich identifies the State as the ultimate guardian of those who cannot protect themselvesthe bench ruled that the survivor cannot be sent away empty-handed. If a minor offender is incapable of paying, the responsibility to provide a "healing touch" shifts to the family's assets or the State itself.

To ensure the actual recovery of the 50,000-rupee compensation awarded to the victim, the Supreme Court outlined a three-tier mechanism. The first priority is to recover the amount from any property registered in the minor's name. If no such assets exist, the court directed that the compensation be deducted from the offenders future share of his parents' ancestral property. In cases where neither option is viable, the court mandated that the governments Victim Relief Fund must provide the payment. This ruling reinforces a victim-centric approach in Nepal, ensuring that the path to rehabilitation for a young offender does not come at the cost of the survivors right to reparations.
Kathmandu, Nepal, February 25, 2026: In the halls of Nepals National Information Technology Center, Sunil Paudel was once hailed as the architect of a modern, digital future. Today, however, that vision lies shattered. What was sold to the public as a leap into the 21st century is being unmasked in the Special Court as a masterclass in institutionalized corruptiona story that extends beyond one mans greed to reveal a system that systematically betrayed its citizens.

For the average Nepali, from the laborer in the Gulf sending remittances to the student awaiting a digital ID, the "National Payment Gateway" was not just a project; it was a promise of a simpler life. Yet, investigators now allege that while the public waited for progress, Paudel was weaponizing his technical expertise to bypass transparency. By cloaking overpriced contracts in the language of "national security" and "technical urgency," he allegedly created a closed loop where government funds were funneled into inflated tenders, and the resulting "surplus" vanished into the shadows of Singapore.

The most haunting aspect of this case remains the silence and protection that shielded Paudel for years. A single bureaucrat, regardless of his ingenuity, cannot move hundreds of millions of rupees across international borders without a substantial political "shield." Paudel did not merely survive multiple government transitions; he thrived, suggesting he functioned as a "technical proxy"a middleman capable of converting government budgets into political slush funds.

Observers point out that his appointments were rarely based on merit but served as a quid pro quo, securing a seat at the table in exchange for ensuring that lucrative commissions from international vendors found their way back to the ruling elite. This patronage pyramid allowed the corruption to become institutionalized, making the siphoning of public funds a routine administrative exercise rather than an isolated incident.

At the heart of the current legal battle lies the "Singapore Connection," a term that has come to represent the ultimate hurdle for Nepali justice. For years, Singapore has served as a "safe house" for white-collar criminals, where banking secrecy acts as a fortress against local scrutiny.

Because Nepal lacks a Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) treaty with Singapore, obtaining a simple bank statement remains a monumental challenge. The Special Courts recent demand for Paudels United Overseas Bank (UOB) records is therefore more than a legal request; it is a critical test of Nepal's sovereignty. If the Ministry of Law and the Central Bank fail to pierce this veil, it sends a devastating message to the public: that the law is powerless against those who steal enough to hide it in foreign jurisdictions.

Ultimately, Sunil Paudel has become a symbol of a nations struggle to reclaim its dignity from the murky nexus of bureaucracy and politics. This case is a defining moment for the rule of law in Nepal. If the "Singapore Connection" is finally severed and the records are produced, it will mark a victory for every citizen who believes that public service should prioritize the people over offshore accounts. As the nation waits for the bank records to arrive, a fundamental question remains: is the justice system robust enough to dismantle the entire pyramid of corruption, or will it merely penalize the individual standing at its peak?
Continuous U.S. winter storms cause dozens of flight cancellations into Cancun International

Cancun, Q.R.  Continuous winter storms across the U.S. have caused over 50 Cancun-bound flights to be cancelled in two days. Across the country, over 7,000 U.S. flights have been canceled and thousands more delayed due to the weather.

U.S. flights bound for Cancun have also been affected by the strong winter storm that is moving through the northeastern U.S. The bad weather has affected all major U.S. carriers.

On Monday, 29 flights were reported canceled at the Cancun Airport due to bad U.S. weather, reported ASUR, the Southeast Airport Group that manages the airport.

Webcam of Cancun Hotel Zone beach Wednesday afternoon February 25, 2026.

According to their report, the airlines affected included Spirit Airlines, JetBlue and American Airlines. The American cities affected Monday with flights in and out of Cancun were Baltimore, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, New York, Newark and Philadelphia.

On Tuesday, another 25 U.S. flights destined for Cancun International were cancelled. Sun and sand flights by United Airlines, JetBlue, American Airlines and Air Canada were affected.

The cancelled and delayed flights caused disruptions on New York, Chicago, Miami, Boston, Newark, Phoenix, Tampa and Fort Lauderdale routes.

Airlines are recommending travelers check travel updates at airports in the United States and Canada. Authorities say the disruptions are likely to persist for several days as the bad weather continues.
Mexico sends more ships loaded with humanitarian aid to Cuba

Mexico City, Mexico  The Mexican government has sent a new shipment of humanitarian aid to the people of Cuba. Two Mexican Navy ships left the country yesterday bound for Cuba. They are expected to arrive this weekend.

Approximately 23 tons of the food being delivered was through donations by the people of Mexico through a central donation center in Mexico City.

In compliance with instructions from President Claudia Sheinbaum, the Secretariat of the Navy reported that Tuesday, the Papaloapan and Huasteco Logistics Support Ships set sail from the Port of Veracruz.

Two Mexican ships left the Port of Veracruz Tuesday bound for Cuba February 24, 2026.

The ships left Mexico with a total 1,193 tons of food supplies destined for the civilian population of the island of Cuba.

Among the essential food items transported by the ARM Papaloapan ship are beans and powdered milk which total 1,078 tons.

The cargo of the ARM Huasteco ship consists of 92 tons of beans plus 23 tons of various food items.

These 23 tons of humanitarian aid were delivered by various social organizations with the support of the Mexico City Government at a collection center set up in the Historic Center and correspond to a first delivery.

The people of Mexico maintain their tradition of solidarity with the peoples of Latin America, and particularly with the people of Cuba.

The two Mexican ships will deliver over 1,100 tons of food supplies this weekend. February 24, 2026.

Our country has always provided assistance to our sister nations in need. In recent months, aid has been sent to various countries that have required our support in the face of wildfires in California, the United States, and Chile, floods in Texas, and tragedies caused by natural disasters in several nations across the continent, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

It is the second time this month Mexico has sent shiploads of humanitarian aid to Cuba. The first aid package from Mexico also included tons of food, supplies and essential items.
Pickup slams into sugarcane cargo truck killing two

Othon P. Blanco, Q.R.  Two people were killed early Tuesday morning when their pickup hit a cargo truck. The accident happened at the junction to the community of Alvaro Obregon in the municipality of Othon P. Blanco.

The driver of the pickup was traveling near the area of Mi Finquita when it slammed into a cargo truck. Both people from inside the white pickup were killed.

The accident happened around 6:30 a.m. February 24, 2026.

One of the people from inside the pickup, the passenger, was decapitated during impact against the cargo truck.

Members of the National Emergency Commission and authorities from security corporations arrived to cordon off the area.

The fatal traffic accident was reported around 6:30 a.m. A man and woman were inside the truck when it hit the sugarcane cargo vehicle. The white pickup belonged to the local Democratic Farmers Union.

Traffic was disrupted for several hours while forensic work was carried out. The identities of the victims has not been released.

The passenger was reported decapitated during impact.

Excessive speed and a lack of caution have been the said causes of the accident. Police are also looking into the possibility that the cargo truck was traveling without lights.
ST. LOUIS, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Newsweek magazine has selected Mercy hospitals in Northwest Arkansas, Oklahoma City, Springfield and St. Louis for its 2026 list of the World's Best Hospitals. Their ongoing commitment to high-quality care, patient experience and clinical excellence places them among top-tier hospitals worldwide. 

This year, Mercy Hospital St. Louis was honored as an eight-year champion and all-time winner of the recognition, Mercy Hospital Springfield as a five-year champion, Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City as a three-year champion and Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas as a two-year champion. In addition, Mercy St. Louis and Oklahoma City hospitals were awarded as leaders in infection prevention.

"When your health and your life are at stake, you want the best," said Dr. John Mohart, Mercy's chief operating officer. Post this

"When your health and your life are at stake, you want the best," said Dr. John Mohart, Mercy executive vice president and chief operating officer. "Our patients count on us for exceptional, compassionate care, and our caregivers are dedicated to providing worldclass care every day. I'm so proud of our Mercy team who brings hope and healing to our patients and families in every interaction."

Newsweek partners with Statista to analyze four types of data sources to select and rank the best hospitals in 32 countries with comparable data. The methodology included recommendations from medical experts; patient satisfaction surveys; hospital quality metrics on quality of care, hygiene, patient safety and waiting times; and a Statista patient-reported outcome measures survey.

The World's Best Hospitals 2026 ranking includes hospitals from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States. The countries were selected based on multiple comparability factors, such as standard of living/life expectancy, population size, number of hospitals and data availability.

The awards list can be viewed at World's Best Hospitals 2026 - Newsweek Rankings.

About Mercy

Mercy, one of the 15 largest U.S. health systems and named the top large system in the U.S. for excellent patient experience by NRC Health, serves millions annually with nationally recognized care and one of the nation's largest and highest performing Accountable Care Organizations in quality and cost. Mercy is a highly integrated, multi-state health care system including 55 acute care and specialty (heart, children's, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, convenient and urgent care locations, imaging centers and pharmacies. Mercy has over 1,000 physician practice locations and outpatient facilities, more than 5,000 physicians and advanced practitioners and more than 50,000 caregivers serving patients and families across Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. In fiscal year 2025 alone, Mercy provided more than half a billion dollars of free care and other community benefits, including traditional charity care and unreimbursed Medicaid.

SOURCE Mercy
Fewer couples tied the knot in 2025, with marriages falling to their lowest level since 2020, when Covid-19 curbs disrupted wedding plans. There were 24,687 marriages in 2025, down 6.2 per cent from 26,328 in 2024, according to preliminary figures from the Department of Statistics.

Researchers who study marriage and parenthood said the drop is significant. The 2025 total marks the third consecutive year of decline, following a post-pandemic peak of 29,389 marriages in 2022.

They warned that the continued slide could weigh further on Singapores already low total fertility rate (TFR), which measures the average number of children a woman is expected to have in her lifetime.

Singapores TFR stood at 0.97 in 2024. The 2025 figure has yet to be released.

In January, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong said he was not likely to give good news on the TFR front for 2025.

Speaking at an Institute of Policy Studies conference, he noted that past dragon years typically saw a temporary rise in births. However, the TFR for 2024  a dragon year  remained at 0.97, the same as in 2023.

He said: "Many people think our TFR has stabilised. So, I keep telling people no, not quite. The (dragon year) blip has allowed it to stay at 0.97, which means I think it will continue to come down."

Dr Mathew Mathews, principal research fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), noted that marriages have declined each year since 2022. He said this followed a surge after the pandemic, when many couples who had delayed their weddings in 2020 went on to marry in 2021 and 2022.

Professor Jean Yeung from the National University of Singapores Department of Paediatrics said part of the fall in marriages may be due to fewer people in their 20s and early 30s, often considered prime marriageable ages.

Prof Yeung added that economic uncertainty, rising living costs and geopolitical tensions may also have led some couples to delay marriage. Prof Yeung is also president of the Singapore Population Association.

The academics said the trend may also reflect broader, longer-term shifts in how Singaporeans view marriage.

For more on Singapore's marriage trend, read here.
SINGAPORE - Two Malaysian men were arrested after they attempted to evade arrival clearance at Tuas Checkpoint on Feb 22.

A total of 97g of heroin, 69g of methamphetamine or Ice, three Erimin-5 tablets, 27 tablets believed to contain controlled drugs, and various drug paraphernalia were found on the driver and in a pouch under the front passenger seat.

The driver also did not have a valid travel document at the time.

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In a media statement on Feb 25, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said that officers at Tuas Checkpoint had seen the car driving towards the arrival motorcycle zone at about 2.45pm on Feb 22, before it made an unauthorised U-turn at the entrance.

The motorist then drove against the flow of arriving traffic towards Malaysia, posing a danger to other road users.

Officers were immediately instructed to intercept the vehicle, ICA said. As the car had turned back towards Malaysia, the Singapore authority alerted its Malaysian counterparts at the Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar (KSAB).

When the same vehicle re-entered Tuas Checkpoint at about 3pm and was spotted, a lockdown of the checkpoint was immediately activated, ICA said.

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The car sped through one of the lanes and damaged a drop-arm barrier at the arrival cargo zone before being brought to a stop.

No injuries were reported.

Officers immediately secured the vehicle and arrested two Malaysian men  the 40-year-old driver and his 53-year-old passenger.

Both men were later handed over to the Central Narcotics Bureau and investigations into the drug-related offences are ongoing.

The driver is also being investigated by the ICA for various immigration offences, and by the Traffic Police for rash driving and other driving offences. A 34-second video clip of the car driving recklessly at KSAB on Feb 22 went viral on social media. It showed a car with a Malaysian registration number speeding in the opposite lane while being chased by auxiliary police.

Source: The Straits Times  SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction

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China Daily: Its reported that U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation Christopher Yeaw accused China of conducting nuclear explosive tests, and said the U.S. will return to testing on an equal basis with other countries. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization said on its website that they detected two very small seismic events in China on June 22, 2020, but with this data alone, it is not possible to assess the cause of these events with confidence. Whats Chinas comment?

Mao Ning: The U.S. accusation is unsubstantiated and entirely groundless. China has reiterated on multiple occasions that it all along firmly supports the purposes and objectives of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and honors the moratorium on nuclear testinga commitment made by the five nuclear-weapons states.

Shirking arms control obligations by vilification harms the U.S.s own reputation. China urges the U.S. to abide by the moratorium on nuclear testing, uphold the global consensus on nuclear test ban, and stop finding false justification for resuming nuclear testing.

RIA Novosti: Yesterday, the UK authorities have expanded the sanctions lists against Russia, adding around 250 individuals and companies, including legal entities from China and the UAE. I wonder whats Chinas comment on this?



Mao Ning: China opposes unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law or authorization of the UN Security Council. China strongly deplores relevant moves of the UK side. On the Ukraine crisis, China has all along promoted talks for peace and strictly controlled the export of dual-use articles. The normal exchanges and cooperation between China and Russia should not be disrupted or affected. China will do what is necessary to firmly defend its legitimate and lawful rights and interests.

DPA: Chancellor Friedrich Merz before departing for Beijing laid out five guidelines for his trip to China. This time, unlike the previous government, Merz didnt speak of China as a systemic rival, a term the previous administration included in its so-called China strategy. What is Chinas comment on this?



Mao Ning: China and Germany are all-round strategic partners. There are successful practices of sound competition and integrated development between the two countries. China-Germany cooperation is mutually beneficial, bringing tangible benefits to our two peoples. Both sides should uphold the principles of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit, achieve greater progress in China-Germany relations, and jointly make greater contributions to world peace and prosperity.

RIA Novosti: The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service said yesterday that the UK and France are preparing to transfer nuclear weapons to Kiev, because they believe Ukraine should be supplied with an atomic or at least a dirty bomb to claim more favorable conditions for the end of the conflict. Whats Chinas comment on this statement?



Mao Ning: Im not familiar with the specifics. China always believes that nuclear weapons must not be used, a nuclear war must not be fought, and international non-proliferation obligations should be earnestly observed. Dialogue on the Ukraine crisis has started and its hoped that parties can seize the opportunity and reach a comprehensive, durable and binding peace agreement. We call on relevant parties to remain calm, exercise restraint and avoid any moves that may lead to misunderstanding and miscalculation and even escalation.

RIA Novosti: U.S. Republican Senator Ted Cruz on Tuesday claimed that the governments in Venezuela, Cuba and Iran could be replaced with regimes friendly to the United States within the next six months. Whats Chinas comment on this statement given that Beijing has close relationships with those three countries?



Mao Ning: China stands against interference in countries internal affairs under any pretext and any violation of the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and other countries sovereignty.

Nippon TV: Japans ruling Liberal Democratic Party has approved the proposal calling the government to ease the rules of limiting defense equipment exports, making it possible to export lethal weapons that were previously not permitted. Does the Ministry have any comment on this?



Mao Ning: We noted the report and have serious concern over the move. Due to Japans history of aggression, its moves in military and security areas have been closely watched by its Asian neighbors and the international community. In recent years, Japan has been revamping its security and defense policies, its officials clamored for the possession of nuclear weapons, and the country sought to revise the three Non-Nuclear Principles and lift restrictions on the export of weapons. The latest move has once again laid bare the Japanese right-wing forces ambitions to breach the postwar international order, break free from domestic laws and remilitarize Japan. The international community needs to stay on high alert, jointly safeguard the outcomes of the victory in WWII and the postwar international order, and firmly reject reckless moves of Japanese neo-militarism.
On the afternoon of February 25, 2026, President Xi Jinping met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who is on an official visit to China, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing.

President Xi Jinping pointed out that China and Germany are the worlds second and third largest economies, and the bilateral relationship not only bears on the interests of both countries, but also has significant impact on Europe and the world. The international landscape is undergoing the most profound transformations since the end of WWII. The greater changes and turbulence the world faces, the more important it is for our two countries to enhance strategic communication, strengthen strategic mutual trust and work for new progress in China-Germany all-around strategic partnership.

President Xi Jinping made three propositions on further developing China-Germany relations. First, both countries should be reliable partners that support each other. China and Germany have pursued self-reliance and realized rapid development. Both have upheld mutual respect, mutual trust and open cooperation, and together written a success story of mutual benefit. China adheres to the path of peaceful development, and has the capacity and confidence to achieve Chinese modernization. China will continue to share development opportunities with Germany and the wider world. We hope the German side can view Chinas growth in an objective and rational manner, pursue a positive and pragmatic policy toward China, and work with China for steady and sustained growth of the bilateral relationship.

Second, both countries should be innovative partners that champion openness and win-win results. The German government put forward new development strategies in such areas as technology, innovation and digital development. They highly resonate with Chinas objective of pursuing intelligent, green and integrated development during the 15th Five-Year Plan. The two sides should foster greater synergy between development strategies, support the two-way flow of talent, knowledge and technology, and promote dialogue and cooperation on AI and other cutting-edge technologies. Both sides need to correctly grasp the interplay of competition and cooperation, explore cooperation pathways that lead to win-win results, and jointly keep industrial and supply chains stable and unimpeded.

Third, both countries should be partners that understand each other and share close bonds through cultural and people-to-people exchanges. China and Germany, as major countries with profound cultural heritage, should strengthen mutual learning in culture and boost people-to-people exchanges, so as to cement the popular foundation for China-Germany friendship.

President Xi Jinping stressed that as changes not seen in a century are unfolding at a faster pace, countries should tackle challenges together and pursue a shared future. China and Germany should uphold the central position of the U.N., reaffirm its leading role, and take the lead in safeguarding multilateralism, practicing international rule of law, defending free trade, and advocating for solidarity and coordination. China supports Europe in seeking to increase autonomy and strength, and hopes the European side can work with China toward the same direction, adhere to the positioning of strategic partners, and uphold openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation, so as to deliver greater growth in China-Europe relations, and make bigger contributions to world peace and development.

Chancellor Merz said that he was delighted to visit China during the nationwide celebration of the Spring Festival, and conveyed best wishes to the Chinese people for the Year of the Horse. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Germany and China have maintained friendly exchanges and close cooperation, which has delivered benefits to both peoples. The German side values its relations with China and firmly upholds the one-China policy. It stands ready to work with China to carry forward the traditional friendship, stay committed to mutual respect and open cooperation, and continue to deepen the all-around strategic partnership. The German business community attaches high importance to the Chinese market, and hopes to further deepen cooperation with China for mutual benefit and shared growth. Profound changes are taking place in the international landscape. Germany and China shoulder important responsibilities in jointly addressing global challenges. The German side looks forward to working with China to enhance coordination, jointly adhere to free trade and reject protectionism. To pursue reliable and sustained economic and trade cooperation serves the interests of both the EU and China, and also contributes to the stability and prosperity of the world. Germany supports the EU and China in enhancing dialogue and cooperation.

The two leaders exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis. President Xi expounded on Chinas principled position, and pointed out that the key to finding a solution lies in consistent dialogue and negotiation. It is important to ensure the equal participation of all sides and strike a solid foundation for peace; accommodate the legitimate concerns of all sides and enhance the will for peace; and realize common security and build a lasting architecture of peace.

The two sides issued the Joint Press Statement Between the Peoples Republic of China and the Federal Republic of Germany.

Wang Yi was present at the meeting.
Dear Prudence is Slates advice column. Submit questions here.

Dear Prudence,

My husband and I are big believers in the benefits of the Great Outdoors and want to transfer that passion to the next generation. We dont have kids, but we have taken our nieces and nephews camping, hiking, hunting, and even sailing over the years. We pay for everything, as our siblings dont have big budgets for trips like these.

The problem is that my brother got a divorce three years ago and promptly married Susan. Susan has a 12-year-old daughter, Tiffany. I have never met a more sullen or spoiled girl. Tiffany is always glued to her phone and is constantly rude. She tells her own mother regularly to shut the hell up and receives zero consequences. My sister caught Tiffany bullying her two younger girls to the point of tears and now refuses to let them be around Tiffany anymore. My brothers two other children are teenagers and have bluntly said they dont want to visit because their stepmother lets Tiffany get away with murder.

My husband and I are geographically closest to my brother and have been sucked into all this drama. It has been particularly hard on our teenage nephew because he had problems in school, and his father isnt present, but my husband and I are. My brother has accused us of winding up his kids so they avoid him. Susan has straight-up told me that we are making Tiffany feel unwelcome and excluded from our family. I have tried and tried to build a bond with Tiffany, even going out of my way to take her and a few friends to a carnival. The response when I told them that I didnt have more money for rides was Tiffany calling me cheap and bragging to her friends that she didnt have to listen to me. As usual, Susan did zip.

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This summer, we have plans to take my brothers kids out of state to a national park and camp. But Susan is back up on her soapbox about Tiffany not getting the same experiences. When my husband pointed out that Tiffany basically hates anything to do with nature and would hate camping in the woods, the response was that we should just change the trip! My husband didnt rant about this until we got home, but he told me that if I dont tell my brother and his wife off, he is and he isnt going to mince words. My former sister-in-law has already given her blessings for the trip, so there isnt much of a threat of my brother caving and canceling it, but I still have to deal with my brother and the antics of his new family. What do I do here?

Aunt in Oregon

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Dear Aunt in Oregon,

The parts of this situation that I want you to try to release are the ones about Tiffany being sullen, spoiled, and rude to her parents. Those just arent really your business. Beyond that, if you focus a lot on how much you dislike this kid, your feelings will come through in your conversations about her and with her, making things even worse than they already are.

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The things that are your business, and legitimate topics for your attention, are 1) Tiffany being a jerk to you personally and 2) Tiffany bullying the other kids in the family. Those are solid reasons to exclude her from the trip. That is, if she even chooses to come. Your refusal to reorganize it around a destination of her choosing needs no explanation and may make this whole argument a non-issue. That was an absurd request.

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While your brother and his wife seem deeply unreasonable, I hope your husband can understand that cussing them out accomplishes nothing. Plus, the narrower you can make this conflict, the better. No need to say things youll regret about your brothers lackluster relationship with your nephew or his wifes failure to inspire manners in Tiffany. Do keep in mind that her behavior is probably a reflection of her struggle with her parents divorce. While the behavior is bad, shes a troubled kid, not a monster. So, try to avoid going overboard with vilifying her as you work to protect the other kids in your life and your planned vacation.

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Get advice from Prudiesubmit a question! Please keep questions short (<150 words), and dont submit the same question to multiple columns. We are unable to edit or remove questions after publication. Use pseudonyms to maintain anonymity. Your submission may be used in other Slate advice columns and may be edited for publication. Thanks! Your question has been submitted. Dear Prudence, * Your letter signoff Your pronouns Your email (optional and confidentialplease include if you're open to Dear Prudence following up) Submit

Dear Prudence,

I was surprised when my father got remarried, as I had only met his girlfriend, Jackie, a few times since I was away at college. It was a small ceremony done at the courthouse, and everyone went out to eat afterward. Jackie was divorced with teenage kids, and my mom died when I was 10, so I guess that they didnt want a big, fancy wedding.

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But now Jackie is acting very strangely about my own wedding. My fiance is Hispanic, so it is going to be a big blowout in his hometown, where most of his family still lives, and they are pulling out all the stops. There will be food trucks, live music, and dancing until dawn. Most of our budget is going toward paying for plane tickets and hotel rooms for my side of the family since they are scattered all over the country. We arent having a honeymoon, and I found my dress in a thrift store.

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Jackie keeps making catty remarks about how excessive and expensive everything is, or she gets petty and pissy about things like not being invited to go dress shopping with my maternal aunt and best friend. Again, it was just us shopping at a thrift store, and I happened to stumble on the perfect dress. She hates our planned menu, that we are having a Catholic mass, and pretty much all of our choices down to the wedding colors (which are noneour bridal party is just having coordinating ties and flowers). My dad and I have weekly Zoom calls, and Jackie is always lingering in the background and giving her two cents.

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I tried to rise above it, but lost my cool when Jackie whined that her sons, who live overseas now and I barely know, werent invited. I told Jackie they could have an invitation if she wanted to pony up the money for the international fare. We have not asked anything from her and my dad other than that they pay for their hotel and gas. We all live in the South, and they dont have much money. Jackie started wailing and weeping, so my dad ended the call.

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Since then, he has been very cagey and defensive about his wife to the point that it is giving me nightmares. In our last conversation, my dad actually tried to argue that Jackie never had a daughter and never got to plan a wedding for her, so it is understandable that she is sad. I screamed that my mother was dead, and maybe my feelings about missing her and my wedding were more important here. My dad ended the call, and I am wondering if I should just cut him from escorting me down the aisle and a first dance altogether if he will not even defend me.

My fiance told me he would support me, but that I should think of this as a nuclear option. Everyone else thinks Jackie is nuts, and my father is nuts for going along with this. I have had multiple relations, from my aunt to my second male cousin, offer to walk me down the aisle instead. My best friend told me that she would sit on Jackie if she tried anything (Jackie weighs nothing, and my best friend is 6 feet tall). I just cant wrap my head around this.

Not Cinderella, But Evil Stepmother

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Dear Not Cinderella,

I love your best friend. Ino surprise heredont love Jackie. So I dont want you to spend any more time thinking about her. Do not engage.

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You really shouldnt even be in a position to hear any of her critiques of your wedding plans, but if she weasels her way into another Zoom call and complains about your decisions, be as dismissive as possible. Somewhere in the Thanks for sharing and Oh, OK range will be fine.

I agree with everyone that your dads response is disappointing. But hes acting like a spineless person who is relatively newly in love, not a monster. So I think you should still include him in your day. Mostly, I dont want someone as ridiculous as Jackie to rob you of making this memory with him. The support from your relatives who agree that shes out of control should make her presence tolerableyou wont feel ganged up on or gaslit about whats happening. And while I cant condone your BFFs threat to smother Jackie if she acts up, I feel confident that any antics on her part on your wedding day or otherwise that go beyond being unnecessarily sad and dominating your dads attention wont be tolerated.

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Prudie Wants to Hear From You!

Readers often have great suggestions for our letter writers, occasionally disagree with a point Prudie makes, or simply want to provide some additional advice. Each week, Prudie will be replying to some of these comments and suggestions from readers, which will be featured on the site on Fridays for Slate Plus members. Write to us! Or submit a question here.

Dear Prudence,

I had a whirlwind romance where I married a man a decade older than me after a year of dating. Maybe I was naive, but we had known each other socially our entire lives, and our parents are old friends who still go on vacation together. We were talking kids when I found his not-so-ex-girlfriend swaying around in my kitchen, eating my food, and wearing my robe. I came home early from work because I wasnt feeling well, and I wish I could say I shoved her out the door and took my robe back. Instead, I stuttered an apology and ran away. I didnt even return to our place until I filed for divorce. My ex didnt contest the divorce. I called, and he said, Oh, when I confronted him and OK when I asked for the divorce. It was as painless as possible  so like pulling out a rotten tooth with a string.

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Here is the thing. He married this woman almost immediately after our divorce, and his mother hated her. Then and now. I moved on, married, and have two beautiful children. I still socially saw my ex-mother-in-law and conversed with her occasionally. But never in a million years did I expect that she would leave me her heirloom jewelry in her will. Her passing was sudden, but her will was a complete shock.

It is an obvious and deliberate slight against her daughter-in-law, but a dark part of me is delighted. It feels like its karma. My ex has asked for the jewelry back, but my husband thinks he should pay the market rate at least. Part of me believes that paying is the least the pair of them could do, but another part just wants to dump this entire mess. My ex has cousins, and I am sure they would accept their aunts jewelry. So what should I do?

In the Will

Dear In the Will,

Let him make an offer! Then ask for 20 percent more.

Classic Prudie

I work at a small company of about eight women who work together daily on a commission basis, so missing work is not the issue here. One of them is a parent of multiple young kids and is expecting again. She has confided in me that her house has had mold problems and a maggot infestation. Her kids are ALWAYS throwing up and she blames it on daycare
WASHINGTON, Feb. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Earlier today, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana heard oral arguments in the case of Louisiana v. FDA, where the state is challenging the current FDA's permissive attitude toward the abortion drug mifepristone.

Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, and former Louisiana state representative and police officer, commented on the oral arguments:

"I applaud Attorney General Liz Murrill for standing up both for the rule of law and the health and safety of mothers and their unborn children. Along with a dozen other pro-life states, Louisiana has acted within its recognized authority to outlaw abortion, yet the FDA continues to undermine those laws at every turn. Louisiana reports that despite its laws prohibiting abortion, illegal chemical abortions now account for an estimated 600 to 800 deaths of unborn children each month -- nearly identical to the state's monthly average in the five years before Roe was overturned.

"As a former police officer, I saw first-hand how intimate partner violence can lead to tragic circumstances and out-of-state doctors prescribing these drugs without an in-person visit is the height of medical malpractice and too often leads to tragic circumstances. As we argued in our amicus brief to the court, the FDA's action endangers women by ignoring the connection between remote abortions and coercion. We urge the court to grant relief," concluded Perkins.

Family Research Council, along with renowned psychiatrist Dr. Martha Shuping, filed an amicus brief in the case, in support of Louisiana. In the brief, FRC and Dr. Shuping argued that the "FDA's action has enabled a flood of abortion drugs to be released into society without any in-person interaction between the pregnant woman and a medical professional. A single 'nonprofit asynchronous telemedicine service' mailed 118,338 abortion drug packs between July 2023 and September 2024. Yet FDA never considered the reality that many women will be coerced with these drugs if men, family members, and abusers can easily obtain them via remote means with no protection against coercion."

To read the amicus brief, please see: https://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=LK26B29&f=LK26B29

SOURCE Family Research Council
Dear Prudence is Slates advice column. Submit questions here.

Dear Prudence,

I was married once. My ex-wife and I had known each other our whole lives; we met in elementary school, our mothers were co-workers, and our families went to church together. Outside of a few friends I made in college or at work, we shared all of our friends. Heres the problem.

She was kind of seen as perfect by everyone who knew her growing up. Now were divorced, and Ive moved on, remarried, and have my own kid. Some of those relationships were important to me, especially my parents friends who were influential in my life. But every time Im around them, I feel the awkward meter explode.

I moved on quickly because I knew I wanted a family and was facing being 40 with a newborn. People dont know for years that she was HELL to be with, because she was fantastic at keeping her image intact, so I know I look like the villain. I want my new daughter to be able to meet some of these people who were so important to me, but Im not willing to rehash my bad marriage to justify my current happiness. Do I just say screw it and find new people?

Socially Frustrated Dad

Dear Socially Frustrated Dad,

Definitely dont say screw it. If the awkward meter is currently exploding when youre with these people, you dont have much of a relationship with them, and theres not a lot to lose. So make a targeted effort to reconnect.

By targeted, I mean, think about the common friends who you really like, actually miss, and believe understand you well enough (or are just understanding enough in general) to refrain from vilifying you over whatever happened in your marriage or the fact that you moved on quickly. I wouldnt assume that everyone was totally convinced by her image management campaign. A person who was difficult to be married to almost certainly gave off a hint of hell in her non-romantic relationships, too. Even if she didnt, a big quality you want in the people in your life is that they think youre great. So whoever you identify as worth reconnecting with should be someone who you feel has always seen the best in you and will be open to the idea that you werent the bad guy in your marriage.

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On that note, I know you dont have to rehash it, and I actually think its wise not to say anything unnecessarily negative about your ex-wife, but you may need to open the door to questions and clarifications if you suspect theres been a smear campaign against you. Vulnerability and transparency might make this work. With that in mind, heres a script for reaching out:

Hey, its been a while since we really caught up, and I have to admit Ive felt awkward when weve seen each other since the divorce, wondering if people think it was wrong for me to remarry so quickly. But especially now that I have a child, I really want to reconnect with the people who are important to me, and Im wondering if youd like to get together. I know things are complicated when a couple who share friends splits upand I know Savannahs story about the end of our marriage is probably different from mine. If youre at all interested, Id love to have you over for dinner and, of course, if theres anything you want to ask me about how we got here, I will try to answer.

Classic Prudie

During the pandemic, I put a pool in. I love swimming and it became an oasis for me. Now it is a headache. I made the mistake of letting my sister have her daughters birthday pool party at my place. Now the floodgates have opened and everyone in my family wants to throw a pool party at my place. I have over a dozen nieces and nephews
Care and Feeding is Slates parenting advice column. Have a question for Care and Feeding? Submit it here.

Dear Care and Feeding,

My wife, Sharlene, and I have been married for 16 years. We have a 14-year-old son, Dexter, together, and I have a 19-year-old son, Jordan, from my first marriage. Just after Valentines Day, Jordan sent Dexter a gift that has made my wife lose her mind.

Jordan sent a novelty chocolate shaped like a vagina to Dexter along with a note that read, This is the only way youll ever get to eat one of these. Apparently, one of the fraternities at Jordans college was selling the chocolates for a fundraiser, and he thought it would be funny.

Dexter nearly fell over laughing when he saw it. I wasnt exactly pleased, but wrote it off as a stupid young adult thing. Sharlene, however, was furious and now says Jordan is no longer welcome in our home or around Dexter. Im not about to disown my son and ban him from seeing his brother over something so dumb. And its not as if Dexter doesnt know what sex isIve overheard him and his friends telling jokes dirty enough to make a sailor blush. My wife isnt willing to budge. What am I supposed to do here?

Milk Chocolate Meltdown

Dear Milk Chocolate Meltdown,

Youre not responsible for your wifes feelings about Jordan, especially if you know shes overreacting. Let me ask you thishas she always been a little frosty towards Jordan? Is this one of those situations where he reminds her of a version of you that she does not want to remember, like, for instance, that period of time when you were married to Jordans mom?

I think its safe to reason with her that, had roles been reversed here and Dexter was the clod with the Valentines vagina joke, she would consider a lifetime banishment pretty harsh.

My thought is that theres something more behind her melodramatic reaction and it might not be about Jordan at allhave you thought that maybe shes not ready to see her little Dexter delighting in such crude humor? Shes probably wondering when the cute little kid with the Snoopy Crocs and the Captain America underpants was replaced by this cackling douche shes living with.

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Give your wife some space, then re-engage her and ask how shes doing. Do something nice for her. Take her out to dinner, buy her some flowersjust dont buy her anything chocolate. Id move forward assuming her lifetime banishment pronouncement was an overreaction in the heat of the moment. And when the next college break rolls around, give her a heads up that Jordan is coming home. I think shell be over it by then, but if shes not, be firm that youre not banishing your son (and your younger sons brother) over a joke. And ask Jordan to leave the novelty sex items at school.

A.J.

More Parenting Advice From Slate

My son is 6. Among other things, he loves fairies, unicorns, stories about girls, and the color pink. Good for him, right? My son and my daughter have both been brought up to know that everything is for everyone. Only trouble is the other kids havent been brought up that way. The other night my son couldnt sleep because he really wants to read a unicorn book at school but doesnt want his friends to laugh at him. My question is should I keep asking his teacher to step in and try to teach these kids that your gender doesnt have to determine what you like? Or would I just be setting my son up to be bullied by causing him to be singled out? When it comes to issues like this, does the teacher have any sway, or are they always fighting a losing battle against parental influence?
An incident at the BAFTAs this past weekend has had the internet ablaze in heated conversations about disabilities and racism. On Sunday, during the ceremony, John Davidsonan advocate for Tourette syndrome awareness and the real-life subject of the biographical film I Swear, which took home three awards that evening, including two for actor Robert Aramayo for his portrayal of Davidsonsaid a racial slur while two Black actors, Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, were onstage presenting an award. The moment was not edited out of the broadcast, despite the BBC taping the show on a two-hour delay. Instead, reports detail that host Alan Cumming issued a subsequent apology (the second of two times he reportedly stopped the broadcast to address Davidsons tics that night) letting the audience know that there was a member in the audience with Tourette syndrome and apologizing if you were offended.

Since then, both the BBC and BAFTA have apologized, with the former alleging that the producers didnt hear the slur from the media truck they were using to monitor the ceremony. For their part, BAFTA said that they take full responsibility for putting our guests in a very difficult situation and apologise to all. Davidson also released a statement, saying, in part: I am, and always have been deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning. Notably, and much to the dissatisfaction of online critics, his statement carried no explicit apology. It did, however, mention that the producers warned the audience beforehand that my tics are involuntary and are not a reflection of my personal beliefs and that there was a round of applause that made Davidson feel welcomed and understood in an environment that would normally be impossible for him. Still, despite there being a pre-show announcement concerning Davidsons tics, Lindo told Vanity Fair that he also wished someone from BAFTA spoke to us afterward.

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In discussing what the proper recourse should be for incidents like this, conversations online have devolved into vitriolic ableism and racism, with Davidsons critics saying he meant what he said and shouldnt be able to get away with hurling a deeply charged racial slur at Black actors, regardless of his condition, and Davidsons defenders saying that the nature of his disability means he has zero control over his tics, and they should be taken as divorced from their meaning. Overall, there has been little room for nuance in between. In order to wade through this mess, I spoke with Jhonelle Bean, a Black woman with Tourette syndrome, whom I was connected to through the Tourette Association of America. Bean, a disability advocate and ASL interpreter, has been working in the disability community for about 11 years and has been an advocate for more than four. This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.

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Slate: The biggest question or assumption that Ive been seeing online is people saying that John Davidson would only have said the N-word as a tic if he himself were racist. Is that how having tics works?

Jhonelle Bean: No, not at all. Tourette syndrome is a complex condition. Typically you have motor tics, which are movement, and vocal tics, which are sounds. About 10 to 15 percent of people with Tourette syndrome have coprolalia, which is an even more complex tic that makes you say things that are either socially inappropriate, culturally inappropriate, or obscene. So in order for you to think those things are inappropriate or obscene typically means that it is not part of your daily vocabulary or your belief system.

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With coprolalia, depending on the situation that youre in, there might be different triggers. For example, if someone is in an airport, their trigger might not be to say the N-word, but it might be to say that they have a weapon when they dont because, in that context, thats the most obscene thing that you could say or that could happen. That type of tic is a lot more complex in terms of identifying that this would be the worst thing to say in this moment, but it does not mean that because he said it, hes racist. In fact, Ive seen him in interviews before talking about how awful he feels in terms of having that tic because, again, it does not match with who he feels he is as a person or what he believes.

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So no, that is the No. 1 myth Id like to dispel. It does not mean that because he said it, hes racist. It does not mean that it is in his everyday vocabulary. There are tons of words that we know, tons of derogatory words that you mightve heard. That doesnt mean that its part of your everyday vocabulary.

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Just for clarity, is the actual impulse of the tic to say whatever the worst possible thing could be at that moment?

Yes. And there are different triggers. Ive also seen a lot of people say, Well, how come he only said the N-word when Black people were onstage? Why didnt he say anything else? One, we dont know that he didnt because, again, its editedwhich we can get into later. But, just like how sneezes come out at different levels, tics can come out with different intensities.

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Oftentimes, as a person with Tourette syndrome myself, friends that I have that have Tourettes might do what people that were there have said Davidson did, which is to get up to leave. Sometimes we try our best to hold in tics but its not very successful, so sometimes well go somewhere else to let tics out. He said other offensive things that night, its just that this was the one that the BBC decided to keep in their edit.

How do tics and triggers develop? Could it be because of a movie you watch or an association that you see other people making, and then you just happen to make it yourself? I ask because theres a lot of speculation as to why that word would be in Davidsons vocabulary.

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Coprolalia is kind of situational. My vocal tics are more so like sounds, my conditions a bit more mild to moderate. But, for my friends who have more complex conditions, their tics might be something that theyve heard. Maybe its the tone in which somebody said something that sounded funny, they might copy them. That is another complex tic called echolalia. The brain is a funny thing. I have a friend that used to work at Texas Roadhouse and the whole Hey everybody, we have a birthday script theyre supposed to memorize became a tic for her. And even though she no longer works there, she still says it. So, it really can be anything that you see or that you hear. Sometimes they really are just random. Sometimes it really is just coffee! and now this person is saying coffee! even though they dont drink coffee and nobody near them has had coffee.

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OK, lets follow this online discourse. So, someone will say, Thats racist!, and then someone will reply, No, its not. And then the retort will be, Well, if its so uncontrollable, Davidson should have been backstage or he shouldnt have been invited or he should have stayed home. What do you say to people who think that?

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There are two ways that I want to address this. First, in terms of people saying that he should have been backstage or that he should have been separated from everybody else because of his Tourette syndromeeven though he was there promoting his movie on Tourette syndrome and acceptancethats us taking a step back. Thats us regressing. There used to be laws in the United States called the ugly laws that mandated that people with disabilities couldnt be in public at a certain time period. Typically this was more for physical disabilities, hence the name, because the belief was that other people shouldnt be subjected to seeing disabled people who look different. They thought that disabled people, including maybe people with invisible disabilities or other types of disabilities, needed to be locked away.

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Having that as the expectation of what John Davidson needs to do for the sake of other people, I think, is very dehumanizing. There are times where, in schools, people with Tourettes might have an accommodation to test in a different room, but thats more so that they can concentrate because, again, when you are in that space and youre ticcing and you notice other people looking at you ticcing, you cant focus on your own test. But I dont think that that should just be applied to every area of life. Unfortunately, people do get kicked out of movie theaters. People do get kicked out of restaurants because of that.

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Where I feel the racism lies, and I keep bringing it back because thats where my anger lies, is the BBC editing team choosing to keep that incident in. They decided to edit out other things in terms of some of his tics and other things that were considered free speech. But somehow that made the cut. Thats where the intention lies and thats where the harm lies, because now this has affected the disability community. Ive seen, online, people threatening him. Other people with Tourette syndrome and coprolalia are getting threats as well because of it. Its incredibly harmful to the disability community.

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And, as someone who has the intersectionality of both communities, its also incredibly harmful to the Black community because now there are a ton of racist people just being blatant and saying, OK, yeah, well, if that guy can say it and its not a problem, then I can say it and I can just pretend I have Tourettes. And so now there are Black people that are being harmed in another way because of that. And all of that could have been avoided if they didnt keep that in the edit.

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The BBC aired the ceremony on a two-hour tape delay. This moment was not edited out or muted or censored and this version of the broadcast was also left up on BBCs iPlayer on Monday morning before being removed. However, they did edit out some of Davidsons other tics and, notably, a part of Nigerian-British director Akinola Davies Jr.s acceptance speech for his film My Fathers Shadow, when he said, Free Palestine. During the broadcast, after the incident, host Alan Cumming referred to some strong and offensive language and added: We apologize if you were offended. The BBC and the BAFTAs also apologized.

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I dont know necessarily if Alan Cumming was reading from a teleprompter, so if he was, obviously this would be because of the BAFTAs, but even that apology of, Sorry if you were offended, is not a real apology. Its a bit passive-aggressive because both can be true at the same time in terms of John having Tourette syndrome and him ticcing and it being involuntary and unintentional, but also intentionality does not negate the fact that it could be harmful and hurtful for people to have heard that. And holding space for both is fine. Again, I am literally both. I get it. Which is why Im staying on BAFTAs and the BBCs necks because they chose to keep that in and it caused a lot more harm.

Do you feel that theres enough accountability being taken?

Honestly, I dont think I can sit here and say, Yes, that suffices, because theres still a lack of them answering as to why it was included in the first place. Thats where my anger lies, because how are you picking and choosing, Yeah, were going to take out this persons message about Palestine, but this was an embarrassing moment and dehumanizing moment to different groups and were going to keep that in? Now you realize that its bad because youre getting backlash. Its giving sorry they got caught, not sorry that it happened.

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If were following the discussions, a lot of the conversations culminate in this point where people realize, OK, people with disabilities deserve to be in these spaces and they deserve to be visible, but also their disabilities can cause them to do or say harmful things to other demographics, and those people dont deserve to hear those harmful things. It feels like people are at sort of an impasse there. So what can we do here? From your point of view, is there even a solution, or is the solution to just hold grace for this moment that happened and to understand that these two things can sometimes be in friction?

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I think the duality of the situation is important. Unfortunately, I feel like social media is not the place thats going to hold the duality for both, because its not enough to just simply say, Oh, well he has a disability, and explain it away, and tell people, Stop, hes fine, its fine. Dont be offended. Black people have been policed into being offended about something or not offended and being told what they can or cannot make a big deal about. Thats not what is needed in the conversation either. But its also not just, Well, he said that and thats a racist word, which means hes racist, period. Now, youre either ableist or racist in not being considerate of Black peoples feelingsbut you can hold space for both. I dont necessarily think social media is the place where people are going to willingly do that. For example, I posted a video about my thoughts last night on it, and the average watch time was about 40 seconds, which is before I even explained my first point when dispelling some misconceptions.

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@jhonelle_bean Replying to @chunlifuu My two cents as a Black woman with Tourette Syndrome. We need to be looking at who on the BAFTA team okayed that moment to be aired when they had the ability to edit that out. It doesn't give dignity to the man with Tourette's nor to Michael B Jordan or Delroy for the hurt they experienced. That's the problem I feel more people need to talk about. #BAFTA #Tourettes #MichaelBJordan #Delroy #Abelism  original sound - Jhonelle Bean This content requires consent that you have not granted on Slate. To view this content please visit www.tiktok.com or update your cookie preferences . Learn more about this at our privacy page.

But if theres somebody thats really out there wanting to figure out, What do I do with this conflicting information? What is the solution? The only thing I can keep pointing back to, in terms of it causing harm to both communities, is look at how all of that could have been avoided if they didnt leave it in the edit. And thats why I keep pointing back to that in terms of intentionality and harm. I just think its one of those uncomfortable things in terms of newly understanding Tourette syndrome or understanding, Hey, yeah, we do have to validate Black peoples experiences and understand that even though it wasnt intentional, it could still cause harm.

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I think a lot of peoples personal discomfort extends to a hypothetical, which is: Its not just about the broadcast. If you are one of those actors on stage, or if you were in that room, or if you were in a different room that isnt being broadcast internationally, and someone with Tourettes says something really offensive to you, is there something that can be done about that or is there even something that should be done about that?

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Ive also seen a lot of people saying that they feel like an apology needs to be demanded by John, and to each their own. But I wasnt there. You werent there. To my knowledge, everybody whos saying that wasnt there. To my knowledge, we dont know if he apologized. I have heard from some people that claim that they were there that he was profusely apologizing to people around him. I dont necessarily know if he got to speak with Michael B. Jordan or Delroy Lindo after. I do know that BAFTA didnt approach them after to apologize or say anything aside from the comment on stage of sorry if you were offended. And thats it. So, in terms of apology, it really should be coming from the people who had the power to do so and chose not to.

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I think you used a really great word there when you said a lot of peoples concerns are in hypothetical situations. What are hypothetical situations for you all are real-life situations for people with Tourette syndrome and coprolalia. I have plenty of friends with Tourette syndrome that have coprolalia and will speak with each other after theyve had an incident where they were out and about and a specific slur or curse word was triggered. Sometimes its not even a slur, it might be that theyre around kids and they feel like they want to curse and then theyre like, Ooh, I cant. And now parents are mad at me and now people are yelling at me in my face and harassing me. Obviously, in those cases, again, its a duality thing. Yes, the parents could be offended that their kid heard a new word and now the kid knows the word and theyre going to hear it for the next two weeksbut, also, to have an understanding that it is uncontrollable.

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The best example or parallel I can give for people to understand, because everybody experienced this during the pandemic, is when you have to cough. Im sure there mightve been an experience or a time where youre like, Ooh, I really got to cough, but if I keep coughing, people will think I have COVID. And then the more you hold it in, the more your eyes start to water, you start feeling really uncomfortable, and it comes out in a coughing fit. Would I sit there and say that, Oh, because you might have to cough and people might think that you have COVID that you need to just not be out and about? No, not at all.

But I have a lot of friends with coprolalia, and they do talk about how hard it is. They understand why people are offended. Its just a hard thing where both are valid. But I think it can cross the line when the person whos being hurt by the tic now wants to hurt the other person physically, which is not a hypothetical. You can be upset, and you might want to move and not be at the restaurant, and thats completely understandable. Thats your right. But its never OK to then take that and turn around and intentionally harm the person who unintentionally harmed you.

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I 100 percent understand feeling like an apology is owed, but I also understand that it must feel really awful to have this great moment in your life where your disability is being recognized and theres this award-winning movie about it that youre celebrating, and you have to spend that whole night apologizing to other people.

Not even just that night, but that is just life for individuals with coprolalia, constantly apologizing and constantly feeling shame because of it. If they edited it out, obviously the harm to Michael B. Jordan, Delroy Lindo, and whoever else mightve been in the room would still be there, but it wouldve stayed in the room. Now its causing more harm.

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And it doesnt just happen to random people, to strangers. It happens to friends, too. Ive had my friends with Tourettes call me the N-word or try their best to not, but obviously its a tic. Theyll sit there and profusely say sorry and get upset over it. Im at the intersectionality of both, I get it. But what type of cognitive dissonance do they live with every single day to not be able to control that?

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Related From Slate Everyones Favorite Medical Show Has Been Missing Something This Season Read More

As a Black person with Tourette syndrome, do you feel like a part of this conversation is not taking into consideration that there are also Black people with Tourette syndrome?

I didnt necessarily think about it erasing me as a Black person with Tourette syndrome. I just think, again, it is not taking into consideration the intersectionality of it all. There are times when, if Im ticcing or doing something, because of the color of my skin, people will already assume different things about me. For example, a very simple tic I have might be to move my eyes. And people have claimed that Im having an attitude. Where did the attitude come from? Im fine, but Im Black, so you think I have an attitude. Or, I would get really nervous as a Black person around law enforcement, but I get extra nervous if I know that Im having a more tic-y day because, are they going to sit there and take a moment to assume that maybe its involuntary? My experience as a Black woman with Tourette syndrome is vastly different from that of a white person with Tourette syndrome.
The leader of Mexicos Jalisco New Generation Cartel had a lot of names. His formal name was Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes. That was often shortened to simply Nemesio Oseguera. But a lot of people knew him by his nickname, El Mencho. And he was killed on Sunday in a raid.

Journalist Leon Krauze has followed El Menchos rise for years.

All of these people that join this business, lets call it a business, know that they are in it for a likely exhilarating, if that sort of thing excites you, but very short ride, he says. Only very, very few have managed to escape the long arm of the law for a long time.

To be fair, El Menchos ride was longer than most. He was active for nearly two decadeswhich made him a kind of mythical figure, bigger than even drug lord El Chapo. In the past few days, its become clear just how brutal El Menchos organization could be: Businesses were set on fire. Members of the Mexican national guard died.

This reaction was not unexpected, Krauze says. When other cartel bosses have been captured or killed, public violence has followed, as deputies and rivals try to sort out who is running things now.

On a recent episode of What Next, host Mary Harris spoke to Krauze about El Menchos death, Mexicos crackdown on cartels, and what role the United States is playing in all of this. This transcript has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Mary Harris: I want to do some table-setting for my listeners who might not have any idea what this cartel is about or who El Mencho was. How long has this cartel been a major player in the narco wars?

Leon Krauze: I would say its been growing over the last 20 years, but especially during the Lopez Obrador administration, which was so controversial with regards to its management of the cartels.

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Youre referring to Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the former president of Mexico, who talked about having this hugs, not bullets approach to the cartels. Did that allow something like Jalisco New Generation to flourish?

Absolutely. He was very respectful of the cartels and very respectful of the leaders, explaining that cartel members are also part of the people. It really made no sense, but more than psychoanalyzing our former president, one should look at the consequences, which are dramatic. Cartels grew stronger, and the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion grew stronger than any other cartel. And so they specialized, still, in meth and fentanyl but also into extortion, human trafficking, and are a constant threat to avocado growers in that region of Mexico.

Theres one region of Mexico where the avocados come from, and so its part of the cartel. Americans dont necessarily understand that.

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El Mencho himself comes from Michoacan and grew up in poverty, like so many people do in that area of Mexico and in Mexico in general. And he, as a young boy, was part of the avocado trade before emigrating to the United States. He committed a number of crimes, then he was deported. He became a police officer briefly in Jalisco. I imagine that is where he learned the tricks of the trade and how to corrupt not only the police force but beyond.

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Theres a new president in Mexico now, Claudia Sheinbaum. She took a strong approach to the rival Sinaloa Cartel. But folks youve interviewed have basically said, about four or five weeks ago, there was some indication that more might be happening. There were some statements that came out after a meeting between the United States and Mexico that made it clear that the United States was demanding more action from Sheinbaum. Can you lay out what happened? What do we know about the operation as it unfolded on Sunday?

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Well, what we know from the account of the Mexican government is they got a lead that pointed to the presence of El Mencho in an area of Jalisco called Tapalpa. He was not supposed to be killed, but the cartel responded with heavy gunfire that led to the death of at least 25 Mexican servicemen. He was wounded and died en route to a hospital. This operation involved different areas of Mexican security forces, from the army to the national guard, and there was substantial U.S. intelligence support, and the immediate retaliation, as we saw, were roadblocks, arson attacks, disorder, and chaos in various states and cities in Mexico.

Sounds like a war.

It was certainly a war, because thats how they are armed. These are not just old-fashioned gangs with handguns and knives. Were talking about armies that have gained firepower through the illicit gun trade from the United States.

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It is clear from the reporting weve seen after this attack, the killing of El Mencho, that the United States was key in some ways to what happened here. The reporting is that the CIA was instrumental in allowing Mexican forces to locate El Mencho via a girlfriend who is visiting him. Of course, theres been extensive reporting about the fact that the CIA has expanded a program to use drones over Mexico. How deep is the involvement at this point between Mexico and the United States, and how much of this operation was Mexican versus American? Do we even know?

This current phase of the war against these organizations is using American eyes in the sky and Mexican boots on the ground. Its collaboration has deepened, and that is extraordinary news. Especially after the very sour, unproductive years of AMLO, in which distrust was the main variable in that equation, in the bilateral relationship.

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Theres a big debate in Mexico as to whether or not President Trump has been a positive, disruptive actor in the bilateral relationship. I think he has not. I think he has been brutal with the one-third of Mexico, or one-fourth of Mexico, that resides in the United States. I think that he has been a threat on trade, not only with Mexico but elsewhere.

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But you still think that Mexico and the United States need to collaborate.

One has to admit that when it comes to the security agenda that was paralyzed and dormant during the Lopez Obrador years, the pressure that the U.S. government has applied since President Trump came back to power has been very productive. And people in Mexico are fed up with the cartels, fed up with corruption, and so thats why you would find that many people in Mexico also welcome this collaboration. That should be the word.

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Donald Trumps administration seems keen to do quick targeted interventions and then leave, like what we saw in Venezuela. They dont want to stay somewhere, which would maybe bolster your idea of the U.S. collaborating but not intervening in any forceful way. On the other hand, the Trump administration likes to own the win. You know what Im saying? Collaboration doesnt often come without an ask from the Trump administration. And I dont know what those asks are.

Absolutely. Do you think its not a coincidence that Trump loves Sheinbaum so much? Can you name me another leader whom he praises publicly?

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Trump is intensely transactional. So of course theres some quid pro quo going on. But the problem wont be solved by the decapitation of a singular cartel, sadly. Mexicos troubles go deeper.

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That speaks to a kind of consistent presence and intervention that highlights the deeper work that has to be done. Theres so much here in terms of a financial superstructure that you need to begin to break down in this cartel that El Mencho ran. Thats a lot of work. And thats not as easy as running in with some guns and getting a guy.

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Exactly. I know for a fact that the Trump administration has put in front of President Sheinbaum a list of Mexican politicians with suspected ties to organized crime. Many of them from her own party, governors, members of, if not her inner circle, certainly the next circle of influence. We havent seen one arrested, one processed. Sheinbaums willingness to collaborate with the United States has one limit there. She hasnt shown any willingness to go after those politicians suspected of corruption and links to organized crime. And then there are structural challenges in Mexico. The Sheinbaum administration recently passed deep judicial reform that was incredibly pernicious, incredibly toxic, erasing the previous Supreme Court and substituting it with judges who were elected with the support and the thumbs-up of the executive itself. Mexico faces deeper structural challenges that go well beyond the dramatic killing of this one particularly vicious cartel leader.

How optimistic are you at this moment?

Its a tough question. We are in a better place than we were two years ago, for sure. Lopez Obrador was criminal in the way he coddled organized crime. But when you listen to people who go through this at the local level, when you listen to our colleagues in Sinaloa, in Tamaulipas, in Michoacan, in Guanajuato, even in Jalisco, and you see the fear on their faces, and then you talk to the people of Culiacan, and see how ingrained this is, how powerful these people are, how deep their tentacles go into politics, business, you name it, then the gravity of the situation really, really hits you. Its going to take a long time for this to change.
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The Supreme Court handed down an alarming decision on Tuesday prohibiting Americans from suing the Postal Service for damages in federal court when carriers intentionally destroy or refuse to deliver their mail. Justice Clarence Thomas 54 decision in USPS v. Konan is bad enough on its owna distortion of the law that will deprive individuals of their rightful remedy when postal workers withhold mail on purpose. But it is even more disturbing in light of the upcoming midterms, when millions of Americans will cast their ballots by mail. Konan effectively repeals a major deterrent against postal workers who might try to manipulate the election by targeting mail ballots, a threat thats not hypothetical. In a moment when American democracy depends on the integrity of mail delivery, the Supreme Court has handed the Postal Service new immunity in cases of deliberate sabotage.

Konans facts illustrate exactly why Congress authorized civil suits against postal workers intentional misconduct in the first place. For two years, USPS did not deliver mail addressed to tenants of Lebene Konan, a landlord in Euless, Texas. Konan alleges that local carriers objected to the fact that she, a Black woman, leased rooms to white people. So she sued under the Federal Tort Claims Act, which waives the U.S. governments immunity from certain lawsuits. The FTCA allows certain actions against USPS while forbidding others. As relevant here, the statute prohibits lawsuits against the Postal Service arising out of the loss, miscarriage, or negligent transmission of letters or postal matter.

Congress enacted this bar to prevent people from demanding damages in federal court every time their mail was inadvertently delayed. Konan argued that it shields only negligent conductlike accidentally leaving a letter on the truckand does not encompass intentional theft or destruction of the mail. A cross-ideological panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit agreed. It reasoned that the willful withholding of the mail goes far beyond loss and miscarriage and may therefore serve as grounds for a lawsuit. The word loss implies an unintentional action, the 5th Circuit explained, while miscarriage implies a failed attempt at delivery. So a lawsuit for the intentional action of refusing to deliver is still permitted under the FTCA.

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The Trump administration appealed to SCOTUS, and prevailed in Tuesdays 54 ruling, winning every Republican-appointed justice except Neil Gorsuch, who joined Justice Sonia Sotomayors dissent in a striking defection. Thomas majority opinion seems to begin from the premise that victims of mail theft should not be able to collect damages from the government, then work backward to justify that conclusion. Citing favorable definitions from several dictionaries, Thomas wrote that loss covers any deprivation of mail. And one can, of course, suffer a deprivation of something when another intentionally keeps that thing for himself. Note the parlor trick at work here: By replacing the actual language of the statute (loss) with his preferred alternative (deprivation), the justice was able to insist that stolen mail has merely been lost, allowing the government to claim immunity.

As Justice Sonia Sotomayor explained in dissent, this reasoning contorts the English language beyond recognition. Loss, as even the government admitted, is ordinarily understood to capture unintentional conduct, the justice wrote. After all, no one intentionally loses something. People lose their mail when it gets stuck behind a drawer, not when they intentionally throw it away. If someone says they lost their car, no one would think it was stolen, only that the person forgot where they had parked it. The same, Sotomayor wrote, is true when the Postal Service loses someones mail. The reason is an error, not deliberate wrongdoing.

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Thomas redefinition of miscarriage was even more absurd. Once again, Thomas substituted the words most natural meaning for an alternative that loads the dice: Miscarriage, he wrote, is what happens any time mail fails to arrive properly, no matter the reason. So mail that is never even transported from the post office to the mailbox is still miscarried. To support his claim that ordinary speakers use the term this way, Thomas cited two sources: an 1893 article in the Carbondale Leader and a 1911 article in the Kansas City Star, both of which described stolen or destroyed mail as miscarried. These obscure reports were his strongest evidence that English speakers describe the intentional withholding of mail as miscarriage.

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As Sotomayor pointed out, Thomas appears to have uncovered these examples on his own. The government, she wrote, failed to identify a single example of miscarriage  being used to mean intentional withholding of mail. So Thomas had to do his own research. And this was the best he could find: Two cherry-picked newspaper references almost 20 years apart, and at least 30 years before the enactment of the FTCA. If miscarriage actually carried this definition, Sotomayor quipped, one might expect that actual examples of the usage would be easier to come by. It is far more likely that Congress understood this term as it was used in the Postal Laws and Regulations when the FTCA was enacted: mail that is misdelivered by accident.

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But Thomas opinion is now the law. And it could not have arrived at a worse time. This fall, millions of Americans will submit their ballots through the mail, and some states will conduct their elections entirely by mail. These citizens rely upon USPS to deliver and return their ballots without delay or interference. (The agency processed nearly 100 million mail ballots in the 2024 general election.) Unfortunately, President Donald Trump has installed an ally as the head of the Postal Service and seized total control over the Justice Department. In the past, Americans have relied upon USPS and DOJ to identify and investigate destruction of mail ballots, which is a federal crime. They have done so in the past when carriers tried to influence elections this way.

Can we trust the Trump administration to do so in 2026? Particularly when the president has telegraphed his desire to undermine the upcoming elections? Konans allegations demonstrate the danger of a government that turns a blind eye toward such misconduct. What if, instead of refusing to deliver mail because of race, a post office declines to distribute or collect ballots because of political affiliation? What if a carrier destroys mail ballots from a Democratic enclave, and the Republican candidate wins by a hair? Before Tuesday, the FTCA created a strong deterrent against such intentional interference with mail voting: Victims could sue in court and collect damagesmoney paid out by the government to make them whole. Although individual carriers would not have to pay up, these lawsuits could uncover and publicize their misconduct, leading to other professional and personal consequences. Now if someone files suit because they think their mail ballot got stolen by a postal worker, a court wont open the door to an investigation. It will simply toss the suit.

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Last year, Margaret Schaack laid out these risks in the University of Chicago Law Review. A ruling for the Trump administration in Konan, Shaack wrote, would deny direct recourse to potential litigants whose ballots are stolen and delayed. Without this safeguard, postal workers might feel emboldened to intentionally withhold mail-in ballots for elections, and the government would be immune from any attempts to seek individual redress. At a bare minimum, shielding mail theft or destruction from FTCA suits may disincentivize the USPS from expending resources to institute policies that better prevent intentional impediments to mail delivery. The Supreme Courts decision in Konan means well find out the hard way whether these fears come to pass.

Ironically, Thomas himself has in the past expressed his apprehension that mail voting poses a massive risk of fraud. Thats broadly untrue, but he did cite one legitimate concern about theft of an election through stealing absentee ballots. If the justice were genuinely worried about this possibility, one would not expect him to erase a key safeguard against it by judicial fiat. Yet his indefensible opinion in Konan invites precisely that risk.
Award-Winning Sandwich Concept Brings Signature Subs and Cheesesteaks to Pennsylvania's Capital

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Capriotti's Sandwich Shop (Capriotti's), known for its award-winning, hand-crafted cheesesteaks, turkey subs and more, is set to celebrate the grand opening of its newest location in Harrisburg on Tuesday, March 3. Located at 2607 Brindle Dr, Capriotti's brings its 50-year legacy to the local community, showcasing its signature tradition of slow-roasting whole, all-natural turkeys in-house and crafting one-of-a-kind sandwiches made with the freshest, high-quality ingredients.

Meet the Local Franchise Owner:

Capriotti's of Harrisburg is owned and operated by Corey Wolff, a seasoned entrepreneur with more than 25 years of business experience. A Pennsylvania native, Wolff spent time living in Virginia before returning to the Harrisburg area nearly three decades ago. Now, he's proud to open a business in the community he calls home, where he and his wife are raising two daughters and have built deep local roots.

Wolff's connection to Capriotti's began more than 10 years ago when friends asked him to pick up subs for a beach trip. At the time, he had never heard of the brand, but after one bite of the Capastrami, he was instantly hooked. In the years that followed, he sought out Capriotti's locations during his travels and frequently brought sandwiches home for his family. After connecting with the corporate team five years ago, Wolff spent more than a year searching for the right location before securing what he believes is the perfect spot in Harrisburg. Located in a shopping center near Interstate 81 and surrounded by several residential communities, the restaurant is well-positioned to serve lunch, dinner, and catering customers alike. This marks Wolff's first Capriotti's location, with plans already underway to open an additional shop in the Hershey area.

"We want this shop to feel like a family," said Wolff. "Having deep roots in this community, opening this location is especially meaningful to me. It truly takes a village to build a great business, and we're committed to creating a welcoming space where our neighbors can gather, connect, and feel at home."

Capriotti's is known for its wide array of sandwiches including:

The Bobbie: Known as the Greatest Sandwich in America, this iconic Capriotti's sub is created with slow-roasted, hand-pulled turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing and mayo.

Known as the Greatest Sandwich in America, this iconic Capriotti's sub is created with slow-roasted, hand-pulled turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing and mayo. Capastrami: A bold flavor bomb that means business  this fan favorite is stacked with piping-hot pastrami, melted Swiss, zesty Russian dressing, and a crunchy layer of house-made coleslaw. It's craveable and unapologetically delicious.

A bold flavor bomb that means business  this fan favorite is stacked with piping-hot pastrami, melted Swiss, zesty Russian dressing, and a crunchy layer of house-made coleslaw. It's craveable and unapologetically delicious. Cheesesteaks: Loaded with a choice of juicy premium steak, prime-grade American Wagyu from Snake River Farms (R), savory chicken, or Impossible plant-based meat smothered in gooey melted cheese, mushrooms, grilled onions and your pick of grilled hot or sweet peppers. It's comfort food with an edge.

Capriotti's in Harrisburg makes it easy for guests to enjoy their favorites with convenient order-ahead, online ordering, and third-party delivery options. The shop also offers catering for events of all sizes  from corporate meetings to birthday parties  with selections like cold sub trays, box lunches, and a hot homemade meatball bar.

Harrisburg residents can also join the Capriotti's Rewards Program by visiting capriottis.com/freesub or downloading the all-new Capriotti's app on the App Store or Google Play to earn points, redeem rewards, and score free food at Capriotti's shops.

For more information about the Harrisburg location, visit capriottis.com or call (717) 303-4549. To find out more about Capriotti's, including upcoming franchise projects and franchise opportunities available across the country, visit www.ownacapriottis.com.

About Capriotti's Sandwich Shop

Founded in 1976, Capriotti's Sandwich Shop is an award-winning national franchised restaurant chain that remains true to its 50-year-old tradition of slow-roasting whole, all-natural turkeys in-house every day. Capriotti's cold, grilled, and vegetarian subs, cheesesteaks and salads are available at more than 175 locations across the United States. Capriotti's signature sub, The Bobbie, was voted "The Greatest Sandwich in America" by thousands of readers across the country, as reported by AOL.com. Capriotti's fans can also download the CAPAddicts Rewards app for iOS and Android, where they can earn and redeem rewards. Capriotti's plans to grow to over 750 locations by 2032 and was ranked on Fast Casual's Top Movers & Shakers List each of the last five years (2020-24). For more details about Capriotti's, including franchise opportunities available across the country, visit www.ownacapriottis.com. Like Capriotti's on Facebook, follow on Twitter or Instagram.

Media Contact: Anna Florek | Fishman PR | [email protected] | (815) 708-2166

SOURCE Capriotti's Sandwich Shop
Owner's Statement:

Well Bred mare, one of Sires (Crazed) best. Multiple Stakes winner. 10 top 2 finishes in 22 lifetime starts. Great Producer 5 of 6 started ( 3 in Sweden). 2 100k winners, including IMMANUEL K S 152.3F; BT 152.1 ($204,502) and JALAPENO K (SEK1,154,500). She is a half sister to BELIEVABLE (145,148), and out of a half siser to World Champion BEATGOESON HANOVER 151.4F ($1.1M), while her second dam is World Champion BEAT THE WHEEL 4,151.4 ($303K). She sells in foal to Ontario first year Sire ITS ACADEMIC 150.1 ($2.7 M). The resulting foal will be eligible to be nominated to the OSS. Last bred April 28/25.
Standardbred Canada's Nurse Mare Program is designed to assist in matching orphaned or rejected foals with nurse mares, and now the process is even easier. Breeders who have a nurse mare (a mare who has just lost a foal) that could be matched with an orphan foal, or a foal that requires a nurse mare, are asked to post detailed information in the comments section below.

To post your mare/foal on the registry, the following information is needed:

NEED A NURSE MARE or HAVE A NURSE MARE

Your name/farm

Location of mare/foal (city/prov)

Telephone number(s)

Email address

Any other pertinent information (i.e. when foaled, frozen colostrum available etc.)

DIRECTIONS FOR POSTING YOUR MARE/FOAL ON THIS PAGE:

Please post below or inform Barb Wilson once your mare/foal has been matched so the registry can be updated. Postings will be monitored and published for one week if SC is not notified of a match. You must "log in" to the SC website (click on the red button at the top of the website). If you do not already have an online account you need to create one. Click on "create new account" and fill in the information.

If you prefer to register your mare/foal directly with SC, during business hours please contact:

Contact: Barb Wilson Phone: (905) 858-3060 ext. 231 Email: [email protected]

Please do not post anything other than mares or orphaned/rejected foals on this web page. This program is designed to support breeders during the foaling season, please respect the sensitivity of this matter. Standardbred Canada is not responsible for the placement or care of mares or foals from this volunteer program. Please use discretion when accepting a mare or foal from an unknown source.
DALLAS, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hempz, the leader in 100% hemp seed oilinfused body care, today revealed a complete brand redesign  the most extensive update in its 25-year history. The refresh includes a new logo, elevated packaging, updated fragrance storytelling, and a modern visual identity aimed at today's ingredient-conscious, scent-driven beauty consumer.

Image courtesy of Hempz

The new design system puts Hempz's signature fragrances and long-lasting hydration at the forefront, pairing contemporary aesthetics with the same skin-nourishing hemp seed oil formulas beloved by millions. Every product remains vegan, cruelty-free, THC-free, CBD-free, petrolatum-free, mineral-oil free, paraben-free, gluten-free, and manufactured in the USA.

"For more than two decades, Hempz has stood for unforgettable scents and serious hydration," said Jennifer Weiderman, Chief Marketing Officer at Hempz. "As we enter our next chapter, we've modernized our look  not what our customers love. This redesign celebrates the iconic fragrances and results that have always set us apart, while positioning Hempz for the next generation of body care enthusiasts."

The refreshed packaging begins rolling out across best-selling collections, including Original, Triple Moisture, and Sweet Pineapple & Honey Melon, along with new launches such as Serene Waters with Magnesium and Juicy Peach Slices, available at retailers nationwide and on Hempz.com starting February 2026.

This evolution reflects Hempz's continued commitment to a sensorial body care experience driven by nature-powered ingredients, exclusive scent blends, and uncompromising hydration  now presented through a cohesive, elevated, modern brand identity.

SOURCE Hempz
(TBTCO) - Ap luc chi phi von trong boi canh thi truong dan buoc vao trang thai can bang hon khong chi buoc nguoi mua va nha au tu than trong hon trong cac quyet inh au tu, ma con tung buoc loai bo nhung chu the phu thuoc qua lon vao on bay tai chinh hoac co tu duy au tu ngan han, qua o thuc ay thi truong bat ong san phat trien theo can can cung cau thuc.
One week after a group of local residents in Mahahual, Mexico demanded attention from Royal Caribbean with a protest at the Costa Maya cruise port, Royal Caribbean is expediting work to improve local infrastructure.

Royal Caribbean took over the port last year as part of its plan to transform adjacent land into its new Perfect Day Mexico cruise destination  a plan that also included infrastructure improvements for the cruise port and neighboring communities in Mahahual.

On Feb. 12, a group of residents blocked the port entrance while three cruise ships were visiting Costa Maya demanding that Royal Caribbean deliver on promises to help improve roads and public services.

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Now, Royal Caribbean is taking quick action to kick off a road rehabilitation project in response.

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Royal Caribbean plans to build a huge Perfect Day Mexico resort destination next to the Costa Maya cruise port.Royal Caribbean (Royal Caribbean)

Royal Caribbean plans road improvement project in Mahahual

On Feb. 20, Royal Caribbean revealed that it is funding a project to rehabilitate key roads in the community of Nuevo Mahahual to improve accessibility, safety, and overall quality of life for residents. The cruise line says the investment reaffirms its longterm commitment to partnership and collaboration with the local community, and reinforces its broader commitment to sustainable and community-centered development.

Royal Caribbean announced the project during a community meeting where cruise line representatives joined residents and local authorities to discuss needs, priorities, and next steps related to local infrastructure. The road rehabilitation work will be completed over the next month and will be executed by vetted local companies and in coordination with community leaders.

Related: Passport tips and secrets for cruising

Royal Caribbean is proud to support the well-being and development of Nuevo Mahahual, Royal Caribbean Mexico President Ari Adler said in a press release. We consider ourselves a neighbor in this community, independent of any tourism project. Our commitment remains rooted in listening, engaging and building long-term solutions together.

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Perfect Day Mexico development held up by environmental reviews

While Royal Caribbean facilitates this new community project that also stands to pave the way for smooth access from the port to Perfect Day Mexico, the cruise line is awaiting environmental approvals to begin construction of the new resort destination.

In January, a Mexican judge granted an injunction that temporarily halted work to prepare the 200-acre site for construction while all necessary environmental reviews are completed.

Once cleared for construction, Royal Caribbean plans to build a bold resort destination featuring a waterpark with more than 30 waterslides, the worlds longest lazy river, six pools, three beaches, regionally inspired dining, and more. Perfect Day Mexico is expected to open in fall 2027.

Related: Royal Caribbean just made short cruises much more enticing

The port of Costa Maya will remain open during the construction process and will continue to be available to ships from all cruise lines after Perfect Day Mexico opens. The project also includes the development of a new welcome center at the port to help connect cruise passengers from all cruise lines to attractions in the region.

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Perfect Day Mexico joins a growing lineup of new Royal Caribbean destination experiences that also includes three new Royal Beach Clubs and Lelepa, a new, exclusive beach destination in the South Pacific coming in 2027. The cruise line opened its first Royal Beach Club in December in Nassau, Bahamas, with two more to follow in 2026 in Cozumel, Mexico and Santorini, Greece.

(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)

Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Mes Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.

This story was originally published by TravelHost on Feb 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the Come Cruise With Me section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
As Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar signed the country to a new US-lead anti-cartel coalition on Saturday, business leaders in Trinidad and Tobago largely welcomed the move as a stronger stance on tackling the issue of organised crime.

But some cautioned that expanded military operations in the Caribbean should be carefully managed.
Next-generation 3.3 kV power modules critical to advance rail, renewables, energy storage, AI and data center infrastructure

Hitachi Energy`s advanced semiconductor manufacturing facility

ZURICH, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hitachi Energy, a global leader in electrification, and Pakal Technologies, a cutting-edge innovator in silicon power semiconductor design, announced a collaboration to advance shared value creation and sustainable growth. Hitachi Energy will incorporate Pakal Technologies' groundbreaking Insulated Gate Turn-Off (Thyristor), IGTO(t), silicon power switch into its portfolio of market-leading high-voltage power modules, beginning with devices used in essential applications such as rail, renewables, energy storage, AI and data center infrastructure.

Hitachi Energy`s advanced semiconductor manufacturing facility

Semiconductors sit inside almost every critical system, forming the backbone of a stable and modern grid. The collaboration addresses one of the most significant challenges in large-scale electrification: reducing energy losses and improving overall efficiency in high-voltage power conversion. By combining Hitachi Energy's expertise in power module design with Pakal Technologies' IGTO(t) innovation  which delivers 30 percent lower losses compared to today's widely used devices  the collaboration aims to contribute to cumulative daily efficiency gains across energy infrastructure. Together, the companies intend to produce the highest performing 3.3 kV power semiconductor modules for Hitachi Energy to offer to its large and growing global customer base, delivering higher performance, lower operating costs, and greater long-term reliability across critical electrification projects.

"With a century-long legacy of in-house semiconductor manufacturing expertise and ongoing expansion, Hitachi Energy is committed to advancing innovation in power electronics. We are pleased to join forces with Pakal Technologies to incorporate its novel IGTO(t) within our semiconductor portfolio," said Niklas Persson, Managing Director of Hitachi Energy's Grid Integration business unit. "This collaboration represents over time an opportunity to strengthen the global energy ecosystem at its core."

"Pakal Technologies was founded to make power conversion simpler, better, and more efficient. Collaborating with Hitachi Energy is an honor and secures a long-term partner capable of scaling impact with us," said Ben Quinones, CEO of Pakal Technologies. "Having our IGTO(t) platform recognized by a company with Hitachi Energy's exceptional history for quality, reliability, and performance in the energy landscape ensures we can contribute to today's sprint toward the electrification era."



The IGTO(t) represents the first new high-voltage silicon power semiconductor since the IGBT was introduced in the 1980s. The IGTO(t) delivers 30 percent lower conduction losses at high current and temperature than IGBT, while maintaining compatibility with existing module architectures. At the system level, these performance advances enable higher power density, reduced thermal and cooling requirements, and materially improved energy efficiency.

About Hitachi Energy

Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader in electrification, powering a sustainable energy future with innovative power grid technologies with digital at the core. Over three billion people depend on our technologies to power their daily lives. With over a century in pioneering mission-critical technologies like high-voltage, transformers, automation, and power electronics, we are addressing the most urgent energy challenge of our time  balancing soaring electricity demand, while decarbonizing the power system. With an unparalleled installed base in over 140 countries, we co-create and build long-term partnerships across the utility, industry, transportation, data centers, and infrastructure sectors. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ over 50,000 people in 60 countries and generate revenues of around $16 billion USD.

https://www.hitachienergy.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/hitachienergy

https://x.com/HitachiEnergy





About Hitachi, Ltd.

Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi contributes to a harmonized society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance. Hitachi operates globally in four sectors  Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries  and the Strategic SIB Business Unit for new growth businesses. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi generates value from integrating data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges. Revenues for FY2024 (ended March 31, 2025) totaled 9,783.3 billion yen, with 618 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 280,000 employees worldwide. Visit us at www.hitachi.com.



About Pakal Technologies

Pakal Technologies is a fabless semiconductor company pioneering a new class of silicon-based power switches for the electrified future. Its patented IGTO(t) platform outperforms traditional IGBTs in efficiency, scalability, and cost  offering a frictionless upgrade path across power conversion markets. From electric vehicles to solar and industrial systems, Pakal's mission is to power the Electrification of Everything.

Media Contact:

Hitachi Energy

[email protected]

Amy Cunha

Big Picture PR for Pakal Technologies

Phone: +01 (415) 350-3154

Email: [email protected]

https://pakal-tech.com/

LinkedIn  Pakal Technologies

SOURCE Pakal Technologies
MINNEAPOLIS -- Theres a little bit of everything coming to libraries and bookstores in March.

Dirt-spilling superstar memoirs? Showbiz survivor Liza Minnelli has you covered. Bound-to-be-bestselling thrillers? Tana French is on it, with the return of a beloved character last seen in 2024 in The Hunter. Books with Minnesota connections? Theres nonfiction, (hopefully) spine-tingling fiction and a book for young folks on the way in the next few weeks.

We cant wait to read those (and we didnt even have room to include Lake Effect, the new family melodrama from bestselling The Nest writer Cynthia DAprix Sweeney). You can get a jump on adding all of these to your library request list now:

The HOA by Tanya Smith

The Minneapolis-born author of outrageous memoir Never Saw Me Coming about her youthful career in multiple types of fraud (its been announced as a movie, starring Janelle Monae as Smith), shifts to fiction with her second book. The HOA is a paranoid thriller set in a community controlled by a powerful homeowners association. In the book, rules that initially seem to make sense gradually shift  from getting fined for painting your house the wrong color to murder and blackmail. (March 3)

Kids, Wait Till You Hear This! by Liza Minnelli

Of course theres an exclamation point at the end of the title of the vibrant EGOT winners memoir, written with her friend Michael Feinstein. Details have been scant on the book (as is often the case with blockbuster celebrity autobiographies) but you know the daughter of Minnesota native Judy Garland and director Vincent Minnelli, the pal of movie and dance legend Bob Fosse, the former lover of directing legend Martin Scorsese and the star of movies including Cabaret, Arthur and the underrated New York New York has a ton of stories to tell. Unlike, say, Barbra Streisands entertaining but surface-y memoir, Minnellis book promises that she is spilling the dirt on substance abuse, broken hearts and artistic achievements that include conquering Hollywood, Broadway and the concert stage. (March 10)

The Great Escape by Deborah Marcero

Older siblings, in particular, may spark to the Duluth-based writers inventive picture book about Evie, who tries to escape from her little brothers and sisters  only to discover theyve escaped along with her. Theres a little magic and a lot of imagination as she summons a world of fantastic adventure that, like Alice in Wonderland, may or may not really exist. (Feb. 17)

Making Mill City by Robert M. Frame III

Most Minnesotans are familiar with the names of Washburn and Pillsbury, both of which adorn mills that are National Historic Landmarks along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. Those entrepreneurs figure into Frames heavily illustrated book, which takes readers back to roughly 1870-1920, the era when new technology made the city a hugely influential supplier of flour. But Making Mill City is less interested in the big-bucks people than the millwrights and millers whose blood, sweat and tears helped build the city. (March 24)

The Keeper by Tana French

The bestseller list perennial whose blurbers read like a whos who of popular fiction (Stephen King, Gillian Flynn, etc.) brings back Cal Hooper, the retired Chicago detective who cleared up the mysteries in Frenchs The Searcher and The Hunter. Hooper may never get around to finishing the cottage hes been renovating in the Irish village he now lives in, what with the murder of a young woman laying bare a Hatfields-and-McCoys-like feud that has divided the village for generations. (March 31)
Trump administration sues University of California for alleged antisemitism

Xinhua) 10:58, February 25, 2026

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Trump administration on Tuesday filed a lawsuit against the University of California (UC) for what it described as "engaging in a hostile work environment against Jewish and Israeli faculty and staff at its University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) campus."

The lawsuit, filed in the federal district court in Los Angeles, accused the university of having "turned a blind eye to - and at times facilitated - grossly antisemitic acts and systematically ignored cries for help from its own terrified Jewish and Israeli employees."

"Based on our investigation, UCLA administrators allegedly allowed virulent anti-Semitism to flourish on campus, harming students and staff alike," U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement.

In July 2025, the Trump administration suspended around 584 million U.S. dollars in federal research grants for UCLA, citing allegations of failed responses to antisemitism. In August, the Trump administration demanded UCLA pay a 1-billion-dollar settlement to resolve accusations of antisemitism.

A federal judge of the Northern District of California ordered the Trump administration to restore 500 million dollars in UCLA medical research grants in September.

In the spring of 2024, pro-Palestinian demonstrations swept across college campuses in the United States, including at several of UC's 10 campuses. Over 200 pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested on May 2, 2024 as police moved to dismantle an encampment at UCLA.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Inmar Intelligence, a leader in data-driven media and incentive technology, today announced that the company has joined the GS1 US Channel Partner Program to help CPG brands leverage GS1 Standards to launch coupons and incentive programs with greater accuracy, speed, and confidence. As a Channel Partner, Inmar can now offer direct access to GS1 product identifiers, which are used to create UPC barcodes and coupons. By aligning with the global authority on product identification, Inmar is helping to strengthen the foundation brands rely on to set up products correctly from the start, reducing errors and accelerating time to activation.

At a time when consumer trust is paramount to success, this focus on standardization can be a driving source of growth for emerging brands by helping them scale with speed and data integrity. GS1 US research finds that 77% of customers say ready access to product information is important when making a final purchase decision. This partnership strengthens Inmar Intelligence's role in guiding brands through accurate and compliant product setup with GS1 US-powered barcodes. Additionally, it makes Inmar Intelligence an advocate and referral partner, enabling CPGs to access identifiers via dedicated, trackable Inmar Intelligence links. This will help the company support CPG customers to correctly establish product identifiers before couponing, and reduce downstream issues such as product reclassification, relabeling or shelf-removal.

"Our customers rely on us to help them activate media and incentive programs quickly and effectively," said Rob Weisberg, President of MarTech, Inmar Intelligence. "By partnering with GS1 US, we're strengthening the foundation behind every coupon and offer to help brands move faster, avoid costly setup errors, and scale their programs with greater confidence."

For brands experiencing rapid growth, having this foundation in place early can make a measurable difference in how quickly and confidently they bring products and offers to market.

"Having worked across many CPG and emerging brands, I've seen how critical it is to get product data right in order to scale successfully," said Sarah Meis, Founder, The Humble Seed. "I strongly recommend that emerging brands work with Inmar from the starttheir expertise with GS1 Standards provides confidence and helps set a strong foundation for growth."

Inmar Intelligence is committed to helping emerging and scaling brands ensure that their product lines are properly set up and meet GS1 Standards. This partnership will support customers with data-driven insights on measurable engagement and revenue, and it expands Inmar's customer support during mergers and acquisitions or when launching new product lines.

For more information on Inmar Intelligence's MarTech solutions, please visit https://www.inmar.com/solutions/martech .

About Inmar Intelligence

Through curiosity and the intelligent use of data and technology, we make businesses smarter to improve consumers' lives. As a trusted partner to brands and retailers for over 45 years, we design, build, and operate reliable, dynamic, and personalized media and incentive solutions that create greater efficiencies and unlock the potential of sophisticated marketplaces, helping shoppers save billions. Inmar leads in powering media, including retail media and influencer marketing, by seamlessly integrating first-party data into personalized campaigns. Our collaborative technology enables retailers and advertisers to drive authentic engagement and measurable retail outcomes, transforming traditional marketing efforts into powerful revenue-driving strategies. For more information about Inmar Intelligence, visit inmar.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Overall Media Contact

Media Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Inmar Intelligence
Please join the Arizona Daily Star in helping local children. Todays Star includes an envelope you can use to mail checks so children from low-income or military families in Southern Arizona can go to camp for little or no cost.

Each year, readers give generously to help the Star send kids to camp. Its a tradition we are proud to lead. We need your help.

Our goal is to raise $250,000 to send at least 400 kids to weeklong YMCA, Scouting America and Girl Scout overnight camps, and Camp Tatiyee, for school-age children with special needs. We've expanded our fundraising to send up to 400 more children from Title 1 schools to two shorter overnight camps: Sky School camp, an overnight science camp atop Mt. Lemmon, and to Camp Cooper, an overnight desert exploration camp on Tucson's westside.

You can use todays envelope or send donations to Arizona Daily Star Sportsmens Fund, Send a Kid to Camp, P.O. Box 16141, Tucson, AZ 85732-6141, or go to azsendakidtocamp.org to donate with a credit card. Your contribution qualifies for the Arizona tax credit for donations to qualifying charitable organizations. Our code is 20450.

Joint Arizona filers can donate up to $987 for 2025 taxes and $1,009 for 2026 taxes. Other Arizona filers can donate up to $495 for 2025 taxes and $506 for their 2026 taxes. Donations made during 2025 or from Jan. 1, 2026, through April 15, 2026, can be claimed on the 2025 Arizona income tax return. Our EIN is 86-6053274, which is needed for some fund transfers.

Since 1947, the Arizona Daily Star Sportsmens Fund has helped pay for 44,814 children to go to camp or have a camping experience. Were one of the oldest 501(c )(3) charities in Arizona and one of the most efficient, with 97 cents from every dollar going to send kids to camp.

For more information, call Debbie Kornmiller at 520-954-3139 or email her at info@azsendakidtocamp.org

David McCumber

Executive Editor, Arizona Daily Star
PHOENIX  Republican lawmakers are moving to force state and local police into a more active role in reporting those not in the country legally.

Legislation approved by the Senate on a party-line vote this week would require any agency making an arrest to notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement. And that would be "immediately,'' before any adjudication of guilt and calling ICE to come to the location where the arrest is being made.

But Democrats fear that SB 1055 would not just sweep up others but actually result in dangerous confrontations on the street with what Sen. Analise Ortiz, D-Phoenix, calls "a murderous force'' of agents and what Sen. Lauren Kuby, D-Tempe, called a "lawless agency.''

That, in turn, brought a sharp retort from Sen. Jake Hoffman. The Queen Creek Republican read off a list of people killed by those not here legally, calling them "the actual murderous force.''

"Democrats in this chamber are arguing that those illegal alien criminals should be allowed to roam free on our streets,'' he said. "Anyone who stands up for those people, you're disgusting.''

Senate Majority Leader John Kavanagh said the concerns of foes are overblown.

"All it does is require cooperation between different levels of government, something that makes government effective,'' said the Fountain Hills Republican. "People who are accused of being here illegally need to be brought to justice.''

That, he said, means bringing people before a hearing officer, saying they will receive "due process.''

"And whatever the result is, that's what we do,'' Kavanagh said. "And this facilitates it.''

But Senate Minority Leader Priya Sundareshan said the problems with what's in SB 1055 begin with the fact that it is just the arrest that triggers a call to ICE.

"So there has been no evidence provided, jury trial provided, or anything that proves that anyone that might have been arrested is, in fact, guilty,'' said the Tucson Democrat.

Ortiz said it's also important to remember that any "arrest'' would trigger that call to ICE to show up. And that, she said, could even include a citation for jaywalking, with cities like Phoenix now issuing citations to offenders.

Hoffman said he sees it from a different perspective.

"This is once someone has been arrested, then, yes, we do want our law enforcement in Arizona to coordinate with ICE if they're an illegal alien,'' he said. "Even if you support illegal immigration, it's absurd that you would not want the criminals who come over illegally removed from this country.''

But it's the mechanics of how the measure would work, Ortiz said, that could create a hazardous situation.

It starts, she said, with that requirement for immediate notification of ICE. That, she said, means agents showing up at the scene of the arrest.

"Anyone in the surrounding community is then put in danger by masked, armed, Call of Duty 'cosplayers' who are eager to use their weapons,'' Ortiz said. "We have seen that happen, whether it's a gun, whether it is chemical irritants, whether it's beating somebody to a pulp on the concrete.''

Hoffman, however, insisted that the legislation would create safer communities.

"The safest place for a transfer to occur is, statistically, when they're already in custody,'' he said.

"It's Looney Tunes for anyone to think otherwise,'' Hoffman said. "It poses the least risk to the rioters, activists who are protesting and getting in the way of and trying to run over ICE agents.''

He also said nothing in the legislation would overturn "longstanding professional practices of law enforcement'' which say that transfers of arrested people should occur "at the time most safe to the public.''

And Hoffman lashed out at Ortiz and her description of federal immigration agents as a "murderous force.''

"The actual 'murderous force' are the dangerous illegal criminal aliens coming into the country,'' he said.

But Kuby said the record suggests otherwise.

"They're using illegal, excessive use of force, often against U.S. citizens who are denied due process,'' she said, citing what she called were the "murders'' of Alex Pretti and Renee Goode in Minneapolis.

"Killing people in the streets, this is what we are seeing,'' Kuby said. "So, by empowering a lawless agency such as ICE this bill ... would make our public less safe, not more safe.''

She also cited the decision last month by the Tucson City Council, which voted to limit immigration enforcement on city-owned and city-controlled property and buildings, with the goal of preventing agents from using them as a staging area for mass arrests. That decision, said Kuby, was "due to the glut of untrained, undisciplined federal agents who are terrorizing communities across our country.''

Hoffman responded by saying that Kuby cited only two people in her complaints against ICE. And he argued that even in those cases, their killings were justified.

He said Pretti "was armed and attempting to obstruct ICE operations,'' though the multiple videos of his killing appear to tell a different story, with Pretti, licensed to carry a concealed weapon holding only a cell phone. And Hoffman said that Goode "was attempting to run over an ICE agent with their vehicle.''

"In the real world, that's called attempted murder with a vehicle,'' Hoffman said.

Then he listed a series of names of individuals who were killed by people not here legally, people he called "the actual murderous force.''

"And yet we've got people over here arguing that they should stay on our streets,'' Hoffman said.

Ortiz said there's another problem with the bill, saying it might deter some crime victims who are not here legally from calling police.

Consider, she said, a restaurant owner who was robbed but then sees the suspect. And if the suspect turns out to lack legal status, then it would trigger SB 1055.

"ICE is then going to show up, which then puts the business owner in danger and anybody eating at the establishment in danger, people who are innocent and have nothing to do with the crime,'' Ortiz said.

Ditto, she said, of domestic violence survivors.

"Oftentimes, what we're seeing is that abusers will use your status as a way to scare you out of calling the police,'' Ortiz said.

"This bill will only lead to increased instances of ICE either showing up at somebody's home because they called the police needing help or a business in our community,'' she said. "We know no one patronizing that business is going to be safe if ICE is called to deal with a potential crime.''

In some ways, what is in SB 1055 is an extension of what lawmakers approved in 2010 as part of the controversial SB 1070 from that year.

That measure was designed to give state and local police more power to detain those who are not in this country legally.

Many provisions were voided in a historic 2012 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court.

The high court said the state lacks the authority to prosecute those seeking work in Arizona without being in this country legally, and those failing to carry federally issued registration cards.

It also ruled Arizona cannot allow warrantless arrests if there is "probable cause'' a person committed an offense that makes them removable from the country under federal law. The justices said all three provisions illegally conflict with  and are preempted  by federal law.

However, the court said there was nothing inherently wrong with SB 1070's requirement for police to make a reasonable attempt "when practicable'' to check the immigration status of those they have stopped.
UK regulator to monitor streaming platforms

In Britain, Netflix, Disney+ and ITVX will be regulated by media watchdog the same as TV broadcasters. Will Australia follow suit?

Britains media regulator Ofcom is set to put streaming giants under the same regulation as television broadcasters, as well as network catch-up services.

Members of the public will be able to lodge complaints and expect the same standards of streamers as linear broadcasters.

The UK government said the new regulations, being implemented as part of the Media Act 2024, will apply to video-on-demand services that have more than 500,000 UK viewers.

This will include platforms such as Netflix, Amazons Prime Video and Disney+ and video-on-demand services such as ITVX and Channel 4.

Ofcom will have the power to accept and investigate complaints from viewers about content on streaming platforms, and to impose fines of up to 250,000 (A$478) or 5% of revenue generated in the UK, for each breach.

Until now, streaming services have not been subject to the same level of regulation under the UK broadcasting code as traditional, licensed TV channels.

By bringing the most popular video-on-demand services under enhanced regulation by Ofcom, we are strengthening protections for audiences, creating a level playing field for industry and supporting our vibrant media sector, said Lisa Nandy, the culture secretary.

In Australia streaming platforms and network catch-up services such as 9Now, 7Plus and iview, also do not fall under the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice.

A recent report by the Australian Communications and Media Authority found that while 72% were aware of the Code, around 2 in 3 (65%) Australian adults incorrectly think the code covers content made available on Free-to-Air apps.

But there appears to now be a groundswell of the community which wants change.

ACMA found a large majority of Australian adults (84%) want rules to ensure TV content meets community expectations, whether it be free-to-air broadcast TV, streaming or on-demand content.

Over half (58%) think rules about TV content should be consistent and should not depend on the format or service the content is watched on.

One quarter (25%) think rules should be different based on whether viewers are watching content on free-to-air broadcast TV or accessing it via streaming or on-demand services.

Only 8% believe there should not be any rules for TV content at all.

Should the TV Code of Practice include FTA apps & Streamers? Yes

No

Undecided

Don't understand the question View Results



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Source: The Guardian
For decades, Phung Quang Du of Ha Son hamlet, Ngoc Lac commune, Thanh Hoa Province, has quietly collected, researched and taught Dao Nom script. Many describe him as a living museum of Dao culture. To him, preserving the script is preserving the very soul of his people in the current of modern life.

Du teaches Dao Nom script to younger generations. Photo: Le Duong

In Ha Son, where the stilt houses of the Dao Quan Chet community lean against the mountain slopes, the sight of the 62-year-old man bent over ancient pages has become familiar. His hair has turned silver with time, yet whenever Dao Nom script is mentioned, his eyes still light up with rare passion.

For Du, Dao Nom script is not merely a recording tool but the spirit of the nation. The script records folk songs, customs, rituals and moral teachings of the Dao people. If the script disappears, our identity and collective memory will gradually fade, he reflected.

Born and raised in Ha Son, a long-standing Dao settlement, Du grew up listening to elders recount traditional ceremonies such as the cap sac initiation ritual, Tet nhay dance festival and grave thanksgiving rites. These stories were inseparable from handwritten books in Dao Nom script preserved within families and clans. From there, his fascination with the ancient script began to take root.

As a young man, lacking sufficient materials, Du painstakingly taught himself from old books and yellowed manuscripts. He traveled across villages inside and outside the commune, seeking elderly scholars who could read the script, asking them to explain each character and sentence. Some journeys lasted weeks, even months, just to copy a few precious pages.

That perseverance gradually made him one of the most knowledgeable people in Ha Son, and later across Ngoc Lac commune, in Dao Nom script. Beyond reading and writing fluently, he translates and explains ancient texts so younger generations can understand the philosophy and spirit embedded in each character. Many Dao youths come to him not only to learn the script, but to reconnect with their roots.

Ancient Dao Nom books collected by Du. Photo: Le Duong

His efforts extend beyond village teaching. Du has participated in compiling and translating Dao ritual documents into Vietnamese. Together with collaborators, he has edited ancestor worship texts and Ban Vuong worship prayers, publishing them in bilingual Dao - Vietnamese form to make Dao culture more accessible.

According to Du, facing the risk of language and script erosion, in 2013, when Thanh Hoa implemented policies to preserve ethnic minority cultures, he joined other knowledgeable scholars to develop a structured preservation plan. With support from the provincial Ethnic Affairs Board and the Thanh Hoa Ethnology and Anthropology Association, a long-term direction for Dao Nom script was established.

He is among the authors who helped compile the Thanh Hoa Dao Nom script series, consisting of nine volumes and approximately 1,400 characters. This is the first officially approved Dao Nom script textbook series in Vietnam, now introduced into teaching in Dao villages across the province. Beyond reading and writing guidance, the books integrate moral values, benevolence and codes of conduct within families and communities.

Every day, Du continues researching Dao Nom texts. Photo: Le Duong

He has received numerous certificates of merit from central and provincial authorities in Thanh Hoa. Photo: Le Duong

Local leaders in Ngoc Lac commune consider Du a model of cultural preservation. Thanks to his dedication, many values once on the brink of being forgotten have been revived and passed on to younger generations. At an age described as rare in old times, he still spends hours each day teaching, editing documents and visiting families with ancient manuscripts to copy and archive them. The pages he carefully transcribes are not merely study materials but vivid testimony to the enduring effort to safeguard the Dao cultural soul in the mountains of Thanh.

For his contributions to preserving the traditional cultural values of the Dao people, Phung Quang Du has received commendations for many consecutive years from central authorities, Thanh Hoa Province and the former Ngoc Lac district.

Le Duong
Ethnic and religious affairs:

The year 2025 marked a historic turning point with the establishment of the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs. Amid a vast workload and many unprecedented tasks, and guided by the principle that tangible effectiveness and community benefit are the true benchmarks, significant achievements have affirmed the growing importance of ethnic and religious affairs. These efforts have strengthened the great national unity bloc and created vital momentum for the countrys sustainable development.

Taking tangible effectiveness and community benefit as the benchmark

General Secretary To Lam meets outstanding and exemplary ethnic minority pupils, students and youth. Photo: Le Anh Dung







The establishment of the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs on the foundation of the former Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs, while also assuming state management of belief and religion from the Ministry of Home Affairs, reflects the strategic vision and consistent attention of the Party and State to ethnic and religious affairs, fields closely linked to the great national unity bloc.

Upon assuming his new role, Minister Dao Ngoc Dung shared: This is a difficult and distinctive field, but also one full of vitality, and we must get to work immediately. According to him, the ministry must not only perform state management functions but also become an extended arm of the Party in ethnic and religious affairs, a place where trust, aspiration and social consensus converge.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh presents the National Assemblys resolution on the establishment of the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs to its leadership.

Our country is entering a new era of development. Opportunities are immense, but they also place increasingly high demands on the younger generation. With the care of the Party, the State and society, and with patriotism, a tradition of learning, resilience and aspiration, I believe ethnic minority youth will continue to shine and contribute worthily to the cause of national construction and defense. General Secretary To Lam

That spirit of immediate action was quickly translated into proactive, decisive and innovative methods, closely connected to grassroots realities, with tangible effectiveness and community benefit as the guiding yardstick. The six clarities principle - clear people, clear tasks, clear timelines, clear responsibilities, clear products and clear authority - has become not merely a management slogan but a consistent operational rule.

In its first year, the ministry made important strides in institutional building and improvement, science and technology development, innovation, digital transformation and administrative reform in ethnic and religious affairs. It advised and submitted 11 projects and tasks to the National Assembly Standing Committee, the Government and the Prime Minister; issued 10 circulars under its authority; received, classified, updated and digitized more than 19,000 incoming documents; and issued over 4,000 outgoing documents. All outgoing documents were digitized and transmitted through the national inter-agency document system on time. These efforts have laid foundations for modern, transparent and effective governance.

As Minister Dao Ngoc Dung has repeatedly emphasized, the guiding objective remains specific and humane: ensuring that ethnic minority and religious communities benefit increasingly in both material and spiritual terms; safeguarding freedom of belief and religion; and strengthening solidarity among ethnicities and religions.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Party and State leaders attend the groundbreaking ceremony for infrastructure investment at Viet Bac High School for Ethnic Minority Students. Photo: Le Anh Dung

From that orientation, ethnic and religious affairs have been implemented persistently, synchronously and substantively at the grassroots level. In 2025 alone, ministry leaders led more than 100 working delegations to localities, not only to grasp realities and remove obstacles but also to listen, share and encourage communities. These journeys created a connective flow from central policy to local life.

Spreading momentum for development

The Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs must be a center and a model of unity, spreading solidarity and creating inspiration for equal development among ethnicities and religions. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh

Despite restructuring and streamlining the apparatus while simultaneously undertaking a heavy workload with many unprecedented tasks, the sector maintained steady operations without disruption or overlap.

In 2025, notable progress was recorded in implementing ethnic policies, particularly the National Target Program for Socio-Economic Development in Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas, Phase I (2021-2025). The ministry proactively coordinated the programs review with a frank and constructive spirit.

After nearly five years, the program achieved and exceeded six of nine target groups under National Assembly Resolution 120/2020/QH14. Concrete figures - such as an average poverty reduction rate of 3.4 percent per year, rising per capita income and improved access to basic social services - reflect substantive improvements in ethnic minority communities lives.

Minister Dao Ngoc Dung visits and presents gifts to ethnic minority residents in Tuyen Quang province. Photo by Le Anh Dung

Ethnic and religious affairs are socio-political matters of the entire political system, requiring engagement from all levels and sectors. We must change the mindset of state managers: think deeply, act boldly and decisively, and plan one day with ten years in mind. Minister Dao Ngoc Dung

Building on this foundation, the ministry has proposed Phase II of the program with breakthrough adjustments, firmly maintaining National Assembly goals while focusing on the most pressing issues in ethnic minority and mountainous areas.

State management of belief and religion also achieved positive results. A prominent highlight was the ministrys proactive guidance and support for the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in successfully hosting the 2025 United Nations Vesak celebration in Vietnam. The joint declaration of the event affirmed Buddhisms responsibility toward global issues while promoting messages of peace and compassion, and showcasing Vietnam as a country that respects religious freedom, values cultural identity and embraces integration.

At the same time, policy communication continued to innovate, and international cooperation in ethnic and religious affairs expanded, gradually enhancing Vietnams standing on the global stage.

Minister Dao Ngoc Dung and Deputy Minister Nguyen Hai Trung visit and present gifts to the Archbishops House of the Archdiocese of Hanoi in December 2025. Photo: Le Anh Dung

Distinctive milestones

The year 2025 also opened a new chapter marked by foundational events. The First Patriotic Emulation Congress and the First Party Congress of the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs for the 2025-2030 term not only signaled organizational maturity but also initiated a journey of institution building, integration and sustainable development.

A particularly meaningful moment at the 2025 ceremony honoring outstanding ethnic minority students and youth was General Secretary To Lams emotional meeting with them. His deep concern became a powerful source of encouragement, strengthening confidence among ethnic minority youth.

The year also marked the near completion of the program to eliminate temporary and dilapidated housing, a genuine achievement. After taking over the task from the former Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, as the standing body, implemented it decisively under the four real principle: real words, real actions, real effectiveness and real benefits for the people. Completing the program five years and four months ahead of schedule stands as a remarkable milestone. A total of 334,234 solid homes were built, strengthening the foundation for sustainable and equitable development.

Minister Dao Ngoc Dung and delegates ceremonially receive the Buddhas sacred relics during the United Nations Vesak celebration.

At the national exhibition 80 years of Independence - Freedom - Happiness, the exhibition space Vietnam in diversity - united in purpose, curated by the ministry, vividly portrayed the solidarity of ethnicities and religions, a core value underpinning national strength.

Looking back, Minister Dao Ngoc Dung candidly noted that in the context of a newly established ministry facing high demands and heavy workloads, officials had to exert extraordinary effort. Achievements were the result of collective unity, close inter-agency coordination and the persistent striving of the people.

Speaking at the national conference reviewing ethnic and religious affairs in 2025, Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long affirmed that in just over nine months since its establishment, the ministry, together with localities and communities, accomplished many key objectives, reinforcing solidarity and public trust in the Party and the State.

Turning pressure into momentum

Minister Dao Ngoc Dung attends the inauguration of a new house under the housing elimination program for a Khmer family in Can Tho city. Photo: Tao Dat

In the coming period, ethnic and religious affairs must move forward. Ethnic groups must unite, support one another and rise out of poverty to achieve prosperous lives. People with or without religious belief must be respected and operate within the framework of the law. Minister Dao Ngoc Dung

At the ceremony announcing the National Assemblys resolution on the establishment of the ministry on March 1, 2025, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that national solidarity remains the bedrock in the new phase. The ministry must continue to thoroughly implement Party guidelines and State policies and effectively perform its assigned functions.

The milestones of 2025 have affirmed the increasingly important role of ethnic and religious affairs, creating a solid foundation for entering 2026, the first year of a new development phase linked to the implementation of the 14th National Party Congress Resolution and the 2026-2030 socio-economic development plan.

2026 must be a year of strong acceleration, contributing to national renewal and growth. The entire sector must act more decisively, think more boldly, show greater determination and transform pressure into momentum and difficulty into opportunity, Minister Dao Ngoc Dung directed.

On the foundation already built, ethnic and religious affairs will move forward with the country into a new era, guided by high determination, people-centered policies and social stability and consensus as pillars, fulfilling the Prime Ministers expectation that the ministry serve as a model of unity and inspiration for equal development among ethnicities and religions.

Pham Thi Thanh Huyen
The Da Nang Innovation Startup Support Centre under the municipal Department of Science and Technology, in coordination with Aeternum Consulting Ltd., on February 25 held a working session with Dubai partners and international investors to promote cooperation opportunities.

The event followed a recent working trip by the department to Dubai, aiming to strengthen connections between Da Nang citys innovation startup ecosystem and international organisations, technology enterprises and global investors.

The programme focused on promoting investment cooperation, commercialising products, developing digital assets and expanding international markets for Da Nang-based startups through direct engagement with Dubai partners.

At the session, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Science and Technology Le Son Phong said Da Nang seeks to expand international cooperation, particularly with financial and innovation hubs in the Middle East. Establishing and deepening partnerships with Dubai has been identified as a strategic and long-term direction.

The city is prioritising investment attraction in high-tech sectors, digital finance, blockchain, artificial intelligence and new economic models aligned with its green, smart and sustainable development orientation.

Participants exchanged experience and proposed practical solutions to prepare for upcoming joint activities, aiming to create tangible investment opportunities between Da Nang, Dubai partners and international investors. The city reaffirmed its commitment to accompanying businesses and global partners in building a dynamic, integrated and sustainable innovation ecosystem.

The programme also introduced the Unchained Summit  Vietnam Edition and the joint strategy to develop the Web3 and innovation ecosystem between Da Nang and Aeternum, along with the launch of the events official website. The summit is scheduled for May 2829 at the Furama Resort Da Nang.

The international event will focus on digital assets, blockchain, fintech, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, with the goal of positioning Da Nang as a regional hub for innovation and digital economy development. Activities will include startup pitching, one-on-one investment matching, panel discussions, specialised workshops, technology exhibitions and community networking.

On the occasion, the Da Nang Innovation Startup Support Centre and Aeternum Consulting signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation in innovation, digital assets and emerging technologies, demonstrating their shared commitment to promoting international collaboration and digital transformation.

The engagement with Dubai partners reflects Da Nangs determination to become a regional innovation centre and deepen its integration into regional and global innovation networks, with science, technology and digital transformation identified as key growth drivers in the new development phase./.
Last year marked a successful year for Vietnamese tourism with a record-breaking 21.2 million international arrivals. It was a definitive turning point for the industry, surpassing the pre-pandemic peak of 2019 by nearly 18%.



According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, growth was fuelled by a robust mix of markets, with India surging by 48.9%, Cambodia by 44.8%, China by 41.3% and Japan by 14.4%.



Of the foreign visitors, Russia emerged as the fastest-growing major source market in 2025. With nearly 690,000 arrivals, the market recorded a staggering 197% over 2024, officially eclipsing the pre-COVD record of 647,000 arrivals set in 2019.



The successful story is attributed to efforts by the country and companies in the sector.



Thu Nguyen, AdTech Strategy & Business Development Expert of Yango Ads, said the real story of 2025 is a structural shift featuring a transition from volume-led growth toward a model built on "user intent" and data-driven precision.



Thu quoted a report of the Russian Travel Industry Association (RTI) which informed that Vietnam cemented its position as a top destination for package tours in 2025, supported by favourable visa policies and an expanded network of direct and charter flights.



The rapid re-ignition of charter routes from Moscow and other major Russian cities to hubs like Cam Ranh and Phu Quoc provided the necessary "bridge" for this surge. For Russian travellers, Vietnam has increasingly positioned itself as a competitive all-inclusive alternative, combining year-round warm weather, family-friendly safety, and cost efficiency  factors that have reshaped travel preferences away from traditional European destinations during the winter season.



According to Thu, this remarkable increase serves as a compelling case study for the evolving role of advertising technology (AdTech). Previously, tourism relied on broad seasonal promotions based on nationality.



In 2025, modern AdTech infrastructure allowed stakeholders to move beyond broad demographic targeting toward behavioural and contextual signals. By identifying users actively searching for winter-sun destinations, families comparing long-haul resort packages, or travellers consuming wellness tourism content, AdTech acted as a precision filter, she explained.



This behavioural targeting ensured that Vietnam appeared in front of "high-intent" segments, such as families and wellness-seekers looking for 10-to-28-day stays, long before they booked.



By targeting high-value travellers interested in destinations like Nha Trang, AdTech ensured that visitors arrived "pre-qualified." These travellers are statistically more likely to travel in larger groups, book higher-category accommodations, and spend significantly beyond basic sightseeing.



Vietnams tourism policy has repeatedly emphasised the need to shift from high-volume tourism toward higher value per visitor.



AdTech has become one of the most practical tools for executing this strategy by enabling market diversification without duplicating spend and discovery based on traveller intent rather than nationality, Thu said.



This technological evolution mirrors a broader government shift toward digitalisation, supported by the launch of the Visit Vietnam national tourism platform. While the platform provides the unified data infrastructure for data-led decision making, AdTech platforms effectively act as policy multipliers, translating strategic intent into scalable, real-time outcomes.



The success of 2025 demonstrates that when digital strategies respect user intent, the result is a more predictable growth model.



Attracting high-intent travellers is only the first half of the journey. As the ecosystem matures, the focus must now expand toward the "last mile" of the visitor experience.



Success in 2026 will depend on how effectively Vietnam continues to remove friction from the travelers journey  addressing critical areas like payment gateway interoperability and digital service seamlessness  to ensure that global intent is fully converted into high-value impact on the ground, Thu said./. VNA
From February 26, the 10th day of the Lunar New Year of Binh Ngo, Ho Chi Minh City will organize early voting for voters in four areas of Phuoc Thang Ward, Tam Thang Ward and Long Son Commune.

Under the plan of the Election Committee for deputies to the 16th National Assembly and deputies to the Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Council for the 2026-2031 term, early voting will be held in four designated polling areas in these localities.

By February 24 at the latest, polling teams in Tam Thang Ward, Phuoc Thang Ward and Long Son Commune must complete the distribution of voter cards and provide information on polling locations to voters in the four early voting areas. For voters assigned to prolonged offshore duties who cannot receive their voter cards in person, polling teams will be responsible for delivering voter cards and ballots when implementing sea-based voting.

Onshore voting will take place from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm on February 26. For Polling Area No. 4 in Tam Thang Ward, onshore voting will begin at 7:00 am on February 26 and continue until 7:00 pm on March 14, enabling officials and employees of the Vietnam-Russia joint venture Vietsovpetro and its contractors to exercise their voting rights before departing for offshore platforms, drilling rigs and maritime assignments.

For early voting at sea, polling teams will deploy mobile vessels to DK1 platforms, on-duty ships and other vessels operating offshore to conduct voting. Sea-based voting is scheduled to take place from February 26 to March 14.

Upon completion of offshore voting, members responsible for auxiliary ballot boxes must seal them and transport them back to the designated polling areas for counting and official record preparation in accordance with regulations.

In special cases, such as adverse weather or storms preventing ballot boxes from being brought ashore by March 15, vote counting may be conducted on board. Results will then be reported by telegram or telephone before the ballots, ballot boxes and official records are submitted later.

Ho Chi Minh Citys four early polling areas include:

Polling Area No. 1 in Phuoc Thang Ward, comprising Naval Flotilla 128 and Naval Flotilla 129 under the Vietnam Peoples Navy. Onshore voting will be organized at the headquarters of Naval Flotilla 129, with 214 voters who are officers and soldiers of the two flotillas.

Sea-based voting will be conducted across maritime zones managed by Naval Region 2 Command. Approximately 237 voters, who are officers and soldiers assigned to 18 vessels operating before and after the early voting period, will cast ballots at sea.

Polling Area No. 2, also in Phuoc Thang Ward, includes Coast Guard Region 3 Command, Fisheries Surveillance Squadron No. 2 and the Standing Militia Squadron under the Ho Chi Minh City Command. Onshore voting will take place at the headquarters of Fisheries Surveillance Squadron No. 2, with around 85 voters.

Sea-based voting will be conducted in maritime areas bordering Vietnam and Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand, and Vietnam and Cambodia. Approximately 309 voters serving on 20 vessels will participate during their offshore assignments.

Polling Area No. 3 in Long Son Commune covers the DK1 Battalion and Brigade 125 under Naval Region 2 Command. Onshore voting will be held at the headquarters of Naval Region 2 Command, with about 120 officer and soldier voters.

Sea-based voting will be conducted at 15 DK1 platforms and on approximately 14 on-duty vessels under Naval Region 2 management, as well as on fishing boats operating in nearby waters if applicable. Around 330 officers and soldiers assigned to these platforms and vessels are expected to vote.

Polling Area No. 4 in Tam Thang Ward serves the Vietnam-Russia joint venture Vietsovpetro. Onshore voting will be organized at the Vung Tau Airport area, with approximately 2,800 voters who are officials, employees and contractors working on offshore platforms, drilling rigs and maritime vessels of Vietsovpetro.

Quoc Ngoc
KANAZAWA, Japan, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Researchers at the Cancer Research Institute and the Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, have uncovered a critical mechanism that enables gastric cancer to spread to distant organs. Their study shows that cancer cells stimulate Wnt signaling in surrounding stromal fibroblasts to produce hyaluronan, creating a supportive microenvironment that promotes metastasis.

These findings provide new insight into how metastatic tumors establish themselves and suggest promising strategies to prevent gastric cancer progression.

A major challenge in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, largely because it frequently spreads to other organs such as the liver. While genetic mutations that initiate tumors have been extensively studied, the biological mechanisms that allow cancer cells to colonize new tissues remain poorly understood.

'Wnt signaling'  a pathway essential for stem cell maintenance and tissue regeneration  is often activated in gastric cancer through external ligand stimulation rather than genetic mutation. This study further identifies that Wnt signaling in the tumor microenvironment also plays a crucial role in disease progression.

Cancer cells reshape their surroundings to enable spread

Using advanced mouse and organoid models, team leader Masanobu Oshima and colleagues investigated how gastric cancer spreads to the liver.

They discovered that:

Wnt ligand expression promotes gastric cancer liver metastasis (Fig. 1).

Tumor cell-secreted Wnt ligands activate surrounding stromal fibroblasts.

Wnt signaling cooperates with TGF- signaling to activate these fibroblasts.

Activated fibroblasts express Has2, producing hyaluronan that accumulates in metastatic sites.

Hyaluronan deposition creates a supportive niche that enables cancer cells to survive and grow in the liver.

Degrading hyaluronan dramatically suppressed metastatic tumor formation.

Importantly, activating Wnt signaling within cancer cells alone was not sufficient to drive metastasis, demonstrating that stromal Wnt activation is essential (Fig. 2).

Hyaluronan builds a supportive metastatic niche

The researchers observed substantial hyaluronan accumulation in the tumor microenvironment during early stages of metastasis.

When hyaluronan was degraded using hyaluronidase expression, liver metastasis was markedly reduced, demonstrating that stromal hyaluronan plays a crucial role in metastatic tumor development.

Implications for future therapies

This study highlights the importance of ligand-dependent Wnt signaling in tumorstroma interactions in cancer progression.

The results suggest promising therapeutic strategies, including:

targeting ligand-dependent Wnt signaling

inhibiting hyaluronan production

disrupting metastatic niche formation

These approaches may help prevent or limit gastric cancer metastasis.

Toward better prevention of metastatic disease

By revealing how cancer cells create a supportive metastatic microenvironment, this research provides a new framework for understanding gastric cancer progression and developing therapies aimed at preventing metastatic spread. Future studies will focus on validating these mechanisms in human metastatic tumors and exploring therapeutic interventions targeting the tumor microenvironment.

"Our study shows that metastasis is driven not only by cancer cells themselves, but by how they reshape the surrounding tissue," says Oshima. "By creating a supportive environment in distant organs, tumors are able to survive and grow. Instead of targeting cancer cells alone, our findings suggest that disrupting the environment that supports metastasis could be a powerful new therapeutic approach."

Figures

Fig 1: https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/Figure1_Nat-Commun_Feb.2026.jpg

Caption: Wnt ligand expression promotes liver metastasis of gastric cancer.

Two gastric organoid lines, KTP and WKTP were established from mouse stomach epithelium. KTP organoids carry driver mutations in Kras, Tgfbr2, and Trp53, whereas WKTP organoids additionally express Wnt ligand. After spleen transplantation, WKTP organoidsunlike KTP organoidsform multiple liver metastasis (Reproduced from: Yuichiro Furutani et al., Nature Communications (2026), under a CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 License).

Fig.2: https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/Figure2_eyechatch_Nat-Commun_Feb.2026.jpg

Caption: Ligand-dependent Wnt signaling drives liver metastasis in gastric cancer. Wnt ligand-expressing gastric cancer cells activate Wnt signaling in both tumor cells and surrounding stromal fibroblasts. In the liver metastatic niche, Wnt signaling cooperates with TGF- signaling to activate cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), inducing hyaluronan production. This hyaluronan-rich stroma supports the establishment and growth of metastatic tumors (Reproduced from: Yuichiro Furutani et al., Nature Communications (2026), under a CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 License).

Reference

Ligand-dependent Wnt signaling promotes gastric cancer metastasis through hyaluronan expression in microenvironment.

Yuichiro Furutani, Hiroko Oshima, Chang Pyo Hong, SeonJu Choi, Ryosuke Machi, Mizuho Nakayama, Kazuhiro Murakami, Shintaro Yagi, Yukinobu Ito, Daichi Maeda, Noriyuki Inaki, Nick Barker and Masanobu Oshima

Nature Communications , Published on line 14 February 2026.

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-026-69470-5

URL: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-69470-5

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Manami Watanabe and Ayako Tsuda for their technical assistance. This work was supported by Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (A) (22H00454 to M.O.), (B) (23K02899 to H.O.), and World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI) from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan, and by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) (24ama22152h0002 to H.O.).

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Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University

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Understanding nanoscale mechanisms of life phenomena by exploring 'uncharted nano-realms.' Cells are the basic units of life. At NanoLSI, researchers develop nanoprobe technologies that enable direct imaging, analysis, and manipulation of biomolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids inside living cells. By visualizing these processes at the nanoscale, the institute seeks to uncover fundamental principles of life and disease.

https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/

About the World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI)

The WPI program was launched in 2007 by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) to foster world-class research centers with outstanding research environments. WPI centers enjoy a high degree of autonomy, enabling innovative management and global collaboration. The program is administered by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).

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About Kanazawa University

Founded in 1862 in Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa University is one of Japan's leading comprehensive national universities with a history spanning more than 160 years. With campuses at Kakuma and TakaramachiTsuruma, the university upholds its guiding principle of being "a research university dedicated to education, while opening its doors to both local and global society."

Internationally recognized for its research institutes, including the Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI) and the Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University promotes interdisciplinary research and global collaboration, driving progress in health, sustainability, and culture.

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The city has also fully updated the monitoring system to promptly identify and prevent any deregistered vessels from engaging in illegal fishing activities.



The information was presented at a working session between the Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee and a delegation from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment led by Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien to review the implementation of measures against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the city on February 25.



At the meeting, Pham Thi Na, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Agriculture and Environment, reported that as of February 24, the city had 4,455 registered fishing vessels. All of them have been updated in the national fisheries database (VNFishbase) and synchronised with the national population database (VNeID).



The city has issued fishing licenses to 4,305 eligible vessels. Vessel inspections and marking have been regularly reviewed to ensure that all operating vessels are properly painted and numbered in accordance with regulations.



Regarding offshore monitoring, 2,204 out of 2,227 vessels measuring 15 meters or longer have installed voyage monitoring systems (VMS), reaching a rate of 98.97%. The remaining 23 vessels without VMS are currently docked and strictly monitored, and are not allowed to set sail. Authorities have maintained 24/7 monitoring to promptly detect vessels losing connection, contact owners to request position reports, verify causes, and minimise the risk of violations in foreign waters.



Notably, the city still has 490 vessels that are ineligible for fishing operations (including those lacking licenses, with expired inspection certificates, without VMS installation, or with expired food safety certificates). All have been listed and assigned to local authorities and relevant forces for monitoring, including vessels sold or docked outside the city, to ensure no IUU violations occur.



Regarding traceability, the city has nine officially designated fishing ports, four of which are equipped with systems to certify the origin of harvested seafood. Since early 2024, fishing ports have strictly monitored vessels entering and leaving ports and issued confirmations and certificates to support seafood exports. The electronic catch documentation and traceability system (eCDT), along with electronic fishing logbooks, has been implemented synchronously. Human resources and equipment at ports have been strengthened to control landed volumes and meet market requirements, particularly those of the EU market.



Since the beginning of 2026, local authorities have not detected any fishing vessels crossing maritime boundaries or losing connection for more than 10 days. However, during an on-site inspection at Tan Phuoc fishing port, the delegation identified several shortcomings that the city must promptly address.



Deputy Minister Tien stated that a delegation from the European Commission (EC) is expected to inspect the implementation of anti-IUU fishing measures in Ho Chi Minh City in March 2026. In response, city authorities must take stronger action and strictly handle violating vessels to ensure deterrence. The management of active fishing vessels at sea must be firmly controlled and tightened, while all documentation should be urgently finalised to ensure thorough preparation for the EC delegation in March.



According to the Deputy Minister, the period leading up to March 10 is a sprint phase, requiring strong and coordinated efforts from the entire political system to contribute to the nationwide effort to remove the yellow card warning, build a sustainable, responsible and internationally integrated fisheries sector./. VNA
The event brought together more than 60 scientists, engineers and business representatives from 12 countries and territories.



The event is co-organised by Rencontres du Vietnam, the International Centre for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE), the Vietnamese Biophysical Society and the Microscopy Society of Vietnam.



Nearly 70 scientific reports are set to be presented across plenary, parallel and poster sessions, focusing on two principal themes. The first centres on the development and application of advanced microscopy in life sciences and materials research. The second addresses microscopy education and training, as well as the development of shared infrastructure aimed at tackling challenges in regions where access to high-end microscopy resources remains limited, including Vietnam. Participants also share successful models for building and networking microscopy facilities in developing countries, while promoting international cooperation in the field across Vietnam, Southeast Asia and beyond.



Dr Nguyen Huu Ha, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Science and Technology, said the conference, through in-depth academic exchanges, would help strengthen research capacity, foster connections between the Vietnamese microscopy community and counterparts in Southeast Asia and the world, and enhance Vietnams scientific standing in high-technology fields.



He affirmed that Gia Lai regards science and education as core pillars of innovation and sustainable development, pledging continued support to enable ICISE to serve as a knowledge hub and bridge between Vietnamese science and the global scientific community.



Despite the increasing deployment of advanced microscopy technologies in hospitals, universities, research institutes and industrial facilities across the country, the Microscopy Society of Vietnam continues to face significant challenges. Formal training programmes, hands-on instruction and systematic knowledge dissemination in microscopy remain limited. Most users rely largely on self-study or short training sessions provided by equipment suppliers, which can constrain the effective use of these powerful tools in research and innovation.



Moreover, the microscopy user community in Vietnam remains fragmented, lacking a common platform for sharing technical expertise, research experience and collaboration opportunities. This limited connectivity has, to some extent, curtailed the full potential of microscopy technologies in advancing scientific progress and industrial applications at home and abroad.



Through ICAM-LSM 2026, the conferences co-chairs, Associate Professor Dr Tran Quang Huy and Associate Professor Dr Ngo Xuan Kien, expressed their hope for stronger engagement and cooperation from domestic organisations and individuals to jointly build an advanced microscopy network capable of effectively supporting education, research and development (R&D) in life sciences and materials science./.VNA
iPhone 18 Pro may introduce a new deep red finish. Photo: macobserver

According to Bloombergs Mark Gurman, Apple is considering a deep red colorway for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro series. The companys recent shift toward bolder tones, once reserved for standard iPhone models, has paid off, particularly in China where demand for the cosmic orange iPhone 17 Pro surged strongly.

Gurman noted that given the success of cosmic orange, Apple is unlikely to discontinue the option this year. As for rumors of purple and brown versions for the iPhone 18 Pro, the report suggests these are likely just variations of the same red concept, as the tones are relatively similar. However, with around seven months to go before launch, design decisions could still change.

In contrast to the bold approach on the Pro line, Apple is expected to avoid flashy colors for its first foldable iPhone. The device is said to steer clear of playful finishes, instead sticking to safe, neutral tones such as dark gray, black, white or silver.

Regardless of the final choice, one thing appears clear: the iPhone Pro lineup is no longer confined to overly muted, conservative shades.

Three-day product announcement event expected

Beyond the iPhone 18 Pro, Gurman predicts Apple will host a three-day product announcement stretch from March 2 to March 4, with at least five new devices set to debut.

The highlight is scheduled for 9am local time on March 4, when Apple will invite a limited group of media and content creators to attend Apple Experience events in New York, London and Shanghai. Attendees will have hands-on access to the newly unveiled devices.

Given the experience format, Apple is unlikely to hold a traditional livestream event. Instead, new products are expected to be introduced through a series of press releases on the Apple Newsroom website.

Leaks suggest the upcoming lineup may include a budget MacBook, possibly featuring a 12.9-inch display, a variant of the A18 Pro chip and youthful color options; the iPhone 17e, which is said to bring four major upgrades over the iPhone 16e, including the A19 chip, MagSafe support, Apples C1X modem for faster 5G connectivity, and the N1 chip supporting Wi-Fi 7.

Other potential releases include an iPad Air powered by the M4 chip, a 12th-generation iPad running the A18 chip, a MacBook Air equipped with the M5 chip, and MacBook Pro models featuring the M5 Pro and M5 Max.

Two new Studio Display monitors are also reportedly in development, though Gurman believes launching them this week could be a bit much. This wave of announcements would follow Apples recent debut of the second-generation AirTag last month.

Du Lam
Aqua City (photo: Anh Phuong)

The story began with an early morning call on November 20, 2025. A friend lost contact with relatives in a deeply flooded area. Luong Viet Quoc, CEO of RTR, a tech firm, and his co-workers did not wait. They loaded relief supplies and four drones onto their vehicle, communicating with local authorities while re-mapping routes on digital maps amidst landslides and blockaded bridges.

On the afternoon of November 22, RTRs Hera drone reached an isolated kindergarten where seven children and 11 adults were stranded. The drone transmitted live images back to the command center, guiding ground forces to approach safely.

This story reflects an important milestone: drones manufactured by Vietnamese companies are entering life-saving fields such as rescue operations and disaster response with technology, initiative and decisive action.

Rescue missions during floods that swept across several central and Central Highlands provinces in late 2025 were markedly different from the past. The drones flew through heavy rain and wind, delivering relief supplies to areas where other rescue vehicles could not reach.

In another story, a Vietnamese private enterprise has entered the deepest layer of institutional infrastructure: chip-based citizen ID cards, digital identification and data sovereignty.

For nearly two decades, president Nguyen Trong Khang of MK Group has built capacity in secure card manufacturing, biometric matching solutions and digital identity authentication systems for tens of millions of citizens.

At one point, MK Group stated it had produced tens of millions of chip-based citizen ID cards. These cards are not merely administrative documents but the foundation of digital state governance, now mastered at a high level by a Vietnamese private enterprise.

In both cases, private enterprises are not merely auxiliary service providers or subcontractors, but co-actors in some of the most sensitive fields.

A private sector that makes up 50% of GDP

This sector contributes more than 50 percent of GDP, over 80 percent of jobs and nearly one-third of export turnover, yet its internal structure remains thin and vulnerable. On average, the country has only one enterprise for every 10 people; nearly 20 provinces have fewer than three enterprises per 1,000 residents.

Only around 40 percent of enterprises are profitable, and the figure for micro-enterprises is below 30 percent.

An economy aiming for double-digit growth cannot remain confident if most enterprises operate under small-scale models, lacking capital, data, markets and a truly secure legal framework for long-term investment.

The biggest bottleneck does not lie in entrepreneurial spirit, but in institutional regime and procedures. Enterprises still must apply for licenses under fixed business categories, while new models can be halted because they are not yet regulated. Escalating land costs have rendered many manufacturing projects unfeasible. Most SMEs have almost no access to long-term capital or advanced technology.

These barriers are being gradually addressed through a quartet of resolutions issued by the Politburo, reflecting a clear development mindset: modern law is the foundation, technology is the engine, international integration is the market space and the private sector is the central driving force of the new growth model.

The State cannot act as both referee and player; private enterprises cannot remain outside strategic sectors; and the institutional regime cannot simultaneously call for private innovation while maintaining a jungle of procedures that restrains them.

Unblocking bottlenecks

In July 2025, at a national conference on resolving difficulties for stalled projects, authorities reported 2,981 delayed projects with total estimated investment of $235 billion and about 347,000ha of related land.

These projects involve housing, urban infrastructure, logistics, industrial parks, jobs and future budget revenues. Yet they have been suspended due to unclear violations, changing laws over different periods, overlapping documentation and, most importantly, fear of accountability.

Aqua City in Dong Nai province offers a case study showing that institutions only matter when they are applied.

After a prolonged period of legal obstacles and hesitation, Dong Nai adopted a different approach: provincial leaders came forward and took responsibility, established an inter-agency task force, consolidated all obstacles under one focal point, conducted periodic reviews and resolved issues decisively.

The successful handling of the Aqua City project sends a message: if institutions are operated correctly, resources frozen for many years can be released in a few months. When that method is replicated, 2,981 suspended projects will become a portfolio of opportunities for the private sector and for supply-side growth.

Tu Giang
The meeting, held in the early days of the Lunar New Year, reflected the goodwill built during General Secretary To Lams visit to the UK in October 2025.

Highlighting the importance of cultural exchange in strengthening friendship and cooperation between the two countries, Ngo Phuong Ly said she believes that the Duke and his spouse's first trip to Vietnam will open up more opportunities for cultural cooperation in the time ahead.

At the museum, which houses more than 21,000 artworks, the guests explored collections spanning different historical periods and viewed several national treasures, including the Thousand-armed and Thousand-eyed Avalokiteshvara statue, dragon-carved doors from Keo Pagoda, and a lacquer screen by artist Nguyen Gia Tri.

The Duke and his spouse expressed their impression of the diverse materials and techniques used in the exhibits, showing particular interest in Vietnams lacquer art.

The delegation also visited an exhibition themed The Horse in Visual Arts that features 60 works by prominent artists, where the horse symbolises aspiration, endurance and integration in the Year of the Horse.

As part of the programme, the guests enjoyed a traditional water puppetry performance. The host lady expressed her hope that the art form will be introduced at cultural events in the UK, helping bring Vietnamese culture closer to the international audience.

The meeting took place in a warm atmosphere, underscoring the role of cultural diplomacy in building trust, enhancing mutual understanding and further strengthening Vietnam  UK relations./. VNA
Politburo member, Chairman of the Party Central Committees Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilisation Trinh Van Quyet has underscored the significance of the Politburos Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW, stressing that national development in the new era requires groundbreaking, strategic and synchronised policies to foster cultural development.



Reporting on the Resolution at a nationwide conference in Hanoi on February 25 to study, disseminate and implement the Politburos Resolution No. 79 and Resolution No. 80, Quyet, who is also Secretary of the Party Central Committee, said it aims to affirm the stature of Vietnamese culture as befits a socialist-oriented developed nation, grounded in a long tradition of culture and civilisation and contributing meaningfully to human civilisation.



According to the official, Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW sets out new and overarching requirements for cultural development in the new era, defining strategic viewpoints, goals and solutions through 2030 with a vision to 2045. It builds on past achievements while addressing existing shortcomings, marking both theoretical continuity and advancement.

Politburo member, Chairman of the Party Central Committees Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilisation Trinh Van Quyet speaks at the conference (Photo: VNA)

Culture, people identified as foundation of development



The resolution affirms that culture and people are not only the spiritual foundation but a solid pillar and regulatory force for rapid and sustainable national development, placing culture on par with politics, economy and society. It calls for culture to permeate all areas  from governance and economy to defence, security and foreign affairs  and to become a source of national soft power.



For the first time, culture is identified as both a pillar and a regulating system of rapid and sustainable development. The resolution highlights science, technology, innovation and digital transformation as key drivers, with the application of digital technologies in culture defined as one of three groundbreaking areas. It calls for the introduction of groundbreaking mechanisms and policies, the issuance of codes of conduct for digital spaces to help foster a healthy and civilised online cultural environment, and the development of a comprehensive digital cultural ecosystem.



Quyet said the resolution sets out groundbreaking tasks to modernise cultural development, focusing on institutional reform, strategic breakthroughs, resource mobilisation, and building laws governing cultural activities, while removing bottlenecks, adopting tailored policies and shifting from administrative control to modern and service-oriented cultural governance.



In implementing these new approaches, the resolution underscores the shared responsibility of all stakeholders, with the Party providing leadership, the State managing, and the people - alongside intellectuals, artists, cultural workers and entrepreneurs -serving as the central creative force.



He said Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW marks a new perception by placing culture on an equal footing with politics, economy and society, while linking it to cultural security, human security and digital cultural sovereignty - reflecting a fundamental shift in mindset that elevates the role of culture in shaping national identity in the new era.



It calls for building a cultural security posture by maximising national cultural values, harmonising preservation and development, tradition and modernity, and national identity and international integration, while promoting cultural diversity and core values such as patriotism and national independence. It also ties cultural security to national defence and security, urging firm action against harmful and false information and stronger resilience to inappropriate foreign cultural influences, particularly on cross-border digital platforms.



A new vision for goals and core tasks



Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW not only defines overarching goals for each cultural field but also sets out specific, measurable targets, linking high-quality development requirements with concrete indicators and avoiding vague objectives, Quyet said. According to the official, human development remains the central and ultimate goal of the Partys resolution on culture. Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW develops this approach, emphasising the dialectical relationship between developing culture to perfect the socialist-oriented human personality in the new era, and building people as the driving force of cultural development.



The resolution calls for coordinated implementation of cultural, national and family value systems to guide personal development, with cultural norms and laws shaping behaviour. It also stresses building a humane, healthy and modern cultural environment, including a clean digital cultural space amid rapid digital transformation. At the same time, it promotes proactive international cultural integration, embedding culture across external relations while selectively absorbing global cultural values. It also stresses the need to harmonise internal cultural relationships, particularly between tradition and modernity, national identity and international integration, preservation and developmentaffirming cultural uniqueness while aspiring to contribute meaningfully to global civilisation. The frequent emphasis on modernity throughout the resolution reflects the imperative for Vietnamese culture to evolve in the new era.



The resolution also integrates three core tasks into a unified agenda: developing cultural infrastructure, mobilising and effectively using resources, and improving the quality of cultural human resources.



For implementation, the resolution calls for flexible and effective dissemination to ensure thorough understanding, build consensus and determination, and translate its innovations into coherent medium- and long-term action programmes, with the people at the centre and the active participation of cadres, intellectuals, artists, entrepreneurs and the armed forces.



Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW offers a comprehensive and forward-looking framework for cultural development, whose effective implementation will elevate the stature of a modern Vietnamese culture rich in national identity and contribute directly to rapid, sustainable national development and global civilisation, he concluded./. VNA
For many decades, for most Vietnamese people, space was a story of historic missions and faraway dreams. But as the third decade of the 21st century unfolds, space is being redefined as a new development frontier, directly linked to economic growth, national security and defense, and the governance capacity of the Vietnamese state.

From the first 1kg satellite nicknamed the Vietnamese dragon, to quietly operating laboratories, to the Politburo formally assigning space technology a special role, a shift in mindset has taken place.

That turning point was marked by Resolution 57 of the Politburo, which for the first time defined space technology as a national strategic technology, placing outer space on equal footing with maritime and underground domains.

Associate Professor, Dr. Pham Anh Tuan, Director General of the Vietnam National Space Center - VNSC under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, said the inclusion of space technology in a Party resolution for the first time carries profound significance, not only for the scientific community but for the countrys entire development strategy.

Scientists in the space technology field were truly delighted when Resolution 57 was issued. The Government later promulgated Resolution 1131, listing 11 technology groups and 35 key strategic product groups to drive spearhead industries. Three products in the space technology field were selected: low-orbit remote sensing and telecommunications satellites, ground stations and satellite control systems, and unmanned aerial vehicles - UAVs, Tuan shared.

He noted that competition today is no longer confined to the ground but extends into outer space. Given its economic capacity, Vietnam cannot cover every segment, nor compete with Internet satellite constellations like Starlink or large telecommunications satellites. Instead, the chosen strategy focuses on Earth observation satellites and small satellites.

That is a choice aligned with our national capacity. More importantly, it directly addresses essential needs: data serving research, governance, development and national protection, he said.

In 1980, Vietnam became the first Asian nation to send a person into space. The flight of hero Pham Tuan was not only a source of pride but also planted a larger dream of space exploration across generations.

Yet it was not until after 2006, when the space technology strategy was relaunched, that this dream began to be translated step by step into policies and concrete programs.

Between 2006 and 2020, VNSC set the goal of gradually mastering satellite design and manufacturing technologies. A development roadmap was established, progressing from 1kg, 4kg and 50kg satellites to the current LOTUSat-1 weighing approximately 600kg. Vietnam cooperated with France to launch the optical satellite VNREDSat-1 in 2013, and also manufactured PicoDragon, which was launched the same year.

Alongside these milestones, Vietnam has built a workforce trained abroad and established infrastructure considered among the most advanced in Southeast Asia.

Dr. Pham Anh Tuan, Director General of the Vietnam National Space Center.

We now operate the control system for LOTUSat-1, maintain research and development laboratories, and by the end of this year will complete an assembly, integration and testing facility for satellites under 200kg. With this infrastructure, we are fully confident in producing small Make in Vietnam satellites, Tuan said.

Responding to the question of why small satellites were chosen as the breakthrough direction in this phase, the VNSC Director General pointed to frequency and data.

A single satellite takes about 90 minutes to orbit the Earth once. But to return to the same target area for imaging can take up to one and a half days. In cases of natural disasters such as storms, floods or landslides, that time gap can make a critical difference.

To observe the Earth regularly and update information proactively, Vietnam needs a system that ensures frequent imaging and timely data, especially amid climate change and increasingly severe natural disasters.

To truly master the field, we cannot keep purchasing satellites indefinitely. Our strategy is to focus on a constellation of small satellites to build an Earth observation system. With such a constellation, we will secure remote sensing data - an essential resource in the era of artificial intelligence. This data can be applied across sectors, from national security to socio-economic development, including land-use planning updates, forest monitoring and environmental management.

He likened satellite data to crude oil. In its raw form, data does not create value. But once processed through application software, it becomes the foundation for a wide range of policy decisions and socio-economic activities.

In reality, the benefits of space technology do not lie in distant orbit, but are tangible on the ground.

In the past, when floods or natural disasters occurred, Vietnam had to request or purchase satellite imagery from abroad. The process was often slow and untimely. With autonomous satellite capacity, authorities can forecast landslide or flash flood risks earlier, reducing damage to lives and property.

Dr. Nguyen Kim Anh of VNSC.

In agriculture, VNSC research teams have used satellite imagery to assess growth rates and forecast rice yields in the Mekong Delta, achieving accuracy above 95 percent. For an agricultural nation, that figure carries considerable significance.

Authorities also require satellite images to monitor illegal logging or environmental destruction in remote areas difficult to access by road. At present, Vietnam still relies on foreign satellite imagery such as Europes Sentinel system, Japans ALOS and the US Landsat for routine purposes.

For matters related to national security and defense, satellite autonomy is imperative. Foreign satellites may not provide images of sensitive areas, Pham Anh Tuan said candidly. Data sovereignty is therefore inseparable from national sovereignty.

VNSCs long-term goal is to build a national observation center based on remote sensing, integrating and processing data from satellites, aircraft and UAVs.

At that point, leaders could remain in one location yet have continuously updated data to direct responses to forest fires, floods or landslides nationwide.

Vietnam is fully capable of doing this, thanks to our existing human resources and the combination of foreign-purchased satellites and domestically manufactured ones, Tuan affirmed.

He added that those working in space must dare to dream and dare to act. Many young people are passionate, but inconsistent investment and salary scales under the state system create difficulties once they start families. Vietnam needs special mechanisms and bold reforms in selecting and utilizing talent in strategic technology fields.

Instead of requiring chief engineers to submit administrative applications to register for projects, the state should proactively invite and value them. A salary coefficient equivalent to that in the security and defense sector - around 1.8 - would allow scientists to devote themselves fully to research.

I have worked on space strategy since 2006 - nearly 20 years now. I hope that with Resolution 57, change will come faster. For a true breakthrough, we need a high-level leader to direct it personally, similar to how Kennedy declared the Apollo program to land humans on the Moon in the US, or how the Philippine space agency reports directly to the President, the Director General emphasized.

By 2030, the global space economy is projected to reach about US$1.5 trillion. It is no longer solely about research but about generating revenue from satellite Internet, space tourism, GPS services and data. The worlds wealthiest billionaires are investing in space, calculating future opportunities tied to resource exploitation on the Moon and Mars.

Dr. Nguyen Kim Anh of VNSC said mastering satellites carries clear practical implications for Vietnam.

In safeguarding sovereignty, proactiveness is key. With its own satellites, Vietnam can continuously monitor maritime activities. Unidentified vessels offshore, unusual signs near the coast or within the exclusive economic zone can be detected early thanks to high-frequency imaging with strong spatial and temporal resolution.

Satellite imagery also allows historical tracking of vessel movements. In cases of illegal discharge or oil spills, authorities must have images from before and after the incident to identify the source of pollution and determine responsibility. Relying solely on foreign data or open Internet sources often means incomplete information that fails to meet security requirements.

In environmental management and agriculture, satellite imagery enables rapid assessment of long-term land cover changes and analysis of ecosystem impacts. It is also used to classify and provide early warning of salinity intrusion across large areas. Instead of collecting isolated soil samples for laboratory analysis, satellite data allows the calculation of indices to identify areas with high or low salinity, providing a scientific basis for crop selection and appropriate farming practices.

According to Dr. Nguyen Kim Anh, the most important factor is synchronized and sustained investment. If space technology is implemented as a short-term project of five to ten years and then halted, the system will fracture. Proper recognition of the role of satellites and a long-term commitment to investment are decisive for maximizing their application in daily life, the economy, security and defense.

Thanh Hue
Founded in 1990, UNIVACCO specialises in vacuum metallised films and surface-coating technologies serving printing, packaging and advanced materials industries. Its flagship products, including hot-stamping foil, cold-stamping foil and functional vacuum-coated films, are widely distributed across the Americas, Europe and Asia.



The nearly three-hectare lease in Dong Nai reflects a selective relocation trend among high-tech manufacturers, with Vietnam emerging as a preferred destination thanks to its stable manufacturing base, competitive costs and deepening integration into global supply chains.



Under its plan, UNIVACCOs Vietnam project will be developed to global manufacturing standards, integrating advanced technologies, optimising logistics and strengthening market responsiveness, particularly in premium packaging, digital applications and environmentally friendly materials.



According to UNIVACCO CEO Bruce, Vietnam was chosen as the companys overseas production base to capitalise on favourable international tariff policies and the countrys cost competitiveness.



Data from Savills Vietnam show that in 2025, Dong Nai attracted over 2.7 billion USD in FDI, exceeding 144% of its annual target. The province currently hosts more than 2,200 valid FDI projects with total registered capital surpassing 42 billion USD. In 2026, Dong Nai is expected to continue drawing fresh investment into high-tech manufacturing, logistics and financial services, driven by major infrastructure projects such as Long Thanh International Airport and Phuoc An Port, alongside administrative reform and digital transformation.



Phan Cuu Chi, Manager of Industrial Real Estate Services at Savills Ho Chi Minh City, noted that high-tech FDI into Vietnam is shifting from opportunistic moves to long-term strategic commitments. Investors like UNIVACCO are not merely seeking production sites; they are choosing Vietnam as an integrated platform for sustained manufacturing and innovation, she said.



Meanwhile, Sonadezi Long Thanh, the parks developer, said the 488-ha industrial park features synchronised technical infrastructure, completed internal transport networks, and power, water and wastewater treatment systems meeting the requirements of high-tech projects.



This project reflects our strategy to attract high-quality, technology-oriented manufacturers that create long-term value for the industrial ecosystem, a Sonadezi Long Thanh representative said.



In the transaction, Savills Vietnam acted as exclusive adviser, providing end-to-end support from site selection and negotiation to deal completion, while continuing to accompany UNIVACCO and Sonadezi Long Thanh during project implementation./.VNA
Looking at Vietnams total trade turnover of US$930 billion in 2025, experts believe the countrys extensive growth model has reached its limits. Merchandise trade must now transition from growing fast to growing strong and sustainably.

Flexible adaptation drives record trade

Agricultural and seafood exports became bright spots in Vietnams 2025 trade performance. Photo: Hoang Ha

By the end of 2025, Vietnams total export-import turnover reached a historic US$930 billion, despite sluggish global growth, fragmented international trade and increasingly dense technical barriers.

Exports exceeded US$475 billion, surging 17 percent compared to 2024, while imports reached US$455 billion, up 19.4 percent. However, the trade surplus narrowed to US$20.05 billion in 2025, down from US$24.77 billion the previous year.

These results placed Vietnam among the worlds top 25 trading economies.

Nguyen Bich Lam, former Director General of the General Statistics Office, now the Statistics Department under the Ministry of Finance, emphasized that the US$930 billion milestone stands out amid continued geopolitical conflicts, rising protectionism and prolonged monetary tightening globally.

The figure reflects Vietnams ability to sustain export momentum, effectively utilize free trade agreements and adapt flexibly to external volatility. The record turnover was not driven solely by traditional industries.

In 2025, deeper structural highlights emerged, particularly in agriculture and fisheries, which generated US$48.56 billion in export value and maintained double-digit growth.

According to Lam, the structure of agricultural and seafood exports is shifting from raw shipments toward deeper processing, gradually raising value added. Domestic enterprises have improved their capacity to meet high market standards, from traceability to quality control and emission management.

These sectors also retain higher domestic value and depend less on imported inputs compared to many processing and manufacturing industries. As such, agriculture and fisheries are not only bright spots in export turnover, but also signals of potential for a higher-quality growth model anchored more firmly in domestic value creation.

A growth model reaching its limit

Alongside the US$930 billion record, Lam pointed to a steady decline in the trade surplus. In 2023, total trade reached over US$681 billion with a surplus of US$28.3 billion. In 2024, turnover rose to US$786.3 billion but the surplus fell to US$24.77 billion. By 2025, although total trade surged to US$930 billion, the surplus narrowed to just above US$20 billion.

This indicates that while international trade has expanded rapidly in scale, the net value retained to contribute to economic growth has increased more slowly, even declining. The turnover record, therefore, does not fully reflect the intrinsic health or efficiency of Vietnams external trade.

The record in scale is only a milestone, not the ultimate destination of an export-led growth strategy, Lam cautioned.

One key reason for the shrinking surplus over the past two years, especially in 2025, is that enterprises accelerated imports of raw materials and components to hedge against reciprocal tariffs and exchange rate volatility.

In the short term, this is a rational and flexible response. Structurally, however, it highlights the heavy dependence of export production, particularly in processing and manufacturing, on imported inputs. Stronger imports help maintain output momentum but expose a fundamental vulnerability in Vietnams trade structure.

Notably, the domestic economic sector continues to post persistent trade deficits, while surpluses originate mainly from the FDI sector. This suggests that although Vietnams trade has grown rapidly in size, its endogenous foundation remains insufficiently robust to balance trade sustainably between domestic and foreign-invested enterprises.

The 2025 trade picture also shows that a model based on expanding scale, leveraging low labor costs and focusing on assembly and processing is approaching its ceiling. Room for extensive growth is narrowing, while compliance costs tied to green standards, traceability and international regulations continue to rise.

Continuing to chase turnover records at all costs could deepen the risk of being locked into low-value segments of global value chains, Lam warned.

From growing fast to growing strong and sustainable

In 2026, the Ministry of Industry and Trade targets total trade growth of over 8 percent compared to 2025, aiming for US$1.004 trillion in turnover and a trade surplus of around US$25 billion. Photo: Hoang Ha

Given these realities, Lam argued that export-import records should no longer serve as the primary performance benchmark for 2026-2030. Instead, trade policy must focus on raising domestic value-added ratios, enhancing the role of private domestic enterprises and developing industries capable of retaining higher value while reducing reliance 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 economys long-term growth foundation.

In the new decade, trade growth must be assessed by quality, value retention capacity and the resilience of the goods trade balance, rather than sheer turnover size.

Export-import strategy should shift from rapid expansion toward improved quality. As the extensive model reaches its limit, authorities must steer the transition toward growth driven by productivity, technology and domestic value.

Developing the domestic economic sector into a pillar of exports, while transforming agricultural and fisheries strengths into strategic drivers, is essential.

Reducing dependence on imported inputs must become central to trade policy. Strengthening 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 upgrading Vietnams position within global value chains, replacing the mindset of chasing ever-larger records.

Only when merchandise trade moves from growing fast to growing strong and sustainable will record figures truly become a foundation for growth in the 2026-2030 period and beyond, Nguyen Bich Lam reiterated.

Tam An
National governance is not merely administrative management. It is the capacity to guide the nation through hardship and challenges, to promote sustainable development, and to ensure that the state apparatus operates with increasing efficiency, transparency and service to the people.

Citizen and business satisfaction should serve as the primary goal and benchmark for evaluating public governance capacity. Photo: Thach Thao

Vietnam has made notable progress in governance. In the current context, however, we must decisively move from traditional state management - focused on control, procedural compliance and administrative orders - to modern state governance, centered on streamlining, effectiveness and accountability.

To make this transition, a comprehensive set of solutions is required, with emphasis on core principles: the rule of law, where the law stands above all individuals and organizations; capable and accountable civil servants responsible to the people; accelerated digital transformation; open data; and high-level online public services.

Success demands not only strong political determination from the state but also participation and oversight from society and the market. Together, these forces create a mutually reinforcing relationship in safeguarding and developing the nation. Most crucially, the public service mindset must shift from authority to service, with the satisfaction of citizens and businesses serving as both goal and measure of performance.

What, then, can Vietnam learn from international experience in applying these principles?

Lesson from Singapore: Elite officials and strict rule of law

Singapore, once a poor and corruption-ridden colony after independence in 1965, has risen to become one of the worlds most transparent nations through a comprehensive and systematic anti-corruption strategy. Its core lesson lies in combining the stick and carrot: strict laws to punish violations and competitive remuneration to encourage compliance and prevent misconduct.

Modern governance begins with people. Singapore has implemented an uncompromising meritocratic recruitment policy, identifying top talents from leading global universities through prestigious government scholarship programs. The belief is simple: only the most capable individuals can shoulder the responsibility of governing a nation. Rigorous selection is matched with highly competitive compensation.

Singapore applies the principle of aligning senior civil servants salaries with private sector benchmarks. Ministers and top officials are compensated based on the earnings of leading professionals in the private sector.

This policy brings two major benefits: attracting talent and reducing incentives for corruption. The civil service evaluation system is strict and transparent, directly linked to promotion and bonuses. It is a powerful mechanism ensuring substantive accountability and eliminating bureaucratic stagnation.

Integrity in public service in Singapore rests firmly on the rule of law, where no individual or organization stands above legal authority. Anti-corruption laws are strictly enforced. The anti-corruption investigation agency operates independently and effectively, empowered to investigate anyone, including the highest-ranking officials, when signs of wrongdoing appear.

From primary school, students are taught about the consequences of corruption through civic education. The public is encouraged to report misconduct via anonymous hotlines, fostering a culture of zero tolerance. These rules and the rejection of privilege have created a fair, stable and predictable governance environment - a decisive factor in attracting investment and sustaining development.

Lesson from South Korea: Science, technology and public-private cooperation

Vietnam is accelerating the completion of national databases on population and land to promote digital public services. Illustrative photo: Nguyen Hue







South Korea transformed itself from one of Asias poorest countries in 1960, with per capita GDP below US$100, into an economic powerhouse with per capita GDP exceeding US$35,000 in 2025.

Beginning in 1962, South Korea implemented five-year economic plans focused on export-oriented industrialization, shifting from textiles to electronics and automobiles. These plans were flexibly adjusted based on real data rather than rigid directives. The state selectively supported major conglomerates such as Samsung and Hyundai through preferential loans and domestic market protection, while requiring them to lead export expansion. At the same time, small and medium enterprises received credit support to prevent inequality.

Public-private dialogue has been a hallmark of South Koreas governance. The National Economic Advisory Council meets regularly, bringing together government, business and labor unions to propose timely policy solutions.

Beyond governance reform, South Koreas success also stems from a strategy of openness in attracting global experts, especially in high technology. The country maintains an objective and fair civil service examination system to ensure quality input, while expanding recruitment to include foreign and technical experts for strategic sectors.

South Korea has embraced performance-based governance models that emphasize outputs rather than mere procedural compliance. Senior civil servants are required to sign performance contracts with specific, measurable targets. Their promotion and bonuses depend directly on fulfilling these targets, creating positive pressure for effective action and high accountability.

Lesson from Estonia: Digital government and digital society

Estonia, emerging from post-Soviet hardship in 1991, has become one of the worlds leading digital nations thanks to its e-Estonia strategy launched in 2001. With a population of just 1.3 million, its experience offers global value, demonstrating that technology is key to modernizing governance, enhancing transparency and reducing costs.

Estonia pioneered open government data. Publishing raw data, excluding sensitive personal information, enables the private sector, developers and civil society to build applications and monitor public spending and government performance.

Nearly all public services in Estonia are built on a digital platform supported by two pillars. The first is the electronic identity card - a comprehensive digital identity system enabling remote administration and serving as the foundation of its advanced digital society. The second is X-Road, a secure digital backbone that connects databases across government agencies, allowing safe and seamless data exchange.

As a result, Estonia strictly applies the once-only principle, meaning citizens and businesses provide information to authorities only once. Direct contact between civil servants and citizens is minimized, reducing opportunities for petty corruption while increasing transparency, fairness and trust in public administration.

Three lessons from Singapore, South Korea and Estonia are not universal formulas. Yet they demonstrate that governance transformation is both inevitable and feasible when supported by strong political will, robust institutions and strict implementation.

Vietnam is moving in the right direction and should continue to prioritize three synchronized pillars.

First, institutions and law: Institutionalize and strictly enforce regulations on accountability and anti-corruption in the public sector.

Second, human resources: Fundamentally reform salary policies and recruitment methods to attract and retain highly qualified talent for strategic public positions.

Third, technology and infrastructure: Accelerate the completion of national databases on population, land and enterprises, along with data-sharing platforms, to realize the once-only principle in public services.

Taking these steps decisively and consistently will determine whether Vietnam can strengthen its governance quality and lay a solid foundation for its aspiration to become a developed nation by 2045.

Pham Trong Nghia

Member of the 15th National Assembly - Postdoctoral researcher in Global Governance at Princeton University, the US (2015-2016) and at Oxford University, the United Kingdom (2016-2017)
Did you buy KD securities between August 7, 2024, and February 9, 2026?

Affected Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. Investor Summary

Who : Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: KD)

: Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: KD) What: Securities fraud class action lawsuit filed

Securities class action lawsuit filed Class Period: August 7, 2024, through February 9, 2026

August 7, 2024, through February 9, 2026 Deadline to Seek Lead Plaintiff Status: April 13, 2026

April 13, 2026 Key Lawsuit Allegations: Material misstatements and/or omissions concerning the company's cash management practices and internal control over financial reporting.

Material misstatements and/or omissions concerning the company's cash management practices and internal control over financial reporting. Investor Action: Contact Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (www.ktmc.com) for recovery options at no cost to investor

RADNOR, Pa., Feb. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (www.ktmc.com) informs investors that a securities fraud class action lawsuit has been filed against Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. (Kyndryl) (NYSE: KD) on behalf of those who purchased or acquired Kyndryl securities between August 7, 2024, and February 9, 2026, inclusive. The lawsuit is filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York and is captioned Brander v. Kyndryl Holdings, Inc., et al, Case No. 1:26-cv-00782 (E.D.N.Y.). Investors have until April 13, 2026, to file for lead plaintiff status.

CONTACT KTMC TO DISCUSS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS:

If you purchased or acquired Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. securities and have lost money on your investment, you are encouraged to contact KTMC attorney Jonathan Naji, Esq. at:

 (484) 270-1453

 [email protected]

 https://www.ktmc.com/kd-kyndryl-holdings-inc-class-action-lawsuit?utm_source=PR_Newswire&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=kd&mktm=PR

There is no cost or obligation to speak with an attorney.

Learn more about Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. on YouTube:

KYNDRYL HOLDINGS, INC. CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT - COMPLAINT ALLEGATION SUMMARY:

The complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Kyndryl's financial statements issued during the Class Period were materially misstated; (2) Kyndryl lacked adequate internal controls and at times materially understated issues with its internal controls; (3) as a result, Kyndryl would be unable to timely file its quarterly report on Form 10-Q with the SEC for the quarter ended December 31, 2025; and (4) as a result, Defendants' statements about Kyndryl's business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all times.

Why did Kyndryl's Stock Drop?

On February 9, 2026, Kyndryl surprised investors when it announced that the company's CFO and General Counsel had both departed "effective immediately." Kyndryl also disclosed that, following the company's receipt of voluntary document requests from the SEC, that the company is reviewing its cash management practices related disclosures as well as the efficacy of the company's internal control over financial reporting and certain other matters. Kyndryl further disclosed that it anticipates reporting material weaknesses in the company's internal control over financial reporting. On this news, Kyndryl's stock price fell over 54%, from a close of $23.49 on February 6, 2026, to close at $10.59 on February 9, 2026.

WHAT KD INVESTORS CAN DO NOW:

File to be lead plaintiff by April 13, 2026. Contact KTMC for a free case evaluation. Retain counsel of choice or take no action.

THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS FOR KYNDRYL HOLDINGS, INC. INVESTORS :

Kyndryl investors may, no later than April 13, 2026, seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. The lead plaintiff is usually the investor or small group of investors who have the largest financial interest and who are also adequate and typical of the proposed class of investors. The lead plaintiff selects counsel to represent the lead plaintiff and the class and these attorneys, if approved by the court, are lead or class counsel. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff.

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP encourages Kyndryl investors to contact the firm for more information.

ABOUT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLP (KTMC):

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (KTMC) is a leading U.S. plaintiff-side law firm focused on securities-fraud class actions and global investor protection. The firm represents individual investors as well as institutions, such as major pension funds, asset managers, and international investors. KTMC has led some of the largest recoveries in securities litigation and has been recognized by peers and the legal media with numerous accolades, including The National Law Journal's Plaintiff's Hot List and Trailblazers in Plaintiffs' Law, BTI Consulting Group's Honor Roll of Most Feared Law Firms, The Legal Intelligencer's Class Action Firm of the Year, Lawdragon's Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers, and Law360's Titans of the Plaintiffs Bar. The firm operates globally with offices in Pennsylvania and California. KTMC has recovered over $25 billion for our clients and the classes they represent. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP, please visit www.ktmc.com. The complaint in this matter was not filed by KTMC.

CONTACT:

Jonathan Naji, Esq.

(484) 270-1453

280 King of Prussia Road

Radnor, PA 19087

[email protected]

May be considered attorney advertising in certain jurisdictions. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

SOURCE Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP
Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, together with a delegation from the US Embassy, held discussions to roll out the US  Vietnam aquaculture value chain partnership project.



Under the plan, the US side will invest more than 15.2 million USD over five years. The project aims to raise cumulative tilapia output to 1.21 million tonnes, generating total sales of 1.25 billion USD. From March 2026, it will be implemented in the Red River Delta and the Mekong Delta, and is expected to deliver direct benefits to more than 24,000 people, including farming households, farms and processing facilities.



Assessing the projects significance, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien said it is a timely and well-targeted move, creating an important resource base for implementing Vietnams tilapia development plan to 2030. The project is expected to help upgrade the value chain while further expanding tilapia trade to the US, European markets and the domestic market.



According to market expert Phuong Linh from the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Vietnams tilapia export turnover to the US surged 173% year-on-year in 2025, exceeding 53 million USD and making the US the largest importer of Vietnamese tilapia. With total tilapia export earnings reaching 99 million USD in 2025, up more than 140% from 2024, Vietnam has emerged as a new bright spot on the global tilapia map.

Beyond traditional markets, Vietnamese enterprises are stepping up tilapia exports to other destinations. (Photo: VNA)

Notably, beyond traditional markets, Vietnamese enterprises are stepping up tilapia exports to other destinations, including the Middle East and Brazil. In the Middle East, tilapia exports in 2025 reached nearly 9 million USD, up about 400% year-on-year, with Saudi Arabia alone accounting for 8 million USD, a rise of up to 670%. The successful penetration of the Brazilian market  one of the worlds leading tilapia exporters  generating 11 million USD in 2025, is seen as a positive signal, reflecting the growing competitiveness of Vietnamese tilapia amid the restructuring of global markets.



To sustain growth in 2026 across major markets such as the US, the Middle East and the European Union (EU), Vietnamese tilapia products must meet stringent requirements, ranging from flesh quality and food safety to certifications for sustainable farming and production, including GlobalGAP, BAP and ASC. This calls for a fully standardised production chain, from broodstock and farming to processing.



Tilapia is entering a favourable development phase as global demand increasingly favours white-flesh fish that are high in protein, easy to process and reasonably priced.



According to Nguyen Dang Ngoc, Deputy General Director of the Viet Nhat Group, to fully capitalise on market opportunities, Vietnam needs to accelerate the development of closed-linkage chains covering broodstock, farming areas, processing and distribution. This should go hand in hand with investment in cold storage and modern logistics, standardisation of production processes and upgrades to quality standards across the entire chain. Once high-end international standards are met, Vietnamese tilapia will be well positioned to reach new heights in the coming period.



With the global shift towards green and sustainable consumption, tilapia exports are standing before a major opportunity to break through, becoming a new key product of Vietnams seafood industry alongside shrimp and pangasius, and helping create a more balanced and resilient industry structure in the future./. VNA
After a year in which storms and floods shattered long-standing records, Vietnams approach to increasingly intense natural disasters must now reach a new threshold of adaptation in a country long described as shielding storms in the morning, blocking scorching sun in the afternoon.

Records breaking records

Hundreds of thousands of homes in Thai Nguyen were submerged during the record-breaking floods in early October 2025. Photo: Thach Thao

Having once been a victim of the historic 1999 flood in Hue, I thought I understood what devastation meant. Yet the 33 days from October 22, 2025, spent following storms and floods across central Vietnam tested the limits of my emotions.

There were moments of paralysis when the Song Ba Ha hydropower plant discharged water at 14,740 cubic meters per second, then surged to 16,100 cubic meters per second within just three hours. Periods of extreme tension stretched on. My phone vibrated incessantly with desperate messages for help. With each message read, my hands trembled. I tried to steady myself, but the psychological toll was overwhelming.

In 2025, natural disasters and extreme weather swept from north to south, with preliminary estimates of economic losses reaching VND100,000 billion (US$4 billion). Production was disrupted, and recovery will take years.

The year set a record for tropical cyclones forming and moving across the East Sea and making landfall, with 21 systems surpassing the previous high of 2017. Storm No. 3 brought torrential rains that pushed Ban Ve reservoir beyond its design flood level and even beyond the 5,000-year flood frequency threshold, triggering catastrophic flooding in western Nghe An.

Historic Storm No. 10 lingered over land longer than any before it, followed closely by the circulation of Storm No. 11, which caused record flooding in Thai Nguyen, Lang Son, Bac Ninh and Hanoi.

River levels also broke records set in the last century. The Vu Gia River in Quang Nam exceeded its historic 1964 peak. The Bo River in Hue rose higher than during the devastating 1999 flood. Near the end of the year, unprecedented flooding struck Dak Lak, in the former Phu Yen area, as well as Khanh Hoa and Lam Dong.

When disasters exceed tolerance thresholds

In disaster risk theory, a region is considered resilient when its ecosystems, infrastructure and community knowledge can withstand shocks. But when rainfall exceeds 1,000mm within 48 hours, most infrastructure systems struggle to cope.

The scale of extreme events became starkly evident in rainfall data from October and November. At Bach Ma peak, rainfall recorded between 7pm on October 26 and 7pm on October 27 reached 1,739mm, nearly equal to Vietnams average annual rainfall of 1,400 to 2,400mm. It was the largest 24-hour rainfall ever recorded globally in the 21st century.

The downpours persisted over multiple days and waves, creating complex, overlapping disasters beyond design capacity. While analyzing and forecasting the flood situation in Dak Lak before waters peaked, I concluded that it represented a once-in-a-century combination of hazards.

Scientific analysis shows a clear correlation between climate change and the rise of extreme events. As global average temperatures edge beyond 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, disasters intensify. Rapid transitions between El Nino and La Nina phases, with only brief neutral intervals, leave the atmosphere in constant instability.

Monsoon systems, shaped and memorized over millions of years, appear to be losing that memory, producing unusual northeast wind convergence zones, easterly disturbances causing extreme rainfall, and dry, hot southwest winds prolonging drought.

Floods and droughts will alternate, both exerting profound impacts on Vietnams socio-economic life. To adapt, both infrastructure and people must raise their resilience thresholds.

Across the country, from Thai Nguyen to the South Central region, what impressed me most was the endurance and solidarity of the Vietnamese people. Communities in Thanh Hoa, Thai Nguyen, Hue and Quang Nam, still reeling from historic flooding, were among the first to mobilize aid for newly stricken areas.

What must be done now

Rescue forces assist residents in cleaning up and recovering from the aftermath of natural disasters. Photo: Thach Thao







To safeguard development achievements, Vietnam must accelerate climate adaptation and disaster prevention actions with urgency and continuity.

First, develop comprehensive response plans.

From hamlets and communes to provincial authorities, each level must prepare scenario-based response plans tailored to different types of extreme disasters, with clear action steps and resource mobilization strategies. While Vietnam has effectively implemented the four on-the-spot principle, greater proactivity is essential.

Second, mainstream disaster risk information.

Nearly two decades of research in disaster risk management have shown that communities frequently exposed to hazards tend to respond better. Preparation before disasters, reinforcing homes, elevating belongings, relocating to safe shelters, is crucial.

Forecasts must be made more accessible. Instead of stating that a storm will pass through certain coordinates, people need to know whether it will directly impact their locality. River flood warnings should translate alarm levels into projected inundation depths in residential areas.

Third, modernize warning systems.

Disaster warning information is now integrated into the Vietnam Disaster Monitoring System at https://vndms.dmc.gov.vn. The next step is developing mobile applications for real-time forecasts and alerts. Investments are needed to install camera-based real-time water level monitoring at reservoirs and along river systems, combined with flood scenario modeling based on historical data and meteorological forecasts.

High-risk areas should be equipped with flood and storm siren systems, similar to Hues flood warning sirens and the river monitoring features integrated into the Hue-S application.

Fourth, establish trained volunteer rescue teams and strengthen resources.

In 2025, we formed a temporary Three-Region Disaster Response Team of around 50 members, including boat operators, drone pilots and logistics personnel. While volunteer resources are abundant, coordination gaps remain. At times, boats had to be transported more than 500km to flood zones, even though local boats were available but not mobilized effectively.

Localities prone to flooding should form trained, officially recognized rescue boat teams that can coordinate both locally and within a national rescue network.

Fifth, build comprehensive relief and recovery scenarios.

Vietnams spirit of solidarity is immense, but without coordinated planning, aid distribution becomes inefficient. Some areas receive excessive donations due to media coverage, while communities just five kilometers away receive none. Mismatched supplies and logistical mismanagement lead to waste.

Beyond response planning, local authorities need rapid assessment tools immediately after disasters to identify urgent needs and adjust response strategies. These needs should be transparently updated in real time on an online platform accessible to charitable groups.

Human activity also contributes to vulnerability. Deforestation, pollution and shrinking safe living spaces intensify disaster impacts. Repeated extreme events raise a troubling question: when will we no longer have to live in fear of storms and floods?

Raising house foundations above flood levels is only spontaneous adaptation, a case of water rises, the floating plants rise. Sustainable adaptation requires looking beyond individual homes to restore forests, protect rivers and lakes, and preserve every tree. Only by safeguarding ecosystems can we protect our living space in harmony with nature.

Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Huy
New mortgage brokerage franchise in Conway invites the community for a special Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce

CONWAY, Ark., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Motto Mortgage, the first-and-only national mortgage brokerage franchise in the United States, has a new office in Conway, Arkansas. Motto Mortgage Integrity Advisors is now open and serving all markets throughout The Natural State.

Motto Mortgage Integrity Advisors will hold a grand opening celebration on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. CT at its office located in the Integrity Insurance Building (449 Reedy Road). The event is open to all members of the community and will be hosted in partnership with the Integrity Insurance Group Inc. Guests will enjoy complimentary refreshments and a special Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce.

Motto Mortgage Integrity Advisors is a customer-first, full-service mortgage brokerage established by Donny Bradley and Joey Fulgham. Together, Donny and Joey bring nearly a 60 years of combined industry experience to the brokerage. Donny has been a loan originator serving the Conway market since 1997, while Joey has been in the insurance industry since 1998 and founded Integrity Insurance Group Inc in 2011. The duo is excited to put their vast real estate knowledge to good work to serve the residents in and around Conway.

"We are thrilled to be open for business in Conway and we are looking forward to personally introducing ourselves to the community at our grand opening event. Motto Mortgage Integrity Advisors offers an advantageous alternative to the traditional mortgage bankers currently operating in Arkansas," said Donny Bradley. "We provide the scope, scale and support of a large retail lender, while offering the flexibility, autonomy and exceptional service of a local mortgage broker that knows how to navigate the intricacies of the home buying process in your market."

Donny Bradley, Drake Adkins, and Eden Mozzy will serve as the mortgage loan originators for the office. Drake is a Russellville native who holds licenses in both loan origination and insurance. He's passionate about helping first-time buyers achieve homeownership and secure affordable insurance coverage, while building lasting relationships with the people he serves across Central and Northwest Arkansas. Eden Mozzy has deep roots in the real estate community and has been immersed in the world of housing since a young age. Her family has been building homes locally for over 20 yearsallowing her to combine her firsthand experience in new construction with her passion for helping guide first-time homebuyers, seasoned investors, and beyond, through every step of the lending process.

Loan originators in the Motto Mortgage network have access to competitive loans from various wholesale lenders and work hard to give homebuyers choices  because no loan is one-size-fits-all. A digital mortgage experience is available for borrowers who would prefer to conduct business remotely.

For more information about the grand opening celebration, please contact Motto Mortgage Integrity Advisors at (501) 393-0990.

Each Motto Mortgage franchise is independently owned, operated and licensed.

About Motto Mortgage Integrity Advisors:

Motto Mortgage Integrity Advisors (NMLS #2712963) is a locally owned and operated full-service mortgage brokerage serving all of Arkansas, located at 449 Reedy Rd, Conway, AR 72034. To learn more, please visit www.MottoMortgageIntegrityAdvisors.com or call (501) 393-0990.

Donny Bradley, NMLS #790692

Drake Adkins, NMLS #2744679

Eden Mozzy, NMLS #2626931

SOURCE Motto Mortgage
WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), Conservation X Labs (CXL), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) announced today the finalists of the Nature Intelligence for Business Grand Challenge , a global competition advancing practical tools that help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) understand and manage how their businesses depend onand impactnature.

The Grand Challenge will award a shared prize purse of $100,000 in funding to accelerate solutions that deliver actionable "nature intelligence" based on the TNFD's LEAP (Locate, Evaluate, Assess, and Prepare) approach. Winning teams will also have opportunities to work with TNFD, CXL, UNDP, and partners to strengthen their solution and expand real-world adoption.

Nature is increasingly recognized as a material business issue, from water availability and soil health to pollination, coastal protection, and exposure to hazards such as floods, fires, and drought. As ecosystems degrade and biodiversity declines, companies and investors are under rising pressure to assess their nature-related dependencies, impacts, risks, and opportunities. TNFD's LEAP approach and its recommended metrics provides a structured approach for companies of all sizes to understand their potential nature-related issues, but many smaller businesses have limited resources and expertise that can make it difficult to apply in practice.

The Nature Intelligence for Business Grand Challenge is designed to close that gap by surfacing innovations that reduce cost, complexity, and time, while producing credible, decision-ready outputs consistent with the TNFD's LEAP approach and leveraging the TNFD's recommended metrics.

"Every business in every sectorfrom a small family-owned farm or coffee cooperative; to a mid-size construction company; or a large multinational retailerhas dependencies and impacts on nature that can lead to risks and opportunities for their business and those of their downstream customers," said Tony Goldner, CEO of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures. "SMEs are often the most exposed, and so it is critical they have access to tools to help assess their nature-related issues. Nature intelligence is the new frontier of business intelligence and good business strategy. We are thrilled to have had over 380 applications to the Grand Challenge and look forward to seeing the solutions that our finalists can come up with to meet the needs of the world's 300 million SMEs."

Selected from a global pool of applicants, the finalists represent a range of approaches, including open-source data platforms, low-bandwidth mobile tools, automated LEAP workflows, and natural-capital rating systems.

Finalists of the Nature Intelligence for Business Grand Challenge include:

Darwin Data (France) is the developer of a digital platform meant to leverage basic inputs about locations, products, and suppliers, then supply customers with analysis and recommended actions.

Dunya Analytics (USA) is a platform that seeks to help customers identify nature-associated vulnerabilities and prioritize investments.

IDEEA Group (Australia) specializes in natural capital accounting. They aim to measure the benefits of nature, leading to effective environmental performance reporting and sustainable decision making.

Innovanalisis (Colombia) is developing a solution that uses GIS-based landscape intelligence and other monitoring indicators to allow businesses to treat nature as a strategic asset.

Fair Trade USA (USA) is developing a low-tech, step-by-step method that adapts TNFD's LEAP approach for agricultural SMEs.

GeoXpr (France) is developing a lightweight, automated nature-risk intelligence platform enabling SMEs to run TNFD-aligned assessments with minimal data, expertise, or cost.

Kuyua (Germany) is the developer of an AI-powered platform intended to help customers understand and manage business risks associated with biodiversity loss and climate change.

LandPrint (USA) is a team of scientists, agronomists, and finance professionals developing a data intelligence platform to assess nature-related risks and opportunities.

Marvin (Brazil) is building an AI-native supply chain infrastructure meant to reduce risk, elevate trust, and unlock market access.

Mozaic Earth (UK) is the developer of a platform intended to allow SMEs to collect data with their smart phones, then produce site-level ecosystem condition analysis.

Prismo (Germany) is a company that leverages geospatial, nature, and business insights and combines them with AI technology in an effort to provide customers with science-based nature risk assessments.

Space Eagle Enterprises (South Africa) develops products for broadband connectivity and next-generation Earth-observation intelligence for governments, enterprises, and communities across Africa.

"A rigorous screening process helped identify twelve finalists representing diverse geographies and contexts, including developing countries and those working with developing countries where the world's most biodiverse regions are concentrated," said Maxim Vergeichik, Head of Nature Investments for the United Nations Development Programme. "It is exciting to see the depth of talent working on the practical integration of nature considerations into the core business activities of small and medium enterprises. We look forward to testing these shortlisted solutions in collaboration with real enterprises to assess their applicability and scalability."

Finalists will continue through the Grand Challenge as they refine their solutions and demonstrate how their approaches can help SMEs generate credible nature intelligence aligned to the LEAP approach and the TNFD recommended metrics that supports business resilience, supply-chain requirements, and emerging disclosure expectations.

About the Nature Intelligence for Business Grand Challenge:

The Nature Intelligence for Business Grand Challenge is a global competition convened by the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), Conservation X Labs (CXL), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to accelerate solutions that help SMEs better assess and act on nature-related issues based on TNFD's LEAP approach and recommended metrics.

About the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD):

The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) is comprised of 40 business and finance leaders from around the world and was launched in 2021 with the support of the G20. TNFD provides recommendations and guidance for market participants and other stakeholders about how nature beyond climate should be assessed, managed and reported. It has built a global movement of support and action, including over 730 organisations and over USD 22 trillion in assets under management (AUM) now committed to reporting their nature-related issues aligned with the TNFD recommendations published in September 2023. The TNFD recommendations build on the previous approach and recommendation of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and are aligned with the impact standards of the GRI, the European Union's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the sustainability reporting standards of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB).

About Conservation X Labs:

Conservation X Labs (501c3) is a nonprofit innovation organization dedicated to addressing the underlying drivers of human-induced extinction. We do this by harnessing technology, entrepreneurship, and open innovation to transform how conservation's biggest challenges are solved. We have run 20 global prizes and challenges, supported 177 game-changing innovations, deployed monitoring tools tracking over 280 species, and helped expand protection to 393,000 hectares of critical habitat. By breaking down silos and championing collaboration, we build bold solutions that deliver measurable impact for people and nature.

About UNDP: UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at www.undp.org/nature or follow @UNDP. 1 UN Plaza, New York, NY 10017 | www.undp.org

Media Contact:

Christopher Moyer

Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing, Conservation X Labs

[email protected]

SOURCE Conservation X Labs
On February 20, the bank launched the report titled 'Supply Chain Financing  Durable Global Trade in the Age of AI'. Its key findings indicate that global trade is undergoing a fundamental transformation driven by tariff volatility, AI adoption, and the move towards multipolar, regionalised supply chains.

Despite the significant headwinds however, businesses have demonstrated remarkable resilience, adapting rapidly to policy shifts while maintaining a strategic focus on diversification and working capital optimisation.

"Technology is fundamentally reengineering how trade finance operates," said Adoniro Cestari, global head of Trade and Working Capital at Citi. "AI-powered intelligent document processing enables exceptionally high accuracy rates and reducing processing to just minutes. Through a pilot of blockchain-based conditional trade payments, we have seen the potential for an evolution from standard paper-based guarantees to near 24/7 digital execution and automated settlement.

The report draws on Citi's proprietary Global Supply Chain Pressure Index, payment flows from over $5 trillion processed daily through its services business, and survey responses from multinational corporations and small- and medium-sized enterprises.

While US tariffs increased to approximately 16.8 per cent from 2.4 per cent following the change in US Administration, the Index shows supply chain pressures remained subdued and near pre-pandemic levels. Companies successfully navigated initial tariff shocks through strategic inventory management, supplier diversification, and accelerated nearshoring.

Analysis of goods reveals a complex reorganisation of global trade. South Asia and ASEAN emerged as major winners, with a 44 per cent increase in shipments from North and East Asia. Latin America has become deeply integrated into both Asian and North American supply chains, with exports to South Asia and ASEAN surging 82 per cent  the single largest increase globally.

The US has diversified its import base, with shipments from South Asia and ASEAN up 50 per cent and from Latin America up 43 per cent, both exceeding the 32 per cent growth from North and East Asia.

The report examines how AI is creating a once-in-a-generation capital expenditure supercycle in data centres, with Citi Research estimating $7.75 trillion in global AI-related capex by 2030. Trade finance is playing an increasingly critical role in this ecosystem, with solutions ranging from supply chain finance to structured receivables programmes supporting the complex, capital-intensive nature of AI data centre development. AI adoption in trade finance accelerated dramatically, with 36 per cent of large corporates now using AI tools, an 18 per cent increase from the previous year.

These types of innovations, combined with structuring expertise, helps companies unlock trapped liquidity and optimise working capital while supporting more efficient supply chains and the massive AI infrastructure buildout underway globally," Cestari said.

Working capital management has become a C-suite imperative, with 64 per cent of companies citing increasing input costs as their primary concern. On average, 6.3 per cent of working capital is now tied up in funding tariff costs. In response, companies are deploying inventory finance, structured receivables programmes, and dynamic discounting to release trapped liquidity.

Citi's survey of 710 large corporations revealed that 65 per cent are actively diversifying supply chains away from one or more countries, with Vietnam, Thailand, India, and Mexico emerging as preferred destinations.

Citi sharpens its focus on institutional banking Citi boasts strength in cross-border payments and supply chain finance. Minh Ngo, newly appointed Citi country officer and banking head for Vietnam, discussed the banks strategic priorities in this country with VIRs Thien Huong.

Citi economists project robust Vietnam economic growth in 2026 Vietnams economy looks to maintain strong growth momentum in 2026, with robust domestic demand playing a central role in offsetting cyclical export headwinds, according to the latest Vietnam Economics Outlook report by Citi Research on February 12.
As reported by newswire VentureSquare on February 12, the VC firm has established a project fund for overseas investment and acquired majority shareholder status in Chicken Plus Vietnam. The structure allows TheVentures to invest operational capabilities directly as the largest shareholder, a departure from the minority investment model more commonly seen in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

The move marks a strategic shift beyond traditional minority investments, signalling the VC's ambition to take an active role in building the business rather than merely backing it.

The deal underscores growing interest among South Korean investors in taking controlling stakes in regional consumer brands, a trend still nascent in Vietnam's venture capital landscape.

Chicken Plus currently operates 75 stores across Vietnam. Following the acquisition, TheVentures aims to expand the chain to 270 stores across the country within four years.

In addition, the VC plans to drive value through full value-chain integration from farm to production, distribution, and retail, strengthening both cost competitiveness and quality control.

TheVentures aims to apply the lessons learned from South Koreas highly competitive food and beverage market to Vietnams fast-growing consumer landscape.

According to market research firm Euromonitor and a local report, Vietnams restaurant market is projected to reach approximately $31 billion by 2025, with a growth rate of over 10 per cent on-year. Supported by a large population aged under 35 and rising income levels, demand for South Korean food delivery services is on the rise.

Over 50,000 F&B outlets close in first half of 2025 Vietnam's food and beverage (F&B) sector saw over 50,000 outlets close in the first half of 2025, signalling ongoing volatility in the market.

Vietnams F&B market entering more mature phase Our review of industry data indicates that by 2024, Vietnam had around 323,000 active food and beverage (F&B) establishments generating nearly $28.1 billion in revenues, up 16.6 per cent from 2023.
On February 23, Truong Hai Auto Corporation (THACO) opened the facilities under THACO Industries, a subsidiary specialising in mechanical manufacturing and supporting industries. The development marks a significant expansion of the corporation's industrial footprint in central Vietnam.

The household equipment factory, spanning 25,000 square metres, represents a $20 million investment. It is designed to produce 150,000 fitness equipment products, 140,000 supermarket trolleys, 100,000 household appliances, 50,000 sets of high-end furniture and urban rail seats, along with various mechanical components annually.

The $30 million specialised equipment factory spans 60,000 sq.m, with an annual capacity of 75,000 industrial and agricultural equipment units, specialised mechanical structures, and 23,000 tonnes of steel structures.

Both factories feature state-of-the-art, fully automated equipment  including surface treatment lines, closed-loop spray booth systems, and automated material feeding  integrated with production management software to advance towards a smart factory model meeting stringent export standards.

The company is targeting combined export revenue of $60 million from the two factories this year, with the figure expected to reach $100 million in 2027. Exports will be shipped directly to international partners and indirectly through foreign-invested enterprises.

The third new facility, an automotive interiors factory, spans 7,000 sq.m with a total investment of $20 million. It has an annual capacity exceeding 100,000 product sets, including air-conditioning systems, floor mats, and headliners.

The factory is expected to raise the localisation rate of automotive components and enable THACO to participate in the international supply chain of global automobile brands.

With the inauguration of the three facilities, THACO Industries is positioned to strengthen its manufacturing capacity and competitiveness significantly. The expansion underscores the company's commitment to mastering heavy industrial production technologies and automobile component manufacturing.

Italy deepens Vietnam ties as SACE backs Gelex and THACO's growth plans SACE, the Italian insurance and finance group fully owned by the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance, together with HSBC and LBBW, has finalised two medium-long term loans totalling $139 million, guaranteed by SACE, for Gelex Group and THACO AGRI, two of Vietnam's leading industrial players.

Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. expands banana sourcing to Vietnam US-based canned fruit company Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. has entered into a strategic partnership with THACO Agri, the agricultural division of Vietnam's THACO Group.
Through Starbuck's FoodShare's innovative backhaul logistics model, surplus food is rescued daily and delivered safely to food banks, helping meet immediate needs while building a more sustainable food system.

For the past 10 years, Starbucks has led a nationwide effort to safely donate surplus food from U.S. company-operated coffeehouses to local food banks and partner agencies. These donations include breakfast sandwiches, Protein Boxes, pastries, and other fresh items that help neighbors access nutritious food with dignity. Through daily donations, FoodShare has become one of the largest food rescue programs in the country.

Northern Illinois Food Bank launched its partnership with Starbucks FoodShare in 2018, creating a powerful collaboration to reduce food waste and fight hunger across the region. Since then, the program has provided 5.5 million pounds of nourishing food to Northern Illinois Food Bank's neighbors facing hunger.

Beyond food donations, Starbucks has contributed more than $500,000 to strengthen Northern Illinois Food Bank's FoodShare operations. These funds support essential equipment and supplies that enable volunteers to safely sort, store, and prepare rescued food for distribution through the Food Bank's network of food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters.

"This partnership could not come at a more critical time," said Julie Yurko, President and CEO of Northern Illinois Food Bank. "We are serving more neighbors than ever before and programs like Starbucks FoodShare help us meet urgent needs while strengthening the charitable food system."

FoodShare was created after Starbucks partners, seeing growing need in their communities, advocated for a way to donate unsold food.

Northern Illinois Food Bank provides over 93 million meals a year through its network of 900 food pantries and programs in 13 counties throughout suburban and rural Northern Illinois. For more information visit SolveHungerToday.org.

SOURCE Northern Illinois Food Bank
The announcement that the Royal Alexandra Hospital will be turned into a new health facility as part of a 33m redevelopment was a genuine piece of news, significant enough to ensure the visit of First Minister Eluned Morgan and Health Secretary Jeremy Miles to North Wales.

Most will have welcomed the funding commitment which should see the site completed by next year, albeit some critics believe the long delayed plans have been watered down.

Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) reporter Richard Evans took the opportunity of yesterdays announcement to ask Mr Miles, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, about healthcare in North Wales.

In a wide-ranging interview Mr Miles admitted the families of patients who died of a preventable cause in North Wales hospitals are entitled to expect better.

He also addressed claims made by a North Wales council leader that he failed to respond to her letter raising the alarm over third-world health care.

Mr Miles also responded to the declaration of a health emergency by several North Wales councils; the growth of corridor care in Emergency Departments (A&E) and why the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has been in special measures for much of the last decade.

LDRS Have you been to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd to the A&E department?

Mr Miles: I was in Glan Clwyd this morning, and Ive been to the A&E department there. And we were announcing this morning 10m of investment, which has been spent since last year for two new cutting-edge radiotherapy machines, which will be coming onstream at Glan Clwyd over the next few months. Again, it will make a real difference to cancer treatment in North Wales.





LDRS: In Glan Clwyd A&E department people are literally dying in the corridors. I get phone calls on a weekly basis. After 10 years of special measures, if Labour gets in power again, whats going to change in the next couple of years? Are you going to fix it? And what is your timescale for fixing it?

Mr Miles: Look, A&E performance in North Wales is not good enough. There is no two ways about that. We need to see it improving. We are working hard as a government. We put extra money into the health board.

We put a team of extra support in there to help the health board with their A&E pressures, but also the planned care, so thats the surgery people are waiting for. We are seeing those long waits coming down a lot, not anyway near where they need to be, but if you look over the last year, theyve come down by thousands in North Wales, as in other parts of Wales, so there is progress.

Its not gone far enough, and Im working with the health board, pressing them hard, giving them the support they need so we can get the services patients in North Wales deserve.





LDRS: The demographic in North Wales is quite different. There is quite an elderly population. People tend to come to counties like Conwy, in particular, to retire, and a lot of people in this area feel they are not getting the money from Welsh Government, in regard to the way the government funds the NHS and councils for social care.

People feel its wrong. Thats what councillors are saying. I know Conwy County Councils leader Julie Fallon wrote to you and she said you ignored her letter a few months ago when she declared a health emergency. Is that right?

Mr Miles: I didnt ignore the letter. Nobody ignored the letter. Look, it is easy enough just to use slogans.

At the end of the day, my job as a health minister is to make sure on behalf of the people of Wales that we deliver the best possible health service and set clear expectations for the health service to deliver.

In terms of investment in North Wales, Ive come this morning from Glan Clwyd where we announced 10m last year of two cutting-edge radiotherapy machines, which will be coming on stream in the next few weeks; a 60m investment here in Rhyl, a new orthopaedic centre opening in Llandudno, 1,900 extra operations a year for peoples hips and knees.

It is a huge level of investment in the health services in North Wales, which people in North Wales need and deserve, and we are very happy to make that investment.

LDRS: So what will change then if Labour get back in power? How are you going to do it? How are you going to fix Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board? Weve had 10 years of special measures. What are you going to do to fix it?

Mr Miles: We are already seeing improvement. Its not fast enough. If you are waiting for your knee to be done or your shoulder or your hip to be done, because of Welsh Labour investment into the health service in North Wales, youll be getting that done faster when the Llandudno unit opens in the next few weeks.

If you want to come to a minor injuries unit, if you want to be in a community bed waiting to go home, by the time this facility here at the Royal Alex opens next year, that will be easier.

If you are waiting for cancer treatment, later this year you are more likely to get seen quickly at Glan Clwyd because of those radiotherapy machines. So we are seeing big investment and changes coming. I want to see it happening faster. But we are seeing that change, and thats what we need to see.

LDRS: On a weekly basis, Im getting phone calls from families of people dying or being sent home to die from North Wales A&E departments. And I dont know whether the Welsh Government realises this. Do you realise that is going on in North Wales daily, and people here feel that South Wales gets a lot more of the investment than North Wales?

Mr Miles: Well, our job, as a journalist in your case and a public figure in my case, is to represent the truth to people, isnt it? And so Im explaining to you three massive investments we are making, which will change peoples experience of health care over the coming weeks. So thats not me making things up. We are sitting here

LDRS: But Im not making it up. North Wales has had the most preventable deaths in the whole of Wales. Many people feel the NHS in North Wales is in an awful state. This is how people feel. Im here telling you how people feel, and North Wales has had more preventable deaths than anywhere else in Wales, and thats in the health boards report. Thats in the coroners report. What do you say to those families (of those people who have passed away)?

Mr Miles: I say thats not good enough, and they are entitled to expect better service. And the point Im making to you, and I hope Im explaining what we are doing, not just what we want to do. We are investing more money in supporting Betsi to turn things around than other health boards.

We are putting in teams of people to support the health board to do that. You talked about urgent and emergency care. We had people go in just before Christmas who are working with the health board to support them to do better and improve those services in the way that they absolutely need to be improved.

And Im also saying, whether its cancer care, whether its community-based provision, whether its minor injuries, whether its orthopaedics, all the things that your readers care a lot about, absolutely rightly.

In each of those areas, there is a plan, and we are putting money in, and over the course of this year and next year, we are going to see significant change as a result of that investment already.

And what I want to see is the health board improving things more quickly, but there have been signs of progress over the last year. I think thats positive. It needs to go further, and it needs to go faster.

By Richard Evans  Local Democracy Reporter

Spotted something? Got a story? email us at Got a story? email us at news@wrexham.com
Public Health Wales has apologised after a review identified safeguarding failures and data handling problems in its sexual health test and post service.

The organisation found that safeguarding information was being reported to health boards rather than to local authorities, as required by legislation.

Public Health Wales identified the issues in November and December 2025 and says it took immediate steps to address them.

A review of cases involving people who may not have been safeguarded appropriately is under way, with affected cases being directed to the relevant local authority.

The organisation also identified data handling failures, including occasions when test results were sent to the wrong health board.

The sharing of results remained within the NHS, Public Health Wales said.

A small number of people received incorrect test results or experienced delayed results and referrals.

Public Health Wales says those affected have already been contacted and offered appropriate follow-up care.





The data incidents have been reported to the Information Commissioners Office.

Professor Fu-Meng Khaw, National Director of Health Protection and Screening Services and Medical Director at Public Health Wales, said: I would like to sincerely apologise to anyone who has been affected by these issues.

He said: As soon as these issues were identified, we acted immediately to put things right.

Professor Khaw confirmed that a full independent external review into the issues has been commissioned.





The service processes nearly 100,000 requests for sexual health tests each year.

Public Health Wales says anyone who has not been contacted about incorrect or delayed results does not need to get in touch, as all affected service users have already been informed.

A helpline is available for anyone who is concerned: 0800 0352 877, open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 4pm on weekends.

Spotted something? Got a story? email us at Got a story? email us at news@wrexham.com
Senedd members voted in favour of giving Wales the power to shape its own assisted dying services, as the Welsh Parliament backed a key consent motion by 28 votes to 23 on Tuesday night.

The vote followed an emotional debate in the Senedds chamber in Cardiff Bay that stretched into Tuesday evening.

The Legislative Consent Motion was not a vote on whether assisted dying should be legal.

It was a vote on whether Welsh ministers should have the power to design and oversee how any future assisted dying system would operate within NHS Wales, including safeguards, oversight and Welsh-language provision.

If the bill becomes law, a further Senedd vote will be required after Mays Welsh elections before services can be introduced in Wales.

First Minister Eluned Morgan MS voted against the motion, as did Health Secretary Jeremy Miles MS.

Despite voting against it, Jeremy Miles warned members during the debate that if the Senedd had rejected the motion, private providers may have been able to offer assisted dying services in Wales while Welsh ministers would have had no powers to implement or regulate them.

The motion was approved with 28 votes in favour, 23 against and two abstentions.





The two Reform UK members, James Evans and Laura Anne Jones, both abstained.

All Welsh Conservative members who voted did so against the motion.

Plaid Cymru and Labour both split, with majorities in each party voting in favour but significant minorities voting against.

Among north Wales regional members, Llyr Gruffydd MS (Plaid Cymru), Mark Isherwood MS (Conservative) and Sam Rowlands MS (Conservative) all voted against the motion.





Carolyn Thomas MS (Labour, North Wales) did not vote.

Adam Price MS, Plaid Cymru member for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, said the motion placed the Senedd in an invidious position but argued that withholding consent would abandon Wales to a system that was lawful but unregulated, available to some but not to others, and severed from the structures and services that we use to care for people at the end of their lives.

A Plaid Cymru amendment criticising the lack of thorough consideration of the constitutional implications of this bill for Wales was passed during the debate.

A separate Plaid Cymru amendment that would have sought full Senedd control over the matter did not pass.

The bill has already cleared the House of Commons.

It is currently at committee stage in the House of Lords, where more than 900 amendments have been tabled, raising serious doubts about whether it can complete its passage before the current parliamentary session ends in May.

If the bill does not pass in time, it would need to be reintroduced in a future session.

Gemma Williams, from Carmarthenshire, who has lived with multiple sclerosis for more than 20 years and supports the bill, said: Im so proud of the Welsh Parliament today.

Giving Wales the power to tailor how thand will hopefully ensure no one has to go through what my family did.

Kathy Riddick, Wales coordinator at campaign group Humanists UK, said: This is a hugely important moment for Wales.

By passing the Legislative Consent Motion, the Senedd has ensured that dying people in Wales will not be treated as an afterthought.

Wales can now shape an assisted dying system that reflects our language, our communities, and our NHS, and that protects people regardless of where they live or how much money they have.

Graham Winyard, board member of My Death, My Decision, another campaign organisation supporting assisted dying, said: This decision puts fairness and dignity first.

Assisted dying will still be accompanied by some of the strongest safeguards anywhere in the world, but thanks to this vote, Wales can now make sure those safeguards work properly for Welsh patients, families, and clinicians.

The Welsh Government has maintained a neutral position on the bill and on the broader question of assisted dying.

The vote does not change the law on assisted dying.

Criminal law on suicide remains reserved to the UK Parliament, and any change would require the Westminster bill to complete its passage and receive Royal Assent.

Spotted something? Got a story? email us at Got a story? email us at news@wrexham.com
A man was arrested in Lyon County on Tuesday on charges including a felony count of failing to register as a sexual offender.

On Tuesday, around 3:30 p.m., deputies with the Lyon County Sheriffs Office Central Command Patrol Squad and members of the LCSO Sex Offender Task Force responded to Highway 50 East in Silver Springs for a report of trespassing.

Investigation determined that 34-year-old John Kyle Stevens was a registered sexual offender out of California who had been in Nevada for more than 48 hours without registering with any law enforcement agency, according to a release from the LCSO.

Stevens was taken into custody and booked into the Lyon County Jail on one felony count of failing to register as a sexual offender and one misdemeanor count of resisting arrest.
FEBRUARY 24, 2026 UPDATE:

A man has been sentenced to 15 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to kidnapping and child abuse charges in Fernley.

Guillermo Aboytes-Saavedra was sentenced in the Third Judicial District Court in Fernley on Monday, according to a release from the Lyon County Sheriff's Office.

Aboytes-Saavedra was sentenced to three consecutive terms of five years to life in prison. The consecutive sentences mean he must serve a minimum of 15 years in prison before consideration for parole.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE (MAY 7, 2025):

Lyon County deputies arrested a man who allegedly kidnapped and beat three kids.

Investigators say three kids were forced into the kidnapper's crawl space for an hour before deputies rescued them.

Thankfully the Lyon County Sheriff's Office says all three kids are now safe with their families.

Sheriff Brad Pope says it all started around 6 p.m. when a man approached three kids at a neighborhood park and immediately became aggressive, "Slapped one of them in the face and started threatening basically, said he was a cartel member."

The Sheriff's Office has identified the suspect as Guillermo Aboytes Saavedra.

One of the kids told officers that Saavedra told them he wasn't afraid of going to jail and if that happened then he would kill them.

According to investigators, Saavedra then told the kids they're going for a walk and to act normal and not look at any cars.

Sheriff Pope says the kids were getting scared and felt they had no choice but to do so.

"He guided them over to a residence in Fernley, Nevada. Made them jump the fence and get into the backyard," said Sheriff Pope.

Saavedra then allegedly began beating all three kids with a broken rake handle and a hand scythe. Afterwards the kids were forced in the crawl space.

"He forced the juveniles in the crawl space of the residence and locked them up in there and would take them out one at a time and continue to beat them," the sheriff said.

Pope says at one point, Saavedra even took one of the kid's phones to record the beatings.

One of the kids called 911 while in the crawl space. Deputies tracked their phone, arrested Saavedra, and sent the kids to the hospital.

Sheriff Pope says they don't know yet if Saavedra may have been intoxicated or suffering from mental health issues.

And it is unknown if they know each other.

"We can't find a link, not to say one doesn't exist, but we haven't found a link to the suspect and the victims yet," he said.

Sheriff Pope says if you're ever hurt or threatened by anyone then immediately call 911 and get as far away from that person as possible.

We'll be sure to keep you updated as we learn more on this case
Judge Karen Marston of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania issued the Order on February 23, 2026 Appointing Jason Goldstein to Co-Chair of the Plaintiffs' Executive Committee and Federal-State Court Liaison in MDL 3163.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Jason Goldstein, Senior Litigation Counsel at Parker Waichman LLP, appointed to Co-Chair of Plaintiffs' Executive Committee and Federal-State Court Liaison of MDL 3163 in the EDPA by Judge Karen Marston.

MDL 3163 involves claims by Plaintiffs that GLP-1 RAs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound, caused NAION, a debilitating eye injury.

RAs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound, caused NAION, a debilitating eye injury. NAION causes sudden partial or complete permanent blindness in one or both eyes.

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Parker Waichman LLP is proud to announce that Jason Goldstein, Senior Litigation Counsel at the firm, has been appointed to Co-Chair of Plaintiffs' Executive Committee and FederalState Court Liaison in MDL 3163 by the Honorable Karen Marston, United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

MDL 3163 centralizes federal cases involving allegations that certain GLP-1 receptor agonist medications are associated with Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION)a serious and often irreversible condition that results in optic nerve damage and permanent vision loss. The litigation focuses on widely prescribed GLP-1 drugs, including:

Ozempic

Wegovy

Mounjaro

Zepbound

These medications, used for treatment of type 2 diabetes and weight management, have been alleged in filed cases to increase the risk of sudden optic nerve ischemia resulting in partial or complete vision loss.

Judge Marston's appointment of Mr. Goldstein reflects the Court's confidence in his experience in complex pharmaceutical litigation and his ability to coordinate efficiently between federal and state proceedings nationwide. As a Co-Chair of Plaintiffs' Executive Committee and FederalState Liaison Counsel, Mr. Goldstein will play a critical leadership role in facilitating communication among courts, overseeing coordinated discovery efforts, and advancing claims brought by individuals who suffered catastrophic vision injuries.

"NAION is a devastating diagnosis that frequently occurs without warning and can permanently alter a person's independence, livelihood, and quality of life," said Jason Goldstein. "I am honored by Judge Marston's appointment and committed to working collaboratively with the Court and counsel to ensure these GLP-1 NAION cases are prosecuted efficiently, transparently, and with the seriousness they deserve."

NAION occurs when blood flow to the optic nerve is compromised, often leading to sudden and irreversible blindness in one eye. Plaintiffs in MDL 3163 allege that the manufacturers of GLP-1 medications failed to adequately warn patients and prescribing physicians of the potential risk of optic nerve injury and failed to properly investigate or disclose this association.

Parker Waichman LLP represents individuals nationwide who have suffered serious injuries allegedly linked to GLP-1 medications. The firm remains committed to holding manufacturers accountable and ensuring that injured patients receive the justice they deserve.

Individuals diagnosed with NAION after taking Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound, or other GLP-1 medications are encouraged to seek legal guidance regarding their rights.

Free Case Review for Affected Individuals

If you or a loved one were treated with a GLP-1 RA, including, but not limited to, Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound, and developed NAION or associated symptoms such as eye stroke, sudden partial or complete blindness in one or both eyes, or significant vision loss affecting your quality of life, you may have a legal claim. Parker Waichman LLP is offering free, no-obligation case evaluations to help victims understand their rights and pursue justice.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP Today

For a free consultation, call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) or visit YourLawyer.com to learn more about your legal options and how to protect your rights.

About Parker Waichman LLP

Parker Waichman LLP is a nationally recognized law firm dedicated to fighting for victims of defective drugs, dangerous products, accidents, and corporate negligence. With a proven track record of holding multi-national corporations accountable, the firm has secured billions in settlements and verdicts for injured clients.

Media Contact:

Jason Goldstein

Phone: 516-466-6500

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Parker Waichman LLP
The Nevada State Police is releasing details about a fatal crash that happened last week in Mineral County.

It happened on Friday, February 20, on U.S. 95 just before 8:20 p.m., about 44 miles south of Hawthorne, according to a release from NSP.

Investigators determined that a white Chevrolet 1500 pickup truck was heading north while a red Freightliner commercial motor vehicle and its trailer were heading south.

The pickup did not maintain its lane, crossing the centerline and colliding with the Freightliner.

The driver of the Chevy, identified as 52-year-old David Clardy of Burton, Texas, was pronounced dead at the scene.

An investigation into the crash is being conducted by the Nevada Highway Patrol, Major Incident Reconstruction Team.

If you were a witness to the crash or have any information, please contact the NHP Elko Office at (775) 753-1111 or e-mail ncemirt@dps.state.nv.us.
Retired Eureka County Sheriff Jesse Watts has announced he's running for Rep. Mark Amodei's Congressional seat.

Watts says he's running, "because Nevada deserves battle born leadership that understands our diverse communities, respects our Constitution, and will fight for our families, our freedoms, and our future."

Amodei announced his retirement earlier this month after serving as the U.S. Representative for Nevadas Second Congressional District since 2011.

Nevada's Second Congressional District includes the majority of Lyon County, Carson City, and all of Churchill, Douglas, Elko, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Pershing, Storey, Washoe, and White Pine counties.

You can read Watts' full announcement here -
LOS ANGELES (AP)  The FBI served search warrants Wednesday at the Los Angeles Unified School Districts headquarters and the home of its leader, a former Superintendent of the Year who was knighted by Spain for his work.

Federal officials would not give details of the nature of the investigation involving the nations second-largest school district and Superintendent Alberto Carvalhos home. The district said in a statement that it is cooperating with the investigation and we do not have further information at this time. The FBI also searched a third location near Miami, where Carvalho previously led the public schools.

TV news footage showed agents in FBI shirts and jackets outside Carvalhos home in the San Pedro neighborhood about 20 miles (32 kilometers) south of downtown LA.

Rukelt Dalberis, a spokesperson for the FBIs Los Angeles field office, confirmed that agents were at the properties to serve warrants but declined to comment further because affidavits laying out details for the basis for the searches were under seal.

Over the past five years in Los Angeles, Carvalho has been lauded for the district's improvements to academic performance. He won similar praise while overseeing Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Floridas largest school district, where the national superintendents association named him Superintendent of the Year in 2014.

But both districts also drew scrutiny under his watch.

In 2024, Carvalho heavily touted an education technology company that developed an AI chatbot named Ed for the Los Angeles district to help students, calling it a game changer." But less than three months after unveiling the technology and paying the company $3 million, the district dropped its dealings with AllHere, which collapsed into bankruptcy. Months later, founder, Joanna Smith-Griffin, was charged with securities and wire fraud, along with identity theft.

Carvalho denied personal involvement in the selection of AllHere, according to the Los Angeles Times. After Smith-Griffin was indicted, Carvalho said he would appoint a task force to examine what went wrong with the LAUSD project. There have been no announcements of any task force being appointed.

During his tenure in Florida, Carvalho also drew scrutiny in 2020 after a nonprofit he founded solicited a $1.57 million donation from an online education company the district was planning to use but later dropped. The districts inspector general determined the donation didnt violate state or district ethics policies but did create the  appearance of impropriety  and should be returned. The nonprofit instead distributed the donation to Miami-Dade teachers in $100 gift cards.

Spain knighted the Portugal-born administrator in 2021 for his work in expanding Spanish-language programs for Miami-Dade County schools.

Months later, Carvalho took the job in California and became a harsh critic of the Trump administrations aggressive immigration crackdown, especially following raids in Los Angeles last year. When its 500,000 students returned to classes in the fall, Carvalho urged immigration authorities not to conduct enforcement activity within a two-block radius of schools.

I would be the biggest hypocrite in the world, regardless of my position today, if today I did not fight for those who find themselves in the same predicament I faced over 40 years ago when I arrived in this country at the age of 17 as an undocumented immigrant, Carvalho said at a news conference last year.

Carvalho arrived in Los Angeles at a critical moment, as the district found itself flush with funding from state and federal COVID-19 relief money but still struggling with the impacts of the pandemic, including learning losses and declining enrollment. He previously sparred with Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis over his order that schools not require masks during the pandemic.

The Miami-Dade school system said in a statement that it was aware of the investigation involving Carvalho but did not have any comment at this time.

James Marshall, an FBI spokesman in Miami, told the AP that agents searched a residence in Southwest Ranches, which is in Broward County west of Fort Lauderdale, on Wednesday morning and have since cleared the scene. He said no further information was available.

Wednesday's search was the second time in a week the Justice Department has taken action against the LA school district. On Feb. 19, the Trump administration joined a lawsuit alleging that the district discriminates against white students under its decades-old desegregation policy.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Basss office said it had no information about the search, noting the public school system operates independently of city government.

Tucker reported from Washington and Watson from San Diego. Associated Press writer Freida Frisaro in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, also contributed to this report.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  Iran pushed back Wednesday against U.S. President Donald Trump's pressure tactics ahead of critical talks in Geneva over Tehran's nuclear program, alternating between calling his remarks big lies and saying negotiations may yield an agreement through honorable diplomacy.

The remarks by two Iranian officials came a day before the talks and as America has assembled its biggest deployment of aircraft and warships to the Middle East in decades. The buildup is part of Trump's efforts to get a deal to constrain Iran's nuclear program while the country struggles at home with growing dissent following nationwide protests last month.

Trump has repeatedly threatened to attack Iran if negotiations fail. Mideast nations fear an attack could spiral into a new regional war as the embers of the yearslong Israel-Hamas war still smolder. Already, Iran has said all U.S. military bases in the Mideast would be considered legitimate targets, putting at risk tens of thousands of American service members.

Satellite photos shot Tuesday by Planet Labs PBC and analyzed by The Associated Press appeared to show the American vessels that typically are docked in Bahrain, the home of the U.S. Navys 5th Fleet, all out at sea. The 5th Fleet referred questions to the U.S. militarys Central Command, which declined to comment. Before Irans attack on Qatar in June, the 5th Fleet similarly scattered its ships at sea to protect against a potential attack.

Iran responds to State of the Union speech

Trump touched on Iran and the nuclear negotiations in his State of the Union speech late Tuesday in Washington.

Theyve already developed missiles that can threaten Europe and our bases overseas, and theyre working to build missiles that will soon reach the United States of America, Trump said. They were warned to make no future attempts to rebuild their weapons program, and in particular nuclear weapons, yet they continue. Theyre starting it all over.

Satellite photos analyzed earlier by the AP showed Iran beginning to rebuild its missile-production sites and doing some work at the three nuclear sites attacked by the U.S. in June. Iran has long maintained that its nuclear program is peaceful.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters Wednesday that Iran is always trying to rebuild elements of its nuclear program. He said that Tehran is not enriching uranium right now, "but theyre trying to get to the point where they ultimately can.

The West and the International Atomic Energy Agency say Iran had a nuclear weapons program until 2003. Before the June attack, it had been enriching uranium up to 60% purity  a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%.

Responding to Trump, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei sought to compare him to Joseph Goebbels, Adolf Hitlers propaganda minister. He accused Trump and his administration of conducting a disinformation & misinformation campaign against Iran.

Whatever theyre alleging in regards to Irans nuclear program, Irans ballistic missiles, and the number of casualties during Januarys unrest is simply the repetition of big lies,'" Baghaei wrote on X.

Trump said in his speech that at least 32,000 people were killed in last month's protests, which is at the far end of estimates offered by activists for the death toll. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activist News Agency has so far counted more than 7,000 dead and believes the actual figure is far higher. Irans government, which long has downplayed death tolls in other unrest, offered its only toll on Jan. 21, saying 3,117 people were killed.

Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Iran's parliament speaker, said separately that the U.S. could either try diplomacy or face Iran's wrath.

If you choose the table of diplomacy  a diplomacy in which the dignity of the Iranian nation and mutual interests are respected  we will also be at that table," Qalibaf said, according to the semiofficial Student News Network, a media outlet believed to be close to the all-volunteer Basij force of Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.

But if you decide to repeat past experiences through deception, lies, flawed analysis and false information, and launch an attack in the midst of negotiations, you will undoubtedly taste the firm blow of the Iranian nation and the countrys defensive forces.

Talks hang in balance

Iran and the U.S. are to meet Thursday for their third round of talks under the mediation of Oman, long an interlocutor between Tehran and the West. A flight carrying Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his team arrived late Wednesday in Geneva, where they will meet American officials led by special U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff.

Rubio said the discussions will be largely focused on Iran's nuclear program and are important to gauge how serious the country is in reaching a deal to avoid potential U.S. military action. But he suggested a breakthrough was unlikely at this session, noting that the U.S. also has major concerns with Iran's conventional weapons.

We hope progress can be made, Rubio told reporters during a trip to the Caribbean, saying diplomacy was Trump's preference. But its also important to remember that Iran refuses  refuses  to talk about the ballistic missiles to us or to anyone, and thats a big problem.

If the talks fail, uncertainty hangs over the timing of any possible attack.

If the aim of potential military action is to pressure Iran to make concessions in nuclear negotiations, its not clear whether limited strikes would work. If the goal is to remove Irans leaders, that will likely commit the U.S. to a larger, longer military campaign. There has been no public sign of planning for what would come next, including the potential for chaos in Iran.

The status of Irans nuclear program is another mystery. Trump said last year that American strikes obliterated it. Now dismantling whatever remains of the program appears to be back on the administrations agenda. IAEA inspectors have not been allowed to inspect those sites and verify what remains.

There is also uncertainty about what any military action could mean for the wider region. Tehran could retaliate against the American-allied nations of the Persian Gulf or Israel. Oil prices have risen in recent days in part due to those concerns.

Associated Press writers Amir Vahdat in Tehran, Iran, Matthew Lee in Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Konstantin Toropin in Washington contributed to this report.
QINGDAO, China, Feb. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from iQingdao:

Qingdao during the Spring Festival Holiday 2026 Speed Speed

The nine-day Spring Festival holiday seems too short for many people. On the last day, the overall travel reached an all-time high. In recent years, Chinese travelers prefer to travel around or to their own hometown during the Spring Festival holiday. Meanwhile, more and more international friends come to China to experience this grand festival alongside local residents. According to Qunar, the number of domestic flights booked with non-Chinese passports increased by 20% compared to the previous Spring Festival. The top 10 travel destinations are Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenzhen, Xiamen, Haikou, Fuzhou, Chongqing, and Qingdao.

Actually, more and more international friends are interested in the travel destinations with authentic festive atmosphere and profound folk culture. For example, Qingdao decorates classic natural attractions with trendy scenarios to meet the demands of diversified tourist consumption. In this way, citizens and tourists can celebrate a both traditional and fashionable Spring Festival with coastal features.

As for the source, most international friends come from Republic of Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Australia, the United States, Indonesia, Thailand, Canada, Laos, etc.

SOURCE iQingdao
Beasley Creek - Flamingo Interpreted as Copper/ Gold VMS System with Orogenic Gold Overprint



Catalina Advances Flamingo Cu Au Exploration Model

Perth, Feb 25, 2026 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Catalina Resources Limited ( ASX:CTN ) provided an update to its previous Beasley Creek announcements following completion of further geological review and integrated reinterpretation of structural, geochemical and geophysical datasets.



HIGHLIGHTS



- Flamingo reinterpreted as a compelling Cu-Au VMS-style target, materially upgrading Beasley Creek from a single-model gold project to a multi-commodity volcanic- hydrothermal opportunity



- Builds on Catalina's confirmed VMS system at Breakaway Dam, positioning the Company with growing copper leverage



- Large 600m x 400m magnetic feature with coherent Au-Cu-Zn-Ni-As anomalism, defining a structurally controlled corridor consistent with VMS-style mineral systems - Gold upside remains intact, with evidence supporting later orogenic remobilisation capable of enhancing and upgrading earlier mineralisation



- First modern drill test pending, with RC program designed to validate the VMS-orogenic hybrid model; EIS co-funding application in development to accelerate drilling and maximise capital efficiency



Ongoing technical work has materially strengthened the exploration thesis at the Flamingo target. The Company now interprets Flamingo as demonstrating the characteristics of a dismembered Archean copper-dominant Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide (VMS) system with associated gold, subsequently overprinted by orogenesis and remobilisation of gold.



This refined geological model materially expands the project's commodity exposure beyond gold alone and increases the potential scale of the opportunity, positioning Flamingo as a prospective Cu-Au volcanic hydrothermal system rather than a single-model gold target.



Catalina Executive Director, Ross Cotton, commented:



"The refinement of the Flamingo model is a material step forward for Beasley Creek and reinforces the purposeful direction Catalina has taken with its portfolio. We already have a confirmed VMS system at Breakaway Dam, and recognising VMS-style characteristics at Flamingo strengthens our conviction that the Company is building meaningful exposure to copper through technically grounded opportunities.



VMS systems are attractive for their potential scale, metal zonation and repeatability within defined volcanic corridors. The coherent magnetic architecture, multi-element geochemical support and structural setting at Flamingo provide a compelling basis to advance drilling with confidence.



Importantly, this is not a single-commodity story. While the VMS interpretation introduces clear copper potential, the orogenic overprint and regional setting mean the gold upside remains intact. If validated through drilling, Flamingo has the potential to materially enhance both the copper and gold opportunity within Catalina's portfolio."



REGIONAL CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND



Catalina's 100% owned Beasley Creek Project lies within a broader district (Figure 1 and 2*) that hosts several established gold deposits, including the former Paulsens Gold Operation. Paulsens produced 907,344 oz at 7.3 g/t Au, averaging approximately 75koz per annum between 2005 and 2017. The operation was subsequently acquired by Black Cat Syndicate ( ASX:BC8 ) for remnant mining of the existing resource, with first gold poured in December 2024.



Beasley Creek occupies a geologically prospective and underexplored portion of this district, where historical work has been limited in scope and depth, with minimal modern geophysics or systematic geochemical testing undertaken to date.



Exploration to date focused almost exclusively on conglomerate gold, with drilling confined to the basal conglomerate and immediately adjacent shear quartz zones just south of the conglomerate. Flamingo (~700 m south of the conglomerate) was not previously considered a bedrock source. New datasets including aerial photo mapping, soil geochemistry, rock chips, and airborne geophysics define a hydrothermal system unrelated to the conglomerate.



Soil anomalies (200 x 40 m spacing), within the Flamingo target, show elevated Au, Cu, Zn, Ni and As values. These multielement patterns align with known VMS halos. Iron rich units < 40 m north of Flamingo are interpreted to represent an early sea-bed smoker system rather than sedimentary ironstone. Visible nuggets are best explained by downslope transport from a Cu-Au bedrock source at Flamingo.



KEY ELEMENTS OF THE REFINED GEOLOGICAL INTERPRETATION



Primary VMS System



The Flamingo target area (figure 3*) is interpreted to represent the structurally modified remnants of an Archean VMS system.



Key supporting observations include:



- A 600m x 400m magnetic high exhibiting internal repetition indicate fault segmented lithology (figure 4*)



- Multi-element soil anomalies (Au-Cu-Zn-Ni-As) consistent with VMS halo signatures (figures 5 - 9*)



- Iron rich units, interpreted from arial photomapping and rock chip sampling, along with Cu anomalies, suggest an early sea-bed smoker complex.



- North-dipping bedding bounded by NW-SE faults within the Mithgoondy Shear Zone



The original Archean VMS geometry appears to have been strongly modified by Proterozoic deformation, with tilting, folding and shearing dismembering the system into structurally rotated blocks.



Orogenic Gold Overprint



A 2018 GSWA SEM-EDS and LA-ICP-MS study of gold nuggets (Figures 10 and 11*) from the broader Beasley River area concluded that the gold is hydrothermal in origin, proximal to source, characterised by elevated silver content, and only minimally modified by burial processes. These characteristics indicate limited transport distances and support derivation from a nearby bedrock source.



This interpretation is consistent with the regional geological setting as the Beasley Creek Project lies within the northern Capricorn Orogen, a terrane characterised by repeated orogenesis and reactivation of mantle tapping structures creating fluid pathways. Major crustal-scale structures within this framework provide a credible mechanism for remobilisation and local upgrading of earlier VMS-related mineralisation, supporting a hybrid Cu-Au system model at Flamingo.



Significance of the Updated Model



The refined geological interpretation expands the conceptual exploration framework across the Beasley Creek Project and surrounding tenements held by the Company in the district.



The focus shifts from conglomerate-hosted gold toward evaluation of a structurally controlled volcanic- hydrothermal corridor interpreted to exhibit characteristics consistent with a Cu-Au VMS-style system, with potential later gold remobilisation.



The reinterpretation:



- Introduces copper as a potential additional commodity within the system, broadening the exploration focus beyond gold



- Supports evaluation of a hybrid mineralisation model involving primary volcanic-hosted mineralisation and possible subsequent orogenic remobilisation



- Establishes a structural and geochemical framework that may be applicable to other prospectiveareas within Catalina's broader Beasley Creek landholding



Importantly, the Flamingo volcanic-hydrothermal corridor has not been directly tested by drilling. The 48 RC holes completed in 1994 were confined to the basal conglomerate and adjacent shear zones and did not test the interpreted target area. No modern drilling has been undertaken in this corridor.



Further drilling is required to test the conceptual model and determine whether mineralisation consistent with this interpretation is present.



Implications for Forward Exploration



The Company's has designed an RC drilling program to test:



- Predicted VMS footwall positions



- Gossanous horizons at unconformity contacts



- Alteration zones indicated by geochemistry and magnetics



- Structural offsets within north-dipping blocks



Drilling will allow the Company to distinguish between:



- Primary VMS mineralisation



- Orogenic remobilisation



- Or a hybrid system involving both processes



If validated, the Flamingo target may represent a previously unrecognised Cu-Au volcanic-hydrothermal corridor within the Rocklea Dome.



2026 Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS) Co-Funding Application



As previously announced Catalina will be applying for co-funding under the current round of the Western Australian Government's Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS) to support the initial drilling program at Beasley Creek.



Securing co-funding would enable Catalina to accelerate first-pass and confirmatory drilling activities while applying capital more efficiently across the broader portfolio.



Next Steps



- Complete soil infill and extension sampling across the Flamingo Target and other identified locations that represent a similar signature to refine drill collar locations and finalise target footprints.



- Conduct geological field mapping within the Flamingo target area and other priority areas.



- Finalise heritage engagement, access planning and operational logistics required in advance of exploration activity.



- Commence drilling activities-including the RRC15 confirmation hole and first-pass drilling along the Flamingo structural corridor.



*To view tables and figures, please visit:

https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/A01LB5GP





About Catalina Resources Ltd





Catalina Resources Ltd (ASX:CTN) is a mineral exploration company focused on discovering and advancing gold and multi-commodity projects in tier-one jurisdictions. Backed by a technically experienced team with deep industry knowledge, Catalina is committed to creating value through focused exploration across highly prospective and underexplored regions in Western Australia.

The company's core assets are located in the Central Yilgarn and Laverton regions, two of the most historically productive and geologically endowed gold provinces in the country. Both projects have demonstrated the potential to host significant mineralisation, with early-stage drilling already delivering promising results.

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Toronto to Host Global Mineral Sector for PDAC 2026, March 1-4

Toronto, Feb 25, 2026 AEST (ABN Newswire) - The Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC), the leading voice of the mineral exploration and development community in Canada and beyond, is set to welcome the world's mineral exploration and mining professionals to its 94th annual Convention from March 1-4, 2026, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC).



Since its inception in 1932, the PDAC Convention has evolved from a modest gathering of Canadian prospectors and developers into the World's Premier Mineral Exploration & Mining Convention. Today, it attracts an ever-growing international audience-typically exceeding 27,000 attendees from over 125 countries-for four days of high-impact educational programming, business development, investment opportunities, and unparalleled networking. The event serves as the industry's annual heartbeat, where deals are initiated, partnerships forged, innovations showcased, and the future direction of global mineral supply is actively shaped.



PDAC itself represents more than 8,200 members worldwide and advocates for a competitive, responsible, and sustainable mineral sector. The Canadian mining industry, which the association supports, employs over 724,000 people and contributed approximately $156 billion to Canada's GDP in recent years (per Natural Resources Canada data), highlighting its critical role in national and global economies.



This year's convention arrives at a pivotal moment for the sector. Global demand for minerals-particularly critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, copper, nickel, rare earth elements, and others essential for clean energy technologies, electric vehicles, batteries, electronics, defence systems, and infrastructure-is accelerating rapidly. Amid intensifying geopolitical competition, supply chain vulnerabilities, and efforts by governments to secure reliable sources (including recent international initiatives like critical minerals ministerial frameworks), the industry faces both unprecedented opportunities and challenges. Precious metals prices remain at historic highs, further fuelling exploration investment.



"PDAC 2026 comes amid intensifying global competition to secure the minerals underpinning modern economies," said PDAC President Karen Rees. Rees, a seasoned geologist with a B.Sc. Honours in Geology from the University of Saskatchewan and over 37 years of experience in mineral exploration across Canada (including project management and board roles with junior exploration companies), brings deep industry insight to her leadership role. "At a time of accelerating demand, the convention is where leaders convene to advance projects, strengthen partnerships, and shape the future of the industry."



Reflecting robust international interest and the sector's momentum, PDAC 2026 will occupy the full Metro Toronto Convention Centre-spanning both the North and South buildings-for the most expansive setup in the event's history.



"PDAC 2026 will feature the largest trade show footprint in our history, with more than 1,300 exhibitors across the North and South buildings of the MTCC," Rees added. "That breadth gives participants a clear view of the projects, technologies, and ideas defining the sector."



Attendees will benefit from a comprehensive program, including:



Expansive Trade Show halls showcasing companies, technologies, and jurisdictions.



The Investors Exchange, Core Shack, Prospectors Tent, and Corporate Presentations for Investors for direct project evaluation and leadership engagement.



In-depth technical sessions, short courses, keynote presentations, and panels addressing key trends such as brownfield exploration, critical minerals strategies, responsible sourcing, geopolitical influences, sustainability, and innovation.



Networking events, including the Awards Celebration & Nite Cap, to honour excellence and foster new connections among industry leaders, investors, government representatives, Indigenous communities, students, and more.



Whether you're an explorer seeking partnerships, an investor evaluating opportunities, a policymaker tracking supply chain developments, or a student entering the field, PDAC 2026 offers unmatched access to the people, projects, and insights driving the global minerals agenda.



Registration is now open at pdac.ca/convention-2026. Plan your trip to Toronto this March-where the world's mineral future comes into focus.



Registration is available at pdac.ca/convention-2026.





About PDAC





The Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) is the leading voice of the mineral exploration and development community, an industry that employs more than 724,000, and contributed $156 billion to Canada's GDP in 2024 (Natural Resources Canada, February 2025). Currently representing over 8,200 members around the world, PDAC's work centres on supporting a competitive, responsible, and sustainable mineral sector. PDAC 2026, our 94th annual convention, will take place in person in Toronto, Canada from March 1-4.

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AceShowbiz - Tim Gunn, the beloved fashion mentor from Project Runway, has made a deeply personal revelation about his decision to remain celibate for over four decades. During a candid appearance on Chelsea Handler's "Dear Chelsea" podcast, Gunn opened up about the heartbreaking reason behind his choice to abstain from romantic relationships for 43 years.

The fashion expert, who appeared on Project Runway for over sixteen seasons before leaving around 2018, traced his celibacy back to a devastating breakup that occurred decades ago. Gunn explained that he had been in "a very serious nine-year relationship in Washington, D.C." with someone he loved deeply and would have done anything for.

The end came suddenly and brutally. Gunn recalled the exact moment his world changed: "I still remember the night that it all ended." He was simply watching M*A*S*H when his partner delivered the crushing blow, telling him, "I have no patience for you any longer. I want you to leave."

The situation was particularly painful because Gunn had been living with his partner for years, despite owning his own apartment. Making matters worse, they worked together, meaning the breakup didn't provide a clean break from seeing each other regularly.

The betrayal ran deeper than just the sudden dismissal. Gunn discovered that his partner had been unfaithful throughout their relationship, sleeping with other people while he remained completely devoted. The revelation was especially devastating because, as Gunn admitted, "He was the only person I'd ever been with."

This traumatic experience fundamentally changed Gunn's approach to relationships. He explained how the memory of that breakup continued to impact him decades later, preventing him from forming new romantic connections. Even when he felt "tempted to engage in something that could become serious with someone," the painful memories would resurface.

Gunn described how the trauma would return "like Niagara Falls, and it would just take the desire away." This overwhelming flood of painful memories consistently derailed any potential for new romantic relationships, ultimately leading to his conscious decision to embrace celibacy.

Despite the difficult circumstances that led to this choice, Gunn expressed no regrets about his path. While acknowledging that celibacy required "adjustment," he firmly stated that he "wouldn't have it any other way." His acceptance of this lifestyle choice demonstrates remarkable resilience and self-awareness.

Tim Gunn built his reputation in fashion education, having served on the faculty for Parsons School of Design in Greenwich Village, New York. However, he became widely recognized through his role on Project Runway, the Bravo reality series that premiered in 2004, focusing on fashion design competitions.

The show has seen various changes over the years, switching networks and airing on Lifetime and Freeform in addition to Bravo. Gunn's honest revelation provides insight into the personal struggles behind his professional success, showing how one devastating relationship shaped four decades of his life.
AceShowbiz - Kneecap have released their electrifying new single 'Smugglers & Scholars', the second track from their highly anticipated album 'FENIAN', set to arrive this April.

The track made its debut on February 24 during Zane Lowe's Apple Music 1 show, showcasing the trio's evolution with a sound heavily influenced by Detroit hip-hop. The single's title cleverly plays on Ireland's traditional epithet "Land of Saints and Scholars", reflecting the band's characteristic wit and cultural awareness.

Kneecap delivers an intense listening experience with 'Smugglers & Scholars', featuring penetrating sirens and a thick, low-end bass riff that anchors the track's exhilarating energy. The group uses this musical foundation to explore Ireland's complex history through their unique lens.

The lyrics paint a stark picture of reality versus perception: "Ya think it's all poetry and clovers, when it's raincoats and police Land Rovers / Salt of the earth, looking over their shoulder, someone shot in turn, chopper hovering over." These words demonstrate the band's ability to contrast romantic notions with harsh realities.

According to Kneecap, the track represents "a track that's reminiscing on revolutionary times in Ireland, driven by a hopefulness, when the working class, academics and good people everywhere united and took action in search of a better future."

The upcoming album 'FENIAN' will be their third studio release, arriving via Heavenly Recordings on April 24. Fans can pre-order the 14-track album in multiple formats, including CD, cassette, digital download, black vinyl, and tri-colour splatter vinyl.

This release follows their 2024 album 'Fine Art' and will feature notable collaborations with Kae Tempest, Radie Peat, and Fawzi. The album's lead single 'Liars Tale' was released on January 28.

The album comes amid ongoing legal challenges for band member Mo Chara (real name Liam Og O hAnnaidh), whose terror case is currently under appeal. The original charges were dropped in September due to a technicality, with the Chief Magistrate declaring the charge "unlawful" and "null".

The case stemmed from an alleged incident during a live show in November 2024, where he reportedly displayed a Hezbollah flag and shouted "up Hamas, up Hezbollah" - both organizations listed as proscribed terrorist groups by the UK government.

Kneecap addressed the controversy directly, stating: "They tried to stop us by branding Kneecap 'terrorists', with cancellations, with statements from the Prime Minister himself. We had all the motivation we neededthis isn't a swift reaction, but a considered response to those that tried to silence us. And failed."

The band worked with producer Dan Carey on the new album, describing it as having "a more sinister soundbecause these are sinister times. But also defiant and triumphant."
AceShowbiz - Mumford & Sons are riding high on their latest musical achievement, with frontman Marcus Mumford boldly declaring about their new Prizefighter album: "I think this is the best music we've ever made. I love it more than anything we've ever done."

Prizefighter marks the band's sixth full-length studio effort, arriving less than a year after their previous release, Rushmere from March 2025. This rapid turnaround represents a dramatic shift for Mumford & Sons, who historically waited between two-and-a-half to six years between albums.

The catalyst for this creative burst came from an unexpected encounter at Electric Lady Studios in New York. While mixing Rushmere, the band had a chance meeting with renowned writer, musician, and producer Aaron Dessner. "[Dessner] popped in, and we were like, 'Do you want to hear our new record?'" recalls band member Ben Lovett.

What followed was an impromptu creative session that Lovett describes as "show and tell." Dessner, who had previously worked with the band, shared a demo he had written with Jon Bellion. The track caught the attention of Gracie Abrams, who had also heard the demo through her extensive work with Dessner.

Abrams quickly became what Mumford calls "the fairy godmother of this record." She texted Mumford encouraging the band to work with the track, saying "You guys should f with it." Her enthusiasm sparked immediate creativity, with Mumford recalling: "I started working on some lyrics right there and then  we're still mixing Rushmere! We were on a side quest."

That spontaneous collaboration evolved into "The Banjo Song," which appears on the new album. Abrams also contributes vocals to another track called "Badlands." Mumford credits her influence, saying she "touched it with her magic wand and was like, 'Yep, you guys gotta do more.'"

The album showcases an impressive roster of collaborators, including Brandi Carlile, who texted Mumford lyrical ideas from a dream she had, along with FINNEAS, Hozier, Gigi Perez, and Justin Vernon. Recording took place across multiple studios in France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with extensive work done at Dessner's acclaimed Long Pond Studio in New York.

Mumford emphasizes the importance of their creative community: "We've invested a huge amount of time in a creative community of friends. These are the people who inspire us. They're the people that we are honored and privileged to share this ground with who are also at the top of their game."
Segmed imaging datasets will soon be available within Verily's secure, self-serve AI-native platform to support precision health research

PALO ALTO, Calif., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Segmed, Inc., a leader in real-world medical imaging and multimodal data for research and AI development, today announced a partnership with Verily, a precision health AI company.

Segmed and Verily Partnership Announcement

Through this collaboration, Segmed is making accessible its de-identified, diagnostic-grade imaging and associate clinical data available by enabling researchers to explore curated datasets within Verily's precision health platform, Pre Exchange and Workbench environment, secure platforms designed to accelerate precision health research and discovery. The partnership reflects Segmed's commitment to supporting rigorous, privacy-first research while lowering barriers to entry for investigators across academia, life sciences, and healthcare AI.

Segmed's initial dataset available through Pre Exchange, focuses on breast cancer and includes a longitudinal cohort of patients who underwent at least one digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) exam, and biopsy-proven malignant lesions. This dataset is drawn from Segmed's broader global imaging platform, which includes approximately 150 million de-identified imaging exams spanning modalities such as CT, MRI, X-ray, ultrasound, mammography, PET, SPECT, echocardiography, and DEXA.

"Advanced imaging data plays a critical role in precision medicine, particularly when combined with clinical and other biomedical data modalities," said David Gascoigne, Chief Executive Officer of Segmed. "By partnering with Verily, we're expanding responsible access to high-quality, de-identified imaging datasets, helping researchers generate insights faster to accelerate the development of diagnostics and therapies."

"This partnership with Segmed is an important step forward in advancing AI powered precision health," said Bharat Rajagopal, Chief Revenue Officer at Verily. "By integrating Segmed's curated real-world imaging and associated clinical data into Pre, we are empowering researchers with the comprehensive, multimodal data resources they need to unlock new insights and accelerate discovery."

This partnership marks another step in Segmed's ongoing efforts to support patient-centered, data-driven healthcare innovation by enabling secure, scalable access to real-world imaging data and associated clinical data within trusted research environments.

About Segmed

Segmed, Inc. streamlines access to diverse, high-quality real-world data, including medical imaging and clinical records, for biopharmaceutical R&D, AI development, and medical device innovation. With a global network of healthcare partners across five continents, Segmed provides researchers with approximately 150 million de-identified, standardized imaging datasets through its proprietary platform, empowering safer, faster, and more equitable healthcare advancements. For more information, visit www.segmed.ai or follow us on LinkedIn @segmed-ai.

About Verily

Verily is a data platform and technology company purpose-built to power AI for precision health. Verily offers AI-enabled solutions that transform multimodal health data into insights and actions that accelerate research and improve care for individuals and communities. Verily is uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology, data science, and healthcare to create tools that accelerate evidence generation, enable more personalized care, and help manage disease at a population level. For more information about Verily please visit: verily.com.

SOURCE Segmed
AceShowbiz - Harry Styles is preparing for his musical comeback with a fourth studio album, but fans might be surprised to learn about his involvement in an underrated television project. The Grammy winner served as executive producer on the 2018 CBS sitcom Happy Together, which opened with impressive ratings but vanished after just 13 episodes.

The series drew inspiration from Styles' real-life experience living in collaborator Ben Winston's attic for 18 months. Happy Together premiered with 5.9 million viewers, demonstrating strong initial audience interest, yet the show failed to maintain momentum and was quickly cancelled.

The sitcom followed thirtysomething couple Peter, played by Damon Wayans Jr., and Claire, portrayed by Amber Stevens West. Their suburban life gets turned upside down when Peter's client, mega pop star Cooper James (Felix Mallard from Ginny & Georgia), moves into their home seeking refuge from paparazzi and the pressures of Hollywood fame.

Created by Tim McAuliffe and Austen Earl, the series explored how Cooper's presence brought excitement and adventure to Peter and Claire's mundane daily routine, helping them reconnect with their younger, cooler selves. Meanwhile, the pop star experienced a taste of normal suburban life away from the glitz and glamour of his celebrity world.

Each episode showcased the unexpected trio adjusting to their living arrangement and discovering their differences. The pilot episode featured Peter and Claire sharing one of their favorite traditions with Cooper: creating parodied songs as voicemail messages. Initially finding it silly, Cooper eventually joins in with his guitar, demonstrating the show's theme of unlikely connections.

Ben Winston executive produced the series through Fulwell 73, the same production company behind The Late Late Show with James Corden. Despite Styles' limited television acting experience, which included only guest roles on iCarly and hosting Saturday Night Live, his involvement as executive producer marked a significant behind-the-scenes venture.

While Happy Together failed to find its audience and secure renewal, the show remains a fascinating footnote in Styles' diverse career portfolio. As he prepares to release Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally on March 6, 2026, this brief television experiment serves as a reminder of his willingness to explore creative projects beyond music.
AceShowbiz - The Twilight Sad have released their powerful new single 'Attempt A Crash Landing  Theme', marking another deeply personal offering from the Scottish duo's highly anticipated sixth album.

The track serves as the third preview from their forthcoming record 'It's The Long Goodbye', following previously released singles 'Designed To Lose' and 'Waiting For The Phone Call'. For frontman James Graham, this latest composition represents a complete emotional journey.

"It had to contain every element of emotion I was feeling," Graham explained, referring to the profound grief he experienced following his mother's battle with dementia. The song encapsulates the complex feelings surrounding this devastating loss while simultaneously documenting his journey into fatherhood.

The upcoming album chronicles Graham's seven-year emotional odyssey, during which he navigated the darkness of losing his mother while embracing the joy of becoming a parent, all while confronting his own mental health challenges. This duality of light and shadow permeates throughout 'It's The Long Goodbye'.

Speaking about the creative process that sustained him during this difficult period, Graham revealed: "There were a few things that really kept me going. One was being a father and making sure that I was there, especially when I was ill. That's my number one job. This other thing keeping me going was these songs that we were writing."

The extended timeline proved essential for the album's completion. Graham reflected on this necessity, stating: "Now, looking at it, the album needed to take seven years to allow me the mental space. Now I can map the songs that were written either at the start of the process, in the middle of the hellhole, or when my mum had died. It really does document the seven years, and the hell inside my mind."

The completion of the record brought significant relief to the vocalist. "As soon as I got the final masters through and listened to it, a huge weight was off my shoulders," he shared, highlighting the cathartic nature of the creative process.

Bandmate and childhood friend Andy MacFarlane produced the album, while Arab Strap's David Jeans and Mogwai live team member Alex Mackay contributed drums and bass respectively. Additional production came from Andy Savours, known for his work with My Bloody Valentine, with mixing handled by Chris Coady, who has worked with Slowdive.

'It's The Long Goodbye' will be released on Friday, March 27 and is currently available for pre-order.

The Twilight Sad will support the album with an extensive UK and European tour beginning at Legend Club in Milan, Italy on April 12. The UK leg kicks off at Electric Bristol on April 29, concluding at Dublin's Button Factory on May 9.

Regarding the upcoming performances, Graham expressed both anticipation and vulnerability: "I've missed that: that connection of when you're in a room and people are fully passionate. Sharing that you're not alone is one of the most powerful things. I'm still anxious about getting up there, but when I do I'll be fine. I've pushed myself as a writer and as a vocalist."
AceShowbiz - Major progress has been made on David Fincher's highly anticipated Netflix project. The Adventures of Cliff Booth has officially wrapped filming after nearly a year of production, bringing the Quentin Tarantino-penned follow-up to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood significantly closer to completion.

Jarred Land announced the milestone through an Instagram post, revealing that the final day of shooting took place on Thursday, January 15 at RSH Studios. "Final day of shooting Fincher and Tarantino's new film today," Land shared, accompanied by an image of an autographed slate featuring the signatures of the film's director, cinematographer, and writer.

Land expressed admiration for the production team, stating, "It's been such an honor to have such an incredible team living and breathing at our studio for the better part of the last year. Been a masterclass in absolutely everything." He also praised cinematographer Erik Messerschmidt's work, adding that the film is "gonna be a good one."

The Adventures of Cliff Booth sees Brad Pitt reprising his role as the enigmatic stuntman Cliff Booth, seven years after the original film's release. Joining him is Timothy Olyphant as James Stacy. Notably, Leonardo DiCaprio will not return, having reportedly declined the opportunity to make a cameo appearance.

The impressive ensemble cast includes Elizabeth Debicki, Scott Caan, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Carla Gugino, Holt McCallany, and Peter Weller, though their specific roles remain undisclosed. Plot details are being kept strictly under wraps.

Tarantino initially discussed revisiting the Cliff Booth character shortly after Once Upon a Time in Hollywood's release, expressing interest in exploring Booth's experiences in a WW2 POW camp. However, the script he ultimately penned is reportedly set in the 1970s and focuses on Booth's work as a Hollywood fixer.

While Tarantino wrote the screenplay, he chose not to direct, citing his reluctance to repeat himself creatively. Pitt subsequently brought Fincher aboard to helm the project using Tarantino's script, with Netflix handling production.

The film carries a reported budget of approximately $200 million, making it the most expensive project of Fincher's career. The Adventures of Cliff Booth is expected to premiere on Netflix in 2026, though an official release date has not yet been announced.










English News China's automobile production, sales both surpass 34 million units in 2025

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 20 Fevrier 2026



The leapfrog development of China's automotive industry is a vivid reflection of the qualitative advancement and innovation within the country's manufacturing sector. As China enters the 15th Five-Year Plan period (20262030), its industrial system is set to further evolve toward greater intelligence, greener development, and more integrated growth.

By He Yin, People's Daily China's automotive industry has once again drawn widespread international attention. From Chinese carmakers grabbing global attention at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas to Canada announcing adjustments to its import policy on Chinese electric vehicles, global enthusiasm for Chinese automobiles continues to surge.



In 2025, automobile production and sales in China both exceeded 34 million units. In particular, new energy vehicle (NEV) production and sales each surpassed 16 million units, topping global rankings for the 11th consecutive year. These impressive outcomes underscore the industry's strong momentum for innovation and its leadership in green development.



The sector's strength stems from China's efficient intelligent manufacturing system, resilient domestic supply chain, rapid pace of technological upgrading, and continuous rollout of competitive products. This momentum demonstrates the strong momentum generated by the combination of the country's innovation capacity and its vast domestic market.



From stumbling forward decades ago by importing foreign technologies, China has now evolved into a hub where multinational automakers are actively engaging in "co-creation and joint research and development (R&D)." This shift marks the arrival of a "Joint Venture 2.0" era and mirrors the shifting contours of opportunity in today's China.



"China leads in developing and deploying new technologies," remarked a multinational executive, stressing that keeping up with "China speed" is critical to gaining a competitive edge in the era of electrification and smart transformation.



The Advanced China Development Center of French carmaker Renault Group developed its first electric vehicle in just 21 months, while Volkswagen established its largest R&D hub outside Germany in Hefei, east China's Anhui province, shortening development cycles by approximately 30 percent.



These examples show how established international automakers are drawing on China's momentum to drive global technological transformation and operational efficiency. This mutually collaboration creates multidimensional win-win outcomes, contributing to a more open, inclusive, and dynamic industrial ecosystem.



China's accelerating green transition provides critical momentum for global sustainable mobility.



In 2025, NEVs accounted for more than half of new vehicle sales in China, and over half of the world's NEVs are now on Chinese roads. At the same time, China exported over 2.61 million NEVs last year, doubling the figure from a year ago.



Chinese automakers are driving down costs across the entire industrial chain through technology and scale, making green mobility a more accessible option for countries worldwide, especially developing ones.



The growth of the global NEV industry requires not just high-quality products and technologies, but also practical, system-wide solutions. China's experience shows that widespread adoption of green transportation is closely tied to easing "range anxiety." During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (20212025), China built the world's largest electric vehicle charging network, capable of supporting over 40 million NEVs. These proven solutions provide a strong, actionable reference for other nations in transition.



With a strengthened industrial foundation, China's automotive sector is accelerating its global reach, directly contributing to development worldwide. Evolving from "product export" to "ecosystem expansion," Chinese automakers' commitment to openness and collaboration stands as a compelling case of "openness triumphing over protectionism."



In recent years, Chinese carmakers have stepped up localization strategies overseas--building factories and strengthening local supply chains so that more communities can benefit from industrial upgrading.



BYD and Great Wall Motor have built plants in Thailand, supporting the country's automotive transformation; JAC Motors operates an assembly plant in Algeria, providing vocational training for local workers; and Chery's joint venture with Spain's Ebro in Barcelona has given a significant boost to the regional economy.



"Chinese enterprises bring us more than factories; they offer a new pathway for development," said Jeronimo Rodrigues, Governor of Brazil's Bahia State.



The leapfrog development of China's automotive industry is a vivid reflection of the qualitative advancement and innovation within the country's manufacturing sector. As China enters the 15th Five-Year Plan period (20262030), its industrial system is set to further evolve toward greater intelligence, greener development, and more integrated growth.



Through continued openness and cooperation with nations worldwide, the shared benefits of development will keep expanding, injecting new momentum into the global economy and creating more opportunities for all.



Dans la meme rubrique : < > China implements measures to counter Japan's accelerating remilitarization Professor helps high-altitude communities grow fresh vegetables year-round China's total power use exceeds 10 trillion kWh in 2025 Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)
Thirty-five years ago, American political scientist Francis Fukuyama made a name for himself by advancing the proposition that the end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the Soviet Union promised the ascendency and universalization of so-called Western liberal democracy. As a Marxist-Hegelian who saw the progression of history as an evolutionary process with a natural and predetermined conclusion, Fukuyama envisioned Western-styled liberalism as both the endpoint of mankinds ideological evolution and the final form of human government. Expecting all human struggles to barrel toward a state of imminent equilibrium and future peace, Fukuyama stated out loud what many other late-twentieth century thinkers also believed: Humanity had reached the end of history.

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After the 9/11 Islamic terror attacks in the United States, two decades of the Global War on Terrorism, communist Chinas expansive Belt and Road Initiative, immigration-fueled social strife, the collapse of public trust in government institutions, the prevalence of pre-civil war conditions across Europe, the rise of Indian economic power, the emergence of Donald Trumps nationalism as a counterbalance to the World Economic Forums vaunted globalism, the return of the Russian Federation as a major source of European angst, the growth of multiculturalism and its attendant fracturing of national unity, the great powers competition for hydrocarbon energies and other natural resources, the new geopolitical race to project strength in the Arctic, and the ever-present discussion of an impending World War III  just to name a few of the numerous global conflicts of the first quarter of the present century  Fukuyamas end of history argument has probably reached the end of its usefulness.

Before the curse of humanitys short memory stores Fukuyamas end of history thesis in the cupboard until it can be retrieved, dusted off, and recycled for practical use next century (just as Fukuyama had done with the historical conceptions of Hegel and Marx), it is worth noting how much of the academic world bought into this argument. I remember listening to two young political science professors discussing Fukuyamas work after the 9/11 terror attacks, and even then  in the midst of such a horrific rebuke to the proposition that a globalized form of Western liberalism was preordained  both academics were staunch believers in the end of history and disagreed only about whether Professor Fukuyama was worthy of so much praise for having merely stated what was glaringly obvious.

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I was around another man at the time named Samuel P. Huntington, and he had written an essay and book that took Fukuyamas thesis to task. In The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order, Professor Huntington argued that unbridgeable cultural conflicts would continue to remake the world. Although critics called him racist, Islamophobic, ignorant, and even Hitlerian for dismissing the unifying effects of diversity and multiculturalism, Huntingtons predictions for a volatile twenty-first century were much more accurate than anything coming from the end of history camp. Still, even after death, the man who dispassionately forecasted a civilizational clash and an emerging period of global uncertainty is still maligned as prejudicial, white supremacist, bigoted, and imperialist.

Is there any conflict raging in the world today that cant be described in terms of competing cultural values? Israel and its Islamic neighbors have been in a perennial state of war for eighty years. Indian Hindus and Pakistani Muslims remain at each others throats. Christianity and Islam have added fuel to fiery tribal conflicts that continue to rage across the continent of Africa. Armenias Christians and Azerbaijans Muslims struggle to maintain peace. The Balkans remain a potpourri of combative cultures and ethnic groups whose simmering passions can quickly boil over. Burma, India, Bangladesh, Thailand, China, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos fight against each other and themselves as civilizational loyalties turn ancient resentments into recurring bouts of violence. The War in Ukraine centers around the contested Donbas region whose people more closely align with the language, religion, and culture of Russia than with the historic identity that unites the people living in the western two-thirds of Ukraine.

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Everywhere in the world, battle lines are drawn around civilizational identity. Religious conflict, historic grievance, and cultural incompatibility drive violence around the planet.

Yet Western globalists in Europe and North America pretend not to notice. They organize annual conventions where members of the World Economic Forum or the Council on Foreign Relations or the Royal Institute of International Affairs can bloviate about multiculturalism, open borders, established norms, and the rules-based international order. They speak about nationalism and patriotism as if they were diseases requiring quarantine for those showing symptoms. They like Islam and are willing to imprison anyone seen as violating Sharia Law or causing offense to Muslims. But they generally despise Christians and Jews and dont mind when medieval cathedrals mysteriously burn to the ground or Hamas terrorists rape Israeli women and kill Israeli babies. They pray fanatically at the altar of their green energy religion, while replacing entire domestic industries with the coal-powered, slave-labor-produced, government-subsidized exports of the Chinese Communist Party. White, Western globalists prefer to ignore the threats of Islamic jihad and Chinese totalitarianism, sip from glasses brimming with crisp Sauvignon blanc, and stew in the intoxicating vapors of their own haughty uselessness.

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One might think that the last twenty-five years of global volatility would have given globalisms biggest promoters some measure of pause as the end of history arrived and passed. But Western elites generally suffer from cerebral deficiency, shameless incuriosity, and pathological stubbornness. According to the blue bloods on both sides of the Atlantic  such as Canadas banker-turned-prime-minister Mark Carney, Frances banker-turned-president Emmanuel Macron, Germanys BlackRock-board-member-turned-chancellor Friedrich Merz, and the European Commissions noble-aristocrat-turned-installed-president Ursula von der Leyen  multiculturalism is our future, diversity is our strength, and cultural nationalism is a terrorist ideology that breeds hate.

Even after President George W. Bushs failed nation-building gambit to bring democracy and womens rights to Afghanistan and the Middle East, Western globalists insist that civilizational clashes arent real. Even after the exposure of Muslim rape gangs trading local girls as sex slaves in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and France, Western globalists insist that diversity is our strength and multiculturalism is our future. Even after communist Chinas increasingly provocative saber-rattling regarding Taiwan, pervasive espionage and sabotage within the United States, and public promises of world domination, Western globalists insist on transferring huge sums of national wealth to the Chinese Communist Party in exchange for Chinas lip service to international norms. What Talleyrand said of the Bourbons applies equally well to the Wests suicidal cult of self-hating globalists: They have learned nothing and forgotten nothing.

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As we enter the second quarter of the twentieth century, the world is about to receive a harsh education in the persistent reality of civilizational conflict. The end of history tripe was always a figment of self-deluding theoreticians who envision themselves as philosopher kings. In the real world, values matter. Culture matters. Religion matters. The past matters. Honor matters. Violent conflict does not disappear in a puff of smoke when Marxist-Hegelians hold up their dog-eared copies of Das Kapital and declare it must be so. In the real world  where bullets fly faster than words  theories written on scraps of paper are rolled up into cigarettes or left under a rock near the trench latrine. In the real world, people fight. Cultures compete. And civilizations clash.

Western globalists who refuse to learn the basics wont long last. From the Arctic to the Antarctic, battle lines are being drawn and redrawn everywhere. The past informs the present. The present informs the future. The rest of history is just now beginning.

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Image: tomaszmichalkania via Pixabay, Pixabay License.
Peter Schweizer is a renowned and accomplished American investigative journalist who has written 19 books. His latest book, The Invisible Coup: How American Elites and Foreign Powers Use Immigration as a Weapon, could be his best and most important to date, as he discusses the existential risk to America posed by multiple, multifarious actors who are enemies of Western civilization and American culture.

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If you have read Schweizer before, you know that he doesnt beat around the bush. Instead, he names names and identifies events to ensure readers understand every issue. He is a clear, detailed, and honest broker, totally unlike what Rush used to call drive-by journalism. He digs into his subject so that the attentive reader, even the lazy reader like me, gets the pictureknows who the major players are and what they did or did not do. Its gratifying to read a writer who takes his work seriously. The Invisible Coup lives up to this high standard.

Despite being fact-filled, the book moves quickly as Schweizer addresses the major migration threats to American cultural, political, and national security, posed by an assortment of bad actors. On the left, mass migration has been promoted as humanitarian, and the migration of distressed populations has been held up as a moral obligation. However, non-assimilating populations can destroy societal order and peaceas the Roman empire and modern Europe and America show, thats a very real risk of mass immigration.

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Criminality of immigrant populations is undeniable. On a small scale or with aggressive policing, a country can handle it. On a large scale, without a serious response, it disrupts economies, civic order, and peace. Unfortunately, powerful elites and socialist political movements encourage mass migration to America to get political power.

Schweizer vividly describes what mass migration has done and is doing to America. Currently, there are two primary types of mass immigration.

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Theres a Latin American movement (especially connected with Mexico) that envisions La Raza (the race) effecting a Reconquista to reclaim the western half of the US that Mexicans of Spanish and Mestizo lineage held before Mexico lost the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). The strategy uses Latin American immigration, organized and influenced by state-based Mexican consulates, to encourage political activity and to support the election of individuals sympathetic to the cause. NGOs, as the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), serve as advocate groups. Mexican political leaders are taking the project seriously.

Additionally, massive migration from Muslim nations worldwide brings ideological antagonism to Western values and non-Muslim people. Islams stated goal is destruction. The first method is straight-up wartime conquest. The second method, if Muslims have become a critical mass of the population, is to eliminate minority populations by genocide, forced slavery, or dhimmi (second-class) status. And the third tactic, which is the current tactic in America, where Muslims are still a minority, is to create domestic advocacy programs that operate from Muslim ghettos that function as ribats (fortifications/ghettos).

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Mass immigrations globalist promoters envision oligarchic power in a world without national identities and political power centers.

China has its own goal, and Schweizer focuses intently on Chinas motives and actions as it seeks to become the worlds hegemon. To do this, China must destroy America, and its currently putting its efforts into mass migration to swallow America and the American republic with an overwhelming demographic shift. Schweizer writes about Chinese surrogacy and tourist births in America, which, combined with birthright citizenship, create massive numbers of Chinese raised in and loyal to China, but with American citizenship. Mass immigration also allows people loyal to China to reside in America.

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Schweizer also addresses how immigration is a money funnel. Thus, we learn how foreign countries can funnel campaign contributions through visa holders.

No immigration discussion would be complete without looking at the Catholic Churchs extraordinary involvement in promoting uncontrolled migration. He does a splendid job of showing how socialist, liberation theology Catholic clergy have been malefactors of great impact in this mess that is uncontrolled migration.

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Mr. Schweizer presents a strong, evidence-based argument that reminds the reader of Sir John Glubbs essay on the death of empiresthey die of suicide. One of the important factors in national suicide is allowing unrestrained in-migration of parasitic disruptors.

John Dale Dunn is an emergency physician and attorney in Brownwood, Texas.

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On February 23, 2026, the HHS Secretary and Make America Healthy Again chief posted what should have been political dynamite: pesticides and herbicides are toxic by design and put Americans at risk. Then came the twist that sent the usual suspects into meltdown: a sudden ban would be disastrous. It would crash crop yields, spike food prices, and bankrupt family farms across the heartland.

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Instead, RFK laid out the new Trump-era path: deliberate, supported transition. Accelerate regenerative agriculture. Roll out USDA pilots for soil health and reduced synthetics. Give farmers real off-ramps, with expanded incentives, and time to adapt. All while Trumps February 18th executive order, invoking the Defense Production Act, ramps up domestic production of glyphosate and elemental phosphorus, labeling them critical to national security, and shielding compliant manufacturers from predatory lawsuits.

Rather than traditional hand-wringing regulation by compromise, with no overarching plan and little or no consideration or management of consequence, these actions demonstrate disruptive reform, Trump-style, executed by RFK Jr.

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It works exactly like other Trump disruptive reforms, tariffs, immigration, and the kingpin strategy we saw in Jalisco. First, you publicly name the threat: in this case, chronic disease links and dependency on Chinese precursors, toxic by design. Second, you apply maximum executive pressure: national-security designation and reshoring mandates. Third, you refuse the old binary trap of either smashing the system overnight or pretending the problem doesnt exist. Instead, you force innovation while protecting the American people who grow and consume the food.

That third step is what makes this revolutionary.

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Traditional Democrat approach? Ban it all, right now, consequences be damned. Weve watched it for years: Californias endless Prop 65 scares, EU glyphosate battles, Biden-era EPA rules that treated every farmer like a polluter. The result is predictable: Higher grocery bills, shuttered farms, and smug virtue-signaling from coastal elites who never once worried about whether their kale was still affordable. Pure performative tyranny that is good for headlines, terrible for the dinner table.

The traditional Republican approach would be more study, doing little or nothing. Keep the status quo, and whisper about sound science while Big Ag lobbyists write checks. Fearing the economic disruption, the headlines, and the donor revolt, incremental changes over time would ultimately allow the market to change as incentives slowly created opportunities in market time. In the meantime, the slow chemical drip would continue because rocking the boat would have political consequence. Thats not conservatism; thats managed decline dressed up as prudence orchestrated by a party compromised by its own political concerns.

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Both parties offered America a false choice: chaos or surrender. Worse, neither party would have offered truth. Dems would have hysterically demonized an entire industry encouraging its members to become Luddites as they jet from one international conference and fine dining opportunity to the next. Republicans would have downplayed the risk, focusing on Dem hypocrisy. RFK Jr. just blew up the whole worn and failed script.

This is disruptive reform in its purest form. It breaks the entrenched binary without breaking the country. It uses the full power of the executive branch, Defense Production Act, regulatory reset, public messaging, to shift the entire agricultural system toward health and independence. Domestic production ends reliance on adversarial nations. Legal shields prevent lawfare from killing the transition. Incentives and pilots give farmers a runway instead of a cliff.

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Critics on the MAHA hard right are already screaming betrayal. Let them. The same voices who cheered Soleimani strikes now pretend that food security is somehow optional. RFK Jr.s answer is simple and Trumpian: we are changing course, without destabilizing the food supply. That is adult leadership, not purity-test theater.

Look at the parallels across the Trump agenda: tariffs on Mexico forced the El Mencho raid without invading. Funding leverage is forcing universities to end discrimination. DOGE is decapitating bureaucratic waste without shutting down the government.

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Now pesticides get the same treatment: maximum pressure on the problem, maximum support for the solution. No ban that starves the Midwest. No denial that poisons the next generation. Just relentless forward motion.

This is why the old guard in both parties looks obsolete. Democrats cant regulate their way to utopia without economic suicide. Republicans cant conserve their way to health without admitting the system was broken. Trumps disruptive reform says we will fix it, intelligently, honestly, forcefully, and without apology.

The payoff is already visible. American farmers get breathing room and new markets in regenerative tech. American families get a realistic path to fewer chronic diseases. American sovereignty gets another win; the food supply is no longer hostage to Beijing or Brussels. The electorate gets an alternative to intransigent political parties replete with performative bureaucracy signaling commitment to causes implementing no real solutions.

RFK Jr. didnt sell out the mission. He executed it like a reformer who understands power. Trump didnt pick him to be another talking head; he picked him to break the mold.

And the mold is breaking, pesticide by pesticide, farm by farm, generation by generation.

Thats not moderation. Thats victory.

America First now includes American soil, American health, and American realism. The old binary is officially dead.

Image from Grok.
Under the guise of protecting children who have a gender identity crisis, one state has decided it knows whats best for your child. And at some point, if you disagree, you could lose custody of your child.

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Welcome to Colorado.

In 2025, the Colorado Democrat state legislators tried to pass a contemptible bill that would override parental decision-making regarding transgender care for their children. The bill demanded that parents affirm their childrens identities as transgender or risk losing custody, but the pushback was enormous:

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After 18,000 Coloradans sent emails opposing the bill and 700 showed up to testify against the legislation, the provision for affirming was removed from the final bill.

The following requirement would have laid the foundation for removing children from parental custody if the parents didnt comply:

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State Democrats advanced the Kelly Loving Act (HP 1312), which would have prohibited parents from misgendering or deadnaming their child, likening such practices to abuse, equivalent to threatening, humiliating, or [other] intimidating actions, including assaults or other abuse.

And, now that the legislators are back in session this year, theyve resurrected their attempts to protect transgender children:

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Radical lawmakers introduced Concerning Legal Protections for The Dignity of a Minor (SB26-018) on Jan. 14, and the Senate Judiciary Committee passed the bill, referring it to the full Senate on Feb. 18.

But this time around, when Senator Katie Wallace introduced the bill, she surprisingly deleted the portion that allowed the courts to remove the children from parental custody if the parents would not affirm the childs new identity. The reason for the decision was unclear, but Jay Polis threatened to veto the bill as it stood.

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You would think that the Democrats would be able to recognize their authoritarianism. Their willingness to ignore a significant protest by the public was confirmed when they tried to pass the bill a second time, albeit without the worst of the offending language.

Proponents of the bill like to celebrate the number of misguided medical associations that support transgenderism. They also claim that societys failure to accept and affirm is behind the mental distress that trans people experience, despite trans individuals being extremely mentally ill even when theyre accepted and affirmed. And, theyre essentially a protected and favored class, with endless campaigns and movements promoting and supporting their identities.

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A number of issues make this bill not only distasteful, but unethical. They reflect the arrogance and contempt for the people of this countryboth by politicians and medicine. The politicians disregard whats right and true, thinking they know what is best, acting as though parents are irrelevant in the decision-making processes for their own children.

We also see the insistence by medicine that transgenderism is not a mental disorder, in spite of the overwhelming evidence that it is, in fact, a condition that should be treated. After the Cass Review was published in the UK in 2024, voices from the left vehemently protested that it was an acceptable assessment, and rejected its findings.

Recently, the American Plastic Surgeon Association has withdrawn its support for transgender intervention, stating that much more research must be done; it is a voice of reason in the medical wilderness.

The country must demand an end to this before we lose a whole generation of children to these atrocities.

Image generated by ChatGPT.
The Feb. 24, 2026 ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit might be construed as proof that the IRS can now hand your tax returns to ICE. However, that is not what the court said. The court held that taxpayer addresses can be disclosed to support non-tax criminal investigations when the government submits a valid statutory request. So for now, the court leaves the program in place, affirming the denial of preliminary injunctive relief while the broader litigation fight continues. Still, the fundamental question remains: Do federal privacy laws prohibit or permit interagency data sharing when immigration enforcement is framed as a criminal investigation?

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In Centro de Trabajadores Unidos, et al. v. Bessent, No. 25-5181, the plaintiffs (immigrant advocacy organizations) sued to stop the IRS from sharing taxpayer information with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for immigration enforcement purposes. The lawsuit was triggered by reports that ICE was seeking address information from the IRS to help locate illegal aliens.

The court describes a longstanding sensitivity around tax confidentiality, rooted in the post-Watergate era and codified in 26 USC  6103, which makes returns and return information confidential by default. It also notes that IRS materials and public statements had historically suggested that address-only requests werent proper under 6103(i)(2) and even quoted prior reporting that the IRS said there was no authorization to share tax data with ICE. As a rule, interagency sharing of tax data is off-limits.

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However, on April 7, 2025, the IRS and DHS executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) laying out the process to submit 6103(i)(2) requests for the addresses of persons subject to criminal investigation (the MOU references 8 U.S.C.  1253[a][1]). Under the MOU, the IRS would review ICE requests for validity and  if requirements are satisfied  search for the last known address and provide it to ICE.

The court called the statutory text crystal clear. 6103(i)(2) authorizes disclosure of certain return information other than taxpayer return information, and it specifically states that a taxpayers identity shall not be treated as taxpayer return information. The statute defines taxpayer identity to include a taxpayers mailing address  so addresses fall on the disclosable side of the line in this subsection.

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The opinion, however, goes on to clarify that 6103(i)(2) does not authorize open-ended sharing. A valid statutory request must come from the head of a federal agency (or a properly delegated official), be in writing, include specific items (name/address, relevant taxable periods, the criminal statute and proceeding/investigation, and reasons the disclosure is relevant), and the disclosure is limited to officers or employees personally and directly engaged in the specified work. Additionally, the proceeding must relate to enforcement of a non-tax federal criminal statute.

One of the more nuanced points at this stage of the case is that the plaintiffs did not convince the court that the IRS acted arbitrarily and capriciously by changing its interpretation without adequate explanation. The court held that the plaintiffs were unlikely to succeed because the MOU is described as a nonbinding policy statement without legal effect and is, therefore, not reviewable as a final agency action under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). The APA is the statute courts use to review final agency actions for legal error or arbitrary and capricious decision-making. The District Court also viewed [a]ny substantive change as stem[ming] not from the IRSs change in position but from the Administrations decision to use ... statutorily authorized tools to further criminal investigations.

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The plaintiffs have argued that immigration enforcement is primarily civil, not criminal. They have also argued that the IRS policy shift represents an unlawful expansion of the exception. At this stage, plaintiffs failed to show that the IRS policy clearly violated 6103. The D.C. Circuit also ruled that the statute does not require a court order for disclosure of address information.

The D.C. Circuits decision does not resolve the issue nationwide. In fact, courts have already disagreed over how the MOU can be applied in practice. A D.C. district court blocked the address-sharing policy, finding that the policy likely violated federal privacy protections. The District Court in Massachusetts also blocked its use, prohibiting DHS from using IRS data already obtained. It found that irreparable harm was likely. Now the D.C. Circuit is refusing to stop the program at the preliminary stage. The result could be a split among federal courts that may reach the Supreme Court.

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The larger fear is that millions of taxpayers, including non-citizens, might not want to provide sensitive information to the IRS. The argument is that compliance depends on trust that the data will not be used against them. Ultimately, lower courts warned that such breaches of trust could undermine federal revenue and chill participation in government systems that depend on voluntary disclosure.

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NEW YORK, Feb. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ --

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 [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than 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 [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

[email protected]

www.rosenlegal.com

SOURCE The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
Who knew that beautiful Puerto Vallarta would put the cartels on the front pages in Mexico? I mean that picturesque beach town where thousands of Americans travel every year. It did, and now several Mexican friends are telling me that Trump was right about their country and the influence of what we call cartels, and they call crimen organizado.

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El Mencho, or the big narco in the middle of this, is the poster child for chaotic borders and sanctuary cities. Lets read about his life:

Who is Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes? Advertisement Originally born in Mexico, Oseguera Cervantes entered the U.S. illegally in the 1980s and lived in California for years. He was eventually arrested on drug charges and deported back to Mexico, but he returned to the U.S. illegally. Oseguera Cervantes was again arrested on drug charges in 1992 and, after serving three years in prison and being released on parole, was deported to Mexico a second time, according to Rolling Stone. Advertisement Back in Mexico, he began his rise to the top of one of the countrys most powerful cartels.

Back in Mexico, he worked his way up to the organization and became the biggest narco in Mexico. Not bad for a poor kid who grew up picking avocados, and was selling drugs in San Francisco.

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What Mexicans are now realizing, is that President Trump was right about their country. Its not a pleasant subject, or sort of like realizing that your uncle is a bad criminal in the news.

But Trump was right, saying things like these groups in rural Mexico are shadow governments. Just ask the widows of the mayors killed. They control significant segments of the land. Just ask the families of newsmen killed for saying such things. And they have massive military power. Just learn about the weapons found in the cartels headquarters. They have the latest weapons and have shot down military helicopters. This is not a gang of bandidos from a Western comedy, but rather a professional army.

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And now for the harsh truth. These organizations cannot expand without government support. Somebody is protecting them, as people are whispering.

Last, but not least, the latest rumor in Mexico is that President Claudia Sheinbaum was kept in the dark about the operation against El Mencho. Its unconfirmed but it goes like this: the army does not trust the president because they fear that someone in her staff would have alerted the narcos. Again, its a rumor, but many rumors turn out to be true in Mexico.

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Yes, Trump was right and Mexicans are starting to get it.

P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos.

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Many travellers who are British citizens and nationals of another country have been thrown into confusion and anxiety over complex new rules for travel to the UK.

Passengers can no longer use their foreign passport with an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) for visits to the UK.

The Home Office says British people who are citizens of a second country must travel to the UK using either a valid British or Irish passport, or a valid passport from any other country that has a certificate of entitlement  a digital verification that the holder has the right of abode in the UK.

But many people who are British citizens by birth or descent are concerned that imminent trips may be impossible. Obtaining either official document will take weeks. A passport will cost 94.50 and the certificate of entitlement 589.

At the 11th hour, the Home Office said that airlines could accept, at their discretion, an expired British passport issued at any time since 1989 along with a valid foreign passport.

Crucially, the biographic details  full name, date and place of birth  must match exactly. This will prove a problem for someone whose name has changed since the now-expired UK passport was issued.

Having the expired British-plus-valid foreign passport combination does not guarantee the holder will be allowed to travel

The Home Office stresses: It is an operational decision whether carriers accept alternative proof, and if so, what alternative proof they will accept.

In other words, airlines have the discretion to decide whether or not to allow the two-passport combination.

The Independent has been seeking urgent confirmation from leading carriers as to whether they will accept the combo if it meets the requirements: an expired document issued no earlier than 1989, and matching the biographical data on the valid passport.

These airlines have confirmed that they will allow travel:

Qantas is reported in the Australian media to be accepting expired UK passports. Air New Zealand is reportedly not accepting the current/expired passport combo. But since the carrier no longer flies to the UK, partner airlines may accommodate travellers.

Passengers flying with other carriers can check directly with the airline. In turn, ground staff can contact the Home Office Carrier Support Hub (CSH).

A Wizz Air spokesperson said: As directed by the Home Office, we will consider each passenger on a case-by-case basis and if needed would contact Carrier Support Hub to establish the passengers circumstances and which combination of documents they are presenting.

The Independent is waiting to hear from other airlines, but the evidence so far is that a large majority will accept the expired passport.

The government says the new rules constitute a more streamlined, digital immigration system that it claims will be quicker and more secure for the millions of people who pass through the UK border each year.

Read more: Aer Lingus demands passports from passengers between Ireland and Great Britain
Since taking power in 2023, New Zealands rightwing coalition government has faced criticism for its environment and climate policy agenda. Photograph: KarenHBlack/Getty Images/iStockphoto (Photograph: KarenHBlack/Getty Images/iStockphoto)

New Zealands government is seeking to abolish its dedicated environment ministry to cut down on bureaucracy, a move critics say could dilute environmental protections.

Under the plan, the department would be folded into a new mega-ministry that will cover housing, urban development, transport, local government and the environment.

The environment ministry was created by statute in 1986 to be the countrys lead adviser over the environment and climate. On 19 February, the coalition government introduced a bill to parliament to disestablish the ministry. The government aims to have the new ministry running by 1 July.

Chris Bishop, the minister for resource management reform, said when announcing the proposal in December: The system is too fragmented and too uncoordinated.

Bishop said public servants were often as frustrated, as ministers are by the duplication, overlapping responsibilities and lack of coordination between the existing ministries. The new ministry would combine the key levers that shape growth and productivity, he said.

Related: New Zealand could see more deadly landslides as climate crisis triggers intense storms, experts warn

New Zealand promotes itself to the world as 100% pure and clean, green, while for many living in the country, a deep connection to nature is regularly cited as being an important part of personal and collective identities.

However, its species are in worrying decline, with a high proportion threatened, or at risk of extinction  one of the highest amid the global biodiversity crisis  and many of the countrys fresh waterways are in a dire state, because of nutrient pollution and sewage overflows.

Experts and opposition parties say scrapping the dedicated environment ministry is another blow to protections.

Dr Bronwyn Hayward, a political science professor at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, and a specialist in climate and democracy, said she was very concerned about the changes.

There is a real risk that in the merger we simply lose the threads of accountability, the skill, and cohesive delivery of effective policy, all of which delivers a better environment for all, and one that supports our economy and wellbeing, she said.

Since taking office in 2023, the rightwing coalition government has faced widespread criticism for its environment and climate policy agenda. It has promised to restart offshore oil and has set aside $200m of its budget to invest in gas exploration. It plans to boost mineral exports to $3bn by 2035, at the same time it has slashed funding to conservation and climate initiatives.

A new fast-track law that is pushing through major infrastructure projects, including mining, has been described as egregiously damaging for the environment and risks destabilising a path towards a greener future. In 2025, a group of environment lawyers sued the government over its dangerously inadequate emissions reduction scheme.

Rachel Brooking, the opposition Labours spokesperson for the environment, said the plan to axe the environment ministry was emblematic of this governments approach to the environment and nature, which is to enable more pollution and cut programs that were there to improve nature and the environment.

Were concerned that all of the monitoring and environmental protection work that the ministry has been involved in  will go by the wayside.

The Green partys environment spokesperson, Lan Pham, said the move sent a clear signal that the environment comes last for this government.

The ministry exists because in 1986 New Zealanders decided the natural world needed a dedicated voice at the heart of government, Pham said.

At a time when climate change is flooding our communities week after week, costing billions of dollars, lives, and livelihoods, this governments response is to dismantle the ministry responsible for environmental protection.

In a statement to the Guardian, Bishop and environment minister, Penny Simmonds, said the ministrys responsibilities would be retained and the changes would strengthen accountability.

We want to be clear: there are no substantive changes to the functions under the Environment Act 1986, and no reduction in environmental protections, the ministers said.

These reforms are about structure and effectiveness, not about stepping back from our responsibility to protect New Zealands environment.
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.

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.

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.
China's major trading provinces showcase economic resilience and vitality

11:11, February 25, 2026 By Li Gang, Shen Wenmin, Wang Weijian, Dou Hanyang ( People's Daily

Chinese and foreign merchants buy industrial drones at the Global Digital Trade Center in Yiwu, east China's Zhejiang province. (Photo/Lyu Bin)

In a landmark development for Chinese automotive exports, BYD's vehicle carrier Changzhou recently delivered over 5,800 new energy vehicles (NEVs) to Argentina's Port of Zarate.

This shipment represents both the largest single import of Chinese-branded electric vehicles into Argentina and marks BYD's pioneering entry into the market through a vertically integrated approach featuring a self-operated fleet, direct sales model, and full product lineup.

This achievement reflects China's broader foreign trade momentum. In 2025, the country's total goods imports and exports reached 45.47 trillion yuan (about $6.59 trillion), up 3.8 percent year on year, consolidating the country's position as the world's largest trader in goods.

Leveraging their geographic advantages and industrial strengths, provincial-level regions across the country reported robust trade performance.

Guangdong, China's leading province in foreign trade, recorded 9.49 trillion yuan in total foreign trade in 2025, ranking first nationwide for the 40th consecutive year. A significant milestone was achieved as high-tech product exports exceeded 1 trillion yuan for the first time, reaching 1.14 trillion yuan, signaling a clear move up the value chain.

Demonstrating industrial cluster strength, Jiangsu's trade transformation is exemplified by shipments like the 36 wind turbine blades recently exported from Jiangyin Comprehensive Bonded Zone by Chinese company Envision. In 2025, mechanical and electrical products exceeded 70 percent of the province's exports for the first time, with leading sectors including electrical equipment and shipbuilding.

Digital trade is reshaping Zhejiang's commerce, highlighted by the launch of the Global Digital Trade Center in Yiwu. In 2025, the sampled transaction value at the Yiwu International Trade market is expected to exceed 320 billion yuan, with a daily average of over 4,000 international buyers, the highest level in a decade. Zhejiang's total foreign trade reached 5.55 trillion yuan in 2025, with digital transformation emerging as a defining feature.

Wind turbines are loaded onto vessels bound for overseas destinations at a terminal in Lianyungang, east China's Jiangsu province. (Photo/Wang Chun)

According to Jiang Zhao, associate research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation under the Ministry of Commerce, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shanghai, Shandong, Beijing and Fujian together recorded 34.11 trillion yuan in foreign trade in 2025, contributing more than half of the country's total trade growth.

China's exports, he noted, are shifting from a focus on expanding volume to pursuing both scale and quality, with high-tech and technology-intensive products playing an increasingly prominent role.

Amid a shifting and increasingly complex global trade landscape, regions across China are accelerating their push for greater international market diversification. By deepening engagement, they have effectively hedged against the risks of overreliance on any single market.

After a 14-day journey across Eurasia, the first China-Europe freight train of the year departing from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area arrived in Malaszewicze, Poland. Among the 110 standard containers were semiconductor display panels and key components of Chinese home appliance giant TCL, which were swiftly transferred to the company's television factory in Zyrardow in central Poland.

In recent years, TCL has focused on exporting industrial capabilities rather than just products, extending the strengths of Chinese manufacturing to major global markets and building a more open, collaborative and mutually beneficial innovation ecosystem with local partners, said Li Dongsheng, chairman of TCL.

Zhejiang's trade expansion has been driven in particular by emerging markets. In 2025, ASEAN surpassed the European Union for the first time to become Zhejiang's largest trading partner, with trade value reaching 869.07 billion yuan, up 16.5 percent.

Yiwu's small commodities were shipped to more than 20 countries in Central Asia and Europe via the "Yiwu-Xinjiang-Europe" freight train service, which has helped form a global trading network where the city sources from the world and sells to the world.

As an international shipping hub, Shanghai has strengthened its role in linking domestic and global markets. In 2025, its trade with Belt and Road partner countries grew 12.1 percent year on year, supported by coordinated China-Europe freight train service and ocean shipping routes.

Chinese-branded vehicles are parked at a terminal of the Guangzhou Port, south China's Guangdong province, ready to be shipped overseas. (Photo/Lyu Huadang)

Empowered by digital technologies, upgraded logistics systems and an improved policy environment, Chinese foreign trade enterprises are overcoming traditional constraints in time and space, enabling more firms to participate in global competition.

Jiangsu has pioneered a model combining industrial e-commerce with supply chain finance. A comprehensive cross-border e-commerce service platform in the province's Suzhou integrates customs clearance, logistics, tax rebates and financing services, driving a 35 percent increase in cross-border e-commerce exports among small and medium-sized enterprises in 2025.

Zhejiang has advanced new trade formats powered by digital trade and market procurement. In 2025, exports through market procurement, cross-border e-commerce and bonded maintenance exceeded 900 billion yuan, ranking first nationwide.

"China's foreign trade innovation is gaining stronger momentum, with its advantages becoming more pronounced, trading partners more diversified, and resilience more robust. This will inject greater certainty into global economic and trade development," said Liao Bingguang, a researcher with the Guangdong Academy of Social Sciences.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
CHICAGO, Feb. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (NYSE: TDS) and Array Digital Infrastructure, Inc. (NYSE: AD) (Array SM) will present at the Raymond James 47th Annual Institutional Investors Conference in Orlando, Fla. on March 3, 2026, at 10:25 a.m. ET.

Vicki L. Villacrez, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and Kris Bothfeld, Vice President of Financial Analysis and Strategic Planning, of TDS will present.

The presentation will be webcast both live and on demand. To listen to the presentation, please visit the events & presentations pages of investors.tdsinc.com or investors.arrayinc.com. It is recommended that you register at least 15 minutes before the start of the presentation to register, download and install any necessary multimedia streaming software.

About TDS

Founded in 1969, TDS provides broadband services and wireless infrastructure through its businesses, TDS Telecom and Array Digital Infrastructure, Inc.

About Array

Array is a leading owner and operator of shared wireless communications infrastructure in the United States. With over 4,400 cell towers in locations from coast to coast, Array enables the deployment of 5G and other wireless technologies throughout the country. Headquartered in Chicago, Array is approximately 82% owned by TDS.

For more information about TDS and its subsidiaries, visit:

TDS: www.tdsinc.com

TDS Telecom: www.tdstelecom.com

Array: www.arrayinc.com

SOURCE Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. and Array Digital Infrastructure, Inc.
Up to nearly 600 jobs are being cut at Aston Martin Lagonda as the luxury car maker confirmed plans to axe up to 20% of workers after seeing annual losses widen.

The group, which was revealed earlier this month to be consulting on the latest redundancy programme, said it would reduce its 2,800-strong global workforce by up to another fifth, after 170 job cuts were announced at the start of last year.

Aston Martin said: Having undertaken at the start of 2025 a process to make organisational adjustments to ensure the business was appropriately resourced for its future plans, we had to take the difficult decision at the end of 2025 to implement further changes.

This latest programme will ultimately see the departure of up to 20% of our valued workforce.

It said the redundancies came as part of aims to cut costs by around 40 million, most of which would be stripped out this year.

It is understood the majority of cuts will impact the UK, where the bulk of Aston Martins workers are based, with roles across the business being impacted, including factory staff.

The groups employees were told about the job cut programme at the end of last year.

Aston Martin is headquartered in Gaydon, Warwickshire, and also has a UK site in St Athan, Wales, as well as worldwide offices and dealerships.

Annual results from the firm showed widened pre-tax losses of 363.9 million for 2025 against losses of 289.1 million the previous year, as trading came under pressure from US tariff hikes and weak demand.

The car manufacturer warned only last week of worse-than-expected profits for 2025 on the back of falling sales as it battles pressure from US tariffs.

Total wholesale sales by volume dropped 10% to 5,448 in 2025, the company revealed.

The US is the car makers largest market but it was hit by a 10% tariff last year, reduced from a previously planned 27.5%.

London-listed Aston Martin Lagonda has been pushing forward with efforts to turn performance around under Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll.

It has acted in recent months to help boost its finances, including cutting investment plans last October.

Lawrence Stroll is the executive chairman of Aston Martin (PA) (David Davies)

Last Friday, it also revealed a deal to sell the naming rights to its Aston Martin F1 Team to related party AMR GP Holdings for 50 million.

Adrian Hallmark, Aston Martin chief executive, said: In 2025, we navigated a highly challenging trading environment whilst delivering on critical operational milestones.

An unprecedented backdrop of geopolitical uncertainties and macroeconomic pressures, including heightened tariffs in the US and China, weighed on our performance and ability to execute our plans effectively.

He added the year ahead was set to see a a material improvement in financial performance but added that tariffs remain a headache for the firm.

The group continues to engage with both the US and UK governments to secure greater clarity and certainty on the specific automotive tariff.

Whilst positive dialogue on this matter has been achieved directly with the US government, the company continues to seek more proactive support from the UK Government to protect the interests of small volume manufacturers, like Aston Martin, who provide thousands of jobs, making an important contribution to local economies and to the wider UK automotive supply chain.
Police in Australia have arrested two men for the alleged kidnapping and murder of a grandfather who was believed to have been taken from his home in a case of mistaken identity.

New South Wales police said they discovered human remains connected to the case of Chris Baghsarian, 85, a widower and grandfather who was forcibly taken from his North Ryde residence just before 5am on 13 February.

Police said it was a case of mistaken identity as he was not the intended target of the kidnapping. The kidnappers were likely aiming for a relative of Sydney businessman Dimitri Stepanyan, a convicted armed robber with alleged ties to the Alameddine crime family, local media reported.

On Wednesday, police arrested two men  one 29-year-old and the other 24-year-old  from two separate locations and took them for questioning.

"Following extensive inquiries, about 6.30am today, strike force detectives  with assistance from Raptor Squad  executed two search warrants in Kenthurst and Castle Hill," NSW police said in a statement.

"They have been taken to Riverstone Police Station, where inquiries continue."

No charges have been brought against the men yet, police said.

Police launched an immediate and large-scale search after CCTV footage captured a group of masked men bundling him into an SUV. Authorities said Baghsarian and his family did not have any links with organised crime groups and they "a million percent confident" it was a case of mistaken identity.

Pictures and videos of an injured Baghsarian circulated online, with family raising fears over the ordeal.

Footage circulating in Sydneys underworld reportedly showed Baghsarian tied up and seriously injured.

"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," the family said in a statement after the kidnapping.

In the days following the abduction, police located a burnt-out grey Toyota Corolla, which had cloned Victorian plates (DVT 007) but was believed to be stolen.

The car was seen in Glenorie on the night of 14 February and later in Pitt Town at 9.05pm, before being set alight in Westmead on 16 February.

Forensic evidence inside the car connected it to a derelict property in Dural, which police believe was used as a makeshift stronghold by the kidnappers.
Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese was evacuated from his primary official residence on Tuesday and moved to another location for several hours after a bomb threat.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) said it responded to an alleged security incident, but nothing suspicious was located in the search.

Mr Albanese was evacuated from The Lodge, his official residence in the capital, Canberra, at 6pm.

A thorough search of a protection establishment was undertaken, and nothing suspicious was located, the AFP said in a statement.

There is no current threat to the community or public safety.

Commenting publicly for the first time on Wednesday about the security scare at his residence, Mr Albanese urged Australians to turn the heat down.

I think it's just a reminder to take every opportunity to tell people turn the heat down, for goodness sake, we can't take these things for granted, just turn it down, he said.

Local media reports said that the evacuation was linked to a threat sent in a letter over upcoming performances in Australia by a classical Chinese dance and music group that remains banned in China.

The letter claimed that explosives had been planted around The Lodge and would detonate if the government went ahead with the performances by Shen Yun, a performance group which is linked with the Falun Gong religious movement, which is banned in China, according to reports.

The Shen Yun group is set to hold several concerts in Australia over the coming month.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese carries his dog named 'ToTo' outside The Lodge in Canberra (AFP/Getty)

The email was sent to the local organisers of the group, who then relayed it to the Australian police on Tuesday, prompting evacuation, local media reported.

It marked the latest threat in the series of politically motivated warnings against parliamentarians in recent years. According to the federal police, there were 950 such incidents that were investigated between 2024 to 2025.

Opposition leader Angus Taylor said he was relieved to know the prime minister was safe after evacuating.

Threats against any parliamentarian are utterly abhorrent, especially in a country built on expressing our differences through debate, he said on social media.
Bill Gates has reportedly admitted to having affairs with two Russian women amidst his apology for his ties to the late paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein.

Gates apologised to the staff of the Gates Foundation about his connection to Epstein in a town hall on Tuesday, but insisted he was not involved in the sex offenders crimes, according to The Wall Street Journal.

I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit, he said, according to the US newspaper.

He said that the photos depicting him in the recently published Epstein files show women with redacted faces were of Epsteins assistants after their meetings, it reported.

The Microsoft founder went on to open up about his personal life.

Bill Gates said the redacted photos are of Epsteins assistants after meetings (House Oversight Democrats/AFP vi)

I did have affairs, he reportedly said. One with a Russian bridge player who met me at bridge events, and one with a Russian nuclear physicist who I met through business activities.

In 2023, the Wall Street Journal reported that Epstein used his knowledge of these affairs to threaten Gates.

Gates said he started meeting with Epstein from 2011, several years after 2008, when Epstein had pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution.

He said he was conscious of some 18-month thing that restricted Epsteins travel, but admitted he didnt properly check his background, the WSJ reported.

Gates started meeting with Epstein years after he had pleaded guilty for sex crimes (via REUTERS)

He went on to confess that he continued meeting with Epstein even after his ex-wife, Melinda French Gates, showed concern in 2013.

Knowing what I know now makes it, you know, a hundred times worse in terms of not only his crimes in the past, but now its clear there was ongoing bad behaviour, Gates reportedly told staff.

Speaking of his ex-wife, he is said to have added: To give her credit, she was always kind of sceptical about the Epstein thing.

He told his staff that he continued meeting with Epstein through 2014, travelled on a private plane and spent time with him in Germany, France, New York and Washington.

Bill and Melinda Gates divorced in 2021 (PA Wire)

He maintained he never stayed overnight or visited Epsteins island.

To be clear, I never spent any time with victims, the women around him, Gates said.

He went on to say: It was a huge mistake to spend time with Epstein and bring executives of his foundation into meetings with the disgraced billionaire.

I apologise to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made, he said.

A spokesperson for the Gates Foundation said: This was a scheduled townhall with employees, which Bill does twice a year. In the conversation, Bill answered questions submitted by foundation staff on a range of issues, including the release of the Epstein files, the foundation's work in AI, and the future of global health. In the townhall, Bill spoke candidly, addressing several questions in detail, and took responsibility for his actions.
The UK Government has set a commitment to meet all cancer waiting times (Getty/iStock)

Nearly all NHS trusts across England are failing to meet a crucial cancer treatment target, with some of the poorest performing trusts only managing to treat around half of their patients within the stipulated timeframe.

New data reveals significant disparities between trusts, with some individuals enduring waits exceeding 104 days.

The long-established NHS benchmark mandates that 85 per cent of cancer patients should commence treatment within 62 days of their referral. However, this national target has not been achieved since 2014. In response to the ongoing challenges, the government has set an interim goal for this figure to reach 75 per cent by March 2026.

The new analysis of NHS England figures shows just three of 119 acute trusts with comparable data hit or surpassed the 85% target last year, while only around a quarter made it above 75%.

The three managing to meet the 85% target in 2025 were Calderdale and Huddersfield (89.2% of patients), Homerton Healthcare (85.8%) and Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells (85.7%).

The bottom five performing trusts were Mid & South Essex (seeing just 45.4% of patients within 62 days), Sheffield Teaching Hospitals (50.1%), Hull University Teaching Hospitals (53.1%), Queen Elizabeth Hospital Kings Lynn (54.2%) and Guys & St Thomas in London (55.1%).

Across England as a whole, 69.1% of patients (239,038 out of 345,847) began cancer treatment within 62 days last year, up slightly from 67.7% (221,380 out of 327,221) in 2024, but well below the target.

Some 65 of the 119 trusts saw a rise year on year in the percentage of patients seen within 62 days, while 54 saw a fall.

Four trusts made it above 85% in 2024 compared with three in 2025, with Calderdale and Huddersfield topping the list in both years.

Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, told PA: Every cancer patient deserves access to timely, high-quality care.

Although NHS staff are working hard to cope with increasing pressure on cancer services, far too many people still face unacceptable delays for vital treatment.

The UK Government has set an important commitment to meet all cancer waiting times targets in England by 2029, but this cant be achieved at the current rate of progress.

More investment in NHS workforce and equipment will be crucial to deliver genuine change for patients across the country.

Press Association analysis also shows that in a handful of trusts, at least one in seven patients who began cancer treatment in December 2025 had been waiting more than 104 days since an urgent referral.

At University Hospitals of Leicester, 13.7% of patients starting treatment in December had waited this long, as well as 14.5% of patients at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Kings Lynn, 14.9% at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and 15.5% at Guys and St Thomas.

The proportion was as high as one in six patients at Hull University Teaching Hospitals (16.5%) and Mid and South Essex (17.0%).

Here is a full list showing the percentage of patients in 2025 who began their first treatment for cancer within 62 days of an urgent referral, broken down by NHS trust.

The figures cover 119 acute NHS trusts in England that had comparable data for both 2024 and 2025.

In around a quarter of trusts in 2025 (33 of 119), at least 75% of patients began cancer treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral.

This is up slightly from 29 trusts out of 119 in 2024.

At nine in 10 trusts in 2025 (107 of 119), at least 60% of patients began treatment within 62 days  a slight improvement on 2024, when 104 of 119 trusts were above 60%.

Only one trust was below 50% in 2025  Mid & South Essex, on 45.4%  while two were under 50% in 2024: Guys & St Thomas (47.7%) and Mid & South Essex (47.0%).

The list reads, from left to right: name of NHS trust; percentage of patients in 2025 who began their first treatment for cancer within 62 days of an urgent referral; percentage (in brackets) in 2024 who began their first treatment within 62 days.

Calderdale & Huddersfield 89.2% (89.4%)

Homerton Healthcare 85.8% (79.7%)

Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells 85.7% (85.4%)

East & North Hertfordshire 84.95% (85.2%)

Ashford & St Peters Hospitals 83.6% (83.4%)

Bolton 83.4% (83.4%)

Epsom & St Helier University Hospitals 83.2% (86.6%)

Royal Cornwall Hospitals 83.2% (83.5%)

London North West University Healthcare 82.5% (77.9%)

Northumbria Healthcare 81.5% (79.1%)

Kingston & Richmond 80.7% (80.9%)

Harrogate & District 80.1% (78.4%)

Mersey & West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals 79.8% (78.9%)

Tameside & Glossop Integrated Care 79.7% (74.5%)

Whittington Health 79.3% (65.6%)

Warrington & Halton Teaching Hospitals 79.3% (78.9%)

Chelsea & Westminster Hospital 79.1% (84.6%)

Royal Surrey County Hospital 79.0% (78.8%)

Airedale 79.0% (84.0%)

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals 78.9% (73.9%)

Walsall Healthcare 78.4% (78.1%)

West Suffolk 78.3% (78.1%)

Surrey & Sussex 78.1% (73.7%)

Mid Yorkshire 77.8% (67.2%)

Frimley Health 76.8% (71.1%)

The Dudley Group 76.5% (71.3%)

Countess of Chester Hospital 76.1% (78.7%)

University Hospitals Bristol & Weston 76.1% (74.9%)

St Georges University Hospitals 75.9% (78.8%)

University College London Hospitals 75.7% (74.0%)

University Hospital Southampton 75.6% (78.4%)

Royal Devon University Healthcare 75.5% (69.7%)

Wirral University Teaching Hospital 75.02% (76.1%)

Queen Victoria Hospital 74.99% (77.8%)

Barts Health 74.8% (64.1%)

South Tyneside & Sunderland 74.3% (74.5%)

Wye Valley 74.2% (68.8%)

Barnsley Hospital 74.1% (74.6%)

East Sussex Healthcare 73.8% (68.2%)

Croydon Health Services 73.8% (78.7%)

Gloucestershire Hospitals 73.8% (66.7%)

Gateshead Health 73.7% (74.3%)

Barking, Havering & Redbridge University Hospitals 73.5% (72.5%)

East Lancashire Hospitals 73.5% (70.6%)

Royal Berkshire 73.4% (73.5%)

East Kent Hospitals University 73.1% (67.5%)

Rotherham 73.0% (76.9%)

Stockport 73.0% (70.9%)

Northern Care Alliance 72.8% (66.9%)

Bradford Teaching Hospitals 72.6% (69.8%)

Wrightington, Wigan & Leigh 72.4% (76.3%)

Portsmouth Hospitals University 72.4% (72.4%)

Liverpool University Hospitals 72.3% (70.2%)

County Durham & Darlington 72.2% (73.5%)

Cambridge University Hospitals 72.0% (73.0%)

North West Anglia 71.9% (63.7%)

Imperial College Healthcare 71.8% (73.2%)

University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay 71.5% (76.3%)

Sandwell & West Birmingham Hospitals 71.3% (69.8%)

Doncaster & Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals 71.3% (75.04%)

Great Western Hospitals 71.0% (69.2%)

Dorset County Hospital 70.8% (74.5%)

Somerset 70.7% (68.4%)

Chesterfield Royal Hospital 70.2% (74.3%)

Hampshire Hospitals 70.0% (71.8%)

Bedfordshire Hospitals 69.9% (65.8%)

University Hospitals Dorset 69.7% (68.0%)

Royal Wolverhampton 69.2% (54.4%)

Kettering General Hospital 69.1% (67.0%)

East Cheshire 69.0% (71.3%)

Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals 69.0% (61.1%)

Hillingdon Hospitals 68.9% (67.8%)

Torbay & South Devon 68.6% (71.8%)

Medway 68.5% (70.9%)

James Paget University Hospitals 68.5% (65.2%)

East Suffolk & North Essex 68.2% (73.4%)

Isle of Wight 67.6% (62.6%)

Royal United Hospitals Bath 67.3% (69.1%)

University Hospitals of Derby & Burton 67.2% (65.8%)

Mid Cheshire Hospitals 66.6% (68.9%)

Royal Free London 66.4% (54.8%)

York & Scarborough Teaching Hospitals 66.2% (69.3%)

Lewisham & Greenwich 66.1% (65.5%)

Salisbury 66.0% (71.0%)

University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire 65.9% (57.4%)

Milton Keynes University Hospital 65.6% (65.6%)

South Tees Hospitals 65.6% (60.8%)

United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals 65.3% (63.9%)

North Bristol 64.7% (62.7%)

University Hospitals of North Midlands 64.7% (64.8%)

Sherwood Forest Hospitals 64.7% (64.7%)

Northampton General Hospital 64.5% (67.4%)

Dartford & Gravesham 64.4% (71.9%)

Shrewsbury & Telford Hospital 64.4% (56.7%)

Kings College Hospital 64.3% (67.4%)

Manchester University 63.7% (56.1%)

George Eliot Hospital 63.6% (63.2%)

University Hospitals Plymouth 63.0% (66.9%)

Leeds Teaching Hospitals 62.9% (60.8%)

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals 62.8% (67.4%)

University Hospitals Sussex 62.7% (58.6%)

Buckinghamshire Healthcare 62.5% (61.6%)

Nottingham University Hospitals 61.5% (61.5%)

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals 61.3% (63.2%)

Lancashire Teaching Hospitals 61.1% (62.2%)

North Tees & Hartlepool 60.8% (67.2%)

Northern Lincolnshire & Goole 60.1% (56.3%)

University Hospitals Birmingham 59.9% (53.3%)

North Cumbria Integrated Care 59.6% (66.0%)

Oxford University Hospitals 59.6% (62.6%)

South Warwickshire 59.5% (63.4%)

Norfolk & Norwich University Hospitals 57.6% (52.1%)

Princess Alexandra Hospital 57.1% (52.5%)

University Hospitals Of Leicester 55.4% (57.3%)

Guys & St Thomas 55.1% (47.7%)

Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kings Lynn 54.2% (61.3%)

Hull University Teaching Hospitals 53.1% (54.8%)

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals 50.1% (50.7%)

Mid & South Essex 45.4% (47.0%)

Bea Taylor, fellow at the Nuffield Trust think tank, said the NHS often struggles to sustain progress on improving cancer waiting times, but there isnt time for stagnation as trusts work towards the 85% target.

For this to be achieved there is still a considerable gap to close, and the NHS will need to keep up momentum and build on it, instead of fluctuating throughout the year, she said.

The UK lags behind other countries in cancer outcomes and faces longstanding gaps in investment and staff, with key equipment like diagnostic scanners in short supply compared to countries like Germany, Sweden and Italy.

These factors also made it more difficult for the NHS to recover cancer care post-pandemic.

Taking advantage of new developments in digital technology could help, for example, by using AI to speed up diagnosis for patients, but making the UK world-leading on cancer will take time and the commitment of scarce resources in a health service already under pressure.

An NHS spokesman said: The NHS is seeing and treating record numbers of patients for cancer, with more than three quarters of people receiving a diagnosis or all clear within four weeks, but there are still too many people experiencing unacceptably long waits for their first treatment.

Our landmark National Cancer Plan sets out a clear roadmap to ensuring we are meeting all three cancer standards to see and treat patients on time over the next three years, with further improvements to make care more personalised and significantly improve survival.

Kirsten Major, chief executive of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, said: We previously had some of the best cancer waiting times, so we are concerned about the drop in performance and the impact on our patients.

This is one of our top three priorities and as such, we have already taken actions to turn this around, including additional clinics and diagnostic capacity and changes to improve and speed up the care that we provide.

She said the trust is now seeing a consistent improvement in cancer waiting times each month.

A spokesman for NHS Humber Health Partnership, representing Hull University Teaching Hospitals, said: Our clinicians are driving forward an improvement plan to ensure patients can be diagnosed more quickly and begin their treatment as soon as possible.

This plan involves a whole raft of measures changing how we work and how services are provided, from increasing diagnostics, theatres and clinics capacity.

Dawn Scrafield, chief executive of Mid & South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: Improving cancer care is one of our key priorities  we know we need to do more and that our patients deserve better.

We have invested in new technologies to help us treat cancer more quickly, and have also increased the provision of diagnostic tests, outpatient clinics and cancer surgery to reduce the time to diagnosis and treatment.

We can already see our waiting times reducing in some cancers as we deliver extra clinics and improve theatre scheduling.

A spokeswoman for Guys & St Thomas said improving how quickly people can access our services is a key priority for the trust, adding: While we have made progress in the past year, we recognise that further improvement is required and we are ambitious about how quickly we can do this.
Spending lots on your hair isnt always worth it (Getty/iStock)

The allure of lavishly packaged shampoos, promising miraculous transformations for a hefty price tag, often leaves consumers questioning whether their expensive formulations truly outperform their more affordable high-street counterparts. Experts suggest that budget-friendly shampoos and conditioners, readily available in supermarkets and pharmacies, can be just as effective as premium brands, advising a focus on ingredients, individual scalp and hair needs, and overall hair care routines.

While some premium brands do contain active ingredients that naturally incur higher costs, other factors influencing price include the size of the manufacturing company and investments in organic ingredients, sustainable agriculture, and recycled materials.

Dr Crystal Aguh, a dermatologist and director of the Ethnic Skin Program at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, categorises hair into two main types: damage-prone and damage-resistant. Damage-prone hair typically includes very curly hair, chemically treated hair, and hair styled with hot tools. Conversely, damage-resistant attributes are often found in oily and straight hair.

For those with damage-prone hair, Dr Aguh recommends avoiding shampoos where sodium lauryl sulfate is a primary ingredient, as it can strip away sebum, the natural oil that protects hair, leading to dryness and breakage. She advises less frequent washing for curly or dyed hair to preserve sebum, suggesting weekly washes for tightly curled or coily hair, and every two to three days for wavy or dyed hair. Damage-resistant hair, being oily and straight, can tolerate daily washing.

Experts suggest that budget-friendly shampoos and conditioners can be just as effective as premium brands (AP)

Dr Aguh stresses that while expensive products can be effective, many affordable options perform equally well. She often tells her patients that "its not the products, its the process" that most significantly impacts hair health, referring to factors like washing frequency, dyeing, and heat styling.

"Instead of spending hundreds of dollars thinking, 'If I just find the right shampoo, right conditioner, all of my troubles will go away,' you also have to just look at what your process looks like  because that will often do the trick," she explains. She also notes that mixing high-end and mass-market products is perfectly acceptable, and theres no need to purchase an entire expensive product line. The lower cost of some common brands, she adds, is often due to economies of scale achieved by large corporations. For conditions like dandruff, Dr Aguh frequently recommends over-the-counter shampoos, though persistent issues warrant a doctor's visit.

Dr Joe Tung, a dermatologist at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, encourages viewing shampoo as skincare for the scalp rather than merely a cosmetic product. He explains: "Hair itself is biologically inactive once it grows out, but underneath the surface of the skin on the scalp is a full ecosystem with stem cells, immune cells, oil glands, nerve endings. When that ecosystem is balanced, the scalp feels comfortable and hair grows optimally; when it is disrupted, people can experience itching, flaking, excess oil, or hair loss."

Dr Tung advises selecting shampoo based on scalp needs and conditioner based on hair texture and damage level. Shampoos addressing inflammation and microbial imbalance benefit dandruff and itchiness, while dry or chemically treated hair may thrive with a gentle cleanser and rich conditioner. He acknowledges that expensive shampoos and conditioners can be worthwhile, but ultimately, a product's efficacy stems from its active ingredients, not its branding.

Carol Young has her hair washed and is treated by Ashleah Walker at McCabe Studio at Union Market in Washington (AP)

"An antifungal ingredient works because of its molecular activity, not because it comes in a luxury bottle or from a prestigious brand," he states. While luxury shampoos may offer refined conditioning agents and soothing ingredients for comfort, some can contain fragrances or botanical extracts that irritate sensitive skin, making simpler formulas often preferable for those with sensitivities.

Monique Mason, owner of MOKO Organic Beauty Studio in Philadelphia, which stocks organic shampoos and conditioners ranging from $24 to $45, highlights ingredients as a primary price driver. Organic products typically avoid inexpensive sulfates, synthetic fragrances, and parabens common in the personal care industry. Mason also meticulously researches brands to verify their sustainability claims, stating: "I get to know them, whether theyre family-owned, how they farm, how they source their ingredients."
Director Oliver Laxe says he wants audiences to have an immersive experience when watching his film Sirat.

The French-born, Galician filmmaker believes cinema should be a powerful visual and auditory experience, one that allows audiences to feel things they cannot encounter in everyday life.

His fourth film, Sirat, has been nominated for Best International Film and Best Sound at the Oscars.

Set in the mountains of southern Morocco, it follows a father (Sergi Lopez) and his son (Bruno Nunez Arjona) who arrive at a remote rave in search of Mar, their missing daughter and sister.

Writer and director Oliver Laxe on set of Sirat (Quim Vives/PA)

Surrounded by electronic music and a raw, unfamiliar sense of freedom, they follow a group of ravers heading to one final party in the desert.

As they venture deeper into the burning wilderness, the journey forces them to confront their own limits.

This is my fourth film and my work reflects a radical belief in and trust in cinema, the 43-year-old filmmaker told the Press Association.

For me, the ontology of cinema is image and sound. We spent 10 years writing the script for Sirat, constantly changing and refining it. In the end, it was just 50 pages. I wanted fewer pages and more cinema.

Cinema has its own specific tools to express things. Were living in a time when people arent going to the cinema as much, partly because many scenes now feel like television series. And you dont go to the cinema to watch television, you stay at home for that.

We have to remember that cinemas and theatres are places of transformation. They are spaces where people can feel things they cannot experience in their everyday lives.

Sergi Lopez and Bruno Nunez Arjona star in Sirat (Quim Vives/PA)

The film, which features dialogue in French, Spanish, and Arabic, explores themes of life, death, and fragility.

Its important to connect with your fragility, Laxe explained.

We wanted people to die while watching the film, because we think its healthy to die, metaphorically. We have to die more.

We live in a society that is constantly escaping from death, and that makes us more immature and more afraid of everything. So its good to use cinema and theatres as places for catharsis.

The film premiered last year at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Grand Jury Prize.

Speaking about the movies award recognition, Laxe said: Being nominated for two Oscars is huge. But being nominated with a film like Sirat, something so radical and artistic, such a bold proposition is even more powerful. It gives me a lot of confidence for the future.

For my next film, I feel I have a real opportunity to use this weapon that is cinema to heal. I would like it to be another kind of ceremony for people. This film is shock therapy. The next one will offer more therapy than shock.

Sirat is in UK cinemas on Friday.
Jeffrey Epstein filled a hidden storage unit with computers, pornographic magazines, VHS tapes and DVDs of teenagers and training manuals for sex slaves, among other items, according to an inventory of the locker obtained by The Telegraph.

The convicted sex offender retained several storage units for over 16 years, and allegedly hired private detectives to move items from his Florida property in an apparent attempt to evade law enforcement before a police raid in 2005.

Epsteins unit appears to have evaded law enforcement scrutiny while the late financier remained under state and federal investigation. He pleaded guilty to state charges of procuring a child for prostitution and soliciting a prostitute in 2008 under a controversial plea agreement that avoided federal charges.

The disclosure of the materials  which also include letters, 29 address books and a three-page list of local masseuses, according to The Telegraph  follows growing scrutiny into his crimes and alleged connections to a wider network of powerful figures in the wake of the release of millions of pages of documents stemming from investigations into the pedophile and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell.

By the time Palm Beach police raided Epsteins mansion in 2005, most of the evidence they sought had disappeared. Three computers were missing, with only keyboards left behind.

Epstein leased more than a dozen storage units and allegedly evaded law enforcement by stuffing one with pornography, sex slave manuals, address books and other materials (Department of Justice)

Documents obtained by The Telegraph suggest Epstein was paying private investigators to remove incriminating evidence from his home into lockers across Palm Beach County and elsewhere.

Credit card statements reveal that he began renting the lockers as early as 2003. He continued making monthly payments to at least one facility until 2019, the year he died while in jail awaiting trial on federal trafficking charges.

The hidden storage locker also contained nude photographs of people believed to be of Epsteins victims, a 2005 calendar, greeting cards, laboratory results, and an 8mm video cassette tape containing footage of someone in the shower and a woman in lingerie, The Telegraph reported.

The contents of the sex slave manuals and other media allegedly contained in the lockers are unclear.

It was also not immediately clear whether the items were recovered by federal investigators building the case against him, or if they are subject to release under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

Asked whether the materials are being reviewed by federal law enforcement or could be released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, the FBI declined to comment to The Independent.

The Independent has requested comment from the Department of Justice .

Epstein continued to rent at least one storage unit through 2019, when he died in jail awaiting trial on federal trafficking charges (AP)

The Justice Department published millions of pages of files connected to the predator after blowing deadlines for the full disclosure of all documents in the possession of federal law enforcement.

The files contain thousands of emails, court documents, photos and videos, many of which include images or references to high-profile figures, including President Donald Trump, former President Bill Clinton, billionaire Elon Musk and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, among others.

Trump  Palm Beachs most prominent resident whose name has appeared thousands of times in the files  socialized with Epstein throughout the 1990s and 2000s. Epstein once described himself as the presidents closest friend.

The president insists he cut ties with Epstein years before he was under investigation and has repeatedly characterized the files as a hoax perpetuated by Democratic officials to distract from his agenda. He has not been accused of criminal wrongdoing, and ones appearance in the files does not suggest otherwise.

Epsteins accusers, who watched Trumps State of the Union, continue to demand transparency from federal law enforcement amid the release of previously undisclosed evidence connected to the late sex offender (AFP via Getty Images)

Following the release of the files, British police arrested the former Prince Andrew and former U.K. ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, in probes tied to their connections to Epstein.

In the U.S., alleged co-conspirator Les Wexner, the billionaire former Victorias Secret CEO, testified to members of Congress that he was conned by Epstein as he denied wrongdoing in his association the disgraced financier.

Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers resigned from Harvard University, billionaire Tom Pritzker stepped down from his role as executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels Corp, and former White House counsel Kathy Ruemmler resigned from Goldman Sachs after the release of the files.
David and Victoria Beckham attended a joint birthday party for their son Cruz and a friend at a swish London pub.

The Beckham parents, along with Cruzs brother, Romeo, joined the event at the Fat Badger in Notting Hill - as the feud with eldest son Brooklyn rumbles on.

Cruz recently turned 21, and his girlfriend Jackie Apostel was also at the dinner.

The event was also to celebrate the familys close friend Caroline Gautier, who is also working on Cruzs music career, with his band The Breakers.

David and Victoria attended a party for their son last night (Ian West/PA) (PA Archive)

Cruz's birthday seems to have gone on and on but the Beckhams love a party and they love to look after their friends, a source told The Daily Mail.

They all had a great time, there was great food and dancing, and lots of laughs.

It was an eclectic group but the Beckhams are a well connected bunch.

Other standout names at the party included Davids best friend David Gardner and his girlfriend Jessica Clarke, and Arsenal striker Ian Wright and partner Nancy Hallam.

Last week, David and Victoria Beckham led birthday tributes to Cruz.

David, 50, was quick to post a childhood video of his son, along with a sweet tribute.

His mum, Victoria, 51, also shared a video, saying she could not be prouder of the sweet, kind, talented young man [he has] become.

Meanwhile, Brooklyn, 26 - who does not follow Cruz on social media - ignored his brothers milestone, and was spotted at a food festival in Miami, as the rift with his family continues.

David uploaded a sweet tribute, which included a snap of Cruz and Victoria (Instagram) (Instagram/Victoria Beckham)

Happy 21st birthday to my little boy, David wrote.

Not so little anymore but the proudest thing that I am of you is the person and man that you have become, you are kind, considerate and fiercely loyal to your family , friends and everyone around you which makes you a very special person.

You are on your own journey in life and you are working hard and having fun which is what life is all about... We love you Cruzie and hope you have the most amazing day because you deserve to.

Brooklyn was hosting at the 2026 South Beach Wine & Food Festival in Miami, Florida.

The amateur chef owns his own hot sauce brand, Cloud23, which he was promoting at the event, which cost 200 a ticket.

Brooklyn shocked the world when he posted a six-page statement on his Instagram story last month, saying he did not wish to reconcile with his parents.
Tuesdays execution follows a record 19 in Florida last year (AFP via Getty Images)

A man convicted of killing a 70-year-old grocery store owner has been put to death in Florida, becoming the second person executed by the state this year after a record 19 executions in 2025.

Melvin Trotter, 65, was pronounced dead at 6:15 p.m. after a lethal injection at Florida State Prison near Starke for the 1986 stabbing death of Virgie Langford.

The curtain to the execution chamber went up at the scheduled 6 p.m. execution time. Trotter declined to give a last statement and the drugs began flowing about two minutes later. Trotter began to breath heavily and twitch about a minute afterward. Then his movements slowed about two minutes later.

The prison warden checked Trotter's face and shouted his name, but there was no reaction. A medic was then called in at 6:14 p.m. to check the inmate's vital signs and Trotter was declared dead a minute later.

Alex Lanfranconi, a spokesman for Gov. Ron DeSantis, said there were no complications.

Police found a T-shirt with Langfords blood type at Trotters home and the mans handprint on a meat cooler at the store (Florida Department of Correction)

Trotter was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death in 1987. After the state Supreme Court found the trial court erred in handling aggravating factors in his case, he again drew the death penalty at resentencing in 1993.

Hours before Tuesday's execution, Florida Corrections officials said, Trotter awoke at 3:20 a.m. and had one visitor during the day. He requested a meal that included fish, cornbread, cake and soda.

The execution and another earlier this month in Florida follow the unprecedented 19 executions by the state last year.

In 2025, Republican Ron DeSantis oversaw more executions in a single year than any other Florida governor since the death penalty's reinstatement in 1976. The previous Florida record was eight executions in 2014.

According to court records, Trotter stabbed and strangled Langford on June 16, 1986, at her store in Palmetto near the southern edge of Tampa Bay. Afterward, a truck driver found Langford bleeding but alive on the back floor of the store, and she provided key details about her attacker before dying at a hospital.

Besides recalling Trotters physical appearance, Langford said he had a Tropicana employee badge with the name Melvin on it. According to court records, police later found a T-shirt with Langfords blood type at Trotters home and the mans handprint on a meat cooler at the store.

The Florida Supreme Court recently denied appeals in which Trotter's attorneys argued officials had mismanaged his death penalty protocols. They also argued Trotter's advanced age of 65 should exempt him from execution.

The U.S. Supreme Court denied Trotters final appeal Tuesday.

Separately, Justice Sonia Sotomayor raised questions about the states administration of lethal drugs. Trotters attorneys argued that Florida could maladminister the states protocol in a way that heightens the risk for a mangled execution in violation of the Eighth Amendment's prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment.

Sotomayor wrote that, going forward, she hopes the state will recognize the paramount importance of ensuring that it conducts executions consistently with the proper protocols.

A total of 47 people were executed in the U.S. in 2025. Florida led the way with a flurry of death warrants signed by DeSantis. Alabama, South Carolina and Texas tied for second with five executions each last year.

Besides the two Florida executions this year, Texas and Oklahoma have conducted one execution each so far in 2026.

On Feb. 10, a man convicted of killing a traveling salesperson became the first person executed in Florida this year. Ronald Palmer Heath, 64, received a lethal injection for the 1989 killing of Michael Sheridan.

Two more Florida executions are scheduled next month starting with Billy Leon Kearse on March 3 and Michael Lee King on March 17.

All Florida executions are carried out by injecting a sedative, a paralytic and a drug that stops the heart, according to the Department of Corrections.
HOUSTON, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On January 29, 2026, DISA Global Solutions hosted its annual Screening, Safety & Strategy Conference, gathering 1,000 industry leaders and professionals for an event that featured 27 speakers across 22 sessions. Since its launch in 2018, the event has grown into the nation's leading HR screening conference, delivering critical updates on regulatory compliance and best practices.

The Largest HR Conference Focused on Screening in America

Over the last two years, this annual gathering has been the largest conference of its kind. The Screening, Safety, & Strategy Conference offers attendees a deep dive into HR trends shaping the future of workforce management, employee screening, and compliance challenges.

As employers face increasing complexity in hiring and safety, events like these play a crucial role in keeping industry leaders up to date on trends. By attending, employers can stay on top of their organizations' compliance needs, aligning them against changing regulations, and walk away from the conference armed with best practices from other industry leaders.

Industry Experts Lead the Conversation

The conference agenda was anchored by subject-matter experts who addressed the most pressing challenges in the industry. The 2026 lineup featured a "who's who" of compliance and legal authorities, including several notable speakers who regularly keynote other events:

Pam Devata (Partner, Seyfarth Shaw LLP)

(Partner, Seyfarth Shaw LLP) Faye Caldwell (Managing Partner, Caldwell Everson PLLC)

(Managing Partner, Caldwell Everson PLLC) Melissa Sorenson (Executive Director, Professional Background Screening Association)

(Executive Director, Professional Background Screening Association) Jo McGuire (Executive Director, National Drug & Alcohol Screening Association)

(Executive Director, National Drug & Alcohol Screening Association) Brenna Lyles (Vice President, Safety Policy American Trucking Associations)

(Vice President, Safety Policy American Trucking Associations) Juan Moya (Director, Motor Carrier and Pipeline Services Current Consulting Group LLC)

(Director, Motor Carrier and Pipeline Services Current Consulting Group LLC) And 21 more!

By bringing together legal minds and regulatory veterans, these sessions provided actionable takeaways for the conference's attendees.

Attendee Ratings at an All-time High!

After the January 2026 event, attendees were sent a survey with the leading question, "How likely are you to recommend this conference to a friend or colleague?" Attendees responded with 96% indicating they were "Likely" (17%) or "Highly Likely" (79%) to recommend this conference.

The post conference survey also saw:

A near-perfect 98% intent to return for next year.

81% of attendees said the event was better than other conferences they attend. 51% of all attendees said the event was " Much Better" than other conferences they attend! 30% of all attendees said the event was " Better" than other conferences they attend! 17% of attendees said the event was " as good as " other conferences they attend! <2% said this conference "not as good" as other conferences they attend.

4.6 out of 5 rating for overall event experience.

4.7 out of 5 rating for speaker quality and session presentations.

Hear From Our Attendees

While the record-breaking attendance numbers tell the story of the conference's growth, the true measure of the event's impact is found in the voices of the professionals who participated. Here is what some of this year's attendees had to say about their experience:

"The first time I attended Day with DISA five years ago was great, but not THIS great! It has really stepped up... I got so much out of the sessions!"

"The conference was highly informative and well organized. The sessions were engaging and provided valuable insights that will be beneficial to my work."

"Loved the content format and speakers. Excellent execution of the details... I thoroughly enjoyed this event!"

"All of the speakers were amazing. They brought ENERGY... learned so much."

"Our team plans to attend annually. Great experience."

The Event Motto - 10% Better

The conference's success is consistently driven by the organizers' motto of "10% better." The event organizers are committed to improving every aspect of the conference by at least 10% each year. As John Peterson, President & CEO of DISA Global Solutions, put it:

"We have a commitment to becoming '10% better' each year in everything we do. Whether it's through our technology or this conference, our goal is to constantly elevate the standard of care we provide. We want every attendee to leave knowing that DISA is just as invested in their success as they are."

Join DISA Global Solutions in 2027

We invite you to experience this industry-leading event firsthand next year. Save the date for DISA's 2027 conference, held on January 14, 2027, at the Marriott Marquis, Houston, TX.

To see what you missed and prepare for next year, view the 2026 conference info at daywithdisa.com .

About DISA Global Solutions

Founded in 1986, DISA Global Solutions (www.disa.com) is the industry-leading provider of employee screening and compliance services. Headquartered in Houston, with offices throughout North America and Europe, DISA's comprehensive scope of services includes background screening, drug and alcohol testing, DOT & HR compliance, occupational health services, and I-9/ E-Verify. DISA assists employers in making informed staffing decisions while building a culture of safety in their workplace.

SOURCE DISA Global Solutions
Robert Garcia, the ranking member of the House oversight committee. Photograph: Shutterstock (Photograph: Shutterstock)

Democrats on the House oversight and government reform committee announced on Tuesday the launch of an investigation to determine whether the US Department of Justice (DoJ) purposely withheld materials that pertain to allegations against Donald Trump in the governments release of the Epstein files.

The lawmakers pledged to look into a report that Trump had been accused by a woman of sexually abusing her decades ago when she was a minor, and that material relating to the allegation in the Epstein files has not been released to the public.

The latest report refers to documents allegedly within the official records known as the Epstein files, of which more than 3m documents have been released relating to the late sex offender and disgraced New York financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Related: Bill Gates apologizes to foundation staff for Jeffrey Epstein ties

Congressman Robert Garcia of California, a Democrat and the ranking member of the committee, said in a statement that he reviewed unredacted evidence logs at the justice department and that oversight Democrats can confirm that the DoJ appears to have illegally withheld FBI interviews with this survivor who accused President Trump of heinous crimes.

Under the oversight committees subpoena and the Epstein Files Transparency Act, these records must immediately be shared with Congress and the American public, said Garcia. Covering up direct evidence of a potential assault by the president of the United States is the most serious possible crime in this White House cover-up.

The oversight committees announcement coincided with the publication of an investigative report by NPR on Tuesday, which asserted that the DoJ withheld what appears to be more than 50 pages of FBI interviews, and notes from conversations with a woman who accused Trump of sexual abuse decades ago when she was a minor.

The report also says that the justice department removed some documents from the public database where accusations against Jeffrey Epstein also mention Trump.

NPRs investigation said that one lead involving Trump was sent to the FBIs Washington office with the intent to set up an interview with the woman accusing him. The lead was included in an internal slide deck detailing prominent names in the sex-trafficking investigations into Epstein and his convicted associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, last year.

The accuser directly named Trump in her allegation made in 2019, according to NPR, reportedly saying Epstein introduced her to him in about 1983, when she was 13 and Trump was a New York businessman and would have been in his mid-30s, and that there was an attempt at sexual contact.

When asked for comment, the White House did not respond to the reported allegation specifically but referred to a recent X post, which denies any wrongdoing in the way the files are being handled. [The justice department] has repeatedly said publicly AND directly to [NPR] prior to deadline  NOTHING has been deleted. If files are temporarily pulled for victim redactions or to redact Personally Identifiable Information, then those documents are promptly restored online and are publicly available, the statement said.

ALL responsive documents have been produced unless a document falls within one of the following categories: duplicates, privileged, or part of an ongoing federal investigation, the White House said.

The statement also said that Democrats on the House oversight committee should stop misleading the public while manufacturing outrage from their radical anti-Trump base.

Trump has previously denied any wrongdoing in relation to the activities of Epstein and the federal case that was upended when Epstein killed himself in jail while awaiting trial in New York in 2019.
The Texas congressman Al Green holds up a sign in the House chamber. He was ejected soon afterwards. Photograph: Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters (Photograph: Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters)

As dozens of their colleagues boycotted Trumps State of the Union address, several of the Democrats in the House chamber on Tuesday night made their opposition to the presidents remarks clear.

Congressman Al Green was ejected from the speech almost immediately, marking the second year in a row he has been removed from the annual event. After being ordered out by the House speaker, Mike Johnson, during last years speech for yelling responses as the president spoke, this years protest from the Texas representative was silent but pointed.

As Trump began his address and other attenders sat down, Green lingered in the center aisle brandishing a sign that read Black people arent apes! He continued to hold the sign  a reference to the US president sharing a racist video depiction of Barack and Michelle Obama  as he was escorted from the room, even as multiple Republican representatives tried to grab at it or block it from being viewed by cameras.

Representative Troy Nehls, also from Texas, could be seen aggressively engaging with Green as he passed by, just before a staffer escorted the Democratic lawmaker to the door. Senator Markwayne Mullin also approached Green menacingly.

As Green walked out of the chamber, clutching his walking stick and protest sign, there were some acrimonious exchanges with Republicans, a few of whom began chanting USA! USA!

Greens seat was left empty save for a handwritten cardboard sign that said Al Green.

Green has been among Trumps top critics, and was the first member of Congress to call for his impeachment, as early as 2017. He also represents a predominantly African American district and has long fought for civil rights.

His removal for the second time was of no consequence, Green told reporters outside the chamber, as he still held his sign for cameras to see. He said nothing would prevent him from doing what he believed was a righteous thing to do. You have to take a stand, he added. I am just a person who has done it  but there are many others, I believe, who would.

Green was not alone in his protests against the president. Democrats spent much of the speech solemnly sitting as their Republican colleagues leapt to their feet to clap at the end of just about every sentence uttered by Trump.

Several Democrats walked out early. Senator Mark Warner, a Democrat from Virginia, posted on the social media network Bluesky that he couldnt sit through an hour of Trumps lies, and left while the president inflated his economic achievements. Representative Bill Foster from Illinois shared on X that he gave himself 5 bald-faced lies  the same as last year  before he left. Less than one hour into his speech, Im out, he wrote.

As Trump made comments about his immigration enforcement agenda to a standing ovation from Republicans, and as he rebuked Democrats for not joining as he called for Congress to fund the Department of Homeland Security, Representative Rashida Tlaib, who was sporting a pin that read release the files, could be heard yelling back about the killing of Alex Pretti, a Minneapolis nurse shot to death by federal agents.

They saw the videos, Mr President, she yelled, They saw the videos.

Representative Ilhan Omar shouted You should be ashamed, as Trump told Democrats they should be ashamed, and repeatedly yelled you have killed Americans.

Omar and Tlaib could be seen leaving the House chamber together before the speech ended.
The designated survivor for President Donald Trumps State of the Union address tonight has been revealed  and its a person well-acquainted with the responsibility.

The Cabinet member serving as this years designated survivor is Doug Collins, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, according to CNN. Collins was previously tapped for this role during Trumps last joint session of Congress in March 2025.

The term designated survivor refers to a person in the presidential line of succession who is chosen to stay away from the State of the Union address or other similar gatherings typically attended by all Cabinet officials.

This precaution ensures that if a catastrophic event occurs, someone will remain alive to lead the executive branch. The tradition is believed to date back to the Cold War era, when the government was concerned about nuclear strikes from the Soviet Union.

The designated survivor has most frequently been a Secretary from the Departments of the Interior, Agriculture, and Commerce, according to the Congressional Research Service.

The designated survivor for Trumps State of the Union address has been revealed (AFP via Getty Images)

Previously, Joe Bidens Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, Labor Secretary Marty Walsh and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo have been chosen.

Lawmakers have also selected their own member to remain absent from tonights speech in the event of calamity.

Rep. Mike Thompson, a California Democrat, is the Democrats designated survivor for Trumps address. Thompson said in a press release that House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries chose him for the role. Its not clear if a Republican counterpart has been chosen.

Congressional leaders have tapped a designated survivor since the September 11, 2001, terror attacks in order to ensure continuity of the legislative branch.

Thus far, designated survivors have never been needed to assume power during a State of the Union address.
The creator of Dirty Business, the campaigning Channel 4 drama thats drawn comparisons to Mr Bates vs the Post Office, says he has been inundated with furious messages from Brits who feel powerless in light of the raw sewage scandal  and are calling for change.

Dirty Business, which airs its finale tonight, dramatises two Oxfordshire residents 10-year investigation into raw sewage contaminations by water companies in the UK.

The three-parter has been hailed as a five-star hit, with critics and viewers alike full of praise for its unflinching look at how faeces, condoms and dirty nappies made their way into Englands rivers and seas.

The situation we have is just about the worst possible situation that we, the British people, will accept without there being some kind of revolution, writer and director Joseph Bullman tells The Independent. Its just the worst imaginable thing, other than pouring s***e through our taps  so you hope theres going to be some change.

People feel impotent. They feel like whatever we say to our political class, we get the same policies, election after election, government after government. Everyone wants our system to be different, no one knows how to elect a government thats going to change it.

In the series, two middle-aged Cotswolds neighbours, biologist Peter Hammond (Jason Watkins) and ex-copper Ash Smith (David Thewlis), begin investigating why the local wildlife has abandoned their increasingly browning River Windrush.

Jason Watkins and David Thewlis star as biologist Peter Hammond and ex-copper Ash Smith (Channel 4)

While being fobbed off with countless emails from dismissive Environment Agency representatives  who are meant to be regulating the water companies  they discover via whistleblowers that water companies have been illegally pumping vast amounts of raw sewage into the waterways.

Bullman was fresh from creating Channel 4s Partygate  a satirical take on the political scandal under Boris Johnsons leadership  when he stumbled upon an article on the privatisation of British water suppliers. As explored in the show, Thames Water was owned by Australian bank Macquarie before being sold to Canadian pension fund OMERS and the Kuwait Investment Authority in 2017.

I thought to myself, surely theres some kind of story there, and I very quickly realised that all our water companies are owned by overseas investment banks or private asset management firms, he says.

He worked on the project for two years, but used the decade-long research of campaigners Smith and Hammond as the basis for the films. Theyre national heroes, Ash and Peter, and should become knights of the realm because they have worked for 10 years to bring this to the attention of everyone, he says.

Joseph Bullman: Looking at Dirty Business and the water industry, its such an incredibly Byzantine, complex story (Getty)

For Bullman, factual dramas are vital to raising awareness of scandals like these. When you do something that strikes a chord with peoples lived experiences, you get a response that resonates in a way that you dont get with a lot of conventional dramas, he says.

I feel a swelling up of anger on this and people connect to it because its about something they can see in their own lives.

Theres some good drama made in this country, but a lot of it feels very homogenised and made with the international streaming market in mind  lots of serial killers, strong female detectives, missing children. I think that feels a bit remote for people.

One particularly harrowing scene in Dirty Business sees the parents of eight-year-old Heather Preen cling to her lifeless body after shes infected with E-coli, two weeks after falling into a pool of allegedly contaminated water on a Devon beach. A jury returned a verdict of misadventure during an inquest into her 1999 death, with South West Water and the Environment Agency denying responsibility.

With tragic stories like these being portrayed throughout the series, Bullman wanted to bring some humour and levity to other parts of the investigation  and some of the Environment Agencys responses were prime comedy material.

The tragedy of Heather Preen (Madison Waterworth) plays out during the series (Channel 4)

Looking at Dirty Business and the water industry, its such an incredibly Byzantine, complex story and some stuff is funny. I thought, Can I ask audiences for three hours to watch this ecocide, where theyre killing everything that lives in the rivers and putting peoples lives at risk? Why make it relentlessly bleak because thats not what life is like?

Episode three gets inside the Environment Agency and the policies that theyve implemented are so farcical. At one stage, they took cars off of the employees inside the agency who investigate the sewage works because they said they were trying to turn the needle on climate change, so they had no way to drive to the rivers and coasts to look into it.

Last year, several water companies were handed large fines over wastewater treatment failures, with South West Water agreeing to pay 24m, while Thames Water was hit with a record 104m fine by Ofwat in May over environmental breaches involving sewage spills.

However, Bullman is hoping that water regulation will go even further.

The Environment Agency, for many years, has been operating a policy called operator self-monitoring, which means they invite the water companies to regulate themselves, he says. The agency has been defanged and gone on to do the bidding of the water companies  that has to end. We need a real regulator.

The three-part show is based on a decades worth of research (Channel 4)

No water company executive has ever been prosecuted, no water company owner, board member or investor has ever gone to prison, he adds. What we need in the first instance is for our laws to be enforced.

Boris Johnsons government and this government said they were going to introduce tough legal sanctions but theyve existed for decades now and theyve never been enforced. We need the regulation to be taken seriously.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency told The Independent that their sympathies are with the family of Heather Preen and that the show raises important issues about water quality, the actions of water companies and regulation of the sector over recent decades.

Our priority is always to protect the environment for people and wildlife, and the organisation has undergone significant changes in recent years to better tackle water pollution, they said. More people, better data and increased powers mean we will always act on intelligence of potential offences.

This year we are on track to do 10,000 inspections of water company assets, rooting out wrongdoing and driving better performance. Since 2015, we have concluded 69 prosecutions against water and sewerage companies securing fines of over 153m.
Wayve, the self-driving car firm set to launch robotaxis on UK roads, has raised 1.5 billion US dollars (1.1 billion) from investors including Uber, Microsoft and chip giant Nvidia.

It has secured 1.2 billion dollars (890 million) through a funding round backed by the major tech firms, institutional investors and car makers, with Uber investing extra funds to help deliver its driverless taxi plans.

The Series D funding round, which is one of the largest ever for a British start-up, values the London-based business at around 8.6 billion dollars (6.4 billion).

Major car manufacturers Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Stellantis have also injected cash as part of the deal.

Wayve plans to launch in London in partnership with Uber later this year (Wayve/PA)

It comes as Wayve prepares to launch robotaxis in London later this year as part of a partnership with ride-hailing platform Uber.

Wayve said it will launch the commercial robotaxi trials in the city in 2026 with ambitions to deploy its supervised autonomy software in consumer vehicles from 2027.

The companys technology used artificial intelligence models which learn how to drive using video content, driving data and recognising patterns.

US rival Waymo has also revealed plans to make its driverless private hire vehicles available in London from next year.

Wayves fresh funding round was led by investors Eclipse, Balderton and SoftBank Vision Fund 2, and also saw new investment from Ontario Teachers Pension Plan, Baillie Gifford, British Business Bank, Icehouse Ventures, Schroders Capital and other institutional investors.

Bosses said the investment will accelerate Wayves plans to launch its technology into commercial vehicles.

Alex Kendall, co-founder and chief executive of Wayve, said: With 1.5 billion dollars secured, we are building for a total addressable market that spans every vehicle that moves.

Autonomy will not scale through city-by-city robotaxi deployments alone.

It will scale through a trusted platform that automakers and fleets can deploy globally and improve continuously.

Uber chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi said: We are very proud to continue to deepen our partnership with Wayve, with plans to deploy together in more than 10 markets around the world.

Wayves powerful end-to-end approach is purpose-built for scale, safety and effectiveness, and were excited to work with them across multiple OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) and geographies, which well share more about soon.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: Wayve is a powerful example of the strength, ambition and potential of Britains innovative firms.

This fund raise demonstrates the international confidence in our brilliant AI sector and reaffirms Britains position as the leading scale-up ecosystem in Europe.

We will continue to create the conditions for world-leading firms like Wayve to start, grow and scale, creating great jobs and opportunities for people in every corner of our country.
Keir Starmer tried to scare off residents in Gorton and Denton from voting for the Greens or Reform during this weeks PMQs - House of Commons

That wasnt a PMQs, it was a party political broadcast for the Gorton and Denton by-election, in which case Keir Starmer staked far too much on residents watching Parliament at midday during the working week (highly unlikely: Bargain Hunts on BBC1).

Nevertheless, the PM had a spring in his step; whips had planted questions like helpful bulbs across the House. Does he agree Reform are Nazis? Does he worry, as I do Mr Speaker, that the Greens might be working for Russia?

One backbencher asked for his views on Gaza, and Keir delivered a carefully worded critique of Israel that Im sure will be translated a million ways and through the letterbox by 5pm.

The only fly in the ointment? Kemi Badenoch with a tricky question about student loans. People are calling the Tories irrelevant, replied the PM. People are calling Labour the paedo defenders party, replied Kemi, triggering outrage on the government benches.

On a totally unrelated note, the Speaker elsewhere advised the House that it was he who advised the rozzers that Peter Mandelson might be a flight risk, after picking up some gossip on a holiday in the Virgin Islands. Wonderfully catty, deliciously malicious! Im tempted to phone in a tip that I saw Mandy buying a rubber dinghy in a desperate bid to cross the Channel. Lets see if we can get the old sleaze fitted with an ankle monitor.

Kemi, worrying that shed not been offensive enough, next referred to the Bank of England, noting that it was where the Chancellor used to work in customer services. The Chancellor appeared to mouth f--- off. Final proof that she has indeed worked in a complaints department.

Kemi Badenoch had a dig at Rachel Reeves over allegations she embellished her CV - House of Commons

The parties accuse each other of exploiting tensions across a divided nation, but no constituency in Britain is as grimly sectarian as the political class. The PM claimed that a Reform councillor had called for an MP to be shot. A Tory alleged that a sitting Labour councillor had attacked someone with an axe handle and been pictured with convicted drug dealers.

The PM, turning his own guns on the Greens, noted with horror that they intended to legalise all drugs: the idea, as the father of a teenage boy, that when he turns 18  it would be lawful to provide him with heroin and crack cocaine is absolutely disgusting!

The idea that Keir Jr would, upon hitting adulthood, run out to purchase a bag of Charlie suggests the Starmer family is not half as dull as we thought. Is there a dash of royal blood in the veins?

Imran Hussain, who usually asks relevant questions about Kashmir, accused Reform of whipping up Islamophobia, apparently unaware that Nigel is being called a race traitor by the far-Right for employing too many Muslims.

But if you want a politician who ticks all culture war boxes, theres a Muslim running for Birmingham city council  Shahid Butt  who was once convicted of trying to blow up a British consulate (he protests his innocence) but today complains that immigration is out of control. He told a newspaper: I also dont want any Tom, Dick or Harry coming over and living in our communities.

And they say people arent integrating! I guarantee, when Shamima Begum finally gets home, the first thing shell say is: Britain is full.
Ofgem has reduced the energy price cap by 117 to 1,641 a year for a typical dual fuel household.

However, the cut is less than previously promised.

At the November budget, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: I can tell you today that for every family we are keeping our promise to get energy bills down and cut the cost of living with 150 cut from the average household bill from April next year.

Britains energy debts have been pushed to record levels, partially due to inflated gas market prices as gas by tanker is imported from the US and Middle East, and also because of the greater costs of the UKs energy transition.

On the energy bill cut, Tim Jarvis, the director general of markets at Ofgem, said: Todays announcement will be welcome news for many households.

Wholesale energy prices have fallen in recent months, and were investing in our network to safeguard the future energy system. The main driver of todays reduction is the change to policy costs announced by the chancellor in the budget.

Heres everything you need to know about the reduction in energy bills:

What is Ofgems price cap?

The energy price cap sets a maximum price that suppliers can charge customers in England, Scotland and Wales for each unit of gas and electricity they use.

It also sets a maximum daily standing charge  the cost of having your home connected to the grid.

The headline price cap figure provided by Ofgem indicates what a household using gas and electricity and paying by direct debit can expect to pay if their energy consumption is typical.

However, the cap does not limit a homes total bills because people still pay for the amount of energy they use, so if its above the average they will pay more, and if it is below they will pay less.

When will energy bills be reduced?

The reduction in energy bills will begin in April.

Ofgems quarterly cap will reduce by 7 percent a year for the three months from April, from 1,758 to 1,641 for the average combined gas and electricity bill in Great Britain.

Who will benefit?

All households will benefit from the savings no matter which tariff they are on, however, savings will differ depending on how much energy is used.

However, critics say the energy bill cut doesnt go far enough. Clare Moriarty, the chief executive of Citizens Advice, said: A fall in energy prices is welcome but for many people bills remain stubbornly high. For millions of households this has stopped being a temporary hardship and become an ongoing threat to their financial stability.

The government has taken steps in the right direction to bring down bills. However, planned changes to how warm home discount costs are recovered mean those who need it most  households on low incomes with the highest energy needs  could keep as little as half the support in practice.
Peter Kyle with Teresa Ribera, the European Commission vice-president, after signing an agreement in Brussels - Dursun Aydemir/Getty Images

Alignment with the European Union is where the magic happens Peter Kyle, the Business Secretary, said, as he unveiled the UKs latest deal with Brussels.

Mr Kyle argued the British public was no longer nostalgic for Brexit and backed the Governments reset in relations with the bloc. He also suggested that Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, could be willing to offer further concessions to Brussels to secure deeper economic, energy and defence ties.

While Labours election manifesto pledged to overhaul relations with the European Union, it did not set out that new ties would be forged by aligning with the blocs rules.

Asked whether voters supported the move, the Business Secretary said: The public did vote for a government that had a reset with the EU as its core foreign policy in the election.

So I think the public have always been looking forward, and theyre not really nostalgic for the past.

Mr Kyle said voters wanted a pragmatic approach to the EU reset to address global concerns, including trade tensions with the US and war in Ukraine.

He added: They certainly want an assertive British approach thats distinctive, it is confident, but it is also respectful of what most people would assume are our values, and to see them in action.

I think thats the way were approaching the EU. In every relationship we have as a country, the relationship only works when we need to see it on both sides.

So having two sides that are aligned, thats where the magic happens.

The Prime Ministers reset has already led to an agreement to follow EU rules on animal and plant health, electricity and carbon pricing to make it easier to trade with the bloc.

It also granted EU fishermen 12 years of guaranteed access to British waters.

In a speech at the Munich Security Conference, Sir Keir suggested he was prepared to seek closer alignment in other areas.

Sir Keir Starmers reset with the EU has seen the UK follows the blocs rules on animal and plant health - Stefan Rousseau/Getty Images

Mr Kyle said he would use his two-day trip to Brussels to carry on deepening the relationship between the UK and the EU.

On Wednesday, he signed an agreement with the European Commission to work more closely on competition law. He suggested that deals on artificial intelligence and life sciences, as well as climate, drone and robotic technologies could all follow in the future.

Mr Kyles intervention will heighten fear amongst Brexit supporters that the Government will further water down the divorce, which led to Britain regaining its sovereignty from Brussels after nearly 50 years of membership.

Nigel Farage, the Reform leader, told The Telegraph: Mr Kyle is being totally dishonest.

The manifesto was clear and said no going back to the single market. This realignment means that we are shadowing Brussels in a growing number of areas.

Betrayal is the word.

Lord Frost, the former Brexit negotiator, said: Each time Labour ministers go to Brussels they signal another negotiating concession.

Its clear they are now preparing to breach their manifesto quite blatantly by joining one aspect after another of the EUs single market. No one voted for this. Labour should focus on rebuilding the economy from the disasters they are causing rather than hoping the EU will somehow run to their rescue.

Lord Frost says of the closer ties no one voted for this - Maja Smiejkowska/PA

Mr Kyles first priority appeared to be on securing access to the EUs Made in Europe scheme, which threatens to squeeze British manufacturers out of continental supply chains.

The plans are expected to enforce strict requirements for domestic components in products such as cars to end traditional reliance on China and the US.

Countries such as Britain and Japan have been seeking guarantees that their businesses, many of which have been established in the bloc for decades, will not suddenly be cut out of the market.

No one knows more than the EU that when you work with like-minded partners, you solve challenges, the Business Secretary said.

We should always be focused in this particular moment, even more so in times gone past, in focusing on solutions rather than creating barriers.

Mr Kyle said the UK was not asking for free access to the EUs markets by asking to be considered as part of the scheme.

This is the moment at which we try to focus on areas of new collaborations, not trying to restrict the ones that we already have, he added.

The minister dodged questions over what potential price the Government could pay to join.

Hopefully youve seen from the tone that Ive taken when Im here that Im really seeking where the alignment is and where the opportunities are.

In its election manifesto, Labour promised that Britain will stay outside of the EU.

There will be no return to the single market, the customs union, or freedom of movement, it added, while pledging to tear down trade barriers and lower food costs through a veterinary deal, mutual recognition of qualifications and a pact for touring artists.

However, it did set out the path for a closer bond.

We will be confident in our status outside of the EU, but a leading nation in Europe once again, with an improved and ambitious relationship with our European partners.

We will reset the relationship and seek to deepen ties with our European friends, neighbours and allies, it said.

Roberta Metsola, the EU Parliaments president, met Sir Keir in London on Wednesday and attended Prime Ministers Questions.

Before arriving in the capital she wrote exclusively for The Telegraph arguing for a deeper relationship between London and Brussels.

Roberta Metsola, the European parliaments president, says it is in the interests of the UK and the bloc to cooperate more - Ludovic Marin/AFP

In a speech at Chatham House, she renewed her call for the UK and EU to put Brexit behind them and forge closer economic, security and energy ties beyond the reset deal.

Whether its trade, customs, research, mobility, illegal migration or energy  wherever closer alignment works, we cannot be afraid to pursue it, she said.

Ms Metsola said collaboration on new air defence weapons including drones and missiles and the cooperation on nuclear between the UK and France gave Britain and the EU something to build on ahead of the summit in Brussels this summer. It was vital to face down Russia together, she added.

I want to be very clear when I say that none of this is about handing away sovereignty or losing control. This is about recognising that without cooperation, we risk losing both, Ms Metsola said. Any adversary must know that in a crisis they would face our combined economic and military strength.

If recent years have taught us anything, it is that our security  and with it, our prosperity  do not stop at the Channel. British security needs Europe as much as European security needs Britain. In a world that is more uncertain, more volatile, more fragmented, we need to work together.

Ms Metsola said it was time to put the ghosts of the past to bed and write a new chapter.

It is time to reset the partnership between the European Union and the United Kingdom in a manner that respects the choice of the British people, but that is able to respond to todays realities in a pragmatic, common sense, win-win approach, she said.
The BBCs Executive Complaints Unit (ECU) will complete a fast-tracked investigation after reviewing Sunday-nights Bafta coverage which included a racial slur, saying it was a serious mistake.

Tourettes campaigner John Davidson could be heard shouting as Sinners stars Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the award for special visual effects during the ceremony at Londons Royal Festival Hall on Sunday.

A BBC spokesperson said: The BBC has been reviewing what happened at Bafta on Sunday evening.

This was a serious mistake and the director-general has instructed the Executive Complaints Unit (ECU) to complete a fast-tracked investigation and provide a full response to complainants.

John Davidson attending the 79th British Academy Film Awards (Ian West/PA) (Ian West)

Additionally, on Wednesday the Culture, Media and Sport Committee (CMS) wrote to outgoing BBC director-general Tim Davie seeking an explanation for how a racial slur ended up in the broadcast in spite of a two-hour time delay.

Referencing Glastonbury Festival coverage, chairwoman of the CMS Committee Dame Caroline Dinenage said the latest incident raises questions about the extent to which lessons have been learned and about the controls and systems you have in place to prevent such incidents.

Campaigner Davidson was at the Baftas representing the film I Swear, which tells the story of the Scottish campaigners life with the condition, which he developed when he was 12.

In an interview with Variety, he said the BBC should have worked harder to ensure his racial slur was not broadcast.

He told the publication: Bafta had made us all aware that any swearing would be edited out of the broadcast.

I have made four documentaries with the BBC in the past and feel that they should have been aware of what to expect from Tourettes, and worked harder to prevent anything that I said  which, after all, was some 40 rows back from the stage  from being included in the broadcast.

Michael B Jordan attending the 79th British Academy Film Awards (James Manning/PA) (James Manning)

Film studio Warner Bros is also believed to have raised immediate concerns about the racial slur and requested it be removed from the BBC broadcast, the Press Association understands, but it could still be heard when it aired two hours later.

The BBC has apologised for not editing the racial slur out of the broadcast and subsequently removed it from the version on iPlayer.

Bafta also issued an apology in the aftermath in which they said they apologise unreservedly to the actors who were on stage as well as all those impacted.

They added: During the ceremony, John chose to leave the auditorium and watch the rest of the ceremony from a screen, and we would like to thank him for his dignity and consideration of others on what should have been a night of celebration for him.

We take full responsibility for putting our guests in a very difficult situation and we apologise to all. We will learn from this and keep inclusion at the core of all we do, maintaining our belief in film and storytelling as a critical conduit for compassion and empathy.

During the broadcast, the awards ceremonys presenter Alan Cumming also apologised for the language viewers may have heard.

The CMS letter said: We have previously raised concerns with you about circumstances in which the BBC has allowed deeply offensive language to be aired, notably the broadcasting of antisemitic language during the BBCs coverage of last years Glastonbury festival.

It goes on to ask for responses to a series of questions, including why the coverage was not edited out prior to the ceremony being broadcast, especially given edits were reportedly made to other parts of the programme.

It also asks what specific systems are in place to prevent the broadcasting of such language and why these systems failed on Sunday.

And it asks what lessons have been learnt from previous incidents, including the controversy surrounding the BBCs Glastonbury coverage, and why these lessons were not applied in this case.

Davidson told Variety that at first his tics were noises and movements, but the more nervous I got, the more my tics ramped up.

He added that as his coprolalia, which causes involuntary swearing and inappropriate language, came out, my stomach just dropped.

From the lack of response from the early presenters to my tics, and with no-one turning around to look at me, I assumed, like everyone else, that I could not be heard on the stage, he said.

The only time I became aware that my tic had reached the stage was when Delroy and Michael B Jordan appeared to look up from their role as presenters, and soon after that I decided to leave the auditorium.

As always, I felt a wave of shame and embarrassment hit me all at once. You want the floor to swallow you up. I wanted to disappear.

The fall-out from Sundays event has led film-maker Jonte Richardson to step down as a Bafta judge over the academys handling of the incident.

In a statement on LinkedIn, Richardson said he felt compelled to withdraw from the Bafta emerging talent judging panel.
Carvalho has been the Los Angeles public schools superintendent since February 2022 (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)

The FBI served search warrants at the Los Angeles Unified School District's headquarters and the superintendents home as part of a federal investigation Wednesday.

TV news footage showed agents in FBI shirts and jackets outside Superintendent Alberto Carvalho's home in the San Pedro neighborhood about 20 miles (32 kilometers) south of downtown LA.

There was no visible sign of agents outside the district headquarters as of mid-morning.

The nature of the investigation and what allegations were being examined was not immediately clear at the time of writing.

Spokesperson for the FBI's Los Angeles field office Rukelt Dalberis confirmed that agents were at the properties to serve warrants but declined to comment further because affidavits laying out details for the basis for the searches were under seal.

Media stage outside the home of Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho on Wednesday (AP Photo/William Liang)

A third location in Florida was also being searched.

The district and the superintendent's office did not immediately respond to emails and a voicemail requesting comment.

Carvalho has been the Los Angeles public schools superintendent since February 2022.

Before that, he oversaw Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Florida's largest school district, from 2008 to 2021, when he was credited with improving graduation rates and academic performance.

The sprawling Los Angeles Unified School District is the nation's second largest, with more than 500,000 students and covering more than two dozen cities. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass's office said it had no information about the search of the district's headquarters and noted that the public school system operates independently of city government.

James Marshall, an FBI spokesperson in Miami, told the AP that agents searched a residence in Southwest Ranches, which is in Broward County west of Fort Lauderdale, on Wednesday morning and "have since cleared the scene." He said no further information was available.

Officials with the Miami-Dade school system did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment on whether the FBI or other federal agencies have contacted them regarding Carvalho.
~The national morning show will broadcast live this spring from Sandals Dunn's River, with an on-air giveaway where one lucky viewer and a guest will win a trip to see the shows in person with accommodations provided by Sandals Dunn's River and airfare provided by the Jamaica Tourist Board ~

OCHO RIOS, Jamaica, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The national morning show, NBC's TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle, has revealed plans to broadcast two episodes from Jamaica on March 26 - 27. Together with the Jamaica Tourist Board, Sandals Resorts will welcome the beloved co-hosts, Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones, to Sandals Dunn's River in Ocho Rios. TODAY says the episodes will mark the inaugural 'Girls Trip' since Sheinelle joined the show as Jenna's official co-host in January, with Sandals Dunn's River hosting the show on Jamaica's idyllic north coast.

NBCs TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle announced a special live broadcast from Sandals Dunns River in Jamaica on March 26, where the islands beauty, warmth, and vibrant spirit will take center stage. Set along the breathtaking coastline of Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Sandals Dunns River will host a live broadcast of NBCs TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle, serving as a homebase for co-hosts Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones, as they explore the best of the resort and island.

To celebrate, viewers will have the opportunity to enter for a chance to win a sponsored, all-inclusive trip for two to Sandals Dunn's River, joining Jenna and Sheinelle for an unforgettable live audience experience steps from the sand. The exclusive vacation package includes an all-inclusive five-day, four-night stay, featuring unlimited dining, premium spirits, land and water sports, including PADI-certified scuba diving, snorkeling, and pickleball  plus round trip airfare courtesy of the Jamaica Tourist Board. As part of the entry, fans will be asked to submit a short video sharing why they should join the adventure, with the winner to be revealed later this March. To enter, viewers can visit jennaandsheinelle.com .

"We're looking forward to rolling out the red carpet of island hospitality for our friends at the Today Show and viewers alike," said Kevin Clarke, General Manager of Sandals Dunn's River. "Beyond the stunning backdrop of the beautiful Sandals Dunn's River, we're eager to share the heart and soul of Jamaica, showcasing what makes this island so special to us and all who visit."

From the New York Studio to Jamaica's Shores

With its dramatic coastal setting in Ocho Rios, Sandals Dunn's River will serve as the show's home base as Jenna & Sheinelle experience Jamaica firsthand. Together with the Jamaica Tourist Board, Sandals Resorts is proud to sponsor these shows that will bring Jamaica to morning television.

To learn more about Jamaica and Sandals Dunn's River, visit https://www.visitjamaica.com/ and www.sandals.com/dunns-river .

About Sandals Resorts

Sandals Resorts offers the ease and refinement of the most-awarded luxury all-inclusive vacation experience in the Caribbean. With 17 beachfront settings in Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Curacao, and Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, each resort reflects the design, cuisine, and unique essence of its island home. From butler service and gourmet dining to top-shelf spirits and unique suites, including the Caribbean's first Overwater Villas, Sandals Resorts creates the time and moments necessary for guests to reconnect and focus on what matters most. Celebrated for pioneering innovations that constantly evolve and elevate the all-inclusive vacation experience, Sandals Resorts has recently piloted fresh concepts such as an off-site Island Inclusive dining program that takes the all-inclusive experience beyond the resort gates  all while staying true to its Caribbean roots and showcasing the transformative link between tourism and its power to transform lives through its philanthropic arm, the Sandals Foundation. Sandals Resorts is part of family-owned Sandals Resorts International (SRI) which includes family-friendly Beaches Resorts, and is the Caribbean's leading all-inclusive resort company. For more information, visit www.sandals.com .

Media Contact

[email protected]

About the Jamaica Tourist Board

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica's national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. JTB offices are also located in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are in Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Tokyo and Paris.

Jamaica is home to some of the world's best accommodations, attractions and service providers that continue to receive prominent global recognition. In 2025, TripAdvisor ranked Jamaica as the #13 Best Honeymoon Destination, #11 Best Culinary Destination, and #24 Best Cultural Destination in the World.

For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB's Website at www.visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422). Follow the JTB on Facebook, X, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. View the JTB blog at www.visitjamaica.com/blog/

SOURCE Sandals Resorts International
Fiona Phillips husband Martin Frizell has shared an update on the TV presenters health following her diagnosis with Alzheimers disease, revealing that shes still very much with us.

The 65-year-old broadcaster, who hosted GMTV for 15 years, shared in 2023 that she had been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimers after suffering with symptoms of brain fog and anxiety.

Appearing on ITVs Good Morning Britain on Tuesday, Frizell  who produced This Morning for a decade until last year  gave viewers an update on his wifes condition.

To this day, Fiona is still very much with us, he said. She still looks the same. She was the worlds most stubborn woman, and shes still the worlds most stubborn woman, which is difficult when you try to give her medicine.

While Phillips wrote about her experience with the disease in her memoir Remember When last year, Frizell said that she copes by refusing to speak about the illness.

Her way of dealing with it, and everyones different, is that she doesnt want to talk about the A-word, so we dont, he said.

Martin Frizell opened up about his wife Fiona Phillips battle with Alzheimers on GMB (ITV)

She will just believe she has chronic depression, which she does have, which is another symptom of it as well. [Shes] frightened, yes.

When asked by host Susanna Reid whether Phillips  whose parents both suffered with Alzheimers  inherited the disease, Frizell said that its not genetic but she was more predisposed to it.

She probably knew this was coming. Its not an old persons disease, he said. You can get it at any age, children can get it and she got it in her fifties.

We did have a test and they said its not genetic but shes more predisposed to it because both her parents had it. We never spoke about it. Maybe we should  maybe the lesson is that people should speak about these things. Its a difficult discussion to have. What should we do if X, Y and Z happens?

Fiona Phillips and husband Martin Frizell share two sons (Getty)

Frizell urged the government to put more funding into Alzheimers research, saying: Why are we not putting more money into Britains biggest killer?

It seems to be that Alzheimers is the poor relation to all the other big diseases, something like cancer. The money isnt there.

Frizell and Phillips have been married since 1997 and live with their two sons, Nathaniel and Mackenzie, in south London.

Frizell was the long-standing boss at ITVs This Morning, before stepping down in December 2024, saying that he was expecting [his] family priorities to change in 2026.
Florian Wirtzs agent has revealed that he tried to engineer a dream move to Real Madrid last summer before Liverpool eventually signed the Germany international in a 116m deal.

Agent Volker Struth claims that he called then-Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso and encouraged him to take Wirtz to the Bernabeu, with both Wirtz and Alonso having worked together at Bayer Leverkusen.

And while Alonso would have been aware of the German internationals talents  with Wirtz a key player in Leverkusens first ever Bundesliga title win in 2023/24  the Spaniard reportedly referred Struth to Real Madrid club president Florentino Perez.

During the period when a move to Liverpool or Bayern was being discussed, I called Xabi Alonso and told him: You have to take the lad from Leverkusen with you to Real," Struth told German outlet Bild.

Wirtz had strung together a series of positive performances but was forced to withdraw from the starting XI against Nottingham Forest last week (Getty Images)

Xabi replied: You dont have to tell me that, you have to tell Florentino Perez (Real Madrid's president).

So I actually sent him a message: Dear Florentino, Ive told you many times before: I have a player here whom I would highly recommend. Florian Wirtz makes every team in the world better.

Perez supposedly thanked Struth but referred him to the clubs general manager Jose Sanchez, and a deal never materialised during a summer in which Los Blancos signed Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras and Franco Mastantuono.

That year, it simply wasnt the right time due to the squad and the budget, Struth explained.

Even Real Madrids coffers arent always overflowing. But my wish remains that Florian will play there one day, he added.

Wirtz, along with Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, was part of a huge summer spending spree that has looked to shape the future of the club (Getty Images)

Wirtz ended up moving to Liverpool in a record deal last summer, and while he has enjoyed a mixed start to life at Anfield as the champions Premier League campaign has stuttered, he is beginning to find his footing having produced a string of positive performances before being withdrawn from the starting line-up for last weeks win over Nottingham Forest.

The 22-year-old will be hoping to make a return this weekend for Saturdays match against West Ham, with the Reds looking to move into the top five ahead of Chelsea playing Arsenal on Sunday.
A Florida man allegedly killed his wife after an argument about a cruise and told police he would rather live in prison than deal with her.

William Simmons, 80, called police and confessed to killing his 83-year-old wife, Nancy, on February 21, according to an affidavit seen by The Independent.

Officers arrived at the residence after receiving a call from Simmons in which he told dispatch that his wife was down, and Im just sitting here and that she "was not able to talk to anybody anymore.

Deputies found Nancy unresponsive in the kitchen with a gunshot wound to her upper body next to a shotgun and an empty shell casing. She was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the affidavit.

Simmons confessed to her killing and said they had been arguing over going on a cruise when the incident had occurred. His wife had told him f*** you, you bastard, multiple times, which he told investigators had triggered him.

80-year-old William Simmons, of Florida, killed his wife after an argument about a cruise and told police he would rather live in prison than deal with her (Orange County Sheriff's Office)

After retrieving the gun from his bedroom closet, he told his wife he had had enough and he could pull the trigger, the report stated. After she swore at him again, he allegedly shot her once.

Simmons later told police that his wife suffered from dementia and that he had dealt with it for too long, as well as stating that he loved the old Nancy and that he would rather live in prison than deal with her.

Simmons reportedly told officers that his wife had not tried to hurt him during the incident, that he was not under the influence and that it was not an act of self-defense. He was charged with first-degree murder.

The Independent has attempted to contact the Orange County Sheriffs Office for further information about the case.
Canada has pledged $8 million Canadian (US$6.7 million) in food aid to Cuba, as the Caribbean nation grapples with a severe fuel crisis exacerbated by a slowdown in oil shipments following US threats of tariffs. The humanitarian assistance comes amidst growing concerns over basic necessities on the island, which has faced significant and prolonged economic hardship.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand confirmed the aid, explicitly stating Canada's intentions were not discussed with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio or any other US officials.

"This is Canadian foreign policy," she said. "We are focused on the humanitarian situation." The funding, specifically aimed at alleviating the immediate food shortages, will be channeled through established United Nations agencies, thereby bypassing direct distribution by the Cuban government.

Global Affairs Canada has for more than a year issued stark warnings to travellers regarding "shortages of basic necessities, including food, medicine and fuel," across most of Cuba. The island's energy crisis has become increasingly dire, significantly worsening in recent weeks.

This escalation follows the halting of crucial oil shipments from Venezuela, Cuba's main oil supplier, after the US attacked the South American country in early January and arrested its then-leader. Subsequently, Mexico, another significant supplier, also suspended its oil shipments, reportedly under considerable US pressure.

Cuba Daily Life (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All right reserved)

The severe scarcity of aviation fuel has already led to Air Canada and other international airlines cancelling flights to the Caribbean island, significantly impacting a sector crucial to Cuba's struggling economy. Canadian tourism is vital to the island's financial health; Global Affairs Canada, a governmental office, has previously highlighted Canada as Cubas second-largest source of direct investment, particularly within the mining and tourism sectors.

In a separate move, Mexico has dispatched a second significant humanitarian aid package for Cuba. Two Mexican navy vessels, the Papaloapan and the Huasteco, departed the Gulf of Mexico port of Veracruz on Tuesday, carrying a combined 1,193 tons of vital supplies. The Papaloapan is transporting 1,078 tons of beans and powdered milk, while the Huasteco carries 92 tons of beans and 23 tons of other food items. According to the Mexican Foreign Ministry, the final 23 tons of humanitarian aid were provided by various social organisations with the support of the Mexico City government. This latest shipment is expected to arrive on Saturday, building on a previous February delivery when Mexico dispatched more than 814 tons of essential food and hygiene products to Cuba. That earlier aid came while diplomatic talks continued regarding the resumption of much-needed oil supplies, which were halted in mid-January, just before U.S. President Donald Trump announced a significant tightening of the economic embargo on Havana.

The broader economic crisis gripping Cuba since 2020 has been severely compounded by intensified US sanctions, explicitly aimed at forcing a change in the islands political model. These sustained pressures have resulted in critical goods shortages and severe blackouts that peaked in early 2026. Given that Cuba produces only 40% of its required fuel, it remains highly vulnerable to external blockades. While strong allies like Russia and China have condemned the US measures, their practical support has remained largely symbolic.
The Home Office can appeal against the High Courts decision that banning Palestine Action as a terror group was unlawful, judges have ruled.

Three judges dealt a humiliating blow to the government on 13 February when they ruled that the proscription of Palestine Action under terror laws was disproportionate, and that it did result in a very significant interference with the right of freedom of speech and the right to freedom of assembly.

Now they have allowed the home secretary Shabana Mahmood to challenge their decision in the Court of Appeal.

Demonstrators gather outside the High Court during the ruling on whether the government's ban of Palestine Action is unlawful (Getty)

Dame Victoria Sharp, Mr Justice Swift and Ms Justice Steyn concluded at the High Court that only a very small number of Palestine Actions activities amounted to terrorism, and that the groups acts had not crossed the high bar to make it a terrorist organisation.

The ruling prompted the Metropolitan Police to announce that officers would no longer arrest people simply for showing support for Palestine Action. As the groups terror ban remains in force, it is still a criminal offence to support or be a member of Palestine Action, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

Since the proscription last July, thousands of people have been arrested for holding up placards in support of the group. The same three judges issued a judgment on Wednesday allowing the case to proceed to the Court of Appeal and continuing the groups ban until the outcome or until a further order is made.

In their earlier ruling, the High Court found that then home secretary, Yvette Cooper, failed to consider whether imposing a terror ban on Palestine Action was proportionate to the threat posed by the organisation.

Justice Sharp wrote that, by doing this, Ms Cooper had made a significant error by failing to follow the Home Offices own policy on proscription.

Supporters celebrate after the High Court rules in favour of Palestine Action (PA)

The senior judges also found that the nature and scale of Palestine Actions activities falling within the definition of terrorism had not yet reached the level, scale and persistence to warrant proscription.

The government will seek to persuade the Court of Appeal that the High Court judges were wrong on these points.

The Independent revealed this month that the Home Office has spent nearly 700,000 so far on fighting the legal battle against co-founder of Palestine Action, Huda Ammori.

Government data shows that in the year up to September 2025, there were 1,630 arrests linked to supporting Palestine Action.

But activists who have organised protests against the proscription believe this is much higher, with at least 2,787 people arrested for holding signs in support of Palestine Action.

Nearly 700 people have been charged with a terrorism offence involving Palestine Action, although none have yet been convicted.

No date for the appeal has been set.
Candidate Hannah Spencer poses for a selfie with a Green Party supporter in the Gorton and Denton constituency - Getty Images Europe

Our democracy is dying in plain sight, and we dont have the right to stay silent. The sectarian horror of the Gorton and Denton by-election cannot be the future of British politics.

We must not become a country where our race or religion determines how we vote, where segregated communities live parallel lives and despise each other, where our liberal elites, out of cowardice or suicidal empathy, pretend not to notice. We cannot sleepwalk into becoming a Lebanon-on-Thames. This is an emergency, a last warning, and we must act now.

We should start by calling out the Greens for what they have become: a hateful, despicable, extremist party that has identified an entrepreneurial opportunity in weaponising tribalism, division, stagnant living standards, misinformation and envy. Their behaviour in Gorton and Denton has been abominable.

Following a playbook pioneered by far-Left parties worldwide, the Greens, now led by Zack Polanski, are targeting a red-green coalition of white, woke progressives and the reactionary subset of the Muslim electorate. These two groups may appear culturally incompatible, but they can be united not just by their support for socialism but also their often virulent Israelophobia, an atavistic prejudice that the Greens unashamedly pander to.

Party members will vote on the absurd notion that Zionism  the natural right of the Jewish people to have their own country  is a form of racism. The Greens relentlessly spread the lie that the Jewish state has committed a genocide in Gaza and that Labour is complicit, a modern blood libel that is normalising anti-Semitism.

The Green candidate in Gorton and Denton was photographed wearing a keffiyeh, symbol of Palestinianism, has accused Reform of Islamophobia and racism, and has fronted a video in Urdu featuring Benjamin Netanyahu and Narendra Modi meeting Labour politicians, as if these were self-evident provocations and proof of a grand betrayal.

In a healthier society, our oh-so-anti-racist elites would be demanding to know why the Greens were fuelling anti-Jewish and anti-Hindu sentiment, and whether extremism and bigotry may be festering among sections of the local community, deserving urgent intervention. Yet the establishment finds it easier to treat swathes of our urban areas as if they were an 1920s imperial outpost where administrators are tasked with keeping a superficial peace between communities, rather than pursuing justice.

Its a scandal. Extreme tribalism of the sort promoted by the Greens is incompatible with a democratic culture that requires a strong sense of commonality, a belief in a peoplehood that transcends differences of ideology, race, religion or class. It requires a neutral, single-tier rule of law, where citizens are treated as individuals, not as members of a group. Democracy isnt just about tallying votes, and handing power to the winner. It is about debate, trying to change peoples minds, feedback mechanisms and punishing or rewarding politicians who fail or succeed.

None of this is possible in a world in which voters vote along religious or ethnic lines, and where the best that can be hoped for is peaceful coexistence and Northern Ireland-style or Lebanese confessionalist power-sharing. Under that scenario, democracy becomes a mere game of arithmetic, of demographic superiority. Outcomes are pre-determined, governed by community leaders.

This may not trouble the Greens: they have reinvented themselves as a vehicle for a new Left that combines Marxism-Leninism, Third Worldism, critical theory, and other radical anti-Western and anti-bourgeois philosophies. They detest private property and family values.

They support quasi-open borders and are soft on crime. They are infected by every Left-wing pathology of the past 200 years, every intellectual error. They have imbued the poison of anti-colonial Soviet propaganda, of woke writers such as Derrida, of fanatics such as Edward Said.

Britain used to be a beacon among nations, a country uniquely hostile to extremist parties. The British Union of Fascists never won a single council seat. The Communist Party of Great Britain only seized a couple of parliamentary seats in the 1930s and 1940s. The National Front never made it to Westminster. Militant grabbed Liverpool City Council but was kicked out of Labour by Neil Kinnock. The British National Party won councillors and MEPs, but just 1.9pc of the vote in 2010.

Jeremy Corbyn speaks during Labours 2015 leadership campaign - Reuters

The dam finally broke when Jeremy Corbyn seized control of Labour. His election defeats and subsequent expulsion from the party didnt remove the cancers of Left-wing extremism and sectarianism from the body politic. Instead, they metastasised into the pro-Gaza independents and now the revamped Green Party, our version of La France Insoumise, the first time in our history that a far-Left party has broken through.

How do we fight back? We have had too much immigration, and of the wrong kind. A lengthy moratorium on net immigration is a prerequisite to reducing sectarian voting, as is removing as many illegal migrants as realistically possible.

To borrow the title of William Blakes 18th century pamphlet, Britains immigration policies are The Marriage of Heaven and Hell. Our record mixes world-class success with catastrophic failure. Some groups have integrated extraordinarily well, and children of immigrants often do better at school and in the labour and housing market than the white British. There has been a surge in mixed-marriages.

At the same time, we have suffered the rise of Islamism, separatism and intra-minority tensions, fuelled by race-obsessed woke policies that denigrate Britishness. We use incorrect metrics: materialistic markers of achievement, rather than ideology. Numerous Islamists are well educated; doctors have been stuck off for anti-Semitism. Many British Jews, whose synagogues offer prayers for the Royal Family weekly, are having to reconsider their future in Britain.

The Panglossians, who believe that tensions will diminish spontaneously; that sectarian voting will wane as it did in England and Scotland by the 1970s; that secularism will dissolve all differences; that Islamism is overblown; that todays minorities will rapidly become latter-day Huguenots or Irish immigrants, indistinguishable from the rest of the population in all but surname, are delusional.

In addition to slashing immigration, we will need to be more muscular. We will need to crack down pitilessly on extremism, including in some mosques or in local areas where prejudice is rife. We will need to learn from Singapore and other well-managed multicultural states. We cannot allow our country to fragment. Regardless of race or religion, we must all be British.
The findings underline the widespread pessimism about the state of the NHS. Photograph: Julian Claxton/Alamy (Photograph: Julian Claxton/Alamy)

Almost half the public delay or avoid contacting their GP surgery when they are ill, mainly because they think they will struggle to get an appointment.

Overall 48% of people across the UK did not bother to ask their family doctor for help  either initially or at all  when they got sick over the past year, a survey found.

Just over a quarter (27%) opted to manage the ailment themselves or waited for it to go away, despite doctors fearing that shunning GP care could seriously damage the persons health.

The findings underline the deep public concern about the ability to get fast access to vital NHS services such as A&E, GP care, hospital treatment and an ambulance if they call 999.

The large number of people not calling their GP practice emerged in a survey that pollsters Ipsos undertook for the Health Foundation thinktank. Three in 10 did not expect to be offered a GP appointment at a suitable time and 17% thought contacting their practice would be hard.

General practice is the front door of the health service, and all patients should be able to see their GP when they need to. So it is worrying to hear that some might be delaying or avoiding seeking care because they think getting an appointment will be difficult, said Prof Victoria Tzortziou Brown, the chair of the Royal College of GPs.

A third of Britons have decided not to go to A&E in the past two years despite needing treatment, because they expected a long delay before being seen, according to separate polling by Savanta, carried out last month for the Liberal Democrats.

Related: NHS clearly failing to ensure children get measles vaccine, experts warn

Helen Maguire, a Lib Dem health spokesperson, said: Patients deserve so much better. It is heartbreaking to think of elderly people or parents with sick children sitting at home in pain because they have lost faith that the system will be there for them.

The thinktank said the findings should ring alarm bells about the governments plan to move a lot of healthcare from hospitals into community settings, one of the three big shifts in its 10-year plan for transforming the NHS in England.

Persistent public concerns about problems in general practice and A&E  the front doors of the NHS  mean policymakers may need to reassess their priorities, it added.

Ipsoss representative survey of 2,214 adults, undertaken in December, uncovered widespread gloom and pessimism about the state of the NHS. It also found that:

Faster access to GPs and A&E are the publics top priorities for the NHS.

Only 32% believe the NHS provides a good service nationally.

42% think the standard of NHS care has worsened over the past year and only 12% think that it has improved.

47% fear NHS care will decline further over the next year and just 15% expect it to get better

Wes Streeting, the health secretary in England, and his counterparts in Edinburgh and Cardiff will be concerned that only 15% of the public think the government in their nation is pursuing the right policies to revive the health service. Far more  54%  disagree.

The findings emerged as Streeting published the new GP contract that sets out what types of care family doctors in England will provide during 2025-26.

It obliges GP practices to see all patients with urgent medical needs on the day they get in touch and has reallocated 300m of funding to let surgeries hire 1,600 more doctors.

Dr Katie Bramall, the chair of the British Medical Associations GP committee, said: Hard-working family doctors will be deeply concerned about setting up even more unrealistic expectations of unlimited sameday urgent care provision alongside potential barriers being put in place around specialist referrals, all while trying to keep practices open and prevent even more surgery closures.

She criticised Streeting for not negotiating the contract with the BMA, as had happened for many years. The health secretary, frustrated at the BMA opposing his plans to give patients online access to GPs during working hours, instead consulted a range of GP and patient bodies.
Going places: An average of 232,000 passengers passed through London Heathrow during 2025 (Heathrow Airport Ltd)

London Heathrow airport, the busiest hub in Europe, handled an average of 232,000 passengers each day in 2025.

But so constrained is the UKs main arrival and departure point that it forecasts growth of less than 1 per cent during the current year to 85 million passengers.

Speaking to The Independent, Heathrows chief executive, Thomas Woldbye said: We are reaching the upper level of our capacity. We want to grow more. We are growing less than the market, which I think is a real problem for the economy and for the UK.

Istanbul airport in Turkey is expected to take Heathrows crown as Europes busiest airport in terms of passenger numbers during 2026.

Mr Woldbye said: The third runway at Heathrow should have been built 10 years ago because we need it now. Now, we may get it in 10 years time.

Hence why we are so focused on moving ahead with the third runway at pace because we really need it and the country really needs it.

The airport is seeking permission to add to its two existing runways as part of a package of infrastructure improvements set to cost almost 50bn.

The expansion project has widespread opposition from environmental groups and residents who would be affected.

Dr Douglas Parr, policy director for Greenpeace UK, said ministers had decided yet again to prioritise more leisure opportunities for a comparatively small group of frequent flyers.

He said: The rest of us have to live with the consequences of their disproportionate polluting.

In addition, airlines argue that Heathrows plans are too expensive and that todays passengers should not pay in advance for future infrastructure.

The bill for expansion comprises 21bn for the runway itself, which will involve diverting the M25 motorway and 12bn for new terminal infrastructure, together with 15bn for modernising existing infrastructure at the airport.

Mr Woldbye was speaking on the day Heathrow announced its financial results for 2025  which saw a one-third fall in annual earnings.

The airport CEO said the passenger operation had run better than ever in 2025: Ninety-eight per cent of our passengers waited less than five minutes in security, and we halved the amount of bags that didn't reach the intended flight.

The airport says that is the most punctual hub in Europe, with 4.2 million more passengers flying on time last year than in 2024.

Read more: Heathrow expansion must happen now, says Dubai airport boss
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is challenging a judicial order that prevents him from punishing Democratic Senator Mark Kelly, a former Navy pilot, for his involvement in a video urging troops to resist unlawful commands. The appeal was lodged in a court filing on Tuesday.

Officials from the Justice Department have indicated their intention to ask a panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to review the February 12 ruling issued by U.S. District Judge Richard Leon.

Senator Kelly, who represents Arizona, responded on social media, stating that Hegseth's only motive for the appeal is to "keep trampling on the free speech rights of retired veterans and silence dissent."

He added on his X account: "These guys dont know when to quit."

Hegseths appeal was lodged in a court filing on Tuesday (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Hegseth had vowed to immediately appeal Leons decision. Sedition is sedition, Captain, he posted on his X account, referring to Kelly by his rank at retirement.

In November, Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers appeared on a video in which they urged troops to uphold the Constitution and not to follow unlawful military directives from the Trump administration. Republican President Donald Trump accused the lawmakers of sedition punishable by DEATH in a social media post days later.

Earlier this month, a Washington grand jury declined to indict the lawmakers over the video.

Kelly sued in federal court to block his Jan. 5 censure from Hegseth. Leons order prohibits the Pentagon from implementing or enforcing Kellys punishment while his lawsuit is pending.

Leon ruled that Pentagon officials not only violated Kellys First Amendment free speech rights, but they also threatened the constitutional liberties of millions of military retirees. The judge invoked an old-fashioned rebuke -- Horsefeathers! -- in response to the governments claim that Kelly is trying to exempt himself from the rules of military justice.

To say the least, our retired veterans deserve more respect from their Government, and our Constitution demands they receive it! wrote Leon, who was nominated to the bench by Republican President George W. Bush.

The 90-second video was first posted on a social media account belonging to Slotkin. Reps. Jason Crow of Colorado, Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania, Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania also appeared in the video. All of the participants are veterans of the armed services or intelligence agencies.
Bryan was sentenced in California after pleading guilty to felony driving under the influence and a misdemeanor for alleged contempt of court (Getty Images)

Home Improvement star Zachery Ty Bryan has been sentenced to 16 months in jail following his February 2024 arrest on DUI charges.

The former child star, 44, was sentenced Monday in California after pleading guilty to felony driving under the influence and a misdemeanor for alleged contempt of court.

According to court records obtained by People, Bryan was rearraigned and struck a plea deal with prosecutors at the Larson Justice Center after he pleaded guilty to the DUI charge. He also admitted to an enhancement related to having two prior DUI convictions, according to the records.

In addition to 16 months in county jail, Bryan was denied probation. He has 57 days of jail credit, meaning he will serve over 14 months.

Deputies assigned to the La Quinta Sheriffs Station conducted a traffic stop in the area of Washington Street and Calle Tampico in La Quinta on a vehicle suspected of being involved in a recent traffic collision, Sergeant Wendy Brito-Gonzalez told Fox News Digital at the time.

Actor Zachery Ty Bryan will serve 14 of his 16-month sentence for a DUI charge (Getty Images)

"When deputies contacted the driver, they observed indications of impairment, leading to the drivers arrest for driving under the influence with priors."

Brito-Gonzalez added: The driver, later identified as 42-year-old Zachery Bryan, was booked into a Riverside County jail.

The Independent has contacted Bryans representatives for comment.

The recent California sentencing marks the latest development in a string of legal troubles over the past five years for the father of eight.

Bryan is due in court in Lane County, Oregon, on March 2 for a probation violation hearing, in connection with a domestic violence conviction from July 2023.

At the time, Bryan was arrested in Eugene, Oregon, following a report of a physical dispute. He was held in Lane County Jail on Assault in the Fourth Degree APA (Abuse Prevention Act), third-degree robbery and misdemeanor harassment charges.

Bryan has been arrested six times in the past five years (Getty Images)

In November 2025, he was arrested for violating the probation he was serving for a previous domestic violence conviction. His fiancee, Johnnie Faye Cartwright, was also arrested and booked at the same jail. Bryan denied violating his probation at his December 3 arraignment.

Cartwright, 32, was later arraigned and pleaded not guilty to one count of driving under the influence, two counts of recklessly endangering another person and three counts of reckless driving.

Bryan is best known for his performance as Brad Taylor on the ABC sitcom Home Improvement as a child, which ran from 1991 to 1999. Bryan also appeared in shows including Veronica Mars and Smallville, and in movies such as First Kid and The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.
Free tool helps B2B merchants assess exposure to Visa's new data quality standards that are creating widespread compliance challenges

ATLANTA and PHILADELPHIA and SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Three payment industry leaders have joined forces to create an AI-powered compliance verification tool for Visa's Commercial Enhanced Data Program (CEDP). Developed by Fee Navigator , Optimized Payments and Verisave , the free tool gives B2B merchants an instant assessment of their compliance status under CEDP's rules and identifies potential savings opportunities.

Visa CEDP Creating Compliance Headache for Merchants

Visa's CEDP, which took full effect Oct. 17, 2025, overhauled how merchants qualify for reduced interchange rates on commercial card transactions. Under the new program, Visa uses AI-powered validation to verify the accuracy and completeness of enhanced transaction data. Merchants that fail to meet the new standards lose access to Level 2 and Level 3 interchange discounts.

Since CEDP enforcement began, there have been widespread compliance failures among B2B merchants, with some clients experiencing cost increases exceeding $500,000 in a matter of weeks. Many companies that previously qualified for Level 2 and Level 3 discounts have been reclassified as non-verified by Visa after the program's AI audits detected placeholder or auto-filled data that no longer meets the new standards.

AI-Powered Tool Delivers Instant CEDP Compliance Assessment

The tool, available at https://cedp-verified.com, uses AI informed by deep payments expertise, processor statement intelligence, and interchange rule-set analysis to deliver results within seconds of a merchant submitting its statement.

The AI engine identifies compliance gaps, flags transactions at risk of downgrade under CEDP's data quality standards and estimates the potential financial impact of non-compliance  analysis that would typically require days or weeks of manual review by payments consultants. Merchants receive a clear independent assessment of potential Visa Verified Merchant exposure and specific areas where their enhanced transaction data falls short of CEDP requirements.

Cross-Industry Collaboration

The collaboration is notable because it brings together firms from different corners of the payments ecosystem. Verisave works directly with merchants to remove junk fees, optimize interchange rates, and bring much needed transparency to merchant accounts. Optimized Payments is a payments analytics and advisory firm focused on helping merchants and payment platforms improve their payments economics. Through its Harmonize platform, Optimized Payments has helped clients identify and realize nearly $2 billion in savings, serving enterprise brands such as Apple, AT&T, Staples, Sephora, and Priceline. Fee Navigator is a technology provider that serves acquirers, ISVs, banks and ISOs with AI-powered statement analysis across thousands of different processor statement formats.

Together, the three firms have contributed their respective benchmarking data, processor statement expertise and interchange rule-set knowledge to power the tool.

"CEDP is the biggest change I've seen in 25 years in this business," said Jeremy Layton, CEO and founder of Verisave. "Given this significance and the scale, we felt collectively responsible to help merchants avoid further financial pain. This tool will be an invaluable resource to any company needing to comply with the new Visa requirements."

"CEDP isn't just a reporting changeit's a data architecture issue," said Anand Goel, CEO of Optimized Payments. "Merchants need visibility into how their enhanced data is being validated. This tool provides a fast, independent assessment so they can act before costs escalate."

"As programs like CEDP redefine payments around quality data exchange, Fee Navigator stands at the center of this transformationempowering ISVs, ISOs, banks, acquirers and the wider payments ecosystem with the intelligence, automation, and transparency required to qualify, optimize, and lead in the next generation of commercial payments," said Adrian Talapan, CEO of Fee Navigator.

The free tool is available immediately at https://cedp-verified.com.

About Verisave

Verisave is a merchant account cost-reduction firm that helps businesses reduce credit card processing fees by 10% to 30% without changing processors. The company works within the back end of existing merchant accounts to optimize setup, correct transaction misclassifications and address overcharges across interchange fees, assessment fees and card brand fees. Over 25 years, Verisave has helped generate hundreds of millions in savings for clients across all industries, including GoDaddy and B&H Photo. Verisave also offers Verisave Connect, a CEDP-compliant middleware solution that pulls accurate invoice data from ERP systems to achieve and maintain Visa Verified Merchant status. For more information, visit verisave.com.

About Optimized Payments

Optimized Payments is a payments analytics and advisory firm focused on helping merchants and payment platforms improve their payments economics. Through their Harmonize platform, they consolidate and normalize payments data to give clients clear visibility into cost drivers and performance issues. To date, they have helped clients identify and realize over $2 billion in savings. Their work is trusted by leading brands including Apple, AT&T, Staples, Sephora, and Priceline, among others.

About Fee Navigator

Fee Navigator is the #1 AI-Powered Instant Merchant Statement Analysis and Proposals provider. Serving innovative ISVs, banks, ISOs, and the wider payments ecosystem, the company provides tools centered around the identification of opportunities, qualification of potential margins, intelligent pricing of deals, and continuous monitoring to reduce attrition. The platform is designed for rapid incorporation in automated flows that speed up sales and accelerate onboarding.

Media Contacts:

Verisave

Sam Barber, Pitchr.ai

[email protected]

Optimized Payments

Ashleigh Nails

[email protected]

Fee Navigator

Sonya Lane

[email protected]

SOURCE Verisave
The Home Office has been allowed to challenge the High Court's ruling that the decision to ban Palestine Action was unlawful at the Court of Appeal.

Three judges ruled on February 13 that the Government's move to proscribe the group was unlawful, and said that they "propose to make an order quashing" the decision.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said after the decision that she was "disappointed" by the outcome and would fight to prevent the proscription being lifted.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood ca(James Manning/PA) (PA Wire)

In an High Court order on Wednesday, the Home Office was given the green light to challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal.

Palestine Action was banned under the Terrorism Act 2000 by then-Home Secretary Yvette Cooper last year.

It made it a criminal offence to belong to or support Palestine Action, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

Huda Ammori, Palestine Action's co-founder, began legal action against the Home Office over the decision last June, with her barristers telling the High Court last year that the ban was an "ill-considered, discriminatory, due process-lacking, authoritarian abuse of statutory power".

And in their decision earlier this month, Dame Victoria Sharp, Mr Justice Swift and Mrs Justice Steyn said that the ban was "disproportionate".

Reading a summary of the decision, Dame Victoria said: "The nature and scale of Palestine Action's activities falling within the definition of terrorism had not yet reached the level, scale and persistence to warrant proscription."

The three judges gave the green light to the Home Office to challenge their decision at the Court of Appeal, while refusing a bid from Ms Ammori to "cross-appeal".

The three judges also said the ruling quashing the ban was paused "pending determination of the defendant's appeal to the Court of Appeal, or further order".

No date for the appeal has been set.

A Home Office spokesperson said it was "pleased" with the decision to allow an appeal.

They said: "We will always take the strongest possible action to protect our national security and our priority remains maintaining the safety and security of our citizens.

"The court has previously acknowledged that Palestine Action has carried out acts of terrorism, celebrated those who have taken part in those acts and promoted the use of violence.

"It has also concluded that Palestine Action is not an ordinary protest or civil disobedience group, and that its actions are not consistent with democratic values.

"Until these legal proceedings are concluded, it would not be appropriate to comment further."

Thousands of people have been arrested since the ban came into force for expressing support for Palestine Action, with their prosecutions since thrown into doubt by the High Court ruling.

In the wake of the High Court decision, the Metropolitan Police said expressing support for Palestine Action "is still a criminal offence", but indicated officers were unlikely to arrest people at protests for backing the group.
The price most households pay for energy will fall by 7% from April 1, driven by promised Government cuts to bills, Ofgem said.

The regulators price cap will drop from the current 1,758 to 1,641  a reduction of 117 or around 10 a month for the average household using both electricity and gas.

However, the reduction is lower than the average 150 cut to bills pledged by the Chancellor in November, when she moved 75% of the cost of the Renewables Obligation from household bills onto general taxation and scrapped the Energy Company Obligation (Eco) scheme.

Analysts Cornwall Insight said the removal of green subsidies would reduce the cap by about 145 a year once VAT and pricing allowances within Ofgems methodology were taken into account.

The decrease has also been offset by rising network costs, which Ofgem said had increased by 66, primarily because of investments in upgrading power and gas grids.

Customers had already been advised that the cut to their bill will also depend on the size and type of household and how much energy it uses, with those who use more likely to see greater reductions.

Tim Jarvis, director general of markets at Ofgem, said: Todays announcement will be welcome news for many households.

Wholesale energy prices have fallen in recent months, and were investing in our network to safeguard the future energy system.

The main driver of todays reduction is the change to policy costs announced by the Chancellor in the budget.

Our focus at Ofgem remains on bearing down on the costs within our control, and unlocking the investment needed to support the transition to a more stable energy system over the longer term.

Were also seeing encouraging signs of greater engagement and competition, with switching increasing by almost 20% year on year.

The Government has told firms that it expects the savings to be passed on in full to all customers from April 1, including those already signed up to fixed tariffs.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: Energy bills are at the front of everybodys mind and I know theyve been too high for too long.

I promised to bring bills down and I meant it. And today, because of the actions this Government took at the last budget, the price cap on energy bills has come down by 117.

That means lower energy bills for millions across the country. But I know there is more to do and my Government is pulling every lever to bear down on the cost of living and protect the pound in the pockets of working people.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said energy bills had been too high for too long (Kin Cheung/PA) (Kin Cheung)

Ofgem also confirmed a decision to move the costs of the Governments separate warm home discount from standing charges  the flat rate households pay each day to have energy supplied to their homes  to the hourly unit rate of gas and electricity.

As a result, standing charges will drop by an average of 13, or 4p a day, for customers using both electricity and gas.

Citizens Advice chief executive Dame Clare Moriarty said: A fall in energy prices is welcome but for many people bills remain stubbornly high. For millions of households this has stopped being a temporary hardship and become an ongoing threat to their financial stability.

The divide between those who can and cannot keep their homes warm and safe demands urgent action. Too many people, particularly those with disabilities, families with children, and renters, remain trapped in cold, damp homes they cannot afford to heat.

The quarterly energy price cap will fall by 6.6% from 1 April 2026. This will be a decrease of around 10 per month for the average household. This is a cap on energy unit price plus standing charge, not a cap on total bills. More  https://t.co/ZzFRdpR2Qa pic.twitter.com/RWUZR1oYEh  Ofgem (@ofgem) February 25, 2026

Dhara Vyas, the chief executive of Energy UK, which represents firms, said: Todays reduction in the energy price cap is a welcome first step by the Government toward providing meaningful support for households, helping make it more affordable for people to keep their homes safe, comfortable, and warm.

While everyone should see savings on their bills from April 1, the effect of moving some policy costs off the gas and electricity unit price will be different.

It depends on each households energy use, the type of building you live in, how many people live in the property, and even how the bill is paid.
Aliya Rahman is removed from the House chamber as Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address at the US Capitol in Washington DC, on Tuesday. Photograph: Mark Schiefelbein/AP (Photograph: Mark Schiefelbein/AP)

A guest of Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, a Democrat from Minnesota, was arrested by Capitol police during the State of the Union address.

Omar had invited Aliya Rahman, a US citizen and Minneapolis resident who in January was removed from her car and dragged by immigration agents in the city as part of the Trump administrations increased efforts to arrest and deport alleged undocumented immigrants. The officers had been shouting at her to move.

Im disabled, trying to go to the doctor up there. Thats why I didnt move, Rahman told officers as they pulled her from the car at the time. The officers caused her shoulder injuries, she later said.

During Donald Trumps speech, Rahman started demonstrating, which violated rules for the event, according to the Capitol police.

The guest was told to sit down, but refused to obey our lawful orders, the police said in a statement. It is illegal to disrupt the Congress and demonstrate in the congressional buildings.

Rahman was arrested for unlawful conduct and disruption of Congress, the police stated.

Rahman told the Democracy Now broadcast on Wednesday that she had been standing silently before she was arrested.

No buttons, no facial expressions, no gestures, no signs, not one sound, Rahman said. There are only two things you can do at the State of the Union, and they are, sit down and stand up. All kinds of people were standing up all night. Me too. I stood up at the moment that I heard this man say some of the most racist things I have heard come out of any leaders mouth about the people of my city.

When asked about Rahmans claim that she was standing silently, a Capitol police spokesperson told the Guardian in an email: Its not allowed. She was told to sit. She refused. Its simple.

In a statement Omar called for an investigation into the arrest. My guest, Aliya Rahman, stood up silently in the gallery during the presidents speech for a short period of time, part of which other guests were also standing. For that, she was forcibly removed, despite warning officers about her injured shoulders and ultimately charged with unlawful conduct, she said.

She added: Reports indicate she was aggressively handled until someone intervened to secure medical attention. She was taken to George Washington University hospital for treatment and later booked at the United States Capitol police headquarters.

The heavy-handed response to a peaceful guest sends a chilling message about the state of our democracy. I am calling for a full explanation of why this arrest occurred.

During his speech Trump attacked public officials in sanctuary cities for blocking the removal of criminal aliens, Omar also shouted at Trump: You have killed Americans.

Two US citizens, Alex Pretti and Renee Good, were shot and killed in January by federal law enforcement officers in Minneapolis.

You should be ashamed of yourselves, Trump said to lawmakers who did not stand to show support for his immigration enforcement efforts. Republicans loudly cheered.

The Capitol police stated that Omar and other lawmakers who protested during the speech were not arrested because they were protected by the speech or debate clause of the constitution.

All State of the Union tickets clearly explain that demonstrating is prohibited, the police stated.

Omar said on CNN on Wednesday that Rahman was back and safe following the arrest and hospital visit.

Before the address, Omar said in an interview on MS Now that she invited Rahman, who suffered shoulder injuries during the incident, to show what the ICE occupation has meant for our constituents and the real harm that this administration has caused. Even though they promised to create safety in our communities, they have created chaos, violence and terror.

Rahman, a software engineer, was asked during the interview what she would tell Trump and lawmakers who support his policies.

I would say to them, they were elected to come up with policies and ways to govern this country that make peoples lives better, right? They were not elected to point at folks they would like to construct as enemies so they dont have to do their jobs.

Omars press office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A new article offering a dystopian glimpse into the future with artificial intelligence  one where the technology causes widespread unemployment  has prompted global backlash from investors and economists.

Theres been an uproar online since The 2028 Global Intelligence Crisis was published Sunday by Citrini Research. The article, which isnt a prediction but a hypothetical scenario, offers an unsettling forecast about the looming threat of AI to white-collar work.

The doomsday report, which hypothesized that AIs boom will lead to mass white-collar layoffs and a stock market collapse, left Wall Street shaken this week, against a background of falling stock prices in major tech and financial firms.

While the report has caused unease for some, several experts have called the thesis far-fetched, according to Bloomberg. Even Citrini itself has cautioned that the report was just a hypothetical.

Part of Citrinis scenario revolves around AI causing a negative feedback loop, in which companies invest more in AI and lay off more workers. With such a case, those laid-off workers would not be spending as much, causing companies to adopt even more AI to try and make a profit  and then the cycle repeats itself.

Investors and economists have responded to a viral doomsday report that hypothesizes that artificial intelligence may cause widespread unemployment one day (Getty/iStock)

According to Citadel Securities, a market maker, there is little evidence of AI disruption in labor market data today. Macro strategist Frank Flight notes in a report published Tuesday that it seems more likely that AI will be a complement rather than a substitute for labor in many areas.

Clare Pleydell-Bouverie, co-head of the Liontrust Global Innovation team, told Bloomberg that the new technology may eliminate some jobs  but it will also create new ones.

In Silicon Valley right now, there are new jobs that didnt exist two years ago. Prompt engineers, interference optimization experts. So we do think that there will be some good news in this as well, she said.

Other experts in the field also shared their feedback on the Citrini report with Bloomberg.

Pierre Yared, the acting chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers called it an interesting piece of science fiction.

The Citrini report is an interesting piece of science fiction  and I like science fiction, Yared told the publication. But I think that if you really look at it, and think long and hard about it, it violates some of the basic accounting in economics.

AI can either be a groundbreaking innovation that increases production, increases income and expenditure, or it can be an innovation that ends up not delivering on its promise, Yared said.

Alman Ahmed, the global head of macro at Fidelity International, told the outlet that politicians would protect workers from being replaced by AI.

Politicians are not stupid people, Ahmed said. Ultimately the unemployment rate has an impact on policymaking. If theres a runaway technology which can do everything  and we are not there yet  then whos going to pay taxes? Are robots going to pay taxes?

Jim Reid, Deutsche Banks global head of macro research and thematic strategy, told Bloomberg that Citrinis thesis does not have hard evidence to back it up.

The argument leans heavily on narrative and emotion rather than hard evidence, Reid said. That doesnt mean it will ultimately be wrong, but in both cases the vibes to substance ratio is undeniably high. Ill stop there, before anyone accuses my own research of the same thing.
Jamie Dimon warns of dumb things people are doing - similar to pre-2008 financial crash

People are doing dumb things in todays economy reminiscent of the years before the 2008 financial crash, according to JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon.

Unfortunately, we did see this in 05, 06 and 07, almost the same thing  the rising tide was lifting all boats, everyone was making a lot of money, Dimon told investors on Monday.

I see a couple people doing some dumb things, he added, speaking of unnamed institutions making risky bets to earn extra income in this economic climate, which has seen a high, if volatile, stock market responding to ever-changing developments in tariffs and artificial intelligence.

The Wall Street exec added that despite encouraging signs, such as the Dow hitting an all-time high earlier this month, there are always economic surprises in store and industries that could suddenly falter.

This time around it might be software because of AI, he said.

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon is warning investors not to be dumb as AI investment and a hot stock market has generated widespread economic optimism akin to the years before the 2008 financial crash (AP)

My anxiety is high over it, he said elsewhere of the overall downturn risk. Im not assuaged by the fact that asset prices are high. In fact, I think that adds to the risk.

As if to prove his point, shares in IBM fell 13 percent Monday, their worst single-day drop in a quarter-century, following news that AI tools from Anthropic could compete with one of IBMs signature programming languages.

Dimon has previously warned of other economic risks, including the presidents unpredictable tariff policies, which were recently struck down at the Supreme Court, and friction between the U.S. and its traditional allies.

The other tectonic shift is  the global economy. So the global military umbrella of America, and then the global economy, of which trade is a part, Dimon said last year. The other parts are, do people want to partner with you? Do you have your alliances? You have investment agreements and all those various things. And they're changing.

In a survey released this week, credit investors at Bank of America said their biggest concern was an AI bubble, as firms like Google, OpenAI, Meta, and Amazon pour hundreds of billions of dollars into building artificial intelligence data centers and power sources.

Tech companies have poured hundreds of billions of dollars into AI investments in recent years, driving fears of a coming market bubble and crash (Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

Few worry about geopolitics or a central bank policy error, BofA strategists wrote in a note on Tuesday, Bloomberg reports.

The so-called Magnificent 7  Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tesla  tech companies that make up a disproportionate share of the stock markets overall value  are all heavily invested in AI.

If the economy is in an investment bubble, and if that bubble pops, the resulting downturn could hurt numerous Main Street investors, too, as their retirement savings and pensions are bound up in the stock market.
Japan reveals timeline for missile deployment on island near Taiwan amid standoff with China

Japan will deploy surface-to-air missiles on a remote western island near Taiwan within the next five years, a move that may further strain ties with China.

The Japanese defence ministry said on Tuesday that it would deploy missiles capable of shooting down aircraft and ballistic missiles on the tiny Yonaguni island by March 2031.

This is the first time that Japan has specified the timing of the deployment, first announced in 2022.

Defence minister Shinjiro Koizumi said the deployment on Yonaguni, already a Japanese military base, would depend on the progress of preparing facilities, but we are planning for fiscal 2030.

Mr Koizumi said his ministry was holding a briefing for about 1,500 residents of the island, located 110km east of Taiwan, next week.

In 2015, the residents voted 632 to 445 in favour of hosting a military base. Nearly 160 personnel now monitor Chinese naval movements round the clock from radar sites perched atop a mountain peak.

A general view of the Yonaguni island (AFP/Getty)

The island regularly hosts joint military exercises between Japan and the US and plans are in motion to establish a new missile unit and expand the existing airport and port.

The announcement comes amid a months-long diplomatic standoff with China over prime minister Sanae Takaichis remarks about Taiwans security.

Relations between Japan and China sank to the worst level in years after Ms Takaichi, just a month after taking office last year, claimed that a hypothetical Chinese attack on Taiwan could bring about a Japanese military response. Beijing responded with export curbs, flight cancellations and vitriolic commentaries, repeatedly demanding a retraction.

China considers Taiwan a part of its territory and doesnt rule out the use of force to reunify it with the mainland. Beijing objects to the involvement of third countries in Taiwan, notably the US, which is the main supplier of weapons to the island.

Beijings top diplomat, Wang Yi, told the Munich Security Conference earlier this month that forces in Japan were seeking to revive militarism.

Ms Takaichi told the Japanese parliament on Friday that China was stepping up efforts to change the status quo by force or coercion in the East China Sea and the South China Sea, and said Tokyo must strengthen its defence capabilities.
A federal judge reprimanded Donald Trumps administration for claiming that an immigrant seeking his release from custody was convicted for marijuana possession in 2009  when he was 4 years old.

To support arguments for the mans ongoing detention and removal from the country, government lawyers attached a document from Immigration and Customs Enforcement that they "indicated" was related to his criminal history.

They submitted the document in court filings despite the differences in birthdate, birthplace, parents names, and immigration status, West Virginia District Judge Irene Berger noted in her order to release him on Tuesday.

This sloppiness further validates the Courts concerns about the procedures utilized by the Respondents depriving people present in the United States of their liberty, she wrote.

The viral rebuke, first reported by Politico, is the latest in a string of losses for Department of Justice lawyers and Homeland Security officials who are failing to keep up with court orders after thousands of arrests under Trumps mass deportation efforts.

ICE officials submitted a document purporting to show an immigrant seeking his release was convicted for marijuana possession  when he was 4 years old (Getty Images)

Judges within the last week have held at least two government attorneys in civil contempt for failing to follow orders in immigration cases, according to documents reviewed by The Independent.

Last week, Minnesota District Judge Laura M. Provinzino held a federal prosecutor in civil contempt for flagrant disobedience of court orders in the case of a noncitizen swept up in Trumps surge of immigration officers in the state.

Provinzino ordered Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Isihara to pay $500 a day until the government returned a mans identification documents after his release. The contempt was purged after his documents were returned.

This week, Trump appointee Judge Eric C. Tostrud of Minnesota found the administration in civil contempt for transferring an ICE detainee to Texas in violation of his order and then releasing him without his belongings.

The judge ordered the administration to refund him $568 for the cost of a plane ticket home.

Lawyers defending Kristi Noems DHS are battling an overwhelming number of immigration lawsuits and failing to keep up with court orders (REUTERS)

The administrations attempts to arrest and deport tens of thousands of people from the country  without giving them much of a chance to fight their cases before theyre indefinitely jailed in immigration detention centers  have triggered an avalanche of lawsuits that are overwhelming courts and prosecutors.

Dozens of new habeas corpus petitions  the lawsuits immigrants have filed to challenge the constitutionality of their arrest and detention  are hitting court dockets every week. Government attorneys are overwhelmed or quitting in droves under pressure to fight them at an unsustainable pace.

Judges have argued that its a crisis of the administrations own making.

Officials have chosen to avail themselves of these exact circumstances of which they now complain, wrote California District Judge Sunshine Sykes, whose order this month commanded the government to let detainees challenge their detentions.

In New Jersey, government lawyers recently admitted to violating roughly 50 orders stemming from more than 500 cases.

What do you want me to do? The system sucks. This job sucks, one government lawyer told a judge in Minnesota last month.

Julie Le, a lawyer for ICE who was drafted to help with the caseload in the U.S. Attorney's Office in Minnesota, was removed from that detail days after her outburst in court.

The same month, Minnesotas chief federal judge ripped into the administration after he found ICE violated nearly 100 court orders stemming from the recent surge of officers into the state, or more court orders in January 2026 than some federal agencies have violated in their entire existence.

ICE has every right to challenge the orders of this court, wrote Judge Patrick J. Schiltz. But, like any litigant, ICE must follow those orders unless and until they are overturned or vacated.

Officials at the Justice Department and DHS have labeled judges activists and rogue members of the judiciary in public statements criticizing the decisions but have rarely appealed them.
Former Harvard University president and economist Larry Summers will resign from his teaching role at the end of the academic year, just months after his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein was revealed through a federal document disclosure.

Summers has been on leave from the school since November, and will not be returning to the university before his final day, according to the New York Times.

The economist and former Treasury Secretary under the Clinton administration has also resigned from his role as co-director of the Mossava-Rahmani Center for Business and Government, according to a Harvard spokesperson.

Jason Newton, the spokesperson, confirmed to the Times that Summers' resignation comes in connection with the ongoing review by the University of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein that were recently released by the government.

The news of Summers' resignation was first reported in The Harvard Crimson, the school's newspaper.

Economist and educator Larry Summers is resigning from his teaching role at Harvard University just months after his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein was revealed in a document release (Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Summers issued a statement saying he has made the "difficult decision" to retire, adding that he will "always be grateful to the thousands of students and colleagues I have been privileged to reach and work with since coming to Harvard as a graduate student 50 years ago."

He said that he will now look forward to engaging in research, analysis and commentary on a range of global economic issues.

Summers' links to Epstein weren't unknown, but his closeness to accused child sex trafficker only became clear after the federal government released a trance of Epstein's emails in November.

Summers has not been accused of any wrongdoing related to his friendship with Epstein.

The documents capture private moments between the men, including friendly banter about Summer's alleged romantic interest in a woman who was not his wife. Elsewhere, Epstein described himself as Summers' "wingman."

In one email from 2019, Summers complained to Epstein that a woman he was interested in was involved with another man.

I said what are you up to. She said Im busy, he wrote. I said awfully coy u are.

Epstein responded, saying shes smart. making you pay for past errors. ignore the daddy im going to go out with the motorcycle guy, you reacted well.

Summers also appeared to use a racist term in one exchange to refer to his attraction to an Asian woman.

Id be happy to have a rational affair w yellow peril, he wrote in the message. Moments before that message, he wrote that he was way smitten with her so woukd sacrifuce (sic) lots for being w her.

The men were having conversations more than a decade after Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting sex from a child. Summers' and Epstein's correspondence continued until July 5, 2019, just a day before Epstein was arrested and charged with child sex trafficking, NBC News reports.

Summers has previously said that he takes full responsibility for my misguided decision to continue communicating with Mr. Epstein. (Getty Images)

After the November document dump, Summers issued a statement acknowledging the emails and expressing regret for his association with Epstein. He said he was deeply ashamed and would take full responsibility for my misguided decision to continue communicating with Mr. Epstein.

Shortly after the messages were made public, Summers retreated from public life and stepped down from the board of directors of the OpenAI Foundation. OpenAI is the company that developed ChatGPT.

In line with my announcement to step away from my public commitments, I have also decided to resign from the board of OpenAI, he said in a statement at the time. I am grateful for the opportunity to have served, excited about the potential of the company, and look forward to following their progress.

In December, Summers was banned for life from the American Economic Association due to his ties to Epstein. The group said late last year that it accepted Summers voluntary resignation.

Effective immediately, the AEA has imposed a lifetime prohibition on Mr. Summers attending, speaking at, or otherwise participating in AEA-sponsored events or activities, including serving in any editorial or refereeing capacity for AEA journals, it said in a statement at the time.

The Independent has requested comment from Summers.

Harvard has launched an investigation into its own ties to Epstein, including a review of both donors and employees who might have been close to the disgraced financier.

The university launched a similar probe in 2020, which reportedly turned up only one explicit reference to Mr Summers. The report found that Summers had helped start a program pitched by Epstein.
Constitution Hills absence from the Cheltenham Festival has seen another shake-up in the Unibet Champion Hurdle picture, with Dan Skeltons The New Lion again favourite with most firms for the opening-day feature.

Despite three falls from his last four appearances over timber, the 2023 champion shot to the top of the betting for the two-mile hurdling crown with an imperious performance on his eagerly-awaited Flat debut at a packed-out Southwell on Friday night.

However, the master of Seven Barrows and owner Michael Buckley insisted on letting the dust settle before making the head scratching 50-50 call on a Cheltenham Festival bid, deciding on Wednesday focus will now remain on the level.

That decision has seen Dan Skeltons Unibet Hurdle winner regain his position at the top of the market with Brett Williams of the race sponsor saying: Another twist to a market that has had five different favourites since last March but maybe a little less surprising to some this one.

You could see it happening when we started seeing money for the others as you would expect. It has led to The New Lion being shortened into 5-2 favourite with Brighterdaysahead an unchanged 3-1 even in Constitution Hills absence.

We are currently 7-2 from 5-1 Lossiemouth as a result of todays news, however it remains to be seen where she still runs, as her price for the Mares Hurdle has shortened again in the exchanges.

The New Lion is also favourite with Boylesports given uncertainty surrounding the challenge heading over from Ireland, with the layer also confirming they would be refunding all ante-post bets on Constitution Hill.

Spokesperson Brian OKeeffe said: The Champion Hurdle has easily been the most volatile market in the lead-up to Cheltenham and the news Constitution Hill wont run has turned it upside down once again.

He would have been a nightmare result for us as punters were really buying into a dream result, but hope isnt lost for the home team.

We make The New Lion our new favourite and with question marks remaining over where well see Lossiemouth, Brighterdaysahead flies the flag in Ireland.

Other layers are preferring to look ahead to Constitution Hills future endeavours on the level, with a trip to Australia for the Melbourne Cup already mooted as a possible ambition for later this year.

Sam Boswell of BetVictor said: While it is disappointing Constitution Hill will not line up in the Champion Hurdle, its completely understandable why connections are seeking an alternative autumn of his career.

The Cheltenham Festivals loss will be the Flat seasons gain and turnover on the Southwell race shows just how exciting it will be for racing to have a high-class jumper run on the Flat.

The sky could be the limit for him in his new discipline where there are exciting opportunities to be had and we have trimmed him for the Melbourne Cup to 16-1 from 25s after positive noises from both Michael Buckley and officials in Australia.

Corals David Stevens added: New challenges await Constitution Hill after his debut Flat success, and hes already second favourite for the Melbourne Cup later in the year, so his appeal to punters seems set to continue for some time yet.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has spoken to BBC boss Ed Davie over the completely unacceptable and harmful" broadcasting of a racial slur by the BBC in its coverage of the Baftas.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the cabinet minister said: "I share the serious concerns raised by so many people regarding the broadcast of a racial slur during the Bafta ceremony on Sunday evening.

"As the public would expect, I have raised this matter with the BBC director general.

"I welcome the launch of a full investigation by the BBC. Broadcasting a racial slur is completely unacceptable and harmful. The BBC must ensure that this never happens again."

The BBC faced growing criticism led by senior London Labour MP Dawn Butler over its failure to edit out the racial slur from its coverage of the Baftas ceremony prior to broadcast.

Ms Butler, chair of London Labour MPs, initially condemned the Corporation, stressing there had been a two-hour delay before transmission of the offensive language.

This is painful & unforgivable, she messaged on X.

Labour MP Dawn Butler (PA Archive)

She wrote to outgoing BBC Director General Tim Davie, asking for an explanation over the N-word slur which was shouted as Sinners actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan presented the award for special visual effects at Londons Royal Festival Hall on Sunday.

The BBC reported her criticism and told how several other incidents of inappropriate language had been cut out of the broadcast, but that the racial slur moment was said to have been missed.

Responding to this, Brent East MP Ms Butler posted: This raises additional questions of the BBC.

If the moment was missed why did the host make an apology?

There is a failure of duty of care on all parties concerned. And an obvious bias.

The @BBC had a 2-hour delay, yet a racial slur was broadcast to millions. We need answers.



This isnt about blaming people with Tourette's.



Its about editorial accountability, failure of duty of care for all and how Black pain is often minimised. https://t.co/tVCm7JD75X  Dawn Butler  (@DawnButlerBrent) February 24, 2026

Ms Butler, a former minister for young citizens and youth engagement, later added on X: The @BBC had a 2-hour delay, yet a racial slur was broadcast to millions. We need answers.

This isnt about blaming people with Tourette's.

Its about editorial accountability, failure of duty of care for all and how Black pain is often minimised.

Amid reports that the Corporation deleted another racial slur and a Free Palestine shout at the ceremony, Liverpool Riverside MP Kim Johnson added: The BBC deserves every bit of criticism here...

How is it that Free Palestine can be censored, but the n-word was allowed to initially be aired? It doesnt add up. Serious questions need answering.

The BBC has apologised for any offence caused by the racial slur which was shouted by Tourette campaigner John Davidson during the ceremony.

John Davidson who shouted the slur during the ceremony (Ian West/PA) (PA Wire)

Mr Davidson, 54, has said he is deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning.

Tourette syndrome charity Tourettes Action said it deeply understands the harm of the racial slur, but called for understanding of the condition.

The charity said it was incredibly proud of Mr Davidson and those involved in the film I Swear, which tells the story of his life, having developed the condition when he was 12.

During the broadcast, the awards ceremonys presenter Alan Cumming apologised for the language viewers may have heard.

A BBC spokesperson later 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.

Robert Aramayo with the leading actor award for I Swear and the EE Rising Star Award during the Baftas (PA Wire)

Robert Aramayo won best actor for his performance in I Swear, which also won best casting. He was also named EE Rising Star.

Mr Davidson was made an MBE in 2019 for his efforts to increase understanding of Tourette syndrome and help families deal with the condition.

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.

According to the NHS, Tourettes syndrome is a condition that causes people to make sudden, repetitive sounds or movements, which in rare incidences can result in offensive language being used, that cannot be controlled.

It says there is no cure but treatment can help to manage the tics.
The virtual and augmented reality in healthcare market was valued at $2.5 billion in 2023 and is estimated to reach $14.9 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 19.6%.

WILMINGTON, Del., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Virtual and Augmented Reality in Healthcare Market by Component (Hardware, Software and Services), by Technology (Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality), and End User (Hospitals, Research Institutions, Diagnostic Centers and Clinics): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2033". According to the report, the virtual and augmented reality in healthcare market was valued at $2.5 billion in 2023, and is estimated to reach $14.9 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 19.6% from 2024 to 2033.

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Major factors driving the growth of the virtual and augmented reality in healthcare market are technological advancements in the virtual & augmented reality and rise in adoption of virtual and augmented reality in diagnostic and surgical applications. Innovations in hardware and software have significantly enhanced the capabilities and applications of VR and AR, transforming various aspects of medical practice. High-resolution displays, powerful graphics processors, and sophisticated motion-tracking systems have made VR and AR experiences more immersive and realistic, improving the effectiveness of simulations and visualizations. These advancements facilitate precise surgical planning and training, allowing medical professionals to practice complex procedures in a risk-free environment. Software advancements, including the development of specialized medical applications and platforms, enable seamless integration of virtual and augmented reality technology into existing healthcare systems.

In addition, the rise in adoption of virtual and augmented reality in diagnostic and surgical applications is expected to drive the growth of the market. In diagnostics, VR and AR facilitate immersive visualization of complex anatomical structures, enabling healthcare professionals to diagnose conditions with greater accuracy. They offer three-dimensional, interactive models that improve the understanding of patient-specific anatomy, leading to more accurate and timely diagnoses. In surgical applications, VR and AR have revolutionized the way surgeries are planned and executed. Surgeons can utilize AR for real-time overlays of medical images onto the patient's body, providing critical information without having to look away from the surgical field. This enhanced visualization supports more precise incisions and better decision-making during operations. VR is also used for surgical simulations, allowing surgeons to practice and refine their techniques in a risk-free environment before performing actual surgeries. These simulations contribute to improved surgical outcomes and reduced complications.

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What Are the Key Factors Driving the Market Growth?

According to the VR and AR in healthcare market analysis key factors driving the growth of the market are rise in adoption of digital healthcare technology, advancement in virtual and augmented reality technology and high use of virtual and augmented reality in surgical planning and assistance. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies have revolutionized surgical procedures by providing enhanced visualization, improved precision, and greater control for surgeons. VR and AR allow for detailed 3D modeling of patient anatomy, enabling surgeons to plan and rehearse complex surgeries in a virtual environment before performing them on patients. This leads to reduced surgical errors, shorter operation times, and improved patient outcomes. According to a 2023 article by the National Library of Medicine, virtual reality has the potential to create highly accurate, immersive simulations, thereby crafting a realistic training environment for surgical residents outside of the operating room. Additionally, AR provides real-time guidance during surgeries by overlaying critical information and visuals onto the surgeon's field of view, thus enhancing decision-making and reducing risks. The integration of VR and AR in surgical training and education also plays a crucial role, offering immersive, hands-on experiences for medical students and professionals, which translates to better preparedness and competence in real-life scenarios. Thus, the rise in adoption of digital healthcare and technological advancement is expected to significantly contribute to the VR and AR in healthcare market growth.

The hardware segment dominated market share in 2023

By component, the hardware segment dominated the market share in 2023. This is attributed to the development and integration of advanced hardware, such as VR headsets, AR glasses, and other immersive devices, which have significantly enhanced the effectiveness of medical simulations, surgical training, and therapeutic treatments.

Augmented reality segment dominated market share in 2023

By technology, the augmented reality segment dominated the market share in 2023. This is attributed to the fact that augmented reality technology enhances surgical precision and efficiency by overlaying digital information onto a surgeon's field of view during procedures. This capability not only reduces human error but also improves patient outcomes, driving healthcare providers to adopt augmented reality solutions.

Hospitals segment dominated market share in 2023

By end user, the hospitals segment dominated the market share in 2023. This is attributed to hospitals increasingly adopting AR/VR technologies to enhance medical training and education. These technologies offer immersive simulations that allow healthcare professionals to practice complex procedures in a safe and controlled environment, thereby improving their skills and confidence without risk to actual patients. This capability not only reduces training costs associated with traditional methods but also ensures a higher level of competency among medical staff, leading to improved patient outcomes.

What are the Opportunities in the VR and AR in the Healthcare Market?

According to the VR and AR In healthcare market opportunity analysis rapid advancements in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology have emerged as significant factors driving the growth of the market. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology have revolutionized various aspects of medical practice, offering immersive and interactive experiences that enhance both patient care and medical training. In diagnostics, VR and AR enable detailed visualizations of complex anatomical structures, assisting in accurate diagnoses and pre-surgical planning. Furthermore, VR is increasingly used in pain management and mental health therapies, offering patients immersive environments that aid in distraction, relaxation, and therapeutic interventions. According to a 2023 article by the National Library of Medicine, virtual reality is a promising pain control strategy for various pain conditions such as perioperative, periprocedural, and chronic pain settings. Thus, the technological advancement in the virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology and high adoption of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology in pain management and surgical procedures is expected to drive the growth of the VR and AR in healthcare market size.

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Regional Outlook

North America held a dominant position in the market in 2023, attributed to high adoption of virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technologies in surgical, diagnostic, and training of medical professionals. In addition, the strong presence of major key players and high research & development activities in the region for development of virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technologies are expected to contribute significantly to the adoption of virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technologies in healthcare.

However, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This is attributed to technological advancements and a rising demand for innovative healthcare solutions in countries like China, Japan, and South Korea. These nations are investing heavily in digital health initiatives, with VR/AR playing a pivotal role in improving access to healthcare services in remote areas and enhancing medical training capabilities.

Key Players

The major players operating in the VR and AR in healthcare industry include -

 CAE,

 GE Healthcare,

 Koninklijke Philips N.V.,

 Intuitive Surgical,

 Siemens Ltd,

 Eon Reality, Inc,

 Bioflight VR,

 WorldViz,

 TheraSim Inc, and

 Mindmaze.





Other players in the Virtual and Augmented Reality in Healthcare market are Radboudumc and Vuzix Corporation.

The report includes the analysis of the regional as well as global virtual and augmented reality in healthcare market trends, key players, market segments, application areas, and market growth strategies. This report provides a quantitative analysis of the market segments, current trends, estimations, and dynamics of the virtual and augmented reality in healthcare market analysis from 2024 to 2033 to identify the prevailing virtual and augmented reality in healthcare market opportunities.

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Sir Lindsay Hoyle visited the British Virgin Islands last week and spoke to a local source about Lord Mandelson

Scotland Yard has apologised for revealing that Sir Lindsay Hoyle tipped police off about Lord Mandelsons alleged plan to flee the country.

The Metropolitan Police told Lord Mandelsons lawyers that Sir Lindsay had passed on the information, which the Commons Speaker said he had provided in good faith.

The former ambassador to the US was arrested on Monday afternoon on suspicion of misconduct in public office after detectives received a warning from Sir Lindsay suggesting he intended to move to the British Virgin Islands.

The Telegraph understands that Sir Lindsay revealed Lord Mandelsons alleged plans during a meeting with detectives that morning to discuss the ongoing investigation into claims the disgraced peer leaked sensitive government documents to Jeffrey Epstein.

Mandelson had wealthy sympathiser

Officials from the Cabinet Office were also present at the meeting, during which Sir Lindsay revealed he was told Lord Mandelson had been offered refuge in the British Overseas Territory by a wealthy sympathiser.

It is understood that Sir Lindsay is extremely angry about the Metropolitan Polices disclosure.

Senior Scotland Yard officers were due to meet the Speaker on Wednesday afternoon to apologise for the disclosure, which is regarded as a serious breach of protocol.

A spokesperson said: The Met has apologised to the Speaker of the House of Commons this afternoon for inadvertently revealing information during an investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office.

Sir Lindsay told MPs on Wednesday morning: Members will be aware of comments in the media regarding the arrest of Lord Mandelson.

To prevent any inaccurate speculation, I would like to confirm that upon receipt of information that I felt was relevant, I passed this on to the Met Police in good faith as is my duty and responsibility.

Sir Lindsay reportedly visited the British Virgin Islands last week. He is said to have been told by a local source that Lord Mandelson planned to travel there.

Speaking after The Times reported that he was behind the tip-off, he added: It is regrettable that this rapidly ended up in the media. As this is a live investigation, members would understand that it would not be appropriate to make any further comment and Id like to caution members from doing so.

It is understood that the force had been planning to interview Lord Mandelson by appointment rather than arrest him, but that decision changed suddenly on Monday when detectives became concerned that he could be a flight risk.

Lord Mandelson was arrested at his home on Monday - Roland Hoskins/Daily Mail/dmg media Licensing

Lord Mandelson was forced to surrender his passport as part of his bail conditions, following seven hours of questioning.

In a statement on Tuesday evening, lawyers for the peer described allegations that he was planning to flee the country as baseless.

A spokesman said: Peter Mandelson was arrested despite an agreement with the police that he would attend an interview next month on a voluntary basis.

The arrest was prompted by a baseless suggestion that he was planning to leave the country and take up permanent residence abroad. There is absolutely no truth whatsoever in any such suggestion. We have asked the MPs for the evidence relied upon to justify the arrest.

Peter Mandelsons overriding priority is to cooperate with the police investigation, as he has done throughout this process, and to clear his name.

Lord Speaker accused of tip-off

Initially, Lord Forsyth of Drumlean, the Speaker of the House of Lords, was accused of tipping off police after the claim was made on the News Agents podcast.

Emily Maitlis, one of the podcasts hosts, said on Tuesday afternoon: Overnight I heard from a colleague who sent me Peter Mandelsons own words.

And this is what he told the colleague: Despite previous agreements between police and the legal team over a voluntary interview in early March, police arrested me because they claimed the Lord Speaker received information that I was about to flee to the British Virgin Islands and take up permanent residence abroad, leaving Reinaldo  his husband  my family, home and Jock  his dog  behind me.

Lord Mandelson with his husband Reinaldo Avila da Silva

A spokesman for the Lord Speaker issued a denial, saying: Any suggestion at all that the Lord Speaker received information about Lord Mandelsons movements or communicated any such information to the Metropolitan Police Service is entirely false and without foundation.

Sources close to him said he would also have an urgent meeting with the Metropolitan Police on Thursday to seek clarification on how he came to be named as the source of information relating to Lord Mandelson.

Sources said he wanted to know why detectives did not contact him so the false information could be corrected, and is demanding an apology from those responsible for any error.

It is unclear why Lord Mandelson would flee to the British Virgin Islands, a British Overseas Territory, when it is a signatory to the Extradition Act 2003.

Police opened an investigation into Lord Mandelson three weeks ago after it emerged that he appeared to have leaked sensitive government documents to Epstein while serving as business secretary in Gordon Browns government.

His arrest was another blow for Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, whose judgment has been questioned over the decision to appoint the peer as Britains ambassador to the US.
A Republican congressman was shredded online for the cringe moment he asked Donald Trump to sign his tie, adorned with pictures of the presidents face, after Trump delivered the State of the Union address.

Troy Nehls of Texas was mocked online for fawning over Trump following the longest-ever State of the Union speech.

Nehls, a MAGA loyalist, shook the presidents hand following the address, who then clocked the Trump-themed tie the GOP congressman was wearing.

The representative quickly picked up a notepad and pen and was heard begging Trump to sign the tie.

Initial it. Just an initial, Nehls was heard asking Trump in a clip posted on social media.

Republican congressman Troy Nehls was shredded online for the cringe moment he asked Donald Trump to sign his tie, adorned with pictures of the presidents face, after Trump delivered the State of the Union (Reuters)

Trump said, I like that tie as he carried on shaking hands and taking selfies with GOP lawmakers in the chamber.

The moment was described as embarrassing by some social media users, while others said the behavior was similar to a cult.

Cringe personified, one person remarked about the exchange in a X post.

Even the die hards in North Korea dont grovel and beg for an autograph, said another.

Embarrassing, someone else commented.

Not a cult at all, everything normal, another person chimed in.

Nehls, a MAGA loyalist, shook the presidents hand following the address, who then clocked the Trump-themed tie the GOP congressman was wearing (AP)

Before Trumps address, Nehls was involved in a heated exchange with Rep. Al Green, a Texas Democrat, who held up a Black People Arent Apes sign in reference to a racist AI-generated video Trump posted online earlier this month depicting former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as primates.

On Greens way out of the House chamber, Nehls attempted to grab the sign from the Democrat.

Nehls is retiring from Congress at the end of his term this year and has endorsed his twin brother, Trever Nehls, to replace him.

The Republican was on the receiving end of backlash in January when he blamed law enforcement for the January 6 Capitol riots during special counsel Jack Smiths first-ever public testimony.

Nehls appeared to absolve Trump of any wrongdoing for the events that day, during which at least 170 officers were injured in the riots. Four others later died by suicide.

His comments angered Michael Fanone, a former Washington, D.C. police officer who was dragged down the Capitol steps, beaten with pipes, pepper sprayed and threatened with his own gun during a mobs assault in the halls of Congress on Jan. 6.
University of Southern Maines Portland campus. Photograph: Portland Press Herald/Getty Images (Photograph: Portland Press Herald/Getty Images)

The University of Southern Maine abruptly revoked access to an on-campus venue days before a conference about Palestine was to take place there, citing the participation in the program of an individual under US sanctions.

More than 300 participants have registered to attend the Consequence of Palestine conference, which was slated to include remote participation from Francesca Albanese, the United Nations special rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territories, who has been under sanction by the Trump administration since last year.

Conference organizers  with the Maine Coalition for Palestine, Maine Voices for Palestinian Rights and USMs department of criminology and sociology  are scrambling to find a last-minute venue to hold the event. They told the Guardian they refuse to be silenced and are considering legal action against the university, which is part of the University of Maine system.

Were a public university; the university system is subject to first amendment laws, said Abigail Fuller, a sociology professor at USM. We feel we have a very, very strong case that they are suppressing our free speech.

Sanctions law prohibits US individuals and entities from exchanging any goods or services with sanctioned individuals  with consequences ranging from hefty fines to up to 20 years in prison. But what constitutes a prohibited service is not clear, and free speech experts criticize the law as being overly vague and improperly chilling speech that is protected under the US constitution.

Samantha Warren, the University of Maine systems chief external and governmental affairs officer, wrote in an email to the Guardian that hosting a conference that is being actively promoted as including a speaker sanctioned by the U.S. government would put our public university in violation of federal law. She added that organizers should have obtained permission from the treasury department to include the sanctioned speaker.

That position appears to contradict guidance issued by the US office of foreign assets control in December, which was issued in response to a letter on behalf of the Middle East Studies Association, which was also looking to feature Albaneses virtual participation in an event. The guidance clarified that featuring Albanese remotely  without any exchange of payment, training or assistance  did not amount to providing a prohibited service and does not require prior authorization.

Xiangnong Wang, a staff attorney at the Knight First Amendment Institute who sought officials guidance on MESAs behalf, told the Guardian that USMs cancellation of the Palestine conference was a troubling reflection of the sweeping impact of US sanctions. In 2023, the Knight Institute sued the treasury department in a case that challenged the impact of sanctions on the exchange of political ideas, leading to a settlement and the departments acknowledgment that including sanctioned speakers in events is not prohibited under US law.

Still, the sanctions broadness continued to have a widespread chilling impact, Wang noted, extending beyond targeted individuals to scholars, journalists and human rights advocates who fear engaging with them might expose them to legal liability.

Its very concerning that sanctions continue to have such a broad deterrent effect on speech that is undoubtedly protected by the first amendment, he said.

Organizers believe USM administrators responded to outside pressure, including a letter reportedly sent to the chancellor by Republican lawmakers requesting information on steps the university is taking to ensure the safety and well-being of its Jewish students. Warren said that the allegation that the university responded to political pressure was untrue and noted that it had already terminated its contract with conference organizers several days before receiving the letter from Republican lawmakers.

Fuller, the USM professor, said university officials cited the fear of federal funding cuts in communications with organizers. After they failed to convince the university that no OFAC authorization was required to include Albanese, organizers offered to remove her from the conference program, but were then told that not enough time was left for the university to assess the conferences risk.

The US sanctioned Albanese  a prominent and outspoken advocate for Palestinian rights  last July, accusing her of unabashed antisemitism, expressed support for terrorism, and open contempt for the United States, Israel, and the West.

Albanese did not respond to a request for comment but has previously denounced the sanctions against her as a sign of US guilt and has consistently rejected antisemitism accusations.

The US is a country of contradictions, full of ideals and principles and still, plotting against democratic values, she told the Guardian in an interview last summer.

Fateh Azzam, a career human rights practitioner and member of the Maine Coalition for Palestine, told the Guardian that organizers were determined not to cancel the conference.

That would mean that they have effectively silenced an open and public debate on the issues, he said, noting that the ordeal had instead drawn greater interest in the event. This controversy will probably bring in more people.

 This article was amended on 27 February 2026 to add comment from a university spokesperson clarifying that the school terminated its contract with conference organizers before receiving a letter from Republican lawmakers. It was also amended to clarify details of the guidance under which Albanese was permitted to speak remotely at a MESA event.
Police at Manchester Central Mosque. Officers arrested a man in his 40s on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon and possession of class B drugs. Photograph: 5Pillars UK (Photograph: 5Pillars UK)

Police in Manchester have arrested a suspect after a person allegedly entered Manchester Central Mosque with an axe and a knife.

Police were called at about 8.40pm on Tuesday to reports that two men had entered the mosque on Upper Park Road and were acting suspiciously.

Officers arrested a man in his 40s on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon and possession of class B drugs. He remains in custody for questioning.

A witness said the suspect was armed with an axe. Four people restrained the suspect and hit him with a fire extinguisher, he said. A statement from the mosque said the man also had a hammer and a knife.

The witness said the approximately 5,000 worshippers inside the mosque were asked to evacuate and that about 15 police cars showed up at the scene. Nobody was injured during the incident.

It is understood the second man of concern was not apprehended. Police are appealing for anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

Supt Simon Nasim, of Greater Manchester police, said: Yesterday evening officers attended a local mosque after it was reported that two men were acting suspiciously and carrying an offensive weapon while people were worshipping during the holy month of Ramadan.

We have swiftly arrested one individual and officers are working to locate the second man. No threats were made and thankfully no one was injured. You may notice an increased presence of patrols in the area while our inquiries continue..

Nasim added: There is no place for weapons on our streets and we are committed to ensure all our communities feel safe to worship in peace and go about their daily lives without fear. Anyone committing such offences will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

Videos circulating online on Tuesday night showed a heavy police presence outside the mosque, which is located in the Victoria Park area of the city. On Wednesday morning the mosque was quiet, with no visible police presence. Most neighbours said they had not seen or heard any signs of a disturbance.

The mosque said volunteers spotted a suspicious bag and escorted one of the men who had entered the mosque into a side room. All relevant information and CCTV footage has been passed on to the police who are continuing their investigation, its statement said.

It added: The Muslim community in the UK has experienced a notable rise in threats and hostility over recent years. The increase in Islamophobic incidents is a serious concern, and greater resources are urgently needed to address this growing and real risk.

We will continue to cooperate fully with the police and urge all mosque attendees to remain vigilant. Congregants are advised to travel in groups where possible and to ensure that children are not left unattended.

The swift and responsible actions of our volunteers played a crucial role in containing the situation. Without their intervention, the consequences could have been far more serious.

Maryam Khan, who lives close to the mosque, said: We normally go to the mosque every night. This is the one night we didnt end up going.

I think its really sad, she said. Its really sad and really horrible to feel unsafe even in a Muslim-dense area. It almost feels like every year theres something. Whether its here, whether its down south, theres always something going on.

She added: This feels very, very safe and thats why we love it here. But were definitely thinking twice about going anywhere alone.

Its such a disgusting thing to do because [Ramadan] is such a sacred month for us. Violence has never, ever been a part of our religion. No matter what anyone says, it has not got anything to do with our values, and in fact it is something that is so horrible and terrible and scary.

Living in the UK, to be honest, were kind of just always aware that something could happen and something might happen.

The Manchester Rusholme MP, Afzal Khan, said: I am deeply concerned about the incident that occurred at Manchester Central Mosque last night. Thankfully, everyone is safe, no one is hurt, and Greater Manchester police have arrested one of the suspects.

This is the consequence of far-right politicians scapegoating Muslims. This is Islamophobia, plain and simple.

The incident comes a week after Ramadan began and a day before the byelection in Gorton and Denton, in south-east Greater Manchester, in which Labour, the Greens and Reform UK are vying to take the seat.
US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, speaks during a joint press conference on 16 February in Budapest, Hungary. Photograph: Janos Kummer/Getty Images (Photograph: Janos Kummer/Getty Images)

Marco Rubio delivered a rare briefing to top US lawmakers on Iran, just a few hours before Donald Trump used his State of the Union address to say that Tehran would never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.

Amid the largest deployment of aircraft and warships to the Middle East since the 2003 buildup to the Iraq war, Trump said he wanted to solve the confrontation with Iran through diplomatic means while claiming that Tehran was seeking to develop ballistic missiles that could reach the US, without providing further details.

Theyve already developed missiles that can threaten Europe and our bases overseas, he said. And theyre working to build missiles that will soon reach the United States of America.

We are in negotiations with them, he continued. They want to make a deal. But we havent heard those secret words: we will never have a nuclear weapon.

Rubio, the US secretary of state, delivered a classified briefing to the so-called gang of eight, which includes the senior lawmakers from both parties in the House and Senate, as well as the chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate intelligence committees.

The select group is briefed by the White House on classified intelligence matters, which can include preparations for significant military action. Rubio last publicly briefed the group on 5 January, the day after the US launched its successful operation to capture Venezuelas Nicolas Maduro.

The developments came after a second US aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald Ford  the largest such vessel in the world  arrived in the region. Analysts have said that the US is now in position to launch a strike against Iran if Donald Trump orders one.

The details of the report were classified and were not immediately made public. Exiting the briefing, Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer said: This is serious, and the administration has to make its case to the American people.

Related: Oil prices hit seven-month highs as tensions rise before US-Iran talks

Im very concerned, said Jim Himes, the ranking democrat on the House intelligence committee. Wars in the Middle East dont go well for presidents, for the country, and we have not heard articulated a single good reason for why now is the moment to launch yet another war in the Middle East.

The briefing by Rubio took place just hours before Trump was scheduled to deliver a State of the Union speech on Tuesday evening in which his foreign policy was expected to play a central role. Trump has demanded that Iran abandon its nuclear programme, abandon its production of ballistic missiles and cease its support for overseas proxies such as Hezbollah and the Houthis in Yemen.

US-Iran talks are scheduled for Thursday in Geneva. In an interview with NPR, the deputy foreign minister, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, said that Iran was ready to reach an agreement as soon as possible.

We want to do whatevers necessary to make it happen, he continued. But the negotiations would only concern Irans nuclear programme, he added, which is unlikely to satisfy the White House.

Trump last week said that Iran would either make a deal or the US would have to take it a step further, adding that really bad things would happen to Iran, adding a time limit of 10 days.

The US has also evacuated non-essential personnel from its embassy in Lebanon due to an assessment of the threat environment, and Rubio has also reportedly delayed a Saturday meeting with Israels Benjamin Netanyahu to Monday, according to Israeli officials.

The Guardian and other media outlets have reported that Gen Dan Caine, the chair of the joint chiefs of staff, had warned Trump that a conflict with Iran could severely deplete the USs stockpile of anti-missile missiles including Patriot, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) and ship-launched interceptors.

Trump had shot back against the reports as incorrectly suggesting that Caine was against us going to war with Iran. (The reports only said that Caine had warned Trump of the consequences of a strike.)

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 wrote on Truth Social. Caine 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.

The Guardian has previously reported that Trump has not decided whether to launch strikes against Iran and that his decision will hinge on the results of talks in Geneva later this week with top Iranian officials. The US delegation will be led by Steve Witkoff, his longtime friend and Middle East envoy, as well as his son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

Related: Washington and Tehran to hold more nuclear talks as protests reignite in Iran

The other main advisers include the vice-president, JD Vance; the secretary of state, Marco Rubio; the CIA director, John Ratcliffe; the defense secretary, Pete Hegseth; the White House chief of staff, Susie Wiles; and the director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard.

Trump could either order a limited military strike intended to influence negotiations between Iran and the US or could launch a much larger offensive meant to decapitate the government of Iran.

We could go now, said Charles Wald, a retired air force general and former deputy commander of US European Command, who said that the arrival of the USS Gerald Ford near Crete would give additional capability to protect Israel from a potential Iranian counterattack.

The military buildup and Trumps ultimatums to Iran ultimately could force him into action, Wald added.

The problem is that Trump has  kind of implied a red line, said Wald, who now serves as a distinguished fellow at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America. If they dont get the agreement, and then they dont do anything, its going to be twice as bad as when Obama didnt do anything in Syria for the chemical weapons.
The Queen clasps Paddingtons hands as West End star Marisha Wallace, who also sang at the grand final, looks on - Jonathan Brady/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

Paddington Bear has met the Queen for the first time at Windsor Castle.

The television favourite tipped his red hat and took hold of Her Majestys hands at the royal residence on Wednesday after he performed at the grand final of BBC 500 Words, the childrens writing competition.

The Queen, who has long championed a love of reading and is patron of several literary charities, met the Peruvian bear in the Grand Reception Room.

Bending down to speak to Paddington, she said: Thank you very much for coming all the way from Peru, its very kind of you.

And youre going to give all your marmalade sandwiches to all these children, and perhaps I can have one too, thank you very much.

On an unseasonably warm day in the room usually reserved for investitures, the Queen added: You must be a little bit hot.

Queen Elizabeth II sharing a cream tea with Paddington in a video filmed for the Party at the Palace celebrations for the monarchs Platinum Jubilee - Buckingham Palace/Studio Canal/BBC Studios/Heyday Films

Paddington Bear famously took tea with Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle during her Platinum Jubilee celebrations, delighting the nation and surprising members of her family with the sequence, which was filmed under top secret conditions.

On Wednesday, the bear was once again a surprise guest at the royal residence, this time joining the competitions judges Sir Lenny Henry, Malorie Blackman and Rose Ayling-Ellis.

They were there to celebrate talented young writers from all across the UK at a special reception, hosted by Her Majesty, to honour the childrens imaginations and creative writing.

Hosted by Roman Kemp and Alex Jones, the presenters of BBC Ones The One Show, the final saw six winning entrants selected after the judging panel narrowed down 46,000 submissions.

When greeting Her Majesty before the recording, Kemp told her he heard some of the children couldnt believe they were in an actual castle.

The Queen and her equerry arriving for a teddy bears picnic at a Barnardos nursery in November 2022. Her Majesty distributed Paddingtons and other cuddly toys left in memory of Queen Elizabeth II after her death two months earlier - Arthur Edwards/The Sun/PA Wire

Paddington Bear toys on display at Clarence House in a photo released by Buckingham Palace before Queen Camilla visited the teddy bears picnic - Buckingham Palace via AP

During the final, which will be broadcast on March 6, Paddington performed The Explorer and The Bear, from Paddington The Musical. He was followed by West End star Marisha Wallace, who performed A Million Dreams from The Greatest Showman.

Excerpts from the winning entries were read by celebrities including Jodie Whittaker, the Doctor Who star, Joanna Page of Gavin and Stacey, Bradley and Barney Walsh, the father and son TV presenters, Sara Cox, the BBC DJ and author, Paterson Joseph, the RSC actor and award-winning writer, and Big Zuu, the rapper and TV personality.

Among the other guests at the reception were some of the Gladiators from the hit BBC show. Her Majesty chatted with Livi Sheldon and Zack George, better known as Diamond and Steel, and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey (Nitro) and Montell Douglas (Fire).

The Queen meets Gladiators Diamond and Steel, above, and Nitro and Fire, below, at the reception - Jonathan Brady/PA Wire

Justin Tallis/WPA Pool/Getty Images

Queen Camilla has supported the competition since 2015 and earlier this year she joined the panel of judges  also including Charlie Higson, Frank Cottrell-Boyce and Francesca Simon  to discuss the shortlisted stories.

The Queen has made it her mission to champion literacy through royal patronages and her own initiatives, including the book club she founded in lockdown that transformed into The Queens Reading Room charity.

Last month, she described her charitys mission to get people reading as more urgent than ever, warning that global reading rates are at their very lowest.

Speaking at the reception for the winners and guests, hosted in St Georges Hall, Ms Blackman said the 500 Words competition goes a long way to tackle declining literacy and encourage reading for enjoyment.

Her Majesty the Queen spoke about how the children are inspired to write by reading other stories but I think also, their stories are so inspiringthe depth and breadth of stories gave us a good feeling, said the former Childrens Laureate.

I hope it encourages children in the future to go into the competition, but its not just about winningits about the endeavour, about doing it, and using writing to express your feelings in a constructive way.

I think Her Majesty is such a champion of literacy, particularly childrens literacy, and I think she realises how important it is to be read to, to share stories as a way of communicating and connecting with other people.

Shes always been a champion of that and she does an awful lot behind the scenes that people might not see, so it is a cause very dear to her heart.

Sir Lenny said of the competition: Really brilliant storytellingthese kids are just amazing.

He added: I hope it can encourage kids to just keep writing about whatever they want to write about, because its a real key to unlocking your mind and unlocking creativity.

The grand final is set to be broadcast in a BBC 500 Words programme with The One Show on Friday March 6, and on CBBC and BBC iPlayer on March 7 and 8.
A senior Scotland Yard officer has praised the common sense policing of a policewomen confronted in east London before being told: This is a Muslim area.

A viral video shows the constable defending a Christian preachers freedom of speech while being surrounded by a group of men in Whitechapel.

Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist was asked about the female officers commendable actions at the London Assembly on Wednesday.

AC Twist replied: Thank you for noting the great work of PC Moule who was in Whitechapel.

Its been reposted a number of times on differing social media accounts, some more politicised than others.

My view is it was a good example of officers showing policing common sense without fear or favour and doing a good job.

So I am grateful that the committee notices that.

Female officer defends Christian preachers freedom of speech in east London (X / Twitter)

Susan Hall, the leader of City Halls Conservative group, had said at the police and crime committee: I particularly want to congratulate you on your female officer, who I think it was in Whitechapel, actually reminded people what the meaning of free speech is.

I really would like to commended her and I would love to see more police officers actually doing that.

I hope you thank her on behalf of very many of us.

The encounter on Whitechapel Road 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 dont want to hear it, so I would just recommend that you walk away and dont listen to him. Hes not in your home.

A man wearing a facemask is seen replying: This is Whitechapel, this is a Muslim area.

Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist (London Assembly)

People yell at the preacher, with one bearded man shouting: Talk about Jesus, dont 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 dont need to see eye-to-eye, and you dont need to agree. Youre all more than welcome to stand here and have conversations with them, but theyre not being aggressive.

She adds: I understand that you guys dont want to hear it, so I would recommend that you just move away and dont listen to him.

The latest census shows that 52.2 per cent of the 18,841 residents of 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.

After the incident, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage speaking on Jeremy Kyles Breakfast Show on Talk, the 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.
Molson Coors has revealed plans to shut Sharps Brewery in Cornwall and its UK national contact centre in Cardiff by the end of the year in a move putting around 200 jobs at risk.

The Carling brewer said the decision to close the brewery came only after exploring every alternative option to make the site financially sustainable.

The group, which bought the brewery 15 years ago, said it remains committed to the Sharps brands and was looking at possible production tie-ups.

It is also planning to shut its UK contact centre in Wales by the end of 2026 as it said almost 90% of orders from customers such as bars and pubs were now placed through its website.

Molson Coors is planning to shut the Sharps Brewery by the end of the year (Alamy/PA)

The changes, which are being consulted on, could lead to around 200 redundancies, according to the US-Canadian-owned firm.

It comes as part of efforts to unlock efficiencies and cost-savings, the firm said.

Simon Kerry, UK and Ireland managing director at Molson Coors, said: The proposed closure of Sharps Brewery has not been an easy decision for us to make.

It has been a significant part of our UK business for 15 years, with an exceptional and committed team who take such huge pride in their craft.

We have invested significantly in the site and the Sharps brands over that time and have taken every step we can to try and avoid this outcome.

However, the site is no longer financially sustainable as part of our national production network.

The closure of the contact centre will see the group instead handle customer service online and from its UK and Ireland headquarters in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire.

Mr Kerry said: As our customers purchasing habits have become more digitally led over the past few years, we have evolved our business as part of our digitisation journey.

The proposed closure of our national contact centre is no reflection on the brilliant work of our teams, but is in response to these changes.

This is clearly a very difficult time for our colleagues, and we will be doing everything we can to support our teams through this process, Mr Kerry added.

Molson Coors said it had invested more than 20 million into the Sharps Brewery since it bought the business in 2011.

Sharps Brewery was founded by Bill Sharp in Rock, Cornwall, in 1994.

Brands include its flagship Doom Bar beer, as well as Atlantic, Offshore, Sea Fury, Solar Wave and Chalkys Bite.

The brewery employs 80 staff, according to the Molson Coors website.
A street in a suburban London town centre and a bridge over the River Thames have been revealed to be among the most lucrative roads in the country for generating funds from parking offences.

Station Parade generated 2,030,242 for Barking and Dagenham council, while motorists breaching the weight restrictions on Albert Bridge paid Kensington and Chelsea council 1,971,714 in penalty fines.

The figures, for 2024/25, emerged via freedom of information requests to local authorities submitted by the insurance website Confused.com.

Albert Bridge, which links Battersea and the Chelsea Embankment, was forced to close earlier this month after cracks were found in its cast-iron support structure. It is feared it could be closed for up to a year before it can be fully repaired.

In January 2024, Kensington and Chelsea council began issuing fixed penalty notices to drivers caught on camera breaking the three-tonne weight limit on the bridge.

Drivers have been getting fines on Albert Bridge (RBKC)

Bull Lane in Enfield also appeared in the top 10, due to the number of motorists caught driving through a bus gate.

According to council FoI responses, 33,440 tickets were issued to motorists who breached the restrictions in Station Parade in Barking.

The street is only meant to be used by buses, taxis and cyclists. The 2m in fines was the highest of any street in the country.

However a total of 62,725 tickets were issued for Corporation Street/Aston Road in Birmingham, but the council declined to reveal how much income it received.

A total of 30,276 penalty charge notices were issued for motoring offences in Bull Lane, and 27,821 for breaches of the weight restrictions on the north side of Albert bridge.

A survey by Confused.com found that 57 per cent of drivers believed that confusing or unclear signs and road markings made certain streets more likely to generate fines.

Drivers can be issued a PCN for various reasons, including parking offences, or moving traffic offences, such as straying into bus lanes or blocking a yellow box junction.

Almost 10 million tickets were issued by the capitals 33 borough councils and Transport for London in 2025/26.

Matt Crole-Rees, car insurance expert at Confused.com, said: While fines are meant to keep roads safe, our research shows a growing number of motorists feel the system isnt always clear or fair.

Confusing signage, changing road rules and limited parking all increase the chances of drivers being fined, particularly in busy areas.

If you receive a PCN, its worth taking the time to check whether its been issued correctly, as some fines can be challenged, particularly where signage or road markings are unclear.
The Motorola Signature in army green, with four cameras in the top left

The products or services listed have been independently tested by our journalists. We earn a commission from the affiliate links in this article. Read more >

Motorola Signature

Score: 4/5

Pros

Slim, distinctive design

Relatively clean Android software

Decent cameras for such a slim phone

Cons

Performance falls short of its rivals

Too much AI bloat

New name, but largely the same as the old Ultra

Where to buy

What is the Motorola Signature?

Motorola has long made some of the most dependable budget smartphones on the market, but recent years have seen it showing signs of greater ambition. The Motorola Signature isnt so much a new flagship phone as it is a rebranding of the Motorola Edge Ultra line, with a slimmed-down body.

It offers broadly high-end specifications in a distinctively styled, slim body, but with a slightly lower price tag than many rivals. Its starting price of 899.99 undercuts the iPhone Air by 100  more if you factor in the 512GB of storage that comes as standard.

If Apples skinny phone appeals to you for its combination of a svelte form factor and flagship performance, but it feels a little pricey, the Motorola Signature is a worthwhile alternative.

How I test smartphones

I used the Motorola Signature every day for a week, making calls, sending messages, watching videos, taking pictures and playing games. I check things like performance and battery life. I also ran some popular benchmark tests, which placed definitive numbers on the phones CPU (central processing unit) and GPU (graphics processing unit) output to compare with rivals.

I captured more than 100 photographs across its four cameras, from night time street photography to day time urban shots and close-up portraits.

I have used most of the Motorola Signatures key rivals, so I was able to make like-for-like comparisons. I previously tested the phones predecessor, the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra, so was able to judge how much Motorola had managed to refine its flagship formula in the two years (give or take) since the latter phone was released.

Design and features

Score: 4.5/5

Motorolas fondness for natural (and natural-seeming) materials is well established. My Signature comes in a Pantone-approved Martini Olive tone, with a rear cover made up of a twill-inspired material, while the Carbon model turns to linen for its inspiration. Unlike the usual glass, metal or plastic finishes, these materials are inviting to the touch, as well as grippy.

At 7mm thick, the Motorola Signature cant touch the skinniness of the 5.6mm iPhone Air. That said, it is closer in size to the Air than it is to the 8.8mm iPhone 17 Pro Max. At just 186g, it wont weigh your pocket down either, despite being a large phone.

With IP69/IP68 dust and water protection and military-grade MIL-STD 810H build quality certification, this is a phone thats able to withstand the elements better than most.

As has become something of a trend of late, the Motorola Signature boasts an additional hardware key on the left-hand edge. Rather annoyingly, its not mappable to anything other than AI functions.

Display

Score: 4/5

Unlike the perfectly flat displays of its rivals, the Signatures large 6.8-inch AMOLED panel curves away at the edges, which feels luxurious without distorting the picture like older, more exaggerated examples used to.

With a resolution of 2780 x 1264 (sometimes referred to as 1.5K), text and images look sharp without resorting to the battery-sapping QHD+ overkill of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. One aspect that does feel a little over the top is a peak refresh rate of 165Hz, though this will only kick in while gaming.

Another high point is the peak brightness of 6,200 nits. This reflects the Motorola Signatures facility with HDR content playback, but general output is clear in bright outdoors conditions.

Motorolas partnership with Pantone, which provides its expertise in the choice of body colours, also bears fruits with properly calibrated display colours. The Signatures picture has a little extra pop by default, but I found it preferable to switch to the more muted palette of the Natural setting.

Performance and battery life

Score: 4/5

Motorola has saved money with its latest flagship phone by giving it a not-so-flagship processor. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip (backed by an ample 16GB of RAM) is an extremely capable performer, though it produces a level of performance thats closer to the flagship phones of 2025 than 2026.

Crucially, it does translate to responsive real world performance, with quick app transitions and stutter-free home screen animations. Advanced games like Destiny: Rising play fluidly on high graphical settings, while you wont notice any pause in day to day tasks.

Its a similar situation when you consider the phones stamina. The Signatures 5,200mAh battery is nothing impressive in a world where the OnePlus 15 and its 7,300mAh cell exists, but itll still last you through a busy day with room to spare.

When it comes time to recharge the phone, theres support for 90W wired charging, though youll need to supply your own charger. Expect a full charge in 45 minutes or less. Theres 50W wireless charging support too, though theres no Qi2 compatibility like there is on the iPhone Air and the Pixel 10 series.

Software and AI

Score: 4/5

Motorolas software takes Googles raw materials and applies a light spritz of customisation. Its menus and icons are broadly similar to those youll find with Googles own Pixel 10 phones, though there are embellishments in the form of custom wallpapers and widgets.

There are a few more apps than I would prefer, too. Theres no need for the Opera web browser when Google Chrome comes as standard and I would prefer not to be faced with Facebook and Instagram straight out of a fresh installation

Motorolas Moto app is as useful a tool as ever, serving as an invitation to test out the phones various unique features, from personalising wallpapers to learning Motorolas excellent shortcut gestures (such as a double chop to activate the torch). Its a shame to see Motorola following the tiresome see what sticks AI trend, however, with an excessive three separate AI assistants pre-installed.

Motorola partially redeems itself with a full seven years of OS and security updates, positioning the Signature right up there with best efforts from Google and Samsung.

Cameras

Score: 4/5

While its not up there with the iPhone 17 Pro and the Xiaomi 15 Ultra as one of the best camera phones on the market, the Motorola Signature acquits itself well for the price. It supplies a well-balanced triple-50-megapixel camera system, led by a reasonably large 1/1.28in main sensor and a wide f/1.6 aperture for clear low-light results.

It handled day time shots impressively, with natural colours and strong HDR (high dynamic range) implementation, meaning that scenes containing extremes of brightness and shade are nicely balanced out. Instances of overexposure are rare.

The quality is maintained with a decent 50-megapixel telephoto, which can achieve a 3x optical zoom and up to 100x hybrid zoom. Youll want to keep those zoomed shots to a maximum of 6x, ideally, as the image starts to get a little soft from 10x before starting to resemble a cheap printout at 30x and beyond.

The 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera represents more of a drop-off in quality, with a muted look compared to the other two sensors. Motorola doesnt manage to match the tone as closely as Samsung or Google do with their phones, though its a solid performer. So too is the 50-megapixel front camera, which uses its high pixel count and autofocus to create sharp, well-exposed selfies.

Technical specifications

The Motorola Signature is a high-grade large phone experience with a distinctive design at a relatively low price. As such, it seems to be looking to undercut the popular iPhone Air. Heres how the two phones compare.

Should you buy the Motorola Signature?

Motorola hasnt given us the flagship phone reinvention we were expecting, considering the new name. The Signature remains a hugely appealing handset, though, with distinctive looks and capable components. It might not be the fastest or longest-lasting phone of its type, and the camera is good rather than great. But given its slim body and aggressive pricing, its a remarkably well-balanced handset and a viable alternative to the iPhone Air.

Where the Signature arguably stumbles the most is in the area where Motorola used to be strong, with software thats starting to get a little messier and more bloated than we would like. Even then, its an easy phone to use day to day, and a strong choice if youre after a high-end smartphone for less than 900.

Yes, if:

You want a large-screened phone that wont weigh you down

You want a phone that looks and feels different to the rest

You want a slim phone that doesnt compromise elsewhere

No, if:

Performance is an absolute priority

Youre fed up of AI bloat

You like the flat iPhone design that everyone else is copying

Motorola Signature FAQs

Is the Motorola Signature waterproof?

Yes, its certified both IP68 and IP69 dust and water-resistant.

Does the Motorola Signature have wireless charging?

Yes, theres support for up to 50W wireless charging with the appropriate charge, though theres no Qi2 support.

How much does the Motorola Signature cost?

The Motorola costs 899.99, which gives up 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.

Does the Motorola Signature support Gemini AI?

Yes, alongside Perplextity and Copilot.

What software does the Motorola Signature run?

Android 16, with the promise of seven years of updates.
For Waiakea, the commercialization of algae-based inks is the latest step in a long-term commitment to advancing sustainable packaging. Since becoming one of the first beverage brands in North America to commercialize 100% post-consumer recycled PET in 2012, and later launching its OceanPlast bottle to increase the diversion of ocean-bound material, the company has evaluated every packaging decision through a science-driven lens.

Beginning in 2018, Waiakea expanded its research into algae-based solutions, from biopolymers to pigments, partnering with global labs and technical teams to assess their viability at a commercial scale. That research ultimately identified algae-derived pigments as the most impactful and scalable path forward. This discovery prompted Waiakea to align its full supply chain behind developing a carbon-negative ink with Living Ink Technologies, later partnering with ACTEGA to engineer a final, commercial-ready formulation capable of meeting the technical demands of CPG production. This multi-year effort laid the foundation for today's breakthrough and further solidifies Waiakea's role as a catalyst for industry-wide progress in sustainable materials.

ACTExact UV Black Algae Ink is a sustainable alternative to traditional carbon blackbased inks, which derive their color from petroleum sources. While more than 33 billion pounds of carbon black are produced globally each year across industries such as automotive, cosmetics, apparel, and paints, a significant portion is used in printing inks. Living Ink Technologies' Life Cycle Assessment estimates that conventional carbon black emits 3.75 kg of CO-equivalent per kilogram of pigment produced, whereas Algae Black, the carbon-negative pigment used in ACTExact UV Black Algae Ink, sequesters carbon, with a net impact of -4.16 kg CO-equivalent per kilogram.

If the global supply of black pigment were replaced with Living Ink's Algae Black, it could prevent and remove an estimated 100+ million metric tons of CO equivalent emissions each year, which is roughly the climate impact of taking 25 million cars off the road.

With that goal in mind, Waiakea has chosen to open-source the ink through its partners rather than maintain exclusivity or IP rights, ensuring that small businesses and brands across industries have access to a viable, commercial-ready pathway for adopting algae-based pigment technology. Waiakea and its partners will continue scaling additional pigments over the coming years.

Waiakea's algae-ink adoption builds on more than a decade of packaging leadership, from its early move into 100% recycled materials to advancing circular design through its OceanPlast bottle and regenerative sourcing practices. Additionally, Waiakea continues its longstanding environmental stewardship with innovations that include its no-empty mile logistics technologies, regenerative sourcing, a smokeless roast process for its coffee products, and prioritizing circular product design and content for its beverage lines. These efforts, combined with the work of its award-winning Kokua Initiative, which positively impacted over 170,000 people in Hawai'i last year alone, contributed to Waiakea's recent certification as a Public Benefit Corporation landing the highest score ever in the US for their category 126.6.

"The historic B Corp score that followed our re-incorporation as a Public Benefit Corporation marked a new chapter for us," said Ryan Emmons, Co-Founder and CEO of Waiakea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages. "But milestones are only meaningful when they push you forward. Our algae based inks show our continued commitment to move an imperfect industry towards a better future for our aina (land) and our keiki (children)."

With its headquarters proudly rooted in Hilo, Hawai'i, and its mission grounded in Aloha, Waiakea continues to show that a company born on a small island can have outsized positive impact. This Algae Ink innovation is another step toward that futureone that's regenerative, transparent, and meant to be shared.

About Waiakea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages:

Waiakea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages is a public benefit corporation founded in 2012 in Hilo, Hawai'i with the stated mission of sustainably providing naturally healthy Hawaiian coffee and water products while contributing to and promoting clean water access, conservation, and education for those in need in Hawai'i and throughout the world. Available at thousands of retail locations across Hawai'i and the continental U.S., including Whole Foods, 7-Eleven, Walmart, and more. Waiakea was one of the first in the U.S. to develop and commit to 100% post-consumer recycled packaging in 2012, and continues to be the enviro-tech leader of its category for this and its many other initiatives. Its award-winning taste is derived from its natural filtration through 14,000 feet of porous volcanic rock, making it naturally alkaline and electrolyte-rich. Through its non-profit foundation, the Kokua Initiative, Waiakea works to empower the people of Hawai'i through a 3 piko approach that encourages educational opportunities, 'aina-based conservation & sustainability, and support for the most vulnerable in our community. Since its inception, the project has impacted over 495,000 people in Hawai'i.

For more information, please visit the Waiakea Website at https://waiakea.com and follow along on Instagram @Waiakea .

Media Contacts:

Jason Walter  [email protected]

Lydia Bagarozza  [email protected]

SOURCE Waiakea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages
MSPs will approve the Scottish Governments Budget for the coming year  with Finance Secretary Shona Robison insisting her tax and spending plans will make lives better for people in Scotland.

She spoke out ahead of the final vote on Holyroods Budget on Wednesday evening, saying the proposals would help improve the NHS and also assist those struggling with the cost of living.

But a deal with the Scottish Liberal Democrats, together with Labour having already made clear its MSPs will abstain in the vote, means the minority SNP government can be certain of getting its 2026-27 Budget package through the Parliament.

However Scottish Conservative finance spokesperson Craig Hoy said that MSPs must belatedly come to their senses and vote down the SNPs reckless and unfair Budget.

Scottish Tory finance spokesperson Craig Hoy urged MSPs to reject the Budget amid concerns about the rising cost of benefits (Fraser Bremner/Scottish Daily Mail/PA)

He raised concerns about the ballooning benefits bill, saying that SNP ministers are in complete denial about this and expect hard-working Scots to continually pick up the tab for it.

Warning that Scotland faces a welfare timebomb, the Tory said: Benefits spending must be reined in so that bills can finally be cut for scunnered Scots taxpayers.

Ms Robison however said the Scottish Governments package of measures is focused on delivering for the people of Scotland  driving improvements in our NHS and providing real support with the cost of living.

Speaking about the Budget plans, she said these would continue to improve access to healthcare with funding for a network of 16 walk-in GP clinics open seven days a week, and expands our landmark efforts to eradicate child poverty by increasing the Scottish child payment.

Finance Secretary Shona Robison insisted her tax and spending plans will make lives better for Scots (Mike Boyd/PA)

The Finance Secretary added: The Budget will make lives better for people in Scotland and our plans mean that 55% of taxpayers can expect to pay less income tax than in the rest of the UK.

Ms Robison, speaking ahead of Wednesdays vote, said: It is a Budget worthy of support and I urge Parliament to back it today.

Scottish Liberal Democrat economy spokesperson Jamie Greene said he would back it after securing 300 million in funding for a range of Lib Dem priorities including business rates relief, social care, young entrepreneurs, hospices and our vital colleges.

Mr Greene said: When it became clear that this Budget would pass anyway because Labour walked away from the negotiating table, the Scottish Liberal Democrats promised that we would squeeze it for every penny to deliver for people across the country  and that is exactly what we have done.

Neither the Scottish Conservatives nor Scottish Labour got a penny because neither cared about using their leverage in opposition to fight for more money for their priorities.
HMS Lancaster was removed from the Gulf at the end of last year - Ministry of Defence

The head of the Navys fleet has defended pulling UK warships out of the Middle East, insisting regional allies preferred British training over military muscle.

Vice-Admiral Steve Moorhouse, commander of the fleet, said the move to replace ships with more training was something allies in the Gulf wanted.

Defending the measure, Vice-Adml Moorhouse told The Telegraph: When you look at what were offering now into the Middle East, its a more modern offer for what the regional partners want.

Asked if the move was because of the Navys shrinking size, he added: Well, of course, because those ships arent there, but when you ask [allies in the Gulf] what they actually want from us, [what] they now want is boarding teams to help them to build up their own capabilities, autonomous systems, and some leadership in the maritime environment.

Vice-Adml Moorhouse said that what allies wanted from the Navy was capability-building and leadership - Steve Parsons/PA

However, critics said the Navy was trying to brush over the fact Britains fleet had shrunk to its smallest size, forcing the departure from the Middle East, as it focused on deterring Russia in the Atlantic.

Phil Ingram, a defence analyst and former colonel in British military intelligence, said senior officers were making excuses.

He said: Senior officers will always make excuses rather than give a degree of reality. They will always give a positive spin. Thats the nature of the beast.

The reality is we do not have enough platforms to carry out the task to protect the UK in UK waters and in the Atlantic while at the same time carrying out the global deployments we have seen with the likes of HMS Prince of Wales.

Britain removed its last major warship, HMS Lancaster, from the Gulf just before Christmas. It has since been decommissioned, leaving the UK with just seven frigates, in a move previously labelled a terrible error.

Sound of the guns

Vice-Adml Moorhouse said Gulf states were less interested in Britains maritime muscle and wanted instead to receive training in tackling pirates and combating undersea mines.

Admiral Lord Alan West, the former first sea lord, said: He is putting a brave face on it. The bottom line is the Navy has got so small it cant do the tasks in the past we would expect of it.

My view is you go towards the sound of the guns and that is about to be the Middle East and we have got almost nothing there  Its ludicrous.

Adml Lord Alan West said the Navy could no longer do what was once expected of it - Jonathan Brady/PA Archive

HMS Middleton, a minehunter operating out of Bahrain, is the UKs sole vessel in the region and is expected to leave shortly. There are no plans to replace the ship, leaving Britain without a fighting presence in the Gulf for the first time since 1980.

It is understood that the Navy is providing regional partners such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain with training on how to board vessels used by drug-smuggling gangs and pirates.

Traditionally, teams of embarked Royal Marines from Task Force 16  the specialist boarding wing of the Commandos  would carry out such tasks from frigates.

In November, marines joined a multinational training drill in Qatar dubbed Ferocious Falcon 6 in which they provided training to Gulf allies.

Currently, the Navy has just seven Type 23 frigates in service. Its replacements, the Type 26 submarine hunters and Type 31 general purpose frigates, are still years away from coming into service, meaning the fleet could suffer a gap as older ships are retired.

Retired Rear Admiral Alex Burton, the former commander of UK maritime forces, said the Navy was making painful but correct decisions because of the gap.

The reality is that, like much of defence, the Navy has been hollowed out caused by decisions made over the last decade and more to slow the build of new ships, under-invest in support and work the existing ships hard, he said.

The current executive is doing the very best it can with a fleet that has been, over successive years, poorly reinvested. Theyre being forced to make tough decisions with the cards they have been dealt. Its a very difficult hand that they are playing very well.

On Tuesday, two of the Navys powerful new Type 31 frigates reached a key shipbuilding milestone, with HMS Active being rolled out from a factory in Rosyth, Scotland, while first steel was cut in HMS Bulldog.

Bulldog and Active are two of five 5,700-ton Inspiration-class ships being built that will form a vital part of the Navys surface fleet. They will undertake missions including interception, intelligence gathering, defence engagement and humanitarian support.

At the same time, the Navy is looking to bolster its firepower with the introduction of the hybrid fleet concept, by which unmanned drone vessels will operate alongside crewed warships.

Luke Pollard, a defence minister, said the ships would serve the nation for decades to come and would be the new Swiss Army knives of the sea, because of their flexibility.

General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, the First Sea Lord, added: These versatile frigates will be workhorses of the fleet, capable of operating across a wide spectrum of maritime operations.

The new frigates are expected to enter service in the 2030s.

And MoD spokesman said: Operation Kipion is the UKs long-standing maritime presence in the Gulf and the UK Maritime Component Command in Bahrain continues to be central to our military operations across the Middle East.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to promoting stability and peace in the Middle East by working closely with our allies and partners to strengthen regional security through enhanced defence integration and interoperability.
Nurul Amin Shah Alam. Photograph: Buffalo Police (Photograph: Buffalo Police)

A nearly blind Burmese refugee who was abandoned by border patrol agents has been found dead in Buffalo, New York, city officials confirmed.

Nurul Amin Shah Alam, 56, had been missing since 19 February, when he was dropped off by border patrol following his release from Erie county holding center, according to the Investigative Post.

A city hall spokesperson, Ian Ott, told the Investigative Post that homicide detectives were investigating the circumstances and timeframe of events leading up to his death, following his release from custody.



Shah Alam had been in the Erie county holding center for the past year, after being arrested by Buffalo police in 2025 on charges of assault, trespassing and possession of a weapon. The arrest stemmed from an incident in which Shah Alam got lost while on a walk and ended up on the porch of a womans home. He had been using a curtain rod as a walking stick, according to his attorney.

The woman called the police, and when Shah Alam did not follow police commands to drop his curtain rod, they Tasered and beat him, his attorney said.

He was released on bail, and then transferred to border patrol custody.

Border patrol agents then dropped him off at a Tim Hortons about five miles from his home. Neither his attorney nor his family were notified of his release.

We are saddened to learn that our client, Nurul Amin Shah Alam, was found deceased last night in the City of Buffalo, the Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo said in a statement shared with the Guardian.

The organization said that they had received several inquiries regarding more information on Shah Alam, and due to ethical obligations, they were unable to provide any further comment.

Michael Niezgoda, a spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection, the parent agency of border patrol, did not immediately respond on Wednesday to a request for comment from the Guardian.

Shah Alam arrived in Buffalo 15 months ago, in December 2024. He is survived by his wife and two sons.
Nigel Farage has asserted that the Maldives is poised to lodge a counter-claim regarding the Chagos Islands with the International Court of Justice "in just a few days".

The Reform UK leader, who visited the independent archipelagic nation in the Indian Ocean over the weekend, posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) alleging that the UK prevented his access to the Chagos Islands.

During a Commons session on Wednesday, Farage further claimed that the Maldives is "upset" by the UK Government's intentions to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

This proposed agreement, which the Government states will secure the operation of a joint UK-US base on Diego Garcia for a minimum of 99 years, also aims to facilitate the return of Chagossians to the outer islands.

Mr Farage said: I can tell you this from my trip to the Maldives at the weekend  something I hadnt realised, and I dont know whether the Government knows it either.

It is the Maldives that has the historical links with the Chagos Islands, both in terms of trade, in terms of archaeology. In fact, the islands, all the French did was rename the islands from Maldivian language.

There is no basis, historically, culturally, in any way, for Mauritius to have a claim on those islands.

The deal, which the Government argues secures operation of a joint UK-US base on the island of Diego Garcia for at least 99 years, will also allow Chagossians to return to the outer islands. (CPA Media Pte/Alamy/PA)

And the Maldives are upset for two reasons. One, there has been great stability in this region for decades, and what happens with this treaty, if it goes through, is you finish up with a turf war going on between India and China in the region, and that indeed has already started.

And I wish to inform the Government that we are just a few days away, in my opinion, from the Maldives issuing a counter-claim to the International Court of Justice to say, if anybody has the right to the sovereignty of those islands, it is the Maldives and not Mauritius.

And I would urge you to pause all of this.

The Reform leader said on Saturday that he had flown to the Maldives to join a delegation bringing humanitarian aid to Chagossians who are trying to establish a settlement on one of the outer islands.

He wrote on X: I have been denied entry to the Chagos Islands by the UK Government.

In the accompanying video, he said: The British Government are applying pressure on the president and the government of the Maldives to do everything within their power to stop me getting on that boat and going to the Chagos Islands.

Nigel Farage tried and failed to visit the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean over the weekend (Nigel Farage)

Foreign office minister Hamish Falconer branded this a flagrant incident of ignoring travel advice.

Responding to Mr Farage in the Commons, he said: I would just like to remind him that if he turned up with a selfie stick to RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, a similarly sensitive military base, he would be turned away.

I do not understand his surprise, or those who travelled with him, that when you sought over the weekend to film a video on a sensitive military site under the control of the UK  it is part of the British Indian Overseas Territories, as you know.

I would encourage (Mr Farage) and indeed every member of the public to check British travel advice.
Nigel Farage was heading to the Gorton and Denton by-election to try to snatch victory from Labour and the Greens.

The Reform UK leader will be in the constituency on Wednesday and Thursdays polling day, fuelling speculation the partys candidate, Matt Goodwin, could win.

Its all to play for, said a Reform source after a poll put Labour and the Greens on 28 per cent each and Mr Farages party on 27 per cent.

Reforms chairman Dr David Bull said on X: Yesterday I was out for the final push in Gorton and Denton for @GoodwinMJ

The response on the ground was fantastic. But make no mistake, this will be a tight race.

Nigel Farage (PA Wire)

Green leader Zack Polanski was also stepping up his partys campaign in the constituency on Wednesday.

Labour are on the run, he posted on X.

Only the Greens can beat Reform tomorrow in Gorton and Denton. Let hope beat hate.

Sir Keir Starmer claimed on a surprise visit to the constituency on Monday that it is a straight fight between Labour and Reform.

The partys Deputy Leader Lucy Powell told the Standard: This by-election matters because we can draw a red line in the sand against Reforms hate and division.

Both Mr Polanski and Sir Keirs statements on a two-horse race are undermined by the polls.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage with Matt Goodwin, the partys candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election (PA Wire)

Mr Farages decision to go to the Chagos Islands at the weekend and Dover on Monday for a law, order and borders event led to speculation that Reform did not believe it could win in Gorton.

But his appearance in the constituency will reignite talk of a Reform victory, after it gained Runcorn and Helsby by just six votes last June.

After several polls showing the parties close together, Rob Ford, Professor of Political Science at Manchester University, said: The race is a dead heat, between Labours Angeliki Stogia, the Green Partys Hannah Spencer and Reforms Matt Goodwin.

He added: Every party will take encouragement from these polls. Reform look to have fully mobilised their potential support in a seat where they are at a substantial demographic disadvantage.

The Greens will also be greatly cheered by two polls that put them either narrowly ahead or tied for the lead in a seat where they started with no presence in local government, little organisation and finished a distant third place in the general election less than two years ago.

Angeliki Stogia, the Labour Party candidate (PA Wire)

Green Party leader Zack Polanski with candidate Hannah Spencer (PA Wire)

Labour, too, will take heart from polling that shows them battered yet unbowed, and still in contention to hold on to the seat despite a dire national polling environment, scandals embroiling the Government, and intense anti-incumbent campaigns attacking them from the Left and the Right simultaneously.

With the result possibly being decided by a very small number of votes, the by-election has been fiercely contested, with Sir Keir and Mr Polanski clashing over the Greens drugs policy and bust-ups also involving Reform.

The parties are pouring resources into the constituency on Wednesday to canvas voters and to get out the vote on Thursday.

Labour won the Gorton and Denton seat at the 2024 general election with 50.8 per cent of the vote, but this was down on an estimated 67.2 per cent in 2019 after boundary changes are taken into account as young people and Muslim voters turned away from the party.

Losing the seat would be a disaster for Sir Keir after Labour chiefs blocked Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from being the partys candidate.

The by-election was triggered after Andrew Gwynne, who was sacked as a minister and suspended from the Labour Party over offensive messages in a WhatsApp group, resigned as an MP.
Occult rituals and Witchcraft reported at home where five people were killed outside of Seattle

A woman whose Washington home became the site of a mass stabbing that left five dead filed a protective order claiming occult activity was happening at the property last year, according to reports.

In April 2025, the woman who lived in the property filed the order claiming her son, who lived with her, had been conducting "occult rituals" and "witchcraft" at the home.

The man was "doing witchcraft/occult behavior and rituals in my home, damaging personal belongings, the woman claimed, according to records reviewed by KOMO News.

"[Hes] Hurting my cat. Thinks an Egyptian God! Refuses to get a job. I am an elderly disabled woman, and he is taking advantage of me and my health, the petition, cited by the outlet, continues.

The petition also cites an incident from April 2025 in which her son removed several items from the home and did something that caused a strange smell to come from the garage, KOMO News reports.

"The smoke detector was going off, and my son was acting delusional," the woman wrote. "Evidence of occult rituals was present."

Investigators respond to a Washington home where a man who had reportedly been suffering from mental health problems and who thought he was a god stabbed and killed his mother and three others. (AP)

The woman asked the court to protect her from her son, who she says had been abusing her both physically and mentally.

A protection order was issued in May 2025 following a string of concerning reports, including alleged occult activities and another incident in which his mother claimed he told her that "her grave had already been dug.

On Tuesday, a lone Pierce County Sheriff's Deputy from its Peninsula Branch responded to a call at the Gig Harbor home and found a 32-year-old male actively stabbing someone. The deputy shot and killed the suspect.

Authorities investigate the scene after receiving reports that a man stabbed several people to death on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, in Gig Harbor (AP)

Earlier that day, the sheriffs office received a tip that a man was going to break a protective order at the home. While the deputy was en route, multiple witnesses called in to report that a person had started stabbing the residents. Four adults died from stab wounds inflicted by the suspect before officers arrived.

No one involved in the incident has been named, and their relationship to each other remains unclear.

Chris Cardenas, a resident near the site of the stabbing, said he heard the gunshot from the deputy on the day of the incident.

All of a sudden I just heard like a series of gunshots, he told the Associated Press. You could really hear it echoing through the trees.
US military has not received order to deploy hospital ship to Greenland despite Trumps bizarre post, report says

The Pentagon reportedly has not received any orders to send a hospital ship to Greenland, despite President Donald Trump claiming at the weekend that a vessel was on the way.

The military hasnt received orders to deploy any Navy vessels, The Wall Street Journal reported, and both Navy hospital ships are reportedly docked at a shipyard in Alabama.

The Independent has contacted the Navy, Pentagon, and White House for comment.

On Saturday, President Trump claimed a mission was heading for the self-governing Danish territory, posting an image of the Navys USNS Mercy hospital ship.

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 wrote on Truth Social. Its on the way!!!

The Pentagon reportedly has not received orders to send a medical ship to Greenland, even though President Trump claimed over the weekend one was bound for the Danish island territory (@realDonaldTrump/Truth Social)

The same day as the presidents post, the Danish military conducted an emergency medical evacuation of a crew member on a U.S. submarine near Greenland, flying them via helicopter to a hospital in the islands capital, Nuuk, for treatment.

Leaders in Greenland and Denmark dismissed the suggestion a hospital ship was needed.

That will be a no thanks from us, Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen wrote on Facebook Sunday.

President Trumps idea to send a U.S. hospital ship here to Greenland has been duly noted, he added. But we have a public health system where care is free for citizens.

Happy to live in a country where there is free and equal access to health for all, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen wrote in a separate statement. Where its not insurances and wealth that determine whether you get proper treatment. You have the same approach in Greenland.

Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has said the territory does not need a U.S. hospital ship because healthcare is already free on the island (AFP/Getty)

Landry, who also serves as the special U.S. envoy to Greenland, reacted angrily to the condemnation from the officials.

Shame on Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen! he wrote on X on Sunday.

After speaking to many Greenlanders about the day to day problems they face, one issue stood outhealthcare, he added. Many villages and small towns lack basic services that Americans often take for granted.

The confusion over the hospital ship mission comes amid larger tensions between the U.S. and its neighbor to the north, given President Trumps repeated overtures suggesting he wants to take over or perhaps invade Greenland despite opposition from local officials and European partners.

In January, Trump swore off using military force on Greenland and rowed back a threat to tariff U.S. allies who opposed the push.

He has said the U.S. and NATO allies reached a framework of a future deal about the Arctic island territory.
A replacement Embraer 175 aircraft landed in Seattle over seven hours later than scheduled (Getty Images)

An Alaska Airlines flight was delayed after a power bank reportedly caught fire in the cabin on Sunday.

Flight AS2117 from Wichita, Kansas to Seattle in Washington was forced to divert shortly after take-off following an external battery fire, said Hawaii News Now.

The Embraer 175 aircraft, operated by Alaska Air subsidiary Horizon Air, issued squawk code 7700 just minutes after departing.

A squawk 7700 signals a general emergency on an aircraft with immediate assistance required from air traffic control.

The diverted flight had departed Wichita Eisenhower airport at around 1.52pm, landing back at the Kansas aviation hub just 56 minutes later.

One of the 76 passengers on board was hospitalised with minor burns following the incident, said Hawaii News Now.

A passenger told the Hawaiian TV station, She had an external battery charger pack.

I was right next to her, and it was just sitting in her lap, not being played with, not being touched and it exploded.

Power banks with lithium-ion batteries pose a significant fire risk on planes due to thermal runaway, an uncontrollable self-heating caused by damage or overheating.

Cabin crew were reportedly able to extinguish the smoking device in the aisle, said The Aviation Herald.

The flight eventually continued its journey at 9.16pm local time on a replacement aircraft, landing at Seattle-Tacoma airport over seven hours later than scheduled.

No other injuries were reported among passengers or crew.

The Independent has contacted the Alaska Air Group for comment.

Several airlines have moved to ban the use of portable charging devices on board due to risks associated with overheating.

Japans transport ministry is expected to introduce a new restriction on the use of batteries on board from April.

According to NHK Japan, passengers travelling on domestic Japanese airlines will soon be unable to use portable chargers on board.

Travellers in Japan will also reportedly be limited to a maximum of two portable chargers per person, not exceeding 160Wh, in carry-on luggage.

Read more: Japan set to ban the use of power banks on planes this spring
Reform UKs candidate for the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election has escaped a fine for leaflets that failed to include the partys imprint, after a High Court judge accepted it was the result of a printing error.

A letter from a local pensioner distributed for Reform UK appeared to break election law because it failed to state it had been funded and distributed by the party.

The letter, addressed from concerned neighbour Patricia Clegg, explained why she is no longer voting for Labour and has switched her vote to Nigel Farages party.

Under the Representation of the People Act 1983, election material must include the name and address of those promoted by the document, the promoter, and the printer. A failure to do so risks a 5,000 fine and a three-year disqualification from elective office.

But in a ruling handed down on Wednesday, Mr Justice Butcher said he was satisfied that Reforms candidate Matt Goodwin and his election agent, Adam Rawlinson, should not be sanctioned for the rule breach and had taken appropriate steps to put it right.

Matt Goodwin is standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election for Reform UK (Danny Lawson/PA Wire)

It came after lawyers for Reform UK admitted that the leaflet was sent to 81,000 people before the issue was raised.

GB News presenter Mr Goodwin is standing for the party in the by-election on Thursday, with Reform attempting to win a seat Labour held with more than 50 per cent of the vote in the general election.

At a hearing last week, lawyers acting for him and Mr Rawlinson told the High Court that some of Mr Goodwins election leaflets failed to include a statutory imprint, which constituted inadvertent illegal practice.

At a subsequent hearing on Wednesday, they asked the court to rule that they do not have to face a fine of up to 5,000 for what their barrister described as an honest administrative error caused by the company which printed the leaflets.

In a statement earlier this month, the printer Reform commissioned to produce the leaflet took responsibility for the error, with a spokesperson for Hardings Print Solutions Limited saying: "Reform UK did not request or authorise the removal of the imprint. The omission arose from Hardings Printers production process.

"The party supplied artwork which correctly included the legally required imprint, and a compliant proof was produced and approved.

Meanwhile, a Reform spokesman said: The campaign commissioned a letter from a local constituent, which was supplied to our print contractor with the full and correct legal imprint, fully compliant with election law.

Print-ready proofs were provided by the supplier and approved by the campaign. Those proofs clearly included the legal imprint in the correct form.

Delivering a verdict on Wednesday, Mr Justice Butcher said: I am satisfied that the relevant act or omission arose from inadvertence or some other reasonable cause of a like nature, and did not arise from a want of good faith... The evidence satisfies me that during production, an error occurred due to a change of font.

The judge added: I am satisfied that that was neither requested nor authorised by the claimants.

Adam Richardson, for Mr Goodwin and Mr Rawlinson, told the court in London that the draft versions of the leaflet sent between Mr Goodwins team and the printers, Hardings Print Solutions, all included the imprint and were checked in the usual way multiple times.

He continued that for reasons known only to themselves, Hardings decided to put on a different font at the last minute.

He said: Had [Mr Goodwin and Mr Rawlinson] known that was going to take place, they would have prevented it.

The leaflet containing Mrs Clegg's letter did not have an imprint (X)

The barrister also said: It should not have been done, it was not requested, it is unclear why it did happen, but as a result of that, the imprint was truncated off the bottom.

In written submissions, the barrister said that his clients should not be sanctioned as the rule breach was limited in scope, technical in nature, and had no material impact on the election.

He continued that the Act allows a judge to order that a person should not face consequences for illegal practice if it arose from inadvertence or from accidental miscalculation and did not arise from any want of good faith.

The Crown Prosecution Service and the acting returning officer for the by-election had been made aware of the issue, the barrister said.

He told the court: Without relief, they face the risk of criminal prosecution, a fine, a three-year disqualification from elective office, and, if Mr Goodwin were elected, potential invalidation of the result.

Lawyers on behalf of the acting returning officer attended the hearing, but made no representations, and no other party was represented.
The next Scottish Parliament must demand a more ambitious and flexible settlement with Westminster, Holyroods outgoing Finance Secretary has said.

Shona Robison, who is stepping down as an MSP at Mays elections, used the debate on the Scottish Government Budget to urge whoever succeeds her in the job to be bold and ambitious.

As part of that she said there needs to be changes to the fiscal framework, which governs financial relations between Holyrood and Westminster.

These were reviewed in 2023 and while Ms Robison said meaningful progress was made then, she added: I have always been clear it cannot be the end of the journey.

With a further review now beginning, the next Parliament will have the opportunity and responsibility to argue for a more ambitious and flexible settlement.

She made the call as she insisted the current arrangements mean that many critical levers still sit with Westminster.

Ms Robison said the situation with funding growth for Scotland set to slow significantly in the years ahead showed how Holyrood remains heavily dependent on UK Government decisions.

She insisted it had been an honour and a privilege to serve at Holyrood for 27 years, saying while she had held a number or ministerial roles, serving as both health secretary, social justice secretary and deputy first minister over the years, being Finance Secretary had been the most rewarding by far.

She said this was because it is where the tools sit to enable delivery, to drive real change and to support real transformation across government and society as a whole.

She said the Budget, which was passed by 66 votes to 29, with 24 abstentions, would continue to protect the majority of tax payers in Scotland while also supporting the investment needed in our public services.

The Scottish Government is maintaining our commitment to shield those on lower incomes with more than half of taxpayers expected to pay less than they would elsewhere in the UK, she stated.

Meanwhile, she said SNP ministers had continued to protect the core elements of the social contract that the people of Scotland rely on every day.

Weve kept prescriptions free, weve maintained free tuition, we have continued to expand free school meals, we have protected free bus travel for under-22s and over-60s, and we have provided free baby boxes to give every child the best start in life.

Scottish Conservative finance spokesman Craig Hoy said: This dreadful Budget will do nothing to tackle the doom loop of ever higher taxes Scots will be forced to pay to fund the SNPs bloated benefits bill.

With the Tories voting against the Budget at Holyrood, Mr Hoy criticised the Finance Secretary for dragging more and more people into paying a higher tax rate, with thresholds frozen on the higher rates of income tax.

By the end of this decade the SNPs financial mismanagement means a staggering 30% of Scots will be paying the higher rate or more, he stated.

The nationalists high tax and high welfare spending approach is simply unsustainable and means more tax rises or swingeing cuts to public services  or a lethal combination of them both  are on the way.

Labour abstained in the Budget vote, with finance spokesman Michael Marra hitting out at the knackered SNP Government for the harm that they have wrought on Scotlands public services and Scotlands finances.

He said: This Budget contains none of the transformative change that Scotland needs after two decades of the SNP.

Adding that this Budget of half measures will not last the year, he predicted there would be an emergency budget from the new government after Mays Scottish election.
Where do I want to live?

Where you decide to live is one of the most important questions to ask yourself when buying your first property, as the implications of your choice can impact you and your family for years to come.

When deciding where you want to live consider the following:

The suburb and surrounding suburbs

The type of house

Access to amenities - schools, shops, childcare, public transport, parks etc

Any known works or upgrades occurring in the area (e.g. major infrastructure projects).

It can be helpful to start by researching the suburbs you'd like to live in, then look at the type of houses you can afford in that area. Depending on your budget, you may need to consider a smaller house (or opt for a unit, townhouse or apartment), and/or adjacent suburbs.

Related reading: What to check when buying an apartment.

Moving slightly further away from amenities like train stations can also reduce price ranges, but you'll need to weigh up whether proximity to these amenities or a certain house size/type is more important to you. Keep in mind that access to amenities can improve a property's resale value in the future too.

Alternatively some first-home buyers get a foothold on the property ladder through rent-vesting, where you live in a rental property in your preferred neighbourhood and invest in a property to rent out in a less-expensive suburb or regional centre.

Keep in mind that you may not be eligible for some first-home buyer grants if you buy a property for investment purposes, and you will have added costs such as:

leasing agent fees

renovations to bring the property up to the Victorian minimum rental standards

ongoing maintenance costs and requests.

Why is the house being sold?

Information is power in the property market, and knowing why the vendor is selling the home you have your eye on, and how quickly they need to sell it, could save you thousands.

If the vendor has already bought a new property, they may be anxious to sell quickly and therefore reluctant to hold out for a higher price. Similarly, if the property is part of a deceased estate or there is a divorce involved the vendor may be keen for a quick sale.

If, on the other hand, the vendor is still looking to buy a new home, they may want a longer settlement period on the sale.

Read more: Security tips for moving into a new home.
Anne of Cleves gets her own Snapchat filter (Snap)

Art and technology do not currently have the most cordial of relationships. With AI stealing from artists living and dead, while decimating jobs in the creative industries, youd be forgiven for wanting newfangled technology to stay out of historic museums. But a new interactive initiative at the Louvre in Paris demonstrates that there can be a better way: technology can add to the experience of great art, rather than detract from it.

The Incredible Unknowns of the Louvre is a trail of six masterpieces where visitors can scan a QR code to unlock a Snapchat filter that uses augmented reality (AR) to layer visual animations live on camera. All you need is a smartphone and the free Snapchat app (and entry to the museum, of course).

Its a smart project, no pun intended. The Louvre and Snap teams identified six works in the museums vast collection that are masterpieces in their own right, but left off the usual lists of heavy hitters. Visitors with limited time will usually beeline for the divas: Venus de Milo, The Winged Victory of Samothrace, and, of course, the Mona Lisa.

The Louvre in Paris has collaborated with Snapchat (AFP via Getty Images)

Seeking out the Incredible Unknowns will take you on the path less travelled  away from the heaviest crowds and through some spaces you might otherwise not have ventured into. One imagines this also serves the Louvre with some light touch crowd control. The six works will have you traverse the three main wings: the Richelieu, Sully and Denon, taking in thousands of years of human history and artistic endeavour, from grand monuments to a small piece of ceramic dishware.

Incredible Unknowns is very much a choose-your-own-adventure trail. Our tour began with the portrait of Anne of Cleves by Hans Holbein the Younger. To any British audience schooled endlessly in Tudor history (or to fans of the musical Six), this is the smoking gun for the situation around Henry VIIIs fourth wife. Henners felt that he had been duped by Holbeins portrait. The marriage was hastily annulled, and its broker, Thomas Cromwell, executed.

Anne of Cleves by Hans Holbein the Younger, seen through AR (Snap)

Ironic, then, to cast a photo filter over a portrait that is tantamount to 14th-century catfishing. The Snap team make it educational by revealing the artists technical process with a fun animation before settling on an overlay that highlights a detail the viewer would otherwise miss  a jewelled hair ornament depicting a man and a woman, a symbol of a union that did not survive first contact. Even if youve visited this portrait before, its worth a return to marvel at its recent restoration, which has restored its vibrant blues and reds.

Next, we visited a key example of Rustic Figurines, a trompe loeil platter of pond life made by Bernard Palissy. As a court ceramacist during the French Renaissance, he created these highly realistic pieces by casting (dead) specimens of the creatures he featured. At one point, he was based at the Louvre, then a palace, and his kilns were in the Tuileries. As an outspoken Protestant, the Catholic nobility that enjoyed his work could only protect him so long, and he was imprisoned and died in ignominy in the Bastilles dungeons.

Bernard Palissys Rustic Figurines bought to life via AR (Snap)

Its all rather macabre, but the Snapchat filter takes a lighter approach by filling the dish with water and animating all the reptiles and fish as they frolic with alarming realism. By moving your phone, you can then raise the dish to drain it of water and flip it to examine the makers mark. Its the most arrestingly real AR illusion of the bunch, and satisfies that itch to interact with museum pieces that must remain behind glass and alarms. If youre afraid of snakes, proceed with caution.

The AR filters really come into their own when they allow the viewer to see the pieces as they would have originally appeared, or catch details that would be simply impossible to locate without a magnifying glass. The Code of Hammurabi is a sterling example of the latter. This carved basalt stele stands over two metres tall and is inscribed all over with Babylonian legal codes. If youre not au fait with cuneiform, its interesting to look at, but youll miss its most famous phrase: the earliest known use of the lex talionis principle - the law of exact retaliation aka an eye for an eye. The punishment can match but not exceed the original injury.

Decoding the Code of Hammurabi (Snap)

Frankly, even a cuneiform scholar would struggle to quickly find its exact placement in the over four thousand lines of ancient text. But when you apply the Snapchat filter, a Matrix-style swirl of white cuneiform outlines explodes around the stele in a dust cloud of pixels. Step (carefully) around the exhibit plinth, and a glowing white halo will guide you to the location of the lex talionis, where you can tap for a translation.

It looks cool, and theres something thrilling about modern tech decoding with a piece of rock carved over 3,818 years ago by artisans recording how justice should be meted out. Its the oldest masterpiece in the Incredible Unknowns set; the second-oldest, the Bust of Akhenaten, was in an area of the museum closed off during our private (jammy!) Tuesday morning tour.

In the Cour Puget, sunshine streamed down upon the crowd of statues from the 17th to 18th centuries. At the lower level, the imposing bronze Four Captives stands as a monument to the French Revolution. Originally, it was part of a monument to the Sun King, Louis XIV, celebrating his early military successes. Completed by sculptor Martin Desjardins in 1686, the four great masculine figures represent four defeated nations as the four stages of mankind. A golden statue of the king stood in the centre, with a winged victory behind hi,m and poor Cerberus trampled underfoot.

Seeing the Four Captives from before the French Revolution (Snap)

The bronzes alone are beautiful, but with the Snapchat filter, you can both appreciate the pieces original form and understand the shift in its meaning to a nation. By 1790, this monument to monarchal oppression was less than popular, and the Four Captives were liberated and relocated to the Louvre. During an insurrection in 1972, the kingly centrepiece was melted down for cannons. A symbol of royal military prowess weaponised against itself. Via AR, you can witness the glowing golden king rise again. Not, as a Snapchat team member assured us, to glorify the monarchy (the French got that right), but to appreciate the scale and step into the past.

A similar trick of real-time restoration is played on the Kore of Samos, a marble statue of a girl dedicated to the goddess Hera on the Greek island in 570BC. Standing proud and column-like, the sculptures head and details around her garments are lost to antiquity. Snapchat scanned the artefact and digitally reconstructed it, basing the face on similar, more complete korai. When you align the filter, chunks of marble fly up and reform the statue, before its repainted in its original bright hues. Its always a double-take to be reminded that the minimalist neutrals of antiquity were never intended to be seen without vibrant colour schemes.

(Snap)

Invisible Unknowns demonstrates the wide scope of potential for AR technology to expand peoples experience of art without friction. The QR codes and signage are subtle enough not to impinge on those who prefer to experience art with their phones away, while plenty of others will have theirs out anyway.

Theres an interesting juxtaposition in an instant messaging app popular with younger generations for its ephemeral images, integrated into a historic site filled with artefacts preserved for millennia. While this partnership between a 15-year-old California-based social media company and a 233-year-old French national art museum might seem random, its anything but.

Since 2018, President Emmanuel Macron has been running Choose France summits, where his government courts CEOs of international companies to invest in the country  technology companies in particular. At the 2021 summit, Snap CEO and co-founder Evan Spiegel announced they would establish Frances first AR excellence centre, and in 2023, AR Studio Paris opened its doors. As part of its mission to demonstrate the potential of AR in cultural institutions, the studio partners with artists and developers to share its tech, such as the Snap Spectacles and offers a residency programme.

Macron at the opening of Snaps Paris office (Snap)

Snap previously worked with the Louvre on a pilot program focusing on the Ancient Egyptian display. Now, the Incredible Unknowns activation offers visitors to the Louvre a free tool to learn about the art, and Snap gets more people downloading its app. The current UK Government would do well take note of how tech companies can be wooed to a city where they can create actual jobs and support its cultural institutions.

The focus on AR proved to be a smart bet. Unlike VR (virtual reality), which has been tainted by the Metaverse  Mark Zuckerbergs weird legless digital hellscape  AR is still generally viewed positively. The summer we all got obsessed with Pokemon Go is remembered with great fondness. By layering technology over the real world, you add to it rather than detract.

For purists who want the museum to be a screen-free experience, it wont appeal. But its also relatively innocuous; at worst, youll have to dodge amazed tourists circling some of the larger pieces. While I would always prefer a tour in tandem with an experienced art historian over anything, for a free app, the Snap x Louvre collab successfully preserves and enhances the deeply human experience of encountering art made by other human hands from the past. And its just a quick Eurostar trip away from London.

Incredible Unknowns is open at the Louvre now
Sir Keir Starmers deal to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius has been plunged into fresh chaos after a minister suggested his plan to cede sovereignty of the British territory had been paused after Donald Trump urged him to scrap it.

In what appeared to be another humiliating U-turn for Labour, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) minister Hamish Falconer said on Wednesday that the government was pausing for discussions with the US before bringing the bill to ratify the deal back to parliament.

The Foreign Office later claimed that Mr Falconer misspoke and rapidly issued a clarification saying that there is no pause.

However, the FCDO finally conceded that the plan to give the islands to Mauritius, along with 35bn to lease back the crucial UK/US military base on the island of Diego Garcia, is now dependent on Donald Trumps administration agreeing to it.

Misley Mandarin, left, and Adam Holloway in their new settlement on the Chagos Islands (Supplied)

Last week, the US president dramatically withdrew his support for the deal, telling Sir Keir he would be making a big mistake.

It comes as a group of Chagossians, led by their first minister in exile, Misley Mandarin, told The Independent in an exclusive interview that their return to one of the islands last week is not a publicity stunt, adding: We are here for the long term. We are resettling the islands.

The islanders spoke to The Independent via satellite link from one of the islands, which was a coconut plantation until a previous Labour government forced the Chagossians to leave in the 1960s.

As events heat up over the fate of the crucial Indian Ocean islands, the government is set to go to court on Thursday to overturn an injunction barring it from evicting the islanders who oppose the Mauritius deal and want to return, creating a British protectorate and guaranteeing the future of the base.

The UK has agreed to pay Mauritius at least 120m annually during the 99-year agreement to lease back the military site (PA)

The latest confusion over whether the deal will go ahead comes after Mr Falconer said the UK was pausing the deal for further talks with the US after Mr Trumps very significant intervention.

He told MPs: We have a process going through parliament in relation to the treaty. We will bring that back to parliament at the appropriate time. We are pausing for discussions with our American counterparts.

The admission by the minister follows a long campaign and lobbying of the White House to kill off the deal involving the Tories, Reform, Chagossians and their supporters.

A Foreign Office spokesperson later insisted there is no pause. It added that the government had never set a deadline for the proposed legislation to be brought back to parliament.

We are continuing discussions with the US, and we have been clear we will not proceed without their support, they said.

Last year, Sir Keir agreed a controversial deal to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while retaining control of the UK-US military base on Diego Garcia.

The UK has agreed to pay Mauritius at least 120m annually during the 99-year agreement to lease back the site, a total cost in cash terms of 35bn.

Earlier this month, Mr Trump hit out at Sir Keir in his second U-turn on support for the deal. In a post on Truth Social, the US president branded the move a big mistake because of concerns over the joint military base.

His withdrawal of support came after he appeared to indicate his support for the deal last year, before criticising it in January and again in February.

Meanwhile, former MP and army officer Adam Holloway and Mr Mandarin spoke to The Independent from the settlement they have erected on one of the islands.

They are being backed by wealthy donors, including Singapore-based crypto investor Christopher Harborne, who recently handed 9m to Nigel Farages Reform UK.

Donald Trump has criticised Keir Starmers Chagos Islands deal (PA)

Mr Holloway described how their biggest issue is finding water supplies after he had discovered four of the old wells on the island. A boatload of supplies is due to arrive with them on Thursday; they are in the process of erecting makeshift accommodation and using solar-powered units.

Mr Mandarin, whose father has returned with him to the island after being evicted as a teenager, defiantly said: I have given up my job in London and my flat. We are here to resettle the islands; this is not a publicity stunt. We are here to stay long term.

He pointed out that their arrival changes the facts and discredits claims by the UK government that nobody lives on the islands.

Mr Holloway added: The only way they are leaving here is if they are made to leave by force.

The government has an unofficial deadline for having the deal ratified by May, or it will have to restart the entire process, so a potential pause could be the end of a contentious policy and another U-turn for Sir Keirs government in its first 20 months.

Mr Falconer suggested the pause might take place when answering questions on Wednesday from MPs, including Mr Farage, who attempted to visit the Chagossian settlement over the weekend.

The Reform UK leader claimed the Maldives is poised to lodge a counterclaim regarding the Chagos Islands with the International Court of Justice in just a few days.

Mr Farage said: I wish to inform the government that we are just a few days away, in my opinion, from the Maldives issuing a counterclaim to the International Court of Justice to say, if anybody has the right to the sovereignty of those islands, it is the Maldives and not Mauritius.

And I would urge you to pause all of this.

Mr Falconer branded this a flagrant incident of ignoring travel advice, while former defence secretary Ben Wallace hit out, saying that no MP can visit the archipelago without pre-clearance and accusing him of performing Trump-style stunts.
Taxpayers money should be spent on British interests, not the citizens of Mauritius - Wiktor Szymanowicz

The deal to surrender Britains Chagos Islands to a foreign power is, depending on whom you consult, either on ice or continuing at pace.

Hamish Falconer, the Foreign Office minister, told MPs the Government was pausing the process pending discussions with the US president Donald Trump, a critic of Labours plans to hand the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius, a state that has never exercised sovereignty over the islands.

However, no sooner had Mr Falconer spoken in the Commons than a Government source was briefing the BBC that no pause was in place and timings will be announced in the usual way.

This might be a new low for Sir Keir Starmers Government: they cant even U-turn properly any more.

While its possible Mr Falconer misspoke, what he said was by no means mistaken. However Downing Street might try to spin the situation, the Chagos deal cannot move forward with Mr Trump opposed. And the American president remains to be convinced of the wisdom of Britain ceding territory upon which it shares a strategically vital military base with the United States.

The Prime Minister believes that international law requires Britain to relinquish its islands to Mauritius, even though no court with the jurisdiction to do so has issued any such order. What Sir Keir is now learning, painfully and with every fresh ping from Truth Social, is that there are forces in this world far more powerful than the dutiful box-ticking exercise that defines his interpretation of international law.

Opinions vary about the mercurial Mr Trump, but if there is one constant in his excitable rhetoric, it is in the emphasis he places on his doctrine of America First. He is an unabashed nationalist, something deemed shameful among our political elites and within Whitehall officialdom, and it is an instinct that has twice helped him win the electoral college.

Many Americans like the idea of a president who puts national priorities ahead of hand-wringing legalism and scorns the demands of a procedural global order that increasingly seems to have a thumb on the scale against American and broader western interests.

The Prime Minister and those similarly minded point to the 2019 ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that deemed unlawful the UKs 1965 severing of the Chagos Islands from British Mauritius. However, the UK has not granted state consent to the ICJs jurisdiction in this dispute, without which that panel cannot hand down anything more than an advisory opinion.

The process of bending the knee to the ICJ was initiated when the Blob was working with a Tory government but gained pace once it had a Labour government to work with. Left or Right, red or blue, the Foreign Offices institutional impulse for putting the interests of foreigners ahead of those of Britain is difficult to contain.

There has been more pushback in the case of the Chagos simply because the deal outlined by Downing Street is glaringly, ludicrously bad for Britain. Not only does it involve surrendering territory that was lawfully acquired more than two centuries ago, and which has been under British sovereignty ever since, it also requires the transfer of 35bn in taxpayers money to the Mauritian government.

That is the estimated cost of the 99-year lease under which Britain and the Americans will be allowed to maintain their base on Diego Garcia. For a country to hand over its territory to another country free of charge could be construed as an act of misplaced benevolence. To insist on paying for the pleasure suggests some sort of international humiliation fetish.

President Trumps scepticism is still a roadblock to any deal, but it is not the only one. Explain the details of Downing Streets proposal to the average voter, battling through the cost of living crisis and working longer to pay higher taxes, and you are greeted first by an expression of disbelief then quickly thereafter by one of indignation.

Labour believes that, for the next century, more than 100m a year of British taxpayers money would be better spent on the citizens of Mauritius than on improving public services for British people or giving them a tax cut. Good luck selling that on the doorstep.

All this because Sir Keirs ultimate loyalty, and that of the post-national Blob for whom he is the ideal Prime Minister, lies with global norms, real and imagined, and international institutions, credible and contentious. The British people, or enough of them, still believe in the nation and want to see its interests put first.
Stephen Colbert lashed out at top Democrat Hakeem Jeffries for urging his party to have a silent protest and avoid disrupting the State of the Union address, calling the move a bold rebrand of doing jack squat.

The Late Show host mocked the House minority leaders encouragement for Democrats to either attend President Donald Trumps address Tuesday night in silent defiance or to go to a counter event, but not to bail entirely or make a scene if they did attend.

Were not going to Donald Trumps house, Jeffries said last week. Hes coming to our house. Its my view that you dont let anyone, ever, run you off of your block.

Dozens of Democratic lawmakers heeded his advice, staging walkouts or holding up signs in protest of Trumps agenda.

For Democrats who did attend, Hakeem Jeffries urged members not to make a scene, Colbert said. An approach he dubbed silent defiance, which I believe is a bold rebrand of doing jack squat.

Stephen Colbert slammed top Democrat Hakeem Jeffries for urging his party to have a silent protest of President Donald Trumps State of the Union address (CBS)

Colbert added, As Martin Luther King once said, Shhh. He then displayed the made-up quote and an image of the civil rights leader on the screen.

Many Democrats did protest both in and outside of the chamber throughout the State of the Union.

To kick off the address, Rep. Al Green, a Democrat from Texas, held up a sign that read, Black people arent apes, in reference to the video Trump shared online that portrayed Barack and Michelle Obama as apes. Trump claimed an aide had posted the video but refused to apologize.

Green was swiftly escorted out of the building, making it the second time he has been removed during one of Trumps addresses.

Other Democrats to protest the event include Rep. Ilhan Omar, of Minnesota, who cried out, You have killed two Americans! as Trump boasted about his immigration crackdown. Norma Torres, a Democrat from California, could also be seen holding up photos of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, the two U.S. citizens who were killed by immigration enforcement officers in Minneapolis last month.

Texas Democrat Al Green holds a sign reading Black people are not apes as President Donald Trump arrives to deliver the State of the Union address (REUTERS)

Some who skipped the speech addressed hundreds of protesters gathered on the National Mall during a counter-event billed as the Peoples State of the Union.

Throughout his speech, Trump criticized Democratic lawmakers for refusing to stand or clap for him, at one point telling them, You should be ashamed of yourself.

These people are crazy. Im telling you, theyre crazy, Trump said as Democrats remained seated, prompting more thunderous applause from the Republican side of the chamber.

Were lucky to have a country with people like this, he then said, referring to the Republicans. Democrats are destroying our country.

Last year it was announced that Colberts program, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, will end in May 2026.

CBS, which airs the show, has claimed the move to end the popular late-night installment said the decision was motivated by a financial decision.

Stephen Colberts late-night show will go off air in May (CBS)

However, there has been speculation that the cancellation was a move to appease Trump, as Paramount, which owns CBS, needed the presidentially controlled Federal Communications Commission to approve its $8 billion sale to Skydance.

Colbert has long been an outspoken critic of Trump. And his shows cancellation came shortly after he spoke out about Paramounts decision to pay a $16 million settlement to Trump over another CBS show, 60 Minutes, calling it a big fat bribe.

Trump reveled in Colberts firing, writing on his Truth Social platform at the time it was announced, I absolutely love that Colbert was fired.

In response, Colbert declared that the gloves are off.
Epstein and Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago in 1997 - Davidoff Studios Photography/Getty Images

The US justice department withheld documents from the Epstein files that allege Donald Trump sexually abused a minor, according to reports.

More than 50 pages missing from the release contain notes from several interviews the FBI conducted with a woman who claimed she was abused by Mr Trump in 1983, when she was around the age of 13.

The department of justice (DoJ) did not initially respond to questions from National Public Radio (NPR), which uncovered the missing files, about why they had not been published.

But on Wednesday night the department said that it was looking into whether it had improperly withheld documents from the files.

The Trump administration has already been accused of summarily deleting files from the release despite a law mandating the release of the entire government archive.

On Tuesday, Democrats in the house oversight committee said they could confirm that the DoJ appears to have illegally withheld FBI interviews with a survivor.

The committee, which is structurally bipartisan but divided on party lines, is meant to investigate corruption and malfeasance in the executive branch.

For the last few weeks, Oversight Democrats have been investigating the FBIs handling of allegations from 2019 of sexual assault on a minor made against President Donald Trump, the Democrats on the committee said.

Covering up direct evidence of a potential assault by the president of the United States is the most serious possible crime in this White House cover-up.

The explosive allegation threatened to overshadow Mr Trumps State of the Union Address on Tuesday evening at the Capitol. Several Epstein victims were invited to attend.

Lisa Phillips, a survivor of Epstein, wears a pin calling to release the Epstein files during a press conference ahead of Mr Trumps State of the Union address - Kylie Cooper/Reuters

Through an examination of the serial numbers attached to every document in the vast Epstein files archive, NPR found that 53 pages were inexplicably missing.

Those pages contain the FBIs notes on a series of interviews detailing an allegation, summarised elsewhere in the files, that Mr Trump forced an Epstein victims head towards his exposed penis, which she subsequently bit.

The woman told investigators she was between 13 and 15 at the time and claimed that after the incident Mr Trump punched her in the head and kicked her out.

Unlike most of the tips received through the FBIs National Threat Operations Centre, this one was actively followed up.

FBI agents spoke to the woman in question four times, starting in 2019, according to documents uncovered by Roger Sollenberger, an independent journalist. It is not clear if each of these interviews pertained to her allegations about Mr Trump.

Refused to co-operate

Ultimately the woman refused to co-operate in a potential investigation into Mr Trump, one New York FBI agent emailed a colleague in July 2025.

The Epstein files do contain the notes on one interview that agents conducted with the woman, in which she details how she was groomed and abused by Epstein. In this interview, her attorney said the woman was concerned about implicating additional individuals, and specifically any that were well known, due to fear of retaliation.

The FBI agents noted that, in identifying Epstein, she handed them a widely distributed photograph of the disgraced financier that had been cropped to remove Mr Trump.

Several Democrat senators described the NPR story as proof that the release of the Epstein files had been manipulated to protect the reputation of the president.

Senator Mark Warner of Virginia said: Well: reporting confirms it  the justice department withheld Epstein files that contained allegations about Trump abusing a minor. What are these people trying to hide?

Senator Mark Warner believes a cover-up has taken place - Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

The president has long denied any participation in or knowledge of Epsteins crimes.

The womans claim against him is included in a 2025 PowerPoint presentation compiled by the justice department, summarising a number of allegations made against prominent names, including Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Lesley Wexner, the Victorias Secret tycoon.

Her name has been redacted. It is marked with two asterisks that appear to indicate a criminal history. In 2021, she was denied compensation from a fund set up for Epstein victims, according to a court record.

Woman claims she was assaulted by Epstein

The woman who made the accusations against Mr Trump came forward in July 2019, just days after investigators arrested Epstein on sex-trafficking charges, according to The New York Times.

According to a summary of an interview with the FBI the same month, she claimed she was also violently assaulted by Epstein several times as a child in the 1980s.

As a teenager in South Carolina, she claimed to have been repeatedly raped by a man she knew as Jeff who plied her with alcohol, marijuana and cocaine.

The woman said she did not know the paedophiles identity but recognised him when a friend sent her a photograph of him.

When she showed agents the photo on her phone, a well-known image of Epstein with Mr Trump, she asked to crop out the image of the president. Her lawyer said she was concerned about implicating additional individuals due to fear of retaliation.

According to The New York Times, she joined a lawsuit against Epsteins estate in 2019 but later dropped her claim. In 2021, a court record stated she was ineligible for compensation from a fund for Epsteins victims without clarifying why.

An assessment by the FBI about the credibility of her claims does not appear to have been released as part of the Epstein files.

On Wednesday night, the department of justice said it would be reviewing files.

Several individuals and news outlets have recently flagged files related to documents produced to Ghislaine Maxwell in discovery of her criminal case that they claim appear to be missing, it said in a post on X.

As with all documents that have been flagged by the public, the department is currently reviewing files within that category of the production.

It said that if any document is found to have been improperly withheld and is responsive to the federally enacted law mandating the files release, the department will of course publish it, consistent with the law.

In response to requests for comment, the White House directed The Telegraph to a statement posted on X by the DOJs Rapid Response unit.

Oversight Democrats should stop misleading the public while manufacturing outrage from their radical anti-Trump base, it reads.

The Justice Department has repeatedly said publicly AND directly to NPR prior to deadline  NOTHING has been deleted. If files are temporarily pulled for victim redactions or to redact Personally Identifiable Information, then those documents are promptly restored online and are publicly available.

The statement then referred to the exceptions to the law mandating publication of all the files, which include duplicates, privileged, or part of an ongoing federal investigation.

In a reply posted on X, Oversight Democrats said: Records of FBI interviews with a survivor who alleged Trump sexually assaulted her as a child arent duplicates or shouldnt be privileged. Are you saying theres an active, ongoing federal investigation into President Trump?
President Trump delivering his State of the Union address this week, urging Iran to say it will never have a nuclear weapon - Kenny Holston-Pool/Getty Images

The skies above the Middle East are filled with American jets and the seas of the region patrolled by two carrier battlegroups. Now, as one of the greatest military build-ups in history reaches its climax, about half of all the deployable US air power in the world is concentrated within striking range of Iran.

But to what end? Judging by Donald Trumps State of the Union address, no American president has ever placed such formidable firepower behind such a modest demand.

Trump used his speech to denounce Irans regime, but he did not make its downfall the goal of American policy. He stressed the threat posed by Irans arsenal of ballistic missiles, but he did not say that they must be destroyed or limited.

Instead, on the evidence of his address, all that Trump seeks from Iran is a form of words. They want to make a deal, he said. But we havent heard those secret words: We will never have a nuclear weapon.

Reuters

If they were listening, Irans leaders might have been shaking puzzled heads. After all, never having a nuclear weapon is their official policy: they have said as much publicly  not secretly  time and again.

Building and maintaining nuclear weapons is absolutely haram [forbidden], declared Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader, in October 2019. Iran has never sought nuclear weapons and never will, added Ali Shamkhani, the head of Irans Defence Council, in February last year.

Perhaps Trump wants Irans stated policy to be formalised in a treaty? If so, maybe no one has told him how this has already happened.

By signing the Non-Proliferation Treaty, to which it remains committed, Iran agreed never to develop nuclear weapons. Even the much-derided nuclear deal reached by Barack Obama says: Iran reaffirms that under no circumstances will Iran ever seek, develop or acquire any nuclear weapons.

So, amid his bombast and bluster, Trump is demanding something that Iran has already given. The logical conclusion would be that he is deeply reluctant to use the firepower that he has assembled, and the chances of an agreement with Iran are higher than the sound and fury would suggest.

As Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian foreign minister, said last year: No nuclear weapons: we have a deal.

The problem, of course, is that Irans official position is impossible to reconcile with the fact that the regime has spent over 20 years doggedly pursuing the ability to enrich uranium, the vital process that could be used to make the fissile core of a nuclear weapon.

A US-Iran deal seems possible. Last year Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi stated: No nuclear weapons: we have a deal - MARTIAL TREZZINI/EPA/Shutterstock

Ask them to disavow nuclear weapons and they will agree. Ask them to take the next logical step and stop enriching uranium and, strangely enough, they adamantly refuse. That has always been the impasse preventing an agreement.

But even that obstacle may be closer than it seems to being overcome. Until last June, Iran was enriching uranium with about 20,000 centrifuges installed in two plants: Natanz and Fordow.

Then, on the night of June 22, both installations were pulverised by the heaviest conventional bombs ever made, dropped by Trumps B-2 stealth bombers.

Plenty of experts  including British diplomats  used to say that Iran would quickly rebuild any facilities that were attacked and the damage could be repaired in a matter of weeks or months. That confident assessment has been comprehensively falsified by hard reality.

Iran has not rushed to rebuild Natanz or Fordow; on the contrary, more than five months after the US strike, Araghchi himself confirmed that Iran was still not enriching uranium. We are not enriching because our facilities have been attacked, he told The Economist in November.

One of the oddest passages in Trumps speech came when he questioned the extraordinary success of his own military strike last year, by asserting that Iran was now restarting its nuclear plants and pursuing their sinister ambitions once more.

In fact, a comprehensive assessment by the Institute for Science and International Security, a Washington think tank, found that the targeted nuclear plants were largely destroyed and have seen little significant activity since the war with minimal clean up.

Destroyed buildings at Isfahan nuclear site, Iran, which was targeted by US airstrikes in June 2025 - MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES/REUTERS

All of which would, in theory, increase the chances of a deal. Given that Iran is not enriching uranium anyway, and its main nuclear plants still lie in ruins, any agreement with America would only need to formalise the status quo. Iran would not have to sacrifice or dismantle anything.

The only exception might be whatever could remain of its stockpile of 440kg of uranium enriched to 60 per cent purity that Iran amassed before Trumps strike.

Since Iran has no viable means of further enriching this material to the 90 per cent required for nuclear weapons  and American bombs have also destroyed the plant needed to convert it into the core of a bomb  this hoard is no longer of great value. Hence Iranian diplomats have already signalled their willingness to dilute this material to a level where it would only have civilian uses.

Despite Trumps rhetorical belligerence, all that he wants is a pledge that Iran has already made  and an agreement that would mainly confirm the status quo. The Ayatollah would be required to move barely an inch.

Logically, that should point towards a deal. But neither Trump nor Khamenei has ever been unduly constrained by mere logic.
Donald Trump claimed Iran is building missiles that will soon be able to reach the U.S. during a rambling State of the Union address on Tuesday.

In a long-winded speech  the longest of its kind in history  the US president continued his war of words with Iran after weeks of suggesting he might order a strike against the regime.

They've already developed missiles that can threaten Europe and our bases overseas, and they're working to build missiles that will soon reach the United States of America, Trump said. He did not provide any evidence for the claim.

The remarks came as U.S. naval and air forces continue to gather near Iran ahead of possible military action, as Trump looks to pressure the Tehran regime into agreeing to a nuclear deal with Washington.

President Donald Trump claimed during his State of the Union address that Iran was working to build missiles that will reach the United States (AP)

There had been speculation over whether Trump would use the speech to make a case for war against Iran, or whether he would elaborate on the military buildup in the Middle East. However, he did not mention Iran until more than an hour into his speech.

In his brief segment on Iran, the US president accused Tehran of ignoring his warnings not to return to nuclear enrichment and weapons development after a U.S. bombing campaign on Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan last June.

My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy but one thing is certain I will never allow the worlds number one sponsor of terror which they are by far to have a nuclear weapon, he told the joint session of Congress during the hour and 47 minute speech.

The US president also reiterated his previous talking points on the issue, saying Washington would work to keep a nuclear bomb out of Irans hands. Trump also accused Iran of sowing terror via regional proxy groups and said Tehran had killed tens of thousands of people during recent protests.

The US president spoke for almost two hours (AP)

Theyve killed at least 32,000 protesters in their own countrythey shot a lot of them and hung them, he said, describing the regime as some terrible people.

But Trump did not give clarity on whether he would take immediate military action, or what the White Houses goals would be.

Trump threatened to attack Iran in January in response to a deadly crackdown on widespread anti-regime protests, before adding the condition that Tehran must agree to the new nuclear deal.

On Monday, the U.S. ordered nonessential diplomats and their family members at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut to leave Lebanon amid the looming threat of a military strike on Iran.

Lebanon has been the site of several Iran-related retaliatory attacks on U.S. targets for decades, given Tehran's support for and influence with the Hezbollah militant group. Changes in the staffing status of the embassy in Beirut are sometimes seen as a bellwether for potential U.S. or Israeli military action in the region, particularly against Iran.

The U.S. military has also withdrawn from key bases in northeastern Syria and Qatar.
Donald Trump during the State of the Union address. Photograph: Kenny Holston/The New York Times/Reuters (Photograph: Kenny Holston/The New York Times/Reuters)

Donald Trump proclaimed his first year in office a success at the State of the Union address on Tuesday evening, even as his presidency is dogged by low public approval ratings before Novembers midterm elections in which voters could hand control of Congress back to his Democratic opponents.

The annual address to a joint session of Congress came after months of turmoil for the Republican president, including a crackdown on immigrant communities in Minneapolis that resulted in the deaths of two US citizens, and faltering progress on his campaign promise of lowering the cost of living.

But Trump maintained a triumphant tone in his speech, saying that he had inherited a country ruined by Joe Biden and quickly rebuilt it.

Tonight, after just one year, we can say with dignity and pride that we have achieved a transformation like no one has ever seen before, and a turnaround for the ages, Trump said.

Trump defends first-year record in testy State of the Union speech

As polls show many voters think Donald Trump is focused on the wrong areas, the president sought to link himself to more recent successes, at one point bringing out the US mens hockey team that just won gold at the Winter Olympics.

Our country is winning again. In fact, were winning so much that we really dont know what to do about it, Trump said, before summoning the players to make a surprise appearance in the gallery of the House of Representatives chamber.

Read the full story

Marco Rubio delivers rare briefing to top US lawmakers on Iran amid tensions

Marco Rubio delivered a rare briefing to top US lawmakers on Iran from the White House on Tuesday as Washington deploys its largest force of aircraft and warships to the Middle East since the 2003 buildup to the Iraq war.

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Donald Trumps new 10% global tariff comes into effect

Donald Trumps new global tariffs have taken effect at 10%, even though he had threatened a higher rate of 15% last weekend, providing some relief for British businesses, according to a lobby group.

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US military leaders meet with Anthropic to argue against AI tool safeguards

US military leaders including Pete Hegseth, the defense secretary, met with executives from the artificial intelligence firm Anthropic on Tuesday to hash out a dispute over what the government will be able to do with the companys powerful AI model. Hegseth gave Dario Amodei, the Anthropic CEO, until the end of the day Friday to agree to the departments terms or face penalties, Axios reported.

Read the full story

US congressman refuses to resign after allegations of affair with staffer

US congressman Tony Gonzales refused growing calls to resign from his fellow Republicans on Tuesday amid a furore over allegations that he had an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide.

Read the full story

What else happened today:

Catching up? Heres what happened on 23 February 2026.
Trump reportedly overseeing DC airport renovations as he pushes to rename it after himself

President Donald Trump is said to be personally overseeing efforts to renovate Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C.  all while reportedly advocating for the hub to be renamed after himself.

The president met with half a dozen construction and infrastructure firms at the White House earlier this month, and had executives taking turns pitching their ideas to overhaul the airport, people familiar with the plans told the Washington Post.

The companies, which included AECOM, a firm working on Trumps White House ballroom project, shared proposals.

Within the pitches were plans to build new terminals, revamp the airports layout and do away with the airports shuttles  often referred to as people movers.

Some of the proposals even tried to win Trump over by embodying his penchant for naming things after himself, with one company proposing to rename the shuttles Direct Jet Transports, or DJTs  the presidents initials, according to the report.

President Donald Trump is overseeing renovation efforts at Dulles International Airport, after proposing the airport be named after himself, according to a report (AP)

Trump  who has worked to rename several Washington facilities, including the Kennedy Center and the Institute of Peace, after himself  reportedly proposed the airport be renamed in his honor last month.

The proposal came as part of a funding standoff with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York. The White House reportedly told Schumer that the president would unfreeze more than $16 billion for the long-planned Gateway Tunnel project, which will add a new rail line between New York and New Jersey  if he agreed to rename New York Citys Penn Station and Dulles airport, near D.C., after the president.

However, Schumer swiftly rejected the offer, saying he did not have the authority to rename the transportation hubs.

About 27 million passengers travel through Dulles each year  including 10 million international travelers  yet it ranks below many major airports in passenger satisfaction.

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which oversees Dulles, already had a plan to overhaul the antiquated facility and phase out the shuttles within the next 15 years.

However, Trump officials reportedly feel those plans are moving too slowly, and are instead looking to find ways to make rapid improvements to the airport without waiting for Congress to set aside additional funding, sources told the Post.

The White House declined to comment on Trumps meetings with the Post, but said the administration was focused on improving the international gateway to our nations capital.

Trump has proposed that Dulles be renamed after him (Getty Images)

Dulles should inspire pride and awe in foreign travelers visiting our country and American citizens returning home, spokesman Kush Desai said. The Trump administration is committed to using every tool at our disposal to ensure that Dulles lives up to our nations majesty as we seek to both Make America and our Airports Great Again.

The Transportation Department said it was exploring a host of public-private partnership opportunities to remake Dulles at the speed of Trump.

Trumps reported plans to revamp Dulles, including renaming the airport after himself, comes as the president has put his name on numerous government properties since the start of his current term.

Trump wants to build an enormous arch in D.C., which has been nicknamed the 'Arch de Trump' (Getty)

Trump caused outrage by tearing down the East Wing of the White House for his multi-million dollar ballroom (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Since returning to office in 2025, Trump has affixed his name to prominent Washington buildings, a planned class of Navy warships, a visa program for wealthy foreigners, a government-run prescription drug website, and federal savings accounts for children.

He has also taken on several ambitious construction projects, including the demolition of the historic East Room, to be replaced by a 90,000-square-foot White House ballroom that is set to cost a whopping $400 million.

Trump plans to have the ballroom built and open to guests by summer 2028, giving builders roughly a year and a half to construct the new event space.

The president has also expressed interest in building a 250-foot tall Independence Arch in Washington, D.C., near the Potomac River. It has been nicknamed the Arc de Trump in a pun on Frances Arc de Triomphe.
During his State of the Union address on Tuesday evening, President Donald Trump quipped that he should be in the midst of his third term.

First year of the second term...it should be my third term, the 79-year-old Republican president told the lawmakers, Cabinet officials and Supreme Court justices gathered in the House chamber.

But, strange things happen, he added, eliciting some applause from the audience.

Its just the latest incidence of Trump insinuating, without evidence, that the 2020 election  which he lost to former President Joe Biden  was stolen from him.

Since returning to office last year, the president has also repeatedly toyed with the idea of running for a third term, despite the 22nd Amendment of the Constitution barring presidents from serving more than two terms.

President Donald Trump quipped this should be my third term during his State of the Union address (via REUTERS)

In March, he told NBC News that he was not joking about running in 2028, adding, a lot of people want me to do it.

And, during a meeting with congressional Democrats, Trump 2028 hats were placed on the Resolute desk, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in October.

During a December White House reception, Trump also claimed that Israeli-American mega-donor Miriam Adelson offered him $250 million to run for an unconstitutional third term in 2028.

At times, however, hes given mixed signals about this dubious prospect.

I would love to do it. I have my best numbers ever, he told reporters on Air Force One in October when he was asked about running again. But, then he said a 2028 run would be too cute and wouldnt be right.

Asked directly if he wasnt ruling out a third term, Trump replied: Am I not ruling it out? I mean, youll have to tell me.
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Donald Trump has yet again claimed he prevented a "nuclear war" between India and Pakistan and saved the lives of millions of people.

The nuclear-powered neighbours stepped back from the brink of an all-out war in May last year following their worst military escalation in decades which saw dozens of people killed in cross-border shelling as well as drone and missile attacks on both sides.

"We're proudly restoring safety for Americans at home and abroad. In my first ten months, I ended eight wars," the US president said his State of the Union Address on Tuesday.

He added: "Pakistan and India would have had a nuclear war. Thirty-five million people, said the prime minister of Pakistan, would have died if it were not for my involvement."

Mr Trump added that his administration is "working very hard to end a ninth war".

Since posting on social media on 10 May that the two neighbours had agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire following US-mediated talks, Mr Trump has claimed credit for brokering the truce at least 80 times, according to media reports.

However, India has denied any involvement of the US and maintained that the request to end military operations had come from the director general of military operations in Pakistan.

Indian soldier guard outside the venue of India's Republic Day parade in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. (AP)

Last week, with Pakistan's prime minister Shehbaz Sharif in attendance, Mr Trump claimed that both nations agreed to a ceasefire after he threatened to impose 200 per cent tariffs on India and Pakistan.

At an event of the Board of Peace  an initiative to end Israel's war in Gaza  Mr Trump asked Mr Sharif to stand up and then said, "I spoke to prime minister (Narendra) Modi. He's excited. He's watching us right now."

Mr Trump continued: "And I got on the phone with both of them, and I knew him (Mr Sharif) a little bit. I knew Prime Minister Modi very well, actually. I got to know Pakistan through a little trade.

"And when I heard that they were fighting, I pick up a certain newspaper. and I saw that Pakistan and India were really going at it. And then it got worse and worse, and many planes were shot down. It was all out. And I called them, I said, Listen, I'm not doing trade deals with you two guys, if you don't settle this up. They said, No, no, no, Mr Trump added.

I said, No, it has to. If you don't do it, I'm not doing a trade deal. We're not doing a trade deal," he said.

Following the conflict last summer, both Pakistan and India claimed to have downed each others fighter jets in a dogfight that reportedly involved over 125 aircraft, making it the largest aerial battle since the Second World War.

Pakistan claimed it had shot down five Indian aircraft in air-to-air combat, including the French Rafale. India said it had downed a few planes, a claim that was refuted by Islamabad, even though the country acknowledged its air bases had suffered hits. India confirmed for the first time on 31 May that it had lost jets during the conflict but refused to clarify their number or nature.

The conflict broke out after India attacked alleged militant camps in Pakistan to avenge the deaths of 26 people, mostly Hindu tourists, killed in a terror attack in the Indian part of Kashmir on 22 April.

India accused Pakistan of backing the gunmen who carried out the massacre in the restive Himalayan valley. Islamabad denied the charge and sought an independent investigation.
The White House has released excerpts from President Donald Trumps State of the Union speech to a joint session of Congress set for Tuesday at 9 pm ET.

Ahead of his appearance on Monday, he told attendees at a White House ceremony to honor so-called Angel families that hed be giving a long speech to boast about the greatest economy weve ever had.

Here are the excerpts:

Tonight, after just one year, I can say with dignity and pride that we have achieved a transformation like no one has ever seen before, and a turnaround for the ages. We will never go back to where we were just a short time ago.

//

From 1776 to today, every generation of Americans has stepped forward to defend life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for the next. Now, it is our turn. Together, we are building a nation where every child has the chance to reach higher and go fartherwhere government answers to the people, not the powerfuland where the interests of hardworking American Citizens are always our first and ultimate concern.

//

Moving forward, factories, jobs, investment, and trillions of dollars will continue pouring into the United States of Americabecause we finally have a president who puts America First.

For decades before I came along, we had the exact opposite. From trade to healthcare, from energy to immigration, everything was stolen and rigged in order to drain the wealth out of the productive, hardworking people who make our country run.

//

I am also ending the wildly inflated cost of prescription drugs. Other presidents tried to do it, but they never could. They were all talk and no action. I got it done.

//

Last month, I signed an Executive Order to ban large Wall Street investment firms from buying up, in the thousands, single-family homes. And now I am asking Congress to make that ban permanent, because homes are for people, not corporations.

//

But when it comes to the corruption that is plundering America, there has been no more stunning example than Minnesotawhere members of the Somali community have pillaged an estimated $19 billion dollars from the American taxpayer.

//

As we speak, Democrats in this chamber have cut off all funding for the Department of Homeland Security. They have closed the agency responsible for protecting Americans from terrorists and murderers. Tonight, I am demanding the full and immediate restoration of all funding for the Border Security and Homeland Security of the United States.

//

Above all, unleashing Americas promise requires keeping our communities safe. We have made incredible stridesyet dangerous repeat offenders continue to be released by pro-crime politicians again and again.

//

As President, I will make peace wherever I canbut I will never hesitate to confront threats to America wherever we must.

//

We are also restoring American security and dominance in the Western Hemisphereactingto secure our national interests and defend our country from violence, drugs, terrorism, and foreign interference. For years, large swaths of territory in our region, including large parts of Mexico, have been controlled by murderous drug cartels.

//

The Revolution that began in 1776 has not endedit still continues, because the flame of Liberty and Independence still burns in the hearts of every American Patriot.
Royce Hall at the University of California, Los Angeles, campus. Photograph: Damian Dovarganes/AP (Photograph: Damian Dovarganes/AP)

The justice department sued the University of California, Los Angeles on Tuesday, alleging the university created a hostile work environment for Jewish and Israeli faculty and staff after protests against the war on Gaza broke out across campus.

The lawsuit claims UCLA violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act by failing to prevent and correct discriminatory and harassing conduct after the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and ensuing war on Gaza. The lawsuit is the latest action against a US university by the Trump administration since the president took office last year, and an escalation of Donald Trumps feud with the state of California.

Based on our investigation, UCLA administrators allegedly allowed virulent anti-Semitism to flourish on campus, harming students and staff alike, Pam Bondi, the attorney general, said in a press release.

UCLA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Related: Yosemite firefall marvels visitors despite heavy snow

In December, nine justice department attorneys told the Los Angeles Times they felt pressured by the Trump administration to accuse the University of California of discriminating against Jewish students and faculty.

The political appointees essentially determined the outcome almost before the investigation had even started, Jen Swedish, a former justice department lawyer who worked on a case against UCLA, told the LA Times.

Since Trump took office, the presidents administration has launched investigations, filed lawsuits and frozen grant funding to universities across the country, citing issues ranging from diversity, equity and inclusion to transgender policies.

Last summer, the Trump administration ordered UCLA to pay a $1bn fine over a pro-Palestine encampment in order to have more than $500m in grant funding restored  only for a judge to block the administration, saying it had a playbook of initiating civil rights investigations to force universities to change their ideological tune.

In July, UCLA agreed to pay $6.5m to settle a lawsuit by Jewish students and a professor who said the university allowed antisemitic discrimination to take place on campus. In the agreement, the university admitted it had fallen short.

UCLA is also facing a lawsuit from pro-Palestinian protesters who said the university failed to protect students from wrongful arrests and excessive force from police and counter-protesters during demonstrations that occurred in April 2024.

The justice department lawsuit also represents an escalation in the Trump administrations dispute with Democratic-led states, particularly California.

The litany of vile acts of antisemitism that allegedly took place, and continue to take place, at UCLA are, if found to be true, a mark of shame against the University of California, Harmeet K Dhillon, assistant attorney general of the civil rights division, said in a statement.

Dhillon was formerly the vice-chair of the California Republican party and founded the Dhillon Law Group, which in November sued the state of California over its newly redrawn congressional map.
Dario Amodei and Pete Hegseth. Composite: Getty Images (Composite: Getty Images)

US military leaders including Pete Hegseth, the defense secretary, met with executives from the artificial intelligence firm Anthropic on Tuesday to hash out a dispute over what the government will be able to do with the companys powerful AI model. Hegseth gave Dario Amodei, the Anthropic CEO, until the end of the day on Friday to agree to the departments terms or face penalties, Axios reported.

Anthropic, which presents itself as the most safety-forward of the leading AI companies, has been mired in weeks of disagreement with the Pentagon over how the military is allowed to use its large language model, Claude. US defense officials have pushed for unfettered access to Claudes capabilities, while Anthropic has reportedly resisted allowing its product to be used for mass surveillance or autonomous weapons systems that can use AI to kill people without human input. The Department of Defense (DoD) has integrated Claude into its operations, but has threatened to sever the relationship over what its top brass perceives as roadblocks erected by Anthropic.

Related: A feedback loop with no brake: how an AI doomsday report shook US markets

At stake in the negotiations is whether the AI industry will push back against government demand for the military use of their products, something that has long been controversial among researchers and ethical AI advocates. Defense officials have already threatened punitive measures against Anthropic if it does not comply, including canceling a huge contract with the company and designating it a supply chain risk.

The DoD struck deals with several major AI firms including Anthropic, Google and OpenAI in July last year, offering them contracts worth up to $200m. Until this week, however, Anthropics Claude product was the only model permitted for use in the militarys classified systems. The DoD signed a deal on Monday that allowed the use in classified systems by military personnel of Elon Musks xAI chatbot, which has faced recent backlash over producing sexualized images of children.

Both xAI and OpenAI have agreed to the governments terms on the uses of their AI, according to he Washington Post, with a defense official stating that OpenAI had allowed its model to be used for all lawful purposes. OpenAI did not immediately respond to a request for comment on their agreement with the government.

The meeting between Anthropic and the Pentagon is taking place a month after the US military reportedly used Claude to assist in its capture of the Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. There has been a widespread push from the Trump administration to integrate AI into the military, while Donald Trump has repeatedly vowed that the US will win a global AI arms race to dominate the technology.

Emil Michael, the Pentagons chief technology officer and a former Uber executive, has publicly campaigned for Anthropic to cross the Rubicon and agree to the governments terms.

I think if someone wants to make money from the government, from the US Department of War, those guardrails ought to be tuned for our use cases  so long as theyre lawful, Michael told Defense Scoop last week.

Anthropics Amodei has meanwhile long spoken out in favor of greater regulation on AI, while his company has backed a political action committee advocating for stronger safeguards over artificial intelligence. Amodei opposed Trump during the 2024 US presidential campaign and Anthropic has hired several former Biden staffers, which the Wall Street Journal reported was a contributing factor in a pro-Trump venture capital firm backing out of investing in Anthropic earlier this year.

The Pentagon has poured billions of dollars in recent years into pursuing AI-enabled technologies ranging from unmanned aerial drones to automated targeting systems. The advancement of these technologies has accelerated ethical questions around how much decision-making power to cede to AI when it comes to lethal force. These debates are no longer theoretical, with fighting in Ukraine featuring deadly semiautonomous drones that can operate without human control.
A US pop star received a rude welcome to the UK after shouting hello, London from her hotel balcony.

In a video shared on Instagram on Tuesday (24 February), Bebe Rexha pans around the capital as she joyfully sings: Back in London town, were back in London town.

However, her glee was cut short after a passerby told at her to shut up after she called out a greeting.

The 36-year-old covered her face in shock before running back inside. Feeling the love in London!, she teased in the posts caption.
We are asserting our right to self-determination - Heathcliff O'Malley

Sir Keir Starmer has once again paused his attempt to hand over my homeland to Mauritius without the permission of my people. Thanks to the valiant efforts of supporters of the Chagossian cause, and the vital intervention of President Trump, he has been forced to reconsider his ill-considered treaty with Mauritius.

As Nigel Farage said recently, how can a Government led by a team full of human rights lawyers be content to consistently and flagrantly ignore the rights of the Chagossians, my people? I do not have an answer for this, and based on the PMs response  he does not either.

Earlier this month, myself and three other Chagossians  including my father, who was among those forcibly removed from our land in the 1960s and 1970s  landed on Ile du Coin and established a new permanent settlement. Adam Holloway, a former MP, British soldier and friend, who has raised the money for us, masterminded this campaign.

This settlement and my subsequent announcement of our official return to the Chagos Islands is more than just a stunt, as some have wrongly claimed. The Chagos Islands are our homeland, and this is an official action to reclaim our territory and to reiterate our rights as an indigenous people.

We are asserting the most basic human right, as set out in the UN charter, to self-determination.

We learnt of the deal between Britain and Mauritius to transfer sovereignty only from the news. No Chagossian sat at the negotiating table. No Chagossian was asked whether we wished to become subjects of Mauritius.

This exclusion is a bitter reminder of the original crime. Between 1967 and 1973, Britain emptied these islands of every man, woman, and child. Our people were loaded onto overcrowded boats. Our pet dogs were shot or gassed and then incinerated. We were dumped in the slums of Mauritius and told we could not return. We were never consulted.

We do not want these islands to be given to Mauritius as its new colony. We are not Mauritians. Mauritius has no legitimate claim or ties to our islands.

We exercise that right of self-determination to say we are British and will remain so. Many Chagossians have served in the British Armed Forces  I did, proudly. We hold British passports.

We have paid British taxes. We have lived in British towns. If the Government of Sir Keir Starmer tries to deport us against our will, it will be committing a fresh crime against humanity. We will not be evicted from these islands again. We want to reassure our friends and allies of what we have always said: we want to remain subjects of the British Crown, loyal to His Majesty King Charles III. But we must do this on Chagos.

The world is a dangerous place, made safer by the American presence at Diego Garcia. Chagossians do not seek its removal. We seek its protection. A transfer of our homeland to Mauritius risks exposing the islands to pressures from China. The US will have Diego Garcia forever, as long as we the native Chagossians have some say in the matter.

In December of last year, I was elected as first minister of a Chagossian government in exile through an independently organised and verified ballot of my community. Following the landing, we are no longer in exile.

As the Chagossian first minister, I willingly give President Trump permission to use Diego Garcia to strike at Irans murderous mullahs if he deems it necessary to defend the international order.

Hopefully Sir Keir will break the habit of his time in office. That he will not change his mind again and finally accept that his deal cannot be tolerated by the Chagossian people, the British people and the Americans.

For too long, decisions about Diego Garcia were made in distant capitals, without our voice, without our consent. That era is over.

Misley Mandarin is first minister of the Chagossian government
Lydia has stayed at dozens of Airbnbs since the app launched in 2008 (Lydia Swinscoe)

Since Airbnb launched in 2008, Ive stayed in 76 properties, including a Bengaluru bolthole shared with its owners; plenty of well-run apartments in Colombo, the city I now call home; quirky Tbilisi homes; and a Bangkok homestay that included a breakfast I still dream about.

Ive had experiences I never would have otherwise, were it not for the platform. Ive even made a few pals along the way, as hosts have turned into lifelong friends.

Not all have been successful finds though  a few have been so unclean I had to leave early, others felt unsafe, and many were overpriced. Theres also the fact that high numbers of properties being rented as Airbnbs, instead of being used for housing, in tourist-heavy cities can price out locals. So I now use the platform less than I once did.

Still, as someone who travels solo much of the time, Airbnbs can be safe, homely, and often come with a range of brilliant tips from the owner. And unlike many hotels, they offer an insight into often overlooked neighbourhoods. Places where locals linger in off-radar bars, street art shouts out from the walls, and interesting galleries beg to be explored.

If, like me, youre interested in getting under the skin of a place, rather than heading to the standard guidebook recommendations where every other tourist can be found, using Airbnb can be a game-changer.

Heres what I look out for as a female travelling alone to ensure a smooth and memorable stay  for all the right reasons.

Scan listings for details that match your interests

Choose a stay that suggests the owner has similar interests to you (Airbnb)

Read more: Im an introvert, heres how I survive group holidays

As a keen lover of art in all forms, I often opt for homes that feature lots of art on the walls, quirky design flourishes and standout furniture. That way, I figure the hosts tastes align with mine, and they will likely have a ton of great recommendations to share with me. Moreover, it suggests that the area of the town or the city that the apartment is in, tends to be close to the attractions that I might want to visit.

This tactic has led me to find some of my all-time favourite Airbnb stays. Just keep your eyes peeled for clues in the listings images that relate to your hobbies and interests. The host might have shelves stuffed with books, surf paraphernalia on the walls, or art which signals that the stay is LGBT+-friendly.

Prioritise stays on the first floor and above

For solo stays pick somewhere on the first floor or above  or completely remote if thats the point of your trip (Airbnb)

For city stays, I always look for flats and apartments rather than sprawling ground-floor homes. Though not solely for affordability reasons. Ground floor homes tend to have various entry points, and quite often have two doors and lots of windows, which makes me feel less safe.

One home Id booked in the Dominican Republic had a handful of windows that couldnt be locked. Thankfully, for that trip, I was travelling with a companion, but had I been staying alone, I would have been anxious at bedtime.

Now, whenever Im travelling solo, I book flats that are above ground level, unless Im staying in a unique off-grid cabin, or a structure where being remote is the point.

Read more: A city of two halves: how I fell for frenetic Istanbul

Travel off season

As a solo traveller, Im not splitting accommodation costs with someone else, which means it can be pricey. To remedy this, and also because I hate being in touristy places, Ill never visit a destination in the high season,as hosts prices are higher during peak times. Bear in mind youll pay more on weekends, too.

For example, if Im travelling to Madrid, Ill go in August when the city becomes crazy hot, and many holidaymakers will be by the beach instead.

This often equates to lower Airbnb rates and having more of the city to yourself. You might even get to stay somewhere you thought youd never be able to afford.

Look out for strong locks

In todays rental market, many check-ins dont involve the host coming to meet you like they once did, so chances are the door will have a digital keypad locking mechanism. While I do like the ease of being able to check in wherever I want, those digital code entry systems dont feel 100 per cent secure to me, which is why I always check if theres an inner bolt to lock doors, too.

If I cant see one in the images, I will message the host before booking. I actually think this should be a requirement from Airbnb itself, since it wouldnt be hard to implement, and would ensure solo travellers can sleep a tad more soundly.

Pick shared homes carefully

I have mixed feelings about shared Airbnbs. On one hand, Ive enjoyed some brilliant stays in hosts homes that have made me feel so welcome and safe, and they have imparted a ton of information and tips I wouldnt have known otherwise. On the other hand, Ive had a scary situation with a male host that meant I wouldnt stay with one again.

Safety is always paramount, so if you feel like something isnt right, get out and book another place immediately.

My top tips for vetting hosts is to check how long theyve been renting their place on the app (the longer, the better); to thoroughly read reviews; and also to check if theyve been reviewed by Airbnb hosts on their own travels.

Read more: Female solo travel is mainstream  heres why solitary travel takes more nerve

Guidebooks are a green flag

Hosts dont need to have a guidebook included within their listing on the Airbnb site, so if they do, it shows that they really care about their home and the surrounding area. The guidebook usually details places the host most recommends, and is typically filled with local-loved haunts that would take months to find as someone new to a destination.

Ive also noticed that hosts who create listings with guidebooks are often frequent travellers themselves (having checked out the reviews theyve received from Airbnb hosts), meaning the way they present their homes for your arrival is usually very well thought out, and the stay is stocked with everything you could need.

Places with kitchens or kitchenettes are the holy grail

Lydia booked this Sri Lankan Airbnb as it has its own kitchen (Airbnb)

While travelling solo, Ive occasionally ended up in a town or city where I didnt feel particularly safe after dark. Quito in Ecuador being one of them, since the old town becomes deserted at nightfall. While its much easier to order food through delivery services than it used to be, its not always straightforward or even possible in every destination.

For that reason, I like to secure Airbnbs with a kitchen, so if I arrive and feel like its not a great idea to go out alone at night, I can cook and enjoy my evening at home.

Look out for superhosts with plenty of great reviews

It goes without saying, but its always worth taking the time to scan through a listings reviews thoroughly before booking. Its an unwritten rule for solo travellers, especially women, to say whether they felt safe traveling alone. So, look for places with lots of flawless reviews that mention this fact.

Sometimes Ive been tempted to book a listing thats new to the platform before its been reviewed, and Ive been both rewarded and horrified. With so many listings on offer, its not worth the gamble, as new Airbnbs can only undergo automated vetting. Its better to look for superhosts (top-rated and very experienced hosts) with glowing reviews.

Take advantage of long-stay discounts

I like to travel slowly, often booking an Airbnb for an entire month to truly immerse myself in a place. Luckily, many hosts love guests choosing this option, as it means less hassle for them with multiple guests coming and going. Therefore, its always worth asking for a long-stay discount in DMs if the listing doesnt already flag one.

Sometimes Ive secured up to 30 per cent off the original price, and had cleaning fees waived, simply because Ive booked for an extended period. This is more common in lesser-visited cities, so forget about Paris, Rome and Florence, and focus on places such as Timisoara in Romania, or Poland's Lodz.

My five favourite Airbnbs for solo travellers

Old Tbilisian Solo, Tbilisi, Georgia

This Tbilisi Airbnb has a clever layout for solo stays (Airbnb)

Hidden in a crumbling mansion in the Sololaki district of Tbilisi, I adored the fun design and smart layout of this compact apartment.

Price: from 77 a night.

Piotrkowska Apartment, Lodz, Poland

This sleek Lodz apartment is one of Lydias favourite solo stays (Airbnb)

Little-visited Lodz wowed me at every turn, and this flawless studio only added to the Polish citys appeal.

Price: from 51 a night.

Mid-Century Thai home, Bangkok Yai, Thailand

This mid-century Thai home has a friendly host (Airbnb)

Homely, with one of the friendliest hosts Ive come across to date, Im already excited to return to this charming stay.

Price: from 52 a night.

The Hollow, Colombo, Sri Lanka

This new Airbnb is one of the best in Colombo (Airbnb)

This is one of Colombos newest Airbnbs, and the design-focused owner has done a great job of creating a serene sanctuary in the bustling heart of the city.

Price: from 56 a night

Lordi 6, Naples, Italy

This Vomero apartment comes with lots of great recommendations from the host (Airbnb)

Its tiny, but this Naples stay packs a punch. Tucked away in leafy Vomero, this dreamy apartment comes with lots of great foodie recommendations from the host.

Price: from 123 a night.
How this forgotten corner of Manchester could redefine the age-old battle between the left and right

Gorton and Denton is a constituency of two halves.

On the east, the Gorton side, there are diverse suburbs of the city of Manchester, which are home to large student and Muslim populations.

Denton meanwhile, located in the borough of Tameside, is a largely working-class post-industrial town and has a much older population, who are almost 91 per cent white. Once a hive of textile production and coal mining, it has  like many towns in the northwest  borne the brunt of deindustrialisation.

These two very different areas make up the countrys 15th most deprived seat, where the challenges of living in modern Britain are laid bare. The neighbouring areas share a sense of disappointment, verging on anger.

Voters in the constituency will go to the polls for a crunch by-election on Thursday  one which could bring the curtain down on Sir Keir Starmers premiership and have a lasting impact on the make-up of British politics.

This constituency  and its previous iterations  has long been a brick in Labours Red Wall. Even when Boris Johnson convinced so many lifelong Labour voters to back his Conservative Party, with a promise to get Brexit done, voters here remained loyal to the regions political traditions.

But the disillusionment felt among its residents could herald a new political era, redefining the age-old battle between the left and right.

Now retired, then-Labour MP Andrew Gwynne was elected with a 13,000-vote majority at the 2024 general election  ahead of Reform UK and the Green Party in second and third.

Those runners-up now have the seat well and truly in their sights. Labour has everything to lose and faces a fierce fight to hold on.

Denton in Tameside, Greater Manchester, has borne the brunt of deindustrialisation (Getty)

Voters have told The Independent they feel let down by Sir Keirs government. They think they have already been forgotten about by a party that this constituency has always been loyal to, and helped elect 19 months ago.

There is no love lost for the prime minister, and the decision to block the popular Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham from standing as the Labour candidate went down badly.

Taxi driver Muhammed Basharat, 61, from Levenshulme on the Gorton side, said he will be voting for the Green Party, partly due to disappointment with Labour.

They let down many people  the tax rises, they cut benefits, there are many things they are doing, he said.

The people are not happy. You speak to people in the street, the British people, theyre not happy with them.

Mobile hairdresser Caterina Pandolfo, 65, said there was a feeling that Gorton and Denton had been forgotten. I think its quite sad, she said. Its got worse. She hoped a Labour government could go some way to addressing that, but doesnt believe it has.

She said: I dont think hes doing very well at all, Keir Starmer, sadly. He could have done so much.

Voters Sheila and John Harrison, pictured in Denton (The Independent)

Over in Denton, lifelong Labour voters John Harrison, 71, and Sheila Harrison, 69, said they would not vote for the party again.

Sheila, who described Britain as broken, said Sir Keir doesnt represent towns like hers, though she would have voted for Mr Burnham.

For John, its a case of broken promises.

Labour isnt really doing what you know they said that it was going to do in the manifesto, he said, adding that he feels let down by the government.

Despite that, one change in the Labour Party could win them back. I would have voted for Andy Burnham, John said.

He said Mr Burnham has more personality and is able to connect with northern voters. He believes the Greater Manchester mayor is on his side in a way that Sir Keir, who he describes as aloof, is not. Sheila would agree,

Hoping to take advantage of this feeling of abandonment in a Labour heartland are Reform UK candidate  GB News presenter Matthew Goodwin  and the Green nominee Hannah Spencer.

The Independent requested an interview with Mr Goodwin and contacted Reform for comment.

Earlier this month, The Independent revealed that Mr Goodwin suggested people who dont have children should be taxed extra as punishment in an unearthed blog post and called for women and young girls to be given a biological reality check, as he gave his views on how Britain should tackle its impending fertility crisis.

Polling suggests Mr Goodwin is expected to perform well in Denton, while support for plumber and councillor Ms Spencer in Gorton is evident from the posters and signs on display.

Hannah Spencer is the Green Party candidate for the by-election (PA Wire)

Ms Spencer believes that the by-election is the beginning of a battle between a new left and right in British politics  now represented by her party and Nigel Farages Reform in place of Labour and the Conservatives.

I think people are rejecting that old system of two-party politics and looking for an alternative, she told The Independent.

Whats happened in the last couple of years shows that change in the political system can happen quite quickly.

Ms Spencer believes this has been exacerbated by Labours bruising time in power. Though the party has seen a recent uptick in national opinion polls, it still trails Reform, and the prime ministers approval ratings remain low.

At the last general election, it felt like it was one last chance that Labour were being given, she said, adding: They ran under a banner of change, and has anything actually changed?

That feeling is particularly acute in an area like this, Ms Spencer believes.

She said: I think it hurts harder when you feel like youve fallen for the person who was going to help you.

Labours candidate, councillor Angeliki Stogia, insisted a vote for anyone but her could hand the seat to Mr Goodwin as she defended her partys record in government.

Lucy Powell, deputy leader of the Labour Party (left), and Anna Turley, chair of the Labour Party (right), with Angeliki Stogia (PA Wire)

She said: In terms of Reform, were fighting every door. Weve got policies, were listening to residents on the ground and what they want, and what they want is real action.

They dont want shouting from the sidelines. The real issues that people are bringing forward are the cost of living, issues that surround the neighbourhoods and communities.

I am the best person to deliver on that, she added.

As for criticism of the governments record, she said: I understand that, and the prime minister has said that we need to go faster and we need to go deeper in terms of delivering these changes.

Weve been in government for 18 months. Things take a lot of time to change.

Last May, just 35 miles away in Runcorn and Helsby, Reforms Sarah Pochin was elected by a margin of just six votes. There is a suggestion that Labour and the Green Party could split the vote on the left here and open the door for Reform to win another seat in the region.

But asked if the two parties could forge a progressive alliance, Ms Spencer was not interested.

I dont view them as a progressive force at all, she said.

I think theyre so far removed from what they ever were, that I find it really hard to see how, even with making some changes, they would be someone that we would work with.

Nigel Farage campaigning with Reforms candidate, Matt Goodwin (PA)

Instead, she believes her party leader Zack Polanski should have his eyes on Downing Street.

I think it is definitely possible that at the next general election we could be looking at a Green government, she said.

I think weve shown in the last six months, the amount of new members that weve got that have joined, the amount of people that are coming out to help in elections like this shows that theres a real appetite for change.

What Ms Spencer and Ms Stogia do agree on, however, is Reform. Asked about the possibility of Nigel Farages party winning in this constituency, Ms Stogia said: I think that peoples voices are not going to be listened to.

I think that division will take root in our communities, and I think that a Reform MP is not going to lean in and listen and work with communities to resolve issues in the area.

For Ms Spencer, a vote for the Greens is one for hope, rather than division with Reform.

Its a really diverse constituency with different people from a lot of different backgrounds, but with a shared value of looking after each other, she said.

Its a very Greater Manchester thing that people do just muddle along, even if you sometimes believe in slightly different things, like you do look after each other.
(Workhorse by Caroline Palmer )

The appetite for going behind the curtain at glossy fashion magazines continues to be insatiable  perhaps even more so now we find ourselves in a world of toxic algorithms. So what could be better than travelling back to the early Noughties, before the financial crash, when the champagne flowed, Manolo Blahniks were vertiginous and section editors had their own offices, assistants, expense accounts and were deliciously ill-behaved.

Its a world with which Caroline Palmer, former editor of vogue.com, is well-acquainted and has mined rigorously for her debut novel. She captures the bizarre and unspoken lore which governs a magazine and which you can only really understand if you have been entrenched inside it.

We meet Clo Harmon, a ruthless editorial assistant beginning to work her way up the ranks at a womens magazine. What she lacks in family connections and inherited wealth, she makes up for in grit. Clo is a workhorse, while her colleague, Davis Lawrence, is a privileged nepo baby: a show horse. Clo sees herself as fat and frumpy, all the things a fash mag gal should not be  the ultimate outsider in this rarefied world. Davis is shiny and perfect.

For the first 100 pages or so the story is familiar and very The Devil Wears Prada. But things do get going. By introducing a strong suggestion of The Talented Mr Ripley, Palmer conjures up a tantalising scenario, if one that tests credulity. Clo, it turns out, isnt a simpleton from Philadelphia and is nothing like the doe-eyed Anne Hathaway in The Devil Wears Prada. She is scheming, treacherous and willing to do anything to keep her tentative place among the glitterati. Her moral compass displays a flashing error message, yet still you root for her. The perfect antihero.

Workhorse is a welcome distraction; an immersion in Noughties New York and the ludicrous world of magazines in their heyday, as well as a reminder that being rich and fabulous doesnt always equal happiness. Lovely schadenfreude.

Workhorse by Caroline Palmer is out now (Fourth Estate, 16.99), buy it here
Tracey Emin next to her celebrated artwork, My Bed, 1998, part of a new retrospective of her work at Londons Tate Modern - Jeff Spicer/Getty Images

Spot-lit like a set for a kitchen-sink drama, Britains most notorious art installation appears two thirds of the way through Tracey Emins patchy new retrospective at Tate Modern. With its stained mattress and bedraggled sheets, My Bed (1998) looks as squalid as ever; a grubby stuffed dog, marooned within the maelstrom of cigarette butts, empty vodka bottles, lubricating jelly and used condoms, seems wide-eyed and traumatised, a forlorn reminder of lost innocence.

If only more exhibits in this show had the intensity of My Bed, which is, by far, the rawest, most powerful thing Emin has assembled. (Having once described it, in these pages, as histrionic and weak, I hold up my hands: I was wrong.) Tracey Emin: A Second Life conveys the colossal force of her personality, which resonates with audiences in a way most artists can only dream of. But it also reminds us that much of the actual art shes produced is slight.

The rawest, most powerful thing Emin has assembled: My Bed (1998) - Prudence Cuming/ Tracey Emin. All rights reserved, DACS 2026

Perceptions of Emin have changed profoundly since the Turner Prize exhibition of 1999, when My Bed sucked up all the attention. (She didnt win.) The mouthy, chain-smoking ladette, whom the tabloids loved to mock, has become a national treasure  and cancer survivor (hence, Tates subtitle, A Second Life).

Filled with quasi-religious imagery and relic-like objects (including one of the artists teeth), Tates exhibition is meant to be a sort of apotheosis for Emin; to underline the point, a headless bronze female figure titled Ascension appears opposite My Bed, halfway up a wall. Saint Tracey of Margate: the patron of women artists marginalised for too long.

The Tates exhibition is full of relic-like objects: Ascension (2024) - Theo Christelis/White Cube/ Tracey Emin. All rights reserved, DACS 2026

What, though, if youre not a true believer, but a sceptic? I entered this exhibition ready to cheer on Emins triumphal procession, but left frustrated.

The truth is that too many of her works, especially from the first half of her career, are visually inconsequential or sentimental (or both), and nothing like as charismatic as she is in person. Perhaps theres a reason why, as an artist, Emin is so reliant on text (her elegant handwriting often pops up): shes a natural-born storyteller, and words are the medium in which shes most adept.

I soon tired, though, of looking at so many framed sheets of writing paper covered with her stream-of-consciousness prose: they lack wall power. Her lumpy bronzes representing the female form would have appeared out of date a hundred years ago.

Framed sheets of writing paper covered with her stream-of-consciousness prose: I am The Last of my Kind (2019) -  Tracey Emin. All rights reserved, DACS 2026

Recent acrylic paintings, awash with smears and blood-red drips, start to feel samey: The End of Love (2024) -  Tracey Emin. All rights reserved, DACS 2026

Presenting, in a public gallery, a series of intimate photographs documenting her postoperative body is brave, but how are these images transformed in any way into art? Even Emins impassioned recent acrylic paintings, awash with smears and blood-red drips, start to feel samey.

Perhaps most fatal, though, is the dewy-eyed strain to her work in general. Several twee phrases illuminated in her neon pieces could have been lifted from a greeting card. They sit awkwardly (is this the point?) alongside works in which she addresses head-on traumas including rape.

The phrasing on some of Emins neon pieces now seems rather glib -  Tracey Emin. All rights reserved, DACS 2026

Its not all bad, by any stretch. As well as My Bed, I love Emins colourful, loquacious applique blankets from the 1990s, and a pair of monochromatic (yet similarly monumental) embroidered blankets from 2009. The starkness of the latter knocks you out emotionally while packing an aesthetic punch. Plus, the story of Emins astonishing life, as she tells it, is gripping, and moving  which is why, I have no doubt, this exhibition will draw a crowd.

From Feb 27 until Aug 31; tate.org.uk
The world may be full of stress and heartbreak, but there are also selfless heroes around every corner. On February 17, several New York City police officers came to the rescue of a stranded bald eagle after the bird could be heard calling for help from the middle of the Hudson River. The rescue quickly circulated online, though no one is as grateful for the quick-thinking officers as the bird himself.

Police body camera footage shows the injured bird standng on an ice floe in the river near George Washington bridge. He continued to call out as rescuers approached, but he cooperated when they reached out with a blanket and an animal control pole to lift him into the boat.

What a beautiful bird! As incredible as it is to see a bird of prey acting so docile with humans, it's also a major sign for concern. This bird must have been seriously injured if he was so willing to accept help!

"'It's alright bro' to a bald eagle is crazy," commented @challeballe684. The officers were even calmer than the wild eagle! Considering they're police officers in NYC, they've defintiely seen wilder scenes than this.

Related: Great Horned Owl Shows Off His Scariest Pose After Animal Control Officers Rescued Him From a Chicken Coop

Despite the lighthearted comments, viewers aren't missing the gravity of the situation. @Richardmark354 wrote, "I'm glad they got there early, the bald eagle could have died of cold." Few animals can survive for long in an icy river, and something was absolutely wrong if the bird couldn't fly off on his own.

Rescuing the Bald Eagle

After being scooped from the freezing water, the rescued bald eagle was brought to Raptor Trust in New Jersey for treatment. The band on the bird's leg helped identify the 21-year-old male, though his critical condition prevented veterinarians from running the complete set of diagnostic tests.

By February 20, the rescue bird was eating on his own but "displaying neurological symptoms." According to Chris Soucy, Raptor Trust's executive director, the bird also had high liver numbers and an elevated white blood cell count.

Although his conditon isn't yet stable, thousands of people are cheering for the eagle's recovery after his rescue captured everyone's hearts. It's only a matter of time until he's healthy enough to be released back into the wild.



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This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Feb 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Among the 88 entries for the 2 million Betfred Derby at Epsom in June are two from Japan, Choreo Sequence and Akkan.

Japans place on the global thoroughbred stage is set in stone these days thanks to the exploits of the likes of Deep Impact, Hearts Cry, Almond Eye and more recently Forever Young.

There has yet to be a Japanese winner of the Derby, though 2023 winner Auguste Rodin was sired by Deep Impact.

Choreo Sequences trainer, Yuta Sato, said: The Derby, with its near 250-year history, is a truly magnificent race that I have long admired.

Although we are still at the consideration stage, the owner (Hiroyuki Kawakatsu) has entrusted us with a horse of tremendous potential, and for that reason we have decided to enter him in the Derby at Epsom Downs.

Choreo Sequences dam line traces back to Germany, and his pedigree includes the names of outstanding sires such as Sadlers Wells and Monsun, both produced by Europes great horsemen.

It is a great honour to be able to include the Derby as an option for such a well-bred and promising horse. At the same time, we will continue to assess his condition carefully as we consider the best path forward.
Midway through the opening episode of The Dyers Caravan Park, their TV mission to rescue a holiday park just down the M20 from their old East End manor, Danny Dyer and his daughter Dani were busy picking out puns for a new billboard advert.

Despite the open goal provided by the murky weather, they wisely steered away from any plays on words involving their surname.

Instead, they had some fun with the holiday parks name, Nutts Farm.

To be honest, given their dream was to turn around the fortunes of a fading holiday camp that was losing 150,000 in revenue every year from vacant caravan pitches alone, I was surprised they didnt just go for something like Which NumbNutts thought this was a good idea?

In the end, the Dyer duo went for Its the Nutts and Youd be Nutts to miss out, which seemed more an open invitation to the Isle of Sheppeys vandals and graffiti artists to pop along with their spray cans and add some seaside humour.

Watch a trailer for The Dyers Caravan Park

I guess well have to wait and see how that one turns out. In the meantime, I should report that I thought I was actually going Nutts as I watched this opening episode.

There were so many loud bleeps and beeps during it, I kept having to go downstairs to check I hadnt left my fridge door open.

Then I worked out that, for some unknown reason, Sky had sent me the pre-watershed edit.

Id love to say that this made the programme almost unwatchable, but having been exposed to plenty of Danny Dyers work over the years, it was fairly easy for me to guess exactly what he was saying.

Danny Dyer and Dani Dyer speak to staff on the caravan site in Kent. (Sky UK)

Plus, in what had already been a controversial week for the TV industry, I guess it was nice to see that at least one British broadcasters bleep machine was still working properly.

It probably wont surprise you to learn that this isnt the first time Danny and Dani have been thrown together onscreen. However, if the opening episode was anything to go by, it might end up being the first time theyve worked together on something that actually works.

The Dyers Caravan Park is great fun and rattles by at a fair old pace.

Its from the people who brought you Clarksons Farm, and although it doesnt quite have the instant and broad appeal of its award-winning predecessor, its a much more engaging proposition than some of Jeremys other imitators. (Hi, Gordon Ramsay).

Of course, your level of enjoyment may depend on how much of Dannys lovable Cockney geezer routine you can stomach in one sitting.

Danny Dyer on the blower. (Sky UK)

On that score, I was in a particularly receptive mood, partly thanks to his recent and brilliant comedy work in Skys Mr Bigstuff and Disneys splendid adaptation of Jilly Coopers Rivals.

It also helps that Dani, who appears to have inherited her dads comic timing (although, thankfully, not his dress sense), is on hand to regularly prick his ego.

Sticking to the Clarksons Farm blueprint, The Dyers Caravan Park also provides the star name with a cast of likeable locals to bounce off and/or butt heads with.

Its too early to say whether it will unearth its own Kaleb, Gerald or Charlie, but there are certainly plenty of "characters" hanging around that holiday park  as became apparent when Danny called a Town Hall meeting and one of the first submissions from the floor was People need to stop s**tting in the swimming pool. (Book now, folks!)

The one thing Dannys venture does not appear to share with Clarksons is a sense of personal jeopardy.

Father and daughter duo Danny and Dani Dyer on a video conference call. (Sky UK)

He says he has invested in Priory Hill & Nutts Farm Holiday Park and that its his biggest gamble yet, but the finer details appear a little sketchy.

I was also a little unsure about Dannys claim that he wants to save the Great British holiday and that these places are dying out.

All the holiday parks similar to this one that weve taken our kids to in recent summers have been packed out, and according to this programmes accompanying notes, it is part of a 7bn industry.

Thats a minor quibble, though. There was no doubting the fact that this particular holiday park was in need of a lift.

Danny and Dani Dyer are pointing the finger. (Sky UK)

Leysdown-on-Sea itself may be just across the water from Whitstable, but its a million miles away from where its feted neighbour is in terms of being a tourist hotspot.

Whether the Dyers showbiz sparkle can help revive its fortunes remains to be seen, although their arrival certainly brought some A-list excitement to the area.

We dont see many celebs down here, explained the holiday parks owner Jimi, before adding irresistible weight to that claim with the words I saw Barry from EastEnders in town a couple of times."

Cheers, Jim. Best not put that on the billboard, eh?

The Dyers Caravan Park starts on Sky and streaming service NOW on 24 February.

This article originally appeared on Yahoo TV UK at https://uk.news.yahoo.com/the-dyers-caravan-park-review-sky-clarksons-farm-210000187.html
The days before we all had mobile phones. Photograph: Debrocke/ClassicStock (Photograph: Debrocke/ClassicStock)

It started with two incidents on the same day. In a fairly empty train carriage, a stranger in her 70s approached me: Do you mind if I sit here? Or did you want to be alone with your thoughts? I weighed it up for a split second, conscious that I was, in effect, agreeing to a conversation: No, of course I dont mind. Sit down.

She turned out to be an agreeable, kind woman who had had a difficult day. I didnt have to say much: Im sorry to hear that. Thats tough for you. She occasionally asked me questions about myself, which I dodged politely. I could tell she was only asking so the conversation would not be so one-sided. Some moments are for listening, not sharing. I sensed, without needing to know explicitly, that she was probably returning to an empty house and wanted to process the day out loud. I didnt feel uncomfortable, as I knew I could duck out at any moment by saying I needed to get back to my phone messages. But instead we talked  or, rather, I listened  for most of the 50-minute journey. I registered that it was an unusual occurrence, this connection, but thought little more of it. A small part of me was glad this kind of thing still happens.

That evening, I ate at a restaurant with my family. As the waitress brought the bill, we chatted and I learned that she was from Seoul. She was shy and softly spoken. We talked gently about Korean food and what she missed about home. Once again, I thought little of this exchange.

As we walked home, my 15-year-old son asked: Is it OK to talk to people in that way? What way? He was asking about the boundaries when it comes to talking to someone about their home country.

This was a very good question. How do you know, generally, what the terms are of a conversation with a stranger? I realised that there is a sort of unwritten code you learn as you get older, which enables you to assess whether a conversation is a good idea or not. I thought about the woman who had approached me earlier. How did she know it was OK to talk to me? In the end, I replied to my son: You dont always know if its OK. Sometimes you have to take the risk and find out.

Then it struck me. A lot of people have given up taking a chance on other people: that they might want to listen, that they might want to talk. But they have also given up taking a chance on themselves: that they might be able to navigate a conversation with someone new, cope with knockbacks and steer a path through any misunderstandings.

The disappearance of these kinds of interactions from day-to-day life  in pubs, restaurants, shops, queues, on public transport  is striking. I have been talking to people tangentially about this for the past 10 years, ever since I started researching my book, How to Own the Room, which came out in 2018 and went on to become a podcast. This project was supposed to be about public speaking and confidence. But I realised from peoples reactions to the topic  especially younger people  that their deepest anxiety lies elsewhere, in something much more banal and inexpressible. Forget public speaking. What a lot of people dont like at all any more is speaking to anyone in public.

Many reasons are cited: state-of-the-art dont-talk-to-me headphones, mobile phones and social media generally, the rise of working from home, the introduction of touchscreens in takeaway restaurants so you barely interact with a human, the death of third spaces, the pandemic. In the end, the biggest excuse becomes social norm reinforcement. This is the idea that if no one talks to you, you dont talk to anyone either. A casual conversation in a waiting room where no one else is having a casual conversation suddenly sounds not very casual at all.

On an individual level, some people perfectly understandably cite neurodivergence, introversion, inability to tolerate eye contact or an intense loathing for small talk (especially about the weather) as reasons to avoid these conversations. Its certainly true that this time six years ago  at the height of lockdown  it would have been rude and unsafe to start a chat, let alone sit next to someone on a train. But now? It can feel as if everyone is still adhering to the 2-metre rule, employing the tech shield or even phantom phone use (pretending that you need to be on your phone when you dont).

This goes deeper than adolescent angst or personal preference. And possibly deeper than our overreliance on phones. We are losing a basic human skill. The ability to speak to others and understand them is being compromised.

Dr Jared Cooney Horvath, a teacher turned cognitive neuroscientist who focuses on speech, has warned that gen Z is the first generation in history to underperform the previous generation on cognitive measures. And Dr Rangan Chatterjee, a bestselling author and father of two teenagers, said in an interview this month: I think were raising a generation of children who have low self-worth, who dont know how to conduct conversations.

Its not only affecting young people. The psychologist Esther Perel calls it a global relational recession. She writes: The point is not depth. The point is practice, the gentle strengthening of our social muscles. On her YouTube channel she recently introduced the topic of Talking to Strangers in 2026.

Something that used to come naturally is now a subject of longing and fascination, as if it were a rare anthropological phenomenon. Videos are springing up on social media, cataloguing encounters with the unknown other: earnest, well-meaning, wholesome videos, under the categories social anxiety, extrovert and talking to strangers. Many have the unstated theme of out and about in the big city. Some are personal experiments, often extremely ill-advised ones. Can you challenge yourself to tell a joke to an entire train carriage? What happens if you go up to an older woman and tell her she looks beautiful? The (usually young) person doing the filming is often trying to improve themself in some way or attempting to be braver or less socially anxious. The camera acts as their accountability partner. The people theyre talking to are relegated to the role of task to be ticked off the list. Either that or theres a push towards a Hallmark card effect: Look, other people are not as horrible as you thought. (Cue swell of trending motivational audio.)

The trouble with these social media experiments, of course, is that they are performative and individualistic. Theres an element of commodification: the encounter must be ripe for digital packaging. Often its not clear if the filming is consensual. The connections are one-way and border on the exploitative or manipulative. They are designed for individual personal growth or free, self-directed therapy (this made me more confident) and for clicks and voyeurism (check out this persons reaction). The effect is to make talking to absolutely anyone seem even more alienating, fake and narcissistic. This has spawned a secondary genre of parody videos such as the comedian Al Nashs A cup of tea with a stranger  an amazing conversation! In this clip, an irritating interviewer passes tea to a stranger on a park bench under the guise of helping you with your loneliness, only for the encounter to turn awkward when the stranger accidentally drops the cup and smashes it.

Its only natural to fear rejection, humiliation, giving offence or overstepping a boundary when we initiate a conversation  or even when we respond to someone elses attempt. But according to a study by the University of Virginia (Talking with strangers is surprisingly informative), we overstate these fears in our minds: People tend to underestimate how much theyll enjoy the conversation, feel connected to their conversation partner and be liked by their conversation partner.

The key is to lower the stakes. Make it less of a big deal. Dont focus on what could go wrong. Also, dont focus on how amazing this could be. You are just saying, Its cold today, isnt it? You are not asking someone to join you on a quest for world peace. Similarly, if an approach is made towards you and you dont want to respond, just be confident and clear either with your gestures (look down, dont make eye contact) or with speech: I cant talk right now.

In her work on kindness, the University of Sussex psychologist Gillian Sandstrom calls these conversational gambits small, humanising acts. Its important to emphasise the small aspect. Sometimes I think people are overwhelmed by the bigness in their mind of the fear of interaction, and how disproportionate that seems next to the smallness of the pathetic reality. Dont read too much into passing moments. Trust yourself to read social cues and work out how you stand in relation to them. Know yourself and your own personality. Not everyone wants to talk and not everyone wants to be talked to. And thats OK. It can depend on the day and on your mood. Give yourself get-out-of-jail-free cards in these conversations. If someone doesnt respond, assume they didnt hear you or theyre having a bad day. If someone talks to you and you feel uncomfortable or youre having a bad day, it is not your job to be kind or nice. If their attempt was well meant, theyll get over it. We dont need to avoid each other. But we also dont have to be on niceness autopilot all the time.

In any case, our worst fears about these interactions are rarely realised. Last year, the team of Stanford psychologist Prof Jamil Zaki, the author of Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness, put up posters around campus with messages about approachability and warmth. They found that what students most needed was permission  the reminder to take a chance. They concluded: Too often, were sure that conversation and connection will exhaust us, or that we cant count on others. In our minds, we paint people (and ourselves) as profoundly disappointing. They  and we  are rarely that bad. And even if they are, it will make a good story to tell later to the people who are not strangers to you.

Is it going to change your life if you talk to someone in a shop about the prospect of rain? Probably not. But in light of the current state of the world, even the slightest possibility of brightening someones day is valuable. Its certainly worth the punt. Perhaps the way they respond matters less than the fact that you retained your humanity enough to try something, to risk, to connect.

Small talk may not profoundly alter your life. But its absence will profoundly alter human life as we know it. We live in a world of intense and often unnecessary division. Small talk is a tiny, free and very possibly priceless reminder of our shared humanity. If we intentionally give up talking to strangers, if we purposely decide to give in to the phone shield, the consequences will be horrible. Arguably, we are already on the verge of doing this. Lets back up and start a conversation before its too late.

 Viv Groskop is hosting a masterclass on How to Own the Room at the Royal Geographic Society, London, on 5 March. Tickets: howtoacademy.com
Urban areas could face gridlock and the court system become "overwhelmed" if proposed changes to parking regulations go ahead, a leading industry body has warned.

The British Parking Association (BPA), representing parking operators, cautioned against the "unintended and avoidable consequences" of the governments planned code of practice.

A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) consultation document outlines proposals including a potential ban on adding debt recovery fees to parking tickets. These charges, currently capped at 70, are levied when operators engage agencies to pursue unpaid fines.

The consultation also sought feedback on the existing cap for parking tickets, currently 100, with a 40 per cent reduction offered for payment within 14 days.

The BPA argues that banning debt recovery fees would compel car park operators to pursue more cases through the courts, calling it their "only option left" for unpaid tickets. It also warned an "insufficient" maximum limit on tickets would create a "parking free for all", diminishing the deterrent for drivers who flout rules.

BPA chief policy and engagement officer Alison Tooze said: We fully support and welcome the Governments code of practice.

A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) consultation document on the proposals stated it is considering banning the addition of debt recovery fees to parking tickets (Alamy/PA)

However, it is our responsibility to warn against unintended and avoidable problems.

The Government code framework has good intentions. However, we face an operational reality where we could see Carmageddon in towns and cities and the already struggling court system being completely overwhelmed.

We absolutely do not want this to happen.

The code is being developed with the goal of protecting decent drivers, vulnerable road users and communities, yet there is a real danger that it could have the opposite effect and bring unintentional chaos.

We have seen high-profile examples of this across the country including in Bournemouth and Aberystwyth where they were completely gridlocked by unfair motorist behaviour.

Nobody wants to see this on a bigger scale and these examples illustrate what does happen in reality when drivers are not concerned about the consequences of breaking the rules.

But the RAC warned that the threat of debt recovery fees can make drivers pay unfair parking tickets they would otherwise challenge.

The organisations head of policy, Simon Williams, said: We dont support the use of debt recovery companies by the private parking industry and we hope to see it tackled in the Government code of practice when it comes into force.

A 100 parking charge notice is bad enough but if this isnt paid in 28 days it automatically gets increased by 70 when a debt recovery letter lands on the doormat.

This seems disproportionate and could scare people into paying rather than appealing any unfair fines.

The BPA claimed banning debt recovery fees would result in car park operators taking more cases to court as that would be their only option left to pursue drivers for tickets that have not been paid (Alamy/PA)

Press Association analysis of Government data shows private parking companies issued a record 15.9 million parking tickets in the year to the end of September 2025.

The industry has been accused of using misleading and confusing signs, aggressive debt collection and unreasonable fees.

A Bill to enable the introduction of a code of practice for the industry received royal assent in March 2019.

This code, planned to come into force across Britain by the end of 2023, included halving the cap on tickets for most parking offences to 50, creating a fairer appeals system and banning the use of aggressive language on tickets.

But it was withdrawn by the Conservative government in June 2022 after a legal challenge by parking companies.

A new consultation on the code by the current Labour Government closed in September last year.

A MHCLG spokesperson said: Motorists must be protected when using private car parks and we are determined to drive up standards in the industry.

No final decision has been made on the debt recovery fee cap and we will set out further details on the private parking code of practice as soon as possible.
Fly-tipped waste, such as this example near Kidlington in Oxfordshire, is costing councils millions to clean up - Paul Grover

Councils are to publicly identify fly-tippers as part of a new crackdown.

Guidance from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) urges local authorities to share the details of those responsible for illegally dumping rubbish on social media.

Further measures include pushing councils to share images of vehicles used to dump waste being crushed and encouraging councils to use drones, CCTV and automatic number plate recognition to catch criminals in the act.

The national guidance  the first of its kind  comes as official figures show the number of fly-tipping cases rose nearly 10 per cent last year to 1.26 million.

It marks the highest number of incidents since new methods for recording cases were introduced in 2018-19.

Campaigners said the rise in incidents combined with a fall in the number of prosecutions was a disaster and called for further action.

Dr Anna Scott, of Keep Britain Tidy, said: Todays figures are shocking and of grave concern to those of us who want to see our communities cleared up, not carpeted with criminal waste.

We are working with local authorities every day, who are facing a tsunami of illegally dumped waste that they are having to spend millions of pounds a year cleaning up.

The figures from Defra show the extent of rubbish illegally dumped on public land, with private landowners across the country facing expensive clear-up costs from having waste discarded on their property.

A Defra spokesman pointed to the examples of local authorities such as Coventry and Redbridge that have shared images and videos of suspected fly-tippers on TikTok as part of a wall of shame campaign.

The guidance is intended to encourage councils to make use of their existing powers to stop fly-tippers, enforcement of which has been patchy.

More than 50,000 cases last year involved a tipper lorry load or more, an increase of 11 per cent on last year, which cost councils a total of 19.3m to clear up.

Nearly two-thirds of cases (62 per cent) last year involved household waste, with 777,000 incidents, ranging from bin bags filled with day-to-day rubbish to old furniture, carpets and bric-a-brac from loft and shed clearances.

Most instances took place on pavements and roads, accounting for more than a third of cases, while 31 per cent were the size of a small van load. A further 27 per cent were smaller loads, equivalent to a car boot or less.

Despite increased scrutiny of the issue, the total number of court fines fell 9 per cent to 1,250. The combined value of the fines dropped to 673,000 in 2024-25 from 730,000 the previous year.

Mary Creagh, a Defra minister, said: We are empowering local authorities to clamp down on waste cowboys and restore pride in our local areas.

I share the publics fury at seeing our streets, parks and fields used as dumping grounds.

Fly-tippers should know  if you use your van to trash our countryside, dont be surprised when it ends up on the scrapheap.

She added: This Government is investing in cutting-edge technology and boosting Environment Agency funding to put more waste crime officers on the ground, while introducing tougher checks and penalties for those who break the law.

The Liberal Democrats called for serious waste crime to be made a priority for the National Crime Agency, taking over investigations from the Environment Agency in the worst cases.

Gavin Lane, the Country Land and Business Association president, said: The countryside is increasingly being targeted by organised crime gangs  often violent  who know that rural areas are under-policed and resourced.

Its not just litter blotting the landscape, but tonnes of household and commercial waste which can often be hazardous  even including asbestos and chemicals  endangering wildlife, livestock, crops and the environment.

We need to see penalties being enforced that better reflect the severity of the crime, and the seizure of vehicles must be the default penalty to send a clear signal that criminals will face real consequences if they are caught fly-tipping.
Oxfords temporary congestion charge involves drivers paying a 5 daily fee to access parts of the city centre - Joe Daniel Price

A Liberal Democrat-led council has pocketed more than 1m in one month from its congestion charge.

Figures from Oxfordshire county council show the authority raised 1,044,640 from the scheme in January alone.

The majority of the sum was made from fines issued to people who failed to pay the charge, with 757,435 pocketed from penalty notices. The remaining 287,205 came from those who paid to comply with the scheme.

A total of 25,087 penalty charges were issued in January, an average of more than 800 per day.

Overall, the authority has generated more than 1.7m since the scheme was introduced in October 2025.

Oxfordshire county council has generated more than 1.7m since the congestion charge scheme was introduced - Stephen Bell / Alamy Stock Photo

Critics have labelled the scheme a scam and warned that the anti-motorist policy could deter people from visiting Oxford.

Liam Walker, Conservative councillor for Hanborough Hailey, told The Telegraph: This is yet another anti-motorist policy hammering drivers with extra costs and fines.

While theyre busy cashing in on motorists, they are failing to address the issue residents repeatedly raise.

Mr Walker warned the charge could deter people from visiting Oxford and hurt local businesses.

He added: Instead of punishing people who rely on their cars, the council should be focusing on fixing potholes and delivering the basic infrastructure our communities depend on.

Liam Walker, Conservative councillor for Hanborough Hailey, believes the charge could hurt local businesses - Facebook

Oxfords temporary congestion charge was introduced on Oct 29 and involves drivers paying a 5 daily fee to access parts of the city centre.

The council has said the scheme, which will remain in place for a maximum of two years, is aimed at reducing congestion until traffic filters can be installed.

Hugh Bladon, one of the founders of the Alliance of British Drivers, claimed the policy was outrageous.

Its almost a scam, he said.

Why should you be penalised for wanting to drive?

They are making life as miserable as possible for motorists. As if we are not paying enough to drive our cars around anyway.

Thomas Ashby, Conservative councillor for Witney West, added: The scheme has become a relentless cash cow for the council.

This isnt traffic management. Its a trap.

When a scheme generates the vast majority of its income from penalising its own residents, the scheme itself is a failure.

Edmund King, the president of the AA, said it was astonishing that the council had raised 1m from the charge, adding: The council had previously said the charge is a temporary measure to tackle congestion.

The worry now is that they will see this as a nice little earner and maintain or even expand the zone.

The authority said its latest figures indicated increasing park and ride usage, as well as improvement to city centre traffic and key journey times.

Andrew Gant, the councils transport chief, said: Our policies, and this scheme in particular, have delivered huge benefits for the residents of Oxford and Oxfordshire, including free bus travel from our park and rides, new and improved bus routes, hugely reduced congestion at some of our most constrained and sensitive locations, better air quality, the biggest per capita fleet of electric buses in the country, and 28 fewer casualties on Oxfords roads.

Politicians who oppose our scheme need to be honest and tell their residents that they also dont want those benefits.

They are popular and successful. Our beautiful, historic city is a better, greener, safer place, and Id encourage anybody to come and see for themselves.
A manhunt is ongoing for one of the suspects in central Manchester

Counter-terror police are supporting an investigation after a man carrying an axe and a knife entered a Manchester mosque during Ramadan prayers.

The incident occurred at the Manchester Central Mosque on Tuesday evening when security staff became concerned about the suspicious behaviour of two men.

Police were called at around 8.40pm and arrested a white man on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon and class B drugs.

Greater Manchester Police said while it has not been declared a terrorist incident, officers were exploring every line of inquiry and were working with detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing North West.

Officers were sent to the mosque on Tuesday night following reports of two men acting suspiciously

The force said it had increased patrols around mosques during Ramadan. It is also trying to trace a second man who was seen acting suspiciously near the mosque at around the same time.

He was described as being black, in his late 40s, with an athletic build and short stubbled facial hair.

He was wearing a grey hoody with the hood up, a navy blue jacket with that hood also up, blue tracksuit bottoms, and white trainers.

At a press conference on Wednesday evening, the forces Assistant Chief Constable John Webster said police were alerted to the incident by a special constable who was off-duty at the time.

Within 15 minutes, we searched the suspect, arrested him, and seized a number of items that he had in his possession, he said.

He confirmed officers were still questioning the arrested man to understand what he was doing here with an axe in his bag.

Asst Chief Constable Webster said police patrols would increase to offer security and reassurance to our Muslim communities, with officers working 12-hour shifts to facilitate this.

Manchester Central Mosque is located just south of the city centre near the University of Manchester campus - Sean Hansford

The assistant chief constable was joined outside the mosque by Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, and Bev Craig, leader of Manchester city council.

Mr Burnham told reporters: Everybody in our city region, whoever they are, whatever faith they follow, should be free at all times to practice that faith, to worship in their communities, and we will never accept a city region where people have any fear of being at their place of worship.

Axe, a knife and class B drugs

In a statement issued earlier in the day Asst Chief Constable Webster said: Were questioning a suspect in custody after weapons were found on a man at Manchester Central Mosque last night.

We were called at around 8.40pm to concern from security staff at the mosque about a white man in a high-vis jacket carrying a bag with an axe inside.

The man had reportedly claimed to be in the mosque to do work on the building, but staff had no knowledge of this.

They rightly acted on their suspicions and called police.

There was no suggestion that he made any threats or confronted members of the congregation.

However, we understand the concern that this suspicious and concerning behaviour caused.

We quickly responded to the scene where we searched the suspect, arrested him and seized weapons, including an axe, a knife and class B drugs.

He added: To ensure we are appropriately exploring every line of enquiry, we are working with detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing North West, but it has not been declared a terrorist incident.

Wearing a hi-vis jacket

Hammad Khan, the chairman of the mosque, said the arrested man had been able to walk past security in the mosque because he was wearing a hi-vis jacket.

He claimed the man was seen walking into the main hall where people were praying while carrying a bag with an object sticking out of it  later identified as an axe. He said the man had left the bag in the main hall after volunteers asked him to accompany them into the main office.

His demeanour was very calm, said Mr Khan, 46, who was speaking to reporters outside the mosque on Wednesday afternoon.

He wasnt under the influence of anything. He seemed to be very collected in his appearance and the way he spoke to everybody.

Mr Khan said volunteers later discovered the man was also carrying a hammer and knife, as well as some other materials related to WW2 [Second World War] and some newspaper clippings.

He said the man had previously visited the mosque on several occasions but had never been seen worshipping.

Imams at the mosque recognised him as having visited three or four times before, although had not seen him for about a month and a half prior to Tuesdays incident, according to Mr Khan.

By-election rhetoric played a role

The mosques chairman also criticised the police for claiming that no threats were made during the incident.

He said: Ive read the comments from police that no threats were made. Im disappointed with the language used somebody who walks into a place of worship carrying offensive weapons is itself a threat.

Mr Khan suggested the political rhetoric created by the nearby Gorton and Denton by-election had contributed to rising tensions in the area.

He said: The by-election in Denton is something we are facing now but Islamophobia has been on the rise for many years. The political rhetoric always plays a part and all the politicians have to be responsible in the way they conduct themselves and give their messaging.

He added: Unfortunately the messaging has been irresponsible. There needs to be more responsibility attached.

The building is near the west boundary of the Greater Manchester constituency of Gorton and Denton. A by-election was triggered last month by the resignation of Andrew Gwynne, a former Labour MP who faced sanction from the Commons over the release of his abusive WhatsApp messages.

Just under 40 per cent of Gortons population is Muslim, while the white working class is dominant in Denton, meaning the area has more potential for Reform. With the ballot set to take place on Thursday, new polling suggests there could be just a single percentage point between Labour, the Greens and Reform.

Notable rise in threats

The mosque said the Muslim community had experienced a notable rise in threats and hostility over recent years. It warned congregants to travel in groups where possible and to ensure that children are not left unattended.

The mosque added: The swift and responsible actions of our volunteers played a crucial role in containing the situation. Without their intervention, the consequences could have been far more serious.

Posting about the incident on X, Sir Keir Starmer said: I am concerned to hear of the incident at Manchester Central Mosque last night. I know this will be worrying for Muslim communities, especially during Ramadan, a time of peace and reflection.
Another Oscar-winning actor is joining Leonardo DiCaprio for the sequel to Michael Manns 1995 hit movie Heat.

Christian Bale confirmed that he is signed on for the sequel in an interview with Fox News journalist Jake Hamilton, saying: Ill be back in Chicago soon for Heat 2!

Rumors about Bale joining the cast circulated in November, but Tuesday marks the first time that the American Psycho star addressed the sequel. Both Bale and DiCaprios roles in the movie have been kept under wraps for now.

The long-awaited addition is reportedly set to start production in August. Shoots have been planned all over the world, including in locations like Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Singapore and Paraguay.

Manns new project is based on his 2022 novel Heat 2, written with Meg Gardiner. The book serves as both a prequel and a sequel to the original crime thriller starring Robert De Niro and Al Pacino.

Leonardo DiCaprio has already been confirmed to star in Michael Mann's sequel to his hit 1995 film 'Heat' (Getty Images for Warner Bros.)

Christian Bale confirmed his involvement in Michael Mann's 'Heat 2' (Getty Images)

Heat, which centers around a group of thieves in Los Angeles, is considered one of the best thrillers ever and has been acclaimed over the years for its star-studded performances as well as its action scenes. In addition to its leading men, the cult classic starred the late Val Kilmer, Ashley Judd, Jon Voight and Natalie Portman.

The book features characters from the original film like detective Vincent Hanna, played by Pacino, and criminal Neil McCauley, played by De Niro.

Due to the new story taking place before and after the events of the original film, speculation has risen over how Mann will tackle portraying younger versions of Pacino and De Niros characters.

Robert De Niro and Al Pacino starred in the original 1995 crime thriller 'Heat' (Getty Images for AFI)

The legendary filmmaker said at the Lumiere Film Festival in October that he might experiment with artificial intelligence to solve the issue, saying at a press conference: I dont experiment with technology gratuitously. When I have a dramatic need or esthetic need for it, then I go deep into what I need. He added, Aging and de-aging may be very important in the next film.

After previously suggesting Timothee Chalamet to play a younger version of him, Pacino said during a 2022 interview with The Independent that he would be open to using Irishman-style de-aging technology to reprise the role himself.

Meanwhile, Adam Driver is rumored to be attached to the film as a younger version of De Niros character, while Elvis star Austin Butler has played coy amid speculation that he will play character Chris Shiherlis, the role originally made famous by Kilmer.
Montage of maps, tunnel and migrant photos and Lukashenko

Russia is sending migrants through underground tunnels from Belarus into Europe as part of its hybrid war on the West.

Belarus, a Russian puppet state led by dictator Alexander Lukashenko, has used specialists from the Middle East with a high level of expertise to design the tunnels, Polish officials have told The Telegraph.

The Great Escape-style tactic marks a new escalation in the Kremlins hybrid war on Europe, in which Minsk has tried to send tens of thousands of migrants across Polands eastern frontier.

Polish officials said the specialists who designed and dug the tunnels had a high level of expertise.

And while experts say it is hard to be sure which groups were involved, they have suggested Kurdish fighters, Islamic State and Iranian-backed proxies as potential culprits.

Poland has also suggested that Belarus resorted to hiring the mysterious Middle Eastern specialists because it was seeking new and more inventive methods of sneaking migrants across the border.

Officers of the Podlaskie Border Guard Unit have uncovered a total of four tunnels under the border with Belarus, all in 2025, Lt Col Katarzyna Zdanowicz, from the Polish border force, told The Telegraph.

Physical and electronic security measures at the border, such as thermal imaging cameras and detection systems, allow us to immediately respond to any attempted violations of the state border, even underground ones, he added.

Polish authorities discovered one of the largest tunnels, near the village of Narewka in eastern Poland, in mid-December.

1902 Migrant tunnels of Belarus

It was used by a total of 180 migrants, mainly from Afghanistan and Pakistan, with the majority of them arrested after they emerged on the other side.

According to Poland, the tunnel was 1.5m high with the entrance on the Belarusian side hidden in a forest. The tunnel ran for around 50 metres on the Belarusian side of the border and for 10 metres on the Polish side.

Polish police also released images of some of the 130 migrants who were arrested after emerging from the tunnels.

Migrants are lined up in the forest after being arrested on their exit from the tunnel into Poland

Video footage of the tunnel itself shows a narrow crawlspace-like structure, with concrete struts fixed to the sides to prevent it from collapsing.

Military experts say the only Middle Eastern groups known to be capable of such tunnels are Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Hezbollah in Lebanon, certain factions in Kurdistan, and possibly Islamic State.

Dr Lynette Nusbacher, an American military historian and strategist, said it was plausible that Iranian-backed groups such as Hezbollah might be the culprits.

One of the things we immediately saw after the 2006 Lebanon war was parades of cement mixers queuing up in southern Lebanon...we were seeing loads and loads of Iranian tunnel construction, she said.

We also have ample evidence of Hamas doing the same thing in Gaza. So if you want that deep tunnelling expertise, then the answer to your question is going to be with Middle Easterners.

Credit: @XXSTRAZGRANICZNAXX/ YouTube

Major Rob Campbell, a fortifications expert and former British Army sapper, also said Hamas was a possible culprit after reviewing footage of the tunnels in Poland.

If I had to speculate, experts from the Middle East would be Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad, he said, referring to another Palestinian faction in the Gaza Strip.

Sarit Zehavi, a former Israeli intelligence colonel, said Iranian-backed proxies were just one of several possible explanations.

Does Hezbollah or any Iranian proxies have this capability? Yes. Are they the only ones? No. Probably others also have the knowledge, from Kurdish militias in Syria to Isis, she said.

Marcin Kierwinski, a Polish official, has previously said that some of the tunnellers came from Kurdistan, but added that Poland ultimately holds the Belarusian regime responsible.

Last month, Al-Jazeera, the Qatari broadcaster, reported the discovery of a vast network of tunnels below the Syrian city of Raqqa, which had been dug by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

Punishing the West

Under Lukashenko, who has ruled for more than 30 years, Belarus has played an active role in Putins attempts to destabilise the West via waves of migration.

Even prior to the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Belarus was used as a staging area to send thousands of migrants across the Polish border, prompting Warsaw to build a 200km fence with 300 cameras.

Since the full-scale Ukraine invasion, Russia has also launched dozens of drone incursions and firebomb attacks on European airports, as well as a string of sabotage attacks on factories and railways supplying aid to Ukraine.

The ultimate goal is to punish the West over its military support for Ukraine and try to turn the public against Volodymyr Zelenskys government in Kyiv.

As a wider part of that strategy, Belarus has been sending waves of balloons carrying contraband into neighbouring Nato countries to create air traffic chaos and probe for air defence weaknesses.

The tactic initially targeted Lithuania, but Polish officials say Belarusian balloons  usually loaded with bootleg cigarettes  are increasingly being sent in their direction.

When it comes to dealing with the tunnels, Poland says it is more than capable of tracking down the entrances and blowing them up.

But there are concerns that, each time Warsaw closes off one access point to Europe for migrants, another one springs up elsewhere.

One minister has even suggested that the appearance of Middle Eastern-designed tunnels under Poland is a sign that their border force is too good at its job.

Digging these tunnels means that our effectiveness in stopping migration is so high that it was decided to bring in specialists from the Middle East to dig them, said Czesaw Mroczek, the deputy interior minister, in a recent interview on Polish radio.
Democrat Scott Harriman has defeated Republican Janet Beaudoin in Tuesdays special election to represent Maines 94th state House district, according to Decision Desk HQ.

Harriman, a Lewiston city councilor, won the special election for the Lewiston-based state House seat against Beaudoin, a Lewiston School Committee member.

The seat was vacated by former state Rep. Kristen Cloutier (D), who left to serve as Maine Senate President Mattie Daughtrys (D) chief of staff.

The special election attracted attention from prominent national and local figures, including Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair Ken Martin, who stumped for Harriman.

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Meanwhile, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) endorsed Beaudoin in the race, while Republicans including former Maine Gov. Paul LePage, whos running for Congress, and Maine House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham (R) also campaigned with the candidate.

The election gives Democrats a 75-72 edge in the lower chamber, though several independent and unenrolled members often side with the party, offering Democrats an added cushion.

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.
Daily drone strikes are causing huge suffering in the Kordofan region - the new epicentre of the fighting

Intensified drone attacks on the new front line of Sudan's civil war have led to mass civilian casualties in recent weeks and are increasingly shaping the course of the conflict.

The epicentre of the fighting has shifted to the south-central Kordofan region since both sides consolidated their gains in the other main battlefields of this nearly three-year war.

The conflict between the Sudanese regular army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has become one of the deadliest in Africa for civilians and shows no sign of abating despite US-led peace efforts.

The near-daily drone strikes have hit targets including markets, health facilities, aid convoys and residential areas across the Kordofan region, prompting outrage from the UN and humanitarian officials.

"The continued attacks by all parties on civilian objects must stop," the UN human rights chief Volker Turk said last week.

"The parties must take urgent measures to protect civilians, including by refraining from the military use of civilian objects."

He was speaking after reports that more than 50 civilians had been killed over two days in separate drone strikes in North and West Kordofan.

Once the army retook the capital, Khartoum, last year the fighting in Kordofan intensified

Those attacks were blamed on the Sudanese military by local reports and war monitors, but both sides are accused of deadly strikes on civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Greater Kordofan comprises three states and serves as a vital axis linking the western Darfur region, controlled by the RSF, to the capital, Khartoum, in the eastern Nile Valley, now in army hands.

The war erupted in April 2023, triggered by a power struggle between the leaders of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitaries.

It began to intensify in Kordofan, a strategic area rich in gold and oil, once the SAF regained control of Khartoum last year.

The south-central region became the main battlefield after the RSF consolidated its hold of Darfur by capturing the city of el-Fasher in October.

Securing territorial control over the Kordofan states would put the RSF in a position to seize back Sudan's central corridor.

It would also help it anchor its rival administration in western Sudan, says Acled, an independent global conflict monitor.

The RSF set up a parallel government last year, hardening the de facto division of the country.

It did so in alliance with the rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement-Army North (SPLM-N) which has its base in South Kordofan, securing access to experienced fighters, territory and border areas.

The SPLM-N has been fighting against the central government and armed forces for decades, seeking to end the political and economic marginalisation of Sudan's Nuba and Blue Nile regions.

But in recent weeks it is the SAF which has made strategic gains, breaking a blockade imposed on South Kordofan's two main cities by the RSF and its SPLM-N allies.

UN-backed food monitors said the two-year sieges of Kadugli and Dilling had created famine conditions.

Since the takeover of the cities, the SAF has escalated its bombardments of RSF positions, including on its aerial weapons.

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The paramilitaries have been using drones from early in the war to overcome the army's air dominance.

They are widely reported to deploy Chinese long-range CH-95 drones that are supplied by the United Arab Emirates, which the UAE denies.

Sudan's military uses drones from Baykar, Turkey's largest defence contractor. Its supply is believed to have been buttressed over the last year by advanced Akinci combat models.

The Turkish government says it does not provide direct support to the SAF.

In early February, the Sudanese army said it had destroyed drones and anti-aircraft missiles belonging to the RSF in the Kordofan and Darfur regions.

It was "part of a strategy to dismantle the non-conventional aerial capabilities utilised by the RSF", its spokesperson Brig Gen Asim Awad said.

The BBC was not able to verify the footage published by Sudan's state news agency, but Turkish media outlets reported that an Akinci drone on 10 February destroyed a Chinese-made FK-2000 air defence system in Sudan.

"If the RSF's air defence infrastructure collapses, Sudan's liberation could be imminent," the Turkish defence expert Yusuf Akbaba posted on X.

Five days later the army again announced it had destroyed an RSF air defence system, in West Kordofan state.

Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to flee the fighting in Kordofan and elsewhere in the country

The army's advance appears to have been aided by a disruption in the RSF's supply lines from Libya into the Kordofan region, reportedly targeted by Turkish drones launched from an Egyptian airstrip near the Sudanese border.

Investigations by the New York Times and the Reuters news agency revealed that Egypt has become more involved in the war in the past six months, alarmed by RSF advances in Darfur.

Recent attacks led by the SPLM-N in Blue Nile State south-east of the Kordofans also threaten to widen Sudan's war into a regional conflict.

The state is a thin strip of land jutting between Ethiopia and South Sudan and the Sudanese army has accused both of allowing the RSF to launch attacks from their territory. The two countries have denied the accusations and the UAE has denied separate reports that it is funding an RSF training camp in Ethiopia.

Analysts believe the RSF and its SPLM-N allies are trying to open a new front in the Blue Nile region, partly to offset pressure in the Kordofans.

"Our brothers in the Blue Nile state are doing a good job," RSF leader Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo said during a visit to Uganda last week.

"The distance there is short [referring to its proximity to army-held eastern regions]. It's not like Darfur."

Earlier this month the US envoy Massad Boulos said he was hopeful he might achieve a truce agreement by Ramadan, which began on 18 February.

Instead, a drone strike blamed on the Sudanese military hit families gathering at a water collection point in West Kordofan on the first day of the Muslim holy month. Young children were among the dead.

A regional map of Sudan highlighting four central and southern states: North Kordofan, West Kordofan, South Kordofan and Blue Nile. Khartoum is marked with a black dot to the east of North Kordofan. Surrounding countries include Egypt to the north, Chad to the west, South Sudan to the south and Eritrea and Ethiopia to the east, with the Red Sea shown on Sudans north-eastern coast. An inset globe indicates Sudans position in the north east of Africa.

More about the war in Sudan:

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Gov. Brad Little gives the State of the State address at the Idaho Capitol on Jan. 12. | Sarah A. Miller, Idaho Statesman

BOISE (Idaho Statesman)  Republican Idaho Gov. Brad Little on Tuesday announced his decision to run for a third term.

Weve made Idaho the most prosperous state in the nation while fiercely defending our enduring core values  faith, family, and freedom, he said in a Tuesday news release. And were not slowing down  Idaho will continue leading the nation in cutting red tape and expanding freedom.

So far this election cycle, Little has received about $1.5 million in campaign contributions and spent nearly $300,000.

He continues to demonstrate unmatched, statewide support and sustained momentum across Idaho, the release said.

If he wins, hed be the fourth governor in the states history to serve three terms  and only the third to do so consecutively.

In June, President Donald Trump endorsed Little, 72, for another term.

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Brad Little is the strong and highly popular Governor of Idaho, Trump posted on Truth Social, the presidents social media platform. Brad Little has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election  HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!

On Tuesday, Little celebrated Trumps support.

I am continually humbled by the support we receive for our vision and campaign, he said in the release. I am especially grateful for the endorsement of President Donald Trump, and I appreciate his support for the commonsense values we are advancing here in Idaho.

Littles campaign will formally kick off after the legislative session ends, according to the release  though he has a campaign website and phone line. On Friday, a plane towing a banner that read Little for Idaho circled over Boise.

Little will appear on the ballot in the May 19 Republican primary. Republican Mark Fitzpatrick, independent John Stegner and Democrat Terri Pickens have also announced their candidacy for governor.

The post Idaho Republican Gov. Brad Little announces run for third term appeared first on East Idaho News.
Yonaguni is visible from Taiwan's shores on a clear day

Japan plans to deploy surface-to-air missiles to its remote western island near Taiwan by March 2031, its defence minister said, as regional tensions simmer.

It is the first time that Japan specified a timeline for the missile deployment to Yonaguni island since it was announced in 2022.

China claims self-ruled Taiwan as its own and has not ruled out the use of force to "reunify" with it. Yonaguni is visible from Taiwan's shores on a clear day, located just 110km (68 miles) away.

Tensions between Tokyo and Beijing have run high since November when Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi appeared to suggest that Japan would activate its self-defence force in the event of an attack on Taiwan.

The worry has long been that any attack on Taiwan, which counts the US as an ally, could result in a direct military conflict between Washington and Beijing, then widen to include other US allies in the region such as Japan.

Takaichi's remarks to parliament plunged ties with China to their lowest level in years and Beijing has been piling on the pressure in a wide range of ways - sending warships, throttling rare earth exports, curbing Chinese tourism, cancelling concerts and even reclaiming its pandas.

Japanese defence minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced the timeline for the missiles on Tuesday, a day after China imposed export curbs on 20 Japanese companies and entities, citing national security concerns.

Koizumi said the Yonaguni unit will be equipped with medium-range surface-to-air missiles able to intercept incoming aircraft and missiles.

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With a range of about 50km and 360-degree capability, the Japanese-made missile system can track up to 100 targets simultaneously and engage up to 12 at once.

China has yet to react to Koizumi's announcement. But when Koizumi visited Yonaguni in November, Beijing said Japan was moving to "create regional tension and provoke military confrontation".

Within days, China flew drones near the island to express its anger, prompting Japan to scramble aircraft jets in response.

The latest developments come after Takaichi secured a landslide victory in parliamentary elections earlier this month. That victory gave Takaichi political space to double down on boosting Japan's defence capabilities.

This makes the announcement on Yonaguni island more than just a military adjustment - it looks like the opening chapter for a more assertive Tokyo. And as Takaichi bolsters the country's military and defence budget, such assertiveness seems unlikely to end here.

The Yonaguni announcement also shows where Japan sees its front line - and how far it is prepared to go to defend it.

Over the past decade, Japan has transformed sleepy Yonaguni into a military outpost, which currently handles coastal surveillance and is staffed by some 160 members of Japan's self-defence force.

An electronic warfare unit capable of disrupting enemy communications and radar will be set up there in fiscal year 2026, which runs from April to March next year.

The timing for the deployment of the missile unit "may change depending on the progress of future facility improvements, but the current plan is for fiscal year 2030", Koizumi said.
Wyclef Jean inside the Blue Note LA on Jan. 17 before his four-night residency. (Carlin Stiehl / For The Times)

Backstage at the Blue Note jazz club, Wyclef Jean spreads out on a couch with the air of a sunned cat, his temperament dialed warm. His rider contains only healthful snacks: granola bars, melon slices, grapes large as ping-pong balls. The smell of weed seeps through the doors. Does he still smoke? Do fish swim? he responds.

Jean has two personalities, he attests: the peaceful one here, and the bonkers one onstage. Right now, the rascal in him slumbers, briefly glimpsed now and again behind dark shades.

We are here just days after the death of John Forte, a close friend and collaborator whose role in shaping the Fugees platinum-selling sound has long been under-credited.

We would talk all the time, he says. His last text to Forte reads: Yo, text me, so I know you okay? There was no reply. He had this smile that shook the universe.

Lately, memory has become Jeans greatest inspiration. Its the second night of his five-night residency at Blue Note Los Angeles, in which he performs a carnivalesque staging of his life and career, leaping from Haitian rara to boom-bap, from reggae-inflected balladry to rock guitar theatrics. At one point, he performs cunnilingus on his guitar. Like his forthcoming seven-part project, "Quantum Leap," the show is a walk-back to his genesis.

Wyclef Jean says he has two personalities: "The peaceful one here, and the bonkers one onstage." (Carlin Stiehl / For The Times)

Over the last three decades, Jean has become a key figure in modern pop music. He is one of its greatest cultural coalitionists, fusing Pan-American sounds  hip-hop, Jamaican reggae, Haitian kompa, gospel, salsa, folk  into music that is party-ready and politically alert. He prefigured todays globalized music economy long before it had language for itself, though his influence has often been oddly glossed over.

As a solo artist, hes put out nine albums that have sold upward of 9 million copies worldwide, from his 1997 debut "The Carnival" to 2000s aptly named "The Ecleftic: 2 Sides II a Book," which even transformed wrestling superstarturnedaction hero The Rock into a pop hitmaker with It Doesnt Matter. Along the way, Jean has consistently championed emerging talent, helping introduce Beyonce to the world with Destinys Childs breakthrough single No, No, No, and co-writing and appearing on Shakiras global smash Hips Dont Lie. Despite the accolades, Jean still feels misunderstood.

Read more:Teddy Riley is finally getting his flowers. Will he risk it all to work with R. Kelly?

I still dont feel like the worlds figured me out yet, he says. He compares his career, more than once, to Bob Marleys. Bob Marley dont got one Grammy even though he was the biggest artist in the world.

"Quantum Leap," he hopes, will finally give the world a clearer view of him. The project will consist of seven albums, released over seven months, each devoted to a genre  hip-hop, reggae, jazz, country, Haitian kompa, R&B  and each traceable to a pivotal moment in his career. Hes been working on the project for five years, dividing it into seven sections to mirror the 35 years hes spent in music. You find inspiration in your origin, he says.

Wyclef Jean has been working on his latest project, "Quantum Leap," for five years. It encompasses seven albums to be released over seven months. (Carlin Stiehl / For The Times)

Jean was born in Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti. His first days on Earth were hard. Doctors had to forcibly wrench him from his mother at birth. And as a child living in a country where most live on less than a dollar a day, he was so poor he ate dirt. When he was 9, his family moved to Brooklyns Marlboro Projects. He spoke Creole at home and learned English at school.

Inspired by Grandmaster Flash, he began freestyling in his early teens, first to himself in the bathroom, then to anyone who would listen in the cafeteria. All I ever wanted, he says, was for people to hear me. His minister father loathed rap, yet Jean teasingly and earnestly called himself the preachers son, filling his verses with biblical language that still shows up in "Quantum Leap."

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At 13, he began conducting the choir at church. His music teacher, Valerie Price, discovered him playing guitar alone in the school auditorium. Where did you learn this? she asked. I can just see it in my head, he replied. I see numbers. I see one, three, five. She taught him to read sheet music and urged him to learn jazz. Hell no, he said. Thats for old people. I wanna battle rap. Why not both? she countered, a remark Jean now credits with forming his entire philosophy.

After Brooklyn, the family moved to New Jersey, where Jean built a makeshift studio in his uncles basement. He produced hip-hop tracks, wrote the score for an off-Broadway play attended by Quincy Jones, and came under Jones tutelage. Around this time, he met Lauryn Hill, with whom Jean would form the Fugees alongside his cousin Pras.

The Fugees wrote and produced one of the most iconic albums in hip-hop history, "The Score," in that same basement studio in New Jersey. Jean still has demos and outtakes from those sessions, but he refuses to release them. Think of the Beatles, Pink Floyd, Queen, he says. Theyve got so many unreleased files, right? I would never want to change the perception of 'The Score.' There was never any conversation about making a sequel. Basquiat never duplicated his paintings, he says.

Jean and Hills relationship, both creative and romantic, had become one of the stormiest in hip-hop. It culminated in a much-publicized fight on an airplane, then decades-long silence.

Was there a moment when he wanted to reach out? Always, he says. What stopped him? The universe. I press for specificity. All the hurt, he says. We both needed to heal. Now, he tells me, the vibes are good. Hes Uncle Wyclef to Hills children. In recent years, theyve reunited onstage: Jean has made numerous surprise appearances on Hills tours, and they performed their cover of Killing Me Softly recently at the Grammys, dedicating it to Roberta Flack during the shows in memoriam segment. I think this reconciliation between me and Lauryn is one of the best things that could possibly happen to the planet.

"I still don't feel like the world's figured me out yet," says Wyclef Jean, an influential figure in modern pop music across three decades. (Carlin Stiehl / For The Times)

He is acutely aware of his powerful influence in all aspects  from Hips Dont Lie setting the mainstream template for global genre coalition to all the younger artists whove hailed him in their songs. When you have kids like Young Thug with songs called Wyclef Jean, and G Herbo sampling 911, you know, very few of us can connect those bridges, he says.

His influence is felt even more in his home country. Jean has spent much of his career as a roving ambassador for Haiti, becoming a key figure in the jaspora (or diaspora, a term that refers to the scattering of people away from their ancestral homeland in Haiti). In 2010, he ran unsuccessfully for the presidency. I still got to write the book, he says. There was no course in poly-sci that could have prepared me for that. He learned, he says, just how badly Haiti had gotten it within the geopolitical structure.

Read more:How Fab Morvan of Milli Vanilli mounted one of the greatest comebacks in Grammy history

He says, however, that he is not interested in dwelling on President Trumps many racist comments about Haitian immigrants. I dont get caught up in the politics of what people say because its all just a big distraction for the bigger issue, he says. If theres a comment, I make a statement, then I keep it moving. Its an interesting contrast from last year, when he told the Mirror he was keen to take an appointment with the president. Jean doesnt try to explain away the contradiction. He refers to himself as a centrist. I just ride the middle.

At the Blue Note, Jean performs a kind of Haitian exceptionalism: a sensorially rich, festal theater that serves as a necessary counterweight to the countrys grim realities of poverty and political neglect. His large band, squeezed onto a stage scarcely longer than two kayaks laid end to end, is composed almost entirely of Haitian preachers kids raised in the countrys gospel tradition. One musician lifts a Haitian conch. Go crazy! Jean demands of the crowd, again and again. And they do as he says.

Yet for all his command, Jean still answers to a higher authority. Recently, Price, Jeans old music teacher, attended one of his shows with a notebook, telling him shed been grading him at the end of the night. He watched her scribble notes during his performance. It still put the fear in me, he says, backstage again. He inches up the couch, now smiling, giddy. She gave me an A.



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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A rare mountain gorilla in Ugandas Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Nicole Lovett)

Gorillas have no respect for privacy. I learnt this the hard way, trying to have a bush wee amid waist-high bracken in Ugandas Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. For the past hour Id been following my guide, Asif Cherubet, as he hacked at branches with a machete and led my group across boot-sucking mud patches, when news crackled through the radio. The trackers had found the gorilla family wed been searching for and they were nearby.

Grabbing a last-chance bathroom break, I waded into the undergrowth  but it was too late. Before I could find a sheltered spot, there came a snapping of branches as a heavy figure rustled towards us. Thats a gorilla, whispered Asif. The family is right here.

According to a 2018 census, there are just 1,063 mountain gorillas left in the wild, all living in this region of East Africa. About 600 of them live in the Virunga Mountains spanning Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), while the rest live here in the highland forest of Bwindi, in Ugandas southwestern corner.

Bella Falk joins a trek to meet the Posho gorilla family in Uganda (Sam Churchill)

Read more: How to experience Africas wildest coastline from the comfort of your balcony

For me, this is the best place to see them. While Rwandas treks come with a gorilla-sized price tag of over 1,000 per person, you can safely visit Ugandas great apes for a much more affordable around 600. And last May, Uganda Airlines launched direct flights from London Gatwick to Entebbe, making gorilla encounters more accessible than ever before.

Seven years on from the last, a new gorilla count is underway, with results due in 2026  and theyre expecting good news. During Covid many babies were born, a guide named Said Katungi, told me. So the number is likely to increase.

Its a dramatic turnaround for the gorillas, whose population dwindled to just 250 in the 1980s due to disease, poaching and habitat loss. Today, theyve been downgraded on the IUCN Red List from Critically Endangered to Endangered, a precarious yet significant triumph for the conservationists whove worked so hard to bring them back from the brink.

For most people a gorilla trek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but I was lucky to be on my second. In 2018, I spent three months volunteering in Ugandas capital, Kampala, and exploring the country at weekends. My first gorilla visit was a soggy affair, pelted by torrential African rains that I cursed rather than blessed (sorry, Toto). Yet that moment when I locked eyes with the silverback, his fur matted and glistening, made the soaked socks and nettle-stung hands fade into insignificance.

Bella visiting the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with WildPlaces Africa (Bella Falk)

Read more: Wildwaters Lodge Uganda hotel review

This time was considerably more comfortable. I travelled with WildPlaces Africa, a conservation-focused, family-owned company which operates six luxury properties in Ugandas most untouched areas, with a seventh opening in early 2026. I started at Papas Camp in Murchison Falls National Park, where by day we combed the swaying elephant grass in search of the resident lion pride, and by night I was lulled to sleep by the River Nile as it rushed past the doorstep of my cosy safari tent.

From there I travelled south to the chic River Station Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where I was served a round-the-clock programme of irascible hippos, grouchy buffalo and haughty pelicans, all without stepping off the front deck. When I did, it was to visit Ugandas other top primates  chimpanzees  hiking through the lost forest of Kyambura Gorge for an intense hour with our closest genetic relatives.

But the gorillas were the top draw. To reach them, we ascended into the mountains, past terraced hillsides patchworked with banana plantations and cabbage fields, until we reached Clouds Mountain Lodge on the edge of Bwindi National Park.

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Clouds Mountain Lodge is on the edge of Bwindi National Park (Sam Churchill)

Sitting on a ridge at 2,000 metres, with views of the Virunga volcanoes, Clouds is like a Scottish Highlands retreat dropped into the tropics, with private stone cottages, crackling fireplaces and squishy sofas just demanding to be sunk into with a glass of whisky.

But this is no colonial-era outpost. Clouds was set up 20 years ago in partnership with the African Wildlife Foundation and the local community to generate revenue from tourism: a nightly guest levy directly funds local schools, a health centre, and an innovative buffer zone  a 12-kilometre tea plantation between the forest and community land.

Gorillas hate tea, explained WildPlaces Africas owner Johnny Wright. So the plantation stops them from raiding farmers crops. The gorillas are protected, the locals have another source of income, and weve raised over 1.5m for conservation and community projects.

None of this would have been possible without the work of one woman. Sixty years ago, in 1966, Dian Fossey began habituating the wild gorillas of this region to accept human presence. Back then, populations were in free fall due to conflict and poaching: adults were shot for trophies and infants were sold to zoos. Today, thanks to Fosseys dedication, gorillas are worth more alive than dead, and gorilla tourism not only directly funds their conservation, but supports Ugandas other, less-visited parks.

Magara, the silverback of the Posho family of gorillas who our trackers had been looking for, may never have heard of Fossey. But her techniques, handed down through generations of rangers, are the reason he now sat just a few metres away, observing us with bright amber eyes. Nearby, a cast of characters sprawled and fidgeted like relatives after Sunday lunch: teenager Bucyenura lounged on the flattened ferns, while six-year old Rutakara  the one whod interrupted my pit stop  perched in a tree snacking on fresh leaves.

We only had one hour with them, but for a longer adventure, Bwindi also offers a Gorilla Habituation Experience, where you shadow the rangers as they work with a semi-habituated family. Over four hours, youll learn how they track the gorillas, identify nests, and mimic gorilla behaviour to teach a new generation that humans pose no threat.

Read more: How to experience Africas wildest coastline from the comfort of your balcony

It's a lesson the Posho adults are now handing down to their offspring. Magara rolled onto his back, eyes closed, a picture of indifference. Young mother Mpangare carefully groomed her two-year-old, Kyangara. And I sat on a log, taking photo after photo, my bathroom break completely forgotten.

Bellas trip was hosted by WildPlaces Africa.

How to do it

WildPlaces Africa offers an eight-night gorilla trekking package from 6,654 per person, including accommodation, game drives, park fees, domestic flights and overland transfers. Excludes international flights and gorilla trekking (which costs 605 per person for one hour).

Direct flights from London Gatwick to Entebbe with Uganda Airlines operate four times a week and cost from about 850 return. From there you can take a one-hour internal flight to Kisoro followed by a road transfer (around one hour), or a scenic drive from Entebbe (eight to nine hours).

Where to stay

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is a 10-minute drive from the Nkuringo trailhead for gorilla trekking. A private cottage costs from 733 per night, full-board, based on two adults sharing (up to 1,225 per night in peak season).

Rushaga Gorilla Lodge offers rooms from 83 per night, including breakfast. Rushaga is about 40 minutes drive from Nkuringo and is where the Gorilla Habitation Experience trips depart from.